bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of zeolite shape and particle size on their capacity to adsorb uremic toxin as powders and as fillers in membranes
Authors: Lu Limin , Chen Chen , Samarasekera Champika , Yeow John T. W. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMembranes with zeolites are promising for performing blood dialysis because zeolites can eliminate uremic toxins through molecular sieving. Although the size and the shape of zeolite particles can potentially influence the performance of the membranes with respect of creatinine uptake level, it is not clear what sizes and shapes lead to better performance. In this paper, we carry out experiments to answer this question. Spherical microparticle 840, spherical nanoparticle P‐87 and rod‐like nanoparticle P‐371 zeolites were chosen to be used in all the experiments. Their creatinine uptake levels were first measured as powders in creatinine solutions with different concentrations, volumes and adsorption times. Then, nanofibrous membranes with zeolites were electrospun and their ability to adsorb creatinine was measured and compared against their respective powders' creatinine uptake level. The experiment shows that the zeolites have similar creatinine uptake ability as powders. However, they have significantly different creatinine uptake ability after being incorporated inside the membranes. Spherical microparticle 840 in the membrane presented the best creatinine uptake ability, at 8957 µg g−1, which was half of its powders'. On the other hand, P‐87 presented largely decreased, while P‐371 presented even lower creatinine uptake ability in membranes when compared to respective powders'. The results shows that microparticle and sphere shaped particles perform better inside the membranes. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 105B: 1594–1601, 2017.
A Systematic Review of Efficacy of the Attention Training Technique in Clinical and Nonclinical Samples
Authors: Knowles Mark M. , Foden Philip , El‐Deredy Wael , Wells Adrian 
Published: April 2016

ObjectiveThe Attention Training Technique (ATT; Wells, 1990) is a brief metacognitive treatment strategy aimed at remediating self‐focused processing and increasing attention flexibility in psychological disorder.MethodWe systematically reviewed and examined the efficacy of ATT in clinical and nonclinical samples. Scientific databases were searched from 1990 to 2014 and 10 studies (total N = 295) met inclusion criteria. Single‐case data were meta‐analyzed using the improvement rate difference, and standardized between and within‐group effect sizes (ESs) were examined across 4 analogue randomized controlled trials (RCTs).ResultsSingle‐case outcomes indicated that ATT yields large ES estimates (pooled ES range: 0.74–1.00) for anxiety and depressive disorders. Standardized ESs across the RCTs indicated that ATT yields greater treatment gains than reference groups across majority outcomes (adjusted Cohen's d range: 0.40–1.23).ConclusionsThese preliminary results suggest ATT may be effective in treating anxiety and depressive disorders and help remediate some symptoms of schizophrenia. Although a limited number of studies with small sample sizes warrants caution of interpretation, ATT appears promising and future studies will benefit from adequately powered RCTs.
Optimal combination of FLAIR and T2‐weighted MRI for improved lesion contrast in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Gabr Refaat E. , Hasan Khader M. , Haque Muhammad E. , Nelson Flavia M. , Wolinsky Jerry S. , Narayana Ponnada A. 
Published: April 2016

PurposePostacquisition combination of three‐dimensional T2‐weighted (T2w) and fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images can improve the visualization of brain lesions in multiple sclerosis (MS). However, an optimal way to combine these images has not been described so far. The main objective of this study is to investigate an optimal combination of T2w and FLAIR to improve the conspicuity of MS lesions.Materials and MethodsWe determined the parameters for a generalized multiplicative image combination which maximize the contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) between lesions and normal‐appearing brain tissue through simulations and verified experimentally. MRI data from 11 MS patients acquired at 3 Tesla were retrospectively analyzed using the proposed approach and compared with conventional FLAIR, and to images obtained by direct multiplication of T2w and FLAIR (FLAIR2). Image quality was assessed by region‐of‐interest analysis. In addition, to evaluate the degree of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) suppression, CSF‐to‐gray matter (CSF/GM) ratio was calculated. Reduction in global image contrast was assessed by computing the reduction in the contrast of mid‐level intensity values.ResultsAn optimal combination was found to be the third order expression: FLAIR3 = FLAIR1.55 × T2w1.45. Compared with FLAIR, the lesion CNR was significantly increased by 1.9× (P < 0.005) and 2.5× (P < 0.001) using FLAIR2 and FLAIR3, respectively. CSF/GM ratio was increased by 1.7× in FLAIR2 (P < 0.001) compared with FLAIR, while it was reduced to 0.7× on FLAIR3 (P < 0.05). The mid‐intensity contrast was preserved on FLAIR2 (P = 0.2), and decreased by 29% on FLAIR3 (P < 0.001).ConclusionThese results show that the optimized combination of FLAIR and T2w can improve MS lesion conspicuity. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2016;44:1293–1300.
