bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of electron beam treatment on copolymers of polylactide and poly(trimethylene carbonate) in an air atmosphere
Authors: Rzepna Magdalena , Sadło Jarosław , Przybytniak Grażyna , Iuliano Anna 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe effect of exposure of polylactide (PLA) and poly(trimethylene carbonate) (PTMC) statistical copolymers to ionizing radiation was studied by means of EPR spectroscopy. In addition, the influence of radiation‐induced processes on thermal properties, miscibility of the components, weight average molecular weight (Mw) and number average molecular weight (Mn) were investigated for doses in the range of 0–200 kGy. In copolymers containing PLA and PTMC components in a ratio of 30:70 and 70:30 PLA radicals identified in the homopolymer under cryogenic conditions were dominant. This showed that PTMC radical centers either recombine or are transferred to PLA along the macromolecules. The results obtained for the non‐irradiated and irradiated samples showed that the glass transition values measured by differential scanning calorimetry and calculated using the Fox equation were similar and indicated compatibility between the constituents of the tested copolymers and their miscibility. Mw and Mn changes measured by gel permeation chromatography were used to determine the radiation yield of scission G(S) and cross‐linking G(X). In the case of PLA and PLA‐rich copolymers, the difference between G(S) and G(X) with increasing dose increased, thus the chain scission predominated over cross‐linking. For PTMC rich copolymer, the effect was opposite.
Hydrogels of starch/carboxymethyl cellulose crosslinked with sodium trimetaphosphate via reactive extrusion
Authors: Cagnin Caroline , Simões Bruno Matheus , Yamashita Fábio , Andrello Avacir Casanova , de Carvalho Gizilene Maria , Grossmann Maria Victória Eiras 
Published: November 2020

AbstractHydrogels are materials with advantages in specific applications, such as, retention of food active compounds. This work aims to develop starch (S)/carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogels with porous structure, using reactive extrusion to promote crosslinking with sodium trimetaphosphate (STMP). The expansion, porosity, degree of substitution, gel fraction, swelling properties, and FTIR are studied, comparing S, S/CMC, S/STMP, and S/CMC/STMP formulations. Samples containing STMP present the same degree of substitution (0.050 ± 0.001). Higher porosity and percentage of open pores are observed in the mixed hydrogel (S/CMC/STMP). Crosslinking increase the swelling capacity at pH 7, and this property, just like the gel fraction, are sensitive to pH variations. The hydrogel S/CMC present the highest swelling rate compared with the other samples, suggesting strong interaction between components. The reactive extrusion process is efficient to produce starch and starch/CMC hydrogels crosslinked with STMP and the overall results demonstrate the advantages of the mixed hydrogel.
Mixed substituent ether‐containing polyphosphazene/poly(bis‐phenoxyphosphazene) blends as membranes for CO2 separation from N2
Authors: Orme Christopher J. , McNally Joshua S. , Klaehn John R. , Stewart Frederick F. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPolyphosphazenes gain much of their physical and chemical properties from the substituents attached to the phosphorus atoms in the backbone. Poly(phosphazenes) that have short‐chain polyether containing substituents, such as, 2‐(2‐methoxyethoxy)ethanol, have high CO2 permeability and selectivity over N2 as well as resistance to degradation under humidification at 60°C. However, the principal shortcomings of this polymer are the poor mechanical and surface characteristics. Blending of an example of this polyphosphazene (MEEP‐80) with poly(bis‐phenoxyphosphazene) (PPOP) has yielded more durable materials that have a non‐adhesive surface. In this work, the blended polymer membranes were found to have increased CO2 permeability with higher selectivity over N2. Thermal analysis and the application of transport models support a structure of the blends that is not either an intimate blend or phase separated bulk structure, but one where PPOP domains retain their crystallinity and are dispersed within an amorphous MEEP‐80 phase.
