bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate)–thermoplastic starch–organoclay bionanocomposites: Surface properties
Authors: Garrido‐Miranda Karla A. , L. Rivas Bernabé , Pérez Mónica A. 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTBionanocomposites based on poly(3‐hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and starch plasticized with glycerol and water [thermoplastic starch (TPS)] with organically modified montmorillonite clay as a nanofiller were obtained by melt‐blending. The influence of the clay and TPS on the thermal and mechanical properties of the resultant bionanocomposite was investigated by various techniques, such as X‐ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, and nanoindentation. The results obtained by AFM showed that bionanocomposites have a surface roughness of 30.88 nm, compared to 14.53 nm for processed PHB. This result is obtained due to the migration of clay layers to the surface. From XRD and TEM it was determined that the clay layers of the bionanocomposites are completely separated. The hardness and elastic moduli of bionanocomposites have values similar to those of PHB, improving the drawbacks of the PHB–TPS blends (65:35 weight ratio). The thermal properties do not present significant changes, and only the degree of crystallinity decreased with increasing clay content. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2017,134, 45217.
Spectroscopic, electrical, and relaxor‐like properties of cellulose acetate–erbium (III) chloride composite films
Authors: Ahmad‐Fouad Basha Mohammad , Morsi Mohamed Morsi Reham 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTCellulose acetate thin films doped with erbium (III) chloride (ErCl3) of different concentrations were prepared by the solution method. The prepared composite films were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and thermogravimetric analysis. IR spectral analysis, UV–visible absorption, a.c. conductivity, and dielectric properties were investigated. The studied ErCl3‐doped samples showed different properties from those of their pure components. SEM micrographs showed that for small dopant concentrations, samples tend to form conducting nanostructures with negligible particle agglomeration. DSC showed a monotonic development of the glass transition temperature by increasing the concentration of dopant material. Variation in the height, shape, and position of the bands in infrared transmission spectra, as well as the glass transition temperatures, indicated a complex interaction with the polymer molecular chains. Thermal stability and thermodynamic parameters were found to be concentration dependent. The electronic transitions’ band gabs and energy tails were calculated from the optical data. The dielectric studies showed that the correlated barrier hopping model was the dominant mechanism of a.c. conductivity. We found that samples with 10% and 20% ErCl3 exhibited high dielectric constants and have pronounced electrostriction and relaxor‐like properties. Such samples can be used in many applications like electromechanical and thermomechanical transducers. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45220.
A polycaprolactone‐based syntactic foam with bidirectional reversible actuation
Authors: Lu Lu , Cao Jinbao , Li Guoqiang 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTA polycaprolactone (PCL) based syntactic foam was prepared by incorporating 40% by volume of glass microspheres and crosslinking the PCL matrix with benzyl peroxide. FTIR, differential scanning calorimeter, scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and material testing system were employed to elucidate the chemical, thermal, surface, and mechanical properties of the syntactic foam. This crosslinked PCL (cPCL) syntactic foam displayed a clear two‐way shape memory effect (2W‐SME). Specifically, around 10% elongation upon cooling and 10% contraction upon heating were observed for the system at selected external loads and temperature windows. Programming was shown to be the key parameter to tune a prominent 2W‐SME of the cPCL syntactic foam. With the combined physical/mechanical properties (low density, ductile, high compressive strength, water tightness, etc.), together with its bidirectional reversible actuation, the system developed may be good for broad applications in different fields such as biomedical devices, soft robots, aircrafts, and sealants. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45225.
Rheological behavior of ethylene–vinyl acetate copolymer and fabrication of micropyramid arrays by roll‐to‐roll hot embossing on its thin films
Authors: Li Wenjun , Song Shiqiang , Zhai Yinghao , Zhang Yong , Yi Peiyun , Lai Xinmin 
Published: May 2017

ABSTRACTFilms of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) copolymer with different vinyl acetate (VA) contents were adopted as flexible substrates for fabrication of micropyramid arrays by roll‐to‐roll (R2R) hot embossing at roller temperatures 40–80 °C. An empirical relationship between rheological behavior of EVA in rubbery state and demolding performance of the films was explored. Dependence of average forming height of micropyramid arrays on VA content and roller temperatures was investigated. Our study showed that both viscosity and relaxation behavior of EVA can be related to the ultimate forming height of micropyramids. The relationships can provide references for experimental research and industrial manufacture on R2R hot embossing. Retroreflection of micropyramid arrays was observed and transmittances of the two sides of embossed films were studied. Transmittances of the VA28 film embossed at 60 °C were 97.9% (the embossed side) and 41.8% (the smooth side), which showed potential applications in reflective film and antireflective film fields. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45228.
