bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liver X receptor agonist downregulates growth hormone signaling in the liver
Authors: Zadjali Fahad , Santana-Farre Ruyman , Mirecki-Garrido Mercedes , Ellis Ewa , Norstedt Gunnar , Fernandez-Perez Leandro , Flores-Morales Amilcar 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
Liver X receptor (LXR) agonists have been shown to influence the development of hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis in mouse models. It has also been demonstrated that some LXR agonists can cause hepatic steatosis in experimental animals. Growth hormone (GH) is known to regulate hepatic metabolism and the absence of hepatic GH receptors (GHR) leads to hepatic steatosis. In this study, we analyzed whether the actions of LXR agonists could involve interference with GH signaling. We showed that LXR agonists impair GH signaling in hepatocytes. LXR agonist treatment attenuated GH induction of suppressor of cytokine signaling 2 (SOCS2), SOCS3, and CIS mRNA levels in BRL-4 cells. Likewise, the activity of a luciferase reporter vector driven by the GH response element (GHRE) of the SOCS2 gene was inhibited by simultaneous treatment with an LXR agonist. The inhibitory effect of LXR agonists on GH signals can be mimicked by overexpression of the LXR regulated factors, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1) and SREBP2, in hepatic cells. In both cases total and phosphorylated signal transducers and activators of transcription 5b (STAT5b) protein levels were significantly reduced. DNA binding assays demonstrated that SREBP1 binds to an E-box within a previously defined GHRE in the SOCS2 gene promoter, but does not compete with STAT5b binding to a nearby site in the same promoter construct. Taken together, our findings indicate that the inhibitory effects of LXR agonists on GH signaling are mediated by SREBP1, through the downregulation of STAT5b gene transcription and stimulation of STAT5b protein degradation. The findings provide a new insight into the understanding of the molecular actions of LXR agonists, which may be of relevance to their pharmacological actions.
Induced testosterone deficiency: from clinical presentation of fatigue, erectile dysfunction and muscle atrophy to insulin resistance and diabetes
Authors: Yu George , Traish Abdulmaged M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractOver the past 60 years, androgen deprivation therapy has been the mainstay of treatment of metastatic prostate cancer. However, research findings suggest that androgen deprivation therapy inflicts serious adverse effects on overall health and reduces the quality of life. Among the adverse effects known to date are insulin resistance, diabetes, metabolic syndrome fatigue, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular disease. In this clinical perspective, we discuss the relationship between induced androgen deficiency and a host of pathologies in the course of treatment with androgen deprivation therapy for prostate cancer patients.
Ijime in Japan
Authors: Ogura Masayoshi , Okada Kaori , Hamada Shoko , Asaga Reiko , Honjo Shuji 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
This paper reviews the problem of ijime in Japan from a variety of perspectives, primarily through studies conducted in this country. The term ijime is not uniform in concept, open to different interpretations given the disparity in definitions among different circles, making precise assessment of the actual conditions difficult. Such being the case, what is needed is further study on the mechanisms and actual state of ijime accounting for the flow of the times, and compilation of research to enable the creation of ever more effective modes of prevention and intervention.
Mechano-chemical dynamics of active gels: interplay between spatial bistability and volume variations
Authors: Villain Sébastien , Borckmans Pierre , Métens Stéphane 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe mechano-chemical dynamics of a spherical bead of gel immersed in an autocatalytic bistable chemical reaction are examined. The spheres exhibit autonomous volume self-oscillation dynamics. We present a multi-diffusional approach to a hydrodynamic theory of gels, and also evolution equations incorporating chemical processes.
Treating internal surfaces and interfaces in discrete dislocation dynamics
Authors: Mastorakos Ioannis N. , Akasheh Firas E. , Zbib Hussein M. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe treatment of coherent interfaces and cracks is discussed in the framework of dislocation dynamics (DD). In the case of interfaces, we use DD to study dislocation interactions in nanoscale bimetallic laminates, and to predict their structure after relaxation and during loading. In agreement with experimental observations, our discrete dynamics simulations show that dislocation structure develops only at the interface between coherent layers leaving layers’ interior dislocation-free. The main dislocation mechanism at this length scale is Oworan bowing of threading dislocations confined to their respective layers by the sign-alternating coherency stress field in the layers. Slip transmission across the interfaces marks the end of the confined slip regime, hence, the breakdown of the interfaces and macroscopic yielding of these structures. In the case of crack, its long-range and singular stress field is determined by modeling the crack as continuous distribution of dislocation loops. The traction boundary condition to be satisfied at the crack surface, results into a singular integral equation of the first kind that is solved numerically. The model is integrated with the DD technique to investigate the behavior of a specimen containing cracks of different shapes under fatigue. The results are compared with the behavior of an uncracked specimen and conclusions are extracted. Extension of this crack treatment methodology to account for their presence at interfaces, all within the frame dislocations dynamics, opens the door for a more realistic approach to a wide range of interfaces-related problems.
A gradient elasticity approach to the indentation size effect at very small depths
Authors: Mokios George P. , Aifantis Elias C. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractOver the past two decades, the indentation size effect (ISE) has been studied extensively by several authors. A common point among all these studies has been the premise that during the indentation process sufficient plastic deformation is developed so that a gradient plasticity framework can be employed in order to capture this effect. However, recent studies have shown that a more detailed analysis of the deformation mechanism during nanoindentation reveals often situations that vary significantly from commonly held beliefs, i.e., configurations where plastic deformation is almost absent, yet an ISE is still observed. This paper deals with such situations and proposes an alternative approach based on a gradient elasticity framework that is capable of capturing the ISE in nanoindentations of small depth, where traditional macroscopic plasticity approaches may not be adopted.
The problem of mechanical compatibility of natural building stones in the restoration of monuments. Part II: Specimens with modified boundaries
Authors: Ninis Nikolaos L. , Kourkoulis Stavros K. 
Published: December 2011

