bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation and Loss Measures for the Deterioration Process
Authors: Shu Ming-Hung , Chen Peng-Jen 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
This paper considers a problem of loss measures and setup determination for a process under performance deterioration. Traditionally, to evaluate reliability and performance of the process, a binary-state model, a working (success) state or a failure state, is used to classify its conditions. However, in many cases, the process is deterioration over time, providing that a multiple-state model could be a more realistic model to capture the process deterioration conditions. Hence, the process under performance deterioration is considered as a general Markovian model, which means that its length of time staying in some state depends not only on its present state, but also on how long it has been in the present state. We present an integration method to find the probability function sojourning in each state at some point in time for this deterioration process. Based on probability functions of states, we first present a number of performance-evaluation methods. Then, we integrate a general class of loss functions to construct loss measures for assessing how severe the cost is that this process of deterioration causes at some point in time, as well as the cost over the entire deterioration process. With this measure, the setup time can be determined by the total expected cost over the operation period exceeding a preset threshold value. A tool-wear problem of the friction-drilling process is illustrated throughout the paper.
The Creep Testing Apparatus (CRETA): A New Testing Device for Measuring the Viscoelasticity of Joint Sealant
Authors: Li Qiang , Crowley Raphael W. , Bloomquist David B. , Roque Reynaldo 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
A new device, the Creep Testing Apparatus (CRETA), has been developed for use in determining the viscoelastic properties of joint sealant. Creep tests were conducted on two types of silicone sealant: self-leveling (SL) and non-self-leveling (NS). The results appear to indicate that the silicone sealant tested is a linear viscoelastic material and that its creep response does not appear to be sensitive to temperature variations from 0 °C to 60 °C. Further creep tests were conducted under artificial aging conditions. Hot water aging appears to cause both SL and NS sealant to become softer and more ductile. Freeze-thaw aging did not appear to have an effect on the viscoelastic properties. Oven aging did not appear to affect SL sealant, but it did cause NS sealant to become stiffer. These results might be useful in a long-term joint performance model.
Response to Discussion of “Influence of Feedback Control on Flexural Toughness of Fiber Reinforced Concrete in ASTM C1399 Tests” by N. Banthia, S. Mindess, and Z. Jiang
Authors: Banthia Nemy , Mindess S. , Jiang Z. 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
We would like to express our sincere thanks to Prof. Zollo for his very thoughtful comments on our paper. We are very aware of the seminal leadership of Prof. Zollo on the Task Group that developed C1399. We also fully agree with Prof. Zollo that these discussions are useful in improving our understanding of the limitations of C1399.
New Negative Feedback Regulators of Egfr Signaling inDrosophila
Authors: Butchar Jonathan P , Cain Donna , Manivannan Sathiya N , McCue Andrea D , Bonanno Liana , Halula Sarah , Truesdell Sharon , Austin Christina L , Jacobsen Thomas L , Simcox Amanda 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe highly conserved epidermal growth factor receptor (Egfr) pathway is required in all animals for normal development and homeostasis; consequently, aberrant Egfr signaling is implicated in a number of diseases. Genetic analysis of Drosophila melanogaster Egfr has contributed significantly to understanding this conserved pathway and led to the discovery of new components and targets. Here we used microarray analysis of third instar wing discs, in which Egfr signaling was perturbed, to identify new Egfr-responsive genes. Upregulated transcripts included five known targets, suggesting the approach was valid. We investigated the function of 29 previously uncharacterized genes, which had pronounced responses. The Egfr pathway is important for wing-vein patterning and using reverse genetic analysis we identified five genes that showed venation defects. Three of these genes are expressed in vein primordia and all showed transcriptional changes in response to altered Egfr activity consistent with being targets of the pathway. Genetic interactions with Egfr further linked two of the genes, Sulfated (Sulf1), an endosulfatase gene, and CG4096, an A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase with ThromboSpondin motifs (ADAMTS) gene, to the pathway. Sulf1 showed a strong genetic interaction with the neuregulin-like ligand vein (vn) and may influence binding of Vn to heparan-sulfated proteoglycans (HSPGs). How Drosophila Egfr activity is modulated by CG4096 is unknown, but interestingly vertebrate EGF ligands are regulated by a related ADAMTS protein. We suggest Sulf1 and CG4096 are negative feedback regulators of Egfr signaling that function in the extracellular space to influence ligand activity.
