bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cognitive Functions in Adult‐Onset Phenotypes of X‐Linked Adrenoleukodystrophy
Authors: Schäfer Lisa , Roicke Hannes , Fischer Martin , Sühnel Annett , Köhler Wolfgang 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveX‐linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X‐ALD) is a rare genetic disorder characterized by progressive demyelination ranging from mild myelopathic forms (adrenomyeloneuropathy [AMN]) to severe cerebral variants (adult cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy [ACALD]). The aim of this study was to compare cognitive function in adult‐onset X‐ALD phenotypes.MethodsCognitive function in various domains (intelligence, attention, memory, executive function, and processing speed) was assessed in 172 adults (117 with AMN, 30 with arrested ACALD, and 25 with acute ACALD) using comprehensive neuropsychological batteries. Phenotype differences were examined by analyses of variance.ResultsX‐ALD phenotypes significantly differed in nonverbal intelligence, sustained attention, verbal encoding, nonverbal recognition, and processing speed (ps < 0.050). No group differences emerged regarding verbal intelligence, verbal retrieval and recognition, and executive function (ps > 0.050). Specifically, patients with acute ACALD showed severe cognitive deficits compared to AMN and normal data, with largest effects on processing speed. Contrary, cognition was overall intact in patients with AMN, independent of sex and corticospinal tract involvement, and those with arrested ACALD showed mild cognitive dysfunction, particularly in verbal encoding and processing speed.InterpretationCerebral demyelination in patients with X‐ALD causes white matter dementia, mainly characterized by an extreme slowdown in processing speed associated with deficits in attention and learning. Most patients with AMN show intact cognitive function. Future prospective, longitudinal studies with more sensitive imaging techniques are required to clarify whether early mild cognitive dysfunction found in some patients with AMN may be associated with subtle myelin abnormalities that do not yet appear as white matter lesions on cerebral MRI (cMRI) but have the potential to serve as early predictors of later cerebral progression. ANN NEUROL 2021;90:266–273
A Light‐Controllable Chemical Modulation of m6A RNA Methylation
Authors: Lan Ling , Sun Ying‐Jie , Jin Xiao‐Yang , Xie Li‐Jun , Liu Li , Cheng Liang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBioactive small molecules with photo‐removable protecting groups have provided spatial and temporal control of corresponding biological effects. We present the design, synthesis, computational and experimental evaluation of the first photo‐activatable small‐molecule methyltransferase agonist. By blocking the functional N‐H group on MPCH with a photo‐removable ortho‐nitrobenzyl moiety, we have developed a promising photo‐caged compound that had completely concealed its biological activity. Short UV light exposure of cells treated with that caged molecule in a few minutes resulted in a considerable hypermethylation of m6A modification in transcriptome RNAs, implicating a rapid release of the parent active compound. This study validates for the first time the photo‐activatable small organic molecular concept in the field of RNA epigenetic research, which represents a novel tool in spatiotemporal and cellular modulation approaches.
On the Biology of Werner's Complex
Authors: de Paiva Raphael E. F. , Peterson Erica J. , Malina Jaroslav , Zoepfl Mary , Hampton J. David , Johnson Wyatt E. , Graminha Angelica , Ourahmane Amine , McVoy Michael A. , Brabec Viktor , Berners‐Price Susan J. , Farrell Nicholas P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWerner's Complex, as a cationic coordination complex (CCC), has hitherto unappreciated biological properties derived from its binding affinity to highly anionic biomolecules such as glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) and nucleic acids. Competitive inhibitor and spectroscopic assays confirm the high affinity to GAGs heparin, heparan sulfate (HS), and its pentasaccharide mimetic Fondaparinux (FPX). Functional consequences of this affinity include inhibition of FPX cleavage by bacterial heparinase and mammalian heparanase enzymes with inhibition of cellular invasion and migration. Werner's Complex is a very efficient condensing agent for DNA and tRNA. In proof‐of‐principle for translational implications, it is demonstrated to display antiviral activity against human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) at micromolar concentrations with promising selectivity. Exploitation of non‐covalent hydrogen‐bonding and electrostatic interactions has motivated the unprecedented discovery of these properties, opening new avenues of research for this iconic compound.
