bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid, Label‐free Optical Spectroscopy Platform for Diagnosis of Heparin‐Induced Thrombocytopenia
Authors: Huang Zufang , Siddhanta Soumik , Zheng Gang , Kickler Thomas , Barman Ishan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe use of surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) to determine spectral markers for the diagnosis of heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a difficult‐to‐diagnose immune‐related complication that often leads to limb ischemia and thromboembolism, is proposed. The ability to produce distinct molecular signatures without the addition of labels enables unbiased inquiry and makes SERS an attractive complementary diagnostic tool. A capillary‐tube‐derived SERS platform offers ultrasensitive, label‐free measurement as well as efficient handling of blood serum samples. This shows excellent reproducibility, long‐term stability and provides an alternative diagnostic rubric for the determination of HIT by leveraging machine‐learning‐based classification of the spectroscopic data. We envision that a portable Raman instrument could be combined with the capillary‐tube‐based SERS analytical tool for diagnosis of HIT in the clinical laboratory, without perturbing the existing diagnostic workflow.
Enhanced impact strength of compatibilized poly(lactic acid)/polyamide 11 blends by a crosslinking agent
Authors: Nam Byeong‐Uk , Son Younggon 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMaleated poly(lactic acid) (PLA‐g‐MA) was prepared through melt grafting of maleic anhydride onto a PLA backbone with the aid of a radical initiator. PLA‐g‐MA thus formed was incorporated into PLA/polyamide 11 (PA11) blends as a reactive compatibilizer. By morphological observation, it was assessed that PLA‐g‐MA lowered the interfacial energy and strengthened the interface between PLA and PA11. However, the compatibilized PLA/PA11 blends did not show significant improvement of impact strength compared with noncompatibilized PLA/PA11 blends. Measurements of the molecular weight and impact strength of PLAs compounded with various amounts of radical initiators revealed that decreased molecular weight of PLA by the radical initiator used for the preparation of PLA‐g‐MA is responsible for this unexpected result. To compensate the decrease of the molecular weight, a crosslinking agent was incorporated in the preparation step of PLA‐g‐MA. It was found that the crosslinking agent is effective in preventing the molecular weight reduction. As a result, the impact strength of the PLA/PA11 blend was enhanced to a great extent by the PLA‐g‐MA prepared with the crosslinking agent.
Food risk trade‐off in the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin: An exploratory case study
Authors: Lin Mingli , Caruso Francesco , Liu Mingming , Lek Sovan , Li Kuan , Gozlan Rodolphe E. , Li Songhai 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Based on optimal foraging theory, animals are expected to maximize foraging benefits whilst minimizing risks. Despite risking being subjected to anthropogenic impacts such as water contamination, marine traffic, and underwater noise, estuaries have been identified as the preferred habitat of the Indo‐Pacific humpback dolphin (Sousa chinensis, IPHD). However, it remains unclear why this vulnerable species favours such risky habitats.
Here, an exploratory case study in Zhanjiang estuary, China, was conducted to test the hypothesis that IPHDs select estuarine habitats as a trade‐off that maximizes foraging opportunities whilst minimizing the risk of mortality.
The results showed that IPHDs accept greater mortality risks for higher food rewards but select habitats with lower risks when food rewards are similar between two locations.
Although this type of information is important for underpinning models for individual dolphins, its principal role is to show environmental protection agencies why IPHDs favour estuaries despite the increased mortality risks.
Habitat conservation plans should carefully consider prey stocks, possibly through the presence of marine protected areas near estuaries, as local overfishing may lead vulnerable cetacean populations to take greater risks.
