bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In vitro evaluation of polymeric formulations designed for use in alveolar osteitis
Authors: Nowak Karolina M. , Szterk Arkadiusz , Szymborski Tomasz , Rudnicka Karolina , Fiedor Piotr , Bodek Kazimiera H. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn this article, we present a potential use of biodegradable polymers as a drug‐delivery system designed for alveolar osteitis (AO) management. The release characteristics of lidocaine hydrochloride from alginate or hyaluronate xerogels, which covered the microcrystalline chitosan scaffold, were examined as drug carriers, wound dressings, and potential devices in bone regeneration. The materials were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to confirm that there was no additional covalent bonding between the polymeric membranes and the anesthetic agent. Surface‐eroding matrices (ca. 120 μm) encapsulated the main substance, and the morphologies of all of the structures were measured by scanning electron microscopy. Positive results were obtained, and the data suggested an important impact of materials selection on the physicochemical properties and drug release. Additionally, the mechanical properties, such as the hardness, adhesiveness, springiness, and cohesiveness, of the tested materials were evaluated. A study of the swelling confirmed one of the assumptions that the materials could be used as a potential wound dressing and emphasized the resistance of the materials in the condition imitating the movement of the masticatory system. A cytotoxicity test of the formulations was performed to prove the materials’ nontoxicity. The aim of this study was to design and propose an in vitro evaluation of a new drug formulation as a potential application for the treatment of AO. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42991.
Directional self‐assembly by electrospun wet fibers
Authors: Guo Xiaoming , Yao Yongyi , Zhou Tao , Xiang Ruili , Chen Minzhu 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn this study, we examined directional self‐assembly by electrospun wet fibers. The landing point of the wet fibers was controllable as its trajectory was strictly limited by the adjustment of the parameters of electrospinning. The wet fibers would not stack on the grounded plate in an irregular pattern but in the direction of an electric field in sequence. The preliminary wet fibers deposited and erected on the ground plate to form a controllable circle. The subsequent wet fibers traveled to the top of the circle directionally to organize a mesh tube. The apical circle of the mesh tube was the precise landing point of the subsequent wet fibers. With the wet fibers landing continuously, the mesh tube grew longer and longer. Finally, the controllable circle grew to be the growing mesh tube step by step. We discovered that the mesh tube was assembled by fibers spontaneously in the electrostatic field. In this article, we also try to explain the mechanism of self‐assembly and the formation of wet fibers. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43003.
Melt processed elemental sulfur reinforced polyethylene composites
Authors: Jena Kishore K. , Alhassan Saeed M. 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTElemental sulfur represents a largely unutilized resource for high performance materials development. In this context, elemental sulfur was investigated as reinforcing agent for high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites via extrusion. We were able to produce homogenous composites with sulfur content up to 30 wt %. Compounding was done at 190°C well above the polymerization temperature of elemental sulfur. Infrared and Raman spectroscopy showed that sulfur did not undergo chemical reaction with HDPE. Additionally, Raman spectroscopy showed that sulfur exists in its most stable allotrope, cyclooctasulfur (S8). Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) showed that sulfur is present in non‐orthorhombic crystal and X‐ray diffraction confirms the same. Results suggest that sulfur is predominantly in its cyclooctasulfur allotrope and occupies the amorphous region of HDPE. According to TEM and SEM microscopy, the composites were of high quality, smooth and without distinguishable defects. Quality and smoothness of composites depend on the experimental parameters and sulfur loading. The addition of elemental sulfur significantly improved the elongation at break of the composites from 835 to 1202% (43% increases with 15 wt % sulfur) despite the obvious fact that HDPE possess an already impressive elongation at break quality. Such phenomena have not been reported in the literature. The improved composites would be suitable for a variety of engineering applications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43060.
