bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide in the assessment of respiratory distress in term neonates
Authors: Markovic‐Sovtic Gordana , Kosutic Jovan , Jankovic Borisav , Bojanin Dragana , Sovtic Aleksandar , Radojicic Zoran , Rakonjac M. Zorica 
Published: November 2013

AbstractBackgroundN‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) is used as a biomarker to differentiate congestive heart failure from lung disease in adults and children. The clinical significance of its use in term neonates has not yet been extensively studied.MethodsNT‐proBNP level was measured in 62 term neonates admitted for respiratory distress (RD): 38 with congenital heart disease (CHD) and 24 with pulmonary disease. The control group consisted of 28 healthy neonates. Findings of auscultation, chest radiography, Silverman–Anderson score and echocardiography were recorded for each patient. Blood samples for measuring NT‐proBNP were collected on admission, when blood sampling was indicated for the clinical management of the newborn.ResultsIn the control group NT‐proBNP was significantly higher during the first week of life compared to the rest of the neonatal period (P < 0.001). The RD group, regardless of etiology, had significantly higher NT‐proBNP than the control group (P < 0.001). Neonates with more severe RD had significantly higher NT‐proBNP (P = 0.002). No significant difference was found between the RD group with CHD and those with pulmonary disease. Neonates with CHD and myocardial hypocontractility had significantly higher NT‐proBNP than those with normal contractility (P = 0.022).ConclusionTerm neonates with RD have significantly higher NT‐proBNP than healthy neonates. A single measurement of NT‐proBNP level cannot be used as the sole biomarker for distinguishing between cardiac and pulmonary cause of RD in term neonates.
Photosensitized Damage Inflicted on Plasma Membranes of Live Cells by An Extracellular Generator of Singlet Oxygen—A Linear Dependence of A Lethal Dose on Light Intensity
Authors: Zarębski Mirosław , Kordon Magdalena , Dobrucki Jurek W. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractWe describe a study of the influence of a dose rate, i.e. light intensity or photon flux, on the efficiency of induction of a loss of integrity of plasma membranes of live cells in culture. The influence of a photon flux on the size of the light dose, which was capable of causing lethal effects, was measured in an experimental system where singlet oxygen was generated exclusively outside of live cells by ruthenium(II) phenantroline complex. Instantaneous, sensitive detection of a loss of integrity of a plasma membrane was achieved by fluorescence confocal imaging of the entry of this complex into a cell interior. We demonstrate that the size of the lethal dose of light is directly proportional to the intensity of the exciting light. Thus, the probability of a photon of the exciting light inflicting photosensitized damage on plasma membranes diminishes with increasing density of the incident photons.
Evaluating J‐integral from Displacement Fields Measured by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Yoneyama S. , Arikawa S. , Kusayanagi S. , Hazumi K. 
Published: November 2013

ABSTRACTPath integral, domain integral and least squares methods for evaluating J‐integral from measured displacement fields for a power‐law hardening material are described in this paper. The values of the J‐integral are evaluated by applying the path and domain integral methods to the displacement fields obtained by elastoplastic finite element analysis and the displacement fields obtained through the measurement using digital image correlation. Results show that the values obtained by the domain integral method are slightly better than those by the path integral method, because the domain integral method efficiently uses the full‐field measurement data. The values of the J‐integral are also evaluated by the least squares method with the Hutchinson, Rice, and, Rosengren displacement fields. Results show that the J‐integral can be obtained by the least squares method simply and easily without any calculation of the integration. The J‐integral values obtained by the least squares method agree well with the values obtained using other methods. Because J‐integral can be evaluated easily by any method described in this paper, it is expected that these methods are applicable to various fracture problems during experimental evaluation of structural components.
Multiple copies of eukaryotic translation initiation factors in Brassica rapa facilitate redundancy, enabling diversification through variation in splicing and broad‐spectrum virus resistance
Authors: Nellist Charlotte F. , Qian Wei , Jenner Carol E. , Moore Jonathan D. , Zhang Shujiang , Wang Xiaowu , Briggs William H. , Barker Guy C. , Sun Rifei , Walsh John A. 
Published: November 2013

