bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aluminum
Authors: Taiwo Oyebode A. , Storey‐Laubach Bernadette 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe objective of this chapter is to provide a review of the health effects of aluminum, the most abundant metal and the third most abundant element in the earth's crust. Major topics covered include the physical and chemical properties of aluminum, pharmacokinetics, and aluminum toxicity in experimental and epidemiological studies. The medical literature on respiratory diseases attributable to aluminum exposure and the potential role of aluminum in the etiology of various neurological disorders are discussed. A brief overview of aluminum nanoparticles is also discussed.
Manganese and Rhenium
Authors: Santonen Tiina , Aitio Antero 
Published: January 2012

AbstractManganese is chemically reactive metal with physical characteristics varying from hard and brittle to soft and flexible. Main use of manganese is in steel production. The major non‐metallurgical use of manganese is as manganese dioxide for producing dry‐cell batteries. Organic manganese compounds include methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl used as an additive to gasoline, ethylene‐bis‐dithiocarbamate pesticides maneb and mancozeb, and an image enhancer manganese dipyridoxyl diphosphate. Main health hazard of manganese is neurotoxicity. Recent epidemiological studies show that subtle neurobehavioral effects, including fine deficits in motor performance and in attention, can be seen at exposure levels of ≥0.02–0.03 mg Mn/m3as respirable dust. Rhenium is characterized by a very high melting temperature and density. Very few data exist on the toxicity of rhenium.
Consensus treatment plans for new‐onset systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis
Authors: Dewitt Esi Morgan , Kimura Yukiko , Beukelman Timothy , Nigrovic Peter A. , Onel Karen , Prahalad Sampath , Schneider Rayfel , Stoll Matthew L. , Angeles‐Han Sheila , Milojevic Diana , Schikler Kenneth N. , Vehe Richard K. , Weiss Jennifer E. , Weiss Pamela , Ilowite Norman T. , Wallace Carol A. ,   on behalf of the Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis Disease‐specific Research Committee of the Childhood Arthritis Rheumatology and Research Alliance
Published: January 2012

AbstractObjectiveThere is wide variation in therapeutic approaches to systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) among North American rheumatologists. Understanding the comparative effectiveness of the diverse therapeutic options available for treatment of systemic JIA can result in better health outcomes. The Childhood Arthritis and Rheumatology Research Alliance (CARRA) developed consensus treatment plans and standardized assessment schedules for use in clinical practice to facilitate such studies.MethodsCase‐based surveys were administered to CARRA members to identify prevailing treatments for new‐onset systemic JIA. A 2‐day consensus conference in April 2010 employed modified nominal group technique to formulate preliminary treatment plans and determine important data elements for collection. Followup surveys were employed to refine the plans and assess clinical acceptability.ResultsThe initial case‐based survey identified significant variability among current treatment approaches for new‐onset systemic JIA, underscoring the utility of standardized plans to evaluate comparative effectiveness. We developed 4 consensus treatment plans for the first 9 months of therapy, as well as case definitions and clinical and laboratory monitoring schedules. The 4 treatment regimens included glucocorticoids only, or therapy with methotrexate, anakinra, or tocilizumab, with or without glucocorticoids. This approach was approved by >78% of the CARRA membership.ConclusionFour standardized treatment plans were developed for new‐onset systemic JIA. Coupled with data collection at defined intervals, use of these treatment plans will create the opportunity to evaluate comparative effectiveness in an observational setting to optimize initial management of systemic JIA.
The caloric restriction paradigm: Implications for healthy human aging
Authors: Anderson Rozalyn M. , Weindruch Richard 
Published: January 2012

