bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A comprehensive biotechnological and molecular insight into plastic degradation by microbial community
Authors: Priya Anshu , Dutta Kasturi , Daverey Achlesh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEnvironmental pollution by petrochemical plastic is a matter of serious global concern. Several microbes have the potential to degrade synthetic polymers with the aid of various genes, enzymes, and metabolic pathways. However, the biodegradation of petrochemical plastics by natural microbes is inherently slow. The slow rate of degradation stems from the high molecular weight, strong chemical bonding, and extremely hydrophobic nature of polymer, all of which hinder biodegradability. Nevertheless, the role of genes, enzymes, and interactions between microbes and plastic as a substrate has been inadequately explored. Notably, several biotechnological approaches (such as synthetic biology, metabolic engineering, and bioinformatics tools) have been developed for the efficient biodegradation of synthetic polymers. Further, exploiting the degradative potential of microbes, plastic wastes can be utilized as feedstock for the production of high value compounds. This will not only avert environmental pollution but would also facilitate waste management and circular economy. However, the major limitations to these approaches are lack of experimental validations in real world. In this regard, the present review provides a comprehensive assessment of the biotechnological and molecular advancement in plastic biodegradation to facilitate a better understanding of the role of microbes, genes, enzymes, and biodegradation pathways in plastic mineralization. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Mitochondrial dysfunction, mitophagy, and role of dynamin‐related protein 1 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Medala Vijay Krishna , Gollapelli Buchaiah , Dewanjee Saikat , Ogunmokun Gilbert , Kandimalla Ramesh , Vallamkondu Jayalakshmi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia and progressive neurodegenerative disease. The presence of β‐amyloid (Aβ) plaques and phosphorylated Tau tangles are considered to be the two main hallmarks of AD. Recent findings have shown that different changes in the structure and dynamics of mitochondria play an important role in AD pathology progression. Mitochondrial changes in AD are expressed as enhanced mitochondrial fragmentation, altered mitochondrial dynamics, and changes in the expression of mitochondrial biogenesis genes in vitro and in vivo models. Therefore, targeting mitochondria and associated mitochondrial proteins seems to be a promising alternative instead of targeting Aβ and Tau in the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. The dynamin‐related protein (Drp1) is one such protein that plays an important role in the regulation of mitochondrial division and maintenance of mitochondrial structures. Few researchers have shown that inhibition of Drp1 GTPase activity in neuronal cells rescues excessive mitochondrial fragmentation. In addition, the growing evidence revealed that Drp1 can interact with both Aβ and Tau protein in human brain tissues and mouse models. In this review, we would like to update existing knowledge about various changes in and around mitochondria related to the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, with particular emphasis on mitophagy and autophagy.
Purification of hypocrellins from Shiraia bambusicola by coordinated high‐speed countercurrent chromatography using cupric chloride as a complexing agent
Authors: Dong Hongjing , Yao Xue , Guo Lanping , Yu Shuai , Duan Wenjuan , Liu Wei , Wang Xiao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHypocrellins are anthraquinone that can act as excellent photosensitizers for photodynamic therapy. In the present work, we found that high‐speed countercurrent chromatography using cupric chloride as a complexing agent effectively separated hypocrellins from Shiraia bambusicola extract. The optimal two‐phase solvent system consisted of petroleum ether/ethyl acetate/methanol/water (7:3:5.5:4.5, v/v/v/v), with 0.01 mol/L cupric chloride in the lower phase at pH of 2.45. This lower phase served as the mobile phase, whereas the upper phase acted as the stationary phase. Employing a continuous separation mode, three continuous injections were found to allow the purification of 1.2 g of crude extract in approximately 12 h. Hypocrellin B (10.8 mg), hypocrellin A (16.2 mg), and hypocrellin C (15.6 mg) were obtained from this process. Simulation of complexation of hypocrellin A with divalent copper ion by computational chemistry calculations indicated that three pairs of hydroxyl and carbonyl groups in hypocrellin A had similar binding energies, and demonstrated that hypocrellin A and B owned different metal‐to‐ligand ratios as compared to hypocrellin C. These factors could modify the partitioning of these compounds in two‐phase solvent system, and resulting in a suitable separation factor. This method would also be used to purify other anthraquinones from natural products.
