bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of graphene nanofiller on the crystallization behavior and mechanical properties of poly(vinyl alcohol)
Authors: Lee Seungae , Hong Jin‐Yong , Jang Jyongsik 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe effect of graphene on the crystallization behavior of graphene/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) nanocomposites is investigated in terms of the heterogeneous nucleation effect using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Nanometer‐sized graphenes with disc‐type shape are successfully fabricated by transversal cutting of platelet carbon nanofibers, and the graphene/PVA nanocomposites are prepared by varying the concentration of graphene using a solution‐casting method. The graphene/PVA nanocomposites exhibit an enhanced degree of crystallization, increasing to 18.8% at a graphene concentration of 0.5 wt%. The graphene acts as an effective nucleating agent during the crystallization process, enhancing the degree and rate of crystallization. In addition, the graphene/PVA nanocomposites with a high graphene content have markedly improved mechanical properties. Mechanical properties, including hardness and elastic modulus, of the prepared graphene/PVA nanocomposites are analyzed using an atomic force microscopy nanoindentation method. The graphene plays a key role in increasing the crystallinity by acting as an effective nucleating agent at low concentrations (<1.0 wt%) and in enhancing the mechanical properties by acting as a nanofiller at high concentrations (>1.0 wt%).
The incorporation and controlled release of platelet‐rich plasma‐derived biomolecules from polymeric tissue engineering scaffolds
Authors: Sell Scott A , Ericksen Jeffery J , Bowlin Gary L 
Published: September 2012