SummaryRecessive strain‐specific resistance to a number of plant viruses in the Potyvirus genus has been found to be based on mutations in the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E (eIF4E) and its isoform, eIF(iso)4E. We identified three copies of eIF(iso)4E in a number of Brassica rapa lines. Here we report broad‐spectrum resistance to the potyvirus Turnip mosaic virus (TuMV) due to a natural mechanism based on the mis‐splicing of the eIF(iso)4E allele in some TuMV‐resistant B. rapa var. pekinensis lines. Of the splice variants, the most common results in a stop codon in intron 1 and a much truncated, non‐functional protein. The existence of multiple copies has enabled redundancy in the host plant's translational machinery, resulting in diversification and emergence of the resistance. Deployment of the resistance is complicated by the presence of multiple copies of the gene. Our data suggest that in the B. rapa subspecies trilocularis, TuMV appears to be able to use copies of eIF(iso)4E at two loci. Transformation of different copies of eIF(iso)4E from a resistant B. rapa line into an eIF(iso)4E knockout line of Arabidopsis thaliana proved misleading because it showed that, when expressed ectopically, TuMV could use multiple copies which was not the case in the resistant B. rapa line. The inability of TuMV to access multiple copies of eIF(iso)4E in B. rapa and the broad spectrum of the resistance suggest it may be durable.
The Sybtraps: Control of Synaptobrevin Traffic by Synaptophysin, α‐Synuclein and AP‐180
Authors: Gordon Sarah L. , Cousin Michael A. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractSynaptobrevin II (sybII) is a key fusogenic molecule on synaptic vesicles (SVs) therefore the active maintenance of both its conformation and location in sufficient numbers on this organelle is critical in both mediating and sustaining neurotransmitter release. Recently three proteins have been identified having key roles in the presentation, trafficking and retrieval of sybII during the fusion and endocytosis of SVs. The nerve terminal protein α‐synuclein catalyses sybII entry into SNARE complexes, whereas the monomeric adaptor protein AP‐180 is required for sybII retrieval during SV endocytosis. Overarching these events is the tetraspan SV protein synaptophysin, which is a major sybII interaction partner on the SV. This review will evaluate recent studies to propose working models for the control of sybII traffic by synaptophysin and other Sybtraps (sybII trafficking partners) and suggest how dysfunction in sybII traffic may contribute to human disease.
Enriching the Pore: Splendid Complexity from Humble Origins
Authors: Field Mark C. , Koreny Ludek , Rout Michael P. 
Published: November 2013

AbstractThe nucleus is the defining intracellular organelle of eukaryotic cells and represents a major structural innovation that differentiates the eukaryotic and prokaryotic cellular form. The presence of a nuclear envelope (NE) encapsulating the nucleus necessitates a mechanism for interchange between the contents of the nuclear interior and the cytoplasm, which is mediated via the nuclear pore complex (NPC), a large protein assembly residing in nuclear pores in the NE. Recent advances have begun to map the structure and functions of the NPC in multiple organisms, and to allow reconstruction of some of the evolutionary events that underpin the modern NPC form, highlighting common and differential NPC features across the eukaryotes. Here we discuss some of these advances and the questions being pursued, consider how the evolution of the NPC has been constrained, and finally propose a model for how the NPC evolved.
Acute hepatitis B in blood donors over a 5‐year period in England and North Wales: who is getting infected?
Authors: Rosenberg Gillian K. , Lattimore Sam , Brailsford Susan R. , Hewitt Patricia E. , Tettmar Kate I. , Kitchen Alan D. , Ijaz Samreen , Tedder Richard S. 
Published: November 2013

