bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On uncertainty estimation in functional linear mixed models
Authors: Maiti Tapabrata , Safikhani Abolfazl , Zhong Ping‐Shou 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFunctional data analysis has proven useful in many scientific applications where a physical process is observed as a curve. In many applications, several curves are observed due to multiple subjects, providing replicates in the statistical sense. Recent literature develops several techniques for registering curves and estimating associated models in a regression framework. Standard regression models ignore heterogeneity among curves. Functional linear mixed models are one popular way to combine several curves and capture variability among curves via random effects. Although there is a good amount of work available for analyzing functional data using mixed models, limited attention has been paid to inference. After estimation, we concentrate on measuring uncertainty in terms of mean squared error when functional linear mixed models are used for prediction. Although measuring uncertainty is of paramount interest in any statistical prediction, there is no theoretically valid expression available for functional mixed effect models. The quality of theoretical approximations depends on the number of curves observed. In many real life applications, only a finite number of curves can be observed. In such situations, it is important to asses the error rate for any valid statistical statement. In this article, we derive a theoretically valid approximation of uncertainty measurements for prediction. We also provide some modifications for model estimation. The empirical performance of the proposed method is investigated by numerical examples and is compared with existing literature as appropriate. Our method is computationally simple and often outperforms other existing methods.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 10‐Substituted Camptothecin Derivatives with Improved Water Solubility and Activity
Authors: Yang Xue‐Yan , Zhao Hong‐Yi , Lei Hao , Yuan Bo , Mao Shuai , Xin Minghang , Zhang San‐Qi 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDespite remarkable clinical achievements, camptothecin (CPT) still suffers from poor solubility and severe toxicity. Therefore, it is necessary to redevelop CPT derivatives as supplementary antitumor agents with good water solubility and small side effects. In this work, 27 camptothecin derivatives were synthesized and screened for their cytotoxicity against A549 (lung) and HCT‐116 (colon) cancer cell lines. Among them, compound B7, 7‐ethyl‐10‐(2‐oxo‐2‐(4‐methylpiperidin‐1‐yl)ethoxy)camptothecin,was demonstrated in vitro to be a more potent antitumor agent than SN‐38 by comparison of their inhibitory activities against cell proliferation and colony formation and interference effect on process of cell cycle and cell apoptosis. Additionally, a molecular docking model revealed that B7 can interact with the topoisomerase I–DNA complex, and that the solubility of B7 reached 5.73 μg/mL in water. Moreover, B7 significantly inhibited tumor growth in an A549 xenograft model at dosages of 0.4 and 2.0 mg/kg, and exhibited minimum lethal doses comparable to those of irinotecan. These results indicated that B7, with improved solubility, enhanced activity and acceptable acute toxicity, can be used as a lead compound for the development of novel anticancer agents.
