bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of matrix–filler interaction through correlations between structural and viscoelastic properties of carbonous‐filler/polymer‐matrix composites
Authors: Pandey Alok K. , Pal Tanvi , Sharma Raghunandan , Kar Kamal K. 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTPolymer matrix composites reinforced with carbonous fillers are of significant commercial importance thanks to their vast application base. As the performance of such composites largely depends on matrix–filler interaction, the present study is focused on the impact of surface chemical states of polymer matrix and carbonous filler on the viscoelastic performance of the composites. Here we report investigation of the filler–matrix interface through spectroscopic techniques such as X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy. Viscoelastic properties of various polymer matrix composites prepared by varying the filler volume fraction and/or the matrix/filler type have been studied through dynamic mechanical thermal analysis. Further, to understand the matrix–filler interaction, correlations between viscoelastic parameters and various structural parameters such as the surface area of filler and the surface chemical states of filler/matrix obtained through XPS have been studied. Strong correlations between the viscoelastic parameters and the matrix/filler surface chemical states have been observed, suggesting the XPS as an important tool to study the role of the surface functionalities present on the matrix/filler surface to define the matrix–filler interaction. The filler surface functionalities such as C bound O have been found more compatible with the polymers having aromatic ring in the repeat unit. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48660.
Gradient crystallinity and its influence on the poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) membrane‐derived by immersion precipitation method
Authors: Remanan Sanjay , Ghosh Sabyasachi , Das Tushar Kanti , Sharma Maya , Bose Madhuparna , Bose Suryasarathi , Das Amit Kumar , Das Narayan Chandra 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTHerein, phase inversion poly(vinylidene fluoride)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PVDF/PMMA) microporous membranes were prepared at various PMMA concentration by immersion precipitation method. Increment in the PMMA concentration has a significant influence in the PVDF membrane crystallinity, which is studied by differential scanning calorimeter, X‐ray diffractometer, and small‐angle X‐ray scattering analyses. Properties such as membrane bulk structure, porosity, hydrophilicity, mechanical stability, and water flux vary in terms of PMMA concentration. Porosity is increased, and tensile strength decreased when PMMA concentration is beyond 30 wt %. Thermodynamic instability during the liquid to solid phase separation and variation in the crystallinity has an intense effect on these membrane properties. Then, 70/30 blend membrane selected as optimum composition owing to the high porosity and pure water flux compared to other compositions. This membrane is modified with a composite filler derived from the graphene oxide and titanate crosslinked by chitosan. The antibacterial, antifouling, and bovine serum albumin separation studies reveal that the developed nanocomposite membrane is a potential candidate for the separation application. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48677.
Stretchable poly(glycerol‐sebacate)/β‐tricalcium phosphate composites with shape recovery feature by extrusion
Authors: Tevlek Atakan , Agacik Dilara Turkel , Aydin Halil Murat 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTThere has been a great interest in research towards elastomers and their composites with an attempt to obtain the desired biological and mechanical response to scaffold materials in bone tissue engineering. Composites made of ceramic‐thermoplastic mixtures have been shown success to deliver the inorganic component while fail to provide replacement of an elastic protein, that is, collagen, of the target bone tissue. Thus, in order to match up with the inherent elasticity of the native tissue, it is proposed an alternative to well‐known thermoplastic‐containing matrices by using a poly(glycerol‐sebacate) (PGS)–beta‐tricalcium phosphate elastomeric composite to offer flexibility and mechanical integrity. This study reports for the first time a successful extrusion of PGS containing biodegradable composites with shape‐memory feature. The resulting structures are physically and chemically characterized. In vitro cell culture performance of the obtained materials is investigated by using an MC3T3‐E1 mouse preosteoblast cell line. The materials obtained in this study can be shaped into the desired size and various forms via temperature stimuli. Resulting materials have been proposed for craniofacial tissue engineering as a bone filler in which surgeons need to shape biomaterials during the surgical procedure due to the complex geometry of the bones. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 137, 48689.
Characterization and development of microsatellite markers for Echinomastus johnsonii and congeneric taxa
Authors: Zumwalde Bethany A. , Dahir Josie K. , Shaw Allyson B. , Willis Alison , Fehlberg Shannon D. 
