bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiac Autonomic Dysfunction in the Early Phase after Left Ventricular Assist Device Implant: Implications for Surgery and Follow-Up?
Authors: Compostella Leonida , Russo Nicola , Setzu Tiziana , Tursi Vincenzo , Bottio Tomaso , Tarzia Vincenzo , Compostella Caterina , Covolo Elisa , Livi Ugolino , Gerosa Gino , Sani Guido , Bellotto Fabio 
Published: May 2013

Purpose In congestive heart failure (CHF) patients, a profound cardiac autonomic derangement, clinically expressed by reduced heart rate variability (HRV), is present and is related to the degree of ventricular dysfunction. Implantation of a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) can progressively improve HRV, associated with an increased circulatory output. Data from patients studied at different times after LVAD implantation are controversial. The aims of this study were to assess cardiac autonomic function in the early phases after axial-flow LVAD implantation, and to estimate the potential relevance of recent major surgical stress on the autonomic balance. Methods HRV (time-domain; 24-h Holter) was evaluated in 14 patients, 44.8 ± 25.8 days after beginning of Jarvik-2000 LVAD support; 47 advanced stage CHF, 24 cardiac surgery (CS) patients and 30 healthy subjects served as control groups. Inclusion criteria: sinus rhythm, stable clinical conditions, no diabetes or other known causes of HRV alteration. Results HRV was considerably reduced in LVAD patients in the early phases after device implantation in comparison to all control groups. A downgrading of HRV parameters was also present in CS controls. Circadian oscillations were highly depressed in LVAD and CHF patients, and slightly reduced in CS patients. Conclusions In CHF patients supported by a continuous-flow LVAD, a profound cardiac dysautonomia is still evident in the first two months from the beginning of circulatory support; the degree of cardiac autonomic imbalance is even greater in comparison to advanced CHF patients. The recent surgical stress could be partly linked to these abnormalities.
Chronic Pelvic Pain and Quality of Life in Women with and without Endometriosis
Authors: Centini Gabriele , Lazzeri Lucia , Dores Daniela , Pianigiani Luca , Iannone Piergiorgio , Luisi Stefano , Petraglia Felice , Zupi Errico 
Published: May 2013

Purpose To determine the impact of chronic pelvic pain on quality of life in women with or without endometriosis Methods A total of 162 women with chronic pelvic pain were enrolled in a cross-sectional study and divided into two groups: 84 with endometriosis, 78 without endometriosis. Assessment of dysmenorrhea, non -menstrual pain, dyspareunia and diffuse abdominal pain by a visual analog scale, assessment of quality of life by SF-36. Results The endometriosis group showed more dysmenorrhea but less dyspareunia and non-menstrual pain than women affected by other diseases. Pain had a negative influence on quality of life in both groups, but the endometriosis group showed a greater negative impact in all areas of SF-36, yet only in three (physical role, physical pain and mental role) was the difference statistically significant. Conclusions Endometriosis impacts quality of life more than other forms of chronic pelvic pain. Interventions aimed at improving quality of life specifically designed for patients with chronic pelvic pain in general, and with endometriosis in particular, should be developed, tested, and integrated into the routine care regimen provided for these patients.
The Role of 3.0T MRI in the Assessment of Deep Endometriosis Located on the Uterosacral Ligaments
Authors: Manganaro Lucia , Vinci Valeria , Bernardo Silvia , Storelli Paola , Fuggetta Eliana , Sollazzo Paolo , Ticino Adele , Sergi Maria Eleonora , Brunelli Roberto , Panici Pierluigi Benedetti , Porpora Maria Grazia 
Published: May 2013

Purpose To assess the diagnostic accuracy of 3.0T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in assessing the involvement of uterosacral ligaments (USLs) in deep infiltrating endometriosis (DIE). Methods Between July 2010 and July 2012, 42 women, aged between 19 and 45 years (mean age 28 years), with a diagnosis of cystic ovarian endometriosis and scheduled for laparoscopic treatment, underwent pre-operative 3.0-T MRI examination. USL was considered normal when it was not visible or when it was thin and regular. Results We found USL involvement in 20/42 cases: 4/20 had bilateral involvement, 16/20 had monolateral involvement; in the right ligament in 9/16 cases and in the left in 7/16. Asymmetric morphology was found in 17 patients with an arciform shape associated with increased thickness of the ligament. A thickness >3 mm was considered positive. These patients also presented thickening of the torus uterinus region. In three cases complete cul de sac obliteration led to loss of tissue plane which hindered identification of the USLs. Comparison with laparoscopy findings enabled us to achieve the following statistical values: 94.7% sensitivity, 91.3% specificity, 90.0% positive predictive value, 95.4% negative predictive value, and 93% diagnostic accuracy. Conclusions Optimal visualization of USLs was obtained on para-axial scans on T2W and T1W sequences which allowed an optimal anatomic visualization. In our study we demonstrated that 3.0T imaging enabled an optimal assessment of USL involvement to select patients for the correct kind of surgery or follow-up of these patients.
