bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct acute tubular damage contributes to Shigatoxin‐mediated kidney failure
Authors: Porubsky Stefan , Federico Giuseppina , Müthing Johannes , Jennemann Richard , Gretz Norbert , Büttner Stefan , Obermüller Nicholas , Jung Oliver , Hauser Ingeborg A , Gröne Elisabeth , Geiger Helmut , Gröne Hermann‐Josef , Betz Christoph 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe pathogenesis and therapy of Shigatoxin 2 (Stx2)‐mediated kidney failure remain controversial. Our aim was to test whether, during an infection with Stx2‐producing E. coli (STEC), Stx2 exerts direct effects on renal tubular epithelium and thereby possibly contributes to acute renal failure. Mice represent a suitable model because they, like humans, express the Stx2‐receptor Gb3 in the tubular epithelium but, in contrast to humans, not in glomerular endothelia, and are thus free of glomerular thrombotic microangiopathy (TMA). In wild‐type mice, Stx2 caused acute tubular dysfunction with consequent electrolyte disturbance, which was most likely the cause of death. Tubule‐specific depletion of Gb3 protected the mice from acute renal failure. In vitro, Stx2 induced secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and apoptosis in human tubular epithelial cells, thus implicating a direct effect of Stx2 on the tubular epithelium. To correlate these results to human disease, kidney biopsies and outcome were analysed in patients with Stx2‐associated kidney failure (n = 11, aged 22–44 years). The majority of kidney biopsies showed different stages of an ongoing TMA; however, no glomerular complement activation could be demonstrated. All biopsies, including those without TMA, showed severe acute tubular damage. Due to these findings, patients were treated with supportive therapy without complement‐inhibiting antibodies (eculizumab) or immunoadsorption. Despite the severity of the initial disease [creatinine 6.34 (1.31–17.60) mg/dl, lactate dehydrogenase 1944 (753–2792) U/l, platelets 33 (19–124)/nl and haemoglobin 6.2 (5.2–7.8) g/dl; median (range)], all patients were discharged after 33 (range 19–43) days with no neurological symptoms and no dialysis requirement [creatinine 1.39 (range 0.84–2.86) mg/dl]. The creatinine decreased further to 0.90 (range 0.66–1.27) mg/dl after 24 months. Based on these data, one may surmise that acute tubular damage represents a separate pathophysiological mechanism, importantly contributing to Stx2‐mediated acute kidney failure. Specifically in young adults, an excellent outcome can be achieved by supportive therapy only. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Impact of spatial separation of type‐II GaSb quantum dots from the depletion region on the conversion efficiency limit of GaAs solar cells
Authors: Kechiantz Ara , Afanasev Andrei , Lazzari Jean‐Louis 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThe purpose of this work is to look for a practical structure for application of quantum dots (QDs) in solar cells. We focus on a stack of strain‐compensated GaSb/GaAs type‐II QDs. We propose a novel structure with GaSb/GaAs type‐II QD absorber embedded in the p‐doped region of ideal solar cell but spatially separated from the depletion region. We developed the model and used the detailed balance principle along with Poisson and continuity equations for calculating of the energy band bending and photovoltaic characteristics of the proposed solar cell. Our model takes into account both single‐photon and two‐photon absorption as well as non‐radiative processes in QDs and predicts that concentration from 1‐sun to 500‐sun increases the efficiency from 30% to 50%. We showed that accumulation of charge in the QD absorber is the clue to understanding of potentially superior performance of the proposed solar cell. An attractive feature of the proposed solar cell is that QDs do not reduce the open‐circuit voltage but facilitate generation of the additional photocurrent to the extent that photovoltaic characteristics reduce to that of ideal solar cell while the efficiency meets the Luque‐Marti limit. It should be noted that although non‐radiative processes like relaxation in QDs and recombination through QDs degrade photovoltaic characteristics of the proposed solar cell, its conversion efficiency is still predicted to be above the Shockley‐Queisser limit by 5% to 10%. This study is an important step toward producing practical solar cells that benefit from additional photocurrent generated by sub‐band gap photons. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A concept for the assimilation of satellite cloud information in an Ensemble Kalman Filter: single‐observation experiments
Authors: Schomburg A. , Schraff C. , Potthast R. 
