bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sustainable biocarbon as an alternative of traditional fillers for poly(butylene terephthalate)‐based composites: Thermo‐oxidative aging and durability
Authors: Chang Boon Peng , Mohanty Amar Kumar , Misra Manjusri 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTSustainable biocomposites have gained considerable interest as an alternative to conventional composites in recent years due to their cost‐effectiveness and environmental friendliness. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance and durability behavior of biocomposites from sustainable biocarbon (BC) as compared to conventional established fillers. The poly(butylene terephthalate) (PBT) and its composites reinforced with BC, talc, and glass fiber (GF) were prepared and the durability performances was investigated. The study showed that BC/PBT biocomposites provided a lighter weight alternative to traditionally used fillers. After undergoes thermo‐oxidative aging, the mechanical properties of BC/PBT biocomposite were deteriorated. The GF/PBT showed the most stable in retaining its mechanical properties in comparison to the talc/PBT and BC/PBT. The aging behavior and mechanism of the PBT composites were discussed. This study provides further insight on the durability‐related properties progression of biocomposites as compared to traditional used fillers. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47722.
Enhancing resistance of poly(ether ketone ketone) to high‐temperature steam through crosslinking and crystallization control
Authors: Veazey Dustin , Hsu Tim , Gomez Enrique D. 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTPoly(aryl ether ketone)s (PAEKs) are promising materials for harsh environments, such as in high‐temperature steam applications. Here, the effect of high‐temperature steam on the crystallinity and mechanical properties of existing poly(ether ether ketone) (PEEK) and PEKK(T/I) polymers is investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray scattering or diffraction (WAXD), and dynamic mechanical analysis experiments show these materials undergo significant crystallization and reorganization after prolonged exposure to steam and suffer from embrittlement. In addition, we show that xanthydrol‐based crosslinks can provide the dimensional stability and stabilize the PEKK crystal structure. Mechanical tests demonstrate that the ductility is preserved for longer exposures to steam compared to neat PEKK, whereas DSC and WAXD data indicate xanthydrol crosslinks effectively stabilize the crystal structure against steam‐assisted crystallization. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47727.
The Use of Eye Tracking as a Biomarker of Treatment Outcome in a Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial for Young Children with Autism
Authors: Bradshaw Jessica , Shic Frederick , Holden Anahita N. , Horowitz Erin J. , Barrett Amy C. , German Tamsin C. , Vernon Ty W. 
Published: March 2019

There is a pressing need for objective, quantifiable outcome measures in intervention trials for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study investigated the use of eye tracking as a biomarker of treatment response in the context of a pilot randomized clinical trial of treatment for young children with ASD. Participants included 28 children with ASD, aged 18–48 months, who were randomized to one of two conditions: Pivotal Response Intervention for Social Motivation (PRISM) or community treatment as usual (TAU). Eye‐tracking and behavioral assessment of developmental functioning were administered at Time 1 (prior to randomization) and at Time 2 (after 6 months of intervention). Two well‐established eye‐tracking paradigms were used to measure social attention: social preference and face scanning. As a context for understanding relationships between social attention and developmental ability, we first examined how scanning patterns at Time 1 were associated with concurrent developmental functioning and compared to those of 23 age‐matched typically developing (TD) children. Changes in scanning patterns from Time 1 to Time 2 were then compared between PRISM and TAU groups and associated with behavioral change over time. Results showed that the social preference paradigm differentiated children with ASD from TD children. In addition, attention during face scanning was associated with language and adaptive communication skills at Time 1 and change in language skills from Time 1 to Time 2. These findings highlight the importance of examining targeted biomarkers that measure unique aspects of child functioning and that are well‐matched to proposed mechanisms of change. Autism Research 2019, 12: 779–793. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryBiomarkers have the potential to provide important information about how and why early interventions effect positive change for young children with ASD. The current study suggests that eye‐tracking measures of social attention can be used to track change in specific areas of development, such as language, and points to the need for targeted eye‐tracking paradigms designed to measure specific behavioral changes. Such biomarkers could inform the development of optimal, individualized, and adaptive interventions for young children with ASD.
