bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of liming on dry biomass, lead concentration and accumulated amounts in roots and shoots of three tropical pasture grasses from lead contaminated acidic soils
Authors: Htwe Win Mi , Kyawt Yin Yin , Thaikua Sarayut , Imai Yuriko , Mizumachi Susumu , Kawamoto Yasuhiro 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLiming the contaminated soil is the most widely used remediation treatment to reduce the bioavailability of heavy metals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of liming on the change of dry matter and lead uptake by three tropical pasture grasses from lead contaminated acidic soil. Lime at five rates of 0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 g kg−1 soil was amended to the Neubauer's pots filled with 500 g Kunigami‐maji soils and then the limed soil was contaminated with 150 mg kg−1 lead after it was maintained for 1 week. Addition of lime increased soil pH significantly from 4.43 to 5.40. The root and shoot dry matter of all three tropical pasture grasses increased with the increasing doses of lime. An elevation of soil pH induced by liming resulted in a significant reduction of lead concentrations in both roots and shoots of all experimental grasses. The effectiveness of liming on lead concentration and accumulation varied with the pH values of limed soil and grass species. The results of this study imply that napiergrass was the most effective tropical pasture grass in reducing lead concentration and accumulation of roots and shoots as a consequence of liming, and could be used for lead stabilization in moderately lead contaminated acidic soil. The shoot lead concentration of napiergrass in limed soils was within the critical level of lead tolerable to feeding domestic animals, and may act as low level lead toxicity in fodder for grazing livestock. However, lime application or soil pH had a little influence on the lead accumulated amount in roots and shoots of atratum and signalgrass. The high amounts of lead accumulated in shoots of atratum and signalgrass were found to be useful for lead phytoextraction.
Concurrent Salinization and Development of Anoxic Conditions in a Confined Aquifer, Southern Israel
Authors: Burg Avihu , Gavrieli Ittai , Guttman Joseph 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAn ancient, brackish, anoxic, and relatively hot water body exists within the Yarqon‐Tanninim Aquifer in southern Israel. A hydrogeological‐geochemical conceptual model is presented, whereby the low water quality is the outcome of three conditions that are met simultaneously: (1) Presence of an organic‐rich unit with low permeability that overlies and confines the aquifer; the confining unit contains perched horizons with relatively saline water. (2) Local phreatic/roofed conditions within the aquifer that enable seepage of the organic‐rich brackish water from above. The oxidation of the dissolved organic matter in the seeping water consumes the dissolved oxygen and continues through bacterial sulfate reduction, with H2S as a product. These exothermic reactions result in some heating. (3) The seeping water comprises a relatively large portion of the water volume. In the presented case study, the latter condition first developed in the Late Pleistocene following climate change, which led to a dramatic decline in recharge. Consequently, water flow in the local basin has nearly ceased, as evident by old water ages, specific isotopic composition, and nearly equipotential water levels. The continuous seepage from above into the almost stagnant water body has resulted in degraded water quality. Seepages of organic‐rich brackish water exist at other sites throughout the aquifer but have limited impact on the salinity and redox conditions due to the dynamic water flow, which flushes the seeping water, that is, the third condition is not met. The coexistence of the above three conditions may explain the development of anoxic and saline groundwater in other aquifers worldwide.
Recurrent heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia due to heparin rinsing before priming the machine in a hemodialysis patient: A case report
Authors: Lim Jin Han , Kang Kyung Pyo , Lee Sik , Park Sung Kwang , Kim Won 
Published: October 2016

