bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Antimicrobial ceragenins inhibit biofilms and affect mammalian cell viability and migration in vitro
Authors: Olekson Melissa A. , You Tao , Savage Paul B. , Leung Kai P. 
Published: May 2017

The healing of burn wounds is often hampered by bacterial infection and the formation of biofilms. Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are effective in promoting wound healing, but are susceptible to degradation. We have tested the ability of ceragenins (CSAs), mimics of antimicrobial peptides, to mitigate preformed biofilms and stimulate wound healing in vitro. Potent CSAs (MICs < 10 μg·mL−1) were tested against biofilms formed from a mixture of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus grown for 22 h and subjected to 20 h treatment. Many CSAs showed more potent anti‐biofilm activity than the endogenous AMP LL‐37, and CSA‐13 and CSA‐90 decreased the amount of biofilm matrix substances detected by SYPRO Ruby stain. Effects on mammalian cells were measured by viability, migration, and tube formation assays in vitro. Although CSAs were toxic to immortalized human keratinocytes (HaCaTs) at higher concentrations (>10 μg·mL−1), lower concentrations of CSA‐13 and CSA‐192 stimulated cell migration. CSA‐13, CSA‐90, and CSA‐142 also stimulated tube formation in an in vitro angiogenesis model. An inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR2) blocked tube formation stimulated by CSA‐13, suggesting that CSA‐13 signals through this receptor. Ceragenins display anti‐biofilm activity and stimulate migration and tube formation in vitro. This work suggests that ceragenins have the potential to be both topical antimicrobials and wound‐healing adjunct therapeutics.
Early prediction of coma recovery after cardiac arrest with blinded pupillometry
Authors: Solari Daria , Rossetti Andrea O. , Carteron Laurent , Miroz John‐Paul , Novy Jan , Eckert Philippe , Oddo Mauro 
Published: May 2017

ObjectivePrognostication studies on comatose cardiac arrest (CA) patients are limited by lack of blinding, potentially causing overestimation of outcome predictors and self‐fulfilling prophecy. Using a blinded approach, we analyzed the value of quantitative automated pupillometry to predict neurological recovery after CA.MethodsWe examined a prospective cohort of 103 comatose adult patients who were unconscious 48 hours after CA and underwent repeated measurements of quantitative pupillary light reflex (PLR) using the Neurolight‐Algiscan device. Clinical examination, electroencephalography (EEG), somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEP), and serum neuron‐specific enolase were performed in parallel, as part of standard multimodal assessment. Automated pupillometry results were blinded to clinicians involved in patient care. Cerebral Performance Categories (CPC) at 1 year was the outcome endpoint.ResultsSurvivors (n = 50 patients; 32 CPC 1, 16 CPC 2, 2 CPC 3) had higher quantitative PLR (median = 20 [range = 13–41] vs 11 [0–55] %, p < 0.0001) and constriction velocity (1.46 [0.85–4.63] vs 0.94 [0.16–4.97] mm/s, p < 0.0001) than nonsurvivors. At 48 hours, a quantitative PLR < 13% had 100% specificity and positive predictive value to predict poor recovery (0% false‐positive rate), and provided equal performance to that of EEG and SSEP. Reduced quantitative PLR correlated with higher serum neuron‐specific enolase (Spearman r = −0.52, p < 0.0001).InterpretationReduced quantitative PLR correlates with postanoxic brain injury and, when compared to standard multimodal assessment, is highly accurate in predicting long‐term prognosis after CA. This is the first prognostication study to show the value of automated pupillometry using a blinded approach to minimize self‐fulfilling prophecy. Ann Neurol 2017;81:804–810
The Unique Electronic Structure of Mg2Si: Shaping the Conduction Bands of Semiconductors with Multicenter Bonding
Authors: Mizoguchi Hiroshi , Muraba Yoshinori , Fredrickson Daniel C. , Matsuishi Satoru , Kamiya Toshio , Hosono Hideo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe electronic structures of the antifluorite‐type compound Mg2Si is described in which a sublattice of short cation–cation contacts creates a very low conduction band minimum. Since Mg2Si shows n‐type conductivity without intentional carrier doping, the present result indicates that the cage defined by the cations plays critical roles in carrier transport similar to those of inorganic electrides, such as 12 CaO⋅7 Al2O3:e− and Ca2N. A distinct difference in the location of conduction band minimum between Mg2Si and the isostructural phase Na2S is explained in terms of factors such as the differing interaction strengths of the Si/S 3s orbitals with the cation levels, with the more core‐like character of the S 3s leading to a relatively low conduction band energy at the Γ point. Based on these results and previous research on electrides, approaches can be devised to control the energy levels of cation sublattices in semiconductors.
