bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does preoperative steroid treatment affect the histology in giant cell (cranial) arteritis?
Authors: Bury Danielle , Joseph Jacob , Dawson Timothy P 
Published: July 2012

IntroductionGiant cell arteritis (GCA) has been successfully treated with steroids for many years and temporal artery biopsy (TAB) is regarded as the gold standard diagnostic test. The primary aim of this study was to determine whether steroid pretreatment abrogates histological features of GCA reducing diagnostic return, as suspected on the basis of anecdotal evidence. This impacts upon patients suspected of having GCA and the need for prompt treatment balanced with the diagnostic need for TAB.MethodsA 6-year single-centre retrospective study of biopsies (2005–2011) was performed with interrogation of the medical notes for information regarding steroid use. The null hypothesis considered there was no association between steroid use and biopsy outcome.ResultsNo significant difference was found between steroid use and biopsy outcome, with biopsies still producing positive results after weeks of steroid treatment.ConclusionsTAB is still useful in the diagnosis of GCA, even after commencing steroid treatment.
Antitumor activity and macrophage nitric oxide producing action of medicinal herb, Crassocephalum crepidioides
Authors: Tomimori Koh , Nakama Shinji , Kimura Ryuichiro , Tamaki Kazumi , Ishikawa Chie , Mori Naoki 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBackgroundCrassocephalum crepidioides, a plant distributed in Okinawa Islands, is known in folk medicine; however, its anticancer activity has not been investigated. The aim of this study was to determine thein vitroandin vivoantitumor activities ofC. crepidioideson murine Sarcoma 180 (S-180) and related molecular mechanisms.MethodsThe antitumor effect ofC. crepidioideswas evaluated in S-180-cell-bearing mice. Cell growth was assessed using a colorimetric assay. Nitrite and nitrate levels were measured by colorimetry. The expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) in murine RAW264.7 macrophages was assessed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Activation of iNOS promoter was detected by reporter gene. Activation of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) was evaluated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The role of NF-κB signaling was analyzed using inhibitors of NF-κB and dominant-negative mutants, and Western blot analysis.ResultsC. crepidioidesextract delayed tumor growth in S-180-bearing mice. However, it did not inhibit S-180 cell growthin vitro. Supernatant of culturedC. crepidioides-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages was cytotoxic to S-180 cells. This cytotoxicity was associated with nitric oxide (NO) production. NF-κB signaling pathway was crucial for the transcriptional activation of iNOS gene. Isochlorogenic acid, a component ofC. crepidioides, induced NF-κB activation and iNOS expression.ConclusionsThe results highlight the oncolytic and immunopotentiation properties ofC. crepidioidesmediated through NF-κB-induced release of NO from macrophages.
Visual detection of the human metapneumovirus using reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification with hydroxynaphthol blue dye
Authors: Wang Xiang , Zhang Qian , Zhang Fang , Ma Fenlian , Zheng Wenzhi , Zhao Zhihui , Bai Yinglong , Zheng Lishu 
Published: July 2012

Abstract

Background
Human metapneumovirus (hMPV) is a major cause of acute respiratory infections ranging from wheezing to bronchiolitis and pneumonia in children worldwide. The objective of this study is to develop a visual reverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification (RT-LAMP) assay for the detection of hMPV and applied to the clinical samples.

Results
In this study, visual RT-LAMP assay for hMPV was performed in one step with the addition of hydroxynaphthol blue (HNB), and were used to detect respiratory samples. Six primers, including two outer primers (F3 and B3), two inner primers (FIP, BIP) and two loop primers (LF and LB), were designed for hMPV N gene by the online software. Moreover, the RT-LAMP assay showed good specificity and no cross-reactivity was observed with human rhinovirus (HRV), human respiratory syncytial Virus (RSV), or influenza virus A/PR/8/34 (H1N1). The detection limit of the RT-LAMP assay was approximately ten viral RNA copies, lower than that of traditional reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) 100 RNA copies. In the 176 nasopharyngeal samples, 23 (13.1%) were conformed as hMPV positive by RT-LAMP, but 18 (10.2%) positive by RT-PCR.

Conclusion
Compared with conventional RT-PCR, the visual hMPV RT-LAMP assay performed well in the aspect of detect time, sensitivity, specificity and visibility. It is anticipated that the RT-LAMP will be used for clinical tests in hospital or field testing during outbreaks and in emergency.
