bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Designing crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with tunable mechanical properties for biomedical applications
Authors: Khanlari Anahita , Schulteis Jason E. , Suekama Tiffany C. , Detamore Michael S. , Gehrke Stevin H. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTThis study develops a simple copolymerization/crosslinking technique to control the swelling and mechanical properties of hyaluronic acid‐based hydrogels. Because of the widespread acceptance of poly(ethylene glycol) in biomedical applications, functionalized oligomers of ethylene glycol (EG) were used as comonomers to crosslink methacrylated hyaluronic acid (MHA). The swelling degree, shear and elastic moduli, and fracture properties (stress and strain) of the gels were investigated as a function of the crosslinking oligomer length and reactive group(s). It was hypothesized that acrylated oligomers would increase the crosslink density of the gels through formation of kinetic chains by reducing the steric hindrances that otherwise may limit efficient crosslinking of hyaluronic acid into gels. Specifically, after crosslinking 13 wt % MHA (47% degree of methacrylation) with 0.06 mol % of (EG)n‐diacrylate, the swelling ratio of the MHA gel decreased from 27 to 15 g/g and the shear modulus increased from 140 to 270 kPa as n increased from 1 to 13 units. The length and functionality (i.e., acrylate vs. methacrylate) of the oligomer controlled the crosslink density of the gels. The significant changes in the gel properties obtained with the addition of low levels of the PEG comonomer show that this method allows precise tuning of the physical properties of hyaluronic acid (HA) gels to achieve desired target values for biomedical applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42009.
Influence of plasticizer with different functional groups on thermoplastic starch
Authors: Niazi Muhammad B. K. , Zijlstra Mark , Broekhuis Antonius A. 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTRetrogradation of amorphous thermoplastic starch (TPS) films obtained by compression molding of spray dried modified potato starch was investigated. The aim was to investigate the influence of plasticizers with similar molecular weight but different functionality, i.e., isoleucine, asparagine and malic acid, on the properties of plasticized powder and TPS films. Combinations of malic acid with glycerol, urea, and maltodextrin were also evaluated. Except for isoleucine formulated starch, all samples were obtained as amorphous powders and films. Malic acid was identified as a strong antiretrogradation agent as it inhibited recrystallization of starch over the full range of humidity levels. Malic acid was also found to inhibit the retrogradation of formulations containing urea, glycerol and maltodextrin. The converse of the strong inhibition implied strong moisture absorption and high strain at break values, and low tensile strengths. Malic acid was also identified as a potential crosslinking agent to control swelling of starch‐based products. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42012.
γ Irradiation effects on optical, thermal, and mechanical properties of polysulfone/MWCNT nanocomposites in argon atmosphere
