bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Preparation and characterization of isotactic polypropylene/high‐density polyethylene/carbon black conductive films with strain‐sensing behavior
Authors: Zheng Shaodi , Huang Shilin , Ren Danqi , Yang Wei , Liu Zhengying , Yang Mingbo 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTNovel conductive films with a unique strain (ε)‐sensing behavior and based on a blend of isotactic polypropylene (iPP), high‐density polyethylene (HDPE), and carbon black (CB) were fabricated by an extrusion casting method. The morphology and ε‐sensing behavior of the films were investigated. Scanning electron microscope images showed that the oriented lamellae with a growing direction perpendicular to the extrusion direction were obtained in the HDPE phase and were accompanied by a cocontinuous structure of the iPP phase and HDPE/CB phase. The conductive percolation threshold (mc) and resistivity–ε behavior of the thin films are affected by the drawing ratio during the process of film preparation. The mc and electrical resistance of the iPP/HDPE/CB composite films increased with the drawing ratio. The gauge factor of the films within the elastic region decreased with increasing drawing ratio. Furthermore, the result of iPP/(HDPE/CB) 40/60 with a high drawing ratio shows that a reversible conductivity was obtained during the cyclic tensile testing (ε = 10%), but an irreversible conductivity makes the film fail during use at the applied ε values of up to 15%. This makes them good piezoresistive candidates for ε‐sensing materials. Moreover, a simple structural model was proposed to describe the reversible and irreversible phenomena in the electrical resistance behavior of the iPP/HDPE/CB films under tensile loading. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40686.
Characterization and biocompatibility of chestnut shell fiber–based composites with polyester
Authors: Wu Chin‐San , Hsu Yi‐Chiang , Liao Hsin‐Tzu , Yen Fu‐San , Wang Chen‐Yu , Hsu Chia‐Tsc 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTThe structural, mechanical, biocompatibility, and biodegradability properties of composite materials formed of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS) and natural fiber (chestnut shell fiber; CSF) were evaluated. Maleic anhydride‐grafted poly(butylene succinate) (PBS‐g‐MA) and treated (crosslinked) CSF (TCSF) were used to improve the mechanical properties of PBS/CSF composites. The results show that PBS‐g‐MA/TCSF composites have superior mechanical properties compared with both pure PBS and PBS/CSF composites, which is attributed to better compatibility between the polymer and TCSF. Normal human foreskin fibroblasts (FBs) were seeded onto these two series of composites to characterize the biocompatibility. FB proliferation, collagen production, and cytotoxicity assays on the PBS/CSF series of composites exhibited superior results compared with those on the PBS‐g‐MA/TCSF composites. PBS‐g‐MA/TCSF was found to be more water resistant than PBS/CSF, and the weight loss of both the composites buried in soil compost indicated that both were biodegradable, especially at high levels of CSF substitution. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40730.
Design of XNBR nanocomposites for underwater acoustic sensor applications: Effect of MWNT on dynamic mechanical properties and morphology
Authors: Sasikumar K. , Manoj N. R. , Mukundan T. , Khastgir D. 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTIn this work, application of rubber‐MWNT nanocomposite for underwater acoustic sensors is explored. The nanocomposite is developed by incorporating multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWNT) into carboxylated nitrile rubber by mechanical mixing. The addition of MWNT up to 10 phr is found to result in about 330% increase in tensile strength, 140% increase in modulus, and 160% increase in tear strength. Transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analyses indicate uniform dispersion of nanotubes in the rubber matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis shows that damping at ambient temperature gradually increases with increasing filler content. This is attributed to the augmented frictional energy loss at the interface. The damping peak position shifts upward with increase in MWNT concentration, which may be gainfully used to tune to the operational frequency range of underwater acoustic sensors. Payne effect is observed at higher filler concentration due to the breakage of aggregates formed by filler–filler interaction. The nanocomposite may find application for damping structural vibrations and thus to improve the performance of underwater acoustic sensors. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40752.
