bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reddening of ~2.5 Ga granitoid by high‐temperature fluid linked to mafic dyke swarm in the Bundelkhand Craton, north central India
Authors: Sensarma Sarajit , Matin Abdul , Paul Debajyoti , Patra Abhijit , Madhesiya Abhishek Kumar , Sarkar Goutam
Published: July 2017

The origin of reddening of granitoid is controversial. Red granitoids, occurring spatially with grey granitoids with a thin transitional zone is a volumetrically significant litho‐type in the Bundelkhand Craton, north central India. Using detailed petrography and microstructure study, and phase compositions and elemental X‐ray maps, we demonstrate for the first time that pervasive infiltration of Fe‐Mg‐Na‐K‐rich fluid caused re‐equilibration of ~2.5 Ga grey monzogranite during both brittle and ductile deformation in the craton. The reddening of granitoid is attributed to replacement and precipitation of tiny Fe‐rich particles in porous feldspars by the high temperature Fe‐Mg‐Na‐K‐rich fluid (~950°C), plausibly from crust–mantle depths.

The Fe‐Mg‐Na‐K‐rich fluid with high to moderately high FeO (≤27 wt%), MgO (≤19 wt%), Al2O3 (≤20 wt%), Na2O (<1.59 wt%), K2O (<2.74 wt%), low CaO, (≤0.28 wt%), and FeO/MgO (<1) occurs as discrete interconnected network of green colour veins in the rock. We infer that the veins filled with green‐coloured material along deep shear planes/mylonitic fabric in granitoids and grain boundaries and fractures of felsic minerals (feldspar and quartz) acted as highly permeable network conducive for pervasive fluid activity in the area that influence the normative mineralogy of granitoids yielding pyroxene in the norm. Replacement of original K‐feldspar by plagioclase (albitization), and again by K‐feldspar (K‐feldspathization) by deep fluid took place during which Al2O3 was broadly conserved, with no significant gain or loss in alkalies, a marginal loss in CaO and, but a huge gain in FeO and MgO. The Fe‐Mg‐Na‐K‐rich fluid (with normative olivine + pyroxene) is responsible for near isochemical subsolidus alteration and replacement–precipitation process of feldspars in granitoids. We suggest that the Fe‐Mg‐Na‐K‐rich fluid is of crust–mantle derivation and could intrinsically be linked to Paleoproterozoic dolerite dyke swarm activity in the craton.
Elemental geochemistry of lower Silurian Longmaxi shale in southeast Sichuan Basin, South China: Constraints for Paleoenvironment
Authors: Han Shuangbiao , Zhang Jinchuan , Wang Chengshan , Tang Xuan
Published: July 2017

A significant proportion of shale gas resources occurs in Lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation in southeast Sichuan Basin, South China, where commercial gas production has been achieved at Fuling Shale Gas Field. This study area is located adjacent to Fuling Jiaoshiba shale play. Elemental geochemistry regarding paleoenvironment aspects of lower Silurian Longmaxi shale gas is poorly understood. However, the samples in this study are representative, revealing the complete elemental geochemical characteristics of Longmaxi Shale. This research has analysed trace and rare earth elements of lower Silurian Longmaxi Shale and investigated the depositional environment, provenance, and tectonic settings when this type of shale formed. Sedimentary structures include horizontal lamination, massive lamination, and deformation structures that are well developed in black shale and grey silty shale of lower Silurian Longmaxi Formation. Gamma ray, total organic carbon, and pyrite contents are relatively higher in the lower part of the shale. The enrichment of sulfophile heavy metal elements (Cu, Zn, Pb, Mo, Ni) indicates that a reducing environment is common during the deposition of Longmaxi Formation. The concentration of rare earth elements is generally constant with relatively high concentration of light rare earth elements, stable concentration of heavy rare earth elements, and negative Eu anomalies. The sediments of Longmaxi Formation are derived primarily from the sedimentary rocks and granites in continental crust. The combination of trace and rare earth elements indicates that the tectonic settings of the provenance are continental island arc and active continental margin.
Stage of labor at admission among Ugandan women with a prior cesarean, and its impact on management and delivery outcomes
Authors: Boatin Adeline A. , Agaba Elly , Nyongozi Baltazar , Wylie Blair J.
Published: July 2017

Objective

To describe stage of labor at admission among women with a prior cesarean, and examine its impact on intrapartum management and delivery mode.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study, women admitted to Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital, Uganda, for delivery were enrolled between March and June 2015. Rates of vaginal delivery (VBAC) and in‐hospital trial of labor (TOL) were compared between early (<4 cm dilation) and late (≥4 cm) presenters. Women were interviewed after delivery about decision making and labor preferences.

Results

Overall, 188 women comprised the study sample; 98 (52.1%) and 65 (34.6%) women presented at ≥4 cm and ≥6 cm, respectively, and 18 (9.6%) were fully dilated. In‐hospital TOL and VBAC rates were 25.5% (42/165) and 9.6% (18/188), respectively. Compared with early presenters, late presenters were significantly more likely to undergo TOL (28/88 [31.8%] vs 14/77 [18.2%]; odds ratio [OR] 2.3, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.1–5.0), and achieve VBAC (16/98 [16.3%] vs 2/90 [2.2%]; OR 7.6, 95% CI 1.7–35.1).

