bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pore Tuning of Metal‐Organic Framework Membrane Anchored on Graphene‐Oxide Nanoribbon
Authors: Choi Eunji , Hong Sung Jun , Kim Yong‐Jae , Choi Seung Eun , Choi Yunkyu , Kim Ji Hoon , Kang Junhyeok , Kwon Ohchan , Eum Kiwon , Han Byungchan , Kim Dae Woo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlthough the pore structures and gas transport properties of metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have been tuned mainly by modifying the framework building blocks, a pore‐tuned zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF)‐8 layer is directly grown on graphene oxide nanoribbons (GONR)‐treated polymer substrate. Oxygen‐containing functional groups and GONR dangling‐carbon bonds facilitated the spontaneous growth of ZIF‐8 oriented to the (100) grain on the GONR surface and also enhanced the rigidity by strongly anchoring the ZIF‐8 layer by metal‐carbon chemisorption. Gas permeation and molecular simulation results confirmed that the effective aperture size of ZIF‐8 is adjusted to 3.6 Å. As a result, ultrafast H2 permeance of 7.6 × 10−7 mol m−2 Pa s is achieved while blocking large hydrocarbon molecules. In particular, the membrane showed exceptionally enhanced hydrogen selectivity for the mixture separation than ideal selectivity, owing to the competitive transport between H2 and large hydrocarbon molecules, and the separation performance surpassed those of ZIF membranes previously fabricated on polymeric supports.
Ultrahigh‐Sensitive Compression‐Stress Sensor Using Integrated Stimuli‐Responsive Materials
Authors: Nakamitsu Minami , Oyama Keigo , Imai Hiroaki , Fujii Syuji , Oaki Yuya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMeasurement of mechanical stresses, such as compression, shear, and tensile stresses, contributes toward achieving a safer and healthier life. In particular, the detection of weak compression stresses is required for healthcare monitoring and biomedical applications. Compression stresses in the order of 106–1010 Pa have been visualized and/or quantified using mechano‐responsive materials in previous works. However, in general, it is not easy to detect compression stresses weaker than 103 Pa using conventional mechano‐responsive materials because the dynamic motion of the rigid mechano‐responsive molecules is not induced by such a weak stress. In the present work, weak compression stresses in the order of 100–103 Pa are visualized and measured via the integration of stimuli‐responsive materials, such as layered polydiacetylene (PDA) and dry liquid (DL), through response cascades. DLs consisting of liquid droplets covered by solid particles release the interior liquid and collapse with application of a weak compression stress. The color of the layered PDA is changed by the spilled liquid as a chemical stress. A variety of weak compression stresses, such as expiratory pressure, are visualized and colorimetrically measured using the paper‐based device of the integrated stimuli‐responsive materials. Diverse mechano‐sensing devices can be designed via the integration of stimuli‐responsive materials.
Formation of Flat‐on Lamellar Crystals in Absence of Nanoconfinement
Authors: Chu Liangyong , Grouve Wouter J. B. , van Drongelen Martin , de Vries Erik G. , Akkerman Remko , de Rooij Matthijn B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFlat‐on lamellar crystals are crucial for gas‐barrier polymer films. The formation of this lamellar crystalline structure with chains perpendicular to the substrate is currently understood as the result of confined crystallization, e.g., in block copolymers and ultrathin polymer films. In this paper, it is demonstrated that these flat‐on lamellar crystals of various thermoplastic polymers may form on stainless steel and silicon wafer surfaces without the presence of confined crystallization. Atomic force microscopy, high‐resolution scanning electron microscopy, and polarized light hot‐stage microscopy are used to characterize the formation of the lamellar crystals. Further results show that the surface physicochemical properties of the substrates strongly influence the formation of these lamellar crystals. A hypothesis, based on the heterogeneous crystallization theory, is proposed to explain the formation of such flat‐on lamellar crystals. These results are crucial for a fundamental understanding of the formation of lamellar crystals and may provide a new approach to fabricate such structures.
