bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Work Hardening Behavior of Ultrafine Grained Duplex Medium‐Mn Steels Processed by ART‐Annealing
Authors: Sun Rongmin , Xu Wenhuan , Wang Cunyu , Shi Jie , Dong Han , Cao Wenquan 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe ultrafine grained duplex steels were fabricated by austenite reverted transformation annealing of the medium manganese steels after quenching or cold rolling. The microstructures were examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). The mechanical properties were determined by uniaxial tensile test. It was demonstrated that both the quenched and cold rolled structures were transformed into ultrafine grained duplex structures with large fractioned austenite by ART‐annealing. Long time annealing is essential to obtain the large fractioned austenite in quenched steel, but only short time annealing is needed to get large fractioned austenite in the cold rolled sheet. The mechanical examinations indicated that ART‐annealing results in the superhigh tensile elongation (>40%) and superhigh strength (1000 MPa) in quenched steels after long time annealing but in cold rolled steels after short time annealing. Based on the analysis on the work hardening behaviors of these ART‐annealed steels, the abnormal work hardening rate was presented and analyzed. The substantially enhanced ductility was attributed to the Lüders band propagation of the ferrite matrix and/or the TRIP effects of the large fractioned austenite. At last the dynamic phase natures of both fraction and stress was proposed to interpret the abnormal hardening behaviors and the “S” shaped stress–strain curves.
Starch properties of malted barley in relation to real degree of fermentation
Authors: Patindol James , Mendez‐Montealvo Guadalupe , Wang Ya‐Jane 
Published: March 2012

AbstractReal degree of fermentation (RDF) is an important measure of brewhouse performance in the production of beer. In this work, the relationship of RDF with malted barley starch properties was investigated. Starches were isolated from 25 malted barley samples and analyzed for molecular size distribution (by HPSEC), AP structural features (by high‐performance size exclusion chromatography with multi‐angle laser light scattering and RI detectors), and thermal properties (by DSC). Cluster analysis, analysis of variance, principal component analysis, bivariate correlation, and multiple linear regression analysis were used in establishing correlations. RDF, AM, and AP content were 74.0–80.1%, 25.2–34.4%, and 65.6–74.9%, respectively. Starch gelatinization enthalpy was 6.4–8.1 J/g, and onset gelatinization temperature was 58.5–64.3°C. AP and AM content had a positive and negative impact on RDF, respectively. The effect of thermal properties (starch gelatinization and AM‐lipid complex melting) on RDF was not clear. Starch properties explained up to 86% of RDF variance to indicate that other malted barley constituents and/or properties also contribute to cultivar variations in RDF.
Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 level does not predict prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation including gemcitabine
Authors: Kawada Natsuko , Uehara Hiroyuki , Katayama Kazuhiro , Nakamura Satoaki , Takahashi Hidenori , Ohigashi Hiroaki , Ishikawa Osamu , Nagata Shigenori , Tomita Yasuhiko 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBackgroundGemcitabine is a key drug for the treatment of pancreatic cancer. Human equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (hENT1) is a major transporter responsible for gemcitabine uptake into cells. This study was conducted to elucidate the association between expression level of hENT1 and outcome for pancreatic cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant therapy including gemcitabine.MethodsSixty‐three patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemoradiation followed by curative surgery for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas were included. Immunohistochemistry was performed using resected specimens and the staining intensity of hENT1 was scored as having no staining, low staining, or high staining; the former two were defined as negative expression of hENT1. The association between expression level of hENT1 and overall survival was evaluated by Cox proportional regression model.ResultsExpression level of hENT1 was evaluated as positive in 22 (35%) patients, and as negative in 41 (65%) patients. Univariate analysis showed that regional lymph node metastasis, vascular permeation, and perineural invasion are prognostic factors; however, expression level of hENT1 did not reach statistical significance. Multivariate analysis showed only vascular permeation as a prognostic factor.ConclusionsExpression level of hENT1 was not associated with prognosis for pancreatic cancer patients who were treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiation including gemcitabine.
The conundrum of iron in multiple sclerosis – time for an individualised approach
Authors: van Rensburg Susan J. , Kotze Maritha J. , van Toorn Ronald 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAlthough the involvement of immune mechanisms in multiple sclerosis (MS) is undisputed, some argue that there is insufficient evidence to support the hypothesis that MS is an autoimmune disease, and that the difference between immune- and autoimmune disease mechanisms has yet to be clearly delineated. Uncertainties surrounding MS disease pathogenesis and the modest efficacy of currently used disease modifying treatments (DMTs) in the prevention of disability, warrant the need to explore other possibilities. It is evident from the literature that people diagnosed with MS differ widely in symptoms and clinical outcome - some patients have a benign disease course over many years without requiring any DMTs. Attempting to include all patients into a single entity is an oversimplification and may obscure important observations with therapeutic consequences. In this review we advocate an individualised approach named Pathology Supported Genetic Testing (PSGT), in which genetic tests are combined with biochemical measurements in order to identify subgroups of patients requiring different treatments. Iron dysregulation in MS is used as an example of how this approach may benefit patients. The theory that iron deposition in the brain contributes to MS pathogenesis has caused uncertainty among patients as to whether they should avoid iron. However, the fact that a subgroup of people diagnosed with MS show clinical improvement when they are on iron supplementation emphasises the importance of individualised therapy, based on genetic and biochemical determinations.
Small bowel MR enterography: problem solving in Crohn’s disease
Authors: Griffin Nyree , Grant Lee Alexander , Anderson Simon , Irving Peter , Sanderson Jeremy 
Published: March 2012

