bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Attributing and quantifying carbon monoxide sources affecting the Eastern Mediterranean: a combined satellite, modelling, and synoptic analysis study
Authors: Drori R. , Dayan U. , Edwards D. P. , Emmons L. K. , Erlick C.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Pollutants from global sources are known to affect the Eastern Mediterranean Shore (EMS). However, there has been no previous study explicitly locating the European sources, characterizing their transport pathways, and quantifying their contribution to local concentrations in the EMS. In the current study, spatially tagged carbon monoxide was used as a tracer for pollutant transport from Europe to the EMS over five consecutive years (2003–2007) using the global chemical transport model MOZART-4. The model results were compared against NOAA/GMD ground station data and remotely sensed data from the Terra/MOPITT satellite and found to agree well on monthly basis but do not agree on daily basis. On synoptic scale, there is agreement between MOZART and GMD during July to August. A budget analysis reveals the role of CO from hydrocarbon oxidation on CO concentration during summer. European anthropogenic emissions were found to significantly influence EM surface concentrations, while European biomass burning (BB) emissions were found to have only a small impact on EM surface concentrations. Over the five simulated years, only two European biomass burning episodes contributed more than 10 ppb to surface CO concentrations in the EM. CO enhancement in the EM during the summer was attributed to synoptic conditions prone to favorable transport from Turkey and Eastern Europe towards the EM rather than increased emissions. We attribute the apparently misleading association between CO emitted from European BB and CO enhancements over the EM to typical summer synoptic conditions caused by the lingering of an anticyclone positioned over the Western and Central Mediterranean Basin that lead to forest fires in the area. Combined with a barometric trough over the eastern part of the Mediterranean Basin, this generates a prevailing transport of air masses from Eastern Europe to the EMS. Synoptic scale variations are shown to change the transport pathways from Europe towards the EMS having an overall small affect. CO concentration over the EMS can be describe as having 3 components: the seasonal cycle, the cycle of CO produced from hydrocarbon oxidation and a synoptic variation.
Sulfur isotope fractionation during heterogeneous oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust
Authors: Harris E. , Sinha B. , Foley S. , Crowley J. N. , Borrmann S. , Hoppe P.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Mineral dust is a major fraction of global atmospheric aerosol, and the oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust has implications for cloud formation, climate and the sulfur cycle. Stable sulfur isotopes can be used to understand the different oxidation processes occurring on mineral dust. This study presents measurements of the 34S/32S fractionation factor α34 for oxidation of SO2 on mineral dust surfaces and in the aqueous phase in mineral dust leachate. Sahara dust, which accounts for ~ 60% of global dust emissions and loading, was used for the experiments. The fractionation factor for aqueous oxidation in dust leachate is αleachate = 0.9917 ± 0.0046, which is in agreement with previous measurements of aqueous SO2 oxidation by iron solutions. This fractionation factor is representative of a radical chain reaction oxidation pathway initiated by transition metal ions. Oxidation on the dust surface at subsaturated relative humidity (RH) had an overall fractionation factor of αhet = 1.0096 ± 0.0036 and was found to be almost an order of magnitude faster when the dust was simultaneously exposed to ozone, light and RH of ~ 40%. However, the presence of ozone, light and humidity did not influence isotope fractionation during oxidation on dust surfaces at subsaturated relative humidity. A positive matrix factorization model was used to investigate surface oxidation on the different components of dust. Ilmenite, rutile and iron oxide were found to be the most reactive components, accounting for 85% of sulfate production with a fractionation factor of α34 = 1.012 ± 0.010. This overlaps within the analytical uncertainty with the fractionation of other major atmospheric oxidation pathways such as the oxidation of SO2 by H2O2 and O3 in the aqueous phase and OH in the gas phase. Clay minerals accounted for roughly 12% of the sulfate production, and oxidation on clay minerals resulted in a very distinct fractionation factor of α34 = 1.085 ± 0.013. The fractionation factors measured in this study will be particularly useful in combination with field and modelling studies to understand the role of surface oxidation on clay minerals and aqueous oxidation by mineral dust and its leachate in global and regional sulfur cycles.
LOSCAR: Long-term Ocean-atmosphere-Sediment CArbon cycle Reservoir Model v2.0.4
Authors: Zeebe R. E.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. The LOSCAR model is designed to efficiently compute the partitioning of carbon between ocean, atmosphere, and sediments on time scales ranging from centuries to millions of years. While a variety of computationally inexpensive carbon cycle models are already available, many are missing a critical sediment component, which is indispensable for long-term integrations. One of LOSCAR's strengths is the coupling of ocean-atmosphere routines to a computationally efficient sediment module. This allows, for instance, adequate computation of CaCO3 dissolution, calcite compensation, and long-term carbon cycle fluxes, including weathering of carbonate and silicate rocks. The ocean component includes various biogeochemical tracers such as total carbon, alkalinity, phosphate, oxygen, and stable carbon isotopes. LOSCAR's configuration of ocean geometry is flexible and allows for easy switching between modern and paleo-versions. We have previously published applications of the model tackling future projections of ocean chemistry and weathering, pCO2 sensitivity to carbon cycle perturbations throughout the Cenozoic, and carbon/calcium cycling during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum. The focus of the present contribution is the detailed description of the model including numerical architecture, processes and parameterizations, tuning, and examples of input and output. Typical CPU integration times of LOSCAR are of order seconds for several thousand model years on current standard desktop machines. The LOSCAR source code in C can be obtained from the author by sending a request to loscar.model@gmail.com.
Assessing water resources in China using PRECIS projections and a VIC model
Authors: Wang G. Q. , Zhang J. Y. , Jin J. L. , Pagano T. C. , Calow R. , Bao Z. X. , Liu C. S. , Liu Y. L. , Yan X. L.
Published: January 2012

