bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased circulating levels of ouabain‐like factor in patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction
Authors: Balzan Silvana , Neglia Danilo , Ghione Sergio , D'Urso Giuseppina , Baldacchino Maria Carmela , Montali Umberto , L'Abbate Antonio 
Published: July 2002

AbstractBackground:Much evidence has been accumulated that human plasma contains digitalis‐like factor(s) with Na/K ATPase inhibitor properties. Increased concentrations of ouabain‐like factor (OLF) have been reported in patients with moderate to severe hypertension and in patients with overt congestive heart failure due to dilated cardiomyopathy.Aim:The presence of circulating OLF has not been investigated in borderline to mild hypertension or in the early stage of dilated cardiomyopathy.Methods and Results:The study population consisted of 18 normal volunteers, 24 patients with borderline to mild hypertension, 47 patients with asymptomatic left ventricular dysfunction (ALVD) due to dilated cardiomyopathy and 26 patients with cardiac arrhythmias but normal left ventricular function. OLF values (pM ouabain equivalent) were assayed in extracted plasma, using a radioimmunoassay for ouabain. OLF was, respectively, 29.4 ± 20.6 pM in normal controls, 39.1 ± 23.8 pM in hypertensives, 35 ± 18 pM in patients with cardiac arrhythmias, 52.3 ± 25.8 pM in ALVD patients not treated with digoxin and 64.6 ± 29.6 pM in ALVD patients treated with digoxin. Patients with ALVD, both treated and not treated with digoxin, had OLF significantly higher (P < 0.05) than all the other groups. In patients with ALVD no correlation between OLF and left ventricular ejection fraction was observed. In the hypertensive group no correlation between OLF and both diastolic and systolic pressure was found.Conclusion:Increased concentrations of OLF were observed in patients with left ventricular dysfunction due to dilated cardiomyopathy, before the occurrence of overt heart failure, suggesting that OLF may be an early marker of the disease.
Tunable Stochasticity in an Artificial Spin Network
Authors: Sanz‐Hernández Dédalo , Massouras Maryam , Reyren Nicolas , Rougemaille Nicolas , Schánilec Vojtěch , Bouzehouane Karim , Hehn Michel , Canals Benjamin , Querlioz Damien , Grollier Julie , Montaigne François , Lacour Daniel 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMetamaterials present the possibility of artificially generating advanced functionalities through engineering of their internal structure. Artificial spin networks, in which a large number of nanoscale magnetic elements are coupled together, are promising metamaterial candidates that enable the control of collective magnetic behavior through tuning of the local interaction between elements. In this work, the motion of magnetic domain‐walls in an artificial spin network leads to a tunable stochastic response of the metamaterial, which can be tailored through an external magnetic field and local lattice modifications. This type of tunable stochastic network produces a controllable random response exploiting intrinsic stochasticity within magnetic domain‐wall motion at the nanoscale. An iconic demonstration used to illustrate the control of randomness is the Galton board. In this system, multiple balls fall into an array of pegs to generate a bell‐shaped curve that can be modified via the array spacing or the tilt of the board. A nanoscale recreation of this experiment using an artificial spin network is employed to demonstrate tunable stochasticity. This type of tunable stochastic network opens new paths toward post‐Von Neumann computing architectures such as Bayesian sensing or random neural networks, in which stochasticity is harnessed to efficiently perform complex computational tasks.
Hyperbolic Metamaterials with Extreme Mechanical Hardness
Authors: Calzolari Arrigo , Catellani Alessandra , Buongiorno Nardelli Marco , Fornari Marco 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHyperbolic metamaterials (HMMs) are highly anisotropic optical materials that behave as metals or as dielectrics depending on the direction of propagation of light. They are becoming essential for a plethora of applications, ranging from aerospace to automotive, from wireless to medical and IoT. These applications often work in harsh environments or may sustain remarkable external stresses. This calls for materials that show enhanced optical properties as well as tailorable mechanical properties. Depending on their specific use, both hard and ultrasoft materials can be required, although the combination with optical hyperbolic response is rarely addressed. Here, the possibility to combine optical hyperbolicity and tunable mechanical properties in the same (meta)material is demonstrated, focusing on the case of extreme mechanical hardness. Using high‐throughput calculations from first principles and effective medium theory, a large class of layered materials with hyperbolic optical activity in the near‐IR and visible range is explored, and a reduced number of ultrasoft and hard HMMs is identified among more than 1800 combinations of transition metal rocksalt crystals. Once validated by the experiments, this new class of metamaterials may foster previously unexplored optical/mechanical applications.
