bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Studies on Improvement of Mechanical Stability of Silica Coatings
Authors: Kavale Mahendra Suhas , Karande Subhash Shabu 
Published: December 2021

AbstractSuperficial defects are the prominent drawbacks of the most usual real‐world surfaces. The response of the coatings to the external deforming scratches is an issue of an importance when industrial applications are concerned. It is very well known that, the network of silica not only in the aerogels but also in coatings is weaker. In this study, the role of polymethylmethacrylate blended with the silica particles is studies. Also, the sol–gel parameters to obtain hydrophobic and scratch resistance silica coatings on glass are modified. The mechanical strength of the coating from 6 B to B is enhanced. The hydrophobicity of coatings is quantified by water drop contact angle. The measured contact angle values are 149° and sliding angle 4°. Scanning electron microscopy reveals dual assembly of micro and nanoparticles of the order of 100–500 nm. These coatings are examined through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, surface roughness, etc.
Preparation and Optical Characterization of PMMA Thin Films of C1
Authors: Sharma Kalpana , Melavanki Raveendra , Yallur Basappa C , Kusanur Raviraj , Patil N R 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIn this study, thin films of PMMA (poly methylmethacrylate) and chalcones are prepared via drop casting method. A newly synthesized Chalcone derivative namely 1‐(3‐Methoxy‐phenyl)‐3‐(4‐napthalen‐yl)‐propenone (C1) are used for doping films with different concentrations. Films prepared are transparent and so they are considered for analysis in photonic applications. Different spectroscopic techniques are used for optical characterization of the samples. From the absorption spectra, optical parameters are determined like band gap energies, refractive index, and extinction coefficient. The way these parameters are affected by doping concentration is studied and plotted graphically. The doping effect is also analyzed on emission spectra. Also, FTIR spectra for doped films is determined and compared with that of the pure compound to notice alterations in the peak values so as to note the change in intensities.
Studies on Biosensing Properties of Electrodeposited Copper Oxide Films
Authors: Pagare Pavan K. , Kanade Kaluram G. , Jadhav Harsharaj S. , Torane Appasaheb P. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe copper oxide (CuO) based films have been prepared for biosensing application. Electrodeposition mode has been used for preparation of CuO films on cost effective stainless steel substrates. The structural properties of CuO material are studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) pattern and it shows (ī11) more intensive plane. Hierarchical multilayer nanosheets clusters have been displayed in scanning electron microscopic images. The energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDAX) pattern displays wt% of Cu and oxygen in CuO material and it is found to be 52.80% and 57.61%. The glucose sensing of CuO electrodes is carried out in NaOH and glucose electrolyte at different concentration of glucose and 10–50 mV s−1 scan rates. The effect of glucose sensing on CuO electrode has been studied.
Sex‐Specific Effects of Maternal and Post‐Weaning High‐Fat Diet on Adipose Tissue Remodeling and Asprosin Expression in Mice Offspring
Authors: Yang Zhao , Jiang Jianan , Chen Miao , Huang Jiaqi , Liu Jing , Wei Xiaojing , Jia Ru , Song Lin , Sun Bo , Luo Xiao , Song Qing , Han Zhen 
Published: December 2021

ScopePerinatal high‐fat diet (HFD) increases risk of metabolic disorders in offspring. Adipose tissue remodeling is associated with metabolic syndrome. The current study characterizes the profile of maternal HFD‐induced changes in adipose tissue remodeling and adipokines expression in mice offspring.Methods and ResultsFemale C57BL/6 mice are fed with CHOW or HFD for 2 weeks before mating, throughout gestation and lactation. At weaning, pups are randomly fed with CHOW or HFD, resulting in eight groups according to sex and maternal diet: Male CHOW‐CHOW (MCC), Male CHOW‐HFD (MCH), Male HFD‐CHOW (MHC), Male HFD‐HFD (MHH), Female CHOW‐CHOW (FCC), Female CHOW‐HFD (FCH), Female HFD‐CHOW (FHC), and Female HFD‐HFD (FHH). Increased body weight, impaired glucose tolerance, increased adipose tissue mass and hypertrophy, and decreased circulating asprosin level are only observed in male offspring exposure to maternal HFD. Serum asprosin level negatively correlates with fasting blood glucose, serum cholesterol (CHO), and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, while positively correlates with serum low‐density lipoprotein (LDL) and glutamate‐oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) levels in male offspring. A combination of genetic and biochemical analyses of adipokines shows the depot‐ and sex‐specific changes in response to maternal and/or post‐weaning HFD.ConclusionThis study's results reveal the differential metabolic changes in response to maternal and/or post‐weaning HFD in male and female offspring. The effect of maternal HFD on metabolic phonotype is more obvious in male offspring, supporting the notion that males are more susceptible to HFD‐induced metabolic disorders.
