bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fluorescent Columnar Liquid‐Crystalline Polymers: Synthesis, Mesomorphic Behaviors and Tunable Emission Wavelengths†
Authors: Mu Bin , Zhang Zhelin , Zhao Yu , Hao Xiangnan , Tian Wei 
Published: March 2021

Main observation and conclusionFluorescent columnar liquid‐crystalline polymers have attracted intensive attention due to their unique features that can be applied in many fields. However, the utilization of molecular engineering to achieve efficient fluorescence tuning has rarely been resolved. Herein, we report a series of liquid‐crystalline polymers with α‐cyanostilbene pendants attaching to polymethacrylate backbone by variant length ethylene glycol spacers, that assemble into hexagonal columnar mesophases and exhibit efficient fluorescence emission. Both the columnar ordering and the emission wavelength can be tuned just by altering the length of flexible spacers. With an elongation of the spacer, the columnar ordering and dimensions increased, and the fluorescence emission blue‐shifted gradually. With good correlation of molecular design, columnar structure and fluorescence property, this study is expected to augment the understanding of spacer length influence in liquid‐crystalline polymers and provide a guidance for the design and development of novel functional polymer materials.
Contribution of N‐heterocycles towards anti‐tubercular drug discovery (2014–2019); predicted and reengineered molecular frameworks
Authors: Atukuri Dorababu , Gunjal Rutu , Holagundi Nagaraj , Korlahalli Bibiashabi , Gangannavar Sanjeevini , Akkasali Kirankumar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, responsible for high death frequency every year all over the world. In this regard, efficient drug‐design and discovery towards the prevention of M.tb H37Rv is of prime concern. Prevention of the infection may include vaccination, and the treatment comprises anti‐TB drug regimen. However, the vaccine decreases the risk of tuberculosis infection only to some extent, while drug‐resistance limits the efficacy of the existing anti‐TB agents. Much improvement has to be achieved to overcome pitfalls such as side effects, high‐toxicity, low bioavailability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics, and hence forth in clinical therapeutics. Amongst heterocyclic compounds, N‐heterocycles played a pivotal role in drug‐design and discovery. A wide range of microbial diseases are being treated by the N‐heterocyclic drugs. The present review comprises description of anti‐TB effects of the N‐heterocycles such as indoles, triazoles, thiazoles, and pyrazoles. The potent anti‐TB activity exerted by the derivatives of these heterocycles is evaluated critically alongside emphasizing structure–activity relationship. Besides, docking studies supporting anti‐TB activity is supplemented. Alongside this, based on the potent heterocyclic molecules, the molecular frameworks are designed that would bring about enhanced M. tb H37Rv inhibitory potencies.
Vegetation structural complexity and biodiversity in the Great Smoky Mountains
Authors: Walter Jonathan A. , Stovall Atticus E. L. , Atkins Jeff W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVegetation structural complexity and biodiversity tend to be positively correlated, but understanding of this relationship is limited in part by structural metrics tending to quantify only horizontal or vertical variation, and that do not reflect internal structure. We developed new metrics for quantifying internal vegetation structural complexity using terrestrial LiDAR scanning and applied them to 12 NEON forest plots across an elevational gradient in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, USA. We asked (1) How do our newly developed structure metrics compare to traditional metrics? (2) How does forest structure vary with elevation in a high‐biodiversity, high topographic complexity region? (3) How do forest structural metrics vary in the strength of their relationships with vascular plant biodiversity? Our new measures of canopy density (Depth) and structural complexity (σDepth), and their canopy height‐normalized counterparts, were sensitive to structural variations and effectively summarized horizontal and vertical dimensions of structural complexity. Forest structure varied widely across plots spanning the elevational range of GRSM, with taller, more structurally complex forests at lower elevation. Vascular plant biodiversity was negatively correlated with elevation and more strongly positively correlated with vegetation structure variables. The strong correlations we observed between canopy structural complexity and biodiversity suggest that structural complexity metrics could be used to assay plant biodiversity over large areas in concert with airborne and spaceborne platforms.
