bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The marine halophytes Carpobrotus edulis L. and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum L. are potential sources of nutritionally important PUFAs and metabolites with antioxidant, metal chelating and anticholinesterase inhibitory activities
Authors: Custódio Luísa , Ferreira Ana Catarina , Pereira Hugo , Silvestre Laura , Vizetto-Duarte Catarina , Barreira Luísa , Rauter Amélia Pilar , Alberício Fernando , Varela João 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
We report antioxidant, metal chelating and anticholinesterase activities of methanol extracts from two edible halophytes, Carpobrotus edulis and Arthrocnemum macrostachyum. We also report a preliminary chemical screening, total contents of phenolic compounds in the extracts and the fatty acid profiles of both species. Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a potential source of metabolites with free radical scavenging, iron (Fe3+) reducing and copper (Cu2+) chelating activities; it had a high concentration of polyunsaturated fatty acids (46.5%), mainly α-linolenic and linoleic acids. Carpobrotus edulis had dual anti-cholinesterase activity against both acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Both species had a high content of phenolic compounds. Arthrocnemum macrostachyum is a potential biological source of biochemicals counteracting free radical-induced oxidative damage and also degenerative diseases associated with metabolic stress, such as cancer and neurological disorders. Carpobrotus edulis is a candidate species for future studies on novel and alternative therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders associated with low levels of acetylcholine in the brain.
New record of Sargassum denticarpum Ajisaka (Fucales, Phaeophyceae) from Iriomote Island (Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan)
Authors: Shimabukuro Hiromori , Kawane Masako , Hamaguchi Masami 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
The brown macroalgal genus Sargassum forms beds around the Japanese coast; these beds are important for marine ecosystem functioning and fisheries. In recent years, a northward shift in the distribution patterns of southern Sargassum spp. has been postulated as a result of warming in the western Pacific. To examine this theory, we surveyed species richness and diversity of genus Sargassum algae around the Ryukyu Islands, Japan, which is the northern limit of selected Sargassum species native to tropical and subtropical regions. We collected from Iriomote Island (Ryukyu Archipelago) specimens of a species resembling Sargassum denticarpum, which is endemic to Vietnam. The specimens had the following morphological characteristics in common with S. denticarpum: (1) terete or slightly compressed primary branches, (2) simple lanceolate primary and lateral leaves with dentate margins in all stages, (3) spherical-to-elliptical vesicles with or without spines and wings, (4) monoecious, and (5) compressed receptacles with spines on the margins. In addition, internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) sequences of the Ryukyu specimens and of S. denticarpum collected in Vietnam clearly showed that the two are closely related. On the basis of these morphological and molecular characteristics, we present the first report of S. denticarpum in Japan.
Contribution of 3D power Doppler ultrasound to the evaluation of placental circulation in normal pregnancies and pregnancies complicated by preeclampsia
Authors: Mihu Carmen Mihaela , Drugan Tudor , Mihu Dan 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Aim: This study assesses the value of intraplacental vascularization indices, determined by three-dimensional (3D) power Doppler ultrasound, in the evaluation of placental circulation. A prospective study has been conducted on two groups of pregnant women. Group I included pregnant women with a normal evolution of the pregnancy, whereas group II consisted of pregnant women with preeclampsia. The subjects were assessed by ultrasound between the 28th and 38th week of amenorrhea. Intraplacental vascularization was studied by 3D and Doppler ultrasound. Intraplacental vascularization indices were calculated using the VOCAL program, whereas statistical processing was completed using descriptive and comparative statistical methods.

Results: The values of the three intraplacental vascularization indices were lower in the group of pregnancies with preeclampsia compared with the group with normal pregnancies. In normal pregnancies, the evolution of umbilical resistivity index (RI) values was statistically proven to be significantly correlated with the values of intraplacental vascularization indices. In the case of pathological pregnancies, RI values could be maintained within normal limits, whereas vascularization, flow, and vascularization-flow index values decreased significantly compared with the group of normal pregnancies.

