bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Cement Microstructure for the Immobilization of Nuclear Waste Using Advanced Imaging Methods
Authors: Engelberg D.L. , Duff J.A. , Murray L. , Dodds L. , Mobasher N. , Withers P.J. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTA range of advanced imaging techniques have been brought together to provide a comprehensive picture of cement microstructure for nuclear waste immobilization. Image analysis of Nirex Reference Vault Backfill (NRVB) has been used to characterize the Calcium-Silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) matrix fraction. Through weight loss measurements and digital image correlation of OPC-based cement blends we have quantified the development of microstructure surface strains during the initial 48 hrs hardening period. The build-up of displacements on the microstructure scale indicated grain-like compressive areas, surrounded by a network of tensile regions. Serial sectioning of NRVB using ultra-microtome cutting has been explored for advanced high-resolution 3D microstructure characterization, while X-ray Computed Tomography (XCT) has been used to obtain information of the 3-D pore space and size distribution of air pores in NRVB non-destructively.
Limitations on Roll Based Microcontact Printing Imposed by Variations in Macro Scale Stamp Dimensions
Authors: Petrzelka Joseph E. , Hardt David E. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTMicrocontact printing is a versatile patterning technique, but is often limited by deformation of the stamp pattern. This paper examines the sensitivity of stamp pressure distributions to variations in displacement when the microcontact printing stamp is mounted on a rigid roll. To this end, we examine analytic and numeric solutions to the contact problem and verify our models with experimental data. Using these results, we provide insight to process limits imposed by dimensional errors in the printing system.
Electroplate-and-Lift (E&L) Lithography on Reusable, Patterned Ultrananocrystalline Diamond (UNCD) Templates for Rapid Prototyping of Micro- and Nanowires.
Authors: Jones Dylan , Lepak Lori A. , Sumant Anirudha V. , Divan Ralu , Auciello Orlando , Seley David B. , Dissing Daniel A. , Miller Suzanne , Rosenmann Daniel , Daniels Ephriam , Gervais Ruth , Zach Michael P. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTAs device sizes are scaled down nearly to their atomic limits, the development of economically viable methods which may continue to improve device performance in accordance with Moore’s Law becomes ever more challenging. The recently developed technique of Electroplate-and-Lift (E&L) lithography promises to be an inexpensive, widely applicable method for the reproducible, controlled fabrication of micro- and nanostructures. In this study, E&L is applied to the fabrication of patterned copper micro- and nanowires as a model system. Copper wires with diameters ranging from 10 m to 200 nm have been produced using a single ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD)TM template, by varying only the electroplating time.To quantify the relationship between copper wire diameter and deposition time, wires were electroplated at -0.4 V vs. the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) for durations between 2.5 and 160 s, then imaged by optical microscopy and/or scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Images were analyzed by identifying wire segments with ImageJ and examining the statistical distribution of wire diameters using Excel. This analysis verified theoretical predictions of a linear dependence between mean wire diameter and the square root of growth time.
Enhanced Open Circuit Voltage in Aluminum Confined Post-Annealing of poly(3-hexylthiophene)/fullerene Bulk Heterojunction Solar Cells under Electric Field
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Dutta Pavel , Bommisetty Venkat 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe effect of an external electric field during post-annealing on the device characteristics of poly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and phenyl-C61butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) bulk heterojunction solar cells was studied. The application of external electric field in forward bias resulted in significant enhancement in Voc and fill factor whereas devices annealed under reverse bias had an enhanced Jsc. Both forward and reverse bias annealing increased the shunt resistance. The Al - blend interface topography and carrier dynamics were studied using conducting atomic force microscopy and frequency dependent intensity modulated photocurrent spectroscopy (IMPS). The results indicate that post-annealing under external electric field can be used to engineer the interface composition to enhance the charge transport in bulk heterojunction solar cells to improve the device performance.
Electron energy and geometry parameters of InGaAs/GaAs quantum rings: an interpretation of C-V data
Authors: Filikhin I. , Suslov V. M. , Wu M. , Dukic M. , Melikyan H. , Vlahovic B. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWe investigate the electronic properties of InAs/GaAs quantum rings (QRs) in a magnetic field using an original effective potential model based on a single band kp-approximation with an energy dependent effective mass. We used two sets of geometrical parameters for the selfassembled QRs. The first is the experimentally proposed geometry; the second follows from the oscillator model due to the relation between the model parameters and the real sizes of the quantum objects. The energy of an electron in a magnetic field, calculated for each of the geometries, is compared with C-V experimental data. We show that the results of the calculation obtained for the second geometry fit the experimental data rather well. Interpretation of the recent C-V data given by W. Lei et al. (Appl. Phys. Lett. 96 (2010) 033111) on the basis of the oscillator model is discussed.
Investigation of Nanophysical Properties of Aging Polyamide Nanofibrillar Tissue Scaffolds by TEM, SAED, Contact Angle and Raman Spectroscopies
Authors: Ayres Virginia M. , Xie Kan , Tiryaki Volkan Mujdat , Ahmed Ijaz , Shreiber David I. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTThe nanoscale physical properties of newly electrospun polyamide nanofibrillar matrices < 1 year old versus those that were > 3 year old were investigated with transmission electron microscopy, selected area electron diffraction, contact angle measurements, and Raman spectroscopy. Significant differences in crystallinity, hydrophobicity, and chemistry were found and correspondingly different cell responses by cerebellar granular neurons were observed. The properties of the aged nanofibrillar scaffolds evoked a response for neuron burrowing into a more 3-dimensional environment in addition to better facilitation of neurite outgrowth. The nanophysical properties of tissue scaffolds have been recently shown to directly and indirectly regulate cellular responses. As physical properties can evolve over time, the present investigation addresses the issue of tissue scaffold shelf life, with possible changes in directive signals to cells.
Effect of BMP-2 Derived Peptide Grafted to Nanoparticles on Differentiation of Stromal Cells
Authors: Jabbari Esmaiel , Mercado Angel E. , Ma Junyu , He Xuezhong 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTRecombinant humanbone morphogenetic protein (rhBMP-2) plays a major role in differentiation of marrow stromal cells (MSCs). Peptides based on the active domains of rhBMP- 2, like the LYLTSIASLETPVSSAKPIK (BMP peptide), have been proposed as an alternative to reduce the side effects associated with high doses of rhBMP-2. The objective of this work was to determine the osteogenic activity of the BMP peptide grafted to poly(lactide fumarate) nanoparticles (PLAF NPs). A cysteine-terminated BMP peptide was grafted to PLAF NPs by linking the cysteine residue to the fumarate groups. Groups included blank NPs, free BMP peptide, free BMP-2 protein, and BMP-grafted NPs. The decrease in cell numbers after 21 days was consistent with an increase in mineral content and decrease in proliferation with osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Alkaline phosphatase (ALPase) activity peaked at 14 days, consistent with the start of the osteogenic cascade. A slightly higher mineral content was observed in the BMP-grafted NP group after 14 days. m-RNA and immunostaining showed that cells in the BMP-grafted NP group had a higher content of osteocalcin protein after 21 days. Results suggest that the BMP-grafted NPs have a greater affinity to BMP cell surface receptors, leading to a stronger activation of the pathways leading to osteogenesis.
Orthopedic implants from bioactive rosette nanotubes/poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate)/nano-hydroxyapatite composites
Authors: Sun Linlin , Zhang Lijie , Hemraz Usha D. , Fenniri Hicham , Webster Thomas J. 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTWith multifunctionality and nanoscale dimensions, self-assembled rosette nanotubes (RNTs) exhibit unique biological and mechanical properties, making them promising to serve as a new generation of implants. Synthetic twin G^C base features the hydrogen bonding arrays of both guanine and cytosine and has the ability to self-organize spontaneously into nanotubes with a 3.5 nm outer diameter, a 1.1 nm inner channel running the length of the nanotube which can reach several micrometers in length. In this study, a twin G^C motif functionalized with an aminobutyl side chain (referred to as TBL) was synthesized, assembled into bioactive RNTs and used along with poly(2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) and hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles to prepare RNTs/HA/pHEMA composites for orthopedic applications. The properties of these composites was investigated, notably the solidification process, surface morphology, mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility properties. The RNTs assembled from TBL and HA nanoparticles were found to be effective towards increasing the bioactivity of the composites thus establishing the potential of TBL/HA/pHEMA composites as very promising injectable orthopedic implant materials.
Spray-deposited Co-Pi Catalyzed BiVO4: a low-cost route towards highly efficient photoanodes
Authors: Abdi Fatwa F. , Firet Nienke , Dabirian Ali , van de Krol Roel 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTBismuth vanadate (BiVO4) thin films are deposited by a low-cost and scalable spray pyrolysis method. Its performance under AM1.5 illumination is mainly limited by slow water oxidation kinetics. We confirm that cobalt phosphate (Co-Pi) is an efficient water oxidation catalyst for BiVO4. The optimum thickness of BiVO4 is 300 nm, resulting in an AM1.5 photocurrent of 1.9 mA/cm2 at 1.23 V vs. RHE when catalyzed with Co-Pi. Once the water oxidation limitation is removed, the performance is limited by low charge separation efficiency. This causes more than 60% of the electron-hole pairs to recombine before reaching the respective interfaces. The slow electron transport is shown to be the main cause of this low efficiency, and future efforts should therefore be focused on addressing this key limitation.
Phase Transformation Related Conductivity Degradation of NiO Doped YSZ: AnIn-situMicro-Raman Analysis
Authors: Kishimoto Haruo , Yashiro Keiji , Shimonosono Taro , Brito Manuel E. , Yamaji Katsuhiko , Horita Teruhisa , Yokokawa Harumi , Mizusaki Junichiro 
Published: November 2012

