bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transparent Surfactant/Epoxy Composite Coatings with Self‐Healing and Superhydrophilic Properties
Authors: Li Wei , Wu Gang , Tan Jinhui , Yu Xufeng , Sun Gang , You Bo 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIn this paper, highly transparent, robust, and superhydrophilic polyethylene glycol tert‐octylphenyl ether nonionic surfactant/epoxy (Triton X‐100/epoxy, TXE) composite coatings are successfully prepared with a facile, one‐step drop‐casting method by mixing Triton X‐100 with an epoxy resin and an amine curing agent. The hydrogen bond reaction between the hydroxyl group of Triton X‐100 and the ether group of the epoxy resin improves the compatibility and reduces the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the TXE composite coatings. The free Triton X‐100 surfactant easily accumulates on the surface of the TXE composite coatings, which improves the hydrophilicity of the TXE composite coatings. The TXE composite coatings are self‐healable because of their low Tg and the migration of Triton X‐100 small molecule surfactant. Any damage arising from denting, cutting, or wiping by tetrahydrofuran can be healed, and the composite coating can regain its superhydrophilic properties through a heating process. The TXE composite coatings demonstrate excellent acid, alkali, salt, high temperature, and ultrasonic‐resistant properties. This facile preparation technique has the potential to be applied in the scalable fabrication of multifunctional coatings in anti‐fogging, oil–water separation, and optical–electric devices.
Controllable Aligned Nanofiber Hybrid Yarns with Enhanced Bioproperties for Tissue Engineering
Authors: Liu Chengkun , Li Boyu , Mao Xue , Zhang Qing , Sun Runjun , Gong R. Hugh , Zhou Fenglei 
Published: April 2019

AbstractElectrospun nanofibers have large surface area, high porosity, and controllable orientation while conventional microfibers have appropriate mechanical properties such as stiffness, strength, and elasticity. Therefore, the combination of nanofibers and microfibers can provide building elements to engineer biomimetic scaffolds for tissue engineering. In this study, a core–shell structured fibrous structure with controllable surface topography is created by electrospinning polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers onto polyglycolic acid (PGA) microfibers. The surface morphology, surface wettability, and mechanical properties of the resultant core–shell structure are characterized. FE‐SEM images reveal that the orientation of PCL nanofibers on the yarn surface can be tuned by a fiber collector and rotating disks. Benefiting from the introduction of a shell of aligned PCL nanofibers on the core of PGA yarn, the uniaxially aligned PCL nanofiber–covered yarns (A‐PCLs) exhibit higher hydrophilicity, porosity, and mechanical properties than the core PGA yarns. Moreover, A‐PCLs promote the adhesion and proliferation of BALB/3T3 (mouse embryonic fibroblast cell line), and guide cell growth along the biotopographic cues of the PCL nanofibers with controllable alignment. The developed core–shell yarn having both the desired surface topography of PCL nanofibers and mechanical properties of PGA microfibers demonstrates great potential in constructing various tissue scaffolds.
Highly Conductive Cellulose Network/Polyaniline Composites Prepared by Wood Fractionation and In Situ Polymerization of Aniline
Authors: Ke Shaoqiu , Ouyang Tulong , Zhang Kai , Nong Yuhong , Mo Ying , Mo Qiufeng , Wei Yongxuan , Cheng Fangchao 
Published: April 2019

