bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ polarity functionalization and properties of styrenic triblock copolymers synthesized via RAFT emulsion polymerization
Authors: Fu Xiaowei , Lei Yuan , Yuan Ye , Yan Peiyao , Wang Jiliang , Zhou Changlin , Lei Jingxin
Published: November 2016

The in situ polarity functionalization of the styrenic triblock copolymers was accomplished via the block introduction of polar monomer, n‐butyl acrylate, with the help of reversible addition‐fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) emulsion polymerization. The polarity functionalization, microphase separation, static and dynamic mechanical properties, water resistance, transparency, and thermal stability of the synthesized polarity‐functionalized triblock copolymers, polystyrene‐block‐poly(n‐butyl acrylate)‐block‐polystyrene (SAS), were extensively studied. The poly(n‐butyl acrylate) (PBA) middle block higher than 10 wt % has the favorable toughening effect on polystyrene (PSt) two‐end block due to the microphase separation in SAS. The glass transition of the continuous plastic phase (mainly composed of PSt block) has a much greater influence on the storage modulus than that of the dispersed rubber phase (mainly composed of PBA block). The polarity‐functionalized SAS has good water resistance, high transparency, and robust thermal stability. The polarity‐functionalized SAS will have such a potential application broadening as polar adhesive. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44603.
The anorexia nervosa experience: Shame, Solitude and Salvation
Authors: Rance Nicola , Clarke Victoria , Moller Naomi
Published: November 2016

Aim

Women with anorexia are often perceived very negatively – for example, as manipulative and deceitful – both by wider society and treatment providers. In this context, it is important for practitioners to understand the experience of living with this illness, but there is very little empirical research focused on the everyday phenomenology of anorexia. This study aimed to expand this limited literature by ‘giving voice’ to the lived experience of women with anorexia.

Method

A purposive sample of 12 women – 11 with a formal diagnosis of AN as a result of NHS treatment and one with a long behavioural history of dietary restriction who had received private treatment – who saw themselves as recovered, or in recovery, from anorexia nervosa participated in semi‐structured interviews. The women were asked about the history of their eating disorder, their understandings of its cause and experiences of seeking help and treatment.

Results

The data were analysed with thematic analysis and three themes identified – Shame, Solitude and Salvation – which, when taken together, describe the dual role of anorexia nervosa as both problem and solution, the cyclical nature of sufferers’ behaviours and feelings and the way in which anorexia nervosa is a form of distress that can make its sufferers feel better as well as worse.

Conclusions

Further light is shed on the ambivalence about recovery, and resistance to treatment, that are frequently experienced by sufferers. Implications of these findings for those who work with eating disorders clients are discussed.
From obesity to cancer: a review on proposed mechanisms
Authors: Tahergorabi Zoya , Khazaei Majid , Moodi Mitra , Chamani Elham
Published: November 2016

Nowadays, obesity is considered as a serious and growing global health problem. It is documented that the overweight and obesity are major risk factors for a series of noncommunicable diseases, and in recent years, the obesity‐cancer link has received much attention. Numerous epidemiological studies have shown that obesity is associated with increased risk of several cancer types, including colon, breast, endometrium, liver, kidney, esophagus, gastric, pancreatic, gallbladder, and leukemia, and can also lead to poorer treatment.

We review here the epidemiological and experimental evidences for the association between obesity and cancer. Specifically, we discuss potential mechanisms focusing how dysfunctional angiogenesis, chronic inflammation, interaction of proinflammatory cytokines, endocrine hormones, and adipokines including leptin, adiponectin insulin, growth factors, estrogen, and progesterone and strikingly, cell metabolism alteration in obesity participate in tumor development and progression, resistance to chemotherapy, and targeted therapies such as antiangiogenic and immune therapies.
Metallgewinnung mittels Geobiotechnologie
Authors: Hedrich Sabrina , Schippers Axel
Published: November 2016

Spezialisierte säureliebende Bakterien und Archaeen sind in der Lage Wertmetalle wie Kupfer, Gold, Kobalt, Nickel, Zink und Uran aus sulfidischen Erzen zu laugen. Dieser Prozess ist als Biolaugung bekannt und dessen Anwendung in der Bergbauindustrie als Biomining. Laborstudien haben auch die Biolaugung oxidischer Erze wie Laterite sowie von Bergbaurückständen wie Bergehalden und das Recycling von Abfall (secondary mining) gezeigt. Die gelaugten Metalle müssen aus den sauren polymetallischen Lösungen (Bergbau‐ und Prozesswässer) gewonnen werden, was mittels Biosorption oder Biomineralisation möglich ist.
Thermal decomposition of agricultural and food residues: Comparison of kinetic models
Authors: Biagini Enrico , Barontini Federica , Tognotti Leonardo
Published: November 2016

Agricultural and food residues are sustainable biofuels and their utilization in combustion, carbonization, and gasification reduces greenhouse gas emissions. In this work, the thermal decomposition of corn cobs, rice husks, vine prunings, and palm kernel shells was studied in thermogravimetric tests to elaborate reliable pyrolysis kinetics, which are basic parameters for fixed beds and grate reactors. The adequacy and predictability of different models (single first order reaction model, n‐order, distributed activation energy, and a structural model based on the decomposition of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin) were quantified. The single first order reaction model had low computational cost but poor accuracy (mean discrepancy 5–8 %, maximum discrepancy > 30 %), while the accuracy increased when a further parameter (reaction order) or a distribution in the exponential factor was introduced. The best accuracy (mean discrepancy 1–2 %, maximum discrepancy 5 %) was found for the structural model, with common kinetic parameters of the chemical components.
Hierarchically Superstructured Metal Sulfides: Facile Perturbation‐Assisted Nanofusion Synthesis and Visible Light Photocatalytic Characterizations
Authors: Yue Yanfeng , Li Yunchao , Bridges Craig A. , Rother Gernot , Zhang Jinshui , Chen Jihua , Hensley Dale K. , Kidder Michelle K. , Richardson Bruce C. , Parans Paranthaman Mariappan , Dai Sheng
Published: November 2016

