bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Random sampling technique to predict the molecular weight distribution in nonlinear polymerization
Authors: Tobita Hidetaka 
Published: April 2019

SUMMARYComprehensive accounts for the newly proposed concept of the random sampling technique are given in detail. This techniques involves random sampling of polymer molecules from an infinite number of polymeric species in the reaction mixture, and can provide a deeper insight into the complex molecular buildup processes such as those involving branching, crosslinking, and degradation reactions. For simpler cases, the analytical solutions for the molecular weight distribution can be obtained. By combining this technique with the Monte Carlo method, one obtains a very powerful simulator that can be applied to virtually any type of nonlinear polymer formation (or degradation) irrespective of the reactor types used, as long as the chain‐length and structural dependences of the reaction kinetics can be neglected. In the Monte Carlo simulations, we can observe the structure of each polymer molecule directly so that very detailed structural information, including the spatial distribution of polymer chains, can be obtained in a straightforward manner. Several types of nonlinear polymerization schemes are used to illustrate the fundamentals of the presented technique.
Balance impairment in pediatric charcot–marie–tooth disease
Authors: Estilow Timothy , Glanzman Allan M. , Burns Joshua , Harrington Ann , Cornett Kayla , Menezes Manoj P. , Shy Rosemary , Moroni Isabella , Pagliano Emanuela , Pareyson Davide , Bhandari Trupti , Muntoni Francesco , Laurá Matilde , Reilly Mary M. , Finkel Richard S. , Eichinger Kate J. , Herrmann David N. , Troutman Gregory , Bray Paula , Halaki Mark , Shy Michael E. , Yum Sabrina W. ,   for the CMTPedS STUDY GROUP
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Balance impairment contributes to gait dysfunction, falls, and reduced quality of life in adults with Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (CMT) but has been minimally examined in pediatric CMT. Methods: The CMT Pediatric Scale (CMTPedS) was administered to 520 children with CMT. Associations between balance function (Bruininks–Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency [BOT‐2]) and sensorimotor and gait impairments were investigated. Results: Daily trips/falls were reported by 42.3% of participants. Balance (BOT‐2) varied by CMT subtype, was impaired in 42% of 4‐year‐olds, and declined with age (P < 0.001). Vibration (P < 0.001), pinprick (P < 0.004), ankle dorsiflexion strength (P < 0.001), and foot alignment (P < 0.004) were associated with BOT‐2 balance (adjusted R2 = 0.28). The visual dependence of balance increased with age. Discussion: Balance impairment occurs from a young age in children with CMT. Balance intervention studies are required in pediatric CMT and should consider the degree of sensorimotor impairment, foot malalignment, and visual dependence. Muscle Nerve, 2019
Influence of flax/polypropylene distribution in twistless thermally bonded rovings on their composite properties
Authors: Bar Mahadev , Das Apurba , Alagirusamy Ramasamy 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFlax has a short fiber length that makes the control of fiber orientation in the composite structure very difficult, which leads to composites with inferior mechanical properties. In order to overcome this difficulty, thermally bonded roving (TBR) with a novel structure where the flax fibers are in a twistfree state and are highly oriented to the roving axis have been developed. In this study, the influence of flax/polypropylene (PP) based TBR structures on their unidirectional (UD) composite properties has been explored. In total, five sets of TBR samples with varying the flax contents (40, 50, and 60 wt% levels) and with varying degrees of flax and PP fiber mixing by changing the number of drawing passages (two times, four times, and six times) have been produced in a specially designed machine. The produced TBR samples are consolidated in a compression molding machine and the resultant unidirectional composites are tested for tensile, flexural, and impact properties. It has been observed that the tensile, flexural, and impact properties of the composite samples improve with increasing flax content and with increasing flax and PP fiber mixing in the roving structure. The present composite samples exhibit better mechanical properties compared to those reported for flax/PP composites in literature. It is mainly due to better fiber orientation and fiber‐matrix distribution in the present composite samples.
Phenolic compounds profile and biochemical properties of honeys in relationship to the honey floral sources
Authors: Ciucure Corina Teodora , Geană Elisabeta‐Irina 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIntroductionHoney has been considered to have therapeutic properties since ancient times and among the factors responsible for such activity are phenolic compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids from different natural sources.ObjectiveThis study investigated the phenolic compounds profile and bioactive properties of different honey types from Romanian flora in order to develop reliable tools for honey floral origin, thus contributing to the honey traceability in the European Union context.Material and methodsThirty‐three honey samples were examined, including unifloral (acacia and rape), polyfloral, honeydew honeys and mixture honeys. Phenolic acids and flavonoids were isolated from the water soluble honey matrix using a solid‐phase extraction (SPE) method and analysed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography diode array detector electrospray ionisation mass spectrometry (UHPLC‐DAD‐ESI/MS). Honey bioactive properties were measured in honey dissolved in 80% ethanol using UV‐visible spectrophotometric methods. Multivariate statistical tools (principal component analysis and hierarchical clustering analysis) were used for honey classification.ResultsThe results of this study confirm that honey samples had similar, but quantitatively different, phenolic acids and flavonoids profiles and bioactive properties, related with honey floral source. Coloured honeys, such as honeydew honey, show high phenolic composition and bioactive properties and implicitly a high therapeutic potential compared with the other floral honeys.ConclusionDistinctive clusters obtained by principal component analysis enabled us to consider that honeydew and polyfloral honeys could be distinguished from acacia and rape honey with the analytical methods developed. Based on this study, the methods might be promising tools for honey traceability, which needs to be explored on a larger set of samples with different regional floral origins in future studies.
Higher Structures, Self‐Dual Strings and 6d Superconformal Field Theories
Authors: Sämann Christian 
Published: April 2019

