bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Summer zooplankton in small rivers in relation to selected conditions
Authors: Czerniawski Robert , Pilecka-Rapacz Małgorzata 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The abundance and the biodiversity of summer zooplankton in the waters of the Drawa drainage (NW Poland) were studied, as was their relation to selected environmental conditions. The conditions upstream, especially in the outlets of lakes, did not affect the zooplankton communities downstream. This was also true of tributaries which had no influence on the shape of the zooplankton communities in the main river. The number of zooplankton in the outlets of eutrophic lakes was greater than in those of mesotrophic lakes. Increased vegetation cover significantly affected mainly the crustacean communities of zooplankton. Larger amounts of zooplankton were observed in rivers where the riparian zone was not covered with vegetation, but this difference was not significant. The hydrological conditions of the rivers and the Secchi depth visibility strongly impacted the composition of the zooplankton. The influence of abiotic factors was most pronounced on the abundance of cladocerans, and least pronounced on the abundance of rotifers.
Protection of the vascular endothelium in experimental situations
Authors: Sotníková Ružena , Nedelčevová Jana , Navarová Jana , Nosáľová Viera , Drábiková Katarína , Szöcs Katalin , Křenek Peter , Kyseľová Zuzana , Bezek Štefan , Knezl Vladimír , Dřímal Ján , Brosková Zuzana , Kristová Viera , Okruhlicová Ľudmila , Bernátová Iveta , Bauer Viktor 
Published: April 2011

Protection of the vascular endothelium in experimental situationsOne of the factors proposed as mediators of vascular dysfunction observed in diabetes is the increased generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This provides support for the use of antioxidants as early and appropriate pharmacological intervention in the development of late diabetic complications. In streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats we observed endothelial dysfuction manifested by reduced endothelium-dependent response to acetylcholine of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA) and aorta, as well as by increased endothelaemia. Changes in endothelium-dependent relaxation of SMA were induced by injury of the nitric oxide radical (·NO)-signalling pathway since the endothelium-derived hyperpolarising factor (EDHF)-component of relaxation was not impaired by diabetes. The endothelial dysfunction was accompanied by decreased ·NO bioavailabity as a consequence of reduced activity of eNOS rather than its reduced expression. The results obtained using the chemiluminiscence method (CL) argue for increased oxidative stress and increased ROS production. The enzyme NAD(P)H-oxidase problably participates in ROS production in the later phases of diabetes. Oxidative stress was also connected with decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the early phase of diabetes. After 10 weeks of diabetes, adaptational mechanisms probably took place because GSH levels were not changed compared to controls. Antioxidant properties of SMe1EC2 foundin vitrowere partly confirmedin vivo.Administration of SMe1EC2 protected endothelial function. It significantly decreased endothelaemia of diabetic rats and improved endothelium-dependent relaxation of arteries, slightly decreased ROS-production and increased bioavailability of ·NO in the aorta. Further studies with higher doses of SMe1EC2 may clarify the mechanism of its endothelium-protective effectin vivo.
Trends in vascular pharmacology research in the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Bratislava
Authors: Kristová Viera , Kriška Milan , Vojtko Róbert , Petrová Miriam , Líšková Silvia , Villáris Radoslav , Varga Zoltán , Wawruch Martin 
Published: April 2011

Trends in vascular pharmacology research in the Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, BratislavaResearch in the Department of Pharmacology started to focus intensively on fetal circulation in the 60s. Results of experiments contributed to clarification of the conversion of fetal circulation type to the adult type: the mechanism of the ductus arteriosus closure, examination of fetal and neonatal pulmonary vessel responses. In the early 80s, increased attention was dedicated to fetal vascular endothelium, later on to vascular reactivity in relation to the endothelium in adult animals. We developed original models of vascular endothelial damage using the perfusion method (repeated vasoconstrictive stimuli, deendothelization by air bubbles). We developed a new technique forin vitroendothelial loss quantification on Millipore filters. Underin vitroconditions, the protective effects of sulodexide and pentoxifylline on vascular endothelium were evaluated. In recent years were studied protective effects of selected substancesin vivoin models of endothelial damage (e.g.stress, toxic tissue damage, diabetes mellitus, hypertension). The role of potassium channels in the hypertension model was studied in cooperation with the Czech Academy of Sciences. Assessment of vascular reactivity in the diabetic model was significantly improved by computer. In addition to experimental work, the department is solving problems of clinical pharmacology - especially drug risk evaluation (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Recently, we have dealt with pharmacoepidemiological studies in geriatric patients and with cardiovascular risk of NSAIDs in relation to pharmacotherapy. The results of these studies may be an impulse for targeted problem solving in our experiments.
Towards tuning of thermal sensitivity of the long period fiber gratings using a liquid crystal layer
Authors: Czapla A. , Bock W. , Mikulic P. , Woliński T. 
Published: April 2011

