bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of a Plane Isothermal Calorimeter: Relating Apparent Activation Energy of Concrete and the Corresponding Mortar
Authors: Wirquin E. , Kada H. , Herin P. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
This article describes the development and application of a new plane isothermal calorimeter with reduced and adjustable thickness. This innovative calorimeter allows the study of highly reactive materials such as cement grouts or concrete containing quick-setting cements and to perform tests at high temperatures. The development of the new calorimeter consists first of optimizing the dimensions and the geometry of the device. To achieve this, a numerical model is used and tested through a series of experiments. The device is validated through calibration as well as repeatability and reproducibility tests. A potential application of the new calorimeter is then presented focusing primarily on comparing at different scales, i.e., on concrete and on Concrete Equivalent Mortar, the hydration kinetics and the apparent activation energy.
Chemistry of Waterside Oxide Layers on Pressure Tubes
Authors: Do T. , Saidy M. , Hocking W. H. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
The pressure tubes that contain the fuel bundles and the primary coolant within the core of a CANDU heavy-water reactor are fabricated from a Zr-2.5Nb alloy with a complex microstructure. During reactor operation the pressure-tube interior surface is slowly oxidized by heavy water and a fraction of the deuterium that is released through this process enters the underlying alloy and can reduce its fracture toughness. Considerable variability in deuterium ingress has been observed among the pressure tubes within a single reactor as well as between different reactors. These differences are thought to be due not only to metallurgical variables, such as alloy microstructure and composition, but also to variations in the primary coolant chemistry, including pH and dissolved impurities. In the present study, a combination of surface analytical methods has been employed to characterize the microchemistry and oxidation history of the waterside oxide layers grown on two pressure tubes that were removed from different CANDU reactors. The presence of varying concentrations of iron, manganese and uranium, derived mainly from corrosion of feeder pipes and fuel failures, has been found throughout the oxide layers. An increase in the oxidation rate of one pressure tube later in life could be correlated with evidence of greater open porosity, provided by the depth distributions of impurities, extending deep within the oxide layer.
Development of Human Cloned Blastocysts Following Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer with Adult Fibroblasts
Authors: French Andrew J. , Adams Catharine A. , Anderson Linda S. , Kitchen John R. , Hughes Marcus R. , Wood Samuel H. 
Published: January 2008

Abstract
Nuclear transfer stem cells hold considerable promise in the field of regenerative medicine and cell-based drug discovery. In this study, a total of 29 oocytes were obtained from three young (20–24 years old) reproductive egg donors who had been successful in previous cycles. These oocytes, deemed by intended parents to be in excess of their reproductive needs, were donated for research without financial compensation by both the egg donor and intended parents after receiving informed consent. All intended parents successfully achieved ongoing pregnancies with the oocytes retained for reproductive purposes. Mature oocytes, obtained within 2 hours following transvaginal aspiration, were enucleated using one of two methods, extrusion or aspiration, after 45 minutes of incubation in cytochalasin B. Rates of oocyte lysis or degeneration did not differ between the two methods. Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT) embryos were constructed using two established adult male fibroblast lines of normal karyotype. High rates of pronuclear formation (66%), early cleavage (47%), and blastocyst (23%) development were observed following incubation in standard in vitro fertilization culture media. One cloned blastocyst was confirmed by DNA and mitochondrial DNA fingerprinting analyses, and DNA fingerprinting of two other cloned blastocysts indicated that they were also generated by SCNT. Blastocysts were also obtained from a limited number of parthenogenetically activated oocytes. This study demonstrates, for the first time, that SCNT can produce human blastocyst-stage embryos using nuclei obtained from differentiated adult cells and provides new information on methods that may be needed for a higher level of efficiency for human nuclear transfer.
Disclosure of potential conflicts of interest is found at the end of this article.
Dose Estimation and Surveillance of Mechanical Loading Interventions for Bone Loss After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Dudley-Javoroski Shauna , Shields Richard K 
Published: January 2008

Background and Purpose
The interpretation of the results of previous anti-osteoporosis interventions after spinal cord injury (SCI) is undermined by incomplete information about the intervention dose or patient adherence to dose requirements. Rehabilitation research as a whole traditionally has struggled with these same issues. The purpose of this case report is to offer proof of the concepts that careful dose selection and surveillance of patient adherence should be integral components in rehabilitation interventions.

