bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic investigations on PVDF‐Fe2O3 nanocomposites
Authors: Chipara Dorina , Kuncser Victor , Lozano Karen , Alcoutlabi Mataz , Ibrahim Elamin , Chipara Mircea 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTPolyvinylidene fluoride‐iron oxide (PVDF‐Fe2O3) nanocomposites have been obtained my melt mixing of PVDF with Fe2O3 nanoparticles. The interactions between the polymeric matrix and the nanofiller have been investigated by wide angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Raman spectroscopy, using both red and green excitations (lasers). WAXS, FTIR, and Raman spectra confirm that all samples contain α PVDF as the major crystalline form of the polymeric matrix. Experimental data revealed small changes in the positions of X‐ray lines as well as modifications of the width of X‐ray lines upon loading by Fe2O3 nanoparticles. FTIR and Raman spectra are dominated by the lines of the polymeric matrix. Within the experimental errors, the positions of Raman lines are not affected by the wavelength of the incoming electromagnetic radiation, although they are sensitive to the strain of the polymeric matrix induced by addition of the nanofiller. The loading of the polymeric matrix with nanoparticles stretches the macromolecular chains, affecting their vibrational spectra (FTIR and Raman). A complex dependence of the positions of some Raman and FTIR lines on the loading with Fe2O3 is reported. The manuscript provides a detailed analysis of the effects of nanofiller on the position of WAXS, FTIR, and Raman lines. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48907.
Effect of hyperbranched poly(citric polyethylene glycol) with different polyethylene glycol chain length on starch sizing and compatibility with blended yarns
Authors: Zhang Kang , Tian Yu , Cheng Fei , Zhang Kai‐rui , Zhou Mi , Lin Yi , Zhu Pu‐xin 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTBlend of starch and water‐soluble polyester has been widely used in warp sizing because of its good film‐forming, biodegradability, and adhesion to polyester/cotton blended yarns (T/C). In this study, a series of hyperbranched polyesters poly(citric polyethylene glycol) (PCPEG) with varied chain length of polyethylene glycol (PEG) were prepared with citric acid and PEG at molar ratio of 1:3 and 150 °C for 3 h in vacuum and characterized by Fourier transformed infrared, gel permeation chromatography, and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance. PCPEG blended maize starch (PCPEG/MS) as sizing agent of T/C 80/20 and effects of PEG chain length of PCPEG on the property of the blending sizing agent were studied. Results indicated PCPEG could improve the compatibility between starch and T/C 80/20 and the optimum content of PCPEG as blended sizing agent was 8%. PCPEG not only decreased apparent viscosity of MS paste but also increased viscosity stability of the paste. In addition, with increase of PEG chain length of PCPEG, viscosity stability of PCPEG/MS paste increased, but the value of all adhesion performances of T/C 80/20 after sizing decreased. Long chain of PEG is not good for compatibility between PCPEG and starch. The starch blending PCPEG has potential applications in sizing blended yarns in textile industry. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48928.
