bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dielectric behavior induced by vitamin E and electron beam irradiation in ultra high molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Puértolas Jose Antonio , Martínez‐Morlanes Maria Jose , Teruel Roberto , Martinez‐Felipe Alfonso , Oral Ebru , Javier Pascual Francisco , Ribes Amparo 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTRadiation cross‐linked ultra high molecular weight polyethylenes (UHMWPEs) have been successfully used as wear resistant bearing surfaces in total joint arthroplasty. A recent development in this field is the incorporation of the antioxidant vitamin E into radiation cross‐linked UHMWPE. This study investigates the effects of radiation cross‐linking and vitamin E incorporation on the dielectric behavior of UHMWPE. The dielectric relaxations of virgin and 0.1 wt % vitamin E‐blended UHMWPE and their irradiated counterparts (up to 300 kGy dose) were investigated. To determine the effect of vitamin E content alone, vitamin E‐loaded UHMWPEs were used. The results showed that radiation cross‐linking and vitamin E content both increased dielectric polarization in UHMWPE and under some conditions induced electrical conductivity. This result is significant because it shows that the conductive response of UHMWPE‐bearing surfaces may depend on manufacturing processes and additives. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 40844.
Design of Full‐Order Observers for Systems with Unknown Inputs by Using the Eigenstructure Assignment
Authors: Lungu Mihai , Lungu Romulus 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this paper a full‐order observer is suggested in order to achieve finite‐time reconstruction of the state vector for a class of linear systems with unknown inputs. The proposed design procedure is a combination of the approaches proposed by Lin & Wang [1] and Trinh & Ha [2]. The resulted observer has been improved, from the robustness point of view, by this paper's authors by using a novel and efficient method; it consists of adding three robustness terms which cancel the negative effect of the uncertainties which can appear in the system. The effectiveness of the suggested design algorithm is illustrated by a numerical example (aircraft lateral motion).
Ertüchtigung des Sylvensteinspeichers – Planung und Bau von Dichtwand und Sickerwassersammelsystem
Authors: Langhagen Knut , Weiß Johannes , Lang Tobias 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDie Isar wird am Sylvenstein durch einen 44 m hohen Erddamm, der auf alluvialem Untergrund errichtet wurde, gestaut. Nach über 50‐jähriger Beanspruchung durch Dauerstau und diverse Hochwässer wurden Dammkern und Untergrund durch eine 70 m tiefe Dichtwand verstärkt und ein neues Sickerwasserkontrollsystem eingebaut. Erstmals wurde ein Erddamm unter Staubedingungen für einen nachträglich aufzufahrenden Sickerwassersammelstollen untertunnelt. Eine offene Galerie aus 54 Beobachtungsbrunnen dient der Überwachung der Funktionstüchtigkeit der Dichtwand.Strengthening of Sylvenstein Reservoir – Design and construction of diaphragm wall and leakage control systemThe river Isar is retained at Sylvenstein by an earth fill dam which is 44 m high and founded on deep alluvial ground. After 50 years of exposure to regular impounding and floods the dam and underground are strengthened by a 70 m deep diaphragm wall and a new leakage control system. For the first time an earth fill dam has been tunneled under conditions of pounding for building a gallery. The serviceability of the diaphragm wall is controlled by a row of 54 drainage piles used as monitoring wells.
Zum Durchstanznachweis von Einzelfundamenten nach EC2
Authors: Goris Alfons 
Published: May 2014

AbstractDer Nachweis auf Durchstanzen von Einzelfundamenten ohne Durchstanzbewehrung hat sich nach Eurocode 2 (DIN EN 1992‐1‐1:2011 mit DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA:2013) gegenüber der bisherigen Nachweisführung grundlegend geändert. Das betrifft insbesondere den Nachweisschnitt, der im Bereich acrit ≤ 2d ungünstig bestimmt werden muss, und zwar so, dass das Verhältnis von Widerstand zur Einwirkung minimal wird. Im Regelfall erfordert die Auffindung dieses maßgebenden Rundschnitts daher eine Iteration. In diesem Beitrag wird ein einfach handhabbares Hilfsmittel vorgestellt, das die Auffindung des kritischen Nachweisschnitts in Abhängigkeit von der Grundrissgeometrie ermöglicht. Zudem kann mit den dargestellten Bemessungshilfen der Nachweis ausreichender Tragfähigkeit für rechteckige Fundamente ohne Durchstanzbewehrung, die durch mittig angeordnete Stützen mit Rechteck‐ oder Kreisquerschnitt beansprucht sind, in nur wenigen Bemessungsschritten erfolgen.Punching shear design of footings – design aids for isolated footings without shear reinforcementThe design for punching shear of isolated footings without shear reinforcement has fundamentally changed in Eurocode 2 (DIN EN 1922‐1‐1:2011 combined with DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA:2013) compared to the previous design procedure. This applies in particular to the detection section that must be adversely determined in the region of acrit ≤ 2d in such a manner that the ratio of resistance to the action is minimized. As a rule, therefore, the discovery of this decisive control section requires an iteration. In this paper, an easily manageable tool is presented which allows the discovery of the critical control section depending on the floor plan geometry. In addition, with the illustrated design aids proof of sufficient load capacity for rectangular foundations without shear reinforcement, which are claimed by centrally arranged columns with rectangular or circular cross‐section, could be done in just a few steps.
