bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Unraveling the Voltage‐Dependent Oxidation Mechanisms of Poly(Ethylene Oxide)‐Based Solid Electrolytes for Solid‐State Batteries
Authors: Seidl Lukas , Grissa Rabeb , Zhang Leiting , Trabesinger Sigita , Battaglia Corsin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractUsing galvanostatic techniques, an oxidative stability up to 4.6 V versus Li/Li+ and beyond has been reported for the prototypical polymer electrolyte consisting of 1 m lithium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide (LiTFSI) in poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO). However, no long‐term cycling of a battery with this high cut‐off voltage has been demonstrated. Electrochemical and spectroscopic/spectrometric methods are employed to critically reinvestigate the electrochemical oxidation mechanisms of PEO electrolytes. It is found that the onset of PEO oxidation occurs at much lower voltage of around 3.2 V versus Li/Li+, at which the terminal OH group is deprotonated. At 3.6 V, the chain of the PEO is oxidized. Both processes result in the formation of the strong acid HTFSI, which in turn chemically attacks the PEO to form methanol and 2‐methoxyethanol. A stable cycling of a solid‐state lithium‐metal battery with a high‐energy LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811) posititve electrode to an upper cut‐off voltage of 3.6 V versus Li/Li+ is demonstrated, however, resulting in enhanced capacity fading when increasing the upper cut‐off voltage to 3.8 V versus Li/Li+ or higher. Thus, operating PEO electrolytes beyond 3.6 V versus Li/Li+ requires protective layers at the positive electrode‐electrolyte interface to prevent PEO oxidation.
Maize response to combined heat and water stresses under varying growth conditions
Authors: Chukwudi Uchechukwu Paschal , Kutu Funso Raphael , Mavengahama Sydney 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIdentificationof agronomic practices that can ameliorate the negative effect of combined heat and water stress on maize plants is vital in food security strategy. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of heat and water stress on the growth of maize (Zea mays L.) under variable growth conditions. A repeated greenhouse factorial experiment laid out in a completely randomized design with four replications was performed. The factors were maize variety, water stress, soil amendment, and soil type. The results showed a depressive effect of water stress on the maize leaf area, chlorophyll content, stem diameter, dry biomass yield, and harvest index. These attributes decreased as the severity of the water stress increased with harvest index dipping by 30.3 and 92.9% in moderate water stress (MS) and terminal water‐stress (TS) plants, respectively. Sandy clay loam soil gave higher maize growth and yield attributes than loamy sand soil. The varied growth conditions imposed by the different water stresses, soil types, and soil amendments elicited different responses from the three maize varieties. Mean stability analyses/ranking identified ZM1523 and WE5323 as the top‐performing varieties under poultry manure amendment for both non‐stress and MS conditions, whereas under TS their performance improved in combined poultry manure/mineral fertilizer and mineral fertilizer treatments. Similarly, WE3128 gave its best performance under mineral fertilizer amendment for non‐stress, MS, and TS conditions. Therefore, under combined heat and water stress conditions, the interaction of maize variety, soil type, and soil amendment should be considered to guarantee a high maize yield.
Cover crop–based, rotational no‐till management tactics influence crop performance in organic transition within the Mid‐Atlantic United States
Authors: Wallace John M. , Barbercheck Mary E. , Curran William , Keene Clair Lynn , Mirsky Steven Brian , Ryan Matthew , VanGessel Mark 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReducing the intensityand frequency of tillage in an organic grain system requires an emphasis on utilizing ecological processes to manage pests and fertility. Cover crop–based, organic rotational no‐till (CCORNT) corn (Zea mays L.) and soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] production systems utilize cover crop surface mulch as the primary within‐season weed control tactic. Winter‐sown cereal rye (Secale cereale L.) was grown preceding soybean and hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth) mixtures before corn. We conducted a 3‐yr cropping systems experiment in Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania to evaluate crop management (planting date) and integrated weed management (IWM) tactics for CCORNT corn and soybean production in a corn–soybean–winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) rotation during the transition to organic. Corn and soybean yields were sensitive to planting date, but optimal planting dates differed among locations. Delayed cover crop termination did not consistently increase total cover crop biomass production or reduce weed biomass levels. High‐residue cultivation reduced total weed biomass across locations, but this IWM tactic produced variable results on cash crop yields. Total weed biomass was negatively correlated to soybean yields but did not influence corn yields. At the Pennsylvania location, delaying corn planting dates was positively correlated with predatory athropod activity‐density, which was positively correlated with corn populations. Assessment of CCORNT practices on short‐term soil health indicators (labile carbon, aggregate stability, entomopathogenic fungi) at the Pennsylvania location produced variable results. Adaptive pest management strategies will need to be used in CCORNT systems within the Mid‐Atlantic United States.