AbstractI summarize and discuss some recent results on formulating actions of six‐dimensional superconformal field theories using the language of higher gauge theory. The latter guarantees mathematical consistency of our constructions and we review crucial aspects of this framework, such as ‐algebras and corresponding kinematical data given by higher connections. We then show that there is a mathematically consistent non‐Abelian extension of the self‐dual string equation which satisfies many physical expectations. Our construction favors a particular higher gauge group leading us to higher principal bundles known as string structures. Using these, we manage to formulate a six‐dimensional action which shares many properties with the famous (2,0)‐theory but also still differs from it in some key points.
Tying pest insects in knots: the deployment of spider‐venom‐derived knottins as bioinsecticides
Authors: King Glenn F 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSpider venoms are complex chemical arsenals that contain a rich variety of insecticidal toxins. However, the major toxin class in many spider venoms is disulfide‐rich peptides known as knottins. The knotted three‐dimensional fold of these mini‐proteins provides them with exceptional chemical and thermal stability as well as resistance to proteases. In contrast with other bioinsecticides, which are often slow‐acting, spider knottins are fast‐acting neurotoxins. In addition to being potently insecticidal, some knottins have exceptional taxonomic selectivity, being lethal to key agricultural pests but innocuous to vertebrates and beneficial insects such as bees. The intrinsic oral activity of these peptides, combined with the ability of aerosolized knottins to penetrate insect spiracles, has enabled them to be developed commercially as eco‐friendly bioinsecticides. Moreover, it has been demonstrated that spider‐knottin transgenes can be used to engineer faster‐acting entomopathogens and insect‐resistant crops. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Intensity calibration and sensitivity factors for XPS instruments with monochromatic Ag Lα and Al Kα sources
Authors: Shard Alexander G. , Counsell Jonathan D.P. , Cant David J. H. , Smith Emily F. , Navabpour Parnia , Zhang Xiaoling , Blomfield Christopher J. 
Published: April 2019

This paper provides a description of the transmission function of an X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrument operating with exchangeable Al Kα (1486.6 eV) and Ag Lα (2984.3 eV) sources. Both sources use the same quartz crystal monochromator and illuminate the same area of the sample. The transmission‐function–corrected data from sputter cleaned gold provides a useful reference material to calibrate other instruments of the same type. Sensitivity factors for Ag Lα and Al Kα are calculated from photoionisation cross sections and electron effective attenuation lengths. These compare well with previous experimental values and data acquired from ionic liquids. The intensity of the Ag Lα source is found to be approximately 50 times lower than the Al Kα source. This, coupled with generally lower photoemission efficiencies, results in noisier data or extended acquisition times. However, there are clear advantages to using the Ag Lα source to analyse certain elements where additional core levels can be accessed and for many technologically important elements where interference from Auger electron peaks can be eliminated. The combination of calibrated data from both sources provides direct and easily interpreted insight into the depth distribution of chemical species. This could be particularly important for topographic samples, where angle resolved experiments are not always helpful. We also demonstrate, using thin coatings of chromium and carbon, that the inelastic background in Ag Lα wide‐scan spectra has a significantly increased information depth compared with Al Kα.
A One‐Pot Synthesis of Platinum Nanoparticles on Electrochemically Exfoliated Graphite
Authors: Glass Dean E. , Galvan Vicente , Prakash Surya 
Published: April 2019