Nickel Hydroxide Supercapacitor with a Theoretical Capacitance and High Rate Capability Based on Hollow Dendritic 3D‐Nickel Current Collectors
Authors: Kim Sung‐Wook , Kim Ik‐Hee , Kim Sun‐I , Jang Ji‐Hyun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA straightforward way to attain the theoretical capacitance and high rate capability of nickel hydroxide supercapacitors, by utilizing a mesoporous hollow dendritic three‐dimensional‐nickel (3D‐Ni) current collector is proposed. A facile electrodeposition method employing a hydrogen bubble template was chosen for rapid fabrication of the dendritic 3D‐nickel structure. After nickel hydroxide was deposited on the hollow 3D‐nickel current collector, it exhibited a highest capacitance of 3637 F g−1 at a current density of 1 A g−1, and retained 97 % of capacitance at a high current density of 100 A g−1 with a cycle stability of over 80 % after 10 000 cycles. The enhanced performance could be attributed to the large surface area and high conductivity of the moss‐like dendritic 3D‐Ni current collector, which allowed direct contact between the active materials and the current collector, and reduced diffusion resistance between the surface of the active materials and the electrolyte. These results not only confirmed a facile fabrication method for high‐performance 3D metal nanostructures, but also offer a promising solution for state‐of‐the‐art energy storage systems.
Metal Oxide Nanostructures Generated from In Situ Sacrifice of Zinc in Bimetallic Textures as Flexible Ni/Fe Fast Battery Electrodes
Authors: Huang Tianyi , Liu Zhifang , Zhang Zitong , Xiao Bangqing , Jin Yong 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAn “in situ sacrifice” process was devised in this work as a room‐temperature, all‐solution processed electrochemical method to synthesize nanostructured NiOx and FeOx directly on current collectors. After electrodepositing NiZn/FeZn bimetallic textures on a copper net, the zinc component is etched and the remnant nickel/iron are evolved into NiOx and FeOx by the “in situ sacrifice” activation we propose. As‐prepared electrodes exhibit high areal capacities of 0.47 mA h cm−2 and 0.32 mA h cm−2, respectively. By integrating NiOx as the cathode, FeOx as the anode, and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA)‐KOH gel as the separator/solid‐state electrolyte, the assembled quasi‐solid‐state flexible battery delivers a volumetric capacity of 6.91 mA h cm−3 at 5 mA cm−2, along with a maximum energy density of 7.40 mWh cm−3 under a power density of 0.27 W cm−3 and a maximum tested power density of 3.13 W cm−3 with a 2.17 mW h cm−3 energy density retention. Our room‐temperature synthesis, which only consumes minute electricity, makes it a promising approach for large‐scale production. We also emphasize the in situ sacrifice zinc etching process used in this work as a general strategy for metal‐based nanostructure growth for high‐performance battery materials.
Management for Sustainable Development and Its Impact on Firm Value in the SME Context: Does Size Matter?
Authors: López‐Pérez Mª Eugenia , Melero Iguácel , Javier Sese F 
Published: May 2017

AbstractWith the increasing demands from society towards sustainable and social responsible business practices, management for sustainable development has become a cornerstone to understand the success of many firms in the current competitive context. This article investigates corporate social responsibility (CSR) and examines the links between CSR practices and business outcomes – both financial and non‐financial (i.e. image and corporate reputation) – for small‐to‐medium sized enterprises (SMEs). In addition, we also attempt to determine whether the impact of such relationships is moderated by firm size.To this end, we carry out a quantitative study using PLS techniques to analyze a sample of SME owners and managers, with a view to test the proposed model in the light of social capital theory. In this sense, our study is pioneering in that it aims to determine – from a quantitative viewpoint – the degree to which firm size has a moderating impact on a series of relevant CSR‐driven outcomes. The data suggest that, in SME contexts, CSR impacts corporate reputation, brand image and financial value of the company. Importantly, we find that the larger the firm, the greater the intensity of the relationships linking CSR and business outcomes. Hence, our findings have important implications for CSR implementation in SME contexts. Finally, we provide a series of guidelines aimed at maximizing the effectiveness of CSR‐based business practices. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Inkjet Printing of GaPd2 into Micro‐Channels for the Selective Hydrogenation of Acetylene
Authors: Siebert Martin , Zimmermann René R. , Armbrüster Marc , Dittmeyer Roland 
Published: May 2017

AbstractDrop‐on‐demand inkjet printing was used to apply nanoparticulate GaPd2 catalyst as thin and uniform wall coatings for micro‐channels. Several inks were formulated and evaluated concerning their stability and printability. Three different printing approaches were investigated and the obtained layers were examined regarding their homogeneity, adhesion, and catalytic performance. After a specific catalyst activation step, semi‐hydrogenation of acetylene was conducted at 523 K and a feed gas composition of 0.5 vol % C2H2, 5 vol % H2, 50 vol % C2H4 in He. Printed GaPd2/α‐Al2O3 showed the best catalytic results and a selectivity of 76 % for the hydrogenation to ethylene with a high activity of 480 mol(C2H2) mol(Pd)−1 h−1.
