bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eradication of Intracellular Salmonella Typhimurium by Polyplexes of Acid‐Transforming Chitosan and Fragment DNA
Authors: Edson Julius A. , Chu Weiping , Porwollik Steffen , Tran Kaycee , Iribe Nathalie , McClelland Michael , Kwon Young Jik 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAntibiotics are highly successful against microbial infections. However, current challenges include rising antibiotic resistance rates and limited efficacy against intracellular pathogens. A novel form of a nanomaterial‐based antimicrobial agent is investigated for efficient treatment of an intracellular Salmonella enterica sv Typhimurium infection. A known antimicrobial polysaccharide, chitosan, is engineered to be readily soluble under neutral aqueous conditions for systemic administration. The modified biologic, named acid‐transforming chitosan (ATC), transforms into an insoluble, antimicrobial compound in the mildly acidic intracellular compartment. In cell culture experiments, ATC is confirmed to have antimicrobial activity against intracellular S. Typhimurium in a concentration‐ and pH‐dependent manner, without affecting the host cells, RAW264.7 macrophages. For improved cellular uptake and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic properties, ATC is further complexed with fragment DNA (fDNA), to form nano‐sized spherical polyplexes. The resulting ATC/fDNA polyplexes efficiently eradicated S. Typhimurium from RAW264.7 macrophages. ATC/fDNA polyplexes may bind with microbial wall and membrane components. Consistent with this expectation, transposon insertion sequencing of a complex random mutant S. Typhimurium library incubated with ATC does not reveal specific genomic target regions of the antimicrobial. This study demonstrates the utility of a molecularly engineered nanomaterial as an efficient and safe antimicrobial agent, particularly against an intracellular pathogen.
Review on Shielding Mechanism and Structural Design of Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Composites
Authors: Wang Hao , Li Shaonan , Liu Mengyue , Li Jihang , Zhou Xing 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConductive polymer composites (CPCs) for electromagnetic interference shielding have received significant attention and shown rapid development. According to the electromagnetic wave interface conduction theory of Schelkunoff, excellent conductive performance and perfect conductive network structure are prerequisites for high shielding efficiency of electromagnetic interference shielding composites. Effective multiple interface reflection absorption, dielectric loss, and hysteresis loss characteristics of the materials are crucial for realizing the regulation of the electromagnetic interference shielding performance of CPCs. Therefore, the structural design of conductive and magnetic network for CPCs is crucial for achieving high shielding performance. In this study, it is established that an electromagnetic shielding composite with a uniform structure is widely used because of its simple preparation process, but its inefficient conductive network causes a high percolation threshold. The inefficiency can be solved by designing a composite structure and improving the efficiency of the conductive network. Currently, common structural designs include segregated structural, layered structural, and foam structural designs. These structural designs effectively solve the problem of high percolation threshold of CPCs and coordinate the contradiction between the performance of electromagnetic interference shielding and other advantages.
A Review on the Impact of Humidity during Electrospinning: From the Nanofiber Structure Engineering to the Applications
Authors: Mailley Domitille , Hébraud Anne , Schlatter Guy 
Published: April 2021

AbstractElectrospinning is the process of choice for the elaboration of nanofibrous mats. During the process, a thin and continuous charged jet of a polymer solution is traveling from an emitter subjected to a high voltage toward a grounded collector. Although the duration of the jet travel is in the order of few tens of milliseconds, the physical interactions acting between the jet and the air play a key role on the resulting fiber morphology. These interactions mainly rely on the amount of water molecules in air. This review deals with the effect of humidity during electrospinning on solvent evaporation, the solidification rate of nanofibers and finally, on the morphology at length scales ranging from the non‐woven mat, the nanofiber itself down to the polymer crystal. Original electrospinning processes operating under specific environmental conditions as well as specificities encountered in needleless and free‐surface electrospinning dedicated to industrial‐scale mass production are also discussed. Then, it is shown how the control of humidity during electrospinning and the understanding of its influence on the fibrous structure can be exploited to target various applications dedicated to energy, environment, and health. Finally, current challenges and ideas for future research and new developments are presented.
