bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contaminants of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Products
Authors: Kosalec Ivan , Cvek Josipa , Tomić Siniša 
Published: January 2010

Contaminants of Medicinal Herbs and Herbal ProductsMedicinal plants have a long history of use in therapy throughout the world and still make an important part of traditional medicine. Thus, medicinal plants and herbal products must be safe for the patient (consumer). This review addresses biological contaminants (microbes and other organisms) and chemical contaminants (mycotoxins, toxic elements such as heavy metals, and pesticide residues) as major common contaminants of medicinal herbs and herbal products. To prevent and screen for contamination and ensure safety and conformity to quality standards, medicinal herbs and herbal products should be included in appropriate regulatory framework.
TiO2 modified by ammonia as a long lifetime photocatalyst for dyes decomposition
Authors: Choina Julia , Dolat Diana , Kusiak Ewelina , Janus Magdalena , Morawski Antoni 
Published: January 2010

TiO2 modified by ammonia as a long lifetime photocatalyst for dyes decomposition
Ammonia-modified TiO2 (TiO2/N), prepared in a pressure reactor was used as the well- active and longlife photocatalyst for the azo dye (Reactive Red 198) decomposition. The effect of aeration and the different value of the pH of the reaction medium on the photocatalytic degradation of Reactive Red 198 in water has been investigated. It has been reported that the degradation is greatly influenced by the reaction pH and the faster decomposition of azo dye took place at pH 3.5. When the solution was acidic, a larger amount of azo dye on the positively charged surface of TiO2 photocatalysts was adsorbed. From the obtained results it can be seen that the effectiveness of the decolourisation of the solution was faster by using the nitrogen-modified TiO2.
Thermal decomposition of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives
Authors: Czech Zbigniew , Pełech Robert , Zych Krzysztof 
Published: January 2010

Thermal decomposition of acrylic pressure-sensitive adhesives
The general aim of this article is to review the state of knowledge on pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and pyrolysis. Recent research data in the field of pyrolysis gas- chromatography (Py-GC) analysis of acrylic PSAs are presented. First, PSA characteristics and applications, pyrolysis (including Py-GC) as an analytical method, and system solutions, are described. The latest scientific achievements in the analysis of thermal degradation products of acrylic PSAs are then presented.
Kinetics of the continuous reaction crystallization of barium sulphate in BaCl2 - (NH4)2 SO4 - NaCl - H2O system - neural network model
Authors: Piotrowski Krzysztof , Koralewska Joanna , Wierzbowska Bogusława , Matynia Andrzej 
Published: January 2010

Kinetics of the continuous reaction crystallization of barium sulphate in BaCl2 - (NH4)2 SO4 - NaCl - H2O system - neural network model
One of the main toxic components of post quenching salts formed in large quantities during steel hardening processes is BaCl2. This dangerous ingredient can be chemically neutralized after dissolution in water by means of reaction crystallization with solid ammonium sulphate (NH4)2 SO4. The resulting size distribution of the ecologically harmless crystalline product - BaSO4 - is an important criteria deciding about its further applicability. Presence of a second component of binary quenching salt mixture (BaCl2-NaCl) in water solution, NaCl, influences the reaction-crystallization process kinetics affecting the resulting product properties. The experimental 39 input-output data vectors containing the information about the continuous reaction crystallization in BaCl2 - (NH4)2 SO4 - NaCl - H2 O system ([BaCl2]RM = 10-24 mass %, [NaCl]RM = 0-12 mass %, T = 305-348 K and τ = 900-9000 s) created the database for the neural network training and validation. The applicability of diversified network configurations, neuron types and training strategies were verified. An optimal network structure was used for the process modeling.
Destructive oxidation of ethanol in the corona discharge reactor
Authors: Paterkowski Wojciech , Parus Wiesław , Kalisiak Stanisław 
Published: January 2010

