bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of age on sagittal plane profile of the lumbar spine according to standing, supine, and various sitting positions
Authors: Lee Eui Seok , Ko Cheol Woong , Suh Seung Woo , Kumar Suresh , Kang Il Kuy , Yang Jae Hyuk 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
The sagittal alignment of the spine changes depending on body posture and degenerative changes. This study aimed to observe changes in sagittal alignment of the lumbar spine with different positions (standing, supine, and various sitting postures) and to verify the effect of aging on lumbar sagittal alignment.

Methods
Whole-spine lateral radiographs were obtained for young volunteers (25.4 ± 2.3 years) and elderly volunteers (66.7 ± 1.7 years). Radiographs were obtained in standing, supine, and sitting (30°, 60°, and 90°) positions respectively. We compared the radiological changes in the lordotic and segmental angles in different body positions and at different ages. Upper and lower lumbar lordosis were defined according to differences in anatomical sagittal mobility and kinematic behavior.

Results
Lumbar lordosis was greater in a standing position (52.79° and 53.90° in young and old groups, respectively) and tended to decrease as position changed from supine to sitting. Compared with the younger group, the older group showed significantly more lumbar lordosis in supine and 60° and 90° sitting positions (P = 0.043, 0.002, 0.011). Upper lumbar lordosis in the younger group changed dynamically in all changed positions compared with the old group (P = 0.019). Lower lumbar lordosis showed a decreasing pattern in both age groups, significantly changing as position changed from 30° to 60° (P = 0.007, 0.007).

Conclusions
Lumbar lordosis decreases as position changes from standing to 90°sitting. The upper lumbar spine is more flexible in individuals in their twenties compared to those in their sixties. Changes in lumbar lordosis were concentrated in the lower lumbar region in the older group in sitting positions.
Prehospital stroke diagnostics based on neurological examination and transcranial ultrasound
Authors: Herzberg Moriz , Boy Sandra , Hölscher Thilo , Ertl Michael , Zimmermann Markus , Ittner Karl-Peter , Pemmerl Josef , Pels Hendrik , Bogdahn Ulrich , Schlachetzki Felix 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Transcranial color-coded sonography (TCCS) has proved to be a fast and reliable tool for the detection of middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusions in a hospital setting. In this feasibility study on prehospital sonography, our aim was to investigate the accuracy of TCCS for neurovascular emergency diagnostics when performed in a prehospital setting using mobile ultrasound equipment as part of a neurological examination.

Methods
Following a ‘911 stroke code’ call, stroke neurologists experienced in TCCS rendezvoused with the paramedic team. In patients with suspected stroke, TCCS examination including ultrasound contrast agents was performed. Results were compared with neurovascular imaging (CTA, MRA) and the final discharge diagnosis from standard patient-centered stroke care.

Results
We enrolled ‘232 stroke code’ patients with follow-up data available in 102 patients with complete TCCS examination. A diagnosis of ischemic stroke was made in 73 cases; 29 patients were identified as ‘stroke mimics’. MCA occlusion was diagnosed in ten patients, while internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion/high-grade stenosis leading to reversal of anterior cerebral artery flow was diagnosed in four patients. The initial working diagnosis ‘any stroke’ showed a sensitivity of 94% and a specificity of 48%. ‘Major MCA or ICA stroke’ diagnosed by mobile ultrasound showed an overall sensitivity of 78% and specificity of 98%.

Conclusions
The study demonstrates the feasibility and high diagnostic accuracy of emergency transcranial ultrasound assessment combined with neurological examinations for major ischemic stroke. Future combination with telemedical support, point-of-care analysis of blood serum markers, and probability algorithms of prehospital stroke diagnosis including ultrasound may help to speed up stroke treatment.
Height increment of understorey Norway spruces under different tree canopies
Authors: Laiho Olavi , Pukkala Timo , Lähde Erkki 
Published: February 2014

Abstract

Background
Stands having advance regeneration of spruce are logical places to start continuous cover forestry (CCF) in fertile and mesic boreal forests. However, the development of advance regeneration is poorly known.

