bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally induced double‐positive temperature coefficients of electrical resistivity in combined conductive filler–doped polymer composites
Authors: Hou Yan‐ling , Zhang Peng , Xie Miao‐miao
Published: February 2017

Polymer composites of low‐density polyethylene/polypropylene/graphite/vanadium dioxide (LDPE0.8/PP0.2/Gr0.4/VO2) are prepared by classical melt‐mixing technology and show a notable double positive temperature coefficient of electric resistivity (PTC), which originates from the combined effect of highly conductive Gr and VO2 with a thermal phase transition. When the weight ratio of VO2 is 8 wt %, the positive temperature coefficient intensity (PTCI) for the composites reaches 3.85 orders of magnitude. The model system demonstrates the reason for the improvement in the PTC performance of the polymer composites by analyzing the construction of the conductive networks. Therefore, the addition of phase‐transition compounds may be a promising path to improving PTC materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44876.
Antibacterial N‐halamine coating on cotton fabric fabricated using mist polymerization
Authors: Luo Guangyan , Xi Guanghui , Wang Xiyi , Qin Dandan , Zhang Yanyan , Fu Feiya , Liu Xiangdong
Published: February 2017

3‐Methylallyloxy‐5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (MH), an methacrylate monomer containing N‐halamine moiety, was synthesized by 5,5‐dimethylhydantoin (DMH) and methacryloyl chloride. Antimicrobial coating of poly[1‐methyl‐1‐(4,4‐dimethyl‐2,5‐dioxoimidazolidin‐carbonyl)ethylene] (PMH) was prepared on cotton fabrics via “mist polymerization” using MH as monomer. The coating gave the cotton fabric with efficient antibacterial function with remarkable durability. In the antibacterial tests, the bacteriostatic reduction rate is greater than 99.78%, and can be maintained over 99.00% even after 30 washing cycles. Compared with other antimicrobial technologies, mist polymerization offers advantages such as achieving antimicrobial function by small consumption of monomer, forming coatings on single‐side of the fabrics, and minimizing the damages on the original properties of cotton during the finishing process. It can be applied in a wide variety of textile products such as sportswear, underwear, socks, and medical textiles. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44897.
Tuning the properties of segmented polyhydroxyurethanes via chain extender structure
Authors: Beniah Goliath , Heath William H. , Jeon Junho , Torkelson John M.
Published: February 2017

The influence of chain extender structure on the properties of segmented polyhydroxyurethane (PHU) was investigated with four diamine molecules: 1,4‐diaminobutane, isophorone diamine, methylene bis(cyclohexyl amine), and bis(aminomethyl) norbornane. These nonisocyanate polyurethanes were synthesized with polytetramethylene oxide‐based soft segment and divinyl benzene dicyclocarbonate (DVBDCC) as hard segment. They were characterized with small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and tensile testing. All PHUs possess nanophase‐separated morphology with interdomain spacings of 12 to 16 nm via SAXS. DMA shows that the nanophase separation is accompanied with broad interphases having a wide range of local compositions. These PHUs exhibit tan δ ≥ 0.30 over broad temperature ranges, indicating their potential as effective damping materials. The flow temperature (Tflow), the temperature range with tan δ ≥ 0.30, and the tensile properties of these PHUs are strongly affected by the molecular structure of the chain extender used in synthesis. At 50 wt % hard‐segment content, values of Tflow, tensile strength, and elongation‐at‐break can be tuned via chain extender from 57 to 105 °C, 1.6 to 22.4 MPa, and 70 to 500%, respectively. Notably, PHU at 50 wt % hard‐segment content, synthesized with norbornane‐based chain extender exhibits the best thermal and mechanical properties with Tflow of 105 °C, tensile strength of 22.4 MPa, elongation‐at‐break of 500%, and tan δ ≥ 0.30 over 74 °C in breadth. By varying hard‐segment content between 30 and 50 wt %, norbornane‐based PHUs afford broad tunability in tensile strength from 0.5 to 22.4 MPa with tan δ ≥ 0.30 spanning temperature range as large as 85 °C. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44942.
Networked Iterative Learning Control Design for Nonlinear Systems with Stochastic Output Packet Dropouts
Authors: Liu Jian , Ruan Xiaoe
Published: February 2017

This paper develops two proportional‐type (P‐type) networked iterative learning control (NILC) schemes for a class of discrete‐time nonlinear systems whose stochastic output packet dropouts are modeled as 0‐1 Bernoulli stochastic sequences. In constructing the NILC schemes, two kinds of compensation algorithm of the dropped outputs are given. One is to replace the instant‐wise dropped output data with the synchronous desired output data; the other is to substitute the dropped data with the consensus‐instant output data used at the previous iteration. By adopting the lifting technique, it is derived that under certain conditions the expectations of the tracking errors incurred by the proposed NILC schemes converge to zero along the iteration axis. Numerical experiments are carried out for validity and effectiveness.
Finite‐Time Consensus Problem for Second‐Order Multi‐Agent Systems Under Switching Topologies
Authors: Wang Fang , Chen Xin , He Yong , Wu Min
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the finite‐time consensus problem for multi‐agent systems with second‐order individual dynamics under switching topologies. A distributed continuous‐time protocol is designed to guarantee finite‐time consensus for homogeneous agents without predetermined leaders, i.e., it ensures agents asymptotically converge to an average consensus within finite time, even if the interaction topology among them is time‐varying but stepwise jointly‐connected. In particular, it introduces a distributed continuous‐time protocol to reach consensus in finite time and reduce the chattering together. Finally, the simulation results are also given to validate the proposed approach.
Multivariate meta‐analysis with an increasing number of parameters
Authors: Boca Simina M. , Pfeiffer Ruth M. , Sampson Joshua N.
Published: February 2017