Nicotinamide Protects Against Diet‐Induced Body Weight Gain, Increases Energy Expenditure, and Induces White Adipose Tissue Beiging
Authors: Méndez‐Lara Karen Alejandra , Rodríguez‐Millán Elisabeth , Sebastián David , Blanco‐Soto Rosi , Camacho Mercedes , Nan Madalina N. , Diarte‐Añazco Elena M. G. , Mato Eugènia , Lope‐Piedrafita Silvia , Roglans Núria , Laguna Juan Carlos , Alonso Núria , Mauricio Dídac , Zorzano Antonio , Villarroya Francesc , Villena Josep A. , Blanco‐Vaca Francisco , Julve Josep 
Published: April 2021

ScopeInterventions that boost NAD+ availability are of potential therapeutic interest for obesity treatment. The potential of nicotinamide (NAM), the amide form of vitamin B3 and a physiological precursor of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD)+, in preventing weight gain has not previously been studied in vivo. Other NAD+ precursors have been shown to decrease weight gain; however, their impact on adipose tissue is not addressed.Methods and resultsTwo doses of NAM (high dose: 1% and low dose: 0.25%) are given by drinking water to C57BL/6J male mice, starting at the same time as the high‐fat diet feeding. NAM supplementation protects against diet‐induced obesity by augmenting global body energy expenditure in C57BL/6J male mice. The manipulation markedly alters adipose morphology and metabolism, particularly in inguinal (i) white adipose tissue (iWAT). An increased number of brown and beige adipocyte clusters, protein abundance of uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1), mitochondrial activity, adipose NAD+, and phosphorylated AMP‐activated protein kinase (P‐AMPK) levels are observed in the iWAT of treated mice. Notably, a significant improvement in hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and glucose tolerance is also observed in NAM high‐dose treated mice.ConclusionNAM influences whole‐body energy expenditure by driving changes in the adipose phenotype. Thus, NAM is an attractive potential treatment for preventing obesity and associated complications.
Using a Customized Portable Deepwater Electrofisher to Assess Larval Lamprey Populations in Irrigation Canals
Authors: Mueller Robert P. , Lampman Ralph T. , Beals Tyler E. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Water diversions are very common in agricultural landscapes, providing water to irrigate a diverse range of crops. Larval Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus are vulnerable to entrainment during the irrigation withdrawals and can be exposed to desiccation or predation during dewatering at the end of the irrigation season. A customized portable deepwater electrofishing system was deployed to determine larval lamprey densities at two large scaled irrigation diversion canals located on the Yakima River in eastern Washington. The system components can be easily transported to a remote survey site due the number of components and minimal total weight. The surveys were conducted in the fall during the dewatering period in 2015 and 2017, and the densities for larval lampreys ranged from 0.8 to 8.8 fish/m2 at the Sunnyside Canal and 4.2 fish/m2 at the Wapato Canal (2015 only). Our results indicate that the use of the deepwater electroshocking system was effective at determining larval lamprey presence and densities in hard-to-sample irrigation canals.
The effect of nanoclay on the nonlinear viscoelastic behavior of high‐density polyethylene
Authors: Sepetcioglu Harun 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe study's main motivation is to determine the creep behavior of high‐density polyethylene (HDPE)‐based nanocomposites in unexpected situations where short‐term constant loading may occur. On this basis, the short‐term creep behavior of 1 wt.%, 3 wt.%, and 5 wt.% nanoclay reinforced HDPE nanocomposites were investigated at room temperature (23 ± 1°C) and strain rate of 1E‐4 1/s under 8, 12, and 16 MPa stress levels. As the nanoclay reinforcement ratio by weight increased, the creep resistance and modulus of neat HDPE increased at 8 MPa stress level, but they decreased at 12 and 16 MPa stress levels. The absorbed energy that corresponds to the area under the stress–strain curve increase as the stress level increase from 8 to 16 MPa. However, absorbed energy decreases as nanoclay reinforcement increases for 8 MPa. The curves produced from the four‐element Burger's model and Findley's power law models were compared with the creep curves obtained from the experiments. The four‐element Burger model was found to fit the creep curves better than Findley's power‐law model. Also, some regression curves were given for interpolations to give intermediate values of the maximum creep strain values at different stress levels. The presented models can be used to evaluate creep strain, considering the usage fields of parts or semi‐products produced from nanoclay/HDPE nanocomposites.
