bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) membranes produced by solution blow spinning: Structure, thermal, spectroscopic, and microbial barrier properties
Authors: Bonan Roberta F. , Bonan Paulo R. F. , Batista André U. D. , Perez Danyel E. C. , Castellano Lúcio R. C. , Oliveira Juliano E. , Medeiros Eliton S. 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTSubmicrometric and nanometric poly(lactic acid)/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone) (PLA/PVP) fibrous membranes containing 0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt % PVP, with or without 20 wt % Copaiba oil (Copaifera sp.), were produced by solution blow spinning (SBS), using polymer injection rate of 120 μL min−1, gas pressure of 2.4 kPa, working distance of 20 cm, and collector rotation of 200 rpm. The morphological, thermal, and spectroscopic properties of these membranes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). A method for the evaluation of membrane microbial barrier properties based on resazurin colorimetric method was proposed. Results showed that the addition of both PVP and Copaiba oil produced thicker fibers; otherwise, there was no effect on morphology. Thermal analyses (TG and DSC) indicated the immiscible nature of polymer blends produced, also confirmed by the spectroscopic studies. Antimicrobial barrier properties were related to the antimicrobial effect of Copaiba oil, combined with it hydrophobic nature. The hydrophilic nature of PVP favored degradation of fiber mats, impairing barrier property when higher concentrations of PVP were added. Results indicate that produced spun mats can potentially be used in applications such as wound dressing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44802.
Shear‐induced morphology changes in N,N′‐dimethylacetamide/lithium chloride pretreated cellulose
Authors: R Lavanya , I Clara , N Natchimuthu 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTA new mechanochemical treatment was performed on cellulose with the objective of modifying its morphology, reducing its crystallinity, and enabling better dissolution. Cellulose treated with N,N′‐dimethylacetamide (DMAc)/lithium chloride (LiCl) was subjected to shear with natural rubber as the carrier and shear‐transfer medium. When cellulose was subjected to such a mechanochemical treatment, significant changes in its surface morphology and a decrease in crystalline index were observed. The dissolution of the mechanochemically treated cellulose samples in DMAc/LiCl was found to be better compared with the dissolution of samples subjected to either mechanical shear or the chemical action of DMAc/LiCl independently. Chemical interactions between DMAc/LiCl and cellulose were enhanced synergistically under shear‐induced deformation. When shear alone was used in the absence of a DMAc/LiCl treatment, changes in the morphology, crystalline index, and dissolution were found to be negligible. The shear‐induced cellulose samples were characterized with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44809.
Mechanical, thermomechanical, and creep performance of CNT embedded epoxy at elevated temperatures: An emphasis on the role of carboxyl functionalization
Authors: Rathore Dinesh Kumar , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Ray Bankim Chandra 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn contrast to polymeric composites, the role of interface/interphase has been widely acknowledged to govern their overall properties and performance. Environmental temperature has substantial effects on the interfacial durability of polymer nanocomposites. In this regard, present investigation has been carried out to study the mechanical performance of pristine (UCNT) and carboxylic functionalized CNT (FCNT) embedded epoxy nanocomposites under different elevated temperatures. Higher flexural strength and modulus of FCNT‐EP nanocomposite were recorded over UCNT‐EP and neat epoxy at room temperature environment. Flexural testing at elevated temperatures revealed a higher rate of strength degradation in polymer nanocomposites over neat epoxy. Postfailure analysis of specimens has been conducted to understand the alteration in failure micro‐mechanisms upon UCNTs and FCNTs addition in epoxy. Variation in viscoelastic properties with temperature has been studied from dynamic mechanical thermal analysis and significant reduction in glass transition temperature (Tg) is observed for nanocomposites. In the studied temperature and stress combinations, FCNT‐EP nanocomposites exhibited better creep resistance over UCNT‐EP and neat epoxy. Room temperature strengthening, elevated temperature strength degradations, improved creep resistance and reduction in Tg in nanocomposites over neat polymer have been discussed in terms of dynamic nature and gradient structure of CNT/epoxy interphase. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44851.
