bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Kinetic studies of excited singlet oxygen atom O(1D) reactions with ethanol
Authors: Zhong Hongtao , Yan Chao , Teng Chu C. , Chen Timothy Y. , Wysocki Gerard , Ju Yiguang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe multichannel reaction of excited singlet oxygen atom with ethanol, O(1D) + C2H5OH (1), was studied in a photolysis flow reactor coupled with mid‐infrared Faraday rotation spectroscopy (FRS) and UV‐IR direct absorption spectroscopy (DAS) at 297 K with reactor pressures of 60, 120, and 150 Torr (bath He). The excited singlet oxygen atom was generated through the photolysis of O3 at 266 nm. The photon flux and O(1D) concentrations were determined by in situ actinometry based on O3 depletion. Temporal profiles of OH and H2O were monitored via DAS signals at ca. 3568.62 and 3568.29 cm−1, while temporal profiles of HO2 were measured via FRS signals at ca. 1396.90 cm−1. The branching ratios of the target reaction (1) were determined by fitting temporal profiles to simulations from an in‐house reaction mechanism. Two major reaction channels were identified as CH3CHOH + OH and CH3O + CH2OH, and their branching ratios were determined as 0.46 ± 0.12 and 0.42 ± 0.11, respectively. A specific HO2 + RO2 reaction between HO2 and O2CH2CH2OH (β‐RO2) at the low‐temperature range is estimated in this work as HO2 + O2CH2CH2OH products with a rate constant of 7 × 10−12 cm3 molecule−1 s−1.
University presses and the impact of COVID‐19
Authors: Watkinson Charles 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUniversity presses occupy a distinctive field of publishing, heavily tied to the fortunes of the universities and colleges in which they are usually situated. COVID‐19 has catalysed their adoption of digital technologies; focused their commitments to social justice; and given new impetus to business models and formats that fully leverage the Internet, especially open access. Economic pressures on higher education that seem set only to increase are also driving university presses to more interdependent approaches and an emphasis on the contributions of the university press network to knowledge infrastructure for the humanities and social sciences. This article explores how university presses have reacted to the COVID‐19 pandemic, with particular reference to the experiences of the University of Michigan Press. It concludes that the diversity of types of university presses is one of the greatest strengths of this field of publishing and makes it resilient in a time of unprecedented change.
Brainstem Reflexes in Idiopathic Cervical Dystonia: Does Medullary Dysfunction Play a Role?
Authors: Manzo Nicoletta , Tocco Pierluigi , Ginatempo Francesca , Bertolasi Laura , Rocchi Lorenzo 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundNeurophysiological markers in dystonia have so far not been sistematically applied in clinical practice due to limited reproducibility of results and low correlations with clinical findings. Exceptions might be represented by the blink reflex (BR), including its recovery cycle (BRRC) and the trigemino‐cervical reflex (TCR) which, compared to other neurophysiological methods, have shown more consistent alterations in cervical dystonia (CD). However, a comparison between the two techniques, and their possible correlation with disease symptoms, have not been thoroughly investigated.ObjectivesTo assess the role of BR, BRCC and TCR in the pathophysiology of idiopathic cervical dystonia.MethodsFourteen patients and 14 age‐matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Neurophysiological outcome measures included latency of R1 and R2 components of the BR, R2 amplitude, BRRC, latency and amplitude of P19/N31 complex of TCR. Clinical and demographic features of patients were also collected, including age at disease onset, disease duration, presence of tremor, sensory trick and pain. The Toronto Western Spasmodic Torticollis Rating Scale was used to characterize dystonia.ResultsCompared to HC, CD patients showed increased latency of the BR R2 and decreased suppression of the BRRC. They also showed increased latency of the P19 and decreased amplitude of P19/N31 complex of TCR. The latency of P19 component of TCR was positively correlated with disease duration.ConclusionsWe propose that the increased latency of R2 and P19 observed here might be reflective of brainstem dysfunction, mediated either by local interneuronal excitability changes or by subtle structural damage.
NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiovascular diseases: Pathophysiological and pharmacological implications
Authors: Pellegrini Carolina , Martelli Alma , Antonioli Luca , Fornai Matteo , Blandizzi Corrado , Calderone Vincenzo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGrowing evidence points out the importance of nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain leucine‐rich repeat and pyrin domain‐containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), including hypertension, myocardial infarct (MI), ischemia, cardiomyopathies (CMs), heart failure (HF), and atherosclerosis. In this regard, intensive research efforts both in humans and in animal models of CVDs are being focused on the characterization of the pathophysiological role of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling in CVDs. In addition, clinical and preclinical evidence is coming to light that the pharmacological blockade of NLRP3 pathways with drugs, including novel chemical entities as well as drugs currently employed in the clinical practice, biologics and phytochemicals, could represent a suitable therapeutic approach for prevention and management of CVDs. On these bases, the present review article provides a comprehensive overview of clinical and preclinical studies about the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in the pathophysiology of CVDs, including hypertension, MI, ischemic injury, CMs, HF and atherosclerosis. In addition, particular attention has been focused on current evidence on the effects of drugs, biologics, and phytochemicals, targeting different steps of inflammasome signaling, in CVDs.
Pharmacological Therapy Determines the Gut Microbiota Modulation by a Pomegranate Extract Nutraceutical in Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Cortés‐Martín Adrián , Iglesias‐Aguirre Carlos Eduardo , Meoro Amparo , Selma María Victoria , Espín Juan Carlos 
Published: January 2021

ScopePoly‐pharmacological therapy shapes the gut microbiota (GM) in metabolic syndrome (MetS) patients. The effects of polyphenols in poly‐medicated MetS patients are unknown.Methods and resultsA randomized, placebo‐controlled, double‐blinded, and crossover trial in poly‐medicated MetS patients (n=50) explored whether the effects of a pomegranate extract nutraceutical (PE, 320 mg phenolics/day for 1 month) are affected by the drug therapy. Considering the lipid‐lowering (LL‐), anti‐hypertensive (HP‐) and(or) anti‐diabetic (AD‐) treatments: GM (16S rRNA sequencing), short‐chain fatty acids, 40 inflammatory‐metabolic and endotoxemia‐related biomarkers, associations between biomarkers and GM with 53 cardiometabolic dysfunctions‐related single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and urolithin metabotypes (UMs) influence are evaluated. Representative SNPs‐GM associations after PE include Lactococcus and ClostridiumXIVa with rs5443‐GNB3 (G‐protein‐β‐polypeptide‐3) and ClostridiumXIVa with rs7903146‐TCF7L2 (transcription‐factor‐7‐like‐2) and rs1137101‐LEPR (leptin‐receptor). PE decreases sICAM‐1 in LL‐patients and the lipopolysaccharide‐binding protein in all the patients. PE does not affect the other patients’ markers as a group or stratifying by UMs. After PE, Lactococcus increases in AD‐, LL‐, and HP‐patients, Bifidobacterium increases in LL‐ and AD‐, while Clostridium XIVa decreases in non‐LL‐ and non‐HP‐patients.ConclusionThe prebiotic effect of PE depends on the medication, mainly on HP‐treatments. Targeting GM can complement MetS therapy, but the patients’ drug therapy should be considered individually.
Female reproductive function after treatment of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Roshandel Roxanne , van Dijk Marloes , Overbeek Annelies , Kaspers Gertjan , Lambalk Cornelis , Beerendonk Catharina , Bresters Dorine , van der Heiden‐van der Loo Margriet , van den Heuvel‐Eibrink Marry , Kremer Leontien , Loonen Jacqueline , van der Pal Helena , Ronckers Cecile , Tissing Wim , Versluys Birgitta , van Leeuwen Flora , van den Berg Marleen , van Dulmen‐den Broeder Eline ,   LATER‐VEVO Study Group
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim was to evaluate self‐reported reproductive characteristics and markers of ovarian function in a nationwide cohort of female survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), because prior investigations have produced conflicting data.ProcedureSelf‐reported reproductive characteristics were assessed by questionnaire among 357 adult 5‐year survivors, treated between 1964 and 2002, and 836 controls. Ovarian function was assessed by serum levels of anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH), follicle‐stimulating hormone (FSH), and inhibin B and by antral follicle count (AFC). Differences between controls and (subgroups of) survivors (total group, chemotherapy [CT]‐only group, CT and radiotherapy [RT] group) were analyzed.ResultsSurvivors treated with CT only do not differ from controls regarding timing of menarche, virginity status, desire for children, or pregnancy rates. Compared to controls, the CT+RT group was at significantly increased risk of a younger age at menarche (P < .01), virginity, an absent desire for children, and lower pregnancy rates (odds ratio [OR] [95% CI]: 0.3 [CI 0.1‐0.6], 0.5 [0.3‐0.9], and 0.4 [0.2‐0.9], respectively). Survivors in the CT‐only group were significantly younger at the birth of their first child. Pregnancy outcomes were not significantly different between any (sub)groups. Survivors treated with total body irradiation (TBI) or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) are at increased risk of abnormal markers of ovarian function.ConclusionReproductive function of ALL survivors treated with CT only does not differ from controls. However, survivors additionally treated with RT seem to be at an increased risk of certain adverse reproductive outcomes. Providing personalized counseling about (future) reproductive health risks in this group is imperative.
