bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Side to side coaptation – new technic in peripherial nerve surgery – preliminary report
Authors: Reichert P. , Kiełbowicz Z. , Kuryszko J. , Bocheńska A. , Puła B. , Rutowski R. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This study presents and evaluates side-to-side nerve repair techniques for their ability to induce collateral nerve sprouting. The coaptation of the ventral branches of spinal nerves C5 and C6 to C7 through an incision epineurium was used to repair the nerve. The number of myelinated fiber axons and G-ratio was evaluated. Preliminary results indicate the possibility of using side to side coaptation in brachial plexus nerve surgery.
Distribution of CD4+CD8+ double positive T cells in a mouse model of allergic asthma
Authors: Zuśka-Prot M. , Ziółkowski H. , Jaroszewski J.J. , Maślanka T. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The present study describes the distribution of CD4+CD8+ double-positive (DP) T cells in various immune compartments of mice with ovalbumin (OVA)-induced allergic asthma. It was found that the absolute number of DP T cells was considerably increased in the mediastinal lymph nodes and lungs of asthmatic mice as compared with that determined in the healthy subjects. On the contrary, the absolute counts of DP T cells was significantly decreased in the head and neck lymph nodes, and in peripheral blood of OVA-immunized mice. These results suggest that DP T cells may be involved in the pathogenesis of allergic asthma.
Impact of different sources of donor cells upon the nuclear transfer efficiency in Chinese indigenous Meishan pig
Authors: Hua Z. , Xu G. , Liu X. , Bi Y. , Xiao H. , Hua W. , Li L. , Zhang L. , Ren H. , Zheng X. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) is currently the most efficient and precise method to generate genetically tailored pig models for both agricultural and biomedical research. However, its efficiency is crucially dependent on the source of nuclear donor cells. In this study, we compared the cloning efficiency by using three lines of donor cells that are derived from fetal, newborn and adult fibroblasts of Chinese indigenous Meishan pig. We showed that cleavage rate and blastocyst formation rate of the reconstructed embryos were not significantly different between the fetal (80.7% and 15.6%) and newborn ear skin (77.5% and 12.3%) fibroblast groups (p>0.05), but in both groups these indices were significantly higher than that found in the adult ear skin (70.5% and 8.8%; p<0.05). Reconstructed embryos derived from fetal, newborn, and adult ear skin fibroblasts were transferred to four surrogates, respectively. For the fetal, newborn, and adult ear skin fibroblasts, the number of pregnancies were two (50.0%), two (50.0%), and one (25.0%), respectively, and the number of deliveries were two (50.0%), one (25.0%), and zero (0.0%), respectively. Seven and two cloned piglets were obtained from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts respectively, while no piglets were obtained from the adult ear skin fibroblasts. Two cloned piglets from the newborn ear skin fibroblasts died shortly after birth because of neonatal asphyxia caused by dystocia. The birth weights of the piglets derived from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts were 1230.5 and 1310.0g, respectively, which were statistically insignificant (p>0.05), but both were significantly higher than that of the control groups (p<0.05). Microsatellite analyses demonstrated that the genotypes of all cloned piglets were identical to their donor cells. Therefore, cloned pigs were successfully produced using two sources of donor cells isolated from the fetal and newborn ear skin fibroblasts of Meishan piglet, and indicating a better cloning efficiency than that obtained from adult fibroblasts. We concluded that the nuclear donor cell lines have significant impact on the developmental competence of cloned embryos as well as on the cloning efficiency of Meishan pig.
Development of a polystyrene latex-based reagent for rheumatoid factor detection
Authors: Marrero Grisel , Delgado Lilian P. , Caroll Humberto , Ortiz Neise , Musacchio Alexis , Menendez Tamara 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A rapid, specific and sensible polystyrene latex-based reagent has been developed to detect rheumatoid factor (RF) in human sera. Detection of RF is one of the criteria for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) diagnosis. RF includes immunoglobulins IgG, IgM or IgA targeting human-IgG Fc region, found in sera of 70–90% of patients with RA. Spherical, clean polystyrene particles of 480±80 nm with a Z-potential of -28 mV were synthesized. Purified gamma-globulin human blood fraction, used as IgG source, was adsorbed on particles in glycine-buffered saline with a fivefold excess of the immunoglobulins needed to saturate the calculated total surface area of the particles. The reagent was calibrated against the World Health Organization international serum reference preparation and tested with commercial positive and negative RF controls. Reactivity of the developed diagnostic reagent with human sera, either positive or negative for RF, was evaluated. The sera were tested both intact and following complement inactivation. When complement-inactivated sera were used, our reagent showed 100% coincidence of results with a commercial diagnostic kit of specificity of 80% and sensibility of 93%. The in-house reagent developed in the present work is easy to prepare and at relatively low cost, making it ideal for RF detection in low-income settings.
