bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reasons for Not Participating in Scleroderma Patient Support Groups: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Gumuchian Stephanie T. , Delisle Vanessa C. , Peláez Sandra , Malcarne Vanessa L. , El‐Baalbaki Ghassan , Kwakkenbos Linda , Jewett Lisa R. , Carrier Marie‐Eve , Pépin Mia , Thombs Brett D. ,   and the Scleroderma Support Group Project Advisory Team
Published: February 2017

Objective

Peer‐led support groups are an important resource for many people with scleroderma (systemic sclerosis; SSc). Little is known, however, about barriers to participation. The objective of this study was to identify reasons why some people with SSc do not participate in SSc support groups.

Methods

A 21‐item survey was used to assess reasons for nonattendance among SSc patients in Canada and the US. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was conducted, using the software MPlus 7, to group reasons for nonattendance into themes.

Results

A total of 242 people (202 women) with SSc completed the survey. EFA results indicated that a 3‐factor model best described the data (χ2[150] = 302.7; P < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index = 0.91, Tucker‐Lewis Index = 0.88, root mean square error of approximation = 0.07, factor intercorrelations 0.02–0.43). The 3 identified themes, reflecting reasons for not attending SSc support groups were personal reasons (9 items; e.g., already having enough support), practical reasons (7 items; e.g., no local support groups available), and beliefs about support groups (5 items; e.g., support groups are too negative). On average, respondents rated 4.9 items as important or very important reasons for nonattendance. The 2 items most commonly rated as important or very important were 1) already having enough support from family, friends, or others, and 2) not knowing of any SSc support groups offered in my area.

Conclusion

SSc organizations may be able to address limitations in accessibility and concerns about SSc support groups by implementing online support groups, better informing patients about support group activities, and training support group facilitators.
Diet and Rheumatoid Arthritis Symptoms: Survey Results From a Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry
Authors: Tedeschi Sara K. , Frits Michelle , Cui Jing , Zhang Zhi Zack , Mahmoud Taysir , Iannaccone Christine , Lin Tzu‐Chieh , Yoshida Kazuki , Weinblatt Michael E. , Shadick Nancy A. , Solomon Daniel H.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often ask whether specific foods, popularized as inflammatory or antiinflammatory, can improve or worsen their RA. Patients with RA took a survey on diet and RA symptoms, and the survey data were collected and analyzed.

Methods

A dietary survey was mailed to 300 subjects in a single‐center RA registry at a large academic center. Subjects were asked about their consumption of 20 foods and whether these foods make their RA symptoms better, worse, or unchanged. Semiannual registry data include demographics, medications, comorbidities, and disease activity scores. Fisher's exact test and Wilcoxon's rank sum tests evaluated associations between subject characteristics from the most recent registry assessment and changes in RA symptoms from specific foods.

Results

Of the 217 subjects (72% response rate), 83% were female; the median RA duration was 17 years (interquartile range 9–27 years), and 58% were taking a biologic disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug. Twenty‐four percent of subjects reported that foods affect their RA symptoms, with 15% reporting improvement and 19% reporting worsening. Blueberries and spinach were the foods most often reported to improve RA symptoms, while soda with sugar and desserts were those most often reported to worsen RA symptoms. Younger age and noting that sleep, warm room temperature, and vitamin/mineral supplements improve RA were each associated with reporting that foods affect RA symptoms. Medication use, sex, body mass index, smoking, disease duration, disease activity scores, and self‐reported RA flares were not associated with reporting that foods affect RA.

Conclusion

Nearly one‐quarter of RA subjects with longstanding disease reported that diet had an effect on their RA symptoms.
Radiolabelled Polymeric Materials for Imaging and Treatment of Cancer: Quo Vadis?
Authors: Pant Kritee , Sedláček Ondřej , Nadar Robin A. , Hrubý Martin , Stephan Holger
Published: February 2017

Owing to their tunable blood circulation time and suitable plasma stability, polymer‐based nanomaterials hold a great potential for designing and utilising multifunctional nanocarriers for efficient imaging and effective treatment of cancer. When tagged with appropriate radionuclides, they may allow for specific detection (diagnosis) as well as the destruction of tumours (therapy) or even customization of materials, aiming to both diagnosis and therapy (theranostic approach). This review provides an overview of recent developments of radiolabelled polymeric nanomaterials (natural and synthetic polymers) for molecular imaging of cancer, specifically, applying nuclear techniques such as positron emission tomography (PET) and single‐photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). Different approaches to radiolabel polymers are evaluated from the methodical radiochemical point of view. This includes new bifunctional chelating agents (BFCAs) for radiometals as well as novel labelling methods. Special emphasis is given to eligible strategies employed to evade the mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) in view of efficient targeting. The discussion encompasses promising strategies currently employed as well as emerging possibilities in radionuclide‐based cancer therapy. Key issues involved in the clinical translation of radiolabelled polymers and future scopes of this intriguing research field are also discussed.
Template‐Free Growth of Well‐Ordered Silver Nano Forest/Ceramic Metamaterial Films with Tunable Optical Responses
Authors: Gao Junhua , Wu Xingzhi , Li Qiuwu , Du Shiyu , Huang Feng , Liang Lingyan , Zhang Hongliang , Zhuge Fei , Cao Hongtao , Song Yinglin
Published: February 2017

