bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Aromatic Polyimide/Graphene Composite Organic Cathodes for Fast and Sustainable Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Lyu Hailong , Li Peipei , Liu Jiurong , Mahurin Shannon , Chen Jihua , Hensley Dale K. , Veith Gabriel M. , Guo Zhanhu , Dai Sheng , Sun Xiao‐Guang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractA composite organic cathode material based on aromatic polyimide (PI) and highly conductive graphene was prepared through a facile in situ polymerization method for application in lithium‐ion batteries. The in situ polymerization generated intimate contact between PI and electronically conductive graphene, resulting in conductive composites with highly reversible redox reactions and good structure stability. The synergistic effect between PI and graphene enabled not only a high reversible capacity of 232.6 mAh g−1 at a charge–discharge rate of C/10 but also exceptionally high‐rate cycling stability, that is, a high capacity of 108.9 mAh g−1 at a very high charge–discharge rate of 50C with a capacity retention of 80 % after 1000 cycles. This improved electrochemical performance resulted from the combination of stable redox reversibility of PI and high electronic conductivity of the graphene additive. The graphene‐based composite also exhibited much better performance than composites based on multi‐walled carbon nanotubes and the conductive carbon black C45 in terms of specific capacity and long‐term cycling stability under the same charge–discharge rates.
Analysis of NTPDase2 in the cell membrane using fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP)
Authors: Kipper Franciele Cristina , Tamajusuku Alessandra Sayuri Kikuchi , Minussi Darlan Conterno , Vargas José Eduardo , Battastini Ana Maria Oliveira , Kaczmarek Elzbieta , Robson Simon Christopher , Lenz Guido , Wink Márcia Rosângela 
Published: January 2018

AbstractNTPDase2, a member of the CD39/NTPDase family, is an ecto‐nucleotidase anchored to the plasma membrane by two transmembrane domains, with a catalytic site facing the extracellular space and preferentially hydrolyzing nucleoside triphosphates. While NTPDase2 is expressed in many cell types, its unique functionality, mobility and dynamics at the cell membrane remain unexplored. We therefore constructed a recombinant NTPDase2 linked to the yellow fluorescent protein (EYFP) to investigate its dynamics by confocal microscopy. The present study shows that the expression of EYFP‐NTPDase2 in different cell lines does not affect its proliferation, migration and adhesion to extracellular matrices (ECM). Moreover, in human embryonic kidney cells 293 (HEK293) grown on collagen type I and fibronectin, EYFP‐NTPDase2 fluorescence is greater in free plasma membrane regions than in cell–cell contacts, in comparison with cells grown on other substrates. Differences in the time required for fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) in free membrane regions and cell–cell contacts indicate that the mobility of EYFP‐NTPDase2 depends on the matrix to which the cells are attached. © 2018 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry
Predicting drug efficacy in chronic low back pain by quantitative sensory tests
Authors: Schliessbach J. , Siegenthaler A. , Bütikofer L. , Vuilleumier P. , Jüni P. , Stamer U. , Arendt‐Nielsen L. , Curatolo M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackgroundDrugs are prescribed for chronic low back pain without knowing in advance whether a patient will respond to them or not. Quantitative sensory tests (QST) can discriminate patients according to sensory phenotype, possibly reflecting underlying mechanisms of pain processing. QST may therefore be a screening tool to identify potential responders to a certain drug. The aim of this study was to investigate whether QST can predict analgesic effects of oxycodone, imipramine and clobazam in chronic low back pain.MethodsOxycodone 15 mg (n = 50), imipramine 75 mg (n = 50) and clobazam 20 mg (n = 49) were compared to active placebo tolterodine 1 mg in a randomized, double‐blinded, crossover fashion. Electrical, pressure and thermal QST were performed at baseline and after 1 and 2 h. Pain intensity was assessed on a 0–10 numeric rating scale every 30 min for up to 2 h. The ability of baseline QST to predict pain reduction after 2 h was analysed using linear mixed models. Genetic variants of drug‐metabolizing enzymes and genes affecting pain sensitivity were examined as covariables.ResultsNo predictor of analgesic effect was found for oxycodone and clobazam. Thermal QST was associated with analgesic effect of imipramine: patients more sensitive to heat or cold were more likely to experience an effect of imipramine. Pharmacogenetic variants and pain‐related candidate genes were not associated with drug efficacy.ConclusionsThermal QST have the potential to predict imipramine effect in chronic low back pain. Oxycodone and clobazam effects could not be predicted by any of the selected QST or genetic variants.SignificancePredicting drug efficacy in chronic low back pain remains difficult. There is some evidence that patients more sensitive to heat and cold pain respond better to imipramine.