Brackish marshes erode twice as fast as saline marshes in the Mississippi Delta region
Authors: Valentine Kendall , Bruno Grayton , Elsey‐Quirk Tracy , Mariotti Giulio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMarsh soil properties vary drastically across estuarine salinity gradients, which can affect soil strength and, consequently, marsh edge erodibility. Here, we quantify how marsh erosion differs between saline and brackish marshes of the Mississippi Delta. We analyzed long‐term (1932–2015) maps of marsh loss and developed an algorithm to distinguish edge erosion from interior loss. We found that the edge erosion rate remains nearly constant at decadal timescales, whereas interior loss varies by more than 100%. On average, roughly half of marsh loss can be attributed to edge erosion, the other half to interior loss. Based on data from 42 cores, brackish marsh soils had a lower bulk density (0.17 vs. 0.27 g/cm3), a higher organic content (43% vs. 26%), a lower shear strength (2.0 vs. 2.5 kPa), and a lower shear strength in the root layer (13.8 vs. 20.7 kPa) than saline marsh soils. We then modified an existing marsh edge erosion model by including a salinity‐dependent erodibility. By calibrating the erodibility with the observed retreat rates, we found that the brackish marsh is two to three times more erodible than the saline marshes. Overall, this model advances the ability to simulate estuarine systems as a whole, thus transcending the salinity boundaries often used in compartmentalized marsh models.
A single‐step and simplified graphics processing unit lattice Boltzmann method for high turbulent flows
Authors: Delgado‐Gutiérrez Arturo , Marzocca Pier , Cárdenas Diego , Probst Oliver 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this work, a low‐computational cost graphics processing unit (GPU) lattice Boltzmann Method, coupled with the LES Vreman turbulence model is presented. The algorithm is capable of simulating low‐ and high‐turbulence flows. In contrast to the fractional‐step presented in the Simplified Lattice Boltzmann Method, the proposed work uses a single‐step approach, allowing faster computations of the macroscopic variables without losing any spatial accuracy. Inspired by a recently introduced directional interpolation method for the probability distribution functions, the macroscopic variables for different locations are computed separately, enabling an even further simplification of the steps needed to predict the following time‐step. Similar to the simplified lattice Boltzmann method, this work reduces the required memory allocation by storing only the macroscopic variables. Multiple benchmark cases are presented to compare with results reported in the literature. Excellent agreement with reports in the literature are obtained, while improving the overall computational performance of the algorithm.
Clinical exome sequencing reveals a mutation in PDHA1 in Leigh syndrome: A case of a Chinese boy with lethal neuropathy
Authors: Gong Ke , Xie Li , Wu Zhong‐shi , Xie Xia , Zhang Xing‐xing , Chen Jin‐Lan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundLeigh syndrome, the most common mitochondrial syndrome in pediatrics, has diverse clinical manifestations and is genetically heterogeneous. Pathogenic mutations in more than 75 genes of two genomes (mitochondrial and nuclear) have been identified. PDHA1 encoding the E1 alpha subunit is an X‐chromosome gene whose mutations cause pyruvate dehydrogenase complex deficiency.MethodsHere, we have described a 12‐year‐old boy with lethal neuropathy who almost died of a sudden loss of breathing and successive cardiac arrest. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation rescued his life. His diagnosis was corrected from Guillain–Barré syndrome to Leigh syndrome 1 month later by clinical exome sequencing. Furthermore, we used software to predict the protein structure caused by frameshift mutations. We treated the boy with vitamin B1, coenzyme Q10, and a ketogenic diet.ResultsA PDHA1 mutation (NM_000284.4:c.1167_1170del) was identified as the underlying cause. The amino acid mutation was p.Ser390LysfsTer33. Moreover, the protein structure prediction results suggested that the protein structure has changed. The parents of the child were negative, so the mutation was de novo. The comprehensive assessment of the mutation was pathogenic. His condition gradually improved after receiving treatment.ConclusionThis case suggests that gene detection should be popularized to improve diagnosis accuracy, especially in developing countries such as China.
