bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Onabotulinum toxin A dosage trends over time for adductor spasmodic dysphonia: A 15‐year experience
Authors: Tang Christopher G. , Novakovic Daniel , Mor Niv , Blitzer Andrew 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisAlthough onabotulinum neurotoxin A (BoNTA) has been used for over three decades for the treatment of adductor spasmodic dysphonia, no study has been performed to look at the trend of BoNTA dosages across time. The goal of this study is to evaluate the dosage trends to determine if the dosage necessary for voice improvement in patients increases over time.Study DesignCharts were reviewed for patients with 15 years or more of experience.MethodsLinear regression analysis was performed to determine correlation coefficients and trends.ResultsFifty‐five patients receiving BoNTA injections by the senior author (a.b.) for over 15 years were evaluated. Thirty‐nine patients (82% female) met inclusion criteria. Patients received injections over an average of 18.6 years ± 1.36 years, with the longest follow‐up of 21.5 years. Of 39 patients, 16 (41%) had a negative correlation coefficient (Pearson's r) suggesting a decrease over time, whereas 23 (59%) had a positive correlation coefficient suggesting an increase over time. The mean correlation coefficient was 0.139 ± 0.534 and P < 0.05 in 19 patients and P > 0.05 in 20 patients. R2 for all patients were less than 0.75.ConclusionsOnabotulinum neurotoxin A injection dosage trends vary depending on the individual over time. Overall, the dose range appears to be stable in the majority of patients, suggesting that tolerance does not play a significant part in dose variation over time.Level of Evidence4. Laryngoscope, 126:678–681, 2016
Otolaryngology utilization of speech‐language pathology services for voice disorders
Authors: Cohen Seth M. , Dinan Michaela A. , Kim Jaewhan , Roy Nelson 
Published: August 2015

Objectives/HypothesisTo examine the utilization of speech‐language pathology (SLP) services by otolaryngology for outpatients with laryngeal/voice disorders.Study DesignRetrospective analysis of a large, national, administrative US claims database.MethodsThe study population included patients with a laryngeal/voice disorder based on International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification codes from January 1, 2004 to December 31, 2008, seen by an otolaryngologist as an outpatient, and 12 months of follow‐up. Data were collected on SLP evaluation and treatment and patient factors including age, gender, geographic region, employment status, initial laryngeal diagnosis, and laryngeal diagnosis change over 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to investigate factors associated with receipt of SLP evaluation and treatment.ResultsThere were 91,898 unique patients who met study criteria. A total of 4,485 (4.9%) patients had an SLP evaluation, of whom 2,216 (49.4%) had at least one voice therapy session. Patient age, gender, geographic region, and laryngeal diagnosis were associated with increased likelihood of receiving SLP services. Patients whose final laryngeal diagnosis changed from their initial diagnosis had greater odds of having an SLP evaluation (odds ratio = 1.18, 95% confidence interval = 1.06‐1.31) compared to patients without laryngeal diagnosis change.ConclusionsSLP evaluation and treatment occurred in a minority of laryngeal/voice‐disordered patients. Further study is needed to assess the impact of SLP services on the healthcare utilization of patients with laryngeal/voice disorders.Level of Evidence2C. Laryngoscope, 126:906–912, 2016
Collapse Transition of Branched Polymers in Dilute Solutions: Telechelic Star vs. H‐Polymer
Authors: Dasmahapatra Ashok Kumar , Reddy G. Diwakar , Sanka Venkata Mahanth 
Published: August 2015

SummarySelf‐assembly in polymeric material is facilitated by the presence of active hetero‐atoms either along the backbone or as pendant groups. Self‐assembly leads to a rich variety of morphological pattern influencing various properties of polymeric materials. Presence of branching along the backbone chain also imparts remarkable change in polymeric properties. We report dynamic Monte Carlo (DMC) simulation study on solution behavior of branched polymers. We take multi‐arm telechelic star polymers (TSP, one branch point with terminal active groups) and H‐shaped branched polymers (homopolymers with two branch points), elucidating the driving mechanisms of collapse transition and morphological development. The presence of terminal active groups in TSP drives the collapse transition producing segregated and compact globule structure, on deteriorating solvent quality. On the other hand, presence of two branch points in H‐shaped polymers incorporates conformational heterogeneity (viz., entropically originated) and produces segregated globule structures. The terminal functional groups in TSP form aggregate, resembles to “watermelons” (WM) and double watermelon (DWM) depending on the number of arms and mode of cooling. In H‐polymers, conformational heterogeneity leads to the formation of segregated backbone and branch units (resembles to “Sandwich” or “Janus” morphology) rather an evenly distributed structure consisting of all the units, accompanying with a larger size of branches compared to the backbone.
