bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A QuEChERS-Based Sample Preparation Method for the Analysis of 5-Nitroimidazoles in Bovine Milk by HPLC–DAD
Authors: Tuzimski Tomasz , Rejczak Tomasz 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
In this study, a simple, cost-effective, and sensitive HPLC diode-array detection method was developed for the simultaneous determination of six different 5-nitroimidazoles [metronidazole, 2-hydroxymethyl-1-methyl-5-nitro-1H-imidazole, dimetridazole (DMZ), ronidazole, ornidazole, and ipronidazole] in bovine milk samples. A QuEChERS-based sample preparation procedure was optimized by evaluating different cleanup sorbents, including zirconium-based sorbents (Z-Sep and Z-Sep+), C18, and primary–secondary amine (PSA), as well as EMR-Lipid cleanup solution. Acceptable analytical performance for all analytes was observed with recoveries in the range of 45–93% and RSDs of less than 15%. Negligible matrix interference was observed for most of the analytes due to application of PSA sorbent in a dispersive solid-phase extraction cleanup step. Method LOQs (mLOQs) for five of the six investigated analytes were set at a satisfactory low food product value of 2.5 ng/mL. For DMZ only, the mLOQ was set at 10 ng/mL. The procedure was evaluated through the analysis of 10 different natural samples.
Supercritical Fluid Extraction of Bioactive Compounds from Plant Materials
Authors: Wrona Olga , Rafińska Katarzyna , Możeński Cezary , Buszewski Bogusław 
Published: July 2017

Abstract
There has been growing interest in the application of supercritical solvents over the last several years, many of the applications industrial in nature. The purpose of plant material extraction is to obtain large amounts of extract rich in the desired active compounds in a time-sensitive and cost-effective manner. The productivity and profitability of a supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) process largely depends on the selection of process parameters, which are elaborated upon in this paper. Carbon dioxide (CO2) is the most desirable solvent for the supercritical extraction of natural products. Its near-ambient critical temperature makes it suitable for the extraction of thermolabile components without degradation. A new approach has been adopted for SFE in which the solubility of nonpolar supercritical CO2 can be enhanced by the addition of small amounts of cosolvent.
Effects of Antrodia Camphorata Mycelia Extract Containing Antroquinonol on Lowering Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol: A Randomized Double-Blind Study
Authors: Miles Chih-Ming Chena  , Pei-Ni Chena  , Howard Hao-Yu Chenga  , Wayne Ching-Cheng Weia  , Ryuji Takedab  , Mitsuko Moric  , Kiichiro Mochidad  
Published: July 2017

Objective: Antrodia camphorata is a type of true fungus that grows only on Cinnamomum camphora trees, also known as Cinnamomum kanehirae (“kashi”) in Taiwan. Antroquinonol is a characteristic component of A. camphorata mycelia extract and was previously shown to exhibit antitumor action and lower blood cholesterol (total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein [LDL] cholesterol) in cellular and animal models. So, This study examined the ability of A. camphorata mycelia extract to reduce LDL cholesterol in humans.
Methods: We conducted a randomized double-blind trial in 26 subjects with either borderline LDL cholesterol (120–139 mg/dL; n = 11) or mildly elevated LDL cholesterol (140–159 mg/dL; n = 15). Participants ingested tablets containing either 25 mg of A. camphorata mycelia extract (antroquinonol: 0.68 mg; n = 14) or a placebo (n = 12) for 12 weeks.
Results: The test group showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol when compared with the placebo group after 12 weeks of tablet ingestion (p < 0.05), demonstrating the effects of A. camphorata mycelia extract on LDL cholesterol. A. camphorata mycelia extract also tended to reduce total cholesterol when compared with the placebo (p < 0.10). The borderline LDL cholesterol and mildly elevated LDL cholesterol subgroups showed a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol in subjects who ingested A. camphorata mycelia extract compared with those who ingested the placebo, again demonstrating the LDL cholesterol-lowering effect of the extract.
Conclusion: A. camphorata mycelia extract lowers LDL cholesterol in individuals with somewhat high LDL cholesterol levels.
This clinical trial was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN no. # 000019670).