Modelling the Dynamics of Ships with Different Propulsion Systems for Control Purpose
Authors: Gierusz Witold 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Two different propulsion systems are analyzed from point of view of future control applications. The traditional one consists of a pushing single screw propeller and a blade rudder. The other system is based on pod (pods): pulling or pushing ones. The equations describing forces and moments generated in both systems, are presented. Exemplary results of a simulation in comparison to the real-time experiments for two ships are also shown.
Heeling Moment Acting on a River Cruiser in Manoeuvring Motion
Authors: Tabaczek Tomasz , Kulczyk Jan 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
By using fully theoretical method the heeling moment due to centrifugal forces has been determined for a small river cruiser in turning manoeuvre. The authors applied CFD software for determination of hull hydrodynamic forces, and open water characteristics of ducted propeller for estimation of thrust of rudder-propellers. Numerical integration of equations of 3DOF motion was used for prediction of ship trajectory and time histories of velocities, forces and heeling moment.
An Experimental Study of Emission and Combustion Characteristics of Marine Diesel Engine with Fuel Injector Malfunctions
Authors: Kowalski Jerzy 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The presented paper shows the results of the laboratory study on the relation between chosen malfunctions of a fuel injector and composition of exhaust gas from the marine engine. The object of research is a marine 3-cylinder, four-stroke, direct injection diesel engine with an intercooler system. The engine was loaded with a generator and supercharged. The generator was electrically connected to the water resistance. The engine operated with a load between 50 kW and 250 kW at a constant speed. The engine load and speed, parameters of the turbocharger, systems of cooling, fuelling, lubricating and air exchange, were measured. Fuel injection and combustion pressures in all cylinders of the engine were also recorded. Exhaust gas composition was recorded by using a electrochemical gas analyzer. Air pressure, temperature and humidity were also recorded. Emission characteristics of the engine were calculated according to ISO 8178 standard regulations. During the study the engine operated at the technical condition recognized as „working properly” and with simulated fuel injector malfunctions. Simulation of malfunctions consisted in the increasing and decreasing of fuel injector static opening pressure, decalibration of fuel injector holes and clogging 2 neighboring of 9 fuel injector holes on one of 3 engine cylinders.
1. Importance of Physical Exercise in Living Arrangements Artist
Authors: Leşe Ana-Cristina 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Increased occurrence of spine deviation is the result not only of modern technology hazards (for example, sitting in front of the computer for long hours) or lack of physical exercise, but also of specific posture related to the study of a musical instrument. The aim of this paper is the timely warning of children who choose to study a musical instrument about the spine deviations that can occur in time, also to refer them to a specialist and to encourage them to take up exercises meant to tone specific muscle groups. The study was conducted on two groups of students from the department of Musical interpretations, 1st and 2nd year, and two groups of students from the department of Painting and Photography and video, 1st year, at the “George Enescu” Arts University of Iaşi. The school screening method was used with the help of four MA students at the department of Kinetotherapy. The data were tabulated. We recommended that subjects be referred to specialised examinaton by doctors at the Pediatric Orthopedics clinic and have special sets of physical exercises.
5. Creative Approaches in the Education of Students with Severe Multiple Disability
Authors: Kantor Jiří 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper presents an empirical study in the area of special education, which clarifies the function of creative techniques, their application, pupils’ preferences and implementation of creative techniques in the processes of special education intervention in pupils with severe multiple disability. According to the current scientific concept, creative approaches in Czech special education are represented by various applications of artistic means in education. The methodology focus of the study is quality-based. Data collection was performed by means of interviews with 40 teachers, observations of 4 pupils during education and a content analysis of educational documents of 30 pupils. The analysis was performed by means of the embedded theory approach. The paper assesses the contribution of the study to special education in a practical context as well as delivery of artistic-oriented courses.
9. Evaluation of an Art Therapy Programme for Clients with Difficult Life Situations
Authors: Krčmáriková Zuzana Ťulák , Kováčová Barbora 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The paper evaluates selected art therapy programmes (NAT=19) that were realized by therapeutic pedagogues – art therapists in the years 2009-2014 as parts of research projects. The quantitative aspect of the research processes the fulfilment of the conditions of art therapy programmes. In the framework of interpretative phenomenological analysis, we processed the data of each category as a part of the qualitative aspect of the research and supplemented them with authentic statements of clients (NP=8). The quantitative and qualitative aspect indicates a narrower characterisation of art therapy programmes in the group of clients with difficult life situations.
