bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Monoglycerides, polyglycerol esters, lecithin, and their mixtures influence the onset of non‐isothermal fat crystallization in a concentration dependent manner
Authors: Daels Eva , Rigolle Annelien , Raes Katleen , De Block Jan , Foubert Imogen 
Published: June 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of commercially available monoacylglycerol (M), polyglycerol esters (P), and sunflower lecithin (L) on the onset of crystallization of bulk fat as a function of the added concentration. Not only a single type of emulsifier, but also binary and ternary mixtures of M, P, and L were added to the two different “host” fats using a statistically sound mixture design. The obtained mixtures were analyzed for their non‐isothermal crystallization behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. If a single type of emulsifier was added, the nucleation was accelerated when adding M or P, while L addition had no significant effect. Furthermore, it was shown that the minimum concentration necessary to provoke a nucleation accelerating effect is lower for P than for M. Antagonistic effects between M and L (and not between P and L) were suggested by the coefficient estimates of the special cubic model.Practical applications: Palm oil (PO) is one of the most consumed vegetable oils in the world because of its unique physical properties. It imparts a very high stability to the β′ crystal form, yielding relatively small crystals which give a smooth texture to e.g., margarines and shortenings. Because PO is semi‐solid at room temperature, it forms an ideal hard stock to be used in trans free food products. However, PO has a slow crystallization rate and an unusually long α‐lifetime. These disadvantages can be overcome by the addition of an emulsifier acting as crystallization modifier (e.g., monoacylglycerols and diacylglycerols) . Furthermore, from a nutritional point of view, the saturated fatty acids present in PO , are among the factors contributing to cardio‐vascular diseases . When using more unsaturated fats as hard stock, the use of additives in order to avoid compromising the functionality of the food product should be further investigated.This study investigated the influence of commercially available monoacylglycerol (M), polyglycerol esters (P), and sunflower lecithin (L) on the onset of crystallization of bulk fat as a function of the added concentration. Not only a single type of emulsifier, but also binary and ternary mixtures of M, P, and L were added to the two different “host” fats using a statistically sound mixture design. The total amount of emulsifiers in each blend was set to 1.5%. The obtained mixtures were analyzed for their non‐isothermal crystallization behavior by differential scanning calorimetry. It was shown that the effect on the onset of crystallization of the bulk fat depends on the type and the concentration of emulsifier.
Center of Gravity (COG) Method as a Tool in Processing of Voltammetric Signals
Authors: Jović Ozren , Omanović Dario , Zelić Marina , Pižeta Ivanka 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe center of gravity method (COG) was applied (for the first time) in voltammetry (polarography) as a tool for very precise determination of peak potentials, and signal shifts. Basically, the adjustment of the method consists of finding the optimal fraction of the peak that contains information about peak position, either of original signal or of its 1st or 2nd derivatives, along with optimal selection of parameters for SavitzkyGolay smoothing of original curves and elimination of baseline influence. The principle of the method and its validation were demonstrated and checked on simulated differential pulse polarograms (DPP) representing a series of curves for the determination of stability constants of labile metal complexes (DeFord‐Hume method). It was shown that COG outperforms the classical “one‐point” method (OPM) in precision and accuracy, providing excellent results even if a very large step potential (e.g. 10 mV) was used. The problems of reduced accuracy and precision in case of curved (non‐ideal) baseline and asymmetric peaks were successfully overcome by applying COG on curves transformed by 1st and/or 2nd derivatives. The method was additionally examined in details on a simple experimental dataset of cadmium chloride complexes in 4 mol dm−3 ionic strength solution and on a more complex dataset of uranyl selenate complexes in 3 mol dm−3 ionic strength solution. Stability constants obtained by COG agree well with those in the literature with much better precision than the classical one‐point method (checked by standard error of the fit).
