bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Advances in butyl rubber synthesis via cationic polymerization: an overview
Authors: Sharma Rakesh K , Mohanty Subhra , Gupta Virendrakumar 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe global market is anticipated to display considerable growth for synthetic rubber because of superior product properties in comparison to natural rubber. The high volatility in natural rubber prices has been a major driver for the growth of synthetic rubber. Butyl rubber is a type of synthetic rubber mostly used in tyres and tubes, sealants, adhesives, protective clothes, pharmaceutical stoppers and closures, etc. The growing demand for butyl rubber in the automobile, construction and healthcare sectors has attracted researchers to explore various types of cationic co‐initiators. Cationic initiating systems play a vital role in controlling polymer microstructure, molecular weight, unsaturation content, etc. The present review covers numerous developments in the field of cationic copolymerization of isobutylene and isoprene. The review summarizes the chemistry of initiating systems based on boron, aluminium, aluminoxane, zinc, metallocenes and rare earth metals. It also gives brief information about the commercial process (slurry and solution) and structural characterization of butyl rubber. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Patient Sleep Quality in Acute Inpatient Rehabilitation
Authors: Davis Shane M. , Mekany Majid , Kim Jeff J. , Han Jay J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundSleep is an important component of neurorehabilitation. This study evaluates sleep quality in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting and is the first to compare sleep quality in acute rehabilitation versus the acute care hospital and home settings.ObjectiveTo assess patient sleep quality in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting.DesignCross‐sectional survey study.SettingAcute inpatient rehabilitation unit.PatientsSeventy‐three patients admitted to the acute rehabilitation unit participated in the study.InterventionsA validated sleep questionnaire was provided on admission regarding sleep at home and in the acute care hospital. The questionnaire was repeated on discharge from the acute rehabilitation unit regarding sleep during their rehabilitation admission.Main Outcome MeasuresVisual analog scale of sleep depth, falling asleep, number of awakenings, percentage of time awake, and quality of sleep were obtained through use of the Richards‐Campbell Sleep Questionnaire. These values were averaged to obtain “overall sleep perception.” An additional question on environmental noise was added. Scores ranged from 0 for “worst sleep possible” to 100 for “best sleep possible.”ResultsPatients reported significantly better sleep in all domains and overall in the acute rehabilitation unit compared to the acute care hospital, with the exception of percentage of time awake. Patients also reported significantly better sleep depth but worse noise in the acute rehabilitation unit when compared to home. Similarly, patients reported significantly better sleep in all domains and overall at home in comparison to the acute care hospital with the exception of percentage of time awake.ConclusionsPatient in the acute rehabilitation unit experience sleep quality that matches their experience at home and exceeds that in the hospital.
Physical aging of polystyrene blocks under three‐dimensional soft confinement in PS‐b‐poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) diblock copolymer: Two equilibrations on the way
Authors: Ma Mingchao , Guo Yunlong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPolystyrene‐block‐poly(n‐butyl methacrylate) (PS‐b‐PnBMA) was used to investigate three‐dimensional (3D) soft confinement effect on physical aging of the PS block therein. The soft confinement is constructed by phase‐separated PnBMA domains, as PnBMA is liquid on the aging temperatures of PS blocks due to its low glass transition temperature. In enthalpy recovery, aging response of PS blocks is represented by a low and broad heat capacity peak associated with an enhanced aging rate with respect to homo‐PS, when the aging temperature is relatively low. However, the aging response exhibits opposite characteristics at relatively high temperatures, compared with the results of homo‐PS. The phase‐separated morphology and thus the soft confinement on PS blocks was confirmed by atomic force microscope imaging using the Peak Force quantitative nanomechanical mapping (QNM) technique. Two local maximums of recovered enthalpy versus aging temperature indicate that two equilibration processes exist during aging of confined PS blocks, within a substantially shorter timescale to the bulk. The 3D soft confinement effect on aging of PS blocks is attributed to dual equilibration mechanisms: one dominates at higher aging temperatures, leading to a restrained aging rate, while the other plays a key role at lower aging temperatures, resulting in accelerated physical aging.
