bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Visual Consumption
Authors: Sparrman Anna
Published: March 2015

Visual consumption brings together three somewhat different research areas: the cultural history of consumption, tourism research, and research in advertising and marketing. The idea of the power of the gaze and the look is central to visual consumption, as is the development of visual technologies (camera and the Internet), images, and changes in the commodity industry – such as the development and establishment of department stores, the packaging industry, branding, and tourism. The image economy of visual consumption is made up of shopping windows, advertisements, souvenirs, postcards, websites, brands, and so forth. It also concerns managerial strategies for visualizing commodities and consumer gazes. Visual consumption focuses on the visual aestheticization and visual symbolism of consumption.
Marketplace Trust
Authors: Grayson Kent , Johnson Devon
Published: March 2015

Marketplace trust is defined as the truster's belief that the trustee will meet the expectations of an exchange agreement. It includes the expectations that, if unexpected contingencies should arise, the trustee will respond only after weighing the truster's needs equally to (or more heavily than) the trustee's own needs. Those who have studied trust have proposed that it comprises three subdimensions: honesty, benevolence, and competence. Researchers have also suggested that trust can be based on cognitive and/or affective psychological processes. Trust is necessary only to the extent that the truster believes there is some chance that the trustee will decide not to meet the agreement's expectations. In real‐world interactions, that chance always exists, although to a greater or lesser extent in different relationships. Research on trust has examined its various causes and consequences. This includes research on how the broader social context may foster or undermine trust.
Mass Marketing
Authors: Kubacki Krzysztof
Published: March 2015

Mass marketing is a strategy that assumes that consumers have similar needs and wants, and uses undifferentiated marketing mix (the same product, price, place, and promotion) to cater for the needs and wants of an undivided market. This approach is often referred to as a shotgun approach. Mass marketing is the opposite of niche marketing.
Visual Aids to Learning in a Second Language: Adding Redundant Video to an Audio Lecture
Authors: Lee Hyunjeong , Mayer Richard E.
Published: March 2015

Korean high school students (Experiment 1) and college students (Experiment 2a) received a 16‐minute lesson on Antarctica that consisted of English audio only (audio group) or English audio with corresponding video depicting the scenes and objects described in the audio (audio + video group). The audio + video group scored significantly (d = 0.33 in Experiment 1) or marginally higher (d = 0.42 in Experiment 2a) than the audio group on a subsequent comprehension test. The mean difficulty rating of the audio + video group was significantly less than that of the audio group (d = 0.62 in Experiment 1 and d = 0.96 in Experiment 2a); the mean effort rating of the audio + video group was significantly greater than that of the audio group (d = 0.60 in Experiment 1 and d = 0.79 in Experiment 2a). When the audio was in Korean, comprehension scores of college students did not benefit from added video (d = −0.03 in Experiment 2b). Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
p‐Si/SnO2/Fe2O3 Core/Shell/Shell Nanowire Photocathodes for Neutral pH Water Splitting
Authors: Kargar Alireza , Kim Sung Joo , Allameh Paniz , Choi Chulmin , Park Namseok , Jeong Huisu , Pak Yusin , Jung Gun Young , Pan Xiaoqing , Wang Deli , Jin Sungho
Published: March 2015

Silicon is one of the promising materials for solar water splitting and hydrogen production; however, it suffers from two key factors, including the large external potential required to drive water splitting reactions at its surface and its instability in the electrolyte. In this study, a successful fabrication of novel p‐Si/n‐SnO2/n‐Fe2O3 core/shell/shell nanowire (css‐NW) arrays, consisting of vertical Si NW cores coated with a thin SnO2 layer and a dense Fe2O3 nanocrystals (NCs) shell, and their application for significantly enhanced solar water reduction in a neutral medium is reported. The p‐Si/n‐SnO2/n‐Fe2O3 css‐NW structure is characterized in detail using scanning, transmission, and scanning transmission electron microscopes. The p‐Si/n‐SnO2/n‐Fe2O3 css‐NWs show considerably improved photocathodic performances, including higher photocurrent and lower photocathodic turn‐on potential, compared to the bare p‐Si NWs or p‐Si/n‐SnO2 core/shell NWs (cs‐NWs), due to increased optical absorption, enhanced charge separation, and improved gas evolution. As a result, photoactivity at 0 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode and a low onset potential in the neutral solution are achieved. Moreover, p‐Si/n‐SnO2/n‐Fe2O3 css‐NWs exhibit long‐term photoelectrochemical stability due to the Fe2O3 NCs shell well protection. These results reveal promising css‐NW photoelectrodes from cost‐effective materials by facile fabrication with simultaneously improved photocathodic performance and stability.
Selective Absorption of Hydrophobic Cations in Nanostructured Porous Materials from Crosslinked Hydrogen‐Bonded Columnar Liquid Crystals
Authors: Bögels Gerardus M. , van Kuringen Huub P. C. , Shishmanova Ivelina K. , Voets Ilja K. , Schenning Albertus P. H. J. , Sijbesma Rint P.
Published: March 2015

