bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gradient structure polyimide/graphene composite aerogels fabricated by layer‐by‐layer assembly and unidirectional freezing
Authors: Dai Tianwen , Yu Zhi , Yuan Shuaiwei , Zou Huawei , Liu Pengbo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work, gradient polyimide (PI)/graphene composite aerogels were prepared with poly(amic acid) ammonium salt/graphene aqueous solution through layer‐by‐layer assembly, unidirectional freezing, freezing drying, and thermal imidization process. Each layer of gradient PI aerogels was consisted of oriented channel‐like pores along the freezing direction. The gradient PI/graphene composite aerogels exhibited anisotropic conductivity and heat transfer property. The conductivity of composite aerogels in the perpendicular direction of oriented channel‐like pores was higher than that along the direction of oriented pores. The heat transfer from the high‐density end to the low‐density end of gradient density composite aerogels was faster. Compared with those of homogeneous composite aerogel with same density, the compression yield stress of gradient density composite aerogels obviously decreased, and their compression platform region also obviously shortened. Moreover, when the compressive strain exceeded 35%, the compressive strength of gradient composite aerogel with more layers was much higher.
Influence of modified ammonium polyphosphate on the fire behavior and mechanical properties of polyformaldehyde
Authors: Kang Xinglong , Liu Yan , Chen Ningxuan , Feng Weili , Liu Baoying , Xu Yuanqing , Li Jiantong , Ding Tao , Fang Xiaomin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn this work, three kinds of APP, coated with melamine (MF‐APP), silane (GW‐APP), epoxy (MC‐APP) were employed to compound with novolac resin (Novolac) and melamine (ME), aimed to study the effect of the modified APP on the flame‐retardant performance, mechanical properties, and thermal stability of polyformaldehyde (POM). The results showed that composites with modified APP exhibited better flame retardant and mechanical performance than that with unmodified APP. In contrast, GW‐APP had the best synergistic effect with Novolac and ME, and POM/GW‐APP composites reached UL‐94 V‐0 rating and its limit oxygen index (LOI) value was up to 34.0%. The morphology of the carbon layer showed that the silane coating material can promote the charring process in condensed phase better than epoxy and melamine coating materials in flame retardant POM system, leading to the formation of integrated char layers with more quantity and higher quality, which effectively delayed the mass and heat transfer during combustion.
3D‐Printed thermoplastic polyurethane/graphene composite with porous segregated structure: Toward ultralow percolation threshold and great strain sensitivity
Authors: Mei Shuxiang , Zhang Xiaomeng , Ding Bowen , Wang Jiqiang , Yang Pengfei , She Haibo , Cui Zhe , Liu Minying , Pang Xinchang , Fu Peng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLow‐percolation threshold and large deformation capacity are two critical attributes of the strain sensor, which determine its sensitivity and stability respectively. However, endowing these two attributes to the strain sensor simultaneously is still a great challenge in this field. In this work, the strain sensor with the three‐dimensional porous segregated structure constructed by graphene wrapped thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) particles was fabricated successfully through the selective laser sintering technology. Results demonstrated that the percolation threshold of the composite is only 0.2 wt% and the strain gage factor can reach as high as 668.3, which represents the excellent sensitivity of the strain sensor. Furthermore, after 10 circles of stretching at the 15% strain, resistance‐strain behavior of the strain sensor shows great repeatable, which represents the remarkable stability. Therefore, the highly sensible and stable strain sensor was fabricated successfully, which will provide the guidance for the manufacture of the high‐performance strain sensor.
Isolation and characterization of cellulose nanowhiskers from Acacia caesia plant
Authors: Thomas Seena K. , Begum P. M. Sabura , Midhun Dominic C. D. , Salim Nisa V. , Hameed Nishar , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart , Parameswaranpillai Jyotishkumar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAcacia caesia (L.) Willd (soap bark) fiber is an abundant natural resource, that is rich in cellulose. The study reports the effective utilization of underutilized Acacia caesia fiber for the isolation of nanocellulose whiskers. The nanocellulose whiskers were isolated successfully from Acacia caesia fibers by following alkali, bleaching, and sulfuric acid treatment. The obtained nanocellulose whiskers were carefully investigated for its chemical composition, structure, morphology, crystallinity, and thermal stability. The chemical composition and Fourier transform infrared spectra of nanocellulose whiskers showed the elimination of the non‐cellulosic parts present in the raw Acacia caesia fibers. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed an upsurge in the crystallinity of the cellulose fibers after the chemical treatments. The isolation of nanocellulose whiskers from Acacia caesia raw fiber was confirmed by electron microscopy analysis. The thermogravimetric analysis showed remarkably high char residue for the nanocellulose whiskers compared to raw fibers. Based on the properties of nanocellulose whiskers, it can be concluded that the nanocellulose whiskers produced from Acacia caesia raw fibers are potential reinforcing material for developing high‐performance green composites.
