bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of micro‐fibrillated cellulose upon the dielectric relaxations and DC conductivity in thermoplastic starch bio‐composites
Authors: Drakopoulos Stavros X. , Karger‐Kocsis József , Psarras Georgios C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThermoplastic starch (TPS) bio‐composites were prepared with natural rubber latex (NR) and/or cellulose microfibers of variable size, as reinforcements. The relaxation processes are investigated via broadband dielectric spectroscopy in a broad temperature and frequency range. By means of the electric modulus formalism, the dynamic glass‐to‐rubber transition process of the starch‐rich regions in TPS (α‐relaxation), and the presence of water molecules at the interfaces between the TPS matrix and the fillers (MWR‐IP), is observed and discussed. The dielectric behavior and energy storage were found to be affected by the presence of the aforementioned water molecules, hindering the polarizability of the samples due to hydrogen bonding with the hydrophilic constituents. Following the temperature dynamics of the α‐relaxation, good adhesion between the TPS matrix and the cellulose microfibers was revealed, although the addition of natural rubber latex microparticles has the opposite effect attributed to their hydrophobic character. Finally, the dc conductivity was estimated from the ac dielectric spectra with a new mathematical formulation that is introduced here, and showed nonlinear temperature dependence for all the samples under study. The purpose of this study is to investigate the use of biodegradable eco‐friendly thermoplastic starch bio‐composites as dielectric materials for capacitor applications. Microfibrillated cellulose and/or natural rubber latex are employed as reinforcements and insight upon their dielectric relaxation behavior is provided by broadband dielectric spectroscopy in a broad temperature and frequency range.
Changes in the microstructure and enzymatic hydrolysis performance of chitin treated by steam explosion, high‐pressure homogenization, and γ radiation
Authors: Zhai Miaomiao , Du Jinghe , Zhang Jun , Miao Jianyin , Luo Jianglong , Cao Yong , Duan Shan 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis research intends to reduce the crystallinity of chitin with physical methods so as to improve the enzymatic hydrolysis efficiency of chitin. Scanning electron microscopy showed that both steam explosion and high‐pressure homogenization significantly enlarged the pores in shrimp shells, which are made up of chitin, but γ radiation did not. X‐ray diffraction showed that the crystallinity index of chitin decreased by 23.2% in the (110) plane and 24.7% in the (020) plane after three rounds of steam explosion and decreased by 12.4% in the (110) plane and 28.7% in the (020) plane after three rounds of high‐pressure homogenization. After γ radiation, however, there was no significant change. The corresponding deacetylation degrees of the chitin treated with steam explosion and high‐pressure homogenization increased by 13.2 and 5.7%, respectively. The natural, steam‐exploded and high‐pressure homogenized chitins respectively produced 0.251, 0.145, and 0.407 mg/ml reducing sugars with the hydrolysis of Streptomyces griseus chitinase. However, when hydrolyzed by Paenibacillus sp. A1 chitinase the steam‐exploded and the high‐pressure homogenized chitin respectively released 40 and 300% more reducing sugars than the natural chitin. The results found that steam explosion and high‐pressure homogenization can reduce the crystallinity of chitin, and make it prone to enzymatic hydrolysis.
Puerarin, an efficient natural stabilizer for both polyethylene and polypropylene
Authors: Xia Huimin , Gao Hui , Sun Qiqi , Wu Fazong , Ge Tengteng , Sui Kun , Wang Zhongwei , Song Liang , Huang Xiaowen , Yu Qing 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPuerarin, a natural compound, was used as multifunctional protector for polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Firstly, puerarin and tetrakis(2,4‐di‐tert‐butylphenol)[1,1‐biphenyl]‐4,4′‐diylbisphosphite (PEPQ) could protect PE and PP against thermos‐oxidative degradation: after modification, the oxidation induction time (OIT) of increased ca. 4,160% (PE‐P1200‐P sample) and 130% (PP‐P1200‐P sample); the carbonyl index (CI) obtained through accelerated aging decreased ca. 58% (PE‐P1200‐P sample). Secondly, it is excited to find that puerarin and PEPQ could pretect PE agianst photooxidative degradation: CI value decreased ca. 35% after modification. Thridly, the coorperation of puerarin and PEPQ was also benefit for the processing stability: the change of melt flow rate (MFR) between first and fifth extrusions decreased ca. 83% (PE‐P1200‐P sample) and 99% (PP‐P1200‐P sample). Forthly, puerarin and PEPQ could still protect PE against degradation after five extrusions: the loss of tensile strength and elongation at break decreased ca. 96% and 95% after modification. Finally, the interaction of puerarin with PEPQ was discussed and the role of puerarin in protecting polyolefins was proposed.
