bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting the System Silanes–Polysaccharides: The Cases of THEOS–Chitosan and MeTHEOS–Chitosan
Authors: Bravo‐Flores Ileana , Meléndez‐Zamudio Miguel , Guerra‐Contreras Antonio , Ramírez‐Oliva Eulalia , Álvarez‐Guzmán Gilberto , Zárraga‐Núñez Ramón , Villegas Antonio , Cervantes Jorge 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe glycol alkoxysilanes, tetrakis(2‐hydroxyethyl)silane (THEOS), and tris(2‐hydroxyethyl)methyl silane (MeTHEOS) are water soluble derivatives of tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and methyltriethoxysilane (MeTEOS) and precursors of the system silane–chitosan reviewed in this work. The glycol modified alkoxysilanes are obtained by transesterification reaction of TEOS or MeTEOS with ethylene glycol. The reaction evolution is monitored by 29Si NMR. It is possible to observe the formation of the various species of glycol alkoxysilanes in equilibrium as the reaction proceeds showing that the oligomers formation is favored at longer reaction times with the final product tendency to gel keeping the complete water solubility. The glycol alkoxysilanes are synthesized at moderated reaction conditions, by using the Piers–Rubinsztajn (PR) reaction. Additionally, it is already known that THEOS is compatible with different natural polysaccharides as chitosan and the same behavior has been demonstrated in this work for MeTHEOS. Several reports refer studies regarding the system THEOS–polysaccharides to synthesize hybrid materials. The system THEOS–chitosan is known but the characterization as well as the way silane–chitosan interact has not been studied in detail. In the present report, chemical evidence of the covalent interactions THEOS– and MeTHEOS–chitosan based on NMR studies (13C and 29Si) are presented as intended.
Neuromuscular amyloidosis: Unmasking the master of disguise
Authors: Pinto Marcus V. , Dyck P. James B. , Liewluck Teerin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAmyloidosis refers to an etiologically heterogeneous group of protein misfolding diseases, pathologically characterized by extracellular amyloid fibrils producing congophillic amorphous deposits in organs and tissues, which may lead to severe organ dysfunction and mortality. Clinical presentations vary and are often nonspecific, depending on what organs or tissues are affected. In systemic amyloidosis, the peripheral nervous system is commonly affected, whereas the skeletal muscles are only rarely involved. Immunoglobulin light chain (AL) amyloidosis and hereditary transthyretin (ATTRv) amyloidosis are the most frequent types of systemic amyloidosis involving the neuromuscular system. Localized amyloidosis can occur in skeletal muscle, so‐called isolated amyloid myopathy. Amyloid neuropathy typically involves small myelinated and unmyelinated sensory and autonomic nerve fibers early in the course of the disease, followed by large myelinated fiber sensory and motor deficits. The relentlessly progressive nature with motor, painful sensory and severe autonomic dysfunction, profound weight loss, and systemic features are distinct characteristics of amyloid neuropathy. Amyloid myopathy presentation differs between systemic amyloidosis and isolated amyloid myopathy. Long‐standing symptoms, distal predominant myopathy, markedly elevated creatine kinase level, and lack of peripheral neuropathy or systemic features are highly suggestive of isolated amyloid myopathy. In ATTR and AL amyloidosis, early treatment correlates with favorable outcomes. Therefore, awareness of these disorders and active screening for amyloidosis in patients with neuropathy or myopathy are crucial in detecting these patients in the everyday practice of neuromuscular medicine. Herein, we review the clinical manifestations of neuromuscular amyloidosis and provide a diagnostic approach to this disorder.
