bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Thermoreversible rheological responses of biscarbamates and tricarbamates in uncured epoxy composite pastes caused by their self‐assembly in an epoxy matrix
Authors: Zhang Ming , Chen Mingqing , Ni Zhongbin 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTWe investigated the rheological behaviors of diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (epoxy resin) composite pastes with fumed SiO2, biscarbamates, and tricarbamates with the same terminal alkyl chains of C16, respectively. The rheological measurement results show that the rheological responses of both carbamates in the epoxy composite pastes were stronger than that of fumed silica at the same concentrations, especially at low concentrations, and the rheological behaviors of the epoxy composites with them were thermally reversible and concentration dependent. IR, thermal, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized microscopic analyses demonstrated that their different excellent rheological responses in epoxy composite pastes came from their different self‐assemblies in the epoxy matrix, which were caused by the different intermolecular interactions, mainly including hydrogen‐bonding and van de Waals interactions, and the intermolecular interactions for carbamates were closely related to their molecular structures. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46032.
Synthesis of reusable silicone foam containing carbon nanotubes for oil spill remediation
Authors: Piperopoulos Elpida , Calabrese Luigi , Mastronardo Emanuela , Proverbio Edoardo , Milone Candida 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTThe aim of this work is the synthesis of silicone foam containing carbon nanotubes (CNT) for oil spills remediation. The CNT silicone foams are obtained by foaming a solution of a silicone matrix with CNT filler (5.6 wt %) in presence of a Sn‐based catalyst. Pristine and functionalized CNT have been used. All the obtained materials present a foam morphology with an open cell structure. Each foam is tested in four commonly used oils (kerosene, pump oil, naphtha, and crude oil). Among all, the foam filled with pristine CNT shows the highest sorption capacity (800 wt % in virgin naphtha) and an excellent reusability (up to 10 times). © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46067.
Biodegradable polymeric injectable implants for long‐term delivery of contraceptive drugs
Authors: Manoukian Ohan S. , Arul Michael R. , Sardashti Naseem , Stedman Teagan , James Roshan , Rudraiah Swetha , Kumbar Sangamesh G. 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTDevelopment of injectable, long‐lasting, contraceptive drug delivery formulations, and implants are highly desired to avoid unplanned pregnancies while improving patient compliance and reducing adverse side effects and treatment costs. The present study reports on the fabrication and characterization of two levonorgestrel (LNG) microsphere injectable formulations. Poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PCL) with 12.5% and 24% (w/w) LNG were fabricated into microspheres, measuring 300 ± 125 µm, via the oil‐in‐water (o/w) emulsion solvent evaporation technique. Formulations showed sustained drug release up to 120 days. FTIR, XRD, DSC, and TGA confirmed the absence of LNG chemical interaction with PCL as well as its molecular level distribution. The in vitro release of LNG was calculated to be Fickian diffusion controlled and properly characterized. The inclusion of multiple elevated release temperatures allowed for the application of the Arrhenius model to calculate drug release constants and representative sampling intervals, demonstrating the use of elevated temperatures for accelerated‐time drug release studies. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46068.
Fully bio‐based polyesters derived from 2,5‐furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA) and dodecanedioic acid (DDCA): From semicrystalline thermoplastic to amorphous elastomer
Authors: Jia Zhen , Wang Jinggang , Sun Liyuan , Zhu Jin , Liu Xiaoqing 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTA serials of fully bio‐based poly(ethylene dodecanedioate‐2,5‐furandicarboxylate) (PEDF) were synthesized from Dodecanedioic acid (DDCA), 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (2,5‐FDCA), and ethylene glycol through a two‐step procedure consisted of transesterification and polycondensation. After their chemical structures were confirmed by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, their thermal, mechanical, and biodegradation properties were investigated in detail. Results showed that the chemical composition of PEDFs could be easily controlled by the feeding mole ratio of DDCA to FDCA and they possessed the characteristic of random copolyester with the intrinsic viscosity ranged from 0.82 to 1.2 dL/g. With the varied mole ratio of DDCA to FDCA, PEDFs could be changed from semicrystalline thermoplastic to the completely amorphous elastomer, indicated by the elongation at break ranged from 4 for poly(ethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylate) to 1500% for amorphous PEDF‐40. The amorphous PEDF‐30 and PEDF‐40 showed satisfactory shape recovery after cyclic tensile test, which was the typical behavior for elastomer. Enzymatic degradation test indicated that all the PEDFs were biodegradable and the degradation rate was heavily affected by their chemical compositions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46076.