AbstractGraphite rods were electrochemically exfoliated in an aqueous solution of H2PtCl6 at potentials ranging from 2.5 V to 10 V. The solution was then directly reduced in the same pot with hydrazine hydrate. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) confirmed the platinum deposition onto the exfoliated graphene while Raman spectroscopy and X‐Ray Diffraction (XRD) displayed varying degrees of disorder and oxidation in the graphitic lattices exfoliated at the various potentials. Half‐cell electrochemical tests showed the reduced graphene oxide supported platinum catalysts exfoliated at 5 V displayed the highest electrochemical activity for oxygen reduction in the acidic media while the catalyst exfoliated at 8 V displayed the lowest activity.
The Application of Silver Nanoclusters to Sensing, Cell Imaging and Construction of Molecular Logic Gates
Authors: Samai Boby , Mati Soumya Sundar , Singharoy Dipti , Bhattacharya Subhash Chandra 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA simple sensitive method to detect both biothiols and cobalt ion among a series of amino acids and metal ions respectively using a single system of fluorescent silver nanoclusters (AgNC) stabilized by hyperbranched polyethylenimine (PEI) has been demonstrated herein. The sensing response of fluorescent AgNC towards both biothiols and cobalt ion has been applied to construct different molecular logic gates. The characterisation of fluorescent AgNC (size ∼ 3 nm) and recognition mechanism towards the biothiols and metal ion have been discussed thoroughly. The sensing property of both biological system and a metal ion with a single system like tiny fluorescent metal nanocluster and their application in the device technology as a logic gate is surely a step to tie the bond between biology and technology through molecular spectroscopy.
Strontium‐Carboxylate‐Based Coordination Polymers: Synthesis, Structure and Dielectric Properties
Authors: Balendra  , Banday Azeem , Kumar Vineet , Murugavel Sevi , Ramanan Arunachalam 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSolvothermal reaction of strontium ions with selected N‐containing and/or V‐shaped carboxylates led to the crystallization of six new coordination polymers: [Sr(2‐PZC)2] (1), [Sr(2,5‐PDC)(DMF)] (2), [Sr(2,5‐PDC)(DMA)] (3), [Sr(IDA)2] (4), [Sr(SBA)(H2O)2].DMF (5) and [Sr2(FBA)2(H2O)2(DMA)2].DMA (6) where, 2‐PZC=2‐pyrazinecarboxylate, 2,5‐PDC=2,5‐pyridinedicarboxylate, IDA=iminodiacetate, SBA=4,4′‐sulfonyldibenzoate and FBA=4,4′ (hexafluoroisopropylidene)bis(benzoate). Crystal structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and further characterized by powder X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis, IR spectra, and TG analyses. Single crystal of 1 shows the occurrence of distorted rings made of twelve strontium carboxylate polyhedra connected in 3D. The structures of 2, 3, 5 and 6 are characterized by the presence of strontium carboxylate columns made of edge‐sharing SrOn polyhedra but connected differently to each other through organic linkers. The solids 2 and 3 are isostructural and contain rhombic channels which are occupied by the coordinated solvents. In solid 4, strontium occurred in a rare octahedral geometry bridged by IDA2− extending into 2D sheets. The structural features of 5 and 6 synthesized using V‐shaped ligands show 2D square‐shaped channel network. All the solids showed dielectric constants in the range 8–20. The solvent‐less 1 showed a relatively low dielectric constant (∼8) in comparison to 2, 3 and 4. The solids 5 and 6 with flexible ligands showed higher dielectric constants (∼17 and ∼20 respectively).
Chalcogen‐Containing Diols: A Novel Chiral Derivatizing Agent for 77Se and 125Te NMR Chiral Recognition of Primary Amines
Authors: Lima Yanka Rocha , Peglow Thiago Jacobsen , Nobre Patrick Carvalho , Campos Patrick Teixeira , Perin Gelson , Lenardão Eder J. , Silva Márcio S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this work, a novel chiral diol containing a chalcogen was developed for the 77Se and 125Te NMR chiral recognition of racemic primary amines. The enantiopure chiral derivatizing agents were synthesized from a readily available and versatile (S)‐solketal reagent. The synthesis was performed in three steps with satisfactory yields. The chiral derivatizing agents containing selenium or tellurium nuclides were evaluated for effective NMR chiral discrimination of racemic primary amines by a simple three component chiral derivatization protocol through the modified James‐Bull method. The split 77Se and 125Te NMR signals are well‐distinguishable and greater than 1H NMR signals. The Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY) NMR 2D analysis and semi‐empirical method suggest a conformational preference of diastereoisomers, that provide information of the absolute configuration using selenium and tellurium chiral derivatizing agents.
