bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Liquefaction behaviors of bamboo residues in a glycerol‐based solvent using microwave energy
Authors: Xie Jiulong , Hse Chung‐Yun , Shupe Todd F. , Qi Jinqiu , Pan Hui 
Published: December 2013

AbstractLiquefaction of bamboo was performed in glycerol–methanol as co‐solvent using microwave energy and was evaluated by characterizing the liquefied residues. High efficiency conversion of bamboo was achieved under mild reaction conditions. Liquefaction temperature and time interacted to affect the liquefaction reaction. Fourier transform infrared analyzes of the residues indicated that hemicellulose and lignin could easily undergo recondensation. Thermogravimetric analysis results showed that residues obtained at higher temperature/longer reaction time displayed a superior thermal stability as compared to those obtained from mild conditions. Moreover, significant differences were observed in the morphology and structures of residues from different liquefaction conditions according to scanning electron microscopy images. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40207.
Synthesis and physical properties of poly(l‐lactic acid)‐poly(dimethyl siloxane) multiblock copolymers prepared by direct polycondensation
Authors: Fukae Ryohei , Okada Yoshiro , Kawatsuki Nobuhiro 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTMultiblock copolymers consisting of poly(l‐lactic acid) and poly(dimethyl siloxane) were prepared by the polycondensation of oligo(l‐lactic acid) (OLLA) with dihydroxyl‐terminated oligo(dimethyl siloxane) and dicarboxyl‐terminated oligo(dimethyl siloxane). Copolymers with number‐average molecular weights of 18,000−33,000 Da and various content ratios of oligo(dimethyl siloxane) (ODMS) unit were obtained by changing the feed ratio of these oligomers. A film prepared from the copolymer with an ODMS content ratio of 0.37 exhibited two independent peaks at −107°C and 37°C in the mechanical loss tangent for temperature dependence, suggesting the formation of microphase separation between the OLLA and ODMS segments. The film had a tensile strength of 3.2 MPa and a high elongation of 132%. The film also exhibited a high strain recovery even after repeated straining. The incorporation of dimethyl siloxane units as multiblock segments was confirmed to improve the flexibility of poly(l‐lactic acid). © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40211.
Hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles for burn wounds show antimicrobial activity without cytotoxicity
Authors: Boonkaew Benjawan , Suwanpreuksa Pimpa , Cuttle Leila , Barber Philip Martin , Supaphol Pitt 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThis research introduces a novel dressing for burn wounds, containing silver nanoparticles in hydrogels for infected burn care. The 2‐acrylamido‐2‐methylpropane sulfonic acid sodium salt hydrogels containing silver nanoparticles have been prepared via ultraviolet radiation. The formation of silver nanoparticles was monitored by surface plasmon bands and transmission electron microscopy. The concentration of silver nitrate loaded in the solutions slightly affected the physical properties and mechanical properties of the neat hydrogel. An indirect cytotoxicity study found that none of the hydrogels were toxic to tested cell lines. The measurement of cumulative release of silver indicated that 70%–82% of silver was released within 72 hr. The antibacterial activities of the hydrogels against common burn pathogens were studied and the results showed that 5 mM silver hydrogel had the greatest inhibitory activity. The results support its use as a potential burn wound dressing. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40215.
Dynamic mechanical properties of semi‐interpenetrating polymer network‐based on nitrile rubber and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate)
Authors: Su Chang , Zong Dezhen , Xu Lihuan , Zhang Cheng 
Published: December 2013

AbstractIn this article, semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (Semi‐IPNs) based on nitrile rubber (NBR) and poly(methyl methacrylate‐co‐butyl acrylate) (P(MMA‐BA)) were synthesized. The structure and damping properties of the prepared Semi‐IPNs blends were characterized and by fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA/DTG), and tensile mechanical properties. The results showed that interpenetrating network based on P(MMA‐BA) and NBR was successfully obtained, which showed the improved thermal stability compared to NBR/P(MMA‐BA)‐based two‐roll mill blends. Furthermore, Semi‐IPNs showed significantly better the dynamic mechanical properties than that of the two‐roll mill system. With the increasing feed ratio of BA and MMA during the preparation of Semi‐IPNs, the loss peak position for P(MMA‐BA) in NBR/PMMA IPNs shifted to a lower temperature from 20°C to −17°C, and when NBR in Semi‐IPNs was accounted for 40 wt %, the dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that much more advanced damping material with wider temperature range (−30°C < T < 80°C) as tan δ > 0.45 can be achieved. Therefore, it was expected as a promising way to obtain the excellent damping materials with good oil‐resisted properties according the Semi‐IPNs system. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40217.