Conclusion

Most women arrived in active labor, but most had a repeat cesarean. Work is needed to understand the clinical decision making and provider management driving low TOL and VBAC rates.
The moderating role of socially desirable responding in implicit–explicit attitudes toward asylum seekers
Authors: Anderson Joel R.
Published: July 2017

Implicit and explicit attitudes correlate under certain conditions and researchers are interested in the moderating factors of this relationship. This paper explored the role of socially desirable responding in this relationship by testing the hypothesis that impression management (IM; i.e., deliberate response modification) and self‐deceptive enhancement (SDE; i.e., positive self‐bias) play moderating roles in the relationship of implicit–explicit attitudes toward asylum seekers in Australia. Seventy‐four students responded to a battery of measures and the results revealed that IM (but not SDE) moderated this relationship to the extent that higher IM scores weakened the correspondence between implicit and explicit attitude scores. This suggests that attitudes toward asylum seekers might be susceptible to socially desirable response tendencies and in combination with the finding that IM was negatively related to explicit attitudes, it is argued that self‐presentation concerns result in the deliberate attenuation of reported negative explicit attitudes.
W4‐17: A diverse and high‐confidence dataset of atomization energies for benchmarking high‐level electronic structure methods
Authors: Karton Amir , Sylvetsky Nitai , Martin Jan M. L.
Published: July 2017

Atomization reactions are among the most challenging tests for electronic structure methods. We use the first‐principles Weizmann‐4 (W4) computational thermochemistry protocol to generate the W4‐17 dataset of 200 total atomization energies (TAEs) with 3σ confidence intervals of 1 kJ mol−1. W4‐17 is an extension of the earlier W4‐11 dataset; it includes first‐ and second‐row molecules and radicals with up to eight non‐hydrogen atoms. These cover a broad spectrum of bonding situations and multireference character, and as such are an excellent benchmark for the parameterization and validation of highly accurateab initiomethods (e.g., CCSD(T) composite procedures) and double‐hybrid density functional theory (DHDFT) methods. The W4‐17 dataset contains two subsets (i) a non‐multireference subset of 183 systems characterized by dynamical or moderate nondynamical correlation effects (denoted W4‐17‐nonMR) and (ii) a highly multireference subset of 17 systems (W4‐17‐MR). We use these databases to evaluate the performance of a wide range of CCSD(T) composite procedures (e.g., G4, G4(MP2), G4(MP2)‐6X, ROG4(MP2)‐6X, CBS‐QB3, ROCBS‐QB3, CBS‐APNO, ccCA‐PS3, W1, W2, W1‐F12, W2‐F12, W1X‐1, and W2X) and DHDFT methods (e.g., B2‐PLYP, B2GP‐PLYP, B2K‐PLYP, DSD‐BLYP, DSD‐PBEP86, PWPB95, ωB97X‐2(LP), and ωB97X‐2(TQZ)). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Molecular mechanics models for the image charge, a comment on “including image charge effects in the molecular dynamics simulations of molecules on metal surfaces”
Authors: Steinmann Stephan N. , Fleurat‐Lessard Paul , Götz Andreas W. , Michel Carine , Ferreira de Morais Rodrigo , Sautet Philippe
Published: July 2017

We re‐investigate the image charge model of Iori and Corni (Iori and Corni, J. Comput. Chem. 2008, 29, 1656). We find that a simple symmetrization of their model allows to obtain quantitatively correct results for the electrostatic interaction of a water molecule with a metallic surface. This symmetrization reduces the magnitude of the electrostatic interaction to less than 10% of the total interaction energy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Vitamin D, a modulator of musculoskeletal health in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Molina Pablo , Carrero Juan J. , Bover Jordi , Chauveau Philippe , Mazzaferro Sandro , Torres Pablo Ureña ,   for the European Renal Nutrition (ERN) and Chronic Kidney Disease‐Mineral and Bone Disorder (CKD‐MBD) Working Groups of the European Renal Association–European Dialysis Transplant Association (ERA‐EDTA)
Published: July 2017

The spectrum of activity of vitamin D goes beyond calcium and bone homeostasis, and growing evidence suggests that vitamin D contributes to maintain musculoskeletal health in healthy subjects as well as in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), who display the combination of bone metabolism disorder, muscle wasting, and weakness. Here, we review how vitamin D represents a pathway in which bone and muscle may interact. In vitro studies have confirmed that the vitamin D receptor is present on muscle, describing the mechanisms whereby vitamin D directly affects skeletal muscle. These include genomic and non‐genomic (rapid) effects, regulating cellular differentiation and proliferation. Observational studies have shown that circulating 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels correlate with the clinical symptoms and muscle morphological changes observed in CKD patients. Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to low bone formation rate and bone mineral density, with an increased risk of skeletal fractures. The impact of low vitamin D status on skeletal muscle may also affect muscle metabolic pathways, including its sensitivity to insulin. Although some interventional studies have shown that vitamin D may improve physical performance and protect against the development of histological and radiological signs of hyperparathyroidism, evidence is still insufficient to draw definitive conclusions.
Obestatin controls the ubiquitin–proteasome and autophagy–lysosome systems in glucocorticoid‐induced muscle cell atrophy
Authors: Cid‐Díaz Tania , Santos‐Zas Icía , González‐Sánchez Jessica , Gurriarán‐Rodríguez Uxía , Mosteiro Carlos S. , Casabiell Xesús , García‐Caballero Tomás , Mouly Vincent , Pazos Yolanda , Camiña Jesús P.
Published: July 2017

Background

Many pathological states characterized by muscle atrophy are associated with an increase in circulating glucocorticoids and poor patient prognosis, making it an important target for treatment. The development of treatments for glucocorticoid‐induced and wasting disorder‐related skeletal muscle atrophy should be designed based on how the particular transcriptional program is orchestrated and how the balance of muscle protein synthesis and degradation is deregulated. Here, we investigated whether the obestatin/GPR39 system, an autocrine/paracrine signaling system acting on myogenesis and with anabolic effects on the skeletal muscle, could protect against glucocorticoid‐induced muscle cell atrophy.

