bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphology and electrochemical and mechanical properties of polyethylene‐oxide‐based nanofibrous electrolytes applicable in lithium ion batteries
Authors: Banitaba Seyedeh N , Semnani Dariush , Rezaei Behzad , Ensafi Ali A 
Published: January 2019

AbstractWe report the synthesis of all‐solid‐state polymeric electrolytes based on electrospun nanofibers. These nanofibers are composed of polyethylene oxide (PEO) as the matrix, lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) as the lithium salt and propylene carbonate (PC) as the plasticizer. The effects of the PEO, LiClO4 and PC ratios on the morphological, mechanical and electrochemical characteristics were investigated using the response surface method (RSM) and analysis of variance test. The prepared nanofibrous electrolytes were characterized using SEM, Fourier transform infrared, XRD and DSC analyses. Conductivity measurements and tensile tests were conducted on the prepared electrolytes. The results show that the average diameter of the nanofibers decreased on reduction of the PEO concentration and addition of PC and LiClO4. Fourier transport infrared analysis confirmed the complexation between PEO and the additives. The highest conductivity was 0.05 mS cm−1 at room temperature for the nanofibrous electrolyte with the lowest PEO concentration and the highest ratio of LiClO4. The optimum nanofibrous electrolyte showed stable cycling over 30 cycles. The conductivity of a polymer film electrolyte was 29 times lower than that of the prepared nanofibrous electrolyte with similar chemical composition. Furthermore, significant fading in mechanical properties was observed on addition of the PC plasticizer. The results obtained imply that further optimization might lead to practical uses of nanofibrous electrolytes in lithium ion batteries. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Airway microenvironment alterations and pathogen growth in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Rossi Giovanni A. , Morelli Patrizia , Galietta Luis J. , Colin Andrew A. 
Published: January 2019

AbstractCystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Regulator (CFTR) dysfunction is associated with epithelial cell vulnerability and with dysregulation of the local inflammatory responses resulting in excessive airway neutrophilic inflammation and pathogen growth. In combination with impaired mucociliary clearance, and dysregulation of defense function, bacterial infection follows with eventual airway damage and remodeling. Because of these inherent vulnerabilities, viral infections are also more severe and prolonged and appear to render the airway even more prone to bacterial infection. Airway acidity, deficient nitric oxide production and increased iron concentrations, further enhance the airway milieu's susceptibility to infection. Novel diagnostic techniques of the airway microbiome elucidate the coexistence of an array of non‐virulent taxa beyond the recognized virulent organisms, predominantly Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The complex interplay between these two bacterial populations, including upregulation of virulence genes and utilization of mucin as a nutrient source, modulates the action of pathogens, modifies the CF airway milieu and contributes to the processes leading to airway derangement. The review provides an update on recent advances of the complex mechanisms that render the CF airway vulnerable to inflammation, infection and ultimately structural damage, the key pathogenetic elements of CF. The recent contributions on CF pathogenesis will hopefully help in identifying new prophylactic measures and therapeutic targets for this highly destructive disorder.
Electrostatic interactions determine entrance/release order of substrates in the catalytic cycle of adenylate kinase
Authors: Ye Chun , Ding Chengtao , Ma Rongsheng , Wang Junfeng , Zhang Zhiyong 
Published: January 2019

