bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measurement of the nonlinear mechanical properties of a poly(vinyl alcohol) sponge under longitudinal and circumferential loading
Authors: Karimi Alireza , Navidbakhsh Mahdi 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(vinyl alcohol) sponges (P‐sponges) have been used as a potential implant material for the replacement and repair of soft tissues, including cartilage, liver, and kidney. However, the application of P‐sponges as tissue replacement materials is almost entirely bounded because of a lack of sufficient mechanical properties. In this study, we characterized the mechanical properties of a fabricated poly(vinyl alcohol) sponge (P‐sponge) under a series of longitudinal and circumferential uniaxial loadings. The nonlinear mechanical behavior of the P‐sponge was also computationally investigated with hyperelastic strain energy density functions, that is, the Ogden, Yeoh, Mooney–Rivlin, and Neo‐Hookean models. A hyperelastic constitutive model was selected to best fit the axial behavior of the sponge. The results reveal that the Young's modulus and maximum stress of the P‐sponge in the longitudinal direction were 16 and 17% greater than that in the circumferential direction, respectively. The Yeoh model, in addition, was selected to represent the nonlinear behavior of the poly(vinyl alcohol) material and could be used in future biomechanical simulations of the soft tissues. These results can be used to understand the mechanical properties of spongy materials in different loading directions. In addition, they have implications for ophthalmic and plastic surgeries and wound healing and tissue engineering purposes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40257.
Effects of solvents on the morphology and conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):Poly(styrenesulfonate) nanofibers
Authors: Kara Meryem O. Pehlivaner , Frey Margaret W. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn this study, the effect of solvents on the morphology and conductivity of poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate)(PEDOT:PSS) nanofibers is investigated. Conductive PEDOT:PSS nanofibers are electrospun by dissolving a fiber‐forming polymer, polyvinyl alcohol, in an aqueous dispersion of PEDOT:PSS. The conductivity of PEDOT:PSS nanofibers is enhanced 15‐fold by addition of DMSO and almost 30‐fold by addition of ethylene glycol to the spinning dopes. This improvement is attributed to the change in the conformation of the PEDOT chains from the coiled benzoid to the extended coil quinoid structure as confirmed by Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy images show that less beady and more uniform fiber morphology could be obtained by incorporation of ethylene glycol in the spinning dopes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40305.
Exploring poly(vinyl alcohol) hydrogels containing drug–cyclodextrin complexes as controlled drug delivery systems
Authors: Das Subhraseema , Subuddhi Usharani 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels containing drug–β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complexes (ICs) were synthesized with glutaraldehyde (GA) as a crosslinker. The role of cyclodextrin (CD), the effect of the nature of drug, and the degree of crosslinking on the drug‐release process were investigated. The probable mechanism of drug release was also explored. Controlled release of the drug was achieved from the hydrogels containing the ICs. The nature of the drug, in terms of its binding efficacy with CD, played an important role. The effect of the degree of crosslinking on the release pattern was strikingly different from that in the hydrogels containing free drug and those with ICs. The role of CD in the drug‐release process was not only due to its inclusion ability but also its effect on the polymer relaxation. GA, apart from crosslinking PVA, probably interacted with the cyclodextrins and, thereby, influenced the matrix structure and the drug‐release kinetics. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40318.
