bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An in vitro Model of a System of Electrical Potential Compensation in Extracorporeal Circulation
Authors: Carletti Umberto , Cattini Stefano , Lodi Renzo , Petralia Antonio , Rovati Luigi , Zaffe Davide 
Published: March 2014

Objectives Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) in patients undergoing cardiac surgery induces systemic immune-inflammatory reaction that results in increased postoperative morbidity. Many factors are responsible for the adverse response after ECC. The present in vitro study aimed to investigate electric charges (ECs) generated during ECC, to set a device compensating the ECs, and checking its effect on red blood cells (RBC). Materials and methods The electrical signals of blood in ECC were collected by a custom developed low-noise electronic circuit, processed by a digital oscilloscope (DSO) and a dynamic signal analyzer (DSA). The compensation of ECs was performed using a compensation device, injecting a nulling charge into the blood circuit. The compensation effect of the ECs on RBCs was evaluated by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Results The electrical analysis performed using both the DSO and the DSA confirmed the EC formation during ECC. The notable electric signals recorded in standard ECC circuits substantially nulled once the compensation device was used, thus confirming efficient EC compensation. After two hours of ECC, the SEM non-blended test on human RBC samples highlighted morphological changes in acanthocytes of the normal biconcave-shaped RBC. Conclusions The outcomes confirm the development of parasitic ECs during ECC and that a suppressor system may decrease the potential damage of ECs. Nevertheless, further studies are ongoing in order to investigate the complex mechanisms related to lymphocytes and platelet morphological and physiological chances during triboelectric charges in ECC.
Differential Influence of Vitamin D Analogs on Left Ventricular Mass Index in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Sezer Siren , Tutal Emre , Bal Zeynep , Uyar Mehtap Erkmen , Bal Ugur , Cakir Ulkem , Acar Nurhan Ozdemir , Haberal Mehmet 
Published: March 2014

Purpose Secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT) is a common feature in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. Inadequate treatment of SHPT has been associated with cardiovascular complications, and vitamin D therapy might influence the development of cardiovascular diseases. In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous paricalcitol and calcitriol treatments on left ventricular mass index changes in MHD patients. Methods We conducted an observational study with a 12-month follow-up duration to compare the outcomes of intravenous paricalcitol and calcitriol treatments in MHD patients. Eighty patients with moderate to severe SHPT were enrolled in the study. All the patients had normalized total serum Ca concentration <10.5 mg/dL, serum calcium-phosphorus product (Ca × P) <75, and parathyroid hormone level (PTH) level ≥ 300 pg/mL at the begining of the follow-up period. Results The patients were divided into a paricalcitol group (n = 40) and a calcitriol group (n = 40). The demographic, clinical, and biochemical characteristics of the patients were similar at baseline. We observed significantly superior control of SHPT; lesser frequency of hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia, and Ca × P level elevations; and interruption of vitamin D treatment in the paricalcitol group. Moreover, we found no significant change in left ventricular mass index in the paricalcitol group, but found a significantly increased left ventricular mass index in the calcitriol group during the follow-up period (from 136.6 ± 35.2 g/m2 to 132.9 ± 40.4 g/m2 vs. from 137.2 ± 30.1 g/m2 to 149.4 ± 31.0 g/m2; p<0.044). Conclusion We observed that, compared with calcitriol therapy, paricalcitol therapy reduced the PTH concentrations more effectively without causing hypercalcemia and hyperphosphatemia and might have a substantial beneficial effect on the development of left ventricular hypertrophy.