AbstractIt was pointed out in Part I of this short two-paper series, that the mechanical incompatibility between the authentic building stone of ancient monuments and the stones used as substitute ones during restoration projects, may be the reason of violation of basic restoration principles concerning the protection of the ancient material. In this context certain geometrical configurations of the boundaries of the specimens are examined in this Part II as a possible means of modifying the mechanical behaviour of the substitute stones, in order to make them as compatible as possible with the authentic material. Modifications of both the contact surfaces (in order to change the friction conditions) of the specimens as well as of the free ones (in order to quantify the influence of transforming the smooth cylindrical surface to a fluted one) are examined experimentally. This approach is based on existing observations and numerical studies indicating that the behaviour of a stone specimen in the post-peak region is affected by the geometrical configuration of its boundaries. Taking advantage of the experimental results an alternative compatibility criterion is introduced for situations where the “required” quality of the building stone is its ability to withstand deformation without failing structurally, a characteristic pertinent to statically indeterminate structures, whose design is based on deformation control. This criterion combines both peak stress and maximum failure strain providing a better insight into the problem of mechanical incompatibility of natural building stones.
Zu den didaktischen Konsequenzen der prozessorientier ten Übersetzungsforschung
Authors: El-Askary Maha 
Published: December 2011

AbstractThe aim of the present article is to show how gaining insights into the mental processes activated during translating through process-oriented research of translation and the use of think-aloud-protocols could provide a contribution to the didactic of translation and allow a development of teaching methods of translation. The article starts with a background about the process-oriented Research of translation and then presents the steps and results of an empirical study. The subjects of the analysis in the study were 8 egyptian advanced learners of German. Finally some consequences for the pedagogy of translation are briefly sketched.
Adhesive bonding between multi-material assembly injection molding parts with an adhesive interlayer
Authors: Vetter Martina , Heinle Christoph , Drummer Dietmar , Amesöder Simon 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
As it offers a wide range of benefits, assembly injection molding of plastics represents an innovative technology. In a material, cost efficient and integrative process, the most diverse products for mechatronics applications can be manufactured. The technique can generate multi-material systems combining different parts with special functionality, e.g., plastics casings and circuit boards, in a fully automated process. This automated integration of part structure and functionality makes these products superior to others. However, it implies a great challenge in terms of technology for part development and production. Of vital importance for a media tight and durable connection between individual materials/parts of the assembly, are factors such as the components’ compatibility and chemical-physical adhesion. Thermal stress in hybrid assemblies due to different thermal expansion coefficients is often the reason for part failure. An approach to meeting these challenges is the investigation of the process-integrated application of functional interlayers, in order to improve the formation of adhesion along with the optimization of the stress distribution. The following article will present findings obtained on the bond strength generated by different types of interlayers (hot-melt and pressure-sensitive adhesives) between circuit cards and different types of casing plastics. A fundamental understanding of underlying effects and the tools for predicting process dependent effects is required for the optimization of the systems’ functionality. For this purpose, the interactions between material, system design and process conditions are considered in relation to bond strength.
ASTM F2624—Evaluating Alternate Fixtures for Flexion/Extention, Lateral Bending, and Axial Rotation Testing of Extra Discal Motion Preserving Implants