Methods
This study used regression analysis to model the height increment of spruce understorey as a function of seedling height, site characteristics and canopy structure.

Results
An admixture of pine and birch in the main canopy improves the height increment of understorey. When the stand basal area is 20 m2ha-1 height increment is twice as fast under pine and birch canopies, as compared to spruce. Height increment of understorey spruce increases with increasing seedling height. Between-stand and within-stand residual variation in the height increment of understorey spruces is high. The increment of 1/6 fastest-growing seedlings is at least 50% greater than the average.

Conclusions
The results of this study help forest managers to regulate the density and species composition of the stand, so as to obtain a sufficient height development of the understorey. In pure and almost pure spruce stands, the stand basal area should be low for a good height increment of the understorey.
p16INK4a and its regulator miR-24 link senescence and chondrocyte terminal differentiation-associated matrix remodeling in osteoarthritis
Authors: Philipot Didier , Guérit David , Platano Daniela , Chuchana Paul , Olivotto Eleonora , Espinoza Francisco , Dorandeu Anne , Pers Yves-Marie , Piette Jacques , Borzi Rosa Maria , Jorgensen Christian , Noel Danièle , Brondello Jean-Marc 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Introduction
Recent evidence suggests that tissue accumulation of senescent p16INK4a-positive cells during the life span would be deleterious for tissue functions and could be the consequence of inherent age-associated disorders. Osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by the accumulation of chondrocytes expressing p16INK4a and markers of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including the matrix remodeling metalloproteases MMP1/MMP13 and pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-8 (IL-8) and IL-6. Here, we evaluated the role of p16INK4a in the OA-induced SASP and its regulation by microRNAs (miRs).

Methods
We used IL-1-beta-treated primary OA chondrocytes cultured in three-dimensional setting or mesenchymal stem cells differentiated into chondrocyte to follow p16INK4a expression. By transient transfection experiments and the use of knockout mice, we validate p16INK4a function in chondrocytes and its regulation by one miR identified by means of a genome-wide miR-array analysis.

Results
p16INK4a is induced upon IL-1-beta treatment and also during in vitro chondrogenesis. In the mouse model, Ink4a locus favors in vivo the proportion of terminally differentiated chondrocytes. When overexpressed in chondrocytes, p16INK4a is sufficient to induce the production of the two matrix remodeling enzymes, MMP1 and MMP13, thus linking senescence with OA pathogenesis and bone development. We identified miR-24 as a negative regulator of p16INK4a. Accordingly, p16INK4a expression increased while miR-24 level was repressed upon IL-1-beta addition, in OA cartilage and during in vitro terminal chondrogenesis.

