bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantitative nuclear DNA content and cell cycle analysis of a mixotrophic dinoflagellate by image cytometry
Authors: Broemsen Erik L. J. E. , Place Allen R. , Parrow Matthew W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe goal of this work was to develop and demonstrate the utility of microscope‐based image cytometry (ICM) as a method for quantifying nuclear DNA content and cell cycle phase distribution in microalgae both in culture and in natural blooms, as an alternative to flow cytometry (FCM). To do so, aliquots from the same samples of the dinoflagellate Karlodinium veneficum were examined using both ICM and FCM. ICM specimen preparation and data acquisition methods were optimized to improve precision and agreement between the two techniques. Accuracy and precision of DNA measurements by ICM were significantly higher using the DNA fluorophore DAPI compared to SYBR® Green I. Milli‐Q H2O was found to be superior to Tris‐EDTA as a staining and slide preparation solution for ICM analyses. Lower‐powered objective magnification (10x, 20x) in image acquisition for ICM produced higher precision in nuclear DNA measurements. Overall precision of ICM analysis of DAPI‐stained K. veneficum cells was comparable to FCM, with respective 1C DNA peak coefficients of variation as low as 6.2%. Cell cycle distributions of mid‐log culture samples analyzed by both ICM and FCM were in agreement (two‐way ANOVA; p = 0.93); while distributions analyzed in a field sample were similar but not identical (Z‐test; p < 0.001). Overall, the results show the feasibility of ICM as a useful tool for microalgal cell cycle analysis, with the potential for more flexible application to mixotrophic/phagotrophic species and complex field populations.
MovCLUfish: A data mining tool for discovering fish movement patterns from individual‐based models
Authors: Politikos Dimitrios V. , Kleftogiannis Dimitrios , Tsiaras Kostas , Rose Kenneth A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSpatially explicit individual‐based models (IBMs) are useful tools for simulating the movement of discrete fish individuals within dynamic and heterogeneous environments. However, processing the IBM outputs is complicated because fish individuals are continuously adjusting their behavior in response to changing environmental conditions. Here, we present a new analysis tool, called MovCLUfish, that uses data mining to identify patterns from the trajectories of the individuals generated from IBMs. MovCLUfish is configured to identify features of fish behavior related to occupation (area of fish presence), dynamics of aggregation (how fish individuals are distributed within the area of presence), and mobility (how fish move between subregions). MovCLUfish receives as input the fish locations (longitude, latitude) at fixed times during a specific time period and performs spatial clustering on consecutive timestamps, considering them as moving objects. Fish locations are grouped into clusters whose features (centroid, shape, size, density) are used to provide further information about the spatial distributions. The clusters are analyzed using three built‐in pattern mining methods: tracking moving centroids (TMC), aggregating moving clusters (AMC), and tracking fish mobility (TFM). TMC detects shifts in the distribution of fish over time, AMC visualizes the way fish aggregations change geographically over time, and TFM provides quantitative information on the patterns of exchange and connectivity of individuals among regions within the domain. We describe the workflow of MovCLUfish and illustrate its applicability using output from an IBM model configured for anchovy in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea. Further avenues for improvement and expansion of MovCLUfish are discussed.
