bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)‐Based Silk Fibroin/Zinc Oxide Core–Shell Electrospun Dressing for Burn Wound Management
Authors: Hadisi Zhina , Farokhi Mehdi , Bakhsheshi‐Rad Hamid Reza , Jahanshahi Maryam , Hasanpour Sadegh , Pagan Erik , Dolatshahi‐Pirouz Alireza , Zhang Yu Shrike , Kundu Subhas C. , Akbari Mohsen 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBurn injuries represent a major life‐threatening event that impacts the quality of life of patients, and places enormous demands on the global healthcare systems. This study introduces the fabrication and characterization of a novel wound dressing made of core–shell hyaluronic acid–silk fibroin/zinc oxide (ZO) nanofibers for treatment of burn injuries. The core–shell configuration enables loading ZO—an antibacterial agent—in the core of nanofibers, which in return improves the sustained release of the drug and maintains its bioactivity. Successful formation of core–shell nanofibers and loading of zinc oxide are confirmed by transmission electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray. The antibacterial activity of the dressings are examined against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus and it is shown that addition of ZO improves the antibacterial property of the dressing in a dose‐dependent fashion. However, in vitro cytotoxicity studies show that high concentration of ZO (>3 wt%) is toxic to the cells. In vivo studies indicate that the wound dressings loaded with ZO (3 wt%) substantially improves the wound healing procedure and significantly reduces the inflammatory response at the wound site. Overall, the dressing introduced herein holds great promise for the management of burn injuries.
“Clickable” and Antifouling Block Copolymer Brushes as a Versatile Platform for Peptide‐Specific Cell Attachment
Authors: Poręba Rafał , de los Santos Pereira Andres , Pola Robert , Jiang Siyu , Pop‐Georgievski Ognen , Sedláková Zdeňka , Schönherr Holger 
Published: February 2020

AbstractTo tailor cell–surface interactions, precise and controlled attachment of cell‐adhesive motifs is required, while any background non‐specific cell and protein adhesion has to be blocked effectively. Herein, a versatile and highly reproducible antifouling surface modification based on “clickable” groups and hierarchically structured diblock copolymer brushes for the controlled attachment of cells is reported. The polymer brush architecture combines an antifouling bottom block of poly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) poly(HEMA) and an ultrathin azide‐bearing top block, which can participate in well‐established “click” reactions including the highly selective copper‐catalyzed alkyne‐azide cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction under mild conditions. This straightforward approach allows the rapid conjugation of a cell‐adhesive, alkyne‐bearing cyclic RGD peptide motif, enabling subsequent specific attachment of NIH 3T3 fibroblasts, their extensive proliferation and confluent cell sheet formation after 48 h of incubation. The generally applicable strategy presented in this report can be employed for surface functionalization with diverse alkyne‐bearing biological moieties via CuAAC or copper‐free alkyne‐azide cycloaddition protocols, making it a versatile functionalization approach and a promising tool for tissue engineering, biomaterial implant design, and other applications that require surfaces supporting highly specific cell attachment.
Simultaneous Improvement of Ionic Conductivity and Mechanical Strength in Block Copolymer Electrolytes with Double Conductive Nanophases
Authors: Cao Xiao‐Han , Li Jun‐Huan , Yang Mu‐Jia , Yang Jia‐Liang , Wang Rui‐Yang , Zhang Xing‐Hong , Xu Jun‐Ting 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe most daunting challenge of solid polymer electrolytes (SPEs) is the development of materials with simultaneously high ionic conductivity and mechanical strength. Herein, SPEs of lithium bis‐(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI)‐doped poly(propylene monothiocarbonate)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PPMTC‐b‐PEO) block copolymers (BCPs) with both blocks associating with Li+ ions are prepared. It is found that the PPMTC‐b‐PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes with double conductive phases exhibit much higher ionic conductivity (2 × 10−4 S cm−1 at r.t.) than the BCP electrolytes with a single conductive phase. Concurrently, the storage moduli of PPMTCn‐b‐PEO44/LiTFSI electrolytes are ≈1–4 orders of magnitude higher than that of the neat PEO/LiTFSI electrolytes. Therefore, simultaneous improvement of ionic conductivity and mechanical properties is achieved by construction of a microphase‐separated and disordered structure with double conductive phases.
