bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The effect of epoxide content on compatibility of poly(lactic acid)/epoxidized natural rubber blends
Authors: Klinkajorn Jenjira , Tanrattanakul Varaporn 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe objective of this work was to determine the effect of the epoxide content in epoxidized natural rubber (ENR) on the miscibility and compatibility with poly(lactic acid) (PLA) in prepared PLA/ENR blends. PLA was blended with 10 wt% of ENRs (epoxidized at 10, 15, 20, and 25 mol%). The presented study showed that the in situ graft copolymer, PLA‐g‐ENR, was formed during melt blending in the blends containing 10 and 15 mol% ENR. This work is the initial study showing the presence of PLA‐g‐ENR in the blends by1H‐NMR and13C‐NMR. PLA‐g‐ENR acted as a compatibilizer, producing a partially miscible blend, indicated by an inward shift of the α‐transition temperatures of PLA and ENR in the blends. PLA‐g‐ENR also greatly reduced the particle size of ENR and increased the impact strength, tensile strength, and elongation at break of the blends. The epoxide content of ENR changed deformation mechanisms of the blends.
Programmable liquid crystal elastomer matrix through photomechanical responses
Authors: Zhao Dong , Liu Ying 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTConsidering the dependence of photomechanical responses of liquid crystal elastomers on the director orientation, the performance controlling through director orientation design becomes possible. In this article, a programmable liquid crystal elastomer matrix is proposed to achieve the desired functions. First, a modeling framework about the spontaneous bending of liquid crystal elastomer square plate with arbitrary director orientation is developed. Three kinds of spontaneous bending configurations are obtained along with the variation of the director orientation, and the critical division of the director orientation is given. Based on the deformation characteristic, the director orientation of the liquid crystal elastomer matrix is programmed and several typical prototypical functions, such as 3D code or image display, are discussed. This work provides the guidance for the application of the liquid crystal elastomer in haptic display, braille display, remotely‐controlled actuators, and codes.
A new model for efficient, need‐driven progress in generating primary biodiversity information resources
Authors: Asase Alex , Sainge Moses N. , Radji Raoufou A. , Ugbogu Omokafe A. , Peterson A. Townsend 
Published: January 2020