A study of wet and dry strength properties of unaged and hygrothermally aged paper sheets reinforced with biopolymer composites
Authors: Adel Abeer M. , Dupont Anne‐Laurence , Abou‐Yousef Hussein , El‐Gendy Ahmed , Paris Sabrina , El‐Shinnawy Nabila 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBiopolymers and their composites were added during the formation of unbleached Kraft bagasse pulp paper sheets to improve the mechanical strength properties of the produced hand sheets. The biopolymers (cellulose, chitosan, and chitosan‐cellulose composite) were either crosslinked or noncrosslinked and they were added in series of concentrations from 0.1% to 1.5%. The characterization of the samples using the Fourier transform infrared (IR) technique identified differences in the intensities of the characteristic IR absorption bands for chitosan, cellulose, and their composites, these differences are due to the various degrees of hydrogen bonding. The surface morphology of the biopolymers composites and the treated paper sheets were studied using SEM technique. Both the equilibrium moisture sorption and the diffusion coefficient of the paper sheets containing 1% additives were evaluated at regular time intervals. The long‐term stability of the treated paper with biopolymers was verified by exposing the treated and the untreated sheets to hygrothermal ageing. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40761.
Interleukin‐21–Producing c‐Maf–Expressing CD4+ T Cells Induce Effector CD8+ T Cells and Enhance Autoimmune Inflammation in Scurfy Mice
Authors: Iwamoto Taro , Suto Akira , Tanaka Shigeru , Takatori Hiroaki , Suzuki Kotaro , Iwamoto Itsuo , Nakajima Hiroshi 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveFoxP3 induces Treg cells and prevents autoimmune diseases. However, the precise mechanisms of FoxP3 in the prevention of autoimmune diseases remain unknown. We undertook this study to determine the regulatory roles of FoxP3 in autoimmune inflammation by using FoxP3‐mutant sf mice.MethodsWe characterized interleukin‐21 (IL‐21)– producing cells in sf mice. We examined the underlying mechanisms of enhanced IL‐21 production in sf mouse CD4+ T cells. We examined the roles of IL‐21 and CD8+ T cells in autoimmune inflammation in sf mice using IL‐21 receptor (IL‐21R)–deficient sf mice.ResultsIL‐21–producing c‐Maf+CD4+ T cells, which were distinct from Th17 cells, were increased in sf mice. Increased c‐Maf expression was involved in enhanced IL‐21 production in sf mouse CD4+ T cells. Experiments using bone marrow chimeric mice showed that lack of cell‐extrinsic suppression by FoxP3+ Treg cells, but not cell‐intrinsic defects in FoxP3 in sf mouse CD4+ T cells, was mainly involved in the development of IL‐21–producing c‐Maf+CD4+ T cells in sf mice. IL‐21R deficiency prolonged survival and reduced multiorgan autoimmune inflammation in sf mice. Moreover, IL‐21R deficiency decreased short‐lived effector CD8+ T cells in the lung in sf mice. Furthermore, depletion of CD8+ T cells inhibited lung inflammation in sf mice, suggesting that CD8+ T cells are critical for inducing lung inflammation in sf mice.ConclusionUnique IL‐21–producing c‐Maf+ CD4+ T cells develop in the absence of FoxP3+ Treg cells, induce short‐lived effector CD8+ T cells, and enhance multiorgan autoimmune inflammation in sf mice.
Evidence of Abnormal Epidermal Nerve Fiber Density in Fibromyalgia: Clinical and Immunologic Implications
Authors: Caro Xavier J. , Winter Earl F. 
Published: April 2014

ObjectiveA subset of patients with fibromyalgia (FM) exhibit a large fiber demyelinating peripheral polyneuropathy akin to that seen in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP). It has been suggested that this demyelinating process is likely to be immune mediated. Because it is known that similar large fiber neuropathic lesions may be associated with a cutaneous small fiber neuropathy, we sought to determine the prevalence of small fiber neuropathy, as measured by epidermal nerve fiber density (ENFD), in a series of patients with FM and clinically healthy control subjects.MethodsForty‐one consecutive patients with FM and 47 control subjects underwent a 3‐mm punch skin biopsy at the proximal thigh and distal leg near the ankle, for analysis of the ENFD. Patients with FM who had clinical evidence of a disorder known to be associated with small fiber neuropathy were excluded. The patients with FM also underwent pinwheel testing and vibratory testing for hypesthesia and serologic testing for a series of cytokine, circulating immune complex, and complement measurements.ResultsAll patients with FM had evidence of stocking hypesthesia. The ENFD of patients with FM was lower than that of control subjects at both the calf (mean ± SD 5.8 ± 2.8 versus 7.4 ± 1.9; P = 0.0002) and thigh (9.3 ± 3.2 versus 11.3 ± 2.0; P = 0.0007). There was an inverse correlation between calf ENFD and age at the time of skin biopsy in patients with FM (r = −0.29, P = 0.03) but not in control subjects; however, analysis of covariance showed that this relationship could not be explained by aging alone. Serologic evaluation showed an inverse correlation between calf ENFD in patients with FM and the interleukin‐2 receptor (IL‐2R) level (r = −0.28, P = 0.04). However, an inverse correlation between thigh ENFD and serum IL‐2R levels did not reach significance (P = 0.08). Analysis of thigh‐to‐calf ENFD ratios suggested that the ENFD decline in FM is affected by both a diffuse and a length‐dependent process.ConclusionThe calf and thigh ENFD in patients with FM is significantly diminished compared with that in control subjects. Advancing age alone cannot explain this finding. Calf ENFD was inversely correlated, although weakly, with serum levels of IL‐2R. These findings suggest that small fiber neuropathy is likely to contribute to the pain symptoms of FM; that pain in this disorder arises, in part, from a peripheral immune‐mediated process; and that measurement of ENFD may be a useful clinical tool in FM.
