bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simultaneously improving tensile strength and toughness of melt‐spun β‐nucleated isotactic polypropylene fibers
Authors: Liu Zhongzhu , Zheng Guoqiang , Dai Kun , Liu Chuntai , Shen Changyu 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTPolymer processing methods generally play a crucial role in determining the development of microstructure in the fabricated product. In this study, isotactic polypropylene (iPP) melt containing 0.05 wt % β‐nucleating agent (β‐NA) was extruded via a melt flow rate indicator. The molten extrudate was stretched into a fiber upon various take‐up velocities (TVs). The microstructures of the fiber were investigated by differential scanning calorimeter, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering. Also, its tensile properties (including tensile strength, modulus, elongation at break, and toughness) were measured by tensile test. Interestingly, the tensile strength (135.0 MPa) of a melt‐spun β‐nucleated iPP fiber fabricated at 400 cm/min was enhanced by 115.2%, compared with that (62.7 MPa) prepared at 100 cm/min, with a considerable increment in toughness (from 661 to 853 MJ/m3). The enhancement mechanism for tensile properties was discussed based on the microstructures. This work offers a simple approach to prepare β‐nucleated iPP fibers with excellent strength and toughness. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43454.
Electrospun polymer of intrinsic microporosity fibers and their use in the adsorption of contaminants from a nonaqueous system
Authors: Zhang Caili , Li Pei , Cao Bing 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTThe smooth and uniform polymer of intrinsic microporosity (PIM‐1) fibers, which have high adsorption capacities toward organic contaminants from nonaqueous systems, were successfully obtained by electrospinning. According to the N2 adsorption–desorption analysis, the surface area of the PIM‐1 fibers was higher than that of the PIM‐1 powder. The higher surface area of the fibers did not come from the interfiber pores but from intrafiber pores formed by the fast evaporation of the solvent in the electrospinning process. The PIM‐1 fibers had more mesopores than the PIM‐1 films. As a result, the adsorption rates of the dyes on the fibers were much higher than those on the dense films. We found that the adsorption data fitted perfectly with the pseudo‐second‐order model and intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption mechanism between the dyes and PIM‐1 was π–π interaction. Therefore, the dye could be desorbed from PIM‐1 with toluene; this was a better π‐electron‐rich donor than the dye. In summary, we believe that the use of PIM‐1 fibers for organic solvent recovery is a green, sustainable, and efficient method, and they have a great potential for industrial applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43475.
Polypropylene‐based composites containing sorbitol‐based nucleating agent and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin
Authors: Dobrzyńska‐Mizera Monika , Dutkiewicz Michał , Sterzyński Tomasz , Di Lorenzo Maria Laura 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTComposites based on isotactic polypropylene (iPP) modified with a sorbitol derivative (NX8000) and siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin containing reactive phenyl groups (SiOPh) were prepared by melt extrusion. These iPP‐based formulations were investigated to evaluate the influence of such additives on the crystallization behavior and morphology, as well as on thermal and mechanical properties. The addition of sorbitol fastens crystallization kinetics of iPP and leads to higher transparency of iPP films. Upon the incorporation of siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin, no further effect on iPP crystallization kinetics is evidenced by calorimetry, optical microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction analysis. Transparency of iPP‐based composites is improved upon the addition of sorbitol, but decreased when SiOPh is added to the formulation. The composites are also stiffer, compared to neat polypropylene with a decreased elongation at break and increased Young's modulus values, with increasing amounts of fillers. The effect of the siloxane‐silsesquioxane resin on properties of iPP/NX8000/SiOPh composites was explained taking into account compatibility of the components and morphology of the composites. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2016,133, 43476.
Bio‐inspired “green” nanocomposite using hydroxyapatite synthesized from eggshell waste and soy protein
Authors: Rahman Muhammad M. , Netravali Anil N. , Tiimob Boniface J. , Apalangya Vitus , Rangari Vijaya K. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTEco‐friendly and inexpensive “green” nanocomposites with enhanced functional performances were developed by combining nanoscale hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesized from eggshell waste (nEHA) and protein‐based polymer extracted from defatted soybean residues. nEHA was synthesized from chicken eggshells using an energy efficient microwave‐assisted wet chemical precipitation method. Transmission electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy studies confirmed the nanometer scale (diameter: 4–14 nm and length: 5–100 nm) of calcium‐deficient (Ca/P ratio ∼1.53) needle‐like HA. Uniform dispersion of nEHA in soy protein isolate (SPI) solution was obtained by modifying nEHA surface using a polyelectrolyte (sodium polyacrylate) dispersant via irreversible adsorption. Green nanocomposite films were prepared from SPI and surface‐modified nEHA with the help of a natural plasticizer “glycerol” by solution casting. Significant improvements in tensile modulus and strength were achieved owing to the inclusion of uniformly dispersed nEHA in SPI sheets. Overall, this work provides a green pathway of fabricating nanocomposites using naturally occurring renewable polymer and inorganic moieties from eggshell waste that emphasizes the possibilities for replacing some petroleum‐based polymers in packaging and other applications. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43477.
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of cashew gum graft poly(acrylamide)/magnetite nanocomposites
Authors: Ramesan M. T. , Surya K. 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTGraft copolymer nanocomposites based on cashew gum and poly(acrylamide) with different concentrations of nano‐iron‐oxide particles (Fe3O4) have been prepared by an in situ polymerization method. The characterization of graft copolymer composite was carried out by FTIR, UV, XRD, SEM, DSC, and TGA, electrical conductivity, and magnetic property [vibrational sample magnetometer (VSM)] measurements. The shift in the spectrum of UV and FTIR peaks shows the intermolecular interaction between metal oxide nanoparticles and the graft copolymer system. The spherically shaped particles observed from the SEM images clearly indicating the uniform dispersion of nanoparticles within the graft copolymer chain. The XRD studies revealed that the amorphous nature of the graft copolymer decreases by the addition of Fe3O4 nanoparticles. The glass transition temperature studied from DSC increases with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. Thermal stability of composite was higher than the pure graft copolymer and thermal stability increases with increase in content of nanoparticles. Electrical properties such as AC conductivity and dielectric properties of the composites increased with increase in concentration of metal oxide nanoparticles. The magnetic property of graft copolymer nanocomposites shows ferromagnetic and supermagnetism and the saturation of magnetism linearly increased with increasing the Fe3O4 content in the polymer composite. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43496.
Preparation and characterization of a composite nanofiltration membrane interfacially polymerized from cis,cis‐1,3,5‐triaminocyclohexane and trimesoyl chloride
Authors: Liu Zhongnan , Kuang Wu , Kang Guodong , Yu Haijun , Jin Yan , Zhou Meiqing , Liu Dandan , Cao Yiming 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTcis,cis‐1,3,5‐Triaminocyclohexane (TAC) was synthesized and used to prepare composite nanofiltration (NF) membranes by interfacial polymerization with trimesoyl chloride (TMC). The surface elemental composition, morphology, and hydrophilicity of the prepared NF membranes were characterized. The separation performances were examined with various salts and polyethylene glycol (PEG400, PEG600) solutions. The effects of preparation conditions were also systematically studied. The NF membrane was negatively charged and exhibited a salt rejection in the order Na2SO4 (98.2%) > MgSO4 (90.8%) > MgCl2 (84.5%) > NaCl (54.6%). The water permeability was 1.56 L m−2 h−1 bar−1, and the molecular weight cutoff was 600 Da. The TAC/TMC membrane exhibited some characteristics that were different from the ones made from common diamines such as m‐phenylenediamine: (1) the surface was smoother, without a ridge‐and‐valley structure; (2) there were two kinds of crosslinking points in the polyamide chains; (3) the active layer was formed faster (only 5 seconds was required to reach a Na2SO4 rejection of 98%). © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43511.
Heterocoagulation behavior of carbon black with surface encapsulation through emulsion polymerization
Authors: Jiang Lili , Wang Wenqi , Guan Aiguo , Wu Guozhang 
Published: February 2016

