bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual CCR2/5 Antagonist Attenuates Obesity‐Induced Insulin Resistance by Regulating Macrophage Recruitment and M1/M2 Status
Authors: Huh Ji Hye , Kim Hong Min , Lee Eun Soo , Kwon Mi Hye , Lee Bo Ra , Ko Hyun‐Jeong , Chung Choon Hee 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveAdipose tissue inflammation induced by macrophage infiltration through the C‐C motif chemokine receptor (CCR) 2 or CCR5 pathway has a pivotal role in obesity‐related disease and insulin resistance. Here, the effect of PF4178903, a dual CCR2/CCR5 antagonist, on obesity and insulin resistance was evaluated.MethodsForty male C57BL/6J mice were divided into four groups as follows: (1) regular diet (RD), (2) RD with PF4178903, (3) high‐fat diet (HFD), and (4) HFD with PF4178903. All mice were sacrificed 12 weeks after the beginning of the experiment. Biochemical analyses and adipose tissue examinations were performed.ResultsAfter treatment with PF4178903, both body weight and adipocyte size in white adipose tissue were decreased in HFD‐fed mice. Furthermore, PF4178903 treatment reduced adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs) and lowered serum proinflammatory cytokines in HFD‐fed mice. PF4178903 treatment significantly improved HFD‐induced insulin resistance and glucose intolerance. Fluorescence‐activated cell sorter analysis revealed that PF4178903 treatment reduced the CD8 + T cell fraction in white adipose tissue of HFD‐fed mice. PF4178903 treatment reduced M1‐polarized macrophages while inducing an M2‐dominant shift in macrophages within white adipose tissue in HFD‐fed mice.ConclusionsDual CCR2/CCR5 antagonism ameliorates insulin resistance and inflammation in obesity by regulating ATM recruitment and polarization in white adipose tissue.
Organic gels prepared from side‐chain liquid crystalline polymers without the spacer
Authors: Chen Lei , Yuan Yongjie , Li Jindi , Zhang Hailiang 
Published: December 2017

A series of side‐chain liquid crystal polymers (SCLCPs) without the spacer, named poly[ω‐(4′‐n‐alkyl oxybiphenyl‐4‐oxy)methacrylate (PMBiCm, m = 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, and 18), have been synthesized. The novel polymer organogels were prepared by introducing PMBiCm into common organic solvents. Solubility and gel properties of polymer organogelators differ widely according to the nature of the solvents. In aromatic solvents, PMBiCm completely dissolved in solvent due to good compatibility between biphenyl mesogen group and aromatic solvents. Poly[ω‐(4′‐n‐alkyl oxybiphenyl‐4‐oxy)methacrylate were still insoluble in polar solvents such as acetone, ethanol, DMF, ethylene glycol, and n‐butanol. This behavior resulted from mismatch of solubility parameter between PMBiCm and solvent. Considering the factors of solvent, we have systematically studied 3 organic solvents with different polarities (butyl acetate, n‐butyl amine, and n‐heptane). It is found that the length of the alkoxy tail chain of the SCLCPs has significant influence on gelability and gel thermal stability. In further studies discussed by UV‐Vis spectroscopy, the results revealed that the π‐π stacking interaction of the biphenyl mesogens might be the key factor for guiding the self‐assembly processes and the polymer gel formation. This work is useful to comprehending physical mechanism of polymer organogels. Meanwhile, those expand SCLCPs to a wide range of applications.
Preparation and characterization of carbopol‐silver nanocomposites for efficient antimicrobial applications
Authors: Haddadine Nabila , Chalal Samia , Abouzeid Khaled , Bouslah Naima , Benaboura Ahmed , El‐Shall M. Samy 
Published: December 2017

Carbopol‐silver nanocomposites, CP‐Ag‐NCs, were prepared by a chemical reducing method by using formaldehyde as a reducing agent (nanocomposite F), and formaldehyde in the presence of an alkaline medium resulting from the addition of Na2CO3 (nanocomposite FC), or NaOH (nanocomposite FO) to enhance the rate of reduction of the silver ions. The UV‐visible spectra showed the appearance of bands centered around 275, 286, and 274 nm for the nanocomposites F, FC, and FO, respectively, attributed to small silver nanoparticles (Ag‐NPs) with an average size less than 10 nm. Other bands centered around 405 and 470 nm for the nanocomposites F and FC, respectively, were attributed to large Ag‐NPs with an average size greater than 50 nm. The absence of large Ag‐NPs in the nanocomposites FO makes them as the materials of choice for the preparation of selective ultrasmall Ag‐NPs with an average size less than 3 nm. Furthermore, photoluminescence was observed upon blue excitation of the ultrasmall colloidal Ag‐NPs. Scanning electron microscopy images showed a good dispersion of the metallic Ag‐NPs in the polymer matrix. Moreover, X‐ray diffraction patterns showed peaks corresponding to the face‐centered‐cubic of the Ag‐NPs. The nature of the interaction between carbopol and Ag‐NPs was further studied by attenuated total reflectance‐Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the mechanism of reduction of the silver ions was proposed. The antimicrobial activities of the CP‐Ag‐NCs were examined against Escherichia coli and Candida albicans microorganisms. The results demonstrate that the CP‐Ag‐NCs can provide new applications of these nanocomposites as efficient sensors and antimicrobial materials.
