bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sexual differences in human cranial morphology: Is one sex more variable or one region more dimorphic?
Authors: Milella Marco , Franklin Daniel , Belcastro Maria Giovanna , Cardini Andrea 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe quantification of cranial sexual dimorphism (CSD) among modern humans is relevant in evolutionary studies of morphological variation and in a forensic context. Despite the abundance of quantitative studies of CSD, few have specifically examined intra‐sex variability. Here we quantify CSD in a geographically homogeneous sample of adult crania, which includes Italian individuals from the 19th and 20th centuries. Cranial morphology is described with 92 3D landmarks analyzed using Procrustean geometric morphometrics (PGMM). Size and shape variables are used to compare morphological variance between sexes in the whole cranium and four individual regions. The same variables, plus Procrustes form, are used to quantify average sex differences and explore classification accuracy. Our results indicate that: (a) as predicted by Wainer's rule, males present overall more variance in size and shape, albeit this is statistically significant only for total cranial size; (b) differences between sexes are dominated by size and to a lesser extent by Procrustes form; (c) shape only accounts for a minor proportion of variance; (d) the cranial base shows almost no dimorphism for shape; and (e) facial Procrustes form is the most accurate predictor of skeletal sex. Overall, this study suggests developmental factors underlying differences in CSD among cranial regions; stresses the need for population‐specific models that describe craniofacial variation as the basis for models that facilitate the estimation of sex in unidentified skeletal remains; and provides one of the first confirmations of “Wainer's rule” in relation to sexual dimorphism in mammals specific to the human cranium.
Construction of a model as an information channel between the physical phenomenon and observer
Authors: Menin Boris 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study proposes a method to assess the accuracy limit of the measurements of physical variables to formulate a model, from the perspective of storing, transmitting, processing, and using of information by an observer. The results show the existence of a problem that advanced statistical methods are provably incapable of solving due to the presence of initial and inevitable model uncertainties arising from a qualitative set of base quantities and the number of variables which are considered, even before verifying the different sources of the uncertainties and executing any experimental measurements or computer calculations. The information contained in the model can be used theoretically and practically to test the solutions to a wide range of problems. Revealing the measurement accuracy limit (in addition to the Heisenberg inequality) with the help of the information transmitted from the studied phenomenon to the observer, which is then stored in the model, helps to perform two additional tasks: choosing the preferred method for measuring a particular physical constant, in physics; and calculating the exact value of the threshold discrepancy between the model and the measured object, in measurement theory. Further research indicates the possibility of allying these methods in biological and medical sciences.
Interval selection: A case‐study‐based approach
Authors: Arboretti Rosa , Ceccato Riccardo , Pegoraro Luca , Salmaso Luigi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVariable selection plays a fundamental role in the analysis of data containing several variables which are redundant or irrelevant to the problem of interest. The ability to identify and discard these variables would make it possible to improve predictive performances and data interpretation, thus reducing costs and computational time. Although many methods have been proposed for feature selection, in some fields there is more interest in selecting groups of variables because of the continuous nature and covariance of adjacent data. This is the case for near‐infrared spectroscopy, where several methods, mainly based on partial least squares regression, have been proposed to deal with interval selection. In this article, we consider some of these methods and propose an additional solution based on a variable clustering procedure (Cov/VSURF), Lasso regression and permutation tests. We compare their performances on four different public datasets and discuss the impact of interval selection on the predictive performances of the considered models.
Pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study of hupehenenine in rats: A novel isosteroid alkaloid isolated from Bulbus Hupehensis Fritillariae
Authors: Zhang Qinyan , Li Dongguo , Ma Bihua , Wang Xueyan , Yang Junyi , Chen Donglin , Ye Liming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHupehenenine is a novel isosteroid alkaloid that was first isolated from Bulbus Hupehensis Fritillariae. The inhibitory proliferation effect of hupehenenine and its three related alkaloid derivatives, including o‐caproyl‐hupehenenine, o‐(2‐furanoyl)‐hupehenenine, and Δ5(6)‐isopeimine on human lung cancer cell line, human chronic myeloid leukemia cell line, and human thyroid duct cancer cell line in vitro, has been identified. This study first developed a sensitive HPLC‐MS/MS method for the simultaneous quantification of hupehenenine and three alkaloid derivatives in rat plasma and tissues. The developed method was validated, and it was linear over the concentration range of 1–800 ng/mL for all analytes with R2 ≥ 0.9939 and 0.9972, respectively, in rat plasma and rat liver homogenate. The lower limit of quantitation was 1 ng/mL for all analytes. The intra‐day and inter‐day precision and accuracy were satisfactory. This validated method was successfully applied to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of hupehenenine in rats. In pharmacokinetic study, the maximum plasma concentration of rats exists gender difference. Tissue distribution study showed that hupehenenine has good affinity for multiple tissues but is unable to cross the blood–brain barrier. These results may provide a useful reference for further research of hupehenenine and its three related alkaloid derivatives.
High‐throughput liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry method using in‐source collision‐induced dissociation for simultaneous quantification of imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib, and ibrutinib in human plasma
Authors: Hirasawa Tensei , Kikuchi Masafumi , Shigeta Kensuke , Takasaki Shinya , Sato Yu , Sato Toshihiro , Ogura Jiro , Onodera Koichi , Fukuhara Noriko , Onishi Yasushi , Maekawa Masamitsu , Mano Nariyasu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractRecent studies have shown that therapeutic drug monitoring of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) could improve treatment efficacy and safety. A simple analytical method using high‐performance LC/electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry has been developed and validated for simultaneous quantification of BCR‐ABL and Bruton’s TKIs used for chronic leukemia (imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib, and ibrutinib) in human plasma. Although these structures and physical properties are similar, owing to their different linear ranges, simultaneously determining the plasma levels of these five TKIs by applying optimal MS parameters remains difficult. A quantitative range exceeding 60,000‐fold was required, and the linear dynamic ranges of imatinib, bosutinib, and nilotinib were limited because of the presence of a saturated detection signal. In this study, we applied the in‐source collision‐induced dissociation technique to control the ion amounts in mass spectrometry. This new method allowed rapid determination within 5 min with simple pretreatment. The method was validated according to the US Food and Drug Administration guidelines. Moreover, all samples of patients with chronic leukemia were successfully measured and their values were within the linear range of measurement. Therefore, our high‐throughput analytical system is useful to measure the plasma concentrations of imatinib, dasatinib, bosutinib, nilotinib, and ibrutinib in clinical practice.
Levels of residues and dietary risk assessment of the fungicides myclobutanil, penconazole, tebuconazole, and triadimenol in squash
Authors: Abdallah Osama I. , Alrasheed Abdulmajeed M. , Al‐Mundarij Abdullah A. , Omar Ayman F. , Alhewairini Saleh S. , Al‐Jamhan Khaled A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTriazole fungicides may potentially harm human health. The ‘quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe’ approach has become popular for extraction and cleanup during pesticide residue analysis. We aimed to (a) validate a method for the simultaneous determination of myclobutanil, penconazole, tebuconazole, and triadimenol in squash using LC–MS/MS and (b) determine the pre‐harvest intervals (PHIs) and assess the related risk of consuming squash cultivated under open‐field conditions in Saudi Arabia. Using acetonitrile as the extraction solvent and fourfold dilution in deionized water led to weak signal suppression (<−6.1%). The limits of quantitation ranged from 10 to 40 μg/kg. Mean recovery and relative standard deviation ranged from 81.7 to 96.3% and from 3.6 to 11.4%. The half‐lives ranged from 2.22 to 3.83 days, and the dissipation followed first‐order kinetics. The terminal residues of myclobutanil, penconazole, tebuconazole, and triadimenol were <0.771, <0.307, <0.459, and <0.954 mg/kg, respectively, 7 days after two or three applications of recommended dosages. The PHIs of 7.1–11.4, 8.7–13.1, 3.8–5.3, and 11.3–14.3 days are suggested after the application of the recommended dose and double the recommended dose. A consumer risk assessment based on estimated dietary intake indicated that the consumption of squash treated with the recommended doses does not pose a significant health risk.