Currently, the limitations of conventional methods for fabricating metamaterials composed of well‐aligned nanoscale inclusions either lack the necessary freedom to tune the structural geometry or are difficult for large‐area synthesis. In this Communication, the authors propose a fabrication route to create well‐ordered silver nano forest/ceramic composite single‐layer or multi‐layer vertically stacked structures, as a distinctive approach to make large‐area nanoscale metamaterials. To take advantage of direct growth, the authors fabricate single‐layer nanocomposite films with a well‐defined sub‐5 nm interwire gap and an average nanowire diameter of ≈3 nm. Further, artificially constructed multilayer metamaterial films are easily fabricated by vertical integration of different single‐layer metamaterial films. Based upon the thermodynamics as well as thin film growth dynamics theory, the growth mechanism is presented to elucidate the formation of such structure. Intriguing steady and transient optical properties in these assemblies are demonstrated, owing to their nanoscale structural anisotropy. The studies suggest that the self‐organized nanocomposites provide an extensible material platform to manipulate optical response in the region of sub‐5 nm scale.
Spiral Patterning of Au Nanoparticles on Au Nanorod Surface to Form Chiral AuNR@AuNP Helical Superstructures Templated by DNA Origami
Authors: Shen Chenqi , Lan Xiang , Zhu Chenggan , Zhang Wei , Wang Leyu , Wang Qiangbin
Published: February 2017

Plasmonic motifs with precise surface recognition sites are crucial for assembling defined nanostructures with novel functionalities and properties. In this work, a unique and effective strategy is successfully developed to pattern DNA recognition sites in a helical arrangement around a gold nanorod (AuNR), and a new set of heterogeneous AuNR@AuNP plasmonic helices is fabricated by attaching complementary‐DNA‐modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) to the predesigned sites on the AuNR surface. AuNR is first assembled to one side of a bifacial rectangular DNA origami, where eight groups of capture strands are selectively patterned on the other side. The subsequently added link strands make the rectangular DNA origami roll up around the AuNR into a tubular shape, therefore giving birth to a chiral patterning of DNA recognition sites on the surface of AuNR. Following the hybridization with the AuNPs capped with the complementary strands to the capture strands on the DNA origami, left‐handed and right‐handed AuNR@AuNP helical superstructures are precisely formed by tuning the pattern of the recognition sites on the AuNR surface. Our strategy of nanoparticle surface patterning innovatively realizes hierarchical self‐assembly of plasmonic superstructures with tunable chiroptical responses, and will certainly broaden the horizon of bottom‐up construction of other functional nanoarchitectures with growing complexity.
Flexible Piezoelectric Fibers for Acoustic Sensing and Positioning
Authors: Wang Shun , Zhang Ting , Li Kaiwei , Ma Shaoyang , Chen Ming , Lu Ping , Wei Lei
Published: February 2017

Emerging development of flexible acoustic devices focuses on constructing large‐area acoustic sensing networks with high spatial and temporal resolution, enabling applications in acoustic sensing and positioning, particularly in underwater and medical fields. Here, a piezoelectric fiber‐like device is fabricated by a thermal drawing technique to deliver acoustic sensing functionalities at fiber‐optic length scales, flexibility, and uniformity. The resulting piezoelectric fiber device operates in a frequency range of 2–8 MHz with signal‐to‐noise ratio above 20 dB. Additionally, a single piezoelectric fiber can simultaneously demodulate two monochromatic sound signals with a frequency gap from 0.01 to 30 MHz. As a proof of concept, a 2D 3 × 3 fiber array is fabricated to detect and position an underwater acoustic source with a spatial resolution of one centimeter.
Recent Advances of Mn‐Rich LiFe1‐yMnyPO4 (0.5 ≤ y < 1.0) Cathode Materials for High Energy Density Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Deng Yuanfu , Yang Chunxiang , Zou Kaixiang , Qin Xusong , Zhao Zhenxia , Chen Guohua
Published: February 2017

LiMnPO4 (LMP) is one of the most potential candidates for high energy density (≈700 W h kg−1) lithium ion batteries (LIBs). However, the intrinsically low electronic conductivity and lithium ion diffusion coefficient of LMP result in its low performance. To overcome these challenges, it is an effective approach to prepare nanometer‐sized Fe‐doping LMP (LFMP) materials through optimization of the preparation routes. Moreover, surface coating can improve the ionic and electronic conductivity, and decrease the interfacial side reactions between the nanometer particles and electrolyte. Thus, a uniform surface coating will lead to a significant enhancement of the electrochemical performance of LFMP. Currently, considerable efforts have been devoted to improving the electrochemical performance of LiFe1‐yMnyPO4 (0.5 ≤ y < 1.0) and some important progresses have been achieved. Here, a general overview of the structural features, typical electrochemical behavior, delithiation/lithiation mechanisms, and thermodynamic properties of LiFe1‐yMnyPO4‐based materials is presented. The recent developments achieved in improvement of the electrochemical performances of LiFe1‐yMnyPO4‐based materials are summarized, including selecting the synthetic methods, nanostructuring, surface coating, optimizing Fe/Mn ratios and particle morphologies, cation/anion doping, and rational designing of LFMP‐based full cells. Finally, the critical issues at present and future development of LiFe1‐yMnyPO4‐based materials are discussed.
Chlorine‐Enabled Electron Doping in Solution‐Synthesized SnSe Thermoelectric Nanomaterials
Authors: Han Guang , Popuri Srinivas R. , Greer Heather F. , Llin Lourdes F. , Bos Jan‐Willem G. , Zhou Wuzong , Paul Douglas J. , Ménard Hervé , Knox Andrew R. , Montecucco Andrea , Siviter Jonathan , Man Elena A. , Li Wen‐guang , Paul Manosh C. , Gao Min , Sweet Tracy , Freer Robert , Azough Feridoon , Baig Hasan , Mallick Tapas K. , Gregory Duncan H.
Published: February 2017

