bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Atomistic-scale analysis of the deformation and failure of polypropylene composites reinforced by functionalized silica nanoparticles
Authors: Sorkin V. , Pei Q. X. , Liu P. , Thitsartarn W. , He C. B. , Zhang Y. W. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractInterfacial adhesion between polymer matrix and reinforcing silica nanoparticles plays an important role in strengthening polypropylene (PP) composite. To improve the adhesion strength, the surface of silica nanoparticles can be modified by grafted functional molecules. Using atomistic simulations, we examined the effect of functionalization of silica nanoparticles by hexamethyldisilazane (HMDS) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) molecules on the deformation and failure of silica-reinforced PP composite. We found that the ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of PP composite functionalized by OTES (28 MPa) is higher than that of HMDS (25 MPa), which is in turn higher than that passivated only by hydrogen (22 MPa). To understand the underlying mechanistic origin, we calculated the adhesive energy and interfacial strength of the interphase region, and found that both the adhesive energy and interfacial strength are the highest for the silica nanoparticles functionalized by OTES molecules, while both are the lowest by hydrogen. The ultimate failure of the polymer composite is initiated by the cavitation in the interphase region with the lowest mass density, and this cavitation failure mode is common for all the examined PP composites, but the cavitation position is dependent on the tail length of the functional molecules. The present work provides interesting insights into the deformation and cavitation failure mechanisms of the silica-reinforced PP composites, and the findings can be used as useful guidelines in selecting chemical agents for surface treatment of silica nanoparticles.
Impact of respiratory infectious epidemics on STEMI incidence and care
Authors: Macherey S. , Meertens M. M. , Adler C. , Braumann S. , Heyne S. , Tichelbäcker T. , Nießen F. S. , Christ H. , Ahrens I. , Baer F. M. , Eberhardt F. , Horlitz M. , Meissner A. , Sinning J. M. , Baldus S. , Lee S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe effect of respiratory infectious diseases on STEMI incidence, but also STEMI care is not well understood. The Influenza 2017/2018 epidemic and the COVID-19 pandemic were chosen as observational periods to investigate the effect of respiratory virus diseases on these outcomes in a metropolitan area with an established STEMI network. We analyzed data on incidence and care during the COVID-19 pandemic, Influenza 2017/2018 epidemic and corresponding seasonal control periods. Three comparisons were performed: (1) COVID-19 pandemic group versus pandemic control group, (2) COVID-19 pandemic group versus Influenza 2017/2018 epidemic group and (3) Influenza 2017/2018 epidemic group versus epidemic control group. We used Student’s t-test, Fisher’s exact test and Chi square test for statistical analysis. 1455 patients were eligible. The daily STEMI incidence was 1.49 during the COVID-19 pandemic, 1.40 for the pandemic season control period, 1.22 during the Influenza 2017/2018 epidemic and 1.28 during the epidemic season control group. Median symptom-to-contact time was 180 min during the COVID-19 pandemic. In the pandemic season control group it was 90 min (p = 0.183), and in the Influenza 2017/2018 cohort it was 90 min, too (p = 0.216). Interval in the epidemic control group was 79 min (p = 0.733). The COVID-19 group had a door-to-balloon time of 49 min, corresponding intervals were 39 min for the pandemic season group (p = 0.038), 37 min for the Influenza 2017/2018 group (p = 0.421), and 38 min for the epidemic season control group (p = 0.429). In-hospital mortality was 6.1% for the COVID-19 group, 5.9% for the Influenza 2017/2018 group (p = 1.0), 11% and 11.2% for the season control groups. The respiratory virus diseases neither resulted in an overall treatment delay, nor did they cause an increase in STEMI mortality or incidence. The registry analysis demonstrated a prolonged door-to-balloon time during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Colorimetric determination of trace orthophosphate in water by using C18-functionalized silica coated magnetite
Authors: Phouthavong Vanpaseuth , Manakasettharn Supone , Viboonratanasri Duangkamon , Buajarern Siriwit , Prompinit Panida , Sereenonchai Kamonthip 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, we customized magnetic sorbents by functionalizing silica coated magnetite with octadecyl(C18)silane (Fe3O4@SiO2@C18). This sorbent was intended for the determination of trace orthophosphate (o-PO43−) in unpolluted freshwater samples. The o-PO43− was transformed to phosphomolybdenum blue (PMB), a known polyoxometalate ion. Then the PMB were coupled with cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB), cationic surfactant, in order to hydrophobically bound with the Fe3O4@SiO2@C18 particles through dispersive magnetic solid-phase extraction (d-MSPE) as part of sample preconcentration. The PMB–CTAB–magnetic particles are simply separated from the aqueous solution by the external magnet. The acidified ethanol 0.5 mL was used as PMB-CTAB eluent to produce an intense blue solution, which the absorbance was measured using a UV–Vis spectrophotometer at 800 nm. The proposed method (employing 2 mg of Fe3O4@SiO2@C18) yielded an enhancement factor of 32 with a linear range of 1.0–30.0 µg P L−1. Precision at 6.0 µg P L−1 and 25.0 µg P L−1 were 3.70 and 2.49% (RSD, n = 6) respectively. The lower detection limit of 0.3 µg P L−1 and quantification limit of 1.0 µg P L−1 allowed trace levels analysis of o-PO43− in samples. The reliability and accuracy of the proposed method were confirmed by using a certified reference material. Our method offers highly sensitive detection of o-PO43− with simple procedures that can be operated at room temperature and short analysis time.
Photocrosslinked gelatin hydrogel improves wound healing and skin flap survival by the sustained release of basic fibroblast growth factor
Authors: Kushibiki Toshihiro , Mayumi Yoshine , Nakayama Eiko , Azuma Ryuichi , Ojima Kenichiro , Horiguchi Akio , Ishihara Miya 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBiomaterials traditionally used for wound healing can act as a temporary barrier to halt bleeding, prevent infection, and enhance regeneration. Hydrogels are among the best candidates for wound healing owing to their moisture retention and drug-releasing properties. Photo-polymerization using visible light irradiation is a promising method for hydrogel preparation since it can easily control spatiotemporal reaction kinetics and rapidly induce a single-step reaction under mild conditions. In this study, photocrosslinked gelatin hydrogels were imparted with properties namely fast wound adherence, strong wet tissue surface adhesion, greater biocompatibility, long-term bFGF release, and importantly, ease of use through the modification and combination of natural bio-macromolecules. The production of a gelatin hydrogel made of natural gelatin (which is superior to chemically modified gelatin), crosslinked by visible light, which is more desirable than UV light irradiation, will enable its prolonged application to uneven wound surfaces. This is due to its flexible shape, along with the administration of cell growth factors, such as bFGF, for tissue regeneration. Further, the sustained release of bFGF enhances wound healing and skin flap survival. The photocrosslinking gelatin hydrogel designed in this study is a potential candidate to enhance wound healing and better skin flap survival.
Branched-chain amino acids govern the high learning ability phenotype in Tokai high avoider (THA) rats
Authors: Shida Yukari , Endo Hitoshi , Owada Satoshi , Inagaki Yutaka , Sumiyoshi Hideaki , Kamiya Akihide , Eto Tomoo , Tatemichi Masayuki 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo fully understand the mechanisms governing learning and memory, animal models with minor interindividual variability and higher cognitive function are required. THA rats established by crossing those with high learning capacity exhibit excellent learning and memory abilities, but the factors underlying their phenotype are completely unknown. In the current study, we compare the hippocampi of parental strain Wistar rats to those of THA rats via metabolomic analysis in order to identify molecules specific to the THA rat hippocampus. Higher branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) levels and enhanced activation of BCAA metabolism-associated enzymes were observed in THA rats, suggesting that acetyl-CoA and acetylcholine are synthesized through BCAA catabolism. THA rats maintained high blood BCAA levels via uptake of BCAAs in the small intestine and suppression of BCAA catabolism in the liver. Feeding THA rats with a BCAA-reduced diet decreased acetylcholine levels and learning ability, thus, maintaining high BCAA levels while their proper metabolism in the hippocampus is the mechanisms underlying the high learning ability in THA rats. Identifying appropriate BCAA nutritional supplements and activation methods may thus hold potential for the prevention and amelioration of higher brain dysfunction, including learning disabilities and dementia.
Transferring cognitive talent across domains to reduce the disposition effect in investment
Authors: Rotaru Kristian , Kalev Petko S. , Yadav Nitin , Bossaerts Peter 
Published: November 2021