A nanostructured porous material is obtained by crosslinking of a self‐assembled system consisting of columnar liquid crystals with polyamines and removal of the template. For this purpose, a columnar liquid crystal with liquid crystalline properties at room temperature is synthesized and fully characterized. The orthogonal self‐assembly of the columnar liquid crystal with polyamines (i.e., PPI dendrimers) results in the formation of nanosegregated structures. When crosslinked by photopolymerization a nanostructured crosslinked material is obtained. Partial removal of the polyamine template leads to a nanostructured porous material, which is characterized and the absorbent properties are investigated. The polarity of the porous material is probed and the porous material is used for the selective absorption of cationic dye molecules.
Thermodynamic mechanism of free heme action on sickle cell hemoglobin polymerization
Authors: Aich Anupam , Pan Weichun , Vekilov Peter G.
Published: March 2015

For insights into the mechanisms of heme action on the rate of sickle cell hemoglobin polymerization, we determine the erythrocytic concentration of free heme using a novel method based on enzymatic catalysis and luminescence. We find in sickle cell patients 44 ± 10 µM, in sickle trait individuals, 33 ± 4 µM, and in healthy adults, 21 ± 2 µM. We test the applicability of two mechanisms of heme action: a kinetic one, whereby heme aggregates serve as heterogeneous nucleation centers, and a thermodynamic pathway, in which free heme enhances the attraction between sickle hemoglobin (HbS) molecules in solution. We show that the latter mechanism exclusively operates. The enhanced attraction leads to increase of the total volume of a population of dense liquid clusters by about two orders of magnitude. As the dense liquid clusters serve as locations and precursors to the formation of the HbS polymer nuclei, their increased volume directly leads to faster polymer nucleation. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 2861–2870, 2015
Inactivation of HDAC1 or HDAC2 induces gamma globin expression without altering cell cycle or proliferation
Authors: Esrick Erica B. , McConkey Marie , Lin Katherine , Frisbee Alyse , Ebert Benjamin L.
Published: March 2015

Other than hydroxyurea, no pharmacologic agents are clinically available for fetal hemoglobin (HbF) induction in sickle cell disease (SCD). An optimal candidate would induce HbF without causing cell cycle inhibition and would act independently of hydroxyurea in order to yield additional HbF induction when combined. We explored whether inhibition of histone deacetylase (HDAC) 1 or HDAC2 could achieve these goals. In human erythroid progenitor cells, shRNA knockdown of the HDAC1 or HDAC2 genes induced gamma globin, without altering cellular proliferation in vitro, and without altering cell cycle phase. Treatment with hydroxyurea in combination with HDAC2 knockdown yielded a further increase in gamma globin expression. Additionally, when CD34+ cells were treated with both hydroxyurea and MS‐275 (an inhibitor of HDAC 1, 2, and 3), an additive induction of relative gamma globin expression was achieved. Our findings support further clinical investigation of HDAC inhibitors in combination with hydroxyurea in SCD patients. Am. J. Hematol. 90:624–628, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Management of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) in the era of B‐cell receptor signal transduction inhibitors
Authors: Mato Anthony , Jauhari Shekeab , Schuster Stephen J.
Published: March 2015

The treatment of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), an indolent B‐cell lymphoma is in the midst of a transformation. There are a large number of promising new therapeutic agents and cellular therapies being studied which exhibit remarkable activity, favorable toxicity profiles, convenient administration schedules, and treatment options are rapidly expanding. The recent advances in the management of CLL exemplify the value of translational medicine. This review highlights key aspects of B‐cell receptor (BCR) signaling in relation to novel inhibitors of the BCR signaling pathway, currently at various stages of preclinical and clinical development. Am. J. Hematol. 90:657–664, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Deferiprone versus deferoxamine in thalassemia intermedia: Results from a 5‐year long‐term Italian multicenter randomized clinical trial
Authors: Calvaruso Giuseppina , Vitrano Angela , Di Maggio Rosario , Lai Eliana , Colletta Grazia , Quota Alessandra , Gerardi Calogera , Rigoli Luciana Concetta , Sacco Massimiliano , Pitrolo Lorella , Maggio Aurelio
Published: March 2015

In patients with thalassemia intermedia (TI), such as beta‐TI, alpha‐thalassemia (mainly HbH disease and mild/moderate forms of HbE/beta‐thalassemia), iron overload is an important challenge in terms of diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment. Moreover, to date, the only possible chelators available are deferoxamine, deferasirox, and deferiprone. Here, we report the first 5‐year long‐term randomized clinical trial comparing the effectiveness of deferiprone versus deferoxamine in patients with TI. Body iron burden, which was determined by measuring serum ferritin levels in the same patient over 5 years and analyzed according to the generalized linear mixed model (GLMM), showed a linear decrease over time in the mean serum ferritin levels in both treatment groups (P‐value = 0.035). The overall period of observation was 235.2 person‐years for the deferiprone patients compared with 214.3 person‐years for the deferoxamine patients. The results of the log‐rank test suggested that the deferiprone treatment did not affect survival compared with the deferoxamine treatment (P‐value = 0.360). The major adverse events observed included gastrointestinal symptoms and joint pain or arthralgia. Neutropenia and agranulocytosis were also detected, suggesting needing of strict hematological control. In conclusion, long‐term iron chelation therapy with deferiprone is associated with an efficacy and safety similar to that of deferoxamine, suggesting that this drug is an alternative option in cases in which deferoxamine and deferasirox are contraindicated. Am. J. Hematol. 90:634–638, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association study confirms the role of two OCA2 polymorphisms in normal skin pigmentation variation in East Asian populations
Authors: Eaton Katherine , Edwards Melissa , Krithika S. , Cook Gillian , Norton Heather , Parra Esteban J.
Published: March 2015

Objectives

The main goal of the study was to test the association of 18 polymorphisms located within nine pigmentation candidate genes with quantitative skin pigmentation measures collected in a sample of individuals of East Asian ancestry living in Canada (N = 419).

