bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contrasting effects of ammonium and nitrate additions on the biomass of soil microbial communities and enzyme activities in subtropical China
Authors: Zhang Chuang , Zhang Xin-Yu , Zou Hong-Tao , Kou Liang , Yang Yang , Wen Xue-Fa , Li Sheng-Gong , Wang Hui-Min , Sun Xiao-Min 
Published: October 2017

Abstract. The nitrate to ammonium ratios in nitrogen (N) compounds in wet atmospheric deposits have increased over the recent past, which is a cause for some concern as the individual effects of nitrate and ammonium deposition on the biomass of different soil microbial communities and enzyme activities are still poorly defined. We established a field experiment and applied ammonium (NH4Cl) and nitrate (NaNO3) at monthly intervals over a period of 4 years. We collected soil samples from the ammonium and nitrate treatments and control plots in three different seasons, namely spring, summer, and fall, to evaluate the how the biomass of different soil microbial communities and enzyme activities responded to the ammonium (NH4Cl) and nitrate (NaNO3) applications. Our results showed that the total contents of phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs) decreased by 24 and 11 % in the ammonium and nitrate treatments, respectively. The inhibitory effects of ammonium on Gram-positive bacteria (G+) and bacteria, fungi, actinomycetes, and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) PLFA contents ranged from 14 to 40 % across the three seasons. We also observed that the absolute activities of C, N, and P hydrolyses and oxidases were inhibited by ammonium and nitrate, but that nitrate had stronger inhibitory effects on the activities of acid phosphatase (AP) than ammonium. The activities of N-acquisition specific enzymes (enzyme activities normalized by total PLFA contents) were about 21 and 43 % lower in the ammonium and nitrate treatments than in the control, respectively. However, the activities of P-acquisition specific enzymes were about 19 % higher in the ammonium treatment than in the control. Using redundancy analysis (RDA), we found that the measured C, N, and P hydrolysis and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) activities were positively correlated with the soil pH and ammonium contents, but were negatively correlated with the nitrate contents. The PLFA biomarker contents were positively correlated with soil pH, soil organic carbon (SOC), and total N contents, but were negatively correlated with the ammonium contents. The soil enzyme activities varied seasonally, and were highest in March and lowest in October. In contrast, the contents of the microbial PLFA biomarkers were higher in October than in March and June. Ammonium may inhibit the contents of PLFA biomarkers more strongly than nitrate because of acidification. This study has provided useful information about the effects of ammonium and nitrate on soil microbial communities and enzyme activities.
A comparative study of the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial qualities of Abuad moringa soap with conventional medicated soaps
Authors: Okiki Pius Abimbola , Ojo Abiodun Ayodele , Onyibe Hadiza Tani , Oso Olawale , Ajiboye Basiru Olaitan 
Published: October 2017