Nomogram based on inflammatory indices for differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma from hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Chen Lang , Zeng Furong , Yao Lei , Fang Tongdi , Liao Mengting , Long Jing , Xiao Liang , Deng Guangtong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo establish nomogram based on inflammatory indices for differentiating intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).MethodsA cohort of 422 patients with HCC or ICC hospitalized at Xiangya Hospital between January 2014 and December 2018 was included in the study. Univariate and multivariate analysis was performed to identify the independent differential factors. Through combining these independent differential factors, a nomogram was established for differential diagnosis between ICC and HCC. The accuracy of nomogram was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA). The results were validated using a prospective study on 98 consecutive patients operated on from January 2019 to November 2019 at the same institution.ResultsSex (OR = 9.001, 95% CI: 3.268‐24.792, P < .001), hepatitis (OR = 0.323, 95% CI: 0.121‐0.860, P = .024), alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP) (OR = 0.997, 95% CI: 0.995‐1.000, P = .046), carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA199) (OR = 1.016, 95% CI: 1.007‐1.025, P < .001), and aspartate transaminase‐to‐neutrophil ratio index (ANRI) (OR = 0.904, 95% CI: 0.843‐0.969, P = .004) were the independent differential factors for ICC. Nomogram was established with well‐fitted calibration curves through incorporating these 5 factors. Comparing model 1 including gender, hepatitis, AFP, and CA199 (C index = 0.903, 95% CI: 0.849‐0.957) and model 2 enrolling AFP and CA199 (C index = 0.850, 95% CI: 0.791‐0.908), the nomogram showed a better discrimination between ICC and HCC, with a C index of 0.920 (95% CI, 0.872‐0.968). The results were consistent in the validation cohort. DCA also confirmed the conclusion.ConclusionA nomogram was established for the differential diagnosis between ICC and HCC preoperatively, and better therapeutic choice would be made if it was applied in clinical practice.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Coupling of Propargylic Alcohols with Boronic Acids under Ambient Conditions
Authors: Qin Anni , Qian Hui , Chen Qin , Ma Shengming 
Published: January 2020

Summary of main observation and conclusionA highly efficient palladium‐catalyzed direct coupling of propargylic alcohols with organoboronic acids to synthesize tri‐ and tetra‐substituted allenes has been developed under mild reaction conditions. Many useful functional groups are tolerated in this process with high to excellent yields. Preliminary biological studies showed that several tri‐ and tetra‐substituted allenes exhibited potent anti‐diabetic activities.
A parallel time‐varying earliest arrival path algorithm for evacuation planning of underground mine water inrush accidents
Authors: Du Yuanze , Wu Qiang , Zhao Yingwang , Zhang Xiaoyan , Yao Yi , Xu Hua 
Published: January 2020

SummaryEvacuation planning is of importance to reduce casualties in underground mine water inrush accidents. Since the transit time depends on the water height along the spreading of the water inrush, finding a path with the minimum egress time through the roadway network is considered as a time‐varying shortest path problem. Such problem can be solved by the time‐varying earliest arrival path algorithm. However, although the algorithm can solve the problem in polynomial time, more improvements are demanded to meet the real‐time requirements of practical applications. In this study, a parallel time‐varying earliest arrival path algorithm is proposed in this regard. The vertex‐hyperedge network is recommended to represent the adjacency of vertices. Three parallel strategies, including the time‐based decomposition, adjacent‐vertex‐based decomposition, and the adjacent‐vertex‐based decomposition using vertex‐hyperedge network, are proposed for parallelism implementation. The OpenMP interface is employed to evaluate the performance of the proposed strategies on a share‐memory multi‐core computer. The experiment results show that all three strategies can decrease the run time of the algorithm while maintaining the reasonable accuracy. The best strategy is adjacent‐vertex‐based decomposition using vertex‐hyperedge network, which results in the 2‐fold speedup when the number of threads meets the degree of concurrency of the topology structure.
Respiratory outcomes with the use of a lower custom fit genioglossal‐effecting oral appliance
Authors: Garner Dena P. , Lamira Jensine 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveSleep apnea research cites that an oral appliance, which places the mandible in a more forward position and the genioglossus (tongue muscle) on the floor of the mouth, improves aspects of the pharyngeal opening. Exercise science research has cited improvements in airway dynamics and physiological variables with oral appliance use during exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to design an oral appliance that would act on the genioglossus and determine if there were effects on respiratory parameters while exercising.Materials and methodsSeventeen healthy subjects ages 18–43 participated in this study. Prior to the exercise protocol, the order of the oral applicance (OA) or no oral appliance (no OA) condition was randomly assigned to subjects, with subjects completing both conditions. Respiratory parameters (respiratory rate, ventilation, oxygen, and carbon dioxide) were measured between conditions while subjects ran for 10 min at steady state.ResultsThe results demonstrated that both respiratory rate (25.97 BPM, OA and 28.35 BPM, no OA) and ventilation (47.66 l/min, OA and 50.34 l/min, No OA) were significantly lowered (p < .01) in the OA condition. There were no differences in carbon dioxide (1.89 l/min, no OA and 1.88 l/min, OA) or oxygen outcomes (2.17 l/min, no OA and 2.17 l/min OA).DiscussionThe outcomes from this study suggest that the design of the oral appliance elicits an effect on the genioglossus, thereby resulting in lowered respiratory rate and ventilation with no negative effects on oxygen uptake during exercise.
