bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biological Monitoring Method for Urinary Neonicotinoid Insecticides Using LC‐MS/MS and Its Application to Japanese Adults
Authors: Ueyama June , Nomura Hiroshi , Kondo Takaaki , Saito Isao , Ito Yuki , Osaka Aya , Kamijima Michihiro 
Published: November 2014

Biological Monitoring Method for Urinary Neonicotinoid Insecticides Using LC‐MS/MS and Its Application to Japanese Adults: Jun UEYAMA, et al. Department of Pathophysiological Laboratory Sciences, Field of Radiological and Medical Laboratory Sciences, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine—ObjectivesAgricultural use of neonicotinoid (NEO) insecticides has been increasing in recent years, but their biological monitoring methods have been scarcely reported. In this study, we developed and validated a rapid and sensitive method for quantifying urinary NEO concentrations using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS).MethodsAfter phosphate‐induced acidification of a urine sample, urinary NEOs were trapped by a solid‐phase extraction column and eluted with methanol for acetamiprid, imidacloprid, thiacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin and dinotefuran and with an acetonitrile and methanol solution (1:1, v/v) containing 5% NH3 for nitenpyram. Aseparation analysis was performed by LC‐MS/MS within 10 minutes for the sample. This method was applied to first morning urine obtained from 52 Japanese (40.9 ± 10.5 years old, mean ± standard deviation) without occupational NEO exposure.ResultsThe linear dynamic ranges and their limit of quantification (LOQ, signal to noise ratio=10) levels were 0.3−20 or 50 μg/l (r=0.998−0.999) and 0.05−0.36 μg/l, respectively. The absolute recovery was 64−95%, and the intra‐ and inter‐day precisions were less than 16.4% (relative standard deviation, %RSD). This method was successfully applied for analysis of NEOs in human urine samples obtained from 52 adults. The frequencies of individuals who showed more than LOD levels was above 90% for imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, clothianidin and dinotefuran, more than 50% for acetamiprid and thiacloprid and 29% for nitenpyram.ConclusionsThese results indicated that our new method could be applied to biological monitoring of NEO exposure even at environmental exposure levels in Japanese adults without occupational spraying histories.
Very Low Birth Weight, Infant Growth, and Autism-Spectrum Traits in Adulthood
Authors: Pyhälä Riikka , Hovi Petteri , Lahti Marius , Sammallahti Sara , Lahti Jari , Heinonen Kati , Pesonen Anu-Katriina , Strang-Karlsson Sonja , Eriksson Johan G. , Andersson Sture , Järvenpää Anna-Liisa , Kajantie Eero , Räikkönen Katri 
Published: November 2014

OBJECTIVES:
We examined whether adults born preterm at very low birth weight (VLBW; &lt;1500 g) differ from term-born adults in autism-spectrum traits, and whether among VLBW adults, growth in infancy is associated with these traits.

METHODS:
A total of 110 VLBW and 104 term-born adults of the Helsinki Study of Very Low Birth Weight Adults completed the Autism-Spectrum Quotient yielding total, social interaction, and attention to detail sum scores. Growth in weight, length, and head circumference from birth to term and from term to 1 year of corrected age was determined as standardized residuals reflecting growth conditional on previous history.

RESULTS:
VLBW adults scored higher than term-born controls on social interaction sum score, indicating higher autism-spectrum traits. In contrast, they scored lower on attention to detail sum score, indicating lower autism-spectrum traits. Within the VLBW group, faster growth in weight, length, and head circumference from birth to term was associated with lower total and social interaction sum scores. In this group, growth from term to 1 year was not associated with autism-spectrum traits.

CONCLUSIONS:
Among those born preterm at VLBW, the risk for higher levels of autism-spectrum traits, particularly related to social interaction, may persist into adulthood. Faster growth from birth to term may ameliorate these effects, suggesting that targeted interventions could aid long-term neurodevelopment.
A Randomized Trial on Screening for Social Determinants of Health: the iScreen Study
Authors: Gottlieb Laura , Hessler Danielle , Long Dayna , Amaya Anais , Adler Nancy 
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND:
There is growing interest in clinical screening for pediatric social determinants of health, but little evidence on formats that maximize disclosure rates on a wide range of potentially sensitive topics. We designed a study to examine disclosure rates and hypothesized that there would be no difference in disclosure rates on face-to-face versus electronic screening formats for items other than highly sensitive items.