The mRNA Decay Pathway Regulates the Expression of the Flo11 Adhesin and Biofilm Formation inSaccharomyces cerevisiae
Authors: Lo Tricia L , Qu Yue , Uwamahoro Nathalie , Quenault Tara , Beilharz Traude H , Traven Ana 
Published: May 2012

AbstractRegulation of the FLO11 adhesin is a model for gene expression control by extracellular signals and developmental switches. We establish that the major mRNA decay pathway regulates FLO11 expression. mRNA deadenylation of transcriptional repressors of FLO11 by the exonuclease Ccr4 keeps their levels low, thereby allowing FLO11 transcription.
The Contribution of the Y Chromosome to Hybrid Male Sterility in House Mice
Authors: Campbell Polly , Good Jeffrey M , Dean Matthew D , Tucker Priscilla K , Nachman Michael W 
Published: May 2012

Abstract
Hybrid sterility in the heterogametic sex is a common feature of speciation in animals. In house mice, the contribution of the Mus musculus musculus X chromosome to hybrid male sterility is large. It is not known, however, whether F1 male sterility is caused by X–Y or X-autosome incompatibilities or a combination of both. We investigated the contribution of the M. musculus domesticus Y chromosome to hybrid male sterility in a cross between wild-derived strains in which males with a M. m. musculus X chromosome and M. m. domesticus Y chromosome are partially sterile, while males from the reciprocal cross are reproductively normal. We used eight X introgression lines to combine different X chromosome genotypes with different Y chromosomes on an F1 autosomal background, and we measured a suite of male reproductive traits. Reproductive deficits were observed in most F1 males, regardless of Y chromosome genotype. Nonetheless, we found evidence for a negative interaction between the M. m. domesticus Y and an interval on the M. m. musculus X that resulted in abnormal sperm morphology. Therefore, although F1 male sterility appears to be caused mainly by X-autosome incompatibilities, X–Y incompatibilities contribute to some aspects of sterility.
Fibrinogen Adsorption on Hydroxyapatite, Carbonate Apatite and Gold Surfaces In Situ Detected by Quartz Crystal Microbalance with Resistance Technique
Authors: Yonekura Hiroshi , Tagaya Motohiro , Yoshioka Tomohiko , Ikoma Toshiyuki , Tanaka Junzo 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWhen a biomaterial is implanted into the body, blood proteins adsorb on its surface and subsequently cells adhere via the protein adlayer. Thus, the understanding of protein adsorption and conformational change on the biomaterial surfaces is of great importance to control the biocompatibility such as antithrombotic properties and cell adhesion behaviors. In this study, we synthesized hydroxyapatite (HAp) and carbonate apatite (CAp) by a wet method. Then we successfully fabricated the HAp and CAp sensors for QCM-R by an electrophoretic deposition method. Adsorption behavior of proteins on the bone substitute material can be monitored by using these apatite sensors. Bovine serum albumin and fibrinogen were employed for the model proteins, and monitored the adsorption behavior on the HAp, CAp and reference gold (Au) sensors by the QCM-R technique. As a result, we revealed that fibrinogen and bovine serum albumin adsorbs on the gold surface by hydrophobic interaction, and adsorbs on the HAp and CAp surfaces mainly by electrostatic force. Besides, we revealed that fibrinogen adsorbs on the Au surface more rigid than on the HAp and CAp surfaces while bovine serum albumin adsorbs on the HAp and CAp surface more rigidly than on the Au surface.
Silicon Nanowires Obtained by Low Temperature Plasma-Based Chemical Vapor Deposition.