Multiple inducers of endothelial NOS (eNOS) dysfunction in sickle cell disease
Authors: Hebbel Robert P. , Vercellotti Gregory M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA characteristic aspect of the robust, systemic inflammatory state in sickle cell disease is dysfunction of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). We identify 10 aberrant endothelial cell inputs, present in the specific sickle context, that are known to have the ability to cause eNOS dysfunction. These are: endothelial arginase depletion, asymmetric dimethylarginine, complement activation, endothelial glycocalyx degradation, free fatty acids, inflammatory mediators, microparticles, oxidized low density lipoproteins, reactive oxygen species, and Toll‐like receptor 4 signaling ligands. The effect of true eNOS dysfunction on clinical testing using flow‐mediated dilation can be simulated by two known examples of endothelial dysfunction mimicry (hemoglobin consumption of NO; and oxidation of smooth muscle cell soluble guanylate cyclase). This lends ambiguity to interpretation of such clinical testing. The presence of these multiple perturbing factors argues that a therapeutic approach targeting only a single injurious endothelial input (or either example of mimicry) would not be sufficiently efficacious. This would seem to argue for identifying therapeutics that directly protect eNOS function or application of multiple therapeutic approaches.
The relationship between digit ratio (2D:4D) and muscular fitness: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Pasanen Brooke E. , Tomkinson Jordan M. , Dufner Trevor J. , Park Chan Woong , Fitzgerald John S. , Tomkinson Grant R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundDigit ratio (2D:4D), a marker of prenatal testosterone exposure, is a weak negative correlate of sports/athletic/fitness performance. While numerous studies have examined the relationship between 2D:4D and physical fitness, there has never been a comprehensive study that has synthesized studies examining relationships between 2D:4D and muscular fitness.ObjectivesTo systematically review and meta‐analyze the relationship between 2D:4D and muscular fitness measured as handgrip strength (HGS).MethodsWe systematically searched five electronic databases, reference lists, topical systematic reviews/meta‐analyses, and personal libraries in November 2020. Peer‐reviewed, cross‐sectional studies that reported Pearson's correlation coefficients between objectively measured 2D:4D and HGS were included. We used random‐effects meta‐analysis to estimate the pooled correlation and the 95% confidence interval (95%CI), and moderator analyses to estimate the influence of sex and age.ResultsData from 22 studies, representing 5271 individuals from 11 countries ranging in (mean) age from 10.4 to 58.0 years, were included. Overall, there was a weak negative correlation between 2D:4D and HGS (r = −0.15, 95%CI = –0.20 to −0.09), indicating that individuals with low 2D:4Ds had high HGS. We found substantial heterogeneity between studies (Q = 123.4, p < .0001; I2 = 74%), but neither sex (Q = 0.003, p = .96) nor age (Q = 0.46, p = .50) significantly moderated the pooled correlation.ConclusionsWe found a weak negative relationship between 2D:4D and HGS, which showed substantial heterogeneity between studies, but was neither moderated by sex nor age. Our finding probably reflects both the long‐term (organizational) and short‐term (activational) benefits of testosterone.
