bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HMGB1 knock‐down promoting tumor cells viability and arrest pro‐apoptotic proteins via Stat3/NFκB in HepG2 cells
Authors: Alduais Salah , Alduais Yaser , Wu Xiaolei , Li Haosen , Mao Jing
Published: October 2018

Background/Aim: High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is functionally dynamic and pleiotropic molecule, it has the potential to promote both cell survival and death by regulating multiple signaling pathways, including inflammation and apoptosis. This study aimed at investigating the role of silencing HMGB1 on tumor cells apoptosis and pro‐inflammatory proteins expression in hepatocellular HepG2 cancer cells. Methods: HepG2 cells was transfected with si‐RNA HMGB1, and the effect on pro‐apoptotic proteins expressions like Bax, Bcl2, and pro‐inflammatory cytokines like, p65‐NFκB, and Cyclooxygenase‐2 (Cox2) was assessed using western blot, and also cells apoptosis and proliferation was assessed using annexin V FITC and Calcien AM expression in flow cytometry and fluorescence. Results: HMGB1 silencing was found significantly increase tumor cells viability with significant decrease of pro‐apoptotic proteins, also antiapoptotic protein Bcl2 was significantly up‐regulated, which suggests a possible role in restricting apoptosis. Furthermore, HMGB1 knocked down found to inhibit Stat3 phosphorylation and significantly affect NFkB p65/Cox2 expression which suggests a link between HMGB1 and Stat3 activation. Our results revealed that HMGB1 knocked down may suppress cells apoptosis and enhance HepG2 cells viability via NFkB/Cox2 and Stat3. © 2018 BioFactors, 44(6):570–576, 2018
Synthesis of Trinucleotide Building Blocks in Solution and on Solid Phase
Authors: Suchsland Ruth , Appel Bettina , Müller Sabine
Published: October 2018

We have developed two methods, in solution and on solid phase, that give easy access to trinucleotide phosphoramidites capable of undergoing coupling reactions by the solid‐phase phosphoramidite approach. The solution protocol is characterized by application of 5′‐O‐dimethoxytrityl (DMT) and 3′‐O‐tert‐butyldimethylsilyl (TBDMS) as a pair of orthogonal protecting groups and 2‐cyanoethyl (CE) for protection of the phosphate. Starting with suitably functionalized monomers, synthesis proceeds in the 3′‐ to 5′‐direction, delivering the fully protected trinucleotide. The 3′‐O‐protecting group is cleaved followed by phosphitylation of the free 3′‐OH group. The solid‐phase protocol is based on standard phosphoramidite chemistry in conjunction with a dithiomethyl linkage connecting the 3′‐starting nucleoside to the polymer. The disulfide bridge can be cleaved under neutral conditions for release of the trinucleotide from the support preserving all other protecting groups. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Clinical follow up and the impact of the Paris system in the assessment of patients with atypical urine cytology
Authors: Northrup Victoria , Acar Behram Cenk , Hossain Mohammad , Acker Matthew R. , Manuel Eric , Rahmeh Tarek
Published: October 2018

Background

Urinary cytology is routinely used in the diagnosis of urothelial neoplasms, with good sensitivity for high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (HGUC) but less so for low‐grade urothelial neoplasm (LGUN). There is significant interobserver and interinstitutional variability, especially for the atypical category. The Paris system for reporting urinary cytology (TPS) was introduced to better define the various categories, especially atypical cytology.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 630 atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) cases and reclassified them based on TPS. In total, 501 cases previously reported as negative for malignancy had their medical records reviewed to serve as negative controls.

Results

Of 630 AUS cases, 299 (47.5%) were reclassified as negative for HGUC (NHGUC), 313 (49.7%) as atypical urothelial cells (AUCs) and 18 (2.9%) as suspicious for HGUC (SHGUC). Based on our institution's previous reporting system, the rate of underlying or subsequent HGUC was 2.8% for AUS, and 0% for negative. When AUS cases were reclassified under TPS, the rates were 1.5% for NHGUC, 4.8% for AUC, and 0% for SHGUC. Review of medical records showed that patients with AUS were more likely to be followed‐up compared with those with negative urine cytology (77.8% compared with 54.3%), particularly those under the care of non‐urologists.

Conclusions

AUS diagnosis is associated with more patient follow up compared with NEG urine particularly among non‐urologists. Reclassifying according to TPS results in significant reduction in the rate of AUS and thus unnecessary testing. This reduction however may be at the expense of slightly decreased detection rate of HGUC.
IgG4‐related disease of the paratestis with the scrotal fluid: A case report
Authors: Mochizuki Kunio , Hanai Yuki , Nakazawa Kumiko , Murata Shiori , Kasai Kazuki , Mochizuki Naoko , Tahara Ippei , Kondo Tetsuo
Published: October 2018

