bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality of Fresh and Processed Red Beet from Organic and Conventional Cultivation
Authors: Kosson Ryszard , Elkner Krystyna , Szafirowska Anna 
Published: February 2012

Quality of Fresh and Processed Red Beet from Organic and Conventional Cultivation
The aim of this study was to evaluate the biological value of fresh red beet and sensory quality of pickled red beet prepared from roots from organic and conventional cultivation systems. Two cultivars of red beet cv. Czerwona Kula and cv. Opolski were grown by conventional and organic systems in the years 2008-2009 on certificated Experimental Field of Research Institute of Vegetable Crops in Skierniewice. Chemical analyses of fresh red beets were carried out immediately after harvest but the sensory evaluation of pickled beets was carried out by trained panel according to PN-ISO guidelines applying the sensory profiling analysis. Results have shown that the method of cultivation had a positive effect on the chemical composition of fresh roots of red beet. The roots of both cultivars from organic cultivation contained significantly more dry matter, sugars and betanins, and accumulated less nitrate than roots from conventional cultivation. There was no significant effect of cultivar and method of cultivation on the overall sensory quality of pickled red beets. Comparison of sensory evaluation for pickles of two cultivars from organic cultivation showed that canned red beets from cultivar Czerwona Kula characterized by slightly darker color, firmer flesh and more typical taste of red beet as compared to samples from cultivar Opolski. Pickled red beets from conventional cultivation characterized by firmer flesh compared to the pickled beets from organic cultivation, more noticeable taste of pickled cucumbers and flavor of fruit.
Occurrence and distribution of fish in rivers of Latvia
Authors: Birzaks Jānis , Aleksejevs Ēriks , Strūgis Māris 
Published: February 2012

Occurrence and distribution of fish in rivers of Latvia
This publication is a review of data on fish and lamprey species found in 435 of Latvia's rivers and related reservoirs. A total of 43 fish species and three lamprey species, whose life cycles are, at least in part, associated with rivers, have been recorded. These can be divided into freshwater species and diadromous species. Differences between chronologically older publications and records collected since 1990 on fish occurrence are examined. Since 1990, the intensity of study of Latvia's rivers has increased, which is the reason for changes in the conception of the distribution and occurrence of fish species. The authors propose a new fish species list for Latvia's rivers, based on the newest field research and fishery data. The species included in list were caught in research trips during the period 1990 - 2010, or their capture was confirmed by an expert.
Change of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients during systemic treatment of severe psoriasis
Authors: Ivdra Iveta , Hartmane Ilona , Mikažāns Ingmars 
Published: February 2012

Change of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients during systemic treatment of severe psoriasis
TGF-β1 is a growth factor with multiple actions, responsible for many pathological and physiological processes. Radiation of the skin with a narrowband 311 nm UVB light source is the most often used method of therapy in psoriasis treatment. The aim of the study was to compare different therapy methods on the change of TGF-β1 serum concentration during two weeks of treatment. The TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum of patients with psoriasis was statistically significantly lower than in the control group. For psoriasis treatment, narrow band 311 nm UVB phototherapy was applied to 37 patients and systemic pharmacological treatment with metothrexate, to a group of 18 patients. After two weeks, there was a significant reduction of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) and increase of TGF-β1 serum concentration. Narrowband UVB caused a lower PASI, and higher TGF-β1 serum concentration than did pharmacological systemically treatment. Growth factor TGF-β1 had an effect on both of these processes. Lack of TGF-β1 in psoriatic skin is responsible for TH1-induced immune reactions and intensive proliferation of keratinocytes, which are typical of psoriasis. UVB radiation results in a higher TGF-β1 tissue concentration. Elevation of TGF-β1 concentration in blood serum and skin after UVB may present a possible mechanism for the positive effect of UVB in psoriasis treatment.