Enhanced high‐temperature tribological performance of PTFE/PI fabric composites by simultaneously introducing PDA/SiO2 hybrid coating and aramid product reinforcements
Authors: Yuan Junya , Zhang Zhaozhu , Yang Mingming , Li Peilong , Jiang Wei , Zhao Xin , Liu Weimin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSurface modification with polydopamine (PDA)‐based coating is widely used to obtain high performance and build special functions for modified surfaces. Herein, a mussel‐inspired nanohybrid coating (PDA/SiO2) was first co‐deposited onto the polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)/polyimide (PI) fabric surfaces via simultaneous polymerization of dopamine and hydrolysis of the tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) in a simple one‐pot method. This nanohybrid coating could afford the hybrid‐fabric sufficient active groups, improved surface roughness, and wettability without compromising fiber intrinsic strength. As a result, the interfacial bonding strength between fabric and PI resin matrix presented a significant increase as measured by the peeling tests. In addition, aramid pulp and aramid fiber powder were incorporated into the fabric composites to construct synergistic enhancement effects with PI fibers on bearing capacity and wear resistance. Results showed that the fabric@PDA‐TEOS/micro‐powder composites presented the best high‐temperature anti‐wear property resulting from the improved interfacial adhesion strength and carrying capacity of lubricant films.
Effectiveness of successful intelligence training program: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Saw Khin Nyunt Nyunt , Han Buxin 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis study assessed Robert Sternberg's theory of successful intelligence (TSI) training in teaching and learning situations to improve academic achievement, triarchic (analytical, creative, practical) thinking, and socioemotional outcomes. The analyses included all references from several databases (Web of Science, ProQuest, Elsevier, Google Scholar, and bibliographies of related articles) from 1998 to 2019 that implemented the successful intelligence training program in a variety of ways. Possible moderators, selection criteria, subject areas, and grade levels were investigated. A total of 24 studies (19 articles) were included in the meta‐analysis. The results revealed that successful intelligence training has a positive effect on students' overall achievement, g = 0.63, SE = 0.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.41, 0.85], k = 24, z = 5.98, p < .001, under a random‐effect model. After adjusting for publication bias, the effect size (ES) g was 0.35, SE = 0.12, 95% CI [0.10, 0.60]. The ES was the largest for socioemotional outcomes, followed by triarchic outcomes and then achievement outcomes. High‐IQ‐based selected participants received higher ES than teacher‐selected participants. Regarding subject areas, science and general triarchic training differed significantly. Among the grade levels, high‐school level and primary level differed significantly. Moreover, intervention duration negatively moderated the ES significantly. Gender did not moderate the ES. All student participants benefited from the successful intelligence training program, and this benefit was greater for gifted and older students. This finding suggests that TSI training educators provide a more detailed, structured, and authentic problem situation to be more effective instead of academic problems.
Compost inputs, cropping system, and rotation phase drive aggregate‐associated carbon
Authors: Liu Jinhua , Calderón Francisco J. , Fonte Steven J. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the central Great Plains of North America, winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is often rotated with fallow periods. Tillage and the reduced return of C inputs have led to extensive soil degradation and loss of soil organic matter. Composted beef manure has the potential to restore soil organic matter and soil function. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of compost application rate and grain vs. forage rotations on soil structure and aggregate‐associated C stabilization. The study assessed two dryland rotations of wheat–fallow and triticale (×Triticosecale Wittm. ex A. Camus)/pea (Pisum sativum L.)–fallow, and three compost rates: a control with nothing added (0×), 22.9 t ha–1 (1×), and 108.7 t ha−1 (5×) applied every 2 yr. After 8 yr, total C inputs were positively correlated with total soil organic C, the proportion of macroaggregates in the whole soil, and the mean weight diameter of soil aggregates. The increased C storage in macroaggregates was associated with an increase in the particulate organic matter and microaggregates within macroaggregates. Soils receiving the 5× compost rate had increased mid‐infrared absorbance at the amide II band, in agreement with the decreased soil C/N ratio. Aggregate fractions of the wheat‐based system tended to be more enriched in C than those of the forage‐based rotation. Additionally, soil coming out of fallow tended to have aggregate fractions that were depleted in soil C. Our findings indicate that compost can improve soil structure and aggregate‐associated C stabilization in dryland agroecosystems, whereas cropping system and rotation phase are also important to consider in the long‐term management of SOM.
