bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Results of Medical Countermeasure Drills Among 72 Cities Readiness Initiative Metropolitan Statistical Areas, 2008-2009
Authors: Jones Jaime R. , Neff Linda J. , Ely Elizabeth K. , Parker Andrew M. 
Published: December 2012

ABSTRACTObjective: The Cities Readiness Initiative is a federally funded program designed to assist 72 metropolitan statistical areas (MSAs) in preparing to dispense life-saving medical countermeasures within 48 hours of a public health emergency. Beginning in 2008, the 72 MSAs were required to conduct 3 drills related to the distribution and dispensing of emergency medical countermeasures. The report describes the results of the first year of pilot data for medical countermeasure drills conducted by the MSAs.Methods: The MSAs were provided templates with key metrics for 5 functional elements critical for a successful dispensing campaign: personnel call down, site activation, facility setup, pick-list generation, and dispensing throughput. Drill submissions were compiled into single data sets for each of the 5 drills. Analyses were conducted to determine whether the measures were comparable across business and non-business hours. Descriptive statistics were computed for each of the key metrics identified in the 5 drills.Results: Most drills were conducted on Mondays and Wednesdays during business hours (8:00 am-5:00 pm). The median completion time for the personnel call-down drill was 1 hour during business hours (n = 287) and 55 minutes during non-business hours (n = 136). Site-activation drills were completed in a median of 30 minutes during business hours and 5 minutes during non-business hours. Facility setup drills were completed more rapidly during business hours (75 minutes) compared with non-business hours (96 minutes). During business hours, pick lists were generated in a median of 3 minutes compared with 5 minutes during non-business hours. Aggregate results from the dispensing throughput drills demonstrated that the median observed throughput during business hours (60 people/h) was higher than that during non-business hours (43 people/h).Conclusion: The results of the analyses from this pilot sample of drill submissions provide a baseline for the determination of a national standard in operational capabilities for local jurisdictions to achieve in their planning efforts for a mass dispensing campaign during an emergency.(Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2012;6:357–362)
Ultrastretchable Fibers with Metallic Conductivity Using a Liquid Metal Alloy Core
Authors: Zhu Shu , So Ju‐Hee , Mays Robin , Desai Sharvil , Barnes William R. , Pourdeyhimi Behnam , Dickey Michael D. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThe fabrication and characterization of fibers that are ultrastretchable and have metallic electrical conductivity are described. The fibers consist of a liquid metal alloy, eutectic gallium indium (EGaIn), injected into the core of stretchable hollow fibers composed of a triblock copolymer, poly[styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene] (SEBS) resin. The hollow fibers are easy to mass‐produce with controlled size using commercially available melt processing methods. The fibers are similar to conventional metallic wires, but can be stretched orders of magnitude further while retaining electrical conductivity. Mechanical measurements with and without the liquid metal inside the fibers show the liquid core has a negligible impact on the mechanical properties of the fibers, which is in contrast to most conductive composite fibers. The fibers also maintain the same tactile properties with and without the metal. Electrical measurements show that the fibers increase resistance as the fiber elongates and the cross sectional area narrows. Fibers with larger diameters change from a triangular to a more circular cross‐section during stretching, which has the appeal of lowering the resistance below that predicted by theory. To demonstrate their utility, the ultrastretchable fibers are used as stretchable wires for earphones and for a battery charger and perform as well as their conventional parts.
Thin‐Wall Assembled SnO2 Fibers Functionalized by Catalytic Pt Nanoparticles and their Superior Exhaled‐Breath‐Sensing Properties for the Diagnosis of Diabetes
Authors: Shin Jungwoo , Choi Seon‐Jin , Lee Inkun , Youn Doo‐Young , Park Chong Ook , Lee Jong‐Heun , Tuller Harry L. , Kim Il‐Doo 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHierarchical SnO2 fibers assembled from wrinkled thin tubes are synthesized by controlling the microphase separation between tin precursors and polymers, by varying flow rates during electrospinning and a subsequent heat treatment. The inner and outer SnO2 tubes have a number of elongated open pores ranging from 10 nm to 500 nm in length along the fiber direction, enabling fast transport of gas molecules to the entire thin‐walled sensing layers. These features admit exhaled gases such as acetone and toluene, which are markers used for the diagnosis of diabetes and lung cancer. The open tubular structures facilitated the uniform coating of catalytic Pt nanoparticles onto the inner SnO2 layers. Highly porous SnO2 fibers synthesized at a high flow rate show five‐fold higher acetone responses than densely packed SnO2 fibers synthesized at a low flow rate. Interestingly, thin‐wall assembled SnO2 fibers functionalized by Pt particles exhibit a dramatically shortened gas response time compared to that of un‐doped SnO2 fibers, even at low acetone concentrations. Moreover, Pt‐decorated SnO2 fibers significantly enhance toluene response. These results demonstrate the novel and practical feasibility of thin‐wall assembled metal oxide based breath sensors for the accurate diagnosis of diabetes and potential detection of lung cancer.
Enhanced Cycling Performance of Li‐O2 Batteries by the Optimized Electrolyte Concentration of LiTFSA in Glymes
Authors: Li Fujun , Zhang Tao , Yamada Yuki , Yamada Atsuo , Zhou Haoshen 
Published: December 2012

