bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical Significance of IgM and C3 Glomerular Deposition in Primary Focal Segmental Glomerulosclerosis
Authors: Zhang Yi-miao , Gu Qiu-hua , Huang Jing , Qu Zhen , Wang Xin , Meng Li-qiang , Wang Fang , Liu Gang , Cui Zhao , Zhao Ming-hui 
Published: June 2016

Background and objectives
Glomerular IgM deposition is commonly shown in primary FSGS and sometimes accompanied by C3 deposition. Clinical presentation and treatment outcomes of these patients are not investigated in detail.

Design, setting, participants, &measurements
One hundred six consecutive patients with biopsy–proven primary FSGS from 2004 to 2014 were enrolled retrospectively. Clinical features and treatment outcomes were compared between patients with and without IgM/C3 deposition.

Results
Fifty-eight (54.7%) patients presented with IgM glomerular deposition on sclerotic segments. C3 and C1q depositions were shown exclusively in patients with IgM deposition (34.5% versus 0.0%; P<0.001 and 8.6% versus 0.0%; P=0.04, respectively). Patients with IgM deposition were younger (median; range: 24.5; 18.8–39.0 versus 46.5; 26.0–64.0 years old; P=0.001), had higher level of serum IgM (142.5; 96.3–206.0 versus 107.0; 71.0–140.0 mg/dl; P=0.01), and had higher level of eGFR (median; range 97.7; 48.0–135.8 versus 62.1; 33.7–93.9 ml/min per 1.73 m2; P=0.01) at the time of kidney biopsy. The percentage of sclerosis lesions was significantly higher in patients with C3 deposition (median; range: 21.7%; 15.3%–31.1% versus 9.2%; 6.6%–20.0%; P=0.002). Although patients received comparable immunosuppressive treatments during 58.9 (29.5–81.1) months of follow-up, a significantly higher prevalence of refractory cases (no response or steroid dependent) occurred in patients with combined IgM and C3 deposition compared with patients with IgM deposition alone or without IgM deposition (58.8% versus 22.2% versus 15.6%, respectively; P=0.004). Multivariate analysis identified combined IgM and C3 deposition (odds ratio, 11.32; 95% confidence interval, 2.26 to 56.65; P=0.003) as an independent risk factor for refractory patients; 19 of 98 patients developed renal dysfunction when their serum creatinine levels increased >30% from baseline and reached >1.5 mg/dl. Combined IgM and C3 deposition (hazard ratio, 5.67; 95% confidence interval, 1.34 to 23.84; P=0.02) was identified as an independent risk factor for renal dysfunction.

Conclusions
Patients with primary FSGS and IgM and C3 deposition showed unfavorable therapeutic responses and worse renal outcomes, which indicate that IgM and C3 deposition might involve disease progression via complement activation.
Rheological Characterization and Thermal Stability of Different Intrinsic Viscosity Poly(ethylene terephthalate) in Air and Nitrogen
Authors: Chen S.-C. , Zhang X.-M. , Liu M. , Ma J.-P. , Lu W.-Y. , Chen W.-X. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Four PET samples of different intrinsic viscosity values based on diverse manufacturing processes were characterized for their linear viscoelasticity using a parallel plate rheometer. Thermal stability and frequency sweep experiments were performed in the melt state at 270 °C. The influences of drying temperature, testing atmosphere (air or nitrogen), and preparation (granules vs. samples cut from compression molded sheets) were investigated. Results indicated that a higher drying temperature promoted complex viscosity significantly and compression molded sheets generated irreversible structural changes in harsh conditions. The samples measured in air decreased because of thermo-oxidation degradation, whereas that in nitrogen unexpectedly increased slightly because of polycondensation without surface renewal. The role of carboxyl end group towards PET thermal stability was found to be influenced by the atmosphere.
Ethylene Methyl Acrylate Copolymer Toughened Poly(lactic acid) Blends: Phase Morphologies, Mechanical and Rheological Properties
Authors: Xu L. Q. , Zhao Y. Q. , Chen R. Y. , Kang B. H. , Peng X. F. 
Published: June 2016

