bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative risk assessment case study for organic acid processes
Authors: Garland R. Wayne 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAcetic acid is not a chemical covered by the OSHA PSM regulation, as its flash point is above the 100 F threshold for flammables; however, it is by no means a nonhazardous chemical. Eastman Chemical Company has a large number of processes containing acetic acid and related organic acids, and as a corporation, we wanted to assure that risk for these processes was at a tolerable level. To facilitate these risk assessments, flash point data was generated and a qualitative risk analysis was performed for a large number of process vessels. Selected quantitative risk assessment studies were then performed using fault tree/event tree methodology, comparing the assessed level of risk to generally accepted government and industry benchmarks as well as risk levels for some common activities. The highest contributors to risk were identified, analyzed with respect to current protective measures, and mitigated through the application of practical modifications, which reduced their risk to a tolerable level. © 2010 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog, 2010
Genetic lineage tracing, a powerful tool to investigate the embryonic organogenesis and adult organ maintenance of the pancreas
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshiya , Takaori Kyoichi , Uemoto Shinji 
Published: July 2010

AbstractRevealing the mechanism of adult organ maintenance and regeneration after injury is fundamental to our understanding of the pathogenesis of diseases. Considering the results of pulse and chase experiments using inducible insulin‐Cre or Elastase‐Cre, and more recently HNF1b‐Cre, adult pancreatic cells (beta, acinar, and duct cells) seem to be maintained by the self‐duplication of the existing cells, while there is still a dispute about whether adult beta‐cells are supplied from the duct cells. Here we describe the advantages and pitfalls of Cre‐mediated genetic lineage tracing experiments in the analysis of embryonic organogenesis and adult organ maintenance of the pancreas. This experimental technique enables us to visualize the specific cells and their progeny in vivo, and the combination of lineage tracing and other experimental procedures provides us with more detailed information on the mechanism of organogenesis and adult organ homeostasis.
Purified Canola Lutein Selectively Inhibits Specific Isoforms of Mammalian DNA Polymerases and Reduces Inflammatory Response
Authors: Horie Sho , Okuda Chiaki , Yamashita Takatoshi , Watanabe Kenichi , Kuramochi Kouji , Hosokawa Masashi , Takeuchi Toshifumi , Kakuda Makiko , Miyashita Kazuo , Sugawara Fumio , Yoshida Hiromi , Mizushina Yoshiyuki 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn the screening of DNA polymerase (pol) inhibitor, we isolated lutein, a carotenoid, from the crude (unrefined) pressed oil of canola (low erucic acid rapeseed, Brassica napus L.). Commercially prepared carotenoids such as lutein (1), zeaxanthin (2), β‐cryptoxanthin (3), astaxanthin (4), canthaxanthin (5), β‐carotene (6), lycopene (7), capsanthin (8), fucoxanthin (9) and fucoxanthinol (10), were investigated for the inhibitory activities of pols. Compounds 1, 2 and 8 exhibited strong inhibition of the activities of mammalian pols β and λ, which are DNA repair‐ and/or recombination‐related pols. On the other hand, all carotenoids tested had no influence on the activity of a mammalian pol α, which is a DNA replicative pol. Lutein (1) was the strongest pol inhibitor of mammalian pols β and λ in the prepared ten carotenoids tested, but did not influence of the activities of mammalian pols α, γ, δ and ε. The tendency for pols β and λ inhibition by these carotenoids showed a positive correlation with the suppression of TPA (12‐O‐tetradecanoylphorbol‐13‐acetate)‐induced inflammation. These results suggest that cold pressed unrefined canola/rapeseed oil, or other oils with high levels of lutein and other carotenoids, may be useful for their anti‐inflammatory properties.
Age and growth of franciscana dolphins, Pontoporia blainvillei (Cetacea: Pontoporiidae) incidentally caught off southern Brazil and northern Argentina
Authors: Botta Silvina , Secchi Eduardo R. , Muelbert Mônica M.C. , Danilewicz Daniel , Negri Maria Fernanda , Cappozzo Humberto Luis , Hohn Aleta A. 
Published: July 2010

