bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) protects against streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy: role of GSK3β and mitochondrial function
Authors: Zhang Yingmei , Babcock Sara A , Hu Nan , Maris Jacalyn R , Wang Haichang , Ren Jun 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Background
Mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) displays some promise in the protection against cardiovascular diseases although its role in diabetes has not been elucidated.

Methods
This study was designed to evaluate the impact of ALDH2 on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy. Friendly virus B(FVB) and ALDH2 transgenic mice were treated with streptozotocin (intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg) to induce diabetes.

Results
Echocardiographic evaluation revealed reduced fractional shortening, increased end-systolic and -diastolic diameter, and decreased wall thickness in streptozotocin-treated FVB mice. Streptozotocin led to a reduced respiratory exchange ratio; myocardial apoptosis and mitochondrial damage; cardiomyocyte contractile and intracellular Ca2+ defects, including depressed peak shortening and maximal velocity of shortening and relengthening; prolonged duration of shortening and relengthening; and dampened intracellular Ca2+ rise and clearance. Western blot analysis revealed disrupted phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β and Foxo3a (but not mammalian target of rapamycin), elevated PTEN phosphorylation and downregulated expression of mitochondrial proteins, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator 1α and UCP-2. Intriguingly, ALDH2 attenuated or ablated streptozotocin-induced echocardiographic, mitochondrial, apoptotic and myocardial contractile and intracellular Ca2+ anomalies as well as changes in the phosphorylation of Akt, glycogen synthase kinase-3β, Foxo3a and phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten, despite persistent hyperglycemia and a low respiratory exchange ratio. In vitro data revealed that the ALDH2 activator Alda-1 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β inhibition protected against high glucose-induced mitochondrial and mechanical anomalies, the effect of which was cancelled by mitochondrial uncoupling.

Conclusions
In summary, our data revealed that ALDH2 acted against diabetes-induced cardiac contractile and intracellular Ca2+ dysregulation, possibly through regulation of apoptosis, glycogen synthase kinase-3β activation and mitochondrial function independent of the global metabolic profile.
Extending healthy ageing: nutrient sensitive pathway and centenarian population
Authors: Davinelli Sergio , Willcox D Craig , Scapagnini Giovanni 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Ageing is a challenge for any living organism and human longevity is a complex phenotype. With increasing life expectancy, maintaining long-term health, functionality and well-being during ageing has become an essential goal. To increase our understanding of how ageing works, it may be advantageous to analyze the phenotype of centenarians, perhaps one of the best examples of successful ageing. Healthy ageing involves the interaction between genes, the environment, and lifestyle factors, particularly diet. Besides evaluating specific gene-environment interactions in relation to exceptional longevity, it is important to focus attention on modifiable lifestyle factors such as diet and nutrition to achieve extension of health span. Furthermore, a better understanding of human longevity may assist in the design of strategies to extend the duration of optimal human health. In this article we briefly discuss relevant topics on ageing and longevity with particular focus on dietary patterns of centenarians and nutrient-sensing pathways that have a pivotal role in the regulation of life span. Finally, we also discuss the potential role of Nrf2 system in the pro-ageing signaling emphasizing its phytohormetic activation.
The combination of olaparib and camptothecin for effective radiosensitization
Authors: Miura Katsutoshi , Sakata Koh-ichi , Someya Masanori , Matsumoto Yoshihisa , Matsumoto Hideki , Takahashi Akihisa , Hareyama Masato 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1) is a key enzyme involved in the repair of radiation-induced single-strand DNA breaks. PARP inhibitors such as olaparib (KU-0059436, AZD-2281) enhance tumor sensitivity to radiation and to topoisomerase I inhibitors like camptothecin (CPT). Olaparib is an orally bioavailable inhibitor of PARP-1 and PARP-2 that has been tested in multiple clinical trials. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics of the sensitizing effect of olaparib for radiation and CPT in order to support clinical application of this agent.

