bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reproducing the internal and external anatomy of fossil bones: Two new automatic digital tools
Authors: Profico Antonio , Schlager Stefan , Valoriani Veronica , Buzi Costantino , Melchionna Marina , Veneziano Alessio , Raia Pasquale , Moggi‐Cecchi Jacopo , Manzi Giorgio 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesWe present two new automatic tools, developed under the R environment, to reproduce the internal and external structures of bony elements. The first method, Computer‐Aided Laser Scanner Emulator (CA‐LSE), provides the reconstruction of the external portions of a 3D mesh by simulating the action of a laser scanner. The second method, Automatic Segmentation Tool for 3D objects (AST‐3D), performs the digital reconstruction of anatomical cavities.Materials and methodsWe present the application of CA‐LSE and AST‐3D methods to different anatomical remains, highly variable in terms of shape, size and structure: a modern human skull, a malleus bone, and a Neanderthal deciduous tooth. Both methods are developed in the R environment and embedded in the packages “Arothron” and “Morpho,” where both the codes and the data are fully available.ResultsThe application of CA‐LSE and AST‐3D allows the isolation and manipulation of the internal and external components of the 3D virtual representation of complex bony elements. In particular, we present the output of the four case studies: a complete modern human endocast and the right maxillary sinus, the dental pulp of the Neanderthal tooth and the inner network of blood vessels of the malleus.DiscussionBoth methods demonstrated to be much faster, cheaper, and more accurate than other conventional approaches. The tools we presented are available as add‐ons in existing software within the R platform. Because of ease of application, and unrestrained availability of the methods proposed, these tools can be widely used by paleoanthropologists, paleontologists and anatomists.
Improvement of microstructures and properties of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε‐caprolactone) blends compatibilized with polyoxymethylene
Authors: Song Zijian , Huang Xiulong , Lu Xueli , Lv Qiaoqiang , Xu Nai , Pang Sujuan , Pan Lisha , Li Tan 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTIncompatibility of poly(lactic acid)/poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) (PLA/PCL) (80:20) and (70:30) blends were modified by incorporation of a small amount of polyoxymethylene (POM) (≤3 phr). Impact of POM on microstructures and tensile property of the blends were investigated. It is found that the introduction of POM into the PLA/PCL blends significantly improves their tensile property. With increasing POM loading from zero to 3 phr, elongation at break increases from 93.2% for the PLA/PCL (70:30) sample to 334.8% for the PLA/PCL/POM (70:30:3) sample. A size reduction in PCL domains and reinforcement in interfacial adhesion with increasing POM loading are confirmed by SEM observations. The compatibilization effect of POM on PLA/PCL blends can be attributed to hydrogen bonding between methylene groups of POM and carbonyl groups of PLA and PCL. In addition, nonisothermal and isothermal crystallization behaviors of PLA/PCL/POM (70:30:x) samples were investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry and wide angle X‐ray diffraction measurements. The results indicate that the crystallization dynamic of PLA matrix increases with POM loadings. It can be attributed to the fact that POM crystals have a nucleating effect on PLA. While crystallization temperature is 100 °C, crystallization half‐time can reduce from 9.4 to 2.0 min with increasing POM loading from zero to 3 phr. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46536.
Effect of graphite on the flame retardancy and thermal conductivity of P‐N flame retarding PA6
Authors: Zhang Luchong , Wang Liang , Fischer Andreas , Wu Wei , Drummer Dietmar 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTIn this article, a novel flame‐retardant polyamide 6 (PA6) was prepared by introducing a halogen‐free flame‐retardant (OP1314). Graphite was added as a flame‐retardant synergistic agent, and the flame retardancy was enhanced, especially the melt‐dripping was forbidden and for the formula of PA6/12 wt % OP1314/5 wt % graphite, UL94 V‐0 grade was reached. Meanwhile, the graphite is also an excellent thermal conductive filler and with the addition of 5 wt % graphite in the flame‐retardant PA6 mixtures, the thermal conductivity (λ) rose to 1.2 W/mK which was nearly three times higher than the flame‐retardant PA6. Due to the good flame retardancy and improved thermal conductivity, the material could be suitable for applications in electronic and electrical devices. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46559.
