bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of graft polymer compatibilizers in blends of cellulose triacetate and poly(lactic acid)
Authors: Volokhova Anastasia S , Waugh John B , Arrington Kyle J , Matson John B 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBlends of cellulose triacetate (CTA) and poly(l‐lactic acid) (PLLA) were prepared using graft polymer compatibilizers. The graft polymers were synthesized using a grafting‐from approach via ring‐opening polymerization of l‐ and d,l‐lactide initiated from free hydroxyl groups along the CTA backbone. The blends incorporating either 1, 2.5 or 5% of each of the two graft polymer compatibilizers by weight in a 20:80 mixture of CTA:PLLA were solution‐cast to yield films. Characterization of graft polymers included the use of 1H NMR spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis. Mechanical properties of the compatibilized films were evaluated using tensile testing, and thermomechanical properties were analyzed using dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA). The compatibilized films exhibited greater tensile stress at yield than the uncompatibilized films for both types of compatibilizers, but no statistically significant changes were observed in modulus or strain at break, although modulus trended higher in compatibilized films. Stereochemical differences in tensile performance were statistically insignificant, though some differences in thermal behavior were observed. DMA and DSC revealed that crystallization of PLLA was altered by the addition of compatibilizer and CTA. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Nascent particle sizes and degrees of entanglement are responsible for the significant differences in impact strength of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zhao Shicheng , Yu Xin , Xin Zhong , Ye Chunlin , Li Zhi , Xia Jincheng 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTThe physical properties of ultrahigh molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) are generally highly dependent on its molecular weight. However, in our study, it was found that two UHMWPE samples of similar molecular weight, SLL‐5 and GUR 4150, have significantly different impact strengths, with the Charpy impact strength of GUR 4150 being almost 3.4 times that of SLL‐5. To reveal the reasons, the structure–property relations of these UHMWPE materials were investigated. Morphologies of the nascent particles and impact fracture surfaces, the melting behavior, rheological behavior, and three‐phase (crystalline, amorphous, and interphase) contents were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, advanced rotary rheometer, and Raman spectroscopy, respectively. It was observed that no significant differences in the crystal structures of SLL‐5 and GUR 4150, but GUR 4150 had smaller nascent particles sizes and a lower degree of entanglement when compared with those of SLL‐5. Accordingly, a mechanism to clarify the significant difference in the impact strengths of GUR 4150 and SLL‐5 was developed. More importantly, this work may be useful for improving the preparation technologies and industrial applications of UHMWPE. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 632–641
Input/output‐to‐state stability for switched nonlinear systems with unstable subsystems
Authors: Long Lijun 
Published: March 2019

SummaryIn this paper, a couple of sufficient conditions for input/output‐to‐state stability (IOSS) of switched nonlinear systems with non‐IOSS subsystems are derived by exploiting the multiple Lyapunov functions (MLFs) method. A state‐norm estimator–based small‐gain theorem is also established for switched interconnected nonlinear systems under some proper switching laws, where the small‐gain property of individual connected subsystems is not required in the whole state space instead only in some subregions of the state space. The state‐norm estimator for the switched system under study is explicitly designed via a constructive procedure by exploiting the MLFs method and the classical small‐gain technique. The presented results permit removal of a technical condition in existing literature, where all subsystems in switched systems are IOSS or some are IOSS. An illustrative example is also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
Exponential stability of impulsive positive switched systems with discrete and distributed time‐varying delays
Authors: Liu Zhi , Zhang Xianfu , Lu Xiaodong , Hou Ting 
Published: March 2019