Subcellular distribution patterns and elevated expression of GNA11 and GNA14 proteins in the lungs of humans with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Lei Wei , Chen Puwen , Yue Yuxia , He Yuan , Shui Xiaorong , Li Guoming , Zhang Liangqing , Huang Shian , Chen Can 
Published: May 2014

AbstractPulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), a progressive and devastating disease, is characterized by abnormal proliferation of pulmonary artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. GTP‐binding protein subunits, GNA11 and GNA14, transmembrane and intracellular signaling molecules, participate in the regulating endothelial function and vascular development. We followed the expression of GNA11 and GNA14 in human lungs in control and PAH patients using immunohistochemical and Western blot analyses. Both GNA11 and GNA14 were expressed in lung tissue, primarily in artery endothelial and smooth muscle cells. Expression was more pronounced in PAH lung tissues compared with controls. Using immunocytochemistry and laser scanning confocal microscopy, the subcellular distribution of GNA11 and GNA14 in human pulmonary arterial endothelial (HPAECs) and smooth muscle (HPASMCs) cells in culture was investigated. GNA11 was predominantly localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus of HPASMCs, but it was only found in the cytoplasm of HPAECs. On the other hand, GNA14 immunolocalized to the nucleus and cytoplasm of both HPAECs and HPASMCs. Based on bioinformatic analyses, nuclear localization signal and transmembrane topology confirm the different subcellular distributions of GNA11 and GNA14. The data suggest that GNA11 and GNA14 are related to PAH pathogenesis, and help further functional studies of these proteins in this severe disease.
IL‐8 enhances the angiogenic potential of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells by increasing vascular endothelial growth factor
Authors: Hou Yun , Ryu Chung Heon , Jun Jin Ae , Kim Seong Muk , Jeong Chang Hyun , Jeun Sin‐Soo 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe beneficial effects of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are mediated partly by the paracrine production of cytoprotective and trophic factors. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is released from MSCs as a paracrine trophic factor and contributes to the therapeutic effects of the stem cell by regulating angiogenesis and promoting revascularization in injured tissues. Interleukin‐8 (IL‐8), an inflammatory chemokine with potent proangiogenic properties, is upregulated in the ischemic brain and has been shown to promote homing of bone marrow‐derived cells to injured sites. However, the effect of IL‐8 on MSCs paracrine function remains unknown. We found that IL‐8 induced VEGF production and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK. Both effects could be blocked by inhibitors (LY294002, PD098059) or siRNA‐mediated silencing of Akt and ERK in human bone marrow MSCs (hBM‐MSCs). IL‐8‐induced VEGF production in hBM‐MSCs significantly increased tube formation on Matrigel compared with basal secreted VEGF. In a rat stroke model, administration of IL‐8‐treated hBM‐MSCs decreased the infarction volume and increased angiogenesis in the ischemic boundary zone compared with hBM‐MSC treatment alone. In conclusion, IL‐8 stimulates VEGF production in hBM‐MSCs in part via the PI3K/Akt and MAPK/ERK signal transduction pathways and that administration of IL‐8‐treated hBM‐MSCs increases angiogenesis after stroke. This approach may be used to optimize MSC‐based therapies for numerous diseases including stroke, myocardial ischemia, and spinal cord injury.
