bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insight into molecular information of Huolinguole lignite obtained by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry and statistical methods
Authors: Li Bei , Fan Xing , Yu Ya‐Ru , Wang Fei , Li Xian , Lu Yao , Wei Xian‐Yong , Ma Feng‐Yun , Zhao Yun‐Peng , Zhao Wei 
Published: April 2019

RationaleFourier transform ion cyclotron resonance mass spectrometry (FT‐ICR MS) was applied to the characterization of organic compounds in coal extracts at the molecular level. Large volumes of data obtained by FT‐ICR MS were processed via statistical methods to extract valuable information on the molecular structures and compositions of organic compounds in coal.MethodsA low‐rank coal was subjected to ultrasonic extraction sequentially with six solvents to separate and enrich species with different molecular characteristics. Complex mass spectra of the six extracts were obtained by a FT‐ICR MS system equipped with two ionization sources. Two multivariate statistical methods, hierarchical clustering analysis (HCA) and principle component analysis (PCA), were introduced to mine useful information from the complex MS data and visually exhibit comprehensive molecular details in coal extracts.ResultsSimilarities and differences between the 17 MS data sets from six coal extracts ionized by different ion sources were visually exhibited in plots via data processing using HCA and PCA. For HCA, all of the identified compounds were divided into seven classes (CH, O, N, S, ON, OS, and NS), and detailed differences in the relative abundance were revealed. In addition, PCA discriminated the differences in molecular composition for organic compounds from the six extracts.ConclusionsMultivariate statistical analysis is a promising methodology which can interpret the chemical composition of coals and coal derivatives at the molecular level, especially for the analysis of multiple complex samples presenting in a single plot.
Characterization of curcumin metabolites in rats by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography with electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Shi Mengge , Gao Tingting , Zhang Tong , Han Han 
Published: April 2019

RationaleCurcumin is a major constituent of Curcuma longa L. and is a naturally bio‐active diketone. Structural changes in curcumin have been shown to result in different biological effects. The present study aims to investigate curcumin metabolites in rat plasma, bile, urine, and feces after administration of a single oral dose of curcumin (170 mg/kg).MethodsAfter oral administration of curcumin, the plasma, bile, feces, and urine of the rats were collected for a certain period of time, and then subjected to a series of pretreatments. The metabolic pathway of curcumin in vivo was investigated using ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) combined with electrospray ionization quadruple time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (ESI‐QTOF‐MS).ResultsTwelve metabolites were identified and divided into two groups: curcumin metabolites of phase Ι metabolism (M01–M08), curcumin metabolites of phase ΙΙ metabolism (M09–M12), and metabolites M02, M03 and M04 were reported for the first time.ConclusionsResults showed that curcumin metabolism can help explain the mechanism of its pharmacological effects, and that UHPLC/Q‐TOF‐MS can serve as an important analytical platform to gather the metabolic profile of curcumin.
Structural and optical properties of novel CdSe nanoparticles produced via a facile synthetic route: Studies on the effects of cadmium sources
Authors: Kiprotich Sharon , Dejene Francis B. , Onani Martin O. 
Published: April 2019

We report on the successful synthesis of CdSe nanoparticles (NPs) via a facile aqueous approach. Investigation on the effects of various cadmium sources in the precursor solution on the CdSe NPs is discussed. The structural and morphological properties characterized by the X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) displayed good features of the as‐prepared CdSe NPs. The XRD pattern displayed a pure zinc blende crystal structure for all samples, with the most crystalline sample observed for CdSe NPs prepared using anhydrous cadmium chloride. The estimated crystallite sizes were below 6 nm for all the CdSe NPs samples. Mixed shapes of spherical and nanorods of varying sizes were observed from the SEM images for the as‐prepared NPs prepared using different cadmium sources. The optical studies conducted by photo‐spectroscopy pointed out the CdSe NPs prepared using anhydrous cadmium chloride gave the best optical properties. The emission wavelengths were in the range 565 to 574 nm while the optical band gaps were in the range 2.94 to 3.23 eV for all the as‐prepared CdSe NPs samples. All the samples, however, displayed quantum confinement effects giving room for further fabrication and engineering to suit specific applications in the biological field. The obtained results demonstrated that aqueous phase synthetic route employed in this study could be successfully adopted for production of high‐quality CdSe NPs because of its facile and inexpensive nature.
Rhodamine‐Isonicotinic Hydrazide Analogue: A Selective Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Nanomolar Detection of Picric Acid in Aqueous Media
Authors: Sakthivel Perumal , Sekar Karuppannan , Singaravadivel Subramanian , Sivaraman Gandhi 
Published: April 2019

