bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Continuous dosing of fast initiator during vinyl chloride suspension polymerization: Thermal stability of PVC resin
Authors: Bijhanmanesh Mohammad Javad , Etesami Nasrin , Darvishi Reza
Published: October 2016

Thermal stability of poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) produced using continuous dosages of a fast initiator method was investigated in terms of morphological and microstructural characteristics. The results were compared with the properties of the PVC prepared by conventional polymerization method. The Brabender® Plastograph and DSC results showed a lower fusion time, higher stable time, and greater degree of fusion for PVC obtained by polymerization using initiator continuous dosage method. Also, chemical analysis indicated that the PVC produced under an initiator continuous dosage system have lower structural defects, that is, branch numbers, internal double bonds, labile chlorine, and tacticity index, thereby improving the thermal stability of PVC resin. The results obtained from dehydrochlorination and thermogravimetry analysis confirm the improvement of thermal stability of PVC chains synthesized with continuous dosages of a fast initiator. Moreover, it was found that the concentration of microstructural defects and the dehydrochlorination rates of the PVC samples prepared by both processes increase with monomer conversion, particularly after critical conversion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44480.
Polyurethane‐acrylic hybrid emulsions with high acrylic/polyurethane ratios: Synthesis, characterization, and properties
Authors: Yi Tingfa , Ma Guozhang , Hou Caiying , Li Shasha , Zhang Ruofei , Wu Jianbing , Hao Xiaogang , Zhang Hui
Published: October 2016

Allyl polyoxyethylene ether (APEE) was used as coupling agent between polyurethane (PU) and acrylic polymer (AC) to synthesize stable waterborne polyurethane‐acrylic (PU‐AC) hybrid emulsions with high AC/PU weight ratio ranged from 45/55 to 70/30. The effect of the AC/PU weight ratio and the acrylate type including methyl methacrylate (MMA), butyl acrylate (BA) and mixture of them on the properties of the synthesized emulsions and resultant films were investigated. The research results showed that the colloidal particle of the emulsions behaved core‐shell structure, and the copolymers were not crosslinked. An increase in the AC/PU weight ratio led to an increase in the average particles size and the particle size distribution, but decrease in the viscosity of the emulsions. Meanwhile, the molecular weight distribution of the copolymers became wide, and the tensile stress, shore A hardness, storage modulus, glass transfer temperature, water resistance, and water contact angle of the resultant films increased, except that the films of PU‐BA were too soft to determine their mechanical properties. MMA and BA can provide the PU‐AC hybrid emulsions with very different properties, and which can be adjusted according to the special application. It was suggested that APEE can not only built up chemical bonds between PU and AC, but also increase the self‐emulsifying ability in the emulsion polymerization due to its hydrophilic ethylene oxide and carboxylic groups, resulting in that PU‐AC hybrid emulsions with high AC/PU ratio can be obtained by this method. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44488.
Thermal properties and crystallinity of PCL/PBSA/cellulose nanocrystals grafted with PCL chains
Authors: Simão José Alexandre , Bellani Caroline Faria , Branciforti Marcia Cristina
Published: October 2016

Bionanocomposite films of poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(butilene succinate‐co‐adipate) (PBSA) blends with cellulose nanocrystals (CNW) grafted with PCL chains (CNW‐g‐PCL) were prepared by solution casting and their thermal properties and crystallinity were studied. The CNW surface was modified with PCL chains by grafting “from” approaches, in an effort to improve their compatibility with the polymer blends. The grafting efficiency was evidenced by FTIR and TGA analysis. The acicular morphology of CNW‐g‐PCL was characterized by SEM. The TGA results showed an increase in the thermal stability of the CNW grafted with PCL chains. The PCL/PBSA blends showed higher thermal stability in comparison with the neat polymers and PCL/PBSA/CNW‐g‐PCL bionanocomposites. DSC results showed the CNW‐g‐PCL act as a nucleating agent in the bionanocomposites. Additionally, a better interaction of the CNW‐g‐PCL in the blends of 30/70 composition in comparison with the blends of 50/50 composition was characterized. The results obtained for aforementioned films prepared by solution casting encourage the production of such bionanocomposites by melt compounding (extrusion), aiming the achievement of new bionanocomposites materials with improved thermal and mechanical properties. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44493.
Enhancing mechanical strength of hydrogels via IPN structure
Authors: Yu Zhe , Zhang Ying , Gao Zi Jian , Ren Xiu Yan , Gao Guang Hui
Published: October 2016

In this investigation, polyacrylamide (PAAm) as the flexible network is introduced to enhance the mechanical strength of hyaluronic acid–gelatin (HA–Gel) hydrogels by interpenetrating polymer network (IPN). The structure, mechanical property, and rheology property of the IPN hydrogels are investigated. It is found that the compressive strength of the HA–Gel/PAAm IPN hydrogels has increased five times higher than that of HA–Gel hydrogels. Rheological test demonstrates that elastic moduli (G′) and viscous moduli (G″) of HA–Gel/PAAm IPN hydrogels increase 100 times higher than those of HA–Gel hydrogels. Moreover, the HA–Gel hydrogels are fractured under the low compressive stress, whereas HA–Gel/PAAm IPN hydrogels are not broken under the high compressive stress. It is envisioned that the IPN hydrogels will be an effective approach to enhance the mechanical strength and broaden the range of hydrogels' applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44503.
Preparation and performance of waterborne UV‐curable polyurethane containing long fluorinated side chains
Authors: Tan Jianquan , Liu Weiqu , Wang Zhengfang
Published: October 2016