Seismic performance evaluation of high voltage disconnect switches using real‐time hybrid simulation: I. System development and validation
Authors: Mosalam Khalid M. , Günay Selim 
Published: December 2013

SUMMARYThis paper presents the development and validation of a real‐time hybrid simulation (RTHS) system for efficient dynamic testing of high voltage electrical vertical‐break disconnect switches. The RTHS system consists of the computational model of the support structure, the physical model of the insulator post, a small shaking table, a state‐of‐the‐art controller, a data acquisition system and a digital signal processor. Explicit Newmark method is adopted for the numerical integration of the governing equations of motion of the hybrid structure, which consists of an insulator post (experimental substructure) and a spring‐mass‐dashpot system representing the support structure (analytical substructure). Two of the unique features of the developed RTHS system are the application of an efficient feed‐forward error compensation scheme and the ability to use integration time steps as small as 1 ms. After the development stage, proper implementation of the algorithm and robustness of the measurements used in the calculations are verified. The developed RTHS system is further validated by comparing the RTHS test results with those from a conventional shaking table test. A companion paper presents and discusses a parametric study for a variety of geometrical and material configurations of these switches using the developed RTHS system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The biogeomorphological life cycle of poplars during the fluvial biogeomorphological succession: a special focus on Populus nigra L.
Authors: Corenblit D. , Steiger J. , González E. , Gurnell A. M. , Charrier G. , Darrozes J. , Dousseau J. , Julien F. , Lambs L. , Larrue S. , Roussel E. , Vautier F. , Voldoire O. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTRiverine ecosystems are recurrently rejuvenated during destructive flood events and vegetation succession starts again. Poplars (i.e. species from Populus genera) respond to hydrogeomorphological constraints, but, in turn, also influence these processes. Thus, poplar development on bare mineral substrates is not exclusively a one‐way vegetative process. Reciprocal interactions and adjustments between poplar species and sediment dynamics during their life cycle lead to the emergence of biogeomorphological entities within the fluvial corridor, such as vegetated islands, benches and floodplains. Based on a review of geomorphological, biological and ecological literature, we have identified and described the co‐constructing processes between riparian poplars and their fluvial environment. We have explored the possibility that the modification of the hydrogeomorphological environment exerted, in particular, by the European black poplar (Populus nigra L.), increases its fitness and thus results in positive niche construction. We focus on the fundamental phases of dispersal, recruitment and establishment until sexual maturity of P. nigra by describing the hierarchy of interactions and the pattern of feedbacks between biotic and abiotic components. We explicitly relate the biological life cycle of P. nigra to the fluvial biogeomorphic succession model by referring to the ‘biogeomorphological life cycle’ of P. nigra. Finally, we propose new research perspectives based on this theoretical framework. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Comparative Study of In Vitro Cytotoxic, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activity of Pt(II), Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(III) Complexes with N‐heteroaromatic Schiff Base (E)‐2‐[N′‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethylidene)hydrazino]acetate
Authors: Filipović Nenad R. , Marković Ivanka , Mitić Dragana , Polović Natalija , Milčić Miloš , Dulović Marija , Jovanović Maja , Savić Milena , Nikšić Miomir , Anđelković Katarina , Todorović Tamara 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTIn search for novel biologically active metal based compounds, an evaluation of in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activity of new Pt(II) complex and its Zn(II), Cu(II), and Co(III) analogues, with NNO tridentately coordinated N‐heteroaromatic Schiff base ligand (E)‐2‐[N′‐(1‐pyridin‐2‐yl‐ethylidene)hydrazino]acetate, was performed. Investigation of antioxidative properties showed that all of the compounds have strong radical scavenging potencies. The Zn(II) complex showed potent inhibition of DNA cleavage by hydroxyl radical. A cytotoxic action of investigated compounds was evaluated on cultures of human promyelocitic leukaemia (HL‐60), human glioma (U251), rat glioma (C6), and mouse melanoma (B16) cell lines. It was shown that binuclear pentacoordinated Zn(II) complex possesses a strong dose‐dependent cytotoxic activity, of the same order of magnitude as cisplatin on B16, C6, and U251 cells. Furthermore, Zn(II) complex causes oxidative stress‐induced apoptotic death of HL‐60 leukemic cells, associated with caspase activation, phosphatidylserine externalization, and DNA fragmentation.