A novel and simple perturbation‐assisted nanofusion (PNF) synthetic strategy was developed for the synthesis of stable hierarchically superstructured metal sulfides with controlled morphology. This promising approach is based on a kinetically controlled precipitation to simultaneously condense and re‐dissolve polymorphic nanocrystallites, and provides the resultant samples with a unique mesoporous framework. The PNF approach is environmentally friendly, produces gram‐scale products in a matter of hours, and is complimentary to the traditional hard or soft templating methods for the construction of mesoporous metal sulfides. PNF‐derived hierarchical porous CdS exhibited a vastly improved photocatalytic performance over its commercial bulk counterparts under visible light irradiation, demonstrating the advantage of the porous morphology for photocatalysis resulting from the enlarged surface area and the easy accessibility of the mesopores.
Intramolecular Hydrogen Bond Reverting the Solvent Effect on Phosphorus Hyperfine Coupling Constants of β‐Phosphorylated Nitroxides
Authors: Audran Gérard , Bosco Lionel , Brémond Paul , Butscher Teddy , Marque Sylvain R. A. , Viel Stéphane
Published: November 2016

Recently, we reported a dramatic solvent effect on the phosphorus hyperfine coupling constant aP of β‐phosphorylated six‐membered ring nitroxides, that is, approximately 25 G of difference in aP from n‐hexane to water (Org. Biomol. Chem. 2016, 14, —1228‐1292). In this article, we report on the effect of intramolecular hydrogen bonding (IHB) in three nitroxides exhibiting IHB between the hydroxyl and diethylphosphoryl groups and one exhibiting IHB between the hydroxyl group and the nitroxyl moiety. It is observed that for the first three nitroxides, aP increases with increasing polarity/polarizability and hydrogen bond donor (HBD) properties of the solvent (π* and α, respectively)—in sharp contrast to the data reported in the literature—and for the last nitroxide, aP decreases with π* and α. In fact, the occurrence of IHB induces a large strain, its suppression by hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) solvents affords an increase in aP.
Growth Kinetics in Layer‐by‐Layer Assemblies of Organic Nanoparticles and Polyelectrolytes
Authors: Mohammadi Maziar , Salehi Ali , Branch Ryan J. , Cygan Lucas J. , Besirli Cagri G. , Larson Ronald G.
Published: November 2016

The growth rates of layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assemblies of polyelectrolytes (PEs) with oppositely charged polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles (NPs) as a function of molecular weight (MW) of the PEs, ionic strength of the media, and NP size and charge are systematically investigated. To optimize LbL growth, the effects of suspension concentration, pH of the media, and deposition time on the growth rate of multilayers are assessed. Both linear and exponential growth behaviors are observed and, under optimal conditions, films of up to around 1 μm thick can readily be assembled after 10 or so bilayers have been deposited. For many of the cases studied, an intermediate MW of PE leads to the fastest film buildup, for both cationic poly(ethyleneimine) deposited alternately with anionic PS NPs and for anionic poly(acrylic acid) deposited alternately with cationic PS NPs. The existence of an optimal MW suggests that growth rate is determined by a balance of thermodynamic factors, including density of polymer bridges between particles, and kinetic factors, specifically the diffusivity of polymer in the film. The optimal MW, however, is very sensitive to the materials used. Moreover, depending on the MW of the PE, increasing salinity could increase or decrease the growth kinetics. Finally, the surface morphology of the films is characterized with AFM and SEM to reveal that the roughness increases less than linearly with film thickness.
An Unsymmetrical, Push–Pull Porphyrazine for Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Fernández‐Ariza Javier , Urbani Maxence , Grätzel Michael , Rodríguez‐Morgade M. Salomé , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Torres Tomás
Published: November 2016

An unsymmetrical, push–pull porphyrazine derivative bearing an isoindole‐4‐carboxylic acid moiety (TT112) is synthesized and incorporated in a dye‐sensitized solar cell (DSSC). The device, which constitutes the first example of a porphyrazine‐sensitized solar cell, exhibits a maximum power conversion efficiency of 3.4 %.
Geometry‐Controlled Photoinduced Charge Separation and Recombination in a Trans‐A2B2‐Functionalized Donor–Acceptor Conjugate Composed of a Multimodular Zinc Porphyrin and Fullerene
Authors: Benitz Alejandro , Thomas Michael B. , D'Souza Francis
Published: November 2016

