bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photochemically and Thermally Driven Full‐Color Reflection in a Self‐Organized Helical Superstructure Enabled by a Halogen‐Bonded Chiral Molecular Switch
Authors: Wang Hao , Bisoyi Hari Krishna , Wang Ling , Urbas Augustine M. , Bunning Timothy J. , Li Quan 
Published: December 2017

AbstractSupramolecular approaches toward the fabrication of functional materials and systems have been an enabling endeavor. Recently, halogen bonding has been harnessed as a promising supramolecular tool. Herein we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel halogen‐bonded light‐driven axially chiral molecular switch. The photoactive halogen‐bonded chiral switch is able to induce a self‐organized, tunable helical superstructure, that is, cholesteric liquid crystal (CLC), when doped into an achiral liquid crystal (LC) host. The halogen‐bonded switch as a chiral dopant has a high helical twisting power (HTP) and shows a large change of its HTP upon photoisomerization. This light‐driven dynamic modulation enables reversible selective reflection color tuning across the entire visible spectrum. The chiral switch also displays a temperature‐dependent HTP change that enables thermally driven red, green, and blue (RGB) reflection colors in the self‐organized helical superstructure.
Influence of processing conditions on mechanical properties of blends of styrenic block copolymer and poly(phenylene oxide): Miscibility and microdomain size
Authors: Yu Xiangtian , Wang Xiang , Zhang Aiming , Zhou Tao 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe effect of processing conditions on mechanical properties of poly(styrene‐b‐ethylene‐co‐butylene‐b‐styrene) (SEBS) and poly(2,6‐dimethy‐1,4‐phenylene oxide) (PPO) blends were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry and small angle X‐ray scattering were used to study the miscibility and d‐spacing of the blends. The processing temperature plays an important role in mechanical properties. PPO works as filler and weakens mechanical properties when the processing temperature is below 230 °C. As the processing temperature exceeds 230 °C, PPO incorporates into the PS blocks of SEBS and the performance enhances with increasing temperature due to a better miscibility. The strong shear stress is beneficial to the dispersion of PPO into SEBS matrix and more PPO incorporates into PS blocks during melt processing, resulting in the better mechanical properties and a larger d‐spacing. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46123.
Hierarchical structure and properties of rigid PVC foam crosslinked by the reaction between anhydride and diisocyanate
Authors: Jiang Zhiwei , Du Zhonghui , Xue Jian , Liu Wenbin , Li Minggang , Tang Tao 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTRigid crosslinked poly(vinyl chloride) (c‐PVC) foams by forming semi‐interpenetrating network (SIPN) structure via the reaction of phthalic anhydride (PA) and diisocyanate were prepared. The influence of PA on hierarchical structure and mechanical properties of c‐PVC foam was studied. The Fourier transform infrared spectrometer results showed that the presence of PA resulted in the formation of imide structure in the SIPN of obtained c‐PVC foams, which introduced a structural defect of SIPN. Thus, the residue (gel) from tetrahydrofuran extraction of the foams decreased with the increase of PA content. Dynamic thermal analysis showed the presence of three aggregation state structures in the c‐PVC foams, depending on the loading of PA. The addition of PA in the formulations affected cellular structure and mechanical properties of the obtained foams. Furthermore, the influence of chemical environment of anhydride compounds on the formation of imide structure in the crosslinking network of c‐PVC foams was discussed. A strategy for reducing defect of crosslinking network and improving mechanical properties was put forward. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46141.
