bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Purification, characterization and immunoregulatory activity of a polysaccharide isolated from Hibiscus sabdariffa L.
Authors: Zheng Daheng , Zou Ye , Cobbina Samuel Jerry , Wang Wei , Li Qian , Chen Yao , Feng Weiwei , Zou Yanmin , Zhao Ting , Zhang Min , Yang Liuqing , Wu Xiangyang 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDHibiscus sabdariffa L. is not only used traditionally as a component of herbal drinks, beverages and flavoring agents but also as a herbal medicine in the drug industry. Bioactive polysaccharides are important constituents of H. sabdariffa that may contribute to the plant's beneficial effects. This study was designed to investigate the structural characteristics of a water‐soluble polysaccharide from H. sabdariffa, HSP41, and its immunoregulatory activity on RAW264.7 cells.RESULTSHSP41 was mainly composed of arabinose, xylose and mannose at a molar ratio of 1:1.34:15.6, with an average molecular weight of 3.3 × 105 Da. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra exhibited absorption peaks characteristic of HSP41. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) revealed the amorphous form and aggregation conformation of HSP41 respectively. HSP41 significantly induced interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in RAW264.7 cells in vitro, promoting an increase in nuclear factor kB p65 (NF‐kB p65) levels in the nucleus.CONCLUSIONThe results indicated that HSP41 up‐regulated the immune response by stimulating RAW264.7 cell activity. HSP41, a promising immunoregulator, possibly contributes to the health benefits of H. sabdariffa and might have potential applications in health food or medicine. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Island characteristics within wetlands influence waterbird nest success and abundance
Authors: Hartman C. Alex , Ackerman Joshua T. , Herzog Mark P. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTCoastal waterbird populations are threatened by habitat loss and degradation from urban and agricultural development and forecasted sea level rise associated with climate change. Remaining wetlands often must be managed to ensure that waterbird habitat needs, and other ecosystem functions, are met. For many waterbirds, the availability of island nesting habitat is important for conserving breeding populations. We used linear mixed models to investigate the influence of pond and island landscape characteristics on nest abundance and nest success of American avocets (Recurvirostra americana), black‐necked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), and Forster's terns (Sterna forsteri) in San Francisco Bay, California, USA, based on a 9‐year dataset that included >9,000 nests. Nest abundance and nest success were greatest within ponds and on individual islands located either <1 km or >4 km from San Francisco Bay. Further, nest abundance was greater within ponds with relatively few islands, and on linear‐shaped, highly elongated islands compared to more rounded islands. Nest success was greater on islands located away from the nearest surrounding pond levee. Compared to more rounded islands, linear islands contained more near‐water habitat preferred by many nesting waterbirds. Islands located away from pond levees may provide greater protection from terrestrial egg and chick predators. Our results indicate that creating and maintaining a few, relatively small, highly elongated and narrow islands away from mainland levees, in as many wetland ponds as possible would be effective at providing waterbirds with preferred nesting habitat. © 2016 The Wildlife Society.
A partitioned approach for the coupling of SPH and FE methods for transient nonlinear FSI problems with incompatible time‐steps
Authors: Nunez‐Ramirez Jorge , Marongiu Jean‐Christophe , Brun Michaël , Combescure Alain 
Published: July 2016

SummaryWe propose a method to couple smoothed particle hydrodynamics and finite elements methods for nonlinear transient fluid–structure interaction simulations by adopting different time‐steps depending on the fluid or solid sub‐domains. These developments were motivated by the need to simulate highly non‐linear and sudden phenomena requiring the use of explicit time integrators on both sub‐domains (explicit Newmark for the solid and Runge–Kutta 2 for the fluid). However, due to critical time‐step required for the stability of the explicit time integrators in, it becomes important to be able to integrate each sub‐domain with a different time‐step while respecting the features that a previously developed mono time‐step coupling algorithm offered. For this matter, a dual‐Schur decomposition method originally proposed for structural dynamics was considered, allowing to couple time integrators of the Newmark family with different time‐steps with the use of Lagrange multipliers. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A single‐center experience with undifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver
Authors: Mathias Melissa D. , Ambati Srikanth R. , Chou Alexander J. , Slotkin Emily K. , Wexler Leonard H. , Meyers Paul A. , Magnan Heather 
Published: July 2016

