bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Oxygen permeation through a CO2‐tolerant mixed conducting oxide (Pr0.9La0.1)2(Ni0.74Cu0.21Ga0.05)O4+δ
Authors: Tang Jun , Wei Yanying , Zhou Lingyi , Li Zhong , Wang Haihui 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA novel K2NiF4‐type oxide based on (Pr0.9La0.1)2(Ni0.74Cu0.21Ga0.05)O4+δ (PLNCG) dense mixed conducting ceramic membrane was successfully prepared through a sol–gel route. The oxygen permeation flux through the membrane swept by pure CO2 was comparative to that swept by He. The oxygen permeation and the stability of PLNCG under pure CO2 were investigated in detail. A membrane with a thickness of 0.8 mm was steadily operated for 230 h with a constant oxygen permeation flux of 0.32 mL/(min cm2) at 975°C using pure CO2 as sweep gas. X‐ray diffraction shows that PLNCG can maintain its fluorite phase, and no carbonates were observed, even when it was exposed to pure CO2 for a long time. © 2011 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 58: 2473–2478, 2012
Cyclobutanes in Catalysis
Authors: Seiser Tobias , Saget Tanguy , Tran Duc N. , Cramer Nicolai 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe exploitation of ring strain as a driving force to facilitate chemical reactions is a well‐appreciated principle in organic chemistry. The most prominent and most frequently used compound classes in this respect are oxiranes and cyclopropanes. For rather a long time, cyclobutanes lagged behind these three‐membered‐ring compounds in their development as reactive substrates, but during the past decade an increasing number of useful reactions of four‐membered‐ring substrates have emerged. This Minireview examines corresponding catalytic reactions ranging from Lewis or Brønsted acid catalyzed processes to enzymatic reactions. The main focus is placed on transition‐metal‐catalyzed CC bond‐insertion and β‐carbon‐elimination processes, which enable exciting downstream reactions that deliver versatile building blocks.
Novel dielectric behaviors in PVDF‐based semiconductor composites
Authors: Xu Hai‐Ping , Xie Hua‐Qing , Yang Dan‐Dan , Wu Yi‐Hua , Wang Jing‐Rong 
Published: July 2011

