bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of TPU hard segment content on the rheological and mechanical properties of PLA/TPU blends
Authors: Nofar Mohammadreza , Mohammadi Mojtaba , Carreau Pierre J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBlends of an amorphous polylactide (PLA) with three different thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) grades having various hard segment (HS) contents are prepared at the blending ratio of 85/15 wt% through a twin‐screw extruder (TSE) at processing temperatures of 150 and 190°C. Blends of a semicrystalline PLA with 15 wt% of the noted TPU grades are also processed in the TSE at 190°C to investigate the matrix crystallization effect on the morphology and property enhancements. The rheological experiments reveal that the increase in TPU HS content significantly increases the phase compatibility between PLA and TPU as also suggested by the finer morphology of the TPU phase, although the use of lower HS TPUs is more favorable to enhance the ductility and impact properties of the blends.
Rh‐Catalyzed Direct Carboxylation of Alkenyl C−H Bonds of Alkenylpyrazoles
Authors: Saitou Takanobu , Jin Yushu , Isobe Kotaro , Suga Takuya , Takaya Jun , Iwasawa Nobuharu 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Rh‐catalyzed direct carboxylation of alkenyl C−H bonds was achieved by using pyrazole as a removable directing group. In the presence of 5 mol% RhCl3 ⋅ 3H2O, 6 mol% P(Mes)3, and 2 equiv. of AlMe2(OMe), the alkenyl C−H bond of various alkenylpyrazoles was directly carboxylated in good yields under CO2 atmosphere. Furthermore, several useful transformations of the pyrazole moiety of the product were achieved to afford synthetically useful carboxylic acid derivatives in good yields.
Synthesis of substituted 2H‐chromenes catalyzed by lipase immobilized on magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Liu Jiaxu , Zhao Wenxin , Zhang Liu , Zhang Min , Chen Yanqiang , Xu You , Li Yinghua , Wang Lei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPorcine pancreas lipase (PPL) was immobilized on magnetic multiwalled carbon nanotubes successfully for the synthesis of substituted 2H‐chromenes. The catalytic activity of immobilized PPL was much higher than that of free PPL. Effects of reaction medium, temperature, and enzyme dosage were also investigated. Under optimum reaction conditions (acetylacetone (1 mmol), salicylaldehyde (1 equivalent), methanol (10 equivalent), and immobilized PPL (protein content: 30 mg; 65 °C; DMF 5 mL; 5 H), the immobilized PPL showed an excellent catalytic performance on the synthesis of substituted 2H‐chromenes. Moreover, the immobilized PPL exhibited satisfactory thermostability, operational simplicity, and reusability in this reaction.
Male‐to‐female ratios among NTDs and women's periconceptional intake of folic acid
Authors: Shaw Gary M. , Yang Wei , Finnell Richard H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundAbout a decade ago, a hypothesis was put forward to explain the preponderance of females among neural tube defect (NTD) fetuses. That hypothesis predicts that a woman's higher levels of early gestational intake of methyl groups, such as folic acid, will be associated with lesser male‐to‐female ratio differences in NTD‐affected births, specifically less preponderance of females. We explored this hypothesis in four distinct studies that investigated human NTDs, obtained information on folic acid, and capitalized on timing of folic acid fortification by investigating data that were collected both prior to and after the 1998 initiation of U.S. mandatory folic acid fortification of grains.MethodsWe analyzed data from four population‐based case control studies conducted in California for birth years spanning 1987–2011. Two studies were conducted before folic acid fortification of the U.S. food supply. Each of the four studies included interviews of women who either had NTD‐affected pregnancies (cases) or who did not have a pregnancy affected by a birth defect (controls). In each study, information on periconceptional supplement use was elicited. We explored male‐to‐female ratios and 95% binomial confidence limits in each data set.ResultsOur analyses of two case–control studies performed prior to and two performed post mandatory folate fortification in the United States showed that more NTD‐affected fetuses were female in the first two studies. In the studies done before fortification, the frequency of females was even greater among those pregnancies without folic acid supplementation.ConclusionOur findings suggest folic acid may differentially reduce risk of NTDs among female fetuses.
