bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Facile synthesis of coral cauliflower‐like polypyrrole hemispheres toward screening electromagnetic interference pollution
Authors: Kulkarni Gopal , Kandesar Priyanka , Velhal Ninad , Kim Haekyoung , Puri Vijaya 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, coral cauliflower‐like polypyrrole (PPy) hemispheres are synthesized on an alumina substrate via a simple chemical oxidative polymerization route. The stony coral‐like morphology of PPy hemispheres acts as a conducting trap in absorbing electromagnetic (EM) radiation via multiple internal reflections. A PPy thin film deposited at 0.2 M pyrrole concentration shows a minimum reflection loss (RL) of −30.80 dB (99.9% microwave absorption) at the frequency of 14.2 GHz, and the highest total shielding effectiveness achieved is −18.3 dB at 16.8 GHz at 4.38 μm film thickness. The thin films exhibit excellent microwave absorption ability at low thicknesses, and the effective absorption bandwidth (RL < –10 dB) attains a high value of 2.2 GHz in the frequency range of 13–15.2 GHz. These findings can help researchers to enhance the EM wave absorption characteristics in a broad frequency region using lightweight intrinsically conducting polymers.
Polyimide hollow glass microspheres composite films with low dielectric constant and excellent thermal performance
Authors: Cao Xianwu , Wen Jiangwei , Song Laihua , Liu Xin , He Guangjian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNowadays, polyimide (PI) with low dielectric constant is expected to be widely applied in microelectronics. For this reason, hollow glass microspheres (HGM) modified by silane coupling agent KH‐550 (K‐HGM), a series of HGM/PI and K‐HGM/PI composite films with excellent thermal performance, hydrophobic and low dielectric constant were fabricated by in situ polymerization. The effect of HGM/K‐HGM content on the properties of composite films was studied. The superior heat resistance of HGM can improve the thermal performance of composite films. Due to silane coupling agent KH‐550, K‐HGM exhibits a good interfacial compatibility with PI matrix and forms an interfacial adhesion region. With the HGM loading of 6%, comparing with pure PI films, the glass transition temperatures (Tg) of composite films were dramatically increased by 32.3°C. Especially, the low dielectric constant of 2.21 and dielectric loss of 0.0059 at 1 MHz were obtained for the PI/K‐HGM composite film with addition of 8 wt%. Thus, PI/K‐HGM composite films show more excellent performance. The current work provides a promising solution for fabrication of PI with low dielectric constant and superior thermal performance that may be applied in microelectronics industry.
Characterization of multifunctional PAN/ZnO nanofibrous composite filter for fine dust capture and photocatalytic activity
Authors: Aamer Hanaa , Heo Sujeong , Jo Young‐Min 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe multifunctional air filter, which can provide low resistance to airflow, was prepared from polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers (NFs) by impregnating zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles (NPs) with photocatalytic activity. Incorporation of ZnO NPs improved the surface roughness and electrostatic charge of electrospun NFs. The PAN/ZnO composite filter with 12 wt%‐ZnO showed a filtration efficiency of 98.8% and a pressure drop of 48 Pa for 300 nm aerosol particles, resulting in a quality factor of 0.092 Pa−1. In addition, PAN/ZnO composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic activity in methylene blue (MB) decomposition at 100 and 70.2% efficiencies, respectively, under UV and visible light.
Tracing trophic pathways through the marine ecosystem of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)
Authors: Zapata‐Hernández Germán , Sellanes Javier , Letourneur Yves , Harrod Chris , Morales Naiti A. , Plaza Paula , Meerhoff Erika , Yannicelli Beatriz , Carrasco Sergio A. , Hinojosa Ivan , Gaymer Carlos F. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

The structure of food webs provides important insight into biodiversity, organic matter (OM) pathways, and ecosystem functioning.
Stable isotope analysis (δ13C and δ15N) was used to characterize the trophic structure and the main OM pathways supporting food webs in the Rapa Nui coastal marine ecosystem.
The trophic position of consumers and isotopic niche metrics were estimated for different assemblages (i.e. mesozooplankton, emergent zooplankton, reef invertebrates, reef fishes, pelagic fishes, and seabirds). Furthermore, the relative importance of different OM sources (i.e. macroalgae, zooxanthellate corals, and particulate OM [POM]) was assessed for heterotrophic consumers using Bayesian mixing model (MixSIAR).
