bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mechanical responses in the length direction and thickness direction of quaternary 1,4‐diazabicyclo‐[2.2.2]‐octane polysulfone alkaline anion‐exchange fuel‐cell membranes
Authors: Zhang Zhennan , Su Huiyu , Tian Chenyao , Qi Rongrong , Wang Xu , Xia Re 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTA quaternary 1,4‐diazabicyclo‐[2.2.2]‐octane polysulfone (QDPSU) alkaline anion‐exchange fuel‐cell membrane was synthesized. Nanoindentation and uniaxial tension methods were used to test the mechanical properties of this membrane in both the thickness direction and length direction at 26°C and 40% relative humidity. We found that the QDPSU membrane exhibited remarkable viscoelastic properties with significant loading rate‐dependent behavior and time‐dependent behavior (creep–relaxation). The value of compression creep rates and compression relaxation rates of the QDPSU membrane were measured to be about 0.2 by a spherical indenter and changed very little with different holding loads. Compared with Nafion, a most widely used fuel‐cell membrane, the QDPSU alkaline anion‐exchange membrane showed a better creep resistance. During the nanoindentation fatigue test, the variation of depths with the indentation cycles were divided into a rising primary region, a steady‐state secondary region, and a continuous declining region. This was different from the uniaxial tension fatigue test. The cross‐scale and cross‐direction mechanical study from this work will help provide new evidence for bridging the gap between nanoindentation and uniaxial tensile testing. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47696.
Enhanced therapeutic efficacy of clotrimazole by delivery through poly(ethylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) copolymer‐based micelles
Authors: Kareem Faheem , Bhayo Adnan Murad , Imran Muhammad , Shah Muhammad Raza , Khan Khalid Mohammed , Malik Muhammad Imran 
Published: March 2019

ABSTRACTAmphiphilic block copolymers have been the subject of great scientific interests due to their applications in various fields including nano drug delivery. Three amphiphilic block copolymers based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) as a hydrophobic segment and methoxy poly(ethylene oxide) ( as a hydrophilic part were synthesized by the ring‐opening polymerization of ε‐caprolactone using MeO‐PEO5K as macroinitiator by varying initial feed ratios. The synthesized polymers were further explored for their drug delivery potential using clotrimazole as model hydrophobic drug. Drug‐loaded micelles were characterized for shape, size, drug encapsulation efficiency, in vitro release, and thermal stability using atomic force microscope, zetasizer, UV–visible spectrophotometry, FTIR, differential scanning calorimetry, and thermogravimetric analysis. Clotrimazole loaded in micelles were also investigated for its antifungal activity through an in vitro assay and scanning electron microscopy. The antifungal activity of drug increased significantly by delivering through polymeric micelles. Current study provides insight into different factors that can be maneuvered to achieve a variety of desired properties of micelles for improved therapeutic efficacy of drugs like clotrimazole. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47769.
Randomized clinical trial of mechanochemical and endovenous thermal ablation of great saphenous varicose veins
Authors: Vähäaho S , Mahmoud O , Halmesmäki K , Albäck A , Noronen K , Vikatmaa P , Aho P , Venermo M 
Published: March 2019

Abstract

Background
A variety of minimally invasive techniques are available for the treatment of varicose great saphenous vein (GSVs). Non-tumescent, non-thermal ablation methods have been developed. This study compared mechanochemical ablation (MOCA), a non-tumescent, non-thermal ablation technique, with two endovenous thermal ablation methods requiring tumescence in an RCT.

Methods
Patients with GSV reflux were randomized to undergo MOCA, or thermal ablation with endovenous laser (EVLA) or radiofrequency (RFA). The primary outcome measure was the occlusion rate of the GSV at 1 year.

Results
The study finally included 125 patients, of whom 117 (93·6 per cent) attended 1-year follow-up. At 1 year, the treated part of the GSV was fully occluded in all patients in the EVLA and RFA groups, and in 45 of 55 in the MOCA group (occlusion rates 100, 100 and 82 per cent respectively; P = 0·002). The preoperative GSV diameter was associated with the recanalization rate of the proximal GSV in the MOCA group. At 1 year after treatment, disease-specific life quality was similar in the three groups.