AbstractWe consider Theory of Mind (ToM), the ability to correctly predict the intentions of others. To an important degree, good ToM function requires abstraction from one’s own particular circumstances. Here, we posit that such abstraction can be transferred successfully to other, non-social contexts. We consider the disposition effect, which is a pervasive cognitive bias whereby investors, including professionals, improperly take their personal trading history into account when deciding on investments. We design an intervention policy whereby we attempt to transfer good ToM function, subconsciously, to personal investment decisions. In a within-subject repeated-intervention laboratory experiment, we record how the disposition effect is reduced by a very significant 85%, but only for those with high scores on the social-cognitive dimension of ToM function. No such transfer is observed in subjects who score well only on the social-perceptual dimension of ToM function. Our findings open up a promising way to exploit cognitive talent in one domain in order to alleviate cognitive deficiencies elsewhere.
Semantic Reasoning: Building Vocabulary With Critical Thinking Skills
Authors: Fallon Karen A. , Lawrence Beth , Seifert Deena 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
Increasing the depth and breadth of vocabulary knowledge is critical for academic success, particularly for middle and high school students who face ever-increasing linguistic demands with each grade advancement. Implementing effective vocabulary instruction methods that integrate with classroom curricula remains of critical clinical importance for struggling students. This clinical focus article addresses the challenge of contextual vocabulary instruction by presenting semantic reasoning, an evidence-based instructional approach that utilizes both cognitive and linguistic processes. Semantic reasoning pairs critical-thinking, multiple visual examples, and language-based instruction to teach vocabulary words.