Selective Liquid Crystal Driving Mode Achieved by Controlling the Pretilt Angle via a Nanopatterned Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Thin Film
Authors: Song In Ho , Jeong Hae‐Chang , Lee Ju Hwan , Won Jonghoon , Kim Dong Hyun , Lee DongWook , Oh Jin Young , Jang Jong In , Liu Yang , Seo Dae‐Shik 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBehavior of liquid crystal (LC) is a result of interaction between the geometrical shape restrictions of the adjacent surface and molecular forces among LCs or adjacent surface. For years, continuous efforts have been made to control LC orientation and anchoring with pretilt angle for modulating the electro‐optical characteristics. For now, diverse driving modes have been developed including twisted nematic, optically compensated bend, electrically controlled birefringence, and vertical alignment. However, it has the limitation that different fabrication process should be adopted in different driving mode such as materials of alignment layer and techniques for aligning the LCs. Herein, selective LC modes are achieved by controlling the LC pretilt angle using nanopatterned organic/inorganic hybrid thin films composed of polyimide (PI) and tin oxide (SnO). It is possible to control the surface wettability according to the composition ratio between PI and SnO, thereby adjusting the pretilt angle of the LCs. Fabrication of SnO combined with PI applied via embossing allows for the large‐scale replication for LC alignment and based on consumer demand, devices can be manufactured in various modes through simple configuration changes. Therefore, an inorganic compound combined with an organic one permits designing addressable LC driving modes.
Solar‐Driven Soft Robots
Authors: Mirvakili Seyed M. , Leroy Arny , Sim Douglas , Wang Evelyn N. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStimuli‐responsive materials have been lately employed in soft robotics enabling new classes of robots that can emulate biological systems. The untethered operation of soft materials with high power light, magnetic field, and electric field has been previously demonstrated. While electric and magnetic fields can be stimulants for untethered actuation, their rapid decay as a function of distance limits their efficacy for long‐range operations. In contrast, light—in the form of sunlight or collimated from an artificial source (e.g., laser, Xenon lamps)—does not decay rapidly, making it suitable for long‐range excitation of untethered soft robots. In this work, an approach to harnessing sunlight for the untethered operation of soft robots is presented. By employing a selective solar absorber film and a low‐boiling point (34 °C) fluid, light‐operated soft robotic grippers are demonstrated, grasping and lifting objects almost 25 times the mass of the fluid in a controllable fashion. The method addresses one of the salient challenges in the field of untethered soft robotics. It precludes the use of bulky peripheral components (e.g., compressors, valves, or pressurized gas tank) and enables the untethered long‐range operation of soft robots.
Nitrogen losses from hard red spring wheat fields in the northern plains
Authors: Chatterjee Amitava , Veverka Donald , Carlson Melissa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNitrogen dynamics varies spatially in response to complex interactions among weather, soil, and management practices. Twenty‐six spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) fields were studied for N losses, nitrous oxide (N2O) flux and ammonia (NH3) volatilization, grain yield and protein concentration in farmers fields in Minnesota and North Dakota of the Red River Valley during 2018– 2020 growing seasons. Spring wheat grain yield ranged from 2.8 to 9.7 Mg ha–1 with protein concentration ranging between 106 and 180 g kg–1. Average cumulative N2O and NH3 losses were 415 g N2O‐N ha–1 and 1.43 kg NH3 ha–1, respectively (n = 26). Spring wheat grain yield (r = .53, p = .01) had positive association with May rainfall. Grain protein concentration declined with delay in planting (r = –0.55, p = .01). Linear regression indicates a close association of daily N2O flux with soil moisture (r2 = .23, p < .01), soil inorganic N concentration (r2 = .02, p = .04), and days after planting (r2 = .20, p < .01). Soil inorganic N concentration (just after planting) had a positive association with cumulative N2O flux (r = .41, p = .03). This study showed rainfall, soil moisture, and inorganic N concentration play a dominant role in N dynamics across the region.
X‐linked frontometaphyseal dysplasia with severe scoliosis and spinal cord compromise in an Indian boy
Authors: Gangadaran Prabakaran , Chaudhry Chakshu , Panigrahi Inusha , Kumari Anu , Kaur Anupriya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFrontometaphyseal dysplasia (FMD) is a rare genetic disorder with morphological abnormalities of the skeletal and extra skeletal tissues. It belongs to the group of otopalatodigital spectrum disorders. Here we report a 12‐year‐old boy from India with features of frontometaphyseal dysplasia who had severe scoliosis with neurological complications due to spinal cord compromise. Clinical examination of his mother also revealed mild features of FMD. The manuscript highlights the clinical presentation of the disorder and discusses the clinical heterogeneity of the otopalatodigital spectrum disorders.
