bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellulose blends from gel extrusion and compounding with polylactic acid
Authors: Müller Kerstin , Fürtauer Siegfried , Schmid Markus , Zollfrank Cordt 
Published: July 2022

AbstractCellulose, dissolved in ionic liquids (IL), can be used successfully in the processing of thermoplastics. To recover the ionic liquid while maintaining the thermoplastic properties, other spacers than IL might be introduced into the cellulose network. Such blend materials have been prepared before by solution blending as reported in the literature. In this study, the preparation and investigation of cellulose and polylactic acid (PLA) blends using an extrusion process with an ionic liquid and co‐solvent for intermediate compatibilization is reported. The obtained transparent films show a homogeneous morphology without phase separation. Thermal analysis showed no separated glass transition for PLA, and FTIR showed hydrogen bonding between cellulose and PLA chains. Thermal stability of the blends with a degradation onset around 270°C lies between regenerated cellulose and pure PLA. The blend tensile strength and elongation of ~40 MPa and 1.3%, respectively, were comparable to a multiphase composite containing twice the molecular weight of PLA. Generally, mechanical performance of the blends was strongly influenced by degradation reactions mainly caused by the ionic liquid used, as well as blend morphology. The study shows that transfer from solution to extrusion processing is generally possible to obtain novel cellulose blends.
A dense structure constructed by flake and spherical aluminum: Simultaneously enhanced anti‐wear and anti‐corrosion properties of epoxy/polytetrafluoroethylene composite coatings
Authors: Li Guihua , Xu Haiyan , Ma Yanjun , Wu Yanping , Chen Lei , An Yulong , Zhou Huidi , Chen Jianmin 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe construction of a dense structure of the coatings is the basic guarantee to ensure the good performances of the coatings, and it is also one of the problems faced by the most coatings at present. The present work attempts to build a dense coating structure by introducing flake and spherical aluminum powders into the epoxy/polytetrafluoroethylene composite coatings so as to improve the anti‐wear and anti‐corrosion properties of the coatings. As a result, the coating filled with both flake and spherical aluminum exhibited denser microstructure, which was attributed to the synergistic effect of flake and spherical aluminum particles. Among them, the flake aluminum blocked the straight‐through holes in the coating, while the spherical aluminum further filled the micropores between the flake aluminum and the gaps between the flake aluminum and the matrix. In response, the micro‐hardness of the coating was increased by 58.6% and the wear rate was reduced by 80% compared to that of coating without aluminum powders. The excellent wear resistance was attributed to the synergetic effect of the enhanced micro‐hardness of the coating and the formed high load‐bearing tribofilm on the dual ball. Moreover, the coating still maintained the maximum Rc of 3.63 × 109 Ω cm2 after 360 h of immersion owing to the improved barrier properties of the coating.
Mechanical, rheological, and carbon dioxide barrier properties of polyvinylidene fluoride/TiO2composites for flexible riser applications
Authors: Wen Jihong , Cui Yi , Huang Dong , Li Yan , Yu Xichong , Zhang Xinpeng , Meng Xiaoyu , Zhou Qiong 
Published: July 2022

AbstractNanoparticles can act as a barrier to gas penetration in the polymer matrix. However, the agglomeration of nanoparticles has a negative effect on the comprehensive properties of nanocomposites. We envisioned surface modification of 25 nm TiO2nanoparticles with KH550 to enable better dispersion in the polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) matrix and prepared PVDF/TiO2composites by the melt blending method. The effects of adding modified nanoparticles into the matrix on the thermodynamic, mechanical, rheological, and gas barrier properties were studied. We find that the dispersion of TiO2in the matrix significantly improved after modification, as observed in the SEM images. As a result, the mechanical properties of composites decreased with an increase in the content of nanoparticles, and PVDF/N‐TiO2composites showed better mechanical and CO2barrier properties. The permeability coefficient of PVDF/0.5% N‐TiO2has the lowest permeability coefficient, which is 18.30% lower than primary PVDF. At a high shear rate, the viscosity of PVDF/N‐TiO2with 0.5% and 1.0% content decreased, and the viscosity of 1.5% ratio was higher than that of primary PVDF. PVDF/0.5% N‐TiO2has the best comprehensive performance and also possesses the advantages of simple preparation, low cost, and ease of industrial production.
