bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Testing for Pro-Poorness of Growth through the Tax System: The Mexican Case
Authors: Huesca Luis , Llamas Linda
Published: May 2016

This research provides a detailed examination of the redistributive effect achieved by the tax system including total taxes and cash transfers targeting the contributors and households in the period 2002-2008-2014 for the Mexican regions and the country. We measure the impact on income growth through the tax system according to each fiscal rules for the corresponding years using pre and post fiscal conditions. We answer the next question: considering the economic growth on per capita incomes in the Mexican states, will the impact of the Mexican tax system improve income distribution? That is, by all means pro-poor? Our methodology allows to detect if taxes and benefits can really induce an improvement of income growth on the regions captured by its wellbeing and economic growth conditions. We outlined relevant theoretical issues on public fiscal policies concerning this work and lastly, we proceed with an empirical application to develop some recommendations for the Mexican fiscal policy system.
An Exploration of Regional Labor Productivity Patterns of Manufacturing SMEs in Mexico
Authors: Flores Miguel , Andrés-Rosales Roldán , Villarreal Amado
Published: May 2016

The goal of this paper is to characterize the small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Mexico by analyzing regional and industrial labor productivity growth differences in the manufacturing sector during the period 2004-2014. The results suggest that labor productivity differs according to the size of the establishment. While microenterprises and small establishments exhibit a moderate increase, medium- and large-sized establishments experience the largest increase during such period. The empirical analysis indicates the existence of absolute and conditional convergence in productivity growth for the SMEs. Industry differences across locations seem to be an important factor although regional differences account for the greater variation in productivity growth.
The Long-Run Relationship among Health and Income in Mexico, 1940-2011
Authors: German-Soto Vicente , Fuentes Castillo Martha Elena
Published: May 2016

Theoretically, it has been argued the existence of not only a strong positive correlation among health and real per capita income, but also that their variations are highly interconnected. The stationarity among health indicators and income is analyzed for Mexico, allowing for the presence of multiple structural breaks along 1940-2011, with the aim to study its long-run relationship and how the reductions of the public expenditure have affected this link. One novelty is the long-run perspective supported on structural breaks that affect both the level and the slope of the time series. After the serial correlation is accounted for, several stationary processes evolving around a broken trend are found. The estimated breakpoints are widely related to events as crises and health system reforms, while the corresponding regimes changes lead to a stage of minor health expenditure. This last can be of concern to government and society if improvements on health and economic development are desired.
Juozas Baltušis ir Eduardas Mieželaitis tautinio atgimimo ir pirmaisiais Lietuvos nepriklausomybės metais
Authors: Tamošaitis Mindaugas
Published: May 2016

Straipsnyje išskirtinis dėmesys skiriamas Lietuvos SSR rašytojų ir politinio elito atstovų Juozo Baltušio ir Eduardo Mieželaičio, visuomenėje sulaukusių prieštaringo vertinimo, užimtai pozicijai tautinio atgimimo ir pirmaisiais Lietuvos nepriklausomybės metais. Nagrinėjama, kaip ir kodėl šios asmenybės istorinio lūžio laikotarpiu vertino prasidėjusias permainas šalyje, nepriklausomos Lietuvos pirmuosius metus. Mėginama J. Baltušį sąlyginai palyginti su norvegų rašytoju Knutu Hamsunu, taip pat paaiškinti, kodėl E. Mieželaitis atkurtoje nepriklausomoje Lietuvoje save laikė „nereikalingu žmogumi“.
Le corps humain converti en gisement de ressources économiques – À propos de Le
Corps-Marché, de Céline Lafontaine
Authors: Moyse Danielle
Published: May 2016

Le livre de Céline Lafontaine propose, à partir du recensement de travaux de
chercheurs francophones et anglo-saxons, une description de la marchandisation de la vie
humaine à l’ère de la bioéconomie, ainsi que le mentionne le sous-titre du livre. Le
texte ci-dessous en présente un résumé ainsi qu’une mise en perspective philosophique du
phénomène que montre l’auteure.
Moral Responsibility in the Context of Prenatal Testing: What can be Expected?
Authors: Lemoine Marie-Eve
Published: May 2016

Authors have suggested that considering the ethical and social aspects of prenatal testing could be seen as an individual responsibility for patients, but no conceptual grounds have been provided for this thesis. I argue that Candace Cummins Gauthier’s account of “moral responsibility as a virtue”, developed as an attempt to reconcile notions of autonomy and community, provides such basis.
Bedside Teaching and Respecting the Pediatric Patient: A Response to Verpaelst
Authors: Touyz Sarah Judith Jean
Published: May 2016

Bedside teaching involving patients, physicians, and students is a ubiquitous
technique used for medical training. Respect, valid informed consent, and transparency are
key to ethical and effective teaching. Patient refusal in participating in bedside teaching
must be respected. These ought to apply to patients of all ages, including children, who may
not fully understand or be capable of consenting to participating in teaching.
« Exprimer la conscience d’un peuple » : le réseau des revues intellectuelles de droite et la question de l’indépendance nationale du Québec (1957-1968)
Authors: Carlos Jean-Philippe
Published: May 2016