Improving delamination resistance of carbon fiber reinforced polymeric composite by interface engineering using carbonaceous nanofillers through electrophoretic deposition: An assessment at different in‐service temperatures
Authors: De Soubhik , Fulmali Abhinav Omprakash , Nuli Krishna Chaitanya , Prusty Rajesh Kumar , Prusty B. Gangadhara , Ray Bankim Chandra 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this article, modification of carbon fiber surface by carbon based nanofillers (multi‐walled carbon nanotubes [CNT], carbon nanofibers, and multi‐layered graphene) has been achieved by electrophoretic deposition technique to improve its interfacial bonding with epoxy matrix, with a target to improve the mechanical performance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer composites. Flexural and short beam shear properties of the composites were studied at extreme temperature conditions; in‐situ cryo, room and elevated temperature (−196, 30, and 120°C respectively). Laminate reinforced with CNT grafted carbon fibers exhibited highest delamination resistance with maximum improvement in flexural strength as well as in inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS) among all the carbon fiber reinforced epoxy (CE) composites at all in‐situ temperatures. CNT modified CE composite showed increment of 9% in flexural strength and 17.43% in ILSS when compared to that of unmodified CE composite at room temperature (30°C). Thermomechanical properties were investigated using dynamic mechanical analysis. Fractography was also carried out to study different modes of failure of the composites.
Fish oil attenuated dystrophic muscle markers of inflammation via FFA1 and FFA4 in the mdx mouse model of DMD
Authors: Maciel Junior Marcos , Camaçari de Carvalho Samara , Saenz Suarez Paula Andrea , Santo Neto Humberto , Marques Maria Julia 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn the present study we investigated the involvement of free fatty acid (FFA) receptors in the anti‐inflammatory role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in dystrophic muscles, by administering FFA blockers in the mdx mouse model of dystrophy. Mdx mice (3 months‐old) were treated with fish oil capsules (FDC Vitamins; 0.4 g EPA and 0.2 g DHA; gavage) alone or concomitant to FFA1 and FFA4 blockers (GW1100 and AH7614; i.p.). C57BL/10 mice (3 months‐old) and untreated‐mdx mice received mineral oil and were used as controls. After 1 month of treatment, plasma markers of myonecrosis (total and cardiac creatine kinase; CK), the levels of FFA1 and FFA4 and of the markers of inflammation, nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NFkB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α) and interleukin 1β (IL‐1β) were analyzed in the diaphragm muscle and heart by western blot. Fish oil significantly reduced total CK, cardiac CK and the levels of NFkB (diaphragm), and of TNF‐α and IL‐1β (diaphragm and heart) in mdx. In the dystrophic diaphragm, FFA1 was increased compared to normal. Blockers of FFA1 and FFA4 significantly inhibited the effects of fish oil treatment in both dystrophic muscles. The anti‐inflammatory effects of fish oil in dystrophic diaphragm muscle and heart were mediated through FFA1 and FFA4.
Engineering Tobacco Mosaic Virus and Its Virus‐Like‐Particles for Synthesis of Biotemplated Nanomaterials
Authors: Lee Kok Zhi , Basnayake Pussepitiyalage Vindula , Lee Yu‐Hsuan , Loesch‐Fries L. Sue , Harris Michael T. , Hemmati Shohreh , Solomon Kevin V. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBiomolecules are increasingly attractive templates for the synthesis of functional nanomaterials. Chief among them is the plant tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) due to its high aspect ratio, narrow size distribution, diverse biochemical functionalities presented on the surface, and compatibility with a number of chemical conjugations. These properties are also easily manipulated by genetic modification to enable the synthesis of a range of metallic and non‐metallic nanomaterials for diverse applications. This article reviews the characteristics of TMV and related viruses, and their virus‐like particle (VLP) derivatives, and how these may be manipulated to extend their use and function. A focus of recent efforts has been on greater understanding and control of the self‐assembly processes that drive biotemplate formation. How these features have been exploited in engineering applications such as, sensing, catalysis, and energy storage are briefly outlined. While control of VLP surface features is well‐established, fewer tools exist to control VLP self‐assembly, which limits efforts to control template uniformity and synthesis of certain templated nanomaterials. However, emerging advances in synthetic biology, machine learning, and other fields promise to accelerate efforts to control template uniformity and nanomaterial synthesis enabling more widescale industrial use of VLP‐based biotemplates.
