bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of auxiliary blowing agents on properties of rigid polyurethane foams based on liquefied products from peanut shell
Authors: Zhang Guangyu , Zhang Qinqin , Wu Yumin , Zhang Huan , Cao Jingqiang , Han Dezhi 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThe bio‐based rigid polyurethane (PU) foams were successfully prepared based on liquefied products from peanut shell with water as the blowing agent. The influence of reaction parameters on properties of rigid PU foams was investigated. Rigid PU foams showed excellent compressive strength and low shrinkage ratio, whereas their open‐cell ratio and water absorption were higher. Therefore, rigid PU foams were synthesized with petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and acetone as auxiliary blowing agents and their inner temperature, shrinkage performance, density, compressive strength, water absorption, and open‐cell ratio were determined. The results indicated that above rigid PU foams showed lower compressive strength than the original foam but their water absorption and close‐cell ratio were improved. Compared with the original foam, the highest inner temperature of rigid PU foams with petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and acetone as auxiliary blowing agents was reduced by 11, 19, and 23 °C, respectively. Typically, foams with petroleum ether as auxiliary blowing agent displayed better water absorption and swelling ratio in water and exhibited obvious improvement in close‐cell ratio. These foams were preferable for application in thermal insulation materials because of low thermal conductivity and better corrosion resistance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45582.
Carbonized electrospun polyvinylpyrrolidone/metal hybrid nanofiber composites for electrochemical applications
Authors: Ekabutr Pongpol , Ariyathanakul Teeraseth , Chaiyo Sudkate , Niamlang Pimolpun , Rattanaveeranon Santi , Chailapakul Orawon , Supaphol Pitt 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTElectrospinning is a very versatile and efficient method of fabricating nanofibers with the desired properties. Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in ethanol solution was electrospun into nanofibers and used as a precursor for the preparation of carbon nanofibers. Cobalt chloride was also incorporated with PVP nanofibers to produce carbon nanofiber composites with enhanced electrical conductivity and electrochemical properties. The surface morphology and physical properties of the electrospun nanofibers, carbonized nanofibers, and their composites were observed by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction. The electrochemical behavior of the carbon nanofiber composites was studied by drop‐casting on a working surface of the screen‐printed carbon electrode and examined by cyclic voltammetry and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. The results indicated that carbon nanofiber composites were decorated with cobalt nanoparticles and enhanced the charge‐transfer efficiency on the electrode surface. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45639.
Self‐aggregated nanoparticles of N‐dodecyl,N′‐glycidyl(chitosan) as pH‐responsive drug delivery systems for quercetin
Authors: Pedro Rafael de Oliveira , Pereira Susana , Goycoolea Francisco M. , Schmitt Carla C. , Neumann Miguel G. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, pH‐responsive amphiphilic chitosan (CS) nanoparticles were used to encapsulate quercetin (QCT) for sustained release in cancer therapy. The novel CS derivatives were obtained by synthesis with 2,3‐epoxy‐1‐propanol, also known as glycidol, followed by acylation with dodecyl aldehyde. Characterization was performed by spectroscopic, viscosimetric, and size‐determination methods. Critical aggregation concentration, morphology, entrapment efficiency, drug release profile, cytotoxicity, and hemocompatibility studies were also carried out. The average size distribution of the self‐assembling nanoparticles measured by dynamic light scattering ranged from 140 to 300 nm. In vitro QCT release and Korsmeyer–Peppas model indicated that pH had a major role in drug release. Cytotoxicity assessments indicated that the nanoparticles were non‐cytotoxic. 3‐(4,5‐Dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay further revealed that QCT‐loaded nanoparticles could inhibit MCF‐7 cell growth. In vitro erythrocyte‐induced hemolysis indicated the good hemocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These results suggest that the synthesized copolymers might be potential carriers for hydrophobic drugs in cancer therapy. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45678.
