bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patenting Bioinformatic Inventions: Global Perspective
Authors: Devarapalli Pratap , Deshpande Nishad , Hirwani Rajkumar
Published: October 2018

Patenting bioinformatic inventions has become a ride on the rail to the scientists and inventors. Specifically in bioinformatics, drafting an invention in bounds of patentability criteria is one the most critical task for an inventor to protect his invention. As bioinformatics is a budding field of science, patentable subject matter in bioinformatics was not specifically defined by most of the patent offices in the world. In this regard, we have tried to explain patentable subject matter in bioinformatics by classifying bioinformatics into different subject fields. Additionally, we have tried to trace out patentable subject matter for bioinformatic inventions based on country-specific patentability standards and granted bioinformatic patents of US, Europe, India, Canada and Australia.
Strategy First, Execution Second: Why Life Science Entrepreneurs Should Adopt a Top-Down Mindset Early
Authors: Bouta Echoe , Ben-Joseph Oded
Published: October 2018

Despite the dedication of the management team and board to a company’s success, an often  overlooked component is the dynamics of the segment in which the company operates. In an effort to demonstrate the importance of the external view and how segment dynamics are likely to significantly impact the reality of companies, we analyzed recent data in the three-year period between 2015 and 2017 pertaining to financing events, M&A transactions and initial public offerings (IPO) in three separate sectors: therapeutic devices, oncology therapeutics and antibiotics. The analysis presented will provide management with a good estimation as to the required capital to achieve value-add milestones as well as the anticipated return on investment. These examples demonstrate the fundamentally different dynamics of three sectors, which will impact the most probable path to liquidity of companies in those sectors. Therapeutic devices have to often get regulatory approval prior to an exit where exits happen earlier in clinical development for the oncology therapeutics sector. Despite the high unmet need, there have been limited exits in the antibiotics sector. In all cases, return on investment is greater when the company’s exit included being acquired versus an IPO. This data demonstrates that exit opportunities are largely sector-dependent and suggests substituting external formal thinking, market-driven evaluation and analysis for inward-looking and biased judgment will being beneficial crafting a mature business case as well increasing the probability of success.
The R&D Marketing Interface in Biopharma and MedTech
Authors: Jambulingam Thani
Published: October 2018

This article highlights the importance of building a marketing led cross-functional team that integrates the R&D, and commercialization process in an early stage Biopharma and MedTech company. Marketing should play a prominent role in the cross-functional team at the earliest stages of company formation and product development to identify unmet need, design the development plan, shape the product life cycle, position the product in the competitive set, and understand all market drivers and competitive factors that are essential to ensure commercial success. In particular, in this paper, the focus is on the importance of creating an appealing target product profile (TPP) and describe the rational and methodology for creating the TPP. Drug development is a high risk, high cost, high reward undertaking, and the TPP provides a market-guided approach to development of drugs more quickly, inexpensively, and with a higher rate of success.
Peripheral body temperature impairment in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Barone Mark Thomaz Ugliara , Gonçalves Bruno , Menna-Barreto Luiz
Published: October 2018

Objective: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the peripheral temperature rhythmicity and control in individuals with type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Methods: Twelve non-obese adults (20-40 years old) with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) and eight control individuals, matched for age and BMI, wore a wrist temperature recorder for 10 consecutive days. Recorded data were aggregated to calculate M10 (ten hours of highest temperature) and L5 (five hours of lowest temperature) of wrist temperature values for both groups.

Results: Mean wrist temperature and M10 were not different when comparing the groups. The wrist temperature amplitude was reduced in the T1D group (p=0.039), due to a higher L5 (p=0.038).

Discussion: While the higher L5 observed in T1D could be explained by less efficient heat dissipation, the amplitude flattening coincides with that observed in elderly.
Comparison of sleep quality assessed by actigraphy and questionnaires to healthy subjects
Authors: Forner-Cordero Arturo , Umemura Guilherme Silva , Furtado Fabianne , Gonçalves Bruno da Silva Brandão
Published: October 2018

Sleep quality analysis is crucial for human health and it is related to duration, rhythm and quality. The goal of this study is to analyze objective assessment of the sleep-wake cycles with actigraphy, subjective questionnaires and their relationship with sleep quality indices. A wearable actigraph registered the sleep habits of 41 healthy subjects for 9 days. Afterwards, the subjects filled two questionnaires about sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale). The subjects were divided into two groups based on cut-off scores and the actigraphy parameters were compared between groups. Group 1 in ESS and PSQI categorization had less diurnal sleepiness and better sleep quality, respectively, than Group 2. Measurements of regularity (IS), fragmentation (IV), active phase amplitude (M10), rest amplitude (L5), and relative amplitude (RA) were compared between groups. Group 2 had higher L5 values. Parameter L5 (lowest of 5 consecutive hours of activity) was concluded to be relevant to identify the sleep conditions of the subjects.
Generalized Anxiety disorder but not depression is associated with insomnia: a population based study
Authors: Khan Imran Wasfi , Juyal Ruchi , Shikha Deep , Gupta Ravi
Published: October 2018

Background: Insomnia is a common problem, however, its prevalence has never been examined in Indian population. Moreover, a number of psychiatric disorders have been found to be associated with insomnia in clinical population, but this association has scarcely been examined in general population.