New Aldehyde‐Functional Methacrylic Water‐Soluble Polymers
Authors: Brotherton Emma E. , Jesson Craig P. , Warren Nicholas J. , Smallridge Mark J. , Armes Steven P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAldehyde groups enable facile conjugation to proteins, enzymes, oligonucleotides or fluorescent dyes, yet there are no literature examples of water‐soluble aldehyde‐functional vinyl monomers. We report the synthesis of a new hydrophilic cis‐diol‐based methacrylic monomer (GEO5MA) by transesterification of isopropylideneglycerol penta(ethylene glycol) using methyl methacrylate followed by acetone deprotection via acid hydrolysis. The corresponding water‐soluble aldehyde monomer, AGEO5MA, is prepared by aqueous periodate oxidation of GEO5MA at 22 °C. RAFT polymerization of GEO5MA yields the water‐soluble homopolymer, PGEO5MA. Aqueous periodate oxidation of the terminal cis‐diol units on PGEO5MA at 22 °C affords a water‐soluble aldehyde‐functional homopolymer (PAGEO5MA). Moreover, a library of hydrophilic statistical copolymers bearing cis‐diol and aldehyde groups was prepared using sub‐stoichiometric periodate/cis‐diol molar ratios. The aldehyde groups on PAGEO5MA homopolymer were reacted in turn with three amino acids to demonstrate synthetic utility.
Enhanced Live‐Cell Delivery of Synthetic Proteins Assisted by Cell‐Penetrating Peptides Fused to DABCYL
Authors: Mandal Shaswati , Mann Guy , Satish Gandhesiri , Brik Ashraf 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLive‐cell delivery of a fully synthetic protein having selectivity towards a particular target is a promising approach with potential applications for basic research and therapeutics. Cell‐penetrating peptides (CPPs) allow the cellular delivery of proteins but mostly result in endosomal entrapment, leading to lack of bioavailability. Herein, we report the design and synthesis of a CPP fused to 4‐((4‐(dimethylamino)phenyl)azo)benzoic acid (DABCYL) to enhance cellular uptake of fluorescently labelled synthetic protein analogues in low micromolar concentration. The attachment of cyclic deca‐arginine (cR10) modified with a single lysine linked to DABCYL to synthetic ubiquitin (Ub) and small ubiquitin‐like modifier‐2 (SUMO‐2) scaffolds resulted in a threefold higher uptake efficacy in live cells compared to the unmodified cR10. We could also achieve cR10DABCYL‐assisted delivery of Ub and a Ub variant (Ubv) based activity‐based probes for functional studies of deubiquitinases in live cells.
Effective Encapsulation of C60 by Metal–Organic Frameworks with Polyamide Macrocyclic Linkers
Authors: Saura‐Sanmartin Adrian , Martinez‐Cuezva Alberto , Marin‐Luna Marta , Bautista Delia , Berna Jose 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA flexible benzylic amide macrocycle, functionalized with two carboxylic acid groups, was employed as the organic ligand for the preparation of robust copper(II)‐ and zinc(II)‐based metal–organic frameworks. These polymers crystallized in the C2/m space group of the monoclinic crystal system, creating non‐interpenetrated channels in one direction with an extraordinary solvent‐accessible volume of 46 %. Unlike metal–organic rotaxane frameworks having benzylic amide macrocycles as linkers, the absence of the thread in these novel reticular materials causes a decrease of dimensionality and an improvement of pore size and dynamic guest adaptability. We studied the incorporation of fullerene C60 inside the adjustable pocket generated between two macrocycles connected to the same dinuclear clusters, occupying a remarkable 98 % of the cavities inside the network. The use of these materials as hosts for the selective recognition of different fullerenes was evaluated, mainly encapsulating the smaller size fullerene derivative in several mixtures of C60 and C70.
Circularly Polarized Luminescence Liquids Based on Siloxybinaphthyls: Best Binaphthyl Dihedral Angle in the Excited State
Authors: Takaishi Kazuto , Matsumoto Tomoki , Kawataka Miyu , Ema Tadashi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA series of axially chiral 1,1′‐binaphthyls with trialkylsiloxy (OSiR3) groups were synthesized. Among them,1 a–cpossessing OSiR3groups at the 7,7′‐positions and methyl groups at the 2,2′‐positions were liquids at room temperature, and the neat liquids showed circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) (R=Bu;Φfl,liquid=0.21, |glum,liquid|=1.6×10−3). The |glum,liquid| value is the highest of pure liquids. These compounds remained liquid over a broad range of temperatures, down to −50 °C. Time‐dependent DFT calculations indicated that in the excited state, the binaphthyls adopt atransoidconformation with a small angle between the electric and magnetic transition dipole moments (θμ,m=77°), which is a key factor in their CPL activity. The best binaphthyl dihedral angle in the excited state is approximately 110°.