Methods

In the present study, we have utilized mouse C2C12 myotube cultures to examine whether the obestatin/GPR39 signaling pathways can affect the atrophy induced by the synthetic glucocorticoid dexamethasone. We have extended these findings to in vitro effects on human atrophy using human KM155C25 myotubes.

Results

The activation of the obestatin/GPR39 system protects from glucocorticoid‐induced atrophy by regulation of Akt, PKD/PKCμ, CAMKII and AMPK signaling and its downstream targets in the control of protein synthesis, ubiquitin–proteasome system and autophagy–lysosome system in mouse cells. We compared mouse and human myotube cells in their response to glucocorticoid and identified differences in both the triggering of the atrophic program and the response to obestatin stimulation. Notably, we demonstrate that specific patterns of post‐translational modifications of FoxO4 and FoxO1 play a key role in directing FoxO activity in response to obestatin in human myotubes.

Conclusions

Our findings emphasize the function of the obestatin/GPR39 system in coordinating a variety of pathways involved in the regulation of protein degradation during catabolic conditions.
Grünbaum colorings of even triangulations on surfaces
Authors: Kotrbčík Michal , Matsumoto Naoki , Mohar Bojan , Nakamoto Atsuhiro , Noguchi Kenta , Ozeki Kenta , Vodopivec Andrej
Published: July 2017

A Grünbaum coloring of a triangulation G is a map c : such that for each face f of G, the three edges of the boundary walk of f are colored by three distinct colors. By Four Color Theorem, it is known that every triangulation on the sphere has a Grünbaum coloring. So, in this article, we investigate the question whether each even (i.e., Eulerian) triangulation on a surface with representativity at least r has a Grünbaum coloring. We prove that, regardless of the representativity, every even triangulation on a surface has a Grünbaum coloring as long as is the projective plane, the torus, or the Klein bottle, and we observe that the same holds for any surface with sufficiently large representativity. On the other hand, we construct even triangulations with no Grünbaum coloring and representativity , and 3 for all but finitely many surfaces. In dual terms, our results imply that no snark admits an even map on the projective plane, the torus, or the Klein bottle, and that all but finitely many surfaces admit an even map of a snark with representativity at least 3.
Characterization of controlled cortical impact devices by high‐speed image analysis
Authors: Kim Yeonho , Fu Amanda H. , Tucker Laura B. , Liu Jiong , McCabe Joseph T.
Published: July 2017

As a consequence of their commercial availability, ease of use, and reproducibility, controlled cortical impact (CCI) devices have attained significant prevalence in preclinical traumatic brain injury research. With a CCI, the severity of injury is controlled by varying the impact depth, velocity, and duration, but the actual performance of the device is not well appreciated, partly because of the velocity and short travel distance to impact. This study used a high‐speed video digital camera to investigate the performance of five electromagnetically driven CCI devices of the same model. Videography indicated that the impactor tip made a series of distinctive vertical advances and retractions before it attained the desired preset depth; this was also observed in male mouse CCI tests. The impactor tip was also observed to move in the horizontal direction by .8–1.6 mm. On the first advance, the tip extended a distance that was shorter than the preset depth and the velocity of impactor tip was slightly faster than the preset values for three of the five machines. One of the devices was evaluated on four separate occasions over a 14‐month period and was found to operate consistently over time. Overall, differences in impact depth and velocity between the devices were modest, suggesting that comparisons of experimental results from different laboratories will generally be informative, particularly if reports provide relevant descriptions of neuropathology. However, the repetitive extension and retraction and horizontal movement of the tip suggests caution in modeling CCI as a single injurious event.
Cosmetic potentials of Prunus domestica L. leaves
Authors: Stierlin Emilie , Azoulay Stéphane , Massi Lionel , Fernandez Xavier , Michel Thomas
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The current study presents new insight on the phytochemical content and biological activities of five Prunus domestica L. varieties (‘Quetsche blanche de Létricourt’, ‘Mirabelle de Nancy’, ‘Perdrigon violet’, ‘Mirabelle de Provence’, ‘Reine‐claude dorée’).

RESULTS

The plum leaves were found to possess promising anti‐aging activities by their capacity to inhibit 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), elastase, hyaluronidase and lipoxygenase. After solid phase extraction (SPE), chlorogenic acid, rutin, quercetin and their derivatives were putatively identified by high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry using an electrospray ionization source (HPLC/ESI‐MS/MS).

