bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxytetracycline Residues in Honey Analyzed by Liquid Chromatography with UV Detection
Authors: Gajda Anna , Posyniak Andrzej , Bober Andrzej , Błądek Tomasz , Żmudzki Jan 
Published: June 2013

Summary
A liquid chromatography method with UV detection for determination of oxytetracycline (OTC) in honey has been developed. The samples were extracted with the solution of oxalic acid. The clean-up procedure was performed by solid phase extraction (SPE) using polymeric Strata X and carboxylic acid cartridges. Chromatographic separation was carried out on the Luna C8 analytical column with mobile phase consisting of acetonitrile-0.02 M oxalic acid. The method has been successfully validated according to the requirements of the European Decision 2002/657/EC and this method is used in routine control of oxytetracycline in honey samples. The limit of detection (LOD) and limit of quantification (LOQ) of the presented method were 10 and 12.5 μg/kg, respectively. The developed method has also been verified in quantitative determination of oxytetracycline residues in honey after experimental treatment with this product in bee colonies.
Characteristics of Polish Unifloral Honeys IV. Honeydew Honey, Mainly Abies Alba L.
Authors: Rybak-Chmielewska Helena , Szczęsna Teresa , Waś Ewa , Jaśkiewicz Katarzyna , Teper Dariusz 
Published: June 2013

Summary
Coniferous honeydew honey, mainly Abies alba was characterised. Samples chosen for the study had organoleptic traits characteristic for the variety: greenish, opalescence tone of brown colour, mild, sweet flavour with pleasant, slightly resinous aftertaste and aroma as well as electrical conductivity over 0.95 mS/cm. To define composition and physicochemical parameters of the variety, contents of water and total sugars were determined. In addition various carbohydrates were identified and their contents were assessed as well. These were: fructose, glucose, sucrose, maltose, turanose, trehalose, isomaltose, malezitose. Other examined parameters related to honey quality were: free acidity, pH, the content of 5-hydroxymetylofurfural (HMF), the main amino acid - proline, and the activity of α-amylase enzyme (Diastase Number). The following properties were proven to be characteristic for this variety: high electrical conductivity with the average value of 1.14 mS/cm, ranging from 0.96 to 1.32 mS/cm; content of monosaccharides lower by few percent in relation to other honey varieties (from 58.2 to 67.4 g/100 g; on average 62.0 g/100 g) and a higher content of disaccharides and trisaccharide - melezitose. The presence of this sugar confirms that a considerable part of the honey was produced from honeydew. The average value of melezitose was 3.2 g/100 g, ranging from 0.9 to 5.9 g/100 g. Also, the results of the pH measurements were slightly higher than in other honey varieties (from 4.23 to 4.99; on average 4.63). The colour value in mm Pfund ranged from 74 to 105, with the average of 93.
The Influence of Temperature on Errors of Wim Systems Employing Piezoelectric Sensors Keywords: Piezoelectric Sensors, Temperature Influence, Temperature Error Of Wim Systems, Error Correction
Authors: Gajda Janusz , Sroka Ryszard , Zeglen Tadeusz , Burnos Piotr 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper provides analysis of the influence of temperature on the error of weigh-in-motion (WIM) systems utilizing piezoelectric polymer load sensors. Results of tests of these sensors in a climatic chamber, as well as results of long-term tests at the WIM site, are presented. Different methods for correction of the influence of changes in temperature were assessed for their effectiveness and compared.
Estimation of Random Variable Distribution Parameters by the Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Sienkowski Sergiusz 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper is concerned with issues of the estimation of random variable distribution parameters by the Monte Carlo method. Such quantities can correspond to statistical parameters computed based on the data obtained in typical measurement situations. The subject of the research is the mean, the mean square and the variance of random variables with uniform, Gaussian, Student, Simpson, trapezoidal, exponential, gamma and arcsine distributions.
Lab-on-a-Chip Microdevice with Contactless Conductivity Detector
Authors: Blaszczyk Karolina , Chudy Michal , Brzozka Zbigniew , Dybko Artur 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
This paper describes a new contactless conductivity detector, whose electrodes are constructed of microchannels filled with solution of KCl - called pseudoelectrodes. The lab-on-a-chip microdevice was fabricated in poly(dimethylsiloxane) PDMS, using a moulding technique. The mould was made from a dry negative photoresist with a thickness of 50 μm. During the tests, the dimension! and arrangement of pseudoelectrodes` microchannels were evaluated. The analyte was pumped into the microchannel using a syringe pump with a flow rate of 50 μL/min. Reproducible!changes of the signal were obtained.
Quality of Life Indicators of University Students in Hungary
Authors: Edvy László 
Published: June 2013

