bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical and photocatalytic properties of TiO2 films modified with oxides and gold
Authors: Busko T. , Dmytrenko O. , Kulish M. , Prylutskyy Y. , Shokhovets S. , Gobsch G. , Vityuk N. , Eremenko A. , Tkach V. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractFilms consisting of TiO2/ZrO2/SiO2 undoped and doped with Au nanoparticles were synthesized by the sol‐gel method. The films were characterized with X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) and optical absorption (OA) methods. The XRD study demonstrates the formation of TiO2 anatase nanocrystals and Au nanoparticles. SE and OA measurements of the undoped films showed no significant absorption in the spectral range of 400–1000 nm. Doping with Au nanoparticles resulted in the appearance of a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) absorption band at 600 nm as well as weaker absorption bands in the 300–500 nm region. The observed changes in optical properties agreed with the enhanced photocatalytic activity of Au‐doped TiO2/ZrO2/SiO2 films with gold compared to undoped films. The photocatalytic activity was evaluated by the photodegradation of the organic dye Rhodamine B. Under optimized conditions, the photodecomposition rate of the doped films was several times larger than that of the undoped films. Films of TiO2, TiO2/ZrO2/SiO2 and ternary oxides were investigated.
Physical, chemical and biological properties of micro‐arc deposited calcium phosphate coatings on titanium and zirconium‐niobium alloy
Authors: Legostaeva E.V. , Kulyashova K.S. , Komarova E.G. , Epple M. , Sharkeev Y.P. , Khlusov I.A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA comparative investigation of the physical, chemical and biological properties of micro‐arc deposited calcium phosphate coatings on titanium and zirconium‐niobium substrates was performed. Calcium phosphate coatings on titanium have a higher surface density, porosity and pore size, and a more homogeneous surface topography. Under the same conditions, calcium phosphate coatings on zirconium‐niobium have a relief topography, but their surface density, porosity and pore size were all smaller. X‐ray diffraction of the coatings showed that the coatings on titanium were X‐ray amorphous whereas the coatings on zirconium‐niobium consisted of a mixture of crystalline CaZr4(PO4)6, ZrP2O7, and ZrO2. These differences are due to different electrical and thermophysical characteristics of substrates and passivating films on their surfaces. The coatings were shown to be biocompatible by in‐vitro cell culture experiments.
Microstructure, mechanical and biological properties of zirconium alloyed with niobium after severe plastic deformation
Authors: Sharkeev Y.P. , Eroshenko A.Y. , Kulyashova K.S. , Fortuna S.V. , Suvorov K.A. , Epple M. , Prymak O. , Sokolova V. , Chernousova S. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractA comparative investigation of microstructure, mechanical and biological properties for zirconium alloyed with niobium in coarse‐grained and ultra‐fine grained states is presented. The temperature and deformation regimes of multi‐stage abc‐pressing resulted in ultra‐fine grained states with an average size of the structural elements in the range of 0.28–0.55 μm, depending on the accumulated strain during pressing. The increase of the accumulated strain at each stage of pressing increased the uniformity of the structure. The microhardness increased by 50% with increased accumulated strain during the severe plastic deformation. Between the microhardness and the average size of the structural elements, a linear dependence was found, indicating a Hall‐Petch relationship. The alloy had a good biocompatibility as shown by an MTT test with osteoblasts (MG‐63 cell line). The good mechanical properties (microhardness) of zirconium alloyed with niobium in the ultra‐fine grained state make it suitable for medical applications, e. g. as implant material.
Platinum nanoparticles on the surface of silica modified with silicon hydride groups
Authors: Tertykh V. A. , Ivashchenko N. A. , Yanishpolskii V. V. , Khainakov S. A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractPlatinum‐containing nanocomposites were synthesized by the in situ reduction of hexachloroplatinate water solution with silicon hydride groups grafted to the silica surface. Transmission electron microscopy showed that the quantity of supported metal influenced the size of the formed platinum nanoparticles. A decrease of the metal content in the composite from 1.5 to 0.3 wt% resulted in the formation of particles with sizes in a range from 27 to 3–9 nm. X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and temperature‐programmed reduction were applied to investigate the state of the metal on the carrier surface.