Results show a clear pattern of 13C and 15N enrichment from small‐sized pelagic and benthic invertebrates, to reef and pelagic fishes, and seabirds. Most invertebrates were classified as primary consumers, reef fishes as secondary consumers and pelagic predators and seabirds as tertiary and quaternary consumers.
Isotopic niche metrics indicate a low trophic diversity for pelagic assemblages (mesozooplankton and pelagic fishes), in contrast to reef fauna (invertebrates and fishes), whose higher trophic diversity suggest the exploitation of a wider range of trophic resources. Overlapping of standard ellipses areas between reef invertebrates and reef fishes indicates that both assemblages could be sharing trophic resources.
Mixing models results indicate that POM is the main trophic pathway for mesozooplankton, macroalgae (Rhodophyta) for emergent zooplankton, and a mix of coral‐derived OM and Rhodophyta for coral reef assemblages such as macrobenthos and reef invertebrates. In contrast, POM contribution was notably more important for some pelagic fishes and seabirds from upper trophic levels.
This study provides key elements for conservation efforts on coral reefs, management planning and full‐implementation of the recently created Rapa Nui Multiple Use Marine Protected Area.
Stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems: From Leopold's land ethic to a freshwater ethic
Authors: Cooke Steven J. , Lynch Abigail J. , Piccolo John J. , Olden Julian D. , Reid Andrea J. , Ormerod Steve J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

In 1949, Aldo Leopold formalized the concept of the ‘land ethic’, in what emerged as a foundational and transformational way of thinking about natural resource management, biodiversity conservation, and stewardship in terrestrial systems. Yet, the land ethic has inherent linkages to aquatic ecosystems; Leopold himself conducted research on rivers and lakes, and freshwater ecosystems figured widely in his writing.
We reflect on the land ethic and other aspects of Leopold's scholarship to identify key messages that provide insight into the stewardship and management of freshwater ecosystems around the globe. We also frame what we call the ‘freshwater ethic’ around Leopold's legacy. Although Leopold could not have envisaged the stressors affecting modern aquatic ecosystems, his core principles remain salient. These apply not only to ecosystem protection, but also to the ethics of modern conservation economics, sustainability, and the protection of natural capital, in which lakes, rivers, and wetlands now figure prominently.
We identify key ‘Aldo‐inspired’ recommendations for protecting and restoring freshwater ecosystems in the Anthropocene that emanate directly from his writings (e.g. adopt an ecosystem approach, identify win–win–win scenarios, recognize the irreplaceability of wild waters, and strive for freshwater optimism).
In an epoch where links between people and nature are becoming more explicit in environmental management, policy, and governance, we suggest that Aldo Leopold's work illustrates how inspirational, seminal thinkers have offered leadership in this domain. We contend that today there is still much that can be learned from Leopold, especially by the next generation of environmental practitioners, to ensure the effective stewardship of our aquatic ecosystems.
We submit that the adoption of a freshwater ethic in parallel with Leopold's land ethic will enhance the stewardship of the world's increasingly threatened fresh waters by raising the profile of the plight of fresh waters and identifying enduring actions that, if embraced, will help conserve and restore biodiversity.
Protective Role of Collectin 11 in a Mouse Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Wang Na , Wu Weiju , Qiang Cui , Ma Ning , Wu Kunyi , Liu Dan , Wang Jia‐Xing , Yang Xiao , Xue Li , Diao Teng‐Yue , Liu Jia‐Yu , Li Ang , Zhang Baojun , Li Zong‐Fang , Farrar Conrad A. , Banda Nirmal K. , Bayarri‐Olmos Rafael , Garred Peter , Zhou Wuding , Li Ke 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveCollectin 11 (CL‐11) is a soluble C‐type lectin, a mediator of innate immunity. Its role in autoimmune disorders is unknown. We undertook this study to determine the role of CL‐11 in a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).MethodsA murine collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) model was used and combined two approaches, including gene deletion of Colec11 and treatment with recombinant CL‐11 (rCL‐11). Joint inflammation and tissue destruction, circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, and adaptive immune responses were assessed in mice with CIA. Splenic CD11c+ cells were used to examine the influence of CL‐11 on antigen‐presenting cell (APC) function. Serum CL‐11 levels in RA patients were also examined.ResultsColec11−/− mice developed more severe arthritis than wild‐type mice, as determined by disease incidence, clinical arthritis scores, and histopathology (P < 0.05). Disease severity was associated with significantly enhanced APC activation, Th1/Th17 responses, pathogenic IgG2a production and joint inflammation, as well as elevated circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines. In vitro analysis of CD11c+ cells revealed that CL‐11 is critical for suppression of APC activation and function. Pharmacologic treatment of mice with rCL‐11 reduced the severity of CIA in mice. Analysis of human blood samples revealed that serum CL‐11 levels were lower in RA patients (n = 51) compared to healthy controls (n = 53). Reduction in serum CL‐11 was inversely associated with the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐reactive protein level (P < 0.05).ConclusionOur findings demonstrate a novel role of CL‐11 in protection against RA, suggesting that the underlying mechanism involves suppression of APC activation and subsequent T cell responses.
