bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thin polymer films based on poly(vinyl alcohol) containing graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide with functional properties
Authors: Taraghi Iman , Paszkiewicz Sandra , Irska Izabela , Szymczyk Anna , Linares Amelia , Ezquerra Tiberio A. , Kurcz Magdalena , Winkowska‐Struzik Magdalena , Lipińska Ludwika , Kowiorski Krystian , Piesowicz Elżbieta 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this article, the effect of the addition of graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) on the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) has been investigated. Different weight percentages of nanofillers ranging from 0.5 to 5 wt% have been combined with PVA. The ultrasonic technique has been applied to disperse nanofillers in the PVA solution. The nanocomposite films have been prepared via solution casting technique and the dispersion of nanofillers into the PVA has been studied through optical microscopy. The microstructure, crystallization behavior, and interfacial interaction were characterized through X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis have been applied to study the thermal properties of the prepared nanocomposites. The DSC results revealed that the crystallization temperature and melting temperature were enhanced in the presence of GO nanofiller. Besides, the tensile strength at break was improved along with the addition of GO; however, elongation at break for PVA/GO and PVA/rGO was diminished. Moreover, all specimens showed insulating behavior and the only sample was electrically conducting, which contain a high amount of rGO (5 wt%).
Effects of the blending time on the properties and non‐isothermal crystallization behavior of PA6/EVOH blends
Authors: Lu Weixin , Lu Chong , Hu Jing , Wu Jingjing , Zhou Qinpeng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBoth polyamide 6 (PA6) and ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) have high fractional crystallinity. Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics is highly important for the design of processing operations. Furthermore, PA6 and EVOH undergo a chemical reaction to form copolymer when melt blended for a sufficiently long time. Therefore, the effects of the blending time on the mechanical properties, rheological properties, and non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics of PA6/EVOH blends were investigated. Non‐isothermal crystallization kinetics were analyzed through the Jeziorny and Mo′s equations, and the Mo′s equation more appropriately described the crystallization behavior of the blends. Mechanical properties, melt viscosity, and storage modulus gradually enhanced with an increase in the blending time, and the elongation at break first increased and then decreased with an increase in the blending time because when the blending time increased, the degree of the reaction between PA6 and EVOH increased, causing adhesion at interfaces and intermolecular interaction to enhance and causing a decrease in molecular chain fluidity. The former leads to an increase in the mechanical properties of the blend, and the latter renders the regular arrangement of chains for crystallization highly difficulty; hence, crystallization fractions in the blend gradually decrease.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of lefamulin after single intravenous dose administration in subjects with impaired‐hepatic function
Authors: Wicha Wolfgang W. , Marbury Thomas C. , Dowell James A. , Crandon Jared L. , Leister Cathie , Ermer James , Gelone Steven P. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractStudy objectiveLefamulin is a novel pleuromutilin recently approved by the FDA for the treatment of community‐acquired bacterial pneumonia. Given that, lefamulin is primarily metabolized by CYP450 Phase‐1 reactions, this study evaluated the pharmacokinetics of IV lefamulin in subjects with various degrees of hepatic impairment as compared with matched healthy subjects.DesignOpen‐label, Phase‐1 clinical pharmacokinetic study.SettingResearch Study Center.PatientsTwenty‐seven subjects; comprised of 11 individuals with normal hepatic function and eight each with moderate or severe hepatic impairment were included, as classified by Child‐Pugh scores.Measurements and main resultsSubjects were administered a single dose of IV lefamulin 150 mg over 1 h. Plasma was collected for 48 h and analyzed for lefamulin and its major metabolite, BC‐8041, concentrations in addition to assessing lefamulin plasma protein binding. Pharmacokinetics were evaluated by noncompartmental analysis. Pharmacokinetic parameters were compared using least square geometric mean ratios. Lefamulin was well tolerated in all hepatic function groups. Statistical analyses revealed reductions in Cmax and increases in renal clearance for Moderate and Severe groups, as well as, the increased volume of distribution for the Severe group. Lefamulin plasma AUC mean (SD) was similar across groups at 7615 (1554), 8233 (2286), and 8938 (1640) h.ng/mL for Normal, Moderate, and Severe groups, respectively, despite decreased clearance observed primarily during terminal elimination phases. Decreased plasma‐protein binding was seen in hepatically‐impaired versus normal subjects.ConclusionLefamulin was generally well tolerated. Differences in lefamulin and BC‐8041 pharmacokinetics were small, relative to the overall variability, and any changes appear to be compensated by increases in renal clearance and decreased protein binding.
