bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Valores de consumo para a sustentabilidade: um estudo com os acadêmicos do curso de ciências contábeis da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria
Authors: Motke Francies Diego , Rosa Luciana Aparecida Barbieri da , Lengler Letícia , Mainardi Jeanne , Trevisan Marcelo
Published: August 2016

Lately it is demanded to re-evaluate the consumer behavior and their ways of consumption, since each day it is realized a higher need of awareness about what is being consumed as an attempt to reach and to build a more balanced world – with less waste and environmental impact. In this sense, this study goal is to analyze the sustainable consumption behavior of the students from Accounting of UFSM. Therefore, the survey method was used, with a sample by accessibility characterized as non-probabilistic throughout applying a questionnaire that obtained a return of 442 respondents. The data collect instrument was adapted from the study carried by Biswas and Roy (2015) and it approaches the consumption values theory, composed by functional value, social value, conditional value, environmental value and knowledge value. The results from the UFSM students corroborate with Biswas and Roy (2015) findings: the conditional value followed by the environmental values are the key factors that influence the sustainable consumption behavior, and this indicates that changes in the students economic situation may affect the acquisition for green products and the students are aware of how the environment is affected by their consumption habits.
A Selective Cell Population from Dermis Strengthens Bone Regeneration
Authors: Wang Tingliang , He Jinguang , Zhang Yang , Shi Wenjun , Dong Jiasheng , Pei Ming , Zhu Lian
Published: August 2016

Finding appropriate seed cells for bone tissue engineering remains a significant challenge. Considering that skin is the largest organ, we hypothesized that human bone morphogenetic protein receptor type IB (BmprIB)+ dermal cells could have enhanced osteogenic capacity in the healing of critical-sized calvarial defects in an immunodeficient mouse model. In this study, immunohistochemical staining revealed that BmprIB was expressed throughout reticular dermal cells; the positive expression rate of BmprIB was 3.5% ± 0.4% in freshly separated dermal cells, by flow cytometry. Furthermore, in vitro osteogenic capacity of BmprIB+ cells was confirmed by osteogenic-related staining and marker gene expression compared with unsorted dermal cells. In vivo osteogenic capacity was demonstrated by implantation of human BmprIB+ cell/coral constructs in the treatment of 4-mm diameter calvarial defects in an immunodeficient mouse model compared with implantation of unsorted cell/coral constructs and coral scaffold alone. These results indicate that the selective cell population BmprIB from human dermis is a promising osteogenic progenitor cell that can be a large-quantity and high-quality cell source for bone tissue engineering and regeneration.
Enhanced Immunosuppression of T Cells by Sustained Presentation of Bioactive Interferon-γ Within Three-Dimensional Mesenchymal Stem Cell Constructs
Authors: Zimmermann Joshua A. , Hettiaratchi Marian H. , McDevitt Todd C.
Published: August 2016

The immunomodulatory activity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) to suppress innate and adaptive immune responses offers a potent cell therapy for modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration. However, the inflammatory cytokine milieu plays a critical role in stimulating MSC immunomodulatory activity. In particular, interferon-γ (IFN-γ)-induced expression of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is primarily responsible for MSC suppression of T-cell proliferation and activation. Although pretreatment with IFN-γ is commonly used to prime MSCs for immunomodulatory activity prior to transplantation, the transient effects of pretreatment may limit the potential of MSCs to potently modulate immune responses. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate whether microparticle-mediated presentation of bioactive IFN-γ within three-dimensional spheroidal MSC aggregates could precisely regulate and induce sustained immunomodulatory activity. Delivery of IFN-γ via heparin-microparticles within MSC aggregates induced sustained IDO expression during 1 week of culture, whereas IDO expression by IFN-γ-pretreated MSC spheroids rapidly decreased during 2 days. Furthermore, sustained IDO expression induced by IFN-γ-loaded microparticles resulted in an increased and sustained suppression of T-cell activation and proliferation in MSC cocultures with CD3/CD28-activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The increased suppression of T cells by MSC spheroids containing IFN-γ-loaded microparticles was dependent on induction of IDO and supported by affecting monocyte secretion from pro- to anti-inflammatory cytokines. Altogether, microparticle delivery of IFN-γ within MSC spheroids provides a potent means of enhancing and sustaining immunomodulatory activity to control MSC immunomodulation after transplantation and thereby improve the efficacy of MSC-based therapies aimed at treating inflammatory and immune diseases.
Perceptions of Multiple Sclerosis in Hispanic Americans
Authors: Obiwuru Ozioma , Joseph Sarah , Liu Lihua , Palomeque Ana , Tarlow Leslie , Langer-Gould Annette M. , Amezcua Lilyana
Published: August 2016

Background:

Illness perceptions have been reported to be important determinants of multiple sclerosis (MS)–related well-being. Hispanic culture is defined by strong cultural beliefs in which illness is often perceived to arise from strong emotions. Understanding the perceptions of MS in Hispanic Americans may provide a better understanding of cultural barriers that may exist. The purpose of this study was to describe Hispanic American perceptions of MS.

Methods:

We gathered information from semistructured interviews, focus groups, and participant responses from the University of Southern California Hispanic MS Registry. This information was then stratified into a matrix of environmental, biological, and sociocultural determinants. Differences were examined by place of birth, treatment preference, and ambulatory difficulty. Logistic regression was used to investigate the relationship between sociocultural perceptions, place of birth, and ambulation.

