bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective BTK inhibition improves bendamustine therapy response and normalizes immune effector functions in chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Lee‐Vergés Eriong , Hanna Bola S. , Yazdanparast Haniyeh , Rodríguez Vanina , Rodríguez Marta Leonor , Giró Ariadna , Vidal‐Crespo Anna , Rosich Laia , Amador Virginia , Aymerich Marta , Villamor Neus , Delgado Julio , Lichter Peter , Pérez‐Galán Patricia , López‐Guerra Mònica , Campo Elías , Seiffert Martina , Colomer Dolors
Published: November 2018

The Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor ibrutinib has been shown to be highly effective in patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and is approved for CLL treatment. Unfortunately, resistance and intolerance to ibrutinib has been observed in several studies, opening the door for more specific BTK inhibitors. CC‐292 (spebrutinib) is a BTK inhibitor with increased specificity for BTK and less inhibition of other kinases. Our in vitro studies showed that CC‐292 potently inhibited B‐cell receptor signaling, activation, proliferation and chemotaxis of CLL cells. In in vivo studies using the adoptive transfer TCL1 mouse model of CLL, CC‐292 reduced tumor load and normalized tumor‐associated expansion of T cells and monocytes, while not affecting T cell function. Importantly, the combination of CC‐292 and bendamustine impaired CLL cell proliferation in vivo and enhanced the control of CLL progression. Our results demonstrate that CC‐292 is a specific BTK inhibitor with promising performance in combination with bendamustine in CLL. Further clinical trials are warranted to investigate the therapeutic efficacy of this combination regimen.
Risk‐based approach versus culture‐based screening for identification of group B streptococci among women in labor
Authors: Khalil Mohammed R. , Uldbjerg Niels , Thorsen Poul B. , Møller Jens K.
Published: November 2018

Objective

To compare a risk‐based and culture‐based screening approach for identification of group B streptococci (GBS) vaginal colonization using an intrapartum rectovaginal culture as the reference standard.

Methods

Pregnant women attending the prenatal clinic at Lillebaelt Hospital, Kolding, Denmark, between April 1, 2013, and June 30, 2014, were invited to participate in a prospective observational study. For prepartum culture‐based screening, vaginal and rectal culture samples were obtained and, for reference, standard, paired vaginal and rectal culture samples were collected during labor. Risk factors for risk‐based screening were previous early‐onset GBS, GBS bacteriuria during pregnancy, maternal temperature ≥38.0°C intrapartum, and rupture of membranes for more than 18 hours.

Results

The intrapartum rectovaginal GBS colonization rate was 30% (32/108) among participants with risk factors and 15% (123/794) among participants without risk factors. Culture‐based screening demonstrated a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and positive likelihood ratio in predicting intrapartum GBS carriage of 78% (95% confidence interval [CI] 71–84), 95% (94–97), 78% (70–84), 95% (94–97), and 17 (12–23), respectively; for risk‐based screening, these values were 21% (15–28), 90% (87–92), 30% (22–38), 85% (83–86), and 2 (1–3), respectively.

Conclusions

Culture‐based screening performed considerably better than a risk‐based approach in identifying intrapartum GBS colonization.
Green synthesis of pyrimido‐isoquinolines and pyrimido‐quinoline using ZnO nanorods as an efficient catalyst: Study of antioxidant activity
Authors: Soleimani‐Amiri Somayeh , Hossaini Zinatossadat , Arabkhazaeli Maryam , Karami Hossein , Afshari Sharif Abad Saeid
Published: November 2018

In this paper, we report the synthesis of pyrimido[2,1‐a] isoquinoline and pyrimido[1,2‐a]quinoline derivatives in high yields from the reaction of isoquinoline or quinoline, activated acetylenic compounds, and amides in the presence of ZnO nanorods (ZnO‐NRs) as catalyst under solvent‐free conditions at room temperature. ZnO‐NRs show good improvement in the yield of the product and significant reusability. Also, the antioxidant activities of the some of the newly synthesized compounds were carried out by 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl (PDDH) radical trapping and ferric ion reducing potential tests and compared with those of the synthetic antioxidants 2‐tert‐butylhydroquinone (TBHQ) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). These compounds do not show good DPPH radical scavenging but display good ferric ion reducing power.
Perspective: Appendage regeneration in amphibians and some reptiles derived from specific evolutionary histories
Authors: Alibardi Lorenzo
Published: November 2018

Some hypotheses on the evolution of regeneration in amphibians and reptiles are presented. Amphibian regeneration is derived from metamorphosis present in sarcopterygian fish and amphibians of the Devonian‐Carboniferous. The genetic ability to rebuild organs during metamorphosis was maintained in form of “regeneration” in urodele and anuran tadpoles. Amphibian regeneration may be a consequence of the transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial environment through the evolution of a developmental program for the tadpole stage and replacements of adult organs controlled by the endocrine and immune system. Following metamorphosis, the regeneration program for terrestrial anurans and amniotes was lost or modified, whereas the immune system involved in self‐integrity and microbial protection became in charge of regeneration that was replaced by scarring. Among amniotes only lizards regenerate an organ as large and complex as the tail. It is hypothesized that in Permian captorhinids and in Triassic lizards (eosuchians) a regenerative blastema evolved in relation to autotomy, a unique phenomenon present in these reptiles that enhanced survival against the larger predators of the Permian‐Mesozoic. Appendage regeneration in amphibians and lizards occurs after the migration of activated mesenchymal and epidermal cells in the wounded areas to form soft and hyaluronate‐rich blastemas. Autotomy and production of high hyaluronate levels allows high hydration and immunosuppression, favoring regeneration. It is suggested that a way for regenerative medicine to induce limb regeneration in humans is to develop medical procedures to recreate soft blastemas that can grow, a long and difficult process because it counteracts mammalian evolution toward scarring.
Impact of nanoparticles on transcriptional regulation of catabolic genes of petroleum hydrocarbon‐degrading bacteria in contaminated soil microcosms
Authors: El‐Sayed Wael S. , Elbahloul Yasser , Saad Mohamed E. , Hanafy Ahmed M. , Hegazi Abdelrahman H. , ElShafei Gamal M. S. , Elbadry Medhat
Published: November 2018