PremiseThe field of biodiversity informatics has developed rapidly in recent years, with broad availability of large‐scale information resources. However, online biodiversity information is biased spatially as a result of slow and uneven capture and digitization of existing data resources. The West African Plants Initiative approach to data capture is a prototype of a novel solution to the problems of the traditional model, in which the institutional “owner” of the specimens is responsible for digital capture of associated data.MethodsWe developed customized workflows for data capture in formats directly and permanently useful to the “owner” herbarium, and digitized significant numbers of new biodiversity records, adding to the information available for the plants of the region.ResultsIn all, 190,953 records of species in 1965 genera and 331 families were captured by mid‐2018. These data records covered 16 West African countries, with most of the records (10,000–99,999) from Côte d'Ivoire, Ghana, Togo, Nigeria, and Cameroon, and the fewest data records from Mauritania (<100 records). The West African Plants Initiative has increased available digital accessible knowledge records for West African plants by about 54%. Several of the project institutions have put initial project data online as part of their Global Biodiversity Information Facility data contributions. The average cost of data capture ranged from US$0.50−1.00 per herbarium sheet.DiscussionData capture has been cost‐effective because it is much less expensive than de novo field collections, allows for development of information resources even for regions in which political situations make contemporary field sampling impossible, and provides a historical baseline against which to compare newer data as they become available. This new paradigm in specimen digitization has considerable promise to accelerate and improve the process of generating high‐quality biodiversity information, and can be replicated and applied in many biodiversity‐rich, information‐poor regions to remedy the present massive gaps in information availability.
Abiotic and biotic associations between the round gobyNeogobius melanostomusand tubenose gobyProterorhinus marmoratuswith the endangered northern madtomNoturus stigmosusin Canada
Authors: Lamothe Karl A. , Ziegler Jacob P. , Gáspárdy Robin , Barnucz Jason , Drake D. Andrew R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractQuantifying habitat associations and threats to the persistence of imperilled species is a fundamental step for initiating species recovery efforts, but the traits associated with species imperillment (e.g. rarity and vulnerability to stressors) also limit the ability to empirically inform recovery strategies. Novel sampling designs and modelling approaches are therefore needed to quantitatively assess habitat associations and the threats to species persistence.To improve the understanding of habitat associations and threats for one of the rarest endangered freshwater fish species in Canada, northern madtom (Noturus stigmosus), two‐species occupancy models were developed with two invasive gobies: round goby (Neogobius melanostomus) and tubenose goby (Proterorhinus marmoratus). Models were parameterized with data from a multi‐year benthic trawling survey of two large Great Lakes tributaries in southern Ontario, Canada, and subsequently used to evaluate the need for reducing measurement error with future sampling efforts.The probability of detecting northern madtom in the St. Clair (0.163) and Thames (0.194) rivers was low compared with round goby (St. Clair, 0.827; Thames, 0.833) and tubenose goby (St. Clair, 0.297). The best occupancy models indicated a negative association between northern madtom and round goby in the St. Clair River and the importance of gravel substrate for northern madtom.Up to 16 repeated non‐detections using benthic trawls are needed to be 95% confident that northern madtom is absent at a site, indicating that current sampling approaches are likely inadequate.Despite low detection probabilities, intensive trawling surveys combined with the two‐species occupancy modelling framework provided vital information for describing habitat associations for northern madtom and identified a significant negative association with round goby. Nonetheless, alternative sampling methods to improve the detection probability of northern madtom would allow a more robust evaluation of habitat associations and would provide more information on the negative association with round goby.
Predicting consumer adoption of branded subscription services: A prospect theory perspective
Authors: Day Steven , Godsell Janet , Masi Donato , Zhang Wanrong 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDrivers of and barriers to consumer adoption of product‐service systems (PSS) deviating strongly from the current consumption paradigm remain unidentified. This study quantitatively investigates purchase intentions of a hypothetical branded fashion subscription service. This service features use‐ and result‐oriented PSS attributes in a lack of ownership, newness, and choice, and is investigated from a Prospect Theory perspective using a mixed method design combining an experiment with a survey (n = 524). Results show that even if the PSS provider is highly trusted by consumers, this only mitigates some of the worries consumers have about wearing used clothing and being held financially liable for product damage. The only driver of adoption is the opportunity to save money. Additional specific product information is also explored and shows that PSS providers have scope to change consumer perceptions. Overall, it appears that fashion ownership and choice are lesser issues than the literature suggests, although financial incentives are important. Furthermore, having a trusted brand allows a potential PSS provider to alleviate only some of the concerns consumers have. The contribution of this paper lies in its empirical findings as well as in its validation of Prospect Theory as a valid approach to enquiring into reasons for or against consumer adoption of complex PSS such as subscription services.
Chimeric Interaction of Nitrogenase‐Like Reductases with the MoFe Protein of Nitrogenase
Authors: Jasper Jan , Ramos José V. , Trncik Christian , Jahn Dieter , Einsle Oliver , Layer Gunhild , Moser Jürgen 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe engineering of transgenic organisms with the ability to fix nitrogen is an attractive possibility. However, oxygen sensitivity of nitrogenase, mainly conferred by the reductase component (NifH)2, is an imminent problem. Nitrogenase‐like enzymes involved in coenzyme F430 and chlorophyll biosynthesis utilize the highly homologous reductases (CfbC)2 and (ChlL)2, respectively. Chimeric protein–protein interactions of these reductases with the catalytic component of nitrogenase (MoFe protein) did not support nitrogenase activity. Nucleotide‐dependent association and dissociation of these complexes was investigated, but (CfbC)2 and wild‐type (ChlL)2 showed no modulation of the binding affinity. By contrast, the interaction between the (ChlL)2 mutant Y127S and the MoFe protein was markedly increased in the presence of ATP (or ATP analogues) and reduced in the ADP state. Upon formation of the octameric (ChlL)2MoFe(ChlL)2 complex, the ATPase activity of this variant is triggered, as seen in the homologous nitrogenase system. Thus, the described reductase(s) might be an attractive tool for further elucidation of the diverse functions of (NifH)2 and the rational design of a more robust reductase.
Gastrointestinal bleeding after percutaneous coronary intervention: Not just a short‐term complication but a long‐term marker of mortality risk
Authors: Gilchrist Ian C. 
Published: January 2020

