bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of different washing treatments to mitigate imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues in spinach
Authors: Abdullah  , Randhawa Muhammad Atif , Akhtar Saeed , Mansoor‐ul‐Hassan  , Asghar Ali , Sohaib Muhammad , Aadil Rana Muhammad , Jahangir Muhammad Ahmar 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDAgricultural crops treated with pesticides retain toxic residues that can cause various health disorders upon consumption. The present research project was designed to assess pesticide residues in contaminated spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The efficiency of chemical solutions (acetic acid, citric acid, hydrogen peroxide, sodium chloride and sodium carbonate) of different concentrations (% w/v) along with tap water for the dissolution of pesticide residues in spinach was studied. After various dipping treatments (T0–T22) of treated spinach, imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues were determined by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC).RESULTSAmong the solutions tested, the highest reductions in imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues respectively were 0.92 ± 0.04 mg kg−1 (83%) and 1.42 ± 0.53 mg kg−1 (87%) in treatment T6 (10% acetic acid), followed by 0.79 ± 0.01 mg kg−1 (69%) and 0.86 ± 0.05 mg kg−1 (71%) in treatment T11 (10% citric acid), while the lowest were 0.30 ± 0.02 mg kg−1 (27%) and 0.35 ± 0.02 mg kg−1 (29%) in treatment T20 (4% sodium carbonate). Moreover, treatment T1 (tap water) caused 0.27 ± 0.00 mg kg−1 (23%) and 0.38 ± 05 mg kg−1 (27%) elimination of imidacloprid and acetamaprid residues respectively.CONCLUSIONFrom these findings it is inferred that acetic acid and citric acid washing treatments can be used along with tap water to minimize pesticide residues in treated vegetables. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Stable carbon and nitrogen isotopes as a potential tool to differentiate pork from organic and conventional systems
Authors: Zhao Yan , Yang Shuming , Wang Donghua 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDIsotopic discrimination, dietary composition and feeding regime determine the carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of animals. Accordingly, measurement of the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen can be a potential method to identify patterns of pork production.RESULTSIn the current study, we investigated the carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratio in pork from organic and conventional systems. The average carbon and nitrogen isotope ratios for various organic tissues, including hair, blood and defatted meat, were higher than those of conventionally raised ones. The discriminant analysis results based on the combination of carbon and nitrogen isotopic ratios in defatted meat reached a 100% correct classification. Furthermore, the variation in carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of retail organic and conventional pork has been studied over 1 year. The results suggested that organic pork had a higher δ13C value than that of the conventional pork in all but three fortnights. Grouping of the δ15N data showed that the δ15N value in organic pork was higher than that of the conventional one throughout the whole year.CONCLUSIONThe method established in the present study provides a potential detection that can be highly valuable to prevent fraudulent labelling of organic pork. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation Fibrillized Collagen‐Glycosaminoglycan Complex Matrix Using Fibrillogenesis
Authors: Nam Kwangwoo , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kishida Akio 
Published: December 2015

SummaryIn order to replicate the function of the native dermis, we prepared fibrillized collagen‐GAGs complex matrix possessing the similar structure as native dermis structure using collagen re‐arrangement phenomenon in the physiological conditions. For GAGs, hyaluronic acid, chondroitin‐6‐sulfate, and heparin were used. In the process of preparing a collagen‐GAGs complex matrix, the fibrillization of the collagen was observed when hyaluronic acid and chondroitin‐6‐sulfate were mixed together with collagen in the physiological conditions. However, no fibrillization was observed when collagen was mixed with heparin to prepare a collagen‐heparin complex matrix. The swelling ratio and the mechanical strength had changed by the fibrillization, where low water absorption and brittleness was shown for collagen‐heparin complex matrix which is not fibrillized. This study shows that hyaluronic acid and chondroitin‐6‐sulfate contributes to the fibrillization of the collagen while the heparin forms intercalation with collagen molecules preventing fibrillogenesis.
