bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unilateral application of an external pneumatic compression therapy improves skin blood flow and vascular reactivity bilaterally
Authors: Martin Jeffrey S. , Martin Allison M. , Mumford Petey W. , Salom Lorena P. , Moore Angelique N. , Pascoe David D. 
Published: May 2018

BackgroundWe sought to determine the effects of unilateral lower-limb external pneumatic compression (EPC) on bilateral lower-limb vascular reactivity and skin blood flow.MethodsThirty-two participants completed this two-aim study. In AIM1 (n = 18, age: 25.5 ± 4.7 years; BMI: 25.6 ± 3.5 kg/m2), bilateral femoral artery blood flow and reactivity (flow mediated dilation [FMD]) measurements were performed via ultrasonography at baseline (PRE) and immediately following 30-min of unilateral EPC treatment (POST). AIM2 (n = 14, age: 25.9 ± 4.5; BMI: 27.2 ± 2.7 kg/m2) involved 30-min unilateral EPC (n = 7) or sham (n = 7) treatment with thermographic bilateral lower-limb mean skin temperature (MST) measurements at baseline, 15-min of treatment (T15) and 0, 30 and 60-min (R0, R30, R60) following treatment.ResultsComparative data herein are presented as mean ± 95% confidence interval. AIM1: No significant effects on total reactive hyperemia blood flow were observed for the treated (i.e., compressed) or untreated (i.e., non-compressed) leg. A significant effect of time, but no time*leg interaction, was observed for relative FMD indicating higher reactivity bilaterally with unilateral EPC treatment (FMD: +0.41 ± 0.09% across both legs;p < 0.05). AIM2: Unilateral EPC treatment was associated with significant increases in whole-leg MST from baseline during (T15: +0.63 ± 0.56 °C in the visible untreated/contralateral leg,p < 0.025) and immediately following treatment (i.e., R0) in both treated (+1.53 ± 0.59 °C) and untreated (+0.60 ± 0.45 °C) legs (p < 0.0125). Across both legs, MST remained elevated with EPC at 30-min post-treatment (+0.60 ± 0.45 °C;p < 0.0167) but not at 60-min post (+0.27 ± 0.46 °C;p = 0.165). Sham treatment was associated with a significant increase in the treated leg immediately post-treatment (+1.12 ± 0.31 °C;p < 0.0167), but not in the untreated leg (−0.27 ± 0.12 °C). MST in neither the treated or untreated leg were increased relative to baseline at R30 or R60 (p > 0.05). Finally, during treatment and at all post-treatment time points (i.e., R0, R30 and R60), independent of treatment group (EPC vs. sham), there was a significant effect of region. The maximum increase in MST was observed at the R0 time point and was significantly (p < 0.05) larger in the thigh region (+1.02 ± 0.31 °C) than the lower-leg (+0.47 ± 0.29 °C) region. However, similar rates of MST decline from R0 in the thigh and lower leg regions were observed at the R30 and R60 time points.DiscussionUnilateral EPC may be an effective intervention for increasing skin blood flow and/or peripheral conduit vascular reactivity in the contralateral limb. While EPC was effective in increasing whole-leg MST bilaterally, there appeared to be a more robust response in the thigh compared to the lower-leg. Thus, proximity along the leg may be an important consideration in prospective treatment strategies.
Salicylic Acid‐Catalyzed Arylation of Enol Acetates with Anilines
Authors: Felipe‐Blanco Diego , Gonzalez‐Gomez Jose C. 
