bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A retrospective approach to assess human health risks associated with growing air pollution in urbanized area of Thar Desert, western Rajasthan, India
Authors: Rumana Harcharan Singh , Sharma Ramesh Chandra , Beniwal Vikas , Sharma Anil Kumar 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Air pollution has been a matter of great concern globally because of the associated health risks to individuals. The situation is getting worse in developing countries with more urbanization, industrialization and more importantly the rapidly growing population posing a threat to human life in the form of pulmonary, cardiovascular, carcinogenic or asthmatic diseases by accumulating toxic pollutants, harmful gases, metals, hydrocarbons etc.

Objective

The present study was undertaken to assess the magnitude of ambient air pollutants and their human health risks like respiratory ailments, infectious diseases, cardiovascular diseases and cancer using a Retrospective Approach of Bart Ostra.

Methodology

The parameters PM2.5, PM10, NOx, SO2, NH3 and O3 were monitored at all selected study sites monitored through a high volume sampler (APM 451 Envirotech, Envirotech Instruments Pvt. Ltd., New Delhi, India). Retrospective Approach was used for assessment of risk factors and disease burden of respiratory and cardiopulmonary health problems.

Results

Environmental burden of disease showed that the problem of health related to air pollution is a main concern particularly in the growing cities of India. High to critical level of air pollution including PM10, PM2.5, NOx, SO2, NH3 and O3 was observed in all seasons at traffic intersections and commercial sites. The respiratory infections (25% incidence in population exposed to indoor smoke problems) and a prevalence of asthma/COPD (4.4%) in households exposed to high vehicular pollution along with signs of coronary artery/heart disease and/or hypertension and cancers (37.9-52.2%), were reported requiring preventive measures.

Conclusion

The study reflects a great concern for the mankind with the need of having streamline ways to limit air pollution and emphasize upon efficiently determining the risk of illness upon exposure to air pollution.
Dispersibility of HCl-treated Cellulose Nanocrystals with Water-dispersible Properties in Organic Solvents
Authors: Okura Hiromichi , Wada Masahisa , Serizawa Takeshi 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The dispersibility of cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) with water-dispersible properties, which were prepared by HCl treatment of cellulose resources, in organic solvents was investigated by cross-polar images. It was found that the CNCs were dispersed well in amphoteric solvents with strong Lewis acid and base properties, similar to the original water solvent.
Pump Resumes PCA Dosing When Turned off then on Again; Safe Ways to Restock Automated Dispensing Cabinets; Anything Missing from this Label? Letairis, not Letaris; Possible Cross-Contamination with Insulin Vials
Authors: Cohen Michael R. , Smetzer Judy L. 
Published: January 2014

