bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A study on adsorption of metals by activated carbon in a large-scale (municipal) process of surface water purification
Authors: Dabioch Marzena , Skorek Robert , Kita Andrzej , Janoska Piotr , Pytlakowska Katarzyna , Zerzucha Piotr , Sitko Rafal 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Elements that enter the aquatic environment may pose a health risk to wildlife and humans. The aims of this study were: to determine how the introduction of activated carbon for a water purification system will improve the quality of the water produced; and to investigate the sorption of metals on activated carbons, including determination of the accumulation, as well as changes in concentrations of elements in carbons. The tests were carried out on three types of activated carbons with different granular structure. All samples were collected from Water Treatment Plant Goczalkowice, Poland. Concentrations of elements were measured using an optical emission spectrometer with inductively coupled plasma. The experiment showed that metals accumulating in the activated carbons during the operation included: Ca, Mn, Zn, and Cu. In each of the three types of carbons, it can distinguish such elements as Ba, Al, Cr, Ni, Ti, which are characterized by irregular accumulation during the operation of the filter. The introduction of carbon sorbent for water treatment largely contributed to improvement in the quality of raw material supplied to customers, mainly with regard to taste and smell, as well as to reduction of basic parameters: color, absorbance in the UV range and oxidability.
Comprehensive evaluation of biogenic amines and related drugs’ antiradical activity using reactive 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical
Authors: Sârbu Costel , Casoni Dorina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A comprehensive study of biogenic amines and related drugs as free radical scavengers and potential antioxidants was carried out using the stable free radical 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·). The results of the effect of test duration and the relative concentration on the ability of the compounds to scavenge the DPPH· were investigated and discussed. The antiradical activity of amines was compared with the activity of some reference antioxidants (phenols, phenolic acids, flavonols and other antioxidants). Some particular insights related to the mechanism of reactivity toward the DPPH· were investigated by carrying out kinetic studies in methanol for different relative concentrations. According to the obtained results, catecholamines and especially their related drugs (D-dopa, adrenalone, S-(−)-carbidopa and isoprenaline) showed a fast reactivity towards DPPH· and the highest antiradical activity which increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Moreover, catecholamines proved to be more powerful scavengers than ascorbic and caffeic acids even at low concentrations while their related drugs (D-dopa, adrenalone and S-(−)-carbidopa) showed higher antiradical activity than gallic acid for all of the investigated concentrations.
Daily cycle of variability contents of phosphorus forms in surface microlayer of a light salinity Baltic Sea Lagoon lake (North Poland) — Part II
Authors: Antonowicz Józef 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A daily cycle of tests was conducted to specify the concentration variation of phosphorous compounds and other chemical parameters at surface microlayers of a shallow lagoon lake located on the Baltic Coast. The water for analyses was collected from Lake Dołgie Wielkie in one hour cycles for the period of 24 hours. Samples were collected from the surface microlayers that had a thickness of 80–115 µm and 250–300 µm as well as from the subsurface water at the depth of 15 cm. Data analysis shows information concerning the migration of phosphorous compounds between the analyzed layers. Correlations were estimated for the obtained concentrations of phosphorous compounds and the nitrogen compounds and other physico-chemical values which were described in the first part of the cycle. The content of nutrients in the examined surface water layers correlated with the oxygen consumption due to the value of the oxygen consumption mostly depending on the concentration of organic matter.
Hydration of α-pinene catalyzed by acid clays
Authors: Comelli Nora , Avila Maria , Volzone Cristina , Ponzi Marta 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The hydration reaction of α-pinene in the presence of natural clays treated with monochloroacetic acid as catalyst to obtain oxygenated compounds was studied. Catalysts were characterized using X-ray diffraction, differential thermal analysis, programmed thermal desorption of adsorbed pyridine, and infrared spectroscopic analysis of adsorbed pyridine to determine Brønsted and Lewis acid sites. Catalytic tests revealed that treatment of the natural clay with the acid improved the catalytic activity and the selectivity toward oxygenated products by increasing the acidity of the catalyst. The selectivity toward oxygenated compounds increased with the augment of the α-pinene conversion because of greater contact between water molecules with the remaining α-pinene molecules. The natural clay without treatment produced compounds resulting from α-pinene isomerization, whereas the treated clays produced alcohols and other products in addition to isomerization compounds. After a certain time, the α-terpineol was isomerized into cineols. Studies of the reusability of the JAL catalyst were performed (clay treated with monochloroacetic acid). As the number of reuses increased, the percent conversion decreased; however, the selectivity toward oxygenated compounds increased.
