bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of thermal and mechanical treatments on the hot working response of Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy
Authors: Prasad Y. V. R. K. , Rao K. P. , Hort N. , Kainer K. U. 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
The effects of homogenization treatment and high-temperature extrusion on the hot working behavior of Mg-3Sn-1Ca alloy have been studied with a view to find an optimum processing route for the manufacture of wrought products. Processing maps and kinetic parameters have been obtained from the flow stress data recorded in hot compression experiments in the temperature range of 300 – 550 °C and strain rate range of 0.0003 – 10 s– 1. These reveal that the homogenization treatment has only a marginal effect on the hot workability, the result attributable to the high thermal stability of CaMgSn particles in the microstructure. High temperature extrusion, however, lowers the hot working temperature significantly (by about 150 °C) and this has been attributed to grain refinement during primary processing. The mechanisms of hot deformation remained unchanged by the above treatments and the apparent activation energies for hot deformation are higher than those for self-diffusion suggesting that CaMgSn particles in the matrix cause large back-stress.
Thermodynamic predictions of Mg – Al – Ca alloy compositions amenable to semi-solid forming
Authors: Liang Songmao , Chen Rongshi , Han Enhou 
Published: February 2010

Abstract
Thermodynamic prediction based on a two-stage simulation has been carried out to investigate the composition range of Mg–Al–Ca alloys amenable to semi-solid forming. The results show that increasing the solute elements decreases the temperature sensitivity, but their effects on the solidification range are greatly different. In some Mg–Al–Ca alloys, the highest knee point in the liquid fraction vs. temperature curve is generated by the formation of Al2Ca phase. Several critical sections of the Mg–Al–Ca ternary system are also given. The criteria for semi-solid formability are identified and a range of compositions for Mg–Al–Ca alloys are evaluated in relation to these criteria. By comparing with A356 alloy and AZ91 alloy, a typical Mg–Al–Ca alloy AC74, is predicted to exhibit good semi-solid formability comparable to A356 and much better than AZ91.
Modeling creep in a thick composite cylinder subjected to internal and external pressures
Authors: Singh Tejeet , Gupta Vinay K. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA mathematical model to describe secondary creep in a thick composite cylinder made of Al–SiCpand subjected to both internal and external pressures has been developed. The creep behavior of the composite has been described by a threshold stress based creep law with a stress exponent of 5. The model developed has been used to investigate the effect of varying size and content of the SiCpdispersoid on the stresses and strain rates in a composite cylinder. It is observed that the stress distributions in the cylinder do not have significant variation with varying size and content of the SiCp. Unlike stresses, the strain rates in the cylinder are reduced to a significant extent by decreasing the size of SiCpand increasing the content of SiCp.
Effects of e-beam curing on glass structureand mechanical properties of nanoporous organosilicate thin films
Authors: Gage David M. , Peng Luming , Stebbins Jonathan , Yim Kang Sub , Al-Bayati Amir , Demos Alex , Dauskardt Reinhold H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractStructural characterization techniques, including solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopies, were used in conjunction with mechanical testing to study the effects of thermally activated electron bombardment curing on organosilicate thin films. The electron beam process produced significant improvements in elastic modulus and fracture resistance while still preserving low dielectric constant. Detailed and quantitative analysis was used to elucidate fundamental curing effects on glass structure, including changes in film composition and local bond rearrangements. Enhancements in fracture properties with curing are shown to be due to increased network bond density resulting from changes in network connectivity coupled with moderate film densification.
(William T. Stearn Prize 2009) “The mighty cassowary”: the discovery and demise of the King Island emu
Authors: Pfennigwerth S. 
Published: February 2010