Transparent, High‐Strength, and Shape Memory Hydrogels from Thermo‐Responsive Amino Acid–Derived Vinyl Polymer Networks
Authors: Koga Tomoyuki , Tomimori Kotoha , Higashi Nobuyuki 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHerein, the formation of unique shape‐memory hydrogels that are composed of thermo‐responsive amino‐acid‐derived vinyl polymer networks is reported; these are readily prepared by radical copolymerization of N‐acryloyl glycinamide with commercially available cross‐linkers, namely, methylenebis(acrylamide) and poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate. These hydrogels are transparent (>90% transmittance at 600 nm) and are comprised of 97–70 wt% water. Furthermore, these contain both chemical and physical cross‐linkages that are based on the multiple hydrogen bonds attained via amino acid units; this composition is aimed at generating opposing stimuli‐responsive characters, namely, chemically stable and thermo‐sensitive properties. A cooperative interplay of these two networks enables the hydrogels to exhibit a decent mechanical toughness (breaking strength ≈0.3 MPa and breaking elongation >600%) and a shape fix/memory capability. The temporary shape is easily fixed by cooling at 4 °C after deformation at high temperature, and it instantly recovers its original shape through reheating. Furthermore, a multi‐shape memory effect is achieved by incorporating the pH‐responsive N‐acryloyl alanine unit into the hydrogel system as a comonomer; in this system, three distinct shapes can be fixed through temperature and pH manipulations. This facilely attainable shape memory hydrogel has significant potential in various fields, such as soft actuators, sensors, and biomedical materials.
Incorporation of Indole Significantly Improves the Transfection Efficiency of Guanidinium‐Containing Poly(Methacrylamide)s
Authors: Cokca Ceren , Zartner Leon , Tabujew Ilja , Fischer Dagmar , Peneva Kalina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractA highly efficient transfection agent is reported that is based on terpolymer consisting of N‐(2‐hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide (HPMA), N‐(3‐guanidinopropyl) methacrylamide (GPMA), and N‐(2‐indolethyl)methacrylamide monomers (IEMA) by analogy to the amphipathic cell‐penetrating peptides containing tryptophan and arginine residues. The incorporation of the indole‐bearing monomer leads to successful plasmid DNA condensation even at a nitrogen‐to‐phosphate (N/P) ratio of 1. The hydrodynamic diameter of polyplexes is determined to be below 200 nm for all N/P ratios. The transfection studies demonstrate a 200‐fold increase of the transgene expression in comparison to P(HPMA‐co‐GPMA) with the same guanidinium content. This study reveals the strong potential of the indole group as a side‐chain pendant group that can increase the cellular uptake of polymers and the transfection efficiency of the respective polyplexes.
Surface Modifications Induced in UHMWPE Based Nanocomposites during the Ageing in Simulated Synovial Fluid
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Barrino Federico , Scolaro Cristina , Visco Annamaria 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSimulated synovial fluid (SSF) is a fluid that approximates the biological environment of a human joint because it is based on hyaluronic acid. The soaking of biomedical grade ultra high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) in SSF for longer periods results in ageing of the polymer, hardening the surface, and improving the surface roughness and wettability. This is because SSF progressively penetrates inside the polymer inducing oxidative degradation. Nanocomposite of UHMWPE reinforced with carbon nanofiller (CF) exhibits a higher resistance to the degradation of SSF compared to the control sample (pure UHMWPE).CNF, homogeneously distributed in the polymeric matrix, closes the pores among the grain boundaries of UHMWPE matrix, hindering the SSF insertion within it and its degrading action.
Antibacterial Properties of Sol–Gel Biomaterials with Different Percentages of PEG or PCL
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Tranquillo Elisabetta , Poggetto Giovanni Dal , Naviglio Silvio , Barrino Federico 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe aim of this work is the synthesis of antibacterial biomedical implants using sol–gel method. Different percentages (6, 12, 24, 50 wt%) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) or poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are embedded in the silica matrix; subsequently, high amounts of chlorogenic acid (CGA 20 wt%) are added to SiO2/PEG and SiO2/PCL sol. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy is used to evaluate the interactions among different organic and inorganic phases in the hybrid materials. Furthermore, in order to study the potential antibacterial properties of the materials, two different bacterial strains are used and the diameter of zone of inhibition is observed. CGA is a natural product that is present in coffee beans, as well as tea leaves, grapes, and apples. This natural molecule is added to sol–gel materials due to its many health‐promoting properties.
