bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of Natural Losses of LNAPL Using CO2 Traps
Authors: McCoy Kevin , Zimbron Julio , Sale Tom , Lyverse Mark 
Published: July 2014

AbstractEfflux of CO2 above releases of petroleum light nonaqueous phase liquids (LNAPLs) has emerged as a critical parameter for resolving natural losses of LNAPLs and managing LNAPL sites. Current approaches for resolving CO2 efflux include gradient, flux chamber, and mass balance methods. Herein a new method for measuring CO2 efflux above LNAPL bodies, referred to as CO2 traps, is introduced. CO2 traps involve an upper and a lower solid phase sorbent elements that convert CO2 gas into solid phase carbonates. The sorbent is placed in an open vertical section of 10 cm ID polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe located at grade. The lower sorbent element captures CO2 released from the subsurface via diffusion and advection. The upper sorbent element prevents atmospheric CO2 from reaching the lower sorbent element. CO2 traps provide integral measurement of CO2 efflux based over the period of deployment, typically 2 to 4 weeks. Favorable attributes of CO2 traps include simplicity, generation of integral (time averaged) measurement, and a simple means of capturing CO2 for carbon isotope analysis. Results from open and closed laboratory experiments indicate that CO2 traps quantitatively capture CO2. Results from the deployment of 23 CO2 traps at a former refinery indicate natural loss rates of LNAPL (measured in the fall, likely concurrent with high soil temperatures and consequently high degradation rates) ranging from 13,400 to 130,000 liters per hectare per year (L/Ha/year). A set of field triplicates indicates a coefficient of variation of 18% (resulting from local spatial variations and issues with measurement accuracy).
Association Study of MTHFD1 Coding Polymorphisms R134K and R653Q With Migraine Susceptibility
Authors: Sutherland Heidi G. , Hermile Heloise , Sanche Rebecca , Menon Saras , Lea Rod A. , Haupt Larisa M. , Griffiths Lyn R. 
Published: July 2014

ObjectiveThere is evidence that folate metabolism has a role in migraine pathophysiology, particularly in the migraine with aura (MA) subtype. In this study, we investigate whether two non‐synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), rs1950902 (C401T; R134K) and rs2236225 (G1958A; R653Q), in MTHF dehydrogenase (MTHFD1) are associated with migraine in an Australian case‐control population.BackgroundIncreased plasma levels of homocysteine, one of the metabolites produced in the folate pathway, has been found to be a risk factor for migraine. There is also a genetic link: a common polymorphism (rs1801133, C667T) that reduces the catalytic activity of the enzyme that catalyzes the formation of homocysteine, methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR), is associated with an increase in risk of MA. MTHFD1 is a crucial multifunctional enzyme that catalyzes three separate reactions of the folate pathway and therefore variants in MTHFD1 may also influence migraine susceptibility.MethodsThe R134K and R653Q variants in MTHFD1 were genotyped in an Australian cohort of 520 unrelated migraineurs (162 were diagnosed with migraine without aura [MO] and 358 with MA) and 520 matched controls. Data were analyzed for association with migraine and for interaction with the MTHFR C667T polymorphism.ResultsWe find no significant differences in genotype or allele frequencies for either SNP between migraineurs and controls, or when either MO or MA cases were compared with controls. In addition, these MTHFD1 polymorphisms did not appear to influence the risk of MA conferred by the MTHFR 667T allele.ConclusionsWe find no evidence for association of the MTHFD1 R134K and R653Q polymorphisms with migraine in our Australian case‐control population. However, as folate metabolism appears to be important in migraine, particularly with respect to the aura component, future studies using high throughput methods to expand the number of SNPs in folate‐related genes genotyped and investigation of interactions between SNPs may be justified.
Effect of addition of protein concentrates from natural and yeast fermented rice bran on the rheological and technological properties of wheat bread
Authors: Chinma Chiemela E. , Ilowefah Muna , Shammugasamy Balakrishnan , Mohammed Makeri , Muhammad Kharidah 
Published: July 2014

