bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Dynamic Control Mechanism of Interrupt Stack Overflow on Real‐Time Embedded Monitor (REMON)
Authors: Nankaku Shigeki , Kawakami Hiroyuki , Koizumi Hisao , Fukuda Akira 
Published: February 2015

SUMMARYFor embedded systems, it is important to detect changes in the real world and continuing processing properly. The changes are represented by external interrupts, and proper processes are implemented by nested interrupt service routines (hereafter ISRs). Here, a necessity of mutual exclusion arises. In a software execution environment without any real time OS (hereafter RTOS), a traditional mutual exclusion approach was to disable/enable interrupts in a CPU‐specific manner. However, this method typically degrades the real time performance because it defers execution of the mutual‐exclusion‐free part of the system. Considering this situation, we have been studying a real‐time embedded monitor (REMON) which provides a novel mutual exclusion method that can maintain real‐time performance without RTOS. For in‐service embedded systems, one major runtime fault is ISR stack overflow (SOF). It is extremely difficult to test all conditions where ISRs are called from various external conditions. Note that the ISR stack holds not only data but also program instruction addresses, and consequently a SOF may cause a fatal system error. In summary, ISR SOF is a significant issue, but it has not previously been addressed by REMON. This paper proposes two safety extension methods for embedded systems using REMON. The first method detects ISR overflow and safely stops the system before triggering a system‐down or a malfunction. The second method reallocates the ISR stack and resumes system execution automatically.
Dispersed Gold Nanoparticles Supported in the Pores of Siliceous Mesocellular Foam: A Catalyst for Cycloisomerization of Alkynoic Acids to γ‐Alkylidene Lactones
Authors: Eriksson Kristofer , Verho Oscar , Nyholm Leif , Oscarsson Sven , Bäckvall Jan‐E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA versatile approach for the production of dispersed thiol‐stabilized gold nanoparticles in the pores of siliceous mesocellular foam (MCF) is described. The reported method is based on an electrochemical oxidation of a gold surface generating oxidative AuIII species, which give rise to a surface‐confined redox reaction yielding MCF‐supported AuI thiolates. By reducing the corresponding AuI‐S‐MCF species with sodium borohydride, thiol‐stabilized gold nanoparticles in the size range of 1–8 nm were obtained as determined by transmission electron microscopy. Elemental analysis indicated an Au loading of 3 % (w/w) on the MCF. The surface‐confined Au nanoparticles were used to catalyze the cycloisomerization of alkynoic acids to the corresponding γ‐alkylidene lactones in high efficiency and complete 5‐exo‐dig selectivity under mild reaction conditions.
Tests on cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete frames with brick infill
Authors: Chiou Tsung‐Chih , Hwang Shyh‐Jiann 
Published: February 2015

SummaryThis paper reports the results of cyclic loading tests performed on four specimens consisting of reinforced concrete frames with brick infill walls. The brick infill is pre‐laid, followed by the cast in‐place RC columns and beams. Test parameters include the height‐to‐length ratio of the brick infill wall and the mortar compressive strength. Test results reveal that the in‐plane lateral strength of brick infill wall is related to the fracture path. The fracture path for brick infill walls with large height‐to‐length ratios includes bed joints, cross joints, and vertical splitting of bricks. As a result, the lateral strength of this type of brick infill wall is larger. In comparison, the fracture path for brick infill walls with small height‐to‐length ratios only passes through joints, which is the reason why they have lower lateral strength. Mortar with higher strength improves the lateral strength of brick infill wall.In addition to presenting experimental observations in detail, this paper compares the test results with those obtained from existing methods for assessment of seismic resistance. Comments and recommendations are offered with respect to the capabilities of the assessment methods in predicting stiffness, strength, and ultimate deformation capacity of brick infill walls. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measuring Healthcare Providers' Performances Within Managed Competition Using Multidimensional Quality and Cost Indicators
