bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
D‐isosorbide and 1,3‐propanediol as plasticizers for starch‐based films: Characterization and aging study
Authors: González Kizkitza , Martin Loli , González Alba , Retegi Aloña , Eceiza Arantxa , Gabilondo Nagore 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTIn the present work, D‐isosorbide and 1,3‐propanediol are proposed as alternative plasticizers obtained from renewable resources. Plasticized starch films were prepared by solvent casting method. The influence of using different “green” plasticizers in the final properties of starch‐based films was analyzed. Besides, the characterization of the films was also performed after storage time in order to evaluate the effect of the plasticizer on aging. UV‐spectrophotometry results showed better optical properties for both glycerol and D‐isosorbide films with higher transparency. The thermal and mechanical properties resulted influenced by the nature of the plasticizer. It was demonstrated that water vapor permeability was governed by the starch‐water interactions, whereas the oxygen permeability depended on the plasticizer's nature. The storage time affected the surface, mechanical, and thermal properties of the plasticized starch films. Atomic force microscopy results concluded that the topography of the films changed due to aging. The use of D‐isosorbide as plasticizer reduced the evolution of the mentioned properties and enhanced the reliability of the material. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44793.
Effects of graphene functionalization on the long‐term behavior of epoxy/graphene composites evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis
Authors: da Silva Luís Carlos Oliveira , Soares Bluma Guenther 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTGraphene oxide (GO) and its reduced version (RGO) were prepared and functionalized with phenyl glycidol chlorophosphate (PGC) to obtain the corresponding GO‐PGC and RGO‐PGC materials. These graphene systems were used to prepare thermosetting composites with a tetrafunctional epoxy resin, 4,4′‐methylenebis(N,N‐diglycidylaniline) (TGMDA) cured with 4,4′‐diamino‐diphenyl‐sulfone (DDS). The systems were evaluated by dynamic mechanical analysis at constant strain and temperature sweeps to estimate the viscoelastic properties and relaxation phenomena at long time, which is important for modeling the mechanical long‐term behavior. The time temperature superposition (TTS) principle was employed for the construction of a master curve. The addition of the graphene‐type fillers shifted the time when the relaxation phenomena start to occur towards higher values, suggesting a better working temperature and durability of the corresponding nanocomposites when compared to the neat epoxy network. This phenomenon is more pronounced for the systems prepared with functionalized graphenes. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 44816.
KLK4 silencing inhibits the growth of oral squamous cell carcinoma through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway
Authors: Cui Zhi , Cui Ye , Yang Shuting , Luo Gan , Wang Yang , Lou Yixin , Sun Xinhua 
Published: February 2017

AbstractOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a malignancy that largely impacts the quality of people's daily life. Kallikrein‐related peptidase 4 (KLK4) is highly expressed in OSCC; however, its roles in OSCC cells are unclear. In the present study, the effect of KLK4 silencing on the growth of OSCC cells was investigated. Our study showed that the proliferation and colony formation of OSCC cells was inhibited by KLK4 silencing and their cell cycle was arrested. Additionally, apoptosis of OSCC cells was enhanced by KLK4 silencing, with increased protein levels of cleaved PARP, cleaved caspase‐3, Bax and decreased levels of Bcl‐2. KLK4 silencing inhibited the Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, as evidence by decreased protein levels of Wnt1, β‐catenin, reduced GSK‐3β phosphorylation as well as decreased levels of cyclinD1 and c‐myc proteins. We further showed that Wnt/β‐catenin activator reversed the effects of KLK4 silencing on the proliferation and apoptosis of OSCC cells. We concluded that KLK4 silencing inhibited the growth of OSCC cells through Wnt/β‐catenin signaling pathway, suggesting that KLK4 may become a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of OSCC.