Measuring quality of life and identifying what is important to Jordanian living with multiple sclerosis using the Arabic version of the patient‐generated index
Authors: Aburub Ala’ S. , Khalil Hanan , Al‐Sharman Alham , El‐Salem Khalid 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPatient‐generated index (PGI) is one of the individualized measures used to measure the quality of life (QOL) in people with different chronic conditions including multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PGI have not been fully established in Jordanian living with MS. Therefore, the objective of this study is to identify what matters to Jordanian living with MS and to contribute evidence toward the psychometric properties of the Arabic version of the PGI.MethodsA total of 75 participants with MS completed three QOL measures; PGI, the patient determined disease steps (PDDS), and EQ‐5D. Generalized estimating equations were used to compare the total score of three QOL measures. Bland–Altman plot and Spearman's correlation coefficient were used to study the relationships and differences between the PGI and the other study measures (PDDS and EQ‐5D).ResultsOnly 66 (88%) of the participants were able to complete the PGI. Overall, 36 areas of QOL concern were nominated by the participants using the PGI with the top three areas were emotional function (47%), involuntary movement reaction functions (45.5%), and walking (44 %). The average global score of the PGI was lower (34 ± 22) than the global score of the EQ‐5D (69 ± 23), and the PDDS (68 ± 24). PGI had a moderate correlation with EQ‐5D and PPDS.ConclusionThe Arabic version of the PGI is a feasible, acceptable, and valid measure among Jordanians with MS. PGI also captures more important areas that contribute to QOL than EQ‐5D and PDDS. PGI could improve the decision making and guide healthcare professionals to provide appropriate intervention programs to reduce the burdens from MS disease and improve QOL.
Sandwiched‐fusion strategy facilitates recombinant production of small labile proteins
Authors: Huang Lin , Qu Xiaozhan , Chen Yao , Xu Weiya , Huang Chengdong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEfficient production of large quantities of soluble, properly folded proteins is of high demand in modern structural and functional genomics. Despite much advancement toward improving recombinant protein expression, many eukaryotic proteins especially small peptides often fail to be recovered due to rapid proteolytic degradation. Here we show that the sandwiched‐fusion strategy, which is based on two protein tags incorporated both at the amino‐ and carboxyl‐terminus of target protein, could be employed to overcome this obstacle. We have exploited this strategy on heterologous expression in Escherichia coli of eight small degradation‐prone eukaryotic proteins, whose successful recombinant productions have yet to be achieved. These include seven mitochondria‐derived peptides (MDPS), a class of unique metabolic regulators of human body, and a labile mosquito transcription factor, Guy1. We show here that the sandwiched‐fusion strategy, which provides robust protection against proteolysis, affords an economical method to obtain large quantities of pure five MDPs and the transcription factor Guy1, in sharp contrast to otherwise unsuccessful recovery using the traditional amino‐fusion method. Further biophysical characterization and interaction studies by NMR spectroscopy confirmed that the proteins produced by this novel approach are properly folded into their biologically active structures. We anticipate this strategy could be widely utilized in production of other labile protein systems.
Positional preferences in flavonoids for inhibition of ribonuclease A: Where “OH” where?
Authors: Tripathy Debi Ranjan , Panda Atashi , Dinda Amit Kumar , Dasgupta Swagata 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFlavonoids are a class of polyphenols that possess diverse properties. The structure‐activity relationship of certain flavonoids and resveratrol with ribonuclease A (RNase A) has been investigated. The selected flavonoids have a similar skeleton and the positional preferences of the phenolic moieties toward inhibition of the catalytic activity of RNase A have been studied. The results obtained for RNase A inhibition by flavonoids suggest that the planarity of the molecules is necessary for effective inhibitory potency. Agarose gel electrophoresis and precipitation assay experiments along with kinetic studies reveal Ki values for the various flavonoids in the micromolar range. Minor secondary structural changes of RNase A were observed after interaction with the flavonoids. An insight into the specific amino acid involvement in the binding of the substrate using docking studies is also presented. The dipole moment of the flavonoids that depends on the orientation of the hydroxyl groups in the molecule bears direct correlation with the inhibitory potency against RNase A. The direct association of this molecular property with enzyme inhibition can be exploited for the design and development of inhibitors of proteins.
