bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Notch3 and kidney injury: never two without three
Authors: Sanchez‐Niño Maria Dolores , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: September 2012

AbstractNotch receptors and their canonical ligands are transmembrane proteins of the EGF‐like family, expressed in the cell surface. Notch receptors are synthesized as single peptides and undergo three sequential proteolytic cleavage steps before rendering an active transcription factor, the Notch intracellular domain (NICD). Ligand binding facilitates release of NICD by γ‐secretase. Evidence for the role of the Notch pathway in kidney injury comes from studies on activation of Notch by canonical ligands in cultured cells, on inhibition/targeting of γ‐secretase in culture or in vivo, on genetic deletion of common Notch pathway proteins such as CSL, or descriptions of increased transcription of Notch target genes in kidney injury. Inhibitors of γ‐secretase prevent fibrosis in experimental kidney injury. However, these drugs may modulate other signalling systems beyond Notch and are toxic in human trials. Information regarding the specific contribution of each receptor to kidney injury may help design better targeted therapeutic approaches. In this regard, overexpression of NICD1, NCID2, NICD3 or NICD4 elicits biological responses in cultured renal cells that include cell proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammatory and profibrotic responses, depending on the particular NICD. Furthermore, immunostaining for NICD1, NICD2, and NICD4 suggestive of receptor activation has been observed in glomerular and tubular cells in human and experimental kidney disease. Delayed conditional Notch1 or Notch2 inactivation facilitates cyst formation, and NICD1 overexpression in podocytes or tubular cells promotes glomerulosclerosis and interstitial fibrosis. Kidney injury is a feature of human Notch2 mutations and CADASIL patients with mutated Notch3 may display renal injury. Notch3−/− mice display increased sensitivity to angiotensin II‐induced kidney injury but are less sensitive to tubular injury, inflammation, and fibrosis following unilateral ureteral obstruction. The recent availability of blocking antibodies specific for Notch1, Notch2, and Notch3 may help to elucidate the therapeutic potential of specific targeting of individual Notch receptors in kidney disease.
The influence of zinc ferrites nanoparticles on the thermal, mechanical, and magnetic properties of rubber nanocomposites
Authors: Yaghmour S.J. , Hafez M. , Ali K. , Elshirbeeny W. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe interest to ferrite nanoparticles (NPs) is thriving because of their unique applications in life industry. Doping of rubber composites by nanoparticles results in a novel characteristics which is not exist either in the ferrite or rubber alone. In this study, zinc ferrite NPs have been synthesized via sol–gel technique. These nanoferrites embedded into acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (NBR) at different concentrations. The morphology and structure of zinc ferrite and zinc ferrite NPs doped NBR were investigated using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of zinc ferrite NPs loading on the thermal stability showed that the zinc ferrite enhanced the thermal stability and reduced the rate of thermal degradation of rubber nanocomposites. The effect of zinc ferrite NPs on the mechanical properties of NBR showed that the hardness, tear strength, and tensile stress are improved. The magnetic measurements of these nanocomposites showed that the saturation magnetization is enhanced as the concentration of zinc ferrite NPs increased into NBR nanocomposites. The EPR spectra of zinc ferrite NPs doped NBR indicated that the increase in zinc ferrite NPs content resulted in an increase in the g‐factor and line width. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
One‐electron Optical Properties of a Nanorice with a Nonconcentric Core
Authors: Kulish Volodymyr V. , Tomchuk Petro M. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractWe investigate optical properties of nanoshells (small composite clusters composed of a dielectric core and a metal shell; contribution of the shell dominates in the optical properties of the whole cluster) far from plasmon resonance. In particular, nanoshells with the shape of a stretched rotation ellipsoid (nanorice) are considered. For such shell‐type particle the electron wavefunction, the electron energy, the wavenumber spectrum, and the matrix elements of corresponding optical transitions were found. Using these quantities, the classical optical conductivity of such shells (the quantum effects are not considered) and the quantum optical conductivity (relevant addendums for the classical conductivity that are caused by the quantum effects like the electron spectrum discreteness) were found. Oscillating nature of the dependence of these addendums on the incident light frequency is established. The optical conductivity expressions are generalized for the case of a nanorice particle with a weak nonconcentricity.
