bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Characterization of Completely Biodegradable Copolyester–Chitosan Blends: I. Spectroscopic and Thermal Characterization
Authors: Pokhrel Shanta , Lach Ralf , Le Hai Hong , Wutzler André , Grellmann Wolfgang , Radusch Hans‐Joachim , Dhakal Rabindra P. , Esposito Antonella , Henning Sven , Yadav Paras N. , Saiter Jean M. , Heinrich Gert , Adhikari Rameshwar 
Published: August 2016

SummaryChitosan was prepared from shells of locally available fresh water prawns with variation of sodium hydroxide concentration and reaction time. The biopolymer was melt‐mixed with a commercially available biodegradable polymer, the poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT). The chitosan and blend films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The glass transition temperature (Tg) and melting point of the materials remained unchanged implying complete incompatibility of the blend components. Kinetic study showed that activation energy of the degradation process, i.e., thermal stability of the blends, decreased with increasing chitosan content in the blends. As the thermal properties of all the samples were found to be identical, it can be concluded that there was no effect of the added chitosan on the crystallization and melting behavior of the PBAT. These findings support the notion of the absence of interactions among the blend components. The rate of biodegradation was found to be higher in blends compared to pure PBAT polymer.
Silver Nanoparticle Entrapped Calcium‐Alginate Beads for Fe(II) Removal via Adsorption
Authors: Asthana Anupama , Verma Renu , Singh Ajaya Kumar , Susan Md. Abu Bin Hasan , Adhikari Rameshwar 
Published: August 2016

SummarySilver nanoparticle entrapped calcium‐alginate beads (AgNP‐CAB) were successfully synthesized as adsorbent for effective removal of Fe(II) ions from aqueous solution. The adsorbent was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Batch adsorption experiments were used to determine the adsorption capacity. The influence of various factors (such as temperature, pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time) on adsorption behaviour was investigated. The adsorbent thus developed showed higher uptake at pH 4, and adsorption the capacity decreased with increasing temperature. The kinetic results for the adsorption process were interpreted using pseudo‐first order and pseudo‐second order rate equations, as well as Elovich and intra‐particle diffusion models. A good correlation with the pseudo‐second order rate kinetics (R2 = 0.998) could be observed. Adsorption isotherms were fitted to Langmuir, Freundlich, Temkin and Harkins–Jura isotherms whereby the experimental data was found to best fitted for the Langmuir model. The maximum adsorption capacity of adsorbent was found to be 236.40 mg/g.
Bone Fracture: Parallels to Polymer Fatigue
Authors: Klehm Jessica , Henning Sven , Adhikari Rameshwar , Brandt Jörg 
Published: August 2016

SummaryBased on electron microscopic investigations, initial stages of microcrack formation and growth in bone are described as craze‐like phenomena. The comparison of micro‐ and nanoscopic processes of deformation and fracture induced under different experimental conditions give rise to the conclusion that crazing is a fundamental micromechanical process during bone damage and fracture. Although there are striking similarities to crazes in polymeric materials, craze formation and growth in bone is strongly influenced by the morphology of the main building blocks of the bone matrix, i.e., the mineralized collagen fibrils, as well as by the significant anisotropy of bone architecture.
Renal ischemia and reperfusion assessment with three‐dimensional hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea
Authors: Nielsen Per Mose , Szocska Hansen Esben Søvsø , Nørlinger Thomas Stokholm , Nørregaard Rikke , Bonde Bertelsen Lotte , Stødkilde Jørgensen Hans , Laustsen Christoffer 
Published: August 2016