AbstractThe ethylene methyl acrylate copolymer (EMA), for the first time, was melt blended with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) by a twin-screw extruder to toughen PLA. The phase morphologies, mechanical, and rheological properties of the PLA/EMA blends with six weight ratios were investigated. The results showed that the addition of EMA improves the toughness of PLA at the expense of the tensile strength, flexural strength and modulus to a certain degree, and results in the transition from brittle fracture of PLA into ductile fracture. The droplet-matrix morphology is observed in the PLA/EMA blends, in which the mean diameter of EMA droplets increases and its distribution widens gradually with increasing the EMA content. The PLA/EMA blends with three weight ratios (90/10, 80/20, and 70/30) display different characteristic linear viscoelastic properties in the low frequency region, which were investigated in terms of their complex viscosity, storage modulus, and Cole-Cole plots. The interfacial tension between the PLA and EMA is calculated using the Palierne model conducted on the 80/20 PLA/EMA blend, and the calculated result is 3.3 mN/m.
Study of Dispersive and Distributive Mixing in a Converging Pipe
Authors: Mostafaiyan M. , Wiessner S. , Heinrich G. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The creeping flow of a polymeric melt in a converging pipe is analyzed using an in-house finite element code. An introduced power-law model considers the shear thinning behavior of the viscous liquid. Furthermore, distributive and dispersive mixing processes are evaluated with the mean strain function and the Manas-Zloczower mixing index, respectively. Using a parametric study, the dependency of the mixing criteria on the rheological and geometrical factors is investigated. Finally, a new analytical expression for the evaluation of the distributive mixing is suggested, based on simplifying assumptions and a curve fitting method.
Recycling the Cork Powder in a PVC-Based Composite Material: Combined Effect on Physico-Mechanical and Thermal Properties
Authors: Boulahia H. , Zerizer A. , Touati Z. , Sesbou A. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
A large amount of cork powder (CP) produced by cork industry ended up in landfills, they are the result of the crushing of natural floor (bark) cork oak, hence the need to recycle these wastes to prevent environmental problems. To this end, the work is to combine the powdered cork recovered with a thermoplastic material to provide a cork based composite (CPC) having physico-mechanical characteristics and thermal very interesting. Several formulations of composite materials based on PVC (as matrix), cork powder (as a charge) and a PVC-g-MA coupling agent, have been the subject of experimental study to evaluate the physical-mechanical and thermal properties. To investigate the combined effect of cork powder and PVC-g-MA on composite properties, the samples were manufactured by varying the content of PC (30 %, 40 % and 50 %) with two PVC-g-MA concentrations. Improving the stability of PVC which is accentuated in the presence of the coupling agent. In addition, it was found that the incorporation of the coupling agent has enabled the elimination of the adverse effect of cork powder, improving the tensile strength. The composite obtained in this study yielded some promising properties, even if building strategies to achieve greater strength and rigidity could beings needed for specific applications.
PMMA Micro-Pillar Forming in Micro Channel by Hot Embossing
Authors: Chen X. , Zhang Z. , Gao Q. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Micro-pillars forming in micro channels have been implemented by hot embossing. With dry etching and chrome photo mask, the silicon mold was fabricated using lithography process for manufacturing micro-pillars in micro channels. The hot embossing experiments are executed on the embossing machine by embossing the PMMA substrate and the silicon mold. Making the polymer filling in the concave cavity of the silicon mold is a difficulty, so the laws of polymer filling in the concave cavity were researched. The effects of three key embossing parameters including pressure, temperature and time on the PMMA replication accuracy were studied, and the optimal molding parameters were obtained. This work is instructive to fabricate microfluidic chips with micro-pillars.
GAU: Nuclear Reactors and the “Maximum Credible Accident”
Authors: Radkau Joachim 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
This essay traces the history of the nuclear risk discourse and policy in West Germany from the first use of the term GAU in the 1960s to the present. A close examination of the term reveals that it is in fact ambiguous, oscillating between support of nuclear energy and criticism of it. GAU, which stands for “größter anzunehmender Unfall”, is a translation of the English “maximum credible accident”, the greatest possible accident that was conceivable under realistic conditions and one that reactors were supposedly designed to be able to withstand. However, from the beginning it was a fictional construct used by the nuclear industry to receive permission for building; it was not the result of either safety-related experiments or theoretical discussions by the experts. Over time the word underwent a shift in meaning and was used by the anti-nuclear community to refer to a worst-case scenario – an accident that could no longer be controlled. This change in meaning reflects a hidden “revolution” within the community of American and West German reactor safety experts during the 1960s who challenged the validity of the concept.
Radiation and Borders: Chernobyl as a National and Transnational Site of Memory
Authors: Kalmbach Karena 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
The public debate about the consequences of Chernobyl is of particular political relevance because each interpretation of the event also involves a judgment about the danger of low-level radiation exposure. Thus, statements about Chernobyl and its aftermath are also claims about what it should teach us about the nonmilitary use of nuclear energy. Commemorations of Chernobyl, such as those that occur on its anniversary, are therefore inherently political: the forms of language and the “facts” used to talk about it are an attempt to influence public perceptions about the risks connected with this type of electricity production. Furthermore, the narratives created by various participants in the Chernobyl debate demonstrate how different the perceptions of risk really are.
This essay starts with an overview of the accident and its evaluation. It subsequently examines different forms of remembering Chernobyl, from both a national and transnational perspective. It discusses national and transnational carriers of memories such as literature and photography, and elaborates on the implications of the contesting narratives interpreting Chernobyl in “apocalyptic” versus “radiophobic” ways. Furthermore, the essay sheds light on the implications of Chernobyl as a national site of memory in Germany, France, and Belarus. The comparative perspective reveals the importance of underlying structures such as national (nuclear) politics, elite and expert culture, environmentalism, and the role of individual agency. These factors condition the emergence of a specific narrative of the accident within a specific discursive field, and, furthermore, determine the meaning attributed to “Chernobyl” in a given national context setting. The essay concludes with some reflections on the future of Chernobyl as a site of memory and the reshaping of the Chernobyl discourse through Fukushima.
<i>Glochidion talakonense</i> sp. nov. (Phyllanthaceae) from Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Rao M. Sankara , Swamy J. , Nagaraju S. , Padal S. B. , Naidu M. Tarakeswara , Chandramohan K. , Thulasiah T. 
Published: June 2016

