bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Effect of Gender on the Students Residential Facilities in a Secondary School [A Case Study of Deeper Life High School, Ilorin, Nigeria]
Authors: Lanrewaju Dr. AMAO Funmilayo , Olufemi Dr. OYADOKUN Joel. , Joseph Buraimoh Ayooluwa
Published: October 2024

The research is aimed at examining the influence of gender difference in the design of dormitory in a secondary school. It is also to determine whether students are satisfied with the dormitory design or not. The objectives of the study are to identify and examine the characteristics of students who live in the dormitory in terms of their background; to examine the responses of the students to the functional, technical and behavioral issues in the dormitory and to analyze the difference between the responses of male and female in term of gender. Secondary and primary data were used in the course of study. The secondary data was obtained from books, journals and seminar papers while primary data relating to students, housing and environmental quality from structured questionnaire administered on sample size of 20% amounting to 100 students from sampling frame of 500 students was considered reasonable for the study. The results of the study revealed gender as one of the important factors which affect satisfaction within the dormitories of the secondary school. The result of the research is expected to serve as a guide in preparing a brief for future secondary school design. The study concluded that an enhanced understanding of building performance can inform design decision making of architects and building professionals which can also result into improved condition for occupants and saving for building owner
Cidadania, Diversidade E Direitos Fundamentais Na Educação: Caminhos Para A Inclusão Escolar
Authors: Santos Anita Terezinha Scaranello Dos , Silva Fabiana Alves Da , Junior Waldyr Barcellos , Oliveira Robson Silva , Andrade Paula Priscila Pinheiro De
Published: October 2024

A pesquisa realizada teve como objetivo analisar o papel da cidadania, diversidade e direitos fundamentais na educação como mecanismo para a inclusão escolar. Utilizando o método de revisão integrativa, foram selecionados artigos publicados entre 2019 e 2023, em plataformas como Google Acadêmico e Scielo, que abordavam temas relacionados à cidadania, diversidade e direitos fundamentais na educação no contexto brasileiro. A análise qualitativa dos dados revelou que a cidadania vai além dos direitos civis e políticos, incluindo a participação ativa dos indivíduos na comunidade escolar e na sociedade. A diversidade foi reconhecida como enriquecedora do tecido social, promovendo o respeito às múltiplas identidades e culturas. A inclusão escolar, por sua vez, não se limita à integração física dos alunos, mas exige uma transformação cultural e pedagógica para garantir um ambiente educacional acolhedor e equitativo. Os estudos revisados
Resilience And Resistance: IGBO Women’s Experiences In Transatlantic Trade
Authors: Ezinne MBA Charity
Published: October 2024

The transatlantic slave trade, which forcibly enslaved millions of Africans, had a profound impact on the lives of the Igbo women. Despite being subjected to unimaginable violence, exploitation, and displacement, Igbo women demonstrated remarkable resilience and resistance. This case study explores the experiences of Igbo women during this period, exploring their roles in the slave trade economy, their relationships with enslaved men and other women and their strategies for maintaining cultural identity and resisting enslavement through a critical examination of historical records, oral testimonies, journals and books.
Relationship Between Substance Use Disorder And Clinical Depression Among Women Kenya
Authors: Mwangi Karen , Njiru Lucy , Walioli Ruth
Published: October 2024

Kenya is the fourth country in Africa with the highest number of people suffering depression, with 1.9 million diagnosed cases. However, few local studies have explored on whether clinical depression is linked to substance use disorder among women in Kenya. The aim of this study was to the evaluation of the relationship between substance use disorder and clinical depression among women in Kenya. This study used a descriptive research design with 12 rehabilitation centres and 217 participants. The Patient Health Questionnaire was used to assess the incidences of clinical depression. The ASSIST test was used in the study to measure substance use disorder. Results of the study illustrated that more than 84 percent of women in these centres experience clinical depression as a result of substance use. There was a positive relationship (β=0.236, T-value =1.221, p=0.002<0.05) between clinical depression and substance use. The study concluded that the level of high percentages of clinical depression in women was a critical sign of substance use. It was recommended that the government, NGOs should collaborate to prevent, control and contain increase in substance abuse and especially illicit alcohol
Language Change and Languages in Contact
Authors: Menéndez Francisco Gimeno-
Published: October 2024

The hypothesis of the history of linguistics as a succession of paradigms was more appropriate to linguistic facts and to the continuity of history itself than to a substitution of models. One of the most assiduously maintained principles in historical linguistics was the theory of the regularity of linguistic change. However, both the history of languages in contact and linguistic change were part of acculturation, based on social and cultural diffusion, which implied the intrinsic relationship between linguistics, sociology and anthropology. It was not, therefore, a mere linguistic issue, but also a social and cultural one. In this sense, we had to differentiate two interpretations: 1) an autonomous version of the assumption of phonological regularity, and 2) a grammatical version of linguistic change. Within the anthropological history of Hispanic romances there was a linguistic and cultural continuity, based on the successive and diverse historical acculturations (Indo-European, Iberian, Phoenician-Greek, Roman, Christian, Germanic, Visigothic, Byzantine, Islamic, Castilian, Catalan-Aragonese, Hispanic and Anglo-Saxon), with the linguistic and cultural transfers that implied the social and cultural mixing of these groups, and the adaptation to a new sociocultural context. During the second half of the last century, great contributions to historical linguistics were accumulated, which were far from being recognized by historians of the language
Práticas Inclusivas No Ensino Superior - Percepção Dos Docentes, Suporte Da Instituição E Provimento De Formação Continuada
Authors: Dias Mara Aparecida De Miranda Batista , Utzig Silvia Mossi , Bilhalba Luciana Genro , Pessano Edward Frederico Castro
Published: October 2024