Published: November 2019

PremiseMicrosatellite markers were developed in Echinomastus johnsonii (Cactaceae) for use in several morphologically similar, closely related taxa within the genus to study genetic structure and diversity within and among individuals and populations.Methods and ResultsUsing reads from shallow, whole genome Illumina HiSeq high‐throughput sequencing, we developed and characterized 15 microsatellite primer pairs for E. johnsonii, E. erectocentrus var. erectocentrus, E. erectocentrus var. acunensis, and E. intertextus. Of the 15 microsatellite markers, 14 amplified successfully and were polymorphic in three of the four taxa tested, with the exception of three markers in E. intertextus. In E. johnsonii, the number of alleles ranged from one to 15 and levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.917, respectively.ConclusionsThese markers will be useful for investigating population genetics and clarifying taxonomic relationships of E. johnsonii and congeneric species.
Systemic Sclerosis Dermal Fibroblasts Induce Cutaneous Fibrosis Through Lysyl Oxidase–like 4: New Evidence From Three‐Dimensional Skin‐like Tissues
Authors: Huang Mengqi , Cai Guoshuai , Baugh Lauren M. , Liu Zhiyi , Smith Avi , Watson Matthew , Popovich Dillon , Zhang Tianyue , Stawski Lukasz S. , Trojanowska Maria , Georgakoudi Irene , Black Lauren D. , Pioli Patricia A. , Whitfield Michael L. , Garlick Jonathan 
Published: November 2019

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is a clinically heterogeneous disease characterized by increased collagen accumulation and skin stiffness. Our previous work has demonstrated that transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) induces extracellular matrix (ECM) modifications through lysyl oxidase–like 4 (LOXL‐4), a collagen crosslinking enzyme, in bioengineered human skin equivalents (HSEs) and self‐assembled stromal tissues (SAS). We undertook this study to investigate cutaneous fibrosis and the role of LOXL‐4 in SSc pathogenesis using HSEs and SAS.MethodsSSc‐derived dermal fibroblasts (SScDFs; n = 8) and normal dermal fibroblasts (NDFs; n = 6) were incorporated into HSEs and SAS. These 3‐dimensional skin‐like microenvironments were used to study the effects of dysregulated LOXL‐4 on ECM remodeling, fibroblast activation, and response to TGFβ stimulation.ResultsSScDF‐containing SAS showed increased stromal thickness, collagen deposition, and interleukin‐6 secretion compared to NDF‐containing SAS (P < 0.05). In HSE, SScDFs altered collagen as seen by a more mature and aligned fibrillar structure (P < 0.05). With SScDFs, enhanced stromal rigidity with increased collagen crosslinking (P < 0.05), up‐regulation of LOXL4 expression (P < 0.01), and innate immune signaling genes were observed in both tissue models. Conversely, knockdown of LOXL4 suppressed rigidity, contraction, and α‐smooth muscle actin expression in SScDFs in HSE, and TGFβ‐induced ECM aggregation and collagen crosslinking in SAS.ConclusionA limitation to the development of effective therapeutics in SSc is the lack of in vitro human model systems that replicate human skin. Our findings demonstrate that SAS and HSE can serve as complementary in vitro skin‐like models for investigation of the mechanisms and mediators that drive fibrosis in SSc and implicate a pivotal role for LOXL‐4 in SSc pathogenesis.
VariCarta: A Comprehensive Database of Harmonized Genomic Variants Found in Autism Spectrum Disorder Sequencing Studies
Authors: Belmadani Manuel , Jacobson Matthew , Holmes Nathan , Phan Minh , Nguyen Tue , Pavlidis Paul , Rogic Sanja 
Published: November 2019

Recent years have seen a boom in the application of the next‐generation sequencing technology to the study of human disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), where the focus has been on identifying rare, possibly causative genomic variants in ASD individuals. Because of the high genetic heterogeneity of ASD, a large number of subjects is needed to establish evidence for a variant or gene ASD‐association, thus aggregating data across cohorts and studies is necessary. However, methodological inconsistencies and subject overlap across studies complicate data aggregation. Here we present VariCarta, a web‐based database developed to address these challenges by collecting, reconciling, and consistently cataloging literature‐derived genomic variants found in ASD subjects using ongoing semi‐manual curation. The careful manual curation combined with a robust data import pipeline rectifies errors, converts variants into a standardized format, identifies and harmonizes cohort overlaps, and documents data provenance. The harmonization aspect is especially important since it prevents the potential double counting of variants, which can lead to inflation of gene‐based evidence for ASD‐association. The database currently contains 170,416 variant events from 10,893 subjects, collected across 61 publications, and reconciles 16,202 variants that have been reported in literature multiple times. VariCarta is freely accessible at http://varicarta.msl.ubc.ca. Autism Res 2019, 12: 1728–1736. © 2019 International Society for Autism Research, Wiley Periodicals, Inc.Lay SummaryThe search for genetic factors underlying Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) yielded numerous studies reporting potentially causative genomic variants found in ASD individuals. However, methodological differences and subject overlap across studies complicate the assembly of these data, diminishing its utility and accessibility. We developed VariCarta, a web‐based database that aggregates carefully curated, annotated, and harmonized literature‐derived variants identified in individuals with ASD using ongoing semi‐manual curation.
