bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Europium Addition Reduces Local Structural Disorder and Enhances Photoluminescent Yield in Perovskite CsPbBr3
Authors: Quinn Xueying L. , Kumar Rishi E. , Kodur Moses , Cakan Deniz N. , Cai Zhonghou , Zhou Tao , Holt Martin V. , Fenning David P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCorrelative X‐ray microscopy, including synchrotron X‐ray diffraction and fluorescence, is leveraged to understand the local role of europium as a B‐site additive in CsPbBr3 perovskite crystals. Europium addition reduces microstrain in the perovskite, despite the fact that the degree of europium incorporation into the perovskite varies locally, with a maximum loading over twice the nominal stoichiometry. The presence of europium improves photoluminescence yield and bandwidth, while shifting the emission to bluer wavelengths. Finally, europium‐containing crystals have greatly improved X‐ray hardness. The findings show promise for europium as an additive in perovskite optoelectronic devices.
Socioeconomic inequalities in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among Portuguese preschool‐aged children: Changes from 2009 to 2016
Authors: Rodrigues Daniela , Costa Diogo , Gama Augusta , Machado‐Rodrigues Aristides M. , Nogueira Helena , Silva Maria‐Raquel G. , Rosado‐Marques Vítor , Padez Cristina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesWe evaluated, for the first time in Portugal, the prevalence of overweight and obesity according to parental education in a population of preschool‐aged Portuguese children in 2009/2010 and 2016/2017.MethodsAnthropometric data were collected in public and private preschools (n = 1996 in 2009/2010; n = 2077 in 2016/2017). Body mass index was calculated and weight status categories were based on the International Obesity Task Force cutoff points. Parental education level was self‐reported.ResultsPrevalence of overweight (17.1%–14.1%; p < 0.001) and obesity (6.6%–3.9%, p < 0.001) was lower in 2016/2017 than in 2009/2010, with higher rates being found in the north of the country. Parental education was significantly associated with childhood overweight and obesity and inequalities between low‐ and high‐education increased between the two periods.ConclusionsWhile a decrease in childhood overweight and obesity were positive findings, the prevalence is still high and shows pronounced socioeconomic differences. Policies for obesity prevention need to be inclusive and tackle inequalities, with interventions tailored to suit local contexts.
Evaluating PE/PLA interfacial tension using ternary immiscible polymer blends
Authors: Gu Liangliang , Macosko Christopher W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBlending with ethylene‐based flexible polymers such as polyethylene (PE) is one of the strategies to toughen poly(lactic acid) (PLA), an inherently brittle biodegradable plastic enjoying growing demands worldwide. Interfacial tension plays a crucial role in blend formulation. Yet several literature reports on the PE/PLA interfacial tension contradict each other, giving ~5 mN/m and ~11 mN/m. In this work, we demonstrate that the PE/PLA interfacial tension is at least 9 mN/m. We use a cocontinuous PE/polystyrene (PS)/PLA ternary blend. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed complete wetting morphology with PS phase separating PE and PLA phases in the ternary blend. In addition, the complete wetting behavior was maintained at a PS volume fraction as low as 3%. This morphology together with the Harkins equation, indicate that the PE/PLA interfacial tension is higher than 10.5 ± 1.4 mN/m at 180°C.
Butyltriphenylphosphine‐based chelate borates influenced on flame retardancy of polystyrene composite containing self‐expanded intumescent flame retardants
Authors: Guo Yongliang , Zheng Yanping , Zhang Haojun , Cui Jinfeng , Guo Junhong , Yang Baoping 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe polystyrene (PS) composite containing self‐expanded intumescent flame retardant (polyphosphate ammonium and expandable graphite) was blended with three butyltriphenylphosphine‐based chelate borates, respectively, to evaluate their effect on flame retardancy. The chemical structure of as‐prepared three chelate borates was confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The flame retardancy of various PS composites was evaluated by vertical burning test (UL‐94), limited oxygen index (LOI), and cone calorimeter (CC). Flammability and combustion results suggested that one of chelate borates, named [BTP][BMB], made PS composite (PS4) obtain V‐0 rating, 27.0 ± 0.3% LOI value, and reduction on heat release and smoke production with 17 wt% total flame retardants loading. The combustion residue was analyzed by scanning electron microscope and FTIR, and the pyrolysis gaseous products were investigated by TG‐FTIR technique. Besides, complex viscosity of PS composites composed of various chelate borates from a rheology instrument indicated that the improvements of flame retardancy of PS composites depended on the temperature of construction of crosslinked network by expandable graphite, which the chelate borates showed distinctive influence. Accordingly, the flame‐retarding mechanism about fast response to flame has been proposed.
