bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of GREEN scale to understanding US consumer response to green marketing communications
Authors: Bailey Ainsworth A. , Mishra Aditya S. , Tiamiyu Mojisola F.
Published: August 2018

This paper reports on three studies that were done as part of an application of the GREEN scale (Haws, Winterich, & Naylor, 2014) to understanding US consumer response to green marketing communications. The GREEN scale was developed originally to measure consumers’ tendency to express their environmental concern through their consumption behaviors, that is, their green consumption values. In the current paper, three studies explored the impact of US consumers’ GREEN consumption values on their response to brands’ green public relations and green advertising. The results show that, in addition to helping to explain green consumption behaviors, GREEN can also help to explain consumer response to brands’ marketing communications efforts. Limitations are pointed out and future research directions are proposed.
Antibacterial effects and resistance induction of silver and gold nanoparticles against Staphylococcus aureus‐induced mastitis and the potential toxicity in rats
Authors: Elbehiry Ayman , Al‐Dubaib Musaad , Marzouk Eman , Moussa Ihab
Published: August 2018

Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is one of the prevalent mastitis‐inducing pathogens worldwide. The resistance of S. aureus to antibiotics is a common issue for dairy farms. Recently, nanoparticles (NPs) have been used for treating antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. We therefore aimed to investigate the antimicrobial effect of silver and gold NPs (AgNPs and AuNPs, respectively) and the resistance developed by S. aureus as well as the toxic effects of both NPs in rats. We used 198 S. aureus strains to determine the antibacterial effects of AgNPs and AuNPs. The microdilution method was used to establish the minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of both NPs. To induce resistance, 20 S. aureus strains were passaged 10 times in broth medium with sublethal doses of NPs and an additional 10 times without NPs to examine the stability of resistance. Histopathology was performed after oral administration to the rats with the study doses of 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg of NPs for 30 days. The MICs of 10‐nm AgNPs, 20‐nm AgNPs, 10‐nm AuNPs, and 20‐nm AuNPs against S. aureus were 14.70 ± 1.19 μg/ml, 9.15 ± 0.13 μg/ml, 24.06 ± 2.36 μg/ml, and 18.52 ± 1.26 μg/ml, respectively. Most strains developed strong resistance when treated with 20‐nm or 10‐nm AgNPs, whereas only two strains were resistant to 10‐nm AuNPs and three strains to 20‐nm AuNPs. No cross‐resistance between NPs and various antibiotics was identified in any of the adapted S. aureus strains. Organ histopathology revealed that 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mg/kg doses of AgNPs and AuNPs were not toxic to rat tissue. In contrast, a higher dose (2 mg/kg) of NPs impaired all organs tested. This study demonstrates the antibacterial effects of NPs. S. aureus strains develop resistance less frequently against AuNPs than AgNPs, and neither AuNPs nor AgNPs was toxic to rats at low doses.
Exome data clouds the pathogenicity of genetic variants in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Abbasi Yeganeh , Jabbari Javad , Jabbari Reza , Glinge Charlotte , Izadyar Seyed Bahador , Spiekerkoetter Edda , Zamanian Roham T. , Carlsen Jørn , Tfelt‐Hansen Jacob
Published: August 2018

Background

We aimed to provide a set of previously reported PAH‐associated missense and nonsense variants, and evaluate the pathogenicity of those variants.

Methods

The Human Gene Mutation Database, PubMed, and Google Scholar were searched for previously reported PAH‐associated genes and variants. Thereafter, both exome sequencing project and exome aggregation consortium as background population searched for previously reported PAH‐associated missense and nonsense variants. The pathogenicity of previously reported PAH‐associated missense variants evaluated by using four in silico prediction tools.

Results

In total, 14 PAH‐associated genes and 180 missense and nonsense variants were gathered. The BMPR2, the most frequent reported gene, encompasses 135 of 180 missense and nonsense variants. The exome sequencing project comprised 9, and the exome aggregation consortium counted 25 of 180 PAH‐associated missense and nonsense variants. The TOPBP1 and ENG genes are unlikely to be the monogenic cause of PAH pathogenesis based on allele frequency in background population and prediction analysis.

Conclusion

This is the first evaluation of previously reported PAH‐associated missense and nonsense variants. The BMPR2 identified as the major gene out of 14 PAH‐associated genes. Based on findings, the ENG and TOPBP1 gene are not likely to be the monogenic cause of PAH.
Gja1 expression is regulated by cooperation between SOX8/SOX9 and cJUN transcription factors in TM4 and 15P‐1 Sertoli cell lines
Authors: Ghouili Firas , Roumaud Pauline , Martin Luc J.
Published: August 2018

