bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MAT comes to CCSAD: Rehab conference gets ASAM education
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

The Cape Cod Symposium on Addictive Disorders (CCSAD), an annual conference held in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in early September when the weather is still nice but the summer crowds have left, is sometimes considered a meet‐up for rehab marketers more than an opportunity to get educated on the latest clinical advances. This year, a plenary presentation on opioid use disorders was to be given by Andrea G. Barthwell, M.D., former deputy director of demand reduction at the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, but she couldn't make it due to sickness. Instead, a panel of experts affiliated with the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM), which sponsored the talk, stepped in, first going through her slides (so the continuing education credits would be valid) and then holding a town hall–type colloquy. The hot‐button issue of distrust of medication by a treatment community rooted in abstinence was the focus.
What is ‘recovery’? Leading voices call for broader definition than abstinence
Authors: Enos Gary
Published: September 2018

As more research and programming in the addiction field focuses on acknowledging and supporting long‐term recovery, the lack of one universally accepted definition of recovery continues to complicate the field's analysis. For example, how intertwined should the concepts of recovery and abstinence be? Is abstinence even a necessary condition for recovery?
Barriers to treating youth with medications for OUDs
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

Strategies to get medications to treat opioid use disorder (OUD) to young people immediately after diagnosis are urgently needed, a study published in the September issue of JAMA Pediatrics concluded. Young people with OUDs who receive naltrexone, methadone or buprenorphine are more likely to stay in treatment, yet these medications are underused. Only one in four youths receive medications for OUD shortly after diagnosis. For youths under 18, it's one in 21.
Senate passes opioid bills; Confidentiality, Medicare for OTPs, and IMDs conflict with House version
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: September 2018

In June, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 6, its comprehensive opioid package, as well as H.R. 6082 (see ADAW, July 2). The Senate finally passed its version of H.R. 6 on Sept. 17. Two glaring differences need to be worked out in conference between the two chambers.
Peptide‐Based Multifunctional Nanomaterials for Tumor Imaging and Therapy
Authors: Zhang Chi , Wu Wei , Li Run‐Qing , Qiu Wen‐Xiu , Zhuang Ze‐Nan , Cheng Si‐Xue , Zhang Xian‐Zheng
Published: September 2018

During the last decade, peptide‐based nanomaterials are recognized as upcoming biomedical materials for tumor imaging and therapy. The rapid expansion of peptides and peptide derivatives is almost owing to their excellent biocompatibility, diverse bioactivity, potential biodegradability, specific biological recognition ability, and easy chemical modification characteristic. The present review outlines the development up to now concerning the design and biomedical applications of peptide‐based multifunctional nanomaterials, with an emphasis on their variegated therapeutic methods.
Protein Nanotherapeutics as an Emerging Modality for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Cheng Liang , Yang Liang , Meng Fenghua , Zhong Zhiyuan
Published: September 2018

Protein drugs are a unique and versatile class of biotherapeutics that have not only high biological activity but also superb specificity. This rapidly evolving biotechnology has rendered it possible to produce various proteins in a large scale and reproducible way. Many proteins have demonstrated striking anticancer activities and have emerged as advanced alternatives to cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents for cancer therapy. The clinical translation of anticancer proteins with intracellular targets is, nevertheless, severely hindered by their fast degradation in vivo, poor cell penetration, and inefficient intracellular transportation. The past few years have witnessed tremendous effort and progress in developing polymeric protein delivery nanosystems, ranging from nanoparticles, nanocapsules, nanogels, micelles, to polymersomes, for the treatment of different tumors such as lung tumors, breast tumors, ovarian cancers, and glioblastoma. These proof‐of‐concept studies point out that protein nanotherapeutics, with rationally designed nanovehicles, are able to overcome the extracellular barriers, cell membrane barriers, and intracellular barriers, and systemically deliver proteins into targeted cancer cells, resulting in effective cancer protein therapy. Protein nanotherapeutics appear to be a novel modality for safe and efficient cancer treatment.
Biomineralization‐Inspired Material Design for Bone Regeneration
Authors: de Melo Pereira Daniel , Habibovic Pamela
Published: September 2018

Synthetic substitutes of bone grafts, such as calcium phosphate–based ceramics, have shown some good clinical successes in the regeneration of large bone defects and are currently extensively used. In the past decade, the field of biomineralization has delivered important new fundamental knowledge and techniques to better understand this fascinating phenomenon. This knowledge is also applied in the field of biomaterials, with the aim of bringing the composition and structure, and hence the performance, of synthetic bone graft substitutes even closer to those of the extracellular matrix of bone. The purpose of this progress report is to critically review advances in mimicking the extracellular matrix of bone as a strategy for development of new materials for bone regeneration. Lab‐made biomimicking or bioinspired materials are discussed against the background of the natural extracellular matrix, starting from basic organic and inorganic components, and progressing into the building block of bone, the mineralized collagen fibril, and finally larger, 2D and 3D constructs. Moreover, bioactivity studies on state‐of‐the‐art biomimicking materials are discussed. By addressing these different topics, an overview is given of how far the field has advanced toward a true bone‐mimicking material, and some suggestions are offered for bridging current knowledge and technical gaps.
Fully Inkjet‐Printed VO2‐Based Radio‐Frequency Switches for Flexible Reconfigurable Components
Authors: Yang Shuai , Vaseem Mohammad , Shamim Atif
Published: September 2018

