bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different propolis samples, phenolic content, and breast cancer cell lines: Variable cytotoxicity ranging from ineffective to potent
Authors: Seyhan Mehmet Fatih , Yılmaz Eren , Timirci‐Kahraman Özlem , Saygılı Neslihan , Kısakesen Halil İbrahim , Gazioğlu Sema , Gören Ahmet C. , Eronat Allison Pınar , Begüm Ceviz A. , Öztürk Tülin , Yılmaz‐Aydoğan Hülya , Öztürk Oğuz
Published: December 2018

Researchers have started focusing on investigating the anticarcinogenic effects of natural products with the slightest side effects possible, because current breast cancer treatment approaches are unable to achieve absolute success especially on aggressive subtypes. Propolis is among these products with its antimicrobial, antifungal, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer effects. Therefore, seven different samples were collected from different regions (Argentina, China, and Istanbul‐Turkey) and applied on nonaggressive breast cancer cell line (BCCL) MCF‐7 and aggressive cell lines SK‐BR‐3, and MDA‐MB‐231. Initially, the phenolic/flavonoid constituents of the propolis ethanol extracts were investigated by liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry–mass spectrometry (LS‐MS/MS) and high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses. Then, the anticarcinogenic effects of the propolis samples on MCF‐7, SK‐BR‐3, MDA‐MB‐231 were evaluated by WST1 analysis and only selected ones on MCF‐10A and hPdLF. According to the LS‐MS/MS and HPLC analysis, Turkey originated propolis (Turkey3) were found to be richer than the other propolis samples in terms of phenolic/flavonoid compounds. Turkey propolis significantly inhibited cell proliferation in both nonaggressive and aggressive BCCL (P < 0.01). Therefore, Turkey3 propolis was selected for further evaluation using Annexin V‐PI apoptosis detection assays. In addition, selected compounds among the propolis contents such as galangin, caffeic acid, apigenin, quercetin, and ferulic acid were applied to the MCF‐7 cell line to detect cytotoxic and apoptotic effects. Galangin, caffeic acid, apigenin, and quercetin remarkably induced cell proliferation inhibition at all time intervals, whereas ferulic acid was found non efficient on the MCF‐7 cell line. Annexin V‐PI assay clarified that all cell proliferation inhibitions were markedly apoptotic. Our findings indicated that the inhibition effect of propolis on breast cancer cell proliferation was in a propolis type‐, dose‐ and time‐dependent fashion. Turkey3 propolis showed statistically significant cytotoxic effects on both the nonaggressive and aggressive BCCL. These findings were consistent with the effects of its rich phenolic and flavonoid contents, in terms of variety. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(5):619–631, 2019
Multi‐wavelength light emitting diode‐based disposable optrode array for in vivo optogenetic modulation
Authors: Jeon Saeyeong , Kim Jae‐Hyun , Lee Hongkyun , Kim Yong‐Kweon , Jun Sang Beom , Lee Seung‐Hee , Ji Chang‐Hyeon
Published: December 2018

We present a light emitting diode (LED)‐based optical waveguide array that can optogenetically modulate genetically targeted neurons in the brain. The reusable part of the system consists of control electronics and conventional multi‐wavelength LED. The disposable part comprises optical fibers assembled with microlens array fabricated on a silicon die. Both parts can be easily assembled and separated by snap fit structure. Measured light intensity is 3.35 mW/mm2 at 469 nm and 0.29 mW/mm2 at 590 nm when the applied current is 80 mA. In all the tested conditions, the light‐induced temperature rise is under 0.5°C and over 90% of the relative light intensity is maintained at 2 mm‐distance from the fiber tips. We further tested the efficiency of the optical array in vivo at 469 nm. When the optical array delivers light stimulation on to the visual cortex of a mouse expressing channelrhodopsin‐2, the neural activity is significantly increased. The light‐driven neural activity is successfully transformed into a percept of the mouse, showing significant learning of the task detecting the cortical stimulation. Our results demonstrate that the proposed optical array interfaces well with the neural circuits in vivo and the system is applicable to guide animal behaviors.
A semiclassical initial‐value representation for quantum propagator and boltzmann operator
Authors: Yan Yun‐An , Liu Jian , Shao Jiushu
Published: December 2018

Starting from the position‐momentum integral representation, we apply the correction operator method to the derivation of a uniform semiclassical approximation for the quantum propagator and then extend it to approximate the Boltzmann operator. In this approach, the involved classical dynamics is determined by the method itself instead of given beforehand. For the approximate Boltzmann operator, the corresponding classical dynamics is governed by a complex Hamiltonian, which can be described as a pair of real Hamiltonian systems. It is demonstrated that the semiclassical Boltzmann operator is exact for linear systems. A quantum propagator in the complex time is thus proposed and preliminary numerical results show that it is a reasonable approximation for calculating thermal correlation functions of general systems. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Construction of a TiO2–Fe3O4‐decorated molecularly imprinted polymer nanocomposite for tartrazine degradation: Response surface methodology modeling and optimization
Authors: Arabzadeh Naghmeh , Mohammadi Ali , Darwish Maher , Abuzerr Samer
Published: December 2018