Sonographic diagnosis of anatomical variations associated with carpal tunnel syndrome
Authors: De Franco P. , Erra C. , Granata G. , Coraci D. , Padua R. , Padua L. 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBifid median nerve is an anatomic variation that occurs in about 18% of patients with symptoms suggestive of carpal tunnel syndrome and in about 15% of symptom‐free subjects. Reversed palmaris longus is a rare anatomic muscular variation. The simultaneous presence of a bifid median nerve and a reversed palmaris longus has been very rarely described, usually during surgical exploration or in cadavers. We present two cases where ultrasound showed the presence of both abnormalities, allowing a correct diagnosis and influencing the treatment plan. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Clin Ultrasound 42:371–374, 2014
Barbronia weberi (Clitellata, Hirudinida, Salifidae) has ovary cords of the Erpobdella type
Authors: Urbisz Anna Z. , Lai Yi‐Te , Świątek Piotr 
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTThe organization of the ovaries in representative of the Salifidae (Hirudinida, Erpobdelliformes) was studied at the ultrastructural level for the first time. Like in other leeches, the ovaries of Barbronia weberi are composed of an outer envelope (i.e., an ovisac made up of two coelomic epithelia, muscle cells, and connective tissue) and several internal units, which are broadly similar to the ovary cords found in representatives of the Erpobdellidae. There are usually 6–8 ovary cords that are twisted or cambered with a narrow apical part and a broader, irregularly shaped distal end in each ovisac of B. weberi. Each ovary cord is built from somatic and germ‐line cells and the latter tend to form multicellular cysts that are equipped with a central cytoplasmic core (cytophore). There are two morphologically different subpopulations of germ‐line cells: oocytes and more numerous nurse cells. Growing oocytes form protuberances on the ovary cord surface and eventually detach from the cord and float freely in the ovisac lumen, whereas the other components of germ‐line cysts (i.e., nurse cells and cytophore) degenerate. It should be pointed out that there is a prominent gradient of germ‐cell development along the long axis of the cord. The somatic cells form the ovary cord envelope (the so‐called spongiosa cells) and also penetrate the spaces between germ‐line cells. Both kinds of the somatic cells, that is, those forming the cord envelope and the somatic cells that are associated with oocytes (follicular cells) have a well‐developed system of intercellular channels. Additionally, one prominent somatic cell, the apical cell, was found at the apical tip of each ovary cord. Because the aforementioned features of ovary cords found in B. weberi are very similar (with a few minor exceptions) to the ovary cords that have been described in Erpobdella octoculata and E. johanssoni, we propose the term “ovary cords of the Erpobdella type” for them. Our results support a close phylogenetic relationship between Salifidae and Erpobdellidae. J. Morphol. 275:479–488, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potentially simple score of late gadolinium enhancement cardiac MR in acute myocarditis outcome
Authors: Barone‐Rochette Gilles , Augier Caroline , Rodière Mathieu , Quesada Jean‐Louis , Foote Alison , Bouvaist Hélène , Marlière Stéphanie , Fagret Daniel , Baguet Jean Philippe , Vanzetto Gérald 
Published: December 2013

PurposeTo determine the value of cardiac MRI for the monitoring and the prognosis of patients with acute myocarditis. Cardiac MRI plays an increasingly important role in the diagnosis of acute myocarditis. However, it is less established as a prognostic tool, which requires specific postprocessing of images.Materials and MethodsIn a prospective pilot study, we assessed the prognostic value of the evolution in a simplified visual quantitative score (SQS) of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) between initial hospitalization and 3 months later. The prognostic value was assessed at 1 year using a combination of death, heart