bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical Properties of Topologically Interlocked Structures with Elements Produced by Freeze Gelation of Ceramic Slurries
Authors: Krause T. , Molotnikov A. , Carlesso M. , Rente J. , Rezwan K. , Estrin Y. , Koch D. 
Published: January 2012

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

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

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

AbstractBackground:A ban on smoking in the workplace was introduced in Ireland on March 29, 2004. As exposure to secondhand smoke has been implicated in the development of coronary disease, this might impact the incidence of acute coronary syndromes (ACS).Hypothesis:The smoking ban was associated with a decreased rate of hospital admissions for ACS.Methods:We analyzed data collected in a registry of all patients admitted to hospital with ACS in the southwest of Ireland, catchment population 620 525, from March 2003 until March 2007.Results:In the year following implementation of the ban, there was a significant 12% reduction in ACS admissions (177.9 vs 205.9/100,000; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 164.0‐185.1, P = 0.002). This reduction was due to fewer events occurring among men (281.5 vs 233.5, P = 0.0011) and current smokers (408 vs 302 admissions, P < 0.0001). There was no change in the rate of admissions for ACS in the following year (174.3/100,000; 95% CI: 164.0‐185.1, P > 0.1). However, a further 13% reduction was observed between March 2006 and March 2007 (149.2; 95% CI: 139.7‐159.2). Variation in admissions with time as a continuous variable also demonstrated a reduction on implementation of the smoking ban.Conclusions:A national ban on smoking in public places was associated with an early significant decrease in hospital admissions for ACS, suggesting a rapid effect of banning smoking in public places on ACS. A further reduction of similar magnitude 2 years after implementation of the ban is consistent with a longer‐term effect that should be further examined in long‐term studies.No funding was received for this study. The Coronary Heart Attack Ireland Registry (CHAIR) is funded by the Department of Health and Children, which had no role in the design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, writing or revising of the report. IJP is chairman of the Research Institute for a Tobacco Free Society. The other authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Inadequate Reporting of Concomitant Drug Treatment in Cardiovascular Interventional Head‐to‐Head Trials
Authors: Mahfoud Felix , Böhm Michael , Baumhäkel Magnus 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBackground:Optimal revascularization strategy is still under debate in patients with coronary artery disease, particularly due to the results of the Synergy Between Percutaneous Coronary Intervention With TAXUS and Cardiac Surgery (SYNTAX) trial. Although medical prevention has been clearly shown to be beneficial in coronary artery disease, it has been suggested that patients were significantly undertreated with evidence‐based medications for cardiovascular protection.Hypothesis:The purpose of the study was to evaluate concomitant medical treatment in cardiovascular interventional head‐to‐head trials comparing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods:A systematic search of the literature regarding documentation and reports of medical treatment in cardiovascular interventional head‐to‐head trials with more than 500 patients comparing CABG and PCI was performed.Results:Systematic research of the literature identified 2106 articles of potential interest. After review and selection, only 3 trials reported on medical treatment. Baseline medication was reported in the RITA (Randomized Intervention Treatment of Angina), CABRI (Coronary Angioplasty versus Bypass Revascularisation Investigation), and SYNTAX trials, and follow‐up data were provided by the CABRI and SYNTAX 3‐year trials only.Conclusions:Poor reporting of medical treatment at discharge might reflect an underestimation of secondary prevention in patients undergoing cardiac surgery or interventional procedures in head‐to‐head interventional trials. Thus, discussion of optimal revascularization procedure has to remain open, even in terms of concomitant medical treatment of patients.Additional Supporting Information may be found in the online version of this article.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
Multiple domains of human CLASP contribute to microtubule dynamics and organization in vitro and in Xenopus egg extracts
Authors: Patel Kieren , Nogales Eva , Heald Rebecca 
Published: January 2012

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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