bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease associated with occupation, industry, and workplace exposures in the Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Silver Sharon R. , Alarcon Walter A. , Li Jia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundChronic health effects from accumulated occupational exposures manifest as the workforce ages. The Health and Retirement Study (HRS), a panel survey of U.S. adults nearing/in retirement, allows assessment of associations among industry and occupation (I/O), workplace exposures, and incident chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).MethodsThe study population comprised respondents from the 1992 HRS cohort employed in 1972 or later and not diagnosed with COPD as of initial interview. We examined associations with incident COPD through 2016 and: (1) broad and selected detailed I/O, (2) workplace exposures, and (3) exposures within I/O. Given the cohort's baseline age (50–62), we calculated subhazard ratios (SHRs) for COPD accounting for competing risk of death.ResultsSHRs for COPD were significantly elevated for several industries: mining; blast furnaces, steelworks, rolling and finishing mills; groceries and related products; and automotive repair shops. Occupations with significantly elevated SHRs were maids and housemen; farmworkers; vehicle/mobile equipment mechanics and repair workers; material moving equipment operators; and nonconstruction laborers. Significantly elevated COPD SHRs were observed for specific I/O‐exposure pairs: blast furnace/steelworks/rolling/finishing mills and asbestos; automotive repair shops and aerosol paints; farmworkers and pesticide exposures; and both material moving equipment operators and nonconstruction laborers exposed to dust and ash.ConclusionsCertain jobs and occupational exposures are associated with increased risk for developing COPD in late preretirement and during retirement. Given the disability and economic costs of COPD, these findings support focusing exposure prevention and medical monitoring resources on groups of workers at increased risk.
The occurrence of the red‐handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) in amazonian savannas is related to forest patch area and density of flooded area palms
Authors: Silvestre Saulo M. , Setchell Joanna M. , Calle‐Rendón Bayron R. , de Toledo José J. , Hilário Renato R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAll Neotropical primates are arboreal and thus depend on forests for their survival. Arboreality puts many Neotropical primates at risk of extinction due to the high rates of deforestation in the tropics. We assessed the influence of vegetation structure and forest patch attributes on the occurrence of the threatened red‐handed howler monkey (Alouatta belzebul) in an Amazonian savanna. Using a sample of 38 forest patches in a region of approximately 2000 km2in the state of Amapá, northern Brazil, we used logistic regression to find the best predictors of the occurrence ofA. belzebul. We assessed patch area, patch isolation, the proportion of seasonally flooded forest in the patch, the density of flooded area palms, forest height, canopy cover, and diameter at breast height of trees. Patch area and palm density were the best predictors of the occurrence ofA. belzebulin forest patches, both having a positive effect on the probability of occurrence. Our results indicate that areas of flooded forest in forest patches may be keystone habitats forA. belzebulliving in Amazonian savannas. The observed effect of palm density onA. belzebulsuggests that this variable is useful for planning conservation actions, including the selection of areas for protection and management strategies for areas inhabited by this primate.
Pristine Hollow Metal–Organic Frameworks: Design, Synthesis and Application
Authors: Qiu Tianjie , Gao Song , Liang Zibin , Wang De‐Gao , Tabassum Hassina , Zhong Ruiqin , Zou Ruqiang 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMetal–organic frameworks (MOFs), featuring porous crystalline structures with coordinated metal nodes and organic linkers, have recently found increasing interest in diverse applications. By virtue of their versatile and highly tunable compositions and structures, constructing hollow architectures will further endow MOFs with enhanced properties and designability, exceeding the molecular scale. MOFs could be considered as promising building units to fabricate complex hollow nanocomposites with faster mass transport, multiple active components, more exposed active sites, and better compatibility than bulk MOFs. To construct a promising blueprint for hollow pristine MOFs, this review provides a comprehensive overview for structural design strategies and applications of hollow pristine MOFs. We will highlight the merits, challenges and future potential by structuring and applying MOFs in sensing, separation, storage, catalysis, environmental remediation, photochemical and electrochemical energy conversion. This review might pave a new avenue for future development of novel pristine hollow MOFs.