The effect of botulinum toxin‐A on neural and non‐neural components of wrist hyper‐resistance in adults with stroke or cerebral palsy
Authors: Andringa Aukje , van Wegen Erwin , van de Port Ingrid , Guit Lisette , Polomski Wojtek , Kwakkel Gert , Meskers Carel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundBotulinum toxin‐A (BoNT) is widely used to manage focal upper limb spasticity and is effective in reducing resistance to passive movement, as measured with the modified Ashworth scale. Discrimination and quantification of the underlying neural and non‐neural components of hyper‐resistance may further improve understanding of the effect of BoNT.ObjectiveTo explore the effects of BoNT on neural (NC), non‐neural elastic (EC), and viscous (VC) components of resistance to passive wrist extension in adults with stroke or cerebral palsy and the association between the effects on wrist hyper‐resistance components and clinical spasticity, pain and motor function scales.DesignPre‐experimental study with pre‐ and post‐intervention measurements at 6 and 12 weeks.SettingAn outpatient clinic of a hospital.ParticipantsAdults with chronic stroke or cerebral palsy indicated for BoNT treatment for hyper‐resistance in the wrist (N = 18).InterventionsBoNT injections in the wrist and/or finger flexor muscles.Main Outcome MeasuresWrist hyper‐resistance components, using the NeuroFlexor, and clinical scales (modified Ashworth scale, Tardieu scale, passive wrist extension, pain, Fugl‐Meyer motor assessment of the upper extremity, and action research arm test).ResultsNC was significantly reduced 6 and 12 weeks post‐intervention (median −11.96 Newton, P < .001 and median −9.34 Newton, P = .001, respectively); non‐neural EC and VC showed no change. NC reduction 6 weeks post‐intervention correlated significantly with BoNT dose (Pearson correlation coefficient rp = −0.56). No significant correlations were found between change scores in wrist hyper‐resistance components and clinical scales.ConclusionsBoNT affected the neural component of resistance to passive wrist extension, while leaving the non‐neural elastic and viscous components unaffected. This instrumented approach to quantify the effects of BoNT in the wrist and finger flexor muscles on the components of wrist hyper‐resistance may have an added value for BoNT treatment evaluation in clinical practice.
PolyChemPrint: A hardware and software framework for benchtop additive manufacturing of functional polymeric materials
Authors: Patel Bijal B. , Chang Yilong , Park Sang Kyu , Wang Siqing , Rosheck John , Patel Kush , Walsh Dylan , Guironnet Damien , Diao Ying 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAdditive manufacturing (AM, 3D Printing) of hierarchical polymer structures for a targeted function represents a grand challenge in the field of polymer science and engineering. Because advanced functional materials often do not possess suitable mechanical and rheological properties for conventional fused deposition modeling, a key challenge that researchers face is in integrating custom deposition tool heads that enable printing of non‐filamentary materials while preserving synchrony with the motion axes. In this article, we demonstrate a highly versatile hardware and software platform for melt and solution‐phase benchtop AM and highlight patterning and post‐deposition processing of a series of non‐filament forming functional polymers, including PS‐b‐PLA bottlebrush block copolymers, semiconducting polymer DPP2T‐TT, conducting polymer PEDOT:PSS [poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene)‐poly(styrenesulfonate)], and an SiO2‐PE nanoporous polymer matrix composite. We present a free and open‐source Python module, PolyChemPrint, which serves as a research‐optimized AM control software. The cross‐platform (Windows/Linux) software is designed to be extremely flexible in terms the hardware that can be connected and a detailed user manual and developer guide are provided for use by researchers without extensive computer programming experience. Finally, we provide extensive details of the hardware used for operation of low‐ and high‐pressure pneumatic extruders and a laser module as rapidly interchangeable tool heads.