How the Calcination Procedure Affects the Morphology and the Catalytic Activity of Polymer‐Supported Nickel Nanoparticles
Authors: Fiore Ambra M. , Nefedova Darya , Romanazzi Giuseppe , Petrelli Valentina , Mali Matilda , Leonelli Cristina , Mortalò Cecilia , Catauro Michelina , Mastrorilli Piero , Dell'Anna Maria Michela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA nickel containing monomer, Ni(AAEMA)2 (AAEMA− = deprotonated form of 2‐(acetoacetoxy) ethyl methacrylate) is co‐polymerized with ethyl methacrylate (co‐monomer) and ethylene glycol dimethacrylate (cross‐linker). The obtained polymer is a green methacrylic resin containing Ni(II) centers homogeneously dispersed in the catalyst, which results insoluble in all common organic solvents and in water. The specific features of this material classify it as an amphiphilic resin, air and moisture stable, with the peculiarity to swell in halogenated solvents, acetone and water and to shrink in diethyl ether and petroleum ether. The polymer is calcined under reductive conditions (dihydrogen with initial pressure of 5 bar) following two procedures, differing from each other for the cooling conditions. In the first procedure, the calcined material is cooled under dihydrogen gas, while in the second one the cooling step occurs under air. After calcination, the green Ni(II)‐based co‐polymer turns into black resins, Ni‐res1 (obtained by cooling under hydrogen) and Ni‐res2 ((obtained by cooling under air). FESEM analyses show that both Ni‐res1 and Ni‐res2 support Ni nanoparticles with different morphologies, being the metal nanoparticles onto Ni‐res1 smaller than the ones dispersed in Ni‐res2, that have an urchin‐like shape. Both Ni‐based co‐polymers are tested as catalysts in the reduction of nitrobenzene with NaBH4. Ni‐res1 results more active and selective towards aniline with respect to Ni‐res2.
Surface Characterization of Composite Catalysts Prepared by Sol‐Gel Route
Authors: Catauro Michelina , Blanco Ignazio , Naviglio Daniele , Poggetto Giovanni Dal 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of this work is to synthesize Nb‐V oxide catalysts by sol gel route starting from metal alkoxides using different H2O/V ratios. Dried samples are characterized by X‐ray diffraction (XRD), atomic absorption, and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller (BET) analysis. Calcination of dried materials up to 600°C in flowing air has been followed with Thermogravimetry‐Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy (TG‐FTIR) spectroscopic analysis. The catalytic properties of calcined materials are tested in the oxidative dehydrogenation of ethane at 600°C. An improvement of the catalytic performances of vanadium for the gel prepared with the higher H2O/V ratio is found with respect to those of the supported catalyst due to the better interaction between vanadium and niobium.
A Simple Model of Heat Distribution at Various Rayleigh Number in Silicon Elastomer
Authors: Samal Sneha , Blanco Ignazio , Crescente G. , Catauro Michelina. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn order to investigate the two‐dimensional flow of a non‐Newtonian fluid, such as an elastomer liquid over a cylinder, a simplified model is applied. The analysis is carried out to study the thermophysical properties of the melt elastomer flow with Prandtl variable in the presence of internal heat generation. The temperature‐dependent physical properties such as velocity, contour temperature, surface temperature as a function of contour velocity, and pressure are considered and discussed. Moreover, the exchange of energy from the surface to the fluids is examined through the variation in the Rayleigh number.
Photo‐Curing 3D Printing and Innovative Design of Porous Composite Structures for Biomedical Applications
Authors: De Santis Roberto , Russo Teresa , Fucile Pierpaolo , Martorelli Massimo , Catauro Michelina , Gloria Antonio 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLight‐activated resins and composites are used in conjunction with a light curing unit and allow an on‐demand process of polymerization. These kinds of materials usually represent the most popular choice in the restorative dental practice. Some works have already highlighted contemporary tendencies in the use of nondegradable scaffolds and mesenchymal stem cells in regenerative medicine. Accordingly, the aim of the current research is to develop 3D porous and light‐activated composite structures with optimized functional properties. Preliminary mechanical and biological tests are carried out.
Additive Manufacturing Processing of Plastics for Mass Production of Composites Tooling: Technical and Economic Analysis
Authors: Cicala Gianluca , Tosto Claudio , Recca Giuseppe , Patti Antonella 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present paper focuses on the use of several additive manufacturing (AM) techniques for tooling manufacturing for composite parts production. A geometry that prevents mandrel removal is selected and it is analyzed in a real industrial environment for composites production using autoclave molding. The use of two different AM mandrels is evaluated: fused deposition modeling and liquid crystal display. The results are analyzed in terms of composites part quality, processing time and final part cost.
