bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of cellulose nanofibers on the morphological behavior and dynamic mechanical thermal properties of extruded polylactic acid/cellulose nanofibril nanocomposite foam
Authors: Sadeghi Banafsheh , Sadeghi Peyman , Marfavi Yousef , Kowsari Elaheh , Zareiyazd Ali Akbar , Ramakrishna Seeram 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPolylactic acid (PLA) foams were introduced as a good substitute for oil‐based foams. Much research has been done on the autoclave of PLA foam, but discontinuous processes are not attractive for industries. In order to reduce the distance between the PLA foaming process and industrialization, it is necessary to introduce continuous processes. In this work, two solutions to improve the foaming of PLA are presented: using the extrusion process and adding cellulose nanofibers. So, in this study, a twin screw extruder was used by blowing agent, CO2, and in order to better dissolve the gas, a static mixer was used before the die. The molecular weight of the original PLA after extrusion has reduced in the range from 20%–28% due to the hydrolysis of the ester bond in the PLA. With the cellulose nanofiber loading, nucleation and cell density have enhanced. Scanning electronic microscope (SEM) microscopic images for the nanocomposites containing 1.5 wt% of cellulose nanofiber showed the highest cellular expansion and for the nanocomposites containing 2.0 wt% of cellulose nanofiber showed the most uniform cell distribution and it confirmed the density results and the calculated expansion ratio. Finally, by examining the dynamic‐mechanical thermal analysis, it can be stated that the composition of cellulose nanofibers improves the mechanical and dynamic properties of cellulose nanofiber‐reinforced PLA.
Enhanced positive temperature coefficient effect by crosslinking reaction for silicone rubber/carbon black composites with high pressure sensitivity
Authors: Song Pan , Wang Ge , Zhang Yong 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPositive temperature coefficient (PTC) composites are usually made of crystalline plastics and conductive fillers, but they are not suitable for flexible electronic devices because of their high rigidity. Rubber‐based PTC composites are flexible but their PTC intensity is low. In this work, based on the effect of crosslinking reaction on the electrical conductivity of silicone rubber composites, silicone rubber/conductive carbon black composites with an obvious PTC effect were prepared. Compared with the hydrosilylation crosslinking reaction, the peroxide crosslinking reaction has much more obvious decrease in electrical conductivity of the composites. The conductive percolation threshold of the composites was 4.98%. A composite filled with 5.98% conductive carbon black showed obvious PTC effect at circa 150°C, which can be attributed to the re‐aggregation of conductive carbon black in silicone rubber during the crosslinking process. The composite with an obvious PTC effect was well used in an overheating protection device. The composite exhibited an excellent pressure‐sensitivity of conductivity.
Network pharmacology‐based investigation to explore the effect and mechanism of Erchen decoction against the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Liu Haiyan , Xu Jie , Li Hui , Zhang Lina , Xu Pingzhen 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to uncover the potential mechanism of Erchen decoction (ECD) on the amelioration of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Network pharmacology and bioinformatics were used to determine the active components of ECD and its potential target in treating NAFLD. High fat diet (HFD)‐induced NAFLD mice model was used. Liver tissues were stained with hematoxylin and eosin, and Oil Red O. Serum lipid profiles and hepatic inflammatory molecules in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Toll‐like receptor‐4 (TLR‐4) pathway were confirmed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Intestinal barrier function, including intestinal epithelial tight junction (IETJ) proteins, fecal short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) concentration and intestinal microbiota composition, was also assessed. Screening relevant databases revealed 123 active components and 158 potential target proteins in ECD, as well as 1,783 differential genes for NAFLD. Enrichment analyses predicted that the regulation of LPS, cholesterol metabolism and inflammatory pathways might be the underlying mechanisms of ECD in NAFLD treatment. ECD ameliorated the multi‐profiles of NAFLD and reversed the high levels of inflammatory molecules such as, serum LPS, hepatic TLR‐4, tumor necrosis factor‐α, and interleukin‐1β. Additionally, ECD upregulated the concentration levels of IETJ proteins and fecal SCFAs. 16s RNA sequencing indicated that ECD can improve the gut microbiota, such as Akkermansia, Clostridium XIVa, Coprococcus, and Ruminococcus. The current study demonstrated that ECD can reverse the HFD‐induced intestinal barrier dysfunction, thereby reducing the LPS translocation and alleviating the hepatic inflammation, and eventually exhibiting a protective effect against NAFLD.