Low frequency electric polarizability and zeta-potential of Escherichia coli HB101 (K-12) cells during inactivation with ethanol
Authors: Gyurova Anna , Doltchinkova Verjinia , Georgieva Ralica , Danova Svetla , Stoylov Stoyl 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The electric properties of bacteria determine their non-specific interactions with the environment, in particular their pathogenic activity. The electric polarizability of Escherichia coli HB101 (K-12 strain) was studied while inactivation with ethanol (20–40 vol.%). The current investigation might be regarded as a continuation of previous research on the polarizability of E. coli at lower ethanol concentration (≤ 20 vol.%) and higher frequencies (≥ 20 kHz). The bacteria polarizability at low frequencies (4 Hz) shows anomalies (unexpected increase in the polarizability at certain ethanol concentrations), while the parameter decreases with an increase in the ethanol concentration at higher frequencies. We investigated for the possible reasons causing the anomalies — in our case reduced to the medium dielectric permittivity, the average cell length and the surface electric charge density distribution, related to bacterial lipopolysaccharides. We suggest a hypothesis for the molecular mechanism of changing the surface charge of E. coli, carried by lipopolysaccharides, induced by the non-ionic ethanol.
Voltammetric method for ultra-trace determination of total mercury and toxic metals in vegetables. Comparison with spectroscopy
Authors: Locatelli Clinio , Melucci Dora 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
A new procedure for the determination of mercury(II), copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II) traces in food matrices by square wave anodic stripping voltammetry and standard addition method is proposed. A rapid, inexpensive and multi-analyte analytical method suitable for food safety control is provided. Comestible vegetables were chosen as samples. A two-step, sequential determination was defined, employing two working electrodes: a gold electrode (GE) for mercury(II) and copper(II), and subsequently a hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE) for copper(II), lead(II), cadmium(II) and zinc(II). No sample pre-treatment was needed. Spinach leaves, tomato leaves and apple leaves were employed as standard reference materials to optimize and defined the analytical procedure. The new method shows good selectivity, sensitivity, detectability and accuracy. A critical comparison with spectroscopic measurements is discussed. Spinach, lettuce and tomato samples sold on the market were analysed as real samples. Lead(II) and cadmium(II) concentration exceeded the relevant legal limits.
Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells Suppress Antitumor Immune Responses through IDO Expression and Correlate with Lymph Node Metastasis in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Yu Jinpu , Du Weijiao , Yan Fang , Wang Yue , Li Hui , Cao Shui , Yu Wenwen , Shen Chun , Liu Juntian , Ren Xiubao 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) represent heterogeneous immunosuppressive cells in multiple cancer types and display potent immunosuppressive activity on T cells. We have shown the increased expression of IDO in breast cancer. Because IDO plays a pivotal role in immune tolerance via suppressing T cell function, the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of IDO in MDSCs in breast cancer and its role in MDSC-mediated inhibition of immune surveillance. The proportion of MDSCs with the phenotype of CD45+CD13+CD33+CD14−CD15− significantly increased in primary cancer tissues and patients’ peripheral blood. IDO expression was significantly upregulated in MDSCs isolated from fresh breast cancer tissues (fresh MDSCs [fMDSCs]), which correlated with increased infiltration of Foxp3+ regulatory T cells in tumors and lymph node metastasis in patients. fMDSCs inhibited IL-2 and anti-CD3/CD28 mAb-induced T cell amplification and Th1 polarization but stimulated apoptosis in T cells in an IDO-dependent manner. CD33+ progenitors isolated from healthy donors’ umbilical cord blood were cocultured with breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 cells to induce MDSCs. IDO expression was upregulated in induced MDSCs, which required phosphorylation of STAT3, but not STAT1. IDO was required for induced MDSCs’ immunosuppressive activity on T cells, which was blocked by IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-L-tryptophan or STAT3 antagonist JSI-124. Consistently, increased STAT3 phosphorylation level was found in fMDSCs. Together, our findings suggest that STAT3-dependent IDO expression mediates immunosuppressive effects of MDSCs in breast cancer. Thus, inhibition of MDSC-induced T cell suppression by blocking IDO may represent a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying immunotherapy for breast cancer.
