bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conjugation of (–)‐epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate and protein isolate from large yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe: improvement of antioxidant activity and structural characteristics
Authors: Du Yi‐Nan , Han Jia‐Run , Yin Zhi‐Kang , Yan Jia‐Nan , Jiang Xin‐Yu , Wu Hai‐Tao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDLarge yellow croaker (Pseudosciaena crocea) roe is the main by‐product in the processing of large yellow croaker. Previous studies have found that its protein isolates are composed of vitellogenin, as well as vitellogenin B and C, having good functional properties. (‐)‐Epigallocatechin‐3‐gallate (EGCG) is a natural antioxidant component that can be combined with protein to improve antioxidant activity and structural characteristics of protein.RESULTSEGCG was bound with the P. crocea roe protein isolate (pcRPI) by the free radical method to prepare the conjugate. The formation of pcRPI–EGCG conjugates was confirmed by sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and gel permeation chromatography, which showed that the calculated weight‐average molar masses of native‐pcRPI and pcRPI–EGCG conjugates were 86.9 and 215.3 kDa, respectively. The results of fluorescence, ultraviolet, circular and infrared spectra indicated that the conjugation of EGCG with native‐pcRPI changed the secondary and tertiary structure of native‐pcRPI. The pcRPI–EGCG conjugates exhibited higher thermal stability than native‐pcRPI. The radical scavenging and reducing power of native‐pcRPI were increased by 2.0–2.5‐ and 1.4‐fold, respectively, after the EGCG‐grafting reaction.CONCLUSIONThese results indicate that the binding of pcRPI and EGCG effectively improved the antioxidant properties and structural characteristics of the pcRPI. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
The Reproducibility of Ultrasonographic Findings of Rectosigmoid Endometriosis Among Examiners With Different Level of Expertise
Authors: Guerriero Stefano , Pascual MariaAngela , Ajossa Silvia , Neri Manuela , Pilloni Monica , Graupera Betlem , Rodriguez Ignacio , Alcazar Juan Luis 
Published: April 2021

ObjectiveTo analyze the reproducibility of ultrasonographic (US) findings of rectosigmoid endometriosis among examiners with different level of expertise using stored three‐dimensional (3D) volumes of the posterior compartment of the pelvis as a part of SANABA (Sardinia‐Navarra‐Barcelona) collaborative study.Materials and methodsSix examiners in 3 academic Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, with different levels of experience and blinded to each other, evaluated 60 stored 3D volumes from the posterior compartment of the pelvis and looked for the presence or absence of features of rectosigmoid endometriotic lesions defined as an irregular hypoechoic nodule with or without hypoechoic foci at the level of the muscularis propria of the anterior wall rectum sigma. Multiplanar view and virtual navigation were used. All examiners had to assess the 3D volume of posterior compartment of the pelvis and classify it as present or absent disease. To analyze intra‐observer and the inter‐observer agreements, each examiner performed the assessment twice with a 2‐week interval between the first and second assessments. Reproducibility was assessed by calculating the weighted Kappa index.ResultsIntra‐observer reproducibility was moderate to very good for all observers (Kappa index ranging from 0.49 to 0.96) associated with a good diagnostic accuracy of each reader. Inter‐observer reproducibility was fair to very good (Kappa index range: 0.21–0.87).ConclusionsThe typical US sign of rectosigmoid endometriosis is reasonably recognizable to observers with different level of expertise when assessed in stored 3D volumes.
On the potential of ROI imaging in x‐ray CT – A comparison of novel dynamic beam attenuators with current technology
Authors: Huck Sascha Manuel , Fung George S.K. , Parodi Katia , Stierstorfer Karl 
Published: April 2021