Effect of Dispersant Agent Content on the Properties of Composites Based on Poly (Lactic Acid) and Alfa Fiber
Authors: Ibrahim Hanane , Boukerrou Amar , Hammiche Dalila 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe main objective of this research is to use a dispersing agent (BYK W‐980) as a compatibilizer in the composites containing poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and Alfa fiber. The dispersing agent is used to modify the surface of the fiber and to solve the problem of the incompatibility between the matrix (PLA) and fiber. In this context, various formulations containing PLA/alfa fiber are prepared with a loads rate in the fiber of 30% by weight and with different contents of BYK W‐980 (2 and 3.3 wt%). Composites are prepared by twin‐screw extrusion followed by compression molding. The mechanical properties are evaluated through the flexural test, the morphology of materials is also studied. The results indicate that the 2% BYK W‐980 increases the interfacial adhesion between the fibers and the PLA polymer matrix, this treatment effect is better than the one obtained by using 3.3% BYK W‐980 compatibilizer.
Finite Element Modeling of Lab‐on‐Chip for T Lymphocyte Analysis
Authors: Ghiculescu Daniel , Marinescu Roxana , Avram Marioara 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paper deals with the finite element modeling and simulation of lab‐on‐a‐chip microfluidic device that is used for counting leukocytes in blood samples. Some aspects regarding the state of the art of lab‐on‐a‐chip devices are presented. These microfluidic devices offer the possibility to perform certain determinations, as it is the case of T lymphocytes, which are impossible by current conventional equipment. Comsol multiphysics and stationary laminar flow module are used for finite element modeling and simulating of device working, and for its geometric optimization. The velocities and the required travel time of the blood sample combined with the lysing and stop lysing substances, within two dedicated circuits are determined. These are formed by multiple coils, two counting channels for two cell types and a cells capture chamber. Then, the execution specifications of the lab‐on‐a‐chip on a millimetric silicon wafer are delivered, by microtechnologies, the modelling results being validated.
Development and In‐Vitro Characterization of Benzydamine Loaded Chitosan Nanoparticles
Authors: Marudova Maria , Zahariev Nikolay , Milenkova Sofia , Pilicheva Bissera , Viraneva Asya , Yovcheva Temenuzhka 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe aim of the present research is the preparation of chitosan nanoparticles intended for Benzydamine (BZ) delivery. The method of ionotropic gelation is applied for the nanoparticle's formation. The crosslinking is performed by NaTPP. Dynamic light scattering analysis shows that particle's sizes are in nano‐scale and can be varied by changing the polymer and crosslinker concentrations. The yield of the gelation varies between 23% and 69%. The BZ loading efficiency differs in the range from 10% to 24.3%. Differential scanning calorimetry is applied for investigating the BZ state. It proved that the BZ changes its physical state from crystal to amorphous. The in vitro drug release profile along with kinetics and mechanism of release from the nano‐spheres are studied under simulated physiological conditions for different incubation periods. The release rate can be changed by varying the chitosan and NaTPP concentrations.
Rheological Properties and Fillers Dispersion State in the Elastomer Magnetic Composites
Authors: Hložeková Klaudia , Kruželák Ján , Kvasničáková Andrea , Hudec Ivan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractManganese‐zinc ferrite as magnetic filler is compounded with NBR or NR based elastomer matrices in two steps. Manganese‐zinc ferrite is the most important part of elastomer compounds because of its magnetic properties, but it is inactive filler and thus carbon black is added into the rubber formulations as well. The rubber compound filled only with ferrite exhibits high viscosity and it is not able to be processed by extrusion. For this reason, rheological properties of all compounds with different ratio of processing additives and fillers are studied. It has been found out in our previous research that rubber compounds filled with 200 phr of ferrite showed the best electromagnetic shielding performance. Dispersion Z and dispersion D of cured and uncured elastomer compounds with processing additives Werbablend and Werbalub, which are mixed in laboratory and industrial kneading machine, are determined on an instrument disperGRADERTM αview.