Effects of Sequence and Base Composition on the CD and TDS Profiles of i‐DNA
Authors: Iaccarino Nunzia , Cheng Mingpan , Qiu Dehui , Pagano Bruno , Amato Jussara , Di Porzio Anna , Zhou Jun , Randazzo Antonio , Mergny Jean‐Louis 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe i‐motif DNA, also known as i‐DNA, is a non‐canonical DNA secondary structure formed by cytosine‐rich sequences, consisting of two intercalated parallel‐stranded duplexes held together by hemi‐protonated cytosine–cytosine+ (C:C+) base pairs. The growing interest in the i‐DNA structure as a target in anticancer therapy increases the need for tools for a rapid and meaningful interpretation of the spectroscopic data of i‐DNA samples. Herein, we analyzed the circular dichroism (CD) and thermal difference UV‐absorbance spectra (TDS) of 255 DNA sequences by means of multivariate data analysis, aiming at unveiling peculiar spectral regions that could be used as diagnostic features during the analysis of i‐DNA‐forming sequences.
Synthesis, characterization, and cell viability of bifunctional medical‐grade polyurethane nanofiber: Functionalization by bone inducing and bacteria ablating materials
Authors: Ashraf Roqia , Maqbool Tariq , Beigh Mushtaq A. , Jadhav Arvind H. , Sofi Hasham S. , Sheikh Faheem A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThere is an extensive possibility of improving characteristics of fibers used in hard tissue engineering, being hydrophobic and less osteoconductive, resulting in the dynamic growth of new tissues. The current work focuses on the fabrication of nanofibers incorporated with titanium dioxide (TiO2) ''as osteoconductive'' and silver (Ag) ''as self‐healing'' nanoparticles (NPs). The incorporation of AgNO3 by in situ method not only helped to impart the antibacterial activity but also changed the contact angle from 81 ± 03° in the case of pristine nanofibers to 74 ± 03°, 61 ± 03°, 50 ± 08°, and 39 ± 1.1°, in the composite scaffolds containing 0.01, 0.03, 0.05, and 0.07 M of Ag salts. The incubation in simulated body fluid at 37°C to induce mineralization on nanofiber scaffolds indicated Ca and P crystals' formation. The antibacterial activity showed significantly more toxicity toward E. coli (8.3 ± 0.9 mm) than S. aureus (1.2 ± 0.1 mm). Biocompatibility studies using MTT assay on the pre‐osteoblasts showed that both TiO2 and Ag NPs present in the nanofibers are non‐toxic to the bone‐like cells. However, results show that a higher concentration of Ag NPs (i.e., 0.07 M) is toxic to cells growing. Finally, all the results suggest that the nanofiber scaffolds have considerable scope for future bone tissue engineering materials.
Photoassisted degradation of rhodamine B using poly(ε‐caprolactone) based nanocomposites: Mechanistic and kinetic features
Authors: Elias Eldho , Sarathchandran C. , Joseph Saju , Zachariah Ajesh K. , Thomas Jince , Devadasan Dineep , G. Souza Fernando , Thomas Sabu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe efficiency of poly (ε‐caprolactone)‐cloisite 10A nanocomposite membrane in removing/degrading of an amphoteric dye (rhodamine B) from aqueous samples under visible light is investigated in detail. Nanocomposite membranes were prepared by electrospinning technique using acetone‐chloroform mixture as solvent. The synthesized nanocomposites were used to degrade rhodamine B from aqueous samples under visible light conditions using a 50 W light‐emitting diode lamb. Samples were withdrawn at definite intervals of 30 min and analyzed using UV–vis spectroscopy, LC‐Q‐ToF/MS‐MS, and antibacterial studies. Detailed chemistry of the rhodamine B degradation is reported by interpreting experimental results and using first‐principles density functional theory calculations. Cytotoxicity tests confirm the eco‐friendly nature of end product obtained. Nanocomposite with 9 wt% of cloisite 10A, effectively converts rhodamine B to eco‐friendly products within almost 3 h. To the best of our knowledge, no work has been reported on the use of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐cloisite 10A nanocomposites for dye removal from water samples.