An aqueous solution method is developed for the facile synthesis of Cl‐containing SnSe nanoparticles in 10 g quantities per batch. The particle size and Cl concentration of the nanoparticles can be efficiently tuned as a function of reaction duration. Hot pressing produces n‐type Cl‐doped SnSe nanostructured compacts with thermoelectric power factors optimized via control of Cl dopant concentration. This approach, combining an energy‐efficient solution synthesis with hot pressing, provides a simple, rapid, and low‐cost route to high performance n‐type SnSe thermoelectric materials.
Atomic Modulation of FeCo–Nitrogen–Carbon Bifunctional Oxygen Electrodes for Rechargeable and Flexible All‐Solid‐State Zinc–Air Battery
Authors: Su Chang‐Yuan , Cheng Hui , Li Wei , Liu Zhao‐Qing , Li Nan , Hou Zhufeng , Bai Fu‐Quan , Zhang Hong‐Xing , Ma Tian‐Yi
Published: February 2017

Rational design and exploration of robust and low‐cost bifunctional oxygen reduction/evolution electrocatalysts are greatly desired for metal–air batteries. Herein, a novel high‐performance oxygen electrode catalyst is developed based on bimetal FeCo nanoparticles encapsulated in in situ grown nitrogen‐doped graphitic carbon nanotubes with bamboo‐like structure. The obtained catalyst exhibits a positive half‐wave potential of 0.92 V (vs the reversible hydrogen electrode, RHE) for oxygen reduction reaction, and a low operating potential of 1.73 V to achieve a 10 mA cm−2 current density for oxygen evolution reaction. The reversible oxygen electrode index is 0.81 V, surpassing that of most highly active bifunctional catalysts reported to date. By combining experimental and simulation studies, a strong synergetic coupling between FeCo alloy and N‐doped carbon nanotubes is proposed in producing a favorable local coordination environment and electronic structure, which affords the pyridinic N‐rich catalyst surface promoting the reversible oxygen reactions. Impressively, the assembled zinc–air batteries using liquid electrolytes and the all‐solid‐state batteries with the synthesized bifunctional catalyst as the air electrode demonstrate superior charging–discharging performance, long lifetime, and high flexibility, holding great potential in practical implementation of new‐generation powerful rechargeable batteries with portable or even wearable characteristic.
Molecular polymorphisms of the ABO locus as informative markers of ancestry in Central Argentina
Authors: Tavella María Pía , García Angelina , Pauro Maia , Demarchi Darío A. , Nores Rodrigo
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution of molecular polymorphisms of the ABO gene in four population samples from the province of Córdoba, in Central Argentina, and to compare them with other worldwide populations.

Methods

A total of 110 buccal swab samples from autochthonous individuals of Córdoba were typified. Molecular characterization of the allelic variants was performed by the analysis of exons 6 and 7 of the ABO gene using PCR‐RFLP analysis. Additionally, the Native American AIM O1v542 was characterized by direct sequencing.

Results

The four Córdoba populations did not show significant geographic structure, although the frequency of the O1v542 haplotype, detected in all the populations studied, ranged from 0.019 to 0.222. The principal component analysis based on O allele distribution showed that the populations from Córdoba clustered close to the admixed populations of Santiago and Mexico City, and at intermediate distances between European and Native American populations, while being distant from the African population.

Conclusions

The results demonstrate that the analysis of the ABO system constitutes a useful tool for the study of the genetic structure and evolutionary history of human populations, reflecting accurately the relative contribution of parental continental contribution to the gene pool of admixed populations.
Morphological variation among late holocene Mexicans: Implications for discussions about the human occupation of the Americas
Authors: Herrera Brianne , Peart Daniel , Hernandez Nicole , Spradley Kate , Hubbe Mark
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Cranial morphology has previously been used to estimate phylogenetic relationships among populations, and has been an important tool in the reconstruction of ancient human dispersals across the planet. In the Americas, previous morphological studies support a scenario of people entering the Americas and dispersing from North America into South America through Meso America, making the Mexican territory the natural funnel through which biological diversity entered South America.

Materials and methods

We explore the cranial morphological affinities of three late Holocene Mexican series, in relation to ancient and modern crania from North and South America, Australo‐Melanesia, and East Asia. Morphological affinities were assessed through Mahalanobis Distances, and represented via Multidimensional Scaling and Ward's Linkage Cluster analysis. Minimum FST values were also calculated for each series.

Results

Our results show Mexican groups share morphological affinities with the Native American series, but do not cluster together as would be expected. The minimum FST estimates show between‐group variation in the Americas is higher than the Asian or Australo‐Melanesian populations, and that Mexican series have high between‐group variance (FST = 0.124), compared to the geographically larger South America (FST = 0.116) and North America (FST = 0.076).

