bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Low surface energy self‐polishing polymer grafted MWNTs for antibacterial coating and controlled‐release property of Cu2O
Authors: Wang Shuai , Liu Xiaojie , Yu Liangmin , Zhao Yong , Sun Mingliang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMarine biofouling had been a headache when engaging in marine activities. The most effective and convenient method for dealing with this problem was to apply antifouling coatings. But now a single anti‐fouling system was hard to satisfy the requirement of anti‐fouling simultaneously. Therefore, it was particularly important to develop novel multi‐system anti‐fouling technology. In the work, a novel polymer coatings with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) segments in the main chain and hydrolysable side chain was designed and synthesized which showed low surface energy and self‐polishing performance, and then we creatively covalently immobilized the polyurethane on the surface of multi‐carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) to form multisystem antifouling coating. The results showed that the polymer coating would produce hydrolysable regions in the hydrophobic PDMS segment to endure the polymer coating hydrophobic and hydrolysis properties when contacted with water. In addition, the self‐polishing rate and the surface energy could be regulated by varying its copolymerization, and the addition of MWNTs could kill the microorganisms and endowed the polymer coating itself enhanced antibacterial effect. Furthermore, considering the high specific surface area and physicochemical characteristics of MWNTs, it could be combined with antifoulant Cu2O through a polar or non‐polar combination as a carrier to control the release rate of Cu2O in coatings.
A generalized sample preparation method by incorporation of metal–organic compounds into polymers for electroless metallization
Authors: Atli Atilla , Trouillet Vanessa , Cadete Santos Aires Francisco J. , Ehret Eric , Lemaire Etienne , Simon Sandra 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPolymer metallization is important for several applications but triggering of electroless deposition is problematic. A simple and inexpensive method to prepare the polymers for initiating the electroless copper deposition is successfully applied to Liquid Crystal Polymer and Polyethylene Terephthalate. The samples are prepared by incorporation of a small amount (<0.5 wt%) of metal–organic compounds (palladium, nickel, or copper acetates) in the molten polymers. During blending, the polymers are held at sufficiently high temperatures to thermally decompose the acetates, yielding the metallic particles (Pd, Ni, or Cu) which are used as the activators. After surface preparation, copper is deposited on polymers in an electroless bath including formaldehyde as reducer. The influence of bath parameters (temperature, composition) and the nature of activators is investigated. This method can be extended to other polymers by finding an appropriate polymer/metal–organic couple. It is also demonstrated that cheaper Ni or Cu can substitute expensive Pd.
Study on silica coated chrome oxide green pigment and its performance
Authors: Wang Zheng , Bao Chunyan , Yan Ke , Song Yufeng , Li Wangting 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this study, sodium silicate (Na2SiO3) was used as the precursor of SiO2 to prepare Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigments. First, using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide to surface modification of the chromium oxide green pigment to make the surface of the particles positively charged. The negatively charged SiO2 sol coats the surface of the pigment particles through electrostatic attraction. Then use HCl solution acid to precipitate SiO2, and finally get Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigment. The structure of the modified pigment was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), particle size distribution analysis, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) characterization. The influence of silica coating on the tinting strength, dispersibility of pigment in water, and hiding power of the chromium oxide green pigment were further investigated. The results demonstrate that SEM, TEM, and particle size analysis shows that this experimental method can obtain a good silica coating. When the coating quantity is 30%, the full coating of chromium oxide green by silica is achieved. According to the XRD analysis before and after the chromium oxide green coating, as the reaction temperature increases, the intensity of the SiO2 diffraction peak becomes larger and the crystallization effect becomes better. In the test of pigment performance, it can be concluded that the coloring power, hiding power, and dispersibility of Cr2O3/SiO2 composite pigments are better than those of uncoated chromium oxide green pigments.