Novel waterborne UV‐curable polyurethane containing long fluorinated side chains (WUVFPU) was prepared and the fluorinated component was incorporated by two novel fluorinated macromolecular diols (FDO) with different chain length as chain extender. FDO was synthesized via free radical polymerization of hexafluorobutyl methacrylate (HFBMA) using 1‐thioglycerol (TG) as chain transfer agent. Extremely low dosage of FDO incorporated could change the surface property significantly. The influence of both the content and chain length of FDO on the surface energy, surface composition and morphology were investigated by contact angle measurement, XPS and AFM. Surface energy significantly decreased at extremely low concentration of FDO. The hydrophobicity was enhanced with increasing both the content and the chain length of FDO. XPS and AFM results revealed the enhancing hydrophobicity was attributed to the enrichment of F atoms and rougher surface morphology. Gel content, pencil hardness, adhesion, and optical transmittance tests were employed to investigate the coating properties of the UV‐cured films. The preparation and investigation of WUVFPU might provide better understanding of the influence of fluorinated chain length on the properties of polyurethane for theory. Moreover, it might provide a facile and effective route to prepare polyurethane materials with low surface energy for engineering and industry. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44506.
A renewed archaeological and archaeobotanical assessment of house sites at Kuk Swamp in the highlands of Papua New Guinea
Authors: LEWIS TARA , DENHAM TIM , GOLSON JACK
Published: October 2016

House sites located on the wetland margin at Kuk Swamp in the Upper Wahgi Valley of Papua New Guinea were excavated in 1972 and 1973. Macrobotanical remains collected during excavation of domestic contexts were collected and subject to preliminary identification. Renewed macrobotanical analysis of these remains provides a more reliable foundation for their taxonomic identification to species or genus level. Plant remains include sugar cane (Saccharum officinarum) and probable sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Direct accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) dating of macrobotanical remains provides a reliable basis for determining the antiquity of the house sites and differentiates at least two periods of settlement.
Susan Bulmer, an archaeological pioneer
Authors: GOLSON JACK
Published: October 2016

This is the story of how a young American woman with a degree in anthropology, but not including archaeology, became a pioneer of archaeological research in the New Guinea Highlands from a base in New Zealand; active archaeologically in the Port Moresby region as the wife of the Professor of Anthropology at the University of Papua New Guinea; and finally, back in New Zealand, employed for some years by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, but surrounded at all times by her New Guinea papers and collections that called for her attention. The approach is to follow her progress, note the people she met and the literature she read and discover the qualities that she brought to the tasks that she undertook.
Chloroacetate Promotes and Participates in the Oxidative Annulation of Pyridines/Isoquinoline by Using Oxygen as the Oxidant
Authors: Yue Yuanyuan , Sun Yangyang , Zhao Shufang , Yan Xuyang , Li Rong , Shi Yaru , Zhuo Kelei , Liu Jianming
Published: October 2016

The aerobic oxidative annulation of chalcones, pyridines/isoquinoline and ethyl chloroacetate to indolizines was achieved by cascade reaction. Various functional groups on chalcones were tolerated. And different pyridines derivatives could also be suitable substrates. Ethyl chloroacetate is an essential component in participating of the oxidative annulation process. Overall, this protocol is very practical and efficient by using molecular oxygen as oxidant with high selectivity for the annulation product.
Artificial Spores: Cytocompatible Coating of Living Cells with Plant‐Derived Pyrogallol
Authors: Kim Ji Yup , Lee Hojae , Park Taegyun , Park Joonhong , Kim Mi‐Hee , Cho Hyeoncheol , Youn Wongu , Kang Sung Min , Choi Insung S.
Published: October 2016

Cell nanoencapsulation, generating cell‐in‐shell structures (“artificial spores“), provides a chemical toolbox for controlling the cellular behaviors and functional characteristics of individual cells. Among the shell materials studied so far, naturally occurring polyphenolic compounds, including polydopamine and tannic acid, have intensively been employed in cell‐surface engineering, because their material‐independent coating property eliminates an extra priming step for inducing subsequent shell formation. Albeit successful in generating cell‐in‐shell structures, the coating of polyphenolic compounds generally requires alkaline conditions and/or high salt conditions, which are not compatible with certain cell types. In this work, we demonstrate that the nanocoating of individual cells with a plant‐derived phenolic compound, pyrogallol (1,2,3‐trihydroxybenzene), occurs at mildly alkaline pH of 7.8 in an isotonic buffer. Three different cell types (anucleate, microbial, and mammalian cells) are coated with pyrogallol without noticeable decrease in cell viability. The protocol developed in this work could be applied to other polyphenolic compounds, and, considering the many polyphenols identified as a coating material, provides an advanced chemical tool in cell‐surface engineering.
Azo‐Polymer Janus Particles Assembled by Solvent‐Induced Microphase Separation and Their Photoresponsive Behavior
Authors: Zhou Xinran , Chen Shouping , Liu Bingyang , Wang Xiaogong
Published: October 2016

