bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activity of Atomically Precise Titania Nanoparticles in CO Oxidation
Authors: Zhao Yan‐Xia , Wang Meng‐Meng , Zhang Yan , Ding Xun‐Lei , He Sheng‐Gui 
Published: April 2019

AbstractUnderstanding the property evolution of atomically precise nanoparticles atom by atom along the size continuum is critical for selecting potential candidates to assemble nanomaterials with desired functionality, but it is very challenging experimentally especially for systems having mixtures of elements such as metal oxides. In this work, the capability to oxidize carbon monoxide has been measured experimentally for titania nanocluster anions of (TiO2)nOm− (−3≤m≤3) across a broad size range in the gas phase. Stoichiometric (TiO2)nO− exhibits superior oxidative activity over other clusters of (TiO2)nOm− (m≠1) even when the cluster dimensions are scaled up to n=60, indicating that each atom still influences the chemical behavior of titania nanoparticles composed of ≈180 atoms. The fascinating result not only identifies a promising building block of TinO2n+1 for devising new nanoscale titania materials with desirable oxidative activity, but also provides compelling molecular‐level evidence for the Mars–van Krevelen mechanism of CO oxidation over titania supports.
Polyacrylonitrile–poly(1‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) blend based gel polymer electrolytes incorporated with sodium iodide salt for dye‐sensitized solar cell applications
Authors: Saidi Norshahirah Mohamad , Ming Ng Hong , Omar Fatin Saiha , Bashir Shahid , Ramesh K. , Ramesh S. 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTNew gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) were prepared via the blending of a polyacrylonitrile polymer and a poly(1‐vinyl pyrrolidone‐co‐vinyl acetate) copolymer. The sodium iodide (NaI) salt concentration was varied for each GPE sample. From ionic conductivity (σ) studies, we observed that the sample with a 40 wt % NaI salt content (N40) showed the highest σ of 3.54 × 10−3± 0.05 S/cm at room temperature, and all of the GPE samples obeyed Arrhenius behavior. The dielectric properties of the GPE samples were also analyzed to study the electrical polarization of the materials. The developed GPE samples were also characterized with X‐ray diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. We also then used the developed GPE samples for the fabrication of dye‐sensitized solar cells by sandwiching them between a photoanode and Pt counter electrode for photovoltaic studies. The highest photovoltaic performance was achieved by N40, with an efficiency of 3.04%. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47810.
Curing of a tetrafluoroethylene–propylene elastomer with high‐vinyl polybutadiene rubber and peroxide
Authors: Cong Chuanbo , Liu Qingkun , Wei Peng , Meng Xiaoyu , Zhou Qiong 
Published: April 2019

ABSTRACTA cocuring agent is necessary for tetrafluoroethylene–propylene elastomer (FEPM), which cannot be cured by peroxide alone. We observed that high‐vinyl polybutadiene rubber (HVBR) could be used as a cocuring agent for FEPM. The structure and properties of FEPM–HVBR blend vulcanizates were investigated by13C‐NMR, differential scanning calorimetry, swelling tests, tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. This research showed that HVBR significantly improved FEPM by conferring a high crosslink degree to the FEPM–HVBR blends. When the HVBR concentration was 25% without any filler reinforcement, the tensile strength of the FEPM–HVBR blend vulcanizate reached 11.6 MPa, and the crosslinking density reached 171 μmol/cm3. In addition, HVBR improved the thermal stability of FEPM and changed the glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of the blend; as the HVBR content increased, theTgof the blend also increased.13C‐NMR analysis confirmed that crosslinks existed between the HVBR and FEPM macromolecules. When the blends contained trace amounts of HVBR, free‐radical reaction was more preferred between FEPM and HVBR, whereas when HVBR was 15% or more, crosslinking between HVBR was predominant. These findings expand the choices for the curing of FEPM. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2019,136, 47836.
