bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photo and Thermal Cured Silicon‐Containing Diethynylbenzene Fibers via Melt Electrospinning with Enhanced Thermal Stability
Authors: Li Zhefu , Yuan Yichun , Chen Binling , Liu Yong , Nie Jun , Ma Guiping 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACTAn inorganic–organic hybrid material, poly(dimethylsilylene ethynylenephenyleneethynylene) (PMSEPE), was synthesized in a mild condition and its microfiber was successfully produced by melt electrospinning. The electrospinning parameters, which affected the morphology and diameter of fibers, were well investigated. To maintain the fiber structure at thermal cured temperature (above melting point), the PMSEPE fibers were enhanced via thiol‐yne photo polymerization. Followed by the thermal curing reaction, the heat‐resistance and mechanical properties of fibers were enhanced. The mechanism of two‐step curing was explored and confirmed by means of Fourier transform infrared, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Thermaogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy results show that after carbonization at 800 °C, the two‐step cured fibers had only a small weight loss (20%) and the fibers can still maintain the original morphology. Moreover, the two‐step cured fiber exhibited a high tensile strength (55.4 MPa) and a small elongation at break (0.02%). All the results indicate that the fibers could be applied as fiber‐reinforced materials. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2017, 55, 2815–2823
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Properties of Poly(glycidyl azide‐r‐3‐azidotetrahydrofuran) as Azido Binder for Solid Rocket Propellants
Authors: Dong Qingfeng , Li Yuanhao , Wu Fang , Li Houbin , Liu Xinghai , Huang Chi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractAzido polymers have been investigated as energetic binders in the area of solid rocket propellants. However, the low temperature mechanical properties of them are not comparable with the traditional propellant binders. In this work, a new kind of azido binder named poly (glycidyl azide‐r‐3‐azidotetrahydrofuran) (PGAAT) was successfully synthesized. The molecular structures of monomers and copolymers were characterized. The sensitivity and thermal properties of the azido binder were studied. The cationic copolymerization of 3‐methylsulfonyloxytetrahydrofuran with ternary cyclic ethers was confirmed. The PGAAT azido binder exhibited attractive features like low glass transition temperature (Tg, −60 °C) and high energy (1798 J/g). The results indicate that the polymer is a suitable candidate binder for the solid rocket propellants.
Numerical Simulation for the Combustion of a Zirconium/ Potassium Perchlorate Explosive inside a Closed Vessel
Authors: Han Doo‐Hee , Sung Hong‐Gye , Ryu Byung‐Tae 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe combustion of zirconium potassium perchlorate (ZPP) in a closed vessel is modelled and validated through a numerical simulation. Because the extremely high pressure oscillation occurs in less than a millisecond, an in‐house computational fluid dynamics (CFD) code is used to observe the detailed flow structures and determine the adequate burning characteristics, including the burning rate. A hybrid RANS/LES scheme with a 5th order upwind weighted essentially non‐oscillatory (WENO) is implemented to capture complex, strong shock waves in highly turbulent combustion. A two‐way coupled Eulerian‐Lagrangian scheme tracks the combusting ZPP granules reasonably well. Monodisperse and Rosin‐Rammler assumptions are applied to the ZPP granule distribution. The monodisperse assumption reveals that the diameter of the ZPP (17 μm) achieves marginal agreement with the measurements. However, the Rosin‐Rammler distribution improves the transient and dynamic combustion characteristics in that the small granules contribute to a faster burning rate and stronger shock waves. These results are more analogous to the closed vessel tests used as validation data.