Dans cet article, nous étudions les rapports qu’entretiennent les revues d’idées de droite des années 1950 et 1960 avec la question de l’indépendance du Québec. Face aux différents événements sociopolitiques qui affectent la province durant cette période ainsi qu’en réaction à la médiatisation croissante d’un nationalisme décolonisateur associé à la gauche, le discours des forces nationalistes de droite tend à se rapprocher graduellement de l’option indépendantiste, surtout au cours de la décennie 1960. En étudiant l’évolution idéologique et la (re)structuration de ce réseau, nous montrons de quelle manière la droite intellectuelle a été amenée à prendre position en faveur de l’indépendance nationale du Québec, entre la fondation de l’Alliance laurentienne (1957) et celle du Parti québécois (1968).
L’éphémère consécration de Juana, mon aimée, roman de Harry Bernard
Authors: Gaudreau Guy , Tremblay Micheline
Published: May 2016

Cet article retrace la trajectoire du roman Juana, mon aimée de Harry Bernard, de sa première version parue à la fin de l’automne 1930 jusqu’à sa consécration concrétisée par l’obtention d’un prix David en septembre 1932. Cette consécration fut néanmoins bien éphémère puisque l’oeuvre est aujourd’hui absente de l’histoire littéraire. Grâce à une riche correspondance, conservée en grande partie dans le Fonds Harry-Bernard, et au dépouillement minutieux des divers comptes rendus, recensions et articles publiés dans les journaux et revues, l’article analyse le rôle de l’auteur et met en lumière les contributions décisives d’Alfred DesRochers, de Claude-Henri Grignon et d’Albert Pelletier dans le sort réservé au roman. L’examen de la réception critique permet également de montrer l’importance des débats privés, des réseaux d’amitié et des discussions de salon tout autant que le poids inégal des recensions dans la trajectoire de l’ouvrage. Il appert que deux discours dominants ont été tenus à propos de l’oeuvre : le premier, favorable, de Grignon, qui conduisit au prix David, et le second, très sévère, de Pelletier, qui a contribué, selon nous, à la faire sombrer dans l’oubli.
Future changes in regional precipitation simulated by a half‐degree coupled climate model: Sensitivity to horizontal resolution
Authors: Shields Christine A. , Kiehl Jeffrey T. , Meehl Gerald A.
Published: May 2016

The global fully coupled half‐degree Community Climate System Model Version 4 (CCSM4) was integrated for a suite of climate change ensemble simulations including five historical runs, five Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 [RCP8.5) runs, and a long Pre‐Industrial control run. This study focuses on precipitation at regional scales and its sensitivity to horizontal resolution. The half‐degree historical CCSM4 simulations are compared to observations, where relevant, and to the standard 1° CCSM4. Both the half‐degree and 1° resolutions are coupled to a nominal 1° ocean. North American and South Asian/Indian monsoon regimes are highlighted because these regimes demonstrate improvements due to higher resolution, primarily because of better‐resolved topography. Agriculturally sensitive areas are analyzed and include Southwest, Central, and Southeast U.S., Southern Europe, and Australia. Both mean and extreme precipitation is discussed for convective and large‐scale precipitation processes. Convective precipitation tends to decrease with increasing resolution and large‐scale precipitation tends to increase. Improvements for the half‐degree agricultural regions can be found for mean and extreme precipitation in the Southeast U.S., Southern Europe, and Australian regions. Climate change responses differ between the model resolutions for the U.S. Southwest/Central regions and are seasonally dependent in the Southeast and Australian regions. Both resolutions project a clear drying signal across Southern Europe due to increased greenhouse warming. Differences between resolutions tied to the representation of convective and large‐scale precipitation play an important role in the character of the climate change and depend on regional influences.
Assimilation of gridded terrestrial water storage observations from GRACE into a land surface model
Authors: Girotto Manuela , De Lannoy Gabriëlle J. M. , Reichle Rolf H. , Rodell Matthew
Published: May 2016

Observations of terrestrial water storage (TWS) from the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE) satellite mission have a coarse resolution in time (monthly) and space (roughly 150,000 km2 at midlatitudes) and vertically integrate all water storage components over land, including soil moisture and groundwater. Data assimilation can be used to horizontally downscale and vertically partition GRACE‐TWS observations. This work proposes a variant of existing ensemble‐based GRACE‐TWS data assimilation schemes. The new algorithm differs in how the analysis increments are computed and applied. Existing schemes correlate the uncertainty in the modeled monthly TWS estimates with errors in the soil moisture profile state variables at a single instant in the month and then apply the increment either at the end of the month or gradually throughout the month. The proposed new scheme first computes increments for each day of the month and then applies the average of those increments at the beginning of the month. The new scheme therefore better reflects submonthly variations in TWS errors. The new and existing schemes are investigated here using gridded GRACE‐TWS observations. The assimilation results are validated at the monthly time scale, using in situ measurements of groundwater depth and soil moisture across the U.S. The new assimilation scheme yields improved (although not in a statistically significant sense) skill metrics for groundwater compared to the open‐loop (no assimilation) simulations and compared to the existing assimilation schemes. A smaller impact is seen for surface and root‐zone soil moisture, which have a shorter memory and receive smaller increments from TWS assimilation than groundwater. These results motivate future efforts to combine GRACE‐TWS observations with observations that are more sensitive to surface soil moisture, such as L‐band brightness temperature observations from Soil Moisture Ocean Salinity (SMOS) or Soil Moisture Active Passive (SMAP). Finally, we demonstrate that the scaling parameters that are applied to the GRACE observations prior to assimilation should be consistent with the land surface model that is used within the assimilation system.
Cost‐Effectiveness of Cardiovascular Screening in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kievit Wietske , Maurits Jake S. F. , Arts Elke E. , van Riel Piet L. C. M. , Fransen Jaap , Popa Calin D.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Early detection and preemptive treatment of patients at risk is of great importance in reducing the excess risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unclear how much screening is cost‐effective in RA. The objective is to assess whether CV screening in RA proves to be cost‐effective from a medical perspective, using different scenarios based on different guidelines.