Towards tuning of thermal sensitivity of the long period fiber gratings using a liquid crystal layerA high-efficiency thermal tuning filter based on a long-period fiber grating (LPFG) combined with a low-birefringence liquid crystal (LB LC) cladding layer is presented. Two types of LPFGs were studied and compared: the LPFGs based on a standard telecommunication fiber produced by an electric arc technique, and the LPFGs based on a boron co-doped fiber written by a UV technique. Both types of LPFGs when enhanced with an external LB LC layer exhibit two different temperature sensitivities, which depend on the temperature range of operation. For the LPFGs based on standard telecommunication fiber we can conclude that the presence of the LB LC cladding increases the thermal tuning efficiency by more than one order of magnitude over the value for the LPFGs in air. In the case of the LPFGs based on the boron co-doped fiber we discovered it is possible to obtain either a temperature-independent attenuation band or the attenuation bands with high temperature sensitivities, just by careful choice of the order of the cladding mode and the operating wavelength.
Reflectometric measurements of thermally expanded core area
Authors: Ratuszek M. , Zakrzewski Z. , Majewski J. 
Published: April 2011

Reflectometric measurements of thermally expanded core area
In this work an analysis method of one-way optical time domain reflectometer (OTDR) measurements has been presented. This method uniquely confirms mode field radii matching in diffusion transit area of the thermally expanded core (TEC) of thermally connected single mode telecommunication fibers. A comparison of reflectometric measurements with theoretical calculations of losses in TEC areas has been demonstrated.
Fractional dynamics in liquid manipulation
Authors: Lima M. , Machado J. 
Published: April 2011

Fractional dynamics in liquid manipulationThis paper presents a fractional calculus perspective in the study of signals captured during the movement of a mechanical manipulator carrying a liquid container. In order to study the signals an experimental setup is implemented. The system acquires data from the sensors, in real time, and, in a second phase, processes them through an analysis package. The analysis package runs off-line and handles the recorded data. The results show that the Fourier spectrum of several signals presents a fractional behavior. The experimental study provides useful information that can assist in the design of a control system and the trajectory planning to be used in reducing or eliminating the effect of vibrations.
Robust stability of positive discrete-time linear systems of fractional order
Authors: Busłowicz M. 
Published: April 2011

Robust stability of positive discrete-time linear systems of fractional orderThe paper is devoted to the problem of robust stability of linear positive discrete-time systems of fractional order with structured perturbations of state matrices. Simple necessary and sufficient conditions for robust stability in the general case and in the case of linear uncertainty structure with unity rank uncertainty structure and with non-negative perturbation matrices, are established. It is shown that robust stability of the positive discrete-time fractional system is equivalent to: 1) robust stability of the corresponding positive discrete-time system of natural order - in the general case, 2) robust stability of the corresponding finite family of positive discrete-time systems of natural order - in the case of linear unity rank uncertainty structure, 3) asymptotic stability of only one corresponding positive discrete-time system of natural order - in the case of linear uncertainty structure with non-negative perturbation matrices. Moreover, simple necessary and sufficient condition for robust stability of the positive interval discrete-time linear systems of fractional order is given. The considerations are illustrated by numerical examples.
Analysis of the stress state in the harmonic drive generator-flexspline system in relation to selected structural parameters and manufacturing deviations
Authors: Ostapski W. 
Published: April 2011