Reusable magnetic nanocluster coated with poly(acrylic acid) and its adsorption with an antibody and an antigen
Authors: Meerod Siraprapa , Deepuppha Nunthiya , Rutnakornpituk Boonjira , Rutnakornpituk Metha 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe synthesis of negatively charged magnetite nanoclusters grafted with poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and their application as reusable nanosupports for adsorption with antibodies and antigens are presented in this article. They were facilely prepared via the free‐radical polymerization of PAA in the presence of functionalized magnetite nanoparticles to obtain highly negative charged nanoclusters with a high magnetic responsiveness and good dispersibility and stability in water. According to transmission electron microscopy, the sizes of the nanoclusters ranged between 200 and 500 nm, without large aggregation visually observed in water. The hydrodynamic size of the nanocluster consistently increased with increasing pH of the dispersion; this indicated its pH‐responsive properties, which was due to the repulsion of the anionic carboxylate groups in the structure. This nanocluster was successfully used as an efficient and reusable support for adsorption with anti–horseradish peroxidase antibody. It preserved higher than a 97% adsorption ability of the antibody after eight reuse cycles; this signified the potential of this novel nanocluster as a reusable support in the magnetic separation applications of other bioentities. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46160.
Influence of surface properties on the dip coating behavior of hollow fiber membranes
Authors: Jesswein Isabel , Uebele Sarah , Dieterich Alina , Keller Silke , Hirth Thomas , Schiestel Thomas 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTCoating processes have become an important fabrication step in membrane production, either to form a separation layer on a porous substrate or to tune specific properties. The coating procedure depends to a large extent on the membrane properties which substantially impedes a prediction of the coating thickness. To give an insight into the coating properties of various hollow fiber membranes, a selection of membranes with different pore sizes was coated with aqueous poly(vinyl alcohol) solutions at various coating velocities. It was found that material properties and pore sizes of the membranes have great influence on coating thicknesses. An intrusion of coating material into the membrane structure was determined with increasing pore size. Pure intrusion without formation of a dense surface layer took place when using a membrane with a mean pore size of ca. 500 nm. Coating results were correlated with the theoretical LLD law and for some membranes the coating thickness can be predicted quite well by the LLD law and its enhancements. When a significant amount of coating material penetrated into the membrane structure the LLD law loses its validity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46163.
Hypomethylation of CYP2E1 and DUSP22 Promoters Associated With Disease Activity and Erosive Disease Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Authors: Mok Amanda , Rhead Brooke , Holingue Calliope , Shao Xiaorong , Quach Hong L. , Quach Diana , Sinclair Elizabeth , Graf Jonathan , Imboden John , Link Thomas , Harrison Ruby , Chernitskiy Vladimir , Barcellos Lisa F. , Criswell Lindsey A. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveEpigenetic modifications have previously been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). In this study, we aimed to determine whether differential DNA methylation in peripheral blood cell subpopulations is associated with any of 4 clinical outcomes among RA patients.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were obtained from 63 patients in the University of California, San Francisco RA cohort (all satisfied the American College of Rheumatology classification criteria; 57 were seropositive for rheumatoid factor and/or anti‐cyclic citrullinated protein). Fluorescence‐activated cell sorting was used to separate the cells into 4 immune cell subpopulations (CD14+ monocytes, CD19+ B cells, CD4+ naive T cells, and CD4+ memory T cells) per individual, and 229 epigenome‐wide DNA methylation profiles were generated using Illumina HumanMethylation450 BeadChips. Differentially methylated positions and regions associated with the Clinical Disease Activity Index score, erosive disease, RA Articular Damage score, Sharp score, medication at time of blood draw, smoking status, and disease duration were identified using robust regression models and empirical Bayes variance estimators.ResultsDifferential methylation of CpG sites associated with clinical outcomes was observed in all 4 cell types. Hypomethylated regions in the CYP2E1 and DUSP22 gene promoters were associated with active and erosive disease, respectively. Pathway analyses suggested that the biologic mechanisms underlying each clinical outcome are cell type–specific. Evidence of independent effects on DNA methylation from smoking, medication use, and disease duration were also identified.ConclusionMethylation signatures specific to RA clinical outcomes may have utility as biomarkers or predictors of exposure, disease progression, and disease severity.