Published: May 2018

Abstractα‐Aryl ketones are both structure moieties commonly found in bioactive compounds and versatile synthetic intermediates for the preparation of drug‐like molecules. An operationally simple and scalable protocol has been developed to prepare α‐aryl ketones from readily available aromatic amines and enol acetates (or silyl enol ethers). This metal‐free methodology features the use of salicylic acid as a convenient catalyst to promote the formation of aryl radicals from in‐situ generated aryl diazonium salts, without demanding thermal or photochemical activation. The mild reaction conditions used are compatible with anilines substituted with diverse functionalities. Structural elaboration of some prepared α‐aryl ketones was accomplished to illustrate their usefulness as building blocks.magnified image
Hyperbranched polyester encapsulated phthalocyanine pigments for in situ printing of cellulosic fabrics
Authors: Hakeim Osama A. , Haroun Ahmed A. , Trif Laszlo , Feczkó Tivadar 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEncapsulation of phthalocyanine pigments onto hyperbranched polyesters (HBPs) is reported for in situ printing ellulosic fabrics. The encapsulation was developed through liquid‐phase separation method approached using various functional hydroxyl groups in HBPs; generation 2 (HBPs16) and generation 4 (HBPs64). The HBPs‐encapsulated pigment was characterized with thermal gravimetric analysis, environmental scanning/transmission electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, X‐ray diffraction pattern, and contact angle analysis. The characterization demonstrated the successful encapsulation of phthalocyanine pigments into HBPs. It was shown that the encapsulated pigments improved the pigment print fixation on cellulosic fabrics immediately in one step and decreased the requested amount of the binder and fixation temperature relative to the control sample. The color strength and light fastness were greatly influenced by the generations of hyperbranched polyesters.
Chemoenzymatic Assembly of Mammalian O‐Mannose Glycans
Authors: Meng Caicai , Sasmal Aniruddha , Zhang Yan , Gao Tian , Liu Chang‐Cheng , Khan Naazneen , Varki Ajit , Wang Fengshan , Cao Hongzhi 
Published: May 2018

AbstractO‐Mannose glycans account up to 30 % of total O‐glycans in the brain. Previous synthesis and functional studies have only focused on the core M3 O‐mannose glycans of α‐dystroglycan, which are a causative factor for various muscular diseases. In this study, a highly efficient chemoenzymatic strategy was developed that enabled the first collective synthesis of 63 core M1 and core M2 O‐mannose glycans. This chemoenzymatic strategy features the gram‐scale chemical synthesis of five judiciously designed core structures, and the diversity‐oriented modification of the core structures with three enzyme modules to provide 58 complex O‐mannose glycans in a linear sequence that does not exceed four steps. The binding profiles of synthetic O‐mannose glycans with a panel of lectins, antibodies, and brain proteins were also explored by using a printed O‐mannose glycan array.
Methyl methacrylate based copolymers and terpolymers: Preparation, identification, and plasticizing capability for a poly(methyl methacrylate) used in aviation
Authors: Atabaki Fariborz , Shokrolahi Arash , Pahnavar Zohreh 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTIn this study, we first synthesized transparent poly(methyl methacrylate–maleic anhydride) [P(MMA–MAH)] and poly(methyl methacrylate–maleic anhydride–N‐2‐methyl‐4‐nitrophenyl maleimide) [P(MMA–MAH–MI)] via free‐radical polymerization at different monomer ratios. The synthesized polymers were characterized by titration, viscometric, spectroscopy, and thermal analyses. Higher contents of maleic anhydride (MAH) resulted in increases in the viscosity, glass‐transition temperature (Tg), and transparency. The synthesized polymers were then blended with a commercial‐grade poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) used in aviation in the presence of CHCl3. According to the free volume theory, the incorporation of 5 wt % P(MMA–MAH)s or P(MMA–MAH–MI)s into the commercial PMMA resulted in a plasticizing impact on this thermoplastic, which was confirmed by the decrease in the Tg values of the blends with almost the same transparency as the initial PMMA. In fact, the higher the content of MAH was, the lower the Tg of the blends was. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46603.
Characterization of ketoprofen‐loaded PEG‐CH semi‐IPN system for wound dressing application
Authors: Gaitán‐Tolosa Ibeth M. , Montiel‐Campos Raúl , Flores‐Estrada Jaime , Domínguez‐García Ma. Victoria , Flores‐Merino Miriam V. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTPolymer systems, in the form of crosslinking networks, have been widely used in biomedicine. However, they are a challenge mainly due to the impact of their physicochemical properties on release kinetics of drugs. Ketoprofen is an analgesic anti‐inflammatory drug with short half‐life (<2 h) and quickly eliminated by the body. Topical administration of ketoprofen can reduce pain, accelerate the wound healing process, and minimize the risk of systemic side effects. Therefore, the aim was to synthesize, characterize, and evaluate a novel ketoprofen polymer system in the form of a semi‐interpenetrated network of poly(ethylene glycol)‐chitosan. The pore size studied by small‐angle X‐ray scattering showed the presence of nanoscale pores, 13.7 nm (dry state) and 26.18 nm (swollen form). The maximum swelling was 420 ± 45% at 24 h. Finally, the encapsulated ketoprofen (6.5%) was released at a constant concentration (0.12 ± 0.03 mg/mL, 8 h) and half of the doses up to 24 h. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46644.