Enhanced Band Convergence and Ultra‐Low Thermal Conductivity Lead to High Thermoelectric Performance in SnTe
Authors: Pathak Riddhimoy , Sarkar Debattam , Biswas Kanishka 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSnTe, a structural analogue of champion thermoelectric (TE) material PbTe, has recently attracted wide attention for TE energy conversion. Herein, we demonstrate a co‐doping strategy to improve the TE performance of SnTe via simultaneous modulation of electronic structure and phonon transport. The electrical transport is optimized by 3 mol % Ag doping in self‐compensated SnTe (i.e., Sn1.03Te). Further, Mg doping in SnAg0.03Te resulted in highly converged valence bands, which enhanced the Seebeck coefficient markedly. The energy gap between two uppermost valence bands (ΔEv) decreases to 0.10 eV in Sn0.92Ag0.03Mg0.08Te compared to 0.35 eV in pristine SnTe. The optimized p‐type carrier concentration and highly converged valence bands gave a high power factor of ca. 27 μW cm−1 K−2 at 865 K in Sn0.92Ag0.03Mg0.08Te. The lattice thermal conductivity of Sn0.92Ag0.03Mg0.08Te reached to an ultra‐low value of ≈0.23 W m−1 K−1 at 865 K due to the formation of MgTe nanoprecipitates in SnTe matrix. These combined effects resulted in a high TE figure of merit, zT≈1.55 at 865 K in Sn0.92Ag0.03Mg0.08Te.
Aminocatalytic [8+2] Cycloaddition Reactions toward Chiral Cyclazines
Authors: Jessen Nicolaj Inunnguaq , Bura Maksimilian , Bertuzzi Giulio , Jørgensen Karl Anker 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAn efficient and exceptionally stereoselective synthesis of chiral cycl[3.2.2]azines has been realized by means of the rational design and utilization of novel (E)‐3‐benzylidene‐3H‐pyrrolizines in iminium‐ion‐catalyzed [8+2] cycloaddition reactions. The presented protocol allows for the incorporation of diverse enals, including cinnamaldehydes, enolizable aldehydes, and substrates of extended conjugation. The obtained products contain both an electron‐rich alkenyl pyrrole moiety and an electron‐deficient carbaldehyde substituent, and both moieties can undergo selective transformations with retention of the stereochemical information established in the [8+2] cycloaddition.
Intracellular Protein–Drug Interactions Probed by Direct Mass Spectrometry of Cell Lysates
Authors: Rogawski Rivkah , Rogel Adi , Bloch Itai , Gal Maayan , Horovitz Amnon , London Nir , Sharon Michal 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUnderstanding protein–ligand interactions in a cellular context is an important goal in molecular biology and biochemistry, and particularly for drug development. Investigators must demonstrate that drugs penetrate cells and specifically bind their targets. Towards that end, we present a native mass spectrometry (MS)‐based method for analyzing drug uptake and target engagement in eukaryotic cells. This method is based on our previously introduced direct‐MS method for rapid analysis of proteins directly from crude samples. Here, direct‐MS enables label‐free studies of protein–drug binding in human cells and is used to determine binding affinities of lead compounds in crude samples. We anticipate that this method will enable the application of native MS to a range of problems where cellular context is important, including protein–protein interactions, drug uptake and binding, and characterization of therapeutic proteins.
