bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wearable Sweat Loss Measuring Devices: From the Role of Sweat Loss to Advanced Mechanisms and Designs
Authors: Zhong Bowen , Jiang Kai , Wang Lili , Shen Guozhen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWearable sweat sensors have received significant research interest and have become popular as sweat contains considerable health information about physiological and psychological states. However, measured biomarker concentrations vary with sweat rates, which has a significant effect on the accuracy and reliability of sweat biosensors. Wearable sweat loss measuring devices (SLMDs) have recently been proposed to overcome the limitations of biomarker tracking and reduce inter‐ and intraindividual variability. In addition, they offer substantial potential for monitoring human body homeostasis, because sweat loss plays an indispensable role in thermoregulation and skin hydration. Previous studies have not carried out a comprehensive and systematic review of the principles, importance, and development of wearable SLMDs. This paper reviews wearable SLMDs with a new health perspective from the role of sweat loss to advanced mechanisms and designs. Two types of sweat and their measurement significance for practical applications are highlighted. Then, a comprehensive review of advances in different wearable SLMDs based on hygrometers, absorbent materials, and microfluidics is presented by describing their respective device architectures, present situations, and future directions. Finally, concluding remarks on opportunities for future application fields and challenges for future sweat sensing are presented.
Convergent tip‐to‐base widening of water‐conducting conduits in the tallest bryophytes
Authors: Bok Erin C. P. M. , Brodribb Timothy J. , Jordan Gregory J. , Carriquí Marc 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPremiseTip‐to‐base conduit widening is considered a key mechanism that enables vascular plants to grow tall by decreasing the hydraulic resistance imposed by increasing height. Widening of hydraulic anatomy (larger conducting elements toward the base of the vascular system) minimizes gradients in leaf‐specific hydraulic conductance with plant height, allowing uniform photosynthesis across the crown of trees. Tip‐to‐base conduit widening has also been associated with changes in conduit number. However, in bryophytes, despite having representatives with internal water‐conducting tissue, conduit widening has been scarcely investigated.MethodsHere, we examined the changes in hydroid diameter and number with distance from plant tip in Dawsonia superba and D. polytrichoides, two representatives of the genus containing the tallest extant bryophytes.ResultsThe position of these moss species on the global scale of conduit size and plant size was consistent with a general scaling among plants with internal water transport. Within plants, patterns of conduit widening and number with distance from plant tip in endohydric mosses were similar to those observed in vascular plants.ConclusionsThis study demonstrated that land plants growing upward in the atmosphere show analogous conduit widening of hydraulic structures, suggesting that efficient internal water transport is a convergent adaptation for photosynthesis on land.
Josephson and Persistent Currents in a Quantum Ring between Topological Superconductors
Authors: Medina Fabián , Ramos‐Andrade Juan Pablo , Rosales Luis , Orellana Pedro 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this work, the spectra in an Aharonov–Bohm quantum‐ring interferometer forming a Josephson junction between two topological superconductor (TSC) nanowires are investigated. The TSCs host Majorana bound states at their edges, and both the magnetic flux and the superconducting phase difference between the TSCs are used as control parameters. A tight‐binding approach is used to model the quantum ring coupled to both TSCs, described by the Kitaev effective Hamiltonian. The problem is solved by means of exact numerical diagonalization of the Bogoliubov‐de Gennes Hamiltonian and obtain the spectra for two sizes of the quantum ring as a function of the magnetic flux and the phase difference between the TSCs. Depending on the size of the quantum ring and the coupling, the spectra display several patterns. Those are denoted as line, point, and undulated nodes, together with flat bands, which are topologically protected. The first three patterns can be possibly detected by means of persistent and Josephson currents. Hence, the results could be useful to understand the spectra and their relation with the behavior of the current signals.