AbstractComposites of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) filled with different conductive fillers as carbon black (CB), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and tungsten (W), respectively, were prepared at same processing condition. The temperature dependence of dielectric behaviors of composites was studied at wide filler concentration and wide frequency ranges. Results show that there are giant dielectric constants as the concentration of filler is near the percolation threshold. The dielectric constants of all studied composites decrease slowly with increasing of frequency and rise gradually with increasing filler contents in the composites. Two relaxation peak regions of dielectric constant are observed from −30 to 40°C and from 100 to 150°C, which can be attributed to the contribution of polar effect of PVDF. The CB filled PVDF (CB/PVDF) composites present a lower percolation threshold than other metallic‐filler filled PVDF composites. The maximal dielectric constant was found in the Ni filled PVDF (Ni/PVDF) composite. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Swelling behavior and structural characteristics of polyvinyl alcohol/montmorillonite nanocomposite hydrogels
Authors: Sirousazar M. , Kokabi M. , Hassan Z. M. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractA series of nanocomposite hydrogels based on polyvinyl alcohol containing 0–10 wt % of the organically modified montmorillonite clay were prepared by freezing‐thawing cyclic method. The morphology of the nanocomposite hydrogels was observed by the scanning electron microscopy technique. The structural properties were determined by measuring the network mesh size, crosslinking density, and average molecular weight of polymer chains between crosslinks. The swelling behavior and the effect of swelling medium temperature on the swelling kinetics and characteristics of the nanocomposite hydrogels were also investigated. The results showed that two structural characteristics i.e., network mesh size and average molecular weight of polymer chains between crosslinks have inverse dependence on the clay loading level in the nanocomposite hydrogel, while crosslinking density shows completely direct dependence. Swelling measurements demonstrated a linear relation between the degree of swelling and the square root of immersion time at all swelling medium temperatures. The results indicated that the swelling characteristics of the nanocomposite hydrogels including the equilibrium degree of weight and volume swelling and the equilibrium water content were decreased by increasing the quantity of the clay incorporated into the hydrogel as well as by decreasing the temperature of swelling medium. While, the time required to reach to the equilibrium condition, as another swelling characteristic of the hydrogels, exhibited a completely opposite behavior. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011.
Relationship between thermal properties, morphology, and crystallinity of nanocomposites based on polyhydroxybutyrate
Authors: D'Amico David A. , Manfredi Liliana B. , Cyras Viviana P. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractPolyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) has a significant instability at temperature close to the melting point. The aim of this work was to improve the thermal resistance of PHB by the addition of small amounts of two different types of clays: Cloisite® Na+ (CNa+) and Cloisite® 15A (C15A). C15A has more hydrophobic character and interlayer distance than CNa+. It was observed that the addition of the organically modified montmorillonite (MMT) increased by more than 15°C the thermal resistance of the PHB while the addition of CNa+ reduced it. This result was related to the different morphology of the final materials. The maximum in the degradation temperature of the nanocomposites with 4% of clay was in accordance with the maximum in the percentage of crystallinity. However, the interlayer gallery distance of the C15A was higher than the CNa+ in the PHB matrix, according to the better thermal stability of the C15A due to the higher barrier effect and the lower chain mobility. A slight increase in the Young modulus of the polymer was observed with the addition of C15A, due to the compatibility between the MMT and PHB. The calorimetric and microscopy results showed that clays did not accelerate the formation of PHB spherulites nucleus, but the lamellar velocity was accelerated. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
Effect of glycerol on thermal and mechanical properties of polyvinyl alcohol/starch blends
Authors: Sreekumar P. A. , Al‐Harthi Mamdouh A. , De S. K. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThe paper reports the results of studies on the effect of glycerol content on thermal, mechanical, and dynamic mechanical properties of blends of starch and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). Degree of crystallinity of the starch/PVA blends (4 g/4 g ratio) remains almost constant up to 3.78 g of glycerol as determined by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and x‐ray diffraction studies. At higher loading of glycerol the crystallinity decreases. DTG thermograms revealed occurring of one maximum degradation temperature closer to that of starch in blends containing up to 3.78 g of glycerol. At higher glycerol content there gradually occur two distinct peaks of maximum degradation temperature, one occurring close to that of starch and other occurring close to the PVA peak, indicating phase separation of the blend components. Results of stress–strain studies indicate lowering of tensile properties and energy at break particularly at higher glycerol content (beyond 3.78 g). Dynamic mechanical studies reveal a sharp drop in dynamic modulus at higher glycerol content at all temperatures. The blend with low glycerol content shows transitions of starch, while the blend containing high glycerol content beyond 3.78 g display the transitions due to both starch and PVA. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2011
A proposal to define vulnerability of cetacean areas to human development: variables and analysis procedures applied to the Gulf of California
Authors: Cubero‐Pardo Priscilla , Donovan Carl , Urbán‐Ramírez Jorge 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACTUnderstanding spatial interactions between specific sources of anthropogenic impact on cetaceans and the ecological conditions intrinsic to these mammals, has several applications for conservation and management. Here cetacean habitats are classified into vulnerability levels by combining human development metrics and cetacean characteristics, allowing areas identified as more vulnerable to be given management priority.Ten bio‐physical and anthropogenic factors were identified as key shapers of cetacean habitats and, using the Gulf of California as a case study, 18 variables were defined to measure those factors. Principal component analysis (PCA) and GIS were used to distill the relationships across all variables, in order to obtain a vulnerability index. Aggregates of variables were also investigated to map the spatial distribution of anthropogenic impacts and cetacean characteristics (species richness, relative abundance of encounter, residence condition, diet specificity and threat status). For this latter purpose, separate indices representing five ‘categories’ (pollution from land sources, urban development, potential for accidents, resource depletion and fragility of cetacean areas) and three ‘vulnerability components’ (risk of hazards, intrinsic resilience and damage) were calculated.The methodology clearly differentiated the study area according to levels for each ‘category’ and ‘vulnerability component’, as well as to levels of vulnerability of cetacean areas in relation to human activities; and identified those variables with the greatest contributions, without recourse to the subjective criteria common in other approaches. The analyses were conducted using environmental units generated by the Marine Ecological Zoning Plan for the Gulf of California (OEMGC, by its Spanish acronym) which tied model outputs to this planning framework. The variables selected were easily obtainable through governmental and research institutions which make them suitable for adaptive management purposes.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A weight‐of‐evidence approach to determine estuarine fish health using indicators from multiple levels of biological organization
Authors: Richardson N. , Gordon A. K. , Muller W. J. , Whitfield A. K. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

A prototype Estuarine Fish Health Index (EFHI) using biological indicators from multiple levels of biological organization is described. Three test estuaries of similar size and morphology but with different development pressures were sampled for this purpose.
The EFHI integrates the well established Estuarine Fish Community Index (EFCI) developed for South African estuaries, which uses fish community level metrics to assess estuarine condition, with stress responses measured at lower levels of biological organization.
Four sub‐organism level biomarkers were used: liver histopathology assessment, acetylcholinesterase and lipid peroxidase assays and an individual fish condition factor analysis. The data from these analyses and the results of the EFCI were integrated to determine if combining these inputs produces a more sensitive and predictive tool for assessing estuarine health than when used in isolation.
Challenges and management applications of this new tool are explored and further studies to improve its prognostic capacity are suggested.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modelling spatial exclusion of a vulnerable native fish by introduced trout in rivers using landscape features: a new tool for conservation management
Authors: Woodford Darragh J. , Cochrane Thomas A. , McHugh Peter A. , McIntosh Angus R. 
Published: July 2011

