bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Developmental patterns and body fat content of juvenile common hamsters (Cricetus cricetus l.)
Authors: Pluch Marc , Siutz Carina , Millesi Eva 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The common hamster (Cricetus cricetus) is a facultative hibernator producing up to three litters per year. Juveniles born late in the season have less time to grow and prepare for the winter than early-born ones. We investigated a free-ranging population in an urban environment in Vienna, Austria. We compared body mass, proportion of body fat, as well as head, tibia and hind foot length between juveniles of first and second litters at natal emergence, four weeks post-emergence and shortly before onset of hibernation. In addition we tested for differences in growth rates during the first four weeks after emergence and for potential effects of sex and litter size. Capture-mark-recapture techniques were applied. Body fat content was calculated using a multiple regression model integrating morphometric parameters. At natal emergence, second litter offspring were larger and heavier than those of first litters. Litter size did not account for these differences. During the first week after natal emergence, first litter pups gained body mass faster, and during the first two weeks also showed faster head and tibia growth rates than second litter pups. Four weeks after natal emergence, however, second litter juveniles were still larger and heavier than first litter ones. Body fat content four weeks post-emergence did not differ between first and second litters but decreased with litter size. Shortly before onset of hibernation, however, first litter juveniles, which had more time to grow and accumulate body fat, exceeded second-litter ones in all measured parameters. In all litters investigated, we found no sex difference at natal emergence but males were heavier and larger than females four weeks thereafter demonstrating that the commonly known sexual dimorphism in this species developed during this period. Considering the time constraints late born juveniles face, the con ditional advance at natal emergence is assumed to be adaptive by increasing the chances for these individuals to survive overwinter despite the limited time to prepare for the hibernation period
Experimental Validation of the Calibration Function of the Hole Drilling Method and Ring Core Method for Residual Stress Measurement
Authors: von Mirbach David 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Residual stresses in mechanical components can result in both detrimental but also beneficial effects on the strength and lifetime of the components. The most detailed knowledge of the residual stress state is of advantage or a pre-requisite for the assessment of the component performance. The mechanical methods for residual stress measurement are divided into the groups of non-destructive and destructive methods. Two commonly used mechanical methods for determination of residual stresses are the hole drilling method (HDM) and the ring core method (RCM) which can be regarded as semi-destructive. This investigation will experimentally determine the calibration functions for residual stress measurements of the HDM and RCM. These functions are used for RS analyses using the differential method. With a four point bending testing machine a defined stress can be triggered between the middle bearings. The strain in this area can be measured with strain gauges, so the stress is well-known. In this defined loading area, the strains in two load cases with HDM configuration and RCM configuration were measured using strain gauge rosettes. With these measured strains and the actually known stresses, the specific calibration functions can be calculated and were presented together with the numerical functions.
Investigation of Chemical, Physical and Mechanical Properties of Algerian Date Palm Wood
Authors: Amirou Siham , Zerizer Abdellatif , Pizzi Antonio 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
In Algeria, the aging of palms is a significant constraint, since 30 % of the palms are over the age of production and they will consequently waste planting areas. A series of experiments have been accomplished to observe the possibility of converting the date palm stem into valuable woodworking products. This paper reports the results of an experimental investigation on the physical, chemical and mechanical properties of date palm trunk (Phoenix dactylifera L.) from Biskra oasis in Algeria. First, their chemical composition was studied and showed that they have amounts of holocellulose, lignin and cellulose similar to those encountered in softwood and hardwood. Results of flexural strength showed that the modulus of elasticity (MOE) and modulus of rupture (MOR) were 6647.04 MPa and 35.04 MPa, respectively. The compression modulus and strength were 5.35 MPa and 2.338 MPa in parallel compressive tests, respectively.