Auditory and olfactory findings in patients with USH2A‐related retinal degeneration—Findings at baseline from the rate of progression in USH2A‐related retinal degeneration natural history study (RUSH2A)
Authors: Iannaccone Alessandro , Brewer Carmen C. , Cheng Peiyao , Duncan Jacque L. , Maguire Maureen G. , Audo Isabelle , Ayala Allison R. , Bernstein Paul S. , Bidelman Gavin M. , Cheetham Janet K. , Doty Richard L. , Durham Todd A. , Hufnagel Robert B. , Myers Mark H. , Stingl Katarina , Zein Wadih M. ,   Foundation Fighting Blindness Consortium Investigator Group
Published: July 2021

AbstractSensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) is characteristic of Usher syndrome type 2 (USH2), but less is known about SNHL in nonsyndromic autosomal recessive retinitis pigmentosa (ARRP) and olfaction in USH2A‐associated retinal degeneration. The Rate of Progression of USH2A‐related Retinal Degeneration (RUSH2A) is a natural history study that enrolled 127 participants, 80 with USH2 and 47 with ARRP. Hearing was measured by pure‐tone thresholds and word recognition scores, and olfaction by the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT). SNHL was moderate in 72% of USH2 participants and severe or profound in 25%, while 9% of ARRP participants had moderate adult‐onset SNHL. Pure‐tone thresholds worsened with age in ARRP but not in USH2 participants. The degree of SNHL was not associated with other participant characteristics in either USH2 or ARRP. Median pure‐tone thresholds in ARRP participants were significantly higher than the normative population (p < 0.001). Among 14 USH2 participants reporting newborn hearing screening results, 7 reported passing. Among RUSH2A participants, 7% had mild microsmia and 5% had moderate or severe microsmia. Their mean (±SD) UPSIT score was 35 (±3), similar to healthy controls (34 [±3]; p = 0.39). Olfaction differed by country (p = 0.02), but was not significantly associated with clinical diagnosis, age, gender, race/ethnicity, smoking status, visual measures, or hearing. Hearing loss in USH2A‐related USH2 did not progress with age. ARRP patients had higher pure‐tone thresholds than normal. Newborn hearing screening did not identify all USH2A‐related hearing loss. Olfaction was not significantly worse than normal in participants with USH2A‐related retinal degeneration.
Dysautonomia in hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome and hypermobility spectrum disorders is associated with exercise intolerance and cardiac atrophy
Authors: Ruiz Maya Tania , Fettig Veronica , Mehta Lakshmi , Gelb Bruce D. , Kontorovich Amy R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractDysautonomia is a recognized manifestation in patients with joint hypermobility (JH) disorders. Symptoms can be highly debilitating and commonly include physical deconditioning and poor aerobic fitness. In this study, the prevalence of dysautonomia, range of associated symptoms, patient‐reported physical activity levels, and echocardiographic features were assessed retrospectively in a cohort of 144 patients (94% female) with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) or hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD). Echocardiographic parameters of left ventricular size and function were compared between patients with and without dysautonomia as well as to reported values from healthy controls. Dysautonomia was identified in 65% of female and 44% of male subjects and was associated with a high burden of symptomatology, most commonly exercise intolerance (78%). Exercise capacity was limited by dysautonomia, often postural symptoms, in half of all patients. We observed a reduction in physical activity following the onset or significant flare of hEDS/HSD, most strikingly noting the proportion of dysautonomic patients with sedentary lifestyle, which increased from 44% to 85%. JH‐related dysautonomia was associated with smaller cardiac chamber sizes, consistent with the previous reports in positional orthostatic tachycardia syndrome. Dysautonomia is prevalent in patients with hEDS/HSD, and exercise intolerance is a key feature and leads to drastic decline in physical activity. Unfavorable cardiac geometry may underlie dysautonomia symptoms and may be due to cardiac atrophy in the setting of aerobic deconditioning.
Intermetallic FePt@PtBi Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Oxygen Reduction Electrocatalysis
Authors: Guan Jingyu , Yang Shaoxuan , Liu Tongtong , Yu Yihuan , Niu Jin , Zhang Zhengping , Wang Feng 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe development of active and stable platinum (Pt)‐based oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) electrocatalysts with good resistance to poisoning is a prerequisite for widespread practical application of fuel cells. An effective strategy for enhancing the electrocatalytic performance is to tune or control the physicochemical state of the Pt surface. Herein, we show a general surface‐engineering approach to prepare a range of nanostructured Pt alloys by coating with alloy PtBi shells. FePt@PtBi core–shell nanoparticles showed the best ORR performance with a mass activity of 0.96 A mgPt−1 and a specific activity of 2.06 mA cm−2, respectively 7 times and 11 times those of the corresponding values for benchmark Pt/C. Moreover, FePt@PtBi shows much better tolerance to methanol and carbon monoxide than conventional Pt‐based electrocatalysts. The observed comprehensive enhancement in ORR performance of FePt@PtBi can be attributed to the increased compressive strain of the Pt surface due to in‐plane shearing resulting from the presence of the large Bi atoms in the surface‐structured PtBi overlayers, as well as charge displacement via Pt‐Bi bonding which mitigates crossover issues.