These medication errors have occurred in health care facilities at least once. They will happen again—perhaps where you work. Through education and alertness of personnel and procedural safeguards, they can be avoided. You should consider publishing accounts of errors in your newsletters and/or presenting them at your inservice training programs. Your assistance is required to continue this feature. The reports described here were received through the Institute for Safe Medication Practices (ISMP) Medication Errors Reporting Program. Any reports published by ISMP will be anonymous. Comments are also invited; the writers’ names will be published if desired. ISMP may be contacted at the address shown below. Errors, close calls, or hazardous conditions may be reported directly to ISMP through the ISMP Web site ( www.ismp.org ), by calling 800-FAIL-SAFE, or via e-mail at ismpinfo@ismp.org . ISMP guarantees the confidentiality and security of the information received and respects reporters’ wishes as to the level of detail included in publications.
Pharmacogenetic potential biomarkers for carbamazepine adverse drug reactions and clinical response
Authors: Jaramillo Nancy Monroy , Galindo Ingrid Fricke , Vázquez Alberto Ortega , Cook Helgi Jung , LLerena Adrián , López Marisol López 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a first-line widely used anticonvulsant. It has a narrow therapeutic index and exhibits considerable interindividual and interethnic variability in clinical efficacy and adverse drug reactions including potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. The most important pharmacogenetic finding is related to the association of CBZ-induced hypersensitivity with human leukocyte antigens (HLA class I and II alleles). Moreover, genotyping for HLA-B*15:02 allele is required prior to initiating CBZ in Asians and Asian ancestry patients, demonstrating the usefulness of biomarkers to avoid adverse drug reactions. On the other hand, in order to explain the differences in the clinical response to CBZ, genetic polymorphisms in phase I (CYP3A4, CYP3A5 and EPHX1) and phase II (UGT2B7) metabolising enzymes have been assessed; additionally, the influence of transporters (ABCB1 and ABCC2), receptors (PXR) and other drug targets (voltage- gated Na+ channels) in CBZ clinical response has been evaluated. To date, these studies are controversial and require further investigations to clarify the functional role of these polymorphisms as potential biomarkers in regard to CBZ therapy.
Numerical Implementation of Continuum Dislocation Dynamics with the Discontinuous-Galerkin Method.
Authors: Ebrahimi Alireza , Monavari Mehran , Hochrainer Thomas 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIn the current paper we modify the evolution equations of the simplified continuum dislocation dynamics theory presented in [T. Hochrainer, S. Sandfeld, M. Zaiser, P. Gumbsch, Continuum dislocation dynamics: Towards a physical theory of crystal plasticity. J. Mech. Phys. Solids. (in print)] to account for the nature of the so-called curvature density as a conserved quantity. The derived evolution equations define a dislocation flux based crystal plasticity law, which we present in a fully three-dimensional form. Because the total curvature is a conserved quantity in the theory the time integration of the equations benefit from using conservative numerical schemes. We present a discontinuous Galerkin implementation for integrating the time evolution of the dislocation state and show that this allows simulating the evolution of a single dislocation loop as well as of a distributed loop density on different slip systems.
Cooperative driving at isolated intersections based on the optimal minimization of the maximum exit time
Authors: Wu Jia , Abbas-Turki Abdeljalil , Perronnet Florent 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Traditional traffic control systems based on traffic light have achieved a great success in reducing the average delay of vehicles or in improving the traffic capacity. The main idea of these systems is based on the optimization of the cycle time, the phase sequence, and the phase duration. The right-of-ways are assigned to vehicles of one or several movements for a specific time. With the emergence of cooperative driving, an innovative traffic control concept, Autonomous Intersection Management (AIM), has emerged. In the framework of AIM, the right-of-way is customized on the measurement of the vehicle state and the traffic control turns to determine the passing sequence of vehicles. Since each vehicle is considered individually, AIM faces a combinatorial optimization problem. This paper proposes a dynamic programming algorithm to find its optimal solution in polynomial time. Experimental results obtained by simulation show that the proper arrangement of the vehicle passing sequence can greatly improve traffic efficiency at intersections.
Graphics processing units in acceleration of bandwidth selection for kernel density estimation
Authors: Andrzejewski Witold , Gramacki Artur , Gramacki Jarosław 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The Probability Density Function (PDF) is a key concept in statistics. Constructing the most adequate PDF from the observed data is still an important and interesting scientific problem, especially for large datasets. PDFs are often estimated using nonparametric data-driven methods. One of the most popular nonparametric method is the Kernel Density Estimator (KDE). However, a very serious drawback of using KDEs is the large number of calculations required to compute them, especially to find the optimal bandwidth parameter. In this paper we investigate the possibility of utilizing Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) to accelerate the finding of the bandwidth. The contribution of this paper is threefold: (a) we propose algorithmic optimization to one of bandwidth finding algorithms, (b) we propose efficient GPU versions of three bandwidth finding algorithms and (c) we experimentally compare three of our GPU implementations with the ones which utilize only CPUs. Our experiments show orders of magnitude improvements over CPU implementations of classical algorithms.
INFLUENCE OF DIFFERENT HOUSING SYSTEMS ON THE WELFARE OF CALVES
Authors: Pálka Václav , Šoch Miloslav , Zábranský Luboš , Švejdová Kateřina , Šimková Anna , Peksa Zdeněk , Dušová Hana 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The aim of this paper was to find out what the system of the technical solution to housing for calf breeding is the most suitable from the point of view of welfare. There were compared four basic types. We focused on the comparison behavior of stabled calves like a lying and eating time. These behavior were observed in all four seasons. At the same time we observed some microclimatic conditions. We focused on the cooling value that refers to the thermal comfort of stabled animals. With a comprehensive examination of all collected and measured values can be recommended to prioritize individual outdoor sheds under shelter and calf house from lightweight steel construction, according to actual economic situation of breeders.
Honey bee colonies performance enhance by newly modified beehives
Authors: Abou-Shaara Hossam F. , Al-Ghamdi Ahmad A. , Mohamed Abdelsalam A. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
Honey bees have good thermoregulation and rapidly respond to any changes in the microclimatic conditions of their colonies. However, colony losses can occur during very cold or hot months. Honey bee colonies are often kept in modified beehives during such times to save the honey bees lives. In the present study, the abilities of four beehive types to enhance the performance of two honey bee races (Carniolan and Yemeni honey bees) were compared under hot and arid environmental conditions. The results indicated performance differences between the two races and between the selected beehive types. For the Carniolan honey bees, better results were obtained in colonies provided with insulated cover boxes (ICB) than in thermoregulatory beehives (TBH), insulated beehives with a back drawer (IBD), and normal beehives (NB) in that order. In contrast, better Yemeni honey bee results were obtained in the TBH, followed by ICB, NB, and finally IBD. Maintaining honey bees in a suitable beehive type is a promising method for saving honey bees lives and enhancing their performance under harsh environmental conditions.
OCCURRENCE AND POPULATION DENSITY OF APHIDS IN APPLE ORCHARDS OF SOUTH BULGARIA
Authors: Andreev Radoslav , Rasheva Donka , Kutinkova Hristina 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
In a 2006-2008 study, seven aphid species (Hemiptera: Aphididae) were detected on apple trees in South Bulgaria: Rhopalosiphum insertum Walk. (apple-grass aphid), Dysaphis plantaginea Pass (rosy apple aphid), Dysaphis devecta Walker (rosy leaf-curling aphid), Macrosiphum euphorbiae Thomas (potato aphid), Aphis pomi De Geer (green apple aphid), Aphis spiraecola Patch. (spiraea aphid/green citrus aphid) and Eriosoma lanigerum Nausm. (wooly apple aphid). The dominant species were D. plantaginea, found in 97.8% of the surveyed orchards. Two green aphid species from the genus Aphis were both found in 96.4% of the orchards. The rosy apple aphid was a more important pest of bearing orchards, where infestation in spring always exceeded the economic injury level (1-2% of infested shoots). The green aphids were more important in young orchards and nurseries, where they developed during the entire vegetation period and infestation sometimes exceed 50-80% of shoots. A. pomi was still more widespread, but A. spiraecola was found throughout all of South Bulgaria. As pests of apple, the other species were less common, causing lower infestations and minor economic importance.
Molecular phylogenetics supports widespread cryptic species in moonworts (Botrychium s.s., Ophioglossaceae)
Authors: Dauphin Benjamin , Vieu Julien , Grant Jason R. 
Published: January 2014

