bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Complex microstructures of ABC triblock copolymer thin films directed by polymer brushes based on self-consistent field theory
Authors: Jiang Zhibin , Xu Chang , Qiu Yu dong , Wang Xiaoliang , Zhou Dongshan , Xue Gi 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe morphology and the phase diagram of ABC triblock copolymer thin film directed by polymer brushes are investigated by the self-consistent field theory in three dimensions. The polymer brushes coated on the substrate can be used as a good soft template to tailor the morphology of the block copolymer thin films compared with those on the hard substrates. The polymer brush is identical with the middle block B. By continuously changing the composition of the block copolymer, the phase diagrams are constructed for three cases with the fixed film thickness and the brush density: identical interaction parameters, frustrated and non-frustrated cases. Some ordered complex morphologies are observed: parallel lamellar phase with hexagonally packed pores at surfaces (LAM3ll-HFs), perpendicular lamellar phase with cylinders at the interface (LAM⊥-CI), and perpendicular hexagonally packed cylinders phase with rings at the interface (C2⊥-RI). A desired direction (perpendicular or parallel to the coated surfaces) of lamellar phases or cylindrical phases can be obtained by varying the composition and the interactions between different blocks. The phase diagram of ABC triblock copolymer thin film wetted between the polymer brush-coated surfaces is very useful in designing the directed pattern of ABC triblock copolymer thin film.
Differential expression of transforming growth factor-beta in benign vs. papillary thyroid cancer nodules; a potential diagnostic tool?
Authors: Brace Matthew D , Wang Jun , Petten Mark , Bullock Martin J , Makki Fawaz , Trites Jonathan , Taylor S Mark , Hart Robert D 
Published: July 2014

Background Thyroid nodules are common, but only 5% of nodules are found to be malignant. In North America, the incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing. Fine needle aspirate (FNA) biopsy is the diagnostic test of choice. Unfortunately, up to 20% of FNAs are non-diagnostic. A specific molecular marker for thyroid cancer is desirable. Evidence suggests that cell signaling through transforming growth factor beta (TGF- β) is important in the development of thyroid cancer. We sought to compare the expression of TGF- β in malignant and benign thyroid nodules. Methods From 2008-present, thyroid nodule tissue from thyroidectomy specimens was prospectively collected and stored at −80°C. RNA extraction and reverse transcription was performed on 47 samples (24 papillary thyroid cancer and 23 benign nodules). Quantitative PCR using SYBR green was performed to detect TGF-β-1 and −2. Resulting CT values were normalized against β-actin. Gene expression was calculated using the 2-ΔC T method. Results A significantly greater expression of TGF- β1 (p < 0.0001) was detected in the group of malignant thyroid nodules compared to benign nodules. There was no difference in the expression of TGF- β2 (p = 0.4735) between the two groups. Conclusions In this study, we demonstrated that expression of TGF- β1 but not TGF- β2 is significantly increased in papillary thyroid cancer compared to benign thyroid nodules. This may serve as a potential diagnostic marker for papillary thyroid cancer.
Bioanalytical method for quantification of Solifenacin in rat plasma by LC-MS/MS and its application to pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Puttagunta Srinivasa Babu , Shaik Rihana Parveen , Bannoth Chandrasekhar Kothapalli , Challa Bala Sekhara Reddy , Awen Bahlul Zayed Sh 
Published: July 2014

Abstract

Background
Solifenacin succinate is a competitive muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist used in the treatment of overactive bladder with or without urge incontinence.

Methods
Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method was used for quantification of Solifenacin (SF) in rat plasma. Solifenacin-d5 (SFD5) used as an internal standard. Chromatographic separation was performed Gemini-NX C18, 50 × 4.6 mm, 5 µm, 110 Å column. Mobile phase composed of 5 mM Ammonium formate, pH 3.0: methanol (20:80 v/v), with 0.4 mL/min flow-rate. Drug and IS were extracted by Liquid- liquid extraction method. SF and SFD5 were detected with proton adducts at m/z 363.2®193.2 and 368.2®198.2 in multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) positive mode respectively. The method was validated with the correlation coefficients of (r2) ≥ 0.9975 over a linear concentration range of 0.1-100.0 ng/mL.