Key Points
The incidence of gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding after percutaneous coronary interventional has remained stable recently although those undergoing treatment for ST‐elevation myocardial infarction appear to be doing better.
Short‐term prognosis is worsened after a GI bleed and this adverse outcome persists out to at least 1 year.
Poor outcomes late after a GI bleed suggest persistence patient factors that require further study to understand who is at risk, whether short‐term measures can prevent bleeding, and whether interventions after bleeding can improve long‐term outcomes.
Intraaortic balloon pump in myocardial infarction: Always, Never, or for the Right Patient?
Authors: Tyler Jeffrey M. , Henry Timothy D. 
Published: January 2020

Key Points
SEMPER FI was a 100‐patient pilot study that randomized acute myocardial infarction (AMI) patients with persistent ischemia following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) to intraaortic balloon pump (IABP) versus control.
AMI patients with persistent ischemia receiving short‐term IABP post‐PCI had a greater resolution of persistent ST segment elevation and a trend for decreased clinical events.
These results support a larger adequately powered trial of IABP versus control in AMI patients with persistent ischemia following primary PCI.
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation: Do leaks matter?
Authors: Shatila Wassim , Krajcer Zvonimir 
Published: January 2020

Key Points
Transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) has become more prevalent and is now performed in moderate‐ and low‐surgical‐risk patients.
Moderate‐to‐severe postoperative aortic regurgitation (AR) confers greater mortality risk and worse cardiovascular outcomes.
Mild postoperative AR confers higher heart failure readmission rates without affecting mortality.
Treatment of aortic stenosis in patients with chronic liver disease: Another win for transfemoral TAVR?
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Nai Fovino Luca 
Published: January 2020

Key Points
Chronic liver disease is associated with increased operative risk of open‐heart surgery.
In this study, transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) and surgical aortic valve replacement (SAVR) carried high periprocedural mortality, but transfemoral TAVR appeared to be superior to SAVR in terms of long‐term survival.
Better risk stratification tools are needed for patients with liver dysfunction to avoid futile TAVR and SAVR procedures.
Impact of extended dual antiplatelet therapy on clinical prognosis in acute coronary syndrome patients with intermediate or high ischemic risk defined by the GRACE score
Authors: Bian Liya , Qiu Miaohan , Li Yi , Xu Xiaoming , Li Jing , Ma Sicong , Qi Zizhao , Han Yaling 
Published: January 2020

