bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reclamation and salt leaching efficiency for tile drained saline‐sodic soil using marginal quality water for irrigating rice and wheat crops
Authors: Ghafoor A. , Murtaza G. , Rehman M. Z. , Saifullah  , Sabir M. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractDue to increased population and urbanization, freshwater demand for domestic purposes has increased resulting in a smaller proportion for irrigation of crops. We carried out a 3‐year field experiment in the Indus Plains of Pakistan on salt‐affected soil (ECe15·67–23·96 dS m−1, pHs8·35–8·93, SAR 70–120, infiltration rate 0·72–0·78 cm h−1,ρb1·70–1·80 Mg m−3) having tile drainage in place. The 3‐year cropping sequence consisted of rice (Oryza sativaL.) and wheat (Triticum aestivumL.) crops in rotation. These crops were irrigated with groundwater having electrical conductivity (EC) 2·7 dS m−1, sodium adsorption ratio (SAR) 8·0 (mmol L−1)1/2and residual sodium carbonate (RSC) 1·3 mmolc L−1. Treatments were: (1) irrigation with brackish water without amendment (control); (2) Sesbania (Sesbania aculeata) green manure each year before rice (SM); (3) applied gypsum at 100 per cent soil gypsum requirement (SGR) and (4) applied gypsum as in treatment 3 plus sesbania green manure each year (GSM). A decrease in soil salinity and sodicity and favourable infiltration rate and bulk density over pre‐experiment levels are recorded. GSM resulted in the largest decrease in soil salinity and sodicity. There was a positive relationship between crop yield and economic benefits and improvement in soil physical and chemical properties. On the basis of six crops, the greatest net benefit was obtained from GSM. Based on this long‐term study, combined use of gypsum at 100 per cent soil gypsum requirement along with sesbania each year is recommended for soil amelioration and crop production. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thulium laser urethrotomy for urethral stricture: A preliminary report
Authors: Wang Linhui , Wang Zhixiang , Yang Bo , Yang Qing , Sun Yinghao 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe outcome of thulium laser urethrotomy for patients with urethral stricture had not been reported. The purpose of this study was to evaluate outcome of endourethrotomy with the thulium laser as a minimally invasive treatment for urethral stricture.Materials and MethodsTwenty‐one consecutive patients with urethral stricture were evaluated by retrograde uroflowmetry, International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), and quality of life preoperatively at a single academic center. All patients were treated with thulium laser urethrotomy. All patients were followed up for 12–24 months postoperatively by uroflowmetry and by retrograde with voiding cystourethrogram every 3 months. And all patients were followed up by mailed questionnaire, including IPSS and quality of life.ResultsRetrograde endoscopic thulium laser urethrotomy was performed in all 21 patients. Most patients (N = 16; 76.2%) did not need any reintervention. Five patients developed recurrent strictures, of them two patients were treated by another laser urethrotomy, one patient was treated by open urethroplasty with buccal mucosa and the other two patients' reintervention were treated by urethral dilation. No intraoperative complications were encountered, although in 9.5% (N = 2) of patients, a urinary tract infection was diagnosed postoperatively. No gross hematuria occurred. Including two patients treated with repeat laser urethrotomy, 17(81.0%) showed good flow of urine (Qave>16.0 ml/second) and adequate caliber urethra in retrograde urethrogram (RGU) 12 months after operation. Three (14.3%) patients showed narrow stream of urine (Qave<8.0 ml/second) and urethral dilation was done every month or 2 months. There was one patient whose Qave was between 8.0 and 16.0 ml/second. And this patient was treated by neither urethral dilation nor another laser urethrotomy.ConclusionsThe thulium laser urethrotomy was a safe and effective minimally invasive therapeutic modality for urethral stricture. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:620–623, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
In vivo femtosecond laser subsurface scleral treatment in rabbit eyes
Authors: Chai Dongyul , Chaudhary Gautam , Mikula Eric , Sun Hui , Kurtz Ron , Juhasz Tibor 
Published: September 2010