Abstract
Magnetic resonance enterography (MRE) is fast becoming the first-line radiological investigation to evaluate the small bowel in patients with Crohn’s disease. It can demonstrate both mural and extramural complications. The lack of ionizing radiation, together with high-contrast resolution, multiplanar capability and cine-imaging make it an attractive imaging modality in such patients who need prolonged follow-up. A key question in the management of such patients is the assessment of disease activity. Clinical indices, endoscopic and histological findings have traditionally been used as surrogate markers but all have limitations. MRE can help address this question. The purpose of this pictorial review is to (1) detail the MRE protocol used at our institution; (2) describe the rationale for the MR sequences used and their limitations; (3) compare MRE with other small bowel imaging techniques; (4) discuss how MRE can help distinguish between inflammatory, stricturing and penetrating disease, and thus facilitate management of this difficult condition.

Main Messages

• MR enterography (MRE) is the preferred imaging investigation to assess Crohn’s disease. T2-weighted, post-contrast and diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) can be used.

• MRE offers no radiation exposure, high-contrast resolution, multiplanar ability and cine imaging.

• MRE can help define disease activity, a key question in the management of Crohn’s disease.

• MRE can help distinguish between inflammatory, stricturing and penetrating disease.

• MRE can demonstrate both mural and extramural complications.
Widowhood and Mortality: A Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: Shor Eran , Roelfs David J. , Curreli Misty , Clemow Lynn , Burg Matthew M. , Schwartz Joseph E. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe study of spousal bereavement and mortality has long been a major topic of interest for social scientists, but much remains unknown with respect to important moderating factors, such as age, follow-up duration, and geographic region. The present study examines these factors using meta-analysis. Keyword searches were conducted in multiple electronic databases, supplemented by extensive iterative hand searches. We extracted 1,377 mortality risk estimates from 123 publications, providing data on more than 500 million persons. Compared with married people, widowers had a mean hazard ratio (HR) of 1.23 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.19–1.28) among HRs adjusted for age and additional covariates and a high subjective quality score. The mean HR was higher for men (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.19–1.35) than for women (HR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.08–1.22). A significant interaction effect was found between gender and mean age, with HRs decreasing more rapidly for men than for women as age increased. Other significant predictors of HR magnitude included sample size, geographic region, level of statistical adjustment, and study quality.
Estimating Mortality Differences in Developed Countries From Survey Information on Maternal and Paternal Orphanhood
Authors: Luy Marc 
Published: March 2012