IgG4‐related disease (IgG4‐RD) can affect various organs, and the pancreas and salivary gland are representative examples. We report a rare case of IgG4‐RD of the paratestis. A 74‐year‐old man presented with left scrotal swelling. Scrotopuncture drainage and cytology confirmed a clear, yellow retention liquid (130 mL) with many small, similar lymphocytes and a few plasmacytes. Many lymphoid cells were immunopositive for CD3 on a cell block section, indicating that a predominant type of lymphoid cells was T cell. There were also some CD20 immunopositive cells and a few IgG4 immunopositive cells. Two months later the left scrotal swelling had returned, and he underwent radical inguinal orchiectomy. Microscopically, there was considerable lymphoplasmacytic inflammatory infiltration, fibrosis and abundant IgG4 immunopositive cells in the paratesticular region. The histopathologic and immunohistochemistry findings were consistent with IgG4‐RD. However, the abundant T cells in the scrotal fluid complicated the cytological diagnosis in our case.
Generation and characterization of pathogenic Mab21l2(R51C) mouse model
Authors: Tsang Shun‐Wa , Guo Yanjiang , Chan Long‐Hei , Huang Yingyu , Chow King L.
Published: October 2018

MAB21L2(R51C) is one of the five documented MAB21L2 mutations in human patients with bilateral eye malformations identified via whole exome sequencing. In addition to the eye abnormality, patients with MAB21L2
R51C/+ mutation also have skeletal dysplasia and intellectual disability. To evaluate the pathology of this mutant allele systematically in understanding the functional role of MAB21L2 in human development, we introduce the R51C mutation into the mouse genome by CRISPR/Cas9 system to generate a mouse model for detailed characterization. The Mab21l2
R51C/+ mice have eyeless phenotype and skeletal abnormalities. Micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) analysis showed the Mab21l2
R51C/+ mice have no eye balls but with two abnormal tissues underneath the brain. Histological analysis revealed that the early eye development in the mutant embryos is interrupted. In addition, Mab21l2
R51C/+ mice also have joint fusion phenotype; the humerus is fused with radius, whereas femur is fused with tibia. Limbs in the mutant animals are distinctly shorter than the wild type; and deltoid tuberosities in humeri are absent in these Mab21l2
R51C/+ mice. In summary, we showed that our Mab21l2
R51C/+ mutant mice have recapitulated the pathological features in eye and bone of human patients. Further analyses of the mutant phenotype with molecular markers will provide insight on how MAB21L2 guides the optic differentiation and skeletogenesis, revealing specific underlying pathogenic mechanism of the MAB21L2(R51C) mutation.
Computer Simulation of Cathode Materials for Lithium Ion and Lithium Batteries: A Review
Authors: Ma Ying
Published: October 2018

Driven by the increasing demand for electrochemical energy storage, lithium ion and lithium batteries have been the subject of tremendous scientific endeavors for decades. However, limited energy density, which is bottlenecked by available high‐density cathode materials, has become a critical issue to be solved. Recently, computational studies have played an increasingly important role in the search for the next‐generation high‐density cathode materials. Not only important insights on the battery chemistry have been revealed, but also novel material systems have been proposed. This review highlights recent progresses in the computational studies of cathode materials for lithium ion and lithium batteries. It starts from a brief introduction of the scientific background of lithium ion and lithium batteries, followed by a brief discussion of the working principles of batteries. Different computer simulation techniques are shown to originate from the same quantum mechanical treatment of many‐body systems with different levels of simplifications. Progresses in computational studies of different cathode materials, including intercalation electrode, conversion compounds, sulfur, and organosulfides, are then presented in detail. Finally, the capabilities of computational techniques in the study of cathode materials are summarized, and major challenges are discussed.
Evaluation of the Steric Bulk of Substituents Utilizing the Shuttling Behavior of [2]Rotaxanes with N‐Arylpyrrole Moieties
Authors: Yamashita Yoshiaki , Saito Yuuki , Kikkawa Shoko , Mutoh Yuichiro , Hosoya Shoichi , Azumaya Isao , Saito Shinichi
Published: October 2018

The activation energies of the shuttling of [2]rotaxanes with various N‐arylpyrrole moieties were determined by variable temperature (VT) 1H NMR experiments. The value provided a new quantitative scale for the estimation of the steric bulk of the substituents. The rigidity and the electronic effect of the substituents, which could inadequately influence the estimation of the steric bulk, were minimized in the method we presented.
Unraveling the Role of Supramolecular Additives in a Proline‐Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Martín Judith , Merino Isabel , Fanjul‐Mosteirín Noé , Mendoza‐Meroño Rafael , García‐Granda Santiago , Concellón Carmen , del Amo Vicente
Published: October 2018

Various additives, typically based on molecules featuring H‐bond donor motifs, have been essayed towards improving the catalytic properties of proline. However, their mode of action is not clear yet. By employing in situ 1H and 19F NMR DOSY experiments, the role of a tetrafluoroborate guanidinium salt in a novel proline‐catalyzed cross‐aldol reaction between α,α‐dichloroacetone and aromatic aldehydes has been fully disclosed.
Forecasting private consumption with Google Trends data
Authors: Woo Jaemin , Owen Ann L.
Published: October 2018

This paper examines the predictive relationship of consumption‐related and news‐related Google Trends data to changes in private consumption in the USA. The results suggest that (1) Google Trends‐augmented models provide additional information about consumption over and above survey‐based consumer sentiment indicators, (2) consumption‐related Google Trends data provide information about pre‐consumption research trends, (3) news‐related Google Trends data provide information about changes in durable goods consumption, and (4) the combination of news and consumption‐related data significantly improves forecasting models. We demonstrate that applying these insights improves forecasts of private consumption growth over forecasts that do not utilize Google Trends data and over forecasts that use Google Trends data, but do not take into account the specific ways in which it informs forecasts.
Association between progression‐free survival and patients’ quality of life in cancer clinical trials
Authors: Hwang Thomas J. , Gyawali Bishal
Published: October 2018