We report the successful fabrication of photoresponsive Janus particles (JPs) composed of an epoxy‐based azo polymer and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). Two representative azo polymers, of which one polymer (BP‐AZ‐CN) has cyano groups as electron‐withdrawing substituents on the azobenzene moieties and the other polymer (BP‐AZ‐CA) has carboxyl groups as the electron‐withdrawing substituents, were adopted for the investigation. The nanoscaled JPs, with a narrow size distribution and different azo polymer/PMMA ratios, were fabricated through self‐assembly in solution and as dispersions. Upon irradiation with linearly polarized light (λ=488 nm), two types of photoresponsive behavior were observed for JPs in the solid state. For JPs composed of BP‐AZ‐CN and PMMA, the light irradiation caused the azo‐polymer component to be stretched along the light polarization direction. Conversely, for JPs composed of BP‐AZ‐CA and PMMA, the azo‐polymer component became separated from PMMA component under the same irradiation conditions. These observations are valuable for a deeper understanding of the nature of self‐assembly and photoinduced mass‐transport at the nanometer scale.
Three‐Arm, Biotin‐Tagged Carbazole–Dicyanovinyl–Chlorambucil Conjugate: Simultaneous Tumor Targeting, Sensing, and Photoresponsive Anticancer Drug Delivery
Authors: Venkatesh Yarra , Karthik S. , Rajesh Y. , Mandal Mahitosh , Jana Avijit , Singh N. D. Pradeep
Published: October 2016

The design, synthesis, and in vitro biological studies of a biotin–carbazole–dicyanovinyl–chlorambucil conjugate (Bio‐CBZ‐DCV‐CBL; 6) are reported. This conjugate (6) is a multifunctional single‐molecule appliance composed of a thiol‐sensor DCV functionality, a CBZ‐derived phototrigger as well as fluorescent reporter, and CBL as the anticancer drug, and Bio as the cancer‐targeting ligand. In conjugate 6, the DCV bond undergoes a thiol–ene click reaction at pH<7 with intracellular thiols, thereby shutting down internal charge transfer between the donor CBZ and acceptor DCV units, resulting in a change of the fluorescence color from green to blue, and thereby, sensing the tumor microenvironment. Subsequent photoirradiation results in release of the anticancer drug CBL in a controlled manner.
Hysteresis‐Based Design of Dynamic Reference Trajectories to Avoid Saturation in Controlled Wind Turbines
Authors: Tutivén Christian , Vidal Yolanda , Acho Leonardo , Rodellar José
Published: October 2016

The main objective of this paper is to design a dynamic reference trajectory based on hysteresis to avoid saturation in controlled wind turbines. Basically, the torque controller and pitch controller set‐points are hysteretically manipulated to avoid saturation and drive the system with smooth dynamic changes. Simulation results obtained from a 5MW wind turbine benchmark model show that our proposed strategy has a clear added value with respect to the baseline controller (a well‐known and accepted industrial wind turbine controller). Moreover, the proposed strategy has been tested in healthy conditions but also in the presence of a realistic fault where the baseline controller caused saturation to finally conduct to instability.
Berücksichtigung der Längsbewehrung beim Durchstanznachweis nach Eurocode 2 (DIN EN 1992‐1‐1/NA)
Authors: Kueres Dominik , Siburg Carsten , Hegger Josef , Fingerloos Frank
Published: October 2016

Im Jahr 2012 wurde der Eurocode 2 in Deutschland bauaufsichtlich eingeführt. Im Vergleich zu DIN 1045‐1 wurde unter anderem die Durchstanzbemessung von Flachdecken und Fundamenten bzw. Bodenplatten überarbeitet. Insbesondere die Berücksichtigung der Längsbewehrung führte in der Praxis zu einigen offenen Fragen. In diesem Beitrag werden daher aktuelle Auslegungen des DIN‐Normenausschusses Bauwesen (NABau) zur Ermittlung und Verteilung der Mindestmomente bei Wandecken und Wandenden sowie zur anrechenbaren Breite und Verankerung der Längsbewehrung für die Ermittlung des Längsbewehrungsgrades in Flachdecken und Fundamenten bzw. Bodenplatten vorgestellt.
Ansatz zur Quantifizierung der Nachhaltigkeit von Beton auf der Baustoffebene
Authors: Haist Michael , Moffatt Jack S. , Breiner Raphael , Vogel Michael , Müller Harald S.
Published: October 2016

Der Gewährleistung einer möglichst hohen Nachhaltigkeit kommt im Bauwesen aufgrund der hohen Investitionskosten und des Energieverbrauchs bei der Errichtung beispielsweise von Infrastrukturbauwerken und den hohen Anforderungen an die Lebensdauer derartiger Bauwerke eine besonders große gesellschaftliche Bedeutung zu. Nachhaltiges Bauen ist dabei durch den Grundsatz geprägt, dass das Verhältnis aus gesellschaftlichem Nutzen von Bauwerken und dem dafür erforder lichen Energieaufwand und Ressourcenverbrauch infolge ihrer Errichtung, Nutzung und Entsorgung maximiert wird. Insbesondere für Infrastrukturbauwerke ist dies nur möglich, wenn die eingesetzten Werkstoffe eine möglichst hohe Leistungsfähigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit aufweisen und – dies ist entscheidend –, wenn diese Eigenschaften auch durch den Planer möglichst optimal genutzt werden. Vor diesem Hintergrund beschreibt der vorliegende Beitrag Möglichkeiten und Wege, wie die Nachhaltigkeit des Werkstoffs Beton – dessen Herstellung für einen signifikanten Anteil beispielsweise des weltweiten CO2 Ausstoßes verantwortlich ist – signifikant gesteigert werden kann. Am Beispiel sogenannter Ökobetone – Betone mit stark reduziertem Zementgehalt – wird aufgezeigt, wie die Nachhaltigkeit des Werkstoffs nicht nur durch dessen Umwelteinwirkungen, sondern auch durch dessen Leistungsfähigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit beeinflusst wird. Hierzu wird ein neuer Kennwert, das sog. Beton‐Nachhaltigkeitspotenzial, eingeführt, mit dem das Potenzial für eine nachhaltige Betonnutzung quantifiziert werden kann. Die Anwendung des Kennwerts wird im Beitrag anhand eines Beispiels erläutert.
Korrelation von Betondruck‐ und Zugfestigkeit historischer Betone
Authors: Weber Michael , Thiele Catherina
Published: October 2016

