bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Review of Polymer‐Based Nanodielectric Exploration and Film Scale‐Up for Advanced Capacitors
Authors: Tan Daniel Q. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe uprising demands for electrical power and electrification requires advanced dielectric functionalities including high capacitance density, high energy density, high current handling capability, high voltage, high temperature, high thermal conductivity, light weight, and environmental reliability. Nanodielectric engineering emerges and attracts extensive efforts from many countries as a result. Unlike prior reviews focusing on lab scale nanocomposite study, this review focuses on recent innovations in polymer‐based nanodielectric design on a large scale and their film scale‐up efforts for advanced capacitors. The unconventional polymer‐nanofiller engineering and their process in the last two decades are discussed. The nanofunctionalized polymers on a molecular level for high dielectric constants and high dielectric strength are briefly described. The challenge associated with film scale‐up and retention of nanodielectric properties are then pointed out to be crucial toward a transfer of dielectric and capacitor technology. Several important attempts at scaling up dielectric films and capacitors recently supported by the US government and industry are reviewed. An alternative strategic approach to achieving high performance polymer films is introduced by leveraging 2D surface coating on commercially mature large‐scale polymer films. Future pathways for high quality scalable dielectric films exhibiting desirable dielectric properties and feasibility for capacitor manufacturing are suggested.
A Photoaddressable Liquid Crystalline Phase Transition in Graphene Oxide Nanocomposites
Authors: Crespo Maria , Santagiuliana Giovanni , Picot Olivier , Portale Giuseppe , Bilotti Emiliano , Gautrot Julien E. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe multifunctionality of graphene has the potential to unlock important developments in nanocomposite science. However, the manipulation of graphene without interfering with its unique properties and while controlling its spatial organization remains challenging. Here, the formation of a photoaddressable liquid crystalline (LC) solution through the stabilization of graphene oxide (GO) with photocleavable brushes is described. The LC behavior leads to the thermodynamic entrapment of GO into low aspect ratio domains that fail to display the properties typically predicted for graphene nanocomposites. The morphology and structural and electronic performance of these nanocomposites are regenerated through the brush cleavage, which controls the phase transition of the LC phase. These results show that kinetic control of graphene assembly can be an attractive tool toward the dynamic regulation of processable sol states and structured percolated networks for rational composite manufacturing.
Reversible/Irreversible Photobleaching of Fluorescent Surface Defects of SiC Quantum Dots: Mechanism and Sensing of Solar UV Irradiation
Authors: Dai Dejian , Zhang Chengyu , Wang Ling , Wang Yang , Zhang Baohua , Deng Kaiming , Lu Wei , Fan Jiyang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractKnowledge about photobleaching properties of the fluorescent surface defects of the semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) is crucial for their applications. Here, the photobleaching properties of the fluorescent surface defects of the colloidal 3C‐SiC QDs are reported. The combined experimental and theoretical study reveals that the observed violet fluorescence at around 392 nm stems from the carboxylic acid group‐related surface defects. When the SiC QDs are exposed to the UV irradiation, the 392 nm fluorescent surface defects show both reversible and irreversible photobleaching, whereas the 438 nm fluorescent surface defects show only irreversible photobleaching. The photochemical mechanisms dominating these phenomena are explored. The photobleaching property of the SiC QDs is utilized to detect the solar UV irradiation with high accuracy. The photobleaching of the SiC QDs is highly sensitive to the hydrogen or metal ion concentration in the colloid solution. These findings deepen the understanding of the properties of the fluorescent surface defects of the SiC QDs and pave the way for their applications in sensing.