Facile fabrication of high performance zwitterionic P(NVP‐co‐SPE)/polyvinyl alcohol hydrogel polyelectrolyte for capacitor
Authors: Wang Jin , Bian Jingjing , Pu Bin , Wang Yuanlu , Deng Mengde 
Published: July 2022

AbstractPolyelectrolyte hydrogel used for supercapacitors have the roles of both electrolyte and separator, the morphology and the strength of gel polyelectrolyte (GPE) are the keys for ionic transport properties therein. Here, the P(NVP‐co‐SPE)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) IPN hydrogel was prepared by photopolymerization and thermal polymerization, respectively. The influences of preparation method on morphology, mechanical strength and electrochemical performances were studied. Photopolymerized IPN GPE (UV‐GPE) exhibits a special regular microphase separation structure, and therefore has outstanding strength‐toughness and better electrochemical performance. The tensile strength and the toughness increased intensively from the 6.2 MPa and 3.4 MJ m−3 of thermal polymerized IPN GPE (TH‐GPE) to 28.5 MPa and 24.9 MJ m−3, respectively. The maximum swelling ratio of UV‐GPE is increased from 327% of TH‐GPE to 630%. The ionic conductivity of UV‐GPE increased from 4.29 × 10−2 S/cm of TH‐GPE to 5.82 × 10−2 S/cm. UV‐GPE has higher response current and specific capacitance. It also has the obviously better charge–discharge symmetry and cycling stability, and the capacity retention rate is still 92.3% after 1000 cycles. Thus, it brings out the fast, eco‐economic photopolymerization method is an effective way to prepare high‐performance polyelectrolyte hydrogel.
Fabrication of hierarchical porous fluoro‐PolyHIPE materials with ultra‐high specific surface area via hypercrosslinking knitting technique
Authors: Lin Junzhi , Xia Xianger , Liu Yifei , Luan Zhenchao , Chen Yezhen , Ma Kunkai , Geng Bing , Li Hui 
Published: July 2022

AbstractFluoro‐PolyHIPEs with porous structure exhibit an excellent weather resistance for adsorption, separation or catalyst support applications in extreme environments, however, the specific surface area still needs to be improved. In this study, a porous fluorinated material is prepared by using high internal phase emulsion template method, and the porous structure of fluoro‐PolyHIPE (F‐PolyHIPE) is subsequently excavated and modified by the hypercrosslinking “knitting” method. The “knitting” of micropores in the pore walls of the fluoropolymer is achieved through the Friedel‐Crafts alkylation reaction by using dimethoxymethane (FDA) as the external crosslinker. It transforms the macroporous fluoropolymer prepared based on HIPE emulsion template method into hierarchical porous fluoro‐PolyHIPE (HCPF‐PolyHIPE) with a high specific surface area. The specific surface area of the porous fluorinated material demonstrates an increment from 15.6 m2 g−1 to 353.2 m2 g−1 after hypercrosslinking. Owing to the introduction of the micropores and mesopores as well as the enrichment of the fluorine atoms in the polymer network, HCPF‐PolyHIPE can be successfully applied for CO2 adsorption, thus, representing a major achievement of the study. Moreover, HCPF‐PolyHIPE exhibits excellent thermal stability as well as acid and alkali resistance, thus, confirming potential application prospects in the fields of oil‐water separation and gas adsorption.
Improving the electrical properties of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] by doping with camphor sulfonic acid for energy storage applications
Authors: Uludağ Cem , Karabul Yaşar , Kılıç Mehmet , Koç Kenan , Alveroglu Esra , Özdemir Zeynep Güven 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThis study examines a wide range of spectroscopic, structural and electrical properties of poly[2‐methoxy‐5‐(2‐ethylhexyloxy)‐1,4‐phenylenevinylene] (MEH‐PPV)/camphor sulfonic acid (CSA) composites. Incorporation of CSA into the polymer matrix is confirmed by FTIR, UV, PL, scanning electron microscope, and atomic force microscopy results, also DC conductivity analysis shows that it affects the electric nature of the polymer differently from linear change. On the other hand, when the frequency‐dependent electrical properties are evaluated, it is seen that MEH‐PPV composite with the highest CSA contribution stands out for energy storage applications compared to pure MEH‐PPV with increased and reduced values. Moreover, the electrical modulus analysis showes that the increased CSA contribution contributed to the long‐range mobility of the charge carriers. Furthermore, Cole‐Cole curves are drawn in the complex electric modulus plane both confirm a non‐Debye type relaxation and support the existence of Maxwell–Wagner type polarization in the samples.
Production of zinc protoporphyrin IX by metabolically engineered Escherichia coli
Authors: Choi Kyeong Rok , Yu Hye Eun , Lee Sang Yup 
Published: July 2022

AbstractZinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPPIX) has been considered as a promising red colorant for food industries as well as an anticancer drug. However, bio‐based production of ZnPPIX from a renewable carbon source has not been reported yet. In this study, a fermentation process of the metabolically engineered Escherichia coli HAEM7 strain was optimized for the high‐level production of ZnPPIX. To repurpose the HAEM7 strain that was originally developed for the production of heme into a producer of ZnPPIX, the concentrations of iron and zinc in the culture medium were rebalanced. Next, the concentration of zinc in the feeding solution was optimized to improve ZnPPIX production. Moreover, the pH control strategy, induction point, and the strategy of increasing the cell density, which were optimized in the accompanying paper for the high‐level production of heme, were applied together. In the optimized fermentation process, the HAEM7 strain produced 2.2 g/L ZnPPIX with a productivity of 39.9 mg/L/h. The fermentation process and strategies reported here will expedite establishing industry‐level production of ZnPPIX.
An experimental protocol for teaching CRISPR/Cas9 in a post‐graduate plant laboratory course: An analysis of mutant‐edited plants without sequencing
Authors: Mayta Martín L. , Dotto Marcela , Orellano Elena G. , Krapp Adriana R. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe CRISPR/Cas9 system is widely used for editing genes in various organisms and is a very useful tool due to its versatility, simplicity, and efficiency. To teach its principles to post‐graduate students we designed a laboratory activity to obtain and analyze PDS3 mutants in Arabidopsis thaliana plants consisting of: 1) Design of guide RNAs using bioinformatics tools; 2) plant transformation (which is optional depending on the length of the course); 3) observation and evaluation of the mutant's phenotypes in the Phytoene desaturase (PDS3) gene, which exhibit an albino phenotype and different degrees of mosaicism in the editing events we evaluated; 4) PCR amplification of a fragment that includes the mutated region followed by analysis of single‐stranded DNA conformation polymorphisms (SSCP) using native polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and silver nitrate staining to detect changes in the amplicon sequence due to gene editing. Through SSCP, the students were able to distinguish between homozygous and heterozygous edited plants. A highlight feature of this protocol is the visualization and detection of the mutation/edition without sequencing the edited fragment.
A comprehensive study of the abdominal ganglia part 3: An overview of the most commonly observed ganglion patterns
Authors: du Plessis Maira , Loukas Marios 
Published: July 2022

AbstractChronic pain from untreatable abdominal cancers or pancreatitis can severely decrease an individual's quality of life due to accompanying neuropathic pain, the most difficult pain mechanism to treat. Current treatment modalities focus on peripheral block or neurolysis procedures of the sympathetic ganglia in an attempt to curb the pain and improve quality of life. Reports indicated that these treatments are ineffective with patients either experiencing no relief or return the pain in a few weeks. The aim of this study was to investigate the location, macro‐ and microscopic morphology, and interconnections of the abdominal ganglia. The abdominal sympathetic ganglia of nine adult cadavers were investigated. The locations, morphology, interconnections, and microscopic structure were studied in 108 potential abdominal ganglia. Particular emphasis was placed on direct interconnectivity between the ganglia and histological morphology. A total of 100 ganglia were confirmed histologically to contain ganglion cells. The number and locations of most of the ganglia identified in our study does not correspond to that described by previous reports. Numerous interconnections between the different ganglia, as well as direct communications with the lumbar sympathetic chain ganglia were observed. The interconnections and presence of ganglion cells the nerves connecting the ganglia lead to the belief that the system should be considered as a unit and that pain fibers may be transmitted via alternative previously undiscovered pathways. If the pain treatments are to be reassessed with this information in mind, we believe that greater success could be achieved.
MARCKSL1 interacted with F‐actin to promote esophageal squamous cell carcinoma mobility by modulating the formation of invadopodia
Authors: Zhao Yue , Xie Xiufeng , Tian Lusong , Liu Fang , Sun Yulin , Lu Haizhen , Zhao Xiaohang , Mao Yousheng 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundEmerging evidence indicates that myristoylated alanine‐rich C kinase substrate like 1 (MARCKSL1) is involved in the progression of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). However, the underpinning mechanism is unclear. Here, we investigated the mechanisms involving MARCKSL1 in ESCC progression.MethodsCCK8, Transwell and wound‐healing assays were employed to test the effect of MARCKSL1 on proliferation, invasion and migration in vitro. Next, transcriptome profiling was conducted through RNA sequencing to reveal the underlying mechanism of MARCKSL1 in ESCC progression, which was subsequently verified by western blot and qPCR analysis. Moreover, immunofluorescence and gelatin degradation assays were performed to reveal the ability of MARCKSL1 to mediate invadopodia formation and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation. Finally, the correlation between MARCKSL1 and the clinicopathological features of ESCC patients was assessed based on TCGA database analysis and immunohistochemistry staining of tissue microarrays.ResultsKnockdown of MARCKSL1 markedly attenuated the cell motility capacity of ESCC cells in vitro, while MARCKSL1 overexpression had the opposite effect. Transcriptomic analysis showed that MARCKSL1 mediated the mobility and migration of ESCC cells. In addition, overexpression of MARCKSL1 increased the colocalization of F‐actin and cortactin at the frontier edge of migrating cells and ECM degradation. Furthermore, in ESCC patients, the mRNA level of MARCKSL1 in esophageal carcinomas (n = 182) was found to be notably higher than that in adjacent esophageal epithelia (n = 286) and the expression levels of MARCKSL1 in the tumor tissues (n = 811) were significantly increased compared to those in noncancerous esophageal tissues (n = 442) with a large sample size. Higher expression of MARCKSL1 was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis and associated with worse survival rates of patients with ESCC.ConclusionMARCKSL1 promotes cell migration and invasion by interacting with F‐actin and cortactin to regulate invadopodia formation and ECM degeneration. High MARCKSL1 expression is positively correlated with poor prognosis in ESCC patients with lymph node metastasis.
Prophylactic cranial irradiation for limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer in the magnetic resonance imaging era
Authors: Pan Lihua , Fan Xingwen , Wang Lifang , Wang Yihua , Li Yaqi , Cui Yingshan , Zheng Hong , Yi Qiong , Wu Kailiang 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated the role of prophylactic cranial irradiation (PCI) in limited‐stage small‐cell lung cancer (LS‐SCLC) according to tumor response in the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) era.MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated patients with LS‐SCLC without brain metastases (BMs) on MRI who achieved either complete response (CR) or partial response (PR) after initial chemoradiotherapy at our center from 2006 to 2017.ResultsThis study comprised 116 patients (median age, 58 years; men, 92; women, 24). After initial chemoradiotherapy, 53 patients achieved CR, while 63 patients achieved PR. Eighty‐three patients received PCI. Patients who received PCI had better overall survival (OS, 5‐year: 52.5% vs. 35.1%; p = 0.012) and progression‐free survival (PFS, 5‐year: 45.0% vs. 28.2%; p = 0.001) and a lower incidence of BMs (5‐year: 18.3% vs. 39.4%; p = 0.010). In the subgroup analysis, PCI improved OS (5‐year: 67.8% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.005) and PFS (5‐year: 65.2% vs. 35.0%, p = 0.021) and decreased BM risk (5‐year: 12.1% vs. 52.4%, p = 0.002) for patients with CR. However, PCI had no benefit (5‐year OS: 40.5% vs. 35.6%, p = 0.763; 5‐year BMs: 24.6% vs. 31.9%, p = 0.561) for patients with PR.ConclusionsTumor response remained an important factor for selecting patients for PCI in the MRI era. PCI should be recommended for patients with LS‐SCLC who achieve CR after initial thoracic chemoradiotherapy.
Current, Concentration and Overpotential Distributions on Columnar Structured Electrodes in a 2D PEMFC Model
Authors: Zinola Carlos F. 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe optimization of a fuel cell performance involves the prediction of its operation conditions and electrochemical properties for short and long‐time periods. One of the topics not studied in detail is the influence in the change of surface roughness and morphology of metallic catalytic layers on the fuel cell working conditions. For platinum anodic catalysts a columnar growth was demonstrated after 1 month of hydrogen/oxygen continuous operation at 1 A cm−2. In this sense the mass balance equations was solved to obtain current and overpotential profiles for these columnar electrodes adapting a curvilinear parametric model of periodic columns (trochoid curvilinear contours). Since they acted as a dynamic system, numerical solutions were not useful as they permanently needed parametric profile optimizations. The use of exact analytical functions instead, reduced large computational times and assured this information only knowing the structure morphology. The analytical solutions were compared with those of a smooth surface (early uses of the fuel cell) and with experimental values obtained using a 200 cm2 home‐made hydrogen/oxygen polymeric membrane cell.
Channel‐Rich Pt0.23Mn0.42Ni0.35 Ternary Alloy Nanocatalysts for Efficient Hydrogen Evolution
Authors: Zeng Biao , Sheng Hongbin , Cao Lixin , Dong Bohua 
Published: July 2022

AbstractThe development of highly active and durable electrocatalysts with low Pt content for key reactions (hydrogen evolution reactions) in acidic electrolyte environments is desirable but remains an open challenge for clean and efficient energy conversion. Here, homogeneous, and unique Pt0.23Mn0.42Ni0.35 flower‐like nanostructure were firstly synthesized by a simple low‐temperature oil‐phase strategy. These Pt0.23Mn0.42Ni0.35 catalysts exhibit a significantly increased electrochemically active surface area and excellent electrical conductivity due to their alloy nature, uniform, and unique channel‐rich morphological characteristics. The new‐type catalyst shows an ultra‐small overpotential of 23 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm−2, high mass activity (7.61 A mg−1 Pt at −0.07 V) and excellent stability in acidic media.
Initial Stages of Sodium Deposition onto Au(111) from [MPPip][TFSI]: An In‐Situ STM Study for Sodium‐Ion Battery Electrolytes
Authors: Heubach Maren‐Kathrin , Schuett Fabian M. , Kibler Ludwig A. , Abdelrahman Areeg , Jacob Timo 
Published: July 2022

AbstractSodium‐ion batteries are promising candidates for post‐lithium‐ion batteries. While sodium has a less negative standard electrode potential compared to lithium, it is still a strong reducing agent. Ionic liquids are suitable solvents for sodium metal batteries, since metallic sodium is very reactive, particularly with water and molecules containing acidic hydrogen atoms. In this study, the initial stages of electrodeposition of sodium on Au(111) from N‐methyl‐N‐propylpiperidinium [MPPip] bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl)imide [TFSI] were studied using voltammetry and in‐situ scanning tunnelling microscopy. Four subsequent underpotential deposition stages were observed: (i) nucleation at the Au(111) reconstruction elbows, followed by (ii) growth of small monoatomically high islands that form (iii) a smooth layer via coalescence, and (iv) further island growth on top of the existing layers. The electrocrystallisation mode changed from smooth layer formation to 3D growth, resulting in cauliflower‐like structures. The deposition process was accompanied by simultaneous alloy formation.
Evaluation of sweating responses in patients with systemic connective tissue disorders using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test
Authors: Ashida Miwa , Morimoto Shimpei , Yozaki Mariko , Ehara Daisuke , Koike Yuta , Murota Hiroyuki 
Published: July 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn systemic connective tissue disorders, eccrine sweat glands are frequently attacked by immune cells, as evidenced by pathological observations.AimsSweating affects vascular activity through the autonomic nervous system, while few studies have reported sweating ability in systemic connective tissue disorders or the relationship between sweating ability and Raynaud's phenomenon caused by sympathetic hyperreactivity.Materials & methodsWe performed the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test on 85 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, mixed connective tissue disease, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjogren's syndrome, and dermatomyositis. Evaluations were performed once in summer and once in winter. We investigated the relationship between the axon reflex sweat volume or the reaction time and Raynaud's phenomenon assessed by a Raynaud's condition score, skin symptoms such as nailfold capillary changes, skin sclerosis severity, digital ulcers, chilblains, subcutaneous calcifications, and telangiectasia, and patient background.ResultsMost patients did not show a decrease in sweating compared to healthy participants, but patients with systemic sclerosis who were positive for anti‐RNA polymerase III antibodies showed little or no sweating. One in three patients showed less sweating in summer than in winter, which is the opposite of the normal seasonal variation. Although no relationship was observed between the sweat volume and the total Raynaud's condition scores, patients with pain had more sweating than those without pain.ConclusionThis is the first exploratory observational study of sweating ability in patients with systemic connective tissue disorders, revealing several clinical factors associated with acetylcholine‐induced sweating.