Advanced Electrolyte Design for High‐Energy‐Density Li‐Metal Batteries under Practical Conditions
Authors: Yuan Shouyi , Kong Taoyi , Zhang Yiyong , Dong Peng , Zhang Yingjie , Dong Xiaoli , Wang Yonggang , Xia Yongyao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGiven the limitations inherent in current intercalation‐based Li‐ion batteries, much research attention has focused on potential successors to Li‐ion batteries such as lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries and lithium–oxygen (Li‐O2) batteries. In order to realize the potential of these batteries, the use of metallic lithium as the anode is essential. However, there are severe safety hazards associated with the growth of Li dendrites, and the formation of “dead Li” during cycles leads to the inevitable loss of active Li, which in the end is undoubtedly detrimental to the actual energy density of Li‐metal batteries. For Li‐metal batteries under practical conditions, a low negative/positive ratio (N/P ratio), a electrolyte/cathode ratio (E/C ratio) along with a high‐voltage cathode is prerequisite. In this Review, we summarize the development of new electrolyte systems for Li‐metal batteries under practical conditions, revisit the design criteria of advanced electrolytes for practical Li‐metal batteries and provide perspectives on future development of electrolytes for practical Li‐metal batteries.
Enhanced mechanical performance of aDGEBAepoxyresin‐basedshape memory polymer by introducing graphene oxide via covalent linking
Authors: Romero‐Zúñiga Gabriela Yolotzin , Navarro‐Rodríguez Dámaso , Treviño‐Martínez María Esther 
Published: July 2021

AbstractShape memory polymers (SMP) are prepared, via dual thiol‐epoxy/thiol‐ene reactions, from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA), a trithiol (TMP), a tetraallyl amine (TAA), and small amounts (0.1–0.5 wt.%) of graphene oxide either pristine (GO) or functionalized with methacrylate groups (GOM). The incorporation of GOMto the epoxy resin network permits a good load transfer, which is reflected in improved properties such as Young modulus (from 220 to 519 MPa), tensile strength (from 46.3 to 69.2 MPa), Izod impact strength (from 0.051 to 0.42 J/mm), torque (from 0.008 to 0.031 Nm), and glass transition temperature (from 75 to 105°C). Such improvement in properties is attributed to the incorporation of GOMvia covalent linking, which is a good strategy for improving polymer‐particle interaction and particle dispersion. The epoxy‐based SMP also show high storage modulus (up to 2.36 GPa) and high deformation capacity, which are reflected in good shape fixity (between 97% and 100%) and thermo‐induced shape recovery (between 97% to 99.7%) behaviors in flexion mode tests.
Boosting the mechanical and fracture resistance of asphalt via biomimetic poly dopamine‐octadecylamine aramid fiber interface
Authors: Zhu Zhaorong , Liu Yu , Subhan Sidra , Ma Liangcai , Zhao Zhenxia , Li Jing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWeak interfacial effect between fiber and asphalt is considered to be main limitation in the extensive improvement of composite materials. Herein, a weaker interfacial layer between fiber and asphalt has extensively been modified via non‐destructive grafting. For this, poly dopamine (PDA) with highly active sites and lipophilic octadecylamine (ODA) with strong absorption were aimed to composite with aramid fiber (AF) as AF‐PDA‐ODA following biomimetic chemistry; hence the interfacial influence on asphalt was investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that AF‐PDA‐ODA composite was successfully prepared, which generated an effective chemical coupling reaction with asphalt. Contact angle measurement and specific surface analyzer tests confirmed that AF‐PDA‐ODA has better lipophilicity and larger specific surface area. Fluorescence microscopy tests confirmed that AF‐PDA‐ODA formed a uniformly developed network structure over asphalt, whereas scanning electron microscopy confirmed the “wave” structure of AF‐PDA‐ODA asphalt with stress buffering. Additionally, the adhesion was calculated via dynamic rheological shear apparatus where the tensile test showed that PDA‐ODA polymer interface layer enhanced the asphalt's fracture resistance as well as the mechanical properties of the asphalt has effectively been improved. This could provide an alternative asphalt material with enhanced adhesion and mechanical resistance properties in construction and building.
