bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent advances in catalytic automotive emission control: Passive NO storage at low temperatures
Authors: Wang Yujie , Yong Xin , Rong Mingyue , Zheng Jiandong , Zhao Huawang 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the practical applications, a high portion of the NOx is emitted without purification in the cold start period of engine because the selective catalytic reduction (SCR) or NOx storage and reduction (NSR) catalysts are not warmed up. Passive NOx absorbers (PNA) were proposed earlier to store the NOx at low temperatures and release the stored NOx during warm‐up period when the SCR and NSR catalysts downstream are functional, while this concept just attracted great interests recently to meet the extra stringent requirement of governmental emissions regulations. A plant of PNA catalysts, showing different NO adsorption/release characteristics, was disclosed. This review summarizes the recent progress in the development of PNA catalysts. The characteristics of NO adsorption/release on precious metal (i.e., Pt, Pd) loading Al2O3 support catalysts, CeO2 support catalysts, and zeolite support catalysts are summarized and compared.
Acute rimonabant treatment promotes protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1‐independent mechanism
Authors: Le Bacquer Olivier , Lanchais Kassandra , Combe Kristell , Van Den Berghe Loïc , Walrand Stéphane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSarcopenia is an age‐related loss of muscle mass associated with changes in skeletal muscle protein homeostasis due to lipid accumulation and anabolic resistance; changes that are also commonly described in obesity. Activation of the endocannabinoid system is associated with the development of obesity and insulin resistance, and with the perturbed skeletal muscle development. Taken together this suggests that endocannabinoids could be regulators of skeletal muscle protein homeostasis. Here we report that rimonabant, an antagonist for the CB1 receptor, can prevent dexamethasone‐induced C2C12 myotube atrophy without affecting the mRNA expression of atrogin‐1/MAFbx (a marker of proteolysis), which suggests it is involved in the control of protein synthesis. Rimonabant alone stimulates protein synthesis in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner through mTOR‐ and intracellular calcium‐dependent mechanisms. CB1 agonists are unable to modulate protein synthesis or prevent the effect of rimonabant. Using C2C12 cells stably expressing an shRNA directed against CB1, or HEK293 cells overexpressing HA‐tagged CB1, we demonstrated that the effect of rimonabant is unaffected by CB1 expression level. In summary, rimonabant can stimulate protein synthesis in C2C12 myotubes through a CB1‐independent mechanism. These results highlight the need to identify non‐CB1 receptor(s) mediating the pro‐anabolic effect of rimonabant as potential targets for the treatment of sarcopenia, and to design new side‐effect‐free molecules that consolidate the effect of rimonabant on skeletal muscle protein synthesis.
Myricetin protects against H2O2‐induced oxidative damage and apoptosis in bovine mammary epithelial cells
Authors: Kan Xingchi , Liu Juxiong , Chen Yingsheng , Guo Wenjin , Xu Dianwen , Cheng Ji , Cao Yu , Yang Zhanqing , Fu Shoupeng 
Published: September 2020

AbstractHigh‐producing dairy cows are prone to oxidative stress due to their high secretion and strong metabolism, and excessive oxidative stress may cause the apoptosis of bovine mammary epithelial cells (bMECs). Myricetin (Myr) has been shown to have a wide range of pharmaceutical activities. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Myr on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)‐induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in bMECs and to clarify the underlying mechanism. bMECs were pretreated with or without Myr and then stimulated with H2O2. The results showed that Myr significantly increased the total antioxidant capacity and superoxide dismutase levels and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in a model of oxidative stress induced by H2O2 in bMECs. Mechanistic studies found that Myr inhibited H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in bMECs through the adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase/nuclear factor erythroid‐2 related factor 2 (AMPK/NRF2) signaling pathway. Additional research found that Myr could also inhibit H2O2‐induced apoptosis in bMECs through NRF2. These data suggest that Myr effectively alleviated oxidative stress and apoptosis in H2O2‐induced bMECs through the activation of the AMPK/NRF2 signaling pathway.