Treatment of COVID‐19 patients with the anti‐CD6 antibody itolizumab
Authors: Caballero Armando , Filgueira Lázaro M , Betancourt Julio , Sánchez Naivy , Hidalgo Carlos , Ramírez Alberto , Martinez Alejandro , Despaigne Rolando E , Escalona Alberto , Diaz Henrry , Meriño Elio , Ortega Lilia M , Castillo Ulises , Ramos Mayra , Saavedra Danay , García Yanelda , Lorenzo Geydi , Cepeda Meylán , Arencibia Maylén , Cabrera Leticia , Domecq Milagros , Estévez Daymys , Valenzuela Carmen , Lorenzo Patricia , Sánchez Lizet , Mazorra Zaima , León Kalet , Crombet Tania 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectivesCOVID‐19 can lead to a hyperinflammatory state. CD6 is a glycoprotein expressed on mature T lymphocytes which is a crucial regulator of the T‐cell activation. Itolizumab is a humanised antibody targeting CD6. Nonclinical and clinical data in autoimmune diseases indicate that it lowers multiple cytokines primarily involving the Th1/Th17 pathway. The primary objective of this study was to assess the impact of itolizumab in arresting the lung function deterioration of COVID‐19 patients. Secondary objectives included safety, duration of ventilation, 14‐day mortality and evaluation of interleukin 6 concentration.MethodsPatients with confirmed SARS‐CoV‐2 received itolizumab in combination with other therapies included in the national protocol for COVID‐19.ResultsSeventy critical, severe or moderate patients were treated with itolizumab in 10 Cuban hospitals. Median age was 68, and 94% had comorbidities. After 72 h, most patients improved the PO2/FiO2ratio and reduced FiO2 requirements. Ventilation time was 8 days for critical and 1 day for severe cases. Ten patients had related adverse events while 3 subjects developed related serious events. In 30 patients, interleukin 6 decreased in individuals with high level and did not change in those with lower concentration. Fourteen‐day lethality rate was 4% and 18% for moderate and severe patients, respectively. The proportion of moderate or severe patients with ventilation or death at day 14 was 9.8%. Time to treatment, neurological manifestations and biomarkers such as NLR were significantly associated with higher lethality.ConclusionsThe opportune administration of itolizumab might interrupt the hyperinflammatory cascade and prevent COVID‐19 morbidity and mortality.
Detecting the abuse of 19‐norsteroids in doping controls: A new gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry method for the analysis of 19‐norandrosterone and 19‐noretiocholanolone
Authors: Iannella Loredana , Colamonici Cristiana , Curcio Davide , Botrè Francesco , de la Torre Xavier 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe detection of 19‐norsteroids abuse in doping controls currently relies on the determination of 19‐norandrosterone (19‐NA) by gas chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (GC–MS/MS). An additional confirmatory analysis by gas chromatography coupled to isotope ratio mass spectrometry (GC‐C‐IRMS) is performed on samples showing 19‐NA concentrations between 2.5 and 15 ng/ml and not originated from pregnant female athletes or female treated with 19‐norethisterone. 19‐Noretiocholanolone (19‐NE) is typically produced to a lesser extent as a secondary metabolite. The aim of this work was to improve the GC‐C‐IRMS confirmation procedure for the detection of 19‐norsteroids misuse. Both 19‐NA and 19‐NE were analyzed as target compounds (TCs), whereas androsterone (A), pregnanediol (PD), and pregnanetriol (PT) were selected as endogenous reference compounds (ERCs). The method was validated and applied to urine samples collected by three male volunteers after the administration of nandrolone‐based formulations. Before the instrumental analysis, urine samples (<25 ml) were hydrolyzed with β‐glucuronidase from Escherichia coli and extracted with n‐pentane. Compounds of interest were purified through a single (for PT) or double (for 19‐NE, 19‐NA, A, and PD) liquid chromatographic step, to reduce the background noise and eliminate interferences that could have affect the accuracy of δ13C values. The limit of quantification (LOQ) of 2 ng/ml was ensured for both 19‐NA and 19‐NE. The 19‐NE determination could be helpful in case of “unstable” urine samples, in late excretion phases or when coadministration with 5α‐reductase inhibitors occur.
Landscape structure and population density affect intraspecific aggression in beavers
Authors: Mayer Martin , Aparicio Estalella Clàudia , Windels Steve K. , Rosell Frank N. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIntraspecific competition plays an important role for territory acquisition and occupancy, in turn affecting individual fitness. Thus, understanding the drivers of intraspecific aggression can increase our understanding of population dynamics. Here, we investigated intraspecific aggression in Eurasian (Castor fiber) and North American (Castor canadensis) beavers that are both monogamous, territorial mammals. Combined, we examined tail scars from >1,000 beavers (>2,000 capture events) as part of two long‐term studies in Norway and the USA. We investigated the influence of landscape structure, population density, sex, age, and (for Eurasian beavers only) social status and group size on the number of tail scars caused by conspecifics. The number of tail scars was affected by population density in well‐connected landscape types (large lakes and rivers), but not in more isolated areas (ponds), where individuals generally had fewer tail scars. Further, the relationship of population density was not linear. In the North American beaver population occurring in large lakes, intraspecific aggression increased with population density. Conversely, in the saturated Eurasian beaver population, intraspecific aggression was in a negative relationship with population density (except at the highest densities), likely due to inverse density‐dependent intruder pressure via dispersers. Our findings emphasize that population density can affect intraspecific aggression depending on landscape structure, which might have important consequences for local patterns of dispersal, mate change, and territory occupancy, all of which can affect population dynamics.
