bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Computational fretting fatigue maps for different plasticity models
Authors: Alquezar M. , Arrieta V. , Constantinescu A. , Flandi L. , Maitournam M. H. , Wackers P. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis paper presents qualitative elastoplastic simulations and analyses of fretting fatigue. Three hardening constitutive models are considered, and their effects on stick–slip conditions and lifetime prediction are compared. The computational analysis consists of the estimation of the shakedown limit cycle and the fatigue prediction using Dang Van or Crossland criterion.A particular configuration, the interaction of a flat pad with rounded corners in contact with a flat substrate made, respectively, of Inconel In718 and Titanium Ti64 alloys, is studied. The shakedown state is analysed using the cyclic and ratcheting equivalent strain concepts already discussed in the literature.In the paper, different fretting maps, based on slip, shakedown and fatigue regimes, are numerically produced and analysed. A new variable, the global slip percentage, is proposed for the characterization of the stick–slip regimes. Analyses of a series of slip maps show that the different hardening models do not introduce significant changes in the stick–slip conditions. Using finite element method simulations combined with fatigue limit criteria (Dang Van and Crossland), fretting fatigue maps are qualitatively reproduced. The main contribution of this work is a comparative discussion on the influence of the hardening models complexity on such maps.
Spatial Quantification of Groundwater Abstraction in the Irrigated Indus Basin
Authors: Cheema M.J.M. , Immerzeel W.W. , Bastiaanssen W.G.M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractGroundwater abstraction and depletion were assessed at a 1‐km resolution in the irrigated areas of the Indus Basin using remotely sensed evapotranspiration (ET) and precipitation; a process‐based hydrological model and spatial information on canal water supplies. A calibrated Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to derive total annual irrigation applied in the irrigated areas of the basin during the year 2007. The SWAT model was parameterized by station corrected precipitation data (R) from the Tropical Rainfall Monitoring Mission, land use, soil type, and outlet locations. The model was calibrated using a new approach based on spatially distributed ET fields derived from different satellite sensors. The calibration results were satisfactory and strong improvements were obtained in the Nash‐Sutcliffe criterion (0.52 to 0.93), bias (−17.3% to −0.4%), and the Pearson correlation coefficient (0.78 to 0.93). Satellite information on R and ET was then combined with model results of surface runoff, drainage, and percolation to derive groundwater abstraction and depletion at a nominal resolution of 1 km. It was estimated that in 2007, 68 km3 (262 mm) of groundwater was abstracted in the Indus Basin while 31 km3 (121 mm) was depleted. The mean error was 41 mm/year and 62 mm/year at 50% and 70% probability of exceedance, respectively. Pakistani and Indian Punjab and Haryana were the most vulnerable areas to groundwater depletion and strong measures are required to maintain aquifer sustainability.
Constraints on Upward Migration of Hydraulic Fracturing Fluid and Brine
Authors: Flewelling Samuel A. , Sharma Manu 
Published: January 2014

AbstractRecent increases in the use of hydraulic fracturing (HF) to aid extraction of oil and gas from black shales have raised concerns regarding potential environmental effects associated with predictions of upward migration of HF fluid and brine. Some recent studies have suggested that such upward migration can be large and that timescales for migration can be as short as a few years. In this article, we discuss the physical constraints on upward fluid migration from black shales (e.g., the Marcellus, Bakken, and Eagle Ford) to shallow aquifers, taking into account the potential changes to the subsurface brought about by HF. Our review of the literature indicates that HF affects a very limited portion of the entire thickness of the overlying bedrock and therefore, is unable to create direct hydraulic communication between black shales and shallow aquifers via induced fractures. As a result, upward migration of HF fluid and brine is controlled by preexisting hydraulic gradients and bedrock permeability. We show that in cases where there is an upward gradient, permeability is low, upward flow rates are low, and mean travel times are long (often >106 years). Consequently, the recently proposed rapid upward migration of brine and HF fluid, predicted to occur as a result of increased HF activity, does not appear to be physically plausible. Unrealistically high estimates of upward flow are the result of invalid assumptions about HF and the hydrogeology of sedimentary basins.
Probiotic antigens stimulate hepatic natural killer T cells
Authors: Liang Shuwen , Webb Tonya , Li Zhiping 
Published: January 2014

