bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theoretical Model of Time–Temperature Superposition Principle of the Self‐Healing Kinetics of Supramolecular Polymer Nanocomposites
Authors: Zheng Zijian , Xia Xiuyang , Zeng Xianxiang , Li Xiu , Wu Youping , Liu Jun , Zhang Liqun
Published: August 2018

The matrix‐free polymer nanocomposites (PNCs) formed by polymer‐grafted nanoparticles(NPs) gain enormous attention due to their controllable morphology and robust properties. Herein, through molecular dynamics simulation, such PNCs are successfully constructed, and the dispersion state of the NPs can be tailored by varying the grafting density. By manipulating the interaction strength between the end groups of the grafted polymer chains, the tensile fracture behavior and the chain orientation are examined. It is revealed that both of them fall down at large strain because of the propagation of the cavities. By probing the self‐healing kinetics at various self‐healing temperature and time, a time−temperature superposition principle, similar to the Williams, Landel and Ferry equation, is proposed. These results could provide some fundamental guidelines for the design and fabrication of high performance PNCs with excellent self‐healing functionality.
Experimental Methods for Characterizing the Secondary Structure and Thermal Properties of Silk Proteins
Authors: McGill Meghan , Holland Gregory P. , Kaplan David L.
Published: August 2018

Silk proteins are biopolymers produced by spinning organisms that have been studied extensively for applications in materials engineering, regenerative medicine, and devices due to their high tensile strength and extensibility. This remarkable combination of mechanical properties arises from their unique semi‐crystalline secondary structure and block copolymer features. The secondary structure of silks is highly sensitive to processing, and can be manipulated to achieve a wide array of material profiles. Studying the secondary structure of silks is therefore critical to understanding the relationship between structure and function, the strength and stability of silk‐based materials, and the natural fiber synthesis process employed by spinning organisms. However, silks present unique challenges to structural characterization due to high‐molecular‐weight protein chains, repetitive sequences, and heterogeneity in intra‐ and interchain domain sizes. Here, experimental techniques used to study the secondary structure of silks, the information attainable from these techniques, and the limitations associated with them are reviewed. Ultimately, the appropriate utilization of a suite of techniques discussed here will enable detailed characterization of silk‐based materials, from studying fundamental processing–structure–function relationships to developing commercially useful quality control assessments.
Aggregate‐Induced Self‐Assembly and Ultrafast Dynamics of Light‐Harvesting D‐A‐A Polymorphs
Authors: Carlino Thomas M. , Hu Qiaoyu , Scott Amy M.
Published: August 2018

Organic dipolar molecules are an emerging class of light harvesters useful in electronic applications and have captured new urgency with the design and synthesis of new molecular structures for device testing. However, research has not evolved beyond the cyclical thin film preparation—device testing—chemical structural modification approach. Without an understanding of polymorphism, molecular photophysics at the interface or metastable morphologies that regulate charge carrier dynamics, it is not obvious a priori if a new molecular structure will produce a suitable thin film morphology for superior device performance without developing structure–function relationships that consider morphology and photophysics. Dipolar, light harvesting molecules are synthesized with a covalent, para‐functionalized triphenylamine donor (D) and acceptor (A) in π‐conjugated structures, D–A1 and D–A1–A2, that have previously achieved 9.6% power conversion efficiency in thermally evaporated organic solar cell devices with C70. Solution processing and morphological manipulation are hypothesized to reduce ultrafast radiative charge recombination, unique to dipolar structures, that prevents full charge separation to the fullerene. The photophysics of the D–A interface using femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy is explained, and microscopy data reveal a newly discovered, supramolecular amorphous polymer metastable state presented as a transient absorption assisted strategy for photofunctional polymorph design.
Highly Luminescent Ladderized Fluorene Copolymers Based on B–N Lewis Pair Functionalization
Authors: Alahmadi Abdullah F. , Lalancette Roger A. , Jäkle Frieder
Published: August 2018

A new B–N functionalized polyaromatic building block for conjugated hybrid polymers is developed. Bromine‐functionalized dipyridylfluorene is first subjected to Lewis‐base‐directed electrophilic borylation and subsequently incorporated into conjugated polymers via transition‐metal‐catalyzed cross‐coupling reactions. The borane monomer exhibits bright blue luminescence in solution, as a result of the rigid ladder‐type structure generated upon electrophilic borylation. Yamamoto coupling gives rise to a homopolymer and Stille coupling to a vinylene‐bridged copolymer. Polymerization of the BN‐fused ladder molecules leads to large bathochromic shifts in absorption and emission, which are most pronounced for the vinylene‐bridged copolymer. The polymers display strong luminescence in solution with quantum yields of 55% and 78% and sub‐ns fluorescence lifetimes; the copolymer also exhibits bright yellow luminescence in the solid state when precipitated from solution.
α7nAChR‐mediated recruitment of PP1γ promotes TRAF6/NF‐κB cascade to facilitate the progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wan Chunhua , Wu Miaomiao , Zhang Shusen , Chen Yuyan , Lu Cuihua
Published: August 2018

