bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hyperpolarized 13C Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Fumarate Metabolism by Parahydrogen‐induced Polarization: A Proof‐of‐Concept in vivo Study
Authors: Stewart Neil J. , Nakano Hitomi , Sugai Shuto , Tomohiro Mitsushi , Kase Yuki , Uchio Yoshiki , Yamaguchi Toru , Matsuo Yujirou , Naganuma Tatsuya , Takeda Norihiko , Nishimura Ikuya , Hirata Hiroshi , Hashimoto Takuya , Matsumoto Shingo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHyperpolarized [1‐13C]fumarate is a promising magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) biomarker for cellular necrosis, which plays an important role in various disease and cancerous pathological processes. To demonstrate the feasibility of MRI of [1‐13C]fumarate metabolism using parahydrogen‐induced polarization (PHIP), a low‐cost alternative to dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP), a cost‐effective and high‐yield synthetic pathway of hydrogenation precursor [1‐13C]acetylenedicarboxylate (ADC) was developed. The trans‐selectivity of the hydrogenation reaction of ADC using a ruthenium‐based catalyst was elucidated employing density functional theory (DFT) simulations. A simple PHIP set‐up was used to generate hyperpolarized [1‐13C]fumarate at sufficient 13C polarization for ex vivo detection of hyperpolarized 13C malate metabolized from fumarate in murine liver tissue homogenates, and in vivo 13C MR spectroscopy and imaging in a murine model of acetaminophen‐induced hepatitis.
Distance‐Dependent Chiral Communication between Two Quinoline Oligoamide Foldamers Connected by Alkyl Chains
Authors: Zheng Lu , Guo Shengzhu , Wang Chu , Wang Yanru , Fan Yanqing , Chen Xuebo , Zhang Kun , Jiang Hua 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA series of macrocycles that contain two quinoline oligoamide foldamers (QOFs) using various length of alkyl chains as linkers (2, 3, 6, 8 or 12 hydrocarbons) were synthesized. The two QOFs interact with each other through the linkers and the intramolecular helix chiral communications between the two QOFs were studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and crystal structures. Investigations show that the intensity of the intramolecular helix chiral communications between the two QOFs is dependent on the length of the linkers, and the interaction between the two QOFs increases with decreasing length of the linkers. When the length of the linkers decreased to C2 linkers, only one conformer is present in solution. Moreover, increasing the length of the foldamers would enhance the intramolecular helix chiral communication if the linkers are short, indicating that the length of the foldamers also has significant impact on intramolecular helix chiral communication.
Therapeutic delivery with V‐amylose
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Fatima Rabab , Sharma Mousmee 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe helical structure of V‐amylose offering a superior encapsulation affinity compared with the other polysaccharides, especially toward the amphiphilic or hydrophobic molecules; in addition to providing a higher resistance toward enzymatic hydrolysis support its applications as a potential drug delivery vehicle. Mainly, the glycosidic linkages and –CH2– groups forming the hydrophobic cavity of V‐amylose helix, and the glycosyl hydroxyl groups constituting its hydrophilic periphery promote the loading of a diverse range of molecules via van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonding interactions. These properties enable a high‐loading efficiency, targeted delivery, and controlled release of the cargo drug molecules by V‐amylose. Besides, V‐amylose presents characteristics of an ideal drug delivery system, such as biocompatibility, physiological benevolence, nonimmunogenicity, and biodegradability. The V‐amylose polysaccharide chains fold into left‐handed single helix comprising of six glucose units in each turn having a pitch height of 7.91–8.17 Å. These structural features of V‐amylose differentiate it from the parent amylose polysaccharide and enable the accommodation and nanoencapsulation of a wide range of therapeutics in the former. The tightly packed helical structure of V‐amylose provides extraordinary resistance toward digestion by amylase compared with the linear polysaccharides, which supports the application of V‐amylose as controlled drug release systems. The activity of the amylase enzyme produced by salivary glands, pancreas, gastrointestinal tract, and gut microbiota on amylose‐based drug delivery vehicles promote enzyme‐sensitive controlled oral and colon‐specific release of the encapsulated drug. The single helical V‐amylose with hydrophobic core and hydrophilic periphery forms inclusion complexes that improve the absorption and permeation of drugs having a high clogP index. The present commentary highlights the distinguished features of V‐amylose as an imminent drug delivery system.