SummaryIncreasing evidence suggests that gut flora play an important role in the pathogenesis of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Our previous studies show that hepatic natural killer T (NKT) cells play a significant role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. In this study, we explore the mechanism by which modification of gut flora leads to the alteration of hepatic NKT cells and improvement of steatosis. Mice were fed a high‐fat (HF) diet to induce NAFLD. Some of them also received different doses of mixed‐strain probiotics (VSL#3); single‐strain probiotic (Bifidobacterium infantis) or antibiotics. Animal weight, glucose tolerance, liver steatosis and hepatic NKT cells were assessed. Lipid extracts from probiotics were tested for their ability to activate NKT cells. Toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR4) knockout mice were also evaluated for their responses to HF diet. High‐dose VSL#3 was more effective than low‐dose VSL#3 and B. infantis for the improvement of hepatic NKT cell depletion and steatosis. The lipids extracted from VSL#3 stimulated NKT cells both in vivo and in vitro. In contrast, lipids from B. infantis decreased α‐GalCer‐mediated NKT cell activation in vitro, but were able to stimulate NKT cells. TLR4 knockout mice have a similar response to HF‐diet‐induced NKT cell depletion and obesity. These results suggest that alterations in the gut flora have profound effects on hepatic NKT cells and steatosis, which are both strain‐specific and dose‐dependent, but not through TLR4 signalling. Furthermore, these data suggest that probiotics may contain bacterial glycolipid antigens that directly modulate the effector functions of hepatic NKT cells.
Arecoline‐induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from human buccal mucosal fibroblasts is mediated by ZEB1
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chao , Tsai Chung‐Hung , Lai You‐Liang , Yu Cheng‐Chia , Chi Wan‐Yu , Li Jung Jung , Chang Wen‐Wei 
Published: January 2014