A non‐iterative domain decomposition method for the interaction between a fluid and a thick structure
Authors: Seboldt Anyastassia , Bukač Martina 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis work focuses on the development and analysis of a partitioned numerical method for moving domain, fluid–structure interaction problems. We model the fluid using incompressible Navier–Stokes equations, and the structure using linear elasticity equations. We assume that the structure is thick, that is, described in the same dimension as the fluid. We propose a non‐iterative, domain decomposition method where the fluid and the structure subproblems are solved separately. The method is based on generalized Robin boundary conditions, which are used in both fluid and structure subproblems. Using energy estimates, we show that the proposed method applied to a moving domain problem is unconditionally stable. We also analyze the convergence of the method and show convergence in time and optimal convergence in space. Numerical examples are used to demonstrate the performance of the method. In particular, we explore the relation between the combination parameter used in the derivation of the generalized Robin boundary conditions and the accuracy of the scheme. We also compare the performance of the method to a monolithic solver.
Amelioration of pancreatic fat accumulation in Japanese type 2 diabetes patients treated with sodium‐glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors: a retrospective study
Authors: Horii Tomomi , Kozawa Junji , Fujita Shingo , Hosokawa Yoshiya , Kimura Takekazu , Fujita Yukari , Tokunaga Ayumi , Fukui Kenji , Shimomura Iichiro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundPrior reports have suggested that pancreatic fat is related to type 2 diabetes. Sodium‐glucose co‐transporter‐2 (SGLT‐2) inhibitors are expected to reduce ectopic fat accumulation.AimThis study assessed the effect of SGLT‐2 inhibitors on pancreatic and liver fat accumulations in patients with type 2 diabetes.Materials and MethodsRetrospective analyses of indices of pancreatic and liver fat accumulations were conducted in 22 type 2 diabetes outpatients who were receiving SGLT‐2 inhibitors for more than 12 weeks. The differences between the pancreatic (P) or liver (L) and splenic (S) computed tomography values were evaluated.ResultsFatty pancreas was defined as P−S < −8 Hounsfield Unit (HU), and the number of patients with fatty pancreas was 11 (50%). Fatty pancreas significantly improved after SGLT‐2 inhibitor use (median, −20.8; IQR, −34.8 to −14.3 HU vs. median, −14.6; IQR, −29.5 to −7.8 HU; p = 0.041). Fatty liver was defined as L−S ≤ 3.9 HU, and the number of patients with fatty liver was 11 (50%). Fatty liver significantly improved after SGLT‐2 inhibitor use (median, −4.3; IQR, −23.0 to 3.0 HU vs. median, −0.7; IQR, −5.2 to 6.3 HU; p = 0.016).ConclusionPancreatic fat and liver fat accumulations might be reduced after treatment with SGLT‐2 inhibitors in type 2 diabetes patients with intense cumulative fat depositions in these organs.