Lean back and relax: Reclined seating position buffers the effect of frustration on anger and aggression
Authors: Krahé Barbara , Lutz Johannes , Sylla Isabel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractFrustration is a powerful instigator of anger‐based aggression. We hypothesized that the impact of a frustration on anger and aggressive behavior is reduced in a state of feeling relaxed, which is considered incompatible with the experience of anger. Seventy‐nine participants received frustrating feedback either when sitting upright or sitting in a reclined position and were then given a chance to act aggressively toward the frustrator. Feelings of anger and relaxation were assessed before and after the frustration. Participants in the reclined position felt more relaxed than those sitting upright, which indirectly predicted less aggressive behavior via lower anger. The results are consistent with theories of incompatible states and embodiment and have implications for using body‐related cues to mitigate anger‐based aggression.
Admissions of racism in discourse on migration in Greece: Beyond the norm against prejudice?
Authors: Xenitidou Maria , Sapountzis Antonios 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe turn to language in social psychology is closely related to the study of prejudice as racist discourse has been the subject matter of some of the ground‐breaking discourse analytic work. A widely accepted argument was that there seems to be a norm against prejudice informing Western societies: people commonly engage in denials of prejudice when they make negative comments about minorities. Recent work has argued that, due to ideological shifts in the wider societal context or because denying prejudice may not be people's only rhetorical concern, it is possible to find people admitting prejudice. We examine how people in Greece, Greek majority and immigrants, formulate admissions of racism in interviews on migration and citizenship in Greece. Drawing on Ideological Dilemmas and Critical Discursive Social Psychology, we argue that these admissions ironically operate within the norm against prejudice and discuss our findings in relation to the wider socio‐political Greek context.
Positive and negative intergroup contact: Interaction not asymmetry
Authors: Árnadóttir Katrín , Lolliot Simon , Brown Rupert , Hewstone Miles 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis research reports a novel investigation into the comparative effects of positive and negative direct and extended intergroup contact on intergroup orientations. It tested the generality of the positive–negative asymmetry effect among majority (N = 357) and minority (N = 101) group members in Iceland. Little evidence of asymmetry was observed: the beneficial effects of positive contact were mostly as strong as the detrimental effects of negative contact, for both direct and extended contact. However, evidence was found for alternative interaction models in which positive contact buffers the negative effects of negative contact, and negative contact enhances the benefits of positive contact. These interaction effects were found only for direct contact and principally in the majority group, but were also found for the minority group, though more weakly. No interaction was observed for extended contact. It appeared that differential group salience elicited by positive and negative contact could partly contribute to the explanation of the observed effects, at least in the majority sample.
