bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SMOOTHNESS USING ANGULAR JERK COST OF THE KNEE JOINT MOVEMENT AFTER A REDUCTION IN WALKING SPEED
Authors: FUKAYA TAKASHI , MUTSUZAKI HIROTAKA , WADANO YASUYOSHI 
Published: February 2013

The angular jerk cost (AJC) was proposed to objectively represent the smoothness of joint movement by calculating the time-dependent changes in acceleration during motion. There are currently no reports focusing on smoothness using AJC measurements of the knee joint movement during the stance phase of gait. The purpose of this study was to verify whether a reduced walking speed affects the smoothness of the knee joint movement during the stance phase of gait. The gaits of 12 healthy adults were assessed. A slower walker showed a significant reduction in the AJC value in the period between the initial contact and the loading response, as compared with someone walking at a comfortable speed. The maximum ground reaction force of the stance phase at a comfortable walking speed was significantly larger than that at a slower walking speed. Thus, although the smoothness of the knee joint was impaired by a rapid load in the early stance phase, a slower walking speed reduced the ground reaction force and angular acceleration of the knee joint and created a smoother movement. The AJC can be an important index for understanding the smoothness of the knee joint in the early stance phase.
Staging Hyper-masculinity on Maundy Thursday: Christ of the Good Death, the Legion and Changing Gender Practices in Spain
Authors: Driessen Henk , Jansen Willy 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
This paper discusses the role of Christ of the Good Death as a key figure and symbol in a masculine performance by the Spanish Legion in its religious, historical and social context. We explain the recently emerging controversy with regard to the Legion’s performance by pointing out the rapidly changing gender ideology and practice in Spain. The democratization of the Holy Week celebration and ‘gentrification’ of the carriers of the processional images (pasos) over the past few decades, hint at less martial and proletarian notions of manhood.
Dynamical Influences of Anvil Shading on Simulated Supercell Thunderstorms
Authors: Frame Jeffrey , Markowski Paul 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Numerical simulations of supercell thunderstorms including parameterized radiative transfer and surface fluxes are performed using the Advanced Regional Prediction System (ARPS) model to investigate how low-level air temperature deficits within anvil shadows affect the simulated storms. The maximum temperature deficits within the modeled cloud shadows are 1.5–2.0 K, which is only about half that previously observed. Within the shadows, the loss of strong solar heating cools and stabilizes the near-surface layer, which suppresses vertical mixing and modifies the near-surface vertical wind shear. In a case of a stationary storm, the enhanced easterly shear present beneath the anvil leads to a thinning of the outflow layer and corresponding acceleration of the rear-flank gust front far ahead of the overlying updraft, weakening the low-level mesocyclone. It is further shown that the direct absorption and emission of radiation by clouds does not significantly affect the simulated supercells. Varying the time of day of model initialization does not prevent the simulated storms from weakening. This behavior is mirrored for storms that slowly move along the major axis of the anvil shadow. If the rear-flank gust front moves into the anvil shadow and the updraft moves normal to the shadow (i.e., northward movement of the updraft), cyclic periods of intensification and decay can result, although this result is likely highly dependent on the storm-relative wind profile. If the gust front does not advance into the shaded region (i.e., southward movement), or if the storm moves rapidly, the storm is relatively unaffected by anvil shading because the rear-flank gust front speed and outflow depth remain relatively unchanged.
Expression of a secretory α-glucosidase II from Apis cerana indica in Pichia pastoris and its characterization
Authors: Kaewmuangmoon Jirattikarn , Kilaso Manlika , Leartsakulpanich Ubolsree , Kimura Kiyoshi , Kimura Atsuo , Chanchao Chanpen 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
α–glucosidase (HBGase) plays a key role in hydrolyzing α-glucosidic linkages. In Apis mellifera, three isoforms of HBGase (I, II and III) have been reported, which differ in their nucleotide composition, encoding amino acid sequences and enzyme kinetics. Recombinant (r)HBGase II from A. cerana indica (rAciHBGase II) was focused upon here due to the fact it is a native and economic honeybee species in Thailand. The data is compared to the two other isoforms, AciHBGase I and III from the same bee species and to the three isoforms (HBGase I, II and III) in different bee species where available.