Electrostatically driven modulation of the reinforcement of agarose hydrogels by cellulose nanowhiskers
Authors: Le Goff Kevin J. , Gaillard Cédric , Garnier Catherine , Aubry Thierry 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTThe modulation of the reinforcement effect brought by the addition of tunicate cellulose nanowhiskers with different surface charge densities to an agarose hydrogel matrix has been studied using linear viscoelastic measurements. The cellulose nanowhiskers were characterized using transmission electron microscopy, and their surface charge was determined by a titration method. The results show that increasing the charge at the surface of nanowhiskers tends to enhance the reinforcement effect, because of a better dispersion of nanowhiskers. However, the results also suggest the existence of an optimum surface charge, corresponding to a maximum reinforcement effect at a given volume fraction. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43063.
Characterization of the hydrogen bond in polyurethane/attapulgite nanocomposites
Authors: Ti Yang , Wen Qiang , Chen Dajun 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn this article, thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/attapulgite (AT) nanocomposites were prepared by solution blending. The interaction between AT and TPU was investigated by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The carbonyl stretching region (1680–1760 cm−1) of infrared spectra was studied to investigate the difference of the hydrogen bonding degree of the samples. The degree of hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups of the samples were found to be increased with increasing AT content and decreased with increasing temperature. The equilibrium between free and hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups was discussed. The values of dissociation enthalpy of the hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl groups increased with increasing AT content. Quantitative evaluations of the interaction between AT and TPU was conducted by analyzing the physical cross‐links density of the samples. The results indicated that the physical cross‐links density of the samples increased with increasing AT content. The results of tensile tests showed that with increasing AT content, the mechanical properties of the samples increased, which confirmed that strong interaction was formed between AT and TPU matrix. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43069.
Simultaneous and rapid determination of gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib plasma levels using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry in patients with non‐small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Hayashi Hideki , Kita Yutaro , Iihara Hirotoshi , Yanase Koumei , Ohno Yasushi , Hirose Chiemi , Yamada Maya , Todoroki Kenichiro , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki , Minatoguchi Shinya , Itoh Yoshinori , Sugiyama Tadashi 
Published: November 2015

AbstractA simultaneous, selective, sensitive and rapid liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the quantification of gefitinib, erlotinib and afatinib in 250 μL samples of human blood plasma. Diluted plasma samples were extracted using a liquid‐phase extraction procedure with tert‐butyl methyl ether. The three drugs were separated by high‐performance liquid chromatography using a C18 column and an isocratic mobile phase running at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min for 5 min. The drugs were detected using a tandem mass spectrometer with electrospray ionization using imatinib as an internal standard. Calibration curves were generated over the linear concentration range of 0.05–100 nm in plasma with a lower limit of quantification of 0.01 or 0.05 nm for all compounds. Finally, the validated method was applied to a clinical pharmacokinetic study in patients with nonsmall‐cell lung cancer (NSCLC) following the oral administration of afatinib. These results indicate that this method is suitable for assessing the risks and benefits of chemotherapy in patients with NSCLC and is useful for therapeutic drug monitoring for NSCLC treatment. As far as we know, this is the first report on LC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of NSCLC tyrosine kinase inhibitor plasma concentrations including afatinib. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Design and development of WebUbu: An innovating web‐based instruction tool for Linux OS courses
Authors: Garmpis Aristogiannis , Gouvatsos Nicolaos 
Published: November 2015

