bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C—C motif chemokine ligand 2 regulates lps‐induced inflammation and ER stress to enhance proliferation of bovine endometrial epithelial cells
Authors: Lim Whasun , Bae Hyocheol , Bazer Fuller W. , Kim Sung‐Man , Song Gwonhwa
Published: August 2017

Chemokines play an important role in regulating the complex immune system at the maternal‐fetal interface during pregnancy. Among various chemokines, CC motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays a role in the recruitment of immune regulatory cells to implantation sites within the endometrium. In cattle, CCL2 is abundantly expressed in the uterine endometrium. However, its intracellular signaling has not been identified. In this study, we examined the effects of CCL2 on bovine endometrial (BEND) cell proliferation. CCL2 stimulated BEND cell proliferation by abundant expression of PCNA, accumulation of cells in the G2/M phase, and activation of the PI3 K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, CCL2 reduced endoplasmic reticulum stress and restored the inflammation‐induced reduction in BEND cell proliferation by regulating the unfolded protein response genes and cytokines. Collectively, these results demonstrated that CCL2 plays a pivotal role in reproductive tissues and may support maternal‐fetal interface to improve efficiency of pregnancy.
TRPC3‐mediated Ca2+ signals as a promising strategy to boost therapeutic angiogenesis in failing hearts: The role of autologous endothelial colony forming cells
Authors: Moccia Francesco , Lucariello Angela , Guerra Germano
Published: August 2017

Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) are a sub‐population of bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells that are released in circulation to restore damaged endothelium during its physiological turnover or rescue blood perfusion after an ischemic insult. Additionally, they may be mobilized from perivascular niches located within larger arteries’ wall in response to hypoxic conditions. For this reason, EPCs have been regarded as an effective tool to promote revascularization and functional recovery of ischemic hearts, but clinical application failed to exploit the full potential of patients‐derived cells. Indeed, the frequency and biological activity of EPCs are compromised in aging individuals or in subjects suffering from severe cardiovascular risk factors. Rejuvenating the reparative phenotype of autologous EPCs through a gene transfer approach has, therefore, been put forward as an alternative approach to enhance their therapeutic potential in cardiovascular patients. An increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration constitutes a pivotal signal for the activation of the so‐called endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs), the only known truly endothelial EPC subset. Studies from our group showed that the Ca2+ toolkit differs between peripheral blood‐ and umbilical cord blood (UCB)‐derived ECFCs. In the present article, we first discuss how VEGF uses repetitive Ca2+ spikes to regulate angiogenesis in ECFCs and outline how VEGF‐induced intracellular Ca2+ oscillations differ between the two ECFC subtypes. We then hypothesize about the possibility to rejuvenate the biological activity of autologous ECFCs by transfecting the cell with the Ca2+‐permeable channel Transient Receptor Potential Canonical 3, which selectively drives the Ca2+ response to VEGF in UCB‐derived ECFCs.
Transition metal dependent regulation of the signal transduction cascade driving oocyte meiosis
Authors: Schaefer‐Ramadan Stephanie , Hubrack Satanay , Machaca Khaled
Published: August 2017

The G2‐M transition of the cell cycle requires the activation of members of the Cdc25 dual specificity phosphatase family. Using Xenopus oocyte maturation as a model system, we have previously shown that chelation of transition metals blocks meiosis progression by inhibiting Cdc25C activation. Here, using approaches that allow for the isolation of very pure and active recombinant Cdc25C, we show that Cdc25C does not bind zinc as previously reported. Additionally, we show that mutants in the disordered C‐terminal end of Cdc25C are poor initiators of meiosis, likely due to their inability to localize to the proper sub‐cellular location. We further demonstrate that the transition metal chelator, TPEN, acts on or upstream of polo‐like kinases in the oocyte to block meiosis progression. Together our results provide novel insights into Cdc25C structure‐function relationship and the role of transition metals in regulating meiosis.
New insights into the cellular makeup and progenitor potential of palatal connective tissues
Authors: Pall Emoke , Cenariu Mihai , Kasaj Adrian , Florea Adrian , Soancă Andrada , Roman Alexandra , Georgiu Carmen
Published: August 2017

The present study investigated the regenerative potential of connective tissues harvested from two palatal areas widely used as donor sites for muco‐gingival surgical approaches. Connective tissue grafts (CTGs) were obtained by de‐epithelialisation of a free gingival graft (deCTG) and by a split flap approach from a previous donor site (reCTG). Two types of mesenchymal stem cell (MSCs) were isolated and were named de‐epithelialised MSCs (deMSCs) and re‐entry MSCs (reMSCs). The cells were characterised and cellular functionality was investigated. CTGs were evaluated using immunohistochemical and ultrastructural approaches. No significant differences were observed regarding the frequency of colony‐forming unit‐ fibroblasts, migration potential, and population doubling time between the two cell lines (p > 0.05). Both cell lines showed positivity for CD105, CD73, CD90, and CD44 and negative expression for CD34/45, CD14, CD79a, and HLA‐DR. MSCs from both cell lines successfully differentiated into osteogenic, adipogenic, and chondrogenic lineages. Cells expressing antigens characteristic of CD34+ stromal cells (CD34+, αSMA−, CD31−) were traced in both CTGs. Ultrastructural analysis highlighted the presence of putative progenitors, namely fibroblasts,—in the pericapillary regions and in remote regions of the lamina propria‐ and pericytes—surrounding the capillaries. This study provides supplementary arguments for the use of CTG grafts in clinical practice due to the presence of putative progenitor cell. However, results were inconclusive regarding clinical decision‐making to determine optimal harvesting area. Prior harvesting in the donor area did not appear to alter the regenerative capabilities of the connective tissue.
An Efficient Route for the Synthesis of 11‐Aroyldiindeno[1,2‐b:2′,1′‐e]pyridine‐10,12‐diones
Authors: Poursattar Marjani Ahmad , Khalafy Jabbar , Haghi Aynaz
Published: August 2017