We synthesized a novel recoverable and reusable photocatalyst system for tartrazine degradation by one‐step incorporation of Fe3O4 and TiO2 nanoparticles into a molecularly imprinted polymer through a facile precipitation polymerization method. The as‐prepared samples were systematically characterized using X‐ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, energy‐dispersive spectroscopy, and vibrating sample magnetometry. Benefiting from the positive synergistic effect, tartrazine was almost completely degraded under UV‐C within 180 min by the multicomponent photocatalyst (Fe3O4 + TiO2 + MIP) in comparison with far fewer activities by the corresponding NIP system and the nonmagnetic and bare structures. On the other hand, the central composite design in response surface methodology was applied to optimize the tartrazine photocatalytic degradation process. Twenty experiments were conducted by adjusting three parameters (nanocomposite dosage, initial pH of the reaction solution, and initial dye concentration) in the multiple variable analysis method. A satisfactory correlation between the experimental and predicted values was obtained (R2 = 0.956). Additionally, ANOVA analysis with a p value of 1.15 × 10–5 indicated that the model terms are highly significant. Under the determined optimum conditions, a verification experiment was conducted and shown the adequately approximate value between the predicted (99%) and the experimental (97%) results, which confirmed the validity of the model.
Quercetin sensitizes human myeloid leukemia KG‐1 cells against TRAIL‐induced apoptosis
Authors: Naimi Adel , Entezari Atefeh , Hagh Majid Farshdousti , Hassanzadeh Ali , Saraei Raedeh , Solali Saeed
Published: December 2018

Introduction

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the most common acute leukemia in adults. Conventional treatments are associated with cytotoxicity and systemic side effects. Hence, efforts in the field of cancer treatment are focused on finding the strategies which can specifically target the tumor cells without affecting the normal cells. TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a biological cytokine which has the mentioned specificity, but the resistance of some cancer cells limits its use as a therapeutic strategy. Recent studies have shown that quercetin (QUR) can be used as a sensitizing agent alongside with TRAIL. The present study showed that QUR can increase the effect of TRAIL‐induced cytotoxicity in KG‐1 cells.

Materials and Methods

In this descriptive study, the IC50 dose for QUR in the KG‐1 cell line was first determined by 3‐(4,5‐dimethyl‐2‐thiazolyl)‐2,5‐diphenyl‐2‐H‐tetrazolium bromide assay. Then, the cells were treated with TRAIL and QUR for 12, 24, and 48 hr. The rate of apoptosis was measured by Annexin V/propidium iodide assay. Also, the molecular evaluation of candidate genes was accomplished before and after the treatment.

Results

The results indicated that QUR could sensitize the KG‐1 cells against the TRAIL‐induced apoptosis. This outcome is achieved by increasing the messenger RNA expression levels of the death receptor genes and reducing the expression of antiapoptotic proteins, as well as decreasing the expression of the NF‐κB subunit.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that QUR can sensitize the acute myeloid KG‐1 cells against TRAIL. Moreover, the combinational therapy of these agents might promisingly improve the clinical efficacy of TRAIL in patients with AML.
Microscopic investigations of some selected species of Papilionaceae through SEM and LM from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan
Authors: Bano Abida , Ahmad Mushtaq , Rashid Sofia , Zafar Muhammad , Ashfaq Shomaila , Rehman Saeed ur , Ali Muhammad Ishtiaq , Sultana Shazia , Shaheen Shabnum , Ahmad Shafiq
Published: December 2018

Pollen morphology of 10 species and foliar epidermal anatomy of eight species of Papilionaceae from Skardu valley, northern Pakistan has been estimated for the first time. The present study was commenced with an aim to provide a detailed account of the pollen morphology by scanning electron microscopy and foliar epidermal anatomy by light microscopy. The pollen aperture was tricolporate with reticulate exine in the selected species. Stomata types are actinocytic, paracytic, and anomocytic. Irregular or polygonal with undulate or straight walls, epidermal cells were reported. A unique diversity was observed in the foliar trichomes that show the taxonomic significance of the discrimination of taxa. Non‐glandular trichomes were observed in the selected species which are unicellular with thin, long and pointed apical cells. Pollen and foliar micro morphological characters proved to be helpful for the identification of taxa at a specific level.
Geometric parameters effect of the atomic force microscopy smart piezoelectric cantilever on the different rough surface topography quality by considering the capillary force
Authors: Habibnejad Korayem Alireza , Taghizadeh Mitra , Habibnejad Korayem Moharam
Published: December 2018

Nowadays, the atomic force microscopy (AFM) is widely used in the nanotechnology as a powerful nano‐robot. The surface topography in Nanoscale is by far one of the most important usages of the AFM device. Hence, in this article, the vibration motion of a piezoelectric rectangular cross‐section micro‐cantilever (MC) which oscillates in the moist environment has been examined based on the Timoshenko beam theory. After extracting the MC governing equations according to Hamilton's principle, the finite element method has been used to discretize the motion equations. The surface topography has been simulated for various roughness forms in the tapping and non‐contact modes by considering the effects of the Van der Waals, capillary and contact forces. Also, the experimental results obtained from the glass surface topography have been simulated. The results illustrate that the time delay in higher natural frequencies in the tapping mode is shorter in comparison with the non‐contact mode, especially, for the lower natural frequencies. The sensitivity analysis of the natural frequencies, topography depth and time delay have been simulated. Results indicate that the most effective parameter is the MC length. In the first mode, the first section length has the highest effect on the surface topography time delay, also, in the second vibration mode; the most effective parameter on the time delay is the MC tip length based on the simulation results.
MRI‐based nomogram estimates the risk of recurrence of primary nonmetastatic pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors after curative resection
Authors: Sun Hai‐Tao , Zhang Shi‐Long , Liu Kai , Zhou Jian‐Jun , Wang Xing‐Xing , Shen Ting‐Ting , Song Xu‐Hao , Guo Ying‐Long , Wang Xiao‐Lin
Published: December 2018

Background

Accurate estimation of the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors help with prognosis, guide follow‐up, and avoid futile treatments.

