bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incorporation of Polycaprolactone to Cyclodextrin‐Based Nanocarrier for Potent Gene Delivery
Authors: Fan Xiaoshan , Cheng Hongwei , Wu Yihong , Loh Xian Jun , Wu Yun‐Long , Li Zibiao 
Published: July 2018

AbstractStability of polyplex and safety are key factors to achieve stable gene transfection and high transfection efficiency. In this report, a star‐like amphiphilic biocompatible cyclodextrin‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐poly(2‐(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate), β‐CD‐g‐(PCL‐b‐PDMAEMA)
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copolymer, consisting of biocompatible cyclodextrin core, biodegradable and stable poly(ε‐caprolactone) PCL segments, cationic and hydrophilic PDMAEMA blocks, is synthesized to achieve high efficiency of gene transfection with enhanced stability, due to the micelle formation by hydrophobic PCL segments. In comparison with polyethylenimine (PEI‐25k), a golden standard for nonviral vector gene delivery, this copolymer shows higher encapsulated plasmid desoxyribose nucleic acid (pDNA) ability and the persistence of transgene expression. More interestingly, this gene delivery platform by β‐CD‐g‐(PCL‐b‐PDMAEMA)
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shows lower toxicity but better gene transfection efficiency at low N/P ratios, indicating high potential in gene therapy applications.
Detection of gaps between high‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU)‐induced lesions using transient axial shear strain elastograms
Authors: Liu Chenhui , Zhou Yufeng 
Published: July 2018

PurposeHigh‐intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is becoming an effective and noninvasive treatment modality for cancer and solid tumors. In order to avoid the cancer relapse and guarantee the success of ablation, there should be no gaps left among all HIFU‐generated lesions. However, there are few imaging approaches available for detecting the HIFU lesion gaps in real time during ablation.MethodsTransient axial shear strain elastograms (ASSEs) were proposed and evaluated both numerically and experimentally to detect the lesion gaps immediately after the cessation of therapeutic HIFU exposure. Acoustic intensity and subsequent acoustic radiation force were first calculated by solving the nonlinear Khokhlov–Zabolotskaya–Kuznetzov (KZK) equation. Motion of being‐ and already‐treated lesions during and after HIFU exposure was simulated using the transient dynamic analysis module of finite element method (FEM). The corresponding B‐mode sonography of tissue‐mimicking phantom with two HIFU lesions inside was simulated by FIELD II, and then axial strain elastograms (ASEs) under static compression and transient ASSEs were reconstructed. An ultrasound imaging probe was integrated with the HIFU transducer and used to obtain radio frequency (RF) echo signals at high frame rate using plane wave imaging (PWI). The resulting strains were mapped using the correlation‐based method and block search strategy.ResultsAcoustic radiation force from the therapeutic HIFU burst is sufficiently strong to produce significant displacement. As a result, large and highly localized axial shear strain appears in the gap zone between two HIFU‐generated lesions and then disappears after sufficient HIFU ablation (no gap between them). Such capability of detecting the lesion gap is validated at the varied acoustic radiation force density, gap width, and the size of the lesion. In contrast, conventional ASEs using the static compression cannot distinguish whether a gap exists between lesions. Static ASEs and transient ASSEs reconstructed using both high‐speed photography and sonography in the gel phantom show the same conclusion as that in the simulation. Ex vivo tissue experiments further confirmed that the presence of large axial shear strain in the gap zone. The ratios of axial shear strain in the porcine kidney and liver samples had statistical differences for two HIFU‐generated lesions without and with a gap (P < 0.05).ConclusionsLarge axial shear strain induced by the acoustic radiation force from therapeutic HIFU burst only appears between two HIFU‐generated lesions with a gap between them. Transient ASSEs reconstructed immediately after the cession of HIFU exposure can easily, reliably, and sensitively detect the gap between produced lesions, which would provide real‐time feedback to enhance the success of HIFU ablation.
Streichen, Zupfen, Slappen
Authors: Englmair Thomas , Mathelitsch Leopold , Verovnik Ivo 
Published: July 2018

ZusammenfassungKontrabässe sind wie Gamben in Quarten gestimmt, besitzen aber f‐Löcher wie Violinen. Helmholtz‐ und Hauptresonanz sowie die Saitenschwingungen prägen das Frequenzspek trum. Untersuchungen zweier Bässe zeigen: Eine Fichtenholzdecke sorgt für intensivere Obertöne und gibt die Klangcharakteristika verschiedener Saiten hörbarer wieder als eine aus Sperrholz. Bei der Spieltechnik ist das Slappen subjektiv lauter als das Zupfen, das aber eine höhere mittlere Schall intensität aufweist.
