bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Anisotropic temperature sensitive chitosan‐based injectable hydrogels mimicking cartilage matrix
Authors: Walker Kenneth J. , Madihally Sundararajan V. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this study, chitosan‐based hydrogels were formulated with material similarities to three of the four zones of articular cartilage. Gelatin, hyaluronic acid (HA), and β‐tricalcium phosphate for the superficial, radial, and calcified zones, were blended in different amounts and tested for formation of uniform solution, gelability, and rheological characteristics. Confined compression in two configurations (series and parallel to anisotropy), and cyclical tests were performed at the physiological conditions. In vivo gelation and systemic effects were evaluated in male BALB/c mice subcutaneous model. At day 5, hydrogels were harvested along with the adjoining skin and analyzed by histology. Formulations that produced solutions after pH adjustments were selected for each zone. Anisotropic hydrogels were formed by mixing solutions from each zone, which showed uniform gradation. Addition of HA improved structural integrity relative to other formulations. When hydrogels were in series, combined hydrogel modulus was the average of all zones while that in parallel orientation was half of that series orientation. Cyclical tests demonstrated repeatable strength and durability. All formulations were injectable into the subcutaneous region. H/E stained tissues showed minimal invasion of inflammatory cells in radial and calcified zones. Structural integrity of the hydrogel is suggested to be the resultant of the presence of HA. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1149–1160, 2015.
Evolution of the activated sludge process: the first 50 years
Authors: Orhon Derin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe paper presents a critical overview of the first 50 years in the evolution of the activated sludge process. Recognition of the role of aeration and microbial activity in the purification of sewage in the early studies established the basis for the accidental discovery of the process, which was immediately adapted into practice. The problems encountered during operation started a period of empirical expansion with many process modifications. As scientific support lagged behind practice, efforts were then directed towards exploring and understanding the fundamentals of the system related to substrate removal mechanisms, microbiology, process kinetics and stoichiometry, nitrogen transformations and, then, translating accumulated information into design. Extensive research generated remarkable findings which should be regarded as major milestones for future progress in many areas such as fractionation of substrate and biomass, particle size distribution, and substrate storage. A rational foundation of the activated sludge process for the removal of organic carbon could then be established based on mass balance. This approach also defined essential parameters that could relate microbial reactions involved with plant design and operation. Scientific ideas and discoveries have also enabled conceptual development of many emerging technologies such as the sequencing batch reactor, enhanced biological phosphorus removal, the oxic‐settling anaerobic process, and the super‐fast membrane bioreactor. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Timing of feather molt related to date of spring migration in male white‐throated sparrows, Zonotrichia albicollis
Authors: Cristol Daniel Aaron , Johnson Karen Michelle , Jenkins Kendell Daly , Hawley Dana Michelle 
Published: October 2014

ABSTRACTIn migratory birds, the ability to depart wintering grounds at the appropriate time is an important determinant of fitness. Understanding the regulation of this timing will be essential for predicting whether timing of bird migration keeps up with global climate change. We examined whether the timing of the late‐winter molt, in which white‐throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) replace head and body feathers in advance of mating, may constrain the timing of northward migratory departure. In an observational study, we found a significant correlation between timing of molt and the date on which free‐living male white‐throated sparrows disappeared from our study site during migration. The following year, we tested whether experimentally manipulating molt date by advancing photoperiod during temporary captivity would subsequently advance disappearance date once the birds were released. Sparrows that were experimentally induced to molt early disappeared from the wintering site before controls. However, the captive control birds also molted and disappeared from the site earlier than free‐living controls, suggesting that the diet during captivity had played a role. In the third winter we completed the study by advancing or delaying molt using only dietary manipulation. Together, these results show that the ability to molt early in spring is related to early disappearance from the wintering site. Early molt likely has carry‐over effects on reproduction and the requirements of molt may prevent populations from adjusting migration timing in response to global climate change. J. Exp. Zool. 321A: 586–594, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Effect of General Creative Personality and Freedom of Task Choice on Adolescents' Social Creativity
Authors: Gu Chuanhua , Hu Bi Ying , Ngwira Flemmings Fishani , Jing Zhi , Zhou Zongkui 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis study investigated the effect of general creative personality and freedom of task choice on the social creativity of adolescents. The results indicated, first, that senior high school students scored higher than junior high school students. Second, girls scored higher than boys on originality, fluency, flexibility, appropriateness, and utility with regard to creative social problem‐solving. Third, freedom of task choice and its interaction with creative personality had significant effects on the originality, appropriateness, utility, flexibility, and fluency of social creativity. Adolescents who completed the task voluntarily scored higher on these dimensions than adolescents who completed it reluctantly and, among the voluntary adolescents, those with high and medium creative personality scored higher than those with low creative personality, whereas no such difference was found among the reluctant adolescents. Adolescents were more likely to show social creativity, and their general creative personality was more likely to be brought into effect under the freedom of task choice condition.
Effect of grape and other berries on cardiovascular health
Authors: Wightman JoLynne D , Heuberger Roschelle A 
Published: October 2014

AbstractCardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death globally. Many cardiovascular risk factors can be modified through lifestyle modification, including dietary patterns that emphasize daily consumption of a variety of fruits and vegetables. Recent observational and clinical studies suggest that flavonoids, especially those abundant in grapes and other berries, may be associated with health benefits, particularly cardiovascular benefits. Human clinical data support cardioprotective benefits of grapes through inhibition of platelet aggregation, decreased low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) oxidation, reduction in oxidative stress and improvements in endothelial function. Emerging evidence suggests that grapes may also have a favorable effect on blood lipids, decrease inflammation and reduce blood pressure in certain populations. Studies to date have shown that berries can have a beneficial effect on reducing LDL oxidation. Limited data suggest that berries may have a favorable effect on endothelial health and blood pressure. This review summarizes the current literature on human clinical studies examining the cardioprotective benefits of grapes and berries. Collectively, these data support the recommendation to incorporate products made with grapes and other berries into a heart‐healthy diet. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Loading characteristics and chemical stability of headgroup‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)‐lipid ligand tethers on polypropylene capillary‐channeled polymer fibers
Authors: Schadock‐Hewitt Abby J. , Marcus R. Kenneth 
Published: October 2014

Polypropylene capillary‐channeled polymer fibers have been modified by adsorption of headgroup‐functionalized poly(ethylene glycol)‐lipids to generate a species‐specific stationary phase. In order to study ligand binding characteristics, a fluorescein‐labeled poly(ethylene glycol)‐lipid was used as a model system. Breakthrough curves and frontal analysis were employed to characterize the surface loading characteristics across a range of lipid concentrations and mobile phase flow rates. Efficient mass transfer and fluid transport yield a linear adsorption isotherm up to the maximum loading concentration of 3 mg/mL, at a linear velocity of 57.1 mm/s. Under these conditions, the dynamic binding capacity was found to be 1.52 mg/g of fiber support. Variation of the linear velocity from 8.6 to 57.1 mm/s showed only small changes in breakthrough volume. The maximum capacity of 1.8 mg/g is found under conditions of a load velocity of 34.2 mm/s and a concentration of 3 mg/mL lipid. Exposure of the lipid modified fibers to several challenge solvents reveals a chemically robust system, with only 50% acetonitrile and hexanes able to disrupt the lipid adsorption. The straightforward capillary‐channeled polymer fiber surface modification with headgroup‐functionalized lipids provides both a diverse yet practically robust ligand tethering system.
Development of a solid‐phase microextraction fiber by the chemical binding of graphene oxide on a silver‐coated stainless‐steel wire with an ionic liquid as the crosslinking agent
Authors: Sun Min , Feng Juanjuan , Bu Yanan , Duan Huimin , Wang Xiaojiao , Luo Chuannan 
Published: October 2014