Open‐Label, Phase II Study to Assess the Efficacy and Safety of Canakinumab Treatment in Active Hyperimmunoglobulinemia D With Periodic Fever Syndrome
Authors: Arostegui Juan I. , Anton Jordi , Calvo Inmaculada , Robles Angel , Iglesias Estibaliz , López‐Montesinos Berta , Banchereau Romain , Hong Seunghee , Joubert Yolandi , Junge Guido , Pascual Virginia , Yagüe Jordi 
Published: May 2017

ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy and safety of canakinumab treatment in active hyperimmunoglobulinemia D with periodic fever syndrome (HIDS).MethodsThis was a 3‐part open‐label study with an initial 6‐month treatment period in which patients with HIDS (n = 9) received canakinumab subcutaneously at a dose of 300 mg (or 4 mg/kg for those weighing ≤40 kg) every 6 weeks (period 1 [P1]), followed by a 6‐month withdrawal period (period 2 [P2]), and then a 24‐month extension treatment period with canakinumab at the same dose (period 3 [P3]). The primary end point was reduction in the frequency of attacks during treatment periods as compared to the historical period (HP; defined as the period in which patients did not receive drugs other than nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs and/or steroids).ResultsAll 9 patients completed P1 and P2, whereas only 8 patients completed P3. All patients achieved a complete response during P1, and only 2 required dose adjustments. The number of attacks per patient decreased from a median of 5 (range 3–12) during the HP to a median of 0 (range 0–2) during P1. During P2, 7 of 9 patients experienced a disease flare within a median of 110 days (range 62–196) after the last canakinumab dose. Laboratory findings were normalized by day 15 of treatment and remained at normal levels throughout the study. Analysis of blood transcriptome profiles, assessed during P1, showed up‐regulated levels of interferon and myeloid‐related inflammatory responses in untreated patients compared to healthy controls, and these rapidly decreased following canakinumab injection, reaching levels comparable to those of healthy controls. At least 1 adverse event (AE) was detected in all 9 patients. Most of the AEs were mild in intensity, with infections being the most frequent AE. Serious AEs were reported in 4 patients.ConclusionThe results of this study demonstrate the efficacy and safety of canakinumab treatment to control active HIDS and to suppress inflammation‐related transcriptional responses.
Design of Regulatory Traffic Light Control Systems with Synchronized Timed Petri Nets
Authors: Huang Yi‐Sheng , Weng Yi‐Shun , Zhou MengChu 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFixing the phases is one of the common methods to control an urban traffic network. Once a road is filled with a high traffic flow approaching its capacity, the conventional traffic light controller is not able to handle this traffic congestion phenomenon well. In this paper, we propose a novel regulatory traffic light control system to handle such traffic congestion by using synchronized timed Petri nets (STPNs). Three kinds of intersections in an urban traffic network are defined and employed to demonstrate our new regulatory traffic light control system models. Finally, the liveness and reversibility of the proposed STPN models are proven through the reachability graph analysis method. To our knowledge, this is the first work that solves a traffic congestion problem with a regulatory traffic light control technique that is effective in preventing vehicles from entering traffic congestion zones.
