bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endoscopic orbital floor decompression with preservation of the inferomedial strut
Authors: Bleier Benjamin S. , Lefebvre Daniel R. , Freitag Suzanne K. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundMedial and inferior orbital decompression is most commonly performed in the setting of dysthyroid orbitopathy. Diplopia represents the most common complication and may be minimized through the preservation of a bony inferomedial strut (IMS). Historically, this has required a transconjunctival approach due to the technical demands of performing an isolated orbital floor decompression using endoscopic instrumentation. Here we describe a novel technique of a purely endoscopic orbital floor decompression with reliable preservation of the IMS.MethodsDescription of a novel surgical technique for endoscopic orbital floor decompression with IMS preservation using frontal sinus instrumentation visualized by a 70‐degree endoscope.ResultsWe have successfully used this technique in 12 orbits with 100% preservation of the bony inferomedial strut and no complications. The extent of decompression and width of the residual strut may be fine tuned as needed to optimize results.ConclusionOrbital floor decompression with IMS preservation may be reliably performed using purely endoscopic techniques. Successful completion of this procedure requires the adaptation of standard frontal sinus instrumentation to the maxillary sinus roof and thus may be readily mastered by any endoscopic surgeon comfortable with frontal sinus techniques.
The role of secondhand smoke in sinusitis: a systematic review
Authors: Hur Kevin , Liang Jonathan , Lin Sandra Y. 
Published: October 2013

BackgroundThe objective of this study was to systematically review existing literature on the association between sinusitis and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure.MethodsWe performed a literature search encompassing the last 25 years in PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL. Inclusion criteria included English language papers containing original human data with at least 7 subjects. Data was systematically collected on study design, patient demographics, clinical characteristics/outcomes, and level‐of‐evidence (Oxford Center for Evidence‐Based Medicine). Quality assessment was performed using the Newcastle‐Ottawa scale. Two investigators independently reviewed all manuscripts.ResultsThe initial search yielded 116 abstracts, of which 19 articles were included. Thirteen (68.4%) of the 19 articles showed a statistically significant association between sinusitis and SHS. Seven (36.8%) studies specifically evaluated chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with 5 (71.4%) CRS studies demonstrating a significant association between CRS and SHS. Seventeen articles were case‐control studies (Level 3b). For characterizing sinusitis, 6 (31.6%) studies included computed tomography (CT) or endoscopy in the diagnostic criteria, with 5 of these studies following rhinosinusitis taskforce guidelines. For determining presence of SHS, all studies used questionnaires and 2 (10.5%) studies also reported serum or urine cotinine levels.ConclusionA majority of the studies (68.4%) included in this systematic review showed a significant association between sinusitis and SHS. Furthermore, 5 (83.3%) of the 6 studies with objective diagnostic criteria (CT, endoscopy) found a significant association between sinusitis and SHS. Further higher‐quality studies with objective diagnosis of sinusitis and quantification of SHS exposure should be performed in the future to better evaluate the relationship between sinusitis and SHS.
