bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Highly sensitive spectrometric method for determination of hydroquinone in skin lightening creams: application in cosmetics
Authors: Uddin S. , Rauf A. , Kazi T. G. , Afridi H. I. , Lutfullah G. 
Published: August 2010

SynopsisA highly sensitive, simpler, faster and economical UV/visible spectrophotometric method has been established for the estimation of hydroquinone (HQ) in dilute organic matrices. The method is based on using ammonium meta‐vanadate as an oxidizing catalyst for conversion of HQ to p‐benzoquinone (BQ) in the presence of oxygen. As a result of higher absorption of UV light by BQ than by HQ, its signal has been utilized for determining HQ at the trace level. The effect of various parameters such as amount of oxidizing agent, stability time, temperature, acids and bases, solvents and interference by various compounds has been studied upon the absorption of BQ as HQ. Under optimized conditions, Beer’s Law was obeyed in the range of 0.025–2.00 μg ml−1 HQ at 245.5 nm using 1 : 1 (V/V) 2‐propanol/water system with a lower detection limit of 7 ng ml−1 and linear regression coefficient of 0.9998. Relative standard deviation of 1.5% was observed for 0.5 μg ml−1 HQ solution (n = 11). The newly developed method has been successfully applied to diluted samples of various skin lightening creams for free HQ determination at the trace level. Comparison of the results obtained by the proposed method with those by a previously reported method proved its validity.
Why humans deviate from rational choice
Authors: Hewig Johannes , Kretschmer Nora , Trippe Ralf H. , Hecht Holger , Coles Michael G. H. , Holroyd Clay B. , Miltner Wolfgang H. R. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractRational choice theory predicts that humans always optimize the expected utility of options when making decisions. However, in decision‐making games, humans often punish their opponents even when doing so reduces their own reward. We used the Ultimatum and Dictator games to examine the affective correlates of decision‐making. We show that the feedback negativity, an event‐related brain potential that originates in the anterior cingulate cortex that has been related to reinforcement learning, predicts the decision to reject unfair offers in the Ultimatum game. Furthermore, the decision to reject is positively related to more negative emotional reactions and to increased autonomic nervous system activity. These findings support the idea that subjective emotional markers guide decision‐making and that the anterior cingulate cortex integrates instances of reinforcement and punishment to provide such affective markers.
Repetitive exposure: Brain and reflex measures of emotion and attention
Authors: Ferrari Vera , Bradley Margaret M. , Codispoti Maurizio , Lang Peter J. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractEffects of massed repetition on the modulation of the late positive potential elicited during affective picture viewing were investigated in two experiments. Despite a difference in the number of repetitions across studies (from 5 to 30), results were quite similar: The late positive potential continued to be enhanced when participants viewed emotional, compared to neutral, pictures. On the other hand, massed repetition did prompt a reduction in the late positive potential that was most pronounced for emotional pictures. Startle probe P3 amplitude generally increased with repetition, suggesting diminished attention allocation to repeated pictures. The blink reflex, however, continued to be modulated by hedonic valence, despite massive massed repetition. Taken together, the data suggest that the amplitude of the late positive potential during picture viewing reflects both motivational significance and attention allocation.
FN400 potentials are functionally identical to N400 potentials and reflect semantic processing during recognition testing
Authors: Voss Joel L. , Federmeier Kara D. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractThe “F” in FN400 denotes a more frontal scalp distribution relative to the morphologically similar N400 component—a distinction consistent with the hypothesized distinct roles of FN400 in familiarity memory versus N400 in language. However, no direct comparisons have substantiated these assumed dissimilarities. To this end, we manipulated short‐term semantic priming during a recognition test. Semantic priming effects on N400 were indistinguishable from memory effects at the same latency, and semantic priming strongly modulated the “FN400,” despite having no influence on familiarity memory. Thus, no evidence suggested either electrophysiological or functional differences between the N400 and FN400, and findings were contrary to the linking of the “FN400” to familiarity. Instead, it appears that semantic/conceptual priming (reflected in the N400) occurs during recognition tests and is frequently (mis)labeled as FN400 and attributed to familiarity.