The Keystone device as a clinical tool for measuring the supination resistance of the foot: A reliability study
Authors: Moisan Gabriel , McBride Sean , Isabelle Pier‐Luc , Chicoine Dominic 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe supination resistance test (SRT) is a kinetic test used in clinical and research contexts to estimate the amount of force required to supinate the foot. Previous studies either used a manual, less reliable version of this test or a more reliable instrumented version, but with devices inconvenient for clinical use. The clinically available Keystone device has been developed for the SRT, and could be better suited for clinical purposes. The objective of this study is to determine the intrarater and interrater reliability of the Keystone device for the SRT.MethodThirty young adults underwent two prospective experimental sessions, 1 week apart, during which SRT measures with the Keystone device were registered. Intrarater and interrater reliability were calculated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), minimal detectable difference (MDD) and limits of agreements (LoA).ResultsThe intrarater reliability of the SRT was good (ICC = 0.86, p < 0.001). The SEM, MDD and 95% LoA were 7.3, 20.4 and −31.6–14.3 N, respectively. The interrater reliability of the SRT was good (ICC = 0.76, p < 0.001). The SEM, MDD and 95% LoA were 9.0, 24.9 and −36.6–24.9 N, respectively.ConclusionThe Keystone device is a reliable tool that can be used in clinical and research contexts. Prospective studies aiming to determine if SRT measures are predictors of musculoskeletal injuries or if they can predict the effects of external supports on the biomechanics of the foot and ankle are warranted.
Pancreatic fat relates to fasting insulin and postprandial lipids but not polycystic ovary syndrome in adolescents with obesity
Authors: Ware Meredith A. , Kaar Jill L. , Diniz Behn Cecilia , Bartlette Kai , Carreau Anne‐Marie , Lopez‐Paniagua Dan , Scherzinger Ann , Xie Danielle , Rahat Haseeb , Garcia‐Reyes Yesenia , Nadeau Kristen J. , Cree‐Green Melanie 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveAdolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and obesity can have insulin resistance, dysglycemia, and hepatic steatosis. Excess pancreatic fat may disturb insulin secretion and relate to hepatic fat. Associations between pancreatic fat fraction (PFF) and metabolic measures in PCOS were unknown.MethodsThis secondary analysis included 113 sedentary, nondiabetic adolescent girls (age = 15.4 [1.9] years), with or without PCOS and BMI ≥ 90th percentile. Participants underwent fasting labs, oral glucose tolerance tests, and magnetic resonance imaging for hepatic fat fraction (HFF) and PFF. Groups were categorized by PFF (above or below the median of 2.18%) and compared.ResultsVisceral fat and HFF were elevated in individuals with PCOS versus control individuals, but PFF was similar. PFF did not correlate with serum androgens. Higher and lower PFF groups had similar HFF, with no correlation between PFF and HFF, although hepatic steatosis was more common in those with higher PFF (≥5.0% HFF; 60% vs. 36%; p = 0.014). The higher PFF group had higher fasting insulin (p = 0.026), fasting insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, p = 0.032; 1/fasting insulin, p = 0.028), free fatty acids (p = 0.034), and triglycerides (p = 0.004) compared with those with lower PFF. β‐Cell function and insulin sensitivity were similar between groups.ConclusionsNeither PCOS status nor androgens related to PFF. However, fasting insulin and postprandial lipids were worse with higher PFF.
