bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of azo‐functionalized ion‐imprinted polymeric resin for selective extraction of nickel(II) ions
Authors: Monier Mohammed , Shafik Amira L , Abdel‐Latif Doaa A 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe work presented involved the fabrication and evaluation of an ion‐imprinted azo‐functionalized phenolic resin for selective extraction of Ni2+ions from aqueous media. The azo‐containing ligand was first synthesized by coupling of ap‐aminophenol diazonium salt with resorcinol. The ligand was coordinated with Ni2+ion template before condensation polymerization with formaldehyde and resorcinol was performed. The Ni2+ions were extracted from the crosslinked resin matrix to finally afford the Ni2+ion‐imprinted Ni‐PARF adsorbent. The synthetic steps were extensively investigated using elemental analysis and Fourier transform infrared, NMR and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopies. Also, the surface morphologies along with the surface areas of the adsorbent resin were evaluated using scanning electron microscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller techniques, respectively. Batch experiments indicated that the pseudo‐second‐order kinetic equation provided the best fit with the experimentally obtained kinetic data and equilibrium was reached after 40 min. The isotherm studies were also in a good fit with the Langmuir model and the maximum adsorption capacities of Ni2+ions with respect to both Ni‐PARF and control non‐imprinted C‐PARF adsorbents were around 260 and 100 mg g−1, respectively. In the presence of Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+and Pb2+as competing coexisting ions, the relative selectivity coefficients of Ni‐PARF for Ni2+were, respectively, 84.91, 44.97, 30.41 and 32.20. Regeneration experiments indicated that after eight adsorption/desorption cycles, the Ni‐PARF adsorbent still maintained around 97% of its initial efficiency. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Shape memory composites based on a thermoplastic elastomer polyethylene with carbon nanostructures stimulated by heat and solar radiation having piezoresistive behavior
Authors: Palza Humberto , Zapata Paula , Sagredo Christian 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA thermoplastic elastomer polyethylene (TEPE) based on an ethylene/1‐butene copolymer having shape memory effect (SME) without any chemical modification is presented and the effect of adding either carbon nanotubes or thermally reduced graphite oxide is analyzed. For electrical percolated samples, the development of a polymer sensor that changes its electrical conductivity under solar radiation triggered by SME is further presented. Our results showed that programmed samples recovered their permanent shape showing SME under a direct heating stimulus at 60 °C. The addition of carbon nanostructures increased the times needed to reach 100% recovery as compared with pure TEPE. Noteworthy, the SME was also stimulated remotely by solar radiation increasing the sample temperature. Composites presented a faster SME under this remote radiation process as compared with pure TEPE due to their higher radiation absorption. Percolated TEPE/carbon nanotube composites displayed further a decrease in the electrical resistivity during SME under this solar radiation. Finally, our results showed that the glass transition also triggered the SME in these samples allowing the development of triple shape memory polyethylenes without any chemical crosslinking process. Based on these findings, a simple route was developed to produce double, or even triple, shape memory piezoresistive polyethylenes that can be activated remotely by solar radiation. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Efficiency enhancement of bifacial PERC solar cells with laser‐doped selective emitter and double‐screen‐printed Al grid
Authors: Wu Weiliang , Zhang Zhongwei , Zheng Fei , Lin Wenjie , Liang Zongcun , Shen Hui 
Published: April 2018

AbstractWe report that the application of a laser‐doped selective emitter (SE) can improve the trade‐off between the recombination in the emitter and the Ag‐Si specific contact resistance and that a double‐screen‐printed rear aluminum grid can decrease the series resistance in the industrial bifacial passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC). Our results reveal that a front‐side efficiency of 21.9% can be achieved in the PERC (SE)+ solar cell by using low surface‐recombination Al2O3/SiNx films as passivation layers, low‐recombination emitter, and low resistive Ag‐Si contact with an optimized sheet resistance of the lightly doped area of SE with 125Ω/sq and sheet resistance of the highly doped area of SE with 70 Ω/sq. The highest front‐side efficiency of 22.0%, with open‐circuit voltage of 680 mV, short‐circuit current density of 40.1 mA/cm2, and fill factors of 80.8%, is obtained by using double‐screen‐printed rear Al grid process, which is 0.1% higher than the best PERC (SE)+ solar cell. The rear‐side double‐layer antireflection coating consists of 50 nm SiNx:H (n = 2.1) and 10 nm SiNx:H (n = 2.37), which enables a large bifacial gain with the output power density PMPP of 25.5 mW/cm2 in the PERC (SE)+ solar cell by using double‐screen‐printed rear Al grid process when rear‐side illumination intensity Erear = 0.25 suns.
