bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Graphene Sheet Orientation of Parent Material Exhibits Dramatic Influence on Graphene Properties
Authors: Chua Chun Kiang , Sofer Zdeněk , Pumera Martin 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe production of graphene from various sources has garnered much attention in recent years with the development of methods that range from “bottom‐up” to “top‐down” approaches. The top‐down approach often requires thermal treatment to obtain a few‐layered and lowly oxygenated graphene sheets. Herein, we demonstrate the production of graphene through oxidation and thermal‐reduction/exfoliation of two sources of differently orientated graphene sheets: multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and stacked graphene nanofibers (SGNFs). These two carbon‐nanofiber‐like materials have similar axial (length: 5–9 μm) and lateral dimensions (diameter: about 100 nm). We demonstrate that, whereas SGNFs exfoliate along the lateral plane between adjacent graphene sheets, carbon nanotubes exfoliate along its longitudinal axis and leads to opening of the carbon nanotubes owing to the built‐in strain. Subsequent thermal exfoliation leads to graphene materials that have, despite the fact that their parent materials exhibited similar dimensions, dramatically different proportions and, consequently, materials properties. Graphene that was prepared from MWCNTs exhibited dimensions of about 5000×300 nm, whereas graphene that was prepared from SGNFs exhibited sheets with dimensions of about 50×50 nm. The density of defects and oxygen‐containing groups on these materials are dramatically different, as are the electrochemical properties. We performed morphological, structural, and electrochemical characterization based on TEM, SEM, high‐resolution X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry (CV) analysis on the stepwise conversion of the target source into the exfoliated graphene. Morphological and structural characterization indicated the successful chemical and thermal treatment of the materials. Our findings have shown that the orientation of the graphene sheets in starting materials has a dramatic influence on their chemical, material, and electrochemical properties.
High‐dose plasmid‐mediated VEGF gene transfer is safe in patients with severe ischemic heart disease (Genesis‐I). A phase I, open‐label, two‐year follow‐up trial
Authors: Favaloro Liliana , Diez Mirta , Mendiz Oscar , Janavel Gustavo Vera , Valdivieso León , Ratto Roxana , Garelli Guillermo , Salmo Fabián , Criscuolo Marcelo , Bercovich Andrés , Crottogini Alberto 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesWe aimed to assess safety and, secondarily, the efficacy of intramyocardial high‐dose plasmid‐vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) 165 (pVEGF165) gene transfer in no‐option patients with coronary artery disease (CAD).BackgroundControlled trials of pVEGF165 in CAD have shown little benefit. One possible reason is shortness of dosage. We have shown in large mammalian models of chronic myocardial ischemia and acute myocardial infarction that intramyocardial pVEGF165 at doses significantly higher than those used in recent phase II trials is safe and efficacious on myocardial perfusion, left ventricular function, and infarct size limitation.MethodsUsing an injection catheter, 10 patients with severe CAD not amenable for revascularization received 10 intramyocardial injections of 0.38 mg (total dose, 3.8 mg) pVEGF165 in zones exhibiting myocardial ischemia, as assessed by combined stress 99mTc‐sestamibi single‐photon emission computed tomography and stress echocardiography.ResultsNo serious adverse events related to either VEGF or the injection procedure occurred over the 2‐year follow‐up. One patient suffered femoral artery thrombosis after a follow‐up coronary angiography, successfully resolved with medical treatment. Six patients suffered uncomplicated coronary ischemic events during the second year follow‐up. Angina functional class decreased from 2.6 ± 0.2 to 1.2 ± 0.3 (mean ± SEM, P < 0.05), quality of life increased from 56.9 ± 3.2 to 82.6 ± 2.4 (P < 0.05), the summed difference score of myocardial perfusion decreased from 13.4 ± 2 to 7.7 ± 1.8 (P < 0.04), and stress ejection fraction did not change (44.2 ± 3.6% to 47.8 ± 3.1%, P = NS).ConclusionsHigh‐dose intramyocardial pVEGF165 is safe at 2 years follow‐up in patients with severe CAD. The efficacy results observed must be taken cautiously given the uncontrolled, open‐label study design. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention for unstable plaques with grayscale and integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound
Authors: Shibuya Masahiko , Okamura Atsunori , Hao Hiroyuki , Date Motoo , Higuchi Yoshiharu , Nagai Hiroyuki , Ozawa Makito , Masuyama Tohru , Iwakura Katsuomi , Fujii Kenshi 
Published: July 2012

