bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A Novel Device for the Automatic Decellularization of Biological Tissues
Authors: Pellegata Alessandro F. , Asnaghi M. Adelaide , Zonta Sandro , Zerbini Gianpaolo , Mantero Sara 
Published: March 2012

Objectives Decellularized biological scaffolds represent a promising solution for tissue engineering. They offer a good substrate for cells in terms of biochemical composition, ultrastructure and mechanical properties without generating an immunogenic response. The aim of this study was to design and develop a device for the automatic decellularization of biological tissues to overcome manual operation limits, toward a good manufacturing practice-compliant process. Methods A versatile, modular and easy-to-use device was designed, able to automatically exchange decellularization fluids and to provide mechanical shaking according to a user-defined protocol. Preliminary decellularization tests were made on porcine abdominal aortas comparing results between conventional process and device-operated process using water, sodium deoxycholate and DNase. Vessels were processed up to 4 cycles of the protocol and after each decellularization cycle histological analyses (hematoxylin-eosin, Movat pentachrome and DAPI stainings) were observed. Preliminary mechanical tests were also performed to compare the mechanical behavior of blood vessels processed with the 2 methods mentioned above. Results Briefly, the device consists of decellularization chambers, a shaking system and hydraulic modules for the exchange of fluids. The device was bench-tested for functionality and reliability with positive outcomes. The protocol used revealed to be effective, with a progressive tissue decellularization through repeated cycles. No difference between manual and automated operation was observed in histological or mechanical analyses. Conclusions The developed device is able to automate the decellularization process lowering operator-related risks, and is a reliable and functional tool for clinical use.
Aislamiento e identificación de microorganismos en biopelículas provenientes del Castillo de Chapultepec, Ciudad de México.
Authors: Páramo Aguilera Leandro , Narváez Zapata J , De la Cruz E. 
Published: March 2012

La microbiología hasta hoy está fundamentada en cultivos puros y microorganismos independientes, en realidad los cultivos puros no existen en la naturaleza, sino que los microorganismos se combinan en grandes colonias limosas (biopelículas) donde los diversos individuos establecen relaciones y dependencias. Solamente en Estados Unidos de América se estima que las biopelículas causan billones de dólares en pérdidas de energía, daños a equipos, contaminación de productos e infecciones médicas. En este trabajo se presentan los resultados del aislamiento de microorganismos por métodos microbiológicos y moleculares a partir de biopelículas localizadas en El Castillo de Chapultepec de la ciudad de México, determinándose que en las mismas coexisten diferentes géneros de hongos filamentosos como Cladosporium, Mucor, Alternaria, Aspergillus, Aureobasidium, Rhodotorulas entre otros. Además de géneros bacterianos como Bacillus, Pantoea, Kokuria, etc. Muchos de estos géneros microbianos han sido abundantemente reportados como participantes en procesos de biodeterioro a monumentos y otros están reportados como contribuyentes a su restauración, por lo que este trabajo abre las puertas a futuras investigaciones que permitan la restauración biológica de los monumentos, su conservación y desarrollo de nuevos procesos biotecnológicos. Palabras clave: Microbiología; cultivos puros; biopelículas; aislamiento de microorganismos; métodos microbiológicos; procesos de biodeterioro.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v24i2.656
Relaciones entre el operador La iterado j veces y la derivada de orden (k-1) de la delta de Dirac soportada en (fórmula)
Authors: Aguirre Manuel , Aguirre Rébora Emilio 
Published: March 2012