Characteristics and Osteoconductivity of Bone Composite Scaffolds Made of Thai Silk Fibroin, Gelatin and Inorganic Compounds: A Comparative Study of β‐Tricalcium Phosphate and Hydroxyapatite
Authors: Dararutana Chotika , Ratanavaraporn Juthamas , Honsawek Sittisak , Kanokpanont Sorada , Damrongsakkul Siriporn 
Published: August 2015

SummaryWe developed the composite scaffolds made of Thai silk fibroin, gelatin, and inorganic compounds e.g. β‐tricalcium phosphate (β‐TCP) and hydroxyapatite (HA). The organic component of Thai silk fibroin/gelatin (50/50) was mixed with the inorganic β ‐TCP or HA at different mixing ratios. It was found that all scaffolds possessed porous structure with uniform distribution of β‐TCP and HA (pore size ∼56–150 μm, porosity ∼87–94%). The Thai silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds incorporating β‐TCP or HA showed higher compressive modulus but lower water absorption ability than the pure protein scaffolds. Human periosteum‐derived stem cells were isolated and cultured in the scaffold under osteogenic differentiation induction. The cells showed the greater ability of osteogenic differentiation when cultured in the Thai silk fibroin/gelatin scaffolds incorporating β‐TCP, comparing with those of the pure protein scaffolds and the scaffolds incorporating HA, as confirmed by alkaline phosphatase activity and calcium production. The scaffolds incorporating β‐TCP also supported cell spreading and deposition of calcium phosphate nodules. The promoted osteogenic differentiation of human periosteum‐derived stem cells could be explained by the bioresorbable property and the high osteoinductive potential of β‐TCP itself. Therefore, the Thai silk fibroin/gelatin (50/50) scaffolds incorporating β‐TCP would be novel candidates for bone tissue engineering applications.
Adhesion Improvement via Surface Functionalization of Epoxy‐Resin Base Post by Low Temperature Plasma
Authors: Rakitikul Waleepan , Lee Vannajan Sanghiran , Yavirach Piriya , Boonyawan Dheerawan , Nimmanpipug Piyarat 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe adhesion between dental materials could be improved by an increase of interfacial polarity. In this study, low temperature plasma was used to treat an epoxy‐based post. The surface modifications after treatment were characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) which showed the existence of N, O‐ containing groups in the epoxy‐based post. Furthermore, functionalization positions were proposed by Quantum Mechanic (QM) calculation. It could confirm the position that such a functional group was formed at hydroxyl group and alpha‐carbon with an energy level around 93–97 kcal/mol through hydrogen abstraction reaction. Both experiments and calculations show consistent results indicating polar group formation on the surface after plasma treatments.
Study on Triclosan/Cyclodextrin Inclusion Complex for Natural Rubber Antibacterial Agent
Authors: Srithongkham Saniwan , Sokhuma Wipawee , Udomkusonsri Pareeya , Lertworasirikul Amornrat 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis research aims to prepare antibacterial rubber from a natural rubber (NR) composite. Calcium sulfate dihydrate (CaSO4 · 2H2O, CS), or gypsum, has been used as a non‐reinforced filler for NR due to its low cost, abundant availability and non‐toxicity. However, the dihydrate form cannot disperse well in the natural rubber matrix. In this study, the CS was converted to calcium sulfate anhydrite (AII) form by heat treatment. An antibacterial agent imparted antibacterial properties to the natural rubber composite. β‐cyclodextrin / Triclosan inclusion complex (β‐CD/TR IC) was prepared in this research and applied as antibacterial agent for natural rubber composite. The β‐CD/TR IC prevents loss of the antibacterial agent during rubber processing. The natural rubber‐filled calcium sulfate anhydrite composite (NR‐AII) mixed with β‐CD/TR IC clearly showed antibacterial activity against E. coli at β‐CD/TR IC content of 6 phr and S. aureus at β‐CD/TR IC content of 3 phr.