Authors: Puglisi R. A. , Mannino G. , Scalese S. , La Magna A. , Privitera V. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTSilicon Nanowires (Si-NWs) are obtained by vapor-liquid-solid growth using an inductively coupled chemical vapor deposition system which works at temperatures lower than 400 °C. Gold nanodots are used as metal catalyst. The selective growth of Si-NWs on the gold nanodots is obtained by controlling the contribution coming from the uncatalyzed growth on the bare Si substrate. In this way the final NW length can be controlled, and it is not influenced by the thickness of the uncatalyzed layer. The important parameter ruling the NW growth is found to be the plasma power which governs the dissociation of the Si precursor gas. Final NW lengths of 1 μm are obtained at temperatures of 380 °C with a thickness of uncatalyzed layer equal to zero. Also the NW density is addressed in this work and it is optimised by increasing the gold equivalent thickness. The NW density is increased from 2.9×108 to 1.3×1010 cm-2, when the gold equivalent thickness passes from 1.8 nm to 2.2 nm.
Preparation and Characterization of Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 films prepared by a modified sol-gel route
Authors: Jiang Dan , Zhao Chen , Bu Shundong , Cheng Jinrong 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTPb(Zr0.53Ti0.47)O3 (PZT) films have been fabricated on stainless steel substrates by a Polyvinylpirrolidone (PVP) modified sol-gel route. The single layer of about 0.26 μm was achieved by using the PVP-modified PZT sol, and Crack-free PZT films with thickness of up to 2.37 μm were fabricated by repeating the deposition process. The variations in crystallite orientation, microstructure, dielectric and ferroelectric properties of PZT films were investigated as a function of film thickness. Our results indicate that PZT films prepared on stainless steel substrates maintain good dielectric and ferroelectric properties.
Radial p-n Junction Solar Cells by Core-Shell Silicon Nanowire Arrays
Authors: Huang Tai-Yuan , Yen Ta-Jen 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWe first fabricated a p-type single-crystalline SiNW array as the core by statistic electroless metal deposition (SEMD) method[1]. This structure exhibits per excellent absorption efficiency without increasing the diffusion path, indicating 1.75 times greater performance than Si-based planar solar cells under the same condition[2]. Next, we employed a method of spin-on dopant (SOD) to fabricate an n-type layer as an external thin shell, which benefits to decouple the absorption of light from charge transport by allowing lateral diffusion of minority carriers to the p-n junction rather than many microns away as in Si bulk solar cells, and is suitable for our SiNW array with a hydrophilic surface. Finally, our SiNW-based solar cell possesses strong broadband absorption and low reflection from visible light to near IR, in which the highly light trapping mechanism stems from the effective medium theory (EMT) to demonstrate only less than 3% of total reflectance in the range of 500-1100 nm. It also shows conversion efficiency improvement of 20% compared with the planar single-crystalline Si solar cell by the same fabrication processes. The proposed novel photovoltaic device by our core-shell SiNW array revolutionizes the current architecture of solar cells, promising niche points of (1) better absorption, (2) self-antireflection, and (3) low-cost process.
Thiol coupling based synthesis of temperature-sensitive polymer–peptide conjugates with controlled architecture.
Authors: Guilbaud Jean-Baptiste , Miller Aline F. , Saiani Alberto 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTA synthetic strategy to couple selectively an ionic complementary thiol modified octapeptide, that is able to gel at low temperature, to the thermoresponsive polymer poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (pNIPAAm) with controlled molecular weight and narrow polydispersity is described. The polymer was synthesized by atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) affording halogen functionalized chain ends. This allowed subsequent coupling to a thiol terminated ionic complementary octapeptide via nucleophile substitution. Results indicated that the peptide was covalently attached to the polymer and that both the coil-globule phase transition of pNIPAAm and the gelation properties of the peptide were retained in the conjugated product. This method provides a versatile route for the synthesis of a range of bioconjugate materials with controlled architecture and dual self-assembling and thermoresponsive behavior.
Pulsed Laser Assisted Polycrystalline Growth of Oxide Thin Films for Efficient Processing
Authors: Nakajima Tomohiko , Shinoda Kentaro , Tsuchiya Tetsuo 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWe have investigated the polycrystalline growth by means of an excimer laser assisted metal organic deposition process and the strategy for the efficient growth. It was revealed that the pulsed photo thermal heating properties must be controlled by changing the laser fluence according to the substrate properties, such as thermal diffusivity. The threshold of the teff value for initial crystal nucleation is approximately 70 ns for oxide thin films. For the fabrication of good quality films with high crystallinity and without a laser ablation of the film surface, it is necessary that the irradiated laser fluence is adjusted to the conditions of teff (efficient annealing time) > 70 ns and Tmax (maximum temperature) < Tm (melting point). Obtained oxide films by using the pulsed UV laser has large crystallite size, and it well functioned to enhance physical properties of films. For further efficient growth for polycrystalline growth of the oxide films, the starting solution containing nanoparticles is very useful: it is named as photo-reaction of nanoparticles process.