Este artigo investiga as práticas inclusivas realizadas por docentes no ensino superior, com foco na percepção dos professores quanto ao suporte institucional e à oferta de formação continuada. A pesquisa, realizada em uma Universidade Federal, envolveu entrevistas semiestruturadas com professores de diferentes áreas. Os resultados indicam desafios, como a insuficiência de capacitação específica e a carência de recursos institucionais para atender estudantes com deficiência. O estudo reforça a relevância da formação docente para garantir a efetividade da educação inclusiva
Comparative genomics reveals that loss of lunatic fringe (LFNG) promotes melanoma metastasis
Authors: Del Castillo Velasco‐Herrera Martin , van der Weyden Louise , Nsengimana Jeremie , Speak Anneliese O. , Sjöberg Marcela K. , Bishop David Timothy , Jönsson Göran , Newton‐Bishop Julia , Adams David J.
Published: November 2017

Metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with advanced melanoma, yet the somatic alterations that aid tumour cell dissemination and colonisation are poorly understood. Here, we deploy comparative genomics to identify and validate clinically relevant drivers of melanoma metastasis. To do this, we identified a set of 976 genes whose expression level was associated with a poor outcome in patients from two large melanoma cohorts. Next, we characterised the genomes and transcriptomes of mouse melanoma cell lines defined as weakly metastatic, and their highly metastatic derivatives. By comparing expression data between species, we identified lunatic fringe (LFNG), among 28 genes whose expression level is predictive of poor prognosis and whose altered expression is associated with a prometastatic phenotype in mouse melanoma cells. CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated knockout of Lfng dramatically enhanced the capability of weakly metastatic melanoma cells to metastasise in vivo, a phenotype that could be rescued with the Lfng cDNA. Notably, genomic alterations disrupting LFNG are found exclusively in human metastatic melanomas sequenced as part of The Cancer Genome Atlas. Using comparative genomics, we show that LFNG expression plays a functional role in regulating melanoma metastasis.
Rupture Process During the Mw 8.1 2017 Chiapas Mexico Earthquake: Shallow Intraplate Normal Faulting by Slab Bending
Authors: Okuwaki R. , Yagi Y.
Published: November 2017

A seismic source model for the Mw 8.1 2017 Chiapas, Mexico, earthquake was constructed by kinematic waveform inversion using globally observed teleseismic waveforms, suggesting that the earthquake was a normal‐faulting event on a steeply dipping plane, with the major slip concentrated around a relatively shallow depth of 28 km. The modeled rupture evolution showed unilateral, downdip propagation northwestward from the hypocenter, and the downdip width of the main rupture was restricted to less than 30 km below the slab interface, suggesting that the downdip extensional stresses due to the slab bending were the primary cause of the earthquake. The rupture front abruptly decelerated at the northwestern end of the main rupture where it intersected the subducting Tehuantepec Fracture Zone, suggesting that the fracture zone may have inhibited further rupture propagation.
Incident Spine Surgery in Patients With Ankylosing Spondylitis: A Secondary Cohort Analysis of a Nationwide, Population‐Based Health Claims Database
Authors: Lu Ming‐Chi , Koo Malcolm , Lai Ning‐Sheng
Published: November 2017

Objective

To evaluate the risk of the need for spine surgery, including cervical and lumbar spine surgeries in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), compared with those without the disease.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was conducted using population‐based claims data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. Adult patients with newly diagnosed AS between January 2000 and December 2012 were identified based on the International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision, Clinical Modification code 720.0. A comparison cohort was assembled using frequency‐matched sex, 10‐year age intervals, and index year with the AS cohort at a ratio of 5:1. All patients were followed until our study outcomes (any spine surgery, cervical spine surgery, and lumbar spine surgery), based on surgical codes, had occurred, or until the end of the followup period. Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were calculated using Poisson regression models.

Results

We identified 3,462 patients with AS and 17,310 patients without AS. All 3 outcome variables were seen at a significantly higher incidence in the AS cohort than in the comparison cohort (IRR 2.34 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.92–2.87] for any spine surgery, IRR 2.36 [95% CI 1.55–3.59] for cervical spine surgery, and IRR 2.33 [95% CI 1.85–2.93] for lumbar spine surgery). Moreover, the magnitudes of the IRRs were the largest in the youngest age group (individuals in their 20s and 30s).

