bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of multiple‐step cold plasma processing on banana (Musa sapientum) starch‐based films
Authors: Marenco‐Orozco Gerald A. , Rosa Morsyleide F. , Fernandes Fabiano A. N. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn recent years, films of biodegradable materials have been studied to determine and improve their physical properties, mechanical strength, and hydrophobicity. This research focused on the study of banana starch‐based films (Musa sapientum). The films were prepared using the casting method, and a 2k experimental design was conducted to evaluate the effects of cold plasma treatment on three steps of film production. Dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma (excitation frequency of 400 Hz, voltage of 20 kV, and 15 min of processing time) was applied in three processing phases: on the starch granules, the filmogenic suspension, and the film. Plasma‐treated films presented better short‐range order structure degree (or crystalline/amorphous ratio) than untreated films. Significant differences were observed on the surface of the films, especially when the filmogenic suspension or the film were subjected to plasma treatment. Films produced with the treated starch granules and filmogenic suspension presented the lowest values of moisture (<9.5%) and solubility (<31.1%), while the films produced with DBD plasma‐treated starch granules and also subjected to plasma treatment presented the highest water contact angle (65.1°), the highest tensile strength (9.11 MPa), and good puncture resistance (0.33 MPa), resulting in the highest hydrophobicity and highest mechanical strength among the tested films. Research must be done to adapt these promising results and apply to other techniques and botanical sources.
Sample size formula for a win ratio endpoint
Authors: Yu Ron Xiaolong , Ganju Jitendra 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe win ratio composite endpoint, which organizes the components of the composite hierarchically, is becoming popular in late‐stage clinical trials. The method involves comparing data in a pair‐wise manner starting with the endpoint highest in priority (eg, cardiovascular death). If the comparison is a tie, the endpoint next highest in priority (eg, hospitalizations for heart failure) is compared, and so on. Its sample size is usually calculated through complex simulations because there does not exist in the literature a simple sample size formula. This article provides a formula that depends on the probability that a randomly selected patient from one group does better than a randomly selected patient from another group, and on the probability of a tie. We compare the published 95% confidence intervals, which require patient‐level data, with that calculated from the formula, requiring only summary‐level data, for 17 composite or single win ratio endpoints. The two sets of results are similar. Simulations show the sample size formula performs well. The formula provides important insights. It shows when adding an endpoint to the hierarchy can increase power even if the added endpoint has low power by itself. It provides relevant information to modify an on‐going blinded trial if necessary. The formula allows a non‐specialist to quickly determine the size of the trial with a win ratio endpoint whose use is expected to increase over time.
Mesostructured Zn/ZSM‐5 Zeolite as Catalyst for Furan Deoxygenation,
Authors: Biriaei Rouholamin , Madadi Sara , Kaliaguine Serge 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe furan conversion into aromatics over zinc promoted ZSM‐5 zeolites was studied in a continuous‐flow fixed‐bed reactor. Two series of microporous and mesoporous catalysts were prepared at different zinc loadings of 2 and 5 wt.%. It was intended to optimize the overall aromatics production and control coke accumulation over novel synthesized mesoporous ZSM‐5 catalyst, in a continuous flow reactor. The catalysts were characterized using X‐ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen adsorption/desorption, ammonia temperature programmed desorption (TPD) and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The zinc loaded mesoporous materials exhibit an XRD pattern that matches with the ZSM‐5 XRD reference pattern. No extra peaks were observed in the XRD results indicating the high dispersion of zinc species. The initial furan conversion rate was higher over the microporous catalysts, and increased upon increasing metal loading, however contrary to the mesoporous samples, the microporous ones deactivated rapidly over 2 hours of time on‐stream. The results indicated that around 40 % of carbon in the fed furan, was recovered in aromatics when the new mesostructured zeolite catalyst was used, whereas this could be further increased to 50 % by the addition of zinc in the catalyst, benzene being the major product.
