bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Laboratory sample stability. Is it possible to define a consensus stability function? An example of five blood magnitudes
Authors: Gómez Rioja Rubén , Martínez Espartosa Débora , Segovia Marta , Ibarz Mercedes , Llopis María Antonia , Bauça Josep Miquel , Marzana Itziar , Barba Nuria , Ventura Monserrat , García del Pino Isabel , Puente Juan José , Caballero Andrea , Gómez Carolina , García Álvarez Ana , Alsina María Jesús , Álvarez Virtudes 
Published: May 2018

AbstractBackground:The stability limit of an analyte in a biological sample can be defined as the time required until a measured property acquires a bias higher than a defined specification. Many studies assessing stability and presenting recommendations of stability limits are available, but differences among them are frequent. The aim of this study was to classify and to grade a set of bibliographic studies on the stability of five common blood measurands and subsequently generate a consensus stability function.Methods:First, a bibliographic search was made for stability studies for five analytes in blood: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), glucose, phosphorus, potassium and prostate specific antigen (PSA). The quality of every study was evaluated using an in-house grading tool. Second, the different conditions of stability were uniformly defined and the percent deviation (PD%) over time for each analyte and condition were scattered while unifying studies with similar conditions.Results:From the 37 articles considered as valid, up to 130 experiments were evaluated and 629 PD% data were included (106 for ALT, 180 for glucose, 113 for phosphorus, 145 for potassium and 85 for PSA). Consensus stability equations were established for glucose, potassium, phosphorus and PSA, but not for ALT.Conclusions:Time is the main variable affecting stability in medical laboratory samples. Bibliographic studies differ in recommedations of stability limits mainly because of different specifications for maximum allowable error. Definition of a consensus stability function in specific conditions can help laboratories define stability limits using their own quality specifications.
Diagnostics of Track Quality of Ballastless Track and Transition Areas in Vicinity of Portals of Tunnel Turecky vrch
Authors: Šmalo Michal 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The paper deals with the partial results of diagnostics of experimental sections of ballastless track Rheda 2000® and transition areas between ballastless and ballasted track structure around portals of tunnel Turecky vrch after six measurement cycles. The paper presents differences between each operational measurement and the measurement before putting sections into operation, which indicates a development of track geometry quality.
Assessment of azadirachtin-A, a neem tetranortritarpinoid, on rat spermatozoa during in vitro capacitation
Authors: Katte Teesta V. , Rajyalakshmi Malempati , Aladakatti Ravindranath H. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
The exploration of the biological assessment of technical azadirachtin, a tetranortritarpinoid from the neem seed kernel, was reviewed. The present study was, therefore, designed to evaluate the dose-dependent in vitro effects of azadirachtin-A, particularly on the functional studies and determination of molecular events, which are critical in the process of sperm capacitation.

Methods:
To assess the effects of the azadirachtin-A on the functional studies, sperm capacitation, the total sperm adenosine triphosphate levels, acrosome reaction (AR), the sperm-egg interaction and the determination of molecular events like cyclic adenosine-3′,5′-monophosphate and calcium levels, the appropriate volumes of the sperm suspension were added to the medium to a final concentration of 1×106 sperm/mL and incubated in a humidified atmosphere of 5% CO2 in air at 37°C. The increasing quantities 0.5–2.0 mM/mL and the equivalent volumes of 50% dimethyl sulfoxide were added to the control dishes prior to the addition of spermatozoa and then observed at various time-points for motility and other analyses.

Results:
Results revealed the dose- and time-dependent decrease in the functional consequence of capacitation, i.e. the percentage of motile spermatozoa, motility score and sperm motility index, levels of molecular events in spermatozoa, followed by declined spontaneous AR leading to lesser binding of the cauda epididymal sperm to the Zona pellucida.

