bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Targeted Delivery of Persulfides to the Gut: Effects on the Microbiome
Authors: Dillon Kearsley M. , Morrison Holly A. , Powell Chadwick R. , Carrazzone Ryan J. , Ringel‐Scaia Veronica M. , Winckler Ethan W. , Council‐Troche R. McAlister , Allen Irving C. , Matson John B. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPersulfides (R−SSH) have been hypothesized as potent redox modulators and signaling compounds. Reported herein is the synthesis, characterization, and in vivo evaluation of a persulfide donor that releases N‐acetyl cysteine persulfide (NAC‐SSH) in response to the prokaryote‐specific enzyme nitroreductase. The donor, termed NDP‐NAC, decomposed in response to E. coli nitroreductase, resulting in release of NAC‐SSH. NDP‐NAC elicited gastroprotective effects in mice that were not observed in animals treated with control compounds incapable of persulfide release or in animals treated with Na2S. NDP‐NAC induced these effects by the upregulation of beneficial small‐ and medium‐chain fatty acids and through increasing growth of Turicibacter sanguinis, a beneficial gut bacterium. It also decreased the populations of Synergistales bacteria, opportunistic pathogens implicated in gastrointestinal infections. This study reveals the possibility of maintaining gut health or treating microbiome‐related diseases by the targeted delivery of reactive sulfur species.
Influence of preparation method on adhesion and drying performances of polyurethane dispersion
Authors: Wang Qichao , Xin Xiulan , Liu Hongqin , Song Nan , Xu Baocai , Wang Meng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWaterborne polyurethane (WPU) dispersions with a high solid content were prepared by one‐step and two‐step methods with polyester and polyether type macromolecular diols as the main raw materials. The effects of two synthesis methods on the properties of WPU of polyester and polyether were studied. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size and distribution, and Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) measurements were utilized to characterize the structure. The dryness test results showed that the WPU synthesized with polyester diol as the soft segment by the two‐step method had the best drying. In addition, the microstructure of WPU was characterized by transmission electron microscopy, which confirmed that WPU was mainly spherical structure. TGA and scanning electron microscopy results showed that the microphase separation between the soft and hard segments of WPU prepared by the two‐step method was weaker, the hydrogen bonding was stronger, the adhesion, and thermal stability of WPU was improved.
Type I Interferon–Activated STAT4 Regulation of Follicular Helper T Cell–Dependent Cytokine and Immunoglobulin Production in Lupus
Authors: Dong Xuemei , Antao Olivia Q. , Song Wenzhi , Sanchez Gina M. , Zembrzuski Krzysztof , Koumpouras Fotios , Lemenze Alexander , Craft Joe , Weinstein Jason S. 
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveTo assess the role of STAT4 activation in driving pathogenic follicular helper T (Tfh) cell secretion of the cytokines interleukin‐21 (IL‐21) and interferon‐γ (IFNγ) in murine and human lupus.MethodsThe effect of STAT4‐dependent Tfh cell signaling on cytokine production and autoreactive B cell maturation was assessed temporally during the course of lupus in a murine model, with further assessment of Tfh cell gene transcription performed using RNA‐Seq technology. STAT4‐dependent signaling and cytokine production were also determined in circulating Tfh‐like cells in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), as compared to cells from healthy control subjects, and correlations with disease activity were assessed in the Tfh‐like cells from SLE patients.ResultsIL‐21– and IFNγ‐coproducing Tfh cells expanded prior to the detection of potentially pathogenic IgG2c autoantibodies in lupus‐prone mice. Tfh cells transcriptionally evolved during the course of disease with acquisition of a STAT4‐dependent gene signature. Maintenance of Tfh cell cytokine synthesis was dependent upon STAT4 signaling, driven by type I IFNs. Circulating Tfh‐like cells from patients with SLE also secreted IL‐21 and IFNγ, with STAT4 phosphorylation enhanced by IFNβ, in association with the extent of clinical disease activity.ConclusionWe identified a role for type I IFN signaling in driving STAT4 activation and production of IL‐21 and IFNγ by Tfh cells in murine and human lupus. Enhanced STAT4 activation in Tfh cells may underlie pathogenic B cell responses in both murine and human lupus. These data indicate that STAT4 guides pathogenic cytokine and immunoglobulin production in SLE, demonstrating a potential therapeutic target to modulate autoimmunity.
