bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin II receptor blockers with risk of COVID‐19, inflammation level, severity, and death in patients with COVID‐19: A rapid systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Liu Xiao , Long Chuyan , Xiong Qinmei , Chen Chen , Ma Jianyong , Su Yuhao , Hong Kui 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAn association among the use of angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin‐receptor blockers (ARBs) with the clinical outcomes of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) is unclear. PubMed, EMBASE, MedRxiv, and BioRxiv were searched for relevant studies that assessed the association between application of ACEI/ARB and risk of COVID‐19, inflammation level, severity COVID‐19 infection, and death in patients with COVID‐19. Ten studies were included with 13,944 patients. ACEI/ARB therapy might be associated with the reduced inflammatory factor (interleukin‐6) and elevated immune cells counts (CD3, CD8). Meta‐analysis showed no significant increase in the risk of COVID‐19 infection (odds ratio [OR]: 0.95, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.05) in patients receiving ACEI/ARB therapy, and ACEI/ARB therapy was associated with a decreased risk of severe COVID‐19 (OR: 0.75, 95% CI: 0.59‐0.96, p = 0.02) and mortality (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37‐0.87, p = 0.009). Subgroup analyses showed among the general population, ACEI/ARB therapy was not associated with reduced risks of severe COVID‐19 infection (OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.66‐1.08, p = 0.19) and all‐cause mortality (OR: 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13‐0.75), and COVID‐19 infection (OR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.89‐1.05, p = 0.45) were not increased. Among patients with hypertension, the use of an ACEI/ARB was associated with a non‐significant lower severity of COVID‐19 (OR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.51‐1.03, p = 0.07) and significant lower mortality (OR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.37‐0.87, p = 0.009), without evidence of an increased risk of COVID‐19 infection (OR: 1.00, 95% CI: 0.90‐1.12, p = 1.00). On the basis of the available evidence, ACEI/ARB therapy should be continued in patients who are at risk for, or have COVID‐19, either in general population or hypertension patients. Our results need to be interpreted with caution considering the potential for residual confounders, and more well‐designed studies that control the clinical confounders are necessary to confirm our findings.
Risk of aortic aneurysm in patients with psoriasis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Yu Xinyu , Feng Xin , Xia Liangtao , Cao Shiyi , Wei Xiang 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe association between psoriasis and the risk of aortic aneurysm is still unclear.HypothesisPatients with psoriasis have a higher risk of aortic aneurysm than healthy individuals.MethodsPubMed, Embase, and Scopus from inception to 20 July 2019 were searched. We included cohort studies if they reported estimate effects on the risk of aortic aneurysm in patient with psoriasis. We used Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale to evaluate methodology quality of eligible studies. Random‐effect meta‐analyses were used to estimate the overall risk. Subgroup analyses were conducted for analysis of influencing factors.ResultsAfter a view of 2207 citations, we included three large cohort studies enrolling 5 706 525 participants in this systematic review. Psoriasis patients have an increased risk of development of aortic aneurysm (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.30, 95%confidence intervals [CI], 1.10‐1.55, I2 = 53.1%). The risk is not statistically different between patients with severe psoriasis (HR, 1.51, 95%CI, 1.04‐2.19, I2 = 40.2%) and patients with mild psoriasis (HR, 1.24, 95%CI, 1.08‐1.42, I2 = 24.1%). The risk was not statistically increased in female patients (HR, 1.55, 95%CI, 0.65‐3.72), patients ≥50 years old (HR, 4.05, 95%CI, 0.69‐23.75, I2 = 97.3%), and patients with diabetes (HR, 0.97, 95%CI, 0.83‐1.14).ConclusionsCurrent evidence from observational studies suggests that psoriasis increases the risk of aortic aneurysm, and screening of aortic aneurysm might be considered among psoriasis patients.