Discussion

These results show that the Mexican series share morphological affinities with the East Asian series, but maintains high levels of between‐group variation, similar to South America. This supports the suggestion that the high phenotypic variation seen the Americas is not a result of its size, as it can be found in more constricted areas, such as the Mexican territory.
Smooth operator: The effects of different 3D mesh retriangulation protocols on the computation of Dirichlet normal energy
Authors: Spradley Jackson P. , Pampush James D. , Morse Paul E. , Kay Richard F.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

Dirichlet normal energy (DNE) is a metric of surface topography that has been used to evaluate the relationship between the surface complexity of primate cheek teeth and dietary categories. This study examines the effects of different 3D mesh retriangulation protocols on DNE. We examine how different protocols influence the DNE of a simple geometric shape—a hemisphere—to gain a more thorough understanding than can be achieved by investigating a complex biological surface such as a tooth crown.

Materials and Methods

We calculate DNE on 3D surface meshes of hemispheres and on primate molars subjected to various retriangulation protocols, including smoothing algorithms, smoothing amounts, target face counts, and criteria for boundary face exclusion. Software used includes R, MorphoTester, Avizo, and MeshLab. DNE was calculated using the R package “molaR.”

Results

In all cases, smoothing as performed in Avizo sharply decreases DNE initially, after which DNE becomes stable. Using a broader boundary exclusion criterion or performing additional smoothing (using “mesh fairing” methods) further decreases DNE. Increasing the mesh face count also results in increased DNE on tooth surfaces.

Conclusions

Different retriangulation protocols yield different DNE values for the same surfaces, and should not be combined in meta‐analyses. Increasing face count will capture surface microfeatures, but at the expense of computational speed. More aggressive smoothing is more likely to alter the essential geometry of the surface. A protocol is proposed that limits potential artifacts created during surface production while preserving pertinent features on the occlusal surface.
The relative position of the human fibula to the tibia influences cross‐sectional properties of the tibia
Authors: Auerbach Benjamin M. , Gooding Alice F. , Shaw Colin N. , Sylvester Adam D.
Published: February 2017

Objectives

The fibula transmits loads within the lower limb of hominids. The few studies of variation in the cross‐sectional geometric (CSG) properties of the fibula have established differences in its rigidity among groups engaged in distinct habitual loading activities. This study adds to this research by considering the relationship between CSG properties and the anatomical position of the fibula relative to the tibia among groups with differences in documented activity patterns.

Material and methods

We used pQCT scans taken at 50% of the length of the lower leg in 83 healthy young adult collegiate‐aged individuals divided into five activity groups: runners, swimmers, cricketers, field hockey players, and non‐athletes. We compared variation in calculated CSG properties against the distance between fibular and tibial centroids, as well as the angle of that plane relative to the plane of tibialImax.

Results

Tibial and fibular CSG properties vary with respect to the relative position of the two bones. Tibial CSG properties differ in concert with the relative angle of the fibula to tibialImax, while fibular CSG properties differ with the distance between the elements. Fibulae are more posterior‐medially positioned in groups engaged in terrestrial athletics than among swimmers.

Discussion

The tibia and fibula experience different loads. The relative position of the two bones leads to compensatory differences in their CSG properties, perhaps due to increased resistance to bending in fibulae with greater distances from the tibia. Examinations of tibial CSG properties without considering the fibula limits interpretations about activity.
Fulvene Synthesis by Rhodium(I)‐Catalyzed [2+2+1] Cycloaddition: Synthesis and Catalytic Activity of Tunable Cyclopentadienyl Rhodium(III) Complexes with Pendant Amides
Authors: Yoshizaki Soichi , Shibata Yu , Tanaka Ken
Published: February 2017

It has been established that a RhI+/segphos complex catalyzes the [2+2+1] cycloaddition of 1,6‐diynes with cyclopropylideneacetamides to give substituted fulvenes in good yields. The reductive complexation of the product fulvenes with RhCl3 in EtOH furnished the corresponding dinuclear cyclopentadienyl RhIII complexes bearing a pendant amide moiety. These RhIII complexes were highly active catalysts for oxidative annulation and cyclization through C(sp2)−H and C(sp3)−H functionalization.
Detection of Palladium(I) in Aerobic Oxidation Catalysis
Authors: Jaworski Jonathan N. , McCann Scott D. , Guzei Ilia A. , Stahl Shannon S.
Published: February 2017

Palladium(II)‐catalyzed oxidation reactions exhibit broad utility in organic synthesis; however, they often feature high catalyst loading and low turnover numbers relative to non‐oxidative cross‐coupling reactions. Insights into the fate of the Pd catalyst during turnover could help to address this limitation. Herein, we report the identification and characterization of a dimeric PdIspecies in two prototypical Pd‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation reactions: allylic C−H acetoxylation of terminal alkenes and intramolecular aza‐Wacker cyclization. Both reactions employ 4,5‐diazafluoren‐9‐one (DAF) as an ancillary ligand. The dimeric PdIcomplex, [PdI(μ‐DAF)(OAc)]2, which features two bridging DAF ligands and two terminal acetate ligands, has been characterized by several spectroscopic methods, as well as single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography. The origin of this PdIcomplex and its implications for catalytic reactivity are discussed.
Synthesis of retinoid analogues of juvenile hormones
Authors: Doumandji Lotfi , Matondo Hubert , Estaran Sébastien , Hamada Boudjema , Lagneau Christophe , Devillers James , Yébakima André , Doucet‐Panaye Annick , Doucet Jean‐Pierre , Lattes Armand
Published: February 2017

