bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study Protocol: Randomised controlled trial to investigate the functional significance of marginal riboflavin status in young women in the UK (RIBOFEM)
Authors: Hill Marilyn HE , Mushtaq Sohail , Williams Elizabeth A , Dainty Jack R , Powers Hilary J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
The functional significance of moderate riboflavin deficiency as it is currently assessed is not well understood. Animal and human studies have suggested a role for riboflavin in the absorption and mobilisation of iron and as such may be important in maintaining haematological status. Recent National Diet and Nutrition Surveys in the United Kingdom have shown that young women in particular are at risk of moderate riboflavin deficiency and low iron status.

Methods/Design
A randomised placebo controlled intervention trial was conducted to investigate the effect of riboflavin supplementation on various measures of haematological status in a group of moderately riboflavin deficient young women aged 19 to 25 years. Women who were low milk consumers were initially screened for riboflavin status as assessed by the erythrocyte glutathione reductase activation coefficient assay (EGRAC). One hundred and twenty three women with EGRAC values >1.40 were randomised to receive 2 mg, 4 mg riboflavin or placebo for 8 weeks. In addition 36 of these women were randomly allocated to an iron bioavailability study to investigate the effect of the intervention on the absorption or utilisation of iron using an established red cell incorporation technique.

Discussion
One hundred and nineteen women completed the intervention study, of whom 36 completed the bioavailability arm. Compliance was 96 ± 6% (mean ± SD). The most effective recruitment strategy for this gender and age group was e-communication (e-mail and website). The results of this study will clarify the functional significance of the current biochemical deficiency threshold for riboflavin status and will inform a re-evaluation of this biochemical threshold.

Trial Registration
Current Controlled Trials Registration No. ISRCTN35811298
Effects of research tool patents on biotechnology innovation in a developing country: A case study of South Korea
Authors: Kang Kyung-Nam , Ryu Tae-Kyu , Lee Yoon-Sik 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Concerns have recently been raised about the negative effects of patents on innovation. In this study, the effects of patents on innovations in the Korean biotech SMEs (small and medium-sized entrepreneurs) were examined using survey data and statistical analysis.

Results
The survey results of this study provided some evidence that restricted access problems have occurred even though their frequency was not high. Statistical analysis revealed that difficulties in accessing patented research tools were not negatively correlated with the level of innovation performance and attitudes toward the patent system.

Conclusion
On the basis of the results of this investigation in combination with those of previous studies, we concluded that although restricted access problems have occurred, this has not yet deterred innovation in Korea. However, potential problems do exist, and the effects of restricted access should be constantly scrutinized.
Sigma-2 receptor ligands potentiate conventional chemotherapies and improve survival in models of pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Kashiwagi Hiroyuki , McDunn Jonathan E , Simon Peter O , Goedegebuure Peter S , Vangveravong Suwanna , Chang Katherine , Hotchkiss Richard S , Mach Robert H , Hawkins William G 
Published: March 2009

AbstractBackgroundWe have previously reported that the sigma-2 receptor is highly expressed in pancreas cancer. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that sigma-2 receptor specific ligands induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion. Here, we examined whether sigma-2 receptor ligands potentiate conventional chemotherapies such as gemcitabine and paclitaxel.MethodsMouse (Panc-02) and human (CFPAC-1, Panc-1, AsPC-1) pancreas cancer cell lines were used in this study. Apoptosis was determined by FACS or immunohistochemical analysis after TUNEL and Caspase-3 staining. Combination therapy with the sigma-2 ligand SV119 and the conventional chemotherapies gemcitabine and paclitaxel was evaluated in an allogenic animal model of pancreas cancer.ResultsSV119, gemcitabine, and paclitaxel induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent fashion in all pancreas cancer cell lines tested. Combinations demonstrated increases in apoptosis. Mice were treated with SV119 (1 mg/day) which was administered in combination with paclitaxel (300 μg/day) over 7 days to mice with established tumors. A survival benefit was observed with combination therapy (p = 0.0002). Every other day treatment of SV119 (1 mg/day) in combination with weekly treatment of gemcitabine (1.5 mg/week) for 2 weeks also showed a survival benefit (p = 0.046). Animals tolerated the combination therapy and no gross toxicity was noted in serum biochemistry data or on necropsy.ConclusionSV119 augments tumoricidal activity of paclitaxel and gemcitabine without major side effects. These results highlight the potential utility of the sigma-2 ligand as an adjuvant treatment in pancreas cancer.
Stimulation of Apolipoprotein A-IV expression in Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes and reduction of triglyceride formation in 3T3-L1 adipocytes by potential anti-obesity Chinese herbal medicines
Authors: Guo Ava Jiangyang , Choi Roy Chi-yan , Cheung Anna Wing-han , Li Jun , Chen Ivy Xiaoying , Dong Tina Tingxia , Tsim Karl Wah-keung , Lau Brad Wing-chuen 
Published: March 2009

Abstract

Background
Chinese medicine has been proposed as a novel strategy for the prevention of metabolic disorders such as obesity. The present study tested 17 Chinese medicinal herbs were tested for their potential anti-obesity effects.