Quality of life outcomes provide essential information for patients and physicians in oncology care. However, the validity of progression‐free survival (PFS) as a surrogate for quality of life, and the inclusion and reporting of quality of life endpoints in clinical trials, is unclear. We performed a retrospective study of phase III clinical trials of drugs for advanced or metastatic solid tumors published between 2010 and 2015. Correlation coefficient (r) and area under the ROC curve (AUC) for association between PFS and positive quality of life were evaluated. Of the 352 Phase 3 trials included, 190 (54%) included a quality of life endpoint, of which 23% did not report pre‐specified quality of life outcomes; a total of 125,962 patients were enrolled in studies lacking, or not reporting, quality of life outcomes. Among the 147 trials that reported quality of life outcomes, 99 (67%) reported no effect, 38 (26%) reported a positive effect and 10 (7%) reported a negative effect of treatment on patients’ global quality of life. The association between PFS and improvement in global quality of life was weak (r = 0.34; AUC = 0.72), as was the association between PFS and improvement in any domain of quality of life. In conclusion, PFS benefit was not strongly correlated with improvements in patients’ quality of life, and, despite the palliative intent of treatments in the advanced/metastatic setting, the availability of quality of life data from clinical trials of cancer drugs was poor.
Loss of TP53I11 Enhances the Extracellular Matrix‐independent Survival by Promoting Activation of AMPK
Authors: Xiao Tongqian , Xu Zhongjuan , Zhou Yuanshuai , Zhang Hai , Geng Junsa , Liang Yu , Qiao Hong , Suo Guangli
Published: October 2018

Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐independent survival is an essential prerequisite for tumor metastasis, and a hallmark of epithelial cancer stem cells and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we found that loss of TP53I11 enhanced, and overexpression of TP53I11 suppressed the ECM‐independent survival, EMT, and migration in MCF10A cells. TP53I11 has long been considered as a transcriptional target of TP53. However, we found that TP53I11 regulated the ECM‐independent survival by a TP53‐independent way. As a metabolic sensor, AMPK promoted anoikis resistance by inhibiting AKT/m‐TOR/p70S6K signaling pathway. It was recently revealed that the reciprocal inhibitory relationship between AKT and AMPK regulated adaptation of cells to ECM‐detachment. Our results demonstrated that loss of TP53I11 promoted the activation of AKT/m‐TOR pathway, increased PGC‐1α expression and thereby enhanced OXPHOS in attach‐cultured MCF10A cells, but promoted AMPK activation to inhibit AKT/m‐TOR/p70S6K signaling pathway in detach‐cultured MCF10A cells. This indicates that TP53I11 functions as a mediator to balance activation of AKT and AMPK to adapt cells to different cellular contexts such as ECM‐attachment and ‐detachment. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):183–191, 2019
Sulphur contamination impact on seasonal and surface water chemistry on a reforested area of a former sulphur mine
Authors: Likus‐Cieślik Justyna , Smoliński Adam , Pietrzykowski Marcin , Bąk Andrzej
Published: October 2018

This work presents an assessment of seasonal changes and a chemometric study of surface water parameters on reclaimed and reforested areas of a former sulphur mine where the mineral was extracted using the Frasch method. Water samples were collected four‐times at 15‐monitored sampling points located on streams and ponds. Base chemical parameters of water (such as pH, EC, ion concentrations, and total P, S, and Al) were determined in laboratory conditions. A chemometric study with the application of the principal component analysis PCA method using the EM (expectation‐maximisation algorithm) procedure was employed to determine seasonal changes and similarities or dissimilarities between the water samples. The obtained results indicate an overall low seasonal and spatial variability of the investigated surface water parameters: mean pH for seasons from 6.2 to 6.7, EC 1,819–1,990 μS cm−1, S 380.7–484.2 mg L−1. However, the occurrence of hot spots was found (in three out of 15 monitoring points), which typically displayed very low pH (below 4.0), high EC (above 2,000 μS cm−1) and sulphur content (above 400 mg L−1), or a high proportion of calcium ions associated with the neutralisation of sulphurous soils. Trace elements occur in very low concentrations because most of the sampling points displayed high pH. The research was carried out in a unique location where high‐sulphur concentration in soils was not correlated with acidification but rather with alkalisation (hotspots). This phenomenon was related to the specificity of reclamation where post‐flotation lime were used.
Wind and trophic status explain within and among‐lake variability of algal biomass
Authors: Rusak J. A. , Tanentzap A. J. , Klug J. L. , Rose K. C. , Hendricks S. P. , Jennings E. , Laas A. , Pierson D. , Ryder E. , Smyth R. L. , White D. S. , Winslow L. A. , Adrian R. , Arvola L. , de Eyto E. , Feuchtmayr H. , Honti M. , Istvánovics V. , Jones I. D. , McBride C. G. , Schmidt S. R. , Seekell D. , Staehr P. A. , Zhu G.
Published: October 2018