AbstractOral submucous fibrosis (OSF) is considered as a pre‐cancerous condition of the oral mucosa and is highly associated with habitual areca quid chewing. Arecoline is the major alkaloid in areca quid and is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of OSF. Our previous studies have demonstrated that arecoline could induce epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)‐related factors in primary human buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs). Therefore, we investigated the expression of zinc finger E‐box binding homeobox 1 (ZEB1), which is a well‐known transcriptional factor in EMT, in OSF tissues and its role in arecoline‐induced myofibroblast transdifferentiation from BMFs. The expression of ZEB1, as well as the myofibroblast marker α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), was significantly increased in OSF tissues, respectively. With immunofluorescence analysis, arecoline induced the formation of α‐SMA‐positive stress fibres in BMFs expressing nuclear ZEB1. Arecoline also induced collagen contraction of BMFs in vitro. By chromatin immunoprecipitation, the binding of ZEB1 to the α‐SMA promoter in BMFs was increased by arecoline. The promoter activity of α‐SMA in BMFs was also induced by arecoline, while knockdown of ZEB1 abolished arecoline‐induced α‐SMA promoter activity and collagen contraction of BMFs. Long‐term exposure of BMFs to arecoline induced the expression of fibrogenic genes and ZEB1. Silencing of ZEB1 in fibrotic BMFs from an OSF patient also suppressed the expression of α‐SMA and myofibroblast activity. Inhibition of insulin‐like growth factor receptor‐1 could suppress arecoline‐induced ZEB1 activation in BMFs. Our data suggest that ZEB1 may participate in the pathogenesis of areca quid–associated OSF by activating the α‐SMA promoter and inducing myofibroblast transdifferentiation from BMFs.
First Report of Sclerotium rolfsii in Dandelion in Parana, Brazil
Authors: Severino José J. , Dias‐Arieira Cláudia R. , Abe Vinícius H. F. , Roldi Miria , Da Silva Cleiltan N. , Tessmann Dauri J. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractTaraxacum officinale (dandelion) is a medicinal plant that occurs in various countries and is also reported as an invasive plant in some parts of the world. Recently, a severe case of southern blight was observed in dandelion in the Medicinal Plant House at the State University of Maringa, Umuarama, State of Parana, Brazil. A dense, cottony mycelial growth and the formation of sclerotia were observed on the plants. The fungus was isolated, inoculated into healthy plants and re‐isolated. Samples were sequenced for rDNA regions ITS4 and ITS5. The inoculated plants presented symptoms of southern blight, beginning at the base of the plant and eventually killing the plant. DNA analysis revealed a 99% species identity index for Athelia rolfsii (anamorph: Sclerotium rolfsii).
Foliar functional traits that predict plant biomass response to warming
Authors: Gornish Elise S. , Prather Chelse M. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractQuestionEcologists are increasingly interested in making accurate predictions of plant response to climate change. Many studies have attempted to document plant response to warming by grouping species into functional groups. Within functional groups, however, species often display divergent responses. Determining how foliar functional traits might be used to predict plant responses to warming could reduce analytical complexity while maintaining generalizations across systems.MethodsWe conducted a meta‐analysis on 18 studies (consisting of 38 species) of plant biomass response to experimental or natural warming. We determined whether plant trait estimates associated with the leaf economics spectrum [leaf life span (LL), leaf mass per area (LMA), leaf nitrogen (Nmass), leaf phosphorus (Pmass), photosynthetic capacity (Amax) and stomatal conductance (Gs)] from a global plant database of experimentally unmanipulated plants,GloPNet, could be used to predict biomass response to experimental warming.ResultsWe found that three single leaf traits (LL,NmassandAmax) were significant predictors for the response of plant biomass to warming treatments, perhaps due to their association with plant growth rates, adaptation rate and ability, each explaining between 21–46% of the variation in plant biomass responses. The magnitude of response to warming decreased with increasingLL, but increased with increasingNmassandAmax. We found no linear combination of any of these traits that predicted warming response.ConclusionsThese results show that foliar traits can aid in understanding the mechanisms by which plants respond to temperature across species. Because each trait only explained a portion of variation in how plant growth responded to warming, however, future studies that examine how plant communities respond to warming should simultaneously measure multiple leaf traits, especially those most sensitive to warming, across plant species, to determine whether the predictive ability of functional traits changes between different ecosystems or plant taxonomic groups.
Genetic assessment of the role of AcrB β‐hairpins in the assembly of the TolC–AcrAB multidrug efflux pump of Escherichia coli
Authors: Weeks Jon W. , Bavro Vassiliy N. , Misra Rajeev 
Published: January 2014

SummaryThe tripartite AcrAB–TolC multidrug efflux pump of Escherichia coli is the central conduit for cell‐toxic compounds and contributes to antibiotic resistance. While high‐resolution structures of all three proteins have been solved, much remains to be learned as to how the individual components come together to form a functional complex. In this study, we investigated the importance of the AcrB β‐hairpins belonging to the DN and DC subdomains, which are presumed to dock with TolC, in complex stability and activity of the complete pump. Our data show that the DN subdomain β‐hairpin residues play a more critical role in complex stability and activity than the DC subdomain hairpin residues. The failure of the AcrB DN β‐hairpin deletion mutant to engage with TolC leads to the drug hypersensitivity phenotype, which is reversed by compensatory alterations in the lipoyl and β‐barrel domains of AcrA. Moreover, AcrA and TolC mutants that induce TolC opening also reverse the drug hypersensitivity phenotype of the AcrB β‐hairpin mutants, indicating a failure by the AcrB mutant to interact and thus induce TolC opening on its own. Together, these data suggest that both AcrB β‐hairpins and AcrA act to stabilize the tripartite complex and induce TolC opening for drug expulsion.
The Hart‐Fuller Debate
Authors: Gomez Juan Vega 
Published: January 2014