Green building blocks for bio‐based plastics
Authors: Harmsen Paulien F. H. , Hackmann Martijn M. , Bos Harriëtte L. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIn this paper we investigate the possible routes to produce the most commonly used polymers from biomass. This includes vinyl polymers, polyesters, polyamides, polyurethanes, and synthetic rubbers. Also the most promising newly developed polymers that can be produced from biomass are investigated. Approximately 80% by weight of all chemicals produced by the petrochemical industry are applied in polymer materials. Producing these materials from biomass instead of fossil resources thus significantly contributes to the development of the bio‐based economy.We show that it is technically possible to produce all major bioplastics from biomass. In many cases even more than one process can be envisioned. Essential chemical building blocks involved in the bio‐based production routes are presented, including state of the art production routes and production volumes. If we assume that processing costs for bio‐based processes will lower with further development of the bio‐based technologies, feedstock costs will start to weigh more heavily on the total production costs in the future. In that respect efficient use of biomass will become more important. Building blocks with acid‐ and alcohol functionalities, such as lactic acid and succinic acid, can be well produced from biomass like sugars, since the oxygen atoms needed for these building blocks are already present in the biomass. Building blocks that can be applied in many polymer groups due to their chemical structure are promising and are expected to undergo substantial growth. We show that there are various developments on these versatile building blocks. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Albumin‐binding of diclofenac and the effect of a site II inhibitor in the aqueous humor of cataract patients with the instillation of diclofenac
Authors: Osaki Takashi , Ozaki Mineo , Takamura Norito , Ogata Kenji , Tokunaga Jin , Setoguchi Nao , Arimori Kazuhiko 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTDiclofenac instillation has been used widely in cataract surgery to prevent postoperative inflammation. Since diclofenac binds strongly to albumin in the circulation, it does not have a sufficient effect on patients in whom diclofenac binds strongly to albumin in the aqueous humor. A decrease in diclofenac binding and an increase in free diclofenac levels are necessary in these patients. The binding of diclofenac to albumin was investigated in the aqueous humor. In a diclofenac binding assay with albumin in the aqueous humor of individual patients, diclofenac was extracted from aliquots of the aqueous humor, and its total levels were measured using ultra high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC). Free diclofenac levels were measured using ultrafiltration and UHPLC. The albumin‐binding fraction of diclofenac was 0.8 or higher in the aqueous humor of some patients. Ibuprofen significantly inhibited diclofenac binding to site II of albumin in mimic aqueous humor, but not in pooled aqueous humor. This difference may have been due to the weak binding of diclofenac to site II in the pooled aqueous humor. Flurbiprofen was used instead of diclofenac. Flurbiprofen has been shown to bind more strongly than diclofenac to the same site of albumin. Thus, the inhibitory effect of ibuprofen on the binding of flurbiprofen to albumin was investigated in pooled aqueous humor. The results indicated that ibuprofen significantly inhibited the flurbiprofen binding. An effective diclofenac administration method may be established for clinical application by the instillation of an appropriate inhibitor of binding to the albumin site II. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Uncertainty assessment of ephemeral gully identification, characteristics and topographic threshold when using aerial photographs in agricultural settings
Authors: Maugnard Alexandre , Cordonnier Hélène , Degre Aurore , Demarcin Pierre , Pineux Nathalie , Bielders Charles L. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTManual digitizing on aerial photographs is still commonly used for characterizing gully erosion over large areas. Even when automated detection procedures are implemented, manual digitizing is frequently being resorted to in order to constitute reference datasets used for training and validation. In both cases, manual digitizing entails some subjective decisions on behalf of the operator, which introduces uncertainty into the resulting datasets. To assess the magnitude of this uncertainty, 11 experienced operators were asked to digitize and classify ephemeral gullies (EGs) on cropland following a standardized methodology. The resulting 11 datasets were compared in terms of number, type and location of EGs. Furthermore, for EGs located on a well‐defined runoff flow concentration axis, the slope versus contributing area topographic thresholds required for initiating gully channels were assessed using four thresholding methods, and compared across the 11 datasets. The operators identified 259 different EGs. However, the number (52–139) and sum total length (8.9–23.7 km) of EGs varied widely across operators. Only 34% of the EGs were digitized by more than half of the operators, and 7% were identified by all. Identification of EGs located on a well‐defined flow concentration axis proved least subjective. The longer the EG and the more fields the EG crossed, the larger the number of operators that were able to identify it. EGs were also most easily identified when located in sugar beet fields as compared to other crops. EG classification and topographic threshold lines were also found to be strongly operator‐dependent. Quantile regression appeared to be one of the most robust thresholding methods. Operator subjectivity when digitizing EGs on orthophotographs introduces uncertainty that should be taken into account in future remote sensing‐based studies of EG erosion whenever they rely, in part or in full, on manual photograph interpretation. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Correcting spherical aberrations in confocal light sheet microscopy: A theoretical study