Shape‐Memory Microfluidics
Authors: Balasubramanian Aditya , Morhard Robert , Bettinger Christopher J 
Published: May 2013

AbstractMaterials with embedded vascular networks afford rapid and enhanced control over bulk material properties including thermoregulation and distribution of active compounds such as healing agents or stimuli. Vascularized materials have a wide range of potential applications in self‐healing systems and tissue engineering constructs. Here, the application of vascularized materials for accelerated phase transitions in stimuli‐responsive microfluidic networks is reported. Poly(ester amide) elastomers are hygroscopic and exhibit thermo‐mechanical properties (Tg≈ 37 °C) that enable heating or hydration to be used as stimuli to induce glassy‐rubbery transitions. Hydration‐dependent elasticity serves as the basis for stimuli‐responsive shape‐memory microfluidic networks. Recovery kinetics in shape‐memory microfluidics are measured under several operating modes. Perfusion‐assisted delivery of stimulus to the bulk volume of shape‐memory microfluidics dramatically accelerates shape recovery kinetics compared to devices that are not perfused. The recovery times are 4.2 ± 0.1 h and 8.0 ± 0.3 h in the perfused and non‐perfused cases, respectively. The recovery kinetics of the shape‐memory microfluidic devices operating in various modes of stimuli delivery can be accurately predicted through finite element simulations. This work demonstrates the utility of vascularized materials as a strategy to reduce the characteristic length scale for diffusion, thereby accelerating the actuation of stimuli‐responsive bulk materials.
Effects of different compatibilizers on the rheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of HDPE/LLDPE blend‐based nanocomposites
Authors: Passador Fabio Roberto , Ruvolo‐Filho Adhemar Collà , Pessan Luiz Antonio 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTThe influence of two different compatibilizers and their combination (maleic anhydride grafted high density polyethylene, HDPE‐g‐MA; maleic anhydride grafted linear low density polyethylene, LLDPE‐g‐MA; and 50/50 wt % mixture of these compatibilizers) on the rheological, thermomechanical, and morphological properties of HDPE/LLDPE/organoclay blend‐based nanocomposites was evaluated. Nanocomposites were obtained by melt‐intercalation in a torque rheometer in two steps. Masterbatches (compatibilizer/nanoclay 2:1) were obtained and subsequently diluted in the HDPE/LLDPE matrix producing nanocomposites with 2.5 wt % of nanoclay. Wide angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), steady‐state rheological properties, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to determine the influence of different compatibilizer systems on intercalation and/or exfoliation process which occurs preferentially in the amorphous phase, and thermomechanical properties. The LLDPE‐g‐MA with a high melt index (and consequently low viscosity and crystallinity) was an effective compatibilizer for this system. Furthermore, the compatibilized nanocomposites with LLDPE‐g‐MA or mixture of HDPE‐g‐MA and LLDPE‐g‐MA exhibited better nanoclay's dispersion and distribution with stronger interactions between the matrix and the nanoclay. These results indicated that the addition of maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene facilitates both, the exfoliation and/or intercalation of the clays and its adhesion to HDPE/LLDPE blend. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1726–1735, 2013
Siloxane‐based segmented poly(urethane‐urea) elastomer: Synthesis and characterization
Authors: Askari Fahimeh , Barikani Mehdi , Barmar Mohamad 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTA series of segmented poly(urethane‐urea) block copolymers were synthesized with varying proportions of polydimethylsiloxane diols in combination with polytetramethylene ether glycol (PTMG) using 4,4'‐methylenediphenyl diisocyanate followed by chain extension with a (50:50 mol %) mixture of 4,4'‐methylene‐bis(3‐chloro‐2,6‐diethylaniline) (M‐CDEA) and 1,4‐butanediol (BD). The molecular structures of polydimethylsiloxane urethane‐ureas were characterized by ATR‐FTIR and 1H‐NMR spectroscopic techniques. Distribution of siloxane domain and its influence on surface roughness were investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and atomic forced microscopy (AFM), respectively. The mechanical and thermal properties of the elastomers were studied by thermogravimetric analysis, dynamical mechanical thermal analysis, and tensile measurement. The results showed that by incorporation of polydimethylsiloxane diol and M‐CDEA chain extender in polyurethane formulation, some improvements in thermal stability, fire resistance and surface hydrophilicity were achieved. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1743–1751, 2013