Age and length data of 291 franciscana dolphins (Pontoporia blainvillei) incidentally captured on the coast of Rio Grande do Sul State (RS), southern Brazil, were used to fit growth curves using Gompertz and Von Bertalanffy growth models. A small sample of franciscanas (N = 35) from Buenos Aires Province (BA), Argentina, were used to see if there are apparent growth differences between the populations. Male and female franciscana samples from both areas were primarily (78–85%) <4 years of age. The Von Bertalanffy growth model with a data set that excluded animals <1 year of age provided the best fit to data. Based on this model, dolphins from the RS population reached asymptotic length at 136.0 cm and 158.4 cm, for males and females, respectively. No remarkable differences were observed in the growth trajectories of males and females between the RS and BA populations.
Defining favourable reference values for bird populations in Italy: setting long-term conservation targets for priority species
Authors: BRAMBILLA MATTIA , GUSTIN MARCO , CELADA CLAUDIO 
Published: July 2010

SummarySetting favourable reference values (FRV) for conservation targets may help in assessing the conservation status of species and habitats. FRVs should be expressed through population size or demographic parameters that are likely to ensure the long-term persistence of a species across its range. We developed a conceptual framework for defining FRVs for Italian birds included in Annex I of the European Union’s Wild Birds Directive 79/409/CEE. The approach was based on demographic trends, current population size and the minimum viable population concept. We subdivided bird species according to abundance at the national scale, spatial distribution in discrete isolated populations and/or biogeographic categories. FRVs based on population viability analysis (PVA) were provided for populations of less than 2,500 pairs. For species with more than 2,500 pairs and a wide, more or less continuous range, the FRV was expressed in terms of breeding density at different spatial scales for non-colonial species. Out of the 88 species considered, we were able to formulate FRVs based on PVA for 47 populations belonging to 21 species, and breeding density for 15 further species; lack of adequate data prevented us from defining FRVs for the remaining species. Further work should focus on the translation of FRV density values into population size and on the definition of reference values for range and habitat.
Exploring the link between impulsivity and peer relations in 5‐ and 6‐year‐old children
Authors: Gomes L. , Livesey D. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractBackground  In recent years there has been an increased interest in the behavioural correlates of poor peer relations in childhood. It is now apparent that early poor peer relations are associated with negative future outcomes. The present study investigated whether behaviours that reflect impulsivity or require response inhibition are uniquely linked to children's peer relations.Methods  Five‐ and 6‐year‐old children's impulsivity was assessed using the teacher‐rated impulsivity scale (TRIS), while the stop signal task and a modified version of Manly et al.'s opposite worlds task were employed as measures of response inhibition. In addition, peer relations measures were obtained for each child by asking their peers to indicate on a peer rating scale how much they would like to play with them.Results  It was found that children's scores on the TRIS correlated significantly with peer relations measures (sociometric preference, peer acceptance and peer rejection) after controlling for gender, age and intelligence. Children rated by their teachers to be more impulsive had poorer peer relations. While there was a significant correlation between TRIS and stop‐signal task performance, little relationship was found between either of the response inhibition measures and children's peer relations.Conclusions  The findings indicate that impulsivity is associated with children's poor relations with their peers and that this association is dependent upon the measure of impulsivity used. Whereas the more subjective teacher‐ratings of impulsiveness did correlate with peer relations, the more objective behavioural measures of response inhibition, (thought to directly measure impulsivity), did not. The difference between these measures needs further investigation. While the data are correlational and causal direction can only be speculated, a practical implication of the finding of an association between impulsivity and peer acceptance is that adoption of strategies to minimize impulsive behaviour may improve the poor peer relations of children.
The Effects of Damaged Kernel Caused by Combine Harvester Settings on Milled Rice Free Fatty Acid Levels
Authors: Feliz D.J. , Proctor A. , Monsoor M. A. , Eason R.L. 
Published: July 2010