Progress towards the Synthesis of (‐)‐Ushikulide A: Synthesis of C1‐C15 Aliphatic and C17‐C31 Spiroketal Fragments by an Aldol Approach
Authors: Rahman Mohammad Ataur , Reddy N. Mallikarjuna , Yadav Jhillu Singh 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA convergent approach towards the total synthesis of an immunosuppressant (‐)‐ushikulide A, has been described. Herein, we disclose the synthesis of the C1‐C15 linear fragment and the C17‐C31 spiroketal fragment of (‐)‐ushikulide A by the aldol approach. The C1‐C15 aliphatic fragment was synthesized by applying Evans syn aldol, acetate aldol reaction and the C17‐C31 spiroketal fragment of (‐)‐ushikulide A was achieved via non‐Evans syn aldol as well as spiroketalization reaction. The precursors for the spiroketalization reaction were synthesized from a common intermediate, derived from the non‐Evans syn aldol reaction.
Facilitated Dehydration of Rb+ Ions in Cation‐Exchange Resin when Surrounded by Cs+ Ions: A Marked Phenomenon in Superheated Water
Authors: Harada Makoto , Okada Tetsuo , Nakamura Keisuke , Saito Shingo , Shibukawa Masami 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe local structure of Rb+ in a cation‐exchange resin soaked in superheated water up to 160 °C is studied via X‐ray absorption fine structure (XAFS) analysis. The first hydration shell structure of Rb+ is not changed when Rb+ is transferred from bulk superheated water into the resin soaked therein. Our previous chromatographic study with utilizing superheated water as an eluent indicated that separation selectivity between alkali cations decreases and the relative affinity of small ions toward ion‐exchange resins is enhanced. This strongly suggests that countercations in superheated water undergo different interactions compared to those in ambient conditions. However, XAFS spectral analysis for a Rb+‐form resin show that Rb+ remains hydrated similar to in bulk superheated water. In contrast, XAFS of a minor amount of Rb+ in a Cs+‐form resin suggests that even at ambient temperatures, Rb+ tends to form direct ion pairs with sulfonate cation‐exchange groups. The invasion of sulfonate groups into the first hydration shell of Rb+ becomes more obvious as temperature increases. The hydration structure of Rb+ cannot be maintained when it is surrounded by poorly hydrated Cs+ because of the limited availability of water molecules for forming complete hydration shells around Rb+. The sulfonate groups invade the first coordination shells of Rb+ to compensate for the shortage of water molecules.
Manipulating Interfacial Nanostructure to Achieve High‐Performance All‐Solid‐State Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Changhong , Li Xia , Zhao Yang , Banis Mohammad N. , Liang Jianwen , Li Xiaona , Sun Yipeng , Adair Keegan R. , Sun Qian , Liu Yulong , Zhao Feipeng , Deng Sixu , Lin Xiaoting , Li Ruying , Hu Yongfeng , Sham Tsun‐Kong , Huang Huan , Zhang Li , Yang Rong , Lu Shigang , Sun Xueliang 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAll‐solid‐state lithium‐ion batteries (ASSLIBs) have gained substantial attention worldwide due to their intrinsic safety and high energy density. However, the large interfacial resistance of ASSLIBs, which originates from the interfacial reactions and inferior electrode–electrolyte contact between electrodes and solid electrolytes, dramatically constrains their electrochemical performance. Here a dual shell interfacial nanostructure is rationally designed to enable high‐performance ASSLIBs, in which the inner shell LiNbO3 suppresses the interfacial reactions while the outer shell Li10GeP2S12 enables intimate electrode–electrolyte contact. As a result, the dual shell structured Li10GeP2S12@LiNbO3@LiCoO2 exhibits a high initial specific capacity of 125.8 mAh g−1 (1.35 mAh cm−2) with an initial Coulombic efficiency of 90.4% at 0.1 C and 87.7 mAh g−1 at 1 C. More importantly, in situ X‐ray absorption near edge spectroscopy was performed for the first time to reveal the interfacial reactions between Li10GeP2S12 and LiCoO2. This dual shell nanostructure demonstrates an ideal interfacial configuration for realizing high‐performance ASSLIBs.
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Postinsertion Complications: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Seckold Tammy , Walker Sandra , Dwyer Trudy , Signal Tania 
Published: April 2019

