bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Research on polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow-fiber hemodialyzer
Authors: Zhang Qinglei , Lu Xiaolong , Zhao Lihua , Liu Juanjuan , Wu Chunfeng 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
In this study, polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) hollow-fiber hemodialysis membranes were prepared by non-solvent-induced phase separation. The PVDF hollow-fiber hemodialyzers were prepared by centrifugal casting. The results showed that the PVDF membrane had better mechanical and separation properties when the membrane wall thickness was 40 μm and the N,N-dimethylacetamide in the core was 70 Vol%. Compared with commercial polysulfone hemodialysis membrane (Fresenius F60S membrane), the PVDF membrane had better mechanical property and ultrafiltration (UF) flux of pure water. The PVDF dialyzer’s removal efficiency for middle molecules was proven to be much higher than that of the F60S dialyzer. The UF coefficient of a high-flux PVDF dialyzer is 62.6 ml/h/mm Hg, whereas F60S is 42.5 ml/h/mm Hg, which can promote clearance for middle molecules.
First trimester concentrations of the TTR-RBP4-retinol complex components as early markers of insulin-treated gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Fruscalzo Arrigo , Londero Ambrogio P. , Driul Lorenza , Henze Andrea , Tonutti Laura , Ceraudo Maria , Zanotti Giuseppe , Berni Rodolfo , Schweigert Florian J. , Raila Jens 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe objective of the study was to investigate the relationship between first trimester maternal serum levels of the TTR-RBP4-ROH complex components and the later insurgence of an altered glucose metabolism during pregnancy.Retrospective case control study including 96 patients between the 12th and 14th week of gestation, 32 that developed gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), respectively, 21 non-insulin-treated (dGDM) and 11 insulin-treated (iGDM), 20 large for gestational age fetuses (LGA) without GDM and 44 patients with normal outcome as control. Serum concentrations of RBP4 and TTR were assessed by ELISA; serum concentration of ROH by reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (rpHPLC). The molecular heterogeneity of TTR and RBP4 was analyzed after immunoprecipitation by matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS).iGDM patients were characterized by reduced TTR, RBP4 and ROH compared to controls (respectively, iGDM vs. controls, mean±SD: TTR 3.96±0.89 μmol/L vs. 4.68±1.21 μmol/L, RBP4 1.13±0.25 μmol/L vs. 1.33±0.38 μmol/L and ROH 1.33±0.17 μmol/L vs. 1.62±0.29 μmol/L, p<0.05). TTR containing Gly10 in place of Cys10 was lower in the iGDM group (p<0.05) compared to controls. In the final logistic regression model ROH significantly predicted the diagnosis of iGDM (OR 0.93, 95% CI 0.87–0.98, p<0.05).First trimester maternal serum ROH, RBP4 and TTR represent potential biomarkers associated with the development of iGDM.
Numerical Simulation of Surface Acoustic Wave Actuated Separation of
Rigid Enantiomers by the Fictitious Domain Lagrange Multiplier Method
Authors: Burger Stefan , Franke Thomas , Fraunholz Thomas , Hoppe Ronald H. W. , Peter Malte A. , Wixforth Achim 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Enantiomers are chiral objects which differ by their orientation and
are thus referred to as left-handed and right-handed enantiomers. In
applications they mostly occur as so-called racemic compounds
consisting of approximately the same amount of left- and
right-handed species which may have completely different
properties. Hence, the separation of left- from right-handed
enantiomers is an important issue. Conventional technologies are
based on gas or high pressure liquid chromatography, capillary
electrophoresis, or nuclear magnetic resonance, but typically
they are slow and require costly chiral media. A new idea for
separation of chiral objects is based on introducing them in certain
vorticity patterns, which has been shown to work in theory for an
extremely simplified setting by Kostur et al.
[Phys. Rev. Lett. 96 (2006), 014502-1–014502-4].
In this paper, we investigate whether these ideas can be successfully adapted to a
more realistic setup which can be implemented experimentally. For
this purpose, we simulate transport of rigid chiral particles in a
fluidic environment by an application of the fictitious domain
Lagrange multiplier method due to Glowinski et al.
[J. Comput. Phys. 169 (2001), 363–427]
which has been designed to study the motion of rigid particles in carrier fluids. Numerical
results are presented which illustrate the feasibility of enantiomer
separation in flow fields consisting of pairwise counter-rotating
vortices. Moreover, a first experimental setup based on surface
acoustic wave generated vorticity patterns on the surface of a
carrier fluid is devised which reflects the idealized numerical
model and gives promising results with respect to properties of
particle propagation. These findings may lead to a new technology
for enantiomer separation which is both fast and cost-effective.
Flat nose low velocity drop-weight impact response of carbon fibre composites using non-destructive damage detection techniques