Abstract. Climate change is now a major environmental and developmental issue, and one that will increase the challenge of sustainable water resources management. In order to assess the implications of climate change for water resources in China, we calibrated a Variable Infiltration Capacity (VIC) model with a resolution of 50×50 km2 using data from 125 well-gauged catchments. Based on similarities in climate conditions, soil texture and other variables, model parameters were transferred to other areas not covered by the calibrated catchments. Taking runoff in the period 1961–1990 as a baseline, we studied the impact of climate change on runoff under three emissions scenarios, A2, B2 and A1B. Model findings indicate that annual runoff over China as a whole will probably increase by approximately 3–10% by 2050, but with quite uneven spatial and temporal distribution. The prevailing pattern of "north dry and south wet" in China is likely to be exacerbated under global warming.
“Knowynge Cristes speche”:
Authors: David Lavinsky
Published: January 2012

Much recent scholarship has explored how Wycliffism, rather than affording women a greater range of opportunities than orthodox religion, reinforced long-standing disparities in learning and access. While acknowledging the reorientation under way in the field, this article argues that certain Wycliffite biblical commentaries—primarily the long English sermon cycle—address and authorize women in compelling ways. Prompted by a need to model its own exegetical practices, the sermon cycle invokes women as an internal audience invested with the hermeneutic authority to point readers toward the proper register of Christ's speech and thus to the meaning of enigmatic gospel texts. This mode, it is finally argued, makes sense in relation to Wyclif's own hermeneutic theorizations in De Veritate Sacrae Scripturae.
Mechanical Properties of Topologically Interlocked Structures with Elements Produced by Freeze Gelation of Ceramic Slurries
Authors: Krause T. , Molotnikov A. , Carlesso M. , Rente J. , Rezwan K. , Estrin Y. , Koch D.
Published: January 2012

In the present paper, the force‐fit connection of discrete ceramic components by means of geometrically interlocking surfaces is studied. These surfaces possess a concavo‐convex topology permitting assembly of structures in which each individual element is kinematically locked by its neighbors. Such structures have a tuneable bending stiffness, allow for large deformations and are tolerant to missing or destroyed elements. These properties of topologically interlocked structures make them particularly attractive in construction with brittle materials. The elements used were produced by freeze gelation of ceramic slurries, leading to near net shape with the coefficient of shrinkage below 3%. It is shown that planar assemblies of interlocked ceramic elements can withstand flexural deflections up to a ten‐fold of those a solid plate from the same material can sustain. The response of these structures to concentrated load can be divided into an elastic and a quasi‐plastic, i.e., irreversible, part. After the point of maximum load, the interlocked structures investigated were still able to withstand further deformation, whereas solid plates showed brittle failure.
Novel economizer for waste heat recovery in pasteurized milk production
Authors: Niamsuwan Sathit , Kittisupakorn Paisan , Mujtaba Iqbal M.
Published: January 2012

An economizer, one type of heat exchangers, is specifically named to carry out heat exchange between hot gas and water. It is considered in this work to provide heat recovery between exhaust gas and boiler's feed water. As it has been studied to obtain high heat recovery with several designs, here the economizer is devised with new approach to achieve the best heat recovery as well as economical applicability in an existing pasteurized milk plant. The new economizer is designed to divide an exhaust gas into two portions flowing up on the left and right of the economizes passing across aligned banks of tubes and then flowing down and up again in an unmixed‐triple pass fashion. The pressure drop and dew point temperature of corrosive acid depended on the fuel's type are also taken into account. Moreover, the mathematical models based on the energy equation in partial differential equations of two‐dimensional initial value problems have been developed to simulate the performance of the newly designed economizer. The observation data prove that the designed economizer can achieve the heat recovery of the exhaust gas up to 57% with the average of 38% and can save the consumption of liquefied petroleum gas of about 13%. © 2012 Curtin University of Technology and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A high performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometric method for the determination of mefenamic acid in human plasma: application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Mahadik Mahadeo , Dhaneshwar Sunil , Bhavsar Ravindra
Published: January 2012