AbstractUnderlying the importance of research on the biology of aging is the fact that many nations face the demographic reality of a rapidly aging populace and the looming healthcare challenges that it brings. This reality is a result of aging itself being the most significant risk factor for a range of the most prevalent diseases, including many cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Accordingly, interventions are sorely needed that would be able to delay or prevent diseases and disorders associated with the aging process and thereby increase the period of time that aging individuals are in good health (the health‐span). Caloric restriction (CR) has emerged as a model of major interest as it is widely agreed that CR is the most potent environmental intervention that delays the onset of aging and extends life span in diverse experimental organisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which CR delays aging will reveal new insights into the aging process and the underlying causes of disease vulnerability with age. These novel insights will allow the development of novel treatments and preventive measures for age‐associated diseases and disorders. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Preparation of amorphous carbon nanofilm by magneto‐luminous polymerization
Authors: Yasuda Hirotsugu 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe method and mechanisms to convert methane in gas phase into nanofilm of amorphous carbon; a unique method described as “magneto‐luminous polymerization, and characteristic features of such films, with particular emphasis on biocompatibility imparting onto conventional materials, are described. The first key issue is the dissociation of methane in a mode of electrical discharge under the influence of magnetic field to create “magneto‐luminous” gas phase in which the deposition of amorphous carbon nanofilm occurs. The amorphous carbon nanofilms (10–30 nm) have unique feature that the carbon film has no chemical functional group, which could cause various forms of interfacial interactions with surrounding medium, particularly with biological systems. Such a nanofilm could provide a great potential of imparting biocompatibility to various (metallic, ceramic, and polymeric) functional implants. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Preparation of chitosan‐based flocculant for high density waste drilling mud solid–liquid separation
Authors: Zhu Hong , Sun Haiyun , Wang Fanghui , Zou Jing , Fan Jiantao 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHigh performance flocculant was prepared by chitosan (CS), ethacryloyloxyethyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (DMC), and acrylamide (AM). The optimum preparation conditions were determined by orthogonal test of four factors and three levels. The different factors affecting the flocculating ability of the prepared flocculants for waste drilling mud were studied, and optimal synthesis conditions were established: polymerization temperature was 60, reaction time was 4 h, DMC was 3 mL, w(AM) : w(CS) was 4, and the initiator was 0.4% of AM (wt %). The prepared CS–AM–DMC copolymer was characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and gel permeation chromatography (GPC). The results showed that AM, DMC were grafted to CS successfully. The solid–liquid separation properties were also investigated, and the prepared flocculant showed great advantages than commercial products for high density waste drilling mud use. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Study of the effect of modified and pristine carbon nanotubes on the properties of poly(vinyl alcohol) nanocomposite films
Authors: Konidari M. V. , Soulas D. N. , Papadokostaki K. G. , Sanopoulou M. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractNanocomposites of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in pristine form, or modified with poly (sodium 4‐styrene sulfonate), were prepared in the form of films. The effect of SWNTs modification on their dispersion in the polymer matrix and on certain properties of the resulting composites, including tensile mechanical and thermal properties and swelling ability upon exposure to various moisture levels was studied. The composite films based on the modified SWNTs: (i) were characterized by a much higher degree of transparency up to 10%w/w loads, due to better dispersion, (ii) presented a higher hydrophilicity, and (iii) tended to promote thermal degradation of PVA to a lesser extent, as compared with the composites based on pristine SWNTs. A reinforcing effect was observed for the dry, 1% and 2.5% w/w modified‐SWNTs–PVA nanocomposites, without serious detrimental effects on the elongation at break. The effect of moisture on the mechanical properties was more intense in the case of composites based on modified SWNTs, as compared with those based on pristine SWNTs, in line with the observed higher hydrophilicity in the former case. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Hypothesis: Terminal transverse limb defects with “nubbins” represent a regenerative process during limb development in human fetuses
Authors: Gardiner David M. , Holmes Lewis B. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDTerminal transverse limb defects with nubbins occur in one arm at one of several levels (distal humerus, proximal forearm, wrist, and at the metacarpal‐phalangeal joint in the hand). The associated nubbins contain osteocartilaginous tissue and small nails and are not associated with evidence of amnion disruption.METHODSWe present affected newborn infants whose terminal transverse limb defects are at one of these three levels: proximal forearm, elbow, or metacarpal‐phalangeal joint.RESULTSWe hypothesize that the presence of residual digit‐like structures reflects a regenerative process that has occurred during limb development in these infants.DISCUSSIONOnly limited regeneration of digit‐like structures can occur in the human fetus. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Nine new twin pairs with esophageal atresia: A review of the literature and performance of a twin study of the disorder
Authors: Schulz Anna Carina , Bartels Enrika , Stressig Rüdiger , Ritgen Jochen , Schmiedeke Eberhard , Mattheisen Manuel , Draaken Markus , Ludwig Michael , Bagci Soyhan , Müller Andreas , Gembruch Ulrich , Geipel Annegret , Berg Christoph , Heydweiller Andreas , Bachour Haitham , Schumacher Johannes , Bartmann Peter , Nöthen Markus M. , Reutter Heiko 
Published: January 2012