COPD risk among older construction workers—Updated analyses 2020
Authors: Dement John M. , Cloeren Marianne , Ringen Knut , Quinn Patricia , Chen Anna , Cranford Kim , Haas Scott , Hines Stella 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundA 2010 study of construction workers participating in medical screening programs at the Department of Energy (DOE) nuclear facilities demonstrated increased chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) risk. The current study of a larger worker cohort allowed for a more nuanced analysis of COPD risk, including for employment beginning after the mid‐1990s.MethodsStudy participants included 17,941 workers with demographic and smoking data and spirometry with a minimum of three recorded expiratory efforts and reproducibility of forced vital capacity (FVC) and forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) of 0.2 L or less. COPD was defined as a FEV1/FVC ratio below the lower limit of normal using established prediction equations without use of bronchodilation. Stratified analyses explored COPD prevalence by demographic variables and trade. Logistic regression analyses assessed risks by trade and time periods of trade and DOE site work, controlling for age, gender, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and smoking.ResultsOverall COPD prevalence was 13.4% and 67.4% of cases were classified as moderate to severe. Compared to nonconstruction workers, construction trade workers were at significantly increased risk of all COPD (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.29–1.79) and even more so for severe COPD (OR = 1.61, 95% CI = 1.32–1.96). The highest risk trades were cement masons/bricklayers (OR = 2.36; 95% CI = 1.71–3.26) and roofers (OR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.48–3.32). Risk among workers employed after 1995 was elevated but not statistically significant.ConclusionsConstruction workers are at increased COPD risk. Results support the prevention of both smoking and occupational exposures to reduce these risks. While the number of participants employed after 1995 was small, patterns of risk were consistent with findings in the overall cohort.
Reversible Ratiometric NADH Sensing Using Semiconducting Polymer Dots
Authors: Chen Haobin , Yu Jiangbo , Men Xiaoxiao , Zhang Jicheng , Ding Zhaoyang , Jiang Yifei , Wu Changfeng , Chiu Daniel T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractReduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NADH) is a key coenzyme in living cells due to its role as an electron carrier in redox reactions, and its concentration is an important indicator of cell metabolic state. Abnormal NADH levels are associated with age‐related metabolic diseases and neurodegenerative disorders, creating a demand for a simple, rapid analytical method for point‐of‐care NADH sensing. Here we develop a series of NADH‐sensitive semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) as nanoprobes for NADH measurement, and test their performance in vitro and in vivo. NADH sensing is based on electron transfer from semiconducting polymer chains in the Pdot to NADH upon UV excitation, quenching Pdot fluorescence emission. In polyfluorene‐based Pdots, this mechanism resulted in an on‐off NADH sensor; in DPA‐CNPPV Pdots, UV excitation resulted in NADH‐sensitive emission at two wavelengths, enabling ratiometric detection. Ratiometric NADH detection using DPA‐CNPPV Pdots exhibits high sensitivity (3.1 μM limit of detection), excellent selectivity versus other analytes, reversibility, and a fast response (less than 5 s). We demonstrate applications of the ratiometric NADH‐sensing Pdots including smartphone‐based NADH imaging for point‐of‐care use.
