bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Long‐term development and trajectories of inferred lake‐water organic carbon and pH in naturally acidic boreal lakes
Authors: Myrstener Erik , Ninnes Sofia , Meyer‐Jacob Carsten , Mighall Tim , Bindler Richard 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMonitoring of surface waters in the boreal region over the last decades shows that waters are becoming browner. This timeframe may not, however, be sufficient to capture underlying trajectories and driving mechanisms of lake‐water quality, important for prediction of future trajectories. Here we synthesize data from seven lakes in the Swedish boreal landscape, with contemporary lake‐water total organic carbon (TOC) concentrations of 1.4–14.4 mg L−1, to conceptualize how natural and particularly human‐driven processes at the landscape scale have regulated lake‐water TOC levels over the Holocene. Sediment‐inferred trends in TOC are supported by several proxies, including diatom‐inferred pH. Before ~ 700 ce, all lakes were naturally acidic (pH 4.7–5.4) and the concentrations of inferred lake‐water TOC were high (10–23 mg L−1). The introduction of traditional human land use from ~ 700 ce led to a decrease in lake‐water TOC in all lakes (to 5–14 mg L−1), and in four poorly buffered lakes, also to an increase in pH by > 1 unit. During the 20th century, industrial acid deposition was superimposed on centuries of land use, which resulted in unprecedentedly low lake‐water TOC in all lakes (3–11 mg L−1) and severely reduced pH in the four poorly buffered lakes. The other lakes resisted pH changes, likely due to close connections to peatlands. Our results indicate that an important part of the recent browning of boreal lakes is a recovery from human impacts. Furthermore, on a conceptual level we stress that contemporary environmental changes occur within the context of past, long‐term disturbances.
2‐Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate Hydrogels for Local Drug Delivery: Study of Topotecan and Vincristine Sorption/Desorption Kinetics and Polymer‐Drug Interaction by ATR‐FTIR Spectroscopy
Authors: Cocarta Ana‐Irina , Hobzova Radka , Trchova Miroslava , Svojgr Karel , Kodetova Martina , Pochop Pavel , Uhlik Jiri , Sirc Jakub 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPoly(2‐hydroxyethyl methacrylate) (pHEMA) hydrogels are well known in ophthalmological applications and recently investigated as drug delivery systems. The study represents a theoretical approach where the sorption/desorption experiments and spectroscopic study is used to describe the influence of the pHEMA network structure on the sorption capacity and mechanism of the release of topotecan (TPT) and vincristine (VCR). The hydrogels are synthesized by free‐radical crosslinking polymerization of HEMA monomer with ethylene glycol dimethacrylate as a crosslinker in the concentration range from 0.3 to 1 wt%. Experimental data from sorption kinetics are evaluated using sorption kinetic models and sorption isotherms, drug release mechanism is assessed by two different models and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy is employed to describe the polymer‐drug interaction. pHEMA hydrogels exhibit higher affinity for TPT than for VCR and hydrogels prepared with 0.5 wt% of crosslinker show the maximum sorption capacity for both drugs. Physisorption is proved to be the sorption mechanism. Analyzing the FTIR spectra, it is concluded that the hydrophobic crosslinks play an important role in the interaction of the hydrogel backbone with molecules of both drugs.
Novel cell sources for bone regeneration
Authors: Li Chenshuang , Mills Zane , Zheng Zhong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA plethora of both acute and chronic conditions, including traumatic, degenerative, malignant, or congenital disorders, commonly induce bone disorders often associated with severe persisting pain and limited mobility. Over 1 million surgical procedures involving bone excision, bone grafting, and fracture repair are performed each year in the U.S. alone, resulting in immense levels of public health challenges and corresponding financial burdens. Unfortunately, the innate self‐healing capacity of bone is often inadequate for larger defects over a critical size. Moreover, as direct transplantation of committed osteoblasts is hindered by deficient cell availability, limited cell spreading, and poor survivability, an urgent need for novel cell sources for bone regeneration is concurrent. Thanks to the development in stem cell biology and cell reprogramming technology, many multipotent and pluripotent cells that manifest promising osteogenic potential are considered the regenerative remedy for bone defects. Considering these cells' investigation is still in its relative infancy, each of them offers their own particular challenges that must be conquered before the large‐scale clinical application.