Mathematical Modeling and Simulation of Propylene Absorption Using Membrane Contactors
Authors: Sadeghi Arash , Hemmati Alireza , Ghadiri Mehdi , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSeparation of light olefin‐paraffin mixtures having the same carbon number is one of the most energy‐intensive separation processes in petrochemical industry. Gas‐liquid membrane contactors as an alternative to conventional processes have gained increasing interest due to low energy consumption. A 2D comprehensive model was developed to predict the transport and chemical absorption of propylene in a cocurrent microporous membrane contactor. Formations of a complex between propylene and silver ion and dissolution of silver nitrate were considered. With increasing gas flow rate the system efficiency decreases due to the reduction of propylene residence time inside the contactor. As the absorbent amount increases in the tube, both propylene and complex penetrate more deeply into the liquid and a diffusion layer is formed near the gas‐liquid interface.
Control of Polymorphism and Particle Size of Hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane in Drowning‐Out Crystallization
Authors: Lim Chaeho , Kim Hyoun-Soo , Kim Kwang-Joo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPolymorphism and the crystal size of 2,4,6,8,10‐hexanitro‐2,4,6,8,10,12‐hexaazaisowurtzitane (HNIW) were simultaneously controlled in drowning‐out crystallization. The effect of antisolvent to solvent ratio on solubility and polymorphism was studied. Polymorph transformation, interfacial tension, maximum supersaturation, and scaling up of crystallization were investigated. To crystallize the small ε form of HNIW, the supersaturation level was studied by using the solvents isopropanol and acetone. The polymorphic β and ε forms were selected by controlling the supersaturation and mass fraction of the solvent mixture. By controlling the concentration, temperature, and solvent/antisolvent ratio, a micron‐sized ε form was recrystallized. In this study, the optimal conditions to prepare 4–60 μm sized ε form were established on a laboratory scale. Based on laboratory experiments, a commercial‐scale process was performed successfully.
Gallium Modified HUSY Zeolite as an Effective Co‐support for NiMo Hydrodesulfurization Catalyst and the Catalyst's High Isomerization Selectivity
Authors: Zhou Wenwu , Zhou Yasong , Wei Qiang , Du Lin , Ding Sijia , Jiang Shujiao , Zhang Yanan , Zhang Qing 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe effects of metal‐modified acidic co‐supports on the hydrodesulfurization (HDS) activity and isomerization selectivity of highly refractory organosulfur compounds such as 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene have been investigated. Y zeolite crystals with high Si/Al ratios and small crystallite sizes were successfully synthesized by a new hydrothermal synthesis approach. The synthesized Y zeolite crystals were ion‐exchanged and stabilized. The prepared samples were then modified with different gallium contents using an impregnation method to adjust their acidity properties, and these modified samples were used as co‐supports for NiMo sulfide HDS catalysts. The catalyst containing 10 wt.% zeolite Y modified by 2 wt.% gallium (NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A) exhibited the highest HDS activity, with 4,6‐dimethyldibenzothiophene (4,6‐DMDBT) conversion nearly double the rate of the catalyst without zeolite at 563 K, 4.0 MPa and liquid hourly space velocity (LHSV) of 40 h−1. NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A also exhibited superior isomerization ability, with 3,4′‐DMBP, 4,4′DMBP, and 3,6‐DMDBT as the main products, indicating that the isomerization pathway was the main reaction route over NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A. The superior catalytic performance is related to the synergistic effect of the proper amount of medium and strong Brønsted acid sites. The compounds 3,6‐DMDBT and 3,7‐DMDBT (isomers of 4,6‐DMDBT) and 3,4,6‐TMDBT and tetra‐methyl‐DBT (transmethyl products) were detected simultaneously in the HDS product of 4,6‐DMDBT for the first time over NiMo/GaY‐ASA‐A catalysts. Finally, a new reaction network over NiMo/2GaY‐ASA‐A was proposed.
