bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of a novel proline‐rich antimicrobial protein from the hemolymph of Antheraea mylitta
Authors: Chowdhury Trinath , Mandal Santi M. , Dutta Soumita , Ghosh Ananta K. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial proteins (AMPs) are small, cationic proteins that exhibit activity against bacteria, viruses, parasites, fungi as well as boost host‐specific innate immune responses. Insects produce these AMPs in the fat body and hemocytes, and release them into the hemolymph upon microbial infection. Hemolymph was collected from the bacterially immunized fifth instar larvae of tasar silkworm, Antheraea mylitta, and an AMP was purified by organic solvent extraction followed by size exclusion and reverse‐phase high‐pressure liquid chromatography. The purity of AMP was confirmed by thin‐layer chromatography and sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis. The molecular mass was determined by matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry as 14 kDa, and hence designated as AmAMP14. Peptide mass fingerprinting of trypsin‐digested AmAMP14 followed by de novo sequencing of one peptide fragment by tandem mass spectrometry analysis revealed the amino acid sequences as CTSPKQCLPPCK. No homology was found in the database search and indicates it as a novel AMP. The minimum inhibitory concentration of the purified AmAMP14 was determined against Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida albicans as 30, 60, and 30 µg/ml, respectively. Electron microscopic examination of the AmAMP14‐treated cells revealed membrane damage and release of cytoplasmic contents. All these results suggest the production of a novel 14 kDa AMP in the hemolymph of A. mylitta to provide defense against microbial infection.
Eremophilane Sesquiterpenes and Benzene Derivatives from the Endophyte Microdiplodia sp. WGHS5
Authors: Khan Babar , Zhao Shuangshuang , Wang Zhiyang , Ye Yonghao , Ahmed Rajput Nasir , Yan Wei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThree new eremophilane sesquiterpenes phomadecalins G−I (1–3) and two new benzene derivatives microdiplzenes A and B (12 and 13), together with nine known eremophilane sesquiterpenes (4–11 and 14) were isolated from an endophytic fungus, Microdiplodia sp. WGHS5. Their structures were elucidated by the interpretation of HR‐ESI‐MS and NMR data; meanwhile, the absolute configurations of new compounds were determined on the base of ECD calculations. All compounds were evaluated for the antimicrobial activities and antiproliferative effect on human gastric cancer cell lines (BGC‐823).
Analog‐digital hybrid impression technique in an elderly patient: A case report
Authors: Papazoglou Efstratios , Charalambous Constantinos 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe hybrid impression technique consists of an initial alginate impression that provides a preoperative cast upon which a diagnostic wax‐up and a silicone index are made. The wax‐up is digitized; thus, the final altered digital impression is limited to absolute minimum time, effort and ensures comfort for the patient.
Chemical Imaging of Mixed Metal Oxide Catalysts for Propylene Oxidation: From Model Binary Systems to Complex Multicomponent Systems
Authors: Sprenger Paul , Stehle Matthias , Gaur Abhijeet , Weiß Jana , Brueckner Dennis , Zhang Yi , Garrevoet Jan , Suuronen Jussi‐Petteri , Thomann Michael , Fischer Achim , Grunwaldt Jan‐Dierk , Sheppard Thomas L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIndustrially‐applied mixed metal oxide catalysts often possess an ensemble of structural components with complementary functions. Characterisation of these hierarchical systems is challenging, particularly moving from binary to quaternary systems. Here a quaternary Bi−Mo−Co−Fe oxide catalyst showing significantly greater activity than binary Bi−Mo oxides for selective propylene oxidation to acrolein was studied with chemical imaging techniques from the microscale to nanoscale. Conventional techniques like XRD and Raman spectroscopy could only distinguish a small number of components. Spatially‐resolved characterisation provided a clearer picture of metal oxide phase composition, starting from elemental distribution by SEM‐EDX and spatially‐resolved mapping of metal oxide components by 2D Raman spectroscopy. This was extended to 3D using multiscale hard X‐ray tomography with fluorescence, phase, and diffraction contrast. The identification and co‐localisation of phases in 2D and 3D can assist in rationalising catalytic performance during propylene oxidation, based on studies of model, binary, or ternary catalyst systems in literature. This approach is generally applicable and attractive for characterisation of complex mixed metal oxide systems.
