bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impact of plasma xanthine oxidoreductase activity in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Watanabe Ken , Watanabe Tetsu , Otaki Yoichiro , Shishido Tetsuro , Murase Takayo , Nakamura Takashi , Kato Shigehiko , Tamura Harutoshi , Nishiyama Satoshi , Takahashi Hiroki , Arimoto Takanori , Watanabe Masafumi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsReactive oxygen species are reportedly involved in the mechanism underlying heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the disease pathophysiology remains poorly understood. Xanthine oxidoreductase (XOR), the rate‐limiting enzyme of purine metabolism, plays an important role in uric acid production and generates reactive oxygen species. However, the impact of plasma XOR activity on the clinical outcomes of patients with HFpEF remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma XOR activity is associated with major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) in patients with HFpEF.Methods and resultsThe plasma XOR activity was measured in 257 patients with HFpEF, who were then divided into three groups according to the activity levels: low XOR group (<33 pmol/h/mL, n = 45), normal XOR group (33–120 pmol/h/mL, n = 160), and high XOR group (>120 pmol/h/mL, n = 52). During the median follow‐up period of 809 days, there were 74 MACEs. Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed that the high XOR group was at the highest risk for MACEs. Multivariate analysis by Cox's proportional hazard regression approach showed that high XOR activity was significantly associated with MACEs, after adjustment for confounding factors. The patients were also divided into four groups according to the absence/presence of high XOR activity and/or hyperuricaemia. According to the multivariate Cox regression analysis, high XOR activity was associated with MACEs, regardless of the hyperuricaemia status.ConclusionsElevated plasma XOR activity is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes in patients with HFpEF.
Effect of acetylene fuelling on performance, emission and combustion characteristics of stationary spark‐ignition engine
Authors: Sharma Sumit , Sharma Dilip , Soni Shyam Lal , Singh Digambar 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe continuous depletion of conventional fuels requires urgent research work to identify feasible alternative fuels to meet the minimum environmental impact of sustainable energy demand. Due to good combustion characteristics, acetylene being one of such alternative fuel and has the potential to be a future fuel. In this concern, it was decided to perform experimentation on a stationary water‐cooled spark ignition (S.I.) engine in acetylene‐gasolinedual fuel mode. In this experimental investigation, the effects of acetylene and gasoline mixtures on the performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics have been observed. Acetylene was supplied through a modified engine intake manifold at optimized conditions for petrol. The optimum flow rate of acetylene was found by comparing the performance and emissions for 50, 100, and 150 LPH, respectively, at 1600 revolution per minute (rpm). The experimental results showed that the brake thermal efficiency at 100 LPH was the highest amongst all the flow rates under study, throughout the load range in acetylene‐gasoline dual fuel mode. HC, CO, and CO2 emissions for this acetylene flow rate were either low or comparable to that of pure gasoline. Based on this study, it can be concluded that use of acetylene in S.I. engine without any major modifications is feasible without having any adverse effect on the engine performance, combustion, and emissions.
Oral treatment with the Chinese herbal supplements B307 enhances muscle endurance of ICR mice after exhaustive swimming via suppressing fatigue, oxidative stress, and inflammation
Authors: Chuang Tai‐Yuan , Lien Chia‐Ying , Tsai Ya‐Chun , Lin Kuei‐Fu , Hsu Chih‐Hsiang , Wu Wan‐Jhen , Su Li‐Yu , Lu Chen‐Wen , Wu Chung‐Hsin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractExhaustive exercise may damage muscles due to oxidative stress and inflammation and cause muscle fatigue and soreness. The study investigated the effects of Chinese herbal supplements (CHS) B307 on muscle endurance after exhaustive swimming (ES). Thirty‐two male ICR mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: Sham + ES, pretreatment of CHS B307 + ES (Pre + ES), post‐treatment of CHS B307 + ES (Post + ES), and dual treatment of CHS B307 + ES (Dual + ES). All mice were subjected to ES in the form of a forced swimming test. Then, we compared ES time (EST) as the index of muscular endurance. Also, we examined the fatigue, oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage in the muscle tissue among these groups by using immunohistochemistry (IHC), chemiluminescence, and biochemical analysis. Our results revealed that those mice of Pre + ES and Dual + ES groups had remarkably better EST than those mice of Sham + ES and Post + ES groups. Those mice with oral treatment of CHS B307(Pre + ES, Post + ES, and Dual + ES groups) showed significantly reduced leukocyte counts in the urine, and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), neutrophils, and lactic acid in the blood than those mice of Sham + ES. In addition, those mice with oral treatment of CHS B307 (Pre + ES, Post + ES, and Dual + ES groups) showed significant alleviation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and damage in the muscle tissue than those mice of Sham + ES. Thus, we suggested that CHS B307 can be a functional sports supplement because it can enhance muscle endurance after exhaustive swimming via suppressing fatigue, oxidative stress, and inflammation.