Methods
The herbs were evaluated in terms of their abilities to stimulate the transcription of Apolipoprotein A-IV (ApoA-IV) in cultured Caco-2/TC7 enterocytes. The herbs that showed stimulating effects on ApoA-IV transcription were further evaluated in terms of their abilities to reduce the formation of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Results
ApoA-IV transcription was stimulated by Rhizoma Alismatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis in a dose- and time-dependent manner in cultured Caco-2/TC7 cells. Moreover, these two herbs reduced the amount of triglyceride in differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

Conclusion
The results suggest that Rhizoma Alistmatis and Radix Angelica Sinensis may have potential anti-obesity effects as they stimulate ApoA-IV transcription and reduce triglyceride formation.
The development of an instrument to measure teachers' use of fear appeals in the GCSE classroom
Authors: Putwain David W. , Roberts Christine M. 
Published: March 2009

Background Previous work has suggested that teachers of General Certificate of Secondary Education classes may use fear appeals as a motivational device but these may have unwanted consequences by increasing examination‐related anxiety in students.Aim To facilitate future work in this area, an instrument was developed to measure teachers' use of fear appeals in the course of normal classroom instruction.Samples Students in their final 2 years of compulsory schooling in England: 192 in Study 1 and 133 in Study 2.Method A construct validity approach was used in the development of this instrument. Study 1 reports the development and piloting of this measure. Study 2 reports refinement of this measure and relations with other constructs.Results A three‐factor structure provided a reasonable model fit and all factors demonstrated acceptable reliability. Factors 1 and 2 described the perceived frequency of fear appeals made in relation to educational/occupational consequences and the third factor described the perceived threat of fear appeals.Conclusion This instrument has demonstrated sufficient convergent and discriminant validity and reliability to be used in subsequent research, although the validation process should continue and it is hoped that the instrument will be adapted for use in other contexts.
Improved Suction Technique for the Characterization of Construction Materials
Authors: Thygesen LG , Hansen KK 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The suction technique is a method from soil science that is used for the study of moisture storage capacity in porous construction materials at high relative humidity levels (above approximately 93 %). The samples to be studied are placed in a pressurized container (an extractor) on a water saturated ceramic disk or membrane. The pressure corresponding to a certain relative humidity level is established and moisture is expelled from the samples until moisture equilibrium is reached. This paper presents two adjustments to this method and their applicability. The first adjustment is a new procedure for determining the equilibrium moisture content of samples during the experiment. The method (referred to as the balance method) is to simply keep track of all water entering and leaving the system and use these data to estimate the moisture content of the samples. The advantage of this approach is that the experiment does not need to be stopped and restarted for each relative humidity level tested. The main disadvantage of the method is that the estimation of the moisture content in the samples depends on a correct estimation of the moisture content of the ceramic disk. The second adjustment is the development of a pressure regulation system that keeps the pressure constant (±0.015 bar) within an extractor for weeks.
Application of a Silicon Calorimeter in Fast Burst Reactor Environments
Authors: Michael Luker S. , Griffin Patrick J. , Russell DePriest K. , King Donald B. , Naranjo Gerald E. , Suo-Anttila Ahti J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Frequently in experiments at fast burst reactors (FBRs), it is necessary to know the dose and peak dose rate absorbed by a material in terms of dose to silicon. The dose to silicon at a given point in an irradiation cannot be reliably measured by a passive dosimeter retrieved at late times from a mixed field environment, so we rely on the silicon calorimeter as the true standard. A silicon calorimeter has been developed for applications in a water-moderated pulsed reactor. In this paper, the authors investigate the application of this silicon calorimeter in an FBR environment. Tests have been conducted at the White Sands Missile Range (WSMR) FBR, also known as MoLLY-G, to develop techniques to use this silicon calorimeter for a measure of rad(Si) during and soon after a pulsed operation. This calorimeter can be coupled with the response of a diamond photoconductive detector (PCD) in order to derive a dose rate monitor suitable for application during an FBR operation [1].
Development of a Practical Method to Evaluate the Fatigue Properties of Structural Silicone Glazing Adhesives
Authors: Carbary LD , Bull ED , Mishra SS 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Structural silicone sealants have been used since the mid 1960s in the construction industry to attach glass to curtainwall framing systems. Design standards for these sealants have been in practice since the early 1970s and continue to be developed today. Most of these standards require tests that are based on a one-time destructive test of the joint material in tension. The industry established structural silicone design stress is intended to be reached only during the highest windload for the specified return wind period. The existing practice has had great success because the industry guidelines minimize stress on the silicone, and dictate quality assurance procedures that are instituted by curtainwall producers. In real life situations the sealant is additionally fatigued through a cyclic shear mechanism caused by daily thermal movement differences between the glass pane and the aluminum frame. This paper discusses a method for testing the effect of fatigue in sealants used in structural designs and comparing the data to control samples.