Multicomponent shell traits are consistent with an individual recognition function of the appearance of common murre (Uria aalge) eggs: A biological replication study
Authors: Ducay Rebecca L. , Luro Alec B. , Hansen Erpur S. , Hauber Mark E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn dense breeding colonies, and despite having no nest structure, common murres (or guillemots: Uria aalge) are still able to identify their own eggs. Each female murre's egg is thought to be recognized individually by the shell's avian‐perceivable traits. This is because the eggshells’ visible traits conform to expectations of the identity‐signaling hypothesis in that they show both high intraindividual repeatability and high interindividual variability. Identity signaling also predicts a lack of correlation between each of the putative multicomponent recognition traits, yielding no significant relationships between those eggshell traits that are generated by mutually exclusive physiological factors. Using a multivariate analysis across eggshell size and shape, avian‐perceivable background coloration, spot (maculation) shape, and spot density, we detected no unexpected statistical correlations between Icelandic common murre egg traits lacking known physiological or mathematical relationships with one another. These results biologically replicate the conclusions of a recent eggshell trait study of Canadian common murres using similar methodology. We also demonstrate the use of static correlations to infer identity signaling function without direct behavioral observations, which in turn may also be applied to rare or extinct species and provide valuable insight into otherwise unknown communicative and behavioral functions.
Pattern of crop raiding by wild large mammals and the resultant impacts vary with distances from forests in Southwest Ethiopia
Authors: Mamo Alemayehu , Lemessa Debissa , Diriba Obsu Hirko , Hunde Debela 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCrop raiding is a major form of human‐wildlife interaction mainly in the ecotone areas of human‐modified natural landscapes. The aim of this study was to examine the spatial pattern of crop raiding and the resultant impacts on how farmers perceive forests at different distances from Yayu Coffee Forest Biosphere Reserve which is located in southwest Ethiopia. For this, thirty transects (each 1 km long) were laid out at 200 m interval parallel to forest edges: ten transects close to forest (<0.5 km), ten at intermediate (0.5–1 km), and ten transects were taken far from forest (>1 km). Along each transect, 2–6 households were randomly selected and interviewed using semistructured questionnaire. The perception of the respondents on forests at different distances from forest edges was analyzed using Pearson's Chi‐square test. The variation in the amount of damage among these three locations was tested using one‐way ANOVA. Four wild large mammals including olive baboon, vervet monkey, bush pigs, and crested porcupine were identified as top crop raiders in the area. The frequencies of occurrence of crop raiders decreased with increasing distance from forest edges. Similarly, the amount of damage in maize fields was higher close to forests when compared with that of either at intermediate or far from forest edges (p < .001). Eighty‐one percent of the households living close to the forests perceive that forest is a threat to their survival. Overall, our results imply that strategies need to be sought in order to minimize the socio‐ecological impacts of crop raiders mainly in locations close to forest edges.
Discovery of central Texas Eurycea eggs in the wild
Authors: Moon Linda M. , Anderson Kelsey A. , Glass Campbell Lindsay 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEurycea pterophila is a fully aquatic paedomorphic salamander species classified as under review for federal listing and distributed in restricted sections of the Comal River (Comal CO., TX). Unlike Eurycea sosorum, which constitutes the only documented wild sightings of Eurycea eggs in the region, no eggs of Eurycea pterophila have been documented in the wild. During a routine collection of Eurycea pterophila for a captive assurance population, two eggs were found in the Comal River, TX near Spring Island, and successfully raised in captivity. Captive Eurycea pterophila eggs were laid at the same time the wild eggs were found; thus, data are presented here for a comparison.
Role‐based Access Control Video Surveillance Mechanism Modeling in Smart Contract Environment
Authors: Kim Jinsu , Park Namje 
Published: February 2021

AbstractClosed circuit television (CCTV) is installed on roads or in facilities for the purpose of filming videos to be used for crime prevention
or as evidence for accidents in the future, and the number of CCTVs installed
annually is increasing sharply. The videos collected by the devices can be
submitted as legal evidence for accidents, which could happen in the future,
but the damage to their integrity may cause the loss of reliability. Blockchain,
which guarantees the integrity of data by sharing data as a distributed network
method on these issues, can be applied as an effective means of data forgery.