PurposeIn this work, we explore the potential of region‐of‐interest (ROI) imaging in x‐ray computed tomography (CT). Using two dynamic beam attenuator (DBA) concepts for fluence field modulation (FFM) previously developed, we investigate and evaluate the potential dose savings in comparison with current FFM technology.MethodsROI imaging is a special application of FFM where the bulk of x‐ray radiation is propagated toward a certain anatomical target (ROI), specified by the imaging task, while the surrounding tissue is spared from radiation. We introduce a criterion suitable to quantitatively describe the balance between image quality inside an ROI and total radiation dose with respect to a given ROI imaging task. It accounts for the mean image variance at the ROI and the effective patient dose calculated from Monte Carlo simulations. The criterion is further used to compile task‐specific DBA trajectories determining the primary x‐ray fluence, and eventually used for comparing different FFM techniques, namely the sheet‐based dynamic beam attenuator (sbDBA), the z‐aligned sbDBA (z‐sbDBA), and an adjustable static operation mode of the z‐sbDBA. Furthermore, two static bowtie filters and the influence of tube current modulation (TCM) are included in the comparison.ResultsOur findings demonstrate by simulations that the presented trajectory optimization method determines reasonable DBA trajectories. The influence of TCM is strongly depending on the imaging task. The narrow bowtie filter allows for dose reductions of about 10% compared to the regular bowtie filter in the considered ROI imaging tasks. The DBAs are shown to realize substantially larger dose reductions. In our cardiac imaging scenario, the DBAs can reduce the effective dose by about 30% (z‐sbDBA) or 60% (sbDBA). We can further verify that the noise characteristics are not adversely affected by the DBAs.ConclusionOur research demonstrates that ROI imaging using the presented DBA concepts is a promising technique toward a more patient‐ and task‐specific CT imaging requiring lower radiation dose. Both the sbDBA and the z‐sbDBA are potential technical solutions for realizing ROI imaging in x‐ray CT.
Perfusion quantification using voxel‐wise proton density and median signal decay in PREFUL MRI
Authors: Glandorf Julian , Klimeš Filip , Behrendt Lea , Voskrebenzev Andreas , Kaireit Till F. , Gutberlet Marcel , Wacker Frank , Vogel‐Claussen Jens 
Published: April 2021