Allosterische, Wirkstoff‐zugängliche Bindestellen in β‐Propeller‐Lektinen
Authors: Shanina Elena , Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , Lal Kanhaya , Seeberger Peter H. , Imberty Anne , Rademacher Christoph 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLektine sind vielversprechende Zielproteine bei der Entdeckung von Wirkstoffen zur Bekämpfung antibiotikaresistenter Keime. Noch sind aber keine nicht‐kohlenhydratbasierten Therapeutika gegen diese Proteinklasse entwickelt worden. Hier präsentieren wir eine Wirkstoff‐zugängliche Bindestelle im β‐Propeller‐Lektin BambL aus Burkholderia ambifaria als mögliches Ziel für allosterische Wirkstoffentwicklung. Diese Bindestelle wurde durch 19F‐NMR‐basiertes Fragmentscreening und einen Computer‐gestützten Algorithmus zur Vorhersage von Bindetaschen (SiteMap) identifiziert. Die Untersuchung der Struktur‐Wirkungs‐Beziehungen von Morpholinderivaten resultierte in einem vielversprechenden Fragment mit einer Dissoziationskonstante von 0,3±0,1 mM und einer Ligandeneffizienz von 0,3 kcal mol−1 HA−1, das ebenfalls die orthosterische Bindestelle moduliert. Dieser Effekt wurde durch Mutagenese‐Studien in den orthosterischen und sekundären Bindestellen nachgewiesen. Diese Entdeckung könnte die Entwicklung von Wirkstoffen gegen Lektine beschleunigen und als neuer therapeutischer Ansatz gegen antibiotikaresistente Erreger dienen.
Druggable Allosteric Sites in β‐Propeller Lectins
Authors: Shanina Elena , Kuhaudomlarp Sakonwan , Lal Kanhaya , Seeberger Peter H. , Imberty Anne , Rademacher Christoph 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCarbohydrate‐binding proteins (lectins) are auspicious targets in drug discovery to combat antimicrobial resistance; however, their non‐carbohydrate drug‐like inhibitors are still unavailable. Here, we present a druggable pocket in a β‐propeller lectin BambL from Burkholderia ambifaria as a potential target for allosteric inhibitors. This site was identified employing 19F NMR fragment screening and a computational pocket prediction algorithm SiteMap. The structure–activity relationship study revealed the most promising fragment with a dissociation constant of 0.3±0.1 mM and a ligand efficiency of 0.3 kcal mol−1 HA−1 that affected the orthosteric site. This effect was substantiated by site‐directed mutagenesis in the orthosteric and secondary pockets. Future drug‐discovery campaigns that aim to develop small molecule inhibitors can benefit from allosteric sites in lectins as a new therapeutic approach against antibiotic‐resistant pathogens.
Site‐Selective Installation of Nϵ‐Modified Sidechains into Peptide and Protein Scaffolds via Visible‐Light‐Mediated Desulfurative C–C Bond Formation
Authors: Griffiths Rhys C. , Smith Frances R. , Long Jed E. , Scott Daniel , Williams Huw E. L. , Oldham Neil J. , Layfield Robert , Mitchell Nicholas J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPost‐translational modifications (PTMs) enhance the repertoire of protein function and mediate or influence the activity of many cellular processes. The preparation of site‐specifically and homogeneously modified proteins, to apply as tools to understand the biological role of PTMs, is a challenging task. Herein, we describe a visible‐light‐mediated desulfurative C(sp3)–C(sp3) bond forming reaction that enables the site‐selective installation of Nϵ‐modified sidechains into peptides and proteins of interest. Rapid, operationally simple, and tolerant to ambient atmosphere, we demonstrate the installation of a range of lysine (Lys) PTMs into model peptide systems and showcase the potential of this technology by site‐selectively installing an NϵAc sidechain into recombinantly expressed ubiquitin (Ub).
Synthesis and properties of borane‐containing ionic liquids based on biferrocene
Authors: Liu Wei‐Ming , Zhou Cheng‐Sheng , Lin Cai‐Xia , Yan Jian‐Feng , Yuan Yao‐Feng 
Published: October 2021

AbstractTo develop a new type of energetic ionic liquid (EIL) that has a catalytic effect on the thermal decomposition of ammonium perchlorate (AP) and can be ignited in white fuming nitric acid (WFNA), six borane‐containing ionic liquids based on biferrocene were successfully synthesized, and their structures were determined by x‐ray crystallography. Except for iodized salts, four EILs with high thermal stability burned rapidly in WFNA, one of which, bis[1‐(ferrocenylmethyl)imidazole‐3‐yl] dihydroboronium cyanoborohydride, [Fcmim][BH3CN], produced the shortest ignition delay (ID) time of 5 ms. However, iodized salts demonstrated a better catalytic effect on AP than did BH3CN−‐ or N(CN)2−‐based EILs and bis[1‐(ferrocenylmethyl)benzimidazole‐3‐yl] dihydroboronium iodide, [Fcbemim][I], could advance the final thermal decomposition temperature of AP by 50°C. Anions have a significant effect on the structures and performances of ionic liquids.
