bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Geochemistry of the Permian sandstones from the Malužiná Formation in the Malé Karpaty Mts (Hronic Unit, Western Carpathians, Slovakia): implications for source-area weathering, provenance and tectonic setting
Authors: Vďačný Marek , Vozárová Anna , Vozár Jozef 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The Permian sandstones of the Malužiná Formation in the northern part of the Malé Karpaty Mts are dominantly quartzofeldspathic and quartzolithic in composition with abundant feldspars and volcanic, plutonic igneous and less metasedimentary lithic fragments, indicating the sand grains were derived from a basement uplift and recycled orogen. The Malužiná Formation sandstones have moderate to high SiO2 contents (68-85 wt. %; on average 76 wt. %), TiO2 concentrations averaging 0.3 wt. %, Al2O3 contents of about 12 wt. %, and Fe2O3 (total Fe as Fe2O3) + MgO contents of around 2.9 wt. %. The Chemical Index of Alteration (CIA) values for the Permian Malužiná Formation sandstones vary from 45 to 68 with an average of 55, indicating low to moderate weathering of the source area. The bulk chemical composition and selected trace elements preserve the signatures of a felsic and intermediate igneous provenance, and suggest mostly an active continental margin tectonic setting of the source area for the Malužiná Formation sandstones. The Eu/Eu* (~0.78), La/Sc (~7.28), Th/Sc (~2.10), La/Co (~6.67), Th/Co (~1.85), and Cr/Th (~6.57) ratios as well as the chondrite-normalized REE patterns with flat HREE, LREE enrichment, and negative Eu anomalies indicate derivation of the Malužiná Formation sandstones from felsic rock sources. The deposition of the Malužiná Formation sandstones took place in a rifted continental margin environment supplied from collision orogen on a thick continental crust composed of rocks of older fold belts.
Addiction and Recovery: Perceptions among Professionals in the Swedish Treatment System
Authors: Samuelsson Eva , Blomqvist Jan , Christophs Irja 
Published: February 2013

Aims The objective of the study was to explore perceptions of different addictions among Swedish addiction care personnel. Data A survey was conducted with 655 addiction care professionals in the social services, health care and criminal care in Stockholm County. Respondents were asked to rate the severity of nine addictions as societal problems, the individual risk to getting addicted, the possibilities for self-change and the perceived significance of professional treatment in finding a solution. Results The images of addiction proved to vary greatly according to its object. At one end of the spectrum were addictions to hard drugs, which were judged to be very dangerous to society, highly addictive and very hard to quit. At the other end of the spectrum were smoking and snuff use, which were seen more as bad habits than real addictions. Some consistent differences were detected between respondents from different parts of the treatment system. The most obvious was a somewhat greater belief in self-change among social services personnel, a greater overall change pessimism among professionals in the criminal care system and a somewhat higher risk perception and stronger emphasis on the necessity of treatment among medical staff. Conclusion Professionals' views in this area largely coincide with the official governing images displayed in the media, and with lay peoples' convictions.
Problem Drinking, Gambling and Eating – Three Problems, One Understanding? A Qualitative Comparison between French and Finnish Social Workers
Authors: Egerer Michael 
Published: February 2013

Aim Culture Is often used as a wildcard in cross-cultural studies. This article proposes a more diverse understanding of culture, as layered from “deep structures” towards institutional arrangements. It analyses which cultural levels are involved in Finnish and French social workers' understanding of problem drinking, gambling and eating. Design A stimulated focus group method (Reception Analytical Group Interview) RAGI was applied to eight groups of Finnish and five groups of French social workers not specialised in addiction. The interviews were analysed with a semi-otic approach. Results Finnish social workers understand problem drinking, gambling and eating as rooted in society and harming the social environment. It is the individual's responsibility to solve the problem. French social workers conceptualise only problem eating similar to problem drinking as being caused by an individual defect. They identify problem gambling as a social issue. Conclusions The results imply that both the institutional context and structures deeper in culture influence how we conceptualise excessive behaviours. This shows the usefulness of a layered concept of culture. The article recommends caution in using “addiction” as an umbrella concept for all kinds of excessive behaviours, as the perception of each problem depends not only on culture, but on the different cultural levels. Problem gambling in particular seems to evoke multiple understandings.
How Finns Perceive Obstacles to Recovery from Various Addictions
Authors: Hirschovits-Gerz Tanja 
Published: February 2013