ABSTRACTMilled rice surface oil and free fatty acid (FFA) contents determine rice acceptability to the brewing industry. Both could subsequently contribute to beer off‐flavors and thus compromise milled rice brewing quality. Controlling milled rice FFA by harvesting practices could be important in maintaining brewing quality as some rough rice is damaged by hull removal and/or bran disruption during harvesting. To determine the effect of harvester speed on kernel damage, the long‐grain rice variety Cocodrie was harvested at 3 different combine harvester settings and the percent of damaged kernel (w/w) was measured. Combine harvester cylinder speed had a significant effect on rough rice kernel damage. The percentages of damaged kernels for 550, 850, and 1000 rpm cylinder speeds were 1.2%, 4.0%, and 9.0%, respectively. The FFA level of milled rice with varying amount of damaged kernels was investigated over 6 mo of storage. The faster harvester cylinder speeds resulted with time in significantly greater FFA levels in “as‐harvested” rice. The FFA content of 1000 rpm as‐harvested rice almost reached the 0.1% (w/w) level. The greater the amount of damaged kernel, the greater was the milled rice FFA level, and it was significantly greater than milled rice with no damaged kernels during accelerated storage. The as‐harvested rice with 1000 rpm had the highest FFA level, followed by 850 and 500 rpm.
Intra‐regional Tax Competition and Economic Geography
Authors: Hühnerbein Ossip , Seidel Tobias 
Published: July 2010

AbstractIn this paper, we extend a solvable version of the core–periphery agglomeration model to four countries located in two regions to show that governments in the agglomerated region may not be able to levy a tax premium on mobile capital if there is intra‐regional tax competition. This hypothesis challenges standard results in the literature and delegates clarification to empirical research. With respect to welfare, we find that intra‐regional tax competition is detrimental from a welfare perspective and that tax harmonisation unambiguously makes both countries in the core region better off.
Modulation of β‐amyloid metabolism by non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs in neuronal cell cultures
Authors: Gasparini Laura , Rusconi Laura , Xu Huaxi , Del Soldato Piero , Ongini Ennio 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAlzheimer disease (AD) is characterized by cerebral deposits of β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides, which are surrounded by neuroinflammatory cells. Epidemiological studies have shown that prolonged use of non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduces the risk of developing AD. In addition, biological data indicate that certain NSAIDs specifically lower Aβ42 levels in cultures of peripheral cells independently of cyclooxygenase (COX) activity and reduce cerebral Aβ levels in AD transgenic mice. Whether other NSAIDs, including COX‐selective compounds, modulate Aβ levels in neuronal cells remains unexploited. Here, we investigated the effects of compounds from every chemical class of NSAIDs on Aβ40 and Aβ42 secretion using both Neuro‐2a cells and rat primary cortical neurons. Among non‐selective NSAIDs, flurbiprofen and sulindac sulfide concentration‐dependently reduced the secretion not only of Aβ42 but also of Aβ40. Surprisingly, both COX‐2 (celecoxib; sc‐125) or COX‐1 (sc‐560) selective compounds significantly increased Aβ42 secretion, and either did not alter (sc‐560; sc‐125) or reduced (celecoxib) Aβ40 levels. The levels of βAPP C‐terminal fragments and Notch cleavage were not altered by any of the NSAIDs, indicating that γ‐secretase activity was not overall changed by these drugs. The present findings show that only a few non‐selective NSAIDs possess Aβ‐lowering properties and therefore have a profile potentially relevant to their clinical use in AD.
Compost can successfully replace mineral fertilizers in the nutrient management of commercial peach orchard
Authors: Baldi E. , Toselli M. , Marcolini G. , Quartieri M. , Cirillo E. , Innocenti A. , Marangoni B. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe objective of this experiment was to evaluate in the long‐term (9 years), the suitability of compost as a fertilizer in commercial peach orchard. The experiment was carried out on nectarine trees (Prunus persica var.nectarina), Stark RedGold grafted on GF677 peach × almond (P. amygdalus L.) hybrid. The treatments were: (1) unfertilized control; (2) mineral fertilization including phosphorus (P at 100 kg/ha) and potassium (K at 200 kg/ha) applied at planting and nitrogen (N at 70–130 kg/ha/yr) split in two applications at 40 days after full bloom (60%) and in September (40%); (3) cow manure supplied at planting [10 t dry weight (dw)/ha] and then, from the forth year at the rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr in spring; (4) compost supplied at planting (10 t dw/ha) and then, from the forth year at the rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr in spring; (5) compost supply at a rate of 5 t dw/ha/yr, and (6) 10 t dw/ha/yr, both treatment 5 and 6 split as described for treatment 2. Nitrate‐N soil concentration was usually not affected by treatments. Soil microbial carbon, organic matter, total N, P, K were increased by application of organic fertilizers. SOM and total N were positively correlated to soil microbial biomass. Aggregate stability, humic and fulvic acid concentration were not affected by fertilization treatment. Only the application of compost at 10 t dw/ha/yr (6) increased fruit production.
Long‐term changes in soil phosphorus status related to P budgets under maize monoculture and mineral P fertilization
Authors: Messiga A. J. , Ziadi N. , Plénet D. , Parent L.‐E. , Morel C. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractMonitoring soil phosphorus (P) changes under continuous cropping over decades is an important agronomic and environmental issue. The aim was to determine soil P dynamics in the plough layer as a function of cumulative P budgets (Bcum) across extended cropping periods (7, 12, and 17 yr) for four rates of mineral P fertilization. This field experiment was established in 1975 on a slightly alkaline, sandy loamy soil (luvic Arenosol). Soil P was assessed by three P tests: the concentration of P ions in solution (Cp), Olsen (POl), and Mehlich‐3 P (PM3). Annual P budget was calculated as P applied minus P exported by the grain. The Bcum values were the sum of annual P budgets. Bcum, Cp, POl, and PM3 values were significantly influenced by cropping periods and P rates. The nine combinations (3 periods × 3 soil P tests) of P dynamics versus Bcum were described by linear regressions. For each soil P test, all means fell on the same regression line for the three cropping periods indicating that the P transformation rates were similar for positive and negative P budgets. Relationships depended on soil test P but did not vary for cropping periods. For this specific soil, we calculated that a change in P budget of 100 kg/ha would change Cp, POl, and PM3 by 0.11 mg/L, 3.3 mg/kg, and 14 mg/kg, respectively. Although this result needs to be confirmed and extended to other soil types, we conclude that a single year of soil sampling after a decade of experimentation would be sufficient to establish the relationship between soil P status and P budgets.
Reaction‐induced nucleation and growth v. grain coarsening in contact metamorphic, impure carbonates
Authors: BERGER A. , BRODHAG S. H. , HERWEGH M. 
Published: July 2010