A series of novel 11‐aroyldiindeno[1,2‐b:2′,1′‐e]pyridine‐10,12‐dione derivatives were synthesized, in good to excellent yields and short reaction times via one‐pot, three‐component reactions between indan‐1,3‐dione, ammonium acetate, and arylglyoxal hydrates in the presence of solid p‐toluenesulfonic acid.
Role of γδ T cells in exacerbated airway inflammation during reinfection of neonatally primed mice in adulthood
Authors: Wu Jianqi , Xu Lei , Han Xu , Hu Haiyan , Qi Feifei , Bai Song , Chai Ruonan , Teng Yuee , Liu Beixing
Published: August 2017

Age at primary infection with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a crucial factor in determining the outcome of reinfection. However, how neonatal RSV infection affects the immune system and renders the host more susceptible to reinfection in later life is poorly understood. In the present study, by using BALB/c mice that were first infected with RSV as neonates, the role of γδ T cells in the development of airway inflammation during reinfection in adulthood was investigated. We found that neonatal RSV infection resulted in an aggravated infiltration of mononuclear cells in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluids, in parallel with a significant increase in the levels of type 2 cytokines in lungs on day 4 after reinfection. Since the numbers of total γδ T cells as well as activated γδ T cells, particularly IL‐4‐, IL‐5‐, and IL‐13‐producing γδ T cells, were enhanced markedly in the lungs of neonatally primed mice, we speculate that γδ T cells might participate in the augmented airway inflammation seen during reinfection. Indeed, depletion of γδ T cells attenuated the severity of lung histopathology during reinfection. Meanwhile, treatment of neonatal mice with anti‐TCRδ mAb diminished not only the numbers of neutrophils, eosinophils, and lymphocytes, but also the levels of IL‐4, IL‐5, and IL‐13 in the lungs after reinfection in adulthood, suggesting that γδ T cells, particularly Th2‐type γδ T cells might play a critical role in exacerbating the pulmonary tissue pathology during reinfection of adult mice that were first infected as neonates.
A deficiency of the link protein Bral2 affects the size of the extracellular space in the thalamus of aged mice
Authors: Cicanic Michal , Edamatsu Midori , Bekku Yoko , Vorisek Ivan , Oohashi Toshitaka , Vargova Lydia
Published: August 2017

Bral2 is a link protein stabilizing the binding between lecticans and hyaluronan in perineuronal nets and axonal coats (ACs) in specific brain regions. Using the real‐time iontophoretic method and diffusion‐weighted magnetic resonance, we determined the extracellular space (ECS) volume fraction (α), tortuosity (λ), and apparent diffusion coefficient of water (ADCW) in the thalamic ventral posteromedial nucleus (VPM) and sensorimotor cortex of young adult (3–6 months) and aged (14–20 months) Bral2‐deficient (Bral2−/−) mice and age‐matched wild‐type (wt) controls. The results were correlated with an analysis of extracellular matrix composition. In the cortex, no changes between wt and Bral2−/−were detected, either in the young or aged mice. In the VPM of aged but not in young Bral2−/−mice, we observed a significant decrease inαandADCWin comparison with age‐matched controls. Bral2 deficiency led to a reduction of both aggrecan‐ and brevican‐associated perineuronal nets and a complete disruption of brevican‐based ACs in young as well as aged VPM. Our data suggest that aging is a critical point that reveals the effect of Bral2 deficiency on VPM diffusion. This effect is probably mediated through the enhanced age‐related damage of neurons lacking protective ACs, or the exhausting of compensatory mechanisms maintaining unchanged diffusion parameters in young Bral2−/−animals. A decreased ECS volume in aged Bral2−/−mice may influence the diffusion of neuroactive substances, and thus extrasynaptic and also indirectly synaptic transmission in this important nucleus of the somatosensory pathway.
Changes in the patterns of extreme rainfall events in southern Brazil
Authors: Fernandes Laís G. , Rodrigues Regina R.
Published: August 2017

In this study we have examined changes in frequency and intensity of extreme rainfall events for the state of Santa Catarina (SC) in southern Brazil during austral spring and summer. The results show that changes in El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) between 1979–1999 and 2000–2015 due to different phases of Interdecadal Pacific Oscillation have an impact on the teleconnection patterns from the Pacific to South America. As a consequence, precipitation over SC in the late period is less likely to be linked to ENSO. Moreover, there have been changes not only in the frequency and intensity of extreme events between the two periods but also in the mechanisms that cause the extremes affecting the spatial distribution of the extremes. In spring, the extreme events are less likely to occur during El Niño events and more frequent during La Niña and neutral years. The classical mechanism, of an enhanced South Atlantic Lower Level Jet (SALLJ) bringing moisture to SC, is no longer responsible for the extremes in the spring. The current main mechanism is associated with the presence of frontal systems during ENSO years and the presence of the South Atlantic Convergence Zone (SACZ) to the north combined with an anticyclonic system off the South American coast during neutral years. As a consequence the extreme events are currently more frequent at stations in the eastern side of SC. In summer during neutral years, SACZ events have become less frequent at the same time that atmospheric blocking events have become more frequent, explaining the decrease in extremes. On the other hand, SACZ events have become more frequent during La Niña years and so do the extremes in SC, with El Niño events playing a less important role.
Preliminary quantification of the permeability, solubility and diffusion coefficients of major aroma compounds present in herbs through various plastic packaging materials
Authors: Leelaphiwat Pattarin , Auras Rafael A , Burgess Gary J , Harte Janice B , Chonhenchob Vanee
Published: August 2017

