bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
SNOT‐22 score patterns strongly negatively predict chronic rhinosinusitis in patients with headache
Authors: Wu Dawei , Gray Stacey T. , Holbrook Eric H. , BuSaba Nicolas Y. , Bleier Benjamin S. 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundDifferentiating the non‐sinogenic headache from chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) remains a significant clinical challenge due to the extensive overlap in symptoms. The objective of this study was to evaluate the 22‐item Sino‐Nasal Outcome Test (SNOT‐22) score patterns in patients with confirmed non‐sinogenic headache in order to develop negative predictors of CRS.MethodsInstitutional Review Board (IRB)‐approved, retrospective review of patients diagnosed with CRS or non‐sinogenic headache defined as patients with a chief complaint of headache, facial pain, and facial pressure in the absence of both endoscopic and computed tomography (CT) evidence of inflammation. The optimal cutoff points of potential predictors of non‐sinogenic headache by SNOT‐22 score were quantified by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The negative predictive values (NPVs) for CRS were calculated in a discovery population and then validated in an independent population.ResultsA total of 724 (164 non‐sinogenic headache and 560 CRS) and 412 (88 non‐sinogenic headache and 324 CRS) patients were recruited in the discovery and validation populations, respectively. Domain 3 (Ear/facial) and domain 4 (Psychological dysfunction) were significantly higher in patients with non‐sinogenic headache as compared with CRS while domain 1 (Rhinologic) and domain 2 (Extranasal rhinologic) were significantly lower. The top 4 predictors of non‐sinogenic headache were the domain 3 (Ear/facial)/domain 1 (Rhinologic) ratio, item 12, domain 3 (Ear/facial), and (item 12 + item 10)/(item 4 + item 5) ratio, with areas under the ROC curve (AUCs) ranging from 0.637 to 0.720 by ROC curve. A domain 3 (Ear/facial)/domain 1 (Rhinologic) ratio over 0.66 performed as the best negative predictor of CRS with the highest NPVs of 0.880 and 0.889 in the discovery and validation populations, respectively.ConclusionPatients with non‐sinogenic headache have distinct SNOT‐22 score patterns compared with patients with CRS. A domain 3 (Ear/facial)/domain 1 (Rhinologic) ratio greater than 0.66 is a strong negative predictor of CRS, which can be used to aid in patient counseling and potentially limit the use of unnecessary sinonasal therapeutics.
B cell lymphoma‐2‐like protein‐12 association with T‐helper 2 inflammation in chronic rhinosinusitis with allergy
Authors: An Yun‐Fang , Wu Yong‐Jin , Zeng Xian‐Hai , Song Li‐Juan , Ma Fei , Liao Wen‐Jing , Liu Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Gui , Zhang Xiao‐Wen , Liu Zhi‐Gang , Zhao Chang‐Qing , Yang Ping‐Chang 
Published: October 2018

BackgroundT‐helper 2 (Th2) polarization plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) with accompanying nasal allergy. Recent studies indicate that B cell lymphoma‐2‐like protein‐12 (Bcl2L12) is associated with immune dysregulation. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of Bcl2L12 in the pathogenesis of Th2 polarization of CRS patients.MethodsCRS patients with nasal allergy (CRSa) and without nasal allergy (CRSna) were recruited into this study. CD4+ T cells were isolated from the blood samples of human subjects. A variety of immunologic molecular strategies were used to assess Th2 polarization and Bcl2L12 expression.ResultsTwenty CRSa patients, 20 CRSna patients, and 20 healthy subjects were recruited into this study. High levels of immunoglobulin E (IgE), interleukin 4 (IL‐4), IL‐5, IL‐13, and Bcl2L12 were detected in nasal extracts of CRSa patients, but not in CRSna patients. The levels of Bcl2L12 were positively correlated with Th2 cytokines. CD4+ T cells from CRSa patients were prone to differentiate into Th2 cells, in which Bcl2L12 was required.ConclusionBcl2L12 is positively correlated with Th2 cytokine levels in the nasal mucosa of CRSa patients. Bcl2L12 contributes to the Th2 polarization, which may be a novel therapeutic target in the treatment of CRSa.