AbstractUndifferentiated embryonal sarcoma of the liver (UESL) is a rare aggressive mesenchymal pediatric tumor. Previously, reported outcomes have been very poor. Here, we report a single‐center experience of five patients with UESL treated with upfront gross total resection and adjuvant chemotherapy. We have a median follow‐up of 8 years with a range from 5 to 19 years with 100% event‐free survival.
Locomotion enhancement of an inchworm‐like capsule robot using long contact devices
Authors: Gao Jinyang , Yan Guozheng , Wang Zhiwu , Xu Fei , Wang Wei , Jiang Pingping , Liu Dasheng 
Published: July 2016

AbstractBackgroundThe inchworm‐like capsule robot (CR), which consists of two anchoring mechanisms (AMs) and an extensor, is a promising device for exploring the human intestine. However, the slippery intestinal lumen can cause anchoring slippage and the visco‐elastic intestine and mesentery can cause stroke loss, which both lower its locomotion performance.MethodsThis paper proposes a method for locomotion enhancement by optimizing the lengths of the contact devices that are installed at the tips of the AM.ResultsTheoretical analysis showed that a longer contact device was more beneficial to avoid slippage and reduce stroke loss, hence enhancing locomotion, which was then verified by ex vivo experiments. The 34.5 mm long contact devices enabled a locomotion efficiency of 54%, while it was only 21% when employing 5 mm long contact devices.ConclusionsThe inchworm‐like CR using long contact devices can enable a more efficient inspection of the intestine. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Quest for Palladium‐Catalysed Alkyl–Nitrogen Bond Formation
Authors: Muñiz Kilian , Martínez Claudio , Iglesias Álvaro 
Published: July 2016

AbstractOur interest in the development of transition‐metal catalysis for the realisation of vicinal diamination reactions of alkenes started about a decade ago. A number of successful transformations in this area have been developed using palladium catalysis. As a challenging aspect of major importance, the palladium‐catalysed coupling of alkyl–nitrogen bonds constitutes the second step in diaminations of alkenes. We here discuss the details that led us to consider high‐oxidation‐state palladium catalysis as a key feature in such C–N bond‐forming reactions. This work discusses both our own contributions and the ones from colleagues and combines the discussion of catalytic reactions and stoichiometric control experiments. It demonstrates that reductive alkyl–nitrogen bond formation from palladium(IV) proceeds with a low activation barrier and through a linear transition state of nucleophilic displacement.
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Natural history of Cesarean scar pregnancy on prenatal ultrasound: the crossover sign
Authors: Cali G. , Forlani F. , Timor‐Tritsch I. E. , Palacios‐Jaraquemada J. , Minneci G. , D'Antonio F. 
Published: July 2016

ABSTRACTObjectiveAdvances in prenatal imaging techniques have led to an increase in the diagnosis of Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP). However, antenatal counseling when CSP is diagnosed is challenging, and current evidence is derived mainly from small series reporting high rates of adverse maternal outcomes. The aim of this study was to ascertain the performance of prenatal ultrasound in predicting the natural history of CSP using a new sonographic sign, the crossover sign (COS).MethodsThis was a retrospective analysis of early first‐trimester (6–8 weeks' gestation) ultrasound images in women with morbidly adherent placenta (MAP) managed in the third trimester of pregnancy. The relationship between the gestational sac of the CSP, anterior uterine wall and Cesarean scar, defined as the COS, was analyzed to determine whether it could predict evolution in these cases. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated and logistic regression analysis was performed to investigate the association between different types of COS (COS‐1, COS‐2+ or COS‐2–) and the occurrence of MAP.ResultsSixty‐eight pregnancies with MAP were included. The risk of placenta percreta was significantly higher in pregnancies with COS‐1 than in those with COS‐2 (OR, 6.67 (95% CI, 1.3–33.3)). When evaluating the two variants of COS‐2 separately, the risk of placenta percreta was significantly higher in pregnancies with COS‐1 vs COS‐2+ (OR, 5.83 (95% CI, 1.1–30.2)) and this risk was even higher when comparing cases with COS‐1 vs COS‐2– (OR, 12.0 (95% CI, 1.9–75.7)). Logistic regression analysis showed that COS‐1 was associated independently with severe forms of MAP, such as placenta percreta and increta (OR, 12.85 (95% CI, 2.0–84.0)), while COS‐2+ was associated independently with placenta accreta (OR, 4.37 (95% CI, 1.1–17.0)).ConclusionsUltrasound assessment of the relationship between the gestational sac of a CSP and the endometrial line (the COS) may help to determine whether a CSP will progress towards a less severe form of MAP, amenable to postnatal treatment, and successful pregnancy outcome. Large prospective studies are needed to confirm our findings and elucidate the natural history of this condition. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
p53 and mitochondrial dysfunction: novel insight of neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Dai Chun-Qiu , Luo Ting-Ting , Luo Shi-Cheng , Wang Jia-Qi , Wang Sheng-Ming , Bai Yun-Hu , Yang Yan-Ling , Wang Ya-Yun 
Published: July 2016