Functional connectivity in default mode network correlates with severity of hypoxemia in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Chang Ya‐Ting , Chen Yung‐Che , Chen Yung‐Lung , Hsu Shih‐Wei , Yang Feng‐Yueh , Lee Chen‐Chang , Hsu Po‐Yuan , Lin Meng‐Chih 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntroductionObstructive sleep apnea (OSA)‐associated hypoxemia, sleep fragmentation, and cerebral vascular dysfunction are implicated in cognitive dysfunction. Functional connectivity within default mode network (DMN) is a possible mechanism underlying the cognitive impairment. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of hypoxemia and sleep fragmentation on functional connectivity and on cognitive performance in patients with OSA.MethodsTwenty‐eight patients with OSA were included (mean age = 58.0 ± 8.5 years). We correlated the functional connectivity in DMN with cognitive performances and further analyzed the relationship of functional connectivity in DMN with hypoxemia severity, as revealed by apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI), oxygen desaturation index (ODI), and nadir SaO2 (%), and with degree of sleep fragmentation, as shown by sleep efficiency and wake after sleep onset.ResultsFunctional connectivity in DMN was associated with AHI, ODI, and nadir SaO2 (%) (p < .05) and was not associated with sleep fragmentation measures (p > .05). Functional connectivity that was associated with AHI, ODI, and nadir SaO2 (%) was in the areas of bilateral middle temporal gyri, bilateral frontal pole, and bilateral hippocampus and was positively correlated with Cognitive Abilities Screening Instrument (CASI) total score (ρ = 0.484; p = .012), CASI‐List‐generating, CASI‐Attention, and composite score of CASI‐List‐generating plus CASI‐Attention (p < .05).ConclusionFunctional connectivity in DMN is implicated in impairment of global cognitive function and of attention in OSA patients. The functional connectivity in the DMN is associated with hypoxemia rather than with sleep fragmentation.
Testing social cognition in multiple sclerosis: Difference between emotion recognition and theory of mind and its influence on quality of life
Authors: Grothe Matthias , Opolka Michael , Berneiser Julia , Dressel Alexander 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundDeficits in social cognition can occur in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, and different methods are utilized for its assessment. The aim of this study was to compare two tests of social cognition in a cohort of multiple sclerosis patients with respect to other clinical variables. Additionally, the impact of social cognition on quality of life was investigated.MethodsIn total, 50 patients were included in the study. Two tests of social cognition, emotion recognition and theory of mind, were performed and controlled for disease disability, depression, fatigue, and cognition in a multiple linear regression. Assessment of quality of life was also conducted.ResultsAccuracy on emotion recognition was better compared to theory of mind (86.5 ± 9.5% and 63.6 ± 10.1%, respectively). Cognition was associated with both social cognition tasks, accounting for more variance in the emotion recognition task. Quality of life was not related to social cognition.ConclusionStudies on social cognition in MS have to keep in mind the higher degree of cognitive influence of emotion recognition compared to theory of mind.