Physiologic Target, Molecular Evolution, and Pathogenic Functions of a Monoclonal Anti–Citrullinated Protein Antibody Obtained From a Patient With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Ozawa Tatsuhiko , Ouhara Kazuhisa , Tsuda Reina , Munenaga Syuichi , Kurihara Hidemi , Kohno Hiroki , Hamana Hiroshi , Kobayashi Eiji , Taki Hirofumi , Tobe Kazuyuki , Sugiyama Eiji , Muraguchi Atsushi , Kishi Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2020

ObjectiveIn plasma from a patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we previously isolated a human monoclonal anti–citrullinated protein antibody (ACPA), CCP‐Ab1, that recognizes various citrullinated antigens. In this study, we aimed to explore the physiologic target of CCP‐Ab1 and the role of molecular evolution, through affinity maturation, of this ACPA in the onset and the exacerbation of RA.MethodsThe target protein of CCP‐Ab1 was identified in the plasma of a patient with RA and purified under native conditions. Germline‐reverted (GL‐rev) CCP‐Ab1 was generated, and its reactivity was compared to that of mature CCP‐Ab1. The functions of CCP‐Ab1 and GL‐rev CCP‐Ab1 in the onset or exacerbation of autoimmune arthritis were analyzed using autoimmune arthritis–prone SKG mice.ResultsCCP‐Ab1 bound citrullinated fibrinogen under native conditions. In cultures with GL‐rev CCP‐Ab1, the binding affinity to citrullinated fibrinogen was drastically reduced (P < 0.05). The elements implicated in GL‐rev CCP‐Ab1 binding to a citrullinated peptide, cfc1‐cyc, were almost identical to those implicated in CCP‐Ab1 binding. In arthritis‐prone SKG mice, CCP‐Ab1, but not GL‐rev CCP‐Ab1, induced significant exacerbation of experimental arthritis (P < 0.05). Increased production of interleukin‐6, both in the joint tissue and in the serum, was observed in SKG mice treated with CCP‐Ab1 compared to those treated with GL‐rev CCP‐Ab1 (P < 0.05). Furthermore, the immune complex formed by CCP‐Ab1 and fibrinogen was detected at higher concentrations in the synovial tissue of SKG mice administered CCP‐Ab1 (P < 0.05 versus control treatment groups).ConclusionThese data show that germline‐encoded CCP‐Ab1, which binds weakly to citrullinated fibrinogen, undergoes hypermutation through the activation of naive B cells by citrullinated peptides/proteins, thereby stimulating high reactivity to citrullinated fibrinogen. These findings deepen our understanding of the role of molecular evolution of ACPAs in the onset and exacerbation of RA.
Forty years of study on the thermostable β‐glycosidase fromS. solfataricus: Production, biochemical characterization and biotechnological applications
Authors: Febbraio Ferdinando , Ionata Elena , Marcolongo Loredana 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to make the point on the fortieth years study on the β‐glycosidase fromSulfolobus solfataricus. This enzyme represents one of the thermophilic biocatalysts, which is more extensively studied as witnessed by the numerous literature reports available since 1980. Comprehensive biochemical studies highlighted its broad substrate specificity for β‐d‐galacto‐, gluco‐, and fuco‐sides and also showed its remarkable exo‐glucosidase and transglycosidase activities. The enzyme demonstrated to be active and stable over a wide range of temperature and pHs, withstanding to several drastic conditions comprising solvents and detergents. Over the years, a great deal of studies were focused on its homotetrameric tridimensional structure, elucidating several structural features involved in the enzyme stability, such as ion pairs and post‐translational modifications. Several β‐glycosidase mutants were produced in the years in order to understand its peculiar behavior in extreme conditions and/or to improve its functional properties. The β‐glycosidase overproduction was also afforded reporting numerous studies dealing with its production in the mesophilic hostEscherichia coli,Saccharomyces cerevisiae,Pichia pastoris, andLactococcus lactis. Relevant applications in food, beverages, bioenergy, pharmaceuticals, and nutraceutical fields of this enzyme, both in free and immobilized forms, highlighted its biotechnological relevance.