Adhesion and Fusion of Two Kinds of Phospholipid Hybrid Vesicles Controlled by Surface Charges of Vesicular Membranes
Authors: Suzuki Kentaro , Aboshi Ryo , Kurihara Kensuke , Sugawara Tadashi 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Vesicular adhesion and fusion of two kinds of hybrid vesicles composed of zwitterionic and anionic phospholipids were induced by a pH-change that caused a difference in vesicular surface charges. This facile vesicular fusion method can be applied to a substrate-transfer from a conveyer vesicle to a target vesicle.
CT scanning reduces the risk of missing a fracture of the thoracolumbar spine
Authors: Venkatesan M. , Fong A. , Sell P. J. 
Published: July 2012

The aim of this study was first, to determine whether CT scans undertaken to identify serious injury to the viscera were of use in detecting clinically unrecognised fractures of the thoracolumbar vertebrae, and second, to identify patients at risk of ‘missed injury’. We retrospectively analysed CT scans of the chest and abdomen performed for blunt injury to the torso in 303 patients. These proved to be positive for thoracic and intra-abdominal injuries in only 2% and 1.3% of cases, respectively. However, 51 (16.8%) showed a fracture of the thoracolumbar vertebrae and these constituted our subset for study. There were eight women and 43 men with mean age of 45.2 years (15 to 94). There were 29 (57%) stable and 22 (43%) unstable fractures. Only 17 fractures (33.3%) had been anticipated after clinical examination. Of the 22 unstable fractures, 11 (50%) were anticipated. Thus, within the whole group of 303 patients, an unstable spinal injury was missed in 11 patients (3.6%); no harm resulted as they were all protected until the spine had been cleared. A subset analysis revealed that patients with a high Injury Severity Score, a low Glasgow Coma Scale and haemodynamic instability were most likely to have a significant fracture in the absence of positive clinical findings. This is the group at greatest risk. Clinical examination alone cannot detect significant fractures of the thoracolumbar spine. It should be combined with CT imaging to reduce the risk of missed injury.
Dynamic response of sandwich shells to underwater blasts
Authors: Panciroli Riccardo , Abrate Serge 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
This paper presents a general approach for analysing the response of beam, plates and shells to short duration pressure pulses typically encountered as a result of underwater explosions. The problem is formulated in terms of curvilinear coordinates and the resulting equations can then be specialized for each particular geometry. Results are presented for several examples.
COMPATIBILITY STUDY OF NBR/PVC BLEND WITH GASOLINES AND ETHANOL FUEL
Authors: Pasa Vânya M. D. , Maciel Adriana V. , Machado José C. , Barra Guilherme O. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
An NBR/polyvinyl chloride (PVC) blend changed by aging (20 weeks in different fuels at room temperature) was evaluated for weight, hardness, mechanical properties, and microstructure. The exposure tests were made with premium gasoline, regular gasoline, regular gasoline doped with a rubber solvent, and an oxygenated renewable biofuel (ethanol fuel). After the aging tests, all NBR/PVC blend samples increased in both hardness and elastic modulus, whereas both elongation at break and tension at break decreased, but in different proportions. As the NBR/PVC blends aged, they became less elastomeric and more rigid. The regular gasoline doped with a rubber solvent was the most aggressive of the fuels tested because it promoted the extraction of a large quantity of the blend constituents, thus making the blend harder. In general, NBR/PVC samples immersed in the fuels showed similar mechanical behaviors, except in the case of immersion in ethanol. The values of parameters τ3 and I3 were obtained by positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy. The changes in the mechanical properties and the reduction of the values of parameters τ3 and I3 were related to extraction of the plasticizer, which was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis.
