bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bimetallic Fe and Co supported on the N‐doped mesoporous carbon frameworks with enhanced oxygen reduction reaction performance via high‐gravity technology
Authors: Wu Guangping , Shi Jinhua , Dong Hongbo , Nie Yao , Wang Yanzhong , Chen Yanjun , Li Dan , Linghu Yaoyao , He Zhenfeng , Wang Chao , Guo Li 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe exploitation of high‐efficiency, inexpensive, as well as durable electrocatalysts for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) is of vital importance for the commercialization of fuel cells. In this study, we prepared an efficient non‐precious ORR electrocatalyst via high‐gravity technology. The results of physical characterization revealed that the Fe atoms could be uniformly dispersed on the Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst via the high‐gravity technology. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy demonstrated that the Fe can be combined with N from the ZIF‐67 to form the Fe‐Nx structures, which has already been confirmed to be acted as validly ORR active sites. The electrochemical testing results showed that the Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst obtained via high gravity technology expressed a 24 mV positive than commercial Pt/C in terms of half‐wave potential. Moreover, Fe/Co/N‐MCF catalyst exhibited an excellent anti‐ethanol activity and durability, its current density only decays 2.6%, far lower than 23.3% of commercial Pt/C after 10,000 s chronoamperometry aging test.
Validation of estimating left ventricular ejection fraction by mitral annular displacement derived from speckle‐tracking echocardiography: A neglected method for evaluating left ventricular systolic function
Authors: Wang Yonghuai , Zhang Yan , Li Guangyuan , Kong Fanxin , Guan Zhengyu , Yang Jun , Ma Chunyan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPurposeThe echocardiographic measurement of left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF) is dependent on professional experience and adequate visualization. Tissue motion of mitral annular displacement (TMAD) can be easily assessed using speckle‐tracking echocardiography (STE), even in patients with poor acoustic windows. Therefore, this study aimed to assess whether left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be estimated using STE‐derived TMAD when LVEF is not available.MethodsFour‐hundred fifty‐six outpatients were enrolled after excluding the patients whose LVEF measurements remained challenging or TMAD value could be confounded. An optimized regression model for LVEF‐TMAD was developed in the derivation set (n = 287), and its reliability was verified in the validation set (n = 123) and regional wall motion abnormalities (RWMA) set (n = 46).ResultsIn the derivation set, the power models had the highest F‐value. Therefore, the power equations were chosen to estimate LVEF by TMAD in the validation set. There was a near‐zero bias and a narrow range between the observed and estimated LVEF. The highest intra‐class correlation coefficient was found between the observed and the estimated LVEF by normalized TMAD at the midpoint of mitral annular (nTMADmid). Moreover, there were no significant differences between the observed and the estimated LVEF in the RWMA set.ConclusionThe LVEF can be estimated with STE‐derived TMAD, even for patients with RWMA, and nTMADmid may be the optimal parameter.
Integration of mental health services into HIV healthcare facilities among Thai adolescents and young adults living with HIV
Authors: Sudjaritruk Tavitiya , Aurpibul Linda , Songtaweesin Wipaporn Natalie , Narkpongphun Assawin , Thisayakorn Paul , Chotecharoentanan Tawalchaya , Nadsasarn Rachaneekorn , Janjing Prapaporn , Saisaengjan Chutima , Puthanakit Thanyawee ,   the Mental Health Study Group
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionTo assess the burden of depression, anxiety and suicidality; and to determine the impact of integrated mental health and HIV services on treatment outcomes among Thai adolescents and young adults living with HIV (AYHIV).MethodsA multicentre prospective cohort study was conducted among AYHIV (15 to 25 years), and age‐ and sex‐matched HIV‐uninfected adolescents and young adults (HUAY). The Patient Health Questionnaire 9‐item (PHQ‐9) and Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7‐item scales (GAD‐7) were used as screening tools for depressive and anxiety symptoms respectively. History of lifetime and recent suicidal ideations/attempts were ascertained. Elevated mental health screening scores were defined as having either significant depressive symptoms (PHQ‐9 ≥9), significant anxiety symptoms (GAD‐7 ≥10) or suicidality (lifetime; and recent [within two weeks]). Participants meeting these criteria were referred to psychiatrists for confirmatory diagnosis and mental health services. Follow‐up assessment with PHQ‐9 and GAD‐7 was performed one year after psychiatric referral.ResultsFrom February to April 2018, 150 AYHIV and 150 HUAY were enrolled, median age was 19.0 (IQR:16.8 to 21.8) years and 56% lived in urban areas. Among AYHIV, 73% had HIV RNA <50 copies/mL, and median CD4 count was 580 (IQR:376 to 744) cells/mm3. At enrolment, 31 AYHIV (21%; 95%CI:14% to 28%) had elevated mental health screening scores; 17 (11%) significant depressive symptoms, 11 (7%) significant anxiety symptoms and 21 (14%) suicidality. Seven AYHIV (5%) had all three co‐existing conditions. These prevalences were not substantially different from HUAY. Urban living increased risk, whereas older age decreased risk