Symptom distress and quality of life among Black Americans with cancer and their family caregivers
Authors: Ellis Katrina R. , Oh Seyoung , Hecht Hillary K. , Northouse Laurel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractObjectiveBlack Americans are disproportionately affected by cancer and chronic diseases. Black patients with cancer and their family caregivers may concurrently experience symptoms that influence their wellbeing. This study investigates the influence of mental and physical symptom distress on quality of life (QOL) among Black Americans with cancer and their family caregivers from a dyadic perspective.MethodsOne hundred and fifty‐one dyads comprised of a Black American with breast, colorectal, lung or prostate cancer and a Black family caregiver were included in this secondary analysis of pooled baseline data from three studies. Self‐reports of problems managing 13 symptoms were used to measure mental and physical symptom distress. Descriptive statistics and the actor‐partner interdependence model were used to examine symptom prevalence and the influence of each person's symptom distress on their own and each other's QOL.ResultsFatigue, sleep problems, pain and mental distress were prevalent. Patients and caregivers reported similar levels of mental distress; however, patients reported higher physical distress. Increased patient mental distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional). Increased patient physical distress was associated with decreased patient QOL (overall, physical, emotional, functional) and decreased caregiver emotional wellbeing. Increased caregiver mental distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, emotional, social, functional) and decreased patient overall QOL. Increased caregiver physical distress was associated with decreased caregiver QOL (overall, physical, functional), decreased patient emotional wellbeing, and better patient social wellbeing.ConclusionsSupporting symptom management in Black patient/caregiver dyads may improve their QOL.
Nanomaterials in Cerebrovascular Disease Diagnose and Treatment
Authors: Luo Yin , Wang Yanting , Fu Jie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCerebrovascular diseases (CVDs) are among the most serious diseases with high mortality and disability rates. The prevalent diagnosis and treatment methods of CVDs include imaging and interventional therapy. With the development of nanotechnology, large numbers of nanomaterials have been applied to the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, mainly including carbon nanotubes, quantum dots, fullerenes, and dendrimers. In this review, the applications of nanomaterials in the field of diagnosis and treatment of CVDs, mainly including drug target delivery, imaging, therapy, endovascular treatment, and angiogenesis, are summarized. The applications of nanomaterials in the field of CVD are almost in the laboratory, and more effort is needed for clinical translation. The aim of this review is to provide useful information for future research and equipment development.
In vivo effects of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor, in a mouse model of endometriosis
Authors: Santorelli Sara , Fischer Deborah P. , Harte Michael K. , Laru Johanna , Marshall Kay M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEndometriosis is a chronic disease, characterized by the growth of endometrial‐like cells outside the uterine cavity. Due to its complex pathophysiology, a totally resolving cure is yet to be found. The aim of this study was to compare the therapeutic efficacy of AZD4547, a novel fibroblast growth factor receptor inhibitor (FGFRI), with a well‐characterized progestin, etonogestrel (ENG) using a validated in vivo mouse model of endometriosis. Endometriosis was induced by transplanting uterine fragments from donor mice in proestrus into the peritoneal cavity of recipient mice, which then developed into cyst‐like lesions. AZD4547 and ENG were administered systemically either from the day of endometriosis induction or 2‐weeks post‐surgery. After 20 days of treatment, the lesions were harvested; their size and weight were measured and analyzed histologically or by qRT‐PCR. Stage of estrous cycle was monitored throughout. Compared to vehicle, AZD4547 (25 mg/kg) was most effective in counteracting lesion growth when treating from day of surgery and 2 weeks after; ENG (0.8 mg/kg) was similarly effective in reducing lesion growth but only when administered from day of surgery. Each downregulated FGFR gene expression (p < 0.05). AZD4547 at all doses and ENG (0.008 mg/kg) caused no disturbance to the estrous cycle. ENG at 0.08 and 0.8 mg/kg was associated with partial or complete estrous cycle disruption and hyperemia of the uteri. AZD4547 and ENG both attenuated endometriotic lesion size, but only AZD4547 did not disrupt the estrous cycle, suggesting that targeting of FGFR is worthy of further investigation as a novel treatment for endometriosis.