Recent progress of inorganic hole transport materials for efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Wang Qingrui , Lin Zhenhua , Su Jie , Hu Zhaosheng , Chang Jingjing , Hao Yue 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWith the power conversion efficiency (PCE) surpassing 25%, the eye‐catching and promising perovskite materials have proved to be potential competitors in photovoltaic field. Till now, massive efforts have been invested into this blooming flower to further raise its efficiency approaching the Shockley‐Queisser limit (SQ limit) and improve its stability for prolonging effective operation life. In details, various methods including component engineering, structure optimization and interfacial treatment have been used for realizing efficient and stable devices. Especially, the charge transport layers usually play critical roles in effective extraction and transportation of charge carriers. Compared with organic charge transport materials, inorganic materials generally demonstrate excellent stability due to their superior film qualities and inert chemical properties. Moreover, low cost, high charge mobility and material stability have been proved for inorganic electron and hole transport materials. This review summarizes the general progress of different inorganic hole transport materials in perovskite solar cells of recent years for better acquaintance of their contribution in efficient and stable devices. The discussions about performance improvement in the future directions are also provided.
The neural differences of arithmetic verification performance depend on math skill: Evidence from event‐related potential
Authors: Taghizadeh Shiva , Hashemi Touraj , Jahan Ali , Nazari Mohammad Ali 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimMath skill is a basic need for an individual, as a career prospect. However, little is known about early brain processes of arithmetic between individuals with different math skill. Therefore, we questioned the modulation of the amplitude of an early negative component by math skill level in an arithmetic verification paradigm using event‐related potential (ERP).MethodsThirty‐six right‐handed participants were assigned in two groups of high‐ and low‐performing students. Their electroencephalogram was recorded while they completed an arithmetic verification task. Simple arithmetic operands were made by random digits from 1 to 9. Addition and subtraction operations were equally used in correct and incorrect responses. The accuracy scores, reaction times, and peak amplitude of the negativity in 200‐400 ms time window were analyzed.ResultsThe high‐performing group showed significantly higher response speeds, and they were more accurate than the low‐performing group. The group × region interaction effect was significant. The high‐performing group showed a significantly greater negativity, particularly in parietal region, while the low‐performing group showed a significantly deeper negativity in frontal and prefrontal region. In the low‐performing group, there were significant peak amplitude differences between the anterior and posterior areas. However, such differences were not detected in the high‐performing group.ConclusionStudents with different mathematical performance showed distinct patterns in early processing of arithmetic verification, as reflected by differences in negativity at 200‐400 ms at anterior and posterior. This suggests that ERPs could be used to differentiate math mastery at neural level which is beneficial in educational and clinical contexts.
Coaxial electrospinning process toward optimal nanoparticle dispersion in polymeric matrix
Authors: Navarro Oliva Francisco Sebastian , Picart Léo , Leon‐Valdivieso Christopher Y. , Benalla Ahmed , Lenglet Luc , Ospina Alejandro , Jestin Jacques , Bedoui Fahmi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNanoreinforced polymers have gained popularity in the last decades since they exhibit enhanced properties (compared to pristine polymers) that are useful in a wide range of applications. Unfortunately, dispersion of nanoparticles (NPs) into polymeric matrices is a major problem since they tend to form agglomerates, limiting the improvement of properties and further applications. In this work, we propose the use of coaxial electrospinning as one‐step method to disperse NPs in a polymeric matrix. Particularly, iron oxide (Fe3O4) NP with a monomodal and bimodal size distributions were dispersed in polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), a material that is well known for its improved piezoelectric properties when it is processed via electrospinning. The results indicate that the incorporation of NP modified the polymeric fiber depending on their surface‐to‐volume ratio (smaller NP promoted smaller fiber size). Moreover, transmission electron microscopy revealed a good NP dispersion in the polymer, especially for the smallest NP size (monomodal). Finally, each NP size distributions were well preserved in the electrospun mats compared to the initial NP solutions, demonstrating the suitability of this technique for the fabrication of nanoreinforced PVDF structures with tailored NP size. Overall, this method could represent a facile and practical alternative to fabricate materials with piezoelectric/super‐paramagnetic properties.