Chitosan hydrogel‐coated cotton fabric: Antibacterial, pH‐responsiveness, and physical properties
Authors: Trad Mariem , Miled Wafa , Benltoufa Sofien , Boughattas Amal , Benslama Rihab , Fayala Faten , Bakhrouf Amina 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTIn this work, chitosan hydrogel has been synthesized and used to impart pH‐sensitivity and antimicrobial finish to cotton fabric. In order to enhance the incorporation rate of hydrogel, anionic, and cationic activation of the textile surface was applied and then compared. The antibacterial activity of the fabric was then studied. The results revealed an enhancement of the antibacterial activities of the modified fabrics against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogene, and Staphylococcus aureus bacteria's. The capacity of material to respond to pH change was studied and confirmed using contact angle method. The anionic fabric treated with hydrogel showed a better pH‐responsiveness. Scanning electron microscopic testing results has also confirmed that the deposition of hydrogel was clearly better with the anionic activation. The characteristics of breathability of the fabrics were analyzed. The results show that the moisture management behavior of the finished materials is significantly better than the control one. Although the permeability to air has reduced by 10%, the permeability to water vapor remained practically unchanged. Furthermore, the effects of the antibacterial finishing on the physical properties of the cotton fabrics were also investigated. It was established that the functionalized samples have changed structure parameters, thickness, air permeability, tensile strength, and resistance to wrinkles. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46645.
Flexible conductive poly(styrene‐butadiene‐styrene)/carbon nanotubes nanocomposites: Self‐assembly and broadband electrical behavior
Authors: Ferreira Santos João Paulo , França Melo Guilherme Henrique , Gonçalves André Marino , Eiras José Antonio , Suman Bretas Rosario Elida 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTFlexible conductive nanocomposites with the ability of self‐assembly into well‐ordered structures are promising multifunctional materials for energy conversion and storage devices. In this work, flexible nanocomposites based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) and poly(styrene‐butadiene‐styrene) (SBS) were obtained by solution casting, followed by a post‐annealing treatment, during 7 days at 110 °C, to enable the self‐organization of the SBS. The impact of the MWCNTs on the self‐assembly was studied by atomic force microscopy and Small angle X‐rays scattering, and the conductivity of these nanocomposites was analyzed over the broadband frequency range, that is, 10−1–106 Hz. The results revealed that the lower MWCNTs loadings (∼0.2 v %) were the most suitable to achieve a conductive network through the SBS, maintaining self‐assembled domains. These domains include hexagonally packed cylinders and alternating lamellae. Furthermore, at loadings above 1 v %, the impact of further MWCNTs addition on the conductivity was marginal over the whole frequency range and the self‐assembly tendency was progressively reduced. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46650.
In situ grafting onto solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubbers (SSBR) filled with silica via solid state method
Authors: Wang Lili , Lu Yonglai , Xie Ximing , Zheng Fangyuan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTGrafting reaction of solution polymerized styrene butadiene rubbers (SSBR) and 3‐mercaptopropionic acid in situ was investigated in a solid state and a series of SSBR with different polarity degree were prepared through grafting 3‐mercaptopropionic acid onto SSBR chains in the process of mixing. The feasibility of solid‐phase grafting in situ (SPGiS) was verified by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Compared with unmodified SSBR/silica compounds, the SSBR/silica compounds with SPGiS exhibited preferable performance in silica dispersion, rubber‐filler interaction, and reinforcing efficiency. The scanning electron microscope and transmission electron microscope showed that silica presented better dispersion and smaller aggregates in the SSBR of SPGiS. Dynamical mechanical analysis of vulcanized rubber compounds with SPGiS showed that the wet skid resistance and the rolling resistance of SSBR/silica compounds were improved separately. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46653.
