bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of mean stress on damage predictions for spectral loading of fibreglass composite coupons
Authors: Sutherland Herbert J. , Mandell John F. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractIn many analyses of wind turbine blades the effects of mean stress on the determination of damage in composite blades are either ignored completely or characterized inadequately. Mandell et al. have recently presented an updated Goodman diagram for a fibreglass material that is typical of the materials used in wind turbine blades. Their formulation uses the MSU/DOE fatigue database to develop a Goodman diagram with detailed information at 13 R‐values. Using these data, linear, bilinear and full Goodman diagrams are constructed using mean and ‘95/95’ fits to the data. The various Goodman diagrams are used to predict the failure stress for coupons tested using the WISPERX spectrum. Three models are used in the analyses. The first is the linear Miner's rule commonly used by the wind industry to predict failure (service lifetimes). The second is a non‐linear variation of Miner's rule which computes a non‐linear Miner's residual strength based upon an exponential degradation parameter. The third is a generalized non‐linear residual strength model that also relies on an exponential degradation parameter. The results illustrate that Miner's rule does not predict failure very well. When the mean full Goodman diagram is used, the non‐linear models predict failures near the mean of the experimental data, and when the 95/95 Goodman diagram is used, they predict the lower bound of the measured data very well. Published in 2004 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Seismic analysis of wind turbines in the time domain
Authors: Witcher D. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThe analysis of wind turbine loading associated with earthquakes is clearly important when designing for and assessing the feasibility of wind farms in seismically active regions. The approach taken for such analysis is generally based on codified methods which have been developed for the assessment of seismic loads acting on buildings. These methods are not able to deal properly with the aeroelastic interaction of the dynamic motion of the wind turbine structure with either the wind loading acting on the rotor blades or the response of the turbine controller. This article presents an alternative approach, which is to undertake the calculation in the time domain. In this case a full aeroelastic model of the wind turbine subject to turbulent wind loading is further excited by ground motion corresponding to the earthquake. This capability has been introduced to the GH Bladed wind turbine simulation package. The software can be used to compute the combined wind and earthquake loading of a wind turbine given a definition of the external conditions for an appropriate series of load cases. This article discusses the method and presents example results. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Active load reduction using individual pitch, based on local blade flow measurements
Authors: Larsen Torben Juul , Madsen Helge A. , Thomsen Kenneth 
Published: December 2004

AbstractA new load‐reducing control strategy for individual blade control of large pitch‐controlled wind turbines is presented. This control concept is based on local blade inflow measurements and offers the possibility of larger load reductions, without loss of power production, than seen in other state‐of‐the‐art load‐reducing concepts. Since the new flow‐based concept deviates significantly from previous published load‐reducing strategies, a comparison of the performance based on aeroelastic simulations is included. Advantages and drawbacks of the systems are discussed. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Brief report: Labelling effects on the perceived deleterious consequences of pop music listening
Authors: North Adrian C. , Hargreaves David J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSeveral correlational studies have supported the claim of conservative protestors that there exists a positive relationship between listening to pop music and adolescent problem behaviours. However, research on the so‐called ‘prestige effects’ has shown that experimental participants’ responses to music can be mediated by manipulations of prior information concerning that music. This study investigated whether perceptions of deleterious effects of pop songs on listeners may be attributable to prior labelling of those stimuli as ‘problem music’. Eighty undergraduates were played songs that they were told were either suicide‐inducing or life‐affirming. Subsequent ratings of the songs indicated that those presented as ‘suicide‐inducing’ were perceived as such, whereas presentation of the same songs in a ‘life‐affirming’ frame led to the perception of them as such. These findings indicate that censorship and the subsequent labelling of certain songs as ‘problematic’ might itself cause these songs to have deleterious effects on listeners.
Effect of TNF‐α on human osteosarcoma cell line Saos2—TNF‐α regulation of bone sialoprotein gene expression in Saos2 osteoblast‐like cells
Authors: Nakayama Youhei , Kato Naoko , Nakajima Yu , Shimizu Emi , Ogata Yorimasa 
Published: December 2004

AbstractTumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α) is a major mediator of inflammatory response in many diseases. It inhibits bone formation and stimulates bone resorption. To determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression of osteoblast‐like cells, we analyzed the effects of TNF‐α on the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos2. We used RT‐PCR to examine the effects of TNF‐α on bone sialoprotein (BSP), core binding factor a1 (Cbfa1), osterix, α1 (I) collagen, cyclooxygenase‐2 (COX‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), cathepsin B, cathepsin L and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase‐1 (TIMP‐1). TNF‐α (10 ng/ml) increased BSP, IL‐6 and COX‐2 mRNA levels after 3 h, reaching maximal levels at 12 h. Cbfa1 mRNA levels increased after 3 h, but decreased by 24 h. Osterix, cathepsin B, cathepsin L and TIMP‐1 mRNA levels did not change after stimulation with TNF‐α. On the other hand, α1 (I) collagen mRNA expression was suppressed by TNF‐α at 24 h.Transient transfection analyses were performed using chimeric constructs of the rat BSP gene promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene. TNF‐α (10 ng/ml) had no effect on the promoter activities of BSP transfected into Saos2 cells. The results of gel mobility shift assays using radiolabeled double‐stranded cAMP response element (CRE) and FGF2 response element (FRE) oligonucleotides in the proximal promoter of the rat BSP gene showed increased binding of nuclear proteins at 6 h. Gel mobility shift assays with radiolabelled COX‐2‐CRE and COX‐2‐NFκB oligonucleotides revealed an increase in the binding of nuclear proteins from TNF‐α‐stimulated Saos2 cells. These studies, therefore, showed that TNF‐α indirectly increased BSP expression, and that it could be mediated through COX‐2 and Cbfa1 expression in Saos2 osteoblast‐like cells.
Kinetics of Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria during apoptosis of MCF‐7 breast cancer cells
Authors: Gorka Magdalena , Godlewski Michal Marek , Gajkowska Barbara , Wojewodzka Urszula , Motyl Tomasz 
Published: December 2004

AbstractSmac/DIABLO, a pro‐apoptotic protein released from mitochondrial intermembrane space during apoptosis, promotes caspase activation by IAPs neutralization. The kinetics and molecular mechanism of Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria has remained obscure. Homeostatic confocal microscopy, for the first time, showed the precise kinetics of Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria during CPT‐induced apoptosis in living MCF‐7 cells. The time pattern of Smac/DIABLO escape from mitochondria comprised two phases: the initial phase of gradual protein release, followed by the second phase of plateau, appearing after 24 min of cell exposure to the drug. A similar pattern was observed during oxidative stress. The dynamics of Smac/DIABLO redistribution was confirmed by different methods: traditional confocal microscopy, immunoelectron microscopy and laser scanning cytometry. The inhibition of m‐calpain prevented Smac/DIABLO release from mitochondria, which confirmed the involvement of Bax in the process. Acquired results indicate that CPT treatment triggers Bax‐dependent release of Smac/DIABLO from mitochondria simultaneously with the efflux of cytochrome c.
Plasticity of rat bone marrow‐derived 5‐hydroxytryptamine‐sensitive neurons: dedifferentiation and redifferentiation
Authors: Li Ting Yu , Shu Chang , Wong Connie Hau Yan , Lo Pui Shan , Zhu Hu , Lau Miu Ching , Chan Man Yi , Tsang Lai Ling , Gou Yu Lin , Chung Yiu Wa , Chan Hsiao Chang 
Published: December 2004