AbstractA series of non‐aqueous electrolytes were prepared by dissolving lithium bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)amide (LiTFSA) in triglyme and tetraglyme (Gx, x = 3 and 4), respectively, with varied molar ratios. With the electrolytes the cycling performance of Li‐O2 batteries showed a strong dependence on the molar ratios between LiTFSA and Gx. It was found that the molar ratio of 1 to 5 was critical for the cycling‐performance of Li‐O2 batteries. High stability over 20 discharge–recharge cycles at 500 mA/gcarbon and in an O2 flow was obtained in LiTFSA‐(Gx)5 (x = 3 and 4). The discharge product at cathode could be directly detected and identified as the dominant crystalline product Li2O2 on the 1st and 20th discharged electrodes using X‐ray diffraction technique (XRD), which indicates rechargeability and feasibility of the electrolytes LiTFSA‐(Gx)5 (x = 3 and 4) for Li‐O2 batteries. At 1000 mA/gcarbon their capacities could be stabilized for 10 cycles. To our knowledge, this behavior of dependence of cycling performance of Li‐O2 batteries on the concentration of Li salts is presented here for the first time, and it may be extended to other Li salts and solvents and suggest a new route for screening cycling‐stable electrolytes for Li‐O2 batteries.
Encapsulation of magnetic nickel nanoparticles via inverse miniemulsion polymerization
Authors: Romio Ana Paula , Rodrigues Heloísa H. , Peres Augusto , Da Cas Viegas Alexandre , Kobitskaya Elena , Ziener Ulrich , Landfester Katharina , Sayer Claudia , Araújo Pedro H. H. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this work, the encapsulation of magnetic nickel nanoparticles in polyacrylamide particles was performed via inverse miniemulsion polymerization. The dispersion of nickel nanoparticles was characterized in polar solvents including water, ethanol, and dimethyl sulfoxide using different stabilizers. The best results were obtained when the nonionic stabilizer poly(ethylene glycol) octadecyl ether (Brij 76) was used to stabilize the nickel nanoparticles in dimethyl sulfoxide. In addition, the block copolymer poly(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) was used as a surfactant to create inverse miniemulsions while minimizing the coalescence of the miniemulsion droplets. Different types of salts such as zinc, nickel, and sodium nitrates were tested as lipophobes to retard Ostwald ripening. Transmission electron microscopy images of polyacrylamide/nickel particles synthesized with zinc and nickel salts as lipophobes indicate that nickel nanoparticles are embedded in the polyacrylamide matrix. Magnetization curves show that the saturation magnetization of polyacrylamide/nickel particles is only slightly below that of the pure nickel nanoparticles. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Influence of silica nanofiller on the isothermal crystallization and melting of polyurethane elastomer
Authors: Blagojević Sanja Lučić , Buhin Zrinka , Igrec Ivona 
Published: December 2012