A large‐scale assessment of European rabbit damage to agriculture in Spain
Authors: Delibes‐Mateos Miguel , Farfán Miguel Ángel , Rouco Carlos , Olivero Jesús , Márquez Ana Luz , Fa John E , Vargas Juan Mario , Villafuerte Rafael 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBACKGROUNDNumerous small and medium‐sized mammal pests cause widespread and economically significant damage to crops all over the globe. However, most research on pest species has focused on accounts of the level of damage. There are fewer studies concentrating on the description of crop damage caused by pests at large geographical scales, or on analysis of the ecological and anthropogenic factors correlated with these observed patterns. We investigated the relationship between agricultural damage by the European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) and environmental and anthropogenic variables throughout Spain.RESULTSRabbit damage was mainly concentrated within the central‐southern regions of Spain. We found that rabbit damage increased significantly between the early 2000s and 2013. Greater losses were typical of those areas where farming dominated and natural vegetation was scarce, where main railways and highways were present, and where environmental conditions were generally favourable for rabbit populations to proliferate.CONCLUSIONFrom our analysis, we suggest that roads and railway lines act as potential corridors along which rabbits can spread. The recent increase in Spain of such infrastructure may explain the rise in rabbit damage reported in this study. Our approach is valuable as a method for assessing drivers of wildlife pest damage at large spatial scales, and can be used to propose methods to reduce human − wildlife conflict. © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Documenting the chronology of ecosystem health erosion along East African rivers
Authors: Habel J. C. , Teucher Mike , Ulrich Werner , Schmitt Thomas 
Published: July 2017

AbstractPristine tropical ecosystems are currently suffering under extreme demographic pressure. This has led to habitat destruction and disturbances, an important precondition for the invasion of exotic species into pristine ecosystems, with detrimental effects on biodiversity. In this study, we analysed the chronology of land cover changes along rivers in south‐eastern Kenya using historical aerial photographs and current aerial pictures taken from a drone. We assessed quantity and quality of riparian thickets along these rivers in 1961, 1980 and 2015/2016 and analysed effects of fundamental land cover changes on arthropod abundance and diversity. Our data show effects from demographic pressure by the increasing number of human settlements rising by 425% from 1961 to 2015/2016 (i.e. from 36 to 189 settlements). 58.5% of the land surface originally covered by pristine riparian forests was cleared and transformed into agricultural land. After clearance and agricultural usage it frequently became fallow land and was invaded by the exotic shrub species Lantana camara. While the total coverage of riparian vegetation did not change over time, its quality declined dramatically. Currently 36.6% of the cleared pristine riparian forest is covered by L. camara thickets, and only 22.5% of the pristine riparian forest has remained unchanged over time. This modification of the vegetation structure impacts biodiversity. The abundances of three guilds of arthropods significantly differed between pristine and L. camara‐dominated riparian vegetation, with herbivorous arthropods and ants being more abundant in pristine than in L. camara‐dominated vegetation. Our data show that habitat destruction and disturbance is the prerequisite for subsequent invasion by exotic plant species, having a strong effect on species composition and diversity at higher trophic levels.
Synthesis of PNIPAM–PEG Double Hydrophilic Polymers Using Oleic Acid Macro Peroxide Initiator
Authors: Hazer Baki , Ayyıldız Elif , Bahadır Faruk 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis work refers to the synthesis of a new double hydrophilic thermo‐responsive polymer using fatty acid macroperoxide initiator, N‐isopropyl acryl amide (NIPAM) and polyethylene glycol with two primary amine ends (PEGNH2). For this purpose, oleic acid was spread out onto a petri dish and exposed to air oxygen at room temperature for 2 months. The obtained fatty acid macro‐peroxide initiator was used in the free radical polymerization of NIPAM in the presence of PEGNH2. Poly oleic acid‐g‐PNIPAM‐g‐PEG graft copolymers were successfully obtained. Lower critical solution temperature (LCST) of the graft copolymer was determined by using UV‐Vis spectrometry with a sensible heating unit. Morphology of the fractured surface of the double hydrophilic polymers was visualized by using SEM micrographs. Graft copolymers with LCST close to body temperature were obtained by changing PEG inclusion. Structural characterization, thermal analysis and size exclusion chromatography measurements of the obtained products were done.
Infant statistical-learning ability is related to real-time language processing
Authors: LANY JILL , SHOAIB AMBER , THOMPSON ABBIE , ESTES KATHARINE GRAF 
Published: July 2017

AbstractInfants are adept at learning statistical regularities in artificial language materials, suggesting that the ability to learn statistical structure may support language development. Indeed, infants who perform better on statistical learning tasks tend to be more advanced in parental reports of infants’ language skills. Work with adults suggests that one way statistical learning ability affects language proficiency is by facilitating real-time language processing. Here we tested whether 15-month-olds’ ability to learn sequential statistical structure in artificial language materials is related to their ability to encode and interpret native-language speech. Specifically, we tested their ability to learn sequential structure among syllables (Experiment 1) and words (Experiment 2), as well as their ability to encode familiar English words in sentences. The results suggest that infants' ability to learn sequential structure among syllables is related to their lexical-processing efficiency, providing continuity with findings from children and adults, though effects were modest.