AbstractHighly conductive cellulose network/polyaniline (PANI) composites are successfully formed using chemical fractionation of solid wood followed by in situ polymerization of aniline monomers in the purified wood. The increased porosity of the wood caused by the fractionation process enables the uniform deposition of PANI particles in the microstructure of the material, resulting in a high electrical conductivity of up to 36.79 S cm−1, and a high weight gain rate of up to 143%. The interaction between PANI and the cellulose microfibril network leads to a decreased crystallinity of the composites. The electrode prepared from the cellulose network/PANI composites exhibits promising gravimetric specific capacitances of up to 218.75 F g−1 and areal specific capacitances of up to 0.41 F cm−2, and it can be assembled into all‐solid‐state supercapacitors with favorable energy storage performance, which may be attributed to the larger surface area, higher PANI content of the electrode, and the positive effect of the cellular structure of the cellulose network on electron transport. The present process can preserve the naturally hierarchical structure of wood and impart a promising conductivity to the composites, and it provides a promising way to produce hierarchical biomass‐based electronic materials for high‐performance storage field.
Effect of vasopressor use on digit survival after replantation and revascularization—A large retrospective cohort study
Authors: Retrouvey Helene , Makerewich Jacqueline R. , Solaja Ogi , Giuliano Anthony M. , Niazi Ahtsham U. , Baltzer Heather L. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPurposeDespite the common use of intraoperative vasopressors in hand microsurgery, the association between intraoperative vasopressor use and digital replant failure has not yet been examined. Our study aims to examine the association between intraoperative vasopressor use (phenylephrine and/or ephedrine) and postoperative digital failure of replanted or revascularized digits.MethodsAll patients from a single tertiary hand center who underwent unilateral digital replantation or revascularization procedures between 2005 and 2016 were included in this retrospective cohort study. The relationship between intraoperative vasopressors used to maintain hemodynamic stability and digit failure was then evaluated using logistic regression. Specifically, phenylephrine (total dose 10–3,600 mcg) and ephedrine (5–110 mg) use were evaluated.ResultsDuring the study period, 281 patients underwent digital replantation or revascularization. Of those, 86 (31%) were given an intraoperative vasopressor. Digit failure was more likely in patients with crush or avulsion injuries compared to clean‐cut mechanism (odds ratio [OR] 2.02, p = .02), and in patients with replantation (OR 7.85, p < .0001) as compared to revascularization procedures. Using multivariate logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, smoking status, comorbidities, number of digits injured, injury type, and procedure type, the odds of digital failure with vasopressor use were not increased (p = .84). When evaluating vasopressors used after tourniquet deflation, failure increased with ephedrine use (OR = 2.42, p = .0496) and phenylephrine use (OR = 2.21, p = .31).ConclusionsThe use of vasopressors was not associated with failure if administration of vasopressors was before tourniquet deflation. The administration of vasopressors after tourniquet deflation should be cautioned.
Numerical solution for (2 + 1)‐dimensional time‐fractional coupled Burger equations using fractional natural decomposition method
Authors: Prakasha Doddabhadrappla G. , Veeresha Pundikala , Rawashdeh Mahmoud S. 
Published: April 2019

The aim of the present work is to find the numerical solutions for time‐fractional coupled Burgers equations using a new novel technique, called fractional natural decomposition method (FNDM). Two examples are considered in order to illustrate and validate the efficiency of the proposed algorithm. The numerical simulation has been conducted to ensure the exactness of the present method, and the obtained solutions are offered graphically to reveal the applicability and reliability of the FNDM. The outcomes of the study reveal that the FNDM is computationally very effective and accurate to study the (2 + 1)‐dimensional coupled Burger equations of arbitrary order.
Transcriptional Response of White Adipose Tissue to Withdrawal of Vitamin B3
Authors: Shi Wenbiao , Hegeman Maria A. , Doncheva Atanaska , van der Stelt Inge , Bekkenkamp‐Grovenstein Melissa , van Schothorst Evert M. , Brenner Charles , de Boer Vincent C. J. , Keijer Jaap 
Published: April 2019

ScopeDistinct markers for mild vitamin B3 deficiency are lacking. To identify these, the molecular responses of white adipose tissue (WAT) to vitamin B3 withdrawal are examined.Methods and resultsA dietary intervention is performed in male C57BL/6JRccHsd mice, in which a diet without nicotinamide riboside (NR) is compared to a diet with NR at the recommended vitamin B3 level. Both diets contain low but adequate level of tryptophan. Metabolic flexibility and systemic glucose tolerance are analyzed and global transcriptomics, qRT‐PCR, and histology of epididymal WAT (eWAT) are performed. A decreased insulin sensitivity and a shift from carbohydrate to fatty acid oxidation in response to vitamin B3 withdrawal are observed. This is consistent with molecular changes in eWAT, including an activated MEK/ERK signaling, a lowering of glucose utilization markers, and an increase in makers of fatty acid catabolism, possibly related to the consistent lower expression of mitochondrial electron transport complexes. The synthesis pathway of tetrahydropteridine (BH4), an essential cofactor for neurotransmitter synthesis, is transcriptionally activated. Genes marking these processes are technically validated.ConclusionThe downregulation of Anp32a, Tnk2 and the upregulation of Mapk1, Map2k1, Qdpr, Mthfs, and Mthfsl are proposed as a WAT transcriptional signature marker for mild vitamin B3 deficiency.
Accelerated interleaved spiral‐IDEAL imaging of hyperpolarized 129Xe for parametric gas exchange mapping in humans
Authors: Zanette Brandon , Santyr Giles 
Published: April 2019

