bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electrodeposition of Ni and Te‐doped Cobalt Triantimonide in Citrate Solutions
Authors: Vidu Ruxandra , Perez‐Page Maria , Quach Dat V. , Chen Xinyi Y. , Stroeve Pieter
Published: July 2015

Skutterudite compounds form a new class of potential candidates for thermoelectric applications. Cobalt triantimonide (CoSb3) shows good thermoelectric properties at medium and high temperatures. Doping this system with substitution elements, for either Co or Sb or both, may result in an increase of the thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT). This work focused on the electrochemical doping and characterization of films and nanowires of Co‐Sb system in citrate solutions using gold‐coated PCTE templates. The electrodeposition was performed on gold surface that was pre‐treated electrochemically to ensure reproducible results. The electrochemical treatment acted as an annealing process for the surface, which resulted in an increase in Au(111) as demonstrated by XRD. Detailed electrochemical studies including deposition‐stripping experiments was performed in order to develop a better understanding of the co‐deposition kinetics and a better control over the composition of doped Co‐Sb system. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM/EDS) helped study the morphology and the composition of the doped and undoped Co‐Sb system. Co‐deposition of Co‐Sb showed that the amount of Co is higher in nanowires than in film or mushroom caps due to the slow Sb deposition rate dictated by slow Sb(III) complex diffusion. Doped nanowires have been also obtained. Both Ni and Te electrochemical doping of the Co‐Sb system affected the composition of the deposit but there was no effect on nanowire morphology.
Interinstrumental method transfer of a capillary electrophoretic separation of angiotensin II and five derivatives: Evaluation and update of earlier developed guidelines
Authors: De Cock Bart , Van Eeckhaut Ann , Stiens Johan , Mangelings Debby , Vander Heyden Yvan
Published: July 2015

The increased interest in the separation of peptides, proteins, immunoglobulins, and polynucleotides, led to an increased demand for appropriate analytical methodologies and instrumentation. CE, because of its unique separation mechanism and high efficiency, is frequently used in the analysis of those molecules. In this study, a CE method for the separation of six angiotensin analogues was developed in the first step. In the second step, the method was transferred to a CE instrument of another brand, taking into account guidelines defined earlier about the interinstrumental transfer of CE methods. Although previously successful, the application of these guidelines during this study was not able to maintain the baseline separation. Further research on the instrumental differences revealed that the electrical resistance on both instruments differed. At constant current, the electrical resistance, generated voltage, and separation efficiency on the Agilent instrument were lower than on the Beckman instrument. Increase of the electrical resistance, by reducing the capillary temperature, leads to an increased applied voltage and separation efficiency on the Agilent system. The guidelines developed earlier were, therefore, updated with an additional step equalizing the electrical resistances, which led to a successful interinstrumental analytical method transfer for the separation of six angiotensin derivatives.
Learn 7 ways Tennessee community colleges doubled completion rates
Authors: Sutton Halley , Hope Joan
Published: July 2015

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS — When Barack Obama unveiled his bill for America's College Promise in January 2015, one of the models upon which the proposal was based came from the example set by the Tennessee Board of Regents, a collection of 13 community colleges and six four‐year universities. Recognizing that by 2020, 65 percent of jobs in the United States will require some level of postsecondary education, Tennessee passed the Complete College Tennessee Act in 2010.
Provide support to Hispanic students to ensure college access, success
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: July 2015

As your institution plans its enrollment strategy for the future, consider how you will address changing demographics. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan announced earlier this year that K–12 school enrollment is now majority minority, said Luis Maldonado, chief advocacy officer for the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities. The largest group of minority students are Hispanic. They now make up 25 percent of the K–12 population, and they are the only group that is growing.
Flame‐retardant properties of ethylene‐vinyl acetate/oil sludge/ammonium polyphosphate composites
Authors: Qian Yi , Li Shanshan , Chen Xilei
Published: July 2015

Oil sludge (OS) containing a lot of CaCO3 is a large quantity waste product in the production of oil. OS was used as a material to synthesize the ethylene‐vinyl acetate (EVA)/OS/ammonium polyphosphate (APP) composites. The synergistic flame retardant effects between OS and APP in EVA composites were studied using limiting oxygen index (LOI), cone calorimeter test (CCT), scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), smoke density test (SDT), and thermogravimetry‐Fourier transform infrared spectrometry. The results showed that the addition of a given amount of APP apparently increased the LOI value. The CCT data indicated that heat release rates (HRR) of EVA/OS/APP composites decreased greatly in comparison with that of EVA and EVA/OS composites. The morphology and structures of residues investigated by SEM gave positive evidence that char layers formed from the EVA/OS/APP composites were more compact than that from the EVA/OS composites. The SDT results showed that APP was helpful to smoke suppression. The TG‐FTIR is used to characterize the thermal degradation mechanism of samples and the volatilized products formed on the thermal degradation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 34: 1731–1739, 2015
Is spectrum sharing in the radar bands commercially attractive?—a regulatory and business overview
Authors: Obregon Evanny , Sung Ki Won , Zander Jens
Published: July 2015