Directly Attached Bisdonor‐BF2 Chelated Azadipyrromethene‐Fullerene Tetrads for Promoting Ground and Excited State Charge Transfer
Authors: Collini Melissa A. , Thomas Michael B. , Bandi Venugopal , Karr Paul A. , D'Souza Francis 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe efficiency and mechanism of electron‐ and energy‐transfer events occurring in both natural and synthetic donor–acceptor systems depend on their distance, relative orientation, and the nature of the surrounding media. Fundamental knowledge gained from model studies is key to building efficient energy harvesting and optoelectronic devices. Faster charge separation and slower charge recombination in donor–acceptor systems is often sought out. In our continued effort to build donor–acceptor systems using near‐IR sensitizers, in the present study, we report ground and excited‐state charge transfer in newly synthesized, directly linked tetrads featuring bisdonor (donor=phenothiazine and ferrocene), BF2‐chelated azadipyrromethane (azaBODIPY) and C60 entities. The tetrads synthesized using multi‐step synthetic procedure revealed strong charge‐transfer interactions in the ground state involving the donor and azaBODIPY entities. The near‐IR emitting azaBODIPY acted as a photosensitizing electron acceptor along with fullerene whereas the phenothiazine and ferrocene entities acted as electron donors. The triads (bisdonor–azaBODIPY) and tetrads revealed ultrafast photoinduced charge separation leading to D.+–azaBODIPY.−–C60 and D.+–azaBODIPY–C60.− (D=phenothiazine or ferrocene) charge separated states from the femtosecond transient absorption spectral studies in both polar and nonpolar solvent media. The charge‐separated states populated the triplet excited state of azaBODIPY prior returning to the ground state.
Solvatationsforschung ermittelt Rolle des Solvens
Authors: Feresin Emiliano , Havenith Martina 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDie Frage nach der Rolle des Wassers – und des Lösungsmittels im Allgemeinen – in chemischen Prozessen wurde bis vor kurzem mit makroskopischen und empirischen Ansätzen untersucht, die die Solvenseffekte sehr stark vereinfachen. Daher wurden viele wichtige Vorgänge, z.B. biologische Prozesse und katalytische Reaktionen an Grenzflächen, nicht ausreichend im molekularen Detail untersucht. Der Exzellenzcluster RESOLV nutzt die aktuellsten Fortschritte der experimentellen und theoretischen Methoden und hat damit seit 2012 die Solvatationswissenschaft, Solvation Science, als neues, interdisziplinäres Forschungsfeld etabliert, das einen Bottom‐up‐Ansatz auf der molekularen Ebene verfolgt. Aktuelle Ergebnisse zeigen, dass Solvensmoleküle in die Kontrolle, Vermittlung und Steuerung der allermeisten Prozesse, z.B. die Synthese von enantiomerenreinen Produkten, enzymatische Reaktionen oder die heterogene Katalyse, involviert sind.
Solvatation von Carbenen
Authors: Henkel Stefan 
Published: February 2017

AbstractCarbene sind wichtige Reaktionsintermediate, deren Reaktivität in Lösung maßgeblich durch den Spinzustand bestimmt wird. Dieser wiederum wird auch durch das Lösungsmittel der Reaktion beeinflusst. So konnte gezeigt werden, dass eine einzelne Wasserstoffbrückenbindung mit Methanol den Spinzustand eines Carbens und damit auch das Reaktionsverhalten ändern kann. Die Aufklärung solcher Solvatationsprozesse ist essenziell für ein grundlegendes Verständnis von Reaktionen in Lösung.
Chemie, völlig für die Katz' C6H10O7Glucuronsäure
Authors: Roth Klaus 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMoleküle und ihre Beziehung zu uns Menschen sollen in dieser Rubrik vorgestellt werden, die daher auch “Moleküle und Menschen” heißt und den Berliner “Molecule Man” des US‐amerikanischen Bildhauers Jonathan Borofsky (*1942) als Logo trägt. Er selbst sagt über sein Kunstwerk: “Für mich steht diese 30 m hohe Aluminium‐Skulptur von drei, sich im Mittelpunkt treffenden Figuren nicht nur für die Leichtigkeit unserer eigenen massiven Körper, sondern die drei, im Zentrum miteinander verbundenen Figuren stehen für die Vereinigung der Moleküle aller Menschen, um unsere Existenz zu erschaffen.” Unser erstes Molekül ist die Glucuronsäure.
Wie funktioniert eigentlich ein Touchscreen?
Authors: Litzius Kai 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTouchscreens haben eine enorme Bedeutung für moderne Medien (Abbildung 1). Der prägnanteste Vorteil dieser Technologie ist wohl die Kombination eines intuitiven Ein‐ und Ausgabegerätes in einem kompakten Design, das dem Nutzer erlaubt, durch Wischen, Ziehen und Tippen direkt mit dem System zu interagieren und umgekehrt. Aber wie funktioniert ein solches System, welche Bautypen sind verfügbar und wieso funktionieren einige Touchscreen‐Bauarten mit Fingern, nicht aber mit normalen Stiften? Diese Fragen werden wir hier näher behandeln.