Metabolic differences of two Ferula species as potential sources of galbanum: An NMR‐based metabolomics study
Authors: Farhadi Faegheh , Iranshahi Mehrdad , Mohtashami Leila , Shakeri Asil Shokrollah , Iranshahy Milad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionFerula gummosa Boiss. and Ferula galbaniflua Boiss. & Buhse (Apiaceae) are two important Iranian plants that are considered as potential sources of galbanum (barijeh). Galbanum is traditionally used for treating different diseases including flatulence and memory impairment.ObjectiveAccording to a phylogenetic analysis of the nrDNA ITS sequence and the Flora Iranica, F. gummosa has been considered as a synonym of F. galbaniflua. However, F. galbaniflua and F. gummosa grow in two different geographical locations and have different metabolic patterns. Some researchers believe that F. gummosa and F. galbaniflua are two distinct species. To discriminate these species, we compared metabolic profiles of F. gummosa and F. galbaniflua samples.Methods1H‐NMR‐based metabolomics analysis was used for classification of F. gummosa and F. galbaniflua samples collected from northeast Iran. The acquired data were analyzed using hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS‐DA).ResultsThe result showed a clear separation between the two species that may be related to the quantity and diversity of their metabolites. Ferula gummosa had higher mogoltacin levels, while F. galbaniflua had higher feselol levels. Ligupersin A and conferdione were significantly detected in F. gummosa, whereas sterol compounds were significantly detected in F. galbaniflua.ConclusionOur findings indicate that clear metabolomics discrimination of F. gummosa and F. galbaniflua makes their chemotaxonomic classification possible.
Amphiphilic well‐defined degradable star block copolymers by combination of ring‐opening polymerization and atom transfer radical polymerization: Synthesis and application as drug delivery carriers
Authors: Oliveira Andreia S. R. , Mendonça Patrícia V. , Simões Sérgio , Serra Arménio C. , Coelho Jorge F. J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAtom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) is one of the most popular advanced polymerization techniques in macromolecular science, allowing the synthesis of tailor‐made polymers with controlled molecular weight, architecture, composition, and functionality. The combination of ATRP and ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) provides a straightforward route for the preparation of polymers exhibiting both targeted and well‐defined features and biodegradability, which is very interesting for the development of new materials for biomedical applications. Among the different types of polymer architectures, amphiphilic star block copolymers (BCPs) represent a very attractive one, due to their high degree of functionality at the molecular surface, low hydrodynamic volume and higher encapsulation ability, compared to molecular systems based on linear polymers. This review article highlights the research focused on the synthesis of amphiphilic well‐defined degradable star BCPs by combination of ROP and ATRP, with particular focus on the development of polymers for biomedical applications, such as anticancer drug delivery, diagnosis therapy, or photodynamic therapy, which is the most investigated field regarding these polymers.
Microfluidic In Vitro Platform for (Nano)Safety and (Nano)Drug Efficiency Screening
Authors: Kohl Yvonne , Biehl Margit , Spring Sarah , Hesler Michelle , Ogourtsov Vladimir , Todorovic Miomir , Owen Joshua , Elje Elisabeth , Kopecka Kristina , Moriones Oscar Hernando , Bastús Neus G. , Simon Peter , Dubaj Tibor , Rundén‐Pran Elise , Puntes Victor , William Nicola , von Briesen Hagen , Wagner Sylvia , Kapur Nikil , Mariussen Espen , Nelson Andrew , Gabelova Alena , Dusinska Maria , Velten Thomas , Knoll Thorsten 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMicrofluidic technology is a valuable tool for realizing more in vitro models capturing cellular and organ level responses for rapid and animal‐free risk assessment of new chemicals and drugs. Microfluidic cell‐based devices allow high‐throughput screening and flexible automation while lowering costs and reagent consumption due to their miniaturization. There is a growing need for faster and animal‐free approaches for drug development and safety assessment of chemicals (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemical Substances, REACH). The work presented describes a microfluidic platform for in vivo‐like in vitro cell cultivation. It is equipped with a wafer‐based silicon chip including integrated electrodes and a microcavity. A proof‐of‐concept using different relevant cell models shows its suitability for label‐free assessment of cytotoxic effects. A miniaturized microscope within each module monitors cell morphology and proliferation. Electrodes integrated in the microfluidic channels allow the noninvasive monitoring of barrier integrity followed by a label‐free assessment of cytotoxic effects. Each microfluidic cell cultivation module can be operated individually or be interconnected in a flexible way. The interconnection of the different modules aims at simulation of the whole‐body exposure and response and can contribute to the replacement of animal testing in risk assessment studies in compliance with the 3Rs to replace, reduce, and refine animal experiments.
