bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Green Tea Polyphenol EGCG Alleviates Metabolic Abnormality and Fatty Liver by Decreasing Bile Acid and Lipid Absorption in Mice
Authors: Huang Jinbao , Feng Simin , Liu Anna , Dai Zhuqing , Wang Hong , Reuhl Kenneth , Lu Wenyun , Yang Chung S.
Published: December 2017

Scope

The tea polyphenol (‐)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) has been shown to ameliorate metabolic abnormalities and fatty liver. The present study investigates the mechanisms of actions of EGCG on bile acid homeostasis and lipid metabolism.

Methods

Male C57BL/6J mice are fed a low‐fat diet, a high‐fat western‐style diet, or a high‐fat western‐style diet containing 0.32% EGCG. The effects of the treatments on biochemical parameters, gene expression, and lipidomics are analyzed.

Results

EGCG treatment significantly reduces body weight gain, mesenteric fat mass, fasting blood glucose, insulin resistance, serum cholesterol, and severity of fatty liver after treatment for 17 weeks, but most of these effects were less apparent at week 33. At week 17, EGCG treatment significantly elevates the mRNA levels of cholesterol 7α‐hydroxylase, HMG‐CoA reductase, low‐density lipoprotein receptor, and scavenger receptor B1, and partially normalizes the high‐fat diet induced lipidomic profile. The intestinal bile acid content is significantly decreased by EGCG, while fecal excretion of bile acids, cholesterol, and total lipids are increased.

Conclusion

EGCG decreases bile acid reabsorption, results in lower intestinal bile acid levels, which further decreases the absorption of lipids. These actions contribute to the alleviation of metabolic abnormalities and fatty liver disease caused by the high‐fat diet.
Probing the surfaces of core‐shell and hollow nanoparticles by solvent relaxation NMR
Authors: Hossain M.R. , Wray D. , Paul A. , Griffiths P.C.
Published: December 2017

Measurement of the spin–spin NMR relaxation time (or its inverse, the rate) of water molecules in aqueous nanoparticle dispersions has become a popular approach to probe of the nature and structure of the particle surface and any adsorbed species. Here, we report on the characterisation of aqueous dispersions of hollow amorphous nanoparticles that have two liquid accessible surfaces (inner cavity surface and outer shell surface) plus the solid (silica) and core‐shell (titania–silica) nanoparticle precursors from which the hollow particles have been prepared. In all cases, the observed water relaxation rates scale linearly with particle surface area, with the effect being more pronounced with increasing levels of titania present at the particle surface. Two distinct behaviours were observed for the hollow nanoparticles at very low volume fractions, which appear to merge with increasing surface area (particle concentration). Herewith, we further show the versatility of solvent NMR spectroscopy as a probe of surface character.
Juvenile and Adult Striped Bass Mortality and Distribution in an Unrecovered Coastal Population
Authors: Bradley Caitlin E. , Rice James A. , Aday D. Derek , Hightower Joseph E. , Rock Jason , Lincoln Kelsey L.
Published: December 2017

Striped Bass Morone saxatilis fisheries have been important in the eastern United States since the 1700s, but many populations have declined from historic levels. Enhancement programs, harvest reduction, water quality improvements, and habitat restoration have led to successful recoveries for specific stocks. However, these efforts have not been successful for the Striped Bass population in the Neuse River of North Carolina. Possible mechanisms inhibiting recovery of this population include overharvest, high discard mortality, poor water quality, and altered flow regimes. These mechanisms and their impacts on the Neuse River population are unclear; therefore, to gain insight, we estimated mortality and distribution of the population. Specifically, we tagged 100 hatchery-reared phase II juveniles (202–227 mm TL) and 111 resident adults (349–923 mm TL) with acoustic transmitters (a subset of 50 adults was also tagged with external high-reward tags). We used telemetry to monitor movement and seasonal distribution from December 2013 until September 2015. Telemetry and tag reporting data informed mortality models, and we estimated that annual discrete total mortality of phase II stocked juveniles was 66.3% (95% credible interval [CI] = 47.4–82.4%). Annual discrete total mortality of adults was 54.0% (95% CI = 41.5–65.4%). Adult discrete natural mortality was 20.1% (95% CI = 8.7–39.1%), and neither juvenile nor adult natural mortality was correlated with seasonal variation in dissolved oxygen, temperature, or salinity. These results show that poststocking mortality is significant and that juvenile mortality should be considered when establishing stocking goals. Additionally, adult natural mortality is within the range predicted by maximum age and by previous studies; however, adult total mortality is higher than targeted rates. These results can help to inform management decisions and develop measures to rebuild depressed Striped Bass populations like that in the Neuse River.
An exact network flow formulation for cell‐based evacuation in urban areas
Authors: Kimms Alf , Maiwald Marc
Published: December 2017

