bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pharmacokinetics of Tropifexor, a Potent Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist, in Participants With Varying Degrees of Hepatic Impairment
Authors: Chen Jin , Gu Jessie , Shah Bharti , Stringer Rowan , Reis da Silva Torrao Leonel , Hackling Melissa , Nidamarthy Prasanna Kumar , Prince William T. , Woessner Ralph 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTropifexor, a non–bile acid farnesoid X receptor (FXR) agonist, has dose‐proportional pharmacokinetics and no obvious major enterohepatic circulation. This open‐label study investigated the effect of hepatic impairment (HI), as determined by Child‐Pugh grade, on tropifexor's pharmacokinetics, safety, and tolerability following a 200‐μg dose in the fasted state. Blood samples were collected through 168 hours after dosing for quantification and plasma protein‐binding determination. Total tropifexor exposure was comparable across participants with HI vs those with normal hepatic function. Tropifexor was highly protein bound (>99%) in human plasma across participants of all groups. The average unbound fractions (percentage free) were 0.14% in participants with normal hepatic function and mild HI, which increased to 0.17% and 0.24% in participants with moderate and severe HI, respectively. Similar unbound drug exposure was noted in participants with mild HI and normal hepatic function. Participants with moderate HI (N = 8) had a 1.6‐fold increase in unbound exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve from time 0 to infinity [AUCinf,u]) and a 1.3‐fold increase in maximal exposure (Cmax,u) vs those with normal hepatic function (geometric mean ratio: AUCinf,u, 1.64 [90%CI, 1.25‐2.16]; Cmax,u, 1.30 [90%CI, 0.96‐1.76]). Participants with severe HI (N = 8) had a 1.6‐fold increase in AUCinf,u (1.61 [90%CI, 1.04‐2.49]) and comparable Cmax,u (1.02 [90%CI, 0.60‐1.72]) compared to participants with normal hepatic function. Tropifexor was well tolerated. The relative insensitivity of tropifexor to HI offers the potential to treat patients with severe liver disease without dose adjustment.
Standardization of process protocol for isolation of starch from mango kernel and its characterization
Authors: Nayak Parv , Rayaguru Kalpana , Brahma Sandrayee , Routray Winny , Dash Sanjaya Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe major by‐products of mango processing are the seeds, which represent approximately 15–20% of the fruit. The process protocol for isolation of starch from mango kernel was standardized based on starch yield, starch purity and colour values using centrifugation and chemical method. Optimized starches obtained from both methods were further investigated for estimation of functional properties and were characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry and pasting properties analysis.RESULTSThe slurry making of mango kernels with a solid‐to‐water ratio of 1:3 at a centrifugation frequency of 3 times was found to be the best among all the experimental combinations (solid‐to‐water proportion (1:2, 1:3 and 1:4, w/v) and centrifugation frequency (2, 3 and 4 times)) with a starch yield of 48.43 ± 1.08% and purity of 76.46 ± 0.83%. In the chemical method of starch isolation (washing was done with 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH and 0.1 mol L−1 HCl at three levels each), the sample treated with 60% (w/v) 0.1 mol L−1 NaOH and 10% (w/v) 0.1 mol L−1 HCl resulted in 36.50 ± 0.58% starch yield with a purity of 92.03 ± 0.87%. Among the functional properties, the chemically isolated starch showed significantly higher paste clarity (45.79 ± 2.36%) than starch obtained using the centrifugation process (12.50 ± 1.57%). The chemically isolated starch also exhibited better colour attributes, which were very close to those of laboratory‐grade starch.CONCLUSIONDetailed characterization studies inferred that both the starches possessed good functional, structural and thermal properties, indicating suitability for food and non‐food applications. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
One‐pot conversion of wheat straw into biobased chemicals in methanol/water medium using cheap mixed acid catalyst