Methods
DLD-1 cells (a human colorectal cancer cell line) and H1299 cells (a non-small cell lung cancer cell line) with differences of p53 gene status were used. The survival of these cells was determined by clonogenic assay after treatment with drugs and X-ray irradiation. The γH2AX focus formation assay was performed to examine the influence of olaparib on induction and repair of double-stranded DNA breaks after exposure to radiation or CPT.

Results
A radiosensitizing effect of olaparib was seen even at 0.01 μM. Its radiosensitizing effect after exposure for 2 h was similar to that after 24 h. H1299 cells with depletion or mutation of p53 were more radioresistant than H1299 cells with wild-type p53. However, similar enhancement of radiosensitization by olaparib was observed with all of the tested cell lines regardless of the p53 status. Olaparib also sensitized cells to CPT. This sensitizing effect was seen at low concentrations of olaparib such as 0.01 μM, and its sensitizing effect was the same at both 0.01 μM and 1 μM. The combination of olaparib and CPT had a stronger radiosensitizing effect. The results of the γH2AX focus assay corresponded with the clonogenic assay findings.

Conclusion
Olaparib enhanced sensitivity to radiation and CPT at low concentrations and after relatively short exposure times such as 2 h. The radiosensitizing effect of olaprib was not dependent on the p53 status of tumor cells. These characteristics could be advantageous for clinical radiotherapy since tumor cells may be exposed to low concentrations of olaparib and/or may have different levels of p53 mutation. The combination of olaparib and CPT had a stronger radiosensitizing effect, indicating that combining a PARP inihibitor with a topoiomerase I inhibitor could be promising for clinical radiosensitization.
Combined heat and power systems: economic and policy barriers to growth
Authors: Kalam Adil , King Abigail , Moret Ellen , Weerasinghe Upekha 
Published: April 2012

Abstract

Background
Combined Heat and Power (CHP) systems can provide a range of benefits to users with regards to efficiency, reliability, costs and environmental impact. Furthermore, increasing the amount of electricity generated by CHP systems in the United States has been identified as having significant potential for impressive economic and environmental outcomes on a national scale. Given the benefits from increasing the adoption of CHP technologies, there is value in improving our understanding of how desired increases in CHP adoption can be best achieved. These obstacles are currently understood to stem from regulatory as well as economic and technological barriers. In our research, we answer the following questions: Given the current policy and economic environment facing the CHP industry, what changes need to take place in this space in order for CHP systems to be competitive in the energy market?

Methods
We focus our analysis primarily on Combined Heat and Power Systems that use natural gas turbines. Our analysis takes a two-pronged approach. We first conduct a statistical analysis of the impact of state policies on increases in electricity generated from CHP system. Second, we conduct a Cost-Benefit analysis to determine in which circumstances funding incentives are necessary to make CHP technologies cost-competitive.

Results
Our policy analysis shows that regulatory improvements do not explain the growth in adoption of CHP technologies but hold the potential to encourage increases in electricity generated from CHP system in small-scale applications. Our Cost-Benefit analysis shows that CHP systems are only cost competitive in large-scale applications and that funding incentives would be necessary to make CHP technology cost-competitive in small-scale applications.

Conclusion
From the synthesis of these analyses we conclude that because large-scale applications of natural gas turbines are already cost-competitive, policy initiatives aimed at a CHP market dominated primarily by large-scale (and therefore already cost-competitive) systems have not been effectively directed. Our recommendation is that for CHP technologies using natural gas turbines, policy focuses should be on increasing CHP growth in small-scale systems. This result can be best achieved through redirection of state and federal incentives, research and development, adoption of smart grid technology, and outreach and education.
The smart meter and a smarter consumer: quantifying the benefits of smart meter implementation in the United States
Authors: Cook Brendan , Gazzano Jerrome , Gunay Zeynep , Hiller Lucas , Mahajan Sakshi , Taskan Aynur , Vilogorac Samra 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The electric grid in the United States has been suffering from underinvestment for years, and now faces pressing challenges from rising demand and deteriorating infrastructure. High congestion levels in transmission lines are greatly reducing the efficiency of electricity generation and distribution. In this paper, we assess the faults of the current electric grid and quantify the costs of maintaining the current system into the future. While the proposed “smart grid” contains many proposals to upgrade the ailing infrastructure of the electric grid, we argue that smart meter installation in each U.S. household will offer a significant reduction in peak demand on the current system. A smart meter is a device which monitors a household’s electricity consumption in real-time, and has the ability to display real-time pricing in each household. We conclude that these devices will provide short-term and long-term benefits to utilities and consumers. The smart meter will enable utilities to closely monitor electricity consumption in real-time, while also allowing households to adjust electricity consumption in response to real-time price adjustments.
A review of fire blocking technologies for soft furnishings
Authors: Nazaré Shonali , Davis Rick D 
Published: April 2012