Palladium/TY‐Phos‐Catalyzed Asymmetric Intermolecular α‐Arylation of Aldehydes with Aryl Bromides
Authors: Pan Zhangjin , Li Wenbo , Zhu Shuai , Liu Feng , Wu Hai‐Hong , Zhang Junliang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDespite much progress has been made in the asymmetric α‐arylation reactions of cyclic ketones, lactones and lactams, the enantioselective α‐arylation of acyclic carbonyl compounds lagged much behind due to the in situ generated Z/E‐enolate intermediates leading to opposite enantiomers. Especially, the asymmetric α‐arylation of acyclic aldehydes is a long‐standing challenge, because of the highest activity among carbonyl compounds leading to various competitive side reactions. Herein we reported an efficient Pd‐catalyzed asymmetric intermolecular α‐arylation reaction of α‐alkyl‐α‐aryl disubstituted aldehydes with aryl bromides, which provides a rapid access to chiral aldehydes bearing an α‐all‐carbon quaternary stereocenter in moderate to good yields with good er in most cases. In addition, a pair of enantiomers could be easily prepared with the use of the same ligand by exchanging the aryl groups of aldehyde and aryl bromide.
Study on the corrosion inhibition performance of imidazoline composite inhibitor
Authors: Chen Min , Xue Mian , Huang Changshan , Chen Yan , Wu Jinying , Xu Huiwu , Zhang Xiaoguang 
Published: June 2021

AbstractImidazoline quaternary‐ammonium‐salt corrosion inhibitor and thioureido‐imidazoline quaternary‐ammonium‐salt compound corrosion inhibitor were synthesized using oleic acid, diethylenetriamine, benzyl chloride, and thiourea as the raw materials. The resulting samples were characterized by static weight‐loss method, electrochemical polarization curve, X‐ray photoelectron spectrometry (XPS), and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The electrochemical characteristics of the inhibitors' inhibition towards carbon dioxide corrosion were investigated, the major constituents of the protective film formed on the surface of A3 carbon steel by thioureido‐imidazoline compound corrosion inhibitor were analyzed, and the corrosion inhibiting mechanism for thioureido‐imidazoline in hypersaline was explored. The results indicated that thioureido‐imidazoline compound corrosion inhibitor had better corrosion inhibiting effect than imidazoline and can efficiently inhibit the corrosion of A3 carbon steel by CO2‐saturated hypersaline water.
Preparation and electrochemical properties of nitrogen‐doped carbon electrode material
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Nasreen Saima 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn order to improve the lithium storage capacity of lithium‐ion battery anode materials, three nitrogen‐doped and nitrogen‐doped hollow carbon materials (Cw‐GO), nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogels, and three‐dimensional nitrogen‐doped porous carbon materials (PCMs) were prepared, and their electrochemical properties were studied. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and nitrogen adsorption desorption instrument were used to detect the morphology and structure of the samples. The electrochemical properties of the samples were tested by cyclic voltammetry (CV), impedance spectroscopy (EIS), and cyclic charge discharge (GCD). The results show that the introduction of graphene oxide (GO) can improve the specific capacitance and electrochemical activity of the composites; nitrogen‐doped carbon aerogel electrode material has better capacitance characteristics. PCM has a large specific surface area and a large capacitance response, which reaches 168.5 F g−1 at the current density of 1 A g−1. When the current density is 10 A g−1, 1000 cycles of constant current charge and discharge test is carried out. When the current density is 20 A g−1, the specific capacitance of PCM keeps 88.3% of the original capacitance and has good electrochemical performance.
Structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of silanized boron carbide doped epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Gültekin Kürşat , Uğuz Gediz , Topcu Yıldıray , Özel Adnan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the presented study, the structural, thermal, and mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were investigated by doping silanized hexagonal boron carbide (h‐B4C) nanoparticles in varying proportions (0.5%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5%) into the epoxy resin by weight. For this purpose, the surfaces of h‐B4C nanoparticles were silanized by using 3‐(glycidyloxypropyl) trimethoxysilane (GPS) to improve adhesion between h‐B4C nanoparticles and epoxy matrix. Then, the silanized nanoparticles were added to the resin by ultrasonication and mechanical stirring techniques to produce nanocomposites. The bond structure differences of silanized B4C nanoparticles (s‐B4C) and nanoparticle doped composites were investigated by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersion X‐ray spectroscopy (SEM‐EDS) technique was used to examine the distribution of nanoparticles in the modified nanocomposites. Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis techniques were used to determine the thermal properties of the neat and s‐B4C doped nanocomposites. The tensile test and dynamic mechanical analysis were performed to determine the mechanical properties. When the experimental results were examined, changes in the bonding structure of the s‐B4C nanoparticles doped nanocomposites and significant improvements in the mechanical and thermal properties were observed. The optimum doping ratio was determined as 2% by weight. At this doping ratio, the Tg, tensile strength and storage modulus increased approximately 18%, 35%, and 44% compared to the neat composite, respectively.
On arginine‐based polyurethane‐blends specific to vascular prostheses
Authors: Zumbardo‐Bacelis Gualberto Antonio , Meza‐Villegas Linnette Aracely , Pérez‐Aranda Cesar Antonio , Vargas‐Coronado Rossana , Castillo‐Cruz Omar , Montaño‐Machado Vanessa , Mantovani Diego , Cauich‐Rodríguez Juan Valerio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPolymer blends based on Tecoflex™ and an experimental aliphatic polyurethane (HMDI‐PCL‐arginine stands for 4,4 (metylene‐biscyclohexyl) isocyanate ‐ poly (ε caprolactone) diol, SPUUR stands for segmented poly(urea)urethanes using amino acid of L‐Arginine as chain extender) were obtained by solvent casting, and further studied by fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetric analysis, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD). Their biological performances were assessed in terms of hemocompatibility and Human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) cytotoxicity. Tensile properties of dumbbell specimens were compared to longitudinal and circumferential tensile properties of tubular vascular graft. FTIR showed that as the SPUUR content increased in the blend, absorptions at 2860 cm−1 increased, carbonyl absorptions at 1724 cm−1 broaden and the small peak at 2796 cm−1, typical of Tecoflex™ disappeared. Raman spectroscopy showed that the low intensity carbonyl absorption at 1724 cm−1 also increased with SPUUR content. DSC allowed detection of PCL soft segment melting (Tm = 50°C) in agreement with X‐ray reflections at 21.3° and 23.6°, assigned to SPUUR. However, no improvements in thermal stability were detected by TGA by blending. The addition of SPUUR to Tecoflex™ improved hemocompatibility and HUVEC cytotoxicity. The vascular grafts performance showed that 40% SPUUR blends exhibited the highest force in the longitudinal test whereas 50% SPUUR blends showed the highest circumferential force. Pressure burst strength was higher than 1000 mmHg for all blends. Overall, these blends can be used for high caliber vascular grafts.
The pandemic as a developmental risk
Authors: Leuzinger‐Bohleber Marianne , Montigny Nadine 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this study, we explore the influence of the pandemic on the intergenerational dialogue. Our thesis is that the images of totally dependent people in intensive care units wrestling with death remind us of earliest experiences in the first year of life. The “embodied memories” of the ubiquitous basic human experience of existential dependence and helplessness remain in the unconscious for a lifetime and are reactivated in situations of diffuse life threat and death. In order not to be flooded by the enacted death anxieties, relatively primitive defense mechanisms such as denial, splitting, omnipotent negation, and projection, may be mobilized. It takes a great psychic effort to recognize such regressive mental processes and to counteract them in order to deal constructively with the pandemic on a mature mental level. The pandemic thus absorbs—consciously and unconsciously—a large part of our psychic energies. This also may have an impact on the empathic dialog between adults and adolescents. We discuss how the pandemic puts a particularly heavy burden on the demanding and disturbance‐prone developmental and identity formation processes of adolescence. In addition, there is a danger that the family and nonfamily adult caregivers will not be able to provide the adolescent with enough understanding and support for this challenge, as they themselves are hindered and limited in their ability to empathize by the constant confrontation with unbearable affects and threats during the pandemic. This makes it more difficult for parents and caregivers to deal with ambivalences, which always characterize the dialog between generations. Thus, the pandemic increases the likelihood that, especially for those growing up who have already felt the downside of life in childhood, their adolescence will now become a “second hazard” rather than a second chance.