Reliability and Correlation of Static and Dynamic Foot Arch Measurement in a Healthy Pediatric Population
Authors: Scholz Timo , Zech Astrid , Wegscheider Karl , Lezius Susanne , Braumann Klaus-Michael , Sehner Susanne , Hollander Karsten 
Published: July 2017

Background:Measurement of the medial longitudinal foot arch in children is a controversial topic, as there are many different methods without a definite standard procedure. The purpose of this study was to 1) investigate intraday and interrater reliability regarding dynamic arch index and static arch height, 2) explore the correlation between both arch indices, and 3) examine the variation of the medial longitudinal arch at two different times of the day.Methods:Eighty-six children (mean ± SD age, 8.9 ± 1.9 years) participated in the study. Dynamic footprint data were captured with a pedobarographic platform. For static arch measurements, a specially constructed caliper was used to assess heel-to-toe length and dorsum height. A mixed model was established to determine reliability and variation.Results:Reliability was found to be excellent for the static arch height index in sitting (intraday, 0.90; interrater, 0.80) and standing positions (0.88 and 0.85) and for the dynamic arch index (both 1.00). There was poor correlation between static and dynamic assessment of the medial longitudinal arch (standing dynamic arch index, r = –0.138; sitting dynamic arch index, r = –0.070). Static measurements were found to be significantly influenced by the time of day (P &lt; .001), whereas the dynamic arch index was unchanged (P = .845). This study revealed some further important findings. The static arch height index is influenced by gender (P = .004), whereas dynamic arch index is influenced by side (P = .011) and body mass index (P &lt; .001).Conclusions:Dynamic and static foot measurements are reliable for medial longitudinal foot arch assessment in children. The variation of static arch measurements during the day has to be kept in mind. For clinical purposes, static and dynamic arch data should be interpreted separately.
Implementation of the Xpert MTB/RIF assay for tuberculosis in Mongolia: a qualitative exploration of barriers and enablers
Authors: Rendell Nicole L. , Bekhbat Solongo , Ganbaatar Gantungalag , Dorjravdan Munkhjargal , Pai Madhukar , Dobler Claudia C. 
Published: July 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of our study was to identify barriers and enablers to implementation of the Xpert MTB/RIF test within Mongolia’s National Tuberculosis Program.MethodsTwenty-foursemi-structured interviews were conducted between June and September 2015 with laboratory staff and tuberculosis physicians in Mongolia’s capital Ulaanbaatar and regional towns where Xpert MTB/RIF testing had been implemented. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed thematically using NVIVO qualitative analysis software.ResultsEight laboratory staff (five from the National Tuberculosis Reference Laboratory in Ulaanbaatar and three from provincial laboratories) and sixteen tuberculosis physicians (five from the Mongolian National Center for Communicable Diseases in Ulaanbaatar, four from district tuberculosis clinics in Ulaanbaatar and seven from provincial tuberculosis clinics) were interviewed. Major barriers to Xpert MTB/RIF implementation identified were: lack of awareness of program guidelines; inadequate staffing arrangements; problems with cartridge supply management; lack of local repair options for the Xpert machines; lack of regular formal training; paper based system; delayed treatment initiation due to consensus meeting and poor sample quality. Enablers to Xpert MTB/RIF implementation included availability of guidelines in the local language; provision of extra laboratory staff, shift working arrangements and additional modules; capacity for troubleshooting internally; access to experts; opportunities for peer learning; common understanding of diagnostic algorithms and decentralised testing.ConclusionOur study identified a number of barriers and enablers to implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF in the Mongolian National Tuberculosis Program. Lessons learned from this study can help to facilitate implementation of Xpert MTB/RIF in other Mongolian locations as well as other low-and middle-income countries.
