bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strontium, oxygen, and carbon isotope variation in modern human dental enamel
Authors: Plomp Esther , von Holstein Isabella C. C. , Kootker Lisette M. , Verdegaal‐Warmerdam Suzanne J. A. , Forouzanfar Tim , Davies Gareth R. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectivesIsotopic analyses using human dental enamel provide information on the mobility and diet of individuals in forensic and archeological studies. Thus far, no study has systematically examined intraindividual coupled strontium (Sr), oxygen (O), and carbon (C) isotope variation in human enamel or the effect that caries have on the isotopic integrity of the enamel. The inadequate quantification of isotopic variation affects interpretations and may constrain sample selection of elements affected by caries. This study aims to quantify the intraindividual isotopic variation and provides recommendations for enamel sampling methods.Material and MethodsThis study presents the first systematic results on intraindividual variation in Sr–O–C isotope composition and Sr concentration in modern human dental enamel of third molars (affected and unaffected by caries). A multiloci sampling approach (n = 6–20) was used to analyze surface and inner enamel, employing thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS) and isotope ratio mass spectrometry (IRMS). Third molars were analyzed from 47 individuals from the Netherlands, Iceland, the United States, the Caribbean, Colombia, Somalia, and South Africa.ResultsIntradental isotopic variation in modern Dutch dental elements was recorded for Sr, O, and C and exceeded the variation introduced by the analytical error. Single loci and bulk sampling approaches of third molars established that a single analysis is only representative of the bulk Sr isotope composition in 60% of the elements analyzed. Dental elements affected by caries showed twice the variation seen in unaffected dental elements. Caries did not consistently incorporate the isotopic composition of the geographical environment in which they developed.DiscussionThe isotopic variability recorded in unaffected inner enamel indicates that variations greater than 0.000200 for 87Sr/86Sr and larger than 2‰ for δ18O and δ13C are required to demonstrate changes in modern Dutch human diet or geographic location.
Characterization and implications of the lingual process of the sphenoid bone: a cadaveric and radiographic study
Authors: Li Lifeng , London Nyall R. , Chen Xiaohong , Prevedello Daniel M. , Carrau Ricardo L. 
Published: April 2020

BackgroundThe surgical significance of the lingual process of the sphenoid bone (LPSB) has not been sufficiently addressed. The purpose of this study was to describe the anatomical details of the LPSB in relation to the quadrangular space. Moreover, the incidence of the LPSB and its correlation with the pneumatization of the sphenoid sinus and the development of the lateral recess of the sphenoid sinus (LRSS) were also evaluated.MethodsA dissection and exposure of the LPSB and the quadrangular space was performed on 10 cadaveric specimens (20 sides). The incidence, length, and height of the LPSB were also assessed on computed tomography (CT) images (60 patients, 120 sides). The association between the presence of the LPSB with the pneumatization type of the sphenoid sinus and the presence of a LRSS was evaluated.ResultsIn a cadaveric model, the LPSB, in association with the petrolingual ligament extending from the LPSB to the petrous apex, was identified on 7 sides (35%). The LPSB was continuous with the mandibular strut. The overall incidence of a LPSB was 48.33% on CT images, and the average length and height of the LPSB was (mean ± standard deviation) 5.30 ± 1.44 mm and 6.51 ± 1.32 mm, respectively. A significant correlation was identified between presence of the LPSB with the pneumatization type of the sphenoid sinus (p = 0.004) but no correlation was identified with the presence of the LRSS (p = 0.071).ConclusionThe LPSB and the petrolingual ligament are useful landmarks for procedures in the quadrangular space and Meckel's cave. However, the LPSB is not consistently present.