Mechanical and piezo‐resistive properties of styrene–butadiene–styrene copolymer covalently modified with graphene/styrene–butadiene–styrene composites
Authors: Hong Kailiang , Wang Zhe , Lu Guoming , Wei Lai , Yuan Zhijuan , Wang Hongqing , Qiao Zhen , Wang Lun , Wang Xue , Li Zewen 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTAs novel piezoelectric materials, carbon‐reinforced polymer composites exhibit excellent piezoelectric properties and flexibility. In this study, we used a styrene–butadiene–styrene triblock copolymer covalently grafted with graphene (SBS‐g‐RGO) to prepare SBS‐g‐RGO/styrene–butadiene–styrene (SBS) composites to enhance the organic solubility of graphene sheets and its dispersion in composites. Once exfoliated from natural graphite, graphene oxide was chemically modified with 1,6‐hexanediamine to functionalize with amino groups (GO–NH2), and this was followed by reduction with hydrazine [amine‐functionalized graphene oxide (RGO–NH2)]. SBS‐g‐RGO was finally obtained by the reaction of RGO–NH2 and maleic anhydride grafted SBS. After that, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and other methods were applied to characterize SBS‐g‐RGO. The results indicate that the SBS molecules were grafted onto the graphene sheets by covalent bonds, and SBS‐g‐RGO was dispersed well. In addition, the mechanical and electrical conductivity properties of the SBS‐g‐RGO/SBS composites showed significant improvements because of the excellent interfacial interactions and homogeneous dispersion of SBS‐g‐RGO in SBS. Moreover, the composites exhibited remarkable piezo resistivity under vertical compression and great repeatability after 10 compression cycles; thus, the composites have the potential to be applied in sensor production. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 46568.
Correlation between cortical lesions and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Curti Erica , Graziuso Stefania , Tsantes Elena , Crisi Girolamo , Granella Franco 
Published: April 2018

AbstractObjectivesGray matter (GM) damage is well known as a fundamental aspect of multiple sclerosis (MS). Above all, cortical lesions (CLs) burden, detectable at MRI with double inversion recovery (DIR) sequences, has been demonstrated to correlate with cognitive impairment (CI). The aim of this study was to investigate the role of CLs number in predicting CI in a cohort of patients with MS in a clinical practice setting.Materials and methodsThirty consecutive patients with MS presenting CLs (CL+) at high‐field (3.0 T) MRI 3D‐DIR sequences and an even group of MS patients without CLs (CL‐) as a control, were investigated with the Rao Brief Repeatable Battery of Neuropsychological Tests (BRB), Version A. Total and lobar CLs number were computed in CL+ patients.ResultsAmong the sixty patients with MS enrolled, forty‐seven (78.3%) had a relapsing‐remitting course, while thirteen (21.7%) a progressive one, eleven secondary progressive, and two primary progressive. Compared to CL−, CL+ patients had a greater proportion of progressive forms (p = .03). The most affected region was the frontal lobe (73.3% of patients), followed by temporal and parietal ones (both 60.0%). Multivariate (logistic regression) analysis revealed a significant correlation between total CLs number and the presence of mild cognitive impairment defined as pathologic score in at least one BRB test (p = .04); it was also correlated with deficit at PASAT 3 (p = .05) and Stroop Test (p = .02).ConclusionsWe confirmed CLs number, evaluated with a technique quite commonly available in clinical practice, as a predictive factor of CI in patients with MS, in order to improve the diagnosis and management of CI and monitor potential neuroprotective effects of therapies.
Effects of high‐intensity ultrasound pretreatment with different levels of power output on the antioxidant properties of alcalase hydrolyzates from Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) protein isolate
Authors: Li Xuan , Da Siying , Li Chen , Xue Feng , Zang Tianli 
Published: April 2018

Background and objectivesThe effects of ultrasound pretreatment with different levels of power output (200, 400, and 600 W) on hydrolysis degree of Quinoa protein isolate (QPI) and antioxidant activity of QPI hydrolyzate were studied. The secondary structure, surface hydrophobicity, intrinsic fluorescence, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of QPI treated by ultrasound were measured. The untreated QPI and high‐temperature treatment (90°C for 30 min) were used as control.FindingsThe results showed that ultrasound pretreatment at 400 W significantly improved the hydrolysis degree of QPI and antioxidant activity of QPI hydrolyzate. The changes in secondary structure, surface hydrophobicity, and intrinsic fluorescence indicated the unfolding of QPI after ultrasound. The SEM results showed that ultrasound treatment resulted in the deformation of QPI.ConclusionsThe improvement in degree of hydrolysis might be related to the changes in structure induced by ultrasound treatment, which supported more groups for the process of enzymatic hydrolysis.Significance and noveltyThe power output selection of ultrasound pretreatment is essential for improvement of accessibility of QPI to the alcalase and preparation of antioxidant peptides.