Meta‐analysis can average estimates of multiple parameters, such as a treatment's effect on multiple outcomes, across studies. Univariate meta‐analysis (UVMA) considers each parameter individually, while multivariate meta‐analysis (MVMA) considers the parameters jointly and accounts for the correlation between their estimates. The performance of MVMA and UVMA has been extensively compared in scenarios with two parameters. Our objective is to compare the performance of MVMA and UVMA as the number of parameters, p, increases. Specifically, we show that (i) for fixed‐effect (FE) meta‐analysis, the benefit from using MVMA can substantially increase as p increases; (ii) for random effects (RE) meta‐analysis, the benefit from MVMA can increase as p increases, but the potential improvement is modest in the presence of high between‐study variability and the actual improvement is further reduced by the need to estimate an increasingly large between study covariance matrix; and (iii) when there is little to no between‐study variability, the loss of efficiency due to choosing RE MVMA over FE MVMA increases as p increases. We demonstrate these three features through theory, simulation, and a meta‐analysis of risk factors for non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.
Analysis of water distribution networks using MATLAB and Excel spreadsheet: Q‐based methods
Authors: Niazkar Majid , Afzali Seied Hosein
Published: February 2017

With the emergence of computers, literatures of water distribution network (WDN), and application of computer‐aided programs for modeling WDNs have been significantly improved. Although MATLAB and Excel spreadsheet provide suitable facilities for both academic and practical purposes, the comprehensive application of these programs in WDN analysis has not been addressed. In this paper, the step‐by‐step implementation of three Q‐based methods is presented for solving WDNs using these programs. In order to focus more on the educational aspects of computer application, a simple pipe network is analyzed using these Q‐based methods. However, as basics of the implementation are sufficiently covered, the provided codes can be improved to analyze more complicated pipe networks. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Comput Appl Eng Educ 25:277–289, 2017; View this article online at wileyonlinelibrary.com/journal/cae; DOI 10.1002/cae.21796
Structural Defect‐Induced Bandgap Narrowing in Dopant‐Free Anodic TiO2 Nanotubes
Authors: Nasirpouri Farzad , Peighambardoust PhD student (Ms) Naeimeh‐Sadat , Samardak Alexander , Ognev Alexey , Korochentsev Vladimir , Osmushko Ivan , Binions Russell
Published: February 2017

The application of TiO2 in energy‐harvesting materials has been restricted, owing to its relatively large bandgap. In accordance with theoretical predictions of lower bandgap and higher absorbance of visible light in TiO2 nanotube arrays, we demonstrate experimentally that large‐area TiO2 nanotube arrays produced either by low‐temperature anodization or by two‐step anodization on electropolished Ti exhibit a narrowed bandgap; reducing the bandgap from 3.2 to 2.92 eV in an amorphous (as‐anodized) state and to 2.84 eV in the anatase (annealed) phase. The bandgap energy of oxide nanotubes was measured by calculating Tauc plots, according to the diffuse reflectance spectra. Furthermore, the band structure of the TiO2 nanotube arrays measured by using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and ultraviolet photoemission spectroscopy revealed similar bandgap narrowing evidence. This bandgap narrowing behavior can be attributed to either surface edge states, owing to the incorporation of oxygen atoms on the high surface area of the nanotubes, or the formation of Ti3+ defect states form nonbonding states within the bandgap below the Fermi‐level edge. Annealing the tubes further reduced the energy bandgap, owing to the formation of anatase crystalline phase.
Different Gelation and Self‐Sorting Properties of Two Isomeric Polyamides Owing to the Parallel versus Anti‐Parallel Alignment of Backbone Dipoles
Authors: Leung Chui‐Fan , Chow Hak‐Fun
Published: February 2017

Two isomeric bottlebrush polyamides P‐1 and A‐1, with the same repeating monomer dipole units aligned along the polymer backbone in pseudo‐parallel and pseudo‐antiparallel fashion, respectively, were synthesized and characterized. Both polymers can form thermoreversible gels with aromatic solvents but P‐1 was found to show inferior gelation strength compared with that of A‐1. Furthermore, despite their close structural resemblance, a 1:1 mixture of the P‐1 and A‐1 polymers was shown to exhibit self‐sorting in the gel state. Gel formation was found to be a kinetically trapped process through hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking interactions, and side chain interdigitation. The different gelation and self‐sorting properties can be explained by the local dipole–dipole interactions originating from the different modes of backbone dipole alignment. In single gel systems, the antiparallel‐aligned dipoles in A‐1 facilitated a more compact molecular packing owing to the enthalpically more favorable polymer chain association. On the other hand, the parallel‐aligned dipoles in P‐1 gave rise to a less stable head‐to‐head packing, which had difficulties to convert to the more stable head‐to‐tail packing in a kinetically trapped environment. In the mixed gel system, it is the unfavorable hetero‐polymer mismatch dipole–dipole interaction that inhibited the mixing of the A‐1 and P‐1 polymers and led to self‐sorting.
Vom Laborkuriosum zum kontinuierlichen Prozess: Die Entwicklung thermomorpher Lösungsmittelsysteme
Authors: Dreimann Jens Martin , Faßbach Thiemo Alexander , Fuchs Sarah , Fürst Marc Robert Laurent , Gaide Tom , Kuhlmann René , Ostrowski Karoline Anna , Stadler Andreas , Seidensticker Thomas , Vogelsang Dennis , Warmeling Helge Werner Franz , Vorholt Andreas Johannes
Published: February 2017