Parent perspectives of therapy services for their children with physical disabilities
Authors: Egilson Snaefridur Thora 
Published: August 2010

Scand J Caring Sci; 2011; 25; 277–284

Parent perspectives of therapy services for their children with physical disabilities Background:  Children who have physical disabilities typically attend occupational and physical therapy services on a regular basis. The importance of being family centred when providing services to children with a disability has been highlighted in recent years. Thus, it was considered important to gather the opinions of parents towards the services their child receives.Aim:  To explore the perspectives of parents of children with physical disabilities to occupational and physical therapy services provided to their child.Method:  Open interviews were conducted with 17 parents (14 mothers and three fathers) of children aged 7–13, selected through a purposeful sample. Data analysis was based on an inductive approach.Results:  Nine categories emerged and were organized under three main headings: The role of the therapist, service location and arrangements, and characteristics of good service. Although several positive remarks were made, many parents in this study were poorly informed of intervention goals and what took place during therapy sessions. Most parents wished for mutual respect, joint decision‐making in planning intervention, and collaboration with the therapy services. The aspiration for active but manageable roles that did not demand a burdensome amount of the parents’ time and energy was evinced. The parents became increasingly critical of the services, as their children grew older. They placed emphasis on services being offered in their local community, and that more specialized service should be centralized, especially for the children with the most complex needs.Conclusions:  The results reflect the importance of the needs and wants of the parents and children being respected. Thus, parents should play an active role in defining priorities and strategies for implementation. The results also indicate that therapists need to put more thought into the conditions and environment of the child instead of focusing solely on underlying issues connected to their impairments.
Strategy for clinical evaluation and screening of sudden cardiac death relatives
Authors: Ferrero‐Miliani Laura , Holst Anders Gaarsdal , Pehrson Steen , Morling Niels , Bundgaard Henning 
Published: August 2010

AbstractSudden cardiac death (SCD) may be the first and final manifestation of several heart diseases. In the young, SCD is often caused by a hereditary cardiac disease. As the most frequently seen inherited cardiac diseases have an autosomal‐dominant pattern of inheritance, half of the first‐degree relatives are at risk of having or developing the same disease. Therefore, screening of these high‐risk relatives is a rational approach to reduce the incidence of SCD. To offer family screening and counseling, the cause of death should be carefully established. Autopsy is only performed in a limited number of cases. We advocate for systematic autopsies in SCD, because positive findings are crucial for choosing the optimal screening program for the relatives. A negative autopsy makes identification of at‐risk population difficult. However, this finding also provides clues to the cardiologist, because a limited number of inherited cardiac diseases associated with SCD are without any structural changes. In other cases, the autopsy may reveal noncardiac causes of death, which is also important for reassuring the relatives. However, in cases with no autopsy or negative findings, thorough clinical examinations and selective genetic screening of relatives may identify a likely diagnosis in more than 50% of affected families. There is a need for consensus regarding routine evaluation of SCD cases and the ethical and legal framework related to postmortem testing. We propose an algorithm that narrows the diagnostic possibilities in apparently healthy relatives of young SCD victims. Molecular autopsy may play an important role.
Nitrogen and phosphorus in runoff from grassland with buffer strips following application of fertilizers and manures
Authors: Heathwaite A.L. , Griffiths P. , Parkinson R.J. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. We examined whether nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) export was enhanced from grassland receiving inorganic fertilizer and manures typical of intensive livestock production. Buffer strips were included in the study to determine if they could reduce nutrient export. Hillslope plots receiving granular inorganic fertilizer, liquid cattle slurry and solid cattle manure (FYM) were compared using rainfall simulation for 4 storms on consecutive days at 22 mm h‐1 and 35 minutes duration. The plots were hydrologically isolated in a randomized block layout of 4 treatments × 3 replicates and measured 30 × 5m; the upper 20m received either fertilizer, slurry or FYM, while the lower 10 m acted as an unfertilized grass buffer strip. Nitrogen and P export in surface runoff from grassland receiving inorganic fertilizer exceeded that from FYM or slurry treatments; concentrations up to46mgN1‐‐1 and 15 mgP1–1 were recorded.Sixty eight % and 62% of the N from FYM and slurry respectively, was exported in organic form. Seventy four % (FYM) and 39% (slurry) of the P was in particulate or dissolved organic form. The buffer strip reduced N export in surface runoff by 94% and P export by 98% from inorganic fertilizer plots. A 75% reduction in N export was recorded from the buffer zone below slurry plots but only a 10% reduction in P, with most P remaining in the particulate or dissolved organic fraction. There was no significant difference in N export from the buffer zone between the inorganic fertilizer treatment and the untreated control.