BACKGROUND

Aroma permeation through packaging material is an important factor when designing a package for food products. The masses of aroma compounds permeating through films over time were measured at 25 °C using a quasi‐isostatic system. A model was proposed for estimating the permeability coefficients (P) of key aroma compounds present in fresh herbs (i.e. eucalyptol, estragole, linalool and citral) through major plastic films used by the food industry [i.e. low‐density polyethylene (LDPE), polypropylene (PP), nylon (Nylon), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), metalised‐polyethylene terephthalate (MPET) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA)]. Solubility coefficients (S) were estimated from the amount of aroma compound sorbed in the films. Diffusion coefficients (D) were estimated following from the relation P = D*S.

RESULTS

P and D for all four aroma compounds were highest in LDPE, except for eucalyptol, which P was slightly higher in PLA. The solubility coefficients and contact angles were highest in PLA suggesting the highest affinity of PLA to these aroma compounds. The theoretical solubility parameters were correlated with the solubility coefficients for estragole and citral, but not for eucalyptol and linalool.

CONCLUSION

The preliminary P, D and S of eucalyptol, estragole, linalool and citral through LDPE, PP, Nylon, PET, MPET and PLA can be useful in selecting the proper packaging material for preserving these specific aroma compounds in food products and can potentially be used for estimating the shelf life of food products based on aroma loss. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Study of organic acids in Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing
Authors: Yin Fangzhou , Dai Hui , Li Lin , Lu Tuling , Li Weidong , Cai Baochang , Yin Wu
Published: August 2017

The ripened fruit of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus has unique medical properties in Chinese medicine. It is commonly used after vinegar steaming. Vinegar steaming changes the color of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus from red to black and enhances its acidic and astringent properties. Lignans are the well‐investigated components in this herb. However, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus is acidic in the theory of Chinese medicine, and whether vinegar processing changes its organic acid components remains largely unknown. In this study, the organic acids in this herb were derived by the method of methyl esterification, and further analyzed by gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. A total of 39 organic acid compounds were identified. Interestingly, Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing showed a significant increase in the content of levulinic acid as compared to the unprocessed ones. Pharmacological experiments demonstrated that levulinic acid inhibited the contractility of isolated intestine and had an inhibitory effect on the excessive hyperfunction of small intestinal propulsion. Moreover, the extracts of vinegar‐processed Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus had a stronger inhibitory on the excessive hyperfunction of small intestinal propulsion than that of unprocessed ones. Taken together, this study offers novel insight into the effect of Schisandrae Chinensis Fructus after vinegar processing.
Evaluation and quantitative analysis of 11 compounds in Morinda officinalis using ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography and photodiode array detection coupled with chemometrics
Authors: Zhao Xiangsheng , Kong Weijun , Zhou Yakui , Wei Jianhe , Yang Meihua
Published: August 2017

Morinda officinalis (Rubiaceae) is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used for the treatment of impotence and osteoporosis in clinical therapy. In the present study, a rapid and simple ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography with photodiode array detection method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of 11 bioactive compounds in M. officinalis. This assay method was validated with respect to linearity (R2 > 0.9991), precision, repeatability, limit of detection, limit of quantification, and accuracy (with observed recovery rates between 94.21 and 100.38%). The quantitative results revealed significant differences in the concentrations of the selected compounds. Additionally, chemometric methods, including hierarchical clustering analysis, principal component analysis, and partial least‐squares discriminate analysis, were applied to compare and sort the 25 batches of M. officinalis samples based on the quantitative data of the analytes. All of the samples were clearly divided into two groups: the Hainan samples were successfully discriminated from the samples from other origins. Simultaneous determination of multiple compounds using the proposed method combined with chemometrics could be a viable strategy to compare and evaluate the quality of M. officinalis.
Mechanistic Insights into Substituent Effects on Reactivity of 2‐(Methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine
Authors: Bailey Aaron D. , Zhang Guiru , Murphy Bryan P.
Published: August 2017

In the series of benzene‐1,4‐diamines (p‐phenylenediamines) investigated, 2‐(methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine (2‐methoxymethyl‐p‐phenylenediamine) is the most slowly oxidized, with removal of the first electron being rate determining. This electron‐withdrawing methoxymethyl group also drove a faster coupling step with 3‐aminophenol (m‐aminophenol) than for the analogs with electron‐donating groups. However, the series parent, benzene‐1,4‐diamine, exhibited the fastest coupling step. Since both N(1) and N(4) of the primary intermediates react with m‐aminophenol, it seems that steric hindrance by the 2‐substituents slows the overall rate. When 3‐amino‐2,6‐dimethylphenol is the coupler, the kinetics are biphasic. Nonproductive adducts are formed reversibly with all the primary intermediates by ipso attack at C(6). For 2‐(methoxymethyl)benzene‐1,4‐diamine, formation of this nonproductive adduct is favored more than for the other compounds in the series, in what seems to be a kinetically rather than thermodynamically controlled process. This slows the overall rate of color formation.
Tolerance after liver transplantation: Where are we?
Authors: Feng Sandy , Bucuvalas John
Published: August 2017