Purpose

To investigate whether MRI features could preoperatively estimate the recurrence of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) and to refine a novel prognostic model through developing a nomogram incorporating various MRI features.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

In all, 81 patients with clinicopathologically confirmed nonmetastatic PNETs.

Field Strength/Sequences

1.5 T MR, including T1‐weighted, T2‐weighted, and diffusion‐weighted imaging sequences.

Assessment

Qualitative and quantitative MRI features of PNET were assessed by three experienced radiologists.

Statistical Tests

Uni‐ and multivariable analyses for recurrence‐free survival (RFS) were evaluated using a Cox proportional hazards model. The MRI‐based nomogram was then designed based on multivariable logistic analysis in our study and the performance of the nomogram was validated according to C‐index, calibration, and decision curve analyses.

Results

MRI features, including tumor size (hazard ratio [HR]: 14.131; P = 0.034), enhancement pattern (HR: 21.821, P = 0.032), and the apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) values (HR: 0.055, P = 0.038) were significant independent predictors of RFS at multivariable analysis. The performance of the nomogram incorporating various MRI features (with a C‐index of 0.910) was improved compared with that based on tumor size, enhancement pattern, and ADC alone (with C‐index values of 0.672, 0.851, and 0.809, respectively). The calibration curve of the nomogram exhibited perfect consistency between estimation and observation at 0.5, 1, and 2 years after surgery. The decision curve showed that a nomogram incorporating three features had more favorable clinical predictive usefulness than any single feature.

Data Conclusion

MRI features can be considered effective recurrence predictors for PNETs after surgery. The preliminary nomogram incorporating various MRI features could assess the risk of recurrence in PNETs and may be used to optimize individual treatment strategies.

Level of Evidence: 4

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2019;50:397–409.
Screening of new yeast Pichia manchurica for arabitol production
Authors: Sundaramoorthy BalaAbirami , Gummadi Sathyanarayana N.
Published: December 2018

Arabitol has several applications in food and pharmaceutical industries as a natural sweetener, dental caries inhibitor, and texturing agent. Newly isolated yeast strains from seawater, sugarcane plantation soil samples, and Zygosaccharomyces rouxii 2635 from MTCC were tested for arabitol production. The yield of arabitol was found to be higher in seawater isolate (24.6 g L−1) compared to two soil isolates (22.5 g L−1) and Z. rouxii (19.4 g L−1). Based on ITS 26S rDNA sequence analysis, the seawater isolate was identified as Pichia manchurica. In the present study, the effect of different substrates, trace elements, nitrogen sources, pH, and temperature on arabitol production was examined. Three different carbon sources viz. glucose, arabinose, and galactose were studied. Glucose was determined to be the best substrate for arabitol production (27.6 g L−1) followed by arabinose (13.7 g L−1) and galactose (7.7 g L−1). Maximum production of arabitol was observed at pH 6.0 (34.7 g L−1). In addition, arabitol production was high (35.7 g L−1) at temperature of 30 °C. Among the different concentrations of ammonium sulfate tested (3, 4.5, 6, 7.5, and 9 g L−1) concentration of 6 g L−1 resulted in higher arabitol Individual metal ions had no effect on arabitol production by this strain as compared to control. Results obtained in this study identify ways for improved arabitol production with natural isolates using microbial processes.
Real‐time and user‐independent feature classification of forearm using EMG signals
Authors: Zhang Lei , Shi Yikai , Wang Wendong , Chu Yang , Yuan Xiaoqing
Published: December 2018

Electromyography (EMG) signals contain various information about human motion. How to extract the EMG signals of the human body by appropriate methods for classification is a hot issue in current research. Unfortunately, the main problem with the classification of EMG signals is that only certain actions can be identified. Once the individual is changed, the recognition accuracy rate will be greatly reduced. This study introduces a method for classifying the forearm using back propagation (BP) neural networks. This mode extracted five features of the EMG signals. Participants were required to train their own actions during the test. Six participants selected four to six actions to identify them, and the average accuracy was more than 90%. The results suggest that the method can be used among different individuals and provides a good classification method.
Subpectoral implantation of the hypoglossal nerve stimulator: An effective technical modification
Authors: Deep Nicholas L. , Hines John Peyton , Parish James M. , Hinni Michael L. , Bansberg Stephen F.
Published: December 2018

Upper airway stimulation is now a well‐established treatment option for selected patients with obstructive sleep apnea. The implanted pulse generator of this system activates the hypoglossal nerve and is routinely placed in a subcutaneous pocket overlying the pectoralis muscle. This case report describes a patient with a history of bilateral mastectomy and radiation for breast cancer who required explantation due to device exposure and infection. The patient was successfully reimplanted by placing the implantable pulse generator deep to the pectoralis major muscle. Clinical circumstances involving the chest wall may warrant subpectoral placement of the implanted pulse generator.