Communicating complex ocean issues: How strategically framed messages affect awareness and motivation when conveyed using narrative vs. expository language
Authors: Kolandai‐Matchett Komathi , Armoudian Maria , Li Eileen 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Considering the nascent stage of marine conservation communication, little is understood about how best to communicate complex issues, such as ocean acidification (OA), that are remote and invisible. Despite accumulating evidence of OA’s adverse effects on marine ecosystems and biota and subsequent consequences for human societies, it remains obscure to a majority of the public.
This study compared two language styles (narrative and expository) to determine which was more effective for communicating OA to diverse audiences. The two language styles were scripted and presented in YouTube videos, with identical visuals, message contents and message frames identified as potentially effective for environmental and marine conservation communication.
In an online experiment, 183 respondents were randomly assigned to view one of three videos (narrative, expository, control). Although the literature suggested the value of narrative‐based conservation communication, findings suggest that expository language was comparably effective for increasing awareness and motivation. Nevertheless, there were some indications that story‐like narratives may better enhance motivation. This study also strengthens the argument for careful selection of frames to enhance the effectiveness of marine conservation communication.
Total controllability results for a class of time‐varying switched dynamical systems with impulses on time scales
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Djemai Mohamed , Defoort Michael , Malik Muslim 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we establish some necessary and sufficient conditions of the controllability results for a class of impulsive switched systems with non‐instantaneous jumps on time scales. Firstly, we define the solution of the considered problem by using the parameter variation method. We also define some Gramian matrices to establish the controllability results. Moreover, we give some conditions under which the time invariant impulsive switched system is totally controllable. At the end, we provide one numerical example for different time scales to validate the obtained analytical results.
The Mid‐Fusiform Sulcus in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Establishing a Novel Anatomical Landmark Related to Face Processing
Authors: Ammons Carla J. , Winslett Mary‐Elizabeth , Bice Jamie , Patel Priyanka , May Kaitlyn E. , Kana Rajesh K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite decades of research, the brain basis of aberrant face processing in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains a topic of debate. The mid‐fusiform sulcus (MFS), a minor feature of the ventral occipitotemporal cortex, provides new directions for studying face processing. The MFS closely aligns with face‐selective cortical patches and other structural and functional divisions of the fusiform gyrus; however, it has received little attention in clinical populations. We collected structural MRI data from 54 individuals with ASD and 61 age‐and‐IQ‐matched controls ages 8 to 40 years. The MFS was identified on cortical surface reconstructions via 4 trained raters and classified into known surface patterns. Mean MFS gray matter volume (GMV), cortical surface area (SA), cortical thickness (CT), and standard deviation of CT (CT SD) were extracted. Effects of diagnosis, age, and hemisphere on MFS surface presentation and morphometry were assessed via multinomial logistic regression and mixed effects general linear modeling, respectively. The MFS was reliably identified in 97% of hemispheres examined. Macroanatomical patterns and age‐related decreases in MFS GMV and CT were similar between groups. CT SD was greater in the left hemisphere in ASD. Participants' ability to interpret emotions and mental states from facial features was significantly negatively correlated with MFS CT and CT SD. Overall, the MFS is a stable feature of the fusiform gyrus in ASD and CT related measures appear to be sensitive to diagnosis and behavior. These results can inform future investigations of face processing and structure–function relationships in populations with social deficits.Lay SummaryA small structural feature of the brain related to seeing faces (the mid‐fusiform sulcus; MFS) appears similar in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and neurotypical development; however, the thickness of this structure on the left side of the brain is more variable in ASD. People who are better at judging mental states from another person's eyes tend to have thinner and less variable MFS. This feature may teach us more about face processing and how brain structure influences function in ASD.