Ultrafast liquid chromatographic analysis of erdosteine in human plasma based on fluorimetric detection and precolumn derivatization with 4‐bromomethyl‐7‐methoxycoumarin: Application to pharmacokinetic studies
Authors: Onal Cem , Kepekci Tekkeli Serife Evrim 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, a new analytical method for erdosteine (ERD) in plasma based on high‐performance liquid chromatography and a fluorimetric detector, is presented. Precolumn derivatization of ERD with 4‐bromomethyl‐7‐methoxy coumarin (BrMmC) and dibenzo‐18‐crown‐6‐ether as a reaction catalyst led to the production of a fluorescent compound. ERD was monitored by fluorescence with an excitation wavelength λext. = 325 nm and emission wavelength λem. = 390 nm. Optimum reaction conditions were carefully studied and optimized. A chromatographic procedure was performed using a C18 column of 150 × 4.6 mm and 3 μm particle size and a mobile phase consisting of methanol:acetonitrile:water (30:30:40, v/v/v) under a flow rate of 0.5 ml min−1. A calibration plot was established covering analyte concentration range 0.2–3.0 μg ml−1; the detection limit was 0.015 μg ml−1 and quantification limit was 0.05 μg ml−1. Mean recovery was 87.33% and relative standard deviation was calculated to be less than 4.4%. The developed method was successfully used to determine pharmacokinetic preparations of ERD subsequent to administration of a 900 mg dose capsule to a healthy 40‐year‐old woman volunteer.
Formaldehyde as a Chemical Defence Agent of Fruiting Bodies of Mycena rosea and its Role in the Generation of the Alkaloid Mycenarubin C
Authors: Himstedt Rieke , Wagner Silke , Jaeger Robert J. R. , Lieunang Watat Michèle‐Laure , Backenköhler Jana , Rupcic Zeljka , Stadler Marc , Spiteller Peter 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMycenarubin C, a previously unknown red pyrroloquinoline alkaloid, was isolated from fruiting bodies of the mushroom Mycena rosea and its structure was elucidated mainly by NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. Unlike mycenarubin A, the major pyrroloquinoline alkaloid in fruiting bodies of M. rosea, mycenarubin C, contains an eight‐membered ring with an additional C1 unit that is hitherto unprecedented for pyrroloquinoline alkaloids known in nature. Incubation of mycenarubin A with an excess of formaldehyde revealed that mycenarubin C was generated nearly quantitatively from mycenarubin A. An investigation into the formaldehyde content of fresh fruiting bodies of M. rosea showed the presence of considerable amounts of formaldehyde, with values of 5 μg per gram of fresh weight in fresh fruiting bodies. Although mycenarubin C did not show bioactivity against selected bacteria and fungi, formaldehyde inhibits the growth of the mycoparasite Spinellus fusiger at concentrations present in fruiting bodies of M. rosea. Therefore, formaldehyde might play an ecological role in the chemical defence of M. rosea against S. fusiger. In turn, S. fusiger produces gallic acid—presumably to detoxify formaldehyde by reaction of this aldehyde with amino acids and gallic acid to Mannich adducts.
A Spherically Shielded Triphenylamine and Its Persistent Radical Cation
Authors: Schaub Tobias A. , Mekelburg Theresa , Dral Pavlo O. , Miehlich Matthias , Hampel Frank , Meyer Karsten , Kivala Milan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis work reports the design and synthesis of a sterically protected triphenylamine scaffold which undergoes one‐electron oxidation to form an amine‐centered radical cation of remarkable stability. Several structural adjustments were made to tame the inherent reactivity of the radical cation. First, the parent propeller‐shaped triphenylamine was planarized with sterically demanding bridging units and, second, protecting groups were deployed to block the reactive positions. The efficiently shielded triphenylamine core can be reversibly oxidized at moderate potentials (+0.38 V, vs. Fc/Fc+ in CH2Cl2). Spectroelectrochemistry and chemical oxidation studies were employed to monitor the evolution of characteristic photophysical features. To obtain a better understanding of the impact of one‐electron oxidation on structural and electronic properties, joint experimental and computational studies were conducted, including X‐ray structural analysis, electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The sterically shielded radical cation combines various desirable attributes: A characteristic and unobstructed absorption in the visible region, high stability which enables storage for weeks without spectroscopically traceable degradation, and a reliable oxidation/re‐reduction process due to effective screening of the planarized triphenylamine core from its environment.
