bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shaking table testing of an existing masonry building: assessment and improvement of the seismic performance
Authors: Mendes Nuno , Lourenço Paulo B. , Campos‐Costa Alfredo 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYThis paper aims to assess and improve the seismic performance of an existing masonry building with flexible floors, representative of a Portuguese building typology—‘gaioleiro’ buildings. The study involved seismic tests and dynamic identification tests of two models (nonstrengthened and strengthened) in the shaking table. Each model was subjected to several seismic tests with increasing amplitude. Before the first test and after each seismic test, the dynamic identification of the model was carried out, aiming at obtaining their seismic vulnerability curves based on a damage indicator obtained from the decrease of the frequencies of the modes. In the strengthened model, steel elements were used to improve the connection between walls and floors, together with ties in the upper stories. The results show that adopted strengthening technique is effective for reducing the seismic vulnerability of ‘gaioleiro’ buildings, namely for improving the out‐of‐plane behavior of the facades. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Untangling dynamical and microphysical controls for the structure of stratocumulus
Authors: Ovchinnikov Mikhail , Easter Richard C. , Gustafson William I. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractStratocumulus clouds can assume closed‐ or open‐cell structures with strikingly different abilities to reflect solar radiation. While open cells have been linked to the presence of precipitation and low droplet concentrations, complete understanding of processes leading to their formation is lacking. Here we show that the structure of stratocumulus can be linked to two time scales: an updraft time scale (tup) and a rain initiation time scale (tr). When sufficient drizzle forms within updrafts (tr ≤ tup), cloud water in the outflow is depleted enough that an overcast cloud cannot be sustained. Using a simple parcel model, we relate these time scales to three observable parameters (droplet number concentration, cloud depth, and updraft speed) and derive a functional representation for the transition from closed to open cells. Eight well‐documented observed and simulated cases of open‐ and closed‐cell stratocumulus fit well into the classification based on our model.
Homer protein family regulation in skeletal muscle and neuromuscular adaptation
Authors: Salanova Michele , Volpe Pompeo , Blottner Dieter 
Published: August 2013

AbstractScaffolding adaptor proteins of the Homer family have recently been implicated in regulation of a large number of physiological processes owing to their remarkable ability to coordinate a complex network of different molecular players within the same signaling pathway. However, because of their unique molecular properties that also allow functional modulation of a plethora of different interacting protein partners, Homers seem to play additional and important roles in the integration of several molecular players belonging to different signaling pathways and thus allowing crosstalk. The role of the Homer protein family has been previously extensively investigated in neuronal tissue where it was first discovered as a new protein family being upregulated in response to brain seizures (Brakeman P.R., et al., Nature 1997, 386, 284–288.). Recently, the role of Homers was also proposed in skeletal muscle physiology. For instance, it has been shown that Homers regulate both the myogenic differentiation program and the open probability (Po) of several ion channels. Furthermore, by knocking out Homer1, one of the three Homer genes, mice carrying such deletion displayed a pronounced skeletal muscle myopathy associated with altered transient receptor potential activity and calcium homeostasis. Homer expression has now been further characterized at the neuromuscular junction in skeletal muscle. Apart from their known role at central synapses, Homers are important physiological determinants in differentiation, development, and adaptation in skeletal muscle and the neuromuscular system and thus integrating motor neuron control, for example, with downstream calcium signaling pathways in muscle fibers. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(9):769–776, 2013
Calcitriol‐induced DNA damage: Toward a molecular mechanism of selective cell death
Authors: Hasan S. Saif , Rizvi Asim , Naseem Imrana 
Published: August 2013

AbstractCalcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D, is known to function as an important anticancer agent. The exact mechanism by which calcitriol exerts its effects remains unknown. Recent evidence suggests a link between calcitriol‐induced, free‐radical‐mediated DNA damage and cell death, in the presence of elevated levels of copper, such as those observed in malignant cells. As calcitriol is a lipid‐soluble molecule, its interaction with DNA and copper would require a “chaperone”‐like molecule, which binds the relatively hydrophobic calcitriol and polar DNA. A candidate protein is the vitamin D receptor (VDR), which binds both molecules. Using the recently elucidated full‐length structure of the VDR molecule, we present and discuss three possible mechanisms to explain the interaction between calcitriol and DNA, as mediated by VDR. © 2013 IUBMB Life, 65(9):787–792, 2013
Bioactivation and Toxicity of Acetaminophen in a Rat Hepatocyte Micropatterned Coculture System
Authors: Ukairo Okechukwu , McVay Michael , Krzyzewski Stacy , Aoyama Simon , Rose Kelly , Andersen Melvin E. , Khetani Salman R. , LeCluyse Edward L. 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWe have recently shown that primary rat hepatocytes organized in micropatterned cocultures with murine embryonic fibroblasts (HepatoPac™) maintain high levels of liver functions for at least 4 weeks. In this study, rat HepatoPac was assessed for its utility to study chemical bioactivation and associated hepatocellular toxicity. Treatment of HepatoPac cultures with acetaminophen (APAP) over a range of concentrations (0–15 mM) was initiated at 1, 2, 3, or 4 weeks followed by the assessment of morphological and functional endpoints. Consistent and reproducible concentration‐dependent effects on hepatocyte structure, viability, and basic functions were observed over the 4‐week period, and were exacerbated by depleting glutathione using buthionine sulfoximine or inducing CYP3A using dexamethasone, presumably due to increased reactive metabolite‐induced stress and adduct formation. In conclusion, the results from this study demonstrate that rat HepatoPac represents a structurally and functionally stable hepatic model system to assess the long‐term effects of bioactivated compounds. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J BiochemMol Toxicol 27:471‐478, 2013; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com. DOI 10.1002/jbt.21512
The VLF fingerprint of elves: Step‐like and long‐recovery early VLF perturbations caused by powerful ±CG lightning EM pulses
Authors: Haldoupis Christos , Cohen Morris , Arnone Enrico , Cotts Benjamin , Dietrich Stefano 
Published: August 2013

AbstractSubionospheric VLF recordings are investigated in relation with intense cloud‐to‐ground (CG) lightning data. Lightning impacts the lower ionosphere via heating and ionization changes which produce VLF signal perturbations known as early VLF events. Typically, early events recover in about 100 s, but a small subclass does not recover for many minutes, known as long‐recovery early events (LORE). In this study, we identify LORE as a distinct category of early VLF events, whose signature may occur either on its own or alongside the short‐lived typical early VLF event. Since LORE onsets coincide with powerful lightning strokes of either polarity (±), we infer that they are due to long‐lasting ionization changes in the uppermost D region ionosphere caused by electromagnetic pulses emitted by strong ± CG lightning peak currents of typically > 250 kA, which are also known to generate elves. The LORE perturbations are detected when the discharge is located within ~250 km from the great circle path of a VLF transmitter‐receiver link. The probability of occurrence increases with stroke intensity and approaches unity for discharges with peak currents ≥ ~300 kA. LOREs are nighttime phenomena that occur preferentially, at least in the present regional data set, during winter when strong ± CG discharges are more frequent and intense. The evidence suggests LORE as a distinct signature representing the VLF fingerprint of elves, a fact which, although was predicted by theory, it escaped identification in the long‐going VLF research of lightning effects in the lower ionosphere.
Uncertainties on the simulated summer precipitation over Eastern China from the CMIP5 models
Authors: Huang Dan‐Qing , Zhu Jian , Zhang Yao‐Cun , Huang An‐Ning 
Published: August 2013

AbstractBased on 14 climate models from the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5), uncertainty on the simulated summer precipitation over Eastern China is analyzed by investigating the intercomparison between individual model and multimodel ensemble (MME). Generally, MME has the ability in reproducing summer precipitation over Eastern China. However, large model spread exists among models in both climatology and interannual variation. The possible reason for the large model spread lies in the uncertainties on simulating large‐scale circulations, e.g., East Asian subtropical westerly jet, western Pacific subtropical high, and East Asian summer monsoon. To investigate uncertainties in different regions, Eastern China is divided to four subregions: South China (SC), Yangtze‐Huaihe River Basin (YHRB), North China (NC), and Northeast China (NEC). The annual cycle of regional mean precipitation from 14 CMIP5 models indicates that the model spread approaches maximum in early summer over SC and YHRB and in middle summer over NC and NEC. Uncertainties generally decrease from south to north, with the most sensitive region of SC. For different‐class precipitation, the uncertainties of 14 models are small in relatively weak rain, but large in heavy and nonrainfall for all the four regions. We propose two possible reasons for the large uncertainties: different partitioning of stratiform/convective precipitation and horizontal resolutions.
Screening for lung cancer: The US studies
Authors: Midthun David E. , Jett James R. 
Published: August 2013

AbstractEfforts in lung cancer screening with chest X‐ray (CXR) and sputum cytology in the 1970s and 1980s were negative. In the ensuing decade, the early lung cancer action project (ELCAP), and the Mayo screening study showed the promise of low‐dose CT. These and other studies led to the National lung screening study (NLST), which showed definitively that low‐dose spiral computed tomography had a measurable impact on mortality and could be justified as a tool for lung cancer screening. This review examines the results of past and recent studies of lung cancer screening. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013 108:275–279. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Grizzly bear and human interaction in Yellowstone National Park: An evaluation of bear management areas
Authors: Coleman Tyler H. , Schwartz Charles C. , Gunther Kerry A. , Creel Scott 
Published: August 2013