Meaning‐making on gender: Deeply meaningful information in a significant life change among transgender people
Authors: Huttunen Aira , Kortelainen Terttu 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this paper is to report on the seeking of deeply meaningful information, also including embodied information, connected to significant, intensely personal life changes having lifelong impacts. The concepts of “meaning‐making,” “transitioning,” and information seeking in “deeply meaningful and profoundly personal contexts” are used in order to understand transgender individuals' information seeking in the contexts of gender identity formation. Based on the literature, emotions and information seeking connected to a significant life change were divided into four phases to study how they could be identified in the 25 qualitative interviews with transgender individuals from Finland between the ages of 15 and 72. Based on the findings of this study, in significant life changes, an individual needs reliable, sensible and identifiable information. Serendipitous encounters and embodied experiences characterize information seeking during transitional stages. Peer communities are important for minorities in order to find places where interviewees feel safe to share information and experiences. These communities can also be found online. The concept of “deeply meaningful information” highlights the effect information has on information seekers. Deeply meaningful information can serve as a trigger for life change, helping people forward during the transitions.
On the vertical extending of the explosive extratropical cyclone: A case study
Authors: Jiang Li‐Zhi , Yu Hai‐Guo , Dong Li , Fu Shen‐Ming , Sun Jian‐Hua , Zheng Fei , Yi Kan , Ma Hui 
Published: January 2021

AbstractExplosive extratropical cyclone (EEC) is the main disastrous weather system over the ocean and offshore areas in the cold season. As a type of vertically deep system, after decades of studies, key features of EECs' vertical extents still remain vague. Based on a reasonably simulated entire‐troposphere‐thick EEC, this study analyzes variation of the EEC's vertical extent and investigates governing mechanisms for its vertical extending. Main findings are as follows: (a) the EEC's vertical extent showed consistent variation features with its central sea level pressure and lower‐level vorticity (correlation coefficients were ~0.9), whereas its relationship with EEC's maximum surface wind was not significant; (b) EEC's upward extending featured strong ascending motion and rapid cyclonic‐vorticity enhancement at the top level of the cyclone and obvious inflow (convergence) in the lower troposphere. (c) vorticity budget at the EEC's top level shows that net import transport of cyclonic vorticity (by westerly and northwesterly winds) from the trough west of the cyclone dominated its upward extending, and upward transport of cyclonic vorticity from levels below the cyclone's top level acted as the second dominant factor. In contrast, divergence‐related vertical shrinking around the EEC's top level was the most detrimental factor for the cyclone's upward extending.
Red dwarf stars as a new source type of galactic cosmic rays
Authors: Sinitsyna Vera G. , Sinitsyna Vera Yu. , Stozhkov Yurii I. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe experimental data obtained with Pamela, Fermi, AMS‐02, and other spectrometers cannot be explained using the diffusive models of propagation of cosmic‐rays accelerated at the supernova shocks and require the existence of nearby sources of cosmic rays at the distances less than 1 kpc. These sources could explain the growth of the ratio of galactic positrons to electrons with an increase of their energy, the complex dependence of the exponent of the proton and alpha spectra from the energy of these particles, the appearance of anomaly component in cosmic rays. We consider active dwarf stars as possible sources of galactic cosmic rays in the energy range up to ∼1014 eV. These stars produce powerful stellar flares sometimes with energy release more than 1036 erg. The generation of high‐energy cosmic rays should be accompanied by high‐energy gamma‐ray emission, which may be detected. Here we present the SHALON long‐term observation data aimed to search for gamma‐ray emission above 800 GeV from the active red dwarf stars: V388 Cas, V547 Cas, V780 Tau, V962 Tau, V1589 Cyg, GJ 3684, GJ 1078, and GL 851.1. The TeV gamma‐ray emission mostly of flaring type from these sources was detected. This result confirms that active dwarf stars are also the sources of high‐energy galactic cosmic rays.
