bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toxic effects of nanoparticles - differences and similarities with fine particles
Authors: Martinsone Žanna , Baķe Mārīte 
Published: August 2010

Toxic effects of nanoparticles - differences and similarities with fine particles
There is increasing recognition that nanoparticles may pose a risk to human health. Toxicology studies have indicated that specific properties of nanoparticles drive their toxicity. These properties include surface area and chemistry, size and shape of particles, as well as charge and number, but to a lesser extent, mass. Nanoparticles can influence human health by occupational exposure and by environmental contacts. Uptake of nanoparticles may occur by inhalation, transdermal means and by ingestion. After inhalation, oral administration or parenteral administration, nanoparticles reach the lungs, gastrointestinal tract and brain. It is important to understand the similar and dissimilar features of nanoparticles and fine particles regarding impact on health. The general picture that emerges from experimental animal studies is that, on a mass dose basis, pulmonary toxicity is enhanced when particle size is reduced from the micrometre to the nanometre range. The increase in toxicity appears to be related to the increase in particle surface area. However, different existing materials in the nanometre size exhibit different degrees of toxicity on the respiratory tract. It is not possible to reach generic conclusions about toxicity based on consideration of size alone; the potential toxicity of each individual nanoparticulate material needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. There is a clear lack of information on the potential health effects of nanoparticles produced for nanotechnologies. These uncertainties arise because of gaps in knowledge about the factors that are essential for predicting health risks — factors such as routes of exposure, translocation of materials once they enter the body, and interaction of the materials with the body's biological systems.
Environmental quality assessment and modelling in high-risk industrial sites in Latvia
Authors: Maurāns Andris , Prindulis Jānis , Mačs Dainis 
Published: August 2010

Environmental quality assessment and modelling in high-risk industrial sites in Latvia
The industrial risk situation during the past 20 years in 50 high-risk industrial sites in Latvia was investigated. Overall, the study results show that the level of industrial risk within Latvia's high-risk companies has fallen significantly. Modernisation of equipment and automation of process management were deemed to be the most effective risk reduction measures. A great deal of experience has accumulated in Latvia in the field of quantitative risk assessment. However, the comparability of the results of the work carried out is limited, because different input data and assumptions have been utilised in the calculations by various specialists. Computer modelling of the harmful impact zones resulting from accidents should be consolidated in risk assessments so that as far as possible the harmful effects on human health and the environment arising from accidents can be assessed more comprehensively and diversely. There is a need to develop common methods for probabilistic risk assessment. The study also shows that, in contrast to many European countries, acceptable risk norms are yet to be ratified in Latvia which is hindering the formulation and implementation of targeted risk reduction policy by executive governmental institutions.
Health disorders of the employees exposed to organic solvents at work
Authors: Veide Artūrs , Eglīte Maija , Baķe Mārīte , Čurbakova Elvīra 
Published: August 2010

Health disorders of the employees exposed to organic solvents at work
The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of exposure of organic solvents at work on related health disorders in Latvia. Two surveys were carried out with a total number of 2520 respondents. Retrospective analysis of incidence of occupational diseases caused by organic solvents was performed. 21.4% of employees indicated absorption of chemical substances through skin. The incidence of occupational diseases caused by organic solvents has a stable trend to decrease from year 2003. 58.8% of employees believe that their long-term health disorders are related to their work environment or work conditions. While organic solvents remain an essential working risk problem in Latvia, the data on exposed persons and their health disorders caused by organic solvents are not sufficient enough. Biological monitoring could facilitate early diagnostics of non-specific health disorders caused by organic solvents.
Work conditions and health risks of persons employed in construction in Latvia
Authors: Farbtuha Tatjana , Martinsone Žanna , Vanadziņš Ivars , Dundurs Jānis , Mārtiņsone Inese , Piķe Anita 
Published: August 2010

