bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Does Targeted, Disease‐Specific Public Research Funding Influence Pharmaceutical Innovation?
Authors: Blume-Kohout Margaret E. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractPublic funding for biomedical research is often justified as a means to encourage development of more (and better) treatments for disease. However, few studies have investigated the relationship between these expenditures and downstream pharmaceutical innovation. In particular, although recent analyses have shown a clear contribution of federally funded research to drug development, there exists little evidence to suggest that increasing targeted public research funding for any specific disease will result in increased development of drugs to treat that disease. This paper evaluates the impact of changes in the allocation of U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) extramural research grant funding across diseases on the number of drugs entering clinical testing to treat those diseases, using new longitudinal data on NIH extramural research grants awarded by disease for years 1975 through 2006. Results from a variety of distributed lag models indicate that a sustained 10 percent increase in targeted, disease‐specific NIH funding yields approximately a 4.5 percent increase in the number of related drugs entering clinical testing (phase I trials) after a lag of up to 12 years, reflecting the continuing influence of NIH funding on discovery and testing of new molecular entities. In contrast, we do not see evidence that increases in NIH extramural grant funding for research focused on specific diseases will increase the number of related treatments investigated in the more expensive, late‐stage (phase III) trials.
Kenaf‐filled biodegradable composites: rheological and mechanical behaviour
Authors: Lo Re Giada , Morreale Marco , Scaffaro Roberto , La Mantia Francesco Paolo 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBiodegradable polymer composites, typically based on biodegradable polymer matrices and natural‐organic fillers, are gaining rising interest and importance over the last few years. Several natural‐organic fillers can be used but the most widespread so far is wood, in the form of fibres or flour. Alternative cellulosic fillers can ensure advantages in terms of resource utilization and properties of the final composite. In this work, Mater‐Bi® based biodegradable composites were prepared with two kinds of wood flour, and directly compared with alternative composites containing kenaf fibres. The use of kenaf fibres allowed improved elastic modulus, tensile strength and interaction with the polymer matrix to be obtained, although the filler dispersion was worse. Rheological measurements evidenced higher viscosity and an increasingly elastic behaviour of the melt. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Polystyrene composites of single‐walled carbon nanotubes‐graft‐polystyrene
Authors: Paul Abhijit , Grady Brian P , Ford Warren T 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSingle‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) dispersed in N‐methylpyrrolidone (NMP) were functionalized by addition of polystyryl radicals from 2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐1‐piperidinyloxy‐ended polystyrene (SWCNT‐g‐PS). The amount of polystyrene grafted to the nanotubes was in the range 20‐25 wt% irrespective of polystyrene number‐average molecular weight ranging from 2270 to 49 500 g mol−1. In Raman spectra the ratios of D‐band to G‐band intensity were similar for all of the polystyrene‐grafted samples and for the starting SWCNTs. Numerous near‐infrared electronic transitions of the SWCNTs were retained after polymer grafting. Transmission electron microscopy images showed bundles of SWCNT‐g‐PS of various diameters with some of the polystyrene clumped on the bundle surfaces. Composites of SWCNT‐g‐PS in a commercial‐grade polystyrene were prepared by precipitation of mixtures of the components from NMP into water, i.e. the coagulation method of preparation. Electrical conductivities of the composites were about 10−15 S cm−1 and showed no percolation threshold with increasing SWCNT content. The glass transition temperature (Tg) of the composites increased at low filler loadings and remained constant with further nanotube addition irrespective of the length and number of grafted polystyrene chains. The change of heat capacity (ΔCp) at Tg decreased with increasing amount of SWCNT‐g‐PS of 2850 g mol−1, but ΔCp changed very little with the amount of SWCNT‐g‐PS of higher molecular weight. The expected monotonic decrease in ΔCp coupled with the plateau behavior of Tg suggests there is a limit to the amount that Tg of the matrix polymer can increase with increasing amount of nanotube filler. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Carcass weight, condition and reproduction of wild boar harvested in north‐western Poland
Authors: Orłowska Lidia , Rembacz Wojciech , Florek Cezary 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKROUND: Wild boar were studied in the Gryfino‐Mysliborz region of Poland where high‐density populations inflict great damage to farmlands. The reproductive tracts from carcasses bagged during the 2008/2009 hunting season were analysed for numbers of corpora lutea and embryos. The objective was to determine the reproduction rate in a wild boar population having access to high‐protein food in cereal monocultures.RESULTS: Among the wild boar harvested (n = 165), 35.8% were piglets, 53.9% were yearlings and 10.3% were older boar. Among the 105 females examined, 60.9% did not reproduce. The presence of corpora lutea was found in 22.9% of females, whereas 16.2% of females had embryos. In piglets, 11.5% of females had corpora lutea and embryos. These proportions were higher in yearlings (41.1%) and in older females (45.4%). The average number was 6.3 of corpora lutea per ovulating female, with an average litter size of 5.9 embryos. The farrowing period was found to last from December to August.CONCLUSIONS: The proportion of piglets in the harvest quota must be increased to prevent these animals from boosting reproduction. Offering high‐protein fodder in baiting stations and feeding sites should be banned. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of four turf management regimes on arthropod abundance in lawns