Investigations on thermal properties of microencapsulated phase‐change materials with different acrylate‐based copolymer shells as thermal insulation materials
Authors: Ma Yanhong , Xie Qifei , Wang Xinzhong 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTA series of microencapsulated phase‐change materials (micro‐PCMs) with binary cores and acrylate‐based copolymer shells were prepared. The micro‐PCMs contained octadecane and butyl stearate as binary‐core materials. Allyl methacrylate, ethylene glycol dimethacrylate, 1,4‐butanediol diacrylate (BDDA), and 1,6‐hexanediol dimethacrylate were respectively introduced to copolymerize with divinylbenzene (DVB) to form different microcapsule shells. In this work, the influence of the types of core and shell materials and core–shell weight ratios on the thermal properties of micro‐PCMs was studied. The chemical structures, morphologies, thermal properties, and thermal insulation properties of the wallboards were all tested and discussed. Scanning electron microscope photographs show that these micro‐PCMs have relatively spherical profiles and compact surfaces with diameters ranging from 10 to 80 μm. Differential scanning calorimetry results indicated that their microencapsulation efficiency ranged from 48 wt % to 80 wt %. A thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that these micro‐PCMs can ensure their thermal stability below 210°C. Finally, a thermal insulation wallboard fabricated with synthesized P(BDDA‐co‐DVB) micro‐PCMs showed excellent thermal energy storage performance, keeping the temperature fluctuation within 2.5°C. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47777.
A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo‐Controlled Trial of Atorvastatin for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Events in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Kitas George D. , Nightingale Peter , Armitage Jane , Sattar Naveed , Belch Jill J. F. , Symmons Deborah P. M. ,   the TRACE RA Consortium
Published: April 2019

ObjectiveRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiovascular event (CVE) risk. The impact of statins in RA is not established. We assessed whether atorvastatin is superior to placebo for the primary prevention of CVEs in RA patients.MethodsA randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial was designed to detect a 32% CVE risk reduction based on an estimated 1.6% per annum event rate with 80% power at P < 0.05. RA patients age >50 years or with a disease duration of >10 years who did not have clinical atherosclerosis, diabetes, or myopathy received atorvastatin 40 mg daily or matching placebo. The primary end point was a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or any arterial revascularization. Secondary and tertiary end points included plasma lipids and safety.ResultsA total of 3,002 patients (mean age 61 years; 74% female) were followed up for a median of 2.51 years (interquartile range [IQR] 1.90, 3.49 years) (7,827 patient‐years). The study was terminated early due to a lower than expected event rate (0.70% per annum). Of the 1,504 patients receiving atorvastatin, 24 (1.6%) experienced a primary end point, compared with 36 (2.4%) of the 1,498 receiving placebo (hazard ratio [HR] 0.66 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.39, 1.11]; P = 0.115 and adjusted HR 0.60 [95% CI 0.32, 1.15]; P = 0.127). At trial end, patients receiving atorvastatin had a mean ± SD low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level 0.77 ± 0.04 mmoles/liter lower than those receiving placebo (P < 0.0001). C‐reactive protein level was also significantly lower in the atorvastatin group than the placebo group (median 2.59 mg/liter [IQR 0.94, 6.08] versus 3.60 mg/liter [IQR 1.47, 7.49]; P < 0.0001). CVE risk reduction per mmole/liter reduction in LDL cholesterol was 42% (95% CI −14%, 70%). The rates of adverse events in the atorvastatin group (n = 298 [19.8%]) and placebo group (n = 292 [19.5%]) were similar.ConclusionAtorvastatin 40 mg daily is safe and results in a significantly greater reduction of LDL cholesterol level than placebo in patients with RA. The 34% CVE risk reduction is consistent with the Cholesterol Treatment Trialists’ Collaboration meta‐analysis of statin effects in other populations.
Greetings from foodland: Teaching biochemistry to BS students in food‐related courses in Italy
Authors: Iametti Stefania , Barbiroli Alberto , Marengo Mauro , Bonomi Francesco 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBiochemistry has always been a mandatory topic within BS courses aimed at food science students at the University of Milan, namely: Food Science & Technology and Catering Sciences. Addressing biochemistry topics in this peculiar setting requires: (i) specific focus on topics that are seldom considered in courses offered in bio‐medical curricula; (ii) close integration with other area disciplines, such as food biotechnology; (iii) ad hoc design of laboratory classes; and (iv) an array of elective courses covering specific aspects of biochemistry. In this context, for example, protein chemistry is presented by using food proteins of known structure and discussed in terms of structural features in the raw materials and of structural and chemical modifications occurring upon processing. Along the same lines, metabolic pathways and their regulation are presented starting from widespread metabolism‐related issues and to issues related to food safety (including food allergies and intolerances). A similar “hands on” approach is used for laboratory classes, that cover about one third of total credits and are aimed at providing fundamental‐type information by analyzing practical situations in the food chain. In spite of their inherent complexity and volume, biochemistry courses score very well with the students in mandatory anonymous surveys. Our approach to biochemistry courses seems to help the students in “visualizing” the practical implications of concepts acquired in other courses within their curricula. The students' appreciation is confirmed by the sizeable attendance to elective and specialized biochemical‐themed courses. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):394–403, 2019.