A General Synthetic Approach and Photophysical Properties of Regioselectively Fluorinated [5]‐ and [6]‐Helical Bispiroindenofluorenes
Authors: Caivano Ilaria , Tošner Zdeněk , Císařová Ivana , Nečas David , Kotora Martin 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA first series of fluorinated [n]helical compounds (n=5 and 6) with the dihydroindenofluorene scaffold was prepared in 5 or 9 (octafluorinated dihydroindenofluorene) steps and their photophysical properties were determined. Rh‐catalyzed intramolecular [2+2+2] cyclotrimerization of triyndiols, which were prepared in a modular fashion from simple starting material such as fluorinated haloarylcarbaldehydes, to the intermediate [n]helical dihydroindeno[2,1‐c]fluorene‐5,8‐diols was the crucial synthetic step and proceeded with high efficacy. Their further transformation gave the desired selectively fluorinated bispirodihydroindeno[2,1‐c]fluorenes. Their absorption and emission spectra were recorded. The fluorescence quantum yields were up to 92 % and the emission maxima were red‐shifted in comparison with their non‐fluorinated counterparts (386‐413 nm).
Synthesis of 5‐Nitrotetrazolates by the Direct Oxidation of 5‐Aminotetrazole in a Single‐Pot Synthesis without Isolation of Explosive Intermediates
Authors: Smith Dawson M. , Manship Tim D. , Piercey Davin G. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA readily available oxidizer, potassium superoxide can be used for the oxidation of 5‐amino‐1H‐tetrazole (5‐AT) to 5‐nitrotetrazole (5‐NT) in high yields in a single‐pot synthesis. This strategy reduces the synthesis of this important energetic material down to a single step and eliminates highly sensitive diazonium and copper salt primary explosive intermediates. Use of dimethyl sulfoxide along with molecular sieves and 18‐crown‐6 as phase transfer catalyst promoted faster reaction rates and greater yield. The overall yield of this process is 48–53 % and the resultant aqueous solution of product was effectively used for the preparation of nitrotetrazole‐containing primary explosive DBX‐1. Unlike current methods of nitrotetrazole preparation, this entirely solution‐based route results in a final solution of sodium nitrotetrazolate, without the need to handle energetic intermediates or products, making it the safest method of nitrotetrazole preparation reported to date.
An Europium (III) Luminophore with Pressure‐Sensing Units: Effective Back Energy Transfer in Coordination Polymers with Hexadentate Porous Stable Networks
Authors: Hasegawa Yasuchika , Sawanobori Takuya , Kitagawa Yuichi , Shoji Sunao , Fushimi Koji , Nakasaka Yuta , Masuda Takao , Hisaki Ichiro 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA luminescent EuIII coordination polymer with O2‐sensing units under air, EuIII‐hcpt (hcpt: 2,3,6,7,10,11‐hexakis(4‐carboxy‐phenyl)triphenylene), is reported. The hexadentate carboxylic acids in hcpt ligands play an important role in the formation of tight‐packed three‐dimensional networks in EuIII‐hcpt, giving hyper thermo‐stable structures (decomposition temperature=420 °C). The three‐dimensional porous network promotes bright luminescence (4f–4f emission quantum yield=70 %). The emission lifetime of EuIII‐hcpt under vacuum (0.86 ms) was twice as large as that under O2 (0.48 ms, 1 atom:101.3 kPa). The Arrhenius analysis of the emission decay profile indicates that the back energy transfer (BEnT) from the emitting level of the europium(III) ion to the excited T1 state of the hcpt ligand should be activated at room temperature. The gradual decrease of emission lifetime is caused by the BEnT process in EuIII‐hcpt. Finally, an advanced pressure‐sensitive luminophore is demonstrated.