Abstract Quality of life is a new research field in the postmodern world. Results show that there are several factors beyond the material world which have an impact on our happiness and which can be influenced and developed by us. To transfer the knowledge that can help improve quality of life requires authentic channels. One of these channels could be the stratum of educated intellectuals as an influential group of society, but they are authentic only if their quality of life is really better than nonqualified population’s quality of life. We investigated this issue in Hungary. On the basis of empirical research, we compared university students’ quality of life indicators with those of common people of similar ages. The objective of this paper is to present the relevant results of this research, which show that a) the examined indicators of quality of life are not more favorable with university students than the same indicators with the non-student population; b) the quality of life indicators of female university students are worse in some respects than those of non-student women; c) the impact of some psychological factors is stronger with university students than with common persons. The major conclusion of this paper is that an appropriate intervention is needed in health education programs at universities in order to contribute to the improvement of students’ quality of life.
Local food and reneweable energy as emerging new alternatives of rural sustainability in Finland
Authors: Järvelä Marja , Jokinen Pekka , Huttunen Suvi , Puupponen Antti 
Published: June 2013

Local food and reneweable energy as emerging new alternatives of rural sustainability in Finland
The rurality of small Northern countries such as Finland has traditionally been based on family farm practices. However, rural sustainability is polarizing between the large-scale industrial agriculture and the more regional and multifunctional small-scale specialisations. This paper addresses small-scale entrepreneurship which aims at enhancing sustainable livelihood and sustainable development on farms. We identify two main lines of pioneering rural entrepreneurship in Finland, local food and renewable energy. Firstly, it is asked what kind of barriers and development targets these new productions are expected to have. Secondly, to what extent do they reflect real transformation as described particularly by the multifunctionality and ecological modernisation thinking? The two empirical case studies were carried out in Central Finland. We find that individual farms begin to identify the importance of mutual networking while establishing new businesses meeting the sustainability criteria. This certainly indicates social transformation. However, we also conclude that farmers in Central Finland seldom go for radical alternative productions imitating strong ecological modernisation.
Modernizing Administrative Procedural Law in Slovenia as a Driving Force of Efficient and Good Administration
Authors: Kovač Polonca 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The article presents the current organization and the past and potential development of administrative procedural law - particularly the General Administrative Procedure Act - in Slovenia from its independence in 1991 till 2011. The author critically evaluates the regulation of general and special administrative procedures in Slovenia in light of the insufficient overcoming of traditional patterns. Namely the regulation in place overprotects the rights of parties and rather neglects the efficiency of administrative procedures as a whole. The evaluations are supported by the development of the theory of governance, radical changes in society and the need for a shift in the understanding of state / authority in the system in Slovenia and other countries (e.g. Finland, Croatia or the USA). The Slovenian system is firstly analyzed using the historical method and later on, it is assessed in terms of the efficiency of administrative procedures as regulated and run in administrative and judicial practice by means of a SWOT analysis. Additionally, particular emphasis is put on the comparative analysis of the Slovenian system to internationally recognized principles in administrative matters, deriving from the experience of the ECHR, the EU Ombudsman code and EU member states, and theory. The main finding is that in comparison, the standardization of parties’ rights far exceeds basic rights of defense as framed in constitutional terms which in several ways diminishes the overall efficiency of administration. The author therefore proposes the basis for a multilevel model of governing administrative relations de lege ferenda, intended to regulate in more detail the procedural status of the parties on one side and simultaneously the pursuit of public interest on the other. Based on the latest scientific findings, the criteria for differentiation include: relevance of the subject, degree of conflictuality of interests, need for rationality and efficiency of administration, and the position of the authoritative body. The objective is to move administrative procedural law from the margins of modernization of the public administration as found in the development of the Slovenian system in the last two decades and to make it its driving force, instead.
Management of Contracting Public Services and its Quality in Slovakia
Authors: Nemec Juraj , Mikušová Meričková Beáta , Vozárová Zuzana 
Published: June 2013

