bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kallikrein(K1)-kinin-kininase (ACE) and end-organ damage in ischemia and diabetes: therapeutic implications
Authors: Desposito Dorinne , Waeckel Ludovic , Potier Louis , Richer Christine , Roussel Ronan , Bouby Nadine , Alhenc-Gelas Francois 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Genetic and pharmacological studies, clinical and experimental, focused on kallikrein-K1, kinin receptors and ACE/kininase II suggest that kinin release in the settings of ischemia or diabetes reduces organ damage, especially in the heart and kidney. Kinin bioavailability may be a limiting factor for efficacy of current kinin-potentiating drugs, like ACE inhibitors. Primary activation of kinin receptors by prototypic pharmacological agonists, peptidase-resistant, selective B1 or B2, displays therapeutic efficacy in experimental cardiac and peripheral ischemic and diabetic diseases. B1R agonism was especially efficient in diabetic animals and had no unwanted effects. Clinical development of kinin receptor agonists may be warranted.
Recent insights into nitrite signaling processes in blood
Authors: Helms Christine C. , Liu Xiaohua , Kim-Shapiro Daniel B. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Nitrite was once thought to be inert in human physiology. However, research over the past few decades has established a link between nitrite and the production of nitric oxide (NO) that is potentiated under hypoxic and acidic conditions. Under this new role nitrite acts as a storage pool for bioavailable NO. The NO so produced is likely to play important roles in decreasing platelet activation, contributing to hypoxic vasodilation and minimizing blood-cell adhesion to endothelial cells. Researchers have proposed multiple mechanisms for nitrite reduction in the blood. However, NO production in blood must somehow overcome rapid scavenging by hemoglobin in order to be effective. Here we review the role of red blood cell hemoglobin in the reduction of nitrite and present recent research into mechanisms that may allow nitric oxide and other reactive nitrogen signaling species to escape the red blood cell.
Morphological Evolution of Low-Grade Silica Fume at Elevated Temperature
Authors: Chen Junhong , Li Tong , Li Xiaoping , Chou Kuo-Chih , Hou Xinmei 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTo solve the environmental pollution problem caused by low-grade silica fume (SiO2, < 86 mass%) and further expand its application field, the morphological development of low-grade silica fume from room temperature to 900 °C in air was investigated using TG-DTA, SEM and TEM techniques. The structural development of silica fume was further analyzed using FT-IR and Raman spectrum. The results show that silica fume contains many defects of broken bands such as Si-O or ≡Si at room temperature. When exposed to the moister or water, the broken bonds tend to react with water and result in the formation of Si-OH and adjacent hydroxyl groups of Si-OH•OH-Si. At elevated temperature up to 900 °C, the structure of silica fume becomes compact due to the reconstruction of the broken bonds caused by the dehydration reaction.
Image Analysis and High Dimensional Control Chart for Inspection of Sausage Color Homogeneity and Uniformity
Authors: Kaewsuwan Piraya , Yuangyai Chumpol , Cheng Chen-Yang , Janjarassuk Udom 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Sausage color usually influences consumers’ selection due to the perceptions of quality. Extensive studies have applied image processing to capture the characteristics of food products according to the high-dimensional nature of the resultant images. However, the color homogeneity (i. e. “within pack” variation) and uniformity (i. e. “between-pack” variation) have rarely been studied. Therefore, this paper proposes a new framework to detect both variations using images. In addition, a new approach has been developed to deal with high-dimension data involving colorimetric characteristics, namely L
*, a
*, b
*, hue (h) and chroma (C
*). These high-dimensional data are transformed to represent color homogeneity and uniformity. Hotelling T
2 chart is used to detect color abnormalities. Our approach indicates that the out-of-control items can be identified with the control chart signals. Nonetheless, the out-of-control signals alone are inadequate for determination of the possible causes. Then, the proposed analysis framework was subsequently applied to identify possible causes that contributed to the process deviations. Furthermore, prior to the experiments with sausages, the image inspection device was tested for gauge repeatability and reproducibility.
Mechanical and Water Barrier Properties of Zein–Corn Starch Composite Films as Affected by Gallic Acid Treatment
Authors: Masamba Kingsley , Li Yue , Rizwan Sharif Hafiz , Ma Jianguo , Zhong Fang 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The effect of gallic acid treatment on mechanical and water barrier properties in zein and zein–corn starch composite films was investigated. Four concentrations of corn starch (5 %, 10 %, 15 %, 20 %) were used in composite films making a final solid concentration of 6 % (w/v) in the film forming solution. One composite film containing 10 % corn starch was also prepared in absence of gallic acid for comparison purpose. Gallic acid treatment improved tensile strength (TS) and water vapor permeability (WVP) while solubility was increased in control zein films. On the other hand, gallic acid treatment significantly (p < 0.05) reduced TS and increased WVP in zein–corn starch composite films. Interestingly, mechanical and water barrier properties of composite films prepared in absence of gallic acid were comparatively better than gallic acid treated composite films. These findings provided useful insights in how each individual hydrocolloid in the composite film was differently affected by gallic acid treatment.
Exponential Regression of Fractional-Response Fixed-Effects Models with an Application to Firm Capital Structure
Authors: Ramalho Esmeralda A. , Ramalho Joaquim J.S. , Coelho Luís M.S. 
Published: September 2016