ABSTRACT

Habitat variability can affect the ability of invasive predators to exclude native prey species from parts of a landscape. If habitat consistently mediates predator impacts, the outcome of predator–prey interactions could be modelled using habitat data alone.
In New Zealand streams, invasive predatory trout create source–sink dynamics in populations of the native fish Galaxias vulgaris. Within trout‐invaded sink habitat, G. vulgaris are excluded from small, stable streams that occur far from galaxiid demographic sources (streams above barriers to trout).
A GIS‐based spatial model using stream size and distance‐to‐source data was developed to predict where trout would exclude G. vulgaris in a river network, and to detect undiscovered trout‐free source populations. The maximum distance from source streams at which G. vulgaris could co‐occur with trout was modelled in two trout‐invaded riverscapes using a quantile limit function in GIS. The predictive ability of the model was tested using training datasets and data from two independent catchments where fish occurrence patterns were quantified from electrofishing surveys.
The model correctly predicted G. vulgaris absence in the first test catchment, but failed to predict absence in the second test dataset because of an initial lack of knowledge of demographic sources and insufficient survey data. This demonstrated that G. vulgaris exclusion by trout could be predicted by the model, provided it is constructed and validated in an iterative fashion.
The current model provides a useful tool both for conserving critical source populations, as well as for selecting streams for rehabilitation through trout eradication. Since species interaction models based on landscape data are likely to be generally useful in guiding conservation management, researchers should investigate whether other biotic interactions that can be consistently predicted by habitat exist in nature.Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The inflammasome activating caspase 1 mediates fibrosis and myofibroblast differentiation in systemic sclerosis
Authors: Artlett Carol M. , Sassi‐Gaha Sihem , Rieger Judy L. , Boesteanu Alina C. , Feghali‐Bostwick Carol A. , Katsikis Peter D. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic idiopathic disease of unknown etiology that is characterized by fibrosis of the skin and visceral organs mediated by activated myofibroblasts. The recently identified inflammasomes are cytosolic receptors that tightly regulate the activity of caspase 1 and downstream signaling molecules such as interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and IL‐18. The nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain (NOD)–like receptor 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been implicated in the development of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. This study was undertaken to assess the role of the inflammasome in SSc‐related dermal or pulmonary fibrosis.MethodsInflammasome gene transcripts were assayed in fibroblasts obtained from patients with SSc. Caspase 1 activation in SSc primary dermal and lung fibroblasts was inhibited, and the levels of hydroxyproline, COL1A1, COL3A1, IL‐1β, IL‐18, and α‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) were measured. The role of the inflammasome in dermal fibrosis was investigated in NLRP3−/− and ASC−/− mice.ResultsWe identified increased expression of 40 genes associated with the inflammasome or downstream signaling molecules in SSc fibroblasts. Inhibition of caspase 1 in SSc dermal and lung fibroblasts abrogated the secretion of collagens, IL‐1β, and IL‐18. In addition, we observed decreased expression of the myofibroblast protein α‐SMA in SSc dermal fibroblasts treated with a caspase 1 inhibitor. Furthermore, NLRP3−/− mice and ASC−/− mice were resistant to bleomycin‐induced skin fibrosis, which suggests a key role for the inflammasome in in vivo fibrosis.ConclusionInnate immune signaling contributes to SSc fibrosis via activation of the inflammasome and caspase 1. These results suggest that inflammasome activation may play an important role in the pathogenesis of SSc.
Alpha‐tocopherol protects against memory impairment caused by L‐NAME and modulates the injury marker and blood coagulant parameters
Authors: Murad Leonardo Borges , Guimarães Marcela Rodrigues Moreira , Vianna Lucia Marques 
Published: July 2011