Nutrient fluxes from a soil treatment process for pig slurry
Authors: Martinez J. , Peu P. 
Published: August 2010

Abstract. The effects of pig slurry applications to a hydrologically isolated field treatment plant (at Solepur) were studied over a period of eight years. Thirty repeated doses, averaging 160 m3 ha−1 were applied from April to October of each year (1991–1995), to reach a total application of 4930 m3 ha−1. All slurry samples were analysed for their total solids (TS), macronutrient (C, N, P, K, Ca) and micronutrient (Cu, Zn) content. In total, 284 tonnes of total solids (57 t TS ha−1 yr−1), 115 tonnes of carbon (23 t C ha−1yr−1), 24.5 tonnes of nitrogen (4900 kg N ha−1 yr−1), 7964 kg of phosphorus (1593 kg P ha−1 yr−1), 16 518 kg of potassium (3304 kg K ha−1 yr−1), 183 kg copper (37 kg Cu ha−1 yr−1) and 266 kg zinc (53 kg Zn ha−1 yr−1) were applied to the soil. Thus, this site provides an opportunity to assess the balance and to examine the long‐term behaviour of nutrients under conditions of intensive land application of pig slurries or similar effluents.The main nutrient fluxes through the soil‐water system were determined for each element. Over 40% of the total carbon applied was retained by the soil. About 25% of the slurry nitrogen applied remained in the soil profile and 12.5% was leached through the drainage water as nitrate. Most of the slurry phosphorus applied was retained in the soil profile either as P‐Dyer extractable (83%), or as total soil phosphorus (112%); <0.01% was found in the drainage water. Forty‐three per cent of the potassium applied in the slurry was recovered from the soil profile and 15% was recovered in the drainage water. Most of the copper (62%) and zinc (74%) applied in the slurry remained in the soil as EDTA extractractable forms; very low percentages (0.05% and 0.6% respectively) were found in the drainage water.
Assessing alternative approaches to predicting soil phosphorus sorption
Authors: Burkitt L. L. , Gourley C. J. P. , Hannah M. C. , Sale P. W. G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractTwenty‐five pasture soils were sampled from high‐rainfall zones of southeastern Australia to examine relationships between soil properties, and between soil properties and P buffering capacity (PBC) measures. Correlations between PBC values and soil properties were generally poor, with the exception of oxalate‐extractable Al (Alox) (r ≥ 0.97). Predictions of PBC were further improved when clay, as well as Alox, was included in a linear regression model (r2 ≥ 0.98). When Alox and oxalate‐extractable Fe were excluded from the modelling exercise, a more complex three‐term linear regression model, including pHH2O, exchangeable H and cation exchange capacity, adequately fitted both PBC values of the 25 soils examined in this study (r2 ≥ 0.76). However, the Alox, Alox plus clay and the three‐term models gave poor predictions of the PBC values when the models were validated using 28 independent soils. These results emphasize the importance of model validation, because predictive models based on soil properties were not robust when tested across a broader range of soil types. In comparison, direct measures of PBC, such as single‐point P sorption measures, are more practical and robust methods of estimating PBC for Australian soils.