Results:

Most participants were female (n = 64, 61%), US born (n = 64, 61%), and receiving treatment for MS. Participants cited environmental and sociocultural perceptions, with significant differences noted by place of birth. Sociocultural factors such as strong emotions were almost four times more commonly perceived in immigrants compared with US-born participants (adjusted odds ratio, 3.66; 95% confidence interval, 1.12–11.90; P = .03). Male, low-education, and low-income participants were also more likely to perceive MS to be a result of strong emotions, but these differences were not statistically significant.

Conclusions:

Hispanic American perceptions of MS differ by place of birth, with reports of cultural idioms more common among immigrants, which could affect disease management. These findings may be useful in designing educational interventions to improve MS-related well-being in Hispanic populations.
An optimized approach to germ-free rearing in the jewel waspNasonia
Authors: Shropshire J. Dylan , van Opstal Edward J. , Bordenstein Seth R.
Published: August 2016

Development of aNasonia in vitrogerm-free rearing system in 2012 enabled investigation ofNasonia-microbiota interactions and real-time visualization of parasitoid metamorphosis. However, the use of antibiotics, bleach, and fetal bovine serum introduced artifacts relative to conventional rearing ofNasonia. Here, we optimize the germ-free rearing procedure by using filter sterilizationin lieuof antibiotics and by removing residual bleach and fetal bovine serum. Comparison of these methods reveals no influence on larval survival or growth, and a 52% improvement in adult production. Additionally, adult males produced in the new germ-free system are similar in size to conventionally reared males. Experimental implications of these changes are discussed.
Diagnostic Value of Contrast‐Enhanced Sonography for Differentiation of Breast Lesions
Authors: Ma Xuelei , Liu Rongjun , Zhu Chenjing , Zhang Jing , Ling Wenwu
Published: August 2016

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to systematically review and evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of contrast‐enhanced sonography in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions.

Methods

The scientific literature databases PubMed and Embase were comprehensively searched for relevant studies before January 2015. Data were pooled to yield the summary sensitivity, specificity, and diagnostic odds ratio using meta‐analysis software.

Results

A total of 29 studies with 2296 lesions were included in the analysis. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.88 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.86–0.90; inconsistency index [I2] = 77.9%) and 0.80 (95% CI, 0.78–0.83; I2 = 84.0%), respectively. The pooled diagnostic odds ratio was 30.35 (95% CI, 15.75–58.48; I2= 82.1%), and the area under the summary receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.9115 (SE, 0.0243).

Conclusions

The comprehensive results suggest that contrast‐enhanced sonography could be a potentially effective method for differential diagnosis of benign and malignant breast lesions.
Role of Strain Elastography in the Evaluation of Testicular Torsion
Authors: Herek Duygu , Herek Ozkan , Akbulut Metin , Ufuk Furkan
Published: August 2016

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of real‐time strain elastography in experimentally induced testicular torsion at different degrees and torsion hours.

Methods

Thirty‐one Wistar albino rats were divided into 4 torsion groups by twisting left testes (group I, sham operated; group II, 360°; group III, 720°; and group IV, 1080°). Elastography was applied at the 8th and 24th hours of torsion. Elasticity patterns (pattern 1, soft testis; pattern 2, moderately soft testis; pattern 3, predominantly hard testis; and pattern 4, almost entirely hard testis) and strain ratios were recorded. Histopathologic evaluation was done at the 24th hour. Interobserver agreement was analyzed.

Results

Changes in elastographic patterns and strain ratios among groups II, III, and IV were statistically significant at both hours as determined by both radiologists (P < .01). Elastographic patterns changed from 2 to 3 in groups II and III to 4 in group III between the 8th and 24th hours (P < .05), but in group IV, patterns were reversed, and pattern 1 was observed at both hours. Pathologically severe necrosis (grade 4) was seen in left testes in group IV. In the other groups, pathologic grading in the left testes was as follows: mostly grade 1 in groups I and II and mostly grade 2 in group III. Elastography showed that right testes were affected in group IV, with significant differences in elastographic patterns and strain ratios (P < .01). Interobserver agreement for elastographic patterns in right testes was substantial at the 8th hour (κ = 0.72) and otherwise excellent (κ = 0.81–0.85). Concordance of strain ratios between observers was excellent for right and left testes at the 8th and 24th hours (intraclass correlation coefficients, 0.990 at the 8th hour and 0.987 at the 24th hour).

Conclusions

Our results show that real‐time strain elastography can be a complementary method in the evaluation of testicular tissue in testicular torsion and can guide surgeons in their surgical approach.
Examination of the Relationship Between Postoperative Quality of Life and Gastric Emptying Function After Pylorus-Preserving Gastrectomy and Distal Gastrectomy
Authors: Kaneshima Kendai , Seshimo Akiyoshi , Miyake Kunitomo , Kameoka Shingo , Shimizu Satoru
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study was to compare postoperative quality of life (QOL) of patients with early cancer of the body of the stomach who were treated with pylorus-preserving gastrectomy (PPG) and those treated with distal gastrectomy (DGR), and to evaluate the relationship between postoperative QOL and gastric emptying function (GEF). Patients with early cancer of the body of the stomach are often treated with PPG to preserve gastric function, and their QOL appears to be better after PPG than after DGR. Differences in postoperative GEF are thought to be a factor, but the relationship between GEF and postoperative QOL has not been well investigated. A total of 60 patients [23 PPG and 37 DGR (Billroth I)] completed QOL surveys [SF-36, Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale (GSRS)] and underwent 13C-breath tests to evaluate GEF in two groups (≤12 months postoperatively and >12 months postoperatively). The time until the percentage of breath 13CO2 reaches a peak during the 13C-breath test (Tmax), which is an index of gastric emptying velocity, was evaluated. For the SF-36, there were no significant differences between the two procedures. For GSRS, a trend toward better scores was seen after PPG; abdominal pain and total scores at >12 months postoperatively were significantly better with PPG. Tmax was significantly longer for PPG patients. For each procedure, symptoms significantly worsened when Tmax was <21 minutes at >12 months after surgery. Although postoperative GEF evaluated by 13C-breath tests did not affect overall QOL measured by the SF-36, it did affect disease-specific QOL measured by GSRS.
The Effect of Curcumin on an Animal Intestinal Ischemia/Reperfusion Model for Bacterial Translocation and Inflammatory Response
Authors: Sözen Selim , Aziret Mehmet , Bali İlhan , Emir Seyfi , Ülgen Yiğit , Binnetoğlu Kenan , Polat Yılmaz , Çetinkünar Süleyman
Published: August 2016

Ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury of the intestine is a major problem in abdominal pathological condition and is associated with a high morbidity and mortality. The purpose of the study is to investigate the effects of curcumin on the bacterial translocation incidence and inflammatory response in rats submitted to bowel ischemia reperfusion injury. Thirty-two Wistar albino rats with a weight of 200 to 250 g were used in the study. They were randomly divided into 3 groups (n = 10 for each group): sham only operated group(group I); IR group (group II); and IR + curcumin treatment group (group III). Curcumin (curcumin from Curcuma longa) 20 mg/kg/day was given orally to the curcumin group. All animals were given 109 E. Coli by orogastric intubation 12 hours before sampling. Seventy-two hours after the first operation, mesenteric lymph node and blood samples were obtained and cultured. Blood samples of 2 mL were obtained for a polymerase chain reaction study. A piece of terminal ileum was also sampled for histopathologic examination. Mesenteric lymph node and blood cultures of all control animals were positive for microbiological growth, and polymerase chain reaction results were positive in seven of the eight rats. Histopathologically, edema, vasodilatation and inflammatory cell infiltration were found to be less in the other groups in comparison to the control group. Curcumin reduced bacterial translocation in blood, hepatocellular damage, and plasma cytokine levels. Curcumin reduced the incidence of bacterial translocation in intestinal I/R. rats. These results suggest that Curcumin would be clinically useful in the treatment of intestinal I/R injury.
A Randomized Clinical Trial of Early Enteral Nutrition to Prevent Infectious Complications in Patients With Extensive Liver Resection
Authors: Kawaguchi Daisuke , Hiroshima Yukihiko , Matsuo Kenichi , Koda Keiji , Endo Itaru , Taguri Masataka , Tanaka Kuniya
Published: August 2016

After major liver resections, infections and liver insufficiency are the most common complications; these may coincide. We performed a randomized clinical trial to clarify ability of early enteral nutrition to prevent infectious complications and liver failure following major hepatectomy. We prospectively allocated consecutive patients who underwent major liver resection into either an early enteral nutrition group in which such nutrition was initiated on the first postoperative day or a nonenteral nutrition group. The primary study endpoint was rate of infectious complications. Thirty-two patients were randomly allocated to the enteral nutrition group, while 31 were assigned to the nonenteral nutrition group. No significant difference in rate of infection complications was evident between enteral (9.4%) and nonenteral group (22.6%, P = 0.184). However, complications of grade III severity or worse were significantly less frequent in the enteral (9.4%) than in the nonenteral group (32.3%, P = 0.031). Further, postoperative serum concentrations of pre-albumin and reduced-state albumin were greater in the enteral than in the nonenteral group. Early enteral nutrition did not significantly improve prevention of infectious complications, but some effectiveness in preventing severe complications and improving nutritional status was demonstrated.
Enhanced carbon export to the abyssal depths driven by atmosphere dynamics
Authors: Pedrosa‐Pàmies R. , Sanchez‐Vidal A. , Canals M. , Lampadariou N. , Velaoras D. , Gogou A. , Parinos C. , Calafat A.
Published: August 2016

Long‐term biogeochemical observations are critical to understand the natural ability of the oceans to fix CO2 into organic carbon and export it to the deep as sinking particles. Here we present results from a 3 year (2010–2013) sediment trap deployment that allowed detecting interannual variations of carbon fluxes beyond 4000 m depth in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Anomalous atmospheric conditions triggering strong heat losses in winter–spring 2012 resulted in convective mixing, nutrient uplifting, and a diatom‐dominated bloom southeast of Crete. Phytoplankton growth, reinforced by the arrival of nutrients from airborne Etna volcano ash, was the highest in the last decade (satellite‐derived Chl a concentrations up to 1.9 mg m−3). This situation caused carbon export to increase by 2 orders of magnitude (12.2 mg m−2 d−1) with respect to typical values, which demonstrates how pulses of sinking fresh phytodetritus linked to rare atmospheric processes can episodically impact one of the most oligotrophic environments in the world ocean.
Single‐crystal elasticity of natural Fe‐bearing orthoenstatite across a high‐pressure phase transition
Authors: Zhang Jin S. , Bass Jay D.
Published: August 2016