Generation of shock lamellae and melting in rocks by lightning‐induced shock waves and electrical heating
Authors: Chen Jiangzhi , Elmi Chiara , Goldsby David , Gieré Reto 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe very rapid energy release from impact events, such as those resulting from lightning strikes or meteorites, can drive a variety of physical and chemical processes which alter rocks and result in the formation of natural glasses (i.e., fulgurites and tektites). Fulgurite is the vitrified soil, sand, or rock resulting from lightning strikes. A thunderbolt is associated with air temperatures of up to 105 K, which can heat rocks to >2000 K within tens of microseconds. The rapid fusing and subsequent quenching of the surface of the rock leaves a distinctive, thin, garbled coating composed of a glassy to fine‐grained porous material. Previous studies on rock fulgurites found planar deformation features in quartz crystals within the target rock substrate, evidence of strong shock waves during fulgurite formation. In this paper, we simulated the shock pressure and temperature caused by an idealized lightning impact on rocks and compared the model results with observations on rock fulgurites from the literature. Our model results indicate that a lightning strike can cause >7 GPa pressure on the rock surface, generate a layer of fulgurite (of radius ∼9 cm), and leave a burned region (of radius ∼11 cm). The fulgurites found on rock surfaces share many features with sand fulgurites, but their spatial distribution is completely different, as sand fulgurites are hollow tube structures. Our study on rock fulgurites provides an indirect constraint on the energy of a lightning event and also demonstrates that the presence of shock features in rocks cannot be taken as unequivocal evidence for impact events.
Data‐derived optimization of sensitivity requirements for upcoming auroral imaging missions
Authors: Donovan Eric , Uritsky Vadim M. , Unick Craig , Troyan Vladimir 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUsing an extensive database of ultraviolet images of the nighttime sector of the northern auroral oval obtained from the POLAR spacecraft and data analysis tools adopted from statistical mechanics of turbulent flows, we identify scaling relations describing substorm time variability of the auroral intensity as a function of spatial scale and auroral intensity level. By extrapolating these relations to scales smaller than those resolved by previously flown auroral missions, we derive contrast and sensitivity constraints for a next‐generation global auroral imager. The outcomes of this analysis, combined with the results reported by Uritsky et al. (2010), make it possible to optimize sensitivity and resolution requirements for future auroral imaging missions intended to observe auroral structure and dynamics across wide ranges of spatial and temporal scales.
Partnerships form the basis for implementing a National Space Weather Plan
Authors: Spann James F. , Giles Barbara L. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe 2017 Space Weather Enterprise Forum, held June 27, focused on the vital role of partnerships in order to establish an effective and successful national space weather program. Experts and users from the many government agencies, industry, academia, and policy makers gathered to discuss space weather impacts and mitigation strategies, the relevant services and supporting infrastructure, and the vital role cross‐cutting partnerships must play for successful implementation of the National Space Weather Action Plan.
Selective Reduction of Azines to Benzyl Hydrazones with Sodium Borohydride Catalyzed by Mesoporous Silica‐Supported Silver Nanoparticles: A Catalytic Route towards Pyrazole Synthesis
Authors: Charistoudi Evangelia , Kallitsakis Michael G. , Charisteidis Ioannis , Triantafyllidis Kostas S. , Lykakis Ioannis N. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe catalytic activity of supported silver nanoparticles on mesoporous silica was studied, for the selective reduction of azines into benzyl hydrazones using sodium borohydride as mild reducing agent. Different sizes of silver nanoparticles supported on mesoporous silica (Ag/HMS) were successfully prepared by two methods, i.e., wet impregnation followed by reduction with hydrogen at 350 °C and in situ deposition/reduction with a mixture of amines (ethanolamine and ethylenediamine). The Ag/HMS (amines) catalyst was found to promote the selective 1,2‐reduction of aryl‐substituted azines, compared to the corresponding 1,4‐reduction that occurs in general reduction processes. This catalytic transfer hydrogenation process found to be clean, fast and quantitative (>99% yields and selectivity) towards benzyl hydrazone synthesis under mild conditions. Of great importance is that under the present catalytic conditions reducible functional groups remain intact. Formal kinetics, support the in situ formation of silver hydride species being responsible for the reduction process. The presence of protic polar methanol enhanced the catalytic activity of Ag/HMS. Based on the recycling studies the catalytic system Ag/HMS‐NaBH4 was found to catalyze the selective reduction of azines nine times without significant loss of its activity. Finally, a one‐pot reaction between the in situ produced benzyl hydrazones and a series of nitrostyrenes readily provided the regioselective synthesis of 1,3,5‐subtituted pyrazoles, highlighting a useful synthetic application of the catalytic protocol.magnified image
