bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
In situ fabrication of CuO/UHMWPE nanocomposites and their tribological performance
Authors: Cao Zhen , Shi Guojun , Yan Xiaotian , Wang Qiuyi 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTPolymer nanocomposites present remarkably enhanced mechanical and tribological properties with respect to their matrices even at a low loading of nanofillers. Here, cupric oxide (CuO) nanoparticles (nano‐CuO) were in situ filled into ultra‐high‐molecular‐weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) to inhibit a possible agglomeration encountered in the preparation by mechanical mixing. The filled CuO nanoparticles were highly dispersed in UHMWPE with a reliable interface combination. The CuO nanoparticles in the matrix play a role for heterogeneous nucleation, resulting in an enhancement in degree of crystallinity of UHMWPE. The elastic modulus and the elongation at break of the nanocomposites also presented an improvement, indicating a good compatibility between the nano‐CuO and the matrix. The average sliding friction coefficient of UHMWPE against 45# steel was reduced by up to 34% after the in situ filling of CuO nanoparticles, and the wear mechanism was found to transform from adhesive to fatigue wear after the introduction of nano‐CuO. It is concluded that the in situ filling can improve the dispersion of CuO nanoparticles in UHMWPE, and markedly promote the mechanical properties and tribological performance of UHMWPE. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47925.
Synthesis and properties of polydimethylsiloxane/graphene oxide modified, water‐based polyurethane/polyacrylate
Authors: Yang Jing , Li Jing , Muhammad Yaseen , Yin Yuhua , Meng Fei , Wei Yunhao , Yang Hongquan 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, we prepared polydimethylsiloxane–graphene oxide (PG) modified waterborne polyurethane acrylate (WPUA) films and enhanced their hydrophobicity, thermal stability, and mechanical properties. The prepared films were characterized by Fourier transform infrared and energy spectroscopy analysis; this confirmed the successful incorporation of PG into WPUA. As shown by scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy analysis, the surfaces of the WPUA films were confirmed to have turned smoother and more compact after PG addition. With an optimized amount of PG (0.1%) incorporated into the WPUA film, it exhibited a contact angle improvement of 21.9°, an enhanced decomposition temperature at 5% weight losses of 25 °C, and an elongation at break improvement of 482.92% over those of pure WPUA. The newly synthesized PG–WPUA showed considerable enhancements in its hydrophobicity and thermal and mechanical properties and could be deemed to have potential value as an alternative contender for practical applications in coatings painted on tunnels and highways. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47926.
Crystallization of triethyl‐citrate‐plasticized poly(lactic acid) induced by chitin nanocrystals
Authors: Singh Shikha , Maspoch Maria Lluisa , Oksman Kristiina 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTThe aim of this study was to gain a better understanding of the crystallization behavior of triethyl‐citrate‐plasticized poly(lactic acid) (PLA–TEC) in the presence of chitin nanocrystals (ChNCs). The isothermal crystallization behavior of PLA–TEC was studied by polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Interestingly, the addition of just 1 wt % ChNCs in PLA–TEC increased the crystallization rate in the temperature range of 135–125 °C. The microscopy studies confirmed the presence of at least three distinct types of spherulites: negative, neutral, and ring banded. The ChNCs also increased the degree of crystallinity up to 32%, even at a fast cooling rate of 25 °C min−1. The XRD studies further revealed the nucleation effect induced by the addition of ChNCs and thus explained the faster crystallization rate. To conclude, the addition of a small amount (1 wt %) of ChNC to plasticized PLA significantly affected its nucleation, crystal size, and crystallization speed; therefore, the proposed route can be considered suitable for improving the crystallization behavior of PLA. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47936.