Synthesis of new aliphatic poly(ester‐carbonate)s bearing amino groups based on photolabile protecting group and evaluation of antibacterial property
Authors: Li Kaiqi , Liu Xiliang , Chen Long , Xiong Zuochun , Xiong Chengdong , Chen Dongliang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAmino‐functionalized six‐membered cyclic carbonate 5‐((2‐nitrobenzyl) amino)‐1,3‐dioxan‐2‐one (NBAC) was synthesized with 2‐nitrobenzyl group as photolabile protecting group. The following copolymerization was carried out by using l‐lactide as comonomer and Sn (Oct)2 as catalyst. The amino‐functionalized polymer P(LA‐co‐AC) was obtained by ultraviolet irradiation of P(LA‐co‐NBAC) to remove the protecting group. The structures of products were confirmed by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and 13C NMR analysis. The pendant amino groups not only resulted in an enhancement of the hydrophilicity, but also played a role of antibacterial effect due to the positive charge imparted to the material.
Investing in the future of science: Assessing UK environmental science engagement with school‐aged children
Authors: Hobbs Laura , Stevens Carly 
Published: December 2021

Societal Impact StatementCurrently, there is no national overview of environmental science engagement in the United Kingdom. Children are key stakeholders in the future of science more generally and environmental science specifically. Appraising the situation immediately before the United Kingdom first entered lockdown due to the COVID‐19 pandemic allows both assessment of the achievements of the UK environmental science engagement field before the impacts of the changes resulting from the pandemic, and an up‐to‐date baseline by which to assess those impacts and identify existing gaps to be addressed post‐pandemic. Results indicate that support is needed to increase reach and recognition of the importance of engagement, particularly in rural areas and outside Southeast England.Summary

Scoping research was carried out as the first step towards addressing knowledge gaps around engagement of school‐aged children with environmental science in the United Kingdom. Key objectives were identifying which institutions carry out this engagement, its scope and where further engagement is needed, and assessing visibility of projects. Examples of good practice were also highlighted to inform the wider community. This was carried out via systematic online searches and an online survey of UK‐based environmental science engagement professionals, February to March 2020.
Most projects were operating locally with a smaller proportion also operating nationally or internationally. Remote engagement comprised a low proportion of delivery, with most projects engaging children in school during school time, using practical sessions. Universities, charities, trusts and societies comprised the majority of hosting institutions. Visiting a low number of schools, a low number of times per year was common, although some projects reached thousands of children in many schools. There was a focus on reaching children aged 7–14 years, relatively evenly split between primary and secondary phases. All major environmental science themes were well represented.
Most evaluation and reporting was simple and descriptive, and while key areas for expansion included widening reach in terms of numbers and geography, funding was highlighted as a barrier to achieving this.
Results give a snapshot of the state of play before the United Kingdom entered lockdown during the COVID‐19 pandemic, also providing a baseline by which to assess impacts post‐pandemic.
Cyclic control equilibria for switched systems with applications to ecological systems
Authors: Anderson Alejandro L. , Abuin Pablo , Ferramosca Antonio , Hernandez‐Vargas Esteban A. , Gonzalez Alejandro H. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThe main contribution of this article is to provide the key concept—from a control point of view—of a region of the state space called cyclic control equilibria, which is a permanence region for switched systems under arbitrary waiting‐time constraints. The study also includes a discussion about the typical permanence regions (steady‐states, multiple equilibria, and invariant sets), and the reasons why these regions (except for the origin) fail to be useful as a control target for switched systems under waiting‐times constraints. The theoretical results and the proposed algorithm to compute cyclic control equilibria are tested via illustrative examples. Also, simulation results concerning the control of a population ecological system are given, where it is shown that the ecological communities can be stabilized at desired regions out of the origin, by means of sequences of modes that fulfill arbitrary waiting‐time constraints.