Synthesis and solution behavior of hydrophobically associating polyacrylamide containing capsaicin‐like moieties
Authors: Jia Lanni , Yu Liangmin , Li Ru , Yan Xuefeng , Zhang Zhiming 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTA novel hydrophobically associating polyacrylamide (PAAHO) of acrylamide, 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methylpropane sulfonate, capsaicin‐like monomer N‐(4‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxy‐benzyl) acrylamide (HMBA), and hydrophobic monomer octadecyl acrylate was synthesized by micellar copolymerization and characterized by fourier transform infrared spectrum, ultraviolet‐visible spectrum, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. By adjusting various factors, a series of PAAHOs with different block structures were prepared. The hydrophobic association properties were then studied by viscometry and fluorescence spectrometry. Solution behavior was examined with respect to polymer concentration, ionic strength, and temperature. Also, the antibacterial activity was investigated. Results show that initiator amount influenced not only the molecular weight but also the yield and composition of resulting copolymers. PAAHOs possess strong thickening capability, and the hydrophobic association is enhanced as hydrophobe content increases. PAAHOs have excellent viscosity retention in brine solution and exhibit unique rheological behavior including a salt‐thickening response. Incorporation of HMBA greatly improves the thermal stability of PAAHO. Moreover, PAAHO is endowed with considerable antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1794–1804, 2013
Preparation and properties of glycerin ester of tung oil modified rosin
Authors: Ma Guozhang , Zhang Tong , Wu Jianbing , Hou Caiying , Ling Lixia , Wang Baojun 
Published: May 2013

ABSTRACTTung oil modified rosins (TR) were prepared by reaction rosin with different amount of tung oil via Diels‐Alder addition reaction and further used in the formulation of glycerin ester of tung oil modified rosins (GTR) with flexible characteristics. The effects of the amount of tung oil on the bromine value, molecular weight, thermostability, physical, and tackifying properties of GTRs were studied. The results showed that the bromine value of GTRs decreased and molecular weight of GTRs increased with the increase in the amount of tung oil. Meanwhile, increasing the amount of tung oil resulted in a significant decrease in both the softening points and viscosities of GTRs, but a slight increase in the thermostability of GTRs due to the incorporation of the flexible fatty chains into the rigid hydrophenanthrene units in rosins. Applied in PU adhesive as tackifier, the increase of the flexible chains content in GTRs led to an increase first and then decrease in both the miscibility of GTRs with PU and the T‐peel strength of adhesives. The elongation at break of films increased monotonously, but their tensile strengths increased first and then decreased with increasing the flexible chains content in GTRs. GTRs with desired properties were prepared when the tung oil/rosin weight ratios were in the range from10/100 to 40/100. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 130: 1700–1706, 2013
Efficient Green‐Light‐Emitting Electrochemical Cells Based on Ionic Iridium Complexes with Sulfone‐Containing Cyclometalating Ligands
Authors: Tordera Daniel , Bünzli Andreas M. , Pertegás Antonio , Junquera‐Hernández José M. , Constable Edwin C. , Zampese Jennifer A. , Housecroft Catherine E. , Ortí Enrique , Bolink Henk J. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA new approach to obtain green‐emitting iridium(III) complexes is described. The synthetic approach consists of introducing a methylsulfone electron‐withdrawing substituent into a 4‐phenylpyrazole cyclometalating ligand in order to stabilize the highest‐occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Six new complexes have been synthesized incorporating the conjugate base of 1‐(4‐(methylsulfonyl)phenyl)‐1 H‐pyrazole as the cyclometalating ligand. The complexes show green emission and very high photoluminescence quantum yields in both diluted and concentrated films. When used as the main active component in light‐emitting electrochemical cells (LECs), green electroluminance is observed. High efficiencies and luminances are obtained at low driving voltages. This approach for green emitters is an alternative to the widely used fluorine‐based substituents in the cyclometalating ligands and opens new design possibilities for the synthesis of green emitters for LECs.