CONCLUSION

The plum leaf, a by‐product, provides an interesting valuable resource for use as a natural cosmetic product or as a food supplement. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Omics approaches on fresh‐cut lettuce reveal global molecular responses to sodium hypochlorite and peracetic acid treatment
Authors: Daddiego Loretta , Bianco Linda , Capodicasa Cristina , Carbone Fabrizio , Dalmastri Claudia , Daroda Lorenza , Del Fiore Antonella , De Rossi Patrizia , Di Carli Mariasole , Donini Marcello , Lopez Loredana , Mengoni Alessio , Paganin Patrizia , Perrotta Gaetano , Bevivino Annamaria
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Lettuce is a leafy vegetable that is extensively commercialized as a ready‐to‐eat product because of its widespread use in human nutrition as salad. It is well known that washing treatments can severely affect the quality and shelf‐life of ready‐to‐eat vegetables. The study presented here evaluated the effect of two washing procedures on fresh‐cut lettuce during storage.

RESULTS

An omics approach was applied to reveal global changes at molecular level induced by peracetic acid washing in comparison with sodium hypochlorite treatment. Microbiological analyses were also performed to quantify total bacterial abundance and composition. The study revealed wide metabolic alterations induced by the two sanitizers. In particular, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses pointed out a number of transcripts and proteins differentially accumulated in response to peracetic acid washing, mainly occurring on the first day of storage. In parallel, different microbiota composition and significant reduction in total bacterial load following washing were also observed.

CONCLUSION

The results provide useful information for the fresh‐cut industry to select an appropriate washing procedure preserving fresh‐like attributes as much as possible during storage of the end product. Molecular evidence indicated peracetic acid to be a valid alternative to sodium hypochlorite as sanitizer solution. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of teapot materials on the chemical composition of oolong tea infusions
Authors: Liao Zih‐Hui , Chen Ying‐Jie , Tzen Jason Tze‐Cheng , Kuo Ping‐Chung , Lee Maw‐Rong , Mai Fu‐Der , Rairat Tirawat , Chou Chi‐Chung
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

The flavor and quality of tea are widely believed to be associated with the pot in which the tea is made. However, this claim is mostly by experiences and lacks solid support from scientific evidence. The current study investigated and compared the chemical compositions of oolong tea made with six different teapot materials, namely Zisha, Zhuni, stainless steel, ceramic, glass and plastic.

RESULTS

For each tea sample, polyphenols and caffeine were examined by HPLC‐UV, volatile compounds by GC/MS, amino acids by LC/MS and minerals by ICP‐MS. The results suggested that tea infusions from Zisha and Zhuni pots contain higher levels of EGC, EGCG and total catechins and less caffeine than those from ceramic, glass and plastic pots and tend to have the lowest total mineral contents, potassium and volatile compounds in tea soup. The statistical differences were not all significant among Zisha, Zhuni and stainless steel pots.

CONCLUSION

Based on the overall chemical composition of the tea infusion, Yixing clay pots (Zisha and Zhuni) produce tea infusions that are presumably less bitter and more fragrant and tend to contain more healthful compounds than tea infusions from other pots. The results could partially explain why Yixing clay pots are among the most popular teapots. The beneficial effects of long‐term repeated use of these teapots warrants further study. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Chemical composition, antimicromicrobial activity and insecticidal activity against the lesser mealworm Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum (Link) and Artemisia dracunculus L. essential oils
Authors: Szczepanik Maryla , Walczak Maciej , Zawitowska Beata , Michalska‐Sionkowska Marta , Szumny Antoni , Wawrzeńczyk Czesław , Brzezinska Maria Swiontek
Published: July 2017

BACKGROUND

Essential oils (EOs) from Artemisia dracunculus L. and Origanum vulgare L. ssp. hirtum were obtained and the qualitative and quantitative chemical composition of the extracts was investigated. The insecticidal activity of EOs against the larval stages of Alphitobius diaperinus (Panzer) was studied. Moreover, the antimicrobial activity of these oils against pathogens transmitted by this pest was also investigated.

RESULTS

The obtained results indicate the possibility of using Greek oregano EO with a high content of carvacrol as a feed additive in poultry nutrition. The use of the Greek oregano oil at 1% (w/w) dose showed stronger reduction of body weight gain of stage IV larvae. Their body mass was only 10.92% of the control. Moreover, EOs from O. vulgare strongly inhibited the growth of tested bacterial strains as well as Candida albicans.

CONCLUSION

Greek oregano EO may be a good alternative to antibiotic growth promoters and coccidiostats whose use in feeding farm animals has been prohibited since January 2006 under European Union directives. The introduction of O. vulgare L. ssp. hirtum EO into the premises of farm and poultry houses may help to improve sanitary conditions and control of the lesser mealworm inhabiting these buildings. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of fungi in chronic rhinosinusitis through ITS sequencing
Authors: Zhao Yi Chen , Bassiouni Ahmed , Tanjararak Kangsadarn , Vreugde Sarah , Wormald Peter‐John , Psaltis Alkis James
Published: July 2017

Objective

Next‐generation sequencing increases the sensitivity of fungal identification and may improve our understanding of the role that fungi play in sinus health and disease, which remains incompletely understood. We sequenced the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) amplicon to explore the role of the mycobiome in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS).

Methods

Swabs were collected intraoperatively from the middle meatus of 90 patients (63 with CRS; 27 controls). DNA was extracted, and ITS amplicon concentration was measured using fluorometry. Internal transcribed spacer amplicons were sequenced on the Illumina MiSeq (Illumina Inc San Diego CA). Sequencing data were analyzed using QIIME.