The minimum resting-state fNIRS imaging duration for accurate and stable mapping of brain connectivity network in children
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Dong Qi , Niu Haijing 
Published: July 2017

AbstractResting-state functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS) is a potential technique for the study of brain functional connectivity (FC) and networks in children. However, the necessary fNIRS scanning duration required to map accurate and stable functional brain connectivity and graph theory metrics in the resting-state brain activity remains largely unknown. Here, we acquired resting-state fNIRS imaging data from 53 healthy children to provide the first empirical evidence for the minimum imaging time required to obtain accurate and stable FC and graph theory metrics of brain network activity (e.g., nodal efficiency and network global and local efficiency). Our results showed that FC was accurately and stably achieved after 7.0-min fNIRS imaging duration, whereas the necessary scanning time for accurate and stable network measures was a minimum of 2.5 min at low network thresholds. These quantitative results provide direct evidence for the choice of the resting-state fNIRS imaging time in children in brain FC and network topology study. The current study also demonstrates that these methods are feasible and cost-effective in the application of time-constrained infants and critically ill children.
Quantum Parametric Mode Sorting: Beating the Time-Frequency Filtering
Authors: Shahverdi Amin , Sua Yong Meng , Tumeh Lubna , Huang Yu-Ping 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSelective detection of signal over noise is essential to measurement and signal processing. Time-frequency filtering has been the standard approach for the optimal detection of non-stationary signals. However, there is a fundamental tradeoff between the signal detection efficiency and the amount of undesirable noise detected simultaneously, which restricts its uses under weak signal yet strong noise conditions. Here, we demonstrate quantum parametric mode sorting based on nonlinear optics at the edge of phase matching to improve the tradeoff. By tailoring the nonlinear process in a commercial lithium-niobate waveguide through optical arbitrary waveform generation, we demonstrate highly selective detection of picosecond signals overlapping temporally and spectrally but in orthogonal time-frequency modes as well as against broadband noise, with performance well exceeding the theoretical limit of the optimized time-frequency filtering. We also verify that our device does not introduce any significant quantum noise to the detected signal and demonstrate faithful detection of pico-second single photons. Together, these results point to unexplored opportunities in measurement and signal processing under challenging conditions, such as photon-starving quantum applications.
Long-term (2–5 years) adverse clinical outcomes associated with ZES versus SES, PES and EES: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bundhun Pravesh Kumar , Bhurtu Akash , Pursun Manish , Soogund Mohammad Zafooruddin Sani , Teeluck Abhishek Rishikesh , Huang Wei-Qiang 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSeveral previously published trials comparing Zotarolimus Eluting Stents (ZES) with Sirolimus Eluting Stents (SES), Paclitaxel Eluting Stents (PES) or Everolimus Eluting Stents (EES) at a follow up period of 1 year, were continually being followed up in order to assess the long-term outcomes. In this meta-analysis, we aimed to compare the long-term (2–5 years) adverse clinical outcomes which were associated with ZES versus SES, PES and EES following Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PCI). Risk Ratios (RR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CIs) were generated and the analysis was carried out by the RevMan 5.3 software. In this analysis with a total number of 17,606 participants, ZES and EES were associated with similar adverse outcomes including Stent Thrombosis (ST), myocardial infarction (MI), major adverse cardiac events and repeated revascularization. When ZES were compared with SES and PES during the long-term, MI and definite or probable ST were significantly lower with ZES, with RR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17–1.56; P = 0.0001 and RR: 1.91, 95% CI: 1.33–2.75; P = 0.0004 respectively whereas the other adverse outcomes were similarly manifested. Future research should be able to confirm this hypothesis.