The Effect of Discontinuing Denosumab in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis Treated With Glucocorticoids
Authors: Saag Kenneth G. , McDermott Michele T. , Adachi Jonathan , Lems Willem , Lane Nancy E. , Geusens Piet , Stad Robert Kees , Chen Li , Huang Shuang , Dore Robin , Cohen Stanley 
Published: September 2021

ObjectiveTo evaluate changes in bone turnover and bone mineral density (BMD) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) receiving glucocorticoids, after discontinuation of denosumab for 12 months.MethodsWe conducted a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, phase II study of RA patients. Patients received placebo, denosumab 60 mg, or denosumab 180 mg every 6 months for 12 months and were followed up for an additional 12 months after discontinuation, during which no bone loss prevention therapy was instituted. Changes from baseline in serum C‐terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX), serum procollagen type I N‐terminal propeptide (PINP), and lumbar spine and total hip BMD were evaluated.ResultsIn this post hoc analysis of patients treated with glucocorticoids at study baseline (n = 82), levels of CTX and PINP decreased significantly from baseline in both denosumab groups. Following denosumab discontinuation, CTX returned to baseline and was not significantly different from the placebo group 6 and 12 months after discontinuation. Median percentage changes from baseline PINP in those treated with denosumab 60 mg were −0.16% and 15.3% at 6 and 12 months, respectively, after discontinuation (P = 0.062 and P = 0.017, versus placebo); corresponding changes with denosumab 180 mg were 9.0% and 75.8%, respectively (P = 0.018 and P = 0.002 versus placebo). Compared to placebo, lumbar spine and total hip BMD increased in patients receiving denosumab and returned to baseline 12 months after discontinuation. No osteoporotic fractures were reported during treatment or in the off‐treatment period.ConclusionIn this analysis of short‐term denosumab use in RA patients receiving glucocorticoids, denosumab discontinuation resulted in a gradual increase in bone turnover, which was associated with a return to baseline lumbar spine and total hip BMD.
The anatomy of agency: Improving academic performance in first‐year university students
Authors: Rutenberg Izaak , Ainscough Louise , Colthorpe Kay , Langfield Tracey 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe transition from secondary to tertiary education can be challenging, as students must adapt to independent learning. For students in the allied health and nursing disciplines, this transition may coincide with compulsory first‐year courses in anatomy, which are traditionally difficult to master. Students' agency—their capacity to make intentional choices to alter the path of their learning—may play a role in their successful completion of first‐year anatomy courses. This study aimed to develop a measure for agency and to determine whether agency is associated with academic achievement. First‐year students (n = 131) completed open‐ended questions measuring each aspect of agency. Student responses were quantified using rubrics and then combined to create an overall agency score. Three factors of agency were determined: action, metacognition, and self‐efficacy. Students with higher agency scores were significantly more likely to have higher academic achievement in anatomy compared to students with lower agency scores. The relationship between agency and academic achievement was strongest for action. These results suggest that encouraging students to be active participants in their learning may help them to achieve at university.