AbstractI will center the discussion of the Hart‐Fuller debate on the five claims Hart mentions might be understood as legal positivisms main tenets: (1) the command theory; (2) the no necessary connection thesis; (3) the methodological claim; (4) the charge of positivism as formalism and the problem of interpretation; and (5) the meta‐ethical confusion. In light of these five claims, I will explore whether the exchange of views between Hart and Fuller in 1957 truly amounted to a debate. Sorting out this issue is the aim of this article.
Photophysical Properties of Metal Ion Functionalized NaY Zeolite
Authors: Duan Tian‐Wei , Yan Bing 
Published: January 2014

AbstractA series of luminescent ion exchanged zeolite are synthesized by introducing various ions into NaY zeolite. Monometal ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+, Y3+, Zn2+, Cd2+, Cu2+) exchanged zeolite, rare‐earth ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+) exchanged zeolite modified with Y3+ and rare‐earth ion (Eu3+, Tb3+, Ce3+) exchanged zeolite modified with Zn2+ are discussed here. The resulting materials are characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrum radiometer (FTIR), XRD, scanning electronic microscope (SEM), PLE, PL and luminescence lifetime measurements. The photoluminescence spectrum of NaY indicates that emission band of host matrix exhibits a blueshift of about 70 nm after monometal ion exchange process. The results show that transition metal ion exchanged zeolites possess a similar emission band due to dominant host luminescence. A variety of luminescence phenomenon of rare‐earth ion broadens the application of zeolite as a luminescent host. The Eu3+ ion exchanged zeolite shows white light luminescence with a great application value and Ce3+ exchanged zeolite steadily exhibits its characteristic luminescence in ultraviolet region no matter in monometal ion exchanged zeolite or bimetal ions exchanged zeolite.
Greek and Canaanite Mythologies: Zeus, Baal, and their Rivals
Authors: López‐Ruiz Carolina 
Published: January 2014

AbstractHesiod's Theogony is normally read as a ‘hymn to Zeus’, praising the victory of the Greek Storm God over the previous generations of gods (Ouranos, Kronos, and the Titans). The backbone of the Theogony is the so‐called Succession Myth, widely accepted by scholars as an adaptation from the Near Eastern theme of the cosmic struggle between generations of gods, leading to the victory of the Storm God. The Mesopotamian Enuma Elish, the Hurro‐Hittite Song of Kumarbi, and less explicitly the Ugaritic and Biblical texts all reflect versions of this type of divine conflict. Behind the neat pattern of the succession, however, Greek sources contain scattered references to stories where even the power of Zeus is occasionally threatened. Through these allusions, we can reconstruct an ‘alternative’ motif of divine instability in Greek mythology. This essay will show that Greek and Northwest Semitic mythologies in particular converge in this less canonical picture of divine kingship, especially if we look at the concerns surrounding Baal's ascension to power in the Ugaritic Baal Cycle and his seemingly fragile position as the new ‘king in heaven’. The mythological representation of the dynamics among the gods, in turn, correlates with different perceptions of kingship among societies in the eastern Mediterranean. These shared theological concerns exemplify a phenomenon latent in many aspects of Greek ‘orientalizing’ literature and art, namely, a more direct and intense contact with the Northwest Semites (Canaanites, later Phoenicians, and others) than is usually granted. This brief overview will remind us of some of the methodological problems that challenge the study of comparative religion and mythology.
Between Sacred and the Profane: Holocaust Collaboration and ‘Political Religion’
Authors: Wennberg Rebecca 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThis article interprets the genealogy of the concept of ‘political religion’ in Holocaust research from the fundamental division between ‘sacred’ and ‘profane’ understandings of traditional religions. It argues that ‘political religion’ is understood as ‘sacred’ and unique when associated with Nazism, whilst its application to European fascism more generally has had a character of understanding religion as comparative and measureable from a ‘profane’ set of criteria. Yet, in light of research on Nazi ideology and fascist collaboration in the Holocaust, which effectively imply an interaction between Nazi and fascist agencies, the article finds that ‘political religion’ needs a re‐theorization that can accommodate for the integration between the sacred and the profane.
Elaboration and Attitude Strength: The New Meta‐cognitive Perspective
Authors: Barden Jamie , Tormala Zakary L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe effect of elaboration (i.e., information processing) on attitude strength has been a key prediction of some of the most influential theories of persuasion over the past few decades. This article provides a new look at this relationship. After reviewing support for the notion that structural processes (i.e., knowledge acquisition, structural consistency, and attitude accessibility) drive the effect of elaboration on attitude strength, we examine recent work investigating the role of meta‐cognitive factors in this domain. Based on recent evidence, we propose that the effect of elaboration on attitude strength depends largely on people's perceptions of their own elaboration and their beliefs that more elaboration produces better judgments that can be held with greater certainty. We highlight the role of naïve theories in these effects, suggesting that they might be more malleable than previously known, and call for future research into some of the important remaining questions in this area that have yet to be fully explored.
The Physiology and Biomechanics of Upper-Body Repeated Sprints in Ice Sledge Hockey
Authors: Sandbakk Øyvind , Spencer Matt , Ettema Gertjan , Sandbakk Silvana Bucher , Skovereng Knut , Welde Boye 
Published: January 2014

