bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Solution Synthesis of Mn Doped (Na,K)NbO3 Thin Films
Authors: Kovacova Veronika , Yang Jung In , Jacques Leonard , Ko Song Won , Zhu Wanlin , Trolier‐McKinstry Susan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract(K0.5Na0.5)NbO3 (KNN) is a promising lead‐free alternative for ferroelectric thin films such as Pb(Zr,Ti)O3. One main drawback is its high leakage current density at high electric fields, which has been previously linked to alkali non‐stoichiometry. This paper compares three acetate‐based chemical solution synthesis and deposition methods for 0.5 mol % Mn‐doped KNN film fabrication, using lower crystallization temperature processes in comparison to the sintering temperatures necessary for fabrication of KNN ceramics. This paper shows the crucial role of the A site homogenization step during solution synthesis in preserving alkali chemical homogeneity of Mn doped KNN films. Chemically homogeneous films show a uniform grain size of 80 nm and a leakage current density under 2.8×10−8 A cm−2 up to electric fields as high as 600 kV cm−1, which is the highest breakdown strength reported for KNN thin films. Solution synthesis involving two‐step pyrolysis resulted in films with dense, columnar microstructures, which are interesting for orientation control and enhancement of piezoelectric properties. This study reports detailed solution synthesis and deposition processes with good dielectric, ferroelectric and breakdown field properties. An optimized fabrication method that should couple low leakage current density with dense and oriented microstructures is proposed.
Etched ZIF‐8 as a Filler in Mixed‐Matrix Membranes for Enhanced CO2/N2 Separation
Authors: Zhou Yichen , Jia Mingmin , Zhang Xiongfei , Yao Jianfeng 
Published: April 2020

AbstractZeolite ZIF‐8 has been etched with acid to form microporous ZIF‐8‐E crystals. These were then introduced into a polyethersulfone (PES) membrane matrix to enhance its CO2/N2 separation performance. Open through pores of size about 100 nm formed in the ZIF‐8 crystals allow the ingrowth of polyethersulfone chains, ensuring a reduction in the number of nonselective voids, thereby achieving better interaction between ZIF‐8‐E and PES. As a result, the CO2/N2 separation performance of the ZIF‐8‐E/PES membrane increased significantly, showing a CO2 permeability of 15.7 Barrer and a CO2/N2 ideal selectivity of 6.5.
Direct Measurement of the Visible to UV Photodissociation Processes for the PhotoCORM TryptoCORM
Authors: Cercola Rosaria , Fischer Kaitlyn C. , Sherman Summer L. , Garand Etienne , Wong Natalie G. K. , Hammerback L. Anders , Lynam Jason M. , Fairlamb Ian J. S. , Dessent Caroline E. H. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPhotoCORMs are light‐triggered compounds that release CO for medical applications. Here, we apply laser spectroscopy in the gas phase to TryptoCORM, a known photoCORM that has been shown to destroy Escherichia coli upon visible‐light activation. Our experiments allow us to map TryptoCORM's photochemistry across a wide wavelength range by using novel laser‐interfaced mass spectrometry (LIMS). LIMS provides the intrinsic absorption spectrum of the photoCORM along with the production spectra of all of its ionic photoproducts for the first time. Importantly, the photoproduct spectra directly reveal the optimum wavelengths for maximizing CO ejection, and the extent to which CO ejection is compromised at redder wavelengths. A series of comparative studies were performed on TryptoCORM‐CH3CN which exists in dynamic equilibrium with TryptoCORM in solution. Our measurements allow us to conclude that the presence of the labile CH3CN facilitates CO release over a wider wavelength range. This work demonstrates the potential of LIMS as a new methodology for assessing active agent release (e.g. CO, NO, H2S) from light‐activated prodrugs.
Synthesis and Cytotoxic and Antiviral Activity Profiling of All‐Four Isomeric Series of Pyrido‐Fused 7‐Deazapurine Ribonucleosides
Authors: Veselovská Lucia , Kudlová Natálie , Gurská Soňa , Lišková Barbora , Medvedíková Martina , Hodek Ondřej , Tloušťová Eva , Milisavljevic Nemanja , Tichý Michal , Perlíková Pavla , Mertlíková‐Kaiserová Helena , Trylčová Jana , Pohl Radek , Klepetářová Blanka , Džubák Petr , Hajdúch Marián , Hocek Michal 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAll four isomeric series of novel 4‐substituted pyrido‐fused 7‐deazapurine ribonucleosides possessing the pyridine nitrogen atom at different positions were designed and synthesized. The total synthesis of each isomeric fused heterocycle through multistep heterocyclization was followed by glycosylation and derivatization at position 4 by cross‐coupling reactions or nucleophilic substitutions. All compounds were tested for cytostatic and antiviral activity. The most active were pyrido[4′,3′:4,5]pyrimidine nucleosides bearing MeO, NH2, MeS, or CH3groups at position 4, which showed submicromolar cytotoxic effects and good selectivity for cancer cells. The mechanism involved activation by phosphorylation and incorporation to DNA where the presence of the modified ribonucleosides causes double‐strand breaks and apoptosis.