Metastatic progression in infants diagnosed with stage 4S neuroblastoma. A study of the Italian Neuroblastoma Registry
Authors: Parodi Stefano , Sorrentino Stefania , Cataldo Andrea Di , Tondo Annalisa , Fagnani Anna Maria , Perri Patrizia , Gigliotti Anna Rita , Erminio Giovanni , Corrias Maria Valeria , De Bernardi Bruno 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeStage 4S neuroblastoma, a tumor affecting infants, is characterized by the capacity to regress spontaneously and high cure rate. About a third of these infants undergo tumor progression requiring antitumor treatment and 10‐15% eventually die. In case of metastatic progression, it may occur either at 4S sites (mainly liver) or sites characterizing stage 4 (mainly bone). Aim of this study was to estimate incidence, presenting features and outcome of infants who progressed to stage 4S or stage 4 sites.PatientsOf 280 Italian infants diagnosed with stage 4S neuroblastoma between 1979 and 2013 and registered in the Italian Neuroblastoma Registry, 268 were evaluable for this study, of whom 57 developed metastatic progression.ResultsProgression to stage 4S sites occurred in 29/268 infants (10.8%) (Group A) and to stage 4 in 28/268 (10.4%) (Group B). No significant difference was observed between the two groups at the time of diagnosis. At the time of progression, Group A infants were younger (7.3 vs 14.4 months, P = .001) and had a shorter interval from diagnosis to progression (3.8 vs 9.6 months, P = .001). Survival after progression was worse for Group B infants (45% vs 69%, P = .058) and was associated with age at diagnosis lower than 2 months (P = .005) and adrenal primary tumor site (P = .008). Survival rates increased for both groups along the study period.ConclusionsInfants who progressed to stage 4 did worse, possibly in relation to older age at progression and longer interval between diagnosis and progression. Large prospective studies of these patients may lead to more effective treatments.
Medulloblastoma and familial adenomatous polyposis: Good prognosis and good quality of life in the long‐term?
Authors: Massimino Maura , Signoroni Stefano , Boschetti Luna , Chiapparini Luisa , Erbetta Alessandra , Biassoni Veronica , Schiavello Elisabetta , Ferrari Andrea , Spreafico Filippo , Terenziani Monica , Chiaravalli Stefano , Puma Nadia , Bergamaschi Luca , Ricci Maria Teresa , Cattaneo Laura , Gattuso Giovanna , Buttarelli Francesca Romana , Gianno Francesca , Miele Evelina , Poggi Geraldina , Vitellaro Marco 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIntroductionMutations of the APC (adenomatous polyposis coli) gene correlate mainly with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), but can occasionally be pathogenic for medulloblastoma (MBL) wingless‐related integration site (WNT) subtype, the course of which has only recently been described.MethodsWe retrieved all patients with documented germline APC mutations and a diagnosis of MBL to examine their outcome, late effects of treatment, and further oncological events.ResultsBetween 2007 and 2016, we treated six patients, all with a pathogenic APC variant mutation and all with MBL, classic histotype. None had metastatic disease. All patients were in complete remission a median 65 months after treatment with craniospinal irradiation at 23.4 Gy, plus a boost on the posterior fossa/tumor bed up to 54 Gy, followed by cisplatin/carboplatin, lomustine, and vincristine for a maximum of eight courses. Five of six diagnostic revised MRI were suggestive of the WNT molecular subgroup typical aspects. Methylation profile score (in two cases) and copy number variation analysis (chromosome 6 deletion in two cases) performed on four of six retrieved samples confirmed WNT molecular subgroup. Four out of six patients had a positive family history of FAP, while gastrointestinal symptoms prompted its identification in the other two cases. Four patients developed other tumors (desmoid, MELTUMP, melanoma, pancreatoblastoma, thyroid Tir3) from 5 to 7 years after MBL.DiscussionOur data confirm a good prognosis for patients with MBL associated with FAP. Patients’ secondary tumors may or may not be related to their syndrome or treatment, but warrant adequate attention when planning shared guidelines for these patients.