Aims This article examines how Finns perceive obstacles to overcoming various substance and behavioural addictions. Design A random population survey (n=740) was conducted in the autumn of 2007. The survey included questions on five types of barriers to recovery: the properties of the substance or behaviour, the personal properties of the individual, the significance of the environment, the effect of difficult living conditions, and the prejudices and negative expectations of other people. Results The individual and the substances or behaviours as such were considered bigger obstacles to recovery than contextual factors such as the environment, living conditions or attitudes and prejudices. The substances were considered bigger obstacles to recovery than behaviours not involving psychoactive substances. The personal properties of the individual were considered a moderately big obstacle in all forms of addictions, while prejudices were believed to restrict the recovery possibilities the least. Conclusion The result reflects people's overall tendency to explain other people's unpleasant or troublesome behaviour with clear-cut and definable factors. The obstacles to recovery are located in the individual and substances and not so much in socio-cultural factors. The reduction of dependence problems could succeed better if, in addition to the individual factors, attention were directed at the environmental factors that feed and maintain these problems.
In situ bioconversion of compactin to pravastatin by Actinomadura species in fermentation broth of Penicillium citrinum
Authors: Ahmad Ajaz , Mujeeb Mohd , Kapoor Rohit , Panda Bibhu 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThe biocatalytic production of pravastatin from compactin by hydroxylation has found many applications in health care and pharmaceuticals. Actinomadura macra, Actinomadura madurae, and Actinomadura livida can efficiently bioconvert compactin to pravastatin. The fermentation broth (Penicillium citrinum fermented media) harvested on the eighth day contained 388.90 mg L−1 of compactin and an undetectable level of mycotoxin (citrinin). Bioconversion by A. macra was highest (87 %) in the yeast extract-amended medium. The anti-actinomadura effects of citrinin reduce the bioconversion capacity of Actinomadura. The in situ hydroxylation of compactin produced by P. citrinum represents a preferable alternative for the use of purified compactin, as a way to reduce cost and time processing.
Degradation products of proguanil — 4-chloroaniline and related components with regard to genotoxicity
Authors: Schulz Katharina , Oberdieck Ulrich , Weitschies Werner 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn the event of genotoxic impurities in drug products, knowledge of the origin and fate of these components is of particular importance. In the present study, commercially available proguanil tablets (Paludrine®) were investigated in respect of formation of the main degradation product, 4-chloroaniline (PCA), which is known to be genotoxic. The investigations made use of high performance liquid chromatography coupled with fluorescence detection (HPLC-FLD) and gas chromatography coupled with flame ionisation detection (GC-FID) systems. In addition, proposals for the structure of further proguanil degradation products were developed based on results obtained by mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS). Database analysis using DEREK, MCASE, and Vitic was performed to obtain an initial toxicological evaluation of the proposed chemical structures. Finally, the absence of the newly established structures in stored proguanil tablets was verified.
X-ray absorption spectroscopy of nanostructured polyanilines
Authors: Nascimento Gustavo 
Published: February 2013

AbstractIn this paper, X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy at the nitrogen K edge (N K XANES) data of polyaniline (PANI) and its derivatives were revisited and expanded. The N K XANES spectra of PANI nanocomposites and PANI nanofibers were also investigated. The analysis of N K XANES spectra were done by the deconvolution of bands and the 1s → π* and 1s → σ* transitions were assigned by a correlation with the N K XANES spectra of smaller organic compounds. The “free” forms of PANI were dominated by bands from 397.7 eV to 399.1 eV attributed to imine and radical cation nitrogen atoms, respectively. Nitrogen bonded to phenazine-like rings can also be seen, mainly for PANI prepared at pH higher than 3.0. The spectra of nanocomposites show sharper bands than the “free” polymers as well as new bands at 398.8 eV and 405–406 eV. These new bands were assigned to phenazine-like rings and azo bonds in the structure of the polymers (polyaniline, polybenzidine, and poly(p-phenylediamine)) within the galleries of the montmorillonite clay. PANI nanofibers doped with HCl or HClO4 show bands related to phenazine-like rings and/or dication segments of PANI, indicating that these segments are important in the formation of PANI nanofibers.
Methyl-2-arylidene hydrazinecarbodithioates: synthesis and biological activity
Authors: Mahapatra Manojkumar , Kulandaivelu Umasankar , Saiko Philipp , Graser Geraldine , Szekeres Thomas , Andrei Graciela , Snoeck Robert , Balzarini Jan , Jayaprakash Venkatesan 
Published: February 2013