Novel Hybrid Catalyst for the Oxidation of Organic Acids: Pd Nanoparticles Supported on Mn‐N‐3D‐Graphene Nanosheets
Authors: Perry Albert , Kabir Sadia , Matanovic Ivana , Chavez Madelaine Seow , Artyushkova Kateryna , Serov Alexey , Atanassov Plamen 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper reports the fabrication and electrochemical performance of a hybrid catalyst composed of Pd nanoparticles and atomically dispersed Mn active centers integrated into the nitrogen‐doped three‐dimensional graphene nanosheets (Pd/Mn−N‐3D‐GNS). Our results show that the synergistic integration of both Pd nanoparticles and atomically dispersed Mn can be used to enhance the activity toward the electrochemical oxidation of organic acids at biologically relevant pH values. The hybrid catalyst (Pd/Mn−N‐3D‐GNS) showed increased maximum currents toward the oxidation of oxalic acid when compared to its individual catalysts, namely, Pd/3D‐GNS and Mn−N‐3D‐GNS catalysts. The hybrid also showed a decreased onset potential for oxidation of mesoxalic acid as compared to Mn−N‐3D‐GNS and decreased onset potentials for the oxidation of glyoxalic acid when compared to both of its constituent catalysts. Oxidation of formic acid was also tested and the hybrid was shown to catalyze both dehydration and dehydrogenation mechanisms of formic acid electro‐oxidation. Using density functional theory calculations, it was elucidated that a two‐site catalysis most likely promotes dehydrogenation reaction for formic acid oxidation, which can explain the selectivity of Pd nanoparticles and atomically dispersed Mn towards the dehydrogenation/dehydration pathway.
Rational Development of Near‐Infrared Fluorophores with Large Stokes Shifts, Bright One‐Photon, and Two‐Photon Emissions for Bioimaging and Biosensing Applications
Authors: Zhou Liyi , Wang Qianqian , Tan Yi , Lang Matthew J. , Sun Hongyan , Liu Xiaogang 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFluorophores with near‐infrared emissions play a crucial role in numerous bioimaging and biosensing applications, owing to their deep penetration depths, low auto‐fluorescence, and minimal tissue damages. Herein, the rational development of a new class of near‐infrared fluorophores with bright one‐photon and two‐photon emissions at ≈740 nm, large Stokes shifts (≈80 nm), significant two‐photon action absorption cross‐section (≈185 GM at 820 nm), excellent water solubility, outstanding photostability, and low toxicity is reported. Their biological applications in mitochondrial labelling, deep tissue imaging, and H2S detection in live cells and mice are also demonstrated. In addition, a rational design strategy for enlarging the Stokes shifts and enhancing two‐photon emissions of these fluorophores is presented. These fluorophores will serve as a useful platform for developing novel imaging and sensing agents, and the design methodologies will inspire the molecular engineering of abundant high‐performance near‐infrared fluorophores.
Towards a new wave in internationalization of innovation? The rise of China's innovative MNEs, strategic coupling, and global economic organization
Authors: He Shaowei , Fallon Grahame , Khan Zaheer , Lew Yong Kyu , Kim Kwang‐Ho , Wei Ping 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThis paper examines the changes in the internationalization of innovation created by the recent surge of Chinese innovative firms and the resultant effects on global economic organization. Drawing insights from the international business, economic geography, and development studies literatures, we investigate the rise and internationalization of Chinese innovative firms from the perspective of strategic coupling, decoupling, and recoupling. This novel approach provides a first glimpse into the potential impact of Chinese innovative firms on global business leadership, power relationships in global value chains, and ultimately into global economic organization. Copyright © 2017 ASAC. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Discovery of 1‐Hydroxypyridine‐2(1H)‐thione‐6‐carboxylic Acid as a First‐in‐Class Low‐Cytotoxic Nanomolar Metallo β‐Lactamase Inhibitor
Authors: Shin Woo Shik , Bergstrom Alexander , Bonomo Robert A. , Crowder Michael W. , Muthyala Ramaiah , Sham Yuk Yin 
Published: May 2017

AbstractVIM‐2 is one of the most common carbapenem‐hydrolyzing metallo β‐lactamases (MBL) found in many drug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacterial strains. Currently, there is a lack of effective lead compounds with optimal therapeutic potential within our drug development pipeline. Here we report the discovery of 1‐hydroxypyridine‐2(1H)‐thione‐6‐carboxylic acid (3) as a first‐in‐class metallo β‐lactamase inhibitor (MBLi) with a potent inhibition Ki of 13 nm against VIM‐2 that corresponds to a remarkable 0.99 ligand efficiency. We further established that 3 can restore the antibiotic activity of amoxicillin against VIM‐2‐producing E. coli in a whole cell assay with an EC50 of 110 nm. The potential mode of binding of 3 from molecular modeling provided structural insights that could corroborate the observed changes in the biochemical activities. Finally, 3 possesses a low cytotoxicity (CC50) of 97 μm with a corresponding therapeutic index of 880, making it a promising lead candidate for further optimization in combination antibacterial therapy.