A phase 1 study of combined guadecitabine and cisplatin in platinum refractory germ cell cancer
Authors: Albany Costantine , Fazal Zeeshan , Singh Ratnakar , Bikorimana Emmanuel , Adra Nabil , Hanna Nasser H. , Einhorn Lawrence H. , Perkins Susan M. , Sandusky George E. , Christensen Brock C. , Keer Harold , Fang Fang , Nephew Kenneth P. , Spinella Michael J. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPurposeGerm cell tumors (GCTs) are cured with therapy based on cisplatin, although a clinically significant number of patients are refractory and die of progressive disease. Based on preclinical studies indicating that refractory testicular GCTs are hypersensitive to hypomethylating agents (HMAs), we conducted a phase I trial combining the next‐generation HMA guadecitabine (SGI‐110) with cisplatin in recurrent, cisplatin‐resistant GCT patients.MethodsPatients with metastatic GCTs were treated for five consecutive days with guadecitabine followed by cisplatin on day 8, for a 28‐day cycle for up to six cycles. The primary endpoint was safety and toxicity including dose‐limiting toxicity (DLT) and maximum tolerated dose (MTD).ResultsThe number of patients enrolled was 14. The majority of patients were heavily pretreated. MTD was determined to be 30 mg/m2 guadecitabine followed by 100 mg/m2 cisplatin. The major DLTs were neutropenia and thrombocytopenia. Three patients had partial responses by RECIST criteria, two of these patients, including one with primary mediastinal disease, completed the study and qualified as complete responses by serum tumor marker criteria with sustained remissions of 5 and 13 months and survival of 16 and 26 months, respectively. The overall response rate was 23%. Three patients also had stable disease indicating a clinical benefit rate of 46%.ConclusionsThe combination of guadecitabine and cisplatin was tolerable and demonstrated activity in patients with platinum refractory germ cell cancer.
A Versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 Heterostructure for Different Environmental Purposes: Water Treatment and Artificial Photosynthesis
Authors: A. Rodrigues Thaís , Falsetti Paulo H. E. , Del Duque Douglas M. S. , da Silva Gelson T. S. T. , F. Lopes Osmando , Avansi Waldir , Ribeiro Caue , R. de Mendonça Vagner 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA versatile Nb2O5/SnO2 heterostructure, adequate for different processes, was successfully synthesized by adding SnO2 to the hydrothermal Nb2O5 synthesis process. The presence of SnO2 dispersed over Nb2O5 did not modify its crystalline structure. On the other hand, the properties of the material were strongly affected by coupling the semiconductors. The heterostructure exhibited enhanced photocatalytic performance compared to pure Nb2O5 in the degradation of rhodamine B dye and the amiloride medication under UV radiation, as well as during CO2 photoreduction. Moreover, the heterostructured material was more efficient at removing the cationic species methylene blue dye and Mn (II) from the aqueous solution through adsorption than pure Nb2O5. Its versatility has been explained by reference to the negative surface charge induced by SnO2 and the charge separation in the heterostructure, which increases their lifetimes, making it possible to reach the surface of the material and promote the reaction in the oxidative and reductive processes. Our results indicate that coupled Nb2O5/SnO2 can be a unique platform to different forms of environmental treatment.
Regulating the Catalytic Activity of Pd Nanoparticles by Confinement in Ordered Mesoporous Supports
Authors: Naik Pranjali J. , Chatterjee Puranjan , Chen Shaojiang , Huang Wenyu , Slowing Igor I. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractStudying structure‐sensitive reactions requires the synthesis of catalytic nanoparticles with precisely controlled sizes. In this work we demonstrate the facile production of size controlled Pd nanoparticles by confinement in the pores of mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN). We show that Pd particles 2.1 nm in size have a higher catalytic activity than larger nanoparticles for the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling between 4’‐bromoacetophenone and phenyl boronic acid and for the hydrogenation of phenol in aqueous phase. The enhanced activity can be explained in terms of increased number of coordinatively unsaturated sites and higher back donation capacity of the small nanoparticles.
Investigating the Formation Mechanism of a Nanoporous Silver Film Electrode with Enhanced Catalytic Activity for CO2 Electroreduction
Authors: Qian Yao , Xiao Yanjun , Qin Tian , Zhang Fan , Tang Hehua , Liu Yifan , Lin Bo‐Lin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractMonolithic nanoporous silver (np‐Ag) fabricated by a facile electrochemical method is attractive for electrocatalytic applications. However, the conversion mechanism between Ag and AgCl remains unclear as a result of the lack of appropriate electron microscopy evidence. Herein, systematic scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the surface and cross‐sectional views were carried out during the anodic formation and reduction of the AgCl layer. To avoid the thermal decomposition of AgCl and the destruction of the cross‐sectional morphology, Ar ion polishing at −140 °C under the cooling of liquid N2 was adopted. Our data show that the reduction process of the AgCl layer includes three processes: trigger, expansion, and shrinkage. A funnel‐like transient state was observed for the first time, leading to a new formation mechanism for the resultant np‐Ag. Outstanding performance in electrocatalytic reduction of CO2 to CO was observed for one of the nanoporous Ag films presumably due to its unique nanostructure to promote initial electron transfer and active‐site exposure. The selectivity of CO between −0.31 and −0.56 V was higher than 90 %, and reached a maximum of 96 % at −0.36 V.