Methods

A Markov chain model was used with a time horizon of 10 years. Parameter values were mainly obtained from literature and from RA patients screened for CV diseases at the Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, The Netherlands. The primary outcome was incremental cost‐effectiveness expressed as costs per quality‐adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Probabilistic sensitivity analysis was performed and described in willingness‐to‐pay curves; several scenarios were built.

Results

In the base case scenario, in 82% of the simulations, screening proved to be dominant compared to no screening. The mean QALY gain was 0.09 (95% percentile −0.07, 0.27), and the mean cost savings were €−1,057 (95% percentile −€2,825, €333). Different scenarios showed small differences in cost‐effectiveness; the probability that screening is dominant remained high with the lowest probability being 50% for a very conservative scenario.

Conclusion

Screening for CV events in RA patients was estimated to be cost‐effective with high chances of being less expensive and more effective. These results support endorsement of screening for CV risk in patients with RA.
Impact of Obesity on Remission and Disease Activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Liu Yang , Hazlewood Glen S. , Kaplan Gilaad G. , Eksteen Bertus , Barnabe Cheryl
Published: May 2016

Objective

To summarize the relationship between obesity and remission in rheumatoid arthritis (RA); secondary objectives were to summarize other measures of treatment response and mortality in RA.

Methods

Medline and Embase searches were performed in March 2016 using relevant MeSH and keyword terms for obesity and RA. Articles were selected if they reported estimates for achieving remission in obese subjects relative to other body mass index (BMI) categories, or changes in composite or individual disease activity measures or patient‐reported outcomes during therapy, or mortality rates, in relation to BMI category or on a continuous scale. Remission outcomes were conducive to meta‐analysis, and all other outcomes were summarized.

Results

A total of 3,368 records were screened; we included 8 reporting remission rates, 9 reporting disease activity measures or patient‐reported outcomes, and 3 examining mortality by obesity status or BMI. Obese patients attain remission less frequently than nonobese and/or normal‐weight patients. In adjusted models, obese patients demonstrated lower odds of achieving remission (pooled odds ratio [OR] 0.57 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.45, 0.72]) and sustained remission (pooled OR 0.49 [95% CI 0.32, 0.74]) relative to nonobese subjects. Most studies found obese patients to have worse Disease Activity Scores or Disease Activity Scores in 28 joints, tender joint counts, inflammatory markers, patient global evaluation scores, pain scores, and physical function scores during followup, but not worse swollen joint counts. Obesity was not associated with increased mortality.

Conclusion

Obesity decreases the odds of achieving remission in RA and negatively impacts disease activity and patient‐reported outcomes during therapy. Interventions to reduce BMI should be investigated for their ability to improve disease outcomes.
Effect of Donor Molecular Structure and Gate Dielectric on Charge‐Transporting Characteristics for Isoindigo‐Based Donor–Acceptor Conjugated Polymers
Authors: Park Won‐Tae , Kim Gyoungsik , Yang Changduk , Liu Chuan , Noh Yong‐Young
Published: May 2016

This study investigates the effect of the molecular structure of three different donor units, naphthalene (Np), bithiophene (BT), and thiophene–vinylene–thiophene (TVT), in isoindigo (IIG)‐based donor –acceptor conjugated polymers (PIIG‐Np, PIIG‐BT and PIIG‐TVT) on the charge carrier mobility of organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). The charge transport properties of three different IIG‐based polymers strongly depend on donor units. PIIG–BT OFETs showed 50 times higher hole mobility (0.63 cm2 V−1 s−1) than PIIG–TVT and PIIG–Np ones of ≈ 0.01 cm2 V−1 s−1 with CYTOP dielectric though the BT units have less planarity than the TVT and Np units. The reasons for the different mobility in IIG‐based polymers are studied by analyzing the energy structure by absorption spectra, calculating transport levels by density functional theory, investigating the in‐ and out‐of‐plane crystallinity of thin film by grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering, and extracting key transport parameters via low‐temperature measurements. By combining theoretical, optical, electrical, and structural analyses, this study finds that the large difference in OFET mobility mainly originates from the transport disorders determined by the different microcrystal structure, rather than the intrinsic transport properties in isolated chains for different polymers.
Layered Orthorhombic Nb2O5@Nb4C3Tx and TiO2@Ti3C2Tx Hierarchical Composites for High Performance Li‐ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Chuanfang (John) , Kim Seon Joon , Ghidiu Michael , Zhao Meng‐Qiang , Barsoum Michel W. , Nicolosi Valeria , Gogotsi Yury
Published: May 2016