Monitoring count data with Shewhart control charts based on the Touchard model
Authors: Ho Linda L. , Andrade Bernardo , Bourguignon Marcelo , Fernandes Fidel H. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe most common control chart used to monitor count data is based on Poisson distribution, which presents a strong restriction: The mean is equal to the variance. To deal with under‐ or overdispersion, control charts considering other count distributions as Negative Binomial (NB) distribution, hyper‐Poisson, generalized Poisson distribution (GPD), Conway–Maxwell–Poisson (COM‐Poisson), Poisson–Lindley, new generalized Poisson–Lindley (NGPL) have been developed and can be found in the literature. In this paper we also present a Shewhart control chart to monitor count data developed on Touchard distribution, which is a three‐parameter extension of the Poisson distribution (Poisson distribution is a particular case) and in the family of weighted Poisson models. Its normalizing constant is related to the Touchard polynomials, hence the name of this model. It is a flexible distribution that can account for both under‐ or overdispersion and concentration of zeros that are frequently found in non‐Poisson count data. Consequences in terms of speed to signal departures of stability of the parameters are obtained when incorrect control limits based on non‐Touchard distribution (like Poisson, NB or COM‐Poisson) are used to monitor count data generated by a Touchard distribution. Numerical examples illustrate the current proposal.
Toward a two‐dimensional NbS2‐based electrode for lithium–ion batteries
Authors: de Rezende Neto Armando S. , Seixas Leandro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe discovery and design of materials for Li–ion batteries are essential for increasing battery energy storage capacity and lifetime, enhancing security, and shortening charging time. Recently, novel two‐dimensional materials have been investigated for application in battery components, including the anode. The limiting factors in the development of these materials are their low structural stability upon Li+ adsorption, propensity to form Li dendrites, and slow diffusion of Li+ ions. In this study, based on density functional theory calculations, we show that the two‐dimensional material 2H‐NbS2 has outstanding physical properties for application in Li–ion batteries, including high structural stability with Li+ adsorption and ultrafast Li diffusion at room temperature. These results highlight the promise of 2H‐NbS2 as an appealing material for Li–ion batteries.
Cotransplantation of mesenchymal stem cells and endothelial progenitor cells for treating steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head
Authors: Xu Haixia , Wang Chengqiang , Liu Chun , Peng Ziyue , Li Jianjun , Jin Yanglei , Wang Yihan , Guo Jiasong , Zhu Lixin 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONFH) is characterized by decreased osteogenesis, angiogenesis, and increased adipogenesis. While bone tissue engineering has been widely investigated to treat ONFH, its therapeutic effects remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, further studies are required to determine optimal osteogenesis, angiogenesis and adipogenesis in the necrotic area of the femoral head. In our study, we developed a carboxymethyl chitosan/alginate/bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell/endothelial progenitor cell (CMC/ALG/BMSC/EPC) composite implant, and evaluated its ability to repair steroid-induced ONFH. Our in vitro studies showed that BMSC and EPC coculture displayed enhanced osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation. When compared with single BMSC cultures, adipogenic differentiation in coculture systems was reduced. We also fabricated a three-dimensional (3D) CMC/ALG scaffold for loading cells, using a lyophilization approach, and confirmed its good cell compatibility characteristics, that is, high porosity, low cytotoxicity and favorable cell adhesion. 3D coculture of BMSCs and EPCs also promoted secretion of osteogenic and angiogenic factors. Then, we established an rabbit model of steroid-induced ONFH. The CMC/ALG/BMSC/EPC composite implant was transplanted into the bone tunnel of the rabbit femoral head after core decompression (CD) surgery. Twelve weeks later, radiographical and histological analyses revealed CMC/ALG/BMSC/EPC composite implants had facilitated the repair of steroid-induced ONFH, by promoting osteogenesis and angiogenesis, and reducing adipogenesis when compared with CD, CMC/ALG, CMC/ALG/BMSC and CMC/ALG/EPC groups. Thus, our data show that cotransplantation of BMSCs and EPCs in 3D scaffolds is beneficial in treating steroid-induced ONFH.