A combination of POSS and polyphosphazene for reducing fire hazards of epoxy resin
Authors: Shi Yongqian , Yu Bin , Zheng Yuying , Guo Jin , Chen Bohui , Pan Zemin , Hu Yuan 
Published: December 2017

Extensive application of epoxy resins (EPs) is highly limited by their intrinsic flammability. Combining EPs with nanoparticles and phosphorus‐nitrogen flame retardants is an effective approach to overcome the drawback. In this work, simultaneous incorporation of octa‐aminophenyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxanes (OapPOSS) and polyphosphazene into EP was reported for the first time. Significantly, reduced peak of heat release rate and UL‐94 V‐0 rating were achieved by tuning suitable ratios of polyphosphazene and OapPOSS for EP composites. During combustion, polyphosphazene promoted char formation and released nonflammable gases such as CO2, NH3, and N2 to dilute oxygen concentration and cool pyrolysis zone. Moreover, numerous phosphorus‐containing species acting as free radical scavengers were generated during degradation. Silicon dioxide evolving from OapPOSS protected char residues from thermal degradation. This study provides a novel method to fabricate high‐performance flame‐retardant EP composites, which have potential applications in the field of electrics and electronics.
Mechanical performance of thermoplastic composites using bituminous coal as filler: Study of a potentially sustainable end‐use application for Appalachian coal
Authors: Phillips Lakin N. , Kappagantula Keerti S. , Trembly Jason P. 
Published: December 2017

This study evaluated the utilization of bituminous coal from the Appalachian basin as filler material in high density polyethylene (HDPE) composites. Three coal types including Pittsburgh No. 8, Kittanning, and Upper Freeport were evaluated. The impact of coal (0–60 wt%) and coupling agent (0–3 wt%) content on flexure and tensile properties of the coal/HDPE composites was investigated. In addition, coal surface chemistry was analyzed using Boehm analyses and compared to pine wood flour. Composite flexure strength was maximum at 30 wt% coal, while tensile strength decreased with coal content. Addition of coupling agent to the composite had little to negative impact on mechanical properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:591–599, 2019. © 2017 Society of Plastics Engineers
An updated analysis of author affiliation across four school psychology journals: Is practitioner research increasing?
Authors: Aspiranti Kathleen B. , McCleary Daniel F. , Ratliff Stephen R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThis study analyzed articles published in four school psychology journals (Journal of School Psychology, Psychology in the Schools, School Psychology Quarterly, and School Psychology Review) between the years 2009 and 2015. Articles were classified based on whether they were narrative or empirical, and affiliation of each author was classified as either practitioner or university. Results were compared to those of a previous study that similarly classified articles from 2000 to 2008. Across the years, the total number of authors increased; however, the proportion of practitioners compared to university affiliates decreased from 9% to 6%. In particular, a regression analysis revealed a large increase in the number of university secondary authors. Discussion focuses on examining the impact that practitioners’ involvement in research has on implementing evidence‐based practices within the schools.