Engineering electrode nanostructures is critical in developing high‐capacity, fast rate‐response, and safe Li‐ion batteries. This study demonstrates the synthesis of orthorhombic Nb2O5@Nb4C3Tx (or @Nb2CTx) hierarchical composites via a one‐step oxidation —in flowing CO2 at 850 °C —of 2D Nb4C3Tx (or Nb2CTx) MXene. The composites possess a layered architecture with orthorhombic Nb2O5 nanoparticles decorated uniformly on the surface of the MXene flakes and interconnected by disordered carbon. The composites have a capacity of 208 mAh g−1 at a rate of 50 mA g−1 (0.25 C) in 1–3 V versus Li+/Li, and retain 94% of the specific capacity with 100% Coulombic efficiency after 400 cycles. The good electrochemical performances could be attributed to three synergistic effects: (1) the high conductivity of the interior, unoxidized Nb4C3Tx layers, (2) the fast rate response and high capacity of the external Nb2O5 nanoparticles, and (3) the electron “bridge” effects of the disordered carbon. This oxidation method was successfully extended to Ti3C2Tx and Nb2CTx MXenes to prepare corresponding composites with similar hierarchical structures. Since this is an early report on producing this structure, there is much room to push the boundaries further and achieve better electrochemical performance.
Rational Design of Highly Porous SnO2 Nanotubes Functionalized with Biomimetic Nanocatalysts for Direct Observation of Simulated Diabetes
Authors: Jang Ji‐Soo , Choi Seon‐Jin , Kim Sang‐Joon , Hakim Meggie , Kim Il‐Doo
Published: May 2016

1D metal‐oxide nanotube (NT) structures have attracted considerable attention for applications in chemical sensors due to their high surface area and unique chemical and physical properties. Moreover, bimodal pores, i.e., meso‐ and macro‐sized pores, which are formed on the shell of NTs, can further facilitate gas penetration into the sensing layers, leading to much improved sensing properties. However, thin‐walled NTs with bimodal pore distribution have been rarely fabricated due to the limitations of synthetic methods. Here, Ostwald ripening‐driven electrospinning combined with sacrificial templating route using polystyrene (PS) colloid and bioinspired protein is firstly proposed for producing both bi‐modal pores and catalyst‐loaded thin‐walled SnO2 NTs. Homogeneous catalyst loading on porous SnO2 NTs is achieved by the protein cage that contains catalysts and PS colloids and protein shells are thermally decomposed during calcination of electrospun fibers, resulting in the creation of dual‐sized pores on NTs. Pt catalyst decorated porous SnO2 NTs (Pt‐PS_SnO2 NTs) show exceptionally high acetone gas response, superior selectivity against other interfering gases, and very low limit of detection (10 ppb) to simulated diabetic acetone molecules. More importantly, sensor arrays assembled with developed porous SnO2 NTs enable the direct distinction between the simulated diabetic breath and normal breath from healthy people.
Genome‐wide association study of generalized anxiety symptoms in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos
Authors: Dunn Erin C. , Sofer Tamar , Gallo Linda C. , Gogarten Stephanie M. , Kerr Kathleen F. , Chen Chia‐Yen , Stein Murray B. , Ursano Robert J. , Guo Xiuqing , Jia Yucheng , Qi Qibin , Rotter Jerome I. , Argos Maria , Cai Jianwen , Penedo Frank J. , Perreira Krista , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Smoller Jordan W.
Published: May 2016

Although generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is heritable and aggregates in families, no genomic loci associated with GAD have been reported. We aimed to discover potential loci by conducting a genome‐wide analysis of GAD symptoms in a large, population‐based sample of Hispanic/Latino adults. Data came from 12,282 participants (aged 18–74) in the Hispanic Community Health Study/Study of Latinos. Using a shortened Spielberger Trait Anxiety measure, we analyzed the following: (i) a GAD symptoms score restricted to the three items tapping diagnostic features of GAD as defined by DSM‐V; and (ii) a total trait anxiety score based on summing responses to all ten items. We first calculated the heritability due to common variants (h2SNP) and then conducted a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) of GAD symptoms. Replication was attempted in three independent Hispanic cohorts (Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis, Women's Health Initiative, Army STARRS). The GAD symptoms score showed evidence of modest heritability (7.2%; P = 0.03), while the total trait anxiety score did not (4.97%; P = 0.20). One genotyped SNP (rs78602344) intronic to thrombospondin 2 (THBS2) was nominally associated (P = 5.28 × 10−8) in the primary analysis adjusting for psychiatric medication use and significantly associated with the GAD symptoms score in the analysis excluding medication users (P = 4.18 × 10−8). However, meta‐analysis of the replication samples did not support this association. Although we identified a genome‐wide significant locus in this sample, we were unable to replicate this finding. Evidence for heritability was also only detected for GAD symptoms, and not the trait anxiety measure, suggesting differential genetic influences within the domain of trait anxiety. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chimpanzees' responses to the dead body of a 9‐year‐old group member
Authors: van Leeuwen Edwin J.C. , Mulenga Innocent Chitalu , Bodamer Mark D. , Cronin Katherine A.
Published: May 2016