A novel trans‐A2B2‐functionalized multimodular zinc porphyrin (TPA‐BT)2ZnP has been synthesized through a multistep sitedirected synthesis as an electron donor for light‐energy‐harvesting applications. The Zn porphyrin was functionalized by appending two triphenylamine–bithiophene moieties (TPA‐BT) at the trans‐located meso‐positions of the porphyrin ring to improve the electron‐donor capability. Facile oxidation of the Zn porphyrin due to electron‐rich substituents was evidenced by cyclic voltammetry, and the spectrum of oxidized (TPA‐BT)2ZnP was obtained using spectroelectrochemical methods. The donor–acceptor conjugate was subsequently built by coordinating an electron acceptor, C60Im, through metal–ligand axial coordination. The conjugate was characterized by spectral, electrochemical, and computational techniques. The geometry and electronic structure of the (TPA‐BT)2ZnP:ImC60 conjugate, deduced from the B3LYP/6‐31G* method, revealed the frontier HOMO to be delocalized over the (TPA‐BT)2ZnP macrocycle whereas the LUMO was localized on the C60 entity. Free‐energy calculations performed according to Rehm–Weller's approach suggested the possibility of the occurrence of photoinduced electron transfer processes from the singlet excited Zn porphyrin to C60. Efficient photoinduced charge separation in the conjugate was demonstrated from studies involving femtosecond transient absorption techniques. The measured rate of charge separation was slightly higher than previously reported donor–acceptor systems formed from simple Zn porphyrin and C60Im due to facile oxidation of (TPA‐BT)2ZnP. The charge recombination rate was also found to be faster and this has been attributed to the closely located C60 and triphenylamine entities of (TPA‐BT)2ZnP, facilitating through‐space charge recombination process. The present study highlights the importance of the 3D organization of the self‐assembled donor–acceptor conjugate in governing the speed of electron transfer.
Synthesis of Hierarchical TiO2–C3N4 Hybrid Microspheres with Enhanced Photocatalytic and Photovoltaic Activities by Maximizing the Synergistic Effect
Authors: Wang Wei , Liu Yu , Qu Jifa , Chen Yubo , Tadé Moses O. , Shao Zongping
Published: November 2016

To maximize the synergistic effect between the components in a TiO2–C3N4 hybrid, strongly heterostructured three‐dimensional (3D) porous TiO2–C3N4 microspheres with a hierarchical nano/microstructure are developed by a solvothermal method and used as photocatalysts for organic waste degradation and as photoanodes for dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), showing superior photoactivity. The rich heterojunctions and strong interfacial connections between TiO2 and C3N4 greatly improve the separation efficiency of the photogenerated electron–hole pairs. This hybrid exhibits superior photocatalytic activity compared to TiO2–C3N4 composites prepared by traditional physical mixing and reported post‐synthesis methods. A DSSC prepared with this hybrid as the photoanode displays superior or comparable photoelectric efficiency to those of the best reported photoanodes. A possible mechanism for the improved photoactivity of this hybrid is proposed. This strongly heterostructured TiO2–C3N4 hierarchical microspherical material is expected to provide a good foundation for the design and synthesis of advanced materials for photocatalytic and photovoltaic applications.
Valorization of Lignin to Simple Phenolic Compounds over Tungsten Carbide: Impact of Lignin Structure
Authors: Guo Haiwei , Zhang Bo , Qi Zaojuan , Li Changzhi , Ji Jianwei , Dai Tao , Wang Aiqin , Zhang Tao
Published: November 2016

Lignins isolated from representative hardwood, softwood, and grass materials were effectively hydrocracked to aromatics catalyzed by tungsten carbide over activated carbon (W2C/AC). The effects of botanical species and fractionation methods on lignin structure and the activity of W2C/AC were studied in detail. Gas permeation chromatography (GPC), FTIR, elemental analysis, and 2 D HSQC NMR showed that all the extracted samples shared the basic skeleton of lignin, whereas the fractionation method significantly affected the structure. The organosolv process provided lignin with a structure more similar to the native lignin, which was labile to be depolymerized by W2C/AC. Softwood lignins (i.e., spruce and pine) possessed higher molecular weights than hardwood lignins (i.e., poplar and basswood); whereas corn stalk lignin that has noncanonical subunits and exhibited the lowest molecular weight owing to its shorter growth period. β‐O‐4 bonds were the major linkages in all lignin samples, whereas softwood lignins contained more resistant linkages of β‐5 and less β‐β than corn stalk and hardwood lignins; as a result, lowest hydrocracking efficiency was obtained in softwood lignins, followed by corn stalk and hardwood lignins. 2 D HSQC NMR spectra of lignin and the liquid oil as well as the solid residue showed that W2C/AC exhibited high activity not only in β‐O‐4 cleavage, but also in deconstruction of other ether linkages between aromatic units, so that high yield of liquid oil was obtained from lignin.
Identification and physicochemical characterization of 4‐fluorobutyrfentanyl (1‐((4‐fluorophenyl)(1‐phenethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)amino)butan‐1‐one, 4‐FBF) in seized materials and post‐mortem biological samples
Authors: Rojkiewicz Marcin , Majchrzak Milena , Celiński Rafał , Kuś Piotr , Sajewicz Mieczysław
Published: November 2016

During the last decade, a substantial growth in new psychoactive substances (NPS) has been recorded. Within this group, a considerably fast‐growing sub‐group is represented by the opioids, which are based on modifications of the fentanyl structure. In this study, identification and analytical characterization of a new fentanyl derivative, 4‐fluorobutyrfentanyl (1‐((4‐fluorophenyl)(1‐phenethylpiperidin‐4‐yl)amino)butan‐1‐one, 4‐FBF), is described. Apart from the seized powder, 4‐FBF was also identified in the e‐cigarette liquid secured in Case 1. The concentration of the compound in the liquid was 35 mg/mL. The main component of the liquid was glycerol, and nicotine was also present. This substance was detected in seized material that originated from the illegal drug market in Poland. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this report presents the first two analytically confirmed cases of fatal intoxication associated with 4‐FBF. Case 1 was a 26‐year‐old male drug user who was found dead at home. Case 2 was a 25‐year‐old female, occasional user of NPS and drugs, who was also found dead at home. The concentrations of 4‐FBF in blood were 91 and 112 ng/mL and in urine 200 and 414 ng/mL. The concentrations of 4‐FBF in liver and kidney were 902 and 411 ng/g, and 136 and 197 ng/g, for Case 1 and Case 2, respectively. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of Ruthenium(II) Terpyridine Complexes with Cyclic RGD Peptides To Target Integrin Receptors in Cancer Cells
Authors: Hahn Eva M. , Estrada‐Ortiz Natalia , Han Jiaying , Ferreira Vera F. C. , Kapp Tobias G. , Correia João D. G. , Casini Angela , Kühn Fritz E.
Published: November 2016

