bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sphingolipids in liver injury, repair and regeneration
Authors: Nojima Hiroyuki , Freeman Christopher M. , Gulbins Erich , Lentsch Alex B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSphingolipids are not only essential components of cellular membranes but also function as intracellular and extracellular mediators that regulate important physiological cellular processes including cell survival, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, migration and immune responses. The liver possesses the unique ability to regenerate after injury in a complex manner that involves numerous mediators, including sphingolipids such as ceramide and sphingosine 1-phosphate. Here we present the current understanding of the involvement of the sphingolipid pathway and the role this pathway plays in regulating liver injury, repair and regeneration. The regulation of sphingolipids and their enzymes may have a great impact in the development of novel therapeutic modalities for a variety of liver injuries and diseases.
Ambient Assisted Living Technologies for Aging Well: A Scoping Review
Authors: Blackman Stephanie , Matlo Claudine , Bobrovitskiy Charisse , Waldoch Ashley , Fang Mei Lan , Jackson Piper , Mihailidis Alex , Nygård Louise , Astell Arlene , Sixsmith Andrew 
Published: March 2015

AbstractAmbient assisted living (AAL) technology is of considerable interest in supporting the independence and quality of life of older adults. As such, it is a core focus of the emerging field of gerontechnology, which considers how technological innovation can aid health and well-being in older age. For this scoping review, a comprehensive search of databases and key journals was conducted from January to April of 2013 in order to identify AAL technologies that have the potential to help deal with some of the challenges associated with aging. In particular, we focused on technologies that could potentially be used by people living with some degree of cognitive impairment, ranging from normal cognitive aging to mild cognitive impairment up to earlier stages of dementia. Options currently available and those still under development were both included in our search. Fifty-nine technologies were identified and are outlined here, along with a discussion of history of AAL from a gerontological perspective and related theoretical considerations.
Dinuclear zinc(II) complex with tris(2-aminoethyl)amine ligand: synthesis, structure and properties
Authors: Kürkçüoğlu Güneş Süheyla , Yeşilel Okan Zafer , Şahin Onur , Sayın Elvan , Büyükgüngör Orhan 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
The dinuclear complex tris(2-aminoethyl)aminezinc(II)-μ-cyanothreecyanozincate(II) hemihydrate, [Zn(tren)Zn(μ-CN)(CN)3]·0.5H2O (1) (tren = tris(2-aminoethyl)amine), has been synthesized and characterized by spectral (FT-IR and Raman), elemental, thermal analysis (TG, DTG and DTA) as well as single crystal X-ray diffraction techniques. The asymmetric unit is composed of two Zn(II) ions, one tren ligand, four cyanide ligands and a half crystal water molecule which is situated at the special position. Zn1 ion exhibits tetrahedral coordination geometry with four carbon atoms of four cyanide ligands. Zn2 ion is five-coordinated by five nitrogen atoms from one tren and one cyanide ligands in a trigonal bipyramid coordination geometry. The cyanide nitrogen is in the axial position. Adjacent dinuclear units are connected by hydrogen bonding interactions to form three dimensional network. The decomposition reaction takes place in the temperature range 30–700 °C in the static air atmosphere.
Evaluation of Asphalt Overlay Permanent Deformation Based on Ground-Penetrating Radar Technology
Authors: Hong Feng , Chen Darhao 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Permanent deformation in materials can lead to rutting on an asphalt pavement. Rutting poses potential hazard to vehicles running on the pavement because of hydroplaning during wet weather conditions. To mitigate or remedy rutting, it is of critical importance to identify the sources and causes of the permanent deformation. Traditional methods mainly rely on cutting a trench to approach this issue. Despite the accuracy, it is labor intensive and time consuming, not to mention having a destructive characteristic. To improve on these, this study discusses the feasibility of potential use of a non-destructive technology with ground-penetrating radar (GPR). GPR is used to estimate the permanent deformation in an asphalt overlay on top of an existing concrete pavement. The GPR antenna mounted on a moving vehicle could detect pavement layer thickness at a fast speed. It also provides full coverage on the pavement along the driving direction. The permanent deformation is estimated by comparing the layer thicknesses between the right wheel path and lane center. In particular, the results could reveal the permanent deformation involving the following three critical aspects: (1) in which layer(s) the permanent deformation occurs; (2) where the permanent deformation is located along the driving direction; and (3) how significant the permanent deformation is.
