bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structure and properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) nanocomposites with kinetically induced nanoclay location
Authors: Urquijo J. , Dagréou S. , Guerrica‐Echevarría G. , Eguiazábal J. I. 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTPoly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone)/organically modified montmorillonite (PLA/PCL/OMMT) nanocomposites were melt‐processed in a twin‐screw extruder under high shear conditions. As a result of the processing conditions employed, the OMMT layers located in the less compatible PCL phase in all the ternary nanocomposites. The morphology of the PLA/PCL blend evolved from “sea‐island” to co‐continuous upon the addition of OMMT. Both the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and viscoelastic characterization suggested similar OMMT dispersion in the reference PLA binary and in the PLA/PCL ternary nanocomposites, regardless of its location in the PLA and PCL phase, respectively. The reinforcing effect of the organoclay was also similar. The addition of OMMT to the PLA/PCL blend fully compensated the loss in stiffness and oxygen barrier performance produced by PCL in PLA; the nanocomposite with 3% OMMT showed the same modulus and permeability values as those of pure PLA. Moreover, the ductile behavior (elongation at break > 80%) of the PLA/PCL blend remained constant even in the nanocomposite containing 5% OMMT. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43815.
Biopolyol preparation from liquefaction of grape seeds
Authors: Shao Qiang , Li Hong‐Qiang , Huang Chong‐Pin , Xu Jian 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTThe feasibility of liquefying grape seeds (GS) in the blended solvents of PEG 400 and glycerol for the production of biopolyol was investigated. Different liquefaction conditions have great influences on the residue ratio of GS. The influences of the liquefaction condition such as temperature, time, catalyst percentage, and liquid–solid ratio on the residue ratio were discussed. The optimal conditions obtained were 180  °C, 120 min, catalyst percentage (percentage of solvent mass) of 3.5%, and liquid–solid ratio of 4. The FTIR showed that the lignin, cellulose, and hemicellulose in the GS were effectively decomposed in the liquefaction process. The characteristic parameters of the biopolyol were as follows: hydroxyl number of 397.46 mg KOH/g, acid number of 1.85 mg KOH/g, viscosity of 2960 mPa·s, weight‐average molecular weight of 5.18 × 103 g mol−1, and polydispersity of 3.64. These results suggest that the GS‐based polyol was suitable for the production of polyurethane foams. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43835.
Effect of coupling agent on structure and properties of micro–nano composite fibers based on PET
Authors: Jiang Zhaohui , Ma Pibo , Guo Zengge , Jia Zhao , Pu Congcong , Xiao Changfa 
Published: May 2016

ABSTRACTPoly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET)/carbon black (CB) micro–nano composite fibers were manufactured by melt spinning method. To achieve good dispersion, nano‐CB particles were modified by coupling agent (CA). The effect of CA on structure and properties of the fibers were investigated via scanning electron microscopy (SEM), tensile testing, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), sonic orientation, and birefringence, respectively. At 2 wt % CA dosage, CB particles present the optimal dispersion in the fibers, shown in SEM images. Besides, the fibers possess the maximum breaking strength, the lowest crystallization temperature, and the highest crystallinity. After CA modification, the superior interfacial structure between PET and CB is beneficial to improve mechanical properties of the fibers. The well dispersed CB particles provide more heterogeneous nucleation points, resulting in the highest crystallinity. Furthermore, the fibers with 2 wt % CA dosage possess the maximum orientation and shrinkage ratio. According to Viogt–Kelvin model, the thermal shrinkage curves of the fibers can be well fitted using single exponential function. The three‐phase structure model of crystal phase–amorphous phase–CB phase was established to interpret the relationship among shrinkage, orientation, and dispersion of CB particles. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43846.
Dopamine‐Directed In‐Situ and One‐Step Synthesis of Au@Ag Core–Shell Nanoparticles Immobilized to a Metal–Organic Framework for Synergistic Catalysis
Authors: Huang Pengcheng , Ma Wenjie , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun 
Published: May 2016

