bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of dielectric constant and mechanical properties of thermoplastic polyurethanes using surface modified strontium titanate
Authors: Wondu Eyob , Lule Zelalem Chernet , Kim Jooheon 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRecently, the focus of research in electronic industry has shifted toward obtaining high‐charge‐storing materials. Inspired by the trends in recent technological advancements, we proposed to fabricate a promising composite with a high‐dielectric constant, high‐thermal stability, good mechanical property, and excellent resistance to stiffness. We used thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) as the matrix and strontium titanate (SrTiO3) particles as a filler to obtain the required properties. To address the incompatibility between the TPU matrix and SrTiO3 particles, the surface of SrTiO3 particles was functionalized with isophorone diisocyanate (IPDI). The functionalization of SrTiO3 particles with IPDI molecules was confirmed through various investigations: Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy analysis were performed. Low‐speed melt extrusion methods were used to fabricate the composite materials. The composite materials possessed higher thermal stability, high‐dielectric constant (three times that of neat TPU at 1 MHz), and mechanical properties with high stiffness.
Impact of variation in practice in the prenatal reporting of variants of uncertain significance by commercial laboratories: Need for greater adherence to published guidelines
Authors: Cornthwaite Melissa , Turner Kelly , Armstrong Linlea , Boerkoel Cornelius F. , Chang Caitlin , Lehman Anna , Nikkel Sarah M. , Patel Millan S. , Van Allen Margot , Langlois Sylvie 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of implementing commercial whole exome sequencing (WES) and targeted gene panel testing in pregnancies with fetal anomalies.MethodsA retrospective chart review of 124 patients with sequencing performed by commercial laboratories.ResultsThe diagnostic yield of WES and panel testing was 21.5% and 26%, respectively, based on likely pathogenic (LP) or pathogenic (P) variants. Forty‐two percent of exomes and 32% of panels analysed had one or more variants of uncertain significance (VUS) reported. A multidisciplinary in‐depth review of the fetal phenotype, disease phenotype, variant data, and, in some patients, additional prenatal or postnatal investigations increased the diagnostic yield by 5% for exome analysis and 6% for panel analysis.ConclusionsThe diagnostic yield of WES and panel testing combined was 23% based on LP and P variants. Although the reporting of VUS contributed to a 5% increase in diagnostic yield for WES and 6% for panels, the large number of VUS reported by commercial laboratories has significant resource implications. Our results support the need for greater adherence to the recommendations on the prenatal reporting of VUS and the importance of a multidisciplinary approach that brings together clinical and laboratory expertise in prenatal genetics and genomics.
Prenatal diagnosis with chromosome microarray and pregnancy outcomes of fetuses with biliary tract system abnormalities
Authors: Qian Yanping , Xiao Like , Zhang Lijuan , Hu Ting , Wang Jiamin , Hu Rui , Liao Na , Liu Zhushu , Wang He , Liu Shanling , Zhang Zhu 
Published: September 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo investigate the prenatal diagnostic value of chromosome microarray analysis (CMA) in fetuses presenting with ultrasound‐based biliary tract system (BTS) anomalies.MethodsAmniocentesis was performed and CMA was applied in 271 pregnant women carrying fetuses with BTS abnormalities between April 2015 and December 2020. Pregnancy outcomes and fetal prognosis were followed from 1 to 6 years.ResultsSixteen cases (5.9%, 16/271) of chromosomal anomalies were detected. The detection rate of chromosomal abnormalities was significantly higher for fetuses with nonisolated BTS anomalies than for those with isolated BTS anomalies (9.0% vs. 0%, p = 0.0017). Follow‐up results were obtained from 267 fetuses, including 25 cases of termination of pregnancy (9.4%), 237 live births (88.8%), and 5 (1.9%) neonatal demises. The incidence of congenital biliary atresia in the small gallbladder and nonvisualized gallbladder groups was 3.0% (1/33) and 9.5% (7/74), respectively; however, none was detected on postnatal ultrasound reexamination in the gallbladder enlargement or the other BTS groups.ConclusionsAn isolated BTS abnormality is not an indication for invasive prenatal chromosomal analysis. When combined with other ultrasonographic abnormalities, prenatal CMA should be provided. When a small or nonvisualized gallbladder is found prenatally, ultrasonography is limited in the differential diagnosis of congenital biliary atresia.