transplant, and confirmed recurrence as main outcome.ResultsTwenty‐eight patients were included in this study. A significant correlation was found between LGE measured by SQS and planimetry (r = 0.95, P < 0.001). Intraobserver and interobserver reproducibilities were good for SQS (ICC = 0.95 [95% CI: 0.86 to 0.98], and 0.94 [95% CI: 0.84 to 0.98], respectively). At initial hospitalization, patient characteristics between the two groups were similar. Patients with stable or increased SQS suffered more frequently from clinical outcome events than patients with a decrease in SQS (P = 0.02).ConclusionMonitoring of the evolution of LGE using a simple visual score is of interest to identify patients at risk of pejorative prognosis after acute myocarditis. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2014;40:1347–1354. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Malignant melanoma in early‐treated Parkinson's disease: The NET‐PD trial
Authors: Constantinescu Radu , Elm Jordan , Auinger Peggy , Sharma Saloni , Augustine Erika F. , Khadim Laith , Kieburtz Karl ,   NET‐PD Investigators
Published: December 2013

ABSTRACTBackgroundThe risk for malignant melanoma is higher than expected in Parkinson's disease (PD). The National Institutes of Health (NIH) Exploratory Trials in PD (NET‐PD) Long‐term Study 1 (LS‐1) trial is a contemporary phase 3 study of subjects with early, treated PD. The objective of this work was to assess the incidence of malignant melanoma in a PD cohort.MethodsIncident melanoma cases were identified from the adverse events log. The expected number of cases was calculated, using the expected incidence rates and the number of person‐years.ResultsA total of 618 females and 1119 males were followed for 6452 person‐years; 19 new melanoma cases were observed. The expected number was 5.29. The standardized event ratio compared to the general population was 3.6 (95% confidence interval, 2.2‐5.6).ConclusionsThe risk for developing melanoma was higher than expected in the NET‐PD LS‐1 cohort and was similar to the risk reported in earlier comparable clinical trial cohorts. Dermatologic screening may be useful in Parkinson's disease to identify melanoma at an early stage. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Prognostic Significance of the Number of Metastatic Lymph Nodes to Stratify the Risk of Recurrence
Authors: Lee Jeonghun , Song Youngpeck , Soh Euy Young 
Published: December 2013

AbstractBackgroundProphylactic dissection facilitates identification of central lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Because most staging systems do not stratify risks by the number of LN metastases, postoperative treatments vary among different institutions. Therefore we investigated the significance of number of LN metastases in risk stratification for recurrence in PTC.Material and methodsA retrospective review was performed for 3,305 patients who had undergone thyroidectomy at Ajou University Hospital. A total of 2,462 patients (73.5 %) underwent total thyroidectomy, and another 3,152 (94.1 %) underwent central LN dissection. Lateral cervical LN dissection had been performed in 420 patients (12.5 %).ResultsThere were 115 patients with recurrence (3.4 %). Recurrence‐free rates were 94.6 % at 5 years and 89.4 % at 10 years. On univariate analysis, prognostic factors for recurrence were extent of thyroidectomy, tumor size, capsular invasion, T stage, N stage, number of LN metastasis, TNM stage, and radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. On multivariate analysis, number of LN metastasis and N stage were significant prognostic factors for recurrence. Recurrence‐free rate was significantly different between patients with 0–1 LN and those with 2 or more LN.ConclusionsNumber of metastatic LN was a significant prognostic factor, in addition to the N stage. Therefore, number of metastatic LN must be considered for postoperative staging system to tailor treatment and follow‐up recommendations. In addition, patients with ≥2 metastatic LN may benefit from total thyroidectomy and RAI therapy with postoperative follow‐up with serum thyroglobulin.