Conclusions:
This article provides a description of semantic reasoning as an evidence-based vocabulary teaching approach that can be used in contextualized language intervention, particularly with adolescent students. Step-by-step guides for preparing and implementing contextualized vocabulary lessons that use semantic reasoning are provided in an effort to promote clinical application of this approach.
Motivating Adolescents to Participate in Literacy Intervention: A Case Example From Telepractice
Authors: Collins Ginger G. 
Published: November 2021

Purpose:
Motivation declines as children reach adolescence. Poor motivation inhibits participation and engagement in language-based interventions. The purpose of this tutorial is to demonstrate how intervention can be designed to increase client motivation to participate while improving language-based literacy skills.

Method:
Motivation and behavior change techniques based on self-determination theory are presented, as are examples of how to integrate these techniques into contextualized language intervention with adolescent clients.

Conclusion:
Incorporating motivation and behavior change techniques into contextualized language interventions with adolescents promotes self-determination and motivation through satisfaction of their need for autonomy, relatedness, and competence while simultaneously addressing language-based literacy deficits.
Control of upper limb rehabilitation robot based on active disturbance rejection control
Authors: Li Junchen , Zhang Wenzhao , Zheng Yu , An Aimin , Pan Wenda 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe upper limb rehabilitation robot technology integrates rehabilitation medicine, human anatomy, mechanics, computer science, robotics, and many other disciplines. Its main function is to drive the affected limb to carry out rehabilitation training to restore the condition of patients with upper limb dyskinesia, which plays a great role in improving the quality of life. In this study, to resolve the problems of slow convergence speed and poor tracking accuracy due to the interference of patient spasms with the trajectory‐tracking control of the upper limb rehabilitation robot, a novel algorithm based on active disturbance rejection control (ADRC) is adopted, and the convergence of its main structure is proved by the time‐domain analysis method. First, this ADRC algorithm can obtain better trajectory‐tracking performance due to its non‐linear extended observer and non‐linear feedback mechanism, even if the model suffers a strong disturbance or receives inaccurate information. Second, the non‐linear tracking differentiator can guarantee to gain quick convergence speed. To validate this algorithm, a model of three degrees of freedom upper limb rehabilitation robot is established using MATLAB R2019b and three situations including strong spasm and weak spasm are carried out to prove the effectiveness and reliability of the control algorithm designed.
A six‐port network based on substrate integrated waveguide coupler with metal strips
Authors: Hu Xiaojun , Xu Feng 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this study, a novel coupling structure based on half‐mode substrate‐integrated waveguide (HMSIW) is proposed with a small size and broad bandwidth. The HMSIW coupler is realised by connecting their equivalent magnetic walls with metal strips, which avoids exposing the semi‐enclosed magnetic walls outside. Hence, it has greater anti‐interference capability than the existing HMSIW couplers. The directional coupling principle is introduced by analysing the proposed single connecting strip coupler. In order to lower return loss and higher isolation, a 3 dB directional coupler working from 10.8 to 16.8 GHz is designed with two connecting strips. Finally, a six‐port circuit is achieved by utilising this compact 3 dB directional coupler. Furthermore, a broadband HMSIW power divider is optimised to satisfy the performance of this six‐port circuit. The proposed coupler with metal strips helps to increase bandwidth and reduce size, which makes it more applicable to demanding systems with complex requirements such as detecting and transceiver systems. The 3 dB coupler and six‐port circuit are fabricated and measured. The measured results are in accordance with the simulated data.
Dryland soil salinity and seasonal effects on leaf and xylem sap ecophysiological characteristics of native plant species
Authors: Mapfumo E. 
Published: November 2021