Activation of Nrf2 signaling by Icariin protects against 6‐OHDA‐induced neurotoxicity
Authors: Zhu Li , Li DaiDi , Chen Ce , Wang GuoQing , Shi JingShan , Zhang Feng 
Published: March 2019

AbstractNerve damage is the main pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, in search for a promising therapeutic target that could stop neurodegenerative diseases progression, the antioxidant signaling pathway regulated by transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) has attracted new hopes. Icariin (ICA) exhibited a battery of pharmacological properties, including antioxidation, anti‐aging, and anti‐inflammation activities. Recent studies indicate ICA conferred neuroprotection against brain ischemic injury and neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms underlying ICA‐mediated neuroprotection remain unelucidated. This study aimed at analyzing whether ICA evoked neuroprotection against 6‐hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA)‐induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells and the mechanisms of action. ICA protected against 6‐OHDA‐induced neuronal damage, accompanied by the inhibition of cell apoptosis through the marked decreases in the Bax/Bcl‐2 ratio, cytochrome c release, and caspase‐3 cleavage. In addition, the activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway was responsible for ICA‐mediated neuroprotection. First, ICA relieved reactive oxygen species accumulation and increased superoxide dismutase generation via the activation of Nrf2 signaling. Second, Nrf2 knockdown by siRNA reversed ICA‐mediated neuroprotection. Together, these results suggested ICA‐mediated neuroprotection might be attributable to the activation of Nrf2 pathway via antioxidative signaling pathways.
Neues Verbindungskonzept aus bewehrtem Polymerfeinbeton für Faserverbund‐ und Holzwerkstoffe
Authors: Schmeck Michel , Arendt Stephan , La Magna Riccardo , Schmid Volker , Gengnagel Christoph 
Published: March 2019

AbstractEntscheidend für die Tragfähigkeit, Wirtschaftlichkeit und die Gestaltung von schlanken Konstruktionen aus Holz‐ oder Faserverbundkunststoffen (FVK) sind i. d. R. die Verbindungen. In diesem Beitrag wird ein neuartiges Verbindungskonzept für Stabwerkskonstruktionen aus Holz‐ oder FVK vorgestellt. Eine wichtige Eigenschaft dabei ist eine reversible Montagemöglichkeit. Ein weiterer Vorteil ist die Weiterleitung hoher Beanspruchungen ohne Querschnittsvergrößerungen. Das Konzept basiert auf einer formschlüssigen Kraftübertragung durch Verzahnung in Kombination mit GFK‐bewehrtem Polymerbeton. Der Werkstoff ermöglicht aufgrund seiner exzellenten Verbundeigenschaften mit Holz und FVK, seiner Tragfähigkeit sowie seiner freien Formbarkeit die Entwicklung einer vollständig neuartigen Verbindungstechnologie. Am Beispiel eines biegesteifen Längsstoßes werden die Potenziale und Herausforderungen der neuen Bauweise in Hinblick auf Detailentwicklung und Analyse aufgezeigt und diskutiert. Für den neuartigen, kaltvergossenen Verbindungsknoten erfolgten umfangreiche numerische und experimentelle Traglastuntersuchungen, die hier vorgestellt werden. Ebenfalls dargestellt werden Ansätze einer computergestützten Geometriegenerierung und Fertigung des Knotens (Rapid Prototyping) sowie weitere Entwicklungsstrategien für das Gesamtkonzept.