Polymersome formation mechanism and formation rate in stirred‐tank reactors
Authors: Poschenrieder Sarah T. , Hanzlik Marianne , Castiglione Kathrin 
Published: November 2017

ABSTRACTUniform polymersomes (polymer vesicles) made of poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15‐b‐poly(dimethylsiloxane)68‐b‐poly(2‐methyloxazoline)15 (PMOXA15–PDMS68–PMOXA15) can be formed in miniaturized‐stirred tank reactors by the aid of a recently published process. In this study, the occurring self‐assembly mechanism was elucidated by using transmission electron microscopy. Subsequent to the initial formation of small spherical micelles and the following fusion to worm‐like micelles, two simultaneously occurring pathways, describing the transformation of further intermediate structures to the desired vesicles, were found. The resulting particle increase was followed by dynamic light scattering. Thus, the vesicle formation rate was judged by the linear increase of the particle diameter over time. While temperature showed no influence, higher initial polymer concentrations and lower final solvent concentrations accelerated the polymersome formation. Besides, the process was crucially dependent on the agitation speed. While spherical micelles did not transform into polymersomes when no stirring or too slow stirring is applied, the self‐assembly process was accelerated by increasing the agitation speed. Uniform polymeric vesicles can be formed under vigorous stirring in stirred‐tank reactors in short process times. In this study, the underlying mechanisms of vesicle formation were elucidated, showing that the polymer forms small micellar structures before undergoing two separate pathways to form the desired vesicular structures. The formation rate of the polymer vesicles was mainly dependent on the agitation speed but also on the polymer and solvent concentrations, highlighting the need for controlled formation conditions. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46077.
Inflammatory Cytokines Stabilize SOXC Transcription Factors to Mediate the Transformation of Fibroblast‐Like Synoviocytes in Arthritic Disease
Authors: Bhattaram Pallavi , Muschler George , Wixler Viktor , Lefebvre Véronique 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveFibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLS) produce key synovial fluid and tissue components to ensure joint integrity under healthy conditions, whereas they become cancer‐like and aggressively contribute to joint degeneration in inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study was to determine whether the SOXC transcription factors SOX4 and SOX11, whose functions are critical in joint development and many cancer types, contribute to FLS activities under normal and inflammatory conditions.MethodsWe inactivated the SOXC genes in FLS from adult mice and studied the effect on joint homeostasis and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)–induced arthritis. We used primary cells and synovial biopsy specimens from arthritis patients to analyze the interactions between inflammatory signals and SOXC proteins.ResultsPostnatal inactivation of the SOXC genes had no major effect on joint integrity in otherwise healthy mice. However, it hampered synovial hyperplasia and joint degeneration in transgenic mice expressing human TNF. These effects were explained by the ability of SOX4/11 to amplify the pathogenic impact of TNF on FLS by increasing their survival and migration. SOXC RNA levels were not changed by TNF and other proinflammatory cytokines, but SOXC proteins were strongly stabilized and able to potentiate the TNF‐induced up‐regulation of genes involved in FLS transformation. Substantiating the relevance of these findings in human disease, SOXC protein levels, but not RNA levels, were significantly higher in inflamed synovium than in noninflamed synovium from arthritis patients.ConclusionSOXC proteins are targets and pivotal mediators of proinflammatory cytokines during FLS transformation in arthritic diseases. Targeting of these proteins could thus improve current strategies to treat arthritic diseases and possibly other inflammatory diseases.
Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis/Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Consensus‐Based Recommendations and Research Agenda for Use of Composite Measures and Treatment Targets in Psoriatic Arthritis
Authors: Coates Laura C. , FitzGerald Oliver , Merola Joseph F. , Smolen Josef , van Mens Leonieke J. J. , Bertheussen Heidi , Boehncke Wolf‐Henning , Callis Duffin Kristina , Campbell Willemina , de Wit Maarten , Gladman Dafna , Gottlieb Alice , James Jana , Kavanaugh Arthur , Kristensen Lars Erik , Kvien Tore K. , Luger Thomas , McHugh Neil , Mease Philip , Nash Peter , Ogdie Alexis , Rosen Cheryl F. , Strand Vibeke , Tillett William , Veale Douglas J. , Helliwell Philip S. 
Published: November 2017

ObjectiveA meeting was convened by the Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis (GRAPPA) and Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT) to further the development of consensus among physicians and patients regarding composite disease activity measures and targets in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).MethodsPrior to the meeting, physicians and patients completed surveys on outcome measures. A consensus meeting of 26 rheumatologists, dermatologists, and patient research partners reviewed evidence on composite measures and potential treatment targets plus results of the surveys. The meeting consisted of plenary presentations, breakout sessions, and group discussions. International experts including members of GRAPPA and OMERACT were invited to the meeting, including the developers of all of the measures discussed. After discussions, participants voted on proposals for use, and consensus was established in a second survey.ResultsSurvey results from 128 health care professionals and 139 patients were analyzed alongside a systematic literature review summarizing evidence. A weighted vote was cast for composite measures. For randomized controlled trials, the most popular measures were the PsA disease activity score (40 votes) and the GRAPPA composite index (28 votes). For clinical practice, the most popular measures were an average of scores on 3 visual analog scales (45 votes) and the disease activity in PsA score (26 votes). After discussion, there was no consensus on a composite measure. The group agreed that several composite measures could be used and that future studies should allow further validation and comparison. The group unanimously agreed that remission should be the ideal target, with minimal disease activity (MDA)/low disease activity as a feasible alternative. The target should include assessment of musculoskeletal disease, skin disease, and health‐related quality of life. The group recommended a treatment target of very low disease activity (VLDA) or MDA.ConclusionConsensus was not reached on a continuous measure of disease activity. In the interim, the group recommended several composites. Consensus was reached on a treatment target of VLDA/MDA. An extensive research agenda was composed and recommends that data on all PsA clinical domains be collected in ongoing studies.
Association between severe nausea and vomiting in early pregnancy and the risk of neural tube defects in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Yali , Li Zhiwen , Zhang Le , Liu Jufen , Jin Lei , Ren Aiguo 
Published: November 2017

BackgroundThis study assessed the association between severe NVP and the risk of NTD in offspring compared with a population and a malformed control group. We also assessed whether folic acid supplements modified this association.Study design and settingA case‐control study was conducted with subjects enrolled from June 19, 2002, to November 18, 2014, from a population‐based birth defects surveillance system that monitors major external structural birth defects through active case ascertainment in Shanxi Province, China. The main comparison was between women with NTD‐affected offspring who experienced NVP in early pregnancy versus those who did not. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to examine the associations between severe NVP and the risk of NTD while adjusting for potential confounding factors. The risk was estimated by calculating the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).ResultsThe adjusted OR (AOR) of severe NVP for NTDs was 3.25 (95%CI 2.56, 4.12) compared with the population control, and 1.65 (95%CI 1.00, 2.72) compared with the malformed controls. When stratified by intake of folic acid supplements, the AOR for severe NVP was 3.40 (95%CI 2.61, 4.42) in the non‐intake of folic acid supplements stratum and 2.51 (95%CI 1.42, 4.43) in the intake of folic acid supplements stratum.ConclusionWe conclude that severe NVP is associated with NTDs, and that severe NVP may be a consequence, rather than a cause, of NTDs.