Methods

The 18 polymorphisms are located within genes that show putative signatures of positive selection in East Asian populations. The genetic markers were selected for genotyping based on an annotation of common East Asian polymorphisms to predict potential functional effects. We restricted our attention to polymorphisms that have an allele frequency difference of at least 30% between East Asian populations and African and European populations, or have alleles that are present in East Asians, but are absent in Africans and Europeans.

Results

Two nonsynonymous variants selected within the OCA2 gene, rs1800414 (His615Arg) and rs74653330 (Ala481Thr), were significantly associated with melanin levels in the sample. Both single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are nonsynonymous polymorphisms located more than 30 kb apart on chromosome 15 and have very different frequencies in the East Asian sample. Additionally, both polymorphisms are predicted to have a deleterious effect on the protein. Linear regression analysis using an additive model indicate that each copy of the derived rs1800414 allele G decreases Melanin Index approximately 0.9 units and each copy of the derived rs74653330 allele A decreases Melanin Index approximately 1.9 units.

Conclusions

Two nonsynonymous OCA2 polymorphisms (rs1800414 and rs74653330) are independently associated with normal skin pigmentation variation in East Asian populations and have very different frequency distributions in East Asia. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:520–525, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A classification system for describing anthropogenic influence on nonhuman primate populations
Authors: McKinney Tracie
Published: March 2015

Many nonhuman primates live in proximity to humans, and all studied primate populations are influenced in some ways by human interaction. While the effects of human interference on primate behavior and ecology are an important area of research in contemporary primatology, to date there is no systematic way to report the types or level of anthropogenic influence for a primate study population. In this paper, I introduce a diagnostic classification system that will allow primate field researchers to clearly and consistently report anthropogenic conditions at their study sites. This system provides a way to identify population conditions for four major variables: landscape, human–nonhuman primate interface, diet, and predation risk. The incredible diversity of the Order Primates necessitates a descriptive system that is applicable across a wide range of habitat types, social groupings, and ecological roles, so the proposed classification system has been specifically designed to avoid quantitative ranking. Instead, the system is intended to provide a standardized way to report a wealth of population and site information in a simple format. This will allow for meta‐analysis of specific conditions across study sites, leading to a greater understanding of the effects of different forms of anthropogenic influence on primate behavior and ecology. Am. J. Primatol. 77:715–726, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bearded saki feeding strategies on an island in Lago Guri, Venezuela
Authors: Norconk Marilyn A. , Conklin‐Brittain Nancy L.
Published: March 2015

Free‐ranging bearded sakis (Chiropotes spp.) live in relatively large social groups (22–65+), inhabit very large home ranges (200–1,000 ha), and travel long distances (1.8 to >7 km) each day. While these characteristics would seem to reduce their ability to occupy habitat fragments, several studies suggest otherwise. The key to their success may lie in their dietary adaptations. Bearded sakis are strongly frugivorous, but are primarily seed eaters, and are able to ingest both young and mature fruit. We examined feeding activities of a group of bearded sakis over a 19‐month period on a 180 ha island in Lago Guri, Venezuela. Given their feeding adaptations, we predicted that they would minimize peaks and troughs in plant species used for food, limit seasonal variation in the mechanical properties of foods ingested, and balance ingestion of energy‐rich foods (e.g. lipids, nonstructural carbohydrates (TNC), and/or free simple sugars). We found that bearded sakis on Danto Manchado had a diverse (plant‐based) diet, but two resources (Pradosia caracasana, Sapotaceae, and Oryctanthus alveolatus, Loranthaceae) provided a stable dietary base and were present in the diet almost every month. Second, we found little variation in the mechanical‐resistance properties of fruits opened seasonally. Third, they alternated months ingesting foods with high TNC content and months of high lipid content. This may be an attempt to balance energy intake from available foods. Finally, their social propensity to split up into subgroups may predispose them to reduce group sizes to accommodate smaller available areas. We suggest that bearded sakis use both ecological and behavioral mechanisms to survive in smaller‐than‐typical areas. Longer‐term studies (beyond a few generations) of bearded sakis in habitat fragments would allow us to estimate minimum survival area and identify critical resources or resource combinations. Am. J. Primatol. 78:507–522, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Unique Fluoride Nanocontainer: Porous Molecular Capsules Can Accommodate an Unusually High Number of “Rather Labile” Fluoride Anions
Authors: Garai Somenath , Rubčić Mirta , Bögge Hartmut , Haupt Erhard T. K. , Gouzerh Pierre , Müller Achim
Published: March 2015