Frequency‐reconfigurable radio‐frequency (RF) components are in high demand due to multiple frequency bands in wireless devices as well as varying frequency‐spectrum standards across the world. An important part of reconfigurable components is a switch; however, existing switches are very expensive, particularly for higher frequencies (≈10s of dollars). In this regard, metal–insulator transition (MIT) materials are attractive, as they can change their phase and can be used as switches. Vanadium dioxide (VO2) is one such material that features a transition temperature of only 68 °C. The cost of the switch can be brought down considerably (≈cents) if MIT materials such as VO2 can be inkjet‐printed; however, no ink of this sort is commercially available. In this work, VO2 ink and fully printed RF switches (shunt and series configurations) through this ink are presented for the first time. Both thermal and electrical triggering mechanisms are investigated in this work. These switches have shown decent performance up to 40 GHz. A more than 102 ON/OFF ratio and a switching speed of 0.4 µs are achieved. Finally, a frequency‐reconfigurable antenna, printed on a flexible Kapton substrate along with a printed VO2 switch, is demonstrated as a proof of concept.
An Efficient One‐Pot Synthesis of 1,2,3‐Triazole‐Fused Chromenes/Quinolines via Oxidative [3+2] Cycloaddition followed by Reductive Cyclization
Authors: Gangaprasad D. , Raj J. Paul , Karthikeyan K. , Rengasamy R. , Elangovan J.
Published: September 2018

A convenient and efficient one‐pot synthesis of 1,2,3‐triazole‐fused chromenes/ quinolines is developed. The methodology is based on oxidative azide‐olefin [3+2] cycloaddition followed by intramolecular reductive cyclization. This methodology affords fast and simple access to 1,2,3‐triazole‐fused heterocycles in good to excellent yields without necessitating chromatographic purification.

magnified image
Bifunctional Iron Complexes Catalyzed Alkylation of Indoles
Authors: Seck Charlotte , Mbaye Mbaye Diagne , Gaillard Sylvain , Renaud Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2018

Cyclopentadienone iron carbonyl complexes have been applied in alkylation of indoles with various benzylic alcohols, aliphatic alcohols (butanol, ethanol, methanol and 2‐methylpentanol) via the hydrogen autotransfer strategy in mild reaction conditions. Experimental works highlight the role of the bifunctional iron complexes and the base. These iron complexes demonstrated a broad applicability in mild conditions and extended the scope of substrates in iron catalyzed C−C bond formation.

magnified image
Diversiform Reactivity of Naphthols in Asymmetric Dearomatization or O‐Alkylation Reactions with Aziridines
Authors: Wang Linqing , Yang Dongxu , Li Dan , Zhu Haiyong , Wang Pengxin , Liu Xihong , Bai Lutao , Wang Rui
Published: September 2018

Here, we present a catalytic asymmetric and site‐selective reaction of naphthols, realizing diversiform reactions in asymmetric dearomatization or O‐alkylation with aziridines, and the reason for the switchable reactivity is formally analyzed with different type of substrates under different conditions.

magnified image
Enantioselective Allenylation of Aldehydes via Brønsted Acid Catalysis
Authors: Wang Mengzhou , Khan Shahriar , Miliordos Evangelos , Chen Ming
Published: September 2018

An enantioselective allenylation of aldehydes catalyzed by a chiral, nonracemic phosphoric acid was reported. Under the developed conditions, 1,1′‐disubstituted allenic alcohols were obtained in 64–98% yields with 88–99% ee. Computational studies were conducted to probe the origin of asymmetric induction. Mechanistic studies suggest that the pinacol moiety of the propargylboronate is critical to the enantioselectivity of the reaction that was supported by experimental data.

magnified image
Optimization of microstructure and geometry of hydrophobic ceramic membrane for SO2 absorption from ship exhaust
Authors: Qiu Minghui , Kong Xiangli , Fu Kaiyun , Han Shixian , Gao Xingyin , Chen Xianfu , Fan Yiqun
Published: September 2018

Membrane gas absorption (MGA) is of great interest for SO2 capture from ship exhaust, as it has high separation efficiency and, more importantly, is comprised of a separator that can be flexibly installed and operated on ships. Here, we report a class of hydrophobic tubular asymmetric ceramic membranes for SO2 absorption. To find the membranes with reasonable microstructure and geometry, we used a numerical 2D model to simulate SO2 absorption process and verified the model by comparing its results with experimental data. Simulations showed that most of the SO2 mass transfer resistance existed in membrane phase, indicating that the optimization of membrane parameters, rather than operational conditions, should be the primary consideration to enhance the overall SO2 mass transfer performance. Furthermore, simulations indicated that the SO2 separation performance depended negligibly on membrane pore sizes, but can be significantly improved by optimizing the thickness and inner diameter of membrane tubes. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 409–420, 2019
Estimation of mass‐based composition in powder mixtures using Extended Iterative Optimization Technology (EIOT)
Authors: Shi Zhenqi , Hermiller James , Muñoz Salvador García
Published: September 2018