Application of the Generalized Molar‐Ratio Method to the Determination of the Stoichiometry and Apparent Binding Constant of Nanoparticle‐Organic Capping Systems
Authors: Doménech‐Carbó Antonio , González‐Béjar María , Pérez‐Prieto Julia 
Published: June 2015

AbstractA generalization of the molar‐ratio method is applied to the determination of the stoichiometry and apparent binding constant of metal nanoparticle‐organic capping complexes (MmLx) using voltammetric data for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in air‐saturated aqueous phosphate buffer solutions. The method is applied to the formation of binary nanohybrids consisting of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) capped with a rigid spacer, cucurbit[7]uril (CB), termed AuNP@CB, as well as to the formation of their ternary complexes (MmLxBz) with methylene blue (MB), termed AuNP@CB@MB. The obtained stoichiometries correspond to binding of four Au surface atoms for each CB unit.
Performance testing of thermal and photovoltaic thermal solar collectors
Authors: Allan James , Dehouche Zahir , Stankovic Sinisa , Mauricette Lascelle 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThis work details a methodology to characterize the performance of solar thermal and photovoltaic thermal (PVT) collectors using an indoor solar simulator. In this study, several cases have been compared to show that the methodology can be used to extract fundamental performance characteristics from a solar collector. In the first case, a serpentine collector was compared against a header riser collector using the same mass flow rate. It was found that the header riser was less efficient, with a 34% increase in the overall loss coefficient. The experimental results were compared with commonly used empirical models and showed a close agreement. In the second case, the impact on performance of using a polycarbonate cover is presented. The results show that the optical efficiency of the collector is reduced by 12% when using a cover; however, because the loss coefficient is reduced by 53%, the covered collector performs better when there is a large temperature difference between the absorber and the ambient. The third case investigates the combined performance of a PVT collector, that produces both heat and electricity from a single device. By placing photovoltaic (PV) laminates on top of the serpentine absorber, the thermal efficiency is reduced by 15%. When electricity is generated by laminates, the thermal efficiency is reduced by a further 3.5%; this drop in thermal efficiency is a result of the incident radiation producing electricity before reaching the thermal absorber. The combined efficiency of the PVT collectors was compared at controlled inlet temperatures. The serpentine design had the highest combined efficiency of 61% with 8% electricity at the lowest inlet temperature (21°C). The dominant form of loss in the PVT system is temperature driven; as the thermal efficiency decreases, electricity generation makes up a larger percentage of the combined output. This study highlights the potential for manufacturers of bespoke thermal absorbers and PV devices to combine their products into a single PVT device that could achieve improved efficiency over a given roof area.
Occurrence of glucocorticoids discharged from a sewage treatment plant in Japan and the effects of clobetasol propionate exposure on the immune responses of common carp (Cyprinus carpio) to bacterial infection
Authors: Nakayama Kei , Sato Kentaro , Shibano Takazumi , Isobe Tomohiko , Suzuki Go , Kitamura Shin-Ichi 
Published: June 2015

Abstract

The present study evaluated the environmental risks to common carp (Cyprinus carpio) posed by glucocorticoids present in sewage treatment plant (STP) effluent. To gather information on the seasonal variations in glucocorticoid concentration, the authors sampled the effluent of a Japanese STP every other week for 12 mo. Six of 9 selected glucocorticoids were detected in the effluent, with clobetasol propionate and betamethasone 17-valerate detected at the highest concentrations and frequencies. The present study's results indicated that effluent glucocorticoid concentration may depend on water temperature, which is closely related to the removal efficiency of the STP or to seasonal variations in the public's use of glucocorticoids. In a separate experiment, to clarify whether glucocorticoids in environmental water increase susceptibility to bacterial infection in fish, the authors examined the responses to bacterial infection (Aeromonas veronii) of common carp exposed to clobetasol propionate. Clobetasol propionate exposure did not affect bacterial infection-associated mortality. In fish infected with A. veronii but not exposed to clobetasol propionate, head kidney weight and number of leukocytes in the head kidney were significantly increased (p &lt; 0.05), whereas these effects were not observed in infected fish exposed to clobetasol. This suggests that clobetasol propionate alleviated bacterial infection-associated inflammation. Together, these results indicate that susceptibility to bacterial infection in common carp is not affected by exposure to glucocorticoids at environmentally relevant concentrations. Environ Toxicol Chem 2016;35:946–952. © 2015 SETAC