The Electronic Structure and the Nature of Chemical Bond of Crystalline Li12Si7. A Semiempirical Crystal Orbital (CO) Approach Based on the Self‐Consistent‐Field (SCF) Approximation in the Hartree‐Fock (HF) Scheme Applied to One‐Dimensional (1D) Subunits of the Li12Si7 Solid
Authors: Böhm Michael C. , Ramírez Rafael , Nesper Reinhard , Von Schnering Hans‐Georg 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe electronic structure of crystalline Li12Si7 has been studied by means of crystal orbital (CO) calculations based on the tight‐binding formalism. The computational basis for this investigation is a semiempirical INDO model derived in the framework of the SCF HF approximation. The Li12Si7 system is divided into two substructures containing one‐dimensional infinite columns Li6Si5 and Li12Si4, respectively, which are employed as stacking units in the tight‐binding calculations. The band structure properties, density of states profiles, charge distributions and the nature of the various diatomic interactions for both substructures are discussed. In order to understand the nature of Si‐Si, Li‐Si and Li‐Li interactions we have decomposed the various diatomic potentials into elements of physical significance, i.e. covalent resonance energies, exchange parameters as well as electrostatic potentials. The one‐dimensionality of the Li6Si5 unit is partially the result of covalent Li‐Si interactions in the direction of the stacking axis. The nature and strength of the Li‐Si coupling depends strongly on the conformation of the 1D arrangement. The electronic structure (i.e. localization properties of the CO microstates) in the second fragment Li12Si4 differs drastically from the one‐electron properties encountered in the Li6Si5 system. The identity of the orbitals of the twelve Li and four Si atoms is significantly perturbed in the 1D fragments, CO microstates are predicted that contain nearly comparable admixtures from the Si and Li sites.
In‐Situ IR Study during Oscillations of the Catalytic CO Oxidation
Authors: Böcker D. , Wicke E. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFrom earlier investigations [1, 2] it is well known that the oscillations in reaction rate of the CO oxidation on Pt or Pd run parallel with periodic changes of the CO coverage of the metal surface. This could be confirmed by following the periodic changes of the IR absorbance of the chemisorbed CO in an infrared cell with the oscillating reaction in‐situ. ‐ Spectra taken as “snap‐shots” along the oscillating period revealed that not only the overall absorbance, but also the shape of the spectra changes. The changes indicate the formation of a densely packed CO chemisorption phase (C(4 × 2) structure with θco = 0.5) besides the “normal” CO domain structure with θco = 0.33, and its removal in the cycling reaction. The removal is accomplished, presumably, by a densely packed chemisorption phase of oxygen atoms (√3 × √3/R 30° structure), that forms under compression by the dense CO phase, and is known as particularly reactive to chemisorbed CO. ‐ The formation of this aggressive chemisorption structure of oxygen, induced by the dense chemisorption phase of CO, is one autocatalytic step in this mechanism. The second non‐linear effect is the formation of CO domains at the surface during reaction by means of a precursor mechanism of the CO adsorption. These two non‐linearities are obviously the driving forces of the oscillations.
Excess and Interaction Second Virial Coefficients for Twelve Binary Gaseous Systems Containing Carbon Tetrafluoride
Authors: Dunlop Peter J. , Biguell C. M. , Robjohns H. L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractExcess and interaction second virial coefficients have been measured in the temperature range 290–320 K for twelve binary systems containing carbon tetrafluoride. The excess virial coefficients have been used to calculate excess molar enthalpies of mixing at 300 K.
Kinetic Investigation of (a) the Collisional Quenching of Mg(33PJ) by CO2 over the Temperature Range 600–1100 K by Time‐Resolved Atomic Emission (Mg(33P1) → Mg(31S0) + hv) and (b), E—(E, V) Transfer from Mg(33PJ) to MgO by Time‐Resolved Molecular Emission (MgO, B1Σ+ ‐ A1II and B1Σ+ ‐ X1Σ+) Following Pulsed Dye‐Laser Excitation at λ = 457.1 nm (Mg(33P1) ← Mg(31S0))
Authors: Husain David , Roberts Gareth 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe present a kinetic study of the collisional behaviour of Mg(33PJ) with CO2 and electronic energy transfer between Mg(33PJ) and MgO over the temperature range 600–1100 K. Mg(33P1) was generated by the pulsed dye‐laser excitation of magnesium vapour in a slow‐flow system at λ = 457.1 nm (Mg(33P1) → Mg(31S0)) and monitored by time‐resolved atomic emission at the resonance wavelength using pre‐trigger photomultiplier gating with Boxcar integration and computer interfacing. Absolute second‐order rate constants were measured for the removal of Mg(33PJ) by CO2, yielding the Arrhenius form:k1 = (2.4 ±0.50.7)·10−10 exp (−(47.6±5.8 kJ mol−1)/RT) cm3 molecule−1s−1.Chemiluminescence was monitored in the time‐domain for MgO, B1Σ+ ‐ A1∏ and B1Σ+ ‐ X1Σ+) for a number of vibrational levels. The molecular emission profiles were shown to be quantitatively consistent with electronic energy transfer from Mg(33PJ) to MgO, (X1Σ+ ‐ A1∏ yielding B1Σ+) yielding MgO(B1Σ+) by correlation of the atomic and molecular emission profiles. These measurements thus demonstrate the use of the B—A and B—X band systems of MgO in the time‐domain as spectroscopic markers for the kinetic behaviour of Mg(33P1), an aspect of the observations considered in detail. Vibrational temperatures were also measured for MgO(B1Σ+) using emission from vibrational levels ν′ = 0 to 4, demonstrating significant vibrational excitation on electronic energy exchange between Mg(33P1) and MgO(X1Σ+).