Impeccable management of immunosuppression is required to ensure the best longterm outcomes for liver transplant recipients. This is particularly challenging for children who arguably need 8 decades of graft and patient survival. Too little risks chronic, often subclinical allo‐immune injury while too much risks insidious and cumulative toxicities. Historically, immunosuppression minimization or withdrawal has been a strategy to optimize the longevity of liver transplant recipients. The literature is sprinkled with single‐center reports of operationally tolerant patients ‐ those with apparently normal liver function and liver tests. However, without biopsy evidence of immunological quiescence, confidence in the phenotypic assignment of tolerance is shaky. More recently, multicenter trials of immunosuppression withdrawal for highly selected, stable, longterm adult and pediatric liver recipients have shown tolerance rates, based on both biochemical and histological assessment, of 40% and 60%, respectively. Extended biochemical and histologic follow‐up of children over 8 years, equivalent to 7+ years off of drug, suggests that operational tolerance is robust. Therefore, clearly, immunosuppression can be completely and safety withdrawn from highly‐selected subsets of adults and children. However, these trials have also confirmed that clinically ideal recipients ‐ those eligible for immunosuppression withdrawal trial ‐ can harbor significant and worrisome inflammation and/or fibrosis. Although the etiology and prognosis of these findings remain unknown, it is reasonable to surmise that they may reflect an anti‐donor immune response that is insufficiently controlled. To achieve the outcomes that we are seeking and that our patients are demanding, we desperately need noninvasive but accurate biomarkers that identify whether immunosuppression is neither too much nor too little but “just right.” Until these are available, liver histology remains the gold standard to assess allograft health and guide immunosuppression management. Liver Transplantation 23 1601–1614 2017 AASLD.
Attitudes and barriers to the use of donation after cardiac death livers: Comparison of a United States transplant center survey to the united network for organ sharing data
Authors: Sher Linda , Quintini Cristiano , Fayek Sameh Adel , Abt Peter , Lo Mary , Yuk Pui , Ji Lingyun , Groshen Susan , Case Jamie , Marsh Christopher Lee
Published: August 2017

Transplantation of liver grafts from donation after cardiac death (DCD) is limited. To identify barriers of DCD liver utilization, all active US liver transplant centers (n = 138) were surveyed, and the responses were compared with the United Network for Organ Sharing (UNOS) data. In total, 74 (54%) centers responded, and diversity in attitudes was observed, with many not using organ and/or recipient prognostic variables defined in prior studies and UNOS data analysis. Most centers (74%) believed lack of a system allowing a timely retransplant is a barrier to utilization. UNOS data demonstrated worse 1‐ and 5‐year patient survival (PS) and graft survival (GS) in DCD (PS, 86% and 64%; GS, 82% and 59%, respectively) versus donation after brain death (DBD) recipients (PS, 90% and 71%; GS, 88% and 69%, respectively). Donor alanine aminotransferase (ALT), recipient Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD), and cold ischemia time (CIT) significantly impacted DCD outcomes to a greater extent than DBD outcomes. At 3 years, relisting and retransplant rates were 7.9% and 4.6% higher in DCD recipients. To optimize outcome, our data support the use of DCD liver grafts with CIT <6‐8 hours in patients with MELD ≤ 20. In conclusion, standardization of donor and recipient criteria, defining the impact of ischemic cholangiopathy, addressing donor hospital policies, and developing a strategy for timely retransplant may help to expand the use of these organs. Liver Transplantation 23 1372–1383 2017 AASLD.
Topographical and Electrical Stimulation of Neuronal Cells through Microwrinkled Conducting Polymer Biointerfaces
Authors: Bonisoli Alberto , Marino Attilio , Ciofani Gianni , Greco Francesco
Published: August 2017

The development of smart biointerfaces combining multiple functions is crucial for triggering a variety of cellular responses. In this work, wrinkled organic interfaces based on the conducting polymer poly(3,4‐ethylene dioxythiophene) doped with poly(styrene sulfonate) are developed with the aim to simultaneously convey electrical and topographical stimuli to cultured cells. The surface wrinkling of thin films on heat‐shrink polymer sheets allows for rapid patterning of self‐assembled anisotropic topographies characterized by micro/sub‐microscale aligned wrinkles. The developed interfaces prove to support the growth and differentiation of neural cells (SH‐SY5Y, human neuroblastoma) and are remarkably effective in promoting axonal guidance, by guiding and stimulating the neurite growth in differentiating cells. Electrical stimulation with biphasic pulses delivered through the conductive wrinkled interface is found to further promote the neurite growth, demonstrating the suitability of such interfaces as platforms for conveying multiple stimuli to cells and tissues.
Corrosion behaviour in saline solution of pulsed‐electrodeposited zinc‐nickel‐ceria nanocomposite coatings
Authors: Exbrayat L. , Rébéré C. , Ndong Eyame R. , Steyer P. , Creus J.
Published: August 2017