Formulating High Weatherability Sealants: Possibilities and Challenges
Authors: Urban C , Matsumoto T , Tomari S , Adeleu F 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Customers challenge sealant formulators to develop high weatherability construction sealants with ever-higher performance. This paper will discuss some of the factors that influence weatherability and durability of sealants, such as binder, pigments, stabilizers, and catalysts. One-component polyurethane and modified silicone sealants will be evaluated. Raw material influences need to be carefully tested and optimized in order to develop high weatherability sealants. Taking these factors into consideration, it is possible to formulate high weatherability sealants that meet customers' demands. These demands are expected to increase in the future.
Deflection Criteria for Masonry Beams
Authors: Bennett RM , McGinley WM , Bryja J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
This paper examines issues related to deflection criteria for masonry beams. Masonry walls supported by beams and lintels act compositely with the beam. As the height of the masonry wall increases, the behavior becomes more like that of a tied arch, with the masonry in compression and the beam acting as the tension tie. Deflection limits are only needed so that sufficient stiffness is provided during construction to prevent serviceability problems, with the suggested limit being I/600. Several methods for determining the deflection of reinforced masonry beams are examined, and a method for the effective moment of inertia of cracked reinforced sections is recommended. Beams and lintels that exceed this deflection do not necessarily have to be increased in size, but rather shores could be used during construction. Masonry beams and lintels with I/d≤8 should not be controlled by deflections. Therefore, it is recommended that the code not require these members to be checked for deflections.
Influence of Metallurgical Parameters on the Coercive Strength of Some Carbon Steels
Authors: Gerosa R. , Rivolta B. , Cusolito M. , Valsecchi M. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The final properties of a wire rod for magnetic components are strongly influenced by the specific steps of the industrial cycle which can be different according to the specific chemical composition of the steel. In this experimental work, measurements of coercive strength have been carried out on wire rods in different metallurgical conditions. The influence of work-hardening, as a function of some different drawing ratios, and the restoring of the coercive strength within the accepted values by heat treatments have been investigated. The carbon content and the steel chemical composition have also been evaluated. The obtained results give important information to the wire rods manufacturers for the respect of the technical delivery conditions.
A Complete System for Testing and Evaluation of Quenchants and Quenching Systems
Authors: Kristoffersen H. , Troell E. , Felde I. , Bodin J. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
The quenching operation is a very critical part of the heat treatment process. Improper quenching parameters and drifting of the cooling characteristics during the working life of the quenchant will influence the quenching results. Sophisticated computer-based tools have made it possible to monitor, evaluate, and perform a continuous quality control of the quenchants’ and the quenching systems’ performance. The increasing and ever more sophisticated use of FEM simulation in order to optimize products and processes means that there is also a growing need for accurate input data. In quenching simulations, the boundary conditions expressed as heat transfer coefficients based on measured cooling curves are of great importance in order to obtain accurate calculations. One system that offers these features is the ivf SmartQuench® system (SQ).4 This system encompasses data acquisition and a software module for analyzing the cooling curves. With the new, extended software module that was introduced in 2007, SQintegra (SQi),4 it is now possible for the user to calculate heat transfer coefficients (e.g., for the ISO 9950 probe), as well as hardness and microstructure in a cross section of steel samples. Heat transfer calculations are made on the basis of an inverse analysis of the recorded cooling curve. The result is used as input for the calculation of microstructural constituents and the hardness profile of cylindrical samples of arbitrary diameter. Calculations can be made for several different steel grades. The system can be used for quality control of quenchants, troubleshooting, process follow-up, calculation of heat transfer coefficients, hardness calculations compared to verifying tests, and sensitivity analyses of quenchants. The system has also been used to evaluate the cooling performance in showers used for quenching after induction heating. The process window for a specific quenching shower was established for a polymer quenchant. Factors considered were flow rate, concentration and temperature of the quenchant.
Determination of Spatial and Seasonal Distribution of Surface Sediment Contamination in an Irish River and Estuarine System