Analysis of the stress state in the harmonic drive generator-flexspline system in relation to selected structural parameters and manufacturing deviations
In the paper, the problem of failure of the elastic bearing supporting the generator in a harmonic drive is presented. To analyse the cause of the failure, material investigations as well as simulations of the stress state in the bearing versus manufacturing deviations and fits between the bearing and the generator cam have been carried out. Studies on the stress state in the flexpline have also been conducted in dependence of such technological deviations and generator bearing-flexspline fits for the classical, short, and ultra-short version of the harmonic drive with different heights of the bottom. The simulations have been realised on a mathematical model based on analytical relationships and a 3D model with the aid of FEM.
The research behavior/attitude support model in open learning systems
Authors: Kusztina E. , Zaikin O. , Tadeusiewicz R. 
Published: April 2011

The research behavior/attitude support model in open learning systemsThe article contains the concept of developing a motivation model aimed at supporting activity of both students and teachers in the process of implementing and using an open and distance learning system. Proposed motivation model is focused on the task of filling the knowledge repository with high quality didactic material. Open and distance learning system assures a computer space for the teaching/learning process in open environment. The structure of the motivation model and formal assumptions regarding the task of solving the model were described. The proposed approach to solving the task bases on the games theory.
Bisphosphonate-associated Osteonecrosis of the Jaw in Ontario: A Survey of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
Authors: KHAN ALIYA A. , RIOS LORENA P. , SÁNDOR GEORGE K.B. , KHAN NAZIR , PETERS EDMUND , RAHMAN MOHAMMED O. , CLOKIE CAMERON M.L. , DORE EDWARD , DUBOIS SACHA 
Published: April 2011

Objective.Osteonecrosis of the jaw (ONJ) in association with use of bisphosphonate (BP) has been described primarily in cancer patients receiving high-dose intravenous BP. The frequency of the condition in patients with osteoporosis appears to be low. We evaluated the frequency of BP-associated ONJ in Ontario in the cancer population and in those receiving BP for osteoporosis and metabolic bone disease.Methods.A survey developed by representatives of the Ontario Society of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons was mailed to Ontario oral and maxillofacial surgeons (OMFS) in December 2006, asking oral surgeons to provide information on cases of ONJ seen in the previous 3 calendar years (2004 to 2006). OMFS were subsequently contacted by telephone if they had not responded or if they had reported cases of ONJ. The frequency of ONJ in association with BP use was estimated from the number of patients with filled prescriptions for BP in Ontario between 2004 and 2006. The cumulative incidence of ONJ was calculated separately for patients using intravenous (IV) BP for cancer treatment and for patients using oral or IV BP for osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disease.Results.Between 2004 and 2006, 32 ONJ cases were identified. Nineteen patients received IV BP for cancer treatment and 13 patients received oral or IV BP for osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease. Over a 3-year period the cumulative incidence of BP-associated ONJ was 0.442% of cancer patient observations (442 per 100,000) and 0.001% of osteoporosis or other metabolic bone disease observations (1.04 per 100,000). The relative risk of low dose IV/oral BP-associated ONJ was 0.002 (95% CI 0.001, 0.005) compared to high-dose IV BP. Other risk factors for ONJ were present in all cases in whom detailed assessment was available. The median duration of exposure to BP was 42 months (range 36 to 120 mo) and 42 months (range 11 to 79 mo) in osteoporosis patients and cancer patients, respectively.Conclusion.Over a 3-year period, the cumulative incidence for BP-associated ONJ was 0.442% of cancer patient observations (442 per 100,000) and 0.001% of osteoporosis or metabolic bone disease observations (1.04 per 100,000). This study provides an approximate frequency of BP-associated ONJ in Canada. These data need to be quantified prospectively with accurate assessment of coexisting risk factors.
Longterm Followup After Tapering Mycophenolate Mofetil During Maintenance Treatment for Proliferative Lupus Nephritis
Authors: LASKARI KATERINA , TZIOUFAS ATHANASIOS G. , ANTONIOU ANNA , MOUTSOPOULOS HARALAMPOS M. 
Published: April 2011