Structure–activity relationship study of the anti‐obesity natural product yoshinone A
Authors: Kawazoe Yoshinori , Itakura Yuki , Inuzuka Toshiyasu , Omura Sachikazu , Uemura Daisuke 
Published: March 2021

AbstractYoshinone A was derived from marine algae and shown to inhibit adipogenic differentiation. The natural compound is composed of a γ‐pyrone ring and a side chain and that contains two asymmetric carbons. Although their absolute configuration has been determined, there is no information available on the stereoisomers and their bioactivities. To address this question, we synthesized all four stereoisomers and measured their activities. We also prepared three more derivatives of yoshinone A and found that the stereo‐configuration inside the side chain, the γ‐pyrone ring, and bulkiness of the side chain all played important roles in its activity. Our findings should help to elucidate the mechanism of action of yoshinone A.
Catalytic Hydrodesulfurization of Gaseous Fuels with Autogenously Formed Hydrogen
Authors: Optenhostert Thomas , Puthenkalam Sissy , Stegmann Niklas , Steffen Michael , Schmidt Wolfgang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHydrogen production from gaseous fuels, such as natural or liquefied petroleum gas, for fuel cell application requires feedstock free of catalyst poisons. As sulfur is one of the main poisons, different methods are employed to remove sulfur species. We propose a process not requiring external hydrogen feed to the feedstock. The hydrogen for the hydrogenation of the sulfur species is obtained directly from the hydrocarbon matrix reacting on a zeolite catalyst. The result is a desulfurization process with considerably simplified process management and a superior process startup.
Methanol‐to‐Olefins Reaction over Large‐Pore Zeolites: Impact of Pore Structure on Catalytic Performance
Authors: Park Sungsik , Sato Gakuji , Osuga Ryota , Wang Yong , Kubota Yoshihiro , Kondo Junko N. , Gies Hermann , Tatsumi Takashi , Yokoi Toshiyuki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn the methanol‐to‐olefins (MTO) reaction, product flexibility is important for meeting the fluctuating chemicals demands. In this paper, the catalytic performance of recently reported zeolites having 12‐ring pores, such as boroaluminosilicate CON‐type zeolite ([Al,B]‐CON), MCM‐68, and YNU‐5 zeolites, in the MTO reaction was compared to understand the relationship between zeolite framework and product selectivity. The catalytic performance of the synthesized zeolites was compared with that of Beta, mordenite, and ZSM‐5. The highest selectivities for propylene and butylenes were achieved over MCM‐68. The highest propylene‐to‐ethylene ratio in the products was obtained over [Al,B]‐CON. ZSM‐5 and [Al,B]‐CON exhibited a superior ability to suppress coke formation compared to Beta, mordenite, MCM‐68, and YNU‐5.
Investigating epithelial‐mesenchymal heterogeneity of tumors and circulating tumor cells with transcriptomic analysis and biophysical modeling
Authors: Bocci Federico , Mandal Susmita , Tejaswi Tanishq , Jolly Mohit Kumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractCellular heterogeneity along the epithelial‐mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) spectrum is a paramount feature observed in tumors and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). High‐throughput techniques now offer unprecedented details on this variability at a single‐cell resolution. Yet, there is no current consensus about how EMP in tumors propagates to that in CTCs. To investigate the relationship between EMP‐associated heterogeneity of tumors and that of CTCs, we integrated transcriptomic analysis and biophysical modeling. We apply three epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) scoring metrics to multiple tumor samples and CTC datasets from several cancer types. Moreover, we develop a biophysical model that couples EMT‐associated phenotypic switching in a primary tumor with cell migration. Finally, we integrate EMT transcriptomic analysis and in silico modeling to evaluate the predictive power of several measurements of tumor aggressiveness, including tumor EMT score, CTC EMT score, fraction of CTC clusters found in circulation, and CTC cluster size distribution. Analysis of high‐throughput datasets reveals a pronounced heterogeneity without a well‐defined relation between EMT traits in tumors and CTCs. Moreover, mathematical modeling predicts different phases where CTCs can be less, equally, or more mesenchymal than primary tumor depending on the dynamics of phenotypic transition and cell migration. Consistently, various datasets of CTC cluster size distribution from different cancer types are fitted onto different regimes of the model. By further constraining the model with experimental measurements of tumor EMT score, CTC EMT score, and fraction of CTC cluster in bloodstream, we show that none of these assays alone can provide sufficient information to predict the other variables. In conclusion, we propose that the relationship between EMT progression in tumors and CTCs can be variable, and in general, predicting one from the other may not be as straightforward as tacitly assumed.