A Molecularly Defined Iron‐Catalyst for the Selective Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Wienhöfer Gerrit , Westerhaus Felix A. , Junge Kathrin , Ludwig Ralf , Beller Matthias 
Published: May 2013

AbstractA selective iron‐based catalyst system for the hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes to allylic alcohols is presented. Applying the defined iron–tetraphos complex [FeF(L)][BF4] (L=P(PhPPh2)3) in the presence of trifluoroacetic acid a broad range of aldehydes are reduced in high yields using low catalyst loadings (0.05–1 mol %). Excellent chemoselectivity for the reduction of aldehydes in the presence of other reducible moieties, for example, ketones, olefins, esters, etc. is achieved. Based on the in situ detected hydride species [FeH(H2)(L)]+ a catalytic cycle is proposed that is supported by computational calculations.
Large‐Area Plasmonic Substrate of Silver‐Coated Iron Oxide Nanorod Arrays for Plasmon‐Enhanced Spectroscopy
Authors: Carvalho Waldemir Moura , Volpati Diogo , Nunes Carvalho Vitor A. , Aroca Ricardo F. , Constantino Carlos J. L. , Souza Flavio L. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractOne‐dimensional iron oxide materials fabricated on conducting glass substrates and their unique properties make these nanostructures promising candidates for a wide range of applications. Herein, vertically oriented α‐Fe2O3 nanorod arrays synthesized under hydrothermal conditions over a large area are described, as an active platform for surface‐enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) and surface‐enhanced fluorescence (SEF). From scanning electron microscopy images the formation of a homogeneous distribution of vertically oriented rods in a large area is confirmed. For activating the localized surface plasmon resonances, which are responsible for SERRS and SEF, a 6 nm layer of Ag is deposited onto the α‐Fe2O3 nanorod arrays by physical vapor deposition to form Ag islands.
Psychodynamic Therapy from the Perspective of Self‐organization. A Concept of Change and a Methodological Approach for Empirical Examination
Authors: Gumz Antje , Geyer Michael , Brähler Elmar 
Published: May 2013

Observations from therapeutic practice and a series of empirical findings, for example, those on discontinuous change in psychotherapeutic processes, suggest modelling the therapeutic process as a self‐organizing system with stable and critical instable phases and abrupt transitions. Here, a concept of psychotherapeutic change is presented that applies self‐organization theory to psychodynamic principles. The authors explain the observations and considerations that form the basis of the concept and present some connections with existing findings and concepts. On the basis of this model, they generated two hypotheses regarding the co‐occurrence of instability and discontinuous change and the degree of synchrony between the therapist and patient. A study design to test these hypotheses was developed and applied to a single case (psychodynamic therapy). After each session, patient and therapist rated their interaction. A measure of instability was calculated across the resulting time series. Sequences of destabilization were observed. On the basis of points of extreme instability, the process was divided into phases. Local instability maxima were accompanied by significant discontinuous change. Destabilization was highly synchronous in therapist and patient ratings. The authors discussed the concept and the methodological procedure. The approach enables the operationalization of crises and to empirically assess the significance of critical phases and developments within the therapeutic relationship. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.Key Practitioner Message

We present a concept of change that applies self‐organization theory to psychodynamic therapy.
We empirically tested the hypotheses formulated in the concept based on an extract of 125 long‐term psychodynamic therapy sessions. We continuously monitored the therapeutic interaction and calculated a measure of the instability of the assessments.
We identified several sequences of stable and unstable episodes. Episodes of high instability were accompanied by discontinuous change. On the basis of these episodes of high instability, we divided the process into four phases. Mean values of variables differed across these phases.
Destabilization proved to be highly synchronous in therapist and patient ratings.
The approach allows to empirically assess critical phases and developments within the therapeutic relationship.