Within the seminiferous tubules of the testis, Gja1‐encoded connexin43 plays a critical role in intercellular communication between Sertoli cells. These cells nurture, protect and stimulate the developing germ cells and spermatids. SOX transcription factors are known to play an important role in male fertility and sex determination; however, their physiological function and the identity of their target genes in postnatal Sertoli cells remain to be defined. Members of the activating protein‐1 (AP‐1) family have been shown to regulate Gja1 expression in myometrial and testicular cells and to physically interact with SOX members, suggesting that these transcription factors may regulate its expression within the testis. Hence, we performed co‐transfections of expression plasmids encoding SOX4, SOX8, SOX9 and cJUN with different mouse Gja1 promoter/luciferase reporter constructs within TM4 and 15P‐1 Sertoli cells. We showed that a functional cooperation between cJUN and SOX8 or SOX9 regulates Gja1 expression and may involve DNA regulatory elements located between −132 and −26 bp. Such synergy relies on the recruitment of cJUN to the −47 base pair (bp) AP‐1 DNA regulatory element of the mouse Gja1 promoter. Hence, SOX and AP‐1 members cooperate to regulate Gja1 within testicular Sertoli cells.
Fibroblast growth factor 21 and fructose dynamics in humans
Authors: Migdal A. , Comte S. , Rodgers M. , Heineman B. , Flier E. M. , Herman M. , Dushay J.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Fructose consumption is a risk factor for metabolic disease. We recently demonstrated that fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21), a metabolic hormone involved in lipid and glucose metabolism, is acutely stimulated in humans by 75 g oral fructose, with peak levels occurring 2 h after consumption. This study reports on the dose dependency and reproducibility of the FGF21 response to fructose.

Methods

Lean, healthy adults drank either five different doses of fructose dissolved in water, each separated by 2 weeks, or the same dose on three occasions, each separated by 1 week.

Results

Fibroblast growth factor 21 levels peaked at 2 h in a dose‐dependent manner. No significant increase in FGF21 was seen after consumption of 10 g fructose, while robust increases were seen after drinking solutions containing 30, 50 and 75 g. At 2 h, the minimal fold change of FGF21 was highest following a 75 g fructose drink, and all subjects demonstrated at least a doubling of FGF21 levels following consumption of this dose.

Conclusions

The increase in FGF21 following an oral fructose challenge is dose dependent, with levels peaking at 2 h independent of dose. The FGF21 response to 75 g fructose is also highly reproducible within individuals.

Clinical Implications

By demonstrating that the FGF21 response to fructose is dose dependent and reproducible, this study deepens current understanding of FGF21 fructose dynamics and physiology in humans. This is an important area of clinical interest given associations between fructose intake and a wide variety of metabolic derangements.
Lorcaserin and metabolic disease: weight‐loss dependent and independent effects
Authors: Bays H. , Perdomo C. , Nikonova E. , Knoth R. , Malhotra M.
Published: August 2018

Objective

Weight management pharmacotherapies can improve metabolic diseases through weight‐dependent and weight‐independent effects. Lorcaserin is a selective 5‐hydroxytryptamine 2C receptor agonist. The objective of this analysis is to quantify the relative contribution of weight loss to the treatment effects of lorcaserin 10 mg twice a day on key metabolic parameters.

Methods

This retrospective analysis evaluated 6,897 patients with overweight or obesity (with or without diabetes mellitus) across three randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blind, 52‐week clinical trials that evaluated lorcaserin 10 mg twice daily (BID; NCT00395135, NCT00603902, and NCT00603291); 509 patients from only one of the studies had type 2 diabetes mellitus. A mediation analysis was applied to help rank the relative contribution of weight loss to metabolic study outcomes.

Results

According to this mediation analysis, lorcaserin 10 mg BID improved a spectrum of adiposopathic metabolic abnormalities with varying contributions attributable to weight loss. Improvements in waist circumference and blood pressure were almost exclusively attributable to weight loss. Less than 50% of the improvement in glucose parameters (fasting blood glucose and haemoglobin A1c) were attributable to weight loss.

Conclusions

Across Phase III clinical trials, lorcaserin 10 mg BID improved multiple cardiometabolic parameters through both weight‐loss dependent and independent mechanisms.
Codes of conduct and practical recommendations as tools for self‐regulation and soft regulation in EU public affairs
Authors: Antonucci Maria Cristina , Scocchi Nicola
Published: August 2018

During the 2000s–2010s, EU Commission and Parliament and European interest groups advanced a specific model of regulation. It combines, on one side, lobbyists self‐regulation—the codes of conduct for EU lobbying professionals' associations, such as SEAP and EPACA—with institutional nonbinding or “soft” regulation on the other side—the EU Transparency Register framework for registered interest groups, its code of conduct, the related system of checks, alerts, and complaints about interest groups misconduct put forward by the EU Joint Transparency Register Secretariat, the list of Dos and Don'ts by the EU Ombudsman. This paper examines the peculiar lobbying self‐regulation and soft regulation tools and practices, as implemented within the EU model: SEAP and EPACA codes of conduct, EU Transparency Register, EU Interest Groups Code of Conduct, Commissioners and MPs codes of conduct, the procedures of the EU Joint Transparency Register Secretariat, and the Ombudsman list of Dos and Don'ts, underlining their growing impact on interest groups registration to the EU Transparency Register. This EU innovative regulatory model‐based on a peculiar mix of self‐regulation and institutional, incentive‐based, soft regulation‐stands as a concrete alternative to the traditional North American top‐down binding regulatory pattern. The EU model is based on a participatory, cooperative, and pragmatic dialogue between European policy makers and interest groups. Clarifying the concept, the nature, and the functions of this model, while underlining its peculiarity is the purpose of this paper.
Sequential use of second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors following imatinib therapy in pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia: A report from the Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group
Authors: Kurosawa Hidemitsu , Tanizawa Akihiko , Muramatsu Hideki , Tono Chikako , Watanabe Akihiro , Shima Haruko , Ito Masaki , Yuza Yuki , Hamamoto Kazuko , Hotta Noriko , Okada Masahiko , Saito Akiko Moriya , Manabe Atsushi , Mizutani Shuki , Adachi Souichi , Horibe Keizo , Ishii Eiichi , Shimada Hiroyuki
Published: August 2018

Background

The details of the sequential use of imatinib for first‐line treatment followed by second‐generation tyrosine kinase inhibitors (2G‐TKIs) for pediatric chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) are still unknown. This study analyzed clinical responses and adverse effects of the use of 2G‐TKIs following imatinib in pediatric chronic phase (CP)‐CML.