Diagnostic accuracy of cognitive screening tools under different neuropsychological definitions for poststroke cognitive impairment
Authors: Chen Xiangliang , Han Yunfei , Zhou Junshan , Ma Minmin , Liu Xinfeng 
Published: July 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe accuracy of cognitive screening tools to detect poststroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) was investigated using various neuropsychological definitions.MethodsHospital‐based stroke patients underwent a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. The rate of PSCI was estimated using thresholds of 1, 1.5, or 2 standard deviations below the normal control and memory impairment defined by a single or multiple tests. Meanwhile, the diagnostic accuracy of cognitive screening through face‐to‐face assessment using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and telephone assessment using a 5‐minute NINDS‐Canadian Stroke Network (NINDS‐CSN) scale and a six‐item screener (SIS), was both tested under different definitions, with the optimal cutoff selected based on the highest Youden index.ResultsIn stroke patients, the rate of PSCI ranged from 46.3% to 76.3% upon different definitions. The face‐to‐face MoCA was more consistent with the comprehensive cognitive assessment compared to MMSE. The optimal cutoff of PSCI was MMSE ≤ 27 and MoCA ≤ 19. For the telephone tests, the 5‐minute NINDS‐CSN assessment was more reliable, and the optimal cutoff was ≤23, while for SIS ≤ 4.ConclusionsCognitive screening tools including the face‐to‐face MMSE and MoCA, together with the telephone assessment of NINDS‐CSN 5‐minute protocol and SIS, were simple and effective for detecting PSCI in stroke patients. The corresponding threshold values for PSCI were 27 points, 19 points, 23 points, and 4 points.
Organizational roles in a sustainability alliance network
Authors: Peterman Andrew , Kourula Arno , Levitt Raymond 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSustainability alliance networks offer a collaborative governance strategy to address both environmental and societal challenges too large for any single organization. While alliance networks, and particularly sustainability alliances, have been studied in a number of contexts, few alliances have been explored under the context of commercial building energy use—a sector with a multitude of policy, organizational, and technical barriers to the deployment of innovative energy‐ and cost‐saving strategies. In this research, we articulate a framework wherein organizations can assume varying roles across an alliance network based on the organizations' objectives, organizational resources, and the relationships or ties formed with other alliance members. Further, we show that particular roles within one alliance network have implications for the types of knowledge gained and the knowledge shared across the network. Our mixed‐method study draws from several data sources, employs analytic induction, and is supplemented by social network analysis in order to examine an energy efficiency‐focused sustainability alliance comprised of a broad coalition of stakeholders, including US government agencies, federally funded research laboratories, private firms, and trade associations. We develop a typology for six types of organizational roles identified in an energy efficiency alliance network—each role possessing varying implications for the organization's access to and sharing of knowledge.
Three‐year outcome with drug‐coated balloon percutaneous coronary intervention in coronary Takayasu arteritis: A case review
Authors: Chiew Kayla L. X. , Lim Pitt O. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractWe describe the first long‐term follow‐up of a young patient with active Takayasu arteritis who presented with an acute coronary syndrome, treated endovascularly with percutaneous coronary intervention without stenting. A drug‐coated balloon was used with high‐resolution coronary imaging guidance in the form of optical coherence tomography on a critical ostial left anterior descending coronary artery lesion. A repeat procedure was undertaken after 4 months confirming a durable coronary angioplasty result and the patient remained symptom‐free beyond 3 years. Coronary stenting in this population is associated with early and aggressive stent failure. Hence, this is an innovative approach. We believe that the stent, regardless of whether it is first, second or subsequent generation, leaves a permanent foreign body within the vasculature that becomes the seed for inflammatory reactions, resulting in recurrent in‐stent restenotic fibrosis irrespective of concurrent immunotherapy or the degree of disease activity.