The study was aimed at assessing the physicochemical properties and antimicrobial qualities of 'ABUAD moringa soap', a herbal soap produced with Moringa oleifera leaf by 'ABUAD Farm', Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The physicochemical properties and antimicrobial qualities of ABUAD moringa soap on some selected bacteria and fungi were evaluated and compared with those of some conventional medicated and herbal soaps commonly used in Nigeria, such as Dettol, Tetmosol, Tura, Septol, Delta and Dudu Osun (herbal), as well as Lux, which serves as a control soap. The results of the physicochemical analyses revealed that all the soaps fall within the pH range of 8.83 and 9.83. All the soaps possess low values of free caustic alkali and detectable free fatty acid, as well as moderate values of total fatty matter. In-vitro antibacterial and antifungal activities of the soaps were investigated against microbial agents commonly found in association with skin infections, using the well-agar diffusion technique. The bacteria tested were Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Proteus mirabilis (ATCC 12453), as well as four clinical isolates namely, Escherichia coli, Leutococcus sanguinis, Corynebacterium accolens and Burkholderia cepacia. The fungi were Candida albicans ATCC 10231, Malassezia furfur ATCC 44349, and Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 23645. All the soaps, with exeption of lux, produced varied degrees of antibacterial activities, but ABUAD Moringa soap and Dudu Osun indicated superior effectiveness against the bacteria tested. Antifugal activities were produced by ABUAD moringa and Dudu Osun soaps only, on the fungi tested. ABUAD Moringa produced significantly higher antifungal activities on Malassezia furfur ATCC 44349 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 than Dudu Osun, but no significant difference was observed between the two soaps on their activities against Cryptococcus neoformans ATCC 23645. The study showed that ABUAD Moringa soap possesses high therapeutic potentials against agents of bacterial and fungal skin infections.
PREPARATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF HNBR/PA12-BASED SUPER TPVs WITH ENHANCED THERMAL STABILITY BY USING HIGHER ACRYLONITRILE CONTENT
Authors: Reffai Syed Ismail Syed Mohammed , Naskar Kinsuk 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACT
Thermoplastic vulcanizates (TPVs) are superior classes of thermoplastic elastomers, in which dynamic vulcanization of the rubber phase takes place during melt mixing with a semicrystalline thermoplastic matrix phase at elevated temperature. TPV is characterized by processing behaviors like thermoplasticity at elevated temperature and performance properties of vulcanized rubber at ambient temperature. High-performance TPVs or super TPVs are new-generation TPVs that exhibit high heat resistance as well as excellent oil resistance properties suitable for under-the-hood automotive applications. In the present work, a new class of super TPVs based on hydrogenated acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (HNBR) and polyamide (PA12) has been developed. TPVs of three different acrylonitrile content (ACN)–based fixed-blend ratio (70:30) of (HNBR/PA12) have been prepared by using a peroxide curative {Di-(2-tert-butyl peroxy isopropyl) benzene (DTBPIB)}. Final morphology of TPVs varies depending on the ACN content of the rubber. A TPV with the highest ACN content shows the highest level of mechanical properties as well as superior thermal stability and creep behavior compared with all other TPVs. Dynamic mechanical analysis also demonstrates that the tan δ values of all the TPVs are lower and the storage moduli are higher than the low acrylonitrile content system. Heat aging, oil aging, oil swelling, and network characterization studies have also been carried out in detail to understand the performance behavior of these super TPVs at service condition (150 °C). These TPVs are considered for potential applications in the automotive sector, especially for under-the-hood-applications.
Choroidal neovascular membranes secondary to intraocular tuberculosis misdiagnosed as neovascular age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Invernizzi Alessandro , Agarwal Aniruddha , Di Nicola Maura , Franzetti Fabio , Staurenghi Giovanni , Viola Francesco 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: Intraocular tuberculosis (IOTB) can be complicated by choroidal neovascularization (CNV). However, when the CNV development is not accompanied by clear signs of inflammation, the etiology can be missed, especially in countries nonendemic for tuberculosis. We describe the clinical and imaging features of CNVs presenting as the first sign of IOTB initially misdiagnosed as exudative age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: A retrospective review of clinical and imaging data of patients initially misdiagnosed with neovascular AMD later diagnosed with inflammatory CNV secondary to IOTB at tertiary referral centers was conducted. Features of fundus photography, fluorescein angiography, indocyanine green angiography, and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography were analyzed. Distinguishing features between neovascular AMD and IOTB-associated CNV were evaluated. Results: Five patients over 55 years of age, erroneously diagnosed with exudative AMD, were included in the study. Multimodal imaging analysis allowed identification of peculiar choroidal alterations such as choroidal granulomas or choroiditis suggestive for posterior uveitis. Systemic workup for granulomatous uveitis including immunologic investigations such as tuberculin skin test or QuantiFERON TB Gold® and radiologic investigations revealed tubercular etiology in all the cases, allowing correct diagnosis and management of the uveitis and related CNV. Conclusions: Choroidal neovascularization represents a rare and unusual presenting sign of IOTB that can be misleading especially when it occurs in the elderly living in countries with low prevalence of the disease. Multimodal imaging can be helpful and should be employed, especially in atypical cases of CNV, in order to avoid misdiagnosis and/or diagnostic delays.
Statistics of TNO stereotest for the diagnosis of microesotropia in children
Authors: Piantanida Andrea C. , Spera Manuela , Nobili Roberta , Gerosa Giulia 
Published: October 2017