In der in Deutschland für die Bemessung von Stahlbeton‐ und Spannbetontragwerken aktuell bauaufsichtlich eingeführten DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 [1] sind Angaben zur Korrelation zwischen Betondruck‐ und Zugfestigkeit enthalten. Diese Regeln beziehen sich jedoch ausschließlich auf im Neubaufall verwendete Betone nach DIN EN 206‐1 [2]. Aufgrund verschiedener last‐ und zeitabhängiger Einflüsse kann die Gültigkeit der in DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 [1] aufgeführten Beziehung zwischen Betondruck‐ und Zugfestigkeit für Bestandsbetone nicht ohne weitere Überlegungen vorausgesetzt werden.

Die Beeinflussung der Betondruck‐ und Zugfestigkeit durch z. B. Nacherhärtung und Karbonatisierung ist bisher unzureichend und noch nicht abschließend erforscht. Die in DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 [1] definierte Betonzugfestigkeit bezieht sich auf Untersuchungen an dauerhaft, d. h. bis zur Prüfung im Alter von 28 Tagen feucht gelagerten Probekörpern. Hinzu kommt, dass die tatsächlich am Bauwerk vorliegende Betonzugfestigkeit durch Mikrorissbildung infolge thermisch‐hygrischer Eigen spannungen wesentlich von der an Laborprobekörpern bestimmten Betonzugfestigkeit abweichen kann. Darüber hinaus ist der Einfluss der Mikrorissbildung auf die Betonzugfestigkeit größer als auf die Betondruckfestigkeit. Die tatsächlich am Bauwerk vorliegende Betonzugfestigkeit hat u. a. Einfluss auf die Querkrafttragfähigkeit sowie auf die Betonausbruchlast bei der Dimensionierung von Befestigungsmitteln.

Zur Bewertung der Anwendbarkeit der Korrelation zwischen Betondruck‐ und Zugfestigkeit nach DIN EN 1992‐1‐1 [1] für historische Betone wurde an der TU Kaiserslautern ein von der Forschungsinitiative „Zukunft Bau” des Bundesamtes für Bauwesen und Raumordnung (BBR) gefördertes Forschungsprojekt (SWD‐10.08.18.7‐13.01) durchgeführt, dessen Ergebnisse nachfolgend dargestellt sind.
Fuß‐ und Radwegbrücke aus Carbonbeton in Albstadt‐Ebingen
Authors: Helbig Thorsten , Unterer Kay , Kulas Christian , Rempel Sergej , Hegger Josef
Published: October 2016

Die im Oktober 2015 in Albstadt‐Ebingen realisierte Konstruktion verzichtet vollständig auf eine schlaffe oder vorgespannte Stahlbewehrung und ist damit die erste ausschließlich mit Textilfasern bewehrte Betonbrücke weltweit. Der Trogquerschnitt mit Materialstärken von 70 mm (Trogwände) bzw. 90 mm (Gehwegplatte) ist als monolithisches Fertigteil her gestellt worden. Das Brückendeck, das keiner weiteren Geh belagsaufbauten bedarf, wiegt bei einer Spannweite von 15 m und einer Breite von 3 m lediglich 14 t (ca. 310 kg/m2) und somit knapp die Hälfte eines vergleichbaren konventionellen Stahl betonbrückendecks. Neben Material‐ und Gewichtsersparnis kann von einer überdurchschnittlich langen Lebensdauer bei minimalem Wartungsaufwand ausgegangen werden, da die häufig schadenverursachende Stahlkorrosion des Stahlbetonbaus komplett umgangen wird. Der Einsatz von carbon faserbewehrtem Beton (Carbonbeton) ist in Deutschland derzeit bauaufsichtlich noch nicht zugelassen, daher musste eine Zustimmung im Einzelfall (ZiE) erwirkt werden.
Germline stem cells are critical for sexual fate decision of germ cells
Authors: Tanaka Minoru
Published: October 2016

Egg or sperm? The mechanism of sexual fate decision in germ cells has been a long‐standing issue in biology. A recent analysis identified foxl3 as a gene that determines the sexual fate decision of germ cells in the teleost fish, medaka. foxl3/Foxl3 acts in female germline stem cells to repress commitment into male fate (spermatogenesis), indicating that the presence of mitotic germ cells in the female is critical for continuous sexual fate decision of germ cells in medaka gonads. Interestingly, foxl3 is found in most vertebrate genomes except for mammals. This provides the interesting possibility that the sexual fate of germ cells in mammals is determined in a different way compared to foxl3‐possessing vertebrates. Considering the fact that germline stem cells are the cells where foxl3 begins to express and sexual fate decision initiates and mammalian ovary does not have typical germline stem cells, the mechanism in mammals may have been co‐evolved with germline stem cell loss in mammalian ovary.
A zero‐augmented generalized gamma regression calibration to adjust for covariate measurement error: A case of an episodically consumed dietary intake
Authors: Agogo George O.
Published: October 2016

