bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development of an efficient stability‐indicating LC–MS/MS method for the analysis of selexipag and characterization of its degradation products
Authors: Amara Babu Namburi L. A. , Koganti Kalyani , Palakeeti Babji , Srinivas Koduri S. V. , Rao Koya Prabhakara 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA new RP‐HPLC method with a quick, sensitive and stable indication for the quantitative measurement of selexipag and its associated substances was developed and validated in the present study. In this new method, using the impurity‐spiked solution, the chromatographic approach was optimized. Similarly, using the X‐bridge phenyl column with isocratic elution of mobile phase containing acetonitrile and formic acid, selexipag and its impurities were separated. Recovery experiments obtained were satisfactory, and also the calibration graphs plotted for selexipag and its five impurities were found to be linear. The system validation parameters such as specificity, linearity, precision, accuracy and robustness were determined successfully. The obtained results indicated that the developed method was found to be useful for analyzing selexipag from its impurities. Further, using stress tests against acid, alkali, peroxide, reduction, thermal, hydrolysis and UV conditions, the present established method of HPLC was assessed and validated as per ICH Q2(R1) guidelines.
Co‐activation pattern alterations in autism spectrum disorder–A volume‐wise hierarchical clustering fMRI study
Authors: Paakki Jyri‐Johan , Rahko Jukka S. , Kotila Aija , Mattila Marja‐Leena , Miettunen Helena , Hurtig Tuula M. , Jussila Katja K. , Kuusikko‐Gauffin Sanna , Moilanen Irma K. , Tervonen Osmo , Kiviniemi Vesa J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionThere has been a growing effort to characterize the time‐varying functional connectivity of resting state (RS) fMRI brain networks (RSNs). Although voxel‐wise connectivity studies have examined different sliding window lengths, nonsequential volume‐wise approaches have been less common.MethodsInspired by earlier co‐activation pattern (CAP) studies, we applied hierarchical clustering (HC) to classify the image volumes of the RS‐fMRI data on 28 adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their 27 typically developing (TD) controls. We compared the distribution of the ASD and TD groups' volumes in CAPs as well as their voxel‐wise means. For simplification purposes, we conducted a group independent component analysis to extract 14 major RSNs. The RSNs' average z‐scores enabled us to meaningfully regroup the RSNs and estimate the percentage of voxels within each RSN for which there was a significant group difference. These results were jointly interpreted to find global group‐specific patterns.ResultsWe found similar brain state proportions in 58 CAPs (clustering interval from 2 to 30). However, in many CAPs, the voxel‐wise means differed significantly within a matrix of 14 RSNs. The rest‐activated default mode‐positive and default mode‐negative brain state properties vary considerably in both groups over time. This division was seen clearly when the volumes were partitioned into two CAPs and then further examined along the HC dendrogram of the diversifying brain CAPs. The ASD group network activations followed a more heterogeneous distribution and some networks maintained higher baselines; throughout the brain deactivation state, the ASD participants had reduced deactivation in 12/14 networks. During default mode‐negative CAPs, the ASD group showed simultaneous visual network and either dorsal attention or default mode network overactivation.ConclusionNonsequential volume gathering into CAPs and the comparison of voxel‐wise signal changes provide a complementary perspective to connectivity and an alternative to sliding window analysis.
Changes of coagulation function and risk of stroke in patients with COVID‐19
Authors: Qiu Feng , Wu Yue , Zhang Aiqing , Xie Guojin , Cao Hui , Du Mingyang , Jiang Haibo , Li Shun , Ding Ming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeCOVID‐19 is spreading throughout the whole world as a public health issue. There is a link between the new coronavirus and changes in biochemical indicators, such as coagulation functions. Hypercoagulable state of blood caused by infections may lead to cerebrovascular diseases. More attention should be paid to patients with COVID‐19, especially critically ill individuals with history of cerebrovascular disease who may have high risk of stroke.Methods193 patients with COVID‐19 were enrolled in the study. These patients were categorized into nonsevere (143 patients) and severe (50 patients) groups. This study evaluated laboratory tests, including routine blood tests, C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, electrolytes, and coagulation functions. Furthermore, neurological function and stroke risks were evaluated in this study.ResultsCompared to the nonsevere group, there were increases in white blood cells, neutrophil count, interleukin‐6, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C‐reactive protein in the severe group (p < .05). For coagulation functions, parameters like prothrombin time, international normalized ratio, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time, D‐dimer, and fibrin degradation products were increased significantly in the severe group (p < .01). Severe patients also demonstrated higher scores on the Framingham stroke risk profile and lower Glasgow scores (p < .05). Furthermore, significant associations were noticed between stroke risk and age, blood cell count, neutrophil count, D‐dimmer, and fibrin degradation productions (p < .05).ConclusionsData suggested that coagulation functions were affected in patients with COVID‐19. Hypercoagulable state in patients may lead to potential high risk of stroke.