Dosimetry of the brain and hypothalamus predicting acute lymphopenia and the survival of glioma patients with postoperative radiotherapy
Authors: Ye Lu‐Lu , Fan Xing‐Wen , Hu Chao‐Su , He Xia‐Yun , Wang Xiao‐Shen , Shen Chun‐Ying , Xu Ting‐Ting , Ying Hong‐Mei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to investigate dosimetric factors for predicting acute lymphopenia and the survival of glioma patients with postoperative intensity‐modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).MethodsA total of 148 glioma patients were reviewed. Acute lymphopenia was defined as a peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) lower than 1.0 × 109/L during radiotherapy with a normal level at pretreatment. PLCs with the corresponding dates and dose volume histogram parameters were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were constructed to assess the significance of risk factors associated with lymphopenia and overall survival (OS).ResultsSixty‐nine (46.6%) patients developed lymphopenia during radiotherapy. Multivariate analyses revealed that the risk increased with the maximal dose of the hypothalamus (HT Dmax) ≥56 Gy (58.9% vs 28.5%, P = 0.002), minimal dose of the whole brain (WB Dmin) ≥2 Gy (54.3% vs 33.9%, P = 0.006), or mean dose of the WB (WB Dmean) ≥34 Gy (56.0% vs 37.0%, P = 0.022). Patients with older age, high‐grade glioma, development of lymphopenia, high HT Dmax, WB Dmin, and WB Dmean had significantly inferior OS in the multivariate analyses.ConclusionsHT Dmax, WB Dmin, and WB Dmean are promising indicators of lymphopenia and the survival of glioma patients undergoing postoperative IMRT. The necessity and feasibility of dosimetric constraints for HT and WB is warranted with further investigation.
New Immunomodulating Polyhydroxypregnane Glycosides from the Roots of Cynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid.
Authors: Zhan Zha‐Jun , Bao Shu‐Min , Zhang Yue , Qiu Fei‐Jun , Shan Wei‐Guang , Ma Lie‐Feng 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSeven new polyhydroxypregnane glycosides, named cynotophyllosides P–V, together with three known analogs were isolated from the roots of Cynanchum otophyllum C.K.Schneid. Their structures were elucidated by a variety of spectroscopic techniques, as well as acid‐catalyzed hydrolysis. All isolates were tested for their immunological activities in vitro against Con A‐ and LPS‐induced proliferation of mice splenocytes. Immunoenhancing (for 1, 9) and immunosuppressive (for 2) activities were observed. Furthermore, cynotophylloside R (3) showed immunomodulatory as it enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes in low concentration and suppressed immune cells in concentration more than 1.0 μg/ml.