Authors: Zhao Sibo , Huang Xuezheng , Yan Zhenli , Chang Chun , Xu Guizhuan , Du Chaojun , Jiao Youzhou , Chen Zhiyong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDEnvironmental concerns and the diminishing availability of unrenewable resources have spurred research into the use of agricultural waste as a feedstock for industrial applications. Efficient conversion of wheat straw into biobased chemicals is an important way to realize the potential value of renewable agricultural biomass. This study investigated one‐pot conversion of wheat straw into two notable platform chemicals, levulinic acid (LA) and methyl levulinate (ML).RESULTSA mixed acid catalyst system, including 1% H2SO4 and 0.015 mol L–1 Al2(SO4)3, was an efficient catalyst for the conversion of wheat straw due to the combination of Brønsted acid and Lewis acid. A ratio of wheat straw to methanol of 5 g/50 mL was identified as the preferred solid/liquid ratio, and a methanol/H2O medium with 25% water content aided the simultaneous production of LA and ML from wheat straw. Under optimum conditions, the maximum total yield of LA and ML reached 23.01% at 220 °C and 3 h. The kinetics of biobased chemical formation and the reaction pathways in methanol/water were investigated.CONCLUSIONThe presence of water in the methanol/H2O medium affected the distribution of products and promoted hydrolysis reactions. The methanol/H2O medium not only inhibited the side reactions but also promoted the degradation of wheat straw and increased the total yield of LA and ML. This study provides a feasible method for the conversion of wheat straw to prepare biobased chemicals. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Current status of beta‐thalassemia and its treatment strategies
Authors: Ali Shaukat , Mumtaz Shumaila , Shakir Hafiz Abdullah , Khan Muhammad , Tahir Hafiz Muhammad , Mumtaz Samaira , Mughal Tafail Akbar , Hassan Ali , Kazmi Syed Akif Raza , Sadia  , Irfan Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Adeeb 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundThalassemia is an inherited hematological disorder categorized by a decrease or absence of one or more of the globin chains synthesis. Beta‐thalassemia is caused by one or more mutations in the beta‐globin gene. The absence or reduced amount of beta‐globin chains causes ineffective erythropoiesis which leads to anemia.MethodsBeta‐thalassemia has been further divided into three main forms: thalassemia major, intermedia, and minor/silent carrier. A more severe form among these is thalassemia major in which individuals depend upon blood transfusion for survival. The high level of iron deposition occurs due to regular blood transfusion therapy.ResultsOverloaded iron raises the synthesis of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are noxious and prompting the injury to the hepatic, endocrine, and vascular system. Thalassemia can be analyzed and diagnosed via prenatal testing (genetic testing of amniotic fluid), blood smear, complete blood count, and DNA analysis (genetic testing). Treatment of thalassemia intermediate is symptomatic; however; it can also be accomplished by folic supplementation and splenectomy.ConclusionThalassemia major can be cured through regular transfusion of blood, transplantation of bone marrow, iron chelation management, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, stimulation of fetal hemoglobin production, and gene therapy.
Design, content, and fieldwork procedures of the COVID‐19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) Study – Wave 4
Authors: McBride Orla , Butter Sarah , Murphy Jamie , Shevlin Mark , Hartman Todd K. , Bennett Kate M. , Stocks Thomas V. A. , Lloyd Alex , McKay Ryan , Gibson‐Miller Jilly , Levita Liat , Mason Liam , Martinez Anton P. , Hyland Philip , Vallières Frédérique , Karatzias Thanos , Valiente Carmen , Vazquez Carmelo , Bentall Richard P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjectivesThis paper outlines fieldwork procedures for Wave 4 of the COVID‐19 Psychological Research Consortium (C19PRC) Study in the UK during November–December 2020.MethodsRespondents provided data on socio‐political attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, and mental health disorders (anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress). In Phase 1, adults (N = 2878) were reinvited to participate. At Phase 2, new recruitment: (i) replenished the longitudinal strand to account for attrition; and (ii) oversampled from the devolved UK nations to facilitate robust between‐country analyses for core study outcomes. Weights were calculated using a survey raking algorithm to ensure the longitudinal panel was representative of the baseline sample characteristics.ResultsIn Phase 1, 1796 adults were successfully recontacted and provided full interviews at Wave 4 (62.4% retention rate). In Phase 2, 292 new respondents were recruited to replenish the panel, as well as 1779 adults from Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, who were representative of the socio‐political composition of the adult populations in these nations. The raking procedure successfully re‐balanced the longitudinal panel to within 1% of population estimates for selected socio‐demographic characteristics.ConclusionThe C19PRC Study offers a unique opportunity to facilitate and stimulate interdisciplinary research addressing important public health questions relating to the COVID‐19 pandemic.