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe progression of glaucoma can be reduced or delayed by reducing intraocular pressure (IOP). The properties of femtosecond laser surgery, such as markedly reduced collateral tissue damage, coupled with the ability to achieve isolated subsurface surgical effects in the sclera, make this technology a promising candidate in glaucoma management. In this pilot study we demonstrate the in vivo creation of partial thickness subsurface drainage channels with the femtosecond laser in the sclera of rabbit eyes in order to increase aqueous humor (AH) outflow.Study Design/Materials and MethodsA femtosecond laser beam tuned to a 1.7 µm wavelength was scanned along a rectangular raster pattern to create the partial thickness subsurface drainage channels in the sclera of one eye of each of the four rabbits included in this pilot study. IOP was measured before and 20 minutes after the laser treatment to evaluate the acute effect of the procedure.ResultsOCT images verified the creation of the partial thickness subsurface scleral channels in the eyes of the in vivo rabbits. Comparison of pre‐ and postoperative IOP measurements in treated and control eyes revealed a reduction in the intraocular pressure due to the increased rate of AH outflow resulted in by the presence of the partial thickness scleral channels.ConclusionsThe creation of partial thickness subsurface drainage channels was demonstrated in the sclera of in vivo rabbit eyes with a 1.7 µm wavelength femtosecond laser. Reduction in IOP achieved by the partial thickness channels suggests potential utility in the treatment of elevated IOP. Lasers Surg. Med. 42:647–651, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Polymer‐based Biomaterials as Dressings for Chronic Stagnating Wounds
Authors: Wiegand Cornelia , Hipler Uta‐Christina 
Published: September 2010

AbstractChronic wounds, such as venous, pressure, and diabetic ulcers, are difficult to heal and represent a rising social and economical problem. Compared to acute wounds, non‐healing wounds contain elevated levels of neutrophil elastase, pro‐inflammatory cytokines (IL‐1β, IL‐6, IL‐8), and matrix metalloproteases (MMP‐2, MMP‐9, MMP‐13) as well as free radicals. Their overproduction perpetuates the inflammatory phase resulting in severe tissue damage and degradation of growth factors. Consequently, wound closure is prevented and the wound remains non‐healing for month or even years. The increasing numbers of patients suffering from wounds that fail to heal are a significant challenge for health care professionals. Wound dressings play an important role in the entire management of these wounds. New materials and treatment strategies are needed to improve wound care. Recent advances in the field of biomaterials and their medical applications indicate the significance and potential of various natural polymers in the development of novel classes of wound dressings. Native polymers are an ideal source for bio‐active wound dressings because of their availability and biocompatibility. Hence, several studies have been conducted to explore the influence of wound dressings consisting of collagen, oxidized regenerated cellulose, bacterial cellulose, chitosan, or alginate on the destructive milieu in chronic wounds.
Functionalization and Application of Cellulose Microparticles as Adsorbents in Extracorporeal Blood Purification
Authors: Weber Viktoria , Ettenauer Marion , Linsberger Ingrid , Loth Fritz , Thümmler Katrin , Feldner Andreas , Fischer Steffen , Falkenhagen Dieter 
Published: September 2010

AbstractTherapeutic apheresis is established as supportive therapy for various diseases, such as hypercholesterolemia, autoimmune diseases, liver failure, and sepsis. In combined membrane‐adsorption systems, the patient's plasma is continuously separated from whole blood by means of a hollow fiber filter, and pathogenic factors are removed from the plasma by selective or specific adsorbents. While adsorbent particles with a size range of 300–800 µm are used in conventional systems, we are currently developing a system based on adsorbent microparticles (1–5 µm), the Microspheres‐Based Detoxification System (MDS). The characteristics of the matrix used for immobilization of specific ligands influence the performance of the resulting adsorbents. Desirable matrix characteristics are an open porous structure with an inner surface accessible for target molecules, mechanical stability, narrow particle size distribution, and ease of derivatization. In addition, biocompatibility is a critical issue, since the particles are in direct contact with the patient's plasma. Cellulose represents an ideal support matrix, as it combines all the above‐mentioned features, and cellulosic polymers are widely applied in medicine and generally regarded as biocompatible. Cellulose microparticles can be activated using e.g. sodium periodate and functionalized with Polymyxin B or anti‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) antibodies to generate specific adsorbents for endotoxins or TNF. In summary, cellulose microparticles represent an excellent matrix as basis for adsorbent development in blood purification.