Phytoplankton biomass and production regulates key aspects of freshwater ecosystems yet its variability and subsequent predictability is poorly understood. We estimated within‐lake variation in biomass using high‐frequency chlorophyll fluorescence data from 18 globally distributed lakes. We tested how variation in fluorescence at monthly, daily, and hourly scales was related to high‐frequency variability of wind, water temperature, and radiation within lakes as well as productivity and physical attributes among lakes. Within lakes, monthly variation dominated, but combined daily and hourly variation were equivalent to that expressed monthly. Among lakes, biomass variability increased with trophic status while, within‐lake biomass variation increased with increasing variability in wind speed. Our results highlight the benefits of high‐frequency chlorophyll monitoring and suggest that predicted changes associated with climate, as well as ongoing cultural eutrophication, are likely to substantially increase the temporal variability of algal biomass and thus the predictability of the services it provides.
Defining Palliative Care Needs in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Kluger Benzi M. , Shattuck Jo , Berk Julie , Sebring Kelly , Jones Wallace , Brunetti Fabian , Fairmont Isabel , Bowles Daniel W. , Sillau Stefan , Bekelman David B.
Published: October 2018

Objectives

Palliative care addresses the suffering of patients and families affected by progressive illness through the management of medical symptoms, psychosocial issues, and spiritual concerns. Although there is an emerging interest in applying palliative care to Parkinson's disease (PD), potential palliative care needs have not been systematically investigated in PD patients. Our primary objective was to determine the prevalence of clinically significant symptomatic, psychosocial, and spiritual issues in PD and understand their impact on health‐related quality of life (HRQOL). Secondary objectives included comparing the level of palliative care needs of PD patients to advanced cancer patients and assessing preferences for advance care planning.

Methods

Ninety PD patients and 47 patients with advanced cancer were surveyed regarding potential palliative care needs, including symptom burden, mood, anticipatory grief, and spiritual well‐being. PD patients completed additional scales regarding HRQOL, motor symptoms, cognitive impairment, and preferences regarding advance care planning.

Results

Potential palliative care needs, including high symptom burden and grief, were common in PD patients and contributed to HRQOL even when controlling for depression and motor severity. In all domains investigated, PD patients had similar or higher levels of palliative care needs as patients with advanced cancer. PD patients expressed a desire to complete advance directives early in the disease course and with a physician.

Conclusions

Palliative care needs contribute to HRQOL in PD and are of similar severity as cancer patients. This study supports and helps focus efforts to integrate palliative care principles in PD care across the spectrum of the disease.
“Anxiety and Type 1 diabetes are like cousins”: The experience of anxiety symptoms in youth with Type 1 diabetes
Authors: Rechenberg Kaitlyn , Grey Margaret , Sadler Lois
Published: October 2018

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is one of the most common chronic health conditions in youth in the United States, and its incidence is rising worldwide. Youth with T1D are at a high risk of psychological comorbidity, for example, anxiety, depression, and eating disorders. Psychological comorbidities, especially anxiety symptoms, have been correlated with poorer diabetes outcomes, but anxiety symptoms have not been well studied in these youth. The primary aim of this study was to describe the experience of anxiety symptoms in youth with T1D, especially as those symptoms relate to diabetes self‐management tasks. We used a qualitative descriptive approach, consisting of an in‐depth, semi‐structured interview comprising 10 open‐ended questions with follow‐up probes. The analysis was guided by the principles of thematic analysis. Demographic data, Hemoglobin A1c levels, and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children survey data were also collected and analyzed. We identified four themes and seven sub‐themes. Participants (n = 29, ages 10–16, 55% female) reported that T1D was an extra layer of responsibility that took time away from their ability to participate fully in other aspects of their lives. Some participants were able to integrate diabetes management into their lives, while others were not. Some participants were dependent on parents and the school nurse for diabetes management. Participants described two types of anxiety symptoms, general and diabetes‐specific, and they noted that their experience of anxiety was associated with poor quality sleep, general lifestyle factors, and diabetes.
Does prenylation predict progression in NAFLD?
Authors: Ghorbani Peyman , Smith Tyler KT , Fullerton Morgan D
Published: October 2018

Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) often develops in concert with related metabolic diseases, such as obesity, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Prolonged lipid accumulation and inflammation can progress to non‐alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Although factors associated with the development of NAFLD are known, triggers for the progression of NAFLD to NASH are poorly understood. Recent findings published in The Journal of Pathology reveal the possible regulation of NASH progression by metabolites of the mevalonate pathway. Mevalonate can be converted into the isoprenoids farnesyldiphosphate (FPP) and geranylgeranyl diphosphate (GGPP). GGPP synthase (GGPPS), the enzyme that converts FPP to GGPP, is dysregulated in humans and mice during NASH. Both FPP and GGPP can be conjugated to proteins through prenylation, modifying protein function and localization. Deletion or knockdown of GGPPS favors FPP prenylation (farnesylation) and augments the function of liver kinase B1, an upstream kinase of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK). Despite increased AMPK activation, livers in Ggpps‐deficient mice on a high‐fat diet poorly oxidize lipids due to mitochondrial dysfunction. Although work from Liu et al provides evidence as to the potential importance of the prenylation portion of the mevalonate pathway during NAFLD, future studies are necessary to fully grasp any therapeutic or diagnostic potential. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid effect of Ag ions and polarized Ag nanoparticles in poly(ethylene oxide)/AgBF4/ionic liquid composites for long‐term stable membranes
Authors: Jeon Hyunsik , Kang Sang Wook
Published: October 2018

