bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An AIE‐based enzyme‐activatable fluorescence indicator for Western blot assay: Quantitative expression of proteins with reproducible stable signal and wide linear range
Authors: Zhou Tijian , Wang Qi , Liu Ming , Liu Zhenxing , Zhu Zhirong , Zhao Xiaolei , Zhu Wei‐Hong 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWestern blot is a commonly used experimental method to analyze the protein expression. However, the most commonly used chromogenic indicator based on chemiluminescence is limited by narrow linear range and unstable quantitative reproducibility, whereas the recently developed fluorescent indicator suffers from poor detection limit. Herein, we report an enzyme‐activatable fluorescence indicator to quantify proteins with reproducible stable signal and wide linear range, through introducing the hydrophilic alkaline phosphatase (ALP)‐triggered phosphoric acid moiety into our established aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) building block of quinoline‐malononitrile (QM). In this strategy, the indicator DQM‐ALP disperses well in both aqueous and lipid environments to exhibit initial “off” fluorescence, but when exposing to the ALP‐coupled secondary antibody on the PVDF membrane, the specific enzymatic turnover would liberate hydrophobic AIE luminogen (AIEgen) QM‐OH to emit strong luminescence, thereby achieving an ideal “off‐on” state for sensitively imaging proteins with high signal‐to‐noise (S/N) ratio. Moreover, benefiting from the excellent signal stability of AIE fluorophore, DQM‐ALP indicator exhibits superior quantitative analysis of protein expression with high reproducibility. Upon taking advantage of the AIEgens to reduce high concentration‐induced luminance quenching, the linear quantification range is extremely expanded. In contrast with the traditional chemiluminescent indicator, the AIE‐based enzyme‐activatable indicator DQM‐ALP not only greatly improves the signal stability for quantitative reproducibility, but also expands the linear quantification range, and further provides a practical alternative reagent for fluorescence Western blot assay.
Precarious work, job stress, and health‐related quality of life
Authors: Bhattacharya Anasua , Ray Tapas 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesRecent technological and work organization changes have resulted in an increased prevalence of nonstandard work arrangement types. One of the consequences has been an increased prevalence of precarious work. Our objective was to generate a scale to measure work precariousness in the United States and examine the associations between this study precariousness scale with job stress, unhealthy days, and days with activity limitations among US workers from 2002 to 2014, to determine if precarious work adversely affects worker health.MethodsOur scale was inspired by the Employment Precariousness Scale that measures work precariousness reported by salaried workers and developed for the US workforce. We used pooled cross‐sectional data from 22 representative items from the General Social Survey, Quality of Work Life survey for the years 2002, 2006, 2010, and 2014. These data included 4534 observations for analysis. We used regression models to examine associations between work precariousness and job stress, unhealthy days, and days with activity limitations.ResultsStatistically significant positive association existed between job stress and work precariousness. Workers reporting work precariousness were more likely to experience more days in poor physical and mental health and more days with activity limitations due to health problems.ConclusionsThe results of our study provide support for our precariousness scale and its suitability for assessing the health‐related quality of life of workers in different work arrangements.
Smoking, occupational exposures, and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis among Swedish construction workers
Authors: Andersson Martin , Blanc Paul D. , Torén Kjell , Järvholm Bengt 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundCigarette smoking and occupational exposures each have been reported to increase the risk of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a disease previously considered of unknown origin. We investigated the risk of IPF mortality associated with combined smoking and occupational exposures.MethodsA registry study of Swedish construction workers (N = 389,132), linked baseline smoking and occupational data with registry data on cause of death and hospital care diagnoses. Occupation was classified by the likelihood of exposure to vapors, gases, dusts, or fumes using a job‐exposure matrix. Those likely exposed to asbestos or silica were excluded from the analysis. Age‐adjusted relative risks [RRs] were calculated using Poisson regression. Follow‐up observation began at age 40 and ended at age 89.ResultsHeavy smokers at baseline who were exposed to inorganic dusts during their working life had an increased risk of IPF mortality (RR 1.70; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.11–2.60), while there was no statistically increased risk in the other exposure groups. There were dose–response relationships between smoking at baseline and IPF mortality among both unexposed and dust exposed workers, with similar risk for dust exposed and unexposed, except among baseline heavy smokers, where workers exposed to inorganic dust manifested the highest risk (RR 4.22; 95% CI 2.69–6.60). Excluding workers with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema did not affect the results substantively.ConclusionA clear dose–response relationship was seen between smoking at baseline and IPF, supporting a causal relationship. Occupational exposure to inorganic dusts, excluding silica and asbestos, was associated with increased risk of IPF in baseline heavy current smokers.