AbstractInducing cellular dedifferentiation has been proposed as a potential method for enhancing endogenous regeneration in mammals. Here we demonstrate that phenotypic and functional neurons derived from adult rat bone marrow stromal stem cells (MSCs) can be induced to undergo dedifferentiation, then proliferation and redifferentiation. In addition to morphological changes and expression of neuronal markers, neuron‐specific enolase and neurofilament H, functional differentiation was monitored by intracellular Ca2+ mobilization in response to a ubiquitous neurotransmitter, 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) at different stages. The neurons derived from rMSCs were found to have increased 5‐HT response. This 5‐HT sensitivity could be reversed to basal level similar to that found in rMSCs when neurons, up to 3 days after neuronal induction, were induced to undergo dedifferentiation. Increase in 5‐HT‐induced Ca2+ mobilization was again observed when rMSCs derived from dedifferentiated neurons were induced to redifferentiate into neurons again. Variation in 5‐HT1A receptor immunoreactivity was observed in stem cells, differentiated neurons, dedifferentiated neurons and redifferentiation neurons, consistent with their respective 5‐HT sensitivity. These results suggest that adult bone marrow‐derived 5‐HT sensitive neurons are capable of dedifferentiation, then proliferation and redifferentiation, indicating their plasticity and potential use in treatment of neural degenerative diseases.
Connective tissue growth factor regulates the key events in tubular epithelial to myofibroblast transition in vitro
Authors: Zhang Chun , Meng Xianfang , Zhu Zhonghua , Liu Jianshe , Deng Anguo 
Published: December 2004

AbstractConnective tissue growth factor (CTGF) has been reported to play an important role in mediating the profibrotic effects of transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) in various renal diseases. To elucidate the role of CTGF in renal tubular epithelial‐myofibroblast transdifferentiation, we examined the expression of α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), vimentin, tenascin‐C, and collagen IV expression upon the stimulation of CTGF in cultured human proximal tubular epithelial cell line (HKC), and further investigated the effects of endogenous CTGF blockade on the transdifferentiation process induced by TGF‐β. It is revealed that upon the stimulation of recombinant human CTGF (rhCTGF, 2.5 or 5.0 μg/L), the expression of α‐SMA and tenascin‐C mRNA increased significantly (p < 0.01), while collagen IV gene expression decreased significantly (p < 0.01), all in a dose‐dependent manner. The percentage of α‐SMA‐positive cells was significantly larger in the rhCTGF‐stimulated groups than that in negative control (38.9%, 65.5% vs. 2.4%, respectively, p < 0.01) as confirmed by flow cytometry. Both cytoplasmic and secretory tenascin‐C expression was upregulated by the stimulation of rhCTGF (p < 0.01). Under this condition, collagen IV secreted into the culture media was lowered markedly (p < 0.01). On RT‐PCR analysis, TGF‐β1 upregulated CTGF gene expression, preceding that of α‐SMA. The α‐SMA mRNA expression induced by TGF‐β1 was significantly inhibited by CTGF antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) transfection (p < 0.01). With prolonged incubation time, CTGF antisense ODN also inhibited intracellular α‐SMA protein synthesis, as demonstrated by indirect immuno‐fluorescence. So it is concluded that CTGF could promote the transdifferentiation of human renal tubular epithelial cells towards myofibroblasts in vitro, both directly and as a downstream mediator of TGF‐β, and CTGF blockade would be a possible therapeutic target against tubulointerstitial fibrosis.
Tissue Doppler velocities of mitral annulus and NT‐proBNP in patients with heart failure
Authors: Tretjak Martin , Verovnik Franc , Benko Davorin , Kozelj Mirta 
Published: December 2004