Authors: Portrait France R. M. , van der Galiën Onno , Van den Berg Bernard 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBackground and objectives: The Dutch healthcare system is in transition towards managed competition. In theory, a system of managed competition involves incentives for quality and efficiency of provided care. This is mainly because health insurers contract on behalf of their clients with healthcare providers on, potentially, quality and costs. The paper develops a strategy to comprehensively analyse available multidimensional data on quality and costs to assess and report on the relative performance of healthcare providers within managed competition.Data and methods: We had access to individual information on 2409 clients of 19 Dutch diabetes care groups on a broad range of (outcome and process related) quality and cost indicators. We carried out a cost‐consequences analysis and corrected for differences in case mix to reduce incentives for risk selection by healthcare providers.Results and conclusion: There is substantial heterogeneity between diabetes care groups' performances as measured using multidimensional indicators on quality and costs. Better quality diabetes care can be achieved with lower or higher costs. Routine monitoring using multidimensional data on quality and costs merged at the individual level would allow a systematic and comprehensive analysis of healthcare providers' performances within managed competition. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sertoli cell as a model in male reproductive toxicology: Advantages and disadvantages
Authors: Reis Mariana M. S. , Moreira Ana C. , Sousa Mário , Mathur Premendu P. , Oliveira Pedro F. , Alves Marco G. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPressure towards population aging in the demographic pyramid is not only due to sociological/personal choices but also due to subfertility or infertility. There are several chemicals and mixtures that impair male fertility. While experimental animal models are crucial to identify compounds that affect male fertility, it is essential to use reliable in vitro models to determine cellular targets and intracellular pathways that mediate chemical toxicity in the male reproductive system. In this review, we focused on the somatic Sertoli cell (SC) that, within the testis, is a major target for hormonal signaling and provides physical and nutritional support to developing germ cells. The different outcomes possible in each type of study: in vivo versus in vitro (either in primary or immortalized cell cultures) are analyzed. Herein, we intend to clarify the unique features that render SCs as excellent candidates for a robust in vitro model to study the deleterious effects of chemicals on male reproductive health. The sensitivity of SCs to toxicants/pharmaceuticals is discussed and, based on the literature reviewed we propose the in vitro study of SC physiology as a model to disclose deleterious effects of substances to male fertility. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Loading of Hip Measured by Hip Contact Forces at Different Speeds of Walking and Running
Authors: Giarmatzis Georgios , Jonkers Ilse , Wesseling Mariska , Van Rossom Sam , Verschueren Sabine 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACT

Exercise plays a pivotal role in maximizing peak bone mass in adulthood and maintaining it through aging, by imposing mechanical loading on the bone that can trigger bone mineralization and growth. The optimal type and intensity of exercise that best enhances bone strength remains, however, poorly characterized, partly because the exact peak loading of the bone produced by the diverse types of exercises is not known. By means of integrated motion capture as an input to dynamic simulations, contact forces acting on the hip of 20 young healthy adults were calculated during walking and running at different speeds. During walking, hip contact forces (HCFs) have a two-peak profile whereby the first peak increases from 4.22 body weight (BW) to 5.41 BW and the second from 4.37 BW to 5.74 BW, by increasing speed from 3 to 6 km/h. During running, there is only one peak HCF that increases from 7.49 BW to 10.01 BW, by increasing speed from 6 to 12 km/h. Speed related profiles of peak HCFs and ground reaction forces (GRFs) reveal a different progression of the two peaks during walking. Speed has a stronger impact on peak HCFs rather than on peak GRFs during walking and running, suggesting an increasing influence of muscle activity on peak HCF with increased speed. Moreover, results show that the first peak of HCF during walking can be predicted best by hip adduction moment, and the second peak of HCF by hip extension moment. During running, peak HCF can be best predicted by hip adduction moment. The present study contributes hereby to a better understanding of musculoskeletal loading during walking and running in a wide range of speeds, offering valuable information to clinicians and scientists exploring bone loading as a possible nonpharmacological osteogenic stimulus. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
The Osteogenic Priming of Mesenchymal Stem Cells is Impaired in Experimental Diabetes