The Effects of Weak and Strong CYP3A Induction by Rifampicin on the Pharmacokinetics of Five Progestins and Ethinylestradiol Compared to Midazolam
Authors: Wiesinger Herbert , Klein Stefan , Rottmann Antje , Nowotny Bettina , Riecke Kai , Gashaw Isabella , Brudny‐Klöppel Margarete , Fricke Robert , Höchel Joachim , Friedrich Christian 
Published: April 2020

It is known that co‐administration of CYP3A inducers may decrease the effectiveness of oral contraceptives containing progestins as mono‐preparations or combined with ethinylestradiol. In a randomized clinical drug‐drug interaction study, we investigated the effects of CYP3A induction on the pharmacokinetics of commonly used progestins and ethinylestradiol. Rifampicin was used to induce CYP3A. The progestins chosen as victim drugs were levonorgestrel, norethindrone, desogestrel, and dienogest as mono‐products, and drospirenone combined with ethinylestradiol. Postmenopausal women (n = 12–14 per treatment group) received, in fixed sequence, a single dose of the victim drug plus midazolam without rifampicin, with rifampicin 10 mg/day (weak induction), and with rifampicin 600 mg/day (strong induction). The effects on progestin exposure were compared with the effects on midazolam exposure (as a benchmark). Unbound concentrations were evaluated for drugs binding to sex hormone binding globulin. Weak CYP3A induction, as confirmed by a mean decrease in midazolam exposure by 46%, resulted in minor changes in progestin exposure (mean decreases: 15–37%). Strong CYP3A induction, in contrast, resulted in mean decreases by 57–90% (mean decrease in midazolam exposure: 86%). Namely, the magnitude of the observed induction effects varied from weak to strong. Our data might provide an impetus to revisit the currently applied clinical recommendations for oral contraceptives, especially for levonorgestrel and norethindrone‐containing products, and they might give an indication as to which progestin could be used, if requested, by women taking weak CYP3A inducers—although it is acknowledged that the exact exposure‐response relationship for contraceptive efficacy is currently unclear for most progestins.
First‐Principles Study on the Molecular Mechanism of Solar‐Driven CO2 Reduction on H‐Terminated Si
Authors: Ji Yongfei , Wang Gang , Fan Ting , Luo Yi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSolar‐driven conversion of CO2 with H‐terminated silicon has recently attracted increasing interest. However, the molecular mechanism of the reaction is still not well understood. A systematic study of the mechanism has been carried out with first‐principles calculations. The formation energies of the intermediates are found to be insensitive to the structure of the surface. On the fully H‐terminated Si(111) surface, several pathways for the conversion of CO2 into CO at a coordinatively saturated Si site are studied, including the conventional COOH* pathway and the direct insertion of CO2 into Si−H and Si−Si bonds. Although the barrier of the COOH* pathway is lowest among the three pathways, it is higher than that for OH* elimination, which suggests that CO2 should be converted by other types of active site. The reaction at the isolated and dual coordinatively unsaturated (CUS) Si sites, which can be generated by light illumination, heat, and Pd loading, are then studied. The results suggest that the most efficient pathway to convert CO2 is to convert it into CO and O* at an isolated CUS Si site before O* reacts with a terminating H* to form adsorbed OH* and generate new isolated CUS Si sites. Therefore, the CUS Si site catalyzes the reaction until all H* is converted into OH*. The results provide new insight into the mechanism of the reaction and should be helpful for the design of more efficient Si‐based catalysts for CO2 conversion.
