bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of multifunctional polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)‐epoxy‐zinc oxide nanocomposite coatings for marine applications
Authors: Verma Shatakshi , Das Sonalee , Mohanty Smita , Nayak Sanjay Kumar 
Published: May 2019

Multifunctional epoxy‐polydimethylsiloxane nanocomposite coatings with antifouling and anticorrosion characteristics have been developed via in situ polymerization method at different loading (1, 3, and 6.5 wt.%) of ZnO nanoparticles to cater marine applications. A detailed comparative analysis has been carried out between epoxy‐polydimethylsiloxane control (EPC) and ZnO‐reinforced coatings to determine the influence of ZnO loading on various properties. The incorporation of ZnO in EPC led to increase in root mean square (RMS) roughness to 126.75 nm and improved hydrophobicity showing maximum contact angle of 123.5° with low surface energy of 19.75 mN/m of nanocomposite coating as compared with control coating. The differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) result indicated improved glass transition temperature of nanocomposite coatings with highest Tg obtained at 83.69°C in case of 1 wt.% loading of ZnO. The increase in hydrophobicity of the system was accompanied by upgraded anticorrosion performance exhibiting 98.8% corrosion inhibition efficiency (CIE) as compared with control coating and lower corrosion rate of 0.12 × 10−3 mm/year. The Taber abrasion resistance and pull‐off adhesion strength results indicated an increment of 34.7% and 150.7%, respectively, in case of nanocomposite coating as compared with the control coating. The hardness of nanocomposite coatings was also improved, and maximum hardness was found to be 65.75 MPa for nanocomposite coating with 1 wt.% of ZnO. Our study showed that the nanocomposite coating was efficient in inhibiting accumulation of marine bacteria and preventing biofouling for more than 8 months. The developed environment‐friendly and efficient nanocomposite material has a promising future as a high‐performance anticorrosive and antifouling coating for marine applications.
Distinct mutational landscape of inverted urothelial papilloma
Authors: Akgul Mahmut , MacLennan Gregory T , Cheng Liang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA recent study has identified gene mutations involving the MAPK/ERK pathway, particularly the HRAS gene, in all inverted urothelial papillomas (IUPs), in the absence of pathway mutations in TERT promoter, FGFR3, and TP53/RB1genes. Neither recurrence nor progression was observed in IUPs. These data support several longstanding hypotheses: (1) IUPs are benign and do not recur or progress; (2) they harbor mutations that are different from those of urothelial carcinoma; and (3) they arise through different molecular mechanisms than low‐ or high‐grade urothelial carcinoma. As the most critical differential diagnosis in this context is inverted‐type urothelial carcinoma, more comprehensive studies are needed to compare and contrast these entities. © 2019 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low‐pressure additive manufacturing of continuous fiber‐reinforced polymer composites
Authors: O'Connor Heather J. , Dowling Denis P. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractContinuous fiber‐reinforced polymer composites have found a wide range of applications in the automotive and aerospace industry due to their lightweight properties. Recently the use of additive manufacturing (AM) has been developed for the fabrication of these composites. This study investigates the use of both atmospheric and, for the first time, low‐pressure (1 Pa) processing conditions for the AM of continuous carbon, glass, and Kevlar fiber‐reinforced nylon composites. Differential scanning calorimetry was used to compare the thermal properties of the three types of fiber‐reinforced filament prior to printing. It was found that the melting peak was dependent on filament type, which can be related to the polymer processing conditions used during their fabrication. Based on computed tomography measurements, it was found that the use of low‐pressure printing conditions yielded a reduction in porosity for the carbon, glass, and Kevlar printed composites of 5.7%, 1.0%, and 1.7%, respectively. The mechanical properties of the composites were compared, using a short beam shear test, which assisted in the measurement of interlaminar properties. An increase in interlaminar shear strength of 33%, 22%, and 12% was obtained for the carbon, glass, and Kevlar fiber‐reinforced polymer composites, respectively, when printed under low pressure, compared with that obtained at atmospheric pressure.