AbstractCerebrovascular disease studies have shown similarity between humans and spontaneously hypertensive rats stroke‐prone rats in the development of spontaneous stroke and transitory ischemic attacks (TIA). In addition, nitric oxide (NO) suppression by L‐arginine methyl ester (L‐NAME) can precipitate several vascular diseases including TIA and strokes. On the other hand, alpha‐tocopherol (AT) has been associated with beneficial effects on vascular disorders. Four groups were tested to evaluate AT effects on NO inhibition: AT, control (C), AT + L‐NAME, and L‐NAME. During 4 weeks, all groups had their physiologic parameters evaluated and were submitted to neurological tests. After the sacrifice of the animals, total L‐lactate dehydrogenase, fibrinogen levels, and platelet counts were measured. Our results demonstrated improvement in memory function and sensory–motor function of the rats treated with AT. The AT treatment also demonstrated a significant difference on the injury identifier, fibrinogen levels, and platelet count between the treated groups and the L‐NAME group. In conclusion, AT reversed damaging L‐NAME neurological effects and could be considered as a possible protective agent in neurological diseases.
A new practicum in compiler construction
Authors: Chakraborty Pinaki , Saxena P. C. , Katti C. P. , Pahwa Gauri , Taneja Shweta 
Published: July 2011

AbstractThis article introduces a compiler construction practicum based on the implementation of a compiler for a small C‐like language. The compiler has three phases, viz., lexical analysis, syntax analysis, and intermediate code generation. It uses some venerable principles of compiler construction like recursive descent parsing, syntax directed translation, and backpatching. The practicum is appropriate for pedagogical purposes because of its balanced design and the availability of an open source reference implementation of the compiler with a source code size of 2.2 KLOC only. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 22:429–441, 2014; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.10.1002/cae.20566
Primary angioplasty in patients following coronary artery bypass surgery
Authors: Neuman Yoram , Pereg David , Boyko Valentina , Behar Solomon , Mosseri Morris 
Published: July 2011

AbstractObjectives: We aimed to study the trends in management and outcome of post CABG patients presenting with acute MI. Background: Primary angioplasty is the treatment of choice in patients with acute myocardial infarction. Saphenous vein grafts used for CABG are large‐diameter conduits that tend to accumulate a large mass of thrombus when they are the culprit artery for acute myocardial infarction (MI). We hypothesized that performing PCI in these patients is more complex and possibly results in worse outcome compared to non‐CABG patients. Methods: Data for patients with STEMI was obtained from five acute coronary syndromes Israeli biennial Surveys (ACSIS) during 2000–2008. Baseline characteristics, management and outcome of post‐CABG patients were compared to non‐post CABG patients during 2006–2008 surveys. Results: A total of 9,781 patients were included. About 1,002 (10.2%) were post‐CABG. Reperfusion therapy for post‐CABG patients (34–48%) was consistently lower compared to non‐CABG patients (57–65%). Angiographic outcome in patients with STEMI who underwent primary PCI (17 post‐CABG, mean age 66.6 ± 9.1 and 821 non‐CABG, age 60.1 ± 12.9) was successful (TIMI flow 3) in 86 and 88%, respectively. Thirty‐day mortality was 5.9 and 5.1% (P = 0.89) and MACE rates were 17.6 and 12.5%, respectively (P = 0.54). Conclusions: Use of primary PCI in post‐CABG patients was lower than in non‐CABG patients but increased steadily and to a similar extent in both groups. Angiographic and clinical outcome was similar despite assumingly larger thrombus burden in post CABG patients. Therefore, primary angioplasty is appropriate also in post‐CABG patients presenting with STEMI. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Percutaneous coronary intervention of unprotected left main coronary artery disease
Authors: Lee Michael S. , Stone Gregg W. , Park Seung‐Jung , Teirstein Paul , Moses Jeffrey , Colombo Antonio , Kandzari David E. 
Published: July 2011

AbstractData have emerged demonstrating the safety and efficacy of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) of the unprotected left main (ULM) artery. The 2009 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association/Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions focused guidelines for PCI no longer state that ULM PCI is contraindicated in patients with anatomic conditions that are associated with a low risk of procedural complications and clinical conditions that predict an increased risk of adverse surgical outcomes. ULM PCI should be performed by operators with experience in the management of the anatomic complexities of left main and multivessel disease, specifically in issues relating to bifurcation disease, calcification, and hemodynamic support. Patients with ostial or shaft disease have lower risk of restenosis compared with distal bifurcation disease. Drug‐eluting stents (DES) should be used whenever possible as they reduce clinical restenosis. Intravascular ultrasound is an integral component of the procedure as it provides accurate assessment of lesion severity and can confirm optimal stent expansion and apposition. Compliance with dual antiplatelet therapy for at least 12 months is essential if DES are used. A collaborative, multidisciplinary approach with a “Heart Team” represented by a cardiac surgeon, interventional cardiologist, and non‐invasive cardiologist may optimize patient education and objective decision making when obtaining informed consent. Application of clinical and angiographic variables into risk models facilitates appropriate patient selection. Randomized clinical trials will address unanswered issues and help build consensus between cardiology and surgical societies to inform clinical decision making and optimize the outcomes for patients with ULM coronary artery disease. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.