Porphyrin‐Based Nanostructures for Cancer Theranostics: Chemistry, Fundamentals and Recent Advances
Authors: Qindeel Maimoona , Sargazi Saman , Hosseinikhah Seyedeh Maryam , Rahdar Abbas , Barani Mahmood , Thakur Vijay Kumar , Pandey Sadanand , Mirsafaei Razieh 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAs heterocyclic macrocycle organic compounds, porphyrins can generate a rich platform of chemical behavior and characteristics conveniently utilized for multiple bioapplications, including bio‐sensors, fluorescence tracking, and in vivo imaging. The conjugation of nanotechnology and porphyrins presents a promising approach to enhance the safety and effectiveness of porphyrin‐based materials in phototherapy against cancer. Several nanoformulations, including organic and inorganic nanocarriers, porphyrin‐laden nanoparticles, porphyrin‐based amphiphilic molecules, supramolecular polymers, and porphyrin‐based block copolymers, have been investigated to deliver porphyrins, which protect the pre‐mature release of photosensitizer and provide tumor‐selective and site‐specific targeting. The monodisperse nanoparticles formed of biocompatible building block conjugates can be beneficially used to develop a multifunctional novel system utilized in optical imaging, positron emission tomography, photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and other imaging modalities in one formulation. This topic is important because exploiting and knowing porphyrin‐based nanostructures aids in detecting pathological damages that cannot readily be discovered by routine imaging or physical examination and thus, helps early diagnosis of cancer. This critical review will assess the basic knowledge and updated information for a broad audience of scientists, engineers, and newcomers related to the porphyrin‐based nanostructures for cancer theranostics
Visible‐Light‐Promoted Synthesis of Fusesd Imidazoheterocycle by Eosin Y under Metal‐Free and Solvent‐Free Conditions
Authors: Singh Himanshu Kumar , Kamal Arsala , Kumari Savita , Maury Suresh Kumar , Kushwaha Ambuj Kumar , Srivastava Vandana , Singh Sundaram 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA mild, efficient, solvent free, metal free and operationally simple visible light promoted multicomponent reaction of styrene, 2‐aminopyrimidine, and t‐butyl isocyanide have been been gathered to provide a variety of fusesd fused imidazoheterocycle using Eosin Y as a photocatalyst. This approach delivers good to excellent yields of imidazoheterocycle using readily accessible and economical starting materials under ambient conditions. The reaction provides a broad substrate scope and is compatible with several functional groups.
Incense Sticks Ash Extract, an Efficient and Sustainable Medium for Michael Addition Reaction
Authors: Rani Patra Snigdha , Choudhary Munmun , Mallick Sadhucharan , Bhunia Sabyasachi , Das Debjit 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA convenient and environmentally benign protocol for Michael addition has been developed using water extract of incense sticks ash (WEISA) at room temperature. This is the first report to utilize WEISA as an effective and renewable medium for the formation of C−C and C−S bonds via Michael addition of readily available chalcones and various nucleophiles like malononitrile, benzyl cyanide, nitromethane and thiols. WEISA is generated from waste material, therefore, the present development is eco‐friendly and cost‐effective. The corresponding Michael adducts were isolated with high yields by simple precipitation and sequential washing with aqueous ethanol; avoids the extraction and column chromatographic purification steps. The other significant features of the developed protocol are the clean reaction profile, high functional group tolerance, large‐scale synthesis, and reusability of reaction media. Additionally, a straightforward application of this methodology is shown in the synthesis of biologically relevant 2‐amino‐4H‐chromene derivatives.
Carbonnetzwerkbogen – Erfahrungen aus der Erstanwendung von Netzwerkhängern aus Carbon
Authors: Haspel Lorenz 
Published: December 2021

AbstractDie Entscheidung, bei der Stadtbahnbrücke erstmals Zugglieder aus Carbon für die Hänger eines Netzwerkbogens einzusetzen, wurde zunächst vor dem Aspekt der außergewöhnlich guten Ermüdungsfestigkeit und der daraus resultierenden möglichen Reduktion der Querschnitte getroffen. Erst in der weiteren Planung zeigte sich das Potenzial dieser Lösung auch im Hinblick auf das Gesamttragverhalten des Systems Netzwerkbogen durch Vergleichmäßigung der Hängerkräfte, Vermeidung von auf Druck ausfallenden Hängern sowie die vorteilhaften dynamischen Eigenschaften der leichten, hoch vorgespannten Zugglieder. Ergänzend zu den bereits veröffentlichten Beiträgen zum Entwurf und Tragverhalten der Stadtbahnbrücke, dem Tragprinzip des Carbonnetzwerkbogens und zu deren Fertigung und Montage soll in diesem Beitrag auf die Carbonhänger und deren Verankerungen an Bogen und Deck eingegangen werden.