Results
The highest transcript expression level of AciHBGase II was found in larvae and pupae, with lower levels in the eggs of A. cerana indica but it was not found in foragers. The full-length AciHBGase II cDNA, and the predicted amino acid sequence it encodes were 1,740 bp and 579 residues, respectively. The cDNA sequence was 90% identical to that from the HBGase II from the closely related A. cerana japonica (GenBank accession # NM_FJ752630.1). The full length cDNA was directionally cloned into the pPICZαA expression vector in frame with a (His)6 encoding C terminal tag using EcoRI and KpnI compatible ends, and transformed into Pichia pastoris. Maximal expression of the rAciHBGase II–(His)6 protein was induced by 0.5% (v/v) methanol for 96 h and secreted into the culture media. The partially purified enzyme was found to have optimal α-glucosidase activity at pH 3.5 and 45°C, with > 80% activity between pH 3.5–5.0 and 40–55°C, and was stabile (> 80% activity) at pH 4–8 and at < 25–65°C. The optimal substrate was sucrose.

Conclusions
Like in A. mellifera, there are three isoforms of AciHBGase (I, II and III) that differ in their transcript expression pattern, nucleotide sequences and optimal enzyme conditions and kinetics.
SNS-032 inhibits mTORC1/mTORC2 activity in acute myeloid leukemia cells and has synergistic activity with perifosine against Akt
Authors: Meng Haitao , Jin Yingming , Liu Hui , You Liangshun , Yang Chunmei , Yang Xue , Qian Wenbin 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous disorder with aberrant regulation of a variety of signal pathways. Therefore, simultaneous targeting of two or even more deregulated signal transduction pathways is needed to overcome drug resistance. Previously, it was reported that SNS-032, a selective cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor, is an effective agent for treatment of AML; however, the molecular mechanisms of SNS-032-induced cell death of AML cells are not yet fully understood. The aim of the study was to characterize the effects in vitro of SNS-032, used alone and in combination with an Akt inhibitor perifosine, against AML cells and to identify the mechanism involved.

Results
SNS-032 significantly induced cytotoxicity in human AML cell lines and blasts from patients with newly diagnosed or relapsed AML. However, Kasumi-1 cells and some of leukemic samples (14.9%) from AML patients were resistant to SNS-032-mediated cell death. Western blot analysis showed that SNS-032 strongly inhibited the phosphorylation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) on Ser 2448 and Ser2481, and that removal of SNS-032 resulted in partial recovery of cell death and reactivation of phosphorylation of mTOR. Moreover, exogenous insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) did not reverse SNS-032-induced cell growth inhibition and downregualtion of phosphor-mTOR at Ser2448 and Ser2481 although slight suppression of IGF-1R expression was triggered by the agent. Furthermore, SNS-032 at a lower concentration (60–80 nM) enhanced AML cell cytotoxicity induced by perifosine, an Akt inhibitor. Importantly, SNS-032 treatment reduced colony formation ability of AML cells, which was significantly increased when two agents were combined. This combination therapy led to almost complete inhibition of Akt activity.

Conclusion
We conclude that SNS-032 might directly target mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1)/mTORC2. Our results further provide a rationale for combining SNS-032 with perifosine for the treatment of AML.
Short communication: genetic variations of SLC2A9 in relation to Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Gao Jianjun , Xu Hong , Huang Xuemei , Chen Honglei 
Published: February 2013

Abstract

Background
Epidemiological studies showed that higher plasma urate was associated with lower risk for Parkinson’s disease (PD) and slower disease progression. Recent genome-wide association studies (GWAS) consistently showed that several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the solute carrier family 2 member 9 gene (SLC2A9 ) were associated with plasma urate concentration and the risk of gout.

Methods
We conducted a case–control study to examine twelve tag SNPs of the SLC2A9 gene in relation to PD among 788 cases and 911 controls of European ancestry. Odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived from logistic regression models, adjusting for age, sex, smoking and caffeine consumption.

Results
These SNPs were all in linkage disequilibrium (R2 > 0.7). None of them were associated with PD risk. Among women, however, there was a suggestion that the presence of the minor allele of one SNP (rs7442295) was related to a small increase in PD risk [OR (95% CI) = 1.48 (1.01-2.16)].

