bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural and thermal property changes of plasticized spinning polyacrylonitrile fibers under different spinning speeds
Authors: Li Xiang , Li Zhaoling , Dang Xiaonan , Luan Dan , Wang Feng , Chen Hangyang , Wang Chentao 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe effect of the spinning speed on structural and thermal properties of polyacrylonitrile (PAN) fibers prepared by plasticized spinning was investigated. The PAN fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. We found that the surface morphology of the fibers was relatively smooth. The presence of a small amount of surface defects was caused by the instability of spinning process. The final fibers may have had two tensile fracture modes, that is, cluster breaking and axial split fracture. The structure of the as‐spun fibers was destroyed when the spinning speed was up to 500 m/min; this led to chain scission in the amorphous region. The final fibers exhibited mechanical properties that were roughly comparable to those of commercial PAN fibers. The changing trend in the cyclization temperature of the final fibers was consistent with that of crystallinity, which first increased and then decreased. The decomposition temperature in the amorphous region increased with increasing spinning speed. The decomposition temperature in the crystalline region increased with increasing crystallinity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45267.
Effects of Environmental Regulations on Trade Flow in Manufacturing Sectors: Comparison of Static and Dynamic Effects of Environmental Regulations
Authors: Hwang Jung‐Ah , Kim Yeonbae 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThis study analyzes environmental regulations and trade performance in manufacturing sectors under static and dynamic conditions. We investigate environmental innovation induced by environmental regulations and the spillover effect on manufacturing sectors, determine whether the spillover effect offsets any negative effect found under static conditions and analyze environmental regulations on the import side. For this, we formulate a trade model that incorporates the environmental innovation equation. We analyze environmental tax, energy tax and the Emissions Trading System (ETS) using strong, balanced panel data from 19 OECD countries for 1996–2009.The results reveal that the static effect of energy tax on exports is negative, but the dynamic effect is positive; however, the positive effect does not offset the negative effect. In short, environmental tax and energy tax decrease the international competitiveness of the manufacturing sectors. Environmental tax and energy tax limit imports, especially in the high‐energy consumption group. The analyses of the ETS further complicate the overall picture. It shows that the further research on the effects of ETS on manufacturing firms' competitiveness over their foreign competitors in the global is required. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Intra‐Sectoral Differences in Climate Change Strategies: Evidence from the Global Automotive Industry
Authors: Damert Matthias , Baumgartner Rupert J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCompanies are increasingly challenged for action on climate change. Most studies on business responses to climate change focus on cross‐sector comparisons and neglect intra‐sectoral dynamics. This paper investigates the influence of supply chain position and regional affiliation on climate change strategies within a particular industry. We present a generic framework integrating both market and non‐market responses to climate change. We argue that climate change strategies comprise several corporate activities that have different foci of interaction and four main objectives: governance, innovation, compensation and legitimation. Using a global sample of 116 automotive companies, we conduct a cluster analysis and identify four types of strategy. We find that the sophistication of automobile manufacturers' strategies significantly differs from that of suppliers. Regional affiliation and firm size prove to be determinants of the strategy type pursued. We cannot find evidence for a relationship between financial performance and a company's strategic approach to climate change. © 2017 The Authors. Business Strategy and the Environment published by ERP Environment and John Wiley & Sons Ltd
The association of QRS duration with atrial fibrillation in a heart failure with preserved ejection fraction population: a pilot study
Authors: Gigliotti Joseph N. , Sidhu Mandeep S. , Robert Alina M. , Zipursky Jonathan S. , Brown Jeremiah R. , Costa Salvatore P. , Palac Robert T. , Steckman David A. , Malenka David J. , Kono Alan T. , Greenberg Mark L. 