Authors: Ghosh Soumen Kumar , Chaki Tapan Kumar , Khastgir Dipak , Pinto Richard 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPolymer‐based composites find use in many nuclear and space application for their ease of fabrication, tailor made properties and light weight. Certain polymers like PTFE, unfilled polyesters and polyamides are prone to degradation in presence of high energy radiation while polymers like epoxies, polyimides, and poly‐ether ether ketone have good stability to ionizing radiation. Incorporation of fillers like carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is likely to improve the radiation resistance of the polymers. In this work, polysulfone (PSU)‐based nanocomposites were fabricated using multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) by solution mixing process. The morphology of the PSU/ MWCNT nanocomposites films were studied using Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM). The prepared films were subjected to γ radiation in an argon environment (to avoid the effect of air/oxygen). Different techniques were used to understand the radiation‐induced changes. Gel Permeation Chromatography (GPC) traces of neat PSU before and after exposure to radiation shows a decrease in molecular weight. Infrared spectroscopy shows changes in chemical structure. Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) thermograms reveal dose‐related changes. For neat PSU, a decrease in Tg was observed with increase in dose. For PSU/ MWCNT nanocomposites, the increase in MWCNT content and dose (up to 1.5 MGy) increased the Tg. Thermo Gravimetric Analysis (TGA) showed a marginal decrease in thermal stability for pristine PSU as well as PSU/MWCNT nanocomposites with irradiation. Tensile strength increased with increasing MWCNT content but decreased with dose. Elongation at break decreased with MWCNT content as well as radiation dose. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42017.
Highly monodisperse, lanthanide‐containing polystyrene nanoparticles as potential standard reference materials for environmental “nano” fate analysis
Authors: Hughes Jonathan M. , Budd Peter M. , Grieve Andrew , Dutta Pranab , Tiede Karen , Lewis John 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTFor the safe commercialization of nanoparticle technology, there is a need for reference materials that can be used in studies related to the environmental fate of nanoparticles. This work produced metal‐containing polystyrene nanoparticles with target parameters such as high monodispersity, tailorable size range (33–193 nm), and variable surface charge. In addition, the combination of organic and inorganic components made them detectable by all of the main analytical techniques routinely used in nanoparticle characterization, e.g., TEM, DCS, DLS, and ICP‐MS (the latter when interfaced to chromatographic instrumentation). The lanthanides Gd, Dy, and Nd were investigated as the inorganic component because of their high response when analyzed by ICP‐MS, and because of their low environmental abundance. Particles were prepared by emulsion polymerization using one of two stabilizers: the nonionic surfactant Pluronic F68 or the anionic surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate © 2015 The Authors Journal of Applied Polymer Science Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42061.
Treatment of Systemic Necrotizing Vasculitides in Patients Aged Sixty‐Five Years or Older: Results of a Multicenter, Open‐Label, Randomized Controlled Trial of Corticosteroid and Cyclophosphamide–Based Induction Therapy
Authors: Pagnoux Christian , Quéméneur Thomas , Ninet Jacques , Diot Elisabeth , Kyndt Xavier , de Wazières Benoît , Reny Jean‐Luc , Puéchal Xavier , le Berruyer Pierre‐Yves , Lidove Olivier , Vanhille Philippe , Godmer Pascal , Fain Olivier , Blockmans Daniel , Bienvenu Boris , Rollot Florence , Aït el Ghaz‐Poignant Séverine , Mahr Alfred , Cohen Pascal , Mouthon Luc , Perrodeau Elodie , Ravaud Philippe , Guillevin Loïc ,   for the French Vasculitis Study Group
Published: February 2015