Congenital erythrocytosis – discover of a new mutation in the EGLN1 gene
Authors: Barradas João , Rodrigues Catarina Dantas , Ferreira Gisela , Rocha Paula , Constanço Conceição , Andrade Maria Reis , Bento Celeste , Silva Helena Matos 
Published: April 2018

Key Clinical MessageCongenital erythrocytosis is a hereditary disorder due to an increase in red cell mass that can be caused by mutations in proteins involved in HIF‐α pathway, as PHD2. Hereby, we describe a new familial mutation in PHD2 gene. Considering an increased thrombotic potential, patients began antiplatelet aggregation therapy and phlebotomies.
Improving the Back Surface Field on an Amorphous Silicon Carbide Thin‐Film Photocathode for Solar Water Splitting
Authors: Perez‐Rodriguez Paula , Cardenas‐Morcoso Drialys , Digdaya Ibadillah A. , Raventos Andrea Mangel , Procel Paul , Isabella Olindo , Gimenez Sixto , Zeman Miro , Smith Wilson A. , Smets Arno H. M. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAmorphous silicon carbide (a‐SiC:H) is a promising material for photoelectrochemical water splitting owing to its relatively small band‐gap energy and high chemical and optoelectrical stability. This work studies the interplay between charge‐carrier separation and collection, and their injection into the electrolyte, when modifying the semiconductor/electrolyte interface. By introducing an n‐doped nanocrystaline silicon oxide layer into a p‐doped/intrinsic a‐SiC:H photocathode, the photovoltage and photocurrent of the device can be significantly improved, reaching values higher than 0.8 V. This results from enhancing the internal electric field of the photocathode, reducing the Shockley–Read–Hall recombination at the crucial interfaces because of better charge‐carrier separation. In addition, the charge‐carrier injection into the electrolyte is enhanced by introducing a TiO2 protective layer owing to better band alignment at the interface. Finally, the photocurrent was further enhanced by tuning the absorber layer thickness, arriving at a thickness of 150 nm, after which the current saturates to 10 mA cm−2 at 0 V vs. the reversible hydrogen electrode in a 0.2 m aqueous potassium hydrogen phthalate (KPH) electrolyte at pH 4.
Gender equity at scientific events
Authors: Débarre F. , Rode N. O. , Ugelvig L. V. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAlthough the proportion of women in science, and in evolutionary biology in particular, has substantially increased over the last century, women remain underrepresented in academia, especially at senior levels. In addition, their scientific achievements do not always receive the same level of recognition as do men's, which can be reflected in a lower relative representation of women among invited speakers at conferences or specialized courses. Using announcements sent to the EvolDir mailing list between April 2016 and September 2017, and the symposium programs of three large evolutionary biology congresses held in summer 2017, we quantified the representation of women announced as invited speakers in conferences, congress symposia, and specialized courses. We compared the proportion of invited women to a baseline estimated using membership data of the associated scientific societies, and surveyed organizers to investigate their influence and that of potential gender-ratio guidelines on the proportion of invited women. We find that the average proportion of invited women is comparable (conferences), significantly lower (specialized courses), or significantly higher (congress symposia) than the current baseline (32% women). It is positively correlated to the proportion of women among the organizers, and it is on average higher for events whose organizers considered gender when choosing speakers than for those whose organizers did not. To investigate the impact of Equal Opportunity guidelines, we then collected longitudinal data on the proportion of invited women at two series of congresses, covering the 2001–2017 period. The proportion of invited women is higher when Equal Opportunity guidelines are announced. Encouraging women to sit on organizing committees of scientific events, and the establishment of visible Equal Opportunity guidelines, thus could be ways to ensure higher number of invited female speakers in the future. Our results suggest that change, if desired, requires deliberate actions.