ObjectivesWe performed microscopic examination of the debris collected by a distal protection device and investigated the usefulness of grayscale and integrated backscatter intravascular ultrasound (IB‐IVUS) for the prediction of distal embolization during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in cases of unstable angina.BackgroundThe prediction of distal embolization during PCI has not been studied in depth because assessment of distal embolization is difficult.MethodsWe prospectively studied 39 consecutive patients with unstable angina who underwent PCI with a filter distal protection device. The preprocedural plaque volume at target lesions was measured with grayscale IVUS and plaque characteristics were assessed with IB‐IVUS. We performed microscopic examination of the particles collected by the distal protection device.ResultsThere was a significant correlation between the plaque volume and the number of the collected particles >100 μm in diameter (r = 0.48, P = 0.0034). Filter no‐reflow (FNR) phenomenon was found in nine patients. The plaque volume was significantly greater (355 ± 133 mm3 vs. 199 ± 90 mm3, P = 0.0004), and the lipid ratio was significantly higher (29.3 ± 4.3% vs. 26.1 ± 4.3 P = 0.045) in the FNR group compared with the non‐FNR group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the plaque volume was an independent predictor of FNR phenomenon.ConclusionsAlthough tissue characterization of IB‐IVUS may provide additional information for distal embolization, plaque volume is the only significant predictor of distal embolization during PCI. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Aldosterone Receptor Antagonists in Cardiovascular Disease: A Review of the Recent Literature and Insight Into Potential Future Indications
Authors: Markowitz Mindy , Messineo Frank , Coplan Neil L. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractRandomized controlled trials demonstrate the efficacy of aldosterone receptor antagonists (spironolactone and eplerenone) as a useful pharmacologic intervention specifically in patients with New York Heart Association (NYHA) class III and IV heart failure, in patients with an ejection fraction <40% after myocardial infarction, and most recently in patients with mildly symptomatic heart failure. However, aldosterone receptor antagonists may be beneficial in a broader patient population. Aldosterone receptor antagonists can potentially serve as an antiarrhythmic pharmacologic agent for atrial and ventricular arrhythmias, an anti‐ischemic medication in coronary artery disease through prevention of myocardial fibrosis and vascular damage, and as an agent in people with asymptomatic and mild heart failure (NYHA classes I and II) and diastolic heart failure. However, many clinicians remain reluctant to prescribe this highly efficacious pharmacologic therapy for a variety of reasons, including concerns about polypharmacy and hyperkalemia. Recent observational analysis demonstrates that less than one‐third of eligible patients hospitalized with heart failure actually received aldosterone antagonist therapy. This article will review the current and potential future uses of aldosterone receptor antagonists across the entire spectrum of cardiovascular disease.The authors have no funding, financial relationships, or conflicts of interest to disclose.
General population norms for the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index (FKSI)
Authors: Butt Zeeshan , Peipert John , Webster Kimberly , Chen Connie , Cella David 
Published: July 2012