KIR3DL2 Binds to HLA-B27 Dimers and Free H Chains More Strongly than Other HLA Class I and Promotes the Expansion of T Cells in Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Wong-Baeza Isabel , Ridley Anna , Shaw Jackie , Hatano Hiroko , Rysnik Oliwia , McHugh Kirsty , Piper Christopher , Brackenbridge Simon , Fernandes Ricardo , Chan Anthoni , Bowness Paul , Kollnberger Simon 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The human leukocyte Ag HLA-B27 (B27) is strongly associated with the spondyloarthritides. B27 can be expressed at the cell surface of APC as both classical β2-microglobulin–associated B27 and B27 free H chain forms (FHC), including disulfide-bonded H chain homodimers (termed B272). B27 FHC forms, but not classical B27, bind to KIR3DL2. HLA-A3, which is not associated with spondyloarthritis (SpA), is also a ligand for KIR3DL2. In this study, we show that B272 and B27 FHC bind more strongly to KIR3DL2 than other HLA-class I, including HLA-A3. B272 tetramers bound KIR3DL2-transfected cells more strongly than HLA-A3. KIR3DL2Fc bound to HLA-B27–transfected cells more strongly than to cells transfected with other HLA-class I. KIR3DL2Fc pulled down multimeric, dimeric, and monomeric FHC from HLA-B27–expressing cell lines. Binding to B272 and B27 FHC stimulated greater KIR3DL2 phosphorylation than HLA-A3. B272 and B27 FHC stimulated KIR3DL2CD3ε-transduced T cell IL-2 production to a greater extent than control HLA-class I. KIR3DL2 binding to B27 inhibited NK IFN-γ secretion and promoted greater survival of KIR3DL2+ CD4 T and NK cells than binding to other HLA-class I. KIR3DL2+ T cells from B27+ SpA patients proliferated more in response to Ag presented by syngeneic APC than the same T cell subset from healthy and disease controls. Our results suggest that expansion of KIR3DL2-expressing leukocytes observed in B27+ SpA may be explained by the stronger interaction of KIR3DL2 with B27 FHC.
Constitutively CD40–Activated B Cells Regulate CD8 T Cell Inflammatory Response by IL-10 Induction
Authors: Koni Pandelakis A. , Bolduc Anna , Takezaki Mayuko , Ametani Yutetsu , Huang Lei , Lee Jeffrey R. , Nutt Stephen L. , Kamanaka Masahito , Flavell Richard A. , Mellor Andrew L. , Tsubata Takeshi , Shimoda Michiko 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
B cells are exposed to high levels of CD40 ligand (CD40L, CD154) in chronic inflammatory diseases. In addition, B cells expressing both CD40 and CD40L have been identified in human diseases such as autoimmune diseases and lymphoma. However, how such constitutively CD40–activated B cells under inflammation may impact on T cell response remains unknown. Using a mouse model in which B cells express a CD40L transgene (CD40LTg) and receive autocrine CD40/CD40L signaling, we show that CD40LTg B cells stimulated memory-like CD4 and CD8 T cells to express IL-10. This IL-10 expression by CD8 T cells was dependent on IFN-I and programmed cell death protein 1, and was critical for CD8 T cells to counterregulate their overactivation. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of naive CD8 T cells in RAG-1−/− mice normally induces colitis in association with IL-17 and IFN-γ cytokine production. Using this model, we show that adoptive cotransfer of CD40LTg B cells, but not wild-type B cells, significantly reduced IL-17 response and regulated colitis in association with IL-10 induction in CD8 T cells. Thus, B cells expressing CD40L can be a therapeutic goal to regulate inflammatory CD8 T cell response by IL-10 induction.
Two Cases of Retroperitoneal Metastasis from a Completely Regressed Burned-Out Testicular Cancer
Authors: Gurioli Alberto , Oderda Marco , Vigna Dario , Peraldo Francesca , Giona Simone , Soria Francesco , Cassenti Adele , Pacchioni Donatella , Gontero Paolo 
Published: February 2013

Introduction Primary extragonadal germ cell tumors (EGCT) are rare and it is still a matter of debate if they have to be considered as primary extragonadal issues or metastases from a primary testicular neoplasm. We describe two cases of the so-called burned-out seminoma, a primary testicular germ-cell tumor that spontaneously regressed after demonstration of retroperitoneal metastases. Cases Presentation Two patients (35 and 50 years old, respectively) presented with CT findings of retroperitoneal masses. In both cases physical examination of the testis was not suspicious, and only scrotal ultrasound (SUS) showed parenchymal alterations such as scarring, calcifications and nodular lesions. Left orchiectomy and chemotherapy were then performed in both cases. Currently, they are both free of disease. Conclusions Although primary germ cell tumors may be of retroperitoneal origin, the likelihood of metastasis from a testicular primary origin should always be carefully considered in order to avoid misdiagnosis and to apply the best treatment schedule for the patients. Therefore, a testicular ultrasonography is mandatory in patients presenting CT findings of retroperitoneal adenopathy, even if patients are completely asymptomatic and their physical examination appears normal.