Utilizing palm oil mill effluent (POME) for the immobilization of Aspergillus oryzae whole‐cell lipase strains for biodiesel synthesis
Authors: Rachmadona Nova , Quayson Emmanuel , Amoah Jerome , Alfaro‐Sayes Daniel A , Hama Shinji , Aznury Martha , Kondo Akihiko , Ogino Chiaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPalm oil mill effluent (POME) is a palm industrial waste by‐product that is readily available and possesses high quantities of the organic compounds that are necessary for microbial growth. This study investigated the potential of immobilized Aspergillus oryzae whole cells expressing Candida antartica lipase B (r‐CALB) when using a POME‐based medium as a low‐cost carbon source within biomass support particles. The dry cell weight, hydrolytic activity, and remaining protein were measured for a variety of POME (0–2% w/v) and carbon source concentrations (0–2% w/v) with an incubation time of 96 h. Using POME in the culture medium as a carbon source instead of glucose doubled the retention of cell weight from 1.16 ± 0.03 to 2.36 ± 0.02 g within the biomass support particles and improved the hydrolytic activity from 1.61 ± 0.02 to 2.23 ± 0.02 U mg−1 in whole‐cell lipase. This immobilized r‐CALB was used as a catalyst to esterify POME into biodiesel. This synthesis produced an ester content of 97.52 ± 0.21% w/w after 96 h. Immobilized r‐CALB was reusable for more than ten batches, and resulted in an ethyl ester content of more than 90% w/w even after 10 cycles. The present study demonstrated that POME could serve as a sustainable carbon source for industrial microbial culture with the additional incentive of being a treatment that is inexpensive and sustainable. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Aporphine Alkaloids from Ocotea puberula with Anti‐Trypanosoma Cruzi Potential – Activity of Dicentrine‐β‐N‐Oxide in the Plasma Membrane Electric Potentials
Authors: Barbosa Henrique , Costa‐Silva Thais A. , Alves Conserva Geanne A. , Araujo Adelson J. , Lordello Ana Luísa L. , Antar Guilherme M. , Amaral Maiara , Soares Marisi G. , Tempone Andre G. , Lago João Henrique G. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOne new aporphine, dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1), together with five related known alkaloids dehydrodicentrine (2), predicentrine (3), N‐methyllaurotetanine (4), cassythicine (5), and dicentrine (6) were isolated from the leaves of Ocotea puberula (Lauraceae). Antiprotozoal activity of the isolated compounds was evaluated in vitro against trypomastigote forms of Trypanosoma cruzi. Among the tested compounds, alkaloid 1 exhibited higher potential with EC50 value of 18.2 μM and reduced toxicity against NCTC cells (CC50>200 μM – SI>11.0), similar to positive control benznidazole (EC50 of 17.7 μM and SI=10.7). Considering the promising results of dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1) against trypomastigotes, the mechanism of parasite death caused by this alkaloid was investigated. As observed, this compound reached the plasma membrane electric potential directly after 2 h of incubation and triggered mitochondrial depolarization, which probably leads to trypomastigote death. Therefore, dicentrine‐β‐N‐oxide (1), reported for the first time in this work, can contribute to future works for the development of new trypanocidal agents.
Biodiversity, Bioactivity, and Metabolites of High Desert Derived Oregonian Soil Bacteria
Authors: Zhu Chenxi , Lew Cassandra I. , Neuhaus George F. , Adpressa Donovon A. , Zakharov Lev N. , Kaweesa Elizabeth N. , Plitzko Birte , Loesgen Sandra 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFrom arid, high desert soil samples collected near Bend, Oregon, 19 unique bacteria were isolated. Each strain was identified by 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and their organic extracts were tested for antibacterial and antiproliferative activities. Noteworthy, six extracts (30 %) exhibited strong inhibition resulting in less than 50 % cell proliferation in more than one cancer cell model, tested at 10 μg/mL. Principal component analysis (PCA) of LC/MS data revealed drastic differences in the metabolic profiles found in the organic extracts of these soil bacteria. In total, fourteen potent antibacterial and/or cytotoxic metabolites were isolated via bioactivity‐guided fractionation, including two new natural products: a pyrazinone containing tetrapeptide and 7‐methoxy‐2,3‐dimethyl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one, as well as twelve known compounds: furanonaphthoquinone I, bafilomycin C1 and D, FD‐594, oligomycin A, chloramphenicol, MY12‐62A, rac‐sclerone, isosclerone, tunicamycin VII, tunicamycin VIII, and (6S,16S)‐anthrabenzoxocinone 1.264‐C.