Destructive oxidation of ethanol in the corona discharge reactor
The results of investigation of ethanol destructive oxidation (model aliphatic alcohol) in a corona discharge reactor are presented. The process was performed at the temperature of 303 K in the corona discharge generator - the reactor system manufactured in our laboratory. The process temperature was kept constant by cooling down the reactor with a stream of air. The measurements were carried out using the following process parameters: the inlet ethanol concentration in the stream of gases in the range of 0.0028 to 0.132 mol/m3 (0.128 ÷ 6.086 g/m3), the gas flow velocity in the range of 0.15-0.33 m3/h (space velocity in the range of 1220 ÷ 2680 m3/(m3
R ·h)) and the power supply to the reactor ranged from 1.6 to 86.4 W. The active volume of the reactor was 1.23·10-4 m3. The phenomenological method was applied for the description of the process. It was based on the assumptions that the reaction rate can be described by the first order equation in relation to the ethanol concentration and the design equation of flow tubular reactor can be applied for the description of corona reactor. The usefulness of this model was estimated using statistical methods for the analysis of the experimental results. The Statistica 6.0 software was used for this application. The first stage of this analysis showed the dependencies between the considered variables, whereas the second stage was to find the equations describing the influence of the selected process parameters on the rate of ethanol destruction. The parameters of A and B of apparent constant rate equation given in the form of Z = A·exp(-B/P) were also determined.
The results of the investigations indicated that the applied corona discharge generator - reactor system assures a high efficiency of purification of the air and industrial waste gases contaminated by ethanol. The ethanol destruction degree of αi = 0.9 was obtained at the power supply to the reactor amounting to 650 kW/m3
R per unit of its active volume. The final products of the reaction were only the harmless carbon dioxide and water vapour. It has been stated that the rate of the destructive oxidation of ethanol reaction is well described by the first order equation in relation to the ethanol concentration. Under isothermal conditions, the reaction rate also depends on the power supply to the reactor. This dependence is well described by the empirical equation Z = 3,233·exp(-82,598/P).
The obtained results also indicated that the method of destructive oxidation of ethanol in the corona discharge reactor can be useful for the removal of ethanol and probably other aliphatic alcohols from different gases. The described method of calculation of the real rate of the process can be successfully used in the design of corona discharge reactors applied for such processes.
Phytophagous Entomofauna Occurring on Onion Plantations in Poland in Years 1919-2007
Authors: Szwejda Jerzy , Wrzodak Robert 
Published: January 2010

Phytophagous Entomofauna Occurring on Onion Plantations in Poland in Years 1919-2007
In years 1919-2007 on domestic onion plantations 37 phytophagous species taxons belonging to 7 insect orders: Thysanoptera, Homoptera, Heteroptera, Lepidoptera, Coleoptera, Diptera and Orthoptera were noted. Among these groups 22 species were stated as phytophagous, additional taxons were indentified to 5 genus (Thrips, Mamestra, Polia, Agrotis, Agriotes) and 3 families: fungus gnats (Sciaridae), march flies (Bibionidae), crane flies (Tipulidae). Furthermore 7 species of saprophagous Diptera were collected from damaged onions during harvest.
The most common dominant species occurring in all regions of onion production were: onion fly (Delia antiqua Meig.), onion thrips (Thrips tabaci Lind.), onion weevil (Ceutorhynchus suturalis Fabr.), leek moth (Acrolepiospis assectella Zell.) and cutworms (Noctuidae). The population density of: onion beetle (Lilioceris merdigera L.), garlic fly (Suillia lurida Meig.) and leek miner fly (Napomyza gymnostoma Loew) were only a seasonal danger, especially in southern regions of Poland. On wet and rich in organic matter soils some soil dwelling insects such as larvae of Melolontha species (Scarabaeidae), larvae of Agriotes (Elateridae), flies (Diptera) from Tipulidae and Bibionidae families were also occurring periodically.
The species and population changes of above mentioned pests allowed to elaborate effective pest control methods of onion plantations. The pest control was performed after field monitoring on the basis of constantly updated short - and long-term forecasting.
Effect of Temperature on the Yield and Quality of Broccoli Heads
Authors: Kałużewicz Alina , Krzesiński Włodzimierz , Knaflewski Mikołaj 
Published: January 2010