Abstract
Mitochondria are organelles responsible for vital cell functions. p53 is a transcription factor that regulates the DNA stability and cell growth normality. Recent studies revealed that p53 can influence mitochondrial function changing from normal condition to abnormal condition under different stress levels. In normal state, p53 can maintain mitochondrial respiration through transactivation of SCO2. When stress stimuli presents, SCO2 overexpresses and leads to ROS generation. ROS promotes p53 inducing MALM (Mieap-induced accumulation of lysosome-like organelles within mitochondria) to repair dysfunctional mitochondria and MIV (Mieap-induced vacuole) to accomplish damaged mitochondria degradation. If stress or damage is irreversible, p53 will translocate to mitochondria, leading into apoptosis or necrosis. Neurodegenerative diseases including Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease are still lack of clear explanations of mechanisms, but more studies have revealed the functional relationship between mitochondria and p53 towards the pathological development of these diseases. In this review, we discuss that p53 plays the vital role in the function of mitochondria in the aspect of pathological change metabolism. We also analyze these diseases with novel targeted treating molecules which are related to p53 and mitochondria, hoping to present novel therapies in future clinic.
Associations between uterine fibroids and obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies
Authors: Wang Hong‐Mei , Tian Yu‐Cui , Xue Zhi‐Fang , Zhang Yue , Dai Yin‐Mei 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjectiveTo examine potential associations between the presence of fibroids and obstetric outcomes in twin pregnancies.MethodsA prospective cohort study compared obstetric outcomes between individuals with twin pregnancies who did and did not have fibroids. Patients were considered for inclusion if they underwent first‐trimester ultrasonography examination, and went on to deliver at the Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital between September 1, 2012 and December 31, 2014. Participants were grouped based on the presence or absence of fibroids and baseline demographics, fibroid characteristics, and obstetric outcomes were recorded and compared between the two groups.ResultsIn total, 153 patients with twin pregnancies were recruited; 51 had fibroids and 102 did not. Patients in the fibroid group demonstrated a higher maternal age (P < 0.001), higher pre‐pregnancy body mass index (P = 0.01), and higher rate of assisted reproductive technology use (P = 0.04). The presence of fibroids was not associated with any change in obstetric outcomes, and obstetric outcomes were unaffected by the number, size, location, and type of fibroids (all P > 0.05).ConclusionFibroids were not a risk factor for any adverse obstetric outcomes among patients with twin pregnancies.
Trial without a Catheter Programme Improves Urological Management for Retention of Urine after Hip Fracture Surgery
Authors: William Cheng Kin-Hung , Raymond Chin Ping-Hong 
Published: July 2016