AbstractWe report a facile and general approach to the formation of bimetallic core–shell Au@Ag nanoparticles (NPs) immobilized to metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) via a one‐step synthetic route at room temperature. Dopamine (DA) is used as a moderate reductant, which can bind to negatively charged groups of MOFs through electrostatic interaction, and subsequently Au@Ag core–shell NPs are formed by in‐situ reduction of the bimetallic Au and Ag precursors step‐by‐step spontaneously without pre‐synthesized seeds. The as‐formed Au@Ag core–shell NPs immobilized to MOFs exhibit excellent catalytic activity for the reduction of 4‐nitrophenol (4‐NPh) by NaBH4 to 4‐aminophenol (4‐APh) due to a synergistic effect and are highly stable as demonstrated by recycling experiments.
Estimating freeway route travel time distributions with consideration to time‐of‐day, inclement weather, and traffic incidents
Authors: Caceres Hernan , Hwang Ha , He Qing 
Published: May 2016

SummaryThis paper develops an efficient probabilistic model for estimating route travel time variability, incorporating factors of time‐of‐day, inclement weather, and traffic incidents. Estimating the route travel time distribution from historical link travel time data is challenging owing to the interactions among upstream and downstream links. Upon creating conditional probability function for each link travel time, we applied Monte Carlo simulation to estimate the total travel time from origin to destination. A numerical example of three alternative routes in the City of Buffalo shows several implications. The study found that weather conditions, except for snow, incur minor impact on off‐peak and weekend travel time, whereas peak travel times suffer great variations under different weather conditions. On top of that, inclement weather exacerbates route travel time reliability, even when mean travel time increases moderately. The computation time of the proposed model is linearly correlated to the number of links in a route. Therefore, this model can be used to obtain all the origin to destination travel time distributions in an urban region. Further, this study also validates the well‐known near‐linear relation between the standard deviation of travel time per unit distance and the corresponding mean value under different weather conditions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Multi‐level traffic control at large four‐leg roundabouts
Authors: Xu Hongfeng , Zhang Kun , Zhang Dong 
Published: May 2016

SummaryYield control and full signalization are typical traffic control solutions that can be used at large roundabouts. In the face of increasing congestion issues, it is preferred to use yield control during off‐peak periods and full signalization during peak periods. To automatically accommodate time‐varying vehicular demands, a multi‐level traffic control (MTC) is developed to implement hybrid yield control and fully actuated control at large four‐leg roundabouts. With new application of traffic control devices and traffic detection system, the right‐of‐way can be assigned to entering and circulating vehicles in three modes. The ‘all entering’ mode is equivalent to a yield control. The ‘no entering’ and ‘concurrent entering’ modes are equivalent to a fully actuated control. On the basis of time headways and occupancy times that are detected on the entry and circulatory roadways, the mode of right‐of‐way assignment can be changed in response to actual traffic conditions. For a specific mode of right‐of‐way assignment, traffic signal operation is managed by some detectable traffic events that are happening. The results of the simulation experiments conducted by VISSIM indicated that: (i) MTC was stabilized at the ‘all entering’ mode during off‐peak periods and at the ‘concurrent entering’ mode during peak periods; (ii) MTC would typically change the mode of right‐of‐way assignment according to actual traffic conditions as vehicular demands increased from off‐peak to peak or decreased from peak to off‐peak; and (iii) statistically speaking, MTC inherited the operational advantages of yield control and fully actuated control, and could be effective in improving the operational performance of large four‐leg roundabouts for all hours of the day, regardless of the level of left‐turn ratios. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toxin structures as evolutionary tools: Using conserved 3D folds to study the evolution of rapidly evolving peptides
Authors: Undheim Eivind A. B. , Mobli Mehdi , King Glenn F. 
Published: May 2016

Three‐dimensional (3D) structures have been used to explore the evolution of proteins for decades, yet they have rarely been utilized to study the molecular evolution of peptides. Here, we highlight areas in which 3D structures can be particularly useful for studying the molecular evolution of peptide toxins. Although we focus our discussion on animal toxins, including one of the most widespread disulfide‐rich peptide folds known, the inhibitor cystine knot, our conclusions should be widely applicable to studies of the evolution of disulfide‐constrained peptides. We show that conserved 3D folds can be used to identify evolutionary links and test hypotheses regarding the evolutionary origin of peptides with extremely low sequence identity; construct accurate multiple sequence alignments; and better understand the evolutionary forces that drive the molecular evolution of peptides.Also watch the video abstract
One‐pot synthesis of carbon dots using two different acids and their respective unique photoluminescence property
Authors: Loi Elaine , Ng Roy Wei Chao , Chang Melissa May Fung , Fong Jessica Fung Yee , Ng Yann Huey , Ng Sing Muk 
Published: May 2016