Carboxymethylation of Bacterial Cellulose
Authors: Schlufter Kerstin , Heinze Thomas 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe carboxymethylation of bacterial cellulose (BC) was studied under typical heterogeneous reaction conditions. It was found that the BC possesses a significantly lower reactivity compared to wood cellulose converted under comparable conditions. Moreover, water‐solubility of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) obtained from BC appears at rather high degree of substitution of about 1.5 although a nearly statistical functionalization pattern was analyzed by HPLC. Obviously, the nano‐structure of BC is important for the reactivity and the properties of the synthesized CMC like water‐solubility.
Study on Synthesis and NMR Characterization of 2,3‐O‐Hydroxyethyl Cellulose Depending on Synthesis Conditions
Authors: Petzold‐Welcke Katrin , Kötteritzsch Manuela , Fenn Dominik , Koschella Andreas , Heinze Thomas 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe synthesis of hydroxyethyl celluloses with regioselective functionalization in position 2 and 3 starting from triphenylmethyl (trityl) cellulose is described. The effects of reaction conditions upon both the degree of substitution and the distribution of the hydroxyethyl moieties were investigated in detail. The interest was not only focused on regioselective functionalization within the anhydroglucose unit but also on the formation of oxyethylene side chains. To avoid the formation of oxyethylene side chains, 2‐(2‐bromoethoxy)tetrahydropyran was used as etherifying agent in comparison with 2‐bromoethanol. By acidic hydrolysis, both protecting groups – trityl at 6 position and tetrahydropyran at the hydroxyethyl substituent – can be simultaneously cleaved off. The hydroxyethyl celluloses were characterized by one‐ and two‐dimensional NMR spectroscopy in order to determine the substitution pattern.
Solvent Effects on the NMR Chemical Shifts of Imidazolium‐Based Ionic Liquids and Cellulose Therein
Authors: Hesse‐Ertelt Stephanie , Heinze Thomas , Kosan Birgit , Schwikal Katrin , Meister Frank 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe interactions of ionic liquids (IL) with solvents usually used in liquid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy are studied. The 1H‐ and 13C‐NMR chemical shift values of 1‐n‐butyl‐3‐methyl (BM)‐ and 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl (EM)‐substituted imidazolium (IM) ‐chlorides (Cl) and ‐acetates (Ac) are determined before and after diluting with deuterated solvents (DMSO‐d6, D2O, CD3OD, and CDCl3). The dilution offers structural modifications of the IL due to the solvents capacity to ionization. For further investigation of highly viscous cellulose dopes made of imidazolium‐based IL, solid‐state NMR spectroscopy enables the reproducibility of liquid‐state NMR data of pure IL. The correlation of liquid‐ and solid‐state NMR is shown on EMIM‐Ac and cellulose/EMIM‐Ac dope (10 wt %).
Small Strain Mechanical Properties of Latex‐Based Nanocomposite Films
Authors: Plummer Christopher J.G. , Ruggerone Riccardo , Negrete‐Herrera N. , Bourgeat‐Lami Elodie , Månson Jan‐Anders E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA waterborne latex‐based technique, in which functionalized laponite is attached to PS and acrylic latex particles, is used to prepare films containing up to 50 wt% laponite. At high laponite contents this leads to a cellular arrangement of the laponite‐rich layers, concentrated at the latex particle interfaces. MDSC shows that a significant proportion of the organic matrix does not contribute to the glass transition. However, this “rigid” matrix fraction arises from intercalation of the laponite stacks, and cannot account for the large increases in global stiffness in the rubbery state (T > Tg) on laponite addition. The mechanical response for T > Tg is therefore discussed in terms of a four‐phase structure, in which the intercalated laponite stacks embedded in a matrix with a relatively high rubbery modulus form a cellular structure, which is in turn embedded in a matrix whose modulus is closer to that of the bulk polymer. The importance of the cellular arrangement is underlined by the much lower rubbery modulus observed by DMA in specimens produced by deforming the original films in plane strain compression to produce oriented textures with relatively little connectivity between the laponite‐rich layers.