Pure Zn‐Ni and Zn–Ni–ceria (CeO2) nanocomposite coatings were deposited onto steel substrates using pulse electrodeposition process from an acidic bath combined with preliminary sonication. Influences of different parameters such as pulse parameters, addition of nanoparticles in the electroplating bath, use of sonication to ensure their dispersion, were studied in terms of morphology, composition, and corrosion behaviour in saline solution. Results revealed a strong influence of the electrodeposition parameters on the corrosion behaviour of the Zn‐Ni coatings. Incorporation of ceria nanoparticles is enhanced for the very short duration of the pulse due to the refinement of the microstructure. It was proved that composite coatings present an enhanced corrosion behaviour, while sonification does not afford a further improvement.
UV illumination on the atmospheric corrosion of Q450 weathering steel depositing with NH4Cl
Authors: Song L.‐Y. , Li W.‐H. , Wang W. , Liu X.‐J. , Liu X.‐Y. , Cheng Q.‐L.
Published: August 2017

The studies of UV illumination and ammonium salt on the atmospheric corrosion of steel were rare. The combined effect of UV illumination and NH4Cl salt on the atmospheric corrosion of Q450 weathering steel was explored in this work. Mass changes results showed UV illumination distinctly accelerated the atmospheric corrosion of Q450 weathering steel depositing with NH4Cl. The corrosion products with semi‐conductor properties could improve the corrosion current and decrease the resistance of rusted samples when introducing light illumination during pre‐Tafel test. Mott‐Schottky analysis, photoinduced current density, and photoinduced open‐circuit potential change illustrated that the electric conductivity of corrosion products played a big role in the accelerated corrosion process.
Multistructured Nanogel‐Based Networks Formed from Interfacial Redox Polymerizations for Modulating Small Molecule Release
Authors: Dailing Eric A. , Nair Devatha P. , Van De Veer Travis , D'Ovidio Tyler , Stansbury Jeffrey W.
Published: August 2017

Uniform, 3D nanogel‐based coatings are generated on polymeric substrates using an interfacial redox polymerization. Diffusion of a reducing agent from a core material into a solution of acrylate‐functionalized nanogels and an oxidizer generates free radicals that initiate nanogel crosslinking selectively at the gel surface. Coating thickness is controlled between 20 and 150 µm by varying reaction time and initiator concentration. Controlling the structure of the final nanogel‐based coating is demonstrated to predictably change the diffusion coefficient of a small molecule drug loaded into the core material. Multidrug release from the coating and the core is demonstrated with model dyes. This study showcases the ability to design multifunctional networks for controlled release using a simple, mild coating procedure.
Entropy numbers in ‐Banach spaces
Authors: Kaewtem Thanatkrit
Published: August 2017

Let X be a quasi‐Banach space, Y be a γ‐Banach space and T be a bounded linear operator from X into Y. In this paper, we prove that the first outer entropy number of T lies between and ; more precisely, , and the constant is sharp. Moreover, we show that there exist a Banach space X0, a γ‐Banach space Y0 and a bounded linear operator such that for all positive integers k. Finally, the paper also provides two‐sided estimates for entropy numbers of embeddings between finite dimensional symmetric γ‐Banach spaces.
Light Absorption in Polyfuran Particles
Authors: Olayo Maria Guadalupe , González‐Salgado Francisco , Gómez Lidia Ma. , González‐Torres Maribel , Colín Elena , Palacios J. Cuauhtémoc , Morales Juan , Cruz Guillermo J.
Published: August 2017

The electromagnetic absorption and electronic activation energy of plasma polyfuran particles synthesized by plasma are studied in this work. The particles were synthesized in configurations resulting from crosslinked unions of Furan molecules. Aliphatic CH groups were identified in the particles, which suggest some fragmentation during the synthesis. Conjugated CC groups were also identified which promoted that the particles absorb electromagnetic energy in four regions with different intensities, one in the UV and three in the visible region. The wavelength intervals in these regions were: 250–380, 380–510, 510–660 and 660–850 nm; and the respective activation energy in each region was in the intervals: 5.82–8.58, 4.19–6.74, 2.14–3.86, 0.16–1.08 eV. The electromagnetic absorption was influenced by the particle diameter, increasing with the mean diameter.
Improvement of Pb(II) Adsorption Capacity by Controlled Alkali Treatment to Chitosan Supported onto Agave Fiber‐HDPE Composites
Authors: García‐Sánchez Mayra E. , Pérez‐Fonseca Aida A. , Gómez César , González‐Reynoso Orfil , Vázquez‐Lepe Milton O. , González‐Núñez Rubén , Manriquez‐González Ricardo , Robledo‐Ortíz Jorge R.
Published: August 2017

In this study, the effect of chitosan alkali treatment supported onto agave fiber‐high density polyethylene composites over their Pb(II) adsorption properties was evaluated. The chitosan was placed in a beaker with a solution of NaOH bubbling air for 24 hours and controlling the pH around 10. Afterwards the chitosan was washed, filtered and dried. Composite pellets with 30% of agave fibers and 70% of high density polyethylene (HDPE) were coated with untreated chitosan (UC) and treated chitosan (TC) to be used in batch Pb(II) adsorption experiments. The results showed that the adsorption process was described by the Langmuir behavior and with a pseudo second order kinetics for both, UC and TC composites. The maximum adsorption capacities were obtained at pH = 5 with values of 2.08 and 2.44 mg/g composite for UC and TC composites respectively which represents an improvement of 17% by the alkali treatment. FTIR and NMR analysis were also carried out for a better understanding of the adsorption process.
Polymeric Scaffolds For Skin
Authors: Ruiz‐Velasco Gabriela , Martínez‐Flores Francisco , Morales‐Corona Juan , Olayo‐Valles Roberto , Olayo Roberto
Published: August 2017