AbstractHeparin has remained the most commonly used anticoagulant for patients undergoing hemodialysis. It is usually safe to use but can have severe adverse effects in some cases. Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is a life‐threatening complication of exposure to heparin. It results from an autoantibody directed against endogenous platelet factor 4 (PF4) in complex with heparin, which activates platelets and can cause catastrophic arterial and venous thromboses. Here, we present the case of an 80‐year‐old woman with a recent diagnosis of chronic renal failure who developed acute HIT (platelet count nadir, 15 × 109/L) on day 7 of hemodialysis performed with routine heparin anticoagulation, who despite subsequent heparin‐free hemodialysis (with argatroban and warfarin) developed recurrent HIT (complicated by acute cerebral infarction) on day 11 that we attributed to “rinsing” of the circuit with heparin‐containing saline (3,000 units of unfractionated heparin, with subsequent saline washing) performed pre‐dialysis as per routine. After stopping heparin rinsing, the platelet count recovered completely, without further thrombotic or other sequelae. Our experience indicates that for patients with acute HIT, besides the well‐known practice of using non‐heparin anticoagulation during dialysis and avoiding heparin “locking” of dialysis catheters, it is also important to avoid inadvertent rinsing of the circuit with heparin during preparation for hemodialysis.
Combining arterial‐spin labeling with functional magnetic resonance imaging measurement for characterizing patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Li Ying , Liu Huaijun , Yang Jiping , Tian Xin , Yang Haiqing , Geng Zuojun 
Published: October 2016

AimOur objective is to explore key changes in brain functions in relation to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE). We incorporated both resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) and arterial spin labeling (ASL) to enhance the detection of MHE.MethodsWe undertook fMRI scanning for 56 MHE patients and 66 healthy controls. Region functional connectivity was carried out to assess the connectivity status between pairs of regions among 90 brain regions. Additionally, blood flow (BF) status was measured by ASL for all subjects. Spearman's correlation test was implemented to identify any correlation among z‐values, results from number connection test type A, and digit symbol tests. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic curve was generated for assessing the accuracy of BF in MHE diagnosis.ResultsThe corresponding functional connectivity was significantly different between MHE and control groups in 15 regions. For MHE patients, BF showed an increasing pattern in regions of interest. Blood flood in the putamen was positively correlated with number connection test type A neuropsychological performance, whereas it was negatively correlated with the digit symbol test. Blood flood in the right putamen showed the highest value of area under the curve with a sensitivity of 85.7% and specificity of 89.4%.ConclusionConnectivity impairment resulting from ganglia‐thalamo‐cortical circuits may play important roles in mediating the development of MHE patients. An increase in the BF, particularly in the right putamen, may be considered as evidence for the presence of MHE.
Successful participation of patients in interprofessional team meetings: A qualitative study
Authors: van Dongen Jerôme Jean Jacques , Habets Iris Gerarda Josephine , Beurskens Anna , van Bokhoven Marloes Amantia 
Published: October 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe number of people with multiple chronic conditions increases as a result of ageing. To deal with the complex health‐care needs of these patients, it is important that health‐care professionals collaborate in interprofessional teams. To deliver patient‐centred care, it is often recommended to include the patient as a member of the team.ObjectiveTo gain more insight into how health‐care professionals and patients, who are used to participate in interprofessional team meetings, experience and organize patient participation in the team meetings.MethodsA qualitative study including observations of meetings (n=8), followed by semi‐structured interviews with participating health‐care professionals (n=8), patients and/or relatives (n=11). Professionals and patients were asked about their experiences of patient participation immediately after the team meetings. Results from both observations and interviews were analysed using content analysis.ResultsThe findings show a variety of influencing factors related to patient participation that can be divided into five categories: (i) structure and task distribution, (ii) group composition, (iii) relationship between professionals and patients or relatives, (iv) patients’ characteristics and (v) the purpose of the meeting.ConclusionPatient participation during team meetings was appreciated by professionals and patients. A tailored approach to patient involvement during team meetings is preferable. When considering the presence of patients in team meetings, it is recommended to pay attention to patients’ willingness and ability to participate, and the necessary information shared before the meeting. Participating patients seem to appreciate support and preparation for the meeting.
A plant oil‐containing pH 4 emulsion improves epidermal barrier structure and enhances ceramide levels in aged skin
Authors: Blaak J. , Dähnhardt D. , Dähnhardt‐Pfeiffer S. , Bielfeldt S. , Wilhelm K.‐P. , Wohlfart R. , Staib P. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractObjectiveXerosis is a serious problem among the very old. It is a dermatological challenge caused by significant alterations in stratum corneum (SC) function and structure. Two negative changes in aged skin are (i) the enhanced skin surface pH and (ii) the altered SC lipid content, composition and ordering.MethodsTherefore, we investigated the way in which an acidic skin care product with different plant oils affects SC function, structure and lipid profile in older subjects with dry skin. Before and after a 3‐week application period, different biophysical measurements were performed: transepidermal water loss, SC hydration and skin surface pH. In addition, the SC lipid matrix was evaluated by analysis of the intercellular lipid lamellae and the SC lipid profile.ResultsAfter treatment, a significant increase in lipid lamellae in the intercellular space of the SC was observed in the area treated with the test product compared to the untreated area. Furthermore, the ceramide level was found to be increased, although ceramides were not provided by the acidic test formulation.ConclusionIn summary, topical application of a pH 4.0 product containing plant oils improves epidermal barrier formation and SC lipid ordering and ratio in aged dry skin.
The Citizenship Gap in European Societies: Conceptualizing, Measuring and Comparing ‘Migration Neutrality’ across the EU
Authors: Recchi Ettore 
Published: October 2016