Predictors of soft‐tissue complications and deep infection in allograft reconstruction of the proximal tibia
Authors: Lozano‐Calderón Santiago A. , Swaim Sara O. , Federico Amy , Anderson Megan E. , Gebhardt Mark C. 
Published: April 2016

Background and ObjectivesReconstruction of the proximal tibia after wide resection of malignant tumors in the pediatric population is very challenging. Advocates of allograft reconstruction argue as advantages bone preservation, biological reconstruction that facilitates reattachment of the extensor mechanism and other soft‐tissue structures, delay of metallic prosthesis use and preservation of the distal femoral growth plate. However, complications are significant, infection being very common.MethodsUnder IRB‐approved protocol, 32 patients (17 males, 15 females), 13 years old in average (2–20), who underwent 33 allograft reconstructions of the proximal tibia, were evaluated for the occurrence of soft‐tissue complications and/or deep infection (infection affecting the allograft). Potential predictors of soft‐tissue complications and deep infection, categorized as pre‐ and perioperative variables, were analyzed in relation to the risk for developing a soft‐tissue complication or a deep infection.ResultsThe prevalence of soft‐tissue complications was 48% (16/33). However, we were not able to identify any significant predictors. The prevalence of deep (allograft) infection was 15% (5/33). Multivariate logistic regression determined higher BMI at the index surgical procedure and lower pre‐operative WBC to be independent predictors of deep infection. For each unit of increase in BMI, the odds of deep infection increased by 40% (OR = 1.40; CI = 1.07–3.06; P < 0.05). For each one unit (1,000) of increase in the pre‐operative white cell‐count, the odds of deep infection decreased by 70% (OR = 0.30; 95%CI = 0.01–0.89; P < 0.05). Four of the five deep infections were in patients with soft‐tissue complications, mainly wound dehiscence. However, wound dehiscence or soft‐tissue complications were not predictive of deep infection.ConclusionSoft‐tissue complications are prevalent in allograft reconstruction of the proximal tibia. Prevention is important as these may progress to deep infection. Careful attention to nutritional (BMI) and immunological status may help in patient selection for allograft reconstruction. If allograft reconstruction is opted for, efforts should focus on optimization of these factors as they proved to be independent predictors of subsequent deep infection. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:811–817. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sulfonated Polymerized Ionic Liquid Block Copolymers
Authors: Meek Kelly M. , Elabd Yossef A. 
Published: April 2016

The successful synthesis of a new diblock copolymer, referred to as sulfonated polymerized ionic liquid (PIL) block copolymer, poly(SS‐Li‐b‐AEBIm‐TFSI), is reported, which contains both sulfonated blocks (sulfonated styrene: SS) and PIL blocks (1‐[(2‐acryloyloxy)ethyl]‐3‐butylimidazolium: AEBIm) with both mobile cations (lithium: Li+) and mobile anions (bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide: TFSI−). Synthesis consists of polymerization via reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer, followed by post‐functionalization reactions to covalently attach the imidazolium cations and sulfonic acid anions to their respective blocks, followed by ion exchange metathesis resulting in mobile Li+ cations and mobile TFSI− anions. Solid‐state films containing 1 m Li‐TFSI salt dissolved in ionic liquid result in an ion conductivity of >1.5 mS cm−1 at 70 °C, where small‐angle X‐ray scattering data indicate a weakly ordered microphase‐separated morphology. These results demonstrate a new ion‐conducting block copolymer containing both mobile cations and mobile anions.
