bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shock tube ignition delay time measurements for methyl propanoate and methyl acrylate: Influence of saturation on small methyl ester high‐temperature reactivity
Authors: Wang Haowei , Oehlschlaeger Matthew A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractWe report ignition delay time measurements for methyl propanoate (MP) and methyl acrylate (MA), carried out in a high‐pressure shock tube. Experiments were performed behind reflected shock waves across a temperature range of 989‐1 367 K, for fuel‐air mixtures at equivalence ratios of ϕ = 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0, and nominal pressures of 1 and 4 MPa. Ignition delay times were found to decrease with increasing temperature, equivalence ratio, and pressure, and are well described with correlations involving Arrhenius temperature dependence and power‐law dependence on equivalence ratio and pressure. Ignition delay times are compared with model predictions from literature kinetic models, with the models of Zhang et al (Energy & Fuels 2014; 28(11): 7194‐7202) and Bennadji et al (International Journal of Chemical Kinetics 2011; 43(4): 204‐218.) in good agreement with measured ignition delay times for MP and MA, respectively. Kinetic sensitivity analysis shows that the reactions most important for modeling ignition fall into two categories: initiation reactions (ie, decomposition and H‐atom abstraction) and C0‐C1 chemistry controlling the pool of small radicals. The unsaturated MA was observed to have lower reactivity than MP, due to its greater bond strengths for C─C and C─H bonds, resulting in slower rates for initiation reactions.
Assessing UN indicators of land degradation neutrality and proportion of degraded land for Botswana using remote sensing based national level metrics
Authors: Akinyemi Felicia O. , Ghazaryan Gohar , Dubovyk Olena 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAchieving land degradation neutrality (LDN) has been proposed as a way to stem the loss of land resources globally. To date, LDN operationalization at the country level has remained a challenge both from a policy and science perspective. Using an approach incorporating cloud‐based geospatial computing with machine learning, national level datasets of land cover, land productivity dynamics, and soil organic carbon stocks were developed. Using the example of Botswana, LDN and proportion of degraded land were assessed. Between 2000 and 2015, grassland lost approximately 17% of its original extent, the highest level of loss for any land category; land productivity decline was highest in artificial surface areas (11%), whereas 36% of croplands show early signs of decline. With the use of national metrics (NM), degraded areas were found to be 32.6% compared to 51.4% of the total land area when global default datasets (DD) were used. Estimates of degraded land computed with NM and DD were validated in Palapye, an agro‐pastoral region in eastern Botswana, where Composite Land Degradation Index (CLDI) field‐based data exists. Comparing land degradation (LD) in the three datasets (NM, DD, and CLDI), NM estimates were closest to the field data. The extra efforts put into developing national level data for LD assessment in this study is, thus, well‐justified. Beyond demonstrating remote sensing viability for LD assessment, the study developed procedures for generating and validating national level datasets. Using these procedures, LD monitoring will be enhanced in Botswana and elsewhere since these remote sensing datasets can be updated using freely available satellite datasets.
Fabrication of Stiffness Gradients of GelMA Hydrogels Using a 3D Printed Micromixer
Authors: Lavrentieva Antonina , Fleischhammer Tabea , Enders Anton , Pirmahboub Hamidreza , Bahnemann Janina , Pepelanova Iliyana 
Published: June 2020

AbstractMany properties in both healthy and pathological tissues are highly influenced by the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix. Stiffness gradient hydrogels are frequently used for exploring these complex relationships in mechanobiology. In this study, the fabrication of a simple, cost‐efficient, and versatile system is reported for creation of stiffness gradients from photoactive hydrogels like gelatin‐methacryloyl (GelMA). The setup includes syringe pumps for gradient generation and a 3D printed microfluidic device for homogenous mixing of GelMA precursors with different crosslinker concentration. The stiffness gradient is investigated by using rheology. A co‐culture consisting of human adipose tissue‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (hAD‐MSCs) and human umbilical cord vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) is encapsulated in the gradient construct. It is possible to locate the stiffness ranges at which the studied cells displayed specific spreading morphology and migration rates. With the help of the described system, variable mechanical gradient constructs can be created and optimal 3D cell culture conditions can be experientially identified.