Localization of Sound Sources in Normal Hearing and in Hearing Impaired People
Authors: Niewiarowicz Marek , Kaczmarek Tomasz 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
This article presents results of investigations of the angle of directional hearing acuity (ADHA) as a measure of the spatial hearing ability with a special emphasis on people with hearing impairments. A modified method proposed by Zakrzewski has been used - ADHA values have been determined for 8 azimuths in the horizontal plane at the height of the listeners' head. The two-alternative-forced-choice method (2AFC), based on a new system of listeners' responses (left - right instead of no difference - difference in location of sound sources) was the procedure used in the experiment. Investigations were carried out for two groups of subjects: normal hearing people (9 persons) and hearing impaired people (sensorineural hearing loss and tinnitus - 9 persons). In the experiment different acoustic signals were used: sinusoidal signals (pure tones), 1/3 octave noise, amplitude modulated 1/3 octave noise, CCITT speech and traffic noises and signals corresponding to personal character of tinnitus for individual subjects. The results obtained in the investigations showed, in general, a better localization of the sound source for noise type signals than those for tonal signals. Inessential differences exist in ADHA values for particular signals between the two groups of subjects. On the other hand, significant differences for tinnitus signals and traffic noise signals were stated. A new system of listeners' responses was used and appeared efficient (less dispersion of results compared to the standard system).
Synthetic Aperture Technique Applied to Tissue Attenuation Imaging
Authors: Klimonda Ziemowit , Litniewski Jerzy , Nowicki Andrzej 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe attenuating properties of biological tissue are of great importance in ultrasonic medical imaging. Investigations performedin vitroandin vivoshowed the correlation between pathological changes in the tissue and variation of the attenuation coefficient. In order to estimate the attenuation we have used the downshift of mean frequency (fm) of the interrogating ultrasonic pulse propagating in the medium. To determine thefmalong the propagation path we have applied thefmestimator (I/Q algorithm adopted from the Doppler mean frequency estimation technique). The mean-frequency shift trend was calculated using Single Spectrum Analysis. Next, the trends were converted into attenuation coefficient distributions and finally the parametric images were computed. The RF data were collected in simulations and experiments applying the synthetic aperture (SA) transmit-receiving scheme. In measurements the ultrasonic scanner enabling a full control of the transmission and reception was used. The resolution and accuracy of the method was verified using tissue mimicking phantom with uniform echogenicity but varying attenuation coefficient.
An electronic records preservation mechanism for Taiwan's governmental agencies
Authors: Chang Wen-Hsi 
Published: February 2012

This article introduces an electronic records preservation mechanism designed by the National Archives Administration (NAA) for use by Taiwan's governmental agencies. This mechanism is based on migration technologies using encapsulated XML files as the preservation units. NAA implemented a pilot programme in 2004 to test the feasibility of an electronic records preservation software system. Based on the results, NAA started in 2006 to draft management regulations for governmental agencies related to the preservation of electronic records. In April 2011 NAA launched an Electronic Records Technical Service Center to provide consultation to record managers about preservation technologies. Under the service center, NAA also established an electronic records preservation laboratory, responsible for developing tools to enhance electronic records preservation capabilities for governmental agencies.
In Vivo Peripheral Blood Proinflammatory T Cells in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: LIMÓN-CAMACHO LEONARDO , VARGAS-ROJAS MARÍA INÉS , VÁZQUEZ-MELLADO JANITZIA , CASASOLA-VARGAS JULIO , MOCTEZUMA JOSÉ F. , BURGOS-VARGAS RUBÉN , LLORENTE LUIS 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Previous reports have shown an increase in peripheral blood mononuclear cells’ (PBMC) Th17 cell subpopulation and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) secretion after in vitro stimulation with anti-CD3/CD28 or phorbol myristate acetate/ionomycin in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The aim of our study was to determine whether there is a Th17 polarization not subjected to in vitro stimulation in patients with AS.Methods.Nonstimulated PBMC were analyzed from 46 patients with AS, including 7 (15.2%) receiving tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) inhibitors, 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, and 25 healthy controls. The surface phenotype of freshly isolated PBMC was determined by flow cytometry. Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg subsets were defined as CD3+CD4+IFN-γ+, CD3+CD4+IL-4+, CD3+CD4+IL-17A+, and CD3+CD4+FoxP3+, respectively. Serum cytokines and interleukin 8 (IL-8) levels were quantified by Luminex technology.Results.The percentages of Th17 and Th1 cells in AS were higher than in healthy controls (7.4% ± 1.8% vs 0.7% ± 0.2% and 4.0% ± 1.3% vs 1.1% ± 0.3%, respectively; p < 0.0001). Th17 and Th1 cell subsets in patients taking TNF-α inhibitors were lower than in those naive to such therapeutics and similar to healthy controls. Serum levels of IL-6, IL-17A, TNF-α, and IL-8 were significantly higher in patients with AS compared to controls.Conclusion.The percentages of Th17 and Th1 cells in PBMC without in vitro stimulation, as well as cytokine and IL-8 levels, were significantly increased in patients with AS compared with healthy controls. These T cell subsets and cytokine profiles of patients with AS taking TNF-α inhibitors were similar to those of healthy controls.