Objective.To determine the timing for safe reduction of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) dose during remission-maintenance therapy of proliferative lupus nephritis.Methods.The study population consisted of 44 patients evaluated retrospectively; MMF dose was empirically tapered in 18/44 patients until the latest observation.Results.Patients reducing MMF ≤ 18 months after remission/complete remission had a 6.8-fold/6.3-fold higher risk of relapse compared to those taking a stable dose (p = 0.001, p = 0.011, respectively). Reducing MMF later than 18 months was not associated with increased relapse rates.Conclusion.Reducing MMF > 1.5 years after remission/complete remission seems to warrant drug tapering without increased risk of disease flare in proliferative lupus nephritis.
Putin ex machina : La Russie post-soviétique dans une perspective comparative et historique
Authors: Lynch Allen C. 
Published: April 2011

Résumé L’auteur situe la Russie de Putin dans plusieurs contextes historiques et comparatifs : post-totalitaire, post-impérial, l’échec de la démocratie de marché dans les années 1990 et la logique de l’État pétrolier. Il affirme que la meilleure façon de comprendre la “démocratie Potemkine” de Putin, qui combine un gouvernement autoritaire avec les formes de la démocratie, une économie partiellement libre et une société largement ouverte, consiste à se référer à la dynamique de la “machine politique”. Une pratique large et complexe de la politique à l’échelle internationale (par exemple, le pouvoir du parti libéral-démocrate au Japon, celui de la démocratie chrétienne en Italie, le Sud des États Unis entre 1878 et 1965, la politique urbaine au Nord des États Unis entre le début et le milieu du 20ème siècle, etc.) démontre comment une faction, en s’emparant des rouages de l’administration publique, en dominant les secteurs clés de l’économie et en déterminant la manière dont les médias couvrent la politique, peut respecter les formes de la démocratie tout en minimisant la véritable obligation démocratique de rendre des comptes. La machine de Putin a eu l’effet paradoxal d’aider la Russie à échapper à la crise des années 1990 tout en minimisant ses chances d’échapper à la logique de l’État pétrolier.
Impaired Response to Influenza Vaccine Associated with Persistent Memory B Cell Depletion in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Patients Treated with Rituximab-Containing Regimens
Authors: Bedognetti Davide , Zoppoli Gabriele , Massucco Carlotta , Zanardi Elisa , Zupo Simonetta , Bruzzone Andrea , Sertoli Mario Roberto , Balleari Enrico , Racchi Omar , Messina Marco , Caltabiano Graziano , Icardi Giancarlo , Durando Paolo , Marincola Francesco M. , Boccardo Francesco , Ferrarini Manlio , Ansaldi Filippo , De Maria Andrea 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
Influenza vaccination is generally recommended for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) patients, but no data are available about the activity of this vaccine after treatment with rituximab-containing regimens. We evaluated the humoral response to the trivalent seasonal influenza vaccine in a group of NHL patients in complete remission for ≥6 mo (median, 29 mo) after treatment with rituximab-containing regimens (n = 31) compared with age-matched healthy subjects (n = 34). B cell populations and incidence of influenza-like illness were also evaluated. For each viral strain, the response was significantly lower in patients compared with controls and was particularly poor in patients treated with fludarabine-based regimens. In the patient group, the response to vaccination did not fulfill the immunogenic criteria based on the European Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use requirements. Among the patients, CD27+ memory B cells were significantly reduced, and their reduction correlated with serum IgM levels and vaccine response. Episodes of influenza-like illness were recorded only in patients. These results showed that NHL patients treated with rituximab-containing regimens have persisting perturbations of B cell compartments and Ig synthesis and may be at particular risk for infection, even in long-standing complete remission.
Evaluation of Radiologically Implanted Central Venous Port Systems Explanted Due to Complications
Authors: Teichgräber Ulf K.M. , Kausche Stephan , Nagel Sebastian N. 
Published: April 2011