Statistical Evaluation of Phenol Degradation by Ozone Oxidation
Authors: El-Midany Ayman A. , Mohamed Reda M. , Ibrahim Ibrahim A. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Phenol is a major environmental contaminant produced by various industries. In this study, phenol degradation was achieved using ozone treatment. The main parameter affecting the phenol degradation, i. e., ozone concentration, H2O2/phenol molar ratio and reaction time, were studied using statistical design of experiments to optimize the phenol degradation in terms of studied parameters. The results of the statistical design indicated that the ozone oxidation can be used for phenol degradation reaching high efficiency of 100 %. It was indicated that there is not only one condition at which the complete degradation can be carried out but also several design points lead to the same results. For instance, the complete degradation can be achieved at six hours reaction time, 0.03 H2O2/phenol molar ratio, and 10 g/m3 ozone concentration.
Thermodynamic modelling of the “Cu2O”–SiO2, “Cu2O”– CaO, and “Cu2O”– CaO – SiO2 systems in equilibrium with metallic copper
Authors: Hidayat Taufiq , Jak Evgueni 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Phase equilibrium and thermodynamic experimental data in the Cu2O – SiO2, Cu2O – CaO, and Cu2O – CaO – SiO2 systems in equilibrium with metallic copper have been critically reviewed. The Modified Quasichemical and Bragg–Williams models in the FactSage computer package were used to describe the Gibbs energy of the molten slag phase as a function of composition and temperature. The available data have been used to optimize simultaneously a set of parameters in thermodynamic model equations for the Gibbs energy of liquid slag. The present thermodynamic optimization was carried out as part of the development of a thermodynamic database of copper-containing slag systems.
Synthesis and application of TiO2 nanotubes in environmental pollutant removal
Authors: Liu Rui , Yang Wein-Duo , Chung Zen-Ja , Chueng Hui-Ju 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
TiO2 nanotubes were synthesized at different hydrothermal temperatures: 110 °C, 130 °C, 150 °C, and 180 °C. The calcination of the titanate precursors at various temperatures governs TiO2 nanotube formation; the calcination temperatures were 300 °C, 500 °C, 700 °C, and 800 °C. It was observed that with the sample prepared at 130 °C and calcined at 500 °C only anatase formed, but with the sample calcined at 800 °C, both anatase and rutile formed. The obtained TiO2 nanotubes were characterized by means of X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy. Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis suggests that the TiO2 nanotubes prepared at a hydrothermal temperature of 130 °C and calcined at 500 °C have the highest surface area of 316.2 m2 g−1 of all samples. The synthesized TiO2 nanotubes were used as photocatalysts in the removal of the organic dye methylene blue from aqueous solution by UV irradiation.
The influence of aluminium intermediate layer in dissimilar friction welds
Authors: Muralimohan C. H. , Muthupandi V. , Sivaprasad K. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Friction welding of 304 austenitic stainless steel to commercially pure titanium was carried out using commercially pure aluminium as an interlayer of different thicknesses viz., 0.5, 1.1, 1.7 and 2.3 mm. The interlayer was aimed at preventing the occurrence of direct contact between the parent metals, which otherwise would lead to the formation of Ti-Fe intermetallic phases. These intermetallic phases can seriously affect the weld properties. The microstructure of the friction welded joint interfaces was characterized by means of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction analysis. The maximum hardness at the Ti – Al interface was attributed to the presence of AlTi and Al3Ti intermetallics. Tensile tests were conducted to evaluate the strength of the joints and the results showed the maximum strength (272 ± 9 MPa) was achieved in the joint having 1.7 mm thick interlayer. The analysis of fractured surfaces revealed that the failure was confined to the aluminium layer at the Ti – Al interface and was transgranular with flat facets.
Wie Waldfachleute die Nachhaltigkeit der Waldnutzung in der Schweiz einschätzen
Authors: Bernasconi Andreas , Brang Peter , Schneider Olivier 
Published: February 2014

How forestry professionals assess the status of sustainable forest management in Switzerland
The 170th Annual Assembly of the Swiss Forestry Society took place at Andermatt in August 2013 with the theme “300 years of sustainable management”. About one hundred forestry professionals took part in a seminar to debate the lessons of the last three centuries of sustainability for forest management. This article summarises the seminar results and draws conclusions for forest management in the future. The participants recognised that the greatest shortcomings were in the economic and social spheres. Measures were proposed in the area of knowledge of sustainable management, understanding of the forest ecosystem and in payment for forest services. The greatest challenge is considered to be responding to societal contradictions.