ABSTRACTIn this paper, we introduce the analysis and the design of a new web‐based interactive software tool, called WebUbu, which has been developed to serve the undergraduate students' needs related to Linux Operating System (OS) issues. The aim of this software development was twofold: on the one hand to familiarize students with Ubuntu OS environment and, on the other hand to promote the self‐learning related to this Linux distribution, in the context of everyday OS classrooms. WbUbu software can be used only for interactive demonstration of features of Linux during lectures and to support instructors for evaluation of students' skills in the lab. For other tasks such as long term studying of Linux‐based OS's ‘physical’ Linux must be used. Our software is essentially a website that simulates Ubuntu operating system inside a web browser. Undergraduate students can easily explore both graphical user interface (GUI) and command line of Ubuntu's environment. Additionally, students can ascertain the acquired knowledge through an automated examination process and learn from their mistakes as they shown automatically by the software in real time. Educator can manage students' performances that are stored in a database system and assess the individual's cognitive progress resulting from the software contribution. However, WebUbu will give students the chance for practice and self assessment when they not involved in the University's educational process or ‘physical’ Linux is unavailable. That software intends to complement the existing teaching and learning methods concerning Operating Systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 24:313–319, 2016; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21706
How do reviews from professional critics interact with other signals of product quality? Evidence from the video game industry
Authors: Cox Joe , Kaimann Daniel 
Published: November 2015

AbstractExperience goods are characterised by information asymmetry and a lack of ex ante knowledge of product quality, such that reliable external signals of quality are likely to be highly valued. Two potentially credible sources of such information are reviews from professional critics and ‘word of mouth’ from other consumers. This paper makes a direct comparison between the relative influences and interactions of reviews from both of these sources on the sales performance of video game software. In order to empirically estimate and separate the effects of the two signals, we analyze a sample of 1480 video games and their sales figures between 2004 and 2010. We find evidence to suggest that even after taking steps to control for endogeneity, reviews from professional critics have a significantly positive influence on sales which outweighs that from consumer reviews. We also find evidence to suggest that reviews from professional critics also interact significantly with other signals of product quality. Consequently, we contend that professional critics adopt the role of an influencer, whereas word‐of‐mouth opinion acts more as a predictor of sales in the market for video games. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Association of periprocedural myocardial infarction with long‐term survival in patients treated with coronary revascularization therapy of chronic total occlusion
Authors: Jang Woo Jin , Yang Jeong Hoon , Choi Seung‐Hyuk , Song Young Bin , Hahn Joo‐Yong , Kim Wook Sung , Lee Young Tak , Kim Bum‐Sung , Gwon Hyeon‐Cheol 
Published: November 2015

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of periprocedural myocardial infarction (PMI) on long‐term survival after coronary revascularization in patients with chronic total occlusion (CTO).BackgroundLittle is known about the clinical impact of PMI on long‐term cardiac mortality after CTO revascularization in patients with stable angina.MethodsWe analyzed data from 927 patients with CTO and stable angina who were treated with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG, n = 367) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI, n = 560). PMI was defined as a peak CK‐MB ≥ 3 times the upper limit of normal (ULN) after PCI or a CK‐MB ≥ 5 times the ULN after CABG. The primary outcome was cardiac death in patients with PMI (PMI group, n = 118 [12.7%]) or without PMI (no‐PMI group, n = 809 [87.3%]) after revascularization.ResultsDuring a median follow‐up of 42 months, PMI occurred in 118 patients (12.7% of the overall study population). Fifty‐nine patients treated with PCI (10.5% of PCI subgroup) and 59 patients treated with CABG (16.1% of CABG subgroup) suffered from PMI. In multivariate analysis, the PMI group and the no‐PMI group had a similar incidence of cardiac death (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.20 to 1.62; P = 0.29).ConclusionsPMI may not be associated with increased cardiac mortality after coronary revascularization in patients with stable CTO. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Morphologic characterization of the patent ductus arteriosus in the premature infant and the choice of transcatheter occlusion device
Authors: Philip Ranjit , Rush Waller B. , Agrawal Vijaykumar , Wright Dena , Arevalo Alejandro , Zurakowski David , Sathanandam Shyam 
Published: November 2015