Conclusion

Patients with AS, particularly those in their 20s and 30s, had a significantly higher risk of needing any spine surgery, cervical spine surgery, and lumbar spine surgery, compared with patients without AS.
Mussel‐Inspired Adhesive and Conductive Hydrogel with Long‐Lasting Moisture and Extreme Temperature Tolerance
Authors: Han Lu , Liu Kezhi , Wang Menghao , Wang Kefeng , Fang Liming , Chen Haiting , Zhou Jie , Lu Xiong
Published: November 2017

Conductive hydrogels are a promising class of materials to design bioelectronics for new technological interfaces with human body, which are required to work for a long‐term or under extreme environment. Traditional hydrogels are limited in short‐term usage under room temperature, as it is difficult to retain water under cold or hot environment. Inspired by the antifreezing/antiheating behaviors from nature, and based on mussel chemistry, an adhesive and conductive hydrogel is developed with long‐lasting moisture lock‐in capability and extreme temperature tolerance, which is formed in a binary‐solvent system composed of water and glycerol. Polydopamine (PDA)‐decorated carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are incorporated into the hydrogel, which assign conductivity to the hydrogel and serve as nanoreinforcements to enhance the mechanical properties of the hydrogel. The catechol groups on PDA and viscous glycerol endow the hydrogel with high tissue adhesiveness. Particularly, the hydrogel is thermal tolerant to maintain all the properties under extreme wide tempreature spectrum (−20 or 60 °C) or stored for a long term. In summary, this mussel‐inspired hydrogel is a promising material for self‐adhesive bioelectronics to detect biosignals in cold or hot environments, and also as a dressing to protect skin from injuries related to frostbites or burns.
Fluorinated Polyimide as a Novel High‐Voltage Binder for High‐Capacity Cathode of Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Pham Hieu Quang , Kim Gwansu , Jung Hyun Min , Song Seung‐Wan
Published: November 2017

An increase in the energy density of lithium‐ion batteries has long been a competitive advantage for advanced wireless devices and long‐driving electric vehicles. Li‐rich layered oxide, xLi2MnO3∙(1−x)LiMn1−y−zNiyCozO2, is a promising high‐capacity cathode material for high‐energy batteries, whose capacity increases by increasing charge voltage to above 4.6 V versus Li. Li‐rich layered oxide cathode however suffers from a rapid capacity fade during the high‐voltage cycling because of instable cathode–electrolyte interface, and the occurrence of metal dissolution, particle cracking, and structural degradation, particularly, at elevated temperatures. Herein, this study reports the development of fluorinated polyimide as a novel high‐voltage binder, which mitigates the cathode degradation problems through superior binding ability to conventional polyvinylidenefluoride binder and the formation of robust surface structure at the cathode. A full‐cell consisting of fluorinated polyimide binder‐assisted Li‐rich layered oxide cathode and conventional electrolyte without any electrolyte additive exhibits significantly improved capacity retention to 89% at the 100th cycle and discharge capacity to 223–198 mA h g−1 even under the harsh condition of 55 °C and high charge voltage of 4.7 V, in contrast to a rapid performance fade of the cathode coated with polyvinylidenefluoride binder.
Effects of air vents on the flow of reacting polyurethane foam in a refrigerator cavity
Authors: Özdemir İ. Bedii , Pahlavani Hamed
Published: November 2017

The transport equations for momentum, enthalpy, and chemical species are solved to simulate the reactive flow of polyurethane foam in a refrigerator cavity. The chemical reactions are described by a mechanism with four reactions and eight species. The numerical findings are also supported by dimensional arguments, which lead to important design attributes. Results prove that the model can be used not only to predict the flow features during the expansion of a multi‐component foam, but also to determine the locations and the size of the air vents to avoid air bubbles trapped during the solidification process. It appears that the distribution of the vent holes must be evenly balanced around the cabinet cavity, where the larger holes must be located at positions far from the injector. To prevent the formation of large air voids, which cannot reach the vent holes by the action of gravity, there must be additional holes located on the lower surfaces of the cavity to purge the air trapped.
The Eastern side of the Westernmost Europeans: Insights from subclades within Y‐chromosome haplogroup J‐M304
Authors: Manco Licínio , Albuquerque Joana , Sousa Maria Francisca , Martiniano Rui , de Oliveira Ricardo Costa , Marques Sofia , Gomes Verónica , Amorim António , Alvarez Luís , Prata Maria João
Published: November 2017

Objectives

We examined internal lineages and haplotype diversity in Portuguese samples belonging to J‐M304 to improve the spatial and temporal understanding of the introduction of this haplogroup in Iberia, using the available knowledge about the phylogeography of its main branches, J1‐M267 and J2‐M172.

Methods

A total of 110 males of Portuguese descent were analyzed for 17 Y‐chromosome bi‐allelic markers and seven Y‐chromosome short tandem repeats (Y‐STR) loci.

Results

Among J1‐M267 individuals (n = 36), five different sub‐haplogroups were identified, with the most common being J1a2b2‐L147.1 (∼72%), which encompassed the majority of representatives of the J1a2b‐P58 subclade. One sample belonged to the rare J1a1‐M365.1 lineage and presented a core Y‐STR haplotype consistent with the Iberian settlement during the fifth century by the Alans, a people of Iranian heritage. The analysis of J2‐M172 Portuguese males (n = 74) enabled the detection of the two main subclades at very dissimilar frequencies, J2a‐M410 (∼80%) and J2b‐M12 (∼20%), among which the most common branches were J2a1(xJ2a1b,h)‐L26 (22.9%), J2a1b(xJ2a1b1)‐M67 (20.3%), J2a1h‐L24 (27%), and J2b2‐M241 (20.3%).