Authors: Silvestri L. , Sacconi L. , Pavone F.S. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIn the last years, fluorescence light sheet microscopy has attracted an increasing interest among the microscopy community. One of the most promising applications of this technique is the reconstruction of macroscopic biological specimens with microscopic resolution, without physical sectioning. To this aim, light sheet microscopy is combined with clearing protocols based on refractive index matching, which render the tissue transparent. However, these protocols lead to a huge drop in the fluorescence signal, limiting their practical applicability. The reduction of signal to background ratio is commonly ascribed to chemical degradation of the fluorophores by the organic solvents used for clearing. This view however completely neglects another important factor of contrast loss, i.e., optical aberrations. In fact, commercially available objectives suitable for light sheet microscopy are not designed for the refractive index of the clearing solutions, and this mismatch introduces severe spherical aberration. Here we simulated the aberrated point spread function (PSF) of a light sheet microscope with confocal slit detection. We investigated the variation of the PSF as a function of objective numerical aperture (NA) and of imaging depth inside the clearing solution. We also explored the possibility of correcting such spherical aberration by introducing extra optical devices in the detection path. By correcting up to the second order spherical aberration, a quasi‐diffraction‐limited regime can be recovered, and image quality is restored. Microsc. Res. Tech. 77:483–491, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Evaluating model‐simulated variability in temperature extremes using modified percentile indices
Authors: Sillmann J. , Kharin V. V. , Zwiers F. W. , Zhang X. , Bronaugh D. , Donat M. G. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTPercentile indices monitoring the frequency of moderate temperature extremes are widely used to assess changes in present and future temperature extremes because of their straightforward interpretation. While observed trends in such indices can be, and have been, compared with model‐simulated trends, their definition relative to each model's own climatology inhibits their use for the evaluation of model‐simulated temperature variability. This is unfortunate, as in many parts of the world, indices from observations remain the only source of publicly available information about extreme temperature variability. We approach this problem by introducing a novel adjustment to the standard method for deriving indices from climate models. This involves the removal of the bias in the mean annual cycle of the models and the use of percentile thresholds from a reference data set. We illustrate the technique by comparing daily minimum (TN) and maximum (TX) temperatures from the fifth phase of Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5) historical simulations with those from an observation‐based data set and from the National Centers for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCEP/NCAR) and the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ERA‐40) reanalyses. Biases in the annual cycle also translate into biases in the representation of the percentile indices in the models and reanalyses. Generally, percentile indices based on daily TX are well represented by the models and reanalyses compared to the observations. For percentile indices based on daily minimum temperature, however, large discrepancies occur particularly between the reanalyses.
Development of Kinetic Mechanism for the Esterification of Acrylic Acid with Hexanol Catalyzed by Ion‐Exchange Resin
Authors: Buluklu Asli Deniz , Sert Emine , Karakuş Simge , Atalay Ferhan Sami 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe heterogeneous esterification reaction of acrylic acid with hexanol over three different cation‐exchange resins, Amberlyst 131, Amberlyst 15, and Dowex 50Wx‐400, was investigated. Surface area, pore volume, average pore diameter, and acid capacity analyses were carried out for these three catalysts. Amberlyst 131 gave the highest conversion, and therefore, further experiments were performed catalyzed by Amberlyst 131. The absence of external and internal mass transfer resistances was investigated for the esterification of acrylic acid with hexanol. Experiments showed that the reaction is controlled by chemical step rather than external and internal mass transfer steps. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, and alcohol to acid molar ratio on the conversion of acrylic acid were determined. The activation energy and kinetic and adsorption constants were determined according to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood–Hougen–Watson mechanism.