• Premise of the study: Previous phylogenetic studies of moonworts (Botrychium sensu stricto (s.s.)) included few taxa from outside of North America. This low geographical representation limited interpretations of relationships of this group rich in cryptic species. With 18 out of 30 species in the genus being polyploid, understanding their evolutionary history remains a major challenge.• Methods: A new molecular phylogeny was reconstructed using Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Bayesian Inference (BI) analyses based on multiple accessions of the most wide‐ranging Arctic taxa of Botrychium in North America and Europe using three noncoding plastid DNA regions (psbA‐trnHGUG, trnLUAA‐trnFGAA intergenic spacer, and rpL16 intron).• Key results: The new phylogeny confirms the identity of several recently described species and proposed new taxa. Nine subclades are newly identified within the two major clades in Botrychium s.s.: Lanceolatum and Lunaria. Chloroplast DNA was variable enough to separate morphologically cryptic species in the Lunaria clade. On the contrary, much less variation is seen within the morphologically variable Lanceolatum clade despite sampling over the same broad geographic range. The chloroplast region psbA‐trnHGUG is identified as an efficient DNA barcode for the identification of cryptic taxa in Botrychium s.s.• Conclusions: The combined increase in species representation, samples from throughout the geographic range of each species, and sequencing of multiple plastid DNA regions supports morphologically cryptic species in Botrychium s.s.
Registration of X‐rays at 2500 m altitude in association with lightning flashes and thunderstorms
Authors: Montanyà Joan , Fabró Ferran , van der Velde Oscar , Romero David , Solà Gloria , Hermoso Juan Ramon , Soula Serge , Williams Earle R. , Pineda Nicolau 
Published: January 2014

