bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of the Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15/kaolinite preparation method on the catalyst structural properties and catalytic performance at CO2 hydrogenation at low pressure
Authors: Abelniece Zane , Kampars Valdis , Piirsoo Helle‐Mai , Mändar Hugo , Tamm Aile 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCarbon dioxide catalytic hydrogenation to methanol in the presence of nanocatalysts has been recognized as one of the most effective ways to fix and utilize the emitted CO2. In this study, Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15 catalyst has been synthesized by three different methods: “impregnation‐sol–gel autocombustion” method, impregnation method and direct synthesis method using triblock copolymer Pluronic P123 as a template. Cu/ZnO/SBA‐15 catalysts comprising kaolinite clay have been used in CO2 hydrogenation to methanol for the first time to make the methanol synthesis more cost‐effective. The performance of catalysts upon hydrogenation of CO2 was evaluated in a fixed‐bed tubular micro‐activity reactor at 20 bar with H2 to CO2 molar ratio 3 to 1 and 250°C. Results showed that the highest methanol production, with STY of 36 mg CH3OHh−1gcat−1, could be obtained using the catalyst prepared by “impregnation‐sol–gel autocombustion”. This synthesis method allowed to obtain catalyst with the smallest crystallite size and a good dispersion of the active phase over and into SBA‐15. The CO2 conversion reached 15.9%, which is close to conversion level provided by commercial Cu catalyst.
Norepinephrine activates β1‐adrenergic receptors at the inner nuclear membrane in astrocytes
Authors: Benton Kelsey C. , Wheeler Daniel S. , Kurtoglu Beliz , Ansari Mahshid Bagher Zadeh , Cibich Daniel P. , Gonzalez Dante A. , Herbst Matthew R. , Khursheed Saema , Knorr Rachel C. , Lobner Doug , Maglasang Jenree G. , Rohr Kayla E. , Taylor Analisa , Twining Robert C. , Witt Paul J. , Gasser Paul J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNorepinephrine exerts powerful influences on the metabolic, neuroprotective and immunoregulatory functions of astrocytes. Until recently, all effects of norepinephrine were believed to be mediated by receptors localized exclusively to the plasma membrane. However, recent studies in cardiomyocytes have identified adrenergic receptors localized to intracellular membranes, including Golgi and inner nuclear membranes, and have shown that norepinephrine can access these receptors via transporter‐mediated uptake. We recently identified a high‐capacity norepinephrine transporter, organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3), densely localized to outer nuclear membranes in astrocytes, suggesting that adrenergic signaling may also occur at the inner nuclear membrane in these cells. Here, we used immunofluorescence and western blot to show that β1‐adrenergic receptors are localized to astrocyte inner nuclear membranes; that key adrenergic signaling partners are present in astrocyte nuclei; and that OCT3 and other catecholamine transporters are localized to astrocyte plasma and nuclear membranes. To test the functionality of nuclear membrane β1‐adrenergic receptors, we monitored real‐time protein kinase A (PKA) activity in astrocyte nuclei using a fluorescent biosensor. Treatment of astrocytes with norepinephrine induced rapid increases in PKA activity in the nuclear compartment. Pretreatment of astrocytes with inhibitors of catecholamine uptake blocked rapid norepinephrine‐induced increases in nuclear PKA activity. These studies, the first to document functional adrenergic receptors at the nuclear membrane in any central nervous system cell, reveal a novel mechanism by which norepinephrine may directly influence nuclear processes. This mechanism may contribute to previously described neuroprotective, metabolic and immunoregulatory actions of norepinephrine.
Development of a system of heparin multilayers on titanium surfaces for dual growth factor release
Authors: Behrens Christina , Kauffmann Philipp , von Hahn Nikolaus , Giesecke Ariane , Schirmer Uwe , Liefeith Klaus , Schliephake Henning 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe aim of the present study was to establish a modular platform of poly‐L‐lysine‐heparin (PLL‐Hep) polyelectrolyte multilayer (PEM) coatings on titanium surfaces for dual growth factor delivery of recombinant human bone morphogenic protein 2 (rhBMP2) and recombinant human vascular endothelial growth factor 165 (rhVEGF165) in clinically relevant quantities. Release characteristics for both growth factors differed significantly depending on film architecture. rhBMP2 induced activation of alkaline phosphatase in C2C12 cells and proliferation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). rhVEGF mediated induction of von Willebrand factor (vWF) in hMSCs and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Osteogenic and angiogenic effects were modified by variation in cross‐linking and architecture of the PEMs. By creating multilayer films with distinct zones, release characteristics and proportion of both growth factor delivery could be tuned and surface‐activity modified to enhance angiogenic or osteogenic function in various ways. In summary, the system provides a modular platform for growth factor delivery that allows for individual composition and accentuation of angiogenic and osteogenic surface properties.
Enhanced performance for Rhodamine B degradation over SnO2/BiOBr photocatalyst
Authors: Zhao Hong‐jian , Yu Zhe , Wu Ren‐Jang , Yi Ming , Zhang Guang‐hong , Zhou Yan , Han Zheng‐bing , Li Xu , Ma Fu 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSnO2/BiOBr photocatalyst with broad‐spectrum response was one step constructed via in situ hydrothermal method; SnO2 was anchored on the surface of BiOBr sheets by acidolysis of Na2SnO3 in the stock solution producing BiOBr. The photocatalytic degradation activity over rhodamine B (RhB) under visible light‐emitting diode irradiation of BiOBr is further improved by coupling a 7% amount of SnO2. The reaction rate constant of 7%SnO2/BiOBr is 8.2 times that of pristine BiOBr. The enhanced photocatalytic performance can be ascribed to the excellent adsorption abilities for RhB, broadening visible light response, and efficient transfer of photogenerated electrons from BiOBr to SnO2.
Influence of chlorhexidine, propolis, pulpal pressure simulation, and aging on dentin bond strength
Authors: Perote Letícia Carvalho Coutinho Costa , Barcellos Daphne Camara , Matuda Amanda Guedes Nogueira , Campos Raquel Pinto , Rosetti Elizabeth Pimentel , Pucci César Rogério 
Published: May 2022