Making it stick: A CURE designed to introduce students to the scientific process and the host response to foreign materials
Authors: Slee Joshua B. , McLaughlin Jacqueline S. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOften overlooked in many molecular cell biology laboratory and cell culture courses, suspension cells represent an important aspect of molecular cell biology and cell culture. Most primary cell cultures and cell lines are adherent cells which grow in monolayers on surfaces. However, other cells such as hematopoietic cells, certain tumor cells, and cells of the immune system are suspension cells which are anchorage‐independent which grow and divide in solution. THP‐1 cells are a commercially available, spontaneously immortalized monocyte‐like cell line derived from the peripheral blood of a patient with acute monocytic leukemia. These cells are an excellent model for suspension cell culture and studies of the immune system. Researchers have used THP‐1 cells to study the host response to implantable devices and biomaterials in vitro. Tissue contacting surfaces of implantable materials initiate a host inflammatory response characterized by many events, one of which includes macrophage attachment to the surface, which ultimately leads to degradation and failure of the material. Using the THP‐1 adhesion assay embedded in this CURE, students can participate in the scientific process by testing substances which may prevent the host inflammatory response to implantable devices and biomaterials. © 2019 International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 47(4):417–425, 2019.
Effect of S‐1 on survival outcomes in 838 patients with advanced pancreatic cancer: A 7‐year multicenter observational cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Lai Hsiang‐Lan , Chen Yen‐Yang , Lu Chang‐Hsien , Hung Chia‐Yen , Kuo Yung‐Chia , Chen Jen‐Shi , Hsu Hung‐Chih , Chen Ping‐Tsung , Chang Pei‐Hung , Hung Yu‐Shin , Chou Wen‐Chi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveStudies have rarely explored the efficacy of S‐1 in treating advanced pancreatic cancer outside Japan. This study compared the survival outcomes of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer treated with S‐1 with the survival outcomes of those without S‐1 treatment before and after S‐1 reimbursement was introduced in Taiwan in June of 2014.MethodWe retrospectively analyzed 838 patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer who underwent palliative chemotherapy from 2010 to 2016 at 4 institutes in Taiwan. For survival analysis, patients were categorized into two groups according to whether they received S‐1 treatment as palliative chemotherapy after diagnosis: (a) S‐1‐treated (n = 335) and (b) non‐S‐1‐treated (n = 503) groups.ResultsThe median overall survival was longer in the S‐1‐treated group than in the non‐S‐1‐treated group (10.7 vs 6.0 mo, P < 0.001). Subgroup survival analyses showed that the S‐1‐treated group had more favorable outcomes than the non‐S‐1‐treated group in terms of stage III (19.6 vs 10.1 mo, P < 0.001) and stage IV (8.5 vs 5.3 mo, P < 0.001) disease. The disease control rates were 43.6% and 32.8% (P < 0.001) in patients treated with and without S‐1 in the first‐line setting, respectively. In multivariate analysis, exposure to S‐1 treatment was an independent prognosticator for survival.ConclusionOur results support the clinical use of S‐1 as the treatment of choice for patients with locally advanced or metastatic pancreatic cancer, particularly in resource‐limited situations.
Solubilizing Trityl‐Type Tag To Synthesize Asx/Glx‐Containing Peptides
Authors: Tsuda Shugo , Masuda Shun , Yoshiya Taku 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA novel solubilizing tag system for Asp/Asn/Glu/Gln‐containing peptides is described. In this method, an Asp/Glu[Dbz‐Cys‐NH2]‐containing peptide (Dbz: 3,4‐diaminobenzoic acid) is first synthesized through fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl (Fmoc) solid‐phase peptide synthesis. The solubilizing moiety containing an oligo‐Lys group is then attached to the peptide in hexafluoroisopropanol through a trityl anchor to afford a hydrophilic tagged peptide. To detach the solubilizing tag, the Dbz moiety of the tagged peptide is activated with NaNO2, and the Asp/Asn/Glu/Gln‐containing peptide is obtained through hydrolysis or ammonolysis. This synthetic approach proved to be compatible with native chemical ligation, and amyloid β‐protein 1–42 was successfully synthesized by the solubilizing‐tag‐aided native chemical ligation–desulfurization method.
