bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac tissue development for delivery of embryonic stem cell‐derived endothelial and cardiac cells in natural matrices
Authors: Turner William S. , Wang Xiaoling , Johnson Scott , Medberry Christopher , Mendez Jose , Badylak Stephen F. , McCord Marian G. , McCloskey Kara E. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe packaging and delivery of cells for cardiac regeneration has been explored using a variety biomaterials and delivery methods, but these studies often ignore one or more important design factors critical for rebuilding cardiac tissue. These include the biomaterial architecture, strength and stiffness, cell alignment, and/or incorporation of multiple cell types. In this article, we explore the combinatorial use of decellularized tissues, moldable hydrogels, patterned cell‐seeding, and cell‐sheet engineering and find that a combination of these methods is optimal in the recreation of transplantable cardiac‐like tissue in vivo. We show that decellularized urinary bladder matrix (UBM), that is compliant and suturable, supports the survival of cell cultures but does not allow maintenance of cell‐to‐cell contacts of transferred cell‐sheets (presumably, due to its rough surface). Moreover, the UBM material must be filled with hyaluronan (HA) hydrogels for smoothing rough surfaces and allowing the delivery of greater cell numbers. We additionally incorporated our previously developed “wrinkled” microchip for inducing alignment of cardiac cells with a laser‐etched mask for co‐seeding patterned “channels” of cells. This article also introduces a novel method of plasma coating for cell‐sheet engineering that compares well with electron bean irradiation methods and may be combined with our “wrinkled” surfaces to facilitate the alignment of cardiac cells into sheets. Our data shows that an optimal design for generating cardiac tissue would include (1) decellularized matrix seeded with endothelial cells in a HA layered with (2) prealigned cardiac cell‐sheets fabricated using our “wrinkled” microchips and thermo‐responsive polymer [poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)] cell sheet transfer system. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Ti–Ge binary alloy system developed as potential dental materials
Authors: Lin Wen‐Jiao , Wang Ben‐Li , Qiu Ke‐Jin , Zhou Fei‐Yu , Li Li , Lin Jun‐Pin , Wang Yan‐Bo , Zheng Yu‐Feng 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAs‐cast Ti–xGe (x = 2, 5, 10, 20 wt %) binary alloys were produced in this work, and various experiments were carried out to investigate the microstructure, mechanical properties, in vitro electrochemical and immersion corrosion behaviors as well as cytotoxicity with as‐cast pure Ti as control, aiming to study the feasibility of Ti–xGe alloy system as potential dental materials. The microstructure of Ti–xGe alloys changes from single α‐Ti phase to α‐Ti + Ti5Ge3 precipitation phase with the increase of Ge content. Mechanical tests show that Ti–5Ge alloy has the best comprehensive mechanical properties. The corrosion behavior of Ti–xGe alloys in artificial saliva with different NaF and lactic acid addition at 37°C indicates that Ti–2Ge and Ti–5Ge alloys show better corrosion resistance to fluorine‐containing solution. The cytotoxicity test indicates that Ti–xGe alloy extracts show no obvious reduction of cell viability to L‐929 fibroblasts and MG‐63 osteosarcoma cells, similar to pure Ti which is generally acknowledged to be biocompatible. Considering all these results, Ti–2Ge and Ti–5Ge alloys possess the optimal comprehensive performance and might be used as potential dental materials. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Tape‐cast and sintered β‐tricalcium phosphate laminates for biomedical applications: Effect of milled Al2O3 fiber additives on microstructural and mechanical properties
Authors: Tanimoto Yasuhiro , Teshima Masahiro , Nishiyama Norihiro , Yamaguchi Masaru , Hirayama Satoshi , Shibata Yo , Miyazaki Takashi 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop the tape‐cast, laminated, and sintered β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) with milled Al2O3 fibers for biomedical applications. Moreover, the effects of Al2O3‐fiber content on the microstructural and mechanical properties of the sintered β‐TCP laminates were investigated. The milled Al2O3 fibers were added at four different contents, namely 0, 5, 10, or 15 mass%, to the initial β‐TCP slurry. Next, β‐TCP green sheets were fabricated from the β‐TCP slurry containing the milled Al2O3 fibers by a tape‐casting method. Finally, six plies of β‐TCP monolayer sheet were laminated and sintered at a maximum temperature of 1100°C in a furnace. The results showed that there were large differences between the apparent porosities, dynamic hardness, and