Embelin attenuates cisplatin‐induced nephrotoxicity: Involving inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in addition with activation of Nrf‐2/Ho‐1 pathway
Authors: Qin Xuexiang , Meghana Kakani , Sowjanya Nelluri Lakshmi , Sushma Katakam Revathi , Krishna Ch Gopala , Manasa Jagarlamudi , Sita Gadamsetty Jaya Alekhya , Gowthami Motati , Honeyshmitha Dronadula , Srikanth Gadiparthi , SreeHarsha Nagaraja 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn kidneys, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress were observed in nephrotoxicity triggered by cisplatin. Embelin has the anti‐inflammatory property. It also got anti‐tumorigenic and antioxidant properties. In this research, we analyzed the actions of embelin on nephrotoxicity triggered by cisplatin and vital actions by which it increases antioxidant actions and corrects the inflammation after embelin administration during nephrotoxicity triggered by cisplatin. Kidney function markers including blood urea nitrogen; serum creatinine; the markers of oxidative stress like malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant systems like glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione S‐transferase, catalase, and glutathione reductase; inflammation markers like nuclear factor‐κB (NF‐κB), tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1 beta (IL‐1β); and the extent of nuclear factor‐erythroid‐2 p45‐related factor‐2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase‐1 (HO‐1) were determined. Histopathology studies of kidneys were also used to analyze nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin. Treatment with embelin (25 and 50 mg/kg) upgrades the function of kidneys, by elevating antioxidant levels and reducing the MDA level in cisplatin‐administered rats. Embelin treatment demonstrated a significant curtailment of oxidative stress as well as increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes, endogenously. Cisplatin upregulates cytokines (i.e., TNF‐α and IL‐1β) and NF‐κB, and downregulates Nrf2 and HO‐1. Embelin treatment also reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in the renal tubules and thus reduced the level of histological impairment. The outcome of this study implements that the signaling pathway of Nrf2/HO‐1 may be the principal mechanism of embelin for protection from nephrotoxicity triggered by cisplatin, and thus, embelin diminishes oxidative stress and inflammation by impeding NF‐κB. © 2019 BioFactors, 45(3):471–478, 2019
Meta-analysis of patient-reported outcomes after laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair
Authors: Patterson T J , Beck J , Currie P J , Spence R A J , Spence G 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
Inguinal hernia repair is a common low-risk intervention. Patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are being used increasingly as primary outcomes in clinical trials. The aim of this study was to review and meta-analyse the PROs in RCTs comparing laparoscopic versus open inguinal hernia repair techniques in adult patients.

Methods
A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Only RCTs in peer-reviewed journals were considered. PubMed, Ovid Embase, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched. In addition, four trial registries were searched. The search interval was between 1 January 1998 and 1 May 2018. Identified publications were reviewed independently by two authors. The review was registered in the PROSPERO database (CRD42018099552). Bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias tool.

Results
Some 7192 records were identified, from which 58 unique RCTs were selected. Laparoscopic hernia repair was associated with significantly less postoperative pain in three intervals: from 2 weeks to within 6 months after surgery (risk ratio (RR) 0·74, 95 per cent c.i. 0·62 to 0·88), 6 months to 1 year (RR 0·74, 0·59 to 0·93) and 1 year onwards (RR 0·62, 0·47 to 0·82). Paraesthesia (RR 0·27, 0·18 to 0·40) and patient-reported satisfaction (RR 0·91, 0·85 to 0·98) were also significantly better in the laparoscopic repair group.

Conclusion
The data and analysis reported in this study reflect the most up-to-date evidence available for the surgeon to counsel patients. It was constrained by heterogeneity of reporting for several outcomes.
Long‐term exposure to high altitude attenuates verbal and spatial working memory: Evidence from an event‐related potential study
Authors: Ma Hailin , Zhang Delong , Li Xuebing , Ma Huifang , Wang Niannian , Wang Yan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to determine the neurocognitive basis underlying the effects of long‐term high‐altitude (HA) exposure on working memory (WM).MethodsUsing event‐related potentials (ERPs), we compared the performance of an HA group (individuals who had lived at HA for 3 years but were born and raised at low altitude [LA]) to that of an LA group (individuals who had only lived at LA) on verbal and spatial n‐back tasks (i.e., 1‐ and 2‐back memory load).ResultsResponse accuracy of the HA group was significantly decreased in comparison to the LA group in both the verbal and spatial 2‐back tasks. The P2 amplitude was larger in the HA than in the LA group in the spatial, but not the verbal 2‐back task. A smaller late‐positive potential (LPP) amplitude was found in the HA group in both the verbal and spatial 2‐back tasks.ConclusionsThese results suggest that HA impairs the matching (P2) process in spatial WM tasks and the maintenance (LPP) process in both verbal and spatial WM tasks, indicating that HA had a different effect on verbal and spatial 2‐back task performance.