Laryngoscope, 129:2420–2423, 2019
Middle‐ear dexamethasone delivery via ultrasound microbubbles attenuates noise‐induced hearing loss
Authors: Shih Cheng‐Ping , Chen Hsin‐Chien , Lin Yi‐Chun , Chen Hang‐Kang , Wang Hao , Kuo Chao‐Yin , Lin Yuan‐Yung , Wang Chih‐Hung
Published: December 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

In this study, we expanded our previous investigation by testing the efficiency of trans–round window membrane dexamethasone (DEX) delivery mediated by ultrasound (US)‐aided microbubbles (MBs) and its preventive effects regarding noise exposure in animal models.

Study Design

Live animal model.

Methods

Forty‐two pigmented male guinea pigs were divided into the following three groups: an US‐MBs (USM) group, in which the tympanic bulla was filled with DEX and MBs and exposed to US; a round window soaking (RWS) group, without the US irradiation; and a control group. The above‐mentioned manipulations were performed 2 hours prior to white noise exposure. The cochlear damage, including auditory threshold shifts, hair cell loss, and expression of cochlear HMGB1, was evaluated.

Results

The enhanced DEX delivery efficiency of the USM group was approximately 2.4× to 11.2× greater than that of the RWS group. After the noise exposure, the RWS group showed significant cochlear protection compared with the control group, and more significant and dominant protective effects were demonstrated in the USM group.

Conclusions

The application of US‐MBs provides a safe and more effective approach than spontaneous diffusion, which is commonly used in clinical practice; thus, this technique holds potential for future inner‐ear drug delivery.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1907–1914, 2019
Radioactivity in the Marine Environment: Understanding the Basics of Radioecology
Authors: Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Charmasson Sabine , Buesseler Ken , Dai Minhan , Aoyama Michio , Casacuberta Núria , Godoy José Marcus , Johnson Andy , Maderich Vladimir , Masqué Pere , Metian Marc , Moore Willard , Morris Paul J. , Smith John N.
Published: December 2018

Natural and anthropogenic radionuclides are ubiquitous in the marine biosphere. They are used to study a suite of environmental processes, including those related to marine food webs, yet they also potentially negatively impact marine biota and humans. The goal of this lecture is to provide upper level undergraduate and graduate students with a basic understanding of marine radioecology and how marine organisms bioaccumulate and influence the cycling of radionuclides in the environment. The lecture begins with a brief introduction to the methods and models used to understand biological radionuclide uptake and loss, followed by how organisms biogeochemically and physically transfer radioactive substances throughout the ocean. The remaining lecture focuses on current methods for assessing potential radiological impacts on marine biota and risks associated with contaminated seafood consumption. This is the last lecture of a four‐part lecture series on radionuclides in the marine environment.
Corrosion inhibition of LY12CZ aluminum alloy by 3‐pyridyl‐4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thiol and its cerium nitrate compound
Authors: Liu Cui , Yu Jin , Sun Shuo
Published: December 2018

The inhibition effect of 3‐pyridyl‐4‐amino‐1,2,4‐triazole‐5‐thiol (C7H7N5S) and its cerium nitrate (Ce(NO3)3) compound on the corrosion of LY12CZ aluminum in 3.5% NaCl was investigated by means of potentiodynamic polarization (PP), electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS). Results showed that the inhibition efficiency reached 77.61% at 0.8 g L−1 concentration and was found to increase with increasing concentration of C7H7N5S. C7H7N5S is a mixed type inhibitor. The desorption onset potential was obtained from differential polarization curve. EDS data indicated that C7H7N5S can adsorb on the S phase and inhibit the cathode action of the S phase. Both kinetic and thermodynamic parameters were calculated and discussed. The adsorption of C7H7N5S on aluminum surface was found to obey the Langmuir adsorption isotherm, and being both physisorption and chemisorption. C7H7N5S and Ce(NO3)3 have an additive inhibition effect. The additive action improved the surface coverage of the aluminum and the stability of the adsorbed layer.
A series of Duffy‐distance transformation for integrating 2D and 3D vertex singularities
Authors: Lv Jia‐He , Jiao Yu‐Yong , Feng Xia‐Ting , Wriggers Peter , Zhuang Xiao‐Ying , Rabczuk Timon
Published: December 2018

With the development of the generalized/extended finite element method for fracture problems, the accurate and efficient integration of singular enrichment functions has been an open issue, especially for the 3D case. In this paper, we reveal the near singularities caused by distorted integral patch/cell shape numerically and theoretically during the implementation of generalized Duffy transformation, and the Duffy‐distance transformation is developed step by step for the 2D and 3D vertex singularities. Meanwhile, the 3D conformal preconditioning strategy is constructed to eliminate the near singularity caused by element shape distortion during the iso‐parametric transformation, which enables the Duffy‐distance transformation to be applicable for arbitrary shaped tetrahedral elements. As a result, the near singularities can be fully or partly canceled depending on the order of singularity. The implementation of the proposed scheme in existing codes is straightforward. Numerous numerical examples for arbitrary shaped triangles and tetrahedrons are presented to demonstrate its robustness and efficiency, along with comparisons to the generalized Duffy transformation.
Conspicuous activism: Digital badges and the motivation crowding effect
Authors: Cheema Sadia E. , Gotlieb Melissa R. , Sarge Melanie A.
Published: December 2018