AbstractIn this article, isothermal crystallization kinetic of the linear hydroxyl polyester urethane (PUR), as well as influence of amorphous silica nanofiller, was investigated. With the aim to investigate the influence of filler surface modification on the crystallization process of polyurethane matrix, nonmodified silica, as well as silica modified with methacrylsilane and octylsilane, were used as fillers for PUR composite preparation. The crystallization kinetics depending on temperature of the isothermal crystallization and volume fraction of filler by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) were investigated. The measurements at temperatures 7, 12, and 17°C for PUR and composites with 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 vol % of filler were done. Kinetic parameters of the isothermal crystallization n and K were determined according to Avrami model. Melting of the isothermally crystallized samples was also investigated. Results of the research indicate that by increasing the isothermal crystallization temperature, the crystallization rate of the PUR soft phase decreases and that the perfection of the crystallites is improved. By addition of all fillers up to ≈1 vol %, the crystallization rate increases; however, addition of a higher amount of the filler significantly decreases the crystallization rate. It was found that surface modification can significantly affect crystallization rate and that the nucleation efficiency of silica increases in the following order: methacrylsilane‐modified silica < nonmodified silica < octylsilane‐modified silica. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Preparation and properties of covalently colored polymer latex based on a new anthraquinone monomer
Authors: Li Botian , Shen Jie , Jiang Yiming , Wang Jishuai , Kan Chengyou 
Published: December 2012

Abstract1‐(6‐acrylamidohexylamino)‐4‐(methylamino)anthraquinone (AHMAQ), a blue polymerizable dye, was first synthesized from an anthraquinone derivative, and its chemical structure was confirmed by 1H‐NMR and IR. Then, a series of covalently colored polymer latexes were prepared by semi‐continuous emulsion copolymerization of styrene (St), butyl acrylate (BA), and AHMAQ using 4,4′‐azobis(4‐cyanovaleric acid) (ACVA) as initiator, and the influences of AHMAQ and ACVA on the emulsion polymerization as well as the properties of the resulted copolymer latexes were investigated. Results showed that both the conversion of the dye monomer and the molecular weight of the latex polymer decreased with the increase of AHMAQ amount from 0 to 0.3 wt %. Increasing the ACVA amount resulted in higher monomer conversion but larger gel ratio, and optimum amount of ACVA was 1.2 wt % to the total monomers. Comparing with the noncovalently blue latex film colored with the unreactive dye, the light fastness of the blue P(St‐BA‐MAA‐AHMAQ) latex films was greatly promoted by the covalent incorporation of chromophores with polymer matrix. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Strength, permeability, and durability of hybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete containing styrene butadiene latex
Authors: Kim Dong‐Hyun , Park Chan‐Gi 
Published: December 2012

AbstractHybrid fiber‐reinforced concrete (HFRC) is examined in this study. Two types of synthetic fibers were considered: polyvinyl alcohol fiber/macro synthetic fiber (PVA/MSF) and polypropylene fiber (PP)/MSF. Styrene butadiene latex was added at 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% of the cement weight. Tests carried out for the study included compressive strength, flexural strength, chloride ion penetration, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. The results demonstrated that higher latex contents improved the dispersibility of the fibers because of the increased workability of the HFRC and the improved adhesion. Formation of a latex film improved the strength, permeability resistance, abrasion resistance, and impact resistance. PVA/MSF HFRC had better properties than PP/MSF HFRC. This was attributed to stronger hydrogen bonding by the hydrophilic PVA fibers, which led to superior resistance to micro‐cracking and crack propagation. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2013
Tropisetron suppresses collagen synthesis in skin fibroblasts via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and attenuates fibrosis in a scleroderma mouse model
Authors: Stegemann Agatha , Sindrilaru Anca , Eckes Beate , del Rey Adriana , Heinick Alexander , Schulte Jan S. , Müller Frank U. , Grando Sergei A. , Fiebich Bernd L. , Scharffetter‐Kochanek Karin , Luger Thomas A. , Böhm Markus 
Published: December 2012