AbstractBACKGROUNDIsolated esophageal atresia (EA) is a rare congenital malformation whose etiology remains largely unknown. Nine twin pairs with EA were identified from our clinical service, prompting the performance of a systematic review of the literature and the first reported twin study of isolated EA.METHODSA total of 330 twin pairs with EA were identified from the literature. The zygosity, concordance, and malformation (isolated vs. nonisolated) status of all 339 twin pairs were evaluated. A total of 72 twin pairs (4 of 9 / 68 of 330) fulfilled the criteria for inclusion in a classic twin study of isolated EA.RESULTSThe pairwise concordance rates were 50% (95% confidence interval [CI], 34–66%) for monozygous (MZ) twin pairs and 26% (95% CI, 15–42%) for dizygous (DZ) twin pairs (p = 0.033). The probandwise concordance rates were 67% (95% CI, 53–78%) for MZ twin pairs and 42% (95% CI, 29–56%) for DZ twin pairs (p = 0.011). The MZ/DZ ratios were 1.9 for pairwise analysis and 1.6 for probandwise analysis. The familial risk ratios for MZ and DZ twin pairs were 1700 and 900, respectively.CONCLUSIONThe observation of higher concordance rates for MZ compared to DZ twin pairs indicates that genetic factors contribute to isolated EA. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hyaluronan differently modulates TLR‐4 and the inflammatory response in mouse chondrocytes
Authors: Campo Giuseppe M. , Avenoso Angela , D'Ascola Angela , Prestipino Vera , Scuruchi Michele , Nastasi Giancarlo , Calatroni Alberto , Campo Salvatore 
Published: January 2012

AbstractHyaluronic acid (HA) may exert different action depending on its degree of polymerization. Small HA fragments induce proinflammatory responses, while highly polymerized HA exerts a protective effect in inflammatory pathologies such as rheumatoid arthritis. In both cases the toll‐like receptor 4 (TLR‐4) seems to be involved in the modulation of the inflammation process. The aim of this study was to investigate the influence of short HA oligosaccharides (HA 4‐mers) and high molecular weight HA (HMWHA) in the inflammatory response in normal mouse chondrocytes. Messenger RNA and related protein levels were measured for TLR‐4, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐alpha), interleukin‐1beta (IL‐1beta), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), and interleukin‐18 (IL‐18) in cells with and without the addition of HA. NF‐kB activation was also evaluated. 4‐mer HA treatment produced a significant up‐regulation of all parameters considered while HMWHA did not exert any activity in untreated cells although it was able to reduce the effects of 4‐ mers HA significantly. Specific TLR‐4 small interference RNA (siRNA) was used to confirm TLR‐4 as the target of HA action. This study suggests that HA may modulate proinflammatory cytokines via its different degree of polymerization and inflammatory action may be modulated as a result of the interaction between HA and TLR‐4. © 2012 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.
Utilization of Multiple Waste Streams for Acid Gas Sequestration and Multi‐Pollutant Control
Authors: Soong Y. , Dilmore R. M. , Hedges S. W. , Howard B. H. , Romanov V. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractA novel CO2 sequestration concept is reported that combines SO2 removal and CO2 capture and sequestration, using a bauxite‐processing residue which is a waste product and with waste brine water from oil/gas production. The bauxite residue/brine mixture of 46/54 v/v exhibited a CO2 sequestration capacity of > 0.078 mol L–1 when exposed to pure CO2 at 20 °C and 2.73 MPa. At a higher temperature of 140 °C, a bauxite residue/brine mixture of 80/20 v/v indicated a CO2 sequestration capacity of > 0.094 mol L–1 when exposed to pure CO2 at 3.85 MPa. Under the same reaction conditions, an identical ratio of reaction mixture exposed to simulated flue gas at a similar initial pressure was capable of sequestering 0.16 mol of CO2 and > 99.9 % of the applied SO2. Calcite formation was verified as a product of bauxite/brine mixture carbonation. The caustic bauxite residues (pH 12.5–13.5) and acidic wastewater brine (pH 3–5) are also effectively neutralized after participating as reactive reagents in the conceptual process.
Carbon Stripping – A Critical Process Step in Chemical Looping Combustion of Solid Fuels
Authors: Kramp M. , Thon A. , Hartge E.‐U. , Heinrich S. , Werther J. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractIn chemical looping combustion of solid fuels the well‐mixed solids flow from the fuel reactor consisting of char, ash, and oxygen carrier particles cannot be completely separated into its constituents before it enters the air reactor. The slip of carbon will thus lead to char oxidation in the wrong reactor. Process simulation was applied to investigate the carbon stripping process in chemical looping combustion of solid fuels. Depending on the fuel choice, without carbon stripping CO2 capture rates below 50 % are calculated for 4 min of solids residence time in the fuel reactor. In a process with carbon stripper, however, CO2 capture rates exceeding 90 % can be achieved for both fuels investigated in this work.
Selective Response of Mesoporous Silicon to Adsorbants with Nitro Groups
Authors: McLeod John A. , Kurmaev Ernst Z. , Sushko Peter V. , Boyko Teak D. , Levitsky Igor A. , Moewes Alexander 
Published: January 2012