Recent advances in cellular biosensor technology to investigate tau oligomerization
Authors: Lo Chih Hung 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTau is a microtubule binding protein which plays an important role in physiological functions but it is also involved in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease and related tauopathies. While insoluble and β‐sheet containing tau neurofibrillary tangles have been the histopathological hallmark of these diseases, recent studies suggest that soluble tau oligomers, which are formed prior to fibrils, are the primary toxic species. Substantial efforts have been made to generate tau oligomers using purified recombinant protein strategies to study oligomer conformations as well as their toxicity. However, no specific toxic tau species has been identified to date, potentially due to the lack of cellular environment. Hence, there is a need for cell‐based models for direct monitoring of tau oligomerization and aggregation. This review will summarize the recent advances in the cellular biosensor technology, with a focus on fluorescence resonance energy transfer, bimolecular fluorescence complementation, and split luciferase complementation approaches, to monitor formation of tau oligomers and aggregates in living cells. We will discuss the applications of the cellular biosensors in examining the heterogeneous tau conformational ensembles and factors affecting tau self‐assembly, as well as detecting cell‐to‐cell propagation of tau pathology. We will also compare the advantages and limitations of each type of tau biosensors, and highlight their translational applications in biomarker development and therapeutic discovery.
Racial/ethnic disparities in weight or BMI change in adulthood and pancreatic cancer incidence: The multiethnic cohort
Authors: Farias Albert J. , Streicher Samantha A. , Stram Daniel O. , Wang Songren , Pandol Stephen J. , Le Marchand Loïic , Setiawan Veronica W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionCompared to non‐Hispanic Whites, Japanese Americans, Native Hawaiians, and African Americans have higher incidences of pancreatic cancer (PCa) that are not entirely explained by rates of obesity but may be explained by weight changes throughout adulthood.MethodsThe multiethnic cohort is a population‐based prospective cohort study that has followed 155,308 participants since its establishment between 1993 and 1996. A total of 1,328 incident cases with invasive PCa were identified through 2015. We conducted separate multivariable Cox proportional hazards models for self‐reported weight‐change and BMI‐change (age 21 to cohort entry) to determine the association with PCa risk, adjusting for potential confounders including weight or BMI at age 21.ResultsThe mean age at cohort entry was 59.3 years (SD 8.9). An increased risk of PCa was associated with: 1) weight (HR per10 lbs = 1.06; 95% CI = 1.03–1.09) or BMI (HR per kg/m2 = 1.04; 95% CI = 1.02–1.05) at age 21; and 2) weight (HR per 10 lbs = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.05) or BMI (HR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00–1.03) at cohort entry. We found increased risk of PCa between weight (HR per 10 lbs = 1.03; 95% CI = 1.01–1.05) and BMI (HR per 5 kg/m2 = 1.08; 95% CI = 1.01–1.15) change from age 21 to baseline. There were significant interactions between race/ethnicity and weight (p = 0.008) or BMI (p = 0.03) at baseline, and weight (p = 0.02) or BMI (p = 0.02) change. Weight and BMI change through adulthood significantly increased the risk of PCa for Japanese Americans and Latinos, but not for African American, White, or Hawaiian participants.ConclusionOur findings indicate that weight or BMI gain has a significant and independent impact on PCa risk, specifically among Latinos and Japanese Americans.