Die homogene Katalyse zeichnet sich gegenüber der heterogenen Katalyse durch höhere Selektivität und Aktivität bei gleichzeitig milderen Reaktionsbedingungen aus; die Abtrennung der teuren Übergangsmetallkatalysatoren von den Reaktionsprodukten ist jedoch schwierig. Temperaturgesteuerte Lösungsmittelsysteme, die bei geringer Temperatur in zwei Phasen vorliegen und bei Temperaturerhöhung ein homogenes, einphasiges Lösungsmittelsystem ausbilden, ermöglichen eine Reaktionsführung ohne Stofftransportlimitierungen. Durch Abkühlung bildet sich erneut ein Zweiphasensystem aus, bei dem im Idealfall eine Phase das Produkt und die andere den Katalysator enthält.
Structure Engineered g‐C3N4 Nano‐Sheets by Switching the Pyrolysis Gas Atmosphere for Enhanced Photo‐Catalytic Degradation
Authors: Chai Yuanyuan , Liu Qianqian , Zhang Lu , Ren Jia , Dai Wei‐Lin
Published: February 2017

We developed a new one step approach to synthesize g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets by direct thermal pyrolysis process of urea in NH3 atmosphere. For the first time, the influence of the preparation gas atmosphere on the composition, crystalline and polymerization degree, and the activity of the g‐C3N4 synthesized from thermal condensation of urea was investigated. Impressively, the g‐C3N4 nano‐sheets obtained under NH3 gas atmosphere exhibited much superior photo‐catalytic activities to the prepared g‐C3N4 in air or N2, and the rate of the g‐C3N4‐NH3 was about 5 times higher than that on g‐C3N4‐N2 sample. The detailed characterization analysis revealed that NH3 thermal pyrolysis atmosphere contributed to the polymerization degree and the formation of the layer with a more regular structure due to the efficiently extending of the conjugated π‐conjugative system, which was favorable to the transfer of the photo‐induced charge carriers. Furthermore, we studied in depth the structure‐performance relationship in the system, and it was found that the synergistic effect of the larger surface area, the adjusted band energy structure and the well crystallization may be conductive to the higher separation of the electron–hole pair, thus leading to the wonderful performance for the g‐C3N4‐NH3. Notably, the method has the merits of low cost, scalable production and environmental friendliness.
Further Studies on the Direct Synthesis of α,β‐Unsaturated Ketimines and α,β‐Enones by Chemoselective Dehydrative Addition of Functionalized Alkenes to Secondary Amides
Authors: Huang Pei‐Qiang , Huang Ying‐Hong
Published: February 2017

Described in this paper are the results of an investigation on the extension of the C‐H alkyliminylation and acylation of alkenes with secondary amides. The nucleophilic partner has been extended to cover a series of functionalized alkenes bearing functional groups including ester, α,β‐unsaturated ester, uncongested ketone groups, as well as enol derivatives of acetaldehyde such as enol ether and enamides. The electrophilic partner has been extended from N‐(2,6‐dimethylphenyl) and N‐methyl amides to N‐n‐butyl, and N‐cyclohexyl amides. The results demonstrated that the method can be used to synthesize a number of functionalized α,β‐unsaturated ketimines and α,β‐enones in an efficient, high yielding, and one‐pot manner. The method was applied to a concise synthesis of (E)‐6‐styryltetrahydro‐2H‐pyran‐2‐one (5), an immediate intermediate in the syntheses of a series of styryllactone natural products including (±)‐goniothalamine (6), (±)‐goniothalamine oxide (7), (±)‐goniodiol (8), (±)‐leiocarpin A (9), (±)‐9‐deoxygoniopypyrone (10), and (±)‐7‐epi‐goniodiol (11).
Significant changes in sexual behavior after a diagnosis of human papillomavirus‐positive and human papillomavirus‐negative oral cancer
Authors: Taberna Miren , Inglehart Ronald C. , Pickard Robert K. L. , Fakhry Carole , Agrawal Amit , Katz Mira L. , Gillison Maura L.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Sexual behavior and oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are risk factors for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). The effects of OSCC diagnosis and treatment on subsequent relationship stress and sexual behavior are unknown.

METHODS

Incident cases of HPV‐positive or HPV‐negative OSCC in patients who had a partnered relationship and partners of patients with oropharyngeal cancer were eligible for a study in which surveys were administered at diagnosis and at the 6‐month follow‐up time point to assess relationship distress, HPV transmission and concerns about health consequences, and sexual behavior. The frequency distributions of responses, stratified by tumor HPV status, were compared at baseline and follow‐up.