Can We Trust on the Thermal Analysis of Metal Organic Powders for thin film preparation?
Authors: Farjas Jordi , Sanchez-Rodriguez Daniel , Eloussifi Hichem , Hidalgo Raul Cruz , Roura Pere , Ricart Susagna , Puig Teresa , Obradors Xavier 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTThermal analysis techniques are routinely applied to characterize the thermal behavior of metal organic precursors used for oxide film preparation. Since the mass of films is very low, researchers do their thermal analyses on powders and consider that the results are representative of films. We will show here that, in general, this assumption is not true. Several examples involving precursors of YBa2Cu3O7-x (Ba and Y trifluoroacetates and Ba propionate) will serve to appreciate that films can behave very differently than powders due to their enhanced heat and mass transport paths. Ultimately, we will demonstrate that, in some cases, relying on powders thermal analysis may lead to erroneous conclusions.
Characterization of Plasma Synthesized Vertical Carbon Nanofibers for Nanoelectronics Applications
Authors: Lee Jaesung , Feng Philip X.-L. , Kaul Anupama B. 
Published: May 2012

ABSTRACTWe report on the material characterization of carbon nanofibers (CNFs) which are assembled into a three-dimensional (3D) configuration for making new nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS). High-resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray electron dispersive spectroscopy (XEDS) are employed to decipher the morphology and chemical compositions of the CNFs at various locations along individual CNFs grown on silicon (Si) and refractory nitride (NbTiN) substrates, respectively. The measured characteristics suggest interesting properties of the CNF bodies and their capping catalyst nanoparticles, and growth mechanisms on the two substrates. Laser irradiation on the CNFs seems to cause thermal oxidation and melting of catalyst nanoparticles. The structural morphology and chemical compositions of the CNFs revealed in this study should aid in the applications of the CNFs to nanoelectronics and NEMS.
Applications of a Newly Developed Sonic Surgical Handpiece in Implant Dentistry
Authors: Schmidt Erich C. , Papadimitriou Dimitrios E. , Caton Jack G. , Romanos Georgios E. 
Published: May 2012

Introduction: Lack of adequate alveolar bone width or height for proper implant placement is a common clinical situation that clinicians have to overcome in implant dentistry. A new sonic surgical handpiece (SSH) has been developed that uses high‐oscillation amplitude to produce precise bony incisions. In combination with the surgical tips, this device can be used in many clinical situations.Case Series: In this case series, we present various clinical applications of the SSH in implant dentistry. The handpiece and the tips were evaluated in various procedures. These included: 1) ridge augmentation; 2) maxillary sinus augmentation; 3) atraumatic tooth extraction; and 4) autogenous bone harvesting. The SSH was able to make very precise incisions through bone and atraumatically separate teeth from their periodontal ligaments. All of these cases healed uneventfully and successfully. Advantages and disadvantages of this new innovative device are illustrated with the clinical cases, including postoperative clinical outcomes.Conclusions: The SSH was able to produce precise atraumatic bony incisions. With the variety of procedures the device can perform, it should be of value to any clinician performing surgical implant dentistry.
A Woman with Recurrent Calcium Phosphate Kidney Stones
Authors: Goldfarb David S. 