Glochidion talakonense M. Sankara Rao, J. Swamy, S. Nagaraju, S.B. Padal, M. Tarakeswara Naidu, K. Chandramohan & T. Thulasiah, a new species of Phyllanthaceae from Talakona hills, Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve, Andhra Pradesh, India, is described and illustrated. It is allied to G. karnaticum Chakrab. & M. Gangop., but differs from the latter by stamens, ovary, style and fruit characters. Bangladesh J. Plant Taxon. 23(1): 59-63, 2016 (June)
NK Cells Restrain Spontaneous Antitumor CD8+ T Cell Priming through PD-1/PD-L1 Interactions with Dendritic Cells
Authors: Iraolagoitia Ximena L. Raffo , Spallanzani Raul G. , Torres Nicolás I. , Araya Romina E. , Ziblat Andrea , Domaica Carolina I. , Sierra Jessica M. , Nuñez Sol Y. , Secchiari Florencia , Gajewski Thomas F. , Zwirner Norberto W. , Fuertes Mercedes B. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Despite the classical function of NK cells in the elimination of tumor and of virus-infected cells, evidence for a regulatory role for NK cells has been emerging in different models of autoimmunity, transplantation, and viral infections. However, this role has not been fully explored in the context of a growing tumor. In this article, we show that NK cells can limit spontaneous cross-priming of tumor Ag-specific CD8+ T cells, leading to reduced memory responses. After challenge with MC57 cells transduced to express the model Ag SIY (MC57.SIY), NK cell–depleted mice exhibited a significantly higher frequency of SIY-specific CD8+ T cells, with enhanced IFN-γ production and cytotoxic capability. Depletion of NK cells resulted in a CD8+ T cell population skewed toward an effector memory T phenotype that was associated with enhanced recall responses and delayed tumor growth after a secondary tumor challenge with B16.SIY cells. Dendritic cells (DCs) from NK cell–depleted tumor-bearing mice exhibited a more mature phenotype. Interestingly, tumor-infiltrating and tumor-draining lymph node NK cells displayed an upregulated expression of the inhibitory molecule programmed death ligand 1 that, through interaction with programmed death-1 expressed on DCs, limited DC activation, explaining their reduced ability to induce tumor-specific CD8+ T cell priming. Our results suggest that NK cells can, in certain contexts, have an inhibitory effect on antitumor immunity, a finding with implications for immunotherapy in the clinic.
cFLIPL Interrupts IRF3–CBP–DNA Interactions To Inhibit IRF3-Driven Transcription
Authors: Gates Lauren T. , Shisler Joanna L. 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Type I IFN induction is critical for antiviral and anticancer defenses. Proper downregulation of type I IFN is equally important to avoid deleterious imbalances in the immune response. The cellular FLIP long isoform protein (cFLIPL) controls type I IFN production, but opposing publications show it as either an inhibitor or inducer of type I IFN synthesis. Regardless, the mechanistic basis for cFLIPL regulation is unknown. Because cFLIPL is important in immune cell development and proliferation, and is a target for cancer therapies, it is important to identify how cFLIPL regulates type I IFN production. Data in this study show that cFLIPL inhibits IFN regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), a transcription factor central for IFN-β and IFN-stimulated gene expression. This inhibition occurs during virus infection, cellular exposure to polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid, or TBK1 overexpression. This inhibition is independent of capase-8 activity. cFLIPL binds to IRF3 and disrupts IRF3 interaction with its IFN-β promoter and its coactivator protein (CREB-binding protein). Mutational analyses reveal that cFLIPL nuclear localization is necessary and sufficient for inhibitory function. This suggests that nuclear cFLIPL prevents IRF3 enhanceosome formation. Unlike other cellular IRF3 inhibitors, cFLIPL did not degrade or dephosphorylate IRF3. Thus, cFLIPL represents a different cellular strategy to inhibit type I IFN production. This new cFLIPL function must be considered to accurately understand how cFLIPL affects immune system development and regulation.
Diacylglycerol Kinase ζ Is a Target To Enhance NK Cell Function
Authors: Yang Enjun , Singh Brenal K. , Paustian Amanda M. Schmidt , Kambayashi Taku 
Published: June 2016