Published: June 2017

BackgroundHeart failure is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, yet patient risk stratification may be difficult. Prevention or treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) may be an important strategy in these patients that could positively affect their outcome. It has been demonstrated that in patients with systolic dysfunction, prolonged QRS duration (QRSd), an easily measured electrocardiographic parameter, is associated with AF.HypothesisProlonged QRSd is associated with an increase in prevalence of AF in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction(HFPEF).MethodsBetween February 2006 and February 2009, 718 patients were discharged with a diagnosis of HF from the Dartmouth‐Hitchcock Medical Center. Of these, 206 had EF ≥50% by echocardiography performed within 72 hours of admission. After exclusions, 82 patients remained, of which 25 had AF and 57 had sinus rhythm. Characteristics of the AF and sinus‐rhythm patients were compared in this pilot study.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, prior diagnosis of HF, and left atrial area, there was a nonsignificant trend (odds ratio: 2.2, 95% CI of 0.3‐17.2) for a QRSd >120 ms to be associated with AF.ConclusionsSimilar to results in patients with systolic dysfunction, patients with preserved EF may have an association between a prolonged QRSd and AF.
Facile Synthesis of Holothurian‐Like γ‐MnS/Carbon Nanotube Nanocomposites for Flexible All‐Solid‐State Supercapacitors
Authors: Hou Xiaoyi , Peng Tao , Yu Qiuhong , Luo Rongjie , Liu Xianming , Zhang Yingge , Wang Yange , Guo Yan , Kim Jang‐Kyo , Luo Yongsong 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe holothurian‐like γ‐MnS/carbon nanotube (CNT) nanocomposites are successfully fabricated through a facile two‐step hydrothermal method. The γ‐MnS@CNT hybrid nanocomposite is an attractive electrode material for supercapacitors as it exhibits excellent electrochemical performance with a high specific capacitance of 641.9 F g−1 and cyclic stability of 94.6 % retention after 3000 cycles at a current density of 0.5 A g−1, which are superior to those of CNTs and pure γ‐MnS nanoparticles. Furthermore, the as‐fabricated all‐solid‐state supercapacitor reveals remarkable specific capacitance of 263.5 F g−1, high capacitance retention, and a high energy density of 36.6 Wh kg−1 at a power density of 0.5 kW kg−1. The device maintains its supercapacitor performance well, even under bending or twisting states, indicating the excellent mechanical stability and flexibility of the device. The impressive results demonstrate the great opportunity for practical application of this metal sulfide‐based composite in high‐performance, flexible energy storage devices and wearable electronics.
Occurrence and human dietary assessment of fluoroquinolones antibiotics in cultured fish around Tai Lake, China
Authors: Song Chao , Zhang Cong , Kamira Barry , Qiu Liping , Fan Limin , Wu Wei , Meng Shunlong , Hu Gengdong , Chen Jiazhang 
Published: June 2017

Abstract

Fluoroquinolone antibiotics are widely used in the production of aquatic products and considered to be a significant contributing factor to the burden of both natural and aquaculture environments. However, the main types of fluoroquinolones present in aquaculture systems have not been determined. The objectives of the present study were to explore the occurrence of residual fluoroquinolone antibiotics in fish muscle tissues sampled from across the entire aquaculture season in the Tai Lake basin in China and to assess the dietary risks associated with the upcoming vendible fish in the last month of the aquaculture season. Fluoroquinolones were detected in 95.69% of all fish samples, and the concentrations ranged from the limit of quantification (LOQ) to 47 108.00 μg · kg−1. Enrofloxacin contributed the most among the 9 fluoroquinolone antibiotics tested. Of the 4 fish species studied, enrofloxacin was present in bream at significant (p &lt; 0.05) concentrations in August, with an average value of 321.45 μg · kg−1, while enrofloxacin concentrations peaked in crab and shrimp in September, with average values of 6949.60 and 460.82 μg · kg−1, respectively. However, different patterns were observed in perch, suggesting that other categories of antibiotics may be used in the production of this fish. Dietary risk assessment showed that the residual levels and estimated daily intake in bream, perch, and shrimp were far below the maximum residual level and acceptable daily intake. However, the average residual level in crab exceeded the maximum residual level, and the estimated daily intake value accounted for 78.49% of the acceptable daily intake, indicating potential consumption risk. In summary, the present study aims to guide the production and consumption of aquatic products. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2899–2905. © 2017 SETAC
A Novel Non‐Apoptotic Role of Procaspase‐3 in the Regulation of Mitochondrial Biogenesis Activators
