bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cell layer‐electrospun mesh composites for coronary artery bypass grafts
Authors: Erndt‐Marino Josh D. , Becerra‐Bayona Silvia , McMahon Rebecca E. , Goldstein Aaron S. , Hahn Mariah S. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThis work investigates the potential of cell layer‐electrospun mesh constructs as coronary artery bypass grafts. These cell‐mesh constructs were generated by first culturing a confluent layer of 10T½ smooth muscle progenitor cells on a high strength electrospun mesh with uniaxially aligned fibers. Cell‐laden mesh sheets were then wrapped around a cylindrical mandrel such that the mesh fibers were aligned circumferentially. The resulting multi‐layered constructs were then cultured for 4 wks in media supplemented with TGF‐β1 and ascorbic acid to support 10T½ differentiation toward a smooth muscle cell‐like fate as well as to support elastin and collagen production. The underlying hypothesis of this work was that extracellular matrix (ECM) deposited by the cell layers would act as an adhesive agent between the individual mesh layers, providing strength to the construct as well as a source for structural elasticity at low strains. In addition, the structural anisotropy of the mesh would inherently guide desired circumferential cell and ECM alignment. Results demonstrate that the cell‐mesh constructs exhibited a J‐shaped circumferential stress‐strain response similar to that of native coronary artery, while also displaying acceptable tensile strength. Furthermore, associated 10T½ cells and deposited collagen fibers showed a high degree of circumferential alignment. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 2200–2209, 2016.
Therapeutic Alliance during Prolonged Exposure Versus Client‐Centered Therapy for Adolescent Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Capaldi Sandra , Asnaani Anu , Zandberg Laurie J. , Carpenter Joseph K. , Foa Edna B. 
Published: April 2016

ObjectivesTo examine the relationship between improvements in adolescent ratings of therapeutic alliance and reductions in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) severity over time among adolescent girls during prolonged exposure therapy for adolescents (PE‐A) versus client‐centered therapy (CCT), as well as to examine differences in changes in alliance between treatment groups.MethodA total of 61 adolescent girls (aged 13–18 years) with sexual assault‐related PTSD received PE‐A or CCT in a randomized controlled trial. Participants rated alliance at session 3, midtreatment, and posttreatment.ResultsThe rate of improvement in adolescent‐rated alliance was greater in PE‐A than CCT over the course of treatment. In addition, improvement in adolescent‐rated alliance significantly contributed to improvements in PTSD (regardless of treatment condition), but not vice versa.ConclusionsContrary to beliefs that trauma‐focused treatments fail to establish strong therapeutic alliance in sexually abused adolescents, improvement in adolescent ratings of alliance were greater in PE‐A compared to CCT, and improvements in adolescent‐rated alliance were significantly associated with better treatment outcome across both types of treatments.
Highly efficient bioconversion of methane to methanol using a novel type I Methylomonas sp. DH‐1 newly isolated from brewery waste sludge
Authors: Hur Dong Hoon , Na Jeong‐Geol , Lee Eun Yeol 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBackgroundMethane is the major component of natural and shale gas. Methane can be converted into methanol via a bioprocess using methanotrophs, and methanol is a valuable chemical feedstock for the production of value‐added chemicals. This work demonstrates highly effective bioconversion of methane to methanol using a newly isolated novel methanotroph, Methylomonas sp. DH‐1.ResultsA novel methanotroph strain was isolated from activated sludge from a brewery plant and characterized using phylogenetic analysis, electron microscopy and chemotaxonomic analysis. This aerobic, Gram‐negative, non‐motile rod‐shaped type I methanotroph was designated as Methylomonas sp. DH‐1. The growth condition of Methylomonas sp. DH‐1 and batch methane‐to‐methanol bioconversion conditions such as methane concentration, pH, biocatalyst loading, concentration of formate and MDH inhibitor were analyzed and optimized. Methanol was produced from methane with a 1.340 g L−1 titer, a 0.332 g L−1 h−1 volumetric conversion rate and a 0.0752 g g−1 cell h−1 specific methanol conversion rate.ConclusionIt was demonstrated that isolation and application of a new methanotroph strain is a practical way of improving bioconversion efficiency in the conversion of methane to methanol. Moreover, one promising feature of Methylomonas sp. DH‐1 for methanol production was its extremely high tolerance to methanol up to 7%(v/v), which is advantageous for high‐titer methanol production. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