Morphology, structure and properties of nonwoven materials obtained by melt electrospinning of polypropylene–polystyrene blends
Authors: Malakhov Sergey N. , Chvalun Sergei N. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractMelt electrospinning is a convenient method for producing nonwoven materials from polymers with limited solubility, such as polyolefins and its blends. In this work, we investigated the process of electrospinning from melt of blends of thermodynamically immiscible polymers: polypropylene and polystyrene. Nonwoven materials with an average fiber diameter of 1.5–4 μm have been obtained. Typically, morphology of blended nonwoven material can be further modified by selective removal of one of the components. However, it was found that after removal of polystyrene from the produced materials, the fibers do not undergo significant changes in the surface morphology. At the same time, fiber fragments having a length of 5–100 μm appear and their number grows as the content of polystyrene in the initial material increases. According to X‐ray data, the supramolecular structure of polypropylene changes in the electrospinning process: a transition from a stable α‐form to a low‐ordered mesophase occurs. On the other hand, a reverse transition to crystallites of the α‐form of polypropylene was observed after polystyrene was removed with hot chloroform. All materials exhibit superhydrophobic properties and their wetting occurs according to the Wenzel model. Sorption capacity of the resulting materials is up to 90 g/g for motor oil.
Comparison of 24‐hour urinary creatinine clearance and estimated glomerular filtration rate based on a panel of filtration markers in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Iversen Esben , Boesby Lene , Hansen Ditte , Houlind Morten Baltzer 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDiagnosis and management of chronic kidney disease (CKD) requires accurate assessment of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). In practice, GFR is typically estimated by equations based on creatinine concentration in blood, but creatinine is affected by non‐GFR factors such as age and sex. Alternative filtration markers such as cystatin C, beta‐trace protein (BTP), and beta‐2 microglobulin (B2M) may be less dependent on age and sex, but equations combining these markers have not been investigated in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In this cross‐sectional study of 50 patients with CKD stage 3–4, we compared kidney function estimates based on creatinine, cystatin C, BTP, B2M, or a combination of markers. Compared to the creatinine/cystatin C combination equation, the panel equation yielded a mean difference of only 2.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, indicating that switching to the panel equation would be unlikely to affect management.
Assessment of oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice systems and implications for rice‐weed management in California1
Authors: Galvin Liberty Baker , Becerra‐Alvarez Aaron , Al‐Khatib Kassim 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDWeeds are a significant barrier to rice production in California, exacerbated by lack of chemical control options and herbicide‐resistance in persistent aquaphilic species. Oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice, created at the Rice Experiment Station (RES) in Biggs, California, was developed to provide an agronomic program for managing problematic grass and sedge rice‐weeds including Oryza sativa f. spontanea Roshev. (weedy ‘red’ rice). Hand‐pulling is the most common removal method for O. sativa spontanea because there are no herbicides registered for this pest in California. Oxyfluorfen was used in combination with oxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice in 2019 and 2021 field studies to evaluate rice injury and weed control efficacy on prevalent rice‐weed species. Additional studies were conducted in 2021 on University of California Davis campus to determine pre‐emergent oxyfluorfen efficacy on four California O. sativa spontanea accessions.RESULTSFields studies indicated minimal crop injury in the first 28 days after seeding (DAS), but no observable injury at 60 DAS in both years. Weed control with oxyfluorfen alone was 87% or greater for all weeds rated with the exception of Schoenoplectus mucronatus (L.) Palla (ricefield bulrush), and Leptochloa fascicularis (Lam.) A. Gray (bearded sprangletop) in both years. All O. sativa spontanea exposed to soil‐applied oxyfluorfen successfully emerged through the soil surface, but became completely necrotic 28 days after flooding.CONCLUSIONOxyfluorfen‐tolerant rice system was demonstrated to be a viable management strategy for California rice growers who struggle with grass‐ and sedge‐weed control as well as provide a novel herbicide option for California O. sativa spontanea management. © 2022 University of California, Davis. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
QSPR models to predict quantum chemical properties of imidazole derivatives using genetic algorithm–multiple linear regression and back‐propagation–artificial neural network
Authors: Moshayedi Shiva , Shafiei Fatemeh , Momeni Isfahani Tahereh 
Published: September 2022

AbstractImidazole derivatives are the foundation of different types of drugs with a wide range of biological activities. In this study, the genetic algorithm–multiple linear regression (GA–MLR), and backpropagation–artificial neural network (BP–ANN) were applied to design QSPR models to predict the quantum chemical properties like the entropy (S) and enthalpy of formation (∆Hf) of imidazole derivatives. In order to draw molecular structure of 84 derivative compounds Gauss View 05 program was used. These structures were optimized at DFT‐B3LYP/6‐311G* level with Gaussian09W. The Dragon software was used to calculate a set of different molecular descriptors, and the genetic algorithm procedure and backward stepwise regression were applied for the selection of descriptors. The resulting quantitative GA–MLR model of ∆Hf, showed that there is good linear correlation between the selected descriptors and ∆Hf of compounds. Also the results show that the BP–ANN model appeared to be superior to GA–MLR model for prediction of entropy. Different internal and external validation metrics were adopted to verify the predictive performance of QSPR models. The predictive powers of the models were found to be acceptable. Thus, these QSPR models may be useful for designing new series of imidazole derivatives and prediction of their properties.
Kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation upon acid liberation of CO2 from artificial and natural norsethite (BaMg(CO3)2), a mineral analogue of dolomite
Authors: Böttcher Michael Ernst , Vennemann Torsten W. 
Published: September 2022

RationaleThe analytical method to determine the stable oxygen isotope (18O/16O) composition of carbonates via phosphoric acid digestion leads to temperature‐ and solid‐dependent kinetic isotope fractionation. Values for the double carbonate norsethite (BaMg(CO3)2) have been unknown so far.MethodsThe temperature dependence of kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation during the reaction of synthetic and natural BaMg(CO3)2 with orthophosphoric acid (H3PO4) according to the overall reactionBaMg(CO3)2 + 2H3PO4 = Ba2+ + Mg2+ + 2HPO42– + 2CO2 + 2H2Ohas been examined for the first time using separate carbonate decomposition via fluorination or phosphoric acid digestion, with the resulting gases analyzed by isotope ratio monitoring mass spectrometry.ResultsIn the temperature range between 25 and 70°C the kinetic fractionation factor between acid‐generated CO2 and artificial and natural norsethite is described by (T in K):

with A = 4.15 and B = 6.47 for natural norsethite, and A = 4.77 and B = 5.94 for synthetic norsethite. The fractionation factor measured for a poorly crystallized synthetic carbonate agrees with those for the other samples at 25°C, but is slightly lower at 50 and 70°C. No carbon isotope fractionation was found during the unidirectional acid dissolution.ConclusionsThe kinetic oxygen isotope fractionation during phosphoric acid liberation of CO2 from BaMg(CO3)2 is quantified. Based on published results for endmember carbonates, the results at 25°C for other double carbonates are estimated.
Development of native mass spectrometry with nanoelectrospray ionization coupled to size exclusion chromatography for proteins
Authors: Saikusa Kazumi , Kinumi Tomoya , Kato Megumi 
Published: September 2022

RationaleNative mass spectrometry (MS) is an analytical technique used to determine the molecular mass of protein complexes without cross‐linking. Size exclusion chromatography (SEC) coupled with native MS using conventional electrospray ionization (ESI) has been reported to allow online buffer exchange. To detect a wide variety of protein complexes without a collapse in the ionization process, it is important to build an online system that enables robust analysis with a low flow rate.MethodsWe created an online native MS system equipped with nanoESI connected to the SEC component (online SEC/nanoESI system) and optimized several parameters for SEC separation and ionization. The constructed system was used to measure a solution consisting of a protein mixture of various molecular masses (10–300 kDa) to verify characteristics such as the measurable molecular mass range, reproducibility, and online buffer exchange.ResultsThe optimal flow rates for SEC separation and nanoESI analysis using this system were 200 and 1 μL/min, respectively. This system was able to analyze proteins in the ranges of 10–300 and 20–300 kDa for protein samples in ammonium acetate and nonvolatile buffer, respectively. Furthermore, the results of consecutive measurements showed that the relative standard deviations of the retention times and observed masses for each protein were sufficiently small.ConclusionsWe created an online SEC/nanoESI system and evaluated its utility for the analysis of various proteins in conventional measurement solvent and nonvolatile buffer. As a result, the structural stability and resolution of the proteins were found to be sufficient when using online buffer exchange. Therefore, this online SEC/nanoESI system would be a useful technique for obtaining mass spectra of various proteins automatically with good resolution, simply by loading samples into an autosampler.
Host factors associated with either VP16 or VP16‐induced complex differentially affect HSV‐1 lytic infection
Authors: Ding Xiuyan , Neumann Donna M. , Zhu Liqian 
Published: September 2022

AbstractHerpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1) is an important human pathogen with neurotropism. Following lytic infection in mucosal or skin epithelium, life‐long latency is established mainly in sensory neurons, which can periodically reactivate by stress, leading to recurrent disease and virus transmission. During the virus's productive infection, the tegument protein VP16, a component of HSV‐1 virion, is physically associated with two cellular factors, host cell factor‐1 (HCF‐1), and POU domain protein Oct‐1, to construct the VP16‐induced complex, which is essential to stimulate immediate early (IE)‐gene transcription as well as initiate the lytic programme. Apart from HCF‐1 and Oct‐1, VP16 also associates with a series of other host factors, making a VP16‐induced regulatory switch to either activate or inactivate virus gene transcription. In addition, VP16 has effects on distinct signalling pathways via binding to various host molecules that are essentially related to innate immune responses, RNA polymerases, molecular chaperones, and virus infection‐induced host shutoff. VP16 also functionally compensates for given host factors, such as PPAR‐γ and ß‐catenin. In this review, we provide an overview of the updated insights on the interplay between VP16 and the host factors that coordinate virus infection.
Low flows in a regulated river system are associated with reduced breeding bird abundance and diversity in Yosemite National Park, California
Authors: Desrosiers Michelle A. , Schofield Lynn N. , Jackson Breeanne K. , Stock Sarah S. 
Published: September 2022

AbstractRiver regulation can alter the magnitude, frequency, duration, and timing of flows, which influences the function of downstream ecosystems. Bird communities can be useful indicators of ecosystem function as individual species respond to varied changes in habitat structure and food availability. We examined the relative importance of different aspects of a regulated flow regime (average daily flow, the number of days flows fell below the 25th percentile, the timing and magnitude of maximum flows, and the inter‐annual duration of flows below the historical median) on predicted bird abundance and diversity using 11 years of data collected within a floodplain meadow system located downstream of Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park, California. We found that prolonged periods of low flows were negatively associated with the number of breeding birds detected, as well as the species richness of the breeding bird community. Species richness was also negatively correlated with delays in spring runoff delivery. We opportunistically looked at the same hydrologic variables in a parallel unregulated system, the Merced River through Yosemite Valley, and did not find the same strong relationship with bird community data. This suggests that the dam may be exacerbating the effects of drought.
Groundwater input drives large variance in soil manganese concentration and reactivity in a forested headwater catchment
Authors: Bourgault Rebecca R. , Ross Donald S. , Bailey Scott W. , Perdrial Nicolas , Bower Jennifer 
Published: September 2022

AbstractIn headwater catchments, surface groundwater discharge areas have unique soil biogeochemistry and can be hot spots for solute contribution to streams. Across the northeastern United States, headwater hillslopes with surface groundwater discharge were enriched in soil Mn, including Watershed 3 of Hubbard Brook Experimental Forest, New Hampshire. Soils of this site were investigated along a grid to determine extent of Mn‐rich zone(s) and relationships to explanatory variables using ordinary kriging. The O and B horizons were analyzed for total secondary Mn and Fe, Cr oxidation potential, total organic C, moisture content, wetness ratio, and pH. Two Mn hot spots were found: a poorly drained, flowing spring (Location A); and a moderately well‐drained swale (Location B). Both had ∼6,000–9,000 mg Mn kg–1 soil. However, Location A had high Cr oxidation potential (a measure of Mn reactivity), whereas Location B did not. Location C, a poorly drained seep with slow‐moving water, had lower Mn content and Cr oxidation potential. Manganese‐rich soil particles were analyzed using X‐ray absorption near‐edge structure and micro‐X‐ray diffraction; the dominant oxidation state was Mn(IV), and the dominant Mn oxide species was a layer‐type Mn oxide (L‐MnO2). We propose input of Mn(II) with groundwater, which is oxidized by soil microbes. Studies of catchment structure and response could benefit from identifying hot spots of trace metals, sourced mainly from parent material but which accumulate according to hydropedologic conditions. Small‐scale variation in Mn enrichment due to groundwater and microtopography appears to be more important than regional‐scale variation due to air pollution.
Ligand Effect in 1‐Octanethiol Passivation of InP/ZnSe/ZnS Quantum Dots—Evidence of Incomplete Surface Passivation during Synthesis
Authors: Kim Jiyong , Kim Yohan , Park Kyoungwon , Boeffel Christine , Choi Hyung‐Seok , Taubert Andreas , Wedel Armin 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe lack of anionic carboxylate ligands on the surface of InP/ZnSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs), where zinc carboxylate ligands can be converted to carboxylic acid or carboxylate ligands via proton transfer by 1‐octanethiol, is demonstrated. The as‐synthesized QDs initially have an under‐coordinated vacancy surface, which is passivated by solvent ligands such as ethanol and acetone. Upon exposure of 1‐octanethiol to the QD surface, 1‐octanethiol effectively induces the surface binding of anionic carboxylate ligands (derived from zinc carboxylate ligands) by proton transfer, which consequently exchanges ethanol and acetone ligands that bind on the incomplete QD surface. These systematic chemical analyses, such as thermogravimetric analysis‐mass spectrometry and proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, directly show the interplay of surface ligands, and it associates with QD light‐emitting diodes (QD‐LEDs). It is believed that this better understanding can lead to industrially feasible QD‐LEDs.
Fluorous‐Tagged Peptide Nanoparticles Ameliorate Acute Lung Injury via Lysosomal Stabilization and Inflammation Inhibition in Pulmonary Macrophages
Authors: Wang Kun , Rong Guangyu , Gao Yixuan , Wang Muyun , Sun Jiaxing , Sun He , Liao Ximing , Wang Yuanyuan , Li Qiang , Gao Wei , Cheng Yiyun 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAcute lung injury (ALI)/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a common respiratory critical syndrome that currently has no effective therapeutic interventions. Pulmonary macrophages play a principal role in the initiation and progression of the overwhelming inflammation in ALI/ARDS. Here, a type of fluorous‐tagged bioactive peptide nanoparticle termed CFF13F is developed, which can be efficiently internalized by macrophages and suppress the excessive expression of cytokines and the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) triggered by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The cytoprotective effect of CFF13F may be attributed to the lysosomal‐stabilization property and regulation of the antioxidative system. Moreover, intratracheal pretreatment with CFF13F can effectively reduce local and systematic inflammation, and ameliorate pulmonary damage in an LPS‐induced ALI murine model. The therapeutic efficacy of CFF13F is affected by the administration routes, and the local intratracheal injection is found to be the optimal choice for ALI treatment, with preferred biodistribution profiles. The present study provides solid evidence of the potent immunomodulatory bioactivity of the fluorous‐tagged peptide nanoparticles CFF13F in vitro and in vivo, and sheds light on the development of novel efficient nanodrugs for ALI/ARDS.