bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring Oxidative NHC‐Catalysis as Organocatalytic Polymerization Strategy towards Polyamide Oligomers
Authors: Ragno Daniele , Brandolese Arianna , Di Carmine Graziano , Buoso Sara , Belletti Giada , Leonardi Costanza , Bortolini Olga , Bertoldo Monica , Massi Alessandro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe polycondensation of diamines and dialdehydes promoted by an N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) catalyst in the presence of a quinone oxidant and hexafluoro‐2‐propanol (HFIP) is herein presented for the synthesis of oligomeric polyamides (PAs), which are obtained with a number‐average molecular weight (Mn) in the range of 1.7–3.6 kg mol−1 as determined by NMR analysis. In particular, the utilization of furanic dialdehyde monomers (2,5‐diformylfuran, DFF; 5,5’‐[oxybis(methylene)]bis[2‐furaldehyde], OBFA) to access known and previously unreported biobased PAs is illustrated. The synthesis of higher molecular weight PAs (poly(decamethylene terephthalamide, PA10T, Mn = 62.8 kg mol−1; poly(decamethylene 2,5‐furandicarboxylamide, PA10F, Mn = 6.5 kg mol−1) by a two‐step polycondensation approach is also described. The thermal properties (TGA and DSC analyses) of the synthesized PAs are reported.
Gas Fermentation Expands the Scope of a Process Network for Material Conversion
Authors: Geinitz Bertram , Hüser Aline , Mann Marcel , Büchs Jochen 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBiotechnological fermentation is a well‐established process, however, it is far from being fully understood and exploited. A new area of fermentation technology that has evolved over the recent decades is gas fermentation. Many microorganisms have been reported in literature to be capable of utilizing a variety of gases such as CO, CO2, H2, and CH4 under anaerobic or aerobic conditions as their main carbon and/or energy source. Mostly waste stream gases from industrial plants or those that can be produced via the gasification of solids are investigated. This review focuses on the currently available scientific knowledge about gas fermentation processes, particularly anaerobic syngas fermentation and aerobic methane fermentation. Gas fermentation processes are compared with aerobic and anaerobic fermentation processes based on dissolved solid substrates. Also, the potential of gas fermentation when integrated into a biotechnological network of processes is outlined.
Enhanced visible light photocatalytic activity of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 composite photocatalyst
Authors: Gao Yanhua , Yang Wei , Shan Xinyao , Chen Ying 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this paper, ultra‐thin g‐C3N4 nanosheets were prepared by improved ultrasonic stripping method for the first time. Then, g‐C3N4 nanosheets were pretreated into Bi+/g‐C3N4 nanosheets by electrostatic adsorption principle, and a new type of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was prepared by using Bi+/g‐C3N4 nanosheets as the substrate. The degradation of RhB under photocatalysis was studied with the compound amount of g‐C3N4 and the amount of catalyst by using x‐ray diffraction (XRD), a scanning electron microscope (SEM), high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Brunauer Emmett‐Teller (BET), and ultraviolet visible diffuse (UV‐vis DRS) methods on the structure, morphology, and optical characterization charge transfer characteristics, etc. The results of the degradation experiment show that the compound appropriate amount of g‐C3N4 can significantly improve the activity of the photocatalyst. At the same time, different amounts of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 composite photocatalyst have a significant effect on the degradation performance, and the photocatalytic activity is the best when the input is 2 g/L. Combined with active species capture experiments, a possible degradation mechanism of Cl‐Bi2WO6/g‐C3N4 Z‐type heterostructure photocatalyst was proposed.