Electrochemical comparative study of Ti/Ta2O5/Pt‐RuO2‐IrO2 and Ti/Ta2O5/Pt anodes: Stability, service lifetime, and electrooxidation performance
Authors: Appia Foffié Thiery Auguste , Pohan Lemeyonouin Aliou Guillaume , Berté Mohamed , Ouattara Lassiné 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis work aimed to compare the stability, service lifetime, and electrooxidation performance of Ti/Ta2O5/Pt‐RuO2‐IrO2 (PRI) and Ti/Ta2O5/Pt (Pt) electrodes thermally prepared. The service lifetime study performed under 410 mA/cm2 in a 9N H2SO4 showed that PRI electrode had six (06) times longer lifetime than the Pt electrode. Bulk electrolysis experiments were carried out on Pt and PRI under 20 mA/cm2. COD removal, current efficiency (CE), specific energy consumption (SEC), electrical energy cost, and anode efficiency (
) were estimated. Both electrodes lead to the conversion of the parent compounds. However, the Pt electrode was best suited for amoxicillin (AMX) electrooxidation with 36.89% by COD removal in KClO4 0.1 M. Besides, the PRI electrode provided the best performances for the AMX electrooxidation (8.15%) and telebrix (TLX) (29.28%) in HClO4 0.1 M and KClO4 0.1 M, respectively. The presence of NaCl enhanced significantly the organic compound electrooxidation in terms of COD removal, CE, SEC, electrical energy cost, and
on the both electrodes. This is probably because of the co‐action of direct and indirect (by active chlorine) oxidations. But the PRI electrode presented the best performance in the presence of chloride ions. In summary, the experimental conditions can determine the performance of an anode.
Synthesis of bismaleate pentaerythritol ester and its application as PVC auxiliary heat stabilizer
Authors: Gao Xinxin , Jiang Pingping , Zhang Zheming , Li Zhenhua , Li Yuchao , Leng Yan , Zhang Pingbo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDiethylene glycol and maleic anhydride are used as raw materials to prepare bismaleic acid dibasic acid without catalyst. This intermediate product reacts with pentaerythritol (PER) to obtain bismaleate pentaerythritol (MDPP) as an auxiliary heat stabilizer. The structure of the product was verified by Fourier infrared test and hydrogen nuclear magnetic spectrum analysis. The ether bond, ester group, carbon–carbon double bond, polyol, and other characteristic structures contained in the molecule can improve thermal stability. Therefore, it can be used as an auxiliary heat stabilizer for PVC and used in combination with the main heat stabilizer. In order to verify the thermal stability performance and further analyze the thermal stability mechanism, testing methods such as thermal aging, Congo red, thermal weight loss, and electrical conductivity were adopted. The results show that when MDPP is added together with calcium/zinc stearate, the thermal stability of PVC is the best. The initial whiteness can reach 40 min, and the static stabilization time is 65 min, which is 15 min higher than the PVC sample with PER and calcium/zinc stearate. It can be seen that MDPP has greatly improved performance compared with the commercial auxiliary heat stabilizer PER.
Highly effective utilization of vinyl copolymer as filtrate reducer of water‐bentonite drilling fluid under ultrasonic oscillations
Authors: Guo Wen‐Yu , Peng Bo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe water‐bentonite drilling fluids incorporating the terpolymer of acrylic acid, acrylamide, and 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid were prepared by common mechanical agitation of industrial community with superposition of ultrasound. Various performances of the drilling fluids in the absence and presence of ultrasonic oscillations were evaluated, including fluid loss, rheology, mud cake thickness, and surface appearance, adsorptive capacity of terpolymer on bentonite clay as well as clay particle size and distribution. The results showed that the filtrate volume and mud cake thickness as well as rheological values presented downtrend with the increase of ultrasonic time or power. Scanning electron microscope showed that the more smooth‐faced and compact mud cake was formed after ultrasonic oscillations. The analysis of clay particle size confirmed that ultrasonic oscillations could reduce the average particle diameter and broaden the particle size distribution, along with the appearance of ultra‐tiny clay particle components. Adsorbed amount of terpolymer on bentonite was enhanced with introduction of ultrasonic oscillations (as confirmed by total organic carbon analysis). The ultrasound‐induced dispersion and adsorption stemmed from acoustic cavitation and could cooperate with each other, together improving filtration properties.