Conclusions:
The findings confirm the inhibition of rat sperm motility by blocking some biochemical pathways like energy utilization. They also demonstrate that sperm capacitation is associated with the decrease in AR and that the levels of molecular events in spermatozoa can guide us towards the development of a new male contraceptive constituent.
What Do We Mean By EU Tort Law?
Authors: Giliker Paula 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis article will examine what we mean by the term ‘EU tort law’ and why it is important to recognise EU tort law both as a concept providing remedies to citizens in EU and national courts, but also as an area of law which, notably in the context of national courts, is under-theorised and in danger, therefore, of being incorrectly applied. EU tort law is a sub-set of a broader category which may be termed ‘European tort law’. It crosses sectors as diverse as consumer, employment, competition and financial services law. It provides citizens with rights, often to compensatory damages, for breach of interests protected by EU law. Fundamentally, it plays a vital role in ensuring the effectiveness of EU law. It will be submitted that only by focussing on what we actually mean by EU tort law will we gain an understanding of its content and rules and be able to address problems in its application.
The Recognition of Punitive Damages in Italy: A commentary on Cass Sez Un 5 July 2017, 16601, AXO Sport, SpA v NOSA Inc
Authors: Venchiarutti Angelo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractFollowing the decision of the First Division of the Court of Cassation issued on May 16, 2016, the United Section of the Italian Court of Cassation delivered a very important ruling on 5 July 2017 deciding – for the very first time – in favour of the enforceability of US punitive damages in Italy.The decision of the Joint Divisions of the Court of Cassation was based on the following arguments: a) more than one provision of the Italian legislative framework already attributes to damage compensation a scope that goes far beyond the mere restoration of the prejudice suffered by the victim; b) recent case law on the matter excludes the incompatibility of the punitive scope of civil liability with the Italian legal system; and c) several doctrinal contributions have promoted the possibility of granting the injured party the right to obtain compensation, beyond the patrimonial loss suffered, assuming that civil liability may also have a deterrent effect.On these premises, the Plenary Session of the Italian Court of Cassation recognised that civil liability may serve different functions: it primarily grants compensation to the injured party, in line with the previous connotation of civil liability as restoration of patrimonial loss, but it may also ensure deterrence and sanction the wrongdoing of the tortfeasor.Given this comprehensive nature of civil liability, the decision stated that foreign decisions granting punitive damages are not against public policy in principle and, thus, can be enforced in Italy, but only under certain preconditions.A foreign ruling providing the payment of punitive damages may be executed in Italy only in the case where foreign legislative provisions, or equivalent sources, grant the competent judge the power to award punitive damages based on typical and predictable circumstances. Moreover, the amount of punitive damages due shall be limited.A decision of the Joint Divisions of the Italian Court of Cassation—which is entitled to provide an uniform interpretation of the law— represents a significant precedent, which lower courts and subsequent judgments are likely to follow, in terms of which courts will be required to recognise and enforce foreign decisions implying a compensation of punitive damages.
Brown adipose tissue in young adults who were born preterm or small for gestational age
Authors: Kistner Anna , Rydén Henric , Anderstam Björn , Hellström Ann , Skorpil Mikael 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background:
Brown adipose tissue (BAT) is present and functions to dissipate energy as heat in young adults and can be assessed using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to estimate the voxel fat fraction, i.e. proton density fat fraction (PDFF). It is hypothesized that subjects born preterm or small for gestational age (SGA) may exhibit disrupted BAT formation coupled to metabolic factors. Our purpose was to assess the presence of BAT in young adults born extremely preterm or SGA in comparison with controls.

Methods:
We studied 30 healthy subjects (median age, 21 years): 10 born extremely preterm, 10 full term but SGA and 10 full term with a normal birth weight (controls). We utilized an MRI technique combining multiple scans to enable smaller echo spacing and an advanced fat-water separation method applying graph cuts to estimate B0 inhomogeneity. We measured supraclavicular/cervical PDFF, R2*, fat volume, insulin-like growth factor 1, glucagon, thyroid stimulating hormone and the BAT-associated hormones fibroblast growth factor 21 and irisin.

Results:
The groups did not significantly differ in supraclavicular/cervical PDFF, R2*, fat volume or hormone levels. The mean supraclavicular/cervical PDFF was equivalent between the groups (range 75–77%).

Conclusions:
Young adults born extremely preterm or SGA show BAT development similar to those born full term at a normal birth weight. Thus, the increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders in these groups is not due to the absence of BAT, although our results do not exclude possible BAT involvement in this scenario. Larger studies are needed to understand these relationships.
A note on the uniqueness of 2D elastostatic problems formulated by different types of potential functions
Authors: Guerrero José Luis Morales , Vidal Manuel Cánovas , Nicolás José Andrés Moreno , López Francisco Alhama 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
New additional conditions required for the uniqueness of the 2D elastostatic problems formulated in terms of potential functions for the derived Papkovich-Neuber representations, are studied. Two cases are considered, each of them formulated by the scalar potential function plus one of the rectangular non-zero components of the vector potential function. For these formulations, in addition to the original (physical) boundary conditions, two new additional conditions are required. In addition, for the complete Papkovich-Neuber formulation, expressed by the scalar potential plus two components of the vector potential, the additional conditions established previously for the three-dimensional case in z-convex domain can be applied. To show the usefulness of these new conditions in a numerical scheme two applications are numerically solved by the network method for the three cases of potential formulations.
On the conservation laws and solutions of a (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation of mathematical physics
Authors: Motsepa Tanki , Masood Khalique Chaudry 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn this paper, we study a (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation, which models many physical phenomena of mathematical physics. This equation has two integral terms in it. By an appropriate substitution, we convert this equation into two partial differential equations, which do not have integral terms and are equivalent to the original equation. We then work with the system of two equations and obtain its exact travelling wave solutions in form of Jacobi elliptic functions. Furthermore, we employ the multiplier method to construct conservation laws for the system. Finally, we revert the results obtained into the original variables of the (2+1) dimensional KdV-mKdV equation.
Physicochemical and Microbiological Stability of a New Oral Clonidine Solution for Paediatric Use
Authors: Verlhac Camille , Lannoy Damien , Bourdon Florence , Titecat Marie , Frealle Emilie , Nassar Carole , Berneron Christophe , Odou Pascal 
Published: May 2018

Abstract

Background
As many drugs are unavailable for paediatric use, hospital pharmacies are often required to develop suitable formulations themselves. Clonidine is commonly used in paediatrics (in severe hypertension, in opiate withdrawal syndrome, in tics and Gilles de la Tourette syndrome or in anaesthetic premedication) but no appropriate formulation has been drawn up. The aims of this work were to develop an oral solution of clonidine dedicated to children and to assess its physicochemical and microbiological stability.

Methods
Formulation of an oral solution of clonidine hydrochloride suitable for neonates and paediatrics was developed using the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API), with as few excipients as possible and without any complex excipient vehicle. A stability study was made according to GERPAC-SFPC guidelines. At each point in time (D0, D1, D7, D15, D29, D60 and D90), visual aspect (limpidity), pH and osmolality were established. Clonidine concentration was quantified using a stability-indicating HPLC-UV-DAD method previously developed from a forced degradation study and validated according to SFSTP Pharma. Microbiological stability was also tested according to the European Pharmacopeia monograph with the best adapted method (by comparing membrane filtration and inclusion). Solutions were stored in amber glass bottles with an oral adapter for up to 3 months in two different conditions: 5 °C +/– 3 °C and at 25 °C +/– 2 °C with 60 % residual humidity (climatic chamber).

Results
The formulated oral solution is composed of API at a concentration of 10 µg/mL and of potassium sorbate (0.3 %), citric acid, potassium citrate (pH 5 buffer) and sodium saccharine (0.025 %). Forced degradation highlighted six degradation products and the method was validated in the acceptance limits of ± 5 %. On D29, the mean percentages of the initial clonidine concentrations (+/–standard deviation) were 92.95+/–1.28 % in the solution stored at 25 °C +/– 2 °C and 97.44+/–1.21 % when stored at 5 °C +/– 3 °C. On D90, means were respectively 81.82+/–0.41 % and 93.66+/–0.71 %. The visual aspect did not change. Physical parameters remained stable during the study: pH varied from 4.94 to 5.09 and osmolality from 82 to 92 mOsm/kg in the two conditions tested here. Membrane filtration appeared to be the more sensitive method. Whatever the storage conditions,<1 micro-organism/mL was identified (only environmental) with no detected E.coli.