Effect of Temperature on the Yield and Quality of Broccoli Heads
The effect of temperature on the yield and quality of broccoli heads was determined. The study involved three cultivars: Cruiser, Skiff and Fiesta. The seedlings were planted on five different dates in 1995 and 1996, nine in 1997 and eight in 1998. The length of time from planting to the first harvest for all the 27 cultivation periods was divided into three equal parts determining in this way three phases of growth. The time of harvest was defined as the fourth phase. Temperatures on a scale from 0°C to 40°C were divided into five-degree ranges. Then, for the four growth phases, correlations were determined between the number of hours at a temperature in the five-degree ranges and the total yield, the percentage of loose heads and the percentages of heads with uneven surface or non-uniform buds.
The length of time at a temperature in the range of 15-25°C during the first growth phase after planting and the phase preceding harvest had the greatest influence on total yield. Longer times at temperatures above 20°C contributed to smaller yields. The longer was the length of time at a temperature ranging from 20 to 25°C during the phase preceding harvest and at a temperature ranging from 5 to 15°C during harvest, the lower the percentage of heads with uneven surface was observed. Longer periods with temperatures above 20°C at harvest time contributed to the loosening of heads.
Effect of Light Conditions and Temperature on Fresh Yield of Some Spice Plants Grown in Containers
Authors: Frąszczak Barbara , Knaflewski Mikołaj 
Published: January 2010

Effect of Light Conditions and Temperature on Fresh Yield of Some Spice Plants Grown in Containers
The aim of this work was to study the effect of quantity of light, length of day and temperature on yield of five species of spice plants. Another purpose of the study was to determine the correlation between the climatic factors mentioned above and to find the optimum coefficient of growth for the individual species. Three levels of temperature during the day were determined: 15, 20 and 25°C (at night the temperature was by 5°C lower). Two daily light integrals (2.9 and 3.8 mol·m-2·d-1) and three levels of photoperiod (12, 14 and 16-h) were chosen.
Photon flux and temperature had the greatest influence on yield. A higher yield of fresh mass was obtained for all species in the condition of 3,8 mol·m-2·d-1. Yield depended linearly on amount of photon absorbed by plants in the growth time. Dry weight was directly connected with RRT (the ratio of radiant energy to thermal energy) and increased linearly as RRT increased.
Effect of Addition of Maidenhair Tree Leaves to Substrate on Yielding and Chemical Composition of Pleurotus ostreatus (Fr.) Kumm. Carpophores
Authors: Siwulski Marek , Czerwińska-Nowak Aleksandra , Korszun Stanisława 
Published: January 2010

Effect of Addition of Maidenhair Tree Leaves to Substrate on Yielding and Chemical Composition of Pleurotus ostreatus (Fr.) Kumm. Carpophores
The effect of addition of different amounts of maidenhair tree leaves to substrate on quantity and earliness of yield and chemical composition of oyster mushroom carpophores was investigated. The experiment was carried out at the Department of Vegetable Crops of the Poznan University of Life Sciences in the year 2008.
The subject of the studies was the ‘P80’ strain of Pleurotus ostreatus. Two cycles of cultivation were conducted. Alder sawdust supplemented with yellow and green maidenhair tree leaves in the amount of 0%, 1% and 10% in relation to dry matter of sawdust were used as experimental substrates. Cultivation was conducted in polypropylene bottles of capacity of 1 dm3. Yield quantity and earliness as well as chemical composition of carpophores were determined.
It was found that quantity and earliness of P. ostreatus yield depended on the amount and kind of maidenhair tree leaves added to substrate. The highest and the earliest yield was obtained on substrate supplemented with 10% addition of green maidenhair tree leaves. The amount of maidenhair tree leaves added to substrate influenced the content of protein and carbohydrates in carpophores whereas it did not influence the content of dry matter, fat and ash. Carpophores obtained on the substrate supplemented with 10% addition of maidenhair tree leaves, independently of their kind, were characterized by the highest content of protein and carbohydrates.
Effect of flow field heterogeneity in coagulators on aggregate size and structure
Authors: Ehrl Lyonel , Soos Miroslav , Wu Hua , Morbidelli Massimo 
Published: January 2010