Large wood distribution, mobility, and recruitment in an inter‐dam river reach: A comparison with geomorphic process on the Garrison Reach of the Missouri River pre and post the historical 2011 flood
Authors: Schenk Edward R. , Benthem Adam J. , Dixon Mark D. , Mittelman Melissa , Skalak Katherine J. , Hupp Cliff R. , Galloway Joel M. , Nustad Rochelle A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThis study assessed the effect of the largest flood since dam regulation on geomorphic and large wood (LW) trends using LW distributions at three time periods on the 150 km long Garrison Reach of the Missouri River. In 2011, a flood exceeded 4390 m3/s for a two‐week period (705% above mean flow; 500 year flood). LW was measured using high resolution satellite imagery in summer 2010 and 2012. Ancillary data including forest character, vegetation cover, lateral bank retreat, and channel capacity. Lateral bank erosion removed approximately 7400 standing trees during the flood. Other mechanisms, that could account for the other two‐thirds of the measured in‐channel LW, include overland flow through floodplains and islands. LW transport was commonly near or over 100 km as indicated by longitudinal forest and bank loss and post‐flood LW distribution. LW concentrations shift at several locations along the river, both pre‐ and post‐flood, and correspond to geomorphic river regions created by the interaction of the Garrison Dam upstream and the Oahe Dam downstream. Areas near the upstream dam experienced proportionally higher rates of bank erosion and forest loss but in‐channel LW decreased, likely due to scouring. A large amount of LW moved during this flood, the chief anchoring mechanism was not bridges or narrow channel reaches but the channel complexity of the river delta created by the downstream reservoir. Areas near the downstream dam experienced bank accretion and large amounts of LW deposition. This study confirms the results of similar work in the Reach: despite a historic flood longitudinal LW and channel trends remain the same. Dam regulation has created a geomorphic and LW pattern that is largely uninterrupted by an unprecedented dam regulation era flood. River managers may require other tools than infrequent high intensity floods to restore geomorphic and LW patterns. Copyright © 2018 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Silver nanoparticles in sewage sludge: Bioavailability of sulfidized silver to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber
Authors: Kampe Sebastian , Kaegi Ralf , Schlich Karsten , Wasmuth Claus , Hollert Henner , Schlechtriem Christian 
Published: January 2018

Abstract

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are efficiently converted during the wastewater-treatment process into sparingly soluble Ag sulfides (Ag2S). In several countries, sewage sludge is used as a fertilizer in agriculture. The bioavailability of sulfidized Ag to the terrestrial isopod Porcellio scaber was investigated. Sewage sludge containing transformed AgNPs was obtained from a laboratory-scale sewage-treatment plant operated according to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) guideline 303a. The results of transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray of sludge samples suggest that AgNPs were completely transformed to Ag2S. Adult isopods were exposed to OECD 207 soil substrate amended with the AgNP spiked sludge for 14 d (uptake phase) followed by an elimination phase in unspiked soil of equal duration. Most of the Ag measured in P. scaber at the end of the uptake phase was found in the hindgut (71%), indicating that only a minor part of the estimated Ag content was actually assimilated by the isopods with 16.3 and 12.7% found in the carcass and hepatopancreas, respectively. As a result of this, the Ag content of the animals dropped following transition to unspiked sludge within 2 d to one-third of the previously measured Ag concentration and remained stable at this level until the end of the elimination period. The present study shows that Ag2S in sewage sludge is bioavailable to the terrestrial isopod P. scaber. Environ Toxicol Chem 2018;37:1606–1613. © 2018 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of SETAC.
Forecasting realized volatility of oil futures market: A new insight
Authors: Ma Feng , Wei Yu , Liu Li , Huang Dengshi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn this study we propose several new variables, such as continuous realized semi‐variance and signed jump variations including jump tests, and construct a new heterogeneous autoregressive model for realized volatility models to investigate the impacts that those new variables have on forecasting oil price volatility. In‐sample results indicate that past negative returns have greater effects on future volatility than that of positive returns, and our new signed jump variations have a significantly negative influence on the future volatility. Out‐of‐sample empirical results with several robust checks demonstrate that our proposed models can not only obtain better performance in forecasting volatility but also garner larger economic values than can the existing models discussed in this paper.