11. Creative Interdisciplinary Math Lessons by Means of Music Activities
Authors: Hudáková Jana , Králová Eva 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The goal of the paper is to introduce the project Comenius “EMP-Maths”, entitled ‘Providing Mathematics with Music Activities’, in which seven European countries took part. The key chapter is devoted to music activities that Slovak team integrated in the school subject of Mathematics. Music activities were selected and designed in accordance with the content of school subject Mathematics. To each particular theme the project solvers designed methodologies and didactic musical games, contests, music and drama exercises. The authoresses illustrate in detail one example of this integration which was presented during the meeting of 7 European countries in Barcelona in January 2015. Their illustration refers to interconnection of cognitive, affective, and psychomotor goals of both school subjects to develop musical and mathematical abilities of 11 – 12 year old elementary school pupils.
Optimization Technique to Determine the p-y Curves of Laterally Loaded Stiff Piles in Dense Sand
Authors: Xue J. , Gavin K. , Murphy G. , Doherty P. , Igoe D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Lateral loading is often the governing design criteria for piles supporting offshore wind turbines and with the recent growth of this sector, the reliability of traditional design approaches is receiving renewed interest. To accurately assess the behavior of a laterally loaded pile requires a detailed understanding of the soil reaction that is mobilized as the lateral deflection of the pile occurs. Currently, the p-y curve method is widely adopted to model the response of laterally loaded piles. The limitations of existing p-y formulations are widely known, and there is acceptance that load tests on large-diameter stiff monopiles are urgently required to formulate appropriate design methods. However, interpretation of the data from instrumentation placed on stiff monopiles is not straightforward. This paper proposes an optimization technique to derive the soil reaction profile along the shaft of instrumented piles, from which the correlated p-y curves can then be obtained. The method considers force equilibrium, pile deflection, and additional boundary conditions. A set of fourth-order polynomial equations are assumed to model the soil reaction profile under each load step during a monotonic load test. By minimizing the difference between the measured and calculated bending moment and considering equilibrium of the shear forces acting on the pile, the soil reaction profile and the concentrated tip resistance can be obtained simultaneously. A stiff instrumented test pile installed in over-consolidated sand was load tested and the results were used to test the performance of the proposed method. The results are compared with other methods used in literature and practice. The method provides a consistent framework to derive p-y curves from measured strain data. The results of the field test and derived p-y curves confirmed that existing design methods do not accurately capture the lateral loading response of piles in dense sand.
Recognition of the Stress-Strain Curve Based on the Local Deformation Measurement of Soil Specimens in the Triaxial Test
Authors: Shao L. T. , Liu G. , Zeng F. T. , Guo X. X. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A digital image technique was developed and used to measure the deformation distribution over the entire surface of soil specimens in triaxial tests. The measured deformation process shows that the specimen apparently exhibits three states during the test, i.e., pre-failure, in-failure, and post-failure, in correspondence to the different features of its deformation. The deformation feature in each state is then analyzed by the displacement and strain contours. Additionally, the stress level, S, is calculated to determine whether the soil is in failure at a point (representative element volume (REV)) on the surface of the specimen. Next, the failure zone, namely the shear band, was considered to be enveloped by the curve defined by S = 1 on the stress-level contour map. The stress level is calculated based on the strain, Young's modulus and Poisson's ratio. According to analysis of the deformation feature and the failure process, we recognized the following properties: (i) the deformation of the specimen was approximately uniform in the pre-failure state; (ii) failure occurred from a point and developed gradually until the shear band cleaves the specimen; (iii) in the post-failure state, deformation was exclusively due to the blocks of the specimen sliding along the shear band; (iv) the deformation feature in the shear band was quite different from that outside the shear band. In conclusion, the stress-strain curve of the specimen revealed a structural response, not an elementary response, especially in the in-failure and post-failure states, in which the deformation features of different corner points were different, and the observed deformation for the entire specimen may be the combination of local deformations. Therefore, it is not appropriate to build the constitutive model for soil according to the stress-strain curves of the entire deformation process and to take the specimen as a uniform element in the entire process.
Static Strength of V-Notches With End Holes Under Combined Tension-Shear Loading: Experimental Measurement by the Disk Test and Theoretical Prediction by the Local Energy
Authors: Torabi A. R. , Campagnolo A. , Berto F. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The aim of the present research work was twofold. Firstly, to provide some new experimental results regarding brittle fracture in V-notches with end holes (VO-notches) under mixed mode I/II loading; secondly, to check the suitability of the well-established averaged strain energy density criterion (SED) in predicting the load-carrying capacity of notched specimens. A new test specimen, called Brazilian disk containing central VO-notches (VO-BD), made of PMMA was proposed and utilized to perform fracture tests at room temperature for different mode mixities. It was found that the average SED criterion seems to successfully evaluate the static strength of VO-BD specimens for different notch angles and various notch radii.
