bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced airborne sound absorption effect in poly(vinylidene fluoride)/(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3‐nanofiber composite foams
Authors: Mohamed Ayman M. , Yao Kui , Yousry Yasmin M. , Wang Junling , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroducing electrical conductive function to discharge local piezoelectric effect is found effective for improving airborne sound absorption performance. In this work, instead of conductive fillers, a composite with two piezoelectric materials with opposite piezoelectric responses was explored aiming at enhanced sound absorption effect. Open‐cell poly(vinylidene fluoride)/(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (PVDF/KNN)‐nanofiber composite foams were proposed and investigated for airborne sound absorption purpose. Structural and thermal analyses showed that the KNN nanofibers were well dispersed in the PVDF matrix and enhanced the degree of crystallinity of polar phase of PVDF. Significantly enhanced airborne sound absorption over a broad frequency range was observed in the PVDF/KNN‐nanofiber composite foams, with increasing KNN nanofibers. One possible mechanism for the improved sound absorption with the piezoelectric KNN nanofibers with positive piezoelectric coefficient added in the PVDF matrix with negative piezoelectric coefficient is that electrical discharge could be facilitated for energy dissipation with the opposite charges generated through the piezoelectric effects in the two phases with opposite polarity. The experimental results show that the open‐cell PVDF/KNN‐nanofiber composite foams are promising for broadband airborne sound absorption application, and our analysis shed a light on the strategy in designing piezoelectric composite foam with high sound absorption performance.
The effect of deoxyschizandrin on chronic unpredictable mild stress–induced depression
Authors: Ma Xinfei , Zhu Zhenhua , Guo Sheng , Duan Jinao 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe purpose of the present study was to evaluate the antidepressant effect of deoxyschizandrin (DEO) in chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS)–induced mice. The mice were subjected to CUMS paradigm for 8 weeks. From the sixth week, the mice were intragastrically treated with DEO once daily for continuous 3 weeks. The behavior tests including sucrose preference test (SPT), forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open field test were conducted. Additionally, the expressions of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p‐NF‐κBp65, NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, cleaved IL‐1β, GluR, and PSD95 in hippocampus were detected by western blot. The concentrations of IL‐6 and TNF‐α in hippocampus were determined by enzyme linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA). The dendritic spine density was observed by Golgi–Cox staining. As a result, the treatment with DEO relieved anhedonia in SPT, and reduced immobile duration in FST and TST. DEO treatment effectively attenuated the CUMS‐caused alterations of TLR4, MyD88, TRAF6, p‐NF‐κBp65, NLRP3, cleaved caspase‐1, cleaved IL‐1β, GluR, and PSD95. Furthermore, DEO could reduce the hippocampal inflammatory cytokine content and increase the density of dendritic spine. In conclusion, the present work indicated that DEO exhibited antidepressant effect on CUMS‐induced depressive mice, which was possible due to the TLR4/NF‐κB/NLRP3 pathway and the amelioration of dendritic spine density through GluR/PSD95 cascade.
Pulsed electromagnetic fields promote repair of focal articular cartilage defects with engineered osteochondral constructs
Authors: Stefani Robert M. , Barbosa Sofia , Tan Andrea R. , Setti Stefania , Stoker Aaron M. , Ateshian Gerard A. , Cadossi Ruggero , Vunjak‐Novakovic Gordana , Aaron Roy K. , Cook James L. , Bulinski J. Chloë , Hung Clark T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractArticular cartilage injuries are a common source of joint pain and dysfunction. We hypothesized that pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMFs) would improve growth and healing of tissue‐engineered cartilage grafts in a direction‐dependent manner. PEMF stimulation of engineered cartilage constructs was first evaluated in vitro using passaged adult canine chondrocytes embedded in an agarose hydrogel scaffold. PEMF coils oriented parallel to the articular surface induced superior repair stiffness compared to both perpendicular PEMF (p = .026) and control (p = .012). This was correlated with increased glycosaminoglycan deposition in both parallel and perpendicular PEMF orientations compared to control (p = .010 and .028, respectively). Following in vitro optimization, the potential clinical translation of PEMF was evaluated in a preliminary in vivo preclinical adult canine model. Engineered osteochondral constructs (∅ 6 mm × 6 mm thick, devitalized bone base) were cultured to maturity and implanted into focal defects created in the stifle (knee) joint. To assess expedited early repair, animals were assessed after a 3‐month recovery period, with microfracture repairs serving as an additional clinical control. In vivo, PEMF led to a greater likelihood of normal chondrocyte (odds ratio [OR]: 2.5, p = .051) and proteoglycan (OR: 5.0, p = .013) histological scores in engineered constructs. Interestingly, engineered constructs outperformed microfracture in clinical scoring, regardless of PEMF treatment (p < .05). Overall, the studies provided evidence that PEMF stimulation enhanced engineered cartilage growth and repair, demonstrating a potential low‐cost, low‐risk, noninvasive treatment modality for expediting early cartilage repair.