Feeling addressed! The neural processing of social communicative cues in patients with major depression
Authors: Suffel Anne , Nagels Arne , Steines Miriam , Kircher Tilo , Straube Benjamin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe feeling of being addressed is the first step in a complex processing stream enabling successful social communication. Social impairments are a relevant characteristic of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Here, we investigated a mechanism which—if impaired—might contribute to withdrawal or isolation in MDD, namely, the neural processing of social cues such as body orientation and gesture. During funtional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data acquisition, 33 patients with MDD and 43 healthy control subjects watched video clips of a speaking actor: one version with a gesture accompanying the speech and one without gesture. Videos were filmed simultaneously from two different viewpoints: one with the actor facing the viewer head‐on (frontal) and one side‐view (lateral). After every clip, the participants were instructed to evaluate whether they felt addressed or not. Despite overall comparable addressment ratings and a large overlap in activation patterns in MDD and healthy subjects for gesture processing, the anterior cingulate cortex, bilateral superior/middle frontal cortex, and right angular gyrus were more strongly activated in patients than in healthy subjects for the frontal conditions. Our analyses revealed that patients showed specifically higher activation than healthy subjects for the frontal condition without gesture in regions including the posterior cingulate cortex, left prefrontal cortex, and the left hippocampus. We conclude that MDD patients can recognize and interpret social cues such as gesture or body orientation; however, they seem to require more neural resources. This additional effort might affect successful communication and contribute to social isolation in MDD.
On the Way to Optoionics
Authors: Senocrate Alessandro , Kotomin Eugene , Maier Joachim 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBased on the recent finding of significant ion conduction enhancement in iodide perovskites upon illumination, the potential of an emerging field ‘opto‐ionics’ – that we define in parallelism to ‘opto‐electronics’ – is explored. We emphasize that the major prerequisite is the identification of appropriate stable materials which can act as light‐tunable electrolytes, permeation membranes, or electrodes. In this way, classic, but light‐tunable electrochemical devices would be in reach. We also touch upon related issues such as sensing, switching, and catalysis, in which light effects on ionic charge carriers are also expected to be important.
Para‐aortic lymphadenectomy did not improve overall survival among women with type I endometrial cancer
Authors: Li Lin , Tang Mingming , Nie Dan , Gou Jinhai , Li Zhengyu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare outcomes and prognosis among women with type I endometrial cancer undergoing hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo‐oophorectomy (H‐BSO) with or without systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD) or para‐aortic lymphadenectomy (PALD).MethodsRetrospective review of women postoperatively diagnosed with type I endometrial cancer who underwent H‐BSO at a university hospital in Chengdu, China (January 2010 to June 2012). Women were divided into no lymphadenectomy (PLD−/PALD−), systematic pelvic lymphadenectomy (PLD+/PALD−), or combined pelvic and para‐aortic lymphadenectomy (PLD+/PALD+) groups. Follow‐up was by telephone. Postoperative outcomes and prognosis were compared and risk factors were analyzed.ResultsIn total, 333 women met the inclusion criteria: 121 underwent PLD+/PALD−, 166 underwent PLD+/PALD+, and 46 underwent PLD−/PALD−. There were no differences in pre‐operative characteristics among the groups (all P>0.05). The PLD+/PALD+ group had a higher laparotomy rate (P=0.001), the PLD−/PALD− group had shorter operation time (P=0.001) and lower blood loss (P<0.001). There were no differences between the PLD+/PALD− and PLD+/PALD+ groups. Overall, 291 women had sufficient follow‐up data; there was no difference in overall survival, and PALD was not a predictor of survival.ConclusionPostoperative outcomes were similar among all surgical groups; a survival benefit of PALD was not demonstrated.