The cholinergic signaling pathways have been recently implicated in the development of various human cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism remains largely unclear. In the present study, we reported that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), an important member of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, interacts with Protein Phosphatase‐1γ (PP1γ) in human Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) tissues. In addition, we found that α7nAChR facilitates the ubiquitination and activation of TRAF6 in a PP1γ‐dependent manner in HCC cells. Furthermore, we showed that ligand‐bounded α7nAChR induces the degradation of IκBα, leading to resultant phosphorylation and nuclear accumulation of NF‐κB p65. Accordingly, acetylcholine triggers the expression of critical NF‐κB target genes, such as Cyclin D1 and PCNA, as well as the proliferation of HCC cells in a PP1γ‐ and α7nAChR‐dependent manner. Furthermore, we revealed that nicotine‐triggered α7nAChR activation promotes oncosphere formation and in vivo tumor growth of HCC cells. Moreover, we showed that the protein levels of both α7nAChR and PP1γ are significantly upregulated in human HCC specimens compared with adjacent non‐cancerous ones, and that upregulated expression of the two proteins predict significantly worsened prognosis in HCC patients. These findings together indicate that the cholinergic receptor α7nAChR exerts a facilitating role in HCC development through PP1γ‐dependent TRAF6/NF‐κB signaling.
The Rb tumor suppressor regulates epithelial cell migration and polarity
Authors: Parisi Tiziana , Balsamo Michele , Gertler Frank , Lees Jacqueline A.
Published: August 2018

Altered cell polarity and migration are hallmarks of cancer and metastases. Here we show that inactivation of the retinoblastoma gene (Rb) tumor suppressor causes defects in tissue closure that reflect the inability of Rb null epithelial cells to efficiently migrate and polarize. These defects occur independently of pRB's anti‐proliferative role and instead correlate with upregulation of RhoA signaling and mislocalization of apical‐basal polarity proteins. Notably, concomitant inactivation of tp53 specifically overrides the motility defect, and not the aberrant polarity, thereby uncovering previously unappreciated mechanisms by which Rb and tp53 mutations cooperate to promote cancer development and metastases.
Erythropoiesis and chronic kidney disease–related anemia: From physiology to new therapeutic advancements
Authors: Cernaro Valeria , Coppolino Giuseppe , Visconti Luca , Rivoli Laura , Lacquaniti Antonio , Santoro Domenico , Buemi Antoine , Loddo Saverio , Buemi Michele
Published: August 2018

Erythropoiesis is triggered by hypoxia and is strictly regulated by hormones, growth factors, cytokines, and vitamins to ensure an adequate oxygen delivery to all body cells. Abnormalities in one or more of these factors may induce different kinds of anemia requiring different treatments. A key player in red blood cell production is erythropoietin. It is a glycoprotein hormone, mainly produced by the kidneys, that promotes erythroid progenitor cell survival and differentiation in the bone marrow and regulates iron metabolism. A deficit in erythropoietin synthesis is the main cause of the normochromic normocytic anemia frequently observed in patients with progressive chronic kidney disease. The present review summarizes the most recent findings about each step of the erythropoietic process, going from the renal oxygen sensing system to the cascade of events induced by erythropoietin through its own receptor in the bone marrow. The paper also describes the new class of drugs designed to stabilize the hypoxia‐inducible factor by inhibiting prolyl hydroxylase, with a discussion about their metabolism, disposition, efficacy, and safety. According to many trials, these drugs seem able to simulate tissue hypoxia and then stimulate erythropoiesis in patients affected by renal impairment. In conclusion, the in‐depth investigation of all events involved in erythropoiesis is crucial to understand anemia pathophysiology and to identify new therapeutic strategies, in an attempt to overcome the potential side effects of the commonly used erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents.
Coexistence of species in a tritrophic food chain model with Holling functional response type IV
Authors: Blé Gamaliel , Castellanos Víctor , Dela‐Rosa Miguel A.
Published: August 2018

We determine conditions on the parameters of a tritrophic food chain model, implying the coexistence of the species. We consider that both predators corresponding to middle and top trophic levels have Holling functional responses type IV, and the prey at the lower trophic level has either linear or logistic growth rate. We prove that the differential system has an equilibrium point in which it exhibits a supercritical Hopf bifurcation independently of the growth rate of the prey. In the logistic case, we prove the existence of at least three equilibrium points in the positive octant and one of them exhibits a supercritical Hopf bifurcation.
Fractional transient thermal mixed boundary value problem of distributed order
Authors: Masomi Mohammad Rasool , Ansari Alireza
Published: August 2018

In this paper, we introduce the fractional transient thermal mixed boundary value problem of distributed order. We employ the Cagniard‐de Hoop and the Wiener‐Hopf techniques to solve this problem. The Laplace and Fourier transforms are used to present the formal solution of this problem in terms of some special functions. The numerical simulation of a model example is also given for the heat flow through the foundation of building.
Neurectomy preserves fast fibers when combined with tenotomy of infraspinatus muscle via upregulation of myogenesis
Authors: Flück Martin , Valdivieso Paola , Ruoss Severin , von Rechenberg Brigitte , Benn Mario C. , Meyer Dominik C. , Wieser Karl , Gerber Christian
Published: August 2018