Conclusion
The GSV occlusion rate 1 year after treatment was significantly higher after EVLA and RFA than after MOCA. Quality of life was similar between interventions. Registration number: NCT03722134 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Bacterial endocarditis presenting in an adult patient with undiagnosed double‐chambered right ventricle
Authors: Bhambi Neil Salil , Shah Abhishek , Sarte Patrick , Laughrun David Robert 
Published: March 2019

Key Clinical MessageDouble‐chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a rare congenital heart defect often associated with ventricular septal defect and pulmonary stenosis. Cardiac catheterization or magnetic resonance imaging can differentiate between DCRV and Tetralogy of Fallot when echocardiogram is inconclusive. Patients are at an increased risk for bacterial endocarditis.
Demonstrating the Potential of Chemiluminescence as a Tool to Characterize Heterogeneous Catalysis Using CO Oxidation on Copper‐Based Catalysts as an Example
Authors: Kato Satoru , Ito Yoshihiko , Ikuta Yasuhiro , Morikawa Akira , Suda Akihiko , Tanabe Toshitaka 
Published: March 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the potential of chemiluminescence (CL) as a tool to determine reaction mechanisms of heterogeneous catalyst is demonstrated. Since CL is emitted from excited species produced in chemical reactions, the analysis of CL is expected to be informative for investigating reaction mechanisms. As a representative example, CL under CO oxidation over copper‐based catalysts was measured. The reaction mechanism of copper‐based catalysts reportedly depends on the support material. CL was observed with CuO/Al2O3 and CuO/SiO2−Al2O3 but was not detected with CuO, CuO/TiO2 and CuO/SiO2. Transient CL emitting analysis for CuO/Al2O3 revealed that CL was emitted via an Eley‐Rideal (ER) mechanism. Although the CO oxidation mechanism over CuO/SiO2−Al2O3 has not been reported, CO oxidation via an ER mechanism was suggested based on the similarities of the CL spectra of CuO/SiO2−Al2O3 and CuO/Al2O3. This suggests the potential of CL as a tool to investigate reaction mechanisms of heterogeneous catalysts.
Influence of the Solvent Content on the Phase Transformation of Sulfadiazine N‐Methyl Pyrrolidone Solvate
Authors: Macaringue Estevao G. J. , Wu Songgu , Liu Shiyuan , Xu Shijie , Gong Junbo 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe influence of the solvent content on the solution‐mediated phase transformation of sulfadiazine (SD) N‐methyl pyrrolidone (NMP) solvate into SD was investigated for process development. The solubility results of the NMP solvate and SD in NMP solvent/water mixtures supported by the analysis of solvent‐solvent interactions between NMP solvent molecules were used to understand and optimize the transformation of the NMP solvate into SD. Needle‐on‐rhombic‐like aggregated crystals and rod‐like single crystals of SD were obtained and reported for the first time. By combining Raman spectroscopy, focused‐beam reflectance measurements, and scanning electron microscopy, the phase transformation of NMP solvate into SD was tracked. Higher temperatures and stirring rates accelerate the transformation process and have a negative influence on the final SD product quality.
Double‐Pulse Electrodeposition of CuGaS2 Photovoltaic Thin Film
Authors: Andrade Marcos A. S. , Gromboni Murilo F. , Soares Leandro L. , Mascaro Lucia H. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCuGaS2 photovoltaic thin films were prepared on fluorine‐doped tin oxide substrates using a double‐pulse electrodeposition approach. The environmentally friendly one‐step electrochemical deposition was performed under aqueous medium conditions, using Na2S2O3 as the sulfur source, with no additional step of sulfurization. The composition of CuGaS2 films was improved in double‐pulse electrodeposition mode. At lower duty cycle, θ=25 %, with the largest applied anodic potential time, highly pure and stoichiometric CuGaS2 films were electrodeposited through a one‐step method.
Fault detection based on improved local entropy locality preserving projections in multimodal processes
Authors: Guo Jinyu , Wang Xin , Li Yuan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRecently, local modelling methods have drawn increasing attention for fault detection in industrial processes. However, current local modelling adopts the basic multivariate statistical process monitoring method without deep mining the internal statistical information of the process data. Locality preserving projection (LPP) is a typical local fault detection method. However, industrial processes typically have complex multimodal characteristics. In these situations, the traditional LPP method performs poorly due to its assumption that the process data are Gaussian and unimodal. To improve fault detection performance of LPP in multimodal industrial processes and mine the internal system information, this paper proposes a new fault detection method based on improved local entropy LPPs (ILELPPs). ILELPP first eliminates the multimodal and non‐Gaussian characteristics of the original data using the improved local entropy method. Then, LPP is applied to the preprocessed data, neglecting the influences of multimodal and non‐Gaussian characteristics. A multimodal numerical example and an industrial application in a semiconductor manufacturing process are used to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method. The simulation results demonstrate that the proposed method has better fault detection performance than the LPP, global entropy LPP, and local entropy LPP methods.
High cystatin C levels predict long‐term mortality in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction undergoing late percutaneous coronary intervention: A retrospective study
Authors: Chen Yuewu , Fan Yan , Men Min , Shen Guidong , Ma Aiqun 
Published: March 2019

