bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of Total Sediment Load in Sand‐Bed Rivers in Korea Using Lateral Distribution Method
Authors: Choi Sung‐Uk , Lee Jinhwi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA new method for numerically predicting the total sediment load in a river is proposed. The method can be used to predict the total sediment load with information on channel geometry and slope, flow, and bed materials. The conventional method uses a 1D approach that assumes the channel has a wide rectangular shape. However, the proposed method computes depth‐averaged velocity over the width and predicts the total sediment load based on the flow computations. The new method, therefore, is expected to predict better if the flow changes significantly in the lateral direction. The proposed method was applied to three large sand‐bed rivers in Korea, where information is available regarding suspended sediment. Five formulas were tested of use in making total sediment load computations, namely Engelund‐Hansen's, Ackers‐White's, Yang's, Brownlie's, and Karim's formulas. The predicted total sediment loads are compared not only with measured data but also with results calculated using the 1D approach. Discrepancy ratios between the predicted and measured total sediment loads are given and the results are discussed.
Caring about the clinician who seems uncaring: the ‘as if’ approach
Authors: Buetow Stephen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper suggests how a patient may be able to give and receive the caring he/she wants with respect to a clinician whose (in)action he/she perceives to be uncaring. The approach suggested draws on the philosophy and psychology of framing and adopting Hans Vaihinger's ‘as if’ theory. I draw on my own experience as a patient to apply this approach that requires imagining and acting as if an apparently uncaring clinician is caring. This fiction need not be objectively true but nor is it necessarily false because the as if theory assumes that the only world anyone can know is one of appearances. At least when the lack of caring appears objectively minor and uncertain to the person feeling it, the caring fiction can be morally important, both for its own sake and for its utility to the patient, the clinician and the maintenance of their relationship. Lastly I discuss the strengths and limitations of the as if approach for clinical practice.
Statistical and Physical Characteristics for Separation Defective Berries of Seeded and Seedless Raisin Varieties
Authors: Karimi Navab , Karimi Mohsen , Karimi Mortaza , Hüseynov Raqif 
Published: October 2014

AbstractSelected physical properties of intact and defective berries of two seeded and seedless raisin varieties were evaluated at safe moisture content. The size of intact and defective seeded and seedless raisin berries was statistically analyzed using three‐parameter Weibull and radar distributions in order to simulate separation and classification processes and to estimate the sieve hole size. Separation tests were also carried out in order to determine the actual hole size and screening efficiency. The results showed that physical properties of intact and defective berries are useful in the separating process. The statistical results indicated that the distributions are relevant for modeling the probability distribution of size parameters of the berries. Using the results of statistical and experimental tests, the optimum hole size and screening efficiency of separator sieve for both raisin varieties were obtained. Finally, a two‐stage circuit for separation and classification of the raisins was presented.Practical ApplicationsWe measured physical properties of seeded and seedless raisins at safe moisture content. We classified both raisin berries as a function of bivariable Weibull distribution. We simulate and stipulate how to obtain appropriate hole size of a separator sieve. We calculated the efficiency of separator screen for both raisin varieties. We configured a two‐stage circuit for separation and classification of the raisin types.
Effect of Emulsification Process on Multiple Lipid Particles Encapsulating Both Coenzyme Q10 and Tea Polyphenols
Authors: Zhao Guodong , Hu Caibiao , Sun Rui , Ni Shilei , Xia Qiang 
Published: October 2014

AbstractA novel drug delivery system called multiple lipid particles containing both coenzyme Q10 and tea polyphenols were proposed for the stabilization of water‐in‐oil‐in‐water emulsions. The effects of the type and concentration of lipophilic and hydrophilic emulsifier, and drug concentration on multiple lipid particles were investigated. The experimental results revealed that it is possible to stabilize the primary emulsions of multiple lipid particles with mixtures of lecithin, polyglycerol polyricinoleate and PEG 30 dipolyhydroxystearate. Polyglyceryl‐10 laurate as proper hydrophilic emulsifier exhibited terrific compatibility with polyglycerol polyricinoleate. In vitro release study displayed a sustained drug release and the obtained outcomes also suggested that multiple lipid particles could enhance loading capacity of both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with high level of encapsulation efficiency and long‐term stability.Practical ApplicationsMultiple emulsions are a complex system that could incorporate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs. However, the destabilization of multiple emulsions with time limits their application. To obtain a stable formulation for encapsulation of both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs, a novel drug delivery system, called multiple lipid particles, was proposed, which combines the advantages of multiple emulsions and solid lipid nanoparticles. This study investigated the emulsification process of multiple lipid particles to obtain stable formulation. The results revealed that multiple lipid particles could encapsulate both lipophilic and hydrophilic drugs with high loading capacity and encapsulation efficiency. The solid state of multiple lipid particles is more stable than that of multiple emulsions. Thus, multiple lipid particles have potential application in food, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries.