Viscosity decrease by interfacial slippage between immiscible polymers
Authors: Moonprasith Nantina , Nasri Muhammad Shahrulnizam , Saari Riza Asmaa , Phulkerd Panitha , Yamaguchi Masayuki 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe rheological behavior under pressure‐driven shear flow was studied using binary blends with a sea‐island structure. The addition of a low‐viscosity dispersion having a high interfacial tension with the continuous phase greatly reduces the shear viscosity, for example, the addition of atactic polystyrene (PS) with a low viscosity to isotactic polypropylene (PP) and the addition of PP with a low viscosity to PS. The interfacial slippage occurs because of the poor adhesive strength with the enlarged interfacial area and is responsible for the viscosity decrease. When the dispersion has a similar viscosity to the continuous phase, the viscosity decrease is barely detected. This is because the deformation of dispersed droplets is restricted, which creates a small interfacial area. The interfacial tension between the continuous and dispersed phases plays a crucial role on the shear viscosity. In the case of PP, the addition of linear low‐density polyethylene with a relatively low interfacial tension to PP has almost no impact on the shear viscosity. This is despite the polyethylene having a low viscosity.
High‐throughput, in‐depth and estimated absolute quantification of plasma proteome using data‐independent acquisition/mass spectrometry (“HIAP‐DIA”)
Authors: Zhou Yue , Tan Zengqi , Xue Peng , Wang Yi , Li Xiang , Guan Feng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMass spectrometry‐based plasma proteomics has been demonstrated to be a useful tool capable of quantifying hundreds of proteins in a single LC‐MS/MS experiment, for biomarker discovery or elucidation of disease mechanisms. We developed a novel data‐independent acquisition (DIA)/MS‐based workflow for high‐throughput, in‐depth and estimated absolute quantification of plasma proteins (termed HIAP‐DIA), without depleting high‐abundant proteins, in a single‐shot experiment. In HIAP‐DIA workflow, we generated an ultra‐deep cumulative undepleted and depleted spectral library which contained 55,157 peptides and 5,328 proteins, optimized column length (50 cm) and gradient (90 min) of liquid chromatography instrumentation, optimized 50 DIA segments with average isolation window 17 Th, and selected reference proteins for estimated absolute quantification of all plasma proteins. A total of 606 proteins were quantified in triplicate, and 427 proteins were quantified with CV <20% in plasma proteome. R‐squared value of overlapped 208 endogenous PQ500 estimated protein amounts from HIAP‐DIA and absolute quantification with internal standards was 0.82, indicating high quantification accuracy of HIAP‐DIA. As a pilot study, the HIAP‐DIA approach described here was applied to a myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) disease cohort. We achieved absolute quantification of 789 plasma proteins in 22 clinical plasma samples, spanning less than six orders of magnitude with quantification limit 10–20 ng/mL, and discovered 95 differentially expressed proteins providing insights into MDS pathophysiology.
MOFs‐Derived Carbon‐Based Metal Catalysts for Energy‐Related Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Tongzhou , Cao Xuejie , Jiao Lifang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractElectrochemical devices, as renewable and clean energy systems, display a great potential to meet the sustainable development in the future. However, well‐designed and highly efficient electrocatalysts are the technological dilemmas that retard their practical applications. Metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) derived electrocatalysts exhibit tunable structure and intriguing activity and have received intensive investigation in recent years. In this review, the recent progress of MOFs‐derived carbon‐based single atoms (SAs) and metal nanoparticles (NPs) catalysts for energy‐related electrocatalysis is summarized. The effects of synthesis strategy, coordination environment, morphology, and composition on the catalytic activity are highlighted. Furthermore, these SAs and metal NPs catalysts for the applications of electrocatalysis (hydrogen evolution reaction, oxygen evolution reaction, oxygen reduction reaction, carbon dioxide reduction reaction, and nitrogen reduction reaction) are overviewed. Finally, some current challenges and foresighted ideas for MOFs‐derived carbon‐based metal electrocatalysts are presented.