AbstractAggregate size and structure were investigated under turbulent conditions in stirred tank (ST) and Taylor–Couette‐type (TC‐type) devices. Root‐mean‐square radius of gyration, 〈Rg〉, and zero‐angle intensity of scattered light, I(0), were acquired as a function of stirring intensity, characterized by an experimentally obtained average hydrodynamic stress, 〈τ〉exp, determined by torque measurements. Evaluating aggregate images revealed that aggregate structure and shape are independent of the device type. However, in TC‐type devices, the aggregates grow to three to four times larger sizes than inside ST, although the same 〈τ〉exp was used in both coagulators. As confirmed by computational fluid dynamics, this can be attributed to the differences in the maximum hydrodynamic stress in ST compared with those in TC‐type devices. In contrast, the power‐law scaling of 〈Rg〉 and I(0) with 〈τ〉exp is preserved for all investigated devices, with an exponent approximately equal to −0.5 and −0.7, respectively. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 2010
Prey capture efficiency in brown capuchin monkeys (Cebus apella) is influenced by sex and corpus callosum morphology
Authors: Hellner‐Burris Kaitlyn , Sobieski Courtney A. , Gilbert Valerie R. , Phillips Kimberley A. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractThe diet of capuchin monkeys consists largely of fruits, but these monkeys commonly prey upon insects and other invertebrates as well as vertebrates such as lizards, birds, and fish. Capturing small fast‐moving prey requires the ability to process complex visuospatial information such as motion detection, shape, and pursuit. Here we report the results of an experimental investigation into whether capuchins display sex differences in prey capture efficiency, and whether these differences are associated with the morphology of regions of the corpus callosum (CC) involved in visuospatial ability. We examined the prey capture behavior of seven capuchin subjects (four female, three male) in the laboratory by providing subjects opportunities to fish. Additionally, we obtained structural magnetic resonance images from these subjects to determine if spatial‐ability was related to CC anatomy. Over 30 fishing trials, we recorded the number of prey capture attempts, success rate in capturing fish, and hand techniques used in these attempts. Males were significantly faster and more successful than females at capturing prey. In addition, males had smaller total CC:brain ratios than females. Males displayed a left hand bias, as well as significant unimanual usage, whereas females displayed no significant preference for hand usage. Individual capture times were correlated with total CC:brain ratio. Taken together, our results suggest a relationship between prey capture efficiency, sex, and the degree of brain lateralization. Am. J. Primatol. 72:502–508, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mediation of nonerosive arthritis in a mouse model of lupus by interferon‐α–stimulated monocyte differentiation that is nonpermissive of osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Mensah Kofi A. , Mathian Alexis , Ma Lin , Xing Lianping , Ritchlin Christopher T. , Schwarz Edward M. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveIn contrast to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), the joint inflammation referred to as Jaccoud's arthritis that occurs in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is nonerosive. Although the mechanism responsible is unknown, the antiosteoclastogenic cytokine interferon‐α (IFNα), whose transcriptome is present in SLE monocytes, may be responsible. This study was undertaken to examine the effects of IFNα and lupus on osteoclasts and erosion in the (NZB × NZW)F1 mouse model of SLE with K/BxN serum–induced arthritis.MethodsSystemic IFNα levels in (NZB × NZW)F1 mice were elevated by administration of AdIFNα. SLE disease was marked by anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibody titer and proteinuria, and Ifi202 and Mx1 expression represented the IFNα transcriptome. Microfocal computed tomography was used to evaluate bone erosions. Flow cytometry for CD11b and CD11c was used to evaluate the frequency of circulating osteoclast precursors (OCPs) and myeloid dendritic cells (DCs) in blood.ResultsAdministration of AdIFNα to (NZB × NZW)F1 mice induced osteopetrosis. (NZB × NZW)F1 mice without autoimmune disease were fully susceptible to focal erosions in the setting of serum‐induced arthritis. However, (NZB × NZW)F1 mice with high anti‐dsDNA antibody titers and the IFNα transcriptome were protected against bone erosions. AdIFNα pretreatment of NZW mice before K/BxN serum administration also resulted in protection against bone erosion (r2 = 0.4720, P < 0.01), which was associated with a decrease in the frequency of circulating CD11b+CD11c− OCPs and a concomitant increase in the percentage of CD11b+CD11c+ cells (r2 = 0.6330, P < 0.05), which are phenotypic of myeloid DCs.ConclusionThese findings suggest that IFNα in SLE shifts monocyte development toward myeloid DCs at the expense of osteoclastogenesis, thereby resulting in decreased bone erosion.