Conclusions

While previous inferences based on modern haplogroup J Y‐chromosomes implicated a main Neolithic dissemination, here we propose a later arrival of J lineages into Iberia using a combination of novel Portuguese Y‐chromosomal data and recent evidence from ancient DNA. Our analysis suggests that a substantial tranche of J1‐M267 lineages was likely carried into the Iberian Peninsula as a consequence of the trans‐Mediterranean contacts during the first millennium BC, while most of the J2‐M172 lineages may be associated with post‐Neolithic population movements within Europe.
Olfactory loss in chronic rhinosinusitis is associated with neuronal activation of c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase
Authors: Victores Andrew J. , Chen Mengfei , Smith Amy , Lane Andrew P.
Published: November 2017

Background

Olfactory inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is associated with cytokines that may result in the death of olfactory sensory neurons. The principal signaling molecules involved in the apoptotic pathway are c‐Jun N‐terminal kinases (JNK). Although the JNK pathway has emerged as a key player in programmed cell death in neuroinflammation, its specific role in CRS‐associated olfactory loss has not been thoroughly investigated.

Methods

JNK activation was studied in human tissue samples from 9 control and 11 CRS patients by immunohistochemical staining for phosphorylated c‐Jun. A mouse model of inducible olfactory cytokine expression was used to experimentally control inflammation and assess JNK activation over time.

Results

In patients with CRS, activation of c‐Jun is significantly increased relative to non‐CRS control subjects, and there is an associated loss of sensory neurons. In the olfactory inflammation mouse model, prolonged induction of inflammation results in elevation of c‐Jun expression and neuronal apoptosis.

Conclusion

Activation of neuronal JNK is a feature of chronic olfactory inflammation that is associated with neuronal apoptosis. Given that inhibition of JNK activity is neuroprotective in other settings, antagonism of this pathway may have therapeutic potential in the management of inflammatory olfactory loss or other disorders linked to olfactory neuronal apoptosis.
Unity‐Order Nonlinear Optical Index Change in Epsilon‐Near‐Zero Composite Materials of Gain Media and Metal Nanoparticles
Authors: Kim Kwang‐Hyon
Published: November 2017

This work reports giant optical nonlinearity of active gain composites containing metal nanoparticles. In the epsilon‐near‐zero regime, the effective index of the composite strongly depends on the magnitude of host material's saturable gain and one can obtain unity‐order nonlinear optical index change for the pump with gain saturation intensity. For pump intensity of about 100 kW/cm2, the nonlinear refractive index (the refractive index change per unit pump intensity) reaches 10−5 cm2/W, which is 6–8 orders‐of‐magnitude larger than the records recently obtained in epsilon‐near‐zero bulk materials. If the gain value of the host medium is slightly larger than a critical value, such large optical nonlinearity can be obtained without loss or even accompanying with amplification. The proposed materials also have the advantage of wide tunability of operating wavelength range from visible to infrared by changing the gain value of the host and the shape parameters and filling factors of metal nanoparticles.
Development of biodegradable PLA/PBT nanoblends
Authors: Santos Luiza Gouvêa , Costa Lidiane Cristina , Pessan Luiz Antonio
Published: November 2017

Poly(lactic acid)/poly(butylene terephthalate) (PLA/PBT) blends with 3, 5, and 10 wt % of PBT were produced in a twin‐screw extruder, with the addition of ethylene–glycidyl methacrylate copolymer as compatibilizer. An uncompatibilized PLA/PBT blend with 5 wt % of PBT was prepared for comparison studies. The epoxy reactive groups in the compatibilizer allowed modification of the interfacial tension in the blends and reduced the PBT dimensions. The crystallinity of the blends was studied, and its influence on mechanical properties was analyzed. Tensile tests showed an increase in strain at break from 3% for neat PLA to 49% for PLA with 3 wt % PBT, while the tensile modulus dropped from 3.59 GPa to 3.35 GPa for the same samples. Izod results showed a transition from a brittle behavior of PLA to a ductile one for compatibilized blends. These results indicate that the nanometer‐size dispersed phase was effective in changing the deformation behavior of the matrix without a significant loss of modulus. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45951.
Thermoresponsive and biocompatible poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) copolymer: Microwave‐assisted synthesis, characterization, and swelling behavior
Authors: Işıklan Nuran , Kazan Hacer
Published: November 2017

Novel thermoresponsive poly(vinyl alcohol)‐graft‐poly(N,N‐diethylacrylamide) (PVA‐g‐PDEAAm) copolymers were prepared by microwave‐assisted graft copolymerization using a potassium persulfate/N,N,N′,N′‐tetramethylethylenediamine (KPS/TEMED) initiator system. The structures of PVA‐g‐PDEAAm copolymers were characterized by 1H‐NMR, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry/thermogravimetric analysis, gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. The effects of various process parameters on grafting were systematically studied: microwave power, KPS, monomer and PVA concentrations, and ultraviolet irradiation. Under optimal conditions, the maximum grafting percent and graft efficiency were 101% and 93%, respectively. Furthermore, a lower critical temperature of copolymers was measured in the range 29–31 °C by ultraviolet spectroscopy. The swelling behavior of graft membranes was carried out at various temperatures, and the results showed that the swelling behavior of membranes was dependent on the temperature. In vitro cell culture studies using L929 fibroblast cells confirmed cell compatibility with the PVA‐g‐PDEAAm copolymer and its membrane, making them an attractive candidate for drug delivery systems. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45969.
Effect of vinyl and phenyl group content on the physical and dynamic mechanical properties of HVBR and SSBR
Authors: Hua Jing , Liu Kai , Wang Zhaobo , Geng Jieting , Wang Xin
Published: November 2017