ABSTRACTIn-situ micro Raman spectroscopy has been adopted as one of the most powerful analytical techniques with high spacial resolution under controlled atmospheres. In the present study, phase transformation of NiO doped yttria stabilized zirconia (YSZ) was monitored by in-situ micro-Raman spectroscopy. Raman spectra change caused by the phase transformation from the cubic phase to the tetragonal phase was observed for the NiO doped YSZ during annealing at a high temperature of 1173 K under reducing atmosphere.
Caspase Induction and BCL2 Inhibition in Human Adipose Tissue
Authors: Tinahones Francisco José , Coín Aragüez Leticia , Murri Mora , Oliva Olivera Wilfredo , Mayas Torres María Dolores , Barbarroja Nuria , Gomez Huelgas Ricardo , Malagón Maria M. , El Bekay Rajaa 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
Cell death determines the onset of obesity and associated insulin resistance. Here, we analyze the relationship among obesity, adipose tissue apoptosis, and insulin signaling.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
The expression levels of initiator (CASP8/9) and effector (CASP3/7) caspases as well as antiapoptotic B-cell lymphoma (BCL)2 and inflammatory markers were assessed in visceral (VAT) and subcutaneous (SAT) adipose tissue from patients with different degrees of obesity and without insulin resistance or diabetes. Adipose tissue explants from lean subjects were cultured with TNF-α or IL-6, and the expression of apoptotic and insulin signaling components was analyzed and compared with basal expression levels in morbidly obese subjects.