Perspectives on challenges and opportunities for birth defects surveillance programs during and after the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Ludorf Katherine L. , Salemi Jason L. , Kirby Russell S. , Tanner Jean Paul , Agopian A. J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn recent months, various public health measures have been implemented throughout the world in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. This outbreak, and the subsequent containment policies, may have a range of potential short‐ and long‐term impacts on the monitoring and surveillance of other conditions, such as birth defects. In this commentary, we provide a perspective on these potential impacts on birth defects surveillance and analysis. We discuss possible effects on clinical birth defect diagnoses, routine birth defects surveillance system activities, and epidemiologic considerations, as well as opportunities for mitigating the impact of COVID‐19. Like many other sectors of public health and medicine, birth defects surveillance programs may be faced with organizational and methodological obstacles in the wake of a changing landscape. A better understanding of these potential challenges faced by birth defects surveillance programs could facilitate better planning and collaboration across programs to overcome barriers to core activities and to prepare for novel opportunities for research and prevention.
Alterations of white matter integrity associated with cognitive deficits in patients with glioma
Authors: Liu Dongming , Liu Yong , Hu Xinhua , Hu Guanjie , Yang Kun , Xiao Chaoyong , Hu Jun , Li Zonghong , Zou Yuanjie , Chen Jiu , Liu Hongyi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the characteristic of brain structural connections in glioma patients and further evaluate the relationship between changes in the white matter tracts and cognitive decline.MethodsThis retrospective study included a total of 35 subjects with glioma and 14 demographically matched healthy controls, who underwent diffusion tensor imaging scans and formal neuropsychological assessment tests. Fractional anisotropy (FA) values of white matter tracts were derived from atlas‐based analysis to compare group differences. Furthermore, subgroup‐level analysis was performed to differentiate the effects of tumor location on white matter tracts. Partial correlation analysis was used to examine the associations between neurocognitive assessments and the integrity of tracts. Region of interest‐based network analysis was performed to validate the alteration of structural brain network in subjects with glioma.ResultsCompared with controls, subjects with glioma exhibited reduced FA values in the right uncinate fasciculus. Besides, subjects with glioma exhibited worse performance in several cognitive assessments. Partial correlation analysis indicated that the FA value in the right superior longitudinal fasciculus temporal part was significantly positively correlated with scores of visual–spatial abilities in subjects with glioma in the right temporal lobe (r = .932, p = .002). Region of interest‐based network analysis revealed that subjects with glioma exhibited reduced FA, fiber length (FL), and fiber number (FN) between specific brain regions compared with controls.ConclusionThe present study demonstrated the reduced integrity of white matter tracts and altered structural connectivity in brain networks in patients with glioma. Notably, white matter tracts in the right hemisphere might be vulnerable to the effects of a frontal or temporal lesion and might be associated with deficient cognitive function.
Reduction of medium consumption in perfusion mammalian cell cultures using a perfusion rate equivalent concentrated nutrient feed
Authors: Bielser Jean‐Marc , Kraus Leon , Burgos‐Morales Orlando , Broly Hervé , Souquet Jonathan 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMedia preparation for perfusion cell culture processes contributes significantly to operational costs and the footprint of continuous operations for therapeutic protein manufacturing. In this study, definitions are given for the use of a perfusion equivalent nutrient feed stream which, when used in combination with basal perfusion medium, supplements the culture with targeted compounds and increases the medium depth. Definitions to compare medium and feed depth are given in this article. Using a concentrated nutrient feed, a 1.8‐fold medium consumption (MC) decrease and a 1.67‐fold increase in volumetric productivity (PR) were achieved compared to the initial condition. Later, this strategy was used to push cell densities above 100 × 106 cells/ml while using a perfusion rate below 2 RV/day. In this example, MC was also decreased 1.8‐fold compared to the initial condition, but due to the higher cell density, PR was increased 3.1‐fold and to an average PR value of 1.36 g L−1 day−1 during a short stable phase, and versus 0.46 g L−1 day−1 in the initial condition. Overall, the performance improvements were aligned with the given definitions. This multiple feeding strategy can be applied to gain some flexibility during process development and also in a manufacturing set‐up to enable better control on nutrient addition.