Catalytic Hydrogenation of 5‐Hydroxymethylfurfural to Hexanetriol
Authors: Zhang Chi , Li Yueju , Lv Xuechuan , Gao Xiaohan , Duan Ying , Sui Dong , Yang Yanliang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe catalytic conversion of furan derivatives, furfural and 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF), to valuable chemicals is of great importance due to the increase in carbon emissions and decrease in fossil fuels. In this manuscript, 1,2,5‐hexanetriol was transformed to HMF through a two steps procedure. The HMF was first hydrogenated to 1‐hydroxyhexane‐2,5‐dione (HHD). The reaction scale could be enlarged from 1 mmol to 50 mmol of the reactant with a similar yield of HHD, and the purity of HHD was over 95 % after a simple extraction. Then the HHD was hydrogenated to 1,2,5‐hexanetriol on Ru/C at very mild reaction conditions. The parameters of pressure, solvent, the concentration of HHD, reaction time and temperature on the hydrogenation of HHD were investigated to find the optimal reaction conditions. The 1,2,5‐hexanetriol could be obtained from HMF in a one‐pot reaction by removing the Pd/C and adding Ru/C after the HMF hydrogenation step. The fresh and used Pd/C and Ru/C were characterized by XRD, TEM, XPS, and the Ru/C was further characterized by EDS mappings. The characterization showed partial agglomeration of Pd occurred after the Pd/C was used. The Ru/C had a narrow Ru distribution and was stable under the reaction conditions. The Ru/C could be used at least 5 times. This manuscript showed an easy route for the production of valuable chemicals from renewable biomass furan derives.
Synthesis, Antibacterial Activity, and Molecular Docking Study of Bispyrazole‐Based Derivatives as Potential Antibacterial Agents
Authors: Ali Salman Ghazwan , S. Zinad Dhafer , Mahal Ahmed , Rizki Fadhil Pratama Mohammad , Duan Meiato , Alkhouri Anas , Alamiery Ahmed 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDevelopment of novel antibacterial agents is one of most important aims in the field of medicinal chemistry and drug discovery. A new series of bispyrazole derivatives were synthesized with moderate to excellent yields ranging from 68 to 83 %. The structures of the newly synthesized compounds were confirmed using NMR, GC, IR techniques. The prepared derivatives were screened against Gram‐positive bacteria (S. aureus and B. subtilis) and Gram‐negative bacteria (E. coli and P. aeruginosa). All of the new compounds exhibited good to moderate antibacterial activity against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria compared to trimethoprim. The bispyrazole bearing (triflouromethyl)benzene 8 d showed significant antibacterial inhibition against all bacteria tested and was found to be more active than trimethoprim in term of inhibition zone. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) showed that the bispyrazoles bearing (methylsulfonyl)benzene 8 c and 4‐chlorobenzen 8 e showed potent inhibition activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis while The bispyrazole bearing (triflouromethyl)benzene 8 d displayed strong inhibitory activity against S. aureus, B. subtilis, E. coli and P. aeruginosa compared to trimethoprim. Molecular docking was investigated for the active compounds and showed promising lead‐like characters. These compounds could be employed as prospective lead compounds for the synthesis of novel antibacterial agents with highly potency.
Selective Catalytic Oxidation of Cyclopentene to Glutaraldehyde over Amorphous Nb2O5/AC Catalysts
Authors: Zhang Junjie , Mai Junhui , Chen Jiazhi , Wang Xi , Mai Yuliang 
Published: January 2022

AbstractActivated carbon supported Nb2O5catalysts were prepared and applied in the selective catalytic oxidation of cyclopentene to glutaraldehyde with 30 % H2O2as the oxidant. The 12 %Nb2O5/AC catalysts were characterized by the X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy; the results indicated Nb2O5particles are of amorphous character. The effects of reaction conditions on the selective catalytic oxidation of cyclopentene were investigated. The conversion of cyclopentene was 84.3 % and the selectivity to glutaraldehyde was up to 75.3 % under the optimized reaction conditions. The radicals trapping experiments combined with the ATR infrared spectra characterization demonstrated that the reactive oxygen species for the catalytic oxidation of cyclopentene to glutaraldehyde over the Nb2O5/AC catalyst are superoxide radical and Nb(OO) species. The adsorbed organic species on the catalyst surface could lead to deactivation of the catalyst.