Glial localization of antiquitin: Implications for pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy
Authors: Jansen Laura A. , Hevner Robert F. , Roden William H. , Hahn Si Houn , Jung Sunhee , Gospe Sidney M. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectiveA high incidence of structural brain abnormalities has been reported in individuals with pyridoxine‐dependent epilepsy (PDE). PDE is caused by mutations inALDH7A1, also known as antiquitin. How antiquitin dysfunction leads to cerebral dysgenesis is unknown. In this study, we analyzed tissue from a child with PDE as well as control human and murine brain to determine the normal distribution of antiquitin, its distribution in PDE, and associated brain malformations.MethodsFormalin‐fixed human brain sections were subjected to histopathology and fluorescence immunohistochemistry studies. Frozen brain tissue was utilized for measurement of PDE‐associated metabolites and Western blot analysis. Comparative studies of antiquitin distribution were performed in developing mouse brain sections.ResultsHistologic analysis of PDE cortex revealed areas of abnormal radial neuronal organization consistent with type Ia focal cortical dysplasia. Heterotopic neurons were identified in subcortical white matter, as was cortical astrogliosis, hippocampal sclerosis, and status marmoratus of the basal ganglia. Highly elevated levels of lysine metabolites were present in postmortem PDE cortex. In control human and developing mouse brain, antiquitin immunofluorescence was identified in radial glia, mature astrocytes, ependyma, and choroid plexus epithelium, but not in neurons. In PDE cortex, antiquitin immunofluorescence was greatly attenuated with evidence of perinuclear accumulation in astrocytes.InterpretationAntiquitin is expressed within glial cells in the brain, and its dysfunction in PDE is associated with neuronal migration abnormalities and other structural brain defects. These malformations persist despite postnatal pyridoxine supplementation and likely contribute to neurodevelopmental impairments. ANN NEUROL 2014;75:22–32
Mechanical and thermal properties of dimer acid based nylon 636/Nylon 66 copolymers
Authors: Jia Feng , Mao Jin Long , Ma Yan , Yao Cheng 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTDimer acid (DA)‐based nylon 636/nylon 66 copolymers were synthesized by in situ polymerization. The effects of incorporating nylon 66 on the mechanical and thermal properties were characterized by means of intrinsic viscosity determination, attenuated total reflection (ATR)–Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis, and mechanical testing. The results show that the intrinsic viscosity of the copolymers ranged from 1.0 to 2.1 dL/g, depending on the content of nylon 66. The incorporation of nylon 66 into DA‐based nylon 636 had no significant effect on the values of the glass‐transition temperature, melting temperature, temperature at 50% weight loss, or temperature at the maximum rate of decomposition, but the crystallization temperature, crystallinity degree, and extrapolated onset temperature increased. ATR–FTIR spectroscopy and XRD demonstrated that with increasing nylon 66 mass, the content of α‐ and β‐crystal forms would increase accordingly. The mechanical test data revealed that with increasing nylon 66 concentration, the tensile strength of the copolymers increased, and the flexural strength and flexural modulus first increased and then decreased. However, the notched Izod impact strength decreased. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39845.
Recent advances on crosslinked dendritic networks
Authors: Olofsson Kristina , Andrén Oliver C. J. , Malkoch Michael 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe branched architectures of dendritic polymers display a large number of end groups, and dendrimers have been extensively evaluated as scaffolds in a large array of research fields, including biomedicine and nanotechnology. From the number of potential applications that require advanced crosslinked films, dendritic macromolecules are attractive as scaffolds that deliver on promising crosslinked three‐dimensional (3D) networks. This review briefly covers a description of the family of functional dendritic polymers, ranging from dendrimers and dendrons to hyperbranched polymers and dendritic linear hybrids. The review also contains a detailed report on proposed chemistries for the exploitation of dendritic materials as scaffolds in the field of advanced networks. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39876.
Morphology, dynamic rheology, and cohesive properties of epoxy‐modified polyurethane–acrylate microemulsions prepared by in situ surfactant‐free polymerization
Authors: Fei Guiqiang , Zhu Ke , Wang Haihua , Shen Yiding , Zou Jing , Lan Jing 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA series of organic, solvent‐free, epoxy‐modified polyurethane–acryalte (EPUA) adhesives were prepared through in situ surfactant‐free polymerization. Stable EPUA microemulsions with average particle diameters of less than 100 nm and a unimodal distribution were obtained through control of the epoxy content. Transitions from irregular shapes with a heterogeneous size distribution to a regular spherical particle morphology with an apparent core–shell morphology were obtained for EPUA with an increasing epoxy content to 8 wt %. With epoxy addition, EPUA displayed pseudoplastic behavior instead of Newtonian behavior, and increases in the viscosity and pseudoplastic behavior were detected. In addition, the EPUA emulsion transferred from a viscous liquid to a solidlike liquid. The addition of epoxy was beneficial for phase mixing, interaction, and entanglements between polyurethane and polyacrylate, and the interactions between the EPUA colloidal particles were also enhanced. The thermal stability, mechanical properties, and water and solvent resistance were thereby improved, as was the cohesive properties. However, the corresponding properties were weakened with excessive epoxy, and this was ascribed to the greatly increased particle size, viscosity, and phase separation. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39886.