Purpose: To analyze statistically the real effectiveness of TNO stereotest for the diagnosis of microesotropia in young patients in daily practice. Methods: We considered 312 patients whose age ranged from 3 to 18 years (mean age 7.5 years) suspected to be microesotropic. All underwent a full orthoptic and ophthalmologic examination. The TNO stereotest was presented at a distance of 40 cm with the patient wearing red-green glasses. The Paliaga 8-D base-in test was considered the gold standard diagnostic test to detect microesotropia. Results: The specificity of the TNO stereotest from the collected data was 98%, the sensitivity 94%, the positive predictive value 80%, the negative predictive value 99%, and the likelihood ratio 47. Conclusions: It is important to use the TNO stereotest in clinical daily practice to detect microesotropia, but considering some bias: the age of the young patients, the difficulties encountered in understanding some figures, and the presence of a stereoscopic status even in microtropic subjects.
Vascular access in lipoprotein apheresis: a retrospective analysis from the UK’s largest lipoprotein apheresis centre
Authors: Doherty Daniel J. , Pottle Alison , Malietzis George , Hakim Nadey , Barbir Mahmoud , Crane Jeremy S. 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Lipoprotein apheresis (LA) has proven to be an effective, safe and life-saving therapy. Vascular access is needed to facilitate this treatment but has recognised complications. Despite consistency in treatment indication and duration there are no guidelines in place. The aim of this study is to characterise vascular access practice at the UK’s largest LA centre and forward suggestions for future approaches. Methods: A retrospective analysis of vascular access strategies was undertaken in all patients who received LA treatment in the low-density lipoprotein (LDL) Apheresis Unit at Harefield Hospital (Middlesex, UK) from November 2000 to March 2016. Results: Fifty-three former and current patients underwent 4260 LA treatments. Peripheral vein cannulation represented 79% of initial vascular access strategies with arteriovenous (AV) fistula use accounting for 15%. Last used method of vascular access was peripheral vein cannulation in 57% versus AV fistula in 32%. Total AV fistula failure rate was 37%. Conclusions: Peripheral vein cannulation remains the most common method to facilitate LA. Practice trends indicate a move towards AV fistula creation; the favoured approach receiving support from the expert body in this area. AV fistula failure rate is high and of great concern, therefore we suggest the implementation of upper limb ultrasound vascular mapping in all patients who meet treatment eligibility criteria. We encourage close ties between apheresis units and specialist surgical centres to facilitate patient counselling and monitoring. Further prospective data regarding fistula failure is needed in this expanding treatment field.
Arterial stiffness alone does not explain arteriovenous fistula outcomes
Authors: McGrogan Damian G. , Stringer Stephanie , Cockwell Paul , Jesky Mark , Ferro Charlie , Maxwell Alexander P. , Inston Nicholas G. 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Marked arterial adaptation is critical in permitting and sustaining the increased blood flow within an arteriovenous fistula (AVF). The aim of this investigation was to evaluate markers of arterial disease and their association with the early post-operative AVF outcomes. Methods: We included all patients in whom an AVF had been performed after enrolment to the Renal Impairment In Secondary Care (RIISC) study. Primary AVF failure (PFL) was defined as thrombosis at six-week review. All patients underwent BP Tru and Vicorder pulse wave analysis assessments and also had assays of advanced glycation end-products prior to AVF formation. These were correlated with the short-term AVF outcomes. Results: One hundred and eight AVFs were created in 86 patients. The primary patency (PPT) group were found to have significantly higher body mass index (BMI) (p = 0.01). Intraluminal vein diameter was significantly greater in the PPT group than the PFL group (p≤0.01). Mean augmentation index and augmentation index 75 was significantly higher in the PPT group than the PFL group (p = 0.03 and 0.03, respectively). Aortic pulse wave velocity was slower in the PPT group at 10.2 m/s than the PFL group at 10.8 m/s (p = 0.32). Advanced glycation end-product measurements did not vary significantly between the PPT and PFL groups (p = 0.4). Logistic regression analysis provided a predictive model, which demonstrated a predictive value of 78.1% for AVF patency at 6 weeks. Conclusions: All patients in this end-stage renal disease cohort have significant aortic stiffness. The results for pulse wave velocity were slower in the PPT group suggesting a tendency towards stiffer vessels and PFL.
Association between post-dialysis hemoglobin level and the survival of vascular access
Authors: Nishiwaki Hiroki , Hasegawa Takeshi , Ikenoue Tatsuyoshi , Tominaga Naoto , Yazawa Masahiko , Kawarazaki Hiroo , Shibagaki Yugo , Yamamoto Yosuke , Fukuma Shingo , Yamazaki Shin , Fukuhara Shunichi 
Published: October 2017

