bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(l‐glutamic acid)‐based micellar hydrogel with improved mechanical performance and proteins loading
Authors: Yu Xi , Zhang Kunxi , Kong Xiaobo , Yin Jingbo 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTSoft tissues, such as fat and skin, present high flexibility and are capable of withstanding large deformation in various functions. Hydrogels that can resemble the mechanical performance of soft tissue are unique and widely demanded. In this study, micellar hydrogels based on biocompatible poly(l‐glutamic acid) (PLGA) were designed with the enhanced capacity to bear large deformation. Amphipathic triblock copolymer poly(ethylene glycol) acrylate‐co‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐co‐poly (ethylene glycol) acrylate (APEG‐PCL‐APEG) with two terminal double bonds was synthesized and self‐assembled into micelles. At the same time, graft copolymers, poly(l‐glutamic acid)‐g‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate (PLGA‐g‐HEMA) with double bonds were synthesized. APEG‐PCL‐APEG micelles and PLGA‐g‐HEMA were mixed to construct micellar hydrogel via radical polymerization. The crystalline structure and hydrophobic aggregation of copolymers (APEG‐PCL‐APEG) were found to associate with PCL molecular weight. Due to the hydrophobic stress dissipation and crystalline structure of the micelles, the softness and toughness of hydrogels were promoted, exhibiting a 25% increase in ultimate strain. Moreover, the micellar hydrogels were able to load proteins with long‐term retention. In addition, under dynamic mechanical stimulation, the release of proteins could be accelerated. Besides, the micellar hydrogels also supported rabbit adipose‐derived stem cells (rASCs) growth, thus exhibiting the potential toward soft tissue engineering. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2019, 57, 1115–1125
Health status in South Australians caring for people with cancer: A population‐based study
Authors: Luckett Tim , Agar Meera , DiGiacomo Michelle , Lam Lawrence , Phillips Jane 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo compare physical and mental health status between cancer carers versus non‐carers in a population‐based sample and explore sociodemographic and caring characteristics associated with poor carer health status.MethodsThe South Australian Health Omnibus is a population‐based cross‐sectional survey. Carer status was self‐defined by participants as having cared for someone with cancer in the last 5 years. Health status was considered poor if it was 0.5 standard deviation lower than Australian norms on the Medical Outcomes Study 12‐Item Short‐Form (SF‐12) physical and mental component summary scores (PCS and MCS). Regression analyses compared mean PCS/MCS between carers versus non‐carers, controlling for sociodemographic variables, and explored associations between poor health status and caring and support among carers.ResultsThe weighted sample included 2962 people, of whom 374 (12.6%) were cancer carers and 1993 (67.3%) non‐carers. Carers had significantly worse PCS/MCS, controlling for sociodemographic variables, but did not differ significantly regarding proportions with poor health status. Carer characteristics associated with poor PCS and MCS included socio‐economic indicators and involvement in medication management. Assisting with household tasks was protective.ConclusionsThis population‐based study followed those previous ones in finding cancer carers to have poorer mean health status than non‐carers. However, differences were less pronounced than previously reported, likely because of the sample being drawn from a general rather than cancer service population and including past as well as current carers, as well as all cancer types and stages. Future longitudinal research is needed to identify factors that predict recovery post caring.