AbstractBACKGROUND:Metastatic renal cell cancer is associated with poor long‐term survival and has no cure. Traditional clinical endpoints are best supplemented by patient‐reported outcomes designed to assess symptoms and function. Normative data was obtained on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network‐Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Kidney Symptom Index (NFKSI) to aid in score interpretation and planning of future trials.METHODS:General population data were obtained from 2000 respondents, who completed the 19‐item NFKSI‐19, as well the SF‐36 (Short Form 36‐item instrument) and the PROMIS‐29 (29‐item Patient Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System), both general health status measures. Basic demographic and self‐reported comorbidity data were also collected.RESULTS:The sample was 50% female, 85.7% caucasian, with an equal distribution across age bands from 18 years to 75 years and older. Most respondents (62.8%) had more than a high school education and reported an Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of normal activity without symptoms (63.4%). Score distributions on the NFKSI‐19, its subscales, and individual items are summarized.CONCLUSIONS:The NFKSI‐19 and its subscales now have scores for the general US population, allowing comparability to generic questionnaires such as the SF‐36 and PROMIS‐29. These data can be used to guide treatment expectations and plan future comparative effectiveness research using the scales. Cancer 2013. © 2012 American Cancer Society.
Higher maternal prenatal cortisol and younger age predict greater infant reactivity to novelty at 4 months: An observation‐based study
Authors: Werner Elizabeth , Zhao Yihong , Evans Lynn , Kinsella Michael , Kurzius Laura , Altincatal Arman , McDonough Laraine , Monk Catherine 
Published: July 2012

AbstractDistress‐linked activation of the maternal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA)‐axis is considered a pathway by which affect regulation impacts the fetal milieu and neurodevelopment. There is little direct evidence for this conceptual model. In 103 women [mean age 27.45 (±5.65) years] at 36–38 weeks gestation, salivary cortisol was measured before/after stress tasks; distress questionnaires were completed. At 18.49 (±1.83) weeks, infants underwent the Harvard Infant Behavioral Reactivity Protocol assessing cry/motor responses to novelty; women reported on infant behavior and postnatal distress. Prenatal cortisol and distress were not significantly correlated (all ps > .10). Proportional odds logistic regressions showed that neither prenatal nor postnatal distress was associated with infant responses to the Harvard Protocol yet pre‐stress cortisol and maternal age were: The odds of being classified as High Reactive were 1.60 times higher [95% CI: 1.04, 2.46] for each unit of added cortisol and .90 times lower [95% CI: .82, .99] for every additional year in maternal age. No associations were found between cortisol or prenatal distress and mother‐rated infant behavior; postnatal distress was positively associated with mother‐rated infant negative behavior (p = .03). Observer and mother‐rated infant behavior were not associated (all ps > .05). Based on independent observations of infants in contrast to maternal perceptions, these results lend support to the hypothesis that pregnant women's HPA‐axis activity influences infant behavior. The impact of maternal distress was not supported, except in so far as postnatal distress may increase the likelihood of making negative judgments about infant behavior. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 55: 707–718, 2013.
The effects of reproductive specialization on energy costs and fitness genetic variances in cyclical and obligate parthenogenetic aphids
Authors: Carter Mauricio J. , Simon Jean‐Christophe , Nespolo Roberto F. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractOrganisms with coexisting sexual and asexual populations are ideal models for studying the consequences of either reproductive mode on the quantitative genetic architecture of life‐history traits. In the aphidRhopalosiphum padi, lineages differing in their sex investment coexist but all share a common parthenogenetic phase. Here, we studied multiple genotypes ofR. padispecialized either for sexual and asexual reproduction and compared their genetic variation in fitness during the parthenogenetic phase. Specifically, we estimated maintenance costs as standard metabolic rate (SMR), together with fitness (measured as the intrinsic rate of increase and the net reproductive rate). We found that genetic variation (in terms of broad‐sense heritability) in fitness was higher in asexual genotypes compared with sexual genotypes. Also, we found that asexual genotypes exhibited several positive genetic correlations indicating that body mass, whole‐animal SMR, and apterous individuals production are contributing to fitness. Hence, it appears that in asexual genotypes, energy is fully allocated to maximize the production of parthenogenetic individuals, the simplest possible form of aphid repertoire of life‐histories strategies.
A Photoresponsive Hybrid Nanomaterial Based on Graphene and Polyhedral Oligomeric Silsesquioxanes
Authors: Valentini Luca , Cardinali Marta , Kenny Josè M. , Prato Mirko , Monticelli Orietta 
Published: July 2012