Authors: Anderson M. C. , Lissy D. A. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
ASTM F2624-07 prescribes applying flexion/extension (FE), lateral bending (LB), and axial rotation (AR) moments to test and evaluate extra discal motion preserving implants (EDMPI), but parameters such as fixture design and load parameters are left to the user to define. A set of fixtures to conduct FE, LB, and AR testing rotation of EDMPI devices about a fixed center of rotation were developed by Aesculap Implant Systems. Their design was shared, and a set of these fixtures were manufactured and evaluated independently at Empirical Testing Corp. Testing was conducted to quantify the loads applied to an EDMPI in the FE and LB fixtures, determine whether results are frequency dependent, and evaluate whether EDMPI of different stiffnesses can be differentiated when using the fixtures. Miniature load cells were mounted to FE and LB fixtures to quantify load applied to an EDMPI during testing at several different applied loads and at two testing frequencies (2 Hz and 5 Hz). The load cells were replaced with cylindrical test specimens made of stainless steel, titanium, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), or a polyethylene cable slipped inside a polyurethane tube and the testing repeated. Results indicated that loads measured during FE testing were similar in magnitude to those recorded during LB testing but 90 degrees out of phase. No frequency effects were observed. Differences in displacement amplitude when testing the stainless steel, titanium, and PEEK specimens in FE and LB testing at both 2 Hz and 5 Hz were not discernable. The displacement amplitude of the polyethylene (PE) cord specimen was different than the other specimens, but no frequency effect was noted. The fixtures developed by Aesculap are a reasonable attempt to conduct EDMPI testing in FE, LB, and AR motions. Potential users of these fixtures should conduct further studies to determine whether their use is appropriate to test their specific EDMPI device.
Microstructural Characterization of Layers Produced by Plasma Nitriding on Austenitic and Superaustenitic Stainless Steel Grades
Authors: Totten George E. , Casteletti Luiz C. , Fernandes Frederico A. P. , Gallego Juno 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
High chromium content is responsible for the formation of a protective passive surface layer on austenitic stainless steels (ASS). Due to their larger amounts of chromium, superaustenitic stainless steels (SASS) can be chosen for applications with higher corrosion resistance requirements. However, both of them present low hardness and wear resistance that has limited their use for mechanical parts fabrication. Plasma nitriding is a very effective surface treatment for producing harder and wear resistant surface layers on these steel grades, without harming their corrosion resistance if low processing temperatures are employed. In this work UNS S31600 and UNS S31254 SASS samples were plasma nitrided in temperatures from 400 °C to 500 °C for 5 h with 80 % H2–20 % N2 atmosphere at 600 Pa. Nitrided layers were analyzed by optical (OM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), x-ray diffraction (XRD), and Vickers microhardness testing. Observations made by optical microscopy showed that N-rich layers were uniform but their thicknesses increased with higher nitriding temperatures. XRD analyses showed that lower temperature layers are mainly composed by expanded austenite, a metastable nitrogen supersaturated phase with excellent corrosion and tribological properties. Samples nitrided at 400 °C produced a 5 μm thick expanded austenite layer. The nitrided layer reached 25 μm in specimens treated at 500 °C. There are indications that other phases are formed during higher temperature nitriding but XRD analysis was not able to determine that phases are iron and/or chromium nitrides, which are responsible for increasing hardness from 850 up to 1100 HV. In fact, observations made by TEM have indicated that formation of fine nitrides, virtually not identified by XRD technique, can begin at lower temperatures and their growth is affected by both thermodynamical and kinetics reasons.
Histologic Chorioamnionitis Is Associated With Reduced Risk of Late-Onset Sepsis in Preterm Infants
Authors: Strunk Tobias , Doherty Dorota , Jacques MBiostat Angela , Simmer Karen , Richmond Peter , Kohan Rolland , Charles Adrian , Burgner David 
Published: December 2011