Authors: Kim Ji‐Soo , Ha Ji‐Young , Yang Sol‐ji , Son Jin H. 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTThe executioner caspase‐3 has been proposed as a pharmacological intervention target to preserve degenerating dopaminergic (DA) neurons because apoptotic mechanisms involving caspase‐3 contribute, at least in part, to the loss of DA neurons in patients and experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we determined that genetic intervention of caspase‐3 was sufficient to prevent cell death against oxidative stress (OS), accompanied by unexpected severe mitochondrial dysfunction. Specifically, as we expected, caspase‐3‐deficient DA neuronal cells were very significantly resistant to OS‐induced cell death, while the activation of the initiator caspase‐9 by OS was preserved. Moreover, detailed phenotypic characterization of caspase‐3‐deficient DA cells revealed severe mitochondrial dysfunction, including an accumulation of damaged mitochondria with a characteristic swollen structure and broken cristae, reduced membrane potential, increased levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and deficits in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) enzymes. Of great interest, we found that mitochondrial biogenesis was dramatically decreased in caspase‐3‐deficient DA cells, whereas their capability of mitophagy was normal. In accordance with this observation, caspase‐3 gene knock down (KD) resulted in dramatically decreased expression of the key transcriptional activators of mitochondrial biogenesis, such as Tfam and Nrf‐1, implicating a non‐apoptotic role of procaspase‐3 in mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, a prolonged anti‐apoptotic intervention targeting caspase‐3 should be considered with caution due to the potential adverse effects in mitochondria dynamics resulting from a novel potential functional role of procaspase‐3 in mitochondrial biogenesis via regulating the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis activators. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 347–357, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mining the Proteome of Leishmania donovani for the Development of Novel MHC Class I Restricted Epitope for the Control of Visceral Leishmaniasis
Authors: Dikhit Manas R. ,   Vijayamahantesh, Kumar Akhilesh , Amit Ajay , Dehury Budheswar , Nathsharma Yangya Prasad , Ansari Mohammad Yousuf , Ali Vahab , Topno Roshan Kamal , Das VNR , Pandey Krishna , Sahoo Ganesh Chandra , Bimal Sanjiva , Das Pradeep 
Published: June 2017

ABSTRACTAlthough, the precise host defence mechanism(s) is not completely understood, T cell‐mediated immune responses is believed to play a pivotal role in controlling parasite infection. Here we target the stage dependent over expressed gene. Here, the consensus based computational approach was adopted for the screening of potential major histocompatibility complex class I restricted epitopes. Based on the computational analysis and previously published report, a set 19 antigenic proteins derived from Leishmania donovani were screened for further characterization as vaccine candidates. A total of 49 epitopes were predicted, which revealed a comprehensive binding affinity to the 40 different MHC class I supertypes. Based on the population coverage and HLA cross presentation, nine highly promiscuous epitopes such as LTYDDVWTV (P1), FLFPQRTAL(P2), FLFSNGAVV (P3), YIYNFGIRV (P4), YMTAAFAAL (P5), KLLRPFAPL (P6), FMLGWIVTI (P7), SLFERNKRV (P8), and SVWNRIFTL (P9) which have either a high or an intermediate TAP binding affinity were selected for further analysis. Theoretical population coverage analysis of polytope vaccine (P1–P9) revealed more than 92% population. Stimulation with the cocktail of peptide revealed a proliferative CD8+ T cell response and increased IFN‐γ production. An upregulated NF‐κB activity is thought to be play a pivotal role in T cell proliferation against the selected peptide. The Th1‐type cytokine profile (presence of IFN‐γ and absence of IL‐10) suggests the potentiality of the cocktail of epitope as a subunit vaccine against leishmaniasis. However, the efficiency of these epitopes to trigger other Th1 cytokines and chemokines in a humanized mice model could explore its plausibility as a vaccine candidate. J. Cell. Biochem. 119: 378–391, 2018. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Generalization of the Hamilton–Waterloo Problem on Complete Equipartite Graphs
Authors: Keranen Melissa S. , Pastine Adrián 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe Hamilton–Waterloo problem asks for which s and r the complete graph can be decomposed into s copies of a given 2‐factor F1 and r copies of a given 2‐factor F2 (and one copy of a 1‐factor if n is even). In this paper, we generalize the problem to complete equipartite graphs and show that can be decomposed into s copies of a 2‐factor consisting of cycles of length xzm; and r copies of a 2‐factor consisting of cycles of length yzm, whenever m is odd, , , and . We also give some more general constructions where the cycles in a given two factor may have different lengths. We use these constructions to find solutions to the Hamilton–Waterloo problem for complete graphs.