Introduction: Although a few dialysis facilities conduct a complete blood cell count for some patients at post-dialysis, including hemoglobin, clinical findings supporting the interpretation of results are scarce. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between post-dialysis hemoglobin level and vascular access failure with clinical data. Methods: Study design: Case crossover design. Setting: Japanese dialysis facilities, which routinely take post-dialysis blood samples, including complete blood cell counts at least once a month. Participants: Hemodialysis patients who experienced vascular access failure in January 2010 until December 2014. Exposure: Post-dialysis hemoglobin level. Main outcome: Vascular access failure treated with endovascular treatment or operation. Statistical analysis: Self-matched odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were estimated by comparing post-dialysis hemoglobin just before events (“case”) with levels at 6 and 12 months before events (“control”) using conditional logistic regression, and presented with restricted cubic spline. Results: Two hundred and thirty hemodialysis patients with vascular access failure were identified. Mean post-dialysis hemoglobin level before the failure was 11.8 g/dL (standard deviation 1.7). The spline curve showed that higher post-dialysis hemoglobin levels above 11.8 g/dL had a greater odds ratio for vascular access failure. Post-dialysis hemoglobin levels and odds ratios (95% confidence interval) for vascular access failure relative to the reference value (Hb 11.8 g/dL) were Hb 12.0 g/dL, 1.1 (1.0-1.1); Hb 14.0 g/dL, 1.4 (1.0-2.0); and Hb 16.0 g/dL, 2.1 (1.1-4.3). Conclusions: A higher post-dialysis hemoglobin level was associated with vascular access failure. Higher post-dialysis Hb could be a factor that triggers vascular access failure.
Edith Wharton and John and Alice Garrett: Art and Ambassadorship in a Time of War
Authors: Kim Sharon 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThis article examines a collection of sixty unpublished letters between Edith Wharton and John and Alice Garrett, seeking to understand what this couple meant to Wharton and how they may have influenced her writing. During World War I, Wharton became friends with the Garretts in Paris. John Work Garrett was a diplomat who later became the U.S. ambassador to Italy. He was also a distinguished collector of rare books, fine art, and coins. Similarly, his wife, Alice, was a well-connected patron of the arts who worked in wartime charities with Wharton. The Garretts seem to have represented a cosmopolitan ideal for Wharton, seamlessly integrating political influence, aesthetic cultivation, and tangible service to those wounded or displaced by the war. Their understanding of the history, culture, and languages of other nations was of a high order, enough to enable delicate transnational negotiations in the context of war, and they seem to have transformed Wharton's view of Americanness. Wharton's letters to them even express a rare happiness at being an American. The Garretts' friendship with Wharton lasted long after the war, and their influence appears in works such as The Age of Innocence (1920), “Her Son” (1933), and “Charm, Incorporated” (1934).
DOAC use in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Kcükköylü Seher , Rump Lars 
Published: October 2017

SummaryDirect oral anticoagulants (DOACs) are increasingly prescribed substances in patients with indication for effective anticoagulation. Patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) have a high burden of cardiovascular risk and are more likely to develop atrial fibrillation (AF) than patients without CKD. Patients with mild to moderate CKD benefit from DOACs, especially when having intolerance to vitamin K-antagonists (VKA). DOACs may in some cases be considered in patients with rare renal disease and hypercoagulabilic state. DOACs are to a large extent eliminated by renal excretion. Since prospective randomised data in CKD patients are sparse, the decision for anticoagulative therapy is challenging especially in patients with severe renal impairment. The direct factor Xa-inhibitors are approved for use even in patients with an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) between 15 and 30 ml/min. Careful monitoring of renal function on a regular basis is essential before initiation and after start of DOAC, especially for patients at risk for acute renal failure (elderly, diabetics, patients with preexisting kidney disease). None of the DOACs is approved in CKD patients with end-stage-renal-disease (ESRD) with or without dialysis. DOACs are not recommended for kidney transplant patients under immunosuppression with calcineurin inhibitors. In these patients conventional therapy with VKA is the only option, which has to be monitored closely since it has potential adverse effects.
Alcohol en drugs in het weg-, vlieg- en vaarverkeer
Authors: Hu-a-ng W.A.M. 
Published: October 2017