The need to meet users' expectations in the ‘mobile data avalanche’ represents a significant challenge for mobile network operators. More spectrum is a natural way to meet these requirements in a cost and time‐efficient way, but new, exclusively licenced spectrum is increasingly hard to come by. Instead, vertical spectrum sharing has been discussed as a potential solution for finding additional spectrum. In this paper, we focus on vertical spectrum sharing in the radar bands for providing short‐range wireless access, for example, indoors and in hotspots that ‘offload’ traffic demand. We propose a methodology for analysing the technical, regulatory and business aspects of deploying large‐scale wireless networks. Then, we identify the following criteria for achieving business success: spectrum availability, availability of low‐cost end‐user devices, system scalability in terms of number of concurrently used devices and finally the ability to guarantee a quality of service for the users. Our technical availability assessment has identified geo‐location database as the necessary technical enabler and detect‐and‐avoid mechanism as an auxiliary enabler for improving sharing conditions. Moreover, licenced shared access was found to be the suitable regulatory framework to support the proposed sharing mechanism and regulatory policies in real‐life implementation. Our business feasibility assessment concludes that there is enough spectrum available for indoor and hotspots communication in urban areas in the radar bands to make a large‐scale system commercially viable. Service quality can be guaranteed, and there is a strong potential to construct low‐cost devices. Uncertainties do, however, remain regarding the spectrum access cost. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Eurocode method for calculating the external steelwork temperature in fire; comparative studies
Authors: Silva Valdir Pignatta , Azevedo Macksuel Soares
Published: July 2015

To design a steel structure in fire is necessary to know its temperature. Using the data from many experimental fire tests, Margaret Law estimated the maximum temperature in a compartment (natural fire), the external heat transfer to steel elements and the maximum temperature value for steel. The Eurocode adopted her method, with minor adjustments. The method is very calculation intensive—it involves about 60 equations—too many for a quick hand calculation. Besides, while a distinction is made between steel members engulfed and not engulfed in flame, the method is not clear about partially engulfed members. The authors developed the software ExteelFire to determine the maximum temperature of external steel structures for buildings in fire based on the Eurocode method including the determination of the temperature of the partially engulfed elements. Aiming to ascertain the level of safety of the Eurocode method, the results from ExteelFire and a numerical analysis performed using Smartfire (CFD software for the fire model) and Super Tempcalc (finite element method, FEM, software for the thermal analysis) were compared. Furthermore, results from ExteelFire and from two full‐scale experimental tests (Dalmarnock and Ostrava) were contrasted. Based on the comparisons, the Eurocode method is conservative. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dispersion error reduction for acoustic problems using the smoothed finite element method (SFEM)
Authors: Yao Lingyun , Li Yunwu , Li Li
Published: July 2015

The smoothed finite element method (SFEM), which was recently introduced for solving the mechanics and acoustic problems, uses the gradient smoothing technique to operate over the cell‐based smoothing domains. On the basis of the previous work, this paper reports a detailed analysis on the numerical dispersion error in solving two‐dimensional acoustic problems governed by the Helmholtz equation using the SFEM, in comparison with the standard finite element method. Owing to the proper softening effects provided naturally by the cell‐based gradient smoothing operations, the SFEM model behaves much softer than the standard finite element method model. Therefore, the SFEM can significantly reduce the dispersion error in the numerical solution. Results of both theoretical and numerical experiments will support these important findings. It is shown clearly that the SFEM suits ideally well for solving acoustic problems, because of the crucial effectiveness in reducing the dispersion error. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Approximate score‐based testing with application to multivariate trait association analysis
Authors: Xu Zhiyuan , Pan Wei ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2015

For genome‐wide association studies and DNA sequencing studies, several powerful score‐based tests, such as kernel machine regression and sum of powered score tests, have been proposed in the last few years. However, extensions of these score‐based tests to more complex models, such as mixed‐effects models for analysis of multiple and correlated traits, have been hindered by the unavailability of the score vector, due to either no output from statistical software or no closed‐form solution at all. We propose a simple and general method to asymptotically approximate the score vector based on an asymptotically normal and consistent estimate of a parameter vector to be tested and its (consistent) covariance matrix. The proposed method is applicable to both maximum‐likelihood estimation and estimating function‐based approaches. We use the derived approximate score vector to extend several score‐based tests to mixed‐effects models. We demonstrate the feasibility and possible power gains of these tests in association analysis of multiple and correlated quantitative or binary traits with both real and simulated data. The proposed method is easy to implement with a wide applicability.
Soil invertebrate community change over fuel-contaminated sites on a subantarctic island: An ecological field-based line of evidence for site risk assessment
Authors: Wasley Jane , Mooney Thomas J , King Catherine K
Published: July 2015