ABSTRACTNanocomposite microspheres containing styrene–acrylate resin, wax, and carbon black (CB) with desired CB dispersion were prepared through heterocoagulation. The CB surface was modified using conventional anionic emulsifier and anionic dispersants with different lengths of nonionic chains and reactivities or through polymer encapsulation via emulsion polymerization to regulate the dispersion and concentration of CB in the microspheres. Experimental results showed that anionic dispersants with long nonionic chains effectively dispersed and stabilized CB particles. Polystyrene (PS) was then encapsulated on the CB surface by using a reactive dispersant and a water‐soluble initiator of polymerization. The CB particles exhibited comparable pH stability with other heterocoagulation components. Overall, encapsulation through emulsion polymerization can be used to obtain not only high CB content but also improved CB distribution in the resulting microspheres. High coagulation efficiency can also be achieved using polystyrene‐encapsulated dispersed CB because of its high affinity to emulsifiers and reactive dispersants during dispersion. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2016, 133, 43516.
Replication of Associations of Genetic Loci Outside the HLA Region With Susceptibility to Anti–Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide–Negative Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Viatte Sebastien , Massey Jonathan , Bowes John , Duffus Kate ,   arcOGEN Consortium, Eyre Stephen , Barton Anne , Worthington Jane 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveGenetic polymorphisms within the HLA region explain only a modest proportion of anti–cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti‐CCP)–negative rheumatoid arthritis (RA) heritability. However, few non‐HLA markers have been identified so far. This study was undertaken to replicate the associations of anti‐CCP–negative RA with non‐HLA genetic polymorphisms demonstrated in a previous study.MethodsThe Rheumatoid Arthritis Consortium International densely genotyped 186 autoimmune‐related regions in 3,339 anti‐CCP–negative RA patients and 15,870 controls across 6 different populations using the Illumina ImmunoChip array. We performed a case–control replication study of the anti‐CCP–negative markers with the strongest associations in that discovery study, in an independent cohort of anti‐CCP–negative UK RA patients. Individuals from the arcOGEN Consortium and Wellcome Trust Case Control Consortium were used as controls. Genotyping in cases was performed using Sequenom MassArray technology. Genome‐wide data from controls were imputed using the 1000 Genomes Phase I integrated variant call set release version 3 as a reference panel.ResultsAfter genotyping and imputation quality control procedures, data were available for 15 non‐HLA single‐nucleotide polymorphisms in 1,024 cases and 6,348 controls. We confirmed the known markers ANKRD55 (meta‐analysis odds ratio [OR] 0.80; P = 2.8 × 10−13) and BLK (OR 1.13; P = 7.0 × 10−6) and identified new and specific markers of anti‐CCP–negative RA (prolactin [PRL] [OR 1.13; P = 2.1 × 10−6] and NFIA [OR 0.85; P = 2.5 × 10−6]). Neither of these loci is associated with other common, complex autoimmune diseases.ConclusionAnti‐CCP–negative RA and anti‐CCP–positive RA are genetically different disease subsets that only partially share susceptibility factors. Genetic polymorphisms located near the PRL and NFIA genes represent examples of genetic susceptibility factors specific for anti‐CCP–negative RA.
Interleukin‐9 Overexpression and Th9 Polarization Characterize the Inflamed Gut, the Synovial Tissue, and the Peripheral Blood of Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Ciccia Francesco , Guggino Giuliana , Ferrante Angelo , Raimondo Stefania , Bignone Rodolfo , Rodolico Vito , Peralta Sergio , Van Tok Melissa , Cannizzaro Alessandra , Schinocca Claudia , Ruscitti Piero , Cipriani Paola , Giacomelli Roberto , Alessandro Riccardo , Dieli Francesco , Rizzo Aroldo , Baeten Dominique , Triolo Giovanni 
Published: February 2016