Sound velocities and elastic moduli have been measured on Fe‐bearing orthoenstatite (OEN) single crystals up to 12 GPa by Brillouin spectroscopy. The ambient adiabatic bulk modulus (Ks0) and shear modulus (G0) are determined to be 113(1) GPa and 75.9(7) GPa, respectively. A fourth‐order finite strain fit to the data yields pressure derivatives of Ks0′ = 8.8(1), Ks0″ = −0.68(6), G0′ = 2.9(1), and G0″ = −0.40(2). These values are significantly higher than those for other major mantle minerals up to 10.5 GPa but lower than some previous measurements on OEN. A pronounced increase of shear anisotropy was observed at a pressure of 12.06(9) GPa, coinciding with a phase transition from orthoenstatite to a recently discovered high‐pressure phase with space group P21/c. A high‐pressure phase transition in OEN is unlikely to be the cause of the X discontinuity in the 250–325 km depth range. Rather, a change in seismic anisotropy would be expected to accompany the orthoenstatite‐to‐P21/c phase transition in the upper mantle at greater depths.
Dune‐like dynamic of Martian Aeolian large ripples
Authors: Silvestro S. , Vaz D. A. , Yizhaq H. , Esposito F.
Published: August 2016

Martian dunes are sculpted by meter‐scale bed forms, which have been interpreted as wind ripples based on orbital data. Because aeolian ripples tend to orient and migrate transversely to the last sand‐moving wind, they have been widely used as wind vanes on Earth and Mars. In this report we show that Martian large ripples are dynamically different from Earth's ripples. By remotely monitoring their evolution within the Mars Science Laboratory landing site, we show that these bed forms evolve longitudinally with minimal lateral migration in a time‐span of ~ six terrestrial years. Our observations suggest that the large Martian ripples can record more than one wind direction and that in certain cases they are more similar to linear dunes from a dynamic point of view. Consequently, the assumption of the transverse nature of the large Martian ripples must be used with caution when using these features to derive wind directions.
Plasma perturbations HF‐induced in the topside ionosphere
Authors: Zhang Xuemin , Frolov Vladimir , Zhou Chen , Zhao Shufan , Ruzhin Yury , Shen Xuhui , Zhima Zeren , Liu Jing
Published: August 2016

Three plasma perturbations induced by SURA HF (high‐frequency) heating have been selected and analyzed in detail with the DEMETER satellite observing data by instruments of Langmuir probe and ion analyzer. Some common features are revealed, such as (1) electron density and electron temperature both increased during the heating period; (2) both O+ density and ion temperature also increased generally, while H+ varied negatively with O+ density; (3) the ions were accelerated in upward and northward directions, resulting from the thermal pressure gradient, which also caused the variations in ULF (ultralow‐frequency) electric field due to
effects; and (4) the simulation results verify the electron density and temperature enhancement at the topside ionosphere due to the ohmic heating process and thermal self‐focusing instability over the heating region, which is consistent with the observing phenomena by the DEMETER satellite.
Magnetospheric state of sawtooth events
Authors: Fung Shing F. , Tepper Julia A. , Cai Xia
Published: August 2016

Magnetospheric sawtooth events, first identified in the early 1990s, are named for their characteristic appearance of multiple quasiperiodic intervals of slow decrease followed by sharp increase of proton differential energy fluxes in the geosynchronous region. The successive proton flux oscillations have been interpreted as recurrences of stretching and dipolarization of the nightside geomagnetic field. Due to their often extended intervals with 2–10 cycles, sawteeth occurrences are sometimes referred to as a magnetospheric mode. While studies of sawtooth events over the past two decades have yielded a wealth of information about such events, the magnetospheric state conditions for the occurrence of sawtooth events and how sawtooth oscillations may depend on the magnetospheric state conditions remain unclear. In this study, we investigate the characteristic magnetospheric state conditions (specified by Psw interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Btot, IMF Bz Vsw, AE, Kp and Dst, all time shifted with respect to one another) associated with the intervals before, during, and after sawteeth occurrences. Applying a previously developed statistical technique, we have determined the most probable magnetospheric states propitious for the development and occurrence of sawtooth events, respectively. The statistically determined sawtooth magnetospheric state has also been validated by using out‐of‐sample events, confirming the notion that sawtooth intervals might represent a particular global state of the magnetosphere. We propose that the “sawtooth state” of the magnetosphere may be a state of marginal stability in which a slight enhancement in the loading rate of an otherwise continuous loading process can send the magnetosphere into the marginally unstable regime, causing it to shed limited amount of energy quickly and return to the marginally stable regime with the loading process continuing. Sawtooth oscillations result as the magnetosphere switches between the marginally stable (loading) and unstable (unloading) phases.
Interannual modulation of East African early short rains by the winter Arctic Oscillation
Authors: Gong Dao‐Yi , Guo Dong , Mao Rui , Yang Jing , Gao Yongqi , Kim Seong‐Joong
Published: August 2016