A number of fuel spills, of both recent and historic origins, have occurred on World Heritage-listed subantarctic Macquarie Island. Sites contaminated by mainly diesel fuels are undergoing remediation by the Australian Antarctic Division. The risks posed by these sites are being managed using a “weight of evidence” approach, for which this study provides a preliminary line of evidence for the ecological assessment component of this site management decision framework. This knowledge is pertinent, given the absence of environmental guidelines for fuel contaminants in subantarctic ecosystems. We provide a field-based, site-specific ecological risk assessment for soil invertebrate communities across the fuel spill sites, before the commencement of in situ remediation activities. Springtails (Collembola) were the most abundant taxa. Springtail community patterns showed only limited correlations with the level of fuel contamination at the soil surface, even when elevated levels occurred in the substratum layers. Of the environmental variables measured, community patterns were most strongly correlated with vegetation cover. We identify a suite of 6 species that contribute most to the community dynamics across these sites. A subset of these we propose as useful candidates for future development of single-species toxicity tests: Folsomotoma punctata, Cryptopygus caecus, Cryptopygus antarcticus and Parisotoma insularis. Findings from this study advance our understanding of soil invertebrate community dynamics within these contaminated sites, directly contributing to the improved management and restoration of the sites. Not only does this study provide an important line of evidence for the island's ecological risk assessment for fuel contaminants, it also enhances our understanding of the potential impact of fuels at other subantarctic islands. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2016;12:306–314. © 2015 SETAC

Key Points

We present the first field-based assessment of invertebrate communities exposed to fuel contamination in the subantarctic, at the World Heritage-listed site of Macquarie Island. Invertebrate community patterns were correlated with environmental variables, predominantly vegetation cover, with only limited correlation with fuel contaminants, most likely due to low fuel concentrations in surface soils. Springtails were the most abundant taxa, and we recommend 4 species for single species toxicity test development: Folsomotoma punctata, Cryptopygus caecus, C. antarcticus, and Parisotoma insularis. Understanding soil invertebrate community dynamics and the ecological health of this ecosystem will inform and guide management and protection strategies at Macquarie Island, with broad applicability to other islands within the subantarctic region.
Immediate and distal effects of the good behavior game
Authors: Donaldson Jeanne M. , Wiskow Katie M. , Soto Paul L.
Published: July 2015

The Good Behavior Game (GBG) has been demonstrated to reduce disruptive student behavior during implementation. The effects of playing the GBG on disruption immediately before and after the GBG are unknown. The current study evaluated the effects of the GBG on disruption in 5 kindergarten classes immediately before, during, and after GBG implementation. The GBG reduced disruption during implementation but did not affect rates of disruption during activity periods that preceded or followed the GBG.
Structural and mechanical characterization of bioresorbable, elastomeric nanocomposites from poly(glycerol sebacate)/nanohydroxyapatite for tissue transport applications
Authors: Rosenbalm Tabitha N. , Teruel Maria , Day Cynthia S. , Donati George L. , Morykwas Michael , Argenta Louis , Kuthirummal Narayanan , Levi‐Polyachenko Nicole
Published: July 2015

Poly(glycerol sebacate) (PGS)/nanohydroxyapatite (nHA) composites were assessed to develop new materials for closure via tissue transport for nonhealing defects (e.g., cleft palate and large skin wounds). The elastic shape memory polymer, PGS, was reinforced with nHA at 3 and 5% loading to increase the mechanical properties compared with the undoped PGS. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilized to identify a glass transition temperature (Tg) of −25°C. X‐ray diffraction demonstrated a reduction in the amorphous nature of the material. The Fourier transform infrared photoacoustic spectral (FTIR‐PAS) data showed decreased CO bonding and increased hydrogen bonding with increased nHA incorporation. Composites exhibited Young's moduli in the range of 0.25–0.5 MPa and tensile strength of 1.5–3 N. No significant difference in extension to break (∼50 mm) with addition of nHA was observed. The elastic modulus significantly increased for 5% PGS/nHA compared to 0 and 3% PGS/nHA and tensile strength significantly increased for 3% PGS/nHA compared to 0 and 5% PGS/nHA. Degradation of 5% nHA/PGS significantly increased during the second week compared to PGS 0 and 3% PGS/nHA. The accelerated degradation for 5% PGS/nHA coupled with decreased flexibility and tensile strength implies an interruption in crosslinking. By maintaining flexibility and extension while increasing tensile strength, the 3% PGS/nHA doped satisfied the force range desired for closure of soft tissue defects. Based on this work, PGS with 3% nHA shape memory polymers should serve as a good candidate for closure of nonhealing soft tissues. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1366–1373, 2016.
Understanding the basis of I50V‐induced affinity decrease in HIV‐1 protease via molecular dynamics simulations using polarized force field
Authors: Duan Rui , Lazim Raudah , Zhang Dawei
Published: July 2015

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)‐1 protease is one of the most promising drug target commonly utilized to combat Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). However, with the emergence of drug resistance arising from mutations, the efficiency of protease inhibitors (PIs) as a viable treatment for AIDS has been greatly reduced. I50V mutation as one of the most significant mutations occurring in HIV‐1 protease will be investigated in this study. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation was utilized to examine the effect of I50V mutation on the binding of two PIs namely indinavir and amprenavir to HIV‐1 protease. Prior to the simulations conducted, the electron density distributions of the PI and each residue in HIV‐1 protease are derived by combining quantum fragmentation approach molecular fractionation with conjugate caps and Poisson–Boltzmann solvation model based on polarized protein‐specific charge scheme. The atomic charges of the binding complex are subsequently fitted using delta restrained electrostatic potential (delta‐RESP) method to overcome the poor charge determination of buried atom. This way, both intraprotease polarization and the polarization between protease and the PI are incorporated into partial atomic charges. Through this study, the mutation‐induced affinity variations were calculated and significant agreement between experiments and MD simulations conducted was observed for both HIV‐1 protease‐drug complexes. In addition, the mechanism governing the decrease in the binding affinity of PI in the presence of I50V mutation was also explored to provide insights pertaining to the design of the next generation of anti‐HIV drugs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Comment on Background Independence in Quantum Theory
Authors: Brändas Erkki J.
Published: July 2015