Highlights
PICC offers safe intravenous access for medium- to long-term use with inpatients. There is no association between overall complication rates and PICC material type. Oncology status is the strongest predictor of complications.
Free Bipedicled Radial Forearm and Posterior Interosseous Artery Perforator Flap Phalloplasty
Authors: De Wolf Edward , Claes Karel , Sommeling Casper E. , Opsomer Dries , Cherubino Mario , Vieni Salvatore , Monstrey Stan , D’Arpa Salvatore 
Published: April 2019

Abstract

Introduction
The free radial forearm (FRFA) flap is universally still considered as the gold standard technique in penile reconstruction. Typically, a considerably large flap is required, often involving almost the entire circumference of the forearm. Partial necrosis may occur at the distal-most (dorsoradial) part of the flap as a result of insufficient perfusion.

Aim
To describe a new technique using the posterior interosseous artery (PIOA) to supercharge FRFA phalloplasty.

Methods
In a 12-month period, all patients having FRFA flap phalloplasty were enrolled. Perioperative, after complete flap dissection, an indocyanine green perfusion scan was performed. In case of insufficient perfusion at the distalmost part of the flap, a supramicrosurgical anastomosis was performed between the FRFA pedicle and the PIOA (artery only).

Main Outcome Measures
Studied outcomes included the rate of marginal necrosis, surgical time, postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage and urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis).

Results
A total of 27 FRFA flap phalloplasties was performed. Anastomosis of the PIOA was needed in 15 cases. No marginal necrosis was observed in these cases. There were no cases of postoperative posterior interosseous nerve damage. There were no significant differences in urethral complications (fistula, stenosis or necrosis) between the 2 groups.

Clinical Implications
In selected cases where insufficient perfusion of the dorsoradial part of the flap is present, patients may benefit from arterial supercharging to prevent postoperative marginal necrosis.

Strength & Limitations
Strengths include a single surgeon, thus lending continuity of skill and technique, a consecutive series, and 100% short-term follow-up. Limitations include single institution series and a limited number of patients.

Conclusion
Arterial supercharging is effective in improving perfusion of large FRFA flaps used in phalloplasty when dorsoradial hypoperfusion is detected on an indocyanine green perfusion scan. It is a technically challenging addition to the standard technique because of the small size of the vessels, the close relationship between the PIOA and the posterior interosseous nerve, and the vulnerability of the newly constructed intra-flap anastomosis.
The Millennium Development Goals and Education: Accountability and Substitution in Global Assessment
Authors: Bisbee James H. , Hollyer James R. , Rosendorff B. Peter , Vreeland James Raymond 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPrecise international metrics and assessments may induce governments to alter policies in pursuit of more favorable assessments according to these metrics. In this paper, we explore a secondary effect of global performance indicators (GPIs). Insofar as governments have finite resources and make trade-offs in public goods investments, a GPI that precisely targets the provision of a particular public good may cause governments to substitute away from the provision of other, related, public goods. We argue that both the main effect of the GPI (on the measured public good) and this substitution effect vary systematically based on the domestic political institutions and informational environments of targeted states. Specifically, we contend that both the main and substitution effects of GPIs should be largest for governments that are least accountable (opaque and nondemocratic) and should be smallest for those that are most accountable. We illustrate the logic of these arguments using a formal model and test these claims using data on primary and secondary enrollment rates across 114 countries. We find that countries substitute toward primary education enrollment rates (which is targeted by the Millennium Development Goals) and away from secondary (which is not), and that these effects are mitigated as accountability rises.