of elevated mental health screening scores (p < 0.05). All AYHIV with elevated mental health screening scores were referred to study psychiatrists, and 19 (13%; 95%CI: 8% to 19%) had psychiatrist‐confirmed mental health disorders (MHDs), including adjustment disorder (n = 5), major depression (n = 4), anxiety disorders (n = 2), post‐traumatic stress disorder (n = 1) and mixed MHDs (n = 4). One year after psychiatric referral, 42% of AYHIV who received mental health services demonstrated an absence of significant mental health symptoms from the reassessments, and 26% had an improved score.ConclusionsWith the significant burden of MHDs among AYHIV, an integration of mental health services, including mental health screenings, and psychiatric consultation and referral, is critically needed and should be scaled up in HIV healthcare facilities.
Four‐stage CMOS amplifier design based on symbolic calculations: Stack comparison approach
Authors: Bahadoran Ghavam , Reza‐Alikhani Hamidreza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a simple simplification method to design a multistage amplifier. The simplification procedure is based on a defined criterion which mainly related to ignoring negligible terms. In order to verify the validity and accuracy of the exploited method, a complex four‐stage CMOS amplifier is considered. Simplified transfer function and circuit simulator output are compared. According to simulation results obtained from HSPICE circuit simulator and TSMC 0.18 μm CMOS technology, the proposed approach expresses a bitter performance by 1% error. The aim is to propose a preprocessing algorithm. This helps main algorithm to deal with simpler inputs. In this way, a preprocessing algorithm is investigated which reduces CPU time and needed memory to simplify heavy symbolical transfer functions. Since target is analog and mix mode circuit, some circuit‐based assumptions are considered.
Effects of re‐ensiling on the fermentation quality and microbial community of napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) silage
Authors: Yin Xiang , Tian Jing , Zhang Jianguo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDWith the rapid development of animal husbandry, the silage trade has increased in frequency. The re‐ensiling of materials is often required before or after trading, resulting in the exposure of the silage to air before re‐sealing. To develop a re‐ensiling technique for silage, different silage exposure periods were simulated to check the possible effects on the fermentation quality and microbial community of silage.RESULTSFresh and wilted napier grass (Pennisetum purpureum) were ensiled for 90 days, then exposed to air for 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 or 48 h, before being re‐ensiled. As a control, grass was directly ensiled for 180 days. Wilting increased the relative abundance of Klebsiella. The relative abundance of Paenibacillus in the unwilted silage was much higher than that in the wilted silage. Re‐ensiling increased the relative abundance of Lactobacillus, but decreased the relative abundances of Klebsiella, Bacillus, and Paenibacillus. In addition, Lactobacillus became the dominant bacteria in the re‐ensiled fresh and wilted silages. Re‐ensiling within 48 h of exposure did not affect the fermentation quality of the wilted silage, whereas that of the unwilted silage declined when exposed to air for over 24 h.CONCLUSIONRe‐ensiling wilted napier grass silage within 48 h of aerobic exposure did not cause the fermentation quality to decline. The unwilted napier grass silage contained a higher relative abundance of Paenibacillus and significantly deteriorated when re‐ensiled after over 24 h of aerobic exposure. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The Effects of Scallop Dredge Fishing Practices on Physical, Behavioral, and Physiological Stress in Discarded Yellowtail Flounder, Windowpane, and Fourspot Flounder
Authors: Anderson Brooke N. , Weissman Amelia M. , Mandelman John , Rudders David B. , Sulikowski James A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The Atlantic sea scallop Placopecten magellanicus dredge fishery is one of the most lucrative commercial fishing industries in the northeastern United States, and fish bycatch can comprise up to ~42% of the total catch. Benthic species, such as flatfish, are particularly susceptible to unintended capture in scallop dredge gear, and mitigating bycatch and associated mortality has been mandated a priority for fisheries management. Based on this management need, the present study evaluated the physical, physiological, and behavioral stress responses of Yellowtail Flounder Limanda ferruginea, Windowpane Scophthalmus aquosus, and Fourspot Flounder Paralichthys oblongus to capture in the scallop dredge fishery. More specifically, we used generalized additive models and linear regression models to assess the influence of various fishing practices, environmental conditions, and biological factors on injury condition, physiological parameters, and reflex indicators. Although these flatfish species appeared to be physically resilient to capture based on an observable injury assessment, dredge capture and handling factors proved stressful, with the degree of immediate mortality, physiological disturbances, and reflex impairment varying by species. While multiple factors influenced the degree of stress in these species, based on our results the reduction of tow duration and limiting air exposure/sorting duration would likely be the most effective strategies to mitigate the impact of scallop dredge fishing on these flatfish species.