The Extended Iterative Optimization Technology (EIOT) method is proposed as an extension to Muteki's [I&ECR 2013;52(35):12258–12268] Iterative Optimization Technology to address deviations from Beer–Lambert's law in powders. The new method estimates the apparent spectrum for the pure species, rather than using the measured spectrum and augments Beer–Lambert's law with a bilinear term to capture the signature and strength of the nonchemical interferences. The proposed method has exhibited acceptable performance in spite of using a lean data set to estimate its parameters. The method provides robust and coherent estimates within the physical boundaries of the system and exhibits robustness to instrument transfer. The lean effort needed to build the EIOT method positions it as an attractive option in early stages of pharmaceutical drug product development. Its robustness to distinguish chemical from nonchemical signals implies a potential to lower the total cost of ownership for an EIOT‐based solution in manufacturing. © 2018 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 65: 87–98, 2019
Neighborhood Characteristics, Maternal Parenting, and Health and Development of Children from Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Families
Authors: Choi Jeong‐Kyun , Kelley Megan S. , Wang Dan
Published: September 2018

The present study examined the direct and indirect effects of neighborhood conditions on the health and development of children from socioeconomically disadvantaged families. Two waves of data were analyzed from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing study and its subsample of 3,656 mothers and their young children at ages 3 and 5. The results show that social cohesion was directly and indirectly associated with children's behavioral problems and health status. Social control was found to have an indirect effect on children's behavioral problems and cognitive development transmitted through maternal parenting quality and parenting stress. There were significant direct effects of neighborhood physical disorder on children's behavioral problems and cognitive development. In terms of effect size, mothers’ parenting stress and parenting quality, economic hardship, education level, and health care coverage were also prominent factors in determining the health and development of children. Implications for interventions and future research are discussed.
Cleft palate and hypopituitarism in a patient with Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair‐1
Authors: Couser Natario L. , Keelean‐Fuller Debra , Davenport Marsha L. , Haverfield Eden , Masood Maheer M. , Henin Mark , Aylsworth Arthur S.
Published: September 2018

Noonan syndrome (NS), the most common of the RASopathies, is a developmental disorder caused by heterozygous germline mutations in genes encoding proteins in the RAS‐MAPK signaling pathway. Noonan‐like syndrome with loose anagen hair (NSLH, including NSLH1, OMIM #607721 and NSLH2, OMIM #617506) is characterized by typical features of NS with additional findings of macrocephaly, loose anagen hair, growth hormone deficiency in some, and a higher incidence of intellectual disability. All NSLH1 reported cases to date have had anSHOC2c.4A>G, p.Ser2Gly mutation; NSLH2 cases have been reported with aPPP1CBc.146G>C, p.Pro49Arg mutation, or c.166G>C, p.Ala56Pro mutation. True cleft palate does not appear to have been previously reported in individuals with NS or with NSLH. While some patients with NS have had growth hormone deficiency (GHD), other endocrine abnormalities are only rarely documented. We present a female patient with NSLH1 who was born with a posterior cleft palate, micrognathia, and mild hypotonia. Other findings in her childhood and young adulthood years include hearing loss, strabismus, and hypopituitarism with growth hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), and gonadotropin deficiencies. TheSHOC2mutation may be responsible for this patient's additional features of cleft palate and hypopituitarism.
Novel de novo pathogenic variant in the ODC1 gene in a girl with developmental delay, alopecia, and dysmorphic features
Authors: Bupp Caleb P. , Schultz Chad R. , Uhl Katie L. , Rajasekaran Surender , Bachmann André S.
Published: September 2018

The ornithine decarboxylase 1 (ODC1) gene plays an important role in physiological and cell developmental processes including embryogenesis, organogenesis, and neoplastic cell growth. Here, we report an 32‐month‐old Caucasian female with a heterozygous de novo nonsense mutation in the ODC1 gene that leads to a premature abrogation of 14‐aa residues at the ODC protein c‐terminus. This is the first human case confirming similar symptoms observed in a transgenic ODC1 mouse model first described over 20 years ago. Phenotypic manifestations include macrosomia, macrocephaly, developmental delay, alopecia, spasticity, hypotonia, cutaneous vascular malformation, delayed visual maturation, and sensorineural hearing loss. We here describe for the first time a new pediatric disorder that is directly linked to a de novo pathogenic variant in the ODC1 gene. The ODC1 gene mutation (c.1342 A>T) was identified by whole‐exome sequencing and confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Red blood cells obtained from our patient showed elevated ODC protein and polyamine levels compared to healthy controls. Our autosomal dominant patient who carries this gain‐of‐function ODC1 mutation may benefit from treatment with α‐difluoromethylornithine, a well‐tolerated, U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). FDA‐approved drug.
Relative abundance of nasal microbiota in chronic rhinosinusitis by structured histopathology
Authors: Kuhar Hannah N. , Tajudeen Bobby A. , Mahdavinia Mahboobeh , Heilingoetter Ashley , Ganti Ashwin , Gattuso Paolo , Ghai Ritu , Batra Pete S.
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) is an inflammatory disease process with several different phenotypes. Recent data has shown that CRS phenotypes maintain distinct nasal microbiota that may predict surgical outcomes. Nasal microbiota and structured histopathologic reporting have the potential to further differentiate subtypes and provide additional insight into the pathophysiology of CRS.

Methods

Sinus swabs collected during functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS) were studied by polymerase chain reaction analysis of 16S ribosomal RNA. A structured histopathology report of 13 variables was utilized to analyze sinus tissue removed during FESS. Histopathology variables and relative abundance of nasal microbiota were compared among CRS patients.