Conclusion
This study provides little support for genetic variations of SLC2A9 and PD risk.
Biochemical and histopathological study in rats intoxicated with carbontetrachloride and treated with camel milk
Authors: Althnaian Thnaian , Albokhadaim Ibrahim , El-Bahr Sabry M 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The unique characters of camel’s milk make it used extensively in the field of medicine as anti-microbial, anti-diabetic and hepatoprotective agent. The lack of studies demonstrating the protective effect of camel’s milk against hepatotoxic compound was the main reason beyond the conduction of the current experiment which aimed to investigate the protective effects of camel’s milk against carbontetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, 24 rats were fed on standard diet and divided into four groups. Rats of the first group and second groups were injected i/p with paraffin oil and received either tap water (control 1) or camel’s milk (control 2), respectively. Rats of the third and fourth groups were injected i/p with CCl4 and received either tap water or camel’s milk, respectively. At the end of the experiment (5 weeks), blood and liver samples were collected for biochemical and histopathological analysis. The present findings revealed that, CCl4 elevated serum enzyme activities of liver and some biochemical parameters, but these effects were prevented by the treatment of rats with camel milk. Histopathologically, a great amount of mononuclear cells infiltration, necrotic cells and few fibroblasts were observed in liver of CCl4 treated group. The present study concluded that camel milk treatment may play a protective role against CCl4-induced liver damages in rats. These protective effects were in the form of improving of liver enzyme activities, blood biochemical parameters and histological picture of liver of intoxicated rats. In the future, examination of the liver protective effect of camel milk against CCl4 in dose dependant manner could be investigated.
Efficient synthesis, X-ray diffraction study and antimicrobial activity of some novel thiazolidin-4-ones and perhydro-1,3-thiazin-4-ones
Authors: Gautam Deepika , Gautam Poonam , Chaudhary Ram P. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Condensations of thiosemicarbazones 1 derived from 1-tetralones with chloroacetic acid and 2-bromopropionic acid in the presence of N-methylpyridinium p-toluenesulfonate (an ionic liquid) yield the corresponding 2-substituted 4-thiazolidinones 2. The reactions of 1 with 3-chloropropionic acid afford perhydro-1,3-thiazinan-4-ones 3 in excellent yields. The structures of compounds 2 and 3 were established on the basis of elemental analysis, IR, NMR and mass spectral data. X-Ray crystallographic studies of compound 2a are reported. Compounds 1–3 were investigated for antimicrobial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Staphylococcus aureus (Gram-positive bacteria) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli (Gram-negative bacteria) and the fungi Aspergillus niger, Candida albicans and Aspergillus fumigatus. Thiazolidin-4-ones were found to be more active than perhydrothiazin-4-ones.
Synthesis and applications of benzothiazole containing cyanine dyes
Authors: Henary Maged , Paranjpe Shirish , Owens Eric A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Heterocyclic compounds are of immense interest due to their extensive occurrence in nature as well as their applicability in the pharmaceutical industry. Benzothiazole and its derivatives encompass an attractive heterocyclic class that displays practical applications ranging from mevdicine to photography and agriculture, among other things. This review focuses on the synthesis and specific applications of various benzothiazole cyanine dyes. Benzothiazole-containing heterocyclic structures are prominent throughout the literature and it is very important to acknowledge their efficacy and applicability as we discuss herein.
Something Old, Something New, Something Borrowed, Something Blue Part 2: From Frankenstein to Battlefield Drones; A Perspective on Machine Ethics
Authors: Dougherty Mark 
Published: February 2013