Inhibition ofUSP15ameliorates high‐glucose‐induced oxidative stress and inflammatory injury in podocytes through regulation of theKeap1/Nrf2signaling
Authors: Xu Erdi , Yin Chunyan , Yi Xiaoqing , Liu Yuesheng 
Published: December 2021

AbstractUbiquitin‐specific peptidase 15 (USP15) is implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous diseases. However, whether USP15 plays a role in diabetic nephropathy remains undetermined. This project was designed to determine the potential role of USP15 in mediating high glucose (HG)‐induced podocyte injury, a key event in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy. We found that USP15 levels were elevated in podocytes after HG stimulation. Inhibition of USP15 led to decreases in HG‐evoked apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in podocytes. Further investigation showed that inhibition of USP15 enhanced the activation of NF‐E2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) and expression of Nrf2 target genes in HG‐simulated podocytes. Moreover, depletion of Kelch‐like ECH‐associated protein 1 (Keap1) diminished the regulatory effect of USP15 inhibition on Nrf2 activation. In addition, Nrf2 suppression reversed USP15‐inhibition‐induced protective effects in HG‐injured podocytes. Taken together, these data indicate that USP15 inhibition protects podocytes from HG‐induced injury by enhancing Nrf2 activation via Keap1.
Age of sexual maturity and factors associated with neutering dogs in the UK and the Republic of Ireland
Authors: Da Costa Rosa E. P. , Kinsman Rachel H. , Owczarczak‐Garstecka Sara C. , Casey Rachel A. , Tasker Séverine , Knowles Toby G. , Woodward Joshua L. , Lord Michelle S. , Murray Jane K. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurgical neutering of dogs is common, however the average age that dogs reach sexual maturity, are neutered, and dog owners’ attitudes to neutering in the UK and the Republic of Ireland have not been explored in a longitudinal study.MethodsOwner‐reported data on the timing of the first oestrus, timing of neutering and the reasons given for neutering dogs by 12 and 15 months of age were summarised. Factors associated with neutering at 15 months and factors associated with intention to neuter were quantified using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAt 15 months of age, 90.0% (n = 207/230) of unneutered females had had their first oestrus. By 7, 9, 12 and 15 months of age, 22.1% (n = 131/593), 32.2% (197/593), 45.4% (n = 269/593) and 59.9% (n = 352/593) of dogs were neutered, respectively. Breed purity, dog's source, owners’ intentions to neuter and the number of dogs in the household were associated with neuter status at age 15 months. Dog's sex, Kennel Club registration, dog's source, dogs intended to be working dogs and previous dog ownership were associated with intentions to neuter. Preventing puppies was the most common reason for neutering.ConclusionUnderstanding factors that shape owners’ intentions to neuter can inform owner‐vet discussions regarding whether to neuter a dog and the optimal age for doing so.
Comparison of concanavalin A and poly‐l‐lysine as cell adhesives for routine yeast microscopy applications
Authors: Caloca Bryanna , Navarro Alejandro , Canales‐Torres Marcelino , Le Brittany , Rosas Carol , Sero Zig , Bachant Jeff 
Published: December 2021

AbstractA frequently encountered problem with imaging budding yeast specimens by light microscopy is that the cells do not adhere well to glass microscope slides. Frustratingly, cells that initially appear stationary in the visual field often become displaced and float away. The development of immunofluorescence microscopy methods for yeast led to the widespread use of poly‐l‐lysine as an adhesive for cell immobilization. More recently, the lectin‐binding protein concanavalin A has also been used as an adhesive that may be less familiar to yeast investigators. Here, we directly compare the ability of poly‐l‐lysine and concanavalin A to adhere yeast to glass microscope slides using several different assays. Using a simple coating procedure, we find that 1‐mg/ml concanavalin A proves superior to various concentrations of poly‐l‐lysine under all conditions tested and that concanavalin A can be used as an adhesive for live cell imaging without impairing yeast proliferation or cell division kinetics. Importantly, we also delineate forms of sample preparation that are or are not compatible with concanavalin A. Overall, we hope our findings will bring concanavalin A to the attention of a broad spectrum of the yeast community for their microscopy needs.