Effect of ectopic OCT4 expression on canine adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cell proliferation
Authors: Han Sang‐Hun , Jang Goo , Bae Bo‐Kyoung , Han Sei‐Myoung , Koh Ye‐Rin , Ahn Jin‐Ok , Jung Woo‐Sung , Kang Sung‐Keun , Ra Jeong‐Chan , Lee Hee‐Woo , Youn Hwa‐Young 
Published: May 2014

AbstractEnhancing the proliferative capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is critical for increasing their therapeutic potential in a variety of diseases. We hypothesized that lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of canine octamer‐binding transcription factor 4 (OCT4) might influence the proliferation of canine adipose tissue‐derived MSCs (cATMSCs). cOCT4‐cATMSCs were generated by transducing cATMSCs with a cOCT4‐lentiviral vector. Increased expression of cOCT4 was confirmed using RT‐PCR and immunoblotting. Immunophenotypic characterization using flow cytometry indicated that the CD29, CD44, CD73, CD90, and CD105 surface markers were highly expressed by both cOCT4‐ and mock‐transduced cATMSCs (mock‐cATMSCs), whereas the CD31 and CD45 markers were absent. We performed the osteogenic differentiation assay to evaluate the effects of cOCT4 overexpression on the osteogenic differentiation potential of cATMSCs. The results showed that cOCT4‐cATMSCs had a much higher potential for osteogenic differentiation than mock‐cATMSCs. Next, the proliferative capacities of cOCT4‐ and mock‐cATMSCs were evaluated using a WST‐1 cell proliferation assay and trypan blue exclusion. cOCT4‐cATMSCs showed a higher proliferative capacity than mock‐cATMSCs. Cell cycle analysis indicated that overexpression of cOCT4 in cATMSCs induced an increase in the proportion of cells in S and G2/M phases. Consistent with this, immunoblot analysis showed that cyclin D1 expression was increased in cOCT4‐cATMSCs. In conclusion, our results indicate that lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of cOCT4 increased the proliferative capacity of cATMSCs. OCT4‐mediated enhancement of cell proliferation may be a useful method for expanding MSC population rapidly without loss of stemness.
Dual‐Frequency Calcium‐Responsive MRI Agents
Authors: Kadjane Pascal , Platas‐Iglesias Carlos , Boehm‐Sturm Philipp , Truffault Vincent , Hagberg Gisela E. , Hoehn Mathias , Logothetis Nikos K. , Angelovski Goran 
Published: May 2014

AbstractResponsive or smart magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are molecular sensors that alter the MRI signal upon changes in a particular parameter in their microenvironment. Consequently, they could be exploited for visualization of various biochemical events that take place at molecular and cellular levels. In this study, a set of dual‐frequency calcium‐responsive MRI agents are reported. These are paramagnetic, fluorine‐containing complexes that produce remarkably high MRI signal changes at the1H and19F frequencies at varying Ca2+concentrations. The nature of the processes triggered by Ca2+was revealed, allowing a better understanding of these complex systems and their further improvement. The findings indicate that these double‐frequency tracers hold great promise for development of novel functional MRI methods.
Synthesis of New Lipid‐Inspired Ionic Liquids by Thiol‐ene Chemistry: Profound Solvent Effect on Reaction Pathway
Authors: Mirjafari Arsalan , O'Brien Richard A. , West Kevin N. , Davis James H. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe synthesis of a series of new lipid‐inspired ionic liquids through thiol‐ene “click” reaction with a single‐step process. This synthesis offers considerable promise as an efficient and orthogonal method to construct structurally diverse imidazolium‐type ionic liquids with linear and branched cationic tails, as well as versatility in the placement of the sulfur heteroatom. Profound solvent effect in this ene reaction regioselectivity has been observed.
Aqueous Batteries Based on Mixed Monovalence Metal Ions: A New Battery Family
Authors: Chen Liang , Zhang Leyuan , Zhou Xufeng , Liu Zhaoping 
Published: May 2014

AbstractAs existing battery technologies struggle to meet the requirements for widespread use in the field of large‐scale energy storage, new concepts are urgently needed to build batteries with high energy density, low cost, and good safety. Here, we demonstrate two new aqueous batteries based on two monovalence metal ions (Li+/K+ and Na+/K+) as charge‐transfer ions, Ni1Zn1HCF/TiP2O7 and Ni1Zn1HCF/NaTi2(PO4)3. These new batteries are unlike the conventional “rocking‐chair” aqueous metal‐ion batteries based on the migration of one type of shuttle ion between cathode and anode. They can deliver specific energy of 46 Wh kg−1 and 53 Wh kg−1 based on the total mass of active materials; this is superior to current aqueous battery systems based on sodium‐ion and/or potassium‐ion technologies. These two new batteries together with the previously developed Li+/Na+ mixed‐ion battery not only constitute a new battery family for energy storage, but also greatly broaden our horizons for battery research.