Methods: This epidemiological study was done in an urban and a rural population. Subjects were selected using Kish method. After obtaining informed consent, psychiatric disorders were diagnosed using Hindi version of Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. Hindi version of Insomnia Severity Index was used to diagnose insomnia.

Results: 1700 subjects were included in this study. In this study, prevalence of insomnia was 10.3%. Its prevalence increased with increasing years of education (p=0.009). Insomnia was more frequent in subjects living in joint families (p<0.001), having higher education (p=0.009), those who were separated (p<0.001), among subjects belonging to middle socio-economic status (p<0.001) and in urban population compared to semi-urban and rural population (p<0.001). Insomnia was also more frequent among subjects with major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence, cannabis dependence and tobacco use. However, binary logistic regression analysis showed that only higher education, unemployment, generalized anxiety disorder and tobacco use were associated with insomnia.

Conclusion: Insomnia in general population is associated with higher education, unemployment, generalized anxiety disorders and tobacco use.
Finnish cattle and pig farmers’ perceptions of animal welfare inspections
Authors: Väärikkälä S , Artukka S-M , Hänninen L , Nevas M
Published: October 2018

The aim of this study was to broaden the understanding of Finnish cattle and pig farmers’ perceptions of the on-site animal welfare inspections carried out by official authorities in livestock farms. The study was conducted using an electronic questionnaire, aimed at 500 Finnish cattle and 500 pig farmers. Responses were received from 96 cattle farmers and 105 pig farmers, of which 20 and 55, respectively, had undergone an animal welfare inspection. It was found that most of the farmers recognised the need for animal welfare inspections, but also that a more negative attitude was prevalent among farmers who had undergone these inspections. The inspection itself was a far more negative experience if the farmer had not understood the reason for the inspection, no opportunity existed to be heard, or the findings of the report were found to be unclear. The results suggest that although the farmers generally approve of inspections, their own negative experiences affect their perceptions. Moving forward, efforts should be made by inspectors to enhance the level of communication, thereby ensuring the findings of the report are clear to the farmer.
L’école publique au Madawaska et la politique assimilationniste du Maine (1842–1920)
Authors: Sance Élisa
Published: October 2018

Après l’établissement de la frontière internationale entre le Maine et le Nouveau-Brunswick en 1842, l’État du Maine s’est engagé dans une politique d’assimilation des francophones de la vallée du Saint-Jean. Territoire contesté pendant de nombreuses années, la région du Madawaska disposait en 1842 d’institutions reflétant le mode de fonctionnement de cette communauté restée jusqu’alors relativement autonome. La barrière de la langue, l’identité de la communauté francophone du Madawaska, ainsi que la différence entre les institutions du Maine et celle du Madawaska ont constitué autant de freins à l’américanisation de la vallée du Saint-Jean.

L’école publique est un des moyens d’encourager sinon l’assimilation, au moins l’acculturation. Cet article examine les répercussions de la politique assimilationniste du Maine sur l’établissement du système scolaire public au Madawaska. Il s’intéresse particulièrement à la formation des enseignants et aux aménagements spécifiques du système scolaire consentis par l’État du Maine dans le but de faire progresser sa politique assimilationniste.
Loss of p53 suppresses replication-stress-induced DNA breakage in G1/S checkpoint deficient cells
Authors: Benedict Bente , van Harn Tanja , Dekker Marleen , Hermsen Simone , Kucukosmanoglu Asli , Pieters Wietske , Delzenne-Goette Elly , Dorsman Josephine C , Petermann Eva , Foijer Floris , te Riele Hein
Published: October 2018

In cancer cells, loss of G1/S control is often accompanied by p53 pathway inactivation, the latter usually rationalized as a necessity for suppressing cell cycle arrest and apoptosis. However, we found an unanticipated effect of p53 loss in mouse and human G1-checkpoint-deficient cells: reduction of DNA damage. We show that abrogation of the G1/S-checkpoint allowed cells to enter S-phase under growth-restricting conditions at the expense of severe replication stress manifesting as decelerated DNA replication, reduced origin firing and accumulation of DNA double-strand breaks. In this system, loss of p53 allowed mitogen-independent proliferation, not by suppressing apoptosis, but rather by restoring origin firing and reducing DNA breakage. Loss of G1/S control also caused DNA damage and activation of p53 in an in vivo retinoblastoma model. Moreover, in a teratoma model, loss of p53 reduced DNA breakage. Thus, loss of p53 may promote growth of incipient cancer cells by reducing replication-stress-induced DNA damage.
The BackMAP Python module: how a simpler Ramachandran number can simplify the life of a protein simulator
Authors: Mannige Ranjan
Published: October 2018