In the literature two common macroscopic evacuation planning approaches exist: The dynamic network flow approach and the Cell–Transmission–Based approach. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages. Many efficient solution approaches for the dynamic network flow approach exist so that realistic problem instances can be considered. However, the consideration of (more) realistic aspects (eg, density dependent travel times) results in non‐linear model formulations. The Cell‐Transmission‐Based approach on the other hand considers realistic traffic phenomena like shock waves and traffic congestion, but this approach leads to long computational times for realistic problem instances. In this article, we combine the advantages of both approaches: We consider a Cell‐Transmission‐Based Evacuation Planning Model (CTEPM) and present a network flow formulation that is equivalent to the cell‐based model. Thus, the computational costs of the CTEPM are enormously reduced due to the reformulation and the detailed representation of the traffic flow dynamics is maintained. We investigate the impacts of various evacuation scenario parameters on the evacuation performance and on the computational times in a computational study including 90 realistic instances.
The research on a novel structure of two‐layer distributed controllers in software‐defined networking
Authors: Dong Ligang , Yang Dandan , Guo Kaiqiang , Fei Shuocheng , Li Ying , Wang Weiming
Published: December 2017

Distributed controllers have been proposed for solving the scalability and reliability of the centralized controllers problems in software‐defined networking. This paper has presented a new two‐layer distributed controller structure Cacc with the features of overlap management and dynamic management. Cacc has advantages of load balancing and manageability. Furthermore, this paper has conducted the performance modeling of controller topologies and has proposed a new placement problem for Cacc: capacitated multi‐controller placement problem, in which one local controller is assigned to 2 or more root controllers with capacity limitation to achieve a high reliability. Both of the analysis and experiment results have verified the reliability advantages of capacitated multi‐controller placement problem.
The nursing legacy of the Korea Sisters
Authors: Lockertsen Jan‐Thore , Fause Åshild
Published: December 2017

Aim

During the Korean War (1950–1953), the Norwegian government sent a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital (MASH) to support the efforts of the United Nations (UN) Army. During the war, 111 Norwegian nurses served in seven contingents, each 6 month, at the Norwegian Field Hospital in Korea. The nurses were nicknamed “The Korea Sisters”. The aim of this study is to explore the impact and influence of their wartime nursing on Norwegian post‐Korean‐War nursing.

Design

Qualitative.

Methods

The study uses several historical research approaches. Interview, archival search, search in nursing periodicals, contemporary magazines and nursing text books.

Result

The nursing legacy of The Korea Sisters can be found in changes in general nursing, uniform education of theatre nurses, uniform education of anaesthetist nurses and in humanitarian work.
Community partnership for healthy sleep: Research protocol
Authors: Redeker Nancy S. , Ordway Monica R. , Banasiak Nancy , Caldwell Barbara , Canapari Craig , Crowley Angela , Fenick Ada , Jeon Sangchoon , O'Connell Meghan , Sude Leslie , Sadler Lois S.
Published: December 2017

Beginning early in life, sleep health, including adequate quality, quantity, and consistent sleep routines, is critical to growth and development, behavior, and mental and physical health. Children who live in economically stressed urban environments are at particular risk for sleep deficiency and its negative consequences. Although efficacious sleep health interventions are available, few address the context of economically stressed urban environments. The purpose of this paper is to describe a two‐phase protocol for an ongoing NIH/NINR‐funded community‐engaged study designed to understand the perspectives of parents, community child care and pediatric health care providers about sleep habits, factors that contribute to sleep and sleep habits, sleep difficulty, and potentially useful sleep promotion strategies among children living in economically stressed urban environments. The social‐ecological model guides this study. Phase I employs a convergent mixed‐methods design, in which we are conducting semi‐structured interviews with parents, childcare providers, and primary health care providers. We are collecting 9 days of objective sleep data (wrist actigraphy) from children who are 6–18 months (n = 15) and 19–36 months of age (n = 15) and parent reports of sleep and sleep‐related factors using standard questionnaires. In Phase I, we will use a qualitative descriptive approach to analyze the interview data, and descriptive statistics to analyze the survey and actigraph data. In Phase II, we will use the information to develop a contextually relevant program to promote sleep health. Our long‐term goal is to improve sleep health and sleep‐related outcomes in these children.
Plasma Amino Acids During 8 Weeks of Overfeeding: Relation to Diet Body Composition and Fat Cell Size in the PROOF Study
Authors: Bray George A. , Redman Leanne M. , de Jonge Lilian , Rood Jennifer , Sutton Elizabeth F. , Smith Steven R.
Published: December 2017

Objective

Different amounts of dietary protein during overfeeding produced similar fat gain but different amounts of gain in fat‐free body mass. Protein and energy intake may have differential effects on amino acids during overfeeding.

Methods

Twenty‐three healthy adult men and women were overfed by 40% for 8 weeks with 5%, 15%, or 25% protein diets. Plasma amino acids were measured by gas chromatography and mass spectrometry at baseline and week 8. Body composition was measured by dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry, fat cell size (FCS) from subcutaneous fat biopsies, and insulin resistance by euglycemic‐hyperinsulinemic clamp.

Results

The following three amino acid patterns were seen: increasing concentration of five essential and three nonessential amino acids with increasing protein intake, higher levels of six nonessential amino acids with the low‐protein diet, and a pattern that was flat or “V” shaped. Dietary fat and protein were both correlated with changes in valine, leucine/isoleucine/norleucine, phenylalanine, and tyrosine, but energy intake was not. The change in fat mass and weight was related to the change in several amino acids. Baseline FCS and the interaction between glucose disposal and FCS were associated with changes in several amino acids during overfeeding.

