bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The preparation, characterization, and properties of silver nanoparticle reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) nanocomposites
Authors: Liu Meihua , Hou Zeyun , Huang Bin , Gou Liting , Zhang Pengpeng 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTA simple approach was employed to synthesize silver nanoparticle (Ag NP) reinforced reduced graphene oxide–poly(amidoamine) (Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM) nanocomposites. The structural changes of the nanocomposites with the PAMAM and Ag NPs were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, the performance was characterized with thermogravimetric and electrical conductivity instruments. The results indicate that the Ag NPs are well dispersed in fine size on the surface of the RGO–PAMAM composites, which results in an increase of at least 38% in thermostability and a certain enhancement in electrical conductivity. It is worth noting that the electrical conductivity of the nanocomposites was approximately 5.88 S cm−1, which was higher than that of RGO–PAMAM, and increases with the rising content of silver nanoparticles. Meanwhile, the Ag‐r‐RGO–PAMAM nanocomposites still maintain a favorable dispersion in organic solvents. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45172.
Lasting high surface energy co‐polyester ionomer and its application in laminated tin‐free steel
Authors: Ding Liping , Bai Yongping , Cao Jianyun , Wang Lipeng , Sun Shuai , Zhu Peng , Li Ning 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTA lasting high surface energy co‐polyester poly[ethylene terephthalate‐co‐ethylene isophthalate sodiosulfonate‐co‐poly(ethylene glycol)] polyester (PEPST) was synthesized and applied in laminated tin‐free steel (TFS). The structures and properties of the co‐polyester were characterized by nuclear magnetic spectra (1H‐NMR), thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry, polarized optical microscopy, and surface energy tests. Meanwhile, the peel strength and corrosion resistance of the co‐polyester film were also measured. The results confirm that an improvement in the lamination temperature leads to PEPST film peel strength increases, and crystalline and corrosion resistance decrease. Based on the purpose of reducing a detrimental effect on corrosion resistance, a reasonable lamination temperature was determined. Scanning electron microscope and energy dispersive X‐ray analysis prove the interface combination morphology of laminated TFS. Anticorrosion property analysis shows PEPST film has good anticorrosion performance. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45174.
Preparation and properties of UV‐curable waterborne polyurethane–acrylate emulsion
Authors: Yuan Caideng , Wang Mengyao , Li Haitao , Wang Zhongwei 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTPolyurethane–acrylate oligomer terminated with multiple unsaturated bonds was prepared using isophorone diisocyanate, (IPDI), methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and polyols as monomers, using 2,2‐dimethylol propionic acid as hydrophilic chain extender, together with pentaerythritol triacrylate (PETA) as end‐capper. The UV‐curable waterborne polyurethane–acrylate (UV‐WPUA) composite emulsion was obtained by mixing the PUA oligomer with certain content of reactive diluents and then dispersing the mixture in water. The molecular structure of the polyurethane prepolymer, PUA oligomer, and UV‐cured polymer was investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The influence of the composition and content of the diluents and end‐capper on UV‐WPUA properties, including the emulsion stability, thermal property, water resistance, adhesion, hardness, glossiness of polymer film were studied. The results show that the WPUA emulsion has excellent stability, and the UV‐cured film features good hardness and remarkable water resistance when PETA is used as end‐capper and the end‐capping ratio of the polyurethane prepolymer is 70% and dipentaerythritol hexaacylate/dipropylene glycol diacrylate (mass ratio 1:1) is used as diluent. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45208.