En este artículo se obtienen fórmulas entre el operador La iterado j veces definido por la fórmula (31) y la derivada de orden de la delta de Dirac soportada en (formula) En particular se obtiene que (formula) es una solución homogénea del operador ultrahiperbólico iterado l veces si (formula) y está definida por medio de la fórmula (78) y es solución elemental del operador La iterado s veces. Haciendo (formula) en (18) se tiene que (formula) es solución homogénea del operador ultrahiperbólico si (formula) Nuestros resultados son generalizaciones de fórmulas que aparecen en ([10]).Palabras claves: Delta de Dirac; OperadorDOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/nexo.v24i2.662
Blogging the Third Wave?
Authors: Gunnarsson Payne Jenny 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis essay seeks to address whether blogging can serve as a feminist tool, particularly as a form of practicing citizenship. More specifically, it asks whether feminist blogging contributes only to individualized forms of expression (based on the empowerment of single individuals) or whether blogging has a role in both the construction and endurance of collectivist forms of feminist politics. This essay begins by situating feminist blogging in a larger historical context of media production in the feminist movement. It then presents three different feminist blog projects in order to investigate the various ways in which these blogs practice what in recent literature is discussed in terms of “intimate citizenship.”
Biodegradable Photo‐Crosslinked Polymer Substrates with Concentric Microgrooves for Regulating MC3T3‐E1 Cell Behavior
Authors: Wang Kan , Cai Lei , Zhang Li , Dong Jingyan , Wang Shanfeng 
Published: March 2012

AbstractBoth intrinsic material properties and topographical features are critical in influencing cell‐biomaterial interactions. We present a systematic investigation of regulating mouse pre‐osteoblastic MC3T3‐E1 cell behavior on biodegradable polymer substrates with distinct mechanical properties and concentric microgrooves. The precursors for fabricating substrates used here were two poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) triacrylates (PCLTAs) synthesized from poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) triols with molecular weights of ∼7000 and ∼10000 g mol−1. These two PCLTAs were photo‐crosslinked into PCL networks with distinct thermal, rheological, and mechanical properties at physiological temperature because of their different crystallinities and melting temperatures. Microgrooved substrates with four groove widths of 7.5, 16.1, 44.2, and 91.2 μm and three groove depths of 0.2, 1, and 10 μm were prepared through replica molding, i.e., photo‐crosslinking PCLTA on micro‐fabricated silicon wafers with pre‐designed concentric groove patterns. MC3T3‐E1 cell attachment and proliferation could be better supported by the stiffer substrates while not significantly influenced by the microgrooves. Microgroove dimensions could regulate MC3T3‐E1 cell alignment, nuclear shape and distribution, mineralization, and gene expression. Among the microgrooves with a fixed depth of 10 μm, the smallest width of 7.5 μm could align and elongate the cytoskeleton and nuclei most efficiently. Strikingly, higher mineral deposition and upregulation of osteocalcin gene expression were found in the narrower microgrooves when the groove depth was 10 μm.
Terrestrial nest‐building by wild chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes): Implications for the tree‐to‐ground sleep transition in early hominins
Authors: Koops Kathelijne , McGrew William C. , Matsuzawa Tetsuro , Knapp Leslie A. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractNest‐building is a great ape universal and arboreal nesting in chimpanzees and bonobos suggests that the common ancestor ofPanandHomoalso nested in trees. It has been proposed that arboreal nest‐building remained the prevailing pattern untilHomo erectus, a fully terrestrial biped, emerged. We investigated the unusual occurrence of ground‐nesting in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes), which may inform on factors influencing the tree‐to‐ground sleep transition in the hominin lineage. We used a novel genetic approach to examine ground‐nesting in unhabituated chimpanzees at Seringbara in the Nimba Mountains, Guinea. Previous research showed that ground‐nesting at Seringbara was not ecologically determined. Here, we tested a possible mate‐guarding function of ground‐nesting by analyzing DNA from shed hairs collected from ground nests and tree nests found in close proximity. We examined whether or not ground‐nesting was a group‐level behavioral pattern and whether or not it occurred in more than one community. We used multiple genetic markers to identify sex and to examine variation in mitochondrial DNA control region (HV1, HV2) sequences. Ground‐nesting was a male‐biased behavior and males constructed more elaborate (“night”) nests than simple (“day”) nests on the ground. The mate‐guarding hypothesis was not supported, as ground and associated tree nests were built either by maternally‐related males or possibly by the same individuals. Ground‐nesting was widespread and likely habitual in two communities. We suggest that terrestrial nest‐building may have already occurred in arboreally‐adapted early hominins before the emergence ofH. erectus. Am J Phys Anthropol 148:351–361, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrospinning of solvent‐resistant nanofibers based on poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate)
Authors: Dai Tianhe , Ebert Katrin 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis article reports on the preparation of novel solvent‐resistant nanofibers by electrospinning of poly(acrylonitrile‐co‐glycidyl methacrylate) (PANGMA) and subsequent chemical crosslinking. PANGMA nanofibers with diameters ranging from 200 to 600 nm were generated by electrospinning different solutions of PANGMA dissolved in N,N‐dimethylformamide. Different additives were added to reduce the fiber diameter and improve the morphology of the nanofibers. The as‐spun PANGMA nanofibers were crosslinked with 27 wt % aqueous ammonia solution at 50°C for 3 h to gain the solvent resistance. Swelling tests indicated that the crosslinked nanofibers swelled in several solvents but were not dissolved. The weight loss of all the crosslinked nanofibrous mats immersed in solvents for more than 72 h was very low. The characterization by electron microscopy revealed that the nanofibrous mats maintained their structure. This was also confirmed by the results of the pore size measurements. These novel nanofibers are considered to have a great potential as supports for the immobilization of homogeneous catalysts and enzymes. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Synthesis of crosslinkable latices with poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐VeoVa10) cores and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) shells and online‐FTIR analysis of the amine induced curing process
Authors: Lu Jia , Easteal Allan J. , Edmond Neil 
Published: March 2012