ARF‐AID: A Rapidly Inducible Protein Degradation System That Preserves Basal Endogenous Protein Levels
Authors: Sathyan Kizhakke Mattada , Scott Thomas G. , Guertin Michael J. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractInducible degron systems are widely used to specifically and rapidly deplete proteins of interest in cell lines and organisms. An advantage of inducible degradation is that the biological system under study remains intact and functional until perturbation, a feature that necessitates that the endogenous levels of the protein are maintained. However, endogenous tagging of genes with auxin‐inducible degrons (AID) can result in chronic, auxin‐independent proteasome‐mediated degradation. The ARF‐AID (auxin‐response factor–auxin‐inducible degron) system is a re‐engineered auxin‐inducible protein degradation system. The additional expression of the ARF‐PB1 domain prevents chronic, auxin‐independent degradation of AID‐tagged proteins while preserving rapid auxin‐induced degradation of tagged proteins. Here, we describe the protocol for engineering human cell lines to implement the ARF‐AID system for specific and inducible protein degradation. These methods are adaptable and can be extended from cell lines to organisms. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol 1: Generation of ARF‐P2A‐TIR1 progenitor cellsBasic Protocol 2: Designing, cloning, and testing of a gene‐specific sgRNABasic Protocol 3: Design and amplification of a homology‐directed repair construct (C‐terminal tagging)Alternate Protocol 1: Design and amplification of a homology‐directed repair construct (N‐terminal tagging)Basic Protocol 4: Tagging of a gene of interest with AIDAlternate Protocol 2: Establishment of an ARF‐AID clamp systemBasic Protocol 5: Testing of auxin‐mediated degradation of the AID‐tagged protein
Hydrogenation of Furfural to Cyclopentanone under Mild Conditions by a Structure‐Optimized Ni−NiO/TiO2 Heterojunction Catalyst
Authors: Chen Shuo , Qian Ting‐Ting , Ling Li‐Li , Zhang Wenhua , Gong Bing‐Bing , Jiang Hong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe catalytic conversion of biomass‐derived furfural (FFA) into cyclopentanone (CPO) in aqueous solution is an important pathway to obtain sustainable resources. However, the conversion and selectivity under mild conditions are still unsatisfactory. In this study, a catalyst consisting of Ni−NiO heterojunction supported on TiO2 with optimized composition of anatase and rutile (Ni−NiO/TiO2‐Re450) is prepared by pyrolysis at 450 °C. With Ni−NiO/TiO2‐Re450, as catalyst, complete conversion of FFA and 87.4 % yield of CPO are achieved under mild reaction conditions (1 MPa, 140 °C, 6 h). 95.4 % FFA conversion is retained up to the fifth run, indicating the high stability of the catalyst. Multiple characterizations, control experiments, and theoretical calculations demonstrate that the good catalytic performance of Ni−NiO/TiO2‐Re450 can be attributed to a synergistic effect of the Ni−NiO heterojunction and the TiO2 support. This low‐cost catalyst may expedite the catalytic upgrading and practical application of biomass‐derived chemicals.
Optimal design of symmetric fractional delay filter using firefly algorithm
Authors: Srivastava Savita , Kumar Dwivedi Atul , Nagaria Deepak 
Published: August 2020

SummaryA fractional delay filter is used to increase the accuracy, preciseness, time synchronization, and stability of signal processing system. However, designing a fractional delay filter for a specified delay, without affecting spectral characteristics of the signal is challenging because of nondifferentiability and multimodal nature of its objective function. In this paper, a more accurate design technique has been proposed for designing fractional delay filters, based on a recently developed firefly algorithm and its improved version. The designed filters offer variable fractional delay. A novel symmetric structure of implementation has been used to design filters. The efficacy of the proposed technique is evaluated by considering a filter design example. The performance of the proposed technique is compared with the other exiting algorithm. The comparative analysis of finite impulse response (FIR) fractional delay filter design proves that the proposed algorithm has a smaller design error and an implementation complexity than the other reported existing algorithms. In addition to this, the designed FIR fractional delay filter is implemented on Xilinx Virtex‐7 for experimental validation.
A multipurpose circuit to read out and digitize pixel signal for low‐power CMOS imagers
Authors: Teymouri Masood 
Published: August 2020

SummaryA complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) image sensor with a resolution of 128 × 128 pixels is presented in this paper in which pixel signal readout, noise suppression, and comparing operations are performed by one circuit during two steps: reading and conversion. The main idea of this work is to combine three main operations of an image sensor in one circuit. This method helps to decrease power consumption, silicon area, total noise, and imaging time. The total power consumption of the imager is 11 mW with a 2.5‐V power supply and 40‐fps frame rate. The pixel layout size is 10 × 10 μm2 with a fill‐factor of 81%. The analog to digital converter (ADC) resolution is 10 bits, and the error resulted from the proposed circuit is about ±0.5 least significant bit (LSB). The proposed CMOS image sensor was designed based on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) 0.18‐μm CMOS technology and was simulated by CADENCE SPECTRE circuit simulator. This circuit can be proposed for a CMOS imager with highly accurate and efficient power consumption.