Lifetime Risk of Symptomatic Hand Osteoarthritis: The Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project
Authors: Qin Jin , Barbour Kamil E. , Murphy Louise B. , Nelson Amanda E. , Schwartz Todd A. , Helmick Charles G. , Allen Kelli D. , Renner Jordan B. , Baker Nancy A. , Jordan Joanne M. 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveSymptomatic hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that affects hand strength and function, and causes disability in activities of daily living. Prior studies have estimated that the lifetime risk of symptomatic knee OA is 45% and that of hip OA is 25%. The objective of the present study was to estimate the overall lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA, and the stratified lifetime risk according to potential risk factors.MethodsData were obtained from 2,218 adult subjects (ages ≥45 years) in the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project, a population‐based prospective cohort study among residents of Johnston County, North Carolina. Data for the present study were collected from 2 of the follow‐up cycles (1999–2004 and 2005–2010). Symptomatic hand OA was defined as the presence of both self‐reported symptoms and radiographic OA in the same hand. Lifetime risk, defined as the proportion of the population who will develop symptomatic hand OA in at least 1 hand by age 85 years, was estimated from models using generalized estimating equations.ResultsOverall, the lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA was 39.8% (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 34.4–45.3%). In this population, nearly 1 in 2 women (47.2%, 95% CI 40.6–53.9%) had an estimated lifetime risk of developing symptomatic hand OA by age 85 years, compared with 1 in 4 men (24.6%, 95% CI 19.5–30.5%). Race‐specific symptomatic hand OA risk estimates were 41.4% (95% CI 35.5–47.6%) among whites and 29.2% (95% CI 20.5–39.7%) among African Americans. The lifetime risk of symptomatic hand OA among individuals with obesity (47.1%, 95% CI 37.8–56.7%) was 11 percentage points higher than that in individuals without obesity (36.1%, 95% CI 29.7–42.9%).ConclusionThese findings demonstrate the substantial burden of symptomatic hand OA overall and in sociodemographic and clinical subgroups. Increased use of public health and clinical interventions is needed to address its impact.
Bone Marrow–Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells From Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Have a Senescence‐Associated Secretory Phenotype Mediated by a Mitochondrial Antiviral Signaling Protein–Interferon‐β Feedback Loop
Authors: Gao Lin , Bird Anna K. , Meednu Nida , Dauenhauer Kristin , Liesveld Jane , Anolik Jennifer , Looney R. John 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveBone marrow–derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM‐MSCs) create a special microenvironment for hematopoiesis and immunity and display robust immunomodulatory properties that are impaired in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). This study was undertaken to identify the mechanisms of defects in human SLE BM‐MSCs.MethodsPatients fulfilling SLE classification criteria and healthy controls (n = 6 per group) were recruited according to an institutional review board–approved protocol. BM‐MSCs were isolated with low‐density Ficoll‐Hypaque, verified by flow cytometry, and studied using immunocytochemistry, real‐time polymerase chain reaction, Western blotting, comet assay, β‐galactosidase assay, and RNA interference.ResultsSLE BM‐MSCs had a senescent phenotype characterized by a reduced proliferation rate, increased production of reactive oxygen species, increased DNA damage and repair, increased expression of p53 and p16, which block the cell cycle, and altered cytokine production (increased proinflammatory cytokine production and decreased immunomodulatory cytokine production). Moreover, SLE BM‐MSCs had a 5‐fold increase in interferon‐β (IFNβ) levels (P < 0.05 versus healthy controls) and increased IFNβ‐induced messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including mRNA for the intracellular nucleic acid–sensing adaptor protein mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS), whose expression was highly correlated with IFNβ levels (r > 0.9, P < 0.01). Since MAVS is known to induce IFNβ production, we hypothesized that there is a positive feedback loop between MAVS and IFNβ. Notably, silencing of MAVS markedly decreased IFNβ, p53, and p16 protein levels and expression of mRNAs for proinflammatory cytokines.ConclusionThis study demonstrates a novel pathway for elevated IFNβ signaling in SLE that is not dependent on stimulation by immune complexes but rather is cell intrinsic and critically mediated by IFNβ and MAVS, implicating new pathways as potential therapeutic targets.
Activation of Cellulose Assisted by CO2 for the Preparation of a Superhydrophobic Nanocoating
Authors: Wang Jinfang , Xue Zhimin , Yu Tingting , Liu Zhimin , Mu Tiancheng 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThere is increasing demand for superhydrophobic materials, which can be used for separating oil and water efficiently. To avoid secondary pollution, it is desirable to prepare such materials with green technology. Here, we present an environmentally benign method for fabricating superhydrophobic materials by using organic base based solvents in which cellulose can be dissolved and activated. The dissolved cellulose could be chemically modified with a silanization reagent, and the solvent could be recycled after CO2 was removed. The obtained cellulose nanocoating exhibited excellent hydrophobic effects. By spraying it on filter paper (water contact angle (WCA)=165°) for oil and water separation, the separation efficiency of more than 95 % was achieved; ultrasonication of an ordinary sponge in its dispersion (WCA=163°), meant it could be used as an oil absorber. It can also absorb a certain amount of bisphenol A (BPA), with the concentration decreasing by 66 % from the original concentration (0.1 mm). Besides the high separation efficiency, it is resistant to a wide range of pH solutions, which means that it could be used in harsh environments. More importantly, the process is cost‐effective, the solvent can be recycled, and the whole process is green. Thus, the activation method provides a green route for the preparation of other cellulose‐based materials.
