bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association of Visceral Adipose Tissue and Insulin Resistance with Incident Metabolic Syndrome Independent of Obesity Status: The IRAS Family Study
Authors: Mongraw‐Chaffin Morgana , Hairston Kristen G. , Hanley Anthony J. G. , Tooze Janet A. , Norris Jill M. , Palmer Nicolette D. , Bowden Donald W. , Lorenzo Carlos , Chen Yii‐Der Ida , Wagenknecht Lynne E. 
Published: May 2021

ObjectiveAlthough increasing evidence suggests that visceral adipose tissue (VAT) is a major underlying cause of metabolic syndrome (MetS), few studies have measured VAT at multiple time points in diverse populations. VAT and insulin resistance were hypothesized to differ by MetS status within BMI category in the Insulin Resistance Atherosclerosis Study (IRAS) Family Study and, further, that baseline VAT and insulin resistance and increases over time are associated with incident MetS.MethodsGeneralized estimating equations were used for differences in body fat distribution and insulin resistance by MetS status. Mixed effects logistic regression was used for the association of baseline and change in adiposity and insulin resistance with incident MetS across 5 years, adjusted for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and family correlation.ResultsVAT and insulin sensitivity differed significantly by MetS status and BMI category at baseline. VAT and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) at baseline (VAT odds ratio [OR] = 1.16 [95% CI: 1.12‐2.31]; HOMA‐IR OR = 1.85 [95% CI: 1.32‐2.58]) and increases over time (VAT OR = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.22‐1.98]; HOMA‐IR OR = 3.23 [95% CI: 2.20‐4.73]) were associated with incident MetS independent of BMI category.ConclusionsDiffering levels of VAT may be driving metabolic heterogeneity within BMI categories. Both overall and abdominal obesity (VAT) may play a role in the development of MetS. Increased VAT over time contributed additional risk.
Acrylic‐styrene/montmorillonite nanocomposites. Melt viscoelasticity and chain dynamics in nanoconfinement
Authors: Romo‐Uribe Angel 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe chain dynamics of co(acrylic‐styrene)/montmorillonite (MMT) nanoclay nanocomposites in the melt was studied by shear rheometry. Copolymers containing 60% butyl acrylate (BA), 38% styrene (sty), and 2% methacrylic acid (MAA) were synthesized in the presence of MMT nanoclay, that is, in‐situ, and the MMT content ranged from cMMT = 5–25 wt%. Recently, it was shown that nanoclay was exfoliated when cMMT ≤ 5 wt% and intercalated at higher concentrations, and the tensile modulus increased over an order of magnitude with MMT content [Romo‐Uribe, Polym Adv Technol, 2021]. Here, the chain dynamics was investigated using shearrheology. The results revealed that nanoclay slowed down the chain dynamics in the terminal regime, the terminal relaxation time τt increased up to an order of magnitude. Furthermore, nanoclay induced 10‐fold increase of rubbery modulus Ge with the consequent reduction of molecular weight between entanglements Me and reduction of packing length p. Furthermore, the nanoconfinement imposed on the polymer chains reduced the energy dissipation in the transition regime (as indicated by the damping tan δ) thus correlating with the increase of the glass transition temperature, Tg. Therefore, understanding and controlling nanoconfinement and its influence on chain dynamics would enable tuning the physical properties of polymer‐clay nanocomposites.
III‐V//CuxIn1−yGaySe2 multijunction solar cells with 27.2% efficiency fabricated using modified smart stack technology with Pd nanoparticle array and adhesive material
Authors: Makita Kikuo , Kamikawa Yukiko , Mizuno Hidenori , Oshima Ryuji , Shoji Yasushi , Ishizuka Shogo , Müller Ralph , Beutel Paul , Lackner David , Benick Jan , Hermle Martin , Dimroth Frank , Sugaya Takeyoshi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMultijunction (MJ) solar cells achieve high efficiencies by effectively utilizing the solar spectrum. Previously, we have developed III‐V MJ solar cells using smart stack technology, a mechanical stacking technology that uses a Pd nanoparticle array. In this study, we fabricated an InGaP/AlGaAs//CuxIn1−yGaySe2 three‐junction solar cell by applying modified smart stack technology with a Pd nanoparticle array and adhesive material. Using adhesive material (silicone adhesive), the bonding stability was improved conspicuously. The total efficiency achieved was 27.2% under AM 1.5 G solar spectrum illumination, which is a better performance compared to our previous result (24.2%) for a two‐terminal solar cell. The performance was achieved by optimizing the structure of the upper GaAs‐based cell and by using a CuxIn1−yGaySe2 solar cell with a specialized performance for an MJ configuration. In addition, we assessed the reliability of the InGaP/AlGaAs//CuxIn1−yGaySe2 three‐junction solar cell through a heat cycle test (from −40°C to +85°C; 50 cycles) and were able to confirm that our solar cells show high resistivity under severe conditions. The results demonstrate the potential of III‐V//CuxIn1−yGaySe2 MJ solar cells as next‐generation photovoltaic cells for applications such as vehicle‐integrated photovoltaics; they also demonstrate the effectiveness of modified smart stack technology in fabricating MJ cells.