AbstractIn general, the use of indirect methods is limited to developing countries. Developed countries are usually assumed to have no need to apply such methods because detailed demographic data exist. However, the potentialities of demographic analysis with direct methods are limited to the characteristics of available macro data on births, deaths, and migration. For instance, in many Western countries, official population statistics do not permit the estimation of mortality by socioeconomic status (SES) or migration background, or for estimating the relationship between parity and mortality. In order to overcome these shortcomings, I modify and extend the so-called orphanhood method for indirect estimation of adult mortality from survey information on maternal and paternal survival to allow its application to populations of developed countries. The method is demonstrated and tested with data from two independent Italian cross-sectional surveys by estimating overall and SES-specific life expectancy. The empirical applications reveal that the proposed method can be used successfully for estimating levels and trends of mortality differences in developed countries and thus offers new prospects for the analysis of mortality.
Selection of Symptomatic Patients with Crohn's Disease for Abdominopelvic Computed Tomography: Role of Serum C-Reactive Protein
Authors: Desmond Alan N. , O'Regan Kevin , Malik Neera , McWilliams Sebastian , O'Neill Siobhan , Quigley Eamonn M. , Shanahan Fergus , Maher Michael M. 
Published: March 2012

Background Results of previous studies have shown that repeated abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) examinations can lead to substantial cumulative diagnostic radiation exposure in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). Improved selection of patients referred for CT will reduce unnecessary radiation exposure. This study examines if serum C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration predicts which symptomatic patients with CD are likely to have significant disease activity or disease complications (such as abscess) detected on abdominopelvic CT. Methods All abdominopelvic CTs performed on patients with CD at a tertiary referral centre during the period June 2003 to June 2008 were identified. CT findings were coded by a pair of independent blinded senior radiologists for (i) small bowel luminal disease, (ii) large bowel luminal disease, (iii) mesenteric inflammatory changes, (iv) penetrating disease (fistulas, abscess, or phlegmon), (v) acute disease complications (obstruction or perforation), and (vi) acute non-CD findings. Imaging findings were correlated with serum CRP checked within 14 days before imaging. The reference range for CRP was defined as 0–5 mg/L. Results A total of 147 patients with symptomatic CD had a CRP assay performed within 14 days before undergoing abdominopelvic CT. The median time from CRP assay to imaging was 2 days (interquartile range, 0-6 days). Median CRP before imaging was 24 mg/L (interquartile range, 6-88 mg/L). CT was normal in 34 of 147 case (23.1%). Patients with normal CRP (n = 36) were significantly less likely to have penetrating disease (odds ratio [OR], 0.04 [95% confidence interval {CI}, 0.01-0.7]; P < .001) or large bowel luminal disease (OR, 0.3 [95% CI, 0.1-0.8]; P < .05). Normal CRP excluded penetrating disease with a sensitivity of 1.0 (95% CI, 0.87-1.0). CRP levels did not correlate with the presence of small bowel luminal disease (n = 82), mesenteric inflammatory changes (n = 68), or acute disease complications (n = 10). Conclusion Symptomatic patients with CD and normal serum CRP are unlikely to have evidence of abscess, fistulating disease, or large bowel luminal disease detected on abdominopelvic CT. However, abdominopelvic CT may demonstrate evidence of clinically significant non-penetrating CD or complications, including perforation and acute obstruction, regardless of serum CRP concentration.
Muslim Reformists, Female Citizenship, and the Public Accommodation of Islam in Liberal Democracy
Authors: Fadel Mohammad 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), in a trilogy of cases involving Muslim claimants, has granted state parties to the European Convention on Human Rights a wide margin of appreciation with respect to the regulation of public manifestations of Islam. The ECHR has justified its decisions in these cases on the grounds that Islamic symbols, such as the ḥijāb, or Muslim commitments to the shari‘a — Islamic law — are inconsistent with the democratic order of Europe. This article raises the question of what kinds of commitments to gender equality and democratic decision-making are sufficient for a democratic order, and whether modernist Islamic teachings manifest a satisfactory normative commitment in this regard. It uses the arguments of two modern Muslim reformist scholars — Yūsuf al-Qaraḍāwī and ‘Abd al-Ḥalīm Abū Shuqqa — as evidence to argue that if the relevant degree of commitment to gender equality is understood from the perspective of political rather than comprehensive liberalism, doctrines such as those elaborated by these two religious scholars evidence sufficient commitment to the value of political equality between men and women. This makes less plausible the ECHR's arguments justifying a different treatment of Muslims on account of alleged Islamic commitments to gender hierarchy. It also argues that in light of Muslim modernist conceptions of the shari‘a, there is no normative justification to conclude that faithfulness to the shari‘a entails a categorical rejection of democracy as the ECHR suggested.
MST radar observations of short‐period gravity wave during overhead tropical cyclone
Authors: Das Siddarth Shankar , Uma K. N. , Das Subrata Kumar 
Published: March 2012