BackgroundIt has been shown that pulsed wave tissue Doppler velocities of mitral annulus correlate well with left ventricular (LV) diastolic and systolic functions. It is not yet clear whether these velocities can be used to estimate left ventricular dysfunction in an unselected population of patients with clinical signs and symptoms of heart failure (HF).AimTo determine whether LV mitral annulus velocities measured by tissue Doppler imaging (TDI) correlate with plasma N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels in patients with HF.Methods and resultsEarly diastolic (Em) and systolic (Sm) TDI velocities of septal and lateral mitral annulus were measured in 50 patients with HF together with other conventional echocardiographic parameters, and compared with plasma NT‐proBNP levels. Significant correlations were found between NT‐proBNP level and Em velocity (r=−0.79), Sm velocity (r=−0.43), early transmitral to Em velocity ratio (r=0.38), LV end diastolic diameter (r=0.29), LV ejection fraction (r=−0.44) and tricuspid regurgitant velocity (r=0.31). In multiple regression model (R2=0.733), the Em velocity was the most important predictor of NT‐proBNP level.ConclusionsEarly diastolic mitral annulus velocity measured by TDI correlates strongly with plasma NT‐proBNP levels, and provides a simple, accurate and reproducible echocardiographic index of heart failure.
Comparison of selective ETA and ETB receptor antagonists in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Cowburn Peter J. , Cleland John G.F. , McDonagh Theresa A. , McArthur John D. , Dargie Henry J. , Morton James J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractBackgroundThe vasoconstrictor action of endothelin‐1 (ET‐1) is mediated through ETA and ETB receptor subtypes on vascular smooth muscle. ETB receptors are also present on the vascular endothelium where they mediate vasodilation. Animal studies suggest that the ETB receptor also acts as a clearance receptor for endothelin.AimsTo investigate the effects of a selective ETA and a selective ETB receptor antagonist alone and in combination on haemodynamics and circulating concentrations of ET‐1 in patients with chronic heart failure.ResultsInfusion of BQ‐123 (n=10), a selective ETA receptor antagonist, led to systemic vasodilation and did not change plasma ET‐1 concentrations (1.38±0.82 to 1.38±0.91 fmol/ml, ns). Infusion of BQ‐788 (n=8) led to systemic vasoconstriction with a rise in plasma ET‐1 (1.84±1.06 to 2.73±0.99 fmol/ml, p<0.01). The addition of BQ‐123 to BQ‐788 led to systemic and pulmonary vasodilation with no further increase in plasma ET‐1 concentrations (2.80±1.14 to 2.90±1.20 fmol/ml, ns).ConclusionThe rise in plasma ET‐1 concentrations in response to selective blockade of ETB receptors and the associated adverse haemodynamic effects suggest that ETB receptors have a role in the clearance of ET‐1 in man and that their blockade may not be advantageous for patients with heart failure.
Chokka squid (Loligo vulgaris reynaudii) abundance linked to changes in South Africa's Agulhas Bank ecosystem during spawning and the early life cycle
Authors: Roberts Michael J. 
Published: December 2004

AbstractChokka squid biomass and catch are highly variable, likely owing to their links to changes in the ecosystem, which impact spawning and recruitment. A synthesis of basic ecosystem components for the domain in which chokka squid live (i.e. South Africa's west coast and Agulhas Bank) was prepared using published and new data. It included bottom temperature, bottom dissolved oxygen, chlorophyll, and copepod abundance. Alongshore gradients of these indicated that the main spawning grounds on the eastern Agulhas Bank are positioned where bottom temperature and bottom dissolved oxygen are optimal for embryonic development. This location, however, appears suboptimal for hatchlings because the copepod maximum (food for paralarvae) is typically on the central Agulhas Bank some 200 km to the west. Data on currents suggest that this constraint may be overcome by the existence of a net west-flowing shelf current on the eastern Agulhas Bank, improving survivorship of paralarvae by transporting them passively towards the copepod maximum. CTD data and a temporal analysis of AVHRR satellite imagery reveal the copepod maximum to be supported by a “cold ridge”, a mesoscale upwelling filament present during summer when squid spawning peaks. In situ sea surface temperature (SST) data used as a proxy for cold ridge activity demonstrate considerable interannual variability of the feature, especially during El Niño-Southern Oscillation events. Negative linear correlations between maximum summer SST (monthly average) and squid biomass the following autumn (r2 = 0.94), and annual catch (r2 = 0.69), support the link between the “cold ridge–copepod maximum” and the early life cycle of chokka squid, and holds promise for prediction.
Effect of changes in reproductive potential on perceived productivity of three Northwest Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) stocks
Authors: Morgan M. Joanne , Brattey John 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
Variation in maturity-at-age, sex ratio, and potential egg production (through changes in length at age) were examined for northern cod (NAFO Division 2J + 3KL), southern Grand Bank cod (3NO), and southern Newfoundland cod (3Ps). All showed significant interannual variability in each stock. Estimates of reproductive potential were produced by sequentially incorporating estimates of proportion mature at age, sex ratio at age, and potential egg production. The estimates of reproductive potential produced by each method were broadly similar, but there were important differences. This leads to differing perceptions of stock productivity, as measured by relative rate of recruitment of a stock and in the spawning stock produced per recruit. These differing perceptions can have a major impact on expectations for the recovery of depleted stocks and the sustainability of various levels of fishing. Efforts should be made to improve estimates of reproductive potential by further exploring the impacts of changes in the spawning characteristics of populations, and by collecting such basic information as fecundity data.
Growth and mortality of transient shrimp populations (Farfantepenaeus spp.) in a coastal lagoon of Mexico: role of the environment and density-dependence
Authors: Pérez-Castañeda Roberto , Defeo Omar 
Published: December 2004