Antibiofilm effect of mono‐rhamnolipids and di‐rhamnolipids on carbon steel submitted to oil produced water
Authors: Rocha Vanessa Alves Lima , de Castilho Lívia Vieira Araujo , Castro Rui de Paula Vieira de , Teixeira Douglas Braga , Magalhães Augusto Vieira , Abreu Fernanda de Avila , Cypriano Jefferson Bomfim Silva , Gomez José Gregório Cabrera , Freire Denise Maria Guimarães 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study was to compare the potential of mono‐rhamnolipids (mono‐RML) and di‐rhamnolipids (di‐RML) against biofilm formation on carbon steel coupons submitted to oil produced water for 14 days. The antibiofilm effect of the RML on the coupons was analyzed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and by epifluorescence microscopy, and the contact angle was measured using a goniometer. SEM analysis results showed that all RML congeners had effective antibiofilm action, as well as preliminary anticorrosion evaluation confirmed that all RML congeners prevented the metal deterioration. In more detail, epifluorescence microscopy showed that mono‐RML were the most efficient congeners in preventing microorganism's adherence on the carbon steel metal. Image analyses indicate the presence of 15.9%, 3.4%, and <0.1% of viable particles in di‐RML, mono/di‐RML and mono‐RML pretreatments, respectively, in comparison to control samples. Contact angle results showed that the crude carbon steel coupon presented hydrophobic character favoring hydrophobic molecules adhesion. We calculated the theoretical polarity of the RML congeners and verified that mono‐RML (logP = 3.63) presented the most hydrophobic character. This had perfect correspondence to contact angle results, since mono‐RML conditioning (58.2°) more significantly changed the contact angle compared with the conditioning with one of the most common surfactants used on oil industry (29.4°). Based on the results, it was concluded that rhamnolipids are efficient molecules to be used to avoid biofilm on carbon steel metal when submitted to oil produced water and that a higher proportion of mono‐rhamnolipids is more indicated for this application.
Essential Oil from Bark of Aniba parviflora (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae) Reduces HepG2 Cell Proliferation and Inhibits Tumor Development in a Xenograft Model
Authors: de Oliveira Felipe P. , da C. Rodrigues Ana Carolina B. , de Lima Emilly J. S. P. , Silva Valdenizia R. , de S. Santos Luciano , da Anunciação Talita A. , Nogueira Mateus L. , Soares Milena B. P. , Dias Rosane B. , Gurgel Rocha Clarissa A. , Duvoisin Junior Sérgio , Albuquerque Patrícia M. , Lima Emerson S. , Gonçalves José F. C. , Bataglion Giovana A. , Costa Emmanoel V. , da Silva Felipe M. A. , Koolen Hector H. F. , Bezerra Daniel P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAniba parviflora (Meisn.) Mez (Lauraceae) is an aromatic plant of the Amazon rainforest, which has a tremendous commercial value in the perfumery industry; it is popularly used as flavoring sachets and aromatic baths. In Brazilian folk medicine, A. parviflora is used to treat victims of snakebites. Herein, we analyzed the chemical composition of A. parviflora bark essential oil (EO) and its effect on the growth of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells in vitro and in vivo. EO was obtained by hydrodistillation and characterized by GC‐MS and GC‐FID. The main constituents of EO were linalool (16.3±3.15), α‐humulene (14.5±2.41 %), δ‐cadinene (10.2±1.09 %), α‐copaene (9.51±1.12 %) and germacrene B (7.58±2.15 %). Initially, EO's cytotoxic effect was evaluated against five cancer cell lines (HepG2, MCF‐7, HCT116, HL‐60 and B16‐F10) and one non‐cancerous one (MRC‐5), using the Alamar blue method after 72 h of treatment. The calculated IC50 values were 9.05, 22.04, >50, 15.36, 17.57, and 30.46 μg/mL, respectively. The best selectivity was for HepG2 cells with a selective index of 3.4. DNA Fragmentation and cell cycle distribution were quantified in HepG2 cells by flow cytometry after a treatment period of 24 and 48 h. The effect of EO on tumor development in vivo was evaluated in a xenograft model using C.B‐17 SCID mice engrafted with HepG2 cells. In vivo tumor growth inhibition of HepG2 xenograft at the doses of 40 and 80 mg/kg were 12.1 and 62.4 %, respectively.