Chemogenetic activation of central gastrin‐releasing peptide‐expressing neurons elicits itch‐related scratching behavior in male and female mice
Authors: Kiguchi Norikazu , Fukazawa Yohji , Saika Ayano , Uta Daisuke , Saika Fumihiro , Nakamura Tomoe Y. , Ko Mei‐Chuan , Kishioka Shiroh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSeveral lines of evidence have clarified that the key transmission pathways of itching sensation travel from the periphery to the central nervous system (CNS). Despite the functional significance of gastrin‐releasing peptide (GRP) and its cognate receptor in the itch processing mechanism in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), the roles of GRP‐expressing (GRP+) neurons in different regions remain unclear. This study aimed to determine whether GRP+ neurons in the CNS directly modulated itch processing. To specifically activate spinal and supraspinal GRP neurons by the designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs (DREADDs) system, CAG‐LSL‐Gq‐DREADD mice were crossed with GRP‐Cre mice, resulting in the development of GRP‐hM3Dq mice. Immunohistochemistry showed that hM3Dq was highly expressed in the SDH and brainstem closely related to sensory processing. The intraperitoneal, intrathecal, or intracerebroventricular administration of clozapine‐N‐oxide, an agonist of hM3Dq, strongly elicited dermatome‐dependent itch‐related scratching behavior, but did not change pain sensitivity. Importantly, GRP‐Gq‐DREADD‐mediated scratching behavior in GRP‐hM3Dq mice was not affected by the ablation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1+ sensory C‐fibers, and it was also observed to a similar degree under chronic itch conditions. Furthermore, there were no significant sex differences in the scratching behavior elicited by GRP‐Gq‐DREADD, suggesting that itch‐dominant roles of central GRP+ neurons might be common in both sexes, at least under normal physiological conditions. These novel findings not only contribute to understanding the functional roles of central GRP+ neurons further, but also propose the development of future effective therapeutics for intractable itching.
Major surface melting over the Ross Ice Shelf part II: Surface energy balance
Authors: Zou Xun , Bromwich David H. , Montenegro Alvaro , Wang Sheng‐Hung , Bai Lesheng 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe West Antarctic climate is under the combined impact of synoptic and regional drivers. Regional factors have contributed to more frequent surface melting with a similar pattern recently, which accelerates ice loss and favors global sea‐level rise. Part I of this research identified and quantified the two leading drivers of Ross Ice Shelf (RIS) melting, viz. foehn effect and direct marine air advection, based on Polar WRF (PWRF) simulations. In this article (Part II), the impact of clouds and the pattern of surface energy balance (SEB) during melting are analyzed, as well as the relationship among these three factors. In general, net shortwave radiation dominates the surface melting with a daily mean value above 100 W·m−2. Foehn clearance and decreasing surface albedo respectively increase the downward shortwave radiation and increase the absorbed shortwave radiation, significantly contributing to surface melting in areas such as western Marie Byrd Land. Also, extensive downward longwave radiation caused by low‐level liquid cloud favors the melting expansion over the middle and coastal RIS. With significant moisture transport occurring over more than 40% of the time during the melting period, the impact from net radiation can be amplified. Moreover, frequent foehn cases can enhance the turbulent mixing on the leeside. With a Froude number (Fr) around 1 or slightly larger, fast downdrafts or reversed wind flows can let the warm foehn air penetrate down to the surface with up to 20 W·m−2 in sensible heat flux transfer to the ground. However, when the Froude number is close to infinity with breaking waves on the leeside, the contribution of turbulence to the surface warming is reduced. With better understanding of the regional factors for the surface melting, prediction of the future stability of West Antarctic ice shelves can be improved.