Performance evaluation of three i‐SENS glucometers using arterial blood samples compared with the YSI 2300 Glucose Analyzer
Authors: Kim Ha Nui , Moon Kyung Chul , Yoon Soo‐Young 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundCapillary blood is the most commonly used sample for point‐of‐care (POC) glucometers. However, in critically ill patients, the glucose levels measured from capillary blood may not be reliable. Thus, we aimed to evaluate and compare the accuracy of glucose levels measured with POC glucometers and the YSI 2300 glucose analyzer using leftover arterial blood samples.MethodsIn total, 100 leftover heparinized arterial blood samples were used to evaluate the performance of three i‐SENS glucometers (BAROzen H Expert plus, CareSens PRO, and CareSens H Beat) and the ACCU‐CHEK® Inform II glucometer. The reference value was obtained using the YSI 2300 glucose analyzer. The results were analyzed based on International Organization for Standardization 15197:2013 guidelines.ResultsMore than 95% of results obtained using POC glucometers were within ±15 mg/dL of the reference value for glucose concentrations <100 mg/dL and within ±15% of the reference value for glucose concentrations ≥100 mg/dL. In the consensus error grid analysis, more than 99% of results were found to be within zones A and B. An excellent correlation was found between the values obtained using POC glucometers and the YSI 2300 glucose analyzer (R2 > .99).ConclusionThe i‐SENS glucometers showed stable and accurate results when leftover arterial blood samples were used. Therefore, POC glucometers could be useful in critical care settings, such as intensive care units, where arterial samples are routinely used.
Improving the power density of a Geobacter consortium‐based microbial fuel cell by incorporating a highly dispersed birnessite/C cathode
Authors: Fuentes‐Albarrán Carmen , Juárez Katy , Gamboa Sergio , Tirado Ana , Alvarez‐Gallegos Alberto 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBACKGROUNDMicrobial fuel cell (MFC) power production is limited by the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). The quest for platinum‐free materials for improving the cathodic ORR in MFCs is a challenging task. Birnessite‐type MnO2/carbon cathodes in MFCs have been rarely reported so far. In this work, a birnessite/C cathode was tested in a MFC.RESULTSA birnessite/C cathode was synthesized (using a rapid, facile and low‐cost method) and its structural and morphological characteristics were assessed. The ORR on such a cathode was investigated using linear sweep voltammetry in a catholyte of 0.8 mol L–1 Na2SO4, pH 2 (same conditions as those of experimental MFCs). The current density values were higher than those for a plain C cathode. The volumetric power density improved from 224 to 6201 mW m−3 on replacing the plain C cathode with the birnessite/C cathode in a MFC. Deltaproteobacteria were found at the C anode and they were associated with the high power densities obtained.CONCLUSIONSBirnessite/C is a promising cathodic electrode because its synthesis is straightforward, it is not expensive and it could promote the ORR and improve the power density in MFCs. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
When work is wanted after hours: Testing weekly stress of information communication technology demands using boundary theory
Authors: Park YoungAh , Liu Yihao , Headrick Lucille 
Published: May 2020

SummaryInformation communication technologies (ICTs; e.g., smartphones) enable employees to work anywhere and anytime, blurring work and family boundaries. Building on this trend, this study draws from work–family border/boundary theory to examine antecedents and consequences of employees' weekly experiences of ICT demands (i.e., being accessible and contacted for work after hours via ICTs). A sample of 546 elementary teachers completed a registration survey and a weekly diary for 5 weeks. Multilevel modeling results suggest that ICT demands as a form of work intrusion in the home can constitute a source of significant weekly strain (i.e., negative rumination, negative affect, and insomnia). As border crossers, teachers' adoption of a technological boundary tactic (i.e., keeping work email alerts turned off on mobile phones) was related to lower weekly ICT demands. As important border keepers at work, school principals' work–family support was related to teachers' lower weekly ICT demands, whereas parents' after‐hours boundary expectations were related to teachers' higher weekly ICT demands. Moreover, teachers' boundary control was found as a mediating mechanism by which the two border keepers influenced teachers' ICT demands−negative rumination link. That is, teachers who received fewer boundary expectations and/or more work–family support had greater boundary control, which in turn buffered the ICT demands–negative rumination relationship.
