bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Human Testicular Peritubular Cells Host Putative Stem Leydig Cells With Steroidogenic Capacity
Authors: Landreh Luise , Spinnler Katrin , Schubert Kerstin , Häkkinen Merja R. , Auriola Seppo , Poutanen Matti , Söder Olle , Svechnikov Konstantin , Mayerhofer Artur 
Published: March 2014

Aim:
We aim to examine the steroidogenic phenotype and the differentiation potential of human testicular peritubular cells (HTPCs) and to explore their possible relationship to the adult Leydig cell lineage.

Background:
The cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage may reside in the peritubular compartment of the testis. This suggestion is supported by the facts that the rodent peritubular cells can be differentiated toward this lineage and that cAMP enhances their steroidogenic potential.

Methods:
Human testicular biopsies, and derived HTPCs, were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. After stimulation by forskolin or platelet-derived growth factor-BB, quantitative RT-PCR was used to compare the levels of mRNAs encoding proteins involved in steroidogenesis and steroid production was analyzed by liquid chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry.

Results:
Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that the peritubular cells that form the outer part of the tubular wall express platelet derived growth factor receptor-α. Furthermore, the pluripotency markers (POU domain class 5 transcription factor 1, GATA-binding protein 4), stem Leydig cell markers (platelet derived growth factor receptor-A, leukemia inhibitory factor receptor), and mRNAs encoding proteins involved in steroidogenesis (nuclear receptor subfamily 5, group A, member 1; steroidogenic acute regulatory protein; CYP11A1; CYP17A1; 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase) were expressed by the HTPCs. Stimulation with forskolin increased the expression of the steroidogenic markers, which was accompanied by the production of pregnenolone and progesterone by HTPCs in vitro. Treatment with platelet-derived growth factor-BB induced expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein.

Conclusions:
Our results indicate that the tubular wall of the human testis is a reservoir for cells of the adult Leydig cell lineage and that the steroidogenic potential of these cells can be activated in culture.
Femoral neck shaft angle width is associated with hip-fracture risk in males but not independently of femoral neck bone density
Authors: Ripamonti C , Lisi L , Avella M 
Published: March 2014

Objective:
To investigate the specificity of the neck shaft angle (NSA) to predict hip fracture in males.

Methods:
We consecutively studied 228 males without fracture and 38 with hip fracture. A further 49 males with spine fracture were studied to evaluate the specificity of NSA for hip-fracture prediction. Femoral neck (FN) bone mineral density (FN-BMD), NSA, hip axis length and FN diameter (FND) were measured in each subject by dual X-ray absorptiometry. Between-mean differences in the studied variables were tested by the unpaired t-test. The ability of NSA to predict hip fracture was tested by logistic regression.

Results:
Compared with controls, FN-BMD (p &lt; 0.01) was significantly lower in both groups of males with fractures, whereas FND (p &lt; 0.01) and NSA (p = 0.05) were higher only in the hip-fracture group. A significant inverse correlation (p &lt; 0.01) was found between NSA and FN-BMD. By age-, height- and weight-corrected logistic regression, none of the tested geometric parameters, separately considered from FN-BMD, entered the best model to predict spine fracture, whereas NSA (p &lt; 0.03) predicted hip fracture together with age (p &lt; 0.001). When forced into the regression, FN-BMD (p &lt; 0.001) became the only fracture predictor to enter the best model to predict both fracture types.

Conclusion:
NSA is associated with hip-fracture risk in males but is not independent of FN-BMD.

Advances in knowledge:
The lack of ability of NSA to predict hip fracture in males independent of FN-BMD should depend on its inverse correlation with FN-BMD by capturing, as the strongest fracture predictor, some of the effects of NSA on the hip fracture. Conversely, NSA in females does not correlate with FN-BMD but independently predicts hip fractures.
Short-stem uncemented primary reverse shoulder arthroplasty
Authors: Giuseffi S. A. , Streubel P. , Sperling J. , Sanchez-Sotelo J. 
Published: April 2014