Novel Zwitterionic Hydrogelators Based on l‐Lysine
Authors: Suzuki Masahiro , Kondo Moemi , Hanabusa Kenji 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThe zwitterionic low‐molecular‐weight gelators based on l‐lysine, which had a sulfobetaine as the zwitterionic terminal group, were synthesized, and their gelation properties were examined. These compounds functioned as a good hydrogelators that form hydrogels in aqueous solutions containing inorganic acids and salts as well as aqueous 1,3‐butanediol and glycerol solutions less than 1 wt%. Furthermore, it was found that the gelation property depended on the chemical structures of alkyl group in the ester and alkylene in the sulfobetaine.
Size‐Dependent Catalytic Activity of Gold Nanoparticles in DNA Hydrogels
Authors: Zinchenko Anatoly , Taniguchi Shota , Murata Shizuaki 
Published: December 2015

SummaryDNA hydrogel was used as a “reactor” to synthesize gold nanoparticles of various sizes. By varying the amount of reducing agent in the reaction between HAuCl4 and NaBH4 in hydrogel it was possible to vary the average size of gold nanoparticles between 2 and 6 nm. Catalytic activity of DNA hybrid hydrogels with embedded gold nanoparticles of various sizes in hydrogenation reaction of nitroaromatic compound was compared and shown to have the maximum values at average size of gold NP ca. 4 nm.
Epoxy Elastomers Modified with Silsesquioxane
Authors: Mossety‐Leszczak Beata , Ostyńska Paulina , Galina Henryk 
Published: December 2015

SummaryThis study aimed at investigating into possible applications of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) as fillers of epoxy elastomers. Detailed studies were carried out for octakis[(3‐glycidyloxypropyl) ­dimethylosiloxy]octasilsesquioxane (POSS‐OG). The elastic epoxy materials consisted of diglycidyl ethers of 1,4‐butanediol or 1,6‐hexanediol, crosslinked with polyoxypropylenediamine Jeffamine D2000. The results obtained by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), dynamic mechanical thermal analysis (DMA), and rheological measurements made it possible to establish the effect of POSS‐OG modifier on the properties of the material. The silsesquioxane modifier was found to enhance the elasticity of the resulting polymers and reduced gelation time.
What are health professionals’ intentions toward using research and products of research in clinical practice? A systematic review and narrative synthesis
Authors: Appleby Ben , Roskell Carolyn , Daly William 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAimTo explore health professionals’ intentional behaviour and what determines their intention to use products of research in clinical practice.BackgroundTrying to get research and products of research into clinical practice is an enduring problem. A clearer picture is emerging as to how individual practitioners respond toward practical problems of changing clinical practice, but this does not include health professionals’ intentions to use products of research and what influences their intentions.DesignSystematic Review and Narrative Synthesis.Data sourcesFive databases were searched systematically. This included BNI, HMIC, Psych INFO, CINHAL and MEDLINE; articles published in the English language only were included.Review methodsPRISMA guidelines were used as a framework for structuring the review and methods of narrative synthesis to analyse study outcomes.ResultsEighteen studies matched the final inclusion criteria. All studies used questionnaires to measure intention. Most studies involved Nurses or Physicians. Nurses’ intentions were mostly influenced by their perceived ability to use guidelines in their practice. Physicians’ intentions were often influenced by their perceptions of the usefulness and relevance of the guideline and peer pressure amongst the professional group. Practice habits, when added to intentional models were also predictive of intentional behaviour. In studies that compared intentions with behaviour, the level of intention often did not match self‐report or actual behaviour.