Administration of fusion cytokines induces tumor regression and systemic antitumor immunity
Authors: Zhang Jinyu , Zhao Xuan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIt is difficult to improve the curative effects of cancer immunotherapy on solid tumors. Cytokines, as powerful immune regulators, show potential in activating host antitumor immunity. We have previously found that the administration of certain cytokine combinations induces complete tumor clearance. Here, we constructed cognate fusion cytokines and evaluated their antitumor effects in various mouse tumor models. The in situ induction of the expression of the fusion cytokine IL12IL2GMCSF caused tumor eradication, including that of the tumors at advanced stages. An immune memory against unrelated syngeneic tumors was also elicited. Furthermore, flow cytometry analysis revealed that tumor‐infiltrating CD3+ cells were greatly increased in the treated tumors and were accompanied by an elevation of CD8+/CD4+ ratios. This fusion protein exhibited superior immune activating capability compared to that of cytokine mixtures, in the experiments done in vitro. We also induced tumor regression in various immunocompetent tumor models via intratumoral injection. To improve its translational potential for clinical application, a systemically‐administered immunocytokine, IL12IL2DiaNFGMCSF, was constructed by inserting a tumor‐targeting diabody in the fusion protein. This protein also displayed good immune stimulating activities in vitro. Intravenous infusion of IL12IL2DiaNFGMCSF induced tumor‐infiltrating immune cell alterations like IL12IL2GMCSF, with moderate serum IFNγ increment. Therapeutic effects were observed in the various tumor models after systemic administration of IL12IL2DiaNFGMCSF, but with slight toxicity. These results show the feasibility of developing a versatile cancer immunotherapy.
Intact Organization of Tactile Space Perception in Isolated Focal Dystonia
Authors: Mainka Tina , Azañón Elena , Zeuner Kirsten E. , Knutzen Arne , Bäumer Tobias , Neumann Wolf‐Julian , Borngräber Friederike , Kühn Andrea A. , Longo Matthew R. , Ganos Christos 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundSystematic perceptual distortions of tactile space have been documented in healthy adults. In isolated focal dystonia impaired spatial somatosensory processing is suggested to be a central pathophysiological finding, but the structure of tactile space for different body parts has not been previously explored.ObjectivesThe objective of this study was to assess tactile space organization with a novel behavioral paradigm of tactile distance perception in patients with isolated focal dystonia and controls.MethodsThree groups of isolated focal dystonia patients (cervical dystonia, blepharospasm/Meige syndrome, focal hand dystonia) and controls estimated perceived distances between 2 touches across 8 orientations on the back of both hands and the forehead.ResultsStimulus size judgments differed significantly across orientations in all groups replicating distortions of tactile space known for healthy individuals. There were no differences between groups in the behavioral parameters we assessed on the hands and forehead.ConclusionsTactile space organization is comparable between patients with isolated focal dystonia and healthy controls in dystonic and unaffected body parts. © 2021 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Next‐generation sequence‐based preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disease resulting from maternal mosaicism
Authors: Hu Xiao , He Wen‐Bin , Zhang Shuo‐Ping , Luo Ke‐Li , Gong Fei , Dai Jing , Zhang Yi , Wan Zhen‐Xing , Li Wen , Yuan Shi‐Min , Tan Yue‐Qiu , Lu Guang‐Xiu , Lin Ge , Du Juan 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundMosaicism poses challenges for genetic counseling and preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT‐M). NGS‐based PGT‐M has been extensively used to prevent the transmission of monogenic defects, but it has not been evaluated in the application of PGT‐M resulting from mosaicism.MethodsFour women suspected of mosaicism were confirmed by ultra‐deep sequencing. Blastocyst trophectoderm cells and polar bodies were collected for whole genome amplification, followed by pathogenic variants detection and haplotype analysis based on NGS. The embryos free of the monogenic disorders were transplantable.ResultsUltra‐deep sequencing confirmed that the four women harbored somatic mosaic variants, with the proportion of variant cells at 1.12%, 9.0%, 27.60%, and 91.03%, respectively. A total of 25 blastocysts were biopsied and detected during four PGT cycles and 5 polar bodies were involved in one cycle additionally. For each couple, a wild‐type embryo was successfully transplanted and confirmed by prenatal diagnosis, resulting in the birth of four healthy infants.ConclusionsMosaic variants could be effectively evaluated via ultra‐deep sequencing, and could be prevented the transmission by PGT. Our work suggested that an NGS‐based PGT approach, involving pathogenic variants detection combined with haplotype analysis, is crucial for accurate PGT‐M with mosaicism.