Controlled Crystallization of Cyano‐Bridged Cu–Pt Coordination Polymers with Two‐Dimensional Morphology
Authors: Zakaria Mohamed B. , Hu Ming , Tsujimoto Yoshihiro , Sakka Yoshio , Suzuki Norihiro , Kamachi Yuichiro , Imura Masataka , Ishihara Shinsuke , Ariga Katsuhiko , Yamauchi Yusuke 
Published: April 2014

AbstractTwo‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymers (CPs) have a highly accessible surface area that permits guest molecules to effectively access the micropores in the CPs. Here we report a bottom‐up synthesis of 2D cyano‐bridged Cu–Pt CP nanoflakes using trisodium citrate as a chelating agent, which controls the nucleation rate and the crystal growth. The lateral sizes of the CP nanoflakes are controlled by changing the amount of trisodium citrate used. We strongly believe that our method will be useful for the preparation of other types of 2D CP nanoflakes. The 2D CPs have many active sites for catalytic and electrochemical reactions, and furthermore the assembled CPs can be used as membrane filters.
Preparation and evaluation of the effect of Fe3O4@piroctone olamine magnetic nanoparticles on matrix metalloproteinase‐2: A preliminary in vitro study
Authors: Shakibaie Mojtaba , Haghiri Mahboobe , Jafari Mandana , Amirpour‐Rostami Sahar , Ameri Alieh , Forootanfar Hamid , Mehrabani Mitra 
Published: April 2014

AbstractIn the present study, Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by the coprecipitation of Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions and used as a nanocarrier for the production of piroctone‐olamine‐loaded Fe3O4 nanoparticles (Fe3O4@PO NPs). The nanocrystalline structure of the prepared iron oxide species was confirmed by the X‐ray diffraction spectroscopy method. Particle size distribution analysis showed that the size of Fe3O4@PO NPs was in the range of 5–55 nm. The magnetization curve of Fe3O4@PO NPs (with saturation magnetization of 28.2 emu/g) confirmed its ferromagnetic property. Loading of PO on the surface of Fe3O4 NPs qualitatively verified by Fourier transform infrared spectrum obtained from Fe3O4@PO NPs. Cytotoxicity studies on the human fibrosarcoma cell line (HT‐1080) revealed higher inhibitory effect of Fe3O4@PO NPs (50% cell death [IC50] of 8.1 µg/mL) as compared with Fe3O4 NPs (IC50 of 117.1 µg/mL) and PO (IC50 of 71.2 µg/mL) alone. In the case of human normal fibroblast (Hs68), the viability percentage was found to be 75% in the presence of Fe3O4@PO NPs (120 µg/mL). Gelatin zymography showed 17.2% and 34.6% inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase‐2 (MMP‐2) in the presence of Fe3O4@PO and PO, respectively, at the same concentration of 40 µg/mL, whereas Fe3O4 NPs did not inhibit MMP‐2 at any concentration.