In the present study, we analyzed the interannual linkage between the boreal winter Arctic Oscillation (AO) and East African early short rains. When the Indian Ocean Dipole and El Niño–Southern Oscillation variance are excluded by linear regression, the boreal winter AO index is significantly correlated with the October East African precipitation over the domain of 5°N–5°S and 35°–45°E for the period 1979–2014, r =+ 0.46. The upper ocean heat content likely acts as a medium that links the AO and East African precipitation. Significant subsurface warming and positive upper ocean heat content anomalies occur over the western Indian Ocean during the autumn following positive AO winters, which enriches the atmospheric moisture, intensifies convection, and enhances precipitation. Oceanic dynamics play a key role in causing this subsurface warming. Winter AO‐related atmospheric circulation creates anomalous wind stress, which forces a downwelling oceanic Rossby wave between 60°–75°E and 5°–10°S, where the thermocline significantly deepens. This Rossby wave propagates westward and accompanies significant subsurface warming along the thermocline. The Rossby wave arrives at the western Indian Ocean in the late summer, significantly warming the region to the west of 55°E at a depth of 60–100 m. This warming remains significant through October. Correspondingly, the upper ocean heat content significantly increases by approximately 2–3 × 108 J m−2 in the region west of 60°E between 5° and 10°S. The role of these oceanic dynamics in linking the winter AO, and anomalous subsurface warming was tested by numerical experiments with an oceanic general circulation model. The experiments were performed with the forcing of AO‐related wind stress anomalies over the Indian Ocean in the winter. The oceanic Rossby wave generated in the central Indian Ocean during boreal winter, the consequent subsurface warming, and the anomalous upper ocean heat content in October over the western Indian Ocean were all adequately reproduced. The winter AO can serve as a precursor of East African short rain anomalies.
Atomic‐Layered MoS2 as a Tunable Optical Platform
Authors: Qin Chengbing , Gao Yan , Qiao Zhixing , Xiao Liantuan , Jia Suotang
Published: August 2016

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), a direct bandgap semiconductor with atomic thickness, provides significant advantages in many applications including high‐performance electronics, light emitters, and photodetectors/sensors. Controlling the electronic and optical properties of atomic‐layered MoS2 is extremely important for its practical applications. Interestingly, modulating the optical properties by physical routes, such as layer thickness, twist angle, tensile strain, temperature, gas physisorption and electrical doping, is more attractive, as these methods can control optical properties in real‐time, reversible, and in situ. The physical routes would be beneficial for understanding the fundamentals of electronic and optical properties of atomic‐layered MoS2, and also for its promising application in advanced optical materials and next‐generation electronic devices. This review highlights recent, state‐of‐the‐art research on tuning the optical properties of atomic‐layered MoS2 (including monolayer and few‐layer MoS2). Physical routes and proposed mechanisms of these modulations are discussed. Crystal structures and electronic band properties of atomic‐layered MoS2 are also reviewed, as they play important roles in understanding the modulation mechanisms. Finally, potential optical applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices based on tunable optical features are described, and a future prospective in this exciting field is presented.
Porous Gold Nanowires: Plasmonic Response and Surface‐Enhanced Infrared Absorption
Authors: Schubert Ina , Huck Christian , Kröber Philipp , Neubrech Frank , Pucci Annemarie , Toimil‐Molares Maria Eugenia , Trautmann Christina , Vogt Jochen
Published: August 2016

Because of its extended surface area porous gold is of potential interest for surface‐enhanced spectroscopy methods. Optical properties of porous and smooth gold nanowires of similar diameter are analyzed with infrared spectroscopy and modeled with finite‐difference time‐domain simulations. By electrochemical deposition in ion‐track etched polymer smooth gold and gold–silver alloy nanowires are synthesized. Porous gold nanowires are subsequently obtained by dealloying. The porosity clearly affects important plasmonic characteristics, resulting in a strong redshift of the resonant wavelength, and significant line broadening, which can be convincingly explained by effective Drude parameters related to a lowered average electron density and a higher electron scattering in the porous gold, respectively. Finally, the sensing performance of porous wires is tested by surface‐enhanced infrared absorption. The measurements show a similar vibrational signal contrast for smooth and porous wires. This is explained by simulations which reveal that the nanowire near‐field modeled with bulk gold data is higher and thus accordingly the vibrational signal is enhanced compared to nanowires modeled with the effective Drude parameters of porous gold. This means that the advantages offered by the larger surface of porous wires are counterbalanced by lower near‐field strength.
Two‐Dimensional Metal Oxide and Metal Hydroxide Nanosheets: Synthesis, Controlled Assembly and Applications in Energy Conversion and Storage
Authors: ten Elshof Johan E. , Yuan Huiyu , Gonzalez Rodriguez Pablo
Published: August 2016

The developments and state of the art in the research on two‐dimensional nanosheets derived from layered metal oxides and layered metal hydroxides are reviewed in this paper, with emphasis on their promising applications in various new energy technologies, i.e., as supercapacitor electrodes, lithium ion battery electrodes, solar cell components, photocatalysts, and as functional elements in fuel cells and piezoelectric energy harvesters. Nanosheets are defined by their molecular thickness and large lateral dimensions, which typically differ by 2–5 orders of magnitude. They exhibit a wide range of interesting properties, e.g., flexibility, transparency, semiconductivity, photosensitivity, photocatalytic activity, redox properties, a large specific surface area and a high chemical stability. A large and growing library of metal oxide and hydroxide nanosheet compositions is available from the literature. Moreover, the easy control over nanosheet composition via modification of the layered parent compound provides many opportunities for introducing and optimizing their functional properties. This review focuses on the synthesis of oxide and hydroxide nanosheet colloids, their controlled assembly into nanocomposites, thin films, multilayers, superlattices and spheres, and the utilization of these structures in energy applications.
Catalytic Fehling's Reaction: An Efficient Aerobic Oxidation of Aldehyde Catalyzed by Copper in Water
Authors: Liu Mingxin , Li Chao‐Jun
Published: August 2016