Alcohol en drugs in het weg-, vlieg- en vaarverkeer
Naar aanleiding van nieuwsberichten omtrent roekeloos rij-, vlieg- en vaargedrag is de strafbaarstelling van het gebruik van alcohol of drugs door chauffeurs, piloten en schippers in het weg-, lucht- en vaarverkeer in Curaçao onder de loep genomen. Hierbij is een vergelijking gemaakt met de situatie in Aruba en Nederland, waarbij de nadruk ligt op beantwoording van de vraag of de Curaçaose wetgeving toereikend is om het rijden, vliegen en varen onder invloed van alcohol en drugs optimaal te kunnen bestrijden.
Industrial pollution and human rights
Authors: van den Bergh L.E.J. 
Published: October 2017

Industrial pollution and human rights. A case study of the Isla refinery on Curaçao
The pollution by the Isla refinery on Curaçao has been a problem for many years. Curaçaoans living downwind of the refinery experience many health issues on account of its toxic emissions. These problems are well known to both the Curaçao government and the government of the Kingdom of the Netherlands – however, neither seem to have taken any real action in order to put an end to the harmful effects of the refinery’s emissions. This article explores whether there is an arguable case that the rights guaranteed by the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), namely Article 2 and Article 8, of the people of Curaçao most affected by Isla’s emissions are being violated.
De bagatelbepaling van artikel 7 lid 2 Mw verplicht de ACM tot marktonderzoek
Authors: Cornelissen Frank , van der Heul Sjaak 
Published: October 2017

De bagatelbepaling van artikel 7 lid 2 verplicht de ACM tot marktonderzoek
Op 13 oktober 2016 heeft de Rechtbank Rotterdam de boetebesluiten vernietigd die de ACM had gericht tegen twee taxiondernemingen (en hun feitelijk leidinggevenden) die actief waren op het gebied van contractueel taxivervoer. Volgens de ACM hadden de taxiondernemingen zich schuldig gemaakt aan verboden afstemmingen van hun inschrijvingen voor contractueel taxivervoer in de regio Rotterdam. Hoewel de Rechtbank Rotterdam het oordeel van de ACM deelt dat de taxiondernemingen partij waren bij overeenkomsten met mededingingsbeperkende strekking, had de ACM niet bewezen dat het marktaandeel van betrokken partijen groter was dan de bagateldrempel van artikel 7 lid 2 Mededingingswet (Mw). De uitspraak roept diverse vragen op. De auteurs gaan achtereenvolgens in op de zelfstandige rol van het merkbaarheidsvereiste in geval van een strekkingsbeding, op de rol van de bagatelbepaling en op de marktafbakening bij aanbestedingsprocedures.
Optimized QuEChERS Method Combined with UHPLC-MS/MS for the Simultaneous Determination of 15 Mycotoxins in Liquorice
Authors: Huang Xiaojing , Wang Shaomin , Mao Dan , Miao Shui , Hu Qing , Ji Shen 
Published: October 2017

Abstract
In our study, a reliable and rapid analytical method for the simultaneous determination of 15 mycotoxins (aflatoxin B1, aflatoxin B2, aflatoxin G1, aflatoxin G2, alternariol, agroclavine, citrinin, diacetoxyscirpenol, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, fumonisin B2, ochratoxin A, sterigmatocystin, T-2 toxin, and zearalenone) in liquorice using ultra-HPLC coupled to tandem MS was developed and validated. Due to the complex ingredients in liquorice, we chose a QuEChERS-based extraction procedure as the sample pretreatment. Meanwhile, for the first time, acetate buffer was used to replaced water, which can greatly reduce the concentration of formic acid in acetonitrile, which further reduces the extraction efficiency of impurities. The optimal combination of adsorbents is 150 mg primary secondary amine, 150 mg silica gel, 600 mg octadecylsilane, and 900 mg anhydrous magnesium sulfate. Electrospray ionization in both positive- and negative-ionization modes was applied to detect all the mycotoxins in a single run time of 15 min, with LOQs in the range of 0.125–2.5 μg/kg. The recoveries of determination obtained were in the range of 81.0–104.7%, whereas the analytes could be accurately quantified in the 0.25–625 μg/kg concentration range, with all coefficients being &gt;0.992. Intra- and interday reproducibility were lower than 5.5 and 8.9%, respectively, for all analytical mycotoxins. The validated method was finally applied to screen mycotoxins in 31 batches of real samples collected from drugstores and hospitals in Shanghai, China. Our survey findings show that six mycotoxins were detected, including alternariol, citrinin, deoxynivalenol, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin, and zearalenone, and that the positive rate of mycotoxins was 54.8% in real samples, ranging from 3.37 to 520.6 μg/kg.