Graphene oxide was bonded onto a silver‐coated stainless‐steel wire using an ionic liquid as the crosslinking agent by a layer‐by‐layer strategy. The novel solid‐phase microextraction fiber was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy and Raman microscopy. A multilayer graphene oxide layer was closely coated onto the supporting substrate. The thickness of the coating was about 4 μm. Coupled with gas chromatography, the fiber was evaluated using five polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (fluorene, anthracene, fluoranthene, 1,2‐benzophenanthrene, and benzo(a)pyrene) as model analytes in direct‐immersion mode. The main conditions (extraction time, extraction temperature, ionic strength, and desorption time) were optimized by a factor‐by‐factor optimization. The as‐established method exhibited a wide linearity range (0.5–200 μg/L) and low limits of determination (0.05–0.10 μg/L). It was applied to analyze environmental water samples of rain and river water. Three kinds of the model analytes were quantified and the recoveries of samples spiked at 10 μg/L were in the range of 92.3–120 and 93.8–115%, respectively. The obtained results indicated the fiber was efficient for solid‐phase microextraction analysis.
One‐Pot Glovebox‐Free Synthesis, Characterization, and Self‐Assembly of Novel Amphiphilic Poly(Sarcosine‐b‐Caprolactone) Diblock Copolymers
Authors: Cui Saide , Wang Xin , Li Zhenjiang , Zhang Qiguo , Wu Wenzhuo , Liu Jingjing , Wu Hao , Chen Cheng , Guo Kai 
Published: October 2014

Novel amphiphilic polypeptoid‐polyester diblock copolymers based on poly(sarcosine) (PSar) and poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) are synthesized by a one‐pot glovebox‐free approach. In this method, sarcosine N‐carboxy anhydride (Sar‐NCA) is firstly polymerized in the presence of benzylamine under N2 flow, then the resulting poly(sarcosine) is used in situ as the macro­initiator for the ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of ε‐caprolactone using tin(II) octanoate as a catalyst. The degree of poly­merization of each block is controlled by various feed ratios of monomer/initiator. The diblock copolymers with controlled molecular weight and narrow molecular weight distributions (ĐM < 1.2) are characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and size‐exclusion chromatography. The self‐assembly behavior of PSar‐b‐PCL in water is investigated by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy. DLS results reveal that the diblock copolymers associate into nanoparticles with average hydrodynamic diameters (DH) around 100 nm in water, which may be used as drug delivery carriers.
image
Recent Strategies to Develop Polysaccharide‐Based Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Wen Yifen , Oh Jung Kwon 
Published: October 2014

Polysaccharides are abundant in nature, renewable, nontoxic, and intrinsically biodegradable. They possess a high level of functional groups including hydroxyl, amino, and carboxylic acid groups. These functional groups can be utilized for further modification of polysaccharides with small molecules, polymers, and crosslinkers; the modified polysaccharides have been used as effective building blocks in fabricating novel biomaterials for various biomedical applications such as drug delivery carriers, cell‐encapsulating biomaterials, and tissue engineering scaffolds. This review describes recent strategies to modify polysaccharides for the development of polysaccharide‐based biomaterials; typically self‐assembled micelles, crosslinked microgels/nanogels, three‐dimensional hydrogels, and fibrous meshes. In addition, the outlook is briefly discussed on the important aspects for the current and future development of polysaccharide‐based biomaterials, particularly tumor‐targeting intracellular drug delivery nanocarriers.
image
Polyfluorene Polyelectrolyte Nanoparticles: Synthesis of Innovative Stabilizers for Heterophase Polymerization
Authors: Prescher Simon , Ghasimi Saman , Höhne Patrick , Grygiel Konrad , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai A. I. , Yuan Jiayin 
Published: October 2014

Polyfluorene‐bearing bromohexyl side chains are quaternized by 1‐vinylimidazole in order to attach dialkylimidazolium bromide ionic liquid (IL) species along the conjugated backbone. Subsequently, polyfluorene polyelectrolyte nanoparticles (NPs) of 40 nm in average size are created via radical cross‐linking of the pendant vinylimidazolium groups. Anion exchange from Br− to BF4−, PF6−, and bis(trifluoromethylsulfonyl)imide anion (TFSI−) renders NPs adjustable dispersability in various organic solvents. The hydrophobic‐conjugated backbone and the hydrophilic dialkylimidazolium bromide IL moieties depict an amphiphilic profile, which allows the NPs to be deployed as conductive stabilizer in the emulsion polymerization of styrene. The resultant latexes are fluorescent, tunable in size and can be transferred to organic solvents without forfeiting their colloidal stability.
image
Comparison of centric and reverse‐centric trajectories for highly accelerated three‐dimensional saturation recovery cardiac perfusion imaging
Authors: Wang Haonan , Bangerter Neal K. , Park Daniel J. , Adluru Ganesh , Kholmovski Eugene G. , Xu Jian , DiBella Edward 
Published: October 2014