Authors: Farooq Umar , Myler Peter 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThis work is mainly concerned with the nondestructive post-impact damage evaluation of carbon fibre reinforced laminated composite panels subject to low velocity drop-weight impact by flat and round nose impactors. Quasi-isotropic laminates consisting of eight-, sixteen-, and twenty-four plies were impacted by flat and round nose impactors at different velocity levels. Load-time history data were recorded and plotted to correlate loaddrop as damage level to the impactor nose profiles. Test produced data, non-destructive damage detection techniques: visual, ultrasonic, and eddy- current, and computer simulations were utilised to identify and quantify status of the impact induced damage. To evaluate damage in relatively thick laminates (consisting of 24-Ply), the damage ratios and deflection quantities were correlated to the corresponding impactor nose profiles. Damage induced by the flat nose impactor to thick laminates was compared against the data produced by the round nose impactor. Results show that relatively thin laminates were largely affected by the impactor nose. Reasonable difference was observed in damage caused by flat and round impactor nose profiles to thick laminates impacted at relatively higher velocity impacts. Resultswere compared and validated against simulation produced data.
Angular Stable, Dual-Polarized and Multiband Modified Circular Ring Frequency Selective Surface
Authors: Bharti Garima , Jha Kumud Ranjan , Singh G. , Jyoti Rajeev 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIn this paper, a single-layer multiband slot-type frequency selective surface (FSS), which consists of a modified circular ring loaded with concentric conventional circular ring, is discussed. We have emphasized to design an angular as well as polarization stable multiband FSS structure with reflection characteristics in S-band (2–4 GHz)/K
A Developed ESPRIT Algorithm for DOA Estimation
Authors: Fayad Youssef , Wang Caiyun , Cao Qunsheng , Hafez Alaa El-Din Sayed 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA novel algorithm for estimating direction of arrival (DOAE) for target, which aspires to contribute to increase the estimation process accuracy and decrease the calculation costs, has been carried out. It has introduced time and space multiresolution in Estimation of Signal Parameter via Rotation Invariance Techniques (ESPRIT) method (TS-ESPRIT) to realize subspace approach that decreases errors caused by the model’s nonlinearity effect. The efficacy of the proposed algorithm is verified by using Monte Carlo simulation, the DOAE accuracy has evaluated by closed-form Cramér–Rao bound (CRB) which reveals that the proposed algorithm’s estimated results are better than those of the normal ESPRIT methods leading to the estimator performance enhancement.
Body fatness, related biomarkers and cancer risk: an epidemiological perspective
Authors: Nimptsch Katharina , Pischon Tobias 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Higher body fatness is not only associated with a higher risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and coronary heart disease but also with certain types of cancer. The scope of this review is to summarize the epidemiological evidence for an association between body fatness and specific types of cancer and to outline the mediating role of obesity-related biomarkers in this context. Epidemiological studies have gathered convincing evidence that greater body fatness is associated with a higher risk of colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, endometrial cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, and pancreatic cancer. Further, evidence for an association between higher body fatness and higher risk of ovarian cancer, advanced prostate cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma is growing. Abdominal obesity is an independent risk factor for colorectal cancer beyond general obesity, whereas an independent role is less clear for other obesity-related cancer types. Epidemiological biomarker studies have shown that the positive association between body fatness and risk of cancer may be partly explained by hyperinsulinemia and altered concentrations in adipokines and sex-steroid hormones. In addition, obesity-associated low-grade inflammation plays a role in colorectal carcinogenesis. While epidemiology has contributed substantially to the understanding of the role of higher body fatness and related metabolic alterations in the development of cancer, further epidemiological biomarker studies are necessary to elucidate the complex interrelations between mediating pathways as well as to study novel pathways. Knowledge resulting from this research may help identify an obesity phenotype that is particularly strongly associated with cancer risk and thus pave the way for targeted prevention of cancer morbidity and mortality.
Endothelial dysfunction and negative emotions in adolescent girls
Authors: Pajer Kathleen , Hoffman Robert , Gardner William , Chang Chien-Ni , Boley David , Wang Wei 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background: Endothelial dysfunction predicts adult cardiovascular disorder and may be associated with negative emotions in adolescents. This study was conducted to determine if hopelessness, hostility, and depressive, anxiety, or conduct disorders were associated with compromised endothelial function and whether those associations were mediated by health risk behaviors.