BackgroundHepatitis B virus (HBV) remains the infection most frequently recognized by donation testing in blood donors. It is usually a persistent infection and mostly reflects the country of origin of the donor or the donor's family. There are, however, a minority of acute infections and this study undertook their phylogenetic analysis to determine the likely source of infection.Study Design and MethodsPlasma samples from 11 donors donating between July 2005 and June 2010, whose test results revealed recent infection with hepatitis B, were available for further analysis. Plasma DNA was extracted, amplified, sequenced, and analyzed phylogenetically. Donor and virus characteristics were compared with the overall demography of all hepatitis B–infected donors attending over the same period.ResultsThree of the 11 individuals were first‐time donors. Nine were male, of whom eight were white British. All had serum markers of very recent infection. Only two indicated known HBV exclusion risk factors at postdonation discussion not declared previously. Genotype A was present in seven, Genotype B in two, and Genotype C in two, contrasting with the pattern in persistently infected persons in the United Kingdom. A single A2 strain was identified in six of the white British male donors, suggesting epidemiologic linkage.ConclusionPhylogenetic analysis of HBV‐infected donors performed in real time can potentially lead to identification of undeclared risk factors that donor health questionnaires may fail to identify.
Purinergic control of vascular tone in the retina
Authors: Kur Joanna , Newman Eric A. 
Published: November 2013

Key points
The blood supply to the CNS is controlled by the tone of arteries and arterioles. However, little is known about purinergic regulation of vascular tone in the CNS.
We have investigated purinergic control of vascular tone in the in vivo rat retina.
Reducing endogenous ATP levels by enzyme degradation and inhibiting purinergic signalling with P2X receptor antagonists decreases the tone of retinal arterioles. Raising ATP levels increases vessel tone.
Experiments using fluorocitrate to poison the metabolism of glial cells suggest glia are a source of the ATP that tonically constricts retinal vessels.
The results suggest a novel mechanism of local control of vascular tone through activation of vascular smooth muscle cell P2X receptors.
AbstractPurinergic control of vascular tone in the CNS has been largely unexplored. This study examines the contribution of endogenous extracellular ATP, acting on vascular smooth muscle cells, in controlling vascular tone in the in vivo rat retina. Retinal vessels were labelled by i.v. injection of a fluorescent dye and imaged with scanning laser confocal microscopy. The diameters of primary arterioles were monitored under control conditions and following intravitreal injection of pharmacological agents. Apyrase (500 units ml−1), an ATP hydrolysing enzyme, dilated retinal arterioles by 40.4 ± 2.8%, while AOPCP (12.5 mm), an ecto‐5′‐nucleotidase inhibitor that increases extracellular ATP levels, constricted arterioles by 58.0 ± 3.8% (P < 0.001 for both), demonstrating the importance of ATP in the control of basal vascular tone. Suramin (500 μm), a broad‐spectrum P2 receptor antagonist, dilated retinal arterioles by 50.9 ± 3.7% (P < 0.001). IsoPPADS (300 μm) and TNP‐ATP (50 μm), more selective P2X antagonists, dilated arterioles by 41.0 ± 5.3% and 55.2 ± 6.1% respectively (P < 0.001 for both). NF023 (50 μm), a potent antagonist of P2X1 receptors, dilated retinal arterioles by 32.1 ± 2.6% (P < 0.001). A438079 (500 μm) and AZ10606120 (50 μm), P2X7 antagonists, had no effect on basal vascular tone (P = 0.99 and P = 1.00 respectively). In the ex vivo retina, the P2X1 receptor agonist α,β‐methylene ATP (300 nm) evoked sustained vasoconstrictions of 18.7 ± 3.2% (P < 0.05). In vivo vitreal injection of the gliotoxin fluorocitrate (150 μm) dilated retinal vessels by 52.3 ± 1.1% (P < 0.001) and inhibited the vasodilatory response to NF023 (50 μm, 7.9 ± 2.0%; P < 0.01). These findings suggest that vascular tone in rat retinal arterioles is maintained by tonic release of ATP from the retina. ATP acts on P2X1 receptors, although contributions from other P2X and P2Y receptors cannot be ruled out. Retinal glial cells are a possible source of the vasoconstricting ATP.
Comparison of Electrically-Assisted and Conventional Friction Stir Welding Processes by Feed Force and Torque
Authors: Potluri Hemanth , Jones Joshua J. , Mears Laine 
Published: November 2013