PurposeTo demonstrate the feasibility of mapping gas exchange with single breath‐hold hyperpolarized (HP) 129Xe in humans, acquiring parametric maps of lung physiology. The potential benefit of acceleration using parallel imaging for this application is also explored.MethodsSix healthy volunteers were scanned with a modified spiral‐IDEAL sequence to acquire gas exchange‐weighted images using a single dose of 129Xe. These images were fit with the model of xenon exchange (MOXE) on a voxel‐wise basis calculating parametric maps of lung physiology, specifically: air–capillary barrier thickness (δ), alveolar septal thickness (d), capillary transit time (tx), pulmonary hematocrit (HCT), and alveolar surface area‐to‐volume ratio (SVR). An accelerated version of the sequence was also tested in subset of 4 volunteers and compared to the fully sampled (FS) results.ResultsMean image‐wide values calculated from MOXE parametric maps derived from FS dissolved 129Xe spiral‐IDEAL images were: δ = 0.89 ± 0.17 μm, d = 7.5 ± 0.5 μm, tx = 1.1 ± 0.2s, HCT = 28.8 ± 2.3%, and SVR = 140 ± 16 cm−1, in good agreement with previously published values based on whole‐lung spectroscopy of healthy human subjects. Parallel imaging sufficiently reduces artifacting in accelerated images, but increases disagreement with MOXE parameters derived from FS data with mean voxel‐wise unsigned relative differences of: δ = 39 ± 9%, d = 22 ± 3%, tx = 117 ± 43%, HCT = 11 ± 2%, and SVR = 31 ± 12%.ConclusionDissolved HP 129Xe spiral‐IDEAL imaging for gas exchange mapping is feasible in humans using a single breath‐hold. Accelerated gas exchange mapping is also shown to be feasible but requires further improvements to increase quantitative accuracy.
Driving mutually coupled gradient array coils in magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Ertan Koray , Taraghinia Soheil , Atalar Ergin 
Published: April 2019