Neoadjuvant‐modified FOLFIRINOX vs nab‐paclitaxel plus gemcitabine for borderline resectable or locally advanced pancreatic cancer patients who achieved surgical resection
Authors: Wolfe Adam R. , Prabhakar Dhivya , Yildiz Vedat O. , Cloyd Jordan M. , Dillhoff Mary , Abushahin Laith , Alexandra Diaz Dayssy , Miller Eric D. , Chen Wei , Frankel Wendy L. , Noonan Anne , Williams Terence M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe conducted an institutional study to compare the clinical and pathological efficacy between the neoadjuvant therapy (NAT)‐modified FOLFIRINOX (mFOLF) vs nanoparticle albumin–bound paclitaxel plus gemcitabine (nab‐P/G) for borderline resectable pancreatic cancer (BRPC) and locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients who completed resection. The study retrospectively enrolled patients with pathologically confirmed BRPC or LAPC from 2010 to 2018 at our institution. The survival rates were determined by the Kaplan‐Meier method and log‐rank test was used to test differences. Cox's proportional hazard model was used to assess survival with respect to covariates. Seventy‐two patients who completed at least two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and surgical resection were included, with 52 (72.2%) patients receiving mFOLF and 20 (27.8%) receiving nab‐P/G. Patients treated with mFOLF had statistically higher rates of RECIST 1.1 partial or complete response (16/52 vs 1/20, P = .028). Additionally, mFOLF patients had greater pathological tumor size reduction, fewer positive lymph nodes, and higher treatment response grade compared to the nab‐P/G patients (all P < .05). The median overall survival was 33.3 months vs 27.1 months (P = .105), and distant metastasis‒free survival (DMFS) was 21.3 months vs 14.6 months (P = .042) in the mFOLF vs nab‐P/G groups, respectively. On multivariate analysis, mFOLF (hazard ratio, 0.428; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.186‐0.987) and abnormal postoperative CA 19‐9 (hazard ratio, 2.47; 95% CI, 1.06‐5.76) were associated with DMFS. Among patients with BRPC and LAPC who complete surgical resection, neoadjuvant mFOLF was associated with improved pathological and clinical outcomes compared with nab‐P/G.
Duration of nivolumab for pretreated, advanced non–small‐cell lung cancer
Authors: Geier Margaux , Descourt Renaud , Corre Romain , Léveiller Guillaume , Lamy Régine , Goarant Éric , Bizec Jean‐Louis , Bernier Cyril , Quéré Gilles , Amrane Karim , Gaye Elisabeth , Lucia François , Burte Emilie , Chouaid Christos , Robinet Gilles 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundA standard of care for pretreated, advanced non–small‐cell lung cancers (NSCLCs), nivolumab has demonstrated long‐term benefit when administered for 2 years. We aimed to better discern an optimized administration duration by retrospectively analyzing real‐life long‐term efficacy in a prospective cohort.MethodsAll nivolumab‐treated adults with advanced NSCLCs (01/09/2015 to 30/09/2016) from nine French centers were eligible. On 31/12/2018, patients who are alive ≥ 2 years after starting nivolumab were defined as long‐term survivors (LTSs) and were divided into three nivolumab treatment groups: <2, 2, or > 2 years. Co‐primary endpoints were LTSs’ progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).ResultsThe median follow‐up was 32 months (95% CI, 31.0 to 34.0). The 3‐year OS rate for the 259 cohort patients was 16.6%. Among them, 65 were LTSs: 47 treated < 2 years, 7 for 2 years, and 11 > 2 years. Their respective characteristics were: median age: 59, 52, and 58 years; smoking history: 92.9, 100, and 100%; adenocarcinomas: 66, 57.1, and 54.5%. LTSs’ median (m)PFS was 28.4 months; mOS was not reached. LTSs’ objective response rate was 61.6%. mOS was 32.7 months for those treated < 2 years and not reached for the others. The > 2‐year group's 3‐year OS was longer. Twenty‐eight LTSs experienced no disease progression; 7 had durable complete responses. However, LTSs had more frequent and more severe adverse events.ConclusionIn real‐life, prolonged nivolumab use provided long‐term benefit with 16.6% 3‐year OS and 25% LTSs. Survival tended to be prolonged with nivolumab continued beyond 2 years. Prospective randomized trials with adequate design are needed.
