bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) and PEDF‐receptor in the adult mouse brain: Differential spatial/temporal localization pattern
Authors: de Diego‐Otero Yolanda , Giráldez‐Pérez Rosa María , Lima‐Cabello Elena , Heredia‐Farfan Raúl , Calvo Medina Rocío , Sanchez‐Salido Lourdes , Pérez Costillas Lucía 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPigment epithelium‐derived factor (PEDF) is a multifunctional protein which was initially described in the retina, although it is also present in other tissues. It functions as an antioxidant agent promoting neuronal survival. Recently, a PEDF receptor has shown an elevated binding affinity for PEDF. There are no relevant data regarding the distribution of both proteins in the brain, therefore the main goal of this work was to investigate the spatiotemporal presence of PEDF and PEDFR in the adult mouse brain, and to determine the PEDF blood level in mouse and human. The localization of both proteins was analyzed by different experimental methods such as immunohistochemistry, western‐blotting, and also by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Differential expression was found in some telencephalic structures and positive signals for both proteins were detected in the cerebellum. The magnitude of the PEDFR labeling pattern was higher than PEDF and included some cortical and subventricular areas. Age‐dependent changes in intensity of both protein immunoreactions were found in the cortical and hippocampal areas with greater reactivity between 4 and 8 months of age, whilst others, like the subventricular zones, these differences were more evident for PEDFR. Although ubiquitous presence was not found in the brain for these two proteins, their relevant functions must not be underestimated. It has been described that PEDF plays an important role in neuroprotection and data provided in the present work represents the first extensive study to understand the relevance of these two proteins in specific brain areas.
Fractionating and Purifying Softwood Kraft Lignin with Aqueous Renewable Solvents: Liquid–Liquid Equilibrium for the Lignin–Ethanol–Water System
Authors: Tindall Graham W. , Chong Josh , Miyasato Evan , Thies Mark C. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractHot ethanol–water solutions can be used to simultaneously fractionate and purify softwood Kraft lignin through the Aqueous Lignin Purification with Hot Agents (ALPHA) process, using the regions of liquid–liquid equilibrium (LLE) that form at selected temperatures and solvent‐to‐lignin feed (S/F) ratios. Lignin, ethanol, and water compositions are measured for the solvent‐rich (SR) and lignin‐rich (LR) liquid phases in mutual equilibrium, as well as the lignin and metals mass distributions between the two phases. As depicted in quasi‐ternary diagrams for clarity, both temperature and S/F ratio can be used to grow, merge, and even split the regions of LLE, giving significant control over both molecular weight (MW) and lignin purity. For example, a solvent comprising 45:55 EtOH/H2O at 75 °C and an S/F ratio of 6:1 enables recovery of an ultrapure (95 % of Na removed), higher MW (Mn=8400 Da) lignin fraction in the LR phase. On the other hand, 95:5 EtOH/H2O at 45 °C and S/F=3:1 enables recovery of an ultrapure, low MW (1500 Da) lignin in the SR phase.
Recent Progress in Engineering Metal Halide Perovskites for Efficient Visible‐Light‐Driven Photocatalysis
Authors: Han Chuang , Zhu Xiaolin , Martin Jovan San , Lin Yixiong , Spears Sydney , Yan Yong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractArtificial photosynthesis has attracted increasing attention due to recent environmental and energy concerns. Metal halide perovskites (MHPs) demonstrating excellent optoelectronic properties have currently emerged as novel and efficient photocatalytic materials. Herein, the structural features of MHPs that are responsible for the photoinduced charge separation and charge migration properties are briefly introduced, and then important and necessary photophysical and photochemical aspects of MHPs related to photoredox catalysis are summarized. Subsequently, the applications of MHPs for solar energy harvesting and photocatalytic conversion, including H2 evolution, CO2 reduction, degradation of organic pollutants, and photoredox organic synthesis, are extensively demonstrated, with a focus on strategies for improving the performance (e.g., selectivity, activity, stability, recyclability, and environmental compatibility) of these MHP‐based photocatalytic systems. To conclude, existing challenges and prospects on the future development of MHP‐based materials towards photoredox catalysis applications are detailed.