Exploring the Use of Ecological Footprint in Life Cycle Impact Assessment
Authors: Lee Seung‐Jin , Hawkins Troy R. , Ingwersen Wesley W. , Young Douglas M. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryEcological footprint (EF) is a metric that estimates human consumption of biological resources and products, along with generation of waste greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in terms of appropriated productive land. There is an opportunity to better characterize land occupation and effects on the carbon cycle in life cycle assessment (LCA) models using EF concepts. Both LCA and EF may benefit from the merging of approaches commonly used separately by practitioners of these two methods. However, few studies have compared or integrated EF with LCA. The focus of this research was to explore methods for improving the characterization of land occupation within LCA by considering the EF method, either as a complementary tool or impact assessment method. Biofuels provide an interesting subject for application of EF in the LCA context because two of the most important issues surrounding biofuels are land occupation (changes, availability, and so on) and GHG balances, two of the impacts that EF is able to capture. We apply EF to existing fuel LCA land occupation and emissions data and project EF for future scenarios for U.S. transportation fuels. We find that LCA studies can benefit from lessons learned in EF about appropriately modeling productive land occupation and facilitating clear communication of meaningful results, but find limitations to the EF in the LCA context that demand refinement and recommend that EF always be used along with other indicators and metrics in product‐level assessments.
Increasing Precision in Greenhouse Gas Accounting Using Real‐Time Emission Factors
Authors: Spork Charlie C. , Chavez Abel , Gabarrell Durany Xavier , Patel Martin K. , Villalba Méndez Gara 
Published: October 2014

SummaryFor many companies, the greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with their purchased and consumed electricity form one of the largest contributions to the GHG emissions that result from their activities. Currently, hourly variations in electricity grid emissions are not considered by standard GHG accounting protocols, which apply a national grid emission factor (EF), potentially resulting in erred estimates for the GHG emissions. In this study, a method is developed that calculates GHG emissions based on real‐time data, and it is shown that the use of hourly electricity grid EFs can significantly improve the accuracy of the GHG emissions that are attributed to the purchased and consumed electricity of a company. A model analysis for the electricity delivered to the Spanish grid in 2012 reveals that, for companies operating during the day, GHG emissions calculated by the real‐time method are estimated to be up to 5% higher (and in some special cases up to 9% higher) than the emissions calculated by the conventional method in which a national grid EF is applied, whereas for companies operating during nightly hours, GHG emissions are estimated to be as low as 3% below the GHG emissions determined by the conventional method. A significant error can therefore occur in the organizational carbon footprint (CF) of a company and, consequently, also in the product CF. It is recommended that hourly EFs be developed for other countries and power grids.