Published: June 2014

A new approach is introduced to assimilate cloud information into a convection‐permitting numerical weather prediction model with an ensemble Kalman filter. Cloud information is obtained from a satellite cloud‐top height product based on Meteosat SEVIRI data. To assure quality and specify the observation error based on data reliability, the satellite cloud‐top height is merged with cloud‐top height derived from radiosonde humidity soundings. For that purpose, the radiosonde cloud‐top information is assumed to be representative not only for the location of the ascent itself but also in spatially and temporally nearby areas which have the same cloud type according to a satellite cloud‐type classification.From the cloud‐top height information, different variables are derived to be used as ‘pseudo observations’ within the ensemble Kalman filter. At cloudy locations these are cloud‐top height and 100% relative humidity at that cloud‐top height. Also zero cloud cover amounts at up to three heights are assimilated at cloud‐free observation locations and above low‐ and mid‐level cloud observations.The approach has been applied in a number of single‐observation experiments to assess the effect in detail of assimilating these variables on the atmospheric column. Three examples are shown of single‐observation experiments for a stable wintertime high‐pressure synoptic situation with low stratus clouds, where model background and observation have large discrepancies. The ensemble Kalman filter is able to draw the ensemble closer to the observations. The analysis shows improved cloud variables in both cloudy and cloud‐free scenes. A reasonable effect on the temperature profiles through cross‐correlations in the background ensemble is obtained.The approach represents a method to exploit high‐resolution remote‐sensing data for short‐range meso‐γ‐scale weather forecast models with a view to applying this method in a rapid‐update cycle, particularly useful for local‐scale weather phenomena.
Effects of Impoundment on Macroinvertebrate Community Assemblages in Upland Streams
Authors: Gillespie B. R. , Brown L. E. , Kay P. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractApproximately 15% of the world's river flow is regulated, but evidence for the impacts of regulation on macroinvertebrate communities remains contradictory. Sound understanding of this topic is now required to meet legislative targets (e.g. EU Water Framework Directive good ecological potential). In the UK, research has either been undertaken at large (national) or small (reach) scales, and typically, researchers have made comparisons between sites classed simply as either regulated or unregulated. We present an alternative, medium (regional) scale study and contrast three methods of defining the extent to which a site is regulated (ER): (i) regulated or unregulated (ERLOW); (ii) fully‐regulated, semi‐regulated or unregulated (ERMED); and (iii) a continuous score reflecting the relative regulated and unregulated river influence on a site (ERHIGH). The potential for highlighting the impacts of regulation of two recently developed pressure‐specific biotic indices [Lotic Invertebrate index for Flow Evaluation (LIFE) and Proportion of Sediment‐sensitive Invertebrates] is also assessed. We found that (i) regulation was associated with reduced relative abundance of Coleoptera and Ephemeroptera and enhanced relative abundance of Trichoptera, Chironomidae and Oligochaeta; (ii) Potamopyrgus antipodarum and Amphinemura sulcicollis were both positively associated with regulation; this observation is novel for the UK; (iii) ERHIGH was superior to both ERLOW and MED as a means of detecting an impact; and (iv) of all indices tested, only LIFE was significantly associated with regulation. The use of LIFE and ERHIGH should be tested further to understand the extent to which they can provide clearer insights into the effects of river regulation on macroinvertebrate communities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autocrine Interleukin-6 Drives Skin-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell Trafficking via Regulating Voltage-Gated Ca2+ Channels
Authors: Ke Fang , Zhang Lingyun , Liu Zhaoyuan , Liu Jinlin , Yan Sha , Xu Zhenyao , Bai Jing , Zhu Huiyuan , Lou Fangzhou , Wang Hong , Shi Yufang , Jiang Yong , Su Bing , Wang Honglin 
Published: June 2014

AbstractMesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have demonstrated promising therapeutic potential for a variety of diseases including autoimmune disorders. A fundamental requirement for MSC-mediated in vivo immunosuppression is their effective trafficking. However the mechanism underlying MSC trafficking remains elusive. Here we report that skin-derived MSCs (S-MSCs) secrete high levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) in inflammatory conditions. Disruption of the il6 or its signaling transducer gp130 blocks voltage-gated calcium (Ca2+) channels (VGCC) critically required for cell contraction involved in the sequential adhesion and de-adhesion events during S-MSC migration. Deletion of il6 gene leads to a severe defect in S-MSC's trafficking and immunosuppressive function in vivo. Thus, this unexpected requirement of autocrine IL-6 for activating Ca2+ channels uncovers a previously unrecognized link between the IL-6 signaling and the VGCC and provides novel mechanistic insights for the trafficking and immunomodulatory activities of S-MSCs. Stem Cells 2014;32:2799–2810
Exploring the influence of learning progressions in two teacher communities