The lack of selectivity for cancer cells and the resulting negative impact on healthy tissue is a severe drawback of actual cancer chemotherapy. Tethering of cytotoxic drugs to targeting vectors such as peptides, which recognize receptors overexpressed on the surface of tumor cells, is one possible strategy to overcome such a problem. The pentapeptide cyc(RGDfK) targets the integrin receptor αvβ3, important for tumor growth and metastasis formation. In this work, two terpyridine‐based RuII complexes were prepared and for the first time conjugated to cyc(RGDfK) through amide bond formation, which resulted in a monomeric and a dimeric bioconjugate. Both RuII complexes were found to bind strongly and selectively to integrin αvβ3, and the dimeric molecule displayed a 20‐fold higher affinity to the receptor than the monomeric one. However, the cytotoxicity of the complexes and related bioconjugates against human A549 and SKOV‐3 cell lines is still not sufficient for application as anticancer agents. Nevertheless, considering the high selectivity for integrin receptor αvβ3, the synthesis of Ru‐based bioconjugates with cyc(RGDfK) paves a promising way towards the design of effective targeted anticancer agents.
Reaction Pathways through a [1,5]‐Hydride Shift Triggered by Acids: Approach to Bridged‐Ring Heterocycles and Polycycles
Authors: Zhen Le , Dai Liang , Yu Sheng‐Qi , Lin Chao , Sun Hongbin , Xu Qing‐Long
Published: November 2016

The [1,5]‐hydride shift/cyclization process as a new Csp³–H bond functionalization has made tremendous advances over the past decades. Herein, we describe reaction pathways for a [1,5]‐hydride shift that is triggered by acid. In these transformations, the diene isoindoles are generated in situ and undergo a reaction with different dienophiles to provide access to a series of bridged‐ring heterocycles and polycycles in good yields (up to 94 %). In addition, we found that the choice of acid played a critical role and could be used to control the structure of the final product.
Single precast concrete rocking walls as earthquake force‐resisting elements
Authors: Nazari Maryam , Sritharan Sri , Aaleti Sriram
Published: November 2016

Precast concrete walls with unbonded post‐tensioning provide a simple self‐centering system. Yet, its application in seismic regions is not permitted as it is assumed to have no energy dissipation through a hysteretic mechanism. These walls, however, dissipate energy imparted to them because of the wall impacting the foundation during rocking and limited hysteretic action resulting from concrete nonlinearity. The energy dissipated due to rocking was ignored in previous experimental studies because they were conducted primarily using quasi‐static loading. Relying only on limited energy dissipation, a shake table study was conducted on four single rocking walls (SRWs) using multiple‐level earthquake input motions. All walls generally performed satisfactorily up to the design‐level earthquakes when their performance was assessed in terms of the maximum transient drift, maximum absolute acceleration, and residual drift. However, for the maximum considered earthquakes, the walls experienced peak lateral drifts greater than the permissible limits. Combining the experimental results with an analytical investigation, it is shown that SRWs can be designed as earthquake force‐resisting elements to produce satisfactory performance under design‐level and higher‐intensity earthquake motions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Health Effects of Short‐Term Fluctuations in Macroeconomic Conditions: The Case of Hypertension for Older Americans
Authors: Angrisani Marco , Lee Jinkook
Published: November 2016

We investigate the health effects of short‐term macroeconomic fluctuations as described by changes in unemployment rate, house, and stock market price indexes. The ‘Great Recession’ provides the opportunity to conduct this analysis as it involved contemporaneous shocks to the labor, housing, and stock markets. Using panel data from the Health and Retirement Study over the period 2004–2010, we relate changes in hypertension status to changes in state‐level unemployment rate and house prices and to changes in stock market prices. We consider hypertension, a disease related to stress and of high prevalence among older adults, that has received little attention in the literature linking macroeconomic conditions to individual health. Our analysis exploits self‐reports of hypertension diagnosis as well as directly measured blood pressure readings. Using both measures, we find that the likelihood of developing hypertension is negatively related to changes in house prices. Also, decreasing house prices lower the probability of stopping hypertension medication treatment for individuals previously diagnosed with the condition. We do not observe significant associations between hypertension and either changes in unemployment rate or stock market prices. We document heterogeneity in the estimated health effects of the recession by gender, education, asset ownership, and work status. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Lasting Health Impact of Leaving School in a Bad Economy: Britons in the 1970s Recession
Authors: Garrouste Clementine , Godard Mathilde
Published: November 2016