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A modified method for harvesting thoracodorsal artery perforator flaps in a simple and time‐saving approach
Authors: Kim Sang Wha , Youn Seungki , Kim Jeong Tae , Kim Youn Hwan 
Published: April 2016

BackgroundWith the increasing popularity of perforator flaps in several fields of reconstructive surgery, there have been many attempts to develop safer and more efficient harvesting methods. In this article, we propose a modified method for harvesting the thoracodorsal perforator (TDAP) flap during lower extremity reconstruction, and compare it with the conventional method.MethodsBetween January 2011 and December 2013, 74 TDAP flaps were used in reconstruction of lower extremity defects. The flaps included a single musculocutaneous perforator, and one artery, and one vein anastomosis were included in the study. Using the modified method for flap harvest, a reliable perforator was found and a cuff of muscle was left around the perforator without intramuscular dissection. The patient group meeting the inclusion criteria of the study comprised 20 females and 54 males ranging from 12 to 93 years of age. The conventional dissection method for harvesting the TDAP flap was used in 47 patients, the modified method in 27 patients. Flap dimensions, donor site closure, pedicle lengths, total operating times, times from skin incision to initiation of microsurgery, and complications of the two harvesting methods were compared.ResultsWhen the modified method was used, total operating time was reduced from 311 to 272 min (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in postoperative complications related to the flap or the donor site between the two groups.ConclusionsThe modified method of perforator dissection is relatively safe and straightforward. Using it significantly reduces the operating time. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 36:642–646, 2016.
Quantitative Structure‐activity Relationship (QSAR) Models for Docking Score Correction
Authors: Fukunishi Yoshifumi , Yamasaki Satoshi , Yasumatsu Isao , Takeuchi Koh , Kurosawa Takashi , Nakamura Haruki 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIn order to improve docking score correction, we developed several structure‐based quantitative structure activity relationship (QSAR) models by protein‐drug docking simulations and applied these models to public affinity data. The prediction models used descriptor‐based regression, and the compound descriptor was a set of docking scores against multiple (∼600) proteins including nontargets. The binding free energy that corresponded to the docking score was approximated by a weighted average of docking scores for multiple proteins, and we tried linear, weighted linear and polynomial regression models considering the compound similarities. In addition, we tried a combination of these regression models for individual data sets such as IC50, Ki, and %inhibition values. The cross‐validation results showed that the weighted linear model was more accurate than the simple linear regression model. Thus, the QSAR approaches based on the affinity data of public databases should improve docking scores.
Hydroxytyrosol and its complex forms (secoiridoids) modulate aorta and heart proteome in healthy rats: Potential cardio‐protective effects
Authors: Catalán Úrsula , Rubió Laura , López de las Hazas Maria‐Carmen , Herrero Pol , Nadal Pedro , Canela Núria , Pedret Anna , Motilva Maria‐José , Solà Rosa 
Published: April 2016

ScopeHydroxytyrosol (HT) is the major phenolic compound in virgin olive oil (VOO) in both free and complex forms (secoiridoids; SEC). Proteomics of cardiovascular tissues such as aorta or heart represents a promising tool to uncover the mechanisms of action of phenolic compounds in healthy animals.Methods and resultsTwelve female Wistar rats were separated into three groups: a standard diet and two diets supplemented in phenolic compounds (HT and SEC) adjusted to 5 mg/kg/day during 21 days. Proteomic analyses of aorta and heart tissues were performed by nano‐LC and MS. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis was used to generate interaction networks. HT or SEC modulated aorta and heart proteome compared to the standard diet. The top‐scored networks were related to Cardiovascular System. HT and SEC downregulated proteins related to proliferation and migration of endothelial cells and occlusion of blood vessels in aorta and proteins related to heart failure in heart tissue. SEC showed higher fold change values compared to HT, attributed to higher concentration of HT detected in heart tissue.ConclusionChanges at proteomic level in cardiovascular tissues may partially account for the underlying mechanisms of VOO phenols cardiovascular protection being the SEC effects higher than free HT.