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe and differentiate the morphology of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) seen in children born prematurely from other PDA types.Background: PDAs are currently classified as types A‐E using the Krichenko's classification. Children born prematurely with a PDA morphology that did not fit this classification were described as Type F PDA.Methods: A review of 100 consecutive children who underwent transcatheter device closure of PDA was performed. The diameter and length (L) of the PDA and the device diameter (D) were indexed to the descending aorta (DA) diameter.Results: Comparison of 26 Type F PDAs was performed against, 29 Type A, 7 Type C and 32 Type E PDAs. Children with Type F PDAs (median 27.5 weeks gestation) were younger during the device occlusion compared with types A, C, and E (median age: 6 vs. 32, 11, and 42 months; P = 0.002). Type F PDAs were longer and larger, requiring a relatively large device for occlusion than types A, C, and E (Mean L/DA: 1.88 vs. 0.9, 1.21, and 0.89, P ≤ 0.01 and Mean D/DA: 1.04 vs. 0.46, 0.87, and 0.34, P ≤0.01). The Amplatzer vascular plug‐II (AVP‐II) was preferred for occlusion of Type F PDAs (85%; P <0.001).Conclusions: Children born prematurely have relatively larger and longer PDAs. These “fetal type PDAs” are best classified separately. We propose to classify them as Type F PDAs to add to types A‐E currently in use. The AVP‐II was effective in occluding Type F PDAs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Early healing assessment with optical coherence tomography of everolimus‐eluting stents with bioabsorbable polymer (synergy™) at 3 and 6 months after implantation
Authors: de la Torre Hernández Jose M. , Tejedor Paula , Camarero Tamara Garcia , Duran Juan M. , Lee Dae‐Hyun , Monedero Jairo , Laso Fermin Sainz , Calderón Marcos Alvarez , Veiga Gabriela , Zueco Javier 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesIn this study we sought to evaluate coverage and apposition of Synergy™ stent at 3 and 6 months after implantation.BackgroundThe Pt‐Cr everolimus‐eluting stent with abluminal bioabsorbable polymer (Synergy™) is a new generation drug‐eluting stent with features potentially favoring an early healing process which could make safe a shorter period of dual antiplatelet‐therapy treatment.MethodsProspective, two‐centers study enrolling patients with similar lesions treated with Synergy™ stents undergoing examination with OCT at 3 and 6 months in the respective centers. Blinded analysis was done at a core lab. Co‐primary endpoints were proportion of struts with coverage and with apposition at 3 and 6 months.ResultsFinally, 22 patients (30 stents) in the 3 months group and 20 patients (30 stents) in the 6 months group were included. There were no significant differences between groups regarding clinical, angiographic measurements, and procedural data. The rate of strut coverage was 94.5% at 3 months and 96.6% at 6 months (P < 0.001), the rates of apposition were 93.8% and 96.2%, respectively, (P < 0.001), the proportion of uncovered but apposed struts was 2.5% and 1.9% (P = 0.03) and the proportion of uncovered and malapposed struts was 3% and 1.8%, respectively (P < 0.001). The maximal area of malapposition related with uncovered struts was 0.43 ± 0.4 mm2 at 3 months and 0.14 ± 0.2 mm2 at 6 months (P = 0.001).ConclusionsThe everolimus‐eluting stent with absorbable polymer, Synergy™, is associated to a high degree of intimal coverage and apposition at 3 months after implantation with additional increase at 6 months. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Balloon‐expandable transcatheter aortic valve replacement in patients with extreme aortic valve calcification
Authors: Abramowitz Yigal , Jilaihawi Hasan , Chakravarty Tarun , Kashif Mohammad , Matar George , Hariri Babak , Patel Jigar , Nakamura Mamoo , Cheng Wen , Makkar Raj R. 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesTo assess the procedural and short‐term clinical outcome of performing balloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely calcified aortic valves.BackgroundQuantity of aortic valve calcification predicts rates of paravalvular regurgitation (PVR) post transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Nonetheless, short‐term outcomes of balloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely high calcified aortic valves have not been previously described.MethodsWe studied patients with severe aortic stenosis that underwent balloon‐expandable TAVR and had a pre‐procedural non‐contrast CT. Twenty patients that had aortic valve calcification score (AVCS) of more than 8,000 Agatston Units were compared to 279 patients with lower calcification scores. TAVR endpoints, device success and adverse events were considered according to the Valve Academic Research Consortium‐2 definitions.ResultsDevice success was 80% in the extremely high calcification group compared to 95.3% in patients with less calcified aortic valves (P = 0.004). There was significantly more postprocedural PVR in the extreme calcification group: 50%, 35%, 10%, 5% vs. 72.4%, 25.8%, 1.8%, 0% for no/trace, mild, moderate and severe PVR, respectively (P < 0.001). There was one case of ascending aortic perforation resulting in intramural hematoma that resolved with no treatment. In‐hospital mortality, new pacemaker implantation and major complications were similar between groups.ConclusionsBalloon‐expandable TAVR in patients with extremely calcified aortic valve is associated with lower device success and greater risk of PVR. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Development of a novel hybrid strategy for transcatheter pulmonary valve placement in patients following transannular patch repair of tetralogy of fallot
Authors: Phillips Alistair B. M. , Nevin Phillip , Shah Avni , Olshove Vincent , Garg Ruchira , Zahn Evan M. 
Published: November 2015

BackgroundTranscatheter pulmonary valve replacement (tPVR) is an accepted therapy for treatment of dysfunctional right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) conduits. At present, the majority of Fallot patients who undergo transannular patch (TAP) repair are not candidates for tPVR due to the large irregular nature of their RVOT. Herein, we describe a novel approach to assessing the RVOT in this group, which may then be used to design, test, and carry out hybrid RVOT modification and transcatheter valve implantation in this population.MethodsA retrospective analysis of TAP patients who underwent 3D modeling of the RVOT which was then used to develop individualized hybrid procedures designed to modify the RVOT, thereby rendering patients suitable for transcatheter valve implantation.ResultsEight consecutive patients underwent 3D RVOT modeling followed by hybrid implantation of a transcatheter valve via a perventricular approach. A landing zone stent was placed in all and four required additional intravascular geometric remodeling of the RVOT prior to valve implant. Transcatheter valves were successfully implanted in all. There were no instances of valve malposition, embolization, or death. There was one minor procedural complication. No patient had more than trivial pulmonary regurgitation at follow‐up.ConclusionsUsing a hybrid approach to remodel the RVOT in TAP patients supported by preprocedural 3D‐model planning allows for successful tPVR implantation in this population. A larger cohort and longer follow‐up will be needed to determine the ultimate utility of this approach. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transcatheter closure of coronary artery fistulas ininfants and children: A French multicenter study
Authors: Mottin Benoît , Baruteau Alban , Boudjemline Younes , Piéchaud François J. , Godart François , Lusson Jean‐René , Hascoet Sebastien , Le Gloan Laurianne , Fresse Karine Warin , Guyomarch Beatrice , Bouzguenda Ivan , Malekzadeh‐Milani Sophie , Petit Jerome , Guérin Patrice 
Published: November 2015

ObjectivesThe short‐term efficacy and safety of transcatheter closure (TCC) for the management of coronary artery fistulas (CAFs) was investigated in pediatric patients.BackgroundCAFS are rare with potentially severe complications and their management is still a matter of debate. Percutaneous closure appears to be the treatment of choice in anatomically suitable vessels but limited data are available in the pediatric population.MethodsThis retrospective, observational, multicenter, national study included patients under 16 years of age who underwent TCC of a congenital CAF. Patients with additional congenital heart defect were excluded.Results61 patients (36 girls, 25 boys) with a median age of 0.6 year [0–15.4] at diagnosis and 3.9 years [0–16] at procedure were included. The CAF was large in 48 patients (79%); it was distal in 23 (38%) and proximal in 22 (36%). Most patients (77%) were asymptomatic at diagnosis. Clinical signs of congestive heart failure were present in seven patients (11%). Perioperative complications included three cases of ST elevation myocardial infarction (exclusively during attempted closure of a distal CAF), three devices migrations, and one case of leg ischemia. One patient died after surgical closure of a large distal CAF that could not be closed by TCC. Follow‐up data were collected for 43 patients (70%) for a median of 91 days [0–4,824]. The Kaplan‐Meyer estimate for complete occlusion at 2 years was 73 ± 7.6%.ConclusionTCC in the pediatric population appears to be effective and associated with few complications. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.