This study was conducted to determine what effects nanoparticles (NPs) like TiO2, ZnO, and Ag may pose on natural attenuation processes of petroleum hydrocarbons in contaminated soils. The solid NPs used were identified using x‐ray diffraction technique and their average size was certified as 18.2, 16.9, and 18.3 nm for Ag‐NPs, ZnO‐NPs, and TiO2‐NPs, respectively. NPs in soil microcosms behave differently where it was dissolved as in case of Ag‐NPs, partially dissolved as in ZnO‐NPs or changed into other crystalline phase as in TiO2‐NPs. In this investigation, catabolic gene encoding catechol 2,3 dioxygenase (C23DO) was selected specifically as biomarker for monitoring hydrocarbon biodegradation potential by measuring its transcripts by RT‐qPCR. TiO2‐NPs amended microcosms showed almost no change in C23DO expression profile or bacterial community which were dominated by Bacillus sp., Mycobacterium sp., Microbacterium sp., Clostridium sp., beside uncultured bacteria, including uncultured proteobacteria, Thauera sp. and Clostridia. XRD pattern suggested that TiO2‐NPs in microcosms were changed into other non‐inhibitory crystalline phase, consequently, showing the maximum degradation profile for most low molecular weight oil fractions and partially for the high molecular weight ones. Increasing ZnO‐NPs concentration in microcosms resulted in a reduction in the expression of C23DO with a concomitant slight deteriorative effect on bacterial populations ending up with elimination of Clostridium sp., Thauera sp., and uncultured proteobacteria. The oil‐degradation efficiency was reduced compared to TiO2‐NPs amended microcosms. In microcosms, Ag‐NPs were not detected in the crystalline form but were available in the ionic form that inhibited most bacterial populations and resulted in a limited degradation profile of oil, specifically the low molecular weight fractions. Ag‐NPs amended microcosms showed a significant reduction (80%) in C23DO gene expression and a detrimental effect on bacterial populations including key players like Mycobacterium sp., Microbacterium sp., and Thauera sp. involved in the biodegradation of petroleum hydrocarbons.
Analytical kinetic study of steel corrosion inhibition by Na3PO4 in synthetic concrete solutions
Authors: Sail Latefa , Benbrahim Alaaeddine , Mekami Mohamed
Published: November 2018

The inhibitory effect of sodium phosphate Na3PO4 has been studied previously by gravimetric measurements, and the maximum efficiency was recorded at a concentration of 7.5 × 10−3 mol/L, it reached more than 70% in synthetic concrete pore solution. The influence of immersion time on this optimal concentration was followed by the same gravimetric method; the results obtained show that the inhibitory efficiency decreases slightly with time. In addition, two other parameters that condition the kinetics of corrosion inhibition have been treated, which are the pH of the initial time and final time solution as well as the variation of temperature on the evolution of the inhibitory efficiencies. The increase in temperature slightly decreases inhibitory efficiencies. It is found that the efficiency of sodium phosphate at 25°C reached a value of 69.28% for the optimum concentration of 7.5 × 10−3. While at 35 and 45°C, it attained 68.08% and 63.31%, respectively, for the same concentration. The thermodynamic study reveals that the adsorption of the inhibitory molecules on the metal surface follows the Langmuir adsorption model and that is a physical adsorption.
Validation of a septoplasty deformity grading system for the evaluation of nasal obstruction
Authors: Gu Jeffrey T. , Kaplan Sherrie , Greenfield Sheldon , Calloway Hollin , Wong Brian J. F.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

We developed and validated a septal deformity grading (SDG) system that accounts for anatomic location and grading of deformity severity.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Methods

Subjects were patients with nasal obstruction presenting to University of California, Irvine Medical Center. Subjects were given pre‐ and postoperative Nasal Obstruction Symptom Evaluation (NOSE) questionnaires and were evaluated by a facial plastic surgeon using our septal deformity grading (SDG) system. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted on the SDG results. Statistical analyses were conducted on SDG and NOSE data to assess and compare instruments, and to validate the SDG instrument using the NOSE instrument.

Results

One hundred thirty‐five patients met inclusion criteria. Cronbach's α was ≥ 0.7 for SDG and pre‐ and postoperative NOSE scores. There was a significant difference in pre‐ and postoperative NOSE scores (Z score = −7.21, P < .001). Correlations between postoperative NOSE and SDG scores were significant (P = .014), and convergent construct validity was achieved. There was a significant difference in SDG scores between primary versus revision operations (P < .001), history versus no history of nasal trauma, and nasal/septal surgery (P = .025, P = .003, respectively). The odds of having a revision operation were 2.3 times higher for high SDG scores (P < .001), of having a history of nasal trauma were 1.33 times higher for high SDG scores (P = .014), and of having a history of nasal/septal surgery were 2.9 times higher for low SDG scores.