Seeing a Page in a Flipbook: Shorter Visual Temporal Integration Windows in 2‐Year‐Old Toddlers with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Freschl Julie , Melcher David , Carter Alice , Kaldy Zsuzsa , Blaser Erik 
Published: November 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience differences in visual temporal processing, the part of vision responsible for parsing continuous input into discrete objects and events. Here we investigated temporal processing in 2‐year‐old toddlers diagnosed with ASD and age‐matched typically developing (TD) toddlers. We used a visual search task where the visibility of the target was determined by the pace of a display sequence. On integration trials, each display viewed alone had no visible target, but if integrated over time, the target became visible. On segmentation trials, the target became visible only when displays were perceptually segmented. We measured the percent of trials when participants fixated the target as a function of the stimulus onset asynchrony (SOA) between displays. We computed the crossover point of the integration and segmentation performance functions for each group, an estimate of the temporal integration window (TIW), the period in which visual input is combined. We found that both groups of toddlers had significantly longer TIWs (125 ms) than adults (65 ms) from previous studies using the same paradigm, and that toddlers with ASD had significantly shorter TIWs (108 ms) than chronologically age‐matched TD controls (142 ms).Lay SummaryWe investigated how young children, with and without autism, organize dynamic visual information across time, using a visual search paradigm. We found that toddlers with autism had higher temporal resolution than typically developing (TD) toddlers of the same age – that is, they are more likely to be able to detect rapid change across time, relative to TD toddlers. These differences in visual temporal processing can impact how one sees, interprets, and interacts with the world. Autism Res 2021, 14: 946–958. © 2020 International Society for Autism Research and Wiley Periodicals LLC.
3D‐Druck mit Carbonbeton: Technologie und die ersten Untersuchungsergebnisse
Authors: Neef Tobias , Müller Steffen , Mechtcherine Viktor 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDer 3D‐Druck mit zementgebundenen Materialien erfordert geeignete Lösungen für die Integration der Bewehrung während des Herstellungsprozesses. Im vorliegenden Aufsatz wird eine neue Technologie vorgestellt, die mineralisch imprägnierte Carbonfasergarne (engl: mineral‐impregnated carbon‐fibre, MCF) für diesen Zweck verwendet. Diese neue Art der nicht korrosiven Bewehrung weist hervorragende mechanische Eigenschaften, hohe Nachhaltigkeit und Dauerhaftigkeit auf. Entscheidend ist jedoch, dass MCF eine extrem hohe technologische Flexibilität bietet, da sie im frischen Zustand leicht geformt und vollautomatisch verarbeitet werden kann. Der Artikel beschreibt eine neue Düse, die für die Integration der MCF‐Bewehrung direkt in Betonfilamente bei den extrusionsbasierten 3D‐Druck‐Verfahren entwickelt wurde. In jede Betonschicht wurden gleichzeitig drei Carbongarne eingeführt. Die bestehenden Prüfverfahren wurden angepasst, um das Zug‐ und Biegeverhalten von gedrucktem Carbonbeton sowie die Qualität des Verbunds zwischen Bewehrung und Beton zu beurteilen. Die Versuche ergaben eine mechanische Leistung des gedruckten Betons, die mit der von Textilbeton aus Carbonfasern vergleichbar ist. Die präsentierte Forschung hat die Machbarkeit und das sehr hohe Potenzial der neuen Technologie in Bezug auf die Digitalisierung und Automatisierung des Betonbaus nachgewiesen.
Asymmetric information, business environment, and transactions costs among business owners in Nigeria: Implications for female entrepreneurial sustainability transitions
Authors: Obisesan Omobolaji Olubukunmi , Olayide Olawale E. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis article assesses the link between asymmetric information and transaction cost and how this can enhance or hinder female business owners from attaining entrepreneurial sustainability transitions in the Nigerian business space. The concept of information dissemination, business environment, and ease of doing business were scrutinized as a subdivision of asymmetric information and transaction cost theory among female entrepreneurs in Nigeria using the Enterprise Survey Data of the World Bank. Key indicators like regulations and taxes, gender, firm characteristics, finance, and infrastructure were highlighted as major business obstacles limiting female entrepreneurs. These were found to limit female entrepreneurs in accessing information, which can help them adequately flourish in the Nigerian business environment, as well as the attainment of entrepreneurial sustainability transitions.