Corticomuscular coherence in asymptomatic first‐degree relatives of patients with essential tremor
Authors: Raethjen Jan , Muthuraman Muthuraman , Kostka Achim , Nahrwold Martin , Hellriegel Helge , Lorenz Delia , Deuschl Günther 
Published: March 2013

BackgroundEssential tremor (ET) follows an autosomal dominant type of inheritance in the majority of patients, yet its genetic basis has not been identified. Its exact origin is still elusive, but coherence measurements between electromyography tremor bursts and electroencephalography unequivocally demonstrate a correlation.MethodsWe tested these measurements in 37 healthy first‐degree relatives (children) of patients with essential tremor (ET) and a group of 37 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls. Pooled coherence spectra of the maximally coherent electroencephalogram electrodes were computed for ET relatives and controls.ResultsThe maximal coherence and its frequency were significantly higher in ET relatives than in controls during the pinch grip task and during slow hand movements. Electromyography amplitude (root‐mean‐square) was slightly but significantly greater in ET relatives, whereas 2‐Hz to 40‐Hz power and spectral peak frequency were not different.ConclusionsThe presymptomatic alteration in corticomuscular interaction may reflect a role of genetic factors. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Auraptene suppresses inflammatory responses in activated RAW264 macrophages by inhibiting p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase activation
Authors: Lin Shan , Hirai Shizuka , Goto Tsuyoshi , Sakamoto Tomoya , Takahashi Nobuyuki , Yano Masamichi , Sasaki Takao , Yu Rina , Kawada Teruo 
Published: March 2013

ScopeInflammation plays a key role in obesity‐related pathologies such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. Hypertrophied adipocytes trigger the enhancement of macrophage infiltration and the release of various proinflammatory factors in obese adipose tissue. In this study, we examined whether auraptene, a citrus‐fruit–derived compound, could suppress the production of inflammatory factors that mediate the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages.Methods and resultsExperiments using a co‐culture system of 3T3‐L1 adipocytes and RAW264 macrophages showed that auraptene reduced the production of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor‐α. In RAW264 macrophages, auraptene also suppressed the inflammation induced by either LPS or the conditioned medium derived from 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. In addition, auraptene inhibited the phosphorylation of the p38 mitogen‐activated protein kinase and suppressed the production of proinflammatory mediators in activated macrophages.ConclusionOur findings indicate that auraptene exhibits anti‐inflammatory properties by suppressing the production of inflammatory factors that mediate the interaction between adipocytes and macrophages, suggesting that auraptene is a valuable food‐derived compound with a potential to attenuate chronic inflammation in adipose tissue and to improve obesity‐related insulin resistance.