Regional simulation of long‐term organic carbon stock changes in cropland soils using the DNDC model: 1. Large‐scale model validation against a spatially explicit data set
Authors: Sleutel S. , De Neve S. , Beheydt D. , Li C. , Hofman G. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractBecause of the large spatial and temporal variability of soil organic carbon (SOC) dynamics, a modelling approach is crucial in detailed regional analyses. Several estimates of regional scale SOC sequestration potential have been made using dynamic soil organic matter (SOM) models which have been linked to spatial databases contained within a Geographic Information System. In all these previous studies, a large‐scale model validation, which provides information on the general model performance for the study area under concern, was impossible because of lack of data. A data set of over 190 000 SOC measurements, grouped as means per community and covering the period 1989–2000 was available for Flanders in northern Belgium. In order to validate the DNDC model at a large spatial scale, we used this data set along with detailed pH, soil texture and crop areas which were all available at the municipality scale to simulate SOC stocks for the entire study area during the period 1990–2000. A minor adjustment of the initial distribution of SOC in the model's SOC pool was necessary to fit the simulated SOC stock changes to the measured decrease of −475 kg OC ha−1 year−1 (0–30 cm). Although DNDC was able to simulate the SOC stock changes well for the whole study area, the simulated decrease in the SOC stocks was overestimated for communities predominantly having sandy textures and underestimated for communities with silt loam to silt textures. This study also urges caution with the application of SOM models at regional scales after limited validation or calibration at the field scale as these do not guarantee good simulation of spatial variation in SOC changes.
The role of clay, organic carbon and long‐term management on mouldboard plough draught measured on the Broadbalk wheat experiment at Rothamsted
Authors: Watts C. W. , Clark L. J. , Poulton P. R. , Powlson D. S. , Whitmore A. P. 
Published: August 2010

AbstractDespite a high energy requirement, the mouldboard plough remains the dominant tillage tool in northwest Europe. The aim of this work was to evaluate the relative influences of soil texture (clay content), soil organic carbon (SOC) and long‐term management on soil‐specific draught (S), where S is the force per cross‐sectional area of worked soil. Measurements were made during autumn 2000 on the then 157‐year‐old Broadbalk wheat experiment at Rothamsted, UK, where clay contents vary from 19 to 39% and the different cropping history, mineral and organic fertilizer treatments lead to SOC values of 0.7–3.2%. Minimum SOC values increased with increasing clay and were associated with zero or low mineral N inputs, while higher SOC values (>2%) were associated with long‐term applications of farmyard manure (FYM), despite these being on the lighter (<24% clay) soils. S values ranged between 52 and 142 kPa, with higher values co‐located in areas with high clay contents. Contour maps were generated to illustrate the spatial variability of S and show similarity to those for clay. Where FYM had been added, S was 66 kPa compared with 74 kPa where only mineral or no fertilizer was applied on soils of the same texture. Increasing applications of mineral N resulted in relatively small increases in SOC but up to 12% reduction in S.
What Is the Experience of National Quality Campaigns? Views from the Field
Authors: Bradley Elizabeth H. , Nembhard Ingrid M. , Yuan Christina T. , Stern Amy F. , Curtis Jeptha P. , Nallamothu Brahmajee K. , Brush John E. , Krumholz Harlan M. 
Published: August 2010

Objective. To identify key characteristics of a national quality campaign that participants viewed as effective, to understand mechanisms by which the campaign influenced hospital practices, and to elucidate contextual factors that modified the perceived influence of the campaign on hospital improvements.Data Sources. In‐depth interviews, hospital surveys, and Health Quality Alliance data.Study Design. We conducted a qualitative study using in‐depth interviews with clinical and administrative staff (N=99) at hospitals reporting strong influence (n=6) as well as hospitals reporting limited influence (n=6) of the Door‐to‐Balloon (D2B) Alliance, a national quality campaign to improve heart attack care. We analyzed these qualitative data as well as changes in hospital use of recommended strategies reported through a hospital survey and changes in treatment times using Health Quality Alliance data.Data Collection Methods. In‐depth, open‐ended interviews; hospital survey.Principal Findings. Key characteristics of the national quality campaign viewed as enhancing its effectiveness were as follows: credibility of the recommendations, perceived simplicity of the recommendations, alignment with hospitals' strategic goals, practical implementation tools, and breadth of the network of peer hospitals in the D2B Alliance. Perceived mechanisms of the campaign's influence included raising awareness and influencing goals, fostering strategy adoption, and influencing aspects of organizational culture. Modifying contextual factors included perceptions about current performance and internal championship for the recommended changes.Conclusions. The impact of national quality campaigns may depend on both campaign design features and on the internal environment of participating hospitals.