Novel Electro‐Spun Nanograined ZnO/Au Heterojunction Nanofibers and Their Ultrasensitive NO2 Gas Sensing Properties
Authors: Ponnuvelu Dinesh Veeran , Abdulla Sukhananazerin , Pullithadathil Biji 
Published: July 2018

AbstractNovel nanograined ZnO/Au heterostructured nanofibers have been successfully prepared using two‐step process via electrospinning method followed by thermal oxidation and their surface bound NO2 sensing properties were analyzed. The ZnO/Au heterojunction nanofibers exhibited typical nanograined structure with 1D morphology consisting of two distinct lattice fringes with d spacing values of 0.14 ± 0.5 nm and 0.28 ± 0.5 nm corresponding to Au [111] and ZnO [101] respectively. Defects and surface bound properties were examined using Room temperature Photoluminescence (RTPL) spectroscopy, X‐ray photo‐electron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction analysis. The existence of Au, Zn and O in 4 f, 2p and 1 s states and chemisorbed oxygen species on the surface were structurally confirmed after the careful evaluation and proves the purity of synthesis. NO2 gas sensor property analysis of ZnO/Au heterojunction nanofibers showed an extraordinary sensor response (S=98) and selectivity at a lower operating temperature of 350°C than pristine ZnO nanofibers (450 °C). The enhanced sensing behavior of the heterostructured nanofibers are ascribed to the synergetic effect of Au nanoclusters at the interface which act as spill‐over zone favoring physisorption and defect mediated sensing process.
Synthesis and Characterization of Novel 1,4‐Di(o‐thioaryl)benzene Buta‐1,3‐diynes
Authors: Kang Master. Yongqiang , Guo Yujing , Shi Heping , Ye Master. Shanshan , Zhang Bianxiang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe dimers of terminal alkynes were synthesized through a room temperature reaction which used (diacetoxyiodo)benzene as oxidizing agent and acetonitrile as solvent. The structures were characterized by 1H NMR, 13C NMR. The electrochemical and spectrochemical properties of the compounds were also characterized by cyclic voltammetry and UV spectroscopy. Meanwhile, the single crystal X‐ray analysis of the model compound was discussed.Introduction of the thioaryl group in ortho position lead to the red shift of the UV absorption peaks, and the introduction of a large steric hindrance group reduced the influences of the intermolecular π‐π interactions on their electronic properties. Moreover the sulfur atom can form the stable S−Au bond with gold. These data indicated that compounds 3 b‐3 dare expected to be applied in the field of molecular wires.
Incorporation of Functional Groups Expands the Applications of UiO‐67 for Adsorption, Catalysis and Thiols Detection
Authors: Zhong Guihao , Liu Dingxin , Zhang Jianyong 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThis review explores the structures and properties of UiO‐67 and its derivatives as well as the corresponding synthetic and characterization method. With remarkably high surface area, high thermal and chemical stabilities and excellent mechanical properties, UiO‐67 is very promising and competitive among kinds of metal‐organic frameworks. UiO‐67 not only has good performance on some gases adsorption and storage and removal of organophosphorus pesticides, but also can act as the catalyst in the nerve‐agent hydrolysis. More importantly, by introducing various functional organic linkers into UiO‐67 framework or incorporating different metal complexes and other functional groups, the resulting derivatives of UiO‐67 can improve its water stability, show enhanced gases adsorption properties and expand the application of UiO‐67 such as catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate‐ester, catalytic detoxication of chemical warfare agents, catalytic promotion of Friedel–Crafts reactions, Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction, C−C and C−H bond activation reactions and a series of photocatalytic reactions, catalytic addition of asymmetric aldol, micromotor engines, detection of some biological thiols and so on.
