bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyethylene/sepiolite clay nanocomposites: Effect of clay content, compatibilizer polarity, and molar mass on viscoelastic and dynamic mechanical properties
Authors: Singh Vishwa Pratap , K.K. Vimal , Sharma Shashikant , Kapur Gurpreet Singh , Choudhary Veena 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTIn this work, high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)‐based nanocomposites having different concentrations of Sepiolite (1–10 wt %) and compatibilizer, that is, PE‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PE‐g‐MA) of varying molecular weight and maleic anhydride content were prepared by melt compounding. The influence of Sepiolite amount and compatibilizer polarity and molar mass on the crystallization behavior [differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD)], rheological properties (oscillatory rheometer) and dimensional stability [dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) and heat deflection temperature (HDT)] of the nanocomposites was investigated. It was found that Sepiolite did not affect the crystallization behavior of HDPE. The rheological results show that the incorporation of Sepiolite into HDPE matrix up to 10 wt % increases the complex viscosity of polymer. Storage modulus and loss modulus both in oscillatory rheometry and in DMA were highest for nanocomposite prepared using 10 wt % Sepiolite owing to the improved mechanical restrain by the dispersed phase. In the presence of compatibilizer, the values of storage modulus and loss modulus were lower as compared to uncompatibilized nanocomposites at same loading of Sepiolite. The reduction in modulus is more pronounced in composites prepared using compatibilizer of lower molar mass as compared to those prepared using higher molar mass compatibilizer. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45197.
Fabrication of a novel polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes/polyether‐block‐amide nano‐hybrid membrane for pervaporative separation of model fuel butanol
Authors: Nigiz Filiz Ugur , Hilmioglu Nilufer Durmaz 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTThe present study reports the pervaporative separation capability of the pristine and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (POSS) loaded hybrid polyether‐block‐amide (PEBA) membranes for n‐butanol recovery from the dilute n‐butanol–water mixtures. It is the first study to produce POSS‐loaded PEBA membranes for n‐butanol recovery. The morphology and crosslinking structure of the pristine and hybrid membrane were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The thermal stability and crystallization behaviors of the pristine and hybrid membranes were investigated using thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry methods. Swelling experiments were also done to determine the affinity of the membranes to the n‐butanol–water mixture. The effect of increasing amount of POSS on pervaporation performance was investigated in terms of flux and the n‐butanol separation factor at 40 °C and a given n‐butanol. All the hybrid membranes exhibited high flux and n‐butanol separation factor than that of the pristine PEBA membrane. The best n‐butanol separation factor of 27.2 was obtained accompanied with 1.33 Kg m−2 h−1 of flux, when the POSS amount was 4 wt %. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45211.
Enhancement of discharged energy density of poly(ethylene oxide) by soy protein isolate
Authors: Rashidi Soheil , Zheng Zhuoyuan , Li Bin 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTSoy protein isolate (SPI) is used to modify energy storage performances of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). The pure PEO membranes are highly polar, but the extremely high energy loss led to very low discharged energy density for use. The addition of SPI in both high molecular weight PEO and low molecular weight PEO lead to greatly reduced polarization and stored energy density. However, it also largely reduces the current leakage and energy loss of the resulting membranes, leading to significantly enhanced discharged energy density. It is believed that the strong interactions between PEO and SPI are responsible for the energy storage properties aforementioned. Meanwhile, such interactions also result in a more brittle fracture behavior and reduced crystallinity of the PEO/SPI membranes. The enhanced discharged energy density and low energy loss suggest PEO/SPI membranes are promising dielectric materials for high efficiency energy storage applications where soluble and transient materials are desired. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45214.