AbstractA novel nanomaterial that consists of graphene sheets decorated with silsesquioxane molecules has been developed. Aminopropyl‐silsesquioxane (POSS‐NH2) has been employed to functionalize graphene oxide (GO) sheets. The surface grafting of the GO sheets with POSS‐NH2 was established by IR spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and the morphology was investigated by field‐emission electron microscopy as well as by atomic force microscopy. The combination of amino‐functionalized POSS molecules with GO sheets produces a hybrid silicon/graphite‐based nanomaterial, named GRAPOSS. When exposed to visible light the hybrid showed a photoconductivity response.
Crystallization‐Induced Asymmetric Synthesis of Nonracemic Platinum(IV) Polysulfide Tris(chelate) Complexes
Authors: Rybak Witold K. , Cymbaluk Agata , Siczek Miłosz , Skonieczny Janusz 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThe random nonracemic formation of the platinum(IV) polysulfide tris(chelate) anionic complex (NH4)2[Pt(S5)3]·2H2O, previously believed to be due to a crystallization‐induced asymmetric transformation of the reaction product, under scrutiny turned out to be a new type of autocatalytic asymmetric synthesis. The synthesis is driven by simultaneous crystallization of the product as an enantiomorphous conglomerate. In particular, the preparation becomes chemo‐ and stereoselective when carried out with continuous vigorous stirring in the presence of seeds of the desired nonracemic ultimate reaction product, i.e. an autocatalyst. However, structural characterization of the randomly obtained products by means of XRD, 195Pt NMR, and ESI‐MS measurements as well as X‐ray single‐crystal analyses, reveals the significant complexity of the reaction. Several tris(polysulfide) congeners and their stereoisomers are usually obtained, and they may even cocrystallize. All these characteristics point to the kinetic control of these autocatalytic asymmetric preparations under the applied nontrivial reaction conditions. Consequently, the composition and handedness of the products can to a large extent be controlled by seeding the reaction mixture with a small previously obtained solid sample, which contributes to the synthesis as an autocatalyst.
Pd‐Catalyzed Threefold Arylation of Baylis–Hillman Bromides and Acetates with Triarylbismuth Reagents
Authors: Rao Maddali L. N. , Giri Somnath 
Published: July 2012

AbstractFunctionalized alkyl 2‐benzylacrylates and 2‐benzylacrylonitriles were synthesized by means of atom‐economic cross‐couplings of Baylis–Hillman bromides or acetates with BiAr3 under palladium‐catalyzed conditions. These reactions, involving threefold aryl couplings using BiAr3 reagents with bromides and acetates, are fast and are completed in 1–2 h with high product yields.
Sediment transport measurements with tracers in very low‐energy beaches
Authors: Carrasco A. R. , Ferreira Ó. , Matias A. , Freire P. , Bertin X. , Dias J. A. 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTThis study investigates sediment transport at a very low‐energy backbarrier beach in southern Portugal, from a spring‐to‐neap tide period, during fair‐weather conditions. Rates and directions of transport were determined based on the application of fluorescent tracer techniques. Wind and currents were collected locally, whereas the dominant small and short‐period wind waves were characterized using a morphodynamic modelling system coupling a circulation model, a spectral wave model, and a bottom evolution model, well validated over the study area.For the recorded conditions sediment transport was small and ebb oriented, with daily transport rates below 0.02 m3 day‐1. Tidal currents (mainly ebb velocities) were found to be the main causative forcing controlling sediment displacements. Transport rates were higher during spring tides, tending towards very small values at neap tides. Results herein reported points towards the distinction between tracer advection and tracer dispersion in this type of environment. Transport by advection was low as a consequence of the prevailing hydrodynamic conditions (Hs < 0.1 m, and max. current velocity of 0.5 m s‐1) and the tracer adjustment to the transport layer, whereas dispersion was relatively high (few metres per day). Tracer techniques allowed distinguishing the broad picture of transport, but revealed the need for refinement in this type of environments (bi‐directional forcing by ebb and flood cycles). Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Use of solid phase microextraction to estimate toxicity: Relating fiber concentrations to toxicity—part I
Authors: Ding Yuping , Landrum Peter F. , You Jing , Harwood Amanda D. , Lydy Michael J. 
Published: July 2012