Effects of biophysical cues of 3D hydrogels on mesenchymal stem cells differentiation
Authors: Guo Yutong , Du Shufang , Quan Shuqi , Jiang Fulin , Yang Cai , Li Juan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractFor stem cell research, three‐dimensional (3D) hydrogels are increasingly recognized as more physiological systems than two‐dimensional culture plates due to bidirectional and 3D interaction of stem cells and surrounding matrix. Among various stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are one of the most widely applied from bench to bedside. In 3D hydrogels, MSCs are allowed to actively remodel the surrounding matrix through proteolytic degradation and cell‐exerted force, which highly resembles in vivo situation. Notably, factors affecting hydrogel modifiability including matrix viscoelasticity and matrix degradability have been found to regulate adhesion, morphology, and fate decision of MSCs. In addition, MSCs within 3D hydrogels have been found to employ multiple mechanotransduction mechanisms including not only the classic integrin–actomyosin cytoskeleton system but also ion channels, microtubule cytoskeleton, and self‐secreted proteinaceous matrix. This review summarizes the effects of biophysical cues on MSCs differentiation in 3D hydrogels and underlying mechanobiology in a hope to update our readers' understanding of stem cell biology and guide tissue engineering.
Cultivation of anaerobic ammonium oxidizing bacteria (AnAOB) using different sewage sludge inoculums: process performance and microbial community analysis
Authors: Mirza Mohd W , D'Silva Tinku C , Gani Khalid M , Afsar Syed S , Gaur Rubia Z , Mutiyar Pravin K , Khan Abid A , Diamantis Vasileios , Lew Beni 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study explores the feasibility of three different inoculum sources (anaerobic, aerobic, and anoxic sludge from conventional sewage treatment plants) together with the potential of biomass carrier for Anaerobic ammonium oxidation bacteria (anammox) cultivation. Fed‐batch reactors were operated with synthetic medium at different temperatures.RESULTSThe reactor inoculated with anaerobic sludge and biomass carrier showed close to stoichiometric nitrite to ammonia utilization (1.2:1) and the highest ammonia removal (12.2 mg NH4+·g VS−1·day−1), followed by the reactor inoculated with activated sludge without carrier (4.3 mg NH4+·g VS−1·day−1), which also showed close to stoichiometric nitrite to ammonia utilization. Anammox development was recorded by higher nitrogen removal, gradually increasing gas production rate, and the presence of Brocadiaceae anammox family bacteria. All batch reactors revealed significant phosphorus removal (>80%), which was attributed to the co‐existence of anammox bacteria (Brocadiaceae) with denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating organisms (flavobacterium sp.).CONCLUSIONThe results of this study revealed that anaerobic sludge and activated sludge from sewage treatment plants with biomass carriers for microbial immobilization were suitable for anammox bacteria enrichment. The co‐existence of anammox bacteria with denitrifying polyphosphate accumulating microorganisms reveals new possibilities for simultaneous nitrogen and phosphate removal. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Atrial fibrillation is associated with central sleep apnea in clinic patients undergoing diagnostic polysomnography
Authors: Harmon Evan Kenneth , Stafford Patrick , Ibrahim Sami , Cho Yeilim , Mazimba Sula , Bilchick Kenneth , Lin Gen‐Min , Park Seung‐Jung , Aliasghar Gharib Sina , Kapur Vishesh K. , Kwon Younghoon 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIntroductionSleep apnea is highly prevalent in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the most common type, and best studied in the context of AF. However, recent investigations have indicated that central sleep apnea (CSA) may be a risk factor for incident AF. We evaluated the burden of CSA events in patients referred for diagnostic polysomnography (PSG) and whether AF is associated with CSA.MethodsWe identified patients with and without a history of AF who underwent clinically indicated PSG in a matched manner. OSA was defined as obstructive apnea‐hypopnea index (AHI) ≥15/h, and CSA was defined as central apnea index (CAI) ≥5/h. The association between AF and CSA was evaluated using multivariable logistic regression.ResultsAmong 465 patients included, mean AHI was 25.5/h, and mean CAI was 1.7/h. OSA prevalence was 53.3%, while CSA prevalence was 8.4%. The prevalence of OSA in the AF and non‐AF groups (54.7% vs 52.0%, P = .56) was similar. CSA was more common in the AF group (12.3% vs 4.4%, P = .002). In multivariable analysis, AF (OR: 2.19 [1.02, 5.03], P = .05), male gender (OR: 2.5 [1.17, 5.84], P = .02), and older age (OR: 2.44, [1.16, 5.46], P = .02) were associated with CSA.ConclusionThough CSA is much less common than OSA in patients with AF, the presence of AF is independently associated with CSA.