Of detectability and camouflage: evaluating Pollard Walk rules using a common, cryptic butterfly
Authors: Riva Federico , Gentile Giorgio , Bonelli Simona , Acorn John H. , Denes Francisco V. , Crosby Andrew D. , Nielsen Scott E. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractEstimating distribution and abundance of species depends on the probability at which individuals are detected. Butterflies are of conservation interest worldwide, but data collected with Pollard walks—the standard for national monitoring schemes—are often analyzed assuming that changes in detectability are negligible within recommended sampling criteria. The implications of this practice remain poorly understood. Here, we evaluated the effects of sampling conditions on butterfly counts from Pollard walks using the Arctic fritillary, a common but cryptic butterfly in boreal forests of Alberta, Canada. We used an open population binomial N‐mixture model to disentangle the effects of habitat suitability and phenology on abundance of Arctic fritillaries, and its detectability by sampling different conditions of temperature, wind, cloud cover, and hour of the day. Detectability varied by one order of magnitude within the criteria recommended for Pollard walks (P varying between 0.04 and 0.45), and simulations show how sampling in suboptimal conditions increases substantially the risk of false‐absence records (e.g., false‐absences are twice as likely than true‐presences when sampling 10 Arctic fritillaries at P = 0.04). Our results suggest that the risk of false‐absences is highest for species that are poorly detectable, low in abundance, and with short flight periods. Analysis with open population binomial N‐mixture models could improve estimates of abundance and distribution for rare species of conservation interest, while providing a powerful method for assessing butterfly phenology, abundance, and behavior using counts from Pollard walks, but require more intensive sampling than conventional monitoring schemes.
Fabrication of Conductive Polypyrrole Doped Chitosan Thin Film for Sensitive Detection of Sulfite in Real Food and Biological Samples
Authors: Adeosun Waheed A. , Asiri Abdullah M. , Marwani Hadi M. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn this study, we reported electrochemical synthesis of conductive polypyrrole‐chitosan (PPY‐CHI) thin film for sensitive detection of sulfite in real samples. The synthesized PPY‐CHI film was characterized in terms of surface morphology, optical property, binding energy, conductivity and electrochemical properties. The synthesized copolymeric PPY‐CHI film displayed good electrocatalytic behaviour towards oxidation of sulfite. The synthesized PPY‐CHI film was used for sulfite detection using differential pulse voltammetric technique with detection limit, sensitivity and linearity of 0.21 μM (S/N=3), 15.28 μA μM cm−2 and 50–1100 μM respectively. In addition, the current responses of PPY‐CHI film towards sulfite were repeatable, reproducible response and unaffected by selected electroactive interferents. Finally, the synthesized PPY‐CHI was successfully and satisfactorily applied for determination of sulfite in real food and biological samples. The results obtained from this study highly placed PPY‐CHI film as a promising sensor for sensitive and accurate detection of sulfite in food and biological samples for human health protection.
Microglia senescence occurs in both substantia nigra and ventral tegmental area
Authors: Shaerzadeh Fatemeh , Phan Leah , Miller Douglas , Dacquel Maxwell , Hachmeister William , Hansen Carissa , Bechtle Alexandra , Tu Duan , Martcheva Maia , Foster Thomas C. , Kumar Ashok , Streit Wolfgang J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDuring aging humans lose midbrain dopamine neurons, but not all dopamine regions exhibit vulnerability to neurodegeneration. Microglia maintain tissue homeostasis and neuronal support, but microglia become senescent and likely lose some of their functional abilities. Since aging is the greatest risk factor for Parkinson's disease, we hypothesized that aging‐related changes in microglia and neurons occur in the vulnerable substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) but not the ventral tegmental area (VTA). We conducted stereological analyses to enumerate microglia and dopaminergic neurons in the SNc and VTA of 1‐, 6‐, 9‐, 18‐, and 24‐month‐old C57BL/J6 mice using sections double‐stained with tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and Iba1. Both brain regions show an increase in microglia with aging, whereas numbers of TH+ cells show no significant change after 9 months of age in SNc and 6 months in VTA. Morphometric analyses reveal reduced microglial complexity and projection area while cell body size increases with aging. Contact sites between microglia and dopaminergic neurons in both regions increase with aging, suggesting increased microglial support/surveillance of dopamine neurons. To assess neurotrophin expression in dopaminergic neurons, BDNF and TH mRNA were quantified. Results show that the ratio of BDNF to TH decreases in the SNc, but not the VTA. Gait analysis indicates subtle, aging‐dependent changes in gait indices. In conclusion, increases in microglial cell number, ratio of microglia to dopamine neurons, and contact sites suggest that innate biological mechanisms compensate for the aging‐dependent decline in microglia morphological complexity (senescence) to ensure continued neuronal support in the SNc and VTA.