Cultural land use and vegetation dynamics in the uplands of northern Portugal from the Middle Ages to the Modern period
Authors: Sá Ferreira Carla , Plunkett Gill , Fontes Luís 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACTIn Europe, mountain landscapes have evolved in a long‐term relationship with human communities and present‐day landscapes reflect that ancient interaction. The present study aims to reconstruct human activity in two mountain areas in northern Portugal using palynological analysis integrated with the available regional historical, archaeological and palaeoenvironmental archives. Pollen records from two sedimentary sequences span the Medieval and Modern periods and show that mixed agriculture and livestock grazing were consistently present in both regions throughout these times. Variations in cultural indicators show that the extent of farming fluctuated throughout time, with a general increase in cultivation during the Medieval period but with contractions likely coinciding with times of social disturbance. Historical sources suggest that sociopolitical factors and population pressure were fundamental in the utilisation of upland spaces. This study did not find any convincing evidence to suggest that fire was a fundamental factor in heathland spread. We conclude that long‐term occupation of the uplands was sustained by low‐intensity land use throughout the Medieval to post‐Medieval periods, and that the present landscape has assumed a very different character following depopulation of the mountain areas and a shift towards commercial forestry.
Wrap‐around electrodes for microLED tiled displays
Authors: Pastel David , Peterson Richard , Buchholz Tetyana , Tadesse Haregewine , Vaddi Rajesh , Kuo Kuan Ting , Garner Sean , Khan Sijan , Curtis Jamie 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe authors have developed a process to create wrap‐around electrodes (WAEs) on glass for use in tiled microLED display applications. The electrodes have small size and spacing, low resistance, and good reliability. In addition, an opaque overcoat protects the edges of the tiles and reduces seam visibility. These electrodes allow bezel‐free tiled operation for high‐resolution displays.
Determination of 5‐fluorocytosine, 5‐fluorouracil, and 5‐fluorouridine in hospital wastewater by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Škvára Pavel , Santana‐Viera Sergio , Montesdeoca‐Esponda Sarah , Mordačíková Erika , Santana‐Rodríguez José Juan , Vojs Staňová Andrea 
Published: May 2020

AbstractChemotherapeutics are pharmaceutical compounds the occurrence of which in the environment is of growing concern because of the increase in treatments against cancer diseases. They can reach the aquatic ecosystems after passing through wastewater treatment plants without complete removal. One of the most frequently used chemotherapeutics is 5‐fluorouracil which exhibits a strong cytostatic effect. In this paper, an analytical methodology was developed, validated, and applied to determine 5‐fluorouracil, its precursor, 5‐fluorocytosine, and its major active metabolite, 5‐fluorouridine, in hospital wastewater samples. Due to the expected low concentrations after dilution and interferences present in such a complex matrix, a very selective and sensitive detection method is required. Moreover, an extraction method must be implemented prior to the determination in order to purify the sample extract and preconcentrate the target analytes at micrograms per liter concentration levels. Solid‐phase extraction followed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry was the combination of choice and all included parameters were studied. Under optimized conditions for wastewater samples analysis, recoveries from 63 to 108% were obtained, while intraday and interday relative standard deviations never exceeded 20 and 25%, respectively. Limits of detection between 61 and 620 ng/L were achieved. Finally, the optimized method was applied to samples from hospital wastewater effluents.