Reinventing conflict prevention? Women and the prevention of the reemergence of conflict in Burundi
Authors: Féron Élise 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBased on interviews conducted in Burundi with representatives of women's groups, and in light of existing knowledge on conflict prevention and peacebuilding in divided societies, the article critically examines national and international efforts to prevent a re‐emergence of the conflict. It argues that conflict prevention initiatives led by women's groups, though often overlooked and sidelined, could provide important insights for improving operational conflict prevention models. Through their multilevel, low‐key, inclusive, and versatile activities, Burundian women's organizations challenge and complement conventional operational conflict prevention practices that are often ill‐suited to the needs of intrastate conflicts.
Molecular Junctions on Polymeric Carbon Nitrides with Enhanced Photocatalytic Performance
Authors: Pan Zhiming , Niu Pingping , Liu Minghui , Zhang Guigang , Zhu Zhanghangyu , Wang Xinchen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMolecular catalysts (MC), namely homogeneous catalysts, have demonstrated great promise for efficient solar‐to‐chemical energy conversion in the hybrid system. However, the poor interfacial interaction between MC and photosensitizers (PS) impedes the efficient and fast interfacial electron transfer. To promote interfacial communication between PS and MC, a proof‐of‐concept method was developed for the combination of polymeric carbon nitride (PCN) PS with bipyridine cobalt [Co(bpy)32+] MC by covalent bonds, creating molecular junctions to promote interfacial electron transfer as confirmed by transient photoluminescence lifetime and electrochemical measurements. As a result, the binary photocatalyst [Co(bpy)32+/BINA2‐CN] showed extensively enhanced photocatalytic activity such as H2 and CO2 reduction in comparison with the physical mixture of Co(bpy)32+and PCN. This observation highlights the importance of construction of surface molecular junctions between PS and MC to accelerate the interfacial charge‐carrier mobility and, consequently, improve the photocatalytic activity.
Rapid On‐site Molecular Evaluation in thyroid cytopathology: A same‐day cytological and molecular diagnosis
Authors: De Luca Caterina , Sgariglia Roberta , Nacchio Mariantonia , Pisapia Pasquale , Migliatico Ilaria , Clery Eduardo , Gragnano Gianluca , Campione Severo , Vigliar Elena , Malapelle Umberto , De Dominicis Gianfranco , Bellevicine Claudio , Troncone Giancarlo 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundThyroid fine‐needle aspirates (FNAs) with undetermined morphology can be outsourced to centralized laboratories for comprehensive molecular profiling. When a local, rapid screening rules out easily detectable BRAF and NRAS mutations outsourcing is minimized, leading to cost savings. The fully automated Idylla technology, that does not require trained staff, is an emerging option. However, Idylla platform has only been validated to process formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) sections. Here we investigate whether also the FNA needle rinse could be genotyped by the same cytopathologist who performs the FNA, a procedure that can be termed rapid on site molecular evaluation (ROME).MethodsTo validate this approach, the Idylla BRAF and NRAS Test was performed on the rinses from 25 simulated (bench‐top) FNAs, in a first part of the study. Genotyping data were compared with those obtained on matched histological FFPE blocks. The second part of the study was carried out on 25 prospectively collected routine FNAs to assess the performance of the Idylla BRAF and NRAS assay against a gold standard real time polymerase chain reaction method.ResultsIdylla NRAS‐BRAF Mutation Test was performed on needle rinse as well as histological FFPE blocks. A sensitivity of 88.9%, a specificity of 100.0% were obtained comparing the Idylla NRAS‐BRAF Mutation Test on needle rinse to the reference method.ConclusionsThe FNA needle rinse can be directly genotyped. This obviates the need of cell block preparation, making possible a rapid combined morphological and molecular evaluation. Since DNA extraction is no longer necessary, the cytopathologist can perform ROME him/herself.