Multifunctional epoxy resin/polyacrylonitrile‐lithium trifluoromethanesulfonate composites films with very high transparency, high dielectric permittivity, breakdown strength and mechanical properties
Authors: Sun Sheng , Zheng Longhui , Yuan Li , Guan Qingbao , Liang Guozheng , Gu Aijuan 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTMultifunctional transparent composite films with high dielectric permittivity (high‐k), breakdown strength, and mechanical properties are urgently required by cutting‐edge fields. Herein, novel multifunctional films were facilely prepared through building unique cross‐linked structure based on epoxy resin (EP) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN)‐lithium trifluoromethane sulfonate (LiTf) complex. Compared with high‐k materials reported previously, EP/(PAN‐LiTf) films simultaneously show very high transparency, good flexibility, high tensile, and breakdown strengths. For 0.22EP/(PAN‐LiTf) film with 22 wt % EP, its average transmittance and elongation at break are as high as 91% (600–800 nm) and 12.7%, respectively; moreover, its dielectric permittivity, AC breakdown strength and the maximum energy density are severally about 4.9, 1.8, and 15.2 times of those of EP resin, completely overcoming the sticky problems in conductor/polymer composites. The origin behind these attractive properties is intensively discussed, and believed to be attributed to the unique structure of EP/(PAN‐LiTf) films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45218.
Entwicklung eines temperaturregulierenden Fotovoltaik‐Fassadenpaneels mit PCM
Authors: Seeger Julia , Horn Sebastian , Weller Bernhard 
Published: May 2017

AbstractOpake Fassadenbereiche besitzen ein großes Potenzial zur Energieerzeugung durch den Einsatz von Fotovoltaik (PV). Die Leistung der Module sinkt mit zunehmender Temperatur der PV‐Zellen, wodurch sich die Verwendung im Fassadenbereich bisher hauptsächlich auf Kaltfassaden beschränkt hat, da hier die Hinterlüftung zur Kühlung der PV‐Module beiträgt. Im Unterschied zu Kaltfassaden erfolgt bei standardmäßigen Pfosten‐Riegel‐Fassaden (Warmfassaden) keine Hinterlüftung. Um auch hier den Einsatz von PV‐Modulen zu realisieren und gleichzeitig den temperaturbedingten Leistungsabfall zu minimieren, sollen die PV‐Module mit rückseitig angebrachten Latentwärmespeichern (PCM) kombiniert werden. Erreicht die Temperatur in der Fassade den festgelegten Schmelzpunkt des gewählten PCM, erfolgt ein Phasenübergang von fest zu flüssig. Dabei absorbiert das Material thermische Energie und entzieht sie auf diese Weise dem PV‐Modul, sodass ein Temperaturanstieg abgepuffert wird. Nachts wird die im PCM latent gespeicherte Wärmeenergie wieder an die Umgebung abgegeben.
Elite formation in the higher education systems of Ireland and the UK: Measuring, comparing and decomposing longitudinal patterns of cabinet members
Authors: Feeney Sharon , Hogan John , O'Rourke Brendan K. 
Published: May 2017

The role of higher education systems in the formation and reproduction of governing elites, and their countervailing potential for the creation of a more egalitarian, or meritocratic, society, has been an enduring subject of concern, debate and research. Many of these debates are made all the more difficult by our inability to directly compare elite formation systems within and between countries and over time. To resolve these problems, this paper employs elite formation quantitative indices to directly and transparently compare elite formation systems, namely the role of higher education systems in political elite formation over three quarters of a century in two countries. Specifically, the paper compares the influence, exclusiveness and eliteness of the Irish and British higher education systems in the production of their respective governing political elites in the 75 years between 1937 and 2012.
How identity related goals moderate the role of attributes in product evaluation
Authors: Xiao Na 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis research examines how identity related goals influence product evaluation. It is proposed that products are evaluated based on an attribute level to fulfill an identity related goal. Further, the positive relationship between an attribute level and product evaluation is strengthened by goal activation (the degree to which a goal occupies a consumer's thinking) and goal‐product fit (the extent to which consumers think a product is related to a particular goal). Results of three experimental studies support the above propositions.The research makes contributions in that it identifies two moderators, that is, goal activation and goal‐product fit, in the relationship between attributes ability and product evaluation. First, identity‐related goals are higher order and likely to have higher priority for consumers. However, results in this paper show that it still needs to be activated before it can exert an influence on attribute importance. Specifically, when an identity related goal (e.g., one supportive of the fair trade goal) is activated, it takes over a lower‐order goal (e.g., seek for a good taste or a good priced coffee in this case). As goal activation increases, relevant attributes become more important, and the positive relationship between an attribute level and product evaluation strengthens.Second, this paper introduces a new construct of goal‐product fit into identity‐related goals and product evaluation literature. The results of study three suggest that when goal‐product fit becomes stronger, the relevant attribute that can fulfill the goal becomes more important in the overall product evaluation.