Results

A total of 51 CRS patients who underwent FESS were included. Relative abundance of the Firmicutes phylum in nasal microbiota of CRS patients was associated with presence of neutrophilic infiltrate (27.47 ± 44.75 vs 9.21 ± 11.84, p < 0.029), presence of mucosal ulceration (47.67 ± 45.52 vs 13.27 ± 26.48, p < 0.041), presence of squamous metaplasia (5562.70 ± 2715.66 vs 3563.73 ± 2580.84, p < 0.035), and absence of Charcot‐Leyden crystals (5423.00 ± 3320.57 vs 679.94 ± 1653.66, p < 0.001). Relative abundance of the Bacteroidetes phylum in nasal microbiota of CRS patients was associated with increased severity of inflammatory degree (p < 0.004) and presence of mucosal ulceration (p < 0.004).

Conclusion

Distinct histopathologic features of CRS are associated with relative abundance of nasal microbiota phyla, specifically Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. These findings contribute to the growing body of literature on microbiota in sinonasal disease and may have important implications for understanding pathophysiologic mechanisms of CRS subtypes and disease management.
Carbon Nanotubes with Cobalt Corroles for Hydrogen and Oxygen Evolution in pH 0–14 Solutions
Authors: Li Xialiang , Lei Haitao , Liu Jieyu , Zhao Xueli , Ding Shuping , Zhang Zongyao , Tao Xixi , Zhang Wei , Wang Weichao , Zheng Xiaohong , Cao Rui
Published: September 2018

Water splitting is promising to realize a hydrogen‐based society. The practical use of molecular water‐splitting catalysts relies on their integration onto electrode materials. We describe herein the immobilization of cobalt corroles on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) by four strategies and compare the performance of the resulting hybrids for H2 and O2 evolution. Co corroles can be covalently attached to CNTs with short conjugated linkers (the hybrid is denoted as H1) or with long alkane chains (H2), or can be grafted to CNTs via strong π–π interactions (H3) or via simple adsorption (H4). An activity trend H1≫H3>H2≈H4 is obtained for H2 and O2 evolution, showing the critical role of electron transfer ability on electrocatalysis. Notably, H1 is the first Janus catalyst for both H2 and O2 evolution reactions in pH 0–14 aqueous solutions. Therefore, this work is significant to show potential uses of electrode materials with well‐designed molecular catalysts in electrocatalysis.
A Metal–Organic Framework with Suitable Pore Size and Specific Functional Sites for the Removal of Trace Propyne from Propylene
Authors: Li Libo , Wen Hui‐Min , He Chaohui , Lin Rui‐Biao , Krishna Rajamani , Wu Hui , Zhou Wei , Li Jinping , Li Bin , Chen Banglin
Published: September 2018

Separation of propyne/propylene (C3H4/C3H6) is more difficult and challenging than that of acetylene/ethylene (C2H2/C2H4) because of their closer molecular sizes. A comprehensive screening of a series of metal–organic frameworks with broad types of structures, pore sizes, and functionalities was carried out. UTSA‐200 was identified as the best separating material for the removal of trace C3H4 from C3H4/C3H6 mixtures. Gas sorption isotherms reveal that UTSA‐200 exhibits by far the highest C3H4 adsorption capacity (95 cm3 cm−3 at 0.01 bar and 298 K) and record C3H4/C3H6 selectivity, which was mainly attributed to the suitable dynamic pore size to efficiently block the larger C3H6 molecule whilst the strong binding sites and pore flexibility capture smaller C3H4. This material thus provides record purification capacity for the removal of C3H4 from a 1:99 (or 0.1:99.9, v/v) C3H4/C3H6 mixture to produce 99.9999 % pure C3H6 with a productivity of 62.0 (or 142.8) mmol g−1.
A novel chemical–biochemical process technology for full exploitation of chicken fat for animal nutrition
Authors: Sohrabi Dariush , Jazini Mohammadhadi , Tohidi Mohammad , Shariati Mansour
Published: September 2018

Chicken fat, a source of unsaturated fatty acid, is obtained from cooked poultry by‐products. A fat molecule consists of a glycerol and three fatty acids. This work aimed to introduce a novel chemical–biochemical process technology for full exploitation of chicken fat building blocks, that is, conversion of fatty acids to fatty acid calcium salts (FACSs) and utilization of glycerol for cultivation of microalgae (Dunaliella salina). FACSs are fed to cows as rumen‐protected fat. Response surface methodology was used for optimization of calcium salt production in pilot scale reactor. A pilot‐scale helical photobioreactor was used for cultivation of D. salina. The results pointed out that from each 1,000 g of chicken fat, approximately 840 g of FACS and approximately 39 g of D. salina powder can be obtained. The proposed process technology is a potentially economic alternative for current commercial FACS production processes where glycerol in their waste is not exploited.
Experimental analysis and prediction of viscoelastic creep properties of PP/EVA/LDH nanocomposites using master curves based on time–temperature superposition
Authors: Mahdavi Reza , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Ali Khonakdar Hossein , Hassan Jafari Seyed , Reza Saeb Mohammad , Shojaei Shahrokh
Published: September 2018