Effects of late‐night eating of easily—or slowly—digestible meals on sleep, hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal axis, and autonomic nervous system in healthy young males
Authors: Uçar Cihat , Özgöçer Tuba , Yıldız Sedat 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAim of the current study was to assess the effects of the digestibility of late‐night high calorie meal on sleep and the activities of the hypothalamo‐pituitary‐adrenal (HPA) and autonomous nervous system (ANS) in healthy young males. For that purpose, effects of an easily digestible meal (starch + sugar‐rich meal, SSR, i.e., dessert) or a slowly digestible meal (protein + fat‐rich, PFR, i.e. kebab) were investigated in a crossover design in 16 participants (20–26 year old). They did not eat anything after 07:00 PM on Day 0; had an SSR meal on Day 1 and a PFR meal on Day 2 at 10:00 PM. HPA and ANS activities were measured by cortisol awakening response (CAR) and heart rate variability (HRV), respectively. The participants provided salivary samples for CAR; had a 5‐min continuous electrocardiogram recording for HRV; and filled in sleep questionnaires. Late‐night eating of SSR and PFR diets increased the area under the curve of CAR (p < 0.05) but did not affect HRV parameters (p > 0.05). PFR meal significantly disturbed sleep (p < 0.05). The data suggests that increased activity of HPA, but not ANS, might be involved in pathophysiology of late‐night eating and that this might be due to disturbed sleep if slowly—digestible meal is consumed.
Recent Progress of Ultrathin 2D Pd‐Based Nanomaterials for Fuel Cell Electrocatalysis
Authors: Xu Hui , Shang Hongyuan , Wang Cheng , Du Yukou 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPd‐ and Pd‐based catalysts have emerged as potential alternatives to Pt‐ and Pt‐based catalysts for numerous electrocatalytic reactions, particularly fuel cell‐related reactions, including the anodic fuel oxidation reaction (FOR) and cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The creation of Pd‐ and Pd‐based architectures with large surface areas, numerous low‐coordinated atoms, and high density of defects and edges is the most promising strategy for improving the electrocatalytic performance of fuel cells. Recently, 2D Pd‐based nanomaterials with single or few atom thickness have attracted increasing interest as potential candidates for both the ORR and FOR, owing to their remarkable advantages, including high intrinsic activity, high electron mobility, and straightforward surface functionalization. In this review, the recent advances in 2D Pd‐based nanomaterials for the FOR and ORR are summarized. A fundamental understanding of the FOR and ORR is elaborated. Subsequently, the advantages and latest advances in 2D Pd‐based nanomaterials for the FOR and ORR are scientifically and systematically summarized. A systematic discussion of the synthesis methods is also included which should guide researchers toward more efficient 2D Pd‐based electrocatalysts. Lastly, the future outlook and trends in the development of 2D Pd‐based nanomaterials toward fuel cell development are also presented.
Ultra‐Small 2D PbS Nanoplatelets: Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation and Emerging Applications for Photo‐Electrochemical Photodetectors
Authors: Gao Lingfeng , Chen Hualong , Wang Rui , Wei Songrui , Kuklin Artem V. , Mei Shan , Zhang Feng , Zhang Ye , Jiang Xiantao , Luo Zhengqian , Xu Shixiang , Zhang Han , Ågren Hans 
Published: January 2021

Abstract2D PbS nanoplatelets (NPLs) form an emerging class of photoactive materials and have been proposed as robust materials for high‐performance optoelectronic devices. However, the main drawback of PbS NPLs is the large lateral size, which inhibits their further investigations and practical applications. In this work, ultra‐small 2D PbS NPLs with uniform lateral size (11.2 ± 1.7 nm) and thickness (3.7 ± 0.9 nm, ≈6 layers) have been successfully fabricated by a facile liquid‐phase exfoliation approach. Their transient optical response and photo‐response behavior are evaluated by femtosecond‐resolved transient absorption and photo‐electrochemical (PEC) measurements. It is shown that the NPLs‐based photodetectors (PDs) exhibit excellent photo‐response performance from UV to the visible range, showing extremely high photo‐responsivity (27.81 mA W−1) and remarkable detectivity (3.96 × 1010 Jones), which are figures of merit outperforming currently reported PEC‐type PDs. The outstanding properties are further analyzed based on the results of first‐principle calculations, including electronic band structure and free energies for the oxygen evolution reaction process. This work highlights promising applications of ultra‐small 2D PbS NPLs with the potential for breakthrough developments also in other fields of optoelectronic devices.