Well‐functioned photovoltaics based on nanofibers composed of PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT and graphenic precursors thermally modified by polythiophene, polyaniline and polypyrrole
Authors: Agbolaghi Samira 
Published: May 2019

AbstractReduced graphene oxide nanosheets modified by conductive polymers including polythiophene (GPTh), polyaniline (GPANI) and polypyrrole (GPPy) were prepared using the graphene oxide as both substrate and chemical oxidant. UV–visible and Raman analyses confirmed that the graphene oxide simultaneously produced the reduced graphene oxide and polymerized the conjugated polymers. The prepared nanostructures were subsequently electrospun in mixing with poly(3‐hexylthiophene) (P3HT)/phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) and poly[bis(triisopropylsilylethynyl)benzodithiophene‐bis(decyltetradecylthien)naphthobisthiadiazole] (PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT)/PC71BM components and embedded in the active layers of photovoltaic devices to improve the charge mobility and efficiency. The GPTh/PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT/PC71BM devices demonstrated better photovoltaic features (Jsc = 11.72 mA cm−2, FF = 61%, Voc = 0.68 V, PCE = 4.86%, μh = 8.7 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s−1 and μe = 1.3 × 10−2 cm2 V–1 s−1) than the GPPy/PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT/PC71BM (Jsc = 10.30 mA cm−2, FF = 60%, Voc = 0.66 V, PCE = 4.08%, μh = 1.4 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s−1 and μe = 8.9 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s−1) and GPANI/PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT/PC71BM (Jsc = 10.48 mA cm−2, FF = 59%, Voc = 0.65 V, PCE = 4.02%, μh = 8.6 × 10−4 cm2 V–1 s−1 and μe = 7.8 × 10−3 cm2 V–1 s−1) systems, assigned to the greater compatibility of PTh in the nano‐hybrids and the thiophenic conjugated polymers in the bulk of the nanofibers and active thin films. Furthermore, the PBDT‐TIPS‐DTNT‐DT polymer chains (3.35%–5.04%) acted better than the P3HT chains (2.01%–3.76%) because of more complicated conductive structures. © 2019 Society of Chemical Industry
A Genome‐Wide Association Study of Non‐Photochemical Quenching in response to local seasonal climates in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Rungrat Tepsuda , Almonte Andrew A. , Cheng Riyan , Gollan Peter J. , Stuart Tim , Aro Eva‐Mari , Borevitz Justin O. , Pogson Barry , Wilson Pip B. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractField‐grown plants have variable exposure to sunlight as a result of shifting cloud‐cover, seasonal changes, canopy shading, and other environmental factors. As a result, they need to have developed a method for dissipating excess energy obtained from periodic excessive sunlight exposure. Non‐photochemical quenching (NPQ) dissipates excess energy as heat, however, the physical and molecular genetic mechanics of NPQ variation are not understood. In this study, we investigated the genetic loci involved in NPQ by first growing different Arabidopsis thaliana accessions in local and seasonal climate conditions, then measured their NPQ kinetics through development by chlorophyll fluorescence. We used genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) to identify 15 significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for a range of photosynthetic traits, including a QTL co‐located with known NPQ gene PSBS (AT1G44575). We found there were large alternative regulatory segments between the PSBS promoter regions of the functional haplotypes and a significant difference in PsbS protein concentration. These findings parallel studies in rice showing recurrent regulatory evolution of this gene. The variation in the PSBS promoter and the changes underlying other QTLs could give insight to allow manipulations of NPQ in crops to improve their photosynthetic efficiency and yield.
In Situ Liquid SAXS Studies on the Early Stage of Calcium Carbonate Formation
Authors: Mohammed Ahmed S. A. , Carino Agnese , Testino Andrea , Andalibi Mohammad Reza , Cervellino Antonio 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCalcium carbonate is a model system to investigate the mechanism of solid formation by precipitation from solutions, and it is often considered in the debated classical and nonclassical nucleation mechanism. Despite the great scientific relevance of calcium carbonate in different scientific areas, little is known about the early stage of its formation. Therefore, contactless devices are designed that are capable of providing informative investigations on the early stages of the precipitation pathway of calcium carbonate in supersaturated solutions using classical scattering methods such as wide‐angle X‐ray scattering (WAXS) and small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) techniques. In particular, SAXS is exploited for investigating the size of entities formed from supersaturated solutions before the critical conditions for amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nucleation are attained. The saturation level is controlled and kept constant by mixing four diluted solutions (i.e., NaOH, CaCl2, NaHCO3, H2O) at constant T and pH. The scattering data are collected on a liquid jet generated about 75 s after the mixing point. The data are modeled using parametric statistical models providing insight about the size distribution of denser matter in the liquid jet. Theoretical implications on the early stage of solid formation pathway are inferred.