An engineered probiotic secreting Sj16 ameliorates colitis via Ruminococcaceae/butyrate/retinoic acid axis
Authors: Wang Lifu , Liao Yao , Yang Ruibing , Zhu Zifeng , Zhang Lichao , Wu Zhongdao , Sun Xi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMost inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients are unable to maintain a lifelong remission. Developing a novel therapeutic strategy is urgently needed. In this study, we adopt a new strategy to attenuate colitis using the Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 probiotic strain to express a schistosome immunoregulatory protein (Sj16) in the gastrointestinal tract. The genetically engineered Nissle 1917 (EcN‐Sj16) highly expressed Sj16 in the gastrointestinal tracts of dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis mice and significantly attenuated the clinical activity of colitis mice. Mechanistically, EcN‐Sj16 increased the intestinal microbiota diversity and selectively promoted the growth of Ruminococcaceae and therefore enhanced the butyrate production. Butyrate induced the expression of retinoic acid, which further attenuated the clinical activity of colitis mice by increasing Treg cells and decreasing Th17. Strikingly, retinoic acid inhibitor inhibited the therapeutic effects of EcN‐Sj16 in colitis mice. These findings suggest that EcN‐Sj16 represents a novel engineered probiotic that may be used to treat IBD.
Macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 induced by a high‐fat diet promotes prostate cancer progression by stimulating tumor‐promoting cytokine production from tumor stromal cells
Authors: Huang Mingguo , Narita Shintaro , Koizumi Atsushi , Nara Taketoshi , Numakura Kazuyuki , Satoh Shigeru , Nanjo Hiroshi , Habuchi Tomonori 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have indicated that a high‐fat diet (HFD) and/or HFD‐induced obesity may influence prostate cancer (PCa) progression, but the role of HFD in PCa microenvironment is unclear. This study aimed to delineate the molecular mechanisms of PCa progression under HFD milieus and define the stromal microenvironment focusing on macrophage inhibitory cytokine‐1 (MIC‐1) activation.MethodsWe investigated the effects of HFD on PCa stromal microenvironment and MIC‐1 signaling activation using PC‐3M‐luc‐C6 PCa model mice fed with HFD or control diet. Further, we explored the effect of periprostatic adipocytes derived from primary PCa patients on activation and cytokine secretion of prostate stromal fibroblasts. Expression patterns and roles of MIC‐1 signaling on human PCa stroma activation and progression were also investigated.ResultsHFD stimulated PCa cell growth and invasion as a result of upregulated MIC‐1 signaling and subsequently increased the secretion of interleukin (IL)‐8 and IL‐6 from prostate stromal fibroblasts in PC‐3M‐luc‐C6 PCa mouse model. In addition, periprostatic adipocytes directly stimulated MIC‐1 production from PC‐3 cells and IL‐8 secretion in prostate stromal fibroblasts through the upregulation of adipose lipolysis and free fatty acid release. The increased serum MIC‐1 was significantly correlated with human PCa stroma activation, high serum IL‐8, IL‐6, and lipase activity, advanced PCa progression, and high body mass index of the patients. Glial‐derived neurotrophic factor receptor α‐like (GFRAL), a specific receptor of MIC‐1, was highly expressed in both cytoplasm and membrane of PCa cells and surrounding stromal fibroblasts, and the expression level was decreased by androgen deprivation therapy and chemotherapy.ConclusionHFD‐mediated activation of the PCa stromal microenvironment through metabolically upregulated MIC‐1 signaling by increased available free fatty acids may be a critical mechanism of HFD and/or obesity‐induced PCa progression.