The first example of homogeneous copper‐catalyzed aerobic oxidation of aldehydes is reported. This method utilizes atmospheric oxygen as the sole oxidant, proceeds under extremely mild aqueous conditions, and covers a wide range of various functionalized aldehydes. Chromatography is generally not necessary for product purification.
Biocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution for the Synthesis of Atropisomeric Biaryl N‐Oxide Lewis Base Catalysts
Authors: Staniland Samantha , Adams Ralph W. , McDouall Joseph J. W. , Maffucci Irene , Contini Alessandro , Grainger Damian M. , Turner Nicholas J. , Clayden Jonathan
Published: August 2016

Atropisomeric biaryl pyridine and isoquinoline N‐oxides were synthesized enantioselectively by dynamic kinetic resolution (DKR) of rapidly racemizing precursors exhibiting free bond rotation. The DKR was achieved by ketoreductase (KRED) catalyzed reduction of an aldehyde to form a configurationally stable atropisomeric alcohol, with the substantial increase in rotational barrier arising from the loss of a bonding interaction between the N‐oxide and the aldehyde. Use of different KREDs allowed either the M or P enantiomer to be synthesized in excellent enantiopurity. The enantioenriched biaryl N‐oxide compounds catalyze the asymmetric allylation of benzaldehyde derivatives with allyltrichlorosilane.
Copper(II)–Graphitic Carbon Nitride Triggered Synergy: Improved ROS Generation and Reduced Glutathione Levels for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Ju Enguo , Dong Kai , Chen Zhaowei , Liu Zhen , Liu Chaoqun , Huang Yanyan , Wang Zhenzhen , Pu Fang , Ren Jinsong , Qu Xiaogang
Published: August 2016

Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4) has been used as photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, its therapeutic efficiency was far from satisfactory. One of the major obstacles was the overexpression of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells, which could diminish the amount of generated ROS before their arrival at the target site. Herein, we report that the integration of Cu2+ and g‐C3N4 nanosheets (Cu2+–g‐C3N4) led to enhanced light‐triggered ROS generation as well as the depletion of intracellular GSH levels. Consequently, the ROS generated under light irradiation could be consumed less by reduced GSH, and efficiency was improved. Importantly, redox‐active species Cu+–g‐C3N4 could catalyze the reduction of molecular oxygen to the superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide to the hydroxyl radical, both of which facilitated the generation of ROS. This synergy of improved ROS generation and GSH depletion could enhance the efficiency of PDT for cancer therapy.
Oxidation Ability of Plasmon‐Induced Charge Separation Evaluated on the Basis of Surface Hydroxylation of Gold Nanoparticles
Authors: Nishi Hiroyasu , Tatsuma Tetsu
Published: August 2016

The oxidation ability of plasmonic photocatalysts, which has its origins in plasmon‐induced charge separation and has not yet been studied quantitatively and systematically, is important for designing practical photocatalytic systems. Oxidation ability was investigated on the basis of surface hydroxylation of Au nanoparticles on TiO2 at various irradiation wavelengths and electrolyte pH values. The reaction proceeds only when the sum of the flat band potential of TiO2 and the irradiated photon energy is close to, or more positive than, the theoretical potential for the reaction.
In situ preparation of polyaniline within neutral, anionic, and cationic superporous cryogel networks as conductive, semi‐interpenetrating polymer network cryogel composite systems
Authors: Sahiner Nurettin , Demirci Sahin
Published: August 2016

Polyaniline [p(An)], one of the most known conducting polymers, was prepared within superporus nonionic polyacrylamide [p(AAm)], anionic poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid sodium salt) [p(AMPS)], and cationic poly(3‐acrylamidopropyltrimethyl ammonium chloride) [p(APTMACl)] cryogels. After they were synthesized, washed, and dried, the neutral p(AAm), anionic p(AMPS), and cationic p(APTMACl) cryogels were soaked in an ammonium persulfate/aniline solution (1:1.25 ratio) in 1 M hydrochloric acid for the in situ oxidative polymerization of p(An) with the cryogel matrices as templates or reactors. The prepared p(AAm)/p(An), p(AMPS)/p(An), and p(APTMACl)/p(An) semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) conductive cryogel composites were characterized with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and conductivity analysis. The SEM images revealed that the superporus cryogel networks were almost completely filled with p(An) conductive polymers (CPs). Among the cryogel–CP semi‐IPNs, we found that p(AAm)/p(An) semi‐IPN conductive cryogel composites provided the highest conductivity values of 1.4 × 10−2 ± 4 × 10−4 S/cm; this was a 6.4 × 106 fold increase in the conductivity from the values of 2.2 × 10−9 ± 1 × 10−10 for p(AAm) cryogels. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44137.
The electrostatic self‐assembly of microgels on polymer brushes and its effects on interfacial friction
Authors: Zhang Ran , Ma Shuanhong , Liu Guoqiang , Cai Meirong , Ye Qian , Yu Bo , Zhou Feng
Published: August 2016