ObjectiveTo investigate the expression and tissue distribution of Th9‐related cytokines in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsQuantitative gene expression analysis of Th1, Th17, and Th9 cytokines was performed in intestinal biopsy samples obtained from patients with PsA, HLA−B27−positive patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), patients with Crohn's disease (CD), and healthy controls. Expression and tissue distribution of interleukin‐23 (IL‐23), IL‐17, IL‐22, IL‐9, and IL‐9 receptor (IL‐9R) were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy. Flow cytometry was used to study the frequency of Th9 cells among peripheral blood, lamina propria, and synovial fluid mononuclear cells. The functional relevance of IL‐9R expression on epithelial cells was assessed in functional in vitro studies. Th9 cells in synovial tissue from patients with PsA were also studied.ResultsSubclinical gut inflammation in PsA patients was characterized by a clear Th17 and Th22, but not Th1, polarized immune response. Unlike AS and CD, a strong and significant up‐regulation of IL‐9 was observed in PsA gut, especially among infiltrating mononuclear cells, high endothelial venules, and Paneth cells. IL‐9−positive mononuclear cells were demonstrated to be in large part Th9 cells. IL‐9 overexpression was accompanied by significant Paneth cell hyperplasia. Paneth cells strongly overexpressed IL‐9R, and stimulation of epithelial cells, isolated from PsA patients, with IL‐9 resulted in overexpression of α‐defensin 5 and IL‐23p19. Peripheral and synovial expansion of α4β7+ Th9 cells was also observed in patients with PsA. Increased expression of IL‐9 and IL‐9R was also found in synovial tissue.ConclusionStrong IL‐9/Th9 polarization seems to be the predominant immunologic signature in patients in PsA.
Caution! Warnings as a Useless Countermeasure to Reduce Overconfidence? An Experimental Evaluation in Light of Enhanced and Dynamic Warning Designs
Authors: Schall Dominik L. , Doll Dominik , Mohnen Alwine 
Published: February 2016