Conclusions

Overfeeding dietary protein affects the levels of both essential and nonessential amino acids.
Examining Two Prevailing Models of Loss of Control Eating Among Community‐Based Girls
Authors: Goldschmidt Andrea B. , Lavender Jason M. , Hipwell Alison E. , Stepp Stephanie D. , Keenan Kate
Published: December 2017

Objective

Cognitive‐behavioral and interpersonal models of loss of control (LOC) eating have been underexplored in adolescents.

Methods

By using data from community‐based adolescent girls assessed annually over 4 years, the cognitive‐behavioral (n = 416) and interpersonal (n = 418) models were examined by using a regression‐based bootstrapping approach.

Results

Body dissatisfaction at 14 years prospectively predicted LOC eating at 18 years, both directly (direct effect = −0.039; SE = 0.017; P = 0.02) and indirectly via dieting (indirect effect = −0.010; 95% CI: −0.022 to −0.003). Interpersonal functioning at 14 years was negatively associated with negative emotionality at 17 years, which, in turn, was prospectively associated with LOC eating at 18 years (indirect effect = 0.001; 95% CI: −0.001 to −0.0003); however, the direct association between age 14 interpersonal functioning and age 18 LOC eating was not significant (direct effect = −0.001; SE = 0.001; P = 0.47).

Conclusions

These findings support the cognitive‐behavioral model, and partially support the interpersonal model, with the latter findings implying that over time, negative emotionality may promote LOC eating independent of the effects of prior social functioning. Prevention and early intervention efforts for LOC eating may benefit from integrating these theoretical frameworks.
Palladium magnetic nanoparticle‐polyethersulfone composite membrane as an efficient and versatile catalytic membrane reactor
Authors: Bahadorikhalili Saeed , Mahdavi Hossein
Published: December 2017

Developing polymer catalytic membrane reactors is an aim due to its outstanding advantages. In this paper, a novel catalytic membrane containing palladium‐supported magnetic nanoparticles is introduced. Silica‐iron oxide core shell nanoparticles were first prepared and functionalized by phosphine ionic liquid functionalized poly(ethylene glycol). The modified magnetic nanoparticles were used as support for immobilization of palladium. The final palladium‐immobilized nanoparticles were used as active filler for the preparation of membrane reactor. The prepared membranes were characterized, and their activities were tested in carbon‐carbon bond formation and catalytic reduction. The catalytic membrane showed good performance in the mentioned reactions.
Multifunctional polylactic acid composites filled with activated carbon particles obtained from acrylic fibrous wastes
Authors: Naeem Salman , Baheti Vijay , Militky Jiri , Ali Azam
Published: December 2017

The objective of this work was to explore the potentials of porous and electrically conductive activated carbon particles for possible enhancement of multifunctional properties of PLA. The activated carbon was inexpensively prepared from acrylic fibrous wastes by novel single stage carbonization and physical activation. The influence of 800°C, 1,000°C, and 1,200°C carbonization temperature on physical, morphological, and electrical properties was studied from EDX, X‐ray diffraction, SEM, and BET analysis. Later, the carbonized acrylic fibrous waste was pulverized in dry conditions by high energy planetary ball milling to get activated carbon particles. The particles were then incorporated into PLA under 1, 5 and 10 wt% loading to prepare composite films by solvent casting, and their electrical conductivity, EMI shielding, thermo‐mechanical, and thermal stability properties were investigated. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:578–590, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
The effect of fiber concentration on fiber orientation in injection molded film gated rectangular plates
Authors: Jørgensen Jens Kjær , Andreassen Erik , Salaberger Dietmar
Published: December 2017

Fiber orientation in film gated injection‐molded rectangular plates was characterized using micro computed tomography. Polyamide 12 materials with 15, 30, and 50 wt% glass fibers were used in this study. For all three materials, the typical core‐shell layer structure of fiber orientation was observed, but several features of the fiber orientation were highly dependent on the fiber content. Increasing fiber content resulted in increasing core layer thickness and a higher degree of orientation in the shell layer. These effects may be associated with plug flow induced by extra stress from the fibers, which changes the melt rheology compared to nonfilled material. The Dinh–Armstrong model for the fiber‐induced extra stress could not explain the fiber content dependencies. This appears to be attributed to the uncertainty in determining the particle number Np for the high fiber concentrations present in the samples. Analyses of fiber orientation as a function of fiber length revealed a dependence on fiber length in qualitative agreement with Jeffery's model for fiber dynamics. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:615–629, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mechanical and tribological performance of chopped basalt fiber/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber composites
Authors: Li Yingzhe , Li Zhuo , Wan Jijun , Yan Zhengqi , Sun Jutao , Zhao Shugao
Published: December 2017

In this study, a series of basalt fiber (BF)/acrylonitrile–butadiene rubber (NBR) composites with various BF contents were prepared and evaluated. The effects of the BF content, thermal aging, and friction condition on tribological properties of the composites were the primary focus. The tribological performances of the composites were evaluated by DIN abrasion, Akron abrasion, and high‐speed block‐on‐ring tests, respectively. The results showed that with an increase in the BF content, for the DIN and Akron abrasion tests, the wear loss increased due to insufficient interactions between the BFs and the NBR matrix, whereas for the block‐on‐ring friction, both the friction coefficient and the wear loss of the composites decreased attributed to the effect of BF on transfer film formation on the polished counterpart surface. The thermal aging enhanced the wear resistance of the composites for all three friction conditions by improving the crosslinking density of the NBR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:630–637, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
Rapid Monitoring of Pharmacological Volatiles of Night‐Flowering Evening‐Primrose According to Flower Opening or Closing by Fast Gas Chromatography/Surface Acoustic Wave Sensor (Electronic zNose)
Authors: Oh Se Yeon
Published: December 2017

Introduction

Aroma is important in night‐flowering species, as visually they can not be observed well. Thus, the analysis of the volatiles of evening‐primrose is of great interest in biological fields and therapy. Furthermore, the analysis of volatiles demands rapid and simple procedure, because volatiles decompose.