ObjectiveTo investigate a new therapeutic strategy, with rapid corticosteroid dose tapering and limited cyclophosphamide (CYC) exposure, for older patients with systemic necrotizing vasculitides (SNVs; polyarteritis nodosa [PAN], granulomatosis with polyangiitis [Wegnener's] [GPA], microscopic polyangiitis [MPA], or eosinophilic GPA [Churg‐Strauss] [EGPA]).MethodsA multicenter, open‐label, randomized controlled trial comprising patients ≥65 years old and newly diagnosed as having SNV was conducted. The experimental treatment consisted of corticosteroids for ∼9 months and a maximum of six 500‐mg fixed‐dose intravenous (IV) CYC pulses, every 2–3 weeks, then maintenance azathioprine or methotrexate. The control treatment included ∼26 months of corticosteroids for all patients, combined with 500 mg/m2 IV CYC pulses, every 2–3 weeks until remission, then maintenance for all patients with GPA or MPA and for those with EGPA or PAN with a Five‐Factors Score (FFS) of ≥1. Randomization used a 1:1 ratio computer‐generated list and was performed centrally with sealed opaque envelopes. The primary outcome measure was ≥1 serious adverse event (SAE) occurring within 3 years of followup. Secondary outcome measures included remission and relapse rates.ResultsAmong the 108 patients randomized, 4 were excluded (early consent withdrawal or protocol violation). Mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 75.2 ± 6.3 years. Analysis at 3 years included 53 patients (21 GPA, 21 MPA, 8 EGPA, and 3 PAN) in the experimental arm and 51 patients (15 GPA, 23 MPA, 6 EGPA, and 7 PAN) in the conventional arm. In total, 32 (60%) versus 40 (78%) had ≥1 SAE (P = 0.04), most frequently infections; 6 (11%) versus 7 (14%) failed to achieve remission (P = 0.71); 9 (17%) versus 12 (24%) died (P = 0.41); and 20 (44%) of 45 versus 12 (29%) of 41 survivors in remission experienced a relapse (P = 0.15).ConclusionFor older SNV patients, an induction regimen limiting corticosteroid exposure and with fixed low‐dose IV CYC pulses reduces SAEs in comparison to conventional therapy, and does not affect the remission rate. Three‐year relapse rates remain high for both arms.
Liposomes Assembled from a Dual Drug‐tailed Phospholipid for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fang Shuo , Niu Yuge , Zhu Wenjun , Zhang Yemin , Yu Liangli , Li Xinsong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe report a novel dual drug‐tailed phospholipid which can form liposomes as a combination of prodrug and drug carrier. An amphiphilic dual chlorambucil‐tailed phospholipid (DCTP) was synthesized by a straightforward esterification. With two chlorambucil molecules as hydrophobic tails and one glycerophosphatidylcholine molecule as a hydrophilic head, the DCTP, a phospholipid prodrug, undergoes assembly to form a liposome without any additives by the thin lipid film technique. The DCTP liposomes, as an effective carrier of chlorambucil, exhibited a very high loading capacity and excellent stability. The liposomes had higher cytotoxic effects to cancer cell lines than free DCTP and chlorambucil. The in vivo antitumor activity assessment indicated that the DCTP liposomes could inhibit the tumor growth effectively. This novel strategy of dual drug‐tailed phospholipid liposomes may be also applicable to other hydrophobic anticancer drugs which have great potential in cancer therapy.
Field to flight: A techno‐economic analysis of the corn stover to aviation biofuels supply chain
Authors: Bittner Amanda , Tyner Wallace E. , Zhao Xin 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAviation biofuels can help to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the United States, help to meet the Renewable Fuel Standard for cellulosic biofuels, and improve US energy security. Cellulosic biofuels carry a lot of risk, because conversion technology is expensive. As a result, incentives are needed to reduce the risk for private investors. Government can implement policies to reduce the risk in investment in aviation biofuels. The issue is deciding which policy will provide the most reduction in risk, while providing a lowest cost to the government. This analysis focuses on aviation biofuel production using fast pyrolysis from corn stover. Cost benefit analysis is used to calculate the net present value, internal rate of return, and benefit‐cost ratio for a plant. Uncertainty is added to fuel price and four technical variables: capital cost, final fuel yield, hydrogen cost, and feedstock cost using @Risk, a Palisade Corporation software. We look at the impact of two policies: reverse auction and capital subsidy. For the reverse auction and capital subsidy, we used contract lengths of 5, 10, and 15 years to see the impact a longer contract could have on probability of loss. Both policies reduced risk in investment of aviation biofuels. A reverse auction reduced risk of investment more. As the contract length increased, the probability of loss and coefficient of variation in net present value were reduced substantially. When fuel price increased stochastically and a contract length of 15 years was used, probability of loss was reduced to 18.4%.
Enhanced orange–red emission of SrZn2(PO4)2:Sm3+ via codoping Eu2+ as a sensitizer
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Lou Shuqin , Li Panlai 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA series of Eu2+‐, Sm3+‐ and Eu2+/Sm3+‐doped SrZn2(PO4)2 samples were synthesized using a solid‐state reaction. SrZn2(PO4)2:Eu2+ presented a broad emission band due to 4f65d–4f7 transition of the Eu2+ ion. The spectra of SrZn2(PO4)2:Sm sintered in air and H2/N2 were identical in every aspect, except for a very small difference in intensity. A Eu2+–Sm3+ energy transfer scheme was proposed to realize the sensitization of Sm3+ ion emission by Eu2+ ions, and UV‐convertible Sm3+‐activated red phosphor was obtained in SrZn2(PO4)2:Eu2+, Sm3+. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Visible‐near‐infrared luminescent lanthanide ternary complexes based on beta‐diketonate using visible‐light excitation
Authors: Sun Lining , Qiu Yannan , Liu Tao , Feng Jing , Deng Wei , Shi Liyi 
Published: February 2015