Digital badges provide citizens with a means to publicly signal their “good” deeds to those in their social networks and thus may act as incentive to engage with social and political causes. However, research suggests that the use of such virtual tokens of recognition may have the opposite affect among those primarily motivated by altruism. Two experiments examined the effects of digital badges on support for activist organizations and their causes. Results of Study 1 demonstrated that among participants high in altruism, being offered a digital badge as a token of recognition for support decreased perceived altruistic value of support, and in turn, willingness to nominate others to spread the word about the organization's cause. Study 2 demonstrated that receiving a digital badge as a token of recognition following compliance with a foot‐in‐the door request (intended to induce self‐perceived altruism) decreased perceived value of support, and in turn, willingness to participate in future activities to promote the organization's cause. These findings strongly support a crowding out effect, suggesting that the use of digital badges may reduce support among those who care by undermining their intrinsic motivation.
Improvement in the blood compatibility of polyvinylidene fluoride membranes via in situ cross‐linking polymerization
Authors: Nie Shengqiang , Zeng Jiazhou , Qin Hui , Xu Xiaolu , Zeng Jia , Yang Chunlin , Luo Jun
Published: December 2018

In this study, we have provided a highly efficient, convenient, and universal protocol for preparing polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) membranes with low blood contact activation via in situ cross‐linking copolymerization of 2‐hydroxyethl methacrylate (HEMA) and acrylic acid (AA) in a solution of PVDF. The modified membranes were prepared from PVDF solution by phase inversion technology. The composition and morphology of the modified membranes were confirmed by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric (TG) analysis, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Protein adsorption, clotting time, and contact activation on the modified PVDF membranes were systematically studied, the results indicating that after the incorporation of AA and HEMA, the modified PVDF membranes possessed anticoagulant properties in addition to low contact activation of blood components when in contact with blood. Therefore, fluorinated PVDF membranes with surfaces enriched with carboxyl and hydroxyl groups possessed the potential for use in long‐term blood‐contacting devices.
Scratch Resistance of Flexible Carbon Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composites Improved by Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Polymerized‐Organosilicon Oxide Films
Authors: Lin Yung‐Sen , Lai Yi‐Chen , Chen Jui‐Hung
Published: December 2018

An improvement on the scratch resistance of flexible carbon fiber‐reinforced polymer composites (FCFRPCs) has been undertaken by deposition of organosilicon oxide (SiOxCy) films. The SiOxCy films are synthesized using a low temperature‐atmospheric pressure‐plasma polymerization method with an atmospheric pressure plasma jet (APPJ) at various substrate distances. SiOxCy thin films are rapidly deposited onto FCFRPCs at a short exposed‐duration of 150 s with an APPJ. The precursor tetramethyldisiloxan (TMDSO) vapors are mixed with air gases, injected into the air plasma jet of APPJ, and sprayed onto FCFRPCs at room temperature (~23°C) at atmospheric pressure. The scratch resistance of FCFRPCs is meaningfully improved from an overpowering occurrence of scratching (100%) on as‐received FCFRPC to an overall absence of scratching (0%) on SiOxCy film deposited FCFRPC against the steel wool for up to 62 cycles at a 100 g loading. The enhanced scratch resistance of FCFRPCs by APPJ‐synthesized SiOxCy films is strongly dependent on the increased nanoindentation hardness (of up to 1.60 GPa), the increased surface hardness (of up to 7H), and the decreased surface roughness (of up to 6.5 nm for the roughness of the standard deviation from the height mean Rms and 2.5 nm for the roughness of the mean deviation from the height mean Ra), respectively. How the critical films characteristics affect the increased surface hardness and the decreased surface roughness for APPJ‐synthesized SiOxCy films are discussed. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1893–E1902, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pressure‐volume‐temperature properties and thermophysical analyses of AO‐60/NBR composites
Authors: Song Meng , Qin Qi , Zhu Jing , Yu Guomin , Wu Sizhu , Jiao Mingli
Published: December 2018

AO‐60/nitrile‐butadiene rubber (AO‐60/NBR) composites with different AO‐60 contents were prepared and characterized by pressure‐volume‐temperature (PVT) dilatometry in the pressure and temperature ranges of 0–80 MPa and 25–80°C, respectively. The PVT data were analyzed in terms of the empirical Tait equation of state. The thermal expansion coefficient (α) and isothermal compressibility (β) were calculated from the best fit of the Tait equation to the PVT data. The results showed that α and β increased with AO‐60 content, and these results were related to the activity of the molecular chains and the free volume of the composite. The relations were demonstrated by the positron annihilation spectroscopy (PALS) studies. The present study hopes to provide theoretical guidance to the quantitative study of the PVT relationships and thermophysical properties of rubber materials. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:949–955, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of β‐Lactamase Inhibitors
Authors: Crass Ryan L. , Pai Manjunath P.
Published: December 2018