Conclusions

Our SDG system addresses the challenge of providing objective anatomic information on the severity of nasal septal deformities, and may be valuable when used in conjunction with subjective data gathered from the NOSE questionnaire.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 129:586–593, 2019
The effects of cryotherapy on vocal fold healing in a rabbit model
Authors: Gong Ting , Zhang Chi , Kang Jing , Lou Zhewei , Scholp Austin , Jiang Jack J.
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Cryotherapy has been shown to be a scarless treatment modality for dermal lesions; however, there are limited data addressing the effect of cryotherapy on vocal fold tissue. The aim of this study was to clarify the effectiveness of cryotherapy for prevention of postsurgical vocal fold scarring.

Study Design

Prospective animal study in rabbits.

Methods

The lamina propria of 20 rabbit vocal folds was bilaterally stripped, followed by randomized unilateral cryotherapy. Five larynges were harvested for real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis at 1 day, 3 days, and 7 days postinjury. The remaining five were harvested for histologic analysis at 3 months. Images of the healing phase were recorded by laryngoscopy. Analyses of RT‐PCR for cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2, interleukin (IL)‐6, collagen I, collagen III, matrix metallopeptidase 1 (MMP1), transforming growth factor β (TGFβ1), α smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA), and hyaluronan synthase 1 (HAS1) were completed. Histological samples were completed for collagen and hyaluronic acid analysis.

Results

RT‐PCR results revealed that higher expressions of HAS1 and MMP1 and lower expressions of COX‐2, IL‐6, collagen I, collagen III, TGFβ1, and α‐SMA were observed, and histological examination showed significantly increased hyaluronic acid, decreased deposition, and more organized configuration of collagen in injury with the cryotherapy cohort compared with the injury cohort.

Conclusions

Cryotherapy can inhibit the inflammatory reaction and simulate a fetal healing environment in extracellular matrix synthesis to regenerate vocal fold tissue with less fibrosis. Histological results showed that cryotherapy achieves a mature healing result with less scar, which tends to return to normal. In summary, the findings of this study suggest that administration of cryotherapy at the time of injury has the potential to minimize vocal fold scarring.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 129:E151–E157, 2019
Acute inflammatory response to contrast agent aspiration and its mechanisms in the rat lung
Authors: Ueha Rumi , Nativ‐Zeltzer Nogah , Sato Taku , Goto Takao , Nito Takaharu , Belafsky Peter C , Yamasoba Tatsuya
Published: November 2018

Objectives/Hypothesis

Contrast agent (CA) aspiration is an established complication of upper gastrointestinal and videofluoroscopic swallow studies. The underlying molecular biological mechanisms of acute response to CA aspiration in the respiratory organs remain unclear. The aims of this study were to elucidate the histological and biological influences of three kinds of CAs on the lung and to clarify the differences in acute responses.

Study Design

Animal model.

Methods

Eight‐week‐old male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups (n = 6 in each group). Three groups underwent tracheal instillation of one of three different CAs: barium (Ba) sulfate, nonionic contrast agents (NICAs), and ionic contrast agents (ICAs). A control group was instilled with saline and a sham group was instilled with air. All animals were euthanized on day 2 after treatment and histological and gene analysis was performed.

Results

No animal died after CA or control/sham aspiration. Ba caused severe histopathologic changes and more prominent inflammatory cell infiltration in the lungs compared with the two other iodinated contrast agents. Increases in expressions of inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor [Tnf], interleukin‐1β [Il1b], and interferon‐γ [Ifng]) were observed in Ba aspiration rats, and upregulation of Il1b was seen in ICA aspiration rats. NICA did not cause obvious histologic changes or expressions of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis‐related genes in the lungs.

Conclusions

Ba caused significantly more acute lung inflammation in a rodent model than did ioinic and nonionic iodinated CAs. Nonionic contrast did not cause any discernible inflammatory response in the lungs, suggesting that it may be the safest contrast for videofluoroscopic swallow studies.

Level of Evidence

NA

Laryngoscope, 129:1533–1538, 2019
Is Google Scholar useful for the evaluation of non‐English scientific journals? The case of Chinese journals
Authors: Zhang Yang , Lun Huilian
Published: November 2018

This study determined how useful Google Scholar (GS) is for the evaluation of non‐English journals based on a sample of 150 Chinese journals listed in the Report on Chinese Academic Journals Evaluation of Research Center for Chinese Science Evaluation (2013–2014). This study investigated two disciplines: Library, Information & Documentation Science and Metallurgical Engineering & Technology. We collected data from GS and the Chongqing VIP database to evaluate GS as a citation database for Chinese journals on its resource coverage, journal ranking, and citation data. We found that GS covered 100% of the sample journals but indexed 22% more article records than the number of articles published. The ranking of Chinese journals by GS Metrics was not suitable to present a dependable ranking of Chinese journals. GS appeared suitable to provide an alternative source of Chinese citation data, even though there existed coverage problems, including article duplication and citation omission and potential duplication. The GS Metric average citation provided results highly correlated to traditional citation results, showing that it would be suitable for evaluating Chinese journals.
Selective Recognition of Fe(III) in Aqueous Environment over Covalently‐Bonded Tb‐Complex‐Containing Fluorescent Porous Copolymer Microspheres
Authors: Zhang Chunyan , Luo Jianxin , Li Wenjun , Ou Lijuan , Yu Guipeng , Pan Chunyue
Published: November 2018

