bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel Theoretical Self‐Consistent Mean‐Field Approach to Describe the Conductivity of Carbon Fiber Filled Thermoplastics—PART I—Theory
Authors: Schubert Dirk W. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA novel theoretical approach is shown which yields a nonlinear differential equation for the resistivity of carbon fiber filled composites below the percolation threshold as a function of the volume fraction of the filler and the fiber orientation. The solution of the equation is given analytically and a particular value for the exponent predicted. The theoretical concept can be transferred to other composite properties.
High Fat Diets Composed of Palm Stearin and Olive Oil Equally Exacerbate Liver Inflammatory Damage and Metabolic Stress in Mice
Authors: Meidan Elena , Kolesnikov Yula , Tirosh Oren 
Published: May 2018

ScopePeople with fatty liver could be subject to acute infections such as sepsis. The aim of the study is to evaluate the effect of high fat diets (HFD) of olive oil and palm stearin on liver inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS).Methods and resultsC57BL/6J male mice were treated with high fat diets with different sources of oils: palm stearin and olive oil for 8 weeks followed by LPS injection. The proinflammatory effect of olive oil was also studied using gavage treatment and IP injection of LPS. Animals fed with HFDs showed an increase in body weight, elevated blood glucose levels, and fatty liver phenotype. HFDs aggravated the effect of LPS treatment to induce inflammatory response compared to low fat diet (LFD) effect. Following HFD supplementation, LPS induced hyperinsulinemia, more liver damage than in animals that consumed LFD. In addition, both gavage and long‐term feeding with high lipids in the presence of LPS resulted in inhibition of gluconeogenic genes expression.ConclusionHFDs of both monounsaturated and saturated fat potentiated liver inflammation induced by LPS treatment indicate that the total amount of fat consumed is the main proinflammatory factor rather than the type of fat.
Diffusion tensor imaging of human Achilles tendon by stimulated echo readout‐segmented EPI (ste‐RS‐EPI)
Authors: Wengler Kenneth , Tank Dharmesh , Fukuda Takeshi , Paci James M. , Huang Mingqian , Schweitzer Mark E. , He Xiang 
Published: May 2018

PurposeHealing, regeneration, and remodeling of the injured Achilles tendon are associated with notable changes in tendon architecture. However, assessing Achilles microstructural properties with conventional diffusion tension imaging (DTI) remains a challenge because of very short T2/

values of the tendon. Hence, the objective of this study was to develop a novel Achilles tendon DTI protocol for a non‐invasive investigation of the changes of microstructural integrity in tendinopathy.MethodsA novel stimulated echo readout‐segmented EPI (ste‐RS‐EPI) DTI sequence was proposed to achieve a TE of ∼14–20 ms for typical b‐values of 400–800 s/mm2 on clinical 3T MRI scanners. To further boost tendon MR signal, the Achilles was positioned at the magic angle (∼55 °) with respect to the scanner B0 field. The sensitivity of the developed protocol was evaluated in 19 healthy participants and 6 patients with clinically confirmed tendinopathy.ResultsCompared to spin echo RS‐EPI DTI protocol, ste‐RS‐EPI provided an ∼100–200% increase in Achilles MR signal. Tendinopathic Achilles demonstrated a high degree of microstructural disruption based on DTI tractography analysis, with significantly lower (P < 0.05) axial diffusivity (1.20 ± 0.19 vs. 1.39 ± 0.10 × 10−3 mm2/s), radial diffusivity (0.72 ± 0.11 vs. 0.81 ± 0.08 × 10−3 mm2/s), and mean diffusivity (0.87 ± 0.14 vs. 1.00 ± 0.07 × 10−3 mm2/s), but no significant difference in fractional anisotropy (0.38 ± 0.04 vs. 0.38 ± 0.05; P = 0.86).ConclusionAchilles tendon ste‐RS‐EPI DTI can non‐invasively detect the tendinopathy‐induced changes to microstructural integrity, consistent with the disruption of collagen arrangement and increased cellularity. This study demonstrated the robustness and sensitivity of the proposed protocol in Achilles tendinopathy.