RESULTS

In total, 262 patients with OSCC and 81 partners were enrolled. Among the patients, 142 (54.2%) had HPV‐positive OSCC, and 120 (45.8%) had HPV‐negative OSCC. Relationship distress was infrequently reported, and 69% of patients felt that their relationship had strengthened since the cancer diagnosis. Both HPV‐positive patients (25%) and their partners (14%) reported feelings of guilt or responsibility for the diagnosis of an HPV‐caused cancer. Concern over sexual, but not nonsexual, HPV transmission to partners was reported by 50%. Significant declines in the frequency of vaginal and oral sexual behaviors were reported at follow‐up, regardless of tumor HPV status. From baseline to 6 months, significant increases in abstinence from vaginal sex (from 10% to 34%; P < .01) and oral sex (from 25% to 80%; P < .01) were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Diagnosis and treatment of OSCC are associated with significant declines in the frequency of vaginal and oral sex, regardless of tumor HPV status. Sexual behavior is an important quality‐of‐life outcome to assess within clinical trials. [See related editorial on pages 000‐000, this issue.] Cancer 2017. © 2017 American Cancer Society. Cancer 2017;123:1156–1165. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
A prospective evaluation of clinical and genetic predictors of weight changes in breast cancer survivors
Authors: Sadim Maureen , Xu Yanfei , Selig Katharina , Paulus Julie , Uthe Regina , Agarwl Surbhi , Dubin Iram , Oikonomopoulou Panagiota , Zaichenko Lesya , McCandlish Silvia Aki , Van Horn Linda , Mantzoros Christos , Ankerst Donna Pauler , Kaklamani Virginia G.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Postdiagnosis weight gain in patients with breast cancer has been associated with increased cancer recurrence and mortality. This study was designed to identify risk factors for weight gain and create a predictive model to identify a high‐risk population for targeted interventions.

METHODS

The weight of 393 patients with breast cancer from the Northwestern Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center was measured over a 2‐year period from diagnosis, with body mass index (BMI) change over 18 months as the primary endpoint. Demographics, clinical factors, treatment methods, as well as tumor characteristics were also recorded; and a lifestyle questionnaire was conducted. Blood samples were genotyped for 16 single nucleotide polymorphisms in FTO, adiponectin pathway genes (ADIPOQ, ADIPOR1), and FNDC5. Serum leptin, adiponectin, and irisin levels also were measured.

RESULTS

Mean ± standard deviation 18‐month BMI changes were 0.68 ± 1.42, 0.98 ± 1.62, 0.79 ± 1.74, and −0.44 ± 1.58 kg/m2 for patients ages <40, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, and ≥60 years, respectively. The optimal multivariable model for 18‐month BMI change contained the predictors age, height, and endocrine therapy, but only age was statistically significant, with a 0.04 kg/m2 increase in 18‐month BMI change per younger year of age. Single nucleotide polymorphisms in ADIPOR1, FTO, and FNDC5 were associated with 18‐month BMI change, and the first 2 remained significant after adjusting for the optimal clinical model (all P < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Women age 60 years and younger at the time of breast cancer diagnosis who have an obesity genetic risk model are at increased risk for weight gain after treatment and should be targeted for weight‐maintenance interventions. Cancer 2017;123:2413–21. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Impact of the elimination of cost sharing for mammographic breast cancer screening among rural US women: A natural experiment
Authors: Peppercorn Jeffrey , Horick Nora , Houck Kevin , Rabin Julia , Villagra Victor , Lyman Gary H. , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Rural US women experience disparities in breast cancer screening and outcomes. In 2006, a national rural health insurance provider, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), eliminated out‐of‐pocket costs for screening mammography.

METHODS

This study evaluated the elimination of cost sharing as a natural experiment: it compared trends in screening before and after the policy change. NRECA insurance claims data were used to identify all women aged 40 to 64 years who were eligible for breast cancer screening, and mammography utilization from 1998 through 2011 was evaluated. Repeated measures regression models were used to evaluate changes in utilization over time and the association between screening and sociodemographic factors.

RESULTS

The analysis was based on 45,738 women enrolled in the NRECA membership database for an average of 6.1 years and included 279,940 person‐years of enrollment. Between 1998 and 2011, the annual screening rate increased from 35% to a peak of 50% among women aged 40 to 49 years and from 49% to 58% among women aged 50 to 64 years. The biennial screening rate increased from 56% to 66% for women aged 40 to 49 years and from 68% to 73% for women aged 50 to 64 years. Screening rates increased significantly (P < .0001) after the elimination of cost sharing and then declined slightly after changes to government screening guidelines in 2009. Younger women experienced greater increases in both annual screening (6.2%) and biennial screening (5.6%) after the elimination of cost sharing in comparison with older women (3.0% and 2.6%, respectively). In a multivariate analysis, rural residence, lower population income, and lower population education were associated with modestly lower screening.