AbstractNew fixed-effects estimators are proposed for logit and complementary loglog fractional regression models. The standard specifications of these models are transformed into a form of exponential regression with multiplicative individual effects and time-variant heterogeneity, from which four alternative estimators that do not require assumptions on the distribution of the unobservables are proposed. All new estimators are robust to both time-variant and time-invariant heterogeneity and can accomodate fractional responses with observations at the boundary value of zero. Additionally, some of these estimators can be applied to dynamic panel data models and can accommodate endogenous explanatory variables without requiring the specification of a reduced form model. A Monte Carlo study and an application to firm capital structure choices illustrate the usefulness of the suggested estimators.
Fenton reagent and titanium dioxide nanoparticles as antifungal agents to control leaf spot of sugar beet under field conditions
Authors: Hamza Amany , El-Mogazy Soliman , Derbalah Aly 
Published: September 2016

AbstractIn this study, foliar sprays of Fenton solutions (Fenton reaction, Fenton-like reaction and Fenton complex), titanium dioxide (TiO2) and the recommended fungicide (chlorothalonil) were estimated in the control of sugar beet leaf spot caused byCercospora beticolaunder field conditions in two growing seasons. In addition, the impacts of these treatments on some crop characters (leaf dry weight, root fresh weight, soluble solid content, sucrose content and purity of sugar) were examined. Biochemical and histological changes in the livers and kidneys of treated rats compared to an untreated control were utilized to assess the toxicity of the examined curative agents. Overall, chlorothalonil and Fenton complex were the most effective treatments for disease suppression in both tested seasons followed by Fenton-like reagent, Fenton’s reagent and TiO2, respectively. Growth and yield characters of treated sugar beet significantly increased in comparison to an untreated control. There were mild or no (biochemical and histological) changes in the livers and kidneys of treated rats compared to the control. Fenton solutions and TiO2may offer a new alternative for leaf spot control in sugar beet.
Editor, Executive and Entrepreneur
Authors: Lillegraven Tor-Bøe , Wilberg Erik 
Published: September 2016