In the present study, the development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for quantifying mefenamic acid in human plasma is described. The method involves liquid–liquid extraction using diclofenac as an internal standard (IS). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Thermo Hypurity C18, 50 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm column with a mobile phase consisting of 2 m m ammonium acetate buffer and methanol (pH 4.5 adjusted with glacial acetic acid; 15:85, v/v) at a flow‐rate of 0.75 mL/min and the total run time was 1.75 min. Analyte was introduced to the LC‐MS/MS using an atmospheric pressure ionization source. Both the drug and IS were detected in negative‐ion mode using multiple reaction monitoring m/z 240.0 → 196.3 and m/z 294.0 → 250.2, respectively, with a dwell time of 200 ms for each of the transitions. The standard curve was linear from 20 to 6000 ng/mL. This assay allows quantification of mefenamic acid at a concentration as low as 20 ng/mL in human plasma. The observed mean recovery was 73% for the drug. The applicability of this method for pharmacokinetic studies has been established after successful application during a 12‐subject bioavailibity study. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of a National Smoking Ban on Hospital Admission for Acute Coronary Syndromes: A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Cronin Edmond M. , Kearney Patricia M. , Kearney Peter P. , Sullivan Patrick , Perry Ivan J. ,   on behalf of the Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Registry (CHAIR) Working Group
Published: January 2012

Background:

A ban on smoking in the workplace was introduced in Ireland on March 29, 2004. As exposure to secondhand smoke has been implicated in the development of coronary disease, this might impact the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).

Hypothesis:

The smoking ban was associated with a decreased rate of hospital admissions for ACS.

Methods:

We analyzed data collected in a registry of all patients admitted to hospital with ACS in the southwest of Ireland, catchment population 620 525, from March 2003 until March 2007.

Results:

In the year following implementation of the ban, there was a significant 12% reduction in ACS admissions (177.9 vs 205.9/100,000; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 164.0‐185.1, P = 0.002). This reduction was due to fewer events occurring among men (281.5 vs 233.5, P = 0.0011) and current smokers (408 vs 302 admissions, P < 0.0001). There was no change in the rate of admissions for ACS in the following year (174.3/100,000; 95% CI: 164.0‐185.1, P > 0.1). However, a further 13% reduction was observed between March 2006 and March 2007 (149.2; 95% CI: 139.7‐159.2). Variation in admissions with time as a continuous variable also demonstrated a reduction on implementation of the smoking ban.

Conclusions:

A national ban on smoking in public places was associated with an early significant decrease in hospital admissions for ACS, suggesting a rapid effect of banning smoking in public places on ACS. A further reduction of similar magnitude 2 years after implementation of the ban is consistent with a longer‐term effect that should be further examined in long‐term studies.

No funding was received for this study. The Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Registry (CHAIR) is funded by the Department of Health and Children, which had no role in the design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, writing or revising of the report. IJP is chairman of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society. The other authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Inadequate Reporting of Concomitant Drug Treatment in Cardiovascular Interventional Head‐to‐Head Trials
Authors: Mahfoud Felix , Böhm Michael , Baumhäkel Magnus
Published: January 2012

Background:

Optimal revascularization strategy is still under debate in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly due to the results of the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial. Although medical prevention has been clearly shown to be beneficial in coronary artery disease, it has been suggested that patients were significantly undertreated with evidence‐based medications for cardiovascular protection.

Hypothesis:

The purpose of the study was to evaluate concomitant medical treatment in cardiovascular interventional head‐to‐head trials comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods:

A systematic search of the literature regarding documentation and reports of medical treatment in cardiovascular interventional head‐to‐head trials with more than 500 patients comparing CABG and PCI was performed.

Results:

Systematic research of the literature identified 2106 articles of potential interest. After review and selection, only 3 trials reported on medical treatment. Baseline medication was reported in the RITA (Randomized Intervention Treatment of Angina), CABRI (Coronary Angioplasty versus Bypass Revascularisation Investigation), and SYNTAX trials, and follow‐up data were provided by the CABRI and SYNTAX 3‐year trials only.

Conclusions:

Poor reporting of medical treatment at discharge might reflect an underestimation of secondary prevention in patients undergoing cardiac surgery or interventional procedures in head‐to‐head interventional trials. Thus, discussion of optimal revascularization procedure has to remain open, even in terms of concomitant medical treatment of patients.

Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article.

The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Multiple domains of human CLASP contribute to microtubule dynamics and organization in vitro and in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Patel Kieren , Nogales Eva , Heald Rebecca
Published: January 2012

Cytoplasmic linker associated proteins (CLASPs) comprise a class of microtubule (MT) plus end‐binding proteins (+TIPs) that contribute to the dynamics and organization of MTs during many cellular processes, among them mitosis. Human CLASP proteins contain multiple MT‐binding domains, including tumor over‐expressed gene (TOG) domains, and a Ser‐x‐Ile‐Pro (SxIP) motif known to target some +TIPs though interaction with end‐binding protein 1 (EB1). However, how individual domains contribute to CLASP function is poorly understood. We generated full‐length recombinant human CLASP1 and a series of truncation mutants and found that two N‐terminal TOG domains make the strongest contribution to MT polymerization and bundling, but also identified a third TOG domain that further contributes to CLASP activity. Plus end tracking by CLASP requires the SxIP motif and interaction with EB1. The C‐terminal coiled‐coil domain mediates dimerization and association with many other factors, including the kinetochore motor centromere protein E (CENP‐E), and the chromokinesin Xkid. Only the full‐length protein was able to rescue spindle assembly in Xenopus egg extracts depleted of endogenous CLASP. Deletion of the C‐terminal domain caused aberrant MT polymerization and dramatic spindle phenotypes, even with small amounts of added protein, indicating that proper localization of CLASP activity is essential to control MT polymerization during mitosis. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Diarylheterocycle Core Ring Features Effect in Selective COX‐1 Inhibition
Authors: Perrone Maria Grazia , Vitale Paola , Malerba Paola , Altomare Angela , Rizzi Rosanna , Lavecchia Antonio , Di Giovanni Carmen , Novellino Ettore , Scilimati Antonio
Published: January 2012