Agent‐based modeling of the effects of forest dynamics, selective logging, and fragment size on epiphyte communities
Authors: Petter Gunnar , Zotz Gerhard , Kreft Holger , Cabral Juliano Sarmento 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Forest canopies play a crucial role in structuring communities of vascular epiphytes by providing substrate for colonization, by locally varying microclimate, and by causing epiphyte mortality due to branch or tree fall. However, as field studies in the three‐dimensional habitat of epiphytes are generally challenging, our understanding of how forest structure and dynamics influence the structure and dynamics of epiphyte communities is scarce.

Mechanistic models can improve our understanding of epiphyte community dynamics. We present such a model that couples dispersal, growth, and mortality of individual epiphytes with substrate dynamics, obtained from a three‐dimensional functional–structural forest model, allowing the study of forest–epiphyte interactions. After validating the epiphyte model with independent field data, we performed several theoretical simulation experiments to assess how (a) differences in natural forest dynamics, (b) selective logging, and (c) forest fragmentation could influence the long‐term dynamics of epiphyte communities.

The proportion of arboreal substrate occupied by epiphytes (i.e., saturation level) was tightly linked with forest dynamics and increased with decreasing forest turnover rates. While species richness was, in general, negatively correlated with forest turnover rates, low species numbers in forests with very‐low‐turnover rates were due to competitive exclusion when epiphyte communities became saturated. Logging had a negative impact on epiphyte communities, potentially leading to a near‐complete extirpation of epiphytes when the simulated target diameters fell below a threshold. Fragment size had no effect on epiphyte abundance and saturation level but correlated positively with species numbers.

Synthesis: The presented model is a first step toward studying the dynamic forest–epiphyte interactions in an agent‐based modeling framework. Our study suggests forest dynamics as key factor in controlling epiphyte communities. Thus, both natural and human‐induced changes in forest dynamics, for example, increased mortality rates or the loss of large trees, pose challenges for epiphyte conservation.
A Molecular Imprinted Polymer Sensor for Biomonitoring of Fenamiphos Pesticide Metabolite Fenamiphos Sulfoxide
Authors: Qader Bakhtiyar , Hussain Issam , Baron Mark , Jimenez‐Perez Rebeca , Gonzalez‐Rodriguez Jose , Gil‐Ramírez Guzmán 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA new electrochemical method for the identification and quantification of Fenamiphos pesticide's major metabolite in biological samples – Fenamiphos Sulphoxide (FNX) was developed. Computational calculations, Density Functional Theory (DFT) and semi‐empirical models (PM3) were performed to determine the best monomer, pyrrole, and a ratio of 1 : 5 (template: monomer) was chosen for the fabrication of the FNX−MIP sensor obtained by electropolymerization. The FNX−MIP sensor responded well to increasing FNX concentrations (range of 1–30 μM). Limit of detection and quantification (LOD=0.183 μM, LOQ=0.601 μM), respectively, selectivity, and repeatability were also investigated for the developed method. The obtained percentage of recovery showed good agreement compared to reference values obtained from GC‐MS, which was used as a reference method. The FXN−MIP sensor proved selective in the presence of potential interferents. The developed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of FNX in spiked plasma and urine matrixes with acceptable recovery rates. The proposed method also proved successful in detecting FNX prepared from the in vitro metabolism of FNP using liver microsomes to metabolize it.
