bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Using ecological reducing agents instead of sodium sulphide in dyeing with CI Sulphur Black 1
Authors: Yao Jiming , Dou Chunxiao , Wei Sainan , Zheng Mingyuan 
Published: September 2015

Although low‐cost sodium sulphide is used as a reducing agent in most sulphur dyeing processes, it is considered to be environmentally unfavourable because of the resultant contaminated wastewater and the toxic hydrogen sulphide generated during the dyeing process. In the present paper, hydrazine sulphate, glucose, and sodium borohydride in the presence of sodium hydroxide were used as ecologically safe reduction systems for the CI Sulphur Black 1 dyeing of cotton fabric, and results were compared with those obtained using sodium sulphide. Dyeing processes were carried out at 90 °C for 60 min, and the colour yield (the K/S value), dyeing fastness, and breaking strength of dyed fabrics after soaping were measured. Response surface methodology was employed for experimental design and optimisation of results. Mathematical model equations were derived and statistical analysis carried out by computer simulation programming using Minitab v.15. At a dosage of 0.8 g l−1 of CI Sulphur Black 1, the optimum sodium borohydride reduction system (sodium borohydride 0.47 g l−1, sodium hydroxide 0.65 g l−1) exhibited the highest colour yield and the lowest chemical oxygen demand of the residual dyebath.
Graft‐versus‐host disease after orthotopic liver transplantation: multivariate analysis of risk factors
Authors: Elfeki Mohamed A. , Pungpapong Surakit , Genco Petrina V. , Nakhleh Raouf E. , Nguyen Justin H. , Harnois Denise M. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractGraft‐versus‐host disease (GVHD) is a rare, fatal complication following orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). To date, several risk factors have been proposed, but reports on these factors have been inconclusive. This is a retrospective, case–control study of prospectively collected data from 2775 OLTs performed at our institution. Eight cases of GVHD after OLT were diagnosed on the basis of the patient's clinical characteristics, and the findings were confirmed with skin and colonic biopsies. Each case was matched to three controls based on the diagnosis of liver disease, recipient's age, and blood group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify risk factors associated with the development of GVHD after OLT. The univariate and multivariate analyses identified two main risk factors associated with development of GVHD in OLT recipients, a difference between recipient and donor age of >20 yr, and any human leukocyte antigen class I matches. Taking these two risk factors into consideration while matching prospective donors and recipients may reduce further incidence of GVHD in OLT patients. However, further studies are recommended to validate these findings.
Older kidney transplant patients experience less antibody‐mediated rejection: a retrospective study of patients with mild to moderate sensitization
Authors: Scalea Joseph R. , Redfield Robert R. , Muth Brenda L. , Mohamed Maha , Wilson Nancy A. , Ellis Thomas M. , Kaufman Dixon B. , Djamali Arjang 
Published: September 2015