The interactive effects of parental self‐efficacy and child eating styles in relation to naturalistically‐assessed craving, overeating, and loss of control eating
Authors: Smith Kathryn E. , Haedt‐Matt Alissa , Dougherty Elizabeth N. , Ivins‐Lukse Melissa , Goldschmidt Andrea B. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveParental factors have been linked to weight‐related outcomes in children, though less is known regarding the role of parental self‐efficacy (PSE) for promoting healthy dietary behaviors (HDBs). This study examined associations between PSE for promoting HDBs and child reports of craving, overeating, and loss of control eating in daily life. The interactive effects of PSE and child eating style (emotional eating, external eating, and restraint) were also explored.MethodThirty‐eight youth (ages 8–14; 55.3% female) with overweight/obesity and their parents completed the Dutch Eating Behavior Questionnaire for Children (DEBQ‐C) and Parental Self‐Efficacy for Healthy Dietary and Physical Activity Behaviors Scale, respectively. Youth completed ecological momentary assessment (EMA) to report craving, overeating, and loss of control eating.ResultsGeneralized estimating equations indicated no consistent main effects of PSE on EMA outcomes, but PSE interacted with DEBQ‐C child eating styles to predict each EMA outcome. Among children of parents with lower PSE, (a) higher emotional eating was associated with greater overeating and loss of control eating; (b) higher external eating was associated with greater craving; and (c) higher restraint was associated with greater loss of control eating and craving. Conversely, these associations were attenuated among children of parents with higher PSE.DiscussionTogether findings suggest the interplay of child characteristics and PSE regarding children's eating behaviors warrants future investigation in the context of eating and weight disorders. In particular, further research is needed to examine the directionality of effects and mechanisms underlying these associations.
Joint seasonality in geographic and ecological spaces, illustrated with a partially migratory bird
Authors: Basille Mathieu , Watling James , Romañach Stephanie , Borkhataria Rena 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAs most species live in seasonal environments, considering varying conditions is essential to understand species dynamics in both geographic and ecological spaces. Both resident and migratory species need to contend with seasonality and balance settling in favorable areas with tracking favorable environmental conditions during the year. We present an exploratory framework to jointly investigate a species' niche in geographic and ecological spaces, applied to wood storks (Mycteria americana), which are partially migratory wading birds, in the southeastern United States. We concurrently described monthly geographic distributions and climatic niches based on temperature and precipitation. Geographic distributions of wood storks were more similar throughout the year than were climatic niches, suggesting that birds stay within specific areas seasonally, rather than tracking areas of similar climate. However, wood storks expressed consistent selection of warm areas during the winter, and wet areas during the summer, indicating that the selection of seasonal ranges may be directly related to environmental conditions across the entire range. Our flexible framework, which simultaneously considered geographic and ecological spaces, suggested that tracking climate alone did not explain seasonal distributions of wood storks in breeding and non‐breeding areas.
Habitat network topology influences the importance of ecological traps in metapopulations
Authors: Edge Christopher B. , Fortin Marie‐Josée 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe majority of species exist in metapopulations, where populations are linked to one another through dispersal. Disturbances (natural or anthropogenic) are known to affect population vital rates which can reverberate to the metapopulations through dispersal, which is determined by the topology of the habitat network (i.e., the number of patches and their spatial layout). Within a habitat network, disturbed patches become sinks or ecological traps depending on whether individuals avoid or are attracted to the disturbed patch. Ecological traps occur when individuals preferentially disperse to patches that result in low fitness which can have severe consequences for metapopulations. However, the effects of ecological traps should be considered relative to a number of factors, such as the number of disturbed patches, the fitness cost of the disturbance, and dispersal. Further, the relative importance of each factor can vary among different habitat network topologies according to the position and role of the disturbed patches for maintaining the functional connectivity of the entire metapopulation. Using a spatially explicit stochastic stage‐based metapopulation model based on amphibian life history, we investigate how the number of disturbed patches, fitness cost of the disturbance, dispersal rate, and attractiveness of disturbed habitat patches affect the persistence of metapopulations in different habitat network topologies (random, tree, and full). Overall, dispersal, the number of disturbed patches, and the fitness penalty of the disturbance were the most important factors affecting mean metapopulation growth rate, the probability of extinction, and time to extinction. Ecological traps had the largest effect in the tree network topology where the number of links between patches was limited. For all network topologies studied, larger negative effects were observed when disturbed patches were centrally located in the network. Reducing the number and spatial correlation of disturbances is known to be a reliable conservation strategy, we add the importance of considering the location of disturbances within habitat networks and network topology.