METHODS:
We conducted a randomized trial of electronic versus face-to-face social screening formats in a pediatric emergency department. Consenting English-speaking and Spanish-speaking adult caregivers familiar with the presenting child’s household were randomized to social screening via tablet computer (with option for audio assist) versus a face-to-face interview conducted by a fully bilingual/bicultural researcher.

RESULTS:
Almost all caregivers (96.8%) reported at least 1 social need, but rates of reporting on the more sensitive issues (household violence and substance abuse) were significantly higher in electronic format, and disclosure was marginally higher in electronic format for financial insecurity and neighborhood and school safety. There was a significant difference in the proportion of social needs items with higher endorsement in the computer-based group (70%) than the face-to-face group (30%).

CONCLUSIONS:
Pediatric clinical sites interested in incorporating caregiver-reported socioeconomic, environmental, and behavioral needs screening should consider electronic screening when feasible, particularly when assessing sensitive topics such as child safety and household member substance use.
Defects in Epitaxial lift-off Thin Si Films/Wafers and Their Influence on the Solar Cell Performance
Authors: Sopori Bhushan , Devayajanam Srinivas , Basnyat Prakash , Moutinho Helio , Reedy Robert , VanSant Kaitlyn , Ravi T.S. , Hao Ruiying , Vatus Jean , Nag Somnath 
Published: November 2014