Context‐dependent carryover effects of hypoxia and warming in a coastal ecosystem engineer
Authors: Donelan Sarah C. , Breitburg Denise , Ogburn Matthew B. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOrganisms are increasingly likely to be exposed to multiple stressors repeatedly across ontogeny as climate change and other anthropogenic stressors intensify. Early life stages can be particularly sensitive to environmental stress, such that experiences early in life can “carry over” to have long‐term effects on organism fitness. Despite the potential importance of these within‐generation carryover effects, we have little understanding of how they vary across ecological contexts, particularly when organisms are re‐exposed to the same stressors later in life. In coastal marine systems, anthropogenic nutrients and warming water temperatures are reducing average dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations while also increasing the severity of naturally occurring daily fluctuations in DO. Combined effects of warming and diel‐cycling DO can strongly affect the fitness and survival of coastal organisms, including the eastern oyster (Crassostrea virginica), a critical ecosystem engineer and fishery species. However, whether early life exposure to hypoxia and warming affects oysters' subsequent response to these stressors is unknown. Using a multiphase laboratory experiment, we explored how early life exposure to diel‐cycling hypoxia and warming affected oyster growth when oysters were exposed to these same stressors 8 weeks later. We found strong, interactive effects of early life exposure to diel‐cycling hypoxia and warming on oyster tissue : shell growth, and these effects were context‐dependent, only manifesting when oysters were exposed to these stressors again two months later. This change in energy allocation based on early life stress exposure may have important impacts on oyster fitness. Exposure to hypoxia and warming also influenced oyster tissue and shell growth, but only later in life. Our results show that organisms' responses to current stress can be strongly shaped by their previous stress exposure, and that context‐dependent carryover effects may influence the fitness, production, and restoration of species of management concern, particularly for sessile species such as oysters.
The Heart Failure Association Atlas: Heart Failure Epidemiology and Management Statistics 2019
Authors: Seferović Petar M. , Vardas Panagiotis , Jankowska Ewa A. , Maggioni Aldo P. , Timmis Adam , Milinković Ivan , Polovina Marija , Gale Chris P. , Lund Lars H. , Lopatin Yuri , Lainscak Mitja , Savarese Gianluigi , Huculeci Radu , Kazakiewicz Dzianis , Coats Andrew J.S. ,   in collaboration with the National Heart Failure Societies of the ESC member countries (see Appendix)
Published: February 2021

AimsThe Heart Failure Association (HFA) of the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) developed the HFA Atlas to provide a contemporary description of heart failure (HF) epidemiology, resources, reimbursement of guideline‐directed medical therapy (GDMT) and activities of the National Heart Failure Societies (NHFS) in ESC member countries.Methods and resultsThe HFA Atlas survey was conducted in 2018–2019 in 42 ESC countries. The quality and completeness of source data varied across countries. The median incidence of HF was 3.20 [interquartile range (IQR) 2.66–4.17] cases per 1000 person‐years, ranging from ≤2 in Italy and Denmark to >6 in Germany. The median HF prevalence was 17.20 (IQR 14.30–21) cases per 1000 people, ranging from ≤12 in Greece and Spain to >30 in Lithuania and Germany. The median number of HF hospitalizations was 2671 (IQR 1771–4317) per million people annually, ranging from <1000 in Latvia and North Macedonia to >6000 in Romania, Germany and Norway. The median length of hospital stay for an admission with HF was 8.50 (IQR 7.38–10) days. Diagnostic and management resources for HF varied, with high‐income ESC member countries having substantially more resources compared with middle‐income countries. The median number of hospitals with dedicated HF centres was 1.16 (IQR 0.51–2.97) per million people, ranging from <0.10 in Russian Federation and Ukraine to >7 in Norway and Italy. Nearly all countries reported full or partial reimbursement of standard GDMT, except ivabradine and sacubitril/valsartan. Almost all countries reported having NHFS or working groups and nearly half had HF patient organizations.ConclusionsThe first report from the HFA Atlas has shown considerable heterogeneity in HF disease burden, the resources available for its management and data quality across ESC member countries. The findings emphasize the need for a systematic approach to the capture of HF statistics so that inequalities and improvements in care may be quantified and addressed.