Photovoltaic polymers based on difluoroqinoxaline units with deep HOMO levels
Authors: Song Suhee , Keum Sangha , Lee Ji‐Hyun , Lee Jihoon , Kim Seungmin , Park Seong Soo , Kim Jin Young , Park Sung Heum , Jin Youngeup 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTWe report the synthesis of low bandgap polymers with a difluoroquinoxaline unit by Stille polymerization for use in polymer solar cells (PSCs). A new series of copolymers with 2,3‐didodecyl‐6,7‐difluoro quinoxaline as the electron‐deficient unit and alkyloxybenzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene and thiophene as the electron‐rich unit were synthesized. The photovoltaic properties of the devices based on the synthesized polymers revealed that the fluorine atoms at the quinoxaline units aid in decreasing the highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) energy levels; this in turn increased the open circuit voltage of the devices. The polymers with long alkyl chains exhibited good solubility that increased their molecular weight, but the power conversion efficiency was low. Efficient polymer solar cells were fabricated by blending the synthesized copolymers with PC71BM, and the PCE increased up to 5.11% under 100 mW cm−2 AM 1.5 illumination. These results demonstrate that the importance of having a control polymer to be synthesized and characterized side by side with the fluorine analogues. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1489–1497
Frontal polymerization for smart intrinsic self‐healing hydrogels and its integration with microfluidics
Authors: Tsegay Nigus Mesele , Du Xiang‐Yun , Liu Si‐Si , Wang Cai‐Feng , Chen Su 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTFrontal polymerization (FP) is applied for the synthesis of β‐cyclodextrin/poly(vinylimidazole‐co‐N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐acrylic acid) (β‐CD/P(VI‐co‐NVCL‐co‐AA)) copolymers. The dependence of frontal velocity and temperature on the initiator and cross‐linker are discussed. The synthesized copolymers have been characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The thermo‐pH dual‐stimuli responsive behavior of the hydrogel is determined by swelling measurement at different temperatures and pH values. Besides, the hydrogels show intrinsic self‐healing behavior and their healing efficiency is determined by the mechanical tests. Interestingly, we integrate FP with microfluidic technology, which may realize the execution of FP under continuous condition. Such simple microfluidics‐FP integrated approach has both methodological and practical value for the synthesis of functional materials. This paper mainly presents the synthesis and characterization of β‐cyclodextrin/poly(vinylimidazole‐co‐N‐vinylcaprolactam‐co‐acrylic acid) (β‐CD/P(VI‐co‐NVCL‐co‐AA)) copolymers by using thermal frontal polymerization (TFP). Hydrogels were found to be self‐healing with good mechanical performance and show dual thermo‐pH responsive behavior. Low‐cost, energy‐saving and efficient method of thermal frontal polymerization process was integrated with microfluidics technology to prepare supraball hydrogel. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1412–1423
Synthesis and characterization of novel phosphonated and sulfonated poly(styrene–isobutylene–styrene) for fuel cell and protective clothing applications
Authors: Ruiz‐Colón Eduardo , Pérez‐Pérez Maritza , Suleiman David 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTA novel aromatic block–graft copolymer of sulfonated poly(styrene–isobutylene–styrene)‐graft‐poly(vinyl phosphonic acid) (SIBS‐g‐PVPA SO3H) was synthetized for direct methanol fuel cell (DMFC) and chemical and biological protective clothing (CBPC) applications. The polystyrene (PS) blocks of SIBS were chloromethylated via a Friedel–Crafts reaction to obtain the macroinitiator SIBS‐CH2Cl. Atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) was performed to graft VPA to the chloromethylated groups of the macroinitiator and yield SIBS‐g‐PVPA, which was subsequently sulfonated using acetyl sulfate as the sulfonating agent. After each functionalization step, a membrane was prepared by using the solvent casting technique. The final membrane was composed of triblock SIBS as the backbone, PVPA grafts attached to the chloromethylated PS end blocks and sulfonic groups in the non‐chloromethylated PS units. A comprehensive materials characterization study (e.g., GPC, FTIR, TGA, EA) was performed to confirm proper functionalization of each material. Unique ionic interactions (i.e., crosslinking via formation of sulfonate–phosphonium complexes) arose between the phosphonic and sulfonic groups (i.e., PO3H2 and SO3H, respectively) that enhanced the water absorption capabilities, thermal and oxidative stability, and the transport properties of SIBS. The SIBS‐g‐PVPA SO3H membrane presented high Nafion® normalized selectivity and separation efficiency, indicating that this ionomer adequately functions for both applications. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1424–1435
Enhancing cationic ring‐opening photopolymerization of cycloaliphatic epoxides via dark cure and oxetanes
Authors: Kaalberg Sara , Jessop Julie L. P. 