Published: May 2012

Summary
Kidney stones composed predominantly (50% or more) of calcium phosphate constitute up to 10% of all stones and 15%–20% of calcium stones, 80% of which are composed of calcium oxalate. Calcium phosphate is a minor component of up to 30% of calcium oxalate stones as well. The cause of calcium phosphate stones is often obscure but most often related to a high urine pH. Some patients with calcium phosphate stones may have incomplete renal tubular acidosis. Others have distal renal tubular acidosis characterized by hyperchloremic acidosis, hypocitraturia, and high urine pH. The use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors such as acetazolamide, topiramate, and zonisamide leads to a similar picture. Treatment options to specifically prevent calcium phosphate stone recurrence have not been tested in clinical trials. Increases in urine volume and restriction of sodium intake to limit calcium excretion are important. Citrate supplementation is probably effective, although the concomitant increase in urine pH may increase calcium phosphate supersaturation and partially offset the inhibition of crystallization resulting from the increased urine citrate excretion and the alkali-associated reduction in urine calcium excretion. Thiazides lower urine calcium excretion and may help ensure the safety of citrate supplementation.
Meat Consumption and Its Association With C-Reactive Protein and Incident Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: van Woudenbergh Geertruida J. , Kuijsten Anneleen , Tigcheler Basia , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , van Rooij Frank J.A. , Hofman Albert , Witteman Jacqueline C.M. , Feskens Edith J.M. 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether intake of different types of meat is associated with circulating C-reactive protein (CRP) and risk of type 2 diabetes in a prospective cohort study.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Our analysis included 4,366 Dutch participants who did not have diabetes at baseline. During a median follow-up period of 12.4 years, 456 diabetes cases were confirmed. Intake of red meat, processed meat, and poultry was derived from a food frequency questionnaire, and their association with serum high-sensitivity CRP was examined cross-sectionally using linear regression models. Their association with risk of type 2 diabetes was examined using multivariate Cox proportional hazards model, including age, sex, family history of diabetes, and lifestyle and dietary factors.

RESULTS
An increment of 50 g of processed meat was associated with increased CRP concentration (βprocessed meat = 0.12; P = 0.01), whereas intake of red meat and poultry was not. When comparing the highest to the lowest category of meat intake with respect to diabetes incidence, the adjusted relative risks were as follows: for red meat (1.42 [95% CI 1.06–1.91]), for processed meat (1.87 [1.26–2.78]), and for poultry (0.95 [0.74–1.22]). Additional analysis showed that the associations were not affected appreciably after inclusion of CRP into the model. After adjustment for BMI, however, the association for red meat attenuated to 1.18 (0.88–1.59).

CONCLUSIONS
Intake of processed meat is associated with higher risk of type 2 diabetes. It appears unlikely that CRP mediates this association.
Racial Differences in Association of Elevated Interleukin-18 Levels With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Negi Smita I. , Pankow James S. , Fernstrom Karl , Hoogeveen Ron C. , Zhu Na , Couper David , Schmidt Maria I. , Duncan Bruce B. , Ballantyne Christie M. 
Published: May 2012

OBJECTIVEElevated plasma interleukin-18 (IL-18) has been linked to onset of diabetes mellitus (DM) and its complications. However, so far this association has been shown only in predominantly white populations. We examined IL-18 levels and their association with incident DM in a racially heterogeneous population.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODSIn a nested case-cohort design representing a 9-year follow-up of 9,740 middle-aged, initially healthy, nondiabetic white and African American participants of the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities Study, we selected and measured analytes on race-stratified (50% white, 50% African American) random samples of both cases of incident diabetes (n = 548) and eligible members of the full cohort (n = 536).RESULTSBaseline IL-18 levels were significantly higher in white participants compared with African American participants (P &lt; 0.001). Although white participants in the fourth (versus first) quartile of IL-18 levels had a significant hazard ratio (HR) for developing DM (HR: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.3–3.4), after adjustment for age, sex, and study center, no difference was seen among African Americans (HR: 1.0, 95% CI: 0.6–1.7). Unlike those in African Americans, IL-18 levels in whites had a significant correlation with age (P &lt; 0.01); anthropometric characteristics such as waist circumference (P &lt; 0.001), height (P = 0.04), waist-to-hip ratio (P &lt; 0.001), and BMI (P &lt; 0.01); and total (P &lt; 0.001) and high-molecular-weight (P &lt; 0.001) adiponectin.CONCLUSIONSThere are racial differences in levels of IL-18 and the association of IL-18 with risk factors and incident type 2 DM. In addition, there seems to be a complex interplay of inflammation and adiposity in the development of DM.