Life cycle greenhouse gas emissions of electricity generation from corn cobs in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Sanscartier David , Dias Goretty , Deen Bill , Dadfar Humaira , McDonald Ian , MacLean Heather L. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractPolicy initiatives have motivated a search for environmentally sustainable alternatives to fossil‐fuel‐based electricity generation. Agricultural residues such as corn cobs may be a suitable feedstock. A life cycle approach was used to estimate the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission impacts associated with the use of pellets produced from corn cobs as the sole fuel for the generation of electricity at a hypothetically retrofitted coal‐fired generating station in Ontario, Canada. Pellets are compared with current coal and hypothetical natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) facilities. A life cycle model and soil carbon model calibrated for the agricultural region of interest were combined to quantify the GHG emissions of the biomass product system. The corn cob product system's life cycle emissions (240 g CO2eq kWh−1) are 40% and 80% lower than those of the NGCC and coal product systems, respectively. If corn cobs are left in the field to decompose, some carbon is sequestered in the soil, thus their removal from the field and combustion at the generation station represents a net GHG emission, accounting for 60% of life cycle emissions. In addition to the GHG impacts of combustion, removing agricultural residues from fields may reduce soil health, increase erosion and affect soil fertility through loss of soil organic carbon and nutrients. Their sustainable use should therefore consider the maintenance of soil fertility over the long‐term. Nevertheless, the use of the feedstock in place of coal may provide substantial GHG emissions mitigation.
How Video Image Size Interacts with Evidence Strength, Defendant Emotion, and the Defendant–Victim Relationship to Alter Perceptions of the Defendant
Authors: Heath Wendy P. , Grannemann Bruce D. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractCourtroom video presentations can range from images on small screens installed in the jury box to images on courtroom video monitors or projection screens. Does video image size affect jurors' perceptions of information presented during trials? To investigate this we manipulated video image size as well as defendant emotion level presented during testimony (low, moderate), the defendant–victim relationship (spouses, strangers), and the strength of the evidence (weak, strong). Participants (N = 263) read a case and trial summary, watched video of defendant testimony, and then answered a questionnaire. Larger screens generally accentuated what was presented (e.g., made stronger evidence seem stronger and weaker evidence seem weaker), acting mainly upon trial outcome variables (e.g., verdict). Non‐trial outcomes (e.g., defendant credibility) were generally affected by defendant emotion level and the defendant–victim relationship. Researchers and attorneys presenting video images need to recognize that respondents may evaluate videotaped trial evidence differently as a function of how video evidence is presented. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pretreatment vitamin D level and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in women with breast cancer on the I‐SPY trial (CALGB 150007/150015/ACRIN6657)
Authors: Clark Amy S. , Chen Jinbo , Kapoor Shiv , Friedman Claire , Mies Carolyn , Esserman Laura , DeMichele Angela ,   I‐SPY1 Investigators
Published: April 2014

AbstractLaboratory studies suggest that vitamin D (vitD) enhances chemotherapy‐induced cell death. The objective of this study was to determine whether pretreatment vitD levels were associated with response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) in women with breast cancer. Study patients (n = 82) were enrolled on the I‐SPY TRIAL, had HER2‐negative tumors, and available pretreatment serum. VitD levels were measured via DiaSorin radioimmunoassay. The primary outcome was pathologic residual cancer burden (RCB; dichotomized 0/1 vs. 2/3). Secondary outcomes included biomarkers of proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis (Ki67, grade, Bcl2, respectively) and 3‐year relapse‐free survival (RFS). Mean and median vitD values were 22.7 ng/mL (SD 11.9) and 23.1 ng/mL, respectively; 72% of patients had levels deemed “insufficient” (<30 ng/mL) by the Institute of Medicine (IOM). VitD level was not associated with attaining RCB 0/1 after NACT (univariate odds ratio [OR], 1.01; 95% CI, 0.96–1.05) even after adjustment for hormone receptor status (HR), grade, Ki67, or body mass index (BMI). Lower vitD levels were associated with higher tumor Ki67 adjusting for race (OR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.90–0.99). VitD level was not associated with 3‐year RFS, either alone (hazard ratio [HzR], 0.98; 95% CI, 0.95–1.02) or after adjustment for HR, grade, Ki‐67, BMI, or response. VitD insufficiency was common at the time of breast cancer diagnosis among women who were candidates for NACT and was associated with a more proliferative phenotype. However, vitD levels had no impact on tumor response to NACT or short‐term prognosis.
Cellular Scent of Influenza Virus Infection.
Authors: Aksenov Alexander A. , Sandrock Christian E. , Zhao Weixiang , Sankaran Shankar , Schivo Michael , Harper Richart , Cardona Carol J. , Xing Zheng , Davis Cristina E. 
