bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual Cross‐linked Vinyl Vitrimer with Efficient Self‐Catalysis Achieving Triple‐Shape‐Memory Properties
Authors: Niu Xiling , Wang Fenfen , Kui Xing , Zhang Rongchun , Wang Xiaoliang , Li Xiaohui , Chen Tiehong , Sun Pingchuan , Shi An‐Chang 
Published: August 2019

AbstractAs an emerging class of dynamic cross‐linked network, vitrimers have attracted much attention due to the combination of mechanical advantages of thermosets and recyclability of thermoplastics at an elevated temperature. In particular, most vitrimers with multi‐shape memory properties usually involve more than one thermal transition or molecular switch, which might pose a challenge for facile sample fabrication and potentially limits their applications. In pursuit of a more universal and simple route, utilizing commercially available and inexpensive reagents to prepare shape‐memory vitrimers with dual cross‐linked network from vinyl monomer‐derived prepolymers is reported here. Copolymerization of desired vinyl monomers gives prepolymers containing carboxyl and zinc carboxylate groups, which are later converted into vitrimers in a single step by post‐curing with diglycidylether of bisphenol A. The Zn2+ ions can not only act as physical crosslinking points through ionic coordination interactions, thus providing the triple‐shape‐memory properties, but also play the role of catalyst to activate transesterification in the dynamic covalent network. This new self‐catalyzed vitrimer has excellent transesterification efficiency, triple‐shape‐memory properties, and can be sufficiently healed and reprocessed at an elevated temperature. The proposed molecular design of self‐catalyzed materials opens a new avenue toward commercially relevant fabrication of high‐performance vitrimers with multiple shape‐memory properties.
Production of single cell protein from manure as animal feed by using photosynthetic bacteria
Authors: Patthawaro Sirada , Saejung Chewapat 
Published: August 2019

AbstractTo reduce the cost of protein feedstock for animal feed, the use of single cell protein (SCP) produced from waste of animal agriculture is an interesting choice. This study reveals that chicken manure was the best substrate for SCP production by submerged fermentation using photosynthetic bacteria compared to swine, cow, and buffalo manure. Regression analysis showed that the productions were found to be significantly influenced by chicken manure content, inoculum size, and cultivation time. Response surface methodology based on central composite design generated the optimal condition (15% chicken manure, 30% inoculum size and cultivation time for 14 days) at which biomass, protein, and carotenoid productions were increased by 92.3%, 21.6%, and 18.2%, respectively. The percentage of error between the predicted and actual values for biomass, protein, and carotenoid productions were 1.56%, 2.64%, and 2.09%, respectively, which indicates the precision of the model. To verify the quality of SCP, the bacterium was cultured in a photobioreactor to investigate amino acid composition, protein, and nucleic acid contents. The SCP yielded 62.7% protein with essential amino acids including lysine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, leucine, isoleucine, valine, histidine, and low nucleic acid content of 4.52%. This study suggests an alternative SCP production for animal feed as well as the strategy for animal waste management.
Improving the image quality of 3D FLAIR with a spiral MRI technique
Authors: Li Zhiqiang , Pipe James G. , Ooi Melvyn B. , Kuwabara Michael , Karis John P. 
Published: August 2019

PurposeFluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) nulls the CSF signal and is widely used in neuro MRI exams. A 3D scan can provide high SNR, contiguous coverage, and reduced sensitivity to through‐plane CSF flow. In this work, a 3D spiral FLAIR technique is proposed to improve the image quality of conventional 3D Cartesian FLAIR.MethodsThe 3D spiral FLAIR sequence incorporated a spiral‐in/out readout to preserve higher scan efficiency and eliminate off resonance‐induced artifacts observed with a commonly implemented spiral‐out readout, a compensation approach to minimize phase errors due to the concomitant fields accompanying the spiral gradient, and an adapted variable flip angle scheme to preserve scan efficiency and maintain a long and stable echo train. 3D Cartesian and spiral FLAIR (~6 min each) were acquired on a 3 Tesla scanner from 6 subjects (age range: 31‐64 years; mean: 39.5). Two neuroradiologists rated the images in a blinded fashion on a 5‐point scale. The noise performance was assessed quantitatively.ResultsCompared to 3D Cartesian FLAIR, 3D spiral FLAIR exhibits greater reduction of artifacts from CSF, especially anterior to the brain stem (rated better in 4 cases), artifacts attributed to blood/flow in the deep brain (better or much better in all 6 cases), and superior overall image quality (much better in 5 cases) despite residual susceptibility artifacts near the nasal cavity. Quantitative assessment demonstrates ~1.5× higher average SNR than Cartesian data.Conclusion3D spiral FLAIR achieves higher SNR, reduced CSF, and blood/flow artifacts, providing an alternative to 3D Cartesian FLAIR for neurological exams.
Symptom‐based latent classes of persons with irritable bowel syndrome
Authors: Han Claire J. , Pike Ken , Jarrett Monica E. , Heitkemper Margaret M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractA large amount of interindividual variability exists in symptom experiences of persons with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Thus, consideration of multiple symptoms to identify distinct symptom subgroups may be useful in directing personalized health strategies for symptom management. We aimed to identify latent classes (i.e., subgroups) of persons with IBS who share similar patterns of symptoms using symptom‐related variables (six groups of daily diary symptoms, cognitive beliefs about IBS, and IBS quality of life [QOL]); and to examine how subgroups differed in patient characteristics. Data were derived from a baseline assessment of men and women enrolled in two cognitively‐focused intervention trials (N = 332). Using latent class analysis, four latent classes were identified: Class 1 (low symptoms and good QOL, n = 153), Class 2 (low symptoms and moderate QOL, n = 106), Class 3 (high symptoms with diarrhea and poor QOL, n = 38), and Class 4 (high symptoms with low diarrhea and moderate QOL, n = 35). Diarrhea, being female, less formal education, unemployment, and previous history of major depressive disorder were associated with membership in Class 3. Using these distinct symptom profiles, the next step is to explore underlying mechanisms accounting for symptom burden with the goal of designing tailored interventions to reduce that burden.
Observer‐based actuator fault estimation and proportional derivative fault tolerant control for continuous‐time singular systems
Authors: Mu Yunfei , Zhang Huaguang , Su Hanguang , Zhang Kun 
Published: August 2019

SummaryThis paper focuses on designing fault estimation (FE) and fault tolerant control (FTC) schemes for continuous‐time singular systems affected by actuator fault. A novel observer called the extended proportional integral observer (PIO) is designed so that the estimations of system state and actuator fault can be obtained simultaneously. In contrast with the traditional PIO, better estimation performance can be obtained by using the designed observer. Furthermore, with the obtained FE information, a novel proportional derivative–type FTC scheme is given by means of the separation property and the free‐weighting matrix technique, which ensures that the closed‐loop system is normal and stable. All the feasible conditions are formulated in linear matrix inequality (LMI) frameworks. Finally, two examples are simulated to prove the superiority and practicability of the presented scheme.
Genomic characterisation of breast fibroepithelial lesions in an international cohort
Authors: Md Nasir Nur Diyana , Ng Cedric Chuan Young , Rajasegaran Vikneswari , Wong Suet Far , Liu Wei , Ng Gwendolene Xin Pei , Lee Jing Yi , Guan Peiyong , Lim Jing Quan , Thike Aye Aye , Koh Valerie Cui Yun , Loke Benjamin Nathanael , Chang Kenneth Tou En , Gudi Mihir Ananta , Lian Derrick Wen Quan , Madhukumar Preetha , Tan Benita Kiat Tee , Tan Veronique Kiak Mien , Wong Chow Yin , Yong Wei Sean , Ho Gay Hui , Ong Kong Wee ,   International Fibroepithelial Consortium, Tan Patrick , Teh Bin Tean , Tan Puay Hoon 
Published: August 2019