Improvement of physicochemical properties of baked oatmeal (Avena sativa L.) by imbibition
Authors: Galaz‐Pérez Estefany A. , Velazquez Gonzalo , Mendez‐Montealvo Guadalupe 
Published: July 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesOat (Avena sativa L.) consumption has increased mainly due to the health benefits as this cereal is an excellent source of prebiotics and high‐nutritional compounds. In this work, an imbibition treatment was applied to improve the physicochemical properties of baked oat (Avena sativa L.) grains.FindingsStudied samples included flour from the grains imbibed, dried and baked at 120°C for 30 min (IT120), flour from grains without imbibition and baked at 120°C for 30 min (T120) and flour from raw grains (R). The protein and crude fiber content did not change with the treatments, but the lipids content decreased. The water absorption capacity (WAC) increased 1.14‐ and 2.6‐folds for T120 and IT120, respectively, when compared to R. The rheological analysis demonstrated an important effect of the concentration and the imbibition processes as the viscosity values increased sixfold in IT120 at 30% solids content.ConclusionsThe imbibition and baking treatment of whole oat grains resulted in structural rearrangements changing the physicochemical properties which could be useful when using these flours as an ingredient.Significance and noveltyThe structural modification promoted by the imbibition and baking treatment could increase the potential applications of oat flour.
Nanoparticulate Conjugated Microporous Polymer with Post‐Modified Benzils for Enhanced Pseudocapacitor Performance
Authors: Park So Young , Kang Chang Wan , Lee Sang Moon , Kim Hae Jin , Ko Yoon‐Joo , Choi Jaewon , Son Seung Uk 
Published: July 2020

AbstractConjugated microporous polymer (CMP)‐based energy‐storage materials were developed for pseudocapacitors. Nanoparticulate CMP (N‐CMP) with an average diameter of 41±4 nm was prepared through kinetic growth control in the Sonogashira coupling of 1,3,5‐triethynylbenzene with 1,4‐diiodobenzene. The N‐CMP is rich in a diphenylacetylene moiety in its chemical structure. Through the FeCl3‐catalyzed oxidation of diphenylacetylene moieties, N‐CMP with benzil moieties (N‐CMP‐BZ) was prepared and showed enhanced electrochemical performance as an electrode material of pseudocapacitors, compared with CMP, CMP‐BZ, and N‐CMP. In model studies, the benzil was redox active and showed two‐electron reduction behavior. The excellent electrochemical performance of N‐CMP‐BZ is attributable to the enhanced utilization of functional sites by a nanosize effect and the additional redox contribution of benzil moieties.
Supramolecular Self‐Assembly of β3‐Peptides Mediated by Janus‐Type Recognition Units
Authors: Kabatas Glowacki Selda , Koszinowski Konrad , Hübner Dennis , Frauendorf Holm , Vana Philipp , Diederichsen Ulf 
Published: July 2020

AbstractTo gain mechanistic insights, natural systems with biochemical relevance are inspiring for the creation of new biomimetics with unique properties and functions. Despite progress in rational design and protein engineering, folding and intramolecular organization of individual components into supramolecular structures remains challenging and requires controlled methods. Foldamers, such as β‐peptides, are structurally well defined with rigid conformations and suitable for the specific arrangement of recognition units. Herein, we show the molecular arrangement and aggregation of β3‐peptides into a hexameric helix bundle. For this purpose, β‐amino acid side chains were modified with cyanuric acid and triamino‐s‐triazine as complementary recognition units. The pre‐organization of the β3‐peptides leads these Janus molecule pairs into a hexameric arrangement and a defined rosette nanotube by stacking. The helical conformation of the subunits was indicated by circular dichroism spectroscopy, while the supramolecular arrangement was detected by dynamic light scattering and confirmed by high‐resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐HRMS).
Efferent projections of Vglut2, Foxp2, and Pdyn parabrachial neurons in mice
Authors: Huang Dake , Grady Fillan S. , Peltekian Lila , Geerling Joel C. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe parabrachial nucleus (PB) is a complex structure located at the junction of the midbrain and hindbrain. Its neurons have diverse genetic profiles and influence a variety of homeostatic functions. While its cytoarchitecture and overall efferent projections are known, we lack comprehensive information on the projection patterns of specific neuronal subtypes in the PB. In this study, we compared the projection patterns of glutamatergic neurons here with a subpopulation expressing the transcription factor Foxp2 and a further subpopulation expressing the neuropeptide Pdyn. To do this, we injected an AAV into the PB region to deliver a Cre‐dependent anterograde tracer (synaptophysin‐mCherry) in three different strains of Cre‐driver mice. We then analyzed 147 neuroanatomical regions for labeled boutons in every brain (n = 11). Overall, glutamatergic neurons in the PB region project to a wide variety of sites in the cerebral cortex, basal forebrain, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, amygdala, diencephalon, and brainstem. Foxp2 and Pdyn subpopulations project heavily to the hypothalamus, but not to the cortex, basal forebrain, or amygdala. Among the few differences between Foxp2 and Pdyn cases was a notable lack of Pdyn projections to the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus. Our results indicate that genetic identity determines connectivity (and therefore, function), providing a framework for mapping all PB output projections based on the genetic identity of its neurons. Using genetic markers to systematically classify PB neurons and their efferent projections will enhance the translation of research findings from experimental animals to humans.
High precision invasive FFR, low‐cost invasive iFR, or non‐invasive CFR?: optimum assessment of coronary artery stenosis based on the patient‐specific computational models
Authors: Tajeddini Farshad , Nikmaneshi Mohammad Reza , Firoozabadi Bahar , Pakravan Hossein Ali , Ahmadi Tafti Seyed Hossein , Afshin Hossein 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to apply computational fluid dynamic (CFD) as a complementary tool for clinical tests to not only predict the present and future status of left coronary artery stenosis but also to evaluate some clinical hypotheses. In order to assess the present status of the coronary artery stenosis severity, and thereby selecting the most appropriate type of treatment for each patient, fractional flow reserve (FFR), instantaneous wave free‐ratio (iFR), and coronary flow reserve (CFR) are calculated. To examine FFR, iFR, and CFR results, the effect of geometric features of stenoses, including diameter reduction (%), lesion length (LL), and minimum lumen diameter (MLD), is studied on them. It is observed that FFR is a more conservative index than iFR and CFR to assess the severity of coronary stenosis. In addition, it is seen that FFR, iFR, and CFR decrease by increasing LL and decreasing MLD. Therefore, the morphological indices, LL/MLD and LL/MLD̂4, with the calculated conservative cut‐off values equal to 5.5 and 3.6, are considered. Next, some controversial clinical hypotheses about the assessment of the severity of coronary stenosis are evaluated numerically. These include the examination of FFR, iFR, and CFR accuracies, investigating the effect of coronary hyperemia on iFR, as well as the reliability of the hybrid iFR‐FFR decision‐making strategy. The presented numerical model can also be used as a predictive tool to identify the atherosuseptible sites of arteries by calculating the time‐averaged wall shear stress (TAWSS), oscillatory shear index (OSI), and relative residence time (RRT).
Modeling and imaging of intestinal electrical impedance based on conjugate gradient method
Authors: Ran Peng , Liu Zhichao , Zeng Chen , Li Zhangyong , Deng Jiewen , Wang Jingwen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractColorectal disease is a digestive tract disease of high incidence worldwide. Its preliminary diagnosis methods such as anal digital diagnosis and enteroscopy are somewhat subjective. Moreover, it is difficult to locate precisely the lesions and their infiltration boundaries for an accurate diagnosis of disease. This study combines endoscope with electrodes placed on the inner wall of the intestine to obtain both the traditional image of the intestine lumen and its electrical impedance tomography (EIT). The spatial impedance distribution image is reconstructed from the data collected by different combination of excitation and detection electrodes. The multidimensional and multiparameter intestinal physiological and pathological changes can thus be analyzed by EIT. This study mainly consists of the following three contributions: (a) construct certain physical models that reflect corresponding characteristics of intestinal tissue and its pathological changes; (b) optimize targeted signal acquisition methods suitable for data processing and analysis of intestinal cavity; and (c) establish a method of image reconstruction that conforms to the morphological characteristics of the intestinal cavity, so that comparative analysis can be applied by using different algorithms for image reconstruction. Through the extraction and analysis of impedance information for intestinal characteristics, we aim to make this tool a supplementary diagnosis method of high sensitivity and specificity for related diseases. This may lay a foundation for more accurate clinical screening of high‐risk population, more precise diagnosis and localization of lesion characteristics, and thus better treatment guidance.