Long‐term weight control in adults with Prader‐Willi syndrome living in residential hostels
Authors: Hirsch Harry J. , Benarroch Fortu , Genstil Larry , Pollak Yehuda , Derei Dvorit , Forer Dorit , Mastey Ben‐Yehuda Hadassa , Gross‐Tsur Varda 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHyperphagia leading to severe obesity with increased morbidity and mortality is the major manifestation of Prader‐Willi syndrome. Caring for these individuals in a home environment is challenging and stressful for caregivers and families. Residential hostels specifically for PWS adults offer programs of diet, exercise, and vocational opportunities, but long‐term effects of PWS hostel living have not been reported. We studied long‐term changes in body mass index (BMI) for PWS adults living in residential hostels compared with age‐matched controls living with families at home. The study included all 34 individuals (18 men) aged >17 years with genetically confirmed PWS living in residential hostels. BMI was recorded at the time of yearly clinic visits and compared to 23 PWS adults (10 men) living at home. BMI on entering the hostel was 36.3 ± 11.0 kg/m2 and decreased to 27.0 ± 5.6 kg/m2 (p < 0.001) after 6.9 ± 3.9 years. For 21 residents, a slight rise of BMI to 28.8 kg/m2 was observed 5.1 ± 2.5 years after the lowest value was achieved. BMI of 23 PWS adults at home was 36.8 ± 12.7 kg/m2 versus 27.9 ± 7.1 kg/m2 for hostel residents in the same age range (p = 0.008). From 2008 to 2019, there were five deaths among PWS individuals aged 18–40 years living at home, compared with one death (a 43‐year‐old man) among hostel residents. Adults with PWS living in hostels lose weight, maintain BMI values in a normal to mildly overweight range, and have lower mortality in contrast to individuals in a family home environment.
Apolipoprotein E4 Reduction with Antisense Oligonucleotides Decreases Neurodegeneration in a Tauopathy Model
Authors: Litvinchuk Alexandra , Huynh Tien‐Phat V. , Shi Yang , Jackson Rosemary J. , Finn Mary B. , Manis Melissa , Francis Caroline M. , Tran Ainsley C. , Sullivan Patrick M. , Ulrich Jason D. , Hyman Bradley T. , Cole Tracy , Holtzman David M. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveApolipoprotein E (ApoE) genotype is the strongest genetic risk factor for late‐onset Alzheimer's disease, with the ε4 allele increasing risk in a dose‐dependent fashion. In addition to ApoE4 playing a crucial role in amyloid‐β deposition, recent evidence suggests that it also plays an important role in tau pathology and tau‐mediated neurodegeneration. It is not known, however, whether therapeutic reduction of ApoE4 would exert protective effects on tau‐mediated neurodegeneration.MethodsHerein, we used antisense oligonucleotides (ASOs) against human APOE to reduce ApoE4 levels in the P301S/ApoE4 mouse model of tauopathy. We treated P301S/ApoE4 mice with ApoE or control ASOs via intracerebroventricular injection at 6 and 7.5 months of age and performed brain pathological assessments at 9 months of age.ResultsOur results indicate that treatment with ApoE ASOs reduced ApoE4 protein levels by ~50%, significantly protected against tau pathology and associated neurodegeneration, decreased neuroinflammation, and preserved synaptic density. These data were also corroborated by a significant reduction in levels of neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein in plasma of ASO‐treated mice.InterpretationWe conclude that reducing ApoE4 levels should be explored further as a therapeutic approach for APOE4 carriers with tauopathy including Alzheimer's disease. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:952–966
A Robust PtNi Nanoframe/N‐Doped Graphene Aerogel Electrocatalyst with Both High Activity and Stability