Comparison of epoxidation methods for biobased oils: dioxirane intermediates generated from Oxone versus peracid derived from hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Setien Raul A , Ghasemi Shokoofeh , Pourhashem Ghasideh , Webster Dean C 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA study was carried out to compare the epoxidation of unsaturated vegetable oils using dioxirane intermediates generated in situ using Oxone to that by the peracid/hydrogen peroxide method. Epoxidized oils are typically synthesized using hydrogen peroxide, as well as acetic or formic acid. This synthesis requires heating and catalysts and generates acidic waste. Recently, advances have been made in the process of using Oxone (potassium peroxymonosulfate) and ketones to generate in situ dioxiranes to epoxidize alkenes. The dioxirane method allows for room temperature reactions and eliminates the use of peroxides and acids. Epoxidation of soybean oil, hempseed oil and sucrose soyate using in situ generated dioxiranes was carried out and parameters such as molar ratios and addition rates were studied. The data show that optimum reaction conditions are reached when molar ratios of Oxone and unsaturation are 1.6:1 and the Oxone addition rate is 1 mL min–1. As a comparison, epoxidations using the acetic acid/hydrogen peroxide method were carried out and cured materials were prepared from the epoxidized compounds. Negligible differences were identified in the materials prepared from both synthetic pathways. An environmental sustainability assessment using green chemistry principles was also conducted for both methods to evaluate their safety and efficiency with respect to multiple criteria including minimizing waste generation and energy consumption. The analysis shows that, although the peracid method is atom economic and generates less waste, the dioxirane method offers better occupational safety and requires less energy, demonstrating the tradeoffs involved with either pathway if one is to be selected. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Solution Lithography for Colloidal Crystal Patterning: Revisiting Flory–Huggins Interaction Parameters and Co‐Nonsolvent Systems
Authors: Kim Jung Yeon , Song Ji Eun , Choi Yeon Jae , Pyun Seung Beom , Cho Eun Chul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFor fundamental studies and practical applications, colloidal crystal patterns on substrates are typically fabricated through etching and conventional lithography. However, a wet‐chemical based method is necessary for simplifying the procedure, preserving the substrate structure, and reproducibly fabricating the colloidal crystal patterns. The present study demonstrates that colloidal crystal patterns can be conveniently generated using thermodynamic relationships between a polymer colloid and surrounding solvents. Close‐packed colloidal monolayers in good solvents that cause colloidal swelling spontaneously transform into non–close‐packed crystal patterns when non‐solvents that cause their shrinkage replace the good solvents. The colloid diameter in the close‐packed monolayer decreases significantly when the polymer in the colloid is passing thermodynamic theta conditions (when Flory–Huggins interaction parameters increase to higher than ≈0.5). The close‐packed monolayers also transform into the patterns in co‐nonsolvent conditions. The “solution lithography” might be particularly useful for patterning colloids on curved microstructures and plastic/flexible films. The colloidal shapes in the patterns vary with the solvent pairs and substrates. The method does not require special facilities to reproducibly fabricate the patterns. The study further suggests methods simultaneously fixing the patterns. The patterns exhibit anti‐reflection properties. Therefore, the solution lithography is applicable to optics, electronics, analytical science, and energy systems.
Facile and Scalable Synthesis of Si@void@C Embedded in Interconnected 3D Porous Carbon Architecture for High Performance Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Jingyun , Tan Hua , Liu Hong , Chao Yimin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractSi‐based materials possess huge potential as an excellent anode material for Li‐ion batteries. However, how to realize scalable synthesis of Si‐based anode with a long cycling life and high‐performance is still a critical challenge. Here a water‐in‐oil microemulsion process followed by UV illumination, calcination, and hydrothermal method to produce yolk‐shell Si@void@C embedded in interconnected 3D porous carbon network architecture using silicon nanoparticles is reported. As a result, the sample Si@void@C/C‐2 electrode has achieved a reversible capacity of 1160 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 after 300 cycles and a stable long cycling life of 480 mA h g−1 at 1 A g−1 after 1000 cycles. A full battery with the synthesized anode shows a capacity of 128 mA h g−1 at 0.2 A g−1 as well as good cycling stability after 1100th cycles. Such excellent electrochemical performance is ascribed to its unique structure, the yolk‐shell void space, highly robust carbon shells and interconnected porous carbon nets that can improve the conductivity of the electrode, buffer the volume expansion, and also suppress Si nanoparticles stress variation. This water‐in oil system makes it possible for mass production of environmentally friendly synthesis of core–shell structure.