RESULTS
SAT and VAT exhibited increased CASP3/7 and CASP8/9 expression levels and decreased BCL2 expression with BMI increase. These changes were accompanied by increased inflammatory cytokine mRNA levels and macrophage infiltration markers. In obese subjects, CASP3/7 activation and BCL2 downregulation correlated with the IRS-1/2–expression levels. Expression levels of caspases, BCL2, p21, p53, IRS-1/2, GLUT4, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B, and leukocyte antigen-related phosphatase in TNF-α– or IL-6–treated explants from lean subjects were comparable with those found in adipose tissue samples from morbidly obese subjects. These insulin component expression levels were reverted with CASP3/7 inhibition in these TNF-α– or IL-6–treated explants.

CONCLUSIONS
Body fat mass increase is associated with CASP3/7 and BCL2 expression in adipose tissue. Moreover, this proapoptotic state correlated with insulin signaling, suggesting its potential contribution to the development of insulin resistance.
Arterial Stiffness Is Associated With Cardiovascular, Renal, Retinal, and Autonomic Disease in Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Theilade Simone , Lajer Maria , Persson Frederik , Joergensen Christel , Rossing Peter 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
In patients with type 1 diabetes, we investigated the association between arterial stiffness and diabetes complications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
This was a cross-sectional study including 676 Caucasian patients with type 1 diabetes (374 [55%] men, aged 54 ± 13 years [mean ± SD]) and 51 nondiabetic controls (28 [55%] men, aged 47 ± 13 years). Aortic pulse wave velocity (PWV) was measured with SphygmoCor (AtCor Medical, Sydney, Australia) for 635 patients and all 51 controls.

