bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of lignin on rheological behaviors and electrospinning of polysaccharide solution
Authors: Ahn Yongjun , Kang Youngwoong , Park Beomsu , Ku Min Kyung , Lee Sang Hyun , Kim Hyungsup 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTThe effect of lignin is a key issue in various cellulose processes. To study the effects of lignin state and content on cellulose electrospinning and fiber properties, two different types of cellulose solutions were prepared and electrospun under several different conditions. One was mixture of cellulose and lignin and the other one was hemp cellulose in which cellulose is naturally combined with lignin. In both the cases, the solutions were stably electrospun when the lignin concentration was lower than 5%. The lignin in the cellulose/lignin mixture resulted in film‐like fiber and bimodal distribution of the fiber diameter, while the lignin in the hemp cellulose mainly increased the fiber diameter. It is originated from the different phase separation behaviors of the two solutions. The results can give the fundamental understandings for the roles and action of lignin in cellulose process. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40031.
Elaboration and characterization of bioblends based on PVC/PLA
Authors: Hachemi Razika , Belhaneche‐Bensemra Naima , Massardier Valérie 
Published: October 2013

AbstractWith the aim to develop new biomaterials (bioblends) to be used in the field of waste elimination, this contribution focuses on the elaboration and characterization of new materials based on poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) and poly (lactic acid) (PLA). The bioblends based on PVC/PLA were prepared by melt mixing in the absence and presence of maleic anhydride (MAH). The binary blends were first characterized in terms of thermal (glass transition temperature) and mechanical properties (tensile and micro‐hardness). Their thermal stability was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The results showed that this pair of polymers is not miscible and exhibited lower properties than those of the separated polymers. The in situ compatibilization was then performed using MAH and dicumyl peroxide (DCP) as an initiator. The presence of MAH enhanced the processability of the bioblends by decreasing the temperature of mixing. The properties of subsequent PVC/PLA bioblends were investigated through tensile and micro‐hardness testing, thermal analysis (DSC and TGA), and SEM. From the mechanical results, high level of compatibility was found when introducing MAH. The TGA studies indicated that the incorporation of PLA in PVC (matrix) increased thermal stability of the bioblend. Microscopic observations revealed uniformly dispersed PLA in the PVC matrix, confirming that phase separation has disappeared in the presence of MAH. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40045.
Antimicrobial properties and thermal stability of polycarbonate modified with 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ionic liquids
Authors: Rogalsky Sergiy , Fatyeyeva Kateryna , Lyoshina Lyudmila , Tarasyuk Oksana , Bulko Olga , Lobok Sofiia 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTFour water immiscible ionic liquids (ILs): 1‐hexyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1‐heptyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate, 1‐octyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate and 1‐dodecyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate have been synthesized. Polycarbonate (PC) films containing ILs were prepared by solvent casting from methylene chloride solutions. Scanning electron microscopy measurements showed the high homogeneity of PC/IL films with the IL content up to 4 wt %. The tendency to IL aggregation was observed for polymeric films with higher IL content (5%). PC/IL composites were found to have the reduced thermal decomposition temperature under both an air and a nitrogen atmosphere in comparison with the neat PC. The effect of IL content on the antimicrobial activity of PC films against Escherichia coli bacteria was studied. Pronounced antimicrobial efficacy was revealed for PC/IL films for all studied ILs starting from 3 wt % of IL. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40050.
Synthesis and antibacterial activity of alkylated chitosan under basic ionic liquid conditions
Authors: Pei Lijun , Cai Zhaosheng , Shang Shibin , Song Zhanqian 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTA novel method to synthesize alkylated chitosan with [Bmim]OH basic ionic liquid as alkaline reagent is reported for the first time. Chitosan was alkalized by [Bmim]OH basic ionic liquid before it was reacted with various alkyl halides, and a series of alkylated chitosans with different carbon chain substituents were prepared. The structure of alkylated product was characterized by IR, 1H‐NMR, and XRD. The reusability of the ionic liquid was also investigated, and the experimental results indicated that there was no noticeable change for the degree of substitution (DS) of alkylated chitosan after the ionic liquid was reused for three times. The antibacterial activities of the target products were investigated according their minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) against K. pneumoniae, P. aeruginosa, E. aerogenes, E. coil, S. epidermidis, and S. aureus, and the results indicated that E‐CTS, B‐CTS, and D‐CTS could exhibit excellent antibacterial activities against P. aeruginosa, and their MIC were 128, 128, and 256 μg mL−1, respectively. Meanwhile, the antibacterial activities of alkylted chitosans were decreased with the growth of the DS or the growth of the carbon chain. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40052.