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of data stratifying by age the incidence of antibody‐mediated rejection (AMR) in kidney transplant patients.MethodsWe performed a retrospective study of all adult, renal transplant recipients at a single institution between December 12, 2009, and March 16, 2011. Mildly and moderately sensitized patients were defined as patients with positive donor‐specific antibody (DSA) and negative flow cross‐match.ResultsOne hundred and forty‐six patients were determined to have mild to moderate pre‐transplantation sensitization. Thirty percent of patients younger than 40 yr of age experienced AMR vs. 15% in the older group (p = 0.04). There was a disproportionate increase in DSA for younger patients at 12 months, particularly for antibodies to class II. Histologic presence of C4d deposition was independently associated with AMR on multivariate analysis.ConclusionsFollowing renal transplantation, moderately sensitized patients aged 40 yr old and older were less likely to develop AMR when compared with younger patients.
Efficacy of Ribbond and a fibre post on the fracture resistance of reattached maxillary central incisors with two fracture patterns: a comparative in vitro study
Authors: Ramesh Poornima , Mathew Sylvia , Murthy Sreenivasa B.V. , George John V. , Hegde Swaroop , Premkumar Remya 
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo compare the fracture resistance of maxillary central incisor fragments having two different fracture patterns and re‐attached using two different posts – fibre post and Ribbond.Materials and methodsSixty extracted human maxillary central incisors were randomly divided into two groups of thirty samples each. Group A consisted of samples with ‘labio‐palatal’ fracture pattern and Group B with a ‘palato‐labial’ fracture pattern. The crowns of all the samples were sectioned using safe‐sided diamond discs. Following cleaning and shaping and sectional obturation, the samples were randomly subdivided into two subgroups of 15 samples each. Prefabricated fibre post (Reforpost, Angelus, Londrina, PR, Brazil) was placed in all samples of Subgroup I, and Ribbond (Ribbond Inc., Seattle, WA, USA) was placed in all samples of Subgroup II. The fragments were re‐attached, fracture resistance was tested using Instron Universal Testing Machine, and the failure modes were assessed using a stereomicroscope.ResultsGroup A with a labio‐palatal fracture pattern exhibited higher fracture resistance as compared to Group B (palato‐labial) in both subgroups. The fibre post (Subgroup I) exhibited higher fracture resistance as compared to Ribbond (Subgroup II). The Ribbond group exhibited significantly more number of repairable failures as compared to fibre post group.ConclusionThe labio‐palatal pattern of fracture is a favourable type of fracture on palatal load application. The fragments re‐attached using the fibre post (Reforpost) had a higher resistance to fracture. However, teeth restored with Ribbond posts exhibited 100% repairable failures upon load application. The fracture pattern had no influence on the failure modes.
Symptom profiles and explanatory models of first‐episode psychosis in African‐, Caribbean‐ and European‐origin groups in Ontario
Authors: Maraj Anika , Anderson Kelly K. , Flora Nina , Ferrari Manuela , Archie Suzanne , McKenzie Kwame J. ,   ACE Project Team
Published: September 2015

AbstractAimTo assess variability in symptom presentation and explanatory models of psychosis for people from different ethnic groups.MethodsClients with first‐episode psychosis (n = 171) who identified as black African, black Caribbean or white European were recruited from early intervention programmes in Toronto and Hamilton. We compared results by ethnic group for symptom profiles and explanatory models of illness.ResultsClients of black Caribbean origin had a lower odds of reporting that they were speaking incomprehensibly (OR = 0.36; 95% CI: 0.14–0.90) and black African clients had a greater odds of reporting persistent aches or pains (OR = 2.92; 95% CI: 1.32–6.50). Black African clients had a lower odds of attributing the cause of psychosis to hereditary factors (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–0.89) or to substance abuse (OR = 0.29; 95% CI: 0.13–0.67) and had a lower odds of assigning responsibility for their illness to themselves (OR = 0.41; 95% CI: 0.19–0.89).ConclusionsUnderstanding the differences in illness models for ethnic minority groups may help improve the cultural competence of mental health services.
Segmentation of the thalamus based on BOLD frequencies affected in temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Morgan Victoria L. , Rogers Baxter P. , Abou‐Khalil Bassel 
Published: September 2015

AbstractObjectiveTemporal lobe epilepsy is associated with functional changes throughout the brain, particularly including a putative seizure propagation network involving the hippocampus, insula, and thalamus. We identified a specified frequency range where functional connectivity in this network was related to duration of disease. Then, to identify specific thalamic nuclei involved in seizure propagation, we determined the subregions of the thalamus that have increased resting functional oscillations in this frequency range.MethodsResting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) was acquired from 20 patients with unilateral temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE; 14 right and 6 left) and 20 healthy controls who were each age and gender matched to a specific patient. Wavelet‐based fMRI connectivity mapping across the network was computed at each frequency to determine those frequencies where connectivity significantly decreases with duration of disease consistent with impairment due to repeated seizures. The voxel‐wise power of the spontaneous blood oxygenation fluctuations of this frequency band was computed in the thalamus of each subject.ResultsFunctional connectivity was impaired in the proposed seizure propagation network over a specific range (0.0067–0.013 Hz and 0.024–0.032 Hz) of blood oxygenation oscillations. Increased power in this frequency band (<0.032 Hz) was detected bilaterally in the pulvinar and anterior nucleus of the thalamus of healthy controls, and was increased over the ipsilateral thalamus compared to the contralateral thalamus in TLE.SignificanceThis study identified frequencies of impaired connectivity in a TLE seizure propagation network and used them to localize the anterior nucleus and pulvinar of the thalamus as subregions most susceptible to TLE seizures. Further examinations of these frequencies in healthy and TLE subjects may provide unique information relating to the mechanism of seizure propagation and potential treatment using electrical stimulation.
FLSA Working Hours Reform: Worker Well‐Being Effects in an Economic Framework
Authors: Golden Lonnie 
Published: September 2015