Spendthrifts and Tightwads in Childhood: Feelings about Spending Predict Children's Financial Decision Making
Authors: Smith Craig E. , Echelbarger Margaret , Gelman Susan A. , Rick Scott I. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractAdults differ in the extent to which they find spending money to be distressing; “tightwads” find spending money painful, and “spendthrifts” do not find spending painful enough. This affective dimension has been reliably measured in adults and predicts a variety of important financial behaviors and outcomes (e.g., saving behavior and credit scores). Although children's financial behavior has also received attention, feelings about spending have not been studied in children, as they have in adults. We measured the spendthrift–tightwad (ST–TW) construct in children for the first time, with a sample of 5‐ to 10‐year‐old children (N = 225). Children across the entire age range were able to reliably report on their affective responses to spending and saving, and children's ST–TW scores were related to parent reports of children's temperament and financial behavior. Further, children's ST–TW scores were predictive of whether they chose to save or spend money in the lab, even after controlling for age and how much they liked the offered items. Our novel findings—that children's feelings about spending and saving can be measured from an early age and relate to their behavior with money—are discussed with regard to theoretical and practical implications. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Acupuncture in the treatment of fatigue in Parkinson's disease: A pilot, randomized, controlled, study
Authors: Kong Keng H. , Ng Hwee L. , Li Wei , Ng Dora W. , Tan Siang I. , Tay Kay Y. , Au Wing L. , Tan Louis C. S. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionFatigue is a common and disabling problem in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), and there is currently no satisfactory treatment. As acupuncture has been reported to be effective in fatigue related to other conditions, we sought to evaluate its efficacy in PD.MethodsThis was a single center, randomized, sham‐controlled study. Forty PD patients with moderately severe fatigue were randomized to receive 5 weeks of biweekly real or sham acupuncture. The primary outcome was change on the General Fatigue score of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‐GF) at 5 weeks. Secondary outcomes included MFI‐Total score, Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Motor score (UPDRS Motor), Parkinson's Disease Questionnaire‐39 (PDQ 39), Geriatrics Depression Scale (GDS), and Epworth Sleepiness Scale ESS). All outcome measures were evaluated at baseline, 5 and 9 weeks.ResultsBoth groups showed significant improvements in MFI‐GF and MFI‐Total scores at 5 and 9 weeks, but there were no significant between‐group differences. There were no improvements from baseline for PDQ 39, GDS, and ESS. Although improvements were noted for the UPDRS Motor score in the real acupuncture group, no between‐group difference could be demonstrated.ConclusionsBoth real and sham acupuncture are equally effective in improving PD‐related fatigue, and it is likely that this is due to nonspecific or placebo effects.
Comparing fishers’ and scientific estimates of size at maturity and maximum body size as indicators for overfishing
Authors: Mclean Elizabeth L. , Forrester Graham E. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe tested whether fishers’ local ecological knowledge (LEK) of two fish life‐history parameters, size at maturity (SAM) at maximum body size (MS), was comparable to scientific estimates (SEK) of the same parameters, and whether LEK influenced fishers’ perceptions of sustainability. Local ecological knowledge was documented for 82 fishers from a small‐scale fishery in Samaná Bay, Dominican Republic, whereas SEK was compiled from the scientific literature. Size at maturity estimates derived from LEK and SEK overlapped for most of the 15 commonly harvested species (10 of 15). In contrast, fishers’ maximum size estimates were usually lower than (eight species), or overlapped with (five species) scientific estimates. Fishers’ size‐based estimates of catch composition indicate greater potential for overfishing than estimates based on SEK. Fishers’ estimates of size at capture relative to size at maturity suggest routine inclusion of juveniles in the catch (9 of 15 species), and fishers’ estimates suggest that harvested fish are substantially smaller than maximum body size for most species (11 of 15 species). Scientific estimates also suggest that harvested fish are generally smaller than maximum body size (13 of 15), but suggest that the catch is dominated by adults for most species (9 of 15 species), and that juveniles are present in the catch for fewer species (6 of 15). Most Samaná fishers characterized the current state of their fishery as poor (73%) and as having changed for the worse over the past 20 yr (60%). Fishers stated that concern about overfishing, catching small fish, and catching immature fish contributed to these perceptions, indicating a possible influence of catch‐size composition on their perceptions. Future work should test this link more explicitly because we found no evidence that the minority of fishers with more positive perceptions of their fishery reported systematically different estimates of catch‐size composition than those with the more negative majority view. Although fishers’ and scientific estimates of size at maturity and maximum size parameters sometimes differed, the fact that fishers make routine quantitative assessments of maturity and body size suggests potential for future collaborative monitoring efforts to generate estimates usable by scientists and meaningful to fishers.
