bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Three‐Dimensionally Ordered Polypyrrole Electrode: Electrochemical Study on Capacity and Degradation Process
Authors: Johne Christopher , Fritzsch Robby , Ignaszak Anna 
Published: May 2014

AbstractIn this work we critically compare electrochemical stability and specific capacitance of the three‐dimensional (3D) polypyrrole membrane and the dense polypyrrole film fabricated at the same conditions. Herein, we concern about study the influence of the electrode morphology on the kinetics of diffusion process by analyzing voltammetry, coulometry and impedance response. This allows us to calculate well‐sustained values of the diffusion coefficient, specific capacitance and diffusion resistance, which summarize equilibrium parameters. The ultra‐thin walls, uniform porosity and well‐ordered structure called “inverse opal” ensure an efficient mass transport and fast charge exchange of the porous polypyrrole resulting in superior electrochemical performance. The calculated diffusion coefficient of anion doping process in 3D polypyrrole is more than two orders of magnitude higher comparing to the control sample. The improved electrochemical stability at high anodic potential is correlated with unique porous and dynamic structure of the polymer that is capable of handling volumetric changes upon electrode polarization. An effective diffusion length for the porous PPy remains unchanged during degradation process (overoxidation) and is significantly smaller in comparison to the dense polymer film, indicating that the degradation process for the porous system is somewhat hindered. This work provides an important insight for fast and scalable synthesis of 3D polymer electrode with improved electrochemical activity and stability for the future energy storage applications.
Association of matrix metalloproteinase‐11 polymorphisms with susceptibility and clinicopathologic characteristics for oral squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Lin Chiao‐Wen , Yang Shun‐Fa , Chuang Chun‐Yi , Lin Huang‐Pin , Hsin Chung‐Han 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of genetic polymorphisms of the matrix metalloproteinase‐11 (MMP‐11) gene on the susceptibility of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).MethodsFour single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the MMP‐11 gene from 595 patients with oral cancer and 561 noncancer controls were analyzed by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR).ResultsMMP‐11 gene polymorphisms exhibit synergistic effects of environmental factors (betel nut chewing and tobacco use) on the susceptibility of OSCC. Furthermore, among patients with OSCC with betel nut consumption, those who have at least one polymorphic C allele of MMP‐11 rs738792 have an increased incidence of lymph node metastasis when compared with those patients homozygous for T/T.ConclusionOur results showed that the combined effects of the MMP‐11 gene polymorphisms and environmental carcinogens are related to an increased risk for the development of OSCC and may be a predictive factor for tumor lymph node metastasis in Taiwanese with OSCC. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 37: 1425–1431, 2015
PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS OF ON‐DEMAND PRESSURIZED IRRIGATION NETWORK DESIGNED WITH LINEAR AND FUZZY LINEAR PROGRAMMING
Authors: Kanakis P. C. , Papamichail D. M. , Georgiou P. E. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIn on‐demand pressurized irrigation networks the pressure and discharge requirements at each hydrant are dependent on the irrigation system requirements and the availability of water resources. Possible changes in these requirements can occur in the future because of change of irrigation methods, advances in technology, changes in user practices and behaviour, management decisions or future trends related to effective irrigation water application, altering pressure requirements at hydrants and the discharge at the upstream end of the network. The objective of this paper is to deal with changes in the pressure requirements by using the method of fuzzy linear programming (FLP) for the minimization of the pipes cost during the design stage of such a network. The FLP uses fuzzy numbers for the pressure head constraints at the hydrants. An application of the method in a case study network in Greece is presented and the results are compared with those from the linear programming (LP), focusing on the performance analysis of the generated networks, using the well‐known computer program COPAM. The results showed that the network design with FLP can cope better with future changes than the network designed with LP. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nitric oxide secretion by endothelial cells in response to fluid shear stress, aspirin, and temperature
Authors: Kabirian Fatemeh , Amoabediny Ghassem , Haghighipour Nooshin , Salehi‐Nik Nasim , Zandieh‐Doulabi Behrouz 
Published: May 2014