Functionalized High Mannose‐Specific Lectins for the Discovery of Type I Mannosidase Inhibitors
Authors: Kurhade Suresh E. , Weiner Jack D. , Gao Fei Philip , Farrell Mark P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAn engineered cyanovirin‐N homologue that exhibits specificity for high mannose N‐glycans has been constructed to aid type I α 1,2‐mannosidase inhibitor discovery and development. Engineering the lectins C‐terminus permitted facile functionalization with fluorophores via a sortase and click strategy. The resulting lectin constructs exhibit specificity for cells presenting high mannose N‐glycans. Importantly, these lectin constructs can also be applied to specifically assess changes in cell surface glycosylation induced by type I mannosidase inhibitors. Testing the utility of these lectin constructs led to the discovery of type I mannosidase inhibitors with nanomolar potency. Cumulatively, these findings reveal the specificity and utility of the functionalized cyanovirin‐N homologue constructs, and highlight their potential in analytical contexts that require high mannose‐specific lectins.
Exploiting Reaction‐Diffusion Conditions to Trigger Pathway Complexity in the Growth of a MOF
Authors: Calvo Galve Néstor , Abrishamkar Afshin , Sorrenti Alessandro , Di Rienzo Lorenzo , Satta Mauro , D'Abramo Marco , Coronado Eugenio , de Mello Andrew J. , Mínguez Espallargas Guillermo , Puigmartí‐Luis Josep 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoordination polymers (CPs), including metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), are crystalline materials with promising applications in electronics, magnetism, catalysis, and gas storage/separation. However, the mechanisms and pathways underlying their formation remain largely undisclosed. Herein, we demonstrate that diffusion‐controlled mixing of reagents at the very early stages of the crystallization process (i.e., within ≈40 ms), achieved by using continuous‐flow microfluidic devices, can be used to enable novel crystallization pathways of a prototypical spin‐crossover MOF towards its thermodynamic product. In particular, two distinct and unprecedented nucleation‐growth pathways were experimentally observed when crystallization was triggered under microfluidic mixing. Full‐atom molecular dynamics simulations also confirm the occurrence of these two distinct pathways during crystal growth. In sharp contrast, a crystallization by particle attachment was observed under bulk (turbulent) mixing. These unprecedented results provide a sound basis for understanding the growth of CPs and open up new avenues for the engineering of porous materials by using out‐of‐equilibrium conditions.
Lignin Compounds to Monoaromatics: Selective Cleavage of C−O Bonds over a Brominated Ruthenium Catalyst
Authors: Wu Dan , Wang Qiyan , Safonova Olga V. , Peron Deizi V. , Zhou Wenjuan , Yan Zhen , Marinova Maya , Khodakov Andrei Y. , Ordomsky Vitaly V. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe cleavage of C−O linkages in aryl ethers in biomass‐derived lignin compounds without hydrogenation of the aromatic rings is a major challenge for the production of sustainable mono‐aromatics. Conventional strategies over the heterogeneous metal catalysts require the addition of homogeneous base additives causing environmental problems. Herein, we propose a heterogeneous Ru/C catalyst modified by Br atoms for the selective direct cleavage of C−O bonds in diphenyl ether without hydrogenation of aromatic rings reaching the yield of benzene and phenol as high as 90.3 % and increased selectivity to mono‐aromatics (97.3 vs. 46.2 % for initial Ru) during depolymerization of lignin. Characterization of the catalyst indicates selective poisoning by Br of terrace sites over Ru nanoparticles, which are active in the hydrogenation of aromatic rings, while the defect sites on the edges and corners remain available and provide higher intrinsic activity in the C−O bond cleavage.
A Homage to Siegfried Hünig and His Research
Authors: Reissig Hans‐Ulrich 
Published: March 2021

AbstractExamples from different research areas of Siegfried Hünig are displayed to remind us that organic chemistry owes much more than Hünig's base to this exceptionally versatile and creative chemist. The main research lines dealing with the synthesis and physical characterization of new dyes, multistage redox systems, and organic metals will be presented as well as his contributions to enamine chemistry, the discovery of diimine as a hydrogenation agent, and nucleophilic acylation with trimethylsilyl cyanide, which are less well‐known nowadays. In addition, exotic compounds with parallel C=C and N=N bonds were systematically studied in Hünig's group. Reflecting on the development of his research demonstrates both the importance of a systematic approach and how fruitful entirely unexpected results are if they meet a “well‐prepared mind”. During Hünig's academic career, teaching played an indisputable role. His efforts in modernizing the chemistry institute at Würzburg and his support of young researchers in the academic system in Germany are also highlighted.
