bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Toward realization of the promise of regenerative medicine
Authors: Wakao Hiroshi 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Somatic cell nuclear transfer allows the generation of cloned embryonic stem cells (ESC) and cloned mice from natural killer T (NKT) cells, an innate-type invariant T cell. The progeny of these cloned mice harboring a rearranged T cell receptor α loci specific for NKT cells, Vα14-Jα18, possess an increased number of NKT cells in the primary as well as in the secondary lymphoid organs. NKT cells in these mice are able to produce interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) when stimulated with dendritic cells (DC) pulsed with an NKT cell agonist, α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer). The directed differentiation of cloned ESC toward T cells results in quasi-exclusive generation of NKT cells. These NKT cells are functional as evidenced by the production of cytokines such as IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-10, and IL-13 in response to α-GalCer. Furthermore, they mature autonomously in vivo upon adoptive transfer, and exhibit an antigen-specific adjuvant effect, resulting in IFN-γ production from CD8+ T cells. This effect is evident when the growth of tumors is inhibited in an antigen-dependent manner upon tumor inoculation into the mouse. Unfortunately, in humans, NKT cells are rare, and there is no guarantee that the same technique will be applicable for use in the clinic. We, therefore, exploited a different type of T cells in humans. We established induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) from these T cells, and succeeded in directed differentiation of the iPSC into monoclonal T cells. The availability of iPSC-derived monoclonal T cells paves the way for their use in regenerative medicine. In addition, they will be useful for drug screening to target unmet medical needs such as autoimmunity, severe infection, allergy, and cancer.
Inhibition of Stat3 by peptide aptamer rS3-PA enhances growth suppressive effects of irinotecan on colorectal cancer cells
Authors: Weber Axel , Borghouts Corina , Delis Natalia , Mack Laura , Brill Boris , Bernard Anne-Charlotte , Coqueret Olivier , Groner Bernd 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Cytotoxic agents, alone or in combination, are being used in the treatment of colorectal cancer. Despite progress in the therapeutic regimes, this common malignancy is still the cause of considerable morbidity and mortality, and further improvements are required. Cancer cells often exhibit intrinsic resistance against chemotherapeutic agents or they develop resistance over the time of treatment. Several mechanisms have been made responsible, e.g., drugs may fail to reach tumor cells or drugs may fail to elicit cytotoxicity. The molecular characterization of drug resistance in cancer cells may lead to strategies to overcome it and enhance the sensitivity to chemotherapy. Irinotecan is one of the main treatments of colorectal cancer; it is converted into its active metabolite SN38 and acts as a topoisomerase I inhibitor. Inhibition of this enzyme prevents DNA relegation following uncoiling. Irinotecan has been used as a chemotherapeutic agent either as a single agent or in combination with 5-fluorouracil and targeted therapies directed against the epidermal growth factor receptor, such as cetuximab. The transcription factor signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a member of the signal transducer and activator of transcription protein family. Its persistent activation is found in tumor cells and has been associated with drug and radiation resistance. The treatment of colorectal cancer cells with irinotecan leads to senescence or apoptosis following DNA double-strand break induction. This process is impaired by the activation of Stat3. We have derived a Stat3 specific peptide aptamer [recombinant Stat3 inhibitory peptide aptamer (rS3-PA)] that recognizes the dimerization domain of Stat3 and effectively inhibits its function. The delivery of rS3-PA into colon cancer cells and the resulting inhibition of Stat3 strongly enhanced the cytotoxic action of SN38. These data show that the targeted inhibition of Stat3 decreases drug resistance and enhances SN38-mediated cell death. The combination of these agents has a potent antitumor effect and could become beneficial for the treatment of patients with colorectal cancer.
Functional relevance of transmembrane domains in membrane fusion
Authors: Nikolaus Jörg , Herrmann Andreas 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Membrane fusion is ubiquitous in life. Fusion of biological membranes is mediated by specialized fusion proteins anchored to the bilayers destined to fuse. Here we describe these proteins as being instrumental in viral, intracellular and developmental fusion. Next, we review experimental and theoretical evidence that points to fusion in the different systems as following a common ‘fusion through hemifusion’ pathway. We also focus on the structure and dynamics of the transmembrane segment that anchors the fusion proteins to the bilayer, and its role in driving fusion. In particular, we highlight the influence of this single segment on the surrounding membrane lipids and on the overall shape of the membrane along the way to fusion.
Influence of Element Re on Creep Behavior of Single Crystal Nickel-Based Superalloys at Intermediate Temperature
Authors: Tian Sugui , Meng Xianlin , Zeng Zeng , Zhang Chao , Liu Chen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractBy means of creep curves measurement and microstructure observation, an investigation has been made into the influence of the element Re on creep behaviors of single crystal nickel-base superalloy at intermediate temperature. Results show that, after fully heat treated, microstructure of the alloy consists of the cubic γ′ phase embedded coherent in the γ matrix. Comparing with Re-free superalloy, 4.5% Re alloy displays a better creep resistance and longer creep rupture life in the ranges of the applied stresses and temperatures. After crept for 425 h up to fracture at 760 °C/800 MPa, the γ′ phase in the alloy keeps still the regular cubical configuration, which is attributed to the effect of the element Re decreasing the diffusing rate of other elements during creep. The deformation features of the alloy during creep are that the dislocations move in the γ matrix channels and shear into the γ′ phase, the 〈110〉 super-dislocation shearing into the γ′ phase may be decomposed to form the configuration of (1/3)〈112〉 super-Shockleys partials plus the stacking fault, which may hinder dislocations movement and restrain the cross-slipping of dislocations. This is thought to be the main reason of the alloy having a better creep resistance. In the latter stage of creep, the crack is firstly initiated in the interface of γ′/γ phases and propagated along the interface vertical to the stress axis up to the occurrence of the creep fracture, which is thought to be the fracture mechanism of the alloy during creep.