Atheroembolic kidney disease: The under‐recognized silent killer
Authors: Ștefan Gabriel , Zugravu Adrian , Stancu Simona , Gherghiceanu Mihaela , Terinte‐Balcan George 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWhile kidney biopsy demonstrating cholesterol crystal emboli is the method of definitive diagnosis; the triad of acute to subacute renal failure with skin findings in the setting of recent precipitating event should raise clinical suspicion for atheroembolic kidney disease.
Impact of N‐Structure Geometry on Heat Transfer in a Microchannel Heat Exchanger
Authors: Zhang Ying , Pan Minqiang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractA new microchannel heat exchanger with N‐structure is proposed to balance the heat transfer performance and pressure drop. A straight channel section equal to the wavelength of the continuous wave microchannel is added to create an N‐structure microchannel. The relationship between different N‐structures of the microchannel and the heat transfer performance as well as the structural influence of the N‐structure on heat transfer characteristics are investigated. The performance of the microchannel is affected by the arrangement of wave channel sections in the N‐structure. The symmetrical N‐structure has the best heat transfer effect. The pressure drop between the inlet and outlet of the cold side is mainly influenced by the structure of the microchannel. A superior transfer performance is associated with the pressure drop.
Do Docking Sites Persist Upon Fluorination? The Diadamantyl Ether‐Aromatics Challenge for Rotational Spectroscopy and Theory
Authors: Quesada‐Moreno María Mar , Pinacho Pablo , Pérez Cristóbal , Šekutor Marina , Schreiner Peter R. , Schnell Melanie 
Published: January 2021

AbstractFluorinated derivatives of biological molecules have proven to be highly efficient at modifying the biological activity of a given protein through changes in the stability and the kind of docking interactions. These interactions can be hindered or facilitated based on the hydrophilic/hydrophobic character of a particular protein region. Diadamantyl ether (C20H30O) possesses both kinds of docking sites, serving as a good template to model these important contacts with aromatic fluorinated counterparts. In this work, an experimental study on the structures of several complexes between diadamantyl ether and benzene as well as a series of fluorinated benzenes is reported to analyze the effect of H→F substitution on the interaction and structure of the resulting molecular clusters using rotational spectroscopy. All experimentally observed complexes are largely dominated by London dispersion interactions with the hydrogen‐terminated surface areas of diadamantyl ether. Already single substitution of one hydrogen atom with fluorine changes the preferred docking site of the complexes. However, the overall contributions of the different intermolecular interactions are similar for the different complexes, contrary to previous studies focusing on the difference in interactions using fluorinated and non‐fluorinated molecules.
Adherence to endocrine therapy including ovarian suppression: A large observational cohort study of US women with early breast cancer
Authors: Reeder‐Hayes Katherine E. , Mayer Sophie E. , Lund Jennifer L. 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRecent clinical trials support adding ovarian suppression (OS) to oral endocrine therapy (ET) for premenopausal women with early breast cancer. The adoption of OS among real‐world populations and the impact of OS on ET adherence have not been evaluated.MethodsThis study examined a retrospective, observational cohort of women under the age of 50 years with incident early breast cancer from 2001 to 2016. The IBM MarketScan Commercial insurance claims database was used to identify new users of ET with or without OS and to track discontinuation of or adherence to ET. In all, 21,948 women filled at least 1 prescription for ET within 12 months of their diagnosis after a washout period of 12 months with no prior claims. Patients who received an aromatase inhibitor without a synchronous OS drug were excluded.ResultsUse of OS increased over time and reached 11.3% in 2016. In an unadjusted analysis, 40.2% of ET+OS users discontinued ET early, whereas 48.8% of tamoxifen‐alone users did. In adjusted analyses, ET+OS users had a similar likelihood of discontinuing ET in comparison with tamoxifen‐alone users (hazard ratio, 0.92; 95% confidence interval, 0.83‐1.03). Approximately 30% of women had low adherence over the first year of use. The likelihood of high adherence was similar, regardless of OS exposure.ConclusionsThe use of OS among young, commercially insured patients with breast cancer increased over time in agreement with recent clinical trial results but remained relatively low. Nonadherence to ET was common, but the use of OS was not associated with lower adherence to ET in this observational, nonrandomized cohort. These findings may reassure oncologists that use of OS does not endanger ET adherence, although prospective studies are needed for confirmation.