Authors: Rochefort Sophie , Shetlar David J , Brodeur Jacques 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:Turfgrass management practices, especially the use of chemical pesticides, may be detrimental to beneficial arthropods such as predators and decomposers. However, little is known about the impact of other practices or pest control products on these beneficials. The impact of four different management regimes, consisting of synthetic pesticide cover sprays or combinations of more targeted applications of natural pesticides, on selected groups of non‐targeted arthropods in lawns of different age was studied over 3 years. The short‐term effect of diazinon and carbaryl on Carabidae and Collembola was also evaluated.RESULTS:Formicidae and Araneae were the most abundant taxa at both sites, representing 74–80% of total captures. With a few short‐term exceptions, no persistent and significant difference between turfgrass management regimes on arthropod abundance was observed over the 3 year study. Diazinon and carbaryl significantly reduced Carabidae abundance, but only one year out of three, while Collembola abundance was only transiently affected by carbaryl application in 2003.CONCLUSION:The study showed that practices and products used in the four management regimes did not disrupt the populations of specific groups of arthropods. These results provide useful information to professionals for the development of ecological turf practices to maintain beneficial arthropod abundance and diversity in urban landscapes. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Bioaccumulation of chlorophacinone in strains of rats resistant to anticoagulants
Authors: Vein Julie , Vey Danièle , Fourel Isabelle , Berny Philippe 
Published: May 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND: Anticoagulants are the only available compounds in the EU to control rat populations. Resistance to anticoagulant rodenticides (antivitamin K or AVK) is described and widespread across Europe. The present objective was to determine whether resistance was associated with an increased potential for bioaccumulation of AVK in the liver. Rats were selected from three major resistant genetically identified strains across Europe: Y139C (Germany), Y139F (France) and L120Q (United Kingdom). The rats were housed in individual cages and fed chlorophacinone wheat bait (50 mg kg−1). Animals were assigned to groups for euthanasia either on day 1, 4, 9 or 14 (resistant rats) or on days 1 and 4 (susceptible rats).RESULTS: Chlorophacinone accumulated from day 1 to day 4 in all strains (maximum 160 µg liver−1) and remained stable thereafter. There was no significant difference between strains. Extensive metabolism of chlorophacinone was also found, and was similar (in nature and proportion of metabolites) across strains (3 OH‐metabolites identified). Only the survival time differed significantly (L120Q > Y139C = Y139F > susceptible).CONCLUSIONS: Accumulation of chlorophacinone occurs from day 1 to day 4, and an equilibrium is reached, suggesting rapid elimination. Resistant and susceptible rats accumulate chlorophacinone to the same extent and only differ in terms of survival times. Resistant rats may then be a threat for non‐target species for prolonged periods of time. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
CVD‐Grown Horizontally Aligned Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes: Synthesis Routes and Growth Mechanisms
Authors: Ibrahim Imad , Bachmatiuk Alicja , Warner Jamie H. , Büchner Bernd , Cuniberti Gianaurelio , Rümmeli Mark H. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractSingle‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) have attractive electrical and physical properties, which make them very promising for use in various applications. For some applications however, in particular those involving electronics, SWCNTs need to be synthesized with a high degree of control with respect to yield, length, alignment, diameter, and chirality. With this in mind, a great deal of effort is being directed to the precision control of vertically and horizontally aligned nanotubes. In this review the focus is on the latter, horizontally aligned tubes grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD). The reader is provided with an in‐depth review of the established vapor deposition orientation techniques. Detailed discussions on the characterization routes, growth parameters, and growth mechanisms are also provided.
New constructional steel for pressure vessels with a high resistance to hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC)
Authors: Dietrich Andreas , Kern Andreas , Schäf Christian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractCurrently, natural gas with 25 % share of fossil fuels is a very important energy resource. Many gas reserves contain natural gas with a proportion of up to 35 % of hydrogen sulphide (H2S), which can cause hydrogen‐induced cracking (HIC).This paper discusses the development, production and properties of a new steel grade X‐COR (eXtra CORosionresistant) for welded pressure vessels, which fit the actual requirements according different standards for pressure vessel steels with up to 355 MPa minimum yield strength very well. The outstanding HIC‐resistance is achieved in normalized and stress relieved condition up to a plate thickness of 50 mm. Additionally, important aspects regarding processing behaviour and application of X‐COR are highlighted.