Dynamic propagation criteria for catastrophic failure in planar landslides
Authors: Zhang Wangcheng , Wang Dong , Randolph Mark F. , Puzrin Alexander M. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryQuantitative assessment of the risk of submarine landslides is an essential part of the design process for offshore oil and gas developments in deep water, beyond the continental shelf. Landslides may be triggered by a reduction in shear strength of subsea sediments over a given zone, caused for example by seismic activity. Simple criteria are then needed to identify critical conditions whereby the zone of weakness could grow catastrophically to cause a landslide. A number of such criteria have been developed over the last decade, based either on ideas drawn from fracture mechanics, or considering the equilibrium of the initial weakened zone and adjacent process zones of gradually softening material. Accounting for the history of the weak zone initiation is critical for derivation of reliable propagation criteria, in particular considering dynamic effects arising from accumulating kinetic energy of the failing material, which will allow the failure to propagate from a smaller initial zone of weakened sediments. Criteria are developed here for planar conditions, taking full account of such dynamic effects, which are shown to be capable of reducing the critical length of the softened zone by 20% or more compared with criteria based on static conditions. A numerical approach is used to solve the governing dynamic equations for the sliding material, the results from which justify assumptions that allow analytical criteria to be developed for the case where the initial softening occurs instantaneously. The effect of more gradual softening is also explored. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Two dibenzo[Def, Mno]chrysene‐based polymeric semiconductors: Surprisingly opposite device performances in field‐effect transistors and solar cells
Authors: Kim Yu Jin , Lee Ji Sang , Hong Jisu , Kim Yebyeol , Lee Song Bong , Kwon Soon‐Ki , Kim Yun‐Hi , Park Chan Eon 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTA new series of conjugated polymers containing dibenzo[def, mno]chrysene units were successfully designed and synthesized to investigate their physical properties and device performances in field‐effect transistors and photovoltaic cells. Two polymers, namely poly(4,10‐bithiophene‐6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibezo[def, mno]chrysene) (PTTC) and poly(2,2′‐thiophenevinylenthiophene‐4,10‐[6,12‐bis(2‐decyltetradecyloxy)‐dibenzo[def, mno]chrysene]) (PTVTC), exhibited similar light absorption, electrochemical characteristics, and theoretical electronic structures. However, they behaved very differently when used in thin‐film transistors and solar cells. The PTTC polymer with two thiophene groups had better charge transport behavior, whereas the PTVTC polymer with two thiophene units connected by a vinyl group exhibited higher efficiency in bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells. These results were discussed in terms of their nanostructural bulk morphologies established from transmission electron microscopy and two‐dimensional grazing incidence wide angle X‐ray scattering analyses. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 2559–2570
PELICAN: Content evaluation of patient‐centered care for children with asthma based on an online tool
Authors: van Bragt Stephanie , van den Bemt Lisette , Cretier Riet , van Weel Chris , Merkus Peter , Schermer Tjard 
Published: April 2016

SummaryBackgroundWe assessed the content of an intervention which integrates individual goals in outpatient clinic asthma management (based on self management principles) of children 6–12 years of age.MethodsThis is a content evaluation study and was part of a randomized controlled multicenter trial with 9 months follow‐up in five Dutch outpatient asthma clinics among children with asthma aged 6–12 years. Information on children's individual problems and their level of impairment (as indicated by the Pelican instrument), asthma management goals, and actions (as indicated by written action plans) was collected. Satisfaction of parents, children, and nurses were assessed with questionnaires and analyzed with descriptive statistics.ResultsMost frequently identified problems by children (n = 42) were “cough,” “cigarette smoke,” and “shortness of breath.” Eighty‐two percent of items that were selected by children showed room for improvement. About 2–7 actions were formulated and children had an active role in more than 76% of the actions. “Using rescue medication prior to activities/triggers,” and “talk to others about your asthma” were most frequently recommended. Children thought the Pelican instrument was easy (95%) and fun (65%) and both parents and nurses were positive about the incorporation of the program in asthma management. Following barriers were found: (1) only 25% of goals was formulated according to SMART principles; (2) traditional management aspects (such as medication use) are often treated instead of individual problems of children.ConclusionImplementation of patient‐centered care based on the Pelican instrument is recommended in specialized care, although more extensive training of nurses in PCC will improve the successful execution of the evaluated treatment. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2016;51:993–1003. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Gurney Analysis of Porous Shells
Authors: Milne Alec M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThere are many application areas, where the ability to accurately predict the speed of expansion of fragments from explosively disseminated porous shells is important. For inert materials this speed in part determines the size of the resulting cloud. For reactive materials this speed in part determines the ability to ignite the material and determines the trade‐off between reactive and inertial fragment effects. Gurney analysis has been used extensively for many years to approximate the speed of fragmenting solid material shells. This work investigates the behavior of HE driven porous shells in spherical and cylindrical geometry and identifies factors to use to multiply solid shell Gurney velocity by to predict the speed of a porous shell.