High‐vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVBR) and solution‐polymerized styrene–butadiene rubber (SSBR) can meet the requirements of high‐performance tires due to their excellent wet skid resistance and lower rolling resistance. In this paper, the effects of the vinyl and phenyl groups and their contents on the vulcanization behavior, mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, heat resistance, and wear resistance of HVBR and SSBR were investigated, and the dynamic viscoelasticities of HVBR and SSBR vulcanizates with or without carbon black were explored by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The experimental results showed that the vinyl groups contributed more to the wear resistance and fatigue resistance of vulcanizates than the phenyl groups, but the phenyl groups contributed more to the mechanical strength of the vulcanizates than the vinyl groups. The DMA results showed that the vinyl and phenyl groups could significantly improve the road‐gripping capability and wet skid resistance of HVBR and SSBR vulcanizates, but carbon black could slightly weaken the effect of vinyl and phenyl groups on the wet skid resistance of vulcanizates, and the effect of carbon black on vinyl groups was more significant. Despite the presence of carbon black, the phenyl groups contributed more heat buildup to the vulcanizates than the vinyl groups. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45975.
Effect of carbon nanotube on PA6/ECO composites: Morphology development, rheological, and thermal properties
Authors: Esmizadeh Elnaz , Irani Abdollah , Naderi Ghasem , Ghoreishy Mir Hamid Reza , Dobious Charles
Published: November 2017

Thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) nanocomposites based on polyamide‐6 (PA6)/poly(epichlorohydrin‐co‐ethylene oxide) (ECO)/multiwall carbon nanotube (MWCNTs) were prepared by melt compounding process. Different weight ratios of ECO (20, 40, and 60 wt %) and two kinds of functionalized and non‐functionalized MWCNTs were employed to fabricate the nanocomposites. The morphological, rheological, and mechanical properties of MWCNTs‐filled PA6/ECO blends were studied. The scanning electron microscopy of PA6/ECO blends showed that the elastomer particles, ECO, are well‐dispersed within the PA6 matrix. The significant improvement in the dispersibility of the carboxylated carbon nanotubes (COOH‐MWCNTs) compared to that of non‐functionalized MWCNTs (non‐MWCNTs) was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy images. The tensile modulus of samples improved with the addition of both types of MWCNTs. However, the effect of COOH‐MWCNTs was much more pronounced in improving mechanical properties of PA6/ECO TPE nanocomposites. Crystallization results demonstrated that the MWCNTs act as a nucleation agent of the crystallization process resulted in increased crystallization temperature (Tc) in nanocomposites. Rheological characterization in the linear viscoelastic region showed that complex viscosity and a non‐terminal storage modulus significantly increased with incorporation of both types of MWCNTs particularly at low frequency region. The increase of rheological properties was more pronounced in the presence of carboxylic (COOH) functional groups, in the other words by addition of COOH‐MWCNTs. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45977.
White‐light‐emitting hybrid film from fluorescent hyperbranched poly(amido amine)
Authors: Yang Wen , Wang Xiaomin , Wang Shengnan , Hao Wentao
Published: November 2017

The flexible, strong, and tough white‐light‐emitting (WLE) hybrid films are highly demanded in large‐scale displays, including TV sets, monitors, and electronic interactive devices. In this work, a kind of WLE hybrid film was fabricated from hyperbranched poly(amido amine) (HPAMAM) and nanoclay with the incorporation of riboflavin (VB2) and rhodamine B (RhB). The fluorescence emission of HPAMAM was partially absorbed and effectively transferred into green and red color, which combined into a bright white light with the residue blue fluorescence. Due to the alignment of nanoclay inside the HPAMAM matrix, in addition to the strong interaction among the HPAMAM molecules and that between HPAMAM and nanoclay, this hybrid film shows to be strong and tough. The mechanical strength is about 20 MPa and the elongation is about 30%. It is convinced that this hybrid film is promising in flexible large‐scale displays. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46015.
Thermoreversible rheological responses of biscarbamates and tricarbamates in uncured epoxy composite pastes caused by their self‐assembly in an epoxy matrix
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chen Mingqing , Ni Zhongbin
Published: November 2017