A wideband circularly polarized crossed dipole antenna with compact structure and frequency reconfiguration
Authors: Li Wentao , Qu Haotian , Wang Yiming , Wei Meng , Hei Yongqiang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this letter, a novel wideband circularly polarized (CP) crossed dipole antenna with frequency reconfiguration is proposed. By introducing two quasi‐Sierpinski fractal orthogonal dipoles printed on both sides of the substrate, compact, broadband and low cross‐polarization characteristics are achieved. The proposed antenna can be switched flexibly over two frequency bands via controlling the states of the PIN diodes inserted in each arm of the crossed dipole. The measured −10 dB impedance bandwidths of the antenna are 63% in 2.23–4.27 GHz and 12.5% in 4.04–4.58 GHz, respectively. Meanwhile, the 3 dB axial ratio bandwidths are 34.7% in 2.5–3.55 GHz and 4.16% in 4.23–4.41 GHz, respectively. The proposed antenna is desired to be applied in the future wireless communication systems.
Renal deposition and clearance of recombinant poly‐IgA complexes in a model of IgA nephropathy
Authors: Xie Xinfang , Liu Pan , Gao Li , Zhang Xue , Lan Ping , Bijol Vanesa , Lv Jicheng , Zhang Hong , Jin Jing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIgA nephropathy (IgAN) is the most common type of glomerulonephritis worldwide, which follows a chronic but nonetheless highly variable course of progression. IgA immune complexes are the primary source of renal deposits in IgAN. Apart from the presence of granular IgA1 deposits in the glomerular mesangium and mesangial hypercellularity as common features, the detailed process of IgA1 deposition and clearance in the kidney remains unclear. We sought to examine the dynamics of IgA deposition and tissue plasticity in response to deposits including their intrarenal clearance. We followed a synthetic approach to produce a recombinant fusion between IgA Fc (rIgA) and a biotin tag, which was subsequently induced with streptavidin (SA) to form an oligomeric poly‐IgA mimic. Both uninduced rIgA (mono‐rIgA) and polymeric SA‐rIgA (poly‐rIgA) were injected intravenously into Wistar rats. Plasma IgA levels and renal and liver histology were examined in a time series. In contrast to mono‐rIgA, this synthetic poly‐rIgA analog formed renal deposits exclusively in the glomerulus and were mostly cleared in 3 h. However, repeated daily injections for 12 days caused long‐lasting and stronger glomerular IgA deposition together with IgG and complement C3, in association with mesangial cell proliferation, matrix expansion, and variable degrees of albuminuria and hematuria that phenocopied IgAN. Ex vivo, poly‐rIgA bound cultured mesangial cells and elicited cytokine production, in addition to activating plasma C3 that was consistent with the actions of IgA immune complexes in IgAN pathogenesis. Remarkably, the kidneys were able to reverse all pathologic manifestations and restore normal glomerular histology 2 weeks after injections were halted. The synthetic model showed the kinetics between the intricate balance of renal deposition and clearance, as well as glomerular plasticity towards healing. Together, the results revealed a priming effect of existing deposits in promoting stronger and longer‐lasting IgA deposition to cause renal damage. © 2021 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Children and young adults hospitalized for severe COVID‐19 exhibit thrombotic coagulopathy
Authors: Mitchell William B. , Davila Jennifer , Keenan Janine , Jackson Jenai , Tal Adit , Morrone Kerry A. , Silver Ellen J. , O'Brien Sarah , Manwani Deepa 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report the clinical and laboratory coagulation characteristics of 27 pediatric and young adult patients (2 months to 21 years) treated for symptomatic COVID‐19 at a children's hospital in the Bronx, New York, between March 1 and May 31, 2020. D‐Dimer was > 0.5 μg/mL (upper limit of normal) in 25 (93%) patients at admission; 11 (41%) developed peak D‐dimer > 5 μg/mL during admission. Seven (26%) patients developed venous thromboembolism: three with deep vein thrombosis and four with pulmonary embolism. Requirement of increased ventilatory support was a risk factor for thrombosis (P = 0.006). Three of eight (38%) patients on prophylactic anticoagulation developed thrombosis; however, no patients developed VTE on low‐molecular‐weight heparin prophylaxis titrated to anti‐Xa level. Manifestation of COVID‐19 disease was severe or critical in 16 (59%) patients. Four (15%) patients died of COVID‐19 complications: all had comorbidities. Elevated D‐dimer and increased VTE rate were observed in this young cohort, particularly in those with severe respiratory complications, suggesting thrombotic coagulopathy. More data are needed to guide thromboprophylaxis in this age group.