Isomerism of the Aniline Trimer
Authors: Pérez Cristóbal , León Iker , Lesarri Alberto , Pate Brooks H. , Martínez Rodrigo , Millán Judith , Fernández José A. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWeaker intermolecular forces expand the isomerization alternatives for molecular aggregation, as observed for the prototype models of the aniline trimer (An3) and the monohydrated aniline dimer (An2‐W) when compared to the phenol trimer. In this experiment the aniline clusters were generated in a jet‐cooled expansion and probed using broadband (chirped‐pulsed) microwave spectroscopy. Three isomers of the aniline trimer and two isomers of the hydrated dimer were detected and characterized in the rotational spectrum. In the homotrimer the weak N−H⋅⋅⋅N hydrogen bonds are assisted by subtle combinations of N−H⋅⋅⋅π and C−H⋅⋅⋅π interactions, producing several competing low‐lying ring species in the gas phase. One of the aniline trimers is a symmetric top, topologically equivalent to the only observed phenol trimer. Conversely, addition of a water molecule to the aniline dimer introduces a leading O−H⋅⋅⋅N interaction, making water to behave as dominant hydrogen‐bond pivot between the two aniline molecules. This combination of weak intermolecular interactions critically tests the performance of dispersion‐corrected or parametrized density‐functional methods. Evaluation of the B3LYP‐D3(BJ) and M06‐2X methods revealed deficiencies of the Truhlar functional to reproduce the experimental rotational data.
Epoxy‐functionalized polysiloxane reinforced epoxy resin for cryogenic application
Authors: Li Shichao , Wang Hongyu , Liu Minjing , Peng Cong , Wu Zhanjun 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe poor cryogenic mechanical properties of epoxy resins restrict their extensive application in cryogenic engineering fields. In this study, a newly synthesized epoxy‐functionalized polysiloxane (PSE) is used to improve the cryogenic mechanical properties of bisphenol‐F epoxy resin. The Fourier transform infrared spectra and nuclear magnetic resonance confirm the formation of epoxy‐functionalized –Si–O–Si– molecular chain. The surface free energy test results show that the PSE has a better compatibility with epoxy resin. The mechanical test results show that the cryogenic tensile strength, failure strain, fracture toughness, and impact strength of epoxy resin is improved significantly by adding the suitable amounts of PSE. Compared to the neat epoxy resin, the maximum tensile strength (196.92 MPa, an improvement of 11.2%), failure strain (2.97%, an improvement of 33.8%), fracture toughness (3.05 MPa·m1/2, an improvement of 30.7%) and impact strength (40.55 kJ m−2, an improvement of 14.8%) at cryogenic temperature (90 K) is obtained by incorporating 10 wt % PSE into the neat epoxy resin. Moreover, the results also indicated that the tensile strength, Young's modulus, and fracture toughness of epoxy resin with the same PSE content at 90 K are higher than that at room temperature (RT). © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 46930.
Thermal stability and thermal oxidation kinetics of PU/CA‐MMT composites
Authors: Zhao Y. , Mo H. , Jiang X. , Han B. , Feng F. , Wang D. , Fu L. , He L. , Zhang J. , Shen J. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTIn this work, we prepared three composites polyurethane (PU)/chlorhexidine acetate (CA), PU/montmorillonite (MMT), and PU/CA‐MMT, and investigated their kinetics of thermal degradation at different heating rates at atmosphere. These materials had good thermal stability and aging resistance. The thermal stability of PU/CA (Tonset: 237.3°C) was not obviously enhanced by the addition of only CA when compared with that of PU (Tonset: 232.3°C), while the thermal stability of PU/MMT (Tonset: 273.4°C) was considerably enhanced by the addition of MMT due to the high thermal stability of MMT. CA‐MMT filler was dispersed and exfoliated in PU more easily than CA or MMT in PU, so the composite PU/CA‐MMT possessed the best thermal stability (Tonset: 285.8°C). In addition, PU/CA‐MMT also had the best resistance to bacterial adhesion and antibacterial ability. The analysis with Flynn‐Wall‐Ozawa method showed that the activation energy of thermal oxidation of PU increased when CA‐MMT was added and thus its anti‐aging ability was enhanced, and the thermal oxidation of these four materials was first‐order reaction. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47002.