Separation and structural elucidation of cefsulodin and its impurities in both positive and negative ion mode in cefsulodin sodium bulk material using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Ren Xiaojuan , Liu Guijun , Tang Kaixian , Zhou Ping , Wang Jian 
Published: May 2021

RationaleThe structural identification of impurities in cephalosporins has been reported. However, to the best of our knowledge, there was no report on the impurities of cefsulodin sodium, which is necessary for the quality control. Thus, the aim of this study was to separate and characterize the impurities in cefsulodin sodium raw material using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS).MethodsThe analytes were separated on a Kromasil 100‐5C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 μm) using a gradient elution with a mobile phase consisting of 1% ammonium sulphate aqueous solution and acetonitrile in the first dimension. The separation in the second dimension was carried on a Shimadzu Shim‐pack GISS C18 column (50 mm × 2.1 mm, 1.9 μm) with a mobile phase consisting of 10 mM ammonium formate solution and methanol.ResultsThe fragmentation behaviors of cefsulodin and its impurities were studied and the structures of the impurities were deduced based on the MSn data. The structures of ten unknown impurities were proposed based on the work carried out in this study. The degradation behaviors of cefsulodin sodium were also studied. This revealed that cefsulodin sodium should be stored in a dry, cool and dark closed container.ConclusionsBased on the characterization of impurities, this study not only revealed the mechanism by which impurities were produced, thus providing guidance to pharmaceutical companies for manufacturing process improvement and impurity control, but also provided a scientific basis for further improvement of official monographs in pharmacopoeias.
Calcium concentrations in the lower Columbia River, USA, are generally sufficient to support invasive bivalve spread
Authors: Bollens Stephen M. , Harrison John A. , Kramer Marc G. , Rollwagen‐Bollens Gretchen , Counihan Timothy D. , Robb‐Chavez Salvador B. , Nolan Sean T. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDissolved calcium concentration [Ca2+] is thought to be a major factor limiting the establishment and thus the spread of invasive bivalves such as zebra (Dreissena polymorpha) and quagga (Dreissena bugensis) mussels. We measured [Ca2+] in 168 water samples collected along ~100 river‐km of the lower Columbia River, USA, between June 2018 and March 2020. We found [Ca2+] to range from 13 to 18 mg L−1 during summer/fall and 5 to 22 mg L−1 during the winter/spring. Previous research indicates that [Ca2+] < 12 mg L−1 are likely to limit the establishment and spread of invasive bivalves. Thus, our results indicate that there is sufficient Ca2+ in most locations in the lower Columbia River to support the establishment of invasive dreissenid mussels, which could join the already widespread and abundant Asian clam (Corbicula fluminea) as the newest invader to an already heavily invaded Columbia River ecosystem. These new data provide important measurements from a heretofore undersampled region of the Columbia River and have important implications for the spread of invasive bivalves and, by extension, the conservation and management of native species and ecosystems.
Normal approximation and fourth moment theorems for monochromatic triangles
Authors: Bhattacharya Bhaswar B. , Fang Xiao , Yan Han 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGiven a graph sequence denote by T3(Gn) the number of monochromatic triangles in a uniformly random coloring of the vertices of Gn with colors. In this paper we prove a central limit theorem (CLT) for T3(Gn) with explicit error rates, using a quantitative version of the martingale CLT. We then relate this error term to the well‐known fourth‐moment phenomenon, which, interestingly, holds only when the number of colors satisfies . We also show that the convergence of the fourth moment is necessary to obtain a Gaussian limit for any , which, together with the above result, implies that the fourth‐moment condition characterizes the limiting normal distribution of T3(Gn), whenever . Finally, to illustrate the promise of our approach, we include an alternative proof of the CLT for the number of monochromatic edges, which provides quantitative rates for the results obtained in [7].