Optimization of dose and route of administration of the P‐glycoprotein inhibitor, valspodar (PSC‐833) and the P‐glycoprotein and breast cancer resistance protein dual‐inhibitor, elacridar (GF120918) as dual infusion in rats
Authors: Rowbottom Christopher , Pietrasiewicz Alicia , Tuczewycz Taras , Grater Richard , Qiu Daniel , Kapadnis Sudarshan , Trapa Patrick 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransporters can play a key role in the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs. Understanding these contributions early in drug discovery allows for more accurate projection of the clinical pharmacokinetics. One method to assess the impact of transporters in vivo involves co‐dosing specific inhibitors. The objective of the present study was to optimize the dose and route of administration of a P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp) inhibitor, valspodar (PSC833), and a dual P‐gp/breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) inhibitor, elacridar (GF120918), by assessing the transporters’ impact on brain penetration and absorption. A dual‐infusion strategy was implemented to allow for flexibility with dose formulation. The chemical inhibitor was dosed intravenously via the femoral artery, and a cassette of known substrates was infused via the jugular vein. Valspodar or elacridar was administered as 4.5‐hour constant infusions over a range of doses. To assess the degree of inhibition, the resulting ratios of brain and plasma concentrations, Kp's, of the known substrates were compared to the vehicle control. These data demonstrated that doses greater than 0.9 mg/hr/kg valspodar and 8.9 mg/hr/kg elacridar were sufficient to inhibit P‐gp‐ and BCRP‐mediated efflux at the blood‐brain barrier in rats without any tolerability issues. Confirmation of BBB restriction by efflux transporters in preclinical species allows for subsequent prediction in humans based upon the proteomic expression at rodent and human BBB. Overall, the approach can also be applied to inhibition of efflux at other tissues (gut absorption, liver clearance) or can be extended to other transporters of interest using alternate inhibitors.
Trade‐offs in destination choices among the urban populations in three Southeast Asian countries
Authors: Zander Kerstin K. , Garnett Stephen T. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractInternal migration of the urban population is substantial with diverse drivers, barriers, and reasons for destination choices. Whereas internal mobility in Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries is well‐studied under the umbrella of residential, labour, amenity, and retirement migration, such research in non‐OECD countries is rare and limited to the economic aspects of migration. In this study, we assess the relative importance of social, environmental, and amenity factors in urban peoples' destination choices within three countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines) through an online survey. Concerns about safety and high living costs at potential destinations were among the most important factors in mobility decisions, whereas amenities were the least important. A high risk from climatic hazards, particularly from severe ones such as flooding and typhoons, was also an influential destination disincentive, particularly for people in Malaysia and the Philippines, that is, likely to grow in importance as climate change accelerates unabated. To maintain the attractiveness of highly exposed cities and regions to skilled people, urban planners must minimise these risks, for example, through crime control, flood disaster management, and early warning systems.
Impact of biochar and lignite‐based amendments on microbial communities and greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural soil
Authors: Li Changjian , Xiong Yunwu , Zou Jiaye , Dong Li , Ren Ping , Huang Guanhua 
Published: March 2021

AbstractUnderstanding the responses of the microbial community and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to the incorporation of different organic amendments is essential for their proper utilization. In this study, laboratory‐incubated microcosm experiments were conducted to investigate the short‐term effects of pine‐wood biochar and lignite‐based amendment on the microbial communities and GHG emissions from agricultural soil. Soils amended at five different application rates were incubated for 19 d under the conditions of 60% water‐filled pore space and 25 °C. Microbial biomass in the amended soil after incubation was measured by the solid colony counting method, and the soil microbial diversity was assayed using a Biolog EcoPlate. The biochar and lignite‐based amendment had distinct effects on the soil microbial communities and GHG emissions. The microbial community growth and utilization of C sources were improved by the biochar but restrained by the lignite‐based amendment in most cases. The biochar and lignite‐based amendment had a minor impact on methane emissions. Carbon dioxide emissions were promoted by the biochar and inhibited by the lignite‐based amendment during the short‐term incubation period. Nitrous oxide emissions decreased with the application rate of biochar but increased with the rate of lignite‐based amendment. The addition of biochar at a rate of 3–4% and lignite‐based amendment at a rate of <1% has the potential to improve soil quality. Salt leaching is required to avoid accumulation when the biochar and lignite‐based amendments are applied. The findings can provide a reference for the application of biochar and lignite‐based amendment in silt loam soil.
