bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modelling of NO adsorption in fixed bed on activated carbon
Authors: Kuboňová Lenka , Obalová Lucie , Vlach Oldřich , Troppová Ivana , Kalousek Jaroslav 
Published: February 2012

Modelling of NO adsorption in fixed bed on activated carbon
Adsorption experiments of nitric oxide in nitrogen carrier gas were held on activated carbon in a fixed bed flow system. Breakthrough curves describing the dependence of exit concentrations of nitric oxide on time were matched with theoretical response curves calculated from the linear driving force model (LDF). The model assumes Langmuir adsorption isotherm for the description of non-linear equilibrium and overall mass transfer coefficient for mass transfer mechanism. Overall mass transfer coefficients were obtained by the method of least squares for fitting numerically modelled breakthrough curves with experimental breakthrough curves. It was found that LDF model fits all the breakthrough curves and it is a useful tool for modelling purposes.
Anti-solvent sonocrystallisation of lactose
Authors: Patel Sanjaykumar , Murthy Z. 
Published: February 2012

Anti-solvent sonocrystallisation of lactose
The present work deals with ultrasound assisted crystallisation of lactose from lactose solution. The crystallisation of lactose was completed rapidly by applying the ultrasound waves in the presence of an anti-solvent (n-propanol), at the room temperature (30±3°C). The yield of lactose was found to be more than 85% (w/w) in 4 minutes of sonication. The spread of the crystal size distribution was found to decrease with increase in sonication time.
Cholesterol and Lipid Peroxides in Animal Products and Health Implications - A Review
Authors: Orczewska-Dudek Sylwia , Bederska-Łojewska Dorota , Pieszka Marek , Pietras Mariusz 
Published: February 2012

Cholesterol and Lipid Peroxides in Animal Products and Health Implications - A ReviewThe level of oxysterols in animal products depends on the temperature used in food processing, duration of heating, and storage time and conditions. High temperature, oxygen, exposure to light, chemical composition of the product and low level of antioxidants accelerate the formation of cholesterol oxidation products (COPs). Also the high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat and eggs favours the formation of oxysterols. Dairy products are characterized by the lowest content of COPs of all animal products. The most common oxysterols present in products of animal origin are 7-ketocholesterol, 20α-hydroxycholesterol, 25-hydroxycholesterol and α, β-epoxycholesterol. Numerous studies have confirmed the adverse effects of COPs on animal and human health. They exhibit mutagenic, carcinogenic, angiogenic and toxic action, damage cell membranes, and inhibit cholesterol biosynthesis. The use of certain antioxidants in animal nutrition limits the formation of COPs during technological processing of meat, eggs and milk, as well as during storage of fresh products. The excessive oxidation of cholesterol can be additionally prevented through the use of appropriate packaging that limits oxygen and light exposure.
The Effects of Crossing Balkan and Saanen Goat Breeds on Carcass Traits and Certain Quality Parameters of Kid Meat
Authors: Stanišić Nikola , Žujović Miroslav , Tomić Zorica , Maksimović Nevena , Bijelić Zorica , Ivanović Snežana , Memiši Nurgin 
Published: February 2012

The Effects of Crossing Balkan and Saanen Goat Breeds on Carcass Traits and Certain Quality Parameters of Kid MeatThe possibility for improvement of carcass traits and quality of kid meat of the autochthonous Balkan goat breed by crossing with Saanen breed was investigated in this study. The trial was carried out on one group of Balkan goat kids and three groups of kid crosses of Balkan and Saanen goats with different proportion of Saanen genes: 25, 50 and 75%. Each group had 16 male kids, which were slaughtered at the average body weight of 18 kg. With the increase in the proportion of Saanen genes, the age of kids that reached preslaughter weight decreased, the chilling loss increased and the proportion of fat tissue (kidney and pelvic fat) in the carcass side decreased (P≤0.05). The crossing also increased the proportion of carcass parts of the first category (leg and loin section), as well as muscle tissue in those parts. The highest proportion of muscle tissue in the thigh (74.91%) and loin section (75.66%) was determined in kids from the group with 75% of Saanen genes, and kids from this group also had the highest proportion of intramuscular fat (2.48%) in samples of m. longissimus dorsi. Slight differences between kid groups were established in indicators of technological meat properties, such as water binding capacity and tenderness, with the increase in the proportion of Saanen genes in the genotype. Sensory score for roasted meat was high, and scores for tenderness and juiciness were slightly higher in kid crosses with 50% and 75% of Saanen genes (P≤0.05). Results presented in this study confirm the positive effect of crossing the Saanen breed with the Balkan breed on carcass traits and for obtaining meat of more desirable quality.
Theoretical shortcomings of the Grossman model
Authors: Hren Rok 
Published: February 2012