AbstractMethyl-2-arylidene hydrazine-carbodithioate has not been of particular interest to researchers even though its metal complexes are extensively reported on due to their biological activity. This study examined the cytostatic and antiviral activity of twelve methyl-2-arylidene hydrazinecarbodithioates reported by many researchers as intermediates for the synthesis of thiosemicarbazides and the preparation of their metal complexes. Compounds IIc, IIi, and IIl with tridentate ligand features were found to have the lowest IC50 value (6.5 μM, ≈ 1 μM, and 0.8 μM, respectively) against HL60 human promyelocytic leukemia cells. They were also most inhibitory to human embryonic lung (HEL) fibroblast proliferation (5.3 μM, 17 μM, and 2.6 μM). Compound IIc and IIl show antiviral activity against wild-type herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), and acyclovirresistant HSV; however, these activities were observed at concentrations at which the compounds also markedly inhibit HL60 and HEL cell proliferation.
Polyaniline micro-/nanostructures: morphology control and formation mechanism exploration
Authors: Li Yu , Zheng Jian-Long , Feng Jing , Jing Xin-Li 
Published: February 2013

AbstractThis article provides a brief overview of recent work by the authors’ group as well as related researches reported by others on controlling the morphology and exploring the formation mechanism of typical micro-/nanostructures of polyaniline (PANI) and aniline oligomers through template-free aniline chemical oxidation process. The contents are organised as follows: (i) tuning the morphology of aniline polymerisation products by employing ultrasonic irradiation, mass transfer, and pH profiles; (ii) exploring the formation mechanism of micro-/nanostructures during aniline chemical oxidation through examining the precipitation behaviours of aniline oligomers and polymers in a post-synthetic system; (iii) tailoring PANI micro-/nanostuctures into pre-designed morphology by introducing certain heterogeneous nucleation centres; (iv) application potential of PANI nanofibres in the areas of transparent conductive film, electromagnetic interference-shielding coating and graphene-based electrode materials. This short review concludes with our perspectives on the challenges faced in gaining the exact formation mechanism of PANI micro-/nanostructures and the future research possibility for morphologically precisely controlled PANI micro-/nanostructures.
Effect of PPy/PEG conducting polymer film on electrochemical performance of LiFePO4 cathode material for Li-ion batteries
Authors: Oriňáková Renáta , Fedorková Andrea , Oriňák Andrej 
Published: February 2013