Objective

The aim of this study is to show the rapid monitoring of the volatiles of evening‐primrose according to the flowering or closing by fast gas chromatography/surface acoustic wave GC/SAW. Moreover, calibration according to the sensor temperature of the GC/SAW was performed, achieving a high reproducibility and excellent sensitivity.

Methodology

GC/SAW is an effective analytical method that provides on‐line measurements without pretreatment of sample. Headspace solid‐phase micro‐extraction coupled to gas chromatography mass spectrometry (HS‐SPME‐GC–MS) and dynamic headspace trapping and extraction with GC–MS were employed to confirm the identification of the volatiles of evening‐primrose compared to GC/SAW.

Results

Linalool was found to be the dominant component, comprising 96.4–25.2% of the total amount, according to the opening or closing. Interestingly, the amount of indole also varied according to the opening or closing (3.0–0.0%) such as linalool. Also, while the sensitivity increased with the reduction in the sensor temperature of the GC/SAW, the reproducibility showed a tendency to decrease.

Conclusion

The results showed that flower opening is related to the volatiles emission, which is pharmacological and plant defensive. GC/SAW can be a useful analytical method for the rapid monitoring of volatiles of evening‐primrose according to the opening or closing as it provides second unit analysis, as well as simple, and aroma pattern recognition. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trends in opioid utilisation in Australia, 2006‐2015: Insights from multiple metrics
Authors: Karanges Emily A. , Buckley Nicholas A. , Brett Jonathan , Blanch Bianca , Litchfield Melisa , Degenhardt Louisa , Pearson Sallie‐Anne
Published: December 2017

Purpose

Population‐based observational studies have documented global increases in opioid analgesic use. Many studies have used a single population‐adjusted metric (number of dispensings, defined daily doses [DDDs], or oral morphine equivalents [OMEs]). We combine these volume‐based metrics with a measure of the number of persons dispensed opioids to gain insights into Australian trends in prescribed opioid use.

Methods

We obtained records of prescribed opioid dispensings (2006‐2015) subsidised under Australia's Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme. We used dispensing claims to quantify annual changes in use according to 3 volume‐based metrics: DDD/1000 pop/day, OME/1000 pop/day, and dispensings/1000 pop. We estimated the number of persons dispensed at least one opioid in a given year (persons)/1000 pop using data from a 10% random sample of Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme‐eligible Australians.

Results

Total opioid use increased according to all metrics, especially OME/1000 pop/day (51% increase) and dispensings/1000 pop (44%). Weaker opioid use remained stable or declined; strong opioid use increased. The rate of persons accessing weaker opioids only decreased 31%, and there was a 238% increase in persons dispensed only strong opioids. Strong opioid use also increased according to dispensings/1000 pop (140%), OME/1000 pop/day (80%), and DDD/1000 pop/day (71% increase).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the increases in total opioid use between 2006 and 2015 were predominantly driven by a growing number of people treated with strong opioids at lower medicine strengths/doses. This method can be used with or without person‐level data to provide insights into factors driving changes in medicine use over time.
Optically transparent aromatic poly(ester imide)s with low coefficients of thermal expansion. 2: Effect of the introduction of alkyl‐substituted p‐biphenylene units
Authors: Hasegawa Masatoshi , Hirai Tomoki , Ishigami Tomohiro , Takahashi Shinya , Ishii Junichi
Published: December 2017

A series of ester‐linked tetracarboxylic dianhydrides (TA‐X) were synthesized from trimellitic anhydride chloride and 4,4′‐biphenol analogs containing different numbers and positions of methyl substituents. Aromatic poly(ester imide)s (PEsIs) were polymerized from TA‐Xs and 2,2′‐bis(trifluoromethyl)benzidine to investigate the film properties systematically. A significant substituent effect on the target properties (Tg, optical transparency, the linear coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) and ductility) was observed. A PEsI containing 2,2′,3,3′,5,5′‐hexamethyl‐substituted p‐biphenylene units was chemically imidized in a homogeneous state. It was highly soluble at room temperature, even in less hygroscopic non‐amide solvents such as cyclopentanone (CPN), and provided a stable CPN solution with a high solid content. The CPN‐cast PEsI film was almost colorless as suggested from the rather low yellowness index (3.2), high light transmittance at 400 nm (71.5%) and very low haze (1.15%). This PEsI film also had a high Tg (294 °C, determined by thermomechanical analysis) in addition to a low CTE (21.7 ppm K−1), moderate film ductility and very low water uptake. A structural modification of the PEsI by copolymerization with a tetracarboxylic dianhydride with a rigid/linear structure was effective in further reducing the CTE while maintaining the other excellent target properties. Thus, some of the PEsIs developed in this work are promising candidates as novel plastic substrates for use in image display devices. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Investigating the theoretical structure of the DAS‐II core battery at school age using Bayesian structural equation modeling
Authors: Dombrowski Stefan C. , Golay Philippe , McGill Ryan J. , Canivez Gary L.
Published: December 2017