Associations of preloss and postloss factors with severe depressive symptoms and quality of life over the first 2 years of bereavement for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chou Wen‐Chi , Chen Jen‐Shi , Chang Wen‐Cheng , Hsieh Chia‐Hsun , Shen Wen Chi , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundFamily caregivers carry heavy end‐of‐life (EOL) caregiving burdens, with their physical and psychological well‐being threatened from caregiving to bereavement. However, caregiving burden has rarely been examined as a risk factor for bereavement adjustment to disentangle the wear‐and‐tear vs relief models of bereavement.Objective/MethodsPreloss and postloss variables associated with severe depressive symptoms and quality of life (QOL) for 201 terminally ill cancer patients' caregivers over their first 2 years of bereavement were simultaneously evaluated using multivariate hierarchical linear modeling. Severe depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale score > 16) and QOL (physical and mental component summaries of the Medical Outcomes Study Short‐Form Health Survey) were measured 1, 3, 6, 13, 18, and 24 months postloss.ResultsCaregivers' likelihood of severe depressive symptoms and mental health‐related QOL improved significantly from the second year and throughout the first 2 years of bereavement, respectively, whereas physical health‐related QOL remained steady over time. Higher subjective caregiving burden and postloss concurrent greater social support and better QOL were associated with bereaved caregivers' lower likelihood of severe depressive symptoms. Bereaved caregivers' mental health‐related QOL was facilitated and impeded by concurrent greater perceived social support and severe depressive symptoms, respectively.ConclusionSevere depressive symptoms and mental health‐related QOL improved substantially, whereas physical health‐related QOL remained steady over the first 2 years of bereavement for cancer patients' caregivers. Timely referrals to adequate bereavement services should be promoted for at‐risk bereaved caregivers, thus addressing their support needs and facilitating their bereavement adjustment.
Illness uncertainty, partner support, and quality of life: A dyadic longitudinal investigation of couples facing prostate cancer
Authors: Varner Sydneyjane , Lloyd Gillian , Ranby Krista W. , Callan Stephanie , Robertson Cary , Lipkus Isaac M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveProstate cancer (PC) and its treatment often result in chronic, negative side‐effects that affect both patients and their romantic partners. Illness uncertainty is a chronic stressor that impacts PC patients and their partners and, if left unmanaged, predicts decreased interpersonal functioning and quality of life (QOL) after treatment is complete. This study explored associations among psychosocial constructs, measured from both partners during the first year following a PC diagnosis, to better understand both partners' experiences and identify potential intervention targets for improving QOL.MethodsCouples (N = 165) in which one partner was undergoing treatment for PC were recruited from the Duke University Medical Center of Urology. Patients and their partners were surveyed at four time points: diagnosis and 1‐, 6‐, and 12‐months post treatment. An Actor‐Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) framework was used to examine associations among perceived partner support, nonsupportive behaviors, illness uncertainty, relationship satisfaction, and physical and mental QOL.ResultsPartners feeling more supported at diagnosis was related to patients feeling more supported at 6 months. When patients' illness uncertainty decreased between diagnosis and 1 month, partners reported feeling more supported and engaging in fewer nonsupportive behaviors at 6‐months post‐treatment. Finally, partners' reports of support at 6 months predicted patients' 12‐month ratings of physical and mental QOL and relationship satisfaction.ConclusionsFindings highlight psychological interdependence between PC patients and their partners. Future interventions to improve long‐term QOL in couples facing PC may benefit by targeting both partner support and illness uncertainty.
A systematic review of factors affecting quality of life after postmastectomy breast reconstruction in women with breast cancer
Authors: Sousa Helena , Castro Sónia , Abreu Joaquim , Pereira M. Graça 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of this study is to present a broader perspective of factors affecting the quality of life after postmastectomy breast reconstruction in women with breast cancer by considering these patients' self‐reported outcomes.MethodsThe search was performed from 29 March to 19 April 2019, on the following databases: PsycInfo; Web of Science Core Collection, Current Contents Connect, Derwent Innovations Index, KCI‐Korean Journal Database, Russian Science Citation Index, SciELO Citation Index, and MEDLINE. The studies were included if they identified factors affecting self‐reported quality of life after breast reconstruction, in women with breast cancer.ResultsOne hundred and twenty‐two records were identified. After quality assessment, 44 studies were included for qualitative synthesis. This review comprised a total of 16 683 women who underwent breast reconstruction. The results identified a broad collection of 32 empirically based variables associated with several domains of quality of life. These variables were grouped into four categories: (a) surgical, (b) clinical, (c) psychosocial, and (d) sociodemographic variables.ConclusionsThis systematic review goes beyond surgical factors of morbidity and uses patient‐reported outcomes to scope wider issues that influence quality of life, such as psychosocial and sociodemographic variables. It sustains the need to adopt a more holistic approach and advises the consideration of preoperative psychosocial factors to better understand these patients' quality of life after breast reconstruction and to implement future preventive measures.