Leucocyte count predicts cardiovascular risk in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: insights from TOPCAT Americas
Authors: Bajaj Navkaranbir S. , Kalra Rajat , Gupta Kartik , Aryal Sudeep , Rajapreyar Indranee , Lloyd Steven G. , McConathy Jonathan , Shah Sanjiv J. , Prabhu Sumanth D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsPrior evidence has implicated leucocyte expansion in several cardiovascular disorders, including heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (rEF). However, the prognostic importance of leucocyte count in HF with preserved EF (HFpEF) remains largely unexplored.Methods and resultsThe Americas cohort of the treatment of preserved cardiac function heart failure with an aldosterone antagonist (TOPCAT‐Americas) was used to evaluate the association between total leucocyte count and clinical outcomes in HFpEF. The primary outcome was a composite of aborted cardiac arrest, cardiovascular mortality, or hospitalization for HF. Secondary outcomes were hospitalization for HF, aborted cardiac arrest, stroke, non‐fatal myocardial infarction (MI), cardiovascular mortality, non‐cardiovascular mortality, and all‐cause mortality. Survival models were used to identify the risk of the primary and secondary outcomes in those with leucocyte count above the median (7100 cells/μL), as compared to those with leucocyte count below the median, during the follow‐up period. A total of 1746 (out of 1767; 99%) patients from TOPCAT‐Americas were available for the analyses with a median follow up of 2.4 (25th to 75th percentile 1.4–3.9) years. Patients with leucocyte count >7100 cells/μL were 36% more likely to experience the primary endpoint compared to those with ≤7100 cells/μL (hazard ratio: 1.36, 95% confidence interval: 1.14–1.61). This association remained significant after extensive adjustment for potential confounders (hazard ratio: 1.27, 95% confidence interval: 1.06–1.52). We also observed a greater incidence of HF hospitalization and non‐fatal MI in patients with higher leucocyte count. These associations remained robust on sensitivity analyses, suggesting a low probability of confounding. Exploratory analyses suggested that both higher leucocyte count (integrating the combined influence of both myeloid and lymphoid immune cells) and augmented platelet count (as a surrogate for myeloid immune cell expansion) in the same model were associated with the primary outcome (both P < 0.05).ConclusionsLeucocyte count >7100 cells/μL was independently associated with adverse clinical outcomes in HFpEF patients from TOPCAT‐Americas. These results were primarily driven by the HF hospitalization outcome but were also accompanied by an excess of non‐fatal MI. Further research is needed to define the mechanisms underlying our findings and their prognostic implications.
