bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extraction of flavanones from immature Citrus unshiu pomace: process optimization and antioxidant evaluation
Authors: Kim Dong-Shin , Lim Sang-Bin 
Published: November 2020

AbstractDietary guidelines recommend the consumption of flavonoid-rich extracts for several health benefits. Although immature Citrus unshiu pomace (ICUP) contains high levels of flavanone glycosides, many studies have concentrated on the optimization of flavonoid extraction from mature citrus peels. Therefore, we developed an optimized extraction method for hesperidin and narirutin from ICUP, and evaluated their antioxidant activities using ten different assay methods. The extraction conditions for the highest flavonoid yields based on a response surface methodology were 80.3 °C, 58.4% (ethanol concentration), 40 mL/g (solvent/feed), and 30 min, where the hesperidin and narirutin yields were 66.6% and 82.3%, respectively. The number of extractions was also optimized as two extraction steps, where the hesperidin and narirutin yields were 92.1% and 97.2%, respectively. Ethanol was more effective than methanol and acetone. The ethanol extract showed high scavenging activities against reactive oxygen species but relatively low scavenging activities for nitrogen radicals and reactive nitrogen species. The antioxidant activities showed a higher correlation with hesperidin content than narirutin content in the extracts. This study confirms the potential of an optimized method for producing antioxidant-rich extracts for the functional food and nutraceutical industries.
In-situ spatial and temporal electrical characterization of ZnO thin films deposited by atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition on flexible polymer substrates
Authors: Jones Alexander , Mistry Kissan , Kao Manfred , Shahin Ahmed , Yavuz Mustafa , Musselman Kevin P. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA technique is presented for collecting data on both the spatial and temporal variations in the electrical properties of a film as it is deposited on a flexible substrate. A flexible printed circuit board substrate with parallel electrodes distributed across its surface was designed. Zinc oxide films were then deposited on the flexible substrate at different temperatures via atmospheric pressure chemical vapour deposition (AP-CVD) using a spatial atomic layer deposition system. AP-CVD is a promising high-throughput thin film deposition technique with applications in flexible electronics. Collecting data on the film properties in-situ allows us to directly observe how deposition conditions affect the evolution of those properties in real-time. The spatial uniformity of the growing film was monitored, and the various stages of film nucleation and growth on the polymer substrate were observed. The measured resistance of the films was observed to be very high until a critical amount of material has been deposited, consistent with Volmer–Weber growth. Furthermore, monitoring the film resistance during post-deposition cooling enabled immediate identification of metallic or semiconducting behaviour within the conductive ZnO films. This technique allows for a more complete understanding of metal chalcogen film growth and properties, and the high volume of data generated will be useful for future implementations of machine-learning directed materials science.
Post-hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial on the impact of pre-transplant use of probiotics on outcomes after liver transplantation
Authors: Grąt M. , Grąt K. , Krawczyk M. , Lewandowski Z. , Krasnodębski M. , Masior Ł. , Patkowski W. , Zieniewicz K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPerioperative use of probiotics serves as efficient prophylaxis against postoperative infections after liver transplantation, yet data on long-term effects of pre-transplant probiotic intake is lacking.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of pre-transplant probiotic administration on long-term results of liver transplantation. This was secondary analysis of a randomized trial. Patients were randomized to receive either 4-strain probiotic or placebo before liver transplantation. Five year graft survival was set as the primary end-point. Secondary end-points comprised serum bilirubin and C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, international normalized ratio (INR), serum transaminases and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity. Study group comprised 44 patients, of whom 21 received probiotics and 23 received placebo with 5-year graft survival of 81.0% and 87.0%, respectively (p = 0.591). Patients in the probiotic arm exhibited lower INR (p = 0.001) and CRP (p = 0.030) over the first 6 post-transplant months. In the absence of hepatitis B or C virus infection, pre-transplant administration of probiotics also reduced aspartate transaminase activity (p = 0.032). In the intervention arm, patients receiving probiotics for under and over 30 days had 5-year graft survival rates of 100% and 66.7%, respectively (p = 0.061). Duration of probiotic intake > 30 days was additionally associated with increased INR (p = 0.031), GGT (p = 0.032) and a tendency towards increased bilirubin (p = 0.074) over first 6 post-transplant months. Pre-transplant administration of probiotics has mild positive influence on 6-month allograft function, yet should not exceed 30 days due to potential negative effects on long-term outcomes. (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01735591).