Bayesian structural equation modeling (BSEM) was used to investigate the latent structure of the Differential Ability Scales—Second Edition core battery using the standardization sample normative data for ages 7–17. Results revealed plausibility of a three‐factor model, consistent with publisher theory, expressed as either a higher‐order (HO) or a bifactor (BF) model. The results also revealed an alternative structure with the best model fit, a two‐factor BF model with Matrices (MA) and Sequential and Quantitative Reasoning (SQ) loading on g only with no respective group factor loading. This was only the second study to use BSEM to investigate the structure of a commercial ability test and the first to use a large normative sample and the specification of both approximate zero cross‐loadings and correlated residual terms. It is believed that the results produced from the current study will advance the field's understanding of not only the factor structure of the DAS‐II core battery but also the potential utility of BSEM in psychometric investigations of intelligence test structures.
Examining learning rates in the evaluation of academic interventions that target reading fluency
Authors: Solomon Benjamin G. , Poncy Brian C. , Caravello Devin J. , Schweiger Emily M.
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the current study is to determine whether single‐case intervention studies targeting reading fluency, ranked by traditional outcome metrics (i.e., effect sizes derived from phase differences), were discrepant with rankings based on instructional efficiency, including growth per session and minutes of instruction. Converging with prior findings, we found great variability in reported sessions and minutes of instruction across studies, as well as divergences in rankings based on outcome variables. These findings raise questions as to how literature syntheses on the topic of academic intervention are interpreted and how selection of evidence‐based intervention occurs.
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts: The Architects of Stroma Remodeling
Authors: Santi Alice , Kugeratski Fernanda G. , Zanivan Sara
Published: December 2017

Fibroblasts have exceptional phenotypic plasticity and capability to secrete vast amount of soluble factors, extracellular matrix components and extracellular vesicles. While in physiological conditions this makes fibroblasts master regulators of tissue homeostasis and healing of injured tissues, in solid tumors cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) co‐evolve with the disease, and alter the biochemical and physical structure of the tumor microenvironment, as well as the behavior of the surrounding stromal and cancer cells. Thus CAFs are fundamental regulators of tumor progression and influence response to therapeutic treatments. Increasing efforts are devoted to better understand the biology of CAFs to bring insights to develop complementary strategies to target this cell type in cancer. Here we highlight components of the tumor microenvironment that play key roles in cancer progression and invasion, and provide an extensive overview of past and emerging understanding of CAF biology as well as the contribution that MS‐based proteomics has made to this field.
D2O‐catalyzed proton transfer selectivity of 4 different NH protons in the same molecule
Authors: Núñez Oswaldo
Published: December 2017

When N‐benzyl‐N′‐methylacetamidinium hydrochloride (pKa=11.8) is dissolved in D2O/DCl(1 M), an equilibrium of 2 54:46 stereoisomers in an ~2:1 =(R)Nδ+H(D) D/H ratio is formed. Therefore, 2 R =N‐benzyl (E and Z) and 2 R =N‐methyl (E and Z) groups attached to the corresponding H(D) (Z and E) for a total of 8 1H‐NMR signals are observed. Consequently, their rates of H and D transfer to D2O can be measured by means of the 1H‐NMR broadness (line shape) of the =(R)Nδ+H doublets and =(R)Nδ+D broad singlets. Acidity selectivity is observed for both processes. In fact, the relative proton and deuterium transfer rates follow the acidity order: =(PhCH2)Nδ+‐H(E) > =(PhCH2)Nδ+‐H(Z) > =(Me)Nδ+‐H(E) > =(Me)Nδ+‐H(Z). Proton transfer rates are in the range of 8 to 0.5 s‐1 with α = .92. This tendency is independently supported by the observed experimental chemical shift deuterium isotopic perturbation. The rate‐limiting step for proton exchange is the breaking of the hydrogen bond due to the fast amidine reprotonation (~1011 s). =(R)Nδ+D/=(R)Nδ+H equilibration is reached at ~80 s, and it can be measured by the relative =(R)Nδ+H versus =(R)Nδ+D signal integrations. The equilibrium of the 4 =(R)Nδ+H(D) centers is shifted toward deuterium, but they are further shifted in the more basic centers. Equilibrium is completely shifted toward D in the 4 centers when OD− contributes with the exchange process at pD > 3.
Low cost bifunctional initiators for bidirectional living cationic polymerization of olefins. II. hyperbranched styrene–isobutylene–styrene triblocks with superior combination of properties
Authors: Nugay Nihan , Nugay Turgut , Deodhar Tejal , Keszler Balazs L. , Kennedy Joseph P.
Published: December 2017

