bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developing a simple screening method for the identification of historic biocide residues on herbarium material in museum collections
Authors: Purewal V. , Colston B. , Röhrs S. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe National Museum of Wales (NMW), houses ca 250 000 higher plant specimens, with material dating back to the 17th century. Herbaria have been a major source of botanical research and reference for centuries and the collections have increased over time from donations and through collecting.Owing to its organic content, botanical material is susceptible to insect and fungal attack. Even aged, dried material is a source of sugar and protein. Institutions and collectors have prevented such attacks through the application of pesticides. Treatments containing compounds of arsenic, lead and mercury were commonplace, and have remained stable over time. Consequently, present‐day handling of these collections presents a potential health risk to staff and visitors through inhalation and skin absorption, particularly since the quantity and nature of the pesticide applied is unknown. Occasionally the residues are visible, but research has shown that herbarium sheets, which appear untouched and have been previously treated, contain high concentrations of toxic metals.The use of a UV hand‐held lamp has helped to identify sheets that have been treated, even though treatment is not visible to the naked eye. The UV causes areas to fluoresce on the herbarium mount sheet. These areas were analysed by particle induced x‐ray emission (PIXE), and have been found to correlate with pesticide applications containing mercury and arsenic.This research has shown the feasibility of using a hand‐held UV lamp as a screening method for identifying contaminated samples within museum collections and provided a means to prioritise which collections require immediate re‐mounting. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nuclear microprobe studies of grasshopper feeding on nickel hyperaccumulating plants
Authors: Augustyniak M. , Przybyłowicz W. , Mesjasz‐Przybyłowicz J. , Tarnawska M. , Migula P. , Głowacka E. , Babczyńska A. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractGrasshopper Stenoscepa sp is an insect species feeding on the South‐African Ni‐hyperaccumulating plants. Large amounts of Ni ingested by them have no effect on their development. To explain their ability to survive in such extreme conditions, we investigated the distribution of elements in the insect body by means of a nuclear microprobe [micro‐particle induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) and backscattering (BS)]. GeoPIXE II software was used for quantitative elemental mapping complemented by evaluation of data extracted from arbitrarily selected micro‐areas. Micro‐PIXE analysis in Stenoscepa sp tissues showed the highest Ni level in the gut and Malpighian tubules. The activity of glutathione‐dependent enzymes and glutathione (GSH) content in the tissues of second‐stage larvae were measured. One of the ways to survive under chronic Ni exposure conditions is an intensified GSH synthesis. GSH concentration in tissues of the grasshoppers was very high, about six times higher than in larvae of other Acrididae species from areas contaminated with heavy metals in Europe. Catalase (CAT) activity was 5–10 times lower in comparison to other Orthoptera species. Glutathione reductase (GR) activity was unexpectedly low (at the detection limit level). Likely, the studied grasshoppers may use other metabolic pathways for regeneration of the reduced form of GSH, e.g. thioredoxine system. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The use of biomonitors and PIXE analysis in the study of air pollution in Mexico City
Authors: Cervantes L. , Ávila O. , Ruvalcaba J. L. , Miranda J. , Muñoz R. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractAn environmental study of air contamination in the Valley of Mexico is under investigation based on the use of two biomonitors: the epiphytic lichen Flavopunctelia flaventior (L.) Nyl, and bromeliaceae Thillandsia recurvata (Ruiz and Pav), which are rather sensitive to air pollution and have a great capability to absorb and accumulate airborne mineral elements, including heavy metals. The thalli of lichen samples were collected in a controlled area, La Marquesa National Park, while bromeliaceae were collected in San Juan Teacalco, Estado de México. Samples were subsequently transplanted to 13 sites corresponding to 12 stations of the automatic network of atmospheric monitoring in the metropolitan area of the Valley of Mexico and a control site. This region includes urban and industrial places and one rural station. The study area is located at an altitude of 2240 m, with about 20 million inhabitants; it includes 3.5 million vehicles and 35 000 industries as well. The samples of transplanted lichen and bromeliaceae were exposed during 6 months in different seasonal periods during the year from 2002 to 2003. Pellets were prepared from ashes of the exposed lichens and bromeliaceae. The contents of Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Mn, Pb, Zn, and other trace elements were determined by particle‐induced x‐ray emission (PIXE), using an external proton beam setup. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fundamental study on an arsenic hyperaccumulator plant using submilli‐PIXE camera