Modified EPOCH for high‐risk non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Zuze Takondwa , Ellis Grace K. , Kasonkanji Edwards , Kaimila Bongani , Nyasosela Richard , Nyirenda Ruth , Tomoka Tamiwe , Mulenga Maurice , Chikasema Maria , Tewete Blessings , Mtangwanika Asekanadziwa , Chiyoyola Sarah , Chimzimu Fred , Kampani Coxcilly , Mhango Wilberforce , Nicholas Simon , Randall Cara , Montgomery Nathan D. , Fedoriw George , Westmoreland Katherine D. , Painschab Matthew S. , Gopal Satish 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAggressive non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is among the most common cancers in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA), where CHOP is standard treatment and outcomes are poor. To address this, we treated 17 newly diagnosed adult patients in Malawi with Burkitt (n = 8), plasmablastic (n = 8), and primary effusion lymphoma (n = 1) with a modified EPOCH regimen between 2016 and 2019. Twelve patients (71%) were male and the median age was 40 years (range 16‐63). Eleven (65%) were HIV infected, median CD4 count was 218 cells/µL (range 9‐460), and nine (82%) had suppressed HIV RNA < 400 copies/mL. Patients received a median of six cycles (range 2‐8) and median follow‐up was 14 months (range 2‐34) among patients still alive. Grade 3/4 neutropenia was observed in 26% of cycles and in 65% of patients. Sixteen (94%) responded to EPOCH and 10 (59%) achieved a complete response. One‐year overall survival (OS) was 62% (95% confidence interval [CI], 42%‐91%). Five patients (29%) died from progressive NHL and three (18%) from treatment‐related complications. These data suggest EPOCH with setting‐appropriate modifications may be a practical, safe, and effective option for improving high‐risk NHL outcomes in Malawi and comparable settings, which deserves further prospective evaluation.
Preparation of Boronic Acid‐Functionalized Silica Nanocomposites for Selective Enrichment of Glycoproteins
Authors: Yang Peng , Tian Zeng‐Lian , Xie Li‐Ping , Su Lin , He Jun‐Yi , Wu Yan‐Ping , Jia Wei‐Hua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA facile method was developed for synthesis of boronic acid‐functionalized silica nanocomposites (SiO2‐BA) by ‘thiol‐ene’ click reaction, where silica nanoparticles were synthesized by using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and γ‐mercaptopropyl trimethoxysilane (γ‐MPTS) as precursors. The morphology and structure properties of the resultant SiO2‐BA were characterized by transmission electronic microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Brunner‐Emmet‐Teller measurements (BET). The adsorption behavior of the SiO2‐BA for glycoproteins was evaluated. Under the optimized conditions, the SiO2‐BA exhibited higher adsorption capacity towards glycoproteins (ovalbumin, OVA, 7.64 μmol/g) than non‐glycoproteins (bovine serum albumin, BSA, 0.83 μmol/g). In addition, the practicality of the SiO2‐BA was further assessed by selective enrichment of glycoproteins from egg white samples.
Temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors of mortality after pericardiocentesis in the United States
Authors: Gad Mohamed M. , Elgendy Islam Y. , Mahmoud Ahmed N. , Elbadawi Ayman , Tanavin Toug , Denktas Ali , Jimenez Ernesto , Kapadia Samir R. , Jneid Hani 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundData regarding the temporal trends, outcomes, and predictors of in‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis are limited.MethodsThe National Inpatient Sample database was used to extract hospitalizations of patients who underwent pericardiocentesis from January 2007 to September 2015. We examined the rates of in‐hospital mortality, its predictors, and the temporal trends of pericardiocentesis utilization in the United States during the study period. We also examined trends and outcomes of pericardiocentesis associated with different cardiovascular procedures.ResultsA total of 96,377 hospitalizations with pericardiocentesis were examined. The number of pericardiocentesis procedures performed trended up significantly between 2007 and 2015 (p trend <.001), and this increase was observed predominantly in patients with unstable conditions. In‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis decreased over time (14.6% in 2007 vs. 12.0% in 2015, p trend <.001), but remained higher than that after surgical pericardial intervention (13.1 vs. 8.9%, p value <.0001), predominantly attributable to a higher patient risk profile. Rates of in‐hospital mortality were not statistically different between the procedural cohort and the nonprocedural cohort, 13.5 versus 13.0%, p value = .051. After multivariable adjustment, structural heart interventions (odds ratio [OR] 2.86; 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.35–3.49), bacterial and/or infective endocarditis (OR 2.09; 95% CI 1.72–2.54) and active neoplasms (OR 1.72; 95% CI 1.6–1.85) were independently associated with increased in‐hospital mortality in pericardiocentesis patients.ConclusionIn this nationwide analysis, the number of pericardiocentesis procedures increased significantly over time. Structural interventions, endocarditis, and active neoplasms were associated with increased in‐hospital mortality after pericardiocentesis.
Photoinduced Decarboxylative Amino‐Fluoroalkylation of Maleic Anhydride
Authors: Sun Youwen , Zhang Guozhu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA photoinduced decarboxylative three‐component coupling reaction involving amine, maleic anhydride, and fluorinated alkyl iodides has been developed, leading to synthetically valuable fluoroalkyl‐containing acrylamides with a high E selectivity. A broad array of substrates including monoprotected amino acid are capable coupling partners. Preliminary mechanistic studies suggest a stepwise process. This reaction represents the first example of photoinduced decarboxylative difunctionalization of maleic anhydride.
Defect Control in the Synthesis of 2 D MoS2 Nanosheets: Polysulfide Trapping in Composite Sulfur Cathodes for Li–S Batteries
Authors: Abraham Alyson , Wang Lei , Quilty Calvin D. , Lutz Diana M. , McCarthy Alison H. , Tang Christopher R. , Dunkin Mikaela R. , Housel Lisa M. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Marschilok Amy C. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOne of the inherent challenges with Li–S batteries is polysulfide dissolution, in which soluble polysulfide species can contribute to the active material loss from the cathode and undergo shuttling reactions inhibiting the ability to effectively charge the battery. Prior theoretical studies have proposed the possible benefit of defective 2 D MoS2 materials as polysulfide trapping agents. Herein the synthesis and thorough characterization of hydrothermally prepared MoS2 nanosheets that vary in layer number, morphology, lateral size, and defect content are reported. The materials were incorporated into composite sulfur‐based cathodes and studied in Li–S batteries with environmentally benign ether‐based electrolytes. Through directed synthesis of the MoS2 additive, the relationship between synthetically induced defects in 2 D MoS2 materials and resultant electrochemistry was elucidated and described.
Developmental stage‐dependent switching in the neuromodulation of vertebrate locomotor central pattern generator networks
Authors: Hachoumi Lamia , Sillar Keith T. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNeuromodulation plays important and stage‐dependent roles in regulating locomotor central pattern (CPG) outputs during vertebrate motor system development. Dopamine, serotonin and nitric oxide are three neuromodulators that potently influence CPG outputs in the development of Xenopus frog tadpole locomotion. However, their roles switch from predominantly inhibitory early in development to mainly excitatory at later stages. In this review, we compare the stage‐dependent switching in neuromodulation in Xenopus with other vertebrate systems, notably the mouse and the zebrafish, and highlight features that appear to be phylogenetically conserved.