The present work refers to the challenging issue of fluoride anion recognition/binding in water by taking advantage of the unique possibilities offered by the porous molecular nanocontainers of the {Mo132} Keplerate type allowing the study of a variety of new phenomena. Reaction of the highly reactive carbonate‐type capsule with aqueous HF results in the release of carbon dioxide and integration of an unprecedentedly large number of fluoride anions—partly as coordinated ligands at both the pentagonal units and the linkers, partly as a disordered water/fluoride assembly inside the cavity. The internal assembly and some of the fluoride ligands are easily released, which provides interesting options for future studies regarding coordination chemistry and catalysis under confined conditions.
Palladium‐Catalyzed CH Activation of N‐Allyl Imines: Regioselective Allylic Alkylations to Deliver Substituted Aza‐1,3‐Dienes
Authors: Trost Barry M. , Mahapatra Subham , Hansen Martin
Published: March 2015

A new mode of activation of an imine via a rare aza‐substituted π‐allyl complex is described. Palladium‐catalyzed C(sp3)H activation of the N‐allyl imine and the subsequent nucleophilic attack by the α‐alkyl cyanoester produced the 1‐aza‐1,3‐diene as the sole regioisomer. In contrast, nucleophilic attack by the α‐aryl cyanoester exclusively delivered the 2‐aza‐1,3‐diene, which was employed in an inverse‐electron‐demand Diels–Alder reaction for heterobiaryl synthesis.
Oxo‐vanadium(IV) Schiff base complex supported on modified MCM‐41: a reusable and efficient catalyst for the oxidation of sulfides and oxidative S–S coupling of thiols
Authors: Nikoorazm Mohsen , Ghorbani‐Choghamarani Arash , Noori Nourolah
Published: March 2015

Oxo‐vanadium(IV) Schiff base complex supported on MCM‐41 as an organic–inorganic hybrid heterogeneous catalyst was synthesized with post‐grafting of MCM‐41 with 3‐aminoropropyltrimethoxysilane and subsequent reaction with 3,4‐dihydroxybenzaldehyde and then complexation with oxo‐vanadium acetylacetonate salt. The catalyst was analysed using a series of characterization techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, small‐angle X‐ray diffraction, nitrogen absorption isotherm, transmission electron microscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. The data collected provided evidence that the vanadium complex was anchored onto MCM‐41. High catalytic activity of this catalyst was observed in the oxidation of various sulfides and thiols (into sulfoxides and disulfides, respectively) with urea hydrogen peroxide as oxidant in high to excellent yields and selectivity under mild conditions. The heterogeneous catalyst could be recovered easily and reused several times without significant loss in catalytic activity and selectivity. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, spectral characterization and anticancer studies of three novel ruthenium(III) 2,2′‐bipyridine complexes
Authors: Shoair Abdel Ghany Farag , Toson El‐Shahat A. , El‐mezayen Hatem A.
Published: March 2015

A series of three new ruthenium(III) bipyridine complexes, [RuCl3(bipy)L] (L = C6H5CHO (Ru1), 4‐CH3OC6H4CHO (Ru2) and 4‐NO2C6H4CHO (Ru3); bipy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), have been synthesized and characterized using microanalysis, magnetic, spectroscopic (IR, UV–visible, electron spin resonance) and cyclic voltammetric techniques. All the ruthenium(III) complexes were found to be stable, paramagnetic and octahedrally coordinated. Electron spin resonance spectra showed an axial symmetry and indicated a tetragonal distortion for the octahedral complexes. All complexes were tested for their cytotoxicities against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC), superoxide dismutase‐like activities and cytoprotective effects of normal human red blood cells against photo‐irradiation. All the compounds were found to be cytotoxic with half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) against EAC at concentrations of 70, 90 and 76 µg for Ru1, Ru2 and Ru3, respectively. Moreover, mean levels of DNA and RNA were significantly elevated in liver tissues of tumorized animals and significantly reduced after treatment of tumorized mice with the complexes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural and mechanical properties of clay nanocomposite foams based on cellulose for the food‐packaging industry
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Safoura , Keramat Javad , Nasirpour Ali , Hamdami Nasser , Behzad Tayebeh , Aranda Lionel , Vilasi Michel , Desobry Stephane
Published: March 2015

In this work, an extensive study was carried out on the preparation and characterization of nanoclay biocomposites based on cellulose to substitute for synthetic polymer foam trays as food‐packaging materials. The preparation stage was performed via a dissolution/regeneration route followed by drying with lyophilization. The chemical, physical, mechanical, and morphological properties of the prepared composite foams were characterized by several methods, including scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, mechanical tests, density, and color analyses. The obtained results indicate that the presence of nanoclay in the cellulose matrix caused more uniformity in the structure of the foams. Also, an increase in the nanoclay content resulted in a higher density, compressive strength, and Young's modulus. The achievements from this study suggest that the prepared cellulose nanocomposite foam could be a potential alternative to commercial synthetic foams for packing food products. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42079.
Coagulation bath composition and desiccation environment as tuning parameters to prepare skinless membranes via diffusion induced phase separation
Authors: Montesanto Salvatore , Mannella Gianluca A. , Carfì Pavia Francesco , La Carrubba Vincenzo , Brucato Valerio
Published: March 2015

