bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Residual Solvent N,N′‐Dimethylformamide on the Curing Reaction and Mechanical Properties of Epoxy and Lignin Epoxy Composites
Authors: Sun Jiaotong , Li Hui , Wang Cun , Yuan Du , Stubbs Ludger P. , He Chaobin 
Published: February 2016

The effect of residual N,N′‐dimethylformamide (DMF) on curing behavior and mechanical properties of neat epoxy and lignin epoxy composites is studied. The significant enhancement in their mechanical properties is found to be induced by residual DMF for the first time. The spectra and mechanical analysis indicates that the entrapped DMF is likely to decompose at high temperature to yield dimethylamine, which should act like excess amine and take part in the formation of network structure, lower the crosslink density, increase the chain packing, improve the Van der Waal's interaction, and eventually enhance their mechanical performances. Lignin epoxy composites prepared with the aid of tetrahydrofuran or DMF show significant difference in their mechanical properties. It is therefore important to distinguish the filler effect from the solvent effect when a solvent is used in epoxy composites preparation.
image
Tuning Syneresis Properties of Kappa‐Carrageenan Hydrogel by C2‐Symmetric Benzene‐Based Supramolecular Gelators
Authors: Zhang Jia , Ji Wei , Liu Tian , Feng Chuanliang 
Published: February 2016

Syneresis property limits the further application of Kappa‐carrageenan (κ‐CG) in cell culture scaffold. To address this problem, κ‐CG hydrogel is tailored by blending with a C2‐symmetric benzene‐based supramolecular gelator (B2). Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy confirm the semi­interpenetrating (semi‐IPN) structure of the blended hydrogels and their wettability or thermal stability is also found to be improved. Based on the reduced syneresis, the growth and proliferation of the cultured HCT 116 cells on the blended hydrogels is enhanced compared with pure κ‐CG hydrogels. This study paves an easy and feasible way to achieve stable and biocompatible κ‐CG/B2 blended hydrogels with high water retention and it helps broaden the promising applications of κ‐CG hydrogels in tissue engineering.
image
Enhancement of Mechanical and Self‐Healing Performance in Multiwall Carbon Nanotube/Rubber Composites via Diels–Alder Bonding
Authors: Kuang Xiao , Liu Guoming , Dong Xia , Wang Dujin 
Published: February 2016

Mechanically robust and self‐healing rubbers are highly desired to satisfy the increasing demand of high‐performance smart tires and related materials. Herein, a self‐healing rubber nanocomposite with enhanced mechanical and self‐healing performance based on Diels–Alder chemistry has been investigated. The furfuryl grafted styrene‐butadiene rubber and furfuryl terminated MWCNT (MWCNT‐FA) are reacted with bifunctional maleimide to form a covalently bonded and reversibly cross‐linked rubber composite. Obvious reinforcing effect is obtained at high cross‐linking density. Over 200–300% increase in the Young's modulus and toughness can be achieved in the rubber nanocomposites with 5 wt% MWCNT‐FA. Meanwhile, the healing efficiency increased with MWCNT‐FA content. MWCNT‐FA plays dual roles of effective reinforcer and a kind of healant.
image
The Expert Perspective in Treatment of Functional Gastrointestinal Conditions: A Multi‐Criteria Decision Analysis Using AHP and BWS
Authors: Mühlbacher Axel C. , Kaczynski Anika 
Published: February 2016