Functionalized graphene nanoplatelets/poly (lactic acid)/chitosan nanocomposites: Mechanical, biodegradability, and electrical conductivity properties
Authors: Paydayesh Azin , Mousavi Seyed Rasoul , Estaji Sara , Khonakdar Hossein Ali , Nozarinya Mohammad Amin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractDifferent contents of functionalized graphene nanoplatelet (FGNP) were incorporated into the blend of poly (lactic acid)/chitosan (PLA/CS) (75/25 wt/wt), and the effect of nanoplatelet addition on mechanical properties, biodegradability behavior, and electrical conductivity of the blend was investigated. The results revealed the proper dispersion of FGNP in the blend, and the nanocomposite containing 3 phr FGNP (PLA75/CS25/FGNP3) demonstrated the finest morphology and the narrowest size distribution. The nanocomposite filled with 3 phr FGNP indicated an improvement of approximately 142% and 261% in tensile strength and Young's modulus, respectively, compared to the neat blend. Moreover, with the addition of 3 phr FGNP to the PLA/CS blend, thermal stability significantly improved. In addition, the study of biodegradability behavior demonstrated that the weight loss rate enhanced over time. From the fifth week onwards, the weight loss rate diminished because of the decrease in the number of degradable functional groups in the nanocomposite. On the other hand, the thermal conductivity of PLA75/CS25/FGNP3 showed an improvement of higher than 12 orders of magnitude compared to the neat blend. In addition, experimental data on electrical conductivity and power‐law model predictions were consistent.
Parent perspectives on facilitating decision‐making around pediatric home ventilation
Authors: Jabre Nicholas A. , Raisanen Jessica C. , Shipman Kelly J. , Henderson Carrie M. , Boss Renee D. , Wilfond Benjamin S. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRationaleDeciding about pediatric home ventilation is exceptionally challenging for parents. Understanding the decision‐making needs of parents who made different choices for their children could inform clinician counseling that better supports parents’ diverse values and goals.ObjectivesTo determine how clinicians can meet the decisional needs of parents considering home ventilation using a balanced sample of families who chose for or against intervention.MethodsWe conducted semi‐structured interviews of parents who chose for or against home ventilation for their child within the previous 5 years. Parents were recruited from three academic centers across the United States. Interviews focused on parent–clinician communication during decision‐making and how clinicians made the process easier or more difficult. Qualitative analysis was used to generate themes and identify key results.ResultsThirty‐eight parents were interviewed; 20 chose for and 18 chose against home ventilation. Five themes described their perspectives on how clinicians can facilitate high‐quality decision‐making: demonstrating dedication to families, effectively managing the medical team, introducing the concept of home ventilation with intention, facilitating meaningful conversation about the treatment options, and supporting and respecting the family's decision.ConclusionsHigh‐quality decision‐making around home ventilation depends on individual clinician actions and the complex operations of large academic settings. Strong working relationships with parents, collaborative alliances with colleagues, and appropriate delivery of key content can help meet the needs of parents considering invasive breathing supports for their children.