"The Old Vines Are Buried Deep": Classical Motifs in John Frankenheimer’sSeconds
Authors: Easton Sean 
Published: February 2013

AbstractJohn Frankenheimer’s Seconds (1966) is the story of a middle-aged banker who abandons family and career, purchasing from the secretive Company a new identity, vocation and surgically altered youthful appearance. The rejuvenated banker hopes to find fulfillment in his life, but learns to his cost that the Company has little success in adjusting clients to their new identities. The film’s points of contact with the classical world, when taken together, frame the main character as a candidate for sacred knowledge who instead becomes a pharmakos, or scapegoat, for the Company.
Racial Differences in Blood Lipids Lead to Underestimation of Cardiovascular Risk in Black Women in a Nested Observational Study
Authors: Mcintosh Mark S. , Kumar Vivek , Kalynych Colleen , Lott Michelle , Chang Jyh-Lurn , Lerman Robert H. 
Published: February 2013

Background: During screening for enrollment in a clinical trial, we noticed potential racial disparities in metabolic syndrome variables in women who responded to our study advertisement. We designed a nested observational study to investigate whether metabolic syndrome variables differed between non-Hispanic blacks and non-Hispanic whites. Methods: The cohort comprised of women who have met the preliminary clinical trial criteria (body mass index [BMI] 25—45, age 20—75 years, and no use of lipid-lowering medications or supplements). These women, including 116 blacks and 138 whites, provided fasting blood samples for analysis of serum lipid profile. Results: Blacks had lower mean triglycerides (81.1 ± 3.3 mg/dL vs 140.6 ± 5.9 mg/dL; P < .0001), total cholesterol (176.1 ± 3.6 mg/dL vs 201.6 ± 3.3 mg/dL; P < .0001), and low-density lipoprotein (111.7 ± 3.3 mg/dL vs 128.2 ± 2.9 mg/dL; P < .001) and higher mean BMI (37.2 ± 0.5 vs 35.2 ± 0.5; P < .01) and diastolic blood pressure (82.4 ± 0.8 mmHg vs 79.4 ± 0.7 mmHg; P < .01) than whites. Only 7% of blacks, compared with 41% of whites, had triglycerides ≥150 mg/dL; as a result, fewer black women met metabolic syndrome criteria than white women. Additionally, in women with waist circumference ≥88 cm (N = 215), high-density lipoprotein was higher in blacks than in whites (48.3 ± 1.5 mg/dL vs 44.2 ± 1.3 mg/dL; P < .05). Conclusions: Due to racial differences in blood lipids, current metabolic syndrome criteria may result in underestimation of cardiovascular risk in blacks.
Validation of the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Brunner Hermine I. , Klein‐Gitelman Marisa S. , Zelko Frank , Thomas Erin C. , Hummel Jessica , Nelson Shannen M. , Huggins Jennifer , Curran Megan L. , Roebuck‐Spencer Tresa , Beebe Dean W. , Ying Jun 
Published: February 2013

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the reproducibility and validity of the Pediatric Automated Neuropsychological Assessment Metrics (Ped‐ANAM) when used in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus (cSLE).MethodsForty children with cSLE and 40 matched controls were followed for up to 18 months. Formal neuropsychological testing at baseline was repeated after 18 months of followup; overall cognitive performance and domain‐specific cognition (attention, working memory, processing speed, and visuoconstructional ability) were measured and categorized as normal cognition, mild/moderate, or moderate/severe impairment. The 10 Ped‐ANAM subtests were completed every 6 months and twice at baseline. Ped‐ANAM performance was based on accuracy (AC), mean time to correct response (MNc), throughput, and coefficient of variation of the time required for a correct response (CVc) as a measure of response consistency.ResultsParticularly, MNc scores demonstrated moderate to substantial reproducibility (intraclass correlation coefficients 0.47–0.80). Means of select Ped‐ANAM scores (MNc, AC, CVc) differed significantly between children with different levels of cognitive performance and allowed for the detection of moderate or severe cognitive impairment with 100% sensitivity and 86% specificity. Six Ped‐ANAM subtests significantly correlated with the change in overall cognitive function in cSLE (baseline versus 18 months; Spearman's correlation coefficient >0.4, P < 0.05; n = 24).ConclusionThe Ped‐ANAM has moderate to substantial reproducibility, criterion and construct validity, and may be responsive to change in cSLE. Additional research is required to confirm the outstanding accuracy of the Ped‐ANAM in identifying cognitive impairment, as well as its usefulness in detecting clinically relevant changes in cognition over time.