Dissolution Characteristics and Morphology of Large-sized Scorodite Particles Synthesized from Fe(II) and As(V) in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Fujieda S. , Shinoda K. , Inanaga T. , Abumiya M. , Suzuki S. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA novel process for preparing scorodite particles with a diameter of approximately 20 µm from Fe(II) and As(V) in aqueous solution has been developed by DOWA Metals and Mining. In the present study, the dissolution characteristics of iron and arsenic from the scorodite particles synthesized by this process have been investigated under different conditions. The results show that the concentration of arsenic dissolved from the particles in aqueous solution is very low, but it has a complicated dependence on the temperature and pH of the solution. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with an energy dispersive X-ray spectrometer (EDS) was used to analyze the morphology, structure, and composition of the scorodite particles. The results indicate that the scorodite particles exhibit a nearly octahedral shape with planes composed of almost (111) planes in the orthorhombic structure. The concentration of iron at the surface of the particles is higher than that of iron inside of the particles. This characteristic morphology, along with the minimal surface defects of the scorodite particles, is considered to be responsible for the low dissolution of arsenic from the particles in aqueous solution. Atmospheric temperature and solution conditions were also found to be important for the safe, long-term storage of arsenic using scorodite particles.
Preparation of Polycrystalline CdTe Films by Annealing of Amorphous Films Electrodeposited from Ammoniacal Alkaline Baths
Authors: Miyake Masao , Sugiura Takashi , Hirato Tetsuji 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA new route to prepare polycrystalline CdTe films using electrodeposition of amorphous Cd-Te films and subsequent annealing was investigated. Amorphous Cd-Te films with Te-rich compositions could be electrodeposited from ammoniacal alkaline aqueous solutions. The deposition rate of the amorphous film was much higher than that of crystalline CdTe. Annealing of the Te-rich amorphous Cd-Te film at 400 °C in air yielded a crystallized CdTe film with a nearly stoichiometric composition. Thermodynamic calculations of the vapor pressures of Cd and Te species suggested that the decrease in the Te content of the annealed film was due to the vaporization of Te in the forms of oxides. Although an isothermal annealing generated a number of large holes in the film, an annealing with a slow temperature ramp resulted in a crystalline CdTe film without the large holes.
A Review of the Factors Affecting the Thermophysical Properties of Silicate Slags
Authors: Mills KC , Yuan L , Li Z , Zhang GH , Chou KC 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThis paper is dedicated to the memory of the of Prof. Masanori Iwase and his life and work. The factors which affect the thermo-physical properties of silicate and aluminno-silicate slags are reviewed. These include (i) the polymerisation of the silicate network (ii) various cation effects and (iii) temperature. Of these, the degree of polymerisation of the silicate network (expressed here through the parameter Q (= 4-NBO/T)) is the most important and the viscosity (η), electrical resistivity and thermal conductivity all increase as Q increases. Various ways in which different cations affect the properties are considered for each individual property viz. the -M-O bond strength affects (i) liquidus temperature (ii) activity coefficient of SiO2 and (iii) thermal expansion coefficient and whereas both the size and number of available cations affect the electrical conductivity and resistivity.The following observations were made:
There is less scatter in property data for liquid slags at a specific temperature than that for the liquidus temperature.The relation between Arrhenius parameters, lnA and B for viscosity and electrical resistivity is non-linear.The magnitude of the thermal conductivity (k) in solid slags is related to the rigidity of silicate network and the rapid decrease in k with increasing temperature occurs at a temperature where the viscosity reaches η = 106 dPas.The introduction of Al2O3 into the silicate chain results in significant changes to the propertiesThe ways in which the various properties can be calculated from chemical composition are outlined.
Thermodynamic Analysis of the Sulphation Roasting of Enargite Concentrates
Authors: Chambers B. , Pickles C. A. , Peacey J. G. 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe mining industry is under increasing pressure to assess the extraction of value from complex copper ores, such as those containing enargite (Cu3AsS4), due to the rising demand for copper and gold. A sulphation roast, weak acid leach, and electrowinning process flowsheet has been studied to address the treatment of copper concentrates containing significant amounts of enargite. Copper is recovered from the calcine by acid leaching, with most of the arsenic being fixed in the leach residue after gold extraction by cyanidation. The relative simplicity of roasting combined with proven hydrometallurgical technologies has the potential to be economically advantageous and readily scaled for commercial operation. Based on a proposed reaction mechanism, a thermodynamic analysis has been performed using HSC Chemistry® 6.1 in order to establish an operating window and assess the overall potential feasibility of the proposed flowsheet.
Thermodynamics of Phosphorus Removal from Silicon in Solvent Refining of Silicon
Authors: Khajavi Leili Tafaghodi , Barati Mansoor 
Published: October 2012