Ability to successfully image endometrium on transvaginal ultrasound in asymptomatic postmenopausal women
Authors: Goldstein S. R. , Khafaga A. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTObjectivesNumerous studies indicate that endometrial thickness of ≤ 4 mm on transvaginal ultrasound (TVS) is a reliable test to exclude endometrial cancer in women with postmenopausal bleeding (PMB), such that biopsy is not needed. However, not all postmenopausal women have anatomy that allows reliable measurement of endometrial thickness. This study was undertaken to evaluate the frequency of, and the reasons for, an inability to adequately visualize the endometrium on TVS.MethodsA total of 472 consecutive asymptomatic postmenopausal women underwent TVS as part of their routine gynecological care. Their charts and TVS images were reviewed, and, if possible, endometrial thickness was recorded. If the endometrium was not adequately visualized, the reason for inadequacy was recorded, as judged by the examiner. Other demographic characteristics recorded included the number of years since menopause, body mass index (BMI) and current use of hormone replacement therapy.ResultsOf the 472 women, 292 (61.9%) had an endometrium that was well visualized, in whom endometrial thickness could be measured reliably (mean, 3.0 (range, 1.0–28.0) mm). In the other 180 postmenopausal women (38.1%), a distinct endometrium was not adequately visualized. The reasons for non‐visualization were fibroids (n = 95, 20.1% of the overall cohort), adenomyosis (n = 35, 7.4% of the overall cohort) and an axial uterus (n = 50, 10.6% of the overall cohort). Mean interval from menopause was 14.0 (range, 1–50) years and 14.1 (range, 1–40) years in the visualized and non‐visualized cohorts, respectively (P = 0.83). Mean BMI was 23.9 (range, 16.3–41.5) kg/m2 in the visualized cohort and 25.4 (range, 18.0–39.9) kg/m2 in the non‐visualized cohort (P = 0.015).ConclusionsTVS has become an accepted first step in the evaluation of PMB. However, in our cohort, 38.1% of women had anatomical reasons for non‐visualization of the endometrium and lack of a reliable endometrial thickness measurement, including fibroids, adenomyosis or an axial uterus. There was no significant difference between groups in the interval from menopause or current use of hormone replacement therapy, but the mean BMI of the non‐visualized group was significantly higher than in the visualized group. Clinicians should be cognizant of these potential limitations of TVS in the initial evaluation of women with PMB. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Design and fabrication of drug‐delivery systems toward adjustable release profiles for personalized treatment
Authors: Geraili Armin , Xing Malcolm , Mequanint Kibret 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAdvanced polymeric controlled delivery systems are designed to effectively treat chronic diseases by adjusting the temporal profile of drug release. Most conventional controlled‐release carriers provide a constant and sustained‐release profile of therapeutics for an extended time. Although these systems have improved the patients’ compliance and adherence and have reduced the administration frequency, they cannot be used for optimal treatment of diseases that require variable patterns of drug release in the treatment regimen. These patterns and the specific rhythms of medical conditions determined by both the body's internal biological clock cycles (i.e., circadian rhythm) and each patient's characteristics call for patient‐specific controlled drug‐delivery systems that can provide adjustable drug release profiles. The importance of individualized therapy and the variety of biodegradable polymers with tunable physicochemical properties promote the design and manufacturing of polymeric delivery systems that release therapeutics at controllable rates. In the past two decades, novel biomaterials and fabrication methods have been utilized to improve the traditional drug‐delivery design and manufacturing technologies. This review article provides a critical discussion of emerging polymeric controlled‐release systems and the mechanisms through which they release their therapeutic agents. Advances and challenges in the design and the fabrication processes of polymeric drug‐delivery systems, particularly solid oral dosage forms and implantable microchips, with controllable release profiles of drugs, are reviewed, focusing on the application of microtechnology and 3D printing techniques in their manufacturing.
Sézary syndrome with CD3+CD4+CD8−immunophenotype in a Bichon Frise
Authors: Rigas Konstantinos , Monti Paola , Di Palma Stefano , Verganti Sara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAn adult female spayed Bichon Frise with history of chronic pruritus, atopy and intermittent ear infections was presented for the assessment of generalised erythema, multiple cutaneous nodules, otitis externa and exudative dermatitis only partially and temporarily responsive to oclacitinib and systemic antibiotic treatment. Several investigations were performed, and a diagnosis of cutaneous epitheliotropic lymphoma (CETL) with circulating neoplastic lymphocytes (Sézary syndrome [SS]) with CD3+CD4+CD8−immunophenotype was obtained. The patient was treated with a single dose of L‐asparaginase and then continued on prednisolone only. After 300 days following the initial diagnosis, the dog was humanely euthanized due to disease progression. To our knowledge, this is the first case reported in the literature of a dog with SS with circulating neoplastic T lymphocytes expressing CD4 (T‐helper cells) rather than the more commonly reported CD8+(T‐cytotoxic) phenotype.