The MOBID‐2 pain scale: Reliability and responsiveness to pain in patients with dementia
Authors: Husebo B.S. , Ostelo R. , Strand L.I. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundMobilization‐Observation‐Behavior‐Intensity‐Dementia‐2 (MOBID‐2) pain scale is a staff‐administered pain tool for patients with dementia. This study explores MOBID‐2's test–retest reliability, measurement error and responsiveness to change.MethodsAnalyses are based upon data from a cluster randomized trial including 352 patients with advanced dementia from 18 Norwegian nursing homes. Test–retest reliability between baseline and week 2 (n = 163), and weeks 2 and 4 (n = 159) was examined in patients not expected to change (controls), using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC2.1), standard error of measurement (SEM) and smallest detectable change (SDC). Responsiveness was examined by testing six priori‐formulated hypotheses about the association between change scores on MOBID‐2 and other outcome measures.ResultsICCs of the total MOBID‐2 scores were 0.81 (0–2 weeks) and 0.85 (2–4 weeks). SEM and SDC were 1.9 and 3.1 (0–2 weeks) and 1.4 and 2.3 (2–4 weeks), respectively. Five out of six hypotheses were confirmed: MOBID‐2 discriminated (p < 0.001) between change in patients with and without a stepwise protocol for treatment of pain (SPTP). Moderate association (r = 0.35) was demonstrated with Cohen‐Mansfield Agitation Inventory, and no association with Mini‐Mental State Examination, Functional Assessment Staging and Activity of Daily Living. Expected associations between change scores of MOBID‐2 and Neuropsychiatric Inventory – Nursing Home version were not confirmed.ConclusionThe SEM and SDC in connection with the MOBID‐2 pain scale indicate that the instrument is responsive to a decrease in pain after a SPTP. Satisfactory test–retest reliability across test periods was demonstrated. Change scores ≥ 3 on total and subscales are clinically relevant and are beyond measurement error.
Antimicrobial activities of commercial essential oils and their components against food‐borne pathogens and food spoilage bacteria
Authors: Mith Hasika , Duré Rémi , Delcenserie Véronique , Zhiri Abdesselam , Daube Georges , Clinquart Antoine 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis study was undertaken to determine the in vitro antimicrobial activities of 15 commercial essential oils and their main components in order to pre‐select candidates for potential application in highly perishable food preservation. The antibacterial effects against food‐borne pathogenic bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium, and enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli O157:H7) and food spoilage bacteria (Brochothrix thermosphacta and Pseudomonas fluorescens) were tested using paper disk diffusion method, followed by determination of minimum inhibitory (MIC) and bactericidal (MBC) concentrations. Most of the tested essential oils exhibited antimicrobial activity against all tested bacteria, except galangal oil. The essential oils of cinnamon, oregano, and thyme showed strong antimicrobial activities with MIC ≥ 0.125 μL/mL and MBC ≥ 0.25 μL/mL. Among tested bacteria, P. fluorescens was the most resistant to selected essential oils with MICs and MBCs of 1 μL/mL. The results suggest that the activity of the essential oils of cinnamon, oregano, thyme, and clove can be attributed to the existence mostly of cinnamaldehyde, carvacrol, thymol, and eugenol, which appear to possess similar activities against all the tested bacteria. These materials could be served as an important natural alternative to prevent bacterial growth in food products.