Transcranial sonography in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1
Authors: Peric Stojan , Pavlovic Aleksandra , Ralic Vesna , Dobricic Valerija , Basta Ivana , Lavrnic Dragana , Rakocevic Stojanovic Vidosava 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTIntroduction: In this study we analyzed transcranial sonography (TCS) in patients with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). Methods: This cross‐sectional study included 66 DM1 patients and 55 matched healthy controls (HCs). Echogenicity of the brainstem raphe (BR) and substantia nigra (SN) and third ventricle width (DTV) were assessed by TCS. Results: BR hypoechogenicity was more common in DM1 patients than in HCs (37.7% vs. 7.8%, P < 0.01). Patients with depression or fatigue were more likely to have BR hypoechogenicity (80.0% vs. 29.4%, P < 0.01 and 51.9% vs. 24.2%, P < 0.05, respectively). Both hypoechogenicity and hyperechogenicity of SN were more frequent in DM1 patients than in controls (26.2% vs. 10.9% and 13.1% vs. 1.8%, respectively, P < 0.01). DTV was increased in DM1 patients compared with HCs (6.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.9 ± 0.9 mm, P < 0.01). Conclusion: TCS can offer new insight into structural changes of several cerebral areas in patients with DM1. Muscle Nerve 50:278–282, 2014
Detecting fetal subchromosomal aberrations by MPS: an unexpected discrepancy between amniocyte DNA and ccffDNA
Authors: Buysse Karen , de Ligt Joep , Janssen Irene M. , van Bon Bregje W. M. , Gomes Ingrid , Hehir‐Kwa Jayne , Eggink Alex J. , van Vugt John M. G. , Vissers Lisenka E. L. M. , Geurts van Kessel Ad , Faas Brigitte H. W. 
Published: January 2014

What's already known about this topic?

Noninvasive prenatal detection of fetal aneuploidies by massively parallel sequencing of circulating cell‐free fetal DNA has recently become widely available.
Few studies report the detection of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations.What does this study add?

A ~400 kb gain and a ~27 Mb loss were detected on chromosome 13q by genomic microarray analysis of amniocyte DNA. Testing circulating cell‐free fetal DNA not only revealed the same loss but also a much larger gain (~12 Mb), indicating discrepancies between DNA of true fetal and placental origin.
The use of a windowed approach is recommended in case of unexpected ‘whole chromosome’ noninvasive prenatal testing results and/or when fetal anomalies are suggestive for subchromosomal aberrations.
Children's Motivation Toward Science Across Contexts, Manner of Interaction, and Topic
Authors: BATHGATE MEGHAN E. , SCHUNN CHRISTIAN D. , CORRENTI RICHARD 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTUnderstanding the features of science learning experiences that organize and motivate children at early ages can help educators and researchers find ways to ignite interest to support future passion and learning in the sciences at a time when children's motivation is declining. Using a sample of 252 fifth‐ and sixth‐grade students, we systematically explore differences in children's motivations toward science experiences across context (formal, informal, neutral), manner of interaction (consuming new knowledge, analyzing, action), and topic (e.g., biology, earth science, physics). Motivations toward science were most influenced by topic. Responses were generally consistent across context and manner of interaction. Implications for science education, as well as measurement and assessment methodology, are discussed.
Latino and European American early adolescents' exposure to music with substance‐use references: Examining parent–child communication as a moderator
Authors: Kam Jennifer A. , Wang Ningxin , Harvey Jessica 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis study hypothesized that frequent exposure to and attention to music with substance‐use references would be indirectly related to alcohol, cigarette, or marijuana use through pro‐substance‐use beliefs (e.g., norms, outcome expectancies, and refusal efficacy). Parent–child communication, however, would attenuate such associations, which would differ by ethnicity. Multigroup mediation and moderation analyses were conducted, using cross‐sectional survey data from 253 Latino and 308 European American 6th–8th grades students. For Latino and European American early adolescents, best‐friend‐injunctive norms and weak refusal efficacy were significant mediators, but not positive outcome expectancies. Descriptive norms were a significant mediator, but only for European American early adolescents. Although targeted parent–child communication and parental mediation did not moderate the associations between the music‐exposure variables and the pro‐substance‐use beliefs variables, targeted parent–child communication attenuated the association between listening to favorite songs and alcohol consumption. Parental mediation attenuated the association between attention to music and alcohol consumption.
Prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among in‐school adolescents in a rural district in southwest Nigeria
Authors: Fatiregun A.A. , Kumapayi T.E. 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThis study was conducted to assess the prevalence and correlates of depressive symptoms among in‐school adolescents in a rural district in southwest Nigeria. A cross‐sectional survey involving 1713 adolescents from four private and three public secondary schools were selected using a stratified cluster sampling technique. Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)‐9, with a maximum score of 27, was used to assess the presence (score ≥ 5) and severity (score ≥ 15) of the symptoms of depression. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify the correlates. The prevalence was 21.2%; 5.1% of the respondents had moderately severe to severe depression. Significant predictors included “not living with parents” (OR = 1.69; 95%CI, 1.14–2.38), not participating in sports (OR = 1.45; 95%CI; 1.11–1.92), a large number of siblings (OR = 1.69; 95%CI; 1.11–2.63), and a change in place of residence (OR = 1.46; 95%CI, 1.13–1.88). A need exists to plan and implement health education measures to reduce the burden of the disease.
Incandescent affect: Turning on the hot emotional system with bright light
Authors: Xu Alison Jing , Labroo Aparna A. 
Published: January 2014

AbstractWe propose that turning on the light can turn on the hot emotional system. Across six studies we show that ambient brightness makes people feel warmer, which increases the intensity of their affective response, including sensation seeking from spicy‐hot foods, perception of aggression and sexiness (“hotness”) in others, and generating more extreme affective reactions toward positive and negative words and drinks. We suggest that these effects arise because light underlies perception of heat, and perception of heat can trigger the hot emotional system. Thus, turning down the light, effortless and unassuming as it may seem, can reduce emotionality in everyday decisions, most of which take place under bright light.
Poverty, forest dependence and forest degradation links: evidence from Zagros, Iran
Authors: Soltani Arezoo , Angelsen Arild , Eid Tron 
Published: January 2014

AbstractThe article analyzes the links between poverty, forest use and dependence, and forest degradation by combining household and forest resource data from two sites in the Zagros Mountains, Iran: Ghamishale and Tange Tamoradi. At both sites, traditional forms of forest management are practised; in Ghamishale management is mainly family based, whereas in Tange Tamoradi it is village based. The poverty–forest dependence link is strongly influenced by population density, carrying capacity and institutions for forest management. In addition, the study revealed the tradeoff between equity and sustainable resource use as outputs of different institutional arrangements. We do not find any evidence that poor households or households with high forest dependence contribute more to forest degradation than others. The results therefore raise concerns about the potential consequences of policies globally that address forest degradation only through poverty alleviation and forest-dependence reduction.
MOVEMENT INTERSECTIONALITY
Authors: Roberts Dorothy , Jesudason Sujatha 
Published: January 2014

AbstractIntersectional analysis need not focus solely on differences within or between identity-based groups. Using intersectionality for cross movement mobilization reveals that, contrary to criticism for being divisive, attention to intersecting identities has the potential to create solidarity and cohesion. In this article, we elaborate this argument with a case study of the intersection of race, gender, and disability in genetic technologies as well as in organizing to promote a social justice approach to the use of these technologies. We show how organizing based on an intersectional analysis can help forge alliances between reproductive justice, racial justice, women's rights, and disability rights activists to develop strategies to address reproductive genetic technologies. We use the work of Generations Ahead to illuminate how intersectionality applied at the movement-building level can identify genuine common ground, create authentic alliances, and more effectively advocate for shared policy priorities.