AbstractFibroepithelial lesions (FELs) are a heterogeneous group of tumours comprising fibroadenomas (FAs) and phyllodes tumours (PTs). Here we used a 16‐gene panel that was previously discovered to be implicated in pathogenesis and progression, to characterise a large international cohort of FELs via targeted sequencing. The study comprised 303 (38%) FAs and 493 (62%) PTs which were contributed by the International Fibroepithelial Consortium. There were 659 (83%) Asian and 109 (14%) non‐Asian FELs, while the ethnicity of the rest was unknown. Genetic aberrations were significantly associated with increasing grade of PTs, and were detected more in PTs than FAs for MED12, TERT promoter, RARA, FLNA, SETD2, TP53, RB1, EGFR, and IGF1R. Most borderline and malignant PTs possessed ≥ 2 mutations, while there were more cases of FAs with ≤ 1 mutation compared to PTs. FELs with MED12 mutations had significantly higher rates of TERT promoter, RARA, SETD2, EGFR, ERBB4, MAP3K1, and IGF1R aberrations. However, FELs with wild‐type MED12 were more likely to express TP53 and PIK3CA mutations. There were no significant differences observed between the mutational profiles of recurrent FAs, FAs with a history of subsequent ipsilateral recurrence or contralateral occurrence, and FAs without a history of subsequent events. We identified recurrent mutations which were more frequent in PTs than FAs, with borderline and malignant PTs harbouring cancer driver gene and multiple mutations. This study affirms the role of a set of genes in FELs, including its potential utility in classification based on mutational profiles. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preoperative computed tomography scanning for abdominal neuroblastomas is superior to magnetic resonance imaging for safe surgical planning
Authors: Burnand Katherine , Barone Giuseppe , McHugh Kieran , Cross Kate 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundCross‐sectional imaging is required to assess disease prior to surgery for neuroblastoma (NBL), and both magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) scan are considered acceptable. We had concerns that MRI was underestimating disease extent, so from early 2016 we have systematically used MRI and CT before all abdominal NBL resections. The aim of this retrospective study was to establish which imaging modality is more accurate in determining disease extent, particularly after chemotherapy.MethodsAbdominal MRI and CT scans for all children with abdominal NBL referred for surgery from January 2016 to February 2018 were retrospectively reviewed to evaluate the extent of disease and the presence of imaging‐defined risk factors (IDRFs).ResultsThirty‐one patients were eligible for consideration of surgery post disease reassessment with MRI/MIBG. Twenty‐four of 31 children were included. CT was performed a median of 15 (range, 1–47) days after MRI. MRI underestimated IDRFs compared with CT in 13 of 24 patients (54%). Seventeen of 24 patients underwent surgery, and operative findings had 100% correlation with CT imaging. Notably, there were fundamental changes in management post CT in 6 of 24 patients (25%). CT did not underestimate disease compared with MRI in any patient.ConclusionMRI underestimated the extent of the disease in half of our patients considered for NBL resection. This may be due in part to tumor fibrosis, calcification, and chemotherapy. Preoperative CT scan is the best imaging modality to identify all IDRFs after chemotherapy to ensure safe surgery.
A meta‐analysis of the relationship between empathy and executive function
Authors: Yan Zhiqiang , Hong Skylar , Liu Fuli , Su Yanjie 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThe current meta‐analysis was designed to determine the relationship between executive function (EF) and empathy, as well as to identify any moderators. A search of Chinese and English databases yielded 18 studies and 67 effect sizes involving a total of 6006 participants. Results with the random effects model showed that EF was significantly positively correlated with empathy (r = .14, p < .001). Subgroup analysis showed that EF was more strongly related to cognitive empathy (r = .20, p < .001) than to affective empathy (r = .09, p = .03). Looking at the two dimensions of empathy, we further found that cognitive empathy is closely related to subcomponents of EF, including inhibitory control (r = .23, p < .001), working memory (r = .20, p < .001), and cognitive flexibility (r = .15, p = .036), while only affective empathy was closely related to inhibitory control (r = .12, p < .001). Results suggested that future research should consider that the relationship between empathy and EF varies depending on the division of specific subcomponents. This finding may help in explaining possible mechanisms of how EF affects empathy.
Home videos of cystic fibrosis patients using tobramycin inhalation powder: Relation of flow and cough
Authors: Meerburg Jennifer J. , Albasri Mehdi , van der Wiel Els C. , Andrinopoulou Eleni‐Rosalina , van der Eerden Menno M. , Majoor Christof J. , Arets Hubertus G.M. , Heijerman Harry G.M. , Tiddens Harm A.W.M. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundMany cystic fibrosis (CF) patients chronically infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa are on maintenance tobramycin inhalation therapy. Cough is reported as a side effect of tobramycin inhalation powder (TIP) in 48% of the patients. Objectives of this study were to investigate the association between the inspiratory flow of TIP and cough and to study the inhalation technique. We hypothesized that cough is related to a fast inhalation.Materials and MethodsIn this prospective observational study, CF patients ≥ 6 years old on TIP maintenance therapy from four Dutch CF centers were visited twice at home. Video recordings were obtained and peak inspiratory flow (PIF) was recorded while patients inhaled TIP. Between the two home visits, the patients made three additional videos. CF questionnaire‐revised, spirometry data, and computed tomography scan were collected. Two observers scored the videos for PIF, cough, and mistakes in inhalation technique. The associations between PIF and cough were analyzed using a logistic mixed‐effects model accounting for FEV1% predicted and capsule number.ResultsTwenty patients were included, median age 22 (18–28) years. No significant associations were found between PIF and cough. The risk of cough was highest after inhalation of the first capsule when compared to the second, third, and fourth capsule (P ≤ .015). Fourteen patients (70%) coughed at least once during TIP inhalation. A breath‐hold of less than 5 seconds after inhalation and no deep expiration before inhalation were the most commonly observed mistakes.ConclusionPIF is not related to cough in CF patients using TIP.
Association of air humidity with incidence of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction in children
Authors: Tikkakoski Anna P. , Tikkakoski Antti , Kivistö Juho E. , Huhtala Heini , Sipilä Kalle , Karjalainen Jussi , Kähönen Mika , Lehtimäki Lauri 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe effects of humidity and temperature on results of free running test in children are not known.ObjectiveAssess the relation of outdoor air temperature, relative humidity (RH), and absolute humidity (AH) to airway obstruction in children after free running exercise test.MethodsWe analyzed all exercise challenge tests with impulse oscillometry in children between January 2012 and April 2015 in the Tampere University Hospital. The associations of AH, RH, and temperature of outdoor air with change in airway resistance were studied using regression analysis and by comparing the frequency of exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (increase ≥40% in resistance at 5 Hz) at different levels of temperature and humidity.ResultsOverall, 868 children with reliable results were included (mean age: 5.4 years; range: 3.0‐14.1). In regression analysis, the relative change in resistance at 5 Hz after exercise was related to temperature (regression coefficient = −0.223, P = .020) and AH (regression coefficient = −0.893, P = .002), but not to RH. If absolute air humidity was <5 g/m3, exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB) occurred in 17.6% of study subjects and at AH levels ≥10 g/m3, it occurred in 5.9% of study subjects (P = .008). In multiple regression analysis comparing the effects of temperature and humidity and adjusting for covariates, only AH was independently associated with change in airway resistance (P = .009).ConclusionHigh AH of air is associated with lower incidence of EIB after outdoor exercise test in children. A negative test result at AH ≥10 g/m3 should be interpreted with caution.
Mitochondrial genes associated with pyrethroid resistance revealed by mitochondrial genome and transcriptome analyses in the malaria vector Anopheles sinensis (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Ding Yi‐Ran , Yan Zhen‐Tian , Si Feng‐Ling , Li Xu‐Dong , Mao Qi‐Meng , Asghar Sana , Chen Bin 
Published: August 2019