Authors: Yang Jing , Hübner René , Zhang Jiangwei , Wan Hao , Zheng Yuanyuan , Wang Honglei , Qi Haoyuan , He Lanqi , Li Yi , Dubale Amare Aregahegn , Sun Yujing , Liu Yuting , Peng Daoling , Meng Yuezhong , Zheng Zhikun , Rossmeisl Jan , Liu Wei 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInsufficient catalytic activity and stability and high cost are the barriers for Pt‐based electrocatalysts in wide practical applications. Herein, a hierarchically porous PtNi nanoframe/N‐doped graphene aerogel (PtNiNF‐NGA) electrocatalyst with outstanding performance toward methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) in acid electrolyte has been developed via facile tert‐butanol‐assisted structure reconfiguration. The ensemble of high‐alloying‐degree‐modulated electronic structure and correspondingly the optimum MOR reaction pathway, the structure superiorities of hierarchical porosity, thin edges, Pt‐rich corners, and the anchoring effect of the NGA, endow the PtNiNF‐NGA with both prominent electrocatalytic activity and stability. The mass and specific activity (1647 mA mgPt−1, 3.8 mA cm−2) of the PtNiNF‐NGA are 5.8 and 7.8 times higher than those of commercial Pt/C. It exhibits exceptional stability under a 5‐hour chronoamperometry test and 2200‐cycle cyclic voltammetry scanning.
Experimental and Computational Studies of the Iron‐Catalyzed Selective and Controllable Defluorosilylation of Unactivated Aliphatic gem‐Difluoroalkenes
Authors: Zhang Huan , Wang Enhui , Geng Shasha , Liu Zhengli , He Yun , Peng Qian , Feng Zhang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe first iron‐catalyzed defluorosilylation of unactivated gem‐difluoroalkenes was developed, delivering gem‐disilylated alkenes and (E)‐silylated alkenes with excellent efficiency. This protocol features good functional group compatibility and excellent regio‐ and stereoselectivity, enabling the late‐stage silylation of biologically relevant compounds, thus providing good opportunities for applications in medicinal chemistry. Preliminary mechanistic studies and DFT calculations reveal that a nucleophilic addition and elimination of the second C−F bond might be involved in the disilylation catalytic system, demonstrating unusual reactivity characteristics of iron catalysis.
Applications of ambient ionization mass spectrometry in 2020: An annual review
Authors: Rankin‐Turner Stephanie , Heaney Liam M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRecent developments in mass spectrometry (MS) analyses have seen a concerted effort to reduce the complexity of analytical workflows through the simplification (or removal) of sample preparation and the shortening of run‐to‐run analysis times. Ambient ionization mass spectrometry (AIMS) is an exemplar MS‐based technology that has swiftly developed into a popular and powerful tool in analytical science. This increase in interest and demonstrable applications is down to its capacity to enable the rapid analysis of a diverse range of samples, typically in their native state or following a minimalistic sample preparation approach. The field of AIMS is constantly improving and expanding, with developments of powerful and novel techniques, improvements to existing instrumentation, and exciting new applications added with each year that passes. This annual review provides an overview of applications of AIMS techniques over the past year (2020), with a particular focus on the application of AIMS in a number of key fields of research including biomedical sciences, forensics and security, food sciences, the environment, and chemical synthesis. Novel ambient ionization techniques are introduced, including picolitre pressure‐probe electrospray ionization and fiber spray ionization, in addition to modifications and improvements to existing techniques such as hand‐held devices for ease of use, and USB‐powered ion sources for on‐site analysis. In all, the information provided in this review supports the view that AIMS has become a leading approach in MS‐based analyses and that improvements to existing methods, alongside the development of novel approaches, will continue across the foreseeable future.
