bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and electronic spectra of new low-molecular weight compounds with possible application in electroluminescent layers
Authors: Dobrikov Georgi , Dobrikov Georgi , Aleksandrova Mariya 
Published: September 2011

AbstractTwo new low-molecular weight compounds — (Z)-4-(4-(dimethylamino)benzylidene)-1-(9-ethyl-9H-carbazol-3-yl)-2-phenyl-1H-imidazol-5(4H)-one and 2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione) — with possible application in organic light-emitting devices were synthesized. Their photophysical properties in solution and in polymer films were investigated. The determined relative fluorescence quantum yields in solution for both compounds were 0.003 and 0.51, while those in poly(methyl methacrylate) films were around 0.10 and 1.0, respectively. For 1H-imidazol-5(4H)-one derivative, single-layer organic displays with one emitting layer were prepared by spin-coating technology. The applied voltage was 40 V (AC) with 1–3 KHz frequency. The emission maximum of the experimental AC display structures was at 600–630 nm. For displays with 2-(6-hydroxyhexyl)-6-(pyrrolidin-1-yl)-1H-benzo[de]isoquinoline-1,3(2H)-dione) the applied voltage was 60 V (AC) with 6-9 KHz frequency, but its future success will require more appropriate binding polymers. Based on the obtained experimental results, it is concluded that the investigated compounds could be applied for preparation of color electroluminescent structures.
A novel redox-active calix[4]arene-tetrathiafulvalene dyad
Authors: Zhao Bang-Tun , Zhu Xiao-Min , Peng Qi-Ming , Yan Zhen-Ning , Derf Franck , Sallé Marc 
Published: September 2011

AbstractA novel redox-active calix[4]arene-TTF 5 was prepared by the reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 4 with the tosylated TTF 3 in the presence of cesium fluoride. The structure of the dyad 5 was identified by X-ray diffraction analysis, and the preliminary electrochemical properties of 5 were investigated by cyclic voltammetry (CV), for which two reversible one-electron waves were observed. Moreover, the UV-vis absorption spectra studies show that the dyad 5 undergoes progressive oxidation at the TTF moiety in presence of increasing amounts of Cu2+ or Hg2+.
The relationship between the mercury concentration in fish muscles and scales/fins and its significance
Authors: Červenka Rostislav , Bednařík Antonín , Komárek Josef , Ondračková Markéta , Jurajda Pavel , Vítek Tomáš , Spurný Petr 
Published: September 2011

AbstractThe determination of mercury in fish typically involves analysis of muscles. For predicting the concentration of mercury in fish muscle on the basis of the analysis of fish scales or fins, the relationship between total mercury concentrations in fish muscles and in fish scales and fins was studied. Mercury content in fish muscles, scales and fins was determined by atomic absorption spectrometry with thermal decomposition of the sample in a flow of oxygen. A number of scale treatments were applied in order to remove impurities and to enhance the prediction quality. For scale treatment, 40 min of washing with DI water in an ultrasonic bath is recommended. A coefficient of determination r2= 0.93 for the relationship between Hg concentrations in muscles and scales was achieved for 40 fish among the different fish species tested (European bream, perch, roach) from the Hamry Reservoir, Czech Republic. With respect to fin sampling, the coefficient of determination r2 for these fish was 0.86. The analysis of fish scales and caudal fins is a useful screening tool for assessing the relative mercury contamination of monitored fish. The method of sampling scales is not suitable for fish species with small scales such as brown trout.
Effects of Asian Sand Dust on Mucin Gene Expression and Activation of Nasal Polyp Epithelial Cells
Authors: Kim Seon-Tae , Ye Mi-Kyung , Shin Seung-Heon 
Published: September 2011

Background Asian sand dust (ASD) contains a variety of chemical and microbiological materials such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and beta-glucan that can cause inflammation. The increase in the atmospheric concentration of ASD has been associated with asthma severity and adverse effects on respiratory function. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ASD on the inflammatory process and mucin gene expression in nasal epithelial cells. Methods Primary nasal polyp epithelial cells were exposed to ASD for 72 hours, and then the supernatants were collected. To determine the activation of the epithelial cells, IL-6, IL-8, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor were measured. In addition, the potential cytotoxic effects of ASD on the epithelial cells were evaluated. Quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction for MUC4, MUC5AC, MUC5B, and MUC8 mRNA expression, in the nasal epithelial cells, was performed. Results ASD stimulated the production of chemical mediators in a time-dependent manner. The cytokine production was highest at 100 micrograms/mL of ASD. MUC4 and MUC5B mRNA expression was significantly increased at 10 and 50 micrograms/mL of ASD. Conclusion Atomospheric exposure to various chemical species and microbiological materials carrying ASD may affect upper airway inflammation through the production of inflammatory cytokines and mucin.
Quercetin Increases Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator–Mediated Chloride Transport and Ciliary Beat Frequency: Therapeutic Implications for Chronic Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Zhang Shaoyan , Smith Nicholas , Schuster Daniel , Azbell Christopher , Sorscher Eric J. , Rowe Steven M. , Woodworth Bradford A. 
Published: September 2011