Optimised collection of non‐uniformly sampled 2D‐HSQC NMR spectra for use in metabolic flux analysis
Authors: Jeeves Mark , Roberts Jennie , Ludwig Christian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy is integral to metabolic studies; yet, it can suffer from the long acquisition times required to collect data of sufficient signal strength and resolution. The use of non‐uniform sampling (NUS) allows faster collection of NMR spectra without loss of spectral integrity. When planning experimental methodologies to perform metabolic flux analysis (MFA) of cell metabolism, a variety of options are available for the acquisition of NUS NMR data. Before beginning data collection, decisions have to be made regarding selection of pulse sequence, number of transients and NUS specific parameters such as the sampling level and sampling schedule. Poor choices will impact data quality, which may have a negative effect on the subsequent analysis and biological interpretation. Herein, we describe factors that should be considered when setting up non‐uniformly sampled 2D‐1H,13C HSQC NMR experiments for MFA and provide a standard protocol for users to follow.
Suppression of TopBP1 function increases the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments by enhancing the induction of apoptosis
Authors: Obayashi Yuko , Fujikane Ryosuke , Morita Shou , Uechi Yuka , Hiraki Akimitsu , Hidaka Masumi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe DNA damage response (DDR) is an important mechanism to maintain genome integrity by arresting cell cycle progression and inducing DNA repair and/or apoptosis. Therefore, the activity of DDR is closely related to the drug sensitivity of cancer cells. Inhibitors of ATR, a key member of protein kinases functioning in DDR, are attractive candidates as sensitizers in chemotherapy. In this study, we explore another candidate of chemosensitizers and report DNA topoisomerase II binding protein 1 (TopBP1), a regulator of ATR‐mediated signaling, as a potential target to increase the efficacy of chemotherapeutic treatments. Suppression of TopBP1 using siRNA increased cancer cell sensitivity to cisplatin and an alkylating agent N‐methyl‐N‐nitrosourea (MNU), concomitant with a percentage increase in the sub‐G1 population and caspase‐9 activation. The immunoblotting analysis revealed that the phosphorylation of CHK1 was significantly reduced in TopBP1‐knockdown cells. Consequently, treatment with an ATR inhibitor dramatically increased the production of the sub‐G1 population compared to an ATM inhibitor. Phosphorylation of RPA2 increased after drug treatment in TopBP1‐knockdown cells. These results suggest that TopBP1 is involved in DDR protecting stalled forks from collapse and preventing apoptosis through the activation of an ATR/CHK1 signaling pathway.
BRAF fusions in pediatric histiocytic neoplasms define distinct therapeutic responsiveness to RAF paradox breakers
Authors: Jain Payal , Surrey Lea F. , Straka Joshua , Russo Pierre , Womer Richard , Li Marilyn M. , Storm Phillip B. , Waanders Angela J. , Hogarty Michael D. , Resnick Adam C. , Picarsic Jennifer 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPediatric histiocytic neoplasms are hematopoietic disorders frequently driven by the BRAF‐V600E mutation. Here, we identified two BRAF gene fusions (novel MTAP‐BRAF and MS4A6A‐BRAF) in two aggressive histiocytic neoplasms. In contrast to previously described BRAF fusions, MTAP‐BRAF and MS4A6A‐BRAF do not respond to the paradox breaker RAF inhibitor (RAFi) PLX8394 due to stable fusion dimerization mediated by the N‐terminal fusion partners. This highlights a significant and clinically relevant shift from the current dogma that BRAF‐fusions respond similarly to BRAF‐inhibitors. As an alternative, we show suppression of fusion‐driven oncogenic growth with the pan‐RAFi LY3009120 and MEK inhibition.