Hierarchy of controls in Contra Costa Health Services (CCHS) incident investigations
Authors: Turner Lauren , Amyotte Paul , Rayner Brown Kayleigh 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIndustrial safety ordinance (ISO), implemented in Contra Costa County in 1998, and in the city of Richmond in 2000, expands on the California accidental release program (CalARP) and requires the consideration of inherently safer design (ISD). Identifying ISD‐based corrective actions as part of incident investigations is an opportunity to consider ISD within the existing process safety management framework. The objectives of this work were to analyze corrective actions from ISO incident investigation reports with respect to the hierarchy of controls, to identify additional ISD‐based corrective actions for an incident using the ISD bow tie protocol, and to develop additional ISD example‐based guidance. Thirty incidents from 2001 to 2018 were analyzed, and 227 recommended corrective actions were documented and categorized according to the hierarchy of controls. An incident at the Tesoro Golden Eagle Refinery on September 15, 2004 was analyzed, and five additional ISD‐based corrective actions were identified. This work suggests that using the ISD bow tie protocol and example‐based guidance, in addition to ISD checklists and guidewords in incident investigations could help identify more ISD‐based corrective actions.
Adsorption of [BF4]− anion‐based ionic liquids on phosphorene, arsenene, and antimonene: A density functional theory study
Authors: Tang Yingqi , Huai Wenbo , Li Hao , Mao Xiaotong , Xie Ju , Lee Jin Yong , Fu Aiping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDensity functional theory calculations have been performed to study the adsorption behavior of ionic liquids (ILs) on 15th group nanosheets including phosphorene (BP), arsenene (As), and antimonene (Sb). Three ILs based on 1‐ethyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ([EMIM]+), tetramethylammonium ([TMA]+), and N‐methylpyridinium ([MPI]+) cations paired with tetrafluoroborate ([BF4]−) anion were selected as adsorbates on different 2D nanosheets to explore the interfacial behavior. The calculated structural, energy, charge transfer, and electronic properties of the adsorption systems for ILs/nanosheets exhibit combination by non‐covalent interaction. Adsorption of ILs induces a very small reduction of band gap for BP, As, and Sb nanosheets, and the electronic properties of nanosheets are nearly unchanged. These results increase understanding of the experimental mechanism for IL dispersion 2D materials and suggest that ILs can be used to functionalize elemental 15th group nanosheets for further applications in various fields.
What is different about private equity‐backed acquirers?
Authors: Hammer Benjamin , Hinrichs Heiko , Schweizer Denis 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates whether private equity (PE)‐backed acquirers have a “parenting advantage” in the mergers & acquisitions (M&A) market. We employ a sample of 788 PE‐backed firms and a carefully matched control group of 6,652 non‐PE‐backed peers, for which we observe the entire acquisition history over a 19‐year time span. Difference‐in‐differences estimates suggest that PE backing induces a sizeable but short‐lived boost to acquisition activity, while the type and complexity of acquisitions are similar to those of non‐PE‐backed peers. These results are consistent with the idea that PE backing enhances execution and speed in the M&A market. We find that portfolio firms benefit from this boost through improved valuations and margins. The extent to which this is true, however, depends on the institutional setting of the PE owner. Our results indicate that add‐on acquisitions are detrimental if PE owners are late buyers or suffer from limited attention problems.
Investor horizons and corporate policies under uncertainty
Authors: Dreyer Christian , Schulz Oliver 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn this study, we examine the differences in Investment, Employment, and Share repurchase sensitivities to uncertainty between firms with varying investor horizons. We test for these effects using two macro‐based uncertainty measures (Baker et al., 2016; Ahir et al., 2018). The results show that in uncertainty times, greater short‐term investor ownership is associated with less investment and hiring, and more net share buybacks. These findings are consistent with the preference of short‐horizon investors of seeking to divest in the near future, thus, wanting to maximize current stock prices.