Surfer im Käfergewand
Authors: Tetsch Larissa 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBei der Beutejagd fällt der Komma‐Schmalräuber (Stenus comma) manchmal ins Wasser. Um den dort lauernden Feinden zu entkommen, scheidet er am Hinterleib Alkaloide aus, die die Oberflächenspannung des Wassers herabsetzen. Dies induziert einen Oberflächendruck, der den Käfer Richtung Ufer treibt. Zusätzlich erschwert das zähflüssige Verhalten des Alkaloidfilms seine Verfolgung.
Effectiveness of esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving definitive radiotherapy or concurrent chemoradiotherapy through intensity‐modulated radiation therapy techniques
Authors: Yen Yu‐Chun , Chang Jer‐Hwa , Lin Wei‐Cheng , Chiou Jeng‐Fong , Chang Yin‐Chun , Chang Chia‐Lun , Hsu Han‐Lin , Chow Jyh‐Ming , Yuan Kevin Sheng‐Po , Wu Alexander T. H. , Wu Szu‐Yuan 
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUNDFew large, prospective, randomized studies have investigated the effectiveness of esophagectomy in patients with thoracic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (TESCC) who receive definitive radiotherapy (RT) or concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) through modern, intensity modulated‐RT (IMRT) techniques. The therapeutic effects of esophagectomy in patients with TESCC were evaluated using modern clinical staging and RT techniques and suitable RT doses.METHODSThe authors analyzed data from patients with TESCC from the Taiwan Cancer Registry database. Patients were categorized into the following groups on the basis of treatment modality to compare their outcomes: group 1 received definitive CCRT, group 2 received neoadjuvant RT followed by esophagectomy (total IMRT dose, ≥50 grays [Gy]), and group 3 receiving neoadjuvant CCRT followed by esophagectomy (total IMRT dose, ≥ 50 Gy). The median total RT dose and fraction size were 50.4 Gy and 1.8 Gy per fraction, respectively. Group 1 was used as the control arm for investigating the risk of mortality after treatment.RESULTSIn total, 3123 patients who had TESCC without distant metastasis were enrolled. Patient ages 65 years and older, Charlson comorbidity index scores ≥3, advanced clinical stages (IIA‐IIIC), alcohol consumption, and cigarette smoking were identified as significant, independent poor prognostic risk factors for overall survival in multivariate Cox regression analyses. In group 3, after adjustment for confounders, the adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence intervals [CIs]) for overall mortality were 0.62 (95% CI, 0.41‐0.93) for patients with clinical stage IIA disease, 0.61 (95% CI, 0.41‐0.91) for those with clinical stage IIB disease, 0.47 (95% CI, 0.38‐0.55) for those with clinical stage IIIA disease, 0.47 (95% CI, 0.39‐0.56) for those with clinical stage IIIB disease, and 0.46 (95% CI, 0.37‐0.57) for those with clinical stage IIIC disease.CONCLUSIONSEsophagectomy can be beneficial in patients with TESCC after definitive CCRT, especially in those who have advanced‐stage disease. Cancer 2017;123:2043–2053. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
5HTR3A‐driven GFP labels immature olfactory sensory neurons
Authors: Finger Thomas E. , Bartel Dianna L. , Shultz Nicole , Goodson Noah B. , Greer Charles A. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe ionotropic serotonin receptor, 5‐HT3, is expressed by many developing neurons within the central nervous system. Since the olfactory epithelium continues to generate new olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs) throughout life, we investigated the possibility that 5‐HT3 is expressed in the adult epithelium. Using a transgenic mouse in which the promoter for the 5‐HT3a subunit drives expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP), we assessed the expression of this marker in the olfactory epithelium of adult mice. Both the native 5‐HT3a mRNA and GFP are expressed within globose basal cells of the olfactory and vomeronasal epithelium in adult mice. Whereas the 5‐HT3a mRNA disappears relatively quickly after final cell division, the GFP label persists for about 5 days, thereby labeling immature OSNs in both the main olfactory system and vomeronasal organ. The GFP‐labeled cells include both proliferative globose basal cells as well as immature OSNs exhibiting the hallmarks of ongoing differentiation including GAP43, PGP9.5, but the absence of olfactory marker protein. Some of the GFP‐labeled OSNs show characteristics of more mature yet still developing OSNs including the presence of cilia extending from the apical knob and expression of NaV1.5, a component of the transduction cascade. These findings suggest that 5‐HT3a is indicative of a proliferative or developmental state, regardless of age, and that the 5‐HT3AGFP mice may prove useful for future studies of neurogenesis in the olfactory epithelium. J. Comp. Neurol. 525:1743–1755, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Do universal media literacy programs have an effect on weight and shape concern by influencing media internalization?