PurposeThe aim of this work was to investigate whether hyperpolarized 13C,15N2‐urea can be used as an imaging marker of renal injury in renal unilateral ischemic reperfusion injury (IRI), given that urea is correlated with the renal osmotic gradient, which describes the renal function.MethodsHyperpolarized three‐dimensional balanced steady‐state 13C magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) experiments alongside kidney function parameters and quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements were performed in rats subjected to unilateral renal ischemia for 60‐minute and 24‐hour reperfusion.ResultsWe revealed a significant reduction in the intrarenal gradient in the ischemic kidney in agreement with cortical injury markers neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin and kidney injury molecule 1, as well as functional kidney parameters.ConclusionHyperpolarized functional 13C,15N2 urea MRI can be used to successfully detect changes in the intrarenal urea gradient post‐IRI, thereby enabling in vivo monitoring of the intrarenal functional status in the rat kidney. Magn Reson Med 76:1524–1530, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine
A Community‐Engaged Assessment of Barriers and Facilitators to Rapid Stroke Treatment
Authors: Nemeth Lynne S. , Jenkins Carolyn , Jauch Edward C. , Conway Sharon , Pearlman Adam , Spruill Ida J. , Brown Lynette J. , Linnen Joyce , Linnen Florene , Andrews Jeannette O. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractTreatment for acute ischemic stroke must be initiated within hours of stroke symptom onset, and the sooner it is administered, the better. In South Carolina, 76% of the population can access expert stroke care, and rural hospitals may provide specialized treatment using telemedicine, but many stroke sufferers seek care too late to achieve full benefit. Using a community‐engaged approach in a southern rural community, we explored barriers and facilitators to early stroke care and implications for improvement. The Community‐Engaged Assessment to facilitate Stroke Elimination (CEASE) study was guided by a community advisory group to ensure community centeredness and local relevance. In a qualitative descriptive study, eight focus groups were conducted including 52 individuals: recent stroke survivors, family members, emergency medical personnel, hospital emergency department staff, primary care providers, and community leaders. From analysis of focus group transcripts came six themes: lack of trust in healthcare system and providers; weak relationships fueled by poor communication; low health literacy; financial limitations related to health care; community‐based education; and faith as a message of hope. A hierarchy model for improving early community‐based stroke care was developed through consensus dialogue by community representatives and the research team. This model can be used to inform a community‐partnered, stakeholder‐informed intervention to improve stroke care in a rural southern community with the goal of improving stroke education, care, and outcome. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Validation of the Chinese Version of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire‐10 in Pregnant Women
Authors: Tsai Shao‐Yu , Shun Shiow‐Ching , Lee Pei‐Lin , Lee Chien‐Nan , Weaver Terri E. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractWe evaluated the psychometric properties of a Mandarin Chinese version of the Functional Outcomes of Sleep Questionnaire‐10 (FOSQ‐10) in pregnant women. A total of 228 first‐trimester pregnant women participated in the study, which was conducted in an outpatient obstetric clinic at a medical center in Taipei, Taiwan. The Chinese version of the FOSQ‐10 demonstrated satisfactory internal consistency (Cronbach alpha = .85), adequate corrected item‐total correlations (from .40 to .67), and acceptable test–retest reliability over 7 days (ICC = .73). Construct validity was supported by exploratory factor analysis showing a one‐factor structure with item loadings between .49 and .77. Significant associations with the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form Health Survey 12 version 2 and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index supported criterion‐related and convergent validity. Significant differences in the Chinese version of the FOSQ‐10 total scores were found between women with clinically significant daytime sleepiness and those without, suggesting adequate discriminant validity. Ceiling effects were observed for all items, but no floor or ceiling effects were found for total scores. Findings suggest that the Chinese version of the FOSQ‐10 is a valid and reliable instrument to identify important effects of sleep‐related impairment in Chinese women during pregnancy. Further testing is needed in more diverse pregnant women, such as women with complicated pregnancies and those with sleep disorders. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison of Fresh‐Frozen Plasma, Four‐Factor Prothrombin Complex Concentrates, and Recombinant Factor VIIa to Facilitate Procedures in Critically Ill Patients with Coagulopathy from Liver Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kwon Jennifer O. , MacLaren Robert 
Published: August 2016

