bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Nitrogen fertilization rate and method influences water and nitrogen productivity of forage winter wheat
Authors: Lenssen Andrew W. , Sainju Upendra M. , Jones Clain , McVay Kent , Angvick Terry 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSpring‐seeded annual forages are well adapted to the Great Plains; however, the influence of application rate and method of N fertilization on winter wheat (WW) (Triticum aestivum L.) forage productivity is unknown. A field study was conducted in a factorial design for 3 yr to determine the influence of N application rate and method on water and N productivity of awnletted WW ‘Willow Creek’. Urea was either broadcast or banded at planting using N fertilization rates of 0, 28, 56, and 84 kg N ha−1. The N application rate × method interaction was significant only for WW height. Weed herbage was low at WW forage harvest, 19 kg ha−1. As N fertilization rate increased from 0 to 84 kg N ha−1, wheat stem density and height increased by 70 and 78%, respectively, and herbage increased by 58%. Increased N rate increased WW water use quadratically, but water productivity (kg biomass ha−1 mm−1) was 68% greater at 84 kg N ha−1. However, N application method did not influence water use or productivity. Banded N application increased N accumulation in WW herbage by 11% compared to broadcast N. Increasing N rate reduced N productivity by 24% compared to 0 kg N ha−1. Willow Creek WW produced greater herbage yield as N fertilization rate increased with banded application. Willow Creek is a highly productive fall‐planted forage in this predominantly spring‐planted small grain–grain legume region.
Blood Metal Levels and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Risk: A Prospective Cohort
Authors: Peters Susan , Broberg Karin , Gallo Valentina , Levi Michael , Kippler Maria , Vineis Paolo , Veldink Jan , van den Berg Leonard , Middleton Lefkos , Travis Ruth C. , Bergmann Manuela M. , Palli Domenico , Grioni Sara , Tumino Rosario , Elbaz Alexis , Vlaar Tim , Mancini Francesca , Kühn Tilman , Katzke Verena , Agudo Antonio , Goñi Fernando , Gómez Jesús‐Humberto , Rodríguez‐Barranco Miguel , Merino Susana , Barricarte Aurelio , Trichopoulou Antonia , Jenab Mazda , Weiderpass Elisabete , Vermeulen Roel 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveMetals have been suggested as a risk factor for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), but only retrospective studies are available to date. We compared metal levels in prospectively collected blood samples from ALS patients and controls, to explore whether metals are associated with ALS mortality.MethodsA nested ALS case–control study was conducted within the prospective EPIC (European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition) cohort. Cases were identified through death certificates. We analyzed metal levels in erythrocyte samples obtained at recruitment, as a biomarker for metal exposure from any source. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, mercury, selenium, and zinc concentrations were measured by inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry. To estimate ALS risk, we applied conditional logistic regression models.ResultsThe study population comprised 107 cases (65% female) and 319 controls matched for age, sex, and study center. Median time between blood collection and ALS death was 8 years (range = 1–15). Comparing the highest with the lowest tertile, cadmium (odds ratio [OR] = 2.04, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.08–3.87) and lead (OR = 1.89, 95% CI = 0.97–3.67) concentrations suggest associations with increased ALS risk. Zinc was associated with a decreased risk (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.27–0.94). Associations for cadmium and lead remained when limiting analyses to noncurrent smokers.InterpretationThis is the first study to compare metal levels before disease onset, minimizing reverse causation. The observed associations suggest that cadmium, lead, and zinc may play a role in ALS etiology. Cadmium and lead possibly act as intermediates on the pathway from smoking to ALS. ANN NEUROL 20209999:n/a–n/a
Precise Fixation of an NO Molecule inside Carbon Nanopores: A Long‐Range Electron–Nuclear Interaction
Authors: Hashikawa Yoshifumi , Hasegawa Shota , Murata Yasujiro 
Published: October 2020

Abstract[60]Fullerene‐based carbon nanopores were synthesized to enable the placement of two molecules of nitric oxide (NO) at an accurate distance from one another. A linear orientation of the two NO molecules inside the assembled nanopores was confirmed crystallographically. Theoretical studies suggested possible free rotation inside the carbon nanopore, while the two conformations of NO in which its long axis was oriented toward the orifice of the nanopore were predicted to be dominant. The paramagnetic shifts caused by NO showed a major contribution from the Fermi contact mechanism. The Solomon–Bloembergen theory was found to describe well the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement of a water molecule in a paired nanopore even under equilibrium as a result of fixing of the NO molecule with a distance of approximately 12 Å, thus demonstrating a long‐range bimolecular magnetic interaction.