AbstractCarbon dots, a new class of nanomaterial with unique optical property and have great potential in various applications. This work demonstrated the possibility of tuning the emission wavelength of carbon dots by simply changing the acid type used during synthesis. In particular, sulfuric and phosphoric acids and a mixture of the two were used to carbonize the same starting precursor, sucrose. This resulted in the isolation of carbon dots with blue (440 nm) and green (515 nm) emission. Interestingly, the use of an acid mixture at various ratios did not shift the initial emission profile, but did obviously alter the fluorescence efficiency of the peaks. This clearly showed that acid type can be used as an alternative tool to produce carbon dots that have different emissions using the same starting precursor. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mono‐ and dichromatic LED illumination leads to enhanced growth and energy conversion for high‐efficiency cultivation of microalgae for application in space
Authors: Wagner Ines , Steinweg Christian , Posten Clemens 
Published: May 2016

AbstractIllumination with red and blue photons is known to be efficient for cultivation of higher plants. For microalgae cultivation, illumination with specific wavelengths rather than full spectrum illumination can be an alternative where there is a lack of knowledge about achievable biomass yields. This study deals with the usage of color LED illumination to cultivate microalgae integrated into closed life support systems for outer space. The goal is to quantify biomass yields using color illumination (red, blue, green and mixtures) compared to white light. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was cultivated in plate reactors with color compared to white illumination regarding PCE, specific pigment concentration and cell size. Highest PCE values were achieved under low PFDs with a red/blue illumination (680 nm/447 nm) at a 90 to 10% molar ratio. At higher PFDs saturation effects can be observed resulting from light absorption characteristics and the linear part of PI curve. Cell size and aggregation are also influenced by the applied light color. Red/blue color illumination is a promising option applicable for microalgae‐based modules of life support systems under low to saturating light intensities and double‐sided illumination. Results of higher PCE with addition of blue photons to red light indicate an influence of sensory pigments.
Stirred tank bioreactor culture combined with serum‐/xenogeneic‐free culture medium enables an efficient expansion of umbilical cord‐derived mesenchymal stem/stromal cells
Authors: Mizukami Amanda , Fernandes‐Platzgummer Ana , Carmelo Joana G. , Swiech Kamilla , Covas Dimas T. , Cabral Joaquim M. S. , da Silva Cláudia L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSC) are being widely explored as promising candidates for cell‐based therapies. Among the different human MSC origins exploited, umbilical cord represents an attractive and readily available source of MSC that involves a non‐invasive collection procedure. In order to achieve relevant cell numbers of human MSC for clinical applications, it is crucial to develop scalable culture systems that allow bioprocess control and monitoring, combined with the use of serum/xenogeneic (xeno)‐free culture media. In the present study, we firstly established a spinner flask culture system combining gelatin‐based Cultispher®S microcarriers and xeno‐free culture medium for the expansion of umbilical cord matrix (UCM)‐derived MSC. This system enabled the production of 2.4 (±1.1) x105 cells/mL (n = 4) after 5 days of culture, corresponding to a 5.3 (±1.6)‐fold increase in cell number. The established protocol was then implemented in a stirred‐tank bioreactor (800 mL working volume) (n = 3) yielding 115 million cells after 4 days. Upon expansion under stirred conditions, cells retained their differentiation ability and immunomodulatory potential. The development of a scalable microcarrier‐based stirred culture system, using xeno‐free culture medium that suits the intrinsic features of UCM‐derived MSC represents an important step towards a GMP compliant large‐scale production platform for these promising cell therapy candidates.
Outcomes following laparoscopic rectal cancer resection by supervised trainees
Authors: Currie A C , White I , Malietzis G , Moorghen M , Jenkins J T , Kennedy R H 
Published: May 2016

Abstract

Background
The aim was to evaluate the applicability of laparoscopic surgery in the treatment of primary rectal cancer in a training unit.

Methods
A cohort analysis was undertaken of consecutive patients undergoing elective surgery for primary rectal cancer over a 7-year interval. Data on patient and operative details, and short-term clinicopathological outcomes were collected prospectively and analysed on an intention-to-treat basis.