Work conditions and health risks of persons employed in construction in Latvia
The health effects of the work condition in construction were the focus for this study. The construction sector involves numerous risk factors, which can essentially endanger employee health and safety by causing accidents, occupational diseases and work-related diseases. The aim of this study was to examine the work condition, identity risk factors in the workplace, analyse the morbidity and accidents in the construction sector. According to the data of the State Revenue Service, the number of persons employed in construction in Latvia is growing each year. In the construction sector the number of accidents per 100 000 employees has tended to fall between 2003 and 2005, but the number of serious accidents has risen 1.3 times. Employees in construction companies are not sufficiently informed about the work environment risk factors and their influence on health and safety.
Possible hazards of work environment in metal processing industry in Latvia
Authors: Mārtiņsone Inese , Baķe Mārīte-Ārija , Martinsone Žanna , Eglīte Maija 
Published: August 2010

Possible hazards of work environment in metal processing industry in Latvia
The aim of this study was to investigate risk factors in the work environment of Latvian metal processing industry using the database of the Laboratory of Hygiene and Occupational Diseases of the Institute of Occupational Safety and Environmental Health, Rīga Stradiņš University. During the period between 1996 and 2005, 703 measurements were made in metalworking enterprises. In Latvia, approximately 2.4% of the workforce is involved in the metal processing industry. Physical (noise, lighting, vibration) and chemical (abrasive dust, welding aerosol and contained metals) risk factors were analysed. In the assessed metalworking workplaces, the work environment was estimated to be of poor quality, because occupational exposure limits or recommended values were exceeded in 42% (n = 294) of cases. Noise, manganese and welding aerosols most often exceeded the occupational exposure limits or recommended values, the significance was P < 0.001, P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively.
Micropropagation of Marsdenia brunoniana Wight & Arn. - A rare antidiabetic plant
Authors: Ugraiah A. , Karuppusamy S. , Pullaiah T. 
Published: August 2010

Shoot multiplication of M. brunoniana Wight & Arn. was achieved from the nodal explants of mature plants using MS with different concentrations and combina-tions of growth regulators. Maximum explant response and highest number of shoots per explant was obtained on MS medium fortified with 1.0 mg/l BAP. The highest degree of shoot proliferation was found to be 90%. The combination of BAP and Kn was also found to be effective for regeneration. The regenerated shoots were successfully rooted on MS supplemented with 0.5 mg/l NAA, after sequential hardening; survival rate was 90%. Key words: Marsdenia brunoniana, Medinal plant, Micropropagation, Conservation D. O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i1.5958 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(1): 7-12, 2010 (June)
Rapid in vitro Regeneration and Clonal Propagation of the Fastest Growing Leguminous Tree Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg using Leaflet Explant
Authors: Ghosh Nabarun , Smith Don W. , Das A. B. , Chatterjee A. 
Published: August 2010

Young leaflets were used as the explants for in vitro regeneration of Albizia falcataria (L.) Fosberg without callus intervention. The leaf explants produced in vitro adventitious shoot buds directly on culturing with MS supplemented with BA, IBA (4.0/0.05 mg/l) and 10% coconut milk (v/v). Addition of casein hydrolysate and coconut milk increased the production of shoot buds. The buds produced shoots and roots and showed 66% survival in a field trial. This technique offers an effective way by which large number of genetically stable plants can be produced, maintained, multiplied and transported as disease free propagules or regenerants, safely and economically. Key words: Albizia falcataria, Leaf explant, Clonal propagation, Cytology D.O.I. 10.3329/ptcb.v20i1.5966 Plant Tissue Cult. & Biotech. 20(1): 63-72, 2010 (June)
The Influence of Atorvastatin on Tendon Healing: An Experimental Study on Rabbits
Authors: Esenkaya Irfan , Sakarya Bulent , Unay Koray , Elmali Nurzat , Aydin Nasuhi Engin 
Published: August 2010