Analytical Evaluation of Ride Comfort on Asphalt Concrete Pavements
Authors: Wang Feng , Easa Said 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Ride comfort is very important in the performance evaluation of highway concrete pavements. In this paper, three indices were integrated and used for the evaluation of ride comfort on asphalt concrete pavements: (1) weighted root mean square of the acceleration, (2) root mean square of the squared differences (a measure of heart rate variability), and (3) weighted value of subjective ride comfort. The study involved collection of comprehensive experimental data for 89 highway sections in China that included pavement roughness, ride speed, acceleration, dynamic friction, psychological and physiological data, pavement condition, and questionnaires. Indices and thresholds for acceleration, heart rate variability, and subjective evaluation of ride comfort were developed. In addition, quantitative relations between ride comfort and both pavement roughness and ride speed were established for two specific ranges of dynamic friction. Graphical relations among ride comfort, pavement roughness, and ride speed were established. These relations provide useful guidelines for ride comfort evaluation and highway maintenance management.
Evaluation of Thermomechanical Damage of a Slipper and Rail in a Rocket Sled System
Authors: Yeo Chang-Dong , Palazotto Anthony , Song Jingan , Buentello Rodolfo 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
During the rocket sled test, slippers and rail experience high-speed sliding contact causing critical damage on the surfaces. Because of the significant temperature rise on the contacting surfaces, its fracture mechanism relies on the temperature-dependent material properties. In this study, the thermomechanical damage of the slipper and the rail is systematically investigated through 3D finite-element analysis (FEA) model and simulations. The sliding velocity consisted of 20 m/s, 200 m/s, and 1500 m/s, whereas the vertical velocity (bouncing speed of the slippers) was assumed to be 1.1 m/s. The unique method of including the aerodynamic bounce by allowing the rail to move vertically is quite different from other models explored by collaborating authors. The process of material thermal softening by adiabatic and frictional heat generation is applied to the modeling. From the simulation results, it is found that the damage process and pattern of the slipper and the rail asperity is very dependent upon the sliding velocity and the slipper temperature. For the sliding velocity of 20 m/s, the damage rate of the slipper gradually increases with the elapsed contact time, where the slipper surface produces a plowing type of damage pattern (continuous scratch). However, when the sliding velocity increases beyond 200 m/s, the slipper surface starts showing a gouging type of damage pattern along with a chopping material removal in the rail asperity.
Dienogest reduces HSD17β1 expression and activity in endometriosis
Authors: Mori Taisuke , Ito Fumitake , Matsushima Hiroshi , Takaoka Osamu , Koshiba Akemi , Tanaka Yukiko , Kusuki Izumi , Kitawaki Jo 
Published: March 2015

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Abnormally biosynthesized estrogens in endometriotic tissues induce the growth of the lesion and worsen endometriosis-associated pelvic pain. Dienogest (DNG), a selective progesterone receptor agonist, is widely used to treat endometriosis and efficiently relieves the symptoms. However, its pharmacological action remains unknown. In this study, we elucidated the effect of DNG on enzymes involved in local estrogen metabolism in endometriosis. Surgically obtained specimens of 23 ovarian endometriomas (OE) and their homologous endometrium (EE), ten OE treated with DNG (OE w/D), and 19 normal endometria without endometriosis (NE) were analyzed. Spheroid cultures of stromal cells (SCs) were treated with DNG and progesterone. The expression of aromatase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD17β1), HSD17β2, HSD17β7, HSD17β12, steroid sulfatase (STS), and estrogen sulfotransferase (EST) was evaluated by real-time quantitative PCR. The activity and protein level of HSD17β1 were measured with an enzyme assay using radiolabeled estrogens and immunohistochemistry respectively. OESCs showed increased expression of aromatase, HSD17β1, STS, and EST, along with decreased HSD17β2 expression, when compared with stromal cells from normal endometria without endometriosis (NESCs) (P<0.01) or stromal cells from homologous endometrium (EESCs) (P<0.01). In OESCs, DNG inhibited HSD17β1 expression and enzyme activity at 10−7 M (P<0.01). Results of immunohistochemical analysis displayed reduced HSD17β1 staining intensity in OE w/D (P<0.05). In conclusion, DNG exerts comprehensive inhibition of abnormal estrogen production through inhibition of aromatase and HSD17β1, contributing to a therapeutic effect of DNG on endometriosis.
The concept of ecologically sensitive residential development for areas at risk from natural disasters
Authors: Fedyczkowski Zbigniew Edward , Przystał Gabriela 
Published: March 2015

Climate change has dramatically increased the frequency of natural disasters that destroy ever-larger areas inhabited by people. Thus, a complete change of spatial planning conception is
needed.
This paper aims to describe the technical capabilities of ArchitrAdom, an innovative construction and architectural project. The structure has been designed for use in areas at risk from
natural disasters: floods, hurricanes and earthquakes. It eliminates the drawbacks of traditional
residential developments, which is not disaster-resistant. This project allows for whole urban
organisms to be build.
The project’s focus is on elevating usable area above the surface of the flooded terrain and shaping the building; as to make it as resistant to wind force as possible. The other key aspect is the
integration of the structure by means of lines and bands which increases the buildings resilience.
The advantages of ArchitrAdom are:
•	resistance to natural disasters and the effects of climate change,
•	various adaptations: residential establishments, public utility buildings, public space, etc.,
•	significant flexibility in forming groups of buildings: villages, housing estates, quarters, towns,
etc.,
•	the highest respect for rules of sustainable and ecological design,
•	an advantage in advanced prefabrication to minimizes costs.
Platinum-Induced Neurotoxicity and Preventive Strategies: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Avan Abolfazl , Postma Tjeerd J. , Ceresa Cecilia , Avan Amir , Cavaletti Guido , Giovannetti Elisa , Peters Godefridus J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNeurotoxicity is a burdensome side effect of platinum-based chemotherapy that prevents administration of the full efficacious dosage and often leads to treatment withdrawal. Peripheral sensory neurotoxicity varies from paresthesia in fingers to ataxic gait, which might be transient or irreversible. Because the number of patients being treated with these neurotoxic agents is still increasing, the need for understanding the pathogenesis of this dramatic side effect is critical. Platinum derivatives, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, harm mainly peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia neurons, possibly because of progressive DNA-adduct accumulation and inhibition of DNA repair pathways (e.g., extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun N-terminal kinase/stress-activated protein kinase, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinass), which finally mediate apoptosis. Oxaliplatin, with a completely different pharmacokinetic profile, may also alter calcium-sensitive voltage-gated sodium channel kinetics through a calcium ion immobilization by oxalate residue as a calcium chelator and cause acute neurotoxicity. Polymorphisms in several genes, such as voltage-gated sodium channel genes or genes affecting the activity of pivotal metal transporters (e.g., organic cation transporters, organic cation/carnitine transporters, and some metal transporters, such as the copper transporters, and multidrug resistance-associated proteins), can also influence drug neurotoxicity and treatment response. However, most pharmacogenetics studies need to be elucidated by robust evidence. There are supportive reports about the effectiveness of several neuroprotective agents (e.g., vitamin E, glutathione, amifostine, xaliproden, and venlafaxine), but dose adjustment and/or drug withdrawal seem to be the most frequently used methods in the management of platinum-induced peripheral neurotoxicity. To develop alternative options in the treatment of platinum-induced neuropathy, studies on in vitro models and appropriate trials planning should be integrated into the future design of neuroprotective strategies to find the best patient-oriented solution.
Were Aqueous Ripples on Mars Formed by Flowing Brines?
Authors: Lamb Michael P. , Grotzinger John P. , Southard John B. , Tosca Nicholas J. 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
The discovery in 2004 by Mars exploration rover Opportunity of sedimentary rocks with centimeter-scale trough cross-bedding is one of the compelling lines of evidence for flowing water on the Martian surface. The rocks contain a significant evaporite component mixed with weathered mafic silicates, suggesting that the aqueous fluid in contact with the sediments must have been of very high ionic strength because dissolution features are not observed. Recent thermodynamic modeling indicates that these brines could have had higher densities (by up to a factor of 1.3) and significantly higher viscosities (by up to a factor of 40) than pure water. Because fluid density and viscosity can significantly affect sediment transport mechanics, herein we analyze whether ripples could have been stable bed forms under flowing Martian brines. To this end, we compiled bed form stability diagrams with an emphasis on those studies that have considered high-viscosity fluids. For the case of viscous Martian brines, we find that ripples are stable under modest Shields numbers and low particle Reynolds numbers. These conditions translate into sediment sizes ranging from sand to gravel, and they are substantially coarser than sediment sizes for equivalent ripple-forming flows in freshwater. It is likely that ripples might also form in silt sizes under viscous brines, but these conditions (i.e., particle Reynolds numbers &lt; 0.1) have not yet been explored in flume experiments, motivating future work. Using flow-resistance equations and assuming steady uniform flow, we calculate that Marian brines must have had flow depths ranging from 0.01 to 1 m and flow velocities of 0.01 to 1 m/s, and been driven by gravity on slopes of 10−4 to 10−2 in order to generate the bed stresses necessary to produce ripples. These conditions seem reasonable given the interdune environment that has been proposed for the Burns formation. In addition to the potential for ripples in much coarser sediments, ripples formed by viscous brines also might be larger in height and wavelength than their freshwater counterparts by as much as a factor of 12. Thus, large (&gt;10 cm heights) and fine-grained (&lt;1 mm particle diameter) cross strata would be compelling physical evidence for flowing brines in the Martian past, provided that independent evidence could be provided for a subaqueous (i.e., not eolian) origin of the cross-stratification. Smaller centimeter-scale ripples can also be formed by brines due to flow-depth limitations or lower-viscosity fluids, and therefore the physical sedimentological evidence in support of brines versus freshwater flows may be ambiguous in these cases.