AbstractFire barrier fabrics are expected to play an increasingly important role in complying with existing and proposed soft furnishing flammability regulations in the US. The number of commercial fire blocking technologies is large in order to accommodate the vast requirements of the consumers, manufacturers, and regulatory agencies. Generally, highloft, nonwoven fiber battings are used in residential mattress applications, whereas coated or laminated textiles are more common in institutional and upholstered furnishing applications. Successfully achieving the desired level of fire protection requires appropriate matching of the barrier fabric to the desired characteristics of the soft furnishing. Barrier material selection for soft furnishings is generally a process of trial and error due to significant measurement science gaps.In 2009, the National Institute of Science and Technology and American Fiber Manufacturers Association held a workshop on fire blocking barrier fabrics for soft furnishings to discuss the past, present, and future state of the barrier materials in the US. This manuscript is based on knowledge obtained from the workshop and the subsequent knowledge gathered from literature and stakeholders. Several fire blocking technologies have been explored to reduce the flammability of soft furnishings by preventing or delaying direct flame impingement and heat transfer from the flames or molten polymer to the core components. While previous studies reported on use of fire barriers to comply with full-scale testing of soft furnishing items, they failed to report on assessment of barrier materials as isolated components. In addition to a few examples that demonstrate the complexity that makes a priori selection of fire barrier materials difficult, various fire blocking technologies are discussed in this report with respect to material type, fiber content, and fire blocking mechanisms. Potential test methods for characterizing barrier performance are reviewed. Future trends in fire blocking materials are also briefly described.
Ventilator-associated pneumonia and ICU mortality in severe ARDS patients ventilated according to a lung-protective strategy
Authors: Forel Jean-Marie , Voillet François , Pulina Daniel , Gacouin Arnaud , Perrin Gilles , Barrau Karine , Jaber Samir , Arnal Jean-Michel , Fathallah Mohamed , Auquier Pascal , Roch Antoine , Azoulay Elie , Papazian Laurent 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Introduction
Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) may contribute to the mortality associated with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). We aimed to determine the incidence, outcome, and risk factors of bacterial VAP complicating severe ARDS in patients ventilated by using a strictly standardized lung-protective strategy.

Methods
This prospective epidemiologic study was done in all the 339 patients with severe ARDS included in a multicenter randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind trial of cisatracurium besylate in severe ARDS patients. Patients with suspected VAP underwent bronchoalveolar lavage to confirm the diagnosis.

Results
Ninety-eight (28.9%) patients had at least one episode of microbiologically documented bacterial VAP, including 41 (41.8%) who died in the ICU, compared with 74 (30.7%) of the 241 patients without VAP (P = 0.05). After adjustment, age and severity at baseline, but not VAP, were associated with ICU death. Cisatracurium besylate therapy within 2 days of ARDS onset decreased the risk of ICU death. Factors independently associated with an increased risk to develop a VAP were male sex and worse admission Glasgow Coma Scale score. Tracheostomy, enteral nutrition, and the use of a subglottic secretion-drainage device were protective.