Metal‐Free Bifunctional Ordered Mesoporous Carbon for Reversible Zn‐CO2 Batteries
Authors: Gao Sanshuang , Liu Yifan , Xie Zhongyuan , Qiu Yuan , Zhuo Longchao , Qin Yongji , Ren Junqiang , Zhang Shusheng , Hu Guangzhi , Luo Jun , Liu Xijun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe fabrication of Zn‐CO2 batteries is a promising technique for CO2 fixation and energy storage. Herein, nitrogen‐doped ordered mesoporous carbon (NOMC) is adopted as a bifunctional metal‐free electrocatalyst for CO2 reduction and oxygen evolution reaction in the near‐neutral electrolyte. The ordered mesoporous structures and abundant N‐dopings of NOMC facilitate the accessibility and utilization of the active sites, which endow NOMC with excellent electrocatalysis performance and outstanding stability. Especially, a nearly 100% CO Faradaic efficiency is achieved at an ultralow overpotential of 360 mV for CO2 reduction. When constructed as an aqueous rechargeable Zn‐CO2 battery using NOMC as the cathode, it yields a high peak power density of 0.71 mW cm−2, a good cyclability of 300 cycles, and excellent energy efficiency of 52.8% at 1.0 mA cm−2.
Surgical Navigation for Malignancies Guided by Near‐Infrared‐II Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Yang Rui‐Qin , Lou Kang‐Liang , Wang Pei‐Yuan , Gao Yi‐Yang , Zhang Yong‐Qu , Chen Min , Huang Wen‐He , Zhang Guo‐Jun 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNear‐infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging is an emerging noninvasive imaging modality, with unique advantages in guiding tumor resection surgery, thanks to its high sensitivity and instantaneity. In the past decade, studies on the conventional NIR window (NIR‐I, 750–900 nm) have gradually focused on the second NIR window (NIR‐II, 1000–1700 nm). With its reduced light scattering, photon absorption, and auto‐fluorescence qualities, NIR‐II fluorescence imaging significantly improves penetration depths and signal‐to‐noise ratios in bio‐imaging. Recently, several studies have applied NIR‐II imaging to navigating cancer surgery, including localizing cancers, assessing surgical margins, tracing lymph nodes, and mapping important anatomical structures. These studies have exemplified the significant prospects of this new approach. In this review, several NIR‐II fluorescence agents and some of the complex applications for guiding cancer surgeries are summarized. Future prospects and the challenges of clinical translation are also discussed.
A multi‐university cohort model for teaching complex and interdisciplinary problem‐solving using system dynamics
Authors: Turner Benjamin L. , Wuellner Melissa , Cortus Erin , Chumbley Steven Boot 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe complexity of agricultural and natural resources (AGNR) systems continues to thwart long‐term management efforts to address root causes of problems. Unfortunately, capacity building in systems thinking and system dynamics (SD) modeling by AGNR educational programmes has not kept pace with other disciplines, stalled by accelerated specialization and disciplinary fragmentation. Here, we describe a 1‐year, interdisciplinary cohort programme aimed at SD capacity building for AGNR education. Student cohorts investigated unresolved, real‐world management problems following the SD approach. Problems included weed herbicide resistance in cultivated agriculture, land acquisition for biodiversity conservation and adoption of soil conservation practices by farmers. The fellowship process is outlined followed by descriptions of each cohort's model and insights they generated. Exit interviews illuminated valuable reflections regarding team cohesion, the role of SD in enhancing traditional graduate studies and structural adjustments to enhance future fellowship delivery. We conclude with recommendations to others interested in delivering similar programmes.