Background Increasing epithelial chloride (Cl− ) secretion in the upper airways represents a putative method for promoting mucociliary clearance through augmentation of airway surface liquid depth. Several naturally occurring flavonoid compounds, including quercetin, have shown the capacity to increase transepithelial Cl− transport. Quercetin exhibits well-known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and is now recognized as a potent activator of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) anion channel activity in a fashion largely independent of cyclic adenosine monophosphate signaling. The present study investigates whether this compound activates Cl− secretion and ciliary beat frequency (CBF) in well-characterized culture models of sinonasal epithelium. Methods Cystic fibrosis and non-cystic fibrosis primary human sinonasal epithelial (HSNE) and murine nasal septal epithelial (MNSE) cultures were studied for transepithelial ion transport in Ussing chambers under voltage clamp conditions and CBF was performed using pharmacologic manipulation. Results Change in short circuit current (DeltaI SC, expressed as microamperes per squared centimeter) in response to quercetin were significantly greater than controls in both MNSE (23.23 ± 5.44 versus 2.47 ± 1.62; p < 0.0001) and HSNE (-8.72 ± 1.88 versus -1.88 ± 0.66; p < 0.01) cultures. CBF was significantly increased in quercetin-treated cells (expressed as fold change over baseline) in wild type (1.65 ± 0.13 versus 1.23 ± 0.05 [control]; p < 0.01), but not CFTR−/- ( 1.65 ± 0.29 versus 1.48 ± 0.38; p = 0.23). Conclusion Quercetin significantly increased transepithelial Cl− transport and CBF in MNSE and HSNE cultures. Future studies investigating quercetin as a means to promote mucociliary transport in individuals with rhinosinusitis are warranted.
Effectiveness of Nasal Surgery Alone on Sleep Quality, Architecture, Position, and Sleep-Disordered Breathing in Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome with Nasal Obstruction
Authors: Choi Ji Ho , Kim Eun Joong , Kim Yeon Soo , Kim Tae Hoon , Choi June , Kwon Soon Young , Lee Heung Man , Lee Sang Hag , Lee Seung Hoon 
Published: September 2011

Background The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of nasal surgery alone on sleep quality, architecture, position, and sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) (including obstructive apnea and snoring) in adult patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) and nasal obstruction. Methods A total of 22 consecutive male patients (mean age, 41.3 ± 10.9 years) with OSAS and nasal obstruction, who underwent nasal surgery alone, were enrolled in the study. We compared polysomnographic data related with sleep quality (sleep efficiency [SE] and arousal index [ArI]), sleep architecture (stages N [nonrapid eye movement], 1, 2, and 3, and R [rapid eye movement]), the distribution of sleep positions, and SDB (apnea–hypopnea index [AHI], apnea index [AI], minimum arterial oxygen saturation [SaO 2 ], and snoring) before and after nasal surgery. Results SE (from 86.6 ± 6.3% to 89.7 ± 7.1%; p = 0.039), stage R (from 15.3 ± 4.8% to 18.6 ± 5.4%; p = 0.016) and snoring (from 32.2 ± 16.4% to 25.8 ± 18.6%; p = 0.045) significantly changed after nasal surgery. However, there were no significant changes in ArI, other sleep stages, the proportion of sleep time spent in the supine position, AHI, AI, and minimum SaO 2 after nasal surgery. Conclusion Nasal surgery alone was partially effective in improving sleep quality, architecture, and snoring, but it had no effect on the change of the distribution of sleep positions and obstructive apnea in patients with OSAS and nasal obstruction.
Efficacy of Using a Hydrodebrider and of Citric Acid/Zwitterionic Surfactant on a Staphylococcus Aureus Bacterial Biofilm in the Sheep Model of Rhinosinusitis
Authors: Valentine Rowan , Jervis-Bardy Josh , Psaltis Alkis , Tan Lor Wai , Wormald Peter-John 
Published: September 2011