Unsupported Nanoporous Palladium Catalyst for Highly Selective Hydrogenation of Carbon Dioxide and Sodium Bicarbonate into Formate
Authors: Wang Jixiao , Zhou ChuanCheng , Gao Zhanming , Feng Xiujuan , Yamamoto Yoshinori , Bao Ming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDeveloping an efficient and simple heterogeneous catalytic system for CO2 conversion into formic acid (FA) is a vibrant research area because FA is recognized as a liquid organic hydrogen carrier. On the basis of our previous work on unsupported nanoporous palladium‐catalyzed hydrogenation proceeding through a Pd‐hydride intermediate, we report herein four types of PdNPore catalysts for the CO2 hydrogenation. The PdNPore‐1 catalyst exhibited high catalytic activity for CO2 hydrogenation into formate and obtained a yield of 86 % at 80 °C under H2 (1.0 MPa) and CO2 (1.5 MPa) with 1,8‐diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec‐7‐ene (DBU) as a base in acetonitrile. Moreover, the catalyst was easily recovered and reused without any loss of catalytic activity. Sodium bicarbonate could also be hydrogenated using the PdNPore‐1 catalyst.
Accelerating H2 Evolution by Anodic Semi‐dehydrogenation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines in Water over Co3O4 Nanoribbon Arrays Decorated Nickel Foam
Authors: Xiang Ming , Xu Zhihua , Wang Jinghao , Yang Xiaoqiu , Yan Zhaoxiong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCoupling the H2 evolution reaction in water with thermodynamically favorable organic oxidation reactions is highly desirable, because it can enhance the energy conversion efficiency compared with electrocatalytic water splitting, and produce value‐added chemicals instead of O2 in the anodic reaction. Herein, Co3O4 nanoribbon arrays in situ grown on nickel foam (Co3O4@NF) was employed as an effective electrocatalyst for the selective oxidation of tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs). Various value‐added semi‐dehydrogenation products including dihydroisoquinolines with electro‐deficient or ‐rich groups could be obtained with moderate yields and faradaic efficiencies. Benefitting from the rich surface active sites of Co3O4@NF, a two‐electrode (Co3O4@NF||Pt) electrolytic system drove a benchmark current density of 10 mA cm−2 at a cell voltage as low as 1.446 V in 1.0 M KOH aqueous solution containing 0.02 M THIQ, which was reduced by 174 mV in comparison with that of overall water splitting.
How organizations adapt their HR practices to a changing environment: 11 theoretical dimensions to inform human resource management
Authors: Cloutier Julie , Robert‐Huot Geneviève 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the growing interest in Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM), little is known about the process by which organizations adapt their HR practices to changes in the environment. In order to open this so‐called black box, we transpose 11 theoretical perspectives of organizational change from the field of management to HRM. We also highlight the contributions of each one according to the dimensions of change: the what (the nature of the change in HR practices); the why (triggers for change); the what for (the goals targeted by the change); and the how (the process by which the change in HR practices is implemented).