Nicolas Baudin's 1800–1804 voyage was the only scientific expedition to collect specimens of the dwarf emu (Dromaius ater) endemic to King Island, Bass Strait, Australia. The expedition's naturalist, François Péron, documented the only detailed, contemporaneous description of the life history of the bird, and the artist Charles-Alexandre Lesueur made the only visual record of a living specimen. Hunted to extinction by 1805, the King Island emu remains relatively unfamiliar. It is ironic that a bird collected as part of one of the most ambitious ordering enterprises in early nineteenth-century science – a quest for intellectual empire – has been more or less forgotten.This paper discusses how human error, assumption, imagination and circumstance hampered recognition and understanding of the King Island emu. Poor record-keeping led to the confusion of this species with other taxa, including the Australian emu and a dwarf species restricted to Kangaroo Island, contributing to the epistemological loss of the species. The expedition's agenda was equally influential in the perception and documentation of the species, with consequences for its conservation in the wild. The paper also argues that as a symbolic rather than a scientific record, Lesueur's illustration fostered inaccuracies in later descriptions of the King Island emu, especially when the image was taken out of context, subjected to the vagaries of nineteenth-century printing techniques and reproduced in more recent ornithological literature. Rather than increasing knowledge about this species, the Baudin expedition and its literature contributed, albeit unwittingly, to the King Island emu's textual and literal extinction.
Isolation and characterization of microsatellite markers in the rare clonal plant, Spiraea virginiana (Rosaceae)
Authors: Brzyski Jessica R. 
Published: February 2010

• Premise of the study: Microsatellite markers were developed in Spiraea virginiana, a federally threatened native shrub found along stream banks, to identify clonal genotypes and measure population genetic variability.• Methods and Results: Eleven primer sets were developed using a non‐radioactive protocol. These revealed a moderate level of genetic variation, as indicated by the number of alleles per locus (range = 1–4) and an average observed heterozygosity of 0.595. Select loci also amplified successfully in the related species Spiraea japonica.• Conclusion: Development of the markers described here is critical for the genetic identification of clonal plants as a first step in demographic analyses, and is necessary for the future conservation of this rare species. Amplification of the markers in S. japonica suggests their potential utility in research regarding this species.
Platelet-Rich Plasma: A Review of the Science and Possible Clinical Applications
Authors: Mehta Vishal 
Published: February 2010