AbstractWe used the synthesized dinaphthylmethane (Hdnm) ligand whose absorption extends to the visible‐light wavelength, to prepare a family of ternary lanthanide complexes, named as [Ln(dnm)3phen] (Ln = Sm, Nd, Yb, Er, Tm, Pr). The properties of these complexes were investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, diffuse reflectance (DR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analyses, and excitation and emission spectroscopy. Generally, excitation with visible light is much more advantageous than UV excitation. Importantly, upon excitation with visible light (401–460 nm), the complexes show characteristic visible (Sm3+) as well as near‐infrared (Sm3+, Nd3+, Yb3+, Er3+, Tm3+, Pr3+) luminescence of the corresponding lanthanide ions, attributed to the energy transfer from the ligands to the lanthanide ions, an antenna effect. Now, using these near‐infrared luminescent lanthanide complexes, the luminescent spectral region from 800 to 1650 nm, can be covered completely, which is of particular interest for biomedical imaging applications, laser systems, and optical amplification applications. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation of Ag/Au bimetallic nanostructures and their application in surface‐enhanced fluorescence
Authors: Dong Jun , Ye Yanyan , Zhang Wenhui , Ren Zebin , Huo Yiping , Zheng Hairong 
Published: February 2015

AbstractAn effective substrate for surface‐enhanced fluorescence, which consists of cluster Ag/Au bimetallic nanostructures on a copper surface, was synthesized via a multi‐stage galvanic replacement reaction of a Ag cluster in a chlorauric acid (HAuCl4) solution at room temperature. The fabricated silver/gold bimetallic cluster were found to yield large surface‐enhanced fluorescence (SEF) enhancement factors for rhodamine 6G probe molecules deposited on the substrate, and also the fluorescence efficiency is critically dependent on the period of nanostructure growth. With the help of proper control reaction conditions, such as the reaction time, and concentration of reaction solutions, the maximum fluorescence enhanced effect was obtained. Therefore, the bimetallic nanostructure substrate also can be adapted to studies in SEF, which will expand the application of SEF. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sensitive detection of sodium cromoglycate with glutathione‐capped CdTe quantum dots as a novel fluorescence probe
Authors: Hao Chenxia , Liu Shaopu , Li Dan , Yang Jidong , He Youqiu 
Published: February 2015

AbstractA sensitive and simple analytical strategy for the detection of sodium cromoglycate (SCG) has been established based on a readily detectable fluorescence quenching effect of SCG for glutathione‐capped (GSH‐capped) CdTe quantum dots (QDs). The fluorescence of GSH‐capped CdTe QDs could be efficiently quenched by SCG through electron transfer from GSH‐capped CdTe QDs to SCG. Under optimum conditions, the response was linearly proportional to the concentration of SCG between 0.6419 and 100 µg/mL, with a correlation coefficient (R) of 0.9964; the detection limit (3δ/K) was 0.1926 µg/mL. The optimum conditions and the influence of coexisting foreign substances on the reaction were also investigated. The very effective and simple method reported here has been successfully applied to the determination of SCG in synthetic and real samples. It is believed that the established approach could have good prospects for application in the fields of clinical diseases diagnosis and treatment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advances in inline quantification of co‐eluting proteins in chromatography: Process‐data‐based model calibration and application towards real‐life separation issues
Authors: Brestrich Nina , Sanden Adrian , Kraft Axel , McCann Karl , Bertolini Joseph , Hubbuch Jürgen 
Published: February 2015

ABSTRACTPooling decisions in preparative liquid chromatography for protein purification are usually based on univariate UV absorption measurements that are not able to differentiate between product and co‐eluting contaminants. This can result in inconsistent pool purities or yields, if there is a batch‐to‐batch variability of the feedstock. To overcome this analytical bottleneck, a tool for selective inline quantification of co‐eluting model proteins using mid‐UV absorption spectra and Partial Least Squares Regression (PLS) was presented in a previous study and applied for real‐time pooling decisions. In this paper, a process‐data‐based method for the PLS model calibration will be introduced that allows the application of the tool towards chromatography steps of real‐life processes. The process‐data‐based calibration method uses recorded inline mid‐UV absorption spectra that are correlated with offline fraction analytics to calibrate PLS models. In order to generate average spectra from the inline data, a Visual Basic for Application macro was successfully developed. The process‐data‐based model calibration was established using a ternary model protein system. Afterwards, it was successfully demonstrated in two case studies that the calibration method is applicable towards real‐life separation issues. The calibrated PLS models allowed a successful quantification of the co‐eluting species in a cation‐exchange‐based aggregate and fraction removal during the purification of monoclonal antibodies and of co‐eluting serum proteins in an anion‐exchange‐based purification of Cohn supernatant I. Consequently, the presented process‐data‐based PLS model calibration in combination with the tool for selective inline quantification has a great potential for the monitoring of future chromatography steps and may contribute to manage batch‐to‐batch variability by real‐time pooling decisions. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1406–1416. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tailor‐made TALEN system for highly efficient targeted gene replacement in the rice blast fungus
Authors: Arazoe Takayuki , Ogawa Tetsuo , Miyoshi Kennosuke , Yamato Tohru , Ohsato Shuichi , Sakuma Tetsushi , Yamamoto Takashi , Arie Tsutomu , Kuwata Shigeru 
Published: February 2015