This article discusses a model developed to predict the effects of recently proposed amendments to the FLSA workweek and overtime provisions. The model contrasts allowing compensatory time for overtime pay for private nonexempt employees to “rights to request” reduced hours. Hours demanded are likely to rise for workers who request comp time, undermining the intention of family‐friendliness and alleviating overemployment, unless accompanied by offsetting policies that would prevent the denied use or forced use of comp time and that resurrect some monetary deterrent effect. A unique survey shows that the preference for time over money and comp time is relatively more prevalent among exempt, long hours and women workers; thus, worker welfare is likely better served if comp time were incorporated into an individualized, employee‐initiated right to request.
Lesion Size and Safety Comparison Between the Novel Flex Tip on the FlexAbility Ablation Catheter and the Solid Tips on the ThermoCool and ThermoCool SF Ablation Catheters
Authors: WINTERFIELD JEFFREY R. , JENSEN JAMES , GILBERT THERESE , MARCHLINSKI FRANCIS , NATALE ANDREA , PACKER DOUGLAS , REDDY VIVEK , MAHAPATRA SRIJOY , WILBER DAVID J. 
Published: September 2015

Flex Tip Comparative AblationIntroductionNext‐generation catheters have been developed to reduce irrigation volume and preserve power delivery. A novel design uses a flexible tip (FlexAbility™ catheter) that directs flow to the contact surface. Because of recent safety issues with new catheters, we undertook a study in a canine heart with 3 irrigated catheters to compare efficacy and safety.MethodsEndocardial ablation was performed by 2 independent operators in 12 anesthetized canines with the FlexAbility (St. Jude Medical), ThermoCool™ (Biosense Webster), and ThermoCool™ SF (Biosense Webster) catheters. Endocardial RF lesions were delivered with each catheter in all 4 chambers of each animal for 52 ± 16 seconds. Each chamber was randomized to receive ablation from one catheter with recording of safety events. Cardiac pathology was performed with triphenyl tetrazolium chloride stain.ResultsAverage lesion dimensions were not significantly different between the 3 catheters. FlexAbility™ demonstrated a lower risk of steam pops relative to ThermoCool SF (P‐value = 0.013) despite equal mean power and radiofrequency time. High‐temperature generator shutdowns were observed with FlexAbility™ but not with either ThermoCool catheter. High‐temperature shutdowns were associated with larger average impedance drops (28.5 ohms vs. 19 ohms) without compromising lesion size.ConclusionsThe FlexAbility™ tip is safe and effective with no significant difference in lesion sizes compared to both standard ThermoCool and ThermoCool SF. FlexAbility™ has a significantly lower risk of steam pops compared to ThermoCool SF in a beating heart as defined predominantly by an abrupt rise of impedance.
Evidence‐based medicine meets person‐centred care: a collaborative perspective on the relationship
Authors: Price Amy I. , Djulbegovic Ben , Biswas Rakesh , Chatterjee Pranab 
Published: September 2015