Effects of tricarballylic acid on phase transformation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate to the dihydrate form
Authors: Polat Sevgi , Sayan Perviz 
Published: May 2017

Phase transformation of calcium sulfate hemihydrate to calcium sulfate dihydrate was performed in a batch‐type crystallizer at 20°C in the absence and then the presence of tricarballylic acid. Three different tricarballylic concentrations 250 ppm, 1000 ppm and 2500 ppm were used throughout the experiments. The influence of tricarballylic acid used as an additive on the phase transformation was explored by conductivity measurements. During the transformation process, the crystal water content and crystal structure of the samples were also investigated via SEM, XRD, and TGA analyses. Whereas the crystals obtained in pure media had a plate‐like crystal structure, a change in crystal structure occurred in the presence of the additive. Furthermore, the activation energy of the samples was determined using three free kinetic modelling methods: Friedman, Flynn‐Wall‐ Ozawa and Kissinger‐Akahira‐Sunose. The values of average activation energy ranged from 34.12 to 42.8 kJ/mol in pure media, but this value increased to 51.28 to 55.40 kJ/mol in the presence of the additive. Therefore, TGA‐FTIR‐MS analyses were carried out to determine whether the tricarballylic acid was adsorbed on the surface of the crystals. The TGA‐FTIR result was consistent with the TGA‐MS result, confirming that the carboxylic acid was adsorbed on the crystals.
Gliding Arc Plasmatron: Providing an Alternative Method for Carbon Dioxide Conversion
Authors: Ramakers Marleen , Trenchev Georgi , Heijkers Stijn , Wang Weizong , Bogaerts Annemie 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLow‐temperature plasmas are gaining a lot of interest for environmental and energy applications. A large research field in these applications is the conversion of CO2 into chemicals and fuels. Since CO2 is a very stable molecule, a key performance indicator for the research on plasma‐based CO2 conversion is the energy efficiency. Until now, the energy efficiency in atmospheric plasma reactors is quite low, and therefore we employ here a novel type of plasma reactor, the gliding arc plasmatron (GAP). This paper provides a detailed experimental and computational study of the CO2 conversion, as well as the energy cost and efficiency in a GAP. A comparison with thermal conversion, other plasma types and other novel CO2 conversion technologies is made to find out whether this novel plasma reactor can provide a significant contribution to the much‐needed efficient conversion of CO2. From these comparisons it becomes evident that our results are less than a factor of two away from being cost competitive and already outperform several other new technologies. Furthermore, we indicate how the performance of the GAP can still be improved by further exploiting its non‐equilibrium character. Hence, it is clear that the GAP is very promising for CO2 conversion.
Plant community composition affects the species biogeochemical niche
Authors: Urbina Ifigenia , Sardans Jordi , Grau Oriol , Beierkuhnlein Carl , Jentsch Anke , Kreyling Jüergen , Peñuelas Josep 
Published: May 2017

AbstractNutrients are essential for plant development, and their availability and stoichiometric ratios can influence the composition of plant communities. We investigated the possibility of the reverse influence: whether the conditions of contrasting species coexistence determine foliar element concentrations and plant stoichiometry, that is, species biogeochemical niche (BN). The experiment was conducted at the Ecological‐Botanical Garden of the University of Bayreuth, Germany. We analyzed foliar element concentrations of two dwarf shrubs (Calluna vulgaris and Vaccinium myrtillus) and two grasses (Holcus lanatus and Arrhenatherum elatius) growing in different community compositions (monocultures and various mixed stands). Foliar nutrient concentrations and stoichiometry (taken as a proxy of species BN) were species specific; each species showed its own BN in all communities. Furthermore, V. myrtillus and H. lanatus species shifted their BN in response to changes in their community, accomplishing the “biogeochemical niche displacement” hypothesis. We conclude that plants can readjust their foliar element concentration if they grow in communities with contrasting plant composition, suggesting a differential use of element resources when the patterns of species coexistence change. These results also support the complementary niche hypothesis.