AbstractCrosslinkable latex particles with poly(vinyl acetate‐co‐VeoVa10) core and poly(glycidyl methacrylate) shell were synthesized by emulsion polymerization. Starved feed and seed emulsion polymerization were used to control the morphology of the core‐shell latex particles. The effect of emulsifier concentration, chain transfer agent, and starved feeding on the core‐shell morphology were investigated. The formation of core‐shell particles was promoted by increasing seed particle numbers and by the starved‐feed condition. Investigation of isothermal crosslinking of the core‐shell latex and the curing agent Anquamine 419 (a modified aliphatic amine), using real‐time Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, revealed that the cure rate was relatively low at ambient temperature, but curing was complete within about 4 h at 30°C and about 1.5 h at 40°C. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effect of pressure on the performance of poly(ethylene‐vinyl acetate) as wax deposition inhibitors by calorimetric method
Authors: Vieira Lenise C. , Buchuid Maria B. , Lucas Elizabete F. 
Published: March 2012

AbstractChemical inhibition is one of the traditional methods used by the petroleum industry to prevent or correct the problems caused by the formation of organic deposits. In this work, three samples of poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)s (EVAs) were added at different concentrations to three different Brazilian crude oils, and their effect on the wax appearance temperature (WAT) and crystallization enthalpy of the oils was evaluated as a function of increasing pressure and the type of saturation gas, using high‐pressure microcalorimetry (HPμDSC). The results show that different copolymer compositions present dissimilar performance in reducing WAT, and, in some cases, an optimum concentration was observed. When rising pressure, a positive influence on the WAT is observed, but the performance of organic deposition inhibitors that are ineffective at atmospheric pressure is not enhanced at higher pressures. On the other hand, additives able to modify the crystallization kinetics of waxes at atmospheric pressure show a synergy when evaluated in the presence of light fractions and under high pressures. HPμDSC analysis is an important tool to optimize the additive concentration to be used in oil fields. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Effects of compatibilizers on the mechanical properties of ABS/PLA composites
Authors: Jo Mi Yeong , Ryu Yeon Jong , Ko Jun Hee , Yoon Jin‐San 
Published: March 2012

