bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Elevation of Flow Temperature and Structural Change of Poly(Lactic Acid) Gel Induced by Formation of Stereocomplex Crystals
Authors: Matsuda Yasuhiro , Kamizono Yukiha 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPoly(lactic acid) gels formed from solutions of poly(L‐lactic acid) (PLLA) and poly(D‐lactic acid) (PDLA). X‐ray diffraction patters indicate the formation of stereocomplex crystals for not only the gel formed from solution containing equimolar PLLA and PDLA, but also the gel formed from solution containing 9:1 of PLLA and PDLA. The flow temperatures of the gels were determined by viscoelastic measurements, and the morphologies of the dried gels were observed by field emission scanning electron microscopy. The flow temperatures of the gels from solutions containing both PLLA and PDLA were higher than those containing only PLLA. Network structures formed by uniformly distributed thin fibers, were observed for the gels formed from solutions with L:D ratios near the equimolar ratio. The dependency of the flow temperature and morphology on the polymer concentration and L:D ratio of the gels was discussed based on the experimental data.
Thermal Properties and Morphological Studies of Poly(ethylene oxide) with the Addition of Salt or Nanofiller
Authors: Yusoff Siti Nor Hafiza Mohd , Halim Suhaila Idayu Abdul , Tarmizi Amirah Amalina Ahmad , Zainal Nurul Fatahah Asyqin , Han Chan Chin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe increasing demand of the functional polymers in the global industry has led to extensive development of new polymeric materials with enhanced properties. This work focuses on the effect of addition of lithium perchlorate (LiClO4) or titanium dioxide (TiO2) on the thermal properties (i.e., glass transition temperature [Tg], change in heat capacity [ΔCP], crystallinity [X*], melting temperature [Tm]) and morphology of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) investigated by using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarized optical microscope (POM). The Tg and ΔCP of PEO at a mass fraction of salt, WS ≤ 0.0196, increase with the addition of salt. Whereas the values of crystallinity and Tm of PEO at the same salt fraction decrease slightly with increasing salt fraction, suggesting the presence of an interaction between the salt molecules and PEO matrix. However, at WS ≥ 0.107, the Tg, crystallinity, and Tm of PEO decrease significantly with the addition of salt, suggesting the phase separation of the binary mixtures of PEO and salt into salt‐rich and salt‐poor phases are developed. This observation is supported by optical inspections where the salt precipitations can be seen. Meanwhile, the values of Tg, ΔCP, crystallinity, and Tm of PEO show insignificant changes with increasing nanofiller fraction indicating no interaction between PEO and the nanofiller. The two‐phase of PEO and nanofiller in the PEO‐TiO2 can be observed clearly from the optical inspection for all PEO‐nanofiller compositions. Hence, the addition of LiClO4 at low content exhibits relatively prominence on the PEO matrix than the TiO2. LiClO4 possesses better molecular interaction with PEO than TiO2 with PEO.
Thermal Degradation Behavior of a Poly(n‐Butylmethacrylate‐Co‐Acrylic Acid)/Organobentonite Nanocomposite: Non‐Isothermal Decomposition Kinetic Study
Authors: Metref Farid , Ouargli Abderrahmane 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a small amount of organomodified bentonite (OBT) on the thermal stability and degradation kinetics of the intercalated poly(n‐butylmethacrylate‐co‐acrylic acid) P(n‐BMA‐AA) nanocomposite. P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐18 copolymer containing 17.9 mol% of acrylic acid (AA) and P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐17/OBT3 nanocomposite containing 16.7 mol% of AA at 3 mass% of OBT are synthesized via in situ free radical polymerization and characterized. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) shows an improvement of the thermal stability of P(n‐BMA‐AA)‐17/OBT3 nanocomposite compared to the pure copolymer. The apparent activation energies Ea of thermal decomposition of the elaborated nanocomposite are higher than those of the virgin copolymer, reflecting the OBT stabilizing effect upon the matrix's decomposition. Besides, the TGA kinetic study reveals that the degradation kinetic of copolymer is well fitted by model F2 (g(α) = (1 – α)−1 – 1). Whereas, the A1F1 (g(α) = –ln(1 – α)) and R2 (g(α) = 1 − (1 – α)1/2) models are found to well represent the experiment for the first and second stages degradation in the nanocomposite.