Overview of MARCM‐Related Technologies in Drosophila Neurobiological Research
Authors: Hsu Tsai‐Chi , Ku Kai‐Yuan , Shen Hung‐Chang , Yu Hung‐Hsiang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMosaic analysis with a repressible cell marker (MARCM)–related technologies are positive genetic mosaic labeling systems that have been widely applied in studies of Drosophila brain development and neural circuit formation to identify diverse neuronal types, reconstruct neural lineages, and investigate the function of genes and molecules. Two types of MARCM‐related technologies have been developed: single‐colored and twin‐colored. Single‐colored MARCM technologies label one of two twin daughter cells in otherwise unmarked background tissues through site‐specific recombination of homologous chromosomes during mitosis of progenitors. On the other hand, twin‐colored genetic mosaic technologies label both twin daughter cells with two distinct colors, enabling the retrieval of useful information from both progenitor‐derived cells and their subsequent clones. In this overview, we describe the principles and usage guidelines for MARCM‐related technologies in order to help researchers employ these powerful genetic mosaic systems in their investigations of intricate neurobiological topics. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Grain Enlargement and Defect Passivation with Melamine Additives for High Efficiency and Stable CsPbBr3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhu Jingwei , He Benlin , Gong Zekun , Ding Yang , Zhang Wenyu , Li Xueke , Zong Zhihao , Chen Haiyan , Tang Qunwei 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe preparation of high‐quality perovskite films with low grain boundaries and defect states is a prerequisite for achieving high‐efficiency perovskite solar cells (PSCs) with good environmental stability. An effective additive engineering strategy has been developed for simultaneous defect passivation and crystal growth of CsPbBr3 perovskite films by introducing 1,3,5‐triazine‐2,4,6‐triamine (melamine) into the PbBr2 precursor solution. The resultant melamine–PbBr2 film has a loose, large‐grained structure and decreased crystallinity, which has a positive effect on the crystallization process of the perovskite as it retards the crystallization rate as a result of the interaction between melamine and lead ions. Additionally, the passivation by melamine gives a high‐quality CsPbBr3 perovskite film with fewer grain boundaries, lower defect densities, and better energy level matching is achieved by multistep liquid‐phase spin‐coating, which greatly suppresses the nonradiative recombination resulting from the defects and promotes charge extraction at the interface. A champion power conversion efficiency as high as 9.65 % with a promising open‐circuit voltage of 1.584 V is achieved for PSCs with an architecture of fluorine‐doped tin oxide/c‐TiO2/m‐TiO2/melamine‐added CsPbBr3/carbon‐based hole‐transporting layer. Furthermore, the unencapsulated melamine‐added CsPbBr3 PSC shows superior thermal and humidity stability in ambient air at 85 °C or 85 % relative humidity over 720 h.
In situ nuclear DNA methylation in dilated cardiomyopathy: an endomyocardial biopsy study
Authors: Watanabe Takatomo , Okada Hideshi , Kanamori Hiromitsu , Miyazaki Nagisa , Tsujimoto Akiko , Takada Chihiro , Suzuki Kodai , Naruse Genki , Yoshida Akihiro , Nawa Takahide , Tanaka Toshiki , Kawasaki Masanori , Ito Hiroyasu , Ogura Shinji , Okura Hiroyuki , Fujiwara Takako , Fujiwara Hisayoshi , Takemura Genzou 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAimsAlthough distinct DNA methylation patterns have been reported, its localization and roles remain to be defined in heart failure. We investigated the cellular and subcellular localization of DNA methylation and its pathophysiological significance in human failing hearts.Methods and resultsUsing left ventricular (LV) endomyocardial biopsy specimens from 75 patients with dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM; age: 58 ± 14 years old, %female: 32%) and 20 patients without heart failure (controls; age: 56 ± 17 years old, %female: 45%), we performed immunohistochemistry and immunoelectron microscopy for methylated DNA, 5‐methylcytosine (5‐mC). We next investigated possible relations of the incidence of 5‐mC‐positive (%5‐mC+) cardiomyocytes with clinicopathological parameters. Immunopositivity for 5‐mC was detected in the cardiomyocytes and other cell types. The %5‐mC+ cardiomyocytes was significantly greater in DCM hearts than in controls (57 ± 13% in DCM vs. 25 ± 12% in controls, P < 0.0001). The localization of 5‐mC immunopositivity in cardiomyocyte nuclei coincided well with that of heterochromatin, as confirmed by immunoelectron microscopy. Substantial DNA methylation was also observed in interstitial non‐cardiomyocytes, but the incidences did not differ between control and DCM hearts (39 ± 7.9% in DCM vs. 41 ± 10% in controls, P = 0.4099). In DCM patients, the %5‐mC+ cardiomyocytes showed a significant inverse correlation with LV functional parameters such as heart rate (r = 0.2391, P = 0.0388), end‐diastolic pressure (r = 0.2397, P = 0.0397), and ejection fraction (r = −0.2917, P = 0.0111) and a positive correlation with LV dilatation (volume index at diastole; r = 0.2442, P = 0.0347; and volume index at systole; r = 0.3136, P = 0.0062) and LV hypertrophy (mass index; r = 0.2287, P = 0.0484)—that is, LV remodelling parameters. No significant correlations between DNA methylation and the histological parameters of the biopsies, including cardiomyocyte hypertrophy, fibrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration, were noted.ConclusionsThe present study revealed increased nuclear DNA methylation in cardiomyocytes, but not other cell types, from DCM hearts, with predominant localization in the heterochromatin. Its significant relations with LV functional and remodelling parameters imply a pathophysiological significance of DNA methylation in heart failure.