AbstractBACKGROUNDInsecticides are still the main method of mosquito control, but mosquito resistance presents a large obstacle. The function of mitochondrial genes in the evolution of insecticide resistance is still poorly understood. Pyrethroid is the most commonly used insecticide, and Anopheles sinensis is an important malaria vector in China and Southeast Asia. In this study, we investigated the mitochondrial genes associated with pyrethroid resistance through their genetic and expression variation based on analyses of transcriptomes and 36 individuals with resequencing in three geographical populations in China.RESULTSThe nucleotide diversity (Pi) in 18 resistant individuals was much lower than that in 18 susceptible individuals, which suggests that some sites experienced purifying selection subject to pyrethroid stress. Ka/Ks and amino acid analyses showed that ND4 experienced positive selection and had 23 amino acid mutations due to pyrethroid stress. These mutations might change the ND4 structure and function and thus alter the efficiency of the respiratory chain. ND5 was significantly upregulated, and ATP8 was significantly downregulated in these three pyrethroid resistant populations, which suggests that these two genes function in the production and maintenance of pyrethroid resistance. There are differences in mitochondrial genes involved in pyrethroid resistance among these three populations.CONCLUSIONThis is the first study to reveal the association of mitochondrial genes in the evolution of insecticide resistance through amino acid mutation and expression patterns and can help us further understand insecticide resistance mechanisms. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
Preparation of Granular Carbon‐Based Solid Acid Catalyst from White Poplar and the Catalytic Activities in Esterification
Authors: Lu Hemiao , Tang Wei , Ji Jie , Liang Xuezheng , Ji Genzhong 
Published: August 2019