Procedures

The Japanese Pediatric Leukemia/Lymphoma Study Group conducted a retrospective study of patients with newly diagnosed CML from 1996 to 2011. A total of 152 cases that received imatinib as first‐line therapy were analyzed.

Results

Excluding 46 cases treated with hematopoietic stem cell transplantation before nilotinib and dasatinib became available, 31 of 106 patients changed to 2G‐TKIs. The primary reason for changing from imatinib was poor response, followed by intolerance, with the main reason for the latter being musculoskeletal events. Switches from imatinib to 2G‐TKIs with intolerance occurred significantly earlier than switches with poor response. Sixteen and 15 patients were treated with nilotinib and dasatinib, respectively, following imatinib therapy. After switching to 2G‐TKIs, the response status improved in 63% of evaluable patients. The adverse effect profiles of nilotinib and dasatinib tended to be different, with hyperbilirubinemia observed in 33% of nilotinib‐treated patients, but in none of the cases with dasatinib.

Conclusion

This retrospective study represents the first series of children and adolescents in whom sequential use of imatinib followed by 2G‐TKIs was reported. These data provide useful insights into the selection of 2G‐TKIs as first‐line treatment for children and adolescents with CP‐CML.
Surgical treatment strategy for advanced hepatoblastoma: Resection versus transplantation
Authors: Uchida Hajime , Sakamoto Seisuke , Sasaki Kengo , Takeda Masahiro , Hirata Yoshihiro , Fukuda Akinari , Hishiki Tomoro , Irie Rie , Nakazawa Atsuko , Miyazaki Osamu , Nosaka Shunsuke , Kasahara Mureo
Published: August 2018

Background

Excellent outcomes of the extreme procedure of liver resection (LR) for advanced hepatoblastoma (HB) have been achieved in recent reports. However, liver transplantation (LT) remains the only surgical treatment for patients with unresectable HB. The aim of this study was to evaluate our retrospective data for cases of advanced HB necessitating surgical intervention and analyze the prognostic factors of recurrence by comparing patients with tumors resected by LR and LT.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 24 children with PRETEXT II/III/IV tumors that required consideration for LT between August 2011 and September 2016.

Result

The staging at the time of the diagnosis was PRETEXT II/III/IV in 1/13/10 patients, respectively, while the preoperative staging after neoadjuvant chemotherapy was POSTTEXT II/III/IV in 5/17/2 patients. Among those 24 patients, complete resection of the primary tumor was achieved with LT in 12 patients and LR in 12 patients. A high serum level of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) at the time of surgery, no significant decrease in the rate of change of AFP, and low tumor shrinkage rate were related to the risk of tumor recurrence, and patients with tumors resected by LR with those risks had a higher recurrence rate than those without them. The overall survival was higher in patients with tumors resected by LT (100%) than in patients with tumors resected by LR.

Conclusion

Patients with advanced HB with a poor response to chemotherapy should definitively be prioritized for primary LT, given the possibility of vascular invasion and microscopic residual tumor.
Simulation and Analysis of Process‐Induced Distortions in Hemispherical Thermostamping for Unidirectional Thermoplastic Composites
Authors: Liu Kai , Zhang Boming , Xu Xiangyu , Ye Jinrui , Liu Changxi
Published: August 2018

This work aims at analyzing process‐induced distortions (PIDs) for unidirectional thermoplastic composites in the thermoforming process and evaluating the effects of fiber reorientations and stamping‐induced stresses. Hemispheres with symmetric and asymmetric lay‐ups are manufactured by the thermostamping process. A simulation method of PIDs is developed and a constitutive model is presented to reflect fiber reorientations in thermostamping. Additionally, stamping‐induced stresses are embedded in the simulation. Good correlation is obtained between the prediction and experimental results. Regarding hemispheres with the symmetric lay‐up [0/90/0/90]S, stamping‐induced stresses play a dominant role in PIDs and determine the deformation trend; fiber reorientations contribute approximately 76% to thermal distortions. Stamping‐induced stresses could be neglected in the PID prediction for the investigated three different asymmetrical lay‐ups, and contributions made by fiber reorientations range from 18% to 28%. Both fiber reorientations and stamping‐induced stresses are significant factors for PIDs for unidirectional thermoplastic composites in the thermoforming process. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1786–1800, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Enhanced Interfacial Adhesion and Properties of Polypropylene/Carbon Fiber Composites by Fiber Surface Oxidation in Presence of a Compatibilizer
Authors: Tian Huafeng , Yao Yuanyuan , Liu Di , Li Yichao , Jv Rui , Xiang Ge , Xiang Aimin
Published: August 2018