Evaluation of Chalcone Derivatives as Photosynthesis and Plant Growth Inhibitors
Authors: Mara Silva de Pádua Geilly , Maria De Souza Jéssica , Celia Moura Sales Miriane , Gomes de Vasconcelos Leonardo , Luiz Dall'Oglio Evandro , Faraggi Tomer M. , Moreira Sampaio Olívia , Campos Curcino Vieira Lucas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe report the evaluation of chalcone derivatives as photosystem II (PSII) and plant growth inhibitors. Chalcone derivatives were evaluated as PSII inhibitors through Chl a fluorescence measurement. (E)‐Chalcone (6a) and (E)‐3‐(4‐bromophenyl)‐1‐(4‐fluorophenyl)prop‐2‐en‐1‐one (6j) showed the best results, reducing the performance index on absorption basis parameter (PIabs) by 70 %. Additionally, the decrease of TR0/RC and ET0/RC parameters indicates that the chalcone derivatives limited the number of active PSII reaction centers and the amount of trapped energy within them. Compounds 6a and 6j both act as post‐emergent herbicides at 50 μM, reducing the root biomass of the Ipomoea grandifolia weed by 72 % and 83 %, respectively, corroborating the fluorescence results. The selectivity against weeds as compared to valuable crops by compounds 6a and 6j were evaluated employing Zea mays and Phaseolus vulgaris plants. In these, our newly synthesized compounds showed no effects on biomass accumulation of roots and aerial parts when compared to the control, providing valuable evidence for the role of these compounds as selective inhibitors of the growth of undesired weeds.
One‐Step Chemo‐, Regio‐ and Stereoselective Reduction of Ketosteroids to Hydroxysteroids over Zr‐Containing MOF‐808 Metal‐Organic Frameworks
Authors: Mautschke H.‐H. , Llabrés i Xamena F. X. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractZr‐containing MOF‐808 is a very promising heterogeneous catalyst for the selective reduction of ketosteroids to the corresponding hydroxysteroids through a Meerwein‐Ponndorf‐Verley (MPV) reaction. Interestingly, the process leads to the diastereoselective synthesis of elusive 17α‐hydroxy derivatives in one step, whereas most chemical and biological transformations produce the 17β‐OH compounds, or they require several additional steps to convert 17β‐OH into 17α‐OH by inverting the configuration of the 17 center. Moreover, MOF‐808 is found to be stable and reusable; it is also chemoselective (only keto groups are reduced, even in the presence of other reducible groups such as C=C bonds) and regioselective (in 3,17‐diketosteroids only the keto group in position 17 is reduced, while the 3‐keto group remains almost intact). The kinetic rate constant and thermodynamic parameters of estrone reduction to estradiol have been obtained by a detailed temperature‐dependent kinetic analysis. The results evidence a major contribution of the entropic term, thus suggesting that the diastereoselectivity of the process is controlled by the confinement of the reaction inside the MOF cavities, where the Zr4+ active sites are located.
A Novel Strategy of Multi‐element Nanocomposite Synthesis for High Performance ZnO‐CoSe2 Supercapacitor Material Development
Authors: Chen Xin , Li Yan , Li Chang , Cao Hongliang , Wang Chuanzhen , Cheng Siyu , Zhang Qi 
Published: May 2021

Main observation and conclusionDeveloping multi‐element composites is a promising way for high performance supercapacitor material development, and simplifying the synthesis steps is critical for reducing the preparation costs and successful promotion of the materials. A novel one‐step selective reaction strategy is developed, and successfully used to prepare four‐element ZnO‐CoSe2 (ZOCS) nano‐spherical composites, to be used as supercapacitor materials. Started form nano‐spherical glycerate templates, under the optimal synthesis condition, the obtained ZOCS‐0.125 electrode material exhibits a specific capacitance of 450.7 F/g at 1 A/g and a good rate performance by keeping 76.8% capacitance at 20 A/g. Moreover, the ZOCS‐0.125 electrode exhibits excellent cycle stability of 114.9% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles at 10 A/g. An asymmetric supercapacitor assembled by ZOCS‐0.125 and activated carbon electrodes delivers an energy density of 22.35 Wh/kg at 825 W/kg, and a cycle stability of 105.6% capacitance retention after 5000 cycles. This work not only shows the good potential of the facilely prepared ZnO‐CoSe2 composite electrode material, but also demonstrates a new strategy for low cost and high performance multielement composite material development, that can be used in a wide range of applications.