SummaryThis paper studies the exponential stability problems of discrete‐time and continuous‐time impulsive positive switched systems with mixed (discrete and distributed) time‐varying delays, respectively. By constructing novel copositive Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals and using the average dwell time technique, delay‐dependent sufficient conditions for the solvability of considered problems are given in terms of fairly simple linear matrix inequalities. Compared with the most existing results, by introducing an extra real vector, restrictive conditions on derivative of the time‐varying delays (less than 1) are relaxed, thus the obtained improved stability criteria can deal with a wider class of continuous‐time positive switched systems with time‐varying delays. Finally, two simple examples are provided to verify the validity of theoretical results.
Accumulating Transcriptome Drift Precedes Cell Aging in Human Umbilical Cord-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Serially Cultured to Replicative Senescence
Authors: Wiese Danielle M. , Ruttan Cindy C. , Wood Catherine A. , Ford Barry N. , Braid Lorena R. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn preclinical studies, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) exhibit robust potential for numerous applications. To capitalize on these benefits, cell manufacturing and delivery protocols have been scaled up to facilitate clinical trials without adequately addressing the impact of these processes on cell utility nor inevitable regulatory requirements for consistency. Growing evidence indicates that culture-aged MSCs, expanded to the limits of replicative exhaustion to generate human doses, are not equivalent to early passage cells, and their use may underpin reportedly underwhelming or inconsistent clinical outcomes. Here, we sought to define the maximum expansion boundaries for human umbilical cord-derived MSCs, cultured in chemically defined xeno- and serum-free media, that yield consistent cell batches comparable to early passage cells. Two male and two female donor populations, recovered from cryostorage at mean population doubling level (mPDL) 10, were serially cultivated until replicative exhaustion (senescence). At each passage, growth kinetics, cell morphology, and transcriptome profiles were analyzed. All MSC populations displayed comparable growth trajectories through passage 9 (P9; mPDL 45) and variably approached senescence after P10 (mPDL 49). Transcription profiles of 14,500 human genes, generated by microarray, revealed a nonlinear evolution of culture-adapted MSCs. Significant expression changes occurred only after P5 (mPDL 27) and accumulated rapidly after P9 (mPDL 45), preceding other cell aging metrics. We report that cryobanked umbilical cord-derived MSCs can be reliably expanded to clinical human doses by P4 (mPDL 23), before significant transcriptome drift, and thus represent a mesenchymal cell source suited for clinical translation of cellular therapies. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:945–958
Lessons from a large‐scale systems dynamics modeling project: the example of the biomass scenario model
Authors: Peterson Steve , Bush Brian , Inman Daniel , Newes Emily , Schwab Amy , Stright Dana , Vimmerstedt Laura 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe biomass scenario model (BSM) is a dynamic model of the biomass‐to‐biofuels supply chain in the U.S.A., developed during a multi‐year analysis effort conducted by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), under sponsorship from the United States Department of Energy (DOE) Bioenergy Technologies Office (BETO). The BSM project, which received the 2018 Applications Award by the International System Dynamics Society, has supported collaborative analyses, developed scenarios for industry development and facilitated stakeholder engagement. We summarize insights gained from the BSM project that may be useful to other large‐scale dynamic modeling efforts. We summarize the project focus, the analysis process, key outcomes and observations on successful execution of such a product. Key points include the value of a multidisciplinary team with clear roles, engagement of experts and stakeholders, and use and reuse of simple, modular structures. The overall effort suggests that these practices may aid long‐term, team‐focused, multi‐stakeholder modeling efforts.© 2019 System Dynamics Society
Diets containing the highest levels of dairy products are associated with greater eutrophication potential but higher nutrient intakes and lower financial cost in the United Kingdom
Authors: Hobbs D. A. , Durrant C. , Elliott J. , Givens D. I. , Lovegrove J. A. 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Purpose
Previously, the nutritional contribution, environmental and financial costs of dairy products have been examined independently. Our aim was to determine the nutritional adequacy, financial cost and environmental impact of UK diets according to dairy content.

Methods
In this cross-sectional study of adults (19–64 years) from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey years 1–4 (n = 1655), dietary intakes assessed from 4-day estimated food diaries were organized into quartiles (Q) total grams of dairy (milk, cheese, yogurt, dairy desserts) and analyzed using ANCOVA controlling for age, sex and energy intake with Bonferroni post hoc test for nutritional adequacy, Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI-2010), environmental impact [greenhouse gas emissions (GHGE), eutrophication and acidification potentials], financial cost, markers of health and cardio-metabolic diseases.

