bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation, characterization, and antibacterial activity of cationic nanopolystyrenes
Authors: Wen Qing , Xu Lijuan , Xiao Xiansen , Wang Zhenghui 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTCationic nanopolystyrenes (CNPSs) were prepared by the polymerization of styrene with a cationic polymerizable emulsifier, N‐(2‐(methacryloyloxy)ethyl)‐N,N‐dimethyltetradecane‐1‐ammonium bromide (MDTB), in the presence of 2,2′‐azobis(2‐methylpropionamidine) dihydrochloride (APPH). The polymerization kinetics was investigated through monomer conversion versus polymerization time. 1H NMR spectra and FTIR spectra were used to confirm the structures of MDTB and nanopolymers. The particle size, ζ‐potential, molecular weight, and thermal stability were also investigated by Zetasizer, gel permeation chromatography, and thermogravimetric analysis, respectively. The antibacterial activities of the obtained products were evaluated by minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 29913 (S. aureus, a Gram‐positive bacterium) and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 (E. coli, a Gram‐negative bacterium). The results indicated that the polymerization has the characteristics of microemulsion polymerization, all nanopolystyrenes are cationic and can be stored in the form of a microemulsion in aqueous phase, CNPSs present stable chemical structure at 190 °C, and their MIC and MBC reach 0.0625 and 0.125 mg mL−1 for E. coli, 0.0325 and 0.0625 mg mL−1 for S. aureus, respectively. Therefore, CNPSs are a promising new type of polymer antimicrobial agent, which can be used in the development of antimicrobial polymer materials and their products. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48405.
Geochemical sourcing of volcanic materials imported into Teti'aroa Atoll shows multiple long‐distance interactions in the Windward Society Islands, French Polynesia
Authors: HERMANN AYMERIC , MOLLE GUILLAUME , MAURY RENÉ , LIORZOU CÉLINE , MCALISTER ANDREW 
Published: August 2019

ABSTRACTTeti'aroa, located 28 nautical miles (52 km) north of Tahiti, lies at the periphery of the Windward Society islands. At the end of the eighteenth century, this atoll was presumably controlled by the chiefdom of Porionu'u, which included the districts of Pare and Arue on the north coast of Tahiti. This situation is confirmed by a number of ethnohistorical accounts and oral traditions describing an intense traffic of basic resources between the atoll and Tahiti island as well as the specific function of Teti'aroa for Tahitian social elites visiting the atoll for ceremonial or recreational purposes. However, the prehistory of the atoll remains largely unknown and the time‐depth of dominance by Tahitian elites on the atoll is unclear. In this paper, we investigate potential inter‐island relationships between Teti'aroa and other islands in the archipelago and beyond. We present geochemical analyses (energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence and inductively coupled plasma‐atomic emission spectrometry) of stone tools and elements of ceremonial architecture (marae), which were necessarily imported given the complete subsidence of the volcanic substratum of the island. Our results confirm the regional origin of a majority of artefacts, but also indicate several later long‐distance relationships maintained by Tahitian chiefs.
Phenylene‐bridged Porphyrinmeso‐Oxy Radical Dimers
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Kato Kenichi , Shimizu Daiki , Tanaka Takayuki , Osuka Atsuhiro 
Published: August 2019

AbstractStablemeta‐ andpara‐phenylene bridged porphyrinmeso‐oxy radical dimers and their NiIIand ZnIIcomplexes were synthesized. All the dimers exhibited optical and electrochemical properties similar to the corresponding porphyrinmeso‐oxy radical monomers, indicating small electronic interaction between the two spins. Intramolecular spin‐spin interaction through the π‐spacer was determined to beJ/kB=−15.9 K form‐phenylene bridged ZnIIporphyrin dimer. The observed weak antiferromagnetic interaction has been attributed to less effective conjugation between the porphyrin radical and linking π‐spacer due to large dihedral angle. In the case of ZnIIcomplexes, bothpara‐ andmeta‐phenylene bridged dimers formed 1D‐chain in solutions and in the solid states through Zn‐O coordination.