AbstractObjectivesThe aim of this study was to identify and weight the expert's relevant decision criteria with regard to drug treatment of functional dyspepsia and motility disorders. Attributes such as onset of action, reduction of symptoms and side effects were to be examined in order to test their relevance to healthcare decision makers. Moreover, the objective was to verify the extent to which the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and best–worst scaling (BWS) are suitable for use in context of an expert panel.MethodIn order to identify patient‐relevant therapy characteristics, a literature search and qualitative interviews were conducted. On this basis, a questionnaire was developed using multi‐criteria decision analysis. By means of the AHP and BWS, the study elicited the experts' priorities as regards the various aspects of treatments and gastrointestinal symptoms. The data collection from experts in gastroenterology was performed in real time within a group discussion using an item‐response system.ResultsAs a result of the interviews, seven characteristics and 10 symptoms were established. A total of N = 20 experts took part in the survey. The following criteria were shown to be the most relevant in the AHP: ‘reduction of abdominal cramps’ (w: 0.302), ‘reduction of epigastric pain’ (w: 0.250) and ‘time to onset of action’ (w: 0.117). In the BWS, it was shown that the gastrointestinal symptoms ‘vomiting’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.118), ‘abdominal cramps’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.157) and ‘epigastric pain’ (sqrt(b/w): 0.356) were the most significant.DiscussionThe methods represent a suitable and scientifically transparent approach for the elicitation of experts' priorities. Using AHP, it was possible to ascertain the most important aspects of drug treatment and to correlate positive and negative characteristics. The BWS showed which gastrointestinal symptoms had the least and most pronounced negative impact on patient well‐being from expert perspective. The item‐response system served as a valuable instrument to collect data based on a group discussion. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinicopathological Correlates in a PRNP P102L Mutation Carrier with Rapidly Progressing Parkinsonism‐Dystonia
Authors: Umeh Chizoba C. , Kalakoti Piyush , Greenberg Michael K. , Notari Silvio , Cohen Yvonne , Gambetti Pierluigi , Oblak Adrian L. , Ghetti Bernardino , Mari Zoltan 
Published: February 2016

AbstractParkinsonism‐dystonia is rare in carriers of the prion protein (PrP) gene (PRNP) proline‐to‐leucine substitution at codon 102 (P102L mutation). The severity and distribution of PrP deposition may influence the clinical presentation. The authors present such clinicopathological correlation in a 56‐year‐old man who had a PRNP P102L mutation associated with a phenotype characterized by rapidly progressing parkinsonism‐dystonia. The patient was studied clinically (videotaped examinations, brain magnetic resonance images [MRIs]) and was analyzed using molecular genetics (gene sequence analysis) and neuropathology (histology, immunohistochemistry) during his 7‐month disease course. The patient had parkinsonism, apraxia, aphasia, and dystonia, which progressed rapidly. Molecular genetic analysis revealed his PRNP P102L mutation carrier status. Brain MRIs revealed progressive, global volume loss and T2‐weighted/fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery hyperintensity in the neocortex and basal ganglia. Postmortem examination showed neuronal loss, gliosis, spongiform changes, and PrP deposition in the striatum. PrP immunohistochemistry revealed widespread, severe PrP deposition in the thalamus and cerebellar cortex. Based on the neuropathological and molecular‐genetic analyses, the rapidly progressing parkinsonism‐dystonia was correlated with nigrostriatal, thalamic, and cerebellar pathology.
Relationship between uric acid levels and progressive supranuclear palsy
Authors: Brody David M. , Litvan Irene , Warner Steve , Riley David E. , Hall Deborah A. , Kluger Benzi M. , Shprecher David R. , Cunningham Christopher R. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionThe pathophysiology of both PD and PSP is characterized by a pro‐oxidant state. Uric acid is an oxidative stress marker. High uric acid blood levels have been associated with a reduced risk of PD and a decreased rate of disease progression. We investigated whether a low serum concentration of uric acid is also associated with PSP.MethodsWe measured serum uric acid concentrations in a subsample of the ENGENE PSP Cohort that included 75 cases and 75 frequency‐matched‐by‐sex healthy controls (69 spouses, 6 in‐laws) from four centers willing to participate (Case Western, Rush University, University of Utah, and University of Louisville). Case severity was characterized using the total PSP‐Rating Scale, UPDRS, and Mattis Dementia Rating Scale. Unconditional logistic regression, Pearson's chi‐squared test, and analysis of variance were used, as appropriate.ResultsThe mean uric acid level among cases (4.0 mg/dL) was not significantly lower than that of controls (4.1 mg/dL). When controlling for sex, there were no between‐group statistical differences in uric acid levels. Uric acid levels were not correlated with disease severity.ConclusionsThe results of this study do not provide evidence of uric acid having a protective role in PSP, even if oxidative injury is important in the pathophysiology of this disorder. The lack of statistical significance suggests that there is no direct association between uric acid levels and PSP. However, a small inverse association cannot be excluded. © 2016 Movement Disorder Society
Fuzhuan tea consumption imparts hepatoprotective effects and alters intestinal microbiota in high saturated fat diet‐fed rats
Authors: Foster Michelle T. , Gentile Christopher L. , Cox‐York Kimberly , Wei Yuren , Wang Dong , Estrada Andrea L. , Reese Lauren , Miller Tirrel , Pagliassotti Michael J. , Weir Tiffany L. 
Published: February 2016