All‐In‐One Perovskite Catalyst: Smart Controls of Architecture and Composition toward Enhanced Oxygen/Hydrogen Evolution Reactions
Authors: Hua Bin , Li Meng , Zhang Ya‐Qian , Sun Yi‐Fei , Luo Jing‐Li 
Published: July 2017

AbstractA conventional water electrolyzer consists of two electrodes, each of which is embedded with a costly and rare electrocatalyst, typically IrO2/C for oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and Pt/C for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER), respectively. HER and OER electrocatalysts usually require very different pH values to keep them stable and active. Thus, the development of earth‐abundant nonprecious metal catalysts for both HER and OER is of great importance to practical applications. This work reports the results of integrated water electrolysis using the hybrids of electrospun La0.5(Ba0.4Sr0.4Ca0.2)0.5Co0.8Fe0.2O3–δ (L‐0.5) perovskite nanorods attached to reduced graphene oxide (rGO) nanosheets as bifunctional electrodes. Via rationalizing the composition and morphology of L‐0.5/rGO nanohybrids, excellent catalytic performance and stability toward OER and HER are achieved in alkaline media. The operating voltage of integrated L‐0.5/rGO electrolyzer is tested to be 1.76 V at 50 mA cm–2, which is close to that of the commercially available IrO2/C‐Pt/C couple (1.76 V @ 50 mA cm–2). Such a bifunctional electrocatalyst could be extended toward practical electrolysis use with low expanse and high efficiency. More generally, the protocol described here broadens our horizons in terms of the designs and the diverse functionalities of catalysts for use in various applications.
Influence of polymer swelling and dissolution into food simulants on the release of graphene nanoplates and carbon nanotubes from poly(lactic) acid and polypropylene composite films
Authors: Velichkova Hristiana , Petrova Ivanka , Kotsilkov Stanislav , Ivanov Evgeni , Vitanov Nikolay K. , Kotsilkova Rumiana 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTThe study compared the effects of swelling and dissolution of a matrix polymer by food simulants on the release of graphene nanoplates (GNPs) and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) from poly(lactic) acid (PLA) and polypropylene (PP) composite films. The total migration was determined gravimetrically in the ethanol and acetic acid food simulants at different time and temperature conditions, while migrants were detected by laser diffraction analysis and transmission electron microscopy. Swelling, thermal analysis, and scanning electron microscopy were applied to characterize the degradation of polymer films at the migration conditions. The release of nanoparticles was found in a high‐temperature migration test of 4 h at 90 °C. The hydrolytic dissolution of the PLA polymer in the food simulants caused a migration of GNPs (>100 nm) from the PLA/GNP/MWCNT films into the simulant solvents, while the entangled MWCNTs formed a network on the film surface, preventing their migration from the PLA composite films. In contrast, the PP polymer slightly swells in ethanol solvents, allowing some short carbon nanotubes to be released from the surface and cut edges of the PP/MWCNT film into food simulants. Mathematical modeling of diffusion was applied that accounts for type of polymer, time–temperature conditions, and solvent concentration; model parameters were validated with experimental results. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45469.
Distinguishing middens and cheniers: a case study from the southern Kimberley, W.A.
Authors: O'CONNOR SUE , SULLIVAN MARJORIE 
Published: July 2017

A common phenomenon in northern Australia is the geographically overlapping occurrence of Aboriginal shell mounds or middens, and cheniers. Cheniers are tropical coastal landforms comprising shell or shelly‐sand ridges, developed on wetlands which are referred to as chenier plains. Chenier plains are widely distributed along the low wave energy coastline of northern Australia. The record of prehistoric human occupation of chenier plains in Australia, although incomplete, is better than records from elsewhere in the tropical world. The association of cheniers with shell middens has been described from several localities in northern Australia. Discriminating between the different types of shell deposit is difficult and misunderstandings have occurred. These have resulted in Aboriginal middens mis‐identified as cheniers having been mined for shell grit, and natural shell deposits having been assigned cultural origins.Recent surveys of a section of the Kimberley coastline at Roebuck Bay south of Broome identified a series of shell mounds between 2 and 5km from the coastline, but their status was equivocal. Field investigation, sampling of a range of shell deposits, and excavation indicated three types of deposit were present: chenier mounds, shell middens and middens overlying cheniers. Initial interpretations of the landscape history and discussion of the problem of separating middens from cheniers are presented. The area provides an interesting comparative study for similar sites in prograding landscapes in other parts of northern Australia, such as the Alligator Rivers area, where chenier and midden deposits occur in association.