As part of a collaborative research project aimed at designing new chemicals active on mosquito larvae, we sought accessible raw materials and an efficient synthesis method for preparing large amounts of active substances. For this we selected retinoic acid, which has functionality close to that of juvenile hormones. From this molecule we developed ester and trifluoromethyl ketone synthesis that was fast and led to good yields.
Photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange using hematoporphyrin/N‐doped TiO2 nanohybrids under visible light: Kinetics and energy consumption
Authors: Saien Javad , Mesgari Zohreh
Published: February 2017

Various nitrogen‐doped titania particles were prepared and, for visible light sensitizing, the biological pigment hematoporphyrin was grafted onto their surfaces. The nanohybrid products were characterized using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopies and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. A high‐performance visible light helical flow photoreactor was designed and used for the photocatalytic degradation of methyl orange (MO) over these photocatalyst products. Accordingly, response surface methodology was employed for design of experiments and optimization. The influencing parameters were initial N/Ti molar ratio, dosage of nanohybrids and solution pH. These parameters were statistically significant and a quadratic correlation was developed for degradation efficiency (DE) variations. A maximum DE of 89.2% was attainable, after 60 min treatment, under the optimum conditions of initial N/Ti molar ratio of 4.93 (ca 5), nanohybrid dosage of 0.73 g l−1 and pH of 4.8. The MO degradation kinetics over the catalyst surface followed the modified Langmuir–Hinshelwood model. The important role of hydroxyl radicals was confirmed using mannitol scavenger. Performing the photocatalytic reaction with the developed set‐up showed excellent efficiency and energy consumption in comparison with similar processes.
Efficient adsorption of oil by hydrophobic macroporous polymer synthesized with the emulsion template and magnetic particles on the surface
Authors: Huang Xiaobin , Peng Yinxian , Pan Jianming , Zhang Wenli , Zhou Wei , Zhu Hengjia , Liu Shucheng
Published: February 2017

Fast development of oil industry and cargo distribution make accidental oil spills more possible in the course of transportation. Here we fabricated a hydrophobic macroporous phenol resin poly high internal phase emulsions (poly‐HIPEs) to adsorb oil pollution. To improve hydrophobic property and adsorption ability of the poly‐HIPEs, we adopted a facile way to modify the poly‐HIPEs that Fe3O4 nanoparticles act as magnetic particles to make the poly‐HIPEs magnetic and 1‐dodecanethiol as hydrophobic monomer grafted to the surface to strengthen the hydrophobicity with dopamine as the adhesive. As a result, we succeed in making the poly‐HIPEs superhydrophobic and their contact angle transforms from 107° to 150°. After the oil adsorption experiment, the adsorption capacity of the modified poly‐HIPEs is obviously better than the original poly‐HIPEs which is about ten times than original weight of material, what's more, the final products also have good recycle ability after ten times' employing, which makes it a promising candidate material for use in oil‐spill cleanups. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44731.
Electrochemical behavior of a Nafion‐membrane‐based solid‐state supercapacitor with a graphene oxide—multiwalled carbon nanotube—polypyrrole nanocomposite
Authors: Hosseini Mir Ghasem , Rasouli Haleh , Shahryari Elham , Naji Leila
Published: February 2017

In this study, we sprayed a graphene oxide–multiwalled carbon nanotube (GM) suspension in isopropyl alcohol–water onto a Nafion membrane. The electrodeposition of polypyrrole (PPy) was carried out on Nafion to complete the fabrication of a solid‐state symmetric supercapacitor. Nafion 117 membranes are used as electrolyte separators in the preparation of supercapacitors. The characterization of the symmetric supercapacitor was done by X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. The electrochemical properties of the symmetric solid‐state supercapacitor were investigated by cyclic voltammetry, galvanostatic charge–discharge, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy techniques in 1M lithium chloride. A specific capacitance of 90.4 mF/cm2 (258.3 F/g1) was obtained for the supercapacitor at a scan rate of 10 mV s−1. Maximum energy and power densities of 10 W h/kg and 6031 W/kg were obtained for the fabricated supercapacitor. In such a symmetric configuration, the highly interconnection networks of GM–PPy provided good structure for the supercapacitor electrode, and the good interaction between PPy and GM provided fast electron‐ and charge‐transportation paths so that a high capacitance was achieved. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44926.
Composite sodium p‐toluene sulfonate–polypyrrole–iron anode for a lithium‐ion battery
Authors: Liao Qishu , Hou Hongying , Duan Jixiang , Liu Song , Yao Yuan , Dai Zhipeng , Yu Chengyi , Li Dongdong
Published: February 2017