Grain quality of drought tolerant accessions within the MRI Zemun Polje maize germplasm collection
Authors: Vančetović Jelena , Ignjatović-Micić Dragana , Božinović Sofija , Babić Milosav , Filipović Milomir , Grčić Nikola , Andjelković Violeta 
Published: March 2014

Maize Research Institute Zemun Polje (MRI) gene bank created an elite drought tolerant core collection of 40 accessions, based on field trials and general combining ability with inbred lines from the main heterotic groups (Lancaster, Iowa Stiff Stalk Synthetic - BSSS and Iodent). A total of seven genetic groups were identified. Seven accessions showed good combining abilities with three testers from chosen heterotic groups, thus forming a dinstinctive genetic group (Unknown). In the present research, accessions with drought tolerance were also analyzed for grain quality, as these two traits are becoming highly important due to global warming and population growth. Kernel macronutrients contents (oil, protein and starch) were determined using Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIR). Oil, protein and starch contents were significantly higher in introduced populations than in landraces for 0.43%, 0.12% and 0.85%, respectively (p<0.01). The greatest progress from the selection based on the expected genetic gain (ΔG) for 5% selection intensity would be obtained for oil (14.74%) followed by protein (10.14%). Landraces showed the least potential for the grain quality improvement due to the lowest expected ΔG for the three macronutrients. The differences between macronutrient content among genetic groups defined them as potentially favourable sources for a specific trait. According to ΔG values, the greatest progress in breeding would be accomplished for increased oil content with accessions from the Unknown group. Identification of the accessions with several favorable traits is valuable for simultaneous breeding for drought tolerance and grain quality.
Efficient e-Marketing in Tourism through a Novel Customer Relationship Management Model
Authors: Trihas Nikolaos , Mastorakis George , Perakakis Emmanouil , Kopanakis Ioannis 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThis paper proposes an efficient customer relationship management model based on technological convergence of emerging next generation networks, such as interactive digital television and network multimedia systems. The proposed research approach is exploited in tourism sector for effective destination management, enabling for personalized e-marketing strategies and facilitating marketers to accomplish optimum marketing data analysis. The proposed research approach is evaluated for its applicability and usefulness by interviewing a sample of Destination Marketing Organization managers. The findings of this research provide useful practical implications.
Drivers of pCO2 variability in two contrasting coral reef lagoons: The influence of submarine groundwater discharge
Authors: Cyronak Tyler , Santos Isaac R. , Erler Dirk V. , Maher Damien T. , Eyre Bradley D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThe impact of groundwater on pCO2 variability was assessed in two coral reef lagoons with distinct drivers of submarine groundwater discharge (SGD). Diel variability of pCO2 in the two ecosystems was explained by a combination of biological drivers and SGD inputs. In Rarotonga, a South Pacific volcanic island, 222Rn‐derived SGD was driven primarily by a steep terrestrial hydraulic gradient, and the water column was influenced by the high pCO2 (5501 µatm) of the fresh groundwater. In Heron Island, a Great Barrier Reef coral cay, SGD was dominated by seawater recirculation through the sediments (i.e., tidal pumping), and pCO2 was mainly impacted through the stimulation of biological processes. The Rarotonga water column had a higher average pCO2 (549 µatm) than Heron Island (471 µatm). However, pCO2 exhibited a greater diel range in Heron Island (778 µatm) than in Rarotonga (507 µatm). The Rarotonga water column received 29.0 ± 8.2 mmol free‐CO2 m−2 d−1 from SGD, while the Heron Island water column received 12.1 ± 4.2 mmol free‐CO2 m−2 d−1. Over the course of this study, both systems were sources of CO2 to the atmosphere with SGD‐derived free‐CO2 most likely contributing a large portion to the air‐sea CO2 flux. Studies measuring the carbon chemistry of coral reefs (e.g., metabolism and calcification rates) may need to consider the effects of groundwater inputs on water column carbonate chemistry. Local drivers of coral reef carbonate chemistry such as SGD may offer more approachable management solutions to mitigating the effects of ocean acidification on coral reefs.
The viscosity effect on marine particle flux: A climate relevant feedback mechanism
Authors: Taucher J. , Bach L. T. , Riebesell U. , Oschlies A. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractOceanic uptake and long‐term storage of atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) are strongly driven by the marine “biological pump,” i.e., sinking of biotically fixed inorganic carbon and nutrients from the surface into the deep ocean (Sarmiento and Bender, ; Volk and Hoffert, ). Sinking velocity of marine particles depends on seawater viscosity, which is strongly controlled by temperature (Sharqawy et al., ). Consequently, marine particle flux is accelerated as ocean temperatures increase under global warming (Bach et al., ). Here we show that this previously overlooked “viscosity effect” could have profound impacts on marine biogeochemical cycling and carbon uptake over the next centuries to millennia. In our global warming simulation, the viscosity effect accelerates particle sinking by up to 25%, thereby effectively reducing the portion of organic matter that is respired in the surface ocean. Accordingly, the biological carbon pump's efficiency increases, enhancing the sequestration of atmospheric CO2 into the ocean. This effect becomes particularly important on longer time scales when warming reaches the ocean interior. At the end of our simulation (4000 A.D.), oceanic carbon uptake is 17% higher, atmospheric CO2 concentration is 180 ppm lower, and the increase in global average surface temperature is 8% weaker when considering the viscosity effect. Consequently, the viscosity effect could act as a long‐term negative feedback mechanism in the global climate system.