In this communication we take up the significance and purpose of selecting the proper coordinate system from the flat space‐time of non‐relativistic theories to the quantum theoretic formulation of general relativity. The universal background problem is straight forwardly framed as a momentum‐energy portrait in nexus with its space‐time conjugates. The description is based on operator matrix algebra, where the related analogue of the secular equation yields a Klein‐Gordon type equation and the associated Minkowski eigentime element. The energy‐momentum and their conjugate partners are represented by spaces that have (+,−) signatures. The general theory implicates both non‐zero‐ and zero rest‐mass entities, and it is proved that the conjugate relationship between energy and time provide a simple derivation of the Schwarzschild line element for the case of a gravitational field outside a spherical non‐rotational uncharged mass. This result, indicating the appearance of a black hole as a true singularity in the energy‐time formulation, and obtained as a direct consequence of their conjugate relationship, manifests background independence in concert with Einstein’s equivalence principle. Inducing a reformulation of the Lorentz Transformation respecting the indefinite Minkowski metric, displays an interesting relation between complex dilations and indefinite metric spaces, validating the complex symmetric ansatz.
Androgen Receptor Coactivators in Regulation of Growth and Differentiation in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Culig Zoran
Published: July 2015

Androgen receptor (AR) is a key factor in regulation of growth and differentiation in normal and malignant prostate. Endocrine therapies for prostate cancer include inhibition of androgen production either by analogs of luteinizing hormone releasing hormone or abiraterone acetate and/or use of anti‐androgens such as hydroxyflutamide, bicalutamide, and enzalutamide. Castration therapy‐resistant cancer develops inevitably in patients who undergo treatment. AR coactivators are proteins which interact with one or more regions of the AR thus enhancing its function. Although several functions of AR coactivators may be redundant, specific functions have been identified and analyzed. The p160 group of coactivators, SRC‐1, ‐2, and ‐3 not only potentiate the activation of the AR, but are also implicated in potentiation of function of insulin‐like growth factor‐I and activation of the Akt pathway. Transcriptional integrators p300 and CBP are up‐regulated by androgen ablation and may influence antagonist/agonist balance of non‐steroidal anti‐androgens. A therapy approach designed to target p300 in prostate cancer revealed its role in regulation of proliferation of migration of androgen‐sensitive and ‐insensitive prostate cancer cells. Coactivators p300 and SRC‐1 are required for AR activation by interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), a cytokine that is overexpressed in castration therapy‐resistant prostate cancer. Some coactivators, such as Vav3, are involved in regulation of transcriptional activity of truncated AR, which emerge during endocrine thrapy. Stimulation of cellular migration and invasion by AR coactivators has also been described. Translational studies with aim to introduce anti‐AR coactivator therapy have not been successfully implemented in the clinic so far. J. Cell. Physiol. 231: 270–274, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
99mTc‐human serum albumin nanocolloids: particle sizing and radioactivity distribution
Authors: Persico Marco G. , Lodola Lorenzo , Buroni Federica E. , Morandotti Marco , Pallavicini Piersandro , Aprile Carlo
Published: July 2015

Several parameters affect the biodistribution of administered nanocolloids (NC) for Sentinel Lymph Node (SLN) detection: particle size distribution, number of Tc atoms per particle and specific activity (SA). Relatively few data are available with frequently conflicting results. 99mTc‐NC‐human serum albumin (HSA) Nanocoll®, Nanoalbumon® and Nanotop® were analysed for particles' dimensional and radioactivity distribution, and a mathematical model was elaborated to estimate the number of particles involved. Commercially available kits were reconstituted at maximal SA of 11 MBq/µg HSA. Particles size distribution was evaluated by Dynamic Light Scattering. These data were related to the radioactivity distribution analysis passing labelled NC through three polycarbonate filters (15‐30‐50‐nm pore size) under vacuum. Highest radioactivity was carried by 30–50 nm particles. The smallest ones, even though most numerous, carried only the 10% of 99mTc atoms. Nanocoll and Nanotop are not significantly different, while Nanoalbumon is characterized by largest particles (>30 nm) that carried the most of radioactivity (80%). Smallest particles could saturate the clearing capacity of macrophages; therefore, if the tracer is used for SLN detection, more node tiers could be visualized, reducing accuracy of SLN mapping. Manufacturers could implement technical leaflets with particle size distribution and could improve the labelling protocol to provide clinicians useful information.
Apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurement in ovarian tumor: Effect of region‐of‐interest methods on ADC values and diagnostic ability
Authors: Mukuda Naoko , Fujii Shinya , Inoue Chie , Fukunaga Takeru , Tanabe Yoshio , Itamochi Hiroaki , Ogawa Toshihide
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To investigate the difference in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) measurements of differently shaped regions of interest (ROIs) in ovarian tumors, and to investigate the diagnostic ability of differently shaped ROIs in differentiating benign from malignant ovarian tumors.