Structural and functional organization of the lower jaw barrel subfield in rat primary somatosensory cortex
Authors: Pellicer‐Morata Violeta , Wang Lie , de Jongh Curry Amy , Tsao Jack W. , Waters Robert S. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBarrel subfields in rodent primary somatosensory cortex (SI) are important model systems for studying cortical organization and reorganization. During cortical reorganization that follows limb deafferentation, neurons in deafferented forelimb SI become responsive to previously unexpressed inputs from the lower jaw. Although the lower jaw barrel subfield (LJBSF) is a likely source of the input, this subfield has received little attention. Our aim was to describe the structural and functional organization of the normal LJBSF. To investigate LJBSF organization, a nomenclature for lower jaw skin surface was developed, cytochrome oxidase (CO) was used to label flattened‐cut LJBSF sections, microelectrodes were used to map the lower jaw skin surface representation in SI, and electrolytic lesions, recovered from electrode penetrations, were used to align the physiological map to the underlying barrel map. LJBSF is a tear‐shaped subfield containing approximately 24 barrels, arranged in eight mediolateral rows and a barrel‐free zone capping the anterior border. The representation of the lower jaw skin consisting of chin vibrissae and microvibrissae embedded in common fur is somatotopically organized in a single map in the contralateral SI. This physiological map shows that the activity from the vibrissae aligns with the CO‐staining of the underlying LJBSF. LJBSF barrels receive topographically ordered barrel‐specific input from individual vibrissa and microvibrissae in the lower jaw but not from trident whiskers. The barrel‐free zone receives topographically ordered input from the lower lip. These data demonstrating that the LJBSF is a highly organized subfield are essential for understanding its possible role in cortical reorganization.
Agro‐morphological and phenotypic variability of sweet basil genotypes for breeding purposes
Authors: Yaldiz Gulsum , Camlica Mahmut 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe genus Ocimum is very complicated due to the presence of huge morphological variability along with genetic diversity. Basil (Ocimum basilicum L.) has pharmacological properties to treat headaches, coughs, diarrhea, constipation, warts, worms, and kidney malfunction and potential as a therapeutic agent in treating various age‐related diseases. In this study, a total of 74 genotypes were used in 2017 and 61 genotypes were adapted. Among the 61 genotypes, 50 genotypes were sown in 2018. The present investigation composed of basil genotypes was undertaken to characterize the genotypes based on morphological and phenological features, herbs, and essential oil yield of genotypes. A wide range of variations for traits like days to first cutting (56.92–101.6 d), plant height (13.67–71.90 cm), branch number (3.28–19.43 plant−1), fresh herb yields (12.94–274.11 g plant−1), and essential oil yield (0.04–1.71%) were observed and can be useful for breeding purposes. PI 652070 and PI 296391 were found superior with the highest herbs yield as compared with other genotypes. Overall, PI 358469 and Ames 32309 genotypes exhibited the highest essential oil content. A constellation analysis was conducted to investigate the genetic diversity of basil genotypes. According to the constellation plot analysis, 46 basil genotypes and four cultivars were evaluated according to morphological, yield, and International Association for the Protection of New Plant Varieties (UPOV) properties, and most of the basil genotypes and one cultivar (Midnight) were located in the same group. As a result of the constellation plot analysis, Moonlight and Dino cultivars were located in the same group with PI 141198 (Maryland, USA) and genotypes originated from Georgia, Iran, Afghanistan, Ethiopia, and Hungary located in the same main group. Other genotypes of the same origin were found in a different main group.