In this study, p‐toluene sulfonate (TsONa) doped polypyrrole (PPy) was synthesized for an anode in a lithium‐ion battery via a one‐step facile electropolymerization on Fe foil. The obtained TsONa–PPy–Fe composite electrode was investigated with scanning electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and galvanostatic charge–discharge profiling. As expected, many irregular microspherical particles of TsONa‐doped PPy formed and combined tightly with the surface of Fe foil. Furthermore, the obtained TsONa–PPy–Fe anode also delivered satisfactory electrochemical performances. For example, the reversible capacity was still about 105–115 mAh/g, even after at least 50 cycles. The high lithium storage activity of PPy and the high conductivity of the TsONa‐doped PPy jointly contributed into the satisfactory electrochemical performances. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44935.
Brief Report: Clinical Trials Aiming to Prevent Rheumatoid Arthritis Cannot Detect Prevention Without Adequate Risk Stratification: A Trial of Methotrexate Versus Placebo in Undifferentiated Arthritis as an Example
Authors: Burgers Leonie E. , Allaart Cornelia F. , Huizinga Tom W. J. , van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Prevention of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) was the aim of several trials in undifferentiated arthritis (UA), with overall negative results. As preparatory work has revealed that only ∼30% of UA patients progress to having RA, we hypothesized that inclusion of patients without imminent RA could lead to false‐negative results. We undertook this study to evaluate this hypothesis by reinvestigating the Probable Rheumatoid Arthritis: Methotrexate versus Placebo Treatment (PROMPT) trial (a 1‐year course of methotrexate [MTX] versus placebo in UA) after excluding patients without a high risk of developing RA.

Methods

A validated prediction model was used to determine the risk of RA in all patients included in the PROMPT trial. Patients with a prediction score of ≥8 (positive predictive value of ≥84% for developing RA) were considered to have a high risk of developing RA. The effect of a 1‐year course of MTX during 5 years of follow‐up was reinvestigated in these patients.

Results

Twenty‐two of the 110 patients in the PROMPT trial had a high risk of RA at baseline. In the MTX arm, 6 of 11 patients (55%) developed RA, compared to 11 of 11 patients (100%) in the placebo arm (P = 0.011). Time to RA development was longer in the MTX arm than in the placebo arm (median 22.5 months versus 3 months; P < 0.001). Drug‐free remission was achieved by 4 of 11 patients (36%) in the MTX arm compared to 0 of 11 patients (0%) in the placebo arm (P = 0.031). These beneficial effects of MTX were observed both in anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA)–positive and in ACPA‐negative UA patients with a high risk of RA, but not in UA patients without a high risk of RA. In retrospect, 43 of 110 patients fulfilled the American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism 2010 classification criteria for RA at baseline. In addition, beneficial effects were observed only in patients with a high prediction score.

Conclusion

A 1‐year course of MTX delayed and prevented RA development in high‐risk UA patients. This emphasizes the importance of adequate risk prediction in trials that aim to prevent RA.
Brief Report: Anti–RNPC‐3 Antibodies As a Marker of Cancer‐Associated Scleroderma
Authors: Shah Ami A. , Xu George , Rosen Antony , Hummers Laura K. , Wigley Fredrick M. , Elledge Stephen J. , Casciola‐Rosen Livia
Published: February 2017

Objective

Prior studies have demonstrated an increased risk of cancer‐associated scleroderma in patients with anti–RNA polymerase III (anti–RNAP III) autoantibodies as well as in patients who are triple‐negative for anticentromere (anti‐CENP), anti–topoisomerase I (anti–topo I), and anti–RNAP III (also known as anti‐POL) autoantibodies (referred to as CTP negative). In a recent study of 16 CTP‐negative scleroderma patients with coincident cancer, 25% of the patients were found to have autoantibodies to RNPC‐3, a member of the minor spliceosome complex. This investigation was undertaken to validate the relationship between anti–RNPC‐3 antibodies and cancer and examine the associated clinical phenotype in a large sample of scleroderma patients.

Methods

Scleroderma patients with cancer were assayed for anti‐CENP, anti–topo I, anti–RNAP III, and anti–RNPC‐3 autoantibodies. Disease characteristics and the cancer–scleroderma interval were compared across autoantibody groups. The relationship between autoantibody status and cancer‐associated scleroderma was assessed by logistic regression.

Results

Of 318 patients with scleroderma and cancer, 70 (22.0%) were positive for anti–RNAP III, 54 (17.0%) were positive for anti–topo I, and 96 (30.2%) were positive for anti‐CENP. Twelve patients (3.8% of the overall group or 12.2% of CTP‐negative patients) were positive for anti–RNPC‐3. Patients with anti–RNPC‐3 had a short cancer–scleroderma interval (median 0.9 years). Relative to patients with anti‐CENP, patients with anti–RNPC‐3 and those with anti–RNAP III had a >4‐fold increased risk of cancer within 2 years of scleroderma onset (for anti–RNPC‐3–positive patients, odds ratio [OR] 4.3, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10–16.9 [P = 0.037]; for anti–RNAP III–positive patients, OR 4.49, 95% CI 1.98–10.2 [P < 0.001]). Patients with anti–RNPC‐3 had severe restrictive lung disease, gastrointestinal disease, Raynaud's phenomenon, and myopathy.

Conclusion

Anti–RNPC‐3 autoantibodies, similar to anti–RNAP III autoantibodies, are associated with an increased risk of cancer at the onset of scleroderma. These data suggest the possibility of cancer‐induced autoimmunity in this subset of patients with scleroderma.
Pathogenesis of Diffuse Alveolar Hemorrhage in Murine Lupus
Authors: Zhuang Haoyang , Han Shuhong , Lee Pui Y. , Khaybullin Ravil , Shumyak Stepan , Lu Li , Chatha Amina , Afaneh Anan , Zhang Yuan , Xie Chao , Nacionales Dina , Moldawer Lyle , Qi Xin , Yang Li‐Jun , Reeves Westley H.
Published: February 2017

Objective

Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) in lupus patients confers >50% mortality, and the cause is unknown. We undertook this study to examine the pathogenesis of DAH in C57BL/6 mice with pristane‐induced lupus, a model of human lupus‐associated DAH.

