bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Co-Extrusion Layer Multiplication of Rheologically Mismatched Polymers: A Novel Processing Route
Authors: Huang R. , Silva J. , Huntington B. A. , Patz J. , Andrade R. , Harris P. J. , Yin K. , Cox M. , Bonnecaze R. T. , Maia J. M. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Co-extruded films with up to 65 layers of two rheologically mismatched polymer systems – polystyrene/poly(methylmethacrylate) (PS/PMMA) and hard/soft thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPUs) – were successfully produced using a combination of a 9-layer feedblock, low-pressure drop multiplier dies, and external lubricants. Formation of viscoelastic instabilities was studied using a custom visualization and by finite element method (FEM) simulations of a standard multiplier. The results showed that the flow inside the standard multiplier die is highly non-uniform, with severe gradients in shear and normal stresses and viscous encapsulation occurring mainly in the initial multiplication stages where there is enough material available in the low-viscosity layers to proceed with the encapsulation. To mitigate layer degradation the standard 2- or 3-layer feedblock was replaced with a 9-layer one, thereby decreasing the thickness of each layer at the end of the feedblock. Also, subsequent layering was performed using a low flow resistance die. This new multiplier die yields a more uniform flow profile and imparts a more homogeneous thermo-mechanical history on the melt which results in an improved layer stability. Simulations showed that in the standard die the second normal-stress difference (N2) responsible for elastic instabilities at the edges of the die are very high. These can be reduced by inducing slip at the wall resulting in be much improved layer uniformity and stability. This was accomplished experimentally via the use of external lubricants, and the resulting layered structure was indeed much better than was possible to achieve with the conventional multiplier dies.
The Mechanical Properties of Plasticized PVC Processed in an Extruder with a Modified Feed Zone
Authors: Sikora J. W. , Samujlo B. , Stasiek A. , Tor-Świątek A. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
The work presents the results of experimental studies of selected mechanical properties of plasticized poly(vinyl chloride) extruded by a single-screw extruder with a modified feed section. The variable factors were: feed opening width, feed pocket depth in the extruder barrel and the rotational speed of the screw. The following parameters were studied: yield strength ReH (MPa), tensile strength Rm (MPa), percentage total extension at maximum force ∊m (%), Shore hardness H (°ShA). It was found that the increase in the depth of the pocket and the decrease in the width of the feed opening in the studied range increase mechanical properties (besides percentage total extension at maximum force). It was determined that the increase of the screw speed and the simultaneous displacement of both the axis and edge of the feed opening in relation to the plasticizing system axis towards the direction of revolutions of the screw is favorable.
Modification Induced in Light Diffusing Polycarbonate due to Proton Irradiation
Authors: Nouh S. A. , Alghamdi S. K. , Alsobhi B. O. , Benthami K. , El-Shamy N. T. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Light diffusing polycarbonate samples were exposed to protons fluences at levels between 1011 and 1016 p/cm2. The variation of the refractive index and color intensity with the proton fluence has been studied. The results show that the polycarbonate samples acquire color changes under proton irradiation. Furthermore, thermogravimetric analysis has been performed. It was found that both the onset temperature and activation energy of thermal decomposition are affected by the proton fluencies owing to the degradation and crosslinking processes. Moreover, structural property studies using X-ray diffraction, intrinsic viscosity and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy were performed.
Repercussion of Cenosphere Filler Size on Mechanical and Dry Sliding Wear Peculiarity of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polyester Composites Using Taguchi Analysis and Neural Network
Authors: Singh A. K. , Siddhartha  
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Filler plays a significant role in determining the properties and behavior of particulate composites. In this experimental study, mechanical and tribological behaviors of sub-micron size cenospheres filled glass-polyester composites are investigated. Cenospheres and glass fiber-reinforced polyester composites are prepared by hand lay-up technique. Composites are fabricated by filling 10 wt.% and 20 wt.% of 800 nm and 200 nm size of cenosphere filler particulate respectively along with 40 wt.% of glass fiber. Glass polyester composite without filler is also prepared for proportional analysis. A series of dry sliding wear test are conducted on a pin-on-disc machine with three sliding velocities of 1.57, 2.62 and 3.66 m/s under three different normal loading of 20, 25 and 40 N for three sliding distances of 1000, 2500 and 4000 m respectively. A statistics-based design of experiments approach is used by using Taguchi's orthogonal arrays. Results reveal that mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composites increase with a decrease in the particle size. Artificial neural network (ANN) approach is also applied to the friction and wear data for subsequent validation. Finally, optimal factor settings are determined using genetic algorithm (GA).