Long‐term‐durable anti‐icing superhydrophobic composite coatings
Authors: Rajiv S. , Kumaran S. , Sathish M. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTWe prepared carbon‐based superhydrophobic composite coatings through a quick technique, merging multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and carbon nanofibers (CNFs) to obtain hierarchical nanostructures on fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) sheets; this was followed by supercritical fluid (SCF) processing and physical mixing (PM). The prepared SCF–MWCNT–CNF and PM–MWCNT–CNF composite coatings showed high water contact angles of 171.6 and 160°. The surface morphologies of the composite coatings revealed a lot of even nanostructures and folding at high magnifications. A high number of CNFs were added to the MWCNTs to initiate different nanoroughnesses in the composite coatings. The as‐prepared superhydrophobic composite coatings showed excellent anti‐icing properties, as indicated by the supercooled water droplet (‐20°C) test under environmental conditions. Also, the surface of the SCF–MWCNT–CNF superhydrophobic composite coating showed excellent antifouling properties. We studied the surface wettability increasing different temperatures (30–180°C) in the SCF–MWCNT–CNF composite; this exposed the fact that the FRP sheets were thermally stable up to 100°C, and a while later, they changed from a superhydrophobic state to a superhydrophilic state at 180°C. This study revealed an economically workable method for the preparation of MWCNT–CNF composites with SCF techniques. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47059.
Chemically crosslinked gelatin hydrogels as scaffolding materials for adipose tissue engineering
Authors: Contessi Negrini N. , Tarsini P. , Tanzi M. C. , Farè S. 
Published: October 2018

ABSTRACTThe design of scaffolding materials that mimic the properties of the target tissue to be regenerated is a mandatory requirement to engineer a successful scaffold; however, the heterogeneous properties of adipose tissue (AT), strictly dependent on the AT depot, are often underestimated when engineering AT scaffolds. Moreover, a scaffolding material with versatile properties, suitable for the regeneration of different AT depots, is currently missing. Chemically crosslinked gelatin hydrogels are here prepared, and their properties tuned by varying gelatin concentration and reaction stoichiometry to obtain hydrogels suitable for AT regeneration. All hydrogel formulations are stable in water at 37 °C, showing swelling behavior dependent on synthesis parameters. The mechanical compressive response mimics the viscoelastic response typical of native AT, with elastic modulus values covering the range of breast and heel pad AT. The rheological properties vary among the hydrogel formulations, showing a typical shear thinning response, comparable to other AT scaffolds described in literature. In vitro cytotoxicity tests using 3T3‐L1 preadipocytes show no cytotoxic effects up to 7 days. 3T3‐L1 cells seeded on the hydrogels show good adhesion, proliferation, and adipogenic differentiation, confirmed by an increase in peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma gene expression and lipid droplets accumulation observed by Oil Red O staining. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47104.
Novel cinnamic acid–tryptamine hybrids as potent butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors: Synthesis, biological evaluation, and docking study
Authors: Ghafary Shahrzad , Najafi Zahra , Mohammadi‐Khanaposhtani Maryam , Nadri Hamid , Edraki Najmeh , Ayashi Neda , Larijani Bagher , Amini Mohsen , Mahdavi Mohammad 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA novel series of cinnamic acid–tryptamine hybrids was designed, synthesized, and evaluated as cholinesterase inhibitors. Anticholinesterase assays showed that all of the synthesized compounds displayed a clearly selective inhibition of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), but only a moderate inhibitory effect toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) was detected. Among these cinnamic acid–tryptamine hybrids, compound 7d was found to be the most potent inhibitor of BChE with an IC50 value of 0.55 ± 0.04 μM. This compound showed a 14‐fold higher inhibitory potency than the standard drug donepezil (IC50 = 7.79 ± 0.81 μM) and inhibited BChE through a mixed‐type inhibition mode. Moreover, a docking study revealed that compound 7d binds to both the catalytic anionic site (CAS) and the peripheral anionic site (PAS) of BChE. Also, compound 7d was evaluated against β‐secretase, which exhibited low activity (inhibition percentage: 38%).