A novel EDAR missense mutation identified by whole‐exome sequencing with non‐syndromic tooth agenesis in a Chinese family
Authors: Zhang Hongyu , Kong Xuanting , Ren Jiabao , Yuan Shuo , Liu Chunyan , Hou Yan , Liu Ye , Meng Lingqiang , Zhang Guozhong , Du Qingqing , Shen Wenjing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundCausative variants in genes of the EDA/EDAR/NF‐κB pathway, such as EDA and EDARADD, have been widely identified in patients with non‐syndromic tooth agenesis (NSTA). However, few cases of NSTA are due to ectodysplasin‐A receptor (EDAR) variants. In this study, we investigated NSTA‐associated variants in Chinese families.MethodsPeripheral blood samples were collected from the family members of 24 individuals with NSTA for DNA extraction. The coding region of the EDA gene of the 24 probands was amplified by PCR and sequenced to investigate new variants. Whole‐exome sequencing and Sanger sequencing were then performed for probands without EDA variants detected by PCR.ResultsA novel missense variant EDAR c.338G>A (p.(Cys113Tyr)) was identified in one family. In addition, three known EDA variants (c.865C>T, c.866G>A, and c.1013C>T) were identified in three families. Genotype–phenotype correlation analysis of EDAR gene mutation showed that NSTA patients were most likely to lose the maxillary lateral incisors and the maxillary central incisors were the least affected. The phenotype of mutations at codon 289 of EDA in NSTA affected patients was characterized by lateral incisors loss, rarely affecting the maxillary first molars.ConclusionA novel EDAR missense variant c.338G>A (p.(Cys113Tyr)) was identified in a family with NSTA, extending the mutation spectrum of the EDAR gene. Genotype–phenotype correlation analyses of EDAR and EDA mutations could help to improve disease status prediction in NSTA families.
Rectifier array based on efficient power recycling with extended ranges of input power and frequency
Authors: Lee Daju , Oh Juntaek 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article presents a rectifier array for wide ranges of input power and frequency. The rectifier array was configured using two sub‐rectifiers and a 3‐dB branch‐line coupler to recycle the reflected input power through impedance mismatch, thereby extending the input power range. The two‐section branch‐line coupler is merged with matching networks to improve the power conversion efficiency (PCE) and operating bandwidth while maintaining a wide input power range. For demonstration, the proposed rectifier array was designed and fabricated. It achieved a PCE higher than 50% within the input power range of 14–33 dBm. The measured peak PCE remained above 50% within a wide frequency range of 1.5–2.7 GHz.
Innovative procedure for 3D printing of hybrid silicon carbide/carbon fiber nanocomposites
Authors: Al‐Ajrash Saja M. Nabat , Browning Charles , Eckerle Rose , Cao Li 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA novel route to fabricating hybrid ceramic matrix composites has been developed. The fabrication is based on the unique combination of additive manufacturing (AM), a preceramic polymer, and a chopped carbon fiber precursor. After introducing the photoinitiator to the preceramic polymer formulation, a photosensitive resin was introduced. The resulting resin was loaded with distinct weight percentages of stabilized polyacrylonitrile nanofiber—the carbon fiber precursor. These formulations were 3D printed, cured, and converted to ceramic phases using a pyrolysis cycle. The end objective of the pyrolysis cycle is the conversion of the polycarbosilane resin into a silicon carbide matrix and the transformation of the PAN polymer into reinforcing carbon nanofibers within one cycle. The results of this work showed that ceramic matrix composite components can be successfully fabricated using a suitable combination of 3D printing, resin formulation, and processing cycle. The pyrolyzed ceramic hybrid composite was fully dense with nearly linear shrinkage and a shiny, smooth surface. Approximately 60% retained weight after pyrolysis to 1350°C was confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis. In terms of crystallography, the ceramic matrix composite displayed three coexisting phases including silicon carbide, silicon oxycarbide, and turbostratic carbon. The results showed this combination of material and processes has a high potential for fabricating hybrid composites with high‐temperature performance and improved mechanical properties combined with complex geometries.
