bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparison of different methods for thin section EM analysis of Mycobacterium smegmatis
Authors: BLECK C.K.E. , MERZ A. , GUTIERREZ M.G. , WALTHER P. , DUBOCHET J. , ZUBER B. , GRIFFITHS G. 
Published: September 2009

SummaryBacteria are generally difficult specimens to prepare for conventional resin section electron microscopy and mycobacteria, with their thick and complex cell envelope layers being especially prone to artefacts. Here we made a systematic comparison of different methods for preparing Mycobacterium smegmatis for thin section electron microscopy analysis. These methods were: (1) conventional preparation by fixatives and epoxy resins at ambient temperature. (2) Tokuyasu cryo‐section of chemically fixed bacteria. (3) rapid freezing followed by freeze substitution and embedding in epoxy resin at room temperature or (4) combined with Lowicryl HM20 embedding and ultraviolet (UV) polymerization at low temperature and (5) CEMOVIS, or cryo electron microscopy of vitreous sections. The best preservation of bacteria was obtained with the cryo electron microscopy of vitreous sections method, as expected, especially with respect to the preservation of the cell envelope and lipid bodies. By comparison with cryo electron microscopy of vitreous sections both the conventional and Tokuyasu methods produced different, undesirable artefacts. The two different types of freeze‐substitution protocols showed variable preservation of the cell envelope but gave acceptable preservation of the cytoplasm, but not lipid bodies, and bacterial DNA. In conclusion although cryo electron microscopy of vitreous sections must be considered the ‘gold standard’ among sectioning methods for electron microscopy, because it avoids solvents and stains, the use of optimally prepared freeze substitution also offers some advantages for ultrastructural analysis of bacteria.
Cough‐reflex sensitivity to inhaled capsaicin in COPD associated with increased exacerbation frequency
Authors: TERADA Kunihiko , MURO Shigeo , OHARA Tadashi , HARUNA Akane , MARUMO Satoshi , KUDO Megumi , OGAWA Emiko , HOSHINO Yuma , HIRAI Toyohiro , NIIMI Akio , MISHIMA Michiaki 
Published: September 2009

ABSTRACTBackground and objective:  The causes of exacerbations in COPD patients are poorly understood. This study examined the association between cough‐reflex sensitivity in patients with stable COPD and the frequency of subsequent exacerbations.Methods:  The sampling frame for cases and controls for this study was patients attending a hospital outpatient clinic. cough‐reflex sensitivity was evaluated using the log concentration of capsaicin causing five or more coughs (log C5). Subsequent COPD exacerbations were identified prospectively via symptom‐based diaries over a 12‐month period.Results:  The study group comprised 45 COPD subjects and 10 controls. Mean log C5 was lower in the COPD group than in the control group (0.97 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.76–1.18) versus 1.26 (95% CI: 0.81–1.71), P = 0.095). In the COPD group, log C5 was negatively correlated with serum CRP level (r = −0.36, P = 0.02) and significantly associated with the exacerbation frequency (r = −0.38, P = 0.01). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that cough‐reflex sensitivity was significantly associated with exacerbation frequency (r2 = 0.15, P = 0.01).Conclusions:  Hypersensitivity of the cough reflex to inhaled capsaicin might reflect airway inflammation in stable COPD patients, which predisposes to frequent exacerbations.
Perceptions of women and health‐care providers in Tokyo of appropriate weight gain during pregnancy
Authors: Haruna Megumi , Yeo SeonAe , Watanabe Etsuko , Matsuzaki Masayo , Ota Erika , Nakayama Kae , Murashima Sachiyo 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA mother's underweight status and insufficient weight gain during pregnancy are risk factors for infant low birthweight. Concerns have been raised regarding whether pregnant women are provided with accurate information about weight gain. This study explored how and from whom pregnant women in Tokyo receive information related to body weight. Four focus groups were conducted with nine pregnant women, nine nurse‐midwives, and eight obstetricians between March and June 2006. The recorded interviews were content‐analyzed. Weight gain was a common concern among the participants, regardless of the women's body size, and sufficient weight gain was rarely mentioned. However, the health‐care providers were aware of their lack of expertise and training in behavior modification. Pregnant women consistently expressed a desire for reassurance and praise from health‐care providers, which might be a culture‐specific phenomenon. The findings point to a need for culturally appropriate and accurate communication about weight gain during pregnancy.
From human tissue to animal models: Insights into the pathogenesis of cortical dysplasia
Authors: D’Arcangelo Gabriella 
Published: September 2009

