bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Critical Factors Determining the Accuracy of Binder Bond Strength Test to Evaluate Adhesion Properties of Asphalt Binders
Authors: Huang W. , Lv Q. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The bond strength between asphalt and aggregates is a crucial parameter in evaluating the ability of asphalt mixture resistance to moisture-induced damage. Factors affecting the bond strength were investigated based on the binder bond strength (BBS) test. The effects of asphalt film thickness and loading rate on the results of the BBS test and the relationship between these two factors were further studied. Then, specimens were subjected to four moisture conditions to study the impact of water on the bond strength. Furthermore, the impact of the complex modulus on the bond strength was studied using the dynamic shear rheometer (DSR) test. Finally, the pull-off test results were compared with the findings obtained from the Hamburg wheel-tracking device (HWTD) test regarding the moisture sensitivity of mixtures under dry and wet conditions. Results indicate that the pull-off tensile strength (POTS) increased with an increase of the loading rate, whereas POTS decreased with the increase of the film thickness. It was proved that an equivalent relationship between these two factors existed in the BBS test. It is interesting that the measured POTS values were basically equal when the loading curves of the same asphalt overlap under different combinations of film thickness and loading rate. Water had a significant impact on the bond strength, and the moisture condition in the early state was important in determining the moisture sensitivity of the mixtures. Furthermore, POTS increased with the complex modulus of asphalt binder, whereas the phase angle of asphalt determined the extent to which the film thickness will affect the BBS test results. The comparison of the BBS and HWTD tests confirmed that the BBS test could address the mixture resistance to water damage.
Acceptance Sampling Plan Using Successive Sampling Over Two Successive Occasions
Authors: Azam M. , Nawaz S. , Arshad A. , Aslam M. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractIn this study, a variable acceptance sampling plan (ASP) based on best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) in successive sampling (SS) approach was designed. It was assumed that the underlying characteristic of interest follows normal distribution over the two succeeding occasions. The design of the proposed plan was presented for known and unknown sigma of normal distribution. The plan parameters were determined by using optimization approach for both situations, such that the provided consumer's and producer's risks are satisfied for the assigned values of acceptable quality level (AQL) and the limiting quality level (LQL). The efficiency of the proposed chart over the existing chart was discussed. The proposed plan was more efficient than the existing plan in terms of sample size. Industrial data were used for the application of the proposed sampling plan.
Modified Odometer Cell to Measure Electrical Resistivity of Clays Undergoing Consolidation Process
Authors: Naghibi M. , Abuel-Naga H. , Orense R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Electrical resistivity is used widely to evaluate various soil behavior and properties. Furthermore, it controls the power consumption during the electro-osmosis consolidation process. This paper discusses the modifications made on the conventional odometer test apparatus to measure the electrical resistivity of a clay specimen undergoing consolidation at different vertical effective stress levels using the four-electrode Wenner array method. Extensive numerical calibrations were also conducted to investigate the effect of boundary conditions of the test set up on the electrical resistivity values and, based on the results obtained, a general calibration equation is introduced. The validity of the proposed calibration equation is confirmed experimentally using different materials with known electrical resistivity values. Finally, three different sets of electrical resistivity results during the consolidation process are presented and discussed from the modified odometer cell.
Influence of Moisture Conditioning on Linear Viscoelastic Behaviour of Bituminous Mixtures Used For Railway Trackbeds
Authors: Ramirez Cardona D. , Di Benedetto H. , Sauzeat C. , Calon N. , Saussine G. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The influence of moisture on the linear-viscoelastic properties of bituminous mixtures with and without polymer modified bitumen (PMB) to be used for railway trackbeds was addressed in this paper. Nowadays, the use of bituminous mixtures in railway trackbeds, particularly for new high-speed lines, is a common practice. The variation of the thermomechanical properties of bituminous mixtures needs to be characterized considering railway loading, circulation speed, and environmental exposure conditions. For this purpose, improved 3D complex modulus tests were performed on base-course type mixtures. A tri-dimensional constitutive model, called 2S2P1D (2 Springs, 2 Parabolic creep elements and 1 Dashpot), was used to model the viscoelastic behavior of the materials. A moisture conditioning procedure was used to induce moisture damage to the mixtures. The thermomechanical properties of the materials are compared for the conditioned and non-conditioned states. Low variation of the linear viscoelastic behavior of the studied materials after moisture conditioning was observed. The results allowed assessing the interest of using polymer modified bitumen for bituminous mixtures to be used in railway trackbeds.
Measurement and Recording of Quenching Intensity in Workshop Conditions Based on Temperature Gradients
Authors: Liščić B. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
The cooling characteristics of a liquid quenchant are usually determined by a laboratory test using a small cylindrical probe with one thermocouple in its geometrical center. The reasons why the results of the laboratory tests do not represent the real quenching intensity of quenching workpieces in workshop conditions are described. Instead, a new Liščić/Petrofer probe with a larger mass, having three thermocouples, is used for measurement and recording real quenching intensity during industrial practice. The working principle of this probe is the measurement of dynamic of heat extraction, which is best represented by the change of temperature gradients. The temperature gradient method and the Liščić/Petrofer probe are described using an example of quenching in mineral oil at room temperature, without agitation. Calculation of the heat-transfer coefficient, as well as distinctive characteristics of the cooling curves recorded and heat-transfer data calculated when using the Liščić/Petrofer probe is explained. For impartial analysis and use of results obtained by using the new probe, six characteristic criteria from the relevant diagrams are used. Based on selected tests with the new probe, the influence of quenchant temperature and agitation rate on the quenching intensity is shown in numerical form for mineral oil and for water. A series of 26 tests has proved that: (1) the results obtained by the new probe and method have provided information that is not obtainable from small laboratory probes; (2) the new method is sufficiently sensitive to clearly differentiate the results when changes of some quenching parameters (bath temperature or agitation rate) occur; and (3) the Liščić/Petrofer probe can be used for different kinds of liquid quenchants at different quenching conditions typically encountered in industrial practice.
Blocking sense‐strand activity improves potency, safety and specificity of anti‐hepatitis B virus short hairpin RNA
Authors: Michler Thomas , Große Stefanie , Mockenhaupt Stefan , Röder Natalie , Stückler Ferdinand , Knapp Bettina , Ko Chunkyu , Heikenwalder Mathias , Protzer Ulrike , Grimm Dirk 
Published: July 2016