Introduction: We evaluated the contribution of denervation‐related molecular processes to rotator cuff muscle degeneration after tendon release. Methods: We assessed the levels of myogenic (myogenin and myogenic differentiation factor [myoD]) and proadipogenic (peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ) transcription factors; the denervation‐associated proteins tenascin‐C, laminin‐2, and calcium/calmodulin‐dependent kinase II (CaMKII); and cellular alterations in sheep after infraspinatus tenotomy (TEN), suprascapular neurectomy (NEU), or both (TEN‐NEU). Results: Extracellular ground substance increased at the expense of contractile tissue 16 weeks after surgery, correlating with CaMKII isoform levels. Sheep undergoing NEU and TEN‐NEU had exaggerated infraspinatus atrophy and increased fast fibers compared with TEN sheep. The βMCaMKII isoform levels increased with TEN, and myoD levels tripled after denervation and were associated with slow fibers. Discussion: In sheep, denervation did not affect muscle‐to‐fat conversion after TEN of the infraspinatus. Furthermore, concurrent NEU mitigated the loss of fast fibers after TEN by inducing a fast‐contractile phenotype. Muscle Nerve 59:100–107, 2019
A multilevel FETI‐DP method and its performance for problems with billions of degrees of freedom
Authors: Toivanen Jari , Avery Philip , Farhat Charbel
Published: August 2018

A multilevel generalization of the dual‐primal finite element tearing and interconnecting (FETI‐DP) domain decomposition method is proposed for very large‐scale discrete problems to address the bottleneck associated with the solution of the coarse problems at such scales. This bottleneck destroys the parallel scalability of the original, two‐level FETI‐DP method when using more than a few thousand processor cores. In the multilevel formulation proposed here, the FETI‐DP method is applied recursively to solve all coarse problems but the smallest one. Crucially, this recursive application of the method is enabled by utilizing a new primal formulation of the augmentation/enrichment process of the coarse problems. The efficiency and scalability of the proposed approach are demonstrated for up to 32 768 processor cores, and large‐scale real‐world and benchmark problems with more than 21 billion degrees of freedom. The obtained performance results show that the three‐ and four‐level FETI‐DP methods exhibit a better scalability than the original two‐level FETI‐DP method.
Build Staff Trust and Teamwork for Best Results
Authors: Coit Christopher , Franzen Marlee , Hughes Jason
Published: August 2018

Staff appreciation can shift expectations and increase morale to bring out the best in your utility's team when it matters most. One water utility's efforts to engage its operations and maintenance team delivered long‐term improvements.
Avoid Microbial Contamination of New Fire Hydrants
Authors: Maal‐Bared Rasha , Beers Ian van , Simpson Darlyce , Long Debra , Penner Lloyd
Published: August 2018

As field crews in a large Canadian city discovered, fire hydrants can get contaminated before commissioning. It's important to consider possible sources of bacterial contamination during storage and transport.
Protect Yourself With PPE
Authors:   AWWA Staff
Published: August 2018

Tackling a job without wearing the right personal protective equipment (PPE) is a serious mistake. PPE is designed to protect the eyes, face, head, respiratory tract, and body extremities from potentially hazardous conditions. It includes such items as goggles, face shields, hard hats, respirators, dust masks, gloves, protective clothing, and safety shoes.
Excessive dietary lipid intake provokes an acquired form of lysosomal lipid storage disease in the kidney
Authors: Rampanelli Elena , Ochodnicky Peter , Vissers Johannes PC , Butter Loes M , Claessen Nike , Calcagni Alessia , Kors Lotte , Gethings Lee A , Bakker Stephan JL , de Borst Martin H , Navis Gerjan J , Liebisch Gerhard , Speijer Dave , van den Bergh Weerman Marius A , Jung Bettina , Aten Jan , Steenbergen Eric , Schmitz Gerd , Ballabio Andrea , Florquin Sandrine , Aerts Johannes MFG , Leemans Jaklien C
Published: August 2018

Obesity and dyslipidaemia are features of the metabolic syndrome and risk factors for chronic kidney disease. The cellular mechanisms connecting metabolic syndrome with chronic kidney disease onset and progression remain largely unclear. We show that proximal tubular epithelium is a target site for lipid deposition upon overnutrition with a cholesterol‐rich Western‐type diet. Affected proximal tubule epithelial cells displayed giant vacuoles of lysosomal or autophagosomal origin, harbouring oxidised lipoproteins and concentric membrane layer structures (multilamellar bodies), reminiscent of lysosomal storage diseases. Additionally, lipidomic analysis revealed renal deposition of cholesterol and phospholipids, including lysosomal phospholipids. Proteomic profiles of renal multilamellar bodies were distinct from those of epidermis or lung multilamellar bodies and of cytoplasmic lipid droplets. Tubular multilamellar bodies were observed in kidney biopsies of obese hypercholesterolaemic patients, and the concentration of the phospholipidosis marker di‐docosahexaenoyl (22:6)‐bis(monoacylglycerol) phosphate was doubled in urine from individuals with metabolic syndrome and chronic kidney disease. The enrichment of proximal tubule epithelial cells with phospholipids and multilamellar bodies was accompanied by enhanced inflammation, fibrosis, tubular damage markers, and higher urinary electrolyte content. Concomitantly to the intralysosomal lipid storage, a renal transcriptional response was initiated to enhance lysosomal degradation and lipid synthesis. In cultured proximal tubule epithelial cells, inhibition of cholesterol efflux transport or oxysterol treatment induced effects very similar to the in vivo situation, such as multilamellar body and phospholipid amassing, and induction of damage, inflammatory, fibrotic, and lipogenic molecules. The onset of phospholipidosis in proximal tubule epithelial cells is a novel pathological trait in metabolic syndrome‐related chronic kidney disease, and emphasises the importance of healthy lysosomes and nutrition for kidney well‐being. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Psychological risk in long‐term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its association with functional health status: A PETALE cohort study
Authors: Anestin Annélie S. , Lippé Sarah , Robaey Philippe , Bertout Laurence , Drouin Simon , Krajinovic Maja , Michon Bruno , Rondeau Émélie , Samoilenko Mariia , Laverdière Caroline , Sinnett Daniel , Sultan Serge
Published: August 2018

Background

Recent research has suggested that long‐term pediatric cancer survivors were at risk of important physical and psychological morbidities. To date, we do not know to what extent functional health status contributes to psychological risk and which domains are most important. The aim of this study was to systematically explore which functional domain could explain anxiety, depression, and distress symptoms.