A microfluidic platform for physical entrapment of yeast cells with continuous production of invertase
Authors: Brás Eduardo JS , Chu Virginia , Aires‐Barros Maria R , Conde João P , Fernandes Pedro 
Published: April 2016

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe rapidly increasing use of biotechnology in many industries has led to the need for novel methods for cell culture which provide an efficient way to either optimize or perform fermentation operations. In parallel, microfabrication techniques allowed the development of microfluidic chips for complex handling of fluids and cells.RESULTSThis work presents a microfluidic platform to trap non‐adherent cells for the continuous production of a biomolecule of interest. The biological system chosen as a model was the yeast species Saccharomyces cerevisiae and the extracellular protein invertase. The use of the appropriate combination of the flow rate of the medium, medium dilution rate, and pH allowed effective control of the cell growth in the microfluidic bioreactor while at the same time maximizing the invertase activity per cell. The microfluidic bioreactor allowed for continuous cell culture for 32 h and its productivity both per cell (3.22 × 10−8 U cell−1) and per consumed nutrient (3.79 U mg−1 sucrose) was consistently higher than its macroscale batch and continuous reactor counterparts.CONCLUSIONThis work demonstrated that a microfluidic bioreactor can be used for continuous production of an extracellular protein using hydrodynamically trapped non‐adherent yeast cells. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Propionibacterium acnes infected intervertebral discs cause vertebral bone marrow lesions consistent with Modic changes
Authors: Dudli Stefan , Liebenberg Ellen , Magnitsky Sergey , Miller Steve , Demir‐Deviren Sibel , Lotz Jeffrey C. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTModic type I change (MC1) are vertebral bone marrow lesions adjacent to degenerated discs that are specific for discogenic low back pain. The etiopathogenesis is unknown, but occult discitis, in particular with Propionibacteria acnes (P. acnes), has been suggested as a possible etiology. If true, antibiotic therapy should be considered for patients with MC1. However, this hypothesis is controversial. While some studies report up to 40% infection rate in herniated discs, others fail to detect infected discs and attribute reports of positive cultures to contamination during sampling procedure. Irrespective of the clinical controversy, whether it is biologically plausible for P. acnes to cause MC1 has never been investigated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to test if P. acnes can proliferate within discs and cause reactive changes in the adjacent bone marrow. P. acnes was aseptically isolated from a symptomatic human L4/5 disc with MC1 and injected into rat tail discs. We demonstrate proliferation of P. acnes and up‐regulation of IL‐1 and IL‐6 within three days of inoculation. At day‐7, disc degeneration was apparent along with fibrotic endplate erosion. TNF‐α immunoreactivity was enhanced within the effected endplates along with cellular infiltrates. The bone marrow appeared normal. At day‐14, endplates and trabecular bone close to the disc were almost completely resorbed and fibrotic tissue extended into the bone marrow. T‐cells and TNF‐α immunoreactivity were identified at the disc/marrow junction. On MRI, bone marrow showed MC1‐like changes. In conclusion, P. acnes proliferate within the disc, induce degeneration, and cause MC1‐like changes in the adjacent bone marrow. © 2016 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 34:1447–1455, 2016.
A pretreatment to improve the quality metrics performance for encoding H264/AVC
Authors: Ben Amor Mohamed , Kammoun Fahmi , Masmoudi Nouri 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe study of the human visual system is very interesting to quantify the quality of an image or to predict perceived information. The contrast sensitivity function is one of the main ways to incorporate the human visual system properties in an imaging system. It characterizes its sensitivity to spatial frequencies. In this paper, we are interested in establishing a pretreatment for existing metrics with full reference (“peak signal‐to‐noise ratio”, “digital video quality”) for the H.264/MPEG‐4 (Motion Picture Expert Group) advanced video coding standard. We realize in our algorithm the FFT transformation to apply the contrast sensitivity function. Our method is applicable to any size of image and video sequence by increasing its size at powers of two. This increase is achieved by adding “mirror image.” We evaluate the performance of the proposed pretreatment by using subjective “LIVE” video databases. The performance metrics, that is, Pearson (PLCC), Spearman correlation coefficients (SROCC) and root mean square prediction error (RMSE) indicate that the proposed method gives a good performance in H264 codec distortions.