Analysis of Human Nuclear Protein Complexes by Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Profiling
Authors: Connelly Katelyn E. , Hedrick Victoria , Paschoal Sobreira Tiago Jose , Dykhuizen Emily C. , Aryal Uma K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAnalysis of protein complexes provides insights into how the ensemble of expressed proteome is organized into functional units. While there have been advances in techniques for proteome‐wide profiling of cytoplasmic protein complexes, information about human nuclear protein complexes are very limited. To close this gap, we combined native size exclusion chromatography (SEC) with label‐free quantitative MS profiling to characterize hundreds of nuclear protein complexes isolated from human glioblastoma multiforme T98G cells. We identified 1794 proteins that overlapped between two biological replicates of which 1244 proteins were characterized as existing within stably associated putative complexes. co‐IP experiments confirmed the interaction of PARP1 with Ku70/Ku80 proteins and HDAC1 (histone deacetylase complex 1) and CHD4. HDAC1/2 also co‐migrated with various SIN3A and nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase components in SEC fractionation including SIN3A, SAP30, RBBP4, RBBP7, and NCOR1. Co‐elution of HDAC1/2/3 with both the KDM1A and RCOR1 further confirmed that these proteins are integral components of human deacetylase complexes. Our approach also demonstrated the ability to identify potential moonlighting complexes and novel complexes containing uncharacterized proteins. Overall, the results demonstrated the utility of SEC fractionation and LC–MS analysis for system‐wide profiling of proteins to predict the existence of distinct forms of nuclear protein complexes.
Studies in sulfur‐nitrogen nucleophilicity
Authors: Caserio Marjorie C. , Kim Jhong K. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAs part of a study of nitrogen vs sulfur nucleophiles, the behavior of methylation products from dimethyl‐(2‐methylthioethyl)amine CH3SCH2CH2N(CH3)2 1 is described. Of the 2 potential products (a sulfonium salt or an ammonium salt), the ammonium salt from N‐methylation 2 dominated. The isomeric sulfonium salt 3 prepared by an independent route was found to be unstable and rearranged to the isomeric ammonium salt. The rearrangement pathway was investigated using deuterium‐labeled reactants. The sulfonium salt 3 also produced a piperazinium double salt 9 on heating. The reaction pathway was also followed by deuterium labeling. The results support the conclusion that production of the double salt 9 involves intermediate formation of N,N‐dimethylaziridium ion 4.
Phenyl rotation barrier in Z‐azobenzene: A physical organic problem in honor of J.D.R.
Authors: Brittain William J. , Rastogi Shiva K. , Rogers Robert A. , Rinaldi Peter 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe Z isomer of azobenzene exhibits nonbonded interactions between ortho substituents on adjacent phenyl groups. For o,o′‐difluoroazobenzene derivatives, through‐space 19F‐19F spin‐spin coupling is observed. The coupling constant decreases as the nuclear magnetic resonance probe temperature is decreased culminating in collapse to a single peak. We have used density functional theory and X‐ray crystallography to argue that phenyl group rotation is responsible for this loss of through‐space coupling. We experimentally measured phenyl rotation barriers in the range of 37 to 44 kJ/mol for o,o′‐difluoroazobenzene derivatives. These rotation barriers are qualitatively similar to literature experimental values for fluxional systems but higher than calculated values for Z‐azobenzene.This is the only project in 35 years that I discussed with J.D.R. This mechanistic interpretation of an unusual nuclear magnetic resonance phenomenon is a classic physical organic investigation inspired by my training with Roberts. I tell this scientific story interwoven with a few observations about working with Roberts.