Short uncemented humeral stems can preserve humeral bone stock and facilitate revision surgery but may be prone to malalignment or loosening, especially when used in reverse total shoulder replacement (TSR). We undertook a retrospective review of 44 patients with a mean age of 76 years (59 to 92) who underwent primary reverse TSR with a short uncemented humeral stem. There were 29 females. The indications for joint replacement included cuff tear associated arthropathy (33), avascular necrosis (six), post-traumatic arthritis (two), and inflammatory arthritis (three). At a mean follow-up of 27 months (24 to 40), pain was rated as mild or none in 43 shoulders (97.7%). The mean active elevation improved from 54° (sd 20°) to 142° (sd 25°) and the mean active external rotation from 14° (sd 13°) to 45° (sd 9°). The outcome, as assessed by the modified Neer score, was excellent in 27 (61.3%), satisfactory in 15 (34.1%), and unsatisfactory in two shoulders (4.5%). Stems were well-positioned, without evidence of significant valgus or varus malalignment in 42 TSRs (95.5%). There was no radiological evidence of loosening of the humeral stem in any patient; 13 TSRs (29.5%) had evidence of proximal humeral remodelling and scapular notching was noted in three (6.8%). Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:526–9.
The long-term outcome of open-wedge osteotomy of the proximal tibia with hemicallotasis
Authors: Nakamura E. , Okamoto N. , Nishioka H. , Karasugi T. , Hirose J. , Mizuta H. 
Published: April 2014

We report the long-term outcome of 33 patients (37 knees) who underwent proximal tibial open-wedge osteotomy with hemicallotasis (HCO) for medial osteoarthritis of the knee between 1995 and 2000. Among these, 29 patients with unilateral HCO were enrolled and 19 were available for review at a mean of 14.2 years (10 to 15.7) post-operatively. For these 19 patients, the mean Hospital for Special Surgery knee score was 60 (57 to 62) pre-operatively and 85 (82 to 87) at final follow-up (p < 0.001; paired t-test). The femorotibial angle and tibial inclination angle (IA) were measured at short-term follow-up, one to four years post-operatively, and showed no significant subsequent changes. The clinical scores and radiological measurements showed little change over time. One patient required conversion to total knee replacement during this time. These results suggest that the coronal angle achieved at operation is maintained at long-term follow up after HCO without alteration of the IA, providing a good long-term clinical outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2014;96-B:467–72.
Model-based On-board Monitoring for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Remmlinger Jürgen , Buchholz Michael , Dietmayer Klaus 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Monitoring of lithium-ion batteries is a challenging task due to the nonlinear behavior, especially on-board a vehicle. In this article, a model-based monitoring method for an automotive battery pack is presented based on a linear parameter-varying model. The model is obtained by system identification using cell measurement data and extended to the battery pack. It is shown how such a model can be used either for cell temperature monitoring or for monitoring of the state of health of the battery. Results are demonstrated using driving cycle measurements from a battery pack for hybrid vehicles.
Plug-and-Charge and E-Roaming – Capabilities of the ISO/IEC 15118 for the E-Mobility Scenario
Authors: Mültin Marc , Schmeck Hartmut 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
This paper presents the user-friendly
plug-and-charge mechanism defined in the ISO/IEC 15118 standard which enables an automatic authentication,
authorisation, and billing procedure during the charging process of an electric vehicle. The various
certificates, their application in a public key infrastructure as well as the interplay with a clearing
house are explained – illustrated using the German joint venture Hubject.
Thermal-diffusion and Diffusion-thermo Effects in a Flow of Jeffery Fluid with Convective Boundary Conditions
Authors: Hayat T. , Awais M. , Qayyum A. , Alsaedi A. 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The three-dimensional flow induced by a stretching sheet has been reported when both thermaldiffusion and diffusion-thermo effects are present. Jeffery fluid model has been selected as a non-Newtonian fluid model in view of its promising applications in polymer industry. Convective boundary conditions are invoked in the present analysis to make it more interesting for the readers. Suitable variables are utilized to obtained the system of ordinary differential equations. An efficient approach namely HAM has been used to compute the solution. Influences of various physical parameters involved in the momentum, concentration and heat transfer analysis are analyzed. Comparison with the already published work is shown.
Automatic network reconstruction from experimental time-series data: A survey
Authors: Wagler Annegret 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
The reconstruction of models from experimental data is a challenging
problem due to the inherited complexity of the studied biological
systems. We discuss an exact, exclusively data-driven approach to
reconstruct Petri nets, a framework which turned out to coherently
model static interactions and dynamic processes. The reconstructed
models shall reproduce the experimentally observed dynamic behavior in
a simulation. For that, we consider Petri nets with two types of
extensions, priority relations among the transitions and control-arcs,
to obtain additional activation rules that control the dynamic
behavior. Here, we give an overview on results concerning the
reconstruction of standard networks with and without priorities,
extended Petri nets, and extended Petri nets with priorities. All
these approaches aim at reconstructing all networks of the studied
type that fit the given experimental data, to provide all possible
alternatives of mechanisms behind the experimentally observed
phenomena.
Analysing Java's safety guarantees under concurrency
Authors: Lochbihler Andreas 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Two features distinguish Java from other main-stream programming
languages like C and C++: its built-in support for concurrency and
safety guarantees such as type safety or safe execution in a sandbox.
In this work, we build a formal, unified model of Java concurrency,
validate it empirically, and analyse it with respect to the safety
guarantees using a proof assistant. We show that type safety and
Java's data race freedom guarantee hold. Our analysis, however,
revealed a weakness in the Java security architecture, because the
Java memory model theoretically allows pointer forgery. As a result,
this work clarifies the specification of the Java memory model.
Messung thermischer Einflüsse auf Werkzeugmaschinen zur steuerungsseitigen Fehlerkorrektur am Beispiel von Dreh-/Schwenkachsen
Authors: Gebhardt Michael , Knapp Wolfgang , Wegener Konrad 
Published: April 2014