With the aim of improving the mechanical strength of polypropylene (PP) materials, carbon fibers (CFs) were incorporated into it to prepare composites with PP‐graft‐maleic anhydride (PP‐g‐MAH) as the compatibilizer. In order to improve the interfacial bonding between filler and matrix, the CFs were oxidized with concentrated nitric acid for different times. The results showed that with the increase of oxidation time, the surface roughness and specific areas of CF increased. Nitric acid oxidation can effectively introduce polar groups on the surface of CFs, leading to the increased wetting ability. The tensile and impact strength of PP/CF composites were highly improved with the increase of oxidation time. Both the increased surface areas and roughness were beneficial for mechanical interlocking. In addition, the chemical bonding between activated CF and PP‐g‐MAH contributed to the enhanced mechanical properties of the resulting composites. The ‐OH groups on CF produced by surface oxidation could react with anhydride groups, while the PP chains of PP‐g‐MAH diffused into the PP matrix, resulting in good adhesion or entanglement. These PP/CF composites with high performance can find wide applications as light weight structural materials. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E654–E662, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Dimethyl Itaconate Modified PMMA ‐ Alumina Fillers Composites With Improved Mechanical Properties
Authors: Lazouzi Gamal Ali , Vuksanović Marija M. , Tomić Nataša , Petrović Miloš , Spasojević Pavle , Radojević Vesna , Jančić Heinemann Radmila
Published: August 2018

PMMA poly(methyl methacrylate) has a large spectrum of uses as bone cements, in dentistry as denture base materials and other industrial applications. One of the main drawbacks of these materials is the residual monomer that is proven allergen and irritant. It was shown that addition of dimethyl itaconate (DMI) to the PMMA denture base systems decrease the quantity of residual monomer but, also deteriorate mechanical properties. The addition of alumina fillers in the PMMA/DMI produced composite materials results in improved mechanical properties compared with pure PMMA and additionally reduces the level of residual monomer in the composition. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1691–1701, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Thermo‐mechanical properties of glass fiber and functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes filled polyester composites
Authors: Islam M.R. , Beg M.D.H.
Published: August 2018

Glass fiber (GF) and hydroxyl‐functionalized multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs)‐reinforced polyester‐based composites were prepared by solution casting technique. Unsaturated polyester (UPE) was mixed separately with a fixed amount (0.5 wt%) of hydroxyl‐functionalized MWCNTs and GF (5.0 wt%). Multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) were functionalized with hydroxyl functional group (OH) prior to the fabrication of the composites. The structural properties were evaluated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The mechanical properties of the composites, like tensile strength, tensile modulus, flexural strength, flexural modulus, and impact strength were also evaluated. The surface of the samples was observed by the field‐emission electron microscopy. In addition, the thermal stability was assessed by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. The dynamic thermal mechanical analysis was also performed to assess the performance of the composites at elevated temperature. A comparative analysis of the composites prepared with GF and hydroxyl‐functionalized MWCNTs was described. Result analysis showed that hydroxyl functional group‐based MWCNTs is more effective for improving the properties of the composites, compared to the others. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1235–E1242, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synergistic Effect of Modified Expanded Graphite and Zinc Borate on the Flammability, Thermal Stability and Crystallization Behavior of LLDPE/EVA Composites with Mg(OH)2/Al(OH)3
Authors: Qin Jun , Liu Nian , Wang Na , Li Lingtong , He Weidi , Guo Jianbing , Chen Xiaolang , Zhang Kun , Yu Jie
Published: August 2018

In this work, modified expandable graphite (MEG) and zinc borate (ZB) are melt‐blended with metal hydroxide/aluminum hydroxide flame retardant linear low‐density polyethylene/ethylene vinyl acetate (LLDPE/EVA) blends. The synergistic effects of MEG with ZB on the flammability, thermal stability and crystallization behaviors of LLDPE/EVA composites are characterized and discussed by UL‐94 vertical burning, limiting oxygen index (LOI), thermogravimetric analysis, cone calorimeter test (CCT), carbon layer morphology, and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The addition of ZB and MEG apparently increases the LOI values and improves the UL‐94 rating of the flame retardant LLDPE/EVA composites. The data obtained from the CCT indicate that the heat release rate, the total heat release and the gas production rate of the flame retardant LLDPE/EVA composites decrease remarkably with increasing the MEG content and the residues of the composites increase to 38.2% from 2.7% of the LLDPE/EVA blends, which indicates that MEG enhances the thermal stability and layer carbon capacity of the composites. The DSC results describe that MEG can act as a nucleating agent to accelerate the crystallization rate of the flame retardant composites, but the crystallinity of polypropylene of the flame‐retardant composites firstly increases and then decreases with increasing the content of MEG. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E687–E694, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
An Optimization Study on Sound Insulation Property of Ethylene Vinyl Acetate/Hematite Coated Nonwovens
Authors: Özen İlhan , Okyay Gamze , Demiryürek Oğuz
Published: August 2018

In this study, nonwoven fabrics were coated with ethylene vinyl acetate/hematite blends. Three different hematite loadings (100, 300, and 600 g/m2) were applied. After evaluations of morphology, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of the coated structures, sound insulation property was investigated. In addition, a detailed statistical analysis was performed on sound transmission loss. It was found that sound insulation property changed depending on the frequency and hematite loading amount. A hematite loading amount of 160–190 g/m2 can be used together with ethylene vinyl acetate as the matrix polymer for enhanced thermal and sound insulation properties without compromising mechanical performance. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1890–1896, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis, Properties, and Applications of Polysulfone/Polyimide Nanocomposite Membrane Reinforced with Silica Nanoparticles
Authors: Muntha Sedra Tul , Ajmal Muhammad , Naeem Hina , Kausar Ayesha , Zia Muhammad Abid , Siddiq Muhammad
Published: August 2018