Background Acute retention of urine (AROU) is commonly occurred in patients with geriatric hip fractures after surgeries. It is common that the catheters cannot be weaned off after insertion. Objectives We compared an approach using unified Trial Without Catheter (TWOC) protocol with non-unified management plans in patients with retention of urine after hip fracture surgery, to compare these approaches in terms of (1) rate of successful catheter removal, (2) duration required for successful catheter removal, (3) number of episodes of urinary tract infection, and (4) length of hospital stay. Methods We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 250 patients who failed to wean off a urinary catheter. 140 out of 1349 patients between December 2012 and September 2014 formed the intervention group (treated with unified TWOC protocol), and 110 out of 1193 patients between July 2006 and December 2008 were the control group (treated with different AROU management approaches). The efficiency and effectiveness of the urological management in both groups were compared. Results As expected, the rate of successful TWOC was higher in intervention group (before discharge, 68.6% versus 38.2%; after discharge, 20.0% versus 18.2%, overall, 88.6% versus 56.4%). Despite trial of weaning off urinary catheters, 16 patients in intervention group and 8 patients in control group failed with permanent catheter required. Forty patients in control group were discharged with permanently catheters without a trial of TWOC. Conclusion The TWOC program provides structured and standardized urological management for patients suffered from AROU after geriatric hip fracture surgeries. To reiterate, indwelling urethral catheters must not be placed permanently without carrying out urological assessment in patients with geriatric hip fractures.
Accuracy of Administrative Data for the Coding of Acute Stroke and TIAs
Authors: Hall Ruth , Mondor Luke , Porter Joan , Fang Jiming , Kapral Moira K. 
Published: July 2016

AbstractObjective: Administrative data validation is essential for identifying biases and misclassification in research. The objective of this study was to determine the accuracy of diagnostic codes for acute stroke and transient ischemic attack (TIA) using the Ontario Stroke Registry (OSR) as the reference standard. Methods: We identified stroke and TIA events in inpatient and emergency department (ED) administrative data from eight regional stroke centres in Ontario, Canada, from April of 2006 through March of 2008 using ICD–10–CA codes for subarachnoid haemorrhage (I60, excluding I60.8), intracerebral haemorrhage (I61), ischemic (H34.1 and I63, excluding I63.6), unable to determine stroke (I64), and TIA (H34.0 and G45, excluding G45.4). We linked administrative data to the Ontario Stroke Registry and calculated sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV). Results:: We identified 5,270 inpatient and 4,411 ED events from the administrative data. Inpatient administrative data had an overall sensitivity of 82.2% (95% confidence interval [CI95%]=81.0, 83.3) and a PPV of 68.8% (CI95%=67.5, 70.0) for the diagnosis of stroke, with notable differences observed by stroke type. Sensitivity for ischemic stroke increased from 66.5 to 79.6% with inclusion of I64. The sensitivity and PPV of ED administrative data for diagnosis of stroke were 56.8% (CI95%=54.8, 58.7) and 59.1% (CI95%=57.1, 61.1), respectively. For all stroke types, accuracy was greater in the inpatient data than in the ED data. Conclusion: The accuracy of stroke identification based on administrative data from stroke centres may be improved by including I64 in ischemic stroke type, and by considering only inpatient data.
Le mariage, c’est l’affaire de l’Église : pouvoir d’État et bigamie
Authors: Méthot Mélanie 
Published: July 2016