AbstractRefining of silicon for solar applications using metallurgical approaches has attracted a considerable attention in the recent years. The present study involves employing solvent refining as a purification technique in which silicon recrystallization takes place from an iron-silicon alloy melt. It is believed that iron will perform as the impurity “getter” and purified silicon crystals grow from the alloy melt, while the impurities are segregated to the liquid alloy. The focus of this article is on removal of phosphorus, as a critical impurity in solar silicon. In order to assess the feasibility and efficiency of phosphorus removal through solvent refining, the distribution of phosphorus between solid Si and Fe-Si melt at 1483–1583 K (1210–1310 °C) was measured. Interaction parameter between phosphorus and iron was calculated by varying the concentration of phosphorus at each temperature.
In-Situ Sensors for Liquid Metal Quality
Authors: Guthrie Roderick , Isac Mihaiela 
Published: October 2012

AbstractThe development of effective methods for directly measuring liquid metal quality, prior to casting and final solidification, has long been a goal for Process Metallurgists. For aluminum, which is generally much cleaner than steel, it is first necessary to concentrate the inclusions by filtering the metal through a porous frit, before then freezing the remaining metal, and subjecting it to microscopic examination (e.g. PoDFA). An alternative method is to take a sample of metal, freeze it, and then dissolve the metal to release the particles (inclusions) through elutriation (the Slime Technique). The only true on-line, in-situ, methods are the Ultrasonic Liquid Metal Sensors (such as the Mansfield Molten Metal Sensor), and the Electric Sensing Zone Methods (such as LiMCA and ESZ-pas).Currently, perhaps the most reliable, but least satisfying, technique is to wait for customer complaints to identify problems. JFE has developed an ultrasonic, on-line, system that registers larger inclusion clusters in rolled steel sheets as they are produced. Alternatively, many steelmakers will use PDA (Pulse Discrimination Analysis) on a small surface of solid steel, to arrive at conclusions concerning inclusions less than 10 microns. Unfortunately, this ignores the much larger inclusions normally present within a steel melt that are responsible for compromising metal properties.The late Professor Iwase was a strong believer in the development of good techniques and methods to monitor and control metallurgical processes, including those related to metal quality. This review is dedicated to his memory, and to his strength of perseverance.
Oxidation of Pure Solid CaS with Ar-O2 Gas Mixture
Authors: Kobayashi K. , Hiraki T. , Nagasakaki T. 
Published: October 2012