The COX‐1 isoenzyme plays a significant role in a variety of diseases, as it catalyzes the bioprocesses behind many health problems. Among the diarylheterocycle class of COX inhibitors, the isoxazole ring has been widely used as a central heterocycle for the preparation of potent and selective COX‐1 inhibitors such as P6 [3‐(5‐chlorofuran‐2‐yl)‐5‐methyl‐4‐phenylisoxazole]. The role of the isoxazole nucleus in COX‐1 inhibitor selectivity has been clarified by preparing a set of new diarylheterocycles with various heterocycle cores. Replacement of isoxazole with isothiazole or pyrazole gave a drastic decrease in COX‐1 inhibitory activity, whereas the introduction of an electron‐donating group (EDG) on theN‐aryl pyrazole allowed recovery of COX‐1 inhibitory activity and selectivity. The EDG‐equipped 5‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)‐3‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazole (17) selectively inhibits COX‐1 activity (IC50=3.4 μM; 28 % COX‐2 inhibition at 50 μM), in contrast to its inactive analogue, 3‐(furan‐2‐yl)‐1‐phenyl‐5‐(trifluoromethyl)‐1H‐pyrazole, which does not bear the methoxy EDG. Molecular docking studies of compound17into the binding site of COX‐1 shed light on its binding mode.
Silicone‐Supported Cinchona Alkaloid Derivatives as Insoluble Organocatalysts in the Enantioselective Dimerization of Ketenes
Authors: Cancogni Damiano , Mandoli Alessandro , Jumde Ravindra P. , Pini Dario
Published: January 2012

A straightforward procedure is presented for the covalentimmobilization of ester and silyl ether derivatives of theCinchona alkaloid 10,11‐dihydroquinidine within insoluble cross‐linked silicone elastomeric films. These materials were effective heterogeneous organocatalysts in the asymmetric dimerization of ketenes, which provided chiral Weinreb β‐ketoamides in 28–83 % yield and 79–99 % ee in the course of several recycles. A productivity/enantioselectivity protocol is also proposed to better assess the relative merits of soluble and supported asymmetric catalytic systems towards process intensification.
Impact of fullerene particle interaction on biochemical activities in fermenting Zymomonas mobilis
Authors: An Hongjie , Jin Bo
Published: January 2012

It has become a concern that increasing applications of fullerene (C60) particles for industrial and, in particular, medical practices can pose potential risks to the ecosystem because of their excellent ability for electron uptake and reactivity in living organisms. In the present study, the authors explored the molecular interactions between bacterial cells and C60 nanoparticles (nano-C60 aggregates and fullerenol) and their impact on biochemical activities of Zymomonas mobilis in a fermentation system. Experimental results showed that fullerenol demonstrated a considerable impact on cell damage and biochemical performance. The ethanol-producing Z. mobilis reacted with the C60 species and performed less ethanol production, while producing more organic acids. Microscopic observations indicated that the interactions between the bacterial cells and the fullerenols could damage cell membranes and remove cell compartments by vesicle exocytosis. The present study indicated that the exposure of C60 species can lead to microbial–nanoparticle interaction and a variation of metabolism. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:712–716. © 2012 SETAC
Genetic variance of tolerance and the toxicant threshold model
Authors: Tanaka Yoshinari , Mano Hiroyuki , Tatsuta Haruki
Published: January 2012

A statistical genetics method is presented for estimating the genetic variance (heritability) of tolerance to pollutants on the basis of a standard acute toxicity test conducted on several isofemale lines of cladoceran species. To analyze the genetic variance of tolerance in the case when the response is measured as a few discrete states (quantal endpoints), the authors attempted to apply the threshold character model in quantitative genetics to the threshold model separately developed in ecotoxicology. The integrated threshold model (toxicant threshold model) assumes that the response of a particular individual occurs at a threshold toxicant concentration and that the individual tolerance characterized by the individual's threshold value is determined by genetic and environmental factors. As a case study, the heritability of tolerance to p-nonylphenol in the cladoceran species Daphnia galeata was estimated by using the maximum likelihood method and nested analysis of variance (ANOVA). Broad-sense heritability was estimated to be 0.199 ± 0.112 by the maximum likelihood method and 0.184 ± 0.089 by ANOVA; both results implied that the species examined had the potential to acquire tolerance to this substance by evolutionary change. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:813–818. © 2012 SETAC
Risk assessment for adult butterflies exposed to the mosquito control pesticide naled
Authors: Bargar Timothy A.
Published: January 2012