Modular Microfluidic Paper‐Based Devices for Multi‐Modal Cascade Catalysis
Authors: Andersen Nalin I. , Artyushkova Kateryna , Matanović Ivana , Seow Chavez Madelaine , Hickey David P. , Abdelloui Sofiene , Minteer Shelley D. , Atanassov Plamen 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe integration of different catalytic modalities to control precursors, intermediates, and products requires a method for understanding these complex systems. A modular analytical platform is presented here that allows for catalytic conversion reactions and the delivery of catalytically transformed analytes to subsequent surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) detection zones. The paper‐based platforms are compatible for studying biochemical conversion reactions and electrochemical transformations. The full oxidation of glycerol to carbon dioxide follows a cascade reaction of 9 steps, chosen to illustrate the use of a molecular, biological, and metallic catalyst. Designated catalytic reaction zones and SERS detection zones integrated into the pores of paper at specific locations allows all of the reactions to take place within the pores of the analytical platform. Multiple chemical reactions were performed in sequence and the SERS spectra of the resulting intermediates and products were measured.
Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanosheets Encapsulating Cobalt Nanoparticle Hybrids as High‐Performance Bifunctional Electrocatalysts
Authors: Zheng Dandan , Ci Suqin , Cai Pingwei , Wang Genxiang , Wen Zhenhai 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDeveloping efficient and low‐cost catalysts with excellent catalytic activities for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of significance for large‐scale commercial applications in rechargeable Zn−air batteries and fuel cells. Herein, we develop a simple, mild and efficient method to synthesize a hybrid of N‐doped carbon nanosheets encapsulating cobalt nanoparticles (Co@NCNSs), which shows favorable catalytic properties toward both ORR and OER with high activity and good stability. The optimized hybrids (Co@NCNSs‐900) exhibit an onset potential of 0.95 V vs. reversible hydrogen electrode (RHE) and a half‐wave potential of 0.85 V vs. RHE for the ORR, and an onset potential of 1.51 V vs. RHE, a potential of 1.59 V vs. RHE at 10 mA cm−2 for the OER, as well as an oxygen electrode activity parameter (ΔE) of 0.802 V in alkaline electrolyte. Moreover, the Zn−air battery with the Co@NCNSs‐900 as the cathode catalyst outperforms that with the commercial Pt/C as cathode catalyst in terms of the maximum power density and stability, showing great prospects in renewable energy applications.
Tao Negatively Regulates BMP Signaling During Neuromuscular Junction Development in Drosophila
Authors: Politano Stephen F. , Salemme Ryan R. , Ashley James , López‐Rivera Javier A. , Bakula Toren A. , Puhalla Kathryn A. , Quinn John P. , Juszczak Madison J. , Phillip Lauren K. , Carrillo Robert A. , Vanderzalm Pamela J. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe coordinated growth and development of synapses is critical for all aspects of neural circuit function and mutations that disrupt these processes can result in various neurological defects. Several anterograde and retrograde signaling pathways, including the canonical Bone Morphogenic Protein (BMP) pathway, regulate synaptic development in vertebrates and invertebrates. At the Drosophila larval neuromuscular junction (NMJ), the retrograde BMP pathway is a part of the machinery that controls NMJ expansion concurrent with larval growth. We sought to determine whether the conserved Hippo pathway, critical for proportional growth in other tissues, also functions in NMJ development. We found that neuronal loss of the serine‐threonine protein kinase Tao, a regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway, results in supernumerary boutons which contain a normal density of active zones. Tao is also required for proper synaptic function, as reduction of Tao results in NMJs with decreased evoked excitatory junctional potentials. Surprisingly, Tao function in NMJ growth is independent of the Hippo pathway. Instead, our experiments suggest that Tao negatively regulates BMP signaling as reduction of Tao leads to an increase in pMad levels in motor neuron nuclei and an increase in BMP target gene expression. Taken together, these results support a role for Tao as a novel inhibitor of BMP signaling in motor neurons during synaptic development and function.