PurposeContrast‐free lung MRI based on Fourier decomposition is an attractive method to monitor various lung diseases. However, the accuracy of the current perfusion quantification is limited. In this study, a new approach for perfusion quantification based on voxel‐wise proton density and median signal decay toward the steady state for Fourier decomposition‐based techniques is proposed called QQuantified (QQuant).MethodsTwenty patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and 18 patients with chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension received phase‐resolved functional lung‐MRI (PREFUL) and dynamic contrast‐enhanced (DCE)‐MRI. Nine healthy participants received phase‐resolved functional lung‐MRI only. Median values of QQuant were compared to a Fourier decomposition perfusion quantification presented by Kjørstad et al (QKjørstad) and validated toward pulmonary blood flow derived by DCE‐MRI (PBFDCE). Blood fraction maps determined by the new approach were calculated. Regional and global correlation coefficients were calculated, and Bland‐Altman plots were created. Histogram analyses of all cohorts were created.ResultsThe introduced parameter QQuant showed only 2 mL/min/100 mL mean deviation to PBFDCE in the patient cohort and showed less bias than QKjørstad. Significant increases of regional correlation with PBFDCE were achieved (r = 0.3 vs. r = 0.2, P < .01*). The trend of global correlation toward PBFDCE is not uniform, showing higher values for QKjørstad in the chronic obstructive pulmonary disease cohort than for QQuant and vice versa in the chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension cohort. In contrast to QKjørstad, QQuant perfusion maps indicate a physiologic dorsoventral gradient in supine position similar to PBFDCE with similar value distribution in the histograms.ConclusionWe proposed a new approach for perfusion quantification of phase‐resolved functional lung measurements. The developed parameter QQuant reveals a higher accuracy compared to QKjørstad.
Ultrasonic‐Assisted Ionic Liquid Extraction of Four Biflavonoids from Ginkgo biloba L.
Authors: Lei Jie , Jiang Yongmei , Luo Xirong , Zheng Yu , Zhu Lei , Sun Chengxin , Linghu Lang , Qin Cheng , Gang Wang 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn the study, four main biflavonoids (bilobetin (BIL), ginkgetin (GIN), isoginkgetin (IGIN) and sciadopitysin (SCI)) were extracted from Ginkgo biloba L. by ultrasonic‐assisted ionic liquid extraction (UAILE). The above four biflavonoids from Ginkgo biloba L. were simultaneously determined by the established high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) approach. Next, three novel ionic liquids (ILs) were synthesized by one‐step method from benzoxazole and three acids or salts. The structure of ILs were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance. Moreover, the thermal stability of ILs was evaluated by thermogravimetric analysis. Through screening the extraction effect of 9 different ILs, [EPy]BF4 was screened as the optimal extraction agent. Through single factor and response surface analysis, the optimum extraction conditions of the four kinds of biflavonoids from Ginkgo biloba L. were further investigated. The optimum conditions were as follows: 0.148 mol/L IL concentration, 25 min extraction time, 1 : 14 g/ml solid‐liquid ratio, and 280 W ultrasonic power. The extraction rates of BIL, GIN, IGIN and SCI in Ginkgo biloba L. were 2.44 mg/g, 4.33 mg/g, 6.50 mg/g and 13.97 mg/g, respectively. Compared with ethanol‐UAE, infiltration extraction (IE) and percolation extraction (PE), UAILE not only could obtain more biflavonoids, but also could save the extraction time. In addition, the results of recovery test indicated that the recovered IL could be repeatedly extracted for 6 times. In general, three novel ILs were first synthesized in this study. The UAILE was first applied to extract the four biflavonoids in G. biloba L. This study provided a valuable reference for further investigation on G. biloba L.
The Effects of pH on the Supramolecular Structure of Amino Amides
Authors: Islas‐Trejo Eltonh , Avila‐Montiel Concepción , Tlahuext Hugo , Lechuga‐Islas Víctor D. , Tapia‐Benavides Antonio R. , Tlahuextl Margarita 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHere, we report the determination of acidity constants of eight amino amides through the use of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) to carry out the selective crystallization of diprotonated (a), monoprotonated (b), and neutral species (c) derived from these compounds. Crystallographic studies of compounds 2 a, 6 a, 7 a, 8 a, 2 b, 3 b, 6 b and 2 c revealed that the presence of substituents at the C8 and C10 positions determines the conformation of the molecule regardless of its degree of protonation. Although diprotonated species (a) have the same conformation and similar hydrogen bonding patterns, the supramolecular structures of these compounds are different. Furthermore, chloride ions and solvent molecules play an outstanding role in stabilizing the supramolecular structure of these compounds. This phenomenon restricts the π⋅⋅⋅π interactions between benzimidazole groups and consequently limits the possibility of aggregation in amino amides 1–8.
Accordion‐Like Fluorinated Graphite Nanosheets with High Power and Energy Densities for Wide‐Temperature, Long Shelf‐Life Sodium/Potassium Primary Batteries
Authors: Luo Zhenya , Chen Duanwei , Wang Xiao , Huang Jianyu , Pan Yong , Lei Weixin , Pan Junan 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSodium and potassium are considered to be the most promising anode candidates due to their easy availability, low‐cost and similar chemical properties to lithium. Here, novel 3D accordion‐like fluorinated graphite nanosheets (FGNSs) are reported as cathodes for sodium primary batteries (SPBs) and potassium primary batteries (PPBs). The FGNSs‐x cathode exhibits unprecedented power and energy density due to the impressive 3D structure, high F/C ratio (1.0), and more surface CC bonds (7.14%). The FGNSs‐1.0 exhibits very high specific capacities of 831.3 and 834.1 mAh g−1 for SPBs and PPBs, respectively, close to the theoretical capacity. Besides, the maximum energy density of FGNSs‐1.0 in SPBs and PPBs are 1960.5 and 2144.6 Wh kg−1, respectively. The maximum power density for Na/CFx and K/CFx batteries could reach up to 7076.8 and 6227.4 W kg−1, respectively. The electrochemical performance of FGNSs‐1.0 at extreme temperatures (−30 to 100 °C), long storage time (60 days), high mass loading (3.6 mg cm−2), and pouch‐type cell is also evaluated for the first time. Surprisingly, FGNSs‐1.0 has outstanding performance in these projects. Therefore, the new‐type Na/CFx and K/CFx primary battery systems developed here have broad application prospects in high‐energy applications that require high‐power, low‐cost, and normal use under extreme conditions.
Enhanced photocatalytic degradation activity of Z‐scheme heterojunction BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 under visible light irradiation
Authors: Li Jing , Ma Yuxuan , Xu Yuan , Li Pengtao , Guo Jifeng 
Published: April 2021