An environment‐friendly synthesis of a covalently bonded terbium(Tb)‐complex‐containing monodispersed fluorescent porous copolymer microspheres, and their highly selective detection of Fe3+ are described. The as‐made copolymer microspheres exhibit intense green fluorescence originating from Tb ions and high photostability in water. Encouragingly, the fluorescence of the copolymer microspheres can be selectively quenched by trace Fe3+ due to the interaction between Fe3+ and the ligands, which disturbs the coordination structure of Tb‐complexes and inhibits the energy transfer from ligands to Tb ions. The intense fluorescence intensity, high fluorescence stability, together with the nanoscale and porous nature of the copolymer microsphere endows them with wide detection range (0–1500 µm) and low detection limit (2.1 µm) for selective recognition of Fe3+ in aqueous environment. This study paves a new pathway for the function of porous copolymer microspheres being used as targeting for biological detection and environmental issues.
η3‐π‐Allyl Acetoxyl Ni Complex, an Efficient Initiator for Synthesis of Hydroxyl‐Terminated Polybutadiene with High cis‐1,4 Unit Content
Authors: Min Xin , Fan Xiaodong
Published: November 2018

A novel Ni‐based initiator is designed and synthesized for obtaining a hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB) with higher cis‐1,4 unit content (≥90%). By investigating the effect of the butadiene skeleton structure and counterion on initiating efficiency, it is found that [η3‐Ni(CH2CHCHCH2OOCH3)][BPhF
4] complex is a feasible combination to be used as an initiator. 1H‐NMR data prove that the initiator structure obtained is in accordance with the original design. The result of 1H‐NMR, 13C‐NMR, FT‐IR confirms that HTPB synthesized not only gains a significant amount in cis‐1,4 unit content (≥90%) compared with the HTPBs by free radical and anionic polymerizations, but also its molecular weight and molecular weight distribution can be effectively controlled during synthesis process. Because of the much higher cis‐1,4 unit content, the glass‐transition temperature of HTPB obtained via [η3‐Ni(CH2CHCHCH2OOCH3)][BPhF
4] is markedly reduced; as a result, its low‐temperature mechanical property can also be significantly improved.
Sulfur Chemistry in Polymer and Materials Science
Authors: Mutlu Hatice , Ceper Ezgi Berfin , Li Xiaohui , Yang Jingmei , Dong Wenyuan , Ozmen Mehmet Murat , Theato Patrick
Published: November 2018

Sulfur and its functional groups are major players in an area of exciting research taking place in modern polymer and materials science, both in academia and industry. In fact, manifold sulfur‐based reactions that are both exceptionally versatile as well as tremendously useful have been implemented, and further utilized for the design and preparation of polymeric materials that lead to a plethora of applications ranging from medicine to optics and nanotechnology to separation science. Hence, within this review, an overview of strategies and developments used over the last 5 years to reinforce the importance of the sulfur functional group in modern polymer and materials science is presented. In particular, many important references in the primary literature of sulfur chemistry are referred to, including thiol–ene, thiol–yne, thiol–Michael addition, disulfide cross‐linking, and thiol–disulfide exchange, among others, by explaining and illustrating the important principles. Last but not least, the grand aim to underpin the importance of sulfur in modern polymer and materials science is achieved by presenting selected examples in diverse fields and postulating the respective potential for real‐world applications.
Design and fabrication of a high gain, low cost, LHCP Fabry‐Perot antenna at Ku band
Authors: Azizi Yousef , Komjani Nader , Karimipour Majid
Published: November 2018

A single‐layer left‐handed circularly polarized (CP) Fabry‐Perot cavity antenna (FPCA) with stable gain performance around at the center frequency is designed, fabricated and tested at 14.5 GHz. The FPCA is fed by a linearly polarized (LP) microstrip patch aligned along slant 45° and is composed of single‐layer double‐sided top layer, which is designed to act as partially reflecting surface (PRS) and polarizer simultaneously, and a high impedance surface (HIS) as a ground layer. Several classes of unit cell configurations are investigated for top layer of FPCA to meet the requirements of CP behavior of antenna on the best form. Employing the transmission line model, the design process of PRS and polarizer is accelerated. It is done by estimating the initial value of unit cell parameters. Circuit model of unit cell configurations is introduced to ADS software and corresponding value of the element dimensions are optimized based on desired reflection and transmission coefficients of PRS which are essentially enforced by well‐known ray optics model. After optimizing design parameters of PRS in CST MWS by considering periodic boundary condition to account for mutual coupling effects and also tuning the HIS layer dimension to satisfy the resonance condition, the final structure can be assembled and simulated that have a 16.5 dB peak gain and good performance. Measurement results show that the antenna has roughly 15 dBi peak gain, the axial ratio (AR), return loss and 3 dB realized gain bandwidths (BW) of 7%, 1.7%, and 5%, respectively, at 14.5 GHz which are good achievements.
Investigating the role of attachment styles, dysfunctional attitudes, and spirituality in predicting membership in addicted and non‐addicted groups
Authors: Karimi Zahra , Haghshenas Leila , Mohtashami Tayebeh , Dehkordi Mahnaz Aliakbari
Published: November 2018