The effect of grafting density on the crystallization behavior of one‐dimensional confined polymers
Authors: Zhang Shuihua , Ming Yongqiang , Wei Yangyang , Hao Tongfan , Nie Yijing , Zhou Zhiping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGrafting density and confinement scale of the nano‐area are significant elements affecting the crystallization behavior of polymers. In this work, the crystallization processes of confined and unconfined polymer systems with different grafting density were systematically studied by MC simulation. The results show that when the grafting density of confined systems is low, the crystallization rate is faster and the final crystallinity is higher. However, the crystallization ability is reduced for higher grafting density. We found that for this confined system, the segmental density of interfacial region is larger, and the movement of chain segment is lower. Due to the higher grafting density, the crowding effect of polymer chains is strong, which leads to the intermolecular nucleation. The critical nucleation free energy barrier is higher. Moreover, only homogeneous nucleation occurs in confined polymer systems. With the increasing grafting density, the crystals change from lying on the substrate surface to being perpendicular to the substrate surface in unconfined polymer systems. The crystals are mainly lying on the substrate surface in confined polymer systems. These simulation results are helpful to understand the microscopic mechanism of crystallization behaviors of polymer nanocomposites and provide a theoretical basis for the design of nanocomposites with excellent physical properties.
Influence of the addition of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes on the thermal and mechanical properties of polyamide‐11 before and after aging tests
Authors: de Salles Macena da Cruz Barbara , Tienne Lucas Galhardo Pimenta , Gondim Fernanda Fabbri , da Silva Candido Ludmila , Marques Maria de Fátima Vieira , Chaves Erica Gervasoni 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work, the preparation and characterization of nanocomposites of commercial polyamide‐11 reinforced with multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT), untreated, oxidized or with the modified surface through silanization with 3‐aminopropyl trimethoxy silane (APTMS), in concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5%, and 1.0 wt% in the polymer matrix was investigated. The processing of the nanocomposites was carried out via mixing in the molten state in a twin‐screw mini‐extruder at 200°C under 60 rpm screw rotation speed, with a residence time of 7 min. The addition of the MWCNT increased the thermal stability of PA11, predominantly with 0.5% of silanized nanotubes, as observed by the thermogravimetric analysis. X‐ray diffraction and differential scanning calorimetry analyses indicated that the degree of crystallinity of the formulations increased with the nanofiller content. On the other hand, the use of the highest concentration generated agglomerates, suggesting less dispersion in the matrix and, consequently, a reduction in crystallinity. Dynamic mechanical thermal analysis showed that the silanization process promoted an increase in both loss and storage moduli. All produced nanocomposites obtained values of corrected inherent viscosity above 1.20 dl/g, before and after the aging test. The use of lower load levels promoted better processability due to the lubricating effect of the nanotubes and an increase in the hydrophobic character of the samples, as observed by the increase of the contact angle.
Controlled release from polyurethane films: Drug release mechanisms
Authors: Abbasnezhad Navideh , Zirak Nader , Shirinbayan Mohammadali , Kouidri Smaine , Salahinejad Erfan , Tcharkhtchi Abbas , Bakir Farid 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, polyurethane‐films loaded with diclofenac were used to analyze the drug release kinetics and mechanisms. For this purpose, the experimental procedures were developed under static and dynamic conditions with different initial drug loads of 10, 20, and 30%. In the dynamic condition, to better simulate the biological flow, drug release measurements were investigated at flow rates of 7.5 and 23.5 ml/s. These values indicate the flow rate of the internal carotid artery (ICA) for a normal state of a body and for a person during the exercise, respectively. The experimental data were analyzed and adjusted by Higuchi, Korsmeyer–Peppas, First‐order, zero‐order, and Peppas–Sahlin models in order to understand the mechanisms contributed. Finally, drug release mechanisms were specified by investigating the model correlation coefficients. Experimental results showed that increasing the flow rate and initial drug loads enhance drug liberation. In addition, the rate of release is more influenced by the drug dosage in the static state. The analysis revealed that diffusion, burst, and osmotic pressure are the principal mechanisms contributed. Moreover, Fickian type was the dominant mechanism at all duration of release. However, it was discovered using Peppas–Sahlin model that the contribution of the diffusion mechanism decreases with increasing flow rate and initial dosage. Furthermore, the tests at different drug dosages showed that the number of stages in medication release profile is independent of the flow rate and the medicine percentage. One can conclude that the drug release kinetic in static state is more influenced by drug dosage compared with dynamic state.