Procedure

We used data available for 105 adolescents and 182 adults successfully treated for childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia at two Canadian sites part of the PETALE cohort. Participants were ≥5 years postdiagnosis, aged 22 ± 6 years, 52% female, and 49% acute lymphoblastic leukemia high‐risk status. The contribution of health functional status (15D/16D questionnaires) to self‐reported anxiety, depression, and distress (Beck scales and distress thermometer) was evaluated using adjusted logistic regression models.

Results

Prevalence rates found for mild–severe anxiety, depression, and distress were 14%, 21%, and 30% among adolescents and 27%, 20%, and 19% among adults. Frequent health domains associated with psychological risk were sleeping and breathing in adolescents, and vitality/fatigue, discomfort/symptoms, mental function, and sleeping in adults. Mental function was systematically associated with psychological risk across age groups (median OR = 10.00, 95% CI 3.01–33.71). Exploratory mediation bootstrapping analyses suggested that the effect on psychological risk of overall health status and mental function problems was partly explained by social/work/school functioning.

Conclusion

The results identified important functional health domains that could be targeted for interventions preventing psychological risk: vitality/fatigue, discomfort/symptoms, sleeping, and mental function issues. Health domains probably affect mood partly by limiting social/work/school functioning.
“They've got a lot of needs and I don't think they're being met fully”: A qualitative study of the multi‐professional team approach to the management of children with optic pathway gliomas
Authors: Sturgess Benjamin , Brown Morven , Fraser Faye , Bailey Simon
Published: August 2018

Background

Optic pathway gliomas (OPGs) are low‐grade tumours of the visual pathway. Although survival rates are high, there is considerable morbidity and hence treatment focuses on preservation of vison and quality of life. The multiple, complex issues faced by these patients are often confounded by a concurrent diagnosis of neurofibromatosis type‐1 (NF1). As there is a paucity of literature addressing the current practices of the multi‐professional team (MPT) caring for children diagnosed with an OPG, individual professional experiences often guide the MPT's approach to the care of these children and their families.

Aims

This study aimed to gain views on the management of children with OPGs, from MPT members involved in their care, in order to inform recommendations on how to improve the service offered to these children and their families.

Methods

A qualitative design collected experiential data from MPT members via semi‐structured interviews. MPT focus groups were used to validate the data.

Results

Data collected from 20 MPT members resulted in the overarching themes of Issues Faced by the Patient and Family and Challenges to the Holistic Care of the Patient. Four recommendations are suggested, namely (1) the production of an MPT training resource, (2) improved visual team links, (3) an OPG patient passport and (4) a joint NF1‐OPG clinic.

Conclusion

There are many challenges to MPT members providing holistic care to patients with OPGs. As no OPG clinical practice guidelines currently exist, it is suggested that the above recommendations be piloted with evaluation to validate their use.
Tramadol use in Norway: A register‐based population study
Authors: Birke Hanne , Ekholm Ola , Sjøgren Per , Fredheim Olav , Clausen Thomas , Skurtveit Svetlana
Published: August 2018

Purpose

Increasing use of tramadol for chronic non‐cancer pain is concerning since tramadol users may be at risk of developing recurrent opioid use with increasing opioid consumption and co‐medication. Therefore, we investigated a complete national cohort of tramadol users.

Methods

The study population (154 042 adult individuals in Norway, who redeemed ≥ one tramadol prescription in 2012) was stratified into four groups according to their opioid use 2 years before their first tramadol prescription in 2012 and followed until 2016. Information on all dispensed opioid analgesics, benzodiazepines (BZDs), and BZD‐related Z‐hypnotics were retrieved from the Norwegian Prescription Database.

Results

Six percent of opioid naïve tramadol users (no opioid use 2 years before tramadol use in 2012) became recurrent users (received opioids annually during 4‐year follow‐up), almost doubled their mean opioid consumption (66 to 108 defined daily doses [DDD]). One‐quarter proceeded to strong opioids or was co‐medicated with BZDs, one‐third with Z‐hypnotics. Among former weak opioid users, 39.8% became recurrent users, 18.7% proceeded to strong opioids, mean opioid consumption increased slightly, one‐third used BZDs, or Z‐hypnotics concurrently. Among former strong opioid and users in palliative care; 61%, 70% became recurrent users and developed a similar prescription pattern (high and increasing mean opioid consumption, 301 to 318, 413 to 430 DDD); half of them proceeded to strong opioids and/or used BZDs or Z‐hypnotics concurrently.