Synopsis
Oxidation behavior of CaS in oxidizing atmosphere has been investigated for the regeneration process of desulfurization slag by oxidation. The temperature range of oxidation of CaS reagent with Ar-21%O2 gas was 973 to 1423 K. The weight gain was observed in the lower temperature range and reached at the maximum value at 1173 K while weight gain turned to decrease when the reaction temperature was higher than 1173 K. It was clarified that CaS was oxidized to CaSO4 under 1173 K or to CaO over 1373 K by the measurement of oxidation rate, XRD and thermodynamic analysis. The results strongly suggested that sulfur removal from the sulfur containing slag may be possible at temperatures of 1223 K or higher by the oxidation of with air.
The national perinatal mortality rate in the State of Qatar during 2011; trends since 1990 and comparative analysis with selected high-income countries: The PEARL Study Project*
Authors: Nimeri Nuha , Rahman Sajjad , El Tinay Sarah , El Ansari Walid , Tamano Emirah A. , Sellami Soumaya , Salameh Khalil , Shaddad Affaf , Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Bener Abdulbari 
Published: October 2012

Abstract

Objective: To prospectively ascertain Qatar’s national perinatal mortality rate (PMR) during 2011, compare it with recent data from selected high-income countries, and analyze trends in Qatar’s PMR between 1990 and 2011 using historical data.

Study design: A national prospective cohort study.

Methods: National data on live births, stillbirths, and early neonatal mortality (day 0–6) were collected from all public and private maternity units in Qatar (1st January–December 31st 2011) and compared with historical perinatal mortality data (1990–2010) ascertained from the database of maternity and neonatal units of Women’s Hospital and annual reports of Hamad Medical Corporation (HMC). For inter-country comparison, country data were extracted from the World Health Statistics published by WHO in 2011 and from the European Perinatal Health Report published by the Europeristat project in 2008.

Results: A total of 20,725 births (20,583 live births plus 142 stillbirths) were recorded during the study period. Qatar’s national PMR during 2011 was 9.55 [early neonatal mortality rate (ENMR) 2.7 and stillbirth rate (SBR) 6.85], which was a significant improvement from a PMR of 13.2 in 1990 [risk ratio (RR) 0.72, 95% confidence interval 0.58–0.89, P=0.002]. This improvement in PMR was more significant in ENMR (P<0.001) than in SBR (P=0.019). The stillbirths constituted 55% of PMR in 1990, which increased to 71.72% of PMR during 2011. The RR of PMR had a significant downwards trend between 1990 and 2011 (P=0.016). Qatar’s 2011 PMR, SBR, and ENMR are comparable to those of selected high-income counties.