Abstract.Intelligent systems are reaching the point where they can take very
significant decisions on behalf of humans and society. The moral and ethical
impact of such systems needs to be taken very seriously, both internally and
externally in respect of such systems. Although some work into defining and
systematizing machine ethics has begun, a great deal of work remains to be
done and many research questions remain open.
Bender Elements and Bending Disks for Measurement of Shear and Compression Wave Velocities in Large Fully and Partially Saturated Sand Specimens
Authors: Eseller-Bayat E. , Gokyer S. , Yegian M. K. , Deniz R. O. , Alshawabkeh A. 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Bender element and bending disk setups were designed and implemented in a liquefaction box that accommodated a large sand specimen (190 mm × 300 mm × 490 mm). The box was manufactured for testing fully and partially saturated sand specimens under cyclic and earthquake excitation. Special housings for bender elements (31.8 mm × 12.7 mm × 0.51 mm) were manufactured to allow insertion of the elements through the side walls of the box. The bender elements were used to measure shear wave velocities in multiple directions to ascertain the uniformity of a sand specimen prepared in the liquefaction box. Large bending disks (31.8 mm × 0.41 mm) in special housings were utilized to measure compression wave velocities with the aim of investigating the presence and effect of the degree of partial saturation in specimens. The housings for bender elements and bending disks were designed to minimize the boundary effects of the Plexiglas walls of the liquefaction box. This paper provides details of the experimental setup and the designs of the bender element and bending disk housings. Sample test results of shear and compression wave measurements are also included to demonstrate successful application of the test setup. The experimental setup described is well suited for utilizing bender elements and bending disks for shear and compression wave velocity measurements in fully and partially saturated large sand specimens.
Some Observations on the State of Stress in the Direct Simple Shear Test Using 3D Discrete Element Analysis
Authors: Wijewickreme Dharma , Dabeet Antone , Byrne Peter 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
Assessment of the mobilized friction angle in a soil specimen tested in a given shear apparatus requires adequate information to establish the stress state at the instance of interest. In the most commonly used version of the direct simple shear (DSS) apparatus, where a cylindrical soil specimen is confined by wire-reinforced membrane, only the normal and shear stresses on the horizontal plane are measured. The knowledge of these stresses alone does not provide adequate information to construct the Mohr circle defining the state of stress. In this context, drained and constant volume (i.e., equivalent to undrained) discrete element simulations of a cylindrical DSS specimen were performed and the results are presented with emphasis on the DSS mobilized friction angle during shearing. It was found that planes of maximum stress obliquity rotate with the development of shear strain. This finding implies that it is not possible to calculate the friction angle accurately from typical DSS laboratory tests with unknown normal stress on the vertical plane. However, it seems that at large shear strains, the horizontal plane becomes a plane of maximum stress obliquity, and the friction angle calculated using the stress state on the horizontal plane is a good approximation to the mobilized friction angle at such shear strain levels.
Development of Rutting Model for Unbound Aggregates Containing Recycled Asphalt Pavement
Authors: Wen Haifang , Wu Mengqi , Wang Jingan 
Published: February 2013

Abstract
The use of recycled materials for construction is beneficial to both the environment and the economy. Recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) is one of the most commonly used recycled materials. Different state departments of transportation allow the use of RAP in base materials using various RAP percentages. Unlike conventional crushed aggregate, RAP exhibits a high resilient modulus, but also low resistance to permanent deformation, which contradicts the relationship between the modulus and permanent deformation in the permanent deformation model for unbound materials found in the mechanistic-empirical pavement design guide (MEPDG). In this study, repeated triaxial tests are conducted on samples containing different percentages of RAP and crushed aggregate. Permanent deformation prediction models for granular base course materials, introduced in 1989 by Tseng and Lytton, are modified by adding the RAP percentage as a parameter for base course materials containing RAP. The results indicate that the proposed model accounts for the effects of RAP reasonably well. Further studies are needed to validate the new rutting model by including different virgin aggregates and RAP mixtures under various testing conditions.
Retrospective Evaluation of a New Neonatal Trigger Score
Authors: Holme Harriet , Bhatt Reena , Koumettou Marita , Griffin Mark A.S. , Winckworth Lucinda C. 
Published: February 2013

OBJECTIVES:
To design and validate an objective clinical scoring system to identify unwell neonates, by using routinely collected bedside observations.

METHODS:
A Neonatal Trigger Score (NTS) was designed by using local expert consensus and incorporated into a new observation chart. All neonates &gt;35 weeks’ gestation admitted to the NICU over an 18-month period, and an age-matched “well” cohort, were retrospectively scored by using the newly constructed NTS and all established pediatric early warning system (PEWS) scores.