Enhancing the Rate Capability of Niobium Oxide Electrode through Rare‐Earth Doping Engineering
Authors: Yin Dandan , Zhao Hongyang , Li Na , Si Rui , Sun Xiaolei , Li Xinghua , Du Yaping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNiobium oxide is considered one of the most promising electrode materials for ultrafast electrochemical energy storage devices with high energy density. In this work, we first found that trace amounts (<1 %) of Yb3+ doping remarkably enhanced the rate capability of T−Nb2O5, which was further proved to be because of the formation of a thin layer of amorphous YbNbOx. The capacity of YbNbOx‐coated Nb2O5 reached 124 mAh g−1 at 20 C, which is the highest value reported among pristine Nb2O5 electrodes. Besides, we found that doping with other rare‐earth elements such as Nd3+, Sm3+, and Gd3+ can also improve the rate capability of T−Nb2O5. It can be concluded that rare‐earth doping can be an effective and robust method to enhance the intrinsic rate performance of electrode materials without complicated modifications.
Parental choice of childcare in England: Choosing in phases and the split market
Authors: Chen Huan , Bradbury Alice 
Published: August 2019

This article explores how parents choose childcare settings for their pre‐school children within a context of complex policy on eligibility for free provision and a developing market. Using data from interviews with 17 mainly middle‐class parents in England, we explore in detail how parents go about choosing a childcare setting and the different phases of this process. This adds further nuance to the existing literature on choosing practices and the dysfunction and inequalities of a neoliberal childcare market, and also updates the discussion to include recent policy developments such as the provision of ‘30 hours free childcare’ for 3 and 4‐year‐olds. We conclude that parental choosing involves a series of decisions in two or three phases, which start from practical considerations, followed by quality comparison and then back to practical constraints if a decision has not been made. The options open to parents are split between not only those able to accommodate shorter ‘free’ provision and those that require longer periods of childcare to work, but also between those with children under three and above. Contrary to previous findings in this area, this split may work to the disadvantage of some middle‐class families, whose children attend lower‐quality settings as a result.
MicroRNAs play an essential role in autophagy regulation in various disease phenotypes
Authors: Zhao Yunyi , Wang Ze , Zhang Wenhui , Zhang Linbo 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAutophagy is a highly conserved catabolic process and fundamental biological process in eukaryotic cells. It recycles intracellular components to provide nutrients during starvation and maintains quality control of organelles and proteins. In addition, autophagy is a well‐organized homeostatic cellular process that is responsible for the removal of damaged organelles and intracellular pathogens. Moreover, it also modulates the innate and adaptive immune systems. Micro ribonucleic acids (microRNAs) are a mature class of post‐transcriptional modulators that are widely expressed in tissues and organs. And, it can suppress gene expression by targeting messenger RNAs for translational repression or, at a lesser extent, degradation. Research indicates that microRNAs regulate autophagy through different pathways, playing an essential role in the treatment of various diseases. It is an important regulator of fundamental cellular processes such as proliferation, autophagy, and cell apoptosis. In this review article, we first review the current knowledge of autophagy and the function of microRNAs. Then, we summarize the mechanism of autophagy and the signaling pathways related to autophagy by citing at least the main proteins involved in the different phases of the process. Second, we introduce other members of RNA and report some examples in various pathologies. Finally, we review the current literature regarding microRNA‐based therapies for cancer, atherosclerosis, cardiac disease, tuberculosis, and viral diseases. MicroRNAs can cause autophagy upregulation or downregulation by targeting genes or affecting autophagy‐related signaling pathways. Therefore, the microRNAs have a huge potential in autophagy regulation, and it is the function as diagnostic and prognostic markers.