Conclusions

Many patients who developed recurrent opioid use received prescriptions which substantially conflicted with existing guidelines and might lead to problematic opioid use.
Computational and experimental insights into the oxidative stability of iron porphyrins: A mono‐ortho‐substituted iron porphyrin with unusually high oxidative stability
Authors: Khazaei Saeede , Eskandari Mortaza , Zakavi Saeed
Published: August 2018

The oxidative stability of iron(III) meso‐tetraarylporphyrins in oxidation of styrene with periodate decreased in the order FeT(2‐Me)PPOAc > > FeT(2‐Cl)PPOAc > FeTPPOAc > FeT(4‐OMe)PPOAc. While the observed order correlates approximately with the electron deficiency of the porphyrin ligands, FeT(2‐Me)PPOAc showed an unusually high stability (99.1% in 120 minutes) under reaction conditions. It is noteworthy that due to the presence of bulky and electronegative chlorine atoms at the ortho positions of FeT(2‐Cl)PPOAc, a higher or at least comparable oxidative stability was expected for FeT(2‐Cl)PPOAc. The energy, electronic, and structural features obtained from spin‐unrestricted hybrid density functional theory‐based calculations showed the involvement of steric and electronic effects as the main factors determining the oxidative stability of iron porphyrins. In the case of FeT(2‐Me)PPOAc, the steric bulk of methyl substituents as well as the large dihedral angle between the aryl substituents and porphyrin mean plane seem to play crucial roles in the observed oxidative stability.
The effect of light penetration depth on the LCST phase behavior of a thermo‐ and photoresponsive statistical copolymer in an ionic liquid
Authors: Hall Cecilia C. , Rivera Cecelia A. , Lodge Timothy P.
Published: August 2018

A reflection cloud point technique allows for rapid screening of light‐dependent phase separation temperatures of thermo‐ and photoresponsive polymer/ionic liquid solutions as a function of sample thickness, molecular weight, and copolymer composition. We systematically investigate the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) phase behavior of poly(benzyl methacrylate‐stat‐(4‐phenylazophenyl methacrylate)). Under UV light, the photoresponsive azobenzene‐based repeat unit becomes more polar as the cis form dominates, increasing its solubility in the ionic liquids 1‐ethyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium and 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl imidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide. This light‐dependent polarity change leads to two phase separation temperatures, depending on the illumination wavelength. Under visible light, which drives the azobenzene moiety into the trans ground state, the LCST shows no sample thickness dependence. Under UV light, however, sample thickness plays a significant role. Samples of around 1 mm thickness show no apparent difference under UV and visible light, whereas thinner samples show an increasing difference between the phase separation temperatures with decreasing sample thickness. Neither phase separation temperature exhibits a significant dependence on molecular weight. Increasing the photoresponsive monomer content did not lead to an increase in the difference between the phase separation temperatures at fixed thickness, due to a concomitant increase in UV light absorbed at the sample surface. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 281–287
Superhydrophobic Polypropylene Surfaces Prepared with TiO2 Nanoparticles Functionalized by Dendritic Polymers
Authors: Contreras Cintia B. , Figueroa Francisco N. , Weibel Daniel E. , Strumia Miriam C.
Published: August 2018

Hybrid inorganic–organic nanomaterials have received increasing interest due to the possibility of implementing different functions and characteristics within a single material. Their functionalities are a consequence of the synergy of the properties of distinct building blocks and are related to their varied natures and spatial locations. In this work, we present the development of superhydrophobic properties on polypropylene (PP) surfaces using hybrid nanomateriales from TiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) and dendronized polymers. The dendron acryl Behera's amine was successfully grafted on the TiO2 NP surfaces by Surface‐Initiated Atom Transfer Radical Polymerization (SI‐ATRP) and a core‐brush material was obtained. Finally, PP substrates were coated with NP hybrids to produce superhydrophobic surfaces with water contact angles of over 158 degrees. Controlling the organic silane concentration on the TiO2 NPs allowed the dendronized process to be driven and thereby permitted the selection of specific wettability properties on PP substrate surfaces with high water adhesion or self‐cleaning conditions. This dendronized effect with consequent steric congestion of the polymeric brushes on the NPs changed their behaviors from Wenzel to the Cassie Baxter state. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2019–2029
Controlled Cationic Polymerization of 1‐Methoxy‐1,3‐Butadiene: Long‐Lived Species‐Mediated Reaction and Control over Microstructure with Weak Lewis Bases
Authors: Togo Yukinori , Kanazawa Arihiro , Kanaoka Shokyoku , Aoshima Sadahito
Published: August 2018

Controlled cationic polymerization of trans‐1‐methoxy‐1,3‐butadiene was achieved through the design of appropriate initiating systems, yielding soluble polymers with controllable molecular weights. The combined use of SnCl4 or GaCl3 as a Lewis acid catalyst and a weak Lewis base in conjunction with HCl as a protonogen resulted in efficient and controlled polymerization. The Mn values of the product polymers increased linearly along the theoretical line, which indicates that intermolecular crosslinking reactions negligibly occurred. In addition, the polymer microstructure was critically dependent on the weak Lewis base employed. In particular, the use of tetrahydrofuran as an additive resulted in the highest 4,1/4,3‐structure ratio (96/4). Weak Lewis bases also affected the polymerization rates but exhibited unique trends that differed from their effects on the cationic polymerization of alkyl vinyl ethers. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 288–296
A randomized phase II trial of MOVING ON: An intervention to increase exercise outcome expectations among breast cancer survivors
Authors: Hirschey Rachel , Kimmick Gretchen , Hockenberry Marilyn , Shaw Ryan , Pan Wei , Page Christina , Lipkus Isaac
Published: August 2018

Objective

The objective of the study is to test theoretical intervention fidelity and feasibility of MOVING ON, a self‐directed, home‐based, randomized controlled trial to increase exercise outcome expectations (OEs) (what one expects to obtain or avoid as a result of a behavior or lack thereof), among breast cancer survivors.