Concurrent validity and intratester reliability of the video‐based system for measuring gait poststroke
Authors: Aung Nilar , Bovonsunthonchai Sunee , Hiengkaew Vimonwan , Tretriluxana Jarugool , Rojasavastera Rommanee , Pheung‐Phrarattanatrai Anuchai 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackground and purposeSpatio‐temporal parameters are commonly used in gait assessment. Advanced tools provide valid and reliable data, considered very effective for physiotherapy intervention. However, these tools may be limited in clinical usage caused by complicated applicability, inaccessibility, and high cost. Therefore, a video‐based system is an alternative choice that is easy and affordable for the clinical setting. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the video‐based system against the validated instrumented gait system (Force Distribution Measurement [FDM]) on the spatio‐temporal gait parameters in individuals with stroke. In addition, the intratester reliability of a novice tester was determined.MethodsTwenty individuals with stroke participated in the study. Gait was captured by the video‐based and FDM systems simultaneously to measure the degree of concurrent validity. Parameters composed of the affected and unaffected step lengths (cm) and step time (s), stride length (cm), gait velocity (m/s), and cadence (steps/min). Pearson correlation coefficient, paired t test, and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) were used to determine the concurrent validity, the difference of the data, and intratester reliability.ResultsAll spatio‐temporal gait parameters showed excellent degrees of correlation (rp = .94 to.99, p <.001) between the video‐based and FDM systems. No significant difference in all parameters was found between the two systems. Excellent intratester reliability (ICC3,1 = 0.91 to 0.99, p < .001) of all gait parameters were found in a novice tester.ConclusionThe video‐based system was valid and reliable for a novice tester to measure the spatio‐temporal gait parameters in individuals with stroke.
Finite‐time consensus of Euler‐Lagrange agents without velocity measurements via energy shaping
Authors: Cruz‐Zavala Emmanuel , Nuño Emmanuel , Moreno Jaime A. 
Published: August 2019

SummaryMotivated by the energy‐shaping framework and the properties of homogeneous systems, this paper deals with the problem of achieving consensus of multiple Euler‐Lagrange (EL) systems using the energy shaping plus damping injection principles of passivity‐based control. We propose a method to derive a novel family of decentralized controllers that is capable of solving the leaderless and the leader‐follower consensus problems in finite‐time in networks of fully actuated EL systems without employing velocity measurements. As in the energy‐shaping methodology, the controller is another EL system and the plant‐controller interconnection is the gradient of a suitable defined potential function. The potential energy and dissipation functions, of the controller, are provided with some homogeneous properties in order to achieve finite‐time convergence. This paper provides several simulations that corroborate the performance of different controllers.
A practical framework to assess the hydrodynamic impact of ship waves on river banks
Authors: Fleit Gábor , Baranya Sándor , Krámer Tamás , Bihs Hans , Józsa János 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe temporal alteration of the hydrodynamic regime in rivers due to navigation has significant effects on riverine ecosystems. Most of the key mechanisms and interactions between hydrodynamic and ecological variables have already been revealed; however, the quantitative evaluation of biotic and abiotic variables still stands a challenge. This paper aims to present a thorough, spatiotemporal framework, involving field and computational tools, for the assessment of wave hydrodynamics in the littoral zone of rivers, where its ecological relevance is the most significant. The temporal variation of significant wave heights is derived from high‐frequency pressure measurements, offering a well‐comparable statistical evaluation of individual wave events considering the duration of different wave intensities. Acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) is used for the assessment of near‐bank velocities, from which the secondary wave‐related components have been filtered offering relevant validation data for numerical modelling. The small footprint of the ADVs is extended with up‐to‐date computational fluid dynamics modelling. Wave spectra derived from the pressure measurements are used as boundary conditions for phase‐resolved irregular wave modelling with the level set method based numerical model REEF3D. The properly validated model offers the assessment of the most relevant hydrodynamic variables (e.g., velocity or turbulent kinetic energy) in a spatially extended manner, from which the hydrodynamic footprint of the wave events can be interpreted in a statistical fashion. The implementation of the proposed framework is illustrated through a case study at a Hungarian section of the Danube River.