Genetic diversity and genetic structure of Decalobanthus boisianus in Hainan Island, China
Authors: Jiang Huan , Long Wenxing , Zhang Hui , Mi Chengneng , Zhou Tao , Chen Zongzhu 
Published: April 2019

AbstractDecalobanthus boisianus is a native plant of Hainan Island, China, which has caused considerable damage to tropical forest ecosystems in recent decades. Understanding the genetic diversity and structure of this species can facilitate uncovering the molecular mechanism of its invasive ability. Here, we collected 77 individuals of D. boisianus spanning 8 distribution areas with a gradient of human disturbance intensity (i.e., low, moderate, and high disturbance intensity groups) to assess patterns of genetic diversity and structure using inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) markers. We found that a total of 220 loci were scored with 13 primers using ISSR methods, and that 198 loci were polymorphic. The genetic diversity of D. boisianus among these eight forests decreased with increasing human disturbance intensity. Over 70% of the total genetic variation was present within populations, while less than 30% of variation was found among populations. There was a high gene flow (1.27) among them due to a lack of effective geographic barriers. The mean Nei's genetic distance of D. boisianus populations was found to be relatively small (i.e., 0.07), and the average genetic similarity of the eight populations was high (i.e., 0.93). Our findings indicate that the genetic diversity of D. boisianus correlated to human disturbance density, and that D. boisianus populations in Hainan Island have frequent gene exchange. We suggest that reduce deforestation to decrease human disturbance may be a good way to prevent the invasion of D. boisianus.
Janzen‐Connell effects in a forest BEF experiment: Strong distance‐dependent seedling establishment of multiple species
Authors: Germany Markus S. , Bruelheide Helge , Erfmeier Alexandra 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe Janzen‐Connell (JC) hypothesis is a major ecological explanation for high species richness, in particular in tropical forest ecosystems. Central components of the JC hypothesis are noncompetitive effects of distance and density dependence, two drivers that contribute independently to species coexistence, but are ultimately linked in the field. However, although numerous studies provide evidence for either distance‐ or density‐dependent effects based on observational data, experimental testing of simultaneous and interactive effects of distance and density has rarely been conducted, especially in a comprehensive multispecies approach. Here, we make use of the forest Biodiversity‐Ecosystem Functioning project (BEF) –China to estimate distance‐ and density‐dependent effects in a reciprocal tree seedling transplant experiment of 11 tree species. We deployed 13,490 juveniles of all 11 species in their own (home) and in all foreign monocultures (away), as well as at three different levels of planting density, thereby testing for distance and density effects, respectively. In addition, to quantify the amount to which density effects were brought about by potential additional effects of intraspecific competition, we set up a common garden experiment with different levels of planting density, where an additional “shadow” treatment controlled for effects of canopy shading. Although the “away” and “high‐density” treatments significantly impaired the performance and productivity of seedlings, leaf damage and survival was exclusively affected by either the home/away or the density treatment, respectively. Negative density‐dependent effects on leaf damage were less pronounced in the “home” treatment, showing that the effects were not additive. In addition, results obtained in the Common Garden Experiment showed that negative effects of high density may be also brought about by intraspecific competition as an alternative density‐responsive mechanism and less by true JC effects. Overall, our results provide strong support on a multispecies basis for the influence of host‐specific effects already operating in early stages of a forest plantation. However, they also emphasize the need to account appropriately for potential additional density‐responsive mechanisms such as intraspecific competition or microenvironmental conditions when addressing the role of JC effects for species coexistence.
External Validation of a Pretransplant Biomarker Model (REVERSE) Predictive of Renal Recovery After Liver Transplantation
Authors: Levitsky Josh , Asrani Sumeet K. , Abecassis Michael , Ruiz Richard , Jennings Linda W. , Klintmalm Goran 
Published: April 2019

In patients with end‐stage liver disease, the ability to predict recovery of renal function following liver transplantation (LT) remains elusive. However, several important clinical decisions depend on whether renal dysfunction is recoverable after LT. We used a cohort of patients undergoing LT to independently validate a published pre‐LT model predictive of post‐transplant renal recovery (Renal Recovery Assessment at Liver Transplant [REVERSE]: high osteopontin [OPN] and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases‐1 [TIMP‐1] levels, age < 57, no diabetes). Serum samples pre‐LT and 4‐12 weeks post‐LT (n = 117) were analyzed for kidney injury proteins from three groups of recipients: (1) estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 prior to and after LT (irreversible acute kidney injury [AKI]), (2) eGFR < 30 mL/minute/1.73 m2 prior to LT and >50 mL/minute/1.73 m2 after LT (reversible AKI [rAKI]) (3) eGFR > 50 mL/minute/1.73 m2 prior to and after LT (no AKI). In patients with elevated pre‐LT serum levels of OPN and TIMP‐1, recovery of renal function correlated with decreases in the level of both proteins. At 4 weeks post‐LT (n = 77 subset), the largest decline in OPN and TIMP‐1 was seen in the rAKI group. Validation of the REVERSE model in this independent data set had high area under the curve (0.78) in predicting full post‐LT renal recovery (sensitivity 0.86, specificity 0.6, positive predictive value 0.81, negative predictive value 0.69). Our eGFR findings were confirmed using measured GFR. Conclusion: The REVERSE model, derived from an initial training set combining plasma biomarkers and clinical characteristics, demonstrated excellent external validation performance characteristics in an independent patient cohort using serum samples. Among patients with kidney injury pre‐LT, the predictive ability of this model may prove beneficial in clinical decision‐making both prior to and following transplantation.