Conclusions: The determination of intraplacental vascularization indices can play an important role in the monitoring of placental circulation in pregnancies with a normal evolution and those with preeclampsia.
An open-label, randomized efficacy and safety trial of subcutaneous and intramuscular BT088 (Fovepta) human hepatitis B immunoglobulin in neonates of HBV-carrier mothers
Authors: Buxmann Horst , Kamin Wolfgang , Kriván Gergely , Siklós Pál , Mendling Werner , Wartenberg-Demand Andrea , Wolf Daniele M. , Schlösser Rolf L. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy and safety of subcutaneously (SC) and intramuscularly (IM) administered BT088 (Fovepta) human hepatitis B immunoglobulin in neonates of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs/HBsAg)-positive mothers in the prevention of hepatitis B infection.

Methods: This was an open, prospective, multicenter trial, in which infants were randomized to receive a single SC or IM dose of BT088 (200 IU, 0.4 mL) within 12 h of birth simultaneously with active vaccination against hepatitis B. The primary efficacy variable was the response rate, defined as the proportion of infants whose anti-HBs concentration was negative at predose and ≥100 IU/L 48 to 72 h postdose.

Results: The full analysis set included 31 neonates (17 SC and 14 IM). Response was experienced by 30 (96.8%) of 31 infants who received BT088 by either route of administration. The median postdose anti-HBs concentration was 261.2 IU/L. One neonate had a postdose anti-HBs level lower than 100 IU/L (81.0 IU/L). No infant experienced seroconversion during the 7- to 15-month follow-up. BT088 was well tolerated, with no allergic-like, or injection-site reactions observed.

Conclusion: SC and IM administration of 200 IU (0.4 mL) BT088 resulted in protective serum anti-HBs titers within 72 h of administration in newborn infants and was well tolerated and effective.
Bishop score and cervical length at 33–35 weeks of gestation and the risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery of twins
Authors: Park Kyo Hoon , Lee Sung Youn , Jeong Eun Ha , Ryu Aeli , Oh Kyung Joon , Kim Shi Nae 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to determine the association between Bishop score and cervical length measured at 33–35 weeks of gestation and the intrapartum risk of cesarean delivery of twins.

Methods: This prospective observational study recruited women with vertex/vertex twin gestations at 33–35 weeks of gestation. Determination of the Bishop score and ultrasound measurement of the cervical length were performed. A regression model was constructed with control for known intrapartum and postpartum confounders.

Results: One hundred and forty-six women were analyzed; 18 women (12.3%) had cesarean deliveries during labor. Based on univariate nalysis, the Bishop score at 33–35 weeks was significantly associated with the risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery of twins, whereas cervical length, maternal age, height, and weight at 33–35 weeks were not associated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified induction of labor and birth weight of the first-born twin, but not Bishop score, as independent predictors of intrapartum cesarean delivery of twins.

Conclusions: A low Bishop score at 33–35 weeks of gestation was associated with an increased risk of intrapartum cesarean delivery of twin gestations. However, this relationship disappeared after adjusting for relevant intrapartum or postpartum confounders. Only labor induction and high birth weight of the first-born twin were independently associated with an increased risk of cesarean delivery in labor.
An evolutionary test of the isoform switching hypothesis of functional progesterone withdrawal for parturition: humans have a weaker repressive effect of PR-A than mice
Authors: Wagner Günter P. , Tong Yingchun , Emera Deena , Romero Roberto 
Published: June 2012

Abstract

Background: A decrease in maternal serum progesterone (P4) concentrations precedes the onset of labor in most placental mammals. Humans differ by maintaining high levels of P4 throughout birth. Parturition in humans probably includes mechanisms that undercut the pregnancy sustaining function of P4. One attractive hypothesis is the isoform switching hypothesis (ISH). ISH is supported by in vitro evidence that progesterone receptor isoform A (PR-A) inhibits PR-B and that the PR-A/PR-B ratio increases towards term.

Materials and methods: Here, we test the hypothesis that isoform switching is an adaptation to high levels of P4 at term, predicting that, in humans, PR-A mediated repression of PR-B is stronger than in mouse. We use reporter assays with human and mouse PRs to detect species differences in the repressive effects of PR-A.