Analgesic efficacy of 10% lidocaine spray during nasoenteral catheterization: Randomized triple‐blind trial
Authors: de Oliveira Amanda Santos , Ribeiro Caíque Jordan Nunes , Oliveira Aline Láyra Carvalho , Correia Viviane Oliveira de Sousa , Pinto Jonas Santana , Santos‐Júnior Evando , Ribeiro Maria do Carmo de Oliveira 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundPain is a common experience during nasoenteral catheterization. Although the procedure causes discomfort and distress to patients, procedural pain remains neglected and undertreated.ObjectiveTo evaluate the analgesic efficacy of the use of 10% lidocaine spray during nasoenteral catheterization.MethodA randomized, triple‐blind trial of 50 patients was performed. The patients were randomly assigned to two groups: an intervention group (IG), in which 10% lidocaine spray combined with 2% lidocaine gel was used, and a control group (CG), in which a saline solution spray combined with 2% lidocaine gel was used. Pain and discomfort were assessed during and after nasoenteral catheterization using numerical rating scale (NRS) and the visual analogue scale (VAS), respectively.ResultsIntervention group participants reported lower pain scores during (0.20 ± 0.71 vs. 5.00 ± 2.84, p < .001; |d| = −0.677) and after (0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 2.80 ± 2.83, p < .001; |d| = −0.718) nasoenteral catheterization compared to the CG.ConclusionSpraying 10% lidocaine spray before nasoenteral catheterization was most effective for relieving discomfort and pain, with lower pain and discomfort recorded in NRS and VAS. Topical administration of 10% lidocaine spray is therefore a suggested measure for procedural pain relief related to nasoenteral catheterization.SignificanceThe use of 10% lidocaine spray was more effective in relieving procedural pain and discomfort during nasoenteral catheterization. Patients who received 10% lidocaine spray registered lower discomfort and pain scores than those from 2% lidocaine gel group; there were less complications among patients in the IG.
Low‐cost multi‐core inertial microfluidic centrifuge for high‐throughput cell concentration
Authors: Xiang Nan , Li Qiao , Shi Zhiguo , Zhou Chenguang , Jiang Fengtao , Han Yu , Ni Zhonghua 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe developed a low‐cost multi‐core inertial microfluidic centrifuge (IM‐centrifuge) to achieve a continuous‐flow cell/particle concentration at a throughput of up to 20 mL/min. To lower the cost of our IM‐centrifuge, we clamped a disposable multilayer film‐based inertial microfluidic (MFIM) chip with two reusable plastic housings. The key MFIM chip was fabricated in low‐cost materials by stacking different polymer‐film channel layers and double‐sided tape. To increase processing throughput, multiplexing spiral inertial microfluidic channels were integrated within an all‐in‐one MFIM chip, and a novel sample distribution strategy was employed to equally distribute the sample into each channel layer. Then, we characterized the focusing performance in the MFIM chip over a wide flow‐rate range. The experimental results showed that our IM‐centrifuge was able to focus various‐sized particles/cells to achieve volume reduction. The sample distribution strategy also effectively ensured identical focusing and concentration performances in different cores. Finally, our IM‐centrifuge was successfully applied to concentrate microalgae cells with irregular shapes and highly polydisperse sizes. Thus, our IM‐centrifuge holds the potential to be employed as a low‐cost, high‐throughput centrifuge for disposable use in low‐resource settings.
Establishment and development of a CZE–UV method for rapid measurement of aprotinin potency
Authors: He Shujuan , Zhang Jing , Dong Yue , Duan Xiaoyun , Yang Fatang , Luo Tian , Wang Zhen , Dong Yuming 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA new method for the measurement of aprotinin potency by CZE–UV detector was established for the first time. The on‐line mixing of substrate, trypsin and aprotinin using at‐inlet technology was realized by the established method. Enzymatic reaction, separation, and detection of substrate and product can be performed simultaneously online. The aprotinin potency can be measured within 4 min. The response surface methodology was used to optimize the incubation conditions of trypsin and substrate, and the optimized conditions were obtained under 17.39 mM phosphate buffer at pH 7.6, 1.40 min of incubation time. The repeatability of proposed method was evaluated in three different systems of capillary zone electrophoresis: (i) only substrate; (ii) trypsin and substrate; (iii) aprotinin, trypsin and substrate, and the RSDs of migration times and peak areas of substrate were less than 2.7 and 3.1%, respectively. The RSDs of migration times and peak areas of product were less than 2.1 and 3.0%, respectively. A formula was also developed to calculate the aprotinin potency in this method. In a word, the established CZE–UV method was convenient, fast, and environmentally friendly for the measurement of aprotinin potency.