AbstractThe understanding of the evolution of microstructures in a metamorphic rock requires insights into the nucleation and growth history of individual grains, as well as the coarsening processes of the entire aggregate. These two processes are compared in impure carbonates from the contact metamorphic aureole of the Adamello pluton (N‐Italy). As a function of increasing distance from the pluton contact, the investigated samples have peak metamorphic temperatures ranging from the stability field of diopside/tremolite down to diagenetic conditions. All samples consist of calcite as the dominant matrix phase, but additionally contain variable amounts of other minerals, the so‐called second phases. These second phases are mostly silicate minerals and can be described in a KCMASHC system (K2O, CaO, MgO, Al2O3, SiO2, H2O, CO2), but with variable K/Mg ratios. The modelled and observed metamorphic evolution of these samples are combined with the quantification of the microstructures, i.e. mean grain sizes and crystal size distributions. Growth of the matrix phase and second phases strongly depends on each other owing to coupled grain coarsening. The matrix phase is controlled by the interparticle distances between the second phases, while the second phases need the matrix grain boundary network for mass transfer processes during both grain coarsening and mineral reactions. Interestingly, similar final mean grain sizes of primary second phase and second phases newly formed by nucleation are observed, although the latter formed later but at higher temperatures. Moreover, different kinetic processes, attributed to different driving forces for growth of the newly nucleated grains in comparison with coarsening processes of the pre‐existing phases, must have been involved. Chemically induced driving forces of grain growth during reactions are orders of magnitudes larger compared to surface energy, allowing new reaction products subjected to fast growth rates to attain similar grain sizes as phases which underwent long‐term grain coarsening. In contrast, observed variations in grain size of the same mineral in samples with a similar T–t history indicate that transport properties depend not only on the growth and coarsening kinetics of the second phases but also on the microstructure of the dominant matrix phase during coupled grain coarsening. Resulting microstructural phenomena such as overgrowth and therefore preservation of former stable minerals by the matrix phase may provide new constraints on the temporal variation of microstructures and provide a unique source for the interpretation of the evolution of metamorphic microstructures.
Neurological soft signs in juvenile patients with Asperger syndrome, early‐onset psychosis, and healthy controls
Authors: Mayoral María , Merchán‐Naranjo Jessica , Rapado Marta , Leiva Marta , Moreno Carmen , Giráldez Marisa , Arango Celso , Parellada Mara 
Published: July 2010