Results

Using conventional detection techniques of culture and histology, fungi only were identified in nine of 63 (14.3%) CRS patients (fungus‐identified group); the remaining 54 CRS patients and all controls did not have fungus identified using the traditional techniques. This fungus‐identified group had a significantly higher average ITS concentration and a significantly lower Shannon's diversity index compared to the other two groups. The most abundant organism sequenced was Aspergillus (35.22% of all sequences). Multivariate analysis showed that positive fungal detection using traditional techniques and computed tomography (CT) double densities were the most important clinical predictors of a high fungal biomass, whereas Lund‐Mackay score, polyps, eosinophilia, and eosinophilic mucus were not significant in comparison.

Conclusion

Fungal biomass estimated through ITS amplicon concentration correlated with traditional fungal detection techniques and CT double densities. Our results suggest that fungal dysbiosis only occurs in the sinuses of a selected subset of patients, and therefore could not be a universal determinant of sinus disease pathogenesis in all CRS patients.

Level of Evidence

NA. Laryngoscope, 128:16–22, 2018
A Polymer Chemistry Point of View on Mucoadhesion and Mucopenetration
Authors: Schattling Philipp , Taipaleenmäki Essi , Zhang Yan , Städler Brigitte
Published: July 2017

Although oral is the preferred route of administration of pharmaceutical formulations, the long‐standing challenge for medically active compounds to efficiently cross the mucus layer barrier limits its wider applicability. Efforts in nanomedicine to overcome this hurdle consider mucoadhesive and mucopenetrating drug carriers by selectively designing (macromolecular) building blocks. This review highlights and critically discusses recent strategies developed in this context including poly(ethylene glycol)‐based modifications, cationic and thiolated polymers, as well as particles with high charge density, zeta‐potential shifting ability, or mucolytic properties. The latest advances in ex vivo test platforms are also reviewed.
New methods for in vivo degradation testing of future stent materials
Authors: Bartosch M. , Peters H. , Koerner A. , Schmitt B. , Berger F. , Hort N. , Witte F.
Published: July 2017

Selection of a degradable material for cardiovascular stent application is a difficult task. Beside various alloys, different processing routes, annealing and surface treatment options, and coatings are available. Unfortunately, the in vivo properties of materials cannot be reliably predicted in vitro. In order to narrow down the selection there is a great need for an easy and fast in vivo pre‐selection method for possible stent materials. In this study we tested an approach presented by another group. It was compared to our new approach, the Carrier Stent. Here, several material samples are sewn on an inert, polymeric stent. It can be implanted in virtually every vessel of an animal model. It enables testing of different materials at the same location. Mg10Gd was chosen as an example for a degradable alloy for future stent applications. Wires were produced by drawing, annealed, etched, and analyzed. Due to the short wire lengths, a new clamping method for tensile tests was developed. Different heat treatments and etching processes were evaluated prior to the implantations. Both direct wire implantation and carrier stent implantation were performed and compared.
Influence of Graphene Oxide on Crystallization Behavior and Chain Folding Surface Free Energy of Poly(vinylidenefluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene)
Authors: Choolaei Marzieh , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Jafari Seyed Hassan , Seyfi Javad , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Häußler Liane , Boldt Regine
Published: July 2017

Graphene oxide (GO) filled poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) (PVDF‐HPF) copolymer nanocomposites as promising piezoelectric materials are developed, and their crystallization behavior and chain folding free energy are examined. Appropriate distribution of GO nanoparticles in the copolymer is confirmed by transmission electron microscopic analysis. The crystalline structure of nanocomposites is analyzed by wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results show an increase in the β‐phase content of PVDF‐HPF copolymer in the presence of GO. Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of the neat polymer and corresponding nanocomposites are studied by a multiple heating rate differential scanning calorimetry using modified Avrami–Jeziorny and Liu models. Moreover, barrier energy of crystallization is calculated by Friedman and Kissinger models. It is found that addition of GO to the copolymer increases nucleation activity of the nanocomposites. Investigation on linear crystal growth via Hoffman's theorem indicates an enhanced nucleation activity upon increasing GO content. The surface folding free energy of the neat polymer is changed from 5.79 × 10−2 to 7.27 × 10−2 J m−2 upon addition of 5 wt% of GO. A bundle‐like mechanism is proposed, which can explain the crystallite growth. Analysis based on Vyazovkin theorem reveals that the crystallization activation energy is independent of GO at elevated temperatures.
Spherical Compound Micelles with Lamellar Stripes Self‐Assembled from Star Liquid Crystalline Diblock Copolymers in Solution
Authors: Wang Pingping , Cao Shubo , Zhao Yongbin , Iyoda Tomokazu , Chen Aihua
Published: July 2017