SummaryCortical dysplasia, a malformation of the cerebral cortex of developmental origin, accounts for most cases of drug‐resistant childhood epilepsy. Despite its prevalence, the genetic and molecular bases for the disease are not known for most cases. With the exception of tuberous sclerosis complex, a type of cortical malformation with known genetic etiology, no mutated genes have been identified that can lead to the neuroanatomic abnormalities observed in the patients. Furthermore, there are currently no animal models that completely recapitulate the features of the disease, hindering progress in developing new treatments for this devastating condition. In this article, I review some of the approaches that researchers in the field are undertaking to utilize the biopsy tissue obtained from patients with cortical dysplasia who are undergoing epilepsy surgery. These multifaceted approaches are providing a plethora of new information that is then utilized to generate and evaluate animal models and to further our understanding of the disease. These studies will enable the development of novel antiepileptic treatments for patients with cortical dysplasia and similar disorders.
The Effects of Soil Environment on Postmortem Interval: A Macroscopic Analysis
Authors: Jaggers Kimberley A. , Rogers Tracy L. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract:  Burial environment, in particular soil moisture, has a significant impact on the type, rate, and extent of bone degradation, which ultimately affects estimations of the postmortem interval (PMI). The purpose of this research is to determine the effects of soil moisture on the color, weight, condition, and texture of bone as it relates to the PMI. Bone changes occurring over two different time intervals (2 and 5 months) were examined using 120 sus scrofa leg bones. During each time interval bones were buried in two soil environments, one of which was drier than the other. The bones in both environments lost weight over time but the net weight loss was greater for bones in the higher moisture environment. There was no change in color, texture, or overall condition, indicating that 150 days is not long enough for such alterations to occur, regardless of the moisture level of the burial environment.
GRB090111: extra soft steep-decay emission and peculiar rebrightening
Authors: Margutti R. , Sakamoto T. , Chincarini G. , Guidorzi C. , Mao J. , Pasotti F. , Burrows D. , D'Avanzo P. , Campana S. , Barthelmy S. D. , Gehrels N. 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
We present a detailed study of GRB090111, focusing on its extra soft power-law photon index Γ &gt; 5 at the very steep-decay phase emission (power-law index α= 5.1, steeper than 96 per cent of gamma-ray bursts detected by Swift) and the following peculiar X-ray rebrightening. Our spectral analysis supports the hypothesis of a comoving band spectrum with the peak of the νFν spectrum evolving with time to lower values: a period of higher temporal variability in the 1–2 keV light curve ends when the Epeak evolves outside the energy band. The X-ray rebrightening shows extreme temporal properties when compared to a homogeneous sample of 82 early flares detected by Swift. While an internal origin cannot be excluded, we show these properties to be consistent with the energy injection in refreshed shocks produced by slow shells colliding with the fastest ones from behind, well after the internal shocks that are believed to give rise to the prompt emission have ceased.
Modelling the Burden of Stroke in Finland until 2030
Authors: Sivenius J. , Torppa J. , Tuomilehto J. , Immonen-Räihä P. , Kaarisalo M. , Sarti C. , Kuulasmaa K. , Mähönen M. , Lehtonen A. , Salomaa V. 
Published: September 2009