In Situ X‐Ray and Infrared Measurements of Alkane Absorption and Desorption Processes of Isotactic Poly(4‐Methyl‐1‐Pentene) Film
Authors: Murashige Hiromi , Hiejima Yusuke , Sanada Yusuke , Chiba Ayano 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSmall molecules are absorbed selectively in the amorphous regions in semicrystalline polymers, except for some specific polymeric systems forming host‐guest cocrystals such as syndiotactic polystyrene. The crystalline density of isotactic poly(4‐methyl‐1‐pentene) (P4MP1) is substantially lower than those of analogs, and it is even slightly lower than the amorphous density. This study is investigated the absorption/desorption behaviors of short alkanes in P4MP1 in situ, and found that the alkanes are mainly absorbed in its amorphous region. Infrared spectroscopy measurements reveal that the P4MP1 film with low crystallinity absorbs higher amount of decane than the high crystallinity film does. Also it is found by small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) that, when hexane is dropped onto the P4MP1 as‐cast film, a lamellar long‐spacing peak appears at 0.16 nm−1 which disappears with the spontaneous desorption of hexane. Because the pristine P4MP1 films give no obvious SAXS peak due to the close density of crystalline and amorphous regions, the appearance of the SAXS peak indicates that an X‐ray contrast is obtained by the preferential absorption to amorphous region. The disappearance of the peak is thus reasonably understood by the loss of the contrast due to desorption.
Preparation of Electrically Conducting Bamboo Paper Using Multi‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Pokhrel Shiraj , Giri Jyoti , Kafle Bhim P. , Sharma Kamal P. , Maruyama Takahiro , Adhikari Rameshwar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe electrically conducting composite paper is prepared by incorporating the cellulosic pulp extracted mechano‐chemically from a bamboo species, Arundinaria falcata, locally called Nigalo, with different amounts of multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs). The raw and processed fibers as well as the composite papers with MWCNTs are examined with Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The four‐probe method is utilized to quantify the conductivity of the nanocomposite paper. The FTIR study reveals the removal of non‐cellulosic components of plant fibers such as hemicelluloses, lignin, pectin, etc. during the chemical treatment. XRD analysis shows that the crystallinity of raw fiber increases from 56% to 63% after bleaching. The POM imaging of different samples also indicates an increase in the smoothness of the particle morphology, a decrease in particle size, and removal of lignin during the chemical treatment as suggested by the FTIR study. The composite paper comprising 5 and 10 wt% of MWCNT shows exceptionally high bulk conductivity of 1.56 and 6.27 S cm−1, respectively.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea and Striatal Dopamine Availability in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Oh Yoon‐Sang , Kim Joong‐Seok , Lyoo Chul Hyoung , Kim Hosung 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundSleep disorders are frequently associated with Parkinson's disease. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome is one of these sleep disorders and is associated with the severity of motor symptoms in Parkinson's disease. Obstructive sleep apnea can lead to dopaminergic neuronal cell degeneration and may impair the clearance of α‐synuclein in Parkinson's disease. Striatal dopamine uptake is a surrogate marker of nigral dopaminergic cell damage.ObjectiveWe aimed to investigate the differences in striatal dopamine availability between Parkinson's disease patients with or without obstructive sleep apnea.MethodsA total of 85 de novo and nonmedicated Parkinson's disease patients were enrolled. Full‐night polysomnography was performed for all patients, and obstructive sleep apnea was diagnosed as apnea/hypopnea index ≥5. Positron emission tomography was performed with 18F‐N‐(3‐fluoropropyl)‐2β‐carbon ethoxy‐3β‐(4‐iodophenyl) nortropane, and the regional standardized‐uptake values were analyzed using a volume‐of‐interest template and compared between groups with or without obstructive sleep apnea.ResultsDopamine availability in the caudate nucleus of the obstructive sleep apnea group was significantly lower than that of the nonobstructive sleep apnea group. On subgroup analysis, such association was found in female but not in male patients. In other structures (putamen, globus pallidus, and thalamus), dopamine availability did not differ between the two groups.ConclusionThis study supports the proposition that obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to reduced striatal dopamine transporter availability in Parkinson's disease. Additional studies are needed to assess the causal association between obstructive sleep apnea and the neurodegenerative process in Parkinson's disease. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