Microencapsulation of a Palm Oil‐based Alkyd by Amino Resins
Authors: Shahabudin Nurshafiza , Yahya Rosiyah , Gan Seng Neon 
Published: August 2015

SummaryPreparation of microcapsules of poly(urea‐formaldehyde) (PUF) and melamine‐modified PUF (PUMF) shells that encapsulated a core of palm oil‐based alkyd resin was described. Ethylene maleic anhydride (EMA) was used as emulsifier. The effects of core‐shell weight ratio on microcapsules size and surface morphology were studied. The microcapsules obtained were inspected using digital microscope and field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) to study the formation of microcapsules and their surface morphology. The core and shell content was verified using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and attentuated total reflectance fourier‐transformed infrared (ATR‐FTIR). Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shown that the microcapsules have different degradation rates of core and shell thus reconfirmed the formation of microcapsules. The resultant microcapsules appear as white‐yellowish and free‐flowing spherical particles, having a rough, non‐porous shell which was formed by PUF and PUMF nanoparticles. The microcapsules have their diameters ranging from 150–500 microns, and they contain 87–90% of the alkyd as core and 10–13% of shell by weight.
Preparation and Characterization of Cellulose Nanofibers from Cassava Pulp
Authors: Ruangudomsakul Watcharin , Ruksakulpiwat Chaiwat , Ruksakulpiwat Yupaporn 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIn this study, cassava pulp (CP) was used to prepare cellulose nanofibers. CP was treated with sodium hydroxide and then bleached by sodium chlorite solution in acetate buffer solution. Finally, acid hydrolysis treatment was conducted by using two different acid type (H2SO4 and HCl). The morphological structure of the ensuing fibers was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM images showed diameter and length of cellulose nanofibers obtained from sulphuric acid treatment in the range of 8‐15 nm and 200‐800 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed the progressive removal of non‐cellulosic constituents. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) revealed an increase in crystallinity of the nanofibers after successive treatments. The thermal properties of cassava pulp and cellulose nanofibers were also investigated using thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Cellulose nanofibers showed higher thermal stability than cassava pulp.
Physical Properties of Poly(lactic acid)/Hydroxyl Terminated Natural Rubber Blends
Authors: Srisuwan Sawitri , Ruksakulpiwat Yupaporn , Chumsamrong Pranee 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe objective of the study is to use hydroxyl‐terminated natural rubber (HTNR) as the toughening modifier for poly(lactic acid) (PLA). Photochemical degradation of natural rubber by ultraviolet radiation from high pressure mercury vapor lamp was used as depolymerization and hydroxylation of natural rubber. Molecular weight of HTNR was 25,000 () and estimation of hydroxyl number of HTNR according to ASTM D4274‐11 was 2.04 mg KOH/g. The present of hydroxyl group was confirmed by FT‐IR,1H‐NMR and13C‐NMR spectrum. HTNR was blended with PLA in the ratio of 100/0, 100/3, 100/5, 100/10, and 100/15. Tensile and impact tests were carried out according to ASTM D638 and D256 respectively. It was found that tensile strength and tensile modulus of the PLA/HTNR blends were not significantly decreased whereas elongations at break were increased up to about 9 times compared with neat PLA. For impact properties, the results showed that impact strength of PLA was significantly increased up to 4 times with an addition of 10 wt% HTNR. SEM micrographs of the blends showed well disperse of HTNR particles and the occurrence of ductile fracture.
Effect of Modified Silica Particles with Phenyltriethoxysilane on Mechanical and Thermal Properties of Natural Rubber Composites
Authors: Tunlert Apinya , Prasassarakich Pattarapan , Poompradub Sirilux 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe modification of silica surface by phenyltriethoxysilane (PhTES) as a modifying agent was carried out by sol‐gel reaction of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) as a precursor of silica. The condition to modify silica particles was the use of the mole ratio of TEOS to PhTES of 1:0.4 and ammonia as a catalyst at ambient temperature for 24 h. The characterization of modified silica surface was investigated by a fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and contact angle measurement. The modified silica particles were in a spherical shape, which was confirmed by a scanning electron microscopy. The mechanical properties and thermal stability of modified silica particles filled NR vulcanizates were greatly improved compared to those of unfilled NR vulcanizates due to the reinforcing effect and the high thermal oxidative stability of modified silica particles, respectively.