Constitutive accessibility of circulating proteins to hippocampal neurons in physiologically normal rats
Authors: Hamasaki Sawako , Mukuda Takao , Koyama Yuka , Nakane Hironobu , Kaidoh Toshiyuki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIntroductionAlthough the hippocampus (HIP) is thought impermeable to blood‐borne proteins because of the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), it was recently suggested to be susceptible to hydrophilic hormones. The present study determined the accessibility of blood‐borne signal molecules such as hormones to hippocampal neurons in physiologically normal rats.MethodsAs a probe for accessibility, Evans blue dye (EB) that rapidly binds to albumin (Alb), which is impermeable to the BBB, was injected intravenously. To increase the vascular permeability of the BBB, a daily single administration of angiotensin II (Ang II) was applied intravenously for seven consecutive days.ResultsFifteen minutes after the injection of EB, histological observation revealed that a number of neurons had entrapped and accumulated EB into their cell bodies in the hippocampal dentate gyrus in all rats. Of these, relatively large oval neurons (>15 µm) in the hilus and molecular layer showed parvalbumin immunopositivity, indicating they are GABAergic interneurons. The population of EB‐accumulating neurons (approximately 10 µm) were localized in the inner margin of the granule cell layer, suggesting they were granule cells. However, the number of EB‐positive neurons did not change in rats treated with Ang II compared with vehicle injection.ConclusionsThese findings suggest an intriguing possibility that blood‐derived proteins such as hormones have access to hippocampal neurons constitutively in the absence of stimuli that increase the vascular permeability of the BBB in a physiologically normal state.
Trichome Density in Relation to Volatiles Emission and 1,8‐Cineole Synthase Gene Expression in Thymus albicans Vegetative and Reproductive Organs
Authors: Marques Natália T. , Filipe Alexandra , Pinto Patrícia , Barroso José , Trindade Helena , Power Deborah M. , Figueiredo Ana Cristina 
Published: January 2020

Abstract1,8‐Cineole is the main volatile produced by Thymus albicans Hoffmanns. & Link 1,8‐cineole chemotype. To understand the contribution of distinct plant organs to the high 1,8‐cineole production, trichome morphology and density, as well as emitted volatiles and transcriptional expression of the 1,8‐cineole synthase (CIN) gene were determined separately for T. albicans leaves, bracts, calyx, corolla and inflorescences. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and stereoscope microscopy observations showed the highest peltate trichome density in leaves and bracts, significantly distinct from calyx and corolla. T. albicans volatiles were collected by solid phase micro extraction (SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) and by GC for component identification and quantification, respectively. Of the 23 components identified, 1,8‐cineole was the dominant volatile (57–93 %) in all T. albicans plant organs. The relative amounts of emitted volatiles clearly separated vegetative from reproductive organs. Gene expression of CIN was assigned to all organs analyzed and was consistent with the relatively high emission of 1,8‐cineole in leaves and bracts. Further studies will be required to analyze monoterpenoid biosynthesis by each type of glandular trichome.