The roles of alpha oscillation in working memory retention
Authors: Wianda Elvis , Ross Bernhard 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIntroductionBrain processes of working memory involve oscillatory activities at multiple frequencies in local and long‐range neural networks. The current study addressed the specific roles of alpha oscillations during memory encoding and retention, supporting the hypothesis that multiple functional mechanisms of alpha oscillations exist in parallel.MethodWe recorded magnetoencephalography (MEG) in 25 healthy young adults, who performed a variant of a Sternberg working memory task. A sequential list of five consonant letters was visually presented and was followed after a 2.0 s retention interval by a probe of a pair of two letters from the study list. Participants responded whether the probe pair was in same or reversed order in the list.ResultReaction time (RT) was shortest for the first letters in the list, increased with increasing serial position, and shorter for the last position. RT was substantially longer for the probe in reversed order. Time‐frequency analysis of the MEG revealed event‐related desynchronization (ERD) of alpha oscillations during the encoding interval and an alpha power increase (ERS) during memory retention. Alpha ERD during encoding occurred at 10 Hz and ERS during retention at 12 Hz, suggesting different alpha mechanisms. Analysis of alpha coherence and alpha‐gamma cross‐spectral coupling, applied to MEG beamformer source activity, revealed connectivity across brain areas. Additionally, alpha‐gamma coupling identified centers of local computation. The connectivity between occipital and frontotemporal areas was correlated with alpha ERS during memory retention. Cross‐frequency coupling between alpha phase and gamma amplitude depicted a hierarchy of information flow from frontal to temporal and occipital brain areas.ConclusionAlpha decrease during encoding indicates an active state of visual processing, while subsequent ERS indicates inhibition of further visual input for protecting the memory, and phasic timing of temporal and occipital gamma oscillations is related to a long‐range working memory networks.
Strategic stakeholder management, environmental corporate social responsibility engagement, and financial performance of stigmatized firms derived from Chinese special environmental policy
Authors: Xu Jia , Wei Jiuchang , Lu Liangdong 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe draw upon the stigma literature and strategic stakeholder management model to develop a framework capable of explaining the link between environmental corporate social responsibility (ECSR) engagement and financial performance of stigmatized firms, taking stakeholder‐oriented governance and density of local stigmatized firms into consideration. Using a uniquely compiled dataset of Chinese firms specifically monitored by the Ministry of Environmental Protection of China, we conducted propensity score matching analysis to estimate the impact of stigma on corporate financial performance and corporate environmental responsibility. The result shows that the financial performance of stigmatized firms is negatively affected by the stigma label, spurring them to engage in more ECSR than their peers to improve their legitimacy. Though ECSR engagement of stigmatized firms is found to be negatively associated with their financial performance in current study. Our results also confirm that (a) the financial performance of stigmatized firms is positively affected by two proxies for corporate stakeholder‐oriented governance (i.e., institutional ownership and corporate transparency) and negatively affected by the density of local stigmatized firms; (b) corporate stakeholder‐oriented governance compensates for the negative effect of ECSR engagement; (c) high intensity of local stigmatized firms provides focal firms with an opportunity to improve their financial performance through ECSR engagement; and (d) the positive effects of corporate stakeholder‐oriented governance are diminished by the density of local stigmatized firms.