Authors: Silva J. C. , Sampaio P. , Fernandes M. H. , Gomes P. S. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTDiabetes mellitus encompasses a group of metabolic conditions embracing the dysfunction and failure of various tissues and organs, including bone. Sustained bone alterations seem to result from anabolic, rather than catabolic processes, and suggest a decreased osteoblastic recruitment and activity. Current knowledge on the cellular and molecular mechanisms were provided by studies performed with osteogenic populations cultured in diabetic‐simulated conditions, and osteogenic‐induced precursor populations harvested from diabetic animals, sustaining an impaired cellular behavior in terms of osteogenic responsiveness and function. However, the reasons leaning to this impairment remain essentially unknown, as the priming capability and functionality of undifferentiated precursors, developed within the diabetic environment, have not been addressed. Accordingly, this work aims to evaluate the functionality and osteogenic priming capability of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), harvested from animals with experimental diabetes, and grown in the absence of any given differentiation factor. MSCs developed within a diabetic microenvironment displayed an impaired behavior, with diminished cell viability and proliferation, altered cytoskeleton organization, impaired osteogenic priming, and increased adipogenic activation. Further, the osteogenic induction of diabetic MSCs resulted in an impaired osteogenic commitment. The modified cell phenotype may be related, at least in part, with altered activity of ERK WNT and p38 signaling pathways in diabetic‐derived cultures. Specific strategies, aiming the modulation of the verified hindrances, may be of therapeutic value to enhance the functionality of diabetic MSCs and sustain an improved outcome in the metabolism and regeneration of the bone tissue in diabetic conditions. J. Cell. Biochem. 116: 1658–1667, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deployment‐Related Psychiatric and Behavioral Conditions and Their Association with Functional Disability in OEF/OIF/OND Veterans
Authors: Lippa Sara M. , Fonda Jennifer R. , Fortier Catherine B. , Amick Melissa A. , Kenna Alexandra , Milberg William P. , McGlinchey Regina E. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractUnderstanding the factors that influence veterans’ functional outcome after deployment is critical to provide appropriately targeted care. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been related to disability, but other psychiatric and behavioral conditions are not as well examined. We investigated the impact of deployment‐related psychiatric and behavioral conditions on disability among 255 OEF/OIF/OND service members and veterans. Structured clinical interviews assessed TBI and the psychiatric conditions of depression, PTSD, anxiety, and substance use. Self‐report questionnaires assessed disability and the behavioral conditions of sleep disturbance and pain. Over 90% of participants had a psychiatric and/or behavioral condition, with approximately half presenting with ≥ 3 conditions. Exploratory factor analysis revealed 4 clinically relevant psychiatric and behavioral factors which accounted for 76.9% of the variance: (a) depression, PTSD, and military mTBI (deployment trauma factor); (b) pain and sleep (somatic factor); (c) anxiety disorders, other than PTSD (anxiety factor); and (d) substance abuse or dependence (substance use factor). Individuals with the conditions comprising the deployment trauma factor were more likely to be substantially disabled than individuals with depression and PTSD, but no military mTBI, OR = 3.52; 95% CI [1.09, 11.37]. Depression, PTSD, and a history of military mTBI may comprise an especially harmful combination associated with high risk for substantial disability.
Relation between inherent optical properties and land use and land cover across Gulf Coast estuaries
Authors: Le Chengfeng , Lehrter John C. , Hu Chuanmin , Schaeffer Blake , MacIntyre Hugh , Hagy James D. , Beddick David L. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractLand use and land cover (LULC) can affect the watershed exports of optically active constituents such as suspended particulate matter and colored dissolved organic matter, and in turn affect estuarine optical properties. We collected optical data from six estuaries in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico with different watershed LULC characteristics and investigated how estuarine optical properties varied across these systems. Differences in LULC corresponded with significant differences in the estuarine inherent optical properties and specific inherent optical properties (SIOPs), which are known surrogates for phytoplankton cell size, organic particle concentration, and the amount of terrigenous dissolved organic carbon. The results indicated that increasing proportions of developed land use (urban + agriculture) in the watersheds resulted in a linear increase in light attenuation in the estuaries primarily through increased absorption by phytoplankton. Estuarine SIOPs were also linearly related to the proportion of developed land. These findings were used to demonstrate how improved knowledge of the factors regulating estuarine SIOPs may be used to increase the accuracy of semianalytical ocean color remote sensing algorithms in optically complex estuaries.