Impact of low‐dose prasugrel on platelet reactivity and cardiac dysfunction in acute coronary syndrome patients requiring primary drug‐eluting stent implantation: A randomized comparative study
Authors: Kitano Daisuke , Takayama Tadateru , Fukamachi Daisuke , Migita Suguru , Morikawa Tomoyuki , Tamaki Takehiro , Kojima Keisuke , Mineki Takashi , Murata Nobuhiro , Akutsu Naotaka , Sudo Mitsumasa , Hiro Takafumi , Hirayama Atsushi , Okumura Yasuo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study was to compare how prasugrel and clopidogrel affect platelet aggregation reactivity, cardiac enzyme release, cardiac remodeling, and the formation of in‐stent thrombi after primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).BackgroundThe advantages of using prasugrel over clopidogrel in cardiac injury following acute coronary syndrome (ACS) remain unclear.MethodsA total of 78 ACS patients were randomly allocated into clopidogrel (300 mg loading/75 mg maintenance) or prasugrel (20 mg loading/3.75 mg maintenance) treatment groups, followed by undergoing primary PCI. Platelet reactivity and cardiac enzymes were measured before and after primary PCI. Moreover, cardiac function was measured by ultrasound echocardiography and coronary angioscopic observation was after primary PCI up to 8 months later.ResultsAntiplatelet reactivity in the prasugrel treatment group reached optimal levels (P2Y12 reaction units [PRU] less than 262) immediately after the administration and was maintained even at 8 months, independently of the CYP2C19 genotype. Prasugrel treatment significantly suppressed creatine kinase elevation compared to clopidogrel treatment (median value 404 IU/L to 726 IU/L vs. 189 IU/L to 1,736 IU/L, p = 0.018 for maximum values) and reduced left ventricular mass (217.2–168.8 g in prasugrel, p = 0.045; 196.9–176.4 g in clopidogrel, p = 0.061). There were no significant differences in the incidence of in‐stent attached thrombi between the two groups.ConclusionsCompared to clopidogrel, prasugrel produced a stable platelet aggregation inhibitory effect in patients with ACS regardless of CYP2C19 genotype, reduced cardiac enzyme release, and prevented cardiac remodeling after ACS.
Limitations of Preferential Enrichment: A Case Study on Tryptophan Ethyl Ester Hydrochloride
Authors: De Saint Jores Clément , Brandel Clément , Gharbi Najla , Sanselme Morgane , Cardinael Pascal , Coquerel Gérard 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSince eutomer and distomer show different biological effects, access to pure enantiomers is essential. Preferential enrichment is a relatively new process of chiral resolution developed in the 90s. Extension of its scope was attempted with tryptophan ethyl ester hydrochloride. This salt meets one of the most important requirements for preferential enrichment, namely, a larger solubility for the pure enantiomers with reference to the racemic compound. But, due to the absence of a solid solution, this salt cannot perform preferential enrichment. This impossibility was endorsed by semi‐empirical molecular modeling.
Mn3O4@NC Composite Nanorods as a Cathode for Rechargeable Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Sun Ming , Li Dong‐Shuai , Wang Yi‐Fan , Liu Wei‐Liang , Ren Man‐Man , Kong Fan‐Gong , Wang Shou‐Juan , Guo Yong‐Ze , Liu Yong‐Mei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRechargeable aqueous zinc‐ion batteries (ZIBs) have attracted escalating attention recently, owing to their energy density, decreasing cost, advanced safety, and environmental benignity. Nevertheless, ZIBs still lack suitable cathode materials with stable cycling performance, owing to the high polarization of zinc ion. Therefore, developing candidate materials with excellent properties remains a great challenge. Herein, we successfully synthesize a novel Mn3O4@N‐doped carbon matrix composite nanorods (Mn3O4@NC Nrs) by using MnOOH nanorods (the self‐sacrifice templates) and polypyrrole (carbon and nitrogen source). Benefiting from the N‐doped carbon shell and the synergetic effect of Zn2+ and Mn2+ in the electrolyte, the Mn3O4@NC Nrs show superior cycling stability and long cycling features for ZIBs. Specifically, the zinc cell conducts a high reversible capacity of 280 mAh g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and retains a high reversible capacity of 97 mAh g−1 at 1000 mA g−1 after 700 cycles. In addition, the work provides a new approach to fabricate long‐term and high‐rate capability cathodes for ZIBs.
Ambulatory status after surgical and nonsurgical treatment for spinal metastasis
Authors: Schoenfeld Andrew J. , Losina Elena , Ferrone Marco L. , Schwab Joseph H. , Chi John H. , Blucher Justin A. , Silva Genevieve S. , Chen Angela T. , Harris Mitchel B. , Kang James D. , Katz Jeffrey N. 