Protein backbones occupy diverse conformations, but compact metrics to describe such conformations and transitions between them have been missing. This report re-introduces the Ramachandran number (ℛ) as a residue-level structural metric that could simply the life of anyone contending with large numbers of protein backbone conformations (e.g., ensembles from NMR and trajectories from simulations). Previously, the Ramachandran number (ℛ) was introduced using a complicated closed form, which made the Ramachandran number difficult to implement. This report discusses a much simpler closed form of ℛ that makes it much easier to calculate, thereby making it easy to implement. Additionally, this report discusses how ℛ dramatically reduces the dimensionality of the protein backbone, thereby making it ideal for simultaneously interrogating large numbers of protein structures. For example, 200 distinct conformations can easily be described in one graphic using ℛ (rather than 200 distinct Ramachandran plots). Finally, a new Python-based backbone analysis tool—BackMAP—is introduced, which reiterates how ℛ can be used as a simple and succinct descriptor of protein backbones and their dynamics.
Coordinative control of G2/M phase of the cell cycle by non-coding RNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Shi Jun , Ye Guangqiang , Zhao Guoliang , Wang Xuedong , Ye Chunhui , Thammavong Keooudone , Xu Jing , Dong Jiahong
Published: October 2018

Objective

To investigate the interaction of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

We compared the ncRNAs and mRNAs expression profiles of hepatocellular carcinoma and adjacent tissue by microarray and RT-PCR. The relationship between different ncRNAs and mRNA was analyzed using bioinformatics tools. A regulatory model of ncRNAs in hepatocellular carcinoma cells was developed.

Results

A total of 1,704 differentially expressed lncRNAs, 57 miRNAs, and 2,093 mRNAs were identified by microarray analyses. There is a co-expression relationship between two ncRNAs (miRNA-125b-2-3p and lncRNA P26302). Bioinformatics analysis demonstrated cyclin-dependent kinases 1 and CyclinA2 as potential targets of miR-125b-2-3p and Polo-like kinase 1 as potential target of lncRNAP26302. All three gene are important components in the G2/M phase of cell cycle. Subsequently real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) studies confirmed these microarray results.

Conclusion

MiR-125b-2-3p and lncRNAP26302 may affect the G2/M phase of the cell cycle through the regulation of their respective target genes. This study shows a role of ncRNAs in pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma at molecular level, providing a basis for the future investigation aiming at early diagnosis and novel treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
PRÁTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS EM SALAS DE RECURSOS MULTIFUNCIONAIS: POSSIBILIDADES E DESAFIOS PARA A EDUCAÇÃO INCLUSIVA
Authors: Oliveira Jáima Pinheiro de , Zaboroski Ana Paula , Luz Marcela Silva da
Published: October 2018

Este estudo investigou o perfil (professores e alunos) e a dinâmica de seis SRM. Participaram da pesquisa seis professoras atuantes em AEE. Os dados referentes ao perfil dos alunos dessas salas também foram coletados. Foram aplicados questionários e efetuadas entrevistas com roteiros que priorizaram aspectos da rotina desse atendimento. Os resultados indicaram a recorrência de discussões sobre a formação de professores, tais como ausência e/ou insuficiência. Sobre o perfil dos alunos, identificou-se que, muitos deles não são públicos-alvo da Educação Especial. A articulação entre a educação especial e o ensino regular, bem como o conhecimento especializado dos profissionais da educação, são pontos nevrálgicos que ainda devem ser considerados no processo de inclusão.
CONCEPÇÕES E PRÁTICAS DOCENTES NA FORMAÇÃO DO ALUNO LEITOR E ESCRITOR
Authors: Zaider Penteado Dienifer , Bona Josefi Ângela Helena
Published: October 2018

Este trabalho objetivou analisar as práticas de ensino desenvolvidas no processo de alfabetização e sua influência na formação de escritores e leitores. Observou-se a relação entre o que se propõe na sala de aula e como se expressam as concepções de ensino e aprendizagem no discurso dos professores. A pesquisa foi orientada por uma abordagem qualitativa interpretativa, e realizada em uma escola municipal de Guarapuava-PR, mediante  entrevistas e observações de aulas, por um ano, envolvendo professoras do 1º ano do ensino fundamental. Constatou-se uma distorção entre a concepção interacionista, dos discursos das professoras, e a sua prática mecanicista, que prejudica a formação do usuário da lingagem escrita.
The impact of seductive details and signaling on analogical transfer
Authors: Abercrombie Sara , Hushman Carolyn J. , Carbonneau Kira J.
Published: October 2018

This study tests if the seductive details effect on transfer is mitigated by signaling. Preservice teachers (N = 73) were randomly assigned on the basis of two factors, signaling and seductive details. After learning about principles of effective feedback, participants reflected on a narrative text case illustrating the instructional material that either contained or did not contain signals (highlighting key base text) and/or seductive details (interesting but extraneous details). Whereas no group differences for signaling, or signaling by seductive details interaction were found, a significant main effect for seductive details on transfer was found, Cohen's d = 0.51. These results suggest seductive details embedded in narrative cases negatively impact analogical transfer, and the effect is not mitigated by the inclusion of signaling. This lends support to the diversion hypothesis of seductive details, which suggests that seductive details damage learning by preventing meaningful encoding in appropriate schema.
A Solid‐State Hard Microfluidic–Nanopore Biosensor with Multilayer Fluidics and On‐Chip Bioassay/Purification Chamber
Authors: Varongchayakul Nitinun , Hersey Joseph S. , Squires Allison , Meller Amit , Grinstaff Mark W.
Published: October 2018