Development of Highly Stable Low Ni Content Catalyst for Dry Reforming of CH4‐Rich Feedstocks
Authors: Ha Quan Luu Manh , Lund Henrik , Kreyenschulte Carsten , Bartling Stephan , Atia Hanan , Vuong Than Huyen , Wohlrab Sebastian , Armbruster Udo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHighly active and coking‐resistant Ni catalysts suited for the dry reforming of CH4‐rich gases (70 vol %, e. g. biogas or sour natural gas) were prepared starting from a Mg‐rich Mg−Al hydrotalcite support precursor. Calcination at 1000 °C yields two phases, MgO and MgAl2O4 spinel. Complexation‐deposition of Ni with citric acid on the preformed support as well as lanthanum addition yields a catalyst with remarkably low carbon accumulation over 100 h on stream attributed to both high Ni dispersion and preferred interactions of Ni with MgO on MgAl2O4.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Co‐doped Carbon Nanosheets for Electrochemical Reduction of CO2
Authors: Wang Genxiang , Liu Mengyan , Jia Jingchun , Xu Huimin , Zhao Baisheng , Lai Keyuan , Tu Chaoyang , Wen Zhenhai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractConversing CO2 into value‐added chemicals endows electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR) with the potential to tackle over issues induced by the increased CO2 level in the atmosphere. The associated technological viability of this process is highly dependent on exploring efficient electrocatalysts. In this work, we successfully synthesized nitrogen and sulfur co‐doped carbon nanosheets (NS‐CNSs), which are comprehensively characterized by a variety of characterization techniques. When used as the catalyst for CO2RR, the NS‐CNSs exhibit remarkably high catalytic activity and selectivity with a Faradaic efficiency of ∼85.4 % for CO production and long‐term durability. The superior performance of this material majorly originates from the unique nanosheets structure with large porosity and the co‐doped S and N in the nanosheets, which exposed larger electrochemical activity surface areas and more active sites for promoting CO2 reduction.
Mechanistic Insight into Energy‐Transfer Dynamics and Color Tunability of Na4CaSi3O9:Tb3+,Eu3+ for Warm White LEDs
Authors: He Jin , Yan Cheng , Huang Minmin , Shi Rui , Chen Yibo , Ling Chris D. , Liu Zhao‐Qing 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this work, a latent energy‐transfer process in traditional Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped phosphors is proposed and a new class of Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped Na4CaSi3O9 (NCSO) phosphors is presented which is enabled by luminescence decay dynamics that optimize the electron‐transfer energy process. Relative to other Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped phosphors, the as‐synthesized Eu3+,Tb3+‐doped NCSO phosphors show improved large‐scale tunable emission color from green to red upon UV excitation, controlled by the Tb3+/Eu3+ doping ratio. Detailed spectroscopic measurements in the vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)/UV/Vis region were used to determine the Eu3+–O2− charge‐transfer energy, 4f–5d transition energies, and the energies of 4f excited multiplets of Eu3+ and Tb3+ with different 4fN electronic configurations. The Tb3+→Eu3+ energy‐transfer pathway in the co‐doped sample was systematically investigated, by employing luminescence decay dynamics analysis to elucidate the relevant energy‐transfer mechanism in combination with the appropriate model simulation. To demonstrate their application potential, a prototype white‐light‐emitting diode (WLED) device was successfully fabricated by using the yellow luminescence NCSO:0.03Tb3+, 0.05Eu3+ phosphor with high thermal stability and a BaMgAl10O17:Eu2+ phosphor in combination with a near‐UV chip. These findings open up a new avenue to realize and develop multifunctional high‐performance phosphors by manipulating the energy‐transfer process for practical applications.
A Lacunary Polyoxovanadate Precursor and Transition‐Metal‐Sandwiched Derivatives for Catalytic Oxidation of Sulfides
Authors: Wan Rong , He Peipei , Liu Zhen , Ma Xinyi , Ma Pengtao , Singh Vikram , Zhang Chao , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA SeO3‐centered lacunary Keggin‐type heteropolyoxovanadate (hetero‐POV) K6H2[SeV10O28(SeO3)3]⋅14 H2O (1) was isolated by one‐pot reaction of KVO3 and SeO2 under acidic conditions. X‐ray studies revealed that it comprised a single {VO5}‐capped trivacant B‐α‐type Keggin ion [SeV9O33(VO)]14− with its lacunary sites decorated by three {SeO3} pyramids. Interestingly, this new basic hetero‐POV building block was further used as a precursor to assemble with different transition‐metal (TM) ions, yielding a series of TM‐sandwiched POVs K6H8[(SeV10O28(SeO3)3)2(M(H2O)4)]⋅24 H2O (M2+=Mn2+ (2), Co2+ (3), Zn2+ (4)). All four compounds were characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray structure analysis, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), EPR, and 51V NMR spectroscopy. Importantly, three TM‐sandwiched derivatives exhibited effective catalytic activity for the heterogeneous oxidative desulfurization of sulfides at room temperature.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Aminotrifluoromethoxylation of Alkenes: Mechanistic Insight into the Effect of N‐Protecting Groups
Authors: Chen Chaohuang , Hou Chuanqi , Chen Pinhong , Liu Guosheng 
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionAn efficient palladium‐catalyzed regioselective 5‐exo aminotrifluoromethoxylation of alkenes has been established herein, which provides a practical route towards the synthesis of OCF3‐containing pyrrolidines. tert‐Butyloxycarbonyl (Boc) as an amino protecting group plays a significant role in both the chemo‐ and regioselectivities. In addition, preliminary mechanistic studies reveal that the amino protecting group of substrates and the counter anion of palladium catalyst play critical roles in reaction efficiency presumably due to an isomerization of alkyl‐ Pd(II) intermediates. Moreover, the asymmetric 5‐exo aminotrifluoromethoxylation reaction has also been achieved by introducing a sterically bulky pyridinyl‐oxazoline ligand.