The Views of Patients with Isolated Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder on Risk Disclosure
Authors: Pérez‐Carbonell Laura , Simonet Cristina , Chohan Harneek , Gill Aneet , Leschziner Guy , Schrag Anette , Noyce Alastair J. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIsolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) is associated with an increased risk of Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. There is no consensus about disclosure of this risk to patients with iRBD.ObjectiveThe objective of our study was to assess the experiences of risk disclosure in a group of patients with iRBD and their views on what, when, and how this should be done.MethodsA survey was administered to patients with iRBD to explore their experiences and views on risk disclosure.ResultsThirty‐one patients with iRBD (28 males; mean age, 70 [SD 8.7] years; mean disease duration, 8.7 [SD 6.4] years) were included. A third reported they had not been informed about the link between iRBD and other conditions by clinicians at diagnosis, but 90% would have liked to have received prognostic information, and 60% indicated that this should happen at the point that iRBD was diagnosed. Most participants wanted this information to come from the clinician diagnosing and treating iRBD (90.3%). Almost three‐quarters (72.2%) had searched for this information online.ConclusionsPatients with iRBD mostly wished to have received information regarding the potential implications of iRBD when the diagnosis was made. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Neuroprotective, neurogenic, and anticholinergic evidence ofGanoderma lucidumcognitive effects: Crucial knowledge is still lacking
Authors: Luz Diandra A. , Pinheiro Alana M. , Fontes‐Júnior Enéas A. , Maia Cristiane S. F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractGanoderma lucidumis a mushroom that has been widely used for centuries in Asian countries for its antiaging properties. It is popularly known as “Ling Zhi,” “Reishi,” and “Youngzhi,” and because of its benefits, it is known as the “immortality mushroom.” Pharmacological assays have revealed thatG. lucidumameliorates cognitive impairments through inhibition of β‐amyloid and neurofibrillary tangle formation, antioxidant effect, reduction of inflammatory cytokine release and apoptosis, genic expression modulation, among other activities. Chemical investigations on G. lucidum have revealed the presence of metabolites such as triterpenes, which are the most explored in this field, as well as flavonoids, steroids, benzofurans, and alkaloids; in the literature, these have also been reported to have mnemonic activity. These properties of the mushroom make it a potential source of new drugs to prevent or reverse memory disorders, as actual medications are able to only alleviate some symptoms but are unable to stop the progress of cognitive impairments, with no impact on social, familiar, and personal relevance. In this review, we discuss the cognitive findings ofG. lucidumreported in the literature, converging the proposed mechanisms through the several pathways that underlie memory and cognition processes. In addition, we highlight the gaps that deserve particular attention to support future studies.
Modulation of neurotrophic factors in the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI: Effects of Cerebrolysin
Authors: Rejdak Konrad , Sienkiewicz‐Jarosz Halina , Bienkowski Przemyslaw , Alvarez Anton 
Published: April 2023

AbstractNeurotrophic factors (NTFs) are involved in the pathophysiology of neurological disorders such as dementia, stroke and traumatic brain injury (TBI), and constitute molecular targets of high interest for the therapy of these pathologies. In this review we provide an overview of current knowledge of the definition, discovery and mode of action of five NTFs, nerve growth factor, insulin‐like growth factor 1, brain derived NTF, vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor alpha; as well as on their contribution to brain pathology and potential therapeutic use in dementia, stroke and TBI. Within the concept of NTFs in the treatment of these pathologies, we also review the neuropeptide preparation Cerebrolysin, which has been shown to resemble the activities of NTFs and to modulate the expression level of endogenous NTFs. Cerebrolysin has demonstrated beneficial treatment capabilities in vitro and in clinical studies, which are discussed within the context of the biochemistry of NTFs. The review focuses on the interactions of different NTFs, rather than addressing a single NTF, by outlining their signaling network and by reviewing their effect on clinical outcome in prevalent brain pathologies. The effects of the interactions of these NTFs and Cerebrolysin on neuroplasticity, neurogenesis, angiogenesis and inflammation, and their relevance for the treatment of dementia, stroke and TBI are summarized.
Potential value of air: Effect of air pollution on retail store performance and customer behavior
Authors: Liu Weixin , Li Jia , Huang Simin , Wang Yitong 
Published: April 2023

AbstractExternal environmental factors can deeply shape customer behavior and contribute to uncertainty in retail operations. In this study, we use field data from a national fashion sporting goods retail chain to empirically study the effect on retail store performance from one important but underappreciated external environmental factor, air pollution; and investigate the potential mechanism of this air pollution's impact. We find that air pollution has an inverted U‐shaped effect on store traffic, which is attributed to a shift of customers between offline shopping and other activities with different air pollution exposure levels. The variation in store traffic caused by air pollution further leads to a U‐shaped relationship between air pollution and the retail conversion rate. In addition, air pollution can affect customer composition as well as the perceived utility of products, reflected by more men's wear and less sportswear sold in hazy weather. In view of the globally increasing air pollution problem, especially in the context of climate change, our findings highlight the importance and value of taking air pollution into account in operations and marketing management.
An energy preserving time scheme based on the mortar element method for effective transmission conditions between fluid and solid domains in transient wave propagation problems
Authors: Imperiale Alexandre 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWe are interested in providing an efficient numerical scheme to represent wave propagation in time domain for configurations where a fluid domain and a solid domain are separated by a thin coating layer. Various computational challenges and bottlenecks occur in this context: incorporating fluid–solid coupling, enabling non‐conform space discretization when wavelengths greatly differ from the fluid and the solid domain, and rendering robust time discretization w.r.t. the thin layer thickness. In order to address these issues, the proposed approach combines the mortar element method with so‐called effective transmission conditions, where the effect of the coating layer is incorporated through spring—mass coefficients at the interface between the fluid and solid domain. Using discrete energy arguments, we are able to prove that the associated fully discrete scheme is stable upon a stability condition independent of the thin coating layer. Moreover, we provide an efficient time marching algorithm leading to significantly improved performances, illustrated in 2D and 3D configurations linked to ultrasonic testing experiments modeling.
The prevalence and risk factors of different degrees of stress urinary incontinence in Chinese women: A community‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Li Qianqian , Huang Yanwei , Wang Qingyan , Xue Kaikai , Zhou Fang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimTo investigate the prevalence of SUI and explore the factors that could influence the severity of SUI in adult females.DesignA cross‐sectional study.MethodsA total of 1178 subjects were assessed using a risk‐factor questionnaires and International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire Short Form (ICIQ‐SF) and then divided into no SUI group, mild SUI group and moderate‐to‐severe SUI group according to the ICIQ‐SF score. Univariate analysis between adjacent groups and ordered logistic regression models in three groups were then performed to analysis the possible associated factor with the progressive of SUI.ResultsThe prevalence of SUI among adult women was 22.2% of them; 16.2% and 6% had mild SUI and moderate‐to‐severe SUI, respectively. Moreover, logistic analysis revealed that age, BMI, smoking, position preference for urination, urinary tract infections, urinary leaks during pregnancy, gynaecological inflammation and poor sleep quality were independent risk for the severity of SUI.ConclusionSUI symptoms were mostly mild among Chinese females, specific risk factors such as unhealthy living habits and urination behaviours increased the risk of SUI and the aggravation of symptoms. Therefore, targeted interventions should be formulated for women to delay disease progression.
Development and validation of the atopic dermatitis and infant skincare knowledge, attitude, and practice (ADISKAP 1.0) scale
Authors: Sun Xiaoyan , Zhao Mutong , Wu Qiong , Tian Jing , Shen Chunping , Liang Yuan , Wang Shan , Jiao Lei , Wang Yang , Liu Mingyi , Ma Lin , Ma Xiuhua 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACTImportancePreserving skin health is crucial for atopic dermatitis control as well as for the thriving of children. However, a well‐developed and validated tool that measures the knowledge, attitude, and practice of skin care is lacking.ObjectiveTo develop and validate the atopic dermatitis and infant skincare knowledge, attitude, and practice (ADISKAP 1.0) scale that measures parental health literacy on atopic dermatitis and skin care.MethodsWe conducted a review of the literature, a focus group (two dermatologists and 12 parents), and a panel discussion in order to generate the ADISKAP prototype. Two samples of parents with knowingly superior (dermatologists, n = 59) and inferior (general population, n = 395) knowledge traits participated in the validation of ADISKAP. Cronbach's alpha was reported as a measure of internal consistency, and the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to assess the test‐retest validity. The known‐groups technique was used to evaluate construct validity.ResultsThe ADISKAP scale contained 17 items after content and face validity validation. After removing items that displayed poor test‐retest reliability (n = 4) and construct validity (n = 3), 12 items were retained in the ADISKAP 1.0.InterpretationADISKAP 1.0 is a reliable and valid tool for assessing parental knowledge, attitude, and practice on infantile atopic dermatitis and skin care.
Venlafaxine deprescribing and thyroid function
Authors: Zarowitz Barbara J. , Jain Shaily 
Published: April 2023

AbstractStudy ObjectiveThis report highlights the effects of discontinuing venlafaxine on thyroid function in an older adult with previously well‐managed Hashimoto thyroiditis and sleep apnea.DesignConcurrent intervention. Case study. Setting Community‐based psychiatry practice Patient ‐ 66 year old female Intervention Over 8 months, a 66‐year‐old patient slowly reduced the venlafaxine dose. She was treated simultaneously for sleep apnea. Measurements Clinical data including venlafaxine and levothyroxine dosing, thyroid hormone laboratory values, subjective complaints, and objective electrocardiographic (ECG) findings were aggregated and analyzed.Main ResultsAs venlafaxine dose was decreased over time, the patient complained of bounding heart palpitations shown to be premature ventricular contractions, and wide and narrow complex ventricular tachycardia on ECG. Thyroid‐stimulating hormone decreased from a baseline value of 0.791 uIU/mL to a nadir of 0.18 uIU/mL during venlafaxine dosage reduction from 225 mg/day to 155 mg/day. Cardiac symptoms subsided following levothyroxine dosage reduction.ConclusionsThere was a direct relationship between antidepressant dosage reduction and levothyroxine dosage requirements. Cautious monitoring is recommended during venlafaxine deprescribing in patients with pre‐existing thyroid disease.
The synthesis of highly crystalline covalent organic frameworks via the monomer crystal induction for the photocatalytic asymmetric α‐alkylation of aldehydes
Authors: Zhou Zimo , Li Li , Dai Lu , Liu Huanyu , Li Yueting , Li Pengfei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCovalent organic frameworks (COFs) are ordered porous organic frameworks, which found wide applications in gas sorption and separation, catalysis, sensoring, and many others owing to their permanent porosity and designable structural motifs. To take full advantage of the well‐defined porous structure, COFs need to be synthesized with high crystallinity. However, the synthesis of COFs with high crystalline is a general challenge, which requires dedicated linker design and reaction condition optimization. To achieve this, we developed a monomer crystal‐induced strategy to construct crystalline COFs. The synthesized COFs have higher crystallinity, surface area, and thermal stability than those prepared without monomer crystal induction. Furthermore, the high crystalline COFs exhibit excellent performance in the photocatalytic asymmetric alkylation of aldehydes. The monomer crystal‐induced method not only represents a new route for the synthesis of crystalline COFs but also sheds light on the mechanism of the formation of COFs.