Mathematical model of electromigration allowing the deviation from electroneutrality
Authors: Novotný Tomáš , Gaš Bohuslav 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe structure of the double layer on the boundary between solid and liquid phases is described by various models, of which the Stern–Gouy–Chapman model is still commonly accepted. Generally, the solid phase is charged, which also causes the distribution of the electric charge in the adjacent diffuse layer in the liquid phase. We propose a new mathematical model of electromigration considering the high deviation from electroneutrality in the diffuse layer of the double layer when the liquid phase is composed of solution of weak multivalent electrolytes of any valence and of any complexity. The mathematical model joins together the Poisson equation, the continuity equation for electric charge, the mass continuity equations, and the modified G‐function. The model is able to calculate the volume charge density, electric potential, and concentration profiles of all ionic forms of all electrolytes in the diffuse part of the double layer, which consequently enables to calculate conductivity, pH, and deviation from electroneutrality. The model can easily be implemented into the numerical simulation software such as Comsol. Its outcome is demonstrated by the numerical simulation of the double layer composed of a charged silica surface and an adjacent liquid solution composed of weak multivalent electrolytes. The validity of the model is not limited only to the diffuse part of the double layer but is valid for electromigration of electrolytes in general.
Brain dysconnectivity relates to disability and cognitive impairment in multiple sclerosis
Authors: Sjøgård Martin , Wens Vincent , Van Schependom Jeroen , Costers Lars , D'hooghe Marie , D'haeseleer Miguel , Woolrich Mark , Goldman Serge , Nagels Guy , De Tiège Xavier 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in multiple sclerosis (MS) is still unclear. This magnetoencephalography (MEG) study investigates the impact of MS on brain resting‐state functional connectivity (rsFC) and its relationship to disability and cognitive impairment. We investigated rsFC based on power envelope correlation within and between different frequency bands, in a large cohort of participants consisting of 99 MS patients and 47 healthy subjects. Correlations were investigated between rsFC and outcomes on disability, disease duration and 7 neuropsychological scores within each group, while stringently correcting for multiple comparisons and possible confounding factors. Specific dysconnections correlating with MS‐induced physical disability and disease duration were found within the sensorimotor and language networks, respectively. Global network‐level reductions in within‐ and cross‐network rsFC were observed in the default‐mode network. Healthy subjects and patients significantly differed in their scores on cognitive fatigue and verbal fluency. Healthy subjects and patients showed different correlation patterns between rsFC and cognitive fatigue or verbal fluency, both of which involved a shift in patients from the posterior default‐mode network to the language network. Introducing electrophysiological rsFC in a regression model of verbal fluency and cognitive fatigue in MS patients significantly increased the explained variance compared to a regression limited to structural MRI markers (relative thalamic volume and lesion load). This MEG study demonstrates that MS induces distinct changes in the resting‐state functional brain architecture that relate to disability, disease duration and specific cognitive functioning alterations. It highlights the potential value of electrophysiological intrinsic rsFC for monitoring the cognitive impairment in patients with MS.