Study ObjectiveTo evaluate fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP), four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrates (PCCs), and recombinant factor VIIa (rFVIIa) for lowering international normalized ratio (INR) and facilitating procedures in critically ill patients with hepatic impairment.DesignRetrospective cohort study.SettingIntensive care units at a large university‐affiliated teaching hospital.PatientsForty‐five adults with hepatic impairment who were admitted between September 1, 2011, and December 31, 2015, and had an admission INR of 1.5 or greater, required an invasive intervention or minor surgical procedure, and received FFP alone (15 patients), PCCs (15 patients), or rFVIIa (15 patients).Measurements and Main ResultsThe primary outcomes were rates of achieving an INR less than 1.5 at the time of the procedure and an absolute change in INR from 12 hours before the procedure to the time of the procedure. Secondary outcomes were the time to the procedure, blood product use, bleeding rates, and adverse events. The mean ± SD doses of FFP, PCCs, and rFVIIa were 1.1 ± 0.5 units, 2523 ± 861 units, and 2.6 ± 0.9 mg, respectively, administered 2.1 ± 1.4 hours (p<0.05, FFP vs PCCs or rFVIIa), 1.3 ± 0.5 hours, and 1.3 ± 0.6 hours before the procedure, respectively. Achieving an INR less than 1.5 was more likely to occur with PCCs (80%, p=0.03) and rFVIIa (87%, p=0.01) compared with FFP (27%). INR reduction was greater with PCCs (1.6 ± 0.9, p<0.05) and rFVIIa (1.8 ± 0.7, p<0.01) compared with FFP (0.5 ± 0.8). Use of blood products (FFP, cryoprecipitate, packed red blood cells, and platelets) was significantly greater in the FFP group both before and after the procedural intervention. Hypervolemia was less likely to occur in the PCCs (40%, p=0.02) or rFVIIa (33%, p<0.01) groups than in the FFP group (93%). Overall, 33 (73%) of the 45 patients experienced minor bleeding. Three patients (7%) experienced clotting of a central line or dialysis filter, and all were in the PCCs or rFVIIa groups.ConclusionUnlike FFP, PCCs and rFVIIa effectively and safely reduced INR in critically ill patients with coagulopathy associated with liver impairment to expedite interventions. The amount of blood products used was significantly lower in the PCC and rFVIIa groups, possibly reducing the risk of hypervolemia. Bleeding rates, however, were similar across groups.
Rivaroxaban versus Heparin Bridging to Warfarin Therapy: Impact on Hospital Length of Stay and Treatment Costs for Low‐Risk Patients with Pulmonary Embolism
Authors: Weeda Erin R. , Kohn Christine G. , Peacock W. Frank , Fermann Gregory J. , Crivera Concetta , Schein Jeff R. , Coleman Craig I. 
Published: August 2016

Study ObjectiveTo compare hospital length of stay (LOS) and hospital treatment costs in low‐risk patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) anticoagulated with rivaroxaban or heparin bridging to warfarin therapy.DesignRetrospective review of electronic health records and hospital billing records.SettingLarge, teaching hospital in the northeastern United States.PatientsOne hundred ninety adults with objectively confirmed acute PE presenting to the emergency department between November 1, 2012, and May, 12, 2015, who were classified as low risk of early mortality and received anticoagulation with either rivaroxaban or heparin (i.e., unfractionated heparin or low‐molecular‐weight heparin) bridging to warfarin therapy were included in the analysis. Patients were identified as low risk by at least one of the following prediction rules: simplified Pulmonary Embolism Severity Index (sPESI; 115 patients), Hestia criteria (87 patients), or In‐hospital Mortality for Pulmonary Embolism using Claims Data (IMPACT; 108 patients); these were not mutually exclusive, as patients could be classified as low risk by more than one risk stratification tool.Measurements and Main ResultsWe divided low‐risk patients identified by each prediction rule into two cohorts: those receiving rivaroxaban (allowing ≤ 2 days of prior heparin use) or heparin bridging to warfarin therapy. The primary end points for this study were LOS (number of days from the patient's arrival at our institution until discharge) and total hospital treatment costs (our institution's actual costs to provide treatment) for the index PE hospital encounter. Using multivariable generalized linear model regression (gamma‐distributed error and log‐link), we estimated differences in LOS and hospital costs (in 2015 U.S. dollars) between the two cohorts after covariate adjustment. Rivaroxaban was associated with significantly shorter adjusted LOS (range −2.1 to −4.3 days) and significantly lower index hospital costs (range −$3835 to −$7094) versus heparin bridging to warfarin, regardless of the prediction rule used to identify low‐risk patients.ConclusionAmong low‐risk PE patients identified by using sPESI, Hestia or IMPACT, rivaroxaban was associated with significantly shorter LOS and lower hospital treatment costs versus heparin bridging to warfarin.
Qigong/tai chi for sleep and fatigue in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: McQuade Jennifer L. , Prinsloo Sarah , Chang David Z. , Spelman Amy , Wei Qi , Basen‐Engquist Karen , Harrison Carol , Zhang Zonghao , Kuban Debra , Lee Andrew , Cohen Lorenzo 
Published: August 2016