AbstractTo survive in today’s increasingly complex business environments, firms must embrace strategic paradoxes: contradictory yet interrelated objectives that persist over time. This can be one of toughest of all leadership challenges, as managers must accept inconsistency and contradictions. In this article, we develop and empirically test a set of hypotheses related to ambidexterity, a key example of a paradoxical strategy. Through our analysis of data from a survey of executive leaders, we find a link between organizational ambidexterity and strategic planning, suggesting that the complexities of navigating in explorative ventures require more explicit strategy work than the old certainties of a legacy business. We identify and discuss inherent paradoxes and their implications for firm performance in 22 industry-specific strategies, where empirical industry data shows a pattern of conflict between explorative growth strategies and exploitative profit strategies. We argue that this is just one of the inherent paradoxes in the ambidexterity construct.
Main results of the international intercomparison of passive radon detectors under field conditions in Marie Curie’s tunnel in Lurisia (Italy)
Authors: Cardellini Francesco , Chiaberto Enrico , Garlati Luisella , Giuffrida Daniele , Leonardi Federica , Magnoni Mauro , Minchillo Gianfranco , Prandstatter Anna , Serena Elena , Trevisi Rosabianca , Tripodi Rosamaria , Veschetti Miriam 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
In recent years a large number of radon intercomparison exercises has been organized; most of them took place in radon chambers, in reference atmosphere of the parameter to control (i.e. radon gas) under temperature, humidity and atmospheric pressure stable conditions. In 2014, in the tunnel belonging to the Lurisia spas complex (Lurisia, Piedmont, Italy), with natural high concentrations of uranium and radon gas, an intercomparison exercise has been held to give to radon measurement services and laboratories the possibility to test their passive systems under field conditions, which are less controlled and much more challenging. The response of laboratories was very positive: 46 participants from 10 European countries and 3 non-European countries. Generally about 80% of results of participants were considered acceptable even if it was observed a global trend of a substantial underestimation of the actual radon concentration.
Metrological aspects of international intercomparison of passive radon detectors under field conditions in Marie Curie’s tunnel in Lurisia
Authors: Cardellini Francesco , Chiaberto Enrico , Garlati Luisella , Giuffrida Daniele , Leonardi Federica , Magnoni Mauro , Minchillo Gianfranco , Prandstatter Anna , Serena Elena , Trevisi Rosabianca , Tripodi Rosamaria , Veschetti Miriam 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
In 2014, an intercomparison exercise of passive radon detectors under field conditions in the Marie Curie’s tunnel belonging to the Lurisia spas complex (Lurisia, Piedmont, Italy) has been held. Radon activity concentration in the tunnel was measured with six radon active monitors, previously calibrated at ENEA-INMRI facilities. In the present paper, a synthesis of the metrological aspects of the intercomparison is given. Indeed particular attention was paid to metrological characterization of radon monitors and their response upon ambient conditions. Correction factors have been defined to be applied when measurements are performed in severe environmental conditions. In particular, it has been found that monitors are particularly sensitive to the effect of air density: the AlphaGUARD (AG-SAPHYMO, GmbH) efficiency decreases with the air density, while for the MR1 PLUS (Tesys, Italy), the opposite applies. When the reference monitors were placed into the Marie Curie’s tunnel, to the recorded average radon concentrations correction factors were applied. After the correction the difference between data coming from AG and MR1 PLUS is within the 1.7%.
Lung cancer mortality and radon exposure in Russia
Authors: Yarmoshenko Ilia V. , Malinovsky Georgy P. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The association between the lung cancer and indoor radon exposure in Russian population was investigated. The average indoor radon concentration for each region was estimated using the annual reports issued by the Saint-Petersburg Ramzaev Research Institute of Radiation Hygiene for the period 2008–2013. The average standardized lung cancer mortalities among males and females were estimated using the reports of the Moscow Hertzen Cancer Research Institute for the period 2008–2012. The relative risk (RR) was estimated as a ratio between the average mortality within seven exposure intervals and background mortality. The slope factors of linear dependence between the indoor radon exposure and lung cancer RR are 0.026 (−0.11÷0.17) and 0.83 (0.52–1.12) per radon concentration 100 Bq/m3 for males and females, respectively (with 90% confidence interval). The obtained results can be explained by the confounding effect of tobacco smoking. Significant excess risk of lung cancer in female population can be associated with radon exposure and low prevalence of smoking.
The Laboratory of Natural Radiation (LNR) – a place to test radon instruments under variable conditions of radon concentration and climatic variables
Authors: Santiago Quindós Poncela Luis , Sainz Fernández Carlos , Gutiérrez-Villanueva José-Luis , Fuente Merino Ismael , Celaya González Santiago , Quindós López Luis , Quindós López Jorge , Fernández Lopez Enrique , Fernández Villar Alicia 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