Regulatory fit: A meta‐analytic synthesis
Authors: Motyka Scott , Grewal Dhruv , Puccinelli Nancy M. , Roggeveen Anne L. , Avnet Tamar , Daryanto Ahmad , de Ruyter Ko , Wetzels Martin 
Published: December 2013

AbstractRegulatory fit, or the match between an individual's regulatory orientation and the strategy used to sustain it, offers a pervasive predictor of customer behavior. Merely reaching a decision in a certain way influences the value of a decision or an outcome. In this research, we conduct a meta‐analysis to more fully articulate the role of important conceptual moderators and demonstrate their differential effects on evaluation, behavioral intention, and behavior. In particular, we look at the source of regulatory focus (self‐prime, situation‐prime, chronic), the orientation (prevention, promotion), how fit is created (sustaining, matching), how fit is constructed (action, observation), and the scope of fit (incidental, integral). We also shed light on the role of several contextual factors.
Effects of dietary supplementation with epigallocatechin-3-gallate on weight loss, energy homeostasis, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function in obese women: randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mielgo-Ayuso Juan , Barrenechea Lurdes , Alcorta Pilar , Larrarte Eider , Margareto Javier , Labayen Idoia 
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of green tea epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) on changes in body composition, energy and substrate metabolism, cardiometabolic risk factors and liver function enzymes after an energy-restricted diet intervention in obese women. In the present randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, eighty-three obese (30 kg/m2>BMI < 40 kg/m2) pre-menopausal women consumed 300 mg/d of EGCG or placebo (lactose). We measured body weight and adiposity (dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry), energy expenditure and fat oxidation rates (indirect calorimetry), blood lipid levels (TAG, total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol and HDL-cholesterol), insulin resistance, C-reactive protein and liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyltransferase, urea, bilirubin and 2-keto[1-13C]isocaproate oxidation) before and after the intervention in the EGCG and control groups. We did not find any significant difference in the changes in body weight ( − 0·3 kg, 95 % CI − 5·0, 4·3), fat mass ( − 0·7 kg, 95 % CI − 3·5, 2·1), energy (0·3 kJ/kg per d, 95 % CI − 3·1, 2·7) and fat ( − 0·1 g/min, 95 % CI − 0·03, 0·01) metabolism, homeostasis assessment model for insulin resistance (0·2, 95 % CI − 0·2, 0·7), total cholesterol ( − 0·21 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·55, 0·13), LDL-cholesterol ( − 0·15 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·50, 0·20), TAG ( − 0·14 mmol/l, 95 % CI − 0·56, 0·29) and liver function markers between the EGCG and control groups. In conclusion, the present results suggest that dietary supplementation with 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not enhance energy-restricted diet-induced adiposity reductions, and did not improve weight-loss-induced changes in cardiometabolic risk factors in obese Caucasian women. The intake of 300 mg/d of EGCG for 12 weeks did not cause any adverse effect on liver function biomarkers.
A sharp oscillation property involving the critical Sobolev exponent for a class of superlinear elliptic problems
Authors: López-Gómez Julián 
Published: December 2013

This paper studies the asymptotic behaviour as α := u(0) ↑∞ of the first zero R(α) of the radially symmetric solution of the semilinear equationin ℝn, n ≥ 1, where h > 0 and β > 1. We establish that R(α) = O(α−(β−1)/2) if n = 1, 2 or n ≥ 3 and β < (n + 2)/(n − 2), and conjecture that lim inf α→∞R(α) > 0 if n ≥ 3 and β > (n + 2)/(n − 2).