Utility of organotypic raphe slice cultures to investigate the effects of sustained exposure to selective 5‐HT reuptake inhibitors on 5‐HT release
Authors: Nagayasu Kazuki , Yatani Yumi , Kitaichi Maiko , Kitagawa Yutaka , Shirakawa Hisashi , Nakagawa Takayuki , Kaneko Shuji 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSESelective 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT, serotonin) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used antidepressants and their therapeutic effect requires several weeks of drug administration. The delayed onset of SSRI efficacy is due to the slow neuroadaptive changes of the 5‐hydroxytryptaminergic (5‐HTergic) system. In this study, we examined the acute and chronic effects of SSRIs on the 5‐HTergic system using rat raphe slice cultures.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHFor organotypic raphe slice cultures, mesencephalic coronal sections containing dorsal and median raphe nuclei were prepared from neonatal Wistar rats and cultured for 14–16 days.KEY RESULTSAcute treatment with citalopram, paroxetine or fluoxetine (0.1–10 µM) in the slice cultures slightly increased extracellular 5‐HT levels, while sustained exposure for 4 days augmented the elevation of 5‐HT level in a time‐dependent manner. Sustained exposure to citalopram had no effect on tissue contents of 5‐HT and its metabolite, expression of tryptophan hydroxylase or the membrane expression of 5‐HT transporters. The augmented 5‐HT release was attenuated by Ca2+‐free incubation medium or treatment with tetrodotoxin. Experiments with 5‐HT1A/Breceptor agonists and antagonists revealed that desensitization of 5‐HT1autoreceptors was not involved in the augmentation of 5‐HT release. Finally, co‐treatment with an α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainate, but not anN‐methyl‐d‐aspartate, receptor antagonist, suppressed this augmentation.CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONSThese results suggest that sustained exposure to SSRIs induces the augmentation of exocytotic 5‐HT release, which is caused, at least in part, by the activation of AMPA/kainate receptors in the raphe slice cultures.
Japanese encephalitis virus induces matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in rat brain astrocytes via NF‐κB signalling dependent on MAPKs and reactive oxygen species
Authors: Tung Wei‐Hsuan , Tsai Hsin‐Wen , Lee I‐Ta , Hsieh Hsi‐Lung , Chen Wei‐June , Chen Yuh‐Lien , Yang Chuen‐Mao 
Published: August 2010

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) is a member of the family Flaviviridae and JEV infection is a major cause of acute encephalopathy in children, which destroys cells in the CNS, including astrocytes and neurons. However, the detailed mechanisms underlying the inflammatory action of JEV are largely unclear.EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of JEV on the expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐9 was determined by gelatin zymography, Western blot analysis, real‐time PCR and promoter assay. The involvement of the NADPH oxidase and reactive oxygen species (ROS), MAPKs, and the transcription factor NF‐κB in these responses was investigated by using selective pharmacological inhibitors and transfection with appropriate siRNAs.KEY RESULTS JEV induced the expression of the pro‐form of MMP‐9 in rat brain astrocytes (RBA‐1 cells). In RBA‐1 cells, JEV induced MMP‐9 expression and promoter activity, which was inhibited by pretreatment with inhibitors of NADPH oxidase (diphenylene iodonium chloride or apocynin), MAPKs (U0126, SB203580 or SP600125) and a ROS scavenger (N‐acetylcysteine), or transfection with siRNAs of p47phox, ERK1, JNK2 and p38. In addition, JEV‐induced MMP‐9 expression was reduced by pretreatment with an inhibitor of NF‐κB (helenalin) or transfection with p65 siRNA. Moreover, JEV‐stimulated NF‐κB activation was inhibited by pretreatment with the inhibitors of NADPH oxidase and MAPKs.CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS MMP‐9 expression induced by JEV infection of RBA‐1 cells was mediated through the generation of ROS and activation of p42/p44 MAPK, p38 MAPK and JNK1/2, leading to NF‐κB activation.