Diffusion Induced Phase Separation (DIPS) is a currently used technique to produce porous membranes for a large variety of applications. A strong limitation is represented by the occurrence of a dense skin, which is formed during the process, highly reducing the membrane permeability. To overcome this issue, two modifications of the standard DIPS protocol were investigated: the use of coagulation baths composed by a solvent/nonsolvent mixture and the desiccation in a controlled environment, by modulating the partial pressure of nonsolvent vapor. An appropriate choice of coagulation bath composition, together with an appropriate desiccation protocol (i.e., the use of a nonsolvent vapor), will produce a skinless membrane, and offers the chance to control the morphology of both membrane surfaces. These results underline the importance of post‐treatment stage in membrane preparation via phase separation, thus suggesting that membrane washing/drying stage will affect the final morphology. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42151.
Preparation and release kinetics of carboxymethyl chitosan/cellulose acetate microspheres as drug delivery system
Authors: Zhou Hui Yun , Cao Pei Pei , Li Jun Bo , Zhang Fa Liang , Ding Pei Pei
Published: March 2015

Carboxymethyl chitosan, a water soluble chitosan derivative, was prepared from chitosan using monochloroacetic acid. Carboxymethyl chitosan/cellulose acetate microspheres (CCM) were prepared using the method of W/O/W and emulsification solvent evaporation as drug delivery system. The CCMs prepared were spherical, free‐flowing, and nonaggregated with the smooth appearance and many small pores on the surface. All CCMs prepared had sustained release efficiency for acetaminophen and the optimal formulation was that carboxymethyl chitosan of 2.0% and 1360 KD. In addition, the release rate of drug from CCMs in dilute hydrochloric acid was much slower than that in phosphate buffer saline (pH 6.8) during 24 h. It is illustrated that the drug loaded in CCMs released slower in simulated gastric fluid than that in simulated intestinal fluid. Furthermore, the drug release data showed better fitness with the first order model which indicated that the drug release from CCMs was depended on the drug concentration in the polymeric networks. And the release of drug from CCMs indicated diffusion‐controlled drug release based on Fickian diffusion and accompanied with anomalous transport (i.e., non‐Fickian diffusion) according to the values obtained from Higuchi model and Peppas models. So it was shown that the CCMs might be an ideal sustained release system for acid‐labile drugs both for the solubility of carboxymethyl chitosan and the release media. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42152.
Electrospun biocomposite nanofibers of ulvan/PCL and ulvan/PEO
Authors: Kikionis Stefanos , Ioannou Efstathia , Toskas Georgios , Roussis Vassilios
Published: March 2015

Novel fibrous biocomposites comprising ulvan, a sulfated polysaccharide extracted from the green seaweed Ulva rigida, and either polycaprolactone or polyethylene oxide were successfully prepared using the electrospinning technique. The morphology and the chemical composition of the nanofibers were characterized using SEM and FT‐IR analyses. Ulvan was found to incorporate well with the co‐electrospun biocompatible polymers, conferring on the collective properties of these materials. Such nanofibrous matrices represent potentially useful materials in the biomedical sector as tissue engineering scaffolds, wound dressings, or drug delivery systems. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42153.
Controlled drug release of silicone‐based adhesive‐containing cross‐linked siloxane powders as a reservoir
Authors: Kim Cheol Hyun , Lee Su Jung , Gwak Gyeong‐Hyeon , Kim Tae Woo , Cho Hyeon Mo , Oh Jae Min , Lee Myong Euy
Published: March 2015

We prepared pressure‐sensitive adhesive (PSA)‐containing cross‐linked siloxane powders (CS) as a reservoir for a transdermal drug delivery system (TDDS) and evaluated their sustained drug‐release properties. PSA, as a patch‐type adhesive, was synthesized by a hydrosilylation reaction of vinyl‐terminated polysiloxanes with hydrogen‐terminated polydimethylsiloxanes. CS was also prepared via a hydrosilylation process with vinyl‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane, 1,3,5,7‐tetramethyl‐1,3,5,7‐tetravinyltetracyclosiloxane (
), hydrogen‐terminated polydimethylsiloxane, and dimethylhydrogenmethyl oligomeric siloxane copolymer. The results of release performances using ascorbic acid as a model drug showed a cumulative linear slope over a week, indicating a constant release performance. Our data suggest that this siloxane TDDS could be useful for constant drug release over a long period. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42154.
Interaction and quantification of thymol in active PLA‐based materials containing natural fibers
Authors: Tawakkal Intan S. M. A. , Cran Marlene J. , Bigger Stephen W.
Published: March 2015