γ‐Secretase Inhibition Induces Muscle Hypertrophy in a Notch‐Independent Mechanism
Authors: Rosa de Andrade Ivone , Corrêa Stephany , Fontenele Marcio , de Oliveira Teixeira John Douglas , Abdelhay Eliana , Costa Manoel Luis , Mermelstein Claudia 
Published: December 2017

AbstractA wide variety of cellular processes and signaling events are regulated by the proteolytic enzyme γ‐secretase. Notch‐1 is one of the substrates of γ‐secretase and its role in the regulation of muscle differentiation has been well described. Importantly, besides Notch‐1, a number of proteins have been identified to undergo proteolysis by γ‐secretase. To date, the specific role of γ‐secretase during embryonic skeletal muscle differentiation has not been studied. Therefore, we address this question through the analysis of in vitro grown chick myogenic cells during the formation of multinucleated myotubes. The γ‐secretase inhibitor DAPT (N‐N[‐(3,5‐Difluorophenacetyl‐l‐alanyl)]‐S‐328 phenylglycine‐t‐butyl‐ester) induces muscle hypertrophy. Knockdown of Notch‐1 using siRNA specific to chick shows no significant effect in myotube size, suggesting that γ‐secretase‐dependent effects on muscle hypertrophy in chick myogenic cells are Notch‐1‐independent. We also investigate the effects of γ‐secretase inhibition in the whole proteomic profile of chick myogenic cells. We identified 276 differentially expressed proteins from Label‐free proteomic approach. Data overview of interaction network obtained from STRING show that after γ‐secretase inhibition cells exhibited imbalance in protein metabolism, cytoskeleton/adhesion, and Sonic Hedgehog signaling. The collection of these results provides new insights into the role of γ‐secretase in skeletal muscle hypertrophy.
Parental cancer: Characteristics of users of child‐centred counselling versus individual psycho‐oncological treatment
Authors: Inhestern Laura , Geertz Wiebke , Schulz‐Kindermann Frank , Bergelt Corinna 
Published: December 2017

AbstractObjectiveThe aims of this study were to investigate the characteristics of users of a specific child‐centred counselling service (COSIP) and to compare those to parents using an individual psycho‐oncological treatment (PO).MethodsWe conducted a retrospective analysis on data of users of COSIP and users of PO. Database was the routine assessment (demographic and disease‐related characteristics, GAD‐7, PHQ‐9, EORTC QLQ‐C30, and current concerns) of an outpatient psycho‐oncological clinic with additional child‐centred counselling. A total of 151 patients and 49 partners with children ≤21 years were included. We conducted descriptive analyses and group comparisons.ResultsFifty‐nine patients and partners used COSIP only or additionally to individual psycho‐oncological service. PO users were more depressed and were more anxious than COSIP users. Patients using PO reported worse emotional functioning than patients using COSIP. Partners using PO reported worse global quality of life and more symptoms of fatigue than partners using COSIP. With regard to current concerns, patients using COSIP reported child‐related issues more frequently than PO users. PO users reported symptoms of anxiety, depressive symptoms, or exhaustion more frequently than COSIP users.ConclusionsThe findings demonstrate that patients and partners self‐referring to PO or COSIP are highly burdened. COSIP users experience different psychosocial burden than PO users. As poor mental state of parents is a risk factor for the development of mental problems in children, parents using only PO may benefit from additional child‐centred support. Accordingly, the need for COSIP should be assessed continuously during PO of patients with children ≤21 years.
Eggshell‐Assisted Preparation of Mixed Nanoparticles Simultaneously Encapsulated in Carbon Microcubes for Reversible Lithium Storage
Authors: Meng Xinghua , Ng Simon , Ding Yi , Deng Da 
Published: December 2017

AbstractNanoparticle‐based electrodes often suffer from poor electrical properties due to high interparticle resistance, as well as low Coulombic efficiency attributed to large surface area induced parasitic reactions. In order to address this issue, a strategy of encapsulating two kinds of nanoparticles of both metal oxide and metallic nanoparticles is attempted, simultaneously, in microscale carbon cubic shells for highly reversible lithium storage. The unique structure is synthesized by simultaneous reactions of (1) decomposition of crystalline Co2(OH)3Cl microparticle precursor, synthesized in unique eggshell reactor systems, into nanoparticles, (2) partial reduction of CoO into metallic Co by eggshell membrane, (3) carbon coating by chemical vapor deposition facilitated by presence of catalytic Co with carbon released from the eggshell membrane, and (4) microscale carbon shell formed using the Co2(OH)3Cl particles as microtemplates. The carbon shells can prevent the encapsulated mixed nanoparticles from direct contact with electrolyte and reduce undesirable parasitic reactions, and accommodate volumetric variation during cycling. The introduction of metallic Co nanoparticles can reduce interparticle resistance. When evaluated for lithium storage, the unique structures of CoO–Co@C demonstrate superior electrochemical performances in terms of electrode stability and rate performance, as compared to that of pure CoO.