Synthesis of a Pentasaccharide Repeating Unit of Lipopolysaccharide Derived from Virulent E. coli O1 and Identification of a Glycotope Candidate of Avian Pathogenic E. coli O1
Authors: Nishi Nobuya , Seki Katsunori , Takahashi Daisuke , Toshima Kazunobu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAvian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC) is a common bacterial pathogen infecting chickens, resulting in economic losses to the poultry industry worldwide. In particular, APEC O1, one of the most common serotypes of APEC, is considered problematic due to its zoonotic potential. Therefore, many attempts have been made to develop an effective vaccine against APEC O1. In fact, the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) O‐antigen of APEC O1 has been shown to be a potent antigen for inducing specific protective immune responses. However, the detailed structure of the O‐antigen of APEC O1 is not clear. The present study demonstrates the first synthesis of a pentasaccharide repeating unit of LPS derived from virulent E. coli O1 and its conjugate with BSA. ELISA tests using the semi‐synthetic glycoconjugate and the APEC O1 immune chicken serum revealed that the pentasaccharide is a glycotope candidate of APEC O1, with great potential as an antigen for vaccine development.
Bunsen the Geochemist: Icelandic Volcanism, Geyser Theory, and Gas, Rock and Mineral Analyses
Authors: Wentrup Curt 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFollowing the eruption of Hekla in 1845–1846 Bunsen was invited by King Christian VIII of Denmark and Iceland to participate in a geochemical expedition to Iceland together with the geologist Sartorius von Waltershausen and the physiologist Carl Bergmann from Göttingen. The French mineralogist Des Cloizeaux went to Iceland separately and joined the expedition. The eudiometer invented by Bunsen was crucial for his accurate characterization of volcanic gases and determination of the composition of mixtures. His analyses of the chemical compositions of numerous rocks and minerals led him to the classification of two fundamental rock types, the more silica rich (nowadays called felsic) and the less silica rich, more basic (mafic) in agreement with Des Cloizeaux and the Danish scientist J. C. Schythe. Bunsen also formulated the correct mechanism of geyser action and helped disband the theory of connections between geysers, volcanoes and the sea. He disagreed vehemently with Waltershausen over the mechanisms of formation of sal ammoniac and of volcanic rocks and their chemical compositions. He revealed himself as an ardent experimentalist vigorously opposed to hypotheses of any kind, which also made him dismiss the new chemical theories, for example, those of Dumas and Kekulé.
3D printing‐assistedcombinatorial approach for designing mechanically‐tunable and vascular supportive nanofibrous membranes to repair perforated eardrum
Authors: Liu Suihong , Huo Zirong , Zhang Haiguang , Hu Qingxi , Ramalingam Murugan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPerforation of eardrum or tympanic membrane (TM) is a common clinical condition, which occurs due to infection or injury of the eardrum, and could results in varying degrees of conductive hearing loss among all ages. In this study, the authors report the combinatorial approach of designing mechanically‐tunable and vascular supportive nanofibrous membranes by 3D printing‐assisted electrospinning (e‐spin) using polycaprolactone (PCL) and gelatin with different mass ratios suitable to repair a perforated eardrum. The physicochemical, mechanical, and biological properties of the membranes were characterized. The results show that the membrane has nanofibrous morphology with fibers are of varying size (400–600 nm in diameter) depending on processing conditions. The wettability and mechanical properties of the membrane can be tuned by regulating the gelatin content. Moreover, a biomimetic repair strategy inspired by chicken eggshell membrane, often used in wound dressings, was also presented for study and results show that the suture retention strength of the fabricated membrane can meet clinical translational requirements to promote TM healing. The vascular cell responsiveness of PCL/gelatin nanofibrous membrane was evaluated using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and the results showed satisfactory biocompatibility, vascular cell responsiveness, and cell proliferation. The findings of this study demonstrate that the combinatorically engineered PCL/gelatin nanofibrous membrane has great potential for repairing perforated eardrum.