Materials and Methods

Fifty‐four patients with ovarian tumors with a solid component were evaluated. The patients underwent magnetic resonance (MR) examinations including diffusion‐weighted imaging using a 3.0T MR system. Two readers measured ADCs using four ROI methods: freehand, square, round, and five small round ROIs. The interclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and repeated‐measures analysis of variance were used to assess their measurement reliability and to compare ADCs for each ROI method. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis and unpaired t‐test on each ROI were used to differentiate benign and malignant ovarian tumors and assess the diagnostic ability.

Results

All ROI methods except the square ROI (0.56) showed good or excellent correlations (0.70–0.91). Minimum and mean ADC values differed significantly between the ROIs (P < 0.05). When using the freehand ROI, the minimum and mean ADC values were the lowest and highest, respectively. The optimal cutoff minimum and mean ADC values of each ROI for differentiating benign and malignant tumors were 0.81–1.06 × 10‐3 mm2/s and 1.15–1.52 × 10‐3 mm2/s, respectively. The areas under the curve showed no significant differences among the ADCs in the different ROI methods (P > 0.05). Minimum and mean ADCs from all ROIs showed significant differences between benign and malignant tumors (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The ROI shape influences ADC values and the optimal cutoff ADC values for differentiating benign from malignant ovarian tumors. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:720–725.
Findings in pancreatic MRI associated with pancreatic fibrosis and HbA1c values
Authors: Noda Yoshifumi , Goshima Satoshi , Tanaka Kaori , Osada Shinji , Tomita Hiroyuki , Hara Akira , Horikawa Yukio , Takeda Jun , Kajita Kimihiro , Watanabe Haruo , Kawada Hiroshi , Kawai Nobuyuki , Kanematsu Masayuki , Bae Kyongtae T.
Published: July 2015

Purpose

To evaluate the diagnostic performance of noncontrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to grade pancreatic fibrosis and to assess hemoglobin (Hb) A1c values.

Materials and Methods

Twenty‐nine consecutive patients with pancreatic or biliary malignancy who underwent pancreatectomy were evaluated. Patients were classified into three groups: HbA1c < 5.7 (group 1), 5.7 ≤ HbA1c < 6.5 (group 2), and HbA1c ≥ 6.5 (group 3). MRI of the pancreas was performed using a 1.5T MR system. The pancreas‐to‐muscle signal intensity ratio (SIR) on in‐ and opposed‐phase T1‐, T2‐, and diffusion‐weighted images, as well as the apparent diffusion coefficient were calculated. MRI measurements, degrees of pancreatic fibrosis, and HbA1c values were compared using multiple regression analysis and Kruskal–Wallis test.

Results

The pancreatic fibrosis grade was negatively correlated with the SIR on in‐phase T1‐weighted images (r = –0.67, P = 0.0002). The pancreatic fibrosis grade and HbA1c value were negatively correlated with the SIR on opposed‐phase T1‐weighted images (r = –0.47, P = 0.019 and r = –0.51, P = 0.0089, respectively). SIRs on in‐ and opposed‐phase T1‐weighted images were significantly lower in group 3 than in groups 1 and 2 (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The pancreas‐to‐muscle SIRs on in‐ and opposed‐phase T1‐weighted images could be a potential biomarker for pancreatic fibrosis and elevated HbA1c values. J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2016;43:680–687.
Azuki bean (Vigna angularis) extract stimulates the phosphorylation of AMP‐activated protein kinase in HepG2 cells and diabetic rat liver
Authors: Sato Shin , Mukai Yuuka , Kataoka Saori , Kurasaki Masaaki
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

The activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a beneficial effect on hyperglycaemia. The aim of this study was to examine whether an azuki bean (Vigna angularis) extract (ABE) stimulates the AMPK or insulin signalling pathways in a liver cell line in response to hyperglycaemia, as well as in a diabetic rat liver.

RESULTS

HepG2 cells were incubated with 5 or 20 mmol L−1 glucose and then treated with ABE. Streptozotocin‐induced diabetic rats received 0, 10, or 40 mg kg−1 ABE orally. Blood chemistry and phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt (a serine/threonine kinase) in the livers were examined. There was a significant increase in the levels of AMPK and Akt phosphorylation in ABE‐treated HepG2 cells. AMPK phosphorylation increased significantly in glucose‐stimulated HepG2 cells that were treated with ABE. In the 40 mg kg−1 ABE‐treated diabetic rats, the glucose levels were lower than in the control. Phosphorylation of AMPK in ABE‐untreated diabetic rat livers decreased significantly. Conversely, ABE treatment increased the phosphorylation of AMPK and Akt in the diabetic rat liver.