AbstractObjectiveThere is increasing evidence that serotonin (5‐hydroxytryptamine [5‐HT]) and distinct 5‐HT receptors are involved in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that tropisetron, a routinely used antiemetic agent previously characterized as a 5‐HT3/4 receptor–modulating agent, can directly affect collagen synthesis in vitro and attenuate experimentally induced fibrosis in vivo.MethodsFunctional in vitro studies were performed using human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs). Signal transduction studies included immunofluorescence analysis, Western immunoblotting, promoter reporter assays, cAMP/Ca2+ measurements, and use of pharmacologic activators and inhibitors. Gene silencing was performed using small interfering RNA. Putative receptors of tropisetron were detected by semiquantitative reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) and immunofluorescence. The murine model of bleomycin‐induced scleroderma was used to assess the antifibrogenic and antifibrotic effects of tropisetron in vivo. Collagen expression in vitro, ex vivo, and in situ was determined by real‐time RT‐PCR analysis, Western immunoblotting, sodium dodecyl sulfate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and immunohistochemical analysis.ResultsTropisetron suppressed collagen synthesis induced by transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1). This effect was independent of 5‐HT3/4 receptor but was mediated via α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR). Suppression of TGFβ1‐induced collagen synthesis occurred via an unknown molecular mechanism not involving modulation of the Smad, cAMP, Akt, c‐Jun, or MAPK pathway. In vivo, tropisetron not only prevented skin fibrosis but also reduced the collagen content in established dermal fibrosis induced by bleomycin.ConclusionTropisetron directly reduces collagen synthesis in HDFs via an α7nAChR‐dependent mechanism. The antifibrogenic and antifibrotic effects of this agent observed in a mouse model of bleomycin‐ induced scleroderma indicate the future potential of tropisetron in the treatment of fibrotic diseases such as scleroderma.
Why it is necessary to translate curcumin into clinical practice for the prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome?
Authors: Sahebkar Amirhossein 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCurcumin (diferuloylmethane) is the yellow‐orange pigment of dried Curcuma longa L. rhizomes (turmeric). During the past two decades, there has been a large volume of published studies describing the biological and pharmacological properties of this phytochemical including anticancer, anti‐inflammatory, antioxidant, antithrombotic, antiatherosclerotic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, memory enhancing, antiparkinsonism, antirheumatic, anti‐infectious, antiaging, antipsoriatic, and anticonvulsant activities. In addition, curcumin has been shown to be extremely safe and interact with multiple molecular targets that are involved in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. Curcumin could favorably affect all leading components of metabolic syndrome including insulin resistance, obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, decreased HDL‐C and hypertension, and prevent the deleterious complications of MetS including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Owing to its antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory properties, curcumin can also exert several pleiotropic effects and improve endothelial dysfunction, adipokine imbalances, and hyperuricemia which usually accompany MetS. Despite the potential tremendous benefit of this multifaceted phytopharmaceutical, no trial result has yet been publicized on this issue. This review seeks to briefly summarize the ample scientific evidence that supports the therapeutic efficacy of curcumin, at least as an adjunctive treatment, in patients with MetS. © 2012 BioFactors, 2013
Stem cell microencapsulation for phenotypic control, bioprocessing, and transplantation
Authors: Wilson Jenna L. , McDevitt Todd C. 
Published: December 2012

AbstractCell microencapsulation has been utilized for decades as a means to shield cells from the external environment while simultaneously permitting transport of oxygen, nutrients, and secretory molecules. In designing cell therapies, donor primary cells are often difficult to obtain and expand to appropriate numbers, rendering stem cells an attractive alternative due to their capacities for self‐renewal, differentiation, and trophic factor secretion. Microencapsulation of stem cells offers several benefits, namely the creation of a defined microenvironment which can be designed to modulate stem cell phenotype, protection from hydrodynamic forces and prevention of agglomeration during expansion in suspension bioreactors, and a means to transplant cells behind a semi‐permeable barrier, allowing for molecular secretion while avoiding immune reaction. This review will provide an overview of relevant microencapsulation processes and characterization in the context of maintaining stem cell potency, directing differentiation, investigating scalable production methods, and transplanting stem cells for clinically relevant disorders. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2013; 110: 667–682. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crystal Structures and Proton Conductivities of a MOF and Two POM–MOF Composites Based on CuII Ions and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic Acid
Authors: Wei Meilin , Wang Xiaoxiang , Duan Xianying 
Published: December 2012