Modifying and validating the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for use in Nepal
Authors: Ghimire Dirgha J. , Chardoul Stephanie , Kessler Ronald C. , Axinn William G. , Adhikari Bishnu P. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractBackground: Efforts to develop and validate fully‐structured diagnostic interviews of mental disorders in non‐Western countries have been largely unsuccessful. However, the principled methods of translation, harmonization, and calibration that have been developed by cross‐national survey methodologists have never before been used to guide such development efforts. The current report presents the results of a rigorous program of research using these methods designed to modify and validate the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI) for an epidemiological survey in Nepal. Methods: A five‐step process of translation, harmonization, and calibration was used to modify the instrument. A blinded clinical reappraisal design was used to validate the instrument. Results: Preliminary interviews with local mental health expert led to a focus on major depressive episode, mania/hypomania, panic disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and intermittent explosive disorder. After an iterative process of multiple translations‐revisions guided by the principles developed by cross‐national survey methodologists, lifetime DSM‐IV diagnoses based on the final Nepali CIDI had excellent concordance with diagnoses based on blinded Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV (SCID) clinical reappraisal interviews. Conclusions: Valid assessment of mental disorders can be achieved with fully‐structured diagnostic interviews even in low‐income non‐Western settings with rigorous implementation of replicable developmental strategies. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dealing with clinical heterogeneity in meta‐analysis. Assumptions, methods, interpretation
Authors: Kriston Levente 
Published: March 2013

AbstractObjectiveThere is an ongoing debate how to interpret findings of meta‐analyses when substantial clinical heterogeneity is present among included trials. The aim of the present study was to demonstrate various ways of dealing with clinical heterogeneity along with underlying assumptions and interpretation. A recent meta‐analysis on long‐term psychodynamic psychotherapy (LTPP) was used as an illustrative example. Method: Re‐analysis of published data including calculation of a prediction interval, heterogeneity tests, Bayesian meta‐analysis, meta‐regression, and subgroup analysis to explore and interpret summary estimates in clinically heterogeneous studies. Results: Meta‐analytic results and their implications varied considerably depending on whether and how clinical heterogeneity was addressed. Conclusions: Whether or not to trust summary estimates in meta‐analysis depends largely on the subjective relevance of clinical heterogeneity present. No single analysis and interpretation strategy can be valid in every context or paradigm, thus, reflection of own beliefs on the role of heterogeneity is needed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sparse spectral deconvolution algorithm for noncartesian MR spectroscopic imaging
Authors: Bhave Sampada , Eslami Ramin , Jacob Mathews 
Published: March 2013

PurposeTo minimize line shape distortions and spectral leakage artifacts in MR spectroscopic imaging (MRSI).MethodsA spatially and spectrally regularized non‐Cartesian MRSI algorithm that uses the line shape distortion priors, estimated from water reference data, to deconvolve the spectra is introduced. Sparse spectral regularization is used to minimize noise amplification associated with deconvolution. A spiral MRSI sequence that heavily oversamples the central k‐space regions is used to acquire the MRSI data. The spatial regularization term uses the spatial supports of brain and extracranial fat regions to recover the metabolite spectra and nuisance signals at two different resolutions. Specifically, the nuisance signals are recovered at the maximum resolution to minimize spectral leakage, while the point spread functions of metabolites are controlled to obtain acceptable signal‐to‐noise ratio.ResultsThe comparisons of the algorithm against Tikhonov regularized reconstructions demonstrates considerably reduced line‐shape distortions and improved metabolite maps.ConclusionThe proposed sparsity constrained spectral deconvolution scheme is effective in minimizing the line‐shape distortions. The dual resolution reconstruction scheme is capable of minimizing spectral leakage artifacts. Magn Reson Med 71:469–476, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Muscle volume as a predictor of maximum force generating ability in the plantar flexors post‐stroke
Authors: Knarr Brian A. , Ramsay John W. , Buchanan Thomas S. , Higginson Jill S. , Binder‐Macleod Stuart A. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Post‐stroke muscle weakness is commonly thought to be the result of a combination of decreased voluntary activation and decreased maximum force generating ability (MFGA). We assessed the ability of muscle volumes obtained using MRI to estimate the MFGA of the plantar flexor muscle group in individuals post‐stroke. Methods: MRI was used to measure muscle volume of the plantar flexor muscle group in 17 individuals with post‐stroke hemiparesis. A modified burst superimposition test was used to measure force of volitional contraction and predict the MFGA of the plantar flexors. Results: While muscle volume obtained by means of MRI provided information on the overall size of muscle, it overestimated the force generating ability of the paretic plantar flexors. Conclusions: Results suggest that MRI‐derived muscle volume underestimates the functional impairment in individuals post‐stroke. Interestingly, the central activation ratio had a strong relationship with the maximum volitional force of contraction. Muscle Nerve 48: 971–976, 2013
Fatigue and recovery from dynamic contractions in men and women differ for arm and leg muscles
Authors: Senefeld Jonathon , Yoon Tejin , Bement Marie Hoeger , Hunter Sandra K. 
