bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing WHAM-FTOX with laboratory toxicity data for mixtures of metals (Cu, Zn, Cd, Ag, Pb)
Authors: Tipping Edward , Lofts Stephen 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

The Windermere humic aqueous model using the toxicity function (WHAM-FTOX) describes cation toxicity to aquatic organisms in terms of 1) accumulation by the organism of metabolically active protons and metals at reversible binding sites, and 2) differing toxic potencies of the bound cations. Cation accumulation (νi, in mol g−1) is estimated through calculations with the WHAM chemical speciation model by assuming that organism binding sites can be represented by those of humic acid. Toxicity coefficients (αi) are combined with νi to obtain the variable FTOX (= Σ αiνi) which, between lower and upper thresholds (FTOX,LT, FTOX,UT), is linearly related to toxic effect. Values of αi, FTOX,LT, and FTOX,LT are obtained by fitting toxicity data. Reasonable fits (72% of variance in toxic effect explained overall) were obtained for 4 large metal mixture acute toxicity experiments involving daphnids (Cu, Zn, Cd), lettuce (Cu, Zn, Ag), and trout (Zn, Cd, Pb). Strong nonadditive effects, most apparent in results for tests involving Cd, could be explained approximately by purely chemical competition for metal accumulation. Tentative interpretation of parameter values obtained from these and other experimental data suggests the following order of bound cation toxicity: H &lt; Al &lt; (Cu Zn Pb UO2) &lt; (Cd Ag). Another trend is a strong increase in Cd toxicity relative to that of Zn as organism complexity increases (from bacteria to fish). Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:788–798. © 2014 SETAC
Rapid differentiation of in vitro cellular responses to toxic chemicals by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Chiu Norman H.L. , Jia Zhenquan , Diaz Reynaldo , Wright Petra 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

Changes in protein expression as a cellular response to chemical exposure have been well established. Current methods for monitoring cellular responses usually require the use of specific reagents and/or labor-intensive procedures. The present study demonstrates the concept of using mass spectral pattern to distinguish different cellular responses. The concept is based on the ability to acquire a unique mass spectral pattern directly from a specific cell culture by using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The results demonstrate that distinguishable and reproducible spectral patterns can be obtained from different cellular responses. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:161–166. © 2014 SETAC
Tradeoff between storage cost and repair cost in heterogeneous distributed storage systems
Authors: Yu Quan , Shum Kenneth W. , Sung Chi Wan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn distributed storage systems (DSS), the storage costs and download costs with different storage nodes, in general, can be different. In such heterogeneous storage systems, how to establish a fundamental tradeoff between system storage cost and system repair cost is investigated. We formulate the problem of establishing the tradeoff between system storage cost and system repair cost as a bi‐objective linear programming problem subject to the min‐cut constraint of information flow graphs. We give a tight min‐cut bound for heterogeneous DSSs with general setting. Moreover, we show that the tradeoff between system storage cost and system repair cost of some special heterogeneous DSSs can be established in polynomial time. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Appetite loss and neurocognitive deficits in late‐life depression
Authors: Potter Guy G. , McQuoid Douglas R. , Steffens David C. 
Published: October 2014

ObjectivesThis study aimed to examine the association of appetite loss symptoms to neurocognitive performance in late‐life depression (LLD).MethodsThis study used cross‐sectional data from individuals aged 60+ years with major depressive disorder (N = 322). Participants received clinical assessment of depression and neuropsychological testing. Factor analysis was used to characterize depression symptom factors, and composite scales were developed for episodic memory, psychomotor–executive functions, verbal fluency, and working memory span.ResultsFactor analysis produced a five‐factor solution: (1) anhedonia/sadness; (2) suicidality/guilt; (3) appetite/weight loss; (4) sleep disturbance; and (5) anxiety/tension. In separate multivariate models for each neurocognitive domain and including all five depression factors, higher appetite‐loss‐related symptoms were associated with lower performance in episodic memory, psychomotor–executive functions, and verbal fluency; results were significant with covariates of age, education, race, sex, age of depression onset, and illness burden. No other depression factors were associated with neurocognitive performance in these models. In an additional set of models, the appetite factor mediated the association between global depression severity and neurocognitive performance.DiscussionA factor of appetite and weight loss symptoms in LLD was uniquely associated with neurocognitive performance, in contrast to lack of association among other depression symptom factors.ConclusionCognitive deficits are a major adverse outcome of LLD, and prominent appetite loss during acute depression may be a marker for these deficits, independent of overall depression severity. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms that may explain this association, and how it is related to the cognitive and symptomatic course of LLD. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Access and utilisation of health services by domestic helpers in Cyprus
Authors: Kantaris Marios , Theodorou Mamas , Galanis Petros , Kaitelidou Daphne 
Published: October 2014

