bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the performance of catalytic oxidation of VOCs by a mixed oxide at a semi‐pilot scale†
Authors: Ribeiro Rita , Heymans Nicolas , Duprez Marie‐Eve , Cousin Renaud , Siffert Stéphane , Poupin Christophe , Thomas Diane , Decroly André , De Weireld Guy 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVolatile organic compounds (VOCs) are one of the main contributors to air pollution. To reduce anthropogenic emissions, it is necessary to improve existing techniques such as catalytic oxidation through the development of new cost‐effective catalysts. Although many studies deal with the development and testing of new materials, most are performed at laboratory scale, of which only a few study mixtures of VOCs. To assess their viability for industrial applications, further tests are required, namely, mixture tests at intermediate scale in relevant environment and extrapolated on an industrial scale. In this work, the catalytic performance of a new mixed oxide Co‐Al‐Ce was investigated towards the oxidation of the n‐butanol and toluene on a semi‐pilot scale (TRL 4). Single component and mixture experiments were performed for several concentrations at a fixed flow rate. A commercial catalyst Pd/γ‐Al2O3 was used as the benchmark to evaluate the performance of the mixed oxide. The Co‐Al‐Ce catalyst enables complete oxidation of n‐butanol at the same temperature as the reference catalyst. Moreover, it provides a better selectivity for n‐butanol, while providing an equivalent one for the oxidation of toluene. In mixtures, the presence of n‐butanol promotes the oxidation of toluene for both catalysts but more significantly for the Co‐Al‐Ce catalyst. The presence of toluene inhibits the oxidation of n‐butanol for the Co‐Al‐Ce and promotes it for high conversions of n‐butanol for the Pd/γ‐Al2O3 catalyst.
Breast cancer treatment delays by socioeconomic and health care access latent classes in Black and White women
Authors: Emerson Marc A. , Golightly Yvonne M. , Aiello Allison E. , Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Tan Xianming , Maduekwe Ugwuji , Johnson‐Thompson Marian , Olshan Andrew F. , Troester Melissa A. 
Published: September 2020

BackgroundBreast cancer mortality is higher for Black and younger women. This study evaluated 2 possible contributors to disparities—time to treatment and treatment duration—by race and age.MethodsAmong 2841 participants with stage I‐III disease in the Carolina Breast Cancer Study, we identified groups of women with similar patterns of socioeconomic status (SES), access to care, and tumor characteristics using latent class analysis. We then evaluated latent classes in association with treatment delay (initiation >60 days after diagnosis) and treatment duration (in quartiles by treatment modality).ResultsThirty‐two percent of younger Black women were in the highest quartile of treatment duration (versus 22% of younger White women). Black women experienced a higher frequency of delayed treatment (adjusted relative frequency difference [RFD], 5.5% [95% CI, 3.2%‐7.8%]) and prolonged treatment duration (RFD, 8.8% [95% CI, 5.7%‐12.0%]). Low SES was significantly associated with treatment delay among White women (RFD, 3.5% [95% CI, 1.1%‐5.9%]), but treatment delay was high at all levels of SES in Black women (eg, 11.7% in high SES Black women compared with 10.6% and 6.7% among low and high SES White women, respectively). Neither SES nor access to care classes were significantly associated with delayed initiation among Black women, but both low SES and more barriers were associated with treatment duration across both groups.ConclusionsFactors that influence treatment timeliness persist throughout the care continuum, with prolonged treatment duration being a sensitive indicator of differences by race, SES, and care barriers.