Published: March 2013

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Whether there is a gender difference in fatigue and recovery from maximal velocity fatiguing contractions and across muscles is not understood. Methods: Sixteen men and 19 women performed 90 isotonic contractions at maximal voluntary shortening velocity (maximal velocity concentric contractions, MVCC) with the elbow flexor and knee extensor muscles (separate days) at a load equivalent to 20% maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC). Results: Power (from MVCCs) decreased similarly for men and women for both muscles (P > 0.05). Men and women had similar declines in MVIC of elbow flexors, but men had greater reductions in knee extensor MVIC force and MVIC electromyogram activity than women (P < 0.05). The decline in MVIC and power was greater, and force recovery was slower for the elbow flexors compared with knee extensors. Conclusions: The gender difference in muscle fatigue often observed during isometric tasks was diminished during fast dynamic contractions for upper and lower limb muscles. Muscle Nerve 48: 436–439, 2013
Factors associated with a better therapeutic effect of solifenacin in patients with overactive bladder syndrome
Authors: Hsiao Sheng‐Mou , Lin Ho‐Hsiung , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo analyze the predictors of therapeutic success after solifenacin treatment.MethodsBetween January 2008 and December 2011, all patients with overactive bladder syndrome (OAB) who consecutively visited the urologic outpatient clinics of a medical center were prospectively enrolled. All enrolled patients received 5 mg solifenacin once a day for 12 weeks.ResultsOverall, 648 patients, 332 men, and 316 women, completed the 12‐week study. The overall success rate was 48.8%. The success rate for female patients was superior to that for male patients (55.4% vs. 42.5%, P < 0.001). The urgency severity scale (USS) score, daytime frequency, nocturia, voided volume, and bladder capacity were all improved after 12 weeks' treatment. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that female gender, high USS score, high maximum flow rate (Qmax), and low postvoid residual volume (PVR) were all significant predictive factors for success after antimuscarinic treatment. USS score = 4 and Qmax ≥ 12 ml/sec were the most strongly predictive cutoff values for success, with receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) areas of 0.70 (sensitivity = 66.8%, specificity = 66.0%) and 0.63 (sensitivity = 80.7%, specificity = 43.1%), respectively. PVR ≥70 ml was the most predictive cutoff value for failure, with a ROC area of 0.58 (sensitivity = 18.2%, specificity = 93.7%).ConclusionsFemale gender, high USS score, high Qmax, and low PVR were associated with better therapeutic efficacy. These findings could serve as an initial guide or assist in consultation regarding the treatment of OAB patients with antimuscarinics. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:331–334, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conceptual framework for patient‐important treatment outcomes for pelvic organ prolapse
Authors: Sung Vivian W. , Rogers Rebecca G. , Barber Matthew D. , Clark Melissa A. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractAimsTo develop a comprehensive conceptual framework representing the most important outcomes for women seeking treatment for pelvic organ prolapse (POP).MethodsTwenty‐five women with POP were recruited and participated in four semi‐structured focus groups to refine and assess the content validity of a conceptual framework representing patient‐important outcomes for POP. Specifically, the focus groups addressed the following three aims: (1) to evaluate the content and appropriateness of domains in our framework; (2) to identify gaps in the framework; and (3) to determine the relative importance of our framework domains from the patient perspective. Sessions were transcribed, coded, and qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed using analytic induction and deductive analysis to identify themes and domains relevant to women with POP.ResultsOur focus groups confirmed the importance of vaginal bulge symptoms (discomfort, bother, and adaptation), and the overarching domains and subdomains of physical (physical function and participation), social (social function, relationships, and sexual function), and mental health (emotional distress, preoccupation, and body image). Patients ranked outcomes in the following order of importance: (1) the resolution of vaginal bulge symptoms, (2) improvement in physical function; (3) improvement in sexual function; (4) improvement in body image perception; and (5) improvement in social function.ConclusionsWe developed a conceptual framework for patient important outcomes of women seeking treatment for POP. This framework can improve the transparency and interpretation of POP study findings from the patient perspective. Vaginal bulge and its associated discomfort are most important for the definition of POP treatment success from the patient perspective. Neurourol. Urodynam. 33:414–419, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Conducting polypyrrole‐coated banana fiber composites: Preparation and characterization