AbstractHepatitis B virus (HBV) is a promising target for therapies based on RNA interference (RNAi) since it replicates via RNA transcripts that are vulnerable to RNAi silencing. Clinical translation of RNAi technology, however, requires improvements in potency, specificity and safety. To this end, we systematically compared different strategies to express anti‐HBV short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in a pre‐clinical immunocompetent hepatitis B mouse model. Using recombinant Adeno‐associated virus (AAV) 8 vectors for delivery, we either (i) embedded the shRNA in an artificial mi(cro)RNA under a liver‐specific promoter; (ii) co‐expressed Argonaute‐2, a rate‐limiting cellular factor whose saturation with excess RNAi triggers can be toxic; or (iii) co‐delivered a decoy (“TuD”) directed against the shRNA sense strand to curb off‐target gene regulation. Remarkably, all three strategies minimised adverse side effects as compared to a conventional shRNA vector that caused weight loss, liver damage and dysregulation of > 100 hepatic genes. Importantly, the novel AAV8 vector co‐expressing anti‐HBV shRNA and TuD outperformed all other strategies regarding efficiency and persistence of HBV knock‐down, thus showing substantial promise for clinical translation.
Fine-Scale Human Population Structure in Southern Africa Reflects Ecogeographic Boundaries
Authors: Uren Caitlin , Kim Minju , Martin Alicia R , Bobo Dean , Gignoux Christopher R , van Helden Paul D , Möller Marlo , Hoal Eileen G , Henn Brenna M 
Published: July 2016