Modifications of medical treatment and outcome after percutaneous correction of secondary mitral regurgitation
Authors: Stolfo Davide , Castrichini Matteo , Biagini Elena , Compagnone Miriam , De Luca Antonio , Caiffa Thomas , Berardini Alessandra , Vitrella Giancarlo , Korcova Renata , Perkan Andrea , Foroni Marco , Merlo Marco , Barbati Giulia , Saia Francesco , Rapezzi Claudio , Sinagra Gianfranco 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAimsThe optimization of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) in reduced ejection fraction heart failure (HFrEF) is associated with improved survival and can reduce the severity of secondary mitral regurgitation (SMR). Highest tolerated doses should be achieved before percutaneous mitral valve repair (pMVR) and drugs titration further pursued after procedure. The degree of GDMT titration in patients with HFrEF and SMR treated with pMVR remains unexplored. We sought to evaluate the adherence to GDMT in HFrEF in patients undergoing pMVR and to explore the association between changes in GDMT post‐pMVR and prognosis.Methods and resultsWe included all the patients with HFrEF and SMR ≥ 3 + treated with pMVR between 2012 and 2019 and with available follow‐up. GDMT, comprehensive of dosages, was systematically recorded. The study endpoint was a composite of death and heart transplantation. Among 133 patients successfully treated, 121 were included (67 ± 12 years old, 77% male patients). Treatment rates of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors/angiotensin receptor blockers/angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor (ACEIs/ARBs/ARNI), beta‐blockers, and mineralcorticoid receptor antagonist at baseline and follow‐up were 73% and 79%, 85% and 84%, 70% and 70%, respectively. At baseline, 33% and 32% of patients were using >50% of the target dose of ACEI/ARB/ARNI and beta‐blockers. At follow‐up (median time 4 months), 33% of patients unchanged, 34% uptitrated, and 33% of patients downtitrated GDMT. Downtitration of GDMT was independently associated with higher risk of death/heart transplantation (hazard ratio: 2.542, 95%confidence interval: 1.377–4.694, P = 0.003).ConclusionsGuideline‐directed medical therapy is frequently underdosed in HFrEF patients with SMR undergoing pMVR. Downtitration of medications after procedure is associated with poor prognosis.
Exemplifying complexity of immune suppression by a “canonical” speech: A glimpse into TNFRSF‐activated signaling pathways in Treg cells
Authors: Ayroldi Emira , Grohmann Ursula 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRegulatory T (Treg) cells are crucial mediators of immune tolerance suppressing self‐reactive T cells and preventing autoimmune diseases. Besides activation of the T cell receptor (TCR), empowerment of Treg cell functions requires co‐accessory signals, such as those released by the TNF receptor superfamily (TNFRSF) that, however, can also promote immunostimulatory responses when engaged by effector T cells. In this issue of European Journal of Immunology, Lubrano di Ricco et al. [Eur. J. Immunol. 2020. 50: 972–985] have taken a closer look at the important question of the functional meaning of TNFRSF‐activated signaling pathways in Treg cells. They have demonstrated that costimulation by TNFR2, 4‐1BB, GITR, DR3, but not OX40 in mouse Foxp3+ Treg cells activates the same and unique signaling pathway, i.e., canonical NF‐κB, which in turn leads to Foxp3 gene upregulation, cell expansion in vitro and in vivo, and suppressive activity in an experimental model of colitis. Moreover, induction of markers of T helper 2 (Th2) and Th17 as well as of genes encoding proteins involved in noncanonical NF‐κΒ was also observed. We here discussed how these findings further highlight the emerging concept of Treg cell plasticity in immune tolerance.
Head and neck paragangliomas: 30‐year experience
Authors: Valero Cristina , Ganly Ian , Shah Jatin P. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aimed to review our experience and the changing trends in the management of head and neck paragangliomas (HNPG) over the last three decades.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 103 patients with HNPG treated at our center (1986‐2017). We included patients treated with surgery, radiotherapy, and patients maintained under active surveillance.ResultsOf the surgically treated patients (n = 79), 20% (12/59) of the carotid body tumors (CBT) had a cranial nerve deficit as sequela compared to 95% (19/20) of the non‐CBT. Radiotherapy controlled growth in all tumors treated with this modality (n = 10). Of the initially observed patients, 70% (14/20) remained stable and did not require additional treatment. Stratifying by decades, there was a progressive increase in patients initially attempted to be observed and a decrease in upfront surgery. No deaths attributable to the HNPG were encountered.ConclusionsSurgery is an effective treatment for CBT. Nonsurgical treatment should be considered for non‐CBT.