Theoretical shortcomings of the Grossman modelThis article contains a review of the seminal Grossman model from a perspective of assumptions and simplifications, which were necessary to make the model tractable. The Grossman model emphasises health as a fundamental commodity, which implies that the demand for healthcare is a derived demand; in the model, individuals are both consumers and producers of health. The model predicts that an individual would invest in health until the marginal benefit of health equals its marginal cost; this equilibrium demand for health entails that the length of an individual's life would be determined endogenously. This review also discusses the model's refinements and extensions that have relaxed some of the constraints of the original model. In spite of its shortcomings, the Grossman model remains — even after 40 years — one of the few models in the realm of health economics, which attempts to conceptualise the complex demand for health and healthcare both theoretically and empirically.
Perceptions of usability and usefulness of digital libraries
Authors: Matusiak Krystyna K. 
Published: February 2012

This paper provides an overview of a case study research that investigated the use of Digital Library (DL) resources in two undergraduate classes and explored faculty and students' perceptions of educational digital libraries. This study found that students and faculty use academic DLs primarily for textual resources, but turn to the open Web for visual and multimedia resources. The study participants did not perceive academic libraries as a useful source of digital images and used search engines when searching for visual resources. The limited use of digital library resources for teaching and learning is associated with perceptions of usefulness and ease of use, especially if considered in a broader information landscape, in conjunction with other library information systems, and in the context of Web resources. The limited use of digital libraries is related to the following perceptions: 1) Library systems are not viewed as user-friendly, which in turn discourages potential users from trying DLs provided by academic libraries; 2) Academic libraries are perceived as places of primarily textual resources; perceptions of usefulness, especially in regard to relevance of content, coverage, and currency, seem to have a negative effect on user intention to use DLs, especially when searching for visual materials.
Efficacy and Limitation of Infliximab Treatment for Children with Kawasaki Disease Intractable to Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy: Report of an Open-label Case Series
Authors: MORI MASAAKI , IMAGAWA TOMOYUKI , HARA RYOKI , KIKUCHI MASAKO , HARA TAKUMA , NOZAWA TOMO , MIYAMAE TAKAKO , YOKOTA SHUMPEI 
Published: February 2012

Objective.Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute febrile disease in infants and young children. Five percent to 8% of cases will be complicated with coronary dilatation or aneurysm, although introduction of high-dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy has provided remarkable results for reducing the frequency of cardiac involvement. We describe the results of an open-label trial of infliximab, an anti-tumor necrosis factor-α monoclonal antibody, for suppressing the progression of coronary artery lesions in cases of KD refractory to extensive IVIG therapy. Plasma exchange (PE) was available as a rescue therapy for patients refractory to infliximab.Methods.Twenty eligible patients fulfilled the diagnostic criteria for KD, and were primarily treated with IVIG up to 4 g/kg. “Refractory to IVIG” was defined as persisting or reemerging fever > 38°C and positive fractional changes of C-reactive protein, white blood cell counts, or neutrophil counts 48 hours after IVIG infusion. These cases were treated with infliximab, 5 mg/kg, which should begin within 10 days of disease onset. PE for patients refractory to infliximab was performed with 5% albumin.Results.There was rapid improvement of inflammatory symptoms as well as normalization of the inflammatory markers. Sequential examination by echocardiography up to disease Day 30 revealed that the inflamed and mildly dilated coronary artery at the beginning of the study regressed to normal size in the convalescent phase. Two out of 20 patients showed incomplete improvement of inflammatory symptoms after infliximab treatment, and were provided with PE therapy, with no complications.Conclusion.Eighteen of 20 patients were effectively treated with infliximab, and 2 cases were effectively treated with PE to prevent progression to coronary artery lesions. No adverse event such as anaphylactoid reaction, heart failure, severe infectious diseases, or tuberculosis was observed in this trial.
Nail Disease in Psoriatic Arthritis: Distal Phalangeal Bone Edema Detected by Magnetic Resonance Imaging Predicts Development of Onycholysis and Hyperkeratosis
Authors: DALBETH NICOLA , PUI KAREN , LOBO MARIA , DOYLE ANTHONY , JONES PETER B. , TAYLOR WILLIAM J. , McQUEEN FIONA M. 
Published: February 2012