Pd0‐Catalyzed Four‐Component Reaction of Aryl Halide, CO, N‐Tosylhydrazone, and Amine
Authors: Liu Yiyang , Zhang Zhen , Zhang Songnan , Zhang Yan , Wang Jianbo , Zhang Zhenhua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA Pd0‐catalyzed four‐component cascade reaction of an aryl halide, CO, an N‐tosylhydrazone, and an amine affording α‐amino ketone has been developed. This reaction involves a sequential carbonylation, metal carbene migratory insertion, and amination. Control experiments and DFT calculations further reveal the reaction sequence and chemoselectivity of individual components in this cascade process.
Physical models can provide superior learning opportunities beyond the benefits of active engagements
Authors: Newman Dina L. , Stefkovich Megan , Clasen Catherine , Franzen Margaret A. , Wright L. Kate 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe essence of molecular biology education lies in understanding of gene expression, with subtopics including the central dogma processes, such as transcription and translation. While these concepts are core to the discipline, they are also notoriously difficult for students to learn, probably because they cannot be directly observed. While nearly all active learning strategies have been shown to improve learning compared with passive lectures, little has been done to compare different types of active learning. We hypothesized that physical models of central dogma processes would be especially helpful for learning, because they provide a resource that students can see, touch, and manipulate while trying to build their knowledge. For students enrolled in an entirely active‐learning‐based Cell & Molecular Biology course, we examined whether model‐based activities were more effective than non‐model based activities. To test their understanding at the beginning and end of the semester, we employed the multiple‐select Central Dogma Concept Inventory (CDCI). Each student acted as their own control, as all students engaged in all lessons yet some questions related to model‐based activities and some related to clicker questions, group problem‐solving, and other non‐model‐based activities. While all students demonstrated learning gains on both types of question, they showed much higher learning gains on model‐based questions. Examining their selected answers in detail showed that while higher performing students were prompted to refine their already‐good mental models to be even better, lower performing students were able to construct new knowledge that was much more consistent with an expert's understanding. © 2018 The Authors. Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology., 46(5):435–444, 2018.
Environmental sustainability and financial performance of the small‐scale tea processors in Kenya
Authors: Gatimbu Karambu Kiende , Ogada Maurice Juma , Budambula Nancy , Kariuki Samuel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn the light of global warming, natural resource depletion and increasing stakeholder demand for environmental sustainability; corporate entities are compelled to reexamine their impact on the biophysical environment. Although the debate on how investment in environmental sustainability impacts on the corporates themselves is inconclusive, it is clear that combating negative environmental impacts can be very expensive and may substantially reduce the profits. Thus, this study sought to establish the relationship between environmental efficiency and profitability of small‐scale tea processors in Kenya. Using a random effects model on a 5‐year panel data (2012–2016) on all the 54 small‐scale tea processors in Kenya, the study found a negative correlation between environmental efficiency and profitability. The tea processors, whose environmental efficiency score was above 80%, recorded a paltry profitability of not more than 1.23%. The policy implication is that the tea processors may require motivation to take up environment conserving innovations and technologies in their production processes. These motivations could take the form of government subsidies or tax waivers on such innovations and technologies.
Does stigma always have negative consequences?