The Development of G‐Quadruplex‐Based Assays for the Detection of Small Molecules and Toxic Substances
Authors: Ma Dik‐Lung , Wu Chun , Dong Zhen‐Zhen , Tam Wing‐Sze , Wong Sze‐Wan , Yang Chao , Li Guodong , Leung Chung‐Hang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractG‐Quadruplexes can be induced to form guanine‐rich DNA sequences by certain small molecules or metal ions. In concert with an appropriate signal transducer, such as a fluorescent dye or a phosphorescent metal complex, the ligand‐recognition event can be transduced into a luminescent response. This focus review aims to highlight recent examples of aptamer‐based and metal‐mediated G‐quadruplex assays for the detection of small molecules and toxic substances in the last three years. We discuss the mechanisms and features of the different assays and present an outlook and a perspective for the future of this field.
Fractal Dimension and Synchronization of the Controlled Julia Sets of a Reaction–Diffusion System
Authors: Zhang Yongping , Liu Changchun , Liu Shutang , Sun Jie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper is concerned with the fractal dynamics of a reaction–diffusion system, – the forced Brusselator model. The Julia set of the discrete version of the model is established. Then, the control of the Julia set is realized by combining the parameter perturbation control method and feedback control method. The box‐counting dimensions of the Julia sets of the controlled system for different control parameters are computed, which is used to describe the complexity and irregularity of the Julia sets. Finally, nonlinear coupling items are designed to make one Julia change to be another. The simulations illustrate the efficacy of these methods.
Economic and life cycle assessments of biomass utilization for bioenergy products
Authors: Liu Weiguo , Wang Jingxin , Richard Tom L. , Hartley Damon S. , Spatari Sabrina , Volk Timothy A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA modeling process was developed to examine the economic and environmental benefits of utilizing energy crops for bioenergy products in the northeastern United States. Three energy crops (hybrid willow, switchgrass, and Miscanthus) that can potentially grow on marginal agricultural land or abandoned mine land in the region were considered in the analytical process for the production of biofuels, biopower, and pellet fuel. The supply chain components for the economic analysis and life cycle modeling processes included feedstock establishment, harvest, transportation, storage, preprocessing, conversion, distribution, and final usage of the bioenergy products. Sensitivity analysis was conducted to assess the effects of energy crop yield, transportation distance, conversion rate, facility capacity, and internal rate of return (IRR) on the production of bioenergy products. The required selling price (RSP) ranged from $7.7/GJ to $47.9/GJ for different bioenergy products. The production of biopower had the highest RSP and pellet fuel had the lowest RSP. The results also indicated that bioenergy production using hybrid willow demonstrated lower RSP than the other two perennial grasses. Pellet production had presented the lowest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions (less than 10 kg CO2 eq per 1000 MJ) and fossil energy consumption (less than 150 MJ per 1000 MJ). The production of biofuel resulted in the highest GHG emissions. Sensitivity analysis indicated that IRR was the most sensitive factor to RSP, followed by conversion rate for biofuel and biopower production. Fuel conversion efficiency and feedstock transport distance had a significant effect on the life cycle environmental impact of the bioenergy products studied. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Measuring Probabilistic Reasoning: The Construction of a New Scale Applying Item Response Theory
Authors: Primi Caterina , Morsanyi Kinga , Donati Maria Anna , Galli Silvia , Chiesi Francesca 
Published: May 2017