Effects of nanosilica on retrogradation properties and structures of thermoplastic cassava starch
Authors: Liu Yuxin , Fan Lilan , Mo Xianzhong , Yang Fang , Pang Jinying 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTComposites of thermoplastic cassava starch (TPS) and nanosilica (SiO2) were prepared by the melting method. The effect of nano‐SiO2 on the retrogradation properties and structures of cassava starch was investigated. The retrogradation degree of TPS/nano‐SiO2 composites increased with increasing retrogradation time. The retrogradation rate of TPS significantly increased after the addition of nano‐SiO2, but excessive nano‐SiO2 content leads to a decrease in the retrogradation rate of TPS. According to the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy results, the retrogradation degree of TPS/nano‐SiO2 composites increased with the increase of retrogradation time and addition of nano‐SiO2. Scanning electron microscopy analysis indicated that nano‐SiO2 particles were uniformly and finely dispersed in the starch materials, but the nano‐SiO2 particles aggregated in the cassava starch with a further increase in nano‐SiO2 content. X‐ray diffraction revealed that the crystalline structure of the starch was gradually altered from A‐type to V‐type with the increase of retrogradation time. TPS/SiO2 composites indicated a mixture of A+V types, and the intensity of the V‐type strengthened with the increase of retrogradation time and SiO2 content. Polarized light microscopy analysis revealed clear Maltese cross patterns, and the number of spherulites in TPS/nano‐SiO2 composites increased with increasing retrogradation time and nano‐SiO2 content, but the retrogradation of starch was inhibited with further increases of nano‐SiO2 content. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45687.
Development of acrylated soybean oil‐based UV‐curable coatings with high impact strength from low viscosity oligomer
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Lu Wenchao , Liu Shaojie 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTIn recent years, more and more attention has been paid to bio‐based materials due to their sustainability and environmental friendliness. The combination of biomass and ultraviolet (UV) curing technology can reduce the dependence on petroleum products and emissions of volatile organic compounds. In this article, a new environment‐friendly UV‐curable coating with good performances was successfully prepared from acrylated soybean oil (ACSO). ACSO was obtained at low temperature without catalyst and inhibitor by reacting soybean oil‐based polyol with acryloyl chloride and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. It was found that the UV‐curable oligomer of ACSO had lower viscosity and better ductility, compared to acrylated epoxidized soybean oil (AESO). The properties of UV‐cured films prepared by ACSO were studied and compared with films from AESO. The results showed that the ACSO‐based films were significantly improved in the adhesion and impact resistance. Furthermore, the addition of styrene could enhance the hardness and impact resistance of films. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45698.
Corporate Carbon and Financial Performance: The Role of Emission Reductions
Authors: Lewandowski Stefan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article uses econometric techniques to examine the effect of corporate carbon performance on corporate financial performance. I extend the existing literature in this research field by differentiating between two measurement perspectives: carbon performance expressed as annually reported carbon dioxide (CO2) emission equivalents and improvements in carbon performance over time. Thereby, the article re‐addresses the research question ‘when and how does it pay to be green?’ in the context of carbon emissions and climate change mitigation. Using a nonlinear modeling technique, the findings indicate that it pays to be green for companies with superior carbon performance but not for companies with inferior carbon performance. The results also show that carbon emission mitigation is linearly and significantly positive related to return on sales (ROS) but negatively related to Tobin's q. These contradictory findings help us to understand why – in spite of growing regulatory pressure – companies have been slow to respond with effective action to tackle climate change beyond marginal efficiency improvements that correspond to ‘low‐hanging fruits’. The empirical analysis is based on an unbalanced sample of 7625 firm‐year observations covering carbon emission data (Scope 1 and Scope 2) for 1640 international firms from 2003 to 2015. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Combination therapy using molecular‐targeted drugs modulates tumor microenvironment and impairs tumor growth in renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Kitano Hiroyuki , Kitadai Yasuhiko , Teishima Jun , Yuge Ryo , Shinmei Shunsuke , Goto Keisuke , Inoue Shogo , Hayashi Tetsutaro , Sentani Kazuhiro , Yasui Wataru , Matsubara Akio 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTumor growth and metastasis are determined not by cancer cells alone but also by a variety of stromal cells, various populations of which overexpress platelet‐derived growth factor receptors (PDGF‐Rs). In addition, activation of PI3K‐AKT‐mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling is frequently observed in many cancer types as well. mTOR comprises a serine/threonine kinase that increases the production of proteins that stimulate key cellular processes such as cell growth and proliferation, cell metabolism, and angiogenesis. In this study, we investigated the impact of molecular‐targeting agents including PDGF‐R and mTOR inhibitors on the tumor stroma of human kidney cancer and examined the efficacy of combination therapy with these agents against this disease. Treatment with sunitinib did not suppress tumor growth, but significantly decreased stromal reactivity, microvessel density, and pericyte coverage of tumor microvessels in an orthotopic mouse model. In contrast, treatment with everolimus decreased tumor growth and microvessel density but not stromal reactivity. However, sunitinib and everolimus in combination reduced both the growth rate and stromal reaction. These findings suggest that target molecule‐based inhibition of the cancer–stromal cell interaction appears promising as an effective antitumor therapy.