Poly(vinyl alcohol)–lignin blended resin for cellulose‐based composites
Authors: Ko Hyun‐U , Zhai Lindong , Park Jung Ho , Lee Ji Yun , Kim Debora , Kim Jaehwan 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTWood has limitations in strength because of its biostructural defects, including vessels. To overcome this limitation, composite materials can be innovated by breaking wood down into cellulose and lignin and reassembling them for bio‐originating strong structural materials. In this study, an ecofriendly resin was developed that was suitable for cellulose‐based composites. To overcome the low dimensional stability of lignin and to increase its interactions with cellulose, it was blended with poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). The PVA–lignin resin was characterized with scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal analysis, mechanical tensile testing, and lap‐shear joint testing. The adhesion properties of the PVA–lignin resin increased with increasing PVA content. PVA played the role of synthetic polymer and that of linker between the cellulose and lignin, like hemicellulose does in wood. The PVA–lignin resin exhibited a high miscibility, mechanical toughness, and good adhesion properties for nanocellulose composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46655.
Epoxy resin/phosphorus‐based microcapsules: Their synergistic effect on flame retardation properties of high‐density polyethylene/graphene nanoplatelets composites
Authors: Xia Yanping , Tang Rui , Tao Shengxi , Tao Guoliang , Gong Fanghong , Liu Chunlin , Cao Zheng 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTTwo types of microcapsule flame retardants are prepared by coating ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and aluminum diethylphosphinate (ADP) with epoxy resin (EP) as the shell via in situ polymerization, and blended with high density polyethylene (HDPE)/graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) composites to obtain flame‐retardant HDPE materials. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and water contact angle results confirm the formation of core–shell structures of EP@APP and EP@ADP. The limiting oxygen index (LOI), vertical burning test (UL‐94), cone calorimetry, and Raman spectroscopy are employed to characterize the HDPE/GNPs composites filled with EP@APP and EP@ADP core–shell materials. A UL94 V‐0 level and LOI of 34% is achieved, and the two flame retardants incorporated in the HDPE/GNPs composite at 20 wt % in total play a synergistic effect in the flame retardancy of the composite at a mass ratio of EP@ADP:EP@APP = 2:1. According to the cone‐calorimetric data, the compounding composites present much lower peak heat release rate (300 kW/m2) and total heat release (99.4 MJ/m2) than those of pure HDPE. Raman spectroscopic analysis of the composites after combustion reveals that the degree of graphitization of the residual char can reach 2.31, indicating the remarkable flame retarding property of the composites. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46662.
Bumping, precedents, and de‐escalation in South China Sea: Options for the United States and China
Authors: Vuković Siniša , Alfieri Riccardo 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe article departs from a much needed clarification about the 2 overlapping conflicts in South China Sea: sovereignty dispute between China and ASEAN countries, and freedom of navigation dispute between China and the United States. Although both are well documented and covered by an extensive range of academic and policy‐relevant analyses, the lines between the 2 have often been blurred, yielding a very limited set of options for proper conflict management. This paper looks at the actual reasons behind Chinese defiance toward the United States, and how can this be reversed. In order to avoid a potential clash in the South China Sea, this paper looks at how similar situations, where the United States was challenging the excessive maritime claims of other nuclear powers, were managed peacefully in light of an inevitable clash. A surprisingly underscrutinized precedent of “bumping incident” form 1988, when U.S. Navy vessels were rammed by Soviet ships and “bumped” back to the international waters is used as a template for a potential solution in the ongoing Sino‐American conflict. This paper examines the limits and opportunities of this type of solution and shows how another “bumping incident” does not need to happen before a bilateral solution is explored.
Sprouted and Freeze‐Dried Wheat and Oat Seeds – Phytochemical Profile and in Vitro Biological Activities
Authors: Aborus Naji Elhadi , Šaponjac Vesna Tumbas , Čanadanović‐Brunet Jasna , Ćetković Gordana , Hidalgo Alyssa , Vulić Jelena , Šeregelj Vanja 
Published: May 2018

This research was carried out to study phytochemical profile, in vitro antioxidant capacity, reducing power, anti‐hyperglycemic, anti‐inflammatory activities and simulated gastrointestinal digestion of 7‐day old cereal sprouts: spelt wheat ‘Nirvana’ (WSSpe), wheat ‘Simonida’ (WSSim), oat ‘Golozrni’ (OSG) and oat ‘Jadar’ (OSJ). OSG expressed significantly higher (P ≤ 0.05) total phenols (TPC) and flavonoids content (TFC), antioxidant capacities (DPPH and ABTS assays) and reducing power (EC50DPPH = 2.12 mg/ml; EC50ABTS = 0.87 mg/ml; EC0.5RP = 12.24 mg/ml) as well as anti‐hyperglycemic activity (EC50AHgA = 0.96 mg/ml). WSSpe had the highest content of chlorophyll (131.23 mg/100 g) and carotenoids (22.84 mg/100 g). WSSim possessed the most potent anti‐inflammatory activity (2.71 mg/ml), though not significantly different from OSG (2.77 mg/ml). The in vitro simulation of gastro‐intestinal digestion showed higher release of phenolic compounds in intestinal than in gastric fluid.