Interprofessional, psycho‐social intervention to facilitate resilience and reduce supportive care needs for patients with cancer: Results of a noncomparative, randomized phase II trial
Authors: Eicher Manuela , Ribi Karin , Senn‐Dubey Catherine , Senn Stefanie , Ballabeni Pierluigi , Betticher Daniel 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe developed 2 intensity levels of a complex intervention for interprofessional supportive care in cancer (IPSC‐C) to facilitate resilience and reduce unmet supportive care needs. We aimed to test the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of both intensity levels in routine practice.MethodsIn a randomized, noncomparative phase II trial, newly diagnosed patients received either low (LI‐IPSC‐C) or high (HI‐IPSC‐C) intensity interventions. Low‐intensity‐interprofessional supportive care in cancer (LI‐IPSC‐C) consisted of 3 electronic assessments of resilience, unmet supportive care needs, mood, and coping effort over 16 weeks with an immediate feedback to clinicians including tailored intervention recommendations to facilitate resilience and supportive care. High‐intensity‐interprofessional supportive care in cancer (HI‐IPSC‐C) added 5 structured consultations (face‐to‐face and telephone) provided by specialized nurses. Primary outcome was a change ≥5 in resilience score on the Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale (CD‐RISC). Secondary outcomes were unmet supportive care needs, mood, and coping effort. We assessed feasibility by clinician‐provided tailored interventions as recommended and acceptability through qualitative interviews with clinicians and patients.ResultsIn the LI‐IPSC‐C arm, 11 of 41, in the HI‐IPSC‐C arm 17 of 43, patients increased resilience scores by ≥5. Relatively more patients decreased unmet needs in HI‐IPSC‐C arm. Mood, in both arms, and coping effort, in HI‐IPSC‐C arm, improved meaningfully. Feasibility was limited for the LI‐IPSC‐C arm, mainly due to lack of time; acceptability was high in both arms.ConclusionNeither LI‐IPSC‐C nor HI‐IPSC‐C interventions reached the desired threshold. HI‐IPSC‐C showed positive effects on secondary outcomes and was feasible. Resilience as measured by the CD‐RISC may not be the optimal outcome measure for this intervention.
Modified Tal Score: Validated score for prediction of bronchiolitis severity
Authors: Golan‐Tripto Inbal , Goldbart Aviv , Akel Khaled , Dizitzer Yotam , Novack Victor , Tal Asher 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectiveTo further validate the use of the Modified Tal Score (MTS), a clinical tool for assessing bronchiolitis severity, by physicians with varying experience and training levels, and to determine the ability of the MTS to predict bronchiolitis severity.MethodsThis prospective cohort study included infants of <12 months of age who were diagnosed with bronchiolitis and assessed via MTS. We calculated the intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) among four groups of raters: group 1, board‐certified pediatric pulmonologists; group 2, board‐certified pediatricians; group 3, senior pediatric residents; and group 4, junior pediatric residents. Clinical outcomes were determined as length of oxygen support and length of stay (LOS). We assessed MTS's prediction of these outcomes. Relative risk (RR) for clinical severity was calculated via a Generalized Linear Model.ResultsTwenty‐four physicians recorded a total of 600 scores for 50 infants (average age 5 ± 3 months; 56% male). The ICC values with group 1 as a reference were 0.92, 0.87, and 0.83, for groups 2, 3, and 4, respectively (P < 0.001). RR for oxygen support required was; 1.33 (CI 1.12‐1.57), 1.26 (1.1‐1.46), 1.26 (1.06‐1.5), and 1.21 (0.93‐1.58) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. RR for LOS was; 1.15 (CI 0.97‐1.37), 1.19 (1.03‐1.38), 1.18 (1.0‐1.39), and 1.18 (0.93‐1.51) for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively.ConclusionThe MTS is a simple and valid scoring system for evaluating infants with acute bronchiolitis, among different physician groups. The first score upon admission is a fair predictor of oxygen requirement at 48 h, and LOS at 72 h.