The quantification of thymol, a commercial essential oil extract that is an antimicrobial (AM) agent, in poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and PLA/kenaf composites was investigated to explore the potential of these systems as AM food‐packaging materials. Neat PLA and PLA/kenaf composites containing thymol (5–10 wt %) were prepared via melt blending and compression molding. The quantification of the thymol content in PLA and PLA/kenaf composites after processing as well as the interactions between the PLA matrix, kenaf fibers and the AM agent were investigated. The PLA/kenaf composites in the range of 10 to 40 wt % fiber content retained less thymol upon processing than PLA alone and the composites containing the highest fiber loadings demonstrated the lowest thymol retention. The observed losses were attributed to the higher mechanical shear that exists during the mixing process as well as the creation of voids in the composites that facilitate the release of thymol from the system. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 42160.
High electromagnetic interference shielding with high electrical conductivity through selective dispersion of multiwall carbon nanotube in poly (ε‐caprolactone)/MWCNT composites
Authors: Bera Ranadip , Maiti Sandip , Khatua Bhanu Bhusan
Published: March 2015

This study presents the preparation of electrically conducting poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNT) composites with very low percolation threshold (pc). The method involves solution blending of PCL and MWCNT in the presence of commercial PCL beads. The PCL beads were added into high viscous PCL/MWCNT mixture during evaporation of solvent. Here, the used commercial PCL polymer beads act as an ‘excluded volume’ in the solution blended PCL/MWCNT region. Thus, the effective concentration of the MWCNT dramatically increases in the solution blended region and a strong interconnected continuous conductive network path of CNT−CNT is assumed throughout the matrix phase with the addition of PCL bead which plays a crucial role to improve the electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and electrical conductivity at very low MWCNT loading. Thus, high EMI SE value (∼23.8 dB) was achieved at low MWCNT loading (1.8 wt %) in the presence of 70 wt % PCL bead and the high electrical conductivity of ∼2.49×10−2 S cm−1 was achieved at very low MWCNT loading (∼0.15 wt %) with 70 wt % PCL bead content in the composites. The electrical conductivity gradually increased with increasing the PCL bead concentration, as well as, MWCNT loading in the composites. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42161.
Thermally reversible and self‐healing novolac epoxy resins based on Diels–Alder chemistry
Authors: Li Jinhui , Zhang Guoping , Deng Libo , Jiang Kun , Zhao Songfang , Gao Yongju , Sun Rong , Wong Chingping
Published: March 2015

The modified novolac epoxy resins with furan pendant groups were prepared by novolac epoxy resin and furfuryl alcohol and then crosslinked by bifunctional maleimide via Diels–Alder (DA) chemistry to obtain the thermally reversible and self‐healing novolac epoxy resins. The as‐prepared crosslinked novolac epoxy resins were characterized by FT‐IR, NMR, TGA, and DMA. The results indicate that the novel crosslinked novolac epoxy resins present higher storage modulus (2.37 GPa at 30°C) and excellent thermal stability (348°C at 5% mass loss). Furthermore, the thermal reversible and self‐healing properties were studied in detail by DSC, SEM, thermal re‐solution, and gel–solution–gel transition experiments. All the results reveal that the crosslinked novolac epoxy resins based on DA reaction can be used as smart material for the practical application of electronic packaging and structural materials. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 42167.
Theory‐changing breakthroughs in science: The impact of research teamwork on scientific discoveries
Authors: Winnink Jos J. , Tijssen Robert J. W. , van Raan Anthony F. J.
Published: March 2015

We have developed and tested an evidence‐based method for early‐stage identification of scientific discoveries. Scholarly publications are analyzed to track and trace breakthrough processes as well as their impact on world science. The focus in this study is on the incremental discovery of the ubiquitin‐mediated proteolytic system in the late 1970s by a small international team of collaborating researchers. Analysis of their groundbreaking research articles, all produced within a relatively short period of time, and the network of citing articles shows the cumulative effects of the intense collaboration within a small group of researchers working on the same subject. Using bibliographic data from the Web of Science database and the PATSTAT patents database in combination with expert opinions shows that these discoveries accumulated into a new technology. These first findings suggest that potential breakthrough discoveries can be identified at a relatively early stage by careful analysis of publication and citation patterns.
Placenta previa and risk of major congenital malformations among singleton births in Finland
Authors: Kancherla Vijaya , Räisänen Sari , Gissler Mika , Kramer Michael R. , Heinonen Seppo
Published: March 2015

BACKGROUND

Placenta previa has been associated with adverse birth outcomes, but its association with congenital malformations is inconclusive. We examined the association between placenta previa and major congenital malformations among singleton births in Finland.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective population register‐based study on all singletons born at or after 22+0 weeks of gestation in Finland during 2000 to 2010. We linked three national health registers: the Finnish Medical Birth Register, the Hospital Discharge Register, and the Register of Congenital Malformations, and examined several demographic and clinical characteristics among women with and without placenta previa, in association with major congenital malformations. We estimated adjusted odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals using multivariable logistic regression models.

RESULTS

The prevalence of placenta previa was estimated as 2.65 per 1000 singleton births in Finland (95% confidence interval, 2.53–2.79). Overall, 6.2% of women with placenta previa delivered a singleton infant with a major congenital malformation, compared with 3.8% of unaffected women (p ≤ 0.001). Placenta previa was positively associated with almost 1.6‐fold increased risk of major congenital malformations in the offspring, after controlling for maternal age, parity, fetal sex, smoking, socio‐economic status, chorionic villus biopsy, In vitro fertilization, pre‐existing diabetes, depression, preeclampsia, and prior caesarean section (adjusted odds ratio = 1.55; 95% confidence interval, 1.27–1.90).