Drug addiction as a biological, psychological, and social issue affects all dimensions of one's life. The purpose of this study was to determine the role of attachment styles, dysfunctional attitudes, and spirituality in predicting membership in addicted and non‐addicted groups. This was a cross‐sectional study conducted on 60 addicted people and 60 non‐addicted people. The Adult Attachment Scale of Hazan and Shaver, Allport Religious Orientation Scale, and the 26‐item Dysfunctional Attitude Scale (DAS‐26) were used to measure the variables. Based on the results, which were analyzed by logistic regression analysis, the variables of attachment style and dysfunctional attitude can significantly predict drug addiction (p < .001). However, avoidant attachment style and spirituality cannot predict readiness for addiction. The results of this study indicate the importance of safe and ambivalent attachment styles and dysfunctional attitudes. Thus, attending to these factors in studies and interventions related to the treatment of substance abuse disorders is essential.
A descriptive epidemiological study on the treatment options for head and neck cancer: Transition before and after approval of cetuximab
Authors: Yamada Shuhei , Sato Izumi , Kawakami Koji
Published: November 2018

Purpose

Chemoradiotherapy is among the effective treatment modalities for head and neck cancer (HNC). We aimed to elucidate the factors affecting drug selection by describing the actual situation of chemoradiotherapy for HNC in Japan and the transition in treatment selection before and after the approval of cetuximab.

Method

We used a claims database involving multiple hospitals nationwide. The study included patients diagnosed with HNC between April 2008 and August 2015 who underwent chemoradiotherapy. The anticancer drugs used were categorized into four groups, namely, cetuximab, cisplatin, other platinum agents, and other agents. After assessing patient background and transition in concomitant drugs, we performed multinomial logistic regression analysis to determine factors that affect patient drug selection.

Results

This study analyzed 2777 patients whose median age was 66 years. A cisplatin‐based regimen remained the most commonly used concomitant drug even after cetuximab approval. In multinomial logistic regression analysis, the odds ratio and 95% confidence interval (CI) in terms of age (66 y or older vs less than 65 y) relative to the cisplatin group were 3.01 (95% CI, 2.26‐4.02) for the cetuximab group; 1.76 (95% CI, 1.22‐2.48) for the other platinum agent group; and 3.09 (95% CI, 2.39‐3.99) for the other agent group.

Conclusion

This study showed the current practices in concomitant medication used in chemoradiotherapy for HNC patients in Japan, the transition in anticancer drugs used before and after cetuximab approval, and the factors affecting the selection of concomitant drugs.
Application of the Basalt Powder as a Filler for Polypropylene Composites With Improved Thermo‐Mechanical Stability and Reduced Flammability
Authors: Barczewski Mateusz , Sałasińska Kamila , Kloziński Arkadiusz , Skórczewska Katarzyna , Szulc Joanna , Piasecki Adam
Published: November 2018

The influence of the basalt powder (BP) on mechanical properties as well as on thermal stability and flammability of the isotactic polypropylene (iPP) composites was investigated. Thermo‐mechanical stability of the pure polypropylene and composite materials containing from 5 up to 40 wt% BP was defined in static and dynamic testing conditions with the use of the heat distortion temperature measurement, vicat softening point temperature test, and dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. All measurements showed, unequivocally, a significant improvement of thermo‐mechanical stability of the composite materials which was directly related to an increasing amount of inorganic filler. A research conducted on the mechanical properties revealed that stiffness and hardness of polypropylene‐based composites was affected by the addition of the filler, leading to a strong increase of both mechanical parameters. Moreover, the application of thermogravimetric analysis and cone calorimetry measurements allowed to determine the composites with highest thermal stability, which was dependent on the concentration of the filler. Changes observed in the polypropylene‐based composites properties were related to an increase of thermal diffusivity caused by presence of the BP measured by modified Angstrom method. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:E71–E79, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Greatly improved toughness of isotactic polypropylene blends with traces of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Chen Yanhui , Fan Qian , Yang Song , Zhang Qiuyu , Li Zhongming
Published: November 2018

In this work, the β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene (iPP)/ ethylene‐octene copolymer (POE) blends demonstrated greatly enhanced impact toughness by adding traces of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) (only 0.05 wt%). When the POE content was 30 wt%, the impact strength of β‐nucleated iPP/POE blends with CNTs was as high as 51.7 kJ/m2, about 5.6 kJ/m2 higher than β‐nucleated iPP/POE blends, 15.2 kJ/m2 higher than CNTs‐filled iPP/POE blends, and almost 19 times of pure iPP sample. This significantly improved impact toughness was considered to be attributed to the shear yielding and multiple‐crazing, originating from the presence of abundant β‐crystals in the iPP matrix, the enhanced mobility of the molecular chains in the confined amorphous region of iPP lamellae and the homogenous distribution of POE dispersed phase with a small size, indicating the synergistic effect of CNTs, β‐nucleating agent and POE on the toughness of iPP. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:757–764, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Acoustically and thermally insulating epoxy foams prepared by non‐traditional expandable microspheres
Authors: Xue Bai , Zhang Junhua , Bao Yue
Published: November 2018