Are outcomes for childhood leukaemia in Australia influenced by geographical remoteness and Indigenous race?
Authors: Jessop Sophie , Ruhayel Sandra , Sutton Rosemary , Youlden Danny R. , Pearson Glenn , Lu Cynthia , Milne Suzanne , Henderson Michelle J. , Aitken Joanne F. , Kotecha Rishi S. , Revesz Tom 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPresenting features, biology and outcome for childhood leukaemia are known to vary by ethnic origin, geographic location and socioeconomic group. This study aimed to compare presentation patterns, follow‐up and clinical outcomes in Indigenous and non‐Indigenous children with acute leukaemia in Australia, and to assess the impact of remoteness and area‐based socioeconomic disadvantage on outcome.MethodsA retrospective review of children aged between 1 day and 18 years who were diagnosed with acute leukaemia in South Australia (SA), Northern Territory (NT) and Western Australia (WA) between 2009 and 2018 was performed. Data were collected from children treated at the Women's and Children's Hospital, Adelaide and Perth Children's Hospital.ResultsAnalysis of 455 children treated for acute leukaemia showed that children from remote/very remote localities had inferior overall survival (p = .004). Five‐year overall survival was 91.7% (95% CI: 87.9–94.3%) for children with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) and 69.8% (56.7–79.5%) for acute myeloid leukaemia (AML). A larger proportion of Indigenous children from SA/NT were diagnosed with AML compared to non‐Indigenous children (60.0% vs. 14.4%, p = .001). Indigenous children were less likely to be enrolled on clinical trials (34.5% vs. 53.1%, p = .03) and more likely to be lost to follow‐up (26.1% vs. 9.2%, p = .009).ConclusionGeographic remoteness of residence is associated with inferior overall survival for Australian children with leukaemia. Indigenous children with acute leukaemia suffer from disparities in outcomes. These findings provide evidence to guide national policy in supporting appropriate resource allocation to overcome the challenges faced by children within these groups.
The impact of the emergence of COVID‐19 on women's prenatal genetic testing decisions
Authors: Farrell Ruth M. , Pierce Madelyn , Collart Christina , Craighead Caitlin , Coleridge Marissa , Chien Edward K. , Perni Uma , Frankel Richard , Ranzini Angela , Edmonds Brownsyne Tucker , Rose Susannah S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe conducted a study to examine the impact of COVID on patients' access and utilization of prenatal genetic screens and diagnostic tests at the onset of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the United States.MethodsWe conducted telephone interviews with 40 patients to examine how the pandemic affected prenatal genetic screening and diagnostic testing decisions during the initial months of the pandemic in the United States. An interview guide queried experiences with the ability to access information about prenatal genetic testing options and to utilize the tests when desired. Audio recordings were transcribed and coded using NVivo 12. Analysis was conducted using Grounded Theory.ResultsThe pandemic did not alter most participants' decisions to undergo prenatal genetic testing. Yet, it did impact how participants viewed the risks and benefits of testing and timing of testing. There was heightened anxiety among those who underwent testing, stemming from the risk of viral exposure and the fear of being alone if pregnancy loss or fetal abnormality was identified at the time of an ultrasound‐based procedure.ConclusionThe pandemic may impact patients' access and utilization of prenatal genetic tests. More research is needed to determine how best to meet pregnant patients' decision‐making needs during this time.
Child obesity moderates the association between poverty and academic achievement
Authors: Kranjac Ashley W. , Kranjac Dinko 
Published: February 2021

AbstractChildhood overweight and obesity are major public health problems in the United States. Children who experience poverty are 1.5 times more likely to suffer with overweight and 1.6 times more likely to have obesity. The extent to which overweight or obesity exacerbates the negative influence of socioeconomic inequality on child academic outcomes has not yet been examined. We estimated the effect of poverty on math and reading achievement trajectories using the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study (ECLS) Kindergarten class of 1998−1999 survey data and multilevel growth curve modeling techniques. Our findings indicate that the impact of obesity status is more pronounced for children from low socioeconomic backgrounds in both reading and math achievement, as well as for children with overweight in reading achievement scores. Thus, we see evidence that overweight and obesity moderate the pathway through which early‐childhood poverty affects school performance. Given that we identified overweight and obesity as putative mechanisms through which socioeconomic deprivation affects academic achievement, focusing on overweight and obesity prevention may alter students’ academic trajectories. Taken together, we see evidence that the combined negative effect of increased weight status and poverty, beyond the independent effects of each, has far‐reaching consequences for educational outcomes.