AbstractPeople often display excessive overconfidence when providing interval estimates, which biases decision‐making. Research has investigated the various measures to effectively reduce overconfidence, and the use of warnings has subsequently been considered to have a negligible reduction effect. We demonstrate with two separate experiments that the impact of warnings has to be reviewed in light of dynamic warning designs and cognitive warning process models. In experiment 1, in contrast to previous studies that only used unstructured warnings, we implement a warning incorporating some core elements of a structured warning design based on research in the fields of human factors and ergonomics. Furthermore, accounting for recent developments in the warning literature, we distinguish between static and dynamic warning design. In experiment 2, we examine the effectiveness of different elements of dynamic warnings. We show that a significantly higher reduction of overconfidence can be achieved by combining a structured warning content with a dynamic stimulus change to increase the warning's noticeability. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of complications following immediate breast reconstruction on breast cancer recurrence rates
Authors: Beecher S M , O'Leary D P , McLaughlin R , Sweeney K J , Kerin M J 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Background
The rate of immediate breast reconstruction is rising. Postoperative infections are more frequent in patients who undergo reconstruction. The inflammatory response to a postoperative infection can increase the risk of tumour recurrence in other forms of cancer through the release of proinflammatory mediators. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between complications and breast cancer recurrence in patients undergoing immediate reconstruction.

Methods
This was a review of a prospectively maintained database of all patients who had immediate breast reconstruction between 2004 and 2009 at Galway University Hospital, a tertiary breast cancer referral centre serving the west of Ireland. All patients had a minimum follow-up of 5 years. Outcomes assessed included the development of wound complications and breast cancer recurrence. The data were evaluated by univariable and multivariable Cox regression analysis.

Results
A total of 229 patients who underwent immediate reconstruction were identified. The overall 5-year recurrence-free survival rate was 85·6 per cent. Fifty-three patients (23·1 per cent) had wound complications, of whom 44 (19·2 per cent) developed a wound infection. There was a significantly greater risk of developing systemic recurrence among patients who experienced a postoperative wound complication compared with those without a complication (hazard ratio 4·94, 95 per cent c.i. 2·72 to 8·95; P &lt; 0·001). This remained significant after adjusting for Nottingham Prognostic Index group in the multivariable analysis. The 5-year recurrence-free survival rate for patients who had a wound complication was 64 per cent, compared with 89·2 per cent in patients without a complication (P &lt; 0·001).