Simultaneous quantification and rat pharmacokinetics of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside and its metabolite formononetin by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Peng , Ma Han , Lin Xiaolan , Qiu Feng 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFormononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside has been proved to have significant anti‐inflammatory effect. To evaluate its rat pharmacokinetics, a rapid, sensitive, and specific liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry method has been developed and validated for the quantification of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside and its main metabolite formononetin in rat plasma. Samples were pretreated using a simple protein precipitation and the chromatographic separation was performed on a C18 column by a gradient elution using a mobile phase consisting of water and acetonitrile both containing 0.1% formic acid. Both analytes were detected using a tandem mass spectrometer in positive multiple reaction monitoring mode. The assay showed wide linear dynamic ranges of both 0.10–100 ng/mL, with acceptable intra‐ and inter‐batch accuracy and precision. The lower limits of quantification were both 0.10 ng/mL using 50 μL of rat plasma for two analytes. The method has been successfully used to investigate the oral pharmacokinetic profiles of both analytes in rats. After oral administration of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside at the dose of 50 mg/kg, it was rapidly absorbed in vivo and metabolized to its metabolite formononetin. The plasma concentration‐time profiles both showed double‐peak phenomena, which would be attributed to the strong enterohepatic circulation of formononetin‐7‐O‐β‐d‐glucoside.
Anisotropic Third‐Harmonic Generation in Layered Germanium Selenide
Authors: Dasgupta Arindam , Gao Jie , Yang Xiaodong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGermanium selenide (GeSe) is a 2D layered material with an anisotropic crystal structure analogous to black phosphorus (BP). But unlike BP, GeSe is stable under ambient conditions and therefore provides more flexibility in building practical nanoscale devices. The in‐plane anisotropic vibrational, electrical, and optical properties of layered GeSe originating from the low symmetry of its crystal structure are being explored mostly for building polarization‐sensitive optoelectronic devices. However, the nonlinear optical properties of layered GeSe have not been investigated yet. Here, the anisotropic polarization‐dependent third‐harmonic generation (THG) from exfoliated thin GeSe flakes due to the low in‐plane lattice symmetry is reported. Furthermore, it is also shown that the intensity and polarization state of TH emission can be controlled by the polarization state of pump beam. Moreover, it is demonstrated that the crystal's symmetry axes can be rapidly determined by characterizing the intensity profile of TH emission upon the excitation from radially or azimuthally polarized vector beam. The results of this study pave the way for realizing anisotropic nonlinear optical devices such as multiplexers, signal processors, and other prototypes for future on‐chip photonic circuits and optical information processing.
Degradable Polymer Films Made from Poly(salicylic‐acid‐co‐sebacic acid) and Poly(sebacic anhydride)/Poly(adipic anhydride) Blends: Degradation Kinetics and Use as Sacrificial Layers for Polymer Multilayer Systems
Authors: Deng Zhuoling , Riga Esther K. , Lienkamp Karen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTwo approaches to obtain fast‐degrading polymer films based on poly(sebacic anhydride) (PSA) are presented, both of which target polymer films with a lower degree of crystallinity than pure PSA homopolymer: first, thin films are prepared from poly(adipic anhydride)/poly(sebacic anhydride) blends at different ratios, and second, films are made from the copolymer poly(salicylic acid‐co‐sebacic acid). These films are intended as sacrificial layers for self‐regenerating functional coatings, for example, to regenerate antimicrobial surface activity. The degradation kinetics of these films are analyzed by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. The results of the blends approach indicate that the blend degradation rate is accelerated only in the initial degradation phase (compared to PSA). The degradation kinetics study of the poly(salicylic‐acid‐co‐sebacic acid) film shows that this copolymer degrades faster than poly(sebacic anhydride) initially, releasing antimicrobial salicylic acid in the process. However, its degradation rate slows down at a mass loss >60% and approaches the PSA degradation curve at longer degradation times. When tested as sacrificial layer in self‐regenerating antimicrobial polymer stacks, it is found that the degradation rate is too low for successful layer shedding.