In general, however, video information contains sensitive data within the
image, and sharing it externally can cause many problems. Thus, in this paper,
by implementing role‐based approach control based on a block chain that
guarantees integrity through sharing of data, a mechanism is proposed to share
filmed images but prevent indiscriminate access by third parties.
Forecasting asset returns with network‐based metrics: A statistical and economic analysis
Authors: Baitinger Eduard 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOne of the main challenges facing researchers and industry professionals for decades is the successful prediction of asset returns. This paper enriches this endeavor by applying topological metrics of correlation networks to the challenge of financial forecasting. These network‐based metrics are retrieved with the help of graph theory and quantify the interconnectedness of financial assets. In this paper, we show that this network‐based information statistically significantly predicts future asset returns. Because industry professionals are more interested in the economic value‐added of competing forecasting approaches, we also devote our attention to an economic analysis. Considering economic performance metrics, network‐based predictors generate a clear value‐added, which also applies to the multi‐asset allocation case.
Adhesion of Nafion for advanced proton exchange membrane fuel cell architectures under low fabrication temperature
Authors: Sun P.‐K. , Besser R. S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNafion has been used as one of the essential materials for proton exchange membrane fuel cells. The ability to laminate Nafion to itself and other materials, to form hermetic seals, leads to novel architectures, including a device designed by our group. In this work, understanding of cohesion/adhesion is essential because the sealing relies on interfacial properties of the materials. Since the ionic character of Nafion is known to be sensitive to processing temperature, it is essential to understand what regimes of processing conditions lead to a good device operation while providing robust sealing. To characterize cohesion/adhesion strength and understand the correlation with fabrication, the T‐peel test was applied. Results show that the bonding strengths of Nafion–Nafion increase sharply with processing temperature. More dramatically, the presence of an interposed aluminum layer further increases the strength by up to a factor of 100 for processing temperatures below 140°C. Scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy were used to characterize the resulting surfaces and to evaluate the surface chemistry of the delaminated Nafion–Al joints. The bonding across the interface was enhanced by formation of Al–F and O–Fx bonds as a result of the introduction of Al. Adhesion strength increases as the preponderance of the two types changes with the bonding temperature.
Global Evidence of Temperature Acclimation of COVID‐19 D614G Linage
Authors: Hao Zhaonian , Li Ruyuan , Hao Chengyi , Zhao Haoyuan , Wan Xueyan , Guo Dongsheng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe novel D614G linage is becoming the dominating species of SARS‐CoV‐2. The impact of meteorological and geographical factors on SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic are presently not well understood. This research article presents a retrospective case series. Pandemic and meteorological data from 30 countries and 49 states from USA are collected as of June 10th, 2020. The primary outcome are the coefficients of correlations between meteorological factors and pandemic data. Hierarchical clustering analysis are used on SARS‐CoV‐2 genome, meteorological factors, and pandemic. Disseminating velocity of SARS‐CoV‐2 is negatively correlated with average temperature in majority of included countries and states from USA. Proportion of the GR clade is positively associated with temperature, but is negatively correlated with altitude in countries‐set. Virus disseminating velocities in states from cluster A (Overwhelming proportion of G + GR + GH clades, GH > 60%) and C (Overwhelming proportion of G + GR + GH clades, G 20–30%) both has negative correlations with temperature, while cluster C has more significant negative correlation than cluster A. Climate and geographical environment are revealed to affect virus spreading. GH and GR clades of SARS‐CoV‐2 are probably acquiring higher temperature tolerance, while G clade may retain high temperature intolerance.
