bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Proton Conductivity in Y‐Doped BaZrO3 via Strain Engineering
Authors: Fluri Aline , Marcolongo Aris , Roddatis Vladimir , Wokaun Alexander , Pergolesi Daniele , Marzari Nicola , Lippert Thomas 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe effects of stress‐induced lattice distortions (strain) on the conductivity of Y‐doped BaZrO3, a high‐temperature proton conductor with key technological applications for sustainable electrochemical energy conversion, are studied. Highly ordered epitaxial thin films are grown in different strain states while monitoring the stress generation and evolution in situ. Enhanced proton conductivity due to lower activation energies is discovered under controlled conditions of tensile strain. In particular, a twofold increased conductivity is measured at 200 °C along a 0.7% tensile strained lattice. This is at variance with conclusions coming from force‐field simulations or the static calculations of diffusion barriers. Here, extensive first‐principles molecular dynamic simulations of proton diffusivity in the proton‐trapping regime are therefore performed and found to agree with the experiments. The simulations highlight that compressive strain confines protons in planes parallel to the substrate, while tensile strain boosts diffusivity in the perpendicular direction, with the net result that the overall conductivity is enhanced. It is indeed the presence of the dopant and the proton‐trapping effect that makes tensile strain favorable for proton conduction.
Genetic diversity in Svaneti and its implications for the human settlement of the Highland Caucasus
Authors: Yardumian Aram , Shengelia Ramaz , Chitanava David , Laliashvili Shorena , Bitadze Lia , Laliashvili Irma , Villanea Fernando , Sanders Akiva , Azzam Andrew , Groner Victoria , Edleson Kristi , Vilar Miguel G. , Schurr Theodore G. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesIn this study, we characterized genetic diversity in the Svans from northwestern Georgia to better understand the phylogeography of their genetic lineages, determine whether genetic diversity in the highland South Caucasus has been shaped by language or geography, and assess whether Svan genetic diversity was structured by regional residence patterns.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed mtDNA and Y‐chromosome variation in 184 individuals from 13 village districts and townlets located throughout the region. For all individuals, we analyzed mtDNA diversity through control region sequencing, and, for males, we analyzed Y‐chromosome diversity through SNP and STR genotyping. The resulting data were compared with those for populations from the Caucasus and Middle East.ResultsWe observed significant mtDNA heterogeneity in Svans, with haplogroups U1‐U7, H, K, and W6 being common there. By contrast, ∼78% of Svan males belonged to haplogroup G2a, with the remainder falling into four other haplogroups (J2a1, I2, N, and R1a). While showing a distinct genetic profile, Svans also clustered with Caucasus populations speaking languages from different families, suggesting a deep common ancestry for all of them. The mtDNA data were not structured by geography or linguistic affiliation, whereas the NRY data were influenced only by geography.DiscussionThese patterns of genetic variation confirm a complex set of geographic sources and settlement phases for the Caucasus highlands. Such patterns may also reflect social and cultural practices in the region. The high frequency and antiquity of Y‐chromosome haplogroup G2a in this region further points to its emergence there.
Behavioral implications of ontogenetic changes in intrinsic hand and foot proportions in olive baboons (Papio Anubis)
Authors: Druelle François , Young Jesse , Berillon Gilles 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesRelatively long digits are considered to enhance grasping performance in primates. We tested whether growth‐related changes in intrinsic hand and foot proportions may have behavioral implications for growing animals, by examining whether ontogenetic changes in digital proportions are related to variation in voluntary grasping behaviors in baboons.Materials and methodsLongitudinal morphological and behavioral data were collected on 6 captive olive baboons (Papio anubis) as they aged from 5 to 22 months. The length of digits and metapodials, measured from radiographs, were used to calculate phalangeal indices (i.e., PIs: summed length of non‐distal phalanges relative to corresponding metapodial length). We also examined the allometric scaling of digital bones relative to body mass. We observed baboon positional behaviors over a 15‐day period following the radiographic sessions, quantifying the frequency of forelimb and hindlimb grasping behaviors.ResultsPIs for all digits declined during growth, a result of the differential scaling of metapodials (which scaled to body mass with isometry) versus phalanges (which scaled with negative allometry). The incidence of forelimb and hindlimb grasping behaviors declined with age. Though we found no relationship between forelimb grasping and hand proportions, the incidence of hindlimb grasping was directly correlated with postaxial digit PIs.DiscussionOnly changes in the intrinsic proportions of the pedal digits are associated with variation in grasping activity in growing baboons. This finding accords previous biomechanical and neuroanatomical studies showing distinct functional roles for the hands and feet during primate locomotion, and has important implications for reconstructing primate locomotor evolution.