Zusammenfassung
Thermische Einflüsse sind für bis zu 75% der geometrischen Fehler auf Werkstücken verantwortlich. Obwohl die Nachfrage für 5-achsige Werkzeugmaschinen immer weiter steigt, stehen bis jetzt die thermischen Einflüsse von Spindeln, Linearachsen und der Umgebungstemperatur im Mittelpunkt der Forschung. Dieser Beitrag beschreibt eine Prozedur zur Charakterisierung des thermischen Verhaltens von Dreh-/Schwenkachsen von 5-achsigen Werkzeugmaschinen. Infrarotkameraaufnahmen visualisieren die Änderungen des Temperaturfeldes in der Maschinenstruktur aufgrund ausgeführter Achsbewegungen. Messungen mit Thermoelementen liefern detaillierte Temperaturdaten und zeigen spezielle Phänomene, wie sie vor allem bei schnell drehenden Rundachsen auftreten. Verlagerungsmessungen mit dem Messsystem R-Test ermöglichen zusammen mit einer phänomenologischen Modellierung die Vorhersage des thermischen Verhaltens von Rundachsen, was zu einer Reduktion des thermischen Fehlers der Maschine und somit zu einer erhöhten Bearbeitungsgenauigkeit genutzt werden kann.
Narrative Id/entity in Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas
Authors: Swiatek Lucyna 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
Poststructuralist theory interrogates systems of thought and discursive regimes of knowledge in order to locate the underlying historical assumptions that shape and inform human subjectivity. Nowhere is this epistemological excavation more complex than in representations of the postcolonial self. Arun Joshi’s The Strange Case of Billy Biswas can be read as a representation of the hybrid self, one produced by transcultural processes of colonisation. Yet, if we read the novel through Paul Ricoeur’s hermeneutic phenomenology, we find that Joshi’s narrative representation of self is not confined to the postcolonial dialectic of self and other. For Ricoeur, self and other than self reside in a circle of sameness-identity; it is constitutive of selfhood. While critical work on Joshi’s novel has distinguished between the narrator, Romi, and the protagonist as two mutually exclusive entities, the primary focus being the existential experience of Billy, this paper suggests that the narrator himself is intimately implicated in this experience. Indeed, they can be read as two parts of a whole being, a ‘double consciousness’ that inhabits the dialectic self and its other. Ultimately, this reading will attempt to access an understanding of the hierarchy of significations that inform our hermeneutic experience of narrative self-identity.
A Postmodern Na(rra)tion of an Indian (Hi)Story: An Analysis of Arun Joshi’s The Apprentice
Authors: Piciucco Pier Paolo 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In this paper, I analyse Arun Joshi’s The Apprentice as an exemplary case of the Indian postmodern novel where story and history continuously overlap. The unfolding of the personal story of its protagonist, Ratan Rathor, should also be read on a symbolical level, wherein the hero’s progression from humble beginnings to a high rank position coincides with India’s achievement of independence. Like Saleem Sinai in Salman Rushdie’s Midnights Children, the protagonist of The Apprentice forges a fictional representation of a nation through his individual history which, in turn, could be read as a parody of national history. Last but not least, the paper highlights yet another dimension of comparison between Rathor’s story and that of King Ashoka – an iconic figure of Indian national history.
The Electronic Interaction of Pt-Clusters with ITO and HOPG Surfaces upon Water Adsorption
Authors: Klett Joachim , Krähling Stephan , Elger Benjamin , Schäfer Rolf , Kaiser Bernhard , Jaegermann Wolfram 
Published: April 2014