Simulation of a SCSC plate with a spring framework model including the effects of inelastic slip
Authors: Palotás Bálint , Takács Patrik , Fink Josef 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe research into an innovative steel‐concrete‐steel composite (SCSC) plate presented here is being carried out in the Steel Structures Research Unit of the Institute of Structural Engineering at TU Wien. The aim of the research is to use the SCSC plate for single‐track, short‐span railway bridges in Austria. The SCSC plate is designed to be a loadbearing structure in the transverse direction, transferring the loads to the main steel girders of the bridge cross‐section. An engineering model will be presented in this paper to reproduce the results of the ABAQUS finite element analysis software [1]. Using this simple framework model, which includes springs, it is possible to consider cyclic loading and inelastic slip, too. This results in an increase in the global vertical displacements and a change to the internal forces, which are discussed in the paper.
Is there a role for not‐for‐profit or for‐purpose organizations in supporting governance professionals to engage with climate‐related opportunities and risks?
Authors: Scheltus Ben , Guerin Turlough , Pears Alan 
Published: January 2021

AbstractClimate change in Australia has become a political risk (for political parties) and a physical, transitional, and regulatory risk for businesses. Not‐for‐profits (NFPs) and for‐purpose (FPs) organisations, for example, Climate Alliance Limited, have acted in the absence of national climate risk policy, to support businesses to become better informed to manage their exposure to this risk, and helping them to set their own commitments and pathways to low and net zero carbon businesses. The objective of this article is to demonstrate, through the case study method, how one Australian NFP/FP has influenced the business sector and regulation. Climate Alliance Limited has done this through its interventions of (1) sharing case studies (best practices) on successful transitions to a low carbon business model and linking climate risk to business risk; (2) bringing thought leaders (advocacy) from the Bank of England and UK Prudential Regulator into the Australian finance and business sector; and (3) by offering a program (reward and recognition), showcasing how business leaders have and are adapting to climate risks and capturing business value.
Global agricultural prices and policies during WTO regime: Explorative research to price policy advocacy
Authors: Dastagiri Madiga Bala , Naga Sindhuja Padigapati Venkata 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNurturing population and global demand for food are putting pressure on agricultural prices. Prices are a complicated prodigy. A cobweb model is innate in agricultural price policy. Setting the prices is the most difficult task for firms and the government. Meta‐analysis, and scientific and political policy analysis were approached to validate the results. The main objective of the paper is to review and analyze various agricultural price policies continent wise and selected country wise and formulate new global price policy for developed and developing countries. The study revealed that not only micro and macroeconomic indicators but also the environmental factors such as the COVID pandemic influence the prices, which may affect the producers and consumers either directly or indirectly based on the review of global prices effects. Market price supports, direct payments to producers, and reduced tariffs through trade agreements are the most common policies existing almost in all countries globally. The government must watch whether the planned policies are implemented successfully or not. The study suggests that the new Global price policy for developed countries is that they must equate international prices to domestic prices and for low‐ and middle‐income countries is that international prices + 20% to protect farmer's welfare coupled with WTO should discipline global trade with stable prices. High optimistic expectations, inadequate collaborative policymaking, dispersed governance, and the vagaries of the political cycle were the four main reasons for the failure of existing policies. Therefore, politicization is compulsory but not sufficient to illuminate accepting international organization norms and agricultural policies toward sustainable agriculture.
Computational modeling on slug flow phenomenon in inverted siphon and improving its performance
Authors: Aghebatie Behrouz , Hosseini Khosrow 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSlug flow is one of the flow patterns that occur in transmission systems containing two‐phase flow. Large air bubbles trapped in these systems block the flow and expose the structure to undesirable pressures and sharp fluctuations. In this research, numerical modeling has been performed using CFD technique in OpenFOAM software by InterFoam solver. Pressure fluctuations and their magnitude induced by slug flow in inverted siphon have destructive effects on the structure life. Combining the loads exerted by the pressure fluctuations induced on the structures with other loads may exceed the bearing loads of structure. In the inverted siphon, placing the ribs to reduce the damages exerted by slug flow were investigated. Different placements of ribs with different heights on the sloping parts of inverted siphon were modeled numerically. Study of flow characteristics showed that d/Hc ratio (d and Hc represent the rib height and duct height, respectively) can greatly balance the negative pressures and also improve the average pressures in the structure. The results showed that the use of ribs, the probability of forming slugs with pressure drop and severe fluctuations decreased and the maximum and minimum pressures improved about 25% and 20%, respectively.