Mechanism of Cellular Uptake to Optimized AuNP Beacon for Tracing mRNA Changes in Living Cells
Authors: Li Siwen , Tian Caiping , Liu Yuxi , Wang Zhaohui , Ma Yi , Han Zhihao , Du Jiaying , Zhang Jinnan , Gu Yueqing 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMolecular beacon is a promising tool for mRNA detection in living cells. But the low detecting efficiency and narrow application range limited its development. In this study, we synthesized a novel gold nanoparticle (AuNP) beacon by optimizing the sequence amount and modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) and cell‐penetrating peptide (CPP) on the gold core. Then, the mechanism of beacon cell uptake was investigated. Lastly, we used the AuNP beacon to study the Akt‐mTOR‐HIF‐1 signaling pathway and the function and mechanism of miR‐7 in breast tumor cells. The results showed that the optimization obviously amplified the fluorescence signal of the AuNP beacon. The mechanism study described the process of AuNP beacon cellular uptake and confirmed amplifying the amount of beacon cellular uptake could obviously enhance the fluorescence signal. Compared to results, the accuracy of the gold nanoparticle beacon is similar to the results of real‐time‐Q‐PCR (RT‐PCR) and western blotting but that the operation is much simpler. Furthermore, in this study, we found that our Akt gold nanoparticle beacon had a similar function to that of the Akt small interfering RNA (siRNA). In summary, the gold nanoparticle beacon may be a promising method for the study of signaling pathways.
Shape‐ and Trap‐Controlled Nanocrystals for Giant‐Performance Improvement of All‐Inorganic Perovskite Photodetectors
Authors: Pang Liuqing , Yao Yao , Wang Qian , Zhang Xisheng , Jin Zhiwen , Liu Shengzhong (Frank) 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn the last few years, all‐inorganic perovskite CsPbBr3 nanocrystals (NCs) have attracted tremendous attention for its high carrier mobility, long carrier diffusion length, excellent visible light absorption, and more importantly superior air stability. In fact, photodetectors (PDs) are designed and fabricated using the CsPbBr3 NCs with very high performance. Herein, by optimizing the NC shape, size, and surface passivation, the CsPbBr3 PDs are developed with an even higher performance. It is found that the PDs based on CsPbBr3 nanoribbons show the best photoresponse among all common NC structures synthesized. Moreover, it is found that 6,6‐phenyl‐C61‐butyric acid ethyl ester can be used to passivate defects on the CsPbBr3 nanoribbon surface and shows the charge transfer. As a result, the device displays superior photoresponsivity (R = 18.4 A W−1), excellent signal‐to‐noise ratio, as high as 104, and a very sharp rise/decay time (8.7/3.5 ms). The method demonstrated may offer an attractive strategy to improve sensitivity for all‐inorganic perovskite PDs in general.
Lock and chop: A novel method for the generation of a PICK1 PDZ domain and piperidine‐based inhibitor co‐crystal structure
Authors: Marcotte Douglas J. , Hus Jean‐Christophe , Banos Charles C. , Wildes Craig , Arduini Robert , Bergeron Chris , Hession Catherine A. , Baker Darren P. , Lin Edward , Guckian Kevin M. , Dunah Anthone W. , Silvian Laura F. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe membrane protein interacting with kinase C1 (PICK1) plays a trafficking role in the internalization of neuron receptors such as the amino‐3‐hydroxyl‐5‐methyl‐4‐isoxazole‐propionate (AMPA) receptor. Reduction of surface AMPA type receptors on neurons reduces synaptic communication leading to cognitive impairment in progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer disease. The internalization of AMPA receptors is mediated by the PDZ domain of PICK1 which binds to the GluA2 subunit of AMPA receptors and targets the receptor for internalization through endocytosis, reducing synaptic communication. We planned to block the PICK1‐GluA2 protein–protein interaction with a small molecule inhibitor to stabilize surface AMPA receptors as a therapeutic possibility for neurodegenerative diseases. Using a fluorescence polarization assay, we identified compound BIO124 as a modest inhibitor of the PICK1‐GluA2 interaction. We further tried to improve the binding affinity of BIO124 using structure‐aided drug design but were unsuccessful in producing a co‐crystal structure using previously reported crystallography methods for PICK1. Here, we present a novel method through which we generated a co‐crystal structure of the PDZ domain of PICK1 bound to BIO124.