Morphology and Properties of Acrylonitrile‐Butadiene‐Styrene/ZnO Nanocomposites with Compatibilizer
Authors: Wacharawichanant Sirirat , Noichin Lalitwadee , Bannarak Sutharat , Thongyai Supakanok 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis work investigated the effects of polystyrene‐co‐maleic anhydride (SMA) compatibilizer on morphology and properties of acrylonitrile‐butadiene‐styrene (ABS)/zinc oxide (ZnO) nanocomposites. The ABS/ZnO nanocomposites were prepared by using an internal mixer and were then molded by compression method. In order to improve adhesion between the filler and the matrix, SMA has been used as compatibilizer in the nanocomposites. ABS/ZnO nanocomposites showed the storage modulus increased with increasing ZnO content and showed a maximum at 3 wt%. The addition of SMA improved Young's modulus and stiffness of ABS/ZnO nanocomposites at low ZnO content. While the impact strength and tensile strength of ABS/ZnO nanocomposites before and after adding SMA decreased with increasing of ZnO loading. The glass transition temperatures were not significantly changed when both ZnO and SMA were incorporated. The dielectric constant of ABS/ZnO nanocomposites before adding SMA increased in a range of 1–5 wt% of ZnO. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) observation showed the better dispersion and compatibility of ZnO particles in ABS/ZnO nanocomposites with the addition of SMA.
Optical Clarity, Crystallinity and Morphology of Ternary Blended Films of Poly(l‐lactide)/Polycaprolactone/Thermoplastic Polyurethane: Effect of Molecular Weight
Authors: Ross Sukunya , Mahasaranon Sararat , Ross Gareth M. 
Published: August 2015

SummaryNovel ternary blends based on poly(L‐lactide) (PLLA) together with polycaprolactone (PCL) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) were fabricated using a solvent meditated technique called the rapid screening method. The blends were solvent cast as films and then the optical clarity was studied with the results presented in the form of ternary phase diagrams. Also investigated was the crystallinity and phase morphology of the blends along with analysis of the Coleman‐Painter miscibility approach, in order to help select and understand the polymer pair interactions. The results showed that the transitions in the optical phase boundaries in PLLA/PCL blends were strongly influenced by TPU. The boundaries were also significantly dependant on the molecular weight of the PLLA and PCL selected. Higher molecular weight polymers increased the optical clarity of the blends, while low molecular weight had a higher propensity to crystallize which was a major cause of loss in transparency. This work shows that these blends have potential in the film packaging industry where good optical clarity is a critical performance criterion.
Mechanical Improvement of Poly(butylene succinate) with Polyamide Short Fibers
Authors: Hongsriphan Nattakarn , Muangrak Witsarut , Soonthornvacharin Kanruthai , Tulaphol Thanchanok 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThis research prepared polymer blend between poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and polyamide‐6 (PA‐6) short fibers using solid‐melt mixing method. Temperature profile of a twin‐screw extruder was set in a fashion that only PBS was melted during the blending. Effect of short fiber content (3, 5, and 7 wt%) on mechanical, thermal, and morphological properties of PBS/PA‐6 fiber blends were investigated. It is found that increasing PA‐6 fiber content increased tensile modulus and impact strength of the blend but decreased tensile strength. Filling with PA‐6 fibers did not reduce elongation at break of PBS matrix, which a blend of 7 wt% fibers interestingly showed higher elongation at break than neat PBS. SEM images revealed that crinkled PA‐6 fibers were embedded in the PBS matrix showing good adhesion between PBS matrix and PA‐6 fibers. From DSC results, it showed that PA‐6 fibers acted as nucleating agent for PBS molecules to crystalline faster; however, the degree of crystallinity was reduced compared to neat PBS. Adding PA‐6 fibers did not affect thermal stability of PBS as seen in TGA results under oxygen atmosphere.
Preparation and Characterization of Succinyl‐Chitosan Nanoparticles for Drug Delivery
Authors: Monsalve Yuliana , Sierra Ligia , López Betty L. 