Helicopter-borne observations with portable microwave radiometer in the Southern Ocean and the Sea of Okhotsk
Authors: Tamura Takeshi , Ohshima Kay I. , Lieser Jan L. , Toyota Takenobu , Tateyama Kazutaka , Nomura Daiki , Nakata Kazuki , Fraser Alexander D. , Jansen Peter W. , Newbery Kym B. , Massom Robert A. , Ushio Shuki 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAccurately measuring and monitoring the thickness distribution of thin ice is crucial for accurate estimation of ocean–atmosphere heat fluxes and rates of ice production and salt flux in ice-affected oceans. Here we present results from helicopter-borne brightness temperature (TB) measurements in the Southern Ocean in October 2012 and in the Sea of Okhotsk in February 2009 carried out with a portable passive microwave (PMW) radiometer operating at a frequency of 36 GHz. The goal of these measurements is to aid evaluation of a satellite thin-ice thickness algorithm which uses data from the spaceborne Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer–Earth Observing System AMSR-E) or the Advanced Microwave Scanning Radiometer-II (AMSR-II). AMSR-E and AMSR-II TB agree with the spatially collocated mean TB from the helicopter-borne measurements within the radiometers’ precision. In the Sea of Okhotsk in February 2009, the AMSR-E 36GHz TB values are closer to the mean than the modal TB values measured by the helicopter-borne radiometer. In an Antarctic coastal polynya in October 2012, the polarization ratio of 36GHz vertical and horizontal TB is estimated to be 0.137 on average. Our measurements of the TB at 36 GHz over an iceberg tongue suggest a way to discriminate it from sea ice by its unique PMW signature.
A data-driven approach for assessing ice-sheet mass balance in space and time
Authors: Zammit-Mangion Andrew , Bamber Jonathan L. , Schoen Nana W. , Rougier Jonathan C. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCombinations of various numerical models and datasets with diverse observation characteristics have been used to assess the mass evolution of ice sheets. As a consequence, a wide range of estimates have been produced using markedly different methodologies, data, approximation methods and model assumptions. Current attempts to reconcile these estimates using simple combination methods are unsatisfactory, as common sources of errors across different methodologies may not be accurately quantified (e.g. systematic biases in models). Here we provide a general approach which deals with this issue by considering all data sources simultaneously, and, crucially, by reducing the dependence on numerical models. The methodology is based on exploiting the different space–time characteristics of the relevant ice-sheet processes, and using statistical smoothing methods to establish the causes of the observed change. In omitting direct dependence on numerical models, the methodology provides a novel means for assessing glacio-isostatic adjustment and climate models alike, using remote-sensing datasets. This is particularly advantageous in Antarctica, where in situ measurements are difficult to obtain. We illustrate the methodology by using it to infer Antarctica’s mass trend from 2003 to 2009 and produce surface mass-balance anomaly estimates to validate the RACMO2.1 regional climate model.
Energy- and mass-balance comparison between Zhadang and Parlung No. 4 glaciers on the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhu Meilin , Yao Tandong , Yang Wei , Maussion Fabien , Huintjes Eva , Li Shenghai 
Published: June 2015

AbstractTibetan glaciers experience spatially heterogeneous changes, which call for further investigation of the mechanisms responsible from an energy and mass perspective. In this study, 2 year parallel observations (August 2010–July 2012) at 5665 m a.s.l. on Zhadang glacier (a subcontinental glacier) and 5202 m a.s.l. on Parlung No. 4 glacier (a maritime glacier) were used to reveal the drivers of surface energy and mass balance at these sites. Glacio-meteorological data show that air temperature and specific humidity were 1.7°C and 0.5 g kg−1lower on Zhadang glacier than on Parlung No. 4 glacier. The mass accumulation occurred primarily before the Indian summer monsoon onset on Parlung No. 4 glacier and after its onset on Zhadang glacier. Point net mass loss was 2.5 times larger on Parlung No. 4 glacier than on Zhadang glacier, mainly due to the difference in melt energy. Overall, the physical mechanisms controlling the mass and energy difference can be attributed to both the feedback role of surface albedo through different snow accumulation characteristics and longwave radiation emission of the atmosphere due to different meteorological backgrounds. Finally, a review of the few studies dealing with energy balance on the Tibetan glaciers describes the possible spatial characteristics requiring further investigation in the future on larger spatial and temporal scales.