This paper investigates whether leaving school in a bad economy deteriorates health in the long run. It focuses on low‐educated individuals in England and Wales who entered the labour market immediately after the 1973 oil crisis. Our identification strategy relies on the comparison of individuals who left school at the compulsory age, were born in the same year and had a similar quantity of education – but whose school‐leaving behaviour in different years (hence, different economic conditions) was exogenously implied by compulsory schooling laws. We provide evidence that, unlike school‐leavers who did postpone their entry into the labour market during the recessions of the 1980s and 1990s, pupils' decisions to leave school at the compulsory age immediately after the 1973 oil crisis were not endogenous to the contemporaneous economic conditions at labour‐market entry. We use a repeated cross section of individuals over the period 1983–2001 from the General Household Survey and adopt a lifecourse perspective, from 7 to 26 years after school‐leaving. Our results show that poor economic conditions at labour‐market entry are particularly damaging to women's health. For men, the health impact of poor economic conditions at labour‐market entry is less obvious and not robust to all specifications. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Romosozumab Improves Bone Mass and Strength While Maintaining Bone Quality in Ovariectomized Cynomolgus Monkeys
Authors: Ominsky Michael S , Boyd Steven K , Varela Aurore , Jolette Jacquelin , Felx Melanie , Doyle Nancy , Mellal Nacera , Smith Susan Y , Locher Kathrin , Buntich Sabina , Pyrah Ian , Boyce Rogely W
Published: November 2016

Romosozumab (Romo), a humanized sclerostin antibody, is a bone-forming agent under development for treatment of osteoporosis. To examine the effects of Romo on bone quality, mature cynomolgus monkeys (cynos) were treated 4 months post- ovariectomy (OVX) with vehicle, 3 mg/kg, or 30 mg/kg Romo for 12 months, or with 30 mg/kg Romo for 6 months followed by vehicle for 6 months (30/0). Serum bone formation markers were increased by Romo during the first 6 months, corresponding to increased cancellous, endocortical, and periosteal bone formation in rib and iliac biopsies at months 3 and 6. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone mineral density (BMD) was increased by 14% to 26% at the lumbar spine and proximal femur at month 12, corresponding to significant increases in bone strength at 3 and 30 mg/kg in lumbar vertebral bodies and cancellous cores, and at 30 mg/kg in the femur diaphysis and neck. Bone mass remained positively correlated with strength at these sites, with no changes in calculated material properties at cortical sites. These bone-quality measures were also maintained in the 30/0 group, despite a gradual loss of accrued bone mass. Normal bone mineralization was confirmed by histomorphometry and ash analyses. At the radial diaphysis, a transient, reversible 2% reduction in cortical BMD was observed with Romo at month 6, despite relative improvements in bone mineral content (BMC). High-resolution pQCT confirmed this decline in cortical BMD at the radial diaphysis and metaphysis in a second set of OVX cynos administered 3 mg/kg Romo for 6 months. Radial diaphyseal strength was maintained and metaphyseal strength improved with Romo as estimated by finite element modeling. Decreased radial cortical BMD was a consequence of increased intracortical remodeling, with no increase in cortical porosity. Romo resulted in marked improvements in bone mass, architecture, and bone strength, while maintaining bone quality in OVX cynos, supporting its bone efficacy and safety profile. © 2016 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Early Stage Functions of Mitochondrial Autophagy and Oxidative Stress in Acetaminophen‐Induced Liver Injury
Authors: Gao Yan , Chu Shifeng , Zhang Zhao , Zuo Wei , Xia Congyuan , Ai Qidi , Luo Piao , Cao Peng , Chen Naihong
Published: November 2016

Mitochondria go through frequent cycles of fusion and fission, a process required for mitochondrial quality control by eliminating ROS‐damaged mitochondria through mitochondrial autophagy. Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause liver injury in animals and human beings by inducing mitochondrial damage, which need to be further evaluated. The aim of the current study is to assess the changes between oxidative damage mitophagy in vivo and in vitro, which mimics APAP‐induced liver injury (AILI) in humans. Liver damage was monitored by measuring the levels of biochemical indexes. Proteins associated with oxidative stress were inspected by western blot analysis. After given APAP to both Nrf2−/− and wild‐type mice, Nrf2−/− mice were highly susceptible to APAP induced liver injury. Actually, rapamycin promoted the process of autophagy, reducing the formation of giant mitochondria and lipid droplets. Both tBHQ and NAC protected hepatic cells, promoting Nrf2 translocation into nucleus and increasing the expression of downstream enzymes and proteins. C57BL/6 mice with stabilized Nrf2 had increased hepatic up‐regulation of Nrf2 and other antioxidant enzymes, and reduced the mitochondria dysfunction. Interestingly, APAP‐induced mitochondrial changes of Drp1; however, the initiation of mitochondria fission was inhibited by MDIVI‐1, causing much more serious hepatic impairment. In the early stage of AILI, Nrf2 played a protective role in antioxidant activity while mitophagy protected against oxidative stress damage by the scavenging function. Promoting that both Drp1 and Nrf2 could be a promising new approach to reduce AILI. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3130–3141, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crossover comparison of ferumoxytol and gadobenate dimeglumine for abdominal MR‐angiography at 3.0 tesla: Effects of contrast bolus length and flip angle
Authors: Schubert Tilman , Motosugi Utaroh , Kinner Sonja , Colgan Timothy J. , Sharma Samir D. , Hetzel Scott , Wells Shane , Campo Camilo A. , Reeder Scott B.
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Ferumoxytol (FE) has gained interest as an alternative to gadolinium‐based contrast agents (GBCAs). The purpose of this study was to evaluate and optimize ferumoxytol dose and T1 weighting, in comparison to a conventional GBCA.