Results
This method demonstrated intra and inter-day precision within 1.09 to 4.84 and 1.75 to 7.68 % and accuracy within 101.21 to 106.67 and 97.94 to 104.79 % for SF.

Conclusions
This method is successfully applied in the Pharmacokinetic study of rat plasma.
Chronic alcohol ingestion modulates hepatic macrophage populations and functions in mice
Authors: Wang Meng , You Qiang , Lor Kenton , Chen Fangfang , Gao Bin , Ju Cynthia 
Published: July 2014

AbstractHepatic Macs, consisting of resident KCs and infiltrating monocytes/IMs, are thought to play an important role in the pathogenesis of ALD. Previous work has focused on KCs or studied hepatic Macs as one cell population. The aim of the current study is to distinguish IMs from KCs and to compare their phenotypes and functions. We show here that a 4-week ethanol feeding of C57BL/6J mice causes recruitment of IMs into the liver. KCs and IMs can be distinguished based on their differential expression of F4/80 and CD11b. IMs can be divided further into two subsets based on their differential expression of Ly6C. KCs and two subsets of IMs were separately purified by FACS. The phagocytosis abilities and the expression profiles of genes related to various functions were compared among different populations of hepatic Macs. Ly6Clow IMs exhibit an anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective phenotype; in contrast, Ly6Chi IMs exhibit a proinflammatory, tissue-damaging phenotype. The ratio of Ly6Chi/Ly6Clow increases when mice chronically fed ethanol were binged, which significantly enhanced liver injury. Moreover, upon phagocytosis of apoptotic hepatocytes, Ly6Chi IMs switch to Ly6Clow IMs. Taken together, chronic ethanol feeding induces the recruitment of two subsets of hepatic IMs, which play different or even opposite roles in regulating liver inflammation and repair. These findings may not only increase our understanding of the complex functions of Macs in the pathogenesis of ALD but also help us to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of this disease.
A Randomized, Double Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Alendronate Treatment for Fibrous Dysplasia of Bone
Authors: Boyce Alison M. , Kelly Marilyn H. , Brillante Beth A. , Kushner Harvey , Wientroub Shlomo , Riminucci Mara , Bianco Paolo , Robey Pamela G. , Collins Michael T. 
Published: July 2014

Context:
Fibrous dysplasia (FD) is a rare skeletal disorder, resulting in deformity, fracture, functional impairment, and pain. Bisphosphonates have been advocated as a potential treatment.

Objective:
To determine the efficacy of alendronate for treatment of FD.

Design:
Two-year randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting:
Clinical research center.

Patients:
Forty subjects with polyostotic FD (24 adults, 16 children). Subjects were randomized and stratified by age.

Interventions:
Study drug was administered over a 24 month period in 6 month cycles (6 months on, 6 months off). Alendronate dosing was stratified: 40 mg daily for subjects &gt;50 kg, 20 mg for 30–50 kg, 10 mg for 20–30 kg.

Main Outcome Measures:
Primary endpoints were bone turnover markers, including serum osteocalcin, and urinary NTX-telopeptides. Secondary endpoints included areal bone mineral density (aBMD), pain, skeletal disease burden score, and functional parameters including the 9-min walk test and manual muscle testing.

Results:
Clinical data was collected on 35 subjects who completed the study. There was a decline in NTX-telopeptides in the alendronate group (P = .006), but no significant difference in osteocalcin between groups. The alendronate group had an increase in areal BMD in normal bone at the lumbar spine (P = .006), and in predetermined regions of FD (P &lt; .001). There were no significant differences in pain scores, skeletal disease burden scores, or functional parameters between the groups.