AbstractRecent genetic studies have established that the KhoeSan populations of southern Africa are distinct from all other African populations and have remained largely isolated during human prehistory until ∼2000 years ago. Dozens of different KhoeSan groups exist, belonging to three different language families, but very little is known about their population history. We examine new genome-wide polymorphism data and whole mitochondrial genomes for &gt;100 South Africans from the ≠Khomani San and Nama populations of the Northern Cape, analyzed in conjunction with 19 additional southern African populations. Our analyses reveal fine-scale population structure in and around the Kalahari Desert. Surprisingly, this structure does not always correspond to linguistic or subsistence categories as previously suggested, but rather reflects the role of geographic barriers and the ecology of the greater Kalahari Basin. Regardless of subsistence strategy, the indigenous Khoe-speaking Nama pastoralists and the N|u-speaking ≠Khomani (formerly hunter-gatherers) share ancestry with other Khoe-speaking forager populations that form a rim around the Kalahari Desert. We reconstruct earlier migration patterns and estimate that the southern Kalahari populations were among the last to experience gene flow from Bantu speakers, ∼14 generations ago. We conclude that local adoption of pastoralism, at least by the Nama, appears to have been primarily a cultural process with limited genetic impact from eastern Africa.
Identification of the Target of the Retrograde Response that Mediates Replicative Lifespan Extension inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Jiang James C , Stumpferl Stefan W , Tiwari Anurag , Qin Qian , Rodriguez-Quiñones José F , Jazwinski S Michal 
Published: July 2016

AbstractThe retrograde response signals mitochondrial status to the nucleus, compensating for accumulating mitochondrial dysfunction during Saccharomyces cerevisiae aging and extending replicative lifespan. The histone acetylase Gcn5 is required for activation of nuclear genes and lifespan extension in the retrograde response. It is part of the transcriptional coactivators SAGA and SLIK, but it is not known which of these complexes is involved. Genetic manipulation showed that these complexes perform interchangeably in the retrograde response. These results, along with the finding that the histone deacetylase Sir2 was required for a robust retrograde response informed a bioinformatics screen that reduced to four the candidate genes causal for longevity of the 410 retrograde response target genes. Of the four, only deletion of PHO84 suppressed lifespan extension. Retrograde-response activation of PHO84 displayed some preference for SAGA. Increased PHO84 messenger RNA levels from a second copy of the gene in cells in which the retrograde response is not activated achieved &gt;80% of the lifespan extension observed in the retrograde response. Our studies resolve questions involving the roles of SLIK and SAGA in the retrograde response, pointing to the cooperation of these complexes in gene activation. They also finally pinpoint the gene that is both necessary and sufficient to extend replicative lifespan in the retrograde response. The finding that this gene is PHO84 opens up a new set of questions about the mechanisms involved, as this gene is known to have pleiotropic effects.
Divergent Transactivation of Maize Storage Protein Zein Genes by the Transcription Factors Opaque2 and OHPs
Authors: Yang Jun , Ji Chen , Wu Yongrui 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Maize transcription factors (TFs) opaque2 (O2) and the O2 heterodimerizing proteins (OHP1 and OHP2) originated from an ancient segmental duplication. The 22-kDa (z1C) and 19-kDa (z1A, z1B, and z1D) α-zeins are the most abundant storage proteins in maize endosperm. O2 is known to regulate α-zein gene expression, but its target motifs in the 19-kDa α-zein gene promoters have not been identified. The mechanisms underlying the regulation of α-zein genes by these TFs are also not well understood. In this study, we found that the O2 binding motifs in the α-zein gene promoters are quite flexible, with ACGT being present in the z1C and z1A promoters and a variant, ACAT, being present in the z1B and z1D promoters. OHPs recognized and transactivated all of the α-zein promoters, although to much lower levels than did O2. In the presence of O2, the suppression of OHPs did not cause a significant reduction in the transcription of α-zein genes, but in the absence of O2, OHPs were critical for the expression of residual levels of α-zeins. These findings demonstrated that O2 is the primary TF and that OHPs function as minor TFs in this process. This relationship is the converse of that involved in 27-kDa γ-zein gene regulation, indicating that the specificities of O2 and the OHPs for regulating zein genes diverged after gene duplication. The prolamine-box binding factor by itself has limited transactivation activity, but it promotes the binding of O2 to O2 motifs, resulting in the synergistic transactivation of α-zein genes.
Comparing the Statistical Fate of Paralogous and Orthologous Sequences
Authors: Massip Florian , Sheinman Michael , Schbath Sophie , Arndt Peter F 
Published: July 2016