Geomorphic process signatures reshaping sub‐humid Mediterranean badlands: 1. Methodological development based on high‐resolution topography
Authors: Llena Manel , Vericat Damià , Smith Mark W. , Wheaton Joseph M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHigh‐resolution topography data sets have improved the spatial and temporal scales at which we are able to investigate the landscape through the analysis of landform attributes and the computation of topographic changes. Yet, to date, there have been only limited attempts to infer key geomorphic processes in terms of contributions to shaping the landscape. Highly erodible landscapes such as badlands provide an ideal demonstration of such an approach owing to the rapid changes observed over a relatively short time frame. In this technical note we present the Mapping Geomorphic Processes in the Environment (MaGPiE): a new algorithm that allows mapping of geomorphic process signatures through analysis of repeat high‐resolution topography data sets. The method is demonstrated in an experimental badland located in the southern central Pyrenees. MaGPiE is a geographic information system (GIS)‐based algorithm that uses as input: (a) terrain attributes (i.e. Slope, Roughness and Concentrated Runoff Index) extracted from digital elevation models (DEMs), and (b) a map of topographic changes (DEM of difference, DoD). Initial results demonstrate that MaGPiE allows the magnitude and the spatial distribution of the main geomorphic processes reshaping badlands to be inferred for the first time. © 2020 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The effects of cultivar and climate zone on phytochemical components of walnut (Juglans regia L.)
Authors: Wu Shutian , Ni Zhanglin , Wang Ruohui , Zhao Baojun , Han Yongxiang , Zheng Yuewen , Liu Feng , Gong Yonghong , Tang Fubin , Liu Yihua 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe diversity of cultivars and variation in phytochemical components pose a great threat to the security of foods that contain walnut. The nutrient values of walnut are stipulated according to phytochemical components, which are driven by internal and external factors associated with fruit growth. The objective of this work was to investigate the effects of cultivar and climate zone on the phytochemical components of walnuts. First, differences and relationships of phytochemical components in eleven walnut cultivars harvested from northeastern China were analyzed. Almost all individual phytochemical components among cultivars showed significant differences (p < .05). The results were submitted to correspondence analysis followed by matrix transformation and factor analysis. Fatty acids, amino acids, and minerals (Ca, Na, Fe, Cu, P, and Zn) for the identification and discrimination of eleven walnut cultivars were authenticated. Furthermore, based on essential microelements, essential amino acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and antioxidants, the walnut cultivars realized the precision position in food application. Finally, we confirmed the effects of climate zones on the phytochemical components of walnuts, with variations up to 142%. The climatic factors precipitation and temperature influenced the formation and accumulation of monounsaturated fatty acids, tocopherols, and most minerals. The findings will open promising perspectives for oriented cultivation of walnuts and future application in the food industry.
Mapping internal brainstem structures using MP2RAGE derived T1 weighted and T1 relaxation images at 3 and 7 T
Authors: Mueller Susanne G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe brainstem is a site of early pathology in several neurodegenerative diseases. The overall goal of this project was (a) To develop a method to segment internal brainstem structures from MP2RAGE derived images. (b) To compare the segmentations at 3 and 7 T. (c) To investigate age effects on intensities and segmentations. MP2RAGE derived T1 weighted images (UNI) and T1 relaxation maps (T1map) were obtained from two public data sets (LEMON: 50 3 T data sets, ATAG: 46 7 T data sets). The UNI and T1map images were rescaled using a linear scaling procedure and a ratio (RATIO) image calculated. The brainstem was extracted and k‐mean clustering used to identify six intensity clusters from the UNI, T1map and RATIO at 3 and 7 T. Nonlinear diffeomorphic mapping was used to warp the six intensity clusters in subject space into a common space to generate probabilistic group averages/priors that were used to inform the final probabilistic segmentations at the single subject level for each field strength. The six clusters corresponded to six brainstem tissue types (three gray matter clusters and two white matter clusters and one csf/tissue boundary cluster). The quantitative comparison of the 3 and 7 T probabilistic averages showed subtle differences that affected the localization of age‐associated brainstem volume losses. The segmentation approach presented here identified the same brainstem gray and white matter structures at both field strengths. Further studies are necessary to investigate how resolution and field strength contribute to the subtle differences observed at the two field strengths.