Detailed investigations on the self‐assembly of amphiphilic star block copolymers composed of three‐arm poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and poly(methacrylate) (PMAAz) with an azobenzene side chain (denoted as 3PEO‐b‐PMAAz) into stable spherical aggregates with clear lamellar stripes in solution are demonstrated. Four block copolymers, 3PEO12‐b‐PMA(Az)33, 3PEO22‐b‐PMA(Az)31, 3PEO22‐b‐PMA(Az)62, and linear PEO68‐b‐PMA(Az)31, are synthesized. The liquid crystalline properties of the block copolymers are studied by differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy techniques, and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The morphologies of the compound micelles self‐assembled in tetrahydrofuran (THF)/water mixtures are observed by means of transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The size of the spherical micelles is influenced by the self‐assembly conditions and the lengths of two blocks. The well‐defined three‐arm architecture of the hydrophilic blocks is a key structural element to the formation of stable spherical compound micelles. The micelle surface integrity is affected by the lengths of PEO blocks. The lamellar stripes are clearly observed on these micelles. This work provides a promising strategy to prepare functional stable spherical compound micelles self‐assembled by amphiphilic block copolymers in solution.
Strong Memory Effect of Metastable β Form Trans‐1,4‐Polyisoprene above Equilibrium Melting Temperature
Authors: Lu Jie , Yang Haoran , Ji Youxin , Li Xiangyang , Lv Yankun , Su Fengmei , Li Liangbin
Published: July 2017

The memory effect of metastable β form crystals of trans‐1,4‐polyisoprene (TPI) is investigated with its thermodynamically stable α‐TPI as reference. Unexpectedly, β‐TPI exhibits a stronger memory effect over α‐TPI. The memory temperature of β‐TPI can be 20 °C higher than its equilibrium melting point (78 °C), while α‐TPI has lost memory below the equilibrium melting point (87 °C). Moreover, the ordered structures in β‐TPI memorized melt accelerate spherulite growth, and the growth rate depends on melting time, similar to previous mesomorphic isotactic polypropylene studies, implying metastable phase may have universal memory effects: wide memory temperature range, crystal nucleation and growth accelerating. The higher memory temperature of metastable phase may be from weak entropic difference with isotropic melt, which cannot overcome the barrier from entanglements as thermodynamically stable phase, leading to slow relaxation. This discovery can regulate crystalline morphologies of polymers by controlling the locations of different form crystals.
Microstructural Evolution of Isotactic‐Polypropylene during Creep: An In Situ Study by Synchrotron Small‐Angle X‐Ray Scattering
Authors: Chang Baobao , Schneider Konrad , Heinrich Gert
Published: July 2017

The structure evolution of isotactic‐polypropylene during creep is investigated by in situ synchrotron small‐angle X‐ray scattering. During primary creep, strain grows nonlinearly to a value less than 15%. The long period in loading direction (L∥) increases with time, whereas the long period perpendicular to the loading direction (L⊥) decreases slightly. During the secondary creep, strain increases linearly with time. L∥ and L⊥ show the same tendency with strain. The increase of the long period is caused by lamellae thickening, which is a kind of cooperative motion of polymer chains with their neighbors at the lamellae surface. Moreover, the growth rate of L∥ is larger than that of L⊥, indicating that the orientation of molecular chains along the loading direction decreases the energy barrier of the cooperative motion. During tertiary creep, strain grows dramatically in a short time. In this step, the lamellae are tilted, rotated, and then disaggregated. In addition, a fibrillar structure is formed during lamellae breaking. The length of the fibrillar structure increases from 364 to 497 nm while its width stays at 102 nm with increasing creeping time.
Direct Creation of Highly Conductive Laser‐Induced Graphene Nanocomposites from Polymer Blends
Authors: Yazdi Alireza Zehtab , Navas Ivonne Otero , Abouelmagd Ahmed , Sundararaj Uttandaraman
Published: July 2017

The current state‐of‐the‐art mixing strategies of nanoparticles with insulating polymeric components have only partially utilized the unique electrical conductivity of graphene in nanocomposite systems. Herein, this paper reports a nonmixing method of direct creation of polymer/graphene nanocomposites from polymer blends via laser irradiation. Polycarbonate‐laser‐induced graphene (PC‐LIG) nanocomposite is produced from a PC/polyetherimide (PC/PEI) blend after exposure to commercially available laser scribing with a power of ≈6 W and a speed of ≈2 cm s−1. Extremely high electrical conductivities are obtained for the PC‐LIG nanocomposites, ranging from 26 to 400 S m−1, depending on the vol% of the starting PEI phase in the blend. To the authors' knowledge, these conductivity values are at least one order of magnitude higher than the values that are previously reported for conductive polymer/graphene nanocomposites prepared via mixing strategies. The comprehensive microscopy and spectroscopy characterizations reveal a complete graphitization of the PEI phase with columnar microstructure embedded in the PC phase.
Stepwise Light‐Induced Dual Compaction of Single‐Chain Nanoparticles
Authors: Claus Tanja K. , Zhang Junliang , Martin Liam , Hartlieb Matthias , Mutlu Hatice , Perrier Sébastien , Delaittre Guillaume , Barner‐Kowollik Christopher
Published: July 2017