Tocilizumab potentiates cisplatin cytotoxicity and targets cancer stem cells in triple‐negative breast cancer
Authors: Alraouji Noura N. , Al‐Mohanna Falah H. , Ghebeh Hazem , Arafah Maria , Almeer Rafa , Al‐Tweigeri Taher , Aboussekhra Abdelilah 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a very aggressive subtype with high recurrence rate and no molecular targets for therapies. This subtype is characterized by high expression/secretion of the proinvasive/metastatic interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) cytokine. In the present study, we have shown that tocilizumab inhibits the IL‐6/STAT3 signaling and suppresses the cancer/inflammatory epigenetic IL‐6/STAT3/NF‐κB positive feedback loop. Furthermore, tocilizumab inhibited the proliferative and the migratory/invasiveness capacities as well as the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) process in TNBC cells. Importantly, tocilizumab suppressed the stemness‐related characteristics of TNBC cells, through the inhibition of the Wnt/β‐catenin breast cancer stem cell‐related pathway. Additionally, we have shown that tocilizumab suppresses the paracrine activation of normal breast stromal fibroblasts to myofibroblats. Moreover, tocilizumab sensitized TNBC cells to the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin in vitro. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of IL‐6 by tocilizumab had great inhibitory effect on tumor growth and the EMT process in humanized orthotopic breast tumors in mice. In addition, tocilizumab potentiated the proapoptotic effect of cisplatin in humanized breast tumors. Together, these findings indicate that tocilizumab can suppress the prometastatic capacity of TNBC cells and enhances the cytotoxic effect of cisplatin against these cells. Therefore, tocilizumab could be of great therapeutic value for these hard‐to‐treat TNBC patients.
Electrically tunable polarization‐independent visible transmission guided‐mode resonance filter based on polymer‐dispersed liquid crystals
Authors: Sun Guangyu , Wang Qi 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA tunable polarization‐independent narrowband guided‐mode resonance filter (GMRF), consisting of a 2D subwavelength aluminum grating and a polymer‐dispersed liquid crystal (PDLC) layer is demonstrated. By taking advantage of 2D structural phase matching, the guided mode resonance occurs under both transverse electric and magnetic guided modes, we obtained polarization‐independent bandpass filtering without loss of polarization, as verified via finite‐difference time‐domain simulations. Meanwhile, we use PDLC as a property adjustable material, when the orientation of the PDLC was controlled with an applied voltage, the transform mode of the incident light changed, which enabled easy refractive index tunability. A finite element method was used to design and characterize a tunable GMRF with a transmission resonance wavelength that can be shifted from 492.31 to 505.94 nm, based on the PDLC refraction. The relationship between resonance wavelength and the PDLC refractive index exhibits a linear curve, the shape and peak of the resonance transmission curve is stable during adjustments. With the design of this structure parameter, the GMRF transmission efficiency was over 82% in the visible band.
Candidate genes involved in the defunctionalization and refunctionalization of the urinary bladder induced by bladder anuria and reperfusion
Authors: Kisou Yusuke , Inoue Takamitsu , Nishijima Kazutoshi , Huang Minguo , Yamamoto Ryohei , Koizumi Atsushi , Nara Taketoshi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Saito Mitsuru , Narita Shintaro , Satoh Shigeru , Habuchi Tomonori 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsWe develop a novel rabbit urinary diversion model of bladder defunctionalization due to bladder anuria followed by refunctionalization due to urine reperfusion to investigate the molecular biological background. To validate the results, we used reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) to analyze human specimens from defunctionalized bladders in patients receiving dialysis before kidney transplantation.MethodsFemale rabbits were divided into three groups: control, defunctionalized, and refunctionalized. The bilateral ureters were anastomosed to vagina in the defunctionalized and refunctionalized groups at 0 weeks. In the refunctionalized group, the unilateral ureter was reanastomosed to the bladder at 8 weeks.ResultsThe capacity and compliance of the rabbit bladder in the refunctionalized group were significantly lower than those in the control group at 8 weeks and higher than those in the defunctionalized group at 14 weeks. The significant downregulation of IGFBP2, UPK1B, and CST6 in the defunctionalized group compared with that in the control groups, and the significant downregulation of AGTR2 in the refunctionalized group compared with that in the defunctionalized group in the rabbit bladder‐muscle DNA microarray were validated by RT‐PCR. Human bladder muscle indicated significant downregulation of UPK1B and CST6 and significant downregulation of IGFBP2 in the defunctionalized group, which is consistent with both rabbit bladder‐muscle DNA microarray and rabbit bladder RT‐PCR results.ConclusionsThe present study using novel model of bladder defunctionalization followed by refunctionalization indicated the consistent downregulation of UPK1B and CST6 in muscle and the consistent downregulation of IGFBP2 in mucosa in process of bladder defunctionalization, which was validated by human specimens.