Quantifying absolute glutamate concentrations in nucleus accumbens of prescription opioid addicts by using 1H MRS
Authors: Liu Xi‐Long , Li Long , Li Jian‐Neng , Tang Ji‐Hua , Rong Jia‐Hui , Liu Bo , Hu Ze‐Xuan 
Published: July 2017

AbstractIntroductionThe diagnosis of psychoactive substance use disorders has been based primarily on descriptive, symptomatic checklist criteria. In opioid addiction, there are no objective biological indicators specific enough to guide diagnosis, monitor disease status, and evaluate efficacy of therapeutic interventions. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) of the brain has potential to identify and quantify biomarkers for the diagnosis of opioid dependence. The purpose of this study was to detect the absolute glutamate concentration in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of patients with prescription opioid dependence using 1H MRS, and to analyze its clinical associations.MethodsTwenty patients with clinically diagnosed definitive prescription opioid dependent (mean age = 26.5 ± 4.3 years) and 20 matched healthy controls (mean age = 26.1 ± 3.8 years) participated in this study. Patients were evaluated with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS‐11), the Self‐Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and the opiate Addiction Severity Inventory (ASI). We used point‐resolved spectroscopy to quantify the absolute concentrations of metabolites (glutamate, choline, N‐acetylaspartate, glutamine, creatine) within the NAc. The difference between metabolite levels of groups and Pearson's correlation between glutamate levels and psychometric scores in patients were analyzed statistically.ResultsGlutamate concentrations in the NAc were significantly higher in prescription opiate addicts than in controls (t = 3.84, p = .001). None of the other metabolites differed significantly between the two groups (all ps > .05). The glutamate concentrations correlated positively with BIS‐11 scores in prescription opiate addicts (r = .671, p = .001), but not with SAS score and ASI index.ConclusionsGlutamate levels in the NAc measured quantitatively with in vivo 1H MRS could be used as a biomarker to evaluate disease condition in opioid‐dependent patients.
A period prevalence study of being a parent in a secure psychiatric hospital and a description of the parents, the children and the impact of admission on parent–child contact
Authors: Argent Sarah Elizabeth , Riddleston Laura , Warr Jodie , Tippetts Hannah , Meredith Zoe , Taylor Pamela Jane 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBackgroundMost secure psychiatric hospital patients are of childbearing age, but their parental status is minimally researched.AimThe aim of the study is to describe the parent patients in one regional secure hospital and explore post‐admission child–parent contact.MethodsA 9‐year records survey of a complete secure hospital admissions cohort was conducted.ResultsNearly half of the cohort of 165 patients (46%) were parents. Parent patients were less likely than childless patients to have diagnostic co‐morbidity or to have received childhood mental health care but were more likely to have committed a homicide/life‐threatening index offence with family or friend victims. Men, whether fathers or not, and childless women were unlikely ever to have harmed a child, but it was more likely than not that mother patients had.Records indicated minimal discussion about childlessness.Ninety‐four (60%) of the 157 children involved were under 18 years on parental admission. Adult children who had been living with the parent patient before the parent's admission invariably maintained contact with them afterwards, but nearly half (48%) of such under 18‐year‐olds lost all contact. The only characteristic related to such loss was the index offence victim having been a nuclear family member.ConclusionsAs the discrepancy in whether or not parent patients and their children continued contact with each other after the parent's admission seemed to depend mainly on the child's age and his or her resultant freedom to choose, acquisition of accurate data about affected children's perspective on visiting seems essential. Given that parent patients had experienced relative stability in interpersonal relationships and had rarely had childhood disorders, parenting support in conjunction with treatment seems appropriate. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.