Fabrication of electrospun antioxidant nanofibers by rutin‐pluronic solid dispersions for enhanced solubility
Authors: Lee Il Woo , Li Jinglei , Chen Xiguang , Park Hyun Jin 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, solid dispersions (SDs) and electrospinning combined methods were used to increase the bioavailability and solubility of a water insoluble drug. Pullulan (PUL) nanofibers containing rutin‐Pluronic SDs (PUL&RU@PF) were fabricated by electrospinning. Rutin was efficiently loaded with Pluronic SDs using a facile mixing method and the prepared SDs indicated that 4% w/v Pluronic concentration provided the optimal drug loading efficiency. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) verified that the morphology of the complex nanofibers had a uniformly smooth surface with a porous structure. The amorphous state of rutin was examined by XRD and DSC. Moreover, rutin in the electrospun PUL‐rutin‐Pluronic complex structure displayed a fast release profile and equivalent antioxidant ability compared to that of raw rutin. In conclusion, PUL&RU@PF may be a promising alternative for enhanced solubility and UV stability with remaining rutin's inherent antioxidant ability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44859.
Synthesis of immobilized poly(vinyl alcohol)/cyclodextrin eco‐adsorbent and its application for the removal of ibuprofen from pharmaceutical sewage
Authors: Shang Songmin , Chiu Ka‐Lok , Jiang Shouxiang 
Published: January 2017

ABSTRACTIn this project, immobilized poly(vinyl alcohol)/cyclodextrin eco‐adsorbent was synthesized and its application for the removal of ibuprofen from pharmaceutical sewage was investigated. Our eco‐adsorbent was prepared via solution blending of (2‐hydroxypropyl)‐β‐cyclodextrin (HPBCD) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), followed by glutaraldehyde treatment. The obtained eco‐adsorbent is in the form of transparent film and is very easy to handle. Its FTIR and thermal analysis results show that it is well crosslinked, preventing it from dissolving in sewage. Its adsorption rate is well described by the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic model. Its maximum ibuprofen uptake is 2.56 mg/g and is higher than those of mesoporous silica, volcanic soil, and zeolite. More than 90% of adsorbed IB molecules are desorbed after soaking the consumed adsorbent in 5% ethanol‐water solution for an hour. This implies that our eco‐adsorbent can be rapidly regenerated via simple soaking procedure, significantly reducing its operational cost during practical application. As a result, it would be a potential adsorbent for the treatment of pharmaceutical sewage. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44861.
A new case of “de novo” BRCA1 mutation in a patient with early‐onset breast cancer
Authors: Antonucci Ivana , Provenzano Martina , Sorino Luca , Rodrigues Melissa , Palka Giandomenico , Stuppia Liborio 
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical MessageMost of the de novo BRCA1/2 mutations have been identified in patients with early‐onset breast cancer and without family history of the disease. The identification of these alterations could play a prominent role in the prevention and treatment strategies and may influence clinical management of patients.
A case of congenital dyserythropoietic anemia type IV
Authors: de‐ la‐ Iglesia‐ Iñigo Silvia , Moreno‐Carralero María‐Isabel , Lemes‐Castellano Angelina , Molero‐Labarta Teresa , Méndez Manuel , Morán‐Jiménez María‐José 
Published: January 2017

Key Clinical MessageCongenital dyserythropoietic anemias (CDAs) are displayed by ineffective erythropoiesis. The wide variety of phenotypes observed in CDA patients makes differential diagnosis difficult; identification of the genetic variants is crucial in clinical management. We report the fifth case of a patient with unclassified CDAs, after genetic study, with CDA type IV.