Method

Stage Ia to IIb survivors (n = 60) were given the MOVING ON intervention or control booklet. Data were collected through online surveys and an accelerometer at baseline, 4, 8, and 12 weeks postintervention. Fidelity was measured by questions assessing participant perceptions of MOVING ON (score ≥2) and direction of intervention effects. Feasibility was measured by recruitment rate (target of 60 participants in 6 months), retention (total attrition <17%), and acquisition of accelerometer data (% ≥subjective exercise data obtained). Analyses consisted of descriptive statistics, mixed models, and content analysis.

Results

Fidelity met a priori criteria (mean = 3.31, SD = 0.87). Outcome expectations increased 0.01 points, and weekly steps increased by 970 every 4 weeks in the intervention arm compared to the control arm. All effect sizes were small, ranging from 0.01 to 0.09. Target enrollment, achieved in 17 weeks, met a priori feasibility criteria. Retention (66%) and accelerometer data acquisition (60%) (compared to 73% of subjective exercise data) did not.

Conclusion

MOVING ON influenced OEs as intended and was well received by participants. A fully powered study, of this low‐cost, easy‐to‐implement intervention, is warranted. Intervention and measurement strategies used in MOVING ON can be incorporated in any study targeting OEs as a mediator of exercise or collecting exercise data with an accelerometer.
The impact of psychosocial characteristics in predicting smoking cessation in long‐term cancer survivors: A time‐to‐event analysis
Authors: Symes Yael R. , Westmaas J. Lee , Mayer Deborah K. , Boynton Marcella H. , Ribisl Kurt M. , Golden Shelley D.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Smoking poses significant health risks to cancer survivors. Cancer survivorship may heighten psychological distress and reduce social support and health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) for years after diagnosis, which could inhibit long‐term successful smoking cessation. Understanding longitudinal associations between these psychosocial characteristics and successful cessation could help clinicians tailor cessation interventions for their patients.

Methods

Time‐to‐event analyses using data from the American Cancer Society Study of Cancer Survivors‐I (SCS‐I)—a longitudinal nationwide study—examined the relationship of psychosocial characteristics with cessation likelihood and amount of time from diagnosis to quitting in cancer survivors diagnosed 7 to 10 years prior.

Results

Cancer survivors with high physical HRQOL were more likely to quit smoking within 10 years from cancer diagnosis than survivors with low physical HRQOL, controlling for cancer type and number of comorbid conditions at baseline (HR = 1.96; 95% CI: 1.10‐2.70; P = .02). Survivors with high physical HRQOL also took less time to quit than survivors with low physical HRQOL. Survivors of tobacco‐related cancers with low physical HRQOL were the least likely group to quit. No significant relationships between other psychosocial predictors and cessation outcomes were observed.

Conclusions

Smoking cessation programs are needed for all cancer survivors who smoke, but survivors with low physical HRQOL 1 year after diagnosis may need more intensive long‐term smoking cessation interventions with multiple check‐in points after smoking relapses. Cessation interventions that include strategies to mitigate physical symptoms in those with poor physical HRQOL deserve consideration in research and practice.
Discovering the Determining Parameters for the Photocatalytic Activity of TiO2 Colloids Based on an Anomalous Dependence on the Specific Surface Area
Authors: Wintzheimer Susanne , Szczerba Wojciech , GuilhermeBuzanich Ana , Kashiwaya Shun , Klein Andreas , Jaegermann Wolfram , Toupance Thierry , Shmeliov Aleksey , Nicolosi Valeria , Heuzé Karine , Mandel Karl , Dembski Sofia
Published: August 2018

The photocatalytic (PC) performance of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles strongly depends on their specific surface, the presence of crystal defects, their crystal phase, and the exposed crystal facets. In order to understand which of these factors contributes most significantly to the PC activity of TiO2 colloids, all of them have to be individually analyzed. This study entails the synthesis of five anatase nanocrystal samples. By maintaining the same reactant ratios as well as hydrothermal sol–gel synthesis route and only varying the autoclaving time or temperature, different crystallite sizes are obtained under comparable experimental conditions. A decrease in PC performance with increase in specific surface area is found. Such an unexpected counterintuitive result establishes the basis for a better understanding of the crucial factors that ultimately determine the PC activity. These are investigated by studying nanocrystals bulk and surface structure and morphology using a selection of complementary analysis methods (X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS), X‐ray diffraction (XRD)…). It is found that a change in the nanocrystal morphology from an equilibrium state truncated tetragonal bipyramid to a more elongated rod‐like structure accompanied by an increase in oxygen vacancies is responsible for an augmented PC activity of the TiO2 nanocrystals.
Immunohistochemical biomarker validation in highly selective needle biopsy microarrays derived from mpMRI‐characterized prostates
Authors: Olivier Jonathan , Stavrinides Vasilis , Kay Jonathan , Freeman Alex , Pye Hayley , Ahmed Zeba , Carmona Echeverria Lina , Heavey Susan , Simmons Lucy A. M. , Kanthabalan Abi , Arya Manit , Briggs Tim , Barratt Dean , Charman Susan C. , Gelister James , Hawkes David , Hu Yipeng , Jameson Charles , McCartan Neil , Punwani Shonit , van der Muelen Jan , Moore Caroline , Emberton Mark , Ahmed Hashim U. , Whitaker Hayley C.
Published: August 2018

Introduction

Diagnosing prostate cancer routinely involves tissue biopsy and increasingly image guided biopsy using multiparametric MRI (mpMRI). Excess tissue after diagnosis can be used for research to improve the diagnostic pathway and the vertical assembly of prostate needle biopsy cores into tissue microarrays (TMAs) allows the parallel immunohistochemical (IHC) validation of cancer biomarkers in routine diagnostic specimens. However, tissue within a biopsy core is often heterogeneous and cancer is not uniformly present, resulting in needle biopsy TMAs that suffer from highly variable cancer detection rates that complicate parallel biomarker validation.