Solid‐state nanopores are an emerging biosensor for nucleic acid and protein characterization. For use in a clinical setting, solid‐state nanopore sensing requires sample preparation and purification, fluid handling, a heating element, electrical noise insulators, and an electrical readout detector, all of which hamper its translation to a point‐of‐care diagnostic device. A stand‐alone microfluidic‐based nanopore device is described that combines a bioassay reaction/purification chamber with a solid‐state nanopore sensor. The microfluidic device is composed of the high‐temperature/solvent resistance Zeonex plastic, formed via micromachining and heat bonding, enabling the use of both a heat regulator and a magnetic controller. Fluid control through the microfluidic channels and chambers is controlled via fluid port selector valves and allows up to eight different solutions. Electrical noise measurements and DNA translocation experiments demonstrate the integrity of the device, with performance comparable to a conventional stand‐alone nanopore setup. However, the microfluidic–nanopore setup is superior in terms of ease of use. To showcase the utility of the device, single molecule detection of a DNA polymerase chain reaction product, after magnetic bead DNA separation, is accomplished on‐chip.
Highly Reliable Liquid Metal–Solid Metal Contacts with a Corrugated Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Diffusion Barrier for Stretchable Electronics
Authors: Oh Eunho , Kim Taehoon , Yoon Jaeyoung , Lee Seunghwan , Kim Daesik , Lee Byeongmoon , Byun Junghwan , Cho Hyeon , Ha Jewook , Hong Yongtaek
Published: October 2018

Liquid metals (LMs) are a special case of metals that exist in a liquid at room temperature, making them one of the most attractive conductive materials in stretchable electronics. In many cases, however, the LM attacks other metals in contact with the LM through penetration, embrittlement, and alloying. To address these critical issues, there have been efforts to introduce robust barriers, which can preserve the underlying metals without degradation. For example, graphene is employed as a flexible barrier owing to its chemical inertness and impermeability. Nevertheless, this material is difficult to utilize in stretchable electronics because its defects result in inevitable fracture, even at a low strain (< 6%). In addition, it is a challenge to pattern the graphene layer on the point‐of‐interest area in a facile manner. Herein, it is shown that the insertion of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) at the liquid metal–solid metal interface provides a proper barrier for LM under large deformation conditions. A tangled 1D structure of the SWCNTs formed from a solution process greatly suppresses the crack generation/propagation and maintains conductivity even under large strains, which facilitates the use of SWCNTs as stretchable barriers with long‐term reliability through the introduction of a corrugated structure.
Copper‐Catalyzed Direct and Stereoselective Synthesis of Conjugated Enynes from α‐Allenols
Authors: Sai Masahiro , Matsubara Seijiro
Published: October 2018

A novel strategy for the stereoselective synthesis of conjugated enynes directly from α‐allenols has been developed. The reaction proceeds with perfect E‐selectivity and exhibits high functional group compatibility. This catalytic system can also be applied to the stereoselective synthesis of conjugated dienynes and enediynes.

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Pattern recognition in chemical process flowsheets
Authors: Zhang Tong , Sahinidis Nikolaos V. , Siirola Jeffrey J.
Published: October 2018

By recognizing similarities in flowsheets, engineers can understand ways in which to improve the design and efficiency of chemical processes. However, there is no prior literature on how to compare flowsheets and mine them for common patterns. To fill this gap, we propose the first systematic methodology to mine patterns in chemical process flowsheets. The proposed methodology consists of three major steps, each of which has a polynomial time complexity. We apply our methodology to several case studies that involve comparisons of up to 18 different flowsheets. The patterns identified by our methodology are consistent with engineering practice and heuristic rules in the process synthesis literature. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 592–603, 2019
New formula and conversion factor to compute basic wood density of tree species using a global wood technology database
Authors: Vieilledent Ghislain , Fischer Fabian Jörg , Chave Jérôme , Guibal Daniel , Langbour Patrick , Gérard Jean
Published: October 2018

Premise of the Study

Basic wood density is an important ecological trait for woody plants. It is used to characterize species performance and fitness in community ecology and to compute tree and forest biomass in carbon cycle studies. While wood density has been historically measured at 12% moisture, it is convenient for ecological purposes to convert this measure to basic wood density, i.e., the ratio of dry mass over green volume. Basic wood density can then be used to compute tree dry biomass from living tree volume.

Methods

Here, we derive a new exact formula to compute the basic wood density Db from the density at moisture content w denoted Dw, the fiber saturation point S, and the volumetric shrinkage coefficient R. We estimated a new conversion factor using a global wood technology database where values to use this formula are available for 4022 trees collected in 64 countries (mostly tropical) and representing 872 species.

Key Results

We show that previous conversion factors used to convert densities at 12% moisture into basic wood densities are inconsistent. Based on theory and data, we found that basic wood density could be inferred from the density at 12% moisture using the following formula: Db = 0.828D12. This value of 0.828 provides basic wood density estimates 4–5% smaller than values inferred from previous conversion factors.