Background:
Histologic chorioamnionitis (HCA) is implicated in the onset of preterm labor and delivery. Chorioamnionitis is a known risk factor for early-onset sepsis and may modulate postnatal immunity. Preterm infants are at greatly increased risk of late-onset sepsis (LOS), particularly with coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS), but the impact of HCA on the risk of LOS is unknown.

Methods:
Eight hundred thirty-eight preterm infants born at &lt;30 weeks gestational age at a single tertiary center were included. Histologic examination of placenta and extraplacental membranes was performed, and clinical data were extracted from hospital databases. The influence of HCA on the incidence of early-onset sepsis and LOS was examined using logistic regression analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression.

Results:
Mean gestational age was 26.9 ± 1.9 weeks, and mean birth weight was 936 ± 277 g. Two hundred and seventy-six (33%) of 838 infants developed LOS. The presence of fetal or maternal HCA, or maternal HCA and fetal HCA alone, was associated with a significantly decreased risk of LOS with any organism. Histologic chorioamnionitis correlated with a significantly decreased risk of CoNS LOS.

Conclusions:
HCA is associated with a significantly reduced risk of acquiring LOS, both with CoNS and other bacteria. Perinatal inflammation may enhance the functional maturation of the preterm immune system and provide protection against LOS in high-risk preterm infants.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Symptomatic Pediatric Gallbladder Disease
Authors: Mehta Seema , Lopez Monica E. , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Mazziotti Mark V. , Brandt Mary L. , Fishman Douglas S. 
Published: December 2011

Objective:
Our center previously reported its experience with pediatric gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies from 1980 to 1996. We aimed to determine the current clinical characteristics and risk factors for symptomatic pediatric gallbladder disease and cholecystectomies and compare these findings with our historical series.

Study Design:
Retrospective, cross-sectional study of children, 0 to 18 years of age, who underwent a cholecystectomy from January 2005 to October 2008.

Results:
We evaluated 404 patients: 73% girls; 39% Hispanic and 35% white. The mean age was 13.10 ± 0.91 years. The primary indications for surgery in patients 3 years or older were symptomatic cholelithiasis (53%), obstructive disease (28%), and biliary dyskinesia (16%). The median BMI percentile was 89%; 39% were classified as obese. Of the patients with nonhemolytic gallstone disease, 35% were obese and 18% were severely obese; BMI percentile was 99% or higher. Gallstone disease was associated with hemolytic disease in 23% (73/324) of patients and with obesity in 39% (126/324). Logistic regression demonstrated older age (P = .019) and Hispanic ethnicity (P &lt; .0001) as independent risk factors for nonhemolytic gallstone disease. Compared with our historical series, children undergoing cholecystectomy are more likely to be Hispanic (P = .003) and severely obese (P &lt; .0279).