An Autoimmunogenic and Proinflammatory Profile Defined by the Gut Microbiota of Patients With Untreated Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Chen Bei‐di , Jia Xin‐miao , Xu Jia‐yue , Zhao Li‐dan , Ji Jun‐yi , Wu Bing‐xuan , Ma Yue , Li Hao , Zuo Xiao‐xia , Pan Wen‐you , Wang Xiao‐han , Ye Shuang , Tsokos George C. , Wang Jun , Zhang Xuan 
Published: October 2020

ObjectiveChanges in gut microbiota have been linked to systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but knowledge is limited. Our study aimed to provide an in‐depth understanding of the contribution of gut microbiota to the immunopathogenesis of SLE.MethodsFecal metagenomes from 117 patients with untreated SLE and 52 SLE patients posttreatment were aligned with 115 matched healthy controls and analyzed by whole‐genome profiling. For comparison, we assessed the fecal metagenome of MRL/lpr mice. The oral microbiota origin of the gut species that existed in SLE patients was documented by single‐nucleotide polymorphism–based strain‐level analyses. Functional validation assays were performed to demonstrate the molecular mimicry of newly found microbial peptides.ResultsGut microbiota from individuals with SLE displayed significant differences in microbial composition and function compared to healthy controls. Certain species, including the Clostridium species ATCC BAA‐442 as well as Atopobium rimae, Shuttleworthia satelles, Actinomyces massiliensis, Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium leptum, were enriched in SLE gut microbiota and reduced after treatment. Enhanced lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis aligned with reduced branched chain amino acid biosynthesis was observed in the gut of SLE patients. The findings in mice were consistent with our findings in human subjects. Interestingly, some species with an oral microbiota origin were enriched in the gut of SLE patients. Functional validation assays demonstrated the proinflammatory capacities of some microbial peptides derived from SLE‐enriched species.ConclusionThis study provides detailed information on the microbiota of untreated patients with SLE, including their functional signatures, similarities with murine counterparts, oral origin, and the definition of autoantigen‐mimicking peptides. Our data demonstrate that microbiome‐altering approaches may offer valuable adjuvant therapies in SLE.
Correlating Spatial Ability With Anatomy Assessment Performance: A Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Roach Victoria A. , Mi Misa , Mussell Jason , Van Nuland Sonya E. , Lufler Rebecca S. , DeVeau Kathryn M. , Dunham Stacey M. , Husmann Polly , Herriott Hannah L. , Edwards Danielle N. , Doubleday Alison F. , Wilson Brittany M. , Wilson Adam B. 
Published: October 2020

Interest in spatial ability has grown over the past few decades following the emergence of correlational evidence associating spatial aptitude with educational performance in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. The research field at large and the anatomy education literature on this topic are mixed. In an attempt to generate consensus, a meta‐analysis was performed to objectively summarize the effects of spatial ability on anatomy assessment performance across multiple studies and populations. Relevant studies published within the past 50 years (1969–2019) were retrieved from eight databases. Study eligibility screening was followed by a full‐text review and data extraction. Use of the Mental Rotations Test (MRT) was required for study inclusion. Out of 2,450 screened records, 15 studies were meta‐analyzed. Seventy‐three percent of studies (11 of 15) were from the United States and Canada, and the majority (9 of 15) studied professional students. Across 15 studies and 1,245 participants, spatial ability was weakly associated with anatomy performance (rpooled = 0.240; CI at 95% = 0.09, 0.38; P = 0.002). Performance on spatial and relationship‐based assessments (i.e., practical assessments and drawing tasks) was correlated with spatial ability, while performance on assessments utilizing non‐spatial multiple‐choice items was not correlated with spatial ability. A significant sex difference was also observed, wherein males outperformed females on spatial ability tasks. Given the role of spatial reasoning in learning anatomy, educators are encouraged to consider curriculum delivery modifications and a comprehensive assessment strategy so as not to disadvantage individuals with low spatial ability.
Stabilization bound of singularly perturbed switched nonlinear systems subject to actuator saturation using the Takagi–Sugeno fuzzy model
Authors: Wang Qianjin , Ma Lei , Wang Dongyang , Ma Xiaoping 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper addresses the measurement problem of stability bound for saturated singularly perturbed switched nonlinear systems (SPSNSs) through the Takagi–Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy model method. The common Lyapunov function method is applied to construct a state‐feedback stabilization controller that incorporates ε (the singular perturbation parameter) such that the asymptotic stability can be achieved for the switched closed‐loop system under arbitrary switching. Additionally, a basin of attraction is determined by solving a convex optimization problem. Finally, a numerical example and a practical engineering problem are presented to verify the usefulness and feasibility of the proposed results.