SUMMARYBackgroundImmigrants have always been a very vulnerable group with severe inequalities in the access and utilisation of health services. The aim of this study was to investigate the conditions of access and utilization of health services from domestic helpers in Cyprus.MethodsA cross‐sectional study with 625 domestic helpers was carried out during October 2010–April 2011. The sampling method was snowball sampling. Statistical analysis included x2 test, x2 trend test, Mann‐Whitney test, t‐test and multivariate logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe main reasons of health service utilization were blood tests, short‐term illnesses and injuries/poisonings. Eighteen percent of domestic helpers reported a need for health services, which was not met. Ten percent responded that there was a need for pharmaceuticals that remained unmet. Sixty‐two percent reported that their first action in case of a health problem is seeking advice and assistance from their employer. After adjustment, only increased length of stay in Cyprus was associated with increased use of health services (p < 0.001).ConclusionThe barriers of language and communication, ignorance of the system and the different culture are largely evident in Cyprus. The role of the employers is very important with regard to the access and use of health services. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Assessment of ALA‐induced PpIX production in porcine skin pretreated with microneedles
Authors: Rodrigues Phamilla Gracielli Sousa , Campos de Menezes Priscila Fernanda , Fujita Alessandra Keiko Lima , Escobar André , Barboza de Nardi Andrigo , Kurachi Cristina , Bagnato Vanderlei S. 
Published: October 2014

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is used for skin treatments of premalignant and cancer lesions and recognized as a non‐invasive technique that combines tissue photosensitization and subsequent exposure to light to induce cell death. However, it is limited to the treatment of superficial lesions, mainly due to the low cream penetration. Therefore, the improvement of transdermal distribution of aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is needed. In this study, the kinetics and homogeneity of production of ALA‐induced PpIX after the skin pre‐treatment with microneedles rollers of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 mm length were investigated. An improvement in homogeneity and production of PpIX was shown in a porcine model.
Widefield fluorescence imaging three hours after the topical application of ALA‐cream in the combined treatment with microeedles rollers.magnified imageWidefield fluorescence imaging three hours after the topical application of ALA‐cream in the combined treatment with microeedles rollers.
Unveiling Skeletal Fragility in Patients Diagnosed With MGUS: No Longer a Condition of Undetermined Significance?
Authors: Drake Matthew T 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACT

Monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) is a common finding in clinical practice, affecting greater than 3% of adults aged 50 years and older. As originally described, the term MGUS reflected the inherent clinical uncertainty of distinguishing patients with a benign stable monoclonal plasma cell disorder from subjects destined to progress to malignancy. There is now clear epidemiologic evidence, however, that patients with MGUS suffer from a significantly increased fracture risk and that the prevalence of MGUS is increased in patients with osteoporosis. Despite this relationship, no clinical care guidelines exist for the routine evaluation or treatment of the skeletal health of patients with MGUS. Recent work has demonstrated that circulating levels of at least two cytokines (CCL3/MIP-1α and DKK1) with well-recognized roles in bone disease in the related monoclonal gammopathy multiple myeloma are also increased in patients with MGUS. Further, recent imaging studies using high-resolution peripheral quantitative CT have documented that patients with MGUS have substantial skeletal microarchitectural deterioration and deficits in biomechanical bone strength that likely underlie the increased skeletal fragility in these patients. Accordingly, this Perspective provides evidence that the “undetermined significance” portion of the MGUS acronym may be best replaced in favor of the term “monoclonal gammopathy of skeletal significance” (MGSS) in order to more accurately reflect the enhanced skeletal risks inherent in this condition. © 2014 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Variations in the trunnion surface topography between different commercially available hip replacement stems
Authors: Munir Selin , Walter William L. , Walsh William Robert 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTModular hip implants allows for the adjustment of leg length, offset, and the ability to remove the head for acetabular exposure during primary and revision surgery. The design of the Morse taper facilitates the intimate contact of the conical trunnion of the femoral stem (male component), with the conical bore of the femoral head (female component). Orthopaedic trunnion tapers are not standardized and vary in length, taper angle, and base dimension. Variations in the design and surface characteristics of the trunnion, will directly reflect on the interface at the taper junction and can influence the likelihood of subsequent wear, corrosion and longevity of the implant. The effect of surface topography of trunnions on commercially available hip stems has not yet been considered as a possible contributing factor in the corrosion observed at taper junctions. In this study we analyzed the surface topography and surface roughness of randomly selected commercially available femoral hip stem trunnions to obtain a greater insight into their surface characteristics. © 2014 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:98–105, 2015.
Towards a protocol for the trace element analysis of glass from rhyolitic shards in tephra deposits by laser ablation ICP‐MS
Authors: PEARCE NICHOLAS J. G. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTLaser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS) is used widely to analyse single volcanic glass shards from Quaternary tephra deposits for stratigraphic correlation. As yet, no generally accepted protocol for these analyses exists and published methods report significant differences in crater size and calibration strategies. Using Ca as the ‘internal standard’ (CaI.S.), and not SiI.S., for the analysis of rhyolitic glass can cause significant problems, because of ablation of (i) Ca‐rich phenocrysts, notably ‘ubiquitous’ plagioclase, but also calcic‐amphibole, apatite and allanite or (ii) mounting epoxy resin which can contribute to the Ca internal standard signal. Using CaI.S. can cause underreporting of many elements which concentrate in Ca‐rich phenocrysts, making their ablation difficult to recognize, but when using SiI.S., no such underreporting occurs. Additionally, larger ablation craters (50 µm diameter) potentially incorporate even small volumes of phenocryst material, whereas smaller craters (<20 µm diameter) more frequently miss phenocrysts. Thus, for the LA‐ICP‐MS analysis of rhyolitic glass shards, smaller ablation craters should be employed and calibrated using SiI.S., allowing recognition and removal of analyses incorporating Ca‐rich phenocrysts and avoiding issues related to the ablation of the mounting resin.
Provenance of sediment in the Labrador Current: a record of hinterland glaciation over the past 125 ka