Artificial skin tissue is needed for the treatment of burns, skin cancer, diabetes, and other skin diseases. Tissue engineering combines polymeric biomaterials and cell cultures to develop tissues such as skin that can be used to heal or recover the damaged area. In this paper we report the development of a poly(L‐lactic acid) scaffold coated with polypyrrole doped with iodine by plasma polymerization. The scaffold was characterized by standard techniques for polymers. Cell cultures of keratinocytes and human fibroblasts derived from skin showed that cells adhere to the scaffolds.
Encapsulation of Cyanex 302 with Alginate for Palladium Recovery
Authors: García Esperanza , Saucedo Imelda , Navarro Ricardo , Dzul Mercy , del Pilar González María , Elorza Enrique , Guibal Eric
Published: August 2017

A new generation of extractant impregnated resin has been elaborated by encapsulation of extractants in biopolymer capsules. The extractant forms the core of the spherical particle, while the biopolymer entraps the extractant in a shell. The immobilization can reduce the loss of extractant. Cyanex 302 (bis(2,4,4‐trimethylpentyl)monothiophosphinic acid) was efficiently immobilized into alginate capsules prepared by ionotropic gelation in CaCl2 solutions. The influence of a series of parameters on microcapsule preparation was investigated. Selected materials were tested for Pd(II) recovery from HCl solutions through the study of sorption isotherms and uptake kinetics.
Electrospinning Superhydrophobic and Antibacterial PS/MWNT Nanofibers onto Multilayer Gas Barrier Films
Authors: Tiu Brylee David B. , Nguyen Hang N. , Rodrigues Debora F. , Advincula Rigoberto C.
Published: August 2017

In this work, we demonstrate the non‐synthetic surface modification of a co‐extruded multilayer poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/poly(ϵ‐caprolactone) (PCL) film with gas barrier properties through electrospinning of polystyrene (PS)/multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) nanofibers. As produced by forced assembly layer multiplying co‐extrusion, the heterogeneous nucleating crystallization of PCL was induced using the glassy confinement of the amorphous PMMA thus creating in‐plane lamellae crystallization, which is impermeable to most gas molecules. To complement these intrinsic gas barrier properties of the multilayer film, electrospun PS/MWNT nanofibers were deposited onto the surface of the PMMA/PCL film, which increased the surface roughness and resulted in superhydrophobic behavior (water contact angles>150°). Furthermore, the inclusion of the MWNT in the matrix caused an increasing antibacterial efficacy, which was determined to reach 97% inactivation against gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis. The fiber mats were further characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Raman spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA).
Zirconocene Aluminohydride‐Methylaluminoxane Clathrates for Ethylene Polymerization in Slurry
Authors: Padilla‐Gutiérrez Benjamín , Ventura‐Hunter Carolina , García‐Zamora Maricela , Collins Scott , Estrada‐Ramírez Alba N. , Pérez‐Camacho Odilia
Published: August 2017

The main aim of this work is to obtain heterogeneous, zirconocene aluminohydride/methylaluminoxane (MAO) polymerization catalysts, without using inorganic carriers like silica. The syntheses of zirconocenium ion‐based clathrates, formed from aluminohydride zirconocene complexes activated with MAO, are reported here. Several different approaches were examined for the synthesis of these clathrate compositions; in one approach the catalyst (nBuCp2ZrH3AlH2/MAO) was first prepared in toluene solution, and the clathrate phase then generated by addition of silicone oil. An alternate approach involved reaction of silicone oil or another clathrate‐forming additive (e.g. KCl) with MAO to form a solidified clathrate, and then introducing the zirconocene aluminohydride complex (nBuCp2ZrH3AlH2). The clathrate catalysts were probed in the polymerization of ethylene in hydrocarbon slurry, without using additional co‐catalyst (MAO), or at very low concentrations of modified MAO (MMAO 7, 13 wt‐% in iso‐octane). The catalytic activities of the solid clathrate catalysts were compared as well as the morphology and properties of the polyethylene synthesized in slurry.
Existence and limit behavior of prescribed L2‐norm solutions for Schrödinger‐Poisson‐Slater systems in R3
Authors: Li Shuai , Zhang Qi , Zhu Xincai
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we study constraint minimizers of the following L2−critical minimization problem:

where E(u) is the Schrödinger‐Poisson‐Slater functional

and N denotes the mass of the particles in the Schrödinger‐Poisson‐Slater system. We prove that e(N) admits minimizers for
and, however, no minimizers for N>N∗, where Q(x) is the unique positive solution of
in
. Some results on the existence and nonexistence of minimizers for e(N∗) are also established. Further, when e(N∗) does not admit minimizers, the limit behavior of minimizers as N↗N∗ is also analyzed rigorously.
A novel method for sub‐arc VMAT dose delivery verification based on portal dosimetry with an EPID
Authors: Cools Ruud A. M. , Dirkx Maarten L. P. , Heijmen Ben J. M.
Published: August 2017

Purpose

The EPID‐based sub‐arc verification of VMAT dose delivery requires synchronization of the acquired electronic portal images (EPIs) with the VMAT delivery, that is, establishment of the start‐ and stop‐MU of the acquired images. To realize this, published synchronization methods propose the use of logging features of the linac or dedicated hardware solutions. In this study, we developed a novel, software‐based synchronization method that only uses information inherently available in the acquired images.