Conclusions
This formulation is stable for at least 3 months at 5 °C +/– 3 °C in amber glass bottles and for one month when stored at room temperature. Microbiological stability was proven in accordance with the European Pharmacopeia.
Development and Preparation of Oral Suspensions for Paediatric Patients – a Challenge for Pharmacists
Authors: Bruns Cornelia , Ober Michael 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The preparation of liquid oral dosage forms for paediatric patients may pose a challenge on pharmacies. Marketed ready-to-use suspension vehicles do have advantages and disadvantages. In order to overcome the disadvantages a dedicated suspension vehicle, which can be prepared by every pharmacy, was cooperatively developed by pharmacist specialists on a national level in Germany. Marketed as well as pharmacy prepared suspension vehicles provide added value for pharmacy preparations for the special need of paediatric patients of different age groups.
CD200-, CX3CL1-, and TREM2-mediated neuron-microglia interactions and their involvements in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Zhang Lihang , Xu Juan , Gao Jinchao , Wu Yuncheng , Yin Ming , Zhao Wenjuan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Neurons and microglia are two major components in the central nervous system (CNS). The interactions between them play important roles in maintaining homeostasis of the brain. In recent years, substantial studies have focused on the interactions between neurons and microglia, revealing that microglia become reactive when the interactions are pathophysiologically interfered, usually accompanying neuronal injury, which is a common feature for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Many molecules and factors participate in these physiological and pathological processes, either in a contact-dependent or a contact-independent manner. Accumulating studies have revealed that in the CNS, cluster of differentiation-200 (CD200) and fractalkine (CX3CL1) expressed mainly on neurons and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) expressed mainly on microglia. These molecules can mediate neuron-microglia interactions in a contact-dependent manner and contribute to the pathogenesis of AD. Here, we review the expression, distribution, and function of CD200, CX3CL1, and TREM2 in regulating neuron-microglia interactions under physiological conditions as well as in AD.
Material Selection: Balancing Sustainability and Resilience
Authors: Middleton George 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Understanding sustainability includes three interdependent aspects: environmental, economic, and social. All three should be considered in balance when selecting construction materials. Design professionals must also think about resilience, a measure of the ability of cities, buildings, people, and institutions to spring back into shape, survive, and adapt, regardless of the shock or stress to which they are exposed. Facilitating resilience means considering many potential stressors and responses, including both shock and chronic events and those that are expected and unexpected. Stressors can be products of natural or technological causation. Not all stressors are equal, so the relative importance of stressor events should be evaluated in terms of risks and hazards. There are no ‘good’ or ‘bad’ materials; there are only more- or less-sustainable ways of using materials to solve design problems while protecting the public’s health, safety, and welfare. Materials used in buildings and infrastructure should be selected on a comprehensive life-cycle assessment basis, using design methods that also minimize stressor impacts. Ultimately, resilience, when related to the discussion of products made from any material, should be considered as a complex response to these stressors and not simply as resistance to destructive forces. Today’s architects are expected to know more about materials, and design professionals must practice in an era when understanding traditional materials used a century ago is no longer sufficient. Currently, plastics are the most intensively engineered materials, and they can be used to illustrate the useful sustainability and resilience criteria applicable to all materials. Example products in this material category with favorable stressor response attributes include polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pipe, used in durable water distribution systems. Vinyl cladding is resistant to all but the most extreme weather. PVC membrane roofing, noted for its solar reflectivity, reduces air conditioning loads and energy consumption. PVC wire and cable insulation makes the Internet possible, enabling a resilient global digital economy. Cleanable products facilitate healthcare and disease control by managing infection, and blood bags make a safe blood storage system possible. When considering economic and social factors of resilience, material manufacturing can have many positive effects on local communities.
Optimal Plans of Constant-Stress Accelerated Life Tests for Extension of the Exponential Distribution
Authors: Abd El-Raheem A. M. 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
In this article, the optimal plans for a k-level constant-stress accelerated life test are presented for extension of the exponential failure data under complete sampling. According to the log-linear life-stress relationship, the optimal proportion of test units allocated to each stress level is determined under D- and C-optimality criteria. Moreover, a real data set is analyzed to illustrate the proposed procedures. Furthermore, the real data set is used to show that extension of the exponential (EE) distribution can be a better model than both Weibull distribution and generalized exponential distribution. In addition, numerical examples are used to illustrate the proposed procedures and to compare between the D-optimal plan and C-optimal plan through asymptotic variance of maximum likelihood estimators. Finally, some interesting conclusions are obtained.
Experimental Study on the Strain Recovery of Concrete after Creep
Authors: Zheng Wenzhong , Tang Can , Wang Ying 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Concrete recovers from creep strain when load is removed. The relationships between instantaneous strain recovery coefficients and stress levels are established based on the experimental data of concrete specimens that experienced creep and then recovered. The instantaneous strain recovery coefficients vary from 0.65 to 0.95 and decrease with increasing stress levels. The relationships between the stable recovery time of lag strain and stress levels are obtained using the experimental data. The stable recovery time of lag strain is extended with increasing stress levels when the stress level is below 0.65. Experimental results indicate that the final recovery value of lag strain is proportional to creep strain, and the ratio is about 11.4 %. Finally, the calculation model for the recovery value of lag strain and time is developed, which could be used for the reasonable calculation of the recovery value of lag strain.
Development of an Optimization Tool for Calibrating Crack Growth Material Models
Authors: Bombardier Yan 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Crack growth models are typically calibrated using experimental data prior to conducting damage tolerance analyses of aircraft structures. This process can be trivial for crack growth models that only have a few fitting parameters. However, other models, such as the FASTRAN crack growth equation with the analytical crack-closure model, include several model parameters that make calibration challenging. To simplify the calibration process and improve the accuracy of crack growth simulations, an automated crack growth model optimization tool was developed. This tool also aims at improving the robustness of crack growth models by reducing their dependency on loading spectra and specimen geometries. To achieve this, numerical optimization is used to minimize the discrepancy between experimental data and analytical crack growth. To demonstrate this approach, material model parameters were calibrated for P-3/CP-140 aircraft applications using the FASTRAN crack growth equation with the analytical crack-closure model. The optimization tool was found to be very effective at fitting crack growth simulation results to experimental data by changing the values of selected parameters. It was, however, observed that the automated calibration process could find multiple sets of FASTRAN parameter values that provide equivalent correlations with experimental data. In an attempt to develop a more robust material model, multiple test configurations with different geometries and loading spectra were used to determine an optimal trade-off model that maximizes the correlation for multiple test configurations. The conducted tests demonstrated that this approach is viable and could be used to improve the robustness of crack growth simulations.