Modelling the impact of Apivar treatment on a Varroa mite population and the influence of resistance
Authors: Almecija Gabrielle , Poirot Benjamin , Ventelon Marie , Suppo Christelle 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDVarroa destructor is a parasite of honeybees. It causes biological damage leading to the colony collapse in the absence of treatment. In recent years, acaricide resistance has emerged in Varroa mites, leading to a decrease in treatment efficacy. We modelled the action of Apivar (amitraz) treatment, using three input parameters: treatment duration, treatment period, and daily mortality due to the treatment. The output parameters were cumulative mite mortality during treatment, the residual number of Varroa mites, and treatment efficacy, expressed as a percentage.RESULTSThe model was validated by monitoring efficacy in the field, in 36 treated hives. According to the model, treatment in the absence of brood is optimal. For a long period without egg laying during the winter, an initial infestation of 100 mites and a start date for treatment of August 7, a minimal treatment efficacy of 98.8% is required for stabilization of the mite population for year to year. More effective treatment is associated with lower cumulative numbers of dead Varroa mites over the entire treatment period. Thus, the total number of dead mites observed during the monitoring of field efficacy provides information about more than just the initial level of colony infestation. The proportion of resistant mites can be modelized by a decrease of daily mortality rate influencing treatment efficacy. Management of the initial Varroa mite infestation of the colony by the beekeeper can compensate for the decrease in treatment efficacy for resistance thresholds of up to 40% of resistant mites.CONCLUSIONTreatment efficacy depends on several parameters, including initial level of infestation, treatment period and the presence of acaricide resistance. Amitraz resistance may lead to treatment failure, even if the beekeeper is able to keep initial infestation rates low. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Multi‐scale affinities with missing data: Estimation and applications
Authors: Zhang Min , Mishne Gal , Chi Eric C. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMany machine learning algorithms depend on weights that quantify row and column similarities of a data matrix. The choice of weights can dramatically impact the effectiveness of the algorithm. Nonetheless, the problem of choosing weights has arguably not been given enough study. When a data matrix is completely observed, Gaussian kernel affinities can be used to quantify the local similarity between pairs of rows and pairs of columns. Computing weights in the presence of missing data, however, becomes challenging. In this paper, we propose a new method to construct row and column affinities even when data are missing by building off a co‐clustering technique. This method takes advantage of solving the optimization problem for multiple pairs of cost parameters and filling in the missing values with increasingly smooth estimates. It exploits the coupled similarity structure among both the rows and columns of a data matrix. We show these affinities can be used to perform tasks such as data imputation, clustering, and matrix completion on graphs.
Growth of 1D Nanorod Perovskite for Surface Passivation in FAPbI3 Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Le , Chen Siqi , Qi Lu , Zhao Min , Zhao Chengjie , Tang Jin , Cai Xu , Lu Fushen , Jiu Tonggang 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe regulation of perovskite crystallization and nanostructure have revolutionized the development of high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) in recent years. Yet the problem of stably passivating perovskite surface defects remains perplexing. The 1D perovskites possess superior physical properties compared with bulk crystals, such as excellent moisture stability, self‐healing property, and surface defects passivation. Here, 4‐chlorobenzamidine hydrochloride (CBAH) is developed as spacer to form orientationally crystallized nanorod‐like 1D perovskite on the top surface of 3D perovskite for surface passivation of FAPbI3 perovskite. Further structure characterizations indicate the coexistence of 1D–3D hybrid perovskite lattices in nanorod‐like perovskite passivation layer, which regulates the crystallization and morphology effectively and assists in promoting charge extraction, and suppressing charge recombination. As a result, the CBAH treated FAPbI3‐based PSCs exhibit a boosted power conversion efficiency of 21.95%. More importantly, the resultant unencapsulated devices display improved thermal, moisture, and illumination stability, and high reproducibility in terms of device performance. These results indicate the potential of organic halide salts for regulation of perovskite crystallization, offering a promising route of utilizing 1D perovskites nanorods in photovoltaic fields.