Synthesis andL2‐gain analysis for switched systems under event‐triggered switching
Authors: Li Dandan , Zuo Zhiqiang , Fu Minyue , Wang Yijing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we solve the stabilization problem of linear switched systems subject to external disturbances via an event‐based state‐dependent switching strategy. The proposed event‐triggered switching rule can relax the conditions which guarantee the stability of switched systems so as to attain more feasible solutions than the previous work. As a result, a better bound ofL2gain performance of the system is obtained over the set of admissible disturbances. The elimination of Zeno behavior for state‐dependent switched system is also proven. Finally, numerical simulations illustrate the validity of the proposed theoretical results.
Distributed Nash equilibrium seeking for noncooperative games in nonlinear multi‐agent systems: An event‐triggered neuro‐adaptive approach
Authors: Zhang Kaijie , Wang Peijun , Zhou Jialing 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a distributed Nash equilibrium seeking strategy for noncooperative games over strongly connected topologies, where the players suffer from unmodeled nonlinearities and external disturbances. By using the neural network (NN) universal approximation theorem, a neuro‐adaptive seeking controller is proposed. Besides, the event‐triggered mechanism is introduced to reduce communication costs of the players. Furthermore, by developing a Lyapunov function, it is shown that the states of the players asymptotically converge to the Nash equilibrium. Finally, a simulation is conducted to show the effectiveness of the proposed methods.
Platelet‐rich plasma‐hyaluronic acid/chondrotin sulfate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogel for cartilage regeneration
Authors: KhaliliJafarabad Nadieh , Behnamghader Aliasghar , Khorasani Mohammad Taghi , Mozafari Masoud 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, the chondrogenic potential of hyaluronic acid/chondrotin sulfate/carboxymethyl chitosan hydrogels with adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) was evaluated. Here, hyaluronic acid, chondrotin sulfate, and carboxymethyl chitosan were used as the substrate for cartilage tissue engineering in which the hydrogel is formed due to electrostatic and hydrogen bonds through mixing the polymers. Because of the instability of this hydrogel in the biological environment, 1‐ethyl‐3‐(3‐dimethylaminopropyl‐carbodiimide hydrochloride/N‐hydroxy‐succinimide was used as a crosslinker to increase the hydrogel stability. The hydrogels showed reasonable stability due to the combined effect of self‐crosslinking and chemical crosslinking. The cells were treated with the prepared hydrogel samples for 14 and 21 days in nondifferentiation medium for evaluation of the cellular behavior of ADMSCs. Gene expression evaluation was performed, and expression of specific genes involved in differentiation was shown in the crosslinked hydrogel with platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) (H‐EN‐P) had increased the gene expression levels. Quantification of immunofluorescence intensity indicated the high level of expression of SOX9 in H‐EN‐P hydrogel. Based on the results, we confirmed that the presence of PRP and the similarity of the hydrogel constituents to the cartilage extracellular matrix could have positive effects on the differentiation of the cells, which is favorable for cartilage tissue engineering approaches.