Authors: Merlini Claudia , Ramôa Sílvia D.A.S. , Barra Guilherme M.O. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractIn this study, conducting banana fibers (BF) were obtained through in situ oxidative polymerization of pyrrole (Py) on the BF surface using ferric chloride hexahydratate (FeCl3·6H2O) as an oxidant. Suitable reaction conditions are outlined for the polymerization of Py: oxidant/monomer molar ratio, Py concentration and polymerization time of 2/1, 0.05 mol.L−1 and 30 min, respectively. Under these conditions, high‐quality conducting fibers containing polyPy and BF (PPy‐BF) were obtained with an electrical resistivity as low as 0.54 Ω.cm. The PPy‐BF was blended with different concentrations of polyurethane (PU) by mixing the two components in a vacuum chamber and then applying compression molding. The electrical resistivity of composites with 25 wt% of PPy‐BF was around 1.8 × 105 Ωcm, which is approximately 108 times lower than that found for pure PU. Moreover, PU/PPy‐BF composites exhibited higher mechanical properties than pure PU and PU/PPy, indicating that these conducting fibers can also be used as reinforcement for polymer matrices. The properties of the PPy‐BF obtained by the method described herein open interesting possibilities for novel applications of electrically conducting fibers, from smart sensors to new conducting fillers that can be incorporated into several polymer matrixes to develop conducting polymer composites with good mechanical properties.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Fabrication of polymer/microwave‐reduced graphite oxide nanocomposites by ball‐milling assisted wet compounding
Authors: Long Jiang , Chen Guohua 
Published: March 2013

AbstractMicrowave‐induced reduction of graphite oxide (GO) is a promising method for rapid and scalable production of graphene. However, homogeneous incorporation of thus prepared graphene into polymer matrix is still a hard task. In this article, we present a ball‐milling assisted wet compounding method for the fabrications of microwave‐reduced GO (MRGO)/polymer composites. MRGO powders were added into a solution of polystyrene (PS) and then mechanically exfoliated in a stirring mill. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy investigations show that the graphene sheets have been homogeneously dispersed in the PS matrix. The composites show pronouncedly improved properties. The thermal degradation temperature of composites increased by 34°C with the addition of 5wt% MRGO in PS. Up to 76% improvement of storage modulus (at 30°C) is achieved by compounding with 10wt% MRGO.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis and characterization of PVA/YBCO nanocomposite for improvement of solar energy conversion
Authors: Shirbeeny W. , Hafez M. , Mahmoud Waleed E. 
Published: March 2013

AbstractThe development of nano‐metal oxide materials with unique optoelectronic properties such as highly solar energy absorption and generation of dense amount of electrons is one of the hottest topics now days. The incorporation of these nanomaterials into polymers results in an improvement of the properties of these polymers. Therefore, the understanding of their electronic properties is an essential demand to introduce these nanocomposites into service life. In this work, Yttrium barium copper oxide (YBCO) nanopowders with a uniform particle size of around 11 nm was prepared, sintered, and blended with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) by casting technique. The characteristics of the structure and morphology of PVA/YBCO nanocomposite films are studied using X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. The influence of YBCO nanoparticles on the thermal stability of PVA showed that the YBCO enhanced the thermal stability and reduced the rate of thermal degradation of PVA nanocomposites. Current–voltage behavior of PVA/YBCO nanocomposite films was measured at different temperatures. An explanation for the charge carrier concentration in the conduction band with the calculation of the barrier height, activation energy, and conversion and their dependence on temperature and applied field is presented.POLYM. COMPOS., 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers