bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Astrocyte‐induced synapse formation and ischemic stroke
Authors: Yamagata Kazuo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAstrocytes are closely associated with the regulation of synapse formation and function. In addition, astrocytes have been shown to block certain brain impairments, including synaptic damage from stroke and other diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). Although astrocytes do not completely prevent synaptic damage, they appear to be protective and to restore synaptic function following damage. The purpose of this study is to discuss the role of astrocytes in synaptogenesis and synaptic damage in ischemic stroke. I detail the mechanism of action of the multiple factors secreted by astrocytes that are involved in synapse formation. In particular, I describe the characteristics and role in synapse formation of each secreted molecule related to synaptic structure and function. Furthermore, I discuss the effect of astrocytes on synaptogenesis and repair in ischemic stroke and in other CNS diseases. Astrocytes release molecules such as thrombospondin, hevin, secreted protein acidic rich in cysteine, etc., due to activation by ischemia to induce synaptic structure and function, an effect associated with protection of the brain from synaptic damage in ischemic stroke. In conclusion, I show that astrocytes may regulate synaptic transmission while having the potential to block and repair synaptic dysfunction in stroke‐associated brain damage.
Recombinant overexpression of the Escherichia coli acetyl‐CoA carboxylase gene in Synechocystis sp. boosts lipid production
Authors: Fathy Wael , Essawy Ehab , Tawfik Eman , Khedr Mohamed , Abdelhameed Mohamed S. , Hammouda Ola , Elsayed Khaled 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMicroalgae have received continued attention as a potential source for biofuel production. However, the lack of suitable strains that provide a lipid‐rich biomass and tolerate harsh condition inhibits their industrial application. This report describes an effort to transform Synechocystis sp. with genes encoding acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC), a key regulatory enzyme in the lipogenesis pathway, from the white mustard plant (Sinapis alba) and the bacterium Escherichia coli DH5α using chitosan nanoparticles. Although a recombinant plasmid encoding S. alba ACC failed to express, successful transformation was achieved with a recombinant plasmid encoding E. coli DH5α ACC. The successful transformant, Synechocystis sp. PAK13, exhibited increased ACC expression compared with its wild‐type parent (11.8 vs. 7.2 ng), which significantly increased its lipid content (by 3.6‐fold). Synechocystis sp. PAK13 also exhibited a significant (20%) reduction in photosynthetic pigments, a 1.52‐fold higher glucose content and a 3.5‐fold lower sucrose content than the wild‐type. In conclusion, this report introduces a useful strategy to overexpress the ACC gene in microalgae, creating strains with improved lipid production that are suited to industrial applications.
The skeleton of a straight‐tusked elephant,Palaeoloxodon antiquus(Falconer and Cautley, 1847) from Selsey, England, and growth and variation inPalaeoloxodonof the European Pleistocene
Authors: Erkek Elizabeth E. , Lister Adrian M. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTA partial skeleton of straight‐tusked elephant (Palaeoloxodon antiquus) excavated at Selsey beach (Sussex, UK) in 1961 is one of very few from Marine Isotope Stage 7 (MIS 7), ca. 240–200 ka, in Europe. Dental morphometrics, including X‐ray micro‐computed tomography, confirms the species identification. Age determination through dental wear and skeletal morphology, sex determination through pelvic anatomy, and body‐size measurements, together identify the individual as a female of approximately 30 years old with a live shoulder height of ca. 3 m and a body mass of ca. 5 t. Dental mesowear indicates mixed feeding with a significant proportion of grass, indicating selective feeding in a predominately forested environment. Although taphonomic conclusions are limited by the nature of the excavation, identification of 107 recovered skeletal elements indicates predominant preservation of the right side of the animal, suggesting death or burial on the right side in a shallow, slow‐moving freshwater environment, with possible removal of other elements by scavenging or decay. Combining the Selsey data with 29 comparative skeletons from across Europe, we demonstrate the validity of pelvic proportions for determining sex and provide a graphical representation of variation and growth rate in males and females of this species.