AbstractIn a recent list‐serve, the way forward for evidence‐based medicine was discussed. The purpose of this paper was to share the reflections and multiple perspectives discussed in this peer‐to‐peer encounter and to invite the reader to think with a mind for positive change in the practice of health care. Let us begin with a simple question. What if we dared to look at evidence‐based medicine (EBM) and informed shared decision making like two wheels on a bike? They both need to be full of substance, well connected, lubricated and working in balance, propelled and guided by a competent driver, with good vision to get the bike where we want it to go. We need all the tools in the toolkit for the bike to stay operational and to meet the needs of the driver. By the same rationale, evidence alone is necessary but not sufficient for decision making; values are necessary and if neglected, may default to feelings based on social pressures and peer influence. Medical decisions, even shared ones, lack focus without evidence and application. Just as a bike may need a tune up from time to time to maintain optimal performance, EBM may benefit from a tune up where we challenge ourselves to move away from general assumptions and traditions and instead think clearly about the issues we face and how to ask well‐formed, specific questions to get the answers to meet the needs we face in health care.
Application of Nondestructive and Low‐Cost Impedance Technology to Determine the Effect of Curing Degree on Meat Quality
Authors: Chen Tianhao , Han Minyi , Wang Peng , Wei Ran , Xu Xinglian , Zhou Guanghong 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe electrical impedance technology was used to explore the changes in the dry‐cured meat during the curing process. Four salt levels (0, 4, 8 and 12%) were assessed. Physicochemical changes in the samples such as color, pH and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were evaluated. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) in the impedance characteristics between the samples dry cured by lower (0 and 4%) salt levels and those processed by higher levels (8 and 12%). Color parameters, L* (lightness) and a* (redness), and pH values decreased (P < 0.05) as the salt level increased. However, b* (yellowness) showed no significant difference (P > 0.05) with the increasing value of salt levels. NMR test showed the status of the dry‐cured meat after a 10 day curing. The values obtained from the test indicated that 4% in salt‐level group had the best water‐holding capacity than other groups (P < 0.05). Generally, the modulus and phase decreased as the frequency increases. On the one hand, the modulus of control group is larger (P < 0.05) when compared with the treated groups (4, 8, 12%). And it decreased as the salt content increases. On the other hand, the phase of control group is lower than the other groups (P < 0.05) and it increased as the salt content increases. Moreover, frequencies ranging from 50 to 1,000 Hz might be used as the best detection zone for the quality determination of the dry‐cured meat. In conclusion, real‐time impedance instrument was proven to be a useful potential quantitative way for in‐line evaluation of the salt level of meat.Practical ApplicationsBecause of the nondestructive and low‐cost characteristics, impedance technology could be used as an important tool on the production line. A product cured by salt may cause the salt‐overtaking problems. Due to the fact that there are few rapid methods existing in the market to inspect the salt content, the application based on impedance technology meets the demand of factories. Meanwhile, compared with the existing methods, the nondestructive property of impedance technology could improve the efficiency of production and the quality of products greatly. Impedance technology relied on the mobility and the amount of ion. Combined with principal component analysis or independent component analysis, the developed technology can be considered as a precise method to determine salt content and differences among different salt levels in experimental and industrial applications.
Benchmarking flood risk reduction in the Elbe River
Authors: Grabs W. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThe past decade has seen the development and overall acceptance of the concept of Integrated Flood Risk Management. This approach strives to balance positive and negative effects of riverine floods and combines it with risk management concepts. In practice, this has led to a diversification of flood management practices that go beyond traditional structural flood protection measures towards non‐structural measures. These include giving more space for rivers, backwards location of dykes, re‐naturalisation of flood plains and a suite of improved information systems including improved flood forecasting services, promoting flood risk awareness and self‐help capabilities. The paper describes in some detail the process of benchmarking to support effective planning, implementation and monitoring of integrated flood risk management activities that require a set of quantifiable measures, against which progress in flood risk management can be referenced. The case of the extreme Elbe River floods in 2002 and 2013 triggered the development and implementation of the Elbe Flood Protection – Action Plan that in large parts has been implemented. The paper shows the basic concepts of the Elbe Flood Protection Plan and its actions and puts these in the context of a benchmarking framework. The paper concludes that although elements of a benchmarking concept are outlined in the Action Plan, the establishment of benchmarking practices as a tool in flood risk management is in its infancy. The development of a consistent benchmarking procedure would have the potential to improve further the effectiveness of Integrated Flood Risk Management practices in national and international river basins.
Does the Value Circle Exist Within Persons or Only Across Persons?
Authors: Borg Ingwer , Bardi Anat , Schwartz Shalom H. 
Published: September 2015