Prediction of viscoelastic behavior of polymers over a long‐term period is of vital importance for engineering applications. An attempt was made to uncover the interplay between the morphology and viscoelastic behavior of compatibilized polypropylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer blends in the presence of layered double hydroxide (LDH) nanoplatelets. The time–temperature superposition (TTS) principle and WLF equations were merged to obtain master curves of storage modulus at defined reference temperatures enabling prediction of storage modulus at high frequency ranges which are not experimentally measureable. Moreover, the creep compliance master curves were acquired for different reference temperatures to predict the creep compliance of nanocomposites over long period of times. It was found that the presence of LDH decreases the creep compliance at long period of times while it decreases the unrecoverable deformation of EVA domains. A simple mechanism was proposed to explain the creep and recovery behavior of samples blend at different temperatures. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46725.
Theophylline‐loaded pectin‐based hydrogels. I. Effect of medium pH and preparation conditions on drug release profile
Authors: Güner Ozde Zeynep , Cam Cansu , Arabacioglu‐Kocaaga Banu , Batirel Saime , Güner F. Seniha
Published: September 2018

In this study, a series of theophylline‐loaded calcium pectin gel films were prepared in three different Ca+2 concentrations with three different methods for wound dressing applications. Drug release performance of the films were investigated in four different medium pH in order to mimic wound healing pH conditions. Hydrogel films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Their absorbency (fluid handling), swelling behavior, dehydration rate, dispersion characteristic, dressing pH determination, water vapor permeability, oxygen permeability, surface contact angle, flexibility, Shore A hardness, mean mass per unit area and thickness were determined. The effect of the hydrogels on wound healing was evaluated with an in vitro wound healing assay. After evaluating all data, we suggested that the hydrogel film prepared with swelling method using 7% or 10% crosslinker and dried at 26 °C is more suitable for controlled drug release process. We showed that between pH 3.25 and 7.12 the form of the hydrogel did not change, and drug release was continuous. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46731.
Soundproofing flexible polyurethane foams: The impact of polyester chemical structure on the microphase separation and acoustic damping
Authors: Abdollahi Baghban Sahar , Khorasani Manouchehr , Sadeghi Gity Mir Mohamad
Published: September 2018

High‐performance acoustic‐damping flexible polyurethane foams (FPUFs) were fabricated using synthesized linear saturated aliphatic polyesters, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and other reagents by one‐shot bulk polymerization (isocyanate index = 110 and water content = 5%). In this study, the effect of the chemical structure of different LSAPs on microphase separation and acoustic dampening behavior of FPUFs was investigated using atomic force microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, compressive strength, optical microscopy, and an impedance tube device. The results revealed that by increasing the microphase separation, sound absorption efficiency increased up to 45%. Also, by increasing microphase separation, compressive strength, open‐cell contents, roughness, and cell size distribution of FPUFs increased, and the average cell size decreased. Sound wave energy dissipation of FPUFs can be explained by the synergistic actions of the microphase separation including the viscoelastic behavior of segments and increasing of drainage flow pathway. Finally, the results revealed that soundproofing FPUFs under optimum conditions for microphase separation and drainage flow can be promising candidates for use as sound‐insulating materials. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2018,135, 46744.
Effect of argon plasma treatment on hydrophilic stability of nanofiber webs
Authors: Yalcinkaya Fatma
Published: September 2018

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of microwave‐induced low‐vacuum argon plasma treatment effects on the hydrophilic stability of various polymeric nanofiber webs. After plasma modification, samples are kept dry at room temperature in a dark place for the experiments, and the wettability of the nanofibers is improved by plasma treatment. The stability of the plasma‐treated hydrophilic nanofiber webs is observed for 55 days using water contact angle measurements. Different polymeric nanofiber webs show different stability. Based on the contact angle measurements, the surface starts to lose hydrophilicity during the first week after plasma treatment. The structural changes are examined by pore size measurements, scanning electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Two of the selected nanofiber webs are used as microfilters for separation of oily wastewater with a cross‐flow separation unit to measure the effect of the plasma treatment under wastewater. The permeability and selectivity of the plasma‐treated and untreated samples are compared. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46751.
The effects of PCL diol molecular weight on properties of shape memory poly(ε‐caprolactone) networks
Authors: Tian G. , Zhu G. , Ren T. , Liu Y. , Wei K. , Liu Y. X.
Published: September 2018

Shape memory poly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) networks with different molecular weights of PCL diol were prepared via thiol–ene reaction in this work. The highly efficient thiol–ene reaction ensured a uniform distribution of PCL chains between crosslinker, contributing well‐defined network architecture with good mechanical and shape memory properties. 1H NMR spectra were used to confirm that PCL diol was completely converted into acrylate‐terminated PCL. Gel content experiment and Fourier‐transform infrared showed that almost all samples exhibited virtually the complete crosslinking network due to the highly selective thiol–ene reaction between acrylate‐terminated PCL and tetrathiol crosslinker. Differential scanning calorimetry and X‐ray diffraction tests revealed that the melting temperature and crystallinity of the prepared PCL networks by using high molecular weight of PCL diol displayed a higher result compared to ones using low molecular weight. The dynamic mechanical analyzer results revealed that the storage modulus of the network dropped evidently across the thermal transition, these characteristics of the PCL network indicated that all exhibited a good shape memory effect. The shape fixing ability was kind of being affected by the PCL diol molecular weight, while the shape recovery ratio of all samples can almost reach 99% irrespective of the length of PCL diol. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47055.
Development of poly(lactic acid) films with propolis as a source of active compounds: Biodegradability, physical, and functional properties
Authors: Ulloa P. A. , Vidal J. , Lopéz de Dicastillo C. , Rodriguez F. , Guarda A. , Cruz R. M. S. , Galotto M. J.
Published: September 2018