AbstractAdenylate kinase is a monomeric phosphotransferase with important biological function in regulating concentration of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in cells, by transferring the terminal phosphate group from ATP to adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and forming two adenosine diphosphate (ADP) molecules. During this reaction, the kinase may undergo a large conformational transition, forming different states with its substrates. Although many structures of the protein are available, atomic details of the whole process remain unclear. In this article, we use both conventional molecular dynamics (MD) simulation and an enhanced sampling technique called parallel cascade selection MD simulation to explore different conformational states of the Escherichia coli adenylate kinase. Based on the simulation results, we propose a possible entrance/release order of substrates during the catalytic cycle. The substrate‐free protein prefers an open conformation, but changes to a closed state once ATP·Mg enters into its binding pocket first and then AMP does. After the reaction of ATP transferring the terminal phosphate group to AMP, ADP·Mg and ADP are released sequentially, and finally the whole catalyze cycle is completed. Detailed contact and distance analysis reveals that the entrance/release order of substrates may be largely controlled by electrostatic interactions between the protein and the substrates.
Mediterranean versus Atlantic monk parakeets Myiopsitta monachus: towards differentiated management at the European scale
Authors: Postigo Jose‐Luis , Strubbe Diederik , Mori Emiliano , Ancillotto Leonardo , Carneiro Inês , Latsoudis Panagiotis , Menchetti Mattia , Pârâu Liviu G , Parrott Dave , Reino Luís , Weiserbs Anne , Senar Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe monk parakeet Myiopsitta monachus (Boddaert), native to South America, is an invasive species in several European countries, causing crop damage and potential negative impacts on wildlife. Only Spain and Great Britain have regulations to control monk parakeets, thus fast growth and spread of populations are likely to occur on a wide scale. The aims of this research are to update information on the distribution and population size of monk parakeets in Europe, assess whether differences in population growth or spread rate exist between populations, and provide recommendations to decision‐makers.RESULTSOur study estimates that there are 23 758 monk parakeets in the wild, across 179 municipalities in eight European Union (EU) countries; 84% of these municipalities hold between 1 and 100 monk parakeets. All countries with a representative historical record are experiencing exponential growth of monk parakeets. Mediterranean countries are experiencing higher exponential growth, spread rate and faster colonization of new municipalities than Atlantic countries.CONCLUSIONSWe recommend that EU Mediterranean countries consider declaration of the monk parakeet as invasive alien species of regional concern, and develop coordinated efforts to monitor and manage the species, taking advantage of the low population sizes in most municipalities. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Field evaluation of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) sprayer: effect of spray volume on deposition and the control of pests and disease in wheat
Authors: Wang Guobin , Lan Yubin , Qi Haixia , Chen Pengchao , Hewitt Andrew , Han Yuxing 
Published: January 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDUnmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are a recently developed aerial spraying technology. However, the effect of spray volume variation on deposition and pesticide control efficacy is unknown. The effect of three UAV spray volumes (9.0, 16.8 and 28.1 L ha−1) using three different nozzle sizes on droplet deposition and wheat aphid and powdery mildew control efficacy was assessed. An electric air‐pressure knapsack (EAP) sprayer was used as a comparison.RESULTSDifferent spray volumes significantly influenced the deposition and control efficacy of the UAV and EAP. For the UAV, a low spray volume of 9.0 L ha−1 with a fine nozzle (nozzle LU120‐01) resulted in lower deposition and control efficacy. Optimal control efficacy was achieved with coarser nozzles (nozzles LU120‐02, ‐03) at > 16.8 L ha−1 volume with systemic insecticide, and at 28.1 L ha−1 with contact insecticide and fungicide. For EAP, a high spray volume led to run‐off, and a spray volume of 225 L ha−1 achieved better deposition and control efficacy.CONCLUSIONThe UAV had comparable deposition and efficacy control to the EAP at a higher spray volume (> 16.8 L ha−1) with coarse nozzles, but exhibited inferior deposition and efficacy control at a lower spray volume (<9.0 L ha−1) with fine nozzles. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Norway and black rats in Europe: potential reservoirs for zoonotic arthropod‐borne pathogens?
Authors: Obiegala Anna , Heuser Elisa , Ryll René , Imholt Christian , Fürst Johanna , Prautsch Lisa‐Marie , Plenge‐Bönig Anita , Ulrich Rainer G , Pfeffer Martin 
Published: January 2019