Skull‐base surgery during the COVID‐19 pandemic: the Italian Skull Base Society recommendations
Authors: Castelnuovo Paolo , Turri‐Zanoni Mario , Karligkiotis Apostolos , Battaglia Paolo , Pozzi Fabio , Locatelli Davide ,   the Italian Skull Base Society Board, Italian Skull Base Society Board (Società Italiana Basicranio [SIB]), Bernucci Claudio , Iacoangeli Maurizio , Krengli Marco , Marchetti Marcello , Pareschi Roberto , Pompucci Angelo , Rabbiosi Dimitri 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome‐coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), is highly contagious with devastating impacts for healthcare systems worldwide. Medical staff are at high risk of viral contamination and it is imperative to know what personal protective equipment (PPE) is appropriate for each situation. Furthermore, elective clinics and operations have been reduced in order to mobilize manpower to the acute specialties combating the outbreak; appropriate differentiation between patients who require immediate care and those who can receive telephone consultation or whose treatment might viably be postponed is therefore crucial. Italy was 1 of the earliest and hardest‐hit European countries and therefore the Italian Skull Base Society board has promulgated specific recommendations based on consensus best practices and the literature, where available. Only urgent surgical operations are recommended and all patients should be tested at least twice (on days 4 and 2 prior to surgery). For positive patients, procedures should be postponed until after swab test negativization. If the procedure is vital to the survival of the patient, filtering facepiece 3 (FFP3) and/or powered air purifying respirator (PAPR) devices, goggles, full‐face visor, double gloves, water‐resistant gowns, and protective caps are mandatory. For negative patients, use of at least an FFP2 mask is recommended. In all cases the use of drills, which promote the aerosolization of potentially infected mucous particles, should be avoided. Given the potential neurotropism of SARS‐CoV‐2, dura handling should be minimized. It is only through widely‐agreed protocols and teamwork that we will be able to deal with the evolving and complex implications of this new pandemic.
An update on memory formation and retrieval: An engram‐centric approach
Authors: Bostancıklıoğlu Mehmet 
Published: April 2020

AbstractObjectiveWe explore here that memory loss observed in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disorder of memory retrieval, instead of a storage impairment. This engram‐centric explanation aims to enlarge the conceptual frame of memory as an emergent behavior of the brain and to propose a new treatment strategy for memory retrieval in dementia‐AD.BackgroundThe conventional memory hypothesis suggests that memory is stored as multiple traces in hippocampal neurons but recent evidence indicates that there are specialized memory engrams responsible for the storage and the retrieval of different memory types.Updated Memory HypothesisThere are specialized memory engram neurons for each memory type and when information will be stored as a memory arrives in the hippocampus through afferent neurons finds its neuron according to the excitability states of engram neurons. The excitability level in engram neurons seems like a code canalizing the interactions between engrams and information. Therefore, to enhance the excitability of memory engram neurons improves memory loss observed in AD. In addition, we suggest that the hippocampus creates an index for information stored in memory engram cells in specialized regions for different types of memory, instead of storing all information; and different anatomic locations of engram cells and their roles in memory retrieval point out that memory could be an emergent behavior of the brain, and the interaction between serotonin fluctuation and engram neurons could be neural underpinnings of terminal lucidity.Major Challenges for the ModelThe major challenge for this engram‐centric memory retrieval model is the translation from bench to patient, specifically the delivery of optogenetic tools in patients. Engram neurons can be specifically activated by optogenetic tools, but optogenetics is an invasive technique which requires optic fiber implantation into the brain. In addition, light can overheat the tissue and thus induce damage in tissue. Furthermore, light is a foreign object and its direct implantation into the brain may cause neuroinflammation, the main trigger of neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, to test the engram hypothesis in human, new tools to allow specific engram activation should be discovered.
Graphdiyne Interface Engineering: Highly Active and Selective Ammonia Synthesis
Authors: Fang Yan , Xue Yurui , Li Yongjun , Yu Huidi , Hui Lan , Liu Yuxin , Xing Chengyu , Zhang Chao , Zhang Danyan , Wang Zhongqiang , Chen Xi , Gao Yang , Huang Bolong , Li Yuliang 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA freestanding 3D graphdiyne–cobalt nitride (GDY/Co2N) with a highly active and selective interface is fabricated for the electrochemical nitrogen reduction reaction (ECNRR). Density function theory calculations reveal that the interface‐bonded GDY contributes an unique p‐electronic character to optimally modify the Co‐N compound surface bonding, which generates as‐observed superior electronic activity for NRR catalysis at the interface region. Experimentally, at atmospheric pressure and room temperature, the electrocatalyst creates a new record of ammonia yield rate (Y
) and Faradaic efficiency (FE) of 219.72 μg h−1 mgcat.−1 and 58.60 %, respectively, in acidic conditions, higher than reported electrocatalysts. Such a catalyst is promising to generate new concepts, new knowledge, and new phenomena in electrocatalytic research, driving rapid development in the field of electrocatalysis.