AbstractFor several decades, sequence alignment has been a widely used tool in bioinformatics. For instance, finding homologous sequences with a known function in large databases is used to get insight into the function of nonannotated genomic regions. Very efficient tools like BLAST have been developed to identify and rank possible homologous sequences. To estimate the significance of the homology, the ranking of alignment scores takes a background model for random sequences into account. Using this model we can estimate the probability to find two exactly matching subsequences by chance in two unrelated sequences. For two homologous sequences, the corresponding probability is much higher, which allows us to identify them. Here we focus on the distribution of lengths of exact sequence matches between protein-coding regions of pairs of evolutionarily distant genomes. We show that this distribution exhibits a power-law tail with an exponent α=−5. Developing a simple model of sequence evolution by substitutions and segmental duplications, we show analytically and computationally that paralogous and orthologous gene pairs contribute differently to this distribution. Our model explains the differences observed in the comparison of coding and noncoding parts of genomes, thus providing a better understanding of statistical properties of genomic sequences and their evolution.
Hyperglycemia Associated With Targeted Oncologic Treatment: Mechanisms and Management
Authors: Goldman Jonathan W. , Mendenhall Melody A. , Rettinger Sarah R. 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Molecularly targeted cancer therapy has rapidly changed the landscape of oncologic care, often improving patients’ prognosis without causing as substantial a quality-of-life decrement as cytotoxic chemotherapy does. Nevertheless, targeted agents can cause side effects that may be less familiar to medical oncologists and that require the attention and expertise of subspecialists. In this review, we focus on hyperglycemia, which can occur with use of new anticancer agents that interact with cell proliferation pathways. Key mediators of these pathways include the tyrosine kinase receptors insulin growth factor receptor 1 (IGF-1R) and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), as well as intracellular signaling molecules phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT, and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). We summarize available information on hyperglycemia associated with agents that inhibit these molecules within the larger context of adverse event profiles. The highest incidence of hyperglycemia is observed with inhibition of IGF-1R or mTOR, and although the incidence is lower with PI3K, AKT, and EGFR inhibitors, hyperglycemia is still a common adverse event. Given the interrelationships between the IGF-1R and cell proliferation pathways, it is important for oncologists to understand the etiology of hyperglycemia caused by anticancer agents that target those pathways. We also discuss monitoring and management approaches for treatment-related hyperglycemia for some of these agents, with a focus on our experience during the clinical development of the EGFR inhibitor rociletinib.
Decline in Cognitive Function in Older Adults With Early-Stage Breast Cancer After Adjuvant Treatment
Authors: Lange Marie , Heutte Natacha , Rigal Olivier , Noal Sabine , Kurtz Jean-Emmanuel , Lévy Christelle , Allouache Djelila , Rieux Chantal , Lefel Johan , Clarisse Bénédicte , Veyret Corinne , Barthélémy Philippe , Longato Nadine , Castel Hélène , Eustache Francis , Giffard Bénédicte , Joly Florence 
Published: July 2016

Abstract

Background.
The impact of chemotherapy on cognition among elderly patients has received little attention, although such patients are more prone to presenting with age-related cognitive deficits and/or cognitive decline during chemotherapy. The present study assessed the cognitive function in older adults treated for early-stage breast cancer (EBC).