The Electrophilicity of Surface Carbon Species in the Redox Reactions of CuO‐CeO2 Catalysts
Authors: Kang Liqun , Wang Bolun , Güntner Andreas T. , Xu Siyuan , Wan Xuhao , Liu Yiyun , Marlow Sushila , Ren Yifei , Gianolio Diego , Tang Chiu C. , Murzin Vadim , Asakura Hiroyuki , He Qian , Guan Shaoliang , Velasco‐Vélez Juan J. , Pratsinis Sotiris E. , Guo Yuzheng , Wang Feng Ryan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractElectronic metal–support interactions (EMSI) describe the electron flow between metal sites and a metal oxide support. It is generally used to follow the mechanism of redox reactions. In this study of CuO‐CeO2 redox, an additional flow of electrons from metallic Cu to surface carbon species is observed via a combination of operando X‐ray absorption spectroscopy, synchrotron X‐ray powder diffraction, near ambient pressure near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, and diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy. An electronic metal–support–carbon interaction (EMSCI) is proposed to explain the reaction pathway of CO oxidation. The EMSCI provides a complete picture of the mass and electron flow, which will help predict and improve the catalytic performance in the selective activation of CO2, carbonate, or carbonyl species in C1 chemistry.
Mechanistic Understanding of Oxygen Electrodes in Rechargeable Multivalent Metal‐Oxygen Batteries
Authors: Liang Zhuojian , Lu Yi‐Chun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRechargeable multivalent metal‐O2 batteries (Mg−O2, Zn−O2 and Al−O2 etc.) are promising next‐generation battery technologies for electric automobiles and large‐scale energy storage owing to their high energy density, low cost, and sustainability. To realize the full potentials of these systems, an in‐depth mechanistic understanding of the underlying chemistries is crucial for rational development. However, compared with the intensively studied Li−O2 batteries, reaction mechanisms of multivalent metal‐O2 batteries are much less understood. Here, we discuss the current status of mechanistic understanding of oxygen reduction and evolution reactions in rechargeable multivalent metal‐O2 batteries. We discuss the key open questions and future research directions of multivalent metal‐O2 batteries using examples and experiences from Li−O2 batteries, which could guide and inspire the development of multivalent metal‐O2 batteries.
Exploring effects of differential observing responses on vocal tact acquisition
Authors: Devine Bailey , Petursdottir Anna I. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTwo studies were conducted to explore the effects of differential observing responses (DORs) on vocal tact acquisition in preschool‐age children of typical development. In Study 1 with three participants, an identity‐matching DOR was incorporated into tact instruction trials with novel visual stimuli. Acquisition rates were similar in the DOR condition and in a non‐DOR condition. In Study 2 with five new participants, the identity‐matching DOR was implemented as an intervention when standard discrete‐trial instruction failed to produce acquisition of tacts of compound stimuli. Two participants reached mastery after the identity‐matching DOR was introduced, whereas three participants' progress was unaffected. For those three, the identity‐matching DOR was replaced with a verbal DOR (tacting of stimulus components), but although one participant's correct responding increased, none reached mastery. Two participants ultimately reached mastery after a non‐DOR intervention. Conditions under which DORs facilitate stimulus control outside of MTS tasks remain to be identified.