Results
A total of 306 patients (213 men, 69·6 per cent) of median (i.q.r.) age 67 (58–73) years with a median body mass index of 26·6 (23·9–29·9) kg/m2 underwent surgery. Median tumour height was 8 (6–11) cm from the anal verge, and 46 patients (15·0 per cent) received neoadjuvant radiotherapy. Seven patients (2·3 per cent) were considered unsuitable for laparoscopic surgery and underwent open resection; 299 patients (97·7 per cent) were suitable for laparoscopic surgery, but eight were randomized to open surgery as part of an ongoing trial. Some 291 patients (95·1 per cent) underwent a laparoscopic procedure, with conversion required in 29 (10·0 per cent). Surgery was partially or completely performed by trainees in 72·4 per cent of National Health Service patients (184 of 254), whereas private patients underwent surgery primarily by consultants. Median postoperative length of stay for all patients was 6 days and the positive circumferential resection margin rate was 4·9 per cent (15 of 306).

Conclusion
Supervised trainees can perform routine laparoscopic rectal cancer resection.
Detection of somatic BRCA1/2 mutations in ovarian cancer – next‐generation sequencing analysis of 100 cases
Authors: Koczkowska Magdalena , Zuk Monika , Gorczynski Adam , Ratajska Magdalena , Lewandowska Marzena , Biernat Wojciech , Limon Janusz , Wasag Bartosz 
Published: May 2016

AbstractThe overall prevalence of germline BRCA1/2 mutations is estimated between 11% and 15% of all ovarian cancers. Individuals with germline BRCA1/2 alterations treated with the PARP1 inhibitors (iPARP1) tend to respond better than patients with wild‐type BRCA1/2. Additionally, also somatic BRCA1/2 alterations induce the sensitivity to iPARP1. Therefore, the detection of both germline and somatic BRCA1/2 mutations is required for effective iPARP1 treatment. The aim of this study was to identify the frequency and spectrum of germline and somatic BRCA1/2 alterations in a group of Polish patients with ovarian serous carcinoma. In total, 100 formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) ovarian serous carcinoma tissues were enrolled to the study. Mutational analysis of BRCA1/2 genes was performed by using next‐generation sequencing. The presence of pathogenic variants was confirmed by Sanger sequencing. In addition, to confirm the germline or somatic status of the mutation, the nonneoplastic tissue was analyzed by bidirectional Sanger sequencing. In total, 27 (28% of patient samples) mutations (20 in BRCA1 and 7 in BRCA2) were identified. For 22 of 27 patients, nonneoplastic cells were available and sequencing revealed the somatic character of two BRCA1 (2/16; 12.5%) and two BRCA2 (2/6; 33%) mutations. Notably, we identified six novel frameshift or nonsense BRCA1/2 mutations. The heterogeneity of the detected mutations confirms the necessity of simultaneous analysis of BRCA1/2 genes in all patients diagnosed with serous ovarian carcinoma. Moreover, the use of tumor tissue for mutational analysis allowed the detection of both somatic and germline BRCA1/2 mutations.
Photoimmunotherapy of residual disease after incomplete surgical resection in head and neck cancer models
Authors: Moore Lindsay S. , de Boer Esther , Warram Jason M. , Tucker Matthew D. , Carroll William R. , Korb Melissa L. , Brandwein‐Gensler Margaret S. , van Dam Gooitzen M. , Rosenthal Eben L. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAntibody‐based photodynamic therapy, or photoimmunotherapy (PIT), is a novel, targeted cancer therapy, which can serve as both a diagnostic and a therapeutic agent. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the capacity of panitumumab‐IRDye700DX (Pan‐IR700) to eliminate microscopic tumor remnants in the postsurgical setting, which was accomplished using novel in vitro and in vivo models of residual disease after incomplete resection. Additionally, PIT was evaluated in fresh human‐derived cancer tissue. To determine a threshold for cellular regrowth after PIT, an in vitro assay was performed using a range of cells representing microscopic disease quantities. Long‐term growth inhibition was induced after treatment of 5 × 103 and 1 × 104 cells at 6 J. A novel in vivo mouse model of subtotal tumor resection was used to assess the effectiveness of Pan‐IR700 mediated PIT to eliminate residual disease and inhibit recurrence in the post‐surgical wound bed. Mice receiving surgical treatment plus adjuvant PIT showed a threefold and fourfold reduction in tumor regrowth at 30 days post PIT in the 50% and 90% subtotal resection groups, respectively (as measured by bioluminescence imaging), demonstrating a significant (P < 0.001) reduction in tumor regrowth. To determine the translatability of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)‐targeted PIT, SCCHN human tissues (n = 12) were treated with Pan‐IR700. A significant reduction (P < 0.001) in ATP levels was observed after treatment with Pan‐IR700 and 100 J cm−2 (48% ± 5%) and 150 J cm−2 (49% ± 7%) when compared to baseline. Targeting EGFR with Pan‐IR700 has robust potential to provide a tumor‐specific mechanism for eliminating residual disease in the surgical setting, thereby increasing therapeutic efficacy, prolonging progression‐free survival, and decreasing morbidity.
Design of a Continuous Tubular Cooling Crystallizer for Process Development on Lab‐Scale
Authors: Hohmann Lukas , Gorny Ramona , Klaas Oliver , Ahlert Jonas , Wohlgemuth Kerstin , Kockmann Norbert 
Published: May 2016