Herein, the acoustically and thermally insulating epoxy foams were prepared using non‐traditional expandable microspheres. The effect of foaming temperature and microsphere content on the morphology, the mechanical strength, the thermal insulation and acoustical properties of the epoxy foams was investigated in detail. It can be found that the closed pores can be partially opened by adjusting the preparation parameters, which is also accompanied by obvious changes in acoustic and thermal insulation properties. By giving high‐content expandable microspheres above 2 wt%, the epoxy foams exhibit highly thermal insulation, and meanwhile achieving an acceptable mechanical property. The results convince us that such light‐weight epoxy foams will outshine as the promising structural, soundproof and heat‐insulated material in many multifunctional systems, such as buildings, vehicles and aircrafts. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:799–806, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
The Effect of ζ‐Potential and Hydrodynamic Size on Nanoparticle Interactions in Hydrogels
Authors: Kim Si Hyun , Lee Byoungsang , Heo Jun Hyuk , Lee Kyung Eun , Shankar Prabakaran , Han Kwon‐Hoon , Lee Jung Heon
Published: November 2018

The ζ‐potential and hydrodynamic size (dh) of nanoparticles (NPs) are systematically controlled by capping gold NPs (AuNPs) with polymers having different charges and treating them in NaCl solutions of diverse concentrations. Interactions between AuNPs in hydrogel are caused by chemical reactions induced by 1,4‐dithiothreitol. The effect of ζ‐potential is clear, as negatively charged AuNPs can be aggregated in neutral agarose gel, but the amount of aggregation is significantly affected by the magnitude of the negative surface charge on the AuNPs. However, all positively charged AuNPs show negligible aggregation in agarose gel with slightly negative polarity. The effect of dh on AuNP aggregation is different from that of ζ‐potential. Although AuNPs with small dh generally show more aggregation than those with large dh, the amount of AuNP capping layer is critical. Thus, the amount of polymer present on NP surface needs to be considered to investigate the effect of dh on AuNP aggregation. Through extended Derjaguin, Landau, Verwey, Overbeek (XDLVO) theory, it is shown that the charges of the AuNPs and the hydrogel, as well as the dh of the NPs, are related to electrostatic repulsion and steric hindrance, which affect AuNP aggregation in hydrogel.
Experimental evaluation of the influence of nonmetallic contact materials and their surface roughness on the mechanical sensitivity of a safety matchhead composition
Authors: Sivapirakasam S. P. , HariSivaSri Phanindra K. , Surianarayanan M.
Published: November 2018

Matchworks industries are especially prone to have fires and explosions. Reported information shows that impact and frictional loads, due to the interaction between the processing equipment and building materials (concrete and wood), lead to accidental ignitions. This study is aimed at investigating the influence of building materials and their surface roughness on the mechanical sensitivity of a safety matchhead composition. The results revealed that the type of contact material and its surface roughness has a great influence on the impact and friction sensitivity, ranging from 5.88 to 30.8 J and 36 to 360 N, respectively. This experimental investigation identified the critical surface roughness at which the matchhead composition was initiated at a minimum impact and frictional load. The matchhead composition was found to be highly sensitive to critical surface roughness values of 19.6–22.5 and 7.1–8.2 μm for concrete and wooden materials, respectively. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Process Saf Prog 38: e12023, 2019
Thermal Treatments and Photoluminescence Properties of ZnO and ZnO:Yb Films Grown by Magnetron Sputtering
Authors: Guillaume Clément , Labbé Christophe , Frilay Cédric , Doualan Jean‐Louis , Lemarié Franck , Khomenkova Larysa , Borkovska Lyudmyla , Portier Xavier
Published: November 2018

This work is on ZnO and ZnO:Yb (0.3 at%) films prepared on (100) Si substrates by magnetron sputtering and deals with their structural and photoluminescence evolutions upon annealing at different temperatures from 873 to 1173 K during 1 h under N2 atmosphere. The microstructural characterizations reveal that, for both sample series, annealing treatment improves the crystallinity of ZnO of the upper part of the films. However, (002) textured ZnO columnar growth is only observed for ZnO films. For annealing temperatures higher than 973 K, rare earth and Si diffusions toward the film/substrate interface are observed resulting in the appearance of a zinc silicate phase for ZnO films and a composite material made of nanoscale ZnO grains surrounded by an amorphous phase for ZnO:Yb films. In addition, photoluminescence measurements show that Yb doping in ZnO results in a lower integrated photoluminescence intensity compared to that of ZnO films and the photoluminescence response in the visible spectral range is also modified most probably due to the presence of dopant. Furthermore, the PL intensity at 980 nm originating from electronic transitions between 2F5/2 and 2F7/2 levels of Yb3+ ion increased with temperature. At last, the evolutions of the PL emissions with temperature from the ZnO defects are discussed.
Back Migration Based Long Lifetime Approach for Organic Light‐Emitting Diode
Authors: Jou Jwo‐Huei , Tai Tzu‐Chieh , Su Yu‐Ting , Yu Hui‐Huan , Chiang Chi‐Heng , Chavhan Sudam D. , Lin You‐Ting , Shyue Jing‐Jong , Liang Tzu‐Wei
Published: November 2018