RESULTS
PWVs (mean ± SD) in patients and controls were 10.4 ± 3.4 and 7.6 ± 1.9 m/s, respectively (P &lt; 0.001). After multivariate adjustment, PWV correlated with age, diabetes duration, urinary albumin excretion rate, heart rate, and blood pressure (P &lt; 0.05 for all). ANCOVA was used for comparisons between groups and adjusted for gender, age, estimated glomerular filtration rate, heart rate, HbA1c, and 24-h mean arterial pressure. PWVs in normoalbuminuric, microalbuminuric, and macroalbuminuric patients were 9.5 ± 3.2, 11.0 ± 3.6, and 11.4 ± 3.0 m/s, respectively (adjusted P &lt; 0.001). PWV in patients with previous cardiovascular disease, versus patients without, was 12.1 ± 3.5 vs. 10.0 ± 3.2 m/s, respectively (adjusted P &lt; 0.001). PWVs in patients with high (≥140/90 mmHg) versus intermediate (130–40/80–89 mmHg) and low (&lt;130/80 mmHg) blood pressure were 11.8 ± 3.6, 10.0 ± 3.0, and 9.8 ± 3.3 m/s, respectively (adjusted P &lt; 0.001). Furthermore, PWV increased with increasing degree of retinopathy: 8.0 ± 2.5 m/s (nil), 10.0 ± 2.8 m/s (simplex), 12.1 ± 3.5 m/s (proliferative), and 12.7 ± 2.4 m/s (blind), respectively (adjusted P &lt; 0.001). Finally, PWV increased with abnormal heart rate variability: 11.5 ± 3.3 m/s vs. 10.1 ± 3.1 m/s (borderline) and 8.1 ± 2.1 m/s (normal) (adjusted P = 0.027).

CONCLUSIONS
Arterial stiffness increased with presence and duration of type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, PWV increased with all the investigated diabetes complications (cardiovascular, renal, retinal, and autonomic disease) independently of other risk factors.
Antioxidized LDL Antibodies Are Associated With Different Metabolic Pathways in Patients With Atherosclerotic Plaque and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bernal-Lopez M. Rosa , Garrido-Sanchez Lourdes , Gomez-Carrillo Victor , Gallego-Perales Jose Luis , Llorente-Cortes Vicenta , Calleja Fernando , Gomez-Huelgas Ricardo , Badimon Lina , Tinahones Francisco J. 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
Oxidized lipoproteins and antioxidized LDL antibodies (antioxLDL abs) have been detected in human plasma and atherosclerotic lesions. The principle aim of this study was to analyze the possible relationship between IgG and IgM antioxLDL abs and factors involved in different metabolic pathways (inflammation, lipid metabolism, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest profile) in the occluded popliteal artery (OPA) compared with the femoral vein (FV).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Fifteen patients with advanced atherosclerosis and type 2 diabetes undergoing lower limb amputation participated in this study. Each patient had OPA and FV biopsy specimens and peripheral arterial occlusive disease. By real-time PCR, gene expression was analyzed from the OPA and FV specimens, and antioxLDL ab levels were measured by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay .

RESULTS
The OPA and FV showed a positive correlation between only IgM antioxLDL ab levels and the expression of genes involved in different metabolic pathways, including inflammation (TFPI), apoptosis (BAX, caspase 3, AKT1), plaque disruption (MMP2 and MMP10), lipid metabolism (SCARB1, PPARg), and cell turnover (CDKN1A), and genes for transcription and growth factors (NFkB and VEGFA, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
The results show that gene expression in the metabolic pathways (apoptosis, lipid metabolism, and inflammation) in the OPA and FV are directly related to the levels of IgM antioxLDL abs.
Evaluation of the Value of Fasting Plasma Glucose in the First Prenatal Visit to Diagnose Gestational Diabetes Mellitus in China
Authors: Zhu Wei-wei , Yang Hui-xia , Wei Yu-mei , Yan Jie , Wang Zi-lian , Li Xue-lan , Wu Hai-rong , Li Nan , Zhang Mei-hua , Liu Xing-hui , Zhang Hua , Wang Yun-hui , Niu Jian-min , Gan Yu-jie , Zhong Li-ruo , Wang Yun-feng , Kapur Anil 
Published: November 2012

OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the value of fasting plasma glucose (FPG) value in the first prenatal visit to diagnose gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS
Medical records of 17,186 pregnant women attending prenatal clinics in 13 hospitals in China, including the Peking University First Hospital (PUFH), were examined. Patients with pre-GDM were excluded; data for FPG at the first prenatal visit and one-step GDM screening with 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) performed between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation were collected and analyzed.