The social behavior of chimpanzees has been extensively studied, yet not much is known about how they behave in response to the death of a group member. Here, we provide a detailed report of the reactions of a group of chimpanzees to finding the dead body of a 9‐year‐old male group member. The behavior of the group was characterized by quiet attendance and close inspections punctuated by rare displays. Moreover, the body was continuously attended and closely inspected by several adults and juveniles, including an adult male who formed a close social bond with the deceased individual after the deceased individual's mother died 4 years earlier. When considered with observations of how chimpanzees respond to dead infants and adults in this group and in others, these observations suggest that chimpanzees' responses to death may be mediated by social bonds with the deceased individual. The results are discussed in light of recent reports on chimpanzees' reactions to dead community members and more general primate thanatology. Am. J. Primatol. 78:914–922, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ErbB2 blockade with Herceptin (trastuzumab) enhances peripheral nerve regeneration after repair of acute or chronic peripheral nerve injury
Authors: Hendry J. Michael , Alvarez‐Veronesi M. Cecilia , Placheta Eva , Zhang Jennifer J. , Gordon Tessa , Borschel Gregory H.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Attenuation of the growth supportive environment within the distal nerve stump after delayed peripheral nerve repair profoundly limits nerve regeneration. Levels of the potent Schwann cell mitogen neuregulin and its receptor ErbB2 decline during this period, but the regenerative impact of this change is not completely understood. Herein, the ErbB2 receptor pathway is inhibited with the selective monoclonal antibody Herceptin (trastuzumab) to determine its significance in regulating acute and chronic regeneration in a rat hindlimb.

Methods

The common peroneal nerve of Sprague–Dawley rats was transected and repaired immediately or after 4 months of chronic denervation, followed by administration of Herceptin or saline solution. Regenerated motor and sensory neurons were counted using a retrograde tracer 1, 2, or 4, weeks after repair. Distal myelinated axon outgrowth after 4 weeks was quantified using histomorphometry. Immunofluorescent imaging was used to evaluate Schwann cell proliferation and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) activation in the regenerating nerves.

Results

Herceptin administration increased the rate of motor and sensory neuron regeneration and the number of proliferating Schwann cells in the distal stump after the first week. Herceptin also increased the number of myelinated axons that regenerated 4 weeks after immediate and delayed repair. Reduced EGFR activation was observed using immunofluorescent imaging.

Interpretation

Inhibition of the ErbB2 receptor with Herceptin unexpectedly enhances nerve regeneration after acute and delayed nerve repair. This finding raises the possibility of using targeted molecular therapies to improve outcomes of peripheral nerve injuries. The mechanism may involve a novel inhibitory association between ErbB2 and EGFR. Ann Neurol 2016;80:112–126
A β‐Lactamase‐Imprinted Responsive Hydrogel for the Treatment of Antibiotic‐Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Li Wen , Dong Kai , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: May 2016

Antibiotics play important roles in infection treatment and prevention. However, the effectiveness of antibiotics is now threatened by the prevalence of drug‐resistant bacteria. Furthermore, antibiotic abuse and residues in the environment cause serious health issues. In this study, a stimuli‐responsive imprinted hydrogel was fabricated by using β‐lactamase produced by bacteria for deactivating antibiotics as the template molecule. The imprinted hydrogel could initially trap β‐lactamase excreted by drug‐resistant bacteria, thus making bacteria sensitive to antibiotics. After the bactericidal treatment, the “imprinted sites” on the hydrogel could be reversibly abolished with a temperature stimulus, which resulted in the reactivation of β‐lactamase to degrade antibiotic residues. We also present an example of the use of this antibacterial design to treat wound infection.
Trace H2O2‐Assisted High‐Capacity Tungsten Oxide Electrochromic Batteries with Ultrafast Charging in Seconds
Authors: Zhao Jinxiong , Tian Yuyu , Wang Zhen , Cong Shan , Zhou Di , Zhang Qingzhu , Yang Mei , Zhang Weikun , Geng Fengxia , Zhao Zhigang
Published: May 2016

A recent technological trend in the field of electrochemical energy storage is to integrate energy storage and electrochromism functions in one smart device, which can establish efficient user–device interactions based on a friendly human‐readable output. This type of newly born energy storage technology has drawn tremendous attention. However, there is still plenty of room for technological and material innovation, which would allow advancement of the research field. A prototype Al‐tungsten oxide electrochromic battery with interactive color‐changing behavior is reported. With the assistance of trace amount of H2O2, the battery exhibits a specific capacity almost seven times that for the reported electrochromic batteries, up to 429 mAh g−1. Fast decoloration of the reduced tungsten oxide affords a very quick charging time of only eight seconds, which possibly comes from an intricate combination of structure and valence state changes of tungsten oxide. This unique combination of features may further advance the development of smart energy storage devices with suitability for user–device interactions.
Induced Potential in Porous Carbon Films through Water Vapor Absorption
Authors: Liu Kang , Yang Peihua , Li Song , Li Jia , Ding Tianpeng , Xue Guobin , Chen Qian , Feng Guang , Zhou Jun
Published: May 2016

Sustainable electrical potential of tens of millivolts can be induced by water vapor adsorption on a piece of porous carbon film that has two sides with different functional group contents. Integrated experiments, and Monte Carlo and ab initio molecular dynamics simulations reveal that the induced potential originates from the nonhomogeneous distribution of functional groups along the film, especially carboxy groups. Sufficient adsorbed water molecules in porous carbon facilitate the release of protons from the carboxy groups, resulting in a potential drop across the carbon film because of the concentration difference of the released free protons on the two sides. The potential utilization of such a phenomenon is also demonstrated by a self‐powered humidity sensor.
Regio‐, Stereo‐, and Atropselective Synthesis of C60 Fullerene Bisadducts by Supramolecular‐Directed Functionalization
Authors: Bottari Giovanni , Trukhina Olga , Kahnt Axel , Frunzi Michael , Murata Yasujiro , Rodríguez‐Fortea Antonio , Poblet Josep M. , Guldi Dirk M. , Torres Tomás
Published: May 2016