Importance of Molecular Coupling for Mechanical Performance of Block Copolymer Compounds
Authors: Adhikari Rameshwar , Henning Sven , Michler Goerg H. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractMixtures of polystyrene‐block‐polyisoprene‐block‐polystyrene (SIS) triblock copolymer and various styrenic block copolymers (having diblock and triblock architectures) as well as polystyrene homopolymer (PS) were prepared via solution blending to determine the influence of molecular coupling on the large strain mechanical performance of the block copolymers. The techniques used were transmission electron microscopy (TEM) as well as scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for the morphological characterization and uniaxial tensile testing for the determination of mechanical properties. In the block copolymer blends, it was possible to tailor the mechanical properties as long as the molecular coupling was present among the outer polystyrene blocks. The mechanical performance of the triblock copolymer was found to deteriorate by the presence of dangling chains in the microphase‐separated domains. In the blends comprising an SIS triblock copolymer and polystyrene homopolymers, the macrophase‐separated compounds containing PS having molar mass exceeding the entanglement molar mass showed the optimum mechanical properties. The observed mechanical behaviour has been correlated with the fracture surface morphology of the corresponding blends.
Plasticity of Semicrystalline Polymers
Authors: Bartczak Z. , Galeski A. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractSemi‐crystalline polymers can be deformed up to a very high strain. The deformation process involves frequently a complete molecular rearrangement of the chain‐folded lamellar morphology into a more or less chain‐unfolded fibrillar microstructure. This transformation is likely to occur through an intermediate state of high molecular disorder at a local scale. It led to the formulation of a concept of strain‐induced melting‐recrystallization process as a main mechanism of the structure transformation. In contrast, several structural features occurring at moderate plastic strains are relevant to strictly crystallographic processes. The plastic deformation process of semicrystalline polymers and the micromechanisms involved are discussed. A critical discussion of experimental findings is made to point out the strength or the deficiency of the various argumentations. It is demonstrated that the crystallographic slip mechanisms, including slips: transverse and along the chains are the basic deformation mechanisms in the deformation sequence, active at all strain levels. Direct microscopic evidence of chain slip activity even at well advanced stages of the deformation process is presented. In contrary, the melting‐recrystallization seems to be restricted to the high‐strain stage accompanied by chain unfolding and perhaps limited to only a small fraction of the crystalline phase. In addition the experimental results demonstrates clearly that the cavitation, necessary in the Peterlin's model, is really unessential in producing high deformation and appearance of the final highly oriented structure. This can be effectively accomplished with only crystallographic mechanisms employed. A very important role in the deformation sequence is played by the partially reversible shear deformation of amorphous interlamellar layers, producing not only high orientation of amorphous component but also influencing deeply the deformation of crystalline phase, since both phases are strongly connected and must deform simultaneously and consistently.
Study on Flow Induced Nano Structures in iPP with Different Molecular Weight and Resulting Strength Behavior
Authors: Frick Achim , Stern Claudia , Michler Goerg , Henning Sven , Ruff Martin 
Published: September 2010

AbstractPolypropylene samples in a wide molecular weight range between approx. 100 kg/mol to 1 600 kg/mol were processed by injection molding to thin walled micro specimens with respect to study shear induced crystallization phenomena under high shear rate and subsequently possible self reinforcement effects. The specimens nano structures were investigated and related deformation behavior under tensile studied. Novel morphologies have been detect and their micromechanical mechanism interpret and summarized.
Study on the Influence of Melt Processing on Segmented Polyurethanes Morphology
Authors: Frick Achim , Mikoszek Marzena 
Published: September 2010

AbstractA study on thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) is described. The investigation focuses on morphology of TPU parts depending on processing conditions and its relation with mechanical and thermal properties. It was found that TPU materials present different crystalline structures depending on chemical composition and melt processing conditions during part manufacturing. Due to that fact, strong variations in mechanical and tribological properties are expected.