Characterization of Patients with Arthritis Referred for Gold Therapy in the Era of Biologics
Authors: CHEUNG JESSICA M. , SCARSBROOK DEBRA , KLINKHOFF ALICE V. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.To describe the clinical characteristics of patients referred for gold therapy and determine the reason for referral.Methods.We conducted a chart review of patients referred for gold at the Mary Pack Arthritis Program, Vancouver, Canada, from July 2007 to July 2009.Results.The sample included 69 female and 12 male patients. Diagnosis was rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in 71/81, psoriatic arthritis in 5, juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) in 2, Sjögren syndrome in 1, undifferentiated polyarthritis in 1, and spondyloarthritis in 1. Twenty of 81 patients had received gold before: 15 were referred for a second course, 4 a third course, and 1 a fourth course. Ten of 81 patients were referred for gold as their first disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD). Seventy-one had received prior DMARD: 1 prior DMARD in 22 patients, 2 in 24 patients, 3 in 15 patients, and > 3 in 6 patients. Four patients had received prior biologic therapy plus 2 to 4 prior DMARD. Twelve of 71 received gold monotherapy, 56/71 received gold/DMARD combinations, and 3 received gold/biologic/DMARD combinations. Reasons for referral included failure of other DMARD in 54 patients, limited DMARD options in 50 (chronic liver disease in 34, sulfa allergy in 7, high alcohol consumption in 5, and planning pregnancy in 4), physician choice in 12, previous benefit from gold in 10, benefit of clinic support in 10, inappropriate for biologics in 7, patient choice in 4, and failure of biologics in 3.Conclusion.The most common reasons for referral to gold clinic in 2007 to 2009 are failure of other DMARD and limited DMARD options due to underlying liver disease.
Maximal Adjuvant Activity of Nasally Delivered IL-1α Requires Adjuvant-Responsive CD11c+ Cells and Does Not Correlate with Adjuvant-Induced In Vivo Cytokine Production
Authors: Thompson Afton L. , Johnson Brandi T. , Sempowski Gregory D. , Gunn Michael D. , Hou Baidong , DeFranco Anthony L. , Staats Herman F. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
IL-1 has been shown to have strong mucosal adjuvant activities, but little is known about its mechanism of action. We vaccinated IL-1R1 bone marrow (BM) chimeric mice to determine whether IL-1R1 expression on stromal cells or hematopoietic cells was sufficient for the maximal adjuvant activity of nasally delivered IL-1α as determined by the acute induction of cytokine responses and induction of Bacillus anthracis lethal factor (LF)-specific adaptive immunity. Cytokine and chemokine responses induced by vaccination with IL-1α were predominantly derived from the stromal cell compartment and included G-CSF, IL-6, IL-13, MCP-1, and keratinocyte chemoattractant. Nasal vaccination of Il1r1−/− (knock-out [KO]) mice given wild-type (WT) BM (WT→KO) and WT→WT mice with LF + IL-1α induced maximal adaptive immune responses, whereas vaccination of WT mice given Il1r1−/− BM (KO→WT) resulted in significantly decreased production of LF-specific serum IgG, IgG subclasses, lethal toxin-neutralizing Abs, and mucosal IgA compared with WT→KO and WT→WT mice (p &lt; 0.05). IL-1α adjuvant activity was not dependent on mast cells. However, the ability of IL-1α to induce serum LF-specific IgG2c and lethal toxin-neutralizing Abs was significantly impaired in CD11c-Myd88−/− mice when compared with WT mice (p &lt; 0.05). Our results suggest that CD11c+ cells must be directly activated by nasally administered IL-1α for maximal adjuvant activity and that, although stromal cells are required for maximal adjuvant-induced cytokine production, the adjuvant-induced stromal cell cytokine responses are not required for effective induction of adaptive immunity.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL40 Signal Peptide Regulates Cell Surface Expression of the NK Cell Ligands HLA-E and gpUL18
Authors: Prod’homme Virginie , Tomasec Peter , Cunningham Charles , Lemberg Marius K. , Stanton Richard J. , McSharry Brian P. , Wang Eddie C. Y. , Cuff Simone , Martoglio Bruno , Davison Andrew J. , Braud Véronique M. , Wilkinson Gavin W. G. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Human CMV (HCMV)-encoded NK cell-evasion functions include an MHC class I homolog (UL18) with high affinity for the leukocyte inhibitory receptor-1 (CD85j, ILT2, or LILRB1) and a signal peptide (SPUL40) that acts by upregulating cell surface expression of HLA-E. Detailed characterization of SPUL40 revealed that the N-terminal 14 aa residues bestowed TAP-independent upregulation of HLA-E, whereas C region sequences delayed processing of SPUL40 by a signal peptide peptidase-type intramembrane protease. Most significantly, the consensus HLA-E–binding epitope within SPUL40 was shown to promote cell surface expression of both HLA-E and gpUL18. UL40 was found to possess two transcription start sites, with utilization of the downstream site resulting in translation being initiated within the HLA-E–binding epitope (P2). Remarkably, this truncated SPUL40 was functional and retained the capacity to upregulate gpUL18 but not HLA-E. Thus, our findings identify an elegant mechanism by which an HCMV signal peptide differentially regulates two distinct NK cell-evasion pathways. Moreover, we describe a natural SPUL40 mutant that provides a clear example of an HCMV clinical virus with a defect in an NK cell-evasion function and exemplifies issues that confront the virus when adapting to immunogenetic diversity in the host.
β3-Adrenoceptor Antagonist SR59230A Attenuates the Imbalance of Systemic and Myocardial Oxygen Transport Induced by Dopamine in Newborn Lambs
Authors: Gill Richdeep S. , Cheun Po-Yin , Yu Xiaoyang , Aklabi Mohammed Al , Nagendran Jeevan , Quinonez Luis G. , Li Ying Qian , Miller John , Ross David B. , Rebeyka Ivan M. , Li Jia 
Published: February 2012

Background In neonates, the increase in O2-delivery (DO2) by dopamine is offset by a greater increase in O2-consumption (VO2). This has been attributed to β3-adrenergic receptors in neonatal brown fat tissue. β3 receptors in the heart have negative inotropic properties. We evaluated the effects of SR59230A, a β3-antagonist, on the balance of systemic and myocardial O2-transport in newborn lambs treated with dopamine. Methods Lambs (2-5 days old, n = 12) were anesthetized and mechanically ventilated. Heart rate (HR) and rectal temperature were monitored. VO2 was measured by respiratory mass spectrometry and cardiac output (CO) by a pulmonary artery transonic flowmeter. Arterial, jugular bulb venous and coronary sinus blood gases and lactate were measured to calculate DO2, O2 extraction ratio (ERO2), myocardial O2 and lactate extraction ratios (mERO2, mERlac). After baseline measurements, lambs were randomized to receive SR59230A at 5 mg/kg iv (SRG) or placebo. Both groups received incremental doses of a dopamine infusion (0-5-10-15-20 mcg/kg/min) every 15 min. Measurements were repeated at the end of each dose. Results After SR59230A infusion, CO and HR trended to decrease ( P = 0.06), but no significant changes occurred in other parameters. Over the incremental doses of dopamine, temperature increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001) but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P = 0.004). CO and HR increased ( P = 0.005 and 0.04) and similarly in both groups ( P > 0.1). DO2 trended to a small increase ( P = 0.08). VO2 increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001) but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P < 0.0001). As a result, ERO2 increased in both groups ( P < 0.0001), but to a lesser degree in SRG ( P < 0.0001). mERO2 was lower in SRG ( P = 0.01) with a faster increase ( P < 0.0001). mERlac was higher in SRG ( P = 0.06) with a faster decrease ( P = 0.04). Conclusion Although SR59230A tends to induce an initial drop in CO, it significantly attenuates the rise in VO2 and hence the imbalance of systemic and myocardial O2 transport induced by dopamine at higher doses. Studies are warranted to examine the effect of SR59230A in cases of cardiac dysfunction and increased VO2, observed after cardiac surgery.