Bioactive Titania‐Based Organic–Inorganic Hybrids Synthesized via Sol–Gel
Authors: Bollino Flavia , Ciprioti Stefano Vecchio , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the present work, the synthesis of organic–inorganic hybrid (OIH) materials for biomedical applications is described. Two types of OIH systems are prepared by means of a sol–gel process, both consisting of a titania matrix. The use of two different biocompatible thermoplastic polymers as organic component is evaluated: the poly(ε‐caprolactone) and the poly(ether‐imide). The formation of the hybrid structure is ascertained by scanning electron microscopy, whereas the identification of the interactions between the organic and the inorganic phases is obtained by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Moreover, a preliminary evaluation of the osseointegration ability of the obtained material is investigated by soaking the synthesized OIHs in a simulated body fluid to follow the ability of the materials to induce the hydroxyapatite nucleation. The results show that all OIHs are bioactive and, thus, potentially suitable for the implants’ design.
Flexible Methodology for Quality Testing with Applications in Foot Prostheses
Authors: Braun Barbu Cristian , Drugă Corneliu Nicolae , Şerban Ionel , Şişman Viorel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper presents a stage in the research on the development and implementation of a low cost, flexible, and efficient method for assisted testing of foot prostheses, as the case. This paper describes a method for assisted evaluation of three types of foot prostheses standpoint form deviation (hip prosthesis and two osteosynthesis plates for fibula and tibia). The key aspect of the developed method is a software application as virtual instrument programmed in this research stage. Its role is to provide as quickly and objectively as possible all necessary information on the results of testing. The main advantage of the created and applied virtual instrument is that it is flexible and user friendly, so that it can be successfully used in all orthopedic surgeries. This research stage (described) includes the software application programming and also its application to process all measured data in terms of form deviation for all three tested foot implants.
Accuracy of Polylactide Parts Made by 3D Printing
Authors: Hriţuc Adelina , Slătineanu Laurenţiu , Mihalache Andrei , Dodun Oana , Coteaţă Margareta , Nagîţ Gheorghe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOne of the 3D printing processes that use polylactide (PLA) wire to generate spatial parts in a large variety of shapes and dimensions is the fused deposition modeling. Due to the action of various factors, the final 3D printed parts obtained employing the fused deposition modeling may present some differences between the desired dimensions and real obtained dimensions. To investigate such an aspect, experimental research involving the use of an L9 array following the Taguchi method principles is designed and achieved. The heights and the diameters of tubular test samples made of polylactide are considered as process output parameters. As process input factors, wall thickness, printing speed, cooling conditions, and plate temperature are used. By mathematical processing of the experimental results, empirical power models type is determined. These models show that the printing speed and plate temperature have the most significant influence on the height and diameter of the 3D printing in the case of tubular parts made of PLA.
Nonlinear Optical Surface Plasmon Resonance in Amorphous Arsenic Sulfide Films
Authors: Popescu Aurelian A. , Stafe Mihai , Savastru Dan , Baschir Laurentiu , Puscas Niculae 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFour‐layer surface plasmon resonance configuration that includes a thin film from As2S3 is studied. By numerical calculations and experiment, it is established that the shape of the resonance curve is very sharp. The changes in the optical transmission are investigated and it is found that when querying the structure with 514 nm CW laser light, nonlinear changes of the optical transmission with hysteresis loop occur. Large nonlinear change of reflectivity is observed near 10–12 mW power. Such behavior can be applied for the elaboration of optoelectronic devices.