HLA–B27 heavy chains distinguished by a micropolymorphism exhibit differential flexibility
Authors: Fabian Heinz , Huser Hans , Loll Bernhard , Ziegler Andreas , Naumann Dieter , Uchanska‐Ziegler Barbara 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveAlthough the products of the HLA subtypes B*2705 and B*2709 differ only in residue 116 (Asp versus His) within their peptide‐binding grooves, they are differentially associated with inflammatory rheumatic diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS): B*2705 occurs in AS patients, whereas B*2709 is only rarely encountered. The reasons for this distinct association are still unclear but could include subtype‐specific conformational and dynamic properties of these antigens. The present study was undertaken to investigate structural and dynamic differences between B*2705 and B*2709 and their possible relationship to subtype‐specific disease association.MethodsThe membrane‐distal segments of the B*2705 and B*2709 heavy chains were expressed in vitro and reconstituted together with β2‐microglobulin and a peptide. HLA–B27 complexes loaded with 2 self peptides (TIS [RRLPIFSRL] and pVIPR [RRKWRRWHL]) and a sequence‐related viral peptide (pLMP2 [RRRWRRLTV]) were studied by isotope‐edited infrared spectroscopy to detect differences in their structure and flexibility at physiologic temperature.ResultsOur analyses revealed the existence of subtype‐specific conformational differences between the 2 HLA–B27 heavy chains at physiologic temperature, which are undetectable using x‐ray crystallography. Irrespective of the bound peptide, the heavy chain of the B*2705 complex exhibited higher conformational flexibility than the B*2709 heavy chain.ConclusionThe present study demonstrates the existence of previously undetected systematic conformational and dynamic differences between the heavy chains of the 2 HLA–B27 subtypes. Since effector cell recognition of cells expressing HLA antigens is dependent on the dynamic properties of the interacting cell surface molecules, this HLA–B27 subtype–specific heavy chain flexibility could have a role in the distinct association of HLA–B27 subtypes with spondylarthritides.
Increased expression of interleukin‐7 in labial salivary glands of patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome correlates with increased inflammation
Authors: Bikker A. , van Woerkom J. M. , Kruize A. A. , Wenting‐van Wijk M. , de Jager W. , Bijlsma J. W. J. , Lafeber F. P. J. G. , van Roon J. A. G. 
Published: January 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo study the expression levels and immunostimulatory capacities of interleukin‐7 (IL‐7) in primary Sjögren's syndrome.MethodsLabial salivary gland (LSG) IL‐7 expression was determined by immunohistochemistry, using a quantitative scoring system, in 30 patients with sicca syndrome: 15 patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) and 15 patients with non‐SS sicca syndrome. The correlation of IL‐7 expression in LSGs with parameters of local and peripheral disease was studied, and serum and salivary IL‐7 levels were determined. Additionally, the effects of IL‐7 on cytokine production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from patients with primary SS were determined in vitro by Luminex multicytokine assay and compared with the effects in control subjects.ResultsThe expression of IL‐7 in LSGs was higher in patients with primary SS compared with that in patients with non‐SS sicca syndrome. IL‐7 was observed primarily in the vicinity of lymphocytic infiltrates. Salivary IL‐7 levels in patients with primary SS were higher than those in control subjects. In all 30 patients with sicca syndrome, IL‐7 expression in LSGs correlated with parameters of both local and peripheral disease. Furthermore, IL‐7 stimulated T cell–attracting and T cell–differentiating cytokines (monokine induced by interferon‐γ [IFNγ], IFNγ‐inducible 10‐kd protein, IL‐12, and IL‐15), as well as Th1 (IFNγ), Th2 (IL‐4), Th17 (IL‐17A), proinflammatory (tumor necrosis factor α and IL‐1α), and regulatory (IL‐10 and IL‐13) cytokine production by PBMCs. All of these cytokines were previously shown to be associated with primary SS. The IL‐7–induced increase in IL‐10 production in patients with primary SS was reduced compared with that in control subjects.ConclusionThe correlation between LSG IL‐7 expression and (local) disease parameters in primary SS as well as the IL‐7–mediated induction of inflammatory cytokines indicate that IL‐7 might contribute to the immunopathology of primary SS.