Thermal and dielectric behavior of flexible polycarbonate/lead zirconate titanate composite system
Authors: Sain P. K. , Goyal R. K. , Bhargava A. K. , Prasad Y.V.S.S. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPolycarbonate (PC)/Lead Zirconate Titanate (PZT) composites were prepared using solution mixing method followed by hot pressing. The volume fraction of PZT particles was varied from 0 to 27.5%. SEM showed good dispersion of PZT in the PC matrix. XRD confirmed the perovskite structure of PZT and amorphous structure of polycarbonate. The dielectric constant of the composites measured at 1 kHz, increased ∼3.5‐fold compared with pure PC. The modified Lichtenecker equation agreed well with the experimental data. There was no dispersion in the dielectric constant of the composites for the frequency range of 1 kHz to 10 MHz. However, at frequencies higher than 10 MHz significant drop in dielectric constant was observed. The dissipation factor of the composites was found below 0.02. However, above 1 MHz, an abrupt increment in the dissipation factor was observed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39913.
Effect of BaTiO3 on the microwave absorbing properties of Co‐doped Ni‐Zn ferrite nanocomposites
Authors: Mandal Avinandan , Das Chapal Kumar 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTCoprecipitation and hydrothermal method were utilized for the synthesis of Co‐doped Ni‐Zn ferrite and barium titanate nanoparticles. The microwave absorption properties of Co‐doped Ni‐Zn ferrite/barium titanate nanocomposites with single layer structure were studied in the frequency range of 8.2–12.4 GHz.The spectroscopic characterizations of the nanocomposites were examined using X‐ ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering measurement. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated the high thermal stabilities of the composites. The composite materials showed brilliant microwave absorbing properties in a wide range of frequency in the X‐band region with the minimum return loss of −42.53 dB at 11.81 GHz when sample thickness was 2 mm and the mechanisms of microwave absorption are happening mainly due to the dielectric loss. Compared with pure Co‐doped Ni‐Zn ferrite, Co‐doped Ni‐Zn ferrite/BaTiO3 composites exhibited enhanced absorbing properties. The microwave absorbing properties can be modulated by controlling the BaTiO3 content of the absorbers and also by changing the sample thicknesses. Therefore, these composites can be used as lightweight and highly effective microwave absorbers. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39926.
Structural development in ion‐irradiated poly(ether ether ketone) as studied by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy
Authors: Al Lafi Abdul G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTStructural alterations to amorphous poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) produced by ion irradiation (11.2 MeV H+ and 25.6 MeV He2+ ions) were investigated by dielectric relaxation spectroscopy. The analysis in terms of the Havriliak–Negami (HN) equation and the scaling model showed an increase in the intermolecular correlation with increasing irradiation dose. The dynamic fragility index (m) was estimated from Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann analysis. Ion irradiation not only elevated the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) but interestingly decreased m of the PEEK chains around Tg. This was due to increasing polar interaction and better packing efficiency of the irradiated samples compared with those of amorphous PEEK. The average size of the cooperative rearranging region decreased in line with decreasing m and indicated an increase in the rigid amorphous phase fraction after irradiation. The analysis of the direct‐current conductivity confirmed that there was a strong coupling between the macroscopic ion transport and concerted segmental motion. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39929.