Fabrication of nitrocellulose‐based nanoenergetic composites, study on its structure, thermal decomposition kinetics, mechanism, and sensitivity
Authors: Chen Ling , Liu Shishuo , Cao Xinfu , Gao Jianbing , Wang Yingbo , Qin Yang , Zhang Yang , Zhang Jianwei , Jin Guorui , Wang Moru , Liu Jie , He Weidong 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn order to investigate the thermal decomposition kinetics and mechanism of nitrocellulose (NC) based nitramine explosives nanocomposite energetic materials, this work prepares NC/RDX (cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), NC/HMX (cyclotetramethylenetetranitramine), and NC/CL‐20 (hexanitrohexaazaisowurtzitane) composites by a combined sol‐gel and the freeze‐drying technology. The structure is systematically investigated and the results reveal that the explosive particles are dispersed, filled, or embedded homogenously in the gel matrix of NC, thereby restricting the crystal growth of RDX, HMX, CL‐20 particles to coarse and achieving submicron/nanometer. The thermal analysis of composites exhibits much lower peak temperature compared with raw explosive crystal, furthermore, the activation energy (Ea) of composites is also lower than that of both NC and explosives. Hence, the unique structure of NC gel matrix embedded explosives inside demonstrated different mechanism of decomposition. Concretely, the rupture of the H‐NCO = O bond in the cross‐linked structure is detected firstly, subsequently, the macromolecular chains’ scission site of gel firstly occurs at ‐C‐O‐C‐ in the ring, and then the scission of ‐NO2 (from NC or explosive crystals) bonds happened. Hence, this study may provide promising fabrication strategy and basic theory for the application of NC‐based nanocomposite energetics in high‐energy propellants and explosives.
Health literacy and patient activation among adults with chronic diseases in Singapore: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Huang Laura Yuqi , Lin Yongxing Patrick , Glass George Frederick , Chan Ee‐Yuee 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAimsIncreased patient activation levels can improve health outcomes. Hence, this study aims to examine the relationships between sociodemographic variables and domain‐specific health literacies with patient activation.DesignA cross‐sectional design.Methods200 outpatient adults with chronic diseases completed a survey that assessed their domain‐specific health literacy and patient activation levels. Univariate and multivariate analysis of the variables were conducted on patient activation with 95% confidence interval (CI).ResultsMultiple linear regression analyses observed a positive linear relationship between the following domain‐specific health literacy variables—“actively manage my health” (p < .0001, 95% CI: 0.89–2.29), “understanding health information” (p = .008, 95% CI: 0.28–1.85), and “finding good health information” (p = .02, 95% CI 0.13–1.51) with patient activation. The other sociodemographic and clinical variables were not statistically significant. Increased focus from healthcare professionals is needed on helping patients better find and understand health information and encouraging them to actively manage their health; elements which would raise their activation levels.
Remote delivery of field experiences in soil sciences
Authors: Aleman Ruben , Duball Chelsea , Schwyter Anna , Vaughan Karen 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe COVID‐19 pandemic placed unprecedented pressure on students and educators around the world, calling for a major shift in the delivery of educational lessons to implement remote learning opportunities in place of in‐person classes. The shift to remote learning practices was particularly difficult for courses, such as pedology, that rely heavily on place‐based or active learning strategies. In this study, the authors investigate student response to remote delivery of field experiences during the COVID‐19 pandemic in an upper division pedology course that is typically taught in‐person and outdoors. Five field practicums were delivered remotely throughout the semester, for which students were provided with a take‐home field kit, soils from four profiles, and access to online resources needed to complete each assignment. Student perceptions on the efficacy of, value of, and engagement with remote delivery were assessed via pre‐ and post‐surveys. Survey responses suggest that students’ level of experience improved over the course of the semester and perceptions on the efficacy of, value of, and engagement with remote learning showed positive improvement. Although the majority of students were grateful for these alternative experiences, responses also expressed that remote delivery options are not favored over in‐person field experiences. Remote delivery of field experiences also presents a potential solution to the limits in accessibility inherent to field‐based courses.