RESULTS:
Scores were calculated for 485 neonates. The NTS score area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.924 with a score of 2 or more predicting need for admission to the NICU with 77% sensitivity and 97% specificity. Neonates scoring ≥2 had increased odds of needing intensive care (odds ratio [OR] 48.7, 95% confidence interval [CI] 27.5–86.3), intravenous fluids (OR 48.1, 95% CI 23.9–96.9), and continuous positive airway pressure (OR 29.5, 95% CI 6.9–125.8). The NTS was more sensitive than currently established PEWS scores.

CONCLUSIONS:
The NTS observation chart acts as an adjunct to clinical assessment, highlighting unwell neonates. Its simplicity allows successful and safe use by nonpediatric specialists. NTS out-performed PEWS, with significantly better sensitivity, particularly in neonates who deteriorated within the first 12 hours after birth (P &lt; .001) or in neonates with sepsis or respiratory symptoms (P &lt; .001). Neonates with a score of 1 should be reviewed and those scoring ≥2 should be considered for NICU admission for further management.
Voice Abnormalities at School Age in Children Born Extremely Preterm
Authors: French Noel , Kelly Rona , Vijayasekaran Shyan , Reynolds Victoria , Lipscombe Jodi , Buckland Ali , Bailey Jean , Nathan Elizabeth , Meldrum Suzanne 
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:Voice abnormality is a frequent finding in school age children born at &lt;25 weeks’ gestation in Western Australia. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of voice abnormality, voice-related quality of life, and demographic and intubation factors in this population.METHODS:Survivors &lt;25 weeks’ gestational age in Western Australia born from 1996 to 2004 were included. Voice assessments (auditory perceptual assessment scale and Pediatric Voice Handicap Index) were carried out by speech pathologists. Intubation history was obtained by retrospective chart review.RESULTS:Of 251 NICU admissions, 154 (61%) survived. Exclusions were based on severe disability (11) or distant residence (13). Of 70 assessed, 67 completed assessments, 4 (6%) were in the normal range and 39 (58%) showed moderate-severe hoarseness. Simultaneous modeling of demographic and intubation characteristics showed an increased odds of moderate-severe voice disorder for children who had more than 5 intubations (odds ratio 6.96, 95% confidence interval 2.07–23.40, P = .002) and for girls relative to boys (odds ratio 3.46, 95% confidence interval 1.12–10.62, P = .030). Tube size and duration of intubation were not significant in the multivariable model. Median scores of parent-reported voice quality of life on the Pediatric Voice Handicap Index were markedly different for preterm (22) and term (3) groups, P &lt; .001.CONCLUSIONS:Voice disorders in this population were much more frequent than expected. Further studies are required to assess voice across a broader range of gestational ages, and to investigate voice-protective strategies in infants requiring multiple episodes of intubation.
Study of the Electrochemical Deposition of Cu/Sn Alloy Nanoparticles on Boron Doped Diamond Films for Electrocatalytic Nitrate Reduction
Authors: Matsushima Jorge T. , Couto Andrea B. , Ferreira Neidenei G. , Baldan Mauricio R. 
Published: February 2013

ABSTRACTThis paper presents the study of the electrochemical deposition of Cu/Sn alloy nanoparticles on Boron Doped Diamond (BDD) films in order to improve their electrocatalytic activity and selectivity for application in nitrate electrochemical reduction. Cyclic voltammetry measurements evidenced the formation of Cu/Sn alloy electrodeposited on BDD electrode. The electrodeposited Cu/Sn can be better visualized by analyzing the dissolution process. By studying the dissolution peak separately, the dissolution peak of the Sn was obtained at a more positive potential, when compared with the dissolution peak of Cu. From the scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) analysis, the homogeneous distribution of the Cu/Sn alloys particles on BDD surface with grain size in nanometric scale was verified. From X-ray diffraction analysis, two Cu/Sn alloy phases (Cu41Sn11 and Cu10Sn3) were identified for the electrodeposits obtained at -0.5V and charge of 0.26 C. The electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate in 0.1 M Britton-Robinson (BR) buffer solution with pH 9 was analyzed. The BDD electrode modified with Cu/Sn alloy nanoparticles proved to potentiate the electrocatalytic reduction of nitrate.