A MIF‐Derived Cyclopeptide that Inhibits MIF Binding and Atherogenic Signaling via the Chemokine Receptor CXCR2
Authors: Krammer Christine , Kontos Christos , Dewor Manfred , Hille Kathleen , Dalla Volta Beatrice , El Bounkari Omar , Taş Karin , Sinitski Dzmitry , Brandhofer Markus , Megens Remco T. A. , Weber Christian , Schultz Joshua R. , Bernhagen Jürgen , Kapurniotu Aphrodite 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMacrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is an inflammatory cytokine and atypical chemokine with a key role in inflammatory diseases including atherosclerosis. Key atherogenic functions of MIF are mediated by noncognate interaction with the chemokine receptor CXCR2. The MIF N‐like loop comprising the sequence 47–56 is an important structural determinant of the MIF/CXCR2 interface and MIF(47–56) blocks atherogenic MIF activities. However, the mechanism and critical structure–activity information within this sequence have remained elusive. Here, we show that MIF(47–56) directly binds to CXCR2 to compete with MIF receptor activation. By using alanine scanning, essential and dispensable residues were identified. Moreover, MIF(cyclo10), a designed cyclized variant of MIF(47–56), inhibited key inflammatory and atherogenic MIF activities in vitro and in vivo/ex vivo, and exhibited strongly improved resistance to proteolytic degradation in human plasma in vitro, thus suggesting that it could serve as a promising basis for MIF‐derived anti‐atherosclerotic peptides.
An Animal Able To Tolerate D2O
Authors: de Carli Gabriel José , Contiliani Danyel Fernandes , Giuliatti Silvana , Pereira Tiago Campos 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIt is possible to gain a deeper insight into the role of water in biology by using physicochemical variant molecules, such as deuterium oxide (D2O); however, D2O is toxic to multicellular organisms in high concentrations. By using a unique desiccation‐rehydration process, we demonstrate that the anhydrobiotic nematode Panagrolaimus superbus is able to tolerate and proliferate in 99 % D2O. Moreover, we analysed P. superbus’ water‐channel protein (aquaporin; AQP), which is associated with dehydration/rehydration, by comparing its primary structure and modelling its tertiary structure in silico. Our data evidence that P. superbus’ AQP is an aquaglyceroporin, a class of water channel known to display a wider pore; this helps to explain the rapid and successful organismal influx of D2O into this species. This is the first demonstration of an animal able to withstand high D2O levels, thus paving a way for the investigation of the effects D2O on higher levels of biological organization.
A Light‐Harvesting/Charge‐Separation Model with Energy Gradient Made of Assemblies of meta‐Pyridyl Zinc Porphyrins
Authors: Otsuki Joe , Okumura Takumi , Sugawa Kosuke , Kawano Shin‐ichiro , Tanaka Kentaro , Hirao Takehiro , Haino Takeharu , Lee Yu Jin , Kang Seongsoo , Kim Dongho 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSelf‐assembly of porphyrins is a fascinating topic, not only for mimicking chlorophyll assemblies in photosynthetic organisms, but also for the potential of creating molecular‐level devices. Herein, zinc porphyrin derivatives bearing a meta‐pyridyl group at the meso position were prepared and their assemblies studied in chloroform. Among the porphyrins studied, one with a carbamoylpyridyl moiety gave a distinct 1H NMR spectrum in CDCl3, which allowed the supramolecular structure in solution to be probed in detail. Ring‐current‐induced chemical‐shift changes in the 1H NMR spectrum, together with vapor‐pressure osmometry and diffusion‐ordered NMR spectroscopy, among other evidence, suggested that the porphyrin molecules form a trimer with a triangular cone structure. Incorporation of a directly linked porphyrin–ferrocene dyad with the same assembling properties in the assemblies led to a rare example of a light‐harvesting/charge‐separation system in which an energy gradient is incorporated and reductive quenching occurs.
Applications of Low‐Melting‐Point Metals in Rechargeable Metal Batteries
Authors: Li Qingwen , He Guang , Ding Yi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLow‐melting‐point (LMP) metals represent an interesting family of electrode materials owing to their high ionic conductivity, good ductility or fluidity, low hardness and/or superior alloying capability, all of which are crucial characteristics to address battery challenges such as interfacial incompatibility, electrode pulverization, and dendrite growth. This minireview summarizes recent research progress of typical LMP metals including In, Ga, Hg, and their alloys in rechargeable metal batteries. Emphasis is placed on mainstream electrochemical storage devices of Li, Na, and K batteries as well as the representative multi‐valent metal batteries. The fundamental correlations between unique physiochemical properties of LMP metals and the battery performance are highlighted. In addition, this article also provides insights into future development and potential directions of LMP metals/alloys for practical applications.