Authors: MAO LONGJIANG , PIPER DAVID J. W. , SAINT‐ANGE FRANCKY , ANDREWS JOHN T. , KIENAST MARKUS 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTThe Labrador Current flows southward along the continental margin off eastern Canada and is the principal source of sediment to the outer continental margin areas where ice sheets did not cross the continental shelf. We present multi‐proxy mineralogical and geochemical records based principally on X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence for core 2011031‐059 from northern Flemish Cap to determine changes in supply and hence to reconstruct provenance evolution during the last glacial cycle. The calcite to dolomite ratios in Heinrich layers ranged from 2 to 4, suggesting carbonate layers derived from Hudson Strait as early as Marine Isotope Stage (MIS) 5a–d. Mineral abundance shows three time‐dependent predominant sediment sources other than in Heinrich layers: (i) Baffin Bay shelves and adjacent land in MIS 5 and 1, with high Ca, Sr, kaolinite and feldspars and low clay minerals and calcite/dolomite ratios; (ii) Labrador in MIS 3, with low clays and grey color; and (iii) north‐east Newfoundland Shelf in MIS 2 and 4, with higher concentrations of clay minerals, red sandstones and transition elements. These results allow a reconstruction of principal ice streams supplying the north‐west Atlantic over the last full glacial cycle.
The detailed tephrostratigraphy of a core from the south‐east Black Sea spanning the last ∼60 ka
Authors: CULLEN VICTORIA L. , SMITH VICTORIA C. , ARZ HELGE W. 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTOne visible volcanic ash layer and 21 non‐visible, cryptotephra horizons have been identified in the M72/5‐25‐GC1 core from the south‐east Black Sea that spans the last ∼60 ka. Glass chemistry suggests that the tephras derive from Italian, Hellenic and Turkish sources. The visible tephra layer is trachytic in composition and has been correlated to the ∼39 ka Campanian Ignimbrite super‐eruption from Campi Flegrei caldera, Italy. Two cryptotephra layers are associated with eruptions from Acigöl volcano (Turkey) around the Last Glacial Maximum, another is linked to activity at Erciyes Dagi in the Early Holocene (Perikartini or Karagüllü), and a cryptotephra layer near the top of the core correlates to the ∼3.6k cal a BP Minoan (marine Z2) tephra from Santorini (Thera), Greece. This extends the known dispersal area for all these volcanic ash units. Many other calc‐alkaline rhyolite layers preserved in the core are likely to be from central Anatolian sources but the lack of detailed proximal data for many of the volcanoes in the region prohibits further correlations. The tephrostratigraphy and glass compositional data presented here allow the tephra layers to be used to correlate sedimentary archives across the region, and help to extend the Mediterranean tephrochronology framework towards the east.
Evaluation of volatile aldehydes as discriminating parameters in quality vinegars with protected European geographical indication
Authors: Durán‐Guerrero Enrique , Chinnici Fabio , Natali Nadia , Riponi Claudio 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBACKGROUNDThirty‐six high‐quality vinegars with geographical indication belonging to Sherry and Modena areas (vinegars of Jerez, balsamic vinegars of Modena and traditional balsamic vinegars of Modena) with all possible aging periods were analyzed to determine the content of volatile aldehydes. A solid‐phase extraction method with in‐cartridge derivatization usingO‐(2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorobenzyl)hydroxylamine followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry was employed.RESULTSTwenty‐two volatile aldehydes were identified and determined in the samples. Analysis of variance provided significant differences among the samples as a function of the type of vinegar, aging time and raw material. Principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis demonstrated the possibility of discriminating the samples in terms of aging time and raw material. Linear aldehydes and compounds such as furfural, methional, nonenal, hexenal, 2‐methylbutanal andi‐butyraldehyde were the most significant variables able to discriminate the samples.CONCLUSIONAldehyde content of premium quality vinegars is a function of both ageing time and raw material. Their evaluation could be a useful tool with a view to ascertaining vinegar origin and genuineness. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition analysis and authentication of whisky
Authors: Wiśniewska Paulina , Dymerski Tomasz , Wardencki Waldemar , Namieśnik Jacek 
Published: October 2014