ScopeNonalcoholic fatty liver disease is an obesity‐related disorder characterized by lipid infiltration of the liver. Management is limited to lifestyle modifications, highlighting the need for alternative therapeutic options. The objective of this study was to examine if fermented Fuzhuan tea prevents metabolic impairments associated with development of hepatic steatosis.Methods and resultsRats consumed control (CON) or high saturated fat (SAT) diets with or without Fuzhuan tea for 8 weeks. Outcomes included enzymatic and gene expression measures of metabolic dysregulation in liver and adipose tissue. Pyrosequencing was used to assess intestinal microbiota adaptations. Fuzhuan tea prevented diet‐induced inflammation in the liver. Liver triglycerides of ∼18 mg/g were observed in SAT‐fed animals, but remained similar to CON diet levels (∼12 mg/g) when supplemented with Fuzhuan tea. In adipose tissue, tea treatment prevented SAT‐induced inflammation and reduced plasma leptin approximately twofold. Fuzhuan tea also altered intestinal function and was associated with a threefold increase in two Lactobacillus spp.ConclusionsThese data suggest that Fuzhuan tea protects against liver and adipose tissue stress induced by a high SAT diet and positively influences intestinal function. Further investigation of the molecular targets of Fuzhuan tea is warranted.
Lingonberries reduce atherosclerosis in Apoe‐/‐ mice in association with altered gut microbiota composition and improved lipid profile
Authors: Matziouridou Chrysoula , Marungruang Nittaya , Nguyen Thao Duy , Nyman Margareta , Fåk Frida 
Published: February 2016

ScopeTo investigate the efficacy of lingonberries in prevention of atherosclerosis, using atherosclerosis‐prone Apoe‐/‐ mice and to clarify whether effects were associated with changes in the gut microbiota, gut metabolites, and lipid metabolism.Methods and resultsMale Apoe‐/‐ mice were fed either low‐fat diet, high‐fat diet, or high‐fat diet with 44% lingonberries for 8 weeks. Blood lipid profiles, hepatic gene expression, atherosclerotic plaques in the aortic root region of the heart, bacterial 16S rRNA gene profiles, and cecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) were analyzed. Triglyceride levels and amount of atherosclerotic plaques decreased in the group fed lingonberries in comparison to the high‐fat group. Hepatic expression of the bile acid synthesis gene Cyp7a1 was significantly upregulated in the lingonberry group. Lingonberries increased the cecal relative abundance of bacterial genera Bacteroides, Parabacteroides and Clostridium. The cecal levels of total SCFAs were significantly lower in the lingonberry group, while the cecal proportion of propionic acid was higher in mice fed lingonberries.ConclusionIntake of lingonberries resulted in decreased triglyceridemia and reduced atherosclerosis. The altered gut microbiota composition and SCFA profile was associated with increased hepatic bile acid gene expression in mice fed lingonberries.
Universal pulses: A new concept for calibration‐free parallel transmission
Authors: Gras Vincent , Vignaud Alexandre , Amadon Alexis , Le Bihan Denis , Boulant Nicolas 
Published: February 2016

