bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Homology Modeling, Validation and Dynamics of the G Protein‐coupled Estrogen Receptor 1 (GPER‐1)
Authors: Bruno Agostino , Aiello Francesca , Costantino Gabriele , Radi Marco 
Published: April 2016

AbstractEstrogens exert their action mainly by binding three receptors, namely estrogen receptors α and β (ERα and ERβ) and GPER‐1 (G‐protein coupled estrogen receptor 1). While the patho‐physiological role of both ERα and ERβ has been deeply investigated, the role of GPER‐1 in estrogens’ signaling has not been clearly defined yet. Unfortunately, only few GPER‐1 selective ligands were discovered so far, and the real efficiency of such compounds is still matter of debate. To better understand the physiological relevance of GPER‐1, new selective chemical probes are higly needed. In this scenario, we report herein the generation and validation of a three‐dimensional (3‐D) GPER‐1 homology model by means of docking studies and molecular dynamics simulations. The model thus generated was employed to (i) decipher the structural basis underlying the ability of estrogens and some Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulators (SERMs) to bind GPER‐1 and classical ERα and ERβ, and (ii) generate a reliable G1/GPER‐1 complex useful in rationalizing the pharmacological profile of G1 reported in the literature. The G1/GPER‐1 complex herein reported could be further exploited in drug design approaches aimed at improving the pharmacological profile of G1 or at identifying new chemical entities (NCEs) as potential modulators of GPER‐1.
Modeling the viscous behavior of frozen soil with hypoplasticity
Authors: Xu Guofang , Wu Wei , Qi Jilin 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis paper presents a hypoplastic constitutive model for the viscous behavior of frozen soil. The model is composed of a ‘solid’ part and a ‘fluid’ part. The solid part is based on the extended hypoplastic model, and the fluid part is dependent on the second time derivative of strain. The performance of the model is demonstrated by simulating some uniaxial compression tests at different strain rates. Moreover, the model can describe in a unified way the three stages of typical creep tests, that is, primary, secondary, and tertiary stage. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A fully coupled element‐free Galerkin model for hydro‐mechanical analysis of advancement of fluid‐driven fractures in porous media
Authors: Samimi S. , Pak A. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryHydraulic fracturing (HF) of underground formations has widely been used in different fields of engineering. Despite the technological advances in techniques ofin situHF, the industry uses semi‐analytical tools to design HF treatment. This is due to the complex interaction among various mechanisms involved in this process, so that for thorough simulations of HF operations a fully coupled numerical model is required.In this study, using element‐free Galerkin (EFG) mesh‐less method, a new formulation for numerical modeling of hydraulic fracture propagation in porous media is developed. This numerical approach, which is based on the simultaneous solution of equilibrium and continuity equations, considers the hydro‐mechanical coupling between the crack and its surrounding porous medium. Therefore, the developed EFG model is capable of simulating fluid leak‐off and fluid lag phenomena.To create the discrete equation system, the Galerkin technique is applied, and the essential boundary conditions are imposed via penalty method. Then, the resultant constrained integral equations are discretized in space using EFG shape functions. For temporal discretization, a fully implicit scheme is employed. The final set of algebraic equations that forms a non‐linear equation system is solved using the direct iterative procedure.Modeling of cracks is performed on the basis of linear elastic fracture mechanics, and for this purpose, the so‐called diffraction method is employed. For verification of the model, a number of problems are solved. According to the obtained results, the developed EFG computer program can successfully be applied for simulating the complex process of hydraulic fracture propagation in porous media. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of carnosine supplementation on glucose metabolism: Pilot clinical trial