Results
Nutritional adequacy, particularly for protein, calcium and iodine (+ 18 g, + 533 mg, + 95 g, respectively, all P < 0.0001) and AHEI-2010 (P < 0.0001) were significantly higher and systolic BP (− 2 mmHg, P = 0.019) was significantly lower for the higher-dairy diets (Q4, 274–1429 g/day dairy), compared with diets containing lower dairy (Q1, 0–96 g/day dairy). Diets in Q4 had lower financial cost (− 19%, P < 0.0001) and the greatest eutrophication potential, compared with Q1 (+ 29%, P < 0.0001). Yet the environmental (GHGE) and financial costs per unit nutrient (riboflavin, zinc, iodine, magnesium, calcium, potassium) were lower in Q4 than Q1 (all P < 0.0001).

Conclusion
Diets with the highest dairy content had higher nutrient composition, better diet quality, were associated with lower BP and financial cost, but with higher eutrophication potential. Robust environmental data for many of food groups are limited
and this needs an urgent addressing.

Trial registration
This trial was registered on clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03407248.
Employees’ self-expansion as a mediator between perceived work conditions and work engagement and productive behaviors
Authors: Jurek Paweł , Besta Tomasz 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThere has been increasing scientific interest in the relationships between self-perception and group identity development processes as well as the behavioural implications of these processes in organizational contexts. Recently, the concept of workplace self-expansion has been introduced to work and organizational psychology. That is, the self-expanding characteristics of work and the workplace have been related to job satisfaction and organizational commitment. In the following studies, we examined the importance of workplace self-expansion and found that it is a significant mediator between job resources (e.g. compensation and benefits, job tasks) and work engagement (Study 1) as well as task-oriented engagement (Study 2). At the same time, our findings prove that job demands (e.g. role ambiguity, overload) do not weaken employees’ self-expansion if the impact of job resources is taken into account.
Difficult but Not Impossible: in Search of an Anti-Candida Vaccine
Authors: Piccione Dillon , Mirabelli Susanna , Minto Nicholas , Bouklas Tejas 
Published: March 2019

Abstract
Purpose of Review
Pervasive fungal infection among the immunocompromised population, in conjunction with a lack of effective treatment options, has demanded further scrutiny. Millions of people are still dying annually from fungal infections. While existing treatment for these fungal infections exists, it is difficult to administer without adverse effects in the immunocompromised and is slowly becoming obsolete due to varying mutation rates and rising resistance in multiple species. Thus, vaccines may be a viable target for preventing and treating fungal infections and addressing the critical challenge of such infections.

Recent Findings
Candida albicans, along with other non-albicans Candida species, is among the more virulent class of fungal specimens considered for vaccine development. C. albicans is responsible for a large percentage of invasive fungal infections among immunocompromised and immunocompetent populations and carries a relatively high mortality rate. In the last decade, a recent increase in infective capacity among Candida species has shed light on the lack of adequate fungal vaccine choices. While roadblocks still exist in the development of antifungal vaccines, several novel targets have been examined and proposed as candidates.

Summary
Success in vaccine development has universal appeal; an anti-Candida vaccine formulation could be modified to work against other fungal infections and thus bolster the antifungal pipeline.
Anatomic Basis and Clinical Effect of Selective Dorsal Neurectomy for Patients with Lifelong Premature Ejaculation: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Sen , Zhang Youpeng , Cheng Yongbiao , Fan Jiamin , Jiang Li , Li Shan , Tang Yong , Zeng Hanqing , Wang Jin , Zhu Zhaohui 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Although guidelines from the American Urological Association and European Association of Urology do not consider surgical treatment for premature ejaculation (PE), the use of selective dorsal neurectomy (SDN) has increased for many years in Asian countries.

Aim
To evaluate anatomic basis and clinical effect of SDN in patients with PE in mainland China.

Methods
All of the patients included in the study had redundant foreskin, and they were assigned to 2 groups: group 1, composed of 46 patients with redundant foreskin, and group 2, composed of 96 patients with redundant foreskin and PE. The patients in group 2 were further randomly classified into group 2a (n = 48) and group 2b (n = 48).