The publication of the new European Union Basic Safety Standards represents a remarkable milestone in the field of radiological protection in terms of adding radon exposure to this framework. Therefore, the coming years will bring the need to measure radon not only in the workplaces but also in the living spaces as a direct outcome of the application of the new EU Directive. So, the importance of having reliable instruments is evident and interlaboratory exercises are becoming more and more popular. However, most of them are carried out under constant conditions of meteorological variables. We present in this paper a facility to broaden the interlaboratory comparisons further by adding the study of radon exposures under real conditions of changes in climatic parameters. In addition, the facility has the possibility to verify the response of radon monitors when the radon concentration changes several orders of magnitude in a short period of time. Our work shows some results of one of the interlaboratory exercises carried out in the premises, where the radon levels were rather homogeneous in the testing room.
Distribution of indoor radon concentrations between selected Hungarian thermal baths
Authors: Shahrokhi Amin , Nagy Erika , Csordás Anita , Somlai János , Kovács Tibor 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Owing to the high potential of radon to increase the risk of lung cancer, health organizations are enforced to update their regulations and recommendations regarding indoor radon levels each year. In this study, the indoor radon concentrations of three randomly selected thermal baths in Hungary using CR-39 and an AlphaGUARD radon monitor were measured with regard to the new updated standards of the European Basic Safety Standard (EU BSS, Council Directive 2013/59/Euratom, 2014). The annual average of indoor radon concentrations in Parad Medical Bath, Igal Health Spa and Eger Turkish Bath were measured as 159 ± 19, 176 ± 27 and 301 ± 30 Bq/m3, respectively. Indoor radon concentration in all measurement locations were determined to be below the reference level, with the exception of the main pool, small pool and sparkling bath areas in the Eger Turkish Bath that were measured as 403 ± 42, 315 ± 32 and 354 ± 36 Bq/m3, respectively. In light of the results, the estimated annual average radon concentration in the thermal baths was below the EU BSS reference level of 300 Bq/m3. Personal dosimetry is required to estimate the annual effective dose from inhaled radon by the workers at the Eger Turkish Bath. This procedure is required in order to justify the application of the mitigation process of decreasing working hours, improving the ventilation rate or increasing the number of classified employees in response to the official radiation surveillance programme.
Preliminary results of spatial distribution of uranium and thorium in soil profiles near a uranium industrial site, Guangdong province, China
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Juan , Chen Yongheng , Song Gang , Chen Diyun , Xiao Tangfu , Li Huosheng , Wang Chunlin , Jiang Feng 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Four soil profiles were collected from locations with different distances (5, 50, 250 and 1000 m) from a uranium mill tailings dam, Guangdong province, China, to investigate the pollution status of the soil in mining/milling-related areas based on the contents of uranium (U) and thorium (Th), thus to understand the impacts of uranium industrial activities to the surroundings. The U and Th concentrations were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after conventional HF-HNO3-HClO4 digestion procedures. The results indicate that the soils within 50 m from uranium tailing were severely contaminated; those in 250 and 1000 m soil samples were observed to be with local background level even though these in 250 m had slightly higher U/Th ratios. Uranium concentrations varied from 5.50 ± 0.27 to 160.55 ± 8.03 mg/kg, with maximum values recorded in an intermediate layer of the 5-m distance soil profile. In comparison, the concentration of Th ranged from 6.02 ± 0.30 to 84.71 ± 4.24 mg/kg, with maximum values observed in the top layer of the 1000-m distance soil profile. The U/Th ratio varied from 0.15 to 11.99 compared with 0.20, 0.22 and 0.26 of the average for Guangdong province, national China and the world, respectively. The mean U/Th of four soil profiles showed a reduction with distance from the uranium mill tailing dam, suggesting the relatively large magnitude of uranium elevation in soils within limited distances.
Scaphyglottis cobanensis (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae), A New Species from Guatemala
Authors: Morales Fredy Archila , Szlachetko Dariusz L. , Nowak Sławomir 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Scaphyglottis cobanensis Archila, Szlach. & S. Nowak (Orchidaceae, Epidendroideae) is described and compared with the morphologically close species S. bifida (Rchb. f.) C. Schweinf. and S. lindeniana (A. Rich. & Galeotti) L. O. Williams. The new species is illustrated with SEM images of the labellum and gynostemium.
Polyurethane membrane with a cyclodextrin-modified carbon nanotube for pervaporation of phenol/water mixture
Authors: Ye Hong , Wang Yu , Zhang Xiang , Zhang Zhongguo , Song Boyu 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
Polyurethane (PU) membrane has great potential in pervaporation recovery of phenol from water. In order to improve the permeability of the membrane, cyclodextrin was attached onto carboxylic and hydroxylate carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by physical and chemical methods, with which modified CNTs/PU membranes were prepared. The results showed that the addition of modified CNTs greatly increases the permeability and comprehensive performance of PU membranes in the pervaporation separation of a phenol/water mixture. With 0.5% phenol content in feed at 80°C, the flux and pervaporation separation index of blank PU are 6.10 and 324 kg·μm·m−2·h−1, while those of chemically modified carboxylic CNTs/PU membranes are 156.1 and 655.8 kg·μm·m−2·h−1, respectively.
Developments in platinum anticancer drugs
Authors: Tylkowski Bartosz , Jastrząb Renata , Odani Akira 
Published: September 2016