Methods: Endothelial function, assessed through brachial artery reactive hyperemia, was measured in a psychopathology enriched sample of 60 15–18-year-old girls. The correlations between hopelessness, hostility, and depressive, anxiety, or conduct disorders and the percent change in forearm vascular resistance (PCFVR) were measured. Possible mediation effects of health risk behaviors were tested.

Results: Hopelessness was negatively associated with PCFVR, controlling for race and body mass index. Conduct disorder without any anxiety disorder was associated with better endothelial function. The other negative emotions were not associated with PCFVR. Risky health behaviors were associated with conduct disorder and hopelessness, but not with PCFVR, so there was no evidence of mediation.

Conclusion: The main finding was that hopelessness in adolescent girls was associated with endothelial dysfunction. This may indicate that when present, hopelessness places a girl at risk for later cardiovascular disease, whether she has a psychiatric disorder or not. Possible mechanisms for this finding are examined and the surprising finding that conduct disorder is associated with better endothelial function is also discussed. Suggestions for future research are presented.
A Novel Fault Location Method for Radial Distribution Systems
Authors: Liao Yuan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
This paper presents a new method for locating faults on radial distribution systems utilizing local voltage and current measurements. The method considers feeder shunt capacitances, is applicable to any type of faults, is suitable for unbalanced networks and does not require fault type information. The method is also independent of source impedance. Analytical analysis is utilized to obtain a generic performance equation for any type of faults, which reduces or eliminates iterative steps to reach the fault location. A process to trim down multiple estimates due to laterals is discussed. Evaluation studies based on simulated data have demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed solution.
A Review of Voltage Stability Assessment Techniques with an Improved Voltage Stability Indicator
Authors: Danish Mir Sayed Shah , Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
A blackout can take place in entire power system or a part of the system due to extreme voltage instability (voltage collapse) that can appear abruptly. Instability prediction and continuous monitoring of the power system performance is, therefore, known exigent. This paper is conducted with a broad overview of the voltage stability indices, which are previously studied in the literature, and have the same foundation during their formulation. Afterward, an improved voltage stability indicator is introduced as a result of the multi-criteria integration and enhancement of the original indices by employing linear algebra methods. It is found that the proposed algorithm can overcome on the probable limitations from calculating point view. Then comparative analysis of the indices is presented in order to reach a unique consensus about the typical techniques of modal analysis (sensitivity, eigenvalue, right eigenvectors, and bus participation factor) as a precise algorithm. Finally, the IEEE 14-bus, and 30-bus test systems are selected to verify the algorithm, and compare the performance of the improved indicator approach with the existing indices.
Neurobehavioural evaluation of Lophira alata (Ochnaceae) stem bark extract in mice
Authors: Iniaghe Loretta O. , Ighodaro Igbe , Magaji Mohammed G. , Tabot Tabot P. , Maduka Ijeoma T. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract

Background: Stem bark and leaves of Lophira alata (Family: Ochnaceae) have been used traditionally for their anti-psychotic, anti-convulsant and anxiolytic properties. Since no existing data was found on the neurobehavioural properties, this study was carried out to evaluate some neurobehavioural properties of the aqueous extract of the stem bark of L. alata in animal models.