Nanostructured Materials for Skeletal Repair
Authors: Brandt Joerg , Michler Goerg , Vogel Juergen , Henning Sven 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe treatment of bone and cartilage defects with bioengineered constructs of artificial scaffolds and autogenous cells became the main challenge of contemporary regenerative medicine. Early defect repair may prevent secondary injury. Recent studies could prove that bone and cartilage cells are sensitive to microscale and nanoscale patterns of surface topography and chemical structure. Nanostructured materials provide an environment for tissue regeneration mimicking the physiological range of extracellular matrix. The article reviews several studies substantiating the superiority of nanostructured materials for bone and cartilage repair along with own results on cell attachment.
Biogenic Polyelectrolyte Multilayers on Poly(L‐lactide) Films for Control of Osteoblast Adhesion
Authors: Liu Zhen‐Mei , Gu Qin‐Yi , Barry Aminatou , Xu Zhi‐Kang , Groth Thomas 
Published: September 2010

AbstractCell adhesion and spreading are important events during cell‐biomaterial interaction, which control survival, growth and differentiation of cells. Layer‐by‐layer technique was used to generate multilayer coatings for regulating adhesion of primary osteoblasts on biomaterials. Polyelectrolyte multilayers (PEM) were based on poly (ethylene imine) as primary polycation layer. PEM were then prepared from chitosan (CHI) as polycation and heparin (HEP), or sulfated HA (sHA) as polyanions. It was observed that attachment and spreading of primary osteoblasts (pOB) was highly dependent on the composition of multilayers, as well as pH values of polyelectrolyte solutions. Results presented in this paper may pave the way for application of PEM surface coatings for bone‐contacting implant materials.
Patient falls: Association with hospital Magnet status and nursing unit staffing
Authors: Lake Eileen T. , Shang Jingjing , Klaus Susan , Dunton Nancy E. 
Published: September 2010

AbstractThe relationships between hospital Magnet® status, nursing unit staffing, and patient falls were examined in a cross‐sectional study using 2004 National Database of Nursing Quality Indicators (NDNQI®) data from 5,388 units in 108 Magnet and 528 non‐Magnet hospitals. In multivariate models, the fall rate was 5% lower in Magnet than non‐Magnet hospitals. An additional registered nurse (RN) hour per patient day was associated with a 3% lower fall rate in ICUs. An additional licensed practical nurse (LPN) or nursing assistant (NA) hour was associated with a 2–4% higher fall rate in non‐ICUs. Patient safety may be improved by creating environments consistent with Magnet hospital standards. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Res Nurs Health 33:413–425, 2010
Possible cases of leprosy and tuberculosis in medieval Sigtuna, Sweden
Authors: Kjellström Anna 
Published: September 2010

ABSTRACTIn Sigtuna, Sweden, a medieval cemetery, including 227 skeletons, was analysed in 2006. On the outskirts of the churchyard, six skeletons with bone changes indicating systemic inflammatory disease were observed. Two out of three individuals with well‐preserved facial bone regions displayed signs of rhinomaxillary remodelling. Four of the afflicted exhibit severe bilateral alterations of the lower legs and phalanges of the feet and concentric atrophy of the metatarsals. In addition, one of the individuals exhibited a kyphosis in the lumbar vertebrae. In a discussion about alternative diagnoses, lepromatous leprosy and tuberculosis were identified as the causes of the destructive lesions in two individuals. Though the skeletal changes of the lower legs and feet in four cases demonstrate a close resemblance to secondary lesions of leprosy, the disease could not be confirmed. The skeletal changes of the last individual were unspecific and the possible causes several, rendering diagnosis difficult.The burial locations imply that the afflicted persons belonged to a lower social stratum. Due to the significantly higher frequency of pathological changes in the cemetery compared to other cemeteries in the town, the individuals could be regarded as fellow sufferers among others with various medical conditions. The bioarchaeological identification of systemic infectious diseases of a group of individuals of this size is unique to north of Scania in Sweden, where only a few cases of leprosy and tuberculosis have previously been diagnosed. The significance of the present study is emphasised by the interconnection between the afflicted, the archaeological context and the knowledge of the medieval society in Sigtuna. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.