Exploring and Exploiting Acceptor Preferences of the Human Polysialyltransferases as a Basis for an Inhibitor Screen
Authors: Ehrit Jörg , Keys Timothy G. , Sutherland Mark , Wolf Saskia , Meier Chris , Falconer Robert A. , Gerardy‐Schahn Rita 
Published: May 2017

Abstractα2,8‐Linked polysialic acid (polySia) is an oncofoetal antigen with high abundance during embryonic development. It reappears in malignant tumours of neuroendocrine origin. Two polysialyltransferases (polySTs) ST8SiaII and IV are responsible for polySia biosynthesis. During development, both enzymes are essential to control polySia expression. However, in tumours ST8SiaII is the prevalent enzyme. Consequently, ST8SiaII is an attractive target for novel cancer therapeutics. A major challenge is the high structural and functional conservation of ST8SiaII and ‐IV. An assay system that enables differential testing of ST8SiaII and ‐IV would be of high value to search for specific inhibitors. Here we exploited the different modes of acceptor recognition and elongation for this purpose. With DMB‐DP3 and DMB‐DP12 (fluorescently labelled sialic acid oligomers with a degree of polymerisation of 3 and 12, respectively) we identified stark differences between the two enzymes. The new acceptors enabled the simple comparative testing of the polyST initial transfer rate for a series of CMP‐activated and N‐substituted sialic acid derivatives. Of these derivatives, the non‐transferable CMP‐Neu5Cyclo was found to be a new, competitive ST8SiaII inhibitor.
Impact of anticoagulation strategy with bivalirudin or heparin on nonaccess site bleeding in percutaneous coronary interventions: A meta‐analysis of randomized trials
Authors: Verdoia Monica , Barbieri Lucia , Parodi Guido , Bellandi Benedetta , Schaffer Alon , Suryapranata Harry , De Luca Giuseppe 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundTransradial approach has significantly decreased the rate of access site bleeding in patients undergoing percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI), therefore potentially mitigating the benefits offered by bivalirudin in lowering major bleeding complications as compared to heparin. However, nonaccess site bleeding, that represent the majority of hemorrhagic complications, still carry negative prognostic consequences for these patients and no study has so far defined the exact impact of bivalirudin on nonaccess site bleeding, that was therefore the aim of present meta‐analysis.Methods and study outcomesLiterature archives (Pubmed, EMBASE, Cochrane) and main scientific sessions were scanned comparing bivalirudin vs. heparin in patients undergoing PCI. Primary endpoint was the occurrence of nonaccess site bleeding within 30 days. Secondary endpoints were 30 days mortality and the occurrence of access‐site bleeding.ResultsA total of nine randomized clinical trials were finally included, involving 32,587 patients, 55.8% randomized to bivalirudin. Bivalirudin significantly reduced the rate of nonaccess site bleeding (2.6 vs. 3.8%, OR [95% CI] = 0.68 [0.60–0.77], P < 0.00001, Phet = 0.10). However, the reduction of hemorrhagic events was more pronounced when bivalirudin was compared to heparin plus glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors than when it was compared to heparin alone (r = −0.01 (−0.02; −0.001), P = 0.02). Similar results were observed for access‐site bleeding (OR [95% CI] = 0.67 [0.57–0.79], P < 0.000001, Phet = 0.10), with a significant role of glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors use (r = −0.02 (−0.04; −0.004), P = 0.017). Moreover, the observed benefits in hemorrhagic complications did not translate into mortality benefits (OR [95% CI] = 0.89 [0.76–1.05], P = 0.18; Phet = 0.12; r = 0.21 (−1.12; 1.53), P = 0.76).ConclusionsThe present meta‐analysis shows that bivalirudin can provide a significant reduction of both access and nonaccess site bleeding in patients undergoing PCI. However, these hemorrhagic benefits did not impact on survival, and moreover, were significantly conditioned by the association of heparin with potent antithrombotic strategies, such as glycoprotein IIbIIIa inhibitors, rather than by heparin or bivalirudin alone. Therefore, we could not provide any clinical evidence for the routine use of bivalirudin as preferred anticoagulation strategy for PCI. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Anatomical risk models for paravalvular leak and landing zone complications for balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement
Authors: Condado Jose F. , Corrigan Frank E. , Lerakis Stamatios , Parastatidis Ioannis , Stillman Arthur E. , Binongo Jose N. , Stewart James , Mavromatis Kreton , Devireddy Chandan , Leshnower Bradley , Guyton Robert , Forcillo Jessica , Patel Ateet , Thourani Vinod H. , Block Peter C. , Babaliaros Vasilis 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundThough several anatomical characteristics have been reported separately as risk factors for paravalvular leak (PVL) and landing zone (LZ) complications after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), multivariate risk models are needed.MethodsPatients that underwent balloon‐expandable TAVR with multidetector cardiac computed tomography (MDCT) sizing were studied. MDCT images were analyzed and the association between anatomical factors and ≥mild PVL, ≥moderate PVL, and LZ complications (annular rupture, requirement of new permanent pacemaker, and coronary obstruction) was determined, and subsequently competing predictive models were developed and validated.ResultsA total of 316 consecutive TAVR patients were included. Median age was 82.0 years (74.0–87.0) and STS score was 8.3% (5.4–10.9). Factors associated with ≥mild PVL included TAVR with Sapien/Sapien XT vs. Sapien 3 (OR = 2.50, 95% CI = 1.24–5.07), LVOT nontubularity (OR = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01–1.04), LZ calcification (OR = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00–1.01), and low cover index (OR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.91–0.96). Factors associated with LZ complications included LZ calcification (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01), leaflet asymmetry (OR = 1.01, 95% CI 1.01–1.02), and cover index (OR = 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.14). Predictive models for ≥mild PVL (AUC = 0.71, 95% CI = 0.66–0.77), ≥moderate PVL (AUC = 0.75, 95% CI = 0.65–0.84), and LZ complications (AUC = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.67–0.87) were created using procedural details and anatomical data from the MDCT. Clinical variables were not included as they were poorly correlated with the occurrence of PVL and LZ complications. For each outcome, the area under the curve (AUC) of the multivariate model was superior to the model consisting only of individual factors.ConclusionsA model using procedural/anatomical characteristics derived from MDCT predicts ≥mild PVL, ≥moderate PVL, and LZ complications post‐TAVR. Incorporation of anatomical risks into clinical practice may help stratify patients before TAVR. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus in 32 premature infants by amplatzer ductal occluder additional size‐ADOIIAS
Authors: Morville Patrice , Akhavi Ahmad 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivesThe advent of Amplatzer Duct Occluder II additional Size (ADOIIAS) provided the potential to close hemodynamic significant patent ductus arteriosus (HSPDA) and to analyze the feasibility, safety and efficacy of the device.BackgroundTreatment of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in very premature neonates is still a dilemma for the neonatalogist who has to consider its significance and has to choose among different treatment options. Because surgical ligation and medical therapy both have their drawbacks, interventional catheterization might provide an alternative means of closing HSPDA.Material and MethodsBetween September 2013 and June 2015, 32 premature infants with complications related to HSPDA defined by ultrasound (US) underwent transcatheter closure. The procedure was performed in the catheterization laboratory by venous cannulation without angiography. The position of the occluder was directed by X‐ray and US. In particular we looked at procedural details, device size selection, complications, and short and mid‐term outcomes.ResultsThirty two premature infants, all of whom had clinical complications related to HSPDA, born at gestational ages ranging between 23.6 and 36 weeks (mean ± standard deviation 28 ± 3 weeks) underwent attempted transcatheter PDA closure using the ADOIIAS. Their mean age and weight at the time of procedure was 25 days (range 8–70 days) and 1373 g (range 680–2480 g), respectively. Ten infants weighed ≤1,000g. All ducts were tubular. The mean PDA and device waist diameters were 3.2 ± 0.6mm (range 2.2–4) and 4.4 ± 0.6 mm, respectively, and the mean PDA and device lengths 5.2 ± 2.0 mm (range 2–10) and 3.4 ± 1.3 mm. Median fluoroscopy and procedural times were 11 min (range 3–24) and 28 min (range 10–90), respectively. Complete closure was achieved in all but one patient. There was no device migration. A left pulmonary artery (LPA) obstruction developed in one patient. Five infants died. Four deaths were related to complications of prematurity and one death in a 680 g infant was related to the procedure.ConclusionsIt is feasible to close HSPDA in relative safety in premature infants who have severe and complex disease. Success requires perfect selection of the occluder and exact positioning by US. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A novel approach to percutaneous removal of large tricuspid valve vegetations using suction filtration and veno‐venous bypass: A single center experience