Clinical and laboratory characteristics of lymphoid neoplasms in serous effusions: a single centre experience in China
Authors: Gong Xubo , Shao Sijia , Jin Lan , Fu Yanbiao , Wang Lin , Xiao Xibin , Yang Linjuan , Zhao Xiaoying 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundLymphoid neoplasms in serous effusions are uncommon, and the details of lymphoid neoplasms in serous effusions from China are still unclear.MethodsBetween January 2004 and December 2019, all patients with lymphoid neoplasms in pleural effusions, ascites, and pericardial effusions in our hospital, were reviewed.ResultsA total of 65 patients with lymphoid neoplasms were collected during this period. The top three neoplasms were diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) (n = 20, 30.7%), myeloma (n = 13, 20.0%), and T‐lymphoblastic lymphoma (n = 7, 10.8%). In pleural effusions involving DLBCL, the cytomorphology of DLBCL cells was diverse; most pleural effusions were present during the tumor course (92.9%); bilateral pleural effusions were predominant (57.2%); and the median survival time was only 1.23 months after the effusion. In pleural effusions involving myeloma, 90.9% of cases (10/11) had a high ratio (> 1.0) of immature to mature plasma cells; paraprotein types of IgA (36.4%) and light chain λ (36.4%) were the most frequently found; bilateral pleural effusions were easily found (n = 10, 90.9%); and the median survival time was only 1.4 months after the effusion.ConclusionIn pleural effusions involving DLBCL, most of our patients with effusions are present during the tumor course, and bilateral pleural effusions are predominant. In pleural effusions involving myeloma, the paraprotein types of IgA and light chain λ are the most frequently found, and it has a high ratio of immature to mature plasma cells in pleural effusions.
Understanding microglial diversity and implications for neuronal function in health and disease
Authors: De Schepper Sebastiaan , Crowley Gerard , Hong Soyon 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGenetic data implicate microglia as central players in brain health and disease, urging the need to better understand what microglia do in the brain. Microglia are critical partners in neuronal wiring and function during development and disease. Emerging literature suggests that microglia have diverse functional roles, raising the intriguing question of which functions of microglia become impaired in disease to undermine proper neuronal function. It is also becoming increasingly clear that microglia exist in heterogeneous cell states. Microglial cell states appear context‐dependent, that is, age, sex, location, and health of their microenvironment; these are further influenced by external signaling factors including gut microbiota and lipid metabolites. These data altogether suggest that microglia exist in functional clusters that impact, and are impacted by, surrounding neuronal microenvironment. However, we still lack understanding of how we can translate microglia cell states into function. Here, we summarize the state‐of‐the‐art on the diverse functions of microglia in relation to neuronal health. Then, we discuss heterogeneity during developing, healthy adult and diseased brains, and whether this may be predetermined by origin and/or regulated by local milieu. Finally, we propose that it is critical to gain high‐resolution functional discernment into microglia‐neuron interactions while preserving the spatial architecture of the tissue. Such insight will reveal specific targets for biomarker and therapeutic development toward microglia‐neuron crosstalk in disease.
Survival strategy of the endangered tree Acer catalpifolium Rehd., based on 13C fractionation
Authors: Song Wenchen , Liu Yanhong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe conducted a field investigation and evaluation of 13C natural abundance to determine the growth habit and propagation strategy of Acer catalpifolium Rehd., a tree species native to China that is highly endangered. The results showed that A. catalpifolium is a K‐selected strategist and pioneer species. Its narrow ecological range limits its geographical distribution, and poor fecundity limits its population size. The analysis of 13C natural abundance showed that A. catalpifolium does not use organic matter for reproduction when its stand volume is less than 1.08 × 106 cm3 or it is less than 18.6 m tall, but it does use this strategy when it has a sufficient 1.08 × 106 cm3 stand volume or more or is taller than 18.6 m. If environmental conditions are not conducive (e.g., severe human disturbance, cliff edges, or fierce interspecific competition) to the continued growth of the tree, A. catalpifolium may allocate organic matter for reproduction. Human disturbance seems to promote the population expansion of A. catalpifolium. We provide our suggestions for the promotion and protection of A. catalpifolium as a species.