Objective.To examine the association between magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features of distal phalanx (DP) disease and the progression of nail pathology in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).Methods.Clinical nail assessment and hand MRI scans were done on 34 patients with PsA. Twenty patients had repeat nail assessments after 1 year.Results.Nails with onycholysis and hyperkeratosis at baseline were more likely to have corresponding DP bone erosion and proliferation on MRI. DP bone edema on baseline MRI was associated with development of onycholysis and hyperkeratosis in corresponding nails.Conclusion.Our data suggest that DP inflammation is central in the development of psoriatic nail disease.
Hapivirins and Diprovirins: Novel θ-Defensin Analogs with Potent Activity against Influenza A Virus
Authors: Doss Mona , Ruchala Piotr , Tecle Tesfaldet , Gantz Donald , Verma Anamika , Hartshorn Alex , Crouch Erika C. , Luong Hai , Micewicz Ewa D. , Lehrer Robert I. , Hartshorn Kevan L. 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
θ-Defensins are cyclic octadecapeptides found in nonhuman primates whose broad antiviral spectrum includes HIV-1, HSV-1, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and influenza A virus (IAV). We previously reported that synthetic θ-defensins called retrocyclins can neutralize and aggregate various strains of IAV and increase IAV uptake by neutrophils. This study describes two families of peptides, hapivirins and diprovirins, whose design was inspired by retrocyclins. The goal was to develop smaller partially cyclic peptides that retain the antiviral activity of retrocyclins, while being easier to synthesize. The novel peptides also allowed for systemic substitution of key residues to evaluate the role of charge or hydrophobicity on antiviral activity. Seventy-two hapivirin or diprovirin peptides are described in this work, including several whose anti-IAV activity equals or exceeds that of normal α- or θ-defensins. Some of these also had strong antibacterial and antifungal activity. These new peptides were active against H3N2 and H1N1 strains of IAV. Structural features imparting strong antiviral activity were identified through iterative cycles of synthesis and testing. Our findings show the importance of hydrophobic residues for antiviral activity and show that pegylation, which often increases a peptide’s serum t1/2 in vivo, can increase the antiviral activity of DpVs. The new peptides acted at an early phase of viral infection, and, when combined with pulmonary surfactant protein D, their antiviral effects were additive. The peptides strongly increased neutrophil and macrophage uptake of IAV, while inhibiting monocyte cytokine generation. Development of modified θ-defensin analogs provides an approach for creating novel antiviral agents for IAV infections.
Suppression of the NF-κB Pathway by Diesel Exhaust Particles Impairs Human Antimycobacterial Immunity
Authors: Sarkar Srijata , Song Youngmia , Sarkar Somak , Kipen Howard M. , Laumbach Robert J. , Zhang Junfeng , Ohman Strickland Pamela A. , Gardner Carol R. , Schwander Stephan 
Published: February 2012