Conclusions

This new conversion factor should be used to derive basic wood densities in global wood density databases. Its use would prevent overestimating global forest carbon stocks and allow predicting better tree species community dynamics from wood density.
Existence of a Precipitation Threshold in the Electrostatic Precipitation of Oppositely Charged Nanoparticles
Authors: Nakanishi Hideyuki , Deák András , Hólló Gábor , Lagzi István
Published: October 2018

Oppositely charged nanoparticles precipitate rapidly only at the point of electroneutrality, wherein their charges are macroscopically compensated. We investigated the aggregation and precipitation of oppositely charged nanoparticles at concentrations ranging from 10 to 10−3 mm (based on gold atoms) by using UV/Vis measurements. We employed solutions of equally sized (4.6 nm) gold nanoparticles, which were functionalized and stabilized with either positively or with negatively charged alkanethiols. Results showed that oppositely charged nanoparticles do not precipitate if their concentration is below a certain threshold even if the electroneutrality condition is fulfilled. This finding suggests a universal behavior of chemical systems comprising oppositely charged building blocks such as ions and charged nanoparticles.
Hierarchical Self‐Assembly of BODIPY Dyes as a Tool to Improve the Antitumor Activity of Capsaicin in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sampedro Angel , Ramos‐Torres Ágata , Schwöppe Christian , Mück‐Lichtenfeld Christian , Helmers Ingo , Bort Alicia , Díaz‐Laviada Inés , Fernández Gustavo
Published: October 2018

Capsaicin (CAP) has been long known for its analgesic properties and more recently for its antitumor activity in various cell types. However, its pungency and the high doses needed to achieve a significant activity have precluded its application in cancer therapy. Herein, we propose a straightforward novel strategy to improve the antitumor effect of CAP based on the enhancement of its aggregation propensity in aqueous media by covalent attachment of a BODIPY (BDP) dye. The target CAP‐BDP 1 self‐assembles in aqueous solutions into weakly fluorescent globular assemblies that become highly emissive upon cell uptake‐induced disassembly. Remarkably, due to the improved delivery to the tumour tissue upon aggregation, we have succeeded in reducing the doses of CAP‐based drugs in vivo in prostate cancer by two orders of magnitude while maintaining a substantial antitumor activity.
Nitromethane as a Carbanion Source for Domino Benzoannulation with Ynones: One‐Pot Synthesis of Polyfunctional Naphthalenes and a Total Synthesis of Macarpine
Authors: Singh Shweta , Samineni Ramesh , Pabbaraja Srihari , Mehta Goverdhan
Published: October 2018

A one‐pot, transition‐metal‐free, domino Michael/SNAr protocol of general applicability has been devised for the regioselective synthesis of polyfunctional naphthalenes by employing nitromethane and ortho‐haloaryl ynones. Utilization of nitromethane as a one carbon carbanion source that is incorporated into a variety of ynones, ends up as an aromatic nitro substituent. The application of this domino process towards a total synthesis of the polycyclic alkaloid macarpine demonstrate for the efficacy of this methodology. The conceptually simple approach to affect regioselective, multifunctional benzoannulation of ynones displays wide substrate scope and functional‐group tolerance and has been implemented with substituted nitromethanes, as well as with alicyclic o‐haloynones.
Thermoresponsive‐interpenetrating polymer network hydrogels for heavy metal ion recovery
Authors: Ochi Masanori , Ida Junichi , Matsuyama Tatsushi , Yamamoto Hideo
Published: October 2018

Thermoresponsive‐interpenetrating polymer network (TR‐IPN) hydrogels containing a large number of chelating groups were synthesized; the aim was to ensure the recovery of large amounts of heavy metal ions through temperature cycling across volume phase transition temperature of the hydrogel. The TR‐IPN hydrogels were synthesized from poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) and alginate, and the ability of these hydrogels to adsorb a heavy metal ion, Cu(II), was investigated at different temperatures. In the experiment, the hydrogels were prepared using various alginate and crosslinker concentrations. Despite the incorporation of a large number of chelating groups, the TR‐IPN hydrogels exhibited a large thermoresponsive volume change regardless of the presence of Cu(II). The Cu(II) adsorption experiment showed that the saturated adsorption amount of the hydrogels was larger at 50 than at 10 °C. In addition, we demonstrated that the difference between the amounts adsorbed at 10 and 50 °C, which we consider to be the amount of Cu(II) that the TR‐IPN hydrogels can recover through temperature cycling, was greater than those obtained by other conventional copolymerized thermoresponsive hydrogels. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46701.
Synthesis and characterization of phosphonate and aromatic‐based polynorbornene polymers derived from the ring opening metathesis polymerization method and investigation of their thermal properties
Authors: lşıksel E. , Kahraman G. , Ceren Süer N. , Wang D.‐Y. , Eren T.
Published: October 2018