Diffuse right ventricular fibrosis in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction and pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Patel Ravi B. , Li Emily , Benefield Brandon C. , Swat Stanley A. , Polsinelli Vincenzo B. , Carr James C. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Markl Michael , Collins Jeremy D. , Freed Benjamin H. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsWhile right ventricular (RV) dysfunction is associated with worse prognosis in co‐morbid pulmonary hypertension and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (PH‐HFpEF), the mechanisms driving RV dysfunction are unclear. We evaluated the extent and clinical correlates of diffuse RV myocardial fibrosis in PH‐HFpEF, as measured by cardiovascular magnetic resonance‐derived extracellular volume (ECV).Methods and resultsWe prospectively enrolled participants with PH‐HFpEF (n = 14), pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH; n = 13), and controls (n = 8). All participants underwent high‐resolution cardiovascular magnetic resonance, and case subjects (PH‐HFpEF and PAH) additionally underwent right heart catheterization. T1 mapping was performed using high‐resolution modified look‐locker inversion recovery with a 1 × 1 mm2 in‐plane resolution. RV free wall T1 values were quantified, and ECV was calculated. Participants with PH‐HFpEF were older and carried higher rates of hypertension and obstructive sleep apnoea than those with PAH. While RV ECV was similar between PH‐HFpEF and PAH (33.1 ± 8.0 vs. 34.0 ± 4.5%; P = 0.57), total pulmonary resistance was lower in PH‐HFpEF compared with PAH [PH‐HFpEF: 5.68 WU (4.70, 7.66 WU) vs. PAH: 8.59 WU (8.14, 12.57 WU); P = 0.01]. RV ECV in PH‐HFpEF was associated with worse indices of RV structure (RV end‐diastolic volume: r = 0.67, P = 0.01) and RV function (RV free wall strain: r = 0.59, P = 0.03) but was not associated with RV afterload (total pulmonary resistance: r = 0.08, P = 0.79). Conversely, there was a strong correlation between RV ECV and RV afterload in PAH (r = 0.57, P = 0.04).ConclusionsDiffuse RV fibrosis, as measured by ECV, is present in PH‐HFpEF and is associated with adverse RV structural and functional remodelling but not degree of pulmonary vasculopathy. In PH‐HFpEF, diffuse RV fibrosis may occur out of proportion to the degree of RV afterload.
Hepatoprotective effect of a novel lactic acid‐fermented garlic extract functional food product against acute liver injury
Authors: Kim Tae Min , Kim Ki Hoon , Jo Jeong Hyun , Park Joonghoon , Kwon Yong Sam , Yang Je Hoon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLactic acid‐fermented garlic extract (LAFGE) has been shown to have hepatoprotective role in liver diseases. This study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of a new LAFGE‐based hepatoprotective functional food product (named D‐18‐007) formulated with other additive components, including l‐arginine, l‐ornithine, and the leaf extract of licorice and artichoke. In a rat model of d‐galactosamine(GalN)/LPS‐induced liver injury, the survival was significantly higher in animals treated with D‐18‐007 than in animals treated with LAFGE. The hepatic injury was alleviated by either LAFGE or D‐18‐007, but the overall effect was more significant in D‐18‐007, as shown by the necrosis, histology, and serum analyses. Also, the decrease in GalN/LPS‐induced lipid peroxidation in the liver tissue was more significant in D‐18‐007 than LAFGE. The decrease in IL‐6 protein in the liver was similar between LAFGE and D‐18‐007. Moreover, we compared the amount of the bile in normal animals and found that D‐18‐007 has better choleretic activity than LAFGE. Using this acute liver injury model, our results suggest that D‐18‐007 has an enhanced hepatoprotective effect in acute liver injury compared with LAFGE alone.