A prospective risk assessment was conducted for adult butterflies potentially exposed to the mosquito control insecticide naled. Published acute mortality data, exposure data collected during field studies, and morphometric data (total surface area and fresh body weight) for adult butterflies were combined in a probabilistic estimate of the likelihood that adult butterfly exposure to naled following aerial applications would exceed levels associated with acute mortality. Adult butterfly exposure was estimated based on the product of (1) naled residues on samplers and (2) an exposure metric that normalized total surface area for adult butterflies to their fresh weight. The likelihood that the 10th percentile refined effect estimate for adult butterflies exposed to naled would be exceeded following aerial naled applications was 67 to 80%. The greatest risk would be for butterflies in the family Lycaenidae, and the lowest risk would be for those in the family Hesperidae, assuming equivalent sensitivity to naled. A range of potential guideline naled deposition levels is presented that, if not exceeded, would reduce the risk of adult butterfly mortality. The results for this risk assessment were compared with other risk estimates for butterflies, and the implications for adult butterflies in areas targeted by aerial naled applications are discussed. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:885–891. © 2012 SETAC
A New Stack to Validate Technical Solutions and Numerical Simulations
Authors: Boëdec T. , Reytier M. , Lhachemi D. , Tschumperlé D. , Louat P. , Di Iorio S. , Baurens P. , Delette G.
Published: January 2012

A new design of High Temperature Steam Electrolyzer (HTSE) based on metallic seals, associated to an insulating cell support and a flexible interconnect system has been proposed. In this work, complete simulations of this 3D design have been performed with ANSYS®‐FLUENT® software. The temperature repartition is determined by taking into account thermal exchanges, fluids movements, and electrochemical reactions. Moreover, due to stress relaxation mechanism, the flexible interconnect loading decreases during time, which may impact the contact resistance and the electrochemical solution. A possible degradation of the contact resistance with time is predicted by the simulation and its effect will be discussed according to some design parameters. Steam electrolysis tests have been conducted at 800 °C on this new design. The comparisons to the simulations are also presented. All these results obtained in this study lead to propose some recommendations for such a design.
Polymer‐free immobilization of a cyclic RGD peptide on a nitinol stent promotes integrin‐dependent endothelial coverage of strut surfaces
Authors: Joner Michael , Cheng Qi , Schönhofer‐Merl Sabine , Lopez Monica , Neubauer Stefanie , Mas‐Moruno Carlos , Laufer Burkhardt , Kolodgie Frank D. , Kessler Horst , Virmani Renu
Published: January 2012

This study examined the utility of a stabilized cyclic RGD peptide chemically modified to selectively bind to titanium‐oxide for enhanced biocompatibility of self‐expanding nitinol stents. Endothelial cells express integrin receptors that promote attachment to subendothelial matrix proteins. Integrin binding to arginine‐glycine‐aspartic acid (RGD) peptide derivatives mimic naturally occurring adherent interactions. Irreversible covalent surface coating of conventional nitinol stents with a cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide highly specific for integrin alpha v beta 3 might foster endothelialization after stent implantation. A selective cRGD peptide was irreversibly immobilized onto titanium oxide‐rich nitinol coupons or self‐expanding stents. Functionality of the engrafted RGD peptide was demonstrated using in vitro endothelial bioassays. A subsequent 7‐day in vivo endothelialization study was performed using cRGD‐coated self‐expanding nitinol stents in rabbits. cRGD peptide coating effectively promoted endothelial cell anchorage, migration, and proliferation confirmed by increased focal adhesions. Proof‐of‐concept studies of rabbit cRGD stent implants showed a significant increase in endothelial coverage above stent struts relative to stents coated with BSA (cRGD = 70.1 ± 21.9 vs. BSA = 49.9 ± 21.8%, p < 0.03). Immobilization of cRGD peptides on strut surfaces represents an innovative strategy to improve endothelialization, which may facilitate vascular healing after stent implantation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Chorioallantoic membrane for in vivo investigation of tissue‐engineered construct biocompatibility
Authors: Baiguera Silvia , Macchiarini Paolo , Ribatti Domenico
Published: January 2012

In tissue engineering approach, the scaffold plays a key role for a suitable outcome of cell‐scaffold interactions and for the success of tissue healing and regeneration. As a consequence, the characterization of scaffold properties and the in vivo evaluation of tissue responses and effects result to be essential in the development of suitable implantable device. Among the in vivo methods, the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay represents a rather simple and cost‐effective procedure to study the biocompatibility responses of graft materials. CAM is indeed characterized by low experiment costs, simplicity, relative speed in obtaining the expected results, limited ethical concern, no need of high‐level technical skill, and the absence of a mature immune system, resulting in an inexpensive, simple, and practical method to evaluate and characterize tissue‐engineered constructs. The results till now obtained suggest that CAM assay can be used as a pre‐screening assay, before in vivo animal studies, to determine whether the scaffold is liable to cause an adverse reaction and to evaluate its future enhancement of existing materials for tissue engineering. A review of the more recent results related to the use of CAM for in vivo biomaterial property evaluation is herein reported. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Incorporation of exudates of human platelet‐rich fibrin gel in biodegradable fibrin scaffolds for tissue engineering of cartilage
Authors: Chien Chi‐Sheng , Ho Hsiu‐O , Liang Yu‐Chih , Ko Pai‐Hung , Sheu Ming‐Thau , Chen Chien‐Ho
Published: January 2012