Improving Graphene Diffusion Barriers via Stacking Multiple Layers and Grain Size Engineering
Authors: Roy Susmit Singha , Arnold Michael S. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIt is shown that the performance of graphene diffusion barriers can be enhanced by stacking multiple layers of graphene and increasing grain size. The focus is on large‐area barriers of graphene grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) in the context of passivating an underlying Cu substrate from oxidation in air at 200 °C and use imaging Raman spectroscopy as a tool to temporally and spatially map the barrier performance and to guide barrier design. At 200 °C in air, Cu oxidation proceeds in multiple regimes: first slowly via transport through atomic‐scale grain boundary defects inherent to CVD‐graphene and then more rapidly as the graphene itself degrades and new defects are formed. In the initial regime, the graphene passivates better than previously reported. Whereas oxidation through single sheets primarily occurs through grain boundaries, oxidation through multiple sheets is spatially confined to their intersection. Performance further increases with grain‐size. The degradation of the graphene itself at 200 °C ultimately limits high temperature but suggests superior low temperature barrier performance. This study is expected to improve the understanding of mass transport through CVD‐graphene materials and lead to improved large area graphene materials for barrier applications.
Achieving High Efficiency and Improved Stability in ITO‐Free Transparent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with Conductive Polymer Electrodes
Authors: Kim Yong Hyun , Lee Jonghee , Hofmann Simone , Gather Malte C. , Müller‐Meskamp Lars , Leo Karl 
Published: February 2013

AbstractEfficient transparent organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) with improved stability based on conductive, transparent poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene): poly(styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes are reported. Based on optical simulations, the device structures are carefully optimized by tuning the thickness of doped transport layers and electrodes. As a result, the performance of PEDOT:PSS‐based OLEDs reaches that of indium tin oxide (ITO)‐based reference devices. The efficiency and the long‐term stability of PEDOT:PSS‐based OLEDs are significantly improved. The structure engineering demonstrated in this study greatly enhances the overall performances of ITO‐free transparent OLEDs in terms of efficiency, lifetime, and transmittance. These results indicate that PEDOT:PSS‐based OLEDs have a promising future for practical applications in low‐cost and flexible device manufacturing.
Development of Self‐Assembling Mixed Protein Micelles with Temperature‐Modulated Avidities
Authors: Soon Allyson S. C. , Smith Michael H. , Herman Emily S. , Lyon L. Andrew , Barker Thomas H. 
Published: February 2013

AbstractElastin‐like polypeptides (ELPs) are polypentapeptides that undergo hydrophobic collapse and aggregation above a specific transition temperature, Tt. ELP diblocks sharing a common “core” block (I60) but varying “outer” blocks (A80, P40) were designed, where Tt,I < Tt,A < Tt,P. The formation of ∼55 nm diameter mixed micelles from these ELP diblocks was verified using dynamic light scattering (DLS), multiangle light scattering (MALS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). To confer affinity to the blood circulating protein fibrinogen, a fibrinogen‐binding tetrapeptide sequence (GPRP) was fused to A80‐I60, while P40‐I60 was fused to a non‐binding control (GPSP). The self‐assembling, peptide‐displaying, mixed micelles exhibit temperature‐modulated avidities for immobilized and soluble fibrinogen at 32 °C and 42 °C. In this initial proof‐of‐concept design, the engineered mixed micelles were shown to disengage fibrinogen at elevated temperatures. The modular nature of this system can be used for developing in vivo depot systems that will only be triggered to release in situ upon specific stimuli.