flexural properties of the sintered β‐TCP laminates with Al2O3‐fiber contents of 0 and 5 mass%, but few differences among laminates with fiber contents of 5, 10, and 15 mass%. This indicates that the addition of only 5 mass% of Al2O3 fibers strongly affects the degree of sintering, corresponding to crystallization of the β‐TCP matrix phase. Furthermore, the flexural moduli of our materials ranged from 10.7 to 16.0 GPa when the Al2O3‐fiber content changed from 5 to 15 mass% and were the almost same as those of human bones reported by other researchers. In conclusion, sintered β‐TCP laminates with Al2O3 fibers have potential uses in a wide range of biomedical applications because the microstructural and mechanical properties of the sintered β‐TCP laminates can be controlled by adding Al2O3 fibers to the β‐TCP. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 2012.
Stability for the finite difference schemes of the linear wave equation with nonuniform time meshes
Authors: Cho Chien‐Hong 
Published: August 2012

AbstractWe consider in this article the 1‐dim linear wave equation vtt = vxx(0 < x < 1,t > 0) and its finite difference analogue with nonuniform time meshes. We are going to discuss the stability for such schemes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq, 2013
Characteristics of paper mill sludge‐wood fiber‐high‐density polyethylene composites
Authors: Huang H.B. , Du H.H. , Wang W.H. , Shi J.Y. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractPaper mill sludge (PMS) is a waste material from pulping. In this article it was used to replace part of a wood fiber (WF) filler to reinforce high‐density polyethylene (HDPE). The properties of the PMS/WF/HDPE composites were investigated. When half of WF was replaced with PMS, the bending strength and modulus of WF/HDPE composites decreased by 16.08% and 29.91%, respectively, but their impact strength increased by 11.31%. Dynamic mechanical analysis demonstrated that with PMS addition, the storage modulus decreased and the loss tangent increased. Although the flexural properties of the PMS/WF/HDPE composites decreased compared to WF/HDPE composite, they still had satisfactorily high strengths. The 30:30:36 PMS/WF/HDPE composite presented bending and impact strengths of 61.00 MPa and 12.11 kJ m−2, respectively. The 50:20:26 PMS/WF/HDPE composite presented bending and impact strengths of 55.02 MPa and 10.37 kJ m−2, respectively. Rheological test proved that substituting part of WF with PMS would not affectmanufacture processing. This study indicated that paper mill sludge could be used in wood plastic composites, which would reduce pollution from paper manufacturing. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Capillary effects in vacuum‐assisted resin transfer molding with natural fibers
Authors: Francucci Gastón , Vázquez Analía , Ruiz Edu , Rodríguez Exequiel S. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe study of the capillary flow developed during the processing of composite materials is key because it acts as an important driving force for the impregnation of the fiber tows. It is also the main mechanism of void formation during infiltration of the fibers. In this work, capillary pressure of jute/vinylester composites was measured and the impact of capillary forces on fabric permeability was analyzed. It was found that the capillary pressure was significantly higher in vegetal than in synthetic fiber fabrics. In addition, the permeability of the fibers was characterized using various fluids. The resulting permeability was influenced by the nature of fluid and its polar property. Finally, the capillary pressure measured by this work was used to correct the experimental permeability in order to obtain a property independent of the test fluid. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Composites based on EVA and barium titanate submicrometric particles: Preparation by high‐energy ball milling and characterization
Authors: Serra‐Gómez R. , González‐Gaitano G. , González‐Benito J. 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEthylene vinyl acetate copolymer, a thermoplastic semicrystalline polymer, has been blended with barium titanate submicrometric particles (BaTiO3) by means of high‐energy ball milling (HEBM) for obtaining composites in the form of films by hot pressing. Two different milling conditions have been considered: (i) milling at room temperature and (ii) milling under the temperature of the liquid nitrogen (cryomilling). The resulting composites have been fully characterized by spectroscopic and microscopic techniques to study the structure and morphology as a function of the processing conditions. A very good dispersion of the particles is attained under cryogenic conditions and, irrespective of the milling method, structural modifications were not observed in any of the materials used. Cross‐contamination of iron from the milling tools is also reduced to acceptable values for HEBM standards, especially in the case of cryomilling, an important issue for the use of these composites in electrical applications. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Anionic nylon 6/TiO2 composite materials: Effects of TiO2 filler on the thermal and mechanical behavior of the composites