Effects of enzymatic reaction on the generation of key aroma volatiles in shiitake mushroom at different cultivation substrates
Authors: Li Wen , Chen Wan‐Chao , Wang Jin‐Bin , Feng Jie , Wu Di , Zhang Zhong , Zhang Jing‐Song , Yang Yan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAroma is an important factor affecting mushroom character and quality. According to the different reaction pathway, the key aroma metabolites (sulfur and eight‐carbon volatiles) formation can be classified into enzymatic reactions and nonenzymatic reactions. Aroma volatiles are generated from precursors via the biocatalytic activities of various synthases during the growth stages of shiitake mushrooms. Understanding the specific relationships between the key aroma metabolites and their synthases is key to improving shiitake mushroom quality. At the same time, to reduce forest logging and burning of agricultural by‐products in farmland, agricultural by‐products have been applied to shiitake mushroom cultivation. Nevertheless, how to further improve the production of aroma volatiles in mushroom cultivated with agricultural waste is still a challenge. In order to understand the biosynthesis of volatiles via enzymatic reactions and screen the agricultural by‐products that can improve the production of aroma volatiles in mushroom cultivation, the mechanism of producing aroma volatiles needs to be further elucidated. In this study, the activities and gene expression levels of the key synthases involved in volatile metabolism, the contents of key aroma volatiles, and the correlations between related synthetase, volatiles, and cultivation substrate (CS) were investigated. Network models for visualizing the links between synthetase, volatiles, and CSs were built through partial least squares (PLS) regression analysis. The correlation coefficients among three related synthetase and enzymatic gene expression were high, and the combined effects of multiple synthetase promoted the production of volatiles. PLS analysis showed that the corncob and corn meal were more related to the production of volatiles and synthetase gene expression, and they can be added to the CSs as flavor promoting substances. The enrichment of key aroma volatiles in shiitake mushroom cultivated by the gradient of 20% corn meal combination CS was noticeable.
The effect of Amygdalus scoparia Spach and Lepidium sativum L. seed gums on the properties of formulated food supplement for soldiers using Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Razjoo Amirhossein , Azizkhani Maryam , Esmaeilzadeh Kenari Reza 
Published: February 2021

AbstractToday, the lack of a proper nutritional formulation of the diet for soldiers is well felt. In this study, a newly formulated food supplement (FFS) was designed to supply all essential nutrients like protein, carbohydrate, oil, fat‐soluble vitamins, and minerals, and Lepidium sativum L. seed (shahi) gum and Amygdalus scoparia Spach (zedo) gum were applied to FFS to promote physicochemical and sensory properties of FFS. The samples were developed by preparing emulsion including meat powder (45.0 g/100 g), soybean powder (25.0 g/100 g), and plant oils (15.0 g/100 g). Iron, zinc, and fat‐soluble vitamins (A, D, E, and K) were also added to the formulation, and response surface methodology was used to optimize the effects of shahi and zedo gum at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 g/100 g in FFS. The results showed that using hydrocolloids in appropriate amounts enhanced the sensory properties of FFS. Hydrocolloids protected the moisture content of FFS samples and also decreased the reduction of vitamins and minerals during 14 days of storage at 4°C. The hydrocolloids improved the color indices and intrinsic viscosity of samples. The results of this study recommend the use of 1.26 g/100 g of shahi gum and 0.95 g/100 g of zedo gum to produce formulated food supplement for soldiers. This formulation supplies calories and provides some of the essential vitamins and food components to the body.