AbstractEquality in life‐chances of nationals and immigrants is a sensitive issue on which there is more debate than systematic evidence. To evaluate this condition across European societies, the concept of integration as “migration neutrality” is introduced. “Migration neutrality” is defined as the irrelevance of national citizenship as a predictor of key social attainments. Odds ratios are used to measure the relative risk of non‐national as compared with national citizens in the attainment of relevant resources. While this indicator cannot control for compositional differences in the populations at stake, it represents a straightforward benchmark that can be used in different domains to describe and compare foreign citizens’ position relative to nationals. In this article, we calculate it across EU member states through Eurostat data. In particular, the focus is on migration neutrality in the risk of social exclusion. Country variations are found to be hardly amenable to established classifications of integration types. Moreover, the relationship between “migration neutrality” levels and pro‐immigrant policies (as measured by the Mipex index) is found to be weak, suggesting that these policies do not consistently target the reduction of the gap between nationals and non nationals.
Distinct patterns of cytolytic T‐cell activation by different tumour cells revealed by Ca2+ signalling and granule mobilization
Authors: Frick Melissa , Mouchacca Pierre , Verdeil Grégory , Hamon Yannick , Billaudeau Cyrille , Buferne Michel , Fallet Mathieu , Auphan‐Anezin Nathalie , Schmitt‐Verhulst Anne‐Marie , Boyer Claude 
Published: October 2016

SummaryCancer‐germline genes in both humans and mice have been shown to encode antigens susceptible to targeting by cytotoxic CD8 T effector cells (CTL). We analysed the ability of CTL to kill different tumour cell lines expressing the same cancer‐germline gene P1A (Trap1a). We previously demonstrated that CTL expressing a T‐cell receptor specific for the P1A35–43 peptide associated with H‐2Ld, although able to induce regression of P1A‐expressing P815 mastocytoma cells, were much less effective against P1A‐expressing melanoma cells. Here, we analysed parameters of the in vitro interaction between P1A‐specific CTL and mastocytoma or melanoma cells expressing similar levels of the P1A gene and of surface H‐2Ld. The mastocytoma cells were more sensitive to cytolysis than the melanoma cells in vitro. Analysis by video‐microscopy of early events required for target cell killing showed that similar patterns of increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) were induced by both types of P1A‐expressing tumour cells. However, the use of CTL expressing a fluorescent granzyme B (GZMB‐Tom) showed a delay in the migration of cytotoxic granules to the tumour interaction site, as well as a partially deficient GZMB‐Tom exocytosis in response to the melanoma cells. Among surface molecules possibly affecting tumour–CTL interactions, the mastocytoma cells were found to express intercellular adhesion molecule‐1, the ligand for LFA‐1, which was not detected on the melanoma cells.
Timing the Market with a Combination of Moving Averages
Authors: Glabadanidis Paskalis 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA combination of simple moving average trading strategies with several window lengths delivers a greater average return and skewness as well as a lower variance and kurtosis compared with buying and holding the underlying asset using daily returns of value‐weighted US decile portfolios sorted by market size, book‐to‐market, momentum, and standard deviation as well as more than 1000 individual US stocks. The combination moving average (CMA) strategy generates risk‐adjusted returns of 2% to 16% per year before transaction costs. The performance of the CMA strategy is driven largely by the volatility of stock returns and resembles the payoffs of an at‐the‐money protective put on the underlying buy‐and‐hold return. Conditional factor models with macroeconomic variables, especially the market dividend yield, short‐term interest rates, and market conditions, can explain some of the abnormal returns. Standard market timing tests reveal ample evidence regarding the timing ability of the CMA strategy.
The assessment of data sources for influenza virologic surveillance in New York State
Authors: Escuyer Kay L. , Waters Christine L. , Gowie Donna L. , Maxted Angie M. , Farrell Gregory M. , Fuschino Meghan E. , St. George Kirsten 
Published: October 2016