Incontinence in persons with tuberous sclerosis complex
Authors: Clasen Oriana , Hussong Justine , Wagner Catharina , Flotats‐Bastardas Marina , Meyer Sascha , Zemlin Michael , von Gontard Alexander 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAimsTuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a multisystem genetic disorder caused by a mutation in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene with a broad spectrum of physical and psychological manifestations. The aim of the study was to examine incontinence, psychological problems, and adaptive behavior skills in patients with TSC.MethodsThrough a worldwide TSC support group, 26 children (4‐17 years) and 15 adults (18‐50 years) with TSC were recruited (38.1% male, mean age 16.4 years). Parents or care‐givers completed the Developmental Behavior Checklist (DBC), the Parental Questionnaire: Enuresis/urinary Incontinence, and the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales (3rd edition).ResultsA total of 60.0% of the participants had nocturnal enuresis (NE), 51.3% daytime urinary incontinence (DUI) and 52.4% fecal incontinence (FI). 65.4% of children and 50.0% of adults had a clinically relevant DBC score. Psychological symptoms were associated with at least one subtype of incontinence. The mean adaptive behavior composite (ABC) score of the patients was 57.2 (SD = 26.1), with 38.1% in the average or below‐average range (IQ >70), 26.2% with a mild, 11.9% with a moderate and 23.8% with a severe/profound intellectual disability. The incontinence rate was significantly higher in the groups with a lower ABC score.ConclusionA substantial proportion of patients with TSC are affected by incontinence and psychological symptoms. Incontinence was higher in persons with lower adaptive skills and those with at least one type of incontinence showed a significantly higher DBC score. As incontinence and psychological problems affect daily functioning and well‐being, assessment, and treatment are recommended.
Enhancement on the tribological properties of poly(phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) by carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride hybrid
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Chen Beibei , Dong Zhe , Wang Shuang , Li Xiang , Jia Yuhan , Yan Fengyuan 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA novel hybrid of carbon nanotube‐supported graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C3N4/CNT) was firstly fabricated via facile calcination method, and then filled into poly (phthalazinone ether sulfone ketone) (PPESK) to prepare self‐lubricating composite film. The microstructure and chemical composition of g‐C3N4/CNT hybrid were characterized, and its enhancement on the tribological properties of PPESK was investigated by comparing to pure PPESK and its composite films with g‐C3N4or CNT only. Results showed that g‐C3N4wasin situattached to CNT surface uniformly, which favored for improving the physical and chemical interfacial interaction between fillers and PPESK. Besides, by the incorporation of g‐C3N4/CNT, the hardness and elastic modulus of PPESK were improved by 15.05% and 41.75%, respectively. More importantly, PPESK‐g‐C3N4/CNT composite film showed the best tribological property among PPESK composite films. Its friction coefficient and wear rates were 65.5% and 84.1% lower than those of pure PPESK, as a result of good dispersion and interfacial action, as well as synergism between CNT and g‐C3N4. Based on the worn surface analysis, the enhancement mechanism of g‐C3N4/CNT was proposed.