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we will describe the nature of defects and impurities in thick epitaxial-Si layers and their influence on the cell efficiency. These wafers have very low average dislocation density. Stacking faults (SFs) are the main defect in epi layers. They can occur in many configurations—be isolated, intersecting, and nested. When nested, they can be accompanied by formation of coherent twins resulting in dendritic growth, with pyramids protruding out of the wafer surface. Such pyramids create large local stresses and punch out dislocations. The main mechanism of dislocation formation is through pyramids. Stacking faults degrade solar cell performance. Analyses of the solar cells have revealed that the nested SFs have a controlling effect on the solar cell performance. A well-controlled growth can minimize defect generation and produce wafers that can yield cell efficiencies close to 20%.
Metal effects on histological and biochemical parameters of common rudd (Scardinius erythrophthalmus L.)
Authors: Georgieva Elenka , Stoyanova Stela , Velcheva Iliana , Vasileva Tonka , Bivolarski Veselin , Iliev , Ilia , Yancheva Vesela 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The present study aimed to evaluate the current contamination status of Topolnitsa Reservoir, which is located in a region with intensive copper mining. The reservoir has been continually contaminated with metals over the last few decades. As, Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn concentrations were measured in surface water samples and in the liver of common rudd, Scardinius erythrophthalmus (L.), in three different seasons: spring, summer, and autumn. The morphological structure of the fish liver was examined and the hepatic LDH, ALAT, and ASAT activities were measured. In general, metal concentrations in the water varied, but As and Cu were present in all three seasons at levels higher than the maximum permissible levels set by law. The metal concentrations in the fish liver were significantly higher than in the water. Histological alterations were classified as degenerative changes (granular, vacuolar, hydropic, and fatty degeneration), necrotic changes (necrobiosis) - karyopyknosis, karryorehsis, and karyolyzis, and necrosis)); and changes in blood vessels (hyperemia in sinusoids and major blood vessels). Higher LDH, ALAT, and ASAT activities in fish livers were measured in comparison to reference fish. In addition, the ALAT activity in the livers of S. erythrophthalmus from Topolnitsa Reservoir was significantly higher in the summer. Overall, it can be concluded that the metal-contaminated waters of Topolnitsa Reservoir lead to negative changes in the common rudd tissues at the cellular level including impaired structure and enhanced enzymatic activity in the fish liver.
Does diet overlap among larval and 0+ fish species decrease with ontogenetic development?
Authors: Bogacka-Kapusta Elżbieta , Kapusta Andrzej 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the degree of overlap in the feeding niches of early developmental stages of roach, Rutilus rutilus (L.), perch, Perca fluviatilis L., bleak, Alburnus alburnus (L.) and sunbleak, Leucaspius delineatus (Heckel). The hypotheses were that (i) larvae of different fish species of similar body sizes feed on similar food, and that (ii) smaller fish compete with larger ones for similar prey. The results of the analysis was to answer the question of whether the diet overlap of juvenile fish stages decreases with ontogenetic development. The study was conducted for two years (2001-2002) in two shallow, polymictic, eutrophic lakes. The diets of early developmental stages of fish species of similar body sizes differed. The few instances of diet overlap resulted from the abundance of food resources in the environment. However, fish of smaller body sizes exploited the same food resources as did individuals of the same species that belonged to different cohorts.
The Eastern Partnership and the EU-Turkey Energy Relations
Authors: Demiryol Tolga 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
This article discusses the prospects and challenges of energy cooperation between the European Union (EU) and Turkey within the context of the Eastern Partnership (EaP). Part of the EaP agenda is to advance energy cooperation between the EU and the partner states, particularly regarding the diversification of import routes. As an energy corridor between the EU and the hydrocarbon-rich Caspian states, Turkey is a strategic asset for European energy security. Turkey also has economic ties and political capital in the Caspian region that can help the EU reach out to its eastern partners. Despite robust incentives for cooperation, however, the EU-Turkey energy partnership has so far failed to meet mutual expectations. This article argues that this is primarily due to the inability of the two actors to credibly commit to regional energy cooperation. Commitment problem stems from two factors. First, the predominance of national energy interests over communal ones undermines credible commitment. The variation in energy needs of Member States prevents the EU from acting in unison in external energy policy. Similarly, Turkey also prioritizes its own energy security, particularly in its relations with suppliers, which undermines cooperation with the EU. Second, the EU and Turkey hold divergent perspectives on the potential political payoffs of energy cooperation. Turkish decision makers are convinced that energy cooperation warrants palpable progress in Turkey’s accession while most EU actors appear hesitant to establish a direct connection between energy and accession.
A Virtual Firewall Mechanism Using Army Nodes to Protect Cloud Infrastructure from DDoS Attacks
Authors: Jeyanthi N , Mogankumar P. C. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Cloud is not exempted from the vulnerability of Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, a serious threat to any distributed network and has considerably less effective solutions to deploy in the network. This paper introduces a novel mechanism to protect and prevent the cloud from the spurious packets targeting the depletion of server resources. The army nodes called “Cloud DDoS Attack Protection” (CDAP) nodes are installed at the cloud server farm/ Datacenter (DC). These army nodes act as virtual firewall without destroying the Cloud Infrastructure and improve the availability of DC, even at the time of DDoS attack. By continuously monitoring the incoming packets, CDAP filters the attack packets intruding the Cloud DC. Availability is further improved by handing over the threat detection and attack mitigation to CDAP nodes and by redirecting the malicious user requests to the dump network. The simulation results prove that the introduction of CDAP nodes improve the availability and reduce the response time and the cost incurred.
Landmark Sequence Data Association for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping of Robots
Authors: Yi Yingmin , Huang Ying 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The paper proposes landmark sequence data association for Simultaneous Localization and Mapping (SLAM) for data association problem under conditions of noise uncertainty increase. According to the space geometric information of the environment landmarks, the information correlations between the landmarks are constructed based on the graph theory. By observing the variations of the innovation covariance using the landmarks of the adjacent two steps, the problem is converted to solve the landmark TSP problem and the maximum correlation function of the landmark sequences, thus the data association of the observation landmarks is established. Finally, the experiments prove that our approach ensures the consistency of SLAM under conditions of noise uncertainty increase.
Study of Post-Cracking Torsional Behaviour of High-Strength Reinforced Concrete Beams with a Ferrocement Wrap
Authors: Behera Gopal Charan , Rao Tippabhotla Durga Gunneswara , Kameswara Chittem Butchi 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The post-cracking behaviour of structures subjected to torsion can be well predicted by Hsu’s softened truss model. The softened truss model is applicable to structures having symmetry in their material properties on all four sides. Wrapping on three faces is a common phenomenon when the top face is provided with a flange or slab. Such a wrapping on three faces of a beam is referred to as a “U” wrap. “U” wraps are better wrapping strategies for distressed structures, as their top face is not accessible for many structures. The material property of an unwrapped face differs from the rest of wrapped faces. For the effective use of wrapping, the unwrapped face needs to be provided with a material having a higher resistance to tension and shear. For this, high-strength concrete in the core is a better option. Here, an attempt is made to predict the torsional capacity of “U” wrapped high-strength concrete beams having an asymmetry in the material using a softened truss model with suitable modifications of the material properties. Efficient algorithms are proposed for the solution of simultaneous equations. The predictions are found to be in good agreement with the experimental test results
The Future Of Court Interpreting In Croatia
Authors: Dobrić Katja 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
Court interpreting in Croatia is a very unregulated field especially regarding the training and the skills that are to be acquired in order to pro- vide accurate translation at courts. One of the prerequisites according to the Regulations on Court Interpreters in Croatia is knowledge of the structure of judicial power, state government and legal terminology. Although the Regulations prescribe that the training should last no longer than two months, the organisations providing such training shorten this to three or four days. Taking into account all that has been said one realizes that in such short time a per- son cannot be properly qualified to practice as a court interpreter. According to the EU Directive on the right to interpretation and translation in criminal proceedings member states should provide adequate training in order to ensure the quality of interpretation and to avoid that suspected or accused persons complain that the quality of interpretation was not good enough to secure the fairness of the proceeding, which according to Article 2 of the Directive they have the right to. Since Croatia joined the European Union on 1 July 2013, it will have to change its Regulations on Court Interpreters in order to com- ply with this Directive. This paper will try to analyze the problems within the scope of court interpreter’s profession in Croatia both in civil and in criminal proceedings. Several examples will be suggested as the possible model for modifying court interpreting in Croatia. Since this profession is often underrated by the national courts, the paper will suggest ways to prevent such views and point out the importance of good court interpretation
Geneza, Właściwości i Klasyfikacja Czarnych Ziem w Polsce
Authors: Labaz Beata , Kabała Cezary 
Published: November 2014