Additive Manufacturing of Plastics: An Efficient Approach for Composite Tooling
Authors: Tosto Claudio , Latteri Alberta , Pergolizzi Eugenio , Giordano Davide , Abramo Giuseppe , Catenaro Roberto , Pignotti Nazzareno , Cicala Gianluca 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM) is increasingly used in different applications ranging from prototyping to the production of functional parts. One particular case is represented by the production of tooling for composites. The choice of AM techniques can be oriented both to the production of durable and removable tooling depending on composite part geometry. The development of sacrificial removable tooling for hollow composite air ducts is the main focus of this paper. The use of AM techniques is compared to the standard production approach using autoclave molding with a stainless steel mold as production technique. The different processing approaches are compared in terms of cost, production parameters, and of the final properties of the composites obtained. The use of soluble tooling shows clearly some benefits in terms of cost savings (i.e., 30%) and production time (i.e., 25%). However, the tooling removal technique outlines some drawbacks in terms of the final glass transition temperatures of the composite materials that was reduced to about 16 °C after 6 h treatment.
Doxorubicin Loaded Magnetosensitive Water‐Soluble Nanogel Based on NIPAM and Iron (3+) Containing Nanoparticles
Authors: Spiridonov Vasily , Panova Irina , Kusaia Victoriia , Makarova Lyudmila , Romodina Maria , Fedyanin Andrey , Pozdnyakova Natalia , Shibaeva Anna , Zezin Sergey , Sybachin Andrey , Yaroslavov Alexander 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMagnetosensitive nanogel based on polyacrylic acid, N‐isopropylacrylamide, and magnetic nanoparticles containing Fe3+ is obtained. The size and morphology of the magnetic nanogel are determined. The size and magnetic characteristics of the inorganic phase are established. The anticancer properties of magnetic nanogel loaded by doxorubicin are studied.
Antioxidant and Biocompatible 5‐O‐Caffeoylquinic Acid‐Based Composite Materials
Authors: Pacifico Severina , Piccolella Simona , Naviglio Silvio , Catauro Michelina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSilica/5‐O‐caffeoylquinic acid hybrid materials are synthetized via sol–gel route, obtaining new biomaterials able to preserve the antioxidant capability of the natural nutraceutical phenol compound. The materials are chemically characterized through FT‐IR and UV spectroscopy, whereas their bioactivity is ascertained by both scanning electron microscopy and FT‐IR analysis. The antioxidant efficacy is assessed, applying DPPH and ABTS methods, and direct MTT test on NIH‐3T3 cells is employed to preliminarily evaluate the biocompatibility. This latter seems to strongly depend on the amount of entrapped phenol.
Lean Manufacturing 4.0 of Polymeric Injection Molding Products
Authors: Dănuţ‐Sorin Ionel R. , Opran Constantin Gheorghe , Lamanna Giuseppe 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn the polymeric products industry, the lean production system is perceived as a solution to reduce difficulties of manufacturing automation processes complexity while reducing used resources, eliminate losses, and increase efficiency, flexibility, and profitability. Industry 4.0 is the stage of intelligent automation that exploits the latest developments in polymeric products engineering. Through implementation of information technology and the Industry 4.0 concepts in lean manufacturing 4.0 of polymeric injection molding products is a challenge that needs a strategic approach to efficient interconnection processes. The main achievements of intelligent polymeric products manufacturing system are based on the versatility and individualization of designing and manufacturing processes. The transition from lean manufacturing to Lean 4.0 manufacturing system is a complex project that requires physical production system update, transforming lean tools, build the cyber production system, define and implement Lean 4.0 tools, and connecting them into a new integrated cyber–physical system. This paper presents a strategy for identifying the transition that can be approached within an intelligent and adaptive molding cell fabrication of polymeric products industry.
Deciphering Imidazoline Off‐targets by Fishing in the Class A of GPCR field
Authors: Djikic Teodora , Vucicevic Jelica , Laurila Jonne , Radi Marco , Veljkovic Nevena , Xhaard Henri , Nikolic Katarina 
Published: February 2020

AbstractBased on the finding that a central antihypertensive agent with high affinity for I1‐type imidazoline receptors – rilmenidine, shows cytotoxic effects on cultured cancer cell lines, it has been suggested that imidazoline receptors agonists might have a therapeutic potential in the cancer therapy. Nevertheless, potential rilmenidine side effects caused by activation of α‐adrenoceptors, or other associated receptors and enzymes, might hinder its therapeutic benefits. Considering that human α‐adrenoceptors belong to the rhodopsin‐like class A of G‐protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) it is reasonable to assume that imidazolines might have the affinity for other receptors from the same class. Therefore, to investigate possible off‐target effects of imidazoline ligands we have prepared a reverse docking protocol on class A GPCRs, using imidazoline ligands and their decoys. To verify our in silico results, three ligands with high scores and three ligands with low scores were tested for antagonistic activity on α2‐ adrenoceptors.
Toward precise arterial input functions derived from DCE‐MRI through a novel extracorporeal circulation approach in mice
Authors: Backhaus Philipp , Büther Florian , Wachsmuth Lydia , Frohwein Lynn , Buchholz Rebecca , Karst Uwe , Schäfers Klaus , Hermann Sven , Schäfers Michael , Faber Cornelius 
Published: February 2020

PurposeDynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI can be used in pharmacokinetic models to quantify functional parameters such as perfusion and permeability. However, precise quantification in preclinical models is challenged by the difficulties to dynamically measure the true arterial blood contrast agent concentration. We propose a novel approach toward a precise and experimentally feasible method to derive the arterial input function from DCE‐MRI in mice.MethodsArterial blood was surgically shunted from the femoral artery to the tail vein and led through an extracorporeal circulation that resided on the head of brain tumor–bearing mice inside the FOV of a 9.4T MRI scanner. Dynamic 3D‐FLASH scanning was performed after injection of gadobutrol with an effective resolution of 0.175 × 0.175 × 1 mm and a temporal resolution of 4 seconds. Pharmacokinetic modeling was performed using the extended Tofts and two‐compartment exchange model.ResultsArterial input functions measured inside the extracorporeal circulation showed little noise, small interindividual variance, and typical curve shapes. Ex vivo and mass spectrometry validation measurements documented the influence of shunt flow velocity and hematocrit on estimation of contrast agent concentrations. Modeling of tumors and muscles allowed fitting of the recorded dynamic concentrations, resulting in quantitative plausible parameters.ConclusionThe extracorporeal circulation allows deriving the contrast agent dynamics in arterial blood with high robustness and at acceptable experimental effort from DCE‐MRI, previously not achievable in mice. It sets the basis for quantitative precise pharmacokinetic modeling in small animals to enhance the translatability of preclinical DCE‐MRI measurements to patients.
Wideband Self‐Grounded Bow‐Tie Antenna for Thermal MR
Authors: Eigentler Thomas Wilhelm , Winter Lukas , Han Haopeng , Oberacker Eva , Kuehne Andre , Waiczies Helmar , Schmitter Sebastian , Boehmert Laura , Prinz Christian , Trefna Hana Dobsicek , Niendorf Thoralf 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was the design, implementation, evaluation and application of a compact wideband self‐grounded bow‐tie (SGBT) radiofrequency (RF) antenna building block that supports anatomical proton (1H) MRI, fluorine (19F) MRI, MR thermometry and broadband thermal intervention integrated in a whole‐body 7.0 T system.Design considerations and optimizations were conducted with numerical electromagnetic field (EMF) simulations to facilitate a broadband thermal intervention frequency of the RF antenna building block. RF transmission (B1+) field efficiency and specific absorption rate (SAR) were obtained in a phantom, and the thigh of human voxel models (Ella, Duke) for 1H and 19F MRI at 7.0 T. B1+ efficiency simulations were validated with actual flip‐angle imaging measurements. The feasibility of thermal intervention was examined by temperature simulations (f = 300, 400 and 500 MHz) in a phantom. The RF heating intervention (Pin = 100 W, t = 120 seconds) was validated experimentally using the proton resonance shift method and fiberoptic probes for temperature monitoring. The applicability of the SGBT RF antenna building block for in vivo 1H and 19F MRI was demonstrated for the thigh and forearm of a healthy volunteer.The SGBT RF antenna building block facilitated 19F and 1H MRI at 7.0 T as well as broadband thermal intervention (234‐561 MHz). For the thigh of the human voxel models, a B1+ efficiency ≥11.8 μT/√kW was achieved at a depth of 50 mm. Temperature simulations and heating experiments in a phantom demonstrated a temperature increase ΔT >7 K at a depth of 10 mm.The compact SGBT antenna building block provides technology for the design of integrated high‐density RF applicators and for the study of the role of temperature in (patho‐) physiological processes by adding a thermal intervention dimension to an MRI device (Thermal MR).