GreenCloudNet++: Simulation framework for energy efficient and secure, green job scheduling in geographically distributed data centers
Authors: Mahmood Farrukh , Zeeshan Khan Farrukh , Ahmed Muneer , Ahmad Iftikhar , Gupta Brij B. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractGeographically distributed data centers are used as backbone infrastructure to meet rapidly increasing service demands of computations and data storage in cloud computing. This increase results in high energy consumption, increased operational expenditures, and high carbon footprint which are becoming points of great concern for service providers. In this research work, we present a simulation framework named GreenCloudNet++ for simulation and evaluation of energy‐efficient, green‐aware, and secure job scheduling mechanisms for geographically distributed data centers. GreenCloudNet++ has been developed as an extension to CloudNetSim++, which is designed to simulate distributed data center architectures connected with high speed networks. The functionality of CloudNetSim++ is extended by adding hierarchical job scheduling mechanism, hierarchical statistics collection mechanism and integration mechanism for green energy. Proposed model considers availability of green energy at each data center and maximizes its utilization. It considers the amount of underutilized computational resources at individual data centers while assigning jobs to the data centers, which helps to achieve better server consolidation resulting in better energy efficiency. Proposed model also relies on network load inside each data center which helps avoiding hotspots.
Aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs, statins and risk of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Liebow Mark , Larson Melissa C. , Thompson Carrie A. , Nowakowski Grzegorz S. , Call Timothy G. , Macon William R. , Kay Neil E. , Habermann Thomas M. , Slager Susan L. , Cerhan James R. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNon‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and statin drugs may protect against the development of non‐Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), but data are limited, particularly for NHL subtypes. Furthermore, some in vitro, animal and epidemiologic data suggest there may be a synergistic effect of these two agents, but there has been no test of this hypothesis in NHL. We evaluated the self‐reported use of NSAIDs and statins in a clinic‐based study of 1703 NHL patients and 2199 frequency‐matched controls. Unconditional logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs), adjusted for potential confounding variables. We observed an inverse association of regular use of low‐dose aspirin with risk of NHL (OR = 0.82; 95% CI 0.70‐0.96) that was stronger with longer duration of use (P < .01). There were no associations for use of regular or extra‐strength aspirin, ibuprofen, other NSAIDs, statins or other cholesterol‐lowering drugs with NHL risk, while an inverse association with COX‐2 inhibitors was equivocal. There was also no interaction of low‐dose aspirin and statins on NHL risk. Inverse associations of similar magnitude to all NHL were observed for regular use of low‐dose aspirin with diffuse large B‐cell, follicular, marginal zone and all other lymphomas, although not all associations were statistically significant. In conclusion, low‐dose aspirin but not regular/extra strength aspirin, other NSAIDs or statin use was associated with lower risk of NHL. Beyond the potential for the primary prevention of NHL, these data also point to a role of anti‐platelet or other effects of low‐dose aspirin in lymphomagenesis that warrant follow‐up.
Rapid development of a de novo convalescent plasma program in response to a global pandemic: A large southeastern U.S. blood center's experience
Authors: Reik Rita , Gammon Richard R. , Carol Nancy , Smith Judith , Grable Martin , Forbes Susan , Wu Yanyun , Reed Lance , Rogers Michael , Prichard Alicia , Paul Scott , Scholl George 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuring the pandemic in the spring of 2020 with no vaccine or treatment for SARS‐CoV‐2 and its associated disease, COVID‐19, convalescent plasma from recovered COVID‐19 (CCP) patients offered a potential therapy. In March 2020, the United States (U.S.) Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized CCP under emergency Investigational New Drug (eIND) exemption and an IRB‐approved Expanded Access Program (EAP) to treat severe COVID‐19. Hospital demand grew rapidly in the Southeastern U.S., resulting in backlogs of CCP orders. We describe a large U.S. blood center's (BC) rapid implementation of a CCP program in response to community needs.Study design and methodsFrom April 2 to May 17, 2020, CCP was collected by whole blood or apheresis. Initial manual approaches to donor intake, collection, and distribution were rapidly replaced with automated processes. All CCP donors and products underwent FDA‐required screening and testing.ResultsA total of 619 CCP donors (299 females, 320 males) presented for CCP donation (161 [25.7%] whole blood, 466 [74.3%] plasmapheresis) resulting in 1219 CCP units. Production of CCP increased as processes were automated and streamlined, from a mean of 11 donors collected/day for the first month to a mean of 25 donors collected/day in the subsequent 2 weeks. Backlogged orders were cleared, and inventory began to accumulate 4 weeks after project initiation.ConclusionThe BC was able to implement an effective de novo CCP collection program within 6 weeks in response to a community need in a global pandemic. Documentation of the experience may inform preparedness for future pandemics.