AbstractPlatelet‐rich plasma (PRP) has been gaining popularity in recent years as a cost‐effective material capable of stimulating healing in a number of different clinical applications. As the clinical role ofPRPhas been growing so too has its prevalence in the fields of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, particularly in the field of extracellular matrix (ECM) analogue scaffold fabrication. As polymeric scaffold fabrication techniques strive to create structures that ever more closely replicate the nativeECM's form and function, the need for increased scaffold bioactivity becomes more pronounced.PRP, which has been shown to contain over 300 bioactive molecules, has the potential to deliver a combination of growth factors and cytokines capable of stimulating cellular activity through enhanced chemotaxis, proliferation andECMproduction. The ability to incorporate such a potent bioactive milieu into a polymeric tissue engineering scaffold, which lacks intrinsic cell signaling molecules, may help to promote scaffold integration with native tissues and increase the overall patency of polymericECManalogue structures. This mini‐review briefly discusses the physiological basis ofPRPand its current clinical use, as well as the potential role thatPRPmay play in the future of polymeric tissue engineering scaffold design. Copyright © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)]/poly(styrene) blends compatibilized with the relevant block copolymer
Authors: Abdelwahab Mohamed A. , Martinelli Elisa , Alderighi Michele , Grillo Fernandes Elizabeth , Imam Syed , Morelli Andrea , Chiellini Emo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractA novel triblock copolymer PS–PHB–PS based on the microbial polyester Poly[(R)‐3‐hydroxybutyrate)] (PHB) and poly(styrene) (PS) was prepared to be used as compatibilizer for the corresponding PHB/PS blends. It was prepared in a three‐step procedure consisting of (i) transesterification reaction between ethylene glycol and a high‐molecular‐weight PHB, (ii) synthesis of bromo‐terminated PHB macroinitiator, and (iii) atom transfer radical polymerization polymerization of styrene initiated by the PHB‐based macroinitiator. Fourier transform infrared, gel permeation chromatography, 1H‐, and 13C‐NMR spectroscopies were used to determine the molecular structure and/or end‐group functionalities at each step of the procedure. Although thermogravimetric analysis showed that the block copolymer underwent a stepwise thermal degradation and had better thermal stability than their respective homopolymers, differential scanning calorimetry displayed that the PHB block in the copolymer could not crystallize, and thus generating a total amorphous structure. Atomic force microscopy images indicated that the block copolymer was phase segregated in a well‐defined morphological structure with nanodomain size of ∼40 nm. Contact angle measurements proved that the wettability properties of the block copolymer were in between those of the PHB and PS homopolymers. Blends analyzed for their morphology and thermal properties showed good miscibility and had well‐defined morphological features. Polymer blends exhibited lower crystallinity and decreased stiffness which was proportional to the amount of compatibilizer content in the blends. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Disorder in order: A study of local and global order in Ge‐rich GeSbTe alloys
Authors: Fons P. , Matsunaga T. , Kolobov A. V. , Krbal M. , Tominaga J. , Yamada N. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractDisorder in the amorphous state of phase‐change alloys has been a focus of much research, however, more recently it has become clear that there is significant temperature activated disorder in the crystalline phases that may have important implications for electrical transport. We explore order on different length scales using a variety of techniques. Bragg diffraction (BD) to determine average order, X‐ray absorption to analyze order on nearest neighbor length scales, and total scattering to investigate structure on intermediate length scales. We find that Ge‐rich phase‐change alloys lying along the technological important (GeTe)x–(Sb2Te3)1 − x pseudobinary tie line exhibit a ferroelectric transition at a Curie temperature Tc from rhombohedral to cubic symmetry using BD while short‐range order probes such as X‐ray absorption spectroscopy indicate that local rhombohedral symmetry is maintained. Using total X‐ray scattering, we demonstrate that this apparent discrepancy can be resolved by the introduction of disorder on intermediate length scales using a simple model.
BC50: A Generalized, Unifying Affinity Descriptor
Authors: Vacca Alberto , Francesconi Oscar , Roelens Stefano 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAssessing binding affinities is an unavoidable step that we come across any time interactions between binding species are investigated. A quantitative evaluation of binding affinities relies on the determination of binding constants but, whilst the binding constant fully defines the affinity of a reagent for a ligand when only one complex species is formed, the same is not true when the interacting partners form more than one complex of different stoichiometry, because all complexes contribute to the overall binding affinity. Unfortunately, this situation is the rule rather than the exception in chemical systems, but a generally accepted solution for this issue has not yet been settled. In this Personal Account, we describe the evolution, from the initial idea to a fully developed stage, of a binding descriptor that has been developed with the aim of filling this gap, thereby providing scientists in all fields of chemistry with a unifying tool for the assessment of binding affinities based on the knowledge of the binding constants in systems that involve any number of complex species. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201200014
Pubic arch angle in prolonged second stage of labor: clinical significance
Authors: Gilboa Y. , Kivilevitch Z. , Spira M. , Kedem A. , Katorza E. , Moran O. , Achiron R. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical significance of the pubic arch angle (PAA) measured by transperineal ultrasound during prolonged second stage of labor.MethodsWe evaluated prospectively 62 women ≥ 37 weeks of gestation with failure to progress in the second stage of labor. Transperineal ultrasound (transverse plane) was used to measure the pubic arch angle. Correlations with fetomaternal characteristics, mode of delivery and perinatal outcome were evaluated.ResultsThe mean PAA was 101.1° (± 13.1°; range, 80°–135°). We found a negative correlation with maternal age. Patients with an occipitotransverse fetal position had a significantly smaller angle compared with those with occipitoanterior positions (94.3° ± 5.5° vs 103.2° ± 14.8°, P < 0.05), as did those with operative deliveries compared with those with spontaneous vaginal delivery (97.1° ± 11.5° vs 110.1° ± 14.0°, P < 0.05). The prediction of operative delivery in prolonged second stage of labor by receiver–operating characteristics curve using PAA alone yielded an area under the curve of 0.75. The predicted probability for operative delivery increased as PAA decreased, with an odds ratio of 0.933 for each decrease in angle of 1°.ConclusionOur study suggests a correlation between the PAA and mode of delivery in prolonged second stage of labor. This may be used as an adjunctive parameter when considering delivery mode. Copyright © 2012 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Capacity of endometrial thickness measurement to diagnose endometrial carcinoma in asymptomatic postmenopausal women: a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Breijer M. C. , Peeters J. A. H. , Opmeer B. C. , Clark T. J. , Verheijen R. H. M. , Mol B. W. J. , Timmermans A. 
Published: September 2012