Hyperviscoelastic Constitutive Modelling of Solid Propellants with Damage and Compressibility
Authors: Kumar Nomesh , Patel Badri Prasad , Rao V. Venkateswara , Subhaschandran B. S. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFilled elastomers especially composite solid propellants demonstrate strain rate dependent, large deformation/large strain, thermo‐rheological, stress relaxation, stress softening due to microstructural damage and compressible constitutive behavior. This paper presents a micromechanism inspired framework capturing all the above mentioned features by combining both continuum formulation of hyperelasticity, statistical formulation of viscoelasticity, compressibility and damage. The mechanical response is decomposed into equilibrium and time dependent parts. The equilibrium and time dependent parts are further decomposed into dilational and deviatoric parts. Deviatoric parts are modelled using Mooney‐ Rivlin hyperelastic strain energy density functions. Compressibility is modelled by considering dilatational part of strain energy density as the function of the dilation with quadratic and quartic terms. The stress softening during cyclic loading (Mullins effect) due to microstructural damage is described by polynomial function of the current strain energy density and its previous maximum value. The predictions based on the proposed model are in good agreement with the experimental results.
Understanding of multigene test results among males undergoing germline testing for inherited prostate cancer: Implications for genetic counseling
Authors: Giri Veda N. , Obeid Elias , Hegarty Sarah E. , Gross Laura , Bealin Lisa , Hyatt Colette , Fang Carolyn Y. , Leader Amy 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundGenetic testing (GT) for prostate cancer (PCA) is rising, with limited insights regarding genetic counseling (GC) needs of males. Genetic Evaluation of Men (GEM) is a prospective multigene testing study for inherited PCA. Men undergoing GC were surveyed on knowledge of cancer risk and genetics (CRG) and understanding of personal GT results to identify GC needs.MethodsGEM participants with or high‐risk for PCA were recruited. Pre‐test GC was in‐person, with video and handout, or via telehealth. Post‐test disclosure was in‐person, by phone, or via telehealth. Clinical and family history data were obtained from participant surveys and medical records. Participants completed measures of knowledge of CRG, literacy, and numeracy pre‐test and post‐test. Understanding of personal genetic results was assessed post‐test. Factors associated with knowledge of CRG and understanding of personal genetic results were examined using multivariable linear regression or McNemar's test.ResultsAmong 109 men who completed pre‐ and post‐GT surveys, multivariable analysis revealed family history meeting hereditary cancer syndrome (HCS) criteria was significantly predictive of higher baseline knowledge (P = 0.040). Of 101 men who responded definitively regarding understanding of results, 13 incorrectly reported their result (McNemar's P < 0.001). Factors significantly associated with discordance between reported and actual results included having a variant of uncertain significance (VUS) (P < 0.001) and undergoing GC via pre‐test video and post‐test phone disclosure (P = 0.015).ConclusionsWhile meeting criteria for HCS was associated with higher knowledge of CRG, understanding of personal GT results was lacking among a subset of males with VUS. A more exploratory finding was lack of understanding of results among men who underwent GC utilizing video and phone. Studies optimizing GC strategies for males undergoing multigene testing for inherited PCA are warranted.
Quercetin protects against chronic prostatitis in rat model through NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Meng Ling‐Quan , Yang Fei‐Ya , Wang Ming‐Shuai , Shi Ben‐Kang , Chen De‐Xi , Chen Dong , Zhou Qiang , He Qing‐Bao , Ma Lin‐Xiang , Cheng Wen‐Long , Xing Nian‐Zeng 
Published: April 2018

BackgroundChronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common disease of urology, of which the pathogenesis and therapy remain to be further elucidated. Quercetin has been reported to improve the symptoms of CP/CPPS patients. We aimed to verify the therapeutic effect of quercetin on CP/CPPS and identify the mechanism responsible for it.MethodsA novel CP/CPPS model induced with Complete Freund Adjuvant in Sprague Dawley rats was established and the prostates and blood specimens were harvested for further measurement after oral administration of quercetin for 4 weeks.ResultsIncreased prostate index and infiltration of lymphocytes, up‐regulated expression of IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐17A, MCP1, and TNFα, decreased T‐SOD, CAT, GSH‐PX, and increased MDA, enhanced phosphorylation of NF‐κB, P38, ERK1/2, and SAPK/JNK were detected in CP/CPPS rat model. Quercetin was identified to ameliorate the histo‐pathologic changes, decrease the expression of pro‐inflammatory cytokines IL‐1β, IL‐2, IL‐6, IL‐17A, MCP1, and TNFα, improve anti‐oxidant capacity, and suppress the phosphorylation of NF‐κB and MAPKs.ConclusionsQuercetin has specific protective effect on CP/CPPS, which is mediated by anti‐inflammation, anti‐oxidation, and at least partly through NF‐κB and MAPK signaling pathways.