Differentiating bubble-free layers from melt layers in ice cores using noble gases
Authors: Orsi Anais J. , Kawamura Kenji , Fegyveresi John M. , Headly Melissa A. , Alley Richard B. , Severinghaus Jeffrey P. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractMelt layers are clear indicators of extreme summer warmth on polar ice caps. The visual identification of refrozen meltwater as clear bubble-free layers cannot be used to study some past warm periods, because, in deeper ice, bubbles are lost to clathrate formation. We present here a reliable method to detect melt events, based on the analysis of Kr/Ar and Xe/Ar ratios in ice cores, and apply it to the detection of melt in clathrate ice from the Eemian at NEEM, Greenland. Additionally, melt layers in ice cores can compromise the integrity of the gas record by dissolving soluble gases, or by altering gas transport in the firn, which affects the gas chronology. We find that the easily visible 1 mm thick bubble-free layers in the WAIS Divide ice core do not contain sufficient melt to alter the gas composition in the core, and do not cause artifacts or discontinuities in the gas chronology. The presence of these layers during winter, and the absence of anomalies in soluble gases, suggests that these layers can be formed by processes other than refreezing of meltwater. Consequently, the absence of bubbles in thin crusts is not in itself proof of a melt event.
Hepatitis C Cure with Antiviral Therapy – Benefits beyond the Liver
Authors: Soriano Vincent , Labarga Pablo , Fernandez-Montero José V , de Mendoza Carmen , Esposito Isabella , Benítez-Gutiérrez Laura , Barreiro Pablo 
Published: June 2015

Liver disease is the major complication of chronic HCV infection. However, extrahepatic complications are common (50–75%), including mixed cryoglobulinaemia and B-cell lymphomas. Given that chronic hepatitis C has become curable using expensive oral direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), it seems worth revisiting the whole spectrum and burden of disease in HCV carriers. Herein, we update the most clinically significant medical complications associated with chronic hepatitis C and the evidence of benefits that would derive from a wide use of curative DAA therapies. Chronic HCV infection is associated with a broad spectrum of clinical conditions, including distinct rheumatic disorders (polyarthritis, sicca syndrome), lymphoproliferative conditions (mixed cryoglobulinaemia, monoclonal gammapathies and B-cell lymphomas) and damage at other organs due to persistent systemic inflammation, leading to renal, bone, neurological and/or cardiovascular disease. Eradication of HCV with DAAs is associated with amelioration and/or resolution of most liver-related and extrahepatic complications. Ultimately, gains in quality of life and survival favour treating everyone with hepatitis C regardless of liver fibrosis stage.
Evaluating the Potential of Aerial Infrared as a Lek Count Method for Prairie Grouse
Authors: Gillette Gifford L. , Reese Kerry P. , Connelly John W. , Colt Chris J. , Knetter Jeffrey M. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWildlife biologists use counts of birds attending traditional breeding grounds (i.e., leks) to develop indices of population trends in several grouse species. Standardized lek counts for sage-grouse Centrocercus spp. provide information about population trends by allowing comparison of counts across their range. In contrast, biologists lack a standard lek-count method for prairie grouse Tympanuchus spp.. The lack of a standard lek-count method limits our ability to make rigorous spatial and temporal comparisons or to estimate population trends. Recent use of cooled infrared cameras in aerial surveys and their increased affordability make this technology attractive for monitoring prairie grouse populations. Our objective was to evaluate the efficacy of aerial infrared (AIR) technology for estimating abundance of prairie grouse by comparing AIR lek counts with ground-based lek counts of Columbian sharp-tailed grouse T. phasianellus columbianus in Idaho. We used both methods simultaneously to count sharp-tailed grouse at 25 leks to compare method consistency. We also used both methods to count sharp-tailed grouse at 88 other leks to quantify and compare the resources required for both methods. The average count obtained with the AIR method (12.3 grouse ± 1.5 SE) and the ground-based method (12.9 grouse ± 1.8 SE) was similar, and we were unable to detect a statistical difference between methods when conducting a negative binomial regression (z = 0.165, P = 0.87). Aerial infrared was twice the cost of the ground-based method, but AIR surveyed more leks in less time (88 leks during 4 d) compared with the ground-based method (88 leks during 29 d). Aerial infrared improves population monitoring by counting leks inaccessible by ground. The time efficiency of AIR and the ability to obtain counts consistent with ground-based methods suggests that AIR may be an effective and efficient lek-count method.