Abstract Contracting services in the public sector with private for-profit and non-profit firms is one of the most prevalent types of alternative service-delivering arrangements. Concerning the positive potential of contracting, the relevant literature proposes that contracting may, but need not, improve individual choice, cost-effectiveness and the quality of delivery, equity and to some extent also expenditure control. On the other hand, many authors provide important arguments describing weak points of contracting and some risks connected with contracting services in the public sector. The main “internal” reason why contracting does not produce the expected results and even creates perverse effects in the effectiveness and quality of contracted services, is the improper implementation of contract management. This paper seeks to answer the question of what factors account for success in contracting for services in the public sector by testing the relationship between contracting performance and selected factors connected with contract management such as competition, exante evaluation of bidders, contract monitoring, contract duration, contract payment and joint problem solving and communication between the principal and the agent. This study uses a quantitative approach to investigate the research question and to analyze the original collected survey data from our own research.The research was supported by the Czech Grant Agency projects P403 / 12 / 0366 and P403 / 10 / 1892
Homogenization of monotone type problems with uncertain data
Authors: Nechvátal Luděk 
Published: June 2013

Abstract
The paper deals with homogenization of nonlinear differential operators with monotone behaviour. We consider a situation, when the coefficients of the operator are not known exactly, but in certain bounds only due to errors caused by measurements. We use the deterministic approach to the problem- -worst scenario method introduced by I. Hlaváček.
Typologisierung des forstwirtschaftlichen Testbetriebsnetzes der Schweiz
Authors: Nagel Philipp , Hercher Wolfgang , Hartebrodt Christoph 
Published: June 2013

Typology of the Swiss Forestry Holding Network
The requirements and policies that affect the results of individual forest enterprises are numerous. To develop functioning management and advisory mechanisms, these individual circumstances should be taken into consideration. However, compliance with all the influencing factors is not feasible in practice, wherefore a reduction in the existing complexity is necessary. Multivariate statistical methods allow to use a variety of indicators as a basis for the formation of different types of forest enterprises. The goal to consider the individual operating conditions as completely as possible can be achieved with a multivariate typology. For the Swiss Forestry Holding Network (HDN), the question arises as to whether the results of such a typology can also be reproduced by the currently used biogeographic classification of forest zones. Sixty-six variables with information about structural properties and the business results of 208 Swiss holdings from the years 2008 to 2010 formed the basis of the study data. These variables were reduced to 19 key variables. With the help of principal component and cluster analyses the holdings were divided into four clusters based on these key variables. They differ from each other significantly in most of the key variables. The results of this multivariate typology can be mapped in part by the forest zones of Switzerland. It should be noted that the variable “forest zone” also acts as a multivariate criterion, reflecting the physical and structural requirements of the enterprises. Combined with certain additional information (e.g. timber growth), the results of the multivariate analysis can be even better understood.
Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Osteoporotic Men: Prevalence and Assessment of the Relation with Presence of Vertebral Fracture
Authors: Fabreguet Isabelle , Fechtenbaum Jacques , Briot Karine , Paternotte Simon , Roux Christian 
Published: June 2013