Lifetime is one critical reliability issue in electronics, especially in organic devices including organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs), solar cells, thin film batteries, thin film transistors, and memories, etc. Many causes that contribute to device failures have been found out. So far, several methods for improvement in the device lifetime have been proposed, albeit effective approaches are still under developing and the ideal will be the one that enables cost‐effective fabrication with ease of processing. Here an easy‐to‐apply method based on the back migration to improve the lifetime of OLED as well as LED devices are presented. That is done by simply applying a reverse bias voltage with an appropriate magnitude. For example, lifetime of a studied white OLED device at 9500 cd m−2 can be increased from 288 to 685 h, an increment of 137%, as a reverse bias of 10 V is applied to the pristine device for 2 h. It can be further increased to 857 h, an increment of 197%, as the reverse bias is kept for 4 h. The lifetime can still be improved for non‐pristine devices.
Morphology Effect on SERS Activity of Embedded Silver Nanostructures
Authors: Juluri Raghavendra Rao , Ravulapalli Sathyavathi , Vadavlli Saikiran , Parlapalli Satyam Venkata
Published: November 2018

Embedded silver nanostructures with different shapes and sizes are grown in Si substrates by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method. Systematic study of their surface‐enhanced Raman properties is performed. Influence of shape, size, and coverage of the nanoparticles on the average enhancement factors is calculated with the help of standard analyte molecules viz. crystal violet and Rhodamine 6G to optimize the substrates for future sensing applications.
Oxidation of Epitaxial Silicene on Ag(111)
Authors: Solonenko Dmytro , Selyshchev Oleksandr , Zahn Dietrich R. T. , Vogt Patrick
Published: November 2018

The high chemical reactivity of epitaxial silicene on Ag(111) still remains a debated subject in the literature. In particular results on the oxidation of epitaxial silicene and its related lifetime under ambient conditions are controversially discussed. Here, a detailed investigation of the oxygen exposure to epitaxial silicene layers investigated by means of X‐ray photoemission and in situ Raman spectroscopy is reported. The results should clearly cease the discussion on the stability of epitaxial silicene against oxygen as it becomes completely oxidized after an exposure to only 100 L of oxygen. Such a small dose sets strict limits for ex situ studies of epitaxial silicene. Besides the formation of silicon oxide also the silver substrate surface oxidizes, suggesting that the silicene layer can hardly protect it, probably owing to the high number of domain boundaries within the silicene layer.
High‐Temperature CsxC58 Fullerides
Authors: Ulas Seyithan , Weippert Jürgen , Malik Sharali , Strelnikov Dmitry , Kern Bastian , Amati Matteo , Gregoratti Luca , Kiskinova Maya , Böttcher Artur
Published: November 2018

Cs doped non‐IPR fullerides (IPR: isolated pentagon rule) have been grown by co‐depositing C58 cations and Cs atoms on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG). The C58 cages, as building blocks of the material, form a predominantly covalently stabilized scaffold, C58–C58, which is doped by Cs atoms thermally diffusing across the bulk. The heating of the solid CsxC58 sample is accompanied by sublimation of Cs, C58, and C60 species from the topmost layers of the sample. However, the major part (>94%) of the material survives the heating procedure and constitutes a doped high‐temperature carbon solid, HT‐CsxC58. The new non‐IPR material exhibits surprisingly high thermal stability. It survives a heating flash up to 1100 K at which the classic IPR‐CsxC60 phase does not exist anymore. However, the thermally treated HT‐CsxC58 phase exhibits a considerably depleted Cs content (x < 2) and a significantly modified carbon scaffold. The apparent stability of the scaffold results from covalent C–C bonds interlinking adjacent carbon cages. Cs atoms in the HT‐CsxC58 phase contribute to this stability only as minority species, forming comparably weak ionic bonds with C58–C58 oligomers. However, this interaction facilitates the formation of structural defects (new non‐IPR sites) in carbon cages. The surface topography of the HT‐CsxC58 as monitored by scanning photoemission microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy is governed by islands standing out by their elevated Cs/C ratio.
Discriminating normal regions within cancerous hen ovarian tissue using multivariate hyperspectral image analysis
Authors: Akbari Lakeh Mahsa , Tu Anqi , Muddiman David C. , Abdollahi Hamid
Published: November 2018

Rationale

Identification of subregions under different pathological conditions on cancerous tissue is of great significance for understanding cancer progression and metastasis. Infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (IR‐MALDESI‐MS) can be potentially used for diagnostic purposes since it can monitor spatial distribution and abundance of metabolites and lipids in biological tissues. However, the large size and high dimensionality of hyperspectral data make analysis and interpretation challenging. To overcome these barriers, multivariate methods were applied to IR‐MALDESI data for the first time, aiming at efficiently resolving mass spectral images, from which these results were then used to identify normal regions within cancerous tissue.

Methods

Molecular profiles of healthy and cancerous hen ovary tissues were generated by IR‐MALDESI‐MS. Principal component analysis (PCA) combined with color‐coding built a single tissue image which summarizes the high‐dimensional data features. Pixels with similar color indicated similar composition. PCA results from healthy tissue were further used to test each pixel in cancerous tissue to determine if it is healthy. Multivariate curve resolution‐alternating least squares (MCR‐ALS) was used to obtain major spatial features existing in ovary tissues, and group molecules with the same distribution patterns simultaneously.