Published: April 2018

ABSTRACTDue to the longevity of the cationic active centers, cationic ring‐opening photopolymerization can continue after illumination ceases. In addition, substantial reactivity enhancement for epoxides is realized through copolymerization with oxetanes. Here, the separate reactions of epoxide and oxetane moieties were resolved during illumination and subsequent dark cure via real‐time Raman spectroscopy. Using oxetane additives, reactivity and conversion of 3,4‐epoxycyclohexylmethyl‐3′,4′‐epoxycyclohexane carboxylate (EEC) were improved during illumination and subsequent dark cure through modulation of the initial formulation viscosity and selection of the oxetane secondary functional groups. The largest enhancement in reactivity occurred with secondary groups comprising either aliphatic chains with their flexibility or hydroxyls with their chain‐transfer capacity. In contrast, oxetanes containing UV‐absorbing phenyl rings reduced the initiation efficiency, and difunctional oxetanes suppressed overall conversion through additional crosslinking. Although bulk conversion was directly related to initial formulation viscosity, the impact of the oxetane secondary functional groups was greater. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018, 56, 1436–1445
The Water Retention Index: Using land use planning to manage water resources in Europe
Authors: Vandecasteele Ine , Marí i Rivero Inés , Baranzelli Claudia , Becker William , Dreoni Ilda , Lavalle Carlo , Batelaan Okke 
Published: April 2018

AbstractAppropriate land management can be an effective approach to improving water quantity regulation. There is, however, a need to identify both where measures are most needed and where they may be most effective. The water retention index (WRI) was developed with this goal in mind. The WRI is a composite indicator which takes into account parameters reflecting potential water retention in vegetation, water bodies, soil and underlying aquifers, as well as the influence of slope and artificially sealed areas. Three land management scenarios were simulated up to 2030 using the LUISA modeling platform: increasing grassland in upstream areas as well as afforestation in both upstream areas and riparian zones. The WRI was computed for all scenarios as well as a comparative “business‐as‐usual” baseline scenario. All scenarios showed an overall improvement of the index as compared to this baseline, with afforestation in upstream areas having the greatest effect. The WRI can provide useful insights into the current capacity of a landscape to regulate water as well as the effectiveness of possible remediation strategies applied at the European scale.
Baltic amber impact on historical biogeography and palaeoclimate research: oriental rove beetleDysanabatiumfound in the Eocene of Europe (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Paederinae)
Authors: Bogri Amalia , Solodovnikov Alexey , Żyła Dagmara 
Published: April 2018

AbstractBaltic amber is a rich source of fossilized organisms and a valuable tool for evolutionary, biogeographical and palaeoenvironmental research. Because it is found in several deposits around the Baltic Sea, the exact area of origin, age in the Eocene and palaeoenvironment of the amber forest form a subject for ongoing discussion. Furthermore, there is a puzzling connection between Eocene climate change and the co‐occurrence of thermophilic and temperate insect taxa in Baltic amber, sometimes even in the same inclusions. We revisit these issues through a new piece of evidence: the rare South‐East Asian rove beetle genusDysanabatium(11 extant species) found to be abundant in Baltic amber. We describe four new extinct species ofDysanabatiumbased on 13 specimens from 8 amber pieces collected in Denmark, Poland, Ukraine and Russia. These species areDysanabatium kechrimparensesp. nov.,D. aenaumsp. nov.,D. damgaardisp. nov. andD. johannesisp. nov. The occurrence of one species,D. kechrimparensesp. nov., in the amber from all countries, as well as its co‐occurrence withD. damgaardisp. nov. in one amber piece from Russia, suggest a possible common origin of Baltic amber from all these deposits.Dysanabatiumadds to a plethora of fossil species congeneric with extant species restricted to South‐East Asia, which points to the warm and equable climate of the north European Eocene amber forest.