Methods

Clinical/pathologic and immunologic manifestations of DAH in pristane‐induced lupus were compared with those of DAH in humans. Tissue distribution of pristane was examined by mass spectrometry. Cell types responsible for disease were determined by in vivo depletion using clodronate liposomes and antineutrophil monoclonal antibodies (anti–Ly‐6G). The effect of complement depletion with cobra venom factor (CVF) was examined.

Results

After intraperitoneal injection, pristane migrated to the lung, causing cell death, small vessel vasculitis, and alveolar hemorrhage similar to that seen in DAH in humans. B cell–deficient mice were resistant to induction of DAH, but susceptibility was restored by infusing IgM. C3−/− and CD18−/− mice were also resistant, and DAH was prevented in wild‐type mice by CVF. Induction of DAH was independent of Toll‐like receptors, inflammasomes, and inducible nitric oxide. Mortality was increased in interleukin‐10 (IL‐10)–deficient mice, and pristane treatment decreased IL‐10 receptor expression in monocytes and STAT‐3 phosphorylation in lung macrophages. In vivo neutrophil depletion was not protective, while treatment with clodronate liposomes prevented DAH, which suggests that macrophage activation is central to DAH pathogenesis.

Conclusion

The pathogenesis of DAH involves opsonization of dead cells by natural IgM and complement followed by complement receptor–mediated lung inflammation. The disease is macrophage dependent, and IL‐10 is protective. Complement inhibition and/or macrophage‐targeted therapies may reduce mortality in lupus‐associated DAH.
An investigation of the matrix training approach to teach social play skills
Authors: Wilson Emily R. , Wine Byron , Fitterer Katie
Published: February 2017

Matrix training is a conceptual model inspired by the generative learning approach to program development. This investigation used matrix training to facilitate a generative repertoire of two‐component solitary and social play skills in a child diagnosed with autism and cerebral palsy. Play‐related actions and corresponding toys were aligned on perpendicular axes of a standard matrix. The learner was trained on the skills that intersected along the diagonal of the matrix. The learner acquired both appropriate solitary and social play skills. The participant also began requesting items from a peer despite not having been directly trained to do so. The untrained combinations accounted for 86% of the matrix responses acquired.
Comparative effects of energy restriction and resveratrol intake on glycemic control improvement
Authors: Milton‐Laskibar I. , Aguirre L. , Macarulla M.T. , Etxeberria U. , Milagro F.I. , Martínez J.A. , Contreras J. , Portillo M.P.
Published: February 2017

Resveratrol (RSV) has been proposed as an energy restriction mimetic. This study aimed to compare the effects of RSV and energy restriction on insulin resistance induced by an obesogenic diet. Any additive effect of both treatments was also analyzed. Rats were fed a high‐fat high‐sucrose diet for 6 weeks. They were then distributed in four experimental groups which were either fed a standard control diet (C), or treated with RSV (30 mg/kg/d), or submitted to energy restriction (R, 15%), or treated with RSV and submitted to energy restriction (RR). A glucose tolerance test was performed, and serum glucose, insulin, fructosamine, adiponectin, and leptin concentrations determined. Muscle triacylglycerol content and protein expression of insulin receptor (IRβ), protein kinase B (Akt), Akt substrate of 160 kDa (AS160) and glucose transporter 4 (GLUT‐4) were measured. In RSV rats, fructosamine concentrations were reduced, HOMA‐IR remained unchanged, but glucose tolerance was improved, without changes in phosphorylation of IRβ, Akt, and AS160 or in GLUT‐4 protein expression. Rats under energy restriction showed an improvement in all the markers related to glycemic control, as well as increased phosphorylation of AS160 and protein expression of GLUT‐4. In rats from RR group the results were similar to R group, with the exception of IRβ and Akt phosphorylation, which were increased. In conclusion, mild energy restriction is more efficient than intake of RSV within a standard balanced diet, and acts by means of a different mechanism from that of RSV. No additive effects between RSV and energy restriction were observed. © 2017 BioFactors, 43(3):371–378, 2017
Electricity generation by Pyrococcus furiosus in microbial fuel cells operated at 90°C
Authors: Sekar Narendran , Wu Chang‐Hao , Adams Michael W.W. , Ramasamy Ramaraja P.
Published: February 2017

Hyperthermophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extremely hot environments with temperatures near and even above 100°C. They are the most deeply rooted microorganisms on phylogenetic trees suggesting they may have evolved to survive in the early hostile earth. The simple respiratory systems of some of these hyperthermophiles make them potential candidates to develop microbial fuel cells (MFC) that can generate power at temperatures approaching the boiling point. We explored extracellular electron transfer in the hyperthermophilic archaeon Pyrococcus furiosus (Pf) by studying its ability to generate electricity in a two‐chamber MFC. Pf growing in defined medium functioned as an anolyte in a MFC operated at 90°C, generating a maximum current density of 2 A m−2 and a peak power density of 225 mW m−2 without the addition of any external redox mediator. Electron microscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy of the anode with the attached Pf biofilm demonstrated bio‐electrochemical behavior that led to electricity generation in the MFC via direct electron transfer. This proof of concept study reveals for the first time that a hyperthermophile such as Pf can generate electricity in MFC at extreme temperatures. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1419–1427. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Unveiling gene trait relationship by cross‐platform meta‐analysis on Chinese hamster ovary cell transcriptome
Authors: Zhao Liang , Fu Hsu‐Yuan , Raju Ravali , Vishwanathan Nandita , Hu Wei‐Shou
Published: February 2017