Agriculture increases the bioavailability of silicon, a beneficial element for crop, in temperate soils
Authors: Caubet M. , Cornu S. , Saby N. P. A. , Meunier J.-D. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCrops may take benefits from silicon (Si) uptake in soil. Plant available Si (PAS) can be affected by natural weathering processes or by anthropogenic forces such as agriculture. The soil parameters that control the pool of PAS are still poorly documented, particularly in temperate climates. In this study, we documented PAS in France, based on statistical analysis of Si extracted by CaCl2 (SiCaCl2) and topsoil characteristics from an extensive dataset. We showed that cultivation increased SiCaCl2 for soils developed on sediments, that cover 73% of France. This increase is due to liming for non-carbonated soils on sediments that are slightly acidic to acidic when non-cultivated. The analysis performed on non-cultivated soils confirmed that SiCaCl2 increased with the < 2 µm fraction and pH but only for soils with a < 2 µm fraction ranging from 50 to 325 g kg−1. This increase may be explained by the < 2 µm fraction mineralogy, i.e. nature of the clay minerals and iron oxide content. Finally, we suggest that 4% of French soils used for wheat cultivation could be deficient in SiCaCl2.
Minimally invasive system to reliably characterize ventricular electrophysiology from living donors
Authors: Oliván-Viguera Aida , Pérez-Zabalza María , García-Mendívil Laura , Mountris Konstantinos A. , Orós-Rodrigo Sofía , Ramos-Marquès Estel , Vallejo-Gil José María , Fresneda-Roldán Pedro Carlos , Fañanás-Mastral Javier , Vázquez-Sancho Manuel , Matamala-Adell Marta , Sorribas-Berjón Fernando , Bellido-Morales Javier André , Mancebón-Sierra Francisco Javier , Vaca-Núñez Alexánder Sebastián , Ballester-Cuenca Carlos , Marigil Miguel Ángel , Pastor Cristina , Ordovás Laura , Köhler Ralf , Diez Emiliano , Pueyo Esther 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCardiac tissue slices preserve the heterogeneous structure and multicellularity of the myocardium and allow its functional characterization. However, access to human ventricular samples is scarce. We aim to demonstrate that slices from small transmural core biopsies collected from living donors during routine cardiac surgery preserve structural and functional properties of larger myocardial specimens, allowing accurate electrophysiological characterization. In pigs, we compared left ventricular transmural core biopsies with transmural tissue blocks from the same ventricular region. In humans, we analyzed transmural biopsies and papillary muscles from living donors. All tissues were vibratome-sliced. By histological analysis of the transmural biopsies, we showed that tissue architecture and cellular organization were preserved. Enzymatic and vital staining methods verified viability. Optically mapped transmembrane potentials confirmed that action potential duration and morphology were similar in pig biopsies and tissue blocks. Action potential morphology and duration in human biopsies and papillary muscles agreed with published ranges. In both pigs and humans, responses to increasing pacing frequencies and β-adrenergic stimulation were similar in transmural biopsies and larger tissues. We show that it is possible to successfully collect and characterize tissue slices from human myocardial biopsies routinely extracted from living donors, whose behavior mimics that of larger myocardial preparations both structurally and electrophysiologically.