Streszczenie
Czarne ziemie, w randze osobnej j ednostki, wyodrębnione zostały przez Miklaszewskiego ze względu na ich poba-giennągenezę, podmokłość oraz specyficzny typ „kwaśnej” próchnicy. Z czasem zaczęto określać tym mianem także inne podmokłe gleby z głębokim poziomem próchnicznym o różnej genezie: (1) czarne ziemie pojeziorne (pobagienne), (2) czarne ziemie błotne (z przeobrażenia gleb torfowo- i torfiastoglej owych), (3) czarne ziemie deluwialne, (4) czarne ziemie ukształtowane w procesie werty-lizacji, (5) czarne ziemie powstałe w efekcie zwiększenia wilgotności czarnoziemów łąkowo-leśnych, (6) poligenetyczne czarne ziemie z poziomem iluwiacji iłu. Klasyfikacja gleb o tak zróżnicowanej genezie musi opierać się na wspólnych kryteriach morfologicznych, to j est zgodnie z trendem wyznaczonym przez systematyki gleb Polski z lat 1989 i 2011. Jednak przynależność do czarnych ziem nie zawsze jest jednoznaczna, ze względu na nieprecyzyjne rozgraniczenie w punktach stycznych z pokrewnymi glebami, w tym z czarnoziemami (intensywność oglejenia), madami i glebami deluwialnymi (stratyfikacja materiału macierzystego i/lub poziomu mollic), vertisolami (obecność poziomów mollic i vertic) oraz glebami murszastymi (brak różnic w kryteriach diagnostycznych). Ponadto, uzupełnienia wymagają charakterystyki czarnych ziem pod kątem rodzaju oglejenia (gruntowego oraz opadowego), rodzaju węglanów (wtórnych i pierwotnych) oraz obecności poziomu diagnostycznego anthric.
ASSESSMENT OF LAND USE CHANGE IN SHIVAPURI NAGARJUN NATIONAL PARK: THE CASE OF SUNDARIJAL VDC, KATHMANDU
Authors: Shrestha Sujata , Joshi Laxman , Dangol Mukesh 
Published: November 2014

This research aimed to assess land use and its change between 1990, 2000 and 2010 in Sundarijal VDC of Shivapuri Nagarjun National Park (SNNP). Land use change was assessed using Landsat TM data for 1990, 2000 and 2010. The drivers of land use change and its implications on ecosystem services were studied through field study comprising reconnaissance survey, questionnaire survey, key informant interviews and focus group discussions. GIS analysis showed that forest land and bare land area declined by 0.19% and 0.53%, respectively from 1990 to 2010, while agricultural land increased by 0.72%. The local people see the change in water quantity and quality, soil erosion and biodiversity loss as impacts of land use change. The key drivers of land use change include over harvesting of fuel wood for alcohol production, timber extraction and non-conducive government policies. Due to limited livelihood options, people residing inside SNNP boundary are involved in illegal extraction of fuel wood mainly for alcohol production. Respondents stressed that alternative livelihood options are required for minimizing such illegal activities. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11441ECOPRINTAn International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013Page: 53-59
FOREST STRUCTURE AND REGENERATION PATTERN OF BETULA UTILIS D. DON IN MANASLU CONSERVATION AREA, NEPAL
Authors: Sujakhu Hishila , Gosai Kamal Raj , Karmacharya Siddhi Bir 
Published: November 2014

Forest structure and regeneration of Betula utilis (D. Don) was studied in birch forestlocated in Samagaun valley (3500 – 4000 m) of Manaslu Conservation Area. Vegetationsampling was done by quadrat method. Altogether 40 quadrats were sampled to determinethe Importance Value Index (IVI) of tree species, and distribution pattern of seedlings andsaplings. Regeneration was assessed by density - diameter curve. Four tree species wererecorded from the forest. Betula utilis was the dominant tree species with the highestImportance Value Index (173.22) in mixed Betula forest and 262.96 in pure Betula forestand Abies spectabilis was the co – dominant species (65.95) in mixed Betula forest whileRhododendron campanulatum was the co-dominant species (37.03) in pure Betula forest.Density of Betula utilis increased with increase in elevation where as density of other treespecies decreased with increase in elevation. Mixed Betula forest at lower elevation wasyoung. The density diameter curve of the tree population of Betula utilis, both on mixed andpure forests, deviated slightly from the typical reverse J shaped structure and hence did notshow the sustainable regeneration. The sapling density was higher than seedling density.The distribution of seedlings and saplings were not uniform among the sampling plots.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/eco.v20i0.11472ECOPRINT An International Journal of EcologyVol. 20, 2013page: 107-113
Thermal and Tensile Behavior of HD-PE Films Containing Iron (III) Acetylacetonate after UV Irradiation
Authors: Kiryakova D. , Mihaleva S. , Atanassov A. , Tavlieva M. 
Published: November 2014

Abstract
The thermal, tensile and other properties of high density polyethylene films containing iron (III) acetylacetonate as pro-oxidant additive have been studied after exposure to UV irradiation for up to 300 h. The effect of photooxidation on polyethylene films with and without pro-oxidant was estimated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, Differential scanning calorimeter measurements and the tensile properties. It was observed that UV irradiation had almost no effect on the melting temperature of the different samples. After exposure, the degree of crystallinity increased from 69% to 72% for the initial polyethylene samples without pro-oxidant additive and by 3% for the samples containing iron (III) acetylacetonate. It was found that the increase in the carbonyl index of initial HDPE was not significant even after 60 h exposure to UV irradiation while samples with pro-oxidant suffered substantial degradation still for 35 h. It was observed that the decrease of the tensile strength is more pronounced for the samples with pro-oxidant under irradiation for 60 to 70 h. The films containing pro-oxidant lose ∼90% of its initial elongation at break after 35 h exposure.