Method

The EPIs are continuously acquired during pretreatment VMAT delivery and converted into Portal Dose Images (PDIs). Sub‐arcs of approximately 10 MU are then defined by combining groups of sequentially acquired PDIs. The start‐ and stop‐MUs of measured sub‐arcs are established in a synchronization procedure, using only dosimetric information in measured and predicted PDIs. Sub‐arc verification of a VMAT dose delivery is based on comparison of measured sub‐arc PDIs with synchronized, predicted sub‐arc PDIs, using γ‐analyses. To assess the accuracy of this new method, measured and predicted PDIs were compared for 20 clinically applied VMAT prostate cancer plans. The sensitivity of the method for detection of delivery errors was investigated using VMAT deliveries with intentionally inserted, small perturbations (25 error scenarios; leaf gap deviations ≤ 1.5 mm, leaf motion stops during ≤ 15 MU, linac output error ≤ 2%).

Results

For the 20 plans, the average failed pixel rates (FPR) for full‐arc and sub‐arc dose QA were 0.36% ± 0.26% (1 SD) and 0.64% ± 0.88%, based on 2%/2 mm and 3%/3 mm γ‐analyses, respectively. Small systematic perturbations of up to 1% output error and 1 mm leaf offset were detected using full‐arc QA. Sub‐arc QA was able to detect positioning errors in three leaves only during approximately 20 MU and small dose delivery errors during approximately 40 MU. In an ROC analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) for the combined full‐arc/sub‐arc approach was 0.90.

Conclusions

A novel method for sub‐arc VMAT dose delivery verification with EPIDs is proposed, using only dosimetric information in acquired EPIs for synchronization. Especially in combination with full‐arc QA, the established sensitivity for detection of very small errors is high, with also a high specificity.
Universal privacy‐preserving platform for SecaaS services
Authors: Kurek Tytus , Niemiec Marcin , Lason Artur , Pach Andrzej R.
Published: August 2017

With the rapid growth of the Security‐as‐a‐Service market, concerns about privacy in exposing customer security policies to Cloud Service Providers have become critical. To resolve these issues, several solutions have been proposed over the past few years, each for a different kind of security service. However, as the number of security services outsourced into a cloud continues to grow, the need for a unified solution has become significant. This article introduces and presents a universal privacy‐preserving platform for SecaaS services that is based on a hybrid cloud architecture for maintaining the confidentiality of the customer's security policy. It is shown that this platform can be applied to all security services whose security policies can be represented in the form of a decision tree. This includes the vast majority of existing cloud‐based security services. With the small number of computationally‐expensive operations performed in a private cloud, the solution also does not require the implementation of a performant security engine on the customer's premises, allowing full advantage to be taken of private cloud offloading. It is also shown that the platform achieves better performance results than other existing solutions of this type. These findings were confirmed by experimental results.
Multiscale discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method for the multiscale elliptic problems
Authors: Song Fei , Deng Weibing
Published: August 2017

In this article, we present a new multiscale discontinuous Petrov–Galerkin method (MsDPGM) for multiscale elliptic problems. This method utilizes the classical oversampling multiscale basis in the framework of a Petrov–Galerkin version of the discontinuous Galerkin method, allowing us to better cope with multiscale features in the solution. MsDPGM takes advantage of the multiscale Petrov–Galerkin method (MsPGM) and the discontinuous Galerkin method (DGM). It can eliminate the resonance error completely and decrease the computational costs of assembling the stiffness matrix, thus, allowing for more efficient solution algorithms. On the basis of a new H2 norm error estimate between the multiscale solution and the homogenized solution with the first‐order corrector, we give a detailed convergence analysis of the MsDPGM under the assumption of periodic oscillating coefficients. We also investigate a multiscale discontinuous Galerkin method (MsDGM) whose bilinear form is the same as that of the DGM but the approximation space is constructed from the classical oversampling multiscale basis functions. This method has not been analyzed theoretically or numerically in the literature yet. Numerical experiments are carried out on the multiscale elliptic problems with periodic and randomly generated log‐normal coefficients. Their results demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Numerical approximation of Riemann‐Liouville definition of fractional derivative: From Riemann‐Liouville to Atangana‐Baleanu
Authors: Atangana Abdon , Gómez‐Aguilar J. F.
Published: August 2017

In the last decade, theoretical and applied studies were done in order to provide a suitable definition of fractional derivative, which meets all the requirement of a derivative in its primary sense. It was concluded by some eminent researchers that the Riemann‐Liouville version was the most suitable. However, many numerical approximation of fractional derivative were done with Caputo version. This paper addresses the numerical approximation of fractional differentiation based on the Riemann‐Liouville definition, from power‐law kernel to generalized Mittag‐Leffler‐law via exponential‐decay‐law.
Synthesis of 4H‐Benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones by a Carbonylation–Cyclization Domino Reaction of ortho‐Halophenols and Cyanamide
Authors: Åkerbladh Linda , Chow Shiao Y. , Odell Luke R. , Larhed Mats
Published: August 2017