CONCLUSION

Using a large population‐based study, we found that placenta previa was weakly, but significantly associated with an increased risk of major congenital malformations in singleton births. Future studies should examine the association between placenta previa and individual types of congenital malformations, specifically in high‐risk pregnancies. Birth Defects Research (Part A) 103:527–535, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of moderate intensity static magnetic fields on human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells
Authors: Kim Eun‐Cheol , Leesungbok Richard , Lee Suk‐Won , Lee Hyeon‐Woo , Park Sang Hyuk , Mah Su‐Jung , Ahn Su‐Jin
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to explore effects of static magnetic fields (SMFs) of moderate intensity (3–50 mT) as biophysical stimulators of proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSCs were exposed to SMFs of three intensities: 3, 15, and 50 mT. Proliferation was assessed by cell counting and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and differentiation by measuring alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium content, mineralized nodule formation, and transcripts of osteogenic markers. Moderate intensity SMFs increased cell proliferation, ALP activity, calcium release, and mineralized nodule formation in a dose‐ and time‐dependent manner, which peaked at 15 mT. In the same manner, they upregulated expression of osteogenic marker genes such as ALP, bone sialoprotein 2 (BSP2), collagen1a1 (COL1a1), osteocalcin (OCN), osteonectin (ON), osteopontin (OPN), osterix (OSX), and runt‐related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) with peak at 15 mT after 14 or 21 days of exposure. Results demonstrate that moderate intensity SMFs promote proliferation and osteoblastic differentiation of MSCs. This effect could help to improve MSC responses during osseointegration between a dental implant and surrounding bone. Bioelectromagnetics. 36:267–276, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Making the tacit explicit: children's strategies for classroom writing
Authors: Silby Alison , Watts Mike
Published: March 2015

A key highlight of this study is generating evidence of children ‘making aware the unaware’, making tacit knowledge explicit. The research explores the levels of awareness in thinking used by eight 7–8 year‐old children when engaged in school‐based genre writing tasks. The focus is on analysing children's awareness of their thought processes, using a framework originally devised in 1989 to investigate ways in which children can transform their tacit knowledge to explicit within the writing process. Classroom ‘think aloud’ protocols are used to help children ‘manage their knowledge transfer’, to speak the unspoken. The 1989 framework distinguished between four levels of thought that was viewed as hierarchical and ‘increasingly metacognitive’. However, there is little evidence in this study to show that levels of awareness in thinking are increasingly progressive and observations made during the study suggest that young writers move in and out of the suggested levels of thinking during different elements of a writing task. The reasons for this may depend on a number of factors that are noted in this paper. Evidence does suggest children in this age group are consciously aware of their own and others' thought processes both with and without adult prompting. By using collaborative talk, their awareness of these thought processes is highlighted enabling the co‐construction and integration of new ideas into their existing knowledge base.
Soma‐to‐germline feedback is implied by the extreme polymorphism at IGHV relative to MHC
Authors: Steele Edward J. , Lloyd Sally S.
Published: March 2015

Soma‐to‐germline feedback is forbidden under the neo‐Darwinian paradigm. Nevertheless, there is a growing realization it occurs frequently in immunoglobulin (Ig) variable (V) region genes. This is a surprising development. It arises from a most unlikely source in light of the exposure of co‐author EJS to the haplotype data of RL Dawkins and others on the polymorphism of the Major Histocompatibility Complex, which is generally assumed to be the most polymorphic region in the genome (spanning ∼4 Mb). The comparison between the magnitude of MHC polymorphism with estimates for the human heavy chain immunoglobulin V locus (spanning ∼1 Mb), suggests IGHV could be many orders of magnitude more polymorphic than the MHC. This conclusion needs airing in the literature as it implies generational churn and soma‐to‐germline gene feedback. Pedigree‐based experimental strategies to resolve the IGHV issue are outlined.
HDL particle subpopulations: Focus on biological function
Authors: Rached Fabiana H. , Chapman M. John , Kontush Anatol
Published: March 2015

Low levels of high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol (HDL‐C) constitute an independent biomarker of cardiovascular morbi‐mortality. However, recent advances have drastically modified the classical and limited view of HDL as a carrier of ‘good cholesterol’, and have revealed unexpected levels of complexity in the circulating HDL particle pool. HDL particles are indeed highly heterogeneous in structure, intravascular metabolism and biological activity. This review describes recent progress in our understanding of HDL subpopulations and their biological activities, and focuses on relationships between the structural, compositional and functional heterogeneity of HDL particles. © 2015 BioFactors, 41(2):67–77, 2015
Modulation of cluster incorporation specificity in a de novo iron‐sulfur cluster binding peptide
Authors: Sommer Dayn Joseph , Roy Anindya , Astashkin Andrei , Ghirlanda Giovanna
Published: March 2015