AbstractEpidemiological studies suggest that chronic exposure to air pollution increases susceptibility to respiratory infections, including tuberculosis in humans. A possible link between particulate air pollutant exposure and antimycobacterial immunity has not been explored in human primary immune cells. We hypothesized that exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEP), a major component of urban fine particulate matter, suppresses antimycobacterial human immune effector cell functions by modulating TLR-signaling pathways and NF-κB activation. We show that DEP and H37Ra, an avirulent laboratory strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, were both taken up by the same peripheral human blood monocytes. To examine the effects of DEP on M. tuberculosis-induced production of cytokines, PBMC were stimulated with DEP and M. tuberculosis or purified protein derivative. The production of M. tuberculosis and purified protein derivative-induced IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 was reduced in a DEP dose-dependent manner. In contrast, the production of anti-inflammatory IL-10 remained unchanged. Furthermore, DEP stimulation prior to M. tuberculosis infection altered the expression of TLR3, -4, -7, and -10 mRNAs and of a subset of M. tuberculosis-induced host genes including inhibition of expression of many NF-κB (e.g., CSF3, IFNG, IFNA, IFNB, IL1A, IL6, and NFKBIA) and IFN regulatory factor (e.g., IFNG, IFNA1, IFNB1, and CXCL10) pathway target genes. We propose that DEP downregulate M. tuberculosis-induced host gene expression via MyD88-dependent (IL6, IL1A, and PTGS2) as well as MyD88-independent (IFNA, IFNB) pathways. Prestimulation of PBMC with DEP suppressed the expression of proinflammatory mediators upon M. tuberculosis infection, inducing a hyporesponsive cellular state. Therefore, DEP alters crucial components of antimycobacterial host immune responses, providing a possible mechanism by which air pollutants alter antimicrobial immunity.
Adiponectin Induces Dendritic Cell Activation via PLCγ/JNK/NF-κB Pathways, Leading to Th1 and Th17 Polarization
Authors: Jung Mi Young , Kim Han-Soo , Hong Hye-Jin , Youn Byung-Soo , Kim Tae Sung 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
Adiponectin (APN) is a crucial regulator for many inflammatory processes, but its effect on Th cell-mediated responses has not been fully understood. Thus, we investigated the immune-modulatory effects of APN on dendritic cells (DCs) controlling Th cell polarization. APN induced maturation and activation of DCs, as demonstrated by the increased expression of MHC class II, costimulatory molecules in both mouse and human DCs, and it significantly enhanced production of proinflammatory cytokines. APN triggered degradation of IκB proteins, nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 subunit, and phosphorylation of MAPKs in DCs. Pretreatment with a phospholipase C (PLC)γ inhibitor and a JNK inhibitor suppressed IL-12 production and NF-κB binding activity. Additionally, PLCγ inhibitor downregulated phosphorylation of JNK, indicating that PLCγ and JNK may be upstream molecules of NF-κB. Importantly, APN-treated DCs significantly induced both Th1 and Th17 responses in allogeneic CD4+ T cells. The addition of a neutralizing anti–IL-12 mAb to the cocultures abolished the secretion of IFN-γ, whereas the blockage of IL-23 and IL-1β suppressed APN-induced IL-17 production. Immunization of mice with OVA-pulsed, APN-treated DCs efficiently led to Ag-specific Th1 and Th17 cell responses. Taken together, these results demonstrated that APN effectively induced activation of DCs through PLCγ/JNK/NF-κB-signaling pathways, leading to enhanced Th1 and Th17 responses.
Prophylactic circumferential intraoperative laser retinopexy decreases the risk of retinal detachment after macular hole surgery
Authors: Chalam Kakarla V. , Murthy Ravi K. , Gupta Shailesh K. , Khetpal Vijay 
Published: February 2012

Purpose Pars plana vitrectomy with peeling of the internal limiting membrane is a well-established technique for the treatment of idiopathic macular holes with high success rates. Complications such as retinal tears may result from vitreous incarceration at the sclerotomy sites. Prophylactic laser retinopexy (LR) has recently been shown to decrease incidence of postvitrectomy rhegmatogenous retinal detachment but its efficacy in macular hole repair has not been established. In this study we evaluated the safety and efficacy of prophylactic LR and compared the patients to a control group that did not receive prophylactic treatment. Methods A retrospective, consecutive chart review was conducted comparing patients who underwent macular hole repair with LR to without LR. Patient demographics were collected and the number and time interval of retinal detachment in the 2 groups were compared. Statistical analysis was conducted between the 2 groups. Results A total of 144 eyes underwent macular hole repair during the study period. A total of 76 eyes underwent LR and 68 eyes did not undergo LR. There were no significant differences in baseline characteristics between the 2 groups. At 1 year, RD occurred in 1 eye (1.31%) in the LR group and in 8 eyes (8.82%) without LR group (p<0.01). Conclusions Prophylactic LR decreases the incidence of postoperative retinal detachment a potentially disabling complication of macular hole repair surgery.
Retinal Pigment Epithelial Trough: a Sign of Chronicity of Choroidal Nevi
Authors: Mashayekhi Arman , Siu Sophia , Shields Carol L. , Shields Jerry A. 
Published: February 2012