Highly Active PdCu Alloy Nanowire Network Electrocatalyst for Ethanol and Methanol Electrooxidation
Authors: Chen Rongna , Sun Muxue , Pang Guigui , Zhou Junshuang , Hou Li , Gao Faming 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPdCu alloy nanowire networks (NNWs) with tunable compositions are synthesized. Electrooxidaton catalytic measurements prove that the as‐prepared PdCu NNWs represent a predominant catalyst for methanol and ethanol electrooxidation reactions in alkaline medium. With increasing copper content, the electrocatalytic activity of the catalytic materials to ethanol and methanol was significantly increased. Pd27Cu73 NNW‐modified electrodes display superior catalytic activity (8300 A gPd−1) toward the ethanol electrooxidation compared to commercial Pd/C‐modified electrodes (700 A gPd−1). PdCu NNWs have great potential as electrocatalysts for fuel cells.
Intensive treatment for adults with anorexia nervosa: The cost of weight restoration
Authors: Guarda Angela S. , Schreyer Colleen C. , Fischer Laura K. , Hansen Jennifer L. , Coughlin Janelle W. , Kaminsky Michael J. , Attia Evelyn , Redgrave Graham W. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractObjectiveWeight restoration in anorexia nervosa (AN) is associated with lower relapse risk; however rate of weight gain and percent of patients achieving weight restoration (BMI ≥ 19 at discharge) vary among treatment programs. We compared both cost/pound of weight gained and cost of weight restoration in a hospital‐based inpatient (IP)‐partial hospitalization (PH) eating disorders program to estimates of these costs for residential treatment.MethodAll adult first admissions to the IP‐PH program with AN (N = 314) from 2003 to 2015 were included. Cost of care was based on hospital charges, rates of weight gain, and weight restoration data. Results were compared with residential treatment costs extracted from a national insurance claims database and published weight gain data.ResultsAverage charge/day in the IP‐PH program was $2295 for IP and $1567 for PH, yielding an average cost/pound gained of $4089 and $7050, respectively, with 70% of patients achieving weight restoration. Based on published mean weight gain data and conservative cost/day estimates, residential treatment is associated with higher cost/pound, and both higher cost and lower likelihood of weight restoration for most patients.DiscussionThe key metrics used in this study are recommended for comparing the cost‐effectiveness of intensive treatment programs for patients with AN.
The effects of restaurant menu calorie labeling on hypothetical meal choices of females with disordered eating
Authors: Haynos Ann F. , Roberto Christina A. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractConcerns have been raised that obesity public policy measures may have harmful effects on individuals with eating disorders. However, little research has investigated this topic. We examined the impact of a popular obesity public policy, menu calorie labeling, on hypothetical food choices of women with disordered eating. Seven hundred sixteen adult females completed an online survey in which they were randomly assigned to receive a restaurant menu with or without calorie information listed. Participants selected foods representative of a meal they would choose to consume and answered questions on restaurant ordering and menu labeling. Participants completed the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (Fairburn & Beglin, ) to assess global eating pathology. Diagnoses of anorexia nervosa (AN), bulimia nervosa (BN), and binge‐eating disorder (BED) were also derived from this measure. Generalized linear modeling examined the impact of menu label condition, disordered eating, and the menu label by disordered eating interaction on hypothetical food selection and related variables. When disordered eating was examined continuously, menu labeling did not differentially affect food selections of those with elevated disordered eating (p = .45). However, when examined by eating disorder diagnosis, participants with AN or BN ordered significantly fewer (p < .001) and participants with BED ordered significantly more (p = .001) calories in the menu label versus no label condition. Menu labeling may decrease the calories ordered among individuals with AN or BN and increase calories ordered among individuals with BED.