AbstractWhisky (whiskey) is one of the most popular spirit‐based drinks made from malted or saccharified grains, which should mature for at least 3 years in wooden barrels. High popularity of products usually causes a potential risk of adulteration. Thus authenticity assessment is one of the key elements of food product marketing. Authentication of whisky is based on comparing the composition of this alcohol with other spirit drinks. The present review summarizes all information about the comparison of whisky and other alcoholic beverages, the identification of type of whisky or the assessment of its quality and finally the authentication of whisky. The article also presents the various techniques used for analyzing whisky, such as gas and liquid chromatography with different types of detectors (FID, AED, UV–Vis), electronic nose, atomic absorption spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. In some cases the application of chemometric methods is also described, namely PCA, DFA, LDA, ANOVA, SIMCA, PNN, k‐NN and CA, as well as preparation techniques such SPME or SPE. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Glycosylated Star Polypeptides from NCA Polymerization: Selective Binding as a Function of Degree of Branching and Glycosylation
Authors: Byrne Mark , Mildner Robert , Menzel Henning , Heise Andreas 
Published: October 2014

AbstractStar‐shaped polypeptides were synthesized via N‐carboxyanhydride (NCA) polymerization initiated from various generations of PPI dendrimers. Molecular weight, arm length, and arm density were readily controlled to afford a series of star‐shaped poly(glutamic acid) derivatives. Glycosylation of star‐shaped poly(glutamic acid) resulted in the formation of a diverse range of glycopolypeptide architectures with tuneable degree of sugar conjugation. The secondary structure of the branched glycopolypeptides was studied as a function of the degree glycosylation. The bioactivity of the described glycopoly‐peptides toward the lectin ConA was investigated and was shown to be architecture dependent.
Polydopamine – A Versatile Coating for Surface‐Initiated Ring‐Opening Polymerization of Lactide to Polylactide
Authors: Mrówczyński Radosław , Nan Alexandrina , Turcu Rodica , Leistner Joachim , Liebscher Jürgen 
Published: October 2014

An efficient way for covering various surfaces with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) is discussed. In a first step, the material is coated with polydopamine (PDA) by air oxidation of dopamine. The resulting PDA layer acts as an initiator for ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of lactide resulting in an outer PLA shell. Since PDA sticks to almost every solid material, the methodology has a wide scope. The strategy is demonstrated with magnetic nanoparticles and non‐magnetic powders.
image
Molar‐Mass Analysis of Dendrigraft Poly(l‐lysine) (DGL) Polyelectrolytes by SEC‐MALLS: The “Cornerstone” Refractive Index Increment
Authors: Maret Barbara , Crépet Agnès , Faye Clément , Garrelly Laurent , Ladavière Catherine 
Published: October 2014

Dendrigraft poly(l‐lysine) (DGL) polyelectrolytes, obtained by iterative polycondensation of N‐trifluoroacetyl‐l‐lysine‐N‐carboxyanhydride, constitute very promising candidates in many biomedical applications. In order to get a better understanding of their structure–property relationships in these applications, their absolute average molecular weights have to be accurately measured. Size‐exclusion chromatography coupled to a multi‐angle laser‐light‐scattering detector (SEC‐MALLS) is known to be the most appropriate analytical tool. These measurements require the determination of the refractive index increment, dn/dc, of these highly branched polycationic macromolecules in aqueous solution. This optical property has to be measured in the same aqueous conditions as SEC‐MALLS eluents. Consequently, data are determined and discussed as a function of different aqueous SEC‐MALLS eluents, as well as different counter‐ions of the many ammonium groups of DGL (generation 3, DGL‐3, used as a model herein). The resulting number‐average molecular weights, , are found to be very dissimilar when the measured dn/dc values are directly considered. In contrast, very close values are obtained (average = 18 700, standard error of 1110 g mol−1) with a low coefficient of variation for such data (ca. 6% for six analyses), when the dn/dc are corrected by the exact lysine amount (measured by the total Kjeldahl nitrogen method).
image
Tough thermoplastic starch modified with polyurethane microparticles by reactive extrusion
Authors: Zhang Yu , Huang Lei , Zhou Hongbin , Zhang Pingping , Zhu Mei , Fan Bingbing , Wu Qiangxian 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this work, a starch–water mixture was blended with polyurethane prepolymer (PUP) at 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt% and extruded in a twin screw extruder. The ensuing results showed that the reaction ratio of PUP used for modified starch was 98.6 ± 0.3%. This was attributed to the polyurethane particles being formed under shear stress during extrusion processing. Each polyurethane particle contained many NCO groups with high reaction activity, which therefore increased the reaction probability of PUP micro‐particles with starch. The elastic and hydrophobic PUP played an important role in improving the properties of modified starch. SEM showed that the starch and polyurethane had good compatibility; the toughness, hydrophobicity, and thermal stability of modified starch thus sharply improved. This work provided a method for the preparation of high reaction efficiency modified starch.