Base Metal‐terpyridine Complex Immobilized on Stationary Phase Aimed as Reusable Hydrosilylation Catalyst
Authors: Kobayashi Katsuaki , Nakazawa Hiroshi 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe catalytic activity of a base metal‐terpyridine complex immobilized on silica gel (M(tpy)X2@SiO2/H2O: M=Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu; X=Cl, Br) for hydrosilylation was investigated. Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2/H2O in the presence of NaBHEt3 exhibited the highest catalytic activity for hydrosilylation of 1‐octene with diphenylsilane (Ph2SiH2) to form the anti‐Markovnikov‐type hydrosilylation compound as the main product. The reusability of Co(tpy)Br2@SiO2/H2O activated by NaBHEt3 was examined. It was found that the catalytic activity decreased with repeated use because of the peeling off of the Co complex anchor portion from the silica gel surface upon the attack of NaBHEt3. The introduction of Co(OAc)2 instead of CoBr2 to silica gel formed Co(tpy)(OAc)2‐ and Co(tpy)(OH)2‐immobilized silica gel, which exhibited catalytic activity for the hydrosilylation in the absence of an activator such as NaBHEt3. The glassware in which Co(tpy)(OH)2 was immobilized on the inner wall was prepared. It was found that the hydrosilylation catalytically occurred on the surface of a pretreated glassware and that the catalytic activity did not decrease even after 10 repeated uses.
The sexual health, orientation, and activity of autistic adolescents and adults
Authors: Weir Elizabeth , Allison Carrie , Baron‐Cohen Simon 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSmall studies suggest significant differences between autistic and nonautistic individuals regarding sexual orientation and behavior. We administered an anonymized, online survey to n = 2386 adults (n = 1183 autistic) aged 16–90 years to describe sexual activity, risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and sexual orientation. Autistic individuals are less likely to report sexually activity or heterosexuality compared to nonautistic individuals, but more likely to self‐report asexuality or an ‘other’ sexuality. Overall, autistic, and nonautistic groups did not differ in age of sexual activity onset or contraction of STIs. When evaluating sex differences, autistic males are uniquely more likely to be bisexual (compared to nonautistic males); conversely, autistic females are uniquely more likely to be homosexual (compared to nonautistic females). Thus, both autistic males and females may express a wider range of sexual orientations in different sex‐specific patterns than general population peers. When comparing autistic males and females directly, females are more likely to have diverse sexual orientations (except for homosexuality) and engage in sexual activity, are less likely to identify as heterosexual, and have a lower mean age at which they first begin engaging in sexual activity. This is the largest study of sexual orientation of autistic adults. Sexual education and sexual health screenings of all children, adolescents, and adults (including autistic individuals) must remain priorities; healthcare professionals should use language that affirms a diversity of sexual orientations and supports autistic individuals who may have increased risks (affecting mental health, physical health, and healthcare quality) due to stress and discrimination from this intersectionality.Lay SummaryThis is the largest study on the sexual activity, orientation, and health of autistic adults. This study reaffirms that the majority of autistic adults are interested in sexual relationships and engage in sexual activity. Sexual education and sexual health screenings must remain a priority for all individuals, including those with autism; healthcare professionals should be aware that autistic patients may be more likely to identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Asexual, and other identities not listed here (LGBTQA+) which may put them at greater risk of mental and physical health difficulties due to discrimination.
Differences in the production and perception of communicative kinematics in autism
Authors: Trujillo James P. , Özyürek Asli , Kan Cornelis C. , Sheftel‐Simanova Irina , Bekkering Harold 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIn human communication, social intentions and meaning are often revealed in the way we move. In this study, we investigate the flexibility of human communication in terms of kinematic modulation in a clinical population, namely, autistic individuals. The aim of this study was twofold: to assess (a) whether communicatively relevant kinematic features of gestures differ between autistic and neurotypical individuals, and (b) if autistic individuals use communicative kinematic modulation to support gesture recognition. We tested autistic and neurotypical individuals on a silent gesture production task and a gesture comprehension task. We measured movement during the gesture production task using a Kinect motion tracking device in order to determine if autistic individuals differed from neurotypical individuals in their gesture kinematics. For the gesture comprehension task, we assessed whether autistic individuals used communicatively relevant kinematic cues to support recognition. This was done by using stick‐light figures as stimuli and testing for a correlation between the kinematics of these videos and recognition performance. We found that (a) silent gestures produced by autistic and neurotypical individuals differ in communicatively relevant kinematic features, such as the number of meaningful holds between movements, and (b) while autistic individuals are overall unimpaired at recognizing gestures, they processed repetition and complexity, measured as the amount of submovements perceived, differently than neurotypicals do. These findings highlight how subtle aspects of neurotypical behavior can be experienced differently by autistic individuals. They further demonstrate the relationship between movement kinematics and social interaction in high‐functioning autistic individuals.Lay SummaryHand gestures are an important part of how we communicate, and the way that we move when gesturing can influence how easy a gesture is to understand. We studied how autistic and typical individuals produce and recognize hand gestures, and how this relates to movement characteristics. We found that autistic individuals moved differently when gesturing compared to typical individuals. In addition, while autistic individuals were not worse at recognizing gestures, they differed from typical individuals in how they interpreted certain movement characteristics.