Long‐term opioid therapy in Denmark: A disappointing journey
Authors: Birke H. , Ekholm O. , Sjøgren P. , Kurita G.P. , Højsted J. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBackgroundLongitudinal population‐based studies of long‐term opioid therapy (L‐TOT) in chronic non‐cancer pain (CNCP) patients are sparse. Our study investigated incidence and predictors for initiating L‐TOT and changes in self‐rated health, pain interference and physical activities in long‐term opioid users.MethodsData were obtained from the national representative Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys and The Danish National Prescription Registry. Respondents with no dispensed opioids the year before the survey were followed from 2000 and from 2005 until the end of 2012 (n = 12,145). A nationally representative subsample of individuals (n = 2015) completed the self‐administered questionnaire in both 2000 and 2013. Collected information included chronic pain (≥6 months), health behaviour, self‐rated health, pain interference with work activities and physical activities. Long‐term users were defined as those who were dispensed at least one opioid prescription in six separate months within a year.ResultsThe incidence of L‐TOT was substantially higher in CNCP patients at baseline than in others (9/1000 vs. 2/1000 person‐years). Smoking behaviour and dispensed benzodiazepines were significantly associated with initiation of L‐TOT in individuals with CNCP at baseline. During follow‐up, L‐TOT in CNCP patients increased the likelihood of negative changes in pain interference with work (OR 9.2; 95% CI 1.9–43.6) and in moderate activities (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–12.6). The analysis of all individuals indicated a dose–response relationship between longer treatment duration and the risk of experiencing negative changes.ConclusionsIndividuals on L‐TOT seemed not to achieve the key goals of opioid therapy: pain relief, improved quality of life and functional capacity.SignificanceLong‐term opioid therapy does not seem to provide pain relief, improvement in HRQOL and physical capacity in CNCP patients in a general population.
Flexible Glass‐based Amperometric Sensors for Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Fan Wenli , Xie Zhaoyang , Cui Yue 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe development of flexible sensors could enable significant advances in clinical diagnosis, defense, and environmental monitoring. Flexible glass provides the flexibility and possesses stable chemical and physical properties. Here, we show that carbon graphite and silver/silver chloride inks can be printed onto flexible glass to construct amperometric sensors, and the sensors show sensitive and rapid detections of hydrogen peroxide. We anticipate that these results could provide exciting avenues for fundamental studies of flexible electronics and flexible bioelectronics, as well as a variety of applications in fields ranging from medical diagnosis to defense.
Sorption and desorption of glyphosate in Mollisols and Ultisols soils of Argentina
Authors: Gómez Ortiz Ana Maria , Okada Elena , Bedmar Francisco , Costa José Luis 
Published: May 2017

Abstract

In Argentina, glyphosate use has increased exponentially in recent years as a result of the widespread adoption of no-till management combined with genetically modified glyphosate-resistant crops. This massive use of glyphosate has created concern about its potential environmental impact. Sorption–desorption of glyphosate was studied in 3 Argentinean soils with contrasting characteristics. Glyphosate sorption isotherms were modeled using the Freundlich equation to estimate the sorption coefficient (Kf). Glyphosate sorption was high, and the Kf varied from 115.6 to 1612 mg1–1/nL1/n/kg. Cerro Azul soil had the highest glyphosate sorption capacity as a result of a combination of factors such as higher clay content, cation exchange capacity, total iron, and aluminum oxides, and lower available phosphorus and pH. Desorption isotherms were also modeled using the Freundlich equation. In general, desorption was very low (&lt;12%). The low values of hysteresis coefficient confirm that glyphosate strongly sorbs to the soils and that it is almost an irreversible process. Anguil soil had a significantly higher desorption coefficient (Kfd) than the other soils, associated with its lower clay content and higher pH and phosphorus. Glyphosate high sorption and low desorption to the studied soils may prevent groundwater contamination. However, it may also affect its bioavailability, increasing its persistence and favoring its accumulation in the environment. The results of the present study contribute to the knowledge and characterization of glyphosate retention in different soils. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:2587–2592. © 2017 SETAC