Impact of gender: Rivaroxaban for patients with atrial fibrillation in the XANTUS real‐world prospective study
Authors: Camm A. John , Amarenco Pierre , Haas Sylvia , Bach Miriam , Kirchhof Paulus , Kuhls Silvia , Lambelet Marc , Turpie Alexander G.G. ,   XANTUS Investigators
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe XANTUS study (NCT01606995) demonstrated low rates of stroke and major bleeding in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) receiving rivaroxaban in clinical practice for the prevention of thromboembolic events (N = 6784).HypothesisBecause previous real‐world studies have not reported gender‐dependent responses to rivaroxaban treatment, this sub‐analysis of the XANTUS study investigated the effect of gender on outcomes.MethodsThe centrally adjudicated outcomes were compared between genders. Primary outcomes were major bleeding and all‐cause death. Secondary outcomes included symptomatic thromboembolic events. Multivariable Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the effect of risk factors on outcomes between genders.ResultsA total of 2765 female and 4016 male patients were included in the analysis. Baseline characteristics were generally similar. No nominally significant interaction between gender and risk factors for the study outcomes was observed. Rates of major bleeding, all‐cause death and symptomatic thromboembolic events in patients with non‐valvular AF receiving rivaroxaban for stroke prevention were similar in men and women; no significant differences in risk factors for these outcomes were observed between genders.ConclusionsFurther research is needed to better characterize the relative importance of different risk factors on outcomes in men vs women and to determine whether gender differences exist in patients treated with non‐vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants.
Distance to treatment center is associated with survival in children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Rotz Seth J. , Wei Wei , Thomas Stefanie M. , Hanna Rabi 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundSocioeconomic and demographic categories such as income, race, insurance status, and treatment center type are associated with outcomes in acute leukemia. This study was aimed at determining whether the distance to treatment center affects overall survival for children and young adults with acute leukemia.MethodsThe National Cancer Database was queried for patients 39 years old or younger who were diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) or acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). A backward elimination procedure was used to select final multivariate Cox models.ResultsIn total, 12,301 patients with AML and 22,683 patients with ALL were analyzed. The ALL model included distance to treatment center, Charlson‐Deyo score, age, race, insurance status, and community income level. US census definitions of urban and rural were not statistically significant, and no interaction was significant for included variables. Compared with distances > 50 miles, all other distances were associated with improved survival (hazard ratio [HR] for ≤10 miles, 0.91; P = .04; HR for >10 to ≤20 miles, 0.86; P = .004; HR for >20 to ≤50 miles, 0.87; P = .005). The final model for AML included the same variables as the ALL model except for distance to treatment center, which was not statistically significant.ConclusionsFor children and young adults with ALL, distances > 50 miles are associated with inferior overall survival; however, no difference is seen for AML. Although it is unknown whether differences in survival for patients with ALL based on distance are driven by relapse or treatment‐related mortality, increased attention to adherence, supportive care, and logistics for patients traveling long distances is warranted.Lay Summary

For children and young adults with acute lymphoblastic leukemia, living more than 50 miles from the treatment center is associated with worse outcomes.
Composite firefly algorithm for breast cancer recognition
Authors: Peng Hu , Zhu Wenhua , Deng Changshou , Yu Kun , Wu Zhijian 
Published: September 2020

SummaryBreast cancer is the most common tumor that seriously threatens the life of women. However, with imprecise measure methods, the detection results are not reliable enough, and this will bring more pain and cost to patients. Therefore, accurate identification of breast cancer is a very important issue. To tackle this problem, a composite firefly algorithm (named CoFA) is proposed, in which each firefly is attracted compositely by the best and two randomly selected fireflies. First, the composite attraction method increases the probability that the current firefly generates better solution. In addition, the two fireflies are randomly selected, whatever they are better or worse than current firefly, the population diversity can be improved. The proposed CoFA has been tested on several breast cancer datasets derived from UCI. Experimental results verified that CoFA significantly improves the recognition accuracy.