Authors: Yamazaki H. , Ishii K. , Matsuyama S. , Kikuchi Y. , Takahashi Y. , Kawamura Y. , Watanabe R. , Tashiro K. , Inoue C. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractWe have developed an in‐air particle‐induced x‐ray emission(PIXE) analysis system that provides elemental distribution images in a region of 3 × 3 cm2 with a spatial resolution of ∼0.5 mm. We call this system an in‐air submilli‐PIXE camera. This system consists of a submilli‐beam line, beam scanners and a data acquisition system for elemental mapping. We applied the in‐air submilli‐PIXE camera to phytoremediation research. Phytoremediation is a technology for cleaning metal‐contaminated soils using plant physiology. Pteris vittata, which is known as a hyperaccumulator of arsenic, was analyzed by the PIXE camera. Elemental images of laminas were obtained in vivo without sample preparation. The elemental map of the laminas in several centimeters region showed that arsenic was accumulated in the edges of P. vittata fronds and redistributed in the laminas at different growth stages. The submilli‐PIXE camera is an effective tool for undertaking phytoremediation research. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
PIXE in the study of archaeological and historical glass
Authors: Calligaro T. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe particle induced x‐ray emission (PIXE) method, especially when carried out with an external beam, is a remarkable tool for the scientific investigation of objects of cultural heritage. We present here two case studies addressing important issues of archaeological and historical glass: deformulation of ancient glass recipes, determination of provenance of raw materials and understanding the weathering processes endangering these precious artifacts. This contribution illustrates the place of the PIXE technique among other analytical methods based on radiations in the study of this specific material. In the first example, PIXE is used to determine the provenance of a natural glass, obsidian, which forms the support of two paintings of the Spanish master Murillo (17th century.) on display in the Louvre museum. The comparison of the chemical fingerprints obtained by PIXE with an obsidian composition database established by instrumental neutron activation (INAA) and XRF shows that the rectangular obsidian panels were imported from Mexico. These investigations also permit to highlight the complementarities of these analytical techniques. In the second example, PIXE is applied to a 12th‐century stained glass window from the Saint‐Denis basilica (Paris) to determine the various medieval glasses (soda and potash types) employed in this panel. In addition, by combining p‐PIXE with He‐PIXE, PIGE (proton‐induced gamma‐ray emission), p‐RBS (Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry) and He‐RBS, alteration markers of the glass surface, useful in conservation science, are evidenced. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Neglect of the Global Surgical Workforce: Experience and Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Ozgediz Doruk , Galukande Moses , Mabweijano Jacqueline , Kijjambu Stephen , Mijumbi Cephas , Dubowitz Gerald , Kaggwa Samuel , Luboga Samuel 
Published: February 2008

AbstractBackgroundAfrica’s health workforce crisis has recently been emphasized by major international organizations. As a part of this discussion, it has become apparent that the workforce required to deliver surgical services has been significantly neglected.MethodsThis paper reviews some of the reasons for this relative neglect and emphasizes its importance to health systems and public health. We report the first comprehensive analysis of the surgical workforce in Uganda, identify challenges to workforce development, and evaluate current programs addressing these challenges. This was performed through a literature review, analysis of existing policies to improve surgical access, and pilot retrospective studies of surgical output and workforce in nine rural hospitals.ResultsUganda has a shortage of surgical personnel in comparison to higher income countries, but the precise gap is unknown. The most significant challenges to workforce development include recruitment, training, retention, and infrastructure for service delivery. Curricular innovations, international collaborations, and development of research capacity are some of the initiatives underway to overcome these challenges. Several programs and policies are addressing the maldistribution of the surgical workforce in urban areas. These programs include surgical camps, specialist outreach, and decentralization of surgical services. Each has the advantage of improving access to care, but sustainability has been an issue for all of these programs. Initial results from nine hospitals show that surgical output is similar to previous studies and lags far behind estimates in higher‐income countries. Task‐shifting to non‐physician surgical personnel is one possible future alternative.ConclusionsThe experience of Uganda is representative of other low‐income countries and may provide valuable lessons. Greater attention must be paid to this critical aspect of the global crisis in human resources for health.