Hepatitis C Virus Exploits Death Receptor 6-mediated Signaling Pathway to Facilitate Viral Propagation
Authors: Luong Trang T. D. , Tran Giao V. Q. , Shin Dong-Jo , Lim Yun-Sook , Hwang Soon B. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThe life cycle of hepatitis C virus (HCV) is highly dependent on host proteins for virus propagation. By transcriptome sequencing analysis, we identified host genes that were highly differentially expressed in HCV-infected cells. Of these candidates, we selected Death receptor 6 (DR6) for further characterization. DR6 is an orphan member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily. In the present study, we demonstrated that both mRNA and protein levels of DR6 were increased in the context of HCV replication. We further showed that promoter activity of DR6 was increased by HCV infection. By employing promoter-linked reporter assay, we showed that HCV upregulated DR6 via ROS-mediated NF-κB pathway. Both mRNA and protein levels of DR6 were increased by NS4B or NS5A. However, NS5A but not NS4B specifically interacted with DR6. We showed that HCV modulated JNK, p38 MAPK, STAT3, and Akt signaling pathways in a DR6-dependent manner. Interestingly, Akt signaling cascade was regulated by protein interplay between DR6 and NS5A. Silencing of DR6 expression resulted in decrease of infectious HCV production without affecting viral entry, replication, and translation. Together, these data indicate that HCV modulates DR6 signaling pathway for viral propagation and may contribute to HCV-mediated pathogenesis.
Association of human height-related genetic variants with familial short stature in Han Chinese in Taiwan
Authors: Lin Ying-Ju , Liao Wen-Ling , Wang Chung-Hsing , Tsai Li-Ping , Tang Chih-Hsin , Chen Chien-Hsiun , Wu Jer-Yuarn , Liang Wen-Miin , Hsieh Ai-Ru , Cheng Chi-Fung , Chen Jin-Hua , Chien Wen-Kuei , Lin Ting-Hsu , Wu Chia-Ming , Liao Chiu-Chu , Huang Shao-Mei , Tsai Fuu-Jen 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHuman height can be described as a classical and inherited trait model. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed susceptible loci and provided insights into the polygenic nature of human height. Familial short stature (FSS) represents a suitable trait for investigating short stature genetics because disease associations with short stature have been ruled out in this case. In addition, FSS is caused only by genetically inherited factors. In this study, we explored the correlations of FSS risk with the genetic loci associated with human height in previous GWAS, alone and cumulatively. We systematically evaluated 34 known human height single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in relation to FSS in the additive model (p < 0.00005). A cumulative effect was observed: the odds ratios gradually increased with increasing genetic risk score quartiles (p < 0.001; Cochran-Armitage trend test). Six affected genes—ZBTB38, ZNF638, LCORL, CABLES1, CDK10, and TSEN15—are located in the nucleus and have been implicated in embryonic, organismal, and tissue development. In conclusion, our study suggests that 13 human height GWAS-identified SNPs are associated with FSS risk both alone and cumulatively.
Post-hypoxia Invasion of the fetal brain by multidrug resistant Staphylococcus
Authors: Zarate Miguel A. , Rodriguez Michelle D. , Chang Eileen I. , Russell Jordan T. , Arndt Thomas J. , Richards Elaine M. , Ocasio Beronica A. , Aranda Eva , Gordon Elizabeth M. , Yu Kevin , Neu Josef , Keller-Wood Maureen , Triplett Eric W. , Wood Charles E. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractHerein we describe an association between activation of inflammatory pathways following transient hypoxia and the appearance of the multidrug resistant bacteria Staphylococcus simulans in the fetal brain. Reduction of maternal arterial oxygen tension by 50% over 30 min resulted in a subseiuent significant over-expression of genes associated with immune responses 24 h later in the fetal brain. The activated genes were consistent with stimulation by bacterial lipopolysaccharide; an influx of macrophages and appearance of live bacteria were found in these fetal brains. S. simulans was the predominant bacterial species in fetal brain after hypoxia, but was found in placenta of all animals. Strains of S. simulans from the placenta and fetal brain were equally highly resistant to multiple antibiotics including methicillin and had identical genome sequences. These results suggest that bacteria from the placenta invade the fetal brain after maternal hypoxia.