Electroacupuncture restores intestinal mucosal barrier through TLR4/NF‐κB p65 pathway in functional dyspepsia‐like rats
Authors: Wang Dan , Zhang Jinling , Yang Daye , Wang Junying , Li Jia , Han Yongli , Kang Zhaoxia , Zhang Hongxing 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFunctional dyspepsia (FD) is a common functional gastrointestinal disorder with high morbidity. Electroacupuncture (EA) has been applied to treat FD for a long time. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of EA and its mechanism about intestinal mucosal barrier in rodent model of FD. Male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into the control group and the model group. Then, the rats in model group were established to the FD model by multifactor interventions. In Experiment 1, qualified FD‐like rats were randomly divided into three groups: FD, EA, and acupuncture (AP) groups. The interventions of EA and AP lasted 14 days, food intake, and body weight were recorded every 5 days. In Experiment 2, qualified FD‐like rats were randomly divided into five groups: FD, EA, AP, EA + TAK242, and TAK242 groups. The interventions of EA and AP lasted 14 days, while TAK242 injection continued for 6 days. The rats were sacrificed for the measurement of serum Interleukin‐ 6 (IL‐6) and Tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) assayed by ELISA. Western blotting was used to assess the expression of TLR4, Myd88, NF‐κB p65, p‐NF‐κB p65, TRAF6, ZO‐1, and occludin in the duodenum. The transmission electron microscope was used to observe the ultrastructure of intestinal epithelial cells. Compared with the rats in the group FD, the rats in EA group had significantly increase of body weight, food intake, and protein expressions of ZO‐1 and occludin, while expressions of TLR4, Myd88, NF‐κB p65, p‐NF‐κB p65, TRAF6 in the duodenum and IL‐6, and TNF‐α in serum were decreased. The EA + TAK242 treatment had similar effects to the EA treatment but with increased potency; compared with EA, AP showed similar but reduced effects. Our data demonstrated that EA is more effective than AP in improving intestine mucosal barrier. The possible mechanisms of EA may involve the TLR4/NF‐κB p65 pathway.
Evaluation of the online learning of veterinary anatomy education during the Covid‐19 pandemic lockdown in Egypt: Students' perceptions
Authors: Mahdy Mohamed A. A. , Sayed Ramy K. A. 
Published: October 2021

ABSTRACTThe sudden shift of veterinary anatomy teaching from traditional to online mode during the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid‐19) pandemic lockdown was a major challenge used for the first time in Egyptian veterinary medical schools. This study aimed to evaluate the students' perspectives regarding the shift of veterinary anatomy teaching to online mode during the lockdown in Egypt. A total of 502 students from all veterinary medical schools in Egypt (n = 17) answered the questionnaire. The results revealed that nearly two‐thirds of students felt enthusiastic about studying anatomy online during the pandemic. Moreover, approximately 63% of students were satisfied with the provided learning materials, 66% were able to understand anatomy using the online learning system during the lockdown period, 67% were comfortable with technological skills during their online study, and 47% believed that online learning of anatomy could replace face‐to‐face teaching. Therefore, despite the problems associated with the emergency switch to remote teaching, it appears to be a suitable alternative in teaching veterinary anatomy in Egyptian universities during this pandemic crisis in Egyptian universities. Moreover, the study provided several measurements to overcome the common problems associated with this challenging method for future application, such as providing three‐dimensional virtual tools and electronic devices with either free or low‐priced Internet packages, and measuring students' understanding before and after each lecture. This is the first study to solicit the early students' feedback regarding the emergency shift to online veterinary anatomy teaching which might help decision‐makers in Egypt for future implementation of online learning of veterinary anatomy.
Antisolvent‐assisted Crystallization of Centimeter‐sized Lead‐free Bismuth Bromide Hybrid Perovskite Single Crystals with X‐ray Sensitive Merits
Authors: Xu Yaxin , Hu Jiarui , Du Xinyuan , Xiao Xinglin , Li Mingkai , Tang Jiang , Chen Junnian , He Yunbin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractHybrid bismuth halides perovskites have emerged as promising candidates for X‐ray detection, due to the strong absorptivity of high‐energy X‐ray photons, high resistivity, large carrier diffusion length and low toxicity. However, the mostly investigated hybrid bismuth iodides single crystals are usually opaque and require a harsh synthesis process. Herein, novel one‐dimensional (1D) pentamethylenediamine bismuth bromide (PDA)BiBr5 single crystals were synthesized via an antisolvent‐assisted crystallization method at room temperature. Bulk (PDA)BiBr5 single crystals have sizes of 10×1.3×1.5 mm3 and high transparency. They are shown to have low density of defects of 2.0×1010 cm−3 and obvious photoconductivity. Moreover, they exhibit large bulk resistivity of 2.13×1011 Ω cm and good X‐ray attenuation coefficient. Consequently, the vertical structured (PDA)BiBr5 single crystal X‐ray photoconductor produces a sensitivity of 3.8 μC Gyair−1 cm−2. This study provides a facile strategy for synthesizing bulk hybrid bismuth bromides single crystals with potential X‐ray detection application.