Potential Recognition of Accretionary Lapilli in Distal Impact Deposits on Mars
Authors: Fralick Philip , Grotzinger John , Edgar Lauren 
Published: March 2015

ABSTRACT
Our understanding of the significance and abundance of sedimentary strata on Mars has increased considerably during the last decade. The highly cratered surface of Mars leads to the prediction that impact ejecta deposits, possibly containing accretionary lapilli, should be part of the sediment record. While no impact-induced base surge deposits have been confirmed on Mars, it is likely that they will one day be discovered, and it is important to establish criteria for their recognition in the rock record. The recognition of ejecta deposits containing accretionary lapilli on Mars requires reliable facies models developed from known impact-generated strata on Earth. Sections through ejecta layers formed by the 1850 Ma Sudbury impact event provide data to begin development of such models. These deposits are laterally variable but generally show a vertical decrease in lithic clast size and, where present, an upward fining in accretionary lapilli. In thicker deposits, the accretionary lapilli–bearing portion of sections generally progresses upward from decimeter-scale beds of clast-supported lapilli interlayered with centimeter-scale sandstone beds, to parallel and undulatory laminated lapilli, and sandstones. These are overlain by lapilli stringers and isolated lapilli in parallel-laminated to cross-stratified sandstone. Both grain size and sedimentary structures indicate a succession deposited by an impact-generated base surge during decelerating flow. Thinner deposits of ejecta, possibly laid down on topographic highs, are commonly massive with reverse and normal grading. We compare the accretionary lapilli–bearing strata in the Sudbury ejecta deposits to proposed impact-generated base surge deposits in the Burns formation at Meridian Planum, Mars. Units comprising the Burns formation do not have the internal organization of spherule-bearing layers exhibited by the Sudbury ejecta deposits. Comparison with Sudbury ejecta layers and theoretical considerations indicate that the spherules developed in the Burns formation do not represent grains deposited by a base surge and are most likely diagenetic in origin. However, impact ejecta layers should be present in the sedimentary successions on Mars, and comparison with similar strata on Earth may lead to their eventual identification.
Activated Reamer at-Bit System Reduces Rathole to 3 ft in RSS Hole-Enlargement Applications
Authors: Tilley Jim , Evans John , Ravndal Svein 
Published: March 2015

Abstract
Operators frequently use hole enlargement techniques to address drilling challenges, such as pore pressure and fracture gradient windows, ECD reduction, swelling and reactive formations, and tight casing tolerances, and to increase production. Typically, concentric underreamers are run above the logging-while-drilling (LWD) tool to enlarge the hole during drilling operations while providing optimum LWD log quality. Rotary steerable systems (RSS) are normally required in this application to provide full steerability with continuous rotation. The position of the underreamer in the bottomhole assembly (BHA) leaves a long rathole section that is not enlarged. In some cases, this pilot hole must be opened on a dedicated opening run, incurring additional rig time and expense, while the additional formation exposure time can result in deteriorating hole conditions. Long rathole sections can present problems with running casing to total depth (TD), as well as problems of breaking down the formation while cementing.
A large international oil company in Norway required a solution that enabled underreaming while drilling and that could provide rathole reduction to less than 20 ft to ensure a good casing seat while eliminating the dedicated run to enlarge the rathole. A new system was developed for this application that enabled underreaming while drilling reducing the rathole to 3 ft for hole sizes from 8 ½” to above 20”. The system includes a conventional or wired underreamer that can be run above the LWD tool or above the RSS, and an at-bit underreamer that can be run below the RSS. The at-bit reamer can be opened by hydraulic or ball-assisted activation. At TD, the at-bit reamer is activated to enlarge the rathole between the upper underreamer and the bottom of the hole, thereby reducing the rathole to 3 ft.
The RSS BHA with the at-bit reamer was designed and optimized using BHA modeling software. A balanced BHA design is critical with underreaming operations to minimize drilling dysfunctions. Stabilizer position and fulcrum-point loading were optimized to ensure good directional performance of the RSS while underreaming.
A total of nine runs have been performed to date in hole sizes ranging from 12¼×13½ in. to 17½×20 in. Directional work has also been performed, showing good directional control with this system. In the 17½×20-in. sections, a total of 7,569 ft was drilled and reamed in five runs. In the 12¼×13½-in. sections, four runs were drilled/reamed for a total of 19,743 ft.
The development of this technology has added new capability to the industry in the optimization of hole enlargement applications. The benefit is realized in a reduced number of days required to drill the well and in reduced total well cost. In addition, getting casing into the hole sooner reduces risk and can help to reduce operational nonproductive time (NPT).