Isotopic assessment of marine food consumption by natural‐foraging chacma baboons on the Cape Peninsula, South Africa
Authors: Lewis Matthew C. , West Adam G. , O'Riain M. Justin 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesStable isotope analysis has been used to investigate consumption of marine resources in a variety of terrestrial mammals, including humans, but not yet in extant nonhuman primates. We sought to test the efficacy of stable isotope analysis as a tool for such studies by comparing isotope‐ and observation‐based estimates of marine food consumption by a troop of noncommensal, free‐ranging chacma baboons.Materials and methodsWe determined δ13C and δ15N values of baboon hair (n = 9) and fecal samples (n = 144), and principal food items (n = 362). These values were used as input for diet models, the outputs of which were compared to observation‐based estimates of marine food consumption.ResultsFecal δ13C values ranged from −29.3‰ to −25.6‰. δ15N values ranged from 0.9‰ to 6.3‰ and were positively correlated with a measure of marine foraging during the dietary integration period. Mean (± SD) δ13C values of adult male and female baboon hairs were −21.6‰ (± 0.1) and −21.8‰ (± 0.3) respectively, and corresponding δ15N values were 5.0‰ (± 0.3) and 3.9‰ (± 0.2). Models indicated that marine contributions were ≤10% of baboon diet within any season, and contributed ≤17% of dietary protein through the year.DiscussionModel output and observational data were in agreement, both indicating that despite their abundance in the intertidal region, marine foods comprised only a small proportion of baboon diet. This suggests that stable isotope analysis is a viable tool for investigating marine food consumption by natural‐foraging primates in temperate regions.
Growth curves and the international standard: How children's growth reflects challenging conditions in rural Timor‐Leste
Authors: Spencer Phoebe R. , Sanders Katherine A. , Judge Debra S. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractObjectivesPopulation‐specific growth references are important in understanding local growth variation, especially in developing countries where child growth is poor and the need for effective health interventions is high. In this article, we use mixed longitudinal data to calculate the first growth curves for rural East Timorese children to identify where, during development, deviation from the international standards occurs.Materials and methodsOver an eight‐year period, 1,245 children from two ecologically distinct rural areas of Timor‐Leste were measured a total of 4,904 times. We compared growth to the World Health Organization (WHO) standards using z‐scores, and modeled height and weight velocity using the SuperImposition by Translation And Rotation (SITAR) method. Using the Generalized Additive Model for Location, Scale and Shape (GAMLSS) method, we created the first growth curves for rural Timorese children for height, weight and body mass index (BMI).ResultsRelative to the WHO standards, children show early‐life growth faltering, and stunting throughout childhood and adolescence. The median height and weight for this population tracks below the WHO fifth centile. Males have poorer growth than females in both z‐BMI (p = .001) and z‐height‐for‐age (p = .018) and, unlike females, continue to grow into adulthood.DiscussionThis is the most comprehensive investigation to date of rural Timorese children's growth, and the growth curves created may potentially be used to identify future secular trends in growth as the country develops. We show significant deviation from the international standard that becomes most pronounced at adolescence, similar to the growth of other Asian populations. Males and females show different growth responses to challenging conditions in this population.
Synthetische Genomik: von der DNA‐Synthese zu Designer‐Genomen
Authors: Wang Lianrong , Jiang Susu , Chen Chao , He Wei , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Fei , Tong Tong , Zou Xuan , Li Zhiqiang , Luo Jie , Deng Zixin , Chen Shi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRasante technische Fortschritte, die die Konstruktion von genetischen Netzwerken, Biosynthesepfaden und sogar ganzer Genome ermöglichen, konvertieren derzeit die Genetik und Genomik von rein deskriptiven zu synthetischen Wissenschaften. Anknüpfend an die Synthese kleiner viraler Genome haben Fortschritte bei der Assemblierung und Neusynthese von DNA die hierarchische Synthese bakterieller Genome, z. B. von Mycoplasma genitalium, sowie die Umkodierung des Genoms von Escherichia coli durch Reduzierung der Zahl an Codons von 64 auf 57 ermöglicht. Das Gebiet ist an dem Punkt angekommen, dass wir ein gesamtes eukaryotisches Genom synthetisieren können. Das “Synthetic Yeast Genome Project” (Sc2.0) folgt den Plan, bis 2018 alle 16 Saccharomyces cerevisiae‐Chromosomen neu zu synthetisieren; bisher wurden 6.5 Chromosomen konzipiert und synthetisiert. Bottom‐up‐Assemblierung und die Anwendung genomweiter Modifikationen werden unser Verständnis der Genomstruktur und ‐funktion verbessern. Dieser Ansatz wird nicht nur eine Plattform für die systemische Erforschung eukaryotischer Chromosomen bieten, sondern auch “verschlankte” Stämme hervorbringen, die für medizinische und industrielle Anwendungen potenziell geeignet sind. In diesem Kurzaufsatz fassen wir den aktuellen Stand der Forschung im Bereich synthetischer Genome zusammen und diskutieren mögliche Anwendungen dieser neuen Technologie.
G‐Quadruplex Secondary Structure Obtained from Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy
Authors: del Villar‐Guerra Rafael , Trent John O. , Chaires Jonathan B. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA curated library of circular dichroism spectra of 23 G‐quadruplexes of known structure was built and analyzed. The goal of this study was to use this reference library to develop an algorithm to derive quantitative estimates of the secondary structure content of quadruplexes from their experimental CD spectra. Principal component analysis and singular value decomposition were used to characterize the reference spectral library. CD spectra were successfully fit to obtain estimates of the amounts of base steps in anti–anti, syn–anti or anti–syn conformations, in diagonal or lateral loops, or in other conformations. The results show that CD spectra of nucleic acids can be analyzed to obtain quantitative structural information about secondary structure content in an analogous way to methods used to analyze protein CD spectra.
Synthetic Genomics: From DNA Synthesis to Genome Design
Authors: Wang Lianrong , Jiang Susu , Chen Chao , He Wei , Wu Xiaolin , Wang Fei , Tong Tong , Zou Xuan , Li Zhiqiang , Luo Jie , Deng Zixin , Chen Shi 
Published: October 2017

AbstractRapid technological advances enabling the construction of designer gene networks, biosynthetic pathways, and even entire genomes are moving the fields of genetics and genomics from descriptive to synthetic applications. Following the synthesis of small viral genomes, advances in DNA assembly and rewriting have enabled the hierarchical synthesis of bacterial genomes, such as Mycoplasma genitalium, as well as recoding of the Escherichia coli genome by reducing the number of codons from 64 to 57. The field has advanced to the point of synthesizing an entire eukaryotic genome. The Synthetic Yeast Genome Project (Sc2.0) is underway and aims to rewrite all 16 Saccharomyces cerevisiae chromosomes by 2018; to date, 6.5 chromosomes have been designed and synthesized. Using bottom‐up assembly and applying genome‐wide alterations will improve our understanding of genome structure and function. This approach will not only provide a platform for systematic studies of eukaryotic chromosomes but will also generate diverse “streamlined” strains that are potentially suitable for medical and industrial applications. Herein, we review the current state of synthetic genome research and discuss potential applications of this emerging technology.
Quantum Monte Carlo Simulations and High‐Field Magnetization Studies of Antiferromagnetic Interactions in a Giant Hetero‐Spin Ring
Authors: Qin Lei , Singleton Jared , Chen Wei‐Peng , Nojiri Hiroyuki , Engelhardt Larry , Winpenny Richard E. P. , Zheng Yan‐Zhen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractChromium lanthanide heterometallic wheel complexes {Cr8Ln8} (Ln=Gd, Dy and Y) with alternating metal centres are presented. Quantum Monte Carlo simulations reveal antiferromagnetic exchange‐coupling constants with an average of 2.1 K within the {Cr8Gd8} wheel, which leads to a large ground spin state (ST=16) that is confirmed by magnetization studies up to 20 Tesla. The {Cr8Dy8} wheel is a single‐molecule magnet.
PDMS/PVDF microporous membrane with semi‐interpenetrating polymer networks for vacuum membrane distillation
Authors: Qu Zhao‐Tong , Duan Shi‐Yuan , Li Bing‐Bing , Sun De , Gu Yun‐Lei 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIn this article, using the non‐solvent induced phase separation process, a new microporous membrane with the semi‐interpenetrating polymer network (semi‐IPN) structure was produced. For this membrane, polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) polymer is crosslinking and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) polymer is linear, by changing the mass ratio of PDMS/PVDF, the structure and the performance of the prepared membranes were studied. The membranes were also investigated by attenuated total reflection‐Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR), scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and water contact angle, etc. ATR‐FTIR spectroscopy confirmed the formation of semi‐IPN; compared with the PDMS/PVDF polymer without semi‐IPNs structure, the viscosity of the semi‐IPNs structured casting solution increased, membrane mechanical property increased but its hydrophobicity decreased. Using the resulting membranes for the vacuum membrane distillation desalt of the NaCl solution (30 g/L), 99.9% salt rejection and reasonable flux were obtained. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45792.
Hierarchically controlled assemblies from amylose analog aminopolysaccharides by reductive amination: From nano‐ to macrostructures
Authors: Nakauchida Takuya , Yamamoto Kazuya , Kadokawa Jun‐ichi 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIn this study, we found that hierarchically controlled assemblies from amylose analog aminopolysaccharides occurred by reductive amination to obtain nanoparticles, microaggregates, and macrohydrogels depending on reaction conditions. The polysaccharide substrate composed of α(1→4)‐linked glucosamine residues was synthesized by thermostable phosphorylase (from Aquifex aeolicus VF5)–catalyzed enzymatic polymerization of α‐d‐glucosamine 1‐phosphate according to the reaction manner reported in our previous study. The reductive amination of the produced polysaccharide was carried out in the presence of NaBH3CN as reductant in 0.1 mol/L acetic acid aq. at 60 °C for 1 h. When lower feed ratios of reductant to the reducing end of the substrate were employed for the reaction, nanoparticles were obtained. With increasing feed ratios of reductant, more α(1→4)‐GlcNn molecules assembled to further form water‐insoluble microaggregates and macrohydrogels. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45890.
Biocompatible palm stearin‐based polyesteramide as polymer carrier for solid dispersion
Authors: Wong Wei Seng , Lee Choy Sin , Er Hui Meng , Lim Wen Huei , Wong Shew Fung 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTPalm stearin‐based polyesteramide (PSPEA) was synthesized by reacting PS with diethanolamine, followed by azelaic acid at functionality molar ratio (OH: COOH) ranged 1:0.84 to 1:0.95 at 150–190 °C. FTIR, 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance, 13C‐nuclear magnetic resonance, and gel permeation chromatography were used to elucidate the chemical structure and Mw distribution of the PSPEA. PSPEA 4000 (acid value = 0.61 mg KOH/g sample, hydroxyl value = 51.97 mg KOH/g sample) was used in combination with stearic acid‐based PEA to prepare mefenamic acid (MA) solid dispersion. The solid dispersion demonstrated sixfold and twofold enhancement in T50% and cumulative drug release as compared to pure MA. The differential scanning calorimetry and scanning electron microscopy analyses revealed solubilization of MA in PEA and transformation of MA into amorphous. In vitro cytotoxicity studies confirmed the safety profile of PSPEA against 3T3 fibroblast cell lines. This work demonstrated that the biocompatible PSPEA possesses surface tension lowering and anticrystallization effects have the potential as polymer carrier for pharmaceutical dosage forms. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45892.
Pectin‐[(3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride‐co‐acrylic acid] hydrogel prepared by gamma radiation and selectively silver (Ag) metal adsorption
Authors: Bhuyan Md Murshed , Okabe Hirotaka , Hidaka Yoshiki , Hara Kazuhiro 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTPectin‐[(3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride‐co‐acrylic acid] hydrogel has been prepared from the aqueous blend solution of pectin, (3‐acrylamidopropyl) trimethylammonium chloride (APTAC), and acrylic acid (AAc) by applying gamma radiation of different doses (1–25 kGy) from 60Co gamma source. The hydrogels were characterized by equilibrium swelling, Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The hydrogels were used in multielement adsorption and it was found that pectin‐(APTAC‐co‐AAc) gel is highly selective toward silver (I) ion among 27 metal ions. The data obtained from equilibrium adsorption studies were fitted in Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models and model parameters evaluated. The maximum adsorption capacity of pectin‐(APTAC‐co‐AAc) gel was found to be 67.6413 mg/g of dry gel at sample volume of 25 mL. The kinetic data were tested using pseudo‐first order and pseudo‐second order kinetic models and different adsorption diffusion models such as film diffusion and intra‐particle diffusivity model. Thiourea solution was used for desorption of adsorbed metal ions from the hydrogel. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45906.
Application of paraffin and silver coated titania nanoparticles in polyethylene nanocomposite food packaging films
Authors: Hosseini Nasab Nafiseh , Jalili Mohammad Mehdi , Farrokhpay Saeed 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTIn this work, 3% and 5% TiO2/Ag nanoparticles were dispersed in low‐density polyethylene through melt blending process, and subsequently nanocomposite films were prepared by hot pressing. Paraffin was used for the first time in this work as compatibilizer agent. The effect of TiO2/Ag nanoparticle content, as well as compatibilizer dosage on the antimicrobial, morphological, mechanical, and optical performance of the nanocomposite films was investigated. Improved mechanical properties of the nanocomposite films were found on using paraffin as compatibilizer in comparison with the neat low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) films. The optical study results also showed that the addition of TiO2/Ag to the LDPE films does not drastically change the film appearance other than making them more reddish. The fabricated nanocomposites presented in this study could be a suitable choice for food packaging (subject to further investigation of the food packaging behavior). The results showed that both TiO2/Ag nanoparticle and compatibilizer are needed to prevent the bacteria growth in the film. The best result was obtained by using 5% nanoparticle and 4% paraffin compatibilizer where the bacteria growth rate was significantly reduced by 95%. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45913.
Influence of carboxyl and amide groups on in vitro hemocompatibility of sulfonated polypropylene non‐woven fabric
Authors: Li Rong , Cai Xi‐Ming , Ye Yin , Wu Guo‐Zhong 
Published: October 2017

ABSTRACTThe sulfonated polypropylene non‐woven fabric (PPNWF) was successfully fabricated via γ‐ray simultaneous radiation‐induced graft polymerization of acrylic acid (AA)/sodium styrenesulfonate (NaSS) and acrylamide (AAm)/NaSS. The existence of graft chains in both PP‐g‐P(AA‐co‐NaSS) and PP‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐NaSS) was proved by attenuated total reflection Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Water contact angle measurement illustrated the sulfonated PPNWF owning good hydrophilicity. The in vitro hemocompatibility evaluation showed that both PP‐g‐P(AA‐co‐NaSS) and PP‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐NaSS) inhibited effectively the adhesion of platelets and were significantly compatible with erythrocytes. Moreover, no obvious difference was confirmed in the prevention of platelet adhesion and hemolysis ratio between carboxyl and amide groups. However, as compared with that of PP‐g‐P(AAm‐co‐NaSS), PP‐g‐P(AA‐co‐NaSS) exhibited outstanding anticoagulant activity via increased activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time. This result indicated that the carboxyl group but not amide group featured strong synergistic effect on the anticoagulant activity of sulfonated PPNWF. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45915.