The use of minimal fluoroscopy for cardiac electrophysiology procedures: A meta‐analysis and review of the literature
Authors: Chiang Lorraine Lok Wing , Li Christien , Hong Kathryn L , Hui Winsy Sin , Beh Sze Yi , Gong Mengqi , Liu Tong , Li Guangping , Xia Yunlong , Ho Jeffery , Roever Leonardo , Duong Sophia , Huang Grace , Tse Gary , Baranchuk Adrian , Glover Benedict M. ,   International Health Informatics Study (IHIS) Network
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundConventional catheter ablation involves prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation, potentially leading to detrimental health effects. Minimal fluoroscopy (MF) represents a safer alternative, which should be explored. Data on the safety and efficacy of this technique are limited.HypothesisOur hypothesis is that MF is of equal efficacy and safety to conventional catheter ablation with the use of fluoroscopy by performing a meta‐analysis of both randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and real‐world registry studies.MethodsPubmed and Embase were searched from their inception to July 2020 for RCTs, cohort and observational studies that assessed the outcomes of catheter ablation using a MF technique versus the conventional approach.ResultsFifteen studies involving 3795 patients were included in this meta‐analysis. There was a significant reduction in fluoroscopy and procedural time with no difference in acute success (odds ratio [OR]:0.74, 95% CI: 0.50–1.10, p = .14), long‐term success (OR:0.92, 95% CI: 0.65–1.31, p = .38), arrhythmia recurrence (OR:1.24, 95% CI: 0.75–2.06, p = .97) or rate of complications. (OR:0.83, 95% CI: 0.46–1.48, p = .65). Additionally sub‐group analysis for those undergoing catheter ablation for atrial fibrillation (AF) did not demonstrate a difference in success or complication rates (OR:0.86, 95% CI: 0.30–2.42, p = .77). Multivariate meta‐regression did not identify the presence of moderator variables.ConclusionThis updated meta‐analysis demonstrated an overall reduction in procedural and fluoroscopy time for those undergoing a minimal fluoroscopic approach. There was no significant difference in either acute or chronic success rates or complications between a MF approach and conventional approach for the management of all arrhythmias including those undergoing catheter ablation for AF.
Racial differences in the treatment and outcomes for prostate cancer in Massachusetts
Authors: Cole Alexander P. , Herzog Peter , Iyer Hari S. , Marchese Maya , Mahal Brandon A. , Lipsitz Stuart R. , Nyambose Joshua , Gershman Susan T. , Kennedy Mark , Merriam Gail , Rebbeck Timothy R. , Trinh Quoc‐Dien 
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMassachusetts is a northeastern state with universally mandated health insurance since 2006. Although Black men have generally worse prostate cancer outcomes, emerging data suggest that they may experience equivalent outcomes within a fully insured system. In this setting, the authors analyzed treatments and outcomes of non‐Hispanic White and Black men in Massachusetts.MethodsWhite and Black men who were 20 years old or older and had been diagnosed with localized intermediate‐ or high‐risk nonmetastatic prostate cancer in 2004‐2015 were identified in the Massachusetts Cancer Registry. Adjusted logistic regression models were used to assess predictors of definitive therapy. Adjusted and unadjusted survival models compared cancer‐specific mortality. Interaction terms were then used to assess whether the effect of race varied between counties.ResultsA total of 20,856 men were identified. Of these, 19,287 (92.5%) were White. There were significant county‐level differences in the odds of receiving definitive therapy and survival. Survival was worse for those with high‐risk cancer (adjusted hazard ratio [HR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.4‐1.60) and those with public insurance (adjusted HR for Medicaid, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.38‐2.07; adjusted HR for Medicare, 1.2; 95% CI, 1.14‐1.35). Black men were less likely to receive definitive therapy (adjusted odds ratio, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.74‐0.83) but had a 17% lower cancer‐specific mortality (adjusted HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.7‐0.99).ConclusionsDespite lower odds of definitive treatment, Black men experience decreased cancer‐specific mortality in comparison with White men in Massachusetts. These data support the growing body of research showing that Black men may achieve outcomes equivalent to or even better than those of White men within the context of a well‐insured population.Lay Summary

There is a growing body of evidence showing that the excess risk of death among Black men with prostate cancer may be caused by disparities in access to care, with few or no disparities seen in universally insured health systems such as the Veterans Affairs and US Military Health System.

Therefore, the authors sought to assess racial disparities in prostate cancer in Massachusetts, which was the earliest US state to mandate universal insurance coverage (in 2006).

Despite lower odds of definitive treatment, Black men with prostate cancer experience reduced cancer‐specific mortality in comparison with White men in Massachusetts. These data support the growing body of research showing that Black men may achieve outcomes equivalent to or even better than those of White men within the context of a well‐insured population.