Abstract
In order to investigate the catalytic properties of supported platinum
clusters, their interaction with water was monitored using
photoelectron spectroscopy. The clusters were exposed to up to five
Langmuir of water at cryogenic temperatures. Additionally, the
influence of the substrate was studied by employing HOPG and ITO as
complementary support materials. In contrast to bulk platinum
a distinct chemical shift is observable in the Pt4f binding energies
for Pt clusters deposited on ITO. The same clusters on HOPG show no
changes in binding energy. We propose that this trend is due to
a change in the surface Fermi level in ITO, hence highlighting the
strong interaction between the platinum cluster and the substrate
material. Therefore it is reasonable to assume, that the catalytic
efficiency of these clusters in general can not solely be described by
the electronic structure of the cluster alone, but that also the
electronic changes induced in the substrate may have a major impact on
the catalytic performance as well.
Clinical characteristics and phenotype–genotype analysis in Turkish patients with congenital hyperinsulinism; predominance of recessive KATP channel mutations
Authors: Demirbilek Huseyin , Arya Ved Bhushan , Ozbek Mehmet Nuri , Akinci Aysehan , Dogan Murat , Demirel Fatma , Houghton Jayne , Kaba Sultan , Guzel Fatma , Baran Riza Taner , Unal Sevim , Tekkes Selahattin , Flanagan Sarah E , Ellard Sian , Hussain Khalid 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveCongenital hyperinsulinism (CHI) is the commonest cause of hyperinsulinaemic hypoglycaemia in the neonatal, infancy and childhood periods. Its clinical presentation, histology and underlying molecular biology are extremely heterogeneous. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical characteristics, analyse the genotype–phenotype correlations and describe the treatment outcome of Turkish CHI patients.Design and methodsA total of 35 patients with CHI were retrospectively recruited from four large paediatric endocrine centres in Turkey. Detailed clinical, biochemical and genotype information was collected.ResultsDiazoxide unresponsiveness was observed in nearly half of the patients (n=17; 48.5%). Among diazoxide-unresponsive patients, mutations in ABCC8/KCNJ11 were identified in 16 (94%) patients. Among diazoxide-responsive patients (n=18), mutations were identified in two patients (11%). Genotype–phenotype correlation revealed that mutations in ABCC8/KCNJ11 were associated with an increased birth weight and early age of presentation. Five patients had p.L1171fs (c.3512del) ABCC8 mutations, suggestive of a founder effect. The rate of detection of a pathogenic mutation was higher in consanguineous families compared with non-consanguineous families (87.5 vs 21%; P<0.0001).Among the diazoxide-unresponsive group, ten patients were medically managed with octreotide therapy and carbohydrate-rich feeds and six patients underwent subtotal pancreatectomy. There was a high incidence of developmental delay and cerebral palsy among diazoxide-unresponsive patients.ConclusionsThis is the largest study to report genotype–phenotype correlations among Turkish patients with CHI. Mutations in ABCC8 and KCNJ11 are the commonest causes of CHI in Turkish patients (48.6%). There is a higher likelihood of genetic diagnosis in patients with early age of presentation, higher birth weight and from consanguineous pedigrees.
Free Thyroxine Levels After Very Preterm Birth and Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at Age 7 Years
Authors: Scratch Shannon E. , Hunt Rodney W. , Thompson Deanne K. , Ahmadzai Zohra M. , Doyle Lex W. , Inder Terrie E. , Anderson Peter J. 
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
Preterm infants commonly have transient hypothyroxinemia of prematurity after birth, which has been associated with deficits in general intellectual functioning, memory, attention, and academic achievement. However, research has predominantly focused on thyroxine levels in the first 2 weeks of life and outcomes are limited to the preschool period. Our objective was to evaluate the relationships between free thyroxine (fT4) levels over the first 6 weeks after very preterm (VPT) birth with cognitive functioning and brain development at age 7 years.