Educational Objectives

1.
Define the mechanism of action of platelet-rich plasma and how it is derived.

2.
Summarize the role of platelets in the healing cascade.

3.
Discuss animal and human data regarding platelet-rich plasma and tissue healing.

4.
List the potential clinical applications of platelet-rich plasma.
Prospective validation of the provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in childhood‐onset systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Brunner Hermine I. , Higgins Gloria C. , Wiers Kristina , Lapidus Sivia K. , Olson Judyann C. , Onel Karen , Punaro Marilynn , Ying Jun , Klein‐gitelman Marisa S. , Giannini Edward H. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo prospectively validate the provisional criteria for the evaluation of response to therapy in children with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).MethodsIn this multicenter study, childhood‐onset SLE patients (n = 98; 81 girls, 17 boys, 50% white, 88% non‐Hispanic) were followed every 3 months for up to 7 visits (total number of visits 623). The 5 childhood‐onset SLE core response variables were obtained at the time of each visit: 1) physician assessment of overall disease activity, 2) parent assessment of patient well‐being, 3) Child Health Questionnaire, 4) proteinuria, and 5) global disease activity measure score, as measured by the European Consensus Lupus Activity Measure (ECLAM), the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), or the Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM). Physician‐rated relevant changes in the disease course (clinically relevant improvement, no change in disease, or worsening) between visits served as the criterion standard. Mixed models were used to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the 4 highest‐ranked provisional definitions of response to therapy.ResultsThere were 89 episodes of clinically relevant improvement between 2 consecutive visits, and 448 episodes without improvement. Irrespective of the choice of the global disease activity measure (ECLAM, SLAM, SLEDAI), sensitivities of all 4 highest‐ranked definitions were low (all ≤31%), whereas their specificities were excellent (all >88%). Using logistic models, alternative definitions can be developed with both 80% sensitivity and specificity.ConclusionThe provisional criteria of response to therapy in childhood‐onset SLE may have considerably lower sensitivity than previously reported. Additional validation in clinical trials is necessary to further evaluate the measurement properties of the provisional Paediatric Rheumatology International Trials Organisation/American College of Rheumatology criteria for response to therapy in children with SLE.
Improvements in quality of life and functional status in patients with psoriatic arthritis receiving anti–tumor necrosis factor therapies
Authors: Saad Amr A. , Ashcroft Darren M. , Watson Kath D. , Symmons Deborah P. M. , Noyce Peter R. , Hyrich Kimme L. ,   British Society for Rheumatology Biologics Register
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF) therapies on quality of life (QOL) and functional status in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) patients and study potential predictors for QOL improvements.MethodsThe study was based on a cohort of 596 PsA patients receiving anti‐TNF therapies. Changes in functional status and QOL were assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire on a 6‐month basis. The Short Form 6D (SF‐6D) was calculated as a utility score. Univariate and multivariate linear regression models were developed to examine potential predictors of QOL improvements at 6 months, using a range of demographic, baseline disease‐specific, and therapeutic variables.ResultsAt 6 months, significant improvements in all SF‐36 subscale scores were found, with the greatest percentage improvement from baseline related to physical role (113.8%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 102.6, 125.0). The percent improvement for the physical component scale was 53.2% (95% CI 44.5, 61.9) at 6 months, whereas that for the mental component scale was 16.9% (95% CI 14.7, 19.2). The mean ± SD SF‐6D score was 0.58 ± 0.07 at baseline, and this improved to 0.63 ± 0.06 at 6 months. The median HAQ score at baseline was 1.88 (interquartile range [IQR] 1.38–2.25) for the entire cohort, and this improved to 1.25 (IQR 0.63–1.88) at 6 months. Improvements in Disease Activity Score in 28 joints at 6 months were found to be significantly associated with QOL improvements at the same time point.ConclusionAnti‐TNF therapy is associated with improvement in both physical and mental status in PsA patients. These improvements were most substantial in patients who also had improvements in their disease activity.
Dual‐Gate Organic Field‐Effect Transistors as Potentiometric Sensors in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Spijkman Mark‐Jan , Brondijk Jakob J. , Geuns Tom C. T. , Smits Edsger C. P. , Cramer Tobias , Zerbetto Francesco , Stoliar Pablo , Biscarini Fabio , Blom Paul W. M. , de Leeuw Dago M. 
Published: February 2010

AbstractBuried electrodes and protection of the semiconductor with a thin passivation layer are used to yield dual‐gate organic transducers. The process technology is scaled up to 150‐mm wafers. The transducers are potentiometric sensors where the detection relies on measuring a shift in the threshold voltage caused by changes in the electrochemical potential at the second gate dielectric. Analytes can only be detected within the Debye screening length. The mechanism is assessed by pH measurements. The threshold voltage shift depends on pH as ΔVth = (Ctop/Cbottom) × 58 mV per pH unit, indicating that the sensitivity can be enhanced with respect to conventional ion‐sensitive field‐effect transistors (ISFETs) by adjusting the ratio of the top and bottom gate capacitances. Remaining challenges and opportunities are discussed.
Enhanced Fluorescence Microscopic Imaging by Plasmonic Nanostructures: From a 1D Grating to a 2D Nanohole Array
Authors: Cui Xiaoqiang , Tawa Keiko , Kintaka Kenji , Nishii Junji 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA two‐dimensional (2D) plasmonic coupling nanostructure for enhanced fluorescence observation using a microscope is presented. The substrate contained periodically assembled nanohole arrays with a pitch of 400 nm and a depth of 25 nm. In comparison with one‐dimensional (1D) gratings, this new substrate presented an excellent surface plasmon coupling ability to illuminate light from all directions. Under an optical microscope, an enhancement in the fluorescence intensity of up to 100 times compared with a plain glass slide was observed. The ability to markedly increase the fluorescence intensity means this technique has great potential for application in biodiagnostics, imaging, sensing, and photovoltaic cells.
DNA Sensing Using Nanocrystalline Surface‐Enhanced Al2O3 Nanopore Sensors
Authors: Venkatesan Bala Murali , Shah Amish B. , Zuo Jian‐Min , Bashir Rashid 
Published: February 2010