Authors: Furtak Erin Marie , Heredia Sara C. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractLearning progressions, or sequences of how ideas and practices develop within domains, are increasingly a focus of science education research. Recently, researchers have called for these progressions to be used as interpretive frameworks for teachers' instructional planning and assessment practices. In this study, we explore data from two high schools collected in two studies. In the first study, we engaged with teachers to develop and refine a learning progression for natural selection alongside formative assessments. In the second study, we took this learning progression to teachers at a different school, and used it to co‐develop formative assessments and plan units. We adopt a communities of practice perspective to frame two case studies of these schools, taking the learning progression as a boundary object that not only maintained its meaning across the two different communities, but also took up different meanings within each community. We found that the learning community that helped to develop the learning progression used it as an opportunity to bring previously disparate units into sync, and to develop and enact a common sequence of formative assessments within their unit. In contrast, at the second school, teachers struggled to make sense of the learning progression within the accountability context of their school, as well as other tools provided them by the school and district. These results indicate that teachers could potentially benefit from the opportunity to co‐develop learning progressions with researchers that capture their ideas that are shared within the community; however, if learning progressions are not in sync with other tools provided to teachers to structure their planning, they will not be taken up in the same way. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 51: 982–1020, 2014
Multiobjective optimum design method with anti‐demagnetization of high‐density permanent magnet synchronous motor
Authors: Wei Shi , Zhouyun Zhang 
Published: June 2014

AbstractThis paper presents a method of multiobjective optimization design with anti‐demagnetization aiming at the problem of irreversible demagnetization in high‐density permanent magnet synchronous motors (PMSMs) due to temperature and external magnetic field, at the same time considering the volume of permanent magnets and cost, torque ripple, and core loss. In the first step, a two‐dimensional magnetic network model is used to rapidly assess the basic design parameters and its ability to avenge the anti‐demagnetization of the PMSM. In the second step, the finite element method (FEM) is used to design the key parts of motor, and regression models that solve the model of the multiobjective problem are built based on the simulation experiment data. On this basis, multiobjective optimization result using genetic algorithm is used that can achieve a fast and efficiently global optimal solution. © 2014 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Clinical utility of multielectrode contact mapping for scar‐related ventricular tachycardia ablation: A prospective single‐center experience
Authors: Nakahara Shiro , Hori Yuichi , Kamijima Tohru , Tsukada Naofumi , Nishiyama Naoki , Yamada Kohta , Hayashi Akiko , Komatsu Takaaki , Kobayashi Sayuki , Sakai Yoshihiko , Taguchi Isao , Takayanagi Kan 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackgroundAs with the use of circular catheters for pulmonary vein antral ablation, it may be favorable to use multipolar catheters for substrate mapping of the left ventricle (LV). The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical feasibility of using multielectrode mapping combined with an impedance‐based electroanatomic mapping system for scar‐mediated ventricular tachycardia (VT).MethodsBy using the multielectrode catheter in conjunction with the Velocity system, we obtained both geometric and electrogram data simultaneously, through transseptal and transsubxiphoid approaches. Higher‐density mapping was performed in areas of dense scar (<0.5 mV) and border zones (0.5–1.5 mV). All late potentials (LPs) observed on the multipoles were tagged, and pace mapping was performed at those sites for comparison with the targeted VT morphology. Ablation was performed at target sites on the multipolar catheter that were identified by pace mapping, as well as at sites identified to have LPs and to be the origin of the premature ventricular complexes (PVCs) that triggered the VT.ResultsSixteen patients (8/8: ischemic/nonischemic cardiomyopathy) underwent endocardial (n=16) and epicardial (n=8) mapping. The mean number of endocardial and epicardial mapping points was 504±136 and 670±211, respectively, with an average mapping time of 21±6 min. LPs were seen in 13 patients (81%), and good (56%) and perfect (31%) pace maps were seen in 14 patients (88%). In two patients, sites with the earliest activation of PVCs that triggered VT were successfully identified with multipolar catheter mapping. A distinct geometric distortion of the endocardial LV was confirmed in two patients, and those were modified by dividing the LV into two chambers. After 10.0±3.7 months, 71% of the patients have remained free of VT episodes.ConclusionMultipolar catheter mapping combined with the Velocity system results in a high‐density delineation of the LV substrates in a relatively short time, suggesting that this is a feasible alternative mapping strategy for scar‐related VT.