AbstractThe present study evaluated the bond strength (μTBS) of dentin treated with chlorhexidine and propolis subjected to simulated pulpal pressure (SPP) and thermocycle aging. One hundred and twenty healthy human molars were sectioned to obtain 2 mm of dentin thickness and were divided into two groups (n = 60): SPP (15 cm H2O) and no SPP (Control group). Dentin surfaces were conditioned with 37% phosphoric acid for 15 s and were divided according to the dentin treatment (n = 20): Control; Chlorhexidine gluconate (0.2% for 30 s) and Propolis (aqueous propolis extract for 30 s). Half of the specimens were submitted to 15,000 thermocycle aging (5 ± 2°C and 55 ± 2°C). The samples were sectioned into beams and submitted to μTBS. Data were analyzed by three‐way ANOVA (SPP × Dentin treatment × Thermocycle aging) and the Tukey's tests (p < .001). With regard to the SPP, ANOVA revealed that the Control group (32.98 MPa) had significantly higher values of μTBS when compared to the SPP (29.19 MPa). With regard to Thermocycle aging, no aging (34.05 MPa) had significantly higher values of μTBS when compared to the aging (28.12 MPa). With regard to the dentin treatment, Propolis and Chlorhexidine did not statistically influence the results (p > .05). The SPP and thermocycle aging negatively influenced the bond strength between the dentin and resin; the 0.2% chlorhexidine digluconate and aqueous propolis extract solutions did not interfere in the bond strength between the resin and dentin. The use of chlorhexidine and propolis as a dental treatment may not influence the dentin bond strength, but SPP and thermocycle aging may damage the longitudinal dentin bond strength.Research Highlights
Chlorhexidine and propolis as a dental treatment may not influence the dentin bond strength.
Simulated pulpal pressure and thermocycle aging may damage the longitudinal dentin bond strength.
Design of Mid‐Q Response: A prospective, randomized trial of adaptive cardiac resynchronization therapy in Asian patients
Authors: Kusano Kengo , Park Seung‐Jung , Johar Sofian , Lim Toon Wei , Gerritse Bart , Hidaka Kazuhiro , Aonuma Kazutaka 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimsThe aim of the Mid‐Q Response study is to test the hypothesis that adaptive preferential left ventricular‐only pacing with the AdaptivCRT algorithm has superior clinical outcomes compared to conventional cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in heart failure (HF) patients with moderately wide QRS duration (≥120 ms and <150 ms), left bundle branch block (LBBB), and normal atrioventricular (AV) conduction (PR interval ≤200 ms).MethodsThis prospective, multi‐center, randomized, controlled, clinical study is being conducted at approximately 60 centers in Asia. Following enrollment and baseline assessment, eligible patients are implanted with a CRT system equipped with the AdaptivCRT algorithm and are randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to have AdaptivCRT ON (Adaptive Bi‐V and LV pacing) or AdaptivCRT OFF (Nonadaptive CRT). A minimum of 220 randomized patients are required for analysis of the primary endpoint, clinical composite score (CCS) at 6 months post‐implant. The secondary and ancillary endpoints are all‐cause and cardiovascular death, hospitalizations for worsening HF, New York Heart Association (NYHA) class, Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire (KCCQ), atrial fibrillation (AF), and cardiovascular adverse events at 6 or 12 months.ConclusionThe Mid‐Q Response study is expected to provide additional evidence on the incremental benefit of the AdaptivCRT algorithm among Asian HF patients with normal AV conduction, moderately wide QRS, and LBBB undergoing CRT implant.
Supplier inventory leanness and financial performance
Authors: Barker Jordan M. , Hofer Christian , Hoberg Kai , Eroglu Cuneyt 
Published: May 2022