Cystic fibrosis patients of minority race and ethnicity less likely eligible for CFTR modulators based on CFTR genotype
Authors: McGarry Meghan E. , McColley Susanna A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) modulators are disease‐modifying medications for cystic fibrosis (CF) and are shown to be efficacious for only specific CFTR mutations. CFTR mutation frequency varies by ancestry, which is different from but related to demographic racial and ethnic group. Eligibility for CFTR modulator therapy has not been previously reported by race and ethnicity.MethodsWe conducted a cross‐sectional study of patients in the 2018 CF Foundation Patient Registry. We analyzed the percentage of patients in each US Census defined racial and ethnic group eligible for CFTR modulators based on CFTR mutations approved by the US FDA and then based on both mutations and FDA approval by age. We compared lung function based on CFTR modulator eligibility and prescription.FindingsBased on CFTR mutations alone, 92.4% of non‐Hispanic White patients, 69.7% of Black/African American patients, 75.6% of Hispanic patients, and 80.5% of other race patients eligible for CFTR modulators. For each CFTR modulator, Black/African American patients were least likely to have eligible mutations, and non‐Hispanic White patients were most likely. There was no difference in the disparity between racial and/or ethnic groups with the addition of current FDA approval by age. The lowest pulmonary function in the cohort was seen in non‐Hispanic White, Black/African American, and Hispanic patients not eligible for CFTR modulators.InterpretationPatients with CF from minority groups are less likely to be eligible for CFTR modulators. Because people with CF who are racial and ethnic minorities have increased disease severity and earlier mortality, this will further contribute to health disparities.
Oncologic outcome of radical prostatectomy versus radiotherapy as primary treatment for high and very high risk localized prostate cancer
Authors: Emam Ahmed , Hermann Gregory , Attwood Kristopher , Ji Wenyan , James Gaybrielle , Kuettel Michael , Mohler James L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the oncologic outcomes of radical prostatectomy (RP) versus external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) ± androgen deprivation therapy for primary treatment of high risk localized prostate cancer (CaP).MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed a prospectively‐populated database for cases who underwent primary treatment for high risk localized CaP, had more than 2 years follow‐up, and were treated since 2006. A total of 335 cases were studied of whom 291 underwent RP and 44 underwent EBRT. Clinical characteristics, biochemical progression‐free survival (BPFS), metastasis‐free survival (MFS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and overall survival (OS) were compared.ResultsEBRT cases were older (p < .01; mean 71 years vs. 61 years) and had longer PSA doubling time (PSADT) (p = .03; median 4.8 years vs. 3.5 years) than RP. Race, pretreatment PSA and biopsy Gleason score were similar. Median follow‐up was 5.1 (range: 2.3–12.8) years for RP versus 3.3 (range: 2–12.4) years for EBRT. Three‐ and 5‐year BPFS were 42% and 36% after RP versus 86% and 75% after EBRT (p < .01). The rate of adjuvant/salvage therapy was 58% after RP versus 20% after EBRT (p < .01). Three‐ and 5‐year MFS were 80% and 77% after RP versus 91% and 91% after EBRT (p = .11). Three‐year CSS was 98% in both groups and OS was 97% after RP versus 94% after EBRT (p = .73).ConclusionsRP had higher rates of biochemical failure and adjuvant or salvage treatment versus EBRT in high risk localized CaP. MFS trended toward benefit after EBRT, but CSS and OS remained high in both groups.
Radar reflectivity assimilation using hourly cycling4D‐Varin the Met Office Unified Model
Authors: Hawkness‐Smith L. D. , Simonin D. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA new method has been developed to directly assimilate volume scans of radar reflectivity data with 4D‐Var in the Met Office Unified Model. The method has been demonstrated in the convective‐scale hourly‐cycling UKV forecast model. Reflectivity observations from 18 C‐band radars in the British Isles are assimilated. This article describes the method of observation processing and quality control, the observation operator, and assimilation method. The assimilation method uses a minimum threshold rainwater content in the forward operator to give sensitivity to reflectivity observations where there is no rain in the background. Furthermore, the use of the Huber norm in the observation penalty function allows the use of observations with large innovations in the assimilation. A change was made to the precipitation efficiency in the microphysics scheme of the linear perturbation forecast model to ensure stability of the scheme. A case‐study is presented which demonstrates how the inclusion of reflectivity observations enhances convergence through analysis increments to the wind field, leading to improvements to the location of convective precipitation features in the forecast. Two‐month trials for summer and winter seasons demonstrate significant improvements to rain forecasts in the nowcasting range.