Experimental investigation of esophageal reconstruction with electrospun polyurethane nanofiber and 3D printing polycaprolactone scaffolds using a rat model
Authors: Park Hanaro , Kim In Gul , Wu Yanru , Cho Hana , Shin Jung‐Woog , Park Su A , Chung Eun‐Jae 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the outcome of esophageal reconstructions using tissue‐engineered scaffolds.MethodPartial esophageal defects were reconstructed with the following scaffolds; animals were grouped (n = 7 per group) as follows: (a) normal rats; (b) rats implanted with three‐dimensional printing (3DP) polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds; (c) with human adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cell (ADSC)‐seeded 3DP PCL scaffolds; (d) with polyurethane (PU)‐nanofiber(Nf) scaffolds; and (e) with ADSC‐seeded PU‐Nf scaffolds.ResultsThe esophageal defects were successfully repaired; however, muscle regeneration was greater in the 3DP PCL + ADSC groups than in the PU‐Nf + ADSC groups (P < .001). Regeneration of the epithelium was greater in PU‐Nf and PU‐Nf + ADSC groups than in the 3DP PCL and 3DP PCL + ADSC groups (P < .001).ConclusionA tendency for more re‐epithelization was observed with the PU‐Nf scaffolds, while more muscle regeneration was achieved with the 3DP PCL scaffolds.
Impact of cascade reservoirs on continuity of river water temperature: A temperature trend hypothesis in river
Authors: Xu You , Guo Xiaojuan , Dan Yong , Yang Zhengjian , Ma Jun , Liu Defu , Xu Yaqian 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWater temperature is an important habitat factor in river ecosystems that exhibits the characteristics of continuous change. Dam construction disrupts the continuity of river water temperature and reset it, thus exerting sharp rise/decrease on the characteristics of water temperature change. The effect of a dam on river continuity is directly related to the dam size. To explain this relationship, two rivers in China were selected: one river without reservoirs and one river with cascade reservoirs. Through the analysis of the longitudinal change of water temperature in free‐flowing rivers, we found that water temperature changes continuously and steadily in the longitudinal direction. Based on this, a temperature trend hypothesis in river was proposed, and the discontinuity of the water temperature in the reservoir section was evaluated. The results are as follows: (1) In mixed reservoirs, river water temperature remained as continuous as free‐flowing rivers. However, the river water temperature had a large discontinuity in the stratified reservoir. (2) Water residence time was used as an indicator of the continuity of reservoir water temperature. (3) Selective withdrawal of stratified reservoirs in January could not remove the discontinuity caused by itself, but it worked in June.
Unraveling the Global Warming Mitigation Potential from Recycling Subway-Related Excavated Soil and Rock in China Via Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Zhang Ning , Zhang Hui , Schiller Georg , Feng Haibo , Gao Xiaofeng , Li Enming , Li Xiujie 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Many cities across China are investing in subway projects, resulting in much subway construction activity, which has experienced a surge over the past decade. The construction activities inevitably cause a dramatic quantity of subway-related excavated soil and rock (ESR). How to manage it with minimal environmental impact on our urban ecosystem remains an open question. The present study evaluates global warming potential (GWP, expressed by CO2 eq) from different ESR recycling and landfilling scenarios via a life cycle assessment (LCA) model based on primary field investigation combined with the LCA software database. The study results illustrate that recycling ESR can significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In comparison with traditional construction materials, the scenarios found that a cumulative amount of 1.1 to 1.5 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 eq emissions could have been mitigated by using ESR generated between 2010 and 2018 to produce baking-free bricks and recycled baked brick. Using cost–benefit analysis, potential economic benefits from recycled sand and baking-free bricks are found to reach US$9 million annually. The findings of this study could provide better recycling options for ESR-related stakeholders. It is important to mention that there still is much work to be done before this recycling work can be popularized in China. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2021;17:639–650. © 2020 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC)
KEY POINTS
This study focuses on the global warming potential (GWP) assessment of excavated soil and rock (ESR). Cumulative CO2 mitigation potential by recycling ESR was calculated. More than US$8 million profit could have been reached annually between 2006 and 2018. Cumulative CO2 mitigation potential could have been as high as 1.5 Mt from 2010 to 2018.