Quercetin, Kaempferol and Isorhamnetin in Elaeagnus pungens Thunb. Leaf: Pharmacological Activities and Quantitative Determination Studies
Authors: Zhu Ji‐Xiao , Wen Le , Zhong Wei‐Jin , Xiong Li , Liang Jian , Wang Hong‐Ling 
Published: May 2018

Elaeagnus pungens leaf was documented to be very effective to treat asthma and chronic bronchitis both as traditional Chinese medicine and minority traditional medicine; yet the actual effective components still remain unknown. This work is to investigate the anti‐inflammatory, antalgic and antitussive activities of E. pungens leaf, quercetin and kaempferol, and their contents in E. pungens leaf. Pharmacological experiments showed that they could considerably reduce ear‐swelling of mouse and relieve writhing reaction of mouse; they could also prevent mouse from coughing significantly. These findings suggested that quercetin and kaempferol are major effective components treating asthma and chronic bronchitis. Quantitative analysis results indicated that the levels of quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin varied greatly in different species of Elaeagnus and in different plant parts: E. pungens leaf is more similar to Elaeagnus umbellate leaf chemically; quercetin level is exceptionally high in Elaeagnus oldhami leaf; E. pungens leaf is a better medical part for treating asthma and chronic bronchitis in comparison with other parts.
Sesquiterpene Synthase‐Catalysed Formation of a New Medium‐Sized Cyclic Terpenoid Ether from Farnesyl Diphosphate Analogues
Authors: Huynh Florence , Grundy Daniel J. , Jenkins Robert L. , Miller David J. , Allemann Rudolf K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractTerpene synthases catalyse the first step in the conversion of prenyl diphosphates to terpenoids. They act as templates for their substrates to generate a reactive conformation, from which a Mg2+‐dependent reaction creates a carbocation–PPi ion pair that undergoes a series of rearrangements and (de)protonations to give the final terpene product. This tight conformational control was exploited for the (R)‐germacrene A synthase– and germacradien‐4‐ol synthase–catalysed formation of a medium‐sized cyclic terpenoid ether from substrates containing nucleophilic functional groups. Farnesyl diphosphate analogues with a 10,11‐epoxide or an allylic alcohol were efficiently converted to a 11‐membered cyclic terpenoid ether that was characterised by HRMS and NMR spectroscopic analyses. Further experiments showed that other sesquiterpene synthases, including aristolochene synthase, δ‐cadinene synthase and amorphadiene synthase, yielded this novel terpenoid from the same substrate analogues. This work illustrates the potential of terpene synthases for the efficient generation of structurally and functionally novel medium‐sized terpene ethers.
Transcriptional noise in intact and TGF‐beta treated human kidney cells; the importance of time‐series designs
Authors: Rabieian Reyhaneh , Moein Shiva , Khanahmad Hossein , Mortazavi Mojgan , Gheisari Yousof 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe transforming growth factor (TGF)‐β signaling pathway plays a key role in various cellular processes. However, insufficient knowledge about the complex and sometimes paradoxical functions of this pathway hinders its therapeutic targeting. In this study, the transcriptional profile of seven mediators and downstream elements of the TGF‐β pathway were assessed in TGF‐β treated and untreated human kidney derived cells for 2 weeks in a time course manner. As expected the up‐regulation of ACTA2 and COL1A2 was evident in the treated cells. However, we observed remarkable fluctuations in gene expression, even in the supposedly steady states. The magnitude of noise was diverse in the examined genes. Our findings underscore the significance of time‐course designs for gene expression analyses and clearly show that misleading data can be obtained in single point measurements. Furthermore, we propose specific considerations in the interpretation of time‐course data in the context of noisy gene expression.