Characteristics of Minimum Fluidization Velocity for Magnetite Powder used in an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed for Coal Beneficiation
Authors: Mohanta Satyabrata , Daram Anil Babu , Chakraborty Sudipto , Meikap Bhim Charan 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAccurate determination of minimum fluidization velocity of medium particle is essential for proper designing and operation of an Air Dense Medium Fluidized Bed Separator for coal beneficiation. Significantly different values of minimum fluidization velocity have been obtained from different available correlations. So, it is necessary to develop a suitable correlation for this specific purpose. In this study, the minimum fluidization velocities of different size magnetite powders are investigated in a 15 cm diameter fluidized bed. Three correlations are derived from the fundamental principles for the theoretical prediction of these minimum fluidization velocities. The adequacy and reliability of each of these correlations is tested by adopting a statistical analysis approach and the most suitable correlation is selected. The predictive capability of this selected correlation is verified by using the data available in the literature. The results show that this new correlation is in very well agreement with these experimental data and shown to be applicable for practical purpose. Moreover, this study reveals that the correlation developed from the basic particle properties and bed characteristics can predict more accurate results.
Overview of state approaches to vapor intrusion
Authors: Eklund Bart , Beckley Lila , Yates Vivian , McHugh Thomas E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA large number of states have issued guidance addressing the vapor intrusion pathway making it difficult to keep up with various policies and requirements. We have compiled and reviewed guidance from 35 states, half of which have issued documents within the last three years. A comparison of policies among states shows reasonable consistency in some areas—for example, 20 of 23 states that provide an exclusion distance for subsurface sources of chlorinated volatile organic compounds (VOCs) use a distance of 100 feet. However, more commonly, the policy decisions vary widely. Among states, indoor air screening concentrations for the same VOC vary by more than 2,000 times and subsurface screening concentrations vary by more than 2,000,000 times. These wide discrepancies suggest a need for communication and consensus building in order to increase consistency in the management of the vapor intrusion pathway. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The influence of seasonal vertical temperature gradients on no‐purge sampling of wells
Authors: McHugh Thomas E. , Newell Charles J. , Landazuri Roberto C. , Molofsky Lisa J. , Adamson David T. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractSeasonal changes in ambient temperature create vertical temperature gradients in shallow groundwater (less than 15 m). These temperature gradients can affect in‐well flow dynamics that impact samples collected using no‐purge sampling methods. In late winter, the shallower water is colder, resulting in thermally mixed conditions and uniform contaminant concentrations. In late summer, the shallower water is warmer, resulting in thermally stratified conditions and contaminant distributions in the monitoring well more consistent with the distribution in the surrounding aquifer. The importance of seasonal temperature gradients on in‐well mixing was evaluated in two shallow monitoring wells in Houston, Texas. In each of the two wells, four vertically spaced passive diffusion samples collected in late winter showed a less than 1.3x difference in trichloroethene (TCE) concentration between depths, while the same sampling conducted in late summer showed greater than a 100x difference in TCE concentration between depths. A simple analytical model originally developed to predict vertical soil temperature profiles can also be used to predict the occurrence of thermally stratified and thermally mixed conditions in monitoring wells as a function of time and well depth. The results of this analysis and modeling suggest that shallow monitoring wells in most of the United States and Canada can have significantly different vertical concentration profiles within the well over the course of a year due to seasonal vertical temperature gradients. This can induce additional intra‐annual temporal variability on passive no‐purge sampling results from these shallow wells, potentially making it more difficult to discern true trends in the data. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiphase extraction radius of influence: Evaluation of design and operational parameters
Authors: Crawford Richard , Surbeck Cristiane Q. , Worley Steven B. , Capps H. Q. Parker 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA common remedial technology for properties with subsurface soil and groundwater contamination is multiphase extraction (MPE). MPE involves the extraction of contaminated groundwater, free‐floating product, and contaminated soil vapor from the subsurface. A network of recovery wells conveys fluids to a vacuum pump and to the treatment system for the contaminated groundwater and soil vapor. This article describes a study of MPE operational data from nine similar remediation projects to determine the most important design parameters. Design equations from guidance manuals were used to estimate the expected radius of influence (ROI) based on measured field data. ROIs were calculated for the vapor flow rate through the subsurface and for the groundwater drawdown caused by the MPE remediation activities. The calculated ROIs were compared to the measured ROIs to corroborate the assumptions made in the calculations. Once it was established that the calculated and field‐measured ROIs were comparable, a sensitivity analysis determined ranges of different design and operational parameters that most affected the ROIs. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A universal design approach for in situ bioremediation developed from multiple project sites