The Diffusion of Youth‐Led Participatory Research in Urban Schools: The Role of the Prevention Support System in Implementation and Sustainability
Authors: Ozer Emily J. , Cantor Jeremy P. , Cruz Gary W. , Fox Brian , Hubbard Elizabeth , Moret Lauren 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThis article discusses the dissemination of a process of youth‐led participatory research in urban secondary schools within the Interactive Systems Framework for Dissemination and Implementation (ISF) developed in collaboration with the CDC and its university partners (Wandersman et al. American Journal of Community Psychology, 41(3–4) 2008). The focus here is on the development of the Prevention Support System with respect to general and innovation‐specific capacity building. The specific process under study involves youth‐led needs assessment and research to inform the planning of prevention programs and policies to address students' health and developmental needs. The article first briefly describes the youth‐led research process, its potential benefits, and a case example in two urban secondary schools. It then describes challenges and responses in providing support for the diffusion of this model in 6 secondary schools. The settings are urban public schools with a majority of students of color from diverse ethnic groups: Asian‐American, Latino, and African‐American. This project constitutes a collaborative partnership with a university school of public health and community‐based organizations (CBOs) to build capacity for long‐term, sustainable implementation of this innovative process within the local school system. The perspectives of the university‐based researcher and the CBO partners on the development and effectiveness of the Prevention Support System are presented.
Detritivory: stoichiometry of a neglected trophic level
Authors: Martinson Holly M. , Schneider Katie , Gilbert James , Hines Jessica E. , Hambäck Peter A. , Fagan William F. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractPrevious syntheses have identified the key roles that phylogeny, body size, and trophic level play in determining arthropod stoichiometry. To date, however, detritivores have been largely omitted from such syntheses, despite their importance in nutrient cycling, biodiversity, and food web interactions. Here, we report on a compiled database of the allometry and nutritional stoichiometry (N and P) of detritivorous arthropods. Overall, both N and P content for detritivores varied among major phylogenetic lineages. Detritivore N content was similar to the N content of herbivores, but below that of predators. By contrast, detritivore P content was independent of trophic level. Contrary to previous reports, neither nutrient varied with body size. This analysis places detritivores in the context of related herbivores and predators, and as such, sets the stage for future investigations into the causes and consequences of elemental (mis)matches between detritivores and their detrital resources.
Microemulsion Formation and Detergency with Oily Soil: IV. Effect of Rinse Cycle Design
Authors: Tanthakit Parichat , Chavadej Sumaeth , Scamehorn John F. , Sabatini David A. , Tongcumpou Chantra 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe objective of this work was to apply a microemulsion‐based formulation for the removal of motor oil in laundry detergency at low salinity. To produce the desired phase behavior, three surfactants were used: alkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonate (ADPODS), sodium dioctyl sulfosuccinate (AOT) and sorbitan monooleate (Span 80). The mixed surfactant system of 1.5% ADPODS, 5% AOT and 5% Span 80 (13 parts ADPODS, 43.5 parts AOT, and 43.5 parts Span 80 of the total actives) was found to form a middle phase microemulsion (Type III) at a relatively low salinity of 2.83% NaCl. When this formulation was diluted, detergency performance increased with increasing total surfactant concentration and leveled off above about 0.1% total actives on the three types of fabrics studied (pure cotton, 65/35 polyester/cotton blend, and pure polyester). Detergency was found to improve with increasing hydrophilicity of the fabric with cotton being cleanest after washing and polyester the most difficult to clean. To achieve a specified oil removal, less rinse water can be used if a higher number of lower‐volume rinses are employed. An interesting characteristic of microemulsion‐based formulations is that a substantial fraction of oil removal occurs during the rinse cycle. In this work, this removal is shown to be due to the low oil/water interfacial tension during initial rinsing and is therefore strongly correlated to residual surfactant concentration in the rinse steps. As a result, the number of rinses and the volume of water per rinse can profoundly affect detergency in these systems.