Effects of preheating on briquetting and subsequent hydrothermal pretreatment for enzymatic saccharification of wheat straw
Authors: Gong Chunxiao , Thomsen Sune Tjalfe , Thygesen Lisbeth G. , Felby Claus 
Published: March 2019

AbstractBriquetting of plant biomass with low bulk density is an advantage for handling, transport, and storage of the material, and heating of the biomass prior to the briquetting facilitates the densification process and improves the physical properties of the briquettes. This study investigates the effects of preheating prior to briquetting of wheat straw (WS) on subsequent hydrothermal pretreatment and enzymatic conversion to fermentable sugars. WS (11% moisture content) was densified to briquettes under different conditions; without preheating or with preheating at 75 or 125°C for either 5 or 10 min. Subsequent hydrothermal pretreatment was done for both un‐briquetted WS and for briquettes. Enzymatic saccharification was afterwards performed for all samples. The results showed that as expected, nonpretreated WS briquettes gave very low sugar yields (22–29% of the cellulose content), even though preheating at 125°C prior to briquetting (without pretreatment) improved sugar yields somewhat. When combined with pretreatment, briquetting with preheating showed neutral or negative effects on sugar yield. This result suggests that moderate preheating (75°C for 5 min) before briquetting improved bulk density and compressive resistance of briquettes without impeding subsequent enzymatic conversion. However, excessive preheating (75 or 125°C for 10 min) before briquetting may result in irreversible structural modifications that hinder the interaction between biomass and water during pretreatment, thereby decreasing the accessibility of cellulose to enzymatic saccharification.
Influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being of persons with albinism in Ghana
Authors: Affram Adjeiwa Akosua , Teye‐Kwadjo Enoch , Gyasi‐Gyamerah Angela A. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractPrevious studies have shown that social stigma adversely affects quality of life. However, little research has assessed the influence of social stigma on subjective well‐being (SWB) of persons with albinism (PWA) in Ghana, and the role that perceived social support plays in this relationship. This study investigated the SWB of PWA in Ghana. Participants (N = 105) completed a survey questionnaire on social stigma, social support, and SWB. Results from structural equation modelling showed a significant negative association between social stigma and SWB. Perceived social support partially mediated the negative effect that social stigma has on SWB, with significant other support emerging as a reliable predictor of SWB in this sample. Results suggest that the population with albinism in Ghana is experiencing high levels of social stigma, which is adversely affecting its SWB. Social stigma seems to be preventing PWA from being accorded the needed social support by family and friends. The results highlight the importance of designing stigma‐reduction educational interventions that target social stigma at family, community, and societal levels.
Acute breathlessness with frank hemoptysis following catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation, a cause not so obvious
Authors: Waddingham Peter Henry , Chow Anthony Wai‐Cheong 
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical MessageAll clinicians prescribing amiodarone require knowledge of the challenging diagnosis and management of amiodarone‐induced pulmonary toxicity (APT), which is potentially fatal. APT should be considered early in all patients presenting with new respiratory symptoms and concurrent amiodarone therapy. Drug cessation and corticosteroid therapy can be highly effective once recognized.
Acute renal infarction, transient ischemic attack, and biventricular thrombi secondary to substance use disorder: A case report
Authors: Ghassemi Azadeh , Bharadia Juma , Liu Antonio 
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical MessageCocaine is the second most used illicit drug; cocaine induces platelet activation and formation of thrombus. Thrombotic effects of cocaine can lead to vascular injuries, cerebrovascular accident and myocardial infarct. Less common, cocaine use disorder leads to thrombi formation in both ventricles and renal artery infarct as seen in our patient.
Efficient Liquid‐Assisted Grinding Selective Aqueous Oxidation of Sulfides Using Supported Heteropolyacid Catalysts
Authors: Trombettoni Valeria , Franco Ana , Sathicq A. Gabriel , Len Christophe , Romanelli Gustavo P. , Vaccaro Luigi , Luque Rafael 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe present work reports the preparation of 40MoAl200 and its full characterization using a number of analytical techniques (XRD, TEM, TGA, BET, EDX). Liquid‐assisted ball milling proved to be a key tool to achieve both the best efficiency of 40MoAl200 as a novel Keggin type catalyst in the selective sulfoxidation reaction and also for succeeding in its effective recovery and reuse. In addition, the liquid assisted grinding process was studied in detail evaluating the influence of different parameters such as frequency of rotation (rpm), number and size of the stainless steel balls used and reaction time. The use of aqueous hydrogen peroxide is essential as water proved to exert a crucial role to improve both yields and selectivity towards sulfoxide formation. The procedure was representatively extended to a number of substrates with the possibility to extend the scope of the system to produce sulfoxides in high yields (up to 95 %) and satisfactory selectivities (up to 80 %). The catalyst proved to be recoverable and reusable under the optimized reaction conditions.