Designed ferritin nanocages displaying trimeric TRAIL and tumor-targeting peptides confer superior anti-tumor efficacy
Authors: Yoo Jae Do , Bae Sang Mun , Seo Junyoung , Jeon In Seon , Vadevoo Sri Murugan Poongkavithai , Kim Sang-Yeob , Kim In-San , Lee Byungheon , Kim Soyoun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractTRAIL is considered a promising target for cancer therapy because it mediates activation of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway in a tumor-specific manner by binding to and trimerizing its functional receptors, DR4 or DR5. Although recombinant human TRAIL has shown high potency and specificity for killing cancer cells in preclinical studies, it has failed in multiple clinical trials for several reasons, including a very short half-life mainly caused by instability of the monomeric form of TRAIL and rapid renal clearance of the off-targeted TRAIL. To overcome such obstacles, we developed a TRAIL-active trimer nanocage (TRAIL-ATNC) that presents the TRAIL ligand in its trimer-like conformation by connecting it to a triple helix sequence that links to the threefold axis of the ferritin nanocage. We also ligated the tumor-targeting peptide, IL4rP, to TRAIL-ATNC to enhance tumor targeting. The developed TRAIL-ATNCIL4rP showed enhanced agonistic activity compared with monomeric TRAIL. The in vivo serum half-life of TRAIL-ATNCIL4rP was ~ 16-times longer than that of native TRAIL. As a consequence of these properties, TRAIL-ATNCIL4rP exhibited efficacy as an anti-tumor agent in vivo against xenograft breast cancer as well as orthotopic pancreatic cancer models, highlighting the promise of this system for development as novel therapeutics against cancer.
Effects of topographical guidance cues on osteoblast cell migration
Authors: Refaaq F. M. , Chen X. , Pang S. W. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCell migration is a fundamental process that is crucial for many biological functions in the body such as immune responses and tissue regeneration. Dysregulation of this process is associated with cancer metastasis. In this study, polydimethylsiloxane platforms with various topographical features were engineered to explore the influence of guiding patterns on MC3T3-E1 osteoblast cell migration. Focusing on the guiding effects of grating patterns, variations such as etch depth, pattern discontinuity, and bending angles were investigated. In all experiments, MC3T3-E1 cells on patterned surfaces demonstrated a higher migration speed and alignment when compared to flat surfaces. The study revealed that an increase in etch depth from 150 nm to 4.5 μm enhanced cell alignment and elongation along the grating patterns. In the presence of discontinuous elements, cell migration speed was accelerated when compared to gratings of the same etch depth. These results indicated that cell directionality preference was influenced by a high level of pattern discontinuity. On patterns with bends, cells were more inclined to reverse on 45° bends, with 69% of cells reversing at least once, compared to 54% on 135° bends. These results are attributed to cell morphology and motility mechanisms that are associated with surface topography, where actin filament structures such as filopodia and lamellipodia are essential in sensing the surrounding environment and controlling cell displacement. Knowledge of geometric guidance cues could provide a better understanding on how cell migration is influenced by extracellular matrix topography in vivo.
Multiplexed quantitative proteomics provides mechanistic cues for malaria severity and complexity
Authors: Kumar Vipin , Ray Sandipan , Aggarwal Shalini , Biswas Deeptarup , Jadhav Manali , Yadav Radha , Sabnis Sanjeev V. , Banerjee Soumaditya , Talukdar Arunansu , Kochar Sanjay K. , Shetty Suvin , Sehgal Kunal , Patankar Swati , Srivastava Sanjeeva 
Published: November 2020

AbstractManagement of severe malaria remains a critical global challenge. In this study, using a multiplexed quantitative proteomics pipeline we systematically investigated the plasma proteome alterations in non-severe and severe malaria patients. We identified a few parasite proteins in severe malaria patients, which could be promising from a diagnostic perspective. Further, from host proteome analysis we observed substantial modulations in many crucial physiological pathways, including lipid metabolism, cytokine signaling, complement, and coagulation cascades in severe malaria. We propose that severe manifestations of malaria are possibly underpinned by modulations of the host physiology and defense machinery, which is evidently reflected in the plasma proteome alterations. Importantly, we identified multiple blood markers that can effectively define different complications of severe falciparum malaria, including cerebral syndromes and severe anemia. The ability of our identified blood markers to distinguish different severe complications of malaria may aid in developing new clinical tests for monitoring malaria severity.