Quantitative ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry for determination of dexmedetomidine in pediatric plasma samples: Correlation with genetic polymorphisms
Authors: Guan Yanping , Li Bilian , Wei Wei , Wang Siyi , Yuen Vivian‐min , Liu Yao , Ao Zheng , Zhou Shan , Tian Hang , Huang Min , Song Xingrong , Zhong Guoping 
Published: August 2019

AbstractDexmedetomidine is an important sedative agent administered as premedication to achieve procedural sedation in children. To describe the correlation between the genetic state and the concentration of dexmedetomidine, it is necessary to develop a specific, time‐saving and economical method for detection of dexmedetomidine in plasma samples. In this work, an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)–tandem mass spectrometry method has been established and validated for detection of dexmedetomidine in plasma from pediatric population. After a simple liquid–liquid extraction with an organic solution, the analytes were separated on an ACQUITY BEH C18 column (2.1 mm × 50 mm, 1.7 μm particle size) by gradient elution with the mobile phase of acetonitrile and 1‰ aqueous formic acid (flow rate 0.3 mL min−1). Mass spectrometry measurements were performed under the positive selected reaction monitoring and the mass transitions monitored were m/z 201.3 → 95.1, 204.2 → 98.0 for dexmedetomidine and deuterated medetomidine (internal standard), respectively. Validation of the method based on China Food and Drug Administration guidelines showed acceptable selectivity. The UHPLC method employed a stable isotope‐labeled internal standard, showed good specificity and was successfully used to detect dexmedetomidine in plasma samples from 260 pediatric patients. A subsequent application of this method to a pharmacogenetic study was also described. Importantly, this is the first study to report the correlation between CYP2A6 rs835309 activity and concentration of dexmedetomidine.
Computer simulations to approach surface tension by means of a simple mesoscopic mechanical model
Authors: Battaglia Onofrio R. , Agliolo Gallitto Aurelio , Fazio Claudio 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA small insect can stand or walk on water surface, drops of mercury do not spread on a solid surface, and a meniscus is formed at the free surface of a liquid contained in a thin vessel. These phenomena can be seen as macroscopic manifestations of molecular interactions and can be explained macroscopically in terms of surface tension. In this study, we deal with an approach to surface tension from a mechanical point of view, presenting a simple mesoscopic mechanical model of surface tension and the results of its implementation in numerical fluid dynamics simulations. Particularly, phenomena like droplet formation without gravity and with gravity when it can drop from a narrow hole like a trickling tap, the formation of a meniscus at the free surface of a liquid contained in a vessel, the behavior of a small piece of solid on a liquid surface, and a sessile droplet are studied. Student and teachers can study the behavior of a liquid due to the surface tension by using the numeric simulations as a “tool” for analyzing several different situations.
An ontology‐based framework of assessment analytics for massive learning
Authors: Nouira Azer , Cheniti‐Belcadhi Lilia , Braham Rafik 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAnalyzing learning traces is presently highly required in e‐learning environment. Several communities have been developed to address this need, such as those of Learning Analytics and Educational Data Mining. The main step of performing a learning analytics process is the educational data collection.Actually, learning environments such as Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) generate a big amount of educational data. They can be divided into assessment data, collaboration data, communication data, and so on. When we focus on assessment, we can launch a new source of data that can be analyzed and hence contribute to the improvement of learning analytics field.In this paper, we explore, investigate and compare the set of learning analytics models in the literature. Then, we study them from assessment point of view. The only current learning analytics model which can support tracking and modeling assessment data is the xAPI data model. For this reason, we study and investigate the xAPI specification from assessment point of view. Based on identified weaknesses of xAPI specification, we propose an enhancement of its data model. This is to support the assessment analytics effectively. We present an ontological model for assessment analytics inspired from the xAPI specification. To validate our approach, we focus on massive learning traces extracted from a real MOOC. Thus, we define and execute the set of proposed steps of preprocessing stage that extracts assessment data from whole learning data. Furthermore, we develop a java semantic web application to convert assessment data extracted to OWL file according to our proposed ontological model for assessment analytics.