ObjectivesLate percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients with ST‐segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), defined as time of PCI > 7 days from symptom onset, is a common practice with clinical benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive value of admission cystatin C (cys C) level on long‐term mortality in STEMI patients receiving late PCI.MethodsMedical records of STEMI patients who were hospitalized between 2009 and 2011 from eight PCI‐capable hospitals in Northwest China were retrospectively analyzed. Cys C level ≥ 1.105 mg/L was considered as the best predictor of long‐term mortality based on the receiver‐operating characteristic analysis. Patients were followed up by phone or face‐to‐face interviews, and the long‐term mortality was obtained by reviewing medical records.ResultsThe final analysis included 716 STEMI patients who received late PCI and had available cys C levels prior to PCI, and 524 were assigned into the high cys C group and 192 the low cys C group. Patients were followed up for an average length of 40.37 months. Compared with the low cys C group, the high cys C group had a higher long‐term all‐cause mortality (10.4% vs 2.9%, P < 0.001) and a higher cardiac mortality (6.8% vs 2.1%, P = 0.004). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high cys C level was an independent predictor for both long‐term all‐cause mortality and cardiac mortality.ConclusionsHigh cys C level at admission is an independent predictor of long‐term mortality in STEMI patients undergoing late PCI.
Stimuli‐Responsive Copolymer and Uniform Polymeric Nanoparticles with Photochromism and Switchable Emission
Authors: Wang Sheng , Li Teng , Zhang Xiaoduo , Ma Liangwei , Li Chenpeng , Yao Xuyang , Cao Derong , Ma Xiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAn efficient approach to make a fluorescent polymer both photoswitchable and stimuli‐responsive was successfully developed by rationally introducing a photochromic bisthienylethene derivative (BTE) and fluorescent 4‐dicyanomethylene‐2,6‐distyryl‐4H‐pyran derivative (DPC) units in the side chains via copolymerization. Benefiting from the reversible photocyclization of BTE and the intermolecular Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) effect from DPC to the closed form of BTE, the emission signatures of the polymer both in solution in organic solvents and in thin films could be tuned by the alternating irradiation of ultraviolet and visible light. Moreover, uniform polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) with reversibly photoswitchable fluorescence properties were synthesized using a facile one‐step mini‐emulsion polymerization. This polymer could act as a smart material for photoresponsive polymer illuminants and offers new platform for multifunctional molecular switching and multi‐responsive materials.
A Facile and Controllable Method to In Situ Synthesize Stable Hydrophobic Vaterite Particles
Authors: Dang Haichun , Xu Zhaozan , Chen Zishan , Wu Weiling , Feng Juan , Sun Yiyi , Jin Fengchi , Li Jiang , Ge Fan 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe applications of hydrophobic vaterite in various fields have been limited by its thermodynamic instability and complex preparation methods. A facile batch, green, rapid, and controllable method is proposed to prepare stable hydrophobic vaterite microparticles with the presence of stearic acid (SA) via in situ synthesis. A possible formation process of SA‐modified calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles is proposed. Hydrophobic vaterite is prepared by mixing calcium chloride and sodium carbonate aqueous solutions in the presence of SA within 1 min by high shearing stirring. The hydrophobic vaterite particles show more uniform morphology and particle size than that without SA. Interestingly, the hydrophobic vaterite particles exhibit sumac‐fruit‐like morphology consisting of spherical nanoparticles. The hydrophobicity of CaCO3 particles is enhanced significantly by 1% SA addition. Vaterite is stabilized by SA and vaterite content in CaCO3 particles is significantly enhanced from 35% to 97% based on the analysis of X‐ray diffraction data. CaCO3 particles without SA translate into rhombohedron completely after 24 h of incubation, while the sumac‐fruit‐like morphology of hydrophobic vaterite particles shows no obvious change after 96 h of incubation. No obvious phase transformation of the hydrophobic vaterite particles is found after 72 h of incubation, indicating high stability of the hydrophobic vaterite.
Surface Characteristics of Polished YAG Laser Crystal
Authors: Xie Ruiqing , Zhao Shijie , Liao Defeng , Chen Xianhua , Wang Jian , Xu Qiao , Zhao Huiying , Jiang Zhuangde 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCompared with ordinary optical glass, it is much more difficult to achieve high‐precision and ultra‐smooth surface processing on laser crystal materials. In order to improve the processing technology of large‐size Y3Al5O12 (YAG) laser crystal components, the surface characteristics of polished YAG crystal are studied. First, the surface mechanical properties of polished YAG crystal are investigated by nanoindentation technology, and the machinability of the crystal is basically evaluated. Then, the characteristics of surface flatness, defects, and surface roughness related to processing requirements of crystal components are further studied. The experimental results show that the high flatness, low defect density, and super smoothness of the surface of YAG crystal material can be obtained by optimizing the polishing process, that is, using a three‐step polishing method combining Al2O3 abrasive and the composite tin polishing plate.
Redox‐Neutral Decarbonylative Cross‐Couplings Coming of Age
Authors: Zhao Qun , Szostak Michal 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMajor progress has recently been made in the challenging redox‐neutral decarbonylative cross‐coupling of carboxylic acids. For example, the use of acid fluorides as effective cross‐coupling partners has been found to enable control of the decarbonylation selectivity and facilitates challenging Pd0‐catalyzed nucleophilic trifluoromethylation and exogenous base‐free Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions. In another recent advance, the use of acid chlorides in room temperature difluoromethylation and direct decarbonylative cross‐coupling of carboxylic acids allows these classical substrates to be used as aryl electrophiles in cross‐coupling reactions. Further challenges that are yet to be addressed in redox‐neutral decarbonylative cross‐couplings are also briefly summarized.
Highly Efficient Oxidation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to 2,5‐Furandicarboxylic Acid with Heteropoly Acids and Ionic Liquids
Authors: Chen Ruru , Xin Jiayu , Yan Dongxia , Dong Huixian , Lu Xingmei , Zhang Suojiang 
Published: March 2019