AbstractAim: The study of neurological soft signs (NSS) in patients with Asperger syndrome may help us to elucidate the neurological basis of this disorder and to clarify its relationship with other neurodevelopmental disorders. The goal of this study was to compare the prevalence of NSS in a sample of patients with Asperger syndrome, early‐onset psychosis and healthy controls.Method: NSS were assessed by means of the Neurological Evaluation Scale in a sample of 29 patients with Asperger syndrome (mean age = 12.86 ± 2.58 years), 30 patients with first‐episode early‐onset psychoses (mean age 14.17 ± 1.02 years) and 30 healthy controls (mean age 12.33 ± 2.69 years).Results: Significant group differences were found between Asperger syndrome patients and healthy controls both in all the Neurological Evaluation Scale subscales and in the Neurological Evaluation Scale total score. There were no significant differences between both groups of patients in any of the Neurological Evaluation Scale scores.Conclusions: NSS are more prevalent in Asperger syndrome than in healthy controls. The NSS profile was not disorder‐specific in our samples of patients with Asperger syndrome and early‐onset psychoses.
A case study from the perspective of medical ethics: refusal of treatment in an ambulance
Authors: Erbay Hasan , Alan Sultan , Kadıoğlu Selim 
Published: July 2010

This paper will examine a sample case encountered by ambulance staff in the context of the basic principles of medical ethics.An accident takes place on an intercity highway. Ambulance staff pick up the injured driver and medical intervention is initiated. The driver suffers from a severe stomach ache, which is also affecting his back. Evaluating the patient, the ambulance doctor suspects that he might be experiencing internal bleeding. For this reason, venous access, in the doctor's opinion, should be achieved and the patient should be quickly started on an intravenous serum.The patient, however, who has so far kept his silence, objects to the administration of the serum. The day this is taking place is within the month of Ramadan and the patient is fasting. The patient states that he is fasting and that his fast will be broken and his religious practice disrupted in the event that the serum is administered. The ambulance doctor informs him that his condition is life-threatening and that the serum must be administered immediately. The patient now takes a more vehement stand. ‘If I am to die, I want to die while I am fasting. Today is Friday and I have always wanted to die on such a holy day,’ he says.The ambulance physician has little time to decide. How should the patient be treated? Which type of behaviour will create the least erosion of his values?
C-SPARQL: A CONTINUOUS QUERY LANGUAGE FOR RDF DATA STREAMS
Authors: BARBIERI DAVIDE FRANCESCO , BRAGA DANIELE , CERI STEFANO , VALLE EMANUELE DELLA , GROSSNIKLAUS MICHAEL 
Published: July 2010

This article defines C-SPARQL, an extension of SPARQL whose distinguishing feature is the support of continuous queries, i.e. queries registered over RDF data streams and then continuously executed. Queries consider windows, i.e. the most recent triples of such streams, observed while data is continuously flowing. Supporting streams in RDF format guarantees interoperability and opens up important applications, in which reasoners can deal with evolving knowledge over time. C-SPARQL is presented by means of a full specification of the syntax, a formal semantics, and a comprehensive set of examples, relative to urban computing applications, that systematically cover the SPARQL extensions. The expression of meaningful queries over streaming data is strictly connected to the availability of aggregation primitives, thus C-SPARQL also includes extensions in this respect.