Authors: de Courten Barbora , Jakubova Michaela , de Courten Maximilian PJ , Kukurova Ivica Just , Vallova Silvia , Krumpolec Patrik , Valkovic Ladislav , Kurdiova Timea , Garzon Davide , Barbaresi Silvia , Teede Helena J. , Derave Wim , Krssak Martin , Aldini Giancarlo , Ukropec Jozef , Ukropcova Barbara 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveCarnosine is a naturally present dipeptide in humans and an over‐the counter food additive. Evidence from animal studies supports the role for carnosine in the prevention and treatment of diabetes and cardiovascular disease, yet there is limited human data. This study investigated whether carnosine supplementation in individuals with overweight or obesity improves diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors.MethodsIn a double‐blind randomized pilot trial in nondiabetic individuals with overweight and obesity (age 43 ± 8 years; body mass index 31 ± 4 kg/m2), 15 individuals were randomly assigned to 2 g carnosine daily and 15 individuals to placebo for 12 weeks. Insulin sensitivity and secretion, glucose tolerance (oral glucose tolerance test), blood pressure, plasma lipid profile, skeletal muscle (1H‐MRS), and urinary carnosine levels were measured.ResultsCarnosine concentrations increased in urine after supplementation (P < 0.05). An increase in fasting insulin and insulin resistance was hampered in individuals receiving carnosine compared to placebo, and this remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, and change in body weight (P = 0.02, P = 0.04, respectively). Two‐hour glucose and insulin were both lower after carnosine supplementation compared to placebo in individuals with impaired glucose tolerance (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThese pilot intervention data suggest that carnosine supplementation may be an effective strategy for prevention of type 2 diabetes.
Obesity‐initiated metabolic syndrome promotes urinary voiding dysfunction in a mouse model
Authors: He Qiqi , Babcook Melissa A. , Shukla Sanjeev , Shankar Eswar , Wang Zhiping , Liu Guiming , Erokwu Bernadette O. , Flask Chris A. , Lu Lan , Daneshgari Firouz , MacLennan Gregory T. , Gupta Sanjay 
Published: April 2016

OBJECTIVEAccumulating evidences suggests that obesity and metabolic syndrome (MetS) contribute towards lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) through alterations in the phenotype of bladder and prostate gland. Clinical studies indicate a link between MetS and LUTS. Nevertheless, there is lack of suitable animal model(s) which could illustrate an association linking obesity to LUTS. We examined the lower urinary tract function in an obesity‐initiated MetS mouse model.METHODSMale C57BL/6N wild‐type and obese B6.V‐Lepob/J maintained on regular diet for 28 weeks were subjected to the assessment of body weight (BW), body length (BL), waist circumference (WC), body mass index (BMI), blood glucose (BG), plasma insulin (INS), plasma leptin (LEP), total cholesterol (CHO), free fatty acid (FFA), and measurement of urinary functions. Whole animal peritoneal and subcutaneous adipose tissue measurements as well as prostate and bladder volumes were analyzed by MRI followed by histological evaluation. These parameters were used to draw correlations between MetS and LUTS.RESULTSObesity parameters such as BW, WC, and BMI were significantly higher in B6.V‐Lepob/J mice compared to C57BL/6N mice (P < 0.01). Higher levels of total CHO and FFA were noted in B6.V‐Lepob/J mice than C57BL/6N mice (P < 0.05). These results were concurrent with frequency, lower average urine volume and other urinary voiding dysfunctions in B6.V‐Lepob/J mice. MRI assessments demonstrate marked increase in body fat and prostate volume in these mice. Compared to C57BL/6N mice, histological analysis of the prostate from B6.V‐Lepob/J mice showed increased proliferation, gland crowding, and infiltration of immune cells in the stroma; whereas the bladder urothelium was slightly thicker and appears more proliferative in these mice. The regression and correlation analysis indicate that peritoneal fat (R = 0.853; P < 0.02), CHO (R = 0.729; P < 0.001), BG (R = 0.712; P < 0.001) and prostate volume (R = 0.706; P < 0.023) strongly correlate with LUTS whereas BMI, WC, INS, and FFA moderately correlate with the prevalence of bladder dysfunction.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that LUTS may be attributable in part to obesity and MetS. Validation of an in vivo model may lead to understand the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of obesity‐related LUTS in humans. Prostate 76:964–976, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the Use of Machine Learning to Detect Shocks in Road Vehicle Vibration Signals
Authors: Lepine Julien , Rouillard Vincent , Sek Michael 
Published: April 2016