Non‐catalytic and heterogeneous acid/base‐catalyzed biodiesel production: Recent and future developments
Authors: Tran‐Nguyen Phuong Lan , Ong Lu Ki , Go Alchris Woo , Ju Yi‐Hsu , Angkawijaya Artik Elisa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBiodiesel production technologies, which are non‐catalytic and those involving the use of heterogeneous catalyst(s), have gained much interest owing to its high biodiesel and pure glycerol throughput. During the past 15 years, many studies were devoted to explore new catalysts as well as improve non‐catalytic technologies with aims to ultimately industrialize such biodiesel production processes. This review elucidates the main process parameters that influences non‐catalytic and heterogeneous‐catalyzed biodiesel production processes. The common parameters among these technologies include the process temperature, alcohol/oil molar ratio, pressure, catalyst loading, and feedstock quality. Optimization of these process parameters is discussed according to the use of conventional method (one factor at a time [OFAAT]) or the use of statistical methods such as response surface methodology (RSM), artificial neural network (ANN), and Taguchi method. In addition, recent development on non‐catalytic process and those involving the use of heterogeneous catalyst(s), such as glycerol‐free processes under supercritical conditions of alkyl donors and strategies to improve properties of heterogeneous catalyst, are also reviewed. Finally, insight based on the published techno‐economical evaluations is also tackled, and future prospects and research directions on these technologies are also discussed.
A biosensor platform based on amine functionalized conjugated benzenediamine‐benzodithiophene polymer for testosterone analysis
Authors: Bulut Umut , Sanli Serdar , Cevher Sevki Can , Cirpan Ali , Donmez Sude , Timur Suna 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA novel benzenediamine‐benzodithiophene polymer is synthesized for use in biosensor fabrication for the detection of testosterone. The sensory platform is constructed via drop coating on a screen‐printed carbon electrode, using poly(benzenediamine‐Bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzodithiophene) (pBDBT) as the polymer layer. Testosterone antibodies are immobilized on the polymer‐coated electrode surface via glutaraldehyde, which binds to the surface through the amino functional groups on the polymer backbone. The changes in the surface features due to testosterone binding are investigated via electrochemical techniques such as differential pulse voltammetry, cyclic voltammetry, and electrochemical impedance spectrometry as well as contact angle measurements. Surface morphology of the modified electrodes is characterized by atomic force microscopy. The linear range and limit of detection of the sensor are calculated. Impact of possible interfering compounds is investigated. Furthermore, the sensory platform is utilized for testosterone analysis in synthetic biological fluids.
Homopolymerization of styrenic monomers and their copolymerization with ethylene using group 4 non‐metallocene catalysts
Authors: Białek Marzena , Fryga Julia 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHomopolymerization of styrenic monomers (St, p‐Me‐St, p‐tBu‐St, p‐tBuO‐St) and their copolymerization with ethylene, with the use of [(tBu2O2NN′)ZrCl]2(μ‐O) (1) and (tBu2O2NN′)TiCl2 (2), where tBu2O2NN′ = Me2N(CH2)2N(CH2‐2‐O−‐3,5‐tBu2‐C6H2)2, is explored in the presence of MMAO and (iBu)3Al/Ph3CB(C6F5)4. The ethylene/styrenic monomers copolymerization with 1/MMAO produces exclusively copolymers with high activity and good comonomer incorporation whereas the other catalytic systems yield mixtures of copolymers and homopolymers. The use of p‐alkyl styrene derivatives instead of styrene raises the catalytic activity, comonomer incorporation and molecular weights of the copolymers. Complex 2 exhibits higher activity in homopolymerization of styrenic monomers than 1 irrespective of the kind of the activator employed. A clear dependence is observed for the molecular weight and catalyst activity against the kind of the styrenic monomer. The obtained polymers were atactic and only the complex 2, when activated by MMAO, promoted the highly syndiospecific polymerization of p‐Me‐St and p‐tBu‐St. Poly(p‐tBuO‐St) exhibits fiber‐forming properties.