We synthesized polysulfone/polyimide nanocomposite membranes by solution casting method and reinforced with silica nanoparticles by in situ and ex situ techniques. Physical characteristics of nanocomposite membranes were explored by using X‐ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The appropriate ratio of polysulfone and polyimide was revealed through structural analysis. Thermal analysis revealed highest degradation temperature of 580°C for silica reinforced nanocomposite membrane as compared to that of neat polysulfone membrane which was found to be 500°C. On the other hand, glass transition temperature was found to be 85°C for neat polysulfone membrane which was improved to 205°C for polysulfone/polyimide blend membrane with an indication of better compatibility of glassy polymers. Young's modulus of neat polysulfone membrane was 3565.368 MPa which was increased to 5689.035 MPa for polysulfone/polyimide blend membrane and further increased to 7590.340 MPa for silica reinforced polysulfone/polyimide blend membrane. Membrane properties such as porosity and solvent content values were also explored. The antibacterial properties of fabricated nanocomposite membranes were investigated against Klebsiella pneumonia and Salmonella typhi. Better killing results were obtained against bacteria for PSf/PI/SiO2 nanocomposite membrane. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1897–1910, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synergistic Effect of Irregular Shaped Particles and Graphene on the Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Composites
Authors: Liu Changqing , Chen Cheng , Wang Hongmei , Chen Mao , Zhou Dongyi , Xu Zhengxia , Yu Wei
Published: August 2018

Improving the heat transfer properties of the thermal interface materials (TIMs) is the basic way to solve heat dissipation problem of electronic products with high energy density. In this study, the synergistic heat transfer between graphene and irregular particles at low loading is systematically studied; these irregular shaped particles include Ag, Cu, and MgO. When the mass fraction of the irregular shaped particles is <20%, the heat transfer network chain is mainly formed by the fully dispersed graphene. However, when the irregular shaped particle mass fraction reaches 30%, more heat transfer network chain will form between particles. In addition, the interfacial thermal resistance between fillers and matrix is the most crucial factor, and the intrinsic thermal conductivity of irregular particles is a relatively minor factor for the synergistic heat transfer between graphene and irregular particles at low loading. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E1294–E1300, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Poly(3,4‐Propylenedioxythiophene) Capsulated Yolk–Shell Carbon Spheres for High‐Performance Electrochemical Capacitors
Authors: Xiang Ling , Ali Ahmat , Jamal Ruxangul , Ding Shuai , Zhong Ziping , Abdiryim Tursun
Published: August 2018

In this article, the yolk–shell structure of resin‐based carbon spheres (YRFC) and the solid structure of resin‐based carbon spheres (SRFC) were prepared by condensation polymerization, and then novel spherical composites of poly(3,4‐propylenedioxythiophene)/YRFC (PProDOT/YRFC) and PProDOT/SRFC were obtained by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization. The prepared composites were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet–visible absorption spectra (UV–vis), Raman, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer (XPS), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Electrochemical behavior of the composites were investigated with reference to their suitability as electrode materials in electrochemical capacitors (ECs), which were accomplished by a combination of cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge/discharge cycles. The resultant PProDOT/YRFC composite showed ideal charge storage capacity with a specific capacitance of 327.5 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1, which is much higher than that of the materials of PProDOT/SRFC (298.1 F g−1) and PProDOT (180.9 F g−1). Furthermore, long cycle life was achieved with the optimized PProDOT/YRFC and the capacitance retention is 87.3% after 10,000 charge/discharge processes, which was attributed to its uniformly dispersible fluffy structure. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:1989–1999, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Risks of Major Long‐Term Side Effects Associated with Androgen‐Deprivation Therapy in Men with Prostate Cancer
Authors: Nguyen Chi , Lairson David R. , Swartz Michael D. , Du Xianglin L.
Published: August 2018

Study Objective

To examine the risks and compare the occurrences of major long‐term side effects (sexual dysfunction, bone fractures, diabetes, cardiovascular morbidity, acute myocardial infarction [MI], and dementia) in patients with prostate cancer who received androgen‐deprivation therapy (ADT) with those who did not.

Design

Propensity score–matched retrospective cohort study using Medicare claims data.

Data Source

National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program–Medicare linked database.

Patients

A total of 201,797 patients 66 years or older who were diagnosed with any stage of prostate cancer between 1992 and 2009; of these, 94,528 patients received ADT; 107,269 patients did not.

Measurements and Main Results

We identified receipt of ADT and number of claims for ADT, and ascertained the long‐term treatment‐related side effects that occurred during 19 years of follow‐up, from 1992–2010, from Medicare claims data. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the incidences and hazard ratios (HRs) of newly developed side effects. Among all potential long‐term side effects, the risk of bone fractures was highest (HR 1.39, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35–1.43), followed by diabetes (HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.18–1.24), dementia (HR 1.16, 95% CI 1.13–1.20), coronary heart disease (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.09–1.14), and acute MI (HR 1.11, 95% CI 1.08–1.15) in those who received ADT compared with those who did not. The HRs for bone fractures and diabetes increased steadily as the number of ADT doses increased, indicating a linear trend in the dose‐response relationship. Compared with patients who received active surveillance, ADT was associated with a 12% increased risk of sexual dysfunction (HR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.20). The HR for sexual dysfunction increased to 1.68 (95% CI 1.59–1.77) when ADT was combined with radiation therapy and to 3.54 (95% CI 3.26–3.85) when ADT was combined with radiation and surgery.