AbstractA new solid‐state, Al2O3 nanopore sensor with enhanced surface properties for the real‐time detection and analysis of individual DNA molecules is reported. Nanopore formation using electron‐beam‐based decomposition transforms the local nanostructure and morphology of the pore from an amorphous, stoichiometric structure (O to Al ratio of 1.5) to a heterophase crystalline network, deficient in O (O to Al ratio of ≈0.6). Direct metallization of the pore region is observed during irradiation, thereby permitting the potential fabrication of nanoscale metallic contacts in the pore region with application to nanopore‐based DNA sequencing. Dose‐dependent phase transformations to purely γ and/or α‐phase nanocrystallites are also observed during pore formation, allowing for surface‐charge engineering at the nanopore/fluid interface. DNA transport studies reveal an order‐of‐magnitude reduction in translocation velocities relative to alternate solid‐state architectures, accredited to high surface‐charge density and the nucleation of charged nanocrystalline domains. The unique surface properties of Al2O3 nanopore sensors make them ideal for the detection and analysis of single‐stranded DNA, double‐stranded DNA, RNA secondary structures, and small proteins. These nanoscale sensors may also serve as useful tools in studying the mechanisms driving biological processes including DNA–protein interactions and enzyme activity at the single‐molecule level.
Dual‐Function Scattering Layer of Submicrometer‐Sized Mesoporous TiO2 Beads for High‐Efficiency Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Huang Fuzhi , Chen Dehong , Zhang Xiao Li , Caruso Rachel A. , Cheng Yi‐Bing 
Published: February 2010