Promotion of cell proliferation by the proto‐oncogene DEK enhances oral squamous cell carcinogenesis through field cancerization
Authors: Nakashima Takayuki , Tomita Hiroyuki , Hirata Akihiro , Ishida Kazuhisa , Hisamatsu Kenji , Hatano Yuichiro , Kanayama Tomohiro , Niwa Ayumi , Noguchi Kei , Kato Keizo , Miyazaki Tatsuhiko , Tanaka Takuji , Shibata Toshiyuki , Hara Akira 
Published: August 2017

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) develops through a multistep carcinogenic process involving field cancerization. The DEK gene is a proto‐oncogene with functions in genetic and epigenetic modifications, and has oncogenic functions, including cellular proliferation, differentiation, and senescence. DEK overexpression is associated with malignancies; however, the functional roles of DEK overexpression are unclear. We demonstrated that DEK‐expressing cells were significantly increased in human dysplasia/carcinoma in situ and OSCC. Furthermore, we generated ubiquitous and squamous cell‐specific doxycycline (DOX)‐inducible Dek mice (iDek and iDek‐e mice respectively). Both DOX+ iDek and iDek‐e mice did not show differences in the oral mucosa compared with DOX‐ mice. In the environment exposed to carcinogen, DOX‐treated (DOX+) iDek mice showed field cancerization and OSCC development. Microarray analysis revealed that DEK overexpression was mediated by the upregulation of DNA replication‐ and cell cycle‐related genes, particularly those related to the G1/S transition. Tongue tumors overexpressing DEK showed increased proliferating cell nuclear antigen and elongator complex protein 3 expression. Our data suggest that DEK overexpression enhanced carcinogenesis, including field cancerization, in OSCC by stimulating the G1/S phase transition and promoting DNA replication, providing important insights into the potential applications of DEK as a target in the treatment and prevention of OSCC.
Specific Detection of Extended‐Spectrum β‐Lactamase Activities with a Ratiometric Fluorescent Probe
Authors: Mao Wuyu , Qian Xiana , Zhang Jian , Xia Lingying , Xie Hexin 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe dissemination of antimicrobial resistance around the world is one of the biggest threats to global public health. The acquisition and expression of extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases (ESBLs) in pathogenic bacterial are mainly responsible for bacterial resistance to third‐generation cephalosporins. Reported herein is a ratiometric fluorescent probe for the detection of the activity of ESBLs. This imaging reagent adopts the core structure of cefotaxime as an enzymatic recognition moiety, and exhibits excellent selectivity to ESBLs over other β‐lactamases. The specific activation of this sensor by ESBLs can lead to over 2500‐fold changes in the fluorescent ratio, which is independent of the concentration of the probe and environmental conditions. Further experiments have demonstrated that this ratiometric fluorescent probe can distinguish bacteria with extended‐spectrum antibiotic resistance from a group of clinically important pathogens within a short period of time.