Catalytic Enantioselective Formal Synthesis of MDM2 Antagonist RG7388 and Its Analogues
Authors: Zou Xue‐Jie , Yang Wu‐Lin , Zhu Jing‐Yan , Deng Wei‐Ping 
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionThe catalytic asymmetric 1,3‐dipolar [3 + 2] cycloaddition of azomethine ylides with stilbenes has been established, affording structurally diverse pyrrolidines bearing four contiguous stereocenters with stereo‐diversity in generally high yields and good to excellent stereoselectivities (up to 98% yield, 99 : 1 dr, >99% ee). Meanwhile, this strategy allowed the formal synthesis of antitumor drug RG7388 (Phase III clinical study) and its analogues in high efficiency.
Detection of freshwater mussels (Unionidae) using environmental DNA in riverine systems
Authors: Gasparini Louis , Crookes Steve , Prosser Ryan S. , Hanner Robert 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) methods are being developed for use in conservation biology to improve upon conventional species survey techniques. Validation of eDNA methods in different environmental contexts is required if they are to be widely adopted. One potential application of eDNA methods is for the detection of freshwater mussels (Bivalvia: Unionidae), which are among the most imperiled species in North America. Conventional unionid survey methods are highly invasive and can be difficult to conduct due to issues with morphological identification and their cryptic use of habitat. eDNA methods can potentially provide a non‐invasive, extremely specific, and highly sensitive alternative. Here, we examine the effectiveness of eDNA methods at detecting an imperiled unionid, the wavy‐rayed lampmussel (Lampsilis fasciola), in lotic systems with moderate discharge. We developed a novel qPCR assay for the detection of L. fasciola eDNA, which included a custom internal positive control to check for PCR inhibition. We used different experimental densities of caged L. fasciola specimens as a point source of eDNA within two rivers of the Grand River watershed in Southern Ontario. Sampling occurred at set distances downstream of the cage using purpose‐built sampling equipment. Detection was obtained at the cage (i.e., point of eDNA shedding) but not downstream at distances ≥10 m during stream discharges of approximately 1,632–2,332 L/s. The results indicate that eDNA is diluted rapidly in rivers with moderate discharge and that high‐resolution spatial sampling efforts may be necessary to obtain meaningful eDNA‐based distribution data of unionids, and other sessile organisms, present at low density in lotic systems.
Cellular and molecular mechanisms of antifungal innate immunity at epithelial barriers: The role of C‐type lectin receptors
Authors: Borriello Francesco , Zanoni Ivan , Granucci Francesca 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHumans are constantly exposed to fungi, either in the form of commensals at epithelial barriers or as inhaled spores. Innate immune cells play a pivotal role in maintaining commensal relationships and preventing skin, mucosal, or systemic fungal infections due to the expression of pattern recognition receptors that recognize fungal cell wall components and modulate both their activation status and the ensuing adaptive immune response. Commensal fungi also play a critical role in the modulation of homeostasis and disease susceptibility at epithelial barriers. This review will outline cellular and molecular mechanisms of anti‐fungal innate immunity focusing on C‐type lectin receptors and their relevance in the context of host‐fungi interactions at skin and mucosal surfaces in murine experimental models as well as patients susceptible to fungal infections.