SummaryThe effect of substituting wheat flour with 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% protein concentrates from natural and yeast fermented rice bran on the rheological properties of their dough and bread properties was studied. Rheological properties of wheat dough were influenced by addition of rice bran protein concentrates. Overall acceptability score and specific loaf volume of 100% wheat bread were not significantly different from composite bread up to 10% rice bran protein substitution, and therefore, the optimised level of substitution was established. The optimised composite bread contained higher total amino acid content, radical scavenging activity and ferric reducing ability power (43.04–48.87 g/100 g, 182.77–201.65 mmol TEAC/100 g and 613.29–637.81 mmol TE/100 g) than control (33.86 g/100 g, 109.43 mmol TEAC/100 g and 540.13 mmol TE/100 g). Springiness, cohesiveness and resilience values of wheat bread were not significantly different from composite bread. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that composite bread had surfaces with embedded granules like protein deposits with small spores.
Randomized Controlled Trial of a Multipronged Intervention to Improve Blood Pressure Control among Stroke Survivors in Nigeria
Authors: Owolabi Mayowa O. , Akinyemi Rufus O. , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Olaniyan Olanrewaju , Salako Babatunde L. , Arulogun Oyedunni , Ovbiagele Bruce 
Published: July 2014

Rationale Stroke is the second-leading cause of death in low- and middle-income countries, but use of evidence-based therapies for stroke prevention in such countries, especially those in Africa, is extremely poor. This study is designed to enhance the implementation and sustainability of secondary stroke-preventive services following hospital discharge. Aim/Hypothesis The primary study aim is to test whether a Chronic Care Model-based initiative entitled the Tailored Hospital-based Risk reduction to Impede Vascular Events after Stroke (THRIVES) significantly improves blood pressure control after stroke. Design This prospective triple-blind randomized controlled trial will include a cohort of 400 patients with a recent stroke discharged from four medical care facilities in Nigeria. The culturally sensitive, system-appropriate intervention comprises patient report cards, phone text messaging, an educational video, and coordination of posthospitalization care. Study Outcomes The primary outcome is improvement of blood pressure control. Secondary endpoints include control of other stroke risk factors, medication adherence, functional status, and quality of life. We will also perform a cost analysis of THRIVES from the viewpoint of government policy-makers. Discussion We anticipate that a successful intervention will serve as a scalable model of effective postdischarge chronic blood pressure management for stroke in sub-Saharan Africa and possibly for other symptomatic cardiovascular disease entities in the region.
TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism: Significant association with sporadic prostate cancer, but not with latent prostate cancer in Japanese men
Authors: Maekawa Shigekatsu , Suzuki Motofumi , Arai Tomio , Suzuki Makoto , Kato Moriaki , Morikawa Teppei , Kasuya Yutaka , Kume Haruki , Kitamura Tadaichi , Homma Yukio 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo investigate the association between the TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism and the risk of prostate cancer in Japanese men.MethodsGenomic DNA samples from 518 Japanese sporadic prostate cancer patients, 433 controls and 154 Japanese men who were diagnosed as having latent prostate cancer based on autopsy results were genotyped for the TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism using a TaqMan assay. Logistic regression analyses were carried out to estimate the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. The relationship between the presence of the polymorphism, and clinicopathology and survival was also examined.ResultsThe T allele frequency of the control group was 0.372, of the sporadic prostate cancer group was 0.435 and of the latent prostate cancer group was 0.370. The CT and TT genotypes were significantly associated with risk for sporadic prostate cancer; age‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.418 (1.027–1.960) for CT, 1.907 (1.224–2.990) for TT and 1.524 (1.123–2.072) for CT/TT genotypes. There was no significant association observed between the TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism and the risk for latent prostate cancer. The TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism was not significantly associated with any clinicopathological features or prognosis.ConclusionsThe TMPRSS2 Met160Val polymorphism is a genetic risk factor for sporadic prostate cancer in a Japanese population.
Intranasal peptide‐induced tolerance and linked suppression: consequences of complement deficiency
Authors: Fossati‐Jimack Liliane , Ling Guang Sheng , Baudino Lucie , Szajna Marta , Manivannan Kiruthika , Zhao Jade Chen , Midgley Robert , Chai Jian‐Guo , Simpson Elizabeth , Botto Marina , Scott Diane 
Published: July 2014

SummaryA role for complement, particularly the classical pathway, in the regulation of immune responses is well documented. Deficiencies in C1q or C4 predispose to autoimmunity, while deficiency in C3 affects the suppression of contact sensitization and generation of oral tolerance. Complement components including C3 have been shown to be required for both B‐cell and T‐cell priming. The mechanisms whereby complement can mediate these diverse regulatory effects are poorly understood. Our previous work, using the mouse minor histocompatibility (HY) model of skin graft rejection, showed that both C1q and C3 were required for the induction of tolerance following intranasal peptide administration. By comparing tolerance induction in wild‐type C57BL/6 and C1q‐, C3‐, C4‐ and C5‐deficient C57BL/6 female mice, we show here that the classical pathway components including C3 are required for tolerance induction, whereas C5 plays no role. C3‐deficient mice failed to generate a functional regulatory T (Treg) –dendritic cell (DC) tolerogenic loop required for tolerance induction. This was related to the inability of C3‐deficient DC to up‐regulate the arginine‐consuming enzyme, inducible nitric oxide synthase (Nos‐2), in the presence of antigen‐specific Treg cells and peptide, leading to reduced Treg cell generation. Our findings demonstrate that the classical pathway and C3 play a critical role in the peptide‐mediated induction of tolerance to HY by modulating DC function.
Skin sensitization induced Langerhans’ cell mobilization: variable requirements for tumour necrosis factor‐α
Authors: Eaton Laura H. , Roberts Ruth A. , Kimber Ian , Dearman Rebecca J. , Metryka Aleksandra 
Published: July 2014

SummaryUpon antigen/allergen recognition, epidermal Langerhans’ cells (LC) are mobilized and migrate to the local lymph node where they play a major role in initiating or regulating immune responses. It had been proposed that all chemical allergens induce LC migration via common cytokine signals delivered by TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Here the dependence of LC migration on TNF‐α following treatment of mice with various chemical allergens has been investigated. It was found that under standard conditions the allergens oxazolone, paraphenylene diamine, and trimellitic anhydride, in addition to the skin irritant sodium lauryl sulfate, were unable to trigger LC mobilization in the absence of TNF‐α signalling. In contrast, two members of the dinitrohalobenezene family (2,4‐dinitrochlorobenzene [DNCB] and 2,4‐dinitrofluorobenzene [DNFB]) promoted LC migration independently of TNF‐R2 (the sole TNF‐α receptor expressed by LC) and TNF‐α although the presence of IL‐1β was still required. However, increasing doses of oxazolone overcame the requirement of TNF‐α for LC mobilization, whereas lower doses of DNCB were still able to induce LC migration in a TNF‐α‐independent manner. These novel findings demonstrate unexpected heterogeneity among chemical allergens and furthermore that LC can be induced to migrate from the epidermis via different mechanisms that are either dependent or independent of TNF‐α. Although the exact mechanisms with regard to the signals that activate LC have yet to be elucidated, these differences may translate into functional speciation that will likely impact on the extent and quality of allergic sensitization.
Expressing concern and writing it down: an experimental study investigating transfer of information at nursing handover
Authors: Lee Henrietta , Cumin David , Devcich Daniel A. , Boyd Matt 
Published: July 2014

AbstractAimsTo examine the effects of two factors on the transmission of clinical information at nursing handover. These factors were: (i) an affective statement expressing concern about the information; and (ii) verbal reference to a written summary of the information.BackgroundQuality of communication at patient handover is inconsistent, compromising patient safety. Little is known about the nuances of communication that lead to effective handovers. Furthermore, effective information transmission during handovers is seldom evaluated using experimental research designs.DesignA randomized, single‐blind, controlled experiment.MethodsPostanaesthesia care unit or surgical ward nurses and final‐year nursing students were randomly assigned to watch one of four versions of a video‐recorded handover. In each version, one piece of information was presented as either a simple statement (control), with an affective qualifier, with a written summary of the information, or with both an affective qualifier and a written summary. Primary outcome was assessed by questionnaire following a task directing attention away from the handover. Data were collected July–October, 2013 and analysed using 2 × 2 anova.ResultsA total of 157 nurses participated. Successful transmission of the clinical information did not significantly differ across the experimental conditions. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher transmission success among more experienced nurses when the affective statement was present compared to when it was absent (Kruskal–Wallis P = 0·002).ConclusionsExpressing concern about information or directing attention to written notes may not improve information transfer at handover. However, affective qualifiers may have differential receiver‐specific influences on information retention.
Governance Issues in the EU's e‐Procurement Framework
Authors: Khorana Sangeeta , Ferguson‐Boucher Kirsten , Kerr William A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractGovernment procurement accounts for a considerable proportion of economic activity in the European Union (EU) yet resists integration and harmonization. The European Commission believes that the solution to integrating government procurement into the single market lies in e‐procurement. While technology has the potential to improve the efficacy of procurement processes among EU Member States, its use raises governance issues that must be addressed as a co‐requisite to adopting the technological solution. This article outlines the Commission's e‐procurement policy, develops an analytical structure for assessing the framework and highlights governance issues that need addressing if e‐procurement is to deliver on its promise.
Optimization of Enzymatic Hydrolysis for Preparation of Shrimp Flavor Precursor Using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Guo Xiaoxun , Han Xiaoxiang , He Yanfei , Du Huan , Tan Zhongqin 
Published: July 2014

AbstractResponse surface methodology was successfully applied to optimize the process parameters for flavor precursor – enzymolysis liquor by enzymolysis technology using Penaeus chinensis waste as raw material. The parameters, namely, enzyme concentration, reaction temperature and initial pH, on the degree of hydrolysis (DH) were optimized using central composite rotatable design. The obtained optimum conditions were: initial pH value of 6.5, Dispase concentration 2.0 wt %, reaction temperature 57C and hydrolysis time 3 h with material : water ratio 1:10. Under the optimized conditions, the DH reached 57.65%. In the hydrolyzate, the content of free amino acids and essential amino acids was 29.67 and 11.30 mg/mL, respectively. This product exhibited strong delicious flavor, so it was suitable for flavor seasoning.Practical ApplicationsThe present work was taken up to establish the optimum conditions for extraction of the flavor precursor from hydrolyzing Penaeus chinensis waste by Dispase and obtain enzymolysis liquid that is rich in amino acids and polypeptide, which could improve the value of shrimp waste.
Effects of Home‐Based Primary Care on Medicare Costs in High‐Risk Elders
Authors: Eric De Jonge K. , Jamshed Namirah , Gilden Daniel , Kubisiak Joanna , Bruce Stephanie R. , Taler George 
Published: July 2014

ObjectivesTo determine the effect of home‐based primary care (HBPC) on Medicare costs and mortality in frail elders.DesignCase–control concurrent study using Medicare administrative data.SettingHBPC practice in Washington, District of Columbia.ParticipantsHBPC cases (n = 722) and controls (n = 2,161) matched for sex, age bands, race, Medicare buy‐in status (whether Medicaid covers Part B premiums), long‐term nursing home status, cognitive impairment, and frailty. Cases were eligible if enrolled in MedStar Washington Hospital Center's HBPC program during 2004 to 2008. Controls were selected from Washington, District of Columbia, and urban counties in Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania.InterventionHBPC clinical service.MeasurementsMedicare costs, utilization events, mortality.ResultsMean age was 83.7 for cases and 82.0 for controls (P < .001). A majority of both groups was female (77%) and African American (90%). During a mean 2‐year follow‐up, in univariate analysis, cases had lower Medicare ($44,455 vs $50,977, P = .01), hospital ($17,805 vs $22,096, P = .003), and skilled nursing facility care ($4,821 vs $6,098, P = .001) costs, and higher home health ($6,579 vs $4,169; P < .001) and hospice ($3,144 vs. $1,505; P = .005) costs. Cases had 23% fewer subspecialist visits (P = .001) and 105% more generalist visits (P < .001). In a multivariate model, cases had 17% lower Medicare costs, averaging $8,477 less per beneficiary (P = .003) over 2 years of follow‐up. There was no difference between cases and controls in mortality (40% vs 36%, hazard ratio = 1.06, P = .44) or in average time to death (16.2 vs 16.8 months, P = .30).ConclusionHBPC reduces Medicare costs for ill elders, with similar survival outcomes in cases and controls.
Brain serotonin synthesis in MDMA (ecstasy) polydrug users: an alpha‐[11C]methyl‐l‐tryptophan study
Authors: Booij Linda , Soucy Jean‐Paul , Young Simon N. , Regoli Martine , Gravel Paul , Diksic Mirko , Leyton Marco , Pihl Robert O. , Benkelfat Chawki 
Published: July 2014