The process of friction stir welding involves high tool forces and requires robust machinery; the forces involved make tool wear a predominant problem. As a result, many alternatives have been proposed in decreasing tool forces such as laser assisted friction stir welding and ultra-sound assisted friction stir welding. However, these alternatives are not commercially successful on a large scale due to scalability and capital/maintenance costs.
In an attempt to reduce forces in a cost-feasible manner, electrically-assisted friction stir welding (EAFSW) is studied in this work. EAFSW is a result of applying the concept of electrically-assisted manufacturing (i.e., passing high direct electrical current through a workpiece during processing) to the conventional friction stir welding process. The concept of EAFSW is a relatively new adaptation of conventional frictional stir welding, which is well established. The expected benefits are reduction in the feed force and torque, which allow for improved processing productivity as well as the possibility for deeper penetration of the weld.
Novel High Pressure Sealing System for Tube Hydroforming Operations
Authors: Wagner Scott W. , Ng Kenny , Emblom William J. , Camelio Jaime A. 
Published: November 2013

The tube hydroforming (THF) process is a metal forming process that uses a pressurized fluid as the forming mechanism. Recently, this process has increased in popularity in the automotive industry as a method to reduce the number of required components and consolidate parts which can substantially reduce the overall automobile weight. This reduction in weight is a currently pursued method for improving the vehicles fuel economy.
At the micro scale, hydroformed tubes have the potential to offer additional benefits with possible uses in medical and MEMS (Microelectromechanical systems) applications. However, this can be a challenge when the forming materials have small mating features. In many macro scale tube hydroforming processes the forming fluid is supplied to the tubes by a tapered filling nozzle inserted inside the inner diameter of the tubes. When considering forming tubes with sub-millimeter features, this poses a significant challenge.
This paper explores the design of a new method for creating the required high pressure seal. Specifically, this seal is made on the outside surface of the tube by using a flexible encompassing rubber gasket and two proprietary designed seal cavities. In this study, stainless steel 304 micro tubes of varying outer diameters (1.0 mm and 2.1 mm) and thickness were tested.
VIM Testing of a Paired Column Semi Submersible
Authors: Zou Jun , Poll Philip , Roddier Dominique , Tom Nathan , Peiffer Antoine 
Published: November 2013

This paper summarizes VIM towing test results of Houston Offshore Engineering’s Paired-Column Semisubmersible (PC Semi) platform that was performed at the UC Berkeley towing tank. The PC semi configuration is different from a conventional Deep Draft Semi (DD Semi) in three aspects, 1) 8 columns vs. 4 columns; 2) rectangle column vs. square column; 3) larger column slenderness ratio. Typically, a larger column slenderness ratio may result in more pronounced VIM. Since VIM significantly affects mooring and riser strength and fatigue, it is crucial to explore the VIM response characteristics of the PC Semi configuration.
VIM has been characterized as a difficult subject with a complicated structural-hydrodynamic interaction. The physical mechanics is generally less well understood and numerical prediction is generally less reliable. Model testing has become an important and widely accepted design tool to derive reliable A/D envelops and drag coefficients.
This project builds on the VIM testing experiences obtained in Finnigan and Roddier (2007), which showed that VIM testing at small scale is only slightly conservative. A scale factor of 1:160 was used in the present tests. The Reynolds Number for the tests varied from 15,000 to 30,000 depending on the towing speeds. This manuscript provides some details on the test setup and overall program, and highlights the key results of the tests.
Utilization of Piping Inspection Data for Continuous Improvement: A Methodology to Visualize Coverage and Finding Rates
Authors: Ratnayake R. M. Chandima 
Published: November 2013

Piping inspection in Oil and Gas (O&G) production and process facilities (P&PFs) is traditionally set up by dividing the overall piping components into corrosion loops (CLs) reflecting similar corrosion (i.e. corrosion due to chemical or electro-chemical reaction and/or erosion-corrosion) environment and process conditions. Each CL is comprised of a few or several wall thickness measurement locations (WTMLs). The WTMLs are typically identified for each WTML ‘feature’ (e.g. straight section of a spool, bend, tee, weld, end cap, etc.) in a CL. Generally, inspection planning decisions regarding WTMLs are prioritized based on the results of risk based inspection (RBI) analysis. However, the degradation behavior is continuously changing due to the change in product and process conditions during the maturity of O&G production wells.
This manuscript illustrates a methodology to visualize inspection coverage and corresponding defect finding rates (DFRs) for different WTML features in a selected sub-system of an oil and gas production and process facility. The suggested methodology aids the visualization of DFRs pertaining to different WTMLs, enabling inspection planners to assign inspection recommendations to the right location at the right time, minimizing ad hoc work. The approach also enables feedback to be provided to the plant inspection strategy (PIS), depending on the corresponding production field and P&PF, whilst reducing the cost of inspection to the asset owner by the minimization of ad hoc inspection recommendations.
Mechanical Integrity of Forge Welded Connectors
Authors: Jacobsen Terje Berg , Salberg Bjarne , Moe Per Thomas , Liu Junyan 
Published: November 2013