The goal of this study was to assess the incorporation of exudates of human platelet‐rich fibrin (hPRF) that is abundant in platelet cytokines and growth factors into biodegradable fibrin (FB) scaffolds as a regeneration matrix for promoting chondrocyte proliferation and re‐differentiation. hPRF was obtained from human blood by centrifugation without an anticoagulant, and the exudate of hPRF was collected and mixed with bovine fibrinogen, and then thrombin was added to form the FB scaffold. Proliferation and differentiation of human primary chondrocytes and a human chondrosarcoma cell line, the SW‐1353, embedded in the three‐dimensional (3D) scaffolds and on the two‐dimensional (2D) surface of the FB scaffolds so produced were evaluated in comparison with an agarose (AG) scaffold serving as the control. Results demonstrated that the amounts of these cytokines and growth factors in hPRF exudates were higher than those in the blood‐derived products except for TGF‐β1. Chondrocytes and SW1353 cells on the 2D and 3D FB scaffolds with the addition of the exudates of PRF exhibited more‐available proliferation and differentiation than cells on 2D and 3D FB and AG scaffolds. It was concluded that FB scaffolds can provide an appropriate environment for chondrocyte proliferation and re‐differentiation, and it could be improved by adding exudates of hPRF. These 3D scaffolds have great promise for cartilage tissue engineering. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
GMCT : A Monte Carlo simulation package for macromolecular receptors
Authors: Ullmann R. Thomas , Ullmann G. Matthias
Published: January 2012

Generalized Monte Carlo titration (GMCT) is a versatile suite of computer programs for the efficient simulation of complex macromolecular receptor systems as for example proteins. The computational model of the system is based on a microstate description of the receptor and an average description of its surroundings in terms of chemical potentials. The receptor can be modeled in great detail including conformational flexibility and many binding sites with multiple different forms that can bind different ligand types. Membrane embedded systems can be modeled including electrochemical potential gradients. Overall properties of the receptor as well as properties of individual sites can be studied with a variety of different Monte Carlo (MC) simulation methods. Metropolis MC, Wang‐Landau MC and efficient free energy calculation methods are included. GMCT is distributed as free open source software at www.bisb.uni‐bayreuth.de under the terms of the GNU Affero General Public License. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Healing of cutaneous wounds in a freshwater teleost, Labeo rohita: Scanning electron microscopical investigation
Authors: Rai Amita Kumari , Srivastava Nidhi , Nigam Ashwini Kumar , Kumari Usha , Mittal SWATI , Mittal Ajay Kumar
Published: January 2012

In this study, healing of cutaneous wounds in Labeo rohita using scanning electron microscope is reported. Wound area could be divided into three regions. Immediately after infliction of wound, edges retract exposing underlying tissues in wound gap (Region I). Simultaneously, at region close to wound edge (Region II), mucous goblet cell openings are observed with copious mucous secretions. Within 1 h, Region I gets covered by mucous secretions, and epidermis at edges starts migrating. Opposing fronts gradually advance and by 4–6 h come in contact to epithelialize wound gap. Zone of contact of fronts is demarcated by epidermal ridge, which is relatively prominent at 8 h. It gradually diminishes and is not distinguished at 24 h and afterward. At 1–4 h, microridges on epithelial cell surfaces appear irregularly arranged, widely spaced, short with abrupt ends at Region I; relatively extensive at Region II; and similar to those in controls at region surrounding Region II (Region III). At 12 h and afterward, microridges appear similar to those in controls at Regions I and II. At 1–2 h, isolated swollen epithelial cells, often in process of detachment and exfoliation at surface, are observed at Regions I and II. Such cells are infrequent at 8 h and afterward. Region I covered by migrated epidermis appears trough like at 4 h to 2 days, level of which gradually rises and at Day 4, surface of epidermis appears at a level similar to that at Regions II and III. Changes have been associated with the imbalance of osmotic homeostasis due to disruption of barrier between internal and external environment of skin. Microsc. Res. Tech. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Syntheses of deuterium‐labelled cholesteryl neoglycolipids
Authors: Lafont Dominique , Boullanger Paul , Gambetta Antoine
Published: January 2012

Four deuterium‐labelled neoglycolipids derived from cholesterol were synthesized for embedment into liposomes. Deuterium atoms were either incorporated by CH2 replacement with a CD2 group in the triethylene glycol spacer arm between the cholesteryl residue and the sugar moiety (products 2–4) or incorporated directly on the acetamido function in the sugar head (compound 5).
Comparison Between Two Different Synthetic Routes of Pyrrolidinium Functional Polymeric Ionic Liquids
Authors: Jovanovski Vasko , Cabañero German , Grande Hans , Mecerreyes David
Published: January 2012

Summary: Two separate synthetic routes of preparation of new pyrrolidinium‐based polymeric ionic liquids were compared. The first method utilized the modification of a commercial poly(diallyldimethylammonium) chloride via a direct anion exchange with several anions. The second route involved the anion exchange leading to several diallyldimethylammonium ionic liquid monomers having different anions and a subsequent polymerization. The latter method is particularly interesting for attaining tunable copolymers according to the desired properties of PILs. Both methods successfully resulted in ionic liquid polymers that are finding their way in a wide range of emerging applications.
Conductive Composites Based on Metallocene Isotactic Poly(propylene): Preparation and Properties
Authors: Djoumaliisky Strashimir , Benavente Rosario , Kotzev Georgi , Vulchev Vassil , Krusteva Ekaterina , Krastev Rumen
Published: January 2012

Summary: The research deals with the preparation and the further comprehensive characterization of metallocene polypropylene‐based composite materials by incorporation of carbon black nanoparticles. Composites containing up to 10 wt% of carbon black were prepared by direct melt mixing in a single screw extruder Brabender Extrusiograph type 30/25D with attached static mixer at melt temperature of 200 °C and a screw speed of 30 rpm, according to a two‐step process. Some composites were treated with 3 wt% maleic anhydride grafted polypropylene (MAH‐PP). The rheological behaviour of the miPP nanocomposites was determined by cone/plate rheological measurements at 180 °C. The composites were characterized by SEM for morphological details and uniaxial stress‐strain measurements for determining the mechanical parameters. Electric conductivity of injection molded plates from these composites was investigated. The different miPPs studied are ranked in an ascending order according to their increasing molecular weight concerning the magnitude of their rheological parameters. The maleic anhydride compatibilizer leads to lower viscosity values even at high shear gradients and to better homogenization of the nanofiller in the polymer matrix. The processing conditions, carbon black concentration and viscosity of the virgin polymer have an impact on the final conductivity of the miPP/carbon black composites.
Apparent diffusion coefficient of hyperpolarized 3He with minimal influence of the residual gas in small animals
Authors: Carrero‐González L. , Kaulisch T. , Ruiz‐Cabello J. , Pérez‐Sánchez J. M. , Peces‐Barba G. , Stiller D. , Rodríguez I.
Published: January 2012

The apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) of hyperpolarized (HP) gases is a parameter that reflects changes in lung microstructure. However, ADC is dependent on many physiological and experimental variables that need to be controlled or specified in order to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of this parameter. A single breath‐hold experiment is desirable in order to reduce the amount of consumed HP gas. The application of a positive end‐expiratory pressure (PEEP) causes an increase in the residual gas volume. Depending on the applied PEEP, the ratio between the incoming and residual gas volumes will change and the ADC will vary, as long as both gases do not have the same diffusion coefficient. The most standard method for human applications uses air for breathing and a bolus of pure HP 3He for MRI data acquisition. By applying this method in rats, we have demonstrated that ADC values are strongly dependent on the applied PEEP, and therefore on the residual gas volume in the lung. This outcome will play an important role in studies concerning certain diseases, such as emphysema, which is characterized by an increase in the residual volume. Ventilation with an oxygen–helium mixture (VOHeM) is a proposed single breath‐hold method that uses two different gas mixtures (O2–4He for ventilation and HP 3He–N2 for imaging). The concentration of each gas in its respective mixture was calculated in order to obtain the same diffusion coefficient in both mixtures. ADCs obtained from VOHeM are independent of PEEP, thus minimizing the effect of the different residual volumes. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
DECENTRALISATION AND CORRUPTION REVISITED: EVIDENCE FROM A NATURAL EXPERIMENT
Authors: Asthana Anand N.
Published: January 2012

Decentralisation of powers and responsibilities from a higher to a lower level of government has been held out as an answer to a multitude of diverse political challenges. It is often assumed that as an organising principle, decentralisation reduces corruption by bringing government closer to the people. This article adds to the small literature dealing with the relationship between decentralisation and corruption by examining decentralisation of water supply from one level of sub‐national government to another. It extends this literature by considering a dynamic situation and examining whether the relationship changes over time. The area of study covers the rural and semi‐urban areas of two large Indian states. The study compares the level of corruption in piped water supply schemes run by centralised agencies and decentralised agencies. The study is based on experiential, not perception‐based corruption measures We find that decentralisation increases corruption significantly in the immediate aftermath of decentralisation. At the same time, we observe that with time, this increase in corruption is reduced substantially, although the increase persists in the medium term. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with the initiation of proton pump inhibitors in corticosteroid users
Authors: Munson Jeffrey C. , Wahl Peter M. , Daniel Gregory , Kimmel Stephen E. , Hennessy Sean
Published: January 2012

Purpose

Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and corticosteroids are commonly prescribed drugs; however, each has been associated with fracture and community‐acquired pneumonia. How physicians select patients for co‐therapy may have implications for potential additive or synergistic toxicities.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 13 749 incident corticosteroid users with no prior PPI exposure using the HealthCore Integrated Research DatabaseSM. We used logistic regression to evaluate the association between PPI initiation in the first 30 days of steroid therapy and corticosteroid dose, clinical risk factors including comorbid diseases, and medication use including prescription nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).

Results

A new PPI prescription within 30 days of starting corticosteroids was filled by 1050 patients (7.6%). PPI use was associated with the number of baseline comorbid conditions (OR = 1.21 for each additional condition, 95%CI = 1.13–1.28), recent hospitalization (OR = 4.71, 95%CI = 4.02–5.52), prednisone dose higher than 40 mg/day (OR = 1.87, 95%CI = 1.45–2.41), history of gastroesophageal reflux or gastric ulcer disease (OR = 1.54, 95%CI = 1.24–1.91), renal insufficiency (OR = 2.06, 95%CI = 1.73–2.46), and liver disease (OR = 1.82, 95%CI = 1.45–2.28). The concomitant use of prescription NSAIDs was also associated with PPI use (OR = 1.89, 95%CI = 1.32–2.70); however, the total use of PPIs in this group was low (6.3%, 95%CI = 4.4–8.2%).

Conclusions

Overall, PPI therapy among corticosteroid users was uncommon, even among those with risk factors for gastrointestinal toxicity. PPI use was significantly more common among patients who had recently been hospitalized, had a greater burden of comorbid illness, or were receiving high daily doses of corticosteroids. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Factors associated with positive consequences of serving as a family caregiver for a terminal cancer patient
Authors: Kang Jina , Shin Dong Wook , Choi Ji Eun , Sanjo Makiko , Yoon Soo Jin , Kim Hwan Kyun , Oh Myoung Suk , Kwen Hyang Suk , Choi Hae Young , Yoon Wook Hee
Published: January 2012

Background

We examined factors associated with positive consequences for family members who served as caregivers of terminal cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a nationwide cross‐sectional survey of 501 bereaved family members who served as caregivers for terminal cancer patients. The main outcomes were measured by the previously developed Caregiving Consequences Inventory, which assesses perceived rewards and burdens of caregiving.

Results

Bereaved family caregivers reported high levels of perceived rewards and burden. Among the characteristics of bereaved family members, older age, female gender, and having a religion were associated with some domains of perceived rewards, but being a spouse of a patient was negatively associated with some domains of perceived rewards. Caregiver depression or perceived burden did not affect positive consequences of caregiving. However, receiving bereavement care was significantly associated with positive outcome in all four perceived reward domains (sense of mastery [adjusted odds ratio {aOR} = 1.69; 95% CI, 1.05–2.70]; appreciation for others [aOR = 2.19; 95% CI, 1.27−3.76]; meaning in life [aOR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.13–2.89]; and reprioritization about his/her life [aOR = 2.02; 95% CI, 1.27–3.19]).

Conclusions

Family caregivers of terminal cancer patients experience burdens, but caregiving also has positive consequences. This study has important implications for the development of bereavement interventions that aim to encourage positive outcomes and reduce negative outcomes for caregivers.

Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Electronic properties of asymmetrical quantum dots dressed by laser field
Authors: Kibis O. V. , Slepyan G. Ya. , Maksimenko S. A. , Hoffmann A.
Published: January 2012

In the present paper, we demonstrate theoretically that the strong non‐resonant interaction between asymmetrical quantum dots (QDs) and a laser field results in harmonic oscillations of their band gap. It is shown that such oscillations change the spectrum of elementary electron excitations in QDs: in the absence of the laser pumping there is only one resonant electron frequency, but QDs dressed by the laser field have a set of electron resonant frequencies. One expects that this modification of elementary electron excitations in QDs can be observable in optical experiments.
Ab initio approach to the rate of radiative electron trapping and electron–hole recombination in B‐, C‐, and N‐doped anatase
Authors: Zhukov V. P. , Chulkov E. V.
Published: January 2012

We propose a first‐principle method for evaluating the rate of radiative electron–hole recombination and electron trapping on impurities in semiconductors. The method is based on the Einstein–Planck theory of photon modes and the perturbation theory with dipole approximation for the electron–field interaction. The calculations employing the LMTO‐TB band structure method have been done for anatase doped with boron, carbon, and nitrogen. We find that the doping cannot induce radiative processes of electron trapping or electron–hole recombination.
Silibinin Regulates Gene Expression, Production and Secretion of Mucin from Cultured Airway Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kim Kil‐Dong , Lee Hyun Jae , Lim Seung Pyong , Sikder Md. Asaduzzaman , Lee Su Yel , Lee Choong Jae
Published: January 2012

We investigated whether silibinin significantly affects gene expression, production and secretion of mucin from cultured airway epithelial cells. Confluent NCI‐H292 cells were pretreated with silibinin for 30 min and then stimulated with epidermal growth factor (EGF), phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) or TNF‐α for 24 h. The MUC5AC mucin gene expression and mucin protein production were measured by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The effect of silibinin on TNF‐α‐induced activation of NF‐κB p65 was also examined. Confluent primary rat tracheal surface epithelial (RTSE) cells were pretreated with adenosine triphosphate (ATP) for 5 min and then treated for 30 min in the presence of silibinin to assess the effect on mucin secretion using ELISA. The results were as follows: (i) silibinin inhibited the expression of the MUC5AC mucin gene induced by EGF, PMA or TNF‐α from NCI‐H292 cells; (ii) silibinin also inhibited the production of MUC5AC mucin protein induced by the same inducers from NCI‐H292 cells; (iii) silibinin inhibited the activation of NF‐κB p65 by TNF‐α in NCI‐H292 cells; (iv) silibinin significantly decreased ATP‐induced mucin secretion from cultured RTSE cells. This result suggests that silibinin can regulate gene expression, production and secretion of mucin by directly acting on airway epithelial cells. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.