The Effect of Natural and Synthetic Antioxidants on the Oxidative Stability of Biodiesel
Authors: Tang Haiying , Wang Anfeng , Salley Steven O. , Ng K. Y. Simon 
Published: February 2008

AbstractA significant problem associated with the commercial acceptance of biodiesel is poor oxidative stability. This study investigates the effectiveness of various natural and synthetic antioxidants [α‐tocopherol (α‐T), butylated hydroxyanisole (BHA), butyl‐4‐methylphenol (BHT), tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ), 2, 5‐di‐tert‐butyl‐hydroquinone (DTBHQ), ionol BF200 (IB), propylgallate (PG), and pyrogallol (PY)] to improve the oxidative stability of soybean oil (SBO‐), cottonseed oil (CSO‐), poultry fat (PF‐), and yellow grease (YG‐) based biodiesel at the varying concentrations between 250 and 1,000 ppm. Results indicate that different types of biodiesel have different natural levels of oxidative stability, indicating that natural antioxidants play a significant role in determining oxidative stability. Moreover, PG, PY, TBHQ, BHA, BHT, DTBHQ, and IB can enhance the oxidative stability for these different types of biodiesel. Antioxidant activity increased with increasing concentration. The induction period of SBO‐, CSO‐, YG‐, and distilled SBO‐based biodiesel could be improved significantly with PY, PG and TBHQ, while PY, BHA, and BHT show the best results for PF‐based biodiesel. This indicates that the effect of each antioxidant on biodiesel differs depending on different feedstock. Moreover, the effect of antioxidants on B20 and B100 was similar; suggesting that improving the oxidative stability of biodiesel can effectively increase that of biodiesel blends. The oxidative stability of untreated SBO‐based biodiesel decreased with the increasing indoor and outdoor storage time, while the induction period values with adding TBHQ to SBO‐based biodiesel remained constant for up to 9 months.
Muscle Lipids and Fatty Acid Profiles of the Sea Catfish (Arius madagascariensis) in Madagascar Inland Waters
Authors: Rasoarahona J. R. E. , Ramanoelina P. A. R. , Bianchini J.‐P. , Gaydou E. M. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractMuscle lipids and fatty acids (FA) of catfish Arius madagascariensis were determined in catfish caught in the Betsiboka River, Madagascar, during a 5‐month sampling period. Total lipids from muscle were extracted and quantified. Fatty acids were identified by means of gas chromatography–mass spectrometry of FA methyl esters and FA pyrrolidides, leading to the identification of 42 FA. Lipid content was relatively high in our fish sample and ranged from 4.3 to 6.6% of wet muscle. Three FA dominated the FA composition: palmitic acid (C16:0, 22.9–32.6%), oleic acid (C18:1n‐9, 11.3–13.4%) and stearic acid (C18:0, 10.8–12.0%). A number of polyunsaturated FA (PUFA) were present in appreciable amounts, including arachidonic acid (C20:4n‐6, 4.7–7.6%), docosahexaenoic acid (C22:4n‐6, 3.0–8.1%), eicosapentaenoic acid (C20:5n‐3, 0.6–1.0%), n‐3 docosapentaenoic acid (C22:5n‐3, 1.1–1.6%), n‐6 docosatetraenoic acid (C22:4n‐6, 0.7–1.2%) and n‐6 docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n‐6, 0.9–1.8%). The sum of the n‐6 PUFA and n‐3 PUFA was 11.3–18.8 and 7.5–13.4%, respectively. These results indicate that A. madagascariensis, an abundant freshwater fish in Madagascar rivers, may be good source of dietary PUFA.
Attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder and video games: A comparative study of hyperactive and control children
Authors: Bioulac Stéphanie , Arfi Lisa , Bouvard Manuel P. 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIntroductionThis study describes and compares the behavior of hyperactive and control children playing video games.Subjects and methodsThe sample consisted of 29 ADHD children and 21 controls aged between 6 and 16 years playing video games. We used the Child Behavior Checklist and the Problem Videogame Playing scale (PVP scale). This instrument gives objective measures of problem use, which can be considered as an indication of addictive videogame playing. We designed a questionnaire for the parents, eliciting qualitative information about their child's videogame playing. There were no significant differences concerning frequency or duration of play between ADHD children and controls but differences were observed on the PVP scale. None of the controls scored above four whereas 10 hyperactive children answered affirmatively to five or more questions. These children presented a greater intensity of the disorder than the other ADHD children.ConclusionWhile no differences concerning video game use were found, ADHD children exhibited more problems associated with videogame playing. It seems that a subgroup of ADHD children could be vulnerable to developing dependence upon video games.
A MODEL OF UNIVERSAL TEICHMÜLLER SPACE AND ITS APPLICATION
Authors: KANG YUEMING , CHENG TAO , CHEN JIXIU 
Published: February 2008

AbstractIn this paper, one model of the universal Teichmüller space is studied. By the method of construction, the lower bound of the inner radius of univalency by the Pre-Schwarzian derivative of quasidisks with infinity as an inner point (such as domains bounded by ellipses) is obtained.
SCHUR MULTIPLICATIVE MAPS ON MATRICES
Authors: CLARK SEAN , LI CHI-KWONG , RASTOGI ASHWIN 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe structure of Schur multiplicative maps on matrices over a field is studied. The result is then used to characterize Schur multiplicative maps f satisfying $f(S) \subseteq S$ for different subsets S of matrices including the set of rank k matrices, the set of singular matrices, and the set of invertible matrices. Characterizations are also obtained for maps on matrices such that Γ(f(A))=Γ(A) for various functions Γ including the rank function, the determinant function, and the elementary symmetric functions of the eigenvalues. These results include analogs of the theorems of Frobenius and Dieudonné on linear maps preserving the determinant functions and linear maps preserving the set of singular matrices, respectively.
Breastfeeding rates and duration in Germany: a Bavarian cohort study
Authors: Kohlhuber Martina , Rebhan Barbara , Schwegler Ursula , Koletzko Berthold , Fromme Hermann 
Published: February 2008

Breastfeeding is the recommended feeding for all healthy infants. The aim of our study was to assess the current state of breastfeeding prevalence, duration and behaviour in Bavaria, Germany as a basis for targeting breastfeeding promotion measures. The Bavarian Breastfeeding Study is a prospective cohort study of 3822 mothers who delivered in April 2005 in Bavaria, Germany. Breastfeeding duration and determinants such as socioeconomic status, attitudes towards breastfeeding, birth mode and breastfeeding problems were assessed by questionnaires 2–6 d after birth and 2, 4, 6, and 9 months after birth. The initial breastfeeding rate was 90 %. After 4 months 61 % still breastfed (any breastfeeding). In the multivariate analyses the main influencing factor reducing breastfeeding initiation was the partner's negative attitude towards breastfeeding (OR 21·79; 95 % CI 13·46, 35·27). No initial breastfeeding was also associated with lower education, maternal grandmother's negative attitude and pre-term birth. Protective factors were primary breastfeeding experience and information on breastfeeding before birth. Breastfeeding duration < 4 months was strongly associated with breastfeeding problems (OR 7·56; 95 % CI 6·21, 9·19), smoking, lower education, partner's negative attitude and Caesarean section. Since the attitude of family members is an important influencing factor on breastfeeding rates, breastfeeding promotion should also target the partners of pregnant women and the families of newborn infants. Public health interventions such as more effective support for the management of breastfeeding problems, especially in lower social status families, should be implemented and their effectiveness should be critically evaluated.