We investigated the rheological behaviors of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (epoxy resin) composite pastes with fumed SiO2, biscarbamates, and tricarbamates with the same terminal alkyl chains of C16, respectively. The rheological measurement results show that the rheological responses of both carbamates in the epoxy composite pastes were stronger than that of fumed silica at the same concentrations, especially at low concentrations, and the rheological behaviors of the epoxy composites with them were thermally reversible and concentration dependent. IR, thermal, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized microscopic analyses demonstrated that their different excellent rheological responses in epoxy composite pastes came from their different self‐assemblies in the epoxy matrix, which were caused by the different intermolecular interactions, mainly including hydrogen‐bonding and van de Waals interactions, and the intermolecular interactions for carbamates were closely related to their molecular structures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46032.
Synthesis of reusable silicone foam containing carbon nanotubes for oil spill remediation
Authors: Piperopoulos Elpida , Calabrese Luigi , Mastronardo Emanuela , Proverbio Edoardo , Milone Candida
Published: November 2017

The aim of this work is the synthesis of silicone foam containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) for oil spills remediation. The CNT silicone foams are obtained by foaming a solution of a silicone matrix with CNT filler (5.6 wt %) in presence of a Sn‐based catalyst. Pristine and functionalized CNT have been used. All the obtained materials present a foam morphology with an open cell structure. Each foam is tested in four commonly used oils (kerosene, pump oil, naphtha, and crude oil). Among all, the foam filled with pristine CNT shows the highest sorption capacity (800 wt % in virgin naphtha) and an excellent reusability (up to 10 times). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46067.
Biodegradable polymeric injectable implants for long‐term delivery of contraceptive drugs
Authors: Manoukian Ohan S. , Arul Michael R. , Sardashti Naseem , Stedman Teagan , James Roshan , Rudraiah Swetha , Kumbar Sangamesh G.
Published: November 2017

Development of injectable, long‐lasting, contraceptive drug delivery formulations, and implants are highly desired to avoid unplanned pregnancies while improving patient compliance and reducing adverse side effects and treatment costs. The present study reports on the fabrication and characterization of two levonorgestrel (LNG) microsphere injectable formulations. Poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) with 12.5% and 24% (w/w) LNG were fabricated into microspheres, measuring 300 ± 125 µm, via the oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Formulations showed sustained drug release up to 120 days. FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA confirmed the absence of LNG chemical interaction with PCL as well as its molecular level distribution. The in vitro release of LNG was calculated to be Fickian diffusion controlled and properly characterized. The inclusion of multiple elevated release temperatures allowed for the application of the Arrhenius model to calculate drug release constants and representative sampling intervals, demonstrating the use of elevated temperatures for accelerated‐time drug release studies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46068.
Fully bio‐based polyesters derived from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA) and dodecanedioic acid (DDCA): From semicrystalline thermoplastic to amorphous elastomer
Authors: Jia Zhen , Wang Jinggang , Sun Liyuan , Zhu Jin , Liu Xiaoqing
Published: November 2017

A serials of fully bio‐based poly(ethylene dodecanedioate‐2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEDF) were synthesized from Dodecanedioic acid (DDCA), 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and ethylene glycol through a two‐step procedure consisted of transesterification and polycondensation. After their chemical structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, their thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties were investigated in detail. Results showed that the chemical composition of PEDFs could be easily controlled by the feeding mole ratio of DDCA to FDCA and they possessed the characteristic of random copolyester with the intrinsic viscosity ranged from 0.82 to 1.2 dL/g. With the varied mole ratio of DDCA to FDCA, PEDFs could be changed from semicrystalline thermoplastic to the completely amorphous elastomer, indicated by the elongation at break ranged from 4 for poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) to 1500% for amorphous PEDF‐40. The amorphous PEDF‐30 and PEDF‐40 showed satisfactory shape recovery after cyclic tensile test, which was the typical behavior for elastomer. Enzymatic degradation test indicated that all the PEDFs were biodegradable and the degradation rate was heavily affected by their chemical compositions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46076.
Polymersome formation mechanism and formation rate in stirred‐tank reactors
Authors: Poschenrieder Sarah T. , Hanzlik Marianne , Castiglione Kathrin
Published: November 2017

Uniform polymersomes (polymer vesicles) made of poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15‐b‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)68‐b‐poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15 (PMOXA15–PDMS68–PMOXA15) can be formed in miniaturized‐stirred tank reactors by the aid of a recently published process. In this study, the occurring self‐assembly mechanism was elucidated by using transmission electron microscopy. Subsequent to the initial formation of small spherical micelles and the following fusion to worm‐like micelles, two simultaneously occurring pathways, describing the transformation of further intermediate structures to the desired vesicles, were found. The resulting particle increase was followed by dynamic light scattering. Thus, the vesicle formation rate was judged by the linear increase of the particle diameter over time. While temperature showed no influence, higher initial polymer concentrations and lower final solvent concentrations accelerated the polymersome formation. Besides, the process was crucially dependent on the agitation speed. While spherical micelles did not transform into polymersomes when no stirring or too slow stirring is applied, the self‐assembly process was accelerated by increasing the agitation speed. Uniform polymeric vesicles can be formed under vigorous stirring in stirred‐tank reactors in short process times. In this study, the underlying mechanisms of vesicle formation were elucidated, showing that the polymer forms small micellar structures before undergoing two separate pathways to form the desired vesicular structures. The formation rate of the polymer vesicles was mainly dependent on the agitation speed but also on the polymer and solvent concentrations, highlighting the need for controlled formation conditions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46077.
Inflammatory Cytokines Stabilize SOXC Transcription Factors to Mediate the Transformation of Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes in Arthritic Disease
Authors: Bhattaram Pallavi , Muschler George , Wixler Viktor , Lefebvre Véronique
Published: November 2017

Objective

Fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) produce key synovial fluid and tissue components to ensure joint integrity under healthy conditions, whereas they become cancer‐like and aggressively contribute to joint degeneration in inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the SOXC transcription factors SOX4 and SOX11, whose functions are critical in joint development and many cancer types, contribute to FLS activities under normal and inflammatory conditions.