Conclusions
We disclosed herein a new role of the senescence marker p16INK4a and its regulation by miR-24 during OA and terminal chondrogenesis.
Active spectral imaging and mapping
Authors: Steinvall Ove 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Active imaging and mapping using lasers as illumination sources have been of increasing interest during the last decades. Applications range from defense and security, remote sensing, medicine, robotics, and others. So far, these laser systems have mostly been based on a fix wavelength laser. Recent advances in lasers enable emission of tunable, multiline, or broadband emission, which together with the development of array detectors will extend the capabilities of active imaging and mapping. This paper will review some of the recent work on active imaging mainly for defense and security and remote sensing applications. A short survey of basic lidar relations and present fix wavelength laser systems is followed by a review of the benefits of adding the spectral dimension to active and/or passive electro-optical systems.
Aristotle on the Deliberative Abilities of Women
Authors: Karbowski Joseph 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper I examine what it is about a woman’s nature that, according to Aristotle, makes her suited only for partial authority in the household but not the polis. I situate this question within the context of his rejection of Plato’s more enlightened proposals about women in the Republic. My central claim is that, contra Plato, Aristotle thinks women command only partial authority in the household because their deliberative faculties are intrinsically deficient or limited in comparison to those of freeborn males. I motivate this presumption by critically examining the main interpretations of Aristotle’s notorious claim that a woman’s deliberative faculty is ‘without authority’ (akuron) and support it with evidence from the text. I also examine what implications this insight has for our interpretation of that elusive ‘without authority’ qualification.
Platinum organometallic complexes: classification and analysis of crystallographic and structural data of tri- and oligomeric complexes
Authors: Melník Milan , Mikuš Peter , Holloway Clive E. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This review covers almost 100 organoplatinum complexes: trimers (40 examples), tetramers (40 examples), pentamers (4 examples), hexamers (5 examples), nona- and oligomers (8 examples). Platinum is predominantly found in the oxidation states +2 and +4. A number of coordination geometries are observed, the most common being essentially square planar, especially with Pt(II), and distorted octahedral, especially with Pt(IV). The most common ligands are methyl, carbonyl, PX3 and bis(diphenylphosphine)methane. Relationships between the Pt-Pt distances, Pt-X-Pt bridge angles, Pt-L bond distances and covalent radii of coordinated atoms are discussed. The mean Pt-Pt bond distance elongates in the order of nuclearity: 269.0 pm (trimers)<270.5 pm (tetramers)<271.5 pm (dimers)<278.0 pm (oligomers). A comprehensive brief discussion on over 1600 organoplatinum complexes and over 2500 platinum coordination complexes is given. These complexes prefer to crystallize in monoclinic (53%) and triclinic (27%) crystal classes. About l0% of these 4100 plus complexes exist as isomers. It is observed that these isomers are more often stereoisomers than structural isomers and that distortion isomerism is surprisingly more common than the better known cis-trans isomerism, especially in the chemistry of Pt(II) complexes.
Characterization of Adherence Steels Hardened Superficially
Authors: Sanchez-Huerta D. , De la Mora-Ramírez T. , Doñu-Ruiz M.A. , López-Perrusquia N. , Cortés-Suarez J. V. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThis study evaluates the behavior of the adherence layers - sawn flat iron boride formed on the surface of steels used in manufacturing industry in Mexico. In steels AISI 1018, AISI 8620 and AISI 316 was characterized this behavior, boriding thermochemical treatment with box technique, with a processing temperature of 1273 °K, with an exposure time of 8 hours. Furthermore the adherence is assessed by the Rockwell C hardness technique prescribed by the German standard VDI 3198 of traction, this impact test qualitatively determine the type of adherence formed three thermochemical steels treated by the technique of boriding. Moreover optical microscopy determines the type of film morphology FeB/ Fe2B of each of the materials exposed to a boriding, also shows the thicknesses of the phases generated in the surface type in all three steels boriding. Phase presence boride FeB/Fe2B was determined by X -ray diffraction (XRD). Technique for scanning electron microscopy (EDS) was evaluated qualitatively the presence of FeB/Fe2B of boronizing. Otherwise determines the hardness and elastic modulus by nanoindentation technique of the phases present in the three steels. Lastly, AISI 1018 and AISI 8620 are bounding scale H1 to H3, the AISI 316 steel has an adherence of H3 to H6 under German standard VDI 3198.
Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of 308 and 409 Stainless Steel Welded by GTAW Process