Optimized Transgene Delivery Using Third‐Generation Lentiviruses
Authors: Gill Katherine P. , Denham Mark 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe lentivirus system enables efficient genetic modification of both dividing and non‐dividing cells and therefore is a useful tool for elucidating developmental processes and disease pathogenesis. The development of third‐generation lentiviruses has resulted in improved biosafety, low immunogenicity, and substantial packaging capabilities. However, because third‐generation lentiviruses require successful co‐transfection with four plasmids, this typically means that lower titers are attained. This is problematic, as it is often desirable to produce purified lentiviruses with high titers (>1 × 108TU/ml), especially for in vivo applications. The manufacturing process for lentiviruses involves several critical experimental factors that can influence titer, purity, and transduction efficiency. Here, we describe a straightforward, stepwise protocol for the reproducible manufacture of high‐titer third‐generation lentiviruses (1 × 108to 1 × 109TU/ml). This optimized protocol enhances transgene expression by use of Lipofectamine transfection and optimized serum replacement medium, a single ultracentrifugation step, use of a sucrose cushion, and addition of a histone deacetylation inhibitor. Furthermore, we provide alternate methods for titration analyses, including functional and genomic integration analyses, using common laboratory techniques such as FACS as well as genomic DNA extraction and qPCR. These optimized methods will be beneficial for investigating developmental processes and disease pathogenesis in vitro and in vivo. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol 1: Lentivirus productionSupport Protocol: Lentivirus concentrationBasic Protocol 2: Lentivirus titrationAlternate Protocol 1: Determination of viral titration by FACS analysisAlternate Protocol 2: Determination of viral titration by genome integration analysis
General and specific combining ability for cane yield and implications for sugarcane breeding
Authors: Zhou Marvellous 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGeneral combining ability (GCA) referencing additive genetic effects and specific combining ability (SCA) referencing nonadditive effects have been applied for decades in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding and other crops to produce greater genetic gains in crop breeding. This study examined the magnitude of GCA and SCA for cane yield and evaluated potential for application in sugarcane (Saccharum spp.) breeding. Data were collected from unselected first‐stage breeding populations sourced from the irrigated, midlands (high‐altitude), and coastal breeding programs of the South African Sugarcane Research Institute. Cane yield data calculated from number of stalks, stalk height, and stalk diameter was analyzed using best linear unbiased prediction (BLUP) analysis where female and male effects (GCA) and female × male interaction effects (SCA) were defined as random effects. There were significant (P < .05) female but nonsignificant male effects. Female × male interaction was highly significant (P < .001) and larger than both female and male effects, indicating higher SCA than GCA. Specific combining ability variance was 24% (midlands), 31% (coastal), and 57% (irrigated) higher than GCA. Genotypes with low GCA produced higher SCA. Crosses from parents originating from different breeding backgrounds produced higher SCA than those from the same backgrounds. Crosses with significant SCA produced 24–42% greater cane yield than those with nonsignificant SCA. Using GCA to develop parents with high breeding values and SCA to evaluate parent cross combinations will maximize exploitation of heterosis in sugarcane breeding. The results suggest the possibility to develop heterotic groups that are diverse and complementary as a strategy to optimize utilization of SCA.
ESG and reputation: The case of sanctioned Italian banks
Authors: Murè Pina , Spallone Marco , Mango Fabiomassimo , Marzioni Stefano , Bittucci Lucilla 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to investigate whether banks adopt Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) practices to reduce reputational damage due to financial penalties and whether the adoption of ESG factors can reduce the probability to receive sanctions. This study extends a previous research (Guerello et al., North American Journal of Economics and Finance, 2018, 48, 591–612) by including ESG scores as determinant of the probability to be sanctioned. The econometric analyses in this paper are based on a sample of 13 Italian banks for the years 2008–2018 and includes ESG scores provided by both Thomson Reuters and Bloomberg. The research shows that ESG score and the probability of sanctions are positively related. However, a careful analysis of causal directions clarifies the meaning of such positive relationship: receiving financial penalties is detrimental for banks reputations, therefore it's necessary for banks to improve their reputation through the adoption of ESG practices.
Photocatalytic H2 Production from Water by Metal‐free Dye‐sensitized TiO2 Semiconductors: The Role and Development Process of Organic Sensitizers
Authors: Huang Jian‐Feng , Lei Yang , Luo Teng , Liu Jun‐Min 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe utilization of solar energy to produce hydrogen from water is showing increased importance and desirability in the field of artificial photosynthesis to produce clean and sustainable fuels. In a typical three‐component dye‐sensitized semiconductor system for photocatalysis, the dye sensitizer plays an essential role of energy antenna for harvesting visible light and promoting the reduction reaction to generate hydrogen. In recent decades, a lot of attention has focused on metal‐free organic sensitizers, which have the advantages of low cost, high molar extinction coefficient, good modifiability and, most importantly, ability to avoid the use of noble metal ions. This Review enumerates the design strategies, specific properties and photocatalytic performances of metal‐free sensitizers in the past 30 years and concludes their evolution process. The advantages of different types of metal‐free sensitizers are highlighted and the instructively enlightening experiences are systematic summarized.