Environmental innovation practices and green product innovation performance: A perspective from organizational climate
Authors: Song Wenhao , Wang Guo‐Zheng , Ma Xifang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractGreen product innovation is critical to a firm's sustainability. Some studies have explored how to enhance a firm's green production innovation. In this research, we construct and test a research model for exploring the influence of environmental innovation practices (EIP) on green innovation performance, and we investigate the mechanisms underlying this relationship. Based on organizational creativity theory, we propose and test the hypothesis that EIP can affect creativity climate and green creativity, which in turn enhance green product innovation performance. Using survey data from 147 companies in China, we find that EIP directly and positively affect green creativity and indirectly influence green product innovation performance via green creativity. Thus, green creativity partially mediates the link between EIP and green product innovation performance. Our finding also indicates that creativity climate positively affect green creativity. Green product innovation performance is positively affected by creativity climate but not directly affected by EIP. The results further demonstrate that creativity climate fully mediates the link between EIP and green product innovation performance. Our findings suggest that firm' managers should shape the organizational creativity climate and encourage green creativity to enhance their firm's sustainability. Finally, we discuss the theoretical and practical implications, which can promote the firm's sustainability through environmental policy.
Estimation tools for reducing the impact of sampling and nonresponse errors in dual‐frame RDD telephone surveys
Authors: Wolter Kirk M. , Ganesh N. , Copeland Kennon R. , Singleton James A. , Khare Meena 
Published: August 2019

We discuss alternative estimators of the population total given a dual‐frame random‐digit‐dial (RDD) telephone survey in which samples are selected from landline and cell phone sampling frames. The estimators are subject to sampling and nonsampling errors. To reduce sampling variability when an optimum balance of landline and cell phone samples is not feasible, we develop an application of shrinkage estimation. We demonstrate the implications for survey weighting of a differential nonresponse mechanism by telephone status. We illustrate these ideas using data from the National Immunization Survey‐Child, a large dual‐frame RDD telephone survey sponsored by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and conducted to measure the vaccination status of American children aged 19 to 35 months.
Bioinspired First Stereoselective Total Synthesis of Spinosulfate B
Authors: Bokam Ramesh , Annam S. CH. V. Appa Rao , Yalavarthi Nageswara Rao , Gundoju Narayanarao , Ponnapalli Mangala Gowri 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAn efficient bioinspired stereoselective first total synthesis of spinosulfate B has been accomplished following Jacobsen's hydrolytic kinetic resolution, Stille coupling, olefin‐cross metathesis (OCM), Horner Wadsworth Emmons olefination, and De Brabander's esterification as key steps.
Recent Advance of Akt Inhibitors in Clinical Trials
Authors: Guo Kaiwen , Tang Wendi , Zhuo Huijun , Zhao Guisen 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe serine/threonine kinase Akt, also known as protein kinase B (PKB), exerts a critical role in the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase (PI3 K)‐Akt signaling pathway that involves in cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis and neo‐angiogenesis. Inhibition of Akt results in blockade of cell‐cycle progression and growth of tumors. Therefore, focusing on the drug design strategies to develop potent antitumor agents targeting Akt has been hot spot research areas. In this review, we summarized the intracellular functions of Akt, and outlined the development of Akt inhibitors in clinical trials.