Conclusion
This study has demonstrated that wound complications after immediate breast reconstructive surgery have significant implications for patients with breast cancer. Strategies are required to minimize the risk of postoperative wound complications in patients with breast cancer undergoing immediate reconstruction.
Effect of ischaemic preconditioning on recurrence of hepatocellular carcinoma in an experimental model of liver steatosis
Authors: Orci L A , Lacotte S , Oldani G , Slits F , De Vito C , Crowe L A , Rubbia-Brandt L , Vallée J-P , Morel P , Toso C 
Published: February 2016

Abstract

Background
Livers with parenchymal abnormalities tolerate ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury poorly. IR injury is a risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) recurrence. This study assessed the link between liver parenchymal abnormalities and HCC recurrence, and evaluated the protective effect of ischaemic preconditioning.

Methods
C57BL/6 mice were fed a choline-deficient diet for 6 and 12 weeks, or standard chow. Hepatic IR and ischaemic preconditioning were achieved by clamping liver blood inflow. Hepa 1–6 HCC cells were inoculated through the spleen. Thereafter, tumour burden, serum α-fetoprotein and cancer cell aggressiveness were compared among groups.

Results
Hepatocellular damage and expression of inflammatory genes (encoding interleukin 6, tumour necrosis factor α, hypoxia inducible factor 1α and E-selectin) were exacerbated after IR injury in mice with severe steatosis. Compared with control livers or those with minimal steatosis, livers exposed to a prolonged choline-deficient diet developed larger tumour nodules and had higher serum α-fetoprotein levels. Non-ischaemic liver lobes from mice with steatosis were not protected from accelerated tumour growth mediated by IR injury. This remote effect was linked to promotion of the aggressiveness of HCC cells. Ischaemic preconditioning before IR injury reduced the tumour burden to the level of that in non-ischaemic steatotic controls. This protective effect was associated with decreased cancer cell motility.

Conclusion
Livers with steatosis tolerated IR poorly, contributing to more severe HCC recurrence patterns in mice with increasingly severe steatosis. IR injury also had a remote effect on cancer cell aggressiveness. Ischaemic preconditioning before IR injury reduced tumour load and serum α-fetoprotein levels. Surgical relevanceLiver ischaemia–reperfusion (IR) injury is associated with organ dysfunction and surgical morbidity. Livers with steatosis tolerate IR injury poorly in the setting of both liver resection and liver transplantation. Ischaemic preconditioning is a simple method to mitigate IR injury.This study shows that ischaemic preconditioning of mouse livers with steatosis reduces ischaemia-mediated tumour growth acceleration.Liver parenchymal abnormalities such as warm IR injury and liver steatosis should be taken into account to predict accurately the risk of liver cancer recurrence after surgical management. Ischaemic preconditioning strategies may hold therapeutic potential not only to mitigate surgical morbidity but also to reduce postoperative recurrence of liver cancer.
Using optimal combination of teaching–learning methods (open book assignment and group tutorials) as revision exercises to improve learning outcome in low achievers in biochemistry
Authors: Rajappa Medha , Bobby Zachariah , Nandeesha H. , Suryapriya R. , Ragul Anithasri , Yuvaraj B. , Revathy G. , Priyadarssini M. 
Published: February 2016

AbstractGraduate medical students of India are taught Biochemistry by didactic lectures and they hardly get any opportunity to clarify their doubts and reinforce the concepts which they learn in these lectures. We used a combination of teaching–learning (T–L) methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) to study their efficacy in improving the learning outcome. About 143 graduate medical students were classified into low (<50%: group 1, n = 23), medium (50–75%: group 2, n = 74), and high (>75%: group 3, n = 46) achievers, based on their internal assessment marks. After the regular teaching module on the topics “Vitamins and Enzymology”, all the students attempted an open book assignment without peer consultation. Then all the students participated in group tutorials. The effects on the groups were evaluated by pre and posttests at the end of each phase, with the same set of MCQs. Gain from group tutorials and overall gain was significantly higher in the low achievers, compared to other groups. High and medium achievers obtained more gain from open book assignment, than group tutorials. The overall gain was significantly higher than the gain obtained from open book assignment or group tutorials, in all three groups. All the three groups retained the gain even after 1 week of the exercise. Hence, optimal use of novel T–L methods (open book assignment followed by group tutorials) as revision exercises help in strengthening concepts in Biochemistry in this oft neglected group of low achievers in graduate medical education. © 2016 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 44(4):321–325, 2016.