Measurement error in exposure variables is a serious impediment in epidemiological studies that relate exposures to health outcomes. In nutritional studies, interest could be in the association between long‐term dietary intake and disease occurrence. Long‐term intake is usually assessed with food frequency questionnaire (FFQ), which is prone to recall bias. Measurement error in FFQ‐reported intakes leads to bias in parameter estimate that quantifies the association. To adjust for bias in the association, a calibration study is required to obtain unbiased intake measurements using a short‐term instrument such as 24‐hour recall (24HR). The 24HR intakes are used as response in regression calibration to adjust for bias in the association. For foods not consumed daily, 24HR‐reported intakes are usually characterized by excess zeroes, right skewness, and heteroscedasticity posing serious challenge in regression calibration modeling. We proposed a zero‐augmented calibration model to adjust for measurement error in reported intake, while handling excess zeroes, skewness, and heteroscedasticity simultaneously without transforming 24HR intake values. We compared the proposed calibration method with the standard method and with methods that ignore measurement error by estimating long‐term intake with 24HR and FFQ‐reported intakes. The comparison was done in real and simulated datasets. With the 24HR, the mean increase in mercury level per ounce fish intake was about 0.4; with the FFQ intake, the increase was about 1.2. With both calibration methods, the mean increase was about 2.0. Similar trend was observed in the simulation study. In conclusion, the proposed calibration method performs at least as good as the standard method.
Cardiovascular risk prevention and all-cause mortality in primary care patients with an abdominal aortic aneurysm
Authors: Bahia S S , Vidal-Diez A , Seshasai S R K , Shpitser I , Brownrigg J R , Patterson B O , Ray K K , Holt P J , Thompson M M , Karthikesalingam A
Published: October 2016

Background

Perioperative mortality is low for patients undergoing abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) repair, but long-term survival remains poor. Although patients diagnosed with AAA have a significant burden of cardiovascular disease and associated risk factors, there is limited understanding of the contribution of cardiovascular risk management to long-term survival.

Methods

General practice records within The Health Improvement Network (THIN) were examined. Patients with a diagnosis of AAA and at least 1 year of registered medical history were identified from 2000 to 2012. Medical therapies for cardiovascular risk were classified as antiplatelet, statin or antihypertensive agents. Progression to death was investigated using the G-computation formula with time-dependent co-variables to account for differences in exposure to cardiovascular risk-modifying treatments and the confounding between exposure, co-morbidities and death.

Results

Some 12 485 patients had a recorded diagnosis of AAA. From 2000 to 2012, prescription of medications that modify cardiovascular risk increased: from 26·6 to 76·7 per cent for statins, from 56·5 to 73·9 per cent for antiplatelet agents and from 75·3 to 84·0 per cent for antihypertensive drugs. Adjusted Kaplan–Meier curves demonstrated a better 5-year survival rate in patients receiving statins (68·4 versus 42·2 per cent), antiplatelet agents (63·6 versus 39·7 per cent) or antihypertensive agents (61·5 versus 39·1 per cent), compared with rates in patients not receiving each therapy.

Conclusion

Appropriate risk factor modification could significantly reduce long-term mortality in patients with AAA. In the UK, up to 30 per cent of patients are not currently receiving these medications.
Bowel function and quality of life after local excision or total mesorectal excision following chemoradiotherapy for rectal cancer
Authors: Pucciarelli S , Giandomenico F , De Paoli A , Gavaruzzi T , Lotto L , Mantello G , Barba C , Zotti P , Flora S , Del Bianco P
Published: October 2016

Background

Local excision for rectal cancer is expected to offer a better functional outcome than conventional surgery. The aim of the present study was to compare quality of life and bowel function in patients with rectal cancer who underwent either local excision or conventional surgery after chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

This was a retrospective multicentre study. Patients who underwent local excision were compared with those who had mesorectal excision. Quality of life and bowel function were investigated using validated questionnaires (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-CR29 and Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center Bowel Function Instrument) at a median follow-up of 49 (range 13–95) months. Further analysis was undertaken of data from patients who underwent local excision alone compared with those requiring subsequent radical surgery. Statistical significance was set at P < 0·010.

Results

The mean constipation score was significantly better in the local excision group than in the mesorectal excision group (3·8 (95 per cent c.i. 0·3 to 7·2) versus 19·8 (12·1 to 27·4); P < 0·001). Compared with patients who underwent mesorectal excision, those who had local excision had less sensation of incomplete emptying (mean score 3·7 (3·4 to 4·0) versus 2·8 (2·5 to 3·1); P < 0·001) and second bowel movements within 15 min (mean score 3·6 (3·3 to 3·9) versus 3·0 (2·7 to 3·3); P = 0·006). Patients who underwent local excision alone scored better than those who had mesorectal excision, particularly for bowel function, who, in turn, scored better than patients requiring subsequent radical surgery following local excision.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent local excision had a better quality of life and bowel function than those who underwent mesorectal excision.
Optical and Electrical Properties of Electrochromic Devices Depending on Electrolyte Concentrations and Cell Gaps
Authors: Ah Chil Seong , Song Juhee , Cho Seong Mok , Kim Tae‐Youb , Ryu Hojun , Cheon Sanghoon , Kim Joo Yeon , Hwang Chi‐Sun , Kim Yong‐Hae
Published: October 2016

The optical and electrical properties of electrochromic devices (ECDs) have been studied as a function of the electrolyte concentration and the cell gap. During tests, the electrolyte concentration was adjusted from 0.01 to 1 M LiClO4, and the cell gaps between the positive and negative electrodes were set at 25, 60, and 100 µm. By varying the electrolyte concentrations and the cell gap, various parameters such as the transmittance, response time, charge consumption, coloration efficiency, and bistability of ECD were comparatively analyzed. Viologen (VO) was used as the reduction electrochromic material, and triarylamine (TAA) was used as the oxidation material.
The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF135 regulates the tumorigenesis activity of tongue cancer SCC25 cells
Authors: Jin Jian , Zhao liya , Li Zubing
Published: October 2016