Fluidity improvement of semiaromatic polyamides: Modification with oligomers
Authors: Zhang Chuanhui , Huang Xianbo , Zeng Xiangbin , Cao Min , Cai Tongmin , Jiang Sujun , Yi Qingfeng 
Published: October 2013

ABSTRACTPoly(decamethylene terephthalamide) PA10T with different relative viscosities (RV) were successfully produced by the reaction of 1,10‐decanediamine and terephthalic acid through molecular weight regulator benzoic acid (BA). RV was shown to be decreased linearly with increasing BA concentrations and detailed structures of PA10Ts were characterized by 13C‐NMR. Fluidity of PA10T with varying molecular weight was tested and low RV PA10Ts were used as modifiers to improve fluidity behaviors of high RV PA10Ts, meanwhile mechanical properties were maintained. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40058.
A prospective intravascular ultrasound investigation of the necessity for and efficacy of postdilation beyond nominal diameter of 3 current generation DES platforms for the percutaneous treatment of the left main coronary artery
Authors: Shand James A. , Sharma Divyesh , Hanratty Colm , McClelland Anthony , Menown Ian B.A. , Spence Mark S. , Richardson Geoffrey , Herity Niall A. , Walsh Simon J. 
Published: October 2013

ObjectivesTo define the size of the left mainstem coronary artery (LMS) in the Northern Irish population and investigate the clinical feasibility, safety, and efficacy of post dilation beyond nominal diameter of current generation Drug eluting stent (DES) when treating the LMS.BackgroundThere is no prospective data examining the need, feasibility, and safety of over‐expansion of current generation DES beyond nominal diameter.MethodsPatients with flow‐limiting coronary atheroma requiring IVUS assessment of the LMS were recruited. Standardized measurements of the distal LMS were made. Subsequently, patients requiring post dilation of current generation DES within the LMS were entered into a PCI registry.ResultsOverall, 125 patients were recruited into the initial study. Mean cross‐sectional area (CSA) of the distal LMS was 22.6 mm2(SD ± 5.4 mm2). Mean maximal vessel diameter was 5.7 mm (SD ± 0.7 mm). Increasing plaque burden was associated with reduced CSA (P < 0.001). In 31 consecutive patients undergoing IVUS guided PCI of the LMS with 5.5 and 6.0 mm balloon catheters, mean maximal stent diameters were >5.0 mm with the Biomatrix Flex 9 crown and Promus Element Large vessel platforms. No intraprocedural complications occurred. Mean follow up was 13.4 months. Clinical restenosis rate was 3.2%, with 2 deaths unrelated to index procedure.ConclusionsThe majority of patients with angiographic coronary atheroma have a mean LMS diameter of >4 mm indicating the requirement for post dilation beyond nominal diameter all of current generation DES in almost all patients when treating the LMS. This is achievable with current DES platforms with no intraprocedural complication. Clinical follow up indicates excellent short‐term efficacy. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decomposition of Epoxy Model Compounds in Near‐Critical Water
Authors: Liu Y. , Wei H. , Wu S. , Guo Z. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractTwo tpyes of epoxy resin model compounds, one containing an ether bond and bisphenol‐A structure (compound I) and the other comprising ether and tertiary amine bonds (compound II), were prepared and then decomposed in near‐critical water (NCW). In the case of model compound I, at low temperatures the water molecules behave as nucleophilic reagent reacting with the terminal ether group of the model compound. When the temperature is increased, the middle ether bond of the model compound molecule can be broken down. As to model compound II, at lower temperatures, cleavage of the ether bond happens more easily than that of the tertiary amine bond because of higher positive charge density centered at the carbon atom in the ether group. At higher temperatures, the energy required to break down the ether bond is reduced dramatically after being protonated by H+, and therefore, the bond can be cleaved more readily than the tertiary amine bond. The decomposition products in both model compounds were found unstable and could react with each other to generate other compounds. Decomposition mechanisms were also proposed based on the decomposition products for the model compounds.