Active films (AFs) using poly(lactic acid) (PLA) as a polymeric matrix containing various propolis concentrations (5, 8.5, and 13%) as the active agent (AA) were developed using a casting method. The purpose was to determine the effects of the incorporation of AA on the physical properties of the films and to evaluate the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Tensile strength and elastic modulus of the AFs decreased relative to the control (PLA without AA). Introducing the active substances from propolis into the PLA also affected its thermal properties (glass transition). Adding AAs to the polymer generated more opacity with a green‐yellowish color compared to the control. In addition, AFs exhibited reduced water vapor permeability as the AA concentration increased. Biodegradation assay showed that the AFs degraded faster than the control. AFs exhibited antioxidant activity, which was measured as the ability to scavenge free radicals (2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl and 2,2′‐azino‐bis(3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulfonate)), due to the presence of bioactive compounds (phenolics). Antimicrobial activity was evaluated against Escherichia coli and showed a reduction over 4‐log cycles. Therefore, incorporation of propolis is a useful strategy for the development of active packaging with antioxidant and antimicrobial effects, which increase the shelf life of food products. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47090.
Australia's north, Australia's future: A vision and strategies for sustainable economic, ecological and social prosperity in northern Australia
Authors: Chambers Ian , Russell‐Smith Jeremy , Costanza Robert , Cribb Julian , Kerins Sean , George Melissa , James Glenn , Pedersen Howard , Lane Paul , Christopherson Peter , Ansell Jennifer , Sangha Kamaljit
Published: September 2018

The release of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Change agreement highlighted the importance of global sustainability internationally. Here, we outline a vision and strategies for developing northern Australia that demonstrate how a focus on sustainable prosperity can both expand historical approaches and current government plans and integrate the biophysical realities with the social, political, and cultural characteristics of the region. We highlight examples of the significant horizontal and vertical integration opportunities that this expanded vision and related strategies provide for (a) land (carbon farming, targeted food production systems, and native title arrangements); (b) water (water resources management); (c) energy (renewable energy production, storage, and distribution); (d) workforce (culturally appropriate ecotourism, Indigenous ranger programs, and protected area management); (e) knowledge services (health care and innovative employment opportunities); and (f) governance (greater participatory governance). We found that realisation of even 10% of these emerging opportunities over the next 10 years alone could result in economic growth worth over AUD 15 billion and 15,000+ jobs for northern Australia as well as the further ecological and social benefits derived from a sustainable prosperity strategy.
Pacific seasonal workers: Learning from the contrasting temporary migration outcomes in Australian and New Zealand horticulture
Authors: Curtain Richard , Dornan Matthew , Howes Stephen , Sherrell Henry
Published: September 2018

“Crowding out” is a widely accepted claim in migration analysis, which posits that the preference of profit‐maximising employers for irregular and minimally regulated migrants overregulated alternatives will undermine, if not condemn to failure, well‐regulated temporary migration schemes. In this paper, we test the crowding out hypothesis by examining the experience with well‐regulated seasonal migrant worker programs in the horticultural sectors of Australia and New Zealand. This experience, which in both countries has involved recruitment of workers from the Pacific Islands, has been divergent, despite the two programs being similar in design. Our findings suggest that the relative attractiveness of regulated and unregulated migrant labour sources depends on a range of factors, including the export orientation of the sector, the costs of collective action and regulation, differences in policy design and implementation, and external factors. Depending on industry and economy‐wide characteristics, quality and reputational benefits for employers can offset the cost of regulation.
Development of 10 single‐copy nuclear DNA markers for Euchresta horsfieldii (Fabaceae), a rare medicinal plant
Authors: Priyadi Arief , Feng Chao , Kang Ming , Huang Hongwen
Published: September 2018

Premise of the Study

Euchresta horsfieldii (Fabaceae) is a rare and endangered medicinal plant in Indonesia with restricted distribution. Single‐copy nuclear DNA (scnDNA) markers were developed for this species to facilitate further investigation of genetic diversity and population structure.

Methods and Results

We performed RNA‐Seq and de novo assembly of the transcriptome. Ten primer sets were developed for E. horsfieldii, all of which also amplified in E. japonica and E. tubulosa.