Soft‐Contact Acoustic Microgripper Based on a Controllable Gas–Liquid Interface for Biomicromanipulations
Authors: Zhou Yidi , Liu Jixiao , Yan Junjia , Guo Shijie , Li Tiejun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe manipulation of microscale bioentities is desired in many biological and biomedical applications. However, the potential unobservable damage to bioparticles due to rigid contact has always been a source of concern. Herein, a soft‐contact acoustic microgripper to handle microparticles to improve the interaction safety is introduced. The system takes advantage of the acoustic‐enhanced adhesion of flexible gas‐liquid interfaces to capture‐release, transport, and rotate the target, such as microbeads (20–65 µm) and zebrafish embryos (from 950 µm to 1.4 mm). The gas‐liquid interface generated at the tip of a microcapillary can be precisely controlled by a pneumatic pressure source. The gas‐liquid interface oscillation excited by acoustic energy imposes coupled radiation force and drag force on the microparticles, enabling multidimensional movements. Experiments with the microbeads are conducted to evaluate the claimed function and quantify the key parameters that influence the manipulation result. Additionally, 250 zebrafish embryos are captured, transported, and rotated. The hatching rate of the 250 manipulated embryos is approximately 98% similar to that of the nonmanipulated group, which proves the noninvasiveness of the method. The derived theories and experimental data indicate that the developed soft‐contact microgripper is functional and beneficial for biological and medical applications.
MOF Structure Engineering to Synthesize CoNC Catalyst with Richer Accessible Active Sites for Enhanced Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Gao Jiaojiao , Hu Yixuan , Wang Yu , Lin Xiaorong , Hu Kailong , Lin Xi , Xie Guoqiang , Liu Xingjun , Reddy Kolan Madhav , Yuan Qunhui , Qiu Hua‐Jun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSingle‐atom cobalt‐based CoNC are promising low‐cost electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). However, further increasing the single cobalt‐based active sites and the ORR activity remain a major challenge. Herein, an acetate (OAc) assisted metal–organic framework (MOF) structure‐engineering strategy is developed to synthesize hierarchical accordion‐like MOF with higher loading amount and better spatial isolation of Co and much higher yield when compared with widely reported polyhedron MOF. After pyrolysis, the accordion‐structured CoNC (CoNC (A)) is loaded with denser CoN4 active sites (Co: 2.88 wt%), approximately twice that of Co in the CoNC reported. The presence of OAc in MOF also induces the generation of big pores (5–50 nm) for improving the accessibility of active sites and mass transfer during catalytic reactions. Consequently, the CoNC (A) catalyst shows an admirable ORR activity with a E1/2 of 0.89 V (40 mV better than Pt/C) in alkaline electrolytes, outstanding durability, and absolute tolerance to methanol in both alkaline and acidic media. The CoNC‐based Zn‐air battery exhibits a high specific capacity (976 mAh g−1Zn), power density (158 mW cm−2), rate capability, and long‐term stability. This work demonstrates a reliable approach to construct single atom doped carbon catalysts with denser accessible active sites through MOF structure engineering.
Growth and Degradation Kinetics of Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Perovskite Films Determined by In Situ Grazing‐Incidence X‐Ray Scattering Techniques
Authors: Wang Jian , Wang Weijia , Chen Yonghua , Song Lin , Huang Wei 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOrganic–inorganic halide perovskite (OIHP) solar cells hold a great promise for commercial breakthrough since their power conversion efficiency has been pushed beyond the mark of 25%, making them capable of competing with traditional crystalline silicon solar cells. The key to achieve efficient and stable perovskite solar cells is inherently related to the film morphology. The understanding of the kinetic processes of film formation and degradation opens up possibilities to tailor the film morphology via the regulation of precursor and processing parameters. In situ grazing‐incidence X‐ray scattering (GIXS) techniques allow for tracking the morphology evolution of thin films at different length scales and with high temporal resolution. In this review, the selected examples for application of in situ grazing‐incidence wide‐angle X‐ray scattering and grazing‐incidence small‐angle X‐ray scattering techniques to the growth and stability of OIHPs are summarized after a brief introduction to both techniques, highlighting particularly the morphological evolution of perovskite films over time. Then the correlated mathematical models are reviewed to give a toolbox for analyzing the mechanisms of film formation and degradation. Thus, an overview on the in situ GIXS methods is linked to the research of OIHP kinetics.