Authors: Fam Sami A. , Falatko David M. , Higgins Joseph E. , Mountain Stewart , Pirelli Anthony J. , Gaudette Michael 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis article describes a design approach that has been developed for bioremediation of chlorinated volatile organic compound–impacted groundwater that is based upon experience gained during the past 17 years. The projects described in the article generally involve large‐scale enhanced anaerobic dechlorination (EAD) and combined aerobic/anaerobic bioremediation techniques. Our design approach is based on three primary objectives: (1) selecting and distributing the proper additives (including bioaugmentation) within the targeted treatment zone; (2) maintaining a neutral pH (and adding alkalinity when needed); and (3) sustaining the desired conditions for a sufficient period of time for the bioremediation process to be fully completed. This design approach can be applied to both anaerobic and aerobic bioremediation systems. Site‐specific conditions of hydraulic permeability, groundwater velocity, contaminant type and concentrations, and regulatory constraints will dictate the best remedial approach and design parameters for in situ bioremediation at each site.The biggest challenges to implementing anaerobic bioremediation processes are generally the selection and delivery of a suitable electron donor and the proper distribution of the donor throughout the targeted treatment zone. For aerobic bioremediation processes, complete distribution of adequate concentrations of a suitable electron acceptor, typically oxygen or oxygen‐yielding compounds such as hydrogen peroxide, is critical. These design approaches were developed based on understanding the biological processes involved and the mechanics of groundwater flow. They have evolved based on actual applications and results from numerous sites. An EAD treatment system, based on our current design approach, typically uses alcohol as a substrate, employs groundwater recirculation to distribute additives, and has an operational period of two to four years. An aerobic in situ treatment system based on our current design approach typically uses pure oxygen or hydrogen peroxide as an electron acceptor, may involve enhancements to groundwater flow for better distribution, and generally has an operational period of one to four years. These design concepts and specific project examples are presented for 17 sites. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demonstration of MicroBlower™ technology for sustainable soil vapor extraction: Case studies at the Savannah River Site, South Carolina
Authors: Noonkester Jay V. , Riha Brian D. , Birk Gary M. , Rambo Braden H. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe MicroBlower Sustainable Soil Vapor Extraction System is a cost‐effective device specifically designed for remediation of organic compounds in the vadose zone. The system is applicable for remediating sites with low levels of contamination and for transitioning sites from active source technologies such as active soil vapor extraction to natural attenuation. It can also be a better choice for remediating small source zones that are often found in “tight zones” that are controlled by diffusion rate. The MicroBlower was developed by the Savannah River National Laboratory at the US Department of Energy's Savannah River Site to address residual volatile organic compound (VOC) contamination after shutdown of active soil vapor extraction systems. In addition, the system has been deployed to control recalcitrant sources that are controlled by diffusion rates. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Collaboration in Surgical Capacity Development: A Report of the Inaugural Meeting of the Strengthening Rwanda Surgery Initiative
Authors: Petroze Robin T. , Mody Gita N. , Ntaganda Edmond , Calland J. Forrest , Riviello Robert , Rwamasirabo Emile , Ntakiyiruta Georges , Kyamanywa Patrick , Kayibanda Emmanuel 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundIncreasing access to surgical care is among the prioritized healthcare initiatives in Rwanda and other low income countries, where only 3.5 % of surgical procedures worldwide are being performed. Partnerships among surgeons at academic medical centers, non‐governmental organizations, and representatives of industry for building sustainable local surgical capacity in developing settings should be explored.MethodsWith the goal of improving collaboration and coordination among the many stakeholders in Rwandan surgery, the Rwanda Surgical Society (RSS) convened a participatory workshop of these groups in Kigali in March 2011. The meeting consisted of presentations from Rwandan surgical leaders and focused brainstorming sessions on collaborative methods for surgical capacity building.ResultsThe outcome of the meeting was a set of recommendations to the Rwandan Ministry of Health (MOH) and the formation of an ad hoc team, the Strengthening Rwanda Surgery (SRS) Advising Group. The inaugural meeting of the advising group served to establish common goals, a framework for ongoing communication and collaboration, and commitment to a fully Rwandan agenda for surgical and anesthesia capacity development. The SRS Advising Group continues to meet and collaborate on training initiatives and has been integrated into the MOH plan to scale up human resources across disciplines.ConclusionsThe SRS Initiative serves as an example of the concept of early communication and international collaboration in global surgical and anesthesia capacity building partnerships.
Philosophy, Hellenicity, Law: Porphyry on Origen, Again
Authors: Johnson Aaron P. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPorphyry's criticism of Origen (in c.Christ. fr. 39 Harnack) is usually interpreted as expressive of the ‘double apostasy’ accusation: Christians had not only abandoned their pagan religious traditions (‘Hellenism’) but also their new religious host, Judaism, whose texts they misappropriated for themselves. Reading key elements of the fragment within Porphyry's broader philosophical thought prompts suspicion of this cultural interpretation of the fragment, and instead points to a serious Platonic reaction to Christianity.
Pseudo-Skylax and the Natural Philosophers
Authors: Shipley D. Graham J. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis paper seeks to establish an intellectual context for the periplous of Pseudo-Skylax (probably written in or near Athens in 338 to ca. 337 BC). The unknown author is aware of the work of contemporary natural philosophers, including those in the post-Platonic Academy and those who were to form the Peripatos, especially Aristotle, Theophrastos and Dikaiarchos. Among known writers, Dikaiarchos is most likely to have written the periplous; but the case remains unproven. Doubts are also raised as to the validity of the so-called periplographic genre.