Short‐period gravity waves associated with the passage of tropical cyclone using mesosphere‐stratosphere‐troposphere (MST) radar located at Gadanki (13.5°N, 79.2°E) has been discussed. The observed stratospheric gravity wave is found to have a periodicity of ∼42 min, vertical and horizontal wavelength of ∼3.5 km and 14 km, respectively. Maximum amplitude of gravity wave is observed in the upper troposphere and lower stratosphere (UTLS) region due to which periodic updrafts and downdrafts are observed. This weakens the stability of tropopause, which is observed in radar signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). The enhancement of vertical momentum flux of order ∼−0.6 m2/s2 observed in the lower stratosphere is attributed to the cyclone generated gravity waves. The obstacle effect is found to be the generative mechanism for the observed gravity waves associated with the tropical cyclone.
Modeling Arecibo conjugate heating effects with SAMI2
Authors: Wu T.‐W. , Huba J. D. , Joyce G. , Bernhardt P. A. 
Published: March 2012

Conjugate heating effects associated with the upcoming Arecibo heater facility are studied using the NRL ionosphere model SAMI2. A density‐dependent, localized heating source is included in the electron temperature equation to model ionospheric radiowave heating. Heating effects are examined as a function of the heating timing and the peak density of the unmodified ionosphere (through the F10.7 index). The simulation results suggest that field‐aligned duct formation occur during periods of relatively low electron densities (e.g., during the night). The enhancement of the electron temperature and electron density in the conjugate topside ionosphere (∼500 km) could reach respective values of ∼5% and 25%. Heating losses associated with inelastic electron‐neutral (N2) collisions primarily inhibit conjugate effects.
Differential Diagnosis of Hyperandrogenism in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Rachoń D. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractAccording to the Androgen Excess and Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Society (AE&PCOS), the main feature of PCOS is clinical hyperandrogenism or laboratory hyperandrogenaemia. Therefore, in diagnosing PCOS one must always exclude other causes of androgen excess. In a woman with hyperandrogenism, the diagnosis of PCOS can usually be made according to the patient’s history and careful clinical examination. Signs of mild hyperandrogenaemia usually start after the menarche and cycles continue to be anovulatory in adult life. Non-classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia (NCCAH) can be another cause of hyperandrogenism with oligomenorrhea. This can be diagnosed in a patient with elevated basal or ACTH stimulated serum 17OH-progesterone (17-OHP) levels or in a case of a significant decrease in serum testosterone (TST) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S) in a two day dexamethasone suppression test. Cushing’s disease (ACTH producing pituitary adenoma) is a rare cause of hyperandrogenaemia in women with recent onset of hyperandrogenism. However, it must always be taken into the consideration in a patient with accompanying signs of hypercortisolism. It can usually be excluded by performing an overnight dexamethasone suppression test or the measurement of 24 h urinary free cortisol levels. Severe signs of hyperandrogenism which lead to virilization should always lead to the exclusion of androgen secreting tumors of ovarian or adrenal origin. These are very rare but should be always taken into the account in a patient with recent onset of severe signs of androgen excess and very high serum androgen levels. Mild signs of hyperandrogenaemia in a woman with recent oligomenorrhea should always lead to the exclusion of hyperprolactinaemia.