Methods

We inactivated the SOXC genes in FLS from adult mice and studied the effect on joint homeostasis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–induced arthritis. We used primary cells and synovial biopsy specimens from arthritis patients to analyze the interactions between inflammatory signals and SOXC proteins.

Results

Postnatal inactivation of the SOXC genes had no major effect on joint integrity in otherwise healthy mice. However, it hampered synovial hyperplasia and joint degeneration in transgenic mice expressing human TNF. These effects were explained by the ability of SOX4/11 to amplify the pathogenic impact of TNF on FLS by increasing their survival and migration. SOXC RNA levels were not changed by TNF and other proinflammatory cytokines, but SOXC proteins were strongly stabilized and able to potentiate the TNF‐induced up‐regulation of genes involved in FLS transformation. Substantiating the relevance of these findings in human disease, SOXC protein levels, but not RNA levels, were significantly higher in inflamed synovium than in noninflamed synovium from arthritis patients.

Conclusion

SOXC proteins are targets and pivotal mediators of proinflammatory cytokines during FLS transformation in arthritic diseases. Targeting of these proteins could thus improve current strategies to treat arthritic diseases and possibly other inflammatory diseases.
Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis/Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Consensus‐Based Recommendations and Research Agenda for Use of Composite Measures and Treatment Targets in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Coates Laura C. , FitzGerald Oliver , Merola Joseph F. , Smolen Josef , van Mens Leonieke J. J. , Bertheussen Heidi , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Callis Duffin Kristina , Campbell Willemina , de Wit Maarten , Gladman Dafna , Gottlieb Alice , James Jana , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kristensen Lars Erik , Kvien Tore K. , Luger Thomas , McHugh Neil , Mease Philip , Nash Peter , Ogdie Alexis , Rosen Cheryl F. , Strand Vibeke , Tillett William , Veale Douglas J. , Helliwell Philip S.
Published: November 2017

Objective

A meeting was convened by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) and Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) to further the development of consensus among physicians and patients regarding composite disease activity measures and targets in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods

Prior to the meeting, physicians and patients completed surveys on outcome measures. A consensus meeting of 26 rheumatologists, dermatologists, and patient research partners reviewed evidence on composite measures and potential treatment targets plus results of the surveys. The meeting consisted of plenary presentations, breakout sessions, and group discussions. International experts including members of GRAPPA and OMERACT were invited to the meeting, including the developers of all of the measures discussed. After discussions, participants voted on proposals for use, and consensus was established in a second survey.

Results

Survey results from 128 health care professionals and 139 patients were analyzed alongside a systematic literature review summarizing evidence. A weighted vote was cast for composite measures. For randomized controlled trials, the most popular measures were the PsA disease activity score (40 votes) and the GRAPPA composite index (28 votes). For clinical practice, the most popular measures were an average of scores on 3 visual analog scales (45 votes) and the disease activity in PsA score (26 votes). After discussion, there was no consensus on a composite measure. The group agreed that several composite measures could be used and that future studies should allow further validation and comparison. The group unanimously agreed that remission should be the ideal target, with minimal disease activity (MDA)/low disease activity as a feasible alternative. The target should include assessment of musculoskeletal disease, skin disease, and health‐related quality of life. The group recommended a treatment target of very low disease activity (VLDA) or MDA.

Conclusion

Consensus was not reached on a continuous measure of disease activity. In the interim, the group recommended several composites. Consensus was reached on a treatment target of VLDA/MDA. An extensive research agenda was composed and recommends that data on all PsA clinical domains be collected in ongoing studies.
Heavier and darker
Authors: Urban F.
Published: November 2017

The ghost‐free massive spin‐2 field of bimetric theory turns out to be an amusing dark matter candidate. I review the theoretical foundations of bimetric theory, and outline the qualities and phenomenology of heavy spin‐2 dark matter.
Association between severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and the risk of neural tube defects in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Yali , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Le , Liu Jufen , Jin Lei , Ren Aiguo
Published: November 2017

Background

This study assessed the association between severe NVP and the risk of NTD in offspring compared with a population and a malformed control group. We also assessed whether folic acid supplements modified this association.

Study design and setting

A case‐control study was conducted with subjects enrolled from June 19, 2002, to November 18, 2014, from a population‐based birth defects surveillance system that monitors major external structural birth defects through active case ascertainment in Shanxi Province, China. The main comparison was between women with NTD‐affected offspring who experienced NVP in early pregnancy versus those who did not. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between severe NVP and the risk of NTD while adjusting for potential confounding factors. The risk was estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

Results

The adjusted OR (AOR) of severe NVP for NTDs was 3.25 (95%CI 2.56, 4.12) compared with the population control, and 1.65 (95%CI 1.00, 2.72) compared with the malformed controls. When stratified by intake of folic acid supplements, the AOR for severe NVP was 3.40 (95%CI 2.61, 4.42) in the non‐intake of folic acid supplements stratum and 2.51 (95%CI 1.42, 4.43) in the intake of folic acid supplements stratum.