Published: April 2014

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) emanating from humans have the potential to revolutionize non‐invasive diagnostics. Yet, little is known about how these compounds are generated by complex biological systems, and even less is known about how these compounds are reflective of a particular physiological state. In this proof‐of‐concept study, we examined VOCs produced directly at the cellular level from B lymphoblastoid cells upon infection with three live influenza virus subtypes: H9N2 (avian), H6N2 (avian), and H1N1 (human). Using a single cell line helped to alleviate some of the complexity and variability when studying VOC production by an entire organism, and it allowed us to discern marked differences in VOC production upon infection of the cells. The patterns of VOCs produced in response to infection were unique for each virus subtype, while several other non‐specific VOCs were produced after infections with all three strains. Also, there was a specific time course of VOC release post infection. Among emitted VOCs, production of esters and other oxygenated compounds was particularly notable, and these may be attributed to increased oxidative stress resulting from infection. Elucidating VOC signatures that result from the host cells response to infection may yield an avenue for non‐invasive diagnostics and therapy of influenza and other viral infections.
Rational Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Modular Fluorogenic Substrates with High Affinity and Selectivity for PTP1B
Authors: Sanchini Silvano , Perruccio Francesca , Piizzi Grazia 
Published: April 2014

AbstractProtein‐tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key regulatory enzyme in several signal transduction pathways, and its upregulation has been associated with type‐2 diabetes, obesity and cancer. Selective determination of the functional significance of PTP1B remains a major challenge because the activity of this crucial enzyme is currently evaluated through the use of fluorescent probes that lack selectivity and are limited to biochemical assays. Here we describe the rational design, synthesis and biological evaluation of new modular PTP1B fluorogenic substrates. The self‐immolative 4‐hydroxybenzyl alcohol has been used as a key component for the design of phosphotyrosine mimics linked to a latent chromophore, which is released through an enzyme‐initiated domino reaction. Preliminary biological investigations showed that, by optimising the stereoelectronic properties and the binding interactions at the enzyme active site, it is possible to achieve substrates with high affinity and promising selectivity. Due to their modular nature, the synthesised fluorogenic probes represent versatile tools; customisation of the different subunits could widen the scope of these probes to a broader range of in vitro assays. Finally, these studies elucidate the critical role played by Asp181 in the PTP1B‐catalysed dephosphorylation mechanism: disruption of the native conformation of this key amino acid residue on the WDP loop yields fluorogenic inhibitors, rather than substrates. For this reason, our studies also represent a step forward for the development of improved PTP1B noncovalent inhibitors.
Utility of Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography as Part of the Pre‐Liver Transplant Evaluation: An Evaluation of Its Efficacy
Authors: Snipelisky David , Levy Michael , Shapiro Brian 
Published: April 2014

ABSTRACTBackgroundDobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) is commonly used to risk stratify patients in the cardiac evaluation prior to orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT). Data remain limited regarding the accuracy to predict obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) using this approach.HypothesisWe hypothesize that DSE may have limitations in the investigation of underlying CAD in patients with end‐stage liver disease.MethodsA retrospective chart review of all patients who underwent OLT at Mayo Clinic in Florida between 1998 and 2010 was performed. Sixty‐six underwent invasive coronary angiography (ICA) within 1 year of DSE and were included in our study. Based on DSE results, patients were stratified into 1 of 3 groups: nonischemic, ischemic, and indeterminate. The relationship between DSE, ICA, and death from all cause and cardiac‐related cause with a minimum 3‐year follow‐up period were analyzed.ResultsA total of 66 patients were included in our cohort. There was no difference in age, gender, severity of liver disease, and echocardiographic findings among the groups. Forty‐three percent of patients (n = 12) with an abnormal result on DSE were found to have moderate or severe obstructive CAD on cardiac catheterization, whereas 49% of patients (n = 17) with a normal finding on DSE had moderate or severe CAD. Of 5 patients who died from a documented cardiac etiology, 3 had normal stress test results, 1 had abnormal findings, and 1 had an indeterminate DSE result. When compared with ICA, our study demonstrated that DSE has a sensitivity of 41.4% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24‐0.61), specificity of 47.1% (95% CI: 0.30‐0.65), positive predictive value of 40.0% (95% CI: 0.23‐0.59), and negative predictive value of 48.0% (95% CI: 0.31‐0.66) in identification of underlying CAD.ConclusionsAlthough widely used, DSE may not always accurately reflect the severity of obstructive CAD in patients undergoing OLT.