A New Potent Antimicrobial Metalloporphyrin
Authors: Jiang Lu , Chee Pei Lin , Gao Jian , Gan Ching Ruey Raymond , Owh Cally , Lakshminarayanan Rajamani , Jiang Shan , Hor T. S. Andy , Loh Xian Jun 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA series ofbis‐acryl functionalized porphyrins and their corresponding metalloporphyrins (M=Co, Mn) were synthesized and investigated for their antimicrobial properties through MIC screening and bacteria time‐kill kinetic studies. The Mn(III) 4‐(bis)methylphenyl‐substituted‐porphyrins showed superior batericidal activities even in the dark with low hemotoxicity and good cytotoxicity profile.
An improved Hopfield Lagrange network with application on motor efficiency optimization
Authors: Yan Jiapeng , Kong Huifang , Man Zhihong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, an improved Hopfield Lagrange network (IHLN) is proposed and applied to solve motor efficiency optimization in an electric vehicle (EV) with a permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM). In contrast to the Hopfield Lagrange network (HLN) incorporating deterministic gradient descent, a stochastic searching method, simulated annealing (SA), is introduced in IHLN to prevent the network from falling into local minima and improve the optimality. Some important issues regarding the performance of the IHLN are thoroughly investigated such as whether the optimization problem is nonconvex with local minima, the stability of the network's equilibria, and the convergence condition of the SA. Simulations are conducted to validate the effectiveness of IHLN, and results demonstrate the improvement brought by IHLN concerning different indices.
Impact of simulated wildfire on disinfection byproduct formation potential
Authors: Wilkerson Paul J. , Rosario‐Ortiz Fernando L. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWildfires are complex phenomena that have served a vital role in ecosystem function for millennia. However, thermal alterations to dissolved organic matter's (DOM) solubility and chemical features can change disinfection byproduct (DBP) formation dynamics. Physicochemical changes to DOM are influenced by several factors, the most prominent being heating temperature. In this study, mineral soil samples were collected from fire‐prone areas, artificially heated in a muffle furnace to simulate wildfire heating, and leached. As heating temperature increased, chloroform and dichloroacetic acid yields decreased and increased, respectively. Of particular interest was the stimulation of dichloroacetonitrile, a highly toxic and unregulated DBP, at moderate heating temperatures. To demonstrate further insight into the chemical attributes of wildfire‐impacted DOM, optical properties were used as proxy measurements. This work provides water utilities with information on how wildfires can alter DBP formation potential, and a means to investigate correlations between intrinsic optical measurements and DBP yields.
Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease and beneficial action of luteolin
Authors: Delgado Alejandro , Cholevas Christos , Theoharides Theoharis C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD), already the world's most common form of dementia, is projected to continue increasing in prevalence over the next several decades. The current lack of understanding of the pathogenesis of AD has hampered the development of effective treatments. Historically, AD research has been predicated on the amyloid cascade hypothesis (ACH), which attributes disease progression to the build‐up of amyloid protein. However, multiple clinical studies of drugs interfering with ACH have failed to show any benefit demonstrating that AD etiology is more complex than previously thought. Here we review the current literature on the emerging key role of neuroinflammation, especially activation of microglia, in AD pathogenesis. Moreover, we provide compelling evidence that certain flavonoids, especially luteolin formulated in olive pomace oil together with hydroxytyrosol, offers a reasonable prophylactic treatment approach due to its many beneficial actions.
Distributed wind power virtual simulation experiment system for cultivating the ability to solve complex engineering problems
Authors: Hu Mengying , Ji Junpeng , Duan Jiandong , Wang Qian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a distributed wind power virtual simulation experiment system for cultivating students' ability to solve complex engineering problems. The experiment system was designed with complex engineering problems of real wind farms, both in a steady state and transient process. On the basis of the system, comprehensive practical contents were developed. According to engineering education certification, the virtual simulation practical contents provide support for improving students' ability to solve complex engineering problems. The system has been applied to a comprehensive practical course of renewable energy. From the designed assessment, the experiment system helped students to master the advanced technologies applied to real wind farms visually and enhanced their ability to solve complex engineering problems. After practical learning on the system, students' performance has been improved in graduation projects. It is proved that the virtual simulation experiment system is effective in cultivating students’ ability to solve complex engineering problems.