Conclusions:
Alendronate treatment led to a reduction in the bone resorption marker NTX-telopeptides, and improvement in aBMD, but no significant effect on serum osteocalcin, pain, or functional parameters.
Pt Nanoparticles Loaded on Reduced Graphene Oxide as an Effective Catalyst for the Direct Oxidation of 5-Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to Produce 2,5-Furandicarboxylic Acid (FDCA) under Mild Conditions
Authors: Niu Wenqi , Wang Ding , Yang Guohui , Sun Jian , Wu Mingbo , Yoneyama Yoshiharu , Tsubaki Noritatsu 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Reduced graphene oxide (RGO) is one of the most promising catalyst supports because it has faintly acidic sites together with a large amount of functional groups on its surface. In this report, we prove that, for the first time, Pt-loaded RGO (Pt/RGO) is an efficient, robust, and durable catalyst for oxidizing 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) directly to 2,5-furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) under mild conditions. The selectivity of FDCA reaches up to 84% along with 100% HMF conversion in the presence of excess base. We deduce that the total reaction on the Pt/RGO catalyst includes several consecutive steps, in which 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furancarboxylic acid (HMFCA) acts as an intermediate. The finding in this report is a significant advancement not only for RGO-based catalyst development, but also for scalable FDCA production, because the total reaction is performed smoothly without using the previously reported harsh reaction conditions.
Nitrogen and Chlorine Dual-doped Mesoporous Carbon as Efficient Nonprecious Electrocatalyst for Oxygen Reduction Reaction Both in Alkaline and Acidic Electrolytes
Authors: Shi Jingjing , Fan Mengyang , Qiao Jinli , Liu Yuyu 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
Using poly(ethyleneimine) as a source of C and N, FeCl2 as iron and Cl precursor, and SiO2 as template, the first N,Cl-dual-doped mesoporous carbon (denoted as (FeCl2-PEI)LH) was prepared. The (FeCl2-PEI)LH exhibits a high oxygen reduction electrocatalytic activity and superb durability both in alkaline (0.1 M KOH) and strong acidic (0.5 M H2SO4) solutions, significantly outperforming their counterparts doped with single N due to the synergistic coupling effect arising from the codoping of mesoporous carbon with both N and Cl.
Gas-diffusion and Direct-electron-transfer-type Bioanode for Hydrogen Oxidation with Oxygen-tolerant [NiFe]-hydrogenase as an Electrocatalyst
Authors: So Keisei , Kitazumi Yuki , Shirai Osamu , Kurita Kouhei , Nishihara Hirofumi , Higuchi Yoshiki , Kano Kenji 
Published: July 2014

Abstract
A membrane-bound [NiFe]-hydrogenase (MBH) from Hydrogenovibrio marinus allows the direct-electron-transfer (DET)-type bioelectrocatalysis for H2 oxidation and is an O2-tolerant promising enzyme for the construction of enzymatic H2–O2 biofuel cells. However, the oxidative and reversible inactivation called “anaerobic inactivation” limits the H2 oxidation at high potentials. In order to avoid this inhibition, we have constructed an MBH-adsorbed gas-diffusion-type electrode, in which H2 is spontaneously supplied to the electrode from the gas phase.
INDUCED BANDGAP AND MAGNETIC BEHAVIOR IN ZIGZAG GRAPHENE NANORIBBONS ON HEXAGONAL NITRIDE BORON: EDGE AND SUBSTRATE EFFECTS
Authors: Ilyasov Viсtor Vasilyevich , Meskhi Besarion Chokhoyevich , Chuong Nguyen Van , Chien Nguyen Duc 
Published: July 2014

The results of DFT research on the band structure of zigzag graphene nanoribbons N-ZGNR/h-BN(0001) with ferro- and antiferromagnetic ordering are presented. It is suitable as a potential base for new materials for spintronics. Equilibrium parameters of the graphene nanoribbon atomic structure and boron nitride top layer are determined as well as the equilibrium bond length between atomic layers of the 8-ZGNR nanoribbon and the substrate h-BN(0001). Change regularities of the valence band electronic structure and of the energy gap induction in series 6-ZGNR→ 8-ZGNR→ 6-ZGNR/h-BN(0001)→ 8-ZGNR/h-BN(0001)→ graphene/h-BN(0001) are studied. Spin state features at Fermi level, as well as the roles of the edge effect and the effect of substrate in the formation of the band gap in 6(8)-ZGNR/h-BN(0001) system are discussed. It is shown that 340 meV energy gap appears in 6(8)-ZGNR/h-BN(0001) systems. The contribution of the graphene nanoribbon edge and substrate in opening this energy gap is differentiated. Local magnetic moments on the carbon atoms in graphene nanoribbons in the suspended state and on the substrate with ferro- and antiferromagnetic ordering are estimated. It is shown that the local magnetic moments on the carbon atoms in zigzag graphene nanoribbons 8-ZGNRs with ferro- and antiferromagnetic ordering give almost identical values. The edge carbon atoms possess the largest local magnetic moments (0,28) relative to other carbon atoms.
Contracts, Biases, and Consumption of Access Services
Authors: Leider Stephen , Şahin Özge 
Published: July 2014