PurposeA calibration‐free parallel transmission method is investigated to mitigate the radiofrequency (RF) field inhomogeneity problem in brain imaging at 7 Tesla (T).Theory and MethodsSix volunteers were scanned to build a representative database of RF and static field maps at 7T. Small‐tip‐angle and inversion pulses were designed with joint kT‐points trajectory optimization to work robustly on all six subjects. The returned “universal” pulses were then inserted in an MPRAGE sequence implemented on six additional volunteers without further field measurements and pulse optimizations. Similar acquisitions were performed in the circularly polarized mode and with subject‐based optimizations for comparison. Performance of the different approaches was evaluated by means of image analysis and computation of the flip angle normalized root mean square errors (NRMSE).ResultsFor both the excitation and inversion, the universal pulses (NRMSE∼11%) outperformed the circularly polarized (NRMSE∼28%) and RF shim modes (NRMSE∼20%) across all volunteers and returned slightly worse results than for subject‐based optimized pulses (NRMSE∼7%).ConclusionRF pulses can be designed to robustly mitigate the RF field inhomogeneity problem over a population class. This appears as a first step toward another plug and play parallel transmission solution where the pulse design can be done offline and without measuring subject‐specific field maps. Magn Reson Med 77:635–643, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
A theoretical and numerical framework for modeling gypsum cavity dissolution
Authors: Guo Jianwei , Laouafa Farid , Quintard Michel 
Published: February 2016

SummaryIn this paper, a large‐scale diffuse interface model is used to describe the evolution of a gypsum cavity formation induced by dissolution. The method is based upon the assumption of a pseudo‐component dissolving with a thermodynamic equilibrium boundary condition. A methodology is proposed based on numerical computations with fixed boundaries in order to choose suitable parameters for the diffuse interface model, and hence predict the correct dissolution fluxes and surface recession velocity. Additional simulations were performed to check which type of momentum balance equation should be used. The numerical results did not show a strong impact of this choice for the typical initial boundary value problems under consideration. Calculations with a variable density and Boussinesq approximation were also performed to evaluate the potential for natural convection. The results showed that the impact of density driven flows was negligible in the cases under investigation. The potential of the methodology is illustrated on two large‐scale configurations: one corresponding to a gypsum lens located strictly within a porous rock formation and the other to an isolated pillar in a flooded gypsum room and pillar quarry. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Quantitative Summary of The Listening Program (TLP) Efficacy Studies: What Areas Were Found to Improve by TLP Intervention?
Authors: Vargas Sadako , Lucker Jay R. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractA quantitative summary of existing research examining the effects of The Listening Program (TLP) on various functions in children is presented. Nine studies were used, looking at TLP intervention effects across studies, within each study and for various outcome measures. The studies looked at TLP intervention on children with autism spectrum disorder, Down syndrome, learning disabilities, auditory processing disorders, attention deficit hyperactivity disorders, Rhett syndrome, dyspraxia, cerebral palsy, fibromyalgia, arthritis and stroke. The magnitude of the TLP effect size revealed a mean value of 0.41 across all studies. For each individual study, effect size ranged from 0.23 to 1.28. Two studies yielded significantly larger effect size than the other studies. One of these studies (effect size 1.19) examined the improvement in auditory processing for children identified with autism. The other study (effect size 1.28) examined improvement in academically related skills of underachieving school children. Larger effect sizes were obtained for research that examined auditory processing/listening skills (mean effect size 0.72) than for research looking at non‐auditory areas (mean effect size 0.31), although all revealed positive changes. The effect size of various outcome measures is discussed in order to identify variables that might affect the outcomes as well as what these results mean to occupational therapists who would consider TLP intervention for clients. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recent Evolution of Public Sector Structure in Latin America: Describing and Explaining Shifts in Autonomy Trends in Colombia and Venezuela
Authors: González Camilo Ignacio , Verhoest Koen 
Published: February 2016

SummaryThis article has two objectives. The first objective is to review and assess the recent evolution of agency design in Colombia and Venezuela. More specifically, we study the agencies' formal autonomy in these two countries since the year 1999 when Venezuela experienced a major change in government policy towards socialism. Thus, we attempt to explore how this policy change is reflected in the formal autonomy of agencies. Our second objective is to test if, despite the differences in policy choices the two countries have taken in the recent years, there are theoretical factors related to the agencies' design that can explain the level of formal autonomy of the agencies. The results show two main elements: first, even though the patterns of formal agency autonomy in Colombia and Venezuela differed before Venezuela's latter policy change, the differences between these two countries have increased since 2000. This indicates that each country's policy preferences may account for the differences. Second, for both countries, we found that, despite the differences, agency level factors such as the primary tasks that are performed by the agencies and the policy sector in which they are active have had an impact on their level of formal autonomy. However, the results indicate that these relationships do not follow the predictions that have been made based on the different theoretical perspectives. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuroblastoma With Intraspinal Extension: Health Problems in Long‐Term Survivors
Authors: Kraal Kathelijne , Blom Thomas , Tytgat Lieve , van Santen Hanneke , van Noesel Max , Smets Anne , Bramer Jos , Caron Huib , Kremer Leontien , van der Pal Heleen 
Published: February 2016