Novel β‐lactamase inhibitors have extended the reach of new and existing β‐lactams against multidrug‐resistant bacteria expressing β‐lactamases. The efficacy of these combination therapeutics relies on a complex two‐component pharmacodynamic (PD) system where the β‐lactamase inhibitor inactivates the bacterial β‐lactamase enzyme and frees the companion β‐lactam to act against its penicillin‐binding protein target. Despite considerable investigation into the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics of β‐lactams, the pharmacology of their companion β‐lactamase inhibitors has only recently been rigorously explored. This review describes the diversity of β‐lactamase enzymes, mechanisms of enzyme inhibition, and factors impacting the efficacy of clinically available β‐lactamase inhibitors. Relevant PK differences among available inhibitors and the PK/PD properties of these agents are described independently of their companion β‐lactams. In the modern era of antibiotic resistance, a comprehensive understanding of the pharmacology, PK, and PD of β‐lactamase inhibitors is paramount to maximizing the therapeutic efficacy of existing β‐lactam/β‐lactamase inhibitor combinations and protecting novel agents in the drug development pipeline.
Dual pH‐ and thermal‐responsive nanocomposite hydrogels for controllable delivery of hydrophobic drug baicalein
Authors: Feng Shuangjiang , Wang Shuxue , Lv Yuanfei , He Lei , Li Qiurong , Zhang Tao
Published: December 2018

Hydrogels have been widely used as mild biomaterials due to their bio‐affinity, high drug loading capability and controllable release profiles. However, hydrogel‐based carriers are greatly limited for the delivery of hydrophobic payloads due to the lack of hydrophobic binding sites. Herein, nano‐liposome micelles were embedded in semi‐interpenetrating poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐chitosan] (PNIPAAm‐co‐CS) and poly[(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐co‐(sodium alginate)] (PNIPAAm‐co‐SA) hydrogels which were responsive to both temperature and pH, thereby establishing tunable nanocomposite hydrogel delivery systems. Nano‐micelles formed via the self‐assembly of phospholipid could serve as the link between hydrophobic drug and hydrophilic hydrogel due to their special amphiphilic structure. The results of transmission and scanning electron microscopies and infrared spectroscopy showed that the porous hydrogels were successfully fabricated and the liposomes encapsulated with baicalein could be well contained in the network. In addition, the experimental results of response release in vitro revealed that the smart hydrogels showed different degree of sensitiveness under different pH and temperature stimuli. The results of the study demonstrate that combining PNIPAAm‐co‐SA and PNIPAAm‐co‐CS hydrogels with liposomes encapsulated with hydrophobic drugs is a feasible method for hydrophobic drug delivery and have potential application prospects in the medical field. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Partitioning effect of nitrogen catalyst into polymerizing particles on dispersion reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (dispersion RTCP) of methyl methacrylate in supercritical carbon dioxide and organic solvents
Authors: Okubo Masayoshi , Kitayama Yukiya , Taniyama Tomoya , Liu Xiang , Zhang Jianzheng , Shi Hao
Published: December 2018

Reversible chain transfer catalyzed polymerization (RTCP) in dispersion polymerization system (dispersion RTCP) of methyl methacrylate (MMA) was performed with N‐iodosuccimide (NIS) as a nitrogen catalyst in supercritical carbon dioxide (scCO2). The solubility of NIS in scCO2 can be controlled by tuning the pressure, and this led to promote NIS partitioning into polymerizing particles. As a result, the molecular weight distribution control was successfully improved by decreasing the NIS solubility in the medium by tuning the scCO2 at a low pressure of 20 MPa. On the other hand, at the same NIS concentration, a solution RTCP of MMA in toluene as a homogeneous polymerization system did not proceed with a controlled/living manner. The importance of NIS partitioning into the polymerizing particles was also confirmed in hexane as well as scCO2 medium. From these results, it was clarified that the NIS catalyst partitioning into the polymerizing particles as main polymerization loci is a key factor to control the molecular weight distribution in the dispersion RTCP of MMA in scCO2. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 613–620
Designed synthesis of Co salen‐based metalated crystalline polymers
Authors: Xu Kaikai , Xia Guomin , Liu Dong , Jiang Lixia , Wang Mingda , Liu Dingjun , Lv Xin , Shan Wenzhe , Wang Hongming
Published: December 2018

In this contribution, we for the first time propose the targeted synthesis of Co‐metalated salen‐based crystalline polymer, starting from corner and square building units in the presence of cobalt metal ions. On the basis of structural characterizations, this kind of salen‐based crystalline polymer is proved to be the long hollow tube. Due to its covalent connected unique structure, the obtained Co‐salen polymer possesses high crystallinity and excellent stability. The experimental and theoretical studies show that this kind of material holds paramagnetism, unique electronic structure, and remarkable catalytic activity with high selectivity for the coupling of CO2 and epoxides to form cyclic carbonates. And specifically, it shows favorable recyclability with only a slight drop in yield after six catalytic cycles. We hope that the results reported here will greatly inspire the design and synthesis of different metalated salen‐based polymer and enlarge their interesting applications in the future. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 641–647
Prospective evaluation of lung function in children with parapneumonic empyema
Authors: de Benedictis Fernando M. , Carloni Ines , Osimani Patrizia , Cobellis Giovanni , Martino Ascanio , Lanza Cecilia , Niccoli Antonio A. , Azzari Chiara , Skrami Edlira , Gesuita Rosaria
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Prospective studies that evaluated the outcome of childhood empyema are limited.