Materials and Methods

Twelve healthy volunteers (six women / six men, mean age 44.3 years) were recruited for this study. Scanning was performed on a clinical 3 Tesla (T) MRI system. Gadobenate dimeglumine (GD)‐enhanced MRA was performed followed by FE‐enhanced MRA 1 month later. Volunteers were randomly assigned to a diluted (n = 6) or undiluted (n = 6) dose of GD (0.1 mmol/kg), and to FE doses of 4 mg/kg (n = 6) or 2 mg/kg (n = 6). First pass and steady‐state MRA were performed for GD‐ and FE‐enhanced MRA. Flip‐angle optimization was performed after FE administration. Quantitative analysis included relative contrast‐to‐noise ratio (relCNR) measurements for all acquisitions. First pass GD‐ and FE‐enhanced MRA images were evaluated qualitatively.

Results

RelCNR was significantly higher with undiluted GD (31.8, 95% confidence interval [CI], 27.7–35.9) compared with diluted GD (16.2; 95% CI, 12.2–20.3; P = 0.001) and both 4 mg/kg FE (12.5; 95% CI, 8.5–16.4; P < 0.001) and 2 mg/kg FE (9.1; 95% CI, 5.1–13.2; P < 0.001) during first pass. Relative CNR did not decrease with FE 5 min postinjection compared with GD. Flip‐angle analysis revealed relative CNR‐peaks at 30° for FE 4 mg/kg and at 20° for FE 2 mg/kg. Diluted GD (P = 0.013) and FE 4 mg/kg (P = 0.01) revealed significantly higher image quality scores compared with undiluted GD during first pass.

Conclusion

This study shows an equivalent image quality of FE and GD for first pass MRA even though GD showed significantly higher relative CNR.

Level of Evidence: 1

Technical Efficacy: Stage 2

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1617–1626
Whole‐tumor MRI histogram analyses of hepatocellular carcinoma: Correlations with Ki‐67 labeling index
Authors: Hu Xin‐Xing , Yang Zhao‐Xia , Liang He‐Yue , Ding Ying , Grimm Robert , Fu Cai‐Xia , Liu Hui , Yan Xu , Ji Yuan , Zeng Meng‐Su , Rao Sheng‐Xiang
Published: November 2016

Purpose

To evaluate whether whole‐tumor histogram‐derived parameters for an apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) map and contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) could aid in assessing Ki‐67 labeling index (LI) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Materials and Methods

In all, 57 patients with HCC who underwent pretreatment MRI with a 3T MR scanner were included retrospectively. Histogram parameters including mean, median, standard deviation, skewness, kurtosis, and percentiles (5th, 25th, 75th, 95th) were derived from the ADC map and MR enhancement. Correlations between histogram parameters and Ki‐67 LI were evaluated and differences between low Ki‐67 (≤10%) and high Ki‐67 (>10%) groups were assessed.

Results

Mean, median, 5th, 25th, 75th percentiles of ADC, and mean, median, 25th, 75th, 95th percentiles of enhancement of arterial phase (AP) demonstrated significant inverse correlations with Ki‐67 LI (rho up to −0.48 for ADC, −0.43 for AP) and showed significant differences between low and high Ki‐67 groups (P < 0.001–0.04). Areas under the receiver operator characteristics (ROC) curve for identification of high Ki‐67 were 0.78, 0.77, 0.79, 0.82, and 0.76 for mean, median, 5th, 25th, 75th percentiles of ADC, respectively, and 0.74, 0.81, 0.76, 0.82, 0.69 for mean, median, 25th, 75th, 95th percentiles of AP, respectively.

Conclusion

Histogram‐derived parameters of ADC and AP were potentially helpful for predicting Ki‐67 LI of HCC.

Level of Evidence:3

Technical Efficacy: Stage 3

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;46:383–392
Methane emissions from oceans, coasts, and freshwater habitats: New perspectives and feedbacks on climate
Authors: Hamdan Leila J. , Wickland Kimberly P.
Published: November 2016

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, and atmospheric concentrations have risen 2.5 times since the beginning of the Industrial age. While much of this increase is attributed to anthropogenic sources, natural sources, which contribute between 35% and 50% of global methane emissions, are thought to have a role in the atmospheric methane increase, in part due to human influences. Methane emissions from many natural sources are sensitive to climate, and positive feedbacks from climate change and cultural eutrophication may promote increased emissions to the atmosphere. These natural sources include aquatic environments such as wetlands, freshwater lakes, streams and rivers, and estuarine, coastal, and marine systems. Furthermore, there are significant marine sediment stores of methane in the form of clathrates that are vulnerable to mobilization and release to the atmosphere from climate feedbacks, and subsurface thermogenic gas which in exceptional cases may be released following accidents and disasters (North Sea blowout and Deepwater Horizon Spill respectively). Understanding of natural sources, key processes, and controls on emission is continually evolving as new measurement and modeling capabilities develop, and different sources and processes are revealed. This special issue of Limnology and Oceanography gathers together diverse studies on methane production, consumption, and emissions from freshwater, estuarine, and marine systems, and provides a broad view of the current science on methane dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. Here, we provide a general overview of aquatic methane sources, their contribution to the global methane budget, and key uncertainties. We then briefly summarize the contributions to and highlights of this special issue.
Assessing the corrosion resistance of binary Al–Sc alloys in chloride‐containing environment
Authors: Rosalbino F. , Delsante S. , Borzone G. , Scavino G.
Published: November 2016