PurposeIn contrast to conventional linear gradients, gradient coil arrays with arbitrary spatial dependency might experience strong mutual coupling. Although conventional gradient power amplifiers with feedback loop might compensate the effect of coupling, required voltages for the compensation are generally unknown and has to be considered beforehand to ensure that amplifier voltage limits are not exceeded. A first‐order circuit model is proposed to be used as a feedforward model which enables analytical formulas of required voltages to drive the mutually coupled gradient coil arrays.Theory and MethodsA first‐order circuit model including the mutual couplings is provided to analytically calculate the input voltages and minimum achievable rise times for a given set of gradient array currents and amplifier limitations. Previously designed 9‐channel Z‐gradient coil array and home‐built gradient amplifiers (50 V and 20 A) are used in the experiments. Three sets of currents optimized for linear Z‐gradient, second‐order Z2, and third‐order Z3 fields are used in the bench‐top experiments. The current weightings for the linear Z‐gradient are also used as the readout gradient in the 3T MRI experiments.ResultsCurrent measurements for the example magnetic field profiles with minimum rise times are demonstrated for the simultaneous use of 9‐channel gradient coils and amplifiers. MRI experiments verify that a linear Z‐gradient field with a desired time waveform can be generated using a mutually coupled array coils.ConclusionBench‐top and MRI experiments demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed circuit model and analytical formulas to drive the mutually coupled gradient coils.
Investigation of the relationship between bladder function and sarcopenia using pressure flow studies in elderly male patients
Authors: Majima Tsuyoshi , Funahashi Yasuhito , Matsukawa Yoshihisa , Inoue Satoshi , Sassa Naoto , Kato Masashi , Yamamoto Tokunori , Gotoh Momokazu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAimsAlthough detrusor underactivity is often encountered in elderly patients, the etiology remains unclear. We have hypothesized that sarcopenia was associated with impaired bladder contractility. Therefore, we have evaluated the relationship between bladder contractility and clinical parameters including sarcopenia markers in elderly male patients.MethodsThis retrospective, single‐centre study included male patients over 65 years of age who underwent a pressure flow study (PFS). We excluded patients with any previous medical histories that could affect bladder function, currently on urinary medication, and with no available data of abdominal CT scan. The psoas muscle area (PMA) (cm2/m2) was measured as a surrogate for psoas muscle mass on computed tomography. PMA, serum CRP, and albumin are known as sarcopenia markers. Correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed to evaluate the association of bladder contractility index (BCI) with the following parameters: age, body mass index (BMI), prostate volume, bladder outlet obstruction index (BOOI), serum C‐reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin, and PMA.ResultsOut of 558 male patients identified in our PFS database, 119 patients were enrolled. In the correlation analysis, age, prostate volume, serum albumin, BOOI, and PMA significantly correlated with BCI. However, no significant correlation of BCI with CRP or BMI was observed. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that serum albumin, BOOI, and PMA were significantly associated with BCI.ConclusionsWe have demonstrated that serum albumin and PMA were significantly positively associated with detrusor contractility. It is possible that sarcopenia is associated with impaired detrusor contractility.
Next‐generation quantum theory of atoms in molecules for the photochemical ring‐opening reactions of oxirane
Authors: Bin Xin , Azizi Alireza , Xu Tianlv , Kirk Steven R. , Filatov Michael , Jenkins Samantha 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe conical intersections corresponding to the C─O and C─C ring opening were optimized and the reaction paths traversing these intersections were obtained. Investigation of the C─O ring opening revealed that when traversing the lowest energy conical intersection, the reaction path returns to the closed ring geometry. The C─O path traversing the intersection featuring torsion of terminal CH2 group however, led to a ring‐opened geometry, an H‐shift and the formation of acetaldehyde that can undergo further dissociation. The observation of different reaction paths was explained by the 3‐D paths from quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) that defined the most preferred direction of electronic motion that precisely tracked the mechanisms of bond breaking and formation throughout the photo‐reactions. The size, orientation, and location of these most preferred 3‐D paths indicated the extent and direction of motion of atoms, bonds, and the degree of torsion or planarity of a bond indicating a predictive ability.
Characterization of gelsevirine metabolites in rat liver S9 by accurate mass measurements using high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Hua‐Hai , Huang Ya‐Jun , Liu Yan‐Chun , Jiang Xu‐Yan , Zhang Shuo‐Xin , Liu Zhao‐Ying 
Published: April 2019

RationaleGelsemium elegans Benth. belongs to the family Loganiaceae and is widely distributed in northern America, east Asia, and southeast Asia. It has attracted wide attention for its diverse biological effects and complex architectures. Gelsevirine is one of the major components in G. elegans. Compared with other alkaloids from G. elegans, gelsevirine exhibits equally potent anxiolytic effects but with less toxicity. However, the metabolism of gelsevirine has not been clearly elucidated.MethodsThe metabolism of gelsevirine was investigated using liver S9 fractions derived from rat liver homogenates by centrifugation at 9000 g. A rapid and accurate high‐performance liquid chromatography/quadrupole‐time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (HPLC/QqTOF‐MS) method was applied to characterize the gelsevirine metabolites.ResultsWe discovered a total number of four metabolites of gelsevirine. The metabolic pathways of gelsevirine consisted of hydrogenation, N‐demethylenation and oxidation in rat liver S9.ConclusionsThis is the first study on the metabolism of gelsevirine. We proposed possible metabolic pathways of gelsevirine. These findings may warrant future studies of the in vivo metabolism of gelsemine in animals.
Chattering‐free adaptive sliding mode control for continuous‐time systems with time‐varying delay and process disturbance
Authors: Cui Yanliang , Xu Lanlan 
Published: April 2019