AbstractThree granular carbon‐based solid acids were prepared from white poplar and used for the esterification of oleic acid and methanol. The granular carbon‐based catalysts were characterized by elemental analysis (EA), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and specific surface area test (BET) etc. The catalysts demonstrated high activities for the esterification of oleic acid with the conversion up to 98%. The prepared catalysts can be easily recovered and reused in the application process. The effects of carbonization temperature and reaction conditions on the catalytic activities were investigated. The results showed that the catalyst prepared by method‐2 owned excellent stability with the recycled esterification conversion of 90% after five runs.
Patterning of Nanoparticle‐Based Aerogels and Xerogels by Inkjet Printing
Authors: Lübkemann Franziska , Miethe Jan Frederick , Steinbach Frank , Rusch Pascal , Schlosser Anja , Zámbó Dániel , Heinemeyer Thea , Natke Dominik , Zok Dorian , Dorfs Dirk , Bigall Nadja C. 
Published: August 2019

AbstractNanoparticle‐based voluminous 3D networks with low densities are a unique class of materials and are commonly known as aerogels. Due to the high surface‐to‐volume ratio, aerogels and xerogels might be suitable materials for applications in different fields, e.g. photocatalysis, catalysis, or sensing. One major difficulty in the handling of nanoparticle‐based aerogels and xerogels is the defined patterning of these structures on different substrates and surfaces. The automated manufacturing of nanoparticle‐based aerogel‐ or xerogel‐coated electrodes can easily be realized via inkjet printing. The main focus of this work is the implementation of the standard nanoparticle‐based gelation process in a commercial inkjet printing system. By simultaneously printing semiconductor nanoparticles and a destabilization agent, a 3D network on a conducting and transparent surface is obtained. First spectro‐electrochemical measurements are recorded to investigate the charge–carrier mobility within these 3D semiconductor‐based xerogel networks.
Modulatory effects of Saussurea lappa root aqueous extract against ethephon‐induced kidney toxicity in male rats
Authors: Tousson Ehab , El‐Atrsh Afaf , Mansour Merfaat , Abdallah Assem 
Published: August 2019

AbstractEthephon (2‐chloroethyl phosphonic acid) is a plant growth promoter used to control the plant growth process by liberating ethylene and stimulating the production of endogenous ethylene. Medicinal plants are sources of novel drug discovery targets. Costus (Saussurea lappa) has been used as traditional Chinese medicine. The current study was conducted to examine the possible modifying effects of costus (S. lappa) root aqueous extract against kidney toxicity induced by ethephon in male rats. A total of 50 adult male rats were divided into five groups (first, control; second, costus; third, ethephon; fourth, posttreated ethephon with costus; fifth, ethephon self‐healing). There is a significant increase in the serum levels of urea, creatinine, potassium ions, chloride ions, kidney injury, DNA damage, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen expressions in treated rats with ethephon when compared to the control group. In contrast, the treated rats with ethephon revealed a significant decrease in the levels of sodium ions and an insignificant decrease in the calcium ions. Saussurea lappa extract modified these alterations when compared to the control group. As a result, costus root extract significantly reduced rat kidney toxicity after ethephon administration. We recommend costus to be included in diet for its valuable effects, and also producers and consumers should become more aware about the toxic effects of ethephon.