Several E3 ubiquitin ligases have been confirmed that they are related to the tumorigenesis. This study aims to find the tongue cancer‐related E3 ubiquitin ligase. The E3 ubiquitin ligase library was screened. The effect of candidate molecule on tongue cancer was validated through cell viability, cell proliferation, colony formation, invasive assay in vitro, and the xenograft model in vivo. The E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF135 significantly promoted the expression of PTEN and TP53 in SCC25 cells. The overexpression of RNF135 inhibited the viability, proliferation, and invasion of SCC25 cells. Knockdown of RNF135 had the opposite effects. Furthermore, RNF135 regulates the tumorigenesis activity of SCC25 cells in vivo. Our results demonstrated that RNF135 had the potential to affect the development of the tongue cancer in vitro. The further in vivo study is helpful to fully understand the role of it.
PD‐1 expression on the surface of peripheral blood CD4+ T cell and its association with the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Wei , Bai Jie‐Fei , Zuo Meng‐Xuan , Cao Xin‐Xin , Chen Miao , Zhang Yan , Han Xiao , Zhong Ding‐Rong , Zhou Dao‐Bin
Published: October 2016

The aim of the study was to investigate the relationship between PD‐1 expression on the surface of CD4+ T cells and prognosis of patients with diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Sixty patients who were newly diagnosed with DLBCL and 39 healthy controls were enrolled. In CD4+ T cells of DLBCL patients, the median MFI of PD‐1 were 541.5 (range: 348.25–758.75), significantly higher than 250 (range: 211–326) in healthy controls (P < 0.001). The ZAP70, PI3K, and NFAT mRNA expression levels of patients were 0.47, 0.47, and 0.62 times, respectively, of those of the healthy controls (P < 0.05). In patients with the percentage of PD‐1 on CD4+ T cells ≥30.25%, their EFS and OS were significantly lower than patients with PD‐1+ CD4+ T cells <30.25% (P < 0.05). The possible explanation is that high PD‐1 expression on CD4+ cells of DLBCL patients may impair T‐cell function and thus contribute to poor prognosis. There was no relationship between PD‐1 surface expression on CD4+ T cells and PD‐1 expression within the biopsy of tumor microenvironments from DLBCL patients.
Quercetin suppresses lung cancer growth by targeting Aurora B kinase
Authors: Xingyu Zhu , Peijie Ma , Dan Peng , Youg Wang , Daojun Wang , Xinzheng Chen , Xijun Zhang , Yangrong Song
Published: October 2016

aurora B kinase is highly expressed in several cancer cells and promotes tumorigenesis and progression, and therefore, it is an important target for drug to treat tumors. Quercetin was identified to be an antitumor agent. Herein, we report for the first time that quercetin inhibited aurora B activities by directly binding with aurora B in vitro and in vivo. Ex vivo studies showed that quercetin inhibited aurora B activities in JB6 Cl41 cells and A549 lung cancer cells. Moreover, knockdown of aurora B in A549 cells decreased their sensitivities to quercetin. In vivo study demonstrated that injection of quercetin in A549 tumor‐bearing mice effectively suppressed cancer growth. The phosphorylation of histone 3 in tumor tissues was also decreased after quercetin treatment. In short, quercetin can suppress growth of lung cancer cells as an aurora B inhibitor both in vitro and in vivo.
Constructions of emotional impact, risk and meaning among practitioners working with asylum seekers and refugees
Authors: Apostolidou Zoe
Published: October 2016

Aim

This study examines the emotional impact that clinical work with asylum seekers and refugees has on practitioners who work with them. This examination takes place by unpacking on the one hand, notions of risk and trauma whilst on the other hand, notions of meaning among practitioners.

Method

The study analyses the discourses deriving from eight semi‐structured interviews that were conducted with specialist practitioners who have worked with asylum seekers and refugees in a psychotherapeutic context.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that clients’ traumatic experiences permeated practitioners’ discourses and had a profound impact on practitioners’ way of perceiving the world and themselves. Despite this impact, the findings also show that clinical work with asylum seekers and refugees is constructed as meaningful and rewarding for practitioners. Practitioners appear to locate their clinical work in a wider context of social engagement that envelops a notion of social responsibility towards vulnerable individuals and which allows them to feel that they can make a positive contribution to their community. Importantly, practitioners’ social engagement with clinical work appears to counterbalance the traumatising impact that work with asylum seekers and refugees has upon them and to produce a meaningful experience.
Genetic and Phytochemical Analysis to Evaluate the Diversity and Relationships of Mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.‐Hil.) Elite Genetic Resources in a Germplasm Collection
Authors: Friedrich Juliana Cristhina , Gonela Adriana , Gonçalves Vidigal Maria Celeste , Vidigal Filho Pedro Soares , Sturion José Alfredo , Cardozo Junior Euclides Lara
Published: October 2016