Analysis and Design of Membrane Processes
Authors: Li Mingheng 
Published: November 2020

Analysis and Design of Membrane Process: A Systems Approach highlights the fundamentals and emerging technology in the field of industrial reverse osmosis desalination and membrane processes. It provides a unique, systems engineering perspective of membrane operation, focusing on analysis, design, and optimization of membrane processes. An explanation of mathematical and optimization knowledge is introduced and then applied throughout the book.
Key topics include:Hydrodynamics and mass transfer in reverse osmosis (RO) membranesPredictive models for RO module performanceAnalysis and optimization of brackish and seawater RO desalinationEnergy production using pressure retarded osmosis (PRO)Integration of RO and PRO for energy-efficient desalinationDynamic operation of batch RO and batch PRO
This work is essential reading for researchers who are interested in membrane-based processes, and those working within the water industry as well as undergraduate and graduate students.
Flow-induced choking of a compliant Hele-Shaw cell
Authors: Box Finn , Peng Gunnar G. , Pihler-Puzović Draga , Juel Anne 
Published: November 2020

SignificanceHarnessing flow–structure interactions has enabled the development of fluidic analogs of electronic circuit components, e.g., fluidic capacitors that store fluid much like an electrical capacitor stores charge. These soft components function in response to the flow; integrated into microfluidic devices, they remove the need for external actuation, thereby facilitating deployment outside of the laboratory. We describe a fluidic fuse that exploits the flow-induced deformation of a soft elastomer and identify the critical flow rate above which the flow is interrupted. This paves the way for the integration of passive flow limiters into microfluidic devices.
Allosteric modulation of alternatively spliced Ca2+-activated Cl−channels TMEM16A by PI(4,5)P2and CaMKII
Authors: Ko Woori , Jung Seung-Ryoung , Kim Kwon-Woo , Yeon Jun-Hee , Park Cheon-Gyu , Nam Joo Hyun , Hille Bertil , Suh Byung-Chang 
Published: November 2020

SignificanceTransmembrane 16A (TMEM16A, anoctamin1), a Cl−channel activated by intracellular Ca2+and membrane voltage, displays several distinctive biophysical properties based on differential splicing of alternative exons. Recently, this channel was reported to be regulated by the membrane phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2]. Here, we report that two splice variants of TMEM16A show different PI(4,5)P2sensitivity and the difference is related with the presence or absence of intracellular ATP. We reveal the mechanisms underlying differential PI(4,5)P2sensitivity of the alternatively spliced TMEM16A channels by identifying potential PI(4,5)P2-binding and phosphorylation sites. Through the simulation of predicted structures, our data demonstrate an allosteric regulation of TMEM16A by membrane PI(4,5)P2and channel phosphorylation.
Delivery of muscle-derived exosomal miRNAs induced by HIIT improves insulin sensitivity through down-regulation of hepatic FoxO1 in mice
Authors: Castaño Carlos , Mirasierra Mercedes , Vallejo Mario , Novials Anna , Párrizas Marcelina 
Published: November 2020

Significance
The beneficial metabolic effects of exercise are mediated at least in part by the release of soluble factors by the muscles. Exosomes, small vesicles that facilitate the exchange of biological components among cells and tissues, may constitute one of these factors. Here, we show that exercise triggers the release of exosomes by the trained muscle, carrying a specific miRNA signature that induces gene expression changes in the liver, finally contributing to increased insulin sensitivity. Molecular characterization of exercise-induced exosomal miRNAs and their effects may drive the design of novel therapeutic strategies to alleviate insulin resistance and other aging-related ailments in an increasingly older society.