Assessment of various nano‐clays in bromobutyl rubber hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber blend for improved gas barrier applications
Authors: Aswathy T. R. , Bhattacharya Asit Baran , Dash Biswaranjan , Dey Pranab , Nair Sujith , Naskar Kinsuk 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFor the past few decades, butyl rubber (IIR) and its derivatives have been used primarily in air barrier applications. Recently other synthetic rubbers like hydrogenated acrylonitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) has attracted attention for its air barrier properties. A blend of brominated butyl rubber (BIIR) and HNBR can be a potential and novel material with improved technical features as well as excellent processing behavior. In this article, laponite (RD) and bentonite (MT) nano‐clays have been used to prepare BIIR‐HNBR blend based nanocomposites. A detailed investigation of nanocomposite morphology has been done using the transmission electron microscope results. The improvement in terms of mechanical and gas barrier properties of BIIR‐HNBR nano‐clay composites over BIIR‐carbon black composites have been explored in detail. The air impermeability of BIIR‐HNBR blends shows a 20% improvement compared to the reference composite. The results clearly demonstrate the usefulness and effectiveness of the material in gas barrier applications.
Incorporation of methacryloisobutyl POSS in bio‐based copolymers by nitroxide mediated polymerization in organic solution and miniemulsion
Authors: Tajbakhsh Saeid , Hajiali Faezeh , Marić Milan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, nitroxide mediated polymerization of methacryloisobutyl POSS (POSSMA) and bio‐sourced monomers: isobornyl methacrylate (IBOMA) and C13 methacrylate (C13MA, an alkyl methacrylate with an average chain length of 13 units) was conducted in solution (toluene) and miniemulsion. BlocBuilder‐MA (with 10 mol% acrylonitrile [AN] controlling co‐monomer, for the solvent‐based system) and Dispolreg 007 (for the miniemulsion) were used as the alkoxyamine for initiation and controlling the polymerization. POSSMA/IBOMA/C13MA effective terpolymerization (having 10 mol% AN controlling co‐monomer) with monomer conversion (X) <72% in toluene resulted in resins with Mn up to 21.3 kg mol−1 and Ð < 1.67. Next, terpolymerizations were conducted in dispersed aqueous media to completely remove the organic solvent, resulting in polymers with Mn up to 46.7 kg mol−1 and Ð < 1.65. The successful chain extension of poly(IBOMA/AN) with a mixture of POSSMA/C13MA/AN (Mn = 74.1 kg mol−1 and Ð = 1.55) showed high chain‐end fidelity, exemplified by a clear, monomodal shift in the GPC chromatogram from the macroinitiator. Finally, it was shown that the addition of 20 mol% POSSMA improved the decomposition temperature of bio‐based polymers of IBOMA/C13MA by 15%.
Synthesis of a novel organic–inorganic hybrid flame retardant based on Ca(H2PO4)2 and hexachlorocyclotriphosphazene and its performance in polyvinyl alcohol
Authors: Zhang Dan , Meng Dehai , Ma Zhongying , Zhang Zhihao , Ning Haozhe , Wang Yuhua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo optimize the poor thermal stability and flammable of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), a novel environmental‐friendly organic–inorganic hybrid flame retardant Ca(H2PO4)2@HCCP was successfully designed and synthesized via surface treatment technology and used to advance the flame retardancy of PVA. The thermogravimetric analysis implied that Ca(H2PO4)2@HCCP can enhance significantly the thermal stability and char forming ability of PVA. Combustion results demonstrate that Ca(H2PO4)2@HCCP could effectively suppress the melt dripping of PVA in the process of combustion. The presence of Ca(H2PO4)2@HCCP can sharply reduce peak heat release rate and the total heat release up to 75% and 22.9%, respectively, in the microscale combustion calorimeter measurement. The results manifested that Ca(H2PO4)2@HCCP could endow PVA with superior flame retardancy. Moreover, char residues analysis explained the flame retardant mechanism in condensed and gas phase, which is mainly attributed to the strong catalytic char formation, free radical trapping, and gas barrier effect. Therefore, the green flame retardant has great applications prospect in fire safety.