Detailed Numerical Modeling and Simulation of Fe2O3−Al Thermite Reaction
Authors: de Souza Kesiany M. , de Lemos Marcelo J. S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA thermite reaction is a self‐propagating exothermic reaction with many practical applications in welding processes, material synthesis, pyrotechnic and initiator technologies. Motivated by the above‐mentioned, the present study involves modeling and simulation of common hematite‐aluminum thermite reaction with the aim of predicting temperature levels and radial burning speeds in a thin disk ignited at the center. Balance equations of species and energy conservation were solved in one dimension space by applying a finite difference method, considering no species transport and a one‐step mechanism. The Arrhenius equation was adopted to model the kinetics rate. Phase change and temperature dependence of the thermochemical properties were also considered. Analyses of spatial and temporal meshes revealed that numerical results were independent of the grid used. Predictions show that the ignition procedure affects the formation of the reaction‐front, higher temperatures, and longer ignition zones can start the self‐sustained reaction earlier. However, once the reaction wave is established, its velocity and peak temperature are the same, independent of the initial temperature profile. Simulations herein also show that an increase of the activation energy and decrease of the pre‐exponential factor slows down the reaction speed considerably, impacting on accurate prediction of reaction‐wave velocity. Further, the activation energy influences the burning velocity much more drastically than the pre‐exponential factor. The maximum temperature observed in the model is around the melting temperature of alumina (2327 K), which is in agreement with the experimental results reported in the literature.
Upregulated UCA1 contributes to oxaliplatin resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma through inhibition of miR‐138‐5p and activation of AKT/mTOR signaling pathway
Authors: Huang Guolin , Li Li , Liang Chaoyong , Yu Fei , Teng Cuifang , Pang Yingxing , Wei Tongtong , Song Jinjing , Wang Hanlin , Liao Xiaoli , Li Yongqiang , Yang Jie 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) inevitably developed oxaliplatin (OXA) resistance after long‐term treatment, but the mechanism remains unclear. Here, we found that LncRNA UCA1 was upregulated in most of OXA‐resistant HCC tissues and cells (HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA). Follow‐up analysis and online Kaplan–Meier Plotter revealed that HCC patients with high UCA1 level had a shorter survival compared with those with low expression. Overexpression of UCA1 increased OXA IC50 in HepG2 and SMMC‐7721 cells, whereas knockdown of UCA1 decreased OXA IC50 in resistant counterparts. Moreover, dual luciferase reporter assay showed that co‐transfection of UCA1‐WT plasmid with miR‐138‐5p mimics enhanced fluorescence signals, whereas co‐transfection of UCA1‐Mut plasmid and miR‐138‐5p mimics did not induce any changes. Consistently, UCA1 levels in HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA cells were downregulated after transfected with miR‐138‐5p mimics. UCA1 silencing or transfection of miR‐138‐5p mmics inhibited the activation of AKT and mTOR in HepG2/OXA and SMMC‐7721/OXA cells, whereas UCA1 overexpression increased the phosphorylated AKT and mTOR levels in parental counterparts. Rapamycin or miR‐138‐5p mimics similarly suppressed the activation of AKT and mTOR, whereas UCA1 overexpression exert opposite roles. Interestingly, administration of rapamycin or miR‐138‐5p mimics apparently antagonized the effects of UCA1 on AKT and mTOR activation. Besides, depletion of UCA1 triggered more dramatic regression of HepG2 xenografts than that of HepG2/OXA xenografts with OXA treatment and impaired the p‐AKT and p‐mTOR levels in vivo. In conclusion, our findings provide the evidence that UCA1 may contribute to OXA resistance via miR‐138‐5p‐mediated AK /mTOR activation, suggesting that UCA1 is a potential therapeutic target for HCC.