A gene silencing of V‐ATPase subunit A interferes with survival and development of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta
Authors: Rahmani Shima , Bandani Ali R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi) technology is not only considered as a tool to analyze gene function, but it is also potentially considered as a strategy to develop novel biopesticide. In the current study, a double‐stranded RNA specific to v‐ATPase subunit A of the tomato leafminer, Tuta absoluta (Meyrick; Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae), was orally administered. A gradual decrease in the expression of the gene was observed from Day 1 to 3 and resulted in significant larval mortality. These results suggest that v‐ATPases A can be considered as a promising target gene by RNAi technology to be used in the management of the tomato leafminer.
CO2‐Assisted Fabrication of Defect‐Engineered Carbon Nitride for Enhanced Electrocatalytic Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zhao Xinhui , Xue Zhimin , Tan Xingxing , Liu Zhenghui , Chen Wenjun , Zhang Baolong , Yang Yuechao , Mu Tiancheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHere, a defect‐engineered carbon nitride (DCN) electrocatalyst has been synthesized by directly annealing of a rationally designed urea precursor. The existence of defect sites was investigated by detailed characterizations. When loading a small amount of Ru nanoparticles, the obtained DCN catalyst offers excellent catalytic activity for electrochemical hydrogen evolution reaction.
Comparing computer‐based training and lecture formats to teach visual analysis of baseline‐treatment graphs
Authors: O'Grady Alexandra C. , Reeve Sharon A. , Reeve Kenneth F. , Vladescu Jason C. , Deshais Meghan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAccurate analysis of data is vital to the validation of interventions. As such, there has been a recent increase in studies evaluating visual analysis training procedures. However, past investigations have not evaluated direct and indirect visual analysis training methods with matched instructional content that was systematically designed. Furthermore, training has rarely included assessment of generalization and maintenance of visual analysis skills. The purpose of the current dissertation study was to compare the effectiveness and efficiency of (a) computer‐based training, (b) lecture formats with and (c) without the opportunity to pause, and (d) a no‐training group to teach visual analysis of AB graphs to university students. To make these formats directly comparable, the instructional content was equated by ensuring information and examples were identical across the three training procedures. Eighty‐three students were randomly assigned to one of the four groups. Results showed that all three training formats produced increases in accurate responding compared to the no‐training group. Visual analysis skills generalized to novel graphs and maintained approximately 2 weeks following all trainings. These results suggest that structured approaches that are carefully designed to train visual analysis are effective and lead to gains that generalize and maintain in the absence of training.
Microscopy‐guided laser ablation for the creation of complex skin models with folliculoid appendages
Authors: Abreu Carla M. , Gasperini Luca , Lago Manuela E. L. , Reis Rui L. , Marques Alexandra P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEngineering complex tissues requires the use of advanced biofabrication techniques that allow the replication of the tissue's 3D microenvironment, architecture and cellular interactions. In the case of skin, the most successful strategies to introduce the complexity of hair follicle (HF) appendages have highlighted the importance of facilitating direct interaction between dermal papilla (DP) cells and keratinocytes (KCs) in organotypic skin models. In this work, we took advantage of microscopy‐guided laser ablation (MGLA) to microfabricate a fibroblast‐populated collagen hydrogel and create a subcompartment that guides the migration of KCs and lead their interaction with DP cells to recreate follicular structures. Upon definition of the processing parameters (laser incidence area and power), MGLA was used to create 3D microchannels from the surface of a standard organotypic human skin model up to the aggregates containing DP cells and KCs, previously incorporated into the dermal‐like fibroblast‐collagen layer. Analysis of the constructs showed that the fabricated microfeatures successfully guided the fusion between epidermal and aggregates keratinocytes, which differentiated into follicular‐like structures within the organotypic human skin model, increasing its functionality. In summary, we demonstrate the fabrication of a highly structured 3D hydrogel‐based construct using MGLA to attain a complex skin model bearing folliculoid structures, highlighting its potential use as an in vitro platform to study the mechanisms controlling HF development or for the screening of bioactive substances.