Working Alliance, Interpersonal Problems, and Depressive Symptoms in Tele‐Interpersonal Psychotherapy for HIV‐infected Rural Persons: Evidence for Indirect Effects
Authors: Anderson Timothy , McClintock Andrew S. , McCarrick Shannon S. , Heckman Timothy G. , Heckman Bernadette D. , Markowitz John C. , Sutton Mark 
Published: June 2017

ObjectiveInterpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) has demonstrated efficacy for the treatment of depression, yet little is known about its therapeutic mechanisms. As a specific treatment, IPT has been shown to directly reduce depressive symptoms, although it is unclear whether these reductions occur via interpersonal changes. Within IPT, the potential role of the working alliance, a common factor, as a predictor of depression and interpersonal changes is also unclear.MethodParticipants were 147 depressed persons living with HIV in rural communities of 28 U.S. states enrolled in a randomized clinical trial. Seventy‐five patients received up to 9 sessions of telephone‐administered IPT (tele‐IPT) plus standard care and 72 patients received standard care only. Two models were tested; one included treatment condition (tele‐IPT vs. control) and another included the working alliance as independent variables.ResultsThe first model found an indirect effect whereby tele‐IPT reduced depression via decreased social avoidance. There was a direct effect between tele‐IPT and reduced depression. In the second model, the working alliance influenced depressive symptom relief via reductions in social avoidance. Both goal and task working alliance subscales were indirectly associated with reductions in depressive symptoms, also through reductions in social avoidance. There were no direct effects involving the working alliance. Tele‐IPT's influence on depressive symptom reduction was primarily through a direct effect, whereas the influence of working alliance depression was almost entirely via an indirect effect through interpersonal problems.ConclusionStudy findings have implications for IPT when intervening with depressed rural people living with HIV/AIDS over the telephone.
Effect of linseed supplementation and slaughter age on meat quality of grazing cross‐bred Galician x Burguete foals
Authors: Domínguez Rubén , Pateiro Mirian , Crecente Santiago , Ruiz Marta , Sarriés María V , Lorenzo José M 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of finishing diet (control concentrate vs. linseed concentrate) and slaughter age (13 vs. 26 months) on meat and nutritional quality of foal meat. For this study, 46 foals from crossing Galicia Mountain x Burguete breeds were used.RESULTSThe obtained results showed that slaughter age had an influence on chemical composition and colour parameters. Foals slaughtered at the age of 13 months had lower content of intramuscular fat and higher cholesterol contents than those slaughtered at 26 months of age. Regarding colour parameters, older foals showed the highest values of redness and lowest myoglobin contents. Finishing diet had a low effect on the majority of parameters evaluated. Foals fed with linseed presented lower shear force values than those fed with control concentrate. Fatty acid and amino acid contents were hardly influenced by finishing diet, whereas slaughter age effect had a high impact on fatty acid profile. Older animals showed lowest SFA values and n‐6/n‐3 ratio.CONCLUSIONOlder animals presented the best meat quality. Diet had low effect in meat quality and could be related to the short time during finishing diet was administered and the low amount of linseed in the experimental diet. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Characterization of phenolic composition in Carignan noir grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) from six wine‐growing sites in Maule Valley, Chile
Authors: Martínez‐Gil Ana M , Gutiérrez‐Gamboa Gastón , Garde‐Cerdán Teresa , Pérez‐Álvarez Eva P , Moreno‐Simunovic Yerko 