CONCLUSIONS

In a national sample of predominantly rural working‐age women, the elimination of cost sharing correlated with increased breast cancer screening. Cancer 2017;123:2506–15. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Diagnosis of anaplastic lymphoma kinase rearrangement in cytological samples through a fluorescence in situ hybridization–based assay: Cytological smears versus cell blocks
Authors: Zito Marino Federica , Rossi Giulio , Brunelli Matteo , Malzone Maria Gabriella , Liguori Giuseppina , Bogina Giuseppe , Morabito Alessandro , Rocco Gaetano , Franco Renato , Botti Gerardo
Published: February 2017

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) status analysis of lung cytological specimens should be successfully encouraged in routine practice because biopsy specimens are not always available. To date, the US Food and Drug Administration has approved both fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC) as diagnostic tests for identifying ALK‐positive patients eligible for treatment with crizotinib. Although ALK IHC is an optimal diagnostic tool, FISH becomes mandatory in equivocal cases. ALK FISH of paraffin‐embedded tissue material is still the gold standard, whereas the cytological specimen assay has not yet been completely standardized. Many controversial data have been reported on the adequacy of cytology cell blocks (CBs) versus conventional smears for FISH testing. This review discusses some critical issues related to ALK FISH of cytological samples, including the triaging of collected specimens to optimize the material, the use of CBs versus conventional smears, and alternative methods for an ALK rearrangement diagnosis. Conventional smears have the advantages of an immediate evaluation, no probe tissue‐related artifactual loss, no fixation‐related alterations, and usually sufficient material for an analytic preparation. On the other hand, CBs have several advantages, including the appropriate conservation of the tissue architecture, an absence of problems related to cell overlapping, and the ability to evaluate neoplastic cells in a dark field. Cancer Cytopathol 2017;125:303–312. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Upconversion Nanoparticles Synthesized by Ultrashort Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid: Effect of the Stabilizing Environment
Authors: Gemini Laura , Schmitz Tim , Kling Rainer , Barcikowski Stephan , Gökce Bilal
Published: February 2017

The distinctive feature of upconverting compounds to absorb and emit light in the near‐infrared region has made upconverting nanoparticles of great interest in various application fields. Nevertheless, these colloids show a highly hydrophobic behavior, and therefore, the use of a proper stabilizing agent is necessary in most cases. Although few chemical techniques for colloid stabilization are available, it is still difficult to achieve a fully reproducible synthesis method for stable upconverting nanoparticle colloids. In this work, upconversion 18 %Yb:1 %Er:NaYF4 nanoparticles were produced by ultrafast pulsed laser ablation in a water and 2‐[2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)‐ ethoxy]acetic acid (MEEAA) environment to assess the stabilization effect of the surfactant on the nanoparticle colloid properties. The effects of the laser fluence and MEEAA concentration on the nanoparticles′ properties were investigated by TEM, EDS, and emission spectra analyses. The results show that ultrashort pulsed laser ablation in liquid allows generating highly spherical nanoparticles with conserved stoichiometry and optical properties. Moreover, it is possible to obtain colloids with significantly higher stability and preserved optical properties by one‐step PLAL processes directly in the MEEAA environment.
Preparation and Fluorescence Properties of Perylenediimide Nanodispersions Having a One‐Dimensional π‐Stacked Structure
Authors: Sasaki Shino , Higuchi Shohei , Asahi Tsuyoshi
Published: February 2017

We prepared stable nanodispersions of a fluorescent perylenediimide (PDI) derivative having long alkyl chains by nanosecond laser fragmentation of its microcrystalline powder in acetonitrile (ACN). The nanoparticles had cube‐like or rod shapes with a mean size of 100 nm, and they dispersed stably for longer than 1 month. The prepared nanobricks exhibited absorption and fluorescence spectra characteristic of one‐dimensional aggregates with cofacial stacking of PDI planes. Single‐particle fluorescence measurements demonstrated that nanobricks had a well‐aligned structure of one‐dimensional columns of PDI. The aqueous dispersions were also fabricated by redispersing the prepared nanobricks, utilizing lipophilic interactions of surfactants having long alkyl chains. We examined the fluorescence properties of nanoparticles dispersed in ACN and in water, and observed amplified fluorescence quenching by the surface‐adsorbed dye.
Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics: Past, Present, and Future
Authors: Waldman SA , Terzic A
Published: February 2017

Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (CPT), the definitive and timely source for advances in human therapeutics, transcends the drug discovery, development, regulation, and utilization continuum to catalyze, evolve, and disseminate discipline‐transformative knowledge. Prioritized themes and multidisciplinary content drive the science and practice of clinical pharmacology, offering a trusted point of reference. An authoritative herald across global communities, CPT is a timeless information vehicle at the vanguard of discovery, translation, and application ushering therapeutic innovation into modern healthcare.
Solvent‐ and Halogen‐Free Modification of Biobased Polyphenols to Introduce Vinyl Groups: Versatile Aromatic Building Blocks for Polymer Synthesis
Authors: Duval Antoine , Avérous Luc
Published: February 2017

Various biobased polyphenols (lignins and condensed tannins) were derivatized with vinyl ethylene carbonate, a functional cyclic carbonate, to obtain multifunctional aromatic polymers bearing vinyl groups. The reaction was optimized on a condensed tannin and soda lignin. In both cases, full conversion of the phenol groups was achieved in only 1 h at 150 °C without solvent and with K2CO3 as a cheap and safe catalyst. This reaction was later applied to other condensed tannins and technical lignins (Kraft and organosolv), showing only little dependence on the chemical structure of the polyphenols. The obtained derivatives were thoroughly characterized by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy, FTIR spectroscopy, and size‐exclusion chromatography. The developed method was compared with previously published protocols for the introduction of vinyl groups on lignin, and shows promising advances toward the modification of biobased polyphenols according to green chemistry principles. The obtained macromolecules show great potential as highly versatile biobased aromatic building blocks for the synthesis of polymers through, for example, radical, metathesis, or thiol–ene reactions.
Flexible Asymmetric Threadlike Supercapacitors Based on NiCo2Se4 Nanosheet and NiCo2O4/Polypyrrole Electrodes
Authors: Wang Qiufan , Ma Yun , Wu Yunlong , Zhang Daohong , Miao Menghe
Published: February 2017

Flexible threadlike supercapacitors with improved performance are needed for many wearable electronics applications. Here, we report a high performance flexible asymmetric all‐solid‐state threadlike supercapacitor with a NiCo2Se4 positive electrode and a NiCo2O4@PPy (PPy: polypyrrole) negative electrode. The as‐prepared electrodes display outstanding volume specific capacitance (14.2 F cm−3) and excellent cycling performance (94 % retention after 5000 cycles at 0.6 mA) owing to their nanosheet and nanosphere structures. The asymmetric all‐solid‐state threadlike supercapacitor expanded the stability voltage window from 0–1.0 V to 0–1.7 V and exhibits high volume energy density (5.18 mWh cm−3) and superior flexibility under different bending conditions. This study provides a scalable method for fabricating high performance flexible supercapacitors from easily available materials for use in wearable and portable electronics.
Be ready to address disability microaggressions in medicine
Authors: May Alison L.
Published: February 2017

Most disability services practitioners agree that the medical model of disability, with its focus on curing the individual's intrinsic problem, is problematic for students with disabilities and academia more broadly. This is especially salient for medicine. The few medical students with disabilities who matriculate and self‐identify may be relegated to the medical model of disability, being viewed as flawed and limited in their potential for practicing medicine. Leslie Neal‐Boylan and colleagues suggested in 2012 that this model is the reason medical providers with invisible disabilities frequently choose not to self‐identify.
Fledgling calls are a source of social information for conspecific, but not heterospecific, songbird territory selection
Authors: Kelly Janice K. , Schmidt Kenneth A.
Published: February 2017

The choice of breeding territory can strongly affect an individual's fitness. Individuals can use information obtained from social cues emitted by other organisms to assess territory quality when making settlement decisions. Social information sourced from cues indicating the current inhabitants' reproductive success (i.e., performance‐based cues) can be especially valuable as such cues may directly reveal territory quality. We tested social information use in a songbird system using experimental playbacks of Veery (Catharus fuscescens) fledgling calls (evidence of prior nest success) during the postbreeding season. We demonstrated that with year effects considered, Veeries used performance‐based social information available during the postbreeding season to select sites for territory establishment in the following year. During the first year of the study, Veeries occupied a greater proportion of plots with experimental broadcast of fledgling calls relative to control plots, whereas Ovenbirds (Seiurus aurocapilla), a coexisting heterospecific ground‐nesting species, did not. Fledgling call treatments did not have carryover effects that influenced Veery settlement decisions during the second year of the study. Ovenbird abundance varied with treatment combinations between years, but evidence indicating a carryover effect was limited. Our results indicate that postbreeding social information may vary among years for both conspecifics and heterospecifics, therefore highlighting the importance of considering year effects in studies on social information use.
Behavioral responses to resource heterogeneity can accelerate biological invasions
Authors: Lutscher Frithjof , Musgrave Jeffrey A.
Published: February 2017

The abundance and spatial distribution of resources in a landscape and the behavioral response of individuals determines whether and how fast an invasive species spreads in an environment. Whether and how landscape manipulations can be used to slow invasive species is of great interest, in particular in forest ecosystems, where tree removal, thinning, and increasing tree diversity are discussed as management options. Classically, the focus is on availability and accessibility of resources; more recent considerations include individual‐level behavioral movement responses to a spatially heterogeneous resource distribution. We derive a novel model for insect–host dynamics that includes three common behavioral aspects of foraging: higher movement rate in resource‐poor areas, lower ovipositioning rate in resource‐poor areas, and movement preference for resource‐rich areas. We show that each of these basic mechanisms can increase the speed of invasion in a source–sink landscape above that in a homogeneous landscape with larger overall resource availability. We parameterize our model and illustrate our results with data for emerald ash borer, a recent highly destructive forest pest in North America. Our results highlight the importance of empirical work on movement behavior in different landscape types and near the interface between types.
Impaired left ventricular global longitudinal strain in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from the RELAX trial
Authors: DeVore Adam D. , McNulty Steven , Alenezi Fawaz , Ersboll Mads , Vader Justin M. , Oh Jae K. , Lin Grace , Redfield Margaret M. , Lewis Gregory , Semigran Marc J. , Anstrom Kevin J. , Hernandez Adrian F. , Velazquez Eric J.
Published: February 2017

Background

While abnormal left ventricular (LV) global longitudinal strain (GLS) has been described in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), its prevalence and clinical significance are poorly understood.

Methods and results

Patients enrolled in the RELAX trial of sildenafil in HFpEF (LV ejection fraction ≥50%) in whom two‐dimensional, speckle‐tracking LV GLS was possible (n = 187) were analysed. The distribution of LV GLS and its associations with clinical characteristics, LV structure and function, biomarkers, exercise capacity and quality of life were assessed. Baseline median LV GLS was −14.6% (25th and 75th percentile, −17.0% and −11.9%, respectively) and abnormal (≥ − 16%) in 122/187 (65%) patients. Patients in the tertile with the best LV GLS had lower N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) [median 505 pg/mL (161, 1065) vs. 875 pg/mL (488, 1802), P = 0.008) and lower collagen III N‐terminal propeptide (PIIINP) levels [median 6.7 µg/L (5.1, 8.1) vs. 8.1 µg/L (6.5, 10.5), P = 0.001] compared with the tertile with the worst LV GLS. There was also a modest linear relationship with LV GLS and log‐transformed NT‐proBNP and PIIINP (r = 0.29, P < 0.001 and r = 0.19, P = 0.009, respectively). We observed no linear association of LV GLS with Minnesota Living with Heart Failure scores, 6‐min walk distance, peak oxygen consumption, or expiratory minute ventilation/carbon dioxide excretion slope.

Conclusions

Impaired LV GLS is common among HFpEF patients, indicating the presence of covert systolic dysfunction despite normal LV ejection fraction. Impaired LV GLS was associated with biomarkers of wall stress and collagen synthesis and diastolic dysfunction but not with quality of life or exercise capacity, suggesting other processes may be more responsible for these aspects of the HFpEF syndrome.
Chemoenzymatic Preparation of Enantiomerically Enriched (R)‐(–)‐Mandelic Acid Derivatives: Application in the Synthesis of the Active Agent Pemoline
Authors: Poterała Marcin , Dranka Maciej , Borowiecki Paweł
Published: February 2017

The enantioselective resolution of several racemic derivatives of mandelic acid methyl ester catalyzed by lipases from Pseudomonas fluorescens (Amano AK) or Burkholderia cepacia (Amano PS‐C II and Amano PS‐IM) has been achieved. A gram‐scale lipase‐mediated kinetic resolution approach has been developed that allows the facile synthesis of the corresponding methyl (R)‐(–)‐mandelates with excellent enantiomeric excesses (up to >99 % ee) and reaction enantioselectivity (E values up to >200). The dopaminergic agent pemoline, used in the treatment of attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy, was synthesized with 98 % ee in a straightforward route by condensing the prepared methyl (R)‐(–)‐mandelate with guanidine hydrochloride under basic conditions. The desired (R)‐(+)‐pemoline in optically pure form (>99 % ee) was obtained after two recrystallizations from ethanol. However, it was confirmed by chiral HPLC that optically active pemoline undergoes racemization in methanol solution.
Preparation and application of antibacterial magnetic nanosilver chitosan composites
Authors: Zhang Liang , Zhong Lvling , Wang Yang , Wang Jie , Nie Xiaoyong , Han Xuanli
Published: February 2017

The antibacterial composite chitosan/poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)/Ag/Fe3O4 was prepared to treat drinking water. The results show that the optimal conditions for preparing composite with the best antibacterial activity are C(AgNO3) = 0.8%, C(chitosan) = 1.5%, C(poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)) = 2%, and C(Fe3O4) = 2.5%. The FT‐IR spectrum suggests that hydrogen bands are formed between acetyl in PVP and hydroxyl in chitosan. The NH and OH groups of the chitosan have some interactions with silver nano‐particles. The SEM and XRD data show that Ag (I) is reduced to metal Ag nanoparticles. Vibrating sample magnetometer testing indicated that the composites have excellent magnetic performance. Their utility in storing drinking water shows that this composite is a safe and durable durative antibacterial. The composite has good antibacterial activity in water. © 2017 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 1067–1073, 2017
Antibacterial activity of jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) extract fractions against select foodborne pathogens
Authors: Bacon Karleigh , Boyer Renee , Denbow Cynthia , O'Keefe Sean , Neilson Andrew , Williams Robert
Published: February 2017

Capsicum annuum fruits have been investigated for antimicrobial activity in a number of studies. Capsaicin or other cinnamic acid pathway intermediates are often suggested to be the antimicrobial component, however there are conflicting results. No research has specifically fractionated jalapeño pepper (Capsicum annuum var. annuum) extract to isolate and identify compound(s) responsible for inhibition. In this study, fractions were collected from jalapeño pepper extracts using reverse‐phase HPLC and tested for antibacterial activity using the disk diffusion method. Following initial fractionation, two fractions (E and F) displayed antibacterial activity against all three pathogens (p > .05). Commercial standards were screened to determine when they elude and it was found that capsaicin elutes at the same time as fraction E. Fractions E and F were subject to further HPLC fractionation and antibacterial analysis using two methods. The only fraction to display clear inhibition using both was fraction E1, inhibiting the growth of L. monocytogenes. Fraction E1 was analyzed using HPLC‐MS. The resulting mass spectra revealed fraction E1 contained compounds belonging to a group of C. annuum‐specific compounds known as capsianosides. Limited research is available on antibacterial activity of capsianosides, and a pure commercial standard is not available. In order to confirm the potential antimicrobial activity of the compound(s) isolated, methods need to be developed to isolate and purify capsianosides specifically from jalapeño peppers.
Frailty and incident depression in community‐dwelling older people: results from the ELSA study
Authors: Veronese Nicola , Solmi Marco , Maggi Stefania , Noale Marianna , Sergi Giuseppe , Manzato Enzo , Prina A. Matthew , Fornaro Michele , Carvalho André F. , Stubbs Brendon
Published: February 2017

Objective

Frailty and pre‐frailty are two common conditions in the older people, but whether these conditions could predict depression is still limited to a few longitudinal studies. In this paper, we aimed to investigate whether frailty and pre‐frailty are associated with an increased risk of depression in a prospective cohort of community‐dwelling older people.