CuO{001} as the Most Active Exposed Facet for Allylic Oxidation of Cyclohexene via a Greener Route
Authors: Mal Diptangshu Datta , Kundu Joyjit , Pradhan Debabrata 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAllylic oxidation of olefins to α,β‐unsaturated carbonyl compounds, especially2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one, by the oxidation of cyclohexene is a prime chemical transformation in the organic industry due to its immense application as an intermediate in the synthesis of fine chemicals, pharmaceutical products, and perfumery products. Herein, we demonstrate microstructured copper oxide (CuO) as an efficient catalyst to oxidize cyclohexene to 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐oneand other value‐added intermediates in the presence of aerobic molecular oxygen as oxidant at 80 °C with outstanding conversion of cyclohexene and high selectivity towards 2‐cyclohexen‐1‐one. CuO with diverse shapes was synthesized by a one‐step hydrothermal method. CuO plates (PLs) and flowers (FLs) were obtained by varying the ammonia and sodium hydroxide concentration, and CuO spheres (SPs) and hollow spheres (HSs) were prepared by varying the urea concentration. Under optimized conditions, the CuO FL2 catalyst shows the highest conversion of cyclohexene (97.6 %) due to its smaller size, higher surface charge, and high‐energy {001} exposed facets. Reaction parameters such as reaction temperature, reaction duration, and catalyst concentration were varied to obtain the optimal reaction conditions for cyclohexene oxidation. Moreover, the CuO FL2 catalyst was recycled several times without any significant loss of catalytic activity, which ascertains recyclability and high stability of the catalyst for industrial use.
Nitrogen‐Deficient Graphitic Carbon Nitride/Carbon Nanotube as Polysulfide Barrier of High‐Performance Lithium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Ma Heng , Song Cailing , Liu Ning , Zhao Yan , Bakenov Zhumabay 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLithium‐sulfur (Li−S) batteries have been attracting growing interest in the past few years due to their outstanding theoretical energy density, but the lower cycle performance and especially the migration of polysulfides significantly inhibited its applicability. Herein, we propose a novel strategy for trapping lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) by combining nitrogen‐deficient graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4–x) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) to form a functional interlayer between the separator and sulfur cathode in Li−S batteries. The defect chemistry present in g‐C3N4–x not only improves the chemical affinity toward polysulfides but also catalyzes the polysulfide reactions. Besides, the interwoven scaffold‐like CNT network in the g‐C3N4–x/CNT composite accelerates the process of electron transfer. Based on this synergistic effect, the cells with g‐C3N4–x/CNT‐modified separators showed a remarkable discharge capacity of 1128 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C, and a reversible capacity of 774 mAh g−1 after 100 cycles, indicating an efficient strategy toward high‐performance modified separators.
SWI/SNF‐deficiency defines highly aggressive undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma
Authors: Tessier‐Cloutier Basile , Coatham Mackenzie , Carey Mark , Nelson Gregg S , Hamilton Sarah , Lum Amy , Soslow Robert A , Stewart Colin JR , Postovit Lynne M , Köbel Martin , Lee Cheng‐Han 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDedifferentiated/undifferentiated endometrial carcinoma (DDEC/UEC) is an endometrial cancer characterized by the presence of histologically undifferentiated carcinoma. Genomic inactivation of core switch/sucrose nonfermentable (SWI/SNF) complex proteins was recently identified in approximately two‐thirds of DDEC/UEC. The aim of this study was to delineate the clinical behavior of SWI/SNF‐deficient DDEC/UEC in comparison to SWI/SNF‐intact DDEC/UEC. The study cohort consisted of 56 SWI/SNF‐deficient DDEC/UEC (2 POLE‐mutated), which showed either SMARCA4 (BRG1) loss, ARID1A/1B co‐loss, or SMARCB1 (INI1) loss in the undifferentiated tumor, and 26 SWI/SNF‐intact DDEC/UEC (4 POLE‐mutated). The average age at diagnosis was 61 years for patients with SWI/SNF‐deficient tumors and 64 years for SWI/SNF‐intact tumors. Mismatch repair (MMR) protein deficiency was seen in 66% of SWI/SNF‐deficient and 50% of SWI/SNF‐intact tumors. At initial presentation, 55% of patients with SWI/SNF‐deficient tumors had extrauterine disease