Authors: Buggy Conor J. , Tobin John M. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
An investigation of sedimentary matrices in a polluted Irish river and estuary was undertaken to determine the distribution both spatially, and more importantly seasonally, of metal and organometal contamination on a monthly basis over 2 years. No previous investigations in Ireland have undertaken such a detailed analytical regime. The Tolka River and Estuary, Dublin, Ireland, is a typical Irish urban river and estuarine system, and it was chosen for this study as it has significant metal and organometal contaminant loading arising from the urban environment in general but also specific sources including a closed landfill. A 1-month sampling and analysis regime was devised to optimize riverine and estuarine analysis to determine seasonality of contaminant distribution. Between August 2003 and January 2005, contaminant concentrations within the surface sediment of the river and estuarine system were analyzed monthly from 20 sampling points. Six metals (cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn)) and an organometal (tributyltin (TBT)) were analyzed using differential pulse polarography. This assessment created an extensive database to determine spatial and seasonal distributions of contaminants over time and various in situ environmental and anthropogenic parameters that influence these distributions. It was found that contaminant concentrations within surface sediment are highly variable seasonally. Contaminant concentrations were observed to gradually increase (30–120 %) in spring to a maximum at the end of summer, which was followed by a decrease in winter months (30–60 %); e.g., at one estuarine site in February 2004, lead concentrations of 148.5 ppm were recorded, followed by a gradual increase to 312.1 ppm in July and a subsequent decrease to 131.1 ppm in January 2005. This paper presents the final 12 months of contaminant analysis as this period provided the clearest illustration of contaminant spatial and seasonal distributions.
Treatment of Salted Road Runoffs Using Typha latifolia, Spergularia canadensis, and Atriplex patula: A Comparison of Their Salt Removal Potential
Authors: Morteau B. , Triffault-Bouchet G. , Galvez R. , Martel L. , Leroueil S. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
De-icing salts are used all around the world to improve driving security. Their impacts on the environment are a major concern, especially due to the production of salted road runoffs that induce rising of salinity of freshwater ecosystems. Some plants tolerate high salt concentrations and are able to accumulate large amounts of salt in their tissues. To protect freshwater ecosystems, constructed wetland incorporating this kind of plant could be used to treat salted road runoffs before they reached natural ecosystems. Lake Saint-Augustin, located near Quebec City (Quebec, Canada) is used as an experimental watershed area. Typha latifolia, Atriplex patula, and Spergularia canadensis have been selected and assessed for their ability to survive and grow in salted waters by accumulating salt in their tissues. Germination (20 days) experiments, recovery experiments (20 days), and chloride accumulation experiments (2 months) have been performed in a controlled environment. The three species showed no germination inhibition for salt concentrations found in the field (0, 150, 1500 mg NaCl/L). Accumulation of chloride has been found significant for all species. Typha latifolia showed the best accumulation of chloride (63 mgCl−/g of dry mass) which corresponds to a standing stock up to 230,000 mgCl⋅m2. This result is promising and supports the decision for upgrading the process to a constructed wetland.
Characterization and Simulation of the Creep Behavior of P92 Sandwich Structures at 923 K with Loading Transverse to the Intermediate Layer
Authors: El-Magd E , Gebhard J , Stuhrmann J 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Improving thermal efficiency in modern steam turbines can be achieved by the application of new cooling systems, such as sandwich structures which enable cooling steam to flow without severe losses during operation. The mechanical behavior, especially the creep behavior, of the cooling structure could decide its adoption in a newly built combined cycle power plant. P92 sandwich structures which combine an interlayer of a woven wire mesh between two plane sheets were suggested. Creep tests at T=923 K on this sandwich structure were performed by loading transverse to the intermediate layer. In this work, a new test arrangement for carrying out these tests was introduced. Furthermore, the creep behavior was simulated with the finite element method using creep law material parameters determined from bulk material.
Tensile Creep Studies on Filled Polychloroprene Elastomer
Authors: Lacroix F. , Tougui A. , Berton G. , Ranganathan N. , Neelakantan N. R. 
Published: March 2009

Abstract
Tensile creep data on an elastomeric material, polychloroprene, are presented in this paper. The data were collected at four temperatures, 20, 40, 80, and 110°C and four stress levels, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1 MPa. Each experiment was conducted over a time period of about twelve hours. Two different mechanisms seem to operate for the creep behavior in these ranges. At the lower temperatures, 20 and 40°C, the data are fitted with a new four-parameter equation; the data at different stress levels are combined into a single curve, which can be called a master plot. At the higher temperatures, 80 and 110°C, for the time period used, a single equation cannot fit the data and two equations are used, a four-parameter equation for the initial time, and the Findley equation for the later time.