Azurite blue in the Qing dynasty
Authors: Wang Ran , Wang Minghui , Shamey Renzo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAzurite blue (shi qin, 石青) was one of the most important colors in the Qing (清) dynasty; however, most people, even those familiar with color description, may find it difficult to describe its exact appearance. To determine and offer a more precise description of azurite blue, nine formal items of clothing, including three ceremonial robes of emperors and their wives, and six court robes from the Qing dynasty were examined using the Natural Color System (NCS) classification and the colors were labeled based on the NCS system. Assessments indicate that while azurite blue in different garments varies on a narrow scale, the colors of the royal robes range from S8010‐R60B to S8505‐R50B, and a color ranging between two NCS notations S8505‐R80B to S8010‐R65B represent those of the officers.
On‐site genetic analysis for species identification using lab‐on‐a‐chip
Authors: Wimbles Ryan , Melling Louise M. , Cain Bradley , Davies Naomi , Doherty Jason , Johnson Bridget , Shaw Kirsty J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a microfluidic device capable of performing genetic analysis on dung samples to identify White Rhinoceros (Ceratotherium simum). The development of a microfluidic device, which can be used in the field, offers a portable and cost‐effective solution for DNA analysis and species identification to aid conservation efforts. Optimization of the DNA extraction processes produced equivalent yields compared to conventional kit‐based methods within just 5 minutes. The use of a color‐changing loop‐mediated isothermal amplification reaction for simultaneous detection of the cytochrome B sequence of C. simum enabled positive results to be obtained within as little as 30 minutes. Field testing was performed at Knowsley Safari to demonstrate real‐world applicability of the microfluidic device for testing of biological samples.
Courtship behavior, nesting microhabitat, and assortative mating in sympatric stickleback species pairs
Authors: Dean Laura L. , Dunstan Hannah R. , Reddish Amelia , MacColl Andrew D. C. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe maintenance of reproductive isolation in the face of gene flow is a particularly contentious topic, but differences in reproductive behavior may provide the key to explaining this phenomenon. However, we do not yet fully understand how behavior contributes to maintaining species boundaries. How important are behavioral differences during reproduction? To what extent does assortative mating maintain reproductive isolation in recently diverged populations and how important are “magic traits”? Assortative mating can arise as a by‐product of accumulated differences between divergent populations as well as an adaptive response to contact between those populations, but this is often overlooked. Here we address these questions using recently described species pairs of three‐spined stickleback (Gasterosteus aculeatus), from two separate locations and a phenotypically intermediate allopatric population on the island of North Uist, Scottish Western Isles. We identified stark differences in the preferred nesting substrate and courtship behavior of species pair males. We showed that all males selectively court females of their own ecotype and all females prefer males of the same ecotype, regardless of whether they are from species pairs or allopatric populations. We also showed that mate choice does not appear to be driven by body size differences (a potential “magic trait”). By explicitly comparing the strength of these mating preferences between species pairs and single‐ecotype locations, we were able to show that present levels of assortative mating due to direct mate choice are likely a by‐product of other adaptations between ecotypes, and not subject to obvious selection in species pairs. Our results suggest that ecological divergence in mating characteristics, particularly nesting microhabitat may be more important than direct mate choice in maintaining reproductive isolation in stickleback species pairs.