An observational study of the demographic and treatment changes in a tertiary colorectal cancer center during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raj Kumar Barath , Pandey Diwakar , Rohila Jitender , deSouza Ashwin , Saklani Avanish 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe COVID‐19 pandemic has wreaked havoc in the healthcare infrastructure. While we change our surgical practice, cancer care will take a toll on unprecedented long‐term outcomes. We elucidate our experience that has unfolded during this period.MethodsThis study included retrospective data of patients being treated for colorectal cancer and peritoneal surface malignancy between January and May 2020. We compared the treatment changes before and after the national emergency was declared.ResultsThere was a 65% decrease in outpatients with a 90% drop in endoscopy procedures. Treatment protocols were changed with a 200% increase in short course radiation in rectal cancer. Colon cancer and anal melanoma were triaged to undergo ‘essential’ surgery. No robotic or exenteration procedures were performed in April and May. Patients with a low peritoneal cancer index underwent surgery alone. The relative number of emergency surgeries were unchanged.ConclusionThere is no standard approach to deliver cancer care during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Treatment decisions were made based on the state of affairs that COVID‐19 had created during that cross‐section of time and protocols were redrawn to strike a balance between the risk of death from colorectal cancer and the risk of death from COVID‐19 infection.
Novel nomograms based on immune and stromal scores for predicting the disease‐free and overall survival of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma undergoing radical surgery
Authors: Jiang Shitao , Zhang Junwei , Bian Jin , Zhang Lei , Xu Yiyao , Zhao Haitao , Sang Xinting , Lu Xin 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundStromal and immune cells play important roles in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development and progression. However, tools for predicting the prognosis of patients with HCC based on stromal and immune scores are not well established. We aimed to develop nomograms that predicted the disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) of patients after radical surgery.MethodsBasic information of 251 patients were retrieved from The Cancer Genome Atlas. Multivariate Cox analyses identified variables predicting the prognosis of patients. DFS and OS nomograms were constructed based on the stromal and immune scores of the training group and verified in the well‐matched test group.ResultsAn intermediate stromal score (hazards ratio [HR] = 3.177; P < .001] was an independent risk factor for DFS. An intermediate immune score independently predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.323; P = .002) and OS (HR = 0.305; P = .021); a high immune score predicted a longer DFS (HR = 0.289; P = .002). The concordance index (C‐index) of nomograms was 0.729 for DFS and 0.696 for OS in the test group.ConclusionNomograms based on the stromal and immune scores favorably predicted the DFS and OS of patients with HCC after radical surgery.
Synthesis of contoured beam multifeed reflector antenna for optimum coverage
Authors: Aryanian Iman , Amini Mohammad Hossein 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA synthesis procedure for realizing contoured beams in multifeed reflector antenna is proposed. The proposed procedure solves the synthesis problem so that the maximum gain and low ripple together with low cross polarization are achieved. To this end, first, the relation between the physical parameters of the antenna and the gain loss over the contour is investigated. Then, the maximum achievable gain is approximated, which is needed to study the next issue, that is the optimization procedure. A new optimization procedure is presented, through which the desired contoured beam is achieved. The synthesis procedure employs physical optic (PO) method, which is time‐consuming. To reduce the computational time, which is another focus of the analysis, we introduce an efficient method for computing the PO integral. Through this method, the 3D PO integral is mapped to a 2D integral. The procedure is applied to Brazil coverage. Results show that the cross‐polarization is below −20 dB and the gain deviation is less than 1 dB over the contour, which is suitable for satellite communications.