AbstractCurrent vascular grafts have a high incidence of failure, especially in the grafts less than 6 mm in diameter, due to thrombus formation. Nitric oxide (NO) is released by endothelium and has some beneficial influences such as an antithrombotic effect. We hypothesized that applying different shear stress regiments and low temperature or aspirin would result in an increase in the amount of NO release from human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and decrease in platelet aggregation in the same manner as expected in vivo. HUVECs were cultured into the intraluminal surface of silicone tubes. HUVECs were subjected for 60 min to different parameters of shear stress, temperature, aspirin, and platelets or a combination in a perfusion bioreactor by monitoring NO secretion. We found that shear stress leads to an elevation of NO production in HUVECS, independent of the shear stress magnitude (0.9 or 1.8 dyne/cm2). The magnitude of this response increased with a decrease in temperature. Our results also show that by addition of platelets in combination with aspirin to media circulation, no thrombus formation occurred during the test time. Presence of aspirin resulted in marked increase in NO levels. In conclusion, shear stresses, temperature lowering, and aspirin increase the amount of NO release from HUVECs. Also no thrombus formation was detected in our experimental setting. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 103A: 1231–1237, 2015.
Regionalization of extreme rainfall in India
Authors: Bharath R. , Srinivas V. V. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTRegionalization of extreme rainfall is useful for various applications in hydro‐meteorology. There is dearth of regionalization studies on extreme rainfall in India. In this perspective, a set of 25 regions that are homogeneous in 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, 4‐ and 5‐day extreme rainfall is delineated based on seasonality measure of extreme rainfall and location indicators (latitude, longitude and altitude) by using global fuzzy c‐means (GFCM) cluster analysis. The regions are validated for homogeneity inL‐moment framework. One of the applications of the regions is in arriving at quantile estimates of extreme rainfall at sparsely gauged/ungauged locations using options such as regional frequency analysis (RFA). TheRFAinvolves use of rainfall‐related information from gauged sites in a region as the basis to estimate quantiles of extreme rainfall for target locations that resemble the region in terms of rainfall characteristics. A procedure forRFAbased onGFCM‐delineated regions is presented and its effectiveness is evaluated by leave‐one‐out cross validation. Error in quantile estimates for ungauged sites is compared with that resulting from the use of region‐of‐influence (ROI) approach that forms site‐specific regions exclusively for quantile estimation. Results indicate that error in quantile estimates based onGFCMregions andROIare fairly close, and neither of them is consistent in yielding the least error over all the sites. The cluster analysis approach was effective in reducing the number of regions to be delineated forRFA.
Manifestations of Conformational Defects in Electronic Spectra of Polysilanes – a Theoretical Study
Authors: Hanulikova Barbora , Kuritka Ivo 
Published: May 2014

SummaryIn this paper, density functional theory (DFT) and time dependent DFT (TDDFT) are applied on the calculation of electronic properties of alkyl‐ and aryl‐substituted oligosilanes with conformational defect introduced into their silicon chain. Oligo[methyl(phenyl)silane]s and oligo(dimethylsilane)s up to 10 or 13 mer units, respectively, are treated as model structures by DFT and TDDFT with B3LYP/6–31 G* base. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) energies evince the dependence on the presence as well as on the position of the defect in oligomer backbones. Delocalization of FMO is strongly influenced by position of the defect which in some cases divides the molecule to the FMO‐rich part and the part almost without FMO delocalization and therefore affects location of electrons. Behaviour of longer chains in analogous polysilanes is deduced from linear regression of plots of FMO energy over the inverse of the polymerization degree.
Raman Microspectroscopy of Thienothiadiazole‐Fluorene Copolymer and its Blends with Fullerene
Authors: Morávková Zuzana , Pokorná Veronika , Výprachtický Drahomir , Kmínek Ivan , Cimrová Vera. 
Published: May 2014