Abstract3,4‐Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA, ecstasy) use may have long‐term neurotoxic effects. In this study, positron emission tomography with the tracer alpha‐[11C]methyl‐l‐tryptophan (11C‐AMT) was used to compare human brain serotonin (5‐HT) synthesis capacity in 17 currently drug‐free MDMA polydrug users with that in 18 healthy matched controls. Gender differences and associations between regional 11C‐AMT trapping and characteristics of MDMA use were also examined. MDMA polydrug users exhibited lower normalized 11C‐AMT trapping in pre‐frontal, orbitofrontal, and parietal regions, relative to controls. These differences were more widespread in males than in females. Increased normalized 11C‐AMT trapping in MDMA users was also observed, mainly in the brainstem and in frontal and temporal areas. Normalized 11C‐AMT trapping in the brainstem and pre‐frontal regions correlated positively and negatively, respectively, with greater lifetime accumulated MDMA use, longer durations of MDMA use, and shorter time elapsed since the last MDMA use. Although the possibility of pre‐existing 5‐HT alterations pre‐disposing people to use MDMA cannot be ruled out, regionally decreased 5‐HT synthesis capacity in the forebrain could be interpreted as neurotoxicity of MDMA on distal (frontal) brain regions. On the other hand, increased 5‐HT synthesis capacity in the raphe and adjacent areas could be due to compensatory mechanisms.
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Animal studies showed that MDMA (3,4‐methylenedioxymethamphetamine, ecstasy) exposure alters brain serotonin neurotransmission. Whether these effects are permanent is unknown. The present human study found that, compared to controls, young adult MDMA users had lower serotonin synthesis in parts of the frontal cortex, and greater serotonin synthesis in other regions, including the brainstem. The strength of these effects correlated with severity of use. The findings may indicate that MDMA can be neurotoxic but the brain may also have the capacity to regenerate, depending on the specific brain region. Longitudinal studies are needed to test the clinical relevance of these findings.
Alpha and Performance Measurement: The Effects of Investor Disagreement and Heterogeneity
Authors: FERSON WAYNE , LIN JERCHERN 
Published: July 2014

ABSTRACTThe literature has not established that a positive alpha, as traditionally measured, means that an investor would want to buy a fund. When alpha is defined using the client's utility function, a positive alpha generally means the client would want to buy. When markets are incomplete, investors will disagree about the attractiveness of a fund. We provide bounds on the expected disagreement with a traditional alpha and study the cross‐sectional relation of disagreement and investor heterogeneity with the flow response to past fund alphas. The effects are both economically and statistically significant.
Proteomics profiling of keratocystic odontogenic tumours reveals AIDA as novel biomarker candidate
Authors: Ivanišević Malčić Ana , Breen Lucas , Josić Djuro , Jukić Krmek Silvana , Džombeta Tihana , Matijević Jurica , Grgurević Lovro , Pavelić Krešimir , Krušlin Božo , Kraljević Pavelić Sandra 
Published: July 2014

BackgroundKeratocystic odontogenic tumour (KCOT) is a benign, yet aggressive odontogenic tumour. Herein, proteome analysis of KCOT lesions in comparison with control patient‐matched tissue unaffected by the disease and with inflammatory odontogenic cysts, namely radicular cysts is presented.MethodsFor the proteomics profiling, two complementary proteomics techniques MALDI‐MS/MS and LC‐ESI‐MS/MS were employed. Potential candidate biomarkers were validated by immunohistochemistry.ResultsMore than 43 proteins were found to be differentially expressed or up‐regulated in KCOT lesions in comparison with patient‐matched unaffected oral mucosa. These proteins bear important biological functions and are involved in cell proliferation, cytoskeletal re‐organization, transcription, cellular motility and apoptosis. In particular, a number of differentially expressed proteins participate in autocrine regulation and signalization within JNK and p38 MAPK signalling pathways.ConclusionsImmunohistochemical validation of chosen putative biomarkers revealed axin interaction partner and dorsalization‐antagonist (AIDA), known as a protein that blocks activation of JNK signalling pathway, as a differential biomarker for KCOT lesions on an independent cohort of KCOT tissue samples in comparison with most prevalent intra‐oseal lesions inflammatory odontogenic cysts.