Chirality‐Induced Variation in Interaction of Two Similar Copper(II) Coordination Polymers with Calf Thymus DNA: Exploration of Their Antimicrobial Activity and Cytotoxicity
Authors: Khan Samim , Masum Abdulla Al , Giri Pritam , Islam Md. Maidul , Harms Klaus , Chattopadhyay Shouvik 
Published: July 2018

AbstractTwo polynuclear end‐to‐end dicyanamide (dca) bridged copper(II) Schiff base complexes [Cu(L1)(μ1,5‐dca)]n (1) and [Cu(L2)(μ1,5‐dca)]n (2) {[HL1=(1‐(2‐(diethylamino)ethylimino)ethyl) naphthalene‐2‐ol] and [HL2=(1‐(2‐(dimethylamino)ethylimino)methyl) naphthalene‐2‐ol]} were synthesized and X‐ray characterized. Complex 1 crystallizes in chiral space group C2 and complex 2 crystallizes in achiral space group P21/c. Interactions of both complexes with calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) were studied by UV‐vis and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Molecular docking studies were also carried out for both complexes to find their binding affinity using Alpha PMI as the placement methodology. Although docking studies indicated that the binding constants of both complexes with CT DNA were more or less same, UV‐Vis spectral data indicated that the binding constant of complex 1 with CT DNA is considerably large compared to that of complex 2. As complex 1 is chiral and complex 2 is achiral, it may be concluded that the chirality of complex 1 played very significant role to binding of chiral DNA molecule. The antimicrobial activity were estimated by the determination of the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the broth microdilution method. The complexes showed high in vitro cytotoxicity against MDA‐MB 468 cells.
Synthesis and Mechanism of Formation of Metal Nanosponges and their Catalytic and Hydrogen Sorption Properties
Authors: Ghosh Sourav , Jagirdar Balaji R. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMetal nanosponges of silver, gold, palladium, platinum, and copper have been prepared via simple reduction of their salts using ammonia borane or substituted amine boranes. This synthetic method involves metal salt reduction using amine borane which forms nanoparticles in the absence of capping agent in high dielectric solvent; these colloidal particles attach together to form three dimensional porous metal nanosponges. Hydrogen storage properties of these metal nanosponges were investigated by measuring pressure‐composition isotherms. Furthermore, the catalytic activities of these metal nanosponges were tested for 4‐nitrophenol reduction which showed better catalytic activity as compared to their bulk state. Among all the metal nanosponges, palladium showed highest catalytic activity which was found to be recyclable over several cycles and the porous structure remained intact after catalysis. Herein, improvement in the catalytic activity and hydrogen storage characteristics of porous metals with respect to their bulk analogues further signifies the importance of nanoporous structures.
Carbon Dioxide as Building Block in the Synthesis of the Anti‐Infective Agent Hexamine
Authors: Pereira Cláudia C. L. , Gomes da Silva Marco D. R. , Leal João P. , Monteiro Bernardo 
Published: July 2018

AbstractElectrochemical reduction of CO2 in a EMIMBF4 saturated solution in the presence of small amounts of the ionic liquid tetramethylguanidinium azide (TMGHN3) yield as major product the nonvolatile hexamethylenetetramine (HMTA) also known as hexamine or methenamine. Vestigial concentrations of other reduction products like CO, formic acid and acetic acid were also detected and quantified. Both Cu and Cu/Zn electrodes were tested and presented a similar efficiency towards HMTA production. Electrode modification during CO2 electro‐reduction, including copper nanoparticle (CuNPs) deposition, is the key feature that facilitates HMTA synthesis.
Copper‐Vapor‐Assisted Growth and Defect‐Healing of Graphene on Copper Surfaces
Authors: Lee Hyo Chan , Bong Hyojin , Yoo Min Seok , Jo Mankyu , Cho Kilwon 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAlthough there is significant progress in the chemical vapor deposition (CVD) of graphene on Cu surfaces, the industrial application of graphene is not realized yet. One of the most critical obstacles that limit the commercialization of graphene is that CVD graphene contains too many vacancies or sp3‐type defects. Therefore, further investigation of the growth mechanism is still required to control the defects of graphene. During the growth of graphene, sublimation of the Cu catalyst to produce Cu vapor occurs inevitably because the process temperature is close to the melting point of Cu. However, to date few studies have investigated the effects of Cu vapor on graphene growth. In this study, how the Cu vapor produced by sublimation affects the chemical vapor deposition of graphene on Cu surfaces is investigated. It is found that the presence of Cu vapor enlarges the graphene grains and enhances the efficiency of the defect‐healing of graphene by CH4. It is elucidated that these effects are due to the removal by Cu vapor of carbon adatoms from the Cu surface and oxygen‐functionalized carbons from graphene. Finally, these insights are used to develop a method for the synthesis of uniform and high‐quality graphene.