Orthogonal Self‐Assembly of Cyclodextrin‐Decorated Noble Metal Nanoparticles via Photoresponsive Molecular Recognition in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Niehues Maximilian , Simke Julian , Ravoo Bart Jan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractControl over the self‐assembly of mixed nanoparticles (NP) is a challenging but versatile concept for the bottom‐up fabrication of novel nanomaterials. Moreover, stimulus‐responsive self‐assembly is fundamental to the development of adaptive and intelligent materials. In this study, we demonstrate the orthogonal self‐assembly of cyclodextrin (CD) decorated noble metal NP. Utilizing the guest selectivity of αCD and γCD, divalent photoresponsive supramolecular crosslinkers were identified and applied in selective NP assembly. By design of specific crosslinkers, narcissistic as well as social self‐sorting of sub 10 nm metal NP was enabled. Irradiation experiments confirmed that the aggregation process is induced by photoresponsive host‐guest chemistry, which allows to form and dissolve the NP aggregates over several cycles and to photo‐initiate the NP aggregation. The molecular recognition as well as the specific response of CD‐functionalized NP show significant potential in the reversible self‐assembly of inorganic‐organic hybrid nanomaterials in aqueous solution.
Structural Changes Induced by Quinones: High‐Resolution Microwave Study of 1,4‐Naphthoquinone
Authors: Saxena Shefali , Panchagnula Sanjana , Sanz M. Eugenia , Pérez Cristóbal , Evangelisti Luca , Pate Brooks H. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract1,4‐Naphthoquinone (1,4‐NQ) is an important product of naphthalene oxidation, and it appears as a motif in many biologically active compounds. We have investigated the structure of 1,4‐NQ using chirped‐pulse Fourier transform microwave spectroscopy and quantum chemistry calculations. The rotational spectra of the parent species, and its 13C and 18O isotopologues were observed in natural abundance, and their spectroscopic parameters were obtained. This allowed the determination of the substitution rs, mass‐weighted rm and semi‐experimental reSE structures of 1,4‐NQ. The obtained structural parameters show that the quinone moiety mainly changes the structure of the benzene ring where it is inserted, modifying the C−C bonds to having predominantly single or double bond character. Furthermore, the molecular electrostatic surface potential reveals that the quinone ring becomes electron deficient while the benzene ring remains a nucleophile. The most electrophilic areas are the hydrogens attached to the double bond in the quinone ring. Knowledge of the nucleophilic and electrophilic areas in 1,4‐NQ will help understanding its behaviour interacting with other molecules and guide modifications to tune its properties.
Human iPSC‐Derived Blood‐Brain Barrier Models: Valuable Tools for Preclinical Drug Discovery and Development?
Authors: Appelt‐Menzel Antje , Oerter Sabrina , Mathew Sanjana , Haferkamp Undine , Hartmann Carla , Jung Matthias , Neuhaus Winfried , Pless Ole 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTranslating basic biological knowledge into applications remains a key issue for effectively tackling neurodegenerative, neuroinflammatory, or neuroendocrine disorders. Efficient delivery of therapeutics across the neuroprotective blood‐brain barrier (BBB) still poses a demanding challenge for drug development targeting central nervous system diseases. Validated in vitro models of the BBB could facilitate effective testing of drug candidates targeting the brain early in the drug discovery process during lead generation. We here review the potential of mono‐ or (isogenic) co‐culture BBB models based on brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) derived from human‐induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs), and compare them to several available BBB in vitro models from primary human or non‐human cells and to rodent in vivo models, as well as to classical and widely used barrier models [Caco‐2, parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA)]. In particular, we are discussing the features and predictivity of these models and how hiPSC‐derived BBB models could impact future discovery and development of novel CNS‐targeting therapeutics. © 2020 The Authors.