Long‐term stability, high propylene/propane selectivity, and high mixed‐gas permeance have been required for the practical application of facilitated olefin transport membranes. In this study, we investigated poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO)/AgBF4/1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BMIM+BF4−) composite membranes to show high propylene/propane selectivity and permeance with long‐term stability. The PEO/AgBF4/BMIM+BF4− composite membrane showed long‐term stability for more than 100 h with propylene/propane selectivity of 15, and mixed gas permeance of 12 GPU. These results were attributable to the sustainable carrier activity of Ag nanoparticles (NPs) stabilized by ionic liquid BMIM+BF4− when unstable Ag ions were converted into NPs during membrane operation for propylene/propane mixtures. Furthermore, an ionic liquid could plasticize the PEO chains to increase the chain flexibility, resulting in the high permeance despite of the formation of Ag NPs. The chemical and physical properties of the PEO/AgBF4/BMIM+BF4− composite membrane were analyzed by SEM, TEM, FT‐IR, and TGA. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2745–2750, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Size‐dependent antibacterial properties of Ag nanoparticles supported by amino‐functionalized poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) polymer
Authors: Vukoje Ivana D. , Džunuzović Enis S. , Dimitrijević Suzana , Phillip Ahrenkiel Scott , Nedeljković Jovan M.
Published: October 2018

Size‐dependent antimicrobial ability of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) supported by amino‐functionalized poly(glycidyl methacrylate‐co‐ethylene glycol dimethacrylate) (poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA)) macroporous copolymer was tested against Gram‐negative bacteria Escherichia coli. Inorganic/organic hybrids with distinctly different average sizes of Ag NPs (6.6 and 12.1 nm) were prepared by functionalization of poly(GMA‐co‐EGDMA) with either 1,8‐diaminooctane or ammonia, and consequent reduction of silver ions with amino groups. The transmission electron microscopy (TEM), infrared and UV–Vis reflection spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission measurements were used to characterize synthesized hybrid materials. Time‐ and concentration‐dependent antimicrobial performances of prepared samples revealed higher reduction rates of E. coli when hybrid with smaller in size Ag NPs was used. The difference between rates of reduction of E. coli for different size Ag NPs is becoming more pronounced by decrease of the concentration of silver. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:2901–2907, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Influence of a reactive diluent on curing kinetics, Internal Curing Process, and Mechanical Performance of Filament Wound Glass Fiber‐Reinforced Epoxy Composite Pipes
Authors: Flores Hugo A. , Ayude María Alejandra , Riccardi Carmen C. , Fasce Laura A.
Published: October 2018

Nowadays, glass reinforced epoxy (GRE) pipes are industrially manufactured by the filament winding process using internal heating technology. This study deals with the comprehensive evaluation of a strategy aimed to improve the plant productivity by means of physical experiments, mechanical tests, and numerical simulations of the curing process. The reactive system is composed by diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), methyltetrahydrophtalic anhydride (MTHPA), and benzyltriethyl ammonium chloride (BTEAC) used as initiator. An increase in BTEAC concentration in system formulation leads to a reduction in curing times of GRE pipes. The processing problems associated with this increment are proposed to be solved by the incorporation of a reactive diluent (RD) together with the optimization of the curing cycle. The effects that different amounts of 1,4‐butanedioldiglycidyl ether (DGEBD) added as RD exerts on system viscosity, copolymerization kinetics mechanism, curing process and properties of matrix, laminated composites and GRE pipes are deeply analyzed. Results demonstrate that if a 10 wt% RD is used, not only the strategy turns out to be feasible but also GRE pipes performance is improved. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:344–354, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Mixed Matrix PVDF/Graphene and Composite‐Skin PVDF/Graphene Oxide Membranes Applied in Membrane Distillation
Authors: Athanasekou C. , Sapalidis A. , Katris I. , Savopoulou E. , Beltsios K. , Tsoufis T. , Kaltzoglou A. , Falaras P. , Bounos G. , Antoniou M. , Boutikos P. , Romanos G. Em.
Published: October 2018

This work elucidates the influence of graphene (G) and graphene oxide (GO) content on the desalination performance and scaling characteristics of G/polyvinylidene fluoride (G/PVDF) mixed matrix and GO/PVDF composite‐skin membranes, applied in a direct contact membrane distillation process (DCMD). Inclusion of high quality, nonoxidized, monolayered graphene sheets as polymer membrane filler, and application of a novel GO/water‐bath coagulation method for the preparation of the GO/PVDF composite films, took place. Water permeability and desalination tests via DCMD, revealed that the optimal G content was 0.87 wt%. At such concentration the water vapor flux of the G/PVDF membrane was 1.7 times that of the nonmodified reference, while the salt rejection efficiency was significantly improved (99.8%) as compared to the neat PVDF. Similarly the GO/PVDF surface‐modified membrane, prepared using a GO dispersion with low concentration (0.5 g/L), exhibited twofold higher water vapor permeate flux as compared to the neat PVDF, but however, its salt rejection efficiency was moderate (80%), probably due to pore wetting during DCMD. The relatively low scaling tendency observed for both G and GO modified membranes is primarily attributed to their smoother surface texture as compared to neat PVDF, while scaling is caused by the deposition of calcite crystals, identified by XRPD analysis. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E262–E278, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A/chitosan‐graft‐polyaniline composites with electromagnetic interference shielding properties: Synthesis, characterization, and curing kinetics
Authors: Abdel Aziz Mohamed S. , Salama Hend E. , Saad Gamal R.
Published: October 2018