The regio‐ and stereocontrolled synthesis of fullerene bisadducts is a topic of increasing interest in fullerene chemistry and a key point for the full exploitation of these derivatives in materials science. In this context, while the tether‐directed remote functionalization strategy offers a valid approach to this synthetic challenge, no examples of such control have yet been reported using nontethered species. Presented here is a conceptually novel, supramolecular‐directed functionalization approach in which noncovalent interactions between untethered residues have been used, for the first time, to amplify (>2800‐fold) the regio‐, stereo‐, and atropselective formation of a C60 fullerene bisadduct racemate from a complex mixture of 130 bisadducts. Remarkably, both enantiomers, which present a sterically demanding cis‐1 C60 addition pattern, represent the first examples of fullerene derivatives which combine central, axial, and helical chirality.
Flexible Aqueous Lithium‐Ion Battery with High Safety and Large Volumetric Energy Density
Authors: Dong Xiaoli , Chen Long , Su Xiuli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao
Published: May 2016

A flexible and wearable aqueous lithium‐ion battery is introduced based on spinel Li1.1Mn2O4 cathode and a carbon‐coated NASICON‐type LiTi2(PO4)3 anode (NASICON=sodium‐ion super ionic conductor). Energy densities of 63 Wh kg−1 or 124 mWh cm−3 and power densities of 3 275 W kg−1 or 11.1 W cm−3 can be obtained, which are seven times larger than the largest reported till now. The full cell can keep its capacity without significant loss under different bending states, which shows excellent flexibility. Furthermore, two such flexible cells in series with an operation voltage of 4 V can be compatible with current nonaqueous Li‐ion batteries. Therefore, such a flexible cell can potentially be put into practical applications for wearable electronics. In addition, a self‐chargeable unit is realized by integrating a single flexible aqueous Li‐ion battery with a commercial flexible solar cell, which may facilitate the long‐time outdoor operation of flexible and wearable electronic devices.
Disposable potentiometric citrate sensor based on polypyrrole‐doped films for indirect determination of sildenafil in pharmaceuticals formulations
Authors: Ochiai Leticia M. , Bindewald Eduardo H. , Mengarda Priscilla , Marcolino‐Junior Luiz H. , Bergamini Márcio F
Published: May 2016

A new sensitive and selective disposable potentiometric sensor based on polypyrrole (PPy) films for determination of sildenafil citrate (SC) was proposed. The pyrrole polymerization was performed in presence of citrate ions under galvanostatic conditions which resulted in a membrane of PPy doped with citrate anion at graphite pencil electrode surface. Experimental conditions (e.g., pH and conditioning time) and instrumental parameters (e.g., current density and electrical charge) were evaluated in order to reach the best potentiometric response for the proposed sensor. Under optimized conditions, the device presented a linear dynamic range (LDR) for citrate ions concentrations varying from 0.034 to 1.7 mmol L−1 with a Nernstian slope of 57.2 mV dec−1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 30 µmol L−1. The developed potentiometric sensor was applied for sildenafil citrate (SC) determination (pharmaceutical formulations) and results compared with an official spectrophotometric method indicating a good agreement for a confidence level of 95%. Effect of concomitants species on the potentiometric response of the proposed device and morphologic characterization using microscopy of atomic force (AFM) were realized. The surface roughness of PPy films (synthesized in citrate solution and chloride) showed poorly affected by changing the doping anion, probably because the polypyrrole nodules grow three‐dimensionally simultaneously. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43762.
Effect of surface modification on the interface quality between hemp and linear medium‐density polyethylene
Authors: Chimeni Désiré Yomeni , Toupe Jean Luc , Dubois Charles , Rodrigue Denis
Published: May 2016

In this work, hemp fibers (mercerized or not) were modified by a coupling agent (maleated polyethylene) to evaluate the level of interfacial improvement related to wettability or adhesion in LMDPE composites. To do so, different analyses in the solid (thermogravimetric analysis, dynamic mechanical analysis, and scanning electron microscopy) and melt (rheology) states were combined. From the results obtained, it can be shown that mercerization mostly controls the level of wettability (physical contact) of the fibers, while the addition of a coupling agent mostly controls interfacial adhesion (chemical interactions). These conclusions were obtained based on shifts in transition temperatures (Tg and Tα), as well as maxima in van Gurp–Palmen plots. Overall, the best properties were obtained when mercerization was combined with coupling agent addition under optimized processing conditions. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43802.
Effect of ultrafine talc on crystallization and end‐use properties of poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate)
Authors: Vandewijngaarden Jens , Murariu Marius , Dubois Philippe , Carleer Robert , Yperman Jan , D'Haen Jan , Peeters Roos , Buntinx Mieke
Published: May 2016

Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate‐co‐3‐hydroxyhexanoate) (PHBHHx) is a highly versatile polyhydroxyalkanoate. To enhance its slow crystallization, the performance of ultra‐fine talc (median diameter of 1 µm) as a nucleating agent is studied. This study focuses on crystallization, but also on the effect on fundamental properties (i.e., thermal stability) and selected end‐use properties (i.e., color, opacity, tensile properties, and gas permeability), to assess its applicability for food packaging purposes. Samples containing 0.5, 1, and 2 wt % were prepared through melt blending and compression molding. First, it was proven that ultra‐fine talc is a highly performant nucleating agent for PHBHHx. The isothermal crystallization half time at 70 °C was reduced to 97% by adding 2 wt % of talc, which could greatly improve the processability of PHBHHx. Thermal stability increased with 3–4 °C, due to increased barrier effect. Permeability for O2, CO2, and water vapor increased slightly upon addition of 0.5 wt % and 1 wt % talc, but decreased at 2 wt % talc. Nevertheless, the results remained within the same applicability range. An acceptable total color change of 0.9 was observed. Furthermore, the PHBHHx matrix was rendered stiffer (Young's modulus increased with 100 MPa), while showing hardly any change in elongation at break or tensile strength. Overall, it can be concluded that ultrafine talc is a very efficient nucleating agent for PHBHHx. Besides the beneficial effect on crystallization, the ultrafine talc hardly influenced any other property, which could prove to be of high added value for the application of these composites as food packaging material. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43808.
Silver nanowire network embedded in polydimethylsiloxane as stretchable, transparent, and conductive substrates
Authors: Kim JinHoon , Park Jaeyoon , Jeong Unyong , Park Jin‐Woo
Published: May 2016

Highly stretchable transparent conductors where Ag nanowire networks (AgNWs) are reliably embedded into a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) substrate are presented. In spite of the weak physical and chemical interaction between Ag nanowires and PDMS, a significantly high transfer efficiency and uniform embedding of AgNW percolation mesh electrodes into PDMS was achieved by simply coating aerogels onto the AgNWs and using water‐assisted transfer. By the failure‐free transfer and reliable bonding with the substrate, the conductive PDMS with embedded AgNWs that exhibits a sheet resistance (Rs) of 15 Ω/sq and 80% optical transmittance (T) are reported here. The PDMS films accommodate tensile strains up to 70% and a cyclic strain of 25% for more than 100 cycles, with subsequent Rs values as low as 90 and 27 Ω/sq, respectively. The T of this conductive PDMS is more than 25% higher than that of networks of CNTs, Cu nanowires, and hybrid composites of CNTs and graphene embedded in elastomer films such as PDMS, polyurethane, and Ecoflex. The simple and reproducible fabrication allows the extensive study and optimization of the stretchability of the meanders in terms of humidity, thickness, and substrate. The results provide new insights for designing stretchable electronics. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43830.
Synthesis of Resveratrol Derivatives and In Vitro Screening for Potential Cancer Chemopreventive Activities
Authors: Orsini Fulvia , Verotta Luisella , Klimo Karin , Gerhäuser Clarissa
Published: May 2016

New resveratrol (trans‐3,4’,5‐trihydroxystilbene) analogs were synthesized and screened for their in vitro cancer chemopreventive potential using various bioassays relevant for the prevention of carcinogenesis in humans: two assays to detect modulators of carcinogen metabolism (Cyp1A inhibition; determination of NAD(P)H/quinone reductase (QR) activity), three assays to identify radical scavenging and antioxidant properties (DPPH, ORAC, superoxide anion radicals in differentiated HL‐60 cells), four assays to determine anti‐inflammatory and anti‐hormonal effects (iNOS, Cox‐1 and aromatase inhibition, anti‐estrogenic potential). 3,4′,5‐Tri‐O‐methyl resveratrol 1a was about sevenfold more active than resveratrol in inhibiting Cyp1A activity, it was a potent inducer of QR activity, and it showed pure anti‐estrogenic activity (whereas resveratrol is a known mixed estrogen (ant)agonist with both estrogenic and anti‐estrogenic properties). Dual estrogen ant‐/agonist activity was restored in the mono‐O‐benzyl‐substituted derivatives 4b (4′‐O‐benzyl resveratrol) and 5b (3‐O‐benzyl resveratrol). With respect to aromatase inhibition (Cyp19), which provided the highest number of actives, the benzyl‐substituted series was more potent than the methyl‐substituted derivatives of resveratrol, and 3‐O‐benzyl resveratrol 5b was about eightfold more active than resveratrol. Overall, 3,4′,5‐tri‐O‐pivaloyl resveratrol oxide 7c was identified as a potent inducer of phase 2 enzymes concomitant with inhibition of LPS‐mediated iNOS induction.
Early, Incomplete, or Preclinical Autoimmune Systemic Rheumatic Diseases and Pregnancy Outcome
Authors: Spinillo Arsenio , Beneventi Fausta , Locatelli Elena , Ramoni Vèronique , Caporali Roberto , Alpini Claudia , Albonico Giulia , Cavagnoli Chiara , Montecucco Carlomaurizio
Published: May 2016

Objective

To evaluate the impact of preclinical systemic autoimmune rheumatic disorders on pregnancy outcome.