AbstractElectric fields and high‐energy radiation of natural lightning measured at close range from a mountaintop tower are discussed. In none of the 12 negative cloud‐to‐ground upward flashes were X‐rays observed. Also no energetic radiation was found in one negative upward leader at close range (20 m). In the first of two consecutive negative cloud‐to‐ground flashes, X‐rays were detected during the last ~1.75 ms of the leader. During the time of energetic radiation in the flash an intense burst of intracloud VHF sources was located by the interferometers. The X‐ray production is attributed to the high electric field runaway electron mechanism during leader stepping. Even though the second flash struck closer than the previous one, no X‐rays were detected. The absence of energetic radiation is attributed to being outside of the beam of X‐ray photons from the leader tip or to the stepping process not allowing sufficiently intense electric fields ahead of the leader tip. High‐speed video of downward negative leaders at the time when X‐rays are commonly detected on the ground revealed the increase of speed and luminosity of the leader. Both phenomena allow higher electric fields at the leader front favoring energetic radiation. Background radiation was also measured during thunderstorms. The count rate of a particular day is presented and discussed. The increases in the radiation count rate are more coincident with radar reflectivity levels above ~30 dBZ than with the total lightning activity close to the site. The increases of dose are attributed to radon daughter‐ion precipitation.
Transport of NOx in East Asia identified by satellite and in situ measurements and Lagrangian particle dispersion model simulations
Authors: Lee H.‐J. , Kim S.‐W. , Brioude J. , Cooper O. R. , Frost G. J. , Kim C.‐H. , Park R. J. , Trainer M. , Woo J.‐H. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractNitrogen dioxide (NO2) columns observed from space have been useful in detecting the increase of nitrogen oxides (NOx) emissions in East Asia, particularly China, coinciding with rapid economic growth during the past several decades. NO2 columns retrieved above a particular location reflect a combination of local NOx emissions and transported NOx from upwind sources. In this study, we demonstrate the transport of NOx emitted in East Asia using satellite and surface in situ measurements and Lagrangian particle dispersion model simulations. Enhanced satellite NO2 columns in the Yellow Sea (between China and South Korea) and the East Sea (between South Korea and Japan), and different seasonal variations of NO2 in China, North and South Korea, and Japan, suggest the importance of NOx transport in understanding the local NOx budget. Lagrangian transport model simulations with tracers of different chemical lifetimes identify source‐receptor relationships that explain high NO2 over the oceans and springtime peaks in Korea and Japan, with China being the most likely source region. Our results have important implications for studies using satellite NO2 retrievals to derive NOx emissions at local scales in regions adjacent to large sources, such as in East Asia, Europe, and the Eastern U.S.
Spontaneous sphenoid lateral recess cerebrospinal fluid leaks arise from intracranial hypertension, not Sternberg's canal
Authors: Illing Elisa , Schlosser Rodney J. , Palmer James N. , Curé Joel , Fox Nyssa , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: January 2014