Authors: Verma Sunil K. , Bharti Pankaj , Singh Tushar 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe aim of this study was to explore and understand the phenomenon of stigmatization and the socio‐cultural processes where a stigmatized group may enjoy the ongoing process of stigmatization against them. Generally, research works on “stigma” show that stigmas have negative effects on the stigmatized group. The stigmatized groups often claim that people are prejudiced against them, and therefore, they face discrimination, alienation, and comparatively reduced well‐being. Besides this, stigmatized groups also face exclusion and marginalization especially with respect to poverty. In the Indian cultural context, stigma is attached to certain notions and beliefs that are used by stigmatized groups to earn their livelihood. These groups affirm such statuses that accredit them as socially and/or economically marginalized groups and use the associated social beliefs for their advantage. It can, therefore, be said that they feel pride in accepting the stigma associated with their identities. To understand these socio‐psychological processes, three stigmatized groups, namely, eunuchs, beggars, and reserved category students were sampled, and data was collected using ethnography. Upon analysing the collected data, results revealed that eunuchs and beggars use social beliefs as a means for earning a livelihood whereas reserved category students freely utilize their caste identity for privileges without hesitation in order to get good jobs, enrol in education, and/or improve their living conditions. Therefore, it can be concluded that stigma does not necessarily always have negative consequences but can also help the stigmatized group in improving their overall quality of life.
Two weeks of high‐fat feeding disturb lipid and cholesterol molecular markers
Authors: Magri‐Tomaz L. , Melbouci L. , Mercier J. , Ou Ya , Auclair N. , Lira F. S. , Lavoie J‐M. , St‐Pierre D. H. 
Published: October 2018

Metabolic disorders are often associated with liver steatosis and increased plasma cholesterol levels. However, the link between excessive lipid accumulation and impairments in cholesterol metabolism remains uninvestigated in the liver. Short term of high‐fat diet (HFD) was previously shown to promote excessive lipid accumulation prior to the development of metabolic disorders. The present study intended to characterize how increases in liver fat alter the expression of several key regulators of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in response to a short‐term HFD. Wistar rats were randomly submitted either to HFD (n = 8) or a regular chow diet (n = 8) for 14 days. Increases in triglycerides were highly significant (P < 0.01) in the liver but marginal in the plasma of HFD rats. In contrast, the HFD resulted in higher (P < 0.01) cholesterol levels in plasma but not in liver samples. Gene expression of key markers involved in cholesterol uptake (LDL particles) including low‐density lipoprotein receptor‐related protein‐1 (LRP‐1) and protein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) along with ATP‐binding cassette, superfamily G, member 5 (ABCG5) involved in cholesterol exportation via bile ducts was found to be higher (P < 0.05) in response to the HFD. In contrast, expression of 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl‐CoA reductase (HMGCR), involved in cholesterol synthesis, was downregulated in the liver. The data support the concept that excessive accumulation of lipids promptly alters the expression of key genes regulating cholesterol metabolism in the liver. On a clinical point of view, this indicates that increases in plasma cholesterol occur after a short‐term HFD.
Adjusting Aggregation Modes and Photophysical and Photovoltaic Properties of Diketopyrrolopyrrole‐Based Small Molecules by Introducing B←N Bonds
Authors: Pang Shuting , Más‐Montoya Miriam , Xiao Manjun , Duan Chunhui , Wang Zhenfeng , Liu Xi , Janssen René A. J. , Yu Gang , Huang Fei , Cao Yong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe packing mode of small‐molecular semiconductors in thin films is an important factor that controls the performance of their optoelectronic devices. Designing and changing the packing mode by molecular engineering is challenging. Three structurally related diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP)‐based compounds were synthesized to study the effect of replacing C−C bonds by isoelectronic dipolar B←N bonds. By replacing one of the bridging C−C bonds on the peripheral fluorene units of the DPP molecules by a coordinative B←N bond and changing the B←N bond orientation, the optical absorption, fluorescence, and excited‐state lifetime of the compounds can be tuned. The substitution alters the preferential aggregation of the molecules in the solid state from H‐type (for C−C) to J‐type (for B←N). Introducing B←N bonds thus provides a subtle way of controlling the packing mode. The photovoltaic properties of the compounds were evaluated in bulk heterojunctions with a fullerene acceptor and showed moderate performance as a consequence of suboptimal morphologies, bimolecular recombination, and triplet‐state formation.