Abstract
Enhancement of NK cell function could be beneficial in treatment of a variety of tumors and infections. However, efforts to improve NK cell function by disrupting negative regulators that target proximal signaling pathways paradoxically results in hyporesponsive rather than hyperresponsive NK cells. In this study, we demonstrate that genetic deletion of diacylglycerol kinase (DGK)ζ, a negative regulator of diacylglycerol-mediated signaling, has the desired effect of enhancing NK cell function due to its distal position in the activating receptor-mediated signaling cascade. Upon stimulation through multiple activating receptors, NK cells from mice lacking DGKζ display increased cytokine production and degranulation in an ERK-dependent manner. Additionally, they have improved cytotoxic functions against tumor cell lines. The enhancement of NK cell function by DGKζ deficiency is NK cell–intrinsic and developmentally independent. Importantly, DGKζ deficiency does not affect inhibitory NK cell receptor expression or function. Thus, DGKζ knockout mice display improved missing self recognition, as evidenced by enhanced rejection of a TAP-deficient tumor in vivo. We propose that enzymes that negatively regulate distal activating receptor signaling pathways such as DGKζ represent novel targets for augmenting the therapeutic potential of NK cells.
Improvement of Silicone Rubber Properties by Addition of Nano-SiO2 Particles
Authors: Wu Lianfeng , Wang Xianming , Ning Liang , Han Jianjun , Wan Zhong , Lu Min 
Published: June 2016

Aims To improve the comprehensive performances of a one-part room temperature vulcanized silicone rubber(RTV-1 SiR), Nano-SiO2 particles are employed as the reinforcing agent. Materials and Methods The SiO2/RTV-1 SiR composite is prepared using PDMS, ND42, D-60 and HMDS-modified SiO2 particles by mixing method. And then, the mechanical and electrical properties, including shear strength, tensile strength, hardness Shore A and volume resistivity, are investigated using experimental method. Results The addition of nano-SiO2 particles can improve the properties of the SiO2/RTV-1 SiR composite in different degrees. And, the incorporation of 25∼30 phr nano-SiO2 particles is found to be reasonable for silicone rubber composite with the best comprehensive performances. Conclusions The significant improvement of mechanical properties and electrical insulation of SiO2 may be contributed to the addition of modified nano-SiO2 particles. Additionally, the excellent comprehensive performances of SiO2/RTV-1 SiR composite guarantee a potential applications as electrical-insulating adhesives.
Low Temperature Properties of UV Aged Asphalts Containing Layered Double Hydroxides Modifier
Authors: Zeng Wenbo , Wu Shaopeng , Xiao Yue , Chen Zongwu , Sun Yihan 
Published: June 2016