CONCLUSION

ABE treatment upregulated AMPK phosphorylation in HepG2 cells, and upregulated AMPK and Akt phosphorylation in the diabetic rat liver. These data suggest that ABE can potentially improve glucose intolerance. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of coupled ultrasound‐assisted and reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction before high‐performance liquid chromatography for the sensitive determination of vitamin A and vitamin E in oil samples
Authors: Goudarzi Nasser , Farsimadan Sahar , Arab Chamjangali Mansour , Bagherian Ghadam Ali
Published: July 2015

A new approach based on the ultrasound‐assisted reversed‐phase dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction technique is developed for the extraction and determination of vitamin A and vitamin E from oil matrices before high‐performance liquid chromatography analysis. A methodology based on the full factorial design is carried out to choose the significant parameters. Then the significant factors affecting the extraction efficiency including pH, volume of extraction solvent, and volume of disperser solvent are optimized using a Box–Behnken design. After analyzing the results obtained, the optimum conditions were: pH 4.5, 80–20 μL of the ethanol/water solvent mixture as extraction solvent, 110 μL of 1,4‐dioxane as the disperser solvent, and a sonication time of 10 min. For validation of the developed method, the linear dynamic range, repeatability, limit of detection, and recoveries were obtained under the optimum conditions. The detection limits of the method were 1.6 and 2.3 ng/mL for vitamin A and vitamin E, respectively. The extraction recovery percentages for the studied drugs were above 91%, with acceptable relative standard deviation. The proposed methodology was successfully applied for the determination of the vitamins in different oil samples.
Recent Sexual Trauma and Adverse Health and Occupational Outcomes Among U.S. Service Women
Authors: Millegan Jeffrey , Milburn Emma K. , LeardMann Cynthia A. , Street Amy E. , Williams Diane , Trone Daniel W. , Crum‐Cianflone Nancy F.
Published: July 2015

Sexual trauma is prevalent among military women, but data on potential effects are needed. The association of sexual trauma with health and occupational outcomes was investigated using longitudinal data from the Millennium Cohort Study. Of 13,001 U.S. service women, 1,364 (10.5%) reported recent sexual harassment and 374 (2.9%) recent sexual assault. Women reporting recent sexual harassment or assault were more likely to report poorer mental health: OR = 1.96, 95% CI [1.71, 2.25], and OR = 3.45, 95% CI [2.67, 4.44], respectively. They reported poorer physical health: OR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.20, 1.62], and OR = 1.39, 95% CI [1.04, 1.85], respectively. They reported difficulties in work/activities due to emotional health: OR = 1.80, 95% CI [1.59, 2.04], and OR = 2.70, 95% CI [2.12, 3.44], respectively. They also reported difficulties with physical health: OR = 1.55, 95% CI [1.37, 1.75], and OR = 1.52 95% CI [1.20, 1.91], respectively, after adjustment for demographic, military, health, and prior sexual trauma characteristics. Recent sexual harassment was associated with demotion, OR = 1.47, 95% CI [1.12, 1.93]. Findings demonstrated that sexual trauma represents a potential threat to military operational readiness and draws attention to the importance of prevention strategies and services to reduce the burden of sexual trauma on military victims.
Pectin supplementation in rats mitigates age‐related impairment in insulin and leptin sensitivity independently of reducing food intake
Authors: Palou Mariona , Sánchez Juana , García‐Carrizo Francisco , Palou Andreu , Picó Catalina
Published: July 2015

Scope

This study investigates whether pectin supplementation in adult rats can ameliorate age‐associated disturbances in peripheral insulin and leptin actions.

Methods and results

Seven‐month‐old male Wistar rats were divided into three groups: control (rats fed ad libitum a standard‐diet), pectin (rats fed ad libitum a standard‐diet supplemented with 10% pectin), and pair‐fed (rats pair‐fed to the pectin group). They were sacrificed after 1 month. Pectin and pair‐fed rats showed lower body weight gain and food intake than controls and underwent a decrease in leptin levels and an increase in adiponectin levels. Pectin‐treated animals, but not pair‐fed ones, showed lower body‐fat content and HOMA‐IR index after dietary intervention. Compared to controls, pectin‐treated rats showed a decline in the expression of genes related to energy uptake (WAT) and lipogenesis (WAT and liver), and increased expression levels of lipolysis‐ and fatty‐acid oxidation‐related genes (liver). Some of the changes were not evidenced in the pair‐fed group. These effects appear to be associated with improved leptin signaling.

Conclusion

Ten percent pectin supplementation for 1 month in adult rats decreases body‐fat content and ameliorates age‐related insulin and leptin resistance more intensely than what could be attributed to the decrease in energy intake, overall contributing to better metabolic health.
Effects of glass fiber on the properties of polyoxymethylene/thermoplastic polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotube composites
Authors: Zhang Bo‐Yuan , Xu Ling , Guo Zhao‐Xia , Yu Jian , Nagai Satoshi
Published: July 2015

The effects of epoxy‐functionalized glass fiber (GF) on the electrical conductivity, crystallization behavior, thermal stability, and dynamic mechanical properties of polyoxymethylene (POM)/thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites are investigated. The electrical resistivities of POM/5%−20% TPU/1% MWCNT composites are significantly reduced by nine orders of magnitude after the addition of 20% GF because of the formation of TPU‐coated GF structure facilitating the construction of conductive networks. GF has no obvious influence on the crystallization temperature, melting temperature, and degree of crystallinity of POM in POM/TPU/MWCNT composites because of their relatively bigger size compared with POM chains and MWCNTs. The storage moduli of POM/TPU/MWCNT composites are improved by the addition of GF, indicating that POM/TPU/MWCNT/GF composites are promising materials with good electrical and mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1319–1326, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enzyme‐mediated surface modification of jute and its influence on the properties of jute/epoxy composites
Authors: Ni Xiaoyan , Dong Aixue , Fan Xuerong , Wang Qiang , Yu Yuanyuan , Cavaco‐Paulo Artur
Published: July 2015