Isolation and identification of EST‐SSR markers in Ixonanthes chinensis (Ixonanthaceae)
Authors: Guo Wei , Fan Qiang , Wang Jinjiang , Meng Kaikai , Chen Sufang , Zhu Liping , Liao Wenbo 
Published: May 2019

PremiseIxonanthes (Ixonanthaceae) consists of between three and 19 species, among which I. chinensis and I. khasiana are considered vulnerable. Here, 58 microsatellite markers were developed for further conservation of these two Ixonanthes species.Methods and ResultsRNA transcripts of I. chinensis were sequenced and assembled into 19,545 unigenes, and 994 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci were identified from 920 contigs. Based on these, 106 primer pairs were designed, 58 were successfully amplified, and 12 demonstrated polymorphism among five populations. The number of alleles per locus varied from three to 10, and the levels of observed and expected heterozygosity ranged from 0.000 to 1.000 and 0.000 to 0.844, respectively. Further assessment of the transferability of the 58 amplifiable primers reported 30 being successfully cross‐amplified in I. icosandra and three in Erythroxylum sinense.ConclusionsThese novel SSR markers will be useful for future genetic conservation studies on these Ixonanthes species.
Country‐wide analysis of large wood as a driver of fish abundance in Swedish streams: Which species benefit and where?
Authors: Donadi Serena , Sandin Leonard , Tamario Carl , Degerman Erik 
Published: May 2019

Abstract

Rivers are heavily affected by human impacts that threaten many fish species. Among restoration measures, the addition of large wood (LW) in streams has been shown to increase fish abundance, yet which species benefit from LW, to what extent relative to other drivers, and which factors influence LW quantity is not clear, and these uncertainties limit our ability to use LW as an effective restoration measure.
Here, a time series (from 1993 to 2016) of electrofishing data, including 3641 streams across Sweden, was used to investigate the beneficial effects of LW on the abundance of juvenile brown trout, Salmo trutta, juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar, and juvenile and adult sculpins, Cottus gobio and Cottus poecilopus, while accounting for other abiotic and biotic factors, and the drivers of LW abundance at a country‐wide scale.
Large wood benefitted brown trout, and the effects were greater with decreasing shaded stream surface. LW effects were comparable in magnitude to the positive effects of average annual air temperature and the negative effects of stream depth and predator abundance – factors where the influence was second only to the negative effects of stream width. LW did not benefit salmon abundance, which was correlated positively with stream width and negatively with altitude, nor did it benefit sculpin abundances, which mainly decreased with annual average air temperature and altitude.
The quantity of LW strongly diminished with stream width, and, to a lesser extent, with stream depth, altitude, annual average air temperature, and forest age, whereas it increased with stream velocity, slope, and forest cover.
The results suggest that LW can be used as an effective restoration tool for brown trout in shallow and narrow streams, especially in areas with little shade. Here, the addition of LW may help to alleviate the impacts of forest clearance and climate change.
Guaranteed cost control of cyber‐physical systems with packet dropouts under dos jamming attacks
Authors: Wang Mufeng , Xu Bugong 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCyber‐Physical Systems (CPSs) are vulnerable to malicious network attacks due to tight combination of cyber‐system and physical system through a more open network communication. In this paper, a guaranteed cost control problem for a CPS under DoS jamming attacks is solved via both state feedback and output feedback methods. Specifically, an energy constraint DoS jammer with clear periodic attack strategy is proposed to attack wireless channel and to degrade the system performance. Without knowing the DoS jammer's attack strategy, a passive attack‐tolerant mechanism is established, and the corresponding state feedback and output feedback controllers are designed to achieve guaranteed cost control for the CPS with inherent packet dropouts under DoS jamming attacks. Finally, numerical examples are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of the guaranteed cost controllers.
Freezing of gait and dementia in parkinsonism: A retrospective case–control study
Authors: Palermo Giovanni , Frosini Daniela , Corsi Andrea , Giuntini Martina , Mazzucchi Sonia , Del Prete Eleonora , Bonuccelli Ubaldo , Ceravolo Roberto 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo support the cognitive model of Freezing of Gait (FoG) we investigated FoG in a cohort of patients with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB).Materials and MethodsWe assessed FoG frequency in 19 DLB patients compared to 19 control PD patients within 2 years from symptom onset and with at least 5 years follow‐up. The two groups were matched by age and motor presentation at onset, severity of parkinsonism and disease duration. The presence and severity of FoG was identified as those with a score of 1 or greater on subitem 14 of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part II (UPDRS II).ResultsAt T0, 68.4% DLB and 10.5% PD patients experienced FoG ≥1. The prevalence of FoG increased with disease progression (94.7% DLB and 47.3% PD subjects had FoG ≥1 at T5). DLB also showed a more severe FoG (FoG ≥2) than PD (21% vs. 0% at T0 and 52.6% vs. 10.5% at T5), consistently with previous studies reporting FoG prevalence in DLB.ConclusionThis is the first study looking specifically at FoG in DLB, identifying it as a frequent and early feature of DLB and emphasizing the crucial role of cognitive impairment in the occurrence of this mysterious phenomenon.