PurposeHighly undersampled three‐dimensional (3D) saturation‐recovery sequences are affected by k‐space trajectory since the magnetization does not reach steady state during the acquisition and the slab excitation profile yields different flip angles in different slices. This study compares centric and reverse‐centric 3D cardiac perfusion imaging.MethodsAn undersampled (98 phase encodes) 3D ECG‐gated saturation‐recovery sequence that alternates centric and reverse‐centric acquisitions each time frame was used to image phantoms and in vivo subjects. Flip angle variation across the slices was measured, and contrast with each trajectory was analyzed via Bloch simulation.ResultsSignificant variations in flip angle were observed across slices, leading to larger signal variation across slices for the centric acquisition. In simulation, severe transient artifacts were observed when using the centric trajectory with higher flip angles, placing practical limits on the maximum flip angle used. The reverse‐centric trajectory provided less contrast, but was more robust to flip angle variations.ConclusionBoth of the k‐space trajectories can provide reasonable image quality. The centric trajectory can have higher CNR, but is more sensitive to flip angle variation. The reverse‐centric trajectory is more robust to flip angle variation. Magn Reson Med 74:1070–1076, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Electrophysiologic features of fetal ventricular aneurysms and diverticula
Authors: Peters Carli , Wacker‐Gussmann Annette , Strasburger Janette F. , Cuneo Bettina F. , Gotteiner Nina L. , Gulecyuz Mehemet , Wakai Ronald T. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveCongenital ventricular wall defects are very rare and include congenital ventricular aneurysms (CVAs) and diverticula (CVDs).MethodWe report a series of five fetuses: three with CVAs and two with CVDs referred due to fetal arrhythmia. In addition to routine fetal echocardiography, fetal magnetocardiography (fMCG) was used. The literature in CVA and CVD is reviewed.ResultsIncessant premature ventricular contractions (PVC), mainly bigeminy and trigeminy were found in three fetuses with CVAs and in one with CVD, who also had ventricular couplets. The other fetus with CVD, referred because of PVCs, had only sinus tachycardia. ST elevation was noted in two. Fetal movement had a variable impact on PVCs. Postnatal evaluation demonstrated two persistent left ventricular aneurysms and one persistent right CVD; one CVD resolved at 35‐week gestation. Two neonates had incessant PVCs. Both arrhythmias resolved spontaneously while being treated with propranolol.ConclusionFMCG is complementary to echocardiographic imaging. In fetuses with left ventricular wall defects, additional electrophysiological diagnosis can be made by fMCG, including the complexity of ventricular ectopy, arrhythmic response to fetal movement, presence of ST‐T wave abnormalities, and atrial amplitude increases. Prenatal risk factor assessment using fMCG can additionally support post‐natal treatment and follow‐up. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Measurement of middle cerebral artery diameter as a method for assessment of brain sparing in intra‐uterine growth‐restricted discordant twins
Authors: Barzilay Eran , Haas Jigal , de Castro Hila , Yinon Yoav , Achiron Reuven , Gilboa Yinon 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectivesBlood vessel resistance is assessed by flow velocity indexes. However, the actual resistance should be more strongly correlated with vessel diameter rather than variations in flow velocity. We aimed to determine the utility of middle cerebral artery (MCA) diameter measurement as a tool for evaluating brain sparing effect in intrauterine growth‐restricted (IUGR) discordant twins.MethodsTen dichorionic–diamniotic twin pairs with weight discordance were included in the study. Fetal assessment included estimated fetal weight, umbilical artery flow, MCA flow and MCA diameter. Paired statistical analysis was used to compare MCA diameter and MCA pulsatility index (PI) between the discordant twins.ResultsMCA diameter was significantly larger in the smaller twin (mean diameter 3.55 ± 0.26 vs 2.71 ± 0.22, P = 0.018, mean ratio 1.39 ± 0.14). There was no significant difference in MCA PI values within the twin pairs (mean PI 1.51 ± 0.13 vs 1.57 ± 0.07, P = 0.878, mean ratio 0.99 ± 0.11).ConclusionsMeasurement of MCA diameter can potentially be used as a tool for assessing vessel resistance. Further studies are needed to assess the feasibility and sensitivity of this method as well as the clinical significance of MCA dilatation in the presence of normal Doppler flow indexes. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prenatal diagnosis of osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis
Authors: Vasiljevic Alexandre , Azzi Caroline , Lacalm Audrey , Combourieu Daniele , Collardeau‐Frachon Sophie , Dijoud Frédérique , Massardier Jerôme , Van Hul Wim , Fromageoux Caroline , Guibaud Laurent , Gaucherand Pascal , Cordier Marie‐Pierre , Massoud Mona 
Published: October 2014