ABSTRACTObjectivesMeasurement of endometrial thickness is an important tool in the assessment of women with postmenopausal bleeding, but the role of endometrial thickness measurement by ultrasound in asymptomatic women is unclear. The aims of this study were to determine: (1) the normal endometrial thickness measured by ultrasonography, (2) the prevalence of serious endometrial pathology and (3) the sensitivity and specificity of endometrial thickness measurement by transvaginal ultrasonography (TVS) for diagnosing premalignant and malignant endometrial disease in asymptomatic postmenopausal women.MethodsA MEDLINE and EMBASE search (from inception to January 2011) was performed. Articles reporting on endometrial thickness measurement in the diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma and atypical hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women not using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) were selected. Endometrial thickness and the prevalence of endometrial (pre)malignancies were recorded. If possible, 2 × 2 tables were extracted.ResultsThirty‐two studies reporting on 11 100 women were included. The estimated mean endometrial thickness was 2.9 mm (95% CI, 2.6–3.3 mm). The pooled estimated prevalences of endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia were 0.62% (95% CI, 0.42–0.82%) and 0.59% (95% CI, 0.22–0.96%), respectively. Summary estimates for sensitivity and specificity of TVS endometrial thickness measurement in the prediction of endometrial carcinoma were 0.83 (95% CI, 0.19–1.00) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.23–0.95) for a 5‐mm cut‐off and 0.33 (95% CI, 0.04–0.85) and 0.94 (95% CI, 0.92–0.96) for a 6‐mm cut‐off.ConclusionsThe results from this systematic review do not justify the use of endometrial thickness as a screening test for endometrial carcinoma and atypical endometrial hyperplasia in asymptomatic postmenopausal women not using HRT.
Predictions of protein–RNA interactions
Authors: Cirillo Davide , Agostini Federico , Tartaglia Gian Gaetano 
Published: September 2012

AbstractRibonucleoprotein interactions play important roles in a wide variety of cellular processes, ranging from transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of gene expression to host defense against pathogens. High throughput experiments to identify RNA–protein interactions provide information about the complexity of interaction networks, but require time and considerable efforts. Thus, there is need for reliable computational methods for predicting ribonucleoprotein interactions. In this review, we discuss a number of approaches that have been developed to predict the ability of proteins and RNA molecules to associate. © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.This article is categorized under:

Molecular and Statistical Mechanics > Molecular Dynamics and Monte-Carlo Methods
Linking Elk movement and resource selection to hunting pressure in a heterogeneous landscape
Authors: Cleveland Shawn M. , Hebblewhite Mark , Thompson Mike , Henderson Robert 
Published: September 2012

AbstractElk (Cervus elaphus) are increasing in fragmented landscapes that result from exurban human development throughout western North America, which increases human–wildlife conflicts and poses a challenge to wildlife managers. Elk hunting must often be intensively managed to reduce population growth rate, crop depredation, and habituation to humans. However, little was known about the indirect effect hunting has on anti‐predator behavior, movement, resource selection, and human–elk conflicts. We outfitted elk with global positioning system (GPS) collars in the wildland–urban interface (WUI) of Missoula, Montana, USA, 2007–2009, to test the indirect effects of hunting on elk. We used data from 9 GPS‐collared adult female elk during 3 hunting seasons with increasing hunting pressure (2007–2009) to test relationships between movement rates measured by first passage time (FPT) and resource selection. Elk movement rates were lower approximately 750 m from houses and trails, resulting in resource selection for areas approximately 1,200 m from houses and trails; this suggested that habituation to humans contributed to human–wildlife conflict. Movement rates increased with increasing hunting pressure, and were lower in general versus focal hunting seasons and with archery versus rifle hunting. Thus, intensive hunting seasons in the WUI increased elk movement rates and exposure to hunter predation risk, as predicted. These results support the hypothesis that elk modify their behavior in relation to temporal and spatial variation in human predation risk. In the intensively managed WUI, our results demonstrate that even small increases in the area hunted and increases in intensity can indirectly change resource selection and movement rates of elk, potentially reversing recent trends of increasing habituation in WUI elk populations. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
Spatially explicit analysis of poaching activity as a conservation management tool
Authors: Haines Aaron M. , Elledge David , Wilsing Lucas K. , Grabe Matt , Barske Michael D. , Burke Nolan , Webb Stephen L. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractMost Americans support legal hunting for food or as a population management tool, but there are strong concerns about illegal hunting activities such as poaching. Poaching may negatively impact animal populations by causing local extinctions, reducing genetic variability, reducing trophy size and hunting opportunities, and altering sex ratios and age structures. One approach to help mitigate poaching is to identify patterns of reported poaching activity and to document poaching arrests to help facilitate the efficiency of future surveillance for poachers. Our goal for this manuscript was to analyze temporal, spatial, and environmental patterns associated with poaching activity reported for white‐tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in Fayette County, Iowa, USA, based on reports of poaching activity. We analyzed data from 67 reported poaching events from 2000 to 2009 and correlated these events with temporal, spatial, and environmental variables to determine trends in illegal hunting behavior. We found that poachers preferred to be active during the evening in mid‐ to late autumn (primarily Oct–Dec), on days with no precipitation and high visibility, and in areas next to roads, forests, and riparian cover types containing variable topography. We used these results to develop a spatially explicit map depicting hotspots of poaching activity. By identifying patterns of poaching behavior and spatially explicit prediction maps, conservation officers will be able to survey for poaching activity more efficiently. © 2012 The Wildlife Society.
On the Complexity of Crystallization of Thioantimonates: In‐situ Energy Dispersive X‐ray Diffraction (EDXRD) Studies of the Solvothermal Formation of the Isostructural Thioantimonates [TM(tren)Sb4S7] (TM = Fe, Zn)
Authors: Seidlhofer Beatrix , Antonova Elena , Wang Jing , Schinkel Diana , Bensch Wolfgang 
Published: September 2012