AbstractObjectivesTo evaluate the impact of extended dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) beyond 12 months in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients with intermediate‐risk to high‐risk of developing ischemia according to the Global Acute Coronary Event Registration (GRACE) score.BackgroundThe duration of optimal DAPT remains controversial in patients at higher risk of developing ischemia.MethodsOverall, 9,309 ACS patients in the Optimal antiPlatelet Therapy for Chinese patients with Coronary Artery Disease (OPT‐CAD) study were stratified as low‐risk (
n = 5,112) or intermediate‐risk to high‐risk (n = 4,197) according to the GRACE score on hospital discharge. Clinical outcomes at 12–24 months in patients with intermediate‐to‐high risk who completed 1‐year DAPT without any adverse events were analyzed. The primary endpoint was 24‐month net adverse clinical events (NACEs).ResultsPatients at intermediate‐to‐high‐risk had significantly higher incidence of NACE (10.2 vs. 4.9%, p < .01) and ischemic events (8.3 vs. 3.8%, p < .01) than low‐risk patients at 24 months. For patients at intermediate‐to‐high‐risk, extended DAPT beyond 12 months was associated with lower risk of NACE (3.0 vs. 5.1%, p = .012), all‐cause death (1.1 vs. 2.6%, p = .01), and cardiac death (0.6 vs. 1.8%, p = .01), without excessive risk of major bleeding events (0.3 vs. 0.5%, p = .47). Clinical outcomes in the propensity‐matched cohort were consistent.ConclusionsACS patients with intermediate‐risk or high‐ischemic risk may benefit from extended DAPT beyond 1 year, an outcome than requires further confirmation in large‐scale randomized trials.
Evaluation of a standard reference material for falling number measurement
Authors: Delwiche Stephen R. , Rausch Steven R. , Vinyard Bryan T. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground and objectivesFalling number (FN), a long‐standing procedure that indirectly measures α‐amylase activity, is routinely used in official inspection operations and commerce to infer processing characteristics and end‐use quality of wheat. Because price may be moderated by FN, good precision of this procedure is essential. A study was enacted to search for a reference material that can be used to monitor FN instruments in a network. Because starch is the largest component of the wheat grain and responsible for the viscous behavior of paste meals, pure forms of starch were considered. Four native starches were selected, corn (from maize), potato, rice, and wheat. Weekly measurements were made over three months using two FN instruments in anticipation that eventual network monitoring programs in government and industry will consist of control charting at this frequency.FindingsCorn starch produced the best precision, with a coefficient of variation (CV) of 1.4%–1.7%. The noncereal starch, potato, had the poorest precision (CV = 6.1%–6.9%). All starches were stable, showing no time effect over the evaluation period. Additional testing on corn starches from other sources (laboratory supply, wholesale, and grocery retail) produced consistent results with respect to the original corn starch.ConclusionsPure native corn starch was the most suitable of the selected four starches for use as a standard reference material for FN.Significance and noveltyBecause of increased reliance on FN as a grading criterion or pricing threshold, added pressure is placed on regulatory bodies to assure the industry of the integrity of system. This work identifies corn starch as a suitable standard reference material for FN and establishes precision limits in time monitoring programs.
Comprehensively Probing the Contribution of Site Activity and Population of Active Sites toward Heterogeneous Electrocatalysis
Authors: Chen Hsiao‐Chien , Chen Tai‐Lung , Lin Sheng‐Chih , Hsu Chia‐Shuo , Chan Ting‐Shan , Liao Mei‐Yi , Chen Hao Ming 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDue to the enormous demand for clean energy generation and for efficient energy storage, developing green and storable energy has become an urgent task. This subject, thus, stimulates studies on the improvement of new electrocatalysts. Specifically, through improving the population of active sites and/or the activity of individual sites, the performance of the catalysts can be significantly improved. However, clarifying the contribution of these two factors is still ambiguous and must be done with great care. To allow researchers in related fields to present their findings objectively, having a clear insight into the electrocatalytic activity is indispensable. In this study, a series of cobalt‐based pre‐electrocatalysts are taken as an example to examine their corresponding oxygen evolution reaction (OER) behaviors. Wherein, the three important metrics – electrochemical active surface area (ECSA)/roughness factor (RF), Tafel slope, and turnover frequency (TOF) – are used to profile the population of active sites of electrocatalysts and the activity of related individual sites. The results indicate the correction of OER behavior by ECSA/RF manifests the more accurate identification of OER activity. Meanwhile, the timing to obtain RF/ECSA significantly influence such an evaluation. Altogether, a fair benchmarking is proposed for the comparison between the activities of electrocatalysts.
A Simulation Approach to Evaluate the Impact of Patterns of Bioanalytical Bias Difference on the Outcome of Pharmacokinetic Similarity Studies
Authors: Obianom Obinna N. , Okusanya Olanrewaju O. , Earp Justin , Thway Theingi M. 
Published: January 2020

Pharmacokinetic (PK) similarity studies are vital to assess the biosimilarity of a biosimilar to a reference product. Systematic bias in a bioanalytical method that quantify products could be a potential source of error affecting the variability of the data and influencing the outcome of a PK similarity study. We investigated the impact of six varying patterns of bioanalytical bias difference (biasdiff) between the similar products on the probability passing the PK similarity test. A population PK model was used to simulate concentration‐time profiles for a biosimilar and a reference product and added biasdiff ranging from 030%. The probability of achieving the PK similarity criteria (90% confidence interval between 0.8 and 1.25) for the maximum serum concentration (Cmax) and area under the curve (AUC) was assessed. The data indicate that an increase in absolute biasdiff between products of ≥ 10% would decrease the power to assess the similarity criteria for Cmax and AUC.
Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics of Intensive Antituberculosis Treatment of Tuberculous Meningitis
Authors: Ding Junjie , Thuy Thuong Thuong Nguyen , Pham Toi Van , Heemskerk Dorothee , Pouplin Thomas , Tran Chau Thi Hong , Nguyen Mai Thi Hoang , Nguyen Phu Hoan , Phan Loc Phu , Nguyen Chau Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy , Tarning Joel 
Published: January 2020