Main Outcome Measures
The number of dorsal penile nerve branches were compared among group 1, group 2a, and group 2b. Preoperative and postoperative intravaginal ejaculatory latency time (IELT), 5-item version of the International Index of Erectile Function, Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool, and postoperative complications were compared between group 2a and group 2b.

Results
The patients in group 2 had a greater number of dorsal penile nerve branches of 1–2-mm–diameter, ≥2-mm–diameter, and total branches than group 1. The postoperative IELT of group 2a (257.7 ± 205.7 seconds) was longer than that of group 2b (49.3 ± 26.1 seconds). Group 2a had more ejaculation controllability and lower Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool scores than group 2b after the surgery (P &lt; .001). We did not observe permanent numbness in glans, wound infection, or hematoma in any patients.

Clinical Implication
SDN is an effective treatment for lifelong PE patients who had poor response to medicine or refused oral medication.

Strength & Limitations
This study has some strengths. First, the study made a comprehensive comparison based on both the numbers of dorsal penile nerve branches and the effect. Second, a randomized controlled trial design was used for the evaluation of SDN. It also possesses a limitation—we did not determine how many dorsal nerves should be selectively resected for each person to achieve optimal IELT prolongation.

Conclusion
The dorsal penile nerve branches of patients with lifelong PE are more and thicker than those without lifelong PE, and SDN is effective in improving lifelong PE by IELT prolongation and ejaculation controllability, with few postoperative complications.
The effect of chronic oral vitamin D supplementation on adiposity and insulin secretion in hypothalamic obese rats
Authors: Guareschi Zoé M. , Valcanaia Ana C. , Ceglarek Vanessa M. , Hotz Pamela , Amaral Bruna K. , de Souza Domwesley W. , de Souza Thainan A. , Nardelli Tarlliza , Ferreira Thiago R. , Leite Nayara C. , Lubackzeuski Camila , de O. Emilio Henriette R. , Grassiolli Sabrina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractReduced plasma vitamin D (VD) levels may contribute to excessive white adipose tissue, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidaemia. We evaluated the effect of chronic oral VD supplementation on adiposity and insulin secretion in monosodium glutamate (MSG)-treated rats. During their first 5 d of life, male neonate rats received subcutaneous injections of MSG (4 g/kg), while the control (CON) group received saline solution. After weaning, groups were randomly distributed into VD supplemented (12 µg/kg; three times/week) and non-supplemented (NS) rats, forming four experimental groups (n 15 rats/group): CON-NS, CON-VD, MSG-NS and MSG-VD. At 76 d of life, rats were submitted to an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT; 2 g/kg), and at 86 d, obesity, IR and plasma metabolic parameters were evaluated. Pancreatic islets were isolated for glucose-induced insulin secretion (GIIS), cholinergic insulinotropic response and muscarinic 3 receptor (M3R), protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) expressions. Pancreas was submitted to histological analyses. VD supplementation decreased hyperinsulinaemia (86 %), hypertriacylglycerolaemia (50 %) and restored insulin sensibility (89 %) in MSG-VD rats, without modifying adiposity, OGTT or GIIS, compared with the MSG-NS group. The cholinergic action was reduced (57 %) in islets from MSG-VD rats, without any change in M3R, PKA or PKC expression. In conclusion, chronic oral VD supplementation of MSG-obese rats was able to prevent hyperinsulinaemia and IR, improving triacylglycerolaemia without modifying adiposity. A reduced cholinergic pancreatic effect, in response to VD, could be involved in the normalisation of plasma insulin levels, an event that appears to be independent of M3R and its downstream pathways.
Cluster of differentiation 36 gene polymorphism (rs1761667) is associated with dietary MUFA intake and hypertension in a Japanese population