Conclusion

The results of this study demonstrated that in men with prostate cancer, receipt of ADT was associated with higher risks of bone fractures, diabetes, dementia, coronary heart disease, acute MI, and sexual dysfunction than in those who did not receive ADT.
Well‐defined non‐linear polyethylene‐based macromolecular architectures
Authors: Alshumrani Reem A. , Hadjichristidis Nikos
Published: August 2018

Polyethylene (PE)‐based 3‐ and 4‐miktoarm star [PE(PCL)2, PE(PCL)3] and H‐type [(PCL)2PE(PCL)2] block copolymers [polycaprolactone (PCL)] were synthesized by a combination of polyhomologation, chlorosilane chemistry, and ring opening polymerization (ROP). The following steps were used for the synthesis of the miktoarm stars: (a) reaction of a hydroxy‐terminated polyethylene (PE‐OH), prepared by polyhomologation of dimethylsulfoxonium methylide with a monofunctional boron initiator followed by oxidation/hydrolysis, with chloromethyl(methyl)dimethoxysilane or chloromethyltrimethoxysilane; (b) hydrolysis of the produced ω‐di(tri)methoxysilyl‐polyethylenes to afford ω‐dihydroxy‐polyethylene (difunctional initiator) and ω‐trihydroxy‐polyethylene (trifunctional initiator); and (c) ROP of ɛ‐caprolactone with the difunctional (3‐miktoarm star) or trifunctional macroinitiator (4‐miktoarm star), in the presence of 1‐tert‐butyl‐2,2,4,4,4‐pentakis(dimethylamino)‐2λ5,4λ5‐catenadi(phosphazene) (t‐BuP2). The H‐type block copolymers were synthesized using the same strategy, but with a difunctional polyhomologation initiator. All intermediates and final products were characterized by HT‐GPC, 1H NMR and FTIR analyses. Thermal properties of the PE precursors and all final products were investigated by DSC and TGA. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 2129–2136
Carbon Dots‐Cluster‐DOX Nanocomposites Fabricated by a Co‐Self‐Assembly Strategy for Tumor‐Targeted Bioimaging and Therapy
Authors: Deng Tao , Zhang Rong , Wang Jie , Song Xiaoxiao , Bao Fangjian , Gu Yueqing , Deng Dawei
Published: August 2018

Carbon‐based nanomaterials could afford versatile potential applications in biomedical optical imaging and as nanoparticle drug carriers, owing to their promising optical and biocompatible capabilities. In this paper, it is first found that amphipathic cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC)‐stabilized oil‐soluble carbon dots (CDs) could self‐assemble into hydrophilic CDs clusters with hydrophobic core under ultrasound, in which CPC acts as carbon source, stabilizer, and phase transfer agent. Next, the size‐control (for size‐dependent passive tumor targeting) and doxorubicin (DOX) uploading of aqueous CDs clusters, and subsequent surface charge modification via overcoating with cRGD‐ and octylamine‐modified polyacrylic acid (cRGD‐PAA‐OA) (reversing their surface charges into negative and introducing active tumor‐targeting ability) are explored systematically. Based on this sequential administration mode, CDs‐cluster‐DOX/cRGD‐PAA‐OA nanocomposites exhibit selective human malignant glioma cell line (U87MG) tumor targeting. In in vitro drug release experiments, the nanocomposites could release DOX timely. Owning to the dual tumor targeting effects and seasonable drug release, CDs‐cluster‐DOX/cRGD‐PAA‐OA show remarkably tumor targetability and enhanced antitumor efficacy (and reduced adverse reaction), comparing to free DOX in animal models. These results indicate that fabricating nanocomposite via co‐self‐assembly strategy is efficient toward drug delivery system for tumor‐targeting theranostic.
In‐Situ Annealing of the (110) and (001) Surfaces of SrTiO3 Nanocuboids by High‐Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy
Authors: Liberti Emanuela , Kirkland Angus I.
Published: August 2018

Thermal annealing of SrTiO3 substrates is used in a wide range of applications, including films and nanoparticle growth, electronic devices, catalysis, and photocatalysis. To predict and control reaction kinetics during high temperature treatments, it is essential to understand dynamics in real time. For this purpose, in‐situ electron microscopy techniques are increasingly used, as structural changes can be monitored at the nanoscale. Herein, the authors report on the surface evolution of the (110) and (001) surfaces of SrTiO3 nanocuboids observed in‐situ during thermal treatment at 800 °C, using aberration corrected high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy. By establishing a threshold for the cumulative electron dose, below which only temperature induced growth occurs, the authors observe the formation of epitaxial, faceted TiO islands, in agreement with previously reported results on the thermal treatment of (001) surfaces of SrTiO3 in reducing environments. When surface evolution is a consequence of the combined effects of electron beam damage and temperature‐induced growth, structural modification of the cuboids is highly dynamic. In this case formation of faceted islands occurs rapidly in conjunction with sublimation of the cuboids at considerably larger speeds than in the case of thermal treatment.
Topological Insulator Based Dual State Photo‐Switch Originating Through Bulk and Surface Conduction Channels
Authors: Bhattacharyya Biplab , Gupta Anurag , Senguttuvan Thanikachalam Devarajan , Ojha Vijay Narain , Husale Sudhir
Published: August 2018