Clinical and inflammatory characteristics of patients with asthma in the Spanish MEGA project cohort
Authors: Rial Manuel J. , Álvarez‐Puebla Maria J. , Arismendi Ebymar , Caballero María L. , Cañas José A. , Cruz María J. , González‐Barcala Francisco J. , Luna Juan A. , Martínez‐Rivera Carlos , Mullol Joaquim , Muñoz Xavier , Olaguibel José M. , Picado César , Plaza Vicente , Quirce Santiago , Romero‐Mesones Christian , Salgado Francisco‐Javier , Sastre Beatriz , Soto‐Retes Lorena , Valero Antonio , Valverde Marcela , Sastre Joaquín , Pozo Victora del 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe MEGA (MEchanism underlying the Genesis and evolution of Asthma) project is a multicenter cohort study carried out in eight Spanish hospitals, gathering clinical, physiological, and molecular data from patients with asthma and multimorbidities in order to gain insight into the different physiopathological mechanisms involved in this disorder.Material and MethodsWe report the baseline clinical and physiological characteristics and biomarker measures of adult participants in the project with the aim of better understanding the natural history and underlying mechanisms of asthma as well as the associated multimorbidities across different levels of severity. We carried out a detailed clinical examination, pulmonary function testing, measurement of fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), blood counts, induced sputum, skin prick tests, chest computed tomography scan, asthma questionnaires, and multimorbidity assessment in 512 asthmatic patients.ResultsWhen compared to patients with milder disease, severe asthmatic patients showed greater presence of symptoms, more exacerbations, lower asthma control, increased airflow obstruction, and higher frequency of chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, severe rhinitis, anxiety and depression, gastroesophageal reflux, and bronchiectasis.ConclusionThe MEGA project succeeded in recruiting a high number of asthma patients, especially those with severe disease, who showed lower control and higher frequency of multimorbidities.
Mechanistic Considerations About an Unexpected Ramipril Drug‐Drug Interaction in the Development of a Triple Fixed‐Dose Combination Product Containing Ramipril, Amlodipine, and Atorvastatin
Authors: Hermann Robert , Gundlach Kristina , Seiler Dan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis open‐label, repeat‐dose, fixed‐sequence study in healthy subjects examined pharmacokinetic drug‐drug interactions between the components of a novel fixed‐dose combination product containing ramipril, amlodipine, and atorvastatin. Sequential 5‐day monotreatments (MTs) of ramipril (5 mg/d) and atorvastatin (40 mg/d) were followed by a 9‐day amlodipine MT (5 mg/d), separated by 96 hours washout intervals. After amlodipine MT, all 3 single‐entity drugs were coadministered for 5 days. Blood samples were taken over the dosing intervals and drug concentrations quantified by high‐performance liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry. Pharmacokinetic parameters were assessed and compared between the MTs and combination treatments by analysis of variance. Eighteen healthy subjects were enrolled and completed the study. No significant difference in maximum concentration (Cmax) and area under the plasma concentration–time curve over the dosing interval (AUC0‐τ) for amlodipine and AUC0‐τ of atorvastatin was observed upon combination treatments versus MTs. Cmax of atorvastatin was slightly decreased (Cmax ratio, 89.3%) when given in combination. Increased exposure of ramipril and less pronounced exposure of ramiprilat were observed in the presence of amlodipine and atorvastatin, with Cmax ratios for ramipril and ramiprilat of 182.6% and 155.9%, and corresponding AUC0‐τ ratios of 150.0% and 112.1%, respectively. These ramiprilat increases are unlikely of clinical relevance, because complete angiotensin‐converting enzyme occupation is achieved with ≥5‐mg ramipril doses, and free ramiprilat is rapidly eliminated. As ramipril is known to be subject to a site‐dependent absorption in the upper small intestine, it is hypothesized that slowing of intestinal motility by atorvastatin or amlodipine or a combined effect of both, increased the residence time of ramipril in its “absorption window,” thereby enhancing its bioavailability.
Giant Faraday effect of FeCo‐BaF and FeCo‐SiN nanogranular films
Authors: Kobayashi Nobukiyo , Ikeda Kenji , Arai Ken‐Ichi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe introduce FeCo‐BaF and FeCo‐SiN nanogranular films exhibiting giant Faraday effect. These films have a nanocomposite structure, in which nanometer‐sized FeCo ferromagnetic granules are dispersed in BaF2 or Si3N4 matrix. FeCo‐BaF film has a good figure of merit of Faraday effect from the crystalized BaF2 matrix. FeCo‐SiN film has a large refraction index from the nature of Si3N4 matrix. These properties contribute to the practical application of nanogranular films to optical devices.