Local structure of self-affine sets
Authors: BANDT CHRISTOPH , KÄENMÄKI ANTTI 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe structure of a self-similar set with the open set condition does not change under magnification. For self-affine sets, the situation is completely different. We consider self-affine Cantor sets $E\subset \mathbb {R}^2$ of the type studied by Bedford, McMullen, Gatzouras and Lalley, for which the projection onto the horizontal axis is an interval. We show that in small square $\varepsilon $-neighborhoods $N$ of almost each point $x$ in $E,$ with respect to many Bernoulli measures on the address space, $E\cap N$ is well approximated by product sets $[0,1]\times C$, where $C$ is a Cantor set. Even though $E$ is totally disconnected, all tangent sets have a product structure with interval fibers, reminiscent of the view of attractors of chaotic differentiable dynamical systems. We also prove that $E$has uniformly scaling scenery in the sense of Furstenberg, Gavish and Hochman: the family of tangent sets is the same at almost all points$x.$
Convergence of error-driven ranking algorithms
Authors: Magri Giorgio 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAccording to the OT error-driven ranking model of language acquisition, the learner performs a sequence of slight re-rankings triggered by mistakes on the incoming stream of data, until it converges to a ranking that makes no more mistakes. Two classical examples are Tesar & Smolensky's (1998) Error-Driven Constraint Demotion (EDCD) and Boersma's (1998) Gradual Learning Algorithm (GLA). Yet EDCD only performs constraint demotion, and is thus shown to predict a ranking dynamics which is too simple from a modelling perspective. The GLA performs constraint promotion too, but has been shown not to converge. This paper develops a complete theory of convergence of error-driven ranking algorithms that perform both constraint demotion and promotion. In particular, it shows that convergent constraint promotion can be achieved (with an error-bound that compares well to that of EDCD) through a proper calibration of the amount by which constraints are promoted.
Effluent charge reform for controlling water pollution in the Malaysian crude palm oil industry
Authors: Hojat Amir Hossein Montazer , Rahim Khalid Abdul 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThis study analyzes the costs borne by Malaysian palm oil mills (POMs) in order to reach standard levels. A number of studies have been conducted on Malaysian palm oil mills; however, none has obtained the marginal abatement cost (MAC) through an estimated total cost function. More particularly, as far as inflation is concerned, the effluent-related fee and effluent charge specified have not been revised within the past two decades. In addition, to our knowledge, there has not been any study comparing MAC to the mills of the two different methods of disposal, namely watercourse and on land. Our results show that, to force POMs to meet the standard, the effluent charge must be set higher, equaling the MAC. While the results show the existence of economies of scale in abatement activity, setting the effluent-related fee equal to the MAC may encourage mills to further abate their water pollution.
Gender-specific abnormalities in the serotonin transporter system in panic disorder
Authors: Cannon Dara M. , Klaver Jacqueline M. , Klug Summer A. , Carlson Paul J. , Luckenbaugh David A. , Ichise Masanori , Drevets Wayne C. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe central serotonergic system has been implicated in the pathophysiology of panic disorder (PD) by evidence of abnormally elevated serotonin-turnover, reduced pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT1A−receptor sensitivity and binding and clinical improvement during administration of agents that enhance serotonergic transmission. Polymorphisms in genes that putatively influence serotonergic neurotransmission increase the vulnerability for developing PD specifically in males. We tested the hypotheses that serotonin transporter (5-HTT) binding is elevated in PD subjects vs. healthy controls in regions where in vivo evidence exists for both elevated 5-HTT and 5-HT1A receptor levels in PD and investigated whether the extent of this difference depends upon gender. Volunteers were out-patients with current PD (n=24) and healthy controls (n=24). The non-displaceable component of 5-HTT binding-potential (BPND) was measured using positron emission tomography and the 5-HTT selective radioligand, [11C]DASB. PD severity was assessed using the PD Severity Scale. The 5-HTT-BPND was increased in males with PD relative to male controls in the anterior cingulate cortex (F=8.96, pFDR=0.01) and midbrain (F=5.09, pFDR=0.03). In contrast, BPND did not differ between females with PD and female controls in any region examined. The finding that 5-HTT-binding is elevated in males but not in females with PD converges with other evidence suggesting that dysfunction within the central serotonergic system exists in PD, and also indicates that such abnormalities are influenced by gender. These findings conceivably may reflect a sexual dimorphism that underlies the greater efficacy of serotonin reuptake inhibitor treatment in females vs. males with PD.