Objective

To compare the outcome of pulmonary function in children with empyema.

Patients and Methods

Children discharged with a diagnosis of empyema underwent a longitudinal study including measurement of pulmonary function and radiographic imaging.

Results

The population consisted of 39 patients, 24 males, and 15 females; with a median age of 4.6 years. Etiology was defined in 20/39 patients, and predominant microorganism was Streptococcus pneumoniae (19/20 isolates). Chest tube drainage with or without fibrinolytic agents was the primary intervention in 25 children. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 14 and 5 children as primary and secondary intervention, respectively. Thirty‐five children completed the lung function follow‐up. At first follow‐up visit, 5 out of 17 children able to perform spirometry (initially collaborating children) had normal tests, and 12 had mild‐to‐moderate defects of lung function that returned to normal over 2–57 months. Eighteen children unable to perform spirometry at first follow‐up visit (initially non‐collaborating children) had normal tests when they were evaluated 5–78 months postdischarge. At the end of the follow‐up, all patients had normal lung function. Time to normalize did not differ between groups receiving different treatments (initially collaborating children, P = 0.064; initially non‐collaborating children P = 0.223). Three previously healthy children had recurrent cough, and all children had normal chest radiographs aside from pleural thickening.

Conclusions

The respiratory outcome in children with empyema is generally good and is not influenced by the type of intervention.
Measurement of knee joint range of motion with a digital goniometer: A reliability study
Authors: Svensson Melanie , Lind Veronika , Löfgren Harringe Marita
Published: December 2018

Objectives

Measurements of joint range of motion (ROM) are part of a physical therapist's daily work. Activities of daily living and exercises can be complicated to perform when ROM is limited, and depending on the demands in daily living, the knee joint requires different ROM. In sports, a few degrees in ROM may make the difference between getting injured or not. The goals for physical therapists are to help the patients to regain full ROM, mobility, strength, and function after sustaining an injury. To measure joints with the manual universal goniometer is considered time‐consuming and difficult with respect to repeated measurements. Recently, a new digital instrument for measuring ROM was developed—EasyAngle. A first objective of the study was to investigate the reliability of EA for measuring knee joint angles, considering intrarater and interrater reliability. A second objective was to investigate if there were any differences in the intrarater reliability between a novice and an experienced assessor.

Method

Passive knee angles were measured in fixed positions for 40 knee joints (20 subjects). Two registered physical therapists, one novice and one experienced, conducted the measurements. Both registered physical therapists were blinded to the measurements throughout the study.

Results

The results showed very good intrarater (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] 0,997–0,998, standard error of mean 1.15–1.48, smallest detectable difference [SDD] 3.19–4.09, limits of agreement −3.36–3.04, −4.66—4.09) and interrater reliability (ICC 0.994, standard error of mean 2.11, SDD 5.85, limits of agreement −4.75–6.95) for measurements of knee joint ROM. No statistical difference between a novice and an experienced assessor was detected (p = 0.86).

Conclusion

The results of the present study showed very good ICC values for both intrarater and interrater reliability measuring knee joint ROM with EasyAngle. Relatively high SDD values were seen for both assessors and may indicate a problem monitoring small differences between measurements. Further studies are recommended to increase the generalizability of the results.
Coupling of the First and Second Excited States of R6G Dye with the Fabry–Perot Cavity
Authors: Tanyi Ekembu K. , Harrison Erin , On Cansu , Noginov Mikhail A.
Published: December 2018

Coupling of macroscopic ensembles of highly concentrated R6G molecules with aluminum and silver Fabry–Perot cavities of different sizes, in which one or two standing wave modes are in resonance with the absorption transition(s) of the dye molecules, have been studied. (i) It has been found that strong coupling of the cavity with one molecular eigenstate (S0→S1 transition) does not perturb the energies of the other molecular states. (ii) The S0→S2 absorption transition is too weak to strongly couple to the resonant cavity (“λ” standing wave mode). However, the resonant cavity causes a blue shift of the S0→S2 excitation band. (iii) The splitting of the dispersion curve is theoretically predicted and experimentally observed at strong coupling of the cavity resonance (“λ” standing wave mode) with the material resonances of Ag, including bound electron and “epsilon equal zero” transitions.
Even‐Parity Excited States in Infrared Emission, Absorption, and Raman Scattering Spectra of Shallow Donor Centers in Silicon
Authors: Pavlov Sergey G. , Abrosimov Nikolay V. , Shuman Valentina B. , Portsel Leonid М. , Lodygin Аnatoly N. , Astrov Yuri A. , Zhukavin Roman Kh. , Shastin Valery N. , Irmscher Klaus , Pohl Andreas , Hübers Heinz‐Wilhelm
Published: December 2018

The Lyman absorption spectra of different shallow dopants in elemental semiconductors at liquid‐helium temperature show typically transitions from the even‐parity ground state to odd‐parity excited states. Such transitions are dipole allowed and observed by absorption spectroscopy. Knowledge on the excited states with other type of symmetry can be derived from absorption and Raman spectra of a heavily doped semiconductor, or at experimental conditions enabling optical dipole‐allowed transitions from or into even‐parity states. Here, we report on the experimental observation of impurity transitions involving different excited even‐parity (ns‐ and nd‐) states in silicon crystals: 1) doped with group‐V hydrogen‐like donors in samples with large infrared absorbance, and 2) doped with the magnesium double donor evoking a thermal population of the lowest even‐parity excited states.
The Structure of Phase‐Change Chalcogenides and Their High‐Pressure Behavior
Authors: Xu Kailang , Miao Xiangshui , Xu Ming
Published: December 2018