In this article, a series of monodisperse poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide‐co‐acrylic acid) [P(NIPAm‐AA)] microgels were prepared with different content of acrylic acid (AA) by surfactant‐free emulsion polymerization, and their electrostatic self‐assemble and tribological behavior on polymer brushes were investigated. The ζ‐potential of microgels became more negative with the increase content of AA, which means a stronger hydration capability. For cationic poly[2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyltrimethylammonium chloride] (PMETAC) brushes, negative P(NIPAm‐AA) microgels adsorbed on the surfaces of brushes as a result of the electrostatic interaction, and more AA content means stronger absorption ability. However, compared to the polymer brushes, P(NIPAm‐AA)2:1 and P(NIPAm‐AA)5:1 microgels possessed the weaker hydration capability, which led to a concomitant increase in friction of interface. In terms of P(NIPAm‐AA)10:1 microgels, due to the weak adsorption, they could be sheared off easily, leading to the PMETAC brushes swell again, and thus, a lower friction of interface was obtained. Moreover, the tribological behavior of microgels was significantly affected by the pH, especially the P(NIPAm‐AA)2:1 microgels exhibited good lubrication property in high pH solution due to high hydration of deprotonated carboxylic acid groups. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44215.
Quasi‐alternating polyesteramides from ε‐caprolactone and α‐amino acids
Authors: Ali Mohamed Abdoulkader , Salhi Slim , Abid Souhir , El Gharbi Rachid , Fradet Alain
Published: August 2016

Glycine‐ɛ‐caprolactone‐based and α‐alanine‐ɛ‐caprolactone‐based polyesteramides with a strong tendency to form alternating sequences (degree of randomness = 1.64 and 1.31) were synthesized by melt polycondensation of intermediate hydroxy‐ and ethyl ester‐terminated amides. These intermediates were synthesized by the reaction of equimolar amounts of ɛ‐caprolactone and glycine or L‐α‐alanine ethyl esters in mild conditions. The structure and microstructure of these polyesteramides are discussed on the basis of an in‐depth nuclear magnetic resonance study. Both polyesteramides are semi‐crystalline, but the glycine‐based one presents the highest melting enthalpy. This polyesteramide also exhibits higher Young's modulus and stress at break than its α‐ and β‐alanine counterparts. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44220.
Fabrication of PFO‐DBT:OXCBA nanostructured composite via hard template
Authors: Fakir Muhamad Saipul , Supangat Azzuliani , Sulaiman Khaulah
Published: August 2016

Poly[2,7‐(9,9‐dioctylfluorene)‐alt−4,7‐bis(thiophen‐2‐yl)benzo‐2,1,3‐thiadiazole] (PFO‐DBT) and o‐xylenyl‐C60‐bisadduct (OXCBA) nanostructured composite has been fabricated via the hard porous alumina template‐directed method. Spin‐coating technique at the spin rate of 1000 rpm is used to assist the infiltration of polymer solution into porous template. PFO‐DBT nanotube is fabricated by replicating the porous alumina template before the formation of PFO‐DBT:OXCBA nanostructured composite. Formation of nanostructured composite is completed once the infiltration of OXCBA solution into PFO‐DBT nanotubes is achieved. Detailed results of morphological, structural, and optical properties of PFO‐DBT nanostructures (nanorods and nanotubes) of different solution concentrations are reported. By tuning the optical properties of PFO‐DBT nanostructures, the effect of solution concentration on the optical properties can be realized. The promising PFO‐DBT nanotubes are chosen for the further fabrication of OXCBA:PFO‐DBT nanostructured composite that acts as a core and shell, respectively. Although the nanostructured composite of PFO‐DBT:OXCBA yield low light absorption intensity, the absorption spans the whole visible region and produce low optical energy gap. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44228.
Utilization of ramon seeds (Brosimum alicastrum swarts) as a new source material for thermoplastic starch production
Authors: Rolando Ríos‐Soberanis Carlos , Javier Estrada‐León Raciel , Manuel Moo‐Huchin Víctor , José Cabrera‐Sierra María , Manuel Cervantes‐Uc José , Arturo Bello‐Pérez Luis , Pérez‐Pacheco Emilio
Published: August 2016

The development and characterization of biodegradable polymers deriving from renewable natural sources has attracted much attention. The aim of this work was to partially characterize a thermoplastic starch obtained from the starch of seeds from the ramon tree (TPS‐RS) as an option to substitute thermoplastic starch from corn (TPS‐CS), in some of its applications. At 55% of relative humidity (RH), TPS‐RS had higher tensile strength and deformation than TPS‐CS. X‐ray diffraction analysis showed similar values in residual crystallinity (percentage of crystallinity that remains after plasticization process) in both TPS. The SEM micrographs showed a few remnant granular structures in the TPS‐RS. The FTIR showed a greater intensity in band at 1016 cm−1 in the TPS‐CS and TPS‐RS in comparison with their corresponding native starch, indicating an increase in the amorphous region after plasticization. The TGA analysis showed greater thermal stability in TPS‐CS (340 °C) compared with TPS‐RS (327 °C). In addition, the glass transition temperature in both TPS was 24 °C. The results obtained represent a starting point to potentialize the use of TPS‐RS instead of TPS‐CS for the development of new biodegradable materials for practical applications in different areas. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 44235.
Evaluation of the Substrate Scope of Benzoic Acid (De)carboxylases According to Chemical and Biochemical Parameters
Authors: Pesci Lorenzo , Kara Selin , Liese Andreas
Published: August 2016