Frenkel Excitonic Insulator Transitions in Expanded Metals
Authors: Logan David E. , Edwards Peter P. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWe present a discussion of the dipolar excitonic insulator transition believed to occur in certain expanded fluid metals, notably Hg. A mean field theory is developed which, employing ideas from continuum dielectric theory, leads to the construction of a free energy function representing the change in free energy of the system consequent upon producing a dipolar atom, and relative to the normal non‐polar insulating ground state. Analysis of this function predicts the existence of, and leads to a simple criterion for, the excitonic insulator instability. The transition to a dipolar atomic state is predicted to occur at a density where the optical absorption edge is at a finite energy. Particular attention is given to expanded fluid Hg, although fluid Li is also discussed and is concluded to be a viable candidate for an excitonic insulator transition. Consideration is also given as to whether the excitonic state of Hg is paraelectric or ferroelectric in nature.
Thin‐Film Reactions
Authors: Carter C. B. , Simpson Y. Kouh 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA new method for studying the formation of nickel‐aluminate spinel during the reaction between nickel oxide and alumina has been developed in which a thin‐film substrate of alumina is exposed to nickel oxide at elevated temperatures. Single crystal or twinned particles of spinel then grow in either near‐ or exact‐topotactic alignment along the edges of the thin‐film substrate. The spinel also grows on and into the surface of the substrate, but the deviation from exact topotaxy then tends to be larger. The expected topotactic relationship between the spinel and the alumina substrate is such that the (0001) plane of the alumina is parallel or near parallel to the {111} planes of the spinel with 〈1100〉 parallel to 〈110〉. However, a second common orientation relationship is also found where a {1120} plane of the alumina is parallel or nearly parallel to a {111} plane of the spinel; 〈1100〉 is again parallel to 〈110〉. First‐order twin boundaries in the spinel particles which have grown on the edge of the thin alumina substrate are found to be common just as they are in bulk‐reacted samples. A change in the orientation of the spinel with respect to the alumina substrate as a result of reannealing has been directly observed. The morphology of the various types of spinel particles is discussed briefly.
The Microscopic Description of Mutual Diffusion and Closely Related Transport Processes in Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Weingärtner H. , Bertagnolli H. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractVelocity cross‐correlation functions are discussed and their use in the analysis of inelastic neutron scattering experiments in fluid mixtures is described including both the coherent and incoherent spectra. The formal results given here permit a microscopical description of mutual diffusion and closely related transport processes. In the hydrodynamic limit the velocity cross‐correlation coefficients introduced by Hertz are related to the ω → 0, x → 0 limits of the distinct partial dynamic structure factors in the same way, as the self diffusion coefficients are related to the self partial dynamic structure factors. Some possible applications of neutron scattering experiments to study collective motions in liquid mixtures are discussed.
Röntgenstrukturuntersuchung des flüssigen Silicium‐, Germanium‐ und Zinntetrachlorids. Ein Beitrag zur Frage einer gemeinsamen Flüssigkeitsstruktur I. Streuexperimente an den reinen Komponenten und ihren binären Mischungen
Authors: Jöllenbeck K. M. , Weidner J. U. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractX‐ray diffraction experiments have been performed for liquid tetrachlorides SiCl4, GeCl4, SnCl4 and special binary mixtures including isoelectronic species. They were analysed to yield experimental evidence regarding the question of a common liquid structure that is essential for separating partial structure factors by isomorphic substitution.—The scattering intensity obtained at 20°C using CuKα and AgKα radiation was corrected for background, absorption, polarisation, multiple scattering, Compton scattering, and for the wavelength distribution of the incident beam. The intramolecular contribution calculated from best fit molecular parameters was separated from the coherent differential cross section. The molecular model parameters compare excellently with those of the literature.—Based on the comparison of the properties of the intermolecular scattering functions, the experimental results point to a common type of short range order but establish that the structure factors are affected by the different intramolecular bond lengths.