Résumé
Depuis le tout début de la Nouvelle-France, la bigamie a constitué un crime contre les mœurs. Dans notre étude sur la bigamie au Québec (1763-1960), des quelques 385 cas répertoriés, bien que les prêtres soient souvent appelés pour attester de la validité d’un mariage ou du caractère moral de leurs paroissiens, très peu d’entre eux jouent le rôle de délateur. Ils ne se sont effectivement tournés vers les tribunaux de juridiction criminelle que lorsqu’ils n’ont pas réussi à faire taire le scandale par leurs propres moyens. On s’aperçoit que non seulement l’Église catholique a préféré gérer seule cette offense au mariage monogame, mais surtout, étant donné le nombre limité de causes portées devant les tribunaux criminels, qu’elle a continué d’exercer son monopole sur l’institution matrimoniale au cours de la première moitié du vingtième siècle, cela même si les autorités civiles ont parfois fait fi du droit canonique. Sur le plan de l’individu, notons que le mariage est resté tout au long de la période étudiée une institution fondamentale.
Investigations of the aerodynamic performance and noise characteristics of a Dowty Rotol R212 propeller at full-scale in the 24 ft wind tunnel
Authors: Trebble W. J. G. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryPropeller power absorption and thrust have been measured over a range of rotational speeds up to 1400 rev/min at mainstream airspeeds up to 48 m/s for a wide range of blade setting. In addition, cruise conditions have been simulated by maintaining the appropriate ratio of propeller tip speed to the airspeed. Generally good agreement is shown between these full scale experiments with results obtained at 1/5 scale though the effect of Mach number is observable when the propeller is highly loaded.Noise analysis demonstrates the predominance of multiple tones whose number and intensity increase with helical-tip Mach number. An empirical formula shows that the fundamental tone varies with tip speed and power loading in a similar manner to that observed on a 1/5 scale model.
An assessment of the use of low-order panel methods for the calculation of supersonic flows
Authors: Smith J. S. , Woodward D. S. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThree low-order panel methods developed for the analysis of supersonic flows have been used to make calculations for a number of test configurations, with the aim of establishing the range of problems for which this class of computational method yields adequate solutions. The programs investigated were the Woodward USSAERO/C program, the related NLRAERO program, and the British Aerospace Warton supersonic panel program. Results obtained using these programs have been evaluated against theoretical and experimental data for a number of test cases covering wing-alone, body-alone and wing-body geometries. It is concluded that low-order panel methods can provide adequate solutions for supersonic flows about wings, bodies and wing-body combinations, provided the assumptions implicit in the linearised potential flow model are not violated. Examples show that the prediction of lift and pitching moment curve slopes for quite complex configurations may be acceptable, but that the detailed pressure distributions are not always predicted satisfactorily. In particular, serious problems are encountered in calculating the flow about wings with rounded supersonic leading edges due to the linearised flow model which is used.
Part III: On an incremental problem related to the steady flow about an aerofoil/spoiler configuration
Authors: Tou H. B. , Hancock G. J. 
Published: July 2016

In Part II*, an inviscid model using a panel method has been formulated to solve separated flow past a steady aerofoil/spoiler configuration in a low speed stream. In this note, an investigation has been carried out to formulate an incremental model to solve the steady incremental problem when the aerofoil/spoiler changes its geometry by a small mount (eg for a small angular change of the spoiler).It has been found that to satisfy the incremental boundary conditions on the initial aerofoil/spoiler geometry, incremental changes in the influence coefficients have to be included for the small change in aerofoil/spoiler geometry and the change in separation streamline geometry. A first order procedure is satisfactory; a second order procedure is also presented.
Real actuator effects and the aerodynamic energy method
Authors: Simpson A. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryThe aerodynamic energy method provides a means of flutter-suppression control-law design based wholly on oscillatory aerodynamic forces on a notional structure with notional normal vibration modes. The method has been proposed as a means of flutter suppression regardless of structural considerations, other than those mentioned. As originally conceived, the method is based upon the assumption of totally irreversible active controls. In this paper, the effects of finite impedance of actuators on the implementation of the method are investigated analytically. The conclusions do not augur well for the method.
Wing tip sails; progress to date and future developments
Authors: Spillman J. J. 
Published: July 2016

SummaryStudies begun over ten years ago have shown that the swirling air flow about the tips of a lifting wing can be redirected using small aerofoil surfaces, called sails, to reduce the overall lift-dependent drag of the wing. Tests on Paris, Jetstream and other windtunnel models, confirmed by flight tests on Paris and Centurion aircraft have shown marked reductions in drag and fuel consumption. Handling tests show improvements in roll control and stalling speeds.Wing tip sails have the effect of reducing the peak adverse effects on other aircraft flying through the wake of a Paris aircraft but reduce the decay rate so the far field effects are worsened. Sails fitted to a crop-spraying aircraft have significantly reduced the amount of spray lifted above the height of the aircraft by the tip vortices and subsequently blown off-target by a cross-wind.Windtunnel tests on a model with variable incidence sails show that differential sail incidence can be used effectively to provide roll power, reducing the size of the ailerons required, so allowing a greater flap span. The maximum root bending moments of the wings can be reduced by at least 10% by using negative sail movements in positive manoeuvres or gusts.Sails can reduce the drag of an aircraft at all speeds leading to fuel savings estimated at US$225 per annum per 1000lb take-off weight per 1000 hours annual utilisation. For an airliner of 300 000lb weight and operating for 3000 hours this means a fuel saving of over a fifth of a million dollars per year!