Lipophilic Metabolites from Five‐Needle Pines, Pinus armandii and Pinus kwangtungensis, Exhibiting Antibacterial Activity
Authors: Shpatov Alexander V. , Frolova Tatyana S. , Popov Sergey A. , Sinitsyna Olga I. , Salnikova Olga I. , Zheng Guangyao , Yan Linlin , Sinelnikova Nadezhda V. , Pshennikova Lyudmila M. , Kochetov Alexey V. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLipophilic extractive metabolites from needles and defoliated twigs of Pinus armandii and P. kwangtungensis were studied by GC/MS. Needles of P. armandii contained predominantly 15‐O‐functionalized labdane type acids (anticopalic acid), fatty acids, nonacosan‐10‐ol, sterols, nonacosan‐10‐ol and sterol saponifiable esters, and acylglycerols, while P. kwangtungensis needles contained no anticopalic acid, but more trinorlabdane (14,15,16‐trinor‐8(17)‐labdene‐13,19‐dioic acid) and other labdane type acids, nonacosan‐10‐ol and its saponifiable esters. The major compounds in the P. armandii defoliated twig extract were abietane and isopimarane type acids, fatty acids, sterols, labdanoids (cis‐abienol), cembranoids (isocembrol and 4‐epi‐isocembrol), saponifiable sterol esters, and acylglycerols. The same extract of P. kwangtungensis contained larger quantities of fatty acids, caryophyllene oxide, serratanoids, sterols, saponifiable sterol esters, and acylglycerols, but lesser amounts of abietane and isopimarane type acids, cis‐abienol, and lacked cembranoids. Both twig and needle extracts of P. armandii and P. kwangtungensis, as well as the extracts’ fractions, significantly inhibited the growth of Gram‐negative bacteria Serratia marcescens with MIC of 0.1 mg ml−1, while in most cases they slightly stimulated the growth of Gram‐positive bacteria Bacillus subtilis at the same concentrations. Thus, lipophilic extractive compounds from the needles and defoliated twigs of both pines are prospective for the development of antiseptics against Gram‐negative bacteria.
Reversal of Regioselectivity in Zinc‐Dependent Medium‐Chain Alcohol Dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus erythropolis toward Octanone Derivatives
Authors: Dhoke Gaurao V. , Ensari Yunus , Hacibaloglu Dinc Yasat , Gärtner Anna , Ruff Anna Joëlle , Bocola Marco , Davari Mehdi D. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe zinc‐dependent medium‐chain alcohol dehydrogenase from Rhodococcus erythropolis (ReADH) is one of the most versatile biocatalysts for the stereoselective reduction of ketones to chiral alcohols. Despite its known broad substrate scope, ReADH only accepts carbonyl substrates with either a methyl or an ethyl group adjacent to the carbonyl moiety; this limits its use in the synthesis of the chiral alcohols that serve as a building blocks for pharmaceuticals. Protein engineering to expand the substrate scope of ReADH toward bulky substitutions next to carbonyl group (ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate) opens up new routes in the synthesis of ethyl‐2‐hydroxy‐4‐phenylbutanoate, an important intermediate for anti‐hypertension drugs like enalaprilat and lisinopril. We have performed computer‐aided engineering of ReADH toward ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate and octanone derivatives. W296, which is located in the small binding pocket of ReADH, sterically restricts the access of ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate, octan‐3‐one or octan‐4‐one toward the catalytic zinc ion and thereby limits ReADH activity. Computational analysis was used to identify position W296 and site‐saturation mutagenesis (SSM) yielded an improved variant W296A with a 3.6‐fold improved activity toward ethyl 2‐oxo‐4‐phenylbutyrate when compared to WT ReADH (ReADH W296A: 17.10 U/mg and ReADH WT: 4.7 U/mg). In addition, the regioselectivity of ReADH W296A is shifted toward octanone substrates. ReADH W296A has a more than 16‐fold increased activity toward octan‐4‐one (ReADH W296A: 0.97 U/mg and ReADH WT: 0.06 U/mg) and a more than 30‐fold decreased activity toward octan‐2‐one (ReADH W296A: 0.23 U/mg and ReADH WT: 7.69 U/mg). Computational and experimental results revealed the role of position W296 in controlling the substrate scope and regiopreference of ReADH for a variety of carbonyl substrates.