The aim of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical and genetic diversity, relationships and identification of mate (Ilex paraguariensis A.St.‐Hil.) elite genetic resources belonging to the Brazilian germplasm collection and mate breeding program. Mate has been studied due to the presence of phytochemical compounds, especially methylxanthines and phenolic compounds. The samples were collected from the leaves of 76 mate elite genetic resources (16 progenies × 5 localities). Total DNA was extracted from mate leaves and 20 random primers were used for DNA amplification. Methylxanthines (caffeine and theobromine) and phenolic compounds (chlorogenic, neochlorogenic, and criptochlorogenic acids) were quantified by HPLC. The genetic divergence estimated was higher within (92%) than among (8%) the different populations. Analysis of genetic distance between origins provided the formation of two groups by UPGMA cluster analysis, with higher polymorphism (94.9%). The average content of caffeine ranged from 0.01 to 1.38% and theobromine of 0.10 – 0.85% (w/w). The caffeoylquinic acids concentrations (1.43 – 5.38%) showed a gradient 3‐CQA > 5‐CQA > 4‐CQA. The coefficient of genetic variation (CVg) was of low magnitude for all mono‐caffeoylquinics acids. Significant correlations (positive and negative) were observed between the phytochemical compounds. Genetic diversity analysis performed by RAPD markers showed a greater intra‐populational diversity; genetic resources with low caffeine and higher theobromine content were identified and can be used in breeding programs; the correlation between methylxanthines and phenolic compounds can be used as a good predictor in future studies.
Glassworts as Possible Anticancer Agents Against Human Colorectal Adenocarcinoma Cells with Their Nutritive, Antioxidant and Phytochemical Profiles
Authors: Altay Ahmet , Celep Gulcin Sagdicoglu , Yaprak Ahmet E. , Baskose Isa , Bozoglu Faruk
Published: October 2016

In this study, the possible uses of glassworts as potential food ingredients and their antiproliferative activity against colorectal adenocarcinoma cells together with their antioxidant and phytochemical profiles were investigated for the first time. MeOH extracts of five different taxa collected from different localities were screened for their antioxidant capacities by DPPH (IC50 2.91 – 5.49 mg/ml) and ABTS (24.4 – 38.5 μmol TE/g extract) assays. Salicornia freitagii exhibited the highest DPPH radical scavenging activity. LC/MS/MS analysis displayed that vanillic acid and p‐coumaric acid were two main phenolic compounds in the extract. Salicornia freitagii extracts also exhibited high antiproliferative activity against HT‐29 (IC50 1.67 mg/ml) and Caco‐2 (IC50 3.03 mg/ml) cells for 72 h. Mineral analysis indicated that all the species with different proportions of elemental components contained high amount of cations. These results indicate that investigated glassworts, with their high phenolic and mineral contents and also notable antioxidant and cytotoxic properties, may be utilized as a promising source of therapeutics.
From early dating violence to adult intimate partner violence: Continuity and sources of resilience in adulthood
Authors: Greenman Sarah J. , Matsuda Mauri
Published: October 2016

Background

Previous literature has found continuity for intimate partner violence, but little research has explored continuity between dating violence and adult intimate partner violence (IPV) or whether protective factors may attenuate this relationship.

Aims

This research hypothesised a positive relationship between dating violence in early adulthood and later adulthood IPV and that support and attachment would provide buffering and direct protection for this relationship.

Methods

Data from the Rochester Youth Development Study were used to explore these questions through negative binomial regression.

Results

Dating violence was statistically significantly related to an increase of adult IPV. Family support, parental reports of attachment to the subject, peer support and parenting‐related social support all were protective factors that provided a direct effect for those respondents perpetrating dating violence. None of the protective factors provided buffering protection between dating violence and adult IPV.

Conclusions

Results confirm significant continuity between dating violence and IPV and that support from peers and family, parenting‐related support and parental reports of attachment protect an individual from continuing to engage in intimate partner violence throughout adulthood. Bolstering these supportive relationships may help provide points of intervention to interrupt the link between early dating violence and later adulthood IPV. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dating violence and physical health: A longitudinal lens on the significance of relationship dynamics and anti‐social lifestyle characteristics
Authors: Copp Jennifer E. , Giordano Peggy C. , Longmore Monica A. , Manning Wendy D.
Published: October 2016

Background

Scholars have documented the significant physical health consequences of intimate partner violence. Yet, because existing research draws primarily on clinical samples of adult women, it is unclear whether exposure to dating violence is related to health detriments among young men and women. Furthermore, data limitations largely have precluded consideration of the mechanisms underlying these previously observed associations.

Aims

We sought to examine the direct association between dating violence and self‐rated physical health during adolescence and across the transition to adulthood. We also directed attention to potential mediating and confounding factors, including negative relationship dynamics, anti‐social lifestyle characteristics and physical health correlates.

Methods

Drawing on five waves of data from the Toledo Adolescent Relationships Study (n = 3746 person‐periods), we used growth curve analyses to examine these associations among a sample of young men and women in dating relationships.

Results

Longitudinal analyses revealed that dating violence was associated with declines in self‐rated physical health across the period from adolescence to young adulthood. This effect, however, was attenuated with the inclusion of negative relationship dynamics.

Conclusions

Findings suggest the need to further examine the physical health consequences of dating violence, with a particular focus on the relationship context and other potential confounding forces. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iron deficiency anemia due to excessive green tea drinking
Authors: Fan Frank S.
Published: October 2016

Key Clinical Message

Tea interferes with iron absorption and can lead to iron deficiency anemia when consumed in large quantities. The rechallenge effect of green tea on anemia in a middle‐aged man emphasizes the potential causal role of this beverage. Lifestyle and dietary habits are important diagnostic considerations in diseases of this type.
Palladium‐Mediated Ethylation of the Imidazolium Cation Monitored In Operando on a Solid Catalyst with Ionic Liquid Layer
Authors: Bauer Tanja , Hager Veit , Williams Marc B. , Laurin Mathias , Döpper Tibor , Görling Andreas , Szesni Normen , Wasserscheid Peter , Haumann Marco , Libuda Jörg
Published: October 2016