A photochemical strategy for the sequential dual compaction of single polymer chains is introduced. Two photoreactive methacrylates, with side chains bearing either a phenacyl sulfide (PS) or an α‐methylbenzaldehyde (photoenol, PE) moiety, are selectively incorporated by one‐pot iterative reversible‐addition fragmentation chain transfer copolymerization into the outer blocks of a well‐defined poly(methyl methacrylate) based ABC triblock copolymer possessing a nonfunctional spacer block (Mn = 23 400 g mol−1, Đ = 1.2; ≈15 units of each photoreactive moieties of each type) as well as in model statistical copolymers bearing only one type of photoreactive unit. Upon UVA irradiation, PS and PE lead to highly reactive thioaldehydes and o‐quinodimethanes, which rapidly react with dithiol and diacrylate linkers, respectively. The monomerfunctional copolymers are employed to establish the conditions for controlled intramolecular photo‐crosslinking, which are subsequently applied to the bifunctional triblock copolymer. All compaction/folding experiments are monitored by size‐exclusion chromatography and dynamic light scattering. The dual compaction consists of two events of dissimilar amplitude: the first folding step reveals a large reduction in hydrodynamic diameters, while the second compaction lead to a far less pronounced reduction of the single‐chain nanoparticles size, consistent with the reduced degrees of freedom available after the first covalent compaction step.
Diffusion of Photoabsorbing Degradation Byproducts in Photodegradable Polymer Networks
Authors: Norris Sam C. P. , Chou Tom , Kasko Andrea M.
Published: July 2017

Photodegradation of crosslinked, hydrated polymer networks is an important lithographic process in the fabrication of structured biomaterials. In order to better understand the properties of materials fabricated using photodegradation, the process is mathematically modeled, paying special attention to how diffusible photoabsorbing species mediate the degradation of the polymer network. These light‐absorbing species may significantly alter light attenuation; thus, understanding the spatial movement of these species is critical in developing a predictive model of photodegradation. Using a series of mass‐action models, diffusion of absorbing species is shown to play a significant role in determining the final state of the photodegraded network. The predicted degree of degradation is significantly different when including the effects of diffusion than that predicted when neglecting diffusion. This model also explores degradation profiles that result from different experimental geometries. This model is the most accurate description to date of the relationship between experimental conditions and resulting photodegradation.
Turnschuhe aus Spinnenseide
Authors: Götzinger Alissa
Published: July 2017

Seit dem Jahr 2001 forscht der Proteinchemiker Thomas Scheibel daran, Spinnenseide biotechnisch herzustellen. Nun kooperiert Adidas mit seinem Unternehmen und hat einen Prototypen eines Turnschuhs aus dem Material vorgestellt.
Evaluation of pelvic floor kinematics in continent and incontinent women during running: An exploratory study
Authors: Leitner Monika , Moser Helene , Eichelberger Patric , Kuhn Annette , Baeyens Jean‐Pierre , Radlinger Lorenz
Published: July 2017

Aims

Impact activity like running is associated with an increase in intra‐abdominal pressure which needs to be sufficiently countered by pelvic floor muscle (PFM) activity to secure continence. The aim of this study was to investigate and compare PFM kinematics in continent and incontinent women during running.

Methos

 Three‐dimensional position and orientation was measured with the electromagnetic tracking device trakSTAR™. One sensor was attached to the vaginal probe and a second one was secured to the subjects’ skin at the height of the second sacral vertebrae. Cranial‐caudal and forward‐backward displacement of the vaginal probe was measured during 10 sec running on a treadmill at the speeds 7, 11, and 15 km/h. Displacement data from 100 ms before to 300 ms after heel‐strike were analyzed.

Results

 Nineteen incontinent and twenty‐seven continent women were included in this study. Before the foot touched the ground caudal translation and forward rotation of the vaginal probe was detected, whereas after heel‐strike a cranial translation and backward rotation was measured. Cranial‐caudal translation as well as backward‐forward‐rotation did not differ significantly between continent and incontinent subjects for the three speeds. Analysis of maximum displacements showed significantly increasing displacement with increasing speeds.

Conclusions

  Kinematic measurements during impact activity of running demonstrated caudal translation before and cranial translation after heel‐strike. The hypothesis of caudal translation through impact activity was not confirmed. Patterns seem similar between continent and incontinent subjects. Associations between the direction of displacement and muscle action of PFMs remain assumptions.
Ideally Hexagonally Ordered TiO2 Nanotube Arrays
Authors: Sopha Hanna , Samoril Tomas , Palesch Erik , Hromadko Ludek , Zazpe Raul , Skoda David , Urbanek Michal , Ng Siowwoon , Prikryl Jan , Macak Jan M.
Published: July 2017

Ideally hexagonally ordered TiO2 nanotube layers were produced through the optimized anodization of Ti substrates. The Ti substrates were firstly covered with a TiN protecting layer prepared through atomic layer deposition (ALD). Pre‐texturing of the TiN‐protected Ti substrate on an area of 20×20 μm2 was carried out by focused ion beam (FIB) milling, yielding uniform nanoholes with a hexagonal arrangement throughout the TiN layer with three different interpore distances. The subsequent anodic nanotube growth using ethylene‐glycol‐based electrolyte followed the pre‐textured nanoholes, resulting in perfectly ordered nanotube layers (resembling honeycomb porous anodic alumina) without any point defects and with a thickness of approximately 2 μm over the whole area of the pattern.
Pediatric cancer pathology review from a single institution: Neuropathology expert opinion is essential for accurate diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors
Authors: Merabi Zeina , Boulos Fouad , Santiago Teresa , Jenkins Jesse , Abboud Miguel , Muwakkit Samar , Tarek Nidale , Zaatari Ghazi , Jeha Sima , El‐Solh Hassan , Saab Raya
Published: July 2017

Background and objectives

Second pathology review has been reported to improve accuracy in oncologic diagnoses, including pediatric malignancies. We assessed the impact of second review on the diagnosis of pediatric malignancies at a tertiary care referral center in Beirut, Lebanon.