In the past few years, transcriptome analysis has been increasingly employed to better understand the physiology of Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells at a global level. As more transcriptome data accumulated, meta‐analysis on data sets collected from various sources can potentially provide better insights on common properties of those cells. Here, we performed meta‐analysis on transcriptome data of different CHO cell lines obtained using NimbleGen or Affymetrix microarray platforms. Hierarchical clustering, non‐negative matrix factorization (NMF) analysis, and principal component analysis (PCA) accordantly showed the samples were clustered into two groups: one consists of adherent cells in serum‐containing medium, and the other suspension cells in serum‐free medium. Genes that were differentially expressed between the two clusters were enriched in a few functional classes by Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) of which many were common with the enriched gene sets identified by Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), including extracellular matrix (ECM) receptor interaction, cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), and lipid related metabolism pathways. Despite the heterogeneous sources of the cell samples, the adherent and suspension growth characteristics and serum‐supplementation appear to be a dominant feature in the transcriptome. The results demonstrated that meta‐analysis of transcriptome could uncover features in combined data sets that individual data set might not reveal. As transcriptome data sets accumulate over time, meta‐analysis will become even more revealing. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2017;114: 1583–1592. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fundal herniation, strangulation, and fistulization to the left lung after greater curvature gastric plication
Authors: Saikaly Elias , Abi Fadel Fahim , El Asmar Antoine , El Rassi Ziad
Published: February 2017

Key Clinical Message

Gastric plication is not a complication‐free procedure. Herein, we present the first known case of gastric plication complicated by herniation of the gastric fundus into the chest cavity through the esophageal hiatus complicated by strangulation, necrosis, abscess formation, and communication between the gastric lumen and the left lung.
Ni Catalysts Supported on Mesoporous Nanocrystalline Magnesium Silicate in Dry and Steam Reforming Reactions
Authors: Ghods Bahare , Rezaei Mehran , Meshkani Fereshteh
Published: February 2017

Mesoporous nanocrystalline MgSiO3 with high surface area was synthesized by a hydrothermal method and employed as support in dry and steam reforming of methane. Ni/MgSiO3 catalysts were prepared by an impregnation method and characterized by different techniques. N2 adsorption analysis indicated that addition of nickel shifted the pore size distributions to smaller sizes. Temperature‐programmed reduction analysis revealed that a higher nickel loading enhanced the reducibility of the catalyst. The catalytic performance was improved with increasing the nickel content. The Ni/MgSiO3 catalyst exhibited high stability in dry reforming but methane conversion declined with time‐on‐stream in the steam reforming reaction. Temperature‐programmed oxidation profiles of spent catalysts indicated that the high amount of carbon deposited on the catalyst surface in dry and steam reforming was assigned to whisker‐type carbon.
Formation of By‐products in Pure and Aqueous Acrylic Acid – Kinetic Measurements and Formation Mechanisms
Authors: Pfeifer Christian A. , Scholz Cordula , Vogel Kevin , Drochner Alfons , Vogel Herbert
Published: February 2017

During acrylic acid (AA) storage, a quality loss occurs due to the formation of by‐products such as diacrylic acid (DiAA), triacrylic acid (TriAA), and higher oligomers. This problem intensifies in the presence of water since the formation rate of oligomers increases and further by‐products such as 3‐hydroxypropionic acid (3‐HPA) and 3‐hydroxydiacrylic acid (3‐HDiAA) are formed. However, water is often essential during storage and transport to raise the flash point or reduce the melting point. In this work, the formation kinetics are investigated for all mentioned components in pure and aqueous AA. The formation mechanisms of 3‐HPA and 3‐HDiAA are assumed as acid‐catalyzed ester hydrolyses of DiAA or TriAA. The introduced reactions are modeled with the measured kinetic data in order to confirm the proposed reactions.
Photoelectrochemical Probing of Cellular Interfaces and Evaluation of Cellular H2S Production Based on In Situ‐Generated CdS‐Enhanced TiO2 Nanotube Heterostructures
Authors: Zhu Yuan‐Cheng , Wang Qian , Zhang Li‐Bin , Zhao Wei‐Wei , Xu Jing‐Juan , Chen Hong‐Yuan
Published: February 2017

Judiciously integrated nanostructured materials/cellular interfaces could be applied for various applications including physiological monitoring. Physiological H2S is the third most important endogenously generated gasotransmitter and is believed to be related with many diseases. This work reports the novel photoelectrochemical (PEC) probing of cellular interfaces and the evaluation of cellular H2S production based on in situ‐generated CdS‐enhanced TiO2 nanotube (NT) heterostructures. We chose the TiO2 NT array in particular, owing to its structure of regular oriented vertical NTs (which permits fast directional charge transport) and its substantial inner cavity (which guarantees the highly efficient guest loading and molecule capture). HepG2 cells directly grown on and interfacing with the TiO2 NTs are then used for the activation of the TiO2 NTs through the CdS generated in situ on the TiO2 NTs. Owing to the aforementioned unique properties of TiO2 NTs, even small amounts of in situ‐generated CdS could be detected and result in apparent electrical signals. To the best of our knowledge, such TiO2 NT‐based in situ PEC probing of cellular interfaces and evaluation of H2S cellular production have not previously been reported.