AbstractPlatinum compounds represent one of the great success stories of metals in medicine. Following the unexpected discovery of the anticancer activity of cisplatin (Fig. 1) in 1965 by Prof. Rosenberg [1], a large number of its variants have been prepared and tested for their ability to kill cancer cells and inhibit tumor growth. Although cisplatin has been in use for over four decades, new and more effective platinum-based therapeutics are finally on the horizon. A wide introduction to anticancer studies is given by the authors of the previous chapter. This chapter aims at providing the readers with a comprehensive and in-depth understanding of recent developments of platinum anticancer drugs and to review the state of the art. The chapter is divided into two parts. In the first part we present a historical aspect of platinum and its complexes, while in the second part we give an overview of developments in the field of platinum anticancer agents.
Evaluation of CNTs/MnO2 composite for adsorption of 60Co(II), 65Zn(II) and Cd(II) ions from aqueous solutions
Authors: Sharaf El-Deen Sahar E. A. , Moussa Saber I. , Mekawy Zakaria A. , Shehata Mohamed K. K. , Sadeek Sadeek A. , Someda Hanan H. 
Published: September 2016

Abstract
CNTs/MnO2 composite was synthesized by a co-precipitation method after preparation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using a chemical oxidation method and was characterized using Fourier transformer infrared (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The synthesized CNTs/MnO2 composite was used as a sorbent for the removal of some radionuclides (60Co and 65Zn-radioisotopes) and Cd (II) ions from aqueous solutions. Different parameters affecting the removal process including pH, contact time and metal ion concentration were investigated. Isotherm and kinetic models were studied. Adsorption data was interpreted in terms of both Freundlich and Langmuir isotherms and indicated that the CNTs/MnO2 composite complied well with both Langmuir and Freundlich models for 60Co and Cd(II) ions and with the Freundlich model only for the 65Zn radioisotope. A pseudo-second-order model was effectively employed to describe the adsorption behavior of 60Co, 65Zn and Cd(II) ions. Desorption of 60Co and 65Zn and Cd(II) ions from loaded samples was studied using different eluents.
Impact of troponin I on outcome of ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Budincevic Hrvoje , Sremec Josip , Crnac Petra , Ostojic Vedran , Galic Edvard , Bielen Ivan 
Published: September 2016

Abstract

Introduction. Stroke is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Cardiac troponins have been found to be increased in other conditions apart from the cardiac diseases, such as stroke. The aim of the study was to assess the correlation between elevated troponin I levels and stroke outcome.

Methods. This retrospective study included 198 acute ischemic stroke patients in whom troponin I levels have been obtained at admission. Exclusion criteria were concomitant acute coronary syndrome, congestive heart failure, pulmonary embolism, renal failure, rhabdomyolysis and septic conditions.

Results. There was a statistically significant difference in the proportion of deaths during hospitalization (p = 0.041) and modified Rankin Scale scores (p = 0.016) between the group of patients with elevated troponin I levels and the control group. Prior ischemic strokes were more common in the group with elevated troponin I levels (p = 0.032). No other differences were observed.

Conclusions. Our study showed that patients with elevated initial troponin I levels are associated with unfavorable outcome or death. Stroke may be associated with mild elevation of troponin levels, contrary to higher levels which are usually related to other conditions.