Materials and Methods

The prostate cores with the highest tumor burden (in terms of Gleason score and/or maximum cancer core length) were obtained from 249 patients in the PICTURE trial who underwent transperineal template prostate mapping (TPM) biopsy at 5 mm intervals preceded by mpMRI. From each core, 2 mm segments containing tumor or benign tissue (as assessed on H&E pathology) were selected, excised and embedded vertically into a new TMA block. TMA sections were then IHC‐stained for the routinely used prostate cancer biomarkers PSA, PSMA, AMACR, p63, and MSMB and assessed using the h‐score method. H‐scores in patient matched malignant and benign tissue were correlated with the Gleason grade of the original core and the MRI Likert score for the sampled prostate area.

Results

A total of 2240 TMA cores were stained and IHC h‐scores were assigned to 1790. There was a statistically significant difference in h‐scores between patient matched malignant and adjacent benign tissue that is independent of Likert score. There was no association between the h‐scores and Gleason grade or Likert score within each of the benign or malignant groups.

Conclusion

The construction of highly selective TMAs from prostate needle biopsy cores is possible. IHC data obtained through this method are highly reliable and can be correlated with imaging. IHC expression patterns for PSA, PSMA, AMACR, p63, and MSMB are distinct in malignant and adjacent benign tissue but did not correlate with mpMRI Likert score.
The effect of conjugation on antitumor activity of vindoline derivatives with octaarginine, a cell‐penetrating peptide
Authors: Bánóczi Zoltán , Keglevich András , Szabó Ildikó , Ranđelović Ivan , Hegedüs Zita , Regenbach Fruzsina L. , Keglevich Péter , Lengyel Zsófia , Gorka‐Kereskényi Álmos , Dubrovay Zsófia , Háda Viktor , Szigetvári Áron , Szántay Csaba , Hazai László , Tóvári József , Hudecz Ferenc
Published: August 2018

Some Vinca alkaloids (eg, vinblastine, vincristine) have been widely used as antitumor drugs for a long time. Unfortunately, vindoline, a main alkaloid component of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, itself, has no antitumor activity. In our novel research program, we have prepared and identified new vindoline derivatives with moderate cytostatic activity.

Here, we describe the effect of conjugation of vindoline derivative with oligoarginine (tetra‐, hexa‐, or octapeptides) cell‐penetrating peptides on the cytostatic activity in vitro and in vivo. Br‐Vindoline‐(l)‐Trp‐OH attached to the N‐terminus of octaarginine was the most effective compound in vitro on HL‐60 cell line. Analysis of the in vitro activity of two isomer conjugates (Br‐vindoline‐(l)‐Trp‐Arg8 and Br‐vindoline‐(d)‐Trp‐Arg8 suggests the covalent attachment of the vindoline derivatives to octaarginine increased the antitumor activity significantly against P388 and C26 tumour cells in vitro. The cytostatic effect was dependent on the presence and configuration of Trp in the conjugate as well as on the cell line studied. The configuration of Trp notably influenced the activity on C26 and P388 cells: conjugate with (l)‐Trp was more active than conjugate with the (d)‐isomer. In contrast, conjugates had very similar effect on both the HL‐60 and MDA‐MB‐231 cells. In preliminary experiments, conjugate Br‐vindoline‐(l)‐Trp‐Arg8 exhibited some inhibitory effect on the tumor growth in P388 mouse leukemia tumor‐bearing mice. Our results indicate that the conjugation of modified vindoline could result in an effective compound even with in vivo antitumor activity.
Electrical Characterization of Zinc‐Rich Amorphous In‐Ga‐Zn‐O Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Ochi Mototaka , Hino Aya , Goto Hiroshi , Hayashi Kazushi , Kugimiya Toshihiro
Published: August 2018

The electrical characteristics of Zn‐rich amorphous In‐Ga‐Zn‐O (a‐IGZO) thin film transistors (TFTs) are evaluated. The peak in photoinduced transient spectroscopy (PITS) spectra for electronic states in the a‐IGZO channel shifts as the Zn metal ratio increases in a‐IGZO film. The dominant trap states in the a‐IGZO shift from the designated Zn deficiency states to the oxygen‐deficient and/or Zn interstitial defects states. Through material analysis by Rutherford backscattering spectrometry/elastic recoil detection analysis (RBS/ERDA), it is obviously proved that the backchannel surface of the Zn‐rich a‐IGZO film is in the oxygen‐deficient states. The Zn‐rich a‐IGZO TFT leads a parallel‐like variation of the transfer characteristics under negative bias thermal illumination stress (NBTIS) as well as deterioration of saturation mobility (μsat) and subthreshold swing (SS).
Study of Low Temperature Deposition of Nanocrystalline Diamond Films on ZnO/LiNbO3 Layered Structures Suitable for Waveguiding Layer Acoustic Wave Devices
Authors: Dekkar Damia , Bénédic Fabien , Floer Cécile , Hage‐Ali Sami , Brinza Ovidiu , Achard Jocelyn , Elmazria Omar
Published: August 2018