Ternary Reduced Graphene Oxide/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl Nanocomposites for Controlled Visible‐Light Photocatalytic Selectivity
Authors: Shen Tingting , Lang Di , Cheng Feiyue , Xiang Quanjun 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe ternary reduced graphene oxide (rGO)/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl composite photocatalysts were prepared by a combined deposition‐precipitation and in situ photoreduction method. The prepared ternary graphene‐semiconductor‐metal nanocomposite photocatalysts exhibit controlled photocatalytic selectivity and high photocatalytic activity for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) and methyl orange (MO) solution under visible‐light irradiation. Significantly, the controlled photocatalytic selectivity of rGO/g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl (GCA) composites towards MO and MB can be modulated by the introduction or elimination of Ag‐AgCl and/or rGO sheets for tuning their surface charges and adsorption properties. In addition, the photocatalytic activity of GCA sample was indeed improved due to the eﬃcient separation of photo‐generated carriers in the GCA composite, which could be attributed to the suitable band gap structure of g‐C3N4/Ag‐AgCl (CA) and the well electronic mobility of rGO sheets. The proposed mechanism for the controlled visible‐light photocatalytic selectivity and the enhanced photocatalytic activity of GCA composite was further confirmed by the trapping experiments, PL spectroscopy and transient photoelectric current response. This work may provide a new practical insight into the fabrication of innovative photocatalysts with the controlled selectivity and enhanced photocatalytic activity for environmental purification, clear energy production and solar energy conversion.
Highly Efficient Silver Nanoparticles Supported Nanocrystalline Zirconosilicate Catalyst for the Epoxidation and Hydration Reactions
Authors: Sarmah Bhaskar , Srivastava Rajendra , Satpati Biswarup 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNanocrystalline zirconosilicate with MFI framework structure was hydrothermally synthesized by the addition of amphiphilic organosilane in the synthesis composition of conventional zirconosilicate. Silver nanoparticles were supported on the surface of nanocrystalline zirconosilicate. Catalyst exhibited exceptional high activity in the epoxidation of olefins. Application of the catalyst was extended in the green catalytic hydration reaction of alkynes and nitriles. Hydration reaction using zirconosilicate does not involve toxic metals or corrosive acidic condition. Bi‐functional nature of the catalyst and optimum polarizability of Zr present in the zeolite matrix are responsible for the high catalytic activity. Recycling and leaching experiments suggest that the catalyst can be reused without significant loss in the activity. Nanocrystalline zirconosilicate offers several attractive features such as sustainable synthetic route, stability, high yields, and recyclability.
Synthesis of Two Diastereomeric C1–C7 Acid Fragments of Amphidinolactone B Using B‐Alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling as the Modular Assembly Step
Authors: Wu Yan‐Dong , Lai Yecai , Dai Wei‐Min 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe proposed structure of amphidinolactone B has an oxygenated stereogenic center at C6 whose absolute configuration remains unassigned. As part of our total synthesis program, two diastereomeric C1–C7 acid fragments have been synthesized from a common C6,C7‐diol intermediate. The latter was obtained from the two readily available chiral alkenyl/alkyl iodides using the “9‐MeO‐9‐BBN variant” of the B‐alkyl Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction under the Pd(OAc)2–Aphos‐Y‐catalyzed reaction conditions (K3PO4⋅3H2O, H2O, THF, r.t., 12 h, 75 %). The C6,C7‐diol was then transformed into two diastereomeric C6,C7‐epoxides through manipulation of the epoxide ring closure process. Finally, the epoxides reacted with dimethylsulfonium methylide (Me2S+CH2–) to form, respectively, the corresponding allylic alcohols with the defined absolute configuration at C6.