Immune checkpoint inhibitor toxicity: A new indication for therapeutic plasma exchange?
Authors: Compton Frances , He Lin , Sarode Ravi , Wodajo Amelework , Usmani Amena , Burner James , Berlacher Mark , De Simone Nicole 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNovel immune‐modulating anticancer drugs are being used with increasing frequency. With increased use, there are more frequent cases of toxicities caused by these drugs, termed immune‐related adverse events (irAEs). We present a case in which we successfully treated a case of severe, steroid‐refractory, nivolumab‐induced myocarditis with therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). Nivolumab is an immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) which blocks programmed death receptor‐1 (PD‐1). This blockade allows for enhanced T‐cell function and increased anti‐tumor response. The patient presented with signs and symptoms of heart failure and was found to have a significantly depressed cardiac ejection fraction. Over the course of her five TPE procedures, she improved clinically and was discharged home with improved left ventricular ejection function. This case suggests an emerging role of TPE in the management of severe ICI‐induced toxicity, such as myocarditis.
Regulation of lysyl oxidase expression in THP‐1 cell‐derived M2‐like macrophages
Authors: Takemoto Ryuhei , Kamiya Tetsuro , Atobe Taku , Hara Hirokazu , Adachi Tetsuo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractLysyl oxidase (LOX) is a copper‐containing enzyme and its overexpression in tumor tissues promote tumor metastasis through the crosslinking of extracellular matrix. Our previous report demonstrated that LOX expression is significantly increased in human leukemic THP‐1 cell‐derived M2‐like macrophages, and histone modification plays a key role in its induction. However, the rigorous mechanism of LOX regulation remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the role of functional transcription factors, hypoxia‐inducible factor 1α (HIF1α), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and forkhead box O1 (FOXO1) in LOX regulation in M2‐like macrophages. HIF1α expression was significantly increased in M2‐like macrophages, and HIF1α inhibitor, TX402, suppressed LOX induction. The significant STAT3 activation was also observed in M2‐like macrophages. Additionally, LOX induction was canceled in the presence of STAT3 inhibitor, S3I‐201, suggesting that HIF1α and STAT3 pathways play a critical role in LOX induction. On the other hand, our ChIP results clearly indicated that the enrichment of FOXO1 within the lox promoter region was dramatically decreased in M2‐like macrophages. In this context, knockdown of FOXO1 further enhanced LOX induction. LOX induction and HIF1α binding to the lox promoter region were suppressed in FOXO1‐overexpressed cells, suggesting that the FOXO1 binding to the lox promoter region counteracted HIF1α binding to that region. Overall, the present data suggested that both of HIF1α and STAT3 were required for LOX induction in M2‐like macrophages, and loss of FOXO1 within the lox promoter region facilitated HIF1α binding to that region which promoted LOX induction.
Useful clinical findings and simple laboratory data for the diagnosis of seasonal influenza
Authors: Takeoka Hiroaki , Horibata Ken , Hiyoshi Tetsuya , Noge Ikuma , Sakihara Eishi , Sechi Yusuke , Okutsu Shota , Suzuyama Hiroki , Nabeshima Shigeki 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundWhen using rapid antigen test kits for the diagnosis of influenza, false‐negative results may occur if done too soon after the onset of symptoms. The purpose of this study was done to determine clinical laboratory items other than rapid antigen testing are useful for diagnosing influenza.MethodsThe subjects were 915 patients who visited the outpatient clinic of hospital between April 2010 and March 2017 during the influenza epidemic seasons, from December to April, and had both fever of 37.0 degrees or more and cold symptoms.ResultsOf the 214 patients who met the inclusion criteria, 176 had influenza. Multivariate analysis extracted patient consultation within four days of onset, fever of 37 degrees or higher, posterior pharyngeal lymphoid follicles, CRP of 0.77 mg/dL or less, and a lymphocyte count of 900/μL less as independent variables.ConclusionIn previous study, lymphoid follicles on the posterior pharyngeal wall and decreased lymphocyte count were reported as influenza‐specific findings. Both were confirmed with high specificity in our study, indicating that both would be useful when patients with influenza‐like symptoms were false‐negative for the rapid antigen test.