Beneficial effects of (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate on diabetic peripheral neuropathy in the rat model
Authors: Abo‐Salem Osama Mohamed , Ali Tarek Mohamed , Harisa Gamaleldin Ibrahim , Mehanna Osama Mahmoud , Younos Ibrahim Hamdy , Almalki Waleed Hassan 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDiabetic neuropathic pain is characterized by spontaneous pain with hyperalgesia and allodynia. We investigated whether (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate could improve diabetic neuropathic pain development through hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant, and anti‐inflammatory effects. Diabetes was induced in rats by streptozotocin (55 mg/kg/once) and treated with (−)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate (25 mg/kg/orally/once/daily/5 weeks). Diabetic rats showed an increase in serum levels of glucose, nitric oxide, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol with a decrease in high‐density lipoprotein‐cholesterol and body weight. Also, there was an elevation in brain malondialdehyde with a marked reduction in brain levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione‐S‐transferase. Furthermore, diabetic rats showed a clear reduction in plasma levels of insulin and an increase in plasma cytokines (interleukin‐6 and tumor necrosis factor‐α). Moreover, diabetic rats exhibited hyperalgesia as indicated by a hot plate, tail immersion, formalin, and carrageenan‐induced edema tests as well as brain histopathological changes (neuron degeneration, gliosis, astrocytosis, congestion and hemorrhage). (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate treatment ameliorated alterations in body weight, biochemical parameters, pain sensation, and histopathological changes in brain tissue. (−)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐O‐gallate offers promising hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, antioxidant and anti‐inflammatory effects, which can prevent the development and progression of diabetic neuropathic pain.
Substitutional carbon defects in silicon: A quantum mechanical characterization through the infrared and Raman spectra
Authors: Gentile Francesco S. , Platonenko Alexander , El‐Kelany Khaled E. , Rérat Michel , D'Arco Philippe , Dovesi Roberto 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThe infrared (IR) and Raman spectra of eight substitutional carbon defects in silicon are computed at the quantum mechanical level by using a periodic supercell approach based on hybrid functionals, an all electron Gaussian type basis set and the CRYSTAL code. The single substitutional C
s case and its combination with a vacancy (C
sV and C
sSiV) are considered first. The progressive saturation of the four bonds of a Si atom with C is then examined. The last set of defects consists of a chain of adjacent carbon atoms C, with i = 1–3. The simple substitutional case, C
s, is the common first member of the three sets. All these defects show important, very characteristic features in their IR spectrum. One or two C related peaks dominate the spectra: at 596 cm−1 for C
s (and C
sSiV, the second neighbor vacancy is not shifting the C
s peak), at 705 and 716 cm−1 for C
sV, at 537 cm−1 for C and C (with additional peaks at 522, 655 and 689 for the latter only), at 607 and 624 cm−1, 601 and 643 cm−1, and 629 cm−1 for SiC, SiC, and SiC, respectively. Comparison with experiment allows to attribute many observed peaks to one of the C substitutional defects. Observed peaks above 720 cm−1 must be attributed to interstitial C or more complicated defects.
Resistance to lean mass gain in constitutional thinness in free‐living conditions is not overpassed by overfeeding
Authors: Ling Yiin , Galusca Bogdan , Martin François‐Pierre , Bartova Simona , Carayol Jérôme , Moco Sofia , Epelbaum Jacques , Grouselle Dominique , Boirie Yves , Montaurier Christophe , Cuenco Joyceline , Minnion James S. , Thomas Thierry , Mure Sylvie , Hager Jörg , Estour Bruno , Gheldof Nele , Germain Natacha 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackgroundConstitutional thinness (CT), a non‐malnourished underweight state with no eating disorders, is characterized by weight gain resistance to high fat diet. Data issued from muscle biopsies suggested blunted anabolic mechanisms in free‐living state. Weight and metabolic responses to protein caloric supplementation has not been yet explored in CT.MethodsA 2 week overfeeding (additional 600 kcal, 30 g protein, 72 g carbohydrate, and 21 g fat) was performed to compare two groups of CTs (12 women and 11 men) to normal‐weight controls (12 women and 10 men). Bodyweight, food intake, energy expenditure, body composition, nitrogen balance, appetite hormones profiles, and urine metabolome were monitored before and after overfeeding.ResultsBefore overfeeding, positive energy gap was found in both CT genders (309 ± 370 kcal in CT‐F and 332 ± 709 kcal in CT‐M) associated with higher relative protein intake per kilo (1.74 ± 0.32 g/kg/day in CT‐F vs. 1.16 ± 0.23 in C‐F, P < 0.0001; 1.56 ± 0.36 in CT‐M vs. 1.22 ± 0.32 in C‐M, P = 0.03), lower nitrogen (7.26 ± 2.36 g/day in CT‐F vs. 11.41 ± 3.64 in C‐F, P = 0.003; 9.70 ± 3.85 in CT‐M vs. 14.14 ± 4.19 in C‐M, P = 0.02), but higher essential amino acids urinary excretion (CT/C fold change of 1.13 for leucine and 1.14 for arginine) in free‐living conditions. After overfeeding, CTs presented an accentuated positive energy gap, still higher than in controls (675 ± 540 in CTs vs. 379 ± 427 in C, P = 0.04). Increase in lean mass was induced in both controls genders but not in CTs (a trend was noticed in CT women), despite a similar nitrogen balance after overfeeding (5.06 ± 4.33 g/day in CTs vs. 4.28 ± 3.15 in controls, P = 0.49). Higher anorectic gut hormones' tone, glucagon‐like peptide 1 and peptide tyrosine tyrosine, during test meal and higher snacking frequency were noticed before and after overfeeding in CTs.ConclusionsThe blunted muscle energy mechanism, previously described in CTs in free‐living state, is associated with basal saturated protein turn over suggested by the concordance of positive nitrogen balance and an increased urine excretion of several essential amino acids. This saturation cannot be overpassed by increasing this spontaneous high‐protein intake suggesting a resistance to lean mass gain in CT phenotype.
Financial barriers in a county genetics clinic: Problems and solutions
Authors: Erwin Deanna J. , LaMaire Christina , Espana Alex , Eble Tanya N. , Dhar Shweta U. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractA genetic evaluation may lead to a clinical or molecular diagnosis, which helps clarify prognosis, tailor surveillance protocols based on risks associated with the genetic condition, and aid in assessment of risk to family members. However, individuals of low socioeconomic and/or minority status often have limited access to genetics services, which contributes to healthcare disparities (Journal of Community Genetics, 2018, 9, 233). Our county hospital system, dedicated to providing health care to the underserved, offers a unique opportunity to reduce healthcare inequalities in genetics. This retrospective chart review included 2,304 patients evaluated at an outpatient county hospital genetics clinic between January 1, 2013, and December 31, 2018, during which time genetic testing was recommended for most patients (58.5%) for a total of 1,429 recommended genetic tests. Most tests were obtained through non‐hospital financial resources (56.5%), and loss to follow‐up during the phlebotomy stage was the most common reason for tests not to be ordered (41.9%) and not to be completed (36.4%). The experience in our clinic suggests that identifying financial avenues, such as commercial laboratory financial assistance programs in addition to county hospital funds, can support obtaining genetic testing and allow healthcare providers to overcome financial barriers to genetic testing.
NGLY1 deficiency—A rare congenital disorder of deglycosylation
Authors: Lipari Pinto Patrícia , Machado Catarina , Janeiro Patrícia , Dupont Juliette , Quintas Sofia , Sousa Ana Berta , Gaspar Ana 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPathogenic variants in the NGLY1 gene are associated with a Congenital Disorder of Deglycosylation (CDDG) characterized by delays in reaching developmental milestones, complex hyperkinetic movement disorder, transient elevation of transaminases, and alacrima or hypolacrima. To date, only few cases of NGLY1 deficiency have been identified and reported in the literature. This report highlights a first child of non‐consanguineous parents with no relevant family history who presented with hypotonia and poor weight gain since birth. At 2 months, the child developed paroxysmal cervical dystonia, posteriorly resolving spontaneously by age of 3. Subsequently, delays in reaching developmental milestones, ataxia, dyskinesia, visual impairment due to cone rod retinal dystrophy, low triglycerides, and persistently elevated liver transaminases were observed. Extensive etiological investigation was performed, including array‐CGH and metabolic evaluation with no abnormalities to note. Trio whole exome analysis identified a homozygous pathogenic variant of the NGLY1 gene, c.1891del (p.Gln631Serfs*7), consistent with CDDG. Both parents were confirmed to be heterozygous carriers. The authors discuss in this case, the clinical presentation, the diagnostic challenges, and review other relevant NGLY1 deficiency cases previously reported in the literature. This case, along with the previous reported in the literature, indicates that pathogenic variants in NGLY1 cause a recognizable phenotype and should be considered in patients with a typical presentation. It also suggests that decreased sweating is not present universally in these patients.