Hyperlipidemia is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. The most commonly used antihyperlipidemic drugs are 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG CoA) reductase inhibitors (statins), of which atorvastatin is one of the most widely used. Little is known about the relationship between tendinopathy and HMG CoA reductase inhibitors (statins) or the effects of atorvastatin use on tendon healing following surgical repair of tendon rupture. We hypothesized that atorvastatin negatively affects this healing process.
The Achilles tendons of 16 New Zealand rabbits were ruptured surgically and repaired with sutures. Eight of the rabbits were given oral atorvastatin. The other 8 served as a surgical control group. Six weeks postoperatively, all the rabbits were sacrificed, and the repaired tendons were removed. After standard histological preparation, fibroblastic activity, revascularization, collagenization, collagen construction, and inflammatory-cell infiltration were evaluated. On comparing the atorvastatin and surgical control groups, we observed no difference in fibroblastic activity. Although it did not reach statistical significance in our study, a difference was noted in revascularization, collagenization, and inflammatory cell infiltration; and a statistical difference was observed in collagen construction.
Doubt remains about the adverse effect of atorvastatin use during tendon healing. Further investigations in animal and human models are needed on the effects of tendon healing when atorvastatin is administered for a longer time frame prior to the injury.
Hip Hemiarthroplasty After Displaced Femoral Neck Fracture: A Survivorship Analysis
Authors: Tanous Thomas , Stephenson Kelly W. , Grecula Michael J. 
Published: August 2010

The standard of care for displaced femoral neck fractures is not clear. We reviewed all patients 65 years or older with displaced femoral neck fracture who underwent hip hemiarthroplasty at our institution between 1997 and 2006. Women accounted for 70% of the patients. Mean patient age was 78 years, and most of the patients were community ambulators.
Complete operative information was available for 226 (79%) of 285 patients. Follow-up was available for 126 patients (mean, 15.8 months; range, 1–97 months). Total mortality rate was 58%. Mean University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) scores were 8.3 for pain, 6.7 for walking, 5.6 for function, and 3.5 for activity. Two patients had acetabular wear on radiography, but symptoms were not severe enough to warrant revision. Three patients (1.3%) underwent revision, 1 with acetabular wear and 2 for infection.
Despite the limited follow-up, the rate of conversion to total hip arthroplasty (THA) was low. Longer, prospective studies are needed to delineate which patients will benefit from THA.
Subdeltoid Lipoma: A Case With Symptoms Mimicking Glenohumeral Instability and Subacromial Impingement
Authors: Ui Michimasa , Ogawa Kiyohisa 
Published: August 2010