Daphniainhibits the emergence of spatial pattern in a simple consumer–resource system
Authors: Betini Gustavo S. , Avgar Tal , McCann Kevin S. , Fryxell John M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractSpatial self‐organization can occur in many ecosystems with important effects on food web dynamics and the maintenance of biodiversity. The consumer–resource interaction is known to generate spatial patterning, but only a few empirical studies have investigated the effect of the consumer on resource distribution. Here we report results from a large aquatic mesocosm experiment used to investigate the effect of the consumerDaphnia magnaon the distribution of its resource, the green algaeChlorella vulgaris. We maintained large tanks with capacity for 26 ,000 L with either algae or both algae andDaphniain different temperature conditions. We found that the presence ofD. magnainhibited spatial structure in algal distribution that arose as a consequence of increasing temperature. We conjecture that this homogenization effect might be caused by a combination of high mobility combined with high rates of algal consumption byDaphnia. Our study emphasizes the importance of both local constraints on growth and behavioral responses in either promoting or suppressing spatial self‐organization in natural populations.
Bottom‐up and top‐down controls on coral reef sponges: disentangling within‐habitat and between‐habitat processes
Authors: Wulff Janie 
Published: January 2017

AbstractPolarized debates about top‐down vs. bottom‐up control have given way to more nuanced understanding of control by both resources and consumers in many systems, but coral reef sponges have recently been asserted to differ from other groups in being controlled exclusively top‐down. This assertion has been countered by reports of exclusively bottom‐up control, with both conclusions based on studies of the same species. Accelerating deterioration of coral reefs motivates knowing the contexts in which either consumers or nutrients or both control key ecosystem role players like sponges. Accordingly, genotype‐ and size‐controlled individuals of 12 common Caribbean reef sponge species were transplanted, in the field, into five circumstances differing in predators, competitors, and the picoplankton consumed by sponges. Growth and survival of the experimental transplants for periods of 1–9 yr revealed context‐dependent control of sponges. Primary control of growth was bottom‐up, with more picoplankton resulting in consistent and sustained higher growth rates for all 12 of these ecologically and phylogenetically diverse species. Top‐down control was not detected within‐habitat, on the coral reef. However, between‐habitat control was by predation and competition, with reef sponges excluded from adjacent seagrass meadows by spongivorous starfish, and excluded from mangrove prop roots by faster‐growing mangrove sponges. These results highlight the strong importance of experimental design details that consider behavior idiosyncrasies, sufficiently long time scales, and appropriate division of species into categories. Diametrically opposite results from studies of the same species also illustrate the inherently greater difficulty of detecting bottom‐up processes and the importance of distinguishing within‐habitat vs. between‐habitat patterns and processes.
The human subthalamic nucleus and globus pallidus internus differentially encode reward during action control
Authors: Justin Rossi Peter , Peden Corinna , Castellanos Oscar , Foote Kelly D. , Gunduz Aysegul , Okun Michael S. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe subthalamic nucleus (STN) and globus pallidus internus (GPi) have recently been shown to encode reward, but few studies have been performed in humans. We investigated STN and GPi encoding of reward and loss (i.e., valence) in humans with Parkinson's disease. To test the hypothesis that STN and GPi neurons would change their firing rate in response to reward‐ and loss‐related stimuli, we recorded the activity of individual neurons while participants performed a behavioral task. In the task, action choices were associated with potential rewarding, punitive, or neutral outcomes. We found that STN and GPi neurons encode valence‐related information during action control, but the proportion of valence‐responsive neurons was greater in the STN compared to the GPi. In the STN, reward‐related stimuli mobilized a greater proportion of neurons than loss‐related stimuli. We also found surprising limbic overlap with the sensorimotor regions in both the STN and GPi, and this overlap was greater than has been previously reported. These findings may help to explain alterations in limbic function that have been observed following deep brain stimulation therapy of the STN and GPi. Hum Brain Mapp 38:1952–1964, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Influence of carrageenan on cytokine production and cellular activity of mouse peritoneal macrophages and its effect on experimental endotoxemia
Authors: Kalitnik A. A. , Karetin Y. A. , Kravchenko A. O. , Khasina E. I. , Yermak I. M. 