Evaluating the distribution of water resources in western Canada using synoptic climatology and selected teleconnections. Part 1: winter season
Authors: Newton Brandi W. , Prowse Terry D. , Bonsal Barrie R. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe Climatic Redistribution of western Canadian Water Resources project was designed to identify regions of increased/decreased water availability by evaluating a suite of atmospheric, hydroclimatic and streamflow variables. This research component focuses on the atmospheric drivers of air temperature and precipitation in the watersheds originating on the leeward slopes of the Rocky Mountains. Dominant winter (November–April) synoptic‐scale mid‐tropospheric circulation patterns from 1950 to 2011 are classified using self‐organizing maps, and frequency distributions for positive/negative phases of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI), Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO) and Arctic Oscillation are statistically compared. Corresponding high‐resolution gridded temperature and precipitation anomalies are calculated for each synoptic type, and spatial patterns of above/below‐average temperature and precipitation and north/south gradients are identified. Gridded 6‐month values of the Standardized Precipitation–Evapotranspiration Index are also used to categorize winters into regions of high/low snowpack. Results indicate high‐pressure ridges over the Pacific Ocean (western North America), and low‐pressure troughs over western North America (Pacific Ocean) are associated with anomalously cool (warm) and wet (dry) conditions in the study region. Several statistically different synoptic type frequencies were found for positive/negative phases of the SOI, PDO and Arctic Oscillation. Most notably, positive (negative) phases of the SOI and negative (positive) phases of the PDO are associated with a higher (lower) frequency of ridging over the Pacific Ocean (western North America). Through improved knowledge of the relationships between teleconnections, mid‐tropospheric circulation and surface climate, the spatial and temporal distribution of water resources in western Canada is better understood. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Threshold prediction for segmenting tumour from brain MRI scans
Authors: Beno M. Marsaline , I. R Valarmathi , S. M Swamy , Rajakumar B. R. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn recent decades, region growing methods in image segmentation plays a vital role in medical image processing. Nonetheless, the method needs more advancement to cope up with the images of current acquisition devices. This paper attempts to solve the problem of maintaining diversity among wide image specifications by optimizing the threshold. In order to accomplish this, we introduce a hybrid framework of Artificial Bee Colony and Genetic Algorithm in a region growing variant, in which gradient and intensity levels are used for segmentation. Eventually, the proposed work is subjected to classify the tumor and non‐tumor images, followed by the segmentation of tumor region in MRI images. Classification methodologies such as feed forward back propagation neural network, radial basis neural network, support vector machine with quadratic programming and adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system are considered for experimental investigation in which support vector machine with quadratic programming is found to be dominant than other methodologies. Proposed region growing method outperforms well on the classified image, when compared with the region growing variant and standard region growing method. The results are demonstrated with the aid of wide set of performance measures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Imaging Syst Technol, 24, 129–137, 2014
Sonographic appearance of uterine lymphoma: Case report and review of the literature
Authors: Hadi Efrat , Bruchim Ilan , Helman Ilana , Shehtman Itshak , Stackievicz Rodica , Tepper Ronnie , Hershkovitz Reli 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTUterine lymphoma is rare and tends to be misdiagnosed due to lack of specific radiologic features. Few reports have been published on the sonographic characteristics of uterine lymphoma. We present a case report of uterine lymphoma manifested by a fast growing uterus and describe the sonographic findings. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound, 43:59–63, 2015
The Placentation of Eulipotyphla—Reconstructing a Morphotype of the Mammalian Placenta
Authors: Ferner Kirsten , Siniza Swetlana , Zeller Ulrich 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTPlacentation determines the developmental status of the neonate, which can be considered as the most vulnerable stage in the mammalian life cycle. In this respect, the different evolutionary and ecological adaptations of marsupial and placental mammals have most likely been associated with the different reproductive strategies of the two therian clades. The morphotypes of marsupial and placental neonates, as well as the placental stem species pattern of Marsupialia, have already been reconstructed. To contribute to a better understanding of the evolution of Placentalia, a histological and ultrastructural investigation of the placenta in three representatives of Eulipotyphla, that is, core insectivores, has been carried out in this study. We studied the Musk shrew (Suncus murinus), the four‐toed hedgehog (Atelerix albiventris), and the Iberian mole (Talpa occidentalis). As a result, a eulipotyphlan placental morphotype consisting of a compact and invasive placenta was reconstructed. This supports the widely accepted hypothesis that the stem lineage of Placentalia is characterized by an invasive, either endothelio‐ or hemochorial placenta. Evolutionary transformations toward a diffuse, noninvasive placenta occurred in the stem lineages of lower primates and cetartiodactyles and were associated with prolonged gestation and the production of few and highly precocial neonates. Compared to the choriovitelline placenta of Marsupialia, the chorioallantoic placenta of Placentalia allows for a more intimate contact and is associated with more advanced neonates. J. Morphol. 275:1122–1144, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.