Steep Shear Properties of Asphalt Mixtures Based on Fractal Theory
Authors: Xie J. , Li J. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
A growing body of evidence showed that flow rutting and inter-layer slippage in asphalt pavements at intersections and large longitudinal slopes is directly related to the capacity of the asphalt mixture to resist shear flow deformation. This study used fractal theory to analyze the microstructures of asphalt mixtures AC-13, SMA-13, and Sup-13, the volume fractal dimensions of which are also determined. The relation between the volume fractal dimensions and shear properties of asphalt mixtures was determined through repeated load creep tests.
Profile Analysis for a Gear With Conical Teeth
Authors: Yang Hsueh-Cheng , Huang Tsun-Hui 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
This paper presents a gear pair mechanism, a pinion, and a gear with conical teeth. The gear, or generating surface, has conical teeth distributed on a cylindrical surface. The purpose here was to present a mathematical model and equation for meshing of the proposed gear with conical teeth. A simple method using gear theory was used to determine a generated surface that meshes with the generating surface. The mathematical model of the generated surface can be obtained by the envelope of the family of the generating surfaces. As an example, the proposed gear pair for a gear ratio of 4:3 was demonstrated through the aid of the proposed mathematical model. Based on the geometrical models presented, the author varied the conical angle of the proposed gear between 0 and 20° and examined their contact stresses and deformation. Results showed that the minimum von-Mises stress was at the conical angle of 15° and the minimum deformation was at the conical angle of 17°. If the given parameters are over the dimensional limit of the generating surface, the equation of meshing of generated surface cannot exist. The condition of the dimensional limit was determined in this paper. Results from these mathematical models should have applications in the design of gear mechanism.
Accurate Measurement of Mixed Mode (I/II) Stress Intensity Factors Using Strain Gages
Authors: Sarangi H. , Murthy K. S. R. K. , Chakraborty D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Determination of accurate mixed mode stress intensity factors forms the basis for the understanding and analysis of mixed mode fracture. In this context, experimental methods for the measurement of stress intensity factors (SIFs) play a vital role. However, very few strain gage based techniques are available for measurement of mixed mode SIFs KI and KII in isotropic materials. In addition, no useful recommendations on appropriate radial locations of strain gages ensuring accurate SIFs are available in literature. Recently, authors have theoretically proposed a mixed mode strain gage technique and attempted to address the long standing problem of assessment of appropriate strain gage radial locations for the accurate measurement of the SIFs. They have shown that there exist certain gage radial locations called as optimal locations for the accurate measurement of SIFs, which can be easily assessed with their proposed methodology for any mixed mode (I/II) configurations. In the present investigation, experiments were conducted to study the efficacy of the authors' proposed mixed mode strain gage technique and existence and usefulness of the optimal strain gage locations in accurate measurement of SIFs KI and KII. The present experiments were also aimed to show the consequences of placing the gages at invalid or non-optimal gage locations. The experimental results clearly show that highly accurate mixed mode SIFs can be measured using the proposed mixed mode strain gage technique if the gages are pasted at the optimal locations. On the other hand, the results also exposed that highly erroneous and unacceptable measurement of SIFs can result if the gages are located at non-optimal locations. Furthermore, the present results clearly demonstrated the need of knowing the optimal strain gage locations a priori, which can be assessed using the methodology proposed recently by the authors.
Analysis of FGD Solids With a Macro TGA System
Authors: Riley J. T. , Marsh M. , Lawrenz D. 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) is an analytical technique in which changes in physical and chemical properties of materials are measured as a function of temperature and/or time. TGA is commonly used to determine selected characteristics of materials that exhibit either mass loss, or gain, because of decomposition, oxidation, or loss of volatile material, such as moisture. Common applications of TGA are materials characterization through analysis of characteristic decomposition patterns and determination of combustible materials and combustion residues from a sample. Macro TGA systems that use gram-size samples have been used for a couple of decades for monitoring industrial processes. The larger sample sizes allow more accurate mass measurements for characterization of materials. Flue-gas desulfurization (FGD) solids are industrial byproducts that have been monitored using macro TGA systems. Compounds reported to have been successfully measured include free moisture, moisture in hydrates, CaSO4•2H2O, CaSO3•½H2O, and CaCO3. A LECO TGA701 macro TGA system was used in a study to characterize the components in various FGD solids. Pure materials, including those listed above, were first analyzed with the TGA701 followed by the measurement of various mixtures of the pure materials. Although Ca(OH)2 is a material present in limestone slurries used in flue-gas desulfurization, previous studies have not indicated the presence of this compound in FGD solids. The TGA reaction profiles for Ca(OH)2 and CaSO3•½H2O show they decompose in the same temperature range. Pure CaSO3•½H2O is not available and was not used in the study. The study of pure materials and mixtures demonstrated the accuracy of the TGA701 in characterizing the compounds. A macro TGA analysis program developed during this study can be used to accurately quantify the various materials in flue-gas desulfurization FGD solids. Carbon and sulfur analysis data support the macro TGA results for the FGD solids.