Gut microbiome differences between metformin‐ and liraglutide‐treated T2DM subjects
Authors: Wang Zhang , Saha Somdutta , Van Horn Stephanie , Thomas Elizabeth , Traini Christopher , Sathe Ganesh , Rajpal Deepak K. , Brown James R. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractIntroductionMetformin and glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) agonists are widely used for treating type two diabetes mellitus (T2DM). While recent studies suggest these drugs might modify the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) microbiome, further confirmation is required from human clinical trials.Materials and methodsHere, we compare, in patients with T2DM, the effects of metformin (n = 18 subjects) and liraglutide (n = 19), a GLP‐1 agonist, on their GIT microbiomes over a 42 day period (n = 74 samples) using 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) sequencing.ResultsWe found that these drugs had markedly different effects on the microbiome composition. At both baseline and Day 42, subjects taking metformin had a significant increase (Baseline adj. P = .038, Day 42 adj. P = .041) in the relative abundance of the bacterial genus Sutterella, whereas liraglutide dosing is associated with a significant increase (Baseline adj. P = .048, Day 42 adj. P = .003) in the genus Akkermansia, a GIT bacteria positively associated with gut barrier homoeostasis. Bacteroides and Akkermansia relative abundances were also significantly associated with duration of subject diabetes (adj P < .05). Specifically, there was a significantly higher abundance of Akkermansia in subjects with short and medium durations than those with long duration of diabetes.DiscussionTo our knowledge, this is the first report of GLP‐1 agonist‐associated changes in the human microbiome and its differentiating effects to metformin. Our study suggests that modulation of the GIT microbiome is a potentially important component in the mechanism of action of these drugs.
Electrochemically Generated Recognition Sites in Self‐doped Polyaniline Modified Electrodes for Voltammetric and Potentiometric Determination of Copper(II) Ion
Authors: Mohammadabadi Saba Zamani , Zanganeh Ali Reza 
Published: December 2017

AbstractChemical recognition elements for copper(II) ion have been generated in electrodes modified with poly(aniline‐co‐metanilic acid), P(An‐co‐MA), membrane and the resulting electrodes were used as selective sensors for voltammetric and potentiometric determination of this ion in an extended pH range. The P(An‐co‐MA) membrane was electrodeposited from aqueous mixed monomer solutions of An and MA, without the presence of a supporting electrolyte. For generating the recognition elements, P(An‐co‐MA) modified electrodes were subjected to several consecutive reduction/oxidation potential steps in copper(II) ion solution. It seems that during these potential steps, the receptor sites of the membrane are adjusted to the size, complexing property and hard/soft nature of copper(II) ion. This electrochemically mediated templating process, provided a selective sensor for determination of copper(II) ion. The results of preconcentration/differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, indicated analytical relation between the peak current and concentration of copper(II) from 1.0×10−9 to 1.0×10−4 M. The interference effect of various metal ions was explored and it was found that only mercury and silver ions show a considerable interference. The sensor exhibited selective potentiometric response for copper(II) over a wide concentration range (1.0×10−8 to 1.0×10−3 M) with a Nernstian slope of 27.9±0.3 mV per decade of copper(II) ion activity.