Amphiphilic Zinc Porphyrin Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotube Hybrids: Efficient Formation and Excited State Charge Transfer Studies
Authors: Menon Arjun , Münich Peter W. , Wagner Pawel , Officer David L. , Guldi Dirk M. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHerein, the microscopic and spectroscopic characterization of a novel non‐covalent electron donor−acceptor system, in which three different metalloporphyrins (1, 2, and 3) play the dual role of light harvester and electron donor with SWCNTs as electron acceptor, is described. To this end, microscopy, that is, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) corroborate the formation of 1‐SWCNT, 2‐SWCNT, and 3‐SWCNT. Spectroscopy by means of Raman, fluorescence, and transient absorption spectroscopy confirmed efficient charge‐transfer interaction from photoexcited metalloporphyrins to SWCNTs in the ground and excited state of 1‐SWCNT, 2‐SWCNT, and 3‐SWCNT. The complementary use of spectroelectrochemical and transient absorption measurements substantiates the formation of one‐electron oxidized metalloporphyrins after photoexcitation. Multiwavelength global analysis provides insights into the charge‐separation and recombination processes in 1‐SWCNT, 2‐SWCNT, and 3‐SWCNT upon photoexcitation. Notably, both the charge‐separation and recombination dynamics are fastest in 2‐SWCNT. Importantly, the strongest interactions in the steady‐state experiments are associated with the fastest excited state decay in the time‐resolved measurements.
Ultra‐Sensitive and Selective Electrochemical Bio‐Fluid Biopsy for Oral Cancer Screening
Authors: Xiao Zuohui , Huang Chenyan , Jiang Shengjie , Kong Xiangyu , Teng Yunfei , Niu Bo , Zhu CongCong , Xin Weiwen , Chen Xiaohui , Wen Liping , Wei Yan , Deng Xuliang 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe early diagnosis of recurrence and metastasis is critically important for decreasing the morbidity and mortality associated with oral cancers. Although liquid biopsy methods hold great promise that provide a successive “time‐slice” profile of primary and metastatic oral cancer, the development of non‐invasive, rapid, simple, and cost‐effective liquid biopsy techniques remains challenging. In this study, an ultrasensitive and selective electrochemical liquid biopsy is developed for oral cancer screening based on tracking trace amounts of cancer biomarker by functionalized asymmetric nano‐channels. Detection via antigen–antibody reactions is assayed by evaluating changes in ionic current. Upon the recognition of cancer biomarker antigens in bio‐fluids, the inner wall of nano‐channel immobilized with the corresponding antibodies undergoes molecular conformation transformation and surface physicochemical changes, which significantly regulate the ion transport through the nano‐channel and help achieve sensitivity with a detection limit of 10–12 g mL−1. Furthermore, owing to the specificity of the monoclonal antibody for the antigen, the nano‐channel exhibits high selectivity for the biomarker than for structurally similar biological molecules present in bio‐fluids. The effectiveness of this technique is confirmed through the diagnosis of clinical cases of oral squamous cell carcinoma. This study presents a novel diagnostic tool for oral cancer detection in bio‐fluids.
Soil hydraulic interpretation of nuclear magnetic resonance measurements based on circular and triangular capillary models
Authors: Costabel Stephan , Hiller Thomas 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGeophysical nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) applications are used to estimate pore size distributions (PSDs) of rocks and sediments. This is commonly realized by empirical calibration using information about the surface‐to‐volume ratio of the material. Recent research has developed joint inversion concepts for NMR relaxation data that provides the PSD with a minimum of information. The application requires the NMR signal of a sample at saturation and at least one at partial saturation and at known suction. The new inversion concept physically simulates the desaturation process as part of the forward operator. The cross‐section of the model capillaries in the underlying bundle can be either circular or triangular. Our study investigates the performance of the NMR joint inversion to predict water retention function (WRF) and capillary‐based hydraulic conductivity (Kcap) as functions of saturation for different sands. The angularity of the pores has no significant impact on the estimated WRF but affects the Kcap estimation significantly. Our study shows that the WRF is predicted reliably for sand samples under fast diffusion conditions. The Kcap estimations are also plausible but tend to systematic overestimation, for which we identified the tortuosity being the main reason. Because NMR relaxation data generally do not provide tortuosity information, a plausible tortuosity model remains an issue of classical calibration. Further development of the approach will thus consider tortuosity measurements (e.g., by electrical resistivity measurements and/or gradient NMR) and will consider the relaxation mechanisms outside fast diffusion conditions to enhance its applicability for coarse soils.