Mass spectrometric identification and characterization of urinary metabolites of isopropylnorsynephrine for doping control purposes
Authors: Krug Oliver , Thomas Andreas , Thevis Mario 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIsopropylnorsynephrine (isopropyloctopamine, deterenol, 4‐(1‐hydroxy‐2‐(isopropylamino)ethyl)phenol), a beta‐selective and direct‐acting adrenergic agonist, has been reported in the past as declared as well as non‐declared ingredient of dietary supplements. The proven biological activity and the structural similarity of isopropylnorsynephrine to substances classified as prohibited compounds according to the World Anti‐Doping Agency's (WADA's) regulations could necessitate the inclusion of this sympathomimetic amine into routine doping control analytical assays. Therefore, information on urinary metabolites is desirable in order to allow for an efficient implementation of target compounds into existing multi‐analyte testing procedures, enabling the unequivocal identification of the administration of isopropylnorsynephrine by an athlete. In a pilot study setting, urine samples were collected prior to and after the oral application of ca. 8.7 mg of isopropylnorsynephrine, which were subjected to liquid chromatography‐high resolution/high accuracy (tandem) mass spectrometry. The intact drug, hydroxylated and/or glucurono‐ or sulfo‐conjugated isopropylnorsynephrine were detected up to 48 h post‐administration, with isopropylnorsynephrine sulfate representing the most abundant urinary target analyte. No relevant amounts of the dealkylation product (octopamine) were observed, indicating that merely moderate adaptations of existing test methods (or data evaluation strategies) are required to include isporpoylnorsynephrine in antidoping analytics, if required.
Production of biodiesel from high free fatty acids content Jatropha curcas oil using environment affable K–Mg composite catalyst
Authors: Sahu Gajanan , Saha Sujan , Datta Sudipta , Chavan Prakash D. , Chauhan Vishal , Gupta Pavan K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWorldwide chemical industries are concerned towards pollution‐free and green processes. In this regard, alternative energy resource having minimal pollutant and toxins emission would be preferred. Jatropha curcas (JCO) is one of the important and alternative feedstock for biodiesel production. In the present work, JCO with higher (5.5%) free fatty acid (FFA) was used for transesterification using K–Mg composite catalyst. It found that 1:2 ratio of K/Mg was the best combination for efficient conversion of JCO to corresponding methyl esters. Physico‐chemical characterization of this novel catalyst exhibited improved surface area with adequate porosity as well as basicity helping its exceptional catalytic activity. Under optimum condition, 99.5% conversion was achieved using 10:1 ratio of methanol to JCO for 3 h at 70°C using 6 wt% of catalyst. This catalyst was truly heterogeneous in nature and almost retained its activity for subsequent re‐using for next five batches. The developed catalyst is highly efficient and greener in terms of lesser leaching behaviour and retaining the basic catalytic sites in the course of transesterification. The fuel properties of the biodiesel are fully complied with ASTM protocols; thus, research findings are significant to fulfil the demand of biodiesel in present scenario.
Unsteady mixed convective flow of nanofluid with arbitrary‐shaped nanoparticles over a shrinking sheet
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , Mukhopadhyay Swati 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present study describes the unsteady mixed convection nanofluid flow past a vertical shrinking porous surface in occurrence of slips and heat source/sink. Applying proper transformations, the foremost differential equations which are partial in nature are changed into non‐linear differential equations which are ordinary in nature. With the support of Runge–Kutta method, shooting technique is used to find out the numerical solutions of the system of equations stated above. The effects of diverse leading parameters like unsteady parameter, velocity slip parameter, suction/injection parameter, thermal slip parameter, and heat source/sink parameter are offered and explained physically. Also, the coefficient of skin friction and rates of surface heat and mass transport for a number of parameters are investigated numerically.
One‐step preparation of poly(NIPAM‐pyrrole) electroconductive composite hydrogel and its dielectric properties
Authors: Şarkaya Koray , Yildirim Mert , Alli Abdulkadir 
Published: February 2021

AbstractConductive polymers and hydrogels are two of the hot prospect polymer types that are used for new stimuli responsive materials. In this study, one‐step preparation of electroconductive composite hydrogels containing polypyrrole (PPy) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) using free radical polymerization technique was achieved with N,N‐methylenebisacrylamide as a crosslinker and ammonium peroxy disulphate (APS) as initiator, in mixture of water/isopropyl alcohol. The equilibrium swelling degree of the poly(NIPAM)‐pyrrole) electroconductive composite hydrogel was 9.88 g of H2O/g dry polymer. According to TGA results, the thermal stability of the prepared composite poly(NIPAM‐PPy) conductive hydrogel (700°C) hydrogel is higher than that of pure poly(NIPAM) hydrogel (600°C). Furthermore, prepared samples were characterized by FTIR, and SEM analyzes. Later, the samples were pressured into pellets so that electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements were taken between 10 and 10 MHz at room temperature. The dielectric constant value of composite poly(NIPAM‐PPy) hydrogel at 10 Hz is almost 10 times higher than that of poly(NIPAM) hydrogel. Both samples' real and imaginary parts of dielectric constant decreased with increased frequency. Samples exhibited non‐Debye relaxation since experimental data fit into dielectric model of Havriliak‐Negami. Moreover, low frequency data yielded d.c. conductivity of the pure and composite samples as 3.74 × 10−11 and 1.02 × 10−8 S/cm, respectively. Real part of impedance at low frequencies also points out ~103 times lower resistance values at 10 Hz for composite poly(NIPAM‐PPy) hydrogel. Therefore, EIS results support that electroconductive composite hydrogel fabrication was achieved using free radical polymerization technique.