Conclusions
In patients with severe ARDS receiving lung-protective ventilation, VAP was associated with an increased crude ICU mortality which did not remain significant after adjustment.
A microelectromechanical system digital 3C array seismic cone penetrometer
Authors: Ghose Ranajit 
Published: April 2012

A digital 3C array seismic cone penetrometer has been developed for multidisciplinary geophysical and geotechnical applications. Seven digital triaxial microelectromechanical system accelerometers are installed at 0.25-m intervals to make a 1.5-m-long downhole seismic array. The accelerometers have a flat response up to 2 kHz. The seismic array is attached to a class 1 digital seismic cone, which measures cone tip resistance, sleeve friction, pore-pressure, and inclination. The downhole 3C array can be used together with impulsive seismic sources and/or high-frequency vibrators that are suitable for high-resolution shallow applications. Results from two field experiments showed that a good data quality, including a constant source function within an array, and a dense depth-sampling allowed robust estimation of seismic velocity profiles in the shallow subsoil. Using horizontal and vertical seismic sources, downhole 9C seismic array data can be easily acquired. The quality of the shear-wave data is much superior when the surface seismic source is a controlled, high-frequency vibrator in stead of a traditional sledge hammer. A remarkable correlation in depth, in a fine scale, between low-strain seismic shear wave velocity and high-strain cone tip resistance could be observed. The array measurements of the full-elastic wavefield and the broad spectral bandwidth are useful in investigating frequency-dependent seismic wave propagation in the porous near-surface soil layers, which is informative of the in situ fluid-flow properties. Stable estimates of dispersive seismic velocity and attenuation can be obtained.
The Royal Menageries of Louis XIV and the Civilizing Process Revisited
Authors: Sahlins Peter 
Published: April 2012

This article examines the shift in animal spectatorship at the beginning of the reign of Louis XIV (the 1660s) from the violence of wild animal combat at the Vincennes menagerie to the peaceful display of graceful birds in the first pavilion constructed in the Versailles park beginning in 1662. I interpret the pavilion and animal collections using the sparse administrative sources and the richer literary descriptions by Mademoiselle de Scudéry, Jean de La Fontaine, and the unpublished poem of the engineer-fountaineer Claude Denis. Drawing on the theoretical work of Norbert Elias and Michel Foucault, I argue that the menagerie is best understood both as a royal claim of absolute authority and as a model of the aristocratic experience of civilité. The menagerie was less a zoo than a living metaphor of Louis XIV’s absolutism and the court society of Versailles itself.
Cet article examine le changement des modalités de présentation des animaux vivants au début du règne de Louis XIV (les années 1660) dans l’optique du passage de la violence des combats d’animaux sauvages à la Ménagerie de Vincennes jusqu’à l’exposition paisible d’oiseaux gracieux et élégants dans les cours du premier pavillon construit dans le parc de Versailles dès 1662. L’article se sert des maigres archives administratives et des descriptions littéraires plus riches de Mademoiselle de Scudéry, Jean de La Fontaine ainsi que d’un poème inédit de l’ingénieur fontainier Claude Denis. Il propose une nouvelle interprétation des ménageries de Louis XIV et des choix d’animaux présentés, s’engageant avec Norbert Elias et Michel Foucault pour penser la ménagerie à la fois comme une revendication d’autorité absolue du roi et de l’expérience aristocratique de la civilité à la cour. La ménagerie fut moins un zoo moderne qu’une métaphore vivante de l’absolutisme et de la civilisation des mœurs à la société de cour à Versailles.
Ni–Cu/ZnO-catalyzed Hydrogenolysis of Cellulose for the Production of 1,2-Alkanediols in Hot Compressed Water
Authors: Wang Xicheng , Wu Feng , Yao Shengxi , Jiang Yijun , Guan Jing , Mu Xindong 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Ni–Cu/ZnO catalysts with varied Ni-to-Cu mole ratio were prepared by coprecipitation and evaluated for the hydrogenolysis of high-crystalline cellulose. Ni and Cu species exerted synergetic effects in dehydroxylation reaction and C–C bond breakage for the formation of 1,2-alkanediols. Ni–Cu/ZnO with Ni-to-Cu ratio of 2:3 is highly selective toward 1,2-alkanediols (72.5%) under hydrothermal conditions (518 K, 4 MPa H2), which also exhibits excellent activity in the conversion of real biomass.
Organogelators Derived from [3.3]Metacyclophane Skeleton with a Urea Unit
Authors: Tsuge Akihiko , Matsushita Ryuichiro , Sakura Katsuhiko , Moriguchi Tetsuji , Araki Koji 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Dithia[3.3]metacyclophanes with a urea unit having long alkyl chains have been prepared. It has been found out that some of them give stable organogels in some solvents, and their gelating ability depends on structural properties of both aromatic components in the dithia[3.3]metacyclophane.
CaO-catalyzed Aerobic Oxidation of α-Hydroxy Ketones: Application to One-pot Synthesis of Quinoxaline Derivatives
Authors: Hara Takayoshi , Takami Yukihiro , Ichikuni Nobuyuki , Shimazu Shogo 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
The aerobic oxidation of α-hydroxy ketones into α-diketones catalyzed by CaO is compared with the same reaction catalyzed by other metal oxides. The catalytic activities of the various metal oxides were proportional to their surface basicities. The direct conversion of α-hydroxy ketones into quinoxalines via CaO-catalyzed aerobic oxidation followed by in situ reaction with 1,2-diaminoaromatics is also achieved. Various types of quinoxalines were synthesized in the presence of the CaO catalyst and molecular oxygen. It was also found that the CaO catalyst was reusable without any loss of its catalytic activity.
Versatile Modification for Highly Dispersive and Functionalized Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Ukigaya Koichi , Oaki Yuya , Imai Hiroaki 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Highly dispersive and functionalized mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) 50–100 nm in diameter were formed by versatile surface modification through photopolymerization of organic molecules having vinyl groups. Hydrophilic polymers, hydrophobic chains, poly(N-isopropylacrylamide), and poly(N-vinylcarbazole) were easily attached to methacryl groups as a reactive site on the particle surface. We obtained MSNs having high dispersibility in various media and functionality, such as thermosensitivity and photoluminescence, using the facile technique.
Carbon Black Paste Combined with Conductivity-enhanced CuSCN for Improved Performance in Quasi-solid-state Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Premalal E V A , Dematage Nilupulee , Konno Akinori 
Published: April 2012