Clinical CVVH model removes endothelium‐derived microparticles from circulation
Authors: Abdelhafeez Abdelhafeez H. , Jeziorczak Paul M. , Schaid Terry R. , Hoefs Susan L. , Kaul Sushma , Nanchal Rahul , Jacobs Elizabeth R. , Densmore John C. 
Published: February 2014

BackgroundEndothelium‐derived microparticles (EMPs) are submicron vesicles released from the plasma membrane of endothelial cells in response to injury, apoptosis or activation. We have previously demonstrated EMP‐induced acute lung injury (ALI) in animal models and endothelial barrier dysfunction in vitro. Current treatment options for ALI are limited and consist of supportive therapies. We hypothesize that standard clinical continuous venovenous hemofiltration (CVVH) reduces serum EMP levels and may be adapted as a potential therapeutic intervention.Materials and methodsEMPs were generated from plasminogen activation inhibitor‐1 (PAI‐1)‐stimulated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Flow cytometric analysis was used to characterize EMPs as CD31‐ and annexin V‐positive events in a submicron size gate. Enumeration was completed against a known concentration of latex beads. Ultimately, a concentration of ~650,000 EMP/mL perfusate fluid (total 470 mL) was circulated through a standard CVVH filter (pore size 200 μm, flow rate 250 mL/hr) for a period of 70 minutes. 0.5 mL aliquots were removed at 5‐ to 10‐minute intervals for flow cytometric analysis. EMP concentration in the dialysate was measured at the end of 4 hours to better understand the fate of EMPs.ResultsA progressive decrease in circulating EMP concentration was noted using standard CVVH at 250 mL/hr (a clinical standard rate) from a 470 mL volume modelling a patient's circulation. A 50% reduction was noted within the first 30 minutes. EMPs entering the dialysate after 4 hours were 5.7% of the EMP original concentration.ConclusionThese data demonstrate that standard CVVH can remove EMPs from circulation in a circuit modelling a patient. An animal model of hemofiltration with induction of EMP release is required to test the therapeutic potential of this finding and potential of application in early treatment of ALI.
Wildfire and Postfire Restoration Action Effects on Microclimate and Seedling Pine Tree Survivorship
Authors: Brown Donald J. , Mali Ivana , Forstner Michael R.J. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractThrough modification of structural characteristics, ecological processes such as fire can affect microhabitat parameters, which in turn can influence community composition dynamics. The prevalence of high-severity forest fires is increasing in the southern and western United States, creating the necessity to better understand effects of high-severity fire, and subsequent postfire management actions, on forest ecosystems. In this study we used a recent high-severity wildfire in the Lost Pines ecoregion of Texas to assess effects of the wildfire and postfire clearcutting on six microclimate parameters: air temperature, absolute humidity, mean wind speed, maximum wind speed, soil temperature, and soil moisture. We also assessed differences between burned areas and burned and subsequently clearcut areas for short-term survivorship of loblolly pine Pinus taeda seedling trees. We found that during the summer months approximately 2 y after the wildfire, mean and maximum wind speed differed between unburned and burned areas, as well as burned and burned and subsequently clearcut areas. Our results indicated air temperature, absolute humidity, soil temperature, and soil moisture did not differ between unburned and burned areas, or burned and burned and subsequently clearcut areas, during the study period. We found that short-term survivorship of loblolly pine seedling trees was influenced primarily by soil type, but was also lower in clearcut habitat compared with habitat containing dead standing trees. Ultimately, however, the outcome of the reforestation initiative will likely depend primarily on whether or not the trees can survive drought conditions in the future, and this study indicates there is flexibility in postfire management options prior to reseeding. Further, concerns about negative wildfire effects on microclimate parameters important to the endangered Houston toad Bufo (Anaxyrus) houstonensis were not supported in this study.