Transcriptomic response of brain tissue to focused ultrasound‐mediated blood–brain barrier disruption depends strongly on anesthesia
Authors: Mathew Alexander S. , Gorick Catherine M. , Thim E. Andrew , Garrison William J. , Klibanov Alexander L. , Miller G. Wilson , Sheybani Natasha D. , Price Richard J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFocused ultrasound (FUS) mediated blood–brain barrier disruption (BBBD) targets the delivery of systemically‐administered therapeutics to the central nervous system. Preclinical investigations of BBBD have been performed on different anesthetic backgrounds; however, the influence of the choice of anesthetic on the molecular response to BBBD is unknown, despite its potential to critically affect interpretation of experimental therapeutic outcomes. Here, using bulk RNA sequencing, we comprehensively examined the transcriptomic response of both normal brain tissue and brain tissue exposed to FUS‐induced BBBD in mice anesthetized with either isoflurane with medical air (Iso) or ketamine/dexmedetomidine (KD). In normal murine brain tissue, Iso alone elicited minimal differential gene expression (DGE) and repressed pathways associated with neuronal signaling. KD alone, however, led to massive DGE and enrichment of pathways associated with protein synthesis. In brain tissue exposed to BBBD (1 MHz, 0.5 Hz pulse repetition frequency, 0.4 MPa peak‐negative pressure), we systematically evaluated the relative effects of anesthesia, microbubbles, and FUS on the transcriptome. Of particular interest, we observed that gene sets associated with sterile inflammatory responses and cell–cell junctional activity were induced by BBBD, regardless of the choice of anesthesia. Meanwhile, gene sets associated with metabolism, platelet activity, tissue repair, and signaling pathways, were differentially affected by BBBD, with a strong dependence on the anesthetic. We conclude that the underlying transcriptomic response to FUS‐mediated BBBD may be powerfully influenced by anesthesia. These findings raise considerations for the translation of FUS‐BBBD delivery approaches that impact, in particular, metabolism, tissue repair, and intracellular signaling.
Histopathological characterization of intimal lesions and arterial wall calcification in the arteries of the leg of elderly cadavers
Authors: Vos Annelotte , de Jong Pim A. , Verdoorn Daphne , Mali Willem P. T. M. , Bleys Ronald L. A. W. , Vink Aryan 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionAlthough arteries of the leg have been studied in extensively diseased amputation specimens, little is known about the composition of vascular lesions present in the general population. The aim of this study was to describe the natural development of adaptive intimal thickening, atherosclerotic lesion development and vascular calcification in the leg of a general elderly population.Materials and MethodsTwo hundred and seventy postmortem samples from the popliteal and posterior tibial arteries of 14 elderly cadavers were studied histologically.ResultsAtherosclerotic lesions were more frequently observed in the popliteal (60%) than in the posterior tibial artery (34%; p < .0005). These atherosclerotic plaques were most often nonatheromatous (80% and 83% for popliteal and posterior tibial plaques, respectively). The atheroma's that were present were small (most <25% of plaque area). Atherosclerotic plaque calcification was observed more often in the popliteal (39%) than in the posterior tibial samples (17%; p < .0005). Medial arterial calcification was observed more often in the posterior tibial (62%) than in the popliteal samples (46%; p = .008). Plaque calcification and medial arterial calcification were not associated with lumen stenosis.ConclusionsIn the leg of elderly cadavers, the presence of atherosclerotic plaque and intimal calcification decreases from the proximal popliteal artery to the more distal posterior tibial artery and most atherosclerotic lesions are of the fibrous nonatheromatous type. In contrast, the presence and severity of medial calcification increases from proximal to distal.
Unleashing the Power of Biocatalysts
Authors: Chen Mengbin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBiocatalysis is a continuously expanding subfield in chemical biology. Herein, I describe two categories of biocatalysts, the LEGO‐brick‐like and game‐console‐like type, both of which can streamline the synthetic routes to therapeutics. A multi‐disciplinary approach to expand the biocatalytic toolkit will open up opportunities to develop new therapeutics.