Hospital Patient‐Care and Outside‐the‐Hospital Energy Profiles for Hemodialysis Services
Authors: Soltani Seyed A. , Overcash Michael R. , Twomey Janet M. , Esmaeili M. Amin , Yildirim Bayram 
Published: October 2014

SummaryStudies investigated the patient‐care (in‐hospital) and outside‐the‐hospital energy consumptions for delivering the hemodialysis (HD) service. A life cycle inventory methodology was used for this patient‐based analysis for two hospitals located in Wichita, Kansas. It was found that, for both hospitals, the actual HD machines consumed approximately 3.5 kilowatt‐hours (kWh) of electrical energy per HD, only 8% to 16% of the total energy used for delivering the HD service (in hospital). This increases to 9.6 to 28.9 kWh of hospital billable energy for the whole system of HD machine, auxiliaries, and dialysis water treatment. Converting these hospital direct electrical energy values to natural resource energy (nre) then adding the cradle‐to‐gate natural resource energy for the manufacturing and supply chain of all the HD consumables, the total is 78 to 149 kWh nre/HD. The nre measures all the direct fuel burned to generate energy and is thus directly related to emissions to the air, water, and land and is a direct secondary impact on public health from HD. The ratio of outside‐the‐hospital energy to direct hospital HD electrical energy consumption is 4:1 to 7:1, so a broader base exists for improvement than just the hospital.
α‐synuclein‐induced mitochondrial dysfunction in isolated preparation and intact cells: Implications in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease
Authors: Bir Aritri , Sen Oishimaya , Anand Shruti , Khemka Vineet Kumar , Banerjee Priyanjalee , Cappai Roberto , Sahoo Arghyadip , Chakrabarti Sasanka 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study has shown that purified recombinant human α‐synuclein (20 μM) causes membrane depolarization and loss of phosphorylation capacity of isolated purified rat brain mitochondria by activating permeability transition pore complex. In intact SHSY5Y (human neuroblastoma cell line) cells, lactacystin (5 μM), a proteasomal inhibitor, causes an accumulation of α‐synuclein with concomitant mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. The effects of lactacystin on intact SHSY5Y cells are, however, prevented by knocking down α‐synuclein expression by specific siRNA. Furthermore, in wild‐type (non‐transfected) SHSY5Y cells, the effects of lactacystin on mitochondrial function and cell viability are also prevented by cyclosporin A (1 μM) which blocks the activity of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Likewise, in wild‐type SHSY5Y cells, typical mitochondrial poison like antimycin A (50 nM) produces loss of cell viability comparable to that of lactacystin (5 μM). These data, in combination with those from isolated brain mitochondria, strongly suggest that intracellularly accumulated α‐synuclein can interact with mitochondria in intact SHSY5Y cells causing dysfunction of the organelle which drives the cell death under our experimental conditions. The results have clear implications in the pathogenesis of sporadic Parkinson's disease.
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α‐Synuclein is shown to cause mitochondrial impairment through interaction with permeability transition pore complex in isolated preparations. Intracellular accumulation of α‐synuclein in SHSY5Y cells following proteasomal inhibition leads to mitochondrial impairment and cell death which could be prevented by knocking down α‐synuclein gene. The results link mitochondrial dysfunction and α‐synuclein accumulation, two key pathogenic mechanisms of Parkinson's disease, in a common damage pathway.
Involvement of TG‐interacting factor in microglial activation during experimental traumatic brain injury
Authors: Chio Chung‐Ching , Chang Ching‐Ping , Lin Mao‐Tsun , Su Fang‐Cheng , Yang Chung‐Zhing , Tseng Hong‐Yu , Liu Zi‐Miao , Huang Huei‐Sheng 
Published: October 2014

AbstractTraumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex injury involving several physiological alterations, potentially leading to neurological impairment. Previous mouse studies using high‐density oligonucleotide array analysis have confirmed the upregulation of transforming growth‐interacting factor (TGIF) mRNA in TBI. TGIF is a transcriptional corepressor of transforming growth factor beta (TGF‐β) signaling which plays a protective role in TBI. However, the functional roles of TGIF in TBI are not well understood. In this study, we used confocal microscopy after immunofluorescence staining to demonstrate the increase of TGIF levels in the activated microglia of the pericontusional cortex of rats with TBI. Intracerebral knockdown of TGIF in the pericontusional cortex significantly downregulated TGIF expression, attenuated microglial activation, reduced the volume of damaged brain tissue, and facilitated recovery of limb motor function. Collectively, our results indicate that TGIF is involved in TBI‐induced microglial activation, resulting in secondary brain injury and motor dysfunction.