AbstractComposites composed of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene copolymer (ABS) and poly(lactic acid) were prepared to develop ABS‐based automobile console boxes with improved environmental friendliness. ABS/PLA composites without any additives showed extremely poor mechanical properties. However, increase in the content of polybutadiene moiety of ABS and introduction of proper compatibilizer and heat stabilizer enhanced the mechanical properties of ABS/PLA composites significantly. Thermal stabilization effect of the heat stabilizer was assessed by determining the activation energy of thermal degradation, by measuring the molecular weight variation of PLA and by observing the morphology of the fractured surface. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
Bycatch susceptibility in pelagic longline fisheries: are albatrosses affected by the diving behaviour of medium‐sized petrels?
Authors: Jiménez Sebastián , Domingo Andrés , Abreu Martin , Brazeiro Alejandro 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACT

Species of petrels and shearwaters with high diving ability could facilitate the catch of albatrosses in pelagic longline fisheries, because they retrieve bait to the surface from depths that albatrosses cannot reach. Once on the surface, large seabirds such as albatrosses can easily displace smaller species thus gaining access to baited hooks which increases their likelihood of getting caught.
This paper evaluates the extent to which diving species (i.e. Procellaria aequinoctialis, Procellaria conspicillata and Puffinus gravis) increase the susceptibility of albatross to bycatch in pelagic longline fisheries. In 48 sets, attacks on baits were quantified. When more than one bird (of the same or different species) tried to attack the same bait this was defined as a multiple attack.
There were 384 attacks on baits, of which 260 were made by a single individual and 124 by more than one. Multiple attacks were the largest source of bycatch of albatrosses (22 of 27 albatrosses whose attacks were observed).
Of the baits attacked by albatrosses (n = 244), 17% were indirectly facilitated by diving medium‐sized petrels. Considering only the multiple attacks in which albatrosses participated (n = 114), 36% were initiated by these medium‐sized petrels. Eleven (41%) of the albatrosses captured, and whose attacks were observed, resulted from a diving medium‐sized seabird species first having contacted the terminal tackle.
This paper shows that medium‐sized petrels, with a strong ability to dive, increase considerably the access to bait, and indirectly, the incidental bycatch of albatrosses. Observations made in the absence of mitigation measures also provide useful information to improve the performance of tori lines. Based on the seabird behaviour, it is recommended that tori lines should have a minimum aerial coverage of 50 m. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semi‐Global Output Feedback Stabilization for a Class of Uncertain Nonlinear Systems
Authors: Zhai Junyong , Qian Chunjiang , Du Haibo 
Published: March 2012

AbstractThis paper addresses the problem of semi‐global stabilization by output feedback for a class of nonlinear systems whose output gains are unknown. For each subsystem, we first design a state compensator and use the compensator states to construct a control law to stabilize the nominal linear system without the perturbing nonlinearities. Then, combining the output feedback domination approach with block‐backstepping scheme, a series of homogeneous output feedback controllers are constructed recursively for each subsystem and the closed‐loop system is rendered semi‐globally asymptotically stable.
Focus and Standardization of Sustainability Reporting – A Comparative Study of the United Kingdom and Finland
Authors: Fifka Matthias S. , Drabble Maria 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTSustainability reporting has attracted significant attention from the business as well as the academic community in recent years. Not only has the latter frequently made recommendations on reporting, it has also extensively examined factors that have an influence on reporting. Several studies have noted differences in the extent and style of reporting across countries, but the influence of specific cultural and socio‐economic environments on reporting has only been given limited consideration so far. It is the goal of this paper to help fill this gap. For this purpose, we examine the sustainability reporting of the 100 largest companies in the United Kingdom and Finland, as both are highly developed countries in North‐Western Europe, but with significantly different cultural and socio‐economic systems. Aside from the extent of reporting and media used, we examine the reporting standards and guidelines applied. Moreover, the focus of disclosure (economic, social or environmental) was investigated, which also brings a new perspective to the academic literature. Our results suggest that the cultural and socio‐economic environment has an impact on the extent of reporting, but with regard to the focus of reporting and the application of standards the results are mixed. A stronger shareholder oriented culture does not lead to a more extensive inclusion of economic issues in sustainability reporting, while the extent of environmental reporting depends on the strength of environmentalism. The impact of cultural and socio‐economic factors on the application of standards, such as the Global Reporting Initiative, appears to be limited. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment.
Volumetric intravascular ultrasound assessment of mechanisms and results of stent expansion in heart transplant patients
Authors: Sanidas Elias A. , Maehara Akiko , Mintz Gary S. , Kubo Takashi , Gupta Anuj , Apfelbaum Mark A. , Hakim Diaa , Moses Jeffrey W. , Mancini Donna M. , Rabbani LeRoy E. 
Published: March 2012