Biomarkers of minimal residual disease in rituximab‐treated patients with mixed cryoglobulinemia
Authors: Basile Umberto , Gulli Francesca , Napodano Cecilia , Pocino Krizia , Basile Valerio , Marrapodi Ramona , Colantuono Stefania , Todi Laura , Marino Mariapaola , Rapaccini Gian Ludovico , Visentini Marcella 
Published: April 2020

AbstractHepatitis C virus (HCV) represents the major risk factor for mixed cryoglobulinemia (MC), a small‐vessel vasculitis that may evolve into an overt B‐cell non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma. Here, we aimed to identify a biomarker signature for the early diagnosis of minimal residual disease (MRD). We assessed free light chains (FLCs), IgM k,and IgM λ heavy/light chain (HLC) pairs, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in sera from 34 patients with MC vasculitis (32 HCV‐ and 2 HBV‐related), treated with low‐dose rituximab (RTX). FLCs and IgM HLCs were measured by turbidimetric assay; VEGF by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After RTX, the positive (complete + partial) clinical and laboratory responses were of 85.29% and 50%, respectively; in contrast, the mean levels of FLCs, IgM HLCs, and VEGF were substantially unaffected in most patients and still above the normal range. In those achieving a reduction of FLCs and IgM k and λ chains values within the range of normality, we found that post‐treatment free λ chains and IgM k values correlated with clinical and laboratory response. Our results suggest that high levels of FLCs, IgM HLCs, and VEGF could represent the signature of “dormant” B cell clones’ activity that could be very useful to identify MRD indicative of possible relapse or worsening outcome.
Demonstration‐scale enzymatic saccharification of sulfite‐pulped spruce with addition of hydrogen peroxide for LPMO activation
Authors: Costa Thales H. F. , Kadic' Adnan , Chylenski Piotr , Várnai Anikó , Bengtsson Oskar , Lidén Gunnar , Eijsink Vincent G.H. , Horn Svein Jarle 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe saccharification of lignocellulosic materials like Norway spruce is challenging due to the recalcitrant nature of the biomass, and it requires optimized and efficient pretreatment and enzymatic hydrolysis processes to make it industrially feasible. In this study, we report successful enzymatic saccharification of sulfite‐pulped spruce (Borregaard's BALI™ process) at demonstration scale, achieved through the controlled delivery of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) for the activation of lytic polysaccharide monooxygenases (LPMOs) present in the cellulolytic enzyme preparation. We achieved 85% saccharification yield in 4 days using industrially relevant conditions – that is, an enzyme dose of 4% (w/w dry matter of substrate) of the commercial cellulase cocktail Cellic CTec3 and a substrate loading of 12% (w/w). Addition of H2O2 and the resulting controlled and high LPMO activity had a positive effect on the rate of saccharification and the final sugar titer. Clearly, the high LPMO activity was dependent on feeding the reactors with the LPMO co‐substrate H2O2, as in situ generation of H2O2 from molecular oxygen was limited. These demonstration‐scale experiments provide a solid basis for the use of H2O2 to improve enzymatic saccharification of lignocellulosic biomass at large industrial scale.© 2020 The Authors. Biofuels, Bioproducts, and Biorefining published by Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Synthesis, spectral properties and antimicrobial activity of a new cationic water‐soluble pH‐dependent poly(propylene imine) dendrimer modified with 1,8‐naphthalimides
Authors: Staneva Desislava , Manov Hristo , Yordanova Stanislava , Vasileva‐Tonkova Evgenia , Stoyanov Stanimir , Grabchev Ivo 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA three‐step synthesis was implemented to prepare a quaternary ammonium functionalized blue fluorescent poly(propylene imine) dendrimer modified with pyridinium salt of 4‐acylamino‐1,8‐naphthalimide. The new cationic dendrimer absorbs in the ultraviolet light region and emits blue fluorescence. Its spectral characteristics in organic solvents and in an aqueous solution were studied. The influence of pH on the fluorescence intensity of the dendrimer was established with regard to its use as a pH sensor. The effect of hydroxyl ions on the absorption and fluorescence spectra in dry N,N‐dimethylformamide was also investigated. The antimicrobial activity of the dendrimer was assessed against model pathogenic microorganisms in agar, liquid medium, and after its deposition on cotton fabric.