Clinical application of an in-house ELISPOT assay in patients with suspicious tuberculous uveitis and no signs of active tuberculosis
Authors: Modorati Giulio , Berchicci Luigi , Miserocchi Elisabetta , Scarpellini Paolo , Mantegani Paola , Bandello Francesco , Fortis Claudio 
Published: February 2012

Purpose The purpose of this study is to evaluate the rate of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection in uveitis patients using an ELISPOT-IFN-γ (ELISPOT-MTP) assay and a tuberculin skin test (TST). Methods Fifty-three patients with suspicious tuberculous uveitis, seen at the Ocular Immunology and Uveitis Service, Scientific Institute San Raffaele, Milan, Italy, were compared with 233 healthy control subjects. All uveitis patients, together with healthy control subjects, underwent in-house ELISPOT-MTP assay and then the TST. Results None of the patients had signs of active tuberculosis. A total of 75.5% of uveitis patients showed positive TST reaction while 58.5% responded positively to ELISPOT-MTP. In healthy individuals, these responses were 30.5% and 25.3%, respectively (p<0.0001). In a different diagnosis subset, TST and ELISPOT positivity were, respectively, 80% and 50% in anterior uveitis; 75% and 50% in intermediate uveitis; 100% and 87.5% in serpiginous-like choroiditis; 90% and 80% in posterior uveitis; and 57.1% and 42.9% in panuveitis. Serpiginous-like choroiditis and posterior uveitis patients had a higher number of ELISPOT-MTP positive results and a higher grade of intensity of ELISPOT-MTP responses compared to healthy control subjects (p=0.0098). Conclusions Our uveitis patients had higher M tuberculosis infection rate and grade of intensity response than healthy control subjects detected by ELISPOT-MTP. This response is statistically significant and higher in patients with serpiginous-like choroiditis and posterior uveitis.
Thin SnO2 Nanowires with Uniform Diameter as Excellent Field Emitters: A Stability of More Than 2400 Minutes
Authors: Fang Xiaosheng , Yan Jian , Hu Linfeng , Liu Hui , Lee Pooi See 
Published: February 2012

AbstractThe stability of a field‐emission event, i.e., the stability of the emission current over a long period of time, against thermal effects, etc., is one of the key factors for its application in real devices. Although nanostructures have the advantages of high aspect ratios and faster device turn‐on times, the small masses and large surface areas make them vulnerable to both chemical and physical damages and they have a lower melting point compared to bulk materials of same compositions. SnO2, one of the most attractive oxide semiconductors, which has with a relatively low work function of 4.7 eV, has been a perspective candidate for field emitters. A highly stable field emitter based on thin and quasi‐aligned SnO2 nanowire ensembles with uniform diameter is shown. Field‐emission measurements of these SnO2 nanowire ensembles show low turn‐on and threshold voltages of 3.5 V μm−1 and 4.63 V μm−1, respectively, at an anode–sample distance of 200 μm and very long term scale stability of more than 2400 min, acquired at the electric field of 4.65 V μm−1. Such values are not only better than those of the recently developed SnO2 nanostructures with different morphologies and of randomly oriented SnO2 nanowire ensembles with a similar diameter distribution, but also comparable with the most widely studied field‐emission materials, such as carbon nanotubes and ZnO nanostructures. The potential for using these thin SnO2 nanowire ensembles with uniform diameter in field emitters is shown, with particular promise in those operated for long‐term real device applications.
Understanding Chemical Expansion in Non‐Stoichiometric Oxides: Ceria and Zirconia Case Studies
Authors: Marrocchelli Dario , Bishop Sean R. , Tuller Harry L. , Yildiz Bilge 
Published: February 2012

AbstractAtomic scale computer simulations, validated with experimental data, are used to uncover the factors responsible for defect‐induced chemical expansion observed in non‐stoichiometric oxides, exemplified by CeO2 and ZrO2. It is found that chemical expansion is the result of two competing processes: the formation of a vacancy (leading to a lattice contraction primarily due to electrostatic interactions) and the cation radius change (leading to a lattice expansion primarily due to steric effects). The chemical expansion coefficient is modeled as the summation of two terms that are proportional to the cation and oxygen radius change. This model introduces an empirical parameter, the vacancy radius, which can be reliably predicted from computer simulations, as well as from experimental data. This model is used to predict material compositions that minimize chemical expansion in fluorite structured solid oxide fuel cell electrolyte materials under typical operating conditions.