AbstractSubmicrometer‐sized (830 ± 40 nm) mesoporous TiO2 beads are used to form a scattering layer on top of a transparent, 6‐µm‐thick, nanocrystalline TiO2 film. According to the Mie theory, the large beads scatter light in the region of 600–800 nm. In addition, the mesoporous structure offers a high surface area, 89.1 m2 g−1, which allows high dye loading. The dual functions of light scattering and electrode participation make the mesoporous TiO2 beads superior candidates for the scattering layer in dye‐sensitized solar cells. A high efficiency of 8.84% was achieved with the mesoporous beads as a scattering layer, compared with an efficiency of 7.87% for the electrode with the scattering layer of 400‐nm TiO2 of similar thickness.
Erythrocyte C3d and C4d for monitoring disease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Kao Amy H. , Navratil Jeannine S. , Ruffing Margie J. , Liu Chau‐Ching , Hawkins Douglas , McKinnon Kathleen M. , Danchenko Natalya , Ahearn Joseph M. , Manzi Susan 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveDisease activity in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is typically monitored by measuring serum C3 and C4. However, these proteins have limited utility as lupus biomarkers, because they are substrates rather than products of complement activation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the utility of measuring the erythrocyte‐bound complement activation products, erythrocyte‐bound C3d (E‐C3d) and E‐C4d, compared with that of serum C3 and C4 for monitoring disease activity in patients with SLE.MethodsThe levels of E‐C3d and E‐C4d were measured by flow cytometry in 157 patients with SLE, 290 patients with other diseases, and 256 healthy individuals. The patients with SLE were followed up longitudinally. Disease activity was measured at each visit, using the validated Systemic Lupus Activity Measure (SLAM) and the Safety of Estrogens in Lupus Erythematosus: National Assessment (SELENA) version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI).ResultsAt baseline, patients with SLE had higher median levels of E‐C3d and E‐C4d (P < 0.0001) in addition to higher within‐patient and between‐patient variability in both E‐C3d and E‐C4d when compared with the 2 non‐SLE groups. In a longitudinal analysis of patients with SLE, E‐C3d, E‐C4d, serum C3, and anti–double‐stranded DNA (anti‐dsDNA) antibodies were each significantly associated with the SLAM and SELENA–SLEDAI. In a multivariable analysis, E‐C4d remained significantly associated with these SLE activity measures after adjusting for serum C3, C4, and anti‐dsDNA antibodies; however, E‐C3d was associated with the SLAM but not with the SELENA–SLEDAI.ConclusionDetermining the levels of the erythrocyte‐bound complement activation products, especially E‐C4d, is an informative measure of SLE disease activity as compared with assessing serum C4 levels and should be considered for monitoring disease activity in patients with SLE.
Autoimmune diseases in women with Turner's Syndrome
Authors: Jørgensen Kristian T. , Rostgaard Klaus , Bache Iben , Biggar Robert J. , Nielsen Nete M. , Tommerup Niels , Frisch Morten 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveIn terms of number of X chromosomes, women with Turner's syndrome cytogenetically resemble men. An increased risk of autoimmune diseases has been observed among women with Turner's syndrome. This study was undertaken to investigate whether the autoimmune disease profile in women with Turner's syndrome is characterized by diseases with a female or male predominance.MethodsUsing the Danish Cytogenetic Central Register, the Danish National Patient Register, and the Danish Civil Registration System, we estimated relative risk of 46 different autoimmune diseases in a cohort of 798 Danish women with Turner's syndrome followed up for 12,461 person‐years between 1980 and 2004. Standardized incidence ratios (SIRs) of first hospitalization for autoimmune disease and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were used as measures of relative risk.ResultsThe overall risk of autoimmune disease among women with Turner's syndrome was twice that among Danish women in general (SIR 2.1 [95% CI 1.6–2.7]). For autoimmune diseases with a female predominance, the SIR among women with Turner's syndrome was 1.7 (95% CI 1.2–2.4), whereas the SIR for autoimmune diseases with a male predominance among these women was 3.9 (95% CI 2.5–5.8). Associations were strongest for Hashimoto thyroiditis (SIR 14.6 [95% CI 6.7–27.1]), a strongly female‐predominant condition, and type 1 diabetes mellitus (SIR 4.1 [95% CI 2.5–6.3]).ConclusionWomen with Turner's syndrome are at excess risk of autoimmune diseases, notably autoimmune diseases characterized by male predominance.
Evidence of epistasis between TNFRSF14 and TNFRSF6B polymorphisms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Perdigones Nieves , Vigo Ana G. , Lamas José R. , Martínez Alfonso , Balsa Alejandro , Pascual‐Salcedo Dora , de la Concha Emilio G. , Fernández‐Gutiérrez Benjamín , Urcelay Elena 
Published: February 2010

AbstractObjectiveGenetic variants located close to 2 genes codifying for members of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TNFRSF), TNFRSF14 and TNFRSF6B, have recently been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and with inflammatory bowel disease susceptibility, respectively. The TNFRSF6B protein has been related to osteoclastic activity, apoptosis inhibition, and modulation of T cell activation and differentiation. Interestingly, peptides encoded by both genes bind a common ligand called LIGHT, which is overexpressed in RA synovium. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined effect of the TNFRSF14 rs6684865 and TNFRSF6B rs4809330 polymorphisms in RA predisposition.MethodsTaqMan genotyping of these polymorphisms was conducted in 649 patients with RA and 553 ethnically matched control subjects (first study). To validate the results, an independent replication cohort with 211 patients and 255 control subjects was additionally studied (replication study).ResultsThe frequency of the rs6684865 G allele in the RA subgroup with the rs4809330 GG susceptibility genotype was significantly higher than that in the other patients with RA (74% versus 65%; P = 0.002) or in control subjects (74% versus 67%; P = 0.003). Because no significant differences between the control and patient groups in the first and replication studies were observed, the data were pooled. When compared with control subjects overall, the effect of the rs6684865 G allele in the group with the rs4809330 GG genotype (odds ratio [OR] 1.49) was significantly different from the effect observed in the group carrying the rs4809330 A allele (OR 0.97; P = 0.0015 by Breslow‐Day test of homogeneity).ConclusionWe have identified and replicated a novel gene–gene interaction between 2 polymorphisms of TNFRSF members in Spanish patients with RA, based on the hypothesis of shared pathogenic pathways in complex diseases.