BALB/c mice infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis: A new model for demyelination in the brain
Authors: Xiong Huihui , Zhou Zongpu , Wu Zhongdao , Feng Ying , Xie Fukang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this study, we present a new model for demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). BALB/c mice were infected with Angiostrongylus cantonensis and analyzed 7, 14, and 21 days postinfection. Neurological scale evaluation, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), histology, real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting were all performed on days 7, 14, and 21. The results showed that the neurological functions and weight of A. cantonensis‐infected mice decreased markedly after 21 days of infection. MRI showed subdural effusion and white high signals in the corpus callosum in both T1WI and T2WI, while hematoxylin and eosin and luxol fast blue staining showed hemorrhage and demyelination in the corpus callosum. Transmission electron microscopy revealed that the ultrastructure of the myelin sheath in the corpus callosum was dispersed or disintegrated. The percentage of myelinated axons was significantly decreased, and the g‐ratio was lower than that in the normal group. Both protein and mRNA levels of myelin basic protein decreased markedly at 21 days postinfection. Immunofluorescence revealed that the number of CC1 positive cells in the corpus callosum also decreased, which confirmed the damage of A. cantonensis to oligodendrocytes. Our experiments confirmed that A. cantonensis infection caused demyelination in the CNS of BALB/c mice after 21 days, and its clinical manifestations and pathological changes were similar to those of multiple sclerosis and other CNS demyelination models. Thus, mice infected with A. cantonensis could be used as a new model to study acute demyelination of the CNS.
A multi‐country study of prevalence and early childhood mortality among children with omphalocele
Authors: Nembhard Wendy N. , Bergman Jorieke E. H. , Politis Maria D. , Arteaga‐Vázquez Jazmín , Bermejo‐Sánchez Eva , Canfield Mark A. , Cragan Janet D. , Dastgiri Saeed , de Walle Hermien E. K. , Feldkamp Marcia L. , Nance Amy , Gatt Miriam , Groisman Boris , Hurtado‐Villa Paula , Kallén Kärin , Landau Danielle , Lelong Nathalie , Lopez‐Camelo Jorge , Martinez Laura , Morgan Margery , Pierini Anna , Rissmann Anke , Šípek Antonin , Szabova Elena , Tagliabue Giovanna , Wertelecki Wladimir , Zarante Ignacio , Bakker Marian K. , Kancherla Vijaya , Mastroiacovo Pierpaolo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundOmphalocele is the second most common abdominal birth defect and often occurs with other structural and genetic defects. The objective of this study was to determine omphalocele prevalence, time trends, and mortality during early childhood, by geographical region, and the presence of associated anomalies.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study with 23 birth defect surveillance systems in 18 countries who are members of the International Clearinghouse for Birth Defects Surveillance and Research that submitted data on cases ascertained from 2000 through 2012, approximately 16 million pregnancies were surveyed that resulted in live births, stillbirths, or elective terminations of pregnancy for fetal anomalies (ETOPFA) and cases with omphalocele were included. Overall prevalence and mortality rates for specific ages were calculated (day of birth, neonatal, infant, and early childhood). We used Kaplan–Meier estimates with 95% confidence intervals (CI) to calculate cumulative mortality and joinpoint regression for time trend analyses.ResultsThe prevalence of omphalocele was 2.6 per 10,000 births (95% CI: 2.5, 2.7) and showed no temporal change from 2000–2012 (average annual percent change = −0.19%, p = .52). The overall mortality rate was 32.1% (95% CI: 30.2, 34.0). Most deaths occurred during the neonatal period and among children with multiple anomalies or syndromic omphalocele. Prevalence and mortality varied by registry type (e.g., hospital‐ vs. population‐based) and inclusion or exclusion of ETOPFA.ConclusionsThe prevalence of omphalocele showed no temporal change from 2000–2012. Approximately one‐third of children with omphalocele did not survive early childhood with most deaths occurring in the neonatal period.