Long-Term B Cell Depletion in Murine Lupus Eliminates Autoantibody-Secreting Cells and Is Associated with Alterations in the Kidney Plasma Cell Niche
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Rangel-Moreno Javier , Owen Teresa , Barnard Jennifer , Nevarez Sarah , Ichikawa H. Travis , Anolik Jennifer H. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Autoantibodies to dsDNA, produced by autoreactive plasma cells (PCs), are a hallmark of systemic lupus erythematosus and play a key role in disease pathogenesis. Recent data suggest that autoreactive PCs accumulate not only in lymphoid tissues, but also in the inflamed kidney in lupus nephritis. We hypothesized that the variable efficacy of anti-CD20 (rituximab)–mediated B cell depletion in systemic lupus erythematosus may be related to the absence of an effect on autoreactive PCs in the kidney. In this article, we report that an enrichment of autoreactive dsDNA Ab-secreting cells (ASCs) in the kidney of lupus-prone mice (up to 40% of the ASCs) coincided with a progressive increase in splenic germinal centers and PCs, and an increase in renal expression for PC survival factors (BAFF, a proliferation-inducing ligand, and IL-6) and PC attracting chemokines (CXCL12). Short-term treatment with anti-CD20 (4 wk) neither decreased anti-dsDNA nor IgG ASCs in different anatomical locations. However, long-term treatment (12 wk) significantly reduced both IgG- and dsDNA-specific ASCs. In addition, long-term treatment substantially decreased splenic germinal center and PC generation, and unexpectedly reduced the expression for PC survival factors in the kidney. These results suggest that prolonged B cell depletion may alter the PC survival niche in the kidney, regulating the accumulation and maintenance of autoreactive PCs.
Interaction of Mesenchymal Stem Cells with Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes via Cadherin-11 Promotes Angiogenesis by Enhanced Secretion of Placental Growth Factor
Authors: Park Su-Jung , Kim Ki-Jo , Kim Wan-Uk , Cho Chul-Soo 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Bone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) exist in the synovium of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), yet the role of MSC in RA is elusive. Placental growth factor (PlGF) expression is increased in RA synovial fluids, and blocking of PlGF attenuates progression of arthritis in mice. In this study, we observed that PlGF induced chemotaxis of MSC in a dose-dependent manner, which was blocked by anti–vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-1 peptide. MSC exposed to PlGF elicited increased phosphorylation of Akt and p38 MAPK. PlGF-mediated chemotaxis was inhibited by PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) and p38 MAPK inhibitor (SB203580), but not by ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059). Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) constitutively produced PlGF, but MSC released negligible amounts of PlGF. Of note, when FLS of RA patients and MSC were cocultured, PlGF production by FLS was significantly increased; such an increase was dependent on the number of added MSC. Moreover, coculture conditioned medium promoted chemotaxis of MSC and increased angiogenesis in Matrigel plugs assay, and these were suppressed by preincubation of the medium with anti-PlGF Ab. Transwell experiments revealed that MSC to FLS contact was required for the increase in PlGF production by coculture. Cadherin-11 was expressed both in FLS and MSC, and small interfering RNA knockdown of cadherin-11 in FLS significantly abrogated the enhanced PlGF production under coculture conditions. These data indicate that increased levels of PlGF in RA joints could induce the migration of MSC to the synovium, and interaction of migrated MSC with FLS via cadherin-11 may contribute to angiogenesis and chronic synovitis by enhancing the secretion of PlGF.
Perceived Outcomes of Web-Based Modules Designed to Enhance Athletic Trainers' Knowledge of Evidence-Based Practice
Authors: Welch Cailee E. , Van Lunen Bonnie L. , Hankemeier Dorice A. , Wyant Aimee L. , Mutchler Jessica M. , Pitney William A. , Hays Danica G. 