Background It is well known that increasing age is the strongest risk factor of stroke. Therefore, it has been a common belief in many countries including Finland that the numbers of stroke patients will increase considerably during the next two decades because the population is rapidly ageing. Methods The FINMONICA and FINSTROKE registers operated in Finland in the Kuopio area and city of Turku from 1983 to 1997. The results showed that the incidence, mortality and case fatality of stroke declined significantly during that period. Importantly, it was established that the trends in incidence and mortality were also declining among the elderly (>74 years). We used these results to create a model for the entire country. The model was based on the trends present in these registers from Turku and Kuopio area and age-specific population projections up to the year 2030 that were obtained from Statistics Finland. Results In the year 2000, the number of new first stroke cases was estimated to be 11500. If the declining trend were to level off totally after the year 2000, the number of new strokes would be 20100 in the year 2030 due to the ageing of the population. It would be 12100 if the trend continued as favourable as during the years 1983–1997. Conclusions Ageing of the population will not inevitably increase the burden of stroke in Finland if the present declining trends are maintained, but the annual number of cases will almost double if the incidence remains at the level of the year 2000.
Strategies of Constructing Social Identities in conflict‐Ridden Areas: The Case of Young Jews, Arabs and Palestinians
Authors: Moore Dahlia , Aweiss Salem 
Published: September 2009

AbstractCombining several social‐psychological and sociological perspectives to examine the relative importance of diverse social identity components in Israeli and Palestinian societies, this study uses identity as a key concept in understanding how diverse social orders can simultaneously exist within a single societal entity. Analysing a sample of over 3,800 Jewish, Arab, and Palestinian high school students we find that family identity is the most salient among Jews and Arabs today, while the civic (Palestinian) identity is the most salient among Palestinians. Moreover, each social identity entails a different attitudinal and demographic profile. The findings seem to indicate that the value systems (according to which the collective is more important than the individual) that prevailed among Jews in Israel in the state's formative years are declining, while such value systems are currently prevalent in Palestinian society. Implications for the conflict between the two societies are also discussed.
Preclinical biomarkers for a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor translate to candidate pharmacodynamic biomarkers in phase I patients
Authors: Berkofsky-Fessler Windy , Nguyen Tri Q. , Delmar Paul , Molnos Juliette , Kanwal Charu , DePinto Wanda , Rosinski James , McLoughlin Patricia , Ritland Steve , DeMario Mark , Tobon Krishna , Reidhaar-Olson John F. , Rueger Ruediger , Hilton Holly 
Published: September 2009

AbstractA genomics-based approach to identify pharmacodynamic biomarkers was used for a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitory drug. R547 is a potent cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor with a potent antiproliferative effect at pharmacologically relevant doses and is currently in phase I clinical trials. Using preclinical data derived from microarray experiments, we identified pharmacodynamic biomarkers to test in blood samples from patients in clinical trials. These candidate biomarkers were chosen based on several criteria: relevance to the mechanism of action of R547, dose responsiveness in preclinical models, and measurable expression in blood samples. We identified 26 potential biomarkers of R547 action and tested their clinical validity in patient blood samples by quantitative real-time PCR analysis. Based on the results, eight genes (FLJ44342, CD86, EGR1, MKI67, CCNB1, JUN, HEXIM1, and PFAAP5) were selected as dose-responsive pharmacodynamic biomarkers for phase II clinical trials. [Mol Cancer Ther 2009;8(9):2517–25]
Revising the Ensemble-Based Kalman Filter Covariance for the Retrieval of Deep-Layer Soil Moisture
Authors: Zhang Shu-Wen , Zeng Xubin , Zhang Weidong , Barlage Michael 
Published: September 2009

Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that soil moisture in the top layers (e.g., within the top 1-m depth) can be retrieved by assimilating near-surface soil moisture observations into a land surface model using ensemble-based data assimilation algorithms. However, it remains a challenging issue to provide good estimates of soil moisture in the deep layers, because the error correlation between the surface and deep layers is low and hence is easily influenced by the physically limited range of soil moisture, probably resulting in a large noise-to-signal ratio. Furthermore, the temporally correlated errors between the surface and deep layers and the nonlinearity of the system make the retrieval even more difficult. To tackle these problems, a revised ensemble-based Kalman filter covariance method is proposed by constraining error covariance estimates in deep layers in two ways: 1) explicitly using the error covariance at the previous time step and 2) limiting the increase of the soil moisture error correlation with the increase of the vertical distance between the two layers. This method is then tested at three separate point locations representing different precipitation regimes. It is found that the proposed method can effectively control the abrupt changes of error covariance estimates between the surface layer and two deep layers. It significantly improves the estimates of soil moisture in the two deep layers with daily updating. For example, relative to the initial background error, after 150 daily updates, the error in the deepest layer reduces to 11.4%, 32.3%, and 27.1% at the wet, dry, and medium wetness locations, only reducing to 62.3%, 80.8%, and 47.5% with the original method, respectively. However, the improvement of deep-layer soil moisture retrieval is very slight when the updating frequency is reduced to once every three days.
The Effect of Short-Term Dry-Out Transients on the Cladding Properties of Fresh and Pre-Irradiated Fuel Rods
Authors: McGrath MA , Oberländer BC , Thorshaug S , Ruhmann H , Anegawa T , Hara T 
Published: September 2009

Thermal-hydraulic transients in LWRs can result in short-term dry-out at the fuel rod surface with subsequent temperature increases of the cladding. In order to assess post dry-out fuel performance, it is necessary to know what effect such transient heating has on the microstructural and mechanical properties of irradiated Zircaloy cladding, and for this reason a series of dry-out experiments were carried out at the Halden Reactor Project.
Two fresh and six pre-irradiated (22 to 40 MWd/kgU) fuel rod segments were individually exposed to reduced or no-flow conditions in a heated light water loop within the Halden reactor. Surface thermocouples were used to monitor clad temperature during the dry-out events together with clad elongation detectors. Dry-out occurred over the upper region of each rod, but due to poor thermal contact between some of the thermocouples and the cladding, six of the rods were more severely tested than planned. These six rods developed peak clad temperatures (PCTs) in the range 950 to 1200°C, while PCTs of 750 to 850°C occurred in the other two rods as planned.
Clad surface condition and fuel rod dimensions were assessed post dry-out followed by destructive PIE to investigate clad microstructure and mechanical properties. Some rods exhibited clad collapse into pellet-pellet interfaces, and in the most severely tested rods the clad had undergone α to β phase transformation. The material with a quenched, former β-grain structure exhibited reduced UTS and brittle fracture in testing at room temperature, but did not fail in-pile. Significant improvement in ductility was observed in clad that had been exposed to the less severe transients, where a small α-phase grain structure was retained.
Influence of Hydrogen Content on the α/β Phase Transformation Temperatures and on the Thermal-Mechanical Behavior of Zy-4, M4 (ZrSnFeV), and M5™ (ZrNbO) Alloys During the First Phase of LOCA Transient
Authors: Brachet J-C , Portier L , Forgeron T , Hivroz J , Hamon D , Guilbert T , Bredel T , Yvon P , Mardon J-P , Jacques P 
Published: September 2009

To simulate the end-of-life behavior of cladding tubes during the first phase of a LOCA transient, one may assume that the main effect of a long service exposure on the cladding deformation behavior during LOCA arises from the hydrogen uptake associated with the cladding oxidation at high burn-up. Thus, the recent metallurgical studies and EDGAR [2] tests performed on pre-hydrided Zr-base alloys are presented. The influence of hydrogen has been studied for concentrations ranging from ∼ 100 up to ∼1000 (weight) ppm on FramatomeANP low-tin Zy-4, M4 (ZrSnFeV), and M5™(ZrNbO) alloys.
The decrease of the α/β phase transformation temperatures with the increase of the hydrogen content is noticeable and has been quantified, and then modeled, for both quasi-equilibrium (calorimetry) and dynamic (dilatometry) conditions for heating rates up to 100°C/s. Some complementary microstructural examinations on hydrided samples, beforehand partially transformed into β phase, have been performed to get a better insight of the metallurgical features associated with the hydrogen effects. Finally, the EDGAR thermal-mechanical test results are presented and discussed. The alloys have been tested under steady state conditions of pressure and temperature, on the one hand, and with continuous heating (thermal ramps) on the other.
The results show that the mechanical behavior cannot be explained solely by the effect of hydrogen on the shift of the α/β phase transformation temperatures, but that hydrogen modifies also the creep behavior and the burst criterion, especially in the a domain, and in the lower α+β temperature range. As a result, hydrogen decreases the creep strength and the ductility of the materials, the effect being greater for higher hydrogen content. All these data are used to model the thermal-mechanical behavior of the hydrided cladding tubes in order to simulate the LOCA behavior of the clad after long-term in-service exposure.
Finally, preliminary thermal ramp tests under uniaxial loading performed on irradiated Zy-4 are presented and compared to the behavior of non-irradiated as-received and hydrided Zy-4. These last experiments were made to validate the assumption that the main effect of a long service exposure on the cladding deformation behavior during the first phase of LOCA is mainly linked to the hydrogen uptake associated with the cladding oxidation.
Bearing Steel Technology-Advances and State of the Art in Bearing Steel Quality Assurance: 7th Volume
Authors: Beswick John M. 
Published: September 2009