Aligned Carbon‐Based Electrodes for Fast‐Charging Batteries: A Review
Authors: Huang Qikai , Ni Shuyan , Jiao Miaolun , Zhong Xiongwei , Zhou Guangmin , Cheng Hui‐Ming 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFast‐charging batteries have attracted great attention, and are anticipated to charge electrical vehicles and consumer electronics to full‐capacity in several minutes. However, commercial electrode materials in batteries generally have a limited rate performance and are difficult to be used in fast‐charging batteries. Designing electrodes with an aligned structure is an effective way to shorten the ion transport path and improve the rate performance of a battery. The excellent electronic conductivity of carbon‐based electrodes is another key factor for increasing the rate capability of rechargeable batteries. Therefore, aligned carbon‐based electrodes (ACBEs) can significantly improve the power density by combining the advantages of an aligned structure and carbon‐based materials. In this review, the mechanism, advantages, and challenges of ACBEs for fast‐charging batteries are evaluated, and then the design and preparation methods of ACBEs based on their different dimensions are summarized, and their applications in different batteries are illustrated. Finally, the future development of ACBEs for fast‐charging batteries is considered.
Controlled Growth of Large‐Sized and Phase‐Selectivity 2D GaTe Crystals
Authors: Liu Mingqiang , Yang Shuo , Han Mao , Feng Simin , Wang Gui‐Gen , Dang Leyang , Zou Bo , Cai Yawei , Sun Huarui , Yu Jie , Han Jie‐Cai , Liu Zheng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGaTe has recently attracted significant interest due to its direct bandgap and unique phase structure, which makes it a good candidate for optoelectronics. However, the controllable growth of large‐sized monolayer and few‐layer GaTe with tunable phase structures remains a great challenge. Here the controlled growth of large‐sized GaTe with high quality, chemical uniformity, and good reproducibility is achieved through liquid‐metal‐assisted chemical vapor deposition method. By using liquid Ga, the rapid growth of 2D GaTe flakes with high phase‐selectivity can be obtained due to its reduced reaction temperature. In addition, the method is used to synthesize many Ga‐based 2D materials and their alloys, showing good universality. Raman spectra suggest that the as‐grown GaTe own a relatively weak van der Waals interaction, where monoclinic GaTe displays highly‐anisotropic optical properties. Furthermore, a p‐n junction photodetector is fabricated using GaTe as a p‐type semiconductor and 2D MoSe2 as a typical n‐type semiconductor. The GaTe/MoSe2 heterostructure photodetector exhibits large photoresponsivity of 671.52 A W−1 and high photo‐detectivity of 1.48 × 1010 Jones under illumination, owing to the enhanced light absorption and good quality of as‐grown GaTe. These results indicate that 2D GaTe is a promising candidate for electronic and photoelectronic devices.
Implanting Cobalt Atom Clusters within Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Network as Highly Stable Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Fenglong , Ji Shan , Wang Hui , Liang Huagen , Wang Xuyun , Wang Rongfang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRealization of highly efficient sulfur electrochemistry, as well as the high capacity of lithium–sulfur (Li–S) batteries, can be achieved by the scientific construction of electrode host materials. In this study, using molten NaCl, a 3D porous nitrogen‐doped carbon with uniformly embedded Co atom clusters (Co/PNC) is developed by pyrolyzing the precursors with NaCl at high temperatures. In the composite structure, a network carbon skeleton containing hierarchical pores acts as an advanced matrix for sulfur electrodes, and the doping of N and Co is subject to inhibit the shuttle of long‐chain lithium polysulfides through chemical adsorption. The Co/PNC, with the optimized amount of Co, delivers an initial specific capacity of 1105.4 mAh g−1 at 0.2 C with a capacity drop of only 0.064% after the cell is charged and discharged for 300 cycles at 1 C, revealing its potential in promoting the large‐scale application of Li–S batteries.