Conducting filler based on chitosan and grafted polyaniline (Ch‐g‐PANI) was prepared with different grafting ratios and used as fillers for polyester powder coating system. Differential scanning calorimetry is applied to study the effect of Ch‐g‐PANI on the curing of the polyester powder coating. The activation energy calculated by isoconversional Kissinger method was increased by either increasing the Ch‐g‐PANI content or the content of polyaniline in the filler, suggesting the contribution of the filler in the curing reactions. The cured samples were characterized using FTIR and TG analyses. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that the total thermal stability was enhanced upon the filler addition as detected from the values of integral procedural decomposition temperature. Furthermore, a dielectric study showed that the dielectric constant and loss were increased upon increasing of the filler. Vogel–Fulcher–Tammann equation was well‐fitted when used to examine the dependence of α‐relaxation on the temperature and the dielectrically calculated Tg values were comparable to that measured by DSC. The shielding effectiveness toward microwaves was enhanced by increasing the filler content. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:372–381, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Benzothiazole‐Based‐Bioconjugates with Improved Antimicrobial, Anticancer and Antioxidant Potential
Authors: Kumari Bhawana , Chauhan Kalpana , Trivedi Jalpa , Jaiswal Varun , Kanwar Shamsher S. , Pokharel Yuba Raj
Published: October 2018

Micro‐organism resistance to the drugs has made it necessary to explore novel antibacterial drugs that have significant toxicities. Herein, we report the bioconjugates of N‐acetyl‐D‐glucosamine with benzothiazole derivatives via ester linkage, which display potent effect against pathogenic micro‐organisms (E. coli, S. aureus and C. albicans). These newly synthesized compounds have also been evaluated for anticancer (Hep‐2 and caco cell lines) and antioxidant activities. The results supported that bioconjugates suppress pathogenic infections (in‐vitro) more effectively in comparison to equivalent dosage of non‐conjugated benzothiazole. Specifically, bioconjugates of Schiff derivative of methoxy‐benzothiazol (compound 8) and nitro‐ benzothiazole (compound 9) showed MIC value of 1.25 μg/mL against C. albicans. The above proved potent compound 9, furthermore, revealed significant activity against Hep‐2 and caco cell lines. In conclusion, this study proved that integration of biocomponent enhances the competence in biological application and the results can be explored as a lead for further improvization for commercialization.
Advanced Bio‐Based UV‐Curable Anticorrosive Coatings Reinforced by hBN
Authors: Zhao Hongran , Ding Jiheng , Yu Haibin
Published: October 2018

Here, furfuryl methacrylate (FAM) was first successfully synthesized. Bulk hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) nanosheets were exfoliated and dispersed in FAM based on the strong π‐π interaction between hBN and FAM. The few‐layer hBN nanosheets as‐prepared possessed an average thickness of ∼3 nm (less than 10 layers) and exhibited superior storage stabilization under environment condition in FAM. Moreover, we creatively applied FAM solutions containing 0.25‐0.75 wt% of hBN as reactive diluents for the epoxidized soybean oil methacrylate (ESOM) matrix to effectively enhance its corrosion protection by suppressing the penetration of aggressive species. The electrochemical results revealed that the impedance of the coating containing 0.75 wt. % hBN is ∼200 times bigger than that of the blank coating specimen.
A data decomposition method for stepwise migration of complex legacy data
Authors: Martens Andreas , Book Matthias , Gruhn Volker
Published: October 2018

Sooner or later, in almost every company, the maintenance and further development of large enterprise information technology (IT) applications reaches its limit. From the point of view of cost as well as technical capability, legacy applications must eventually be replaced by new enterprise IT applications. Data migration is an inevitable part of making this switch. While different data migration strategies can be applied, incremental data migration is one of the most popular strategies, due to its low level of risk: the entire data volume is split into several data tranches, which are then migrated in individual migration steps. The key to a successful migration is the strategy for decomposing the data into suitable tranches. This paper presents a method for data decomposition where the entire data volume of a monolithic enterprise IT application is split into independent data migration tranches. Each tranche comprises the data to be migrated in one migration step, which is usually executed during the application's downtime window. Unlike other methods, which describe data migration in a highly abstract way, we propose specific heuristics for data decomposition into independent data packages (tranches). The data migration approach described here is being applied in one of the largest migration projects currently underway in the European health care sector, comprising millions of customer records.
Recent Advances in Isoindigo‐Inspired Organic Semiconductors
Authors: Randell Nicholas M. , Kelly Timothy L.
Published: October 2018