Isoindolinone Synthesis via One‐Pot Type Transition Metal Catalyzed C−C Bond Forming Reactions
Authors: Savela Risto , Méndez‐Gálvez Carolina 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIsoindolinone structure is an important privileged scaffold found in a large variety of naturally occurring as well as synthetic, biologically and pharmaceutically active compounds. Owing to its crucial role in a number of applications, the synthetic methodologies for accessing this heterocyclic skeleton have received significant attention during the past decade. In general, the synthetic strategies can be divided into two categories: First, direct utilization of phthalimides or phthalimidines as starting materials for the synthesis of isoindolinones; and second, construction of the lactam and/or aromatic rings by different catalytic methods, including C−H activation, cross‐coupling, carbonylation, condensation, addition and formal cycloaddition reactions. Especially in the last mentioned, utilization of transition metal catalysts provides access to a broad range of substituted isoindolinones. Herein, the recent advances (2010–2020) in transition metal catalyzed synthetic methodologies via formation of new C−C bonds for isoindolinones are reviewed.
Activation of Molecular Oxygen by a Cobalt(II) Tetra‐NHC Complex**
Authors: Schlagintweit Jonas F. , Altmann Philipp J. , Böth Alexander D. , Hofmann Benjamin J. , Jandl Christian , Kaußler Clemens , Nguyen Linda , Reich Robert M. , Pöthig Alexander , Kühn Fritz E. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe first dicobalt(III) μ2‐peroxo N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complex is reported. It can be quantitatively generated from a cobalt(II) compound bearing a 16‐membered macrocyclic tetra‐NHC ligand via facile activation of dioxygen from air at ambient conditions. The reaction proceeds via an end‐on superoxo intermediate as demonstrated by EPR studies and DFT. The peroxo moiety can be cleaved upon addition of acetic acid, yielding the corresponding CoIII acetate complex going along with H2O2 formation. In contrast, both CoII and CoIII complexes are also studied as catalysts to utilize air for olefin and alkane oxidation reactions; however, not resulting in product formation. The observations are rationalized by DFT‐calculations, suggesting a nucleophilic nature of the dicobalt(III) μ2‐peroxo complex. All isolated compounds are characterized by NMR, ESI‐MS, elemental analysis, EPR and SC‐XRD.
Stable Lithium Storage at Subzero Temperatures for High‐capacity Co3O4@graphene Composite Anodes
Authors: Tan Liang , Lan Xuexia , Hu Renzong , Liu Jun , Yuan Bin , Zhu Min 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAchieving high energy density and long‐term stability at subzero temperatures remains one of the main challenges for the development of lithium‐ion batteries. Shortcomings in energy density and stability mainly highlight on the increase in internal resistance and electrode polarization at subzero temperatures, which greatly affect the reversible capacities of lithium‐ion batteries. In this work, a conversion type Co3O4@graphene (Co3O4@G) composite is prepared via a simple hydrothermal method and first evaluated at subzero temperatures. Benefitting from the especially suitable lithiation/delithiation potentials of Co3O4, ingenious nanostructure and high conductivity of graphene, the Co3O4@G anode exhibits much higher capacity retentions than intercalation‐ and alloying‐type anodes at subzero temperatures, with 58.4% of room‐temperature capacity retention at −30 °C for initial cycle and a highly stable reversible capacity of 605.0 mAh g−1 (0.5 A g−1) for 600 cycles at −10 °C. Furthermore, very high capacities of ∼920.4 mAh g−1 (0.2 A g−1) can be maintained at 30 °C, and ∼450.2 mAh g−1 (0.5 A g−1) can be remained at −20 °C during alternating cycling. This work demonstrates that conversion‐type Co3O4@G composites have superior extreme temperature lithium storage capabilities and can be viable Li‐ion anode materials with fast and highly efficient ion/electron transport capacity at subzero operating temperatures.