Highly Efficient Solid‐State Hydrolysis of Waste Polyethylene Terephthalate by Mechanochemical Milling and Vapor‐Assisted Aging
Authors: Štrukil Vjekoslav 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDespite significant methodological and technological advancements in chemical recycling of synthetic polymers, an efficient and quantitative conversion of post‐consumer polyethylene terephthalate (PET) into terephthalic acid (TPA) under ambient conditions of temperature and pressure still remains a challenge. In this respect, the application of mechanochemistry and multiple advantages offered by solid‐state ball milling and vapor‐assisted aging have remained insufficiently explored. To further expand their potential, the implementation of organic solvent‐free milling as a superior methodology for successful alkaline depolymerization of waste PET (e. g., bottles and textile) into TPA monomer in near‐quantitative yields was reported herein. The solid‐state alkaline PET hydrolysis was also shown to proceed in excellent yields under aging conditions in humid environment or in the presence of alcohol vapors. Moreover, the performance of mechanochemical ball milling and aging in the gram‐scale depolymerization of PET into TPA was demonstrated.
Disease extent and anti‐tubercular treatment response correlates with Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐specific CD4 T‐cell phenotype regardless of HIV‐1 status
Authors: Riou Catherine , Du Bruyn Elsa , Ruzive Sheena , Goliath Rene T , Lindestam Arlehamn Cecilia S , Sette Alessandro , Sher Alan , Barber Daniel L , Wilkinson Robert J 
Published: September 2020

AbstractObjectivesThe development of non‐sputum‐based assays for tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis and treatment monitoring is a key priority. Recent data indicate that whole blood‐based assays to assess the phenotype of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb)‐specific CD4 T cells hold promise for this purpose and require further investigation in well‐characterised TB cohorts. In this study, we investigated the relationship between the phenotypic signature of Mtb‐specific CD4 responses, TB disease extent and treatment response.MethodsUsing flow cytometry, we measured the expression of phenotypic and functional markers (HLA‐DR, CD27, CD153, KLRG1, IL‐2, MIP‐1β, TNF‐α and IFN‐γ) on Mtb‐specific CD4 T‐cells in whole blood from 161 participants of varying TB and HIV status. TB disease extent was graded as a continuum using the Xpertct value, C‐reactive protein, Timika radiographic score and monocyte/lymphocyte ratio.ResultsThe phenotypic profile of Mtb‐specific CD4 T cells pre‐anti‐tubercular treatment (ATT) strongly correlated with disease extent, irrespective of HIV status. ATT associated with major changes in the phenotype of Mtb‐specific CD4 T cells, with decreased expression of HLA‐DR and increased CD27 and CD153 expression. Principal component analysis showed an almost complete separation between latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB (aTB) pre‐ATT groups, whereas the profile of the aTB post‐ATT group overlapped with the LTBI group. However, in patients experiencing treatment failure or relapse, no significant changes were observed in Mtb‐specific CD4 T‐cell phenotype pre‐ and post‐ATT.ConclusionWhole blood‐based assays of Mtb‐specific CD4 T‐cell activation and maturation markers can be used as non‐sputum‐based biomarkers of disease extent and treatment monitoring in TB, regardless of HIV‐1 status.
Squash smear cytology of pituitary granular cell tumor: A case report and review of literature with special emphasis on cytological differential diagnosis in pituitary region
Authors: Khurana Ujjawal , Shrivastava Adesh , Jain Rubal , Goel Garima , Joshi Deepti , Kapoor Neelkamal 
Published: September 2020

AbstractNeurohypophysis granular cell tumor (NGCT) is a rare entity and is classified under thyroid transcription factor 1 (TTF‐1) expressing tumors of pituitary. It is considered as an uncommon differential during sellar and suprasellar mass evaluation. Its intraoperative squash cytology is distinct and has rarely been reported in literature. A 65‐year‐old female presented with reduced vision of right eye and history of seizures. Radiological findings revealed a sellar/suprasellar mass with mass effect on optic chiasma. Intraoperative squash neurocytology examination showed a spindle cell lesion with abundant granular cytoplasm in tumor cells. Subsequent histopathology and immunohistochemistry confirmed the diagnosis of granular cell tumor. Granular cell tumor remains one of the sellar/suprasellar surprises. Its intraoperative neurocytology is unique and should be considered while evaluating a sellar/suprasellar mass. A case of sellar granular cell tumor with its intraoperative squash cytology, histopathology along with a review of literature is being presented with special emphasis on cytological differential diagnosis in pituitary region.