Development of a Self-Administered Questionnaire to Assess the Psychological Competencies for Surviving a Disaster
Authors: Feng Danjun , Ji Linqin 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo find the psychological competencies for surviving a disaster and develop a self-report questionnaire to assess them.MethodsInterviews with 16 earthquake survivors and 16 fire fighters followed by qualitative analysis were used to find psychological competencies. Formation of the item pool, a pilot study among 20 college teachers and students, a series of principal component analyses for the data from 345 college students, and a confirmatory factor analysis for the data from 307 participants with various occupations were used to develop the Psychological Competencies for Surviving a Disaster Questionnaire (PCSDQ).ResultsWe found 4 psychological competencies: risk perception of a disaster, disaster knowledge and self-relief skills, low fear in a disaster, and sense of control over a disaster. The 24-item PCSDQ assessed these psychological competencies. The Cronbach alpha of PCSDQ subscales ranged from .75 to .87.ConclusionsThe psychological competencies for surviving a disaster were found to be risk perception of a disaster, disaster knowledge and self-relief skills, low fear in a disaster, and sense of control over a disaster. Using the PCSDQ to assess a person’s psychological competencies for disaster survival will make it possible to provide that person with an individualized and targeted disaster self-relief education and/or training program. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1-9)
IS KNOWLEDGE THE ABILITY TO ϕ FOR THE REASON THAT P?
Authors: Hughes Nick 
Published: June 2014

AbstractHyman (1999, 2006) argues that knowledge is best conceived as a kind of ability: S knows thatpiff S can ϕ for the reason thatp. Hyman motivates this thesis by appealing to Gettier cases. I argue that it is counterexampled by a certain kind of Gettier case where the fact thatpis a cause of the subject's belief thatp. One can ϕ for the reason thatpeven if one does not know thatp. So knowledge is not best conceived as an ability of this kind.
Analytical Simulations of the Steel-Laminated Elastomeric Bridge Bearing
Authors: Wang R.-Z. , Chen S.-K. , Liu K.-Y. , Wang C.-Y. , Chang K.-C. , Chen S.-H. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn this paper, analytical simulations of the steel-laminated elastomeric bearing (SLEB) using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model incorporating material, geometric nonlinearities, and a frictional contact algorithm in LS-DYNA code is conducted. In order to simulate the nonlinear responses of the elastomeric bearing under the compression and shear, a hyperviscoelastic rubber model such as The MAT_77_H (MAT_HYPERVISCOELASTIC_RUBBER) in LS- DYNA code is adopted. Based on the proposed material model for the SLEB, the interaction effects of the SLEB under compression, bending, and torsion are analyzed. Analytical results are compared with the test results of the SLEBs. A set of material parameters is proposed for 3D FEM analysis of SLEBs. The proposed material model demonstrates its accuracy.