Both bifunctional initiators, the new low cost bBCB‐diCl [4,9‐dichloro,2,4,7,9‐tetramethyl‐tricyclo[6.2.0.036]deca‐1(8),2,6‐triene] and the universally used “hindered” HDCCl [1‐(tert‐butyl)‐3,5‐bis(2‐chloropropan‐2‐yl)benzene] induce the living bidirectional block copolymerization of isobutylene (IB) followed by styrene (St), and produce PSt‐b‐PIB‐b‐PSt (SIBS) triblocks. We discovered that the molecular weights of triblocks kept significantly increasing long after St conversion reached completion during syntheses. Results were explained by the formation of blends consisting of the expected linear SIBS plus hyperbranched SIBS, HB(SIBS)n. The structure of high molecular weight (>106 g/mol) HB(SIBS)n was characterized by various techniques, and key properties of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends were investigated. The mechanism of HB(SIBS)n formation and the synthesis of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends was elucidated. The properties of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends are superior to those of SIBS. Thus, whereas SIBS exhibits ∼25 MPa tensile strength and ∼450% elongation, SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends exhibit 25–27 MPa tensile strength and >400% elongation; deformation under constant load of SIBS is ∼12%, whereas that of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n is <1%; permanent set of SIBS is 1.3% whereas that of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n is <0.5%. SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends also exhibit higher yield, yield strength, and toughness than SIBS. The microstructure/property relationship of HB(SIBS)n is discussed and the reasons for enhanced properties of SIBS/HB(SIBS)n blends are analyzed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 705–713
Synthesis and characterization of poly(ethylene oxide)/polylactide/polylysine tri‐arm star copolymers for gene delivery
Authors: Wu Tianyuan , Cai Yu , Zhao Xia , Ngai Chai K. , Chu Benjamin , Hsiao Benjamin , Hadjiargyrou Michael , Grubbs Robert B.
Published: December 2017

Amphiphilic cationic poly(ethylene oxide)‐S(polylysine)‐poly(d,l‐lactide) (mPEO‐S(CKn)‐PLA) tri‐arm star copolymers were synthesized by a combination of ring opening polymerization (ROP) and a thiol–disulfide exchange. The mPEO‐S(CKn)‐PLA copolymers were found to be non‐cytotoxic and could effectively condense GFP plasmid DNA into nanometer‐sized complexes, as characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS), suitable for endocytotic cellular uptake. In vitro DNA transfection studies showed that the amphiphilic structure is capable of DNA transfection and GFP expression. Addition of chloroquine into the medium further enhanced the DNA transfection efficiency. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 635–644
Psychophysical well‐being profiles in patients before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Kroemeke Aleksandra , Kwissa‐Gajewska Zuzanna , Sobczyk‐Kruszelnicka Małgorzata
Published: December 2017

Objectives

The literature offers very few in‐depth reports on the time directly before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Also, researchers have focused on selected aspects of psychophysical well‐being and treated the sample as homogeneous. Thus, we chose to investigate distinct multidimensional well‐being profiles (including anxiety, depressive symptoms, and health‐related quality of life [HRQOL] domains) among patients just before HSCT, as well as profile predictors (generalized self‐efficacy) and outcomes (transplant appraisal) on the basis of the transactional stress model.

Methods

Depression (CES‐D), anxiety (HADS‐A), HRQOL (EORTC QOL‐C30), generalized self‐efficacy (GSES), and transplant appraisal (single‐item scale referred to threat and challenge) were measured in 290 patients (56.9% male; mean age = 47.28, SD = 13.79) after admission for HSCT (67.2% autologous). Unconditional and conditional latent profile analyses were applied.

Results

Four latent well‐being profiles were identified: well‐functioning (51%, highest well‐being in all aspects), dysfunctional (10%, weakest functioning in all aspects), and 2 profiles with moderate HRQOL and high (5.6%) or low (33.4%) anxiety and depressive symptoms. Generalized self‐efficacy predicted profile membership, controlling for demographic and clinical variables. The highest levels were observed in the well‐functioning group (P < .01). Appraisal was predicted by latent profile analyses classes: low threat in the well‐functioning group (P < .001) and the highest threat and challenge in the dysfunctional group (P < .01).

Conclusions

The findings highlight the diverse nature of well‐being in pre‐HSCT patients and the manner in which transplant appraisal and generalized self‐efficacy are related to different profiles of pre‐HSCT multidimensional well‐being, thus indicating the practical implications of the study.
Psychiatric comorbidities among ovarian cancer survivors in South Korea: A nationwide population‐based, longitudinal study
Authors: Heo Jaesung , Chun Mison , Oh Young‐Taek , Noh O. Kyu , Kim Logyoung
Published: December 2017

Purpose

The aim of this time‐dependent study was to analyze the prevalence of mental disorders in ovarian cancer survivors using claims data in South Korea.

Materials and methods

We confirmed mental disorders in a nationwide cohort of 9763 patients who were diagnosed with ovarian cancer between January 1, 2010 and December 31, 2014. We categorized the prevalence of mental disorders based on the age and the time of diagnosis.