Conclusions

These scnDNA markers will be an important resource for the study of genetic diversity and population structure of E. horsfieldii and other species in the genus Euchresta.
Structural break detection in financial durations
Authors: Zhang Yaohua , Ravishanker Nalini , Zou Jian
Published: September 2018

High‐frequency financial data are more readily available and provide a deeper understanding of market infrastructure, market dynamics, and structural instability. The class of autoregressive conditional duration models is useful for statistical analysis of intra‐event durations in asset prices. Often, time series of durations exhibit structural breaks that may be due to change in level, or change in model order, or change in parameter values. This article studies the structural break detection problem in univariate time series of durations using penalized estimating functions. A retrospective algorithm based on the entire data allows simultaneous detection of the number of structural breaks, locations of the structural breaks, as well as the model order. This paper also provides a simulation study to compare the proposed algorithm with a Group LASSO method discussed in the literature for piecewise autoregressive models. Our method based on the penalized estimating function is attractive because it provides insights for understanding the stochastic dynamics of high‐frequency financial data.
Lead Service Lines: Management and Public Perception in 21 Utilities
Authors: Deshommes Elise , Gagnon Graham A. , Andrews Robert C. , Prévost Michèle
Published: September 2018

Utility and homeowner surveys were completed in 2015 to document the number of lead service lines (LSLs) in Canadian utilities, share utilities’ knowledge, and formulate recommendations on LSL management. LSLs represented <1 to 22% of the service line connections in the distribution systems considered (average 23 LSLs/1,000 people). With the exception of two utilities, mostly partial LSL replacements (LSLRs) were conducted by the utilities surveyed; flushing procedures post‐LSLR varied. Considering both surveys, the following recommendations are suggested: improve LSL records by registering the materials on both the public and the private sides after LSLR; harmonize flushing procedures post‐LSLR; develop a collaborative approach between contractors and utility staff to increase awareness, maintain LSL records, and ensure post‐LSLR flushing; combine funding, increased awareness, and provision of contractors to homeowners with fixed costs to increase full LSLRs; and assess the possibility of mandatory LSL detection and full LSLR at the time of house resale.
Establishment of 2D Cell Cultures Derived From 3D MCF‐7 Spheroids Displaying a Doxorubicin Resistant Profile
Authors: Nunes Ana S. , Costa Elisabete C. , Barros Andreia S. , de Melo‐Diogo Duarte , Correia Ilídio J.
Published: September 2018

In vitro 3D cancer spheroids generally exhibit a drug resistance profile similar to that found in solid tumors. Due to this property, these models are an appealing for anticancer compounds screening. Nevertheless, the techniques and methods aimed for drug discovery are mostly standardized for cells cultured in 2D. The development of 2D cell culture models displaying a drug resistant profile is required to mimic the in vivo tumors, while the equipment, techniques, and methodologies established for conventional 2D cell cultures can continue to be employed in compound screening. In this work, the response of 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cells subsequently cultured in 2D in medium supplemented with glutathione (GSH) (antioxidant agent found in high levels in breast cancer tissues and a promoter of cancer cells resistance) to Doxorubicin (DOX) is evaluated. These cells demonstrated a resistance toward DOX closer to that displayed by 3D spheroids, which is higher than that exhibited by standard 2D cell cultures. In fact, the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) of DOX in 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cell cultures supplemented with GSH is about eight‐times higher than that obtained for conventional 2D cell cultures (cultured without GSH), and is only about two‐times lower than that attained for 3D MCF‐7 spheroids (cultured without GSH). Further investigation revealed that this improved resistance of 3D‐derived MCF‐7 cells may result from their increased P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) activity and reduced production of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Comparative in vivo constituents and pharmacokinetic study in rats after oral administration of ultrafine granular powder and traditional decoction slices of Chinese Salvia
Authors: Zhi Haijuan , Li Zhenwei , Deng Yanping , Qi Peng , Hou Jinjun , Deng Wen , Cheng Jinle , Wu Wanying , Guo Dean
Published: September 2018

Salvia miltiorrhiza, one of the most well‐known herbal medicines, is commonly used for the treatment of coronary heart diseases in China. Besides traditional decoction slices (TDS), another relatively new product of S. miltiorrhiza, ultrafine granular powder (UGP; D90 < 45 μm), is also increasingly being used. In this paper, a UHPLC‐LTQ‐Orbitrap MS technique was developed for a metabolite profile study after oral administration of UGP and TDS of S. miltiorrhiza. The results showed that the number of in vivo absorbed compounds from UGP was much greater than that from TDS, and different types of products from S. miltiorrhiza will have different metabolic processes in vivo. Furthermore, a UHPLC‐Q‐Trap MS/MS method for simultaneously determining four tanshinones (tanshinone IIA, dihydrotanshinone I, tanshinone I and cryptotanshinone) was established and applied to assess the pharmacokinetics of the two types of products. All of the analytes displayed significant higher area under the concentration–time curve and peak concentration after oral administration of UGP than after TDS, indicating that ultrafine powder product could improve the bioavailability and absorption of cryptotanshinon,tanshinone II A,dihydrotanshinonE I and tanshinone I in vivo. The present study provides scientific information for further exploration of the pharmacology of these two types of S. miltiorrhiza and offers a reference for clinical administration of S. miltiorrhiza.
Astrocytes and radial glia‐like cells, but not neurons, display a nonapoptotic increase in caspase‐3 expression following exercise
Authors: Stevenson Morgan E. , Lensmire Nicole A. , Swain Rodney A.
Published: September 2018

Background

Exercise induces plasticity in the hippocampus, which includes increases in neurogenesis, the proliferation of new neurons, and angiogenesis, the sprouting of new capillaries from preexisting blood vessels. Following exercise, astrocytes also undergo morphological changes that parallel the events occurring in the neurovascular system. Interestingly, there have also been reports of apoptosis in the hippocampus following aerobic exercise. This experiment aimed to identify which population of hippocampal cells undergoes apoptosis after an acute bout of exercise.