The application of boundary element method to the resistance calculation problem in designing flat panel displays
Authors: Yu Wenjian , Zhao Chensu , Yang Siyu , Lu Taotao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractSeveral techniques are presented for the efficient resistance calculation of wiring structures in flat panel display (FPD). The techniques are based on two‐dimensional boundary element method (BEM), suitable for the geometry characteristics of the FPD structures. With an automatic strategy for boundary element partition and the analytical BEM‐coupled approach, the proposed resistance solver shows good accuracy and fast computational speed. Numerical experiments demonstrate that the solver can be more than 10,000 times faster than the finite difference solverraphaelwhile preserving good accuracy. And the proposed techniques accelerate the original BEM remarkably. Structures from real FPD designs have validated the efficiency of the proposed techniques.
Nondestructive Molecular Characterization of Polycarbonate–Polyvinylamine Composites after Thermally Induced Aminolysis
Authors: Zimmerer Cordelia , Nagel Jürgen , Steiner Gerald , Heinrich Gert 
Published: April 2016

Thermal induced solid phase polymer reactions between bisphenol‐A‐based polycarbonate (PC) and polyvinylamine (PVAm) are used to form permanent composite material. The PC–PVAm interface is characterized by infrared (IR) spectroscopy. IR spectra of synthesized reference substances which can be expected after PC–PVAm reaction are recorded and used to identify amidation product structures within the PC–PVAm interphase. Curve fit analysis is performed to isolated sub‐bands. The spectral position of the carbonyl absorption band is a suitable marker for the identification of different amidation products. While the formation of urethane and cyclic Allophanate points to the formation of a co‐polymer cyclic Urea indicates a PC chain scission without binding between both polymer materials.
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Novel Approach for Invention of Nubbly‐Like Cd(SSe) Thin Film: Photoelectrochemical Application
Authors: Khot Kishorkumar V. , Mali Sawanta S. , Patil Pallavi B. , Kharade Rohini R. , Mane Rahul M. , Hong Chang Kook , Bhosale Popatrao N. 
Published: April 2016

SummarySelf‐organized arrested precipitation technique (APT) has been successfully used for synthesis of nubbly‐like cadmium sulfoselenide (Cd(SSe)) thin film. Deposited Cd(SSe) thin films was characterized by using UV–Vis spectrophotometer, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) study, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS) techniques. Surface profiler study revealed that thickness of deposited thin film is 793 nm. Optical absorption study indicated that, direct allowed type of transition with 1.86 eV optical band gap energy. XRD study confirmed that, deposited thin film is nanocrystalline in nature with pure hexagonal crystal structure and calculated crystallite size is 68 nm. Well‐adherent and crack free deposition on substrate surface was observed in low resolution FESEM image. High resolution FESEM image shows formation of nubbly‐like surface morphology from bunch of smaller nanospheres. EDS pattern confirms that deposited thin film is stoichiomtric in nature. Highest short circuit current density (Jsc) of 0.454 mA/cm2 and corresponding value of open circuit voltage (Voc) was 782 mV. From J–V measurement, photoconversion efficiency of 0.57% was achieved.
Prediction of the Phase Structure Evolution during Processing of Polymer Blends. Results and Problems
Authors: Fortelný Ivan , Jůza Josef 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe paper summarizes state of art in the description of the droplet breakup, coalescence, and competition between them in flowing immiscible polymer blends. It has been shown that, in contrast to the conditions for the start of droplet breakup, knowledge of the dependence of the droplet breakup frequency on system parameters is quite limited. It has been demonstrated that the switch between expressions for the matrix drainage between spherical and highly deformed droplets leads to a reasonable description of the flow induced coalescence. This method makes it possible to include the effect of the matrix elasticity into the calculation of the probability of coalescence. The analysis of the competition between the droplet breakup and coalescence leads to the conclusion that knowledge of the mechanism and frequency of the droplet breakup is essential for at least qualitative prediction of the droplet size dependence on system parameters. The article addresses main features of flowing polymer blends, not adequately reflected in available theories.