Self‐control and investment choices
Authors: Sekścińska Katarzyna , Rudzinska‐Wojciechowska Joanna , Jaworska Diana 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThree studies (N1 = 799, N2 = 359, and N3 = 310) investigating the role of self‐control in investment decisions are reported. Study 1 focused on links between trait self‐control, the propensity to invest, and the propensity to make risky investment decisions. Study 2 investigated whether reflecting on one's prior successes and failures in exercising self‐control has an impact on subsequent investment decisions. Study 3 considered the joint effect of both self‐control factors considered in the first two studies. The results indicated that self‐control plays a significant role in explaining investment decisions. Specifically, self‐control level was positively related to the propensity to invest but negatively related to the propensity to take investment risks. Paralleling these findings, participants reflecting on situations in which they resisted temptation allocated more money to investments than control group members but were less willing to make risky decisions when creating investment portfolios. Finally, an interplay was observed between trait self‐control and factors modifying the situational level of this variable: Among participants recalling successes in self‐control, higher levels of trait self‐control were linked to investment decisions, but this was untrue for participants reflecting on failures in self‐control.
Nervonic acid level in cerebrospinal fluid is a candidate biomarker for depressive and manic symptoms: A pilot study
Authors: Kageyama Yuki , Deguchi Yasuhiko , Hattori Kotaro , Yoshida Sumiko , Goto Yu‐ichi , Inoue Koki , Kato Tadafumi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectiveOur previous metabolomics study showed that the plasma nervonic acid levels were higher in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) than those in healthy controls and patients with bipolar disorder (BD). To examine whether the nervonic acid levels differ in the central nervous system, we investigated the levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with MDD, BD, and healthy controls.MethodsNervonic acid levels in CSF were measured by gas chromatography time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry. The participants included 30 patients with MDD, 30 patients with BD, and 30 healthy controls.ResultsIn contrast to our previous study, no significant differences were found in the nervonic acid level in the CSF among the patients with MDD, BD, and the healthy controls. Though no significant state‐dependent changes were found among the three groups, we did observe a significant negative correlation between the nervonic acid levels and depressive symptoms in the depressive state of patients with MDD and BD (r = −0.38, p = .046). Further, a significant positive correlation was found between the nervonic acid levels and manic symptoms in the manic state of patients with BD (r = 0.79, p = .031).ConclusionThe nervonic acid levels in the CSF did not differ among the patients with MDD, BD, and the healthy controls; however, a significant negative correlation with depressive symptoms and a positive correlation with manic symptoms was observed. Thus, the nervonic acid levels in the CSF may be a candidate biomarker for mood symptoms.
Suppression of optineurin impairs the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma through regulating mitophagy
Authors: Inokuchi Shoichi , Yoshizumi Tomoharu , Toshima Takeo , Itoh Shinji , Yugawa Kyohei , Harada Noboru , Mori Hiroyuki , Fukuhara Takasuke , Matsuura Yoshiharu , Mori Masaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAutophagy removes damaged organelles to inhibit malignant transformation during tumor initiation. Once a cancer matures, it uses the autophagic pathway as an energy source. Optineurin (OPTN) is an autophagy adaptor protein that recruits microtubule‐associated protein 1 light chain 3, an autophagosome marker, to the autophagosome. Despite studies of the relation between cancer progression and autophagy adaptor proteins, there are no reports to our knowledge of a correlation between hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and OPTN. We aimed here to investigate the effects of OPTN expression on HCC progression through autophagy. Immunohistochemistry was used to measure the OPTN expression in the tissues of 141 Japanese patients with HCC. The effects of OPTN expression on HCC progression and mitophagy were assessed using an OPTN knockout (KO) cell line in vitro. We used this KO cell line to establish and exploit a mouse model of HCC to determine the effects of OPTN expression on tumor progression. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that patients with elevated expression of OPTN experienced shorter overall survival (OS) and recurrence‐free survival (RFS). OPTN KO cells proliferated relatively slower versus wild‐type (WT) cells in vitro. Western blot analysis showed that mitophagy was suppressed in OPTN KO cells, and ATP synthesis and beta‐oxidation were reduced. The mouse model of HCC showed that OPTN KO cells formed smaller tumors versus WT cells less 10 weeks after implantation. Overall, the present findings suggest that OPTN is a key mediator of mitophagy that contributes to HCC progression through mitochondrial energy production.