A matter of priorities? Exploring the persistent gender pay gap in hospital medicine
Authors: Weaver A. Charlotta , Wetterneck Tosha B. , Whelan Chad T. , Hinami Keiki 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDGender earnings disparities among physicians exist even after considering differences in specialty, part‐time status, and practice type. Little is known about the role of job satisfaction priorities on earnings differences.OBJECTIVETo examine gender differences in work characteristics and job satisfaction priorities, and their relationship with gender earnings disparities among hospitalists.DESIGNObservational cross‐sectional survey study.PARTICIPANTSUS hospitalists in 2010.MEASUREMENTSSelf‐reported income, work characteristics, and priorities among job satisfaction domains.RESULTSOn average, women compared to men hospitalists were younger, less likely to be leaders, worked fewer full‐time equivalents, worked more nights, reported fewer daily billable encounters, more were pediatricians, worked in university settings, worked in the Western United States, and were divorced. More hospitalists of both genders prioritized optimal workload among the satisfaction domains. However, substantial pay ranked second in prevalence by men and fourth by women. Women hospitalists earned $14,581 less than their male peers in an analysis adjusting for these differences.CONCLUSIONSThe gender earnings gap persists among hospitalists. A portion of the disparity is explained by the fewer women hospitalists compared to men who prioritize pay. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:486–490. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
Is weekend discharge associated with hospital readmission?
Authors: Cloyd Jordan M. , Chen Joy C. , Ma Yifei , Rhoads Kim F. 
Published: June 2015

BACKGROUNDAlthough recent evidence suggests worse outcomes for patients admitted to the hospital on a weekend, the impact of weekend discharge is less understood.METHODSUtilizing the 2012 California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development database, the impact of weekend discharge on 30‐day hospital readmission rates for patients admitted with acute myocardial infarction (AMI), congestive heart failure (CHF), or pneumonia (PNA) was investigated.RESULTSOut of 266,519 patients, 60,097 (22.5%) were discharged on a weekend. Unadjusted 30‐day hospital readmission rates were similar between weekend and weekday discharges (AMI: 21.9% vs 21.9%; CHF: 15.4% vs 16.0%; PNA: 12.1% vs 12.4%). Patients discharged on a weekday had a longer length of stay and were more often discharged to a skilled nursing facility. However, in multivariable logistic regression models, weekend discharge was not associated with readmission (AMI: odds ratio [OR] 1.02 [95% CI: 0.98‐1.06]; CHF: OR 0.99 [95% CI: 0.94‐1.03]; PNA: OR 1.02 (95% CI: 0.98‐1.07)).CONCLUSIONSAmong patients in California with AMI, CHF, and PNA, discharge on a weekend was not associated with an increased hospital readmission rate. Journal of Hospital Medicine 2015;10:731–737. © 2015 Society of Hospital Medicine
In Harm's Way: Children's Work in Risky Occupations in Brazil
Authors: DeGraff Deborah S. , Ferro Andrea R. , Levison Deborah 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThere were large numbers of child workers in domestic services, street work, construction and selected areas of agricultural production in Brazil at the turn of the century. These kinds of occupations are often problematic for youth. We show that children engaged in these risky categories of work are more disadvantaged than other employed children and non‐employed children. Results from a large representative survey show that children in ‘risky’ work are more likely to have parents also engaged in hazardous activities or be living without both parents, characteristics that may be useful for targeting policy. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preservation of different fig cultivars (Ficus carica L.) under modified atmosphere packaging during cold storage