Performance of Cladding Modified PANI‐ZnO Nanocomposite Glucose Oxidase Immobilized Fiber Optic Intrinsic Glucose Biosensor
Authors: Pahurkar Vikas , Harde Gajanan , Nagale Vinod , Muley Gajanan 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThe cheapness, easy availability of raw materials, easy synthesis, good environmental stability, good electrical and optical properties, simple doping and de‐doping chemistry makes the place of polymers very important in sensing applications. Besides all the conducting polymers, polyaniline (PANI) has found comfortable and suitable for the immobilization of biomolecules. In the present study, we have fabricated PANI‐ZnO nanocomposite by chemical polymerization route and used to modify cladding of an optical fiber for immobilization of enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) on it with the help of cross‐linking technique for the development of cladding modified fiber optic intrinsic glucose biosensor (FOIGB). The properties of deposited PANI‐ZnO nanocomposite have been studied. The sensitivity of prepared sensor in the form of power and modal power distribution (MPD) has also been reported.
Effect of Concentration and Temperature on Rheological Behaviour of Polystyrene Solution
Authors: Suresh Kelothu , Boro Rijumoni , Kumar R. Vinoth , Pugazhenthi G. 
Published: April 2016

SummaryThis article addresses the rheological properties of various concentration of polystyrene solution at different temperatures. Xylene was used as a solvent to make different concentration of polystyrene solution (5, 10 and 15 wt%). The rheological characteristics were carried out at various temperatures (20, 30 and 40°C) and the shear rate was varied from 0.1 to 100 s−1. The obtained results clearly demonstrate that the solution rheology is influenced by shear rate, solution concentration and testing temperature. It is also observed that for the studied temperatures, the viscosity of polystyrene solution rapidly decreases with increasing shear rate from 0.1 to 16 s−1. In order to elucidate the rheological behavior, different rheological models such as Power law, Herschel–Bulkley, Casson, Sisko, Cross and Carreau model were used to determine the flow characteristics of the polystyrene solutions. According to regression coefficient and Bias factor analysis, it can be concluded that Herschel–Bulkley model describes well for 5 wt% solution, whereas Cross model provides the best fit for 10 and 15 wt% polymer solution.
Synthesis and Characterization of Aniline and 4‐Fluoroaniline Conducting Copolymer Composites Doped with Silver Nanoparticles
Authors: Vijayanand Pachanoor Subbaian , Vivekanandan Janakiraman , Mahudeswaran Arunachalam , Jayaprakasam Ramasamy 
Published: April 2016

SummaryA new series of silver nanoparticles doped poly (aniline‐co‐4‐fluoroaniline) nanocomposites was synthesized by chemical oxidative in‐situ polymerization method. The characterization of these nanocomposites was carried out by using FTIR, UV‐visible spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and a standard four probe conductivity method. The synthesized conducting copolymer shows good solubility in common organic solvents such as DMF and DMSO. In FT‐IR spectroscopy a broad band around 1153 cm−1 corresponds to the presence of a halogen (fluoro) group. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization reveals the crystalline nature of the copolymer. The scanning electron microscopic study shows the nanolayered spherical granular particles are of agglomeration nature. The increase in conductivity is also due to the interfacial interaction of nano‐scale Ag nanoparticles in the poly (aniline‐co‐4‐fluoroaniline) matrix that leads to fast charge transfer process. It may be used in the manufacture of batteries, electrodes, electrochromic devices, photovoltaic cells, light emitting diode and biosensors etc.
Formulation and Characterization of Sustained Release Microspheres of Lornoxicam Using Gelatin with HPMCAS Coating
Authors: Fule Ritesh , Dhamecha Dinesh , Khale Anubha , Amin Purnima 
Published: April 2016

SummarySustained release polymeric microspheres of lornoxicam are prepared by using calcium chloride gelatin followed by amphiphilic HPMCAS (Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Acetate Succinate H grade) polymer by solvent evaporation method. Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is used as an emulsifier which was found to improve shape whereas HPMCAS increased surface smoothness of microspheres. In vitro dissolution studies in acidic and neutral pH showed sustained release profile for all formulations. Microspheres were characterized by using advanced analytical instruments like SEM, XRD, DSC, FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy etc. Microspheres are evaluated for its swelling index, shape and entrapment efficiency. The prepared microspheres found to be stable and release controlled which consequently sustained the drug effect for longer time.