What do productivity indices tell us? A case study of U.S. industries
Authors: Madigu Godfrey , Gil‐Alana Luis A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractWe use fractional integration as a more general approach in order to examine productivity in U.S. manufacturing firms. We find that contrary to the standard analysis based on time trends with I(0) errors, many manufacturing U.S. industries are highly productive with positive productivity shocks causing permanent effects in the series. This implies that for recovery, policy interventions are necessary in these industries in the event of negative shocks.
Physico‐chemical characterization and tissue healing changes byHancornia speciosaGomes latex biomembrane
Authors: Pegorin Giovana S. , Leite Marcel N. , Antoniassi Marcio , Chagas Ana Laura D. , Santana Luísiane A. , Garms Bruna C. , Marcelino Mônica Y. , Herculano Rondinelli D. , Cipriani Frade Marco Andrey 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSkin wounds have been a public health concern of high frequency, in addition to requiring intensive and expensive care. The natural rubber latex (NRL) fromHancornia speciosaGomes has been used to treat many problems in traditional medicine and also present healing properties, antifungal and anti‐inflammatory activity and antinociceptive effects. The purpose of this study was to characterize the new biomembrane from the NRL ofH. speciosa(HS) by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and mechanical strength test and to investigate its biological properties by the cytotoxicity assay and in vivo healing activity. The results showed that the HS biomembrane exhibited characteristic bands of the main componentcis‐1,4‐polyisoprene. Besides, its Young modulus was close to human skin with adhesive‐compatible mechanical characteristics. The cytotoxicity assays revealed that the HS biomembrane was not toxic to fibroblast cells neither using agar diffusion test nor MTT assay. Furthermore, the HS biomembrane stimulated the inflammatory cells and the angiogenesis, increased significantly the collagenesis and improved the quality of heal until the remodeling phase induced by implants in mice. Thus, this biomembrane has proven to be a safe and biocompatible biomaterial with healing potential, becoming an effective and low‐cost alternative for the treatment of skin wounds.
Stabilization of novel N‐heterocyclic germylenes: A computational perspective
Authors: Zhao Kangping , Zhang Yannan , Ma Yuan , Jin Zhimei , Sheykhahmad Fatima Rashid 
Published: November 2020

AbstractIn this theoretical survey, N‐heterocyclic Germylenes (NHGes; 1–13) are compared and contrasted at DFT. All singlet (s) and triplet (t) states of NHGes turn out as minima for showing no negative force constant on their energy surfaces. Yet, only s states appear as global minima. From thermodynamic view point, the scrutinized NHGes show singlet‐triplet energy gap (ΔEs–t) larger than that of VI and VII germylenes, in the range of 51.45–60.37 versus 49.72 and 42.83 kcal/mol, respectively. In addition, all species are found less stable than NHGes synthesized by Veith (V) and more stable than the NHGes synthesized by Herrmann (VI) and Driess (VII) and so except for 9s–13s structures, reminder singlet divalent species have minimum vibrational frequencies (υmin) more than 100 cm−1. From kinetic view point, the ΔEHOMO–LUMO (band gap) of all singlet NHGes under study is higher than that of Driess's germylene. Henceforth, 1s–8s structures as stable molecules satisfy the identified conditions by Hoffmann, Schleyer, and Schaefer. Dimer of the singlet 1H‐4‐germapyridine‐4‐ylidene (1s), is found 11.44 kcal/mol less thermodynamically stable than its corresponding aromatic monomer. Endothermicity of head‐to‐head dimerization indicates that the reaction is unfavorable for 1, just as 8, while exothermicity shows that head‐to‐head dimerization is favorable for the others especially 9. This survey indicates the substitution effects of fused rings on thermodynamic and kinetic stabilities of NHGes hoping to prompt the experimental attentions toward them.