Lipoma is the most frequently occurring benign soft tissue tumor in the shoulder and the axillary region in middle-aged and older persons, yet few such lipoma cases have been associated with clinical symptoms. A 38-year-old right-handed man presented with an enlarged feeling and a painful back-and-forth popping in his left shoulder. Although moderate tenderness of the subacromial bursa and bicipital groove existed, an obvious impingement sign was absent. Also not evidenced were signs of neurological deficits, limited range of motion, or any physical findings suggestive of instability. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a homogenous tumor in the subdeltoid that was isointense relative to the subcutaneous fat and fluid collection in the hypertrophic subacromial bursa. As the tumor was considered from the clinical and imaging findings to be attributable to all clinical symptoms, it was resected en bloc with a satisfactory result. Histopathologically, the tumor showed typical features of a simple lipoma.
To our knowledge, the present case is the first of a subdeltoid intermuscular lipoma of which mechanism developing symptoms was preoperatively surmised from imaging. The symptom-mimicking shoulder instability was assumed to be produced by the back-and-forth snapping of the lipoma beneath the deltoid muscle. The mechanism for developing the subacromial impingement-like symptom was surmised to derive from the middle deltoid fibers pressuring the lipoma to push up into the subacromial space. This case is presented to emphasize the careful reading of imaging in considering the pathomechanism of the attributing symptoms.
Inefficient Lymph Node Sensitization during Respiratory Viral Infection Promotes IL-17–Mediated Lung Pathology
Authors: Kallal Lara E. , Hartigan Adam J. , Hogaboam Cory M. , Schaller Matthew A. , Lukacs Nicholas W. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
Development of bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue has been suggested to enhance local antiviral immune responses; however, ectopic lymph node formation often corresponds to chronic inflammatory diseases. These studies investigated the role of ectopic pulmonary lymph nodes upon respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection using CCR7-deficient mice, which develop bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue early in life. CCR7−/− mice exhibited impaired secondary lymph node formation, enhanced effector T cell responses and pathogenic mucus production in the lung after RSV infection. IL-17 production from CD4 T cells in CCR7−/− mice was most remarkably enhanced. Wild-type animals reconstituted with CCR7−/− bone marrow recapitulated the pathogenic lung phenotype in CCR7−/− mice, whereas CCR7−/− animals reconstituted with wild-type bone marrow had normal lymph node development, diminished IL-17 production and reduced lung pathology. Mixed bone marrow chimeras revealed an alteration of immune responses only in CCR7−/− T cells, suggesting that impaired trafficking promotes local effector cell generation. Lymphotoxin-α–deficient mice infected with RSV were used to further examine locally induced immune responses and demonstrated increased mucus production and amplified cytokine responses in the lung, especially IL-17. Neutralization of IL-17 in CCR7−/− or in lymphotoxin-α–deficient animals specifically inhibited mucus hypersecretion and reduced IL-13. Thus, immune cell trafficking to secondary lymph nodes is necessary for appropriate cytokine responses to RSV as well as modulation of the local environment.
Distinct Requirements of MicroRNAs in NK Cell Activation, Survival, and Function
Authors: Bezman Natalie A. , Cedars Elizabeth , Steiner David F. , Blelloch Robert , Hesslein David G. T. , Lanier Lewis L. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that have recently emerged as critical regulators of gene expression within the immune system. In this study, we used mice with conditional deletion of Dicer and DiGeorge syndrome critical region 8 (Dgcr8) to dissect the roles of miRNAs in NK cell activation, survival, and function during viral infection. We developed a system for deletion of either Dicer or Dgcr8 in peripheral NK cells via drug-induced Cre activity. We found that Dicer- and Dgcr8-deficient NK cells were significantly impaired in survival and turnover, and had impaired function of the ITAM-containing activating NK cell receptors. We further demonstrated that both Dicer- and Dgcr8-dependent pathways were indispensable for the expansion of Ly49H+ NK cells during mouse cytomegalovirus infection. Our data indicate similar phenotypes for Dicer- and Dgcr8-deficient NK cells, which strongly suggest that these processes are regulated by miRNAs. Thus, our findings indicate a critical role for miRNAs in controlling NK cell homeostasis and effector function, with implications for miRNAs regulating diverse aspects of NK cell biology.
Output feedback adaptive command following and disturbance rejection for nonminimum phase uncertain dynamical systems
Authors: Yucelen Tansel , Haddad Wassim M. , Calise Anthony J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we develop an output feedback adaptive control framework for continuous‐time nonminimum phase multivariable systems for output stabilization, command following, and disturbance rejection. The approach is based on a nonminimal state space realization that generates an expanded set of states using the filtered inputs and filtered outputs and their derivatives of the original system. Specifically, a direct adaptive controller for the nonminimal state space model is constructed using the expanded states of the nonminimal realization and is shown to be effective for multi‐input, multi‐output nonminimum phase systems with unstable dynamics. The adaptive controller does not require any model information nor does it require information of the system poles and system zeros or estimation of the system Markov parameters. Several illustrative numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed approach. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threshold computation for fault detection in a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems
Authors: Khan Abdul Qayyum , Ding Steven X. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we address the problem of designing robust thresholds for fault detection in discrete‐time nonlinear uncertain systems in the presence of process disturbances. Both constant and dynamic thresholds are proposed. For the computation of constant thresholds, a generalized framework based on signal norms is developed. Different kinds of constant thresholds are studied in the framework proposed. Using linear matrix inequalities (LMI) techniques, algorithms are derived for the computation of these thresholds. Similarly, the dynamic threshold is designed by deriving an inequality on the upper bound of the modulus of the residual signal. This inequality is based on the solution of discrete‐time nonlinear uncertain systems. The simulation examples illustrate that false alarms are successfully eliminated using the proposed thresholds. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
FeCl3‐Based Few‐Layer Graphene Intercalation Compounds: Single Linear Dispersion Electronic Band Structure and Strong Charge Transfer Doping
Authors: Zhan Da , Sun Li , Ni Zhen Hua , Liu Lei , Fan Xiao Feng , Wang Yingying , Yu Ting , Lam Yeng Ming , Huang Wei , Shen Ze Xiang 
Published: August 2010