AbstractObjectivesSleep disturbances and fatigue are common in prostate cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Prior research suggests mind‐body techniques may improve these outcomes. We conducted a randomized controlled trial of qigong/tai chi (QGTC) in men with prostate cancer undergoing radiotherapy.MethodsMen with prostate cancer starting definitive radiation were randomized to 1 of 3 groups: (1) QGTC; (2) light exercise (LE); or (3) waiting list control. Sleep disturbances (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory) were assessed at baseline, midway through radiotherapy (T2), during the last week of radiotherapy (T3), and at 1 (T4) and 3 months (T5) after the end of radiotherapy. Patients in the QGTC and LE groups attended three 40‐minute classes per week throughout radiotherapy.ResultsNinety patients were randomized to the 3 groups (QGTC = 26; LE = 26; waiting list control = 24). The QGTC group reported longer sleep duration midway through radiotherapy (QGTC = 7.01 h; LE = 6.42; WL = 6.50; P = .05), but this difference did not persist over time. There were no group differences in other domains of sleep or fatigue. Exploratory analyses conducted to examine the effect of health‐related quality of life (Expanded Prostate Cancer Index Composite and American Urological Association Symptom score) on sleep and fatigue showed significant correlations across multiple domains.ConclusionsQigong/tai chi during radiation for prostate cancer resulted in superior sleep duration midway through radiation, but this effect was not durable, and there were no differences in other domains of sleep or fatigue. Exploratory analysis demonstrated that both sleep and fatigue were highly correlated with prostate cancer–related physical symptoms. Future mind‐body intervention studies should incorporate multimodal therapy focused on improving physical symptoms in this population.
An efficient group key agreement protocol for secure P2P communication
Authors: Vijayakumar Pandi , Naresh Ramu , Jegatha Deborah Lazarus , Hafizul Islam SK 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThe efficient design of a distributed group key management for a peer to peer (P2P) network with minimal computation complexity in dynamic secure group communication is a challenging issue. This is because of the absence of a centralized coordinator. In order to provide this facility, a self‐composed distributed group key management framework is proposed for secure P2P communication. In this proposed work, group key computation is performed using Chinese remainder theorem and secure communication is performed through RSA encryption algorithm. This self‐composed key management is a one round protocol in which a shared group key is generated using the public key of each individual user, and it is derived from the respective private key. The main advantage of the group key management scheme proposed in this paper is that it reduces the computation complexity of the peer users to O(1). This reduction in computation complexity is achieved by performing one addition and multiplication operation during a single member join and one subtraction operation during a single member leave operation. The proposed algorithm has been implemented and analyzed with well‐known existing distributed group key management protocols and observed that it reduces the computation complexity significantly. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural, Optical Characterization and Growth Mechanism of Kadamba Flower like ZnO Nanocrystals Synthesized by a Simple Chemical Route.
Authors: Kundu Samapti , Sain Sumanta , Kar Tanusree , Pradhan Swapan K. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractKadamba‐flower like morphology of ZnO nanocrystals (NCs) has been synthesized at room temperature by a wet chemical route without using any template or capping agent. Growth mechanism of these NCs has been proposed based on detailed structural and microstructural interpretations by analyzing X‐ray diffraction (XRD) patterns employing Rietveld refinement method and FESEM/HRTEM images. FESEM images clearly reveal that the flower like 3D morphology transforms gradually to thin layer like 2D network of ZnO nanorods (NRs) (petals) with increase in chemical reaction time. Chemical composition of these flowers has been obtained from the energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) spectroscopy. It is noticed that the John‐Teller (JT) distortion in ZnO4 tetrahedron within the hexagonal ZnO lattice gradually diminishes to zero with increasing wet chemical reaction time and the hydroxyl group plays an important role during the growth of ZnO nanoflowers. Change in optical band gap of ZnO due to morphological transformation is ascertained from the UV‐Vis spectrum analysis. PL spectrum reveals the content of excess oxygen in ZnO nanoflower which has also been estimated from Rietveld refinement of XRD data.
Adsorption Separation of R‐22, R‐32 and R‐125 Fluorocarbons using 4A Molecular Sieve Zeolite
Authors: Wanigarathna DarshikaK. J. A. , Gao Jiajian , Takanami Tetsuo , Zhang Qichun , Liu Bin 
Published: August 2016