The objective of this 3-year study was to investigate the relationships between soil salinity and ecophysiological responses of C3 and C4 native plant species around Lake Altham and Lake Coyrecup (both are salt lakes in Western Australia), and to evaluate their potential for use in the remediation of salt-affected soils. Three shrubs (Atriplex vesicaria, Tecticornia lepidosperma and T. indica) that grew in highly saline soil of average Na concentration greater than 300 mM had higher leaf δ13C and δ15N ratios. These species also had higher Na-to-K and Na-to-Ca ratios in both their leaves and stem xylem sap, indicating that these species accumulate high amounts of sodium in their tissues. In contrast, tree species Eucalyptus loxophleba, Casuarina obesa and Acacia acuminata grew in soil of average Na concentration of less than 100 mM and had lower values of δ15N, δ13C, Na content, and Na-to-K ratio in their leaves. These species also had lower xylem Na-to-K and Na-to-Ca ratios. Seasonal effects were observed in leaf total N content, leaf Na, xylem sap Na-to-K ratio and xylem sap Na-to-Ca ratio. Strong and significant positive correlations (r > 0.75; P < 0.01) were observed between soil Na concentration and ecophysiological responses, such as leaf Na contents, leaf δ15N, xylem sap Na, xylem Na-to-K ratio and xylem Na-to-Ca ratio. Overall, Atr. vesicaria, T. lepidosperma, T. indica and Santalum acuminatum are good candidates for remediation of highly saline soils.
Functional recovery of secondary tropical forests
Authors: Poorter Lourens , Rozendaal Danaë M. A. , Bongers Frans , Almeida de Jarcilene S. , Álvarez Francisco S. , Andrade José Luís , Arreola Villa Luis Felipe , Becknell Justin M. , Bhaskar Radika , Boukili Vanessa , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , César Ricardo G. , Chave Jerome , Chazdon Robin L. , Dalla Colletta Gabriel , Craven Dylan , de Jong Ben H. J. , Denslow Julie S. , Dent Daisy H. , DeWalt Saara J. , Díaz García Elisa , Dupuy Juan Manuel , Durán Sandra M. , Espírito Santo Mário M. , Fernandes Geraldo Wilson , Finegan Bryan , Granda Moser Vanessa , Hall Jefferson S. , Hernández-Stefanoni José Luis , Jakovac Catarina C. , Kennard Deborah , Lebrija-Trejos Edwin , Letcher Susan G. , Lohbeck Madelon , Lopez Omar R. , Marín-Spiotta Erika , Martínez-Ramos Miguel , Meave Jorge A. , Mora Francisco , de Souza Moreno Vanessa , Müller Sandra C. , Muñoz Rodrigo , Muscarella Robert , Nunes Yule R. F. , Ochoa-Gaona Susana , Oliveira Rafael S. , Paz Horacio , Sanchez-Azofeifa Arturo , Sanaphre-Villanueva Lucía , Toledo Marisol , Uriarte Maria , Utrera Luis P. , van Breugel Michiel , van der Sande Masha T. , Veloso Maria D. M. , Wright S. Joseph , Zanini Kátia J. , Zimmerman Jess K. , Westoby Mark 
Published: November 2021