Purpose. To describe the clinical features and natural course of choroidal nevi with retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) trough. Methods. Retrospective observational case series. Results. Of the 90 patients (91 choroidal nevi), 88 (98%) were Caucasian and 59 (66%) were women, with a mean age of 56 years (range 18-79 years) at presentation. The mean largest nevus basal diameter was 7 mm (range 3-12 mm) and the mean thickness was 2.2 mm (range 0.8-3.4 mm). Orange pigment and subretinal fluid were associated with 9 (10%) and 16 (18%) of the nevi, respectively. Overlying RPE alterations included RPE atrophy (93%), RPE hyperplasia (74%), drusen (54%), and RPE fibrous metaplasia (36%). Retinal pigment epithelial trough was present at initial evaluation in 88 eyes and developed during follow-up from a long-standing pocket of shallow subretinal fluid in 3 other eyes. The mean largest dimension of the RPE trough was 4 mm (range 1-16 mm) and most (76%) were located at the inferior margin of the nevus. Of 91 nevi, 82 had subsequent follow-up with a mean follow-up duration of 79 months (range 3-464 mo). Of these, 19 (23%) showed slight growth and only 3 (4%) had presumed transformation into melanoma. None of the patients showed evidence of distant metastasis. Conclusions. Retinal pigment epithelial trough results from resorption of long-standing serous subretinal fluid and should therefore be considered a sign of chronicity of choroidal nevi. Choroidal nevi associated with RPE trough, despite their greater thickness and larger size, are relatively stable with minimal risk of progression into melanoma.
Characterisation and Classification of the Neural Anatomy in the Human Hip Joint
Authors: Gerhardt Michael , Johnson Keith , Atkinson Roscoe , Snow Brian , Shaw Colin , Brown Ashley , Vangsness C. Thomas 
Published: February 2012

Hip arthroscopy remains a useful surgical intervention for labral injuries. The literature has predominantly focused on structural and vascular considerations of the hip joint, with few studies examining the neurohistology of the surrounding periarticular tissues. We mapped and identified the periarticular neural anatomy, to identify the presence of sensory nerve fibres and mechanoreceptors within the hip joint. Eight human cadaveric hips were dissected into a total of ten specimens per hip. Histological staining was used to identify neural structures taken from the superolateral, anterior, inferior, and posterior positions of the hip joint. The frozen sections were analyzed by light microscopy to calculate relative concentrations of mean neural fibres per high power field (mnf/hpf). Neural end organs were found in the hip capsule, acetabular labrum, ligamentum teres and transverse acetabular ligament. The highest levels of mechanoreceptors were found in the superolateral aspect of the hip capsule (9.6 mnf/hpf). The labrum showed highest levels of sensory fibres (3.4 mnf/hpf) and mechanoreceptors (4.3mnf/hpf) within the anterior zone. Sensory fibres and mechanoreceptors densely populate the acetabular labrum, capsule and transverse acetabular ligament. The anterior zone of the labrum contained the highest relative concentration of sensory fibres, specifically Ruffini corpuscles.
The Accuracy of Automatic Calibration of Digital Pelvic Radiographs using two Different Scale Markers: A Comparative Study
Authors: Baxter Jonathan A. , Barlow Timothy , Karthikeyan Shanmugam , Mayo Damian J. , King Richard J. 
Published: February 2012

We have investigated the accuracy of automatic calibration of digital pelvic radiographs using the single and double marker techniques. Both markers were applied by the radiographer at the time of routine, postoperative radiographs. Each radiograph was loaded into the TraumaCad™software package which calculated the magnification and scaled the radiograph automatically. The median error of magnification in the double marker group was 1.14% when calculated automatically. The median error of the single marker was 5.98%. The relationship between true and predicted magnification was strongest in the double marker group with excellent correlation (r=0.91) and agreement (ICC<0.91). We believe that the double marker method with automatic calibration is the most reliable method of scaling a pelvic radiograph in clinical practice currently available.