Numerical prediction of mass loss rate of expanded polystyrene (EPS) used for external thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) in cone calorimeter
Authors: Zhou Biao , Yoshioka Hideki , Noguchi Takafumi , Ando Tatsuo 
Published: December 2017

SummaryExternal thermal insulation composite systems (ETICS) consisting of insulation core and decorative surface materials are quite common in new construction and refurbishment buildings. Expanded polystyrene (EPS) ETICS are widely used. EPS ETICS consist of 3 distinct layers of varying composition and physical structure. The mass loss rate (MLR) and heat release rate play an important role in the evaluation of material reaction‐to‐fire performance. In the study described in this paper, 2 different numerical simulation tools, Fire Dynamic Simulator (FDS 6.5) and ThermaKin2D, were investigated with respect to their capability to predict the MLR of EPS ETICS products exposed to different fire conditions. The materials were characterised in order to provide suitable input parameters for the models. With accurate input parameters, the mean error between the predicted curve and the experimental MLR curve was calculated as approximately 16% for heat fluxes 30 and 50 kW/m2. The discrepancies between predicted and measured results are ascribed to the flame flux, which is not well modelled. It is found that the flame flux accounts for 15% of external heat flux in FDS 6.5 and for 18.0% of external heat flux in ThermaKin2D.
Affected astrocytes in the spinal cord of the leukodystrophy vanishing white matter
Authors: Leferink Prisca S. , Breeuwsma Nicole , Bugiani Marianna , van der Knaap Marjo S. , Heine Vivi M. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractLeukodystrophies are often devastating diseases, presented with progressive clinical signs as spasticity, ataxia and cognitive decline, and lack proper treatment options. New therapy strategies for leukodystrophies mostly focus on oligodendrocyte replacement to rescue lack of myelin in the brain, even though disease pathology also often involves other glial cells and the spinal cord. In this study we investigated spinal cord pathology in a mouse model for Vanishing White Matter disease (VWM) and show that astrocytes in the white matter are severely affected. Astrocyte pathology starts postnatally in the sensory tracts, followed by changes in the astrocytic populations in the motor tracts. Studies in post‐mortem tissue of two VWM patients, a 13‐year‐old boy and a 6‐year‐old girl, confirmed astrocyte abnormalities in the spinal cord. For proper development of new treatment options for VWM and, possibly, other leukodystrophies, future studies should investigate spinal cord involvement.
Glial lipid droplets and neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of complex I deficiency
Authors: Cabirol‐Pol Marie‐Jeanne , Khalil Bilal , Rival Thomas , Faivre‐Sarrailh Catherine , Besson Marie Thérèse 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMitochondrial defects associated with respiratory chain complex I deficiency lead to heterogeneous fatal syndromes. While the role of NDUFS8, an essential subunit of the core assembly of the complex I, is established in mitochondrial diseases, the mechanisms underlying neuropathology are poorly understood. We developed a Drosophila model of NDUFS8 deficiency by knocking down the expression of its fly homologue in neurons or in glial cells. Downregulating ND23 in neurons resulted in shortened lifespan, and decreased locomotion. Although total brain ATP levels were decreased, histological analysis did not reveal any signs of neurodegeneration except for photoreceptors of the retina. Interestingly, ND23 deficiency‐associated phenotypes were rescued by overexpressing the glucose transporter hGluT3 demonstrating that boosting glucose metabolism in neurons was sufficient to bypass altered mitochondrial functions and to confer neuroprotection. We then analyzed the consequences of ND23 knockdown in glial cells. In contrast to neuronal knockdown, loss of ND23 in glia did not lead to significant behavioral defects nor to reduced lifespan, but induced brain degeneration, as visualized by numerous vacuoles found all over the nervous tissue. This phenotype was accompanied by the massive accumulation of lipid droplets at the cortex‐neuropile boundaries, suggesting an alteration of lipid metabolism in glia. These results demonstrate that complex I deficiency triggers metabolic alterations both in neurons and glial cells which may contribute to the neuropathology.