Over the past decade, isoindigo has become a widely used electron‐deficient subunit in donor‐acceptor organic semiconductors, and these isoindigo‐based materials have been widely used in both organic photovoltaic (OPV) devices and organic field effect transistors (OFETs). Shortly after the development of isoindigo‐based semiconductors, researchers began to modify the isoindigo structure in order to change the optoelectronic properties of the resulting materials. This led to the development of many new isoindigo‐inspired compounds; since 2012, the Kelly Research Group has synthesized a number of these isoindigo analogues and produced a variety of new donor‐acceptor semiconductors. In this Personal Account, recent progress in the field is reviewed. We describe how the field has evolved from relatively simple donor‐acceptor small molecules to structurally complex, highly planarized polymer systems. The relevance of these materials in OPV and OFET applications is highlighted, with particular emphasis on structure‐property relationships.
Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry based metabolomics profile of hippocampus and cerebellum in mice after chronic arsenic exposure
Authors: Mo Ting‐Ting , Dai Hua , Du Hang , Zhang Rui‐Yuan , Chai Ke‐Ping , An Yao , Chen Ji‐Ji , Wang Jun‐Ke , Chen Zi‐Jin , Chen Cheng‐Zhi , Jiang Xue‐Jun , Tang Rong , Wang Li‐Ping , Tan Qiang , Tang Ping , Miao Xin‐Yu , Meng Pan , Zhang Long‐Bin , Cheng Shu‐Qun , Peng Bin , Tu Bai‐Jie , Han Ting‐Li , Xia Yin‐Yin , Baker Philip N.
Published: October 2018

Intake of arsenic (As) via drinking water has been a serious threat to global public health. Though there are numerous reports of As neurotoxicity, its pathogenesis mechanisms remain vague especially its chronic effects on metabolic network. Hippocampus is a renowned area in relation to learning and memory, whilst recently, cerebellum is argued to be involved with process of cognition. Therefore, the study aimed to explore metabolomics alternations in these two areas after chronic As exposure, with the purpose of further illustrating details of As neurotoxicity. Twelve 3‐week‐old male C57BL/6J mice were divided into two groups, receiving deionized drinking water (control group) or 50 mg/L of sodium arsenite (via drinking water) for 24 weeks. Learning and memory abilities were tested by Morris water maze (MWM) test. Pathological and morphological changes of hippocampus and cerebellum were captured via transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Metabolic alterations were analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). MWM test confirmed impairments of learning and memory abilities of mice after chronic As exposure. Metabolomics identifications indicated that tyrosine increased and aspartic acid (Asp) decreased simultaneously in both hippocampus and cerebellum. Intermediates (succinic acid) and indirect involved components of tricarboxylic acid cycle (proline, cysteine, and alanine) were found declined in cerebellum, indicating disordered energy metabolism. Our findings suggest that these metabolite alterations are related to As‐induced disorders of amino acids and energy metabolism, which might therefore, play an important part in mechanisms of As neurotoxicity.
The effects of coherent structures on the global response of floating offshore wind turbines
Authors: Bachynski Erin E. , Eliassen Lene
Published: October 2018

The global dynamic response of floating wind turbines is commonly simulated using aero‐hydro‐servo‐elastic tools that consider numerically generated wind files as input. Based on the guidelines given in existing standards, two methods of generating such wind files are typically used: the Mann uniform shear model and the Kaimal spectral and exponential coherence model. Both models consider the Kaimal spectrum with similar frequency characteristics: The main difference between the approaches is related to the spatial coherence. The present work examines the consequences of using the two different wind file generation methods for estimating the global responses of representative spar, semi‐submersible, and tension leg platform (TLP) 5 MW wind turbines. Predictions of the standard deviation of low‐frequency responses in operational conditions, including motions at the natural frequency in surge and pitch as well as quasi‐static (spar, TLP) and resonant (semi‐submersible) motions in yaw, are seen to differ up to 30% to 40% depending on the wind field model. The differences in motion responses have important consequences for the design of the mooring system components. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) techniques are used to qualitatively explain the differing spatial coherence of the wind field. Simulations including a limited number of POD modes in the wind field highlight the importance of the low‐frequency, energy‐rich modes, suggesting that this type of visualization can be a useful tool.
Intraoperative Blood Loss is Associated with Shortened Postoperative Survival of Patients with Stage II/III Gastric Cancer: Analysis of a Multi‐institutional Dataset
Authors: Ito Yuki , Kanda Mitsuro , Ito Seiji , Mochizuki Yoshinari , Teramoto Hitoshi , Ishigure Kiyoshi , Murai Toshifumi , Asada Takahiro , Ishiyama Akiharu , Matsushita Hidenobu , Tanaka Chie , Kobayashi Daisuke , Fujiwara Michitaka , Murotani Kenta , Kodera Yasuhiro
Published: October 2018

Background

The influence of intraoperative blood loss (IBL) on postoperative long‐term outcomes of patients with gastric cancer is controversial. Here, we used a large multicenter dataset from nine institutes to evaluate the prognostic impact of IBL on patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.

Methods

The study analyzed 1013 patients with stage II/III gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy without preoperative treatment and intraoperative transfusion. Patients were equally divided into learning and validation cohorts using a table of random numbers. The optimal cutoff value of IBL to predict recurrence was determined using the learning cohort, and the prognostic significance of the proposed cutoff was validated using the second cohort.

Results

The optimal cutoff value of IBL determined with the learning cohort using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was 330 ml. In the validation cohort, IBL > 330 ml was significantly associated with high body mass index, total gastrectomy, and postoperative complications, but not disease stage and the frequency of adjuvant chemotherapy. The disease‐free and disease‐specific survival rates of patients in the IBL > 330 ml (IBL‐high) group were significantly shorter compared with those in the IBL ≤ 330 ml group. IBL‐high was identified as an independent prognostic factor of disease recurrence (hazard ratio 1.45, 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.09, P = 0.0420). The hazard ratio of the IBL‐high group was greater in the surgery‐alone subgroup compared with that of the postoperative adjuvant‐chemotherapy subgroup.