Authors: Rusu Gheorghe , Rusu Elena 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe nylon 6‐based composite materials containing untreated and surface‐treated TiO2 particles with 3‐aminopropyltriethoxysilane (APTEOS), as coupling agent were prepared by in situ anionic polymerization of ε‐caprolactam in the presence TiO2 as a filler using the rotational molding technique. The thermal behavior and mechanical properties of the neat nylon 6 and its composites were investigated using various techniques such as differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), a tensile and flexural test and impact strength. Experimental results revealed that both untreated and surface‐modified TiO2 had distinct influence on the melting temperature (Tm), crystallization temperature (Tc), and degree of crystallinity (αDSC), thermal stability, storage modulus (E′), and loss factor (tan δ), and mechanical properties of nylon 6 matrix. Dynamical mechanical analysis indicated that addition of TiO2 particles into nylon 6 matrix increased both the storage modulus and the glass transition temperature. The corresponding values of nylon 6 composites with modified filler were higher than that of nylon 6 composite with untreated TiO2 particles. Tensile and flexural characteristics of the nylon 6 composites were found to increase while the elongation at break and impact strength with increase in TiO2 concentration relative to neat nylon 6. POLYM. COMPOS., 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Effect of compressive loading speed and stacking sequence on mechanical characteristics of satin weave E‐glass/epoxy composites
Authors: Wang Na , Cho Chongdu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThis article experimentally investigated the in‐plane loading speed dependent mechanical properties and failure modes of satin weave E‐glass/epoxy composite laminates [45/−45/0/90]ns. Two types of E‐glass fabric/epoxy pre‐impregnated tapes were used to manufacture the composite laminates specimens. The low strain rate tests were conducted with an INSTRON™ testing machine, and the high strain rate tests done using a pulse shape modified compressive Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar apparatus. From the experimental result, it was concluded that under different strain rate loading, compressive strength, modulus, and strain at peak stress were rate sensitive. Optical and microscopic photos of the specimens were taken to determine operative failure modes. Within the studied strain rate regimes, the failure mode changed from splitting followed by fiber kink buckling to predominantly delamination and shear fracture as strain rate increases from quasi‐static to high strain rates. Compressive properties and failure modes were severely affected by strain rate, stacking sequence, and fabric material. POLYM. COMPOS. 2012. © 2012 Society of Plastics Engineers
Sorbitol counteracts temperature- and chemical-induced denaturation of a recombinant α-amylase from alkaliphilicBacillussp. TS-23
Authors: Chi Meng-Chun , Wu Tai-Jung , Chen Hsing-Ling , Lo Huei-Fen , Lin Long-Liu 
Published: August 2012

AbstractEnzymes are highly complex systems with a substantial degree of structural variability in their folded state. In the presence of cosolvents, fluctuations among vast numbers of folded and unfolded conformations occur via many different pathways; alternatively, certain conformations can be stabilized or destabilized. To understand the contribution of osmolytes to the stabilization of structural changes and enzymatic activity of a truncated Bacillus sp. TS-23 α-amylase (BACΔNC), we monitored amylolytic activity, circular dichroism, and fluorescence as a function of osmolytes. In the presence of trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) and sorbitol, BACΔNC activity was retained significantly at elevated temperatures. As compared to the control, the secondary structures of this enzyme were essentially conserved upon the addition of these two kinds of osmolytes. Fluorescence results revealed that the temperature-induced conformational change of BACΔNC was prevented by TMAO and sorbitol. However, glycerol did not provide profound protection against thermal denaturation of the enzyme. Sorbitol was further found to counteract guanidine hydrochloride- and SDS-induced denaturation of BACΔNC. Thus, some well-known naturally occurring osmolytes make a dominant contribution to the stabilization of BACΔNC.