Constructing Slow‐Release Metribuzin Formulations by Co‐extrusion of the Pesticide with Poly‐ε‐Caprolactone
Authors: Boyandin Anatoly Nikolayevich , Kazantseva Eugenia Andreevna 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA simple and low‐cost method of obtaining slow‐release pesticide formulations is proposed by co‐extrusion of a herbicide metribuzin with a low‐melting biodegradable polyester poly‐ε‐caprolactone, at a temperature above the melting points of both components. Formulations containing 10%, 20%, and 40% herbicide are prepared. Metribuzin release in water during 7 days of exposition reached 81% from the formulations with the 10% loading and 96% from the specimens with the 40% herbicide loading. Biodegradation and pesticide release from the polymer constructs are studied in the model soil for 14 weeks. Degradation rates of the specimens increased with an increase in pesticide content: between 9% for the 10%‐loaded specimen and 20% for the 40%‐loaded specimen over 14 weeks. The release of metribuzin from the specimens with the 10–20% and 40% loadings reached 37–38% and 55%, respectively; thus, taking into account soil degradation of the herbicide, the herbicide content in soil reached 23–25% and 33%, respectively, of the initially loaded into the polymer matrix. The used approach is promising to obtain long‐term release formulations for soil application.
Unraveling the Microbial Mechanisms Underlying the Psychobiotic Potential of a Bifidobacterium breve Strain
Authors: Tian Peijun , Bastiaanssen Thomaz F. S. , Song Linhong , Jiang Bin , Zhang Xu , Zhao Jianxin , Zhang Hao , Chen Wei , Cryan John F. , Wang Gang 
Published: February 2021

ScopeThe antidepressant‐like effect of psychobiotics has been observed in both pre‐clinical and clinical studies, but the molecular mechanisms of action are largely unclear. To address this, the psychobiotic strain Bifidobacterium breve CCFM1025 is investigated for its genomic features, metabolic features, and gut microbial and metabolic modulation effect.Methods and ResultsUnlike B. breve FHLJDQ3M5, CCFM1025 significantly decreases the chronically stressed mice's depressive‐like behaviors and neurological abnormalities. CCFM1025 has more genes encoding glycoside hydrolases (GHs) when comparing to FHLJDQ3M5's genome, which means CCFM1025 has a superior carbohydrate utilization capacity and living adaptivity in the gut. CCFM1025 also produces higher levels of neuromodulatory metabolites, including hypoxanthine, tryptophan, and nicotinate. The administration of CCFM1025 reshapes the gut microbiome of chronically stressed mice. It results in higher cecal xanthine, tryptophan, short‐chain fatty acid levels, and enhances fatty acid and tryptophan biosynthesis capability in the gut–brain interaction (identified by in silico analyses) than FHLJDQ3M5‐treated mice.ConclusionsGenomic and metabolic features involving GHs and neuromodulatory metabolites may determine the antidepressant‐like effect of B. breve CCFM1025. Psychobiotics’ characterization in this manner may provide guidelines for developing novel psychopharmacological agents in the future.
Morphological origins of temperature and rate dependent mechanical properties of model soft thermoplastic elastomers
Authors: Sbrescia Simone , Ju Jianzhu , Engels Tom , Van Ruymbeke Evelyne , Seitz Michelle 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) combine high elasticity with melt processability due to their structural features being based on physical associations rather than chemical crosslinking. Their mechanical properties are governed by the interplay of the different dynamics present in the system (i.e., hard block associations and soft block mobility) combined with their morphology. Irrespective of their exact chemical structure or type of association (crystals, hydrogen bonds, or glassy domains), many soft TPEs show a reduction in toughness at elevated temperatures. In this study, we investigate the high‐temperature mechanical properties of a model series of industrially relevant TPEs via systematically varying composition and molecular weight. The results show an increase in temperature resistance and in large‐strain stress response as chain length increases. We underline the key parameters that influence the mechanical behavior and explain the observed effect of molecular weight on both the temperature‐ and rate‐dependent large‐strain response. A physical network‐based model is presented that can explain the experimental findings assuming an improved network connectivity and extended lifetime of the entangled segments with increasing molecular weight.