Revision of the Stochastically Perturbed Parametrisations model uncertainty scheme in the Integrated Forecasting System
Authors: Lang Simon T. K. , Lock Sarah‐Jane , Leutbecher Martin , Bechtold Peter , Forbes Richard M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe Stochastically Perturbed Parametrisations scheme (SPP) represents model uncertainty in numerical weather prediction by introducing stochastic perturbations into the physical parametrisation schemes. The perturbations are constructed in such a way that the internal consistency of the physical parametrisation schemes is preserved. We developed a revised version of SPP for the Integrated Forecasting System of the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF). The revised version introduces perturbations to additional quantities and modifies the probability distributions sampled by the scheme. Medium‐range ensemble forecasts with the revised SPP are considerably more skilful than ensemble forecasts with the original implementation of SPP. The revised version of SPP is similar, in terms of forecast skill, to the Stochastically Perturbed Parametrisation Tendency scheme (SPPT), which is currently used to represent model uncertainty in the operational ECMWF ensemble forecasts.
Detection and longitudinal distribution of GW1516 and its metabolites in equine hair for doping control using liquid chromatography/high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Ishii Hideaki , Shibuya Mariko , Leung Gary Ngai‐Wa , Nozawa Satoshi , Yamashita Shozo , Yamada Masayuki , Kushiro Asuka , Kasashima Yoshinori , Okada Jun , Kawasaki Kazumi , Kijima‐Suda Isao 
Published: January 2021

RationaleGW1516 is a peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor‐δ (PPAR‐δ) agonist that is banned in horseracing and equestrian sports. Long‐term detection and longitudinal distribution of GW1516 in the mane of a horse are reported for the first time and this hair analysis could prolong the detection window of GW1516 for doping control.MethodsMane hairs were divided into three segments (0–7, 7–15, and >15 cm from the cut end) and completely pulverized and homogenized for analysis. The pulverized hair samples were extracted with methanol followed by further purification and the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (LC/ESI‐HRMS) using a Q‐Exactive instrument. This method was successfully validated and applied to post‐administration samples to confirm the presence of GW1516 and its metabolites and estimate the uptake amounts of GW1516.ResultsAfter administration of 150 mg of GW1516 to a thoroughbred mare, GW1516 was detected in one of two segments of all mane hairs, and four metabolites, namely GW1516 sulfoxide, GW1516 sulfone, 5‐(hydroxymethyl)‐4‐methyl‐2‐(4‐trifluoromethylphenyl)thiazole (HMTT), and 4‐methyl‐2‐[4‐(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]‐1,3‐thiazole‐5‐carboxylic acid (MTTC), were also identified. The longitudinal distribution analysis results showed that the maximum uptake of GW1516 into hair (approximately 0.05 pg/mg) was observed at around 13 weeks post‐administration and GW1516 could be detected and confirmed up to 6 months post‐administration.ConclusionsThe parent drug GW1516 was identified as the most appropriate monitoring target in equine hair for controlling its misuse in horses. The use of hair analysis could extend the detection time of GW1516 to at least 6 months after the administration of 150 mg of GW1516 to a thoroughbred mare.
Stories of a Healing Way: A Navajo Woman’s Media Production for Cultural Representation and Identification
Authors: Guzzetti Barbara J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLittle research has been conducted on the multimodal writing of contemporary Native American women that would refute stereotypical and outdated notions of Indigenous peoples as a dying population. This case study was undertaken to address that gap in the extant research by examining the writing practices of a young Native American woman to determine why and how she composed and participated in participatory media of personal zines and social media to represent her gender and cultural identities. The inquiry was conducted from multiple perspectives of literacy as a social and semiotic practice, the new literacies, tribal critical race theory, and Indigenous feminist theory. Data were triangulated by observations, formal and informal interviews, questionnaires, screenshots, and the participant’s video recordings of her storytelling. I analyzed these data by thematic and semiotic analyses. Findings demonstrated how she crafted comic strip stories and do‐it‐yourself media to create, teach, and preserve Navajo customs and language as a living culture through story lines, settings, illustrations, genre, and teaching devices in her zines. Descriptions are provided of how Navajo women were positioned as strong and independent participants in traditional and contemporary life. Results revealed the ways in which a Navajo woman engaged in practices of the new literacies for resistance against gender and cultural oppression and colonization. Implications are drawn for positioning Native American women within contemporary culture and for culturally responsive literacy education.