The effect of HIV infection on maternal health and mortality
Authors: Moran Neil F. , Moodley Jagidesa 
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe effect of HIV infection on maternal mortality is best documented in South Africa, where HIV prevalence rates in pregnancy are among the highest in the world. Since 1998, detailed data on maternal deaths in South Africa have been available in the form of Confidential Enquiries reports. The latest report (Saving Mothers Report, 2005–2007) suggests that the maternal mortality ratio in HIV‐infected women was about 10 times higher than in uninfected women. This was in a context where only a small minority of HIV‐positive pregnant women were receiving HAART. The most common causes of maternal death among HIV‐positive women were nonpregnancy‐related infections, including AIDS, pneumonia, tuberculosis, and meningitis. HIV‐infected pregnant women were also at greater risk of dying from pregnancy‐related sepsis and complications of abortion than their uninfected counterparts. Reduction of HIV‐related maternal deaths must be seen as a worldwide priority in maternal health care.
Improving maternal and perinatal outcomes in the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: A vision of a community‐focused approach
Authors: von Dadelszen Peter , Ansermino J. Mark , Dumont Guy , Hofmeyr G. Justus , Magee Laura A. , Mathai Matthews , Sawchuck Diane , Teela Kate , Donnay France , Roberts James M. ,   PRE‐EMPT (PRE‐eclampsia‐Eclampsia Monitoring, Prevention and Treatment) Group
Published: August 2012

AbstractThe hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP; pre‐existing hypertension, gestational hypertension, and pre‐eclampsia) remain important causes of maternal morbidity and mortality, especially in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The paper summarizes the current state of evidence around possible technologies to support community‐based improvements in maternal and perinatal outcomes for women with pre‐eclampsia. Through the testing and, where proven, introduction of these technologies, we believe that HDP‐related progress toward achieving Millennium Development Goal 5 can best be accelerated. The evidence and discussion are presented under the following headings: (1) prediction; (2) prevention; (3) diagnosis; (4) risk stratification; (5) decision aids; (6) treatment; (7) geographic information systems; (8) communication; and (9) community and patient education.
Sexual and reproductive health needs of young people: Matching needs with systems
Authors: Braeken Doortje , Rondinelli Ilka 
Published: August 2012

AbstractAccess to services is a central concern surrounding the promotion of sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) of young people. A more holistic (so‐called “positive”) approach toward SRHR is needed, as is provision of services that tackle sexual and gender‐based violence, sexual diversity, discrimination, relationship issues, and fears and concerns about sex and sexuality. Despite efforts to provide youth‐friendly services, the uptake of services by young people is very low. What must be taken into account are young people's pathways to seeking services; and the specific barriers they face before getting to the services, while receiving services, and after leaving the service delivery sites. Attention to the perceptions and needs of young people is essential, along with development of policies, services, and programs that address those needs, particularly the youth‐friendly approach to service delivery.