AbstractThe formation of the thioantimonates [M(tren)Sb4S7] (M = Fe, Zn; tren = tris(2‐aminoethyl)amine) has been studied with in‐situ energy dispersive X‐ray diffraction (EDXRD) under solvothermal conditions. Up to 60 % amine concentration the compound [Fe(tren)Sb4S7] coexists with an unknown crystalline material until the end of the reaction. In the concentration range 70–90 % amine the unknown compound and [Fe(tren)Sb4S7] are formed at the beginning of the reaction and when the unknown compound starts to disappear a new mixed‐valent thioantimonate [Fe(tren)FeSbS4] nucleates and crystallizes. Using a 100 % tren solution only [Fe(tren)FeSbS4] could be identified in the powder patterns. The analysis of the data collected under real conditions clearly shows a strong correlation between the disappearance of the unknown compound and the formation of the mixed‐valent thioantimonate. Evidences are presented that FeII/FeIII redox reactions play an important role for nucleation and crystal growth of a distinct iron‐containing thioantimonate. Because Zn2+ is not redox active the formation processes are different and no crystalline intermediate could be detected.
Synthesis and Crystal Structure of Two New Quaternary Thallium(I) Copper(I) Lutetium(III) Selenides: TlCu3Lu2Se5 and Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8
Authors: Babo Jean‐Marie , Schleid Thomas , Albrecht‐Schmitt Thomas E. 
Published: September 2012

AbstractTlCu3Lu2Se5 and Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 were prepared by the reaction of copper and lutetium metal with elemental selenium in an excess of TlCl as flux at 850 °C. Orange TlCu3Lu2Se5 or deep orange Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 lath‐shaped crystals emerged from these reactions. TlCu3Lu2Se5 crystallizes in the orthorhombic space group Cmcm [a = 404.83(2), b = 1432.56(8), c = 1670.81(9) pm, Z = 4], whereas Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 crystallizes in the monoclinic space group Cm [a = 1427.23(8), b = 404.59(2), c = 1464.37(8) pm, β = 110.52(1), Z = 2]. In both structures the Tl+ cations are eightfold coordinated with Se2– anions in the shape of a bicapped trigonal prism and the Cu+ cations are fourfold coordinated with Se2– anions in both single [CuSe4]7– and double tetrahedral [Cu2Se6]10– units. The latter copper‐selenium units are connected to each other through edges to build corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Cu3Se5]7–} layers in TlCu3Lu2Se5 and a three‐dimensional $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu5Se8]11–} framework in Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8. The lutetium Lu3+ cations are sixfold coordinated with Se2– anions in an octahedral environment. The [LuSe6]9– polyhedra form only double octahedral chains in the first compound, while both single and double chains are found in the second. The double chains are joined to each other through vertices to form markedly corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Lu2Se5]4–} layers in TlCu3Lu2Se5. In Tl2Cu5Lu3Se8 both single and double chains are connected to build less corrugated $\rm^{2}_{\infty}${[Lu3Se8]7–} layers. The two compounds are three‐dimensional anionic frameworks $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu3Lu2Se5]}– and $\rm^{3}_{\infty}${[Cu5Lu3Se8]}2–, respectively, in which the Tl+ cations occupy channels.
Syntheses, Structures, and Properties of Two New Tri‐spin Lanthanide‐Nitronyl Nitroxide (LnIII = GdIII and HoIII) Complexes
Authors: Wang Xiaoling , Xu Panpan , Bao Xia , Wang Fengwu , Chen Yonghong , Wei Yijun 
Published: September 2012