AbstractNumerous studies have examined the relationship between inventory management and financial performance. However, the focus of such empirical work has primarily been on how a firm's own inventory characteristics affect its performance. Our objective is to extend this body of literature beyond the firm‐level. We draw on inventory theory and resource‐based theories to hypothesize about the effect of supplier inventory leanness on a focal firm's financial performance and how supplier and focal firm inventory leanness interact to affect such outcomes. We test our hypotheses using a large panel dataset of supplier‐focal firm relationships obtained from Compustat's Customer Segment database and aggregated to the focal firm‐quarter level, as well as firm financial information from Compustat's Fundamentals Quarterly database. The econometric analyses provide evidence that supplier inventory leanness influences focal firm financial performance indirectly through the interaction with the firm's own inventory leanness. In particular, our estimation results detail how supplier inventory leanness affects the non‐linearity of the focal firm's inventory leanness‐financial performance relationship and its optimal inventory leanness level. The findings broaden the scope of empirical inventory literature and highlight supplier inventory leanness as an important consideration in firm‐level inventory decision making.
Environmental degradation in the transnational area of Changbai Mountain based on multiple remote sensing data
Authors: Sun Yaohang , Nan Ying , Zhang Da , Yang Yanmin , Gan Xuegang , Piao Lichen 
Published: May 2022

AbstractRapid and effective assessment of environmental degradation is essential for promoting regional sustainable development in the transnational area of Changbai Mountain (TACM). However, a comprehensive understanding of environmental degradation in the TACM remains inadequate. In this study, we developed an environmental degradation index (EDI) using multiple remote sensing data, including the enhanced vegetation index, gross primary productivity, land surface temperature, and moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) surface reflectance products. We then evaluated the performance of the developed index in comparison with that of the remote sensing ecological index and assessed environmental degradation across the entire TACM, in the subregions of China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), and Russia from 2000 to 2019. The results indicate that the EDI has various advantages, such as speed, flexibility, and simplicity, and can be used to effectively identify and evaluate the environmental degradation dynamics caused by urban expansion and cropland loss. The TACM experienced a downward trend in environmental change from 2000 to 2019. Degraded environment areas (49,329.50 km2) accounted for 30.09% of the entire TACM. The largest area of the degraded environment was in the DPRK subregion (i.e., 25,395.00 km2), which was 5.6‐times and 1.3‐times larger than that in the Russian and Chinese subregions, respectively. Hotspot areas that experienced significant environmental degradation covered only 17.69% of the land area of the TACM, within which the area of environmental degradation accounted for 33.89% of the total degraded environment across the entire TACM. We suggest that international cooperation policies and measures be enacted to promote sustainable regional development.
Single‐Lens Light‐Sheet Fluorescence Microscopy Based on Micro‐Mirror Array
Authors: Cai Yanhui , Chen Yizhu , Xia Yiqiu , Zheng Siyang , Liu Zhiwen , Shi Kebin 
Published: May 2022

AbstractConventional light sheet fluorescence microscopy (LSFM) utilizes two perpendicularly arranged objective lenses for optical excitation and detection, respectively. Such a configuration often limits the use of high‐numerical‐aperture (NA) objectives or requires specially designed long‐working‐distance objectives. Here, a LSFM based on a micro‐mirror array (MMA) to enable light sheet imaging with a single objective lens is reported. The planar fluorescent emission excited by the light sheet illumination is collected by the same objective, relayed onto an MMA and detected by a side‐view camera. The proposed scheme makes LSFM compatible to single objective imaging system and shows promising candidacy for high spatiotemporal imaging.
Self‐Aligned Laser‐Induced Periodic Surface Structures for Large‐Area Controllable Nanopatterning
Authors: Huang Jiaxu , Xu Kang , Xu Shaolin , Li Xiaowei , Wei Qi‐Huo 
Published: May 2022

AbstractLaser‐induced periodic surface structures (LIPSS) have become an important avenue towards surface nanopatterning and certain device applications due to their subwavelength feature size and versatility with different materials. However, the uncontrollable non‐uniformity in achievable nanostructures presents a limit towards its practical application. Here, a robust approach is proposed to obtain controllable nanostructures with long‐range order based on a new insight into one of the electromagnetic origins of nonuniformity of LIPSS, namely a half‐periodic mismatched optical enhancement (h‐MOE) effect. The h‐MOE effect originates from the interference enhancement of surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) located between tips of every two adjacent ripples in laser scanning process. It is found that LIPSS can be self‐aligned and highly controllable if the h‐MOE effect is elaborately modulated through designed laser scanning strategies especially sequential scanning paths. The new laser nanopatterning approach based on h‐MOE demonstrates controllable patterning ability to theoretically infinitely large‐area super‐straight gratings, orientation‐controllable gratings, and half‐periodic mismatched nanohole arrays.
An Adaptive Measure of Visuospatial Impairment in Dementia with Lewy Bodies
Authors: Phillips Joseph R. , Matar Elie , Ehgoetz Martens Kaylena A. , Moustafa Ahmed A. , Halliday Glenda M. , Lewis Simon J.G. 
Published: May 2022

ABSTRACTBackgroundDementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) is a common cause of dementia with poor prognosis and high hospitalization rates. DLB is frequently misdiagnosed, with clinical features that overlap significantly with other diseases including Parkinson's disease (PD). Clinical instruments that discriminate and track the progression of cognitive impairment in DLB are needed.ObjectivesThe current study was designed to assess the utility of a mental rotation (MR) task for assessing visuospatial impairments in early DLB.MethodsAccuracy of 22 DLB patients, 22 PD patients and 22 age‐matched healthy controls in the MR task were compared at comparing shapes with 0°, 45° and 90° rotations.ResultsHealthy controls and PD patients performed at similar levels while the DLB group were significantly impaired. Further, impairment in the visuospatial and executive function measures correlated with MR poor outcomes.ConclusionThese findings support the MR task as an objective measure of visuospatial impairment with the ability to adjust difficulty to suit impairments in a DLB population. This would be a useful tool within clinical trials.
Dietary Exosome‐Like Nanoparticles: An Updated Review on Their Pharmacological and Drug Delivery Applications
Authors: Anusha Rajitha , Priya Sulochana 
Published: May 2022

AbstractExosomes are lipid bilayer membrane‐bound extracellular vesicular structures (30–150 nm) mainly released by eukaryotic cells of animal origin. Exosome‐like nanoparticles (ELNs) are the vesicular structures originating from plant sources with features similar to eukaryotic animal cell derived exosomes. ELNs derived from dietary sources (dietary ELNs) have exceptional pharmacological potential in alleviating many diseases and are good in maintaining intestinal health through the manipulation of the gut microbiome. The dietary ELNs being highly biocompatible find their application in targeted therapy as well. They are being established as promising drug delivery agents and can also be developed into dietary supplements. This review highlights the ELNs derived from various dietary sources, their diversity in molecular compositions, potential health benefits, and drug delivery applications. Few clinical trials are attempted with dietary ELNs which are also described in the review along with their properties that can be exploited for the food and pharma industries in the future.
Surgical anatomy of the vaginal introitus
Authors: Haylen Bernard T. , Vu Dzung , Wong Audris 
Published: May 2022

AbstractAimThe vaginal introitus is the entrance to the vagina, encompassing the anterior and posterior vestibules and the perineum. The surgical anatomy of the vaginal introitus, the lowest level of the vagina, has not been subject to a recent comprehensive examination and description. Vaginal introital surgery (perineorrhaphy) should be a key part of surgery for a majority of pelvic organ prolapse.MethodsCadaver studies were performed on the anterior and posterior vestibules and the perineum. Histological studies were performed on the excised perineal specimens of a cohort of 50 women undergoing perineorrhaphy. Included are pre‐ and postoperative studies which were performed on 50 women to determine the anatomical and histological changes achieved with a simple (anterior) perineorrhaphy.ResultsThe vaginal introitus is equivalent to the Level III section of the vagina, measured posteriorly from the clitoris to the anterior perineum then down the perineum to the anal verge. The anterior and posterior vestibules, with nonkeratinizing epithelium, extend laterally to the keratinized epithelium of the labia minora (Hart's line). The anterior vestibule has six anatomical layers while the posterior vestibule has three. The perineum has an inverse trapezoid shape. Perineorrhaphy specimens were a mean 2.9 cm wide and 1.6 cm deep. They show squamous epithelium with loose underlying connective tissue. There were no important structures seen histologically, for example, ligaments or muscles. Microscopically, only 6 (12%) were completely normal with 44 (88%) showing minor changes including inflammation and scarring. Considerable anatomical benefits were achieved with such a perineorrhaphy including a 27.6% increase in the perineal length and a 30.8% reduction in the genital hiatus.ConclusionAn understanding of the anatomy and histology of the vaginal introitus can assist with performing a simple and effective perineorrhaphy, the main surgical intervention at the vaginal introitus.
Preparation of poly (ε‐caprolactone) as a gel electrolyte fordye‐sensitizedsolar cells
Authors: Gunasekaran Ahalya , Chen Hsuan‐Ying , Ponnusamy Vinoth Kumar , Aljafari Belqasem , Sambandam Anandan 
Published: May 2022

AbstractSubstantially to increase the efficiency of dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), it has been fabricated with the polymer gel electrolytes (PGEs) by replacing the liquid electrolytes (LEs). Poly (ε‐caprolactone) (PCL) has been synthesized as a crystalline solid biopolymer of about 74% yield using different 6‐membered ring phenolate Al complexes. As prepared PCL was blended with LE used in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) to prepare high polydispersity index (PDI) PGE. The prepared PGE shows cross‐linking between carboxyl and hydroxyl groups and interacts with iodide ions to form a chelate complex structure. The PGE was well‐characterized using various analytical tools to demonstrate its structural and surface morphology. The fabricated DSSCs using PGE showed high ionic conductivity (7.76 × 10−4 S cm−1), good tri‐iodide diffusion (2.052 × 10−6Cm2S−1), and a highly stable incident photon‐to‐current conversion efficiency (PCE; 5.92%) under solar light illumination (85 mW cm−2). Besides found PGE has improved long‐term stability up to 15 days, and these results proved that the prepared PGE is superior compared to other reported PGEs.
An evaluation of the disparities affecting the underdiagnosis of pediatric cancer in Western Kenya
Authors: Severance Tyler S. , Njuguna Festus , Olbara Gilbert , Kugo Maureen , Langat Sandra , Mostert Saskia , Klootwijk Larissa , Skiles Jodi , Coven Scott L. , Overholt Kathleen M. , Kaspers Gertjan , Vik Terry A. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractIntroductionWestern Kenya is home to approximately 24 million people, with 10 million children under the age of 15 years.1 Based on estimates of cancer incidence in similar populations from around the world, approximately 1500 patients should be diagnosed with pediatric cancer each year. This article describes the international collaboration that investigates potential barriers preventing the effective diagnosis of pediatric patients with cancer.MethodsHere, we describe a multidisciplinary and sequential approach to better evaluate the complex factors affecting the lack of appropriate diagnosis of pediatric cancer in Western Kenya.ResultsInternal review at a large tertiary hospital noted 200–250 patients were diagnosed annually, suggesting the remaining 75%–80% of patients go undiagnosed and do not receive treatment. Following our screening process at a local referring hospital, 41 malaria slides demonstrated both morphologic and genetic evidence of leukemia. Knowledge assessments of local providers at referring institutions suggested a lack of education and training as the factors that contribute to lower rates of diagnosis.DiscussionThrough a multi‐step approach, our teams were better able to isolate potential issues impeding the appropriate and timely diagnosis of pediatric cancer in Kenya.