Conclusion

We conclude that severe NVP is associated with NTDs, and that severe NVP may be a consequence, rather than a cause, of NTDs.
Morin exerts neuroprotection via attenuation of ROS induced oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Bachewal Pragna , Gundu Chayanika , Yerra Veera Ganesh , Kalvala Anil Kumar , Areti Aparna , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: November 2017

Morin, a bioflavonoid with diverse pharmacological effects against various diseases; in most cases morin protective effects were attributed to its detoxifying effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a chronic, debilitating neuronal pain associated with intense generation of free radicals and proinflammatory cytokine accumulation in peripheral neurons. We investigated the pharmacological effect of morin against metabolic excess mediated mitochondrial ROS generation and corresponding effect on Nrf2, NF‐κB pathways in Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats and in high glucose insulted Mouse neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro 2A (N2A). Animals were evaluated for nerve function parameters, motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (MNCV and SNCV) and nerve blood flow (NBF) followed by TUNEL and immunoblot analysis. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by performing JC‐1 and MitoSOX assays in high glucose (30 mM) incubated N2A cells. Diabetic animals showed significant impairment in MNCV, SNCV, and NBF as well as increased pain hypersensitivity. However, oral administration of morin at 50 and 100 mg/kg improved SNCV, MNCV, and NBF and reduced sensorimotor alterations (hyperalgesia and allodynia) in diabetic animals. Studies in N2A cells have revealed that morin ameliorated the high glucose‐induced mitochondrial superoxide production, membrane depolarization, and total ROS generation. Morin effectively counteracted NF‐κB‐mediated neuroinflammation by reducing ROS mediated IKK activation and increased Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant defenses in high glucose‐induced N2A cells. The results of our study suggest that morin has exquisite role in offering neuroprotection in experimental DN and further clinical investigation may reward in finding better alternative for the management of DN. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):109–122, 2018
The Impact of Adhesion Molecules on the In Vitro Culture and Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Abdal Dayem Ahmed , Lee Soobin , Y. Choi Hye , Cho Ssang‐Goo
Published: November 2017

The term “cell adhesion” represents cell–cell interactions and the interaction between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). These interactions are crucial for the development of the stem cells niche to determine stem cell shape. The ECM is considered as a natural niche for cell residence. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) enable cell–cell interactions and the interactions between the cell and ECM via various mechanisms, such as trans‐interaction and the heterophilic interactions. These interactions promote a broad spectrum of cell signaling that directly or indirectly modulates stem cell proliferation, self‐renewal property, adhesion, and multilineage differentiation. Over many years, animal‐derived feeder layers and culture components have been used for stem cell culture, which produces stem cells unsuitable for clinical applications in the regenerative medicine. This review briefly describes the stages of the development of stem cell culture toward a defined condition and the drawbacks of using animal‐derived culture components. Stem cell niche‐derived and ECM‐derived adhesion molecules and their detailed impact on stem cell adhesion and functions will be discussed. Efficient and novel adhesion molecules for stem cell culture and differentiation are needed for further large‐scale applications in tissue regeneration.
Improvement of Water‐Adsorption Capacity of Silico‐Aluminophosphates by Changing Si/Al Ratio and Impregnation of Hygroscopic Salt for Application of Adsorption Chiller
Authors: Kim Sang Kyum , Cho Kanghee , Rhee Young Woo , Kim Jong‐Nam
Published: November 2017

We synthesized a series of silico‐aluminophosphates with a CHA‐type microporous structure (SAPO‐34) under hydrothermal conditions with different silicon to aluminum (Si/Al) ratios and systematically studied the effect of the Si/Al ratio on the structural properties and the water‐adsorption capacity of the SAPO‐34 adsorbents. The crystallinity, pore volume and surface area of the SAPO‐34 increased with an increasing the SiO2/Al2O3 up to 1.0, and the amount of water adsorption also increased with the same trend. However, as increasing the ratio more, these properties became worse. SAPO‐34 with SiO2/Al2O3 = 1 exhibited the highest water adsorption amount (0.359 gwater/gsorbent) at 308 K and 30% relative humidity. In order to enhance the water‐adsorption capacity further, we impregnated the SAPO‐34 with hygroscopic salts, LiCl and CaCl2. The amount of water adsorption at 308 K and 30% relative humidity was increased up to 0.584 and 0.664 gwater/gsorbent for the LiCl@SAPO‐34 and CaCl2@SAPO‐34 respectively. However, after several cycles of adsorption (308 K, 12 Torr)—desorption (353 K, 42 Torr) conditions of typical adsorption chiller, the CaCl2@SAPO‐34 lost more than 81% of its working capacity. On the other hand, LiCl@SAPO‐34 maintained well the working capacity during five cycles. SAPO‐34 impregnated with LiCl is a highly promising water adsorbent for the application of adsorption chiller.