Synthesis, Photophysical and Biological Properties of New Phthalocyanines Bearing Peripherally 4‐(Trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy Groups
Authors: Farajzadeh Nazli , Karaoğlu Hande Pekbelgin , Akin Mustafa , Saki Neslihan , Koçak Makbule Burkut 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, a novel phthalonitrile derivative namely 4‐(4‐(trifluoromethoxy)phenoxy) phthalonitrile (2) was introduced and characterized. A number of peripherally tetra‐substituted phthalocyanines (H2Pc, CuPc and PdPc) were obtained by cyclotetramerization of 2 in suitable high‐boiling solvents. Characterization of the resulting phthalocyanines has been performed by diverse techniques such as NMR, FTIR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Organic solvents like acetone, N,N‐Dimethylformamide (DMF) and dichloromethane (DCM) were utilized to investigate the influence of solvent nature on aggregation behavior of CuPc. In addition, the aggregation properties of the CuPc were studied in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and DCM at different concentrations ranging from 4×10 −6 to 14×10 −6 m. Fluorescence quantum yields of H2Pc and PdPc were determined in DMF. Fluorescence lifetime for H2Pc was calculated 2.07 ns, as well. The fluorescence quenching feature of H2Pc was explored by adding different concentrations of benzoquinone in DMF. The values of Ksv and kq for H2Pc were obtained 59.01 m−1 and 28.51 m−1ns−1, respectively. Moreover, tyrosinase inhibition and antioxidant activities of the phthalocyanines were studied by using TLC dot –blot technique and spectrophotometric assay. CuPc exhibited the highest inhibitory activity on tyrosinase enzyme. All tested molecules showed moderate antioxidant activity.
Dielectric Parameters of a Benzoate‐Based Chiral Rod‐Like Liquid Crystal
Authors: Özerol Esma Ahlatcıoğlu , Ocak Hale 
Published: August 2019

AbstractIn this study, the mesomorphic properties and dielectric parameters of a benzoate‐based chiral rod‐like liquid crystal 4‐[4‐(S)‐3,7‐Dimethyloctyloxybenzoyloxy]benzoic acid (DMOBB) were investigated. The rod‐like liquid crystal with (S)‐3,7‐Dimethyloctyloxy chiral moiety exhibits enantiotropically chiral nematic (N*) phase and a wide‐temperature chiral tilted smectic phase (SmC*) which is of a great interest due to broad application prospects. Dielectric Parameters of DMOBB chiral liquid crystal have been characterized by impedance spectroscopy in the frequency range between 1 Hz and 10 MHz at range of between 25 °C and 200 °C. In difference to the earlier works, this study provides a detailed investigation of the dielectric parameters of benzoate‐based chiral rod‐like liquid crystal.
One‐Pot Multicomponent Synthesis of Pyrano[2,3 c]pyrazole Derivatives Using CMCSO3H as a Green Catalyst
Authors: Ali Elham , Naimi‐Jamal M. Reza , Ghahramanzadeh Ramin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA promising application of sulfonated carboxymethylcellulose (SCMC) as a green heterogeneous catalyst in the synthesis of pyrano[2,3c]pyrazole derivatives has been studied here. Sulfonated carboxymethyl cellulose was synthesized through a new, green and efficient pathway. The synthesized SCMC catalyst was characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy, energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX) analysis, X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). Its catalytic ability was then investigated in the pyranopyrazole synthesis. The SCMC as a biopolymer‐derivative solid acid catalyst indicated catalytic activity in the one‐pot multi‐component synthesis of pyrano[2,3c]pyrazole derivatives using the reaction of ethyl acetoacetate, hydrazine hydrate, malononitrile, and various aldehydes in ethanol as a green solvent. The key features of this methodology are operational simplicity, use of a stable, recoverable, and non‐toxic catalyst, simple purification of the product by non‐chromatographic methods, high yields, environment‐friendly reaction, and economically lucrative.