Self‐healing injectable gelatin hydrogels for localized therapeutic cell delivery
Authors: Sisso Arbel M. , Boit Mary O. , DeForest Cole A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSelf‐healing injectable hydrogel biomaterials uniquely enable precise therapeutic deposition and deployment at specific bodily locations through versatile and minimally invasive processes that can preserve cargo integrity and cell viability. Despite the distinct advantages that injectable hydrogels offer in tissue engineering and therapeutic delivery, exceptionally few have been created using components naturally present in the cellular niche. In this work, we introduce a shear‐thinning hydrogel based on guest‐host complexation of gelatin. As a biocompatible, biodegradable, and nonimmunogenic biopolymer derived from the most abundant extracellular matrix protein (collagen), gelatin offers great utility as the structural component of biomaterials. Taking advantage of reversible guest‐host interactions between β‐cyclodextrin (CD) and adamantane (AD) on modified gelatins, we report the first strategy to afford a self‐healing material based solely on a functionalized extracellular matrix protein. By varying the initial material formulation, hydrogels were synthesized with variable moduli and shear‐thinability across a broad range. Gels were demonstrated to exhibit shear‐thinning and self‐healing properties, supporting protection of clinically relevant stem‐cell‐derived cardiomyocytes during injection. These materials are expected to expand clinical opportunities in cell delivery for in vivo tissue regeneration.
Studies on photochemical rearrangement of non‐oxygenated bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones and mono‐oxygenated bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones from masked o‐benzoquinones: Access to protoilludane and marasmane skeletons
Authors: Hung Wei‐Chun , Chen Yung‐Ching , Niu Guang‐Hao , Chuang Gary J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this work, we described flexible approaches to protoilludane‐like (5,6,4‐tricyclic ring) and marasmane‐like (5,6,3‐tricyclic ring) skeletons with naturally occurring cis/anti/cis stereochemistry using photochemical rearrangement of bicyclo[2.2.2]octenones and Diels‐Alder reaction of masked o‐benzoquinones as the key steps.
Circular RNA VRK1 correlates with favourable prognosis, inhibits cell proliferation but promotes apoptosis in breast cancer
Authors: Li Yang , Li Hai 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the correlation between the circular RNA VRK serine/threonine kinase 1 (circ‐VRK1) and the clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of breast cancer patients and determine its effects on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis.MethodsA total of 350 breast cancer tissues and 163 breast cancer adjacent tissues, as controls, were acquired from Specimen House. Circ‐VRK1 expression was measured using qPCR. The correlations between circ‐VRK1 expression and demographic characteristics, tumour features and overall survival were analysed. In vitro, the effects of circ‐VRK1 on breast cancer cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured by upregulating and downregulating circ‐VRK1 expression via plasmid transfection.ResultsCirc‐VRK1 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with adjacent tissues and represented a good value in distinguishing breast cancer tissues from the adjacent tissues. Circ‐VRK1 was associated with smaller tumour size, reduced T stage and lower TNM stage, and circ‐VRK1 was also an independent predictor of better overall survival. According to the in vitro experiments, circ‐VRK1 expression was lower in breast cancer cell lines (including BT474, MDA‐MB‐453 and MDA‐MB‐231) than in a normal breast epithelial cell line (MCF10A), and circ‐VRK1 inhibited cell proliferation but promoted cell apoptosis in MDA‐MB‐231 cells.ConclusionCirc‐VRK1 is downregulated in tumour tissues and associated with reduced tumour stage as well as better survival, and it inhibits cell proliferation but promotes cell apoptosis in breast cancer.