spread in contrast to 38% of patients with SWI/SNF‐intact tumors. The 2‐year disease specific survival (DSS) for stages I and II disease was 65% for SWI/SNF deficient tumors relative to 100% for SWI/SNF‐intact tumors (p = 0.042). For patients with stages III and IV disease, the median survival was 4 months for SWI/SNF‐deficient tumors compared to 36 months for SWI/SNF‐intact tumors (p = 0.0003). All six patients with POLE‐mutated tumors, including one with stage IV SWI/SNF‐deficient tumor were alive with no evidence of disease. Among the patients with advanced stage SWI/SNF‐deficient tumors, 68% (21 of 31) received adjuvant or neoadjuvant chemotherapy (platinum/taxane‐based) and all except the patient with a POLE‐mutated tumor (20 of 21) experienced disease progression either during chemotherapy or within 4 months after its completion. These findings show that core SWI/SNF‐deficiency defines a highly aggressive group of undifferentiated cancer characterized by rapid disease progression that is refractory to conventional platinum/taxane‐based chemotherapy. This underscores the importance of accurate clinical recognition of this aggressive tumor and the need to consider alternative systemic therapy for these tumors.
Myofibril assembly and the roles of the ubiquitin proteasome system
Authors: Wang Jushuo , Fan Yingli , Dube Syamalima , Agassy Nicodeme Wanko , Dube Dipak K. , Sanger Jean M. , Sanger Joseph W. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDe novo assembly of myofibrils in vertebrate cross‐striated muscles progresses in three distinct steps, first from a minisarcomeric alignment of several nonmuscle and muscle proteins in premyofibrils, followed by insertions of additional proteins and increased organization in nascent myofibrils, ending with mature contractile myofibrils. In a search for controls of the process of myofibril assembly, we discovered that the transition from nascent to mature myofibrils could be halted by inhibitors of three distinct functions of the ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS). First, inhibition of pathway to E3 Cullin ligases that ubiquitinate proteins led to an arrest of myofibrillogenesis at the nascent myofibril stage. Second, inhibition of p97 protein extractions of ubiquitinated proteins led to a similar arrest of myofibrillogenesis at the nascent myofibril stage. Third, inhibitors of proteolytic action by proteasomes also blocked nascent myofibrils from transitioning to mature myofibrils. In contrast, inhibitors of autophagy or lysosomes did not affect myofibrillogenesis. To probe for differences in the effects of UPS inhibitors during myofibrillogenesis, we analyzed by fluorescence recovery after photobleaching the exchange rates of two selected sarcomeric proteins (muscle myosin II heavy chains and light chains). In the presence of p97 and proteasomal inhibitors, the dynamics of each of these two myosin proteins decreased in the nascent myofibril stage, but were unaffected in the mature myofibril stage. The increased stability of myofibrils occurring in the transition from nascent to mature myofibril assembly indicates the importance of dynamics and selective destruction in the muscle myosin II proteins for the remodeling of nascent to mature myofibrils.
Peptide‐Mimicking Poly(2‐oxazoline)s Displaying Potent Antimicrobial Properties
Authors: Zhou Min , Jiang Weinan , Xie Jiayang , Zhang Wenjing , Ji Zhemin , Zou Jingcheng , Cong Zihao , Xiao Ximian , Gu Jiawei , Liu Runhui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPoly(2‐oxazoline)s have excellent biocompatibility and have been used as FDA‐approved indirect food additives. The inert property of the hydrophilic poly(2‐oxazoline)s suggests them as promising substitutes for poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) in various applications such as anti‐biofouling agents. It was recently reported that poly(2‐oxazoline)s themselves have antimicrobial properties as synthetic mimics of host defense peptides. These studies revealed the bioactive properties of poly(2‐oxazoline)s as a new class of functional peptide mimics, by mimicking host defense peptides to display potent and selective antimicrobial activities against methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus both in vitro and in vivo, without concerns about antimicrobial resistance. The high structural diversity, facile synthesis, and potent and tunable antimicrobial properties underscore the great potential of poly(2‐oxazoline)s as a class of novel antimicrobial agents in dealing with drug‐resistant microbial infections and antimicrobial resistance.