Probing the mechanisms underpinning recovery in post‐surgical patients with cervical radiculopathy using Bayesian networks
Authors: Liew Bernard X. W. , Peolsson Anneli , Scutari Marco , Löfgren Hakan , Wibault Johanna , Dedering Åsa , Öberg Birgitta , Zsigmond Peter , Falla Deborah 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundRehabilitation approaches should be based on an understanding of the mechanisms underpinning functional recovery. Yet, the mediators that drive an improvement in post‐surgical pain‐related disability in individuals with cervical radiculopathy (CR) are unknown. The aim of the present study is to use Bayesian networks (BN) to learn the probabilistic relationships between physical and psychological factors, and pain‐related disability in CR.MethodsWe analysed a prospective cohort dataset of 201 post‐surgical individuals with CR. In all, 15 variables were used to build a BN model: age, sex, neck muscle endurance, neck range of motion, neck proprioception, hand grip strength, self‐efficacy, catastrophizing, depression, somatic perception, arm pain intensity, neck pain intensity and disability.ResultsA one point increase in a change of self‐efficacy at 6 months was associated with a 0.09 point decrease in a change in disability at 12 months (t = −64.09, p < .001). Two pathways led to a change in disability: a direct path leading from a change in self‐efficacy at 6 months to disability, and an indirect path which was mediated by neck and arm pain intensity changes at 6 and 12 months.ConclusionsThis is the first study to apply BN modelling to understand the mechanisms of recovery in post‐surgical individuals with CR. Improvements in pain‐related disability was directly and indirectly driven by changes in self‐efficacy levels. The present study provides potentially modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials. BN models could increase the precision of treatment and outcome assessment of individuals with CR.SignificanceUsing Bayesian Network modelling, we found that changes in self‐efficacy levels at 6‐month post‐surgery directly and indirectly influenced the change in disability in individuals with CR. A mechanistic understanding of recovery provides potentially modifiable mediators that could be the target of future intervention trials.
The Mn‐zeolite/Graphite Modified Glassy Carbon Electrode: Fabrication, Characterization and Analytical Applications
Authors: Porada Radosław , Fendrych Katarzyna , Baś Bogusław 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this work, low‐cost and environmentally friendly natural zeolite exchanged with Mn2+ cations was used for the first time to modify the glassy carbon electrode with the aim to obtain a fast and simple sensor for voltammetric determination of paracetamol (PAR). The Mn‐zeolite/graphite modified glassy carbon electrode (MnZG−GCE) was prepared by evaporation of solvent from dispersion of the zeolite/graphite mixture with the polymer in acetone. The electrochemical characteristics of MnZG−GCE were conducted by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. Compared with graphite modified GCE (G−GCE), MnZG−GCE exhibited better electrochemical parameters, which confirms the superiority of applying zeolite in the proposed sensor. The optimization of the pH‐value of supporting electrolyte and instrumental parameters were carried out. The peak current was proportional to the concentration of PAR in a phosphate buffer saline of pH 6.0 in the range from 0.029 to 0.69 mg L−1 (R=0.9997) with limit of detection of 8.8 μg L−1. Finally, the proposed electrode was successfully applied to determine the paracetamol in pharmaceutical formulation and certified reference materials. The satisfactory recoveries, which ranged from 89.2 to 102.7 %, were obtained for all studied samples. It confirmed the attractiveness of relatively inexpensive, easy to fabricate and non‐toxic MnZG−GCE in determination of PAR in complicated matrixes.
Aggressively delivered mechanism over variable length density using a simulated annealing algorithm in mobile ad hoc network
Authors: Sundar R. , Kathirvel A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn a mobile ad hoc network, a node moves dynamically without any centralized control. Each node has its autonomous behavior to perform route discovery and packet forwarding. Ad hoc on‐demand distance vectors establish the path, and there may be path loss due to rapid node mobility. When all paths become unavailable, route discovery is done once again, but it may lead to routing overhead and delay in transmission. A novel approach of dynamic clustering mechanism with nondeterministic simulated (DCHA) technique is implemented to avoid path loss and to establish a stable link between the source and the destination. Dynamic clusters are organized along the path based on the local minimum and the global minimum of mobile nodes. So, every problem that you are solving needs to have a way to describe goodness of the solution. Local minimum to applying an algorithm like this to solve the problem is to be careful and check whether sufficient neighbor nodes are available; on the other hand, global minimum is based on the way in which the configuration of systems changes every time during exploitation and exploration. In the proposed algorithm be simulated in NS2 with evaluating through the path stability is maintained and further route discovery is eliminated.