Methods: The oral mean lethal dose (LD50) of the extract was estimated, and preliminary phytochemical screening was conducted. Lophira alata extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) was investigated for antidepressant effect using the forced swim and tail suspension tests, and the anxiolytic potential was assessed using the stair case and hole board tests. Pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion test was used to investigate the anticonvulsant potential of the extract.

Results: The LD50 was estimated to be >5000 mg/kg. Oral administration of L. alata extract produced a significant (p<0.05) non-dose-dependent decrease in the period of immobility in both the forced swim and tail suspension tests. While a significant decrease (p<0.05) in episodes of grooming was recorded in the staircase test, the number of head dips was not significantly reduced (p>0.05) in the hole board test. In the pentylenetetrazole-induced convulsion, a non-dose-dependent increase in onset of tonic-clonic seizures and protection from death was recorded.

Conclusions: The results obtained suggest that the aqueous stem bark extract of L. alata possesses neurobehavioural properties which may account for its use in ethnomedicine.
Association between cardiovascular risk factors and carotid intima-media thickness in prepubertal Brazilian children
Authors: Gazolla Fernanda Mussi , Neves Bordallo Maria Alice , Madeira Isabel Rey , de Miranda Carvalho Cecilia Noronha , Vieira Monteiro Alexandra Maria , Pinheiro Rodrigues Nádia Cristina , Borges Marcos Antonio , Collett-Solberg Paulo Ferrez , Muniz Bruna Moreira , de Oliveira Cecilia Lacroix , Pinheiro Suellen Martins , de Queiroz Ribeiro Rebeca Mathias 
Published: March 2015

AbstractEarly exposure to cardiovascular risk factors creates a chronic inflammatory state that could damage the endothelium followed by thickening of the carotid intima-media.To investigate the association of cardiovascular risk factors and thickening of the carotid intimaMedia in prepubertal children. In this cross-sectional study, carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) and cardiovascular risk factors were assessed in 129 prepubertal children aged from 5 to 10 year. Association was assessed by simple and multivariate logistic regression analyses.In simple logistic regression analyses, body mass index (BMI) z-score, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure (SBP) were positively associated with increased left, right, and average cIMT, whereas diastolic blood pressure was positively associated only with increased left and average cIMT (p<0.05). In multivariate logistic regression analyses increased left cIMT was positively associated to BMI z-score and SBP, and increased average cIMT was only positively associated to SBP (p<0.05).BMI z-score and SBP were the strongest risk factors for increased cIMT.
Hypothalamic obesity in children: pathophysiology to clinical management
Authors: Haliloglu Belma , Bereket Abdullah 
Published: March 2015