Methodology for synthesis of high‐gain step‐up DC–DC converters based on differential connections
Authors: Salvador Marcos A. , de Andrade Jessika M. , Lazzarin Telles B. , Coelho Roberto F. 
Published: October 2020

SummaryThis paper presents a new methodology for synthesis of high‐gain step‐up DC–DC converters. This methodology is based on the differential connection of two basic non‐isolated DC–DC converters, in which the output voltages are respectively positive and negative with reference to a common terminal. Any load connected between these positive and negative terminals is subjected to a differential voltage equivalent to the sum of the voltages individually synthetized by each basic converter. When only non‐isolated basic DC–DC converters (boost, buck–boost, Ćuk, single‐ended primary‐inductor converter, and Zeta) are considered, six differential converters may be derived by the proposed methodology; nevertheless, voltage lifting techniques based on gain cells can also be applied to further extend the gain, resulting in others high‐gain topologies. Besides the proposition of the methodology, the paper investigates the operating principle of the derived converters under different modulation strategies, evaluates the possibility of eliminating redundant components after integration, and correlates the obtained converters with already existing topologies. In fact, it is demonstrated that several high‐gain step‐up DC–DC converters previously published could be addressed as particular cases of differential connections of basic converters. Experimental results are presented to validate the methodology herein proposed.
Tocilizumab monotherapy uncovered the role of the CCL22/17‐CCR4+ Treg axis during remission of crescentic glomerulonephritis
Authors: Sakai Ryota , Ito Minako , Yoshimoto Keiko , Chikuma Shunsuke , Kurasawa Takahiko , Kondo Tsuneo , Suzuki Katsuya , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Amano Koichi , Yoshimura Akihiko 
Published: October 2020

AbstractObjectivesTocilizumab (TCZ) is a humanised anti‐interleukin (IL)‐6 receptor (IL‐6R) monoclonal antibody that is a promising agent to treat various autoimmune diseases. However, the mechanism of TCZ efficacy is unclear. This study aims to elucidate the relationship between Tregs and IL‐6R blockade in autoimmunity‐mediated renal disease based on a TCZ‐treated cohort of patients with anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV) and in an experimental model of crescentic glomerulonephritis (cGN).MethodsWe examined multiple serum levels of cytokines and chemokines and peripheral blood mononuclear cells in patients with AAV who received TCZ monotherapy and achieved drug‐free remission. Moreover, we investigated the mechanistic role of IL‐6R blockade in accelerated cGN model to analyse the local sites of inflammation.ResultsSerum chemokines CCL22 and CCL17, in addition to the CCR4+Foxp3+ Treg population, increased in patients who demonstrated drug‐free remission after the cessation of TCZ. In the cGN model, IL‐6R blockade ameliorated the disease, elevated CCL22/17 in CD206+CD11b+CD11c+ kidney M2‐like type macrophages, and increased the migration of Tregs into the kidney and regional lymph nodes. The local administration of CCL22 in the kidney facilitated Treg accumulation and reduced glomerular crescent formation.ConclusionsThis study revealed a new mechanism whereby effector Tregs migrate into the inflammatory kidney via the CCL22/17–CCR4 axis that is facilitated by M2‐like type macrophages that are induced by IL‐6R blockade.
Monocyte HLA‐DR Measurement by Flow Cytometry in COVID‐19 Patients: An Interim Review
Authors: Benlyamani Ihsane , Venet Fabienne , Coudereau Rémy , Gossez Morgane , Monneret Guillaume 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSeveral months after the sudden emergence of SARS‐CoV‐2 and COVID‐19, the understanding of the appropriate host immune response to a virus totally unknown of human immune surveillance is still of major importance. By international definition, COVID‐19 falls in the scope of septic syndromes (organ dysfunction due to dysregulated host response to an infection) in which immunosuppression is a significant driver of mortality. Sepsis‐induced immunosuppression is mostly defined and monitored by the measurement of decreased expression of HLA‐DR molecules on circulating monocytes (mHLA‐DR). In this interim review, we summarize the first mHLA‐DR results in COVID‐19 patients. In critically ill patients, results homogenously indicate a decreased mHLA‐DR expression, which, along with profound lymphopenia and other functional alterations, is indicative of a status of immunosuppression. © 2020 International Society for Advancement of Cytometry