Cutting Edge: Synchronization of IRF1, JunB, and C/EBPβ Activities during TLR3–TLR7 Cross-Talk Orchestrates Timely Cytokine Synergy in the Proinflammatory Response
Authors: Liu Qian , Zhu Yong , Yong Wai Khang , Sze Newman Siu Kwan , Tan Nguan Soon , Ding Jeak Ling 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Multiple pathogen-associated molecular pattern–induced TLR pathway cross-talk provokes proinflammatory cytokine synergy in macrophages, which is important for pathogen resistance and immune homeostasis. However, the detailed mechanisms are unclear. In this article, we demonstrate viral RNA analog–induced transcription synergy of Il6 and Il12b via IFN regulatory factor (IRF)1 (TLR3–TIR domain–containing adaptor inducing IFN-β [TRIF] responsive), C/EBPβ (TLR7-MyD88 responsive), and JunB (all responsive). Coactivation of the TLR3 and TLR7 pathways synchronizes the interaction of IRF1, JunB, and C/EBPβ with the Il6 and Il12b promoters, facilitating maximal gene expression. MyD88 pathway activation suppresses TRIF-induced IRF1 in a delayed manner, controlling the magnitude and timing of cytokine expression. Our findings provide novel mechanisms of cooperation of different TLR pathways to achieve optimal immune responses, with the potential for immunomodulatory strategies.
Increased CD226 Expression on CD8+ T Cells Is Associated with Upregulated Cytokine Production and Endothelial Cell Injury in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis
Authors: Ayano Masahiro , Tsukamoto Hiroshi , Kohno Kentaro , Ueda Naoyasu , Tanaka Atsushi , Mitoma Hiroki , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Arinobu Yojiro , Niiro Hiroaki , Horiuchi Takahiko , Akashi Koichi 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease characterized by vascular damage and fibrosis of the skin and internal organs. Because activated and oligoclonally expanded CD8+ T cells can be detected in peripheral blood and lungs of SSc patients, effector memory CD8+ T cells may play a critical role for organ involvement in SSc; however, the pathogenic functions of effector memory CD8+ T cells remain incompletely understood. In this study, we performed DNA microarray analysis of the sort-purified effector memory CD8+ T cells from SSc patients and healthy controls, and showed that the expression of genes related to immune response and cell adhesion, including CD226 (also known as DNAX accessory molecule-1 [DNAM-1]), was significantly altered. Moreover, detailed analysis of CD226 revealed that CD226highCD8+ T cells were increased in SSc patients (mean, 50.7%) compared with healthy controls (32.9%) and were appreciably associated with the severity of skin sclerosis and interstitial lung disease. Furthermore, CD226+CD8+ T cells produced higher amount of various cytokines than CD226− ones, and CD226highCD8+ T cells from SSc patients showed upregulated IL-13 production and positive correlation with the cytotoxic capacity of CD8+ T cells against HUVECs. Finally, the neutralization of CD226 in CD8+ T cells impaired costimulation, cytokine productions, and cytolysis against HUVECs. These findings indicate that upregulated CD226 expression on CD8+ T cells reflects disease severity and is involved in SSc pathogenesis via the production of various cytokines, including profibrotic IL-13 and endothelial cell injury, and that CD226 may be a useful target in the treatment of SSc.
KIR3DS1-Specific D0 Domain Polymorphisms Disrupt KIR3DL1 Surface Expression and HLA Binding
Authors: Mulrooney Tiernan J. , Zhang Aaron C. , Goldgur Yehuda , Boudreau Jeanette E. , Hsu Katharine C. 