The corrosion behaviour of binary Al–Sc alloys (Al‐0.3Sc and Al‐1Sc, wt%) is investigated in de‐aerated 0.6 M NaCl solution, performing potentiodynamic polarisation, potentiostatic transients and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements complemented with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). In the presence of chloride ions, both Al–Sc alloys experience localised corrosion (pitting). However, increasing Sc alloying addition leads to an increase of the breakdown potential and the extent of passivation domain, indicating improved resistance to initiation of pitting corrosion. Furthermore, EIS measurements performed at the breakdown state evidenced a higher Rct and a lower depression angle value for the Al‐1Sc alloy compared to the Al‐0.3Sc one, confirming its better localised corrosion behaviour. Spatial distribution and volume fraction of the Al3Sc secondary phase are microstructural features which play a very important role in determining the corrosion resistance of the Al‐1Sc alloy.
Well‐Defined Magnetic Responsive Polymers Containing Ammonium FeCl4 from ROMP
Authors: Yu Xiaoliang , Mu Chunyan , Dai Dongdong , Yuan Xiaoyan , Zhang Ke , Ren Lixia
Published: November 2016

Well‐defined magnetic polyelectrolytes with tetrachlorideferrate (FeCl4−) as counter ion are prepared. In this approach, norbornene‐based monomer containing ammonium chloride group (TAENDI‐Cl) is designed and synthesized. Well‐defined magnetic polymers (Poly(TAENDI‐FeCl4)) are obtained by ring‐opening metathesis polymerization of TAENDI‐Cl in the presence of Grubbs third generation catalyst followed by complexing with FeCl3. Magnetic block copolymers are thus prepared. Both the monomer and polymers are paramagnetic as measured by superconducting quantum interference device method. Studies show that the magnetic susceptibility increases with increasing degree of polymerization (DP) and reaches maximum at DP of 100, and then decreases with increasing DP. Block copolymer with lower FeCl4− content shows higher magnetic susceptibility. And, by introducing FeCl4−, the polymers show obviously magnetic responsive in solution, powder, and film which have potential applications in magnetic switching, transport, and separation.

image
Study of spontaneous E/Z isomerization of bis[(Z)‐cyanomethylidene]‐diazapentacyclodienedicarboxylates by 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectroscopy, X‐ray, and quantum chemical calculation data
Authors: Afonin Andrei V. , Vashchenko Alexander V. , Albanov Alexander I. , Nosyreva Valentina V. , Mal'kina Anastasiya G. , Trofimov Boris A.
Published: November 2016

X‐ray data show that the diethyl 6,13‐bis[(Z)‐cyanomethylidene]‐5,5,14,14‐tetramethyl‐4,15‐dioxa‐7,12‐diazapentacyclo[9.5.2.02,10.03,7.012,16]octadeca‐8,17‐diene‐10,17‐dicarboxylate is formed as the ZZ isomer and diastereomer with the (1R*,2R*,3R*,10S*,11R*,12R*,16R*) configuration. The 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR data exhibit that on standing in chloroform‐d solution, there is a spontaneous isomerization of this compound resulting in a thermodynamically stable mixture of the ZZ, ZE, EE, and EZ isomers with the same backbone. Using the 2D [1H–1H] COSY, [1H–13C] HSQC, and [1H–13C, 1H–15N] HMBC NMR techniques and quantum chemical calculations makes it possible a complete assignment of signals in the 1H, 13C, and 15N NMR spectra of each of the isomers. Such isomerization does not occur for similar compounds with the more bulky substituents at the 1,3‐oxazolidine rings. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Copolymerization of 2,3,4,5,6‐Pentafluorostyrene and Methacrylic Acid by Nitroxide‐Mediated Polymerization: The Importance of Reactivity Ratios
Authors: Kannan Nirmal B. , Lessard Benoît H.
Published: November 2016

Amphiphilic block copolymers of 2,3,4,5,6‐pentafluorostyrene (PFS) and methacrylic acid (MAA) are synthesized via nitroxide‐mediated polymerization (NMP). It is established that to obtain a controlled copolymerization a minimum of 40 mol% of PFS is required, which is significantly greater than other copolymerization systems such as using 4.5–8 mol% styrene or 1 mol% of 9‐(4‐vinylbenzyl)‐9H‐carbazole to control the copolymerization of methacrylates. It is surmised that this lack of control is due to the reactivity ratios that favor the addition of MAA rather than PFS (rPFS = 0.14, rMAA = 6.97). However this reactivity ratio pair suggests that a one‐shot delayed injection approach can be utilized to synthesize almost pure block copolymers in one pot. Therefore, poly(PFS)‐b‐(PFS‐ran‐MAA) block copolymers are synthesized by a one‐shot delayed addition of MAA. While the concentration of irreversibly terminated chains is evident these results suggest a promising route to the synthesis of fluorinated amphiphilic block copolymers by NMP.

image
Physiological basis of vascular autocalibration (VasA): Comparison to hypercapnia calibration methods
Authors: Kazan Samira M. , Huber Laurentius , Flandin Guillaume , Ivanov Dimo , Bandettini Peter , Weiskopf Nikolaus
Published: November 2016

Purpose

The statistical power of functional MRI (fMRI) group studies is significantly hampered by high intersubject spatial and magnitude variance. We recently presented a vascular autocalibration method (VasA) to account for vascularization differences between subjects and hence improve the sensitivity in group studies. Here, we validate the novel calibration method by means of direct comparisons of VasA with more established measures of baseline venous blood volume (and indirectly vascular reactivity), the M‐value.

Methods

Seven healthy volunteers participated in two 7 T (T) fMRI experiments to compare M‐values with VasA estimates: (i) a hypercapnia experiment to estimate voxelwise M‐value maps, and (ii) an fMRI experiment using visual stimulation to estimate voxelwise VasA maps.

Results

We show that VasA and M‐value calibration maps show the same spatial profile, providing strong evidence that VasA is driven by local variations in vascular reactivity as reflected in the M‐value.