Catechol‐based co‐deposited carbon fiber surfaces for enhancement of fiber/epoxy composites
Authors: Zhang Mengjie , Liu Liu , Jin Lin , Sun Lihao , Li Ming , Shang Lei , Liu Yu , Ao Yuhui 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTo improve interfacial adhesion between carbon fiber (CF) and epoxy resin, a low‐cost and environment‐friendly method was developed to treat the CF surface via the bio‐inspired co‐deposition of catechol (Cc) and polyethyleneimine (PEI). It is noteworthy that the deposition process reacts at room temperature with water as solvent, and does not require harsh conditions or the use of toxic reagents. After treatment, the CF/epoxy composites were endowed with excellent mechanical properties and showed increases of 51.9% and 51.7% for flexural strength and ILSS, respectively, in comparison with unsized CF laminates. The analyses of fractured surface morphologies and strengthening mechanism of the composites indicated that the uniformly coated Cc‐PEI on the fiber surface can promote the diffusion and entanglement of the matrix molecular chains and form chemical bonding as well as π‐π stacking, thus effectively improving the interfacial adhesion. In addition, the facile process disclosed in this study can provide a new strategy to not only for CF treating but also expected to be used in the modification of other high performance fiber reinforcement and industrial applications.
School bullying, subjective well‐being, and resilience
Authors: Andreou Eleni , Roussi‐Vergou Christina , Didaskalou Eleni , Skrzypiec Grace 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to examine the role of resilience in the victimization experiences of students and their subjective well‐being as well as to explore gender and age‐related effects. Initially, 558 students (52.15% male) from grades 6 to 10 participated in the study completing The Student Aggression and Victimization Questionnaire, The Mental Health Continuum, and the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale. One‐hundred and twenty‐seven (22.8%) students were excluded from the final analysis, as they did not report any victimization experience during the past 3 months. Males in all year levels reported higher levels of well‐being and resilience compared with females. No gender differences were found in victimization experiences. Languishing students were found to be at higher risk of experiencing serious victimization. Resilience was not found to moderate the effects of victimization on mental health, but a higher level of resilience appeared to be related to more positive well‐being for boys and younger students. Limitations of the study and implications for anti‐bullying interventions are briefly discussed.
Distinctiveness of prolonged‐grief‐disorder‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories in the first 2 years of bereavement for family caregivers of terminally ill cancer patients
Authors: Wen Fur‐Hsing , Chou Wen‐Chi , Shen Wen‐Chi , Tang Siew Tzuh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveGrief reactions in bereaved caregivers of cancer patients have been identified individually as distinct prolonged grief disorder (PGD)—and major depressive disorder (MDD)—symptom trajectories, but no research has examined whether the patterns of change (trajectories) for PGD and MDD symptoms synchronize during bereavement. We conducted a secondary analysis study to investigate the construct distinctiveness of PGD and MDD by simultaneously identifying and examining similarities and differences between bereaved caregivers' PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories from immediately post‐loss through 2 years later.MethodsPGD and depressive symptoms were measured for 849 cancer patients' caregivers over their first 2 years of bereavement using 11 grief‐symptom items of the prolonged grief‐13 scale (PG‐11) and the center for epidemiologic studies‐depression (CES‐D) scale, respectively. PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories were identified using latent class growth analysis with continuous latent‐class indicators (total PG‐11 and CES‐D scores). Concordance of caregiver participants' membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories was examined by a percentage and a kappa value.ResultsFive distinct symptom trajectories were identified for both PGD and MDD, with four shared trajectories (endurance, transient‐reaction, resilience, and prolonged‐symptomatic) having different prevalence rankings. Nonetheless, unique trajectories were identified for PGD (potential recurrence) and depressive symptoms (chronically distressed), respectively. Concordance between membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories was moderate (61.3%, kappa [95% CI]: 0.49 [0.44, 0.53]).ConclusionPGD and MDD are related but distinct constructs indicated by the unique trajectories identified for each, different prevalence rankings for PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories, and moderate concordance between membership in PGD‐ and depressive‐symptom trajectories, respectively.