Authors: Saldaña-Garcés R. , Miranda-Pérez A. F. , Pérez-Medina G. Y. , Barrón-Vargas Y. N. , Reyes-Valdés F. A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTToday, stainless steel is widely used in automotive industry due to its high impact resistance, corrosion resistance and light weight. This paper present the research carried out to study the differences between microstructure and mechanical properties of 409 and 308 stainless steel sheets, each joints by gas tungsten arc welding (GTAW). For each of weldments, detailed analysis was conducted on the chemical composition, microstructure characteristics and mechanical properties of base metal (BM), heat affected zone (HAZ) and fusion zone (FZ). Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy were used to analyze microstructural changes and mechanical properties, including microhardness and tensile test. This study can be a practical guide in the selection of other materials in order to determine the important to use in structural automotive industry.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping for Seed Calcium Content of Soybean
Authors: Orazaly M. , Chen P. , Zhang B. , Zeng A. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTCalcium content is one of the determining characteristics of seed texture affecting soyfood quality. Seed with higher calcium content tends to have harder texture, which is not desirable for certain soyfood such as natto. Molecular markers and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for seed calcium will facilitate the development of elite cultivars with desired calcium content through marker assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to (i) identify new QTL and associated markers and (ii) confirm previously reported QTL for calcium content. A high calcium parent, PI 407818 B, was crossed with two low calcium parents, KS4303sp and PI 408052 C, creating two mapping populations with 120 and 124 progeny each. Mapping populations were screened with simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers and tested for calcium content. The F2:4 and F2:5 lines from the two populations were grown in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with two replications, at two Arkansas locations in 2 yr. Composite interval mapping (CIM) for SSR markers revealed a novel QTL Ca5 for seed calcium content that is located approximately at 13cM and linked to Sat_290 and Satt115 on chromosome 18 with a logarithm of the odds (LOD) score of 2.7. Single marker analysis revealed 13 markers for seed calcium content that are stable across environments on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 18, and 20. Previously reported markers linked to QTL Ca1 (chr. 8), Ca3, and Ca4 (chr. 7) were confirmed in both populations, while Ca2 (chr. 20) was confirmed only in the population derived from KS4303sp × PI 407818 B. These confirmed and newly identified QTL with associated markers offer a potential tool for MAS for calcium content.
Effects of Sequential Application of Plant Growth Regulators and Osmoregulants on Drought Tolerance of Creeping Bentgrass (Agrostis stolonifera)
Authors: Burgess Patrick , Huang Bingru 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPlant growth regulators and osmoregulants may be involved in protection against drought stress, but their additive effects are not well documented in turfgrass. The objective of this study was to determine physiological effects of trinexapac‐ethyl (TE) and glycine betaine on drought tolerance in creeping bentgrass (Agrostis stoloniferaL.) under field conditions. The experiment was conducted in 2010 and 2011 on mature field plots of creeping bentgrass cultivar 007 planted on a Nixon sandy loam soil. The application of TE before drought in conjunction with glycine betaine at drought onset and during water withholding significantly improved turf performance evaluated as turf quality (TQ) and normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI). Enhanced turf performance was associated with greater osmotic adjustment promoting water retention in leaves and improved cellular membrane stability, indicating less membrane damage during drought stress. Furthermore, the combined TE plus glycine betaine treatment was more effective in maintaining high TQ during soil‐water deficit than when either TE or glycine betaine was applied alone. The results suggested that the sequential application of TE before drought onset and glycine betaine during water withholding effectively promoted creeping bentgrass tolerance to prolonged periods of drought stress. Cultural methods to maintain acceptable TQ with limited water resources are of major concern in the turfgrass industry, and this study provided promising results as to the effects of TE and glycine betaine for promoting creeping bentgrass drought tolerance.
Reassessment of Practical Subspecies Identifications of the USDA Daucus carota L. Germplasm Collection: Morphological Data