Association of paternal smoking with the risk of neural tube defects in offspring: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of observational studies
Authors: Luo Liu , Diao Jingyi , Li Jinqi , Li Yihuan , Wang Tingting , Chen Letao , Zhang Senmao , Qin Jiabi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeThe present study aimed at providing some epidemiological evidences to assess the association of paternal smoking with the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs) and its specific subtypes in offspring, and explore the possible dose–response relationship between paternal smoking and risk of NTDs.MethodsEnglish and Chinese databases were systematically searched from 1984 to May 2020. Either a fixed‐ or a random‐effects model was used to calculate the overall combined risk estimates. We also examined the dose–response relationship between parental smoking and risk of NTDs in offspring. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses were conducted to explore possible sources of heterogeneity.ResultsA total of 10 case–control studies involving 2,593 cases of NTDs and 45,100 controls were included for analysis. Findings from our study showed that paternal smoking was significantly associated with risk of total NTDs (odds ratio [OR] = 1.68; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.48–1.92) and two subtypes including anencephaly (OR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.06–1.86) and encephaloceles (OR = 2.90; 95% CI: 1.00–8.41). Additionally, a linear dose–response relationship between paternal smoking and risk of NTDs was observed, which indicated that the risk of NTDs in offspring was significantly increased by 45% (OR = 1.45, 95% CI: 1.14–1.84) for each increment of half a pack of cigarettes per day. Sensitivity analyses yielded consistent results. No evidence of publication bias was found.ConclusionsPaternal smoking is significantly associated with the risk of NTDs in offspring. Therefore, it should be recommended that fathers quit smoking before pregnancy to prevent NTDs in offspring.
Investigation of thermoluminescence response and trapping parameters of natural barite samples from Dongargaon mine, India
Authors: Randive Kirtikumar , Pantawane Harshawardhini , Dora M.L. , Kadam Abhijeet R. , Jog Milind , Dhoble S.J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDosimetry is a technique that quantitatively measures the ionizing radiation absorbed by matter. The present study was conducted on the barites from a mine at Dongargaon in Central India. Morphological and structural analysis of proposed sample was carried out using X‐ray diffraction and standard error of the mean. Thermal analysis and chemical composition of the proposed sample were carried out using thermogravimetric analysis and differential thermal analysis, and electron probe microanalysis. Thermoluminescence (TL) studies on a natural barite sample were performed using a Nucleonix TL1009I TL reader following sample irradiation with γ‐rays generated from a 60Co irradiation source. A broad TL glow curve was observed after TL study that was then deconvoluted using TLanal deconvolution software. Trapping parameters from the sample such as activation energy (E), order of kinetics (b), and frequency factor (s) were calculated using Chen’s peak shape method, the initial rise method, and Ilich’s method. The results indicated that the natural barite sample could be used in high‐dose TL dosimetric applications in various fields.
Quantification of spinosyn A and spinosyn D in animal‐derived products using multiwalled carbon nanotubes coupled with LC–MS/MS for analysis
Authors: Rahman Md.Musfiqur , Abd El‐Aty A. M. , Ara Jo , Park Jong‐Hyouk , Kim Mi‐Ra , Eun Jong‐Bang , Shin Ho‐Chul , Shim Jae‐Han 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn analytical method was developed for the quantification of spinosad (sum of spinosyns A and D) in five animal‐derived products (chicken breast, pork, beef, egg, and milk) using LC–MS/MS. The sample was extracted using acetonitrile/1% acetic acid and a combination of magnesium sulfate and sodium acetate salts. The sample was purified using multiwalled carbon nanotubes as sorbent via a dispersive‐solid‐phase extraction procedure. Matrix‐matched calibration (seven‐point) provided good linearity with coefficient of determination (R2) ≥0.99 for each product. The limits of detection and quantification (LOQs) ranged between 0.0003–0.03 and 0.001–0.1 mg/kg, respectively. Method validation was carried out after spiking the target standard to blank matrices at the concentration levels of LOQ, 2 × LOQ, and 10 × LOQ with three replicates for each. The average recoveries were between 74 and 104%, with relative standard deviations ≤9.68, which were within the acceptable range designated by the international organizations. The developed method was successfully applied for monitoring market samples collected throughout the Korean Peninsula, and none of the samples tested positive for the target analytes. It has therefore been shown that dehydration and acidification were effective to extract spinosad from animal‐derived products.