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This study investigated the roles of transforming growth‐interacting factor (TGIF) in a traumatic brain injury (TBI)‐rat model. We demonstrated the increase of TGIF levels in the activated microglia of the pericontusional cortex of rats with TBI. Intracerebral knockdown of TGIF in the pericontusional cortex of the TBI rats significantly attenuated micoglial activation, reduced the volume of damaged brain tissue, and facilitated recovery of limb motor function. We suggest that inhibition of TGIF might provide a promising therapeutic strategy for TBI.
Jugular Venous Flow Abnormalities in Multiple Sclerosis Patients Compared to Normal Controls
Authors: Sethi Sean K. , Utriainen David T. , Daugherty Ana M. , Feng Wei , Hewett J. Joseph , Raz Naftali , Haacke E. Mark 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDTo determine if extracranial venous structural and flow abnormalities exist in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS).METHODSMagnetic resonance imaging was used to assess the anatomy and function of major veins in the neck in 138 MS patients and 67 healthy controls (HC). Time‐of‐flight MR angiography (MRA) was used to assess stenosis while 2‐dimensional phase‐contrast flow quantification was used to assess flow at the C2/C3 and C5/C6 levels. Venous flow was normalized to the total arterial flow. The MS patients were divided into stenotic (ST) and nonstenotic (NST) groups based on MRA assessment, and each group was compared to the HC group in anatomy and flow.RESULTSThe MS group showed lower normalized internal jugular vein (IJV) blood flow (tIJV/tA) than the HC group (P < .001). In the MS group, 72 (52%) were classified as ST while 66 (48%) were NST. In the HC group, 11 (23%) were ST while 37 (77%) were NST. The ST‐MS group had lower IJV flow than both HC and NST‐MS groups.CONCLUSIONAfter categorizing the MS population into two groups based upon anatomical stenosis, as determined from an absolute quantification of IJV cross section, clear differences in IJV flow between the ST‐MS and HC samples became evident. Despite the unknown etiology of MS, abnormal venous flow was noted in a distinct group of MS patients compared to HC.
Disease Associated with Equine Coronavirus Infection and High Case Fatality Rate
Authors: Fielding C.L. , Higgins J.K. , Higgins J.C. , McIntosh S. , Scott E. , Giannitti F. , Mete A. , Pusterla N. 
Published: October 2014

BackgroundEquine coronavirus (ECoV) is associated with clinical disease in adult horses. Outbreaks are associated with a low case fatality rate and a small number of animals with signs of encephalopathic disease are described.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to describe the epidemiological and clinical features of two outbreaks of ECoV infection that were associated with an high case fatality rate.Animals14 miniature horses and 1 miniature donkey testing fecal positive for ECoV from two related disease outbreaks.MethodsRetrospective study describing the epidemiological findings, clinicopathological findings, and fecal viral load from affected horses.ResultsIn EcoV positive horses, 27% (4/15) of the animals died or were euthanized. Severe hyperammonemia (677 μmol/L, reference range ≤60 μmol/L) was identified in one animal with signs of encephalopathic disease that subsequently died. Fecal viral load (ECoV genome equivalents per gram of feces) was significantly higher in the nonsurvivors compared to animals that survived (P = .02).Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceEquine coronavirus had a higher case fatality rate in this group of miniature horses than previously reported in other outbreaks of varying breeds. Hyperammonemia could contribute to signs of encephalopathic disease, and the fecal viral load might be of prognostic value in affected horses.