Image quality and effective dose of a robotic flat panel 3D C‐arm vs computed tomography
Authors: Kraus Michael , Fischer Eric , Gebhard Florian , Richter Peter H. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine the effective dose and corresponding image quality of different imaging protocols of a robotic 3D flat panel C‐arm in comparison to computed tomography (CT).MethodsDose measurements were performed using a Rando–Alderson Phantom. The phantom was exposed to different scanning protocols of the 3D C‐arm and the CT. Pedicle screws were inserted in a fresh swine cadaver. Images were obtained using the same scanning protocols.ResultsAt the thoracolumbar junction, the effective dose was comparable for 3D high‐dose protocols, with (4.4 mSv) and without (4.3 mSv) collimation and routine CT (5 mSv), as well as a dose‐reduction CT (4.0 mSv). A relevant reduction was achieved with the 3D low‐dose protocol (1.0 mSv). Focusing on Th6, a similar reduction with the 3D low‐dose protocol was achieved. The image quality of the 3D protocols using titanium screws was rated as ‘good’ by all viewers, with excellent correlation.ConclusionsModern intra‐operative 3D‐C‐arms produce images of CT‐like quality with low‐dose radiation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Still Large, but Narrowing: The Sizable Decline in Racial Neighborhood Inequality in Metropolitan America, 1980–2010
Authors: Firebaugh Glenn , Farrell Chad R. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractAlthough residential segregation is known to have declined for some racial groups in America, much less is known about change in the relative socioeconomic quality of the neighborhoods where different racial and ethnic groups live. Using census data for 1980–2010, we find that the neighborhoods where whites and minorities reside have become more alike in terms of neighborhood poverty and median income, largely because whites now live in poorer neighborhoods and because African Americans live in less-poor neighborhoods. The narrowing of black-white neighborhood inequality since 1980 has been sizable, far exceeding the narrowing of Hispanic-white neighborhood inequality; nonetheless, despite blacks’ relative gains, the disparity in black-white neighborhood economic conditions remains very large. Asian Americans, on the other hand, now reside in neighborhoods that are economically similar to the neighborhoods where whites reside. Regression analyses reveal that racial neighborhood inequality declined the most in U.S. metropolitan areas where racial residential segregation declined the most.
Hispanic-White Differences in Lifespan Variability in the United States
Authors: Lariscy Joseph T. , Nau Claudia , Firebaugh Glenn , Hummer Robert A. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis study is the first to investigate whether and, if so, why Hispanics and non-Hispanic whites in the United States differ in the variability of their lifespans. Although Hispanics enjoy higher life expectancy than whites, very little is known about how lifespan variability—and thus uncertainty about length of life—differs by race/ethnicity. We use 2010 U.S. National Vital Statistics System data to calculate lifespan variance at ages 10+ for Hispanics and whites, and then decompose the Hispanic-white variance difference into cause-specific spread, allocation, and timing effects. In addition to their higher life expectancy relative to whites, Hispanics also exhibit 7 % lower lifespan variability, with a larger gap among women than men. Differences in cause-specific incidence (allocation effects) explain nearly two-thirds of Hispanics’ lower lifespan variability, mainly because of the higher mortality from suicide, accidental poisoning, and lung cancer among whites. Most of the remaining Hispanic-white variance difference is due to greater age dispersion (spread effects) in mortality from heart disease and residual causes among whites than Hispanics. Thus, the Hispanic paradox—that a socioeconomically disadvantaged population (Hispanics) enjoys a mortality advantage over a socioeconomically advantaged population (whites)—pertains to lifespan variability as well as to life expectancy. Efforts to reduce U.S. lifespan variability and simultaneously increase life expectancy, especially for whites, should target premature, young adult causes of death—in particular, suicide, accidental poisoning, and homicide. We conclude by discussing how the analysis of Hispanic-white differences in lifespan variability contributes to our understanding of the Hispanic paradox.
Mechanisms of cardiac arrhythmias
Authors: Tse Gary 
Published: December 2015

AbstractBlood circulation is the result of the beating of the heart, which provides the mechanical force to pump oxygenated blood to, and deoxygenated blood away from, the peripheral tissues. This depends critically on the preceding electrical activation. Disruptions in the orderly pattern of this propagating cardiac excitation wave can lead to arrhythmias. Understanding of the mechanisms underlying their generation and maintenance requires knowledge of the ionic contributions to the cardiac action potential, which is discussed in the first part of this review. A brief outline of the different classification systems for arrhythmogenesis is then provided, followed by a detailed discussion for each mechanism in turn, highlighting recent advances in this area.