Morin exerts neuroprotection via attenuation of ROS induced oxidative damage and neuroinflammation in experimental diabetic neuropathy
Authors: Bachewal Pragna , Gundu Chayanika , Yerra Veera Ganesh , Kalvala Anil Kumar , Areti Aparna , Kumar Ashutosh 
Published: November 2017

AbstractMorin, a bioflavonoid with diverse pharmacological effects against various diseases; in most cases morin protective effects were attributed to its detoxifying effect against reactive oxygen species (ROS). Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is a chronic, debilitating neuronal pain associated with intense generation of free radicals and proinflammatory cytokine accumulation in peripheral neurons. We investigated the pharmacological effect of morin against metabolic excess mediated mitochondrial ROS generation and corresponding effect on Nrf2, NF‐κB pathways in Streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced diabetic rats and in high glucose insulted Mouse neuroblastoma cell line, Neuro 2A (N2A). Animals were evaluated for nerve function parameters, motor and sensory nerve conduction velocities (MNCV and SNCV) and nerve blood flow (NBF) followed by TUNEL and immunoblot analysis. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by performing JC‐1 and MitoSOX assays in high glucose (30 mM) incubated N2A cells. Diabetic animals showed significant impairment in MNCV, SNCV, and NBF as well as increased pain hypersensitivity. However, oral administration of morin at 50 and 100 mg/kg improved SNCV, MNCV, and NBF and reduced sensorimotor alterations (hyperalgesia and allodynia) in diabetic animals. Studies in N2A cells have revealed that morin ameliorated the high glucose‐induced mitochondrial superoxide production, membrane depolarization, and total ROS generation. Morin effectively counteracted NF‐κB‐mediated neuroinflammation by reducing ROS mediated IKK activation and increased Nrf2‐mediated antioxidant defenses in high glucose‐induced N2A cells. The results of our study suggest that morin has exquisite role in offering neuroprotection in experimental DN and further clinical investigation may reward in finding better alternative for the management of DN. © 2017 BioFactors, 44(2):109–122, 2018
The Impact of Adhesion Molecules on the In Vitro Culture and Differentiation of Stem Cells
Authors: Abdal Dayem Ahmed , Lee Soobin , Y. Choi Hye , Cho Ssang‐Goo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe term “cell adhesion” represents cell–cell interactions and the interaction between the cell and the extracellular matrix (ECM). These interactions are crucial for the development of the stem cells niche to determine stem cell shape. The ECM is considered as a natural niche for cell residence. Cell adhesion molecules (CAMs) enable cell–cell interactions and the interactions between the cell and ECM via various mechanisms, such as trans‐interaction and the heterophilic interactions. These interactions promote a broad spectrum of cell signaling that directly or indirectly modulates stem cell proliferation, self‐renewal property, adhesion, and multilineage differentiation. Over many years, animal‐derived feeder layers and culture components have been used for stem cell culture, which produces stem cells unsuitable for clinical applications in the regenerative medicine. This review briefly describes the stages of the development of stem cell culture toward a defined condition and the drawbacks of using animal‐derived culture components. Stem cell niche‐derived and ECM‐derived adhesion molecules and their detailed impact on stem cell adhesion and functions will be discussed. Efficient and novel adhesion molecules for stem cell culture and differentiation are needed for further large‐scale applications in tissue regeneration.
Simultaneous determination of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid and 5‐hydroxytryptamine in human plasma by LC‐MS/MS and its application to acute myocardial infarction monitoring
Authors: Tong Qing , Song Jia , Yang Guangjie , Fan Li , Xiong Wei , Fang Jianguo 
Published: November 2017

AbstractReliable methods for the determination of tryptophan and its metabolites are vital to the monitoring of biochemical states during the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. In the present study, a single‐run liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed for the simultaneous determination of tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolites, including kynurenine (Kyn), kynurenic acid (KA), xanthurenic acid (XA) and 5‐hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT), in human plasma. The plasma samples were prepared using a protein precipitation approach, and the chromatographic separation was performed by gradient elution on a C18 column within a total analysis time of 3.5 min. The calibration ranges were 40–20,000 ng/mL for Trp, 4–2000 ng/mL for Kyn, 0.2–100 ng/mL for KA, 0.4–200 ng/mL for XA and 1–500 ng/mL for 5‐HT, and the precision and accuracy were acceptable. The evaluation of recovery and internal standard‐normalized matrix effect proved that the sample preparation approach was effective and the matrix effect could be negligible. The newly developed method was successfully applied to the analysis of plasma samples from healthy individuals and myocardial infarction patients. The findings suggested that the plasma concentrations of Trp, Kyn, 5‐HT as well as the concentration ratios of Kyn/Trp and Trp/5‐HT might serve as biomarkers for the monitoring of acute myocardial infarction.