ABSTRACTWildlife managers often rely on permanent or temporary area closures to reduce the impact of human presence on sensitive species. In 1982, Yellowstone National Park created a program to protect threatened grizzly bears (Ursus arctos) from human disturbance. The bear management area (BMA) program created areas of the park where human access was restricted. The program was designed to allow unhindered foraging opportunities for bears, decrease the risk of habituation, and provide safety for backcountry users. The objective of our study was to evaluate human‐bear interaction in BMAs and determine if they were effective. We used human and grizzly bear global positioning system location data to study 6 of 16 BMAs from 2007 to 2009. We contrasted data when BMAs were unrestricted (open human access) and restricted (limited human access). We used location data collected when BMAs were unrestricted to delineate a human recreation area (HRA) and determined a daily human active and inactive period. We applied the HRA and daily activity times to bear location data and evaluated how bear movement behavior changed when people were present and absent. We found that grizzly bears were twice as likely to be within the HRA when BMAs were restricted. We also found that grizzly bears were more than twice as likely to be within the HRA when BMAs were unrestricted, but people were inactive. Our results suggest that human presence can displace grizzly bears if people are allowed unrestricted access to the 6 BMAs in our study. Our study provides evidence for the utility of management closures designed to protect a threatened species in a well‐visited park. Our approach can be reapplied by managers interested in balancing wildlife conservation and human recreation. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Ototoxicity of aluminum acetate/benzethonium chloride otic solution in the chinchilla animal model
Authors: Pitaro Jacob , Mood Zhoobin A. , Daniel Sam J. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the ototoxic potential of aluminum acetate (0.5%)/benzethonium chloride (0.03%) otic solution in the chinchilla animal model.Study DesignA randomized, prospective, controlled study was conducted in the chinchilla animal model.MethodsFourteen female chinchillas were used. After an incision was made in each tympanic membrane, baseline auditory brainstem response measurements were performed at 16, 20, and 25 kHz. One ear was randomized to receive aluminum acetate (0.5%)/benzethonium chloride (0.03%), whereas the other ear served as the control and received 0.9% NaCl. Solutions were applied transtympanically once a day for 3 consecutive days. Postapplication auditory brainstem response measurements were done at day 7 and day 30. In half of the animals, scanning electron microscopy was done following the last auditory brainstem response measurement.ResultsA statistically significant difference was found between the mean threshold shifts in the experimental and control ears at all frequencies on both 7 and 30 days postapplication (P < .02). Increased ossification of the cochleae was seen in experimental ears (n = 12). Scanning electron microscopy study demonstrated outer hair cell damage and/or loss in the experimental ears. No significant morphological changes were detected on scanning electron microscopy obtained from the control ears.ConclusionsApplication of aluminum acetate (0.5%)/benzethonium chloride (0.03%) otic solution causes hearing loss in chinchillas when a tympanic membrane perforation exists. Further studies are needed to test the effect of this otic solution on hearing.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 123:2521–2525, 2013
The role of nerve monitoring to predict postoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve function in thyroid and parathyroid surgery
Authors: Eid Issam , Miller Frank R. , Rowan Stephanie , Otto Randal A. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisTo determine the role and efficacy of intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) stimulation in the prediction of early and permanent postoperative nerve function in thyroid and parathyroid surgery.Study DesignA retrospective review of thyroid and parathyroid surgeries was performed with calculation of sensitivity and specificity of the response of intraoperative stimulation for different pathological groups.MethodsNormal electromyography (EMG) response with 0.5 mAmp stimulation was considered a positive stimulation response with postoperative function determined by laryngoscopy. No EMG response at >1–2 mAmps was considered a negative response. The rates of early and permanent paralysis, as well as sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for postoperative nerve function were calculated for separate pathological groups.ResultsThe number of nerves at risk analyzed was 909. The overall early and permanent paralysis rates were 3.1% and 1.2%, respectively, with the highest rate being for Grave's disease cases. The overall sensitivity was 98.4%. The specificity was lower at 62.5% but acceptable in thyroid carcinoma and Grave's disease patients. The majority of nerves with a positive stimulation result and postoperative paralysis on laryngoscopy recovered function in 3 to 12 weeks, showing positive stimulation to be a good predictor of eventual recovery.ConclusionsStimulation of the RLN during thyroid and parathyroid surgery is a useful tool in predicting postoperative RLN function. The sensitivity of stimulation is high, showing positive stimulation to be an excellent predictor of normal nerve function. Negative stimulation is more predictive of paralysis in cases of thyroid carcinoma and Grave's disease.Level of Evidence2b. Laryngoscope, 123:2584–2587, 2013
A prospective study of 113 deep neck infections managed using a clinical practice guideline
Authors: Saluja Saurabh , Brietzke Scott E. , Egan Kristin K. , Klavon Susan , Robson Caroline D. , Waltzman Mark L. , Roberson David W. 
Published: August 2013