Cortical lesions causing loss of consciousness are anticorrelated with the dorsal brainstem
Authors: Snider Samuel B. , Hsu Joey , Darby R. Ryan , Cooke Danielle , Fischer David , Cohen Alexander L. , Grafman Jordan H. , Fox Michael D. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBrain lesions can provide unique insight into the neuroanatomical substrate of human consciousness. For example, brainstem lesions causing coma map to a specific region of the tegmentum. Whether specific lesion locations outside the brainstem are associated with loss of consciousness (LOC) remains unclear. Here, we investigate the topography of cortical lesions causing prolonged LOC (N= 16), transient LOC (N= 91), or no LOC (N= 64). Using standard voxel lesion symptom mapping, no focus of brain damage was associated with LOC. Next, we computed the network of brain regions functionally connected to each lesion location using a large normative connectome dataset (N= 1,000). This technique, termed lesion network mapping, can test whether lesions causing LOC map to a connected brain circuit rather than one brain region. Connectivity between cortical lesion locations and an a priori coma‐specific region of brainstem tegmentum was an independent predictor of LOC (B= 1.2,p= .004). Connectivity to the dorsal brainstem was the only predictor of LOC in a whole‐brain voxel‐wise analysis. This relationship was driven by anticorrelation (negative correlation) between lesion locations and the dorsal brainstem. The map of regions anticorrelated to the dorsal brainstem thus defines a distributed brain circuit that, when damaged, is most likely to cause LOC. This circuit showed a slight posterior predominance and had peaks in the bilateral claustrum. Our results suggest that cortical lesions causing LOC map to a connected brain circuit, linking cortical lesions that disrupt consciousness to brainstem sites that maintain arousal.
Multilayers of poly(ethyleneimine)/poly(acrylic acid) coatings on Ti6Al4V acting as lubricated polymer‐bearing interface
Authors: Deng Yaling , Sun Jianjun , Ni Xingya , Xiong Dangsheng 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo achieve an efficient lubricated interface on titanium alloy (Ti6Al4V) alloy, polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) polymer coatings, based on poly(ethyleneimine)/poly(acrylic acid) (PEI/PAA), were fabricated on the surface of Ti6Al4V alloy substrates using the layer‐by‐layer (LbL) assembly technique. Their composition and morphology were confirmed by Fourier‐transform infrared/attenuated total reflectance (FTIR/ATR) spectroscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The tribological properties were investigated by a ball‐on‐disk rotating tribometer using deionized water, saline, and calf serum. The results exhibit that (PEI/PAA)*n coatings have the internal cross‐linked network and porous structure on the surface. The surface of PEI/PAA coatings‐modified Ti6Al4V shows the sufficient wettability. The polymer‐bearing interface of (PEI/PAA)*10 exhibits a low friction coefficient, 0.059, for 2 hr, and represents an 88% decline compared with bare Ti6Al4V. Moreover, the wear track on the polymer‐bearing interface is superlow. There is no obvious wear volume, which indicates effective wear resistance. The hydrated layer, the cross‐linked network structure, and the porous structure of PEM coatings are the main factors for efficient tribological properties. The multilayer PEI/PAA coating shows the potential uses of developing the lubricated‐bearing interface on Ti6Al4V alloy.
Triptolide inhibits CD133+/CD44+ colon cancer stem cell growth and migration through triggering apoptosis and represses epithelial‐mesenchymal transition via downregulating expressions of snail, slug, and twist
Authors: Acikgoz Eda , Tatar Cansu , Oktem Gulperi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHigh recurrence and metastatic behavior patterns are the most important reasons for the failure of treatment strategies in patients with colon cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which are considered root of cancer, are thought to be associated with therapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis, and, therefore, targeting CSCs rather than the bulk population may be an effective approach. In cancer studies, there is an increasing interest in close friendship between epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CSCs. Triptolide (TPL) isolated from Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii has important effects on the prevention of migration and metastasis as well as cytotoxic effect against cancer cells. The potential lethal efficacy of TPL on CSCs that is highly resistant to the drug is an unsolved mystery. Fundamentally, the present study basically aims to find answers to two questions: (a) is it possible to target colon CSCs with TPL? and (b) what are the mechanisms underlying TPL's potential to eliminate CSCs? Cytotoxic effects of TPL on CSCs were evaluated by WST‐1 and Muse count and viability assays. Apoptosis assay and cell‐cycle analysis were performed to investigate the inhibitory effect of TPL. Moreover, the effects of TPL on spheroid formation capacity, migration, and EMT processes, which are associated with CSC phenotype, were also investigated. The results revealed that TPL triggered cell death and apoptosis and altered cell cycle distribution. Moreover, TPL significantly reduced the snail slug and twist expressions associated with EMT. TPL has been shown to be effective in colon CSCs by in vitro experiments, and it might be a highly effective agent against colon cancer has been implicated in need of supporting in vivo and clinical studies.