SummaryThin films made of a low‐band gap copolymer poly{4,6‐bis(3‐dodecylthien‐2‐yl)thieno[3,4‐c][1,2,5]thiadiazole‐alt‐9,9‐bis(2‐ethylhexyl)‐fluorene} (CDTF) and made of its blends with soluble fullerene derivative [6,6]‐phenyl C61‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM60) with various ratios were studied by means of UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and Raman microspectroscopy. It was found that inhomogeneities which are present in thin films consist of higher content of PCBM60 than the rest of the film. Photoluminescence of both components observed in the Raman spectra was distinguished using two different excitation wavelengths.
Bioenergetics and intermuscular fat in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease‐associated quadriceps weakness
Authors: Shields Gregory Samuel , Coissi Graziele S. , Jimenez‐Royo Pilar , Gambarota Giulio , Dimber Rahul , Hopkinson Nicholas S. , Matthews Paul M. , Brown Andrew P. , Polkey Michael I. 
Published: May 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is associated with metabolic abnormalities in muscles of the lower limbs, but it is not known whether these abnormalities are generalized or limited to specific muscle groups, nor is there an easy way of predicting their presence. Methods: Metabolism in the quadriceps and biceps of 14 COPD patients and controls was assessed during sustained contraction using 31‐phosphorus magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P MRS). T1 MRI was used to measure quadriceps intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT). Results: COPD patients had prolonged quadriceps phosphocreatine time (patients: 38.8 ± 12.7 s; controls: 25.2 ± 10.6 s; P = 0.006) and a lower pH (patents: 6.88 ± 0.1; controls: 6.99 ± 0.06; P = 0.002). Biceps measures were not significantly different. IMAT was associated with a nadir pH <7.0 (area under the curve = 0.84). Conclusions: Anaerobic metabolism during contraction was characteristic of quadriceps, but not biceps, muscles of patients with COPD and was associated with increased IMAT. Because IMAT can be assessed quickly by conventional MRI, it may be a useful approach for identifying patients with abnormal muscle bioenergetics. Muscle Nerve 51: 214–221, 2015
IN IT FOR THE LONG HAUL? POST‐CONFLICT STATEBUILDING, PEACEBUILDING, AND THE GOOD GOVERNANCE AGENDA IN TIMOR‐LESTE
Authors: Goldfinch Shaun , DeRouen Karl 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYStatebuilding after conflict often entails liberal peacebuilding measures. The end of the UN mission in post‐conflict Timor‐Leste in December 2012 provides a unique opportunity to investigate statebuilding in practice. The liberal peacebuilding agenda has met with stiff academic resistance—mainly from the critical theorist camp—and is questioned as an appropriate measure of …statebuilding success. We deploy instead the good governance (GG) agenda as a hybrid local‐liberal guide. Drawing on field work, interviews, and secondary documents, we investigate what we see as four key, intertwined and overlapping aspects of GG: state capacity including the establishment of a state bureaucracy, participation and the engagement of civil society, institution building and rule of law, and corruption control and transparency. We note GG provides a useful policy heuristic, while abstract “one‐size‐fits‐all” liberal peacebuilding models, which avoid the complexities of machinery of government issues, the time taken to develop institutions, and historical and contextual environments of countries, are likely to face severe problems. New states may be dependent on external forces to maintain monopoly of violence. The reversibility and uncertainty of statebuilding and the decades‐long commitment needed by international agencies are noted. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MicroRNA in skeletal muscle development, growth, atrophy, and disease
Authors: Kovanda Anja , Režen Tadeja , Rogelj Boris 
Published: May 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are short noncoding RNAs that are important global‐ as well as tissue‐ and cell‐type‐specific regulators of gene expression. Muscle‐specific miRNAs or myomirs have been shown to control various processes in skeletal muscles, from myogenesis and muscle homeostasis to different responses to environmental stimuli, such as exercise. Importantly, myomirs are also involved in the development of muscle atrophy arising from aging, immobility, prolonged exposure to microgravity, or muscular and neuromuscular disorders. Additionally, muscle atrophy is both induced by and exacerbates many important chronic and infectious diseases. As global yet specific muscle regulators, myomirs are also good candidates for therapeutic use. Understanding the dynamics of myomirs expression and their role in the development of disease is necessary to determine their potential for muscle atrophy prevention. WIREs RNA 2014, 5:509–525. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1227This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > Regulatory RNAs
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Endoscopic Treatments for Dysplastic Barrett’s Esophagus: Resection, Ablation, What Else?
Authors: Subramanian Charumathi Raghu , Triadafilopoulos George 
Published: May 2014