Background Biofilms in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients are associated with recalcitrant disease patterns. Citric acid/zwitterionic surfactant (CAZS) has been shown to have significant efficacy at in vitro biofilm eradication. Unique hydrodebrider systems have been shown to have effective antibiofilm efficacy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the CAZS/hydrodebrider treatment on Staphylococcus aureus biofilms in the sheep model of CRS. Methods Forty-two sheep frontal sinuses were inoculated with S. aureus, followed by 7 days of biofilm growth. Sinuses were randomized to one of nine treatment groups: control, hydrodebrider with saline or CAZS (killed on day 0 or day 7 posttreatment), CAZS, or saline flush (killed on day 0 or day 7 posttreatment). Confocal scanning laser microscopy (CSLM) was used to confirm extent of biofilm reduction. Samples of each sinus were taken, assessing cilia morphology using electron microscopy. Results A mean of 37.22 ± 9.65% of control (no treatment) CSLM images taken showed biofilms. Both CAZS flush and CAZS/hydrodebrider treatments showed initial improvements in biofilms but biofilm regrowth followed treatment, 14.74 ± 9.58% to 18.91 ± 12.14% and 15.60 ± 13.92% to 24.70 ± 3.66%, respectively (p > 0.05). Saline/hydrodebrider treatments showed a nonsignificant improvement in biofilm treatment, which was maintained, 18.34 ± 11.85% to 12.04 ± 10.28% (p > 0.05). Cilial morphology grade was significantly worse in the CAZS treatment groups (p < 0.05). Conclusion CAZS solution (with and without a hydrodebrider system) can significantly adversely affect cilia morphology. The hydrodebrider system, when combined with saline, may be a useful treatment adjunct for mucosal biofilms.
The Elevated Expression of Osteopontin and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor in Sinonasal Inverted Papilloma and Its Relationship with Clinical Severity
Authors: Liu Wenlong , Li Zuwang , Luo Qing , Lai Yinyan , Zhang Jing , Chen Fenghong , Shi Jianbo , Li Huabin , Xiong Guanxia , Xu Geng , Wang Hongtian 
Published: September 2011

Background Osteopontin (OPN) is involved in cell survival, immunity, and tumor progression. The overexpression of OPN has been proposed as a biomarker of progression and metastasis for several tumor types, but it is still unclear whether it is up-regulated in sinonasal inverted papilloma (SIP). Methods We enrolled 33 subjects with SIP and 15 normal controls to determine the importance of OPN and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in SIP. Using immunohistochemistry, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we examined the distribution, mRNA expression, and protein levels, respectively, of OPN and VEGF. We then correlated these values with clinical severity. Results The immunostaining levels for OPN and VEGF were significantly increased in SIP tissues compared with control tissues (p < 0.05), as were their mRNA expression and protein levels (p < 0.05). The correlation between OPN and VEGF expression and the clinical stage of SIP was significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion Our findings indicate that OPN and VEGF were both overexpressed in the analyzed SIP tissues and were associated with clinical severity, suggesting that the OPN–VEGF axis might contribute to tumor progression by enhancing angiogenesis. Therefore, OPN may serve as a potential therapeutic target for preventing SIP progression and recurrence.
Concurrent Validity of the Executive Function Performance Test in People with Mild Stroke
Authors: Cederfeldt Marie , Widell Yvonne , Andersson Elisabeth Elgmark , Dahlin-Ivanoff Synneve , Gosman-Hedström Gunilla 
Published: September 2011

Introduction: Studies have shown that executive dysfunction is common in adults after stroke. Occupational therapists working in acute care assess the performance of activities of daily living; most instruments focus on personal care. However, the assessment of instrumental activities of daily living has been shown to discriminate executive dysfunction more effectively. An instrument for assessing executive dysfunction in more complex activities that is easy to handle in acute care is consequently required for clinical use. The Executive Function Performance Test (EFPT) was recently introduced into Sweden. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the concurrent validity of the EFPT in acute care for patients with mild stroke. Method: Twenty-three patients from an acute stroke unit were assessed with both the EFPT and the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS). Results: The correlation between the EFPT and the AMPS assessments was highly significant (p = 0.003) and the concurrent validity was rho = 0.61. Conclusion: Since there is a risk that adult patients with mild stroke are discharged without rehabilitation, and there is a lack of a relevant instrument for occupational therapists that discriminates executive dysfunction in acute stroke care, the EFPT may be a suitable instrument to use with these patients.
Cannabis Use Reported by Patients Receiving Primary Care in a Large Health System
Authors: Gelberg Lillian , Beck Dana , Koerber Julia , Akabike Whitney N. , Dardick Lawrence , Lin Clara , Shoptaw Steve , Javanbakht Marjan 
Published: June 2024