Evaluation of Visceral Adipose Tissue Oxygenation by Blood Oxygen Level‐Dependent MRI in Zucker Diabetic Fatty Rats
Authors: Shi Hong‐Jian , Li Yan‐Feng , Ji Wen‐Jie , Lin Zhi‐Chun , Cai Wei , Chen Tao , Yuan Bin , Niu Xiu‐Long , Li Han‐Ying , Shu Wen , Li Yu‐Ming , Yuan Fei , Zhou Xin , Zhang Zhuoli 
Published: May 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the feasibility of blood oxygen level‐dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD‐MRI) to evaluate visceral adipose tissue (VAT) oxygenation in Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats and its associations with systemic metaflammation.MethodsFive‐week‐old ZDF rats and Zucker lean (ZL) rats were fed a high‐fat diet (HFD) for 18 weeks. A baseline BOLD‐MRI scan of perirenal adipose tissue was performed after 8 weeks of HFD feeding, and then the rats were randomized to receive pioglitazone or a vehicle for the following 10 weeks. At sacrifice, BOLD‐MRI scan, Hypoxyprobe‐1 injection, and circulating T helper 17 (Th17), regulatory T (Treg) cells, and monocyte subtype flow cytometry analysis were performed.ResultsHFD feeding led to a significant increase in VAT BOLD‐MRI R2* signals (20.14 ± 0.23 per second vs. 21.53 ± 0.20 per second; P = 0.012), an indicator for decreased oxygenation. R2* signal was significantly correlated with VAT pimonidazole adduct‐positive area, insulin resistance, Th17 and Treg cells, CD43 + and CD43+ + monocyte subtypes, and VAT macrophage infiltration. Pioglitazone treatment improved the insulin resistance and was associated with a delayed progression of VAT oxygenation.ConclusionsThis work demonstrated the feasibility of BOLD‐MRI for detecting the VAT oxygenation status in ZDF rats, and the BOLD‐MRI signals were associated with insulin resistance and systemic metaflammation in ZDF rats during the development of obesity.
Time‐dependent deformation of structurally chiral polymer networks in stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals
Authors: Lee Kyung Min , Tondiglia Vincent P. , Rumi Mariacristina , White Timothy J. 
Published: May 2018

ABSTRACTPolymerization of crosslinkable liquid crystal monomers in chiral liquid crystalline media stabilizes the phase and enables distinct electro‐optic properties relative to small‐molecule analogs. Particularly interesting are cases where the polymerization forms a crosslinked polymer network that maintains a “structural” chirality. Recent reports have employed this methodology to realize a diverse set of electro‐optic responses in polymer stabilized cholesteric liquid crystals (PSCLCs) including reflection bandwidth broadening, reflection wavelength tuning, and dynamic scattering modes. It has been proposed that the mechanism at the root of these electro‐optic responses is an ion‐mediated, electromechanical deformation of the stabilizing and structurally chiral polymer network. In an effort to better understand the nature of these deformations, here we have characterized the electro‐optic response of PSCLCs with different polymer concentrations and crosslink densities. The dynamic response of PSCLCs to electric fields exhibits a time‐dependent behavior reminiscent of the creep of polymeric materials to mechanical deformations. The electro‐optic response can be described as the superposition of two contributions: the fast deformation of a relatively soft component of the polymer network (1–2 s) and the slower (10–20 s) deformation of a harder component. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2018, 56, 1087–1093
Anthracene‐Based Colloidal Polymer Nanoparticles: Their Photochemical Ligation and Waterborne Coating Applications
Authors: Chattopadhyay Subrata , Van Damme Jonas , van den Berg Otto , Du Prez Filip 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn the current work, a linear polymer, with anthracene moieties in the side chain, is prepared via step‐growth polymerization using epoxide‐amine ring opening reaction. The polymer is dispersed in water to form physically crosslinked nanoparticles (NPs), which are formed by π–π stacking of anthracene moieties. Later, the NPs are crosslinked using UV irradiation, where the anthracene units in the core are simply dimerized and crosslinked the individual chain. In this process, no significant interparticle crosslinking is observed. The higher structural integrity of the chemically crosslinked Nps is revelled via a simple swelling test. The colloidal solution is used to coat glass and silica surfaces homogeneously, which enhances the surface roughness significantly as revealed by atomic force microscope and contact angle measurements.
Preliminary Similarity Analysis on the Deformation Dynamic Response of Thin Plates Subjected to Blast and Impact Loadings
Authors: Gao Yuan , Dong Yongxiang , Xiao Lixing , Wang Fang , Feng Shunshan 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe similarity and conditions for the similarity of deformation dynamic response of thin circular plates subjected to blast and impact loadings under certain conditions were studied by experimental tests and numerical simulation using air explosion and drop hammer impact loadings. The results revealed that the final deformed shapes of thin plates subjected to the two dynamic loadings are similar with less than 2 % difference in deflection and less than 8 % difference in deformed volume. The deformation similarity of plates subjected to blast and impact loadings can be achieved as the shock dimensionless number and the hammer shape satisfying given features. The deformation responses of the thin plates satisfying the constraints to blast and impact loadings are opposite. The key parameters of the blast and impact loading systems were obtained by the dimensional analysis using Buckingham π theorem. Based on these results, a similarity scheme was proposed. The numerical simulation was verified with the experimental results. In all, a novel method was established to study the similitude of analogous systems, which could be extended to other similar physical problems.
Integrated QMMM and Monte Carlo methods for analysis of adsorptive interactions between goethite cluster, carbon nanotubes, and arsenate
Authors: Ha Nguyen Ngoc , Cam Le Minh , Thi Thu Ha Nguyen , Jiang Zhong‐Tao , El‐Harbawi Mohanad , Yin Chun‐Yang 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIron‐immobilized nanoporous carbon is a well‐known adsorbent used in treating arsenic‐contaminated waters. In this contribution, we present findings on the adsorptive interactions and dynamics of arsenate–goethite cluster ([FeO(OH)]6) with carbon nanotubes (CNTs) using hybridized quantum mechanics/molecular mechanics (QMMM) calculations. The CNTs adsorption mechanism is of interest since a better understanding of the fundamental interactions between arsenate, goethite, and carbon surfaces would translate to advances in CNT‐based adsorbent production and utilization. Novel applications of general amber force field (GAFF) and isobaric‐isothermal Gibbs ensemble Monte Carlo (NpT‐GEMC) methods are described. By the abovementioned methods, we postulate that the [FeO(OH)]6/CNT‐2.3 (diameter 2.3 nm ‐ mesoporous) system enhances the qualitative (i.e., improved chemisorption) rather than the quantitative adsorptive aspect (i.e., total
ions adsorbed) in comparison to the [FeO(OH)]6/CNT‐1.6 (diameter 1.6 nm ‐ microporous) system.
Identifying a possible factor for the increased newborn size in singleton pregnancies after assisted reproductive technology using cryopreserved embryos, in comparison with fresh embryos
Authors: Ishii Rena , Shoda Akiko , Kubo Michiyo , Okazaki Satiko , Suzuki Minori , Okawa Riho , Enomoto Megumi , Shitanaka Manami , Fujita Yoko , Nakao Kazuki , Shimada Nobutaka , Horikawa Michiharu , Negishi Hiroaki , Taketani Yuji 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPurposeTo determine whether the cycle regimens that are used for endometrial preparation are associated with the birthweight (BW) after assisted reproductive technology (ART) using frozen‐thawed embryo transfer (FET).MethodsThe BW of singletons who were born by ART using FET was compared retrospectively, according to whether a FET was conducted in a hormone replacement therapy cycle (HRT, n = 403) or an ovulatory cycle (OVL, n = 117). The BW after timed intercourse (NAT, n = 162) also was investigated.ResultsThere were no significant differences in the age of the mothers, percentage of primiparas, gestational periods, Body Mass Index, and sex ratio between the HRT and OVL cycles. The average BW from HRT was significantly greater than that of OVL. The BW from HRT was also greater, compared with NAT, while statistical significance was not achieved between OVL and NAT. The putative factors affecting the BW, such as ovarian stimulation protocols, endometrial thickness, and the stage and quality of embryos, could not explain the difference in the BW between the HRT and OVL cycles.ConclusionAn increased BW from ART using FET seems to be ascribable to conditions of the endometrium, but not cryopreservation procedures per se, which might provide a mechanistic framework for understanding heavier neonates who are born by FET.
Deciphering the Interaction of 5,7‐Dihydroxyflavone with Hen‐Egg‐White Lysozyme through Multispectroscopic and Molecular Dynamics Simulation Approaches
Authors: Das Sourav , Khanikar Portia , Hazarika Zaved , Rohman Mostofa Ataur , Uzir Antara , Nath Jha Anupam , Singha Roy Atanu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIn recent times, research based on the bio‐active flavonoid, chrysin has shown its potential therapeutic applications such as anti‐diabetic, neuroprotective, anti‐asthmatic, anti‐depressant, etc. In order to understand its molecular recognition process, we studied its interaction with hen egg white lysozyme (HEWL) at physiological conditions. Chrysin (5,7‐Dihydroxyflavone) was able to quench the intrinsic fluorescence of HEWL through static quenching mechanism and the binding constant (Kb) was found to be (4.390±0.088 ×104) M−1 at 298 K and it decreased with the increase in temperature. The value of thermodynamic parameters such as ΔH (‐17.154±0.872) kJ mol−1 and ΔS (+31.267±3.151) J K−1 mol−1 indicated that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces played a central role in the complexation process. Alteration in the Trp micro‐environment was induced due to the incorporation of chrysin in the binding site as indicated by synchronous and three dimensional (3D) fluorescence studies. FT‐IR and CD studies revealed that the secondary structure of HEWL was altered on chrysin binding, which resulted in an increase in the α‐helical stability of the protein. Chrysin inhibited the enzymatic activity of HEWL against M. lytus. Molecular docking and molecular simulation studies revealed that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic forces played a vital role in complexation process. This study provides substantial insight into the binding of a bio‐active flavonoid (chrysin) with a carrier protein (HEWL).
Au‐Mediated Composite In2S3–Au–BiVO4 with Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity for Organic Pollutant Degradation
Authors: Wu Di , Bao Shenyuan , Wang Zheng , Zhang Zhizhong , Tian Baozhu , Zhang Jinlong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA ternary composite photocatalyst In2S3–Au–BiVO4 was fabricated by stepwise photo‐reduction and deposition−precipitation methods. It was found that the Au nanoparticles (NPs) were selectively anchored on the {010} facets of decahedral BiVO4 crystals due to the oriented accumulation of electrons during the photo‐reduction stage. Based on the strong interaction between S−Au, In2S3 was loaded on the surface of Au NPs on BiVO4 {010} facets. Photocatalytic degradations of organic contaminants Rhodamine B and phenol indicated that In2S3–Au–BiVO4 showed evidently improved visible light photocatalytic activity than BiVO4, Au–BiVO4, and In2S3–BiVO4. On the basis of the photoelectrochemical and photoluminescence (PL) analyses, it can be inferred that the facet hetero‐juction and Au‐mediated composite structures of In2S3–Au–BiVO4 can improve the separation efficiency of photo‐generated carriers as well as make the carriers keep higher redox ability. The radical trapping experiments indicated that for In2S3–Au–BiVO4, •OH, h+, and •O2− are the main reactive species which take part in the organic contaminant degradation.
Synthesis of Recyclable Hyperbranched Polymers with High Efficiency of Promoting Degradation of Epoxy Resins
Authors: Wang Luping , Chen Sufang , Cheng Juan , Guo Wenqiang , Wang Yimei , Miao Menghe , Zhang Daohong 
Published: May 2018

AbstractEpoxy resins has been the largest industrial thermosetting resins due to their excellent performance. But the degradation and recycling of large amount of cured epoxy resins wastes is still a challenge, inevitably causing serious pollution to the environment. Here, we represent a feasible method to synthesize recyclable hyperbranched polymers (epoxy‐ended hyperbranched polymers, DEHP‐n, n=1, 2, 3 and 4). DEHP‐n can be self‐crosslinked or self‐cured to form high performance films, and the cured film can be completely and rapidly degraded in solution of DMF and H2O2 at low temperature (90 oC), showing excellent recyclability. High performance molecular composites without phase‐separation can be obtained by blending DEHP‐n and diglycidyl ether bisphenol A (DGEBA). It is much important that DEHP‐n not only substantially improve tensile strength of about 67% and toughness of about 154% on DGEBA, and but also promote the degradation degree about 3 times when the composites contains only about 12 wt% DEHP‐n. The degradation mechanism of cured DEHP‐n and DEHP‐n/DGEBA composites was analyzed by GC‐Mass of their pyrolysis products. The multifunctional DEHP‐n may open avenue for synthesis of novel recycling epoxy resins and degradation of conventional epoxy resins, besides simultaneous improvement of strength and toughness.
A Mechanoresponsive Fluorescent Mg‐Zn Bimetallic MOF with Luminescent Sensing Properties
Authors: Wu Zhao‐Feng , Huang Xiao‐Ying 
Published: May 2018

AbstractPresented here are the synthesis, crystal structure and fluorescent properties of a Mg−Zn bimetallic metal organic framework (MOF), namely [MgZn(1,4‐NDC)2(DMF)2 (1, 1,4‐NDCH2=1,4‐naphthalene dicarboxylic acid). Compound 1 possesses a three‐dimensional (3D) structure constructed by the 1,4‐NDC linkers bridging the infinite one dimensional (1D) chain of [–Mg–(COO)2–Zn–(COO)2–]n. Photoluminescence studies indicated that 1 shows a grinding mechanoresponsive fluorescence changing from green to blue emission. Notably, thus far there is no investigation on the mechanoresponsive fluorescent properties of Mg‐based heterometallic MOF. Moreover, the blue emitting powdered sample could not only act as an effective fluorescence sensor for Fe3+/Cu2+/CrO42− ions, but also exhibit sensitive fluorescent detection for the low‐concentration CS2 and nitro‐containing compounds. This work may provide a certain guiding significance for exploring functional heterometallic fluorescent MOFs based on the environmentally friendly and abundant Mg2+.
Boosting the Film Quality by Simultaneously Pre‐wetting the PbI2 Film and Ostwald Ripening the MAPbI3 Film with DMSO Addition into MAI Solution
Authors: Ha Jiao , Dong Guohua , Yang Yulin , Sheng Li , Zhang Wenzhi , Xia Debin , Fan Ruiqing , Luan Tianzhu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGenerally, the typical two‐step sequential spin‐coating deposition (TSSD) method is not compatible with the preparation of the high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells due to the low film quality. Herein, we introduced trace amounts of DMSO into the MAI/isopropanol solution aiming at improving the quality of perovskite film fabricated with TSSD method. Based on this strategy, the perovskite film formed with an optimal DSMO addition ratio of 0.5 v% exhibits a significant higher film quality with improved optical properties than that of the pristine one, which can be attributed to an optimized crystallization process including pre‐wetting the PbI2 film and simultaneously Ostward ripening the formed perovskite crystals induced by the DMSO addition. Thus the corresponding perovskite solar cells yielded a higher power conversion efficiency as high as 15.39% comapred with the pristine counterpart, finally achieving a 14.42% enhancement of the PCE. In conclusion, this work provides a facile and effective strategy to fabricate high‐quality perovskite films with TSSD method by introducing some polar solvents.
Copper‐Catalyzed β‐Iodovinylation of Carbamates: Expedient Access to Highly Functionalized Vinyl‐Carbamates
Authors: Ricard Simon , Gagnon Alexandre , Daoust Benoit 
Published: May 2018

AbstractA general and efficient method for the synthesis of β‐iodovinyl carbamates via copper‐catalyzed β‐iodovinylation of acyclic carbamates is described. This method uses readily available (E)‐1,2‐vinyl diiodides and regioselectively affords the corresponding β‐iodovinyl carbamates in good yields with complete stereocontrol of the alkene. Further functionalization of these versatile products leads to a wide diversity of β‐functionalized vinyl‐carbamates in good to excellent yields.
Efficient Use of a Polyamine Carboxylate Ligand to Probe the Extent of Incorporation of Stereochemically Active Bi3+ in ThO2
Authors: Kumari Promila , Pokhriyal Meenakshi , Uma Sitharaman , Nagarajan Rajamani 
Published: May 2018

AbstractRealizing the advantages of atomic level mixing, high homogeneity precise stoichiometric control and low processing temperatures, co‐precipitation route employing the polyamine carboxylate, ethylenediamine tetra acetic acid (EDTA) has been followed to determine the extent of dissolution of bismuth in ThO2 adopting fluorite structure. While the precursors containing varying amounts of Th4+ and Bi3+ were X‐ray amorphous, calcining them at 800 °C for 6 h yielded crystalline oxides with fluorite structure till Th0.40Bi0.60O2‐δ. This was supported by Raman spectral measurements in which defect band due to oxygen vacancies was present at around 590 cm−1 in addition to the band due to fluorite at around 460 cm−1. An increasing trend of cubic lattice constant with progressive substitution of bismuth in ThO2 was observed. The direct band gap was found to decrease with increase in bismuth content and was lying in the range of 2.54‐3.62 eV. Porous morphology of the samples was evident in their scanning electron microscopic images and they were macro porous as determined from surface area analysis measurements. Th0.50Bi0.50O2‐δ was found to efficiently catalyze the reduction of some nitroaromatics for nearly six cycles.