Effect of the Structural Characteristics of Binary Pt–Ru and Ternary Pt–Ru–M Fuel Cell Catalysts on the Activity of Ethanol Electrooxidation in Acid Medium
Authors: Antolini Ermete 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn view of their possible use as anode materials in acid direct ethanol fuel cells, the electrocatalytic activity of Pt–Ru and Pt–Ru–M catalysts for ethanol oxidation has been investigated. This minireview examines the effects of the structural characteristics of Pt–Ru, such as the degree of alloying and Ru oxidation state, on the electrocatalytic activity for ethanol oxidation.
Ecological causes of morphological evolution in the three‐spined stickleback
Authors: Spence Rowena , Wootton Robert J. , Barber Iain , Przybylski Mirosław , Smith Carl 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThe central assumption of evolutionary theory is that natural selection drives the adaptation of populations to local environmental conditions, resulting in the evolution of adaptive phenotypes. The three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus) displays remarkable phenotypic variation, offering an unusually tractable model for understanding the ecological mechanisms underpinning adaptive evolutionary change. Using populations onNorthUist,Scotland we investigated the role of predation pressure and calcium limitation on the adaptive evolution of stickleback morphology and behavior. Dissolved calcium was a significant predictor of plate and spine morph, while predator abundance was not. Stickleback latency to emerge from a refuge varied with morph, with populations with highly reduced plates and spines and high predation risk less bold. Our findings support strong directional selection in three‐spined stickleback evolution, driven by multiple selective agents.
Oxidative Olefination of Secondary Amines­ with Carbon Nucleophiles
Authors: Zhang Yong‐Gang , Xu Jing‐Kun , Li Xi‐Ming , Tian Shi‐Kai 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAn unprecedented olefination reaction of secondary amines with carbon nucleophiles has been developed through C–N/C–H functionalization under metal‐free oxidative conditions. In the presence of a stoichiometric amount of 2,3‐dichloro‐5,6‐dicyano‐1,4‐benzoquinone (DDQ), a range of secondary N‐alkylanilines smoothly underwent oxidative olefination with 2‐alkylazaarenes, acetophenone, and malononitrile to give structurally diverse polysubstituted alkenes in moderate to excellent yields with excellent (E) selectivity. Preliminary mechanistic studies revealed that the oxidative olefination reaction proceeds through amine oxidation followed by imine olefination.
Stereocontrolled Synthesis of 1,3‐Diamino‐2‐ols by Aminohydroxylation of Bicyclic Methylene‐Aziridines
Authors: Weatherly Cale D. , Guzei Ilia A. , Schomaker Jennifer M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractNitrogen‐containing stereotriads, which are defined as compounds with three adjacent stereodefined carbon atoms, are common structural motifs in several biologically relevant compounds. The 1,3‐diamino‐2‐ol motif in particular is an important pharmacophore for which there are limited stereoselective synthetic approaches. In this communication, we describe the aminohydroxylation of a series of bicyclic methylene‐aziridines obtained from the aziridination of a series of homoallenic carbamates. The unusual electronic and steric features of these useful heterocyclic scaffolds render the Os‐catalyzed aminohydroxylation of the exocyclic alkene highly regio‐ and stereoselective. Rearrangement of the proposed N,O‐aminal intermediate to a 1,3‐diamino‐2‐one is followed by reduction with NaBH4 to deliver the desired 1,3‐diamino‐2‐ols in good yields with high diastereomeric ratios.
Counter‐prejudicial training reduces activation of biased associations and enhances response monitoring
Authors: Calanchini Jimmy , Gonsalkorale Karen , Sherman Jeffrey W. , Klauer Karl Christoph 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAlthough implicitly measured bias was once assumed to be highly stable, subsequent research has shown that it is, in fact, malleable. One technique for altering implicit bias is through counter‐prejudicial training. At least two broad mechanisms may drive this effect. First, training people to respond in counter‐prejudicial ways may diminish the extent to which biased associations are activated in memory. Second, training may strengthen processes that reduce the influence of biased associations on responses. Participants received either counter‐prejudicial, pro‐prejudicial, or no training and then completed an implicit measure of bias. Application of the quadruple process model revealed support for both mechanisms: Counter‐prejudicial training produced less activation of biased associations as well as enhanced detection of appropriate responses compared with pro‐prejudicial or no training. Implications for the development of bias‐reduction training are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.