SART3D: A MATLAB toolbox for spatial audio and signal processing education
Authors: Cobos Maximo , Roger Sandra 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSignal processing courses form usually a common block within the curriculum of electrical engineering and computer science undergraduate studies. While signal processing is the science behind many technologies used in our everyday life, students usually feel that the practical use of signal processing subjects is obscured due to their intensive theoretical perspective. In this context, audio signal processing is a discipline where many general signal processing concepts can be easily experienced with sound. Specifically, spatial audio, i.e., the manipulation of audio signals with the aim of capturing and/or recreating the spatial impression of sound, provides an excellent and appealing application framework for signal processing education. This paper presents SART3D, an open‐source MATLAB toolbox that facilitates spatial audio and signal processing education by enabling students to focus on the implementation and testing of core algorithms and to experience their own results using real‐time processing. The time required for other nonrelevant aspects, such as hardware and driver set‐up or user interaction, is significantly reduced. Experience evaluated throughout four academic years and 45 students (25% female) indicate they felt particularly engaged when SART3D was included in the course, improving their performance and understanding of the subject. In this context, the four factors defined by the Student Course Engagement Questionnaire (skills, emotional, participation, and performance) were analyzed to assess engagement in its multiple dimensions.
Optical Control of Antibody Activity by Using Photocleavable Bivalent Peptide–DNA Locks
Authors: Wouters Simone F. A. , Wijker Elvira , Merkx Maarten 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAntibody‐based molecular recognition plays a central role in today's life sciences, ranging from immunoassays to molecular imaging and antibody‐based therapeutics. Control over antibody activity by using external triggers such as light could further increase the specificity of antibody‐based targeting. Here we present bivalent peptide–DNA ligands containing photocleavable linkers as a noncovalent approach by which to allow photoactivation of antibody activity. Light‐triggered cleavage of the 3‐amino‐3‐(2‐nitrophenyl)propionic acid peptide linker converted the high‐affinity bivalent peptide–DNA lock into weakly binding monovalent ligands, effectively restoring antibody targeting of cell‐surface receptors. In this work, a proof of principle was provided with an anti‐hemagglutinin antibody, but the molecular design of the lock is generic and applicable to any monoclonal antibody for which an epitope or mimotope of sufficient affinity is available.
Comparison of intracoronary versus intravenous adenosine‐induced maximal hyperemia for fractional flow reserve measurement: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Abo‐Aly Mohamed , Lolay Georges , Adams Christopher , Ahmed Ahmed Elsharawy , Abdel‐Latif Ahmed , Ziada Khaled M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to perform a systematic review and meta‐analysis of the available literature comparing fractional flow reserve (FFR) measurements after administration of adenosine using intracoronary (IC) bolus versus standard continuous intravenous (IV) infusion.BackgroundFFR is considered the gold standard for invasive assessment of coronary lesions of intermediate severity. IV adenosine is recommended to induce hyperemia; however, IC adenosine is widely used for convenience. The difference between IV and IC administration in lesions assessment is not well studied.MethodsWe systematically searched MEDLINE and relevant databases for studies comparing IV with IC adenosine administration for FFR measurement. We reviewed data pertaining to adenosine doses, side effects, and FFR values.ResultsEight studies addressing the primary question were identified. Dose of IC adenosine varied between 36 and 600 μg. Compared to IV adenosine infusion, the sensitivity of IC administration is 0.805 (95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.664–0.896; p < .001), specificity is 0.965 (95% CI: 0.932–0.983; p < .001), positive likelihood ratio is 24.218 (95% CI: 12,263–47.830; p < .001), negative likelihood ratio is 0.117 (95% CI: 0.033–0.411; p < .01), and diagnostic odds ratio is 274.225 [95% CI: 92.731–810.946; p < .001]. Overall, hemodynamic side effects and symptoms were reported more frequently with IV adenosine.ConclusionsThe available literature suggests that IC adenosine is well tolerated and may provide equivalent diagnostic accuracy compared to IV administration. However, variability in dosing regimens does not allow definitive conclusions regarding noninferiority of IC approach compared to IV administration.