Exploring genomic variation associated with drought stress in Picea mariana populations
Authors: Napier Joseph D. , de Lafontaine Guillaume , Hu Feng Sheng 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPredicted increases in drought and heat stress will likely induce shifts in species bioclimatic envelopes. Genetic variants adapted to water limitation may prove pivotal for species response under scenarios of increasing drought. In this study, we aimed to explore this hypothesis by investigating genetic variation in 16 populations of black spruce (Picea mariana) in relation to climate variables in Alaska. A total of 520 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped for 158 trees sampled from areas of contrasting climate regimes. We used multivariate and univariate genotype‐by‐environment approaches along with available gene annotations to investigate the relationship between climate and genetic variation among sampled populations. Nine SNPs were identified as having a significant association with climate, of which five were related to drought stress response. Outlier SNPs with respect to the overall environment were significantly overrepresented for several biological functions relevant for coping with variable hydric regimes, including osmotic stress response. This genomic imprint is consistent with local adaptation of black spruce to drought stress. These results suggest that natural selection acting on standing variation prompts local adaptation in forest stands facing water limitation. Improved understanding of possible adaptive responses could inform our projections about future forest dynamics and help prioritize populations that harbor valuable genetic diversity for conservation.
Habitat requirements of the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) and threat analysis in Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan
Authors: Dendup Pema , Humle Tatyana , Bista Damber , Penjor Ugyen , Lham Choki , Gyeltshen Jigme 
Published: August 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the influence of anthropogenic disturbances on species’ habitat use and distribution is critical to conservation managers in planning effective conservation strategies and mitigating the impact of development. Few studies have focused on the Himalayan red panda (Ailurus fulgens) in Bhutan. This study aimed to assess the habitat requirements and threats to this endangered species in the Khamaed subdistrict of the Jigme Dorji National Park, Bhutan. We employed a transect walk and plot‐sampling survey design across two seasons, that is, winter and spring. In total, we surveyed 84 × 50 m radius circular plots along 51 km of existing trails within a 25.4 km2 study area. At 500 m intervals, we established plots at random distances and direction from the trail. We recorded direct sightings (n = 2) and indirect signs (n = 14), such as droppings and footprints as evidence of red panda presence within an altitudinal range of 2,414–3,618 m. We also noted 21 tree and 12 understory species within plots with red panda evidence; the dominant tree species was the Himalayan hemlock (Tsuga dumosa) and the Asian barberry (Berberis asiatica) as an understory species. Red panda presence showed a significant positive association with distance to water sources and fir forests. Plant disturbance and infrastructure, such as power transmission lines, were identified as prominent anthropogenic threats in the study area. Based on our findings, we recommend the development and implementation of local forest management plans, livestock intensification programs, and strict application of environmental impact assessment regulations to promote the conservation of the red panda in the region.
Density‐dependent sex‐biased development of macroptery in a water strider
Authors: Han Chang S. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractIn wing‐polymorphic insects, wing morphs differ not only in dispersal capability but also in life history traits because of trade‐offs between flight capability and reproduction. When the fitness benefits and costs of producing wings differ between males and females, sex‐specific trade‐offs can result in sex differences in the frequency of long‐winged individuals. Furthermore, the social environment during development affects sex differences in wing development, but few empirical tests of this phenomenon have been performed to date. Here, I used the wing‐dimorphic water striderTenagogerris euphrosyneto test how rearing density and sex ratio affect the sex‐specific development of long‐winged dispersing morphs (i.e., sex‐specific macroptery). I also used a full‐sib, split‐family breeding design to assess genetic effects on density‐dependent, sex‐specific macroptery. I reared water strider nymphs at either high or low densities and measured their wing development. I found that long‐winged morphs developed more frequently in males than in females when individuals were reared in a high‐density environment. However, the frequency of long‐winged morphs was not biased according to sex when individuals were reared in a low‐density environment. In addition, full‐sib males and females showed similar macroptery incidence rates at low nymphal density, whereas the macroptery incidence rates differed between full‐sib males and females at high nymphal density. Thus complex gene‐by‐environment‐by‐sex interactions may explain the density‐specific levels of sex bias in macroptery, although this interpretation should be treated with some caution. Overall, my study provides empirical evidence for density‐specific, sex‐biased wing development. My findings suggest that social factors as well as abiotic factors can be important in determining sex‐biased wing development in insects.