The ionic liquid 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulfate [EMIM][EtOSO3] was supported on Pd‐Al2O3 to yield a solid catalyst with ionic liquid layer (SCILL) material. During the hydrogenation of ethene, it was found that ethene was incorporated into the imidazolium moiety in a reaction catalyzed by the palladium surface. The formation of 1,2‐diethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ethylsulfate was confirmed ex situ by means of NMR spectroscopy. Moreover, the reaction itself could be monitored in situ by diffuse reflection infrared Fourier transformation (DRIFT) spectroscopy. A reaction mechanism involving surface carbene species was proposed on the basis of the analytical data.
Conventional Proportional‐Integral Control of a Dividing‐Wall Distillation Column with Discrete Measurements
Authors: Zavala‐Guzmán Alan M. , Hernández‐Escoto Héctor , Hernández Salvador , Barroso‐Muñoz Fabricio O. , Segovia‐Hernández Juan G.
Published: October 2016

The problem of controlling an energy‐efficient dividing‐wall distillation column (DWDC) with a discrete key variable measurement is addressed. Usually, controllers are tuned in a systematic and simultaneous way, based on a certain control system configuration and conventional discrete proportional‐integral controllers. The same stable pole‐assignment approach to linear dynamics is followed here that approximately describes the convergence of each control loop. Tuning relationships in terms of sampling time and predecessor parameters of physical insight are obtained. The control system performance is simulated for disturbance rejection in an energy‐efficient DWDC for separating a ternary mixture of benzene, toluene, and xylene. This tuning technique can be effective with a sampling time as long as that corresponding to current measurement instruments.
Technical, Economic, and Environmental Assessment of the Hydrothermal Carbonization of Green Waste
Authors: Zeymer Martin , Meisel Kathleen , Clemens Andreas , Klemm Marco
Published: October 2016

The attempt to transition from a fossil‐based to a bio‐based economy is putting increased pressure on the limited amount of available biomass. Concentrating on biogenic waste matter that is currently not put to use, such as green waste, may be one way of tapping potential additional raw materials. Hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) processes are particularly well suited for converting this green waste into valuable energy sources. The results show that HTC coal can currently only compete economically with fossil energy sources in an ideal context. However, there is potential for cost reduction. Additionally, there is a clear potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions compared with fossil fuels and the GHG mitigation costs are within the standard range of other biogenic means of supplying heat.
Static and Dynamic, but not Pulsed High‐Pressure Treatment Efficiently Inactivates Yeast
Authors: Izydor Marika , Hainthaler Markus , Gaipl Udo S. , Frey Benjamin , Schlücker Eberhard
Published: October 2016

Static high‐pressure (HP) treatment has become a powerful tool for preserving foodstuffs, allowing high inactivation rates and minimal adverse effects on valuable components. Due to HP maxima and batch mode conditions, it is restricted to high‐grade products. To overcome these restrictions, dynamic HP offers the possibility of a quasi‐continuous mode of operation. The effects of three different HP treatments (static, pulsed, and dynamic) on yeast were investigated. The inactivation efficiency and membrane damage increase with increasing pressure or pressure holding time. The cells do not show higher sensitivity to fast and repeated depressurization, and the number of pressure pulses plays only a minor role in inducing membrane damage. A form of programmed cell death could not be detected.
Organometallic Derivatization of the Nematocidal Drug Monepantel Leads to Promising Antiparasitic Drug Candidates
Authors: Hess Jeannine , Patra Malay , Rangasamy Loganathan , Konatschnig Sandro , Blacque Olivier , Jabbar Abdul , Mac Patrick , Jorgensen Erik M. , Gasser Robin B. , Gasser Gilles
Published: October 2016

The discovery of novel drugs against animal parasites is in high demand due to drug‐resistance problems encountered around the world. Herein, the synthesis and characterization of 27 organic and organometallic derivatives of the recently launched nematocidal drug monepantel (Zolvix®) are described. The compounds were isolated as racemates and were characterized by 1H, 13C, and 19F NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and IR spectroscopy, and their purity was verified by microanalysis. The molecular structures of nine compounds were confirmed by X‐ray crystallography. The anthelmintic activity of the newly designed analogues was evaluated in vitro against the economically important parasites Haemonchus contortus and Trichostrongylus colubriformis. Moderate nematocidal activity was observed for nine of the 27 compounds. Three compounds were confirmed as potentiators of a known monepantel target, the ACR‐23 ion channel. Production of reactive oxygen species may confer secondary activity to the organometallic analogues. Two compounds, namely, an organic precursor (3 a) and a cymantrene analogue (9 a), showed activities against microfilariae of Dirofilaria immitis in the low microgram per milliliter range.
Heteroatom‐Doped Porous Carbon Nanosheets: General Preparation and Enhanced Capacitive Properties
Authors: Hao Xiaodong , Wang Jie , Ding Bing , Shen Laifa , Xu Yunling , Wang Ya , Chang Zhi , Dou Hui , Lu Xiangjun , Zhang Xiaogang
Published: October 2016

High‐performance electrical double‐layer capacitors (EDLCs) require carbon electrode materials with high specific surface area, short ion‐diffusion pathways, and outstanding electrical conductivity. Herein, a general approach combing the molten‐salt method and chemical activation to prepare N‐doped carbon nanosheets with high surface area (654 m2 g−1) and adjustable porous structure is presented. Owing to their structural features, the N‐doped carbon nanosheets exhibited superior capacitive performance, demonstrated by a maximum capacitance of 243 F g−1 (area‐normalized capacitance up to 37 μF cm−2) at a current density of 0.5 A g−1 in aqueous electrolyte, high rate capability (179 F g−1 at 20 A g−1), and excellent cycle stability. This method provides a new route to prepare porous and heteroatom‐doped carbon nanosheets for high‐performance EDLCs, which could also be extended to other polymer precursors and even waste biomass.