In this article, the nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) film low temperature deposition process on ZnO/Si, ZnO/LiNbO3, and ZnO/IDTs/LiNbO3 substrates is investigated aiming at obtaining layered structures suitable for waveguiding layer acoustic wave (WLAW) devices. The NCD synthesis is performed at 250 °C by using a distributed antenna array (DAA) microwave system operating in H2/CH4/CO2 gas mixture at low pressure (<1 mbar). Since the ZnO layer is etched during the NCD growth process, the deposition of a thin AlN layer of few hundred nanometers in thickness on the considered substrates is performed and is shown to be effective as a protective layer. Diamond growth on AlN‐coated ZnO/Si substrates emphasizes the ability of the DAA reactor to synthesize NCD films with properties similar to those obtained on silicon substrates. Besides adherent NCD films up to 300 nm thickness are synthesized on AlN‐coated ZnO/LiNbO3 substrates but stress in the layered structure appears during the plasma process. Finally, the feasibility of a NCD/AlN/ZnO/IDTs/LiNbO3 layered structure, suitable for WLAW devices, is successfully demonstrated, even if the NCD film adherence must be further improved on the inter‐digital transducers (IDTs) finger zone.
The Growth and Crystalline Structure of Ultrathin Mn Films on Ni(111)
Authors: Song Jiaming , Kuch Wolfgang
Published: August 2018

The growth and crystalline structure of ultrathin Mn films are studied in terms of thickness and temperature by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) as well as medium‐ and low‐energy electron diffraction. We show that the Mn films deposited at room temperature exhibit a thickness‐dependent growth behavior with a layer‐by‐layer growth mode up to 5.3 monolayers. Two transitions in the growth mode can be observed in this range. Atomically resolved STM images of a submonolayer of Mn on Ni(111) reveal a lateral lattice distortion which becomes less significant after the islands form a wetting layer at room temperature. The low‐temperature‐deposited wetting layer shows a metastable lattice distortion which vanishes after annealing to room or higher temperatures. This phenomenon may be attributed to a temperature‐dependent metastable arrangement of the Mn adlayer as well as the distinct interaction strength between Mn–Mn and Mn–Ni atoms. Low‐temperature‐grown thick Mn films exhibit a Stranski–Krastanov growth mode with a stable 30° reconstruction, which remains stable up to room temperature.
From MoO2@MoS2 Core–Shell Nanorods to MoS2 Nanobelts
Authors: Shi Jiao , Wu Di , Zheng Xiaoming , Xie Dingdong , Song Fei , Zhang Xueao , Jiang Jie , Yuan Xiaoming , Gao Yongli , Huang Han
Published: August 2018

One‐dimensional (1D) atomically thin crystals have attracted considerable interests due to their unique properties and potential applications. For example, reducing graphene physical size down to nanoscale to nanoribbons opens up band gaps, which makes graphene useful in electronic devices. Here, a facile approach to produce single‐ and bi‐layered MoS2 nanobelts by PMMA assisted decoupling of MoO2@MoS2 core–shell nanorods is reported by the authors. Atomic force microscopy (AFM), Raman and photoluminescence (PL) results show that the decoupled monolayer staple‐like MoS2‐shells can fold into bilayer nanobelts during the PMMA removal process. Raman, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) results reveal that the left MoO2 nanorods exhibit high crystal‐quality. These findings provide a method to produce 1D MoS2 nanobelts, which have potential applications in electronics and catalysis.
Effect of Misfit Strains on the Skyrmion Crystal Phase in Epitaxial Thin Films of Helimagnets
Authors: Hu Yangfan
Published: August 2018

A novel form of thermodynamic potential is derived for an eptaxial helimagnetic thin film suffering a general form of mechanical loads. The three effects misfit strains can have on the skyrmion crystal (SkX) phase of the thin film have been elucidated: they change the Curie temperature, modify the stability of the phase, and distort the field configuration of SkX by inducing an anisotropy to the Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya (DM) interaction. Using the theory, the misfit strain–magnetic field phase diagram for MnSi thin film, which explains the enhanced stability of SkX phase in the MnSi/Si thin film previously not understood has been plotted. It has also been shown that moderate misfit strains may lead to anisotropic DM interaction whose anisotropy depends on the magnetoelastic coefficients of the material. As the anisotropy of DM interaction increases, the SkX is gradually distorted, which eventually becomes unstable and transforms to an elongated “double‐Q” structure.
Topology‐Controlled Thermopower Oscillations in Multiterminal Andreev Interferometers
Authors: Dolgirev Pavel E. , Kalenkov Mikhail S. , Zaikin Andrei D.
Published: August 2018

We theoretically investigate coherent oscillations of the thermopower S as a function of the magnetic flux Ф in six‐terminal Andreev interferometers. We demonstrate that the thermopower behavior is determined by a number of contributions originating from the Josephson‐ and Aharonov–Bohm‐like effects as well as from electron–hole asymmetry. The relative weight of these contributions depends on the relation between temperature, voltage bias, and an effective Thouless energy of our setup. We particularly emphasize the role of the system topology that may have a dramatic impact on the behavior of S(Ф).