Abstract
The influence of environmental (temperature, salinity, aquatic vegetation) and density-dependent (abundance of recruits) factors on growth and mortality of four Farfantepenaeus species were evaluated during their period of estuarine residence, through a 2-year field study at Celestun lagoon, Mexico. Growth rates of the three most abundant species (F. brasiliensis, F. duorarum, F. notialis) were positively related with temperature and aquatic vegetation biomass, whereas some significant relationships between environmental factors and mortality rates were also demonstrated. Our results suggest that density-dependent processes regulate growth and mortality in these shrimp populations. Density-dependent mortality was also suggested by a strong compensatory relationship between recruits and juveniles. We conclude that population dynamics of Farfantepenaeus shrimps during their estuarine phase seem to be driven by the combined forces of density-dependent and environmental factors operating together.
Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA): Can it Detect Acute Scaphoid Fractures?
Authors: STEPHEN A. B. , PYE D. , LYONS A. R. , ONI J. A. , DAVIS T. R. C. 
Published: December 2004

This prospective study investigated whether dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) could detect acute scaphoid fractures. We blindly compared 10 normal and 10 fractured scaphoid images produced with a new technique of DXA scan analysis. This measured and plotted the density of the scaphoid throughout its length, producing a linear graph of the scaphoids’ density instead of a single area (g/cm2) measurement of bone density. These new plots only detected six of the 10 fractures and suggested that four of the normal controls were fractured. Thus, this technique of DXA scan analysis is neither sensitive nor specific for the detection of acute scaphoid fractures.
A Comparative Study of Outcome between the Neuflex and Swanson Metacarpophalangeal Joint Replacements
Authors: DELANEY R. , TRAIL I. A. , NUTTALL D. 
Published: December 2004

This prospective double blind trial compares the clinical findings of Swanson and Neuflex metacarpophalangeal joint replacements in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, up to 2 years follow-up. There were 37 joints (10 patients) in the Swanson group and 40 joints (12 patients) in the Neuflex group. Assessments of range of movement, grip strength and hand function were undertaken in a double blind fashion, preoperatively and up to 2 years following implantation. The mean and standard deviation of the data were calculated. A two-tailed student’s t-test was used when comparing groups of data. An X-ray analysis was also undertaken to identify any implant failure. There was no significant difference between the two groups with respect to flexion and extension before surgery. At follow-up there was also no significant difference in the extensor lag, with mean extension lags of 19° and 16° for the Swanson and Neuflex implants, respectively. However, there was a significant difference in flexion, with mean active flexion values of 59° and 72° for the Swanson and Neuflex implants, respectively. There were no differences between the two groups in respect to arc of metacarpophalangeal joint motion, ulnar deviation, grip strength or the SODA function test at follow-up. At this early stage there was no evidence of any case of implant failure. In conclusion, patients who underwent Neuflex metacarpophalangeal joint replacements obtained greater flexion than those who underwent a Swanson replacement.
Stock market speculation and managerial myopia
Authors: Nyman Ingmar 
Published: December 2004

AbstractThis paper extends the analysis of managerial share price concerns by allowing informed trading in the stock market. It is shown that because they decrease the manager's information advantage vis‐à‐vis the stock market, individual investors who trade on private information improve the efficiency of corporate investment. This improvement does, however, fall short of first‐best efficiency. Moreover, a stronger managerial share‐price concern increases the expected profit from informed trading. Hence, by encouraging individual investors to collect information about corporate decisions and trade on it, managerial myopia tends to automatically bring forth a partial solution to the problems that it causes.