Methods

Pathology reports of patients treated at the Children's Cancer Institute in Lebanon were retrospectively reviewed for the period 2008–2016 and compared with same samples’ diagnoses at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Diagnostic disagreements were divided into major, minor, and none based on their effect on diagnosis and/or patient management.

Results

Second review was requested for 171 cases, accounting for 19% of all cases during that period. Second opinion was mostly requested for brain tumors (62% of all brain tumor cases) and neuroblastoma for NMYC testing (65% of all neuroblastoma), while hematologic malignancies had the fewest referrals (3% of all hematologic cases). Major disagreements in second review occurred in 20 cases (12% of total), and minor disagreements in 21 cases (12% of total). The largest proportion of major disagreements (71%) occurred in pediatric brain tumors, and novel molecular tests contributed to the diagnosis in 55% of these cases.

Conclusions

The availability of a specialized pediatric neuropathologist and a basic panel of relevant molecular testing are essential for appropriate diagnosis of pediatric brain tumors. Centers that do not have the available infrastructure in place can benefit greatly from second review referrals for this challenging subset of tumors.
Quantitation of nasal development in the early prenatal period using geometric morphometrics and MRI: a new insight into the critical period of Binder phenotype
Authors: Katsube Motoki , Yamada Shigehito , Miyazaki Reina , Yamaguchi Yutaka , Makishima Haruyuki , Takakuwa Tetsuya , Yamamoto Akira , Fujii Yosuke , Morimoto Naoki , Ito Tsuyoshi , Imai Hirohiko , Suzuki Shigehiko
Published: July 2017

Objectives

Disturbance of the development of the nasal septum in the early prenatal period causes congenital facial anomalies characterized by a flat nose and defects of the anterior nasal spine (ANS), such as Binder phenotype. The present research aimed to assess the development of the nasal septum and the ANS with growth in the early prenatal period.

Methods

Magnetic resonance images were obtained from 56 specimens. Mid‐sagittal images were analyzed by using geometric morphometrics for the development of the nasal septum, and angle analysis was performed for the development of the ANS. Additionally, we calculated and visualized the ontogenetic allometry of the nasal septum.

Results

Our results showed that the nasal septum changed shape in the anteroposterior direction in smaller specimens, while it maintained an almost isometric shape in larger specimens. Furthermore, mathematical evidence revealed that the maturation periods of the shapes of the ANS and the nasal septum were around 12 and 14 weeks of gestation, respectively.

Conclusion

The anteroposterior development of the nasal septum is specific until 14 weeks of gestation, and it is important for nasal protrusion and the development of the ANS. Therefore, the disturbance of such development could induce low nasal deformity, including Binder phenotype. © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Network Approach to Affect Regulation Dynamics and Personality Trait–Induced Variations: Extraversion and Neuroticism Moderate Reciprocal Influences between Affect and Affect Regulation Strategies
Authors: Pavani Jean–Baptiste , Le Vigouroux Sarah , Kop Jean–Luc , Congard Anne , Dauvier Bruno
Published: July 2017

The objectives of the present study were twofold. First, we tested a new approach to affect regulation dynamics, conceptualized as a network made up of the reciprocal influences that affect and affect regulation strategies constantly exert on each other. Second, we attempted to gain a better understanding of these dynamics by examining how they vary according to broad personality traits. To this end, we adopted an experience sampling method, involving five daily assessments over a 2–week period. In each assessment, participants indicated their current affective experience and the way they had implemented five well–known affect regulation strategies (i.e. appreciation, positive reappraisal, distraction, expressive suppression, and rumination) since the previous assessment. At the sample level, the network of affect regulation dynamics was characterized by positive feedback loops between positive affect and so–called broad–minded strategies, and between negative affect and narrow–minded strategies. The form of this network varied according to levels of extraversion and neuroticism. Our findings are discussed in light of current knowledge about personality and affect regulation. Copyright © 2017 European Association of Personality Psychology
Cover Image, Volume 66, Issue 8
Authors: Holt Brian D , Arnold Anne M , Sydlik Stefanie A
Published: July 2017

The cover image, by Brian D Holt et al., is based on the Research Article Peptide‐functionalized reduced graphene oxide as a bioactive mechanically robust tissue regeneration scaffold, DOI: 10.1002/pi.5375.

image
The Spin‐Charge‐Family Theory Offers Understanding of the Triangle Anomalies Cancellation in the Standard Model
Authors: Mankoč Borštnik N. S. , Nielsen H. B. F.
Published: July 2017

The standard model has for massless quarks and leptons “miraculously” no triangle anomalies due to the fact that the sum of all possible traces T r[τAi τBj τCk] — where , τAi τBj and τCk are the generators of one, of two or of three of the groups SU(3), SU(2) and U(1) — over the representations of one family of the left handed fermions and anti‐fermions (and separately of the right handed fermions and anti‐fermions), contributing to the triangle currents, is equal to zero. It is demonstrated in this paper that this cancellation of the standard model triangle anomaly follows straightforwardly if the SO(3, 1), SU(2), U(1) and SU(3) are the subgroups of the orthogonal group SO(13,1), as it is in the spin‐charge‐family theory. The authors comment on the SO(10) anomaly cancellation, which works if handedness and charges are related “by hand”.