Published: June 2015

Abstract
KIR3DL1 is a polymorphic inhibitory receptor that modulates NK cell activity through interacting with HLA-A and HLA-B alleles that carry the Bw4 epitope. Amino acid polymorphisms throughout KIR3DL1 impact receptor surface expression and affinity for HLA. KIR3DL1/S1 encodes inhibitory and activating alleles, but despite high homology with KIR3DL1, the activating receptor KIR3DS1 does not bind the same ligand. Allele KIR3DL1*009 resulted from a gene recombination event between the inhibitory receptor allele KIR3DL1*001 and the activating receptor allele KIR3DS1*013. This study analyzed the functional impact of KIR3DS1-specific polymorphisms on KIR3DL1*009 surface expression, binding to HLA, and functional capacity. Flow-cytometric analysis of primary human NK cells as well as transfected HEK293T cells shows that KIR3DL1*009 is expressed at a significantly lower surface density compared with KIR3DL1*001. Using recombinant proteins of KIR3DL1*001, KIR3DL1*009, and KIR3DS1*013 to analyze binding to HLA, we found that although KIR3DL1*009 displayed some evidence of binding to HLA compared with KIR3DS1*013, the binding was minimal compared with KIR3DL1*001 and KIR3DL1*005. Mutagenesis of polymorphic sites revealed that the surface phenotype and reduced binding of KIR3DL1*009 are caused by the combined amino acid polymorphisms at positions 58 and 92 within the D0 extracellular domain. Resulting from these effects, KIR3DL1*009+ NK cells exhibited significantly less inhibition by HLA-Bw4+ target cells compared with KIR3DL1*001+ NK cells. The data from this study contribute novel insight into how KIR3DS1-specific polymorphisms in the extracellular region impact KIR3DL1 surface expression, ligand binding, and inhibitory function.
Spectral-Domain Optical Coherence Tomography and Fundus Autofluorescence Features in a Case of Typical Retinocytoma
Authors: Malhotra Pawan Puneet , Bhushan Bipul , Mitra Ashish , Sen Alok 
Published: June 2015

Purpose To report spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fundus autofluorescence (FAF) features observed in a case of typical retinocytoma. Methods Case report. Results A 17-year-old girl on routine ophthalmologic evaluation for headache had an elevated translucent lesion with peripheral pigmentation and adjacent chorioretinal atrophy close to the disc in the nasal retinal quadrant of the left eye. The lesion was confirmed to be retinocytoma on fluorescein angiography. Optical coherence tomography revealed a hyperreflective layer akin to preserved nerve fiber layer overlying the lesion in most of the scans. Symmetrical hyporeflective spaces in the underlying choroid and at places sudden disruption of choroid was also observed in the area of choroidal atrophy. Fundus autofluorescence revealed areas of hyperfluorescence, isofluorescence, and hypofluorescence in the different regions of the lesion. These features on FAF were consistent with posttreatment regressed retinoblastoma. Scleral hyperreflectivity on OCT as well as unmasked hyperfluorescence on FAF was observed in areas of chorioretinal atrophy. Conclusions We report novel findings of superficial hyperreflective layer presumed to be preserved nerve fiber layer in a case of typical retinocytoma as well as FAF features consistent with regressed retinoblastoma.
Effect of Angular Deformities of the Proximal Femur on Impingement-Free Hip Range of Motion in a Three-Dimensional Rigid Body Model
Authors: Vallon Faustine , Reymond Amélie , Fürnstahl Philipp , Zingg Patrick O. , Kamath Atul F. , Snedeker Jess , Dora Claudio 
Published: June 2015

Introduction Abnormalities in hip morphology can reduce range of motion (ROM) through femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Structural issues, such as asphericity of the head-neck junction and regional or global acetabular over-coverage, have been extensively discussed in the literature. The effect of varying femoral neck-shaft angle or torsion on native hip range of motion, however, has been poorly studied. Our hypothesis was that varying neck-shaft angles or femoral torsion affect the impingement-free ROM of the hip and can be treated by femoral osteochondroplasty or acetabular rim resection. Material and methods A computer-aided design tool and a 3-D model of the hip were used to simulate incremental deformation of the proximal femur. Neck-shaft angles ranging from 90-160°, and femoral torsions ranging from -15-50°, were created. Femoroacetabular impingement was defined as bone-to-bone contact within physiological hip ROM, as described in the literature. Results and conclusion With decreasing neck-shaft angles (≤110°) or femoral torsion (≤10°), impingement occurred at the anterosuperior rim area. With increasing neck-shaft angles (≥135°) and femoral torsion (≥25°) posteroinferior or ischiofemoral impingement occurred. Acetabular rim trimming could compensate for neck-shaft angles ≥90° and femoral torsion ≥-5°, without creating acetabular dysplasia. Femoral impingement zones in low neck-shaft and low femoral torsion angles were found to be distal to the head-neck junction at the mid-cervical region. The cross-sectional area at this neck region was the smallest, and thus osteochondroplasty at this location may prove potentially dangerous.