Purpose The aim of this study was to evaluate explantations of central venous port systems that were implanted by interventional radiologists in cases where complications demanded the removal of the port device. Methods In this retrospective single-center study, explantation rates of central venous port catheter systems (CVPS) associated with complications were investigated over a 10-year period. All CVPS were implanted and explanted in our radiology department's interventional suite. Port catheter dysfunctions were divided into early and late complications, as well as into nonthrombotic and thrombotic events. Indications for implantation and explantation as well as clinical demographics were considered. Results One hundred and ninety-three CVPS were removed from 182 patients, due to complications. The total indwelling time of all CVPS was 55,132 catheter-days (mean 285.7; range 1–2,704). The most common diagnoses were gastrointestinal cancers 77 (39.9%) and hematological malignancies 32 (16.6%). Bloodstream infections 134 (69.4%) were the most common indication for the explantation procedure. These were followed by catheter-related thrombosis 28 (14.5%), nonthrombotic CVPS dysfunction 18 (9.3%), port pocket infections 9 (4.7%), and others 4 (2.1%). The highest percentages of explantations related to bloodstream infections were observed in patients with malabsorption (81.8%) and hematological malignancies (81.3%). Conclusion Bloodstream infections were the most common cause for port explantation, followed by catheter-related thrombosis. Complication-related explantations were mainly for late-onset complications. Prevention and management strategies should be applied regarding care and usage of port systems to reduce the rate of complication-related explantations.
Desaromatisierungsstrategien in der Synthese strukturell komplexer Naturstoffe
Authors: Roche Stéphane P. , Porco John A. 
Published: April 2011

AbstractAuf dem Gebiet der Totalsynthese von Naturstoffen hat es in den vergangenen zehn Jahren hochinteressante Entwicklungen gegeben. Zahlreiche chemoselektive und enantioselektive Methoden sind aus Totalsynthesen hervorgegangen und ermöglichten einen effizienten Zugang zu vielen wichtigen Naturstoffen. Dieser Aufsatz gibt einen Überblick über neuere Entwicklungen bezüglich der Desaromatisierung, die eine leistungsfähige Strategie zur Totalsynthese von strukturell komplexen Naturstoffen ist und bei der planare aromatische Vorstufen in dreidimensionale Molekülstrukturen umgewandelt werden.
Predation of the juvenile stages of diadromous fish by sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) in the tidal reaches of an English chalk stream
Authors: Riley William D. , Ibbotson Anton T. , Beaumont William R. C. , Pawson Michael G. , Cook Alastair C. , Davison Phillip I. 
Published: April 2011

Abstract
The first incidence of predation by the sea bass (Dicentrarchus labrax) on lamprey ammocoetes and salmonid smolts is reported.
These preliminary findings suggest that there is a need for further investigation to determine if juvenile diadromous fish form a significant component of the diet of sea bass, and to identify whether the likelihood of enhanced abundance of sea bass in protected nursery areas presents a particular threat to the conservation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar).
This will require further sampling of the stomach contents of sea bass and estimates of the sea bass population in nursery areas to be determined, linked with an assessment of the impact of such predation on the conservation status of particular stocks of diadromous fish. © 2011 Crown copyright. Reproduced with the permission of her Majesty's Stationery Office. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flow‐injection chemiluminescence method for the determination of chloramphenicol based on luminol–sodium periodate order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence reaction
Authors: Zhuang Ya‐Feng , Zhu Sheng‐Nan , Wei Wei , Li Jie‐Li 
Published: April 2011

ABSTRACTA new chemiluminescence (CL) reaction was observed when chloramphenicol solution was injected into the mixture after the end of the reaction of alkaline luminol and sodium periodate or sodium periodate was injected into the reaction mixture of chloramphenicol and alkaline luminol. This reaction is described as an order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence (OTSCL) reaction. The OTSCL method combined with a flow‐injection technique was applied to the determination of chloramphenicol. The optimum conditions for the order‐transform second‐chemiluminescence emission were investigated. A mechanism for OTSCL has been proposed on the basis of the chemiluminescence kinetic characteristics, the UV‐visible spectra and the chemiluminescent spectra. Under optimal experimental conditions, the CL response is proportional to the concentration of chloramphenicol over the range 5.0 × 10−7–5.0 × 10−5 mol/L with a correlation coefficient of 0.9969 and a detection limit of 6.0 × 10−8 mol/L (3σ). The relative standard deviation (RSD) for 11 repeated determinations of 5.0 × 10−6 mol/L chloramphenicol is 1.7%. The method has been applied to the determination of chloramphenicol in pharmaceutical samples with satisfactory results. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.