Surface modification of jute fibers is necessary to improve the adhesion and interfacial compatibility between fibers and resin matrix before using fibers in polymer composites. In this study, dodecyl gallate (DG) was enzymatically grafted onto the jute fiber by laccase to endow the fiber with hydrophobicity. A hand lay‐up technique was then adopted to prepare jute/epoxy composites. Contact angle and wetting time measurements showed that the surface hydrophobicity of the jute fabric was increased after the enzymatic graft modification. The water absorption and thickness swelling of the DG‐grafted jute fabric/epoxy composite were lower than those of the other composites. The tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the jute/epoxy composites were enhanced by the surface modification. Scanning electron microscopy images revealed stronger fiber–matrix adhesion in composites with modified fibers. Therefore, the enzymatic graft modification increased the fiber–matrix interface area. The fiber–matrix adhesion was enhanced, and the mechanical properties of the composites were improved. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1327–1334, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Morphology, Resistivity, and PTC behavior of EVOH/CB composites prepared by solvent‐casting saponification and precipitation saponification
Authors: Lee Eun‐Ju , Park Eun‐Soo
Published: July 2015

Poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl alcohol)/carbon black (EVOH/CB) composites were prepared by a solvent‐casting saponification (‐D) and precipitation saponification (‐P) methods with a poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/CB (EVA/CB) toluene suspension. The effects of the CB content and saponification time on the morphology, electrical resistivity, thermal, and mechanical properties of EVA/CB composites were examined. The volume resistivity (ρv) of the EVA/CB‐D and EVA/CB‐P samples decreased significantly with increasing CB content and the percolation threshold of such composites was determined about 10 wt%. At 10 wt% of CB content, the ρv of EVA/CB‐D composite decreased significantly with the saponification time, whereas ρv of EVA/CB‐P composites did not change. As the saponification time increased, EVA/CB25wt% composites form cavity structure which CB is usually located in oval cavities larger than the particles themselves. This oval cavity structure almost resembles extruded high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)/CB composites. The morphology and PTC behavior of prepared composites were compared with those of HDPE/CB and the mechanism of PTC and NTC effects was discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1462–1473, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Incorporation of silicon dioxide nanoparticles at the carbon fiber‐epoxy matrix interphase and its effect on composite mechanical properties
Authors: Qin Wenzhen , Vautard Frederic , Askeland Per , Yu Junrong , Drzal Lawrence T.
Published: July 2015

Functionalized silicon dioxide nanoparticles (nano‐fSiO2) were uniformly deposited on the surface of carbon fibers (CFs) using a coating process which consisted of immersing the fibers directly in a suspension of nano‐fSiO2 particles and epoxy monomers in 1‐methyl‐2‐pyrrolidinone (NMP). The 0° flexural properties, 90° flexural properties, and Interlaminar shear strength (ILSS) mechanical properties of unidirectional epoxy composites made with nano‐fSiO2+epoxy sized carbon fibers, with control fibers, and with epoxy‐only sized fibers were measured and compared. An obvious increase of the fiber/matrix adherence strength was obtained with the nano‐fSiO2+epoxy coating. The nano‐fSiO2+epoxy sized CF/epoxy composites showed a relative increase of 15%, 50%, and 22% in comparison to control fibers, for the Interlaminar shear strength, the 90° flexural strength and the 90° flexural modulus, respectively, but little e difference was measured between the different systems for the 0° flexural properties. The observation of the fracture surfaces by scanning electron microscopy of composite fracture confirmed the improvement of the interfacially dependent mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1474–1482, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Differential proteomics of monosodium urate crystals‐induced inflammatory response in dissected murine air pouch membranes by iTRAQ technology
Authors: Chiu Chih‐Wei , Chen Han‐Min , Wu Tzong‐Ta , Shih Ying‐Chu , Huang Kuo‐Kuei , Tsai Ying‐Fei , Hsu Yi‐Ling , Chen Sung‐Fang
Published: July 2015

The precipitation of monosodium urate crystals within joints triggers an acute inflammatory reaction that is the root cause of gout. The inflammation induced by the injection of MSU crystals into the murine air pouch for 1, 3, and 5 h was examined by iTRAQ‐based proteomic profiling. The iTRAQ‐labeled peptides were fractionated by SCX, basic‐RP or solution‐IEF, followed by LC‐MS/MS analysis. A total of 951 proteins were quantified from the total combined fractions. Among them, 317 proteins exhibited a differential expression, compared to that of the controls at one time point or more. The majority of the differentially expressed proteins were found in the sample after a 5‐h MSU treatment. Western blot revealed that the expression levels of cathelin‐related antimicrobial peptide and S100A9 were positively correlated with the time‐course treated with MSU. Further analysis of GeneGO pathway demonstrated that these differentially expressed proteins are primarily related to the immune‐related complement system and the tricarboxylic acid cycle. Moreover, seven genes from the TCA cycle were found to be significantly downregulated at the transcriptional level and its correlation with gout and possible therapeutic applications are worth further investigation. Last, we found that pyruvate carboxylation could be potential targets for antigout treatment.
Suppression of boron incorporation at the early growth phases of boron‐doped diamond thin films
Authors: Tsigkourakos Menelaos , Hantschel Thomas , Xu Zheng , Douhard Bastien , Meersschaut Johan , Zou Yiming , Larsson Karin , Boman Mats , Vandervorst Wilfried
Published: July 2015