RESULTS
The median ± SD FPG value was 4.58 ± 0.437. FPG decreased with increasing gestational age. FPG level at the first prenatal visit was strongly correlated with GDM diagnosed at 24–28 gestational weeks (χ2 = 959.3, P &lt; 0.001). The incidences of GDM were 37.0, 52.7, and 66.2%, respectively, for women with FPG at the first prenatal visit between 5.10 and 5.59, 5.60 and 6.09, and 6.10–6.99 mmol/L. The data of PUFH were not statistically different from other hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS
Pregnant women (6.10 ≤ FPG &lt; 7.00 mmol/L) should be considered and treated as GDM to improve outcomes; for women with FPG between 5.10 and 6.09 mmol/L, nutrition and exercise advice should be provided. An OGTT should be performed at 24–28 weeks to confirm or rule out GDM. Based on our data, we cannot support an FPG value ≥5.10 mmol/L at the first prenatal visit as the criterion for diagnosis of GDM.
Complexes of platinum and palladium with 4-nitrobenzoic hydrazide: synthesis and cytotoxic activity
Authors: Souza Gustavo , Rodrigues Mônica , Fernandes Lucianno , Silva Priscila , Ruggiero Reinaldo , Pereira-Maia Elene , Guerra Wendell 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
New complexes of platinum and palladium were isolated with 4-nitrobenzoic hydrazide (4-NH) and characterized by spectroscopic techniques. Results show that the ligand is coordinated to metallic ions by the basic nitrogen of NH2 group and have the general structure cis-[M(4-NH)2X2] where M= Pt or Pd and x = Cl or I. The compound III, [Pt(4-NH)2I2], was found to display cytotoxicity (IC50 = 0.96 µmol L−1) against the K562 tumoral cell line. This complex is significantly more cytotoxic than cisplatin.
Susceptibility to hydrolysis of phenylboronic pinacol esters at physiological pH
Authors: Achilli Cesare , Ciana Annarita , Fagnoni Maurizio , Balduini Cesare , Minetti Giampaolo 
Published: November 2012

Abstract
Boronic acids and their esters are highly considered compounds for the design of new drugs and drug delivery devices, particularly as boron-carriers suitable for neutron capture therapy. However, these compounds are only marginally stable in water. Hydrolysis of some phenylboronic pinacol esters is described here. The kinetics is dependent on the substituents in the aromatic ring. Also the pH strongly influences the rate of the reaction, which is considerably accelerated at physiological pH. Therefore, care must be taken when considering these boronic pinacol esters for pharmacological purposes.
Molybdate sulfonic acid: preparation, characterization, and application as an effective and reusable catalyst for octahydroxanthene-1,8-dione synthesis
Authors: Karami Bahador , Zare Zahra , Eskandari Khalil 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMolybdate sulfonic acid (MSA) as a highly efficient catalyst was synthesized and employed for the synthesis of octahydroxanthene-1,8-dione derivatives. MSA efficiently catalyzed condensation of a wide range of aryl aldehydes and cyclohexane-1,3-diones to obtain octahydroxanthene-1,8-diones. It was characterized by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and FT-IR spectroscopy. This catalyst can be recovered and reused several times in other reactions maintaining its high activity. This novel and green method is very cheap and has many advantages such as excellent yields, the use of recoverable and eco-friendly catalysts, and a simple work-up procedure.
The stratigraphic complexes of a snowpack
Authors: Kazakov N.A. , Gensiorovskiy J.V. , Zhiruev S.P. , Drevilo M.S. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSnowpacks can be described as monogenetic rock, where ice is the basic mineral. They can thus be described in terms of a lithologic complex, that is a cluster of different rocks related by formation process or geological era. The stratigraphic complex of snow cover can be cast as a lithologic complex formed in a certain landscape, passing through stages of sedimentation and diagenesis in similar conditions and forming in the same winter a similar spectrum of stratigraphic columns. The stratigraphic complex possesses similar stratification, structure and texture alongside physical, chemical and mechanical characteristics. In landscapes of the same type located in different regions, the same type of stratigraphic complex is formed. The structural transformation of the snowpack is quantitatively described by coefficients of snowpack recrystallization, secondary stratification and texture. Landscape-indicative properties of snowpacks allow the construction of a unified taxonomic scale of stratigraphic complex with a hierarchy of levels: class, subclass, type, subtype and kind.
L'espace sonore analytique et ses arabesques
Authors: Beldent Véronique 
Published: November 2012

En 1956, Jung proposait d’intégrer la musique au travail analytique, celle-ci touchant à un matériel archétypique profond. À la condition d’une oreille désencombrée des représentations, un travail analytique à partir de la substance sonore que sont les mouvements vocaux de l’analyste et de l’analysant en séance, peut se dérouler. Conduisant à une forme de régression particulière à l’espace sonore, elle permet qu’une capacité rythmique vivante s’organise à partir de ce qui n’était qu’un chaos sonore.