Molecular and clinical characteristics of severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in children
Authors: Yan Chao , Xue Guanhua , Zhao Hanqing , Feng Yanling , Li Shaoli , Cui Jinghua , Ni Shanshan , Sun Hongmei 
Published: May 2019

AbstractObjectivesTo analyze the molecular and the clinical characteristics of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (Mp) pneumonia (MPP) and to explore the related factors predicting severe MPP (SMPP).MethodsA total of 423 pediatric cases of MPP were retrospectively analyzed, in 2013‐2017, in Beijing, China. Clinical information was collected from the medical records. Mp‐positive specimens were characterized using P1 typing and multiple locus variable‐number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA). The macrolide resistance‐associated mutations were also detected.ResultsThe predominant genotype was P1‐1 (88.2%) and M4‐5‐7‐2 (87.5%), whereas percentages of type P1‐2 and M3‐5‐6‐2 increased across the 5‐year period. The mutation rate of genotype M4‐5‐7‐2 (365/370, 98.6%) was significantly higher than that of the genotype M3‐5‐6‐2 (15/48, 32.25%; P = 0.000). Overall, 180 (42.6%) of the 423 Mp‐positive patients were coinfected with other pathogens. Respiratory syncytial virus coinfection (24/180, 13.3%) was more common in cases typed M3‐5‐6‐2 (4/23, 17.4%) than that of M4‐5‐7‐2 (20/155, 12.9%; P = 0.038). Pleural effusion accounted for 52.6% (169/321) of the observed complications. In the mono‐infection cases, cases typed M3‐5‐6‐2 (56%, 14/25) were significantly (P = 0.020) associated with pleural effusion compared with those typed M4‐5‐7‐2 (32.6%, 70/215); 84% (21/25) of specimens typed M3‐5‐6‐2 were diagnosed as SMPP, whereas 63.7% (137/215) of specimens typed M4‐5‐7‐2 were diagnosed as SMPP (P = 0.043).ConclusionsIn our study, we proposed for the first time that the mono‐infection patients with Mp typed M3‐5‐6‐2 appear to have a higher risk for progressing to SMPP. MLVA typing can provide hints on the clinical characteristics of Mpp.
Identification of Predictive Proteins and Biological Pathways for the Tumorigenicity of Vestibular Schwannoma by Proteomic Profiling
Authors: Xu Jianhui , Zhang Yang , Shi Yuxuan , Yin Dongming , Dai Peidong , Zhao Weidong , Zhang Tianyu 
Published: May 2019

PurposeVestibular schwannomas (VSs) are benign tumors that account for 8–10% of all intracranial tumors. So far, the tumorigenesis of VS has not been fully elucidated. This study is designed to identify differently expressed proteins involved in VS tumorigenesis.Experimental DesignAn isobaric tag is used for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) approach to characterize the protein expression profiles from pooled VS tissues (n = 12) and pooled matched normal vestibular tissues (n = 12).ResultsA total of 933 differentially expressed proteins are identified between VS and the matched normal vestibular tissues, with 489 being upregulated and 444 being downregulated. Bioinformatics analyses are performed according to Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analyses. Several of the differentially expressed proteins are validated by western blotting analyses, and upregulation of LGALS1, ANXA1, GRB2, and STAT1 is validated in VS tissue by immunohistochemistry.Conclusions and Clinical RelevanceThe study represents the successful application of iTRAQ technology to an investigation of VS. Many of the differentially expressed proteins identified here have not been linked to VS before, and these dysregulated proteins may provide potential biomarkers for human VS diagnosis.
Much‐needed tools to reduce the experimental burden for determining the gas flammability parameters, Pmax and KG
Authors: Tao Gang , Crowl Daniel A. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis article provides much‐needed analytical tools to reduce the experimental burden for determining the maximum pressure for flammable gas combustion, Pmax, and the deflagration index, KG, as a function of the gas concentration. Both of these parameters are important for risk assessment, process design, and design of preventive and mitigative safeguards. A very large experimental database for hydrogen/oxygen/nitrogen mixtures in a 20 L spherical vessel was used to validate the tools for Pmax and KG. The first tool considered was an equilibrium code to estimate the maximum combustion pressure, Pmax. The calculated equilibrium pressure agreed very well with the experimental pressures in a broad range around the stoichiometric concentration. An increasing difference occurred as the concentration approached the flammable limits. This result is consistent with homogeneous and complete combustion near the stoichiometric concentration and upward partial combustion near the flammable limits. The ratio of these two pressures is likely representative of the total volume combusted. The second tool was the application of a commercial computer program, TableCurve 2D, to fit experimental data for Pmax and KG. A set of simple empirical equations were identified to estimate Pmax and KG using just a few experimental data points. Methods of application are presented. Reliable experimental data is always preferred, but these tools should help reduce the experimental data burden.
Theoretical Quantum Control of Fluctuating Molecular Energy Levels in Complex Chemical Environments
Authors: Keefer Daniel , de Vivie‐Riedle Regina 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn the present study, quantum control simulations are performed to explore the theoretical and practical limits of controlling applied synthetic chemistry in solution. To this extent a reactive model coordinate is used which captures the essential features of an atomistic and dynamic solvent environment during a picosecond control scenario. The time‐resolved influence of a molecular environment is revealed to fluctuate on a time‐scale of few hundred femtoseconds. Laser pulse optimizations are performed for different control scenarios, giving general experimental guidelines on how to find a reasonable tradeoff between pulse complexity and population yield. Few‐cycle flexible terahertz pulses are found to be capable of handling the complexities which are introduced by a fluctuating environment to the quantum properties of the molecular system. Besides the practical limitations in pulse generation and shaping, there seem to be no theoretical limits to controlling the investigated process with its environmental fluctuations. As the chosen model system involves a methyl group transfer and carbon–carbon formation, it stands representative for other commonly performed synthetic schemes in modern organic and pharmaceutical chemistry.
A comparison of riparian vegetation sampling methods along a large, regulated river
Authors: Palmquist Emily C. , Sterner Sarah A. , Ralston Barbara E. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMonitoring riparian vegetation cover and species richness is an important component of assessing change and understanding ecosystem processes. Vegetation sampling methods determined to be the best option in other ecosystems (e.g., desert grasslands and arctic tundra) may not be the best option in multilayered, species rich, heterogeneous riparian vegetation. This study examines the strengths and weaknesses of two common vegetation sampling methods, line‐point intercept and ocular quadrat estimates. Permutational analysis of variance analyses indicate that cover estimates among observers did not differ significantly for either line‐point intercept or ocular quadrat estimates. Line‐point intercept cover estimates resulted in lower coefficient of variation among observers than ocular quadrat estimates, but the ocular quadrat estimates recorded significantly more species. Line‐point estimates of cover were generally larger than ocular quadrat estimates. Ocular quadrat estimates are appropriate when assessment of richness is important, in areas with heterogeneous geomorphology and hydrology where fine‐scale measurements are most useful, and in areas where continuous sampling transects are impracticable. Line‐point intercept estimates are useful when minimum variation among observers is necessary, continuous transects are logical and practicable for the sampling area, woody cover does not present a logistical complication, and species richness is not a priority.
Preparation of Bio‐Inspired Melanin Nanoplatforms Chelated with Manganese Ions as a Potential T1 MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Maddah Mahsa , Delavari H. Hamid , Mehravi Bita 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCommercial contrast agents demonstrated release risk of the toxic gadolinium ions, and designing of highly stable complexes of biogenic element such as Mn is challenging. In this contribution, Mn‐melanin nanoparticles have been prepared and reacted with m‐PEG. The effect of initial amount of Mn ions on the Mn absorption and its release by melanin nanoparticles (MNP) has been investigated. It has been found that MNP absorb and release more Mn ion by increasing the initial amount of Mn ions. It has been found that time and temperature has no significant effect on Mn absorption by MNP. It is found that the hydrodynamic size of MNP is in accordance with size of MNP which measured with TEM analysis (5.5±2 nm) and the effect of chain of m‐PEG and conformational alteration of MNP is responsible of hydrodynamic size variation. The zeta potential of MNP is decreased by PEGylation and reaction with Mn ions. MNP−Mn‐PEG demonstrated low toxicity up to 3.45 mg/mL after 24 h for human embryonic kidney cells. Finally, the r1 value of MNP−Mn‐PEG is 10 fold higher than Dotarem as the commercial MRI contrast agent which can be administrated at much lower doses to achieve similar contrast of Dotarem.
Synthesis, Water‐Removing Method and Influences of Trace Water for LiBF4
Authors: Zhao Dongni , Lei Dan , Wang Peng , Li Shiyou , Zhang Haiming , Cui Xiaoling 
Published: May 2019

AbstractRecent works show the promise for lithium tetrafluoroborate (LiBF4) as an electrolyte salt for lithium‐ion batteries. In this paper, LiBF4 is synthesized by a novel reaction between the as‐prepared anhydrous Li2SO3 and (C2H5)2O⋅BF3 in an aprotic solvent. The moisture sensitivity and water‐removing method of LiBF4 materials which has been dried under vacuum for 2 h at different temperature, is studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy measurements. Results show that almost all of the adsorbed water would be removed at above 65 °C. With the increase of drying temperature, crystal water will decrease slowly, and almost disappear completely at 170 °C. However, due to the thermal decomposition of LiBF4, LiF and BF2OH impurities are formed as the temperature reaches 165 °C. So, we determine that the proper drying temperature is 155 °C, though the trace water cannot be removed thoroughly. Besides, influences of trace water on the electrochemical performance of Li/MCMB half‐cell with LiBF4 as electrolyte salt has been investigated. Results show that discharge plateaus at about 1.5 V vs. Li/Li+ will be lengthened with the increase of water content. Subsequently, the so‐called solid‐electrolyte interphase (SEI) film will become thicker and more resistant, which leads to poor Li+ ion migration and bad cycling performance.
Immobilized Polyoxomolybdate Nanoclusters on Functionalized SBA‐15: Green Access to Efficient and Recyclable Nanocatalyst for the Epoxidation of Alkenes
Authors: Bagherzadeh Mojtaba , Hosseini Hadighehsadat , Akbayrak Serdar , Özkar Saim 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA heterogeneous nanocatalyst containing polyoxomolybdate immobilized on the internal surface of amino‐functionalized SBA‐15 pores was prepared and fully characterized by several analytical techniques. The textural property of supported material was found to retain important mesoporous features, compatible with its potential use as heterogeneous catalysts. The catalyst SBA‐15‐NH3+•{Mo36}–shows excellent catalytic activity for the epoxidation of alkenes as compared to POM, which is attributed to the large specific surface area and highly ordered pore structure of SBA‐15, allowing for easy access of reactants to the active sites and removal of products. The prepared catalyst has high recyclability performance without obvious loss of activity after six runs of epoxidation.
Porphyrin Cored Amine Functionalized Dendritic Polymer: An Efficient Reusable Catalyst for Quinoline Synthesis
Authors: Avudaiappan G. , Unnikrishnan V. , Pillai Jisha J. , Sreekumar K. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractA novel porphyrin cored amine functionalized dendritic polymer was effectively synthesized by divergent method. It was identified as an effective homogeneous organo catalyst for the synthesis of quinoline derivatives, from aromatic aldehyde, aromatic amine and malononitrile. The reaction was completed within one hour with high yield (87% ‐ 93%) in 2:1 ratio of water and ethanol medium at 60 °C. Porphyrin cored dendritic polymer has a number of amino groups on its surface; hence it acts as a very good base catalyst. Separation and reuse of the catalyst from the product was easy due to its water soluble nature. This is the first reported synthesis of Quinoline derivatives using dendritic polymer as an organo catalyst.
High Efficiency FeNi‐Metal‐Organic Framework Grown In‐situ on Nickel Foam for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Wang Qiang , Liu Fengyu , Wei Congcong , Li Dandan , Guo Wenjun , Zhao Qiang 
Published: May 2019

AbstractEfficient and stable electrocatalysts are important for mitigating the energy crisis. Metal‐organic frameworks have attracted increased attention as a new type of electrocatalytic material. Here, a self‐assembled three‐dimensional FeNi‐metal‐organic framework electrode was synthesized in situ on a nickel foam by a solvent‐thermal method, which is used directly in the oxygen‐evolution reaction. The internal porous structure and synergy between the Fe and Ni metals enhance OER activity. Fe introduction enhanced the Ni electron density, increased the active sites and yielded excellent electrocatalytic performance. A low peak potential that started at 1.36 V was observed. The overpotential was only 190 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, which corresponded to a small Tafel slope of 27.6 mV dec−1. The overpotential was only 223 mV at a current density of 100 mA cm−2. The stability of the electrode that was prepared in situ was improved significantly. No significant decrease in performance resulted during the 16‐h stability test.