Rollover, drowning, and discontinuous retreat: Distinct modes of barrier response to sea‐level rise arising from a simple morphodynamic model
Authors: Lorenzo‐Trueba Jorge , Ashton Andrew D. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractWe construct a simple morphodynamic model to investigate the long‐term dynamic evolution of a coastal barrier system experiencing sea‐level rise. Using a simplified barrier geometry, the model includes a dynamic shoreface profile that can be out of equilibrium and explicitly treats barrier sediment overwash as a flux. With barrier behavior primarily controlled by the maximum potential overwash flux and the rate of shoreface response, the modeled barrier system demonstrates four primary behaviors: height drowning, width drowning, constant landward retreat, and a periodic retreat. Height drowning occurs when overwash fluxes are insufficient to maintain the landward migration rate required to keep pace with sea‐level rise. On the other hand, width drowning occurs when the shoreface response rate is insufficient to maintain the barrier geometry during overwash‐driven landward migration. During periodic barrier retreat, the barrier experiences oscillating periods of rapid overwash followed by periods of relative stability as the shoreface resteepens. This periodic retreat, which occurs even with a constant sea‐level rise rate, arises when overwash rates and shoreface response rates are large and of similar magnitude. We explore the occurrence of these behaviors across a wide range of parameter values and find that in addition to the maximum overwash flux and the shoreface response rate, barrier response can be particularly sensitive to the sea‐level rise rate and back‐barrier lagoon slope. Overall, our findings contrast with previous research which has primarily associated complex barrier behavior with changes in external forcing such as sea‐level rise rate, sediment supply, or back‐barrier geometry.
Pliocene‐Pleistocene initiation, style, and sequencing of deformation in the central Tien Shan
Authors: Goode Joseph K. , Burbank Douglas W. , Ormukov Cholponbek 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIn response to the Indo‐Asian collision, deformation of the Tien Shan initiated at ~25 Ma along the northwestern margin of the Tarim Basin. 300 km north, the Kyrgyz Range began deforming ~15 Ma later. Although multiple intervening structures across the Tien Shan are currently active, the sequencing of initial deformation across the orogen's entire width remains poorly known. To determine whether deformation migrated sequentially northward or developed less predictably, we documented deformation patterns within the Naryn Basin in south‐central Kyrgyzstan. Detailed mapping and a published balanced cross section across the Naryn Basin suggest that deep‐seated, relatively steeply dipping thrust faults have disrupted the basin during late Cenozoic deformation. Dating of deformed fluvial terraces with ages between ~10 and 250 ka constrains the rate of deformation across relatively young structures in the Tien Shan interior. Based on geodetic surveys of dated terraces, local rates of relative rock uplift span from 0.3 to 3.5 mm/yr. Folding rates and patterns are temporally persistent at a given site. Moreover, they mimic modern geodetic rates measured from interferometric synthetic aperture radar. Extrapolating these rates into the past suggests that structures within the interior of the Naryn Basin formed in the last 1 Myr, whereas the ranges surrounding the basin initiated at least 1–4 Myr earlier. Hence, within the Naryn Basin itself, deformation has migrated from margins to interior. Similarly, these new chronologies indicate that at least some deformation in the interior of the Tien Shan initiated millions of years later than along either orogenic margin.