The presence of O during the chemical vapour deposition (CVD) of B‐doped diamond results in the suppression of B incorporation into the diamond film. In this study, we demonstrate that the amount of residual O within the chamber is higher at the beginning of the diamond growth due to the O‐contaminated chamber walls, and is decreased after a certain time period. This leads to a gradual increase of the B incorporation by more than one order of magnitude during the early growth phases of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD). We further show that this suppression of B incorporation at the early growth phases of B‐doped diamond is influenced by the growth rate of the film. This is attributed to the constant time period whereby most of the residual O interacts with the B‐precursors in the gas phase by forming stable B–O species, which are flushed out from the chamber exhaust. Furthermore, the constant B profile of an NCD film grown in a loadlock hot‐filament CVD (HFCVD) system reveals that the amount of residual O is constant and minimal during the growth process. Therefore, our work proves that the use of a loadlock overcomes the B‐suppression problem at the early growth phases of diamond, making it the optimal solution for the growth of highly conductive thin diamond films.
Synthesis, crystal structure, and electronic properties of CeBiO3 oxide
Authors: Das Bidhu Bhusan , Rao Ruppa Govinda
Published: July 2015

Synthesis of CeBiO3 oxide is performed by a sol–gel method. Analysis of the powder X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern shows tetragonal unit cell with lattice parameters: a = 11.5030 Å, c = 5.4066 Å, space group P42/mnm, and Z = 4. Average crystallite sizes determined by Scherrer equation ∼14–47 nm show formation of nanoparticles in CeBiO3. On refinement of the unit‐cell structure, the agreement factors are lowered to: Rp = 0.98; Rwp = 0.99; Rexp = 0.006. Observed DC elctrical conductivity activation energy, Ea ∼ 0.62 eV shows the fairly strong semiconducting nature of CeBiO3. AC electrical conductivity results show electronic conductivity due to thermally activated hopping of Ce3+(4f1) electrons in CeBiO3. UV–VIS–NIR diffuse reflection absorption bands ∼200–440 nm are due to transitions from Ce3+(4f1) ground state 2F5/2 to five degeneracy lifted trigonal crystal field splitting of 5d levels of Ce3+ ions.
Enhancement of the in‐plane stiffness of the hexagonal re‐entrant auxetic honeycomb cores
Authors: Zied Khaled , Osman Mohamed , Elmahdy Tarek
Published: July 2015

In the present work, two new designs of honeycomb structures were presented based on the basic re‐entrant structure namely, splined‐reentrant and stiffened‐reentrant honeycombs. The new structures were designed in order to enhance the in‐plane stiffness and maintaining the auxetic behavior of the structure. In this study, finite elements modeling and experimental work were carried out to evaluate the in‐plane properties of the new designs. The effect of the geometrical parameters such as rib length and rib thickness of the unit cell of the new designs on the in‐plane properties was investigated. Finite elements results showed that the in‐plane stiffness of the new designs was improved significantly compared to the basic re‐entrant structure. Also, the stiffened‐reentrant structure showed better enhancement of the stiffness than the splined‐reentrant structure. For example the modulus of elasticity of the stiffened‐reentrant structure exceeds 16× that of the basic re‐entrant structure in x‐direction and was over two times in the y‐direction with lower values of the negative Poisson's ratio. Compression tests were carried on honeycomb samples made of steel using laser cutting technique with different geometrical parameters. Test results for the three designs were compared with the finite element results and they were in a good agreement.
Position and momentum information‐theoretic measures of the pseudoharmonic potential
Authors: Yahya W. A. , Oyewumi K. J. , Sen K. D.
Published: July 2015

In this study, the information‐theoretic measures in both the position and momentum spaces for the pseudoharmonic potential using Fisher information, Shannon entropy, Renyi entropy, Tsallis entropy, and Onicescu information energy are investigated analytically and numerically. The results obtained are applied to some diatomic molecules. The Renyi and Tsallis entropies are analytically obtained in position space using Srivastava–Niukkanen linearization formula in terms of the Lauricella hypergeometric function. Also, they are obtained in the momentum space in terms of the multivariate Bell polynomials of Combinatorics. We observed that the Fisher information increases with n in both the position and momentum spaces, but decreases with
for all the diatomic molecules considered. The Shannon entropy also increases with increasing n in the position space and decreases with increasing
. The variations of the Renyi and Tsallis entropies with
are also discussed. The exact and numerical values of the Onicescu information energy are also obtained, after which the ratio of information‐theoretic impetuses to lengths for Fisher, Shannon, and Renyi are obtained. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.