Development and validation of an LC‐MS/MS method for the determination of a novel thienoquinolin urea transporter inhibitor PU‐48 in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Zhang Zhi‐Yuan , Wang Xin , Liu Dan , Zhang Hua , Zhang Qiang , Lu Ying‐Yuan , Li Pu , Lou Ya‐Qing , Yang Bao‐Xue , Lu Chuang , Lou Ya‐Xin , Zhang Guo‐Liang 
Published: November 2017

AbstractA specific, sensitive and stable high‐performance liquid chromatographic–tandem mass spectrometry (LC‐MS/MS) method was developed and validated for the quantitative determination of methyl 3‐amino‐6‐methoxythieno [2,3‐b]quinoline‐2‐carboxylate (PU‐48), a novel diuretic thienoquinolin urea transporter inhibitor in rat plasma. In this method, the chromatographic separation of PU‐48 was achieved with a reversed‐phase C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 3 μm) at 35°C. The mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile and water with 0.05% formic acid added with a gradient elution at flow rate of 0.3 mL/min. Samples were detected with the triple‐quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer with multiple reaction monitoring mode via electrospray ionization source in positive mode. The retention time were 6.2 min for PU‐48 and 7.2 min for megestrol acetate (internal standard, IS). The monitored ion transitions were mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) 289.1 → 229.2 for PU‐48 and m/z 385.3 → 267.1 for the internal standard. The calibration curve for PU‐48 was linear over the concentration range of 0.1–1000 ng/mL (r2 > 0.99), and the lower limit of quantitation was 0.1 ng/mL. The precision, accuracy and stability of the method were validated adequately. The developed and validated method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of PU‐48 in rats.
From Ruthenium to Iron and Manganese—A Mechanistic View on Challenges and Design Principles of Base‐Metal Hydrogenation Catalysts
Authors: Zell Thomas , Langer Robert 
Published: November 2017

AbstractThe development of new homogenous base‐metal catalysts for hydrogenation reactions is a rapidly expanding and evolving field of research, which has the potential to provide inexpensive and sustainable alternatives for atom economic reactions and possibly contribute additional tools for hydrogen storage applications. While tremendous accomplishments in terms of catalytic activity and substrate scope have been reported over the last years, the available mechanistic information on these reactions is often very limited. The current Concept article intends to summarize, categorize and analyze mechanistic information on iron‐based hydrogenation catalysts. In addition, we present the challenges that must be tackled in the future to develop more effective and mature catalyst systems. The primary focus of this work lies on iron‐based catalysts. However, manganese‐based hydrogenation catalysts have recently attracted significant interest and a remarkable progress in their development has been made. Available mechanistic information on manganese catalysts is compared to that on iron catalysts and basic similarities and differences are discussed.
Electrogenerated N‐Heterocyclic Olefins: Stability and Catalytic Ability
Authors: Feroci Marta , Chiarotto Isabella , Orsini Monica , Pandolfi Fabiana , Zane Daniela , Inesi Achille 
Published: November 2017

AbstractN‐Heterocyclic olefin (NHO) can be generated by simple cathodic reduction of BDMImBF4‐DMF solution or neat BDMImBF4 (BDMImBF4=1‐butyl‐2,3‐dimethyl‐1H‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate; DMF=dimethylformamide). In the latter case, the use of any organic solvent and chemical base is avoided. To prove the presence of NHO, its adduct with benzaldehyde was isolated. The electrochemical behavior of NHO is very similar to that of the corresponding N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC, from 1‐butyl‐3‐methyl‐1H‐imidazolium tetrafluoroborate), showing that it is electroactive at the anode, and this peculiarity can be exploited to verify its presence in a solution. The main difference between NHO and NHC is in the nucleophilic site (exocyclic for NHO, endocyclic for NHC). Electrogenerated NHO stability (evaluated by cyclic voltammetry) and its catalytic ability (evaluated in the transesterification reaction) were compared with those of electrogenerated NHC.