In the present study, phosphonate ester, phosphonic acid, and aromatic (phenyl, naphthalene, anthracene) groups containing polymers were synthesized by the ROMP method to analyze thermal properties of these polymers. Thermal stability of the synthesized polymers is tested by thermal gravimetric analysis under nitrogen, air, and microscale combustion calorimetry analysis. Analysis shows that thermal behavior is directly related to the phosphorus level in the copolymer series. All the polymers are thermally stable under nitrogen and air up to 900 °C. Synergistic charring effect under air was observed between aromatic groups and phosphonic acid functionality in the copolymer series. Anthracene units have a greater potential to form carbonaceous char than the naphthalene and phenyl units. Phosphonate ester and naphthalene units bearing copolymers (P3A) gave 8.13% char yield at 900 °C under air. Phosphonic acid derivatives of this polymer, P3D, gave a highest char residue of 17.15% under the same condition. The introduction of phosphonate and phosphonic acid in each copolymer series is also beneficial in reducing the peak heat release rate (PHRR). Cleavage of the phosphonate ester bearing homopolymer (P4) to phosphonic acid (P4A) causes a sharp decrease in the PHRR ratio from 274 to 28.2 W/g. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47085.
Preparation and characterization of antimicrobial films based on nanocrystalline cellulose
Authors: Zhang Yan , Liu Ying , Li Rong , Ren Xuehong , Huang Tung‐Shi
Published: October 2018

Nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC) has great potential in applications in medical and food packaging due to its abundance, high specific surface area, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and reproducibility. N‐Halamine is one of the most effective antibacterial agents, with broad‐spectrum efficacy against microorganisms, good stability, and reproducibility. Due to the nanosize effect and high specific surface area of NCC, N‐halamine‐modified NCC is potentially an excellent biocidal compound. In this paper, an N‐halamine precursor 1‐hydroxymethyl‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (HDH) was used to modify NCC with cyanuric chloride (cych) as the bonding agent. After chlorination, the produced NCC‐cych‐HDH‐Cl became antibacterial. The synthesized NCC‐cych‐HDH‐Cl was added to a chitosan (CS) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution to prepare antibacterial films. The optimum mixing ratio of PVA and CS in the PVA/CS films and concentration of NCC‐cych‐HDH‐Cl were investigated. The surface morphologies and mechanical properties of the antibacterial films were characterized with scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and mechanical strength tests. The results indicated that the film with 90/10 PVA/CS and 7.0% loading of NCC‐cych‐HDH‐Cl exhibited excellent tensile strength. The antibacterial film with 5.91 × 1017 atoms/cm2 of active chlorine displayed an excellent antibacterial property against Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Escherichia coli O157:H7 (ATCC 43895). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47101.
Spinning‐assist layer‐by‐layer assembled polysulfonamide membrane for reverse osmosis from naphthalene‐1,3,6‐trisulfonylchloride and piperazine
Authors: Yuan Tao , Hu Yuefang , He Meng , Zhao Shuzhen , Lan Hongling , Li Peng , Jason Niu Q.
Published: October 2018

Polysulfonamide (PSA), with its chemical stability and acid‐resistance, is seen as a potential material for reverse osmosis. However, the present PSA thin film composite membranes fabricated via prevailing interfacial polymerization (IP) approach generally exhibited nonfavored desalination performance. In this work, PSA membrane was assembled via spinning‐assist layer‐by‐layer (sLbL) on a poly(vinyl alcohol) modified polyethersulfone substrate. Fabrication was carried out through sequential interfacial reaction between naphthalene‐1,3,6‐trisufonylchloride and piperazine by alternately dipping and drying the substrate in two monomer phases. Morphology, chemical composition, surface charge distribution as well as surface hydrophilicity were investigated as a function of repeated cycles. The sLbL assembly approach implemented facile control over membrane properties with well‐organized selective layer thickness growth and twofold to threefold reduced surface roughness. As measured from spectroscopic ellipsometry, the sLbL assembled membranes exhibited a linear thickness growth at ~2.72 nm per layer. Performance test indicated that the salt rejection and water flux showed a trade‐off pattern with increasing layer number. The PSA membrane with five layers showed a preferable NaCl rejection of 95.7 ± 0.4% with a water flux of 12.4 ± 0.9 L m−2 h−1 at 10 bar, whereas the IP membrane exhibited only 58% and a 22.12 L m−2 h−1 flux. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47138.
A temperature‐responsive polyurethane film with reversible visible light transmittance change and constant low UV light transmittance
Authors: Xiao Y. , Wu B. , Liu Z. , Jiang L. , Lei J. , Wang R.
Published: October 2018

We prepared a temperature‐responsive polyurethane (PU) film with reversible visible light transmittance change, which was opaque at room temperature and became transparent when the temperature rised. The PU film has very low visible light transmittance of 1.4% at room temperature. At 45 °C, the PU film has relatively high transmittance of 66.7% looking translucent. When the temperature goes to 50 °C or above, the transmittance is more than 80% and the PU film is transparent. The reason for this interesting phenomenon about visible light transmittance change was illustrated by polarizing optical microscope and differential scanning calorimetry. While ultraviolet light transmittance of the PU film is very low at all time. Moreover, this PU film has excellent mechanical performance in a wide temperature range. We suppose this PU film has potential applications in many fields such as tunable optical devices or coating materials with smart temperature responsivity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47140.
Development of gelatin/chitosan/PVA hydrogels: Thermal stability, water state, viscoelasticity, and cytotoxicity assays
Authors: Rodríguez‐Rodríguez R. , García‐Carvajal Z. Y. , Jiménez‐Palomar I. , Jiménez‐Avalos J. A. , Espinosa‐Andrews H.
Published: October 2018