Perceived discrimination is associated with poorer health and well‐being outcomes among Pacific peoples in New Zealand
Authors: Kapeli Sarah A. , Manuela Sam , Sibley Chris G. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractOur study investigated the association between perceived discrimination and outcomes related to health and well‐being for Pacific adults in New Zealand. We examined personal and group discrimination from the 2013 wave of the New Zealand Attitudes and Values Study (n = 429 women and 196 men). Personal discrimination was associated with poorer health and well‐being outcomes (higher psychological distress and lower self‐esteem, subjective evaluation of health, satisfaction with life and personal well‐being). Group discrimination, in contrast, was associated with poorer well‐being but not health outcomes (lower subjective evaluation of health and personal well‐being). These findings corroborate previous research and highlight the corrosive effect of discrimination towards health and well‐being among Pacific communities in New Zealand.
Migrants straddling the “here” and “there”: Explorations of habitus and hybrid identities among Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand
Authors: Cassim Shemana , Stolte Ottilie , Hodgetts Darrin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractMigrant settlement is of particular interest to the field of psychology due to a notable increase in the movement of people over the past few decades. This article explores the ways in which Sri Lankan migrants in New Zealand establish a sense of continuity between the host nation and country of origin. The theoretical framework for this research is informed by elements of ethnographic and indigenous research. We provide a rich understanding of migrant experiences that foregrounds the agency and resilience of migrants, and acknowledges the complexities of the notion of identity and migrant settlement. We explore complex, fluid, and hybrid cultural identities as experienced by Sri Lankan migrants and their negotiations of space and place, material practices, and objects of significance, such as an educational institution, antique dinnerware, and furniture with colonial origins. The present research thereby, argues for the need to acknowledge both the historical and current contexts that shape migrants' sense of habitus and cultural identities.
Extraction of Natural Fragrance Ingredients: History Overview and Future Trends
Authors: Burger Pauline , Plainfossé Hortense , Brochet Xavier , Chemat Farid , Fernandez Xavier 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFor centuries, perfumes consisted in a combination of natural ingredients, mainly of plant origin. From the 19th century on, the advent of organic synthesis enabled the deployment of multiple synthetic olfactory notes, enriching significantly the perfumers’ portfolio. Chemistry is ever since the foundation of modern perfumery. However, sustainable‐minded consumers, massively rejecting synthetics for safety and ecological issues, engaged a global return to nature in numerous sectors, and the fragrance industry is not outdone. Sustainable extraction of natural products, making use of innovative technologies, process intensification and agro‐based solvents, constitutes the answer to develop eco‐conceived fragrant ingredients covering every olfactory family without endangering biodiversity any further. The objective of this review is to draw a clear picture of where those technological advances are today and to assess the ones that may be effectively transposed at the industrial scale tomorrow.
The CTIP‐mediated repair of TNF‐α‐induced DNA double‐strand break was impaired by miR‐130b in cervical cancer cell
Authors: Yang Lei , Yang Bin , Wang Yanli , Liu Tao , He Zhankun , Zhao Hejun , Xie Lili , Mu Hong 
Published: August 2019

Chemotherapeutic drugs that induce DNA damage have the potential to kill cancer cells, but DNA repair protects cells from damage‐induced cell death. Thus, eliminating DNA repair is a potential approach to overcome cell drug resistance. In this study, we observed that the gene expression of C‐terminal binding protein interacting protein (CTIP) was promoted by TNF‐α stimulation and prevented TNF‐α‐induced double‐strand breaks (DSBs) in the genomes of cervical cancer cells. The putative miR‐130b targeted site within 3′ untranslated region (UTR) of CTIP mRNA was identified through in silico analysis and confirmed based on experimental data. By targeting the CTIP gene, miR‐130b caused the accumulation of DSBs and accelerated cell apoptosis in combination with poly ADP ribose polymerase (PARP) inhibitors. Additionally, overexpression of the CTIP gene elevated cancer cell viability by promoting proliferation while miR‐130b antagonized CTIP‐stimulated cell reproduction. Consequently, miR‐130b destruction of DNA repair should be employed as a strategy to treat cervical cancer.Significance of the studyCervical cancer threatens the health of women all over the world. In this study, we observed that miR‐130b was able to cause the accumulation of DNA double‐strand breaks through suppressing the gene expression of C‐terminal binding protein interacting protein and to accelerate cell apoptosis by preventing DNA damage repairs in cervical cancer cells. As far as we know, the impact of miR‐130b on the DNA double‐strand break repair and on the cell apoptosis induced by the destruction of DNA repair in cervical cancer cells was firstly documented. It is reasonable to believe that miR‐130b destruction of DNA repair may be employed as a strategy to treat cervical cancer in the future.