BackgroundSpontaneous cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leaks/encephaloceles are proven to be associated with intracranial hypertension by objective measurements of CSF pressure during or following endoscopic repair. A common area of involvement is a pneumatized lateral recess of the sphenoid (LRS) sinus, where prolonged intracranial pressures lead to arachnoid pits and subsequent development of skull‐base defects. Even though the LRS is never present at birth, a “congenital” cause of these leaks due to a persistent Sternberg's (lateral craniopharyngeal) canal continues to be erroneously perpetuated in the literature. The objective of this study was to eliminate the myths defining these leaks as congenital in nature.MethodsEvaluation of LRS CSF leaks present within a multiinstitutional case series was performed. Data regarding demographics, body mass index (BMI), radiologic evaluation of intracranial hypertension, and direct intracranial pressure measurements (when available) were collected.ResultsData evaluation identified 77 LRS CSF leaks in 59 patients (mean age 52 years). Obesity was present in 83% of individuals (mean BMI 36) and 81% were females. Radiologic evidence of intracranial hypertension (eg, empty sella, dilated optic nerve sheaths, and scalloped/attenuated bone) was present on 96% of preoperative computed tomography (CT) and/or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. Opening or postsurgical lumbar drain or ventriculostomy pressure measurements were elevated in 95% of patients (mean 27.7; range, 9–50 cmH2O).ConclusionThis study provides objective evidence that LRS CSF leaks are secondary to erosions from intracranial hypertension and refutes the myth regarding a congenital origin from Sternberg's canal.
Bovine serum albumin‐confined silver nanoclusters as fluorometric probe for detection of biothiols
Authors: Chen Zhen , Lu Dongtao , Cai Zongwei , Dong Chuan , Shuang Shaomin 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTFluorescent bovine serum albumin‐confined silver nanoclusters (BSA–AgNCs) were demonstrated to be a novel and environmentally friendly probe for the rapid detection of biothiols such as cysteine (Cys), homocysteine (Hcy) and glutathione (GSH). The sensing was ascribed to the strong affinity between the mercapto group of the biothiols and the silver nanoclusters. The fluorescence intensity of BSA–AgNCs was quenched efficiently on increasing the concentration of biothiol, corresponding with a red‐shift in emission wavelength. However, the fluorescence of the silver nanoclusters was almost unchanged in the presence of other α‐amino acids at 10‐fold higher concentrations. By virtue of this specific response, a new, simple and rapid fluorescent method for detecting biothiols has been developed. The linear ranges for Cys, Hcy and GSH were 2.0 × 10‐6 to 9.0 × 10‐5 M (R2 = 0.994), 2.0 × 10‐6 to 1.2 × 10‐4 M (R2 = 0.996) and 1.0 × 10‐5 to 8.0 × 10‐5 M (R2 = 0.980), respectively. The detection limits were 8.1 × 10‐7 M for Cys, 1.0 × 10‐6 M for Hcy and 1.1 × 10‐6 M for GSH. Our proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of thiols in human plasma and the recovery was 94.83–105.24%. It is potentially applicable to protein‐stabilized silver nanoclusters in a chemical or biochemical sensing system. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploring the Impact of Informal Practices on Social Exclusion and Age‐Friendliness for Older People in Rural Communities
Authors: Walsh Kieran , O′Shea Eamon , Scharf Thomas , Shucksmith Mark 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis article explores the role of informal practices, across the state, private, voluntary, and family and friend systems, in addressing social exclusion in rural communities in Ireland and Northern Ireland. In doing so, we examine the relevance of the ‘age‐friendly’ concept to rural settings. Using focus group discussions, involving 62 community stakeholders from 10 communities across the two jurisdictions, we explore the four systems and their limitations in the communities and the informal practices that underlie system interactions and older adult supports and engagement. Informal practices, such as cooperative working between system actors and the performance of tasks outside professional and organisational remits, were found to underpin many community responses to supporting older people and arose from collective interdependencies, the multiplicity of individual roles (e.g. professional, community member and volunteer) and positions of need. Informal practices strengthened the capacity of these rural communities to address social exclusion of older people and enhanced local aspects of age‐friendliness. The findings are discussed in light of the diversity of rural older people and their communities, transformative process of change and the need for a more nuanced understanding of age‐friendliness in rural settings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.