Photophysical processes exploited in digital imaging microscopy: Fluorescence resonance energy transfer and delayed luminescence
Authors: Jovin T. M. , Marriott G. , Clegg R. M. , Arndt‐Jovin D. J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe spectroscopic techniques of fluorescence resonance energy transfer and of time‐resolved delayed fluorescence and phosphorescence have been introduced into a microscope equipped with a solid‐state CCD camera and phase‐locked excitation and emission choppers. The distribution and replication of DNA in cells has been quantitated by these methods, as well as by confocal laser scanning microscopy. Sites of replication in living cells can be uniquely identified by delayed luminescence.
Photoinduced ESR Signals in Orthorhombic cyclo‐Octasulfur (α‐S8) and in Quenched Liquid Sulfur at Low Temperatures [1]
Authors: Steudel Ralf , Albertsen Jörg , Zink Klemens 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOrthorhombic α‐S8 and quenched liquid sulfur have been irradiated by mercury or xenon high‐pressure lamps at temperatures of 2 – 70 K and the radicals produced detected by ESR spectroscopy. Depending on the sample, sample temperature, radiation wavelength, and microwave power three sulfur radicals (α, β, β') are produced in differing relative concentrations. They are characterized by g‐values as follows: α (isotropic signal, g = 2.025), β (g1 = 2.041, g2 = 2.025, g3 = 2.003), β' (g1 = 2.052, g2 and g3 overlapping with radical β). The thermal stability of these open‐chain type radicals (S**n) increases in the order α < β < β' and the latter two have been observed even at 300 K. Using literature data for the electronic absorption spectra of irradiated sulfur samples the likely assignment of these spectra is discussed in the light of the present results.
High‐performance work system implementation in small and medium enterprises: A knowledge‐creation perspective
Authors: Klaas Brian S. , Semadeni Matthew , Klimchak Malayka , Ward Anna‐Katherine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractWhile it is well established that high‐performance work systems (HPWSs) affect firm‐level outcomes within large, complex organizations, less is known about how they create benefits for firms within the small‐business sector. Using a knowledge‐creation perspective, this study examines the impact of HPWSs in small and medium enterprises and examines whether the impact observed depends on the small‐business leader's capacity to obtain additional HR knowledge from an external expert, as well as the leader's HR background and knowledge. Archival and survey data were obtained from 294 small‐business organizations, with survey responses obtained from both the small‐business leader and an HR consultant assigned to the small business. Findings suggest that leader perceptions of HR effectiveness are positively related to the use of HPWSs and that this relationship is moderated both by the communication patterns between the small‐business leader and the HR consultant assigned to the firm and the small‐business leader's HR knowledge. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Behavioural changes add validity to the construct of posttraumatic growth
Authors: Shakespeare‐Finch Jane , Barrington Allysa J. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis study aimed to identify positive behavioural changes that people may make as a result of negotiating the aftermath of a traumatic experience, thereby extending the current cognitive model of posttraumatic growth (PTG). It was hypothesised that significant others would corroborate survivors' cognitive and behavioural reports of PTG. The sample comprised 176 participants: 88 trauma survivors and 88 significant others. University students accounted for 64%; 36% were from the broader community. Approximately one third were men. All participants completed the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI) and open‐ended questions regarding behavioural changes. The PTGI scores of the survivors were corroborated by their significant others with only the Appreciation of Life factor of the PTGI differing between the 2 groups (e.g., total PTGI scores between groups explained 33% of variance). Nearly all of the survivors also reported positive changes in their behaviour; these changes were also corroborated by the significant others. Results provide validation of the PTG construct and the PTGI as an instrument of measurement. Findings may also influence therapeutic practice by pointing to the potential usefulness of corroborating others in the recovery and growth process.