Background In recent years, ultraviolet (UV) ageing of asphalt has attracted worldwide attention from researchers in the asphalt field. The UV radiation can result in the ageing of asphalt and thus influence its performance. So far, a variety of UV blocking materials have been investigated. Aim In this paper, layered double hydroxides (LDHs) were introduced as the UV blocking materials into three different asphalts (S70, S90 and SBS modified asphalt). Methods The low temperature properties, such as equivalent breaking point (EBP) and fatigue factor were tested and applied to estimate the UV blocking effects of LDHs on asphalts. Results The experimental results demonstrated that LDHs could effectively reduce the ageing index of S70 and S90, and lower the degradation rate of SBS modifier.
Function Investigation of Stone Mastic Asphalt (SMA) Mixture Partly Containing Basic Oxygen Furnace (BOF) Slag
Authors: Chen Zongwu , Wu Shaopeng , Pang Ling , Xie Jun 
Published: June 2016

Aims In this paper, the effect of the size gradations of basic oxygen furnace (BOF) slag on the functional performances of stone mastic asphalt (SMA) mixture including skid and deformation resistances was investigated. Methods The industrially produced BOF slag coarse aggregates (BSCA) with size gradations of 4.75-9.5 mm and 9.5-16 mm were used. SMA mixtures were designed according to Marshall procedure. British pendulum number (BPN), indicating the skid resistance of asphalt mixture, was measured by a British pendulum skid resistance device. Flow number (FN) and Marshall quotient (MQ), reflecting the deformation resistance of asphalt mixture, were determined, respectively, based on the results of dynamic creep test and Marshall test (stability and flow value). Results Showed that BSCA with a size gradation of 9.5-16 mm performed better in improving the skid and deformation resistance of SMA mixture than BSCA with a size gradation of 4.75-9.5 mm. Furthermore, BSCA with combined size gradations, namely, 4.75-16 mm, worked the best. Conclusions These conclusions would benefit the future extensive utilization of BSCA in asphalt pavement.
Effects of Annealing on the Structure and Magnetic Properties of Fe80B20 Magnetostrictive Fibers
Authors: Zhu Qianke , Zhang Shuling , Geng Guihong , Li Qiushu , Zhang Kewei , Zhang Lin 
Published: June 2016

Background Fe80B20 amorphous alloys exhibit excellent soft magnetic properties, high abrasive resistance and outstanding corrosion resistance. In this work, Fe80B20 amorphous micro-fibers with HC of 3.33 Oe were firstly fabricated and the effects of annealing temperature on the structure and magnetic properties of the fibers were investigated. Methods In this study, Fe80B20 amorphous fibers were prepared by the single roller melt-spinning method. The structures of as-spun and annealed fibers were investigated by X-ray diffractometer (XRD) (PANalytical X,Pert Power) using Cu Kα radiation. The morphology of the fibers was observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (HITACHI-S4800). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements of the fibers were performed on Mettler Toledo TGA/DSC1 device under N2 protection. Vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM, Versalab) was used to examine the magnetic properties of the fibers. The resonance behavior of the fibers was characterized by an impedance analyzer (Agilent 4294A) with a home-made copper coil. Results The X-ray diffusion (XRD) patterns show that the fibers remain amorphous structure until the annealing temperature reaches 500°C. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) results show that the crystallization temperature of the fibers is 449°C. The crystallization activation energy is calculated to be 221 kJ/mol using Kissinger formula. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that a few dendrites appear at the fiber surface after annealing. The result indicates that the coercivity HC (//) and HC (⊥) slightly increases with increasing annealing temperature until 400°C, and then dramatically increases with further increasing annealing temperature which is due to significant increase in magneto-crystalline anisotropy and magneto-elastic anisotropy. The Q value firstly increases slightly when the annealing temperature rises from room temperature (RT) to 300°C, then decreases until 400°C. Eventually, the value of Q increases to ∼2000 at annealing temperature of 500°C. Conclusions In this study, Fe80B20 amorphous fibers with the diameter of 60 μm were prepared by the single roller melt-spinning method and annealed at 200°C, 300°C, 400°C, and 500°C, respectively. XRD results indicate that the fiber structure remains amorphous when the annealing temperature is below 400°C. α-Fe phase and Fe3B phase appear when the annealing temperature rises to 500°C, which is above the crystallization temperature of 449°C. The recrystallization activation energy is calculated to be 221 kJ/mol. The coercivity increases with increasing annealing temperature, which attributes to the increase of total anisotropy. All the as-spun and annealed fibers exhibit good resonance behavior for magnetostrictive sensors.