New contribution on the distribution and ecology of Dendrophyllia ramea (Linnaeus, 1758): abundance hotspots off north‐eastern Sicilian waters
Authors: Salvati Eva , Giusti Michela , Canese Simonepietro , Esposito Valentina , Romeo Teresa , Andaloro Franco , Bo Marzia , Tunesi Leonardo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Dendrophyllia ramea is a poorly known arborescent scleractinian coral, whose worldwide distribution is limited to the southern part of the Mediterranean basin, and to the Atlantic Ocean between Macaronesia and Gulf of Cadiz. The geographical distribution and abundance of D. ramea were herein updated, considering a total of 19 records, seven of which have never previously been reported in scientific papers.
Between 2010 and 2017, five Remotely Operative Vehicle surveys carried out along the Sicilian coast recorded 89 colonies. No exhaustive data on density and ecology of this species have been published to date. Data for two areas off the north‐eastern Sicilian waters (Aeolian Island and Gulf of Patti) are reported, including the species’ bathymetric distribution, abundance, population density, colony morphometry, population size structure and surrounding habitat description.
Size structure and density of D. ramea populations were compared with lost fishing gear density. Around the Aeolian Islands, where little lost fishing gear was observed, the D. ramea population was denser compared with the populations at two sites within the Gulf of Patti, where a greater amount of lost fishing gear was observed. The analysis of D. ramea size classes (single corallite, 2–5 polyps, >5 polyps) at different sites showed that impact varied with fishing gear typology: while lines damage the branches of larger colonies, nets can completely remove them.
The limited distribution of D. ramea in some areas also makes this species very vulnerable to impacts such as changes in the chemical–physical characteristics and circulation of sea water. Dendrophyllia ramea is classified as ‘Vulnerable’ according to the Mediterranean IUCN Red List, and it is listed in the Barcelona Convention (Annex B). Data on the distribution of D. ramea allows us to review the species’ classification and propose that its status be changed to ‘Endangered’.
SM1997 downregulates mustard‐induced enzymes that disrupt corneal epithelial attachment
Authors: DeSantis‐Rodrigues Andrea , Hahn Rita A. , Zhou Peihong , Babin Michael , Svoboda Kathy K.H. , Chang Yoke‐Chen , Gerecke Donald R. , Gordon Marion K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmino‐Plex (SM1997) is a spray or liquid cosmeceutical that has been used for skin dryness, aging, or sun exposure. Its formulation includes electrolytes, trace minerals, amino acids, peptides, nucleosides and nucleotides, all substances that are <10 kDa. It is designed to increase oxygen levels in cells, improve glucose transport, stimulate ATP synthesis, and stimulate collagen formation, actions that can help facilitate repair of damaged cells. It also supports collagen synthesis and formation of healthy granulation tissue, accelerating reepithelization of damaged skin. Here, SM1997 has been tested as an agent to improve the healing of mustard injury to the cornea. The results indicate that SM1997 facilitates the retention of corneal epithelial attachment when applied to corneal organ cultures after nitrogen mustard exposure. In addition, it reduces the activation of enzymes that lead to epithelial‐stromal separation, namely, ADAM17 and MMP‐9. Therefore, SM1997 should be further investigated as a potential therapy sulfur mustard and nitrogen mustard exposure.