Predictive model and determinants of odds of neonates dying within 28 days of life in Ghana
Authors: Takramah Wisdom Kwami , Aheto Justice Moses K. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundOne of the priorities and important current problem in public health research globally is modeling of neonatal mortality and its risk factors in using the appropriate statistical methods. It is believed that multiple risk factors interplay to increase the risk of neonatal mortality. To understand the risk factors of neonatal mortality in Ghana, the current study carefully evaluated and compared the predictive accuracy and performance of two classification models.MethodsThis study reviewed the birth history data collected on 5884 children born in the 5 years preceding the 2014 Ghana Demographic and Health Survey (GDHS). The 2014 GDHS is a cross‐sectional nationally representative household sample survey. The relevant variables were selected using leaps‐and‐bounds method, and the area under curves were compared to evaluate the predictive accuracy of unweighted penalized and weighted single‐level multivariable logistic regression models for predicting neonatal mortality using the 2014 GDHS data.ResultsThe study found neonatal mortality prevalence of 2.8%. A sample of 4514 children born in the 5 years preceding the 2014 GDHS was included in the inferential analysis. The results of the current study show that for the unweighted penalized single‐level multivariable logistic model, there is an increased risk of neonatal death among babies born to mothers who received prenatal care from non‐skilled worker [OR: 3.79 (95% CI: 2.52, 5.72)], multiple births [OR: 3.10 (95% CI: 1.89, 15.27)], babies delivered through caesarian section [OR: 2.24 (95% CI: 1.30, 3.85)], and household with 1 to 4 members [OR: 5.74 (95% CI: 3.16, 10.43)], respectively. The predictive accuracy of the unweighted penalized and weighted single‐level multivariable logistic regression models was 82% and 80%, respectively.ConclusionThe study advocates that prudent and holistic interventions should be institutionalized and implemented to address the risk factors identified in order to reduce neonatal death and, by large, improve child and maternal health outcomes to achieve the SDG target 3.2.
2‐O‐Octadecylascorbic acid represses RhoGDIβ expression and ameliorates DNA damage‐induced abnormal spindle orientations
Authors: Doi Natsumi , Togari Hiro , Minagi Kenji , Iwaoka Yuji , Tai Akihiro , Nakaoji Koichi , Hamada Kazuhiko , Tatsuka Masaaki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe appropriate regulation of spindle orientation maintains proper tissue homeostasis and avoids aberrant tissue repair or regeneration. Spindle misorientation due to imbalance or improper functioning leads to a loss of tissue integrity and aberrant growth, such as tissue loss or overgrowth. Pharmacological manipulation to prevent spindle misorientation will enable a better understanding of how spindle orientation is involved in physiological and pathological conditions and will provide therapeutic possibilities to treat patients associated with abnormal tissue function caused by spindle misorientation. N‐terminal‐deleted Rho guanine nucleotide dissociation inhibitor β (RhoGDIβ/RhoGDI2/LyGDI) produced by caspase‐3 activation perturbs spindle orientation in surviving cells following exposure to either ionizing radiation or UVC. Thus, presumably, RhoGDIβ cleaved by caspase‐3 activation acts as a determinant of radiation‐induced spindle misorientation that promote aberrant tissue repair due to deregulation of directional organization of cell population and therefore becomes a potential target of drugs to prevent such response. The objective of this study was to screen and identify chemicals that suppress RhoGDIβ expression. We focused our attention on ascorbic acid (AA) derivatives because of their impact on the maintenance of skin tissue homeostasis. Here, we screened for AA derivatives that suppress RhoGDIβ expression in HeLa cells and identified a lipophilic derivative, 2‐O‐octadecylascorbic acid (2‐OctadecylAA), as a novel RhoGDIβ inhibitor that ameliorated ionizing radiation‐induced abnormal spindle orientations. Among all examined AA derivatives, which were also antioxidative, the inhibition activity was specific to 2‐OctadecylAA. Therefore, this activity was not due to simple antioxidant properties. 2‐OctadecylAA was previously shown to prevent hepatocellular carcinoma development. Our findings suggest that the anticarcinogenic effects of 2‐OctadecylAA are partly due to RhoGDIβ inhibition mechanisms by which spindle orientation perturbations are attenuated. Thus, the molecular targeting features of RhoGDIβ warrant its further development for the treatment or control of spindle orientation abnormalities that affect epithelial homeostasis.