Conclusions: Qatar’s PMR, ENMR, and SBR have significantly improved between 1990 and 2011, and are currently comparable to those of selected high-income countries. An in-depth research to assess the correlates and determinants of stillbirth and perinatal mortality in Qatar is indicated.
European Governance: On the Relationship Between Democratic and Non-democratic Deliberation Within the European Multi-level System
Authors: Bieling Hans-Jürgen 
Published: October 2012

AbstractA few scholars regard the European Union and its specific forms of governance as an experimental ground for the development of democratic structures and processes beyond the nation-state. Over the past years, the debate has been strongly affected by representatives of a theory of deliberative democracy who – often following the conceptual reflections of Jürgen Habermas – emphasize the communicative potential of reason inherent to European networks of deliberation and decision-making. The present article addresses the question of whether or rather to what extent the theory of deliberative democracy conceives and interprets the non-democratic character of the forms of European network governance in an appropriate way. The article argues that this is only partly the case. On the one hand, the developed theoretical perspective is instructive to focus on the procedural political-institutional embeddedness of deliberative policy-making; on the other hand, the theory of deliberative democracy is analytically too weak in order to identify the political economic and political sociological causes of the non-democratic quality of European network governance.
Mosaic Structure in the Spines of Holopneustes porossisimus
Authors: Kelm Klemens , Goetz Andreas , Sehrbrock Angelika , Irsen Stephan , Hoffmann Ramona , Schmahl Wolfgang W. , Griesshaber Erika 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Sea urchin spines of Holopneustes porossisimus are porous single crystals, with the pores being filled with a material rich in carbon, silicon, fluorine and sodium. The magnesian calcite constituting the spine is highly strained. Even though the spines appear to be single crystalline on a macroscopic scale, the calcitic material exhibits an extended defect network. We find dislocations as well as rotational and other, not yet identified boundaries. We also observe within spine calcite a patterned distribution of sulphur. Both distributions, that of the defect network and that of sulphur resemble in their pattern to each other and have a similar mesh size of 50 nm. We conclude from these observations that they arise from the growth process of the spine and account for the mosaicity within the spine single crystals.
Actual State of Technology in Direct Carbon Fuel Cells
Authors: Desclaux Pauline , Rzepka Matthias , Stimming Ulrich , Hempelmann Rolf 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
At medium term, electricity could be partially provided by the utilization of carbon in high temperature fuel cells. The thermodynamic efficiency of a direct carbon fuel cell (DCFC) slightly exceeds 100% in a wide temperature range due to the positive value of the reaction entropy change. Thus, the thermodynamic efficiency is higher than those of conventional fuel cell types for gaseous fuels.

In DCFC technology, three different main electrolyte concepts are used up to now: two types of liquid salt electrolytes (molten carbonate or molten hydroxide) and a solid oxide electrolyte (solid ceramic layer). For instance, it has been reported that power densities up to 210 mW cm-2 can been achieved at 750 ºC in a molten carbonate based cell, resulting to a real practical efficiency of about 60%. Recently, also combined technologies have been developed in which a maximum power density of 500 mW cm-2 is possible. In this paper, the actual state of technology will be discussed for the different concepts of direct carbon fuel cells.
High-Field EPR Spectroscopic Characterization of Spin Probes in Aqueous Ionic Liquid Mixtures
Authors: Kattnig Daniel R. , Akdogan Yasar , Bauer Christian , Hinderberger Dariush 
Published: October 2012

Abstract
Binary mixtures of the hydrophilic room temperature ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([bmim+][BF4
-]) and water have been probed using high-field/high-frequency electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. By adding nitroxide radicals as paramagnetic tracers, the solution structure could be assessed from typical solutes' points of view. Three probe molecules, differing in charge and hydrogen bonding affinity, have been employed: the dianionic Fremy's salt, amphiphilic TEMPO, and hydrophilic TEMPOL. High-field pulse EPR spectroscopy has been used to determine hyperfine interaction tensors and g-matrices under cryogenic conditions. Polarity-proticity plots reveal the interaction of the nitroxide moiety with apolar (TEMPO) and ionic (FS) nano-domains, depending on the probe structure. Only small variations are observed on changing the water content suggesting that the probes are well shielded from aqueous subdomains. The results indicate that addition of water in fact stabilizes IL-rich mesostructures by embedding them in pools of water.