Conclusions

Our analysis of a multicenter dataset indicates that IBL adversely influenced long‐term outcomes of patients with stage II/III gastric cancer.
Intergenerational Transmission of Multipartner Fertility
Authors: Lappegård Trude , Thomson Elizabeth
Published: October 2018

Using data from administrative registers for the period 1970–2007 in Norway and Sweden, we investigate the intergenerational transmission of multipartner fertility. We find that men and women with half-siblings are more likely to have children with more than one partner. The differences are greater for those with younger versus older half-siblings, consistent with the additional influence of parental separation that may not arise when one has only older half-siblings. The additional risk for those with both older and younger half-siblings suggests that complexity in childhood family relationships also contributes to multipartner fertility. Only a small part of the intergenerational association is accounted for by education in the first and second generations. The association is to some extent gendered. Half-siblings are associated with a greater risk of women having children with a new partner in comparison with men. In particular, maternal half-siblings are more strongly associated with multipartner fertility than paternal half-siblings only for women.
Intention and action in retirement preparation
Authors: KRIJNEN JOB M.T. , ZEELENBERG MARCEL , BREUGELMANS SEGER M. , VAN DER SCHORS ANNA
Published: October 2018

Many people delay their preparation for retirement. Policy-makers often attempt to motivate people to take timely action by increasing the perceived importance of retirement saving, yet the effectiveness of such strategies can be doubted. We examined why a strategy of emphasizing importance may be ineffective by distinguishing between intention to prepare for retirement and action in actually taking steps toward preparation. Two surveys (n1= 1171;n2= 832) showed that importance and difficulty were both predictive of people's intentions to prepare for retirement, but that difficulty was a much stronger predictor of people's actual actions. Using data from an additional survey (n3= 986), a series of follow-up tests provided further evidence that difficulty of retirement preparation is a stronger predictor of inaction than importance of retirement saving. These findings help explain why policies aimed at simplifying retirement preparation (e.g., automatic enrollment) have been more successful than policies aimed at increasing the importance of retirement saving (e.g., tax advantages).
Direct numerical simulation of flow past a transversely rotating sphere up to a Reynolds number of 300 in compressible flow
Authors: Nagata T. , Nonomura T. , Takahashi S. , Mizuno Y. , Fukuda K.
Published: October 2018

In this study, direct numerical simulation of the flow around a rotating sphere at high Mach and low Reynolds numbers is conducted to investigate the effects of rotation rate and Mach number upon aerodynamic force coefficients and wake structures. The simulation is carried out by solving the three-dimensional compressible Navier–Stokes equations. A free-stream Reynolds number (based on the free-stream velocity, density and viscosity coefficient and the diameter of the sphere) is set to be between 100 and 300, the free-stream Mach number is set to be between 0.2 and 2.0, and the dimensionless rotation rate defined by the ratio of the free-stream and surface velocities above the equator is set between 0.0 and 1.0. Thus, we have clarified the following points: (1) as free-stream Mach number increased, the increment of the lift coefficient due to rotation was reduced; (2) under subsonic conditions, the drag coefficient increased with increase of the rotation rate, whereas under supersonic conditions, the increment of the drag coefficient was reduced with increasing Mach number; and (3) the mode of the wake structure becomes low-Reynolds-number-like as the Mach number is increased.
BUREAUCRATIC ISLAM COMPARED: CLASSIFICATORY POWER AND STATE-IFIED RELIGIOUS MEANING-MAKING IN BRUNEI AND SINGAPORE
Authors: Müller Dominik M.
Published: October 2018

This article presents a comparative anthropological approach to studying the bureaucratization of Islam in contemporary Southeast Asia. In line with this approach, the article understands thebureaucratizationof Islam not simply as a formalization, expansion, and diversification of Islamic institutions and legal frameworks; rather, bureaucratization is investigated as a social phenomenon that transcends its organizational boundaries and informs dynamics of socio-legal change alongside transformations of the meaning(s) of Islam in state and society. The article centers the state's “classificatory power” and its societal coproduction and contestation, and it takes both functional and hermeneutic modes of analysis into consideration. While the bureaucratization of Islam is always embedded in and shaped by power-political constellations, it simultaneously produces social and doctrinal meanings that are unique to its locally specific discursive arenas. Therefore, more conventional functional perspectives on bureaucratic Islam can be beneficially enriched by a more hermeneutically oriented anthropological analysis, as the article illustrates, based on ethnographic data gathered in Brunei and Singapore.

The article first introduces the anthropology of bureaucracy and elaborates on the absence of such studies on state-Islam relations in Southeast Asia, as well as the potential of bringing these streams of scholarship into a fruitful dialogue. Second, it presents the Bruneian case study, focusing on postcolonial Islamization policies, the bureaucratization of a national ideology, legal reforms, and their workings on the microlevel. Third, it moves on to a regional comparison, by illustrating how Islamic knowledge and meaning-production inherent to the bureaucratization of Islam unfolds quite differently in Singapore, despite partly overlapping functional patterns. While anchored in Brunei and Singapore, the article offers a conceptual framework and analytic vocabulary for a wider study across and potentially beyond the region.