Optimizing Established Processes like Sugar Extraction from Sugar Beets – Design of Experiments versus Physicochemical Modeling
Authors: Both S. , Eggersglüß J. , Lehnberger A. , Schulz T. , Schulze T. , Strube J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractExtraction of sugar from sugar beets is a process optimized over decades based on experience gathered during production. This process improvement is achieved without any systematic approach for optimization which raised the question whether such a mature process can be further optimized effectively, applying methods developed in the last decade like statistical experiment design or physicochemical modeling. Viable areas of operation for the respective approaches will be assessed and discussed using the example of sucrose extraction from sugar beet. Operating conditions are optimized regarding extraction kinetics and equilibrium behavior. Physicochemical modeling, however, requires detailed information on phase equilibria, fluid dynamics, and mass transfer effects. Here, the phase ratio can be identified as a sensitive parameter and process performance like the HETP (high equivalent of a theoretical plate) value can be enhanced. Therefore, the volumetric productivity serves as indicator. Potentials of process design and process optimization by a combination of statistical design of experiments and physicochemical modeling approaches are assessed, and respective possibilities and limitations are discussed.
Influence of Emulsifiers on the Formation and Crystallization of Solid Lipid Nanoparticles
Authors: El Kinawy O. S. , Petersen S. , Bergt K. , Ulrich J. 
Published: October 2013

AbstractThe production of solid lipid nanoparticles by means of hot homogenization uses two different techniques: emulsification (liquid state) and crystallization (solid state). Both these processes depend on many parameters, such as composition, energy input, or geometry of the emulsification device. In former investigations known from the literature, the influence of the emulsifier concentration and the potential of controlling the polymorphic forms of the solidified particles were not investigated in detail. Here, these two factors were analyzed on the example of palm oil particles stabilized with emulsifiers suitable for foods. The influence of the emulsifier concentration on the resulting droplet and particle sizes is very high, up to a certain level. However, beside this influence, the polymorphic form of the solidified particles can be controlled by the right choice of emulsifier type and concentration.
Patterns of cancer screening in primary care from 2005 to 2010
Authors: Martires Kathryn J. , Kurlander David E. , Minwell Gregory J. , Dahms Eric B. , Bordeaux Jeremy S. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDCancer screening recommendations vary widely, especially for breast, prostate, and skin cancer screening. Guidelines are provided by the American Cancer Society, the US Preventive Services Task Force, and various professional organizations. The recommendations often differ with regard to age and frequency of screening. The objective of this study was to determine actual rates of screening in the primary care setting.METHODSData from the National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey were used. Only adult visits to non–federally employed, office‐based physicians for preventive care from 2005 through 2010 were examined. Prevalence rates for breast, pelvic, and rectal examinations were calculated, along with the rates for mammograms, Papanicolaou smears, and prostate‐specific antigen tests. Factors associated with screening, including age, race, smoking status, and insurance type, were examined using t tests and chi‐square tests.RESULTSIn total, 8521 visits were examined. The rates of most screening examinations and tests were stable over time. Clinical breast examinations took place significantly more than mammography was ordered (54.8% vs 34.6%; P < .001). White patients received more mammography (P = .031), skin examinations (P < .010), digital rectal examinations (P < .010), and prostate‐specific antigen tests (P = .003) than patients of other races. Patients who paid with Medicare or private insurance received more screening than patients who had Medicaid or no insurance (P < .010).CONCLUSIONSCurrent cancer screening practices in primary care vary significantly. Cancer screening may not follow evidence‐based practices and may not be targeting patients considered most at risk. Racial and socioeconomic disparities are present in cancer screening in primary care. Cancer 2014;120:253–261. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Nomograms for preoperative prediction of prognosis in patients with oral cavity squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Montero Pablo H. , Yu Changhong , Palmer Frank L. , Patel Purvi D. , Ganly Ian , Shah Jatin P. , Shaha Ashok R. , Boyle Jay O. , Kraus Dennis H. , Singh Bhuvanesh , Wong Richard J. , Morris Luc G. , Kattan Michael W. , Patel Snehal G. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDThis study sought to develop prognostic tools that will accurately predict overall and cancer‐related mortality and risk of recurrence in individual patients with oral cancer based on host and tumor characteristics. These tools would take into account numerous prognosticators beyond those covered by the traditional TNM (tumor–node–metastasis) staging system.METHODSDemographic, host, and tumor characteristics of 1617 patients with cancer of the oral cavity, who were treated primarily with surgery at a single‐institution tertiary care cancer center between 1985 and 2009, were reviewed from a preexisting database. Recurrent disease was recorded in 509 patients (456 locoregional and 116 distant); 328 patients died of cancer‐related causes, and 542 died of other causes. The median follow‐up was 42 months (range, 1‐300 months). The following variables were analyzed as predictors of prognosis: age, sex, race, alcohol and tobacco use, oral cavity subsite, invasion of other structures, comorbidity, tumor size, and clinical nodal status. The stepdown method was used to select the statistically most influential predictors for inclusion in the final nomogram for each outcome of interest.RESULTSThe most influential predictors of both recurrence and cancer‐specific mortality probability (CSMP) were tumor size, nodal status, subsite, and bone invasion. Nomograms were generated for prediction of overall survival (OS), CSMP, and locoregional recurrence‐free probability (LRRFP). The nomograms were internally validated with an overfit‐corrected predictive discrimination metric (concordance index) for OS of 67%, CSMP of 66%, and LRRFP of 60%.CONCLUSIONSNomograms have been developed that can reasonably estimate OS, CSMP, and LRRFP based on specific tumor and host characteristics in patients with oral cancer. Cancer 2014;120:214–221. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Molecular determinants of outcome with mammalian target of rapamycin inhibition in endometrial cancer
Authors: Mackay Helen J. , Eisenhauer Elizabeth A. , Kamel‐Reid Suzanne , Tsao Ming , Clarke Blaise , Karakasis Katherine , Werner Henrica M. J. , Trovik Jone , Akslen Lars A. , Salvesen Helga B. , Tu Dongsheng , Oza Amit M. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDTargeting the phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is of increasing interest as a therapeutic strategy in many tumors. The aim of this study was to identify molecular markers associated with mTOR inhibitor activity in women with metastatic endometrial cancer.METHODSArchival tumor samples were collected from 94 women with recurrent or metastatic endometrial cancer who participated in 3 National Cancer Insitute of Canada Clinical Trials Group phase 2 trials investigating single‐agent mTOR inhibitors: IND160A and IND160B (temsirolimus) and IND192 (ridaforolimus). Analyses included mutational profiling using the OncoCarta Panel version 1.0 and immunohistochemical expression of the tumor suppressor gene PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue) and stathmin, a marker of PI3K activation. Associations between biomarker results and clinical outcomes were assessed.RESULTSMutations were found in 32 of 73 analyzed tumors, PIK3CA (21 patients) was the most common mutated gene. Co‐mutations were seen in 8 tumors, most frequently KRAS and PIK3CA (4 cases). PTEN loss was observed in 46 of 85 samples analyzed and increased stathmin expression was observed in 15 of 65 analyzed samples. No correlation was observed between biomarkers and response or progression. In patients taking concurrent metformin, there was a trend toward lower progression, of 11.8% versus 32.5% (P = .14).CONCLUSIONSNo predictive biomarker or combination of biomarkers for mTOR inhibitor activity were identified in this study. Restriction and enrichment of study entry, especially based on archival tumor tissue, should be undertaken with caution in trials using these agents. Cancer 2014;120:603–610. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Efficacy and safety of bevacizumab in recurrent sex cord‐stromal ovarian tumors: Results of a phase 2 trial of the Gynecologic Oncology Group
Authors: Brown Jubilee , Brady William E. , Schink Julian , Van Le Linda , Leitao Mario , Yamada S. Diane , de Geest Koen , Gershenson David M. 