Methods for Automated Single Cell Isolation and Sub‐Cloning of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Vallone Valeria Fernandez , Telugu Narasimha Swamy , Fischer Iris , Miller Duncan , Schommer Sandra , Diecke Sebastian , Stachelscheid Harald 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAdvances in human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC) techniques have led them to become a widely used and powerful tool for a vast array of applications, including disease modeling, developmental studies, drug discovery and testing, and emerging cell‐based therapies. hPSC workflows that require clonal expansion from single cells, such as CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated genome editing, face major challenges in terms of efficiency, cost, and precision. Classical sub‐cloning approaches depend on limiting dilution and manual colony picking, which are both time‐consuming and labor‐intensive, and lack a real proof of clonality. Here we describe the application of three different automated cell isolation and dispensing devices that can enhance the single‐cell cloning process for hPSCs. In combination with optimized cell culture conditions, these devices offer an attractive alternative compared to manual methods. We explore various aspects of each device system and define protocols for their practical application. Following the workflow described here, single cell−derived hPSC sub‐clones from each system maintain pluripotency and genetic stability. Furthermore, the workflows can be applied to uncover karyotypic mosaicism prevalent in bulk hPSC cultures. Our robust automated workflow facilitates high‐throughput hPSC clonal selection and expansion, urgently needed in the operational pipelines of hPSC applications. © 2020 The Authors.Basic Protocol: Efficient automated hPSC single cell seeding and clonal expansion using the iotaSciences IsoCell platformAlternate Protocol 1: hPSC single cell seeding and clonal expansion using the Cellenion CellenONE single‐cell dispenserAlternate Protocol 2: hPSC single cell seeding and clonal expansion using the Cytena single‐cell dispenserSupport Protocol 1: Coating cell culture plates with GeltrexSupport Protocol 2: hPSC maintenance in defined feeder‐free conditionsSupport Protocol 3: hPSC passaging in clumpsSupport Protocol 4: Laminin 521 coating of IsoCell plates and 96‐well/384‐well platesSupport Protocol 5: Preparation of medium containing anti‐apoptotic small moleculesSupport Protocol 6: 96‐ and 384‐well target plate preparation prior to single cell seedingSupport Protocol 7: Single cell dissociation of hPSCsSupport Protocol 8: IsoCell‐, CellenONE‐, and Cytena‐derived hPSC clone subculture and expansion
Oral nano‐curcumin on gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis and mild periodontitis
Authors: Malekzadeh Meisam , Kia Seyed Javad , Mashaei Leila , Moosavi Mahdieh‐Sadat 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGingivitis can trigger gingival diseases such as periodontitis. Since the complete removal of microbial plaques by mechanical procedures is not conceivable in some conditions and also chemical mouthwashes have a lot of side effects, finding a new treatment strategy would be useful. In the present study, for the first time, the effects of oral nano‐curcumin on gingival inflammation in patients with gingivitis and mild periodontitis were assessed. Forty eight patients with gingivitis and mild periodontitis participated in this clinical trial. In one group the patients were treated with Sina curcumin capsules 80 mg and the other group received a placebo. Clinical parameters, including modified gingival index, papillary bleeding index, and plaque index were determined on days 0, 7, 14, and 28. There were no significant differences in age, sex, papillary bleeding index (PBI), and modified gingival index (MGI) between the two groups at baseline. There was a dropout of two patients (both from the placebo group). The MGI and PBI have a significantly decreasing trend in both case and control groups and the decreases were severe in the case group. The differences between PBI and MGI in the two groups were significant at 14 and 28 days. The plaque index did not significantly change in either group over the study period. The trend of changes in plaque index was not different between the two groups of the study. In the current study, no side effect was found in the patients. Oral nano‐curcumin has positive effects on the decrease of inflammation and gingival bleeding in patients with gingivitis and mild periodontitis. Nano‐curcumin capsules have a systemic target site with more bioavailability than topical forms.