AbstractA novel BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 heterostructure photocatalyst was synthesized by thermal condensation, hydrothermal, and in situ precipitation method. The microscopic morphology and chemical composition of the synthesized samples were analyzed by XRD, SEM, FT‐IR, XPS, and other characterizations. BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 (BiVO4/Cu:g‐C3N4 mass ratio was 1:1) photocatalyst had the optimal photocatalytic degradation activity for tetracycline (TC) wastewater under visible light irradiation (120 min, 74.8%). The introduction of Cu and Z‐scheme heterojunction was further confirmed by UV‐vis, PL, EIS, and capture mechanism analysis, which effectively accelerated the separation and transfer rate of photogenerated electron holes and enhanced the strong oxidation of h+ and •O2− active species. BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 heterojunction photocatalytic material has potential application value in the removal of refractory pollutants in wastewater.Practitioner points

A novel Z‐scheme BiVO4/Cu/g‐C3N4 photocatalyst with excellent photocatalytic activities and stability was prepared to treat tetracycline (TC) wastewater.
1:1 CBCN (BiVO4/Cu:g‐C3N4 mass ratio was 1:1) photocatalyst exhibited the highest photocatalytic performance for TC wastewater.
The Z‐scheme heterojunction and Cu act as the interfacial charge transfer medium accelerated the transfer and separation of carriers.
Lifshitz tails at spectral edge and holography with a finite cutoff
Authors: Gorsky Alexander , Nechaev Sergei , Valov Alexander 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We propose the holographic description of the Lifshitz tail typical for one-particle spectral density of bounded disordered system in D = 1 space. To this aim the “polymer representation” of the Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) 2D dilaton gravity at a finite cutoff is used and the corresponding partition function is considered as the weighted sum over paths of fixed length in an external magnetic field. We identify the regime of small loops, responsible for emergence of a Lifshitz tail in the Gaussian disorder, and relate the strength of disorder to the boundary value of the dilaton. The geometry corresponding to the Poisson disorder in the boundary theory involves random paths fluctuating in the vicinity of the hard impenetrable cut-off disc in a 2D plane. It is shown that the ensemble of “stretched” paths evading the disc possesses the Kardar-Parisi-Zhang (KPZ) scaling for fluctuations, which is the key property that ensures the dual description of the Lifshitz tail in the spectral density for the Poisson disorder.
Knots, links, and long-range magic
Authors: Fliss Jackson R. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We study the extent to which knot and link states (that is, states in 3d Chern-Simons theory prepared by path integration on knot and link complements) can or cannot be described by stabilizer states. States which are not classical mixtures of stabilizer states are known as “magic states” and play a key role in quantum resource theory. By implementing a particular magic monotone known as the “mana” we quantify the magic of knot and link states. In particular, for SU(2)k Chern-Simons theory we show that knot and link states are generically magical. For link states, we further investigate the mana associated to correlations between separate boundaries which characterizes the state’s long-range magic. Our numerical results suggest that the magic of a majority of link states is entirely long-range. We make these statements sharper for torus links.
Surgical site infection in paediatric posterior fossa surgery: does pathology matter?
Authors: Zaben Malik , Richards Alexandra , Merola Joseph , Patel Chirag , Leach Paul 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives
The aim of this study was to explore the rates and potential risks of surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior fossa surgery for tumour resection in children.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed our local paediatric (age < 16 years) database for all cases of posterior fossa (PF) brain tumour surgery between November 2008 and November 2019. We collected patient demographics, tumour histology/location, and the event of postoperative surgical site infection.

Results
Overall, 22.1% (n=15) developed SSI out of sixty-eight children undergoing PF surgery for resection of brain tumours; 73.3% of them had a confirmed diagnosis of medulloblastoma. There was no statistically significant difference in the age (5.1 ± 0.60 vs. 6.2 ± 0.97 years; p=0.47) and duration of operation (262 vs. 253 min; p = 0.7655) between the medulloblastoma group and other tumours. Although the rate of postoperative hydrocephalus was higher in the medulloblastoma group (12.9% vs. 0%), this was not associated with increased SSI. Rates of CSF leak between the 2 groups were not different.