We study theoretically and empirically the consumption of access services. We demonstrate that consumption is affected by contract structure (pay-per-use versus three-part tariffs) even if the optimal consumption plans are identical. We find that, although there is extensive individual heterogeneity, on average, consumers' choices follow a structure that is similar to a nearly optimal heuristic and correctly react to imbalances between the number of free calls and call opportunities remaining. However, consumers use the free units too quickly, leading to overconsumption and lost surplus. These errors are partially driven by mistaken beliefs about the value distribution. We also measure subjects' willingness to pay for a contract with free access units, and we find that nearly half of subjects are willing to pay at least the full per-unit price, with a substantial fraction willing to overpay. In response, the optimal firm strategy offers a three-part tariff at a very small discount, which increases revenue by 8%–14% compared to only offering a pay-per-use contract.Data, as supplemental material, are available at http://dx.doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2013.1889 .This paper was accepted by Teck-Hua Ho, behavioral economics.
Electric Vehicles with a Battery Switching Station: Adoption and Environmental Impact
Authors: Avci Buket , Girotra Karan , Netessine Serguei 
Published: July 2014

The transportation sector's carbon footprint and dependence on oil are of deep concern to policy makers in many countries. Use of all-electric drive trains is arguably the most realistic medium-term solution to address these concerns. However, motorist anxiety induced by an electric vehicle's limited range and high battery cost have constrained consumer adoption. A novel switching-station-based solution is touted as a promising remedy. Vehicles use standardized batteries that, when depleted, can be switched for fully charged batteries at switching stations, and motorists only pay for battery use. We build a model that highlights the key mechanisms driving adoption and use of electric vehicles in this new switching-station-based electric vehicle system and contrast it with conventional electric vehicles. Our model employs results from repairable item inventory theory to capture switching-station operation; we embed this model in a behavioral model of motorist use and adoption. Switching-station systems effectively transfer range risk from motorists to the station operator, who, through statistical economies of scale, can better manage it. We find that this transfer of risk can lead to higher electric vehicle adoption than in a conventional system, but it also encourages more driving than a conventional system does. We calibrate our models with motorist behavior data, electric vehicle technology data, operation costs, and emissions data to estimate the relative effectiveness of the two systems under the status quo and other plausible future scenarios. We find that the system that is more effective at reducing emissions is often less effective at reducing oil dependence, and the misalignment between the two objectives is most severe when the energy mix is coal heavy and has advanced battery technology. Increases in gasoline prices (by imposition of taxes, for instance) are much more effective in reducing carbon emissions, whereas battery-price-reducing policy interventions are more effective for reducing oil dependence. Taken together, our results help a policy maker identify the superior system for achieving the desired objectives. They also highlight that policy makers should not conflate the dual objectives of oil dependence and emissions reductions as the preferred system, and the policy interventions that further that system may be different for the two objectives. This paper was accepted by Yossi Aviv, operations management.
Single Institute Experience with the Use of ConPaS Technique for the Treatment of Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Kovacs A , Antal G , Glavak CS , Zadori P , Bajzik G , Hadjiev J , Lakosi F , Vandulek C , Repa I 
Published: July 2014