Parapharyngeal abscess: A difficult diagnosis in younger children
Authors: Sudhanthar Sathyanarayan , Garg Anjali , Gold Jonathan , Napolova Olga 
Published: May 2019

AbstractParapharyngeal abscess is a difficult diagnosis to make in the pediatric population. Children <3 years of age present with fever, often the only sign at the initial presentation, thus causing a delay in diagnosis until the patient presents with more focal findings, such as a painful neck mass. Repeated follow‐up visits with the patient until the diagnosis is confirmed are critically important to prevent complications.
Crystal Structures and Melting Behaviors of 2D and 3D Anionic Coordination Polymers Containing Organometallic Ionic Liquid Components
Authors: Kimata Hironori , Mochida Tomoyuki 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlthough coordination polymers generally do not melt, several that do melt have been synthesized recently and have drawn much attention. In this study, two‐ and three‐dimensional coordination polymers that melt were synthesized, [Ru(Cp)(C6H5R)][M{C(CN)3}2] (R=H, Me, Et; M=K, Rb; Cp=C5H5), which are complex salts comprising M[C(CN)3] and organometallic ionic liquids [Ru(Cp)(C6H5R)][C(CN)3]. They have anionic [M{C(CN)3}2]n− coordination polymer frameworks, whose dimensionalities depend on the size of the organometallic cation inside. Their melting points decreased with increasing cation substituent length and size of the alkali metal ion (Tm=102–239 °C), and these low‐melting‐point coordination polymers exhibited incongruent melting, forming mixtures of solid M[C(CN)3] and ionic liquid upon melting. Using the same method, coordination polymers were synthesized with various bridging ligands, [Co(Cp)2][MX2] (X=B(CN)4, C(CN)3, N(CN)2; M=K, Na), as well as a paramagnetic coordination polymer, [Fe(Cp)2][K{C(CN)3}2].
Accessing the First nido‐Carborane‐Substituted Diphosphetane: A Ligand and Synthon for nido‐Carboranylphosphanes
Authors: Coburger Peter , Bielytskyi Pavlo , Williamson Darcy , Rys Evgeny , Kreienbrink Anika , Lönnecke Peter , Matysik Jörg , Hey‐Hawkins Evamarie 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDeboronation of a carborane‐substituted diphosphetane 2 in toluene yielded the first nido‐carboranyldiphosphetane 1. The P−P bond in 1 can be broken via dismutation reactions with diaryl dichalcogenides yielding nido‐carboranyl bis‐phosphanes that were not accessible via established synthetic protocols. Additionally, transition metal complexes of 1 could be isolated including one coordination polymer. Notably, when the deboronation of 2 is carried out in ethanol, unprecedented nido‐carborane‐substituted secondary bis‐phosphane monoxides (3, 4) are obtained. These compounds are interesting starting materials for further reactivity studies due to their P−H bonds. Experimental findings are supported by DFT calculations including the calculation of reaction mechanisms and NMR spectroscopic parameters.