Expression of RMRP RNA is regulated in chondrocyte hypertrophy and determines chondrogenic differentiation
Authors: Steinbusch Mandy M. F. , Caron Marjolein M. J. , Surtel Don A. M. , Friedrich Franziska , Lausch Ekkehart , Pruijn Ger J. M. , Verhesen Wouter , Schroen Blanche L. M. , van Rhijn Lodewijk W. , Zabel Bernhard , Welting Tim J. M. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractMutations in theRMRP-gene, encoding the lncRNA component of the RNase MRP complex, are the origin of cartilage-hair hypoplasia. Cartilage-hair hypoplasia is associated with severe dwarfism caused by impaired skeletal development. However, it is not clear why mutations inRMRPRNA lead to skeletal dysplasia. Since chondrogenic differentiation of the growth plate is required for development of long bones, we hypothesized thatRMRPRNA plays a pivotal role in chondrogenic differentiation. Expression ofRmrpRNA and RNase MRP protein subunits was detected in the murine growth plate and during the course of chondrogenic differentiation of ATDC5 cultures, whereRmrpRNA expression was found to be correlated with chondrocyte hypertrophy. Genetic interference withRmrpRNA expression in ATDC5 cultures caused a deregulation of chondrogenic differentiation, with a prominent impact on hypertrophy and changes in pre-rRNA processing and rRNA levels. Promoter reporter studies showed thatRmrpRNA expression responds to chondrogenic morphogens. Chondrogenic trans-differentiation of cartilage-hair hypoplasia fibroblasts was impaired with a pronounced impact on hypertrophic differentiation. Together, our data show thatRMRPRNA expression is regulated during different stages of chondrogenic differentiation and indicate thatRMRPRNA may play a pivotal role in chondrocyte hypertrophy, with potential consequences for CHH pathobiology.
Sirt1 negatively regulates FcεRI-mediated mast cell activation through AMPK- and PTP1B-dependent processes
Authors: Li Xian , Lee Youn Ju , Jin Fansi , Park Young Na , Deng Yifeng , Kang Youra , Yang Ju Hye , Chang Jae-Hoon , Kim Dong-Young , Kim Jung-Ae , Chang Young-Chae , Ko Hyun-Jeong , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Murakami Makoto , Chang Hyeun Wook 
Published: July 2017

AbstractSirt1, a key regulator of metabolism and longevity, has recently been implicated in the regulation of allergic reactions, although the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here we show that Sirt1 negatively regulates FcεRI-stimulated mast cell activation and anaphylaxis through two mutually regulated pathways involving AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Mast cell-specific knockout of Sirt1 dampened AMPK-dependent suppression of FcεRI signaling, thereby augmenting mast cell activation both in vitro and in vivo. Sirt1 inhibition of FcεRI signaling also involved an alternative component, PTP1B, which attenuated the inhibitory AMPK pathway and conversely enhanced the stimulatory Syk pathway, uncovering a novel role of this phosphatase. Moreover, a Sirt1 activator resveratrol stimulated the inhibitory AMPK axis, with reciprocal suppression of the stimulatory PTP1B/Syk axis, thus potently inhibiting anaphylaxis. Overall, our results provide a molecular explanation for the beneficial role of Sirt1 in allergy and underscore a potential application of Sirt1 activators as a new class of anti-allergic agents.
Solid-State 77Se NMR of Organoselenium Compounds through Cross Polarization Magic Angle Spinning (CPMAS) Method
Authors: Wei Duo , Han Mengting , Yu Lei 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCharacterization of selenium states by 77Se NMR is quite important to provide vital information for mechanism studies in organoselenium-catalyzed reactions. With the development of heterogeneous polymer-supported organoselenium catalysts, the solid state 77Se NMR comes to the spotlight. It is necessary to figure out an advanced protocol that provides good quality spectra within limited time because solid state 77Se NMR measurements are always time consuming due to the long relaxation time and the relatively low sensitivity. Studies on small molecules and several novel polymer-supported organoselenium materials in this article showed that cross polarization (CP) method with the assistance of magic angle spinning (MAS) was more efficient to get high quality spectra than the methods by using single pulse (SP) or high power 1H decoupling (HPHD) combined with MAS. These results lead to a good understanding of the effect of the molecular structure, the heteronuclear coupling, the long-range ordering of the solid (crystal or amorphous), and the symmetry of 77Se on quality of their spectra.