Hydrogen Evolution at Liquid|Liquid Interfaces Catalyzed by 2D Materials
Authors: Hirunpinyopas Wisit , Rodgers Andrew N. J. , Worrall Stephen D. , Bissett Mark A. , Dryfe Robert A. W. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) plays a crucial role in clean energy production in hydrogen fuel cells. In order to utilize this process effectively, new catalysts are required that are cheap, non‐toxic and efficient. In this context, 2D materials such as transition metal dichalcogenides (e.g., MoS2) should offer the desired properties but have so far proven difficult to manufacture into useful devices. In this work, liquid|liquid interfaces are used for the assembly and testing of the catalytic efficiency of a number of 2D materials and their composites, exploiting the ability of the materials to self‐assemble at these interfaces and be tested electrochemically in situ. MoS2, WS2, and graphene were developed for hydrogen evolution at the water|1,2‐dichlorobenzene (DCB) interface. The exfoliation process was carried out in DCB and resulted in multi‐layer MoS2, few‐layer WS2 and graphene; when assembled at the water|DCB interface, these materials acted as efficient HER catalysts. HER was investigated using voltammetry, with bulk reaction kinetics monitored by in situ UV‐visible spectroscopy at a constant potential. MoS2 exhibited the highest performance of the catalysts examined, with an average rate constant of 0.0132±0.063 min−1 at an applied Galvani potential of +0.5 V. This is ascribed to the sulfur edge sites of MoS2, which are known to be active for hydrogen evolution predominantly.
Characterization of aroma compositions in different Chinese congou black teas using GC–MS and GC–O combined with partial least squares regression
Authors: Xiao Zuobing , Wang Hongling , Niu Yunwei , Liu Qiang , Zhu Jiancai , Chen Hexing , Ma Ning 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTo characterise the volatile aroma compositions of Chinese congou black teas, four types were analysed by quantitative descriptive sensory analysis, gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and gas chromatography–olfactometry (GC–O). The aroma of Chinese congou black tea was described using six sensory terms: ‘Roasted’, ‘Sweet’, ‘Malty’, ‘Green grassy’, ‘Floral’ and ‘Woody’. A total of 64 compounds including alcohols (20), aldehydes (12), ketones (12), esters and lactones (9), pyrazines (7) and other compounds (4) were identified and quantified in four Chinese black tea samples. The highest amount of volatile aroma compounds was found in Tanyang congou black tea (TY) (29.8 mg/kg), followed by Dianhong congou black tea (DH) (29.4 mg/kg), Keemun congou black tea (KM) (24.1 mg/kg) and Yixing congou black tea (YH) (23.6 mg/kg). Through aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA) on the black tea extract, the flavour dilution factor (FD factor) ranged from 41 to 46. Trans‐linalool oxide in DH, geraniol in TY, DH and KM were identified with the highest flavour dilution (FD = 4096) factors. The relationship between tea samples, sensory attributes and aroma‐active compounds was modelled by partial least squares regression (PLSR), and the PLSR analysis revealed that pentanal showed a significant and positive correlation with the ‘Malty’ attribute, (Z)‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol showed a significant and negative correlation with the ‘Green grassy’ attribute, 2‐methylpyrazine showed a significant and negative correlation with the ‘Floral’ attribute, cis‐linalool oxide, trans‐linalool oxide and nerolidol showed a significant and positive correlation with the ‘Woody’ attribute, cis‐6‐nonen‐1‐ol and 2‐methylpyrazine showed a significant and negative correlation with the ’Woody‘ attribute.
Formulation and nutritional evaluation of a healthy vegetable soup powder supplemented with soy flour, mushroom, and moringa leaf
Authors: Farzana Tasnim , Mohajan Suman , Saha Trissa , Hossain Md. Nur , Haque Md. Zahurul 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe research study was conducted to develop a healthy vegetables soup powder supplemented with soy flour, mushroom, moringa leaf and compare its nutritional facts with locally available soup powders. Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were done by standard method. In this study, moisture, ash, protein, fat, fiber, carbohydrate, and energy content were ranged from 2.83% to 5.46%, 9.39% to 16.48%, 6.92% to 16.05%, 4.22% to 6.39%, 0.22% to 1.61%, 58.81% to 75.41%, and 337.42 to 386.72 kcal/100 g, respectively. Highest content of vitamin D, minerals, protein, and fiber and lowest content of moisture, fat, and carbohydrate were found in the presently developed soy–mushroom–moringa soup powder compare to locally available soup powders. Vitamin C was also found significantly higher than locally available soup powders S1, S2, and S3. Heavy metals were not found in any of the soup powders. On the sensory and microbiological point of view, the presently developed soup powder was found highly acceptable up to 6 months. So, the developed soy–mushroom–moringa soup powder is nutritionally superior to locally available soup powders and sufficient to meet day‐to‐day nutritional requirements as a supplement.
Stimulation of vascularization of a subcutaneous scaffold applicable for pancreatic islet‐transplantation enhances immediate post‐transplant islet graft function but not long‐term normoglycemia
Authors: Smink Alexandra M. , Li Shiri , Swart Daniël H. , Hertsig Don T. , de Haan Bart J. , Kamps Jan A. A. M. , Schwab Leendert , van Apeldoorn Aart A. , de Koning Eelco , Faas Marijke M. , Lakey Jonathan R. T. , de Vos Paul 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe liver as transplantation site for pancreatic islets is associated with significant loss of islets, which can be prevented by grafting in a prevascularized, subcutaneous scaffold. Supporting vascularization of a scaffold to limit the period of ischemia is challenging and was developed here by applying liposomes for controlled release of angiogenic factors. The angiogenic capacity of platelet‐derived growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF), and basic FGF were compared in a tube formation assay. Furthermore, the release kinetics of different liposome compositions were tested. aFGF and L‐α‐phosphatidylcholine/cholesterol liposomes were selected to support vascularization. Two dosages of aFGF‐liposomes (0.5 and 1.0 μg aFGF per injection) were administered weekly for a month after which islets were transplanted. We observed enhanced efficacy in the immediate post‐transplant period compared to the untreated scaffolds. However, on the long‐term, glucose levels of the aFGF treated animals started to increase to diabetic levels. These results suggest that injections with aFGF liposomes do improve vascularization and the immediate restoration of blood glucose levels but does not facilitate the long‐term survival of islets. Our data emphasize the need for long‐term studies to evaluate potential beneficial and adverse effects of vascularization protocols of scaffolds. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 105A: 2533–2542, 2017.
Evidence of the sterility of allotetraploid Cobitis loaches (Teleostei, Cobitidae) using testes ultrastructure
Authors: Juchno Dorota , Pecio Anna , Boroń Alicja , Leska Anna , Jablonska Olga , Cejko Beata Irena , Kowalski Radosław Kajetan , Judycka Sylwia , Przybylski Mirosław 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe diploid–polyploid populations of Cobitis distributed in Poland are usually composed of the spined loach Cobitis taenia or, less often, the Danubian loach C. elongatoides and their triploid (females) and tetraploid hybrids (females and males). The aim of this study was to determine whether tetraploid males participate in the reproduction process by analyzing their testis ultrastructure and the process of spermatogenesis in comparison with diploid males of both parental species. Tetraploid loaches were obtained from three different diploid–polyploid populations distributed in Poland. The structure of Cobitis testes are typical for most Teleostei fish with cystic‐type spermatogenesis. The successive stages of developing germ cells are enclosed within cysts formed by the Sertoli cells. This paper morphologically describes the different germ cell stages of spermatogenesis (spermatogonia, spermatocytes, spermatids, and spermatozoa) of C. taenia and C. elongatoides and provides a pioneering ultrastructural analysis of tetraploid Cobitis testes which reveals their unusual structure for the first time. Thus, cysts with normal spermatogonia and spermatocytes (pachyten or leptoten stages) containing synaptonemal complexes were present and no spermatids or spermatozoa were observed. Moreover, in contrast to previously analyzed diploid species, single cells or all of the cells within the cysts displayed chromatin condensation and/or chromatin fragmentation. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that tetraploid males are sterile and diploids are fertile and are the only sperm donors in the reproduction processes of diploid–polyploid Cobitis populations.