Authors: Fujii Ryosuke , Hishida Asahi , Suzuki Koji , Imaeda Nahomi , Goto Chiho , Hamajima Nobuyuki , Wakai Kenji , Kondo Takaaki 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCluster of differentiation 36 (CD36) is a membrane receptor expressed on a wide variety of human cells. CD36 polymorphisms are reportedly associated with oral fat perception, dietary intake and metabolic disorders. The present study examined associations of two CD36 polymorphisms (rs1761667 and rs1527483) and dietary fat intake, and metabolic phenotypes in a Japanese population. This cross-sectional study was conducted based on clinical information collected from health check-ups in Japan (n 495). Dietary nutrient intake was estimated from a validated short FFQ and adjusted for total energy intake using the residual method. Mean blood pressure was calculated from systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Hypertension was defined as SBP ≥ 130 mmHg and/or DBP ≥ 85 mmHg, or use of antihypertensive drugs. Genotyping was performed using PCR with confronting two-pair primers method. Mean age was 63·4 (sd 9·9) years. Individuals with the AA genotype showed higher total fat and MUFA intake (standardised β = 0·110 and 0·087, P = 0·01 and 0·05, respectively) compared with the GG and GA genotypes. For metabolic phenotypes, the AA genotype of rs1761667 had a lower blood pressure compared with the GG genotype (standardised β = –0·123, P = 0·02). Our results suggested that the AA genotype of rs1761667 in the CD36 gene was associated with higher intake of total fat and MUFA and lower risk of hypertension in a Japanese population.
Gut Prevotella as a possible biomarker of diet and its eubiotic versus dysbiotic roles: a comprehensive literature review
Authors: Precup Gabriela , Vodnar Dan-Cristian 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe gut microbiota has a profound impact on human health. Emerging data show that dietary patterns are associated with different communities of bacterial species within the gut. Prevotella species have been correlated with plant-rich diets, abundant in carbohydrates and fibres. Dysbiosis within the gut ecosystem has been associated with the development of non-communicable diseases such as obesity, the metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, colorectal cancer, type 1 diabetes, allergies and other diseases. The purpose of this comprehensive literature review was to evaluate the available data on the impact of diet on the Prevotella genus, as a dietary fibre fermenter in the gut as well as its implications as a potential biomarker for homeostasis or disease state through its metabolite signature. Studies were identified by conducting PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection and Google Scholar electronic searches. We found eighty-five publications reporting the impact of dietary patterns on gut microbial communities, including Prevotella or Prevotella/Bacteroides ratio in particular. Moreover, the role of Prevotella species on health status was also evaluated. Prevotella possess a high genetic diversity, representing one of the important groups found in the oral cavity and large intestine of man. The gut commensal Prevotella bacteria contribute to polysaccharide breakdown, being dominant colonisers of agrarian societies. However, studies also suggested a potential role of Prevotella species as intestinal pathobionts. Further metagenomic studies are needed in order to reveal health- or disease-modulating properties of Prevotella species in the gut.
The Roman Fortress at Carpow, Perthshire: An Alternative Interpretation of the Gates and their Dedicatory Inscriptions
Authors: Keppie Lawrence 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Roman fortress at Carpow, Perthshire, was excavated in 1961–62 and 1964–79. The gates of the fortress are the key to our understanding of its occupational history. The suggestion made here is that they were initially constructed in timber, at the same time as the associated turf rampart, but were soon replaced in stone specifically to support heavy dedication slabs set above them. A new arrangement of the surviving inscribed fragments at the East Gate is proposed, and new readings adopted, which confirm their traditional Severan dating. The Supplementary Material which includes detailed descriptions of the fragments and possible restorations is available athttps://doi.org/10.1017/S0068113X19000138.
‘Rural’ rhetoric in 1930s unemployment relief schemes
Authors: O’Donnell Ronan , Petts David 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThis article examines the role of particular ideas of the countryside in unemployment relief schemes. While interwar thinking on the countryside has received attention, it has not been examined in the specific context of unemployment relief. This article uses four case studies from North East England, namely the Team Valley Trading Estate (Gateshead), Hamsterley Forest Instructional Centre (Durham), Swarland model village (Northumberland) and Heartbreak Hill (Cleveland). All four projects took different approaches to the unemployment problem, but all used some form of rural rhetoric. The ways in which the projects deployed images of the countryside creatively recombined a wide range of ideas to suit their needs rather than being rigidly confined by particular schools of thought.