Results

A total of 821 ovarian cancer patients were diagnosed with a mental disorder, 1 year prior to the cancer diagnosis. Of those patients, 311 were diagnosed with depression (37.9%) and 245 with anxiety (29.8%) during their first visit. The overall frequency of mental disorders peaked within 2 months after the cancer diagnosis. The highest rate of increase after diagnosis was noted in stress reaction/adjustment disorders. While depression was relatively high (40.4%) in the younger age group under 60 years, anxiety was higher (39.4%) in the elderly group over 60 years old. Age was a significant predictive factor for mental disorders (P = 0.002), and patients over 50 years were at a higher risk for mental disorders (hazard ratio: 1.29, P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Mental disorders in ovarian cancer survivors showed different patterns of prevalence depending on age at the time of diagnosis and the nature of disease. Timely diagnosis and intervention for psychological distress could increase the quality of life for ovarian cancer survivors.
0D–2D and 1D–2D Semiconductor Hybrids Composed of All Inorganic Perovskite Nanocrystals and Single‐Layer Graphene with Improved Light Harvesting
Authors: Chen Jia‐Shiang , Doane Tennyson L. , Li Mingxing , Zang Huidong , Maye Mathew M. , Cotlet Mircea
Published: December 2017

In this study, inorganic cesium lead iodide (CsPbI3) perovskite nanoparticles (PNPs) and perovskite nanowires (PNWs) with single‐layer graphene (SLG) are combined to obtain 0D–2D PNP–SLG and 1D–2D PNW–SLG hybrids with improved light harvesting. Time‐resolved single‐nanostructure photoluminescence studies of PNPs, PNWs, and related hybrids reveal (i) quasi‐two‐state photoluminescence blinking in PNPs, (ii) highly polarized photoluminescence emitted by PNWs and (iii) efficient interfacial electron transfer between perovskite nanostructures and SLG in both PNP–SLG and PNW–SLG hybrids. Doping of poorly absorbing, highly conductive SLG with perovskite nanocrystals and nanowires provides a simple, yet efficient path to obtain hybrids with increased light‐harvesting properties for potential utilization in the next‐generation photodetectors and photovoltaic devices, including polarization sensitive photodetectors.
Gold Nanoparticles‐Based DNA Logic Gate for miRNA Inputs Analysis Coupling Strand Displacement Reaction and Hybridization Chain Reaction
Authors: Ma Xiaoyi , Gao Liqian , Tang Yuguo , Miao Peng
Published: December 2017

The molecular level DNA logic gates assisted by nanomaterials hold great promise for disease diagnosis applications. However, designing convenient and sensitive logic gates for molecular diagnostics still remains challenging. In this work, a DNA logic gate platform for miRNA inputs analysis based on the observation of localized surface plasmon resonance variation of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) is fabricated. As a demonstration, two biomarkers to differentiate indolent and aggressive forms of prostate cancer, miR‐200c and miR‐605, are selected as examples of logical inputs. In addition, five DNA probes are designed according to strand displacement reaction and hybridization chain reaction which are required for DNA logical operation. Since target miRNA inputs are able to trigger DNA structural transformations, which are further used to precisely regulate salt‐induced AuNPs aggregation, miRNA inputs information can be converted to the information of AuNPs states as outputs. This developed system performs amplified detection of low‐abundant target miRNAs without the requirement of any enzymes. In addition, single base‐pair mismatched miRNAs can be effectively differentiated. High‐order logic gates can also be developed with further modifications. Therefore, the DNA AND logic gate is successfully constructed with flexible operations, which has potential in biochemical study and disease diagnosis.
Controlling Au–Pd Surface on Au Nanocubes for Selective Catalytic Alkyne Semihydrogenation
Authors: Li Yaping , Liu Qiaoxi , Jin Jianbo , Ye Wei , Hu Canyu , Hu Shanwei , Qi Zeming , Long Ran , Song Li , Zhu Junfa , Xiong Yujie
Published: December 2017

The heterogeneous nanocatalyst based on palladium (Pd) is one of the most preferable choices for catalytic hydrogenation reactions as the adsorption and dissociation of hydrogen molecules (H2) are almost spontaneous on Pd surface to form the adsorbed H atoms (Had). However, in terms of alkyne semihydrogenation, it remains a grand challenge to optimize both the activity and selectivity of reactions using bare Pd catalysts as the case is largely complicated by the excessive Had produced from rapid H2 dissociation and the strong Pd‐H binding. In this communication, a well‐designed model is developed for seeking a selective semihydrogenation catalyst based on surface lattice engineering. In the proposed model, the ultrathin atomic layer of AuPd shell is grown on the Au nanocubes. The Au nanocubes provide specific facets as substrates for hosting catalytic sites, which can also provide information for further lattice engineering design. While Pd atoms are the active centers for hydrogenation reactions in the nanostructures, alloying Pd atoms with Au in the shells can significantly alter the binding of Had to metals. As such, the activity and selectivity in catalytic alkyne semihydrogenation can be substantially maneuvered by tailoring the atomic arrangement of Pd and Au on surface. As a proof of concept, the Au@AuPd nanocatalyst with a surface Pd/Au ratio of 1:4 achieves a 98.9% semihydrogenation selectivity with a conversion of 98.2% in the 2‐methyl‐3‐butyn‐2‐ol (MBY) hydrogenation reaction.
Development of an attract‐and‐kill co‐formulation containing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and neem extract attractive towards wireworms
Authors: Humbert Pascal , Vemmer Marina , Mävers Frauke , Schumann Mario , Vidal Stefan , Patel Anant V
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are major insect pests of worldwide relevance. Owing to the progressive phasing‐out of chemical insecticides, there is great demand for innovative control options. This study reports on the development of an attract‐and‐kill co‐formulation based on Ca‐alginate beads, which release CO2 and contain neem extract as a bioinsecticidal compound. The objectives of this study were to discover: (1) whether neem extract can be immobilized efficiently, (2) whether CO2‐releasing Saccharomyces cerevisiae and neem extract are suitable for co‐encapsulation, and (3) whether co‐encapsulated neem extract affects the attractiveness of CO2‐releasing beads towards wireworms.