AbstractWe demonstrate that the electronic structure of mesoporous silicon is affected by adsorption of nitro‐based explosive molecules in a compound‐selective manner. This selective response is demonstrated by probing the adsorption of two nitro‐based molecular explosives (trinitrotoluene and cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine) and a nonexplosive nitro‐based aromatic molecule (nitrotoluene) on mesoporous silicon using soft X‐ray spectroscopy. The Si atoms strongly interact with adsorbed molecules to form SiO and SiN bonds, as evident from the large shifts in emission energy present in the Si L2,3 X‐ray emission spectroscopy (XES) measurements. Furthermore, we find that the energy gap (band gap) of mesoporous silicon changes depending on the adsorbant, as estimated from the Si L2,3 XES and 2p X‐ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) measurements. Our ab initio molecular dynamics calculations of model compounds suggest that these changes are due to spontaneous breaking of the nitro groups upon contacting surface Si atoms. This compound‐selective change in electronic structure may provide a powerful tool for the detection and identification of trace quantities of airborne explosive molecules.
Hydroxylation of Aromatics with the Help of a Non‐Haem FeOOH: A Mechanistic Study under Single‐Turnover and Catalytic Conditions
Authors: Thibon Aurore , Jollet Véronique , Ribal Caroline , Sénéchal‐David Katell , Billon Laurianne , Sorokin Alexander B. , Banse Frédéric 
Published: January 2012

AbstractFerric–hydroperoxo complexes have been identified as intermediates in the catalytic cycle of biological oxidants, but their role as key oxidants is still a matter of debate. Among the numerous synthetic low‐spin FeIII(OOH) complexes characterized to date, [(L52)Fe(OOH)]2+ is the only one that has been isolated in the solid state at low temperature, which has provided a unique opportunity for inspecting its oxidizing properties under single‐turnover conditions. In this report we show that [(L52)Fe(OOH)]2+ decays in the presence of aromatic substrates, such as anisole and benzene in acetonitrile, with first‐order kinetics. In addition, the phenol products are formed from the aromatic substrates with similar first‐order rate constants. Combining the kinetic data obtained at different temperatures and under different single‐turnover experimental conditions with experiments performed under catalytic conditions by using the substrate [1,3,5‐D3]benzene, which showed normal kinetic isotope effects (KIE>1) and a notable hydride shift (NIH shift), has allowed us to clarify the role played by FeIII(OOH) in aromatic oxidation. Several lines of experimental evidence in support of the previously postulated mechanism for the formation of two caged FeIV(O) and OH. species from the FeIII(OOH) complex have been obtained for the first time. After homolytic OO cleavage, a caged pair of oxidants [FeIVO+HO.] is generated that act in unison to hydroxylate the aromatic ring: HO. attacks the ring to give a hydroxycyclohexadienyl radical, which is further oxidized by FeIVO to give a cationic intermediate that gives rise to a NIH shift upon ketonization before the final re‐aromatization step. Spin‐trapping experiments in the presence of 5,5‐dimethyl‐1‐pyrroline N‐oxide and GC‐MS analyses of the intermediate products further support the proposed mechanism.
Xenopus white papers and resources: Folding functional genomics and genetics into the frog
Authors: Khokha Mustafa K. 
Published: January 2012