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDNorway rats (Rattus norvegicus) and black rats (R. rattus) are known to be cosmopolitan reservoirs for zoonotic agents. Nevertheless, little is known about prevalence and distribution of arthropod‐borne pathogens in rats from Europe. Therefore, this survey focused on the detection of arthropod‐borne pathogens. Spleen‐derived DNA samples were available from 528 Norway rats and 74 black rats collected in several European countries. Further, these samples were processed by polymerase chain reaction for the detection of zoonotic pathogens such as Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Candidatus Neoehrlichia mikurensis (CNM), Babesia spp. and Bartonella spp. eventually followed by sequencing.RESULTSBabesia spp. was not detected. Four Norway rat samples were positive for A. phagocytophilum DNA and two for CNM. In 50 rat samples, Bartonella spp. DNA was detected (8.1%; 95% Confidence interval (CI) 6.2–10.61). Whereas B. tribocorum (n = 45) and B. grahamii (n = 1) were carried exclusively in Norway rats from Central Europe (Belgium, Germany), B. coopersplainsensis (n = 4) was detected only in black rats from southern European countries (Spain, Italy).CONCLUSIONSPathogenic Bartonella spp. DNA was found in black and Norway rats from Germany, Italy, Spain and Belgium for the first time. Bartonellae were found focally in zoos suggesting Norway rats as a possible reservoir for B. tribocorum and black rats as a reservoir for B. coopersplainsensis in Europe. These findings should raise awareness of pathogenic Bartonella spp. in Norway rats, especially in terms of pest management control in zoos. Norway and black rats seem not to be predominantly involved in the life cycle of the other examined arthropod‐borne pathogens in Europe. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
On computing the reliability of opportunistic multihop networks with Mobile relays
Authors: Khanna Gaurav , Chaturvedi S.K. , Soh Sieteng 
Published: January 2019

AbstractOpportunistic multihop networks with mobile relays recently have drawn much attention from researchers across the globe due to their wide applications in various challenging environments. However, because of their peculiar intrinsic features like lack of continuous connectivity, network partitioning, highly dynamic behavior, and long delays, it is very arduous to model and effectively capture the temporal variations of such networks with the help of classical graph models. In this work, we utilize an evolving graph to model the dynamic network and propose a matrix‐based algorithm to generate all minimal path sets between every node pair of such network. We show that these time‐stamped‐minimal‐path sets (TS‐MPS) between each given source‐destination node pair can be used, by utilizing the well‐known Sum‐of‐Disjoint Products technique, to generate various reliability metrics of dynamic networks, ie, two‐terminal reliability of dynamic network and its related metrics, ie, two‐terminal reliabilities of the foremost, shortest, and fastest TS‐MPS, and Expected Hop Count. We also introduce and compute a new network performance metric−Expected Slot Count. We use two illustrative examples of dynamic networks, one of four nodes, and the other of five nodes, to show the salient features of our technique to generate TS‐MPS and reliability metrics.
Toward understanding the ionization mechanism of matrix‐assisted ionization using mass spectrometry experiment and theory
Authors: Lee Chuping , Inutan Ellen D. , Chen Jien Lian , Mukeku Mutanu M. , Weidner Steffen M. , Trimpin Sarah , Ni Chi‐Kung 
Published: January 2019

RationaleMatrix‐assisted ionization (MAI) mass spectrometry does not require voltages, a laser beam, or added heat to initiate ionization, but it is strongly dependent on the choice of matrix and the vacuum conditions. High charge state distributions of nonvolatile analyte ions produced by MAI suggest that the ionization mechanism may be similar to that of electrospray ionization (ESI), but different from matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI). While significant information is available for MAI using mass spectrometers operating at atmospheric and intermediate pressure, little is known about the mechanism at high vacuum.MethodsEleven MAI matrices were studied on a high‐vacuum time‐of‐flight (TOF) mass spectrometer using a 266 nm pulsed laser beam under otherwise typical MALDI conditions. Detailed comparisons with the commonly used MALDI matrices and theoretical prediction were made for 3‐nitrobenzonitrile (3‐NBN), which is the only MAI matrix that works well in high vacuum when irradiated with a laser.ResultsScreening of MAI matrices with good absorption at 266 nm but with various degrees of volatility and laser energies suggests that volatility and absorption at the laser wavelength may be necessary, but not sufficient, criteria to explain the formation of multiply charged analyte ions. 3‐NBN produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile analytes in high‐vacuum TOF with the use of a laser, demonstrating that ESI‐like ions can be produced in high vacuum. Theoretical calculations and mass spectra suggest that thermally induced proton transfer, which is the major ionization mechanism in MALDI, is not important with the 3‐NBN matrix at 266 nm laser wavelength. 3‐NBN:analyte crystal morphology is, however, important in ion generation in high vacuum.ConclusionsThe 3‐NBN MAI matrix produces intact, highly charged ions of nonvolatile compounds in high‐vacuum TOF mass spectrometers with the aid of ablation and/or heating by laser irradiation, and shows a different ionization mechanism from that of typical MALDI matrices.
White Matter Tract Changes Associated with Clinical Improvement in an Open-Label Trial Assessing Autologous Umbilical Cord Blood for Treatment of Young Children with Autism
Authors: Carpenter Kimberly L. H. , Major Samantha , Tallman Catherine , Chen Lyon W. , Franz Lauren , Sun Jessica , Kurtzberg Joanne , Song Allen , Dawson Geraldine 
Published: January 2019

Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social communication deficits and the presence of restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. We have previously reported significant improvements in behavior, including increased social functioning, improved communication abilities, and decreased clinical symptoms in children with ASD, following treatment with a single infusion of autologous cord blood in a phase I open-label trial. In the current study, we aimed to understand whether these improvements were associated with concurrent changes in brain structural connectivity. Twenty-five 2- to 6-year-old children with ASD participated in this trial. Clinical outcome measures included the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales-II Socialization Subscale, Expressive One-Word Picture Vocabulary Test-4, and the Clinical Global Impression-Improvement Scale. Structural connectivity was measured at baseline and at 6 months in a subset of 19 children with 25-direction diffusion tensor imaging and deterministic tractography. Behavioral improvements were associated with increased white matter connectivity in frontal, temporal, and subcortical regions (hippocampus and basal ganglia) that have been previously shown to show anatomical, connectivity, and functional abnormalities in ASD. The current results suggest that improvements in social communication skills and a reduction in symptoms in children with ASD following treatment with autologous cord blood infusion were associated with increased structural connectivity in brain networks supporting social, communication, and language abilities. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2019;8:138&10
Tubular 3D Resistive Random Access Memory Based on Rolled‐Up h‐BN Tube
Authors: Hou Xiang , Pan Ruobing , Yu Qiang , Zhang Kai , Huang Gaoshan , Mei Yongfeng , Zhang David Wei , Zhou Peng 
Published: January 2019

AbstractDue to their advantages compared with planar structures, rolled‐up tubes have been applied in many fields, such as field‐effect transistors, compact capacitors, inductors, and integrative sensors. On the other hand, because of its perfect insulating nature, ultrahigh mechanical strength and atomic thickness property, 2D hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) is a very suitable material for rolled‐up memory applications. In this work, a tubular 3D resistive random access memory (RRAM) device based on rolled‐up h‐BN tube is realized, which is achieved by self‐rolled‐up technology. The tubular RRAM device exhibits bipolar resistive switching behavior, nonvolatile data storage ability, and satisfactorily low programming current compared with other 2D material‐based RRAM devices. Moreover, by releasing from the substrate, the footprint area of the tubular device is reduced by six times. This tubular RRAM device has great potential for increasing the data storage density, lowering the power consumption, and may be applied in the fields of rolled‐up systems and sensing‐storage integration.
Chronic exposure to low doses of Pb induces hepatotoxicity at the physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic levels of mice
Authors: Luo Ting , Shen Manlu , Zhou Jiajie , Wang Xiaoyu , Xia Jizhou , Fu Zhengwei , Jin Yuanxiang 
Published: January 2019