AbstractBackgroundEndoscopic eradication therapy for dysplastic Barrett’s esophagus (BE) comprises resection and mucosal ablation techniques. Over the years, these techniques have been tried with success, not only for dysplastic Barrett’s epithelium but also for non‐dysplastic Barrett’s epithelium and early adenocarcinoma. Endoscopic resection is usually carried out for visible lesions, either as endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR), which is practiced widely in Western countries, or as endoscopic submucosal dissection, which is more popular in Japan and throughout Asia. Among ablative techniques are photodynamic therapy, cryotherapy, and radiofrequency ablation (RFA).MethodsWe reviewed the published evidence pertaining to endoscopic treatments of dysplastic BE, with emphasis on the various resection and ablative techniques, their safety, efficacy, durability of effect, and tolerability.ResultsBoth resection and ablation procedures performed endoscopically have been proved effective, and safe for treating dysplastic BE and early adenocarcinoma. Among the ablative techniques, RFA has shown to be more effective and safe, and is preferred for most cases.ConclusionsEndoscopic therapies have revolutionized the treatment of BE and have minimized the need for surgical intervention in many patients. Concomitant treatment of acid reflux with proton pump inhibitors and continuous surveillance are essential. Combination techniques such as EMR followed by RFA may be also considered in some cases.
On cumulative nonlinear acoustic waveform distortions from high-speed jets
Authors: Baars W. J. , Tinney C. E. , Wochner M. S. , Hamilton M. F. 
Published: May 2014

AbstractA model is proposed for predicting the presence of cumulative nonlinear distortions in the acoustic waveforms produced by high-speed jet flows. The model relies on the conventional definition of the acoustic shock formation distance and employs an effective Gol’dberg number$\Lambda $for diverging acoustic waves. The latter properly accounts for spherical spreading, whereas the classical Gol’dberg number$\Gamma $is restricted to plane wave applications. Scaling laws are then derived to account for the effects imposed by jet exit conditions of practical interest and includes Mach number, temperature ratio, Strouhal number and an absolute observer distance relative to a broadband Gaussian source. Surveys of the acoustic pressure produced by a laboratory-scale, shock-free and unheated Mach 3 jet are used to support findings of the model. Acoustic waveforms are acquired on a two-dimensional grid extending out to 145 nozzle diameters from the jet exit plane. Various statistical metrics are employed to examine the degree of local and cumulative nonlinearity in the measured waveforms and their temporal derivatives. This includes a wave steepening factor (WSF), skewness, kurtosis and the normalized quadrature spectral density. The analysed data are shown to collapse reasonably well along rays emanating from the post-potential-core region of the jet. An application of the generalized Burgers equation is used to demonstrate the effect of cumulative nonlinear distortion on an arbitrary acoustic waveform produced by a high-convective-Mach-number supersonic jet. It is advocated that cumulative nonlinear distortion effects during far-field sound propagation are too subtle in this range-restricted environment and over the region covered, which may be true for other laboratory-scale jet noise facilities.
Design fixation: Classifications and modern methods of prevention
Authors: Youmans Robert J. , Arciszewski Thomaz 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThe termdesign fixationis often used interchangeably to refer to situations where designers limit their creative output because of an overreliance on features of preexisting designs, or more generally, an overreliance on a specific body of knowledge directly associated with a problem. In this paper, we argue that interdisciplinary interest in design fixation has led to increasingly broad definitions of the phenomenon that may be undermining empirical research efforts, educational efforts to minimize fixation, and the acquisition and dissemination of transdisciplinary knowledge about fixation effects. To address these issues, we recommend that researchers consider categorizing fixation phenomena into one of three classifications: unconscious adherence to the influence of prior designs, conscious blocks to change, and intentional resistance to new ideas. Next, we distinguish between concept-based design fixation, fixation to a specific class of known design concepts, and knowledge-based design fixation, fixation to a problem-specific knowledge base. With these distinctions in place, we propose a system of orders of design fixation, recommend methods for reducing fixation in inventive design, and recommend areas that are in need of further research within the field of design science.
Inferring a shape grammar: Translating designer's knowledge
Authors: Eloy Sara , Duarte José Pinto 
Published: May 2014