Case Description
A 21-year-old man with T4 complete paraplegia (7 weeks) enrolled in a unilateral soleus muscle electrical stimulation protocol. Compressive loads applied to the tibia approximated 1.4 times body weight. Over 4.8 years of home-based training, data logging software provided surveillance of adherence. Soleus muscle torque and fatigue index adaptations to training as well as bone mineral density (BMD) adaptations in the distal tibia were measured.

Outcomes
The patient performed nearly 8,000 soleus muscle contractions per month, with occasional fluctuations. Adherence tracking permitted intervention when adherence fell below acceptable values. The soleus muscle torque and fatigue index increased rapidly in response to training. The BMD of the untrained tibia declined approximately 14% per year. The BMD of the trained tibia declined only approximately 7% per year. The BMD was preferentially preserved in the posterior half of the tibia; this region experienced only a 2.6% annual decline.

Discussion
Early administration of a load intervention, careful estimation of the loading dose, and detailed surveillance of patient adherence aided in the interpretation of a patient's adaptations to a mechanical load protocol. These concepts possess wider applicability to rehabilitation research and should be emphasized in future physical therapy investigations.
Comparison of high- versus low-tissue affinity ACE-inhibitor treatment on circulating aldosterone levels in patients with chronic heart failure
Authors: Vittorio Timothy J , Ahuja Kartikya , Kasper Michael , Turalic Haris , Tseng Chi-Hong , Jorde Ulrich P , Gor Chirayu 
Published: January 2008

Introduction. Previous animal studies of chronic heart failure (CHF) suggest that angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors of differing tissue avidity provide varying levels of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) suppression. Human studies have not consistently confirmed these animal findings. We hypothesised that production of circulating aldosterone (ALDO) would be suppressed to a greater extent in subjects treated with an ACE-inhibitor of higher tissue avidity. We randomised subjects with stable CHF to receive the low-tissue affinity ACE-inhibitor enalapril (ENAL) or the high-tissue affinity ACE-inhibitor trandolapril (TRAN), and assessed circulating ALDO levels at baseline and after eight weeks of treatment. Methods. Thirty clinically stable subjects with CHF and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ) < 40% who were in a steady-state fluid balance were enrolled into a prospective, randomised double-blind trial. After a one month run-in period for standardisation to initial ACE-inhibition with ENAL, baseline circulating ALDO levels were measured and patients were randomised to receive ENAL 40 mg versus O TRAN 4 mg (or the maximally tolerated doses) for eight weeks. Final determination of ALDO levels were made at the end of the 8-week study period. Results. Baseline clinical characteristics including age, diabetes, LVEF, serum sodium, potassium and creatinine concentrations, and background medications were similar in both groups. We found no statistically significant difference in circulating ALDO levels between the ENAL and TRAN groups at the end of the 8-week study period. [ENAL (12.6 vs. 13.3 ng/dL);TRAN (12.5 vs. 14.5 ng/dL);p=NS]. Conclusion. We found no statistically significant difference in circulating ALDO levels between high- and low-tissue affinity ACE-inhibitor therapy. Further studies assessing ALDO production at the tissue level is warranted.
Genetic polymorphisms of the renin-angiotensin system in preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes
Authors: Valdez-Velazquez Laura L , Quintero-Ramos Antonio , Perez Sandra A , Mendoza-Carrera Francisco , Montoya-Fuentes Hector , Rivas Fernando , Olivares Norma , Celis Alfredo , Vazquez Oscar F , Rivas Fernando 
Published: January 2008