Results: We found that human PR-B is less sensitive to repression by human PR-A than mouse PR-B, contrary to our prediction. The difference between human and mouse PR-B sensitivity is most pronounced at PR-A/PR-B ratios typical for the preterm myometrium.

Conclusions: Our results are inconsistent with the ISH. We speculate that, instead, the lower sensitivity of human PR-B to PR-A may be relevant for the maintenance of pregnancy at high progesterone levels and increasing PR-A concentrations towards term.
Oxidative stress stimulates α-tocopherol transfer protein in human trophoblast tumor cells BeWo
Authors: Etzl Ronny P. , Vrekoussis Thomas , Kuhn Christina , Schulze Sandra , Pöschl Johannes M. , Makrigiannakis Antonis , Jeschke Udo , Rotzoll Daisy E. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
α-Tocopherol transfer protein (α-TTP) has been identified as the major intracellular transport protein for the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol). Expression of α-TTP on the reproductive system has been described both in mouse uterus and lately in the human placenta. The aim of this study was to clarify if placental expression of α-TTP can be modified by substances causing oxidative reactions. The human choriocarcinoma cell line BeWo was, therefore, treated with two known pro-oxidants. α-TTP expression was determined with immunocytochemistry and evaluated by applying a semiquantitative score. The presence of pro-oxidants in BeWo cells induced α-TTP expression. We thus hypothesize that stimulation of α-TTP expression by oxidative stress, as this was induced by pro-oxidants, could be part of an antioxidant process occurring in the placenta in the aim of enhancing the supply of α-tocopherol. This process could occur both in normal pregnancies, as well as in pregnancy disorders presented with intensified oxidative stress. In that view, this model is proposed for further oxidative stress studies on trophoblast and placenta, on the grounds of clarifying the role of α-tocopherol in pregnancy physiology and pathophysiology.
Forced vibration of delaminated Timoshenko beams subjected to a moving load
Authors: Kargarnovin Mohammad H. , Ahmadian Mohammad T. , Jafari-Talookolaeia Ramazan Ali 
Published: June 2012

AbstractA composite beam with single delamination under the action of moving load has been modeled accounting for the Poisson’s effect, shear deformation, and rotary inertia. The existence of the delamination changes the stiffness of the structure, and this affects the dynamic response of the structure. We have used a constrained mode to simulate the behavior between the delaminated surfaces. Based on this mode, eigensolution technique is used to obtain the natural frequencies and their corresponding mode shapes for the delaminated beam. Then, the Ritz method is adopted to derive the dynamic response of the beam subjected to a moving load. The obtained results for the free and forced vibrations of beams are verified against reported similar results in the literature. Moreover, the maximum dynamic response of such beam is compared with an intact beam. The effects of different parameters such as the size, depth, and spanwise location of the delamination, the load velocity, the different ply configurations, and the Poisson’s effect on the dynamic response of the beam are studied.
Determination of displacement and failure loads formed in reinforced concrete construction with overhang and without overhang by ANN modeling
Authors: Donduren Mahmud Sami 
Published: June 2012

AbstractDetermination of fracture load and displacement values that might be formed in a reinforced concrete (RC) construction having different overhang types by artificial neural network (ANN) modeling was investigated in this study. Nonlinear static pushover analysis of the key parameters in change defined in Turkish earthquake code (TEC) [1] for columns and beams was carried out, and the capacity curves, failure loads, and displacements were obtained. In total, 64 RC buildings were analyzed according to the change intervals of the parameters chosen. In addition, regression analysis was performed with Statistical Packages for the Social Sciences (SPSS) statistical program (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) by using the same parameters for the same model types. Consequently, separate equations were obtained for displacement and load values, and their R2 values were calculated. As a result of ANN modeling, 91.77% convergence for displacement values and 90.61% convergence for load values were obtained. The graphs between the calculated values and expected values are given.
Failure assessment of a woven E-glass/vinyl ester composite subjected to large deformation loading
Authors: Hufner David R. , Xing Liqun , Accorsi Michael L. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractWoven polymer-based composites exhibit highly non-linear behavior, which often results in very high strains to failure. A micromechanical model is developed to represent the large deformation kinematics of woven composites, and develop predictions for failure strain components in specific cases of multiaxial loading. Failure functions are proposed for macromechanical analyses of arbitrary cases of large deformation loading. The approach is validated against basic tension experiments performed using both digital image correlation and with specially designed instrumentation for large strain measurement. Predicted failure strains correspond well with experimental observations. The proposed failure functions are well suited for finite element applications involving user-defined material models.
Quantitative evaluation of mineral admixtures on the properties, pore structure, and durability of cement-based composites
Authors: Lee Chinlai , Chi Maochieh , Huang Ran 
Published: June 2012