Gelatin/chitosan/poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) hydrogels were fabricated with different polymer ratio using the freeze‐drying process. The thermal stability, water state, rheological, and cytotoxic properties of the hydrogels were evaluated. Thermogravimetric/differential scanning calorimetry analyses showed a decomposition onset temperature below 242.7 ± 2.7 °C. The samples did not show statistical differences (p < 0.05) on the onset temperature values. Nonfreezing water reached a constant value around of 1 g water/g polymer. Freezing water increased linearly with the increase of the water content independently of the polymer ratio. The hydrogels showed an equilibrium water content from 9 to 13 times their mass. The hydrogels exhibited a solid‐viscoelastic behavior. The elastic modulus was higher with the increase of chitosan concentration (G′ = 22 170 ± 85 Pa) independently of the temperature (5–55 °C). In vitro assay showed that hydrogels are nontoxic in the HT29‐MTX‐E12 cell line. These results indicate that the gelatin/chitosan/PVA hydrogels could be considered for biomedical applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47149.
Comparative analysis of atrazine molecularly imprinted polymers using acetonitrile and toluene as solvents
Authors: Zhang Mengxiao , Gu Lili , Kong Guanghui , Zheng Yali , Han Yi , Li Zhijun , Shi Junli , Peng Jian
Published: October 2018

Acetonitrile and toluene are solvents commonly used for the synthesis of atrazine molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), but their effects have seldom been compared in the same imprinting system. In this paper, effects of the two solvents in an atrazine molecular imprinting system were evaluated theoretically and experimentally. A polarizable continuum model was adopted, and it was found that using the two solvents, the energy difference for the atrazine–methacrylic acid complex between vacuum and solution was not the same. The two types of MIPs prepared using different solvents vary in morphology, porosity, binding capacity, and specificity. All of these results suggest that the abilities of the solvents used to form hydrogen bonds with other compounds in the system are different. The porogen imprinting effect of the solvents also has an influence on binding capacity. Compared to MIPs synthesized using acetonitrile as solvent (MIPs‐ACN), MIPs synthesized using toluene as solvent (MIPs‐PhMe) have fewer but larger pores and exhibit much higher adsorption capability but less rigorous specificity. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47190.
Alkene–Azide 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition as a Trigger for Ultrashort Peptide Hydrogel Dissolution
Authors: Dadhwal Sumit , Fairhall Jessica M. , Goswami Shailesh K. , Hook Sarah , Gamble Allan B.
Published: October 2018

An alkene–azide 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition between trans‐cyclooctene (TCO) and an azide‐capped hydrogel that promotes rapid gel dissolution is reported. Using an ultrashort aryl azide‐capped peptide hydrogel (PhePhe), we have demonstrated proof‐of‐concept where upon reaction with TCO, the hydrogel undergoes a gel–sol transition via 1,2,3‐triazoline degradation and 1,6‐self‐immolation of the generated aniline. The potential application of this as a general trigger in sustained drug delivery is demonstrated through release of encapsulated cargo (doxorubicin). Administration of TCO resulted in 87 % of the cargo being released in 10 h, compared to 13–14 % in the control gels. This is the first example of a potential bioorthogonal‐triggered hydrogel dissolution using a traditional click‐type reaction. This type of stimulus could be extended to other aryl azide‐capped hydrogels.
Finite‐Time Guaranteed Cost Control of Caputo Fractional‐Order Neural Networks
Authors: Thuan Mai Viet , Binh Tran Nguyen , Huong Dinh Cong
Published: October 2018

In this paper, we investigate the problem of finite‐time guaranteed cost control of uncertain fractional‐order neural networks. Firstly, a new cost function is defined. Then, by using linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) approach, some new sufficient conditions for the design of a state feedback controller which makes the closed‐loop systems finite‐time stable and guarantees an adequate cost level of performance are derived. These conditions are in the form of linear matrix inequalities, which therefore can be efficiently solved by using existing convex algorithms. Finally, two numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Effect of Proportional Delays and Continuously Distributed Leakage Delays on Global Exponential Convergence of CNNS
Authors: Xu Changjin , Chen Lilin , Li Peiluan
Published: October 2018

This paper is concerned with a class of cellular neural networks (CNNs) with proportional delays and continuously distributed leakage delays. Using the differential inequality theory, a set of sufficient conditions which guarantee the exponential convergence of all solutions of CNNs with proportional delays and continuously distributed leakage delays are derived. Computer simulations are carried out to verify our theoretical findings. The obtained results of this paper are new and complement some previous studies.
In Search of Biomarkers for Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Del Valle Rubido Marta , McCracken James T. , Hollander Eric , Shic Frederick , Noeldeke Jana , Boak Lauren , Khwaja Omar , Sadikhov Shamil , Fontoura Paulo , Umbricht Daniel
Published: October 2018