Authors: Villalobos María del Carmen , Serradilla Manuel Joaquín , Martín Alberto , López Corrales Margarita , Pereira Cristina , Córdoba María de Guía 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe effect of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on the stability of ‘Cuello Dama Blanco’ (CDB), ‘Cuello Dama Negro’ (CDN) and ‘San Antonio’ (SA) figs during post‐harvest cold storage was evaluated by using three different films with a diverse number of microperforations (diameter, ø = 100 µm): M10 (16 holes), M30 (five holes) and M50 (three holes). A macroperforated film was used as control (five holes, ø = 9 mm). Gas composition, weight loss, percentage disorder, microbial counts and physico‐chemical parameters were monitored during cold storage for 21 days. Furthermore, sensory quality was also evaluated.RESULTSMAP has allowed the extension of cold storage and distribution time for the three different cultivars of figs, minimising weight loss and delaying pathological disorders related to endosepsis, smut, and souring. Of the three cultivars, the M50 batch (one hole per 50 mm) showed the best efficiency in terms of physico‐chemical quality and delay of post‐harvest decay, although the M30 batch was also found to be suitable for delaying the post‐harvest decay, especially for the CDB cultivar.CONCLUSIONMAP is a useful tool to extend the storability with optimal quality properties for CDN and SA during 21 days of cold storage and 14–17 days of cold storage for CDB. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Benthic community metabolism in deep and shallow Arctic lakes during 13 years of whole–lake fertilization
Authors: Daniels William C. , Kling George W. , Giblin Anne E. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBenthic primary production and oxygen consumption are important components of lake biogeochemical cycling. We performed whole–lake nutrient manipulations in Arctic Alaska to assess the controls of lake morphometry, nutrients, and light on benthic community metabolism. One deep, stratified lake (Lake E5) and one shallow, well–mixed lake (Lake E6) in the Alaskan Arctic were fertilized with low levels of nitrogen (56 mg N m−3 yr−1) and phosphorus (8 mg P m−3 yr−1) from 2001 to 2013. Benthic primary production was not stimulated by fertilization in either lake. In the deep lake, decreased water clarity is consistent with an increase in phytoplankton biomass during fertilization. Benthic GPP decreased by 7–47 mg C m−2 d−1 (not statistically significant) and benthic respiration increased from 87 ± 20 to 167 ± 9 (SE) mg C m−2 d−1. The areal hypolimnetic oxygen deficit increased by 15 mg O2 m−2 d−1 each year during the 13 yr of monitoring, apparently driven by lower (more negative) benthic NEP. In the shallow lake, phytoplankton concentration did not change with fertilization. As a result, the light environment did not change and benthic GPP did not decrease. Overall the data suggest that (1) benthic algae are not nutrient limited in either the deep or shallow lake, (2) lake morphometry modulated the overall nutrient impact on benthic metabolism by controlling the response of phytoplankton, and by extension, light and organic carbon supply to the benthos, (3) year–to–year variability in light attenuation explains considerable variability in benthic GPP between lakes and years, (4) correlations between both dissolved organic carbon concentrations and light attenuation coefficients (kd) between lakes suggests a regional control on light attenuation, and (5) the dissolved oxygen concentrations in the deep experimental lake are highly sensitive to nutrient enrichment.
Refractory metals and nickel in high temperature chlorine‐containing environments ‐ thermodynamic prediction of volatile corrosion products and surface reaction mechanisms: a review
Authors: Galetz M.C. , Rammer B. , Schütze M. 
Published: June 2015

Thermodynamic calculations are an important tool for prediction of chemical reactions. In many cases the results help to understand and describe the experimental observations. In others, especially if reaction kinetics play a major role, their predictive value can be rather limited and the projected results have to be treated with care. One such case are high temperature chlorine corrosion conditions.For example, thermodynamically a similar corrosion behavior of nickel and molybdenum is predicted in chlorine‐containing atmospheres at low oxygen partial pressures. In contrast to their calculated similarity, experimental results showed much higher resistance of molybdenum against the chlorinating attack. Above 800 °C nickel is rapidly consumed, whereas molybdenum remains almost inert.This paper reviews the literature on the corrosion mechanisms and kinetics of nickel and molybdenum in chlorine‐containing environments as well as in mixed oxygen‐chlorine‐containing atmospheres. Based on the literature review, differences in their reaction kinetics are discussed, taking into account the deviation from an ideal thermodynamic correlation between the partial pressure and the reaction kinetics via the often used Hertz‐Langmuir equation. Finally it is shown that the findings concerning the special characteristics of molybdenum and nickel and the conclusions drawn from experimental observations on high temperature chlorine corrosion can also be transferred to other metals.