Topological insulators are novel electronic materials, where time reversal symmetry protects the spin‐polarized surface states from backscattering. Although, the bulk offers a trivial semiconducting response to incident light, but the metallic surface states exhibit interesting electrical response towards the incident radiation, such as polarization dependent surface photocurrent and topological phase transitions. Here, we study the temperature dependent near‐infrared photoresponse in bismuth selenide (Bi2Se3) nano‐flakes. A very good photo‐sensitivity to near‐infrared 800 nm wavelength is observed for the temperature range 300–2 K. Voltage responsivity at 2 K (1.481 × 1010 VW−1) is estimated to be four‐order greater than at 300 K (2.095 × 106 VW−1) and is comparatively much higher than the previously reported values of voltage responsivity in other materials. Interestingly, we also find the temperature dependent existence of both positive and negative photoresponse in our device. An anomalous photoresponse reversal is observed at 2 K, where resistance of the nano‐flake increases under light illumination. We propose that this phenomenon is due to the topological surface states, which have dominant transport contribution at very low temperatures. These observations establish the fact that topological insulators can be further engineered to develop a dual state photo‐switch, by manipulating the bulk and surface state conduction contribution.
Experimental and Theoretical Study of Curvature Effects in Parabolic Nanostripes
Authors: Volkov Oleksii M. , Kronast Florian , Mönch Ingolf , Mawass Mohamad‐Assaad , Kákay Attila , Fassbender Jürgen , Makarov Denys
Published: August 2018

Curvature effects in magnetism offer appealing possibilities to obtain new magnetic textures at the nanoscale due to the interplay between exchange and magnetostatic interactions. Experimentally and theoretically, curvature‐driven changes of static magnetic properties in parabolic nanostripes have been addressed here. The shape of a parabolic stripe is tuned to cover broad range of widths and curvatures allowing to construct a phase diagram of magnetic equilibrium states. For this, joint experimental, i.e., soft X‐ray imaging, and theoretical studies are carried out. Analytical calculations in the framework, when non‐local magnetostatic effects are neglected, coincide with the experimental and simulation results in a broad range of parameters. The results give confidence in the applicability of the existing theoretical framework for further analytical considerations of equilibrium magnetization states of curvilinear nanomagnets.
Biology and manipulation technologies of male germline stem cells in mammals
Authors: Takashima Seiji
Published: August 2018

Background

Spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) are the origin of sperm and defined by their functions of “colonization in the testis” and “spermatogenesis”. In vitro manipulation techniques of SSCs contribute to a wide variety of fields including reproductive medicine and molecular breeding. This review presents the recent progress of the biology and manipulation technologies of SSCs.

Methods

Research articles regarding SSC biology and technologies were collected and summarized.

Main findings

Dr. Ralph Brinster developed the spermatogonial transplantation technique that enables SSC detection by functional markers. Using this technique, cultured SSCs, termed germline stem (GS) cells, were established from the mouse. GS cells provide the opportunity to produce genome‐edited animals without using zygotes. In vitro spermatogenesis allows production of haploid germ cells from GS cells without spermatogonial transplantation. The recent advancement of pluripotent stem cell culture techniques has also achieved production of functional GS‐like cells in addition to male/female germ cells.

Conclusion

Although in vitro manipulation techniques of GS cells have been developed for the mouse, it appears to be difficult to apply these techniques to other species. Understanding and control of interspecies barriers are required to extend this technology to nonrodent mammals.
Relating Reading Comprehension to Oral Reading Performance in the NAEP Fourth‐Grade Special Study of Oral Reading
Authors: Sabatini John , Wang Zuowei , O’Reilly Tenaha
Published: August 2018

In this secondary analysis study, the authors explored the relations between reading comprehension and oral reading performance in fourth‐grade students, using a data set from the U.S. National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) special study of oral reading. The data set consisted of 1,713 students randomly selected from the 140,000 fourth graders who participated in the 2002 main NAEP reading assessment. Oral reading was measured by word‐reading accuracy, rate, and prosody. The authors investigated how these variables related to NAEP comprehension across the ability distribution, with a focus on students with low comprehension scores. The results add to the literature in several ways. First, indicators of oral reading fluency continue to explain variation in reading comprehension, even when students had been given multiple opportunities to familiarize themselves with the passage that they read aloud. Second, word‐reading accuracy and reading rate independently explained comprehension scores. Third, the authors observed qualitatively different profiles of fourth‐grade readers with low comprehension scores. Nearly all students with reading rates lower than one standard deviation below the mean also had problems with word recognition, as evidenced by the relatively higher number of word‐reading errors and low prosody ratings. The authors interpret these findings in light of the lexical quality hypothesis and the verbal efficiency theory, which emphasize the importance of word‐level accuracy and automaticity to reading comprehension.
Amniotic Fluid Stem Cells for the Treatment of Surgical Disorders in the Fetus and Neonate
Authors: Kunisaki Shaun M.
Published: August 2018

Over the past decade, amniotic fluid-derived stem cells have emerged as a novel experimental approach aimed at improving outcomes in children with congenital anomalies, including spina bifida, heart defects, and diaphragmatic hernia. Interest in these cells for the treatment of prenatally diagnosed diseases has arisen based on numerous studies demonstrating the relative ease of harvesting an abundant quantity of amniocytes from a small aliquot of fluid, the unique properties of amniocytes themselves, and the beneficial effects of amniotic fluid-derived stem cells in experimental animal models. This report gives a brief overview of the rationale and current status of amniotic fluid stem cell-based therapies, focusing on its relevance to birth defects affecting the fetus and neonate. The author proposes a roadmap for further study that would be required prior to clinical application of amniotic fluid stem cell technologies.
Synthesis and Antimycobacterial Evaluation of Piperazyl‐alkyl‐Ether Linked 7‐Chloroquinoline‐Chalcone/Ferrocenyl Chalcone Conjugates
Authors: Singh Amandeep , Viljoen Albertus , Kremer Laurent , Kumar Vipan
Published: August 2018