Production of photoluminescent transparent poly(methyl methacrylate) for smart windows
Authors: El‐Newehy Mohamed H. , Kim Hak Yong , Khattab Tawfik A. , El‐Naggar Mehrez E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPhotochromic and long‐lasting photoluminescent transparent, rigid, ultraviolet (UV) protective and superhydrophobic poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) plastic able to switch colour beneath UV irradiation was developed. Photoluminescent transparent PMMA plastic was prepared by the simple polymerization process of methyl methacrylate immobilized with alkaline earth aluminate (AEA) nanoparticles. These colourless PMMA plastic substrates showed a colour switch to greenish underneath UV light as proved using CIELAB screening. The morphology of AEA was evaluated using transmission electron microscopy. Conversely, transparent PMMA samples were evaluated using energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectra, scanning electron microscope, X‐ray fluorescence spectroscopy and for hardness properties. Additionally, the photoluminescence properties were explored by studying excitation and emission spectra. The produced luminescence colourless PMMA plastic substrates displayed excitation band at 370 nm, and three emission peaks at 433, 494 and 513 nm. Photoluminescent PMMA with lower contents of AEA showed fast and reversible photochromism under UV light, while PMMA samples with higher contents of AEA showed long‐lasting luminescence such as a flashlight with the ability to replace electric power. The findings showed that the produced photoluminescence colourless PMMA plastic substrates exhibited enhanced UV shielding and superhydrophobicity.
Marginal improvement in survival among patients diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer in the second‐line antiandrogen therapy era
Authors: Kim Isaac E. , Jang Thomas L. , Kim Sinae , Lee David Y. , Kim Daniel D. , Singer Eric A. , Ghodoussipour Saum , Stein Mark N. , Aron Monish , Dall’Era Marc A. , Yi Kim Isaac 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSince 2004, multiple blockbuster drugs have been approved for men with metastatic prostate cancer. Nevertheless, it has been reported that no improvement in survival was observed between 2004 and 2009. Herein, we have analyzed the SEER database to assess the survival outcome of metastatic prostate cancer patients since 2000. The results demonstrated that there was an improvement in both overall and prostate cancer‐specific survival for 4 months among men diagnosed with metastatic prostate cancer from 2010 to 2016 when compared to those in the pre‐2010 period. Interestingly, this survival benefit was limited to patients with bone and visceral metastasis (M1b and M1c stages). Collectively, our observation suggests that despite the new treatment agents such as second‐line antiandrogen therapies introduced in the modern era, the improvement in survival of metastatic prostate cancer patients has been surprisingly small.
Psychological helpline in response to the COVID‐19 pandemic in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Sosa Lovera Angelina , Ureña Ana Jacqueline , Arias Josefina , Araujo Rodríguez Amarilis , Canario Guzmán Julio Arturo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe global health emergency due to COVID‐19 is a disruptive event that has had various effects on mental health. Given this emergency, the Dominican Republic intervened to mitigate the negative impact of the pandemic, considering the physical isolation decreed in the country. In this context, the Autonomous University of Santo Domingo and the School of Psychology designed the UASD COVID‐19 Psychological Helpline. The objective of this article is to describe the development, implementation and evaluation of a programme of psychological first aid. The programme aimed to attenuate the impact of morbidity and mortality due to mental health issues associated with the COVID‐19 pandemic through mobile technology. There were 62 psychologists involved and trained to provide care, and a protocol was developed, implemented, monitored and evaluated. Over the course of four months, the programme assisted 497 people. The average age of the participants was 32 years, and 73% were women. The reasons for contacting the helpline included anxiety, stress, depression, domestic violence, suicidal behaviours and other behavioural problems. Following the intervention, most users reported feeling satisfied and having improved emotions. The first psychological aid in the country developed through telephone and chat messaging was an optimal resource since face‐to‐face interaction was not possible. It also reached more people and reduced the attention gap.