Published: January 2017

AbstractThe in vivo effect of κ/β‐carrageenan isolated from the red alga Tichocarpus crinitus on cytokine synthesis and cellular activity of murine peritoneal macrophages and also the protective effect of polysaccharides in LPS‐induced endotoxemia in mice was studied. It was established that κ/β‐carrageenan given orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg stimulates the induction of anti‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐10) in mouse blood cells by more than 2.5‐fold compared with control, with no effect on pro‐inflammatory cytokine (TNF‐α) production. Pretreating mice with carrageenan once a day before injecting LPS increased the levels of IL‐10 by 2.5‐fold and reduced TNF‐α production by 2‐fold compared with control. So, κ/β‐carrageenan alone and in combination with LPS enhanced the cellular activity and mobility of peritoneal macrophages by increasing cell adhesion and migration compared with control. LPS activated cells intensively, sometimes resulting in their destruction by necrosis; carrageenan pretreatment reduced the excessive inflammatory cell activation caused by LPS. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1549–1557, 2017.
Evaluation of small‐diameter vascular grafts reconstructed from decellularized aorta sheets
Authors: Negishi Jun , Hashimoto Yoshihide , Yamashita Akitatsu , Zhang Yongwei , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Kishida Akio , Funamoto Seiichi 
Published: January 2017

AbstractFollowing small‐diameter vascular grafting, blood vessels fail to retain excellent antithrombotic function and therefore require application of antithrombogenic drugs. We have previously reported early attachment of endothelial cells to the luminal surface of high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐decellularized arteries after transplantation. In addition, the graft retained antithrombotic function by endothelialization and remained open for several weeks. To fabricate tube grafts of optimal size and shape for small‐diameter vascular grafting, we evaluated decellularized porcine aorta sheets as a suitable antithrombogenic material. Porcine aortic sheets were decellularized using detergent‐based or HHP methods. The HHP‐, but not detergent‐based‐, decellularized aortic sheets were verified to be acellular, and the mechanical properties of the native aortic sheet remained intact. To fabricate vascular grafts, the decellularized aortic sheets were rolled into tubes and secured using fibrin glue bonding. After implantation into a rat carotid artery model, the tubular grafts withstood normal blood pressure, mechanical beating, and pulsatile flow. After 3 weeks, the tubular grafts remained patent and recipient cell infiltration and cell attachment were observed on the luminal surface. These results indicate that HHP‐decellularized aortic sheets may be useful as an antithrombogenic material for tubular vascular grafts. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1293–1298, 2017.
In vivo guided vascular regeneration with a non‐porous elastin‐like polypeptide hydrogel tubular scaffold
Authors: Mahara Atsushi , Kiick Kristi L. , Yamaoka Tetsuji 
Published: January 2017

AbstractHerein, we demonstrate a new approach for small‐caliber vascular reconstruction using a non‐porous elastin‐like polypeptide hydrogel tubular scaffold, based on the concept of guided vascular regeneration (GVR). The scaffolds are composed of elastin‐like polypeptide, (Val‐Pro‐Gly‐Ile‐Gly)n, for compliance matching and antithrombogenicity and an Arg‐Gly‐Asp (RGD) motif for connective tissue regeneration. When the polypeptide was mixed with an aqueous solution of β‐[Tris(hydroxymethyl)phosphino]propionic acid at 37°C, the polypeptide hydrogel was rapidly formed. The elastic modulus of the hydrogel was 4.4 kPa. The hydrogel tubular scaffold was formed in a mold and reinforced with poly(lactic acid) nanofibers. When tubular scaffolds with an inner diameter of 1 mm and length of 5 mm were implanted into rat abdominal aortae, connective tissue grew along the scaffold luminal surface from the flanking native tissues, resulting in new blood vessel tissue with a thickness of 200 μm in 1 month. In contrast, rats implanted with control scaffolds without the RGD motif died. These results indicate that the non‐porous hydrogel tubular scaffold containing the RGD motif effectively induced rapid tissue regeneration and that GVR is a promising strategy for the regeneration of small‐diameter blood vessels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1746–1755, 2017.