Enhancement of microalgae growth using magnetic artificial cilia
Authors: Verburg Thijn , Schaap Allison , Zhang Shuaizhong , den Toonder Jaap , Wang Ye 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMicroalgae have shown great potential as a source of biofuels, food, and other bioproducts. More recently, microfluidic devices have been employed in microalgae‐related studies. However, at small fluid volumes, the options for controlling flow conditions are more limited and mixing becomes largely reliant on diffusion. In this study, we fabricated magnetic artificial cilia (MAC) and implemented them in millimeter scale culture wells and conducted growth experiments with Scenedesmus subspicatus while actuating the MAC in a rotating magnetic field to create flow and mixing. In addition, surface of MAC was made hydrophilic using plasma treatment and its effect on growth was compared with untreated, hydrophobic MAC. The experiments showed that the growth was enhanced by ten and two times with hydrophobic and hydrophilic MAC, respectively, compared with control groups which contain no MAC. This technique can be used to investigate mixing and flow in small sample volumes, and the enhancement in growth can be beneficial for the throughput of screening studies. Moreover, the methods used for creating and controlling MAC can be easily adopted in labs without microfabrication infrastructures, and they can be mastered by people with little prior experience in microfluidics.
Concept mapping toward competency: Teaching and assessing undergraduate evidence‐informed practice
Authors: Lafave Lynne M. Z. , Yeo Michelle , Lafave Mark R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundUndergraduate students in healthcare professions need to develop critical thinking skills in order to be prepared to deliver patient‐centered high‐quality care upon graduation. The new Canadian Athletic Therapy Association (CATA) competency framework includes a “scholar” role, placing emphasis on knowledge and skills related to evidence‐informed practices (EIP). Educators are expected to develop their student's EIP skills; however, little is known about the optimal educational approaches to accomplish this task. The study objective was to examine concept mapping as a teaching and learning strategy to deepen the understanding of EIP and examine the validity and reliability of a concept mapping scoring rubric.MethodA concept mapping approach to teaching EIP was piloted in an upper‐level research methods and statistics course. Students (N = 15) participated in a pretest post‐test concurrent nested mixed‐method intervention study that analyzed the impact of concept mapping on students' understanding of EIP and assessed initial validity and reliability of the grading rubric.ResultsStudents demonstrated a deeper understanding of EIP and its relationship to healthcare practice following the concept mapping activity compared to a note‐taking activity (Cohen's d = 1.79). The concept mapping rubric used to assess EIP competence demonstrated strong construct validity and content validity with moderate inter‐rater reliability.ConclusionsEmploying the concept mapping technique as a teaching and learning tool proved to be effective to teach EIP principles and concepts based on student grades. An analytic rubric method was found valid and reliable for grading student concept maps underpinning EIP competency.
Proteomic analysis of thyroid tissue reveals enhanced catabolic activity in Graves' disease compared to toxic multinodular goitre
Authors: Temiz Karadag Duygu , Cetinarslan Berrin , Kasap Murat , Canturk Nuh Zafer , Akpinar Gurler , Canturk Zeynep , Tarkun Ilhan , Simsek Turgay , Selek Alev 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGraves' disease (GD) and toxic multinodular goitre (TMNG) are the most common thyroid diseases which mainly lead to thyrotoxicosis, however, the underlying mechanism of distinct clinical presentations remains unclear. Protein extracts from the thyroid tissue specimens of the patients with GD and TMNG were subjected to Difference Gel Electrophoresis (DIGE). Differentially regulated protein spots were determined by image analysis, and the spots displaying statistically significant differences were identified by Matrix‐Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Time of Flight Mass Spectrometer (MALDI‐TOF) followed by MASCOT search. Western blot analysis was used to verify changes occurring at the protein levels. The identified proteins were classified based on their functions in metabolic pathways using bioinformatics algorithms. Fifteen proteins showed significant alterations in abundance between the two disease groups. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the differentially regulated proteins were particularly related to catabolism, oxidative stress and especially energy utilization pathways, including glycolysis, proteolysis, ketone body catabolism and other energy metabolism‐related pathways.Significance of the studyPreviously, GD has been the subject of many studies that performed the proteomics approaches in the orbital tissue samples or tear. This is one of the very few studies that investigate the changes in the proteome of thyroid tissue in GD. We demonstrated mainly the upregulation of catabolic activity‐related proteins in patients with GD compared to TMNG. Although it remains to be elucidated, some of these proteins can be used as markers for GD or have a role in the pathogenesis of the disease. Our study contributes the increasing data over time by providing new biomarker candidates for GD.