Description
Twenty-five peer-reviewed papers, written by experts in 14 countries, provide the latest global advances in bearing steel quality assurance. Sections cover:
Review of Global Bearing Steel and the Rolling Bearing Industry—describes the impact of Swedish steel technology on bearing steel quality assurance.
Developments in Global Bearing Steel Making Processes—details a study of vacuum carbon deoxidation of high carbon chromium bearing steel
Advances in Steel Maker Testing and Quality Assurance—covers advances in bearing steel quality assurance by ultrasonic testing technologies; evaluation procedures of nonmetallic inclusions in steel for highly reliable bearings; reliability of cleanliness measurements; and radioactivity inspection applied in the steel-making industry
Implementation and Use of Extreme Value Analysis Micro Inclusion Rating Methodology—describes the methodology behind the ASTM E2283 Extreme Value Analysis.
Bearing Steel Making and Bearing Manufacturing Metallurgy Quality Assurance—provides data on the bearing steel casting method, alloy content/hardenability, forging symmetry and tube making.
Low Alloy Bearing Steels and Heat Treatments for Improved Bearing Quality—discusses new developments in through hardened bearing steel grades for use in contaminated lubrication; and characteristics of vanadium addition in hardened steel for rolling contact applications.
High Alloy Bearing Steels and Heat Treatments for Improved Bearing Quality—covers duplex hardened steel, plasma heat treatment, nitrided high temperature steel, austentic stainless steel.
Microstructure Transformation and Use in Advanced Rolling Bearing Performance Predication and Quality Assurance—examines x-ray microdiffraction measurements for the analysis of bearing operation conditions; and the flaking process in bearings by white etching area generation.
Advances in Material Quality Factors in Life Prediction—covers multi-axial fatigue criteria and micro plastic material models that support the advances in material quality factoring for bearing life prediction.
New Filter Efficiency Tests Being Developed for the Doe
Authors: Scripsick Ronald C. 
Published: September 2009

The United States Department of Energy (USDOE) is considering adoption of new test specifications and new test techniques for quality assurance testing of nuclear grade high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. Proposed new filter test specifications require penetration measurements to be made at a particle diameter in the range from 0.1 μm to 0.2 μm rather than at a particle diameter of 0.3 μm which is currently required. The new specifications are aimed at making penetration measurements at or near the size of maximum penetration for the current generation of nuclear grade HEPA filters. The new test specifications provide a high estimate of filter penetration relative to the predicted penetration of field challenges in terms of aerosol size and aerosol density. This conservative estimate is required to assure that USDOE air cleaning systems adequately protect public and worker health and the environment in the event of unplanned release of hazardous materials.
Operational evaluation of a high flow alternative filter test system (HFATS) developed for the USDOE by Los Alamos National Laboratory is currently being completed. Interim results of this evaluation and results of laboratory and full-scale evaluations demonstrate that the HFATS is capable of providing measurements of filter penetration at specific sizes over the diameter range from ∼0.1 μm to ∼0.4 μm within the operational requirements of the USDOE Filter Test Facilities.