Methods

In this longitudinal cohort study, patients were enrolled during the first trimester of pregnancy if they reported having had connective tissue disorder symptoms, were found to be positive for circulating autoantibodies, and on clinical evaluation were judged to have a preclinical or incomplete rheumatic disorder. The incidence of fetal growth restriction (FGR), preeclampsia, and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with preclinical rheumatic disorders was compared with that in selected controls, after adjustment for confounders by penalized logistic regression. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Of 5,232 women screened, 150 (2.9%) were initially diagnosed as having a suspected rheumatic disorder. After a mean ± SD postpartum follow‐up of 16.7 ± 5.5 months, 64 of these women (42.7%) had no clinically apparent rheumatic disease and 86 (57.3%) had persistent symptoms and positive autoantibody results, including 10 (6.7%) who developed a definitive rheumatic disease. The incidences of preeclampsia/FGR and of small for gestational age (SGA) infants were 5.1% (23 of 450) and 9.3% (42 of 450), respectively, among controls, 12.5% (8 of 640) (OR 2.7 [95% CI 1.1–6.4]) and 18.8% (12 of 64) (OR 2.2 [95% CI 1.1–4.5]), respectively, among women with no clinically apparent disease, and 16.3% (14 of 86) (OR 3.8 [95% CI 1.9–7.7]) and 18.6% (16 of 86) (OR 2.3 [95% CI 1.2–4.3]), respectively, among those with persisting symptoms at follow‐up. Mean ± SD umbilical artery Doppler pulsatility indices were higher among women with no clinically apparent disease (0.95 ± 0.2) and those with persisting symptoms (0.96 ± 0.21) than in controls (0.89 ± 0.12) (P = 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

In our study population, preclinical rheumatic disorders were associated with an increased risk of FGR/preeclampsia and SGA. The impact of these findings and their utility in screening for FGR/preeclampsia need to be confirmed in population studies.
Association Between Breast Cancer Recurrence and Immunosuppression in Rheumatoid Arthritis and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Cohort Study
Authors: Mamtani Ronac , Clark Amy S. , Scott Frank I. , Brensinger Colleen M. , Boursi Ben , Chen Lang , Xie Fenglong , Yun Huifeng , Osterman Mark T. , Curtis Jeffrey R. , Lewis James D.
Published: May 2016

Objective

Breast cancer recurrence may be promoted by immunosuppression due to decreased immune surveillance. The aim of this study was to examine the rates of breast cancer recurrence in patients with immune‐mediated disease and treated breast cancer who received therapy with methotrexate, thiopurines, or anti–tumor necrosis factor (anti‐TNF).

Methods

Three retrospective cohort studies within Medicare (2000–2012) included women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) who underwent surgery for primary breast cancer. Recurrent or second primary breast cancers occurring more than 365 days after the initial surgery were identified. Separate Cox regression models were used to examine the risk of cancer recurrence in patients treated with methotrexate, thiopurines, or anti‐TNF agents after surgery, each compared with no use. Analyses were matched for type of breast surgery and receipt and type of adjuvant therapy.

Results

Across all medication groups, 107 women experienced breast cancer recurrence during 5,196 person‐years. The incidence rates were 20.3 and 19.6 per 1,000 person‐years in methotrexate users and nonusers, respectively, 32.3 and 17.6 in thiopurine users and nonusers, respectively, and 22.3 and 19.5 in anti‐TNF users and nonusers, respectively. There was no significantly increased risk of breast cancer recurrence with use of methotrexate (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.07, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 0.67–1.69), anti‐TNF therapy (HR 1.13, 95% CI 0.65–1.97), or thiopurines (HR 2.10, 95% CI 0.62–7.14).

Conclusion

The risk of breast cancer recurrence in patients who received methotrexate, thiopurine, or anti‐TNF therapy was not statistically significantly increased, although we cannot rule out a 2‐fold or greater increased risk in those treated with thiopurines. These data provide reassurance to clinicians choosing to start methotrexate or anti‐TNF therapy in RA or IBD patients with treated breast cancer.
Pin1‐Targeted Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Wei Shuo , Yoshida Nobuya , Finn Greg , Kozono Shingo , Nechama Morris , Kyttaris Vasileios C. , Zhen Zhou Xiao , Tsokos George C. , Ping Lu Kun
Published: May 2016

Objective

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a debilitating autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs in the body, but therapeutic options are still very limited and often come with adverse effects. Increasing evidence has underlined an important role of the Toll‐like receptor 7 (TLR‐7)/TLR‐9/interleukin‐1 receptor–associated kinase 1 (IRAK‐1)/interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF‐7) pathway in the development and progression of SLE. Notably, the prolyl isomerase Pin1 is an essential regulator of IRAK‐1 in TLR‐7/TLR‐9 signaling, but its role in SLE is unknown. We undertook this study to determine whether Pin1 is activated and plays any role in the development and treatment of SLE.

Methods

Activation of Pin1 and TLR‐7/TLR‐9/IRAK‐1/IRF‐7 signaling was determined in various cell types among peripheral blood mononuclear cells from healthy controls and SLE patients. The effects of Pin1 and TLR signaling on SLE development were determined using validated Pin1 short hairpin RNA (shRNA), Pin1 genetic knockout, and the small‐molecule Pin1 inhibitor all‐trans‐retinoic acid (ATRA) in immune cells and in several strains of lupus‐prone mice.

Results

We found abnormal activation of Pin1 and its downstream targets IRAK‐1 and IRF‐7 in SLE patients. Furthermore, inhibition of Pin1 using either validated Pin1 shRNA or ATRA blocked TLR‐7–induced activation of IRAK‐1 and IRF‐7 in SLE patient–derived immune cells. Moreover, in multiple lupus‐prone animals, both Pin1 knockout and ATRA strikingly attenuated the expression of autoimmunity, including skin lesions, lymphadenopathy, splenomegaly, glomerulonephritis, proteinuria, and production of anti–double‐stranded DNA antibodies and CD4−CD8− T cells, and also prolonged overall survival in MRL/lpr and B6.lpr mice.

Conclusion

Pin1 plays a critical role in the development of SLE, and Pin1‐targeted therapy offers a promising new strategy for treating SLE.