Sex modifies the APOE‐related risk of developing Alzheimer disease
Authors: Altmann Andre , Tian Lu , Henderson Victor W. , Greicius Michael D. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative Investigators
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveThe APOE4 allele is the strongest genetic risk factor for sporadic Alzheimer disease (AD). Case–control studies suggest the APOE4 link to AD is stronger in women. We examined the APOE4‐by‐sex interaction in conversion risk (from healthy aging to mild cognitive impairment (MCI)/AD or from MCI to AD) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker levels.MethodsCox proportional hazards analysis was used to compute hazard ratios (HRs) for an APOE‐by‐sex interaction on conversion in controls (n = 5,496) and MCI patients (n = 2,588). The interaction was also tested in CSF biomarker levels of 980 subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative.ResultsAmong controls, male and female carriers were more likely to convert to MCI/AD, but the effect was stronger in women (HR = 1.81 for women; HR = 1.27 for men; interaction: p = 0.011). The interaction remained significant in a predefined subanalysis restricted to APOE3/3 and APOE3/4 genotypes. Among MCI patients, both male and female APOE4 carriers were more likely to convert to AD (HR = 2.16 for women; HR = 1.64 for men); the interaction was not significant (p = 0.14). In the subanalysis restricted to APOE3/3 and APOE3/4 genotypes, the interaction was significant (p = 0.02; HR = 2.17 for women; HR = 1.51 for men). The APOE4‐by‐sex interaction on biomarker levels was significant for MCI patients for total tau and the tau‐to‐Aβ ratio (p = 0.009 and p = 0.02, respectively; more AD‐like in women).InterpretationAPOE4 confers greater AD risk in women. Biomarker results suggest that increased APOE‐related risk in women may be associated with tau pathology. These findings have important clinical implications and suggest novel research approaches into AD pathogenesis. Ann Neurol 2014;75:563–573
Value of serum nonceruloplasmin copper for prediction of mild cognitive impairment conversion to Alzheimer disease
Authors: Squitti Rosanna , Ghidoni Roberta , Siotto Mariacristina , Ventriglia Mariacarla , Benussi Luisa , Paterlini Anna , Magri Mariachiara , Binetti Giuliano , Cassetta Emanuele , Caprara Deborah , Vernieri Fabrizio , Rossini Paolo M. , Pasqualetti Patrizio 
Published: March 2014

ObjectiveMeta‐analyses show that nonbound ceruloplasmin (non‐Cp) copper (also known as free or labile copper) in serum is higher in patients with Alzheimer disease (AD). It differentiates subjects with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from healthy controls. However, a longitudinal study on an MCI cohort has not yet been performed to assess the accuracy of non‐Cp copper for the prediction of conversion from MCI to AD during a long‐term follow‐up.MethodsThe study included 42 MCI converters and 99 stable MCI subjects. We assessed levels of copper, ceruloplasmin, non‐Cp copper, iron, transferrin, ferritin, and APOE genotype. A multiple Cox regression analysis—with age, sex, baseline Mini‐Mental State Examination, APOE4, iron, non‐Cp copper, transferrin, ferritin, hypercholesterolemia, and hypertension as covariates—was applied to predict the conversion from MCI to AD.ResultsAmong the evaluated parameters, the only significant predictor of conversion to AD was non‐Cp copper (hazard ratio = 1.23, 95% confidence interval = 1.03–1.47, p = 0.022); for each additional micromole per liter unit (μmol/l) of non‐Cp copper, the hazard increased by ∼20%. Subjects with non‐Cp copper levels >1.6μmol/l had a hazard conversion rate (50% of conversion in 4 years) that was ∼3× higher than those with values ≤1.6μmol/l (<20% in 4 years). The rate of conversion was similar between APOE4 carriers and noncarriers (p = 0.321), indicating that the non‐Cp copper association was independent of APOE4.InterpretationNon‐Cp copper appears to predict conversion from MCI to AD. These results encourage healthy life style choices and dietary intervention to modify this risk. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:574–580
Selective Janus Particle Assembly at Tipping Points of Thermally‐Switched Wetting
Authors: Yu Changqian , Zhang Jie , Granick Steve 
Published: March 2014

AbstractThermal wetting can simply, selectively and reversibly join patchy particles into clusters (2D and 3D) and also colloidal crystals over the narrow temperature range of 1–2 °C. This is demonstrated with Janus particles (gold half‐coated silica spheres) immersed in a binary mixture of water/2,6‐lutidine, such that the relative strength of gold–gold bonding through hydrophobic interaction and silica–silica bonding through the wetting‐induced attraction is reversibly switched according to temperature.