Osteoarthritis Care and Risk of Total Knee Arthroplasty Among Medicare Beneficiaries: A Population‐Based Study of Regional Covariation
Authors: Ward Michael M. 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveTo examine health care utilization among patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) and assess whether utilization differs among residents of regions with high and low rates of total knee arthroplasty (TKA).MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of US Medicare beneficiaries with knee OA enrolled from 2005 to 2010. Health care utilization data for knee complaints, including rates of physician visits, physical therapy, knee injections, and arthroscopy, were abstracted from claims files until time of TKA or the end of the study in 2015. Utilization was compared among beneficiaries who lived in regions with high or low rates of TKA.ResultsAmong 988,570 beneficiaries with knee OA, 327,499 (33.1%) underwent TKA during follow‐up (median 5.6 years). Higher frequency of visits for knee complaints was associated with increased risk of TKA, whereas physical therapy, specialist care, and intraarticular treatments were associated with lower risk of TKA. Frequency of TKA varied from 26.4% in the lowest regional TKA rate quintile to 42.1% in the highest regional TKA rate quintile. Rates of physician visits, physical therapy, specialist care, and treatment with intraarticular injections varied inversely with regional TKA rate quintile. For example, 32.5% of beneficiaries in the lowest region quintile and 23.6% in the highest region quintile underwent physical therapy. Across all quintiles, physical therapy was associated with lower TKA rates.ConclusionDedicated nonsurgical OA care was infrequently used to treat elderly Americans with knee OA. Nonsurgical care was more common in regions with low TKA rates, suggesting reciprocal emphasis on medical treatment compared to surgical treatment across regions.
Prediction of the Progression of Undifferentiated Arthritis to Rheumatoid Arthritis Using DNA Methylation Profiling
Authors: de la Calle‐Fabregat Carlos , Niemantsverdriet Ellis , Cañete Juan D. , Li Tianlu , van der Helm‐van Mil Annette H. M. , Rodríguez‐Ubreva Javier , Ballestar Esteban 
Published: June 2021

ObjectiveThe term “undifferentiated arthritis (UA)” is used to refer to all cases of arthritis that do not fit a specific diagnosis. A significant percentage of UA patients progress to rheumatoid arthritis (RA), others to a different definite rheumatic disease, and the rest undergo spontaneous remission. Therapeutic intervention in patients with UA can delay or halt disease progression and its long‐term consequences. It is therefore of inherent interest to identify those UA patients with a high probability of progressing to RA who would benefit from early appropriate therapy. This study was undertaken to investigate whether alterations in the DNA methylation profiles of immune cells may provide information on the genetically or environmentally determined status of patients and potentially discriminate between disease subtypes.MethodsWe performed DNA methylation profiling of a UA patient cohort, in which progression to RA occurred for a significant proportion of the patients.ResultsWe found differential DNA methylation in UA patients compared to healthy controls. Most importantly, our analysis identified a DNA methylation signature characteristic of those UA cases that differentiated to RA. We demonstrated that the methylome of peripheral mononuclear cells can be used to anticipate the evolution of UA to RA, and that this methylome is associated with a number of inflammatory pathways and transcription factors. Finally, we designed a machine learning strategy for DNA methylation‐based classification that predicts the differentiation of UA toward RA.ConclusionOur findings indicate that DNA methylation profiling provides a good predictor of UA‐to‐RA progression to anticipate targeted treatments and improve clinical management.