Barriers to flexible sigmoidoscopy colorectal cancer screening in low uptake socio‐demographic groups: A systematic review
Authors: Travis Elizabeth , Ashley Laura , Pownall Madeleine , O'Connor Daryl B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo synthesise qualitative evidence related to barriers and facilitators of flexible sigmoidoscopy screening (FSS) intention and uptake, particularly within low socio‐demographic uptake groups. FSS uptake is lower amongst women, lower socio‐economic status (SES), and Asian ethnic groups within the United Kingdom (UK) and United States of America.MethodsA total of 12 168 articles were identified from searches of four databases: EMBASE, MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Eligibility criteria included: individuals eligible to attend FSS and empirical peer‐reviewed studies that analysed qualitative data. The Critical Appraisal Skills Program tool evaluated the methodological quality of included studies, and thematic synthesis was used to analyse the data.ResultsTen qualitative studies met the inclusion criteria. Key barriers to FSS intention and uptake centred upon procedural anxieties. Women, including UK Asian women, reported shame and embarrassment, anticipated pain, perforation risk, and test preparation difficulties to elevate anxiety levels. Religious and cultural‐influenced health beliefs amongst UK Asian groups were reported to inhibit FSS intention and uptake. Competing priorities, such as caring commitments, particularly impeded women's ability to attend certain FSS appointments. The review identified a knowledge gap concerning factors especially associated with FSS participation amongst lower SES groups.ConclusionsStudies mostly focussed on barriers and facilitators of intention to participate in FSS, particularly within UK Asian groups. To determine the barriers associated with FSS uptake, and further understand how screening intention translates to behaviour, it is important that future qualitative research is equally directed towards factors associated with screening behaviour.
Controlled co‐immobilization of biomolecules on quinone‐bearing plasma polymer films for multifunctional biomaterial surfaces
Authors: Czuba Urszula , Moreno‐Couranjou Maryline , Collard Delphine , De Pauw‐Gillet Marie‐Claire , Quintana Robert , Lassaux Patricia , Detrembleur Christophe , Choquet Patrick 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this study, an efficient methodology, allowing the controlled co‐immobilization of two complementary biomolecules, is reported for the production of multifunctional antibacterial surfaces. To promote long‐lasting covalent immobilization, metallic surfaces are first coated with a quinone‐bearing poly(methacrylate)‐based thin film by combining an atmospheric pressure liquid‐assisted plasma polymerization and a controlled sodium periodate‐induced catechol oxidation steps. The influence of the oxidation step on the film morphology and chemistry is investigated using an analytical multitool approach involving atomic force microscopy, ultraviolet, infrared, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy techniques. Quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring (QCM‐D) analyses allow the rapid determination of the optimal biomolecule immobilization conditions in terms of kinetics of grafting and biomolecule solution concentrations. In vitro functional assays combined with QCM‐D analyses demonstrate promising, dual biologically active coated surfaces.
Novaluron prevents oogenesis and oviposition by inducing ultrastructural changes in ovarian tissue of young adult Lygus lineolaris
Authors: Catchot Beverly , Anderson Chance JH , Gore Jeffrey , Jackson Ryan , Rakshit Kuntol , Musser Fred , Krishnan Natraj 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe tarnished plant bug, Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois), has emerged as a major pest of cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L, in the mid‐southern USA. In the early 1990s L. lineolaris populations developed resistance to several classes of conventional insecticides, increasing the need for insecticides with alternative modes of action such as insect growth regulators (IGRs) for integrated pest management (IPM). The benzoylphenyl urea (BPU) class of IGRs acts by disrupting the growth and development of immature stages of insects, but little is known about its impact on adult stages.RESULTSThe effect of novaluron (Diamond™ 0.83EC), a BPU with known chitin synthesis inhibitor activity, was investigated on adult females of L. lineolaris. Treatment of 1‐day‐old adults with 600 ppm of novaluron in the diet prevented oviposition, while treatment of older females had no impact on oviposition. Oral novaluron exposure of adults of all ages reduced the viability of eggs laid. Novaluron treatment caused ultrastructural changes in the ovaries of 1‐day‐old adults (48 h post exposure), distorting the follicular epithelial cell architecture of developing oocytes. Additionally, novaluron treatment decreased the chitin content in ovarian tissue.CONCLUSIONOur results suggest that chitin or chitin‐like components in the developing ovaries of adult L. lineolaris are a target of IGRs such as novaluron, but its activity is specific to a critical time during development. This enhances our understanding of the effects of BPUs on adult insects and could lead to incorporation of IGRs in IPM for controlling adult insect pest populations in the field. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry