bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Carbon nanotube‐polybutadiene‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐based composite fibers: Role of cryogenic treatment on intrinsic properties
Authors: Gürbüz Remzi , Sarac Baran , Soprunyuk Viktor , Rezvan Amir , Yüce Eray , Schranz Wilfried , Eckert Jürgen , Ozcan Ali , Sarac A. Sezai 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe low‐temperature response and the notion of crystallization kinetics are critical for developing elastomeric composite fibers, thus the crystallization and mechanical properties are essential for the application of composites of polybutadiene at low temperatures. Despite the high amount of fiber joining and entanglement due to polymers' low glass transition, a defect‐free micro‐scale electrospun carbon nanotube (CNT)‐containing poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) and polybutadiene (PBu) composite elastomeric fibers with uniform fiber diameter and distribution are successfully fabricated. Thermomechanical behavior analyzed via frequency‐dependent dynamic mechanical analysis under cryogenic conditions shows a remarkable increase in decomposition temperatures (Tend) and storage and loss modulus at cryogenic temperatures, particularly when small amounts of CNTs are present. Dynamic mechanical treatment from 120 K to elevated temperatures yields a pronounced logarithmic increase in Tend by an increase of PEO content (from BEC1 to BEC4) compared to the treatment from 300 K. Through X‐ray diffraction, large shifts toward larger 2θ and formation of new crystals are observed, particularly for the BEC4 sample with high PEO content. Nanoparticles after cryo‐treatment linked with crystallinity are registered by ultra‐high resolution scanning electron microscopy. Improving the thermal and mechanical properties is critical in developing high‐performance composite fibers for cryogenic engineering applications, especially for future research to facilitate them in aerospace and low‐temperature medical and surgical treatments.
On Sidorenko's conjecture for determinants and Gaussian Markov random fields
Authors: Csikvári Péter , Szegedy Balázs 
Published: September 2022

AbstractWe study a class of determinant inequalities that are closely related to Sidorenko's famous conjecture (also conjectured by Erdős and Simonovits in a different form). Our main result can also be interpreted as an entropy inequality for Gaussian Markov random fields (GMRF). We call a GMRF on a finite graph homogeneous if the marginal distributions on the edges are all identical. We show that if is bipartite, then the differential entropy of any homogeneous GMRF on is at least times the edge entropy plus times the point entropy. We also show that in the case of non‐negative correlation on edges, the result holds for an arbitrary graph . The connection between Sidorenko's conjecture and GMRF's is established via a large deviation principle on high dimensional spheres combined with graph limit theory. It is also observed that the system we study exhibits a phase transition on large girth regular graphs. Connection with Ihara zeta function and the number of spanning trees is also discussed.
Decoding the Mechanisms of Phase Transitions from In Situ Microscopy Observations
Authors: Valleti Sai Mani Prudhvi , Ignatans Reinis , Kalinin Sergei V. , Tileli Vasiliki 
Published: September 2022

AbstractAnalysis of the temperature‐ and stimulus‐dependent imaging data toward elucidation of the physical transformations is an ubiquitous problem in multiple fields. Here, temperature‐induced phase transition in BaTiO3 is explored using the machine learning analysis of domain morphologies visualized via variable‐temperature scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) imaging data. This approach is based on the multivariate statistical analysis of the time or temperature dependence of the statistical descriptors of the system, derived in turn from the categorical classification of observed domain structures or projection on the continuous parameter space of the feature extraction‐dimensionality reduction transform. The proposed workflow offers a powerful tool for the exploration of the dynamic data based on the statistics of image representation as a function of the external control variable to visualize the transformation pathways during phase transitions and chemical reactions. This can include the mesoscopic STEM data as demonstrated here, but also optical, chemical imaging, etc., data. It can further be extended to the higher dimensional spaces, for example, analysis of the combinatorial libraries of materials compositions.
VO4‐Modified Layered Double Hydroxides Nanosheets for Highly Selective Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction to C1 Products
Authors: Bai Sha , Ning Chenjun , Wang Huijuan , Liu Guihao , Zheng Lirong , Song Yu‐Fei 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe conversion of CO2 into high‐value added chemicals driven by solar energy is an effective way to solve environmental problems, which is, however, largely restricted by the competition reaction of the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and easy electron–hole recombination, etc. Herein, VO4‐supported ultrathin NiMgV‐layered double hydroxide (V/NiMgV‐LDH) nanosheets are successfully fabricated, and the extended X‐ray absorption fine structure (EXAFS) and density function theory (DFT) calculations reveal that VO4 species are located on the top of V atoms in the NiMgV‐LDH laminate. The V/NiMgV‐LDH is proved to be highly efficient for the photocatalytic CO2 reduction reaction (CO2PR) with high selectivity of 99% for C1 products and nearly no HER (<1%) takes place under visible light. Contrast experiments using NiMgV‐LDH as the catalyst for CO2PR show a CO selectivity of 71.40% and a H2 selectivity of 28.11%. Such excellent performance of V/NiMgV‐LDH can be attributed to the following reasons: 1) the V/NiMgV‐LDH modulates the band structure and promotes the separation of electrons and holes; 2) strong bonding between V/NiMgV‐LDH and CO* and H* facilitates the hydrogenation to form CH4 and inhibits the formation of by‐product H2 at the same time.
Mo‐Incorporated Magnetite Fe3O4 Featuring Cationic Vacancies Enabling Fast Lithium Intercalation for Batteries
Authors: Guo Shasha , Koketsu Toshinari , Hu Zhiwei , Zhou Jing , Kuo Chang‐Yang , Lin Hong‐Ji , Chen Chien‐Te , Strasser Peter , Sui Lijun , Xie Yu , Ma Jiwei 
Published: September 2022

AbstractTransition metal oxides (TMOs) as high‐capacity electrodes have several drawbacks owing to their inherent poor electronic conductivity and structural instability during the multi‐electron conversion reaction process. In this study, the authors use an intrinsic high‐valent cation substitution approach to stabilize cation‐deficient magnetite (Fe3O4) and overcome the abovementioned issues. Herein, 5 at% of Mo4+‐ions are incorporated into the spinel structure to substitute octahedral Fe3+‐ions, featuring ≈1.7 at% cationic vacancies in the octahedral sites. This defective Fe2.93▫0.017Mo0.053O4 electrode shows significant improvements in the mitigation of capacity fade and the promotion of rate performance as compared to the pristine Fe3O4. Furthermore, physical‐electrochemical analyses and theoretical calculations are performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. In Fe2.93▫0.017Mo0.053O4, the cationic vacancies provide active sites for storing Li+ and vacancy‐mediated Li+ migration paths with lower energy barriers. The enlarged lattice and improved electronic conductivity induced by larger doped‐Mo4+ yield this defective oxide capable of fast lithium intercalation. This is confirmed by a combined characterization including electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), cyclic voltammetry (CV), galvanostatic intermittent titration technique (GITT) and density functional theory (DFT) calculation. This study provides a valuable strategy of vacancy‐mediated reaction to intrinsically modulate the defective structure in TMOs for high‐performance lithium‐ion batteries.
Surface Engineering Promoted Insulin‐Sensitizing Activities of Sub‐Nanoscale Vanadate Clusters through Regulated Pharmacokinetics and Bioavailability
Authors: Chen Kun , Liu Shengqiu , Zhu Wei , Yin Panchao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe therapeutic application of vanadium compounds is plagued by their poor bioavailability and potential adverse effects. Herein, 1 nm polyoxovanadate (POV) clusters are functionalized with alkyl chains of various lengths and studied for the effect of surface engineering on their preclinical pharmacokinetics and typical insulin‐sensitizing activity. The concentrations of surface engineered POVs in plasma, urine, and feces are monitored after a single administration to rats. The POVs exhibit a two‐compartment profile of in vivo kinetics, and the surface engineering effect plays an important role in renal clearance of the POVs comparable to small molecules. POVs functionalized with long alkyl chains show much shorter elimination half timet1/2βand higher elimination fractions (50%) within 48 h than pristine POVs, suggesting favorable elimination kinetics to mitigate the possible side effects of vanadium. Meanwhile, long alkyl chain modification leads to a 76% increment of oral bioavailability in contrast to unmodified POVs. As suggested by glucose tolerance tests and sub‐chronic toxicity tests, the above two factors contribute to the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of POVs while mitigating their adverse effects. The surface engineering protocol provides a feasible approach to the optimization of the bioavailability and pharmacokinetic properties of POVs for promoted insulin‐sensitizing activities.
Photoelastic Organogel with Multiple Stimuli Responses
Authors: Gao Yiyang , Sun Danqi , Chen Jing , Xi Kai , Da Xinyu , Guo Haoyu , Zhang Dongyang , Gao Ting , Lu Tongqing , Gao Guoxin , Shi Lei , Ding Shujiang 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe photoelastic effect has many uses in mechanics today, but it is usually disregarded in flexible materials. Using 2‐phenoxyethyl acrylate as a monomer and 4‐cyano‐4'‐pentylbiphenyl (5CB) as a solvent, a multiple responsive photoelastic organogel (PO) with strong birefringence but low modulus is created. 5CB is a liquid crystal molecule that does not participate in the polymerization process and is always present as tiny molecules in the polymer. It endows the PO low modulus and high birefringence, as well as the ability to drive the birefringence using an electric field. This PO not only has high sensitivity and fast response as a photoelastic strain sensor, but also has a very sensitive response to heat, especially in the range of human body temperature. It also has a high dielectric constant and a strong correlation between the interference color and the applied electric field, allowing for easy writing and erasure of encrypted data. This unique multisignal response feature and low modulus that mimics human skin bring up new opportunities in the potential applications such as multiple information encryption, anticounterfeiting, and multifunctional wearable sensors.
Market response to typhoons: The role of information and expectations
Authors: Yu Chin‐Hsien , McCarl Bruce A. , Zhu Jian‐Da 
Published: September 2022

AbstractDamages from tropical storms are enormous and predicted to increase with climate change. This study uses high‐frequency data to investigate typhoons' effects through information channels on Taiwan's wholesale vegetable market during the 1996–2014 period. We first identify effects on prices and quantities during storms' striking periods and further separate price effects into those due, respectively, to supply and demand shifts. The results show that for typhoons that make landfall, prices rise significantly during the striking period, and the decomposition results indicate that most of the price effects during periods with warnings but no landfall are due to demand shifts, which supports evidence of precautionary purchases by consumers. However, during the landfall period, the price effect is mainly driven by decreased supply. In addition, we find that typhoon effects differ between specific vegetables, and the magnitude of precautionary purchase is correlated with expected damage to those vegetables. Consumers also make more precautionary purchases when they face higher‐intensity typhoons or learn typhoons will make landfall within 24 h, and such prior information related to intensity or landfall urgency can also amplify early harvest effects by farmers.
Effects of Potassium Carbonate on Quality Characteristics of Composite Starch‐Wheat Noodles and Its Mechanism
Authors: Zhang Mengtian , Xiong Zhouyi , Ahmad Ishtiaq , Chen Mengting , Xiong Hanguo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study is to investigate the impact of potassium carbonate on quality characteristics of composite starch‐wheat noodles (CSW). The results show that low level of potassium carbonate (0.2–0.4%) enhances the storage modulus (G') of dough and improves gel strength. The peak viscosity of composite flour is increased at low level of potassium carbonate that is confirmed by pasting properties analysis. Cooking loss of noodles decreases significantly due to the increasing hardness and resilience. The thermodynamic analysis indicates that ΔH decreases by increasing the potassium carbonate. The disulfide bonds (9.604–10.399 µmol g−1), β‐sheet (26.9–31.4%), and starch order increases at low concentration of alkali. Based on the confocal laser scanning microscopic observation, the potassium carbonate (0.2–0.4%) causes a strong protein network in composite starch‐wheat noodles and with gelatinized starch granules being well embedded in the network structure. It is observed that 0.4% potassium carbonate promotes protein aggregation and starch stabilization to improve the elasticity of composite starch‐wheat noodles.
Experimental and numerical studies on flexural behavior of fiber continuous joints of precast UHPC decks
Authors: Zhao Qiu , Zhang Hao , Yang Jianping , Yang Xiaoqiang , Wang Ying , Lai Zhichao 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis study investigated the flexural behavior of ultra‐high‐performance concrete decks with an innovative joint of fiber continuity at the joint interface. An experimental program with 21 specimens was designed and tested. Four types of joints were studied, that is, lap‐spliced rebar, fiber continuity, combination of fiber continuity and lap‐spliced rebar, and combination of additional reinforcement and lap‐spliced rebar. Finite element models were built and benchmarked using the test results. The influence of reinforcement ratio and interfacial fiber content was investigated. Experimental and numerical results showed that a joint with a combination of fiber continuity and lap‐spliced rebar achieved similar flexural performance as cast‐in‐place decks. In addition, the design theory of the Swiss code (SIA 2052‐2016) was recommended with promising accuracy in estimating the flexural capacity of precast ultra‐high‐performance concrete decks, based on the tensile strength of joint interface with various fiber contents.
Structural reliability of ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete beams in shear
Authors: Simwanda Lenganji , De Koker Nico , Viljoen Celeste , Babafemi Adewumi John 
Published: September 2022

AbstractA study on the shear model uncertainty and structural reliability of ultra‐high‐performance fiber reinforced concrete (UHPFRC) beams with stirrups is presented. Model uncertainty for the shear models given in the JSCE, AFGC and ACI 544 standards are characterized by comparison to nonlinear finite element analyses (NLFEA). In comparison to other shear basic parameters, a notable negative correlation between model uncertainty the transverse shear reinforcement ratio (ρwfywm) is observed. When combined with stochastic descriptions of the remaining parameters that describe these analytical models, reliability values for beams designed to the JSCE and AFGC specifications are found to fall 6%, and 12%, respectively, below the target values of these standards, while reliability values for the ACI 544 exceed the target value specified for this standard by 8%.
Application of Raman spectroscopy in the hospital environment
Authors: Pistiki Aikaterini , Salbreiter Markus , Sultan Salwa , Rösch Petra , Popp Jürgen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThe hospital environment is a field with unique microbiological characteristics. Pathogens evolve and spread in different areas of the hospital affecting patients and staff. In addition, a constant circulation of pathogens between the hospital and the outer environment is ongoing. In this context, an extensive management is required in order to minimize the harmful effect of hospital flora on humans as well as the natural environment. Raman spectroscopy has been shown to be an effective tool for this purpose since it is applicable in a variety of biological samples ranging from the patient samples to the hospital's wastewater. It enables the detection of infection, bacterial species identification, antimicrobial resistance determination, epidemiological typing as well as infection control, mandatory for hospital management. The biggest advantages of this analytical method are the limited time and minimal resources required in its workflow. In the current review the Raman‐based analytical methods that have been developed over years in the field of microbiology are presented and their applicability in the different areas of the hospital environment is discussed.
Leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 is protective during acute kidney injury through its activation of autophagy in podocytes
Authors: Wang Jin‐Ping , Yan Ji‐Ping , Xiao Rui‐Ling , Li Rong‐Shan 
Published: September 2022

AbstractLeucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2) is a known regulator of autophagy in a range of cell types. Here, we investigated the role of LRRK2‐associated autophagy during acute kidney injury (AKI) and its underlying mechanism(s) of action. Male mice aged 8‐weeks were treated with the LRRK2 inhibitor MLi‐2 and exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) through intraperitoneal injection or ischemia–reperfusion (IR) surgery. Mice were sacrificed 12 or 24 h post‐LPS injection or IR operation and blood was collected for serum creatinine measurements. Kidney cortical tissues were collected for western blot analysis of podocyte‐specific markers and autophagy‐associated proteins. Renal histopathology was observed through hematoxylin‐eosin staining.For cell‐based assays, immortalized mouse podocytes were silenced for LRRK2 through siRNA transfection and exposed to LPS or cobalt chloride. Changes in cell viability were investigated using cell counting kit‐8, flow cytometry and MTT assays. Expression of podocyte‐specific markers and autophagy‐associated proteins were analyzed by western blotting.We observed an increase in LRRK2 expression at 12 h post‐LPS injection and IR surgery that was accompanied by enhanced autophagy. At 24 h post‐treatment, both LRRK2 expression and autophagy declined. Kidney injury was most pronounced in mice treated with MLi‐2. Podocytes silenced for LRRK2 showed a loss of cell viability, decreased levels of podocyte‐specific protein expression and a suppression of autophagy.Together, these data reveal the protective effects of LRRK2 during AKI through enhanced podocyte autophagy and cell viability.
Domestic dogs carriers of Leishmania infantum, Leishmania tropica and Crithidia fasciculata as potential reservoirs for human visceral leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran
Authors: Fakhar Mahdi , Derakhshani‐nia Majid , Gohardehi Shaban , Karamian Mehdi , Hezarjaribi Hajar Ziaei , Mohebali Mehdi , Akhoundi Behnaz , Sharbatkhori Mitra 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn recent years, cases of human visceral leishmaniasis (HVL) have been reported in some districts of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran, particularly in rural areas. Recent epidemiological evidence in Leishmania infantum endemic regions of in Iran indicates approximately 50%–80% of seropositive dogs are asymptomatic for Leishmania infection.ObjectivesThe goal in this study was to determine Leishmania species infecting domestic dogs in Golestan Province, Iran.MethodsBetween 2015 and 2016, blood samples were obtained from 100 domestic dogs in rural regions of Golestan Province, northeastern Iran. All samples were tested for anti‐Leishmania antibodies using a direct agglutination test (DAT), and for Leishmania spp. kinetoplast DNA (kDNA) using PCR.ResultsSeven (7%) dogs were antibody positive and 25 dogs (25%) were Leishmania spp. DNA positives by PCR positive for leishmaniasis. Four of the seven (71%) antibody‐positive dogs and 19 of the 25 (76%) PCR‐positive dogs were asymptomatic. The rate of infection detected by PCR was significantly higher in male dogs (21/75, 28%) than that in female dogs (4/25, 16%). The ITS1 PCR‐RFLP assay identified the presence of L. infantum, L. tropica or Crithidia spp. in the 25 PCR‐positive samples.ConclusionsThe high proportion of asymptomatic dogs in the study areas represent they act as potential reservoirs in the transmission cycle of Leishmania spp. and also Crithidia fasciculata as an emerging agent for the first time. Moreover, our data showed that PCR is a more reliable assay than DAT for detecting Leishmania spp. infection among asymptomatic dogs.
Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging findings in dogs with vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma
Authors: Tanaka Toshiyuki , Noguchi Shunsuke , Wada Yusuke , Yamazaki Hiroki , Nishida Hidetaka , Akiyoshi Hideo 
Published: September 2022

AbstractBackgroundIn humans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is preferred over computed tomography (CT) for the assessment of pelvic lesions. Although CT findings of several pelvic tumours have been reported in veterinary medicine, MRI findings are limited.ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to retrospectively compare the CT and MRI findings in dogs with vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma.MethodsThis retrospective study of five dogs compared the CT and MRI findings of intrapelvic lesions, including vaginal leiomyoma (n = 4) and leiomyosarcoma (n = 1). No invasion of the surrounding tissue was detected on histopathological examination. In this retrospective study, the following parameters of CT and MRI were recorded for each dog: the border between the lesion and the adjacent pelvic organs, including the prostate, rectum or urethra; signal intensity (SI) of the lesion; enhancement pattern; presence of haemorrhage; necrosis or cystic areas and lymphadenopathy. Because SI on MRI is affected by cell density, tumour cell density was analysed using a microscope slide.ResultsIn vaginal leiomyoma, the border between the lesion and the surrounding pelvic organ tends to be clearer on MRI than on CT. In vaginal leiomyosarcoma, the border was comparable between MRI and CT. Each lesion showed heterogeneous enhancement on CT and MRI scans. In each lesion, the assessment of haemorrhage, necrosis, cystic areas and lymphadenopathy was comparable between MRI and CT. The SI of the lesion on T2WI of the vaginal leiomyoma and leiomyosarcoma were hyperintense in four cases (4/4; 100%) and mixed intense in one case (1/1; 100%), respectively. The cell density of leiomyosarcoma is higher than that of leiomyomas.ConclusionsThe SI on T2WI may be useful for differentiating leiomyoma from leiomyosarcoma. MRI may be useful to differentiate vaginal leiomyomas from leiomyosarcomas and evaluate margins.