ImportanceDespite the changing legal status of cannabis and the potential impact on health, few health systems routinely screen for cannabis use, and data on the epidemiology of cannabis use, and especially medical cannabis use among primary care patients, are limited.ObjectiveTo describe the prevalence of, factors associated with, and reasons for past–3 month cannabis use reported by primary care patients.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis cross-sectional study used electronic health record data from patients aged 18 years and older who had an annual wellness visit between January 2021 and May 2023 from a primary care clinic within a university-based health system in Los Angeles, California.ExposuresFactors of interest included age, race and ethnicity, sex, employment status, and neighborhood Area Deprivation Index (ADI).Main Outcomes and MeasuresCannabis use was assessed using the Alcohol Substance Involvement Screening Test (ASSIST). Patients were also asked about reasons for use, symptoms for which they used cannabis, and mode of use.ResultsAmong the 175 734 patients screened, the median (range) age was 47 (18-102) years; 101 657 (58.0%) were female; 25 278 (15.7%) were Asian, 21 971 (13.7%) were Hispanic, and 51 063 (31.7%) were White. Cannabis use was reported by 29 898 (17.0%), with 10 360 (34.7%) having ASSIST scores indicative of moderate to high risk for cannabis use disorder (CUD). Prevalence of cannabis use was higher among male patients than female patients (14 939 [20.0%] vs 14 916 [14.7%]) and younger patients (18-29 years, 7592 [31.0%]; ≥60 years, 4200 [8.5%]), and lower among those who lived in the most disadvantaged neighborhoods (ADI decile 9-10, 189 [13.8%]; ADI decile 1-2, 12 431 [17.4%]). The most common modes of use included edibles (18 201 [61.6%]), smoking (15 256 [51.7%]), and vaporizing (8555 [29.0%]). While 4375 patients who reported using cannabis (15.6%) did so for medical reasons only, 21 986 patients (75.7%) reported using cannabis to manage symptoms including pain (9196 [31.7%]), stress (14 542 [50.2%]), and sleep (16 221 [56.0%]). The median (IQR) number of symptoms managed was 2 (1-4), which was higher among patients who were at moderate to high risk for CUD (4 [2-6] symptoms).Conclusions and RelevanceIn this study, cannabis use and risk of CUD were common, and more than three-quarters of patients who reported any cannabis use reported doing so to manage a health-related symptom. These findings suggest that integration of information regarding cannabis use for symptom management could help provide a crucial point-of-care opportunity for clinicians to understand their patients’ risk for CUD.
Pyridinic N‐Dominated Hard Carbon with Accessible Carbonyl Groups Enabling 98% Initial Coulombic Efficiency for Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: He Yufei , Liu Da , Jiao Jihuang , Liu Yanxia , He Shengnan , Zhang Ya , Cheng Qian , Fang Yaoguo , Mo Xiaoliang , Pan Hongge , Wu Renbing 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHard carbon (HC) has been widely regarded as the most promising anode material for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) due to its decent capacity and low cost. However, the poor initial Coulombic efficiency (ICE) of HC seriously hinders its practical application in SIBs. Herein, pyridinic N‐doped hard carbon polyhedra with easily accessible carbonyl groups and in situ coupled carbon nanotubes are rationally synthesized via a facile pretreated zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIFs)‐carbonization strategy. The comprehensive ex/in situ techniques combined with theoretical calculations reveal that the synergy of pyridinic‐N and carbonyl groups promoted by the pretreatment and carbonization process would not only optimize the Na+ adsorption energy but also accelerate the desorption of Na+, significantly suppressing the irreversible capacity loss. As a result, the as‐synthesized hard carbon polyhedra as an anode can deliver an unprecedented high ICE of 98% with a large reversible capacity of 389.4 mAh g−1 at 0.03 A g−1. This work may provide an effective strategy for the structural design of HC with high ICE.
Enhanced Water Oxidation of Hematite Photoanodes via Localized n‐p Homojunctions Induced by Gradient Zn2+ Doping
Authors: Wang Hai‐Chao , Li Hua‐Min , Yang Tao , Ji Jun‐Wei , Yue Xin‐Zheng , Liu Qing‐Chao , Yi Sha‐Sha , Zhu Yongfa 
Published: June 2024

AbstractConstructing an internal electric field (IEF) within the hematite (Fe2O3) photoanode for highly efficient water oxidation performance with facilitated charge transfer and separation remains still a significant challenge. Unlike the conventional approach of creating interfacial electric fields through heterojunction design by introducing another semiconductor, a novel strategy is proposed for engineering localized n‐p homojunctions on the surface of Fe2O3 photoanode using gradient Zn2+ doping strategy. By implementing this approach, the inherent n‐type characteristics of Fe2O3 can be transformed into p‐type, thereby facilitating the formation of an n‐p junction with robust IEF, which enables more efficient charge separation and transfer. Additionally, the gradient Zn2+ doping is accompanied by the generation of oxygen vacancies, which further improves the charge transfer efficiency and accelerates water oxidation kinetics. As expected, the photocurrent density of optimized Fe2O3 photoanode at 1.23 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode is ≈2.6‐fold that of Fe2O3. This work provides a novel perspective on the design of localized n‐p homojunction within photoanodes for achieving high solar energy conversion efficiency.
Modular Assembly of Metamaterials Using Light Gradients
Authors: Paul Apurba , Volk Alexander , Hokmabadi Mohammad , Rigo Eveline , Kermani Hamideh , Almonte‐Garcia Lisa , Finamore Tyler A. , Iwamoto Kyle M. , Roeder Ryan K. , Timp Gregory 
Published: June 2024

AbstractThis is a report on a pilot study that tests the feasibility of assembling photonic metamaterials (PMs) using light gradient forces. Following a strategy that works like modular construction, light gradient forces, produced by a tightly focused, 1D standing wave optical trap, time‐multiplexed across a 2D lattice are used to assemble voxels consisting of prefabricated, monodispersed nanoparticles (NPs) with radii ranging from 30 to 500 nm into 3D structures on a hydrogel scaffold. Hundreds of NPs can be manipulated concurrently into a complex heterogeneous voxel this way, and then the process can be repeated by stitching together voxels to form a metamaterial of any size, shape, and constituency although imperfectly. Imperfections introduce random phase shifts and amplitude variations that can have an adverse effect on the band structure. Regardless, PMs are created this way using two different dielectric NPs, polystyrene and rutile, and then the near‐infrared performance for each is analyzed with angle‐, wavelength‐, and polarization‐dependent reflection spectroscopy. The cross‐polarized spectra show evidence of a resonance peak. Interestingly, whereas the line shape from the polystyrene array is symmetric, the rutile array is not, which may be indicative of Fano resonance. So, even with the structural defects, reflection spectroscopy reveals a resonance.
Intrinsic Elastomer with Remarkable Dielectric Constant via Elastification of Relaxor Ferroelectric Polymer
Authors: Xu Tianhua , Wang Linping , Gao Liang , Li Fangzhou , Hu Bing , Li Bowen , Shen Haoyu , Liu Zhiwen , Hu Ben‐Lin 
Published: June 2024

AbstractHigh‐dielectric‐constant elastomers always play a critical role in the development of wearable electronics for actuation, energy storage, and sensing; therefore, there is an urgent need for effective strategies to enhance dielectric constants. The present methods mainly involve adding inorganic or conductive fillers to the polymer elastomers, however, the addition of fillers causes a series of problems, such as large dielectric loss, increased modulus, and deteriorating interface conditions. Here, the elastification of relaxor ferroelectric polymers is investigated through slight cross‐linking, aiming to obtain intrinsic elastomers with high‐dielectric constants. By cross‐linking of the relaxor ferroelectric polymer poly(vinylidene fluoride‐ter‐trifluoroethylene‐ter‐chlorofluoroethylene) with a long soft chain cross‐linker, a relaxor ferroelectric elastomer with an enhanced dielectric constant is obtained, twice that of the pristine relaxor ferroelectric polymer and surpassing all reported intrinsic elastomers. This elastomer maintains its high‐dielectric constant over a wide temperature range and exhibits robust mechanical fatigue resistance, chemical stability, and thermal stability. Moreover, the ferroelectricity of the elastomer remains stable under strains up to 80%. This study offers a simple and effective way to enhance the dielectric constant of intrinsic elastomers, thus facilitating advancements in soft robots, biosensors, and wearable electronics.