Restless Legs Syndrome and Hypertension in Mexican Women
Authors: Catzín‐Kuhlmann Andrés , Juárez‐Armenta Alma , Ortiz‐Panozo Eduardo , Monge‐Urrea Adriana , Puchner Karl P. , Cantú‐Brito Carlos , López‐Ridaura Ruy , Rice Megan S. , Kurth Tobias , Lajous Martín 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBackgroundRLS is a common chronic disorder characterized by an irresistible need to move the lower limbs that affects sleep. Poor sleep has been associated with increased blood pressure (BP). Thus, we evaluated the cross‐sectional relationship between RLS and hypertension (HTN) in a large cohort study in Mexico.MethodsIn 2011, 54,925 female participants from the Mexican Teachers’ Cohort responded to a four‐item questionnaire based on the International Restless Legs Syndrome Study Group's minimal diagnostic criteria. Women also reported diagnosis and treatment of HTN. We used multivariable logistic regression models to estimate prevalence odds ratios (ORs) for HTN, adjusting for lifestyle and dietary factors. We also estimated adjusted prevalence ORs for HTN by frequency of RLS symptoms.ResultsWe identified 9,230 cases (17%) of RLS, and the prevalence of HTN was 13.1% among women with RLS and 9.4% among those without RLS. The multivariable‐adjusted prevalence OR for HTN comparing women with to those without RLS was 1.18 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.10–1.26). Compared to those without RLS, the prevalence OR of HTN in women reporting a symptom frequency of once a month or less was 1.14 (95% CI: 1.00–1.30); among those with symptoms two to four times a month, the OR was 1.17 (95% CI: 1.05–1.30); and for those with symptoms at least two times a week, the OR was 1.22 (95% CI: 1.10–1.35).ConclusionWe observed an association between RLS and HTN. Future studies should evaluate the impact of treating RLS on BP.
A new predictor–corrector approach for the numerical integration of coupled electromechanical equations
Authors: Tripodi E. , Musolino A. , Rizzo R. , Raugi M. 
Published: June 2015

SummaryIn this paper, a new approach for the numerical solution of coupled electromechanical problems is presented. The structure of the considered problem consists of the low‐frequency integral formulation of the Maxwell equations coupled with Newton–Euler rigid‐body dynamic equations. Two different integration schemes based on the predictor–corrector approach are presented and discussed. In the first method, the electrical equation is integrated with an implicit single‐step time marching algorithm, while the mechanical dynamics is studied by a predictor–corrector scheme. The predictor uses the forward Euler method, while the corrector is based on the trapezoidal rule. The second method is based on the use of two interleaved predictor–corrector schemes: one for the electrical equations and the other for the mechanical ones.Both the presented methods have been validated by comparison with experimental data (when available) and with results obtained by other numerical formulations; in problems characterized by low speeds, both schemes produce accurate results, with similar computation times. When high speeds are involved, the first scheme needs shorter time steps (i.e., longer computation times) in order to achieve the same accuracy of the second one. A brief discussion on extending the algorithm for simulating deformable bodies is also presented. An example of application to a two‐degree‐of‐freedom levitating device based on permanent magnets is finally reported. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient attitudes towards prenatal diagnostic testing for inherited retinal disease
Authors: Ahmed Khuram , Ahmed Mushtaq , Potrata Barbara , Willis Thomas A. , Grant Hilary L. , Allsop Matthew J. , Hewison Jenny , Downey Louise , Gale Richard , McKibbin Martin 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveTo explore factors that influence decision‐making in relation to prenatal diagnostic testing (PDT) for inherited retinal disease (IRD).MethodSemi‐structured interviews were conducted with 50 adults with IRD, selected from a larger sample to provide a diversity of backgrounds and opinions on genetic testing. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis.ResultsMostly participants supported PDT, believing that it would provide information to help them prepare for and plan the future care of the child and the potential for early access to emerging therapies. Opposition to PDT stemmed from its use to justify termination of pregnancy, with participants feeling that it was not justified as they retained a good quality of life despite their visual impairment. Participants raised concerns about the risk of PDT and the accuracy of the results. However, most suggested that it should be available as an option for others, but for specific reasons and not as a part of routine care.ConclusionThe variation in attitudes towards PDT and uncertainty about the risk and accuracy of results suggest that individuals at risk of having a child with IRD should have access to genetic counselling to support decision making. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.