Abstract2,5‐Furandicarboxylic acid (FDCA) is regarded as an important bioderived substitute for petrochemically derived terephthalic acid (PTA), which is widely applied in the polymer industry. This work delineates the base‐free oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) to FDCA in an ionic liquid/heteropoly acid (IL–HPA) catalytic system. HPAs displayed high activity for selective oxidation; their active center (Mo/V) was activated by O2 and transformed from oxygen single and double bonds to epoxy groups, resulting in an FDCA yield of 89 % for HPMV6 (HPM=H3PMo12O40) in the presence of [Bmim]Cl (1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium chloride) under optimized reaction conditions. The high solubility of imidazole ILs for FDCA improved the affinity of HMF and the active centers of the catalyst and protected the furan ring from oxidative cleavage. Furthermore, multiple hydrogen bonds simultaneously formed between the electronegative anions and hydroxy protons of HMF, as well as the hydrogen atoms of the imidazole rings and hydroxy groups, promoting the transformation to aldehyde groups. Various starting materials were studied, and a moderate FDCA yield was obtained from glucose. This work provides an interesting IL–HPA catalytic system for the base‐free synthesis of FDCA from accessible monosaccharides and illustrates the great potential of FDCA production from renewable carbohydrates.
Cerebrolysin improves peripheral inflammatory pain: Sex differences in two models of acute and chronic mechanical hypersensitivity
Authors: Morales‐Medina Julio C. , Flores Gonzalo , Vallelunga Annamaria , Griffiths Natalie H. , Iannitti Tommaso 
Published: March 2019