Mechanical response of poly(lactic acid)‐based packaging under liquid exposure
Authors: Widiastuti Indah , Sbarski Igor , Masood Syed H. 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTThe objective of this study was to examine the mechanical behavior of poly(lactic acid)‐based packaging, which was subjected to an external load while undergoing dimensional and material property changes due to the diffusion of liquid through its thickness. We defined the characteristics of the material response by taking into account the changes in the properties due to liquid sorption. The material properties at any given location and time were dependent on the liquid content. In this article, we present the evolution of the mechanical behavior using a numerical stress model that accounts for the effects of the time, liquid content, temperature, and swelling‐induced strain. We assumed that the deformation depended on the liquid concentration, but the liquid concentration could be obtained without the knowledge of the stress or strain. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40600.
Inherently adaptive polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Sayayr Mohammad , Weerasiri Rankothge R. , Balachandra Anagi M. , Soroushian Parviz 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTA new class of inherently adaptive polymer nanocomposites is developed where stress‐enabled redox reactions are used in the context of a solid polymer electrolyte to form deposits which render mechanical strengthening effects. Experimental investigations were conducted to provide insight into this self‐adaptation phenomenon. Results of tests conducted on bolted composite joints demonstrated the occurrence of this self‐adaptation phenomenon. Experiments were also performed on cracked composite specimens where the potential of the self‐adaptation phenomenon to repair cracks was demonstrated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40620.
Preparation of composite‐imprinted alumina membrane for effective separation of p‐hydroxybenzonic acid from its isomer using Box–Behnken design–based statistical modeling
Authors: Meng Minjia , Feng Yonghai , Liu Yan , Wang Yun , Yan Yongsheng 
Published: March 2014

ABSTRACTHighly selective composite imprinted membrane for p‐hydroxybenzonic acid (p‐HB) was prepared by using semicovalent imprinting technique. A thermally reversible covalent bond was used to link p‐HB molecule to a functional alkoxysilane monomer to generate covalently bound imprint precursor. This precursor was incorporated into a cross‐linked functional silica sol with the tetraethoxysilane as cross‐linker via a typical acid‐catalyzed, sol‐gel synthesis. Then, the SCIM was prepared through dipping and grafting on the upper side and inner pores of the Al2O3 microporous membrane and then removing of the template molecule after thermal treatment. Compared with composite imprinted membrane via noncovalent imprinting approach as well as the black Al2O3 microporous membrane, the SCIM exhibited higher membrane flux and selective rebinding of p‐HB as well as showing excellent permeability for p‐HB. Response surface methodology was used to investigate the best combination of separation conditions in the dynamic separation process. The optimal conditions for the separation of p‐HB from salicylic acid were as follows: the p‐HB concentration of 5 mg L−1, the temperature of 10°C, and the flow rate of 1 mL min−1. Under these conditions, the experimental selective separation factor was 32.75 ± 0.91%, which was close to the predicted selectivity coefficient value. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40621.
Brain training: rationale, methods, and pilot data for a specific visuomotor/visuospatial activity program to change progressive cognitive decline
Authors: Tippett William J. , Rizkalla Mireille N. 
Published: March 2014

AbstractIntroductionResearch in the field of the aging brain has evolved to the extent that it is now commonly understood that actively engaging in cognitive tasks provides the potential of being beneficial in affecting the trajectory of age‐related cognitive decline. What remains to be examined is the extent, and type, of program required to effect change in aging cognitively impaired individuals.MethodsTo address this issue, a cognitive program focusing on the use of visuospatial (VS)/visuomotor (VM) elements was applied to a group of six older individuals with identified progressive cognitive impairments. It was hypothesized that using tasks with VS and VM components may be beneficial in supporting overall brain performance, and subsequently assist individuals to perform well in various cognitive and behavioral tasks.ResultsResults showed that on many evaluative measures individuals remained stable, or improved in performance with medium‐to‐large effect sizes (e.g., 0.3–1.0). Thus, in a cognitively impaired population sample where decline would be the norm, our participants improved or remained stable.ConclusionThe novel application of a VS/VM training program shows promise in addressing global cognitive decline, by targeting a brain area susceptible to early disruptions and providing it with additional and ongoing stimulative tasks in an effort to bolster its functioning and subsequently overall brain functioning.