Purpose:To investigate performance and the associated physiological and biomechanical responses during upper-body repeated-sprint work.Methods:Twelve male ice sledge hockey players from the Norwegian national team performed eight 30-m sprints with start every 30 s and an active recovery between sprints. Time was captured every 10 m by photocells, cycle length and rate were determined by video analyses, and heart rate and blood lactate concentration were measured by conventional methods.Results:The percentage sprint decrement was 7% over the 8 trials, with significant reductions in performance from the previous trial already on the second trial (all P < .05). Furthermore, cycle rate was reduced by 9% over the 8 trials (P < .05). Similar changes in performance and kinematic patterns were evident for all 10-m phases of the sprints. Heart rate gradually increased to 94% of maximal (178 ± 10 beats/min) over the 8 trials, and the mean reduction in heart rate was 7 ± 2 beats/min during the 22–24 s of active recovery for all trials (all P < .05). The blood lactate concentration increased to the athletes’ maximal levels over the 8 sprints (P < .05).Conclusions:This is the first study to investigate performance, physiological, and biomechanical aspects of self-propelled upperbody repeated-sprint work. The observed sprint decrement over the 8 trials was associated with reductions in cycle rates and high physiological demands. However, no kinematic and physiological characteristics were significantly correlated to repeated-sprint ability or the sprint decrement.
Does Upper-Body Compression Improve 3 × 3-Min Double-Poling Sprint Performance?
Authors: Sperlich Billy , Born Dennis-Peter , Zinner Christoph , Hauser Anna , Holmberg Hans-Christer 
Published: January 2014

Purpose:To evaluate whether upper-body compression affects power output and selected metabolic, cardiorespiratory, hemodynamic, and perceptual responses during three 3-min sessions of double-poling (DP) sprint.Method:Ten well-trained male athletes (25 ± 4 y, 180 ± 4 cm, 74.6 ± 3.2 kg) performed such sprints on a DP ski ergometer with and without a long-sleeved compression garment.Result:Mean power output was not affected by such compression (216 ± 25 W in both cases; P = 1.00, effect size [ES] = 0.00), although blood lactate concentration was lowered (P < .05, ES = 0.50–1.02). Blood gases (ES = 0.07–0.50), oxygen uptake (ES = 0.04–0.28), production of carbon dioxide (ES = 0.01–0.46), heart rate (ES = 0.00–0.21), stroke volume (ES = 0.33–0.81), and cardiac output (ES = 0.20–0.91) were also all unaffected by upper-body compression (best P = 1.00). This was also the case for changes in the tissue saturation index (ES = 0.45–1.17) and total blood content of hemoglobin (ES = 0.09–0.85), as well as ratings of perceived exertion (ES = 0.15–0.88; best P = .96).Conclusion:The authors conclude that the performance of well-trained athletes during 3 × 3-min DP sprints will not be enhanced by upper-body compression.