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) used in data storage devices have unique structural features and transition properties by thermal heating. Pressure, as another important thermodynamic tool, can also induce a series of interesting phase transitions in PCMs, accompanied by the altering of bonding nature and physical properties. Here, the structure transition as well as property change of prototypical phase‐change material Ge–Sb–Te (GST) under hydrostatic pressure has been reviewed. The high‐pressure behavior of some other relevant chalcogenides such as GeTe, Sb2Te3, and GeSe, is also discussed. The revealing of structure and property changes due to high pressure sheds light on the underlying physics of many fascinating properties of PCMs, and therefore it will have profound implications on various applications of phase change materials in memory and other fields.
Isotope ratio mass spectrometry in antidoping analysis: The use of endogenous reference compounds
Authors: de la Torre Xavier , Jardines Daniel , Curcio Davide , Colamonici Cristiana , Botrè Francesco
Published: December 2018

Rationale

Isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS) is an analytical technique required by the World Antidoping Agency (WADA) before releasing of an adverse finding for the abuse of pseudoendogenous steroids (i.e. testosterone). For every single individual, the delta 13C values (‰) of the selected target compounds (TCs, i.e. testosterone and/or its precursors/metabolites) are compared with those of endogenous reference compounds (ERCs). The aim of this work is to investigate the individual variation in the delta values of four different commonly used ERCs to establish the maximum acceptable variation, in order to detect potential outliers.

Methods

Routine urine samples collected for antidoping purposes were submitted to IRMS confirmation. After a specific liquid chromatographic purification of the analytes of interest, the final extracts were analyzed by gas chromatography/combustion (GC/C)‐IRMS. The selected ERCs monitored were pregnanediol, pregnanetriol, 11‐keto‐etiocholanolone and 11β‐hydroxyandrosterone. The obtained 13C delta values were statistically analyzed to evaluate their inter‐ and intra‐individual distribution.

Results

The delta values of the ERCs studied showed a normal distribution and no major differences among genders were observed. As expected, there are differences depending on the geographical origin of the samples, reflecting different dietary habits and food sources. The intra‐individual dispersion, expressed as the standard deviation (SD) of the values of the studied ERCs, did not greatly exceed the instrumental error (0.5‰), demonstrating the good preservation of the delta values along the metabolic pathway.

Conclusions

For the selected ERCs of non‐sporting volunteers and the urinary specimens from more than 1000 sportsmen, we can propose a maximum SD of 0.54‰ and range of 1.2‰ for delta 13C values as acceptance criteria to detect potential outliers. These cases can be caused by the external masking effect of the administration of a substance modifying the delta values or outliers due to unforeseen procedural artifacts.
Model predictive controller–based spatiotemporal path tracking method for transhumeral prostheses
Authors: Dannangoda Gamage Kanishka Madusanka , Gopura R.A. Ruwan C. , Amarasinghe Y.W. Ranjith , Mann George K.I.
Published: December 2018

Background

Transhumeral prostheses are worn by transhumeral amputees to replace the missing upper limb segment between shoulder and elbow. Prostheses should be able to function as a natural limb for the user to gain the full advantage of wearing a prosthesis. When performing reach‐to‐grasp and pointing motions by the upper limb, the hand is capable of adhering to a straight‐line path with a bell‐shaped velocity profile.

Aim

Aim was to develop a dynamic path‐tracking method for transhumeral prostheses to gain the capability of adhering to a straight‐line path.

Method

Proposed method uses model predictive controller (MPC) developed based on the kinematic model of the prosthesis. Moreover, a shoulder matcher is proposed to match actual shoulder pose with the predicted shoulder pose and to select the best joint angles for the prosthesis for a particular instance. Furthermore, the proposed method is capable of dynamically updating the path if the human performs shoulder motions, which are not as planned by the MPC.

Results

Several experiments are conducted to validate the proposed method. The proposed method is capable of taking a straight‐line path similar to a natural human.

Conclusion

This paper proposed a dynamic path‐tracking method based on a model predictive controller. The proposed method is capable of taking the prosthetic hand on a straight‐line path, which is similar to a path taken by a natural human hand.
In Situ Generation of Copper Nanoparticles by Rongalite and Their Use as Catalyst for Click Chemistry in Water
Authors: Poshala Soumya , Thunga Sanjeeva , Manchala Saikumar , Kokatla Hari Prasad
Published: December 2018

A novel, efficient and green protocol for the copper‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction by using copper nanoparticles (CuNPs), generated in situ by a green reducing agent, rongalite, is reported. Terminal alkynes reacted with benzyl, aryl and alkyl azides in the presence of copper nanoparticles and β ‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) in water. The reactions exclusively generated the corresponding regiospecific 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles in good to excellent yields. Notably, in situ generation of copper nanoparticles does not require any additional stabilizing agents or special reaction conditions. β‐cyclodextrin plays dual role as a stabilizing agent as well as phase transfer catalyst. This protocol is also applicable for gram scale reactions.