Authors: Spooner David M. , Widrlechner Mark P. , Reitsma Kathleen R. , Palmquist Debra E. , Rouz Slim , Ghrabi‐Gammar Zeineb , Neffati Mohamed , Bouzbida Béchir , Ouabbou Hassan , El Koudrim Mohammed , Simon Philipp W. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTThe genus Daucus includes about 20 recognized species. The most widespread and economically important species, Daucus carota L., occurs on almost every continent. The cultivated carrot, subsp. sativus (Hoffm.) Schübl. and G. Martens, has been selected from wild populations that are extremely diverse, especially in the western Mediterranean. The predominant outcrossing and the lack of sexual isolating mechanisms among recognized infraspecific taxa complicate the taxonomy and identification of the wild populations, resulting in widely different interpretations of the number of infraspecific taxa. We measured 36 morphological characters from multiple individuals within each of 155 accessions of D. carota and from the morphologically similar species D. capillifolius (both species 2n = 18) alongside other species for comparison (D. aureus Desf., 2n = 22; D. broteri Ten., 2n = 20; D. involucratus Sm., 2n = 20; and D. littoralis Sm., 2n = 20) in an experimental field plot. Within D. carota, multivariate analyses were able to identify only two subspecies, but even these showed great overlap of individual characters. Because of the ease of crossability of wild D. carota to the domestic landraces and cultivars and because of the taxonomic challenges, the purpose of our study is to explore morphological support for subspecies within D. carota, including the phenetically similar D. capillifolius, which is part of the same clade as D. carota, with the long‐term goal of resolving taxonomic disagreements and developing a practical system to classify variation within this economically important species.
A Possible Relationship Between Shoot N Concentration and the Sensitivity of N2 Fixation to Drought in Soybean
Authors: King C. Andy , Purcell Larry C. , Bolton Alejandro , Specht James E. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTNitrogen fixation in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is sensitive to drought, but genotypic differences in sensitivity exist. The establishment of a link between an easily measured phenotypic trait and genotypic differences in drought sensitivity of N2 fixation is crucial for screening large numbers of genotypes for drought tolerance. Previous work indicated that shoot N concentration of well‐watered soybean was related to differences among genotypes in relative N and biomass accumulation during drought. On the basis of USDA data for 2300 maturity group IV accessions, we requested seed for 175 accessions with good yield potential and low stem lodging scores. These accessions were evaluated under well‐watered conditions in field trials for shoot N concentration during reproductive development and for seed yield. Twelve accessions with good seed yield and extreme shoot N concentrations were evaluated in the growth chamber for acetylene reduction activity (N2 fixation) in response to soil drying. From the seven accessions selected for low shoot N concentration, we identified two high‐yielding accessions with drought‐tolerant N2 fixation. Genotypic differences for sensitivity of N2 fixation to soil drying were strongly correlated with the concentrations of shoot N and shoot ureides under well‐watered conditions and with concentrations of shoot ureides under drought conditions. These data indicate that shoot N concentrations of well‐watered plants may be useful as an initial screening tool for evaluating soybean genotypes for drought‐tolerant N2 fixation.
A Retrofit for Plot Drills to Enable Automated Seed Metering
Authors: Wiersma J.J. , Killam A.S. , Westhoff J. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTA John Deere 5210 row‐crop tractor was retrofitted with John Deere Ag Management Solutions hardware and software components to gain auto guidance and to automate seed metering on an Almaco and Kincaid plot drill. The retrofit simplifies site preparation, increases planting speed by about one‐third, and allows plots to be trimmed to final length immediately following the seeding operation.
Ethephon Absorption and Transport Associated with Annual Bluegrass Inflorescence Suppression
Authors: McCullough Patrick E. , Sidhu Sudeep S. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTEthephon suppresses annual bluegrass (Poa annua L.) inflorescence, but physiological effects attributed to efficacy have received limited investigation. Experiments were conducted to evaluate application placement, absorption, distribution, and metabolism of ethephon associated with inflorescence suppression in annual bluegrass. Ethephon applications to the antepenultimate leaf reduced inflorescence length 38 to 63% from the nontreated, while applications to the flag leaf reduced length 67 to 93% from 7 to 28 d after treatment. Annual bluegrass treated with 14C‐ethephon at the flag leaf distributed ~7X more radioactivity to the inflorescence than applications to the antepenultimate leaf and ~2X more 14C into nontreated shoots after 72 h. Radioactivity distribution to roots was minimal (≤2%) for both application placements. Annual bluegrass reached 50% foliar absorption of 14C‐ethephon at 13 and 17 h after treatment to the antepenultimate and flag leaf, respectively. Annual bluegrass metabolized 14C‐ethephon after 1 d to a nonpolar metabolite in the flag leaf, but a different metabolite accounted for ≥88% of 14C recovered after 7 d. Results suggest ethephon absorption and transport from the flag leaf contributes to annual bluegrass inflorescence suppression more than lower leaves, while transport from the flag leaf is likely in the form of a metabolite.