Relationship between the metabolic and lipid profile in follicular fluid of women undergoing in vitro fertilization
Authors: Luti Simone , Fiaschi Tania , Magherini Francesca , Modesti Pietro A. , Piomboni Paola , Governini Laura , Luddi Alice , Amoresano Angela , Illiano Anna , Pinto Gabriella , Modesti Alessandra , Gamberi Tania 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAmong the follicular fluid (FF) components promoting the development of the oocyte are included glycoproteins, several fatty acids, and steroid hormones synthesized by the dominant follicle. For this, the analysis of the metabolites present in FF can determine the quality of the oocyte. FF composition is in part determined by local follicular metabolic processes and in part a plasma transudate. Since the causes of impaired fertility may be due to a metabolic imbalance, metabolomics is useful to identify low molecular weight metabolites. Oxidative stress is involved in human infertility and the use of metabolomics can be crucial to identify which other metabolites besides reactive oxygen species are involved in oxidative stress correlated to infertility. To obtain new information on the study of signaling molecules in FF, the knowledge of the lipid content will be important to improve information on the understanding of follicular development. The objective of this study is to identify (a) a metabolic profile and a lipid profile of FF in women undergoing in vitro fertilization and (b) to correlate the previous information obtained regarding adiponectin and oxidative stress with the metabolic and lipid profile obtained in the present study. As result, we found an increase in oxidative stress due to both an increase of androgens and an accumulation of lipids in the follicular environment and we suggest that this might be one of the causes of reduced fertility.
An aid to the identification of fish bones from southeast Arabia: The influence of reference collections on taxonomic diversity
Authors: Yeomans Lisa , Beech Mark Jonathan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIdentification of fish bones from archaeological sites in southeast Arabia is challenging because of high taxonomic diversity, comparatively few reference collections with a wide range of species, as well as access to these resources. This paper provides illustrations of bones from many common taxonomic groups of fish from the southeast Arabia including several species of fish identified in very few assemblages, probably because of the lack of comparative reference material. This is a guide to aid other analysts in the identification process. We also consider the effect of reference collection size on the taxonomic diversity of analysed fish bone assemblages and conclude that research would benefit by the publication of further identification guides. Ideally these should include differences between closely related species, as this has a significant impact on the taxonomic diversity of archaeo‐ichthyological assemblages. Although many papers are devoted to the influence of sample size, recovery method or recording protocols on the taxonomic diversity of faunal assemblages, a similar discussion on the effect of the reference collection used is often overlooked.
Convalescent plasma for pediatric patients with SARS‐CoV‐2‐associated acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Diorio Caroline , Anderson Elizabeth M. , McNerney Kevin O. , Goodwin Eileen C. , Chase Julie C. , Bolton Marcus J. , Arevalo Claudia P. , Weirick Madison E. , Gouma Sigrid , Vella Laura A. , Henrickson Sarah E. , Chiotos Kathleen , Fitzgerald Julie C. , Kilbaugh Todd J. , John Audrey R. Odom , Blatz Allison M. , Lambert Michele P. , Sullivan Kathleen E. , Tartaglione Margaret R. , Zambrano Danielle , Martin Meghan , Lee Jessica H. , Young Pampee , Friedman David , Sesok‐Pizzini Deborah A. , Hensley Scott E. , Behrens Edward M. , Bassiri Hamid , Teachey David T. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere are no proven safe and effective therapies for children who develop life‐threatening complications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). Convalescent plasma (CP) has demonstrated potential benefit in adults with SARS‐CoV‐2, but has theoretical risks.We present the first report of CP in children with life‐threatening coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), providing data on four pediatric patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. We measured donor antibody levels and recipient antibody response prior to and following CP infusion. Infusion of CP was not associated with antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) and did not suppress endogenous antibody response. We found CP was safe and possibly efficacious. Randomized pediatric trials are needed.