A mild and convenient one‐step preparation of 4H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones by a domino carbonylation–cyclization process is developed. Readily available ortho‐iodophenols are subjected to palladium‐catalyzed carbonylative coupling with Mo(CO)6 and cyanamide, followed by a spontaneous, intramolecular cyclization to afford 4H‐1,3‐benzoxazin‐4‐ones in moderate to excellent yields. Furthermore, the scope of the reaction is extended to include challenging ortho‐bromophenols. Finally, to highlight the versatility of the developed method, Mo(CO)6 is successfully replaced with a wide array of CO‐releasing reagents, such as oxalyl chloride, phenyl formate, 9‐methylfluorene‐9‐carbonyl chloride, and formic acid, making this an appealing strategy for the synthesis of 4H‐benzo[e][1,3]oxazin‐4‐ones.
Recent advances in genomic profiling of adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas
Authors: Marcus Rebecca , Maitra Anirban , Roszik Jason
Published: August 2017

Adenosquamous carcinoma of the pancreas (ASCP) is a mixed tumor type which contains squamous cell carcinoma and also ductal adenocarcinoma components. Due to the rarity of this malignancy, only very limited genomic profiling has been performed. A recent paper by Fang et al. published in The Journal of Pathology contributed to our knowledge of genomic alterations by performing whole‐genome and ‐exome sequencing of 17 ASCP tumors. They found major genomic similarities to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma; however, the p53 pathway was altered in a greater proportion of cases, while a high frequency of 3p loss was a distinct copy number alteration pattern observed in ASCP. Laser capture microdissection revealed that adenocarcinoma and squamous carcinoma components of ASCP harbor similar genomic variations, indicating that the origin of tumor components is the same or similar. Although the study published by Fang et al. increases our knowledge of this rare mixed tumor type, further investigation, including RNA sequencing, will be needed to fully characterize this malignancy and to aid the development of novel treatment approaches. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bridge the gap: The need for harmonized regulatory and ethical standards for postmarketing observational studies
Authors: Urushihara Hisashi , Parmenter Louise , Tashiro Shimon , Matsui Kenji , Dreyer Nancy
Published: August 2017

Drug safety issues do not respect national borders. Hence, addressing a safety question may necessitate globally coordinated efforts between regulatory authorities and market authorization holders (MAHs) to draw reliable conclusions. Regulatory authorities have shared responsibility with MAHs sponsoring postmarketing nonintervention studies in determining study goals and design. Their shared accountabilities include what will be investigated and how the data will be retrieved to ensure appropriate study quality required for regulatory decision making. The need for a harmonized framework and ethical standards for postmarketing observational studies is well recognized but has been lacking even among the United States, European Union, and Japan, which are so‐called International Conference on Harmonisation (ICH) regions. A recent update of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences International Ethical Guidelines for Health‐Related Research Involving Humans provides further clarification on provisions for informed consent and the role of research ethics committees. However, without incorporation into legislative structures, the future impact of these guidelines is uncertain. This lack of harmonization leads to a complex and uncertain framework for ethical review and for participant informed consent, resulting in numerous inefficiencies in the regulatory postmarketing observational studies. The regulatory frameworks for postmarketing observational studies conducted under the auspices of regulatory agencies in the 3 regions are reviewed, with a focus on ethical requirements and opportunities for efficiencies.
Effect of KF absorber treatment on the functionality of different transparent conductive oxide layers in CIGSe solar cells
Authors: Keller Jan , Chalvet Francis , Joel Jonathan , Aijaz Asim , Kubart Tomas , Riekehr Lars , Edoff Marika , Stolt Lars , Törndahl Tobias
Published: August 2017

This contribution studies the impact of the KF‐induced Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGSe) absorber modification on the suitability of different transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers in solar cells. The TCO material was varied between ZnO:Al (AZO), ZnO:B (BZO), and In2O3:H (IOH). It is shown that the thermal stress needed for optimized TCO properties can establish a transport barrier for charge carriers, which results in severe losses in fill factor (FF) for temperatures >150°C. The FF losses are accompanied by a reduction in open circuit voltage (Voc) that might originate from a decreased apparent doping density (Nd,app) after annealing. Thermally activated redistributions of K and Na in the vicinity of the CdS/(Cu,K)‐In‐Se interface are suggested to be the reason for the observed degradation in solar cell performance. The highest efficiency was measured for a solar cell where the absorber surface modification was removed and a BZO TCO layer was deposited at a temperature of 165°C. The presented results highlight the importance of well‐designed TCO and buffer layer processes for CIGSe solar cells when a KF post deposition treatment (KF‐PDT) was applied.
An environmentally friendly in situ plasma and anodization method to produce titanium dioxide nanotubes
Authors: Ambujakshan Arun T. , Pringle Jennifer M. , Chen Zhiqiang , Corr Cormac S. , du Plessis Johan , Hodgson Peter D. , Dai Xiujuan J.
Published: August 2017

An environmental friendly route to synthesize titanium dioxide nanotube powder is developed using a semi‐batch reactor set‐up that combines both anodization and the plasma treatment of water. A constant supply of the reactive plasma species, such as nitrate and hydrogen peroxide, in the semi‐batch reactor facilitates the formation of titanium dioxide nanotubes during the anodization of titanium. The results are compared against a conventional batch reactor set‐up that uses the same plasma‐treated water constantly during the anodization, which impacts the quality of the nanotubes produced. The semi‐batch reactor set‐up resulted in the formation of powders of titanium dioxide nanotubes with better physical and chemical qualities than those produced in the batch set‐up.