A method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient (KdPAR) from paired temperature sensors
Authors: Read Jordan S. , Rose Kevin C. , Winslow Luke A. , Read Emily K. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA new method for estimating the diffuse attenuation coefficient for photosynthetically active radiation (KdPAR) from paired temperature sensors was derived. We show that during cases where the attenuation of penetrating shortwave solar radiation is the dominant source of temperature changes, time series measurements of water temperatures at multiple depths (z1 and z2) are related to one another by a linear scaling factor (α). KdPAR can then be estimated by the simple equation KdPAR = ln(α)/(z2−z1). A suggested workflow is presented that outlines procedures for calculating KdPAR according to this paired temperature sensor (PTS) method. This method is best suited for conditions when radiative temperature gains are large relative to physical noise. These conditions occur frequently on water bodies with low wind and/or high KdPARs but can be used for other types of lakes during time periods of low wind and/or where spatially redundant measurements of temperatures are available. The optimal vertical placement of temperature sensors according to a priori knowledge of KdPAR is also described. This information can be used to inform the design of future sensor deployments using the PTS method or for campaigns where characterizing sub‐daily changes in temperatures is important. The PTS method provides a novel method to characterize light attenuation in aquatic ecosystems without expensive radiometric equipment or the user subjectivity inherent in Secchi depth measurements. This method also can enable the estimation of KdPAR at higher frequencies than many manual monitoring programs allow.
Towed camera imagery and benthic sled catches provide different views of seamount benthic diversity
Authors: Williams Alan , Althaus Franziska , Schlacher Thomas A. 
Published: February 2015

AbstractBecause benthic ecosystems of seamounts support vulnerable biota that are increasingly threatened by mining and fishing, assessments of ecological conditions and impacts are important to balance resource extraction with biological conservation. These assessments rely on ecological metrics generated from physical collections of fauna with sleds or similar gears, or by surveying the seafloor with cameras. If different gears (sled or cameras) “sample” the benthos differently, derived ecological metrics will also differ. Here, we test this hypothesis by comparing data provided by a robust benthic sled and a quantitative towed camera from colocated transects on seamounts off Tasmania (Australia). Our comparison showed these tools provide complementary but not interchangeable metrics of seamount benthic diversity and abundance. Choice of sampler(s) needs to be determined by survey objectives and consider the following trade‐offs: (1) sleds will detect more species than image‐based techniques; (2) specimens obtained by physical sampling (sleds) can considerably extend the scope of ecological analysis through genetic, isotopic, and other analysis of biological material not available from camera surveys; (3) image‐derived data provide significantly and often considerably, higher estimates of megabenthos abundance; and (4) environmental impacts are much lower in camera surveys and therefore are arguably more ethical—an important consideration when repeat surveys are required, especially in areas of high conservation importance or heightened sensitivity. Undersampling by sleds of corals and sponges is an important aspect of gear selectivity because these taxa are consistently prominent indicators in protocols that identify benthic “vulnerable marine ecosystems” in assessments of human impacts.
Molecular basis for the recognition of cyclic‐di‐AMP by PstA, a PII‐like signal transduction protein
Authors: Choi Philip H. , Sureka Kamakshi , Woodward Joshua J. , Tong Liang 
Published: February 2015

AbstractCyclic‐di‐AMP (c‐di‐AMP) is a broadly conserved bacterial second messenger that is of importance in bacterial physiology. The molecular receptors mediating the cellular responses to the c‐di‐AMP signal are just beginning to be discovered. PstA is a previously uncharacterized PII‐like protein which has been identified as a c‐di‐AMP receptor. PstA is widely distributed and conserved among Gram‐positive bacteria in the phylum Firmicutes. Here, we report the biochemical, structural, and functional characterization of PstA from Listeria monocytogenes. We have determined the crystal structures of PstA in the c‐di‐AMP‐bound and apo forms at 1.6 and 2.9 Å resolution, respectively, which provide the molecular basis for its specific recognition of c‐di‐AMP. PstA forms a homotrimer structure that has overall similarity to the PII protein family which binds ATP. However, PstA is markedly different from PII proteins in the loop regions, and these structural differences mediate the specific recognition of their respective nucleotide ligand. The residues composing the c‐di‐AMP binding pocket are conserved, suggesting that c‐di‐AMP recognition by PstA is of functional importance. Disruption of pstA in L. monocytogenes affected c‐di‐AMP‐mediated alterations in bacterial growth and lysis. Overall, we have defined the PstA family as a conserved and specific c‐di‐AMP receptor in bacteria.