The CLOSER trial: a multi‐center study on the clinical safety and effectiveness of CloserTM VSS, a novel resorbable transfemoral vascular access sealing system
Authors: Wong S. Chiu , Gammon Roger , Bachinsky William , O'Shaughnessy Charles , Leimbach Wayne , Bernardo Nelson , Cavros Nick , Jaff Michael R. , Liu Ping‐Yu , Bergman Geoffrey 
Published: August 2017

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Closer Vascular Sealing System (VSS) against prespecified performance goals (PGs) in sealing femoral arterial access following 5–7 Fr procedures.BackgroundInconsistent safety profiles, costs and learning curves of earlier generation vascular closure devices have limited their widespread use following transfemoral procedures.MethodsIn this prospective single‐arm, multi‐center trial, we compared the clinical outcomes in patients undergoing 5–7 Fr transfemoral diagnostic or interventional procedures and access sites managed with Closer VSS against pre‐specified PGs. The primary endpoints were time to hemostasis (TTH) and 30‐day access site closure‐related major complications; secondary endpoints included time to ambulation (TTA), time to discharge eligibility (TTDE), time to discharge (TTD), 30‐day access site minor complications, procedure and device success.ResultsA total of 220 subjects (49.5% interventional) were enrolled. The mean TTH was 1.78 ± 7.81 min in the intention to treat and 0.98 ± 3.71 min in the per protocol cohort. Median TTH was 0 min with immediate hemostasis achieved in 80.5% of subjects, mean TTA was 2.50 ± 1.05 hr, and mean TTDE was 2.83 ± 1.54 hr. Thirty‐day follow‐up was completed on 219 subjects. There were no access site closure‐related major complications, minor complication rate was 0.0% for diagnostic and 2.75% for interventional procedures.ConclusionsIn patients undergoing 5–7 Fr transfemoral diagnostic and interventional procedures, the CLOSER Trial met both its primary effectiveness and safety PGs. Immediate hemostasis was achieved in the majority of patients without major complication.
Immobilization of Pyrene‐Adorned N‐Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes of Rhodium(I) on Reduced Graphene Oxide and Study of their Catalytic Activity
Authors: Ruiz‐Botella Sheila , Peris Eduardo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTwo pyrene‐tagged N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes of rhodium(I) were obtained and characterized. The two complexes were supported onto reduced graphene oxide (rGO), generating two new materials in which the molecular complexes are immobilized by π–π stacking interactions onto the surface of the solid. The catalytic activity of both complexes and solid hybrid materials were studied in the 1,4‐addition of phenylboronic acid to cyclohex‐2‐one, and in the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes. The studies showed that for both reactions, the dimetallic complex displayed better catalytic performances than the monometallic one. This accounted for both the reactions performed in homogeneous conditions and for the reactions performed with the solid. In the case of the addition of phenylboronic acid to cyclohexanone, the solid containing the dimetallic catalyst could be effectively recycled up to five times, with negligible loss of activity, whereas the monometallic catalyst rapidly became inactive. In the hydrosilylation of terminal alkynes, the selectivity towards the β‐(Z)vinylsilane was improved if the immobilized dimetallic catalyst was used, although the catalyst started to lose activity after the second run.
Solid Phase Stepwise Synthesis of Polyethylene Glycols
Authors: Khanal Ashok , Fang Shiyue 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPolyethylene glycol (PEG) and derivatives with eight and twelve ethylene glycol units were synthesized by stepwise addition of tetraethylene glycol monomers on a polystyrene solid support. The monomer contains a tosyl group at one end and a dimethoxytrityl group at the other. The Wang resin, which contains the 4‐benzyloxy benzyl alcohol function, was used as the support. The synthetic cycle consists of deprotonation, Williamson ether formation (coupling), and detritylation. Cleavage of PEGs from solid support was achieved with trifluoroacetic acid. The synthesis including monomer synthesis was entirely chromatography‐free. PEG products including those with different functionalities at the two termini were obtained in high yields. The products were analyzed with ESI and MALDI‐TOF MS and were found close to monodispersity.
Valproic Acid‐Functionalized Cyclometalated Iridium(III) Complexes as Mitochondria‐Targeting Anticancer Agents
Authors: Ye Rui‐Rong , Cao Jian‐Jun , Tan Cai‐Ping , Ji Liang‐Nian , Mao Zong‐Wan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractValproic acid (VPA) is a short‐chain, fatty acid type histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), which can cause growth arrest and induce differentiation of transformed cells. Phosphorescent cyclometalated IrIII complexes have emerged as potential anticancer agents. By conjugation of VPA to IrIII complexes through an ester bond, VPA‐functionalized cyclometalated iridium(III) complexes 1 a–3 a were designed and synthesized. These complexes display excellent two‐photon properties, which are favorable for live‐cell imaging. The ester bonds in 1 a–3 a can be hydrolyzed quickly by esterase and display similar inhibition of HDAC activity to VPA. Notably, 1 a–3 a can overcome cisplatin resistance effectively and are about 54.5–89.7 times more cytotoxic than cisplatin against cisplatin‐resistant human lung carcinoma (A549R) cells. Mechanistic studies indicate that 1 a–3 a can penetrate into human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) cells quickly and efficiently, accumulate in mitochondria, and induce a series of cell‐death‐related events mediated by mitochondria. This study gives insights into the design and anticancer mechanisms of multifunctional anticancer agents.
Hydrogels Based on Ag+‐Modulated Assembly of 5′‐Adenosine Monophosphate for Enriching Biomolecules
Authors: Hu Yuanyuan , Xie Dong , Wu Yang , Lin Nangui , Song Aixin , Hao Jingcheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSupramolecular hydrogels obtained by combining 5′‐adenosine monophosphate (AMP) with Ag+ were fabricated in this work. Their gelation capability was enhanced by increasing the concentration of Ag+ or decreasing the pH. The gels are very sensitive to light, which endows them with potential applications as visible‐light photosensitive materials. Coordination between the nucleobase of AMP and Ag+, as well as π–π stacking of nucleobases, are considered to be the main driving forces for self‐assembly. The hydrogels successfully achieved the encapsulation and enrichment of biomolecules. Hydrogen bonding between the amino group of guest molecules and silver nanoparticles along the nanofibers drives the enrichment and is considered to be a crucial interaction.
Selective F or Br Functionalization of Dibenzofuran for Application as Host Materials of Phosphorescent Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Yu Ji Gwang , Byeon Sung Yong , Han Si Hyun , Lee Jun Yeob 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFour dibenzofuran‐type host materials substituted with a carbazolylcarbazole moiety were synthesized to investigate the effect of substitution position on the material parameters and device performances of host materials. The carbazolylcarbazole moiety was substituted at the 1‐, 2‐, 3‐, and 4‐positions of dibenzofuran by F or Br for a comprehensive study of the positional effect of dibenzofuran‐derived host materials. Systematic synthesis and comparison of the four host materials revealed that 1‐, 2‐, and 4‐position modification was better than 3‐position modification for high triplet energy and high external quantum efficiency.
Metal‐Mediated Base Pairs: From Characterization to Application
Authors: Jash Biswarup , Müller Jens 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe investigation of metal‐mediated base pairs and the development of their applications represent a prominent area of research at the border of bioinorganic chemistry and supramolecular coordination chemistry. In metal‐mediated base pairs, the complementary nucleobases in a nucleic acid duplex are connected by coordinate bonds to an embedded metal ion rather than by hydrogen bonds. Because metal‐mediated base pairs facilitate a site‐specific introduction of metal‐based functionality into nucleic acids, they are ideally suited for use in DNA nanotechnology. This minireview gives an overview of the general requirements that need to be considered when devising a new metal‐mediated base pair, both from a conceptual and from an experimental point of view. In addition, it presents selected recent applications of metal‐modified nucleic acids to indicate the scope of metal‐mediated base pairing.
Lanthanide Fluorobenzoates as Bio‐Probes: a Quest for the Optimal Ligand Fluorination Degree
Authors: Kalyakina Alena S. , Utochnikova Valentina V. , Bushmarinov Ivan S. , Le‐Deygen Irina M. , Volz Daniel , Weis Patrick , Schepers Ute , Kuzmina Natalia P. , Bräse Stefan 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe thorough study of fluorinated benzoates of lanthanides (Eu, Tb, Nd, Er, Yb, Gd, La, Lu) is reported. Their composition in single crystal and powder state revealed two predominant structural motifs. An in‐depth luminescence study has been performed on the reported fluorobenzoates, showing, that terbium and europium complexes in solid state possess high luminescence intensity with the quantum yield of up to 69 %. High solubility in most organic solvents, as well as in water, combined with the high luminescence intensity in water solution and non‐toxicity allowed the testing of europium complexes as bioprobes in cellulo. Among all tested fluorobenzoates, europium 2‐fluorobenzoate dihydrate combined the best luminescent properties, thermodynamic stability, aqueous solubility, and non‐toxicity, and was shown to be a viable bio‐marker.