RESULTS

Neem extract was co‐encapsulated together with S. cerevisiae, starch and amyloglucosidase with a high encapsulation efficiency of 98.6% (based on measurement of azadirachtin A as the main active ingredient). Even at enhanced concentrations, neem extract allowed growth of S. cerevisiae, and beads containing neem extract exhibited CO2‐emission comparable with beads without neem extract. When applied to the soil, the beads established a CO2 gradient of >15 cm. The co‐formulation containing neem extract showed no repellent effects and was attractive for wireworms within the first 24 h after exposure.

CONCLUSION

Co‐encapsulation of S. cerevisiae and neem extract is a promising approach for the development of attract‐and‐kill formulations for the control of wireworms. This study offers new options for the application of neem extracts in soil. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Translational Model to Predict Pulmonary Pharmacokinetics and Efficacy in Man for Inhaled Bronchodilators
Authors: Hendrickx Ramon , Lamm Bergström Eva , Janzén David L. I. , Fridén Markus , Eriksson Ulf , Grime Ken , Ferguson Douglas
Published: December 2017

Translational pharmacokinetic (PK) models are needed to describe and predict drug concentration‐time profiles in lung tissue at the site of action to enable animal‐to‐man translation and prediction of efficacy in humans for inhaled medicines. Current pulmonary PK models are generally descriptive rather than predictive, drug/compound specific, and fail to show successful cross‐species translation. The objective of this work was to develop a robust compartmental modeling approach that captures key features of lung and systemic PK after pulmonary administration of a set of 12 soluble drugs containing single basic, dibasic, or cationic functional groups. The model is shown to allow translation between animal species and predicts drug concentrations in human lungs that correlate with the forced expiratory volume for different classes of bronchodilators. Thus, the pulmonary modeling approach has potential to be a key component in the prediction of human PK, efficacy, and safety for future inhaled medicines.
Effect of processing method on migration of antioxidant from HDPE packaging into a fatty food simulant in terms of crystallinity
Authors: Maghsoud Z. , Rafiei M. , Famili M.H.N.
Published: December 2017

Migration of additives from plastic packaging into food products is generally considered to be affected by polymer crystallinity. In the present work, migration of Irganox 1010 from high density polyethylene into a fatty food simulant (ethanol 95%) was studied for samples prepared with different percent crystallinities. For this purpose, 2 different processing techniques, injection and compression molding, were used, and the preparation conditions were changed to obtain high density polyethylene samples with crystallinities in the range of 50 to 70%. Migration analysis was carried out at 121°C for 2 hours, and then at 40°C for 238 hours using high performance liquid chromatography. In general, the injection molded specimens had lower crystallinity and higher overall migration than the compression molded ones. A similar trend for both injection and compression molded samples was observed indicating that the overall migration was a function of crystallinity degree. However, the specific migration rates of Irganox 1010 especially before 50 hours were found to be different for the 2 processing methods because of dissimilar morphologies. Theoretical modeling based on Fickian diffusion was applied to give more insights into the involved processes during specific migration. The interaction of the food simulant with the polymer was taken into account considering the food sorption into the polymer. By fitting the model on experimental data, it was possible to obtain the model parameters such as partition coefficients (K) and the swelling constant (B) as a function of sample crystallinity.
Contamination test of metal and non‐metal elements from copper gas pipe to food gases
Authors: Capecchiacci Francesco , Tassi Franco , Vaselli Orlando
Published: December 2017

In the last decade, EC regulations have been issued to minimize any interaction between packaging materials intended to come in contact with foodstuffs and potential contaminants. In this paper, the concentrations of 26 metals and metalloids in a food gas (CO2), possibly related to the migration of elements from copper pipes, which are commonly used during gas storage and distribution, were determined by ICP‐AES and ICP‐MS. A simple, though efficient, procedure to chemically trap these elements has shown that the copper pipes do not release significant concentrations of metals and metalloids, most of them being below or clustering below or around the instrumental detection limit. According to this study, only Al, Cu, Fe, Ni, and Zn can be related to the copper line. However, when considering the consumption of 3 L of water, at which 12 g/L of CO2 is added, the computed concentrations of metals and metalloids are 3 to 6 orders of magnitude lower than the limit concentrations in mineral waters intended for human consumption (European Directive 98/83/EC). This implies that the amount of contaminants in CO2 introduced in the human body is negligible.
Control chart for monitoring the coefficient of variation with an exponentially weighted moving average procedure
Authors: Zhang Jiujun , Li Zhonghua , Wang Zhaojun
Published: December 2017

The coefficient of variation (CV) of a population is defined as the ratio of the population standard deviation to the population mean, which can be regarded as a measure of stability or uncertainty and can also indicate the relative dispersion of data to the population mean. This paper proposes a new exponentially weighted moving average chart for monitoring CV, which is constructed by truncating those negative normalized observations to 0 in the traditional exponentially weighted moving average CV statistics. The implementation and optimization procedures of the proposed chart are presented. The new chart is compared with some existing CV charts by means of average run length, and the comparison results show that the new chart outperforms other charts in most cases. Two examples illustrate the use of this chart on real data gathered from a metal sintering process and from a die casting hot chamber process.