AbstractChronic inflammatory pain is a major health problem worldwide with high prevalence in women. Cerebrolysin is a multimodal neuropeptide preparation that crosses the blood brain barrier and displays neuroprotective properties in aging and disease. Previously, we showed that cerebrolysin reduced mechanical allodynia in a model of persistent inflammation and pain. We aim to build upon the findings of our previous study by investigating the response to acute administration of cerebrolysin in two models of peripheral inflammation and assessing sex differences. We utilized the complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) that produces maximal oedema and mechanical allodynia within days and carrageenan that produces similar effects within hours. Cerebrolysin reversed the mechanical allodynia in both sexes in CFA‐treated rats. On the other hand, in rats treated with carrageenan, cerebrolysin was only effective in reducing mechanical allodynia in female rats. In conclusion, the present study shows that cerebrolysin effects may be sex‐specific depending on different mechanisms that are at play in these two models of peripheral inflammatory pain. Further investigations are required to determine the factors contributing to sex differences.
Microbiota of newborn meconium is associated with maternal anxiety experienced during pregnancy
Authors: Hu Jianzhong , Ly Jenny , Zhang Wei , Huang Yonglin , Glover Vivette , Peter Inga , Hurd Yasmin L. , Nomura Yoko 
Published: March 2019

AbstractLittle is known about whether a mother's psychological state during pregnancy influences her offspring's microbiome. This study examined whether maternal anxiety, depression, and stress during pregnancy is associated with the diversity of meconium microbiome, the first internal discharge, in 75 newborns from an existing birth cohort study. The meconium microbiome was profiled using multibarcode16S rRNA sequencing at V3‐V4 hypervariable region followed by taxonomic assignment to the green gene 16S references at 97% similarity and diversity analysis at the genus level. Results showed that the meconium contained diversified microbiota, and greater pregnancy‐related anxiety was significantly associated with a less diverse meconium microbiota community (p = 0.001). At the specific taxa level, greater pregnancy‐related anxiety was correlated with a lower level of the Enterococcaceae family (p = 2e‐4, Spearman rho = −0.43). These findings support a significant role of prenatal maternal mood in the early‐life bacteria colonization of their offspring.
Habitat usage of Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), common pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), and soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) in a North Wales upland river catchment
Authors: Todd Victoria L. G. , Williamson Laura D. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDistributions of Daubenton's bat (Myotis daubentonii), common pipistrelle, (Pipistrellus pipistrellus), and soprano pipistrelle (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) were investigated along and altitudinal gradient of the Lledr River, Conwy, North Wales, and presence assessed in relation to the water surface condition, presence/absence of bank‐side trees, and elevation. Ultrasound recordings of bats made on timed transects in summer 1999 were used to quantify habitat usage. All species significantly preferred smooth water sections of the river with trees on either one or both banks; P. pygmaeus also preferred smooth water with no trees. Bats avoided rough and cluttered water areas, as rapids may generate high‐frequency echolocation‐interfering noise and cluttered areas present obstacles to flight. In lower river regions, detections of bats reflected the proportion of suitable habitat available. At higher elevations, sufficient habitat was available; however, bats were likely restricted due to other factors such as a less predictable food source. This study emphasizes the importance of riparian habitat, bank‐side trees, and smooth water as foraging habitat for bats in marginal upland areas until a certain elevation, beyond which bats in these areas likely cease to forage. These small‐scale altitudinal differences in habitat selection should be factored in when designing future bat distribution studies and taken into consideration by conservation planners when reviewing habitat requirements of these species in Welsh river valleys, and elsewhere within the United Kingdom.