Methods

Four thousand seventy‐seven community‐dwelling men and women over 60 years without depression at baseline were included from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. Frailty status was defined according to modified Fried's criteria (weakness, weight loss, slow gait speed, low physical activity and exhaustion) and categorized as frailty (≥3 criteria), pre‐frailty (1–2 criteria) or robustness (0 criterion). Depression was diagnosed as ≥4 out of 8 points of Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, after 2 years of follow‐up.

Results

Over a 2‐year follow‐up, 360 individuals developed depression. In a logistic regression analysis, adjusted for 18 potential baseline confounders, pre‐frailty (odds ratio (OR) = 0.89; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.54–1.46; p = 0.64) and frailty (OR = 1.22; 95% CI, 0.90–1.64; p = 0.21) did not predict the onset of depression at follow‐up. Among the criteria included in the frailty definition, only slow gait speed (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.00–3.32; p = 0.05) appeared to predict a higher risk of depression.

Conclusions

Among older community dwellers, frailty and pre‐frailty did not predict the onset of depression during 2 years of follow‐up, when accounting for potential confounders, whilst slow gait speed considered alone may predict depression in the older people. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficient Design of Drip Irrigation System using Water and Fertilizer Application Uniformity at Different Operating Pressures in a Semi‐Arid Region of India
Authors: Kumar Mukesh , Kumar Rohitashw , Rajput T.B.S. , Patel Neelam
Published: February 2017

Performance evaluation of irrigation has been an important area of research for better management of water resources. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of drip lateral lengths and system operating pressures on water and fertilizer application uniformity at the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India. The following parameters of nutrients and water were studied to design and evaluate the performance of drip irrigation systems: (i) uniformity coefficient; (ii) discharge variation; (iii) distribution uniformity; (iv) statistical uniformity. Drip‐line lengths and system operating pressures (P < 0.05 and P < 0.01) significantly affect the different parameters of fertilizer and water application. The highest values of uniformity coefficient (99.2%), statistical uniformity (99.2%) and distribution uniformity (97.4%) for irrigation water were observed at a pressure of 1.5 kg cm−2 with a 25 m long drip‐line. Lower values of discharge variation (2.65%) and coefficient of variation (0.04) were observed at the same operating pressure (1.5 kg cm−2) and drip‐line length. However, the lowest value of the uniformity coefficient (88.1%), statistical uniformity (93.7%) and distribution uniformity (93.2%) for irrigation water were recorded at 0.5 kg cm−2 pressure with a 100 m long drip‐line length. The highest values of urea, potassium and phosphorus distribution uniformity were found to be 97.8, 97.1 and 98.2%, respectively, at 1.5 kg cm−2 pressure with 25 m long drip‐line, and lower values of urea, potassium and phosphorus distribution uniformity (93.1, 92.6 and 93.2%, respectively) were recorded at 0.5 kg cm−2 pressure with a 100 m long drip‐line. Water and fertilizer distribution uniformity decreased with increase in drip‐line length, and increased with increase in system operating pressure. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanophase bone substitute for craniofacial load bearing application: Pilot study in the rodent
Authors: Baskin Jonathan Z. , Soenjaya Yohannes , McMasters James , Ko Alvin , Vasanji Amit , Morris Nathan , Eppell Steven J.
Published: February 2017

An exploratory pilot study shows that a rodent mandibular defect model is useful in determining the biological response to a nanophase collagen/apatite composite designed as a biomimetic load‐bearing bone substitute. Using a critical size defect, eight groups of rats (n = 3) were implanted with four renditions of the nanophase bone substitute (NBS) biomaterial. Each rendition was tested with and without recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2). NBS biomaterial renditions were: baseline, hyper‐densified,d‐ribose crosslinked, andd‐ribose crosslinked and hyper‐densified. Biological outcomes were assessed surgically, radiologically, and histologically. With the limited power available due to the small N's involved, some interesting hypotheses were generated that will be more fully investigated in future studies. BMP2 loaded NBS, when uncrosslinked, resulted in robust bone formation in the entire defect volume (regardless of porosity). Unloaded NBS were well tolerated but did not cause significant new bone formation in the defect volume. Densification alone had little effect onin vivoperformance. Crosslinking thwarted implant uptake of BMP2 and resulted in fibrous encapsulation. It is concluded that the nanophase bone substitute is well tolerated in this bone defect model. When loaded with BMP2, implantation resulted in complete bony healing and defect closure with implant density (porosity) having little effect on bone healing or remodeling. Without BMP2 the biomaterial did not result in defect closure. Crosslinking, necessary to increase mechanical properties in an aqueous environment, disrupts osteointegration and BMP2 uptake. Alternate implant fabrication strategies will be necessary to achieve an improved balance between material strength and osteointegration. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 106B: 520–532, 2018.