Effects of quantitative trait locus MP3 on the number of panicles and rice productivity in nutrient‐poor soils of Madagascar
Authors: Takai Toshiyuki , Sakata Mitsukazu , Rakotoarisoa Njato M. , Razafinarivo Ny Toky , Nishigaki Tomohiro , Asai Hidetoshi , Ishizaki Takuma , Tsujimoto Yasuhiro 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe majority of paddy fields in sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) are characterized by nutrient‐poor soils. In such fields, tillering in rice (Oryza sativa L.) plants is severely restricted, which results in a reduced number of panicles and thus a decrease in grain yield. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a quantitative trait locus (QTL), associated with number of panicles and referred as MP3, on rice growth and grain yield in nutrient‐poor soils in Madagascar. We used a high‐yielding rice cultivar, Takanari, and its near‐isogenic line bearing the MP3 allele (NIL‐MP3). A pot experiment with various P application rates demonstrated vigorous tillering in NIL‐MP3 compared to Takanari from the early vegetative stage even under low P levels. This led to enlarged leaf area and thus increased biomass. We then conducted multiple field trials with a total of 12 experimental conditions using the two varieties. The experiments led to a range of grain yield from 1.3 to 4.1 t ha−1 and a range in number of panicles from 107 to 270 m−2. The results revealed that NIL‐MP3 produced a greater number of panicles and spikelets m−2 (19 and 12%, respectively) than Takanari across all 12 experiments. Grain yield increased in NIL‐MP3 under some experimental conditions. This study is the first of its kind to demonstrate that MP3 increased number of panicles and spikelets and grain yield in the nutrient‐poor and low‐yielding soils of SSA. Thus, we conclude that MP3 could become a prominent genetic resource for the improvement of rice yields in SSA.
Broader phenology of pollinator activity and higher plant reproductive success in an urban habitat compared to a rural one
Authors: Zaninotto Vincent , Raynaud Xavier , Gendreau Emmanuel , Kraepiel Yvan , Motard Eric , Babiar Olivier , Hansart Amandine , Hignard Cécile , Dajoz Isabelle 
Published: September 2020

Abstract

Urban habitat characteristics create environmental filtering of pollinator communities. They also impact pollinating insect phenology through the presence of an urban heat island and the year‐round availability of floral resources provided by ornamental plants.

Here, we monitored the phenology and composition of pollinating insect communities visiting replicates of an experimental plant assemblage comprising two species, with contrasting floral traits: Sinapis alba and Lotus corniculatus, whose flowering periods were artificially extended. Plant assemblage replicates were set up over two consecutive years in two different habitats: rural and densely urbanized, within the same biogeographical region (Ile‐de‐France region, France).

The phenology of pollination activity, recorded from the beginning (early March) to the end (early November) of the season, differed between these two habitats. Several pollinator morphogroups (small wild bees, bumblebees, honeybees) were significantly more active on our plant sets in the urban habitat compared to the rural one, especially in early spring and autumn. This resulted in different overall reproductive success of the plant assemblage between the two habitats. Over the course of the season, reproductive success of S. alba was always significantly higher in the urban habitat, while reproductive success of L. corniculatus was significantly higher in the urban habitat only during early flowering.

These findings suggest different phenological adaptations to the urban habitat for different groups of pollinators. Overall, results indicate that the broadened activity period of pollinating insects recorded in the urban environment could enhance the pollination function and the reproductive success of plant communities in cities.
Faunal input at host plants: Can camel thorn trees use nutrients imported by resident sociable weavers?
Authors: Prayag Kervin D. , du Toit Carla J. , Cramer Michael D. , Thomson Robert L. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract“Islands of fertility” result from the focussing of water and nutrients around many shrub or tree species due to plants foraging for resources. Plant–animal feedbacks may amplify the development of such islands through environmental modification due to, for example, faunal deposition of nutrients and seeds. Fauna residing within vegetation clumps are likely to exert stronger feedbacks on their hosts than itinerant species. We studied the interaction between camel thorn trees (Vachellia erioloba) and the colonial nests of sociable weavers (Philetairus socius) in the Kalahari. We hypothesized that the accumulation of biological material below the nests will alter the nutrient status of the soil beneath the nest trees, in relation to unoccupied trees and the surrounding grassland. We also suggested that this association will have both positive and negative effects on the camel thorn trees. We found that soil concentrations of N, P, and K were, respectively, 4, 4.6, and 1.2 times higher below trees with nests compared to control trees, indicating faunal concentration of nutrients. Soil δ15N values were higher below trees with nests than below control trees without nests. Foliar δ15N values were also higher in nest trees than in control trees, showing the trees accessed faunally derived N. Furthermore, foliar biomass per diameter of terminal branches was 27% higher in nest trees, suggesting that trees respond to nutrient input from the weavers with increased growth. Large barren areas in the subcanopy vegetation directly beneath the colonies were attributed to decreased water infiltration rates, as a result of accumulation of organic matter due to continuous deposition of feces, possibly limiting competitive species from establishing in the subcanopy. On the other hand, canopy volume was reduced in trees with nests due to nests occupying large volumes within the canopy, and nests frequently causing branch fall, indicating costs associated with hosting weaver colonies. Synthesis: We found nutritional benefits to camel thorn trees when hosting sociable weaver colonies. These benefits can potentially overcome important environmental constraints, but these are partially offset by the resulting costs to the host trees.