Authors: Wade Tracey D. , Wilksch Simon M. , Paxton Susan J. , Byrne Susan M. , Austin S. Bryn 
Published: February 2017

AbstractThe current study examined whether media internalization, found to mediate the relationship between selected prevention programs and outcomes, mediated the impact of two universal prevention programs that targeted risk factors for eating disorders and obesity, namely weight concern, and shape concern. Students randomized to a media literacy (Media Smart) program (N = 269, 65% females, mean age 12.97 years) and a healthy lifestyle (Life Smart) program (N = 347, 69% females, mean age 13.07 years) were included in the analyses. There were four waves of data (baseline, end of intervention, 6‐ and 12‐month follow‐up). Latent growth curve modeling was used to explore whether group assignment influenced levels of media internalization, and whether that in turn influenced change over time of our two outcome variables. Being randomly allocated toMedia Smartas opposed toLife Smartresulted in less growth of both outcome variables through the influence on decreasing levels of media internalization. Findings provided support for the suggestion that media literacy programs exert an impact on outcomes related to eating disorder risk through changes to media internalization. Future research should examine whether these mechanisms of change differ between girls and boys.
Trinuclear Complexes Derived from R/S Schiff Bases – Chiral Single‐Molecule Magnets
Authors: Escuer Albert , Mayans Julia , Font‐Bardia Merce , Di Bari Lorenzo , Górecki Marcin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInvited for the cover of this issue is the group of Albert Escuer from Universitat de Barcelona, Spain, in collaboration with the group of Lorenzo Di Bari from Università di Pisa, Italy. The cover image shows the space‐filling plots of two enantiomeric MnIII triangles and their electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectra against a background of an enantiomeric image from the macroscopic world.
Air Starvation Induced Degradation in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells
Authors: Bodner M. , Schenk A. , Salaberger D. , Rami M. , Hochenauer C. , Hacker V. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractWhile hydrogen starvation in fuel cells is intensely investigated and strategies for avoidance have been developed, almost no data are available for other unexpected events, such as malfunction of the air supply. In this study we induce oxygen starvation in a manner closer to failure in real systems than commonly applied accelerated stress tests.By cycling the cathode gas flow, two accelerated stress tests were introduced; simulating short periods of air starvation with duration of either 10 or 60 seconds. Short cathode undersupply does not lead to fuel cell failure. Air starvation results in a voltage drop and hydrogen evolution. This is accompanied by the reduction of platinum oxides in the respective areas, which leads to an improvement of the active catalyst surface area. After extensive cycling, degradation becomes the dominant effect. X‐ray computed tomography is used to visualize the change of the catalyst particle size and distribution in dependence on the location in the fuel cell. Throughout the experiments, a total voltage decay rate of 1.427 mV h−1, a total fluoride emission rate of 0.0031 µmol h−1 cm−2 and severe current and temperature gradients during starvation were observed, leading to an inhomogeneous agglomeration of the platinum electrocatalyst.
Ex vivo humidifying capacity and patient acceptability of stoma cloths in laryngectomized individuals
Authors: Lansaat Liset , van den Boer Cindy , Muller Sara H. , van der Noort Vincent , van den Brekel Michiel W. M. , Hilgers Frans J. M. 