METHODS:
A total of 83 infants born VPT (&lt;30 weeks’ gestation) had fT4 concentrations measured postnatally and 2- and 6-week area under the curve (AUC) summary measures were calculated. Follow-up at age 7 years included a neuropsychological assessment and brain MRI. Univariable and multivariable regression modeling was used where AUC for fT4 was the main predictor of neurodevelopmental outcome at age 7 years.

RESULTS:
Multivariable modeling revealed that higher, not lower, postnatal fT4 levels (2-week AUC) were associated with poorer cognitive performances at age 7 years on tasks of verbal learning (P = .02), verbal memory (P = .03), and simple reaction time (P &lt; .001). A similar pattern of results was found when the 6-week AUC was examined. No significant associations between postnatal fT4 levels and brain volumes at age 7 years were identified.

CONCLUSIONS:
Results are contradictory to previous observations and suggest that after adjustment for confounders, higher postnatal fT4 levels in VPT infants, rather than lower levels, may be a marker of adverse neuropsychological development in childhood.
Control of Cell Adhesion and Detachment on Temperature-Responsive Block Copolymer Langmuir Films
Authors: Sakuma Morito , Kumashiro Yoshikazu , Nakayama Masamichi , Tanaka Nobuyuki , Kazuo Umemura , Yamato Masayuki , Okano Teruo 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThis study used Langmuir-Schaefer (LS) method to produce thermo-responsive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PIPAAm) modified surface. Block copolymer composed of polystyrene (PSt) and PIPAAm was synthesized by RAFT polymerization. PSt-block-PIPAAm (St-IP) with various chemical compositions was dropped on an air-water interface and formed Langmuir film by compression. Then, the Langmuir film changing a density was transferred on a hydrophobic modified glass substrate to produce St-IP transferred surface (St-IP LS surface). From the observation of atomic force microscope images, a nanostructure was observed on the transference of Langmuir films. Cell adhesion and detachment were also evaluated on the LS surfaces in response to temperature. Cell adhesion on LS surfaces at 37 °C was controlled by changing the chemical compositions and densities. After reducing temperature to 20 °C, adhering cells rapidly detached themselves with lower Am and higher composition of PIPAAm. Our method should be proved novel insights for investigating cell adhesion and detachment on thermo-responsive surfaces.
Seasonal changes in light availability modify the temperature dependence of ecosystem metabolism in an arctic stream
Authors: Huryn Alexander D. , Benstead Jonathan P. , Parker Stephanie M. 
Published: March 2014

Light and temperature are key ecosystem drivers, but their synchronous annual cycles typically confound partitioning of their relative influence. Arctic spring‐streams, subject to extreme annual fluctuations in light but stable water temperatures, provide a rare contrast that allows the parsing of their independent effects. Over 30 months, we assessed the effects of light and temperature on ecosystem metabolism and nutrient uptake in Ivishak Spring, Alaska, USA. (latitude 69° N, water temperature range ∼4°–7°C) using open‐channel methods and short‐term NH4+‐N, NO3−‐N, and P additions, respectively. We predicted that rates of ecosystem respiration (ER) would mirror seasonal patterns of gross primary production (GPP), rather than temperature, due to relatively constant rates of metabolic demand year‐round, resulting in carbon limitation during winter (October–March) when photosynthesis effectively ceases. Because patterns of nutrient uptake and GPP are often coupled due to assimilatory demand, we also predicted that extreme annual cycles of light would result in equally extreme cycles of nutrient uptake, with demand being relaxed during winter.In accordance with our prediction, we found that ER scaled linearly with GPP. Peak summer rates of GPP (>4.0 g C·m−2·d−1) and ER (>5.0 g C·m−2·d−1) were surprisingly high, being comparable to those of productive streams at temperate latitudes. Winter rates (GPP ∼0.0, ER <1.0 g C·m−2·d−1) were low, however, and Arrhenius plots showed clear deviations from theoretical temperature dependence of GPP and ER during winter when other factors assumed primacy. For GPP, this factor was undoubtedly light availability, but for ER, carbon limitation is implicated due to low GPP. Significant nutrient uptake occurred only for NH4+‐N, indicating N limitation, and rates of uptake were also synchronous with cycles of light availability. Consequently, light, rather than temperature, was the major driver of annual patterns of ER and nutrient cycles in this arctic ecosystem. Synchronous light and temperature cycles are pervasive among ecosystems. The winter onset and severity of energy limitation we document highlights the importance of this synchrony and how the confounding of light and temperature obscures details of mechanisms by which these fundamental drivers affect ecosystem processes.