The enzymatic carboxylation of phenolic compounds has been attracting increasing interest in recent years, owing to its regioselectivity and technical potential as a biocatalytic equivalent for the Kolbe–Schmitt reaction. Mechanistically the reaction was demonstrated to occur through electrophilic aromatic substitution/water elimination with bicarbonate as a cosubstrate. The effects of the substituents on the phenolic ring have not yet been elucidated in detail, but this would give detailed insight into the substrate–activity relationship and would provide predictability for the acceptance of future substrates. In this report we show how the kinetic and (apparent) thermodynamic behavior can be explained through the evaluation of linear free energy relationships based on electronic, steric, and geometric parameters and through the consideration of enzyme–ligand interactions. Moreover, the similarity between the benzoic acid decarboxylases and the amidohydrolases superfamily is investigated, and promiscuous hydrolytic activity of the decarboxylase in the context of the hydrolysis of an activated ester bond has been established.
Heterocyclic Bismuth(III) Dithiocarbamato Complexes as Single‐Source Precursors for the Synthesis of Anisotropic Bi2S3 Nanoparticles
Authors: Kun Walter N. , Mlowe Sixberth , Nyamen Linda D. , Ndifon Peter T. , Malik Mohammad A. , Munro Orde Q. , Revaprasadu Neerish
Published: August 2016

New complexes catena‐(μ2‐nitrato‐O,O′)bis(piperidinedithiocarbamato)bismuth(III) (1) and tetrakis(μ‐nitrato)tetrakis[bis(tetrahydroquinolinedithiocarbamato)bismuth(III)] (2) were synthesised and characterised by elemental analysis, FTIR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The single‐crystal X‐ray structures of 1 and 2 were determined. The coordination numbers of the BiIII ion are 8 for 1 and ≥6 for 2 when the experimental electron density for the nominal 6s2 lone pair of electrons is included. Both complexes were used as single‐source precursors for the synthesis of dodecylamine‐, hexadecylamine‐, oleylamine and tri‐n‐octylphosphine oxide‐capped Bi2S3 nanoparticles at different temperatures. UV/Vis spectra showed a blueshift in the absorbance band edge characteristic of a quantum size effect. High‐quality, crystalline, long and short Bi2S3 nanorods were obtained depending on the thermolysis temperature, which was varied from 190 to 270 °C. A general trend of increasing particle breadth with increasing reaction temperature and increasing length of the carbon chain of the amine (capping agent) was observed. Powder XRD patterns revealed the orthorhombic crystal structure of Bi2S3.
A Comprehensive Study of Copper Guanidine Quinoline Complexes: Predicting the Activity of Catalysts in ATRP with DFT
Authors: Rösener Thomas , Bienemann Olga , Sigl Kerstin , Schopp Nora , Schnitter Fabian , Flörke Ulrich , Hoffmann Alexander , Döring Artjom , Kuckling Dirk , Herres‐Pawlis Sonja
Published: August 2016

Copper complexes of the hybrid guanidine ligands 1,3‐dimethyl‐N‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)‐imidazolidin‐2‐imine (DMEGqu) and 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyl‐2‐(quinolin‐8‐yl)‐guanidine (TMGqu) have been studied comprehensively with regard to their structural and electrochemical properties and their activity in atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP). A simple analysis of the molecular structures of the complexes gives no indication about their activity in ATRP; however, with the help of DFT and NBO analysis the influence of particular coordinating donors on the electrochemical properties could be fully elucidated. With an adequate DFT methodology and newly applied theoretical isodesmic reactions it was possible to predict the relative position of the redox potentials of copper complexes containing DMEGqu and TMGqu ligands. In addition, predictions could be made as to whether the complexes of DMEGqu or TMGqu are more active in ATRP. Four new CuI complexes were tested in standard ATRP reactions and kinetically investigated both in bulk and in solution. It could be proven that complexes featuring DMEGqu possess a lower redox potential and are more active in ATRP, although the tetramethylguanidine moiety represents the stronger donor.
Risk and impact of pulmonary complications in survivors of childhood cancer: A report from the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study
Authors: Dietz Andrew C. , Chen Yan , Yasui Yutaka , Ness Kirsten K. , Hagood James S. , Chow Eric J. , Stovall Marilyn , Neglia Joseph P. , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Mertens Ann C. , Robison Leslie L. , Armstrong Gregory T. , Mulrooney Daniel A.
Published: August 2016

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary complications after cancer therapy are varied. This study describes pulmonary outcomes among childhood cancer survivors and evaluates their impact on daily activities.

METHODS

The incidence of pulmonary outcomes (asthma, chronic cough, emphysema, lung fibrosis, oxygen need, and recurrent pneumonia) reported among 5‐year cancer survivors (n = 14,316) and the incidence of death due to pulmonary causes among all eligible survivors (n = 20,690) in the Childhood Cancer Survivor Study were compared with those for sibling controls (n = 4027) with cumulative incidence, standardized mortality ratio (SMR), and piecewise exponential models. Logistic regression with random effects was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for activity limitations with pulmonary complications.

RESULTS

By the age of 45 years, the cumulative incidence of any pulmonary condition was 29.6% (95% CI, 29.1%‐30.0%) for cancer survivors and 26.5% (95% CI, 24.9%‐28.0%) for siblings. Fewer survivors reported ever smoking (23.6% vs 36.4%, P < .001), but survivors were more likely to report chronic cough (rate ratio [RR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.4‐1.9), oxygen need (RR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.5‐2.2), lung fibrosis (RR, 3.5; 95% CI, 2.3‐5.4), and recurrent pneumonia (RR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.4‐3.0). The SMR for death due to pulmonary causes was 5.9 (95% CI, 4.2‐8.1), and it was associated with platinum exposure and lung radiation (P < .01). The impact of chronic cough on daily activities for survivors (OR vs survivors without chronic cough, 2.7) was greater than that for siblings (OR, 2.0; P = .04).

CONCLUSIONS

Pulmonary complications are substantial among adult survivors of childhood cancer and can affect daily activities. Cancer 2016;122:3687‐96. © 2016 American Cancer Society.