Pilot study of single‐use obstetric emergency medical kits to reduce maternal mortality
Authors: Ouma Mercy N. , Chemwolo Benjamin T. , Pastakia Sonak , Christoffersen‐Deb Astrid , Washington Sierra 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo describe the experience at a single facility regarding single‐use emergency medication kits to treat obstetric emergencies in a resource‐poor setting.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted between October 2009 and October 2010 using data from the medical records of all patients treated with a single‐use obstetric emergency medical kit (E‐kit) during admission at the Riley Mother and Baby Hospital Wing, Eldoret, Kenya. Descriptive analyses were performed to quantify proportions of emergencies treated using E‐kits in the first year of implementation. Summary statistics regarding maternal mortality from October 2008 to October 2010 were also retrieved to evaluate differences in the maternal mortality rates in the year of E‐kit implementation and the year preceding implementation in order to estimate maternal mortalities averted with E‐kit implementation.ResultsIn the first year of implementation, 192 patients were treated using E‐kits. Overall, 144 kits were used for treating postpartum hemorrhage, 52 for treating severe pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia, and 1 for treating cardiopulmonary shock. There was a 30% reduction in maternal mortality ratio with E‐kit implementation; however, results did not reach statistical significance.ConclusionThe results indicate that single‐use E‐kits may help to achieve a significant reduction in hospital rates of maternal mortality.
Pregnancy and delivery following midurethral sling surgery for stress urinary incontinence
Authors: Huser Martin , Belkov Ivan A. , Janku Petr , Sedlakova Katerina 
Published: August 2012

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the available clinical evidence on the continued effectiveness of midurethral sling (MUS) surgery for stress urinary incontinence (SUI) in women who become pregnant and undergo delivery, and then to determine the optimal mode of delivery for such women.MethodsAn online search was carried out to retrieve the available evidence regarding the risk of SUI recurrence during pregnancy and after delivery following a successful MUS treatment. Appropriate keywords were used to identify all relevant reports published from 1996 through 2011. Basic patient characteristics, mode of delivery, and presence of SUI during pregnancy and the postpartum were analyzed.ResultsNo more than 36 relevant cases were found. The overall urinary continence rates were 91.7% during pregnancy and 80.6% during the postpartum. Most (58.3%) of the women were delivered vaginally.ConclusionThe evidence indicates that the risk of SUI recurrence is not significantly different after a vaginal or a cesarean delivery. In women successfully treated with a MUS, pregnancy care and delivery mode therefore need to be considered case by case, according to factors other than the risk of recurrence.
Late glacial and Holocene sedimentation, vegetation, and climate history from easternmost Beringia (northern Yukon Territory, Canada)
Authors: Fritz Michael , Herzschuh Ulrike , Wetterich Sebastian , Lantuit Hugues , De Pascale Gregory P. , Pollard Wayne H. , Schirrmeister Lutz 
Published: August 2012

AbstractBeringian climate and environmental history are poorly characterized at its easternmost edge. Lake sediments from the northern Yukon Territory have recorded sedimentation, vegetation, summer temperature and precipitation changes since ~ 16 cal ka BP. Herb-dominated tundra persisted until ~ 14.7 cal ka BP with mean July air temperatures ≤ 5°C colder and annual precipitation 50 to 120 mm lower than today. Temperatures rapidly increased during the Bølling/Allerød interstadial towards modern conditions, favoring establishment ofBetula-Salixshrub tundra. Pollen-inferred temperature reconstructions recorded a pronounced Younger Dryas stadial in east Beringia with a temperature drop of ~ 1.5°C (~ 2.5 to 3.0°C below modern conditions) and low net precipitation (90 to 170 mm) but show little evidence of an early Holocene thermal maximum in the pollen record. Sustained low net precipitation and increased evaporation during early Holocene warming suggest a moisture-limited spread of vegetation and an obscured summer temperature maximum. Northern Yukon Holocene moisture availability increased in response to a retreating Laurentide Ice Sheet, postglacial sea level rise, and decreasing summer insolation that in turn led to establishment ofAlnus-Betulashrub tundra from ~ 5 cal ka BP until present, and conversion of a continental climate into a coastal-maritime climate near the Beaufort Sea.