Conclusion

The agreement of vascular reactivity maps obtained with VasA when compared with M‐value maps confirms empirically the hypothesis that the VasA method is an adequate tool to account for variations in fMRI response amplitudes caused by vascular reactivity differences in healthy volunteers. VasA can therefore directly account for them and increase the statistical power of group studies. The VasA toolbox is available as a statistical parametric mapping (SPM) toolbox, facilitating its general application. Magn Reson Med 78:1168–1173, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Rapid myelin water imaging in human cervical spinal cord
Authors: Ljungberg Emil , Vavasour Irene , Tam Roger , Yoo Youngjin , Rauscher Alexander , Li David K.B. , Traboulsee Anthony , MacKay Alex , Kolind Shannon
Published: November 2016

Purpose

Myelin water imaging (MWI) using multi‐echo T2 relaxation is a quantitative MRI technique that can be used as an in vivo biomarker for myelin in the central nervous system. MWI using a multi‐echo spin echo sequence currently takes more than 20 min to acquire eight axial slices (5 mm thickness) in the cervical spinal cord, making spinal cord MWI impractical for implementation in clinical studies.

Methods

In this study, an accelerated gradient and spin echo sequence (GRASE), previously validated for brain MWI, was adapted for spinal cord MWI. Ten healthy volunteers were scanned with the GRASE sequence (acquisition time 8.5 min) and compared with the multi‐echo spin echo sequence (acquisition time 23.5 min).

Results

Using region of interest analysis, myelin estimates obtained from the two sequences were found to be in good agreement (mean difference = −0.0092, 95% confidence interval = 
0.0092 ± 0.061; regression slope = 1.01, ρ = 0.9). MWI using GRASE was shown to be highly reproducible with an average coefficient of variation of 6.1%.

Conclusion

The results from this study show that MWI can be performed in the cervical spinal cord in less than 10 min, allowing for practical implementation in multimodal clinical studies. Magn Reson Med 78:1482–1487, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Long‐term durability of a water‐contaminated quartz‐reinforced bismaleimide laminate
Authors: Rodriguez L.A. , García C. , Grace L.R.
Published: November 2016

The long‐term structural viability of a six‐ply water‐contaminated quartz fiber‐reinforced bismaleimide laminate is investigated via dynamic mechanical analysis and flexural strength assessment over a four‐year experimental time frame. Water contamination is achieved via immersion in water at 25°C for short‐term (2 weeks and 1 month), long‐term (6 months), and very long‐term (4 years) duration. Long‐term moisture uptake exhibits distinctly non‐Fickian behavior. Maximum moisture content exceeds 1.5% by weight after four years of immersion. Laminates exhibit a remarkable resistance to degradation for all exposure durations. Flexural strength decreased by roughly 5% in the worst case. Further, no significant change in glass transition temperature was observed. Scanning electron microscopy revealed no micro‐crack formation and a relatively low incidence of fiber–matrix debond. Experimental evidence suggests that quartz fiber‐reinforced bismaleimide is a viable option for long‐term moisture‐prone structural applications at moderate temperatures. POLYM. COMPOS., 39:2643–2649, 2018. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Josephson effects at iron pnictide superconductors: Approaching phase‐sensitive experiments
Authors: Schmidt Stefan , Döring Sebastian , Hasan Noor , Schmidl Frank , Tympel Volker , Kurth Fritz , Iida Kazumasa , Ikuta Hiroshi , Wolf Thomas , Seidel Paul
Published: November 2016

The electrical transport in the pnictides especially the quasiparticle tunnelling and Josephson effects in inhomogeneous superconducting systems can provide information on the symmetry of the order parameter. Different kinds of Josephson junctions with one or two pnictide electrodes were realised and their properties were experimentally studied in detail (e.g., current–voltage characteristics, microwave response, current‐phase relations, dependencies on temperature and external magnetic field). These results were compared to well‐known Josephson junctions and recent theories taking into account the special properties (multiband superconductivity, exotic pairing symmetry) of the pnictides. By combination of two junctions in different crystal directions with different barrier transparencies one forms corner junctions or SQUIDs as phase‐sensitive devices. If the technological problems can be solved the investigations on such devices will finally clear up the symmetry of the pnictides, directly. These investigations will lead to a better understanding of fundamental properties of the pnictides as well as to a realistic judgement on the potential for applications of pnictides in superconducting electronics and sensor applications, both established ones and novel ones utilising the special pnictide properties.
Teaching clinical diagnostic reasoning and research‐mindedness in obstetric and gynaecologic sonography online using Research Skills Development Framework
Authors: Parange Nayana , Marks Kirstin
Published: November 2016

The Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) requires that graduates of postgraduate degrees have ‘specialised knowledge and skills for research, and/or professional practice and/or further learning’. Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) accreditation standards now emphasise that medical sonography graduates need to graduate with research capacity in addition to clinical skills and align with AQF framework. To meet these requirements, University of South Australia medical sonography programs, which are delivered externally and online, underwent a major curriculum redesign and changes implemented in 2015. Research Skills Development Framework (RSDF) was embedded across the program to develop sonography‐specific research‐minded thinking for clinical reasoning. RSDF is a conceptual model utilising six facets of enquiry which are ‘embark and clarify’, ‘find and generate’, ‘critically evaluate’, ‘organise’, ‘synthesise and analyse’ and ‘communicate’. This paper reports the experience with RSDF in the online environment to develop problem solving skills, critical thinking and clinical reasoning in one clinical course within the programs, that is, the obstetric and gynaecologic sonography course. This process can be easily translated to the face to face clinical environment and may assist clinical supervisors in clinical supervision and training.