Distinctive inhibition of alkaline phosphatase isozymes by thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐benzamide derivatives: Functional insights into their anticancer role
Authors: Ejaz Syeda Abida , Saeed Aamer , Shah Syed Jawad Ali , Hameed Abdul , Lecka Joanna , Sévigny Jean , Iqbal Jamshed 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIn the recent years, the role of alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes in the cause of neoplastic diseases such as breast, liver, renal, and bone cancer has been confirmed and, thus they represent a novel target for the discovery of anticancer drugs. In this study different derivatives of thiazol‐2‐ylidene‐benzamide were evaluated for their potential to inhibit alkaline phosphatase (AP) isozymes. Their anticancer potential was assessed using human breast cancer (MCF‐7), bone‐marrow cancer (K‐562), and cervical cancer (HeLa) cell lines in comparison to normal cells from baby hamster kidney BHK‐21. The results suggested that in comparison to other derivatives, compounds 2i, 2e, and 2a showed more sensitivity towards human tissue non‐specific alkaline phosphatase (h‐TNAP). Among these, 2″‐chloro‐N‐(3‐(4′‐fluorophenyl)‐4‐methylthiazol‐2(3H)‐ylidene) benzamide (2e) was found as the most potent and selective inhibitor for h‐TNAP with an IC50 value of 0.079 ± 0.002 μM. Moreover, a significant correlation was observed between the enzyme inhibition profile and cytotoxic data. The compounds exhibiting maximum anticancer potential also induced maximum apoptosis in the respective cell lines. Furthermore, the DNA interaction studies exhibited the non‐covalent mode of interaction with the herring sperm‐DNA. Molecular docking studies also supported the in vitro inhibitory activity of potent compounds. Our findings suggested that potent and selective inhibitors might be useful candidates for the treatment or prevention of those diseases associated with the higher level of AP. Moreover, the study can be useful for the researcher to explore more molecular mechanisms of such derivatives and their analogues with the exact findings.
Sertoli cell specific decline in NOR‐1 leads to germ cell apoptosis and reduced fertility
Authors: Shukla Mansi , Ganguli Nirmalya , Sen Sharma Souvik , Majumdar Subeer S. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe somatic component of seminiferous epithelium, the Sertoli cells (Sc) respond to Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and Testosterone (T) to produce factors which are necessary for germ cell (Gc) survival and differentiation. Infant Sc do not support spermatogenesis in spite of sufficient hormonal milieu, a situation similar to that found in male idiopathic infertility. Sc maturation during pubertal period involves expression of some genes which may be important for initiation of spermatogenesis. Analysis of differentially expressed genes, one by one, in infant and pubertal Sc might provide useful information about the regulation of spermatogenesis. DNA microarray based analysis of mRNA from 5‐days (infant) and 12‐days (pubertal) old rat Sc revealed increased expression of Nor‐1 by pubertal Sc. NOR‐1 is an orphan nuclear receptor involved in maintaining cellular homeostasis and disease. We generated transgenic mice using shRNA cloned under Pem (Rhox5) promoter which is activated at puberty in Sc. Such transgenic mice had reduced Nor‐1 expression and increased Tgfβ1, Tgfβ3, and Smad3 expression. Moreover, an increase in β‐catenin expression was observed in NOR‐1 knockdown testes. High β‐catenin in such transgenic mice was found to be associated with disruption of Sc maturation characterized by elevated expression of Anti Mullerian hormone, Cytokeratin 18, and Sox9. This disruption of Sc maturation resulted in Gc apoptosis. Such NOR‐1 knockdown mice showed reduced sperm count and litter size. We report for the first time that NOR‐1 plays a crucial role in regulating sperm count and male fertility.
Production of butyric acid by Clostridium tyrobutyricum coated with carboxyl functioned magnetic nanoparticles
Authors: Huang Jin , Tang Wan , Zhu Shengquan , Du Meini 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDMagnetic nanomaterial has been considered a promising carrier for cell immobilization, because of its low mass transfer resistance, high load rate, high specific surface and facility for reusability. In this study, carboxyl functioned magnetic nanoparticles (CMNPs) were prepared by chemical co‐precipitation and oleate modification methods, and then immobilized with Clostridium tyrobutyricum for the production of butyric acid.RESULTSThe immobilization conditions were systematically optimized to achieve maximum efficiency and the highest cell relative activity, in which the mass ratio, immobilization temperature and time were determined as 0.72 g g‐1, 35 °C and 30 min, respectively. The endurance of CMNPs‐cells was also evaluated in a repeated‐batch mode of eight continuous batches. Stable and reliable production of butyric acid was obtained in each batch with an average butyrate titer and yield of ∼11.02 g L‐1 and ∼0.43 g g‐1 utilized sugar. Compared with the free‐cell fermentation, higher butyrate yield and concentration were obtained with immobilized cells of C. tyrobutyricum in repeated‐batch fermentation, suggesting that the coated cells did not experience a mass transfer problem.CONCLUSIONConsidering the convenient separation of CMNPs‐cells from fermentation broth via an external magnetic force, as well as its excellent long‐term performance overcoming the possible accumulation of dead cells and culture degeneration, the developed usage of CMNPs‐cells could be very benign for industrial application. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Subdivision of aspirin tablets? Use your hands: a study on aspirin tablet subdivision using four different methods
Authors: van Reuler Alexandra V. R. , van Diemen Jeske J. K. , Harmsze Ankie M. , Fuijkschot Wessel W. , Thijs Abel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBackground/AimLow‐dose aspirin therapy (1 × 75–150 mg) is used in the secondary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Recently it has been suggested that a twice daily regimen is more effective (2 × 40–75 mg). We therefore compared the precision of four subdivision methods.MethodA total of 280 aspirin tablets (acetylsalicylic acid 80 mg) were subdivided using four different methods (PillTool, hand, knife and Pilomat). Precision was compared using a difference score and loss of mass. The accuracy (uniformity of weight) was evaluated according to an adapted version of the European Pharmacopoeia test. Loss of mass was analysed using the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration.ResultsEvaluating the difference score (mean ± SD: PillTool 22 ± 14; hand 14 ± 8; knife 36 ± 23; and Pilomat 20 ± 13), the knife method was less precise than the PillTool, the hand method and the Pilomat (for all p < 0.001). Furthermore, the hand (p < 0.001) and the PillTool (p < 0.001) had statistically significantly a smaller loss of mass (mg) than the knife and the Pilomat (median (interquartile range): PillTool 1 (2), hand 0 (2), knife 4 (6) and Pilomat 3 (5)). Only breaking by hand complied with the adapted European Pharmacopoeia test. Tablets broken by PillTool and hand fulfilled the criteria of the US Food and Drug Administration test for loss of mass.ConclusionBased on the results of our study, we recommend hand breaking and to avoid a knife for the best weight uniform tablets. If a tablet splitting device is necessary we advise use of the PillTool.
Bitter taste masking of enzyme‐treated soy protein in water and bread
Authors: Bertelsen Anne S , Laursen Anne , Knudsen Tine A , Møller Stine , Kidmose Ulla 
Published: January 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDBioactive protein hydrolysates are often very bitter. To overcome this challenge, xylitol, sucrose, α‐cyclodextrin, maltodextrin and combinations of these were tested systematically as bitter‐masking agents of an enzyme‐treated soy protein in an aqueous model and in a bread model. Sensory descriptive analysis was used to reveal the bitter‐masking effect of the taste‐masking blends on the enzyme‐treated soy protein.RESULTSIn water, xylitol, sucrose and maltodextrin reduced bitterness significantly, whereas α‐cyclodextrin did not. No significant difference was observed in bitterness reduction between xylitol and sucrose. Both reduced bitterness significantly more than maltodextrin. No interactions between the taste‐masking agents affecting bitterness reduction were found. Clearer bitter‐masking effects were seen in the aqueous model compared with the bread model. The bitter‐masking effects of α‐cyclodextrin and maltodextrin were similar between water and bread. The effect of xylitol and sucrose on bitterness suppression varied between the systems. In water, bitterness was negatively correlated with sweetness. In bread, bitterness was negatively correlated with freshness, and maltodextrin significantly reduced bitterness of the enzyme‐treated soy protein and increased freshness.CONCLUSIONBitter‐masking effects were generally more discernible in the aqueous model compared with the bread model. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Cruise experience and its contribution to subjective well‐being: A case of Chinese tourists
Authors: Lyu Jiaying , Mao Zhenxing , Hu Liang 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGrowing evidence suggests that travel may serve as an effective intervention of subjective well‐being (SWB). This study develops and empirically tests a psychological model that describes the links of travel experience and SWB. This study also compared the short‐ and long‐term effects of the tourist experience on SWB. Our results identified 3 dimensions of cruise experience, namely, emotional experience, relational experience, and thinking experience. In the short term, happiness from cruise travel is created mainly through emotional and relational experiences. The long‐term effect of cruising travel is largely derived from thinking experience. Theoretical and management implications were discussed.