AbstractThe influence of water/cementitious material ratio, silica fume, and fly ash as partial Portland cement replacement materials on the properties, pore structure, and durability of cement-based composites was evaluated by conducting compressive strength test, mercury intrusion porosimetry test, water absorption, rapid chloride penetration test, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Water/cementitious material ratio, and replacement percentage of silica fume and fly ash have significant effects on the pore structure and durability of cement-based composites. Composites with silica fume or fly ash have a denser structure than the control composite on SEM micrographs. Silica fume has about 5–10 times as much effect as fly ash, according to results of multiple linear regression analyses of testing data.
Buckling behaviour of cross-ply laminated plates by a higher-order shear deformation theory
Authors: Neves Ana M.A. , Ferreira António J.M. , Carrera Erasmo , Cinefra Maria , Roque Carla M.C. , Jorge Renato M.N. , Soares Cristóvăo M.M. 
Published: June 2012

AbstractIn this article, Carrera’s Unified Formulation (CUF) is combined with a radial basis function collocation technique. A higher-order theory that considers deformations in the thickness direction was developed under CUF to predict the buckling behaviour of laminated plates. The obtained governing equations and boundary conditions are then interpolated by collocation with radial basis functions. The accuracy and efficiency of the combination of the two techniques for buckling problems of laminated plates are demonstrated through numerical experiments.
Fabrication and characterization of hydroxyapatite/collagen bone-like nanocomposite through a self-assembly method
Authors: Wang Zhenlin , Yan Yuhua , Wan Tao 
Published: June 2012

AbstractBased on a self-assembly mechanism, a co-precipitation method was utilized to fabricate bone-like biomimetic nanocomposite with a simplified preparation approach and accessible materials to investigate in depth some characteristics of hydroxyapatite/collagen(HAp/Col) nanocomposite for the elucidation of performances in some respects. The as-prepared composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, Fourier transformation infrared spectroscopy, and thermal analysis. The results show that HAp nanocrystals formed as preferentially oriented slender needles 50–100 nm in length on a felt-like Col matrix which is composed of large numbers of randomly oriented Col fibers and showed polycrystalline behavior. The as-prepared cellular composites are analogous in both composition and nanostructured architecture to native bone, longer aging time promotes the growth and purification of nano-HAp on Col, and characterization confirms that chemical interaction occurs and causes intimate bonding between HAp and Col.
Psychometric performance of the CushingQoL questionnaire in conditions of real clinical practice
Authors: Santos Alicia , Resmini Eugenia , Martínez-Momblán Ma Antonia , Crespo Iris , Valassi Elena , Roset Montserrat , Badia Xavier , Webb Susan M 
Published: June 2012