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDThe Gynecologic Oncology Group conducted this phase 2 trial to estimate the antitumor activity of bevacizumab and to determine the nature and degree of toxicity in patients with recurrent sex cord‐stromal tumors of the ovary.METHODSA prospective, multi‐institutional cooperative group trial was performed in women with recurrent, measurable ovarian stromal tumors. Patients were allowed to have unlimited prior therapy, excluding bevacizumab. Bevacizumab 15 mg/kg was administered intravenously on day 1 of every 21‐day cycle until patients developed disease progression or adverse effects that prohibited further treatment. The primary endpoint was the response rate (RR). Inhibin A and B levels were measured before each cycle, and the values were examined in relation to response and progression.RESULTSThirty‐six patients were enrolled, and all were eligible and evaluable. Patients received a median of 9 cycles of treatment (range, 2‐37 cycles). Six patients (16.7%) had partial responses (90% confidence interval, 7.5%‐30.3%), 28 patients (77.8%) had stable disease, and 2 patients (5.6%) had progressive disease. This met the criterion for declaring the regimen active. The median progression‐free survival was 9.3 months, and the median overall survival was not reached in during reporting period. Two grade 4 toxicities occurred, including hypertension and proteinuria; and the most common grade 3 toxicities were hypertension (n = 5) and pain (n = 5). Inhibin A and B values were lower in patients who responded to treatment.CONCLUSIONSBevacizumab has activity in the treatment of recurrent sex cord‐stromal tumors of the ovary, and its toxicity is acceptable. Further investigation is warranted. Cancer 2014;120:344–351. © 2013 American Cancer Society.
Costs and outcomes evaluation of patient navigation after abnormal cancer screening: Evidence from the Patient Navigation Research Program
Authors: Bensink Mark E. , Ramsey Scott D. , Battaglia Tracy , Fiscella Kevin , Hurd Thelma C. , McKoy June M. , Patierno Steven R. , Raich Peter C. , Seiber Eric E. , Warren‐Mears Victoria , Whitley Elizabeth , Paskett Electra D. , Mandelblatt S. ,   Patient Navigation Research Program
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUNDNavigators can facilitate timely access to cancer services, but to the authors' knowledge there are little data available regarding their economic impact.METHODSThe authors conducted a cost‐consequence analysis of navigation versus usual care among 10,521 individuals with abnormal breast, cervical, colorectal, or prostate cancer screening results who enrolled in the Patient Navigation Research Program study from January 1, 2006 to March 31, 2010. Navigation costs included diagnostic evaluation, patient and staff time, materials, and overhead. Consequences or outcomes were time to diagnostic resolution and probability of resolution. Differences in costs and outcomes were evaluated using multilevel, mixed‐effects regression modeling adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, language, marital status, insurance status, cancer, and site clustering.RESULTSThe majority of individuals were members of a minority (70.7%) and uninsured or publically insured (72.7%). Diagnostic resolution was higher for navigation versus usual care at 180 days (56.2% vs 53.8%;P = .008) and 270 days (70.0% vs 68.2%;P < .001). Although there were no differences in the average number of days to resolution between the 2 groups (110 days vs 109 days;P = .63), the probability of ever having diagnostic resolution was higher for the navigation group versus the usual‐care group (84.5% vs 79.6%;P < .001). The added cost of navigation versus usual care was $275 per patient (95% confidence interval, $260‐$290;P < .001). There was no significant difference in stage distribution among the 12.4% of patients in the navigation group vs 11% of the usual‐care patients diagnosed with cancer.CONCLUSIONSNavigation adds costs and modestly increases the probability of diagnostic resolution among patients with abnormal screening test results. Navigation is only likely to be cost‐effective if improved resolution translates into an earlier cancer stage at the time of diagnosis.Cancer2014;120:570–578. ©2013 American Cancer Society.