Significance
Tropical forests disappear rapidly through deforestation but also have the potential to regrow naturally through a process called secondary succession. To advance successional theory, it is essential to understand how these secondary forests and their assembly vary across broad spatial scales. We do so by synthesizing continental-scale patterns in succession using a functional trait approach. We show that the start and pathway of succession varies with climatic water availability. In dry forests, succession is driven by drought tolerance traits and in wet forests by shade tolerance traits. Based on these successional principles, we propose an ecologically sound strategy to improve active forest restoration.
Structural dynamics in the evolution of a bilobed protein scaffold
Authors: Gouridis Giorgos , Muthahari Yusran A. , de Boer Marijn , Griffith Douglas A. , Tsirigotaki Alexandra , Tassis Konstantinos , Zijlstra Niels , Xu Ruixue , Eleftheriadis Nikolaos , Sugijo Yovin , Zacharias Martin , Dömling Alexander , Karamanou Spyridoula , Pozidis Charalambos , Economou Anastassios , Cordes Thorben 
Published: November 2021

Significance
Proteins conduct numerous complex biological functions by use of tailored structural dynamics. The molecular details of how these emerged from ancestral peptides remains mysterious. How does nature utilize the same repertoire of folds to diversify function? To shed light on this, we analyzed bilobed proteins with a common structural core, which is spread throughout the tree of life and is involved in diverse biological functions such as transcription, enzymatic catalysis, membrane transport, and signaling. We show here that the structural dynamics of the structural core differentiate predominantly via terminal additions during a long-period evolution. This diversifies substrate specificity and, ultimately, biological function.
Structure–function analysis of the nsp14 N7–guanine methyltransferase reveals an essential role inBetacoronavirusreplication
Authors: Ogando Natacha S. , El Kazzi Priscila , Zevenhoven-Dobbe Jessika C. , Bontes Brenda W. , Decombe Alice , Posthuma Clara C. , Thiel Volker , Canard Bruno , Ferron François , Decroly Etienne , Snijder Eric J. 
Published: November 2021

SignificanceThe ongoing severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic emphasizes the urgent need to develop efficient broad-spectrum anti-CoV drugs. The structure–function characterization of conserved CoV replicative enzymes is key to identifying the most suitable drug targets. Using a multidisciplinary comparative approach and different betacoronaviruses, we characterized the key conserved residues of the nsp14 (N7-guanine)–methyltransferase, a poorly defined subunit of the CoV messenger RNA–synthesizing machinery. Our study highlights the unique structural features of this enzyme and establishes its essential role in betacoronavirus replication, while identifying two residues that are critical for the replication of the four betacoronaviruses tested, including SARS-CoV-2.
Thermal conditions predict intraspecific variation in senescence rate in frogs and toads
Authors: Cayuela Hugo , Lemaître Jean-François , Muths Erin , McCaffery Rebecca M. , Frétey Thierry , Le Garff Bernard , Schmidt Benedikt R. , Grossenbacher Kurt , Lenzi Omar , Hossack Blake R. , Eby Lisa A. , Lambert Brad A. , Elmberg Johan , Merilä Juha , Gippet Jérôme M. W. , Gaillard Jean-Michel , Pilliod David S. 
Published: November 2021

SignificanceUsing long-term demographic studies, we showed that warmer temperatures are associated with increased senescence rates and decreased lifespans in four amphibian species that are widely distributed across two continents (North America and Europe). Our study highlights the role of changing climatic conditions in the aging of ectotherms in the context of global warming.
Fertilization Rate of Giant Grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus, Bloch 1790) Sperm Post-cryopreservation and Application on Hybridization in Different Grouper Species
Authors: Widyaningsih W , Abinawanto  , Susandi D 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Fertilization was doing to measure the success of sperm cryopreservation because it was more informative. Sperm cryopreservation was expected to get sperm that successfully fertilize the egg well. The aim of this study was to determine the sperm fertilization ability of giant grouper (Epinephelus lanceolatus, Bloch 1790) 48 hours post-cryopreservation in fertilizing tiger grouper eggs (Epinephelus fuscoguttatus, Forskal 1775). Fertilization was carried out artificially using cryopreservation sperm with 6% of glycerol and palm dates concentrates (0%; 5%; 10%; 15%; 20%; and 25%). The tiger grouper brood was previously injected with hormone chorionic gonadotropin at a dose of 500 IU/kg. The results showed that there were significant differences (P < 0.05) on fertilization of tiger grouper eggs with sperm of giant grouper which were cryopreserved with 6% of glycerol and various concentrations of palm date concentrates. Sperm which was cryopreserved with 6% of glycerol and 10% of palm date concentrate has the best fertility ability by showing the highest value of 66.25 ± 3.23%.