Synthesis and Properties of Phthalonitrile Polymer with a Novel Piperazine Structural Curing Agent
Authors: Li Jian , Wu Minjie , Rong Jianxin , Zhang Qian , Yu Xiaoyan , Zhang Qingxin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractA novel autocatalytic phthalonitrile (PN) monomer containing piperazine structure, namely 4‐[1‐(4‐aminophenyl)‐4‐(4‐phenyl)piperazine‐oxy]phthalonitrile (APPN), is synthesized from the nucleophilic substitution reaction of 1‐(4‐Aminophenyl)‐4‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)piperazine and 4‐nitrophthalonitrile. The structure of the APPN monomer is characterized by Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The novel 4‐nitrophthalonitrile end‐capped compound APPN is firstly used to promote the curing reaction of PN monomer 1,3‐bis(3,4‐dicyanophenoxy)benzene (m‐BDB). Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA) and Dynamic Mechanical Analysis (DMA) showed that the PN resin in the presence of 10 % of APPN possessed outstanding thermal and thermo‐oxidative stabilities as well as good mechanical properties, better than the properties of those with 20 % of APPN and 10 % of APPH. Its glass transition temperature (Tg) is higher than 400 °C, and the polymer loses 5 % of its weight (T5%) at 524 °C and shows a storage modulus of 1373 MPa at 400 °C.
Formation of Unconventional Stoichiometric Na–Cl Magic‐Number Nanoclusters and 2D Assembly on Ir(111)
Authors: Tan Xin , Pan Jinliang , Wu Yangfan , Xu Peng , Sun Luye , Hu Kui , Qiu Xia , Li Menglei , Liu Mengxi , Ma Donglin , Qiu Xiaohui 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSodium chlorides in non‐1:1 stoichiometry are counterintuitive but recently their existence has been found under the high pressure condition or in the confined space between graphene sheets. Here the direct observation of the formation of Na3Cl nanoclusters, a stable magic‐number structure, is reported on an Ir(111) surface using scanning tunneling microscopy and noncontact atomic force microscopy. The stability of Na3Cl nanoclusters in the free and adsorbed state is corroborated by density functional theory calculations. It is also found that a density of nanoclusters together with Cl adatoms may further aggregate and self‐assemble into a Na3Cl4 monolayer, forming a novel metastable phase of NaCl(111) with a honeycomb lattice. Further calculations suggest that charge transfer between the polar nanoclusters and the metal substrate stabilizes NaCl of non‐1:1 stoichiometry. The work exhibits the possibility of exploring unconventional ionic crystals on the surface with atomically precise control of structure and composition.
A Self‐Powered Triboelectric Hybrid Coder for Human–Machine Interaction
Authors: Cao Yu , Yang Yuan , Qu Xuecheng , Shi Bojing , Xu Lingling , Xue Jiangtao , Wang Chan , Bai Yuan , Gai Yansong , Luo Dan , Li Zhou 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHuman–machine interfaces have penetrated various academia and industry fields such as smartphones, robotic, virtual reality, and wearable electronics, due to their abundant functional sensors and information interaction methods. Nevertheless, most sensors’ complex structural design, monotonous parameter detection capability, and single information coding communication hinder their rapid development. As the frontier of self‐powered sensors, the triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has multiple working modes and high structural adaptability, which is a potential solution for multi‐parameter sensing and miniaturizing of traditional interactive electronic devices. Herein, a self‐powered hybrid coder (SHC) based on TENG is reported to encode two action parameters of touch and press, which can be used as a smart interface for human–machine interaction. The top‐down hollow structure of the SHC, not only constructs a compositing mode to generate stable touch and press signals but also builds a hybrid coding platform for generating action codes in synergy mode. When a finger touches or presses the SHC, Morse code and Gray code can be transmitted for text information or remote control of electric devices. This self‐powered coder is of reference value for designing an alternative human–machine interface and having the potential to contribute to the next generation of highly integrated portable smart electronics.