ObjectiveTo evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Cushing's syndrome (CS) with the disease-generated CushingQoL questionnaire and to confirm its psychometric properties of test–retest reliability and sensitivity to change.DesignClinical practice conditions in a tertiary referral center.MethodsThe CushingQoL and EuroQoL questionnaires were administered at baseline and during follow-up and correlated with clinical parameters in 59 patients with CS. To check test–retest reliability, stable patients (either biochemically cured or with active hypercortisolism) were evaluated twice. To investigate sensitivity to change, new patients were evaluated at diagnosis and twice more following improvement after successful surgery.ResultsAt baseline, patients with active disease scored lower (indicating worse HRQoL) than those cured on the CushingQoL (46±14 vs 58±20,P<0.05) but not on the EuroQoL-visual analog scale (VAS; 64±20 vs 70±16,PNS). Test–retest reliability of CushingQoL was confirmed in stable patients, both in the ‘cured group’ (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.78,n=34) and in the ‘active group’ (ICC=0.66,n=14). Sensitivity to change was confirmed in the ‘improvement group’ (n=11), as the CushingQoL score increased 4±1.5 and 9±3 months after surgery (P<0.01 and <0.001 respectively); the EuroQoL-VAS only improved after 9±3 months (P<0.01). Effect sizes were 1.02 and 1.86 for CushingQoL at 4±1.5 and 9±3 months respectively. Finally, scores of both questionnaires were correlated (r=0.504;P<0.001).ConclusionsThe CushingQoL questionnaire shows good test–retest reliability and sensitivity to change in clinical practice conditions.
Prediction of Skin Factor and Pseudo-steady State Horizontal Wells Productivity for Various Drainage Areas
Authors: Bahadori A. 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
In the present work, an attempt has been made to develop a simple-to-use method to estimate shape-related skin factor for horizontal wells centrally located within square and rectangular drainage areas. The results can be used in follow-up calculations for rapid estimating the pseudo-steady state horizontal wells productivity. Estimations are found to be in excellent agreement with the reliable data in the literature with average absolute deviation being less than 1%. The tool developed in this study can be of immense practical value for petroleum engineers to have a quick check of shape-related skin factors, for horizontal wells at various conditions without opting for any field trials. In particular, reservoir and production engineers would find the approach to be user-friendly with transparent calculations involving no complex expressions.
Performance Analysis in Coal Seam Gas
Authors: Gaurav Kumar , Husen Anwar , Saada Tamer , Kumar Sunil 
Published: June 2012

Abstract
Exploration and Production companies operating in Coal Seam Gas (CSG) consistently face challenges in regards to efficient well monitoring and operations. CSG wells are completed with artificial lift and have fluid flow in both tubing and annulus. The water is being produced with the help of artificial lift through tubing and gas is produced through annulus. Well production depends on artificial lift performance and flow profile within the tubing and fluid level in annulus. The well modelling technique requires a common nodal solution from tubing and annulus which requires an iterative procedure to suggest optimum operating parameters and predicts rates for various scenarios.
CSG wells have low gas rates which induce slugging in the annulus and hence adversely affect the well performance. The unwanted down hole pressure variation leads to reduction in lift efficiency both in tubing and annulus. The operating condition of artificial lift requires optimisation to operate the well at maximum production potential. The fluctuation in liquid rates from wells needs to be minimised for process stabilisation and hence reduction in back pressure effects on other wells in surface network.
The main objective of the exercise presented in this paper is to model the flow path inside tubing and annulus for an artificially lifted CSG well. There is currently a gap in the industry on how such wells should be modelled since the water & gas are separated down hole and they follow different flow paths. A flowing well has a common down hole pressure at different surface flowing tubing head pressure and flowing casing pressure. This project involves development of a software tool on the basis of industry research which can execute performance analysis in CSG wells. In addition, the scope of the project includes identifying basic guidelines for operating a CSG well.
To achieve this objective all issues related with CSG well operation were collectively analysed and scope of work was drawn. The requirement of performance analysis tool for unconventional wells was acknowledged and the workflow for optimum well operation was proposed with available software applications. An Excel based application running on visual basic code was created which can communicate with a multiphase pressure calculator and perform system analysis for CSG wells. The proposed tool was developed and validated on real field data from BG Group.
This paper covers the operating issues, proposed workflow for performance analysis for CSG wells, development stages of the tool, its application on real field data, validation with field measurements and limitation associated with developed workflow. This thesis also covers the main aspects considered to monitor performance of CSG wells; the effect of surface and downhole parameters on well performance and how these concepts and diagnosis can help to achieve production targets in CSG field.