SummaryThis paper concerns the controller design for continuous‐time linear systems with time‐varying delay and process disturbance. A novel adaptive sliding mode control law is mainly proposed to attract the sliding mode to first‐order sliding surface within a finite time; afterwards, the uniformly ultimately bounded stability of the closed‐loop system on the sliding surface is simultaneously guaranteed. In addition, the chattering phenomena can be conveniently excluded if the disturbance is a low‐intensity process. Once the high‐intensity disturbance is involved, the state variation can be significantly reduced as well. Furthermore, by the technique of a novel exponential free‐matrix technique, the convergence rate of the closed‐loop system can be conveniently preregulated. Numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Immature stages of beetles representing the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae): an overview of current knowledge of the larval morphology and some resulting taxonomic notes on Blapstinina
Authors: Kamiński Marcin Jan , Lumen Ryan , Kubicz Magdalena , Steiner Warren , Kanda Kojun , Iwan Dariusz 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThis paper summarizes currently available morphological data on larval stages of representatives of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade (Tenebrionidae: Tenebrioninae). Literature research revealed that larval morphology of approximately 6% of described species representing this lineage is currently known (139 out of ~ 2325 spp.). Larvae of the five following species are described and illustrated: Zadenos mulsanti (Dendarini: Melambiina; South Africa), Blapstinus histricus, Blapstinus longulus, Trichoton sordidum (Opatrini: Blapstinina; North America), and Eurynotus rudebecki (Platynotini: Eurynotina; South Africa). The majority of studied larvae were associated with adults using molecular tools, resulting in an updated phylogeny of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade. This revised phylogeny provides an evolutionary context for discussion of larval morphology. Based on the morphological and molecular evidence, the following synonym is proposed within Blapstinina: Trichoton Hope, 1841 (= Bycrea Pascoe, 1868 syn. nov.). Based on this decision, a new combination is introduced: Trichoton villosum Pascoe, 1868 comb. nov. The economic importance of the ‘Opatrinoid’ clade larvae is also briefly discussed, as well as potential future avenues of research.
First Trimester Diagnosis of Sirenomelia: A Case Report
Authors: Satarkar Shilpa 
Published: April 2019

AbstractSirenomelia or the mermaid syndrome is a rare and lethal congenital anomaly. It is characterized by fusion of lower extremities. It is associated with bilateral renal agenesis, anomalies of rectum, sacrum, cardiovascular system and abdominal wall. Pathognomic finding is a single umbilical artery, the ‘persistent vitelline artery’ which distinguishes sirenomelia from caudal regression syndrome. Sirenomelia has strong association with maternal diabetes mellitus. We report a case of sirenomelia diagnosed in first trimester. Early diagnosis was possible as protocol-based anatomic evaluation was performed. Diagnosis of sirenomelia is easier in first trimester as severe oligohydramnios in later gestation hampers the fetal evaluation.
Tangible interface for shape modeling by block assembly of wirelessly connected blocks
Authors: Son Jinwon , Jang Hoik , Choi Young 
Published: April 2019

AbstractTangible computer-aided design (CAD) that can generate and manipulate 3D models more efficiently than conventional modeling interfaces is a new interface technology between users and computers through tangible physical devices. Because the majority of tangible CAD systems use cameras or projectors, 3D models of complex structures with visual occlusion cannot be generated. In this work, we propose and develop a system that allows users to create complex shapes by assembling wireless blocks. By allowing more freedom in the orientations of blocks, models created by the assembly operation can be used to generate true 3D shapes compared to the 2.5D shapes resulting from previous research. The physical blocks of the proposed system include infrared proximity sensors, inertial magnetic units, Zigbee modules, and Arduino microcontrollers. The status of the block assembly is transmitted to the workstation wirelessly by the Zigbee. The workstation collects the sensor data of the blocks and generates and renders 3D models of the physically assembled blocks. The concept of the proposed tangible CAD system can be used in various application areas where simple, easy-to-use shape modeling interfaces for creating models by assembling small blocks are sufficient. The education and gaming industries are good examples of where this concept can be applied easily.Highlights A 3D shape modeling system through physical block assembly with sensors is developed. Using wireless communication, a degree of freedom of block assembly is increased. The rotation of the block was calculated through the 9-axis sensor and applied to the rendered 3D model. Through efficient data processing, the problems of real-time wireless communication environment are overcome. Users who are not trained in CAD tools can easily create 3D shape models.