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The pyrene‐based atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) initiator of 1‐pyrenemethyl 2‐bromoisobutyrate (PMBriB) was applied to the photo‐induced radical polymerization of methyl acrylate, methyl methacrylate, and styrene. During the polymerization, the fluorescence of the polymer solution caused by the chain end pyrene group was observed to be slightly enhanced in all cases, possibly due to the decline of the aggregation caused quenching (ACQ) effect. However, the fluorescence of polystyrene obtained from photo‐induced ATRP was significantly increased. Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) measurements, NMR spectroscopy, and fluorescence measurements associated with a series of control studies demonstrated that the enhanced fluorescence was a persistent phenomenon in both solution and the solid state but the polystyrenes with and without enhanced fluorescence showed no observable difference in chemical bonding and molecular conformation. At this stage, the coexistence of pyrene, 2‐bromoisobutyrate group, styrene, and light was required for this novel phenomenon and the mechanism of this fluorescence enhancement is still being studied. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Aims. Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is the third most common form of dementia. Epidemiological studies of DLB in Taiwan are scarce. In this study, we estimated the incidence of DLB and comorbidity in the population of Taiwan. Methods. Data were obtained from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD). DLB patients between 2000 and 2013 were enrolled in assessments of incidence and comorbidity. Results. The incidence of DLB was shown to be 7.10 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI = 6.63–7.59), which increased with age. The average age at diagnosis was 76.3, and this was higher for males than for females. The comorbidity rates of hypertension and hyperlipidemia in DLB patients were higher in females than in males. Conclusions. Epidemiologic data from large-scale retrospective studies is crucial to the prevention of DLB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To manipulate the functions of nanomaterials more precisely for diverse applications, the controllability and critical influencing factors of their properties must be thoroughly investigated. In this work, the macroscopic and microscopic effects are studied on the photophysical properties of various pyrene-ended poly(styrene- block-methyl methacrylate) nanostructures. Fluorescent polymer nanospheres, nanorods, and nanotubes are prepared by different template-based methods using anodic aluminum oxide membranes. Chain arrangements and conformations are determined as the key factors affecting the photophysical properties of the fluorescent polymer nanostructures. This work not only gives a deeper understanding of the effects on the photophysical properties of polymer nanomaterials influenced by morphologies, chain arrangements, and chain conformations, but also provides a reference for designing proper fluorescent nanostructures for specific applications. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Multi-component polymer nanomaterials have attracted great attention because of their applications in areas such as biomedicine, tissue engineering, and organic solar cells. The precise control over the morphologies of multi-component polymer nanomaterials, however, is still a great challenge. In this work, the fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate)(PMMA)/poly­styrene (PS) nanostructures that contain PMMA shells and encapsulated PS nanospheres is studied. The nanostructures are prepared using a triple solution wetting method with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The nanopores of the templates are wetted sequentially by PS solutions in dimethylformamide (DMF), PMMA solutions in acetic acid, and water. The compositions and morphologies of the nanostructures are controlled by the interactions between the polymers, solvents, and AAO walls. This work not only presents a feasible method to prepare multi-component polymer nanomaterials, but also leads to a better understanding of polymer-solvent interactions in confined geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Front Cover: The macroscopic and microscopic effects on the photophysical properties of various pyrene‐ended poly(styrene‐block‐methyl methacrylate) nanostructures are studied. Fluorescent polymer nanospheres, nanorods, and nanotubes are prepared by different template‐based methods using anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes. Chain arrangements and conformations are determined as the key factors affecting the photophysical properties of the fluorescent polymer nanostructures. Further details can be found in the article by M.‐H. Chi, C.‐H. Su, M.‐H. Cheng, P.‐Y. Chung, C.‐H. Peng,* and J.‐T. Chen* on page 2037. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Back Cover: The fabrication of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA)/polystyrene (PS) nanostructures that contain PMMA shells and encapsulated PS nanospheres is studied. The nanostructures are prepared using a triple solution wetting method with anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) templates. The shape of the prepared nanostructures is similar to that of a candied gourd, a traditional Chinese snack prepared by coating tomatoes skewered on a wood stick with sugar. Further details can be found in the article by H.‐W. Ko, M.‐H. Chi, C.‐W. Chang, C.‐H. Su, T.‐H. Wei, C.‐C. Tsai, C.‐H. Peng, and J.‐T. Chen* on page 439. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]