Results

PCA as the predominating dimensionality reduction approach captured over 90% spectral variances by the first three PCs. The PCA images show the cancerous tissue is more chemically heterogeneous than healthy tissue, where at least four regions with different m/z profiles can be differentiated. PCA modeling assigns top regions of cancerous tissue as healthy‐like. MCR‐ALS extracted three and four major compounds from healthy and cancerous tissue, respectively. Evaluating similarities of resolved spectra uncovered the chemical components that were distinct in some regions on cancerous tissue, serving as a supplementary way to differentiate healthy and cancerous regions.

Conclusions

Two unsupervised chemometric methods including PCA and MCR‐ALS were applied for resolving and visualizing IR‐MALDESI‐MS data acquired from hen ovary tissues, improving the interpretation of mass spectrometry imaging results. Then possible normal regions were differentiated from cancerous tissue sections. No prior knowledge is required using either chemometric method, so our approach is readily suitable for unstained tissue samples, which allows one to reveal the molecular events happening during disease progression.
Home language, school language and children's literacy attainments: A systematic review of evidence from low‐ and middle‐income countries
Authors: Nag Sonali , Vagh Shaher Banu , Dulay Katrina May , Snowling Margaret J.
Published: November 2018

The general consensus in the field is that when the home language is different from the language of instruction in school then children's literacy attainments could slow down. In this 26‐year review of the literature on children's literacy attainments in low‐ to middle‐income countries, 40 correlational, ethnographic and intervention studies provide the data. We test the ‘home language advantage’ hypothesis where we expect children who speak the same language at home and school to show better literacy learning. We also examine other attributes in the home language and literacy environment (HLLE). Among the multivariate studies, trends differ across countries, age and grade levels, and child measures. Rather than a universal home language advantage, the evidence shows that home language advantage is context‐sensitive. The correlational and ethnographic evidence point to a multiple risk factors model of home and school language disconnection; and the ethnographic and intervention studies provide complementary evidence of both feelings of unease, disempowerment and wish to help among family members, and increased confidence following guided support. Possible underlying mechanisms are examined through parallel synthesis of evidence from multiple research methods on three HLLE dimensions—books‐at‐home, home tutoring and adult literacy practices. The data partially corroborate findings from high‐income countries (e.g. home environments impact literacy development, responsive parenting is present across families) but also bring focus on context‐specific realities. Neither low‐income nor low‐print environments are uniform constraints because communities differ and some homes use available resources more efficiently than others.
Estimating the receiver operating characteristic curve in matched case control studies
Authors: Xu Hui , Qian Jing , Paynter Nina P. , Zhang Xuehong , Whitcomb Brian W. , Tworoger Shelley S. , Rexrode Kathryn M. , Hankinson Susan E. , Balasubramanian Raji
Published: November 2018

The matched case‐control design is frequently used in the study of complex disorders and can result in significant gains in efficiency, especially in the context of measuring biomarkers; however, risk prediction in this setting is not straightforward. We propose an inverse‐probability weighting approach to estimate the predictive ability associated with a set of covariates. In particular, we propose an algorithm for estimating the summary index, area under the curve corresponding to the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve associated with a set of pre‐defined covariates for predicting a binary outcome. By combining data from the parent cohort with that generated in a matched case control study, we describe methods for estimation of the population parameters of interest and the corresponding area under the curve. We evaluate the bias associated with the proposed methods in simulations by considering a range of parameter settings. We illustrate the methods in two data applications: (1) a prospective cohort study of cardiovascular disease in women, the Women's Health Study, and (2) a matched case‐control study nested within the Nurses' Health Study aimed at risk prediction of invasive breast cancer.
Cross‐sectional survey of workplace stressors associated with physician burnout measured by the Mini‐Z and the Maslach Burnout Inventory
Authors: Olson Kristine , Sinsky Christine , Rinne Seppo T. , Long Theodore , Vender Ronald , Mukherjee Sandip , Bennick Michael , Linzer Mark
Published: November 2018

Rising physician burnout has adverse effects on healthcare. This study aimed to identify remediable stressors associated with burnout using the 10‐item Mini‐Z and the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI), and to compare performance of the Mini‐Z's single‐item burnout metric against the 22‐item MBI. Surveys were emailed to 4,118 clinicians affiliated with an academic health system; 1,252 clicked the link, and 557 responded (completion rate 44%). Four hundred seventy‐five practicing physicians were included: academic faculty (372), hospital employed (52), and private practitioners (81). Prevalence of burnout via the MBI was 56.6%. Predictors of burnout were poor control over workload [OR = 8.24, 95% CI 4.(81, 14.11)], inefficient teamwork [OR = 7.61, 95% (CI 3.28, 17.67)], insufficient documentation time [OR = 5.83, 95% (CI 3.35, 10.15)], hectic‐chaotic work atmosphere [OR = 3.49, 95% (CI 2.12, 5.74)], lack of value‐alignment with leadership [OR = 3.27, 95% (CI 2.12, 5.74)], and excessive electronic medical record time at home [OR = 1.99, 95% CI (1.21, 3.27)]. Academic faculty experienced more burnout than private practitioners (59.9% vs. 42.0%, p = 0.013). Odds of burnout associated with stressors were generally concordant via Mini‐Z's burnout metric versus the MBI. The Mini‐Z is a brief, valid method to identify stressors associated with burnout and guide interventions.