AbstractThe frog Xenopus has been vital for biomedical science for over 80 years, contributing to diverse fields from cell signaling, cell and developmental biology, to ion channel physiology and toxicology. Its experimentally manipulable oocytes and embryos provide abundant material for molecular and biochemical approaches for a wide range of gene discovery and protein function studies. In recent years, the Xenopus community has invested in key resources for functional genomics, including genome‐wide full‐length cDNA collections and genome assemblies as well as genetic tools. These assets combine with Xenopus' extensive range of functional assays to create exciting new research avenues with medical as well as basic applications. This review describes how these resources were developed and what new tools are on the horizon. genesis 50:133–142, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Application of an SMA‐based hybrid control device to 20‐story nonlinear benchmark building
Authors: Ozbulut Osman E. , Hurlebaus Stefan 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYThis paper investigates the seismic response control of a 20‐story nonlinear benchmark building with a new recentering variable friction device (RVFD). The RVFD combines energy dissipation capabilities of a variable friction damper (VFD) with the recentering ability of shape memory alloy (SMA) wires. The VFD that is the first subcomponent of the hybrid device consists of a friction generation unit and piezoelectric actuators. The clamping force of the VFD can be adjusted according to the current level of ground motion by adjusting the voltage level of piezoelectric actuators. SMA wires that exhibit a unique hysteretic behavior and full shape recovery after experiencing large strains is the second subcomponent of the hybrid device. Numerical simulations of a seismically excited 20‐story benchmark building are conducted to evaluate the performance of the hybrid device. A continuous hysteretic model is used to capture frictional behavior of the VFD and a neuro‐fuzzy model is employed to describe highly nonlinear behavior of the SMA components of the hybrid device. A fuzzy logic controller is developed to adjust the voltage level of VFDs for favorable performance in an RVFD hybrid application. Results show that the RVFD modulated with a fuzzy logic control strategy can effectively reduce interstory drifts and permanent deformations without increasing acceleration response of the benchmark building for most cases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and functional changes in gill mitochondrial membranes from the Mediterranean mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to tri-n-butyltin
Authors: Fiorini Rosamaria , Pagliarani Alessandra , Nesci Salvatore , Pirini Maurizio , Tucci Elisabetta , Ventrella Vittoria 
Published: January 2012

Abstract
The use of tributyltin (TBT) as a biocide in antifouling paints leads to a ruinous input of this contaminant in the aquatic environment. Human exposure to TBT mainly occurs through ingestion of contaminated seafood such as filter-feeding mollusks. Tributyltin is known to act as a membrane-active toxicant on several targets, but especially on the mitochondria, and by several mechanisms. The effects of tributyltin on fatty acid composition, on Mg-adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) activities, and on the membrane physical state were investigated in gill mitochondrial membranes from cultivated mussels Mytilus galloprovincialis exposed to 0.5 µg/L and 1.0 µg/L TBT and unexposed for 120 h. The higher TBT exposure dose induced a decrease in the total and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), especially 22:6 n-3, and an activation of the oligomycin-sensitive Mg-ATPase. Both TBT concentrations decreased mitochondrial membrane polarity detected by Laurdan steady-state fluorescence spectroscopy. These findings may help cast light on the multiple modes of action of this toxicant. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012;31:877–884. © 2012 SETAC
Efficient augmented Lagrangian‐type preconditioning for the Oseen problem using Grad‐Div stabilization
Authors: Heister Timo , Rapin Gerd 
Published: January 2012

SUMMARYEfficient preconditioning for Oseen‐type problems is an active research topic. We present a novel approach leveraging stabilization for inf‐sup stable discretizations. The Grad‐Div stabilization shares the algebraic properties with an augmented Lagrangian‐type term. Both simplify the approximation of the Schur complement, especially in the convection‐dominated case. We exploit this for the construction of the preconditioner. Solving the discretized Oseen problem with an iterative Krylov‐type method shows that the outer iteration numbers are retained independent of mesh size, viscosity, and finite element order. Thus, the preconditioner is very competitive. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.