AbstractGenetic manipulation is key to unraveling gene functions and creating genetically modified strains of microbial organisms. Recently, engineered nucleases that can generate DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs) at a specific site in the desired locus within genome are utilized in a rapidly developing genome editing technology via DSBs repair. However, the use of engineered nucleases in filamentous fungi has not been validated. In this study, we demonstrated that tailor‐made transcriptional activator‐like effector nucleases (TALENs) system, Platinum–Fungal TALENs (PtFg TALENs), could improve the efficiency of homologous recombination‐mediated targeted gene replacement by up to 100% in the rice blast fungus Pyricularia oryzae. This high‐efficiency PtFg TALEN has great potential for basic and applied biological applications in filamentous fungi. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 1335–1342. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oncoplastic and reconstructive breast surgery in the elderly
Authors: James R , McCulley S J , Macmillan R D 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
The recommendations of the UK All Party Parliamentary Group on Breast Cancer (2013) have been endorsed recently by the UK Association of Breast Surgeons and are in line with the 2007 Cancer Reform Strategy, which states that treatment in older British women should be equivalent to that in younger patients unless precluded by co-morbidity or patient choice. Oncoplastic and reconstructive techniques are increasingly available to women with breast cancer. A review of the literature was carried out to investigate use of these techniques in older patients.

Methods
A MEDLINE search was conducted to identify studies relating to oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery in the elderly.

Results and conclusion
Nine studies were identified and included in the review. Older patients undergoing reconstruction, particularly autologous reconstruction, have outcomes that are at least as good as those achieved in younger patients, yet are far less likely to be offered these techniques. Issues influencing oncoplastic and reconstructive surgery in the elderly include: lack of standard pathways of care, concerns regarding higher operative risk, lack of evidence regarding outcomes, preconceptions regarding body image and lack of engagement with the decision-making process. A minority of older women are likely to accept reconstruction, but those who do are pleased with the results and experience good quality of life. There is now a range of safe oncoplastic and reconstructive options that could be considered as an alternative to standard mastectomy or wide local excision in older patients.
Randomized double-blind trial comparing the cosmetic outcome of cutting diathermy versus scalpel for skin incisions
Authors: Aird L N F , Bristol S G , Phang P T , Raval M J , Brown C J 
Published: February 2015

Abstract

Background
Controversy exists about whether cutting diathermy for skin incisions leads to a cosmetically inferior scar. Cosmetic outcomes were compared between skin incisions created with cutting diathermy versus scalpel. Wound infection rates and postoperative incisional pain were also compared.

Methods
This was a randomized double-blind trial comparing cutting diathermy and scalpel in patients undergoing bowel resection. Scar cosmesis was assessed at 6 months after surgery by a plastic surgeon and a research associate using the Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) and the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS). Patients also used POSAS to self-evaluate their scars. Wound infections within 30 days were recorded, and incision pain scores were measured on the first 5 days after operation.

Results
A total of 66 patients were randomized to cutting diathermy (31) or scalpel (35). At 6 months, there was no significant difference between the diathermy and scalpel groups in mean(s.d.) VSS scores (4·9(2·6) versus 5·0(1·9); P = 0·837), mean POSAS total scores (19·2(8·0) versus 20·0(7·4); P = 0·684) or subjective POSAS total scores (20·2(12·1) versus 21·3(10·4); P = 0·725). Neither were there significant differences in wound infection rates between the groups (5 of 30 versus 5 of 32; P = 1·000). Pain scores on day 1 after operation were significantly lower in the diathermy group (mean 1·68 versus 3·13; P = 0·018), but were not significantly different on days 2–5.

Conclusion
Cutting diathermy is a cosmetically acceptable technique for abdominal skin incisions. There is no increased risk of wound infection, and diathermy may convey benefit in terms of early postoperative wound pain. Registration number: NCT01496404 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).