Large eddy simulation of flow over square cylinder arrays in an octagonal configuration at subcritical Reynolds numbers
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Singh Nirmal Kant 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, fluid flow over an array of eight, 0.029 m × 0.029 m, square cross‐section cylinders in an octagonal configuration is studied numerically. The mean force coefficients (drag and lift) and the vortex formation characteristics of the array are calculated numerically by utilizing a three‐dimensional large eddy simulation mathematical model for turbulence. The numerical simulation is performed with commercial software ANSYS Fluent 19R1. To investigate the parametric influences, three spacings between the cylinders (0.07, 0.14, and 0.2 m), two array attack angles (0° and 15°), and two Reynolds numbers (4060 and 45 800) are considered. The results comprise flow patterns and force coefficients' variations with Reynolds numbers. The lift force of the downstream cylinder reaches its maximum at α = 15°, and the drag force of the upstream cylinders finds its peak at α = 0°. It is observed through velocity and viscosity contour plots that vortex formation length near the cylinder increases at higher Reynolds number. Velocity vector plots are also presented to show fluid flow behavior near the cylinder. Furthermore, the predicted mean forces on the cylinders are slightly different for different Reynolds numbers, spacings, and angles of attack.
Fuel Cells and Biofuel Cells: From Past to Perspectives
Authors: Katz Evgeny , Bollella Paolo 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis review aims at summarizing the history and state‐of‐the‐art in the areas of fuel and biofuel cells. The paper is addressed to a broad audience including experts and particularly to newcomers and students. Some parts of the review, particularly about fuel cells of different kinds, are rather general and mostly addressed to students, however, sections related to biofuel cells are more specialized and will be interesting for researchers working in this novel and challenging area. Many aspects discussed in the article represent personal opinions of the authors. The article is aimed at providing interesting and easy for reading material representing more concepts than specific experimental data. If the readers get excited about the topic, the authors’ goals will be satisfied.
Recent developments of metallic nanoparticles and their catalytic activity in organic reactions
Authors: Amirmahani Najmeh , Mahmoodi Nosrat O. , Bahramnejad Mahboubeh , Seyedi Neda 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDuring the last two decades, with the development of nanotechnology, various nanomaterials have been designed and generated. Among them, hybrid organic–inorganic nanoparticles as a particular immobilizing carrier of the catalyst active sites have shown an important contribution in the current research studies. This is due to the large area and loads of active sites. This prominent review is focused on the novel various exa about the immobilization of nanoparticles with organic compounds as versatile and efficient catalysts in organic syntheses.
Prevalence and characteristics of surgical site hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae isolates
Authors: Zhao Qiang , Guo Ling , Wang Li‐Feng , Zhao Qian , Shen Ding‐Xia 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundWe aim to determine the prevalence of hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae (hvKp), which causes surgical site infections (SSIs), and describe the microbiological and molecular characteristics of hvKp isolates.MethodsNon‐duplicate K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from wound drainage specimens of postoperative patients at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between September 2008 and July 2017. Antimicrobial susceptibility, string test, pulsed‐field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), and genome sequencing analyses were performed.ResultsFifty‐one K. pneumoniae strains were isolated from wound drainage specimens collected from postoperative patients. Twenty‐six hvKp strains, including 17 (17/37, 46.0%) and 9 (9/14, 64.3%) hvKp strains, were isolated from 37 and 14 patients with SSIs and community‐acquired infections (CAIs), respectively. Notably, 4 extended‐spectrum beta‐lactamase (ESBL)‐producing hvKp strains (4/26, 15.4%) and 2 carbapenem‐resistant hvKp strains (2/26, 7.7%) were found. Thirteen K1 serotype (13/26, 50.0%) and 7 K2 serotype (7/26, 26.9%) strains were identified. Phylogenetic analysis results showed that 13 K1 serotype isolates exhibited a high degree of clonality, while 7 K2 serotype strains were genetically unrelated. MLST analysis indicated that there was a strong correlation between ST23 and the K1 serotype. ST65, ST86, and ST375 were prevalent in K2 serotype strains. Almost all hvKp strains (24/26, 92.3%) harbored large virulence plasmids with a high degree of homology to pNTUH‐K2044 and sizes ranging from 140 to 220 kbp.ConclusionsHvKp strains were prevalent in SSIs. Effective surveillance and control measures should be implemented to prevent the dissemination of such organisms, including the ESBL‐producing and carbapenem‐resistant hvKp strains.