Aim: In the complex therapy of head neck cancers modern 3D based radiotherapy plays an important role. The parotid sparing effect of intensity modulated radiotherapy is proven, but in many patients the conventional 3D based techniques are still being used. Since 2006 the “Conpas” technique has been routinely used in our institution for the treatment of locally advanced head neck tumor patients. The aim of our study was to analyze the dosimetry, survival and side effect profile of this 3D based treatment modality.
Patient and Methods: Between 01.07.2006 and 31.11.2008 a total of 83 patients were treated using this technique. An elective dose of 50,4 Gy was prescribed to the primary tumor and the bilateral neck node regions, followed by a simple two field boost to the primary tumor region (up to 70Gy). We retrospectively analyzed the following factors related to this method: dosimetry profile (PTV and OR doses, focusing on parotid gland doses), clinical responses, local and distant progression free survival profile, acute and late side effects.
Results: The mean dose of primary tumors was 71.98 Gy, the elective region dose of 50.4 Gy was achieved in all cases. Following the treatment in 37 patients complete clinical response in 25 cases partial response in 5 cases stable disease and in 16 cases progressive disease was registered. The mean overall survival was 30,06 months, the mean disease free survival was 25,82 months. When reporting the superficial lobe volumes in “lower” tumor locations good mean parotid doses were achieved (25.3 Gy and 23.4 Gy). Comparing the acute side effect profiles in the “upper” localized group higher rate of Grade III xerostomia (21% vs. 2%, p?0.05) and dermatitis (27% vs. 6%, p?0.05) were observed compared to “lower” localization group. In the “upper” localized group the late xerostomia (grade 2-3) rate was also higher (8% vs. 0%, p?0.05).
Conclusion: Based on our experience Conpas technique is feasible technique for treatment of advanced head neck cancer patients. Our clinical outcome, dosimetry and follow up results show that this technique should be used successfully in patients with ”lower” localized primer tumor sites. High attention should be addressed when reporting parotid doses.
Temperature Effects on the Crystallinity of Synthetic Nontronite and Implications for Nontronite Formation in Columbia River Basalts
Authors: Baker Leslie L. , Strawn Daniel G. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractThe formation conditions of the ferric smectite nontronite are not fully understood. The present study couples experimental and analytical data with field observations in an attempt to constrain the rate and temperature of formation of naturally occurring nontronites from Columbia River Basalt flows. Synthetic Fe-Al-Si gels were incubated at temperatures ranging from 4 to 150°C for 4 weeks. Samples were analyzed using Fe K-edge X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XAFS). Spectra of the synthesized nontronites were compared with spectra of natural samples collected from weathered Columbia River Basalt flows. Cation ordering in the synthetic samples increased with incubation temperature, but the synthetic clays did not approach the degree of crystal ordering of the natural nontronite samples. These observations suggest that highly ordered natural nontronites require longer crystallization times than are typically used in laboratory experiments. The natural samples were found filling open cracks near flow surfaces, indicating that the clays formed at temperatures below the boiling point of water. A comparison of experimental and field timescales with other estimates of nontronite growth rates suggests that natural nontronite crystallization in the region must have occurred at ambient, near-surface temperatures over timescales of up to millions of years.
Stoichiometric Reactions Describing Serpentinization of Anhydrous Primary Silicates: A Critical Appraisal, with Application to Aqueous Alteration of Chondrule Silicates in CM Carbonaceous Chondrites
Authors: Velbel Michael A. 
Published: July 2014

AbstractA number of chemical reactions (mass-action expressions) have been proposed to describe serpentinization of olivine in terrestrial serpentinites. Some have been applied to interpreting the formation of serpentine-group minerals in CM carbonaceous chondrites. The widely used olivine + pyroxene → serpentine (ol + px → srp) reaction is quantitatively inconsistent with observed ratios of olivine to pyroxene and olivine to serpentine in CM carbonaceous chondrites. The reaction of 5ol → 2srp is most consistent with constraints from textural observations at the scale of individual partial and complete pseudomorphs of serpentine after coarse olivine in CM chondrites, observed co-variations in modal abundances of reactant and product minerals in CM chondrites, and experimental geochemical kinetics. Furthermore, the 5ol → 2srp reaction provides insight into the mobility of solute species in the aqueous alteration environment of CM carbonaceous chondrites.