Published: August 2015

SummarySuccinyl‐Chitosan (SCS), a water soluble CS derivative, exhibits biocompatibility, low toxicity and long‐term retention in the body. SCS offers unique characteristics as polymer for obtaining drug delivery nanosystems, due to its many reactive amino, hydroxyl, and carboxylic acid pendant groups. Chemical modifications of SCS with antibodies and other active species are easily achieved through bonding with these groups, allowing targeting and detection. In this work, SCS was obtained by amidation of primary amine groups of CS with succinic anhydride. The succinylation degree, determined by 1H‐NMR, was 28%. Evaluation by zeta potential measurements of SCS showed a pH‐dependent charge profile, which can be conveniently exploited to prepare pH‐sensitive nanoparticles. Colloidal stable SCS/CS and SCS nanoparticles, useful in drug delivery, were prepared by ionic crosslinking from mixtures of CS and SCS in different weight percentages. Nanoparticles with sizes between 140–250 nm (after purification process) are obtained, which through further surface functionalization are suitable for application in drug delivery. The colloidal stability of the particles in water was studied by particle size measurements during 30 days and aggregation or formation of larger particles was not observed.
Behavior of Toxic Gas Sensor Based on Conducting Polypyrrole
Authors: Lee Jung Joon , Yoo Dohyuk , Park Chanil , Kim Jung Hyun , Choi Hyang Hee 
Published: August 2015

SummaryA sensor for two types of ammonia (NH3) and carbon monoxide (CO) is fabricated on silicon substrate by using the drop‐coating method and the sensor performance is investigated. Polypyrrole, an electro‐conductive plastic, is used as the sensing material of the gas sensor. The gas sensor functions to maintain a constant gate voltage in a state that facilitates measurement of the conductivity of the gate, source, and drain having a source electrode and the drain electrode of a field effect transistor channel between the structures. The sensor exhibits an increase/decrease of the resistance upon exposure to a low concentration of NH3 and CO gas. This approach can be applied for highly sensitive room‐temperature sensing of CO and NH3 at sub‐ppm concentrations and for the development of very low‐power devices. The synthesized conducting polypyrrole was characterized via field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The electronic transport properties of the sensors are measured in a field effect transistor geometry under ambient conditions. The sensing properties of the conducting polypyrrole gas sensor at sub‐ppm gas concentrations are described.
On Thermal and Spectroscopic Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide)/Poly(methyl methacrylate) Blends with Lithium Perchlorate
Authors: Karim Siti Rozana Abd , Sim Lai Har , Chan Chin Han , Ramli Hairunnisa 
Published: August 2015

SummaryIn this study, thermal properties and ion‐polymer interactions of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) in poly(ethylene oxide)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PEO/PMMA) blend prepared by solution casting technique were elucidated. The spectroscopic studies of the salt‐free and salt‐doped PEO/PMMA blends were investigated using x‐ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infra‐red (FTIR), respectively. XRD study reveals that the crystalline structure of PEO is slight change when PMMA is blended to PEO. The thermal behaviour of PEO, PMMA and their blends with and without LiClO4 was investigated by differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The presence of a single and composition dependent glass transition temperature (Tg) reflects the miscibility of the salt‐free PEO/PMMA blends in the molten state. The Tgs of PEO, PMMA and the blends generally increase with ascending mass fraction of salt (WS). However, PEO/PMMA 50/50 blend with WS ≥ 0.091 shows phase separation between the two polymers. The melting temperature (Tm) and crystallinity (X*) of PEO are suppressed when blended with PMMA, thus, confirm the miscibility of the salt‐free PEO/PMMA blends in the molten state. Presence of LiClO4 to PEO, PMMA and their blends does not influences the X* of PEO. Investigation by FTIR does not show any specific interaction between PEO and PMMA for the salt‐free blends whereas for the salt‐doped blends, Li+ ions are observed to coordinate with the oxygen atom of both the PEO ether and the PMMA carboxyl groups. Impedance spectroscopy study demonstrates that the LiClO4–doped PEO/PMMA 75/25 blend has lower ion conductivity than that of the PEO + LiClO4 system but recorded enhanced conductivity as compared to PMMA + LiClO4 systems at WS = 0.091.