Objectives/HypothesisRetropharyngeal abscesses are a difficult to diagnose condition in children. Though some children with such abscesses can be managed with intravenous (IV) antibiotics alone, our group has argued that surgical drainage is the gold standard for safe management and likely leads to shorter hospital stays. We present prospective data on children with retropharyngeal infections who were managed according to a clinical practice guideline that emphasizes reliance on computed tomography and prompt surgical drainage when pus is felt to be present.Study DesignProspective observational study at a tertiary care children's hospital.MethodsChildren were included in the study if a retropharyngeal infection was suspected and they were treated according to the clinical guideline between July 2001 and March 2004.ResultsOf 111 children in the study, 73 were ultimately treated with incision and drainage. There was no long‐term morbidity or mortality. Surgical patients were more likely to require an intensive care unit (ICU) admission than patients managed with IV antibiotics alone (26.0% vs. 5.3%, P < .01) and on average cost nearly $8,000 more ($22,071 and $14,950; P < .01). However, these results may be biased, as patients requiring surgery were younger, which likely influenced the decision for ICU admission.ConclusionsIt is possible to treat pediatric retropharyngeal infections according to our clinical guideline with nearly zero long‐term morbidity and mortality. Our data showed good outcomes for both groups, and substantially higher costs for patients treated surgically. These results cannot be regarded as definitive, because surgery was consistently advised for all patients with suspected pus, and because the surgical group was younger than the nonsurgical group.Level of Evidence2c. Laryngoscope, 123:3211–3218, 2013
Fabrication of Electrospinning Fibers from Spiropyran‐Based Polymeric Nanowires and their Photochromic Properties
Authors: Zhang Wen‐Jian , Hong Chun‐Yan , Pan Cai‐Yuan 
Published: August 2013

Functional nanowires with photochromic spiropyran (SP) species are prepared by reversible addition–fragmentation transfer (RAFT) dispersion polymerization of styrene using poly(4‐vinylpyridine‐co‐spiropyranyl methacrylate) as a macro‐RAFT agent, and then electrospinning technology is used to fabricate fibers from the functional nanowires. The photoisomerization of SP in the nanowires and fibers is studied, and reversible photo­chromism for both nanowires and fibers is observed. Since the merocyanine (ME form) of the SP emits fluorescence and the SP form is non‐fluorescent, the fluorescence of the nanowires and the fibers can be switched on and off upon alternating UV and visible‐light irradiation.
image
Development of the short form of the Korean health literacy scale for the elderly
Authors: Lee Tae Wha , Kang Soo Jin 
Published: August 2013

AbstractWe developed and examined a shortened form of the Korean Health Literacy Scale (KHLS) with a sample of 543 elderly in South Korea. Rasch analysis of the KHLS was conducted to examine the unidimensionality of the scale, along with a confirmatory factor analysis to evaluate both the item fit and item difficulty. Based on these data the KHLS was narrowed down to 12 of the original 24 items (7 comprehension and numeracy questions and 5 health‐related questions). The internal consistency of the resulting short form (S‐KHLS) was 0.80. The S‐KHLS is a short and reliable scale for testing the health literacy skills of elderly Korean adults. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 36: 524–534, 2013.
TOWARDS “UNITY IN DIVERSITY” IN EUROPEAN DEVELOPMENT AID THROUGH DONOR HARMONIZATION AND DECENTRALIZED COOPERATION? A CASE STUDY OF FLANDERS AND BELGIUM
Authors: Waeterloos Evert , Renard Robrecht 
Published: August 2013

SUMMARYOfficial donors have over the past decade pledged to enhance aid effectiveness by improving donor harmonization. To this effect, the European Union (EU) launched initiatives on a division of labor among its Member States. At the same time, the EU encourages Europe's subnational authorities to engage in their own development cooperation. This however seems to undermine the same harmonization effort. Belgium, characterized by multiple levels of government, illustrates that these two approaches to aid effectiveness—collective division of labor at the national level and decentralized cooperation at lower levels—are only partially compatible. In partner countries where both the federal Belgian and regional Flemish governments are active donors, Belgium's composite aid is poorly harmonized. A principal–agent framework helps to explain such selfish positioning. This article argues that a higher degree of complementarity and harmonization among Belgium's various authorities is feasible, albeit in forms that are specific to recipient country and context. As both donors are not so much competing in aid supply policies but rather in terms of supply management, such technical arguments may assist in lessening the political pressure to selfishly emphasize diversity over unity. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.