Low‐density lipoprotein and other predictors of response with telaprevir‐based therapy in treatment‐experienced HCV genotype 1 patients: REALIZE study
Authors: Berg Thomas , Andreone Pietro , Pol Stanislas , Roberts Stuart , Younossi Zobair , Diago Moises , Lawitz Eric J. , Focaccia Roberto , Foster Graham R. , Horban Andrzej , Lonjon‐Domanec Isabelle , DeMasi Ralph , Picchio Gaston , Luo Donghan , De Meyer Sandra , Zeuzem Stefan 
Published: October 2014

AbstractBackground & AimsPredictors of response to treatment with peginterferon plus ribavirin are well established. In these post‐hoc analyses of the REALIZE study, we sought to identify predictors of response for telaprevir‐based triple therapy.MethodsPatients from the REALIZE study with baseline data for all predictors evaluated (including baseline disease characteristics and demographics, prior treatment response and baseline laboratory assessments) were included in the post‐hoc analyses (n = 465). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to evaluate factors predicting treatment outcomes.ResultsSustained viral response (SVR) rates were 86% in prior relapsers, 63% in prior partial responders and 32% in prior null‐responders. In the final multivariate analysis, baseline factors predicting SVR were prior response to treatment [Odds ratio (OR) = 2.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.13–3.69], low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) (≥2.6 mmol/L) (OR = 2.11; 95% CI, 1.52–2.93), HCV genotype (OR = 0.58; 95% CI, 0.36–0.93), and maximum alanine amino transferase and aspartate amino transferase (OR = 0.62; 95% CI, 0.40–0.97).ConclusionsPrior response to peginterferon plus ribavirin treatment and LDL levels are the main independent predictive markers of response with telaprevir‐based triple therapy.
Use of a natural hybrid zone for genomewide association mapping of craniofacial traits in the house mouse
Authors: Pallares Luisa F. , Harr Bettina , Turner Leslie M. , Tautz Diethard 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe identification of the genes involved in morphological variation in nature is still a major challenge. Here, we explore a new approach: we combine 178 samples from a natural hybrid zone between two subspecies of the house mouse (Mus musculus domesticus and Mus musculus musculus), and high coverage of the genome (~ 145K SNPs) to identify loci underlying craniofacial shape variation. Due to the long history of recombination in the hybrid zone, high mapping resolution is anticipated. The combination of genomes from subspecies allows the mapping of both, variation within subspecies and inter‐subspecific differences, thereby increasing the overall amount of causal genetic variation that can be detected. Skull and mandible shape were measured using 3D landmarks and geometric morphometrics. Using principal component axes as phenotypes, and a linear mixed model accounting for genetic relatedness in the mapping populations, we identified nine genomic regions associated with skull shape and 10 with mandible shape. High mapping resolution (median size of significant regions = 148 kb) enabled identification of single or few candidate genes in most cases. Some of the genes act as regulators or modifiers of signalling pathways relevant for morphological development and bone formation, including several with known craniofacial phenotypes in mice and humans. The significant associations combined explain 13% and 7% of the skull and mandible shape variation, respectively. In addition, a positive correlation was found between chromosomal length and proportion of variation explained. Our results suggest a complex genetic architecture for shape traits and support a polygenic model.
Mutually repressing repressor functions and multi‐layered cellular heterogeneity regulate the bistable Salmonella fliC census
Authors: Stewart Mary K. , Cookson Brad T. 
Published: October 2014

SummaryBistable flagellar and virulence gene expression generates specialized Salmonella subpopulations with distinct functions. Repressing flagellar genes allows Salmonella to evade caspase‐1 mediated host defenses and enhances systemic colonization. By definition, bistability arises when intermediate states of gene expression are rendered unstable by the underlying genetic circuitry. We demonstrate sustained bistable fliC expression in virulent Salmonella 14028 and document dynamic control of the distribution, or single‐cell census, of flagellar gene expression by the mutually repressing repressors YdiV and FliZ. YdiV partitions cells into the fliC‐OFF subpopulation, while FliZ partitions cells into the fliC‐HIGH subpopulation at late time points during growth. Bistability of ΔfliZ populations and ydiV‐independent FliZ control of flagellar gene expression provide evidence that the YdiV‐FliZ mutually repressing repressor circuit is not required for bistability. Repression and activation by YdiV and FliZ (respectively) can shape the census of fliC expression independently, and bistability collapses into a predominantly intermediate population in the absence of both regulators. Metered expression of YdiV and FliZ reveals variable sensitivity to these regulators and defines conditions where expression of FliZ enhances fliC expression and where FliZ does not alter the fliC census. Thus, this evolved genetic circuitry coordinates multiple layers of regulatory heterogeneity into a binary response.