AbstractGraphene has attracted much attention since its first discovery in 2004. Various approaches have been proposed to control its physical and electronic properties. Here, it is reported that graphene‐based intercalation is an efficient method to modify the electronic properties of few‐layer graphene (FLG). FeCl3 intercalated FLGs are successfully prepared by the two‐zone vapor transport method. This is the first report on full intercalation for graphene samples. The features of the Raman G peak of such FLG intercalation compounds (FLGIC) are in good agreement with their full intercalation structures. The FLGICs present single Lorentzian 2D peaks, similar to that of single‐layer graphene, indicating the loss of electronic coupling between adjacent graphene layers. First principle calculations further reveal that the band structure of FLGIC is similar to single‐layer graphene but with a strong doping effect due to the charge transfer from graphene to FeCl3. The successful fabrication of FLGIC opens a new way to modify properties of FLG for fundamental studies and future applications.
Tailored Remote Photochromic Coloration of in situ Synthesized CdS Quantum Dot Loaded WO3 Films
Authors: Zhao Zhi‐Gang , Liu Zhi‐Fu , Miyauchi Masahiro 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCdS quantum dot (QD) loaded WO3 films, fabricated by screen printing and short‐time chemical bath deposition (CBD) techniques, have been proven to have an efficient visible‐light‐driven photochromic response. One of the striking features of such a photochromic system is its remote photochromic characteristic. The photogenerated electrons in CdS are injected into WO3 to cause the color change of WO3, while CdS does not show any photochromism. Compared to bare WO3 films, the spectral sensitivity of remote photochromism in the CdS QD loaded WO3 films is red‐shifted. The onset wavelength for remote, the decoloration time for CdS QD loaded WO3 films was found to be significantly shorter than that for bare WO3 films, probably due to their different electron trapping processes. Bandgap excitation in bare WO3 creates deeply trapped electrons in the bulk, whereas the electrons injected from the QDs are trapped at shallow surface states in the remote photochromic system. The successful tailoring of photochromic coloration employing a simple procedure would provide numerous opportunities for designing photo‐ and electrochromic materials with the optimal architecture and tunable properties.
Role of the Charge Transfer State in Organic Donor–Acceptor Solar Cells
Authors: Deibel Carsten , Strobel Thomas , Dyakonov Vladimir 
Published: August 2010

AbstractCharge transfer complexes are interfacial charge pairs residing at the donor–acceptor heterointerface in organic solar cell. Experimental evidence shows that it is crucial for the photovoltaic performance, as both photocurrent and open circuit voltage directly depend on it. For charge photogeneration, charge transfer complexes represent the intermediate but essential step between exciton dissotiation and charge extraction. Recombination of free charges to the ground state is via the bound charge transfer state before being lost to the ground state. In terms of the open circuit voltage, its maximum achievable value is determined by the energy of the charge transfer state. An important question is whether or not maximum photocurrent and maximum open circuit voltage can be achieved simultaneously. The impact of increasing the CT energy—in order to raise the open circuit voltage, but lowering the kinetic excess energy of the CT complexes at the same time—on the charge photogeneration will accordingly be discussed. Clearly, the fundamental understanding of the processes involving the charge transfer state is essential for an optimisation of the performance of organic solar cells.