Dynamic Nucleotide-Binding Site and Leucine-Rich Repeat-Encoding Genes in the Grass Family
Authors: Luo Sha , Zhang Yu , Hu Qun , Chen Jiongjiong , Li Kunpeng , Lu Chen , Liu Hui , Wang Wen , Kuang Hanhui 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThe proper use of resistance genes (R genes) requires a comprehensive understanding of their genomics and evolution. We analyzed genes encoding nucleotide-binding sites and leucine-rich repeats in the genomes of rice (Oryza sativa), maize (Zea mays), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Brachypodium distachyon. Frequent deletions and translocations of R genes generated prevalent presence/absence polymorphism between different accessions/species. The deletions were caused by unequal crossover, homologous repair, nonhomologous repair, or other unknown mechanisms. R gene loci identified from different genomes were mapped onto the chromosomes of rice cv Nipponbare using comparative genomics, resulting in an integrated map of 495 R loci. Sequence analysis of R genes from the partially sequenced genomes of an African rice cultivar and 10 wild accessions suggested that there are many additional R gene lineages in the AA genome of Oryza. The R genes with chimeric structures (termed type I R genes) are diverse in different rice accessions but only account for 5.8% of all R genes in the Nipponbare genome. In contrast, the vast majority of R genes in the rice genome are type II R genes, which are highly conserved in different accessions. Surprisingly, pseudogene-causing mutations in some type II lineages are often conserved, indicating that their conservations were not due to their functions. Functional R genes cloned from rice so far have more type II R genes than type I R genes, but type I R genes are predicted to contribute considerable diversity in wild species. Type I R genes tend to reduce the microsynteny of their flanking regions significantly more than type II R genes, and their flanking regions have slightly but significantly lower G/C content than those of type II R genes.
Allele‐specific primer polymerase chain reaction for a single nucleotide polymorphism (C1205T) of swine Toll‐like receptor 5 and comparison of the allelic frequency among several pig breeds in Japan and the Czech Republic
Authors: Muneta Yoshihiro , Minagawa Yu , Kusumoto Masahiro , Shinkai Hiroki , Uenishi Hirohide , Splichal Igor 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTIn the present study, an allele‐specific primer‐polymerase chain reaction (ASP‐PCR) for genotyping a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of swine Toll‐like receptor 5 (TLR5) (C1205T; P402L) that is related to the impaired recognition of Salmonella enterica serovar Choleraesuis (SC) was developed. The allele frequencies in several pig breeds in Japan and the Czech Republic were also compared. The swine TLR5 C1205T mutation was successfully determined by ASP‐PCR using genomic DNA samples in Japan that had previously been genotyped by a sequencing method. Using the PCR condition determined, genomic DNA samples from blood obtained from 110 pigs from seven different breeds in the Czech Republic were genotyped by the ASP‐PCR. The genotyping results from the ASP‐PCR completely matched the results from the sequencing method. The allele frequency of the swine TLR5 C1205T mutation was 27.5% in the Landrace breed of the Czech Republic compared with 50.0% in Japanese Landrace. In Japan, the C1205T mutation was found only in the Landrace breed, whereas in the Czech Republic it was found in both the Landrace and Piétrain breeds. These results indicate the usefulness of ASP‐PCR for detecting a specific SNP for swine TLR5 affecting ligand recognition. They also suggest the possibility of genetically improving pigs to enhance their resistance against SC infection by eliminating or selecting this specific SNP of swine TLR5.