Association of Omental Adipocyte Hypertrophy and Fibrosis with Human Obesity and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Fangcen , He Jielei , Liu Boxun , Zhang Pengzi , Wang Hongdong , Sun Xitai , Chu Xuehui , Guan Wenxian , Feng Wenhuan , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveMorphological alterations including adipocyte hypertrophy and fibrosis deposition are important surrogate markers of visceral adipose tissue function, but the relationships between these morphological changes and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and impaired insulin sensitivity are poorly defined.MethodsOmental adipose tissue was obtained from 66 individuals with obesity but without T2DM (OB group), 93 individuals with both obesity and T2DM (T2DM group), and 15 individuals with normal BMI and normal glucose tolerance (NGT group). Adipocyte diameter and volume were measured through pathological section analysis. Pericellular and perilobular fibrosis was determined through picrosirius red staining and immunochemistry, while fibrosis‐related genes were tested through gene expression and hydroxyproline content.ResultsCompared with the NGT and OB groups, individuals from the T2DM group displayed increased adipocyte diameter and volume levels. Increased adipocyte size (diameter and volume) was positively associated with hyperglycemia and insulin resistance and inversely correlated with insulin sensitivity (using the Matsuda whole‐body insulin sensitivity index assessment of insulin sensitivity) and β‐cell function (disposition index 30 and disposition index 120). The fibrosis levels of the OB group were the highest out of the three groups, whereas the fibrosis levels of T2DM individuals were lower than the OB group but higher than the NGT group. Although fibrosis was negatively correlated with T2DM, fibrosis deposition was not remarkably associated with impaired systemic insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism.ConclusionsCompared with fibrosis deposition, adipocyte hypertrophy is more closely associated with T2DM and impaired systemic insulin sensitivity.
Measuring ketone bodies for the monitoring of pathologic and therapeutic ketosis
Authors: Anderson Joseph C. , Mattar Samer G. , Greenway Frank L. , Lindquist Richard J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe ketone bodies β‐hydroxybutyrate (BOHB) and acetone are generated as a byproduct of the fat metabolism process. In healthy individuals, ketone body levels are ∼0.1 mM for BOHB and ∼1 part per million for breath acetone (BrAce). These levels can increase dramatically as a consequence of a disease process or when used therapeutically for disease treatment. For example, increased ketone body concentration during weight loss is an indication of elevated fat metabolism. Ketone body measurement is relatively inexpensive and can provide metabolic insights to help guide disease management and optimize weight loss.MethodsThis review of the literature provides metabolic mechanisms and typical concentration ranges of ketone bodies, which can give new insights into these conditions and rationale for measuring ketone bodies.ResultsDiseases such as heart failure and ketoacidosis can affect caloric intake and macronutrient management, which can elevate BOHB 30‐fold and BrAce 1000‐fold. Other diseases associated with obesity, such as brain dysfunction, cancer, and diabetes, may cause dysfunction because of an inability to use glucose, excessive reliance on glucose, or poor insulin signaling. Elevating ketone body concentrations (e.g., nutritional ketosis) may improve these conditions by forcing utilization of ketone bodies, in place of glucose, for fuel. During weight loss, monitoring ketone body concentration can demonstrate program compliance and can be used to optimize the weight‐loss plan.ConclusionsThe role of ketone bodies in states of pathologic and therapeutic ketosis indicates that accurate measurement and monitoring of BOHB or BrAce will likely improve disease management. Bariatric surgery is examined as a case study for monitoring both types of ketosis.
Einstein wäre doppelt verblüfft
Authors: Schnabel Roman 
Published: May 2021

ZusammenfassungQuantenkorrelationen sind theoretisch vollständig beschrieben und experimentell mit nicht allzu großem Aufwand herstellbar. Ihre Physik ist aber bis heute nicht plausibel. Ungeachtet dessen wird Laserlicht mit quantenkorrelierter – gequetschter – Photonenstatistik seit einigen Jahren als Technologie genutzt. Dieses ist eine bemerkenswerte Situation in der Physik. Bisher wird das Prinzip exklusiv zur Verbesserung der Messempfindlichkeit von Gravitationswellen‐Observatorien eingesetzt. Potenzial gibt es aber auch in Industrie und Medizin.