Analyzing gaze allocation during language planning: a cross-linguistic study on dynamic events1
Authors: FLECKEN MONIQUE , GERWIEN JOHANNES , CARROLL MARY , STUTTERHEIM CHRISTIANE VON 
Published: June 2014

abstractStudies on gaze allocation during sentence production have recently begun to implement cross-linguistic analyses in the investigation of visual and linguistic processing. The underlying assumption is that the aspects of a scene that attract attention prior to articulation are, in part, linked to the specific linguistic system and means used for expression. The present study concerns naturalistic, dynamic scenes (video clips) showing causative events (agent acting on an object) and exploits grammatical differences in the domain of verbal aspect, and the way in which the status of an event (a specific vs. habitual instance of an event) is encoded in English and German. Fixations in agent and action areas of interest were timelocked to utterance onset, and we focused on the pre-articulatory time span to shed light on sentence planning processes, involving message generation and scene conceptualization. Findings are threefold: (i) English speakers mark the status of an event as specific in relation to the action, with progressive aspect marking on the verb in each utterance. German speakers do so by elaborating specific characteristics of the agent; (ii) participants display significantly different gaze allocation patterns to agent and action regions although the sentences produced in both languages follow the same subject−verb word order; and (iii) the analysis of gaze patterns during sentence production given dynamic scenes provide complementary results from a more naturalistic paradigm, to those obtained in studies with still images.
The Emperor Has No Clothes: The Limits of OPEC in the Global Oil Market
Authors: Colgan Jeff D. 
Published: June 2014

AbstractScholars have long debated the causal impact of international institutions such as the World Trade Organization or the International Monetary Fund. This study investigates Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), an organization that purports to have significant influence over the market for the world's most important commodity–petroleum. Using four empirical tests, I find that OPEC has little or no impact on its members' production levels. These findings prompt the question of why so many people, including scholars, believe in OPEC's influence over the world's oil supply. The idea of OPEC as a cartel is a “rational myth” that supports the organization's true principal function, which is to generate political benefits for its members. One benefit it generates is international prestige. I test this idea using data on diplomatic representation and find that OPEC membership is associated with increased international recognition by other states. Overall, these findings help one to better understand international regimes and the process of ideational change in world politics.
Endolymphatic sac surgical anatomy and transmastoid decompression of the sac for the management of Ménière's disease
Authors: Locke R R , Shaw-Dunn J , O'Reilly B F 
Published: June 2014

AbstractBackground:Decompression of the endolymphatic sac for Ménière's disease gives unpredictable results. This may be because the sac is difficult to identify and decompress accurately without causing surgical trauma.Methods:In order to test this idea, transmastoid decompression was simulated in 5 cadaver half heads and the anatomy of the endolymphatic sac was reviewed in a further 14 specimens.Results:The endolymphatic sac was found and confirmed by histology in all five simulated decompressions. A newly described feature, a trapezoid thickening of dura, was a useful guide. The review showed that the sac was constant proximally, but variable distally. The posterior semicircular canal, posterior fossa dura and sigmoid sinus are at risk during dissection.Conclusion:The endolymphatic sac may be identified on inspection by an overlying patch of dura, thereby reducing exploratory dissection. It is best to decompress the sac as far proximally as possible, whilst protecting the posterior semicircular canal.
Dementia and migration: Pakistani immigrants in the Norwegian welfare state
Authors: NÆSS ANDERS , MOEN BJØRG 
Published: June 2014

ABSTRACTThis article is about dementia disease in the context of transnational migration. Focusing on the example of Pakistani immigrants in Norway, the article explores response processes surrounding signs and symptoms of dementia. Particular attention is lent to understanding how Norwegian-Pakistani families ‘negotiate dementia’ in the space between their own imported, culturally defined system of cure and care, and the Norwegian health-care culture, which is characterised by an inclination towards public care and biomedical intervention. Based on field observations and in-depth interviews with Norwegian-Pakistani families and hospital professionals working with dementia, we show that the centrality of the traditional family in Norwegian-Pakistanis' identity claims has significant implications for how Norwegian-Pakistanis relate to the Norwegian health-care culture, and for how signs and symptoms of cognitive decline are read and responded to in a migratory context.