What is already known about this topic?

Osteopathia striata with cranial sclerosis is a rare bone dysplasia, characterized by longitudinal striations of long bones and cranial sclerosis. Age at diagnosis and clinical presentation are variable, ranging from asymptomatic to neonatal lethal cases.What does this topic add?

Prenatal diagnosis is challenging because fetal presentation is variable and mothers with OS‐CS can be misdiagnosed. We report the first prenatal case of OS‐CS with sonographic and autopsy findings and discuss the possibility of a prenatal diagnosis when the Wilms tumor on the X chromosome mutation is identified in the mother.
Managing fetuses at high risk of retinoblastoma: lesion detection on screening MRI
Authors: Staffieri Sandra E. , McGillivray George , Elder James E. , Bristowe Amber , Cole Stephen , McKenzie John D. , Fink A. Michelle 
Published: October 2014

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to describe tumour identification on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in a 35‐week fetus with familial retinoblastoma (RB) and report the use of prenatal ultrasound (US) and MRI screening in the management of fetuses at high risk of RB.MethodThis is a retrospective review of the prenatal course and immediate postnatal findings in all children considered at high risk of RB who had prenatal imaging with both US and MRI at our institution over a 5‐year period.ResultsFive patients met the inclusion criteria. No lesions were identified on US in any patients. Fetal MRI identified bilateral posterior pole lesions in one patient at 35 weeks' gestation. Of the four remaining patients, three developed lesions by 5 weeks of age. Only one fetus was delivered early following detection of RB.ConclusionWe present the first reported case of RB detected in a high‐risk fetus on screening MRI at 35 weeks' gestation. A protocol for screening this population using both imaging modalities is presented. © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Conducting composites prepared by the reduction of silver ions with poly(p‐phenylenediamine)
Authors: Magdziarz Przemysław , Bober Patrycja , Trchová Miroslava , Morávková Zuzana , Bláha Michal , Prokeš Jan , Stejskal Jaroslav 
Published: October 2014

AbstractPoly(p‐phenylenediamine) (PPDA) and also its ladder‐like analogue were prepared by oxidation of p‐phenylenediamine with ammonium peroxydisulfate in an aqueous solution of 0.4 mol L−1 hydrochloric acid and converted to PPDA bases. These were used as reductants of silver nitrate to silver nanoparticles in 1 mol L−1 methanesulfonic acid or in water at various mole ratios of silver nitrate to p‐phenylenediamine units from 0 to 1.8. The original conductivity of the PPDA, 10−12 S cm−1, increased to the order of 100 S cm−1 for the PPDA–silver composites containing 27–40 wt% (i.e. 4.5–6.6 vol%) silver. Fourier transform infrared spectra indicated a practically unchanged molecular structure of PPDA in the composites. In contrast, Raman spectroscopy showed the existence of regions with unchanged molecular structure of PPDA as well as the presence of regions containing silver particles and oxidized PPDA moieties. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry