bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterization of cellulose nanowhisker‐reinforced‐poly(ε‐caprolactone) scaffold for tissue‐engineering applications
Authors: Khattab Mohamed Mahmoud , Dahman Yaser 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTPoly(ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) is a bioresorbable and biocompatible polymer with assorted medical applications. However, remarkable hydrophobicity and nonosteoconductivity have stood as a barrier to limit its applications. The present study aims to modify the bulk characteristics of PCL to develop a polymeric scaffold with adequate structural and mechanical properties to support regenerated tissues. For this purpose, functionalized bacterial cellulose nanowhiskers (BCNW‐g‐βCD‐PCL2000) are synthesized. Reinforcing PCL matrix with 4 wt % of the nanowhiskers resulted in a bionanocomposite with promoted bulk properties. Compared to neat PCL, the obtained bionanocomposite shows improvements of 115 and 51% in tensile strength and Young's modulus, respectively; 20% increase in hydrophilicity; 7% increase in degradation rate; and 6% decrease in crystallinity. Gas foaming/combined particulate leaching technique is used to develop highly porous structures of 86–95% porosity with interconnected macropores of mean pore diameters of 250–420 μm. Porous scaffolds showed compression modulus values of 5.3–9.1 MPa and would have promising applications in regenerative medicine. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2020,137, 48481.
Enhanced mechanical properties and self‐healing behavior of PNIPAM nanocomposite hydrogel by using POSS as a physical crosslinker
Authors: Zhang Xiaojing , Shen Weiwei , Dou Jingcheng , Meng Yang , Fang Shaoming , Liu Ruixue 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTIn this study, water‐soluble octa(3‐chloroammoniumpropyl) silsesquioxane (OCAPS) was found to aggregate into nanoparticles with a positive charge in solution, which can attract persulfate anion radical to initiate N‐isopropylacrylamide monomers. Due to the electrostatic and hydrogen bond interaction between OCAPS and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) chain, OCAPS can act as an effective physical crosslinker to result in a nanocomposite hydrogel (OCAPS‐PNIPAM) with very small loading N, N′‐methylene‐bisacrylamide (50–100 ppm). The incorporation of OCAPS increases the crosslinking degree of the PNIPAM hydrogel and decreases the swelling ratio in deionized water. The mechanical properties of OCAPS‐PNIPAM hydrogel were enhanced greatly by the presence of OCAPS and can be adjusted by the feed ratio. The compression and elasticity moduli vary from 3.52 to 7.59 kPa and 7.67 to 33.91 kPa, respectively. The tensile strength ranges from 6.82 to 243.41 kPa with fracture energy between 503.5 and 4781.7 J·m−2. Rheological measurements suggest that OCAPS‐PNIPAM hydrogels have stable networks and the loss factor decreases as increasing OCAPS content. OCAPS‐PNIPAM hydrogels also can self‐heal under certain conditions with low crosslinker loading. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2020, 137, 48486.
Application of Image Compression Ratio Analysis as a Method for Quantifying Complexity of Dental Enamel Microstructure
Authors: Hogg Russell T. , Richardson Carol 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTIt is well recognized that enamel microanatomy in mammals reflects biomechanical demands placed upon teeth, as determined by mechanical properties of species' diets, use of teeth as weapons, and so forth. However, there are limited options for researchers wishing to perform large‐scale comparisons of enamel microstructure with adaptive questions in mind. This is because to date there has been no efficient method for quantification and statistical analysis of enamel complexity. Our study proposes to apply a method previously developed for quantification of 3D tooth cusp morphology to the problem of quantifying microstructural enamel complexity. Here, we use image compression ratio (ICR) as a proxy variable for enamel complexity in 2D enamel photomicrographs taken using circularly polarized transmitted light microscopy. ICR describes the relationship between a digital image captured in an uncompressed file format and the identical image that has had its file size compressed using computer algorithms; more complex images receive less compression. In our analyses, ICR analysis is able to distinguish between images of teeth with simple, radial enamel and teeth with complex decussating enamel. Moreover, our results show a significant correlation between ICR and enamel complexity ranks assigned via visual assessment. Therefore, our results demonstrate that ICR analysis provides a viable methodology for efficient comparison of overall enamel complexity among dental samples. Anat Rec, 302:2279–2286, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Extracellular Matrix in Secondary Palate Development
Authors: Logan Shaun M. , Ruest L. Bruno , Benson M. Douglas , Svoboda Kathy K. H. 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTThe secondary palate arises from outgrowths of epithelia‐covered embryonic mesenchyme that grow from the maxillary prominence, remodel to meet over the tongue, and fuse at the midline. These events require the coordination of cell proliferation, migration, and gene expression, all of which take place in the context of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Palatal cells generate their ECM, and then stiffen, degrade, or otherwise modify its properties to achieve the required cell movement and organization during palatogenesis. The ECM, in turn, acts on the cells through their matrix receptors to change their gene expression and thus their phenotype. The number of ECM‐related gene mutations that cause cleft palate in mice and humans is a testament to the crucial role the matrix plays in palate development and a reminder that understanding that role is vital to our progress in treating palate deformities. This article will review the known ECM constituents at each stage of palatogenesis, the mechanisms of tissue reorganization and cell migration through the palatal ECM, the reciprocal relationship between the ECM and gene expression, and human syndromes with cleft palate that arise from mutations of ECM proteins and their regulators. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Retracted: Alpinumisoflavone Inhibits Tumor Growth and Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Cancer via Upregulating miR‐141‐3p
Authors: Fang Ming , Liu Yu , Liu Qing , Qian Li 
Published: September 2019

ABSTRACTAlpinumisoflavone (AIF) as a principal active ingredient of traditional Chinese herb Derris eriocarpa exerts a broad spectrum of anticancer activities against solid tumors. However, little is known about the effect of AIF on papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Objectives of this study are to investigate the effect of AIF on cell growth, apoptosis, and metastasis of PTC cells and uncover its underlying mechanisms. Results showed that AIF treatment notably suppressed cell viability, migration, invasion, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, as well as induced apoptotic cell death. In addition, microarray analysis results revealed that miR‐141‐3p level was dramatically elevated upon AIF insulation, suggesting that miR‐141‐3p may mediate the suppressive role of AIF against PTC. Moreover, miR‐141‐3p knockdown effectively reversed the effects of AIF on cell growth, migration, invasion, and EMT, while promoted PTC cell apoptosis escape. Furthermore, in vivo findings also confirmed that the antigrowth and antimetastasis activities of AIF were, at least partly, mediated by upregulation of miR‐141‐3p. Overall, AIF could serve as a potential anticancer compound for PTC treatment. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy Anat Rec, 303:1842–1850, 2020. © 2019 American Association for Anatomy
Access to a Stereoisomer Library of Solomonamide Macrocycles
Authors: Jachak Gorakhnath R. , Athawale Paresh R. , Choudhury Rahul , Kashinath K. , Reddy D. Srinivasa 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn an attempt towards understanding stereo‐structure activity relationships (SSARs), we have prepared eight possible stereoisomers of solomonamide macrocycles, in particular, by changing the stereochemical pattern of non‐peptide fragment AHMOA. Here, we have demonstrated different ways to construct three contiguous chiral centers present in solomonamide B macrocycle using substrate/reagent‐controlled methods. These methods involve Brown crotylation, NHK reaction and Evans aldol addition as key steps to synthesize key non‐peptide fragment. Further, these non‐peptide fragments were converted to their corresponding macrocycles via ligand‐free intramolecular Heck reaction.
Serum vitamin D concentrations are inversely related to prevalence of metabolic syndrome in Qatari women
Authors: Ganji Vijay , Sukik Ayah , Alaayesh Haya , Rasoulinejad Hodais , Shraim Mujahed 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHypovitaminosis D has reached epidemic proportions in Qatar. Vitamin D is linked to several cardiometabolic diseases such as metabolic syndrome (MetSyn), diabetes, and atherosclerosis. It is not known if vitamin D status is linked to cardiometabolic risk factors in Qatari women. Therefore, a relationship between serum 25‐hydroxyvitmain D [25(OH)D] concentrations and MetSyn was investigated in Qatari women using the Qatar Biobank database. Study sample consisted of 700 women, aged 20–80 years old. A multivariate‐adjusted logistic regression was used to determine relation between serum 25(OH)D and MetSyn prevalence. Multivariate linear regression was performed to determine the association between serum 25(OH)D and markers of MetSyn. Prevalences of MetSyn in the first (≈32%), second (≈27%), and third (≈28%) serum 25(OH)D quartiles were significantly higher compared to fourth serum 25(OH)D quartile (≈17.5%) (p < .035). The likelihood of having MetSyn was significantly higher in the first serum 25(OH)D quartile (OR, 1.92; 95% CI, 1.06, 3.49) compared to the fourth serum 25(OH)D quartile (p < .001) in multivariate‐adjusted analysis. No relationship was observed between serum 25(OH)D and waist circumference, blood pressure, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1C), blood glucose, HDL‐cholesterol, and serum triglycerides. This study showed an inverse relationship between prevalence of MetSyn and serum 25(OH)D in Qatari women. Given the widespread prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in Qatar, consideration should be given to vitamin D fortification of some selected staple foods and through targeted supplementation of vitamin D in those who are at risk for cardiometabolic diseases.
Internationalization as a strategy for small and medium‐sized enterprises and the impact of regulatory environment: An emerging country perspective
Authors: Rahman Mahfuzur , Akter Mansura , Radicic Dragana 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThis study focuses on identification, categorization and comparison of regulatory barriers to internationalization for the small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs) from an emerging market context. Primary data were collected to develop and validate a structural model to assess the salient regulatory barriers of internationalization with a particular attention to the SMEs in Bangladesh. Structured questionnaire has been used to collect data from 212 SMEs operating in Bangladesh. The results indicate that both administrative and economic regulatory barriers are significant for the internationalization of SMEs whereby administrative regulatory barriers are slightly more substantial. This study provides further discussion from both theoretical and methodological aspects. By developing and validating structural model, this study contributes to the literature on small business and regulation with particular attention to the emerging markets.
Potential of the genetically transformed root cultures of Plumbago europaea for biomass and plumbagin production
Authors: Beigmohamadi Mina , Movafeghi Ali , Jafari Samineh , Sharafi Ali 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPlumbago europaea L. is the main source of plumbagin which is a well‐known pharmacological active compound. In this investigation, genetically transformed roots of P. europaea were obtained by improving some factors affecting the efficiency of Agrobacterium rhizoigenes‐mediated transformation such as explant type, A. rhizoigenes strain, bacterial infection period, co‐cultivation period and acetosyringone concentration. The leaf, hypocotyl and stem explants from in vitro grown plantlets were infected with bacterial strains (A4, ATCC15834, MSU440 and A13). The highest transformation rate of 69.3% was achieved after 7–9 days by inoculating A. rhizogenes MSU440 strain onto the 3‐week‐old stem explants followed by a co‐cultivation period of 2 days on a medium containing 100 μM acetosyringone. To investigate the existence of the rolB gene, polymerase chain reaction was carried out using specific primers. Effects of growth media (MS, 1/2 MS, MS‐B5 and ½ MS‐B5), different sucrose concentrations and illumination on biomass production and plumbagin biosynthesis in P. europaea hairy root cultures were analyzed using stem explants after infection with MSU440 strain. ½ MS‐B5 liquid medium containing 30 g L−1 sucrose incubated in the dark resulted in the efficient biomass production of transformed hairy roots (12.5 g fresh weight, 1.8 g dry weight) with 3.2 mg g−1 DW plumbagin accumulation. This procedure provides a framework for large‐scale cultivation of hairy roots for plumbagin production. This is the first report describing the establishment of P. europaea hairy root culture with special emphasis on plumbagin production.
Computer‐Guided Surgery Using Human Allogenic Bone Ring With Simultaneous Implant Placement: A Case Report
Authors: Simpson Kerri Thomas , Bryington Matthew , Agusto Michele , Harper Matthew , Salman Arif , Schincaglia Gian Pietro 
Published: September 2019

IntroductionThe allogenic bone ring technique allows for horizontal and vertical bone augmentation with simultaneous implant placement in severely compromised sites. The aim of this report is to present a modified protocol for simultaneous placement of implant and allogenic bone ring graft using a computer‐guided surgery technique.Case PresentationPatient's chief complaint was to replace a missing lateral incisor. The implant site presented both vertical and horizontal tissue deficiencies. Study models and wax‐ups were digitally scanned to stl files and merged with the existing CBCT data in the implant planning software. A 3D representation of an allogenic bone ring was developed, and two digitally designed guides were created: a 5 mm sleeve guide for the implant site and a 7 mm sleeve guide for the allogenic bone ring trephine. Both the implant site and the allogenic bone ring recipient site were prepared using the computer‐generated guides. Once the ring was adapted into the recipient site, the implant was inserted through the allogenic bone ring. The healing was monitored and the implant was restored at 12 months. The accuracy of implant placement was measured and the difference in the final positioning was as follows: 0.6 mm at entry point, 0.55 mm vertical displacement, 1.94 mm at the apex, and angle discrepancy 6.1°.ConclusionThe use of computer‐guided technology for planning and placement of an allograft bone block with simultaneous implant insertion allows for a prosthetically driven team approach to compromised site grafting in addition to improving precision and accuracy when compared with non‐guided techniques.
Controlling the phase of iron oxide nanoparticles fabricated from iron(III) nitrate by liquid flame spray
Authors: Sorvali Miika , Nikka Markus , Juuti Paxton , Honkanen Mari , Salminen Turkka , Hyvärinen Leo , Mäkelä Jyrki M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized in a liquid flame spray process from iron(III) nitrate. The choice of chemicals and all other process parameters affects the crystallographic phase composition and the quality of the material. Adjustment of the solvent composition and the gas flow rates was used to control the phase composition of the produced particles. All samples consisted of pure maghemite (γ‐Fe2O3) or a mixture of maghemite and hematite (α‐Fe2O3). When using pure alcohols as solvents, the maghemite/hematite phase ratio could be adjusted by changing the equivalence ratio that describes the oxidation conditions in the flame zone. A large residual particle mode formed in the size range of ~20‐700 nm along with a dominant very fine particle mode (2‐8 nm). Both phases seemed to contain large particles. A partial substitution of methanol with carboxylic acids turned the hematite phase into maghemite completely, even though some of particles were possibly not fully crystallized. Residual particles were still present, but their size and number could be decreased by raising the heat of combustion of the precursor solution. 30 vol‐% substitution of methanol with 2‐ethylhexanoic acid was adequate to mostly erase the large particles.
Numerical simulation and application experiment of the spontaneous combustion tendency of a coal stockpile covered with pulverized coal
Authors: Chu Ruizhi , Wang Minglei , Meng Xianliang , Liu Peng , Liu Zhenyi , Wu Jiaxin , Yang Deguang , Chen Hui , Bai Lei 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this paper, we developed a new method for preventing the spontaneous combustion of a coal stockpile covered by pulverized coal. This technique is based on the numerical‐simulation analysis of endothermic/exothermic balance in coal stockpile. Depth and height are confirmed to be the main factors influencing the endothermic/exothermic balance in coal stockpiles and the hot‐spot region is easily formed at a coal stockpile height of 1‐1.5 m and a depth of 2‐3 m, where there is the highest tendency for spontaneous combustion. The numerical simulation and the 120‐day application test both confirm that the diffusion process of oxidation can be prevented and the coal oxidation reaction can be hindered by covering the surface of the hot region with pulverized coal. As a result, the coal spontaneous combustion is prevented effectively.
Recurrent laryngeal nerve transection in mice results in translational upper airway dysfunction
Authors: Haney Megan M. , Hamad Ali , Woldu Henok G. , Ciucci Michelle , Nichols Nicole , Bunyak Filiz , Lever Teresa E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) is responsible for normal vocal‐fold (VF) movement, and is at risk for iatrogenic injury during anterior neck surgical procedures in human patients. Injury, resulting in VF paralysis, may contribute to subsequent swallowing, voice, and respiratory dysfunction. Unfortunately, treatment for RLN injury does little to restore physiologic function of the VFs. Thus, we sought to create a mouse model with translational functional outcomes to further investigate RLN regeneration and potential therapeutic interventions. To do so, we performed ventral neck surgery in 21 C57BL/6J male mice, divided into two groups: Unilateral RLN Transection (n = 11) and Sham Injury (n = 10). Mice underwent behavioral assays to determine upper airway function at multiple time points prior to and following surgery. Transoral endoscopy, videofluoroscopy, ultrasonic vocalizations, and whole‐body plethysmography were used to assess VF motion, swallow function, vocal function, and respiratory function, respectively. Affected outcome metrics, such as VF motion correlation, intervocalization interval, and peak inspiratory flow were identified to increase the translational potential of this model. Additionally, immunohistochemistry was used to investigate neuronal cell death in the nucleus ambiguus. Results revealed that RLN transection created ipsilateral VF paralysis that did not recover by 13 weeks postsurgery. Furthermore, there was evidence of significant vocal and respiratory dysfunction in the RLN transection group, but not the sham injury group. No significant differences in swallow function or neuronal cell death were found between the two groups. In conclusion, our mouse model of RLN injury provides several novel functional outcome measures to increase the translational potential of findings in preclinical animal studies. We will use this model and behavioral assays to assess various treatment options in future studies.
Ionic‐Liquid‐Modified Porous Au/CeMnOx Nanorods for Methyl Methacrylate (MMA) Synthesis via Direct Oxidative Esterification
Authors: Tian Yun , Li Yuchao , Zuo Cuncun , Yin Defeng , Wang Ling , Zheng Yanxia , Huang Haofei , Fu Zhongjun , Wang Ming 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPorous MnCeOx solid solutions nanorods (PN‐MnCeOx) with different pore sizes were prepared using different carbon chain lengths ionic liquids (C10mimCl, C12mimCl and C14mimCl). Series of novel catalysts with nano‐Au supported on the PN‐MnCeOx, were synthesized and applied to oxidative esterification of aldehydes (benzaldehyde derivatives or methacrolein – MAL) to esters. Catalytic performance was evaluated in batch reactor and the relatively optimum catalyst was screened out. Kinds of characterization methods, such as XRD, TEM, XPS and BET, were applied to analyze crystal plane, microstructure, specific surface area, and porous structure of the catalysts and the structure‐activity relationship could be reasonably explained. The cyclic stability of the catalyst was also tested more than 7 times using MAL and methanol for methyl methacrylate synthesis via one step oxidative esterification.
Tin Oxide Based Nanomaterials and Their Application as Anodes in Lithium‐Ion Batteries and Beyond
Authors: Zoller Florian , Böhm Daniel , Bein Thomas , Fattakhova‐Rohlfing Dina 
Published: September 2019

AbstractInvited for this month′s cover is the Minireview by the groups of Prof. Fattakhova‐Rohlfing and Prof. Bein at Forschungszentrum Jülich (FZJ), University of Duisburg‐Essen (UDE), and Ludwig‐Maximilians‐Universität München (LMU), on tin oxide‐based anodes for alkali (lithium, sodium, and potassium) ion batteries. The image shows the lithiation, sodiation, and potassiation of a SnO2/graphene composite material represented by a SnO2 unit cell chain‐linked to an underlying graphene sheet. The cross‐section of a battery depicts a branched SnO2‐based nanostructure undergoing conversion and alloying reactions with alkali ions, affecting its nano‐ and microstructure, as indicated by the volume and textural changes. The Minireview itself is available at 10.1002/cssc.201901487.
Digit ratio (2D:4D) and its behavioral correlates in infant rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Paukner Annika 
Published: September 2019

Abstract2D:4D ratios are typically lower in adult human males than females and are linked to numerous sex‐differentiated behaviors. 2D:4D ratios are considered an indicator of prenatal androgen exposure; if so, children's 2D:4D ratios would arguably be even better indicators of prenatal androgen exposure since children have experienced fewer postnatal influences than adults. However, sex differences in 2D:4D ratios as well as associations between 2D:4D ratios and sex‐typed behaviors in children have been inconsistent. Several studies also report sex differences and behavioral correlates of 2D:4D ratios in adult non‐human primates, but little is known about 2D:4D ratios in infant non‐human primates. This study examined sex differences in 2D:4D ratios over the first month of life, and associations with behavioral outcomes at 12–24 weeks of age, in N = 304 infant rhesus macaques. An increase in 2D:4D ratios over the first month of life was found, as well as associations with aggression and play behaviors, but no sex differences in 2D:4D ratios were observed. These results highlight the need for future developmental studies of 2D:4D ratios in order to determine not only their stability and predictive value, but also to discern the mechanism connecting prenatal androgen exposure, 2D:4D ratios, and behavioral outcomes.