AbstractLead (Pb), a non‐essential heavy metal, is a major global environmental contaminant with serious toxicological consequences. In the present study, the effects on hepatotoxicity of mice with chronic exposure to low doses of Pb were evaluated. While oral exposure to 0.03 or 0.1 mg/L Pb for 15 weeks in male adult mice had no significant effect on body weights, Pb exposure resulted in liver histopathological effects and increase of hepatic activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). In addition, hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly accumulated after treatment. Conversely, glutathione (GSH) decreased significantly in both 0.03 and 0.1 mg/L Pb‐treated groups. Moreover, the hepatic activities of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD) and catalase (CAT) increased significantly following treatment with 0.1 mg/L Pb for 15 weeks, concomitant with increases in transcriptions of hepatic Sod, Cat, and Gpx. Furthermore, transcriptions of hepatic metallothionein (MT), zinc transporter 5 (Znt5) and copper transporter 1 (Ctr1), and subsequent protein levels were also increased in liver of mice when exposed to 0.1 mg/L Pb for 15 weeks. In addition, the transcriptome data showed that Pb has substantial influence on several pathways, including PPAR signaling pathways, AMPK signaling pathways, fatty acid metabolism, and drug metabolism. Our data suggested that chronic Pb exposure could induce hepatotoxicity at the physiological, biochemical, and transcriptomic levels in mice.
Efficient copper removal from wastewater through montmorillonite‐supported hydrogel adsorbent
Authors: Vesali‐Naseh Masoud , Barati Aboulfazl , Vesali Naseh Mohammad Reza 
Published: January 2019

AbstractA hybrid hydrogel based on acrylic acid monomer/wheat bran, supported by montmorillonite, was synthesized using in situ polymerization and utilized as an adsorbent to remove Cu (II) ions from an aqueous solution at batch condition. The structural and morphological microanalysis of adsorbents was carried out by scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and X‐ray powder diffraction techniques. The type of water diffusion into the adsorbents was Fickian, and the swelling process has followed Schott's second‐order kinetic model. The optimum adsorption conditions were the initial Cu (II) concentration 100 mg/l, pH 7.0, and montmorillonite dosage of 3.0 wt.%. The equilibrium time for the process was determined as 2 hr. The equilibrium data showed close fitting to the linear form of Langmuir isotherm model. Moreover, the maximum adsorption capacity has been determined to be 17.64 mg/g. Hence, montmorillonite‐supported hydrogel adsorbent seems to be a promising adsorbent for the copper removal from industrial wastewaters.Practitioner points

A hydrogel adsorbent based on acrylic acid monomer/wheat bran, supported by montmorillonite was synthesized.

The adsorbent was efficiently utilized for copper removal from aqueous solutions.

The maximum adsorption capacity has been determined to be 17.64 mg/g.
Novel transcatheter arterial embolization method for hemodynamically unstable pelvic fractures to prevent complications of gluteal necrosis
Authors: Maruhashi Takaaki , Kashimi Fumie , Kotoh Rika , Kasahara Shun , Minehara Hiroaki , Kataoka Yuichi , Nishimaki Hiroshi , Asari Yasushi 
Published: January 2019

AbstractPurposeTo validate our previously designed transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE) technique for bilateral iliac arteries in unstable pelvic fractures, which is designed to also prevent gluteal necrosis and avoid vasopressors.MethodsWe retrospectively analyzed the data of patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our new TAE procedure to determine the incidence of subsequent gluteal necrosis. We also compared certain variables between patients who underwent TAE before 2005 using a different technique and developed gluteal necrosis and patients who underwent TAE in 2005 and onward using our technique. Gluteal necrosis was confirmed by a radiologist based on imaging findings.ResultsSeventy patients with pelvic fractures who underwent our TAE technique met the inclusion criteria (bilateral iliac arterial embolization and no embolic agent other than a gelatin sponge). Patients’ median age was 47.5 years, 33 were male, and 92.9% (65/70) had unstable fractures. Sixty-eight patients had severe multiple trauma. No patients developed gluteal necrosis following our TAE procedure and the overall survival rate was 82.9% (58/70). We found no statistically significant difference in procedure time between the previous and new technique, although the new procedure tended to be shorter. Furthermore, overall survival did not significantly differ between the groups. Multiple regression analysis revealed that TAE procedure time and external pelvic fracture fixation were independently related to gluteal necrosis.ConclusionsOur non-selective bilateral iliac arterial embolization procedure involves arresting shock quickly, resulting in no post-procedure gluteal necrosis. The procedure involves cutting the gelatin sponge rather than “pumping” and avoids the use of vasopressors.