AbstractRhodamine dye containing Isonicotinic hydrazide (RBN‐1) is synthesized for the sensing of nitro aromatics, the probe showed turn‐on fluorescence with Picric acid in co‐existence with other interfering nitro aromatics. The sensor RBN‐1 can be used for naked eye detection of picric acid with the detection limit of 37.3 nM in solution. The RBN‐1+PA complexation involves intermolecular hydrogen bonding between the pyridine N and the hydroxyl group of PA. The observed photophysical changes of RBN‐1 with Picric acid is attributed to the spirolactam ring opening. The effective sensing ability of RBN‐1 is tested in real water samples and paper strip experiments, the results are in good agreement with the pilot analysis.
Development of One‐Step Water‐Repellent and Flame‐Retardant Finishes for Cotton
Authors: Abdelrahman Meram S. , Khattab Tawfik A. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPyrovatex is a well‐known commercial flame‐retardant which is commonly applied for cotton fibers. Unfortunately, Pyrovatex has the concern of discharging toxic formaldehyde, and additionally it necessitates formaldehyde‐based cross‐linking agents to enhance the flame retardant character and durability. Thus, formaldehyde level is considerably increased in the treated cotton fabrics. Herein, we develop a simple approach toward superhydrophobic and flame‐retardant coating for cotton fabrics. We apply one‐bath pad‐dry‐cure technique in absence of formaldehyde which is usually applied as a cross‐linker for the application and fixation of the Pyrovatex flame‐retardant. Room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicone was employed as a formaldehyde free cross‐linking agent which allowed using Pyrovatex at lower concentration compared to commercial cross‐linkers. The flame retardancy of the fabric was improved as a result of the higher bonding of Pyrovatex with both cotton fibers and RTV which in turn was bonded to cotton fibers too. Only 150 g/L of Pyrovatex with RTV silicone introduced much better flame retardant efficiency than applying 450–500 g/L of Pyrovatex ACS alone. Furthermore, RTV silicone further improved the water‐repellent effect on the fabric surface. Washing properties of the treated cotton fabrics proved durability. The surface morphology and comfort properties of the treated cotton was explored.
An Intramolecular Charge Transfer Induced Fluorescent Chemosensor for Selective Detection of Mercury (II) and its Self‐Turn‐On Inside Live Cells at Physiological pH
Authors: Kumar Alok , Ananthakrishnan Rajakumar , Jana Gourhari , Chattaraj Pratim K. , Nayak Santoshi , Ghosh Sudip K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractA new turn‐on fluorescence small‐molecular dicarboxylic acid functionalized chemosensor (L2) has been designed strategically. The bidentate ligand (L2) is exceedingly selective for the sensing of HgII ions over other heavy‐metal ions, and exhibits excellent resolution on imaging living cells in‐vitro. The HgII binding mechanism by the probe occurs selectively through lone pair of electrons from imine nitrogens, which was established by using 1H NMR titrations, density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The free acid protons facilitated enhanced fluorescence intensity upon shift at deprotonation and gave a 50 nm hypsochromic at slight basic medium. The para‐ and meta‐positions of imine nitrogen atoms with respect to the donor (NH2) inducing the intramolecular charge transfer (ICT). The designed probe has high sensitivity to mercury(II) ions, excellent cell membrane permeability and negligible cytotoxicity, which result in bright and specific detection of HgII in living cells (HeLa cells) by fluorescence turn‐on at physiological pH. Further, the strategic approach executed in this work would be useful to design new chemosensors for sensing of different molecules or ions in future.
Epitaxial Growth of 6 in. Single‐Crystalline Graphene on a Cu/Ni (111) Film at 750 °C via Chemical Vapor Deposition
Authors: Zhang Xuefu , Wu Tianru , Jiang Qi , Wang Huishan , Zhu Hailong , Chen Zhiying , Jiang Ren , Niu Tianchao , Li Zhuojun , Zhang Youwei , Qiu Zhijun , Yu Guanghui , Li Ang , Qiao Shan , Wang Haomin , Yu Qingkai , Xie Xiaoming 
Published: April 2019

AbstractThe future electronic application of graphene highly relies on the production of large‐area high‐quality single‐crystal graphene. However, the growth of single‐crystal graphene on different substrates via either single nucleation or seamless stitching is carried out at a temperature of 1000 °C or higher. The usage of this high temperature generates a variety of problems, including complexity of operation, higher contamination, metal evaporation, and wrinkles owing to the mismatch of thermal expansion coefficients between the substrate and graphene. Here, a new approach for the fabrication of ultraflat single‐crystal graphene using Cu/Ni (111)/sapphire wafers at lower temperature is reported. It is found that the temperature of epitaxial growth of graphene using Cu/Ni (111) can be reduced to 750 °C, much lower than that of earlier reports on catalytic surfaces. Devices made of graphene grown at 750 °C have a carrier mobility up to ≈9700 cm2V−1s−1at room temperature. This work shines light on a way toward a much lower temperature growth of high‐quality graphene in single crystallinity, which could benefit future electronic applications.
TNF-Stimulated Gene-6 Is a Key Regulator in Switching Stemness and Biological Properties of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Romano Barbara , Elangovan Sudharshan , Erreni Marco , Sala Emanuela , Petti Luciana , Kunderfranco Paolo , Massimino Luca , Restelli Silvia , Sinha Shruti , Lucchetti Donatella , Anselmo Achille , Colombo Federico Simone , Stravalaci Matteo , Arena Vincenzo , D'Alessio Silvia , Ungaro Federica , Inforzato Antonio , Izzo Angelo A. , Sgambato Alessandro , Day Anthony J. , Vetrano Stefania 
Published: April 2019

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are well established to have promising therapeutic properties. TNF-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), a potent tissue-protective and anti-inflammatory factor, has been demonstrated to be responsible for a significant part of the tissue-protecting properties mediated by MSCs. Nevertheless, current knowledge about the biological function of TSG-6 in MSCs is limited. Here, we demonstrated that TSG-6 is a crucial factor that influences many functional properties of MSCs. The transcriptomic sequencing analysis of wild-type (WT) and TSG-6−/−-MSCs shows that the loss of TSG-6 expression leads to the perturbation of several transcription factors, cytokines, and other key biological pathways. TSG-6−/−-MSCs appeared morphologically different with dissimilar cytoskeleton organization, significantly reduced size of extracellular vesicles, decreased cell proliferative rate, and loss of differentiation abilities compared with the WT cells. These cellular effects may be due to TSG-6-mediated changes in the extracellular matrix (ECM) environment. The supplementation of ECM with exogenous TSG-6, in fact, rescued cell proliferation and changes in morphology. Importantly, TSG-6-deficient MSCs displayed an increased capacity to release interleukin-6 conferring pro-inflammatory and pro-tumorigenic properties to the MSCs. Overall, our data provide strong evidence that TSG-6 is crucial for the maintenance of stemness and other biological properties of murine MSCs.
Navigating Award‐Winning Nonfiction Children's Literature
Authors: Smith Jennifer M. , Robertson Marla K. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractNonfiction children's literature has changed in recent years, including an increase in organizational, design, and text features. The authors conducted a content analysis of 112 nonfiction award‐winning and honor books from 2000 to 2018 to examine how the books have changed over time. The authors discuss the patterns, changes, and complexities found in nonfiction children's literature and provide text sets and guiding questions for classroom instruction and exploration of three features that appear in books in a variety of ways and may be challenging for students: atypical text, graphics with information, and supplemental expository information.
Strategic satisficing: Civil-military relations and French intervention in Africa
Authors: DeVore Marc R. 
Published: April 2019

AbstractFew issues are more important yet less understood than outside interventions in intra-state conflicts. Under what circumstances do intervening states further their interests and when, contrarily, do they plunge into quagmires? France is a critical case. It is, statistically, the world’s second intervenor and earned the sobriquet of Africa’s gendarme through frequent interventions in African wars. The ability of such a medium-sized state to intervene with greater regularity and ostensible success than larger powers raises questions about how France manages its interventions. Do French interventions draw on the French Army’s distinctive ‘school’ of population-centric counterinsurgency, which emphasises the need to militarise governance in pursuit of comprehensive victories? Or do the French Fifth Republic’s civil-military institutions encourage policymakers to carefully regulate force’s employment in pursuit of limited ends? This study draws on declassified archives to test which approach most characterises French interventions. To preview my conclusions, strategic satisficing – the use of minimal force for short durations to produce satisfactory outcomes – distinguishes the Fifth Republic’s interventions from other powers’ practices and prior French counterinsurgencies. This particular form of interventionism enables France to influence a large number of intra-state conflicts and maintain a network of security agreements with African states.
KRIPKE COMPLETENESS OF STRICTLY POSITIVE MODAL LOGICS OVER MEET-SEMILATTICES WITH OPERATORS
Authors: KIKOT STANISLAV , KURUCZ AGI , TANAKA YOSHIHITO , WOLTER FRANK , ZAKHARYASCHEV MICHAEL 
Published: April 2019

AbstractOur concern is the completeness problem for spi-logics, that is, sets of implications between strictly positive formulas built from propositional variables, conjunction and modal diamond operators. Originated in logic, algebra and computer science, spi-logics have two natural semantics: meet-semilattices with monotone operators providing Birkhoff-style calculi and first-order relational structures (aka Kripke frames) often used as the intended structures in applications. Here we lay foundations for a completeness theory that aims to answer the question whether the two semantics define the same consequence relations for a given spi-logic.
Consumption of plant extract supplement reduces platelet activating factor-induced platelet aggregation and increases platelet activating factor catabolism: a randomised, double-blind and placebo-controlled trial
Authors: Gavriil Lamprini , Detopoulou Maria , Petsini Filio , Antonopoulou Smaragdi , Fragopoulou Elizabeth 
Published: April 2019

AbstractPlatelet-activating factor (PAF) is a potent mediator of inflammation that plays a crucial role in atherosclerosis. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of a dietary supplement containing mainly plant extracts on PAF actions and metabolism in healthy volunteers. A double-blind, placebo-controlled, 8 weeks’ duration study was performed. Healthy volunteers were randomly allocated into the supplement or the placebo group and fifty-eight of them completed the study. The supplement contained plant extracts (Aloe gel, grape juice, Polygonum cuspidatum) and vitamins. The activities of PAF metabolic enzymes: the two isoforms of acetyl-CoA:lyso-PAF acetyltransferase, cytidine 5’-diphospho-choline:1-alkyl-2-acetyl-sn-glycerol cholinephosphotransferase (PAF-cholinephosphotransferase) and platelet-activating factor–acetylhydrolase (PAF-AH) in leucocytes and lipoprotein associated phospholipase-A2 in plasma were measured along with several markers of endothelial function. Platelet aggregation against PAF, ADP and thrombin receptor activating peptide was measured in human platelet-rich plasma by light transmission aggregometry. No difference was observed on soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1, sP-selectin and IL-6 levels at the beginning or during the study period between the two groups. Concerning PAF metabolism enzymes’ activity, no difference was observed at baseline between the groups. PAF-AH activity was only increased in the supplement group at 4 and 8 weeks compared with baseline levels. In addition, supplement consumption led to lower platelet sensitivity against PAF and ADP compared with baseline levels. However, a trial effect was only observed when platelets were stimulated by PAF. In conclusion, supplementation with plant extracts and vitamins ameliorates platelet aggregation primarily against PAF and secondarily against ADP and affects PAF catabolism by enhancing PAF-acetylhydrolase activity in healthy subjects.
Sieyès versus Bicameralism
Authors: Rubinelli Lucia 
Published: April 2019

AbstractBicameralism is traditionally considered necessary to the principle of the limitation of power and, as such, a key feature of the liberal constitutional state. Yet the history of the French Revolution reveals that this has not always been the case and that bicameralism's relationship to liberal constitutionalism is more complex than is traditionally assumed. This article will discuss how the Abbé Sieyès, one of the founding fathers of modern constitutionalism, rejected bicameralism not only because it was contrary to the revolutionary principle of equality, but also because it did not actually succeed at limiting power. Even worse, bicameralism would threaten the constitutional system by forcing the legislative power into procedural impasses that would eventually open the way to despotism. Putting Sieyès's claims in historical perspective, the paper aims to offer some historical nuance and insights into bicameralism's relationship to liberal constitutionalism.
Analysing child linear growth trajectories among under-5 children in two Nairobi informal settlements
Authors: Faye Cheikh Mbacké , Fonn Sharon , Levin Jonathan , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveWe sought to identify factors associated with linear growth among under-5 children in two urban informal settlements in Nairobi.DesignWe used longitudinal data for the period 2007–2012 from under-5 children recruited in the two sites between birth and 23 months and followed up until they reached 5 years of age. We fitted a generalized linear model on height-for-age Z-scores using the generalized estimating equations method to model linear growth trajectories among under-5 children. Known for its flexibility, the model provides strong parameter estimates and accounts for correlated observations on the same child.SettingTwo urban informal settlements in Nairobi, Kenya.ParticipantsUnder-5 children (n 1917) and their mothers (n 1679).ResultsThe findings show that child weight at birth, exclusive breast-feeding and immunization status were key determinants of linear growth among under-5 children. Additionally, maternal characteristics (mother’s age, marital status) and household-level factors (socio-economic status, size of household) were significantly associated with child linear growth. There were biological differences in linear growth, as female children were more likely to grow faster than males. Finally, the model captured significant household-level effects to investigate further.ConclusionsFindings from the study point to the need to improve the targeting of child health programmes directed at the urban poor population in Nairobi. Specific modifiable determinants of child linear growth, particularly child weight at birth, exclusive breast-feeding, immunization status and mother’s background characteristics, should be considered when designing interventions aiming at addressing child health inequities in these settings.
Validation of a semi-quantitative FFQ for 18-month-old toddlers: the Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) study
Authors: Lim Hui Xian , Toh Jia Ying , Tan Kok Hian , Chong Yap-Seng , Yap Fabian , Godfrey Keith M , Lee Yung Seng , Chong Mary Foong-Fong 
Published: April 2019

AbstractObjectiveDietary intake of toddlers has been of growing interest due to its long-term consequences on health. However, previous works have focused largely on Caucasian populations and less is known about Asian toddlers. We aimed to validate a semi-quantitative FFQ designed to assess dietary intakes of 18-month-old toddlers in a multi-ethnic Asian cohort.DesignAn FFQ of ninety-four food items, identified based on food records of 12-month-old GUSTO children, the Southampton Women’s Survey 12 Month Infancy Questionnaire and inputs from paediatric dietitians, was filled out two weeks before the 18th-month clinic visit. As the reference method, two non-consecutive 24 h recalls (24HR) were administered during and two weeks after the clinic visit. FFQ nutrient intakes were validated against averaged 24HR nutrient intakes, using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, Spearman’s rank-order correlation, cross-classification and the Bland–Altman method.SettingData from the Singapore Growing Up in Singapore Towards Healthy Outcomes (GUSTO) mother–offspring birth cohort.ParticipantsToddlers (n 188) aged 18 months.ResultsAbsolute nutrient intakes from the FFQ were significantly higher than from the 24HR, except for vitamin A. After energy adjustments, r range was 0·56–0·78 (macronutrients) and 0·40–0·54 (micronutrients). De-attenuation increased r to 0·58–0·96 and 0·45–0·65 for macro- and micronutrients, respectively. Of participants, ≥82·4 % (macronutrients) and ≥77·7 % (micronutrients) were classified in the same and adjacent quartiles. No clear systematic increase in intake differences with increasing mean intake was observed in Bland–Altman plots.ConclusionsThis FFQ can provide a satisfactory assessment of toddlers’ energy-adjusted nutrient intakes, as well as accurately rank them in a group.