AbstractGlobal warming has received great attention over the past decades, which is having costly impacts on our communities, health and climate. Fluorocarbon derivatives that are widely used in various industries such as refrigerants and solvents have significant effect on global warming due to their high global warming potential. Recycling and reuse of fluorocarbons help not only to minimize the environmental release but also to fulfill the future demand with the rapid phase out of some of the fluorocarbons. Herein, our work reports the adsorption separation of mixtures of difluoromethane (R‐32), chlorodifluoromethane (R‐22) and pentafluoroethane (R‐125) into their pure components using 4A molecular sieve zeolite under ambient conditions. Pure gas equilibrium isotherm measurements indicate that the uptake capacity follows the order of R‐32 > R‐22 > R‐125 on 4A zeolite with negligible uptake capacity for R‐125. As evidenced by the gas breakthrough results, R‐32, R‐22 and R‐125 could be successfully separated into pure components using 4A zeolite. Steric effects were responsible for the separation of R‐32 and R‐22 from R‐125 while slower uptake rate of R‐22 compared to R‐32 facilitated the successful separation of R‐22 from R‐32. The regular pore structure, excellent match of pore size of 4A zeolite with the molecular sizes of the fluorocarbon make the product gases very pure, to the extent of direct industrial applications.
A Facile Approach towards Fabrication of GdB6‐ZnO Heteroarchitecture as High Current Density Cold Cathode
Authors: Suryawanshi Sachin R. , Mistari Chetan D. , Singh Anil K. , Phase Deodatta M. , Late Dattatray J. , Sinha Sucharita , More Mahendra A. 
Published: August 2016

AbstractThree dimensional (3D) GdB6‐ZnO heteroarchitecture comprised of thin coating of GdB6 on self aligned ZnO urchins with pointed apex has been synthesized employing optimized Pulsed Laser Deposition (PLD) technique. The self aligned ZnO urchins on Zn substrate were obtained using hydrothermal route. The as‐synthesized GdB6‐ZnO heteroarchitecture was characterized using XRD, SEM, TEM XPS, and UPS in order to reveal its structural, morphological, chemical, and electronic properties. Interestingly, the GdB6‐ZnO heteroarchitecture exhibits superior field emission (FE) behviour in contrast to the pristine ZnO urchins envisaged by extraction of very high emission current density of ∼ 4.6 mA/cm2 at an applied field of ∼ 4.5 V/μm, against ∼1.5 mA/cm2 at an applied field of ∼ 5.6 V/μm from the pristine ZnO urchins emitter. Furthermore, the GdB6‐ZnOemitter exhibits good emission stability at pre‐set value of ∼5 μA over duration of more than 3 hours. The superior FE behaviour of the GdB6‐ZnO is attributed to low workfunction of GdB6 and presence of nanometric protrusions on the emitter surface, further enhancing the aspect ratio provided by the ZnO urchins. The present results demonstrate a facile approach towards fabrication of high current density cold cathodes due to rare earth hexaborides via designing heteroarchitectures comprised of their well adherent ultrathin coating on high aspect ratio metal oxide nanostructures.
Synthesis and Characterization of Bis(sigma)borate and Bis–zwitterionic Complexes of Rhodium and Iridium
Authors: Roy Dipak Kumar , Borthakur Rosmita , De Anangsha , Varghese Babu , Phukan Ashwini K. , Ghosh Sundargopal 
Published: August 2016

AbstractBuilding upon the chemistry of Rh–N,S‐heterocyclic carbene complex, [(Cp*Rh)(L2)(1‐benzothiazol‐2‐ylidene)], 2 (Cp*=η5‐C5Me5; L=C7H4NS2) with various monoboranes‐Lewis adducts, we explored the chemistry of 2 with BH3⋅thf at elevated temperature. As a result, mild thermolysis of 2 with BH3⋅thf led to the formation of bis(sigma)borate [(η4‐C5Me5H)Rh(η2‐H3BL)], 3 and a bis‐zwitterionic species [Cp*RhS(BH2L2)], 4 with the concomitant release of BH3⋅bt (bt=benzothiazole). The RhS3C2N2B2 atoms in 4 generates two six membered rings fused by a common Rh−S bond, which may be considered as a bicycle [4.4.0] cage at the rhodium center. In an effort to generate the iridium analogue of 3, reaction of [Cp*IrCl2]2 with Na[H3B(mbt)] (mbt=2‐mercaptobenzothiazole) was carried out that produced bis(sigma)borate complex [(η4‐C5Me5H)Ir(η2‐H3BL)], 1. The solid state X‐ray structures of 1 and 3 showed that the Cp*H ligand coordinated to the metal center in a η4‐fashion. In compound 3, the methyl group is oriented towards rhodium center, whereas it is away from Ir center in 1. In addition, the DFT computations were performed to shed light on the bonding and electronic structures of these compounds.