New multitarget directed benzimidazole‐2‐thiol‐based heterocycles as prospective anti‐radical and anti‐Alzheimer's agents
Authors: Latif Abdul , Bibi Samina , Ali Sardar , Ammara Ammara , Ahmad Manzoor , Khan Ajmal , Al‐Harrasi Ahmed , Ullah Farhat , Ali Mumtaz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA series of new heterocycles (4–18) was synthesized by the structural modification of benzimidazole‐2‐thiol (BT, 2‐MBI). The structures of the synthesized compounds were confirmed with the help of high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) and 1HNMR spectroscopy. High inhibitions of the oxidants such as ABTS and DPPH were observed for compounds 9 [IC50(s) = 167.4 μM (ABTS), 139.5 μM (DPPH)], 10 [IC50(s) = 186.5 μM (ABTS), 155.4 μM (DPPH)], 11 [IC50(s) = 286.1 μM (ABTS), 189.1 μM (DPPH)], 12 [IC50(s) = 310.8 μM (ABTS), 162.2 μM (DPPH)], 14 [IC50(s) = 281.3 μM (ABTS), 205.7 μM (DPPH)], 15 [IC50(s) = 284.1 μM (ABTS), 177.3 μM (DPPH)], and 16 [IC50(s) = 344.7 μM (ABTS), 270.2 μM (DPPH)] as compared with Ascorbic acid [IC50(s) = 340.9 μM (ABTS), 164.3 μM (DPPH)]. The anti‐Alzheimer's activity was performed in vitro against cholinesterase enzymes (AChE, BChE). Compound 11 was able to show significant inhibitions [IC50(s) = 121.2 μM (AChE), 38.3 μM (BChE)] as against that of galantamine [IC50(s) = 139.4 μM (AChE), 40.3 μM (BChE)]. Compound 14 was found as a very good inhibitor of butyrylcholinesterase (IC50 = 35.4 μM) as compared with standard galantamine. Molecular docking was further performed to investigate the mechanism of anticholinesterase activity.
Superiority of cilostazol among antiplatelet FDA‐approved drugs against COVID 19 Mpro and spike protein: Drug repurposing approach
Authors: Abosheasha Mohammed A. , El‐Gowily Afnan H. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID 19) was first identified in Wuhan, China near the end of 2019. To date, COVID‐19 had spread to almost 235 countries and territories due to its highly infectious nature. Moreover, there is no vaccine or Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved drug. More time is needed to establish one of them. Consequently, the drug repurposing approach seems to be the most attractive and quick solution to accommodate this crisis. In this regard, we performed molecular docking‐based virtual screening of antiplatelet FDA‐approved drugs on the key two viral target proteins: main protease (Mpro) and spike glycoprotein (S) as potential inhibitor candidates for COVID‐19. In the present study, 15 antiplatelet FDA‐approved drugs were investigated against the concerned targets using the Molecular Docking Server. Our study revealed that only cilostazol has the most favorable binding interaction on Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) and cilostazol, iloprost, epoprostenol, prasugrel, and icosapent ethyl have a higher binding affinity on spike glycoprotein (S) (PDB ID: 6VYB) compared with recent anti‐CoVID‐19. Therefore, cilostazol is a promising FDA drug against COVID‐19 by inhibiting both Mpro and S protein. The insights gained in this study may be useful for quick approach against COVID‐19 in the future.
Are there sex differences in the development of prefrontal function during early childhood?
Authors: Shinohara Ikuko , Moriguchi Yusuke 
Published: September 2020

AbstractResearch has demonstrated the possibility of minor sex differences in executive function (EF) development of young children; however, this may be limited to the measurements used in previous studies (questionnaires and cognitive tasks), which tend to be less sensitive to the detection of sex differences. The present study uses brain measures to examine the effect of sex on EF development. In this study, preschool children were given an EF task, and patterns of activation in the lateral prefrontal regions were measured by a functional near‐infrared spectroscopy. In Study 1, there were no behavioral differences between girls and boys, though girls showed stronger prefrontal activation than boys. Study 2 was conducted as an attempt to replicate the results, and some of the results were inconsistent with the results in Study 1. Results suggest that sex differences in EF tasks are small, although such differences may exist irrespective of methodology.