TRPC channels are not required for graded persistent activity in entorhinal cortex neurons
Authors: Egorov Alexei V. , Schumacher Dagmar , Medert Rebekka , Birnbaumer Lutz , Freichel Marc , Draguhn Andreas 
Published: April 2019

AbstractAdaptive behavior requires the transient storage of information beyond the physical presence of external stimuli. This short‐lasting form of memory involves sustained (“persistent”) neuronal firing which may be generated by cell‐autonomous biophysical properties of neurons or/and neural circuit dynamics. A number of studies from brain slices reports intrinsically generated persistent firing in cortical excitatory neurons following suprathreshold depolarization by intracellular current injection. In layer V (LV) neurons of the medial entorhinal cortex (mEC) persistent firing depends on the activation of cholinergic muscarinic receptors and is mediated by a calcium‐activated nonselective cation current (ICAN). The molecular identity of this conductance remains, however, unknown. Recently, it has been suggested that the underlying ion channels belong to the canonical transient receptor potential (TRPC) channel family and include heterotetramers of TRPC1/5, TRPC1/4, and/or TRPC1/4/5 channels. While this suggestion was based on pharmacological experiments and on effects of TRP‐interacting peptides, an unambiguous proof based on TRPC channel‐depleted animals is pending. Here, we used two different lines of TRPC channel knockout mice, either lacking TRPC1‐, TRPC4‐, and TRPC5‐containing channels or lacking all seven members of the TRPC family. We report unchanged persistent activity in mEC LV neurons in these animals, ruling out that muscarinic‐dependent persistent activity depends on TRPC channels.
Exploring Australian residents cycling engagement – Differences in self‐reported cycling behaviour between urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders
Authors: King Jemma C. , Franklin Richard C. , Devine Sue , Watt Kerrianne , Leggat Peter A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractIssue addressedCycling participation rates in Australia and Queensland remain low. Rural residents typically do not have distinct cycling infrastructure available for use. Investigating current cycling participation and barriers to cycling engagement will inform future work to promote cycling engagement.MethodsData were collected through the inclusion of cycling‐related questions in the 2012 Queensland Social Survey.ResultsThe majority of the sample had not cycled in the previous 12 months (66%; n = 831). Significantly more rural residents reported not cycling due to environmental concerns (P < 0.05) and preferring other modes of transport or exercise (P < 0.01). Rural cyclists (31.4%; n = 113) had higher levels of cycling engagement in the previous week (41.6% to 32.6% urban; χ2 = 7.83; n = 420; P < 0.05) but lower cycling durations than urban cyclists (41.6% rural residents cycling for 30+ minutes vs 57.4% urban residents; χ2 = 8.25; n = 418; P < 0.01). Rural cycling engagement was independently associated with being male (OR = 2.34; 95% CI = 1.40‐3.91); sufficient physical activity engagement (OR = 1.86; 95% CI = 1.10‐3.15); and having children at place of residence (1‐2 children: OR = 3.21; 95% CI = 1.88‐5.49; 3+ children: OR = 3.01; 95% CI = 1.17‐7.75).ConclusionsOne‐third of all adults cycled in the previous 12 months irrespective of location; however reasons for not cycling varied by urban/rural location. Results indicate that environmental factors appear to be inhibiting cycling participation in rural areas. Advocating for government commitment for infrastructure development to support safe cycling across Queensland including outside of metropolitan areas is required.So what?This research explores self‐reported cycling engagement amongst a sample of urban and rural dwelling Queenslanders. Differences in cycling exposure and reasons for lack of engagement offer insights into what may encourage greater cycling participation.