Slowed relaxation of diaphragm in septic rats is associated with reduced expression of sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum CA2+‐ATPase genes SERCA1 and SERCA2
Authors: Wu Jin , Zhang Jian You , Gong Yuan , Li Shi Tong 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: The aim of this study was to study the effects of sepsis on diaphragm relaxation properties and the associated expression of sarco‐endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase genes SERCA1 and SERCA2. Methods: Rats were randomized to undergo either sham surgery or cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Diaphragm isometric relaxation parameters were measured after 24 h. The mRNA expression and protein content of SERCA1 and SERCA2 in diaphragm muscles were determined. Results: Both diaphragm maximal twitch and tetanus relaxation rates were reduced. Twitch half‐relaxation time was prolonged after normalization to half of peak twitch tension. The mRNA expression and protein content of SERCA1 and SERCA2 were decreased. Conclusions: Slowed relaxation of the diaphragm in septic rats was associated with reduced expression of SERCA1 and SERCA2. Muscle Nerve 54: 1108–1113, 2016
Serial assessment of functional recovery following nerve injury using implantable thin‐film wireless nerve stimulators
Authors: Gamble Paul , Stephen Manu , MacEwan Matthew , Ray Wilson Z. 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Comprehensive assessment of the time course of functional recovery following peripheral nerve repair is critical for surgical management of peripheral nerve injuries. This study describes the design and implementation of a novel implantable wireless nerve stimulator capable of repeatedly interfacing peripheral nerve tissue and providing serial evaluation of functional recovery postoperatively. Methods: Thin‐film wireless implants were fabricated and subcutaneously implanted into Lewis rats. Wireless implants were used to serially stimulate rat sciatic nerve and assess functional recovery over 3 months following various nerve injuries. Results: Wireless stimulators demonstrated consistent performances over 3 months in vivo and successfully facilitated serial assessment of nerve and muscle function following nerve crush and nerve transection injuries. Conclusions: This study highlights the ability of implantable wireless nerve stimulators to provide a unique view into the time course of functional recovery in multiple motor targets. Muscle Nerve 54: 1114–1119, 2016
Denervation versus pre‐ and postsynaptic muscle immobilization: Effects On acetylcholine‐ and muscle‐specific tyrosine kinase receptors
Authors: Kramer Christopher , Zoubaa Saida , Kretschmer Alexander , Jordan Denis , Blobner Manfred , Fink Heidrun 
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACTIntroductionFunctional immobility of the diaphragm by mechanical ventilation impairs neuromuscular transmission and may result in ventilator‐induced diaphragmatic dysfunction. We compared 3 diaphragmatic immobilization models with respect to their effects on expression of adult and fetal acetylcholine receptors (AChRs), muscle‐specific receptor tyrosine kinase (MuSK), and muscle fiber morphology.MethodsDiaphragms of rats were immobilized by either: (1) phrenicotomy; (2) presynaptic tetrodotoxin nerve blockade; or (3) postsynaptic polyethylene orthosis. AChR subtypes and MuSK were quantified by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. Muscle fiber morphology was evaluated by hematoxylin–eosin staining.ResultsAdult AChRs remained unchanged, whereas fetal AChRs and MuSK were upregulated in all models. Denervation induced the strongest changes in muscle morphology.ConclusionsEach diaphragm immobilization model led to severe morphologic and postsynaptic receptor changes. Postsynaptic polyethylene orthosis, a new model with an intact and functioning motor unit, best reflects the clinical picture of a functionally immobilized diaphragm. Muscle Nerve 55: 101–108, 2017
Oxyhydroxy Silicate Colloids: A New Type of Waterborne Actinide(IV) Colloids
Authors: Zänker Harald , Weiss Stephan , Hennig Christoph , Brendler Vinzenz , Ikeda‐Ohno Atsushi 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAt the near‐neutral and reducing aquatic conditions expected in undisturbed ore deposits or in closed nuclear waste repositories, the actinides Th, U, Np, and Pu are primarily tetravalent. These tetravalent actinides (AnIV) are sparingly soluble in aquatic systems and, hence, are often assumed to be immobile. However, AnIV could become mobile if they occur as colloids. This review focuses on a new type of AnIV colloids, oxyhydroxy silicate colloids. We herein discuss the chemical characteristics of these colloids and the potential implication for their environmental behavior. The binary oxyhydroxy silicate colloids of AnIV could be potentially more mobile as a waterborne species than the well‐known mono‐component oxyhydroxide colloids.