iron‐sulfur cluster binding proteins perform an astounding variety of functions, and represent one of the most abundant classes of metalloproteins. Most often, they constitute pairs or chains and act as electron transfer modules either within complex redox enzymes or within small diffusible proteins. We have previously described the design of a three‐helix bundle that can bind two clusters within its hydrophobic core. Here, we use single‐point mutations to exchange one of the Cys ligands coordinating the cluster to either Leu or Ser. We show that the mutants modulate the redox potential of the clusters and stabilize the [3Fe‐4S] form over the [4Fe‐4S] form, supporting the use of model iron‐sulfur cluster proteins as modules in the design of complex redox enzymes. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 104: 412–418, 2015.
A Comparison of Regulatory Awareness and Green Supply Chain Management Practices Among Chinese and Japanese Manufacturers
Authors: Zhu Qinghua , Qu Ying , Geng Yong , Fujita Tsuyoshi
Published: March 2015

Leading manufacturers in developed countries generally have high environmental awareness and implement proactive environmental management practices such as green supply chain management (GSCM). However, it is uncertain if smaller manufacturers in developed countries are more proactive than all manufacturers in developing countries. To understand this situation, we carried out surveys among small and medium‐sized Japanese manufacturers, leading Chinese manufacturers and traditional Chinese manufacturers. Statistical results show that leading Chinese manufacturers have the highest awareness of both domestic and international environmental regulations/policies, and implement all GSCM practices at the highest level. Leading Chinese manufacturers and Japanese manufacturers are aware of international environmental regulations/policies, but such awareness only motivates them to implement eco‐design practices. Traditional Chinese manufacturers have limited awareness of international environmental regulations/policies, but such awareness brings all types of GSCM practice. Such results can be helpful for different manufacturers in both developed and developing countries to develop suitable environmental strategies. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Effect of novel curcumin‐encapsulated chitosan–bioglass drug on bone and skin repair after gamma radiation: experimental study on a Wistar rat model
Authors: Jebahi S. , Saoudi M. , Farhat L. , Oudadesse H. , Rebai T. , Kabir A. , El Feki A. , Keskes H.
Published: March 2015

Radiation therapy contributes to a significant increase in bone osteoporosis and skin loss. Various natural health products might be beneficial to reduce bone and skin alterations. Curcumin (CUR) medicines derived from natural plants have played an important role in health care. This study aims at synthesizing and evaluating the performance therapy of CUR‐encapsulated bioglass–chitosan (CUR–BG–CH). In vitro, the antioxidant assay was evaluated by using 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl free‐radical (DPPH) scavenging and the nitroblue tetrazolium reduction. The CUR–BG–CH antimicrobial effects were tested in liquid media. In vivo, after rat 60Co γ‐radiation, the tissue wound‐healing process was studied by grafting CUR and CUR–BG–CH in femoral condyle and dorsal skin rat tissue. The antioxidant studies indicated that CUR–BG–CH quenches free radicals more efficiently than unmodified CUR and had effective DPPH (91%) and superoxide anion (51%) radical scavenging activities. The CUR–BG–CH biomaterial exhibited an important antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. The histomorphometric parameters showed amelioration in CUR–BG–CH‐treated rats. An improved mechanical property was noticed (33.16 ± 5.0 HV) when compared with that of unmodified CUR group (23.15 ± 4.9 HV). A significant decrease in tumour necrosis factor‐α cytokine production was noted in the CUR–BG–CH rats (90 pg/ml) as compared with that of unmodified CUR group (240 pg/ml). The total amount of hydroxyproline was significantly enhanced (33.5%) in CUR–BG–CH group as compared with that of control. Our findings suggested that CUR–BG–CH might have promising potential applications for wound healing. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Up‐regulation of miR‐26a promotes neurite outgrowth and ameliorates apoptosis by inhibiting PTEN in bupivacaine injured mouse dorsal root ganglia
Authors: Cui Changlei , Xu Gong , Qiu Jinpeng , Fan Xiushuang
Published: March 2015

Local anesthetic of bupivacaine may inhibit neurite outgrowth and induce apoptosis in mouse dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons. In this work, we intended to investigate the functional role of microRNA 26a (miR‐26a) in regulating bupivacaine‐induced nerve injury in DRG neurons. DRG neurons were extracted from C57BL/6 mice and cultured in vitro. Bupivacaine was applied in vitro and it induced apoptosis, inhibited neurite growth, and significantly down‐regulated miR‐26a gene in DRG neurons. MiR‐26a mimic was then used to up‐regulate miR‐26a expression in DRG neurons. We found that miR‐26a up‐regulation promoted neurite outgrowth and reduced apoptosis in bupivacaine‐injured DRG neurons. Luciferase assay and Western blot confirmed that Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was down‐stream target of miR‐26a in DRG neurons. Ectopic PTEN up‐regulation was then able to reverse the protective effect of miR‐26a overexpression on bupivacaine‐induced nerve injury in DRG neurons. Overall, this work demonstrated that miR‐26a had a functional role in regulating bupivacaine‐induced nerve injury in DRG neurons. Up‐regulating miR‐26a to suppress PTEN signaling pathway may be an effective method to protect local anesthetic‐induced nerve injury in spinal cord.