The characterization of transportation hazards is paramount for protective packaging validation. It is used to estimate and simulate the loads and stresses occurring during transport that are essential to optimize packaging and ensure that products will resist the transportation environment with the minimum amount of protective material. Characterizing road transportation vibrations is rather complex because of the nature of the dynamic motion produced by vehicles. For instance, different levels of vibration are induced to freight depending on the vehicle speed and the road surface; which often results in non‐stationary random vibration. Road aberrations (such as cracks, potholes and speed bumps) also produce transient vibrations (shocks) that can damage products. Because shocks and random vibrations cannot be analysed with the same statistical tools, the shocks have to be separated from the underlying vibrations. Both of these dynamic loads have to be characterized separately because they have different damaging effects. This task is challenging because both types of vibration are recorded on a vehicle within the same vibration signal.This paper proposes to use machine learning to identify shocks present in acceleration signals measured on road vehicles. In this paper, a machine learning algorithm is trained to identify shocks buried within road vehicle vibration signals. These signals are artificially generated using non‐stationary random vibration and shock impulses that reproduce typical vehicle dynamic behaviour. The results show that the machine learning algorithm is considerably more accurate and reliable in identifying shocks than the more common approaches based on the crest factor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study of ceramic‐like aluminum oxide thin films developed using plasma electrolytic oxidation applied on austenitic steels
Authors: Andrei Victor Aurel , Coaca Elisabeta , Mihalache Maria , Malinovschi Viorel , Patrascu‐Minca Mariana 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAustenitic steels 304 L and 316 L are used extensively as nuclear structural materials. The objective of this study is to determine if their corrosion behavior can be improved by developing an Al‐containing surface layer by a complex surface treatment, including substrate modification by growth of oxide layers using anodic oxidation, cyclic voltammetry and autoclaving in water, as well as a micro‐arc oxidation (MAO) treatment in 0.1 M NaAlO2 aqueous solution. The processes and structures obtained by MAO under various experimental conditions were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction and energy dispersive X‐ray spectrometry analysis. The corrosion behavior, studied by Tafel potentiodynamic polarization, was correlated to the microstructure and the chemical composition of the surface layers which are strongly dependent on the treatment parameters. An overall description of the electrochemical processes involved in the growth of aluminum coating, the surface properties improvement, together with some consideration about the new materials development for energy technologies are presented. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An empirical study on how expert knowledge affects bug reports
Authors: Rodeghero Paige , Huo Da , Ding Tao , McMillan Collin , Gethers Malcom 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBug reports are crucial software artifacts for both software maintenance researchers and practitioners. A typical use of bug reports by researchers is to evaluate automated software maintenance tools: a large repository of reports is used as input for a tool, and metrics are calculated from the tool's output. But this process is quite different from practitioners, who distinguish between reports written by experts, such as programmers, and reports written by non‐experts, such as users. Practitioners recognize that the content of a bug report depends on its author's expert knowledge. In this paper, we present an empirical study of the textual difference between bug reports written by experts and non‐experts. We find that a significant difference exists and that this difference has a significant impact on the results from a state‐of‐the‐art feature location tool. Through an additional study, we also found no evidence that these encountered differences were caused by the increased usage of terms from the source code in the expert bug reports. Our recommendation is that researchers evaluate maintenance tools using different sets of bug reports for experts and non‐experts. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ermüdungsfestigkeit nach EN 1993‐1‐9
Authors: Ladinek Markus , Lang Robert , Lener Gerhard 
Published: April 2016