AbstractHypothalamic obesity (HyOb) is a complex neuroendocrine disorder caused by damage to the hypothalamus, which results in disruption of energy regulation. The key hypothalamic areas of energy regulation are the ARC (arcuate nucleus), the VMH (ventromedial hypothalamus), the PVN (paraventriculer nuclei) and the LHA (lateral hypothalamic area). These pathways can be disrupted mechanically by hypothalamic tumors, neurosurgery, inflammatory disorders, radiotherapy and trauma or functionally as such seen in genetic diseases. Rapid weight gain and severe obesity are the most striking features of HyOb and caused by hyperphagia, reduced basal metabolic rate (BMR) and decreased physical activity. HyOb is usually unresponsive to diet and exercise. Although, GLP-1 and its anologs seem to be a new agent, there is still no curative treatment. Thus, prevention is of prime importance and the clinicians should be alert and vigilant in patients at risk for development of HyOb.
Bonding properties of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters and structural analogs from X-ray absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Chevrier Daniel M. , Yang Rui , Chatt Amares , Zhang Peng 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Subnanometer, atomically precise thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters represent an important advancement in our understanding of thiolate-protected gold nanoparticles and thiolate-gold chemistry. Aside from being a link between larger gold nanoparticles and small gold complexes, gold nanoclusters exhibit extraordinary molecule-like optical, electronic, and physicochemical properties that are promising for next-generation imaging agents, sensing devices, or catalysts. The success in elucidating a number of unique thiolate-gold surface and gold core structures has greatly improved our understanding of thiolate-gold nanoclusters. Nevertheless, monitoring the structural and electronic behavior of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters in a variety of media or environments is crucial for the next step in advancing this class of nanomaterials. Not to mention, there are a number of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters with unknown structures or compositions that could reveal important insights on application-based properties such as luminescence or catalytic activity. This review summarizes some of the recent contributions from X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) studies on the intriguing bonding properties of thiolate-protected gold nanoclusters and some structural analogs. Advantages from XAS include a local structural, site- and element-specific analysis, suitable for ultra-small particle sizes (1–2 nm), along with versatile experimental conditions.
Public Library: A Place for the Digital Community Archive
Authors: Copeland Andrea 
Published: March 2015

Abstract This article explores the possibility that public libraries can be repositories for digital community archives. The overarching goal is to establish a case for public libraries’ developing digital community archives that are participatory and which emphasize born-digital items rather than digitized physical items. This discussion follows my own research and experience in this area to include personal information management, social media and the personal archive, and the accidental community archive, and demonstrates that public libraries can focus on communities’ current events and people rather than solely on those from the past.
Effects of different starch types on the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of low density polyethylene composites
Authors: Hossen Beg Md. Dalour , Bin Kormin Shaharuddin , Bijarimi Mohd , Zaman Haydar U. 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The aim of this research is to investigate the effects of different thermoplastic starches and starch contents on the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of new polymeric-based composites from low density polyethylene (LDPE) and thermoplastic starches. Different compositions of thermoplastic starches (5–40 wt%) and LDPE were melt blended by extrusion and injection molding. The resultant materials were characterized with respect to the following parameters, i.e., melt flow index (MFI), mechanical properties (tensile, flexural, stiffness and impact strength) and water absorption. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was also used in this study for evaluating blend miscibility. MFI values of all blends decreased as the starch content increased, while the sago starch formulation showed a higher MFI value than others. The incorporation of fillers into LDPE matrix resulted in an increased in tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus and slightly decreased tensile strength and impact strength. However, sago starch filled composites exhibited better mechanical properties as compared to other starches. The SEM results revealed that the miscibility of such blends is dependent on the type of starch used. The water absorption increased with immersion time and the thermoplastic sago starch samples showed the lowest percentage of water absorption compared with other thermoplastic starches.
Synthesis, crystal structure and spectroscopic properties of one-dimensional zinc(II)–cyanide complex with 1-methylimidazole, [Zn(μ-CN)(CN)(1-meim)]n
Authors: Sayın Elvan , Kürkçüoğlu Güneş Süheyla , Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Hökelek Tuncer 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA new one-dimensional Zn(II)–cyanide complex with 1-methylimidazole ligand, [Zn(μ-CN)(CN)(1-meim)]n(1-meim: 1-methylimidazole) has been synthesized and characterized by spectral (FT-IR and Raman) methods, elemental analysis, thermal (TG, DTG and DTA) analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The complex crystallizes in the monoclinic system,P21space group. The asymmetric unit contains one Zn(II), one 1-meim and two cyanide ligands. The coordination sphere of the Zn(II) ion exhibits a distorted tetrahedral geometry. In the crystal structure, the symmetry related zinc(II) atoms are bridged by the cyanide anions to form one dimensional chains running along the b-axis. Intermolecular C–H···N hydrogen bonds link the adjacent polynuclear chains forming two dimensional layers through theR1818(2)$R_{18}^{18}(2)$ring motifs, where the layers formed are oriented in parallel to (020).