The impact of CEO power and institutional discretion on CSR investment
Authors: Breuer Wolfgang , Hass Manuel , Rosenbach David Johannes 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBased on a large international sample, we show how the decision‐making power of CEOs in conjunction with prevailing institutional discretion relates to corporate resources allocated toward CSR strategy. First, especially with greater institutional discretion, powerful CEOs pursue exaggerated CSR strategies aiming at reputational gains for their private benefit, while not necessarily bearing the costs of their decisions. Second, such CEO‐induced CSR enhancements turn out to be defective CSR overinvestment, ultimately entailing a decrease in firm value. By complementing organizational factors with institutional characteristics, we refute previous contradicting empirical evidence regarding a significant CEO effect and show a conditional relation between CEO power and CSR choice. Our results are robust to alternative sample compositions, different variable definitions, and various methodological specifications.
PID and low‐order controller design for guaranteed delay margin and pole placement
Authors: Özbay Hitay , Gündes A. Nazli 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article provides a simple low‐order controller design method (including PID controllers as special cases) for a class of unstable systems. First, PID controller design is considered for systems with two unstable poles and pole placement and delay margin issues are discussed. Then, a chain of integrators is considered with arbitrary stable dynamics in cascade. For a given desired minimum delay margin for this class of plants, a PID and low‐order controller design method is obtained in terms of an inequality constraint on the sum of k of the desired closed‐loop poles, where k is number of the integrators in the open‐loop transfer function.
A Critical Review on the Impacts of Nanoplastics and Microplastics on Aquatic and Terrestrial Photosynthetic Organisms
Authors: Larue Camille , Sarret Géraldine , Castillo‐Michel Hiram , Pradas del Real Ana Elena 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMicroplastic and nanoplastic contamination is widespread and affects aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. Photosynthetic organisms are present in both media, they are primary producers, sink for CO2, and they represent a major point of entry in the food chain. Here, the current knowledge on the fate and impacts of microplastics and nanoplastics in interaction with these organisms is reviewed. As a general trend, plastic characteristics (smaller size and positive charge) play a crucial role in their toxicity toward photosynthetic organisms. Plastic leachates (containing additives) also represent a major source of toxicity, and some harmful compounds such as phthalate esters are shown to accumulate in plants and generate a risk for the consumers. Adsorption of plastic particles is evidenced for each type of photosynthetic organism, and uptake and translocation in terrestrial plants is evidenced for nanoplastics, leading to concerns for trophic chain contamination. The available techniques for the detection of microplastics and nanoplastics and their secondary products in biological samples and media are also listed. Finally, the current gaps of knowledge, specific challenges, and future research directions are also discussed.
Tumor‐Targeted Disruption of Lactate Transport with Reactivity‐Reversible Nanocatalysts to Amplify Oxidative Damage
Authors: Wang Xuan , Zhao Youbo , Shi Lei , Hu Yan , Song Guanbin , Cai Kaiyong , Li Menghuan , Luo Zhong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNanocatalytic tumor therapy is an emerging antitumor option that employs catalytically‐active inorganic nanostructures to produce tumor‐damaging reactive oxygen species. However, initiation of nanocatalytic reactions in the tumor intracellular environment is a challenge due to the reliance on acidic pH. By exploiting the pH‐selective multifaceted catalytic activities of Prussian blue‐based nanomaterials (PBNM) as well as the hyperglycolysis characteristics of tumors, it is demonstrated that blocking the monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4)‐mediated lactate effusion in tumor cells can reverse the pH gradient across the tumor cell membrane and cause rapid intracellular acidification as well as neutralization of the extracellular compartment, thus creating vulnerabilities for PBNM‐based nanocatalytic therapies in situ while suppressing tumor stemness/metastasis in vivo. For this purpose, MCT4‐inhibiting siRNAs are incorporated into reactivity‐switchable PBNM‐based nanocatalysts to initiate hydroxyl radical production. Meanwhile, β‐lapachone, a clinically‐approved drug with H2O2‐generating capabilities, is also integrated to sustain the nanocatalytic process. In contrast, the nanocatalyst shows no apparent toxicity to normal cells due to its catalase‐like activities under neutral pH. This treatment strategy can inhibit tumor growth in mice at optimal safety as well as to suppress the cancer cell stemness and lung metastasis, suggesting the clinical translational potential of the findings.