Conclusion:
Obesity and Hispanic ethnicity are strongly correlated with symptomatic pediatric gallbladder disease. In comparison with our historical series, hemolytic disease is no longer the predominant risk factor for symptomatic gallstone disease in children.
Prognostic Models for Stillbirth and Neonatal Death in Very Preterm Birth: A Validation Study
Authors: Schuit Ewoud , Hukkelhoven Chantal W.P.M. , Manktelow Bradley N. , Papatsonis Dimitri N.M. , de Kleine Martin J.K. , Draper Elizabeth S. , Steyerberg Ewout W. , Vergouwe Yvonne 
Published: December 2011

Objectives:To validate externally 2 prognostic models for stillbirth and neonatal death in very preterm infants who are either known to be alive at the onset of labor or admitted for neonatal intensive care.Patients And Methods:All infants, with gestational age 22 to 32 weeks, of European ethnicity, known to be alive at the onset of labor (n = 17 582) and admitted for neonatal intensive care (n = 11 578), who were born in the Netherlands between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2007. The main outcome measures were stillbirth or death within 28 days for infants known to be alive at the onset of labor and death before discharge from the NICU for infants admitted for intensive care. Model performance was studied with calibration plots and c statistic.Results:Of the infants known to be alive at the onset of labor, 16.7% (n = 2939) died during labor or within 28 days of birth, and 7.8% (n = 908) of the infants admitted for neonatal intensive care died before discharge from intensive care. The prognostic model for infants known to be alive at the onset of labor showed good calibration and excellent discrimination (c statistic 0.92). The prognostic model for infants admitted for neonatal intensive care showed good calibration and good discrimination (c statistic 0.82).Conclusions:The 2 prognostic models for stillbirth and neonatal death in very preterm Dutch infants showed good performance, suggesting their use in clinical practice in the Netherlands and possibly other Western countries.
Trivalent Inactivated Influenza Vaccine Is Not Associated With Sickle Cell Crises in Children
Authors: Hambidge Simon J. , Ross Colleen , Glanz Jason , McClure David , Daley Matthew F. , Xu Stan , Shoup Jo Ann , Narwaney Komal , Baggs James , Weintraub Eric ,   the Vaccine Safety Datalink Team
Published: December 2011

Background and Objectives:
Children with sickle cell disease are considered at high risk for complications from influenza infection and are recommended to receive annual influenza vaccination. However, data on the safety of influenza vaccination in children with sickle cell anemia are sparse.

Methods:
Using a retrospective cohort of children aged 6 months to 17 years in 8 managed care organizations that comprise the Vaccine Safety Datalink and who had a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia from 1999 to 2006, we conducted matched case-control and self-controlled case series studies to examine the association of trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination with hospitalization for sickle cell crisis in the 2 weeks after vaccination.

Results:
From an original pool of 1085 pediatric subjects with a diagnosis of sickle cell anemia, we identified 179 children with at least 1 sickle cell crisis during any influenza season (October 1–March 31). In the matched case-control study (matching on age category, gender, Vaccine Safety Datalink site, and season), the odds ratio of hospitalization for a crisis in vaccinated compared with unvaccinated children was not significant: 1.3 (95% confidence interval 0.8–2.2). In the self-controlled case series study of hospitalized cases, the incident rate ratio for hospitalization with sickle cell crisis in the 2 weeks after trivalent inactivated influenza vaccination was also not significant: 1.2 (95% confidence interval 0.75–1.95).

Conclusions:
This large cohort study did not find an association of influenza vaccination and hospitalization for sickle cell crises in children with sickle cell anemia.
The justification of the new generation standardisation in NC programming
Authors: Gyurika I. G. , Mrena Zs. 
Published: December 2011

Abstract
The STEP NC system that replaces the ISO 6983 standard has been under development more than 10 years. However, just a few control developers find alternatives in the new standard that includes several completed modules. The paper shows in which role the industrial companies could use a new generation NC standard. The paper concludes the parameters that support the setting up of a mathematical model for a place-centered application with the help of case studies. The expected powerful opportunities of the application of a new generation NC standard are described with the help of case studies.