The Australian bushfire disaster: How to avoid repeating this catastrophe for biodiversity
Authors: Celermajer Danielle , Lyster Rosemary , Wardle Glenda M. , Walmsley Rachel , Couzens Ed 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBushfires in Australia in the “Black Summer” of 2019–2020 shocked the world. Research is allowing us to begin to appreciate the scale of the catastrophe for humans, other animals, and the environment. If we are to anticipate, mitigate, and prevent further catastrophes and to protect biodiversity as best we can, we must develop a comprehensive picture of the impacts of these recent bushfires, understand their causes, and trace where responsibility for their catastrophic impact on biodiversity falls. This opinion piece argues that doing so requires an analysis that combines legal, philosophical, and scientific lenses. Correlatively, a comprehensive response demands the rapid introduction of a range of scientific, legal, political, economic, and cultural changes, not simply to reduce fossil fuel emissions and better protect biodiversity, but to disable the ideological conditions that enable the existing policy framework.This article is categorized under:
Climate, Ecology, and Conservation > Conservation Strategies
Donor insulin therapy in intensive care predicts early outcomes after pancreas transplantation
Authors: Shapey Iestyn M. , Summers Angela , Khambalia Hussein , Yiannoullou Petros , Fullwood Catherine , Hanley Neil A. , Augustine Titus , Rutter Martin K. , van Dellen David 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
Approximately 50% of organ donors develop hyperglycaemia in intensive care, which is managed with insulin therapy. We aimed to determine the relationships between donor insulin use (DIU) and graft failure in pancreas transplantation.

Methods
UK Transplant Registry organ donor data were linked with national data from the UK solid pancreas transplant programme. All pancreas transplants performed between 2004 and 2016 with complete follow-up data were included. Logistic regression models determined associations between DIU and causes of graft failure within 3 months. Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (aROC) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) assessed the added value of DIU as a predictor of graft failure.

Results
In 2168 pancreas transplant recipients, 1112 (51%) donors were insulin-treated. DIU was associated with a higher risk of graft loss from isolated islet failure: OR (95% CI), 1.79 (1.05, 3.07), p = 0.03, and this relationship was duration/dose dependent. DIU was also associated with a higher risk of graft loss from anastomotic leak (2.72 [1.07, 6.92], p = 0.04) and a lower risk of graft loss from thrombosis (0.62 [0.39, 0.96], p = 0.03), although duration/dose-dependent relationships were only identified in pancreas transplant alone/pancreas after kidney transplant recipients with grafts failing due to thrombosis (0.86 [0.74, 0.99], p = 0.03). The relationships between donor insulin characteristics and isolated islet failure remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders: DIU 1.75 (1.02, 2.99), p = 0.04; duration 1.08 (1.01, 1.16), p = 0.03. In multivariable analyses, donor insulin characteristics remained significant predictors of lower risk of graft thrombosis in pancreas transplant alone/pancreas after kidney transplant recipients: DIU, 0.34 (0.13, 0.90), p = 0.03; insulin duration/dose, 0.02 (0.001, 0.85), p = 0.04. When data on insulin were added to models predicting isolated islet failure, a significant improvement in discrimination and risk reclassification was observed in all models: no DIU aROC 0.56; DIU aROC 0.57, p = 0.86; NRI 0.28, p < 0.00001; insulin duration aROC 0.60, p = 0.47; NRI 0.35, p < 0.00001.

Conclusions/interpretation
DIU predicts graft survival in pancreas transplant recipients. This assessment could help improve donor selection and thereby improve patient and graft outcomes.

Graphical abstract