A series of piperazyl‐alkyl‐ether linked 7‐chloroquinoline‐chalcone/ferrocenyl chalcone conjugates were synthesized and evaluated for their anti‐mycobacterial activities against the mc26230 strain of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cytotoxicity against the Vero cell line. While all the compounds showed limited cytotoxicity, the ferrocenyl‐chalcone conjugate with pentyl chain as spacer proved to be most potent among the series with a Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) of 14 μg/mL.
Nitrogen‐Doped Porous Carbon Derived from Carbazole‐Substituted Tetraphenylethylene‐Based Hypercrosslinked Polymer for High‐Performance Supercapacitor
Authors: Deka Namrata , Deka Jumi , Dutta Gitish K.
Published: August 2018

Nitrogen‐doped porous carbons are synthesized by KOH activation of hypercrosslinked 1,1,2,2‐tetrakis (4‐(9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)phenyl)ethene (HTCP) polymer for efficient supercapacitor application. The obtained materials possess combined microporous and mesoporous structures with high BET surface area of upto 2226 m2 g−1 and nitrogen content of upto 2.62%. These structural properties result in increased accessible surface and redox sites for enhanced electrochemical capacitive storage. Effects of nitrogen functionalities and carbonization temperature on the porous materials are studied by monitoring the capacitive behaviours of the samples. The material afforded by carbonization of HTCP at 700 °C (HTCP‐700) offers a high specific capacitance of 445 F g−1 (1 A g−1) and excellent cycle durability of nearly 100% retention upto 10000 cycles in 1 M H2SO4 electrolyte. The cyclic voltammetry and galvanostatic charge‐discharge experiments indicate a good rate capability (278 F g−1 at 20 A g−1). The supercapacitor device fabricated with PVA‐H2SO4 gel electrolyte using HTCP‐700 as an active material delivered maximum energy density of 11.6 W h kg−1.
One‐Dimensional Nanowire Hybrids Constructed from Silver Nanowire and Carboxylic Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes for Electrochemical Simultaneous Determination of Guanine and Adenine
Authors: Hu Bibo , Huang Jianzhi , Wang Lishi
Published: August 2018

A facile and novel strategy based on one‐dimensional (1D) nanowires hybrid nanocomposites constructed from silver nanowires@carboxylic multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (Ag NWs@MWCNTs‐COOH) was proposed for the electrochemical simultaneous determination of guanine and adenine in DNA. Due to the synergistic effect between Ag NWs and MWCNTs‐COOH, the proposed 1D nanowires hybrid sensor exhibited excellent electrocatalytic activity, high selectivity and high sensitivity toward the simultaneous determination of guanine and adenine. The Ag NWs@MWCNTs‐COOH/GCE sensor showed wider linear range of 0.2–60 μmol dm−3 and 0.2–60 μmol dm−3 with lower detection limit of 0.08 μmol dm−3 (S/N=3) and 0.08 μmol dm−3 (S/N=3) for guanine and adenine determination, respectively. This proposed nanocomposites sensor has potential usage in clinical diagnosis and biological samples detection.
One‐step Microwave‐assisted Synthesis of Indium Tin Oxide Nanoparticles for NIR‐Selective Dynamic Window Applications
Authors: Li Xiaodong , Ding Ning , Lu Yanru , Yin Xi Jiang
Published: August 2018

Indium tin oxide (ITO) nanoparticles have been successfully synthesized by a one‐step microwave‐assisted environmentally benign method. By changing the molar ratio of In and Sn, the obtained ITO nanoparticles show the variation in particle size and morphology. When printed on conductive glass, ITO nanoparticles with different Sn content exhibit tunable adsorption properties in a near‐infrared (NIR) range. By regulating the surface electron density of the nanoparticles, their localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) can be dynamically and reversibly modulated. ITO nanoparticle was screen printed on conductive glass, followed by heat treatment, and was equipped with a counter electrode to obtain a NIR selective dynamic window with enhanced NIR optical contrast. The devices exhibited a 56% reversible modulation of the light transmission in a wide range from 750 to 2600 nm. The maximum variation of 74% was observed at 2000 nm. The charging and discharging mechanisms for ITO thin films were also investigated.
Fluorescence of Nonaromatic Organic Systems and Room Temperature Phosphorescence of Organic Luminogens: The Intrinsic Principle and Recent Progress
Authors: Li Qianqian , Tang Youhong , Hu Wenping , Li Zhen
Published: August 2018

Following the development of photoluminescence systems with various compositions, some nontraditional structures, including nonaromatic organic systems as fluorophores and organic luminogens as the source of phosphorescence emission at room temperature, have attracted considerable attention for their advantages in biological and medical applications, and for the updated photophysical understandings in science. In this Review, the recent progress in understanding these organic compounds or polymers for fluorescence and phosphorescence is briefly summarized, with the aim of exploring the intrinsic principle of these novel photoluminescence systems and providing reasonable constructs for molecular design. Finally, some prospects are suggested for further development of this continually expanding area of research, with the coined concept of Molecular Uniting Set Identified Characteristic (MUSIC).