Multifunctional magnetic soft composites: a review
Authors: Wu Shuai , Hu Wenqi , Ze Qiji , Sitti Metin , Zhao Ruike 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Magnetically responsive soft materials are soft composites where magnetic fillers are embedded into soft polymeric matrices. These active materials have attracted extensive research and industrial interest due to their ability to realize fast and programmable shape changes through remote and untethered control under the application of magnetic fields. They would have many high-impact potential applications in soft robotics/devices, metamaterials, and biomedical devices. With a broad range of functional magnetic fillers, polymeric matrices, and advanced fabrication techniques, the material properties can be programmed for integrated functions, including programmable shape morphing, dynamic shape deformation-based locomotion, object manipulation and assembly, remote heat generation, as well as reconfigurable electronics. In this review, an overview of state-of-the-art developments and future perspectives in the multifunctional magnetically responsive soft materials is presented.
Control of blood pressure in older patients with heart failure and the risk of mortality: a population-based prospective cohort study
Authors: Douros Antonios , Schneider Alice , Ebert Natalie , Huscher Dörte , Kuhlmann Martin K , Martus Peter , Mielke Nina , Van Der Giet Markus , Wenning Volker , Schaeffner Elke 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundtreatment goals for blood pressure (BP) lowering in older patients with heart failure (HF) are unclear.Objectiveto assess whether BP control &lt; 140/90 mmHg is associated with a decreased risk of mortality in older HF patients.Designpopulation-based prospective cohort study.Setting/subjectsparticipants of the Berlin Initiative Study, a prospective cohort of community-dwelling older adults launched in 2009. Clinical information was obtained in face-to-face interviews and linked to administrative healthcare data.MethodsCox proportional hazards models estimated adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of cardiovascular death and all-cause mortality associated with normalised BP (systolic BP &lt; 140 mmHg and diastolic BP &lt; 90 mmHg) compared with non-normalised BP (systolic BP ≥ 140 mmHg or diastolic BP ≥ 90 mmHg) in HF patients. The primary analysis considered only baseline BP (‘time-fixed’); an additional analysis updated BP during follow-up (‘time-dependent’).Resultsat baseline, 544 patients were diagnosed with HF and treated with antihypertensive drugs (mean age 82.8 years; 45.4% female). During a median follow-up of 7.5 years and compared with non-normalised BP, normalised BP was associated with similar risks of cardiovascular death (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.84–1.85) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 0.89–1.51) in the time-fixed analysis but with increased risks of cardiovascular death (HR, 1.79; 95% CI, 1.23–2.61) and all-cause mortality (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.15–1.90) in the time-dependent analysis.ConclusionsBP control &lt; 140/90 mmHg was not associated with a decreased risk of mortality in older HF patients. The increased risk in the time-dependent analysis requires further corroboration.
Home climate and habitat drive ecotypic stress response differences in an invasive grass
Authors: Lakoba Vasiliy T , Barney Jacob N 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Invasive plants and agricultural weeds are a ubiquitous and ever-expanding threat to biosecurity, biodiversity and ecosystem services. Many of these species are known to succeed through rapid adaptation to biotic and abiotic stress regimes, often in highly disturbed systems. Given the current state of evidence for selection of weedy genotypes via primary physiological stresses like drought, flooding, heat, cold and nutrient deficiency, we posit that adaptation to land management regimes which comprise suites of these stresses can also be expected. To establish this link, we tested adaptation to water and nutrient stresses in five non-agricultural and five agricultural populations of the invader Johnsongrass (Sorghum halepense) sampled across a broad range of climates in the USA. We subjected seedlings from each population to factorial drought and nutrient stresses in a common garden greenhouse experiment. Agricultural and non-agricultural ecotypes did not respond differently to experimentally applied stresses. However, non-agricultural populations from more drought-prone and nutrient-poor locations outperformed their agricultural counterparts in shoot allocation and chlorophyll production, respectively. We also found evidence for root allocation adaptation to hotter climates, in line with other C4 grasses, while greater adaptation to drought treatment was associated with soil organic carbon (SOC)-rich habitats. These findings imply that adaptation to land-use types can interact with other macrohabitat parameters, which will be fluctuating in a changing climate and resource-needy world. We see that invasive plants are poised to take on novel habitats within their introduced ranges, leading to complications in the prevention and management of their spread.