The most effective antituberculosis drug treatment regimen for tuberculous meningitis is uncertain. We conducted a randomized controlled trial comparing standard treatment with a regimen intensified by rifampin 15 mg/kg and levofloxacin for the first 60 days. The intensified regimen did not improve survival or any other outcome. We therefore conducted a nested pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic study in 237 trial participants to define exposure–response relationships that might explain the trial results and improve future therapy. Rifampin 15 mg/kg increased plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) exposures compared with 10 mg/kg: day 14 exposure increased from 48.2 hour·mg/L (range 18.2–93.8) to 82.5 hour·mg/L (range 8.7–161.0) in plasma and from 3.5 hour·mg/L (range 1.2–9.6) to 6.0 hour·mg/L (range 0.7–15.1) in CSF. However, there was no relationship between rifampin exposure and survival. In contrast, we found that isoniazid exposure was associated with survival, with low exposure predictive of death, and was linked to a fast metabolizer phenotype. Higher doses of isoniazid should be investigated, especially in fast metabolizers.
Discovery of a novel fluorescent chemical probe suitable for evaluation of neuropilin‐1 binding of small molecules
Authors: Conole Daniel , Chou Yi‐Tai , Patsiarika Anastasia , Nwabo Valery , Dimitriou Eleni , Soudy Christelle , Mota Filipa , Djordjevic Snezana , Selwood David L. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNeuropilin‐1 (NRP1) is emerging as an important molecule in immune signaling where it has been shown to modulate the actions of TGF‐β1 in macrophages and regulatory T cells. The development of cost‐effective and reliable assays for NRP1 binding is therefore important. We synthesized three new NRP1 small molecule fluorophores and examined their performance as fluorescent polarization probes. One molecule DS108 exhibited favorable binding and fluorescent characteristics and allowed us to establish a simple assay suitable for medium to high throughput screening of small molecules.
Circulating branched‐chain amino acids and incident heart failure in type 2 diabetes: The Hong Kong Diabetes Register
Authors: Lim Lee‐Ling , Lau Eric S.H. , Fung Erik , Lee Heung‐Man , Ma Ronald C.W. , Tam Claudia H.T. , Wong Willy K.K. , Ng Alex C.W. , Chow Elaine , Luk Andrea O.Y. , Jenkins Alicia , Chan Juliana C.N. , Kong Alice P.S. 
Published: January 2020

AimLevels of branched‐chain amino acids (BCAAs, namely, isoleucine, leucine, and valine) are modulated by dietary intake and metabolic/genetic factors. BCAAs are associated with insulin resistance and increased risk of type 2 diabetes (T2D). Although insulin resistance predicts heart failure (HF), the relationship between BCAAs and HF in T2D remains unknown.MethodsIn this prospective observational study, we measured BCAAs in fasting serum samples collected at inception from 2139 T2D patients free of cardiovascular‐renal diseases. The study outcome was the first hospitalization for HF.ResultsDuring 29 103 person‐years of follow‐up, 115 primary events occurred (age: 54.8 ± 11.2 years, 48.2% men, median [interquartile range] diabetes duration: 5 years [1‐10]). Patients with incident HF had 5.6% higher serum BCAAs than those without HF (median 639.3 [561.3‐756.3] vs 605.2 [524.8‐708.7] μmol/L; P = .01). Serum BCAAs had a positive linear association with incident HF (per‐SD increase in logarithmically transformed BCAAs: hazard ratio [HR] 1.22 [95% CI 1.07‐1.39]), adjusting for age, sex, and diabetes duration. The HR remained significant after sequential adjustment of risk factors including incident coronary heart disease (1.24, 1.09‐1.41); blood pressure, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and baseline use of related medications (1.31, 1.14‐1.50); HbA1c, waist circumference, triglyceride, and baseline use of related medications (1.28, 1.11‐1.48); albuminuria and estimated glomerular filtration rate (1.28, 1.11‐1.48). The competing risk of death analyses showed similar results.ConclusionsCirculating levels of BCAAs are independently associated with incident HF in patients with T2D. Prospective cohort analysis and randomized trials are needed to evaluate the long‐term safety and efficacy of using different interventions to optimize BCAAs levels in these patients.