AbstractProbabilistic reasoning skills are important in various contexts. The aim of the present study was to develop a new instrument (the Probabilistic Reasoning Scale – PRS) to accurately measure low levels of probabilistic reasoning ability in order to identify people with difficulties in this domain. Item response theory was applied to construct the scale, and to investigate differential item functioning (i.e., whether the items were invariant) across genders, educational levels, and languages. Additionally, we tested the validity of the scale by investigating the relationships between the PRS and several other measures. The results revealed that the items had a low level of difficulty. Nonetheless, the discriminative measures showed that the items can discriminate between individuals with different trait levels, and the test information function showed that the scale accurately assesses low levels of probabilistic reasoning ability. Additionally, through investigating differential item functioning, the measurement equivalence of the scale at the item level was confirmed for gender, educational status, and language (i.e., Italian and English). Concerning validity, the results showed the expected correlations with numerical skills, math‐related attitudes, statistics achievement, IQ, reasoning skills, and risky choices both in the Italian and British samples. In conclusion, the PRS is an ideal instrument for identifying individuals who struggle with basic probabilistic reasoning, and who could be targeted by specific interventions. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reinnervation of denervated muscle by implantation of nerve‐muscle‐endplate band graft to the native motor zone of the target muscle
Authors: Mu Liancai , Sobotka Stanislaw , Chen Jingming , Nyirenda Themba 
Published: May 2017

AbstractIntroductionMotor endplate reinnervation is critical for restoring motor function of the denervated muscle. We developed a novel surgical technique called nerve‐muscle‐endplate band grafting (NMEG) for muscle reinnervation.MethodsExperimentally denervated sternomastoid muscle in the rat was reinnervated by transferring a NMEG from the ipsilateral sternohyoid muscle to the native motor zone (NMZ) of the target muscle. A NMEG pedicle contained a block of muscle (~ 6 × 6 × 3 mm), a nerve branch with axon terminals, and a motor endplate band with numerous neuromuscular junctions. At 3 months after surgery, maximal tetanic muscle force measurement, muscle mass and myofiber morphology, motoneurons, regenerated axons, and axon‐endplate connections of the muscles were analyzed.ResultsThe mean force of the reinnervated muscles was 82% of the contralateral controls. The average weight of the treated muscles was 89% of the controls. The reinnervated muscles exhibited extensive axonal regeneration. Specifically, the mean count of the regenerated axons in the reinnervated muscles reached up to 76.8% of the controls. The majority (80%) of the denervated endplates in the target muscle regained motor innervation.ConclusionsThe NMZ of the denervated muscle is an ideal site for NMEG implantation and for the development of new microsurgical and therapeutic strategies to achieve sufficient axonal regeneration, rapid endplate reinnervation, and optimal functional recovery. NMEG‐NMZ technique may become a useful tool in the treatment of muscle paralysis caused by peripheral nerve injuries in certain clinical situations.
Nonenzymatic Oligomerization of 3′,5′‐Cyclic CMP Induced by Proton and UV Irradiation Hints at a Nonfastidious Origin of RNA
Authors: Costanzo Giovanna , Giorgi Alessandra , Scipioni Anita , Timperio Anna Maria , Mancone Carmine , Tripodi Marco , Kapralov Michail , Krasavin Eugene , Kruse Holger , Šponer Jiří , Šponer Judit E. , Ranc Václav , Otyepka Michal , Pino Samanta , Di Mauro Ernesto 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWe report that 3′,5′‐cyclic CMP undergoes nonenzymatic di‐ and trimerization at 20 °C under dry conditions upon proton or UV irradiation. The reaction involves stacking of the cyclic monomers and subsequent polymerization through serial transphosphorylations between the stacked monomers. Proton‐ and UV‐induced oligomerization of 3′,5′‐cyclic CMP demonstrates that pyrimidines—similar to purines—might also have taken part in the spontaneous generation of RNA under plausible prebiotic conditions as well as in an extraterrestrial context. The observed polymerization of naturally occurring 3′,5′‐cyclic nucleotides supports the possibility that the extant genetic nucleic acids might have originated by way of a straight Occamian path, starting from simple reactions between plausibly preactivated monomers.
Early detection of twiddler syndrome due a congestion alert by remote monitoring
Authors: Sekimoto Satoru , Wakamatsu Mai , Morino Akihiro , Yoshida Takayuki , Saeki Tomoaki , Murakami Yoshimasa 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageThere are often false‐positive alerts of thoracic impedance monitoring; however, the “false‐positive alerts” might indicate any clinical problem of patient. In the present case, an alert for a drop in intrathoracic impedance, which generally indicates exacerbation of heart failure, enabled early detection of twiddler syndrome.