Sol‐Gel Microspheres Doped with Glycerol: A Structural Insight in Light of Forthcoming Applications in the Polyurethane Foam Industry
Authors: Ciriminna Rosaria , Fidalgo Alexandra , Ilharco Laura M. , Pagliaro Mario 
Published: February 2015

AbstractPorous silica‐based microspheres encapsulating aqueous glycerol can be potential curing agents for one‐component foams (OCFs). Such agents have the advantage of an enhanced sustainability profile on top of being environmentally friendly materials. A synthetically convenient and scalable sol‐gel process was used to make silica and organosilica microspheres doped with aqueous glycerol. These methyl‐modified silica microspheres, named “GreenCaps”, exhibit remarkable physical and chemical stability. The microspheres were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy at reduced pressure, and cryogenic nitrogen adsorption—desorption analysis. The structure of the materials was also analyzed at the molecular level by diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform (DRIFT) spectroscopy. As expected, the degree of methylation affects the degree of encapsulation and pore structure. Microspheres similarly methylated, however, can differ considerably in surface area and pore size due to the templating effect of glycerol on the organosilica structure. The results of the structure analysis reveal that glycerol is efficiently encapsulated, acts as a template, barely leaches over time, but is released by depressurization. A proper application of these microspheres can later on enhance both the environmental and health profile, as well as the technical performance (curing speed, foam quality, and froth thixotropy) of spray polyurethane foams.
The impact of chemotherapy shortages on COG and local clinical trials: A report from the Children's Oncology Group
Authors: G. Salazar Elizabeth , Bernhardt M. Brooke , Li Yimei , Aplenc Richard , Adamson Peter C. 
Published: February 2015

BackgroundOncology drug shortage is associated with increased patient adverse events and decreased enrollment on clinical trials for adult patients; however, the impact of oncology drug shortages has not been well studied in children with cancer.ProcedureThe Children's Oncology Group (COG) distributed a 5‐item survey to 226 COG site‐specific principal investigators (PI's) and 14‐item survey to 161 COG pharmacists to gather data the impact of chemotherapeutic shortages on clinical trials and patient care.ResultsThe response rate was 66.4% (150/226) for PI's and 29.8% (48/161) for pharmacists. COG PI's reported daunorubicin (73%), methotrexate (56%), asparaginase/PEG‐asparaginase (42%), doxorubicin (26%), thiotepa (21%), and cytarabine (20%) were most commonly in shortage, while COG pharmacists reported daunorubicin (80%), methotrexate (66%), vincristine (21%), thiotepa (41%), asparaginase/PEG‐asparaginase (34%), and cytarabine (34%) were most commonly in shortage over the past two years. Pharmacists were twice as likely to report a shortage compared with PI's (OR 2.1, 95% CI: 1.6–2.7, P < 0.0001). Fifty percent (74/147) of COG PI's reported at least one patient enrolled on a clinical trial was impacted by drug shortage, and 66% (98/148) of COG PI's reported at least one patient had clinical care impacted by drug shortage.ConclusionsChemotherapy shortages remain widespread across institutions, hinder clinical trials, and may contribute to adverse events in children with cancer. The increased frequency of chemotherapy shortages reported by pharmacists suggests that pharmacist efforts may mitigate negative impact chemotherapy shortages. Over half of pediatric institutions are implementing recommendations to address shortages, such as cross‐institutional collaboration and center‐level guidelines. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015;62:940–944. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.