Clinical Response, Outbreak Investigation, and Epidemiology of the Fungal Meningitis Epidemic in the United States: Systematic Review
Authors: Abbas Kaja M. , Dorratoltaj Nargesalsadat , O’Dell Margaret L. , Bordwine Paige , Kerkering Thomas M. , Redican Kerry J. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractWe conducted a systematic review of the 2012–2013 multistate fungal meningitis epidemic in the United States from the perspectives of clinical response, outbreak investigation, and epidemiology. Articles focused on clinical response, outbreak investigation, and epidemiology were included, whereas articles focused on compounding pharmacies, legislation and litigation, diagnostics, microbiology, and pathogenesis were excluded. We reviewed 19 articles by use of the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) framework. The source of the fungal meningitis outbreak was traced to the New England Compounding Center in Massachusetts, where injectable methylprednisolone acetate products were contaminated with the predominant pathogen, Exserohilum rostratum. As of October 23, 2013, the final case count stood at 751 patients and 64 deaths, and no additional cases are anticipated. The multisectoral public health response to the fungal meningitis epidemic from the hospitals, clinics, pharmacies, and the public health system at the local, state, and federal levels led to an efficient epidemiological investigation to trace the outbreak source and rapid implementation of multiple response plans. This systematic review reaffirms the effective execution of a multisectoral public health response and efficient delivery of the core functions of public health assessment, policy development, and service assurances to improve population health.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:145–151)
Effectiveness of Using Cellular Phones to Transmit Real-Time Shelter Morbidity Surveillance Data After Hurricane Sandy, New Jersey, October to November, 2012
Authors: Shumate Alice M. , Yard Ellen E. , Casey-Lockyer Mary , Apostolou Andria , Chan Miranda , Tan Christina , Noe Rebecca S. , Wolkin Amy F. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractTimely morbidity surveillance of sheltered populations is crucial for identifying and addressing their immediate needs, and accurate surveillance allows us to better prepare for future disasters. However, disasters often create travel and communication challenges that complicate the collection and transmission of surveillance data. We describe a surveillance project conducted in New Jersey shelters after Hurricane Sandy, which occurred in November 2012, that successfully used cellular phones for remote real-time reporting. This project demonstrated that, when supported with just-in-time morbidity surveillance training, cellular phone reporting was a successful, sustainable, and less labor-intensive methodology than in-person shelter visits to capture morbidity data from multiple locations and opened a two-way communication channel with shelters. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2015;10:525–528)
The pre-1969 historiography of the Northern Ireland conflict: a reappraisal
Authors: Lambkin Brian 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThis article contributes to the the mapping of the ‘pathways of transmission’ of the Northern Ireland ‘problem’ by drawing attention to three problematic aspects of John Whyte’s appraisal of the pre-1969 historiography, inInterpreting Northern Ireland(1990): that the work of T. W. Moody and J. C. Beckett and their fellow historians before 1969 was ‘lightweight’ and ‘bland’; that they effectively ignored Ulster’s history of sectarian rioting until Andrew Boyd’s bookHoly war in Belfast(1969) brought it ‘back into the consciousness of historians’; and that the ‘external conflict paradigm’ was ‘dominant’ in their discourse. These are examined in sections II–V. The content of the pre-1969 historiography is examined in section I and a preliminary reappraisal is offered in section VI.
Antidepressants and heart-rate variability in older adults: a population-based study
Authors: Noordam R. , van den Berg M. E. , Niemeijer M. N. , Aarts N. , Hofman A. , Tiemeier H. , Kors J. A. , Stricker B. H. , Eijgelsheim M. , Visser L. E. , Rijnbeek P. R. 
Published: December 2015

BackgroundTricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be associated with lower heart rate variability (HRV), a condition associated with increased mortality risk. We aimed to investigate the association between TCAs, SSRIs and HRV in a population-based study.MethodIn the prospective Rotterdam Study cohort, up to five electrocardiograms (ECGs) per participant were recorded (1991–2012). Two HRV variables were studied based on 10-s ECG recordings: standard deviation of normal-to-normal RR intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (RMSSD). We compared the HRV on ECGs recorded during use of antidepressants with the HRV on ECGs recorded during non-use of any antidepressant. Additionally, we analysed the change in HRV on consecutive ECGs. Those who started or stopped using antidepressants before the second ECG were compared with non-users on two ECGs.ResultsWe included 23 647 ECGs from 11 729 participants (59% women, mean age 64.6 years at baseline). Compared to ECGs recorded during non-use of antidepressants (n = 22 971), SDNN and RMSSD were lower in ECGs recorded during use of TCAs (n = 296) and SSRIs (n = 380). Participants who started using TCAs before the second ECG had a decrease in HRV and those who stopped had an increase in HRV compared to consistent non-users (p < 0.001). Starting or stopping SSRIs was not associated with HRV changes.ConclusionTCAs were associated with a lower HRV in all analyses, indicating a real drug effect. For SSRIs the results are mixed, indicating a weaker association, possibly due to other factors.
Short-wavelength experiments on laser pulse interaction with extended pre-plasma at the PALS-installation
Authors: Pisarczyk T. , Gus'kov S.Yu. , Renner O. , Dudzak R. , Dostal J. , Demchenko N.N. , Smid M. , Chodukowski T. , Kalinowska Z. , Rosinski M. , Parys P. , Badziak J. , Batani D. , Borodziuk S. , Gizzi L. A. , Krousky E. , Maheut Y. , Cristoforetti G. , Antonelli L. , Koester P. , Baffigi F. , Ullschmied J. , Hrebicek J. , Medrik T. , Pfeifer M. , Skala J. , Pisarczyk P. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe paper is a continuation of research carried out at Prague Asterix Laser System (PALS) related to the shock ignition (SI) approach in inertial fusion, which was carried out with use of 1ω main laser beam as the main beam generating a shock wave. Two-layer targets were used, consisting of Cu massive planar target coated with a thin polyethylene layer, which, in the case of two-beam irradiation geometry, simulate conditions related to the SI scenario. The investigations presented in this paper are related to the use of 3ω to create ablation pressure for high-power shock wave generation. The interferometric studies of the ablative plasma expansion, complemented by measurements of crater volumes andKαemission, clearly demonstrate the effect of changing the incident laser intensity due to changing the focal radius on efficiency of laser energy transfer to a shock wave and fast electron emission. The efficiency of the energy transfer increases with the radius of the focused laser beam. The pre-plasma does not significantly change the character of this effect. However, it unambiguously results in the increasing temperature of fast electrons, the total energy of which remains very small (<0.1% of the laser energy). This study shows that the optimal radius from the point of view of 3ω radiation energy transfer to the shock wave is the maximal one used in these experiments and equal to 200 µm that corresponds to the minimal effect of two-dimensional (2D)-expansion. Such a result is typical for the ablation process determined by electron conductivity energy transfer under the conditions of one-dimensional or 2D matter expansion without any appreciable effect due to energy transfer by fast electrons. The 2D simulations based on application of the ALANT-HE code and an analytical model that includes generation and transport of hot electrons has been used to support of experimental data.
Discovery of novel INK4C small-molecule inhibitors to promote human and murine hematopoietic stem cell ex vivo expansion
Authors: Xie Xiang-Qun , Yang Peng , Zhang Yu , Zhang Peng , Wang Liping , Ding Yahui , Yang Ming , Tong Qin , Cheng Haizi , Ji Qing , McGuire Terence , Yuan Weiping , Cheng Tao , Gao Yingdai 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) have emerged as promising therapeutic cell sources for high-risk hematological malignancies and immune disorders. However, their clinical use is limited by the inability to expand these cells ex vivo. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify specific targets and effective probes that can expand HSCs. Here we report a novel class of INK4C (p18INK4C or p18) small molecule inhibitors (p18SMIs), which were initially found by in silico 3D screening. We identified a lead p18 inhibitor, XIE18-6, confirmed its p18-targeting specificity and bioactivity of promoting HSCs expansion and then performed structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies by synthesizing a series of analogs of XIE18–6. Among these, compound 40 showed the most potent bioactivity in HSCs expansion (ED50 = 5.21 nM). We confirmed that compound 40 promoted expansion of both murine and human HSCs and also confirmed its p18-targeting specificity. Notably, compound 40 did not show significant cytotoxicity toward 32D cells or HSCs, nor did it augment leukemia cell proliferation. Taken together, our newly discovered p18SMIs represent novel chemical agents for murine and human HSCs ex vivo expansion and also can be used as valuable chemical probes for further HSC biology research towards promising utility for therapeutic purposes.