Conclusion
Medulloblastoma as a pathological entity seems to carry higher risk of postoperative surgical site infection compared to other types of paediatric posterior fossa tumours. Further larger studies are required to look into this causal relationship and other risk factors that might be involved.
Changing summer precipitation variability in the Alpine region: on the role of scale dependent atmospheric drivers
Authors: Haslinger Klaus , Hofstätter Michael , Schöner Wolfgang , Blöschl Günter 
Published: April 2021

AbstractSummer precipitation totals in the Alpine Region do not exhibit a systematic trend over the last 120 years. However, we find significant low frequency periodicity of interannual variability which occurs in synchronization with a dominant two-phase state of the atmospheric circulation over the Alps. Enhanced meridional flow increases precipitation variability through positive soil moisture precipitation feedbacks on the regional scale, whereas enhanced zonal flow results in less variability through constant moisture flow from the Atlantic and suppressed feedbacks with the land surface. The dominant state of the atmospheric circulation over the Alps in these periods appears to be steered by zonal sea surface temperature gradients in the mid-latitude North Atlantic. The strength and the location of the westerlies in the mid-latitude Atlantic play an important role in the physical mechanisms linking atmosphere and oceanic temperature gradients and the meridional/zonal circulation characteristics.
Circadian rhythm and gestational diabetes: working conditions, sleeping habits and lifestyle influence insulin dependency during pregnancy
Authors: Weschenfelder Friederike , Lohse Karolin , Lehmann Thomas , Schleußner Ekkehard , Groten Tanja 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objective
Management of gestational diabetes (GDM) is currently changing toward a more personalized approach. There is a growing number of GDM patients requiring only a single dose of basal insulin at night to achieve glucose control. Well-known risk factors like obesity, parity and family history have been associated with GDM treatment requirements. Sleep quality and lifestyle factors interfering with the circadian rhythm are known to affect glucose metabolism. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of such lifestyle factors on insulin requirement in GDM patients, in particular on long-acting insulin to control fasting glucose levels.

Research design and methods
A total of 805 patients treated for GDM between 2012 and 2016 received a study questionnaire on lifestyle conditions. Sleep quality and work condition categories were used for subgroup analysis. Independent effects on treatment approaches were evaluated using multivariate regression.

Results
In total, 235 (29.2%) questionnaires returned. Women reporting poor sleep conditions had higher pre-pregnancy weight and BMI, heavier newborns, more large for gestational age newborns and higher rates of hyperbilirubinemia. Treatment requirements were related to sleep and work condition categories. Multivariate regression for ‘Basal’ insulin-only treatment revealed an adjOR 3.4 (CI 1.23–9.40, p  <  0.05) for unfavorable work conditions and adjOR 4.3 (CI 1.28–14.50, p  <  0.05) for living with children.

Conclusions
Our findings suggest that external stressors like unfavorable work conditions and living with children are independently associated with the necessity of long-acting insulin at night in GDM patients. Thus, fasting glucose levels of pregnant women presenting with such lifestyle conditions may be subject to close monitoring.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Evaluation of Degussa P25/Chitosan Composites for the Photocatalytic Removal of Sertraline and Acid Red 18 from Water
Authors: Rejek M. , Grzechulska-Damszel J. , Schmidt B. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Degussa P25 titanium dioxide/chitosan composites (P25/CS) were prepared using three different methods and two different chitosan materials. The obtained materials were characterized by diffuse reflectance UV–Vis, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies, X-ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy. It was observed for all prepared materials that the chitosan surface is homogeneously covered by Degussa P25, the particles are evenly dispersed on the whole chitosan matrix and do not form agglomerates. The performance of P25/CS composites were tested in water treatment by the photocatalytic reaction of sertraline and Acid Red 18. The obtained results show that the application of prepared composites is effective in the reaction of decomposition of model organic impurities in water. Moreover, chitosan presence in the photocatalytic materials considerably facilitates the separation of catalyst from the reaction mixture, which is a great advantage compared to pure Degussa P25. The preparation method did not show a major effect on the photocatalytic activity. The method using glutaraldehyde as the crosslinking agent is the simplest one; thus, it is recommended for Degussa P25/chitosan nanocomposites preparation. These nanocomposites can be successfully applied in water purification by photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants.

Graphic Abstract