Cross‐sex shifts in two brain imaging phenotypes and their relation to polygenic scores for same‐sex sexual behavior: A study of 18,645 individuals from the UK Biobank
Authors: Abé Christoph , Lebedev Alexander , Zhang Ruyue , Jonsson Lina , Bergen Sarah E. , Ingvar Martin , Landén Mikael , Rahman Qazi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGenetic and hormonal factors have been suggested to influence human sexual orientation. Previous studied proposed brain differences related to sexual orientation and that these follow cross‐sex shifted patterns. However, the neurobiological correlates of sexual orientation and how genetic factors relate to brain structural variation remains largely unexplored. Using the largest neuroimaging‐genetics dataset available on same‐sex sexual behavior (SSB) (n = 18,645), we employed a data‐driven multivariate classification algorithm (PLS) on magnetic resonance imaging data from two imaging modalities to extract brain covariance patterns related to sex. Through analyses of latent variables, we tested for SSB‐related cross‐sex shifts in such patterns. Using genotype data, polygenic scores reflecting the genetic predisposition for SSB were computed and tested for associations with neuroimaging outcomes. Patterns important for classifying between males and females were less pronounced in non‐heterosexuals. Predominantly in non‐heterosexual females, multivariate brain patterns as represented by latent variables were shifted toward the opposite sex. Complementary univariate analyses revealed region specific SSB‐related differences in both males and females. Polygenic scores for SSB were associated with volume of lateral occipital and temporo‐occipital cortices. The present large‐scale study demonstrates multivariate neuroanatomical correlates of SSB, and tentatively suggests that genetic factors related to SSB may contribute to structural variation in certain brain structures. These findings support a neurobiological basis to the differences in human sexuality.
Deleterious point mutations in T‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia: Mechanistic insights into leukemogenesis
Authors: Roy Urbi , Raghavan Sathees C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractT‐cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T‐ALL) is characterized by the leukemogenic transformation of immature T cells, which accumulate an array of genetic and epigenetic lesions, leading to a sustained proliferation of abnormal T cells. Genetic alterations in the DNA repair genes, protooncogenes, transcription factors, and epigenetic modifiers have been studied in the past decade using next‐generation sequencing and high‐resolution copy number arrays. While other genomic lesions like chromosomal rearrangements, inversions, insertions, and gene fusions have been well studied at functional level, the mechanism of generation of driver mutations in T‐ALL is the subject of current investigation. Novel oncogenic mutations in the TP53, BRCA2, PTEN, IL7R, RAS, NOTCH1, ETV6, BCL11B, WT1, DNMT3A, PRC2, PHF6, USP7, KDM6A and an array of other genes disrupt the genetic and epigenetic homeostasis in T‐ALL. In this review, we have summarized the mechanistic role of deleterious driver mutations in T‐ALL initiation and progression. We speculate that the formation of non‐B DNA structures could be one of the primary reasons for the occurrence of different genomic lesions seen in T‐ALL, which warrants further investigation. Understanding the mechanism behind the genesis of oncogenic mutations will pave the way to develop targeted therapies that can improve the overall survival and treatment outcome.
Low‐dose pembrolizumab in the treatment of advanced non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Low Jia Li , Huang Yiqing , Sooi Kenneth , Ang Yvonne , Chan Zhi Yao , Spencer Katie , Jeyasekharan Anand Devaprasath , Sundar Raghav , Goh Boon Cher , Soo Ross , Yong Wei Peng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA dose of 200 mg 3‐weekly of pembrolizumab was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as treatment for advanced non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) without oncogenic drivers. This is despite evidence showing no difference in efficacy with 2 mg/kg. Our study aimed to assess the efficacy of a lower fixed dose of 100 mg, which is closer to 2 mg/kg weight‐based dose in an average‐sized Asian patient. All patients receiving pembrolizumab for advanced NSCLC from January 2016 to March 2020 in National University Hospital, Singapore, were included in this retrospective observational study. The effect of pembrolizumab 100 mg (Pem100) vs 200 mg (Pem200) upon survival outcomes, toxicity and cost were examined. One hundred fourteen patients received pembrolizumab. Sixty‐five (57%) and 49 (43%) received Pem100 and Pem200, respectively. There was no difference in progression‐free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between Pem100 vs Pem200 as a single agent (PFS: 6.8 vs 4.2 months, hazard ratio [HR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.36‐1.46, P = .36; 9 month OS: 58% vs 63%, HR 1.08, 95% CI 0.48‐2.41, P = .86) and when combined with chemotherapy (9‐month PFS: 60% vs 50%, HR0.84, 95% CI 0.34‐2.08, P = .71; 9‐month OS: 85% vs 58%, HR 0.27, 95% CI 0.062‐1.20, P = .09). No significant difference in response rate or ≥G3 immune‐related toxicities between Pem100 and Pem200 was observed. A cost minimisation analysis evaluating the degree of cost savings related to drug costs estimated a within study cost saving of SGD4,290,912 and cost saving per patient of SGD39,942 in the Pem100 group. A 100 mg of pembrolizumab appears to be effective with reduction in cost. A randomised trial should be done to investigate a lower dose of pembrolizumab.