AbstractAbstract. Two radical–LnIII–radical complexes, [Ln(hfac)3(NITPh‐Ph)2] [Ln = Gd (1) and Ho (2), hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate; and NITPh‐Ph = 4′‐biphenyl‐4, 4, 5, 5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide] were synthesized and characterized by X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, magnetic measurements, as well as IR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. X‐ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the structures of both complexes are isomorphous, the central LnIII ions are coordinated by six oxygen atoms from three hfac ligand molecules and two oxygen atoms from nitronyl radicals. The temperature dependencies of the magnetic susceptibilities were studied. They showed that in the GdIII complex, ferromagnetic interactions between GdIII and the radicals and antiferromagnetic interactions between the radicals coexist in this system (with JRad–Gd = 0.1 cm–1, JRad–Rad = –0.309 cm–1).
Long‐term Surgical Outcomes of Patients with Type 1 Autoimmune Pancreatitis
Authors: Miura Fumihiko , Sano Keiji , Amano Hodaka , Toyota Naoyuki , Wada Keita , Kadowaki Susumu , Shibuya Makoto , Takada Tadahiro , Soejima Yurie , Kondo Fukuo 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundAlthough pancreatectomy has sometimes been performed for patients with autoimmune pancreatitis (AIP) presenting atypical radiologic findings under the diagnosis of pancreatobiliary malignancy, the long‐term surgical outcome of these patients had not yet been fully elucidated.MethodsThe long‐term surgical outcomes of 13 patients with pathologically diagnosed type 1 AIP with immunohistochemical staining for immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) were retrospectively compared with those of 34 patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis to evaluate the residual pancreatic function.ResultsA definite relapse of AIP in terms of the clinical manifestations and diagnostic imaging was not found in any of the patients, although one patient experienced an attack of acute pancreatitis caused by pancreatic stones, and stricture of the hepaticojejunostomy occurred in one patient. The overall body weight decreased significantly more in patients with AIP than in patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis (p < 0.05); however, there was no difference in the preoperative nondiabetic patients. Refractory diarrhea occurred in only one patient with AIP. The cumulative new‐onset rates of diabetes mellitus of the ten patients with AIP and 24 patients with conventional chronic pancreatitis at 5 years after the surgery were 32.5 and 26.1 %, respectively (p = 0.70).ConclusionsCareful long‐term follow‐up is needed for patients undergoing pancreatectomy for type 1 AIP because remnant pancreatic function can deteriorate as severely as that of patients who undergo pancreatectomy for conventional chronic pancreatitis. In the present series, however, there were few definite manifestations indicating relapse or the persistent existence of AIP.
Efficacy of 10 % Sucralfate Ointment in the Reduction of Acute Postoperative Pain After Open Hemorrhoidectomy: A Prospective, Double‐Blind, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial
Authors: Ala Shahram , Saeedi Majid , Eshghi Fariborz , Rafati Mohamadreza , Hejazi Vahid , Hadianamrei Roja 
Published: September 2012

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of 10 % sucralfate ointment in the reduction of acute postoperative pain after open hemorrhoidectomy.MethodsA total of 48 patients (24 men and 24 women) between 20 and 70 years of age who underwent open hemorrhoidectomy were included in this prospective, double‐blind, randomized, controlled trial and were randomly divided into two groups (24 in each group), receiving either sucralfate ointment or placebo immediately after surgery and then every 12 h for 14 days. The primary outcome measure was pain intensity measured by a visual analogue scale at different time points after hemorrhoidectomy.ResultsThe sucralfate group had significantly less pain than the placebo group at 24th h and the 48th h after hemorrhoidectomy (4 ± 1.14 vs 5.08 ± 0.97; P = 0.001 and 3 ± 0.72 vs 4.41 ± 0.8; P < 0.001, respectively), and they consumed lower amounts of analgesics at the same time intervals (12.50 ± 16.48 vs 21.87 ± 15.30 mg of pethidine; P = 0.047 and 152 ± 23 vs 172 ± 29 mg of diclofenac; P = 0.009, respectively). The same trend continued until the end of the trial.ConclusionsSucralfate ointment reduced the acute postoperative pain after hemorrhoidectomy.