BackgroundFollowing the 2013 USA release of the Influenza Virologic Surveillance Right Size Roadmap, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) embarked on an evaluation of data sources for influenza virologic surveillance.ObjectiveTo assess NYS data sources, additional to data generated by the state public health laboratory (PHL), which could enhance influenza surveillance at the state and national level.MethodsPotential sources of laboratory test data for influenza were analyzed for quantity and quality. Computer models, designed to assess sample sizes and the confidence of data for statistical representation of influenza activity, were used to compare PHL test data to results from clinical and commercial laboratories, reported between June 8, 2013 and May 31, 2014.ResultsSample sizes tested for influenza at the state PHL were sufficient for situational awareness surveillance with optimal confidence levels, only during peak weeks of the influenza season. Influenza data pooled from NYS PHLs and clinical laboratories generated optimal confidence levels for situational awareness throughout the influenza season. For novel influenza virus detection in NYS, combined real‐time (rt) RT‐PCR data from state and regional PHLs achieved ≥85% confidence during peak influenza activity, and ≥95% confidence for most of low season and all of off‐season.ConclusionsIn NYS, combined data from clinical, commercial, and public health laboratories generated optimal influenza surveillance for situational awareness throughout the season. Statistical confidence for novel virus detection, which is reliant on only PHL data, was achieved for most of the year.
Influence of ordered carbon‐vacancy networks on the electronic structures and elastic properties of Nb4AlC3−x
Authors: Zhang Hui , Hu Tao , Li Zhaojin , Zhang Yanhui , Hu Minmin , Wang Xiaohui , Zhou Yanchun 
Published: October 2016

AbstractCarbon‐vacancy‐bearing Nb4AlC3−x has the best high‐temperature mechanical robustness among MAX phases. The existing form of the vacancies has been long overlooked. Recently, the vacancies in Nb4AlC3−x have been identified to be ordered, establishing an ordered compound Nb12Al3C8. Here, the spatial distribution of the ordered vacancies and their influences on bonding characteristics and elastic properties are unraveled by thoroughly comparing Nb12Al3C8 and vacancy‐free Nb4AlC3. In Nb12Al3C8, the carbon vacancies break only relatively weak Nb–C bonds and form ordered equilateral triangular carbon‐vacancy networks (OETCVNs) to maximize the bond strengthening effect. The networks slightly shift partial and total density of states toward the Fermi energy level, and bring about a feature of “de‐metallization”. Meanwhile, the presence of OETCVNs results in the softening of elastic modulus, decreasing of the anisotropy of Young's modulus, yet increasing that of shear modulus. These results shed lights on the carbon‐vacancy ordering behavior of MAX phases, and provide an opportunity to tailor their electronic structures and elastic properties through defect engineering.
SiCNO–GO composites with the negative temperature coefficient of resistance for high‐temperature sensor applications
Authors: Yu Yuxi , Huang Qifan , Rhodes Samuel , Fang Jiyu , An Linan 
Published: October 2016