The non‐genetic paternal factors for congenital heart defects: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Peng Jiayu , Meng Zhuo , Zhou Shuang , Zhou Yue , Wu Yujian , Wang Qingjie , Wang Jian , Sun Kun 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBackgroundAdvances have been made in identifying genetic etiologies and maternal risk factors of congenital heart defects (CHDs), while few literatures are available regarding paternal risk factors for CHDs. Thus, we aim to conduct a meta‐analysis and systematic review about the non‐genetic paternal risk factors for CHDs.MethodsWe searched the PubMed, MEDLINE, and Cochrane Library online databases and identified 31 studies published between 1990 and 2018 according to the inclusion criteria. Paternal risk factors were divided into subgroups, and summarized odd ratios (OR) were calculated.ResultsPaternal age between 24 and 29 years decreased the risk of CHDs in the offspring (OR = 0.90 [0.82, 0.98]), while paternal age ≥ 35 years old increased the risk of CHDs (35‐39 years old: OR = 1.14 [1.09, 1.19], and ≥ 40 years: OR = 1.27 [1.14, 1.42]). Paternal cigarette smoking increased the risk of CHDs in a dose‐dependent way. Paternal wine drinking (OR = 1.47 [1.05, 2.07]) and exposure to chemical agents or drugs (OR = 2.15 [1.53, 3.02]) also increased the risk of CHDs. Some specific paternal occupations were also associated with increased risk for CHDs or CHD subtypes including factory workers, janitors, painters, and plywood mill workers.ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis and systematic review suggested that advanced paternal age, cigarette smoking, wine drinking, exposure to chemical agents or drugs and some specific occupations were associated with an increased risk of CHDs. More measures should be taken to reduce occupational and environment exposures. At the same time, fertility at certain age and establishment of healthy life habits are strongly recommended.
Switchable Solubility of Azobenzene‐Based Bolaamphiphiles
Authors: Urner Leonhard H. , Schade Boris , Schulze Maiko , Folmert Kristin , Haag Rainer , Pagel Kevin 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe ability to design amphiphiles with predictable solubility properties is of everlasting interest in supramolecular chemistry. Relevant structural parameters include the hydrophobic–hydrophilic balance and structural flexibility. In this work, we investigate the water solubility of azobenzene‐based triglycerol bolaamphiphiles (TGBAs). In particular, we analyzed the structural effects of backbone hydrophobicity, flexibility, and cis/trans isomerization on the water solubility of a subset of five TGBAs. This leads to the first example of a non‐ionic bolaamphiphile whose water solubility can be changed by irradiation with light. The underlying kinetics were monitored using liquid chromatography and a closer analysis of the underlying aggregation processes provides a mechanistic understanding of the light‐driven dissolution process. We anticipate that the results obtained will help to engineer bolaamphiphiles with predictable solution properties in the future.
Acetazolamide to increase natriuresis in congestive heart failure at high risk for diuretic resistance
Authors: Verbrugge Frederik H. , Martens Pieter , Ameloot Koen , Haemels Veerle , Penders Joris , Dupont Matthias , Tang Wai Hong Wilson , Droogné Walter , Mullens Wilfried 
Published: May 2019

AimsTo investigate the effects of acetazolamide on natriuresis, decongestion, kidney function and neurohumoral activation in acute heart failure (AHF).Methods and resultsThis prospective, two‐centre study included 34 AHF patients on loop diuretics with volume overload. All had a serum sodium concentration < 135 mmol/L and/or serum urea/creatinine ratio > 50 and/or an admission serum creatinine increase of > 0.3 mg/dL compared to baseline. Patients were randomised towards acetazolamide 250–500 mg daily plus bumetanide 1–2 mg bid vs. high‐dose loop diuretics (bumetanide bid with daily dose twice the oral maintenance dose). The primary endpoint was natriuresis after 24 h. Natriuresis after 24 h was similar in the combinational treatment vs. loop diuretic only arm (264 ± 126 vs. 234 ± 133 mmol; P = 0.515). Loop diuretic efficiency, defined as natriuresis corrected for loop diuretic dose, was higher in the group receiving acetazolamide (84 ± 46 vs. 52 ± 42 mmol/mg bumetanide; P = 0.048). More patients in the combinational treatment arm had an increase in serum creatinine levels > 0.3 mg/dL (P = 0.046). N‐terminal pro‐B‐type natriuretic peptide reduction and peak neurohumoral activation within 72 h were comparable among treatment arms. There was a non‐significant trend towards lower all‐cause mortality or heart failure readmissions in the group receiving acetazolamide with low‐dose loop diuretics vs. high‐dose loop diuretic monotherapy (P = 0.098).ConclusionAddition of acetazolamide increases the natriuretic response to loop diuretics compared to an increase in loop diuretic dose in AHF at high risk for diuretic resistance.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01973335.