Computational Hot‐Spot Analysis of the SARS‐CoV‐2 Receptor Binding Domain/ACE2 Complex**
Authors: Rosario Pedro A. , McNaughton Brian R. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractInfection and replication of SARS CoV‐2 (the virus that causes COVID‐19) requires entry to the interior of host cells. In humans, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) between the SARS CoV‐2 receptor‐binding domain (RBD) and the extracellular peptidase domain of ACE2 on the surface of cells in the lower respiratory tract is an initial step in the entry pathway. Inhibition of the SARS CoV‐2 RBD/ACE2 PPI is currently being evaluated as a target for therapeutic and/or prophylactic intervention. However, relatively little is known about the molecular underpinnings of this complex. Employing multiple computational platforms, we predicted “hot‐spot” residues in a positive‐control PPI (PMI/MDM2) and the CoV‐2 RBD/ACE2 complex. Computational alanine scanning mutagenesis was performed to predict changes in Gibbs’ free energy that are associated with mutating residues at the positive control (PMI/MDM2) or SARS RBD/ACE2 binding interface to alanine. Additionally, we used the Adaptive Poisson‐Boltzmann Solver to calculate macromolecular electrostatic surfaces at the interface of the positive‐control PPI and SARS CoV‐2/ACE2 PPI. Finally, a comparative analysis of hot‐spot residues for SARS‐CoV and SARS‐CoV‐2, in complex with ACE2, is provided. Collectively, this study illuminates predicted hot‐spot residues, and clusters, at the SARS CoV‐2 RBD/ACE2 binding interface, potentially guiding the development of reagents capable of disrupting this complex and halting COVID‐19.
Electrochemical Quantification of Neurotransmitters in Single Live Cell Vesicles Shows Exocytosis is Predominantly Partial
Authors: Wang Ying , Ewing Andrew 
Published: November 2020

AbstractExocytosis plays an essential role in the communication between cells in the nervous system. Understanding the regulation of neurotransmitter release during exocytosis and the amount of neurotransmitter content that is stored in vesicles is of importance, as it provides fundamental insights to understand how the brain works and how neurons elicit a certain behavior. In this minireview, we summarize recent progress in amperometric measurements for monitoring exocytosis in single cells and electrochemical cytometry measurements of vesicular neurotransmitter content in individual vesicles. Important steps have increased our understanding of the different mechanisms of exocytosis. Increasing evidence is firmly establishing that partial release is the primary mechanism of release in multiple cell types.
Superior Proton‐Transfer Catalytic Promiscuity of Cytochrome c in Self‐Organized Media
Authors: Rani Sheetal , Dasgupta Basundhara , Bhati Gaurav Kumar , Tomar Kalpana , Rakshit Sabyasachi , Maiti Subhabrata 
Published: November 2020

AbstractEvolutionarily elderly proteins commonly feature greater catalytic promiscuity. Cytochrome c is among the first set of proteins in evolution to have known prospects in electron transport and peroxidative properties. Here, we report that cyt c is also a proficient proton‐transfer catalyst and enhances the Kemp elimination (KE; model reaction to show proton transfer catalytic property) by ∼750‐fold on self‐organized systems like micelles and vesicles. The self‐organized systems mimic the mitochondrial environment in vitro for cyt c. Using an array of biophysical and biochemical mutational assays, both acid–base and redox mechanistic pathways have been explored. The histidine moiety close to hemin group (His18) is mainly responsible for proton abstraction to promote the concerted E2 pathway for KE catalysis when cyt c is in its oxidized form; this has also been confirmed by a H18A mutant of cyt c. However, the redox pathway is predominant under reducing conditions in the presence of dithiothreitol over the pH range 6–7.4. Interestingly, we found almost 750‐fold enhanced KE catalysis by cyt c compared to aqueous buffer. Overall, in addition to providing mechanistic insights, the data reveal an unprecedented catalytic property of cyt c that could be of high importance in an evolutionary perspective considering its role in delineating the phylogenic tree and also towards generating programmable designer biocatalysts.