AbstractWe have succeeded in constructing a metal–organic framework (MOF), [Cu(bpdc)(H2O)2]n (H2bpdc=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic acid, 1), and two poly‐POM–MOFs (POM=polyoxometalate), {H[Cu(Hbpdc)(H2O)2]2[PM12O40]⋅n H2O}n (M=Mo for 2, W for 3), by the controllable self‐assembly of H2bpdc, Keggin‐anions, and Cu2+ ions based on electrostatic and coordination interactions. Notably, these three compounds all crystallized in the monoclinic space group P21/n, and the Hbpdc− and bpdc2− ions have the same coordination mode. Interestingly, in compounds 2 and 3, Hbpdc− and the Keggin‐anion are covalently linked to the transition metal copper at the same time as polydentate organic ligand and as polydentate inorganic ligand, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 represent new and rare examples of introducing the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks into POMs, thereby, opening a pathway for the design and the synthesis of multifunctional hybrid materials based on two building units. The Keggin‐anions being immobilized as part of the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks not only enhance the thermal stability of compounds 2 and 3, but also introduce functionality inside their structures, thereby, realizing four approaches in the 1D hydrophilic channel used to engender proton conductivity in MOFs for the first time. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit good proton conductivity (10−4 to ca. 10−3 S cm−1) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35 to about 98 %.
CFD Modeling of Wet Electrostatic Precipitators in Coaxial Wire‐Tube Configuration
Authors: Kaiser Sven , Walzel Peter , Fahlenkamp Hans 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDie Auslegung von Elektroabscheidern ist komplex, vor allem dann, wenn die angestrebten Prozessbedingungen durch eine sehr hohe Beladung des Hintergrundgases mit Partikeln oder Tropfen gekennzeichnet sind. In diesem Fall führt die große Anzahl von partikelgebundener Ladung zu einer signifikanten Störung der Koronaentwicklung, wodurch ein Rückgang der Abscheideleistung verursacht wird. Dieser Effekt ist als Corona‐Quenching bekannt. Das Ziel dieser Arbeit ist die Entwicklung eines auf Computational Fluid Dynamics basierenden numerischen Modells, das diesen Effekt abbilden kann.
Cultivation of Cells and Microorganisms in Wave‐Mixed Disposable Bag Bioreactors at Different Scales
Authors: Junne Stefan , Solymosi Thomas , Oosterhuis Nico , Neubauer Peter 
Published: December 2012

AbstractDisposable bioreactors have gained an increasing importance in recent years in the pharmaceutical production. Wave‐mixed reactors were among the first systems which were applied. In contrast to stirred tank reactors, wave‐mixed bioreactors are characterized by low shear forces while the gas exchange is realized by the large gas‐liquid interface. Oxygen transfer rates obtained are often in a range between 50 and 300 h–1. By applying nutrient‐limiting fed‐batch cultivations, in which the oxygen consumption of a culture is controlled, bacteria can be also cultivated in wave‐mixed reactors. This article describes the successful scale‐up of an Escherichia coli fed‐batch cultivation from the 12‐L to the 120‐L scale using a disposable bioreactor, in which a final biomass concentration of 45 g L–1 was obtained.
First Examples of Hybrids Based on Graphene and a Ring‐Shaped Macrocyclic Polyoxometalate: Synthesis, Characterization, and Properties
Authors: Li Shiwen , Liu Rongji , Ngo Biboum Rosa , Lepoittevin Bénédicte , Zhang Guangjin , Dolbecq Anne , Mialane Pierre , Keita Bineta 
Published: December 2012

AbstractThis work introduces facile synthetic methods of two new classes of green materials based on graphene (G) and the macrocyclic polyoxometalate [H7P8W48O184]33– (P8W48) alone or assembled with an imidazolium‐based poly(ionic liquid) (PIL). The polyoxometalate serves as both an efficient graphite oxide reductant and a stabilizer. Owing to the strong adsorption of P8W48 on the resulting G sheets, water‐dispersible P8W48@G hybrids were obtained without the need for surfactant or polymeric stabilizers. The P8W48@G hybrids were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The presence of G in these hybrids induces an outstanding enhancement in the electrochemical properties of P8W48 in comparison with those observed with glassy carbon. Moreover, P8W48@G‐ and P8W48@PIL‐G‐based electrodes exhibit remarkable stability during prolonged potential cycling in various aqueous electrolytes. To the best of our knowledge, these are the first examples of successful syntheses of a high nuclearity polyoxometalate and graphene assemblies that might facilitate photoelectrocatalysis of multielectronic reactions.