Brain regionalization by Polycomb‐group proteins and chromatin accessibility
Authors: Eto Hikaru , Kishi Yusuke 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDuring brain development, neural precursor cells (NPCs) in different brain regions produce different types of neurons, and each of these regions plays a different role in the adult brain. Therefore, precise regionalization is essential in the early stages of brain development, and irregular regionalization has been proposed as the cause of neurodevelopmental disorders. The mechanisms underlying brain regionalization have been well studied in terms of morphogen‐induced expression of critical transcription factors for regionalization. NPC potential in different brain regions is defined by chromatin structures that regulate the plasticity of gene expression. Herein, we present recent findings on the importance of chromatin structure in brain regionalization, particularly with respect to its regulation by Polycomb‐group proteins and chromatin accessibility.
Using behavioral skills training to teach implementation of behavioral interventions to teachers and other professionals: A systematic review
Authors: Slane Mylissa , Lieberman‐Betz Rebecca G. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe current systematic review examines the use of behavioral skills training (BST) to train teachers and other professionals to implement interventions with individuals ages birth to 21. A total of 20 studies from 18 articles were included in the review. The SCARF protocol was utilized to rate article quality/rigor and outcomes of studies. All studies included in the review showed positive outcomes, suggesting teachers and other professional staff can be effectively taught using BST to implement a variety of interventions with fidelity. Seven articles were found to have sufficient quality/rigor scores in their primary outcomes to allow for interpretation of findings with confidence. Additional high‐quality studies are needed to examine the efficacy of BST to teach others to implement intervention to support skill development in individuals with disabilities. Implications for future research and intervention are discussed.
Oriented in situ immobilization of a functional tyrosinase on microcrystalline cellulose effectively incorporates DOPA residues in bioengineered mussel adhesive protein
Authors: Kim Suhyeok , Bae Gaeun , Shin Mincheol , Kang Eungsu , Park Tae Yoon , Choi Yoo Seong , Cha Hyung Joon 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundCatechol‐containing polymers such as mussel adhesive proteins (MAPs) are attractive as biocompatible adhesive biomaterials, and the catecholic amino acid 3,4‐dihydroxyphenyl‐L‐alanine (DOPA) is considered a key molecule in underwater mussel adhesion. Tyrosinases can specifically convert tyrosine to DOPA without any cofactors. However, their catalytic properties still need to be adjusted to minimize unwanted DOPA oxidation via their diphenolase activity and catechol instability at neutral and basic pH values in the reaction products.Methods and ResultsIn this work, we constructed a novel functional tyrosinase, mTyr‐CNK_CBM, by fusion of mTyr‐CNK with a cellulose‐binding motif (CBM) for oriented in situ immobilization on microcrystalline cellulose via the C‐terminal CBM without any additional purification steps. mTyr‐CNK_CBM showed optimal catalytic activity at pH 4.5–6.5 and room temperature and had a high monophenolase/diphenolase activity ratio (Vmaxmono/Vmaxdi = 2.08 at pH 6 and 25°C). mTyr‐CNK_CBM exhibited 2.17‐fold higher (as a unimmobilized free enzyme) and similarly high (upon immobilization) in vitro DOPA modification of a bioengineered MAP compared to a commercially available mushroom tyrosinase. Moreover, the immobilized mTyr‐CNK_CBM showed long‐term storability and improved reusability.ConclusionsThese results clearly demonstrate a strong potential for practical use of immobilized mTyr‐CNK_CBM as a monophenol monooxygenase in preparing biocompatible DOPA‐tethered biomaterials and other catechol‐containing polymers.
Promotion of alkaline hydrogen production via Ni‐doping of atomically precise Ag nanoclusters
Authors: Jo Yongsung , Choi Minji , Kim Minseok , Yoo Jong Suk , Choi Woojun , Lee Dongil 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlloy catalysts are widely used in electrocatalytic hydrogen production because of the synergistic effect produced by constituent metals. However, an atomic‐level understanding of the alloy effect remains elusive because of their polydispersity. In this study, we investigated the effects of an atomically precise Ag25 nanocluster catalyst doped with a single Ni atom in an alkaline electrolyte on the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER). The synthesized NiAg24 nanoclusters exhibited significantly altered electronic structures and reduction potentials, leading to substantially reduced overpotentials and enhanced HER activity. Tafel analysis revealed that Ni doping drastically improved the sluggish Volmer step. Density functional theory studies further revealed that the hydrogen adsorption energy was substantially reduced upon Ni doping, which accounted for the enhanced HER activity observed for the NiAg24 nanoclusters.
Neural shifts in alpha rhythm's dual functioning during empathy
Authors: Zebarjadi Niloufar , Levy Jonathan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionAlpha oscillations are unique in their capacity to relay neuronal information through a dual‐process named “gating by inhibition”: rhythmic enhancement inhibits task‐irrelevant regions while rhythmic suppression engages task‐relevant regions in the brain. A social‐cognitive process that operates by relying on the suppression of the alpha rhythm in the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is the ability to generate empathy. This phenomenon has been evidenced in dozens of electrophysiological studies targeting adult human subjects. Yet, recent studies on the neurodevelopment of empathy indicate that in younger age, empathy does not involve alpha suppression in S1 but only enhancement. More interestingly, right before adulthood, this rhythm is still enhanced, but in a remarkable shift, a pattern of suppression emerges. In this registered magnetoencephalography (MEG) and functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we will capture frequency‐decomposed neural activity particularly at the alpha range and its corresponding hemodynamic response and target subjects at around 20 years old as a unique time‐window in development that allows investigating in parallel both low‐alpha suppression and high‐alpha enhancement. We aim to address two questions: (a) Does alpha power suppression in the S1 region during empathy correspond to BOLD increase in this region? (b) What is the functional role of alpha power enhancement during empathy development (BOLD signal increase or decrease)? Addressing these questions will particularly advance knowledge on the process of empathy in the brain, and the way in which it is underpinned by alpha oscillations. Moreover, examining these experimental outcomes can potentially lay the ground for future studies that would further examine the role of alpha oscillations in empathy during the course of development.MethodsBrain data of forty healthy individuals close to 20 years old will be recorded in two consecutive MEG and fMRI sessions while subjects observing physical pain versus neutral stimuli. Besides, each participant's subjective experiences wll be measred by questionnaires, interviews and rating of the stimuli.
An anatomical study of the pharyngeal plexus: Application to avoiding postoperative dysphagia following anterior approaches to the cervical spine
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Yilmaz Emre , Loukas Marios , Xu Lu , Uz Aysun , Walocha Jerzy A. , Dumont Aaron S. , Tubbs R. Shane 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe aimed to localize the pharyngeal branches of the pharyngeal plexus to preclude postoperative complications such as dysphagia resulting from injury to those branches. Cranial nerves IX and X and the sympathetic trunk were dissected on 10 sides in the necks of embalmed adult cadavers of European descent to identify the pharyngeal branches so that anatomical landmarks could be identified and injury thereby avoided. In all sides, the pharyngeal branches originated from the glossopharyngeal and vagus nerves and the superior cervical ganglion and entered the posterior pharyngeal wall at the C2–C4 levels within 10 mm medial to the greater horn of the hyoid bone. All pharyngeal branches were anterior to the alar fascia. Based on our anatomical study, vagus nerve branches to the pharyngeal muscles enter at the C3/C4 vertebral levels. Such knowledge might help decrease or allow surgeons to predict which patients are more likely to develop dysphagia after cervical spine surgery.