Prevalence and risk factors for bluetongue in the State of São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: da Silva Thaís G. , Lima Michele S. , Spedicato Massimo , Carmine Irene , Teodori Liana , Leone Alessandra , Martins Maira S. N. , Buchala Fernando G. , Hellwig Klaus S. , de Campos Nogueira Romaldini Adriana H. , De Stefano Eliana , Savini Giovanni , Pituco Edviges M. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBluetongue (BT), caused byBluetongue virus(BTV), is a disease that affects ruminants such as cattle, sheep, goats and deer. BTV is transmitted by female midges of the genusCulicoides. In Brazil, information on the prevalence of BTV in cattle is limited, so the objective of this work was to identify BTV serotypes in cattle. The State of São Paulo was divided into seven cattle‐producing regions, and in each of them, 300 cattle farms were randomly selected. One animal from each farm (out of a total of 1,598 farms) was selected and its sera tested by virus neutralization technique against BTV serotypes (1–24 and 26) for determining antibody titre. Moreover, for each sampled farm, an epidemiological questionnaire was submitted to verify the type of cattle production and the zootechnical and sanitary practices carried out, which could be associated with a higher risk of BTV infection. In this study, antibodies (percentage, [95% confidence interval]) were identified against 11 serotypes: BTV‐1 (22.15%, [15.72–27.92]), BTV‐2 (31.03%, [26.65–37.98]), BTV‐3 (18.96%, [12.42–24.90]), BTV‐4 (24.90% [19.41–29.12]), BTV‐9 (6.82%, [1.45–11.72]), BTV‐12 (7.50%, [2.82–12.51]), BTV‐17 (23.90%, [17.35–29.35]), BTV‐19 (10.20%, [4.62–5.56]), BTV‐21 (30.66%, [25.00–36.00]), BTV‐22 (12.14%, [5.91–18.55]), BTV‐26 (57.00%, [51.41–63.59]). In this study, for the first time in Brazil serological evidence of the presence of serotypes BTV‐2, BTV‐9, BTV‐21 and BTV‐26 is reported. The variable ‘new cattle entering herd’ was considered a risk factor for the occurrence of infection (OR = 2.183, 95% CI = 1.6–2.9).
Comparison of the Propulsion Performance of Aerospike and Bell-Shaped Nozzle Using Hydrogen Peroxide Monopropellant Under Sea-Level Condition
Authors: Lai A. , Wei S. S. , Lai C. H. , Chen J. L. , Liao Y. H. , Wu J. S. , Chen Y. S. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTThis study investigates numerically the performance of applying aerospike nozzle in a hydrogen peroxide mono-propellant propulsion system. A set of governing equations, including continuity, momentum, energy and species conservation equations with extended k-ε turbulence equations, are solved using the finite-volume method. The hydrogen peroxide mono-propellant is assumed to be fully decomposed into water vapor and oxygen after flowing through a catalyst bed before entering the nozzle. The aerospike nozzle is expected to have high performance even in deep throttling cases due to its self-compensating characteristics in a wide range of ambient pressure environments. The results show that the thrust coefficient efficiency (Cf,η) of this work exceeds 90% of the theoretical value with a nozzle pressure ratio (PR) in the range of 20 ~ 45. Many complex gas dynamics phenomena in the aerospike nozzle are found and explained in the paper. In addition, performance of the aerospike nozzle is compared with that of the bell-shape nozzle.
Three Dimensional FSI Modelling of Sulcus Vocalis Disorders of Vocal Folds
Authors: Vazifehdoostsaleh A. , Fatouraee N. , Navidbakhsh M. , Izadi F. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe effect of sulcus vocalis on vocal folds function is investigated. A type II sulcus vocalis is defined, parameterized and incorporated into a three-dimensional, fully coupled finite element model of vocal folds and laryngeal airway. The proposed Fluid-Structure Interaction (FSI) model is utilized in computational fluid dynamics, Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian (ALE), incompressible continuity and Navier-Stokes equations and in a structure range of a three-layer elastic linear model. Flow parameters, vibration behavior and glottal jet aerodynamics of healthy and patient vocal folds models are compared with each other. Flow visualization is utilized to characterize Coanda effect and three dimensionality of flow patterns. The vibration frequency of vocal folds having sulcus vocalis decreases in comparison with that of healthy ones. Upon increasing the volume flux in the sulcus vocalis model, the non-periodic and disordered behavior of it is visible for patient vocal folds. Underlying mechanisms for the observed changes, possible implications for treatments of sulcus vocalis and human perfect voice production are also discussed.