Abstract
Vast improvement in the performance of a dye-sensitized solid-state solar cell of TiO2/N719/modified CuSCN is observed when carbon paste is applied on CuSCN. AC-impedance analysis reveals the existence of the ionic nature of the modified CuSCN material, and it is further developed when carbon paste is applied on CuSCN in the solar cell. Voltage-transient spectra of decay analysis show the improvement of the lifetime of the photogenerated electrons and thus improve the voltage in the carbon-paste-applied solar cell.
Femoral revision surgery with impaction bone grafting
Authors: ten Have B. L. E. F. , Brouwer MD R. W. , van Biezen F. C. , Verhaar J. A. N. 
Published: April 2012

The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiological outcomes of revision of the femoral component of a total hip replacement using impaction bone grafting. Femoral revision with an impacted allograft was performed on 29 patients (31 hips). In all, 21 hips (68%) had grade III or IV femoral defects according to the Endo-Klinik classification. A total of 11 patients (12 hips) died before the ten-year follow-up period. Of the remaining patients, 18 patients (19 hips) were followed for 10 to 15 years; three further patients died during this time. None of the 31 stems underwent further revision of their stem. However, four stems showed extensive subsidence (> 15 mm). One of these patients had a femoral fracture that required fixation. Three other patients had a femoral fracture, two of which required fixation and the other was treated conservatively. Patients with a femoral fracture and/or severe subsidence had significantly more grade IV defects (six of seven hips; p = 0.004). One patient needed a closed reduction for dislocation.Impaction allografting in revision hip surgery gives good long-term results for femora with grades I, II and III Endo-Klinik-classified defects. Extensive subsidence and femoral fractures were seen mainly in patients with grade IV damaged femora.