Impact of the Transition Metal Dopant in Zinc Oxide Lithium‐Ion Anodes on the Solid Electrolyte Interphase Formation
Authors: Eisenmann Tobias , Asenbauer Jakob , Rezvani Seyed Javad , Diemant Thomas , Behm Rolf Jürgen , Geiger Dorin , Kaiser Ute , Passerini Stefano , Bresser Dominic 
Published: January 2021

AbstractConversion/alloying materials (CAMs) provide substantially higher specific capacities than graphite, the state‐of‐the‐art lithium‐ion battery anode material. The ability to host much more lithium per unit weight and volume is, however, accompanied by significant volume changes, which challenges the realization of a stable solid electrolyte interphase (SEI). Herein, the comprehensive characterization of the composition and evolution of the SEI on transition metal (TM) doped zinc oxide as CAM model compound, is reported, with a particular focus on the impact of the TM dopant (Fe or Co). The results unveil that the presence of iron specifically triggers the electrolyte decomposition. However, this detrimental effect can be avoided by stabilizing the interface with the electrolyte by a carbonaceous coating. These findings provide a great leap forward toward the enhanced understanding of such doped materials and (transition) metal oxide active materials in general.
Understanding and avoiding negative consequences of value‐based laws, policies and programmes
Authors: Fink Gerhard , Wallis Steven 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDecisions to implement laws, policies and programmes justified or legitimized by ‘humane values’ seem good or desirable. However, when implemented, they may have disastrous consequences causing harm even for those who were supposed to have been helped. We present and reflect on several examples of the legitimization of decisions through narrow values. We find that the dominance of single narrow values, even for the purest of motives, is likely to lead to disaster. Social and political implications are manifold. For well‐functioning (sustainable) social systems, it is of importance that one‐sided legitimization of action according to ‘good values’ should be avoided so that it does not lead to a sort of ‘hierarchical suppression’ of discussion or reflection about the potential benefits and consequences. Instead, many different concepts/perspectives/views should be considered and integrated into the decision‐making process for a more systemic understanding before the implementation of laws, policies and programmes.
Differences in Retrogradation Characteristics of Pregelatinized Rice Starch Prepared Using Different Water Content
Authors: Zhao Xueying , Xu Xueming , Jin Yamei , Xu Dan , Zhang Wenya , Wu Fengfeng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPregelatinized starch improves the properties of natural starch. In this study, differences in retrogradation characteristics of pregelatinized rice starch prepared using different water content are investigated based on their thermal properties, recrystallization, and short‐range ordered structure. The results show that the difference in water content during gelatinization is one of the factors that affects the retrogradation rate of pregelatinized starch. With a decrease in water content during the preparation of pregelatinized starch, the enthalpy, relative crystallinity, and the 1047 cm−1/1022 cm−1 ratio of retrogradation starch shows an upward trend. This is mainly because the different water content affects the amylose content of insoluble starch in pregelatinized starch. For pregelatinized starch, the higher amylose content in precipitate (insoluble pregelatinized starch) is more likely to cause intermolecular aggregation to promote recrystallization and the formation of an ordered structure. The findings also indicate that soluble starch and leached amylose could participate in starch retrogradation with the migration of water. Therefore, the high amylose content of the insoluble component and the existence of leached amylose in pregelatinized rice starch are found to have positive effects on starch retrogradation.