Experimental investigations on plain channels in coupled instabilities
Authors: Ungermann Dieter , Brune Bettina , Lübke Sebastian 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper presents experimental investigations on thin‐walled steel members with C‐cross sections subjected to both local and global buckling failure. Different cross sections, buckling length and steel grades have been investigated for welded and cold‐formed sections. Experimental tests on stub columns with only local buckling failure and on longer columns with combined local and global buckling will be presented. The stub column tests focused on the local buckling mechanisms with respect to axial compression loading and combined compression and bending. By testing longer columns subjected to both local and global buckling, the interaction of local and global buckling failure will be addressed. Therefore results will be based on general observations from the local buckling stub column tests. The influence of initial global geometric imperfections with respect to size and shape will be identified as crucial for the overall ultimate buckling strength of C‐sections subjected to coupled instabilities.
The Adsorption of Hydroxyl Mixed Ether Nonionic Polymeric Surfactants at Air/Water and Solid/Water Interfaces: Influence of Surfactant Molecular Structure
Authors: Abdel‐Rahem Rami A. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThis paper reports the adsorption of four nonionic Hydroxyl Mixed Ether (HME) polymeric surfactants at air/water and solid/water interfaces. The characteristics of these nonionic surfactants, including surface tension, critical micelle concentration (CMC) and adsorption onto saponite and Teflon are investigated. At the air/water interface, the surface activity of the HME‐surfactants decreases with an increasing degree of ethoxylation. The surface tension results indicate that CMC, surface tension at CMC (γCMC), and the minimum surface area per adsorbed HME‐surfactant molecule (Amin) all increased with the degree of ethoxylation for surfactants with similar hydrocarbon chain lengths. Additionally, a strong adsorption onto the saponite (synthetic clay) was measured and found dependent on both the degree of ethoxylation and the hydrocarbon chain length. This adsorption was also observed by atomic force microscopy (AFM). On the other hand, the adsorption of HME‐surfactants on Teflon was independent of the hydrocarbon chain length.
Effectiveness of a Multifaceted Cognitive Training Programme for People with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A One-Group Pre- and Posttest Design
Authors: Lim Michelle H.X. , Liu Karen P.Y. , Cheung Gloria S.F. , Kuo Michael C.C. , Li Ruijie , Tong Choy-Ying 
Published: May 2012

Objectives The effectiveness of a cognitive training programme in enhancing the functional abilities of elderly persons with mild cognitive impairments was tested in an integrated home and institutional training programme focused on performing daily tasks. Methods Twenty elderly participants were taught cognitive stimulation and memory encoding strategies for 10 weeks by an occupational therapist, or by nonprofessionals and community caregivers. The programme consisted of attention and memory stimulation, association-based and imagery-based strategies. Functional assessment (Chinese version of the disability assessment for dementia instrument and the instrumental activities of daily living scale) and neuropsychological tests (digit span forward test, word list memory subtest of the neuropsychological test battery developed by the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer's Disease, Cognistat) were administered before and after the programme. Results After the 10-week programme the participants showed significant improvements in average attention and memory. The participants showed improved memory (word list memory: p ≤ .001) and other cognitive function as measured by the naming (p ≤ .001), construction (p ≤ .001), memory (p ≤ .001) and similarities (p ≤ .001) subtests of the Cognistat. Conclusion These results provide initial evidence supporting the use of daily tasks as the context in teaching cognitive stimulation and memory encoding strategies to mildly impaired elderly people.
Transforming Mother-Infant Interaction Within Cultural and Caregiving Contexts: Home-Based Occupational Therapy for Preterm Infants
Authors: Chiu Teresa M.L. , Wehrmann Susan , Reid Denise , Sinclair Gerry 
Published: May 2012

Background Developing positive interaction between preterm infants and their mothers is known to be a challenge because preterm infants are more fussy and difficult to soothe. Yet, little is known about what happens to the mother-infant interaction as the babies grow older in their natural environment and when and how the mother-infant dyads continue to need support for home care. This study aimed to explore the changes in mother-infant interaction of preterm infants and their mothers who received home care occupational therapy. Methods We video-recorded the interaction of 12 dyads of mothers and preterm infants during free play, feeding, and the mother positioning the infants for different movements. The mothers then reviewed the video recording and participated in an in-depth interview. Six months later, each dyad repeated the video recording and interview. In addition, Chinese and Tamil-speaking mothers of well babies were interviewed in focus groups. The focus group findings inform us of the meaning of culture in caregiving. Results The findings showed that the quality of interaction is shaped by the specific cultural beliefs and caregiving contexts in the home. Central to the concept is the transformation of the baby that triggers the mother to respond and then transform together. The occupational therapist who plays the supporting role facilitates the dyads to interact more harmoniously. Conclusion This study proposes a new conceptualisation that allows us to unfold the process of change in mother-infant interaction for preterm infants and their mothers within the contexts of cultural values and the caregiving environment.
Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Osteoarthritis
Authors: De Luigi Arthur Jason 
Published: May 2012

AbstractThe intent of this focused clinical review is to assess the current literature on a variety of complementary and alternative medicine treatments for osteoarthritis. This review assesses acupuncture techniques, moxibustion, transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation, low‐level laser therapy, and massage. These treatment methods are growing in popularity among the general public. It is important that providers become aware of the existing literature regarding the efficacy of these alternative methods for the treatment of osteoarthritis to adequately respond to the inquiries of our patients.
Role of Sex Hormones in the Development of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Linn Sarah , Murtaugh Bryan , Casey Ellen 
Published: May 2012

AbstractWomen older than 50 years have a considerably higher prevalence of osteoarthritis than men of the same age group. Although several factors have been proposed, there is some evidence that sex hormones influence the development of osteoarthritis. This article will focus on the basic science and clinical evidence that describe the current state of knowledge regarding the relationship between sex hormones and the development of osteoarthritis.
The Pathophysiology of Osteoarthritis: A Mechanical Perspective on the Knee Joint
Authors: Vincent Kevin R. , Conrad Bryan P. , Fregly Benjamin J. , Vincent Heather K. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most frequent cause of disability in the United States, with the medial compartment of the knee being most commonly affected. The initiation and progression of knee OA is influenced by many factors, including kinematics. In response to loading during weight‐bearing activity, cartilage in healthy knees demonstrates spatial adaptations in morphology and mechanical properties. These adaptations allow certain regions of the cartilage to respond to loading; other regions are less well suited to accommodate loading. Alterations in normal knee kinematics shift loading from cartilage regions adapted for loading to regions less well suited for loading, which leads to the initiation and progression of degenerative processes consistent with knee OA. Kinematic variables that are associated with the development, progression, and severity of knee OA are the adduction moment and tibiofemoral rotation. Because of its strong correlation with disease progression and pain, the peak adduction moment during gait has been identified as a target for treatment design. Gait modification offers a noninvasive option for seeking significant reductions. Gait modification has the potential to reduce pain and slow the progression of medial compartment knee OA.
Aerobic Activity in Prevention and Symptom Control of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Semanik Pamela A. , Chang Rowland W. , Dunlop Dorothy D. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractAlmost 27 million adults in the United States experience some form of osteoarthritis (OA). An epidemic of arthritis‐associated disability is expected in the United States during the next 2 decades, largely fueled by the aging population and the tremendous growth in the prevalence of knee OA. Regular physical activity (PA), particularly strengthening and aerobic activity, can reduce pain and improve function and health status among patients with knee and hip OA. The focus of this review is on the impact of aerobic activity on the progression and symptom control of OA. In general, both strengthening and aerobic exercise are associated with improvements in pain, perceived physical function, and performance measures for persons with lower limb OA, although comparisons of strengthening versus aerobic exercise on these outcomes are unusual. Structural disease progression in persons with established OA has been directly evaluated by a limited number of PA clinical trials for persons with knee OA, but these protocols focused on strength training exclusively. In healthy subjects, it appears that overall PA is beneficial, rather than detrimental, to knee joint health. Possibly the most important reason for engaging in PA is to prevent obesity, which independently has been associated with many serious chronic diseases, including the incidence and progression of OA. More research is needed to determine the optimal types and dosing of aerobic conditioning.
Nutritional Interventions to Prevent and Treat Osteoarthritis. Part I: Focus on Fatty Acids and Macronutrients
Authors: Lopez Hector L. 
Published: May 2012

AbstractOsteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of musculoskeletal disability in elderly individuals, and it places an enormous economic burden on society. Management of OA is primarily focused on palliative relief by using agents such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and analgesics. However, such an approach is limited by a narrow therapeutic focus that fails to address the progressive and multimodal nature of OA. Given the favorable safety profile of most nutritional interventions, identifying disease‐modifying nutritional agents capable of improving symptoms and also preventing, slowing, or even reversing the degenerative process in OA should remain an important paradigm in translational and clinical research. Applying advances in nutritional science to musculoskeletal medicine remains challenging, given the fluid and dynamic nature of the field, along with a rapidly developing regulatory climate over manufacturing and commerce requirements. The aim of this article is to review the available literature on effectiveness and potential mechanism of macronutrients for OA, with a focus on the following: long‐chain ω‐3 essential fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, functional ω‐6 fatty acid γ‐linolenic acid, and macronutrient composition of background diet. There also is a discussion about the concept of rational polysupplementation via the strategic integration of multiple nutraceuticals with potential complementary mechanisms for improving outcomes in OA. As applied nutritional science evolves, it will be important to stay on the forefront of proteomics, metabolomics, epigenetics, and nutrigenomics, because they hold enormous potential for developing novel therapeutic and prognostic breakthroughs in many areas of medicine, including OA.