Assessing the current and future biological control potential of Trichogramma ostriniae on its hosts Ostrinia furnacalis and Ostrinia nubilalis
Authors: Wu Li‐Hsin , Hill Matthew P , Thomson Linda J , Hoffmann Ary A 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDUnderstanding interactions between biocontrol agents and their pest hosts under climate change should assist implementation of biocontrol strategies, by identifying appropriate biocontrol agents for release or determining the optimal timing of releases. Species distribution models (SDMs) were applied to evaluate the distributions of Trichogramma ostriniae and its native host, Ostrinia furnacalis, in southeastern Asia, and a non‐native host, Ostrinia nubilalis, in a novel range, North America, using MAXENT and CLIMEX modelling approaches.RESULTSThe models led to similar predictions about the expected distribution of the two species in Asia, and emphasized likely mismatches between host and natural enemy. Trichogramma ostriniae was predicted to occur in the summer corn region of China, with distribution limits linked to its sensitivity to cold, seasonality of radiation and precipitation. The modelled Ostrinia nubilalis distribution overlapped with the main corn production areas of the northeastern USA and Canada; temporary/seasonal suitable habitat was also predicted across the southeastern USA. Climate change scenarios are predicted to favour T. ostriniae over its hosts in northeastern China and North America.CONCLUSIONThe modelling approaches used here proved useful for assessing environmental factors linked to an egg parasitoid and its lepidopteran hosts and identifying areas potentially suitable for inundative releases. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
A renewable intelligent colorimetric indicator based on polyaniline for detecting freshness of tilapia
Authors: Wang Wenqi , Li Min , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai , Guo Ting , Zhang Guoquan , Xiong Yabo 
Published: December 2017

A renewable indicator based on polyaniline (PANI) was developed and was able to indicate the freshness of tilapia. Hydrochloric acid was used in preparation of doped PANI, and experiments on colour variations of PANI films during spoilage of tilapia were conducted under accelerate storage condition (30°C) and chilled condition (4°C). When stored under 30°C, significant colour change of PANI film from green (L* = 70, a* = −37, b* = 24) to peacock blue (L* = 37, a* = −12, b* = −24) was shown when the amount of total volatile basic nitrogen (TVB‐N) (19.4 mg/100 g) was about to reach the critical value (20 mg/100 g). Similarly, when the TVB‐N reached 20.3 mg/100 g in chilled condition, the colour of PANI film also changed from green (L* = 67, a* = −39, b* = 22) to peacock blue (L* = 35, a* = −13, b* = −20). Importantly, renewed PANI film washed with hydrochloric acid also showed obvious colour variation from green to peacock blue when TVB‐N was around the critical value, and it could be recycled for at least 3 times. A proposed design of indicator based on PANI was given to help the consumers identify the freshness of tilapia and ensure that they get safe products.
M‐ATTRIVAR: An attribute‐variable chart to monitor multivariate process means
Authors: Aparisi Francisco , Lee Ho Linda 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIn this paper, an attribute‐variable control chart, namely, M‐ATTRIVAR, is introduced to monitor possible shifts in a vector of means. The monitoring starts using an attribute chart (classifying the units as approved or not using a gauge) and continues in such a way until a warning signal is given, shifting the control to a variable chart for the next sampling. If the variable chart does not confirm the warning, the monitoring returns to an attribute control. Otherwise, the monitoring remains with the variable chart. Whenever any of the charts (attribute or variable) signals an alarm, the control scheme triggers an alarm. The main advantage of this new proposal is the possibility of judging the state of the process only by the attribute chart most of the time (normally more economical and faster). The performance of the M‐ATTRIVAR control chart is compared versus the main competitor (T2control chart) in terms of performance detection (out‐of‐control average run length) but also economically (average sampling cost). The M‐ATTRIVAR is always cheaper thanT2, and in many scenarios, it detects quicker process shifts than theT2control chart. A numerical example illustrates a practical situation.
Ritz variational method for the high‐lying nonautoionizing doubly excited 1,3Fe states of two‐electron atoms
Authors: Dutta Sayantan , Sil Amar N. , Saha Jayanta K. , Mukherjee Tapan K. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractEnergy eigenvalues of nonautoionizing doubly excited
states originating from 2pnf (
) configuration of two‐electron atoms
have been calculated by expanding the basis set in explicitly correlated Hylleraas coordinates under the framework of Ritz variational method. A detailed discussion on the evaluation of correlated basis integrals is given. The energy eigenvalues of a number of these doubly excited states are being reported for the first time especially for the high lying states. The effective quantum numbers (
) for the states mentioned above have been calculated by using the theory of quantum defect.