In situgelling polysaccharide‐based hydrogel for cell and drug delivery in tissue engineering
Authors: Cheng Yixing , Nada Ahmed A. , Valmikinathan Chandra M. , Lee Paul , Liang Danni , Yu Xiaojun , Kumbar Sangamesh G. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTInjectable hydrogels have attracted a great deal of attention as cell carriers and bioactive agents in regenerative medicine due to their ability to fill complex three‐dimensional (3D) tissue gaps and relative ease ofin vivoadministration. Polysaccharide‐based hydrogels can provide microenvironments that favor tissue regeneration and biocompatibility due to their chemical similarities with native extracellular matrix components. This manuscript reports thein vitroapplication of an injectable chitosan‐based polysaccharide hydrogel for cell and protein delivery. Crosslinked hydrogels were produced by the reaction between the amino functionality of chitosan and the aldehyde of dextran aldehyde resulting in an imine bond (Schiff's base) formation in aqueous solutions. This approach eliminated the use of additional crosslinking agents which may pose undesired side effects regarding cytotoxicity and biocompatibility. Additionally, we demonstrate versatility of the gel in terms of its fabrication, and ability to alter mechanical properties by changing the crosslinking extent due to aldehyde content. Bovine serum albumin (BSA), used as a model protein, followed a steady release pattern from the gel. BSA release was dependent on the extent of hydrogel crosslinking. Increase in crosslinking extent resulted in improved mechanical properties and sustained release of BSA. Human fetal osteoblasts encapsulated into the hydrogel showed at least 70% viability and continued to proliferate underin vitroculture. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 39934.
Perfluorosulfonated ionomers membranes: Melt‐processing and characterization for ion exchange applications
Authors: Tang Weihua , Zhang Rui , Liu Beibei , Yuan Huilin 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPerflurosulfonated ionomers membranes with different ionic‐exchange capacity were successfully fabricated via melt‐extruding and casting of their –SO2F precursors. A systematical investigation of the thermal stability, crystallinity, and rheological properties of the precursors was performed to secure their optimized processing conditions. The tensile properties of acid‐form membranes are found to increase with base‐hydrolysis time, where a tensile strength of 38.2 MPa is readily obtained after 24 h's base‐hydrolysis. The content of –SO2F or –SO3H containing side‐chains plays an important role in the thermal stability, rheological, and mechanical properties of the precursor or the acid‐form membranes. The strong ionic interactions, attributed to the –SO3H groups, lead to decreased crystallinity and tensile strength for different IEC membranes. The acid‐form membranes exhibit good proton conductivity and low methanol crossover in comparison with reference Nafion membrane. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39944.
Iron chelating polypropylene films: Manipulating photoinitiated graft polymerization to tailor chelating activity
Authors: Roman Maxine J. , Tian Fang , Decker Eric A. , Goddard Julie M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTTransition metals, especially iron, enhance the oxidative degradation of lipids. Nonmigratory metal chelating active packaging can inhibit lipid oxidation and meet consumer demand for ‘cleaner' labels. Recently, the development of iron chelating films prepared by photoinitiated graft polymerization of acrylic acid on polypropylene (PP‐g‐PAA) was reported. The objective of this study was to tailor the chelating activity of PP‐g‐PAA by manipulating graft conditions. Carboxylic acids graft density and PAA graft thickness increased with graft time and acrylic acid concentration, with carboxylic acids density of up to 143 ± 32 nmol cm−2, PAA graft thickness of ∼6–18 μm, and ligand (carboxylic acid) to metal (Fe2+) binding ratio of ∼4–5. Reducing photoinitiator graft density decreased this ratio to ∼2–2.5, suggesting that graft chain density influences chelating activity. This work demonstrates the ability to tailor chelating activity of PP‐g‐PAA with potential applications in active packaging, chelation therapy, and water purification. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39948.
Vitamin E acetate addition to poly(d,l)lactic acid modifies its mechanical behavior without affecting biocompatibility
Authors: Pittarella Pamela , Antonioli Diego , Rizzi Manuela , Laus Michele , Renò Filippo 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTMechanical properties of poly(d,l)lactic acid films enriched with Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate (5–40% w/w) were investigated. The addition of both formulations resulted in increased polymer Young's modulus and tensile strength. Human foreskin fibroblasts and murine pre‐osteoblasts were used to assess the biocompatibility of polymers. Pre‐osteoblasts adhesion and proliferation were strongly decreased by Vitamin E, whereas Vitamin E Acetate did not alter cell proliferation. Collagen deposition was lower onto Vitamin E blended polymers than onto native and Vitamin E Acetate blended ones. Fibroblasts adhesion and proliferation were increased by both Vitamin E and Vitamin E Acetate addition. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39970.