Evolutionary driving forces of A‐to‐I editing in metazoans
Authors: Duan Yuange , Tang Xiaolu , Lu Jian 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAdenosine‐to‐inosine (A‐to‐I) RNA editing is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that converts adenosines to inosines in metazoans' transcriptomes. However, the landscapes of editomes have considerably changed during evolution. Here, we review some of our current knowledge of A‐to‐I editing in the metazoan transcriptomes, focusing on the possible evolutionary driving forces underlying the editing events. First, we review the evolution of ADAR gene family in animals. Then, we summarize the recent advances in characterizing the editomes of various metazoan species. Next, we highlight several factors contributing to the interspecies differences in editomes, including variations in copy number and expression patterns of ADAR genes, the differences in genomic architectures and contents, and the differences in the efficacy of natural selection. After that, we review the possible diversifying and restorative effects of the editing (recoding) events that change the protein sequences. Finally, we discuss the possible convergent evolution of RNA editing in distantly related clades.This article is categorized under:
RNA Evolution and Genomics > RNA and Ribonucleoprotein Evolution
RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
Contested Resources and South-South Inequalities: What Sino-Brazilian Trade Means for the “Low-Carbon” Bioeconomy
Authors: Rodríguez Fabricio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThis article explores Brazil’s relationship of trade dependency to China and its implications for the former’s attempt to lead the way into a low-carbon bioeconomy. While actors from Brazil’s sucro-energetic sector try to rescale the use of agrofuels as a clean source of bio-based energy, China’s growing demand for Brazilian resources places a structural constraint on any Brazilian attempt to move away from fossil developmental paradigms. The chapter shows how green narratives of South-South cooperation—entailing the “low-carbon bioeconomy” on the Brazilian side, and the concept of “ecological civilization” on the Chinese side—collide with the high-carbon qualities of Sino-Brazilian trade. Importantly, Brazilian exports to China are currently adding to the carbon-intensive quality of the global economy. Additionally, bilateral trade is indicative of a new pattern of global inequality in which Brazilian geographies of oil, iron ore and soy extraction provide the material basis for China’s economic transformation.
Towards an Extractivist Bioeconomy? The Risk of Deepening Agrarian Extractivism When Promoting Bioeconomy in Argentina
Authors: Tittor Anne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBioeconomy is a concept that has been developed in the OECD and is prominently discussed in Europe and industrialized countries. Over the years, Argentina has begun appropriating and developing its own interpretation of the concept, which has a clear agro-industrial and bio-technological focus. In Argentina, bioeconomy is framed as further intensification of agro-industrial production—including GMOs and the immense use of pesticides—combined with strengthening industrial upgrading. The same people and institutions that have supported soybean expansion over the last decades also advocate bioeconomy. Nevertheless, Argentina’s agricultural policies have been contested for several years; this particularly applies to the expansion of soybean monocultures and the related use of pesticides. Referring to the debate on agrarian extractivism, this chapter argues that Argentina’s focus within the bioeconomy debate risks deepening the extractivist tendency within the dominant form of agriculture and continuing the exclusion of peasants, indigenous groups and environmental concerns.
Knowledge, Research, and Germany’s Bioeconomy: Inclusion and Exclusion in Bioenergy Funding Policies
Authors: Lehmann Rosa 
Published: May 2021

AbstractGermany plays a protagonist role in promoting bioeconomy funding policies for research and innovation (R&I). Conceptualizing the role of (unequal) knowledge production in changing socio-energy systems with reference to energy justice research, Rosa Lehmann distils the role of bioenergy-related R&I funding and emphasizes that the national bioeconomy agenda has thus far failed to integrate and reinvigorate the knowledge and practices of civil society actors engaged in cooperative schemes promoting citizen-based bioenergy production. Lehmann argues that the inclusion of these experiences is fundamental to any bioeconomy agenda that not only aims to induce technological change but also to stimulate societal change.