A Mechanical Beam Resonator Engineered at Nanoscale for Ultralow Thermoelastic Damping
Authors: Vy N. D. , Cuong N. V. , Hoang C. M. 
Published: July 2018

ABSTRACTA mechanical beam resonator engineered at nanoscale for suppressing thermoelastic damping to obtain ultrahigh quality factor is reported. The resonator employs the torsion mode of a spring beam to excite the rotation oscillation of a nanoscale resonant beam. The ultralow thermoelastic damping in the resonator is obtained by employing torsion oscillation. Optimal study of thermoelastic damping is carried out by varying the dimensional parameters of the resonator. The resonator operating in the MHz regime with the quality factor over one million is obtainable by the proposed oscillation exciting method and appropriate design of dimensional parameters of the beams. In order to obtain such overall intrinsic quality factor, virtual supports are employed to eliminate attachment loss in the resonator.
Comparison of basal lamella relaxing incision and combined conventional medialisation and controlled synechiae in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomised prospective study
Authors: Maharaj D D , Virk R S , Bansal S , Gupta A K 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo compare combined conventional Freer medialisation and controlled synechiae, performed for middle meatal access (during the initial steps of functional endoscopic sinus surgery) and post-operative middle turbinate medialisation, with basal lamella relaxing incision, the latter of which is a single step for achieving both middle meatal access and post-operative medialisation. The study also compared the effects of controlled synechiae and basal lamella relaxing incision on post-operative olfaction.MethodA randomised prospective study was performed on 52 nasal cavity sides (32 patients). Only basal lamella relaxing incision was performed in one group, and both conventional medialisation and controlled synechiae were performed in the other. Intra-operative and post-operative photography was used to measure the middle meatal area. A pocket smell test was used to assess olfaction.ResultsThere were no significant differences in operative middle meatal access and post-operative medialisation of the middle turbinate. Post-operative olfaction was affected more in the combined conventional medialisation and controlled synechiae group, compared to the basal lamella relaxing incision group, but this finding was not statistically significant.ConclusionBasal lamella relaxing incision is an effective single-step technique for achieving adequate middle meatal access and post-operative medialisation, with no significant effect on olfaction.
Management of locally advanced T3–4 glottic laryngeal carcinomas
Authors: Smee R , Williams J R , Kotevski D P 
Published: July 2018

AbstractObjectivesTo assess five-year local control and ultimate local control rates of patients treated for locally advanced T3–4 glottic carcinoma with surgery only, radiotherapy only, or surgery plus radiotherapy. Cancer-specific survival, overall survival and rates of malignancy development were also assessed.MethodsA retrospective review was conducted on patients from 1967 to 2015, with analysis of local control, ultimate local control, overall survival and cancer-specific survival performed using Kaplan–Meier and Cox regression.ResultsOf 169 eligible patients, the majority (59 per cent) were treated with surgery plus radiotherapy, with laryngectomy being the most common surgical procedure. Local control and ultimate local control rates were higher with surgery only (94.1 per cent) and surgery plus radiotherapy (87.9 and 86.8 per cent respectively), compared to radiotherapy only (46.8 and 52.4 per cent) (both p < 0.001). Cancer-specific survival, overall survival and malignancy development did not differ between groups.ConclusionSurgery, with or without radiotherapy, offers significantly higher five-year local control and ultimate local control for patients with advanced glottic carcinoma, compared to radiotherapy only.
Theist concept-nominalism and the regress problem
Authors: LO TIEN-CHUN 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLeftow's theist concept-nominalism is proposed as a theory of properties which is compatible with God's aseity and sovereignty. In this article, I focus on the question of whether theist concept-nominalism is successful in answering a notorious problem in the literature on properties, i.e. the regress problem. In the second section, I summarize TCN by illustrating what its ontology is and how its theory works. In the third section, the regress problem is recast within the framework of TCN. In the fourth section, I present my solution to this problem. In the final section, several objections to my solution are addressed and replied.