AbstractDer Nachweis der Ermüdungsfestigkeit für Stahlbauteile ist im EN 1993 Teil 1–9 “Ermüdung” geregelt. Als Variante zum bekannten Nennspannungskonzept kann der Nachweis der Ermüdungsfestigkeit durch die Verwendung des Strukturspannungskonzeptes, gemäß Anhang B, geführt werden. Für eine Anwendung dieser Alternative stellt der Eurocode nur wenige Informationen zur Verfügung, wodurch der Anwender auf andere Normen und Regelwerke außerhalb des EC‐Normenpaketes zurückgreifen muss. Erst zusätzliche Informationen ermöglichen die praxisgerechte Anwendung dieser Nachweisvariante. Regelwerke wie die IIW‐Empfehlungen und zahlreiche andere Publikationen enthalten Hinweise und Angaben zur praxisgerechten Anwendung verschiedener Konzepte. Es ist zu hoffen, dass dieses Wissen bei der Überarbeitung des Anhangs B: “Ermüdungsfestigkeit bei Verwendung von Strukturspannungen” berücksichtigt wird. Kombiniert mit einer systematischen Aufbereitung könnte eine neue Auflage ein fortschrittliches und anwenderfreundliches Dokument zur Berechnung der Ermüdungsfestigkeit werden. In diesem Beitrag soll gezeigt werden, wie die Anwendung des Strukturspannungskonzeptes im Anhang B mit Hilfe von Angaben aus der IIW‐Richtlinie und anderen Publikationen in der Anwendung vereinfacht werden könnte.Fatigue strength according to EN 1993‐1‐9 – Annex B: structural stresses ‐ Thoughts to the revised version. The calculation of fatigue strength of steel structures is regulated in the EN 1993‐1‐9, section “Fatigue”. As an alternative to the use of the nominal stress concept, the structural hot spot concept can be applied to certify the fatigue strength. However, the Eurocode provides too little information for a successful application. As a consequence, the user has to get the necessary information from other codes or guidelines outside the Eurocode framework. Other guidelines like the IIW Recommendations and many other publications provide hints and suggestions for a user‐friendly application of the different approaches for fatigue design. It would be desirable that these pieces of information and suggestions were taken into consideration in the next revision of the Annex B: “Fatigue resistance using the geometric (hot spot) stress method”. Through a systematic preparation of this information, section 9 of the Eurocode 1993, “Fatigue”, could become a progressive and user‐friendly code for fatigue design. The idea of this article is to show, with the help of data taken from the IIW Recommendations and other publications, that the application of the hot spot stress approach could become much simpler.
Visualizing biological data in museums: Visitor learning with an interactive tree of life exhibit
Authors: Horn Michael S. , Phillips Brenda C. , Evans Evelyn Margaret , Block Florian , Diamond Judy , Shen Chia 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn this study, we investigate museum visitor learning and engagement at an interactive visualization of an evolutionary tree of life consisting of over 70,000 species. The study was conducted at two natural history museums where visitors collaboratively explored the tree of life using direct touch gestures on a multi‐touch tabletop display. In the study, 247 youth, aged 8–15 years, were randomly assigned in pairs to one of four conditions. In two of the conditions, pairs of youth interacted with different versions of the tree of life tabletop exhibit for a fixed duration of 10 minutes. In a third condition, pairs watched a 10 minute video on a similar topic. Individual responses on a 53‐item exit interview were then compared to responses from a fourth, baseline condition. Contrasting with the baseline condition, visitors who interacted with the tabletop exhibits were significantly more likely to reason correctly about core evolutionary concepts, particularly common descent and shared ancestry. They were also more likely to correctly interpret phylogenetic tree diagrams. To investigate the factors influencing these learning outcomes, we used linear mixed models to analyze measures of dyads’ verbal engagement and physical interaction with the exhibit. These models indicated that, while our verbal and physical measures were related, they accounted for significant portions of the variance on their own, independent of youth age, prior knowledge, and parental background. Our results provide evidence that multi‐touch interactive exhibits that enable visitors to explore large scientific datasets can provide engaging and effective learning opportunities. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 53: 895–918, 2016
Functional nanoparticles for magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mao Xinpei , Xu Jiadi , Cui Honggang 
Published: April 2016

Nanoparticle‐based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents have received much attention over the past decade. By virtue of a high payload of magnetic moieties, enhanced accumulation at disease sites, and a large surface area for additional modification with targeting ligands, nanoparticle‐based contrast agents offer promising new platforms to further enhance the high resolution and sensitivity of MRI for various biomedical applications. T
2* superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs) first demonstrated superior improvement on MRI sensitivity. The prevailing SPION attracted growing interest in the development of refined nanoscale versions of MRI contrast agents. Afterwards, T
1‐based contrast agents were developed, and became the most studied subject in MRI due to the positive contrast they provide that avoids the susceptibility associated with MRI signal reduction. Recently, chemical exchange saturation transfer (CEST) contrast agents have emerged and rapidly gained popularity. The unique aspect of CEST contrast agents is that their contrast can be selectively turned ‘on’ and ‘off’ by radiofrequency saturation. Their performance can be further enhanced by incorporating a large number of exchangeable protons into well‐defined nanostructures. Besides activatable CEST contrast agents, there is growing interest in developing nanoparticle‐based activatable MRI contrast agents responsive to stimuli (pH, enzyme, etc.), which improves sensitivity and specificity. In this review, we summarize the recent development of various types of nanoparticle‐based MRI contrast agents, and have focused our discussions on the key advantages of introducing nanoparticles in MRI. WIREs Nanomed Nanobiotechnol 2016, 8:814–841. doi: 10.1002/wnan.1400This article is categorized under:

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing
Diagnostic Tools > Diagnostic Nanodevices
Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology
Patient and Physician Perceptions of Changes in Surgical Care in Mongolia 9 Years After Roll‐out of a National Training Program for Laparoscopy
Authors: Wells K. M. , Shalabi H. , Sergelen O. , Wiessner P. , Zhang C. , deVries C. , Price R. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIntroductionIn 2005, the general population of Mongolia was not aware of laparoscopic surgery and was skeptical about the safety of surgical care. A 9‐year initiative to expand laparoscopic surgery was initiated by Mongolian surgeons. This study examines the current barriers to and perceptions of surgical care following laparoscopic surgical expansion countrywide.Materials and methodsIn September 2013, interviews were conducted with 71 patients, and 39 physicians in Mongolia. Patients and physicians were interviewed using separate sets of interview questions. Questions were designed to gauge perceptions of surgical care in Mongolia evaluating for access, affordability, sustainability, barriers to care, quality, and knowledge of laparoscopy. Responses were fine coded for statistical analysis.Results79 % of patients felt surgical care was improving in Mongolia, and 76 % would choose laparoscopy if available. Physicians (100 %) felt laparoscopic surgery had improved surgical care in Mongolia. Barriers to care for patients were time to work up and diagnosis (37 %), and funding an operation (39 %). None of the 36 % of patients who stated funding an operation would be difficult identified government sources of funding (p < 0.001). Physicians identified insufficient equipment supply (69 %), insufficient training (41 %), and cost (38 %) as barriers for laparoscopy. 74 % of physicians felt that Mongolian physicians return or stay in Mongolia after training, defying the trend of migration in low‐resource settings.DiscussionImproved local patient and physician perception of laparoscopy is propelling the expansion of laparoscopy in Mongolia.
Examining stress and coping as a mediator for internalizing symptomatology: A comparison between sexual minority and majority first‐year college students
Authors: Riley Tracey J. , Kirsch Alexandra C. , Shapiro Jenna B. , Conley Colleen S. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTSexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents experience unique stressors and elevated internalizing symptoms. This study examines differences in coping styles between SGM and heterosexual adolescents and the potential mediating roles of stress and coping styles. Analyses indicated that SGM (N = 75) adolescents reported higher levels of internalizing symptoms (depression, anxiety, and distress), higher use of maladaptive coping styles (denial and blame), lesser use of adaptive coping styles (reframing and religion), and greater experiences of stress, compared to their heterosexual counterparts (N = 1702). Bootstrapping analyses revealed the relationship between sexual identity and internalizing symptoms measured approximately 3 months later was not mediated by stress and coping, adjusting for gender, age, and baseline symptomatology. Findings suggest that earlier adolescent differences in internalizing symptoms presage increasing symptomatology across the transition to college, and other mediators during the college transition explain the continued increases in internalizing symptoms.