Enhanced performance by polyaniline/tailored carbon nanotubes composite as supercapacitor electrode material
Authors: Ye Tingting , Kuang Yafei , Xie Congjia , Huang Zhongyuan , Zhang Changjun , Shan Dan , Zhou Haihui 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPolyaniline/tailored carbon nanotubes composite (PANI/TCN) synthesized via situ polymerization of aniline monomer in the presence of tailored carbon nanotubes (TCN) is reported as electrode material for supercapacitors. The morphology, structure, and thermostability of the composite were characterized by scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared, and thermogravimetric analysis. The electrochemical property of the resulting material was systematically studied using cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge–discharge. The results show that the short rod‐like PANI dispersed well in the TCN with three‐dimensional network structure. The as‐prepared composite shows high specific capacitance and good cycling stability. A specific capacitance of 373.5 F g−1 at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 was achieved, which is much higher than that of pure PANI (324 F g−1). Meanwhile, the composite retains 61.7% capacity after 1000 cycles at a scan rate of 50 mV s−1. The enhanced specific capacitance and capacity retention indicates the potential of composite as a promising supercapacitor electrode material. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39971.
Palm oil‐based organogels and microemulsions for delivery of antimicrobial drugs
Authors: Pradhan Suryakant , Sagiri Satish S. , Singh Vinay K. , Pal Kunal , Ray Sirsendu S. , Pradhan Dillip K. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThis study has been designed to develop palm oil (PO) based organogels using span 80/tween 80 mixture (OG) as a gelator system by fluid‐filled structure mechanism. The results suggested formation of organogels, emulsions, and microemulsions as the proportions of PO, OG and water were varied. The emulsions were found to be thermodynamically unstable as compared to the organogels and the microemulsions. Accelerated thermal stability test suggested that all the microemulsions and the organogels of only eight compositions were stable. The organogels showed viscoelastic property while the microemulsions showed viscous flow behavior. Both the organogels and the microemulsions were found to be highly hemocompatible and nonirritant. The antimicrobial efficiency of the ciprofloxacin HCl‐loaded formulations showed equivalent efficiency as compared to marketed formulations. The rates of drug release from the organogels were found to be relatively slower as compared to the microemulsions. The preliminary studies suggested that the developed organogel and microemulsion‐based formulations may be tried for topical delivery of antimicrobials. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39979.
Preparation, characterization, and applicability of novel calix[4]arene‐based cellulose acetate membranes in gas permeation
Authors: Farrukh Sarah , Minhas Fozia T. , Hussain Arshad , Memon Shahabuddin , Bhanger M. I. , Mujahid M. 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTCellulose acetate (CA) is well known glassy polymer used in the fabrication of gas‐separation membranes. In this study, 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(N‐morpholinomethyl)‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (CL) was blended with CA to study the gas‐permeation behavior for CO2, N2, and CH4 gases. We prepared the pure CA and CA/CL blended membranes by following a diffusion‐induced phase‐separation method. Three different concentrations of CL (3, 10, and 30 wt %) were selected for membrane preparation. The CA/CL blended membranes were then characterized via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The homogeneous blending of CL and CA was confirmed in the CA/CL blended membranes by both SEM and AFM analysis. In addition to this, the surface roughness of the CA/CL blended membranes also increased with increasing CL concentration. FTIR analysis described the structural modification in the CA polymer after it was blended with CL too. Furthermore, CL improved the tensile strength of the CA membrane appreciably from 0.160 to 1.28 MPa, but this trend was not linear with the increase in the CL concentration. CO2, CH4, and N2 gases were used for gas‐permeation experiments at 4 bars. With the permeation experiments, we concluded that permeability of N2 was higher in comparison to those of CO2 and CH4 through the CA/CL blended membranes. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci., 2014, 131, 39985.