AbstractThis study tests whether the Schwartz (1992) value circle exists within individuals, not only across individuals, thereby providing evidence for the within‐person rationale underlying the value circle. We analyze responses from five samples (a representative sample in Britain, a general population sample in the United States, and university students in Britain and Iran) varying in value measures of the Schwartz value theory (SVS, PVQ40, PVQ21). An unfolding model is used to map each person's value profile into a two‐dimensional space representing both persons and values. In all samples, clear value circles were found, with values ordered around the circle largely according to the theory. The model also represents most individuals well. The value circle exists within individuals, providing strong support for the underlying within‐person rationale for the Schwartz (1992) value theory. The unfolding analysis allows identifying which persons fit the model less well and in which way, identifying how meaningful subgroups differ in their value profiles, and testing whether meaningful subgroups have different value structures. The model opens up many new possibilities for research linking values to other variables.
Genome‐wide association links candidate genes to resistance to Plum Pox Virus in apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Authors: Mariette Stéphanie , Wong Jun Tai Fabienne , Roch Guillaume , Barre Aurélien , Chague Aurélie , Decroocq Stéphane , Groppi Alexis , Laizet Yec'han , Lambert Patrick , Tricon David , Nikolski Macha , Audergon Jean‐Marc , Abbott Albert G. , Decroocq Véronique 
Published: September 2015

Summary

In fruit tree species, many important traits have been characterized genetically by using single‐family descent mapping in progenies segregating for the traits. However, most mapped loci have not been sufficiently resolved to the individual genes due to insufficient progeny sizes for high resolution mapping and the previous lack of whole‐genome sequence resources of the study species. To address this problem for Plum Pox Virus (PPV) candidate resistance gene identification in Prunus species, we implemented a genome‐wide association (GWA) approach in apricot.

This study exploited the broad genetic diversity of the apricot (Prunus armeniaca) germplasm containing resistance to PPV, next‐generation sequence‐based genotyping, and the high‐quality peach (Prunus persica) genome reference sequence for single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) identification.

The results of this GWA study validated previously reported PPV resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) intervals, highlighted other potential resistance loci, and resolved each to a limited set of candidate genes for further study.

This work substantiates the association genetics approach for resolution of QTL to candidate genes in apricot and suggests that this approach could simplify identification of other candidate genes for other marked trait intervals in this germplasm.
Expression of β‐glucosidase increases trichome density and artemisinin content in transgenic Artemisia annua plants
Authors: Singh Nameirakpam Dolendro , Kumar Shashi , Daniell Henry 
Published: September 2015

SummaryArtemisinin is highly effective against multidrug‐resistant strains of Plasmodium falciparum, the aetiological agent of the most severe form of malaria. However, a low level of accumulation of artemisinin in Artemisia annua is a major limitation for its production and delivery to malaria endemic areas of the world. While several strategies to enhance artemisinin have been extensively explored, enhancing storage capacity in trichome has not yet been considered. Therefore, trichome density was increased with the expression of β‐glucosidase (bgl1) gene in A. annua through Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation. Transgene (bgl1) integration and transcript were confirmed by molecular analysis. Trichome density increased up to 20% in leaves and 66% in flowers of BGL1 transgenic plants than Artemisia control plants. High‐performance liquid chromatography, time of flight mass spectrometer data showed that artemisinin content increased up to 1.4% in leaf and 2.56% in flowers (per g DW), similar to the highest yields achieved so far through metabolic engineering. Artemisinin was enhanced up to five‐fold in BGL1 transgenic flowers. This study opens the possibility of increasing artemisinin content by manipulating trichomes’ density, which is a major reservoir of artemisinin. Combining biosynthetic pathway engineering with enhancing trichome density may further increase artemisinin yield in A. annua. Because oral feeding of Artemisia plant cells reduced parasitemia more efficiently than the purified drug, reduced drug resistance and cost of prohibitively expensive purification process, enhanced expression should play a key role in making this valuable drug affordable to treat malaria in a large global population that disproportionally impacts low‐socioeconomic areas and underprivileged children.