A Biocatalytic Cascade Reaction to Access a Valuable Long‐Chain ω‐Hydroxy Fatty Acid
Authors: Becker Aileen , Böttcher Dominique , Katzer Werner , Siems Karsten , Müller‐Kuhrt Lutz , Bornscheuer Uwe T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEnvironmentally‐friendly processes for the manufacturing of valuable industrial compounds like ω‐hydroxy fatty acids (ω‐OHFAs) are highly desirable. Herein, we present such an approach by establishing a two‐step enzymatic cascade reaction for the production of 2,15,16‐trihydroxy hexadecanoic acid (THA). Starting with the easily accessible natural compound ustilagic acid (UA) that is secreted by the corn smut fungus Ustilago maydis, the recombinantly expressed esterase BS2 from Bacillus subtilis and the commercial β‐glucosidase from almonds were applied yielding 86 % product. Both hydrolases do not require expensive cofactors, making the process economically attractive. Additionally, no harmful solvents are required, so that the product THA can be labelled natural to be used in food and cosmetic products.
Scalable In Situ Reactive Assembly of Polypyrrole‐Coated MnO2 Nanowire and Carbon Nanotube Composite as Freestanding Cathodes for High Performance Aqueous Zn‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xu Guobao , Liu Xiong , Wei Xiaolin , Cao Juexian , Yang Liwen 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFlexible aqueous zinc‐ion batteries are attracting increasing interest owing to high theoretical capacity, low cost and high safety, however, it is highly challenging to design and fabricate suitable cathodes with superior Zn2+ storage as well as high flexibility. Herein, a free‐standing flexible film composed of carbon nanotubes and polypyrrole (PPy)‐coated MnO2 nanowires is prepared via a facile in situ reactive self‐assembly and following vacuum filtration. The unique hierarchically porous 3D architecture of uniformly dispersed MnO2 nanowires with PPy coating in highly electrically conductive and interconnected CNTs networks not only improve the reaction kinetics and structural stability of the electrodes during repeated cycling, but also provides abundant sites for Zn2+ and H+ adsorption, giving rise to additional pseudocapacitive charge storage. When the free‐standing flexible film is used as a freestanding cathode for an aqueous zinc ion battery, the electrode shows a good storage capacity of H+ and Zn2+ ions and a superior durability with a good capacity retention rate of 87.4 % after 1000 times at 1 A/g. And the energy density of the flexible device is about 341.6 Wh/kg (based on the mass of MnO2).The results provide a feasible strategy of constructing high‐performance cathodes for flexible aqueous zinc‐ion batteries.
Direct growth of ordered N‐doped carbon nanotube arrays on carbon fiber cloth as a free‐standing and binder‐free air electrode for flexible quasi‐solid‐state rechargeable Zn‐Air batteries
Authors: Lu Qian , Zou Xiaohong , Liao Kaiming , Ran Ran , Zhou Wei , Ni Meng , Shao Zongping 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe development of an air electrode that is flexible in physical property and highly active and durable at different geometric status for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is of crucial importance for the rational design of flexible rechargeable Zn‐air batteries (ZABs). Considering their good elasticity, high conductivity, and superior thermal and chemical stability, carbon nanotubes have been widely used as a catalyst support in various electrocatalysts, while oxide or metal nanoparticles have been frequently deposited on the carbon nanotube substrate to perform as the active materials. Considering the poor contact between active materials and carbon nanotubes may introduce a challenge for long‐term operating stability, in particular in flexible devices, pure carbon electrocatalyst is highly appreciated. Herein, a free‐standing air electrode with cobalt nanoparticles encapsulated N‐codoped carbon nanotube arrays uniformly grown on the surface of carbon fiber cloth is developed by a two‐step in situ growth method. Such a carbon‐based electrode shows outstanding activity for both ORR and OER. The flexible ZAB with such air electrode shows superior flexibility and stability working under extreme bending conditions. Moreover, the polarization and round‐trip efficiency for the flexible battery is 0.67 V and 64.4% at 2 mA/cm2, respectively, even after being operated for 30 hours. This study provides a feasible way to design all carbon‐based free‐standing and flexible electrode and enlightens the electrode design for flexible energy conversion/storage devices.
Statistical Data Analysis in the Era of Big Data
Authors: Lengauer Thomas 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBig data is on everyone's lips and often raises emotions. On the one hand, the notion is a basis for much technological optimism, mostly directed towards new business models, or simplifications and optimizations in professional and private life. On the other hand, it is a basis for dystopic perspectives, which are targeted, e.g., at profiling of the individual and their privacy space, overarching optimization in daily life and intransparency of decision making. In this article, after a short historical prolog, it is discussed what distinguishes big data from traditional data analysis. The underlying mathematical methods are introduced and scientific successes are reported. Additionally, the risks and limits – especially regarding the derivation of causal relationships – of data analysis are discussed.