Intact, Kibbled, and Cut Wheat Grains: Physico‐Chemical, Microstructural Characteristics and Gastro‐Small Intestinal Digestion In vitro
Authors: Abhilasha Abhilasha , Kaur Lovedeep , Monro John , Hardacre Allan , Singh Jaspreet 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIt is important to investigate the changes in the microstructure of wheat grains during processing to understand their influence on physico‐chemical properties and starch hydrolysis (SH) kinetics during gastro‐small intestinal digestion in vitro. Three differently processed formats (kibbled, cut grains, and flour) along with intact bread wheat grains are compared. Size reduction from raw intact grains to kibbled grains and flour resulted in an increase in overall SH (%) during simulated digestion and followed the order of flour>kibbled>cut>intact grains. The cooked versions of grain formats followed the similar order with a significant increase in SH observed for cooked kibbled grains and flour to 58.38±0.086% and 92.85±1.21%, respectively, whereas cooked cut grains show a lower hydrolysis of 21.56±0.39%. The expected glycaemic indices (eGI) of both cooked cut and intact grains are categorized as low glycaemic with values of 54.08±0.03 and 41.98±0.04, respectively. Scanning electron micrographs revealed the disappearance of starch granules from the grains' exposed surface areas during sequential digestion phases. The size reduction processes results in the disruption of bran and intact endosperm cells, making grain structure susceptible to digestion after cooking. The current results show the potential of differently processed grain formats to develop low glycemic wheat products.
Detection of bromate in packaged drinking water and its removal using polyelectrolyte multilayer membranes
Authors: C.S. Shalumon , C.T. Aravindakumar , K. Aravind Usha 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe use of bottled water is increasing every day even after the reported presence of microbial and other contaminants. The present study analyzed bromate in bottled water samples collected from four major cities in Kerala, India. It was found that about 40% of the samples contain bromate with a maximum concentration of 9.68 μg/L with an average of 1.56 μg/L. The study also includes the development of a multilayer membrane for the removal of bromate from water. Bilayers of quaternary chitosan salt (QCS)/sodium polystyrene sulfonate (PSS) were deposited on polyethersulfone (PES) microfiltration membrane and which are employed for bromate removal studies. Deposition of six bilayers of QCS/PSS increased the rejection efficiency from ∼4% to ∼84%. The influence of different fabrication and feed parameters on bromate removal efficiency was also studied. Six bilayers of QCS/PSS deposited at pH 2 with 0.5 M NaCl were found to be effective in removing > 90% of bromate from marketed bottled water samples with low energy expense. This study is recommended to implement such a multilayer system as a polishing step in the final stage of water purification in bottling plants to avoid possible contamination and toxicity of bromate in bottled water users.
Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy using a dome‐shaped saw blade for canine cranial cruciate ligament insufficiency
Authors: Polajnar Petar , Szanto Zsigmond , Gruborovic Sanja , Willmitzer Florian , Medl Nikola 
Published: April 2021

Background: Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) is commonly used to manage cranial cruciate ligament (CrCL) disease. The use of a spherical osteotomy blade (S‐TPLO) enables correction of some tibial deformities with three rotational degrees of freedom.Methods: As a proof of concept, this retrospective study included 45 dogs with CrCL disease that were treated with an S‐TPLO. The tibial plateau angle (TPA) was measured preoperatively, immediately after surgery (pTPA0) and on postoperative days 42 (pTPA42) and 56 (pTPA56). Lameness and osteotomy healing were assessed until 56 days postoperatively.Results: Thirty‐one dogs had complete CrCL ruptures, and 14 dogs had partial ruptures. Thirty‐one dogs had medial meniscal damage. The mean TPA, pTPA0, pTPA42 and pTPA56 were 26.0°, 7.8°, 8.5° and 8.9°, respectively. The TPA from post‐op to follow‐up did not vary significantly (p > 1.365). Minor complications occurred in five dogs. The mean lameness score improved significantly from 3.2 preoperatively to 0.9 on day 56 (p < 0.0001). The mean healing score improved significantly from 1.6 on day 42 to 2.2 on day 56 (p < 0.001).Conclusion: S‐TPLO was successful in treating CrCL disease in stifle joints without tibial deformities, with results comparable to previously reported TPLO outcomes.