Effects of cyclophosphamide administration on the in vitro fertilization of mice
Authors: Koike Megumi , Kanda Akiko , Kido Kyoko , Goto Kaori , Kumasako Yoko , Nagaki Miyuki , Otsu Eiko , Araki Yasuyuki , Araki Yasuhisa , Kawabe Fumiko , Kai Yufuko , Utsunomiya Takafumi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the oocyte fertilization ability and embryo growth after cyclophosphamide (CPA) treatment in mice.MethodsMice were treated with CPA at different doses (0‐800 mg/kg body weight). The oocytes then were retrieved and evaluated for their in vitro fertilization efficiency.ResultsThe average number of metaphase II (MII) oocytes significantly decreased by ≥400 mg/kg CPA administration. The fertilization rate also decreased in the group that was treated with ≥400 mg/kg CPA. However, after fertilization, the embryos demonstrated normal growth ability. Two weeks after CPA administration, the number of mice from which the oocytes could be retrieved markedly decreased, but the fertilization rate and development of morphological features in the embryos were similar to those of the controls. One month after CPA administration, the number of mice from which the oocytes could be retrieved, fertilization rate, and development of the morphological features in the embryos were similar to those of the controls.ConclusionThe number of oocytes decreased as the CPA administration level increased; however, the oocytes' potential for fertilization and development to the blastocyst stage was not significantly affected. One month after CPA administration, the number of oocytes and the potential for development into blastocysts were recovered.
Robust adaptive control for a class of semi‐strict feedback systems with state and input constraints
Authors: Zhang Zhikai , Duan Guangren , Hu Yanmei 
Published: April 2018

SummaryThis paper proposes a dynamic surface control (DSC)–based robust adaptive control scheme for a class of semi‐strict feedback systems with full‐state and input constraints. In the control scheme, a constraint transformation method is employed to prevent the transgression of the full‐state constraints. Specifically, the state constraints are firstly represented as the surface error constraints, then, an error transformation is introduced to convert the constrained surface errors into new equivalent variables without constraints. By ensuring the boundedness of the transformed variables, the violation of the state constraints can be prevented. Moreover, in order to obtain magnitude limited virtual control signal for the recursive design, the saturations are incorporated into the control law. The auxiliary design systems are constructed to analyze the effects of the introduced saturations and the input constraints. Rigorous theoretical analysis demonstrates that the proposed control law can guarantee all the closed‐loop signals are uniformly ultimately bounded, the tracking error converges to a small neighborhood of origin, and the full‐state constraints are not violated. Compared with the existing results, the key advantages of the proposed control scheme include: (i) the utilization of the constraint transformation can handle both time‐varying symmetric and asymmetric state constraints and static ones in a unified framework; (ii) the incorporation of the saturations permits the removal of a feasibility analysis step and avoids solving the constrained optimization problem; and (iii) the “explosion of complexity” in traditional backstepping design is avoided by using the DSC technique. Simulations are finally given to confirm the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
A polarimetric Doppler radar time‐series simulator for biological applications
Authors: Stepanian Phillip M. , Mirkovic Djordje , Chilson Phillip B. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThe high mobility of airborne organisms makes them inherently difficult to study, motivating the use of radars and radar networks as biological surveillance tools. While the utility of radar for ecological studies has been demonstrated, a number of challenges remain in expanding and optimizing their use for surveillance of birds, bats and insects. To explore these topics, a Lagrangian simulation scheme has been developed to synthesize realistic, polarimetric, pulsed Doppler radar baseband signals from modelled flocks of biological point scatterers. This radar simulation algorithm is described, and an application is presented using an agent‐based model of the nocturnal emergence of a cave‐dwelling colony of Brazilian free‐tailed bats (Tadarida brasiliensis). Dual‐polarization radar signals for an S‐band weather surveillance radar are synthesized and used to develop a new extension of the spectral velocity azimuth display for polarimetric roost‐ring signature analysis, demonstrating one capability of this simulation scheme. While these developments will have direct benefits for radar engineers and meteorologists, continuing investment in radar methods such as these will have cascading effects toward improving ecological models and developing new observational techniques for monitoring aerial wildlife.