Published: June 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDAmong Chilean varieties, Carignan noir has had a major resurgence due to its rediscovered wine quality potential. For this, the aim of this study was to characterize phenolic composition of grapes grown in six sites from the Maule Valley.RESULTSThe data showed that myricetin‐3‐glc and catechin were the most important flavonol and flavanol, respectively. Anthocyanin and flavonol composition was correlated with biologically effective degree days, exhibiting a relationship with grape maturity. Flavanol and hydroxycinnamic acid composition was inversely correlated to the average maximum temperature of the warmest month, showing that their synthesis is favored by cooler temperatures during the warmest month.CONCLUSIONThese results have enological and viticultural interest for grape growers as vineyard site selection for this cultivar can confer differentiable attributes in terms of grape composition and quality. On the other hand, understanding the effects of climate on the synthesis of phenolic compounds may be useful for managing the vineyards with the aim of improving grape quality. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Role of Point Shear Wave Elastography in the Determination of the Severity of Fibrosis in Pediatric Liver Diseases With Pathologic Correlations
Authors: Özkan Mehmet Burak , Bilgici Meltem Ceyhan , Eren Esra , Caltepe Gonul , Yilmaz Gulay , Kara Cengiz , Gun Seda 
Published: June 2017

ObjectivesOur aims in this study were as follows: (1) to determine the cutoff value that can distinguish between advanced liver fibrosis and normal liver tissue for two different elastographic techniques; (2) to determine the cutoff value that can distinguish mild liver fibrosis from normal liver tissue for the techniques; and (3) to assess tissue stiffness in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).MethodsSeventy‐five patients assessed for liver biopsy on the same day were evaluated by point shear wave elastography. Thirty‐one healthy children and 11 children with NAFLD were also evaluated. A 9L4 transducer with Virtual Touch quantification (VTQ) and Virtual Touch imaging and quantification (VTIQ) modes (Siemens Medical Solutions, Mountain View, CA) was used for quantification.ResultsThe shear wave speed of the patients with NAFLD was higher than that of the control group. The only predictive factor for VTQ and VTIQ was the histologic fibrosis score (model‐adjusted R2 = 0.56 for VTQ and 0.75 for VTIQ). Shear wave speed cutoffs were 1.67 m/s for VTQ and 1.56 m/s for VTIQ in detecting fibrosis or inflammation and 2.09 m/s for VTQ and 2.17 m/s for VTIQ in discriminating children with low and high histologic liver fibrosis scores.ConclusionsThe VTQ and VTIQ values reveal high‐grade histopathologic fibrosis and have high success rates when distinguishing high‐ from low‐grade fibrosis. However, they have limited success rates when differentiating low‐grade fibrosis from normal liver tissue.
Contrasting interannual changes in phytoplankton productivity and community structure in the coastal Canadian Arctic Ocean
Authors: Blais Marjolaine , Ardyna Mathieu , Gosselin Michel , Dumont Dany , Bélanger Simon , Tremblay Jean‐Éric , Gratton Yves , Marchese Christian , Poulin Michel 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe rapid physical changes affecting the Arctic Ocean alter the growth conditions of primary producers. In this context, a crucial question is whether these changes will affect the composition of phytoplankton communities, augment their productivity, and eventually enhance food webs. We combined satellite and model products with in situ datasets collected during fall and provide new insights into the response of phytoplankton biomass and production in the Canadian Arctic by comparing an interior shelf (Beaufort Sea) and an outflow shelf (Baffin Bay). Correlation analysis was used to distinguish between seasonal and interannual variability and revealed that most biological variables are responding to the interannual pressures of climate change. In southeast Beaufort Sea, a change in phytoplankton community composition occurred, with a significant increase in diatoms from 2% (2002) to 37% (2010–2011) of the total protist abundance. In 2011, photosynthetic picoeukaryotes were twice as abundant as in 2002. For these two phytoplankton groups, abundance was correlated with the duration of the open‐water period, which also increased and affected vertical stratification and sea‐surface temperature. In contrast, there was a sharp decline in centric diatom abundance as well as in phytoplankton biomass and production in northern Baffin Bay over the years considered. These decreases were linked to changes in seasonal progression and sea‐ice dynamics through their impacts on vertical stratification and freshwater input. Overall, our results highlight the importance of stratification and the duration of the open‐water period in shaping phytoplankton regimes—either oligotrophic or eutrophic—in marine waters of the Canadian Arctic.