A case of long QT syndrome: challenges on a bumpy road
Authors: Magnusson Peter , Gustafsson Per‐Erik 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageBeta‐agonist treatment during pregnancy may unmask the diagnosis of long QT syndrome. The QT prolongation can result in functional AV block. A history of seizure and/or sudden death in a family member should raise suspicion of ventricular tachycardia. More than one mutation may coexist. Refusal of beta‐blocker therapy complicates risk stratification.
A case of megalencephalic leukoencephalopathy with subcortical cysts type 1 was identified with a novel compound heterozygous alteration (c.135delC; c.423+2dupT) in China
Authors: Dai Cong‐Ling , He Wen‐Bin , Du Juan , Tan Yue‐Qiu , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Li Wen 
Published: May 2017

Key Clinical MessageWe report a compound heterozygous mutation (c.135delC; c.423+2dupT) of MLC1 gene in a Chinese patient underlying infantile macrocephaly and neurological deterioration in early childhood. Brain MRI revealed diffusion abnormality in swollen white matter and a subcortical cyst. The cDNA sequencing analysis for the c.423+2dupT variant revealed skipping of exon 5.
Boosting Supercapacitor Performance of TiO2 Nanobelts by Efficient Nitrogen Doping
Authors: Zhi Jian , Zhao Wei , Lin Tianquan , Huang Fuqiang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTiO2 has great potential in the application of biocompatible supercapacitors. Unfortunately, because of its semiconducting nature, TiO2 exhibits poor electrical conductivity and extremely low specific capacitance. Doping with other atoms is a facile way to enhance electrochemical activity of TiO2. However, the restricted solubility of substitutional dopants in bulk largely impaired the effectiveness of doping, resulting in quite limited capacitance improvement. To overcome this issue, we propose a two‐step approach to efficiently dope TiO2 nanobelts with nitrogen. High‐level nitrogen doping (6.1 at. %) was achieved in the distinct crystalline core/disordered shell structured TiO2, boosting the specific capacitance of TiO2 from 4 F g−1 to 216 F g−1. Employing compressible, light‐weight three‐dimensional graphene as current collector, the symmetrical cell exhibits a volumetric energy density of 9.6 mWh cm−3, highly comparable with the supercapacitors based on conventional pseudocapacitive materials. These encouraging findings unambiguously smash the capacitance bottleneck of TiO2 and open the door towards the application of TiO2 in energy‐storage systems.
Potassium‐catalyzed steam gasification of ash‐free lignite coal with CO2 capture
Authors: Rasi Negar Manafi , Mostafavi Ehsan , Retuta Maria Angelica , Rahman Moshfiqur M. , Gupta Raj , Mahinpey Nader 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe purpose of this research was to study steam gasification of ash‐free coal integrated with CO2 capture in the presence of a K2O catalyst for enhancement of the key water‐gas shift reaction and promotion of hydrogen production. To achieve this goal, gasification experiments on ash‐free coal (AFC) were carried out at varying temperatures (600, 650, 675, 700, and 750 °C) with a sorbent‐to‐carbon (CaO/C) ratio of 2 and a catalyst (K2O) loading of 0.2 g/g (20 weight percent (wt%)) in a fixed‐bed reactor equipped with a gas chromatography analyzer. The sorbent‐to‐carbon (CaO/C) ratio of 2 is based on dry and ash‐free basis. The CaO/C ratio and K2O wt% were chosen to maximize hydrogen production based on our previously determined optimal values. The AFC was originally extracted from raw lignite coal using organic solvents, which allowed the sorption‐enhanced gasification to be conducted with minimal ash‐catalyst interactions. The effect of temperature on the yield and the initial reaction rate were investigated. The optimal reaction temperature of 675 °C was determined. Carbon balance and final carbon conversions were calculated based on the residue analysis. Activation energy was also calculated using intrinsic kinetics of the reaction. In this study, using AFC offered the potential advantage of operating the gasification process with catalyst recycle.