Methods

Cleaved caspase‐3, a terminal protein in the apoptotic cascade, was initially used to identify apoptotic cells in the hippocampus after rats completed an acute bout of exercise. Next, the proportion of immature neurons, adult neurons, astrocytes, or radial glia‐like cells expressing cleaved caspase‐3 was quantified. TUNEL staining was completed as a second measure of apoptosis.

Results

Following exercise, cleaved caspase‐3 expression was increased in the CA1 and DG regions of the hippocampus. Cleaved caspase‐3 was not highly expressed in neuronal populations, and expression was not increased in these cells postexercise. Instead, cleaved caspase‐3 was predominantly expressed in astrocytes. Following exercise, there was an increased number of cleaved caspase‐3 positive astrocytes in DG and CA1, and cleaved caspase‐3 positive radial glia‐like cells located in the subgranular zone. To determine whether cleaved caspase‐3 expression in these glial cells was associated with apoptosis, a TUNEL assay was completed. TUNEL staining was negligible in all groups and did not mirror the pattern of caspase‐3 labeling.

Conclusions

Cleaved caspase‐3 expression was detected largely in non‐neuronal cell populations, and the pattern of cleaved caspase‐3 expression did not match that of TUNEL. This suggests that after exercise, cleaved caspase‐3 expression may serve a nonapoptotic role in these hippocampal astrocytes and radial glia‐like cells. It will be important to identify the function of exercise‐induced cleaved caspase‐3 expression in the future experiments.
Association of neurofascin IgG4 and atypical chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hu Wenyu , Xin Yanguo , He Zhiyi , Zhao Yinan
Published: September 2018

Background

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (CIDP) is the most commonly observed phenotype among chronic acquired demyelinating polyneuropathies and is clinically variable. The aim of this meta‐analysis was to evaluate the diagnostic value and characteristics of CIDP targeting neurofascin 155 (NF155).

Methods

A systematic literature search was performed on March 2018, and two reviewers independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias on MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant articles.

Results

Ten articles for the NF155 protein test with 1,161 patients and 1,636 controls were identified. The results showed that the pooled sensitivity was 0.09 (95% CI: 0.06–015), and specificity was 1.00 (95% CI: 0.98–1.00) of the NF155 for CIDP. The meta‐analysis revealed that the sensory ataxic occurrence rate (OR: 10.79, 95% CI: 5.24–22.22) and tremor occurrence rate (OR: 6.71, 95% CI: 3.37–13.39) were higher among patients positive for NF155 compared with NF155‐negative CIDP patients. However, the rate of good treatment response to intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (OR: 0.09, 95% CI: 0.02–0.42) was lower in NF155‐positive CIDP patients.

Conclusions

NF155 is a specific protein marker for CIDP, but its diagnostic value has been questioned due to low sensitivity. However, as an antibody against paranodal antigens, NF155 seems more valuable in defining clinical subsets of CIDP.
An autopsy report of three kindred in a Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease P105L family with a special reference to prion protein, tau, and beta‐amyloid
Authors: Ishizawa Keisuke , Mitsufuji Takashi , Shioda Kei , Kobayashi Atsushi , Komori Takashi , Nakazato Yoshihiko , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Araki Nobuo , Yamamoto Toshimasa , Sasaki Atsushi
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Gerstmann–Sträussler–Scheinker disease P105L (GSS105) is a rare variant of GSS caused by a point mutation of the prion protein (PrP) gene at codon 105 (proline to leucine substitution). It is clinically characterized by spastic paraparesis and dementia and histopathologically defined by PrP‐plaques in the brain. This report describes a clinicopathological analysis of three autopsied kindred from a Japanese GSS105 family, plus a topological analysis of PrP, hyperphosphorylated tau (p‐tau), and beta‐amyloid (Aβ).

Methods

Using paraffin‐embedded sections, we applied histology and single‐ and multiple‐labeling immunohistochemistry for PrP, p‐tau, and Aβ to the three cases. Comparative semi‐quantitative analyses of tissue injuries and PrP‐plaques were also employed.

Results

Case 1 (45 years old (yo)) and Case 2 (56 yo) are sisters, and Case 3 (49 yo) is the son of Case 2. Case 1 and Case 2 presented with spastic paraparesis followed by dementia, whereas Case 3 presented, not with spastic paraparesis, but with psychiatric symptoms. In Case 1 and Case 2, the brain showed tissue injuries with many PrP‐plaques in the cerebral cortices, and the pyramidal tract showed myelin loss/pallor. In Case 3, the brain was least degenerated with a number of PrP‐plaques; however, the pyramidal tract remained intact. In addition, p‐tau was deposited in all cases, where p‐tau was present in or around PrP‐plaques. By double‐labeling immunohistochemistry, the colocalization of p‐tau with PrP‐plaques was confirmed. Moreover in Case 2, Aβ was deposited in the cerebral cortices. Interestingly, not only p‐tau but also Aβ was colocalized with PrP‐plaques. In all cases, both three repeat tau and four repeat tau were associated with PrP‐plaques.

Conclusions

The clinicopathological diversity of GSS105, which is possible even in the same family, was ascertained. Not only p‐tau but also Aβ could be induced by PrP (“secondary degeneration”), facilitating the kaleidoscopic symptoms of GSS.