Abstract
Use of solid-phase microextraction (SPME) fibers as a dose metric for toxicity testing was evaluated for hydrophobic pesticides to the midge Chironomus dilutus and the amphipod Hyalella azteca. Test compounds included p,p′-dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (p,p′-DDT), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (p,p′-DDD), p,p′-dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (p,p′-DDE), permethrin, bifenthrin, tefluthrin, and chlorpyrifos. Acute water toxicity tests were determined for 4- and 10-d exposures in both species. Median lethal and sublethal concentrations were expressed both on a water concentration (LC50 and EC50) and on an equilibrium SPME fiber concentration (LC50fiber and EC50fiber) basis. A significant log dose–response relationship was found between log fiber concentration and organism mortality. It has been shown in the literature that equilibrium SPME fiber concentrations reflect the bioavailable concentrations of hydrophobic contaminants, so these fiber concentrations should be a useful metric for assessing toxic effects from the bioavailable contaminant providing a framework to expand the use of SPME fibers beyond estimation of bioaccumulation. Environ. Toxicol. Chem. 2012; 31: 2159–2167. © 2012 SETAC
Use of zinc borate as the third component of a traditional brominated flame retardant system in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene
Authors: Kaynak Cevdet , Ozkaraca Ayse Cagil 
Published: July 2012

ABSTRACTBecause zinc borate is an effective smoke suppressant and cheaper than antimony trioxide, the main aim of this study was to investigate usability of zinc borate as the third component of a traditional binary Br/Sb2O3 system in acrylonitrile butadiene styrene. Limiting oxygen index, UL‐94, and mass loss cone calorimeter studies indicated that almost all flame retardancy parameters were kept when certain percentages of antimony trioxide were replaced with zinc borate. Residue analysis revealed that the predominant flame retardancy mechanism of the traditional system was gas phase action, whereas zinc borate contributes especially in the condensed phase action by forming thicker and stronger char layer. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
P53 is required for the developmental restriction in Müller glial proliferation in mouse retina
Authors: Ueki Yumi , Karl Mike O. , Sudar Samuel , Pollak Julia , Taylor Russell J. , Loeffler Kati , Wilken Matthew S. , Reardon Sara , Reh Thomas A. 
Published: July 2012

AbstractMüller glia are normally mitotically quiescent cells, but in certain pathological states they can re‐enter the mitotic cell cycle. While several cell cycle regulators have been shown to be important in this process, a role for the tumor suppressor, p53, has not been demonstrated. Here, we investigated a role for p53 in limiting the ability of Müller glia to proliferate in the mature mouse retina. Our data demonstrate that Müller glia undergo a developmental restriction in their potential to proliferate. Retinal explants or dissociated cultures treated with EGF become mitotically quiescent by the end of the second postnatal week. In contrast, Müller glia from adult trp53−/+ or trp53−/− mice displayed a greater ability to proliferate in response to EGF stimulation in vitro. The enhanced proliferative ability of trp53 deficient mice correlates with a decreased expression of the mitotic inhibitor Cdkn1a/p21cip and an increase in c‐myc, a transcription factor that promotes cell cycle progression. These data show that p53 plays an essential role in limiting the potential of Müller glia to re‐enter the mitotic cycle as the retina matures during postnatal development. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An Investigation of the Social‐Affective Effects Resulting from Appearance‐Related Product Models
Authors: Lo Cheng‐Hung , Chu Chih‐Hsing 
Published: July 2012

AbstractThis article proposes the concept of social‐affective product design to address the effects of product features on personal interactions. Using eyeglass frames as the target product, this study included a factorial experiment to evaluate design features concerning personality traits signified by facial shapes. The experiment involved extracting three representative types of facial shapes by sorting 60 photographs and constructing three‐dimensional models to rate attractiveness. The study then analyzed participant responses according to three social‐affective measures: approachability, assertiveness, and masculinity, evoked by faces wearing factorized eyeglass frames. Results show that increasing the levels of certain design features strengthens the impression of specific personality traits. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.