Published: April 2019

BackgroundDecisions for operative or nonoperative management remain challenging for patients with spinal metastases, especially when life expectancy and quality of life are not easily predicted. This study evaluated the effects of operative and nonoperative management on maintenance of ambulatory function and survival for patients treated for spinal metastases.MethodsPropensity matching was used to yield an analytic sample in which operatively and nonoperatively treated patients were similar with respect to key baseline covariates. The study included patients treated for spinal metastases between 2005 and 2017 who were 40 to 80 years old, were independent ambulators at presentation, and had fewer than 5 medical comorbidities. It evaluated the influence of operative care and nonoperative care on ambulatory function 6 months after presentation as the primary outcome. Survival at 6 months and survival at 1 year were secondary outcomes.ResultsNine hundred twenty‐nine individuals eligible for inclusion were identified, with 402 (201 operative patients and 201 nonoperative patients) retained after propensity score matching. Patients treated operatively had a lower likelihood than those treated nonoperatively of being nonambulatory 6 months after presentation (3% vs 16%; relative risk [RR], 0.16; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06‐0.46) as well as a reduced risk of 6‐month mortality (20% vs 29%; RR, 0.69; 95% CI, 0.49‐0.98).ConclusionsThese results indicate that in a group of patients with similar demographic and clinical characteristics, those treated operatively were less likely to lose ambulatory function 6 months after presentation than those managed nonoperatively. For patients with spinal metastases, our data can be incorporated into discussions about the treatments that align best with patients’ preferences regarding surgical risk, mortality, and ambulatory status.
Continuous‐Flow Visible Light Organophotocatalysis for Direct Arylation of 2H‐Indazoles: Fast Access to Drug Molecules
Authors: Vidyacharan Shinde , Ramanjaneyulu Bandaru T. , Jang Seungwook , Kim Dong‐Pyo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA continuous‐flow homogeneous photocatalytic method has been devised for the direct arylation of 2H‐indazoles. This visible‐light‐promoted approach directly accesses a wide range of structurally diverse C3‐arylated scaffolds of biological interest in a fast (1 min), single‐step reaction by using eosin Y as an organophotocatalyst. Furthermore, a microreactor technology is also employed for the fast synthesis of liver X receptor inhibitor drugs with very good yields under metal‐free conditions, whereas the reported methods required multiple steps and much longer reaction times (18–24 h).
Resting Escherichia coli as Chassis for Microbial Electrosynthesis: Production of Chiral Alcohols
Authors: Mayr Jeannine C. , Grosch Jan‐Hendrik , Hartmann Lena , Rosa Luis F. M. , Spiess Antje C. , Harnisch Falk 
Published: April 2019

AbstractInvited for this month′s cover are the groups of Falk Harnisch at the Helmholtz‐Centre for Environmental Research – UFZ in Leipzig and of Antje C. Spieß at the TU Braunschweig. The image illustrates the essence of the outcome of their collaborative work: to have demonstrated that the workhorse of white biotechnology E. coli can serve as a chassis for the microbial electrochemical production of chiral compounds. The Communication itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201900413.
Fluctuation‐independent niche differentiation and relative non‐linearity drive coexistence in a species‐rich grassland
Authors: Zepeda Verónica , Martorell Carlos 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDespite the advances in ecological theory, evidence for the relative importance of the different mechanisms that promote species coexistence is lacking. Some mechanisms depend on the presence of interannual fluctuations in the environment combined with interspecific differences in the responses to such fluctuations. Among coexistence mechanisms, niche differentiation and storage effects have received much attention, whereas relative non‐linearity (RNL) has been thought to be an unlikely and weak mechanism for multi‐species coexistence and remains untested in nature. We quantified the relative contribution of different mechanisms to the coexistence of 19 grassland species by using field‐parameterized population models and invasion analysis. Our results showed that 17 out of 19 species had the potential to coexist stably. Species diversity was maintained by RNL and large fluctuation‐independent niche differences, i.e., between‐species differentiation that is unrelated to interannual variations in environmental factors. Moreover, RNL increased the fitness of species that were less favored by niche differentiation, contributing to their persistence in the community. Storage effect was negligible or destabilizing, making no contribution to stable coexistence. These results, altogether with recent theoretical developments and indirect evidence in published data, call for a reassessment of RNL as a relevant mechanism for multi‐species coexistence in nature.