Anything but Conventional Chromatography Approaches in Bioseparation
Authors: Roque Ana Cecília Afonso , Pina Ana Sofia , Azevedo Ana Margarida , Aires‐Barros Raquel , Jungbauer Alois , Di Profio Gianluca , Heng Jerry Y. Y. , Haigh Jonathan , Ottens Marcel 
Published: April 2020

AbstractWhile packed bed chromatography, known as conventional chromatography, has been serving the biopharmaceutical industry for decades as the bioseparation method of choice, alternative approaches are likely to take an increasing leading role in the next few years. The high number of new biological drugs under development, and the need to make biopharmaceuticals widely accessible, has been driving the academia and industry in the quest of anything but conventional chromatography approaches. In this perspective paper, these alternative approaches are discussed in view of current and future challenges in the downstream processing field.
Current technologies to endotoxin detection and removal for biopharmaceutical purification
Authors: Schneier Mason , Razdan Sidharth , Miller Allison M. , Briceno Maria E. , Barua Sutapa 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEndotoxins are the major contributors to the pyrogenic response caused by contaminated pharmaceutical products, formulation ingredients, and medical devices. Recombinant biopharmaceutical products are manufactured using living organisms, including Gram‐negative bacteria. Upon the death of a Gram‐negative bacterium, endotoxins (also known as lipopolysaccharides) in the outer cell membrane are released into the lysate where they can interact with and form bonds with biomolecules, including target therapeutic compounds. Endotoxin contamination of biologic products may also occur through water, raw materials such as excipients, media, additives, sera, equipment, containers closure systems, and expression systems used in manufacturing. The manufacturing process is, therefore, in critical need of methods to reduce and remove endotoxins by monitoring raw materials and in‐process intermediates at critical steps, in addition to final drug product release testing. This review paper highlights a discussion on three major topics about endotoxin detection techniques, upstream processes for the production of therapeutic molecules, and downstream processes to eliminate endotoxins during product purification. Finally, we have evaluated the effectiveness of endotoxin removal processes from a perspective of high purity and low cost.
Brain volumes in relation to loneliness and social competence in preadolescents born very preterm
Authors: Lind Annika , Salomäki Susanna , Parkkola Riitta , Haataja Leena , Rautava Päivi , Junttila Niina , Koikkalainen Juha , Lötjönen Jyrki , Saunavaara Virva , Korja Riikka ,   PIPARI Study Group
Published: April 2020

AbstractIntroductionThe aim of the present study was to assess how regional brain volumes associate with self‐experienced social and emotional loneliness and social competence in very preterm and term‐born preadolescents.Materials and methodsThirty‐four very preterm subjects (birthweight ≤1,500 g and/or gestational age <32 weeks) without neurodevelopmental impairments and/or major brain pathologies and 31 term‐born subjects underwent magnetic resonance imaging at 12 years of age. Regional brain volumes were measured using an automated image quantification tool. At 11 years of age, social and emotional loneliness were assessed with the Peer Network and Dyadic Loneliness Scale‐self‐report questionnaire and cooperating skills, empathy, impulsivity, and disruptiveness with the Multisource Assessment of Children's Social Competence Scale‐self‐report questionnaire.ResultsIn the very preterm group, a number of significant associations were found between smaller regional brain volumes and self‐experienced emotional loneliness, more impulsivity and more disruptiveness. In the control group, brain volumes and loneliness were not associated, and brain volumes and social competence were associated with a lesser degree than in the very preterm group.ConclusionExperiences of emotional loneliness and poorer social competence appear to be more related to brain volumes in very preterm preadolescents than in those born full‐term. It also appears that in very preterm preadolescents, emotional loneliness may be more reflected in brain development than social loneliness.