Objective.The relationship between osteoarthritis (OA) and osteoporosis (OP) remains controversial. An inverse relationship between spine OA and the presence of prevalent vertebral fractures has been shown in osteoporotic women. Our objective was to assess this relationship in osteoporotic men.Methods.All the patients had OP based on densitometric data and were aged ≥ 65 years. Spine radiographs were performed according to a standardized procedure. Vertebral fractures were assessed from T4 to L4 by a semiquantitative method. Disc degenerative changes were assessed by the presence and severity of osteophytes and disc narrowing at levels T12–L1 to L5–S1. Logistic regression was used to study the relationship between the presence of vertebral fracture and lumbar disc degeneration.Results.The study included 261 osteoporotic men. The prevalence of vertebral fractures was 26.4% (69/261). At least 1 osteophyte was found in 91.6% (239/261) of patients, and at least 1 disc space narrowing in 63.5% (165/260). The prevalence of at least 1 osteophyte and/or at least 1 disc space narrowing was similar in patients with and those without vertebral fracture. No relationship was found between the presence and/or the severity of osteophytes and disc narrowings and the presence of prevalent vertebral radiographic fractures.Conclusion.In osteoporotic men, the prevalence of lumbar spine degeneration is high. There is no relationship between lumbar disc degeneration and the presence of vertebral fracture in osteoporotic men.
Subcutaneously Administered Ofatumumab in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Phase I/II Study of Safety, Tolerability, Pharmacokinetics, and Pharmacodynamics
Authors: Kurrasch Regina , Brown Judith C. , Chu Myron , Craigen Jenny , Overend Philip , Patel Bela , Wolfe Steven , Chang David J. 
Published: June 2013

Objective.To investigate the safety and tolerability of a single subcutaneous (SC) dose of ofatumumab, a fully human anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) taking background methotrexate (MTX). Secondary objectives included characterizing pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.Methods.In this single-blind, phase I/II study, 35 patients with RA were randomized in 5 cohorts to receive a single subcutaneous (SC) ofatumumab dose ranging from 0.3 to 100 mg, or placebo, following premedication with oral acetaminophen and antihistamine. Patients were followed for 24 weeks with extended followup to monitor B cell and immunoglobulin recovery for up to 2 years if required.Results.Thirty-five patients received the following treatment: 0.3 mg, n = 4; 3 mg, n = 6; 30 mg, n = 8; 60 mg, n = 6; 100 mg, n = 3; placebo, n = 8. The most common adverse events in the combined ofatumumab groups were headache, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infection. Because of tolerability concerns, only 3 patients were given 100 mg. For the 30–100 mg doses, median maximum plasma concentration values ranged from 4.02 to 4.49 days. Mean elimination half-life values ranged from 5.20 to 6.83 days. Increasing peripheral median B cell depletion was observed from 0.3 mg up to 30 mg, and full target B cell depletion was achieved with 30 mg, 60 mg, and 100 mg.Conclusion.Treatment of RA patients with SC ofatumumab doses of 30 mg or higher resulted in profound and prolonged B cell depletion in blood. Single doses up to 60 mg were tolerated without glucocorticoid premedication. (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT00686868)
Signal Hyperintensities on Brain Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Patients with Primary Sjögren Syndrome and Frequent Episodic Tension-type Headache: Relation to Platelet Serotonin Level and Disease Activity
Authors: Šarac Helena , Markeljević Jasenka , Erdeljić Viktorija , Josipović-Jelić Zeljka , Hajnšek Sanja , Klapan Tatjana , Batinica Marko , Baršić Ivana , Sertić Jadranka , Dobrila Dintinjana Renata 
Published: June 2013

Objective.To examine differences in number and size of signal hyperintensities (SH) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) between patients with primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS) and controls who all had frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETH), and to investigate their relation to platelet serotonin level (PSL), patient age, disease duration, and activity.Methods.SH in 22 pSS patients with FETH were compared to 20 aged-matched controls with FETH, using the modified semiquantitative rating scale. Spectrofluorimetry was used for determination of PSL, and the European League Against Rheumatism SS Disease Activity Index (ESSDAI) for disease activity assessment.Results.Statistically significant differences in the total number of SH were noted infratentorially (p = 0.025) and in the basal ganglia for lesions of diameter > 5 mm (p = 0.048). Significant correlations were found between disease duration and number of overall lesions > 5 mm (p = 0.04) and subcortical lesions of diameter 2–5 mm (p = 0.035). Number of periventricular SH inversely correlated to PSL (p = 0.019) and to patient age (p = 0.004), without association with markers of immunoinflammation and ESSDAI.Conclusion.Our study showed that SH on brain MRI are more common in specific regions of the brain in pSS patients with FETH than in controls with FETH, signifying a more widespread cerebral vasculopathy in SS patients with FETH. Periventricular SH seem to be associated to increased platelet serotonin release in pSS patients with FETH and correlated with disease duration, without correlation to the actual ESSDAI and markers of immunoinflammation, and might be linked with chronic immunoinflammation of low-grade intensity and vasculitis in pSS.
DcR3 Mutations in Patients with Juvenile-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Lead to Enhanced Lymphocyte Proliferation
Authors: Chokdeemeeboon Chayanin , Ammarinthnukrowh Pramuk , Tongkobpetch Siraprapa , Srichomtong Chalurmpon , Deekajorndech Tawatchai , Rianthavorn Pornpimol , Kingwattanakul Pornchai , Avihingsanon Yingyos , Wright Helen L. , Akkahat Piyaporn , Hoven Voravee P. , Mekboonsonglarp Wanwimon , Edwards Steven W. , Hirankarn Nattiya , Suphapeetiporn Kanya , Shotelersuk Vorasuk 
Published: June 2013