Patients and Methods.
The participants were newly diagnosed EBC patients aged ≥65 years without previous systemic treatment or neurological or psychiatric disease and matched healthy controls. They underwent two assessments: before starting adjuvant therapy and after the end of chemotherapy (including doxorubicin ± docetaxel [CT+ group], n = 58) or radiotherapy for patients who did not receive chemotherapy (CT− group, n = 61), and at the same interval for the healthy controls (n = 62). Neuropsychological and geriatric assessments were performed. Neuropsychological data were analyzed using the Reliable Change Index.

Results.
Forty-nine percent of the patients (mean age, 70 ± 4 years) had objective cognitive decline after adjuvant treatment that mainly concerned working memory. Among these patients, 64% developed a cognitive impairment after adjuvant treatment. Comorbidity was not associated with cognitive decline. No significant difference in objective cognitive decline was found between the two groups of patients; however, the CT+ group had more subjective cognitive complaints after treatment (p = .008). The oldest patients (aged 70–81 years) tended to have more objective decline with docetaxel (p = .05).

Conclusion.
This is the largest published study assessing cognitive function in older adults with EBC that included a group of patients treated with modern chemotherapy regimens. Approximately half the patients had objective cognitive decline after adjuvant treatment. The oldest patients were more likely to have cognitive decline with chemotherapy, particularly with docetaxel.
A retrospective study of ilizarov fixation in infected non-union tibia: 36 cases
Authors: Govindasamy Rajesh , Gnanasundaram Ramkumar , Kasirajan Saravanan , Sengani Pajani , Meleppuram Jimmy J 
Published: July 2016

<p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Background: </span></strong>Infected non-union of tibia is most frequently met due to high energy trauma and it poses significant challenge to the treating orthopaedic surgeon. The aim of the study is to evaluate the clinical and functional results in treating infected non-union of tibia by Ilizarov method.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Methods:</span></strong><span lang="EN-US"> 36 patients with infected non-union of tibia with bone loss; shortening and deformity treated were retrospectively analyzed in the institution during the period of May 2010 to May 2015 were included in the study. The results were evaluated according to association for the study and application of the methods of Ilizarov (ASAMI) criteria. The Pin tract infections were assessed by Moore and Dahl Grading.<strong></strong></span></p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Results: </span></strong>The bony results were excellent in 65% patients, good in 20%, fair in 15%, and poor in nil. The functional results were excellent in 50% patients, good in 25%, fair in 15%, and poor in 10%. The most common recorded complication was pin tract infection.</p><p class="abstract"><strong><span lang="EN-US">Conclusions: </span></strong>Ilizarov ring fixator still remains an excellent treatment modality for tibial non-union as it addresses to the problems associated with it.</p>
A biomechanical comparison of two cephalomedullary nails; one using a single lag screw with antirotator blade and a nail using two lag screws for unstable intertrochanteric fractures
Authors: Soylemez Mehmet Salih , Ozturan Burak , Turkmen Ismail , Erturk Selim , Akpinar Fuat , Kilic Bulent , Demiroglu Murat , Ozkan Korhan 
Published: July 2016

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Implant choice for fixation of intertrochanteric fractures remains controversial despite being one of the most commonly performed operations. Although use of sliding hip screws is still considered a gold standard in treatment of these fractures, there is a wide tendency in using cephalomedullary nails because of their biomechanical superiority over sliding hip screws. This trial was initiated in order to compare the biomechanical properties of two different cephalomedullary nails, aPFN and the PROFIN under axial loading, based on the questions that can a single lag screw with an antirotator blade render better rotational stability? Is there a difference between one lag screw or two lag screws with respect to superior migration or cut-out of the screws? And do different nail designs cause different types of failure and what are the pros and cons of classical and new designs from the view point of biomechanical aspects?</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Ten pairs of third generation synthetic bone models simulating unstable intertrochanteric fracture were used for biomechanical testing.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> No posterior displacement of screws was recorded in both groups suggesting rotational unstability. There was not a significant difference between forces values loaded at the time of failure.</p><p><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Although there was no statistically significant difference between compressive strengths at the time of failure, aPFN may provide equal rigid fixation with less possible cut-out which may have an important consequences in real clinical applications.</p>