Synthesis of 9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐oxide derivative grafted polyethylene films for improving the flame retardant and anti‐dripping properties
Authors: Xie Cong , Leng Fan , Dong Zhen , Xu Weilin , Zhu Mengjiao , Xie Kangjun , Du Jifu , Zhao Long 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTwo novel flame retardant and anti‐dripping PE films were successfully synthesized in three steps. PE‐g‐GMA film was first prepared by simultaneous electron beam irradiation to graft glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) onto PE film. 4,4′‐[1,4‐phenyl‐bis(9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl)dimethyneimino)]diphenol (DOPO‐t) and 4,4′‐[1,3‐phenyl‐bis (9,10‐dihydro‐9‐oxa‐10‐phosphaphenanthrene‐10‐yl)dimethyneimino)]diphenol (DOPO‐m) were then fabricated via a one‐pot method. Finally, two DOPO derivative functionalized PE films were obtained through the ring opening reactions of PE‐g‐GMA film with DOPO‐t and DOPO‐m, respectively. Combustion properties, flame retardancy, thermal performance, and thermal shrinkage of these films were evaluated. Compared with pure PE film, the burning rate of anti‐dripping DOPO‐t/DOPO‐m functionalized PE films was reduced by 13.2% and 50.0%, and the limiting oxygen index value climbed to 18.5 and 19.5, respectively. The residual chars from DOPO‐t/DOPO‐m functionalized PE films at 700°C were increased, and the shrinkage ratio decreased remarkably, which could effectively prevent the spread of fire. We also discussed the effect of structural difference between DOPO‐t and DOPO‐m on the above properties and the flame retardant mechanism of two DOPO derivative functionalized PE films preliminarily. This work provides a method for introducing DOPO derivatives into PE molecules to improve their flame retardancy and anti‐dripping properties.
Altered stomatal patterning accompanies a trichome dimorphism in a natural population of Arabidopsis
Authors: Simon Noriane M. L. , Sugisaka Jiro , Honjo Mie N. , Tunstad Sverre Aarseth , Tunna George , Kudoh Hiroshi , Dodd Antony N. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTrichomes are large epidermal cells on the surface of leaves that are thought to deter herbivores, yet the presence of trichomes can also negatively impact plant growth and reproduction. Stomatal guard cells and trichomes have shared developmental origins, and experimental manipulation of trichome formation can lead to changes in stomatal density. The influence of trichome formation upon stomatal development in natural populations of plants is currently unknown. Here, we show that a natural population of Arabidopsis halleri that includes hairy (trichome‐bearing) and glabrous (no trichomes) morphs has differences in stomatal density that are associated with this trichome dimorphism. We found that glabrous morphs had significantly greater stomatal density and stomatal index than hairy morphs. One interpretation is that this arises from a trade‐off between the proportions of cells that have trichome and guard cell fates during leaf development. The differences in stomatal density between the two morphs might have impacts upon environmental adaptation, in addition to herbivory deterrence caused by trichome development.
Microbial decontamination of chicken using atmospheric plasma bubbles
Authors: Mai‐Prochnow Anne , Alam David , Zhou Renwu , Zhang Tianqi , Ostrikov Kostya (Ken) , Cullen Patrick J. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn this study, we demonstrate that atmospheric air plasma bubbles are an effective, energy‐efficient, residue‐free alternative to current decontamination techniques. Five to fifteen minutes of plasma‐bubble treatments of inoculated chicken skin led to a significant reduction in colony‐forming units (CFUs). We show that the activation efficiency is dependent on the plasma discharge frequency, with a higher one (2,000 Hz) leading to a higher CFU reduction (1.4 log) as compared with a lower (0.3 log) reduction at 1,000 Hz. Scanning electron microscopy pictures of treated bacteria reveal damage to the cells. An evaluation of the physicochemical properties of the generated plasma‐activated water revealed an increase in conductivity and in ozone, nitrite, nitrate, hydroxyl, and peroxide concentrations with higher frequencies, all contributing to the observed antimicrobial effect.