Introduction. Premature rupture of membranes (PRM) is a late pregnancy complication commonly associated with preterm delivery (PD).Although several markers related to the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) have been evaluated in certain pregnancy complications, only the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) I/D variant has been studied in PD-PRM.The aim of this survey was to investigate the association of the polymorphisms (angiotensin II type 1 [AT1] receptor T174M and M235T, renin G2805A,ACE I/D and AT1-receptor A1166C) of the genes of RAS in women with PD-PRM. Design. Deoxyribonucleic acid samples from 89 Mexican Mestizo women with PD and PRM and 224—288 controls were studied. Polymorphisms were analysed by polymerase chain reaction-sequence specific primer assays. restricted fragment length polymorphism or sequence specific prim assays. Results. For all loci , genotype distribution was in agreement with Hardy—Weinberg expectations in the control group. Significant intergroup difference (case vs. control) was seen for angiotensinogen (AGT) M235T polymorphism, with an increased allele M235 in affected cases (50% vs. 40% in controls).Analysis of two- locus haplotype agrees with an independent segregation of physically unlinked genes. Haplotype AGT 174T-235M was also increased (50 % vs. 40% in controls). Conclusions. Physically unlinked genes involved in RAS segregate independently. The AGT 174—235 region is associated with PD-PRM in this population.
Augmented myocardial methionine-enkephalin in a murine model of cardiac angiotensin II-overexpression
Authors: van den Brink Olivier WV , Delbridge Lea M Durham , Pedrazzini Thierry , Rosenfeldt Franklin L , Pepe Salvatore 
Published: January 2008

Introduction. The endogenous opioid system has been reported to interact with both the cardiac sympathetic and renin-angiotensin systems in exerting a local regulatory action on the heart.The goal of this investigation was to examine how cardiac levels of enkephalin production are altered in the development of normotensive primary hypertrophy due to elevated intra-cardiac angiotensin II (Ang II) production.Methods. Atrial and ventricular methionine-enkephalin (ME) levels were measured by quantitative radioimmunoassay in 14 and 28-week-old male transgenic mice (TG1306/1R) and control mice.The TG1306/1R exhibit cardiac specific Ang II overexpression and cardiac hypertrophy, but not hypertension.Results. TG1306/1R mice had significantly higher heart/body weight ratios H (15—20%) than control littermates at both 14 (p=0.02) and 28 weeks (p=0.04). Relative to controls, ME content was significantly elevated (approximately twofold) in atria and ventricles in the older 28-week TG1306/1R mice only. A significant inverse correlation between heart size and ME level was observed for 28-week TG1306/1R only.Conclusions. We have provided evidence that a marked elevation of myocardial enkephalin level is observed in the established (but not early) phase of cardiac hypertrophy associated with cardiac-specific Ang II-overexpression.This study identifies a potentially important relationship between two endogenous peptidergic signalling systems involved in the regulation of growth and function of the hypertrophic heart.
Assessment of brain AT1-receptor on the nocturnal basal and angiotensin-induced thirst and sodium appetite in ovariectomised rats
Authors: de Souza Mecawi André , Lepletier Ailin , Gomes de Araujo Iracema , Lopes Olivares Emerson , Reis Luís Carlos 
Published: January 2008

Objective. Considering the controversial data regarding the role of the brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) on the thirst and sodium appetite in ovariectomised rats, we aimed to evaluate the role of the brain angiotensin II (Ang II) AT1-receptor on the nocturnal fluids intake. Materials and methods. Groups of Wistar female rats were ovariectomised and chronically given oestrogen or vehicle to evaluate its influence on effects induced by i.c.v. injection of losartan,Ang I and Ang II. Results. The i.c.v. losartan decreased basal water intake in the ovariectomised group.Ang II but not Ang I-induced nocturnal dipsogenic and natriorexigenic responses in ovariectomised rats. In oestrogen-treated rats, both peptides increased fluids intake. Previously, i.c.v. losartan abolished these effects in all groups. Oestrogen replacement decreased the nocturnal fluids intake, attenuated the losartan and Ang II effects, and highlighted the Ang I response. Conclusions. The present study has shown for the first time the involvement of AT1-receptor in regulating nocturnal basal water and salt intake in ovariectomised rats. In addition, our data have revealed an unexpected increased brain Ang I-mediated fluid intake in oestrogen-treated ovariectomised compared to ovariectomised rats, which was blocked by previous i.c.v. losartan. Our data have therefore shown that oestrogen influences homeostatic behaviours dependent on brain RAS.
Process Intensification
Authors: Harmsen Jan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractProcess intensification is a set of radically innovative process design principles that can bring significant benefits in terms of efficiency, cost, product quality, safety, and health, over conventional process designs based on (conventional) unit operations.The principles are perfect reactions, optimized driving forces, and synergy. The PI unit operations generated by these principles via research can be classified into spatial domain, alternative energy supply, synergy, and dynamic operation.In addition to these PI unit operations, a PI process concept design method, based on function integration, has also been developed, and finally, there is also a new engineering and construction method with modular design and prefabricated skid‐mounted construction.Many PI unit operations and PI‐based processes have been implemented at commercial scale. The largest number of unit operation implementations are reactive distillation, dividing wall distillation, and microwave heating. The main benefits are reduced investment cost, reduced energy requirements, and lower diffusive emissions to the environment. Several universities have included PI in their education program as elective courses.
Size‐Dependent Multi‐Electron Donation in Metal‐Complex Quantum Dots Hybrid Catalyst for Photocatalytic Carbon Dioxide Reduction
Authors: Zhao Qian , Abdellah Mohamed , Cao Yuehan , Meng Jie , Zou Xianshao , Ene‐mark‐Rasmussen Kasper , Lin Weihua , Li Yi , Chen Yijiang , Duan Hengli , Pan Qinying , Zhou Ying , Pullerits Tonu , Xu Hong , Canton Sophie E. , Niu Yuran , Zheng Kaibo 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe effective conversion of carbon dioxide (CO2) into valuable chemical fuels relies significantly on the donation of multiple electrons. Its efficiency is closely linked to both the density and lifetime of excited charge carriers. In this study, a hybrid catalyst system comprising covalently bonded InP/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) and Re‐complexes is showcased. The electronic band alignment between the QDs and the Re‐complexes is revealed to dominate the multi‐electron transfer process for photocatalytic conversion to methane (CH4). Notably, the size of the QDs is found to be a determining parameter. Among the three QD sizes investigated, transient absorption spectroscopy studies unveil that rapid multi‐electron transfer from the QDs to the Re‐catalyst occurs in smaller QDs (2.3 nm) due to the substantial driving force. Consequently, the photocatalytic conversion of CO2 to CH4 is significantly enhanced with a turnover number of 6, corresponding to the overall apparent quantum yield of ≈1%. This research underscores the possibilities of engineering multi‐electron transfer by manipulating the electronic band alignment within a catalytic system. This can serve as a guide for optimizing photocatalytic CO2 reduction.
Janus Conductive Mechanism: An Innovative Strategy Enabling Ultra‐Wide Linearity Range Pressure Sensing for Multi‐Scenario Applications
Authors: Lin Xiuzhu , Teng Ye , Xue Hua , Bing Yu , Li Fan , Wang Juan , Li Juan , Zhao Hongran , Zhang Tong 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe wide range of pressure detection and the exceptional linearity are essential performance parameters for flexible pressure sensors, enabling them to adapt to diverse scenarios and acquire information accurately. However, currently available “ultra‐wide range” piezoresistive sensors lack an optimal solution that effectively balances sensing properties, device thickness, and process cost. This study proposes a distinctive approach by introducing a Janus conductive structure assembled with dual resistive sensitive layers. The design allows for a pressure‐induced staged transformation of the current transport path, effectively mitigating variations and saturation in sensor resistance over a wide pressure range. The resulting piezoresistive sensor demonstrates an unprecedented detection range of 0–3800 kPa, showcasing remarkable sensitivity of 4.11 kPa−1 and outstanding linearity of 99.9% within the range of 0–1000 kPa. Additionally, the sensor boasts a thickness of only ≈200 µm, made possible through the utilization of a cellulose nanofibers material matrix. These performance achievements stand at the forefront when compared to existing reports. This research explores the potential applications of these sensors and extended arrays in the domains of human health and motion monitoring. It investigates their utility in gait analysis for assisted posture correction, as well as in the assessment and rehabilitation of gait instability.
Vacancy‐Assisted Transformation of MoS2 Nanosheets into Defective MoSx Nanoclusters to Regulate Sodium‐Ion Electrode Functionality
Authors: Jin Xiaoyan , Lee Taehun , Soon Aloysius , Hwang Seong‐Ju 
Published: April 2024

AbstractDefect structure has attracted significant attention because of its importance as design factor for exploring high‐performance functional materials. This study reports a defect‐engineering strategy to optimize the electrode performance of transition metal dichalcogenides and a clear elucidation of the underlying mechanism on the benefit of defect engineering with cycling‐induced transformation into small nanoclusters. The intercalative hybridization of monolayered MoS2 nanosheets with bulky tetraalkylammonium cations is effective for generating abundant crystal vacancies in the MoS2 lattice and improving the sodium‐ion electrode performance, achieving one of the excellent performances among MoS2‐based sodium‐ion anode materials. The improved electrode activity of the tetrapropylammonium−MoS2 nanohybrid is ascribed to the vacancy‐assisted transformation from monolayered MoS2 nanosheets into trimeric/dimeric MoSx nanoclusters during electrochemical cycling. 23Na/1H magic angle spinning‐nuclear magnetic resonance analyses demonstrated that cycling‐induced defective MoSx nanoclusters yields a complex Na environment with high ion mobility and enhanced electrolyte absorptivity, promoting the excellent electrode functionality of tetrapropylammonium‐assembled MoS2 nanosheets.
A Novel Catalase Nanogels for Effective Treatment of Neutrophilic Asthma
Authors: Zuo Xu , Guo Xiaoping , Gu Yinuo , Zhao Dan , Zou Zheng , Shen Yuanyuan , He Chaoliang , Rong Yan , Xu Caina , Wang Fang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractNeutrophilic asthma, as corticosteroid resistant asthma, is clinically more severe than eosinophilic asthma. Therefore, the treatment of neutrophilic asthma has been a challenging. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a key role in the neutrophilic asthma. However, the direct use of antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), is challenging due to the poor stability, short plasma half‐life, and the lack of effective drug delivery systems to pulmonary systems. In this work, a novel kind of nanogels for delivering CAT (CAT‐NGs) is synthesized, incorporating CAT with an antibacterial “protective film”, as a modality for the treatment of neutrophilic asthma. Compared with free CAT, CAT‐NGs demonstrated superior enzyme activity and trypsin resistance, and exhibited outstanding anti‐inflammatory and antioxidant activities in vitro. Furthermore, CAT‐NGs showed significant inhibitory effects on nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) and Escherichia coli (E. coli). Additionally, nebulized inhalation of CAT‐NGs alleviated pulmonary inflammation in neutrophilic asthma mice. Mechanistically, the alleviation of neutrophilic asthma symptoms by CAT‐NGs is possibly associated with the clearance of ROS in the lung and the inhibition of the NLRP3 and NF‐κB pathways. Hence, the work have demonstrated the therapeutic potential of CAT‐NGs, offering new insights into the clinical treatment of neutrophilic asthma.
Self‐Recoverable, Highly Repeatable, and Thermally Stable Mechanoluminescence for Dual‐Mode Information Storage and Photonic Skin Applications
Authors: Qin Shiye , Wei Wanyuan , Tian Birong , Ma Zhidong , Fang Shaofan , Wang Yongsheng , Zhang Jiachi , Wang Zhaofeng 
Published: April 2024

AbstractMechanically driven light generation is an intriguing phenomenon holding great promise in various fields. However, the existing mechanoluminescence (ML) materials always suffer from poor self‐recoverability, low repeatability, and environmental disturbance, severely hindering their practical applications. In this work, a self‐activating ML system based on interfacial triboelectrification is created by compositing the Ca6BaP4O17:0.02Ce3+ powders into a flexible polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix. With no need for pre‐irradiation, the composite film emits self‐activating and self‐charging ML simultaneously in response to the rubbing or stretching stimuli. Accordingly, the Ca6BaP4O17:0.02Ce3+/PDMS exhibits desirable self‐recovery and repeatable ML performance, which could still be recorded (or observed by naked eyes) even after ca. 1000 stretching cycles with a fast self‐recovery period of < 0.1 s. Furthermore, the Ca6BaP4O17:0.02Ce3+/PDMS possesses good thermal stability in a temperature range from 298 to 473 K. The developed Ca6BaP4O17:0.02Ce3+/PDMS is applicable to various fields, and the dual‐mode information storage and photonic skin devices are created as representatives. Compared to the existing oxide‐based ML materials (the ML signal disappears after only several or tens of rapid mechanics cycles), this work breaks through the bottleneck issues on the self‐recoverability, repeatability, and thermal stability, which significantly advances the ML field.