AimTo evaluate the prevalence of health problems in 5‐year survivors treated for neuroblastoma (NBL) with intraspinal extension.Patients and MethodsRetrospective, single center cohort study (using data from Childhood Cancer Registry and medical records) of patients treated for NBL with intraspinal extension (between 1980 and 2007) who survived ≥ 5 years after diagnosis. Health problems were graded according to the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAEv.3.0).ResultsAll eligible patients (n = 19) were included (n = 7 no neurological symptoms at diagnosis), median age at diagnosis was 1.2 years (0.6–10.8 years), and median follow‐up time was 15.6 years (6.3–29.5 years). Ninety‐five percent of survivors had ≥1 health problem and 48% of survivors had ≥4 health problem with a mean of 3.8 per survivor. Fifty‐three percent of survivors had at least one severe (grade 3) or life‐threatening/disabling (grade 4) health problem. The three most prevalent health problems were kyphosis and/or scoliosis (68% of patients), motor neuropathy (32% of patients), and sensory neuropathy (26% of patients). Of the 13 patients who underwent a laminectomy, 54% (seven of 13) developed a grade 3 and 23% (three of 13) developed a grade 4 health problem. Among six patients, without laminectomy, 17% developed (one of six) a grade 3 and in 17% developed (one of six) a grade 4 health problem.ConclusionsNinety‐five percent of 5‐year survivors treated for a childhood intraspinal NBL have health problems. The high prevalence of grade 3 and 4 health problems (especially in the laminectomy group) emphasizes the importance of specialized long‐term multidisciplinary follow‐up and identifies optimal treatment with limited morbidity and maximal efficacy.
Vincristine Sulfate Liposomes Injection (VSLI, Marqibo®): Results From a Phase I Study in Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults With Refractory Solid Tumors or Leukemias
Authors: Shah Nirali N. , Merchant Melinda S. , Cole Diane E. , Jayaprakash Nalini , Bernstein Donna , Delbrook Cindy , Richards Kelly , Widemann Brigitte C. , Wayne Alan S. 
Published: February 2016

BackgroundVincristine sulfate liposome injection (VSLI; Marqibo®) is an encapsulated preparation of standard vincristine in sphingomyelin/cholesterol liposomes. Clinical trials in adults have demonstrated safety, tolerability, and activity, leading to Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for adults with relapsed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Pediatric experience with VSLI is limited.ProcedureThis single center, phase I dose escalation study examined the safety, toxicity, maximum tolerated dose, and pharmacokinetics of VSLI administered weekly to pediatric patients age <21 years with relapsed or chemotherapy‐refractory solid tumors or leukemia.ResultsTwenty‐one subjects were treated in total. Median age was 13.3 years (range 2–19). Fourteen subjects completed one 28‐day cycle of therapy and five subjects completed more than one cycle. No subject experienced dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) at the first dose level (1.75 mg/m2/dose, dose range: 2–3.7 mg). At the second dose level (2.25 mg/m2/dose, dose range: 1.3–4.5 mg), one subject had transient dose‐limiting grade 4 transaminase elevation, and this dose level was expanded with no additional DLT observed. The second dose level then opened to an expansion phase to evaluate activity in ALL. Clinical activity included minimal residual disease negative complete remission in one subject with ALL and stable disease in nine subjects. Clearance of total vincristine was found to be approximately 100‐fold lower in comparison to published data using standard vincristine.ConclusionsChildren tolerate 2.25 mg/m2/dose of weekly VSLI (the adult FDA‐approved dose) with evidence for clinical activity without dose‐limiting neurotoxicity. Future plans include studying VSLI as substitution for standard vincristine with combination chemotherapy in children with ALL.