Molecular response and quality of life in chronic myeloid leukemia patients treated with intermittent TKIs: First interim analysis of OPTkIMA study
Authors: Malagola Michele , Iurlo Alessandra , Abruzzese Elisabetta , Bonifacio Massimiliano , Stagno Fabio , Binotto Gianni , D’Adda Mariella , Lunghi Monia , Crugnola Monica , Ferrari Maria Luisa , Lunghi Francesca , Castagnetti Fausto , Rosti Gianantonio , Lemoli Roberto M. , Sancetta Rosaria , Coppi Maria Rosaria , Corsetti Maria Teresa , Rege Cambrin Giovanna , Romano Atelda , Tiribelli Mario , Russo Rossi Antonella , Russo Sabina , Aprile Lara , Bocchia Monica , Gandolfi Lisa , Farina Mirko , Bernardi Simona , Polverelli Nicola , Roccaro Aldo M. , De Vivo Antonio , Baccarani Michele , Russo Domenico 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundIntermittent treatment with TKIs is an option for the great majority (70%–80%) of CML patients who do not achieve a stable deep molecular response and are not eligible for treatment discontinuation. For these patients, the only alternative is to assume TKI continuously, lifelong.MethodsThe Italian phase III multicentric randomized OPTkIMA study started in 2015, with the aim to evaluate if a progressive de‐escalation of TKIs (imatinib, nilotinib, and dasatinib) is able to maintain the molecular response (MR3.0) and to improve Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL).ResultsUp to December 2018, 166/185 (90%) elderly CML patients in stable MR3.0/MR4.0 completed the first year of any TKI intermittent schedule 1 month ON and 1 month OFF. The first year probability of maintaining the MR3.0 was 81% and 23.5% of the patients who lost the molecular response regained the MR3.0 after resuming TKI continuously. Patients’ HRQoL at baseline was better than that of matched peers from healthy population. Women was the only factor independently associated with worse baseline HRQoL (p > 0.0001). Overall, global HRQoL worsened at 6 (p < 0.001) but returned to the baseline value at 12 months and it was statistically significantly worse in women (p = 0.001).ConclusionsDe‐escalation of any TKI by 1 month ON/OFF schedule maintains the MR3.0/MR4.0 in 81% of the patients during the first 12–24 months. No patients progressed to accelerated/blastic phase, all the patients (23.5%) losing MR3.0 regained the MR3.0 and none suffered from TKI withdrawn syndrome. The study firstly report on HRQoL in elderly CML patients moving from a continuous daily therapy to a de‐escalated intermittent treatment.
The combined analgesic effect of pregabalin and morphine in the treatment of pancreatic cancer pain, a retrospective study
Authors: Dai Junzhu , Teng Lei , Zhao Liuyuan , Zou Huichao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundPregabalin is commonly used to relieve neuropathic pain. However, data are lacking on its efficacy for the treatment of chronic cancer pain. The purpose of this study was to determine the analgesic efficacy of pregabalin combined with morphine in the management of pancreatic cancer pain.MethodsThis study reviewed patients who were prescribed morphine and 150 mg/d pregabalin between 1 January 2017 and 10 November 2018 in our institute. The primary outcomes of this study were the average pain score and dose of morphine. Secondary outcomes included characters of breakthrough cancer pain, functional interference related to pain, anxiety/depression status, and incidence of treatment‐related adverse events during the study.ResultsA total of 240 patients with pain related to pancreatic cancer were included in the study. The results showed that patients of both combination therapy group (pregabalin+morphine) and monotherapy group (morphine) achieved similar analgesic efficacy, demonstrated by NRS (2.4 ± 0.9 vs. 2.6 ± 0.9; combination vs. monotherapy) at the end of the study. Mean daily dose of morphine used in the combination group was significant lower compared to monotherapy group (39.5 ± 16.0 mg vs. 61.5 ± 19.3 mg, net difference 23.5, 95% CI: 18.4–28.6, p <  0.001). The change of functional interference score related to pain was significantly different between combination and monotherapy group (12.0 ± 0.4 vs. 9.8 ± 4.9; net difference, 2.3; 95% CI: 1.1–3.3; p < 0.001). Patients in combination therapy group had experienced shorter duration of breakthrough cancer pain than those in monotherapy group (X2 p < 0.001, Cramer's V:0.36). The incidence of somnolence, dizziness, and cognitive dysfunction were significantly higher in the combination group compared to monotherapy group. No serious treatment‐related side effects were observed.ConclusionsThe findings of this study supported the use of pregabalin with morphine to relieve pain in patients of pancreatic cancer.