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) lacks validated measures of core social functions across development stages suitable for clinical trials. We assessed the concurrent validity between ASD clinical measures and putative biomarkers of core deficits, and their feasibility of implementation in human studies. Datasets from two adult ASD studies were combined (observational study [n = 19] and interventional study baseline data [n = 19]). Potential biomarkers included eye‐tracking, olfaction, and auditory and visual emotion recognition assessed via the Affective Speech Recognition test (ASR) and Reading‐the‐Mind‐in‐the‐Eyes Test (RMET). Current functioning was assessed with intelligence quotient (IQ), adaptive skill testing, and behavioral ratings. Autism severity was determined by the Autism Diagnostic Observation Scale‐2 and Social Communication Interaction Test (SCIT). Exploratory measures showed varying significant associations across ASD severity, adaptive skills, and behavior. Eye tracking endpoints showed little relationship to adaptive ability but correlated with severity and behavior. ASR scores significantly correlated with most adaptive behavior domains, as well as severity. Olfaction predicted visual and auditory emotion recognition. SCIT scores related moderately to multiple severity domains, and was the only measure not related with IQ. RMET accuracy was less related to ASD features. Eye tracking, SCIT, and ASR showed high test–retest reliability. We documented associations of proximal biomarkers of social functioning with multiple ASD dimensions. With the exception of SCIT, most correlations were modest, limiting utility as proxy measures of social communication. Feasibility and reliability were high for eye‐tracking, ASR, and SCIT. Overall, several novel experimental paradigms showed potential as social biomarkers or surrogate markers in ASD. Autism Research 2018, 11: 1567–1579. © 2018 The Authors. Autism Research published by International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Lay Summary

More accurate measurements of treatment effects are needed to help the development of new drug treatments for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). This study evaluates the relationship between assessments designed to measure behaviors associated with social communication and cognition in ASD with clinical and diagnostic assessments of symptom severity as well as their implementation. The assessments including eye‐tracking, auditory and visual social stimuli recognition, and olfaction identification showed potential for use in the evaluation of treatments for social difficulties in ASD.
Power priors based on multiple historical studies for binary outcomes
Authors: Gravestock Isaac , Held Leonhard
Published: October 2018

Incorporating historical information into the design and analysis of a new clinical trial has been the subject of much recent discussion. For example, in the context of clinical trials of antibiotics for drug resistant infections, where patients with specific infections can be difficult to recruit, there is often only limited and heterogeneous information available from the historical trials. To make the best use of the combined information at hand, we consider an approach based on the multiple power prior that allows the prior weight of each historical study to be chosen adaptively by empirical Bayes. This choice of weight has advantages in that it varies commensurably with differences in the historical and current data and can choose weights near 1 if the data from the corresponding historical study are similar enough to the data from the current study. Fully Bayesian approaches are also considered. The methods are applied to data from antibiotics trials. An analysis of the operating characteristics in a binomial setting shows that the proposed empirical Bayes adaptive method works well, compared to several alternative approaches, including the meta‐analytic prior.
Development of a simple and rapid HPLC‐MS/MS method for quantification of streptomycin in mice and its application to plasma pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Wang Zhijun , Xie Chen , Yeung Steven , Wang Jeffrey , Chow Moses S.S.
Published: October 2018

Streptomycin was the first discovered aminoglycoside antibiotic. It has been widely applied in veterinary medicine for the prevention and treatment of bacterial infection. However, the current detection methods are not satisfactory in terms of sensitivity and sample process, which makes them unsuitable for a pharmacokinetic study. A high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometric method employing positive electrospray ionization was developed and validated for the determination of streptomycin concentration in mice plasma. A simple protein precipitation method was utilized to extract streptomycin as well as the internal standard (kanamycin) from mouse plasma. This assay method was validated in terms of specificity, sensitivity, precision, accuracy and recovery. This method was applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice following intramuscular administration of 200 mg/kg streptomycin. The lower limit of quantification of the developed assay method for streptomycin was 10 ng/mL. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision was evaluated with the coefficient of variations <14.3%, whereas the mean accuracy ranged from 87.0 to 105.0%. The samples were stable under the experimental conditions. The present method provides a robust, fast and sensitive analytical approach for the quantification of streptomycin in mouse plasma and has been successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study in mice.
Life cycle assessment in corporate sustainability reporting: Global, regional, sectoral, and company‐level trends
Authors: Stewart Raphaëlle , Fantke Peter , Bjørn Anders , Owsianiak Mikołaj , Molin Christine , Hauschild Michael Zwicky , Laurent Alexis
Published: October 2018

Large companies now commonly release corporate sustainability (CS) reports in which they describe their approach to handle sustainability challenges. To guide environmental sustainability efforts in the industry, the life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been recognized as an important tool by researchers and policy makers. But to what extent has the LCA methodology been present in companies' narratives through their CS reports up to now? To answer this question, we map references to the LCA methodology in CS reports over the past two decades at geographical, sectoral, and company levels through keyword searching within an extensive database (~45,000 CS reports), analyze trends, and highlight challenges, opportunities, and recommendations to strengthen the presence of LCA in CS reports. The results show that LCA generally remains weakly present in CS reporting, with some geographical and sectoral variations. Recommendations to strengthen LCA presence in CS reports are derived for method developers, policy makers, and companies.