Mental health and offending in older people: Future directions for research
Authors: Parrott Janet M. , Houben Fiona R. , Visser Renske C. , MacInnes Douglas L. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe number of older people and their proportion of the prison population in high‐income countries is increasing substantially. This pattern is mirrored by the age profile in forensic hospital services, and both trends seem counter to the age‐crime curve concept. How do we understand this and what are the mental health needs of this growing group?AimThe aim of this review is to identify existing research robust enough to inform policy and practice in relation to mental health in older offenders and the knowledge gaps that should drive future research.MethodsA keyword‐based search strategy of the databases Embase, PsychINFO, Medline, and grey literature 2008–2018. Article selection was limited to empirical research with the potential to inform policy or practice and findings synthesised narratively.ResultsMuch of the research in this field focuses on prevalence and the increased psychiatric morbidity of the older offender population. Older prisoners and those older patients in secure hospitals have needs that differ in some respects from their younger counterparts and community‐dwelling older people. There are few studies of interventions for mental health in older prisoners or into the challenges of timely release given their complex needs. Discharge of older individuals from secure settings is also an area where further research is required in order to inform policy and service provision.ConclusionsThe older population in prisons and secure settings is growing, and there is much concern as to how far facilities and services have been able to identify and meet the mental health needs of those of older age. Cooperation between researchers and services and between disciplines will be essential if we are to secure a more robust evidence base in this respect. Engaging service users in such research and considering the whole criminal justice pathway including diversion remains a priority.
Association between patient age at implant and outcomes after transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement in the multicenter Melody valve trials
Authors: Armstrong Aimee K. , Berger Felix , Jones Thomas K. , Moore John W. , Benson Lee N. , Cheatham John P. , Turner Daniel R. , Rhodes John F. , Vincent Julie A. , Zellers Thomas , Lung Te‐Hsin , Eicken Andreas , McElhinney Doff B. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate whether age and valve size at implant contribute to outcomes after Melody transcatheter pulmonary valve replacement (TPVR).BackgroundPatient age and valve size at implant contribute to longevity of surgical pulmonary valves.MethodsAll patients discharged with a Melody valve in the pulmonary position, as part of three prospective Melody valve multicenter studies, comprised the study cohort. Acute and time‐related outcomes were analyzed according to age: children (≤12 years), adolescents (13–18 years), young adults (19–29 years), and older adults (≥30 years).ResultsSuccessful Melody valve implantation occurred in 49 children, 107 adolescents, 96 young adults, and 57 older adults. Pediatric patients (≤18 years) were more likely to have TPVR for conduit stenosis than adults (62% vs. 44%); children had the smallest conduits. After TPVR, pediatric and adult patients had similar decreases in right ventricular (RV) size by MRI, but adults had improved percentage predicted peak VO2 (58% preimplant to 64% postimplant, p = .02) and FEV1 (69% pre to 71% post, p = .005). Younger age was associated with shorter freedom from RVOT dysfunction, reintervention, and explant. Children had the shortest freedom from endocarditis (p = .041), but all other groups had 5‐year freedom from endocarditis of ≥90%.ConclusionsYounger age was associated with shorter time to RVOT dysfunction, reintervention, and explant after Melody TPVR. Patients ≥13 years of age were at low risk for endocarditis and explant to 5 years. A better understanding of time‐related outcomes by age will aid in the comparison of therapeutic options for TPVR candidates.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00740870 (NCT00740870), https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01186692 (NCT01186692), and https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00688571 (NCT00688571).