AbstractThis article focuses on a shape grammar, therabo-de-bacalhauhousing style, that was developed to enable the adaptation of existing houses to new requirements and most particular on the process of inference of the grammar. In the article we describe the process undertaken to develop the grammar and what the achievements of the transformation grammar are regarding the possibilities of a mass customization of a dwelling's rehabilitation work. The goal of this article is to describe and discuss how the designer's knowledge was encoded into shape rules. The process used to extract the architect's knowledge and to incorporate it into the transformation grammar enable us to abstract the designer's actions and to define a sequence of actions that can define a possible strategy of design. The proposed design methodology generates dwelling layouts that are legal because they follow the grammar language and adequate because they meet the a priori user and design requirements.
The relationship between socioeconomic indices and potentially zoonotic pathogens carried by wild Norway rats: a survey in Rhône, France (2010–2012)
Authors: AYRAL F. , ARTOIS J. , ZILBER A.-L. , WIDÉN F. , POUNDER K.C. , AUBERT D. , BICOUT D. J. , ARTOIS M. 
Published: May 2014

SUMMARYLeptospira interrogans, hantaviruses (particularly Seoul virus), hepatitis E virus (HEV), andToxoplasma gondiiare rat-associated zoonoses that are responsible for human morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study aimed to describe the infection patterns of these four pathogens in wild rats (Rattus norvegicus) across socioeconomic levels in neighbourhoods in Lyon, France. The infection or exposure status was determined using polymerase chain reaction or serology for 178 wild rats captured in 23 locations; additionally, confirmatory culture or mouse inoculation was performed. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to investigate whether morphological and socioeconomic data could predict the infection status of the rats. This study revealed that the rat colony's age structure may influence the prevalence ofL. interrogans, hantavirus, and HEV. In addition, areas with high human population densities and low incomes may be associated with a greater number of infected rats and an increased risk of disease transmission.
Post-prostatectomy stress urinary incontinence: a review of contemporary surgical treatments
Authors: Resel-Folkersma Luis , Salinas-Casado Jesús , Moreno-Sierra Jesús 
Published: May 2014

SummaryProstate cancer is the most frequent tumour diagnosed in men, especially in older people. Radical prostatectomy is the treatment of choice for this disease, but is also the main cause of stress urinary incontinence in men by iatrogenic injury. This procedure is performed far more frequently now than 10 years ago, so the incidence of post-prostatectomy incontinence (PPUI) has increased. PPUI has a detrimental impact on a patient's quality of life and is a significant problem that needs to be solved. The artificial urinary sphincter is still the gold standard treatment for PPUI. In recent years, less invasive approaches such as suburethral slings have been used with promising results. The selection criteria and most appropriate choice of device for the treatment of PPUI are not well standardized. In this review, the different forms of assessment and management of PPUI will be discussed.
Monument and material reuse at the National Memorial Arboretum
Authors: Williams Howard 
Published: May 2014

AbstractExploring the relocation and reuse of fragments and whole artefacts, materials and monuments in contemporary commemorative memorials in the United Kingdom (UK), this paper focuses on the National Memorial Arboretum (Alrewas, Staffordshire, hereafter NMA). Within this unique assemblage of memorial gardens, reuse constitutes a distinctive range of material commemoration. Through a detailed investigation of the NMA's gardens, this paper shows how monument and material reuse, while used in very different memorial forms, tends to be reserved to commemorate specific historical subjects and themes. Monument and material reuse is identified as a form of commemorative rehabilitation for displaced memorials and provides powerful and direct mnemonic and emotional connections between past and present in the commemoration through peace memorials, of military disasters and defensive actions, the sufferings of prisoners of war, and atrocities inflicted upon civilian populations. In exploring monument and material reuse to create specific emotive and mnemonic fields and triggers, this paper engages with a hitherto neglected aspect of late 20th- and early 21st-century commemorative culture.