Low‐unsaturated soybean oils in EPDM rubber compounds
Authors: Shafranska Olena , Jones Alexander , Perkins Alex , Dahlgren Joseph , Tardiff Janice , Webster Dean C. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractHigh oleic soybean oil and hydrogenated soybean oils having a different degree of unsaturation were investigated as bio‐based plasticizers for ethylene‐propylene‐diene monomer (EPDM) rubber filled with carbon black and vulcanized with sulfur. The plasticizing effect of the oils with different unsaturation levels was studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) while the variation in crosslink density of EPDM rubbers was investigated by the equilibrium solvent swelling method. The linear thermal expansion coefficient (LTEC) at different temperatures for EPDM rubbers formulated with different oils was examined by thermomechanical analysis (TMA). The oil with the highest level of unsaturation demonstrates the greatest plasticizing effect but interacts with vulcanizing sulfur lowering crosslink density and deteriorating the mechanical properties of the EPDM rubber. Hydrogenated oil with all‐saturated fatty acid chains shows no decrease in crosslink density, improvements in the mechanical properties of rubber but is less effective as a plasticizer for EPDM. The results of tensile testing for EPDM rubbers formulated with different concentrations of soy‐based oils were studied, correlated, and discussed. The properties of soy‐based EPDM rubbers compared to the properties of EPDM rubbers formulated with petroleum‐based paraffinic oil.
Knockdown of ER‐α36 expression inhibits glioma proliferation, invasion and epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Zhao Bowen , Ye Xiang , Yang Yuanyuan , Wang Yuxing , Wang Ru , Pan Xiaohua , Wang Molin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEstrogen receptor‐α36 (ER‐α36), a subtype of the estrogen receptor, is reported to play roles in tumorigenesis and tamoxifen resistance in several tumors, especially breast cancer. However, the role of ER‐α36 in glioma proliferation and invasion remains unknown. Here, we explored the function of ER‐α36 in glioma cells, using U87 and U251 cell lines. We found that ER‐α36 was upregulated in glioma tissues compared to adjacent nontumor tissues. In U87 and U251 glioma cell lines, inhibition of ER‐α36 expression by shRNA suppressed cell proliferation and invasion. In addition, the expression of an epithelial marker, ZO‐1, was upregulated while that of one mesenchymal marker, N‐cadherin, was downregulated with ER‐α36 knockdown. We also found that inhibition of ER‐α36 inactivated both PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK signals. Taken together, these data indicated that overexpression of ER‐α36 is associated with glioma proliferation and progression but that inhibition of ER‐α36 leads to suppressed invasion and the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition via PI3K/AKT and MEK/ERK pathway inactivation in glioma cells.
Alternative and Uncommon Acylating Agents – An Alive and Kicking Methodology
Authors: Sivaraj Chandrasekaran , Gandhi Thirumanavelan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractFunctionalizing and derivatising organic molecules is a centerpiece in organic synthesis. Succinctly manipulating and installing acyl moieties in organic molecules spurred the interest of chemists owing to its occurrence in natural products, bioactive molecules, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials. Traditionally, access to acylation reaction was achieved by Friedel‐Crafts reaction, Schotten‐Baumann, and Vilsmeier‐Haack acylation, however, these protocols own pitfalls. Further to make the acylation process attractive and environmentally friendly, toluene, aldehydes, alcohols, α‐keto acids, amines, amides, esters, ethers, nitriles, alkynes, alkenes, ketenes, N‐acylbenzotriazoles, ketones, thioacids, oximes, thiazolium carbinols, PIDA, diacyl disulfides and acyl salts were used as an acyl surrogates/reagents. Amusingly, these acylating reagents are considered uncommon and alternative to carboxylic acids, acid chlorides and acetic anhydrides. This short review aims to encompass the usage of acylating agents in transition‐metal, metal‐free, light‐driven and other demanding conditions, and thus reveals their practicality.