A battery integrated three‐port bidirectional charger/discharger for light electric vehicles with G2V and V2G power flow capability
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Saxena Anmol Ratna 
Published: May 2021

SummaryIn this paper, a non‐isolated battery integrated three‐port bidirectional dc‐dc converter (BIBTPC) is proposed and analyzed for interfacing light electric vehicles (LEVs) with solar photovoltaic (SPV)‐fed low voltage dc distribution system (LVDDS). Depending upon the power generation, the converter can be controlled to operate in grid‐to‐vehicle (G2V) or vehicle‐to‐grid (V2G) arrangement. BIBTPC can implement maximum power point tracking (MPPT), simultaneously regulating the dc bus voltage of LVDDS. It also has an inherent feature of pulse charging and pulse discharging of the battery which improves its charging/discharging rate. The converter operation in all the possible modes is elucidated, and steady‐state analysis is performed to establish the key performance features. The guidelines for the inductor and capacitor design of the converter are also presented. The control strategy to ensure MPPT simultaneously managing the power flow among SPV, LVDDS, and LEV battery is developed and implemented. The theoretical predictions are validated experimentally on the laboratory prototype of the converter. These results are found to be in close agreement with each other.
Versuche am Bau mit Injektionsankern im Mauerwerk nach Technischer Regel des DIBt
Authors: Scheller Eckehard , Küenzlen Jürgen H. R. , Kuhn Thomas , Becker Rainer 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAuf Baustellen trifft man auf eine Vielzahl an Mauersteinen, die sich durch den Baustoff (Ziegel, Porenbeton, Kalksandstein, Leichtbeton oder Normalbeton), die Struktur (Vollsteine, Lochsteine mit oder ohne Dämmstoff‐Füllung), die Geometrie, die Rohdichte und die Druckfestigkeit unterscheiden.Im Rahmen von Zulassungsverfahren für Kunststoffdübel und Metall‐Injektionsanker wird es für Dübel‐Hersteller aber immer nur möglich sein, einen Teil dieser Vielfalt von Mauersteinen als zulässigen Verankerungsgrund abzubilden. (Dübel‐)Versuche am Bauwerk ermöglichen es dem Anwender dennoch, unter bestimmten Bedingungen zulassungskonform zu bemessen und zu montieren, wenn der tatsächlich auf der Baustelle vorhandene Verankerungsgrund nicht in der Zulassung für das Dübelsystem abgebildet ist.Der vorliegende Artikel ist ein Auszug aus dem Heft 4 der Schriftenreihe des Deutschen Ausschuss für Mauerwerk e.V. (DAfM) „(Dübel‐)Versuche am Bauwerk in Mauerwerk – Aktuelle Regelungen für Kunststoffdübel und Metall‐Injektionsanker zur Verankerung im Mauerwerk” und gibt Praxistipps zur Anwendung des dafür vorhandenen und zu beachtenden Regelwerks – insbesondere zu einer der beiden aktuellen Technischen Regeln des Deutschen Instituts für Bautechnik (DIBt) „Durchführung und Auswertung von Versuchen am Bau für Injektionsankersysteme im Mauerwerk”.
Re‐Use und Recycling von Ziegeln
Authors: Rosen Dieter 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMit Ziegelrecycling können nicht nur Rohstoffe für die Produktion neuer Ziegel substituiert werden, sondern insbesondere auch Primärkörnungen eingespart und damit Ressourcen in vielen anderen Produktbereichen geschont werden. Neue Entwicklungen in der Trenn‐ und Sortiertechnik moderner Recyclinganlagen lassen die Prognose zu, dass der Baustoff Ziegel zukünftig nahezu vollständig wieder in den Stoffkreislauf zurückgeführt werden kann. Welchen Weg die Altziegel tatsächlich nehmen, richtet sich nach den zu diesem Zeitpunkt vorherrschenden technischen, umweltpolitischen und nicht zuletzt ökonomischen Rahmenbedingungen. Wesentlich unter wirtschaftlichen Gesichtspunkten werden dann weiterentwickelte selektive Abrissverfahren, geeignete Aufbereitungs‐ und Sortiermethoden sowie Vermarktungspotenziale sein. Forschung und Entwicklung in der Ziegelindustrie orientieren sich natürlich auch in Zukunft an den Anforderungen moderner Ziegelbauweisen. Immer wichtiger aber wird im Sinne der Produktverantwortung des Herstellers, dass auch nach der ersten Nutzungsphase eine umweltgerechte, ressourcenschonende und zugleich auch wirtschaftliche Verwertung des sogenannten „End‐of‐Life”‐Produkts möglich sein wird.