Published: February 2014

Context:The release of evidence-based practice (EBP) Web-based learning modules to the membership of the National Athletic Trainers' Association has provided athletic trainers (ATs) the opportunity to enhance their knowledge of the various EBP concepts. Whereas increasing the knowledge of EBP among ATs is important, assessing whether this newfound knowledge is being translated into clinical practice and didactic education is crucial.Objective:To explore the effectiveness of an educational intervention regarding EBP on the didactic instruction patterns of athletic training educators and the clinical practice behaviors of clinicians.Design:Qualitative study.Setting:Individual telephone interviews.Patients or Other Participants:A total of 25 ATs (12 educators, 13 clinicians; experience as an AT = 16.00 ± 9.41 years) were interviewed.Data Collection and Analysis:We conducted 1 individual telephone interview with each participant. After transcription, the data were analyzed and coded into common themes and categories. Triangulation of the data occurred via the use of multiple researchers and member checking to confirm the accuracy of the data.Results:Participants perceived the EBP Web-based modules to produce numerous outcomes regarding education and clinical practice. These outcomes included perceived knowledge gain among participants, an increase in the importance and scope of EBP, a positive effect on educators' didactic instruction patterns and on instilling value and practice of EBP among students, and an enhanced ability among clinicians to implement EBP within clinical practice. However, some clinicians reported the Web-based modules had no current effect on clinical practice.Conclusions:Although the EBP Web-based modules were successful at enhancing knowledge among ATs, translation of knowledge into the classroom and clinical practice remains limited. Researchers should aim to identify effective strategies to help ATs implement EBP concepts into didactic education and clinical practice.
A Mixed-Methods Study of Young Adults' Receptivity to Using Facebook for Smoking Cessation: If You Build It, Will They Come?
Authors: Ramo Danielle E. , Liu Howard , Prochaska Judith J. 
Published: February 2014

Purpose. To determine whether young adults are interested in a Facebook intervention for smoking cessation and to inform the design of such an intervention. Design. Mixed-methods. Setting. Participants throughout the United States were recruited through Facebook. Participants. Young adults aged 18 to 25 years who had smoked at least once in the past month. Method. Participants (N = 570) completed an online survey of tobacco and social media use. A subset of 30 survey completers, stratified by motivation to quit smoking, agreed to participate in a structured interview over online chat. Themes were identified by using grounded theory. Results. Approximately a third of the full sample (31%) reported they would want to get help to quit smoking by using Facebook. Interest in using Facebook to quit was greater among those who were more motivated to quit (χ2 = 75.2, p < .001), had made a quit attempt in the past year (χ2 = 16.0, p < .001), and had previously used the Internet for assistance with a quit attempt (χ2 = 6.2, p = .013). In qualitative interviews, social support and convenience were identified as strengths of a Facebook intervention, while privacy was the main issue of concern. Conclusion. Nearly one in three young adult smokers on Facebook expressed interest in using Facebook for quitting smoking. Social media approaches that respect privacy and tailor to readiness to quit are likely to maximize participation.
Interventions for Alleviating Loneliness among Older Persons: A Critical Review
Authors: Cohen-Mansfield Jiska , Perach Rotem 
Published: February 2014

Objectives. Loneliness is common among older persons and has been associated with health and mental health risks. This systematic review examines the utility of loneliness interventions among older persons. Data Source. Thirty-four intervention studies were used. Study Inclusion Criteria. The study was conducted between 1996 and 2011, included a sample of older adults, implemented an intervention affecting loneliness or identified a situation that directly affected loneliness, included in its outcome measures the effects of the intervention or situation on loneliness levels or on loneliness-related measures (e.g., social interaction), and included in its analysis pretest-posttest comparisons. Data Extraction. Studies were accessed using the databases PsycINFO, MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, AgeLine, PsycBOOKS, and Google Scholar for the years 1996–2011. Data Synthesis. Interventions were classified based on population, format, and content and were evaluated for quality of design and efficacy. Results. Twelve studies were effective in reducing loneliness according to the review criteria, and 15 were evaluated as potentially effective. The findings suggest that it is possible to reduce loneliness by using educational interventions focused on social networks maintenance and enhancement. Conclusions. Multiple approaches show promise, although flawed design often prevents proper evaluation of efficacy. The value of specific therapy techniques in reducing loneliness is highlighted and warrants a wider investigation. Studies of special populations, such as the cognitively impaired, are also needed.