Neuregelung der Ermüdungslastmodelle für die Nachrechnung von Straßenbrücken
Authors: Marzahn Gero , Kraus Josef Karl , Geißler Karsten 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMit der Überarbeitung der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie werden Erfahrungen der letzten Jahre sowie neue Erkenntnisse zu einwirkungs‐ und widerstandsseitigen Aspekten der Bewertung von Straßenbrücken normativ umgesetzt. Ein Schwerpunkt ist die realitätsnahe Beurteilung der Ermüdungsbeanspruchung. Im Beitrag werden die diesbezüglichen bisherigen Regelungen der Stufen 1 und 2 sowie deren aktuelle Verbesserungen erläutert. Ein wichtiges Ziel der Überarbeitung war es, die verkehrlichen Einflüsse bereits ab Stufe 1 einer Nachrechnung einheitlich für alle Bauweisen berücksichtigen zu können. Durch die Stufen 3 und 4 der Nachrechnungsrichtlinie werden die messtechnisch gestützte Bewertung sowie die Anwendung weitergehender wissenschaftlicher Methoden erfasst. Die über Systemmessungen bzw. Bauwerksmonitoring gewonnenen Erkenntnisse haben häufig innerhalb der Nachrechnung einen sehr großen Nutzen. Durch ergänzende Hinweise zu diesen beiden Stufen wird das Potenzial geschaffen, rechnerische Reserven der Bauwerke noch besser auszunutzen – ein Beitrag zum nachhaltigen Umgang mit unseren Ressourcen.
Who is the digital forensic expert and what is their expertise?
Authors: Horsman Graeme , Shavers Brett 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGiven the importance of digital evidence to many inquiries, the services of practitioners in the digital forensic field are often sought. In some cases, a “digital forensic expert witness” may be required to conduct specific investigatory work and provide opinion evidence. Here we explore the concept of a digital forensic expert witness while also considering whether this term may now be potentially misleading to those outside of this domain. A discussion of the challenges that exist when trying to establish and assess the validity of expertise in this field is offered. Suggestions for ways to both evidence and correctly identify relevant expertise are made, taking into account the viewpoints of both the potential expert and client.This article is categorized under:
Digital and Multimedia Science > Multimedia Forensics
An effective description of momentum diffusion in a charged plasma from holography
Authors: He Temple , Loganayagam R. , Rangamani Mukund , Virrueta Julio 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
We discuss the physics of momentum diffusion in a charged plasma. Following the holographic strategy outlined in [1] we construct an open effective field theory for the low-lying modes of the conserved currents. The charged plasma is modeled holographically in terms of a Reissner-Nordström-AdSd+1 black hole. We analyze graviton and photon fluctuations about this background, decoupling in the process the long-lived momentum diffusion mode from the short-lived charged transport mode. Furthermore, as in the aforementioned reference, we argue that the dynamics of these modes are captured by a set of designer scalars in the background geometry. These scalars have their gravitational coupling modulated by an auxiliary dilaton with long-lived modes being weakly coupled near the spacetime asymptopia. Aided by these observations, we obtain the quadratic effective action that governs the fluctuating hydrodynamics of the charge current and stress tensor, reproducing in the process transport data computed previously. We also point out an interesting length scale lying between the inner and outer horizon radii of the charged black hole associated with Ohmic conductivity.
Making and Collecting Instruments in Fair Verona: The Case of the Italian Amateur Scientist Gaetano Spandri (1796–1859)
Authors: Mantovani Roberto 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGaetano Spandri (1796–1859) was a “diligent scholar of the physical sciences,” a private collector and maker of scientific instruments who worked in Verona in the first half of the nineteenth century. Born in Verona, the city famous as the setting of Shakespeare’s iconic masterpiece Romeo and Juliet Spandri was primarily a physicist and astronomer, but he was also interested in meteorology and natural sciences. The main sources of information about his scientific work are handwritten papers, parts of his private correspondence, and scientific reports kept at the Verona Academy of Agriculture. For most of his life, he collaborated with the physicist Giuseppe Zamboni and was in contact with important physicists and astronomers of his time. His private apartment was equipped with a rich library, an astronomical and meteorological observatory, and a large room where he gathered a rich and important collection of scientific instruments.
Spire1 and Myosin Vc promote Ca2+-evoked externalization of von Willebrand factor in endothelial cells
Authors: Holthenrich Anna , Terglane Julian , Naß Johannes , Mietkowska Magdalena , Kerkhoff Eugen , Gerke Volker 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWeibel–Palade bodies (WPB) are endothelial cell-specific storage granules that regulate vascular hemostasis by releasing the platelet adhesion receptor von Willebrand factor (VWF) following stimulation. Fusion of WPB with the plasma membrane is accompanied by the formation of actin rings or coats that support the expulsion of large multimeric VWF fibers. However, factor(s) organizing these actin ring structures have remained elusive. We now identify the actin-binding proteins Spire1 and Myosin Vc (MyoVc) as cytosolic factors that associate with WPB and are involved in actin ring formation at WPB-plasma membrane fusion sites. We show that both, Spire1 and MyoVc localize only to mature WPB and that upon Ca2+ evoked exocytosis of WPB, Spire1 and MyoVc together with F-actin concentrate in ring-like structures at the fusion sites. Depletion of Spire1 or MyoVc reduces the number of these actin rings and decreases the amount of VWF externalized to the cell surface after histamine stimulation.
A comprehensive method to elucidate pyoverdines produced by fluorescent Pseudomonas spp. by UHPLC-HR-MS/MS
Authors: Rehm Karoline , Vollenweider Vera , Kümmerli Rolf , Bigler Laurent 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMicrobial secondary metabolites represent a rich source for drug discovery, plant protective agents, and biotechnologically relevant compounds. Among them are siderophores, iron-chelating molecules, that show a great influence on bacterial community assembly and the potential to control pathogen invasions. One of such a siderophore is pyoverdine that is produced by fluorescent Pseudomonas members and consists of different peptide chains specific to each bacterial species. The identification and structural elucidation of such suites of siderophores remain widely underexplored as general high-throughput analytical protocols are missing. Therefore, a dedicated method was established allowing a rapid localization and structural elucidation of pyoverdines. Liquid bacterial culture samples were purified by an easy small-scale solid-phase extraction (SPE). Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HR-MS/MS) separated highly polar pyoverdines and their derivatives. All ion fragmentation (AIF) generated mass spectra containing the characteristic fragments of the biological precursor of pyoverdine, ferribactin. This led to the revelation of the mass of secreted pyoverdines. Targeted MS/MS experiments at multiple collision energies accomplished the full structure elucidation of the pyoverdine peptide chain. A mass calculator and a fragmentation predictor facilitated greatly the interpretation of MS/MS spectra by providing accurate masses for a straightforward comparison of measured and theoretical values. The method was successfully validated using four well-known pyoverdines with various peptide chains. Finally, the applicability was proven by the analysis of 13 unknown pyoverdines secreted by sampled bacterial cultures. Among these, 4 novel pyoverdine peptide chains were discovered and are herein reported for the first time.
Graphical abstract
Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition as Underlying Mechanism for the Formation of Double-Chambered Right Ventricle
Authors: Weixler Viktoria , Kramer Peter , Lindner Judith , Murin Peter , Cho Mi-Young , del Nido Pedro , Photiadis Joachim , Friehs Ingeborg 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDouble-chambered right ventricle (DCRV) is a progressive division of the right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) often associated with a subaortic ventricular defect (VSD). The septation is caused by a mixture of hypertrophied muscle bundles and fibrous tissue, whereof the latter is of unclear pathogenesis. Our group has previously reported that flow disturbances lead to formation of fibroelastic tissue through a process called endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EndMT) but it is unclear whether the same mechanism exists in the RV. Tissue from patients undergoing repair of DCRV was examined to identify the histomorphological substrate of this tissue. Demographic and pre-/post-operative echocardiographic data were collected from nine patients undergoing surgery for DCRV. RVOTO tissue samples were histologically analyzed for myocardial hypertrophy, fibrosis, elastin content, and active EndMT (immunohistochemical double-staining for endothelial and mesenchymal markers and transcription factors Slug/Snail) and compared to four healthy controls. Indication for surgery were symptoms and progressive RVOT gradients. A highly turbulent flow jet through the RVOTO and VSD was observed in all patients with a preoperative median RVOT peak gradient of 77 mmHg (IQR 55.0–91.5), improved to 6 mmHg (IQR 4.5–17) postoperatively. Histological analysis revealed muscle and thick infiltratively growing fibroelastic tissue. EndMT was confirmed as underlying patho-mechanism of this fibroelastic tissue but the degree of myocardial hypertrophy was not different compared to controls (P = 0.08). This study shows for the first time that an invasive fibroelastic remodeling processes of the endocardium into the underlying myocardium through activation of EndMT contributes to the septation of the RVOT.