Fibrinogen to albumin ratio reflects the activity of antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated vasculitis
Authors: Lee Lucy Eunju , Pyo Jung Yoon , Ahn Sung Soo , Song Jason Jungsik , Park Yong‐Beom , Lee Sang‐Won 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundWe investigated whether fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) at diagnosis could reflect the cross‐sectional activity and predict poor outcomes in patients with antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA)‐associated vasculitis (AAV).MethodsThis cross‐sectional study included 54 immunosuppressant drug‐naïve patients with AAV who had the results of plasma fibrinogen and serum albumin at diagnosis. Clinical and laboratory data at diagnosis were collected, and all‐cause mortality, cerebrovascular accident, cardiovascular disease, end‐stage renal disease occurrences were assessed as poor outcomes. FAR was calculated by the following equation: FAR = plasma fibrinogen (g/dl)/serum albumin (g/dl).ResultsThe median age was 65.5 years, and 59.3% of patients were men (33 MPA, 13 GPA and 8 EGPA). FAR was significantly correlated with Birmingham vasculitis activity score (BVAS; r = 0.271), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR; r = 0.668) and C‐reactive protein (CRP; r = 0.638). High BVAS was defined as BVAS ≥16, and the cut‐off of FAR at diagnosis was set as 0.118. AAV patients with FAR at diagnosis ≥0.118 had a significantly higher risk for the cross‐sectional high BVAS than those without (RR 3.361). In the univariable linear regression analysis, CRP (β = 0.383) and FAR (β = 0.297) were significantly correlated with BVAS at diagnosis. However, in the multivariable analysis, none of them was correlated with the cross‐sectional BVAS. FAR at diagnosis could not predict poor outcomes during follow‐up in AAV patients.ConclusionsFibrinogen to albumin ratio at diagnosis could reflect the cross‐sectional BVAS but could not predict poor outcomes in patients with AAV.
Myogenesis modelled by human pluripotent stem cells: a multi‐omic study of Duchenne myopathy early onset
Authors: Mournetas Virginie , Massouridès Emmanuelle , Dupont Jean‐Baptiste , Kornobis Etienne , Polvèche Hélène , Jarrige Margot , Dorval Alan R.L. , Gosselin Maxime R.F. , Manousopoulou Antigoni , Garbis Spiros D. , Górecki Dariusz C. , Pinset Christian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) causes severe disability of children and death of young men, with an incidence of approximately 1/5000 male births. Symptoms appear in early childhood, with a diagnosis made mostly around 4 years old, a time where the amount of muscle damage is already significant, preventing early therapeutic interventions that could be more efficient at halting disease progression. In the meantime, the precise moment at which disease phenotypes arise—even asymptomatically—is still unknown. Thus, there is a critical need to better define DMD onset as well as its first manifestations, which could help identify early disease biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets.MethodsWe have used both human tissue‐derived myoblasts and human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) from DMD patients to model skeletal myogenesis and compared their differentiation dynamics with that of healthy control cells by a comprehensive multi‐omic analysis at seven time points. Results were strengthened with the analysis of isogenic CRISPR‐edited human embryonic stem cells and through comparisons against published transcriptomic and proteomic datasets from human DMD muscles. The study was completed with DMD knockdown/rescue experiments in hiPSC‐derived skeletal muscle progenitor cells and adenosine triphosphate measurement in hiPSC‐derived myotubes.ResultsTranscriptome and miRnome comparisons combined with protein analyses demonstrated that hiPSC differentiation (i) leads to embryonic/foetal myotubes that mimic described DMD phenotypes at the differentiation endpoint and (ii) homogeneously and robustly recapitulates key developmental steps—mesoderm, somite, and skeletal muscle. Starting at the somite stage, DMD dysregulations concerned almost 10% of the transcriptome. These include mitochondrial genes whose dysregulations escalate during differentiation. We also describe fibrosis as an intrinsic feature of DMD skeletal muscle cells that begins early during myogenesis. All the omics data are available online for exploration through a graphical interface at https://muscle‐dmd.omics.ovh/.ConclusionsOur data argue for an early developmental manifestation of DMD whose onset is triggered before the entry into the skeletal muscle compartment, data leading to a necessary reconsideration of dystrophin roles during muscle development. This hiPSC model of skeletal muscle differentiation offers the possibility to explore these functions as well as find earlier DMD biomarkers and therapeutic targets.