Published: February 2017

ABSTRACTBackgroundHeat and moisture exchangers (HMEs) improve respiratory function after laryngectomy, but there is virtually no information on the benefit of traditional stoma cloths or other covers.MethodsTwo sequential studies were performed: (1) an ex vivo test was used to compare the humidifying capacity of stoma cloths to other coverings; and (2) a 4‐week randomized trial was then performed to assess patient acceptability of cloths both alone and with an HME (N = 18).ResultsThe humidifying capacity of the coverings tested varied widely. For stoma cloths, a humidifying capacity of 13.7 mg/L was found to decrease to 8.5 mg/L if air‐leaks around the cloth occurred. Patients who used HMEs disliked stoma cloths because they interfered with voicing, they became soiled more easily, and were less effective at reducing coughing and mucus production.ConclusionAlthough less acceptable to patients who use an HME, stoma cloths do provide significant humidifying capacity and should be encouraged when HMEs are unavailable or inappropriate. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Head Neck 39: 921–931, 2017
Novel flexible nerve conduits made of water‐based biodegradable polyurethane for peripheral nerve regeneration
Authors: Hsu Shan‐hui , Chang Wen‐Chi , Yen Chen‐Tung 
Published: February 2017

AbstractPeripheral nerve conduits were fabricated from biodegradable polyurethane (PU) which was synthesized by a waterborne process. The biodegradable PU was based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) diol and polyethylene butylene adipate diol (2:3 molar ratio) as the soft segment. Conduits formed by the freeze‐drying process had asymmetric microporous structure. The PU nerve conduits were used to bridge a 10‐mm gap in rat sciatic nerve. Nerve regeneration was evaluated by walking track analysis, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electrophysiological, and histological analyses. Results demonstrated that after 6 weeks, walking function was recovered by 40%. MR images showed that the transected nerve was reconnected after 3 weeks and the diameter of the regenerated nerve increased from 3 to 6 weeks. The nerve conduction velocity of the regenerated nerve reached 50% of the normal value after 6 weeks. Histological examination revealed that the cross‐sectional area of the regenerated nerve at the midconduit was 0.24 mm2 after 6 weeks. The efficacy of PU nerve conduits based on functional recovery and histology was superior to that of commercial conduits (Neurotube). The PU nerve conduit developed in this study may be a potential candidate for clinical peripheral nerve tissue engineering. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 1383–1392, 2017.
Effectiveness of Brief Abstinence for Modifying Problematic Internet Gaming Cognitions and Behaviors
Authors: King Daniel L. , Kaptsis Dean , Delfabbro Paul H. , Gradisar Michael 
Published: February 2017

ObjectiveThis pilot study tested the efficacy of a voluntary 84‐hour abstinence protocol for modifying problematic Internet gaming cognitions and behaviorsMethodTwenty‐four adults from online gaming communities, including 9 individuals who screened positively for Internet gaming disorder (IGD), abstained from Internet games for 84 hours. Surveys were collected at baseline, at daily intervals during abstinence, and at 7‐day and 28‐day follow‐upResultsBrief voluntary abstinence was successful in reducing hours of gaming, maladaptive gaming cognitions, and IGD symptoms. Abstinence was highly acceptable to participants with total compliance and no study attrition. Clinically significant improvement in IGD symptoms occurred in 75% of the IGD group at 28‐day follow‐up. Reliable improvement in maladaptive gaming cognitions occurred in 63% of the IGD group, whose cognition score reduced by 50% and was comparable to the non‐IGD group at 28‐day follow‐upConclusionsDespite limitations of sample size, this study provides promising support for brief abstinence as a simple, practical, and cost‐effective treatment technique for modifying unhelpful gaming cognitions and reducing Internet gaming problems.
Tissue sodium accumulation and peripheral insulin sensitivity in maintenance hemodialysis patients
Authors: Deger Serpil Muge , Wang Ping , Fissell Rachel , Ellis Charles D. , Booker Cindy , Sha Feng , Morse Jennifer L. , Stewart Thomas G. , Gore John C. , Siew Edward D. , Titze Jens , Ikizler Talat Alp 
Published: February 2017

AbstractBackgroundRecent data suggest that sodium (Na+) is stored in the muscle and skin without commensurate water retention in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients. In this study, we hypothesized that excessive Na+ accumulation would be associated with abnormalities in peripheral insulin action.MethodsEleven MHD patients and eight controls underwent hyperinsulinemic–euglycemic–euaminoacidemic clamp studies to measure glucose (GDR) and leucine disposal rates (LDR), as well as lower left leg 23Na magnetic resonance imaging to measure Na+ concentration in the muscle and skin tissue.ResultsThe median GDR and LDR levels were lower, and the median muscle Na+ concentration was higher in MHD patients compared with controls. No significant difference was found regarding skin Na+ concentration between group comparisons. Linear regression revealed inverse relationships between muscle Na+ concentration and GDR and LDR in MHD patients, whereas no relationship was observed in controls. There was no association between skin Na+ content and GDR or LDR in either MHD patients or controls.ConclusionsThese data suggest that excessive muscle Na+ content might be a determinant of IR in MHD patients, although the causality and mechanisms remain to be proven.