Shielded Active Gas Forge Welding (SAG-FW) is a solid state welding process for metal pipes, rods and other elongate products. As a part of an extensive qualification programme for SAG-FW for casing applications a series of welds have been completed for the pipe steel quality Vallourec & Mannesmann VM50. While the microstructure of the base material (BM) is tempered martensite, both natural cooling and quench-tempered microsturctures were evaluated in order to assess the need for post-weld heat treatment (PWHT). Forge welds were subjected to careful and independent metallurgical analysis and mechanical testing by Det Norske Veritas (DNV). For as-welded specimens the heat affected zone (HAZ) consists of ferrite and pearlite. Hardness values for the HAZ are 160 HV10 while for the base material inner and outer wall are 150 and 175 HV10 respectively. As-welded tensile tests show a drop in yield from 390 to 370 MPa. Charpy testing of the welds at −20°C reveals a fully ductile structure with toughness of 150 J. The HAZ is entirely in the region with increased wall thickness.
In an extended study of mechanical properties of the VM50 forge welds results from a notched tensile test were used to determine the damage parameters for the Complete Gurson Model (CGM) using finite element modeling for calibration. In order to evaluate the quality of the damage model Single Edge Notched Bending (SENB) tests were performed and studied using finite element models. The toughness of the as-welded weld is moderately reduced due to welding, but it remains ductile with high fracture resistance. The moderate reduction of fracture resistance can be explained by microstructure change.
The Use of Additive Manufacturing Techniques in the Construction of Model-Scale Propellers
Authors: Garvin Matthew , Islam Mohammed , Molyneux David , Herrington Paul 
Published: November 2013

Historically, it has been expensive for model test basins to supply custom model-scale propellers for ship propulsion experiments, due to the high cost of traditional propeller fabrication methods. This paper presents a new method of manufacturing model propellers in a cost effective and time efficient manner.
A new computer aided design tool has been developed to quickly develop propeller geometry, which can then be built using additive manufacturing processes. These processes reduce the cost of manufacturing propellers by an order of magnitude compared to machined metal propellers.
The results of a study comparing propeller open water and self-propulsion experiments using traditional metal propellers to newly developed plastic propellers are presented. This study also includes an evaluation of the effect of surface roughness on the open water performance coefficients. The measured propulsive performance coefficients of the plastic propellers were within 2% of that of geometrically similar metal propellers with the same blade roughness.
Design Challenges of Gas Export Pipelines for Pre-Salt Area Offshore Brazil
Authors: Solano Rafael F. , de Azevedo Fábio B. , Oazen Eduardo 
Published: November 2013

Recently the pre-salt development is a great challenge for Petrobras regarding the offshore exploration and production activities. The pre-salt area comprises several ultra-deepwater fields located far off the Brazilian coast.
In order to flow the produced gas of these pre-salt fields, Petrobras has planned to install large diameter gas export pipelines as trunklines. The design of large diameter gas pipelines in ultra-deepwater of about 2200m has hydrostatic collapse and installation loadings being the major issues to be faced by the technical team. Reduction of pipeline wall thicknesses may improve the technical and economic feasibility of its installation in ultra-deepwater and sometimes can also increase the number of laying barges / vessels able to perform the installation. However, reduction in wall thickness is only feasible if the pipeline integrity under external pressure as well as under combined loadings is ensured in accordance with the applicable design code and the engineering best practices.
This paper presents the assessment of some design parameters able to reduce the wall thicknesses along the pipeline length, while keeping the commitment to the engineering good practices and complying with all requirements of the DNV-OS-F101 design code. In order to illustrate the assessment, this paper presents results of two gas pipelines designed in accordance with DNV standards, one of them being optimized. The benefits of this optimization are emphasized in this work.