Hard silicon carbonitride thin‐film coatings produced by remote hydrogen plasma chemical vapor deposition using aminosilane and silazane precursors. 1: Deposition mechanism, chemical structure, and surface morphology
Authors: Wrobel Aleksander M. , Uznanski Pawel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmorphous silicon carbonitride films were produced by remote hydrogen microwave plasma chemical vapor deposition (RP‐CVD) using aminosilanes: (dimethylamino)dimethylsilane, bis(dimethylamino)methylsilane, and tris(dimethylamino)silane, as well as disilazanes: 1,1,3,3‐tetramethyldisilazane and 1,3‐bis(dimethylsilyl)‐2,2,4,4‐tetramethylcyclodisilazane as single‐source precursors. The effect of substrate temperature (TS) on the rate and yield of the RP‐CVD process, chemical composition, chemical structure, and surface morphology of resulting films is reported. The temperature dependencies of thickness‐based growth rate and growth yield of the film imply that for a low substrate temperature range (TS = 30–200°C), deposition rate and yield are limited by desorption of film‐forming precursors from a growth surface, whereas for a high substrate temperature range (TS = 200–400°C), the rate and yield values, independent of the temperature, are nearly constant and the RP‐CVD is a nonthermally activated process. The increase of the substrate temperature from 30°C to 400°C causes the elimination of organic groups from the film and the formation of a silicon carbonitride network structure with a predominant content of Si–N nitridic and Si–C carbidic bonds. On the basis of structural study and literature data, hypothetical elementary reactions contributing to the film formation process are postulated. The films were found to be morphologically homogeneous, defect‐free materials exhibiting very small surface roughness, which varied in a narrow range of values.
Predictors of pulmonary function at 6 years of age in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Aoyama Brianna C. , Collaco Joseph M. , McGrath‐Morrow Sharon A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRationaleBronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a major complication of premature birth and the most common cause of chronic lung disease in infancy. Previous studies have shown that children with a history of BPD have impaired lung function in childhood compared to their term counterparts. However, little is known about potential modifiable factors that alter lung function trajectories and subsequent respiratory morbidity in this population.ObjectivesTo identify potential modifiable risk factors for the development of impaired lung function in patients with a history of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia.MethodsGrowth parameters (birth, 2 years old, 6 years old) and pulmonary function testing (6 years old) were retrospectively reviewed for subjects (n = 598) recruited from an outpatient BPD clinic who were born ≤36 weeks gestation and were ≥5 years of age.ResultsOf the 598 recruited subjects, 88 (14.7%) performed adequate pulmonary function testing at approximately 6 years of age. The mean forced expiratory volume in 1 s global lung initiative (GLI) Z‐score was −1.31 with lower values associated with Nissen fundoplication. The mean forced vital capacity GLI Z‐score was −0.72 with lower values associated with higher amounts of oxygen required at time of initial hospital discharge and Nissen fundoplication.ConclusionOur study found that children with BPD have lower predicted lung function values. Although growth parameters at age 2 and 6 years did not correlate with lung function values at 6 years of age; use and greater requirement for supplemental oxygen and the presence of a Nissen fundoplication at discharge were associated with lower lung function. Prospective studies should focus on identifying modifiable risk factors that could minimize the impact of BPD on later lung function.
Response‐adaptive trial designs with accelerated Thompson sampling
Authors: Wang Jixian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn a clinical trial, sometimes it is desirable to allocate as many patients as possible to the best treatment, in particular, when a trial for a rare disease may contain a considerable portion of the whole target population. The Gittins index rule is a powerful tool for sequentially allocating patients to the best treatment based on the responses of patients already treated. However, its application in clinical trials is limited due to technical complexity and lack of randomness. Thompson sampling is an appealing approach, since it makes a compromise between optimal treatment allocation and randomness with some desirable optimal properties in the machine learning context. However, in clinical trial settings, multiple simulation studies have shown disappointing results with Thompson samplers. We consider how to improve short‐run performance of Thompson sampling and propose a novel acceleration approach. This approach can also be applied to situations when patients can only be allocated by batch and is very easy to implement without using complex algorithms. A simulation study showed that this approach could improve the performance of Thompson sampling in terms of average total response rate. An application to a redesign of a preference trial to maximize patient's satisfaction is also presented.