AbstractWe report the synthesis of silicon oxycarbonitride ceramic‐graphene oxide (SiCNO–GO) composites by using polyvinylsilazne (PVSZ) and GO as precursors through cross‐linking processes, in which GO organizes into microspheres in the SiCNO matrix. The formation of GO microspheres significantly enhances the electrical conductivity of SiCNO. The electrical resistivity of SiCNO–GO composites shows a negative temperature coefficient in the range from 25°C to 600°C. We demonstrate the application of SiCNO–GO composites as the functional component of high‐temperature sensors.
Effect of Fe/Ta doping on structural, dielectric, and electrical properties of Bi4Ti2.5Fe0.25Ta0.25O12 ceramics
Authors: Rehman Fida , Wang Lin , Jin Hai‐Bo , Bukhtiar Arfan , Zhang Ruibo , Zhao Yongjie , Li Jing‐Bo 
Published: October 2016

AbstractAurivillius single‐phase Bi4Ti2.5Fe0.25Ta0.25O12 ceramics was prepared via high‐temperature solid‐state reaction method. The detailed structural analysis of the doped Bi4Ti3O12 compound was carried out by Rietveld refinement of the full XRD Pattern. Dielectric and electrical properties were studied in a wide range of temperature and frequency by dielectric/impedance spectroscopies. The comprehensive analysis of frequency spectrum reveals the occurrence of two relaxation behaviors in the ceramics at low frequency and high frequency, respectively. A phase transition was observed at ~650°C in Bi4Ti2.5Fe0.25Ta0.25O12 somewhat lower than the ferroelectric transition temperature of Bi4Ti3O12. The possible reason for the decrease of ferroelectric transition temperature was discussed based on the structural analysis. The present results could be useful for designing and/or modifying properties of Bi4Ti3O12‐related ceramics.
Minimum time heating cycles for diffusion‐ versus permeability‐controlled binder removal from ceramic green bodies
Authors: Lombardo Stephen J. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractA comparison of minimum time heating cycles (MTHCs) was conducted for binder removal from ceramic green bodies for two mass transfer mechanisms: diffusion and gas permeability. The MTHCs were determined by combining approximate analytic solutions to the governing reaction‐diffusion and reaction‐gas permeability equations with a variational calculus algorithm containing a constraint on pressure buildup within the green body. Both the temperature‐time profile and duration of the MTHCs were sensitive to the operative transport process as well as to a number of model parameters including the pressure constraint, the total furnace pressure, the reaction kinetics, the gas permeability, and the diffusivity as described by the free volume theory. Strategies were identified which are most effective for decreasing the cycle time for each mass transfer mechanism.
Composition and temperature dependence of structure and piezoelectricity in (1−x)(K1−yNay)NbO3‐x(Bi1/2Na1/2)ZrO3 lead‐free ceramics
Authors: Wang Dawei , Hussain Fayaz , Khesro Amir , Feteira Antonio , Tian Ye , Zhao Quanliang , Reaney Ian M. 
Published: October 2016

AbstractLead‐free piezoceramics with the composition (1−x)(K1−yNay)NbO3‐x(Bi1/2Na1/2)ZrO3 (KNyN‐xBNZ) were prepared using a conventional solid‐state route. X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and dielectric measurements as a function of temperature indicated the coexistence of rhombohedral (R) and tetragonal (T) phase, typical of a morphotropic phase boundary (MPB) as the BNZ concentration increased and by adjusting the K/Na ratio. High remnant polarization (Pr=24 μC/cm2), piezoelectric coefficient (d33=320 pC/N), effective piezocoefficient ({d_{33}^*}=420 pm/V), coupling coefficient (kp=48%), and high strain (S=0.168%) were obtained at room temperature, but significant deterioration of Pr, {d_{33}^*}, and kp were observed by increasing from room temperature to 160°C (17.5 μC/cm2, 338 pm/V, and 32%, respectively) associated with a transition to a purely T phase. Despite these compositions showing promise for room‐temperature applications, the deterioration in properties as a function of increasing temperature poses challenges for device design and remains to be resolved.