AbstractContinuous manufacturing of fine chemical, life science, and pharmaceutical products is under recent investigation in R&D. As cooling crystallization is an important unit operation for purification of products, continuously operated, scalable devices are required for process development on lab‐scale. A tubular crystallizer was developed, based on the coiled flow inverter design. Experimental characterization proved a narrow residence time distribution of the liquid phase close to ideal plug flow. Counter‐current air cooling allows for adjusting linear and curved temperature profiles. Unseeded operation with the L‐alanine (water) system demonstrated that nucleation has to be actively controlled to successfully apply intensified continuous cooling crystallization processes.
Self‐Assembly of Uranyl–Peroxide Nanocapsules in Basic Peroxidic Environments
Authors: Miró Pere , Vlaisavljevich Bess , Gil Adria , Burns Peter C. , Nyman May , Bo Carles 
Published: May 2016

AbstractA wide range of uranyl–peroxide nanocapsules have been synthesized using very simple reactants in basic media; however, little is known about the process to form these species. We have performed a density functional theory study of the speciation of the uranyl ions under different experimental conditions and explored the formation of dimeric species via a ligand exchange mechanism. We shed some light onto the importance of the excess of peroxide and alkali counterions as a thermodynamic driving force towards the formation of larger uranyl–peroxide species.
Mechanism of Macroscopic Motion of Oleate Helical Assemblies: Cooperative Deprotonation of Carboxyl Groups Triggered by Photoisomerization of Azobenzene Derivatives
Authors: Kageyama Yoshiyuki , Ikegami Tomonori , Kurokome Yuta , Takeda Sadamu 
Published: May 2016

AbstractMacroscopic and spatially ordered motions of self‐assemblies composed of oleic acid and a small amount of an azobenzene derivative, induced by azobenzene photoisomerization, was previously reported. However, the mechanism of the generation of submillimeter‐scale motions by the nanosized structural transition of azobenzene was not clarified. Herein, an underlying mechanism of the motions is proposed in which deprotonation of carboxyl groups in cooperation with azobenzene photoisomerization causes a morphological transition of the self‐assembly, which in turn results in macroscopic forceful dynamics. The photoinduced deprotonation was investigated by potentiometric pH titration and FTIR spectroscopy. The concept of hierarchical molecular interaction generating macroscale function is expected to promote the next stage of supramolecular chemistry.
Eosin Y (EY) Photoredox‐Catalyzed Sulfonylation of Alkenes: Scope and Mechanism
Authors: Meyer Andreas Uwe , Straková Karolína , Slanina Tomáš , König Burkhard 
Published: May 2016

AbstractAlkyl‐ and aryl vinyl sulfones were obtained by eosin Y (EY)‐mediated visible‐light photooxidation of sulfinate salts and the reaction of the resulting S‐centered radicals with alkenes. Optimized reaction conditions, the sulfinate and alkene scope, and X‐ray structural analyses of several reaction products are provided. A detailed spectroscopic study explains the reaction mechanism, which proceeds through the EY radical cation as key intermediate oxidizing the sulfinate salts.
ChemInform Abstract: Effect of Residual Water in Propylene Carbonate on Films Formed on Lithium.
Authors: NAZRI G. , MULLER R. H. 
Published: May 2016

AbstractEs wird der Einfluß geringer H2O ‐Mengen (500 ppm ‐ 1%) in Propylencarbonatlö‐ sungen auf die Bildung von Oberflächenfilmen auf Li‐Elektroden mittels cyclischer Voltammetrie, IR‐Spektroskopie und ex situ‐ sowie in situ‐Röntgenbeugung untersucht.