Causal hypotheses accounting for correlations between decomposition rates of different mass fractions of leaf litter
Authors: Shipley Bill , Tardif Antoine 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWhole‐leaf decomposition rates are the sum of the decomposition rates of each chemical fraction (water‐soluble, cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin), but the decomposition rates of each fraction show complicated patterns of covariation. What explains these patterns of covariation? After measuring the k values of each fraction in 42 different mixtures of tree leaf litters from five species, we tested three alternative causal hypotheses that have been proposed in the literature concerning these mixture interactions using structura equations modeling. All three hypotheses were rejected by the data. We then proposed a new hypothesis, in which rapid decomposition of the labile (water‐soluble) fraction stimulates the decomposition of lignin by white‐rot fungi and the decomposition of hemicellulose by brown‐rot fungi. A more rapid decomposition of hemicellulose then stimulates the decomposition of cellulose. This hypothesis is both consistent with known biology and with our data and is proposed as the most viable current hypothesis.
Frailty and the risk of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization in chronic heart failure: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Uchmanowicz Izabella , Lee Christopher S. , Vitale Cristiana , Manulik Stanisław , Denfeld Quin E. , Uchmanowicz Bartosz , Rosińczuk Joanna , Drozd Marcin , Jaroch Joanna , Jankowska Ewa A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractTo estimate the risk of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization in frail patients with chronic heart failure (HF), a systematic search and meta‐analysis was carried out to identify all prospective cohort studies conducted among adults with HF where frailty was quantified and related to the primary endpoints of all‐cause mortality and/or hospitalization. Twenty‐nine studies reporting the link between frailty and all‐cause mortality in 18 757 patients were available for the meta‐analysis, along with 11 studies, with 13 525 patients, reporting the association between frailty and hospitalization. Frailty was a predictor of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization with summary hazard ratios (HRs) of 1.48 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.31–1.65, P < 0.001] and 1.40 (95% CI: 1.27–1.54, P < 0.001), respectively. Summary HRs for all‐cause mortality among frail inpatients undergoing ventricular assist device implantation, inpatients hospitalized for HF, and outpatients were 1.46 (95% CI: 1.18–1.73, P < 0.001), 1.58 (95% CI: 0.94–2.22, P = not significant), and 1.53 (95% CI: 1.28–1.78, P < 0.001), respectively. Summary HRs for all‐cause mortality and frailty based on Fried's phenotype were 1.48 (95% CI: 1.03–1.93, P < 0.001) and 1.42 (95% CI: 1.05–1.79, P < 0.001) for inpatients and outpatients, respectively, and based on other frailty measures were 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12–1.72, P < 0.001) and 1.60 (95% CI: 1.43–1.77, P < 0.001) for inpatients and outpatients, respectively. Across clinical contexts, frailty in chronic HF is associated with an average of 48% and 40% increase in the hazard of all‐cause mortality and hospitalization, respectively. The relationship between frailty and all‐cause mortality is similar across clinical settings and comparing measurement using Fried's phenotype or other measures.