AbstractRechargeable lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) have been the most commonly used batteries in the portable electronics market for many years. Polypyrrole (PPy) was now investigated as a conducting addition agent to enhance the cathode and anode materials performance in LIBs. Actual development in the synthesis and modification of the most promising cathode materials, LiFePO4, is described in this mini-review. The main aim of this mini-review is to highlight the effect of PPy based conducting polymer films on the electrochemical efficiency of LiFePO4 based cathode materials for LIBs summarizing our own research. Influence of the polyethylene glycol (PEG) additive in the PPy coating layer was evaluated. The improved electrochemical performance can be attributed to the enhanced electronic conductivity, higher solubility of ions originating from the electrolyte, higher movability of dissolved Li+ ions, and improved structural flexibility resulting from the incorporation of the PPy or PPy/PEG conducting polymer layer. The stabilizing effect of PEG in PPy was reflected in lowered cross-linking and reduced structural defects and, in consequence, in higher specific capacity of PPy/PEG-LiFePO4 cathodes compared to that of PPy-LiFePO4 cathodes and bare LiFePO4 cathodes.
Oribatid mites (Acari, Oribatida) of yew, cypress and pine litter in southern Italy
Authors: Seniczak Stanisław , Seniczak Anna 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Oribatid mite communities were investigated in southern Italy in litter under yew, pine and cypress trees. These mites achieved the highest density in yew and cypress litter in a park in the inland town of Caserta, and the lowest density in pine litter at the coast of Capo Vaticano. In these mite communities, only 1-4 species were abundant, so the Shannon index H’ was rather low. The density of oribatid mites, species number, and dominance structure depended greatly on the kind of litter. The most abundant and common was Zygoribatula propinqua, but the highest density in yew litter was achieved by Oribatella superbula. In oribatid mite communities, the juveniles usually dominated, but the age structure of species greatly depended on the kind of litter.
Plant-soil feedback in herbaceous species of Mediterranean coastal dunes
Authors: Bonanomi Giuliano , Esposito Assunta , Mazzoleni Stefano 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Plants induce soil heterogeneity that can affect species coexistence. In this work, the soil heterogeneity induced by the growth of 9 species selected from Mediterranean vegetation of coastal dunes was studied in controlled conditions. We investigated the effect of the grown plants on soil characteristics (pH, electrical conductivity, NO3 -, and NH4 +) and performance of 4 target species (Dactylis hispanica, Melilotus neapolitana, Petrorhagia velutina, and Phleum subulatum). Plant growth and survival were affected by soil history in species-specific ways, showing a high variability of both parameters, with survival ranging from 100% to 0%. Soil history did not affect soil pH and conductivity but dramatically changed the availability of mineral nitrogen forms. However, for all plant species, growth and survival results were unrelated to the measured soil characters. Other factors, such as accumulation of allelopathic compounds and/or changes in soil microbial communities, may explain the observed effects. The experimental results, demonstrating a widespread occurrence of plant-soil feedback, show the importance of this process also in species-rich herbaceous Mediterranean vegetation.
Seasonal distribution of phenolics in leaves of aromatic plants (Origanum vulgare L., Mentha spicata L., Clinopodium vulgare L.) and their ecophysiological implications
Authors: Kofidis George , Bosabalidis Artemios M. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Seasonal distribution of phenolics was studied in leaves of 3 species of the family Lamiaceae: Origanum vulgare L., Mentha spicata L., and Clinopodium vulgare L. Phenolic compounds were identified in fresh leaves by a histochemical test and quantified morphometrically by point-counting analysis. The summer leaves (August) of O. vulgare contained the highest amounts of phenolics, as compared to M. spicata and C. vulgare. Phenolics were abundant in all leaf tissues (upper and lower epidermis, palisade and spongy parenchyma) of O. vulgare, but mainly in epidermal cells of M. spicata. In case of C. vulgare, however, phenolics were mostly present in the spongy parenchyma of the mesophyll. High amounts of phenolics in the summer leaves of these aromatic plants appeared to impart protection from harmful insects, microorganisms, and drought stress, rather than from UV-B radiation.
A northern refugium of the Mediterranean water shrew Neomys anomalus in Słowiński National Park (N Poland)
Authors: Rychlik Leszek , Stachowiak Agnieszka , Nowak Urszula , Kardynia Paweł 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The influence of recent anthropogenic and climatic changes on the distribution or population size of individual species should be especially pronounced at the boundaries of their geographical ranges. Therefore, in summers 2008-2010, we live-trapped small mammals and analysed habitat features on 14 study plots comprising various wet habitats of Słowiński National Park (at the Baltic coast in northern Poland) in order to recognize the current distribution and population size of Neomys anomalus Cabrera, 1907 in its northernmost population in Europe. N. anomalus was, however, captured only on one plot - a wet, unmown meadow crossed by unkempt drainage ditches, situated on the Gać Peninsula (Półwysep Gacki). This result, compared to historical data, suggests that neither the abundance of N. anomalus has increased nor its range has been extended. We give a detailed description of the habitat in this study plot. The information can be useful in the protection of this rare shrew species with very specific habitat requirements.
An investigation into the influence of different parameters on the onset of boiling in minichannels
Authors: Piasecka Magdalena 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The paper presents experimental studies on boiling heat transfer in rectangular minichannels. The investigations focus on the transition from single phase forced convection to nucleate boiling, i.e., in the zone of boiling incipience. The experiment has been carried out with FC-72, R-123 and R-11 at the Reynolds number below 4700, corresponding to mass flow rate range 95-710 kg/(m s). The main part of the test section is a minichannel of pre-set depth from 0.7 to 2 mm and width (20, 40 and 60 mm), with different spatial orientations from vertical to horizontal and 30% inclination angle adjustment. The objective of the paper includes the impact of selected parameters (liquid flow velocity, pressure and inlet liquid subcooling, channel dimensions and spatial orientation) on the boiling incipience in minichannels. The investigations are intended to develop a correlation for the calculations of the Nusselt number under the conditions of boiling incipience in the minichannel as a function of changeable parameters.
Giant Liver Hydatid Cyst
Authors: Cuzic Viviana , Tica C. , Enache F. , Mihai Cristina , Bălăşa Adriana , Mihai Larisia , Frecuş Corina , Ungureanu Adina 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Hydatiosis due to Echinococcus granulosus is an endemic parasitic zoonosis characterized by worldwide distribution. The most commonly involved anatomical locations are the liver and lung. The autors present a 12-year-old patient with a giant hepatic echinococcus cyst misdiagnosed as an abdominal malignancy during formal investigation. The patient was admitted to the hospital complaining for abdominal pain and with an important abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed a giant abdominal mass: 23/21 cm, resembling a tumor, adherent to the liver edges and parietal peritoneum. The patient was taken into operation, and an a giant liver hydatid cyst was removed despite the radiological findings and the preoperative clinical suspicion.
Development of a Resource: To Help Consumers Select Nutrition Supplements
Authors: Koo Megan , Whiting Susan 
Published: February 2013

Purpose: In Canada, many people do not meet all the recommended nutrient intakes with food alone; the use of supplements may be one strategy to compensate for some of these inadequacies. Previous research has revealed several barriers to supplement use, including a lack of knowledge. In this qualitative study, we developed a resource to help inform and educate consumers on the selection of appropriate nutrition supplements. Methods: Three focus groups with participants residing in low-income neighbourhoods in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and seven key informant interviews were conducted using a semistructured interview guide and four resource examples. After transcription of the discussion and interviews, thematic analysis was used to identify emergent themes. Results: Analysis yielded three overarching themes: barriers to use, interdisciplinary issues, and resource expectations. Each overarching theme had several subthemes. Subthemes of the overarching theme of resource expectations were subsequently used to create a new tool to help consumers select an appropriate multivitamin. Conclusions: A tool was developed after available resources were explored and stakeholders were interviewed. The new resource was based on community members’ and health care professionals’ expressed needs, ideas, and beliefs.
EFFECT OF CIS ACTING POTENTIAL REGULATORS IN THE ß GLOBIN GENE CLUSTER ON THE PRODUCTION OF HBF IN THALASSEMIA PATIENTS
Authors: Nadkarni Anita 
Published: February 2013

The clinical presentation of b-thalassemia intermedia phenotypes are influenced by many factors .The persistence of fetal hemoglobin and several polymorphisms located in the promoters of g- and b-globin genes are some of them .The aim of this study was to evaluate the combined effect of the -158Gg (CàT) polymorphism and of the (AT)x(T)y configuration, as well as their eventual association with elevated levels of HbF in b-thalassemia carriers, b-thalassemia Intermedia , b-thalassemia major and normal controls of Indian origin. The -158 Gg T allele was found to be associated with increased levels of HbF in b-thalassemia carriers, and not in wild-type subjects. In the homozygous group the -158 Gg T allele was significantly higher in the thalassemia intermedia group (66%) as against the thalassemia major group (21%). The (AT)9(T)5 allele did not show any association with raised HbF levels. However 24% of milder cases showed presence of this allele. This study suggests that two regions of the b globin cluster, whether in cis or in trans to each other, can interact to enhance HbF expression when a b thalassemic determinant is present in heterozigosity and help in amelioration of the severity of the disease in homozygotes.