BackgroundPercutaneous coronary intervention with stent placement for the treatment of patients with cardiac allograft vasculopathy is common, but data regarding stent behavior in this setting is lacking.ObjectivesWe investigated mechanisms and potential differences in stent expansion among transplant patients vs. patients with native coronary artery atherosclerotic disease (“controls”).MethodsWe compared pre‐ and poststent intravascular ultrasound in 12 transplant patients (17 lesions) and 33 control patients (34 lesions) matched according to age (60.1 ± 9.2 years), diabetes mellitus, and lesion location. Planar and volumetric analysis was conducted for every 1 mm at the lesion site as well as the first 5 mm proximal and distal to the stent edge. Focal stent expansion was defined as minimum stent area (MSA) divided by mean reference lumen area. Diffuse stent expansion was defined as mean stent area divided by mean reference lumen area.ResultsTransplant patients had more plaque than “controls” prestenting, but similar MSA and focal and diffuse stent expansion afterwards. The increase in mean lumen area correlated with the increase in mean vessel area in both groups, transplant (R = 0.64, P = 0.008) and controls (R = 0.70, P < 0.0001), but correlated inversely with changes in mean plaque area only in the transplant group (R = 0.55, P = 0.027). There were no differences in calcification between the two groups and no axial plaque distribution from the lesion into the reference segments in either group.ConclusionsThe mechanism of stent expansion in transplant vasculopathy appears to be similar to de novo atherosclerosis—i.e., mainly vessel expansion to achieve similar acute results. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sensitivity to outflow boundary conditions and level of geometry description for a cerebral aneurysm
Authors: Ramalho S. , Moura A. , Gambaruto A.M. , Sequeira A. 
Published: March 2012

SUMMARYMathematical models, namely the flow boundary conditions, as well as the detail of the bounding geometry, can highly influence the computed flow field. In this work, an anatomically realistic portion of cerebral vasculature with a saccular aneurysm, and its geometric idealisation, are considered. The importance of the geometric description, namely including the side branches or modelling them as holes in the main vessel, is studied. Several approaches to prescribe the outflow boundary conditions at the side branches are analysed, including the traction‐free condition, zero velocity (hence neglecting the side‐branch), and the coupling with simple zero‐dimensional and one‐dimensional models. Results of the effects of outflow boundary modelling choice on computed haemodynamic parameters are used to identify appropriateness of the models based on the physical interpretation. Estimated range of error‐bars associated to outflow boundary model choice and the level of geometric details are presented for patient‐specific computational haemodynamics, and can serve as invitation for future studies. The zero‐dimensional and one‐dimensional models are shown to provide good representations of the side branches in the case of the clipped geometry. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Review of Dutch Corporate Sustainable Development Reports
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Searcy Cory , Santos Paulo dos , Kensah David 
Published: March 2012

ABSTRACTThere is increasing pressure on corporations for sustainability reporting. However, current patterns in corporate sustainability reporting are not well understood. Additional research is needed to identify the contents of current reports and to provide a basis for improvement. The aim of this research is to analyze the sustainable development reporting patterns of Dutch companies. A content analysis of Dutch sustainability reports was conducted. The findings show that the contents of Dutch sustainability reports vary widely. While some areas in these reports are well developed, others – such as the use of cross‐cutting indicators, linking sustainability initiatives with broader public policy, future reporting directions, systematic presentation of data, and discussion of non‐conformances – require significant improvement. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment