bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Wearable Microfluidic Diaphragm Pressure Sensor for Health and Tactile Touch Monitoring
Authors: Gao Yuji , Ota Hiroki , Schaler Ethan W. , Chen Kevin , Zhao Allan , Gao Wei , Fahad Hossain M. , Leng Yonggang , Zheng Anzong , Xiong Furui , Zhang Chuchu , Tai Li‐Chia , Zhao Peida , Fearing Ronald S. , Javey Ali 
Published: August 2017

AbstractFlexible pressure sensors have many potential applications in wearable electronics, robotics, health monitoring, and more. In particular, liquid‐metal‐based sensors are especially promising as they can undergo strains of over 200% without failure. However, current liquid‐metal‐based strain sensors are incapable of resolving small pressure changes in the few kPa range, making them unsuitable for applications such as heart‐rate monitoring, which require a much lower pressure detection resolution. In this paper, a microfluidic tactile diaphragm pressure sensor based on embedded Galinstan microchannels (70 µm width × 70 µm height) capable of resolving sub‐50 Pa changes in pressure with sub‐100 Pa detection limits and a response time of 90 ms is demonstrated. An embedded equivalent Wheatstone bridge circuit makes the most of tangential and radial strain fields, leading to high sensitivities of a 0.0835 kPa−1 change in output voltage. The Wheatstone bridge also provides temperature self‐compensation, allowing for operation in the range of 20–50 °C. As examples of potential applications, a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) wristband with an embedded microfluidic diaphragm pressure sensor capable of real‐time pulse monitoring and a PDMS glove with multiple embedded sensors to provide comprehensive tactile feedback of a human hand when touching or holding objects are demonstrated.
A New Electron Acceptor with meta‐Alkoxyphenyl Side Chain for Fullerene‐Free Polymer Solar Cells with 9.3% Efficiency
Authors: Zhang Zhenzhen , Feng Liuliu , Xu Shutao , Liu Ye , Peng Hongjian , Zhang Zhi‐Guo , Li Yongfang , Zou Yingping 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA new small molecule acceptor, m‐ITIC‐OR, based on indacenodithieno[3,2‐b]thiophene core with meta‐alkoxyphenyl side chains, is designed and synthesized. The m‐ITIC‐OR film shows broader and redshift absorption compared to its solution and matched energy levels with a hexafluoroquinoxaline‐based polymer donor‐HFQx‐T. Here, polymer solar cells (PSCs) by blending an HFQx‐T donor and an m‐ITIC‐OR acceptor as an active layer deliver the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.36% without any posttreatment. The investigations demonstrate that the HFQx‐T:m‐ITIC‐OR blend films possess higher and more balanced charge mobility, negligible bimolecular recombination, and nanoscale interpenetrating morphology after thermal annealing (TA) treatment. Through a simple TA treatment at 150 °C for 5 min, an impressive PCE of 9.3% is obtained. This efficiency is among one of the highest PCEs for additive free PSCs. This is the first time alkoxyphenyl side chain is introduced into nonfullerene electron acceptor; more interestingly, the new electron acceptor (m‐ITIC‐OR) in this work shows a great potential for highly efficient photovoltaic properties.
Inhibiting persistent inward sodium currents prevents myotonia
Authors: Hawash Ahmed A. , Voss Andrew A. , Rich Mark M. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectivePatients with myotonia congenita have muscle hyperexcitability due to loss‐of‐function mutations in the ClC‐1 chloride channel in skeletal muscle, which causes involuntary firing of muscle action potentials (myotonia), producing muscle stiffness. The excitatory events that trigger myotonic action potentials in the absence of stabilizing ClC‐1 current are not fully understood. Our goal was to identify currents that trigger spontaneous firing of muscle in the setting of reduced ClC‐1 current.MethodsIn vitro intracellular current clamp and voltage clamp recordings were performed in muscle from a mouse model of myotonia congenita.ResultsIntracellular recordings revealed a slow afterdepolarization (AfD) that triggers myotonic action potentials. The AfD is well explained by a tetrodotoxin‐sensitive and voltage‐dependent Na+ persistent inward current (NaPIC). Notably, this NaPIC undergoes slow inactivation over seconds, suggesting this may contribute to the end of myotonic runs. Highlighting the significance of this mechanism, we found that ranolazine and elevated serum divalent cations eliminate myotonia by inhibiting AfD and NaPIC.InterpretationThis work significantly changes our understanding of the mechanisms triggering myotonia. Our work suggests that the current focus of treating myotonia, blocking the transient Na+ current underlying action potentials, is an inefficient approach. We show that inhibiting NaPIC is paralleled by elimination of myotonia. We suggest the ideal myotonia therapy would selectively block NaPIC and spare the transient Na+ current. Ann Neurol 2017;82:385–395
Persistent seizure control in epileptic mice transplanted with gamma‐aminobutyric acid progenitors
Authors: Casalia Mariana L. , Howard MacKenzie A. , Baraban Scott C. 
Published: August 2017

ObjectiveA significant proportion of the more than 50 million people worldwide currently suffering with epilepsy are resistant to antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). As an alternative to AEDs, novel therapies based on cell transplantation offer an opportunity for long‐lasting modification of epileptic circuits. To develop such a treatment requires careful preclinical studies in a chronic epilepsy model featuring unprovoked seizures, hippocampal histopathology, and behavioral comorbidities.MethodsTransplantation of progenitor cells from embryonic medial or caudal ganglionic eminence (MGE, CGE) were made in a well‐characterized mouse model of status epilepticus‐induced epilepsy (systemic pilocarpine). Behavioral testing (handling and open field), continuous video‐electroencephalographic (vEEG) monitoring, and slice electrophysiology outcomes were obtained up to 270 days after transplantation (DAT). Post‐hoc immunohistochemistry was used to confirm cell identity.ResultsMGE progenitors transplanted into the hippocampus of epileptic mice rescued handling and open field deficits starting at 60 DAT. In these same mice, an 84% to 88% reduction in seizure activity was observed between 180 and 210 DAT. Inhibitory postsynaptic current frequency, measured on pyramidal neurons in acute hippocampal slices at 270 DAT, was reduced in epileptic mice but restored to naïve levels in epileptic mice receiving MGE transplants. No reduction in seizure activity was observed in epileptic mice receiving intrahippocampal CGE progenitors.InterpretationOur findings demonstrate that transplanted MGE progenitors enhance functional GABA‐mediated inhibition, reduce spontaneous seizure frequency, and rescue behavioral deficits in a chronic epileptic animal model more than 6 months after treatment. Ann Neurol 2017;82:530–542
Intramolecular π–π Interactions in Flexibly Linked Partially Fluorinated Bisarenes in the Gas Phase
Authors: Blomeyer Sebastian , Linnemannstöns Marvin , Nissen Jan Hendrick , Paulus Jannik , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Mitzel Norbert W. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThree compounds with phenyl and pentafluorophenyl rings bridged by (CH2)3 and (CH2)2SiMe2 units were synthesized by hydrosilylation and C−C coupling reactions. Their solid‐state structures are dominated by intermolecular π stacking interactions, primarily leading to dimeric or chain‐type aggregates. Analysis of free molecules in the gas phase by electron diffraction revealed the most abundant conformer to be significantly stabilized by intramolecular π–π interactions. For the silicon compounds, structures characterized by σ–π interactions between methyl and pentafluorophenyl groups are second lowest in energy and cannot be excluded completely by the gas electron diffraction experiments. C6H5(CH2)3C6F5, in contrast, is present as a single conformer. The gas‐phase structures served as a reference for the evaluation of a series of (dispersion‐corrected) quantum‐chemical calculations.
Influence of the pretreatment and curing of alkoxysilanes on the protection of the titanium–aluminum–vanadium alloy
Authors: Salvador D. G. , Marcolin P. , Beltrami L. V. R. , Brandalise R. N. , Kunst S. R. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTThe use of coatings based on alkoxysilanes is one of the most effective ways to control the release of cytotoxic ions by metal implants. To improve the success rate of titanium–aluminum–vanadium implants, in this study, we evaluated the physicochemical, morphological, mechanical, and electrochemical behavior of hybrid coatings based on alkoxysilanes applied on the alloy. The coatings were prepared with the precursors 3‐(trimethoxysilyl propyl)methacrylate and tetraethoxysilane alkoxides by the sol–gel method. The curing of the coatings was evaluated at different temperatures (90, 180, and 300 °C) for 1 h. We carried out the pretreatment of the alloy by polishing and attacking it with sodium hydroxide. The results indicate that the temperature of 90 °C was effective for solvent evaporation and complete crosslinking of the film, and the alkaline pretreatment allowed the formation of a film with better anticorrosive performance; this indicated that the presence of hydroxyl groups on the surface improved the coating adhesion. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2017, 134, 45470.
Biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(ɛ‐caprolactone)/Fe3O4 nanocomposites
Authors: Gao Yuliang , Zhu Guangming , Xu Shuogui , Ma Tuotuo , Nie Jing 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTA novel biodegradable magnetic‐sensitive shape memory poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) nanocomposites, which were crosslinked with functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), were synthesized via in situ polymerization method. Fe3O4 MNPs pretreated with γ‐(methacryloyloxy) propyl trimethoxy silane (KH570) were used as crosslinking agents. Because of the crosslinking of functionalized Fe3O4 MNPs with poly(ɛ‐caprolactone) prepolymer, the properties of the nanocomposites with different content of functionalized Fe3O4 MNPs, especially the mechanical properties, were significantly improved. The nanocomposites also showed excellent shape memory properties in both 60 °C hot water and alternating magnetic field (f = 60, 90 kHz, H = 38.7, 59.8 kA m−1). In hot water bath, all the samples had shape recovery rate (Rr) higher than 98% and shape fixed rate (Rf) nearly 100%. In alternating magnetic field, the Rr of composites was over 85% with the highest at 95.3%. In addition, the nanocomposites also have good biodegradability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45652.
Morphological and functional aspects of zeolite filled siloxane composite foams
Authors: Calabrese L. , Bonaccorsi L. , Bruzzaniti P. , Freni A. , Proverbio E. 
Published: August 2017

ABSTRACTOne of the main objectives of the recent research and development activities on adsorption heat pumps is the improvement of the volume‐specific power while maintaining a reasonable thermodynamic efficiency. In this sense, a potentially effective approach is the development of adsorbent materials with high zeolite/support mass ratio such as zeolites‐based foam adsorbent composites. In this work, the influence of the morphological aspects on adsorption performances of innovative SAPO‐34 silicone composite foams has been investigated by varying zeolite filler content. The composite foam evidenced a mixed open/closed‐cell structure, depending on zeolite amount. At low zeolite content (20%), a mainly open cell structure was obtained, while at large zeolite content foams (up to 70 wt %), a mainly closed‐cell structure was obtained. Adsorption tests evidenced that SAPO‐34 zeolite foams have a high adsorption efficiency when compared with pure zeolite highlighting the active behavior of siloxane matrix during water vapor diffusion. Based on the morphological and physical properties of the foam, a simplified model for vapor diffusion flow process in composite foams was proposed. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45683.
State‐Endorsed Popular Culture: A Case Study of the North Korean Girl Band Moranbong
Authors: Lim Tai Wei 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis article examines the emergence of Moranbong as a new popular cultural phenomenon in North Korea. I am interested to examine the patron–client relationship in North Korea by analysing the personal patronage extended by North Korean autocrat Kim Jong‐un to the all‐female pop band Moranbong. In return for propaganda performances to convey images of material well‐being of the regime and extolling the virtues of the ultimate leader, the autocratic regime bestows social recognition, legitimacy and fame to Moranbong members as a reward. Through an analysis of patron–client relationship in the North Korean political system, I move on to examine the ideological contents of Moranbong and the propaganda value‐add they bring to the North Korean political system. Here, interpretations of Moranbong's symbolisms by both internal and external audiences are examined based on media reports and other writings that originated from both Korean and international sources.
Terrestrial laser scanning and photogrammetry techniques for documenting fossil‐bearing palaeokarst with an example from the Drimolen Palaeocave System, South Africa
Authors: Armstrong Brian J. , Blackwood Alex F. , Penzo‐Kajewski Paul , Menter Colin G. , Herries Andy I.R. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThis paper presents the results of a recent three‐dimensional (3D) survey at the Drimolen Makondo palaeontological deposits in the Hominid Sites of South Africa UNESCO World Heritage site. The Drimolen Makondo is a palaeokarstic feature that consists of a heavily eroded 2.6‐2.0 Ma fossil‐bearing palaeocave remnant. With photogrammetry and a laser scan survey, two 3D site models were created, georectified, and imported into geographical information system software. This paper outlines both of these survey techniques and provides an assessment of the relevant merits of each method and their applicability for detailed recording and archival documentation of palaeokarstic palaeontological and archaeological sites. Given the complex depositional context of many of the fossil‐bearing South African cave systems and their importance for understanding our evolutionary history, new methods are critical to visualising and analysing 3D spatial data. The utility of 3D models lies in their ability to integrate with total station survey techniques to accurately record and control excavations and provide a means of visualising stratigraphic, sedimentary, and spatial contexts in various geographical information system platforms. The use of low‐cost and time‐efficient digital photographic surveys to create accurate 3D models, if completed accurately, can provide researchers with a means of contextualising excavation data without the need for expensive and highly specialised equipment. The development of this method combined with differential global positioning systems provides a solution in more remote locations to recording highly accurate fossil and 3D site contexts with increasing ease. It also allows the sites to be recorded as part of an evolving landscape rather than as single isolated localities. This technique should be a standard technique implemented when working on irreplaceable UNESCO World Heritage sites such as the hominin‐bearing caves of South Africa.
Impact of Linear Alkyl Length on the Assembly of Twisted Perylene Bisimides: From Molecular Arrangement to Nanostructures
Authors: Guo Zongxia , Wang Kun , Yu Ping , Wang Xiangnan , Lan Shusha , Sun Kai , Yi Yuanping , Li Zhibo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe effect of the length of linear alkyl chains substituted at imine positions on the assembly of tetrachlorinated perylene bisimides (1: PBI with −C6H13; 2: PBI with −C12H25) has been investigated. Solvent‐induced assembly was performed in solutions of THF and methanol with varying volume ratios. Morphological (SEM, AFM, and TEM) and spectral (UV/Vis, fluorescence, FTIR, and XRD) methods were used to characterize the assembled nanostructures and the molecular arrangement in the aggregates. It was found that uniform structures could be obtained for both molecules in solutions with a high ratio of methanol. PBI 1 formed rigid nanosheets, whereas 2 assembled into longer nanostripes with a high ratio of length to width. On combining the morphological data with the spectral data, it was suggested that π–π stacking predominated in assemblies of 1, and the synergetic effect of van der Waals interactions from the long alkyl chains and π–π stacking between neighboring building blocks facilitated the growth of the long‐range‐ordered nanostructures of 2. By changing the linear chain length, the hierarchical assembly of PBIs modified on bay positions could be manipulated effectively.
Comparison of behavioral intervention and sensory integration therapy on challenging behavior of children with autism
Authors: Lydon Helena , Healy Olive , Grey Ian 
Published: August 2017

The current study used an AB crossover design to directly compare the effects of sensory integration therapy (SIT) and behavioral intervention (BI) on the challenging behavior of 10 participants with autism spectrum disorder. During the intervention phase, all participants received both treatments. Follow‐up probes were conducted 1 month following intervention for 4 participants implementing the more effective intervention. The results showed that BI successfully reduced challenging behavior to low‐ or near‐zero levels. In contrast, SIT resulted in higher and more variable rates of challenging behavior. One exception was noted for Participant 4 who engaged in a decreased level of challenging behavior during SIT. The findings are discussed in relation to implication for practice and future research.
Synthesis and gelation of copolypept(o)ides with random and block structure
Authors: Xiao Yan , Wang Jianqiang , Zhang Jun , Heise Andreas , Lang Meidong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCopolypept(o)ides of polysarcosine (PSar) and poly(N‐isopropyl‐L‐glutamine) (PIGA) with random and block sequence structures were synthesized by ring‐opening polymerization (ROP) of sarcosine N‐carboxyanhydrides (Sar‐NCA) and γ‐benzyl‐l‐glutamate N‐carboxyanhydrides (BLG‐NCA) and post modification. With different distribution of Sar along the main chain, H‐bonding pattern and secondary structure of polypeptides were turned, as well as aggregation and gelation behavior. Both copolypept(o)ides formed hydrogels above their critical gelation concentrations (CGCs) without thermo‐sensitivity, which was normally reserved for PEG copolypeptides (eg, PEG‐b‐PIGA). In particular, a different mechanism from previously reported micellar percolation or fibrillar entanglement was suggested for gelation of the random copolypept(o)ide. Therefore, hydrogels from copolymers of PSar and PIGA represented a new approach to construct easy‐handling, biocompatible, biodegradable and thermo‐stable gels that could potentially be applied in biomedical fields.
A Comprehensive Review of H2S Scavenger Technologies from Oil and Gas Streams
Authors: Agbroko Obakore W. , Piler Karishma , Benson Tracy J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractSour crudes containing > 0.5 % sulfur are of low quality and cause harm to equipment, the environment, and to humans. Therefore, sustainable measures for crude oil sweetening are of significant importance. Removal of H2S directly at the wellhead before the transport increases the value of crude oil and may be necessary to adhere to legal transport laws. Chemical agents known as scavengers are used to scrub H2S from crude oils. Scavengers are either of the regenerative or non‐regenerative type and are used depending on the pH or water content of the crude stream. The literature has been surveyed to reveal those absorbents that allow the most effective scavenging of H2S at wellhead applications. The chemical processing, including recovery of scavenger or end use of products, is discussed for decision‐making at the confluence of chemistry and chemical engineering for H2S removal. This work investigates how and why some scavengers perform better for some crudes and environmental conditions than others with the intent to develop designer scavengers and processing conditions for the crude oil industry.
A novel model to characterize structure and function of BRCA1
Authors: Lin Dong , Izadpanah Reza , Braun Stephen E. , Alt Eckhard 
Published: August 2017

AbstractBRCA1 plays a central role in DNA repair. Although N‐terminal RING and C‐terminal BRCT domains are studied well, the functions of the central region of BRCA1 are poorly characterized. Here, we report a structural and functional analysis of BRCA1 alleles and functional human BRCA1 in chicken B‐lymphocyte cell line DT40. The combination of “homologous recombineering” and “RT‐cassette” enables modifications of chicken BRCA1 gene in Escherichia coli. Mutant BRCA1 knock‐in DT40 cell lines were generated using BRCA1 mutation constructs by homologous recombination with a targeting efficiency of up to 100%. Our study demonstrated that deletion of motifs 2–9 BRCA1Δ/Δ181‐1415 (Caenorhabditis elegans BRCA1 mimic) or deletion of motif 1 BRCA1Δ/Δ126‐136 decreased cell viability following cisplatin treatment. Furthermore, deletion of motifs 5 and 6 BRCA1Δ/Δ525‐881 within DNA‐binding region, even the conserved 7‐amino acid deletion BRCA1Δ/Δ872‐878 within motif 6, caused a decreased cell viability upon cisplatin treatment. Surprisingly, human BRCA1 is functional in DT40 cells as indicated by DNA damage‐induced Rad 51 foci formation in human BRCA1 knock‐in DT40 cells. These results demonstrate that those conserved motifs within the central region are essential for DNA repair functions of BRCA1. These findings provide a valuable tool for the development of new therapeutic modalities of breast cancer linked to BRCA1.
Simultaneous targeted inhibition of Sox2‐Oct4 transcription factors using decoy oligodeoxynucleotides to repress stemness properties in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Johari Behrooz , Zargan Jamil 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTranscriptional master regulators like Sox2 and Oct4, which are expressed in various human tumors, have been shown to cause tumor growth promotion as well as epithelial dysplasia by means of interfering with progenitor cell differentiation. In order to investigate the potential of Sox2‐Oct4 transcription factor decoy (TFD) strategy for differentiation therapy, mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs) were used in this study as a model of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Sox2‐Oct4 complex decoy ODNs (cd‐ODNs) were designed according to their elements in the promoter region of Sox2 gene. DNA–protein interactions between decoy ODNs and their corresponding proteins were examined by electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA). Then, decoy and scrambled ODNs were transfected into mESCs with lipofectamine under 2 inhibitors (2i) conditions. Fluorescence and confocal microscopy, cell viability, cell cycle and apoptosis analysis, alkaline phosphatase, embryoid body formation assay, and real‐time PCR were used to conduct further investigations. EMSA data showed that Sox2‐Oct4 decoy ODNs bound specifically to their recombinant proteins. The results revealed that the synthesized complex decoy can concomitantly target Sox2 and Oct4, which subsequently represses the stemness properties of mESCs compared to controls through decreasing cell viability, arresting cell cycle in G0/G1 phases, inducing apoptosis, and modulating differentiation in mESCs despite the presence of 2i/LIF in cell culture. While cd‐ODN strategy seems to offer great promise for cancer therapy, further studies are still required to put this powerful investigative tool in practice for a wide range of human cancers.