Authors: George Bennet , Voelkel Anthony , Kotter John , Leventhal Andrew , Gurley John 
Published: May 2017

BackgroundTricuspid valve surgery has been the de facto standard treatment for tricuspid valve endocarditis (TVE) refractory to medical therapy. It is now possible to remove right‐sided vegetations percutaneously using a venous drainage cannula with an extracorporeal bypass circuit.ObjectivesThe purpose of our study is to describe our single‐center experience of percutaneous tricuspid valve vegetation removal.MethodsWe reviewed the perioperative course of 33 consecutive patients with large tricuspid valve vegetations who carried high surgical risk.ResultsThe cohort included 12 males and 21 females over a 40‐month period with an average age of 37 years. A preponderance of patients carried an admitted or confirmed diagnosis of injection drug use (72.7%). Average vegetation size was 2.1 +/– 0.7 cm prior to the procedure with a 61% reduction in size after the procedure. All patients survived the procedure and 90.9% survived the index hospitalization. Three patients proceeded to elective tricuspid valve replacement due to worsening severity of tricuspid regurgitation.ConclusionPercutaneous removal of large tricuspid valve vegetations is a safe and effective alternative for patients with TVE who carry high‐surgical risk. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Risk and timing of clinical events according to diabetic status of patients treated with everolimus‐eluting bioresorbable vascular scaffolds versus everolimus‐eluting stent: 2‐year results from a propensity score matched comparison of ABSORB EXTEND and SPIRIT trials
Authors: Campos Carlos M. , Caixeta Adriano , Franken Marcelo , Bartorelli Antonio L. , Whitbourn Robert J. , Wu Chiung‐Jen , Li Paul Kao Hsien , Rosli Mohd Ali , Carrie Didier , De Bruyne Bernard , Stone Gregg W. , Serruys Patrick W. , Abizaid Alexandre ,   on behalf of the ABSORB Cohort B and the SPIRIT II, III, and IV Investigators.
Published: May 2017

Objectivesto compare the occurrence of clinical events in diabetics treated with the Absorb bioresorbable vascular scaffold (Absorb BVS; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA) versus everolimus‐eluting metal stents (EES; XIENCE V; Abbott Vascular, Santa Clara, CA)BackgroundThere are limited data dedicated to clinical outcomes of diabetic patients treated with bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) at 2‐year horizon.MethodsThe present study included 812 patients in the ABSORB EXTEND study in which a total of 215 diabetic patients were treated with Absorb BVS. In addition, 882 diabetic patients treated with EES in pooled data from the SPIRIT clinical program (SPIRIT II, SPIRIT III and SPIRIT IV trials) were used for comparison by applying propensity score matching using 29 different variables. The primary endpoint was ischemia driven major adverse cardiac events (ID‐MACE), including cardiac death, myocardial infarction (MI), and ischemia driven target lesion revascularization (ID‐TLR).ResultsAfter 2 years, the ID‐MACE rate was 6.5% in the Absorb BVS vs. 8.9% in the Xience group (P = 0.40). There was no difference for MACE components or definite/probable device thrombosis (HR: 1.43 [0.24,8.58]; P = 0.69). The occurrence of MACE was not different for both diabetic status (insulin‐ and non‐insulin‐requiring diabetes) in all time points up to the 2‐year follow‐up for the Absorb and Xience groups.ConclusionIn this largest ever patient‐level pooled comparison on the treatment of diabetic patients with BRS out to two years, individuals with diabetes treated with the Absorb BVS had a similar rate of MACE as compared with diabetics treated with the Xience EES. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Major salivary gland aplasia and hypoplasia in Down syndrome: review of the literature and report of a case
Authors: Chadi Mary Jane , Saint Georges Guy , Albert Francine , Mainville Gisele , Nguyen Julie Mi , Kauzman Adel 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageSalivary gland aplasia and hypoplasia are rarely described in the medical literature. This article presents a case of aplasia and hypoplasia of the major salivary glands in a patient with Down syndrome. A literature review, as well as an overview of the diagnosis and management of this condition, is presented.