Objective.Previous studies suggested a role for the death decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in the pathogenesis of adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We investigated the role of DcR3 in juvenile-onset SLE, to identify polymorphisms that might alter the function of this protein.Methods.DcR3 was measured in the serum of 61 patients with juvenile SLE. The coding region of the DcR3 gene was sequenced in 100 juvenile and 103 adult patients with SLE, together with 500 healthy controls.Results.DcR3 was elevated in the serum of juvenile patients with active SLE disease (440.8 ± 169.1 pg/ml), compared to patients with inactive disease (122.6 ± 28.05 pg/ml; p = 0.0014) and controls (69.27 ± 20.23 pg/ml; p = 0.0009). DNA sequencing identified 2 novel missense mutations: c.C167T (p.T56I) in an adult SLE patient and c.C364T (p.H122Y) in a juvenile patient. Recombinant proteins containing these mutations exhibited altered binding kinetics to FasL and they significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation, compared to the wild-type protein (p < 0.05). The adult patient with SLE carrying the p.T56I mutation had significantly increased lymphocyte proliferation compared to 3 SLE controls matched for age, sex, and disease severity.Conclusion.DcR3 may play an etiologic role in SLE through either elevated serum levels of wild-type DcR3 or normal levels of gain-of-function DcR3 proteins that increase lymphocyte proliferation.
Should We Redefine Treatment Targets in Rheumatoid Arthritis? Low Disease Activity Is Sufficiently Strict for Patients Who Are Anticitrullinated Protein Antibody-negative
Authors: de Punder Yvonne M.R. , Hendrikx Jos , den Broeder Alfons A. , Valls Pascual Elia , van Riel Piet L. , Fransen Jaap 
Published: June 2013

Objective.Clinical remission currently is the treatment target for all patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). At the same level of inflammation, the prognosis regarding joint damage is believed to be different for anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)-negative and ACPA-positive patients. Our objective was to show the difference in prognosis at similar disease activity levels, and to illustrate how this could be translated to differentiation of treatment targets.Methods.Data were used from the Nijmegen Early RA Cohort. The relation between the time-averaged disease activity level (by Disease Activity Score; DAS) and joint damage progression over 3 years was analyzed, separately for ACPA-negative and ACPA-positive patients. Joint damage was assessed as change in Ratingen score, and dichotomized as occurrence of erosions in joints that were unaffected at baseline. Linear and logistic multivariable regression models were used.Results.The regression coefficient of DAS on change in Ratingen score was 3.9 (p < 0.001) for ACPA-negative and 4.7 (p < 0.001) for ACPA-positive patients, showing less joint damage progression at the same disease activity level in ACPA-negative patients. This difference became greater with increasing disease activity. The probability for erosions in joints unaffected at baseline was 0.35 in ACPA-negative patients when time-averaged DAS was < 2.4 versus 0.80 in ACPA-positive patients.Conclusion.At the same level of inflammation, ACPA-negative patients have less joint damage and lower probability for damage in newly affected joints than ACPA-positive patients. Low disease activity might be a sufficiently strict treatment target for ACPA-negative patients to prevent progression of joint damage.