Nitriding synthesis and structural change of phosphorus nitrides at high pressures
Authors: Niwa Ken , Iijima Yasunori , Ukita Masaya , Toda Ryuta , Toyoura Kazuaki , Sasaki Takuya , Matsunaga Katsuyuki , Gaida Nico Alexander , Hasegawa Masashi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe phase stability of γ‐P3N5 and the possible formation of new phosphorus nitrides were investigated via high‐pressure in situ Raman spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction measurements, and first‐principles calculations up to approximately 80 GPa. In this study, γ‐P3N5 was synthesized via the direct nitridation of black phosphorus at a pressure approximately above 12 GPa. The Raman spectrum, bulk modulus (K0 = 130.27(43) GPa), and compression behaviors (order of axial compressibility: βc > βa > βb) were experimentally measured for the first time. These experimental results were in good agreement with those of first‐principles calculations. Our high‐pressure in situ measurements and first‐principles calculations revealed that γ‐P3N5 persisted up to 80 GPa at room temperature. The compression of γ‐P3N5 proceeded with the folding of the layer consisting of the corner‐ and edge‐sharing PN4 and PN5. The present findings indicate that the P–N bonding with a low coordination number (PN4 and PN5) is preferable and stabilized for phosphorus nitride over a wide pressure range. However, laser heating between 67 and 70 GPa in the presence of nitrogen resulted in the formation of new PxNy, which included the possibility of a new high‐pressure P3N5 phase. The Raman scattering measurements along with the decompression demonstrated that the local structure of the newly synthesized PxNy metastably persisted at atmospheric pressure. The present experimental and theoretical studies on phosphorus nitrides offer new insights into the high‐pressure behaviors of covalent compounds consisting of highly coordinated polyhedra.
A metabolomics approach to evaluate post‐fermentation enhancement of daidzein and genistein in a green okara extract
Authors: Gupta Sulagna , Chen Wei Ning 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDOkara is a major agri‐industrial by‐product of the tofu and soymilk industries. Employing food‐wastes as substrates for the green production of natural functional compounds is a recent trend that addresses the dual concepts of sustainable production and a zero‐waste ecosystem.RESULTSExtracts of unfermented okara and okara fermented with Rhizopus oligosporus were obtained using ethanol as extraction solvent, coupled with ultrasound sonication for enhanced extraction. Fermented extracts yielded significantly better results for total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) than unfermented extracts. A qualitative liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (LC‐QTOF‐MS) analysis revealed a shift from glucoside forms to respective aglycone forms of the detected isoflavones, post‐fermentation. Since the aglycone forms have been associated with numerous health benefits, a quantitative high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed. Fermented okara extracts had daidzein and genistein concentrations of 11.782 ± 0.325 μg mL–1 and 10.125 ± 1.028 μg mL–1, as opposed to that of 6.7 ± 2.42 μg mL–1 and 4.55 ± 0.316 μg mL–1 in raw okara extracts, respectively. Lastly, the detected isoflavones were mapped to their metabolic pathways, to understand the biochemical reactions triggered during the fermentation process.CONCLUSIONFermented okara may be implemented as a sustainable solution for production of natural bioactive isoflavonoids genistein and daidzein. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Qualitative and quantitative profiles of jejunal oligosaccharides and cecal short‐chain fatty acids in broiler chickens receiving different dietary levels of fiber, protein and exogenous enzymes
Authors: Lin Yang , Olukosi Oluyinka A 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDDietary supplemental carbohydrases are able to degrade non‐starch polysaccharides and generate oligosaccharides in the gastrointestinal tract. This study was conducted to investigate the influence of dietary fiber and protein levels on growth performance, nutrient utilization, digesta oligosaccharides profile and cecal short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA) profile in broilers receiving diets supplemented with xylanase or protease individually or in combination.RESULTSEnzyme supplementation had no effect on growth performance. There was significant (P < 0.05) fiber × protein × xylanase interaction for ileal nitrogen digestibility and significant (P < 0.01) protein × xylanase × protease interaction for nitrogen‐corrected apparent metabolizable energy. Birds fed high‐fiber diets had higher (P < 0.05) jejunal oligosaccharides and cecal SCFA concentrations. Xylanase and protease combination produced the greatest pentose (Pent) levels in low fiber–adequate protein diets but lowest levels in highfiber–low protein diets. There was significant (P < 0.05) fiber × xylanase × protease interaction explained by the digesta concentrations of (Pent)3, (Pent)4 and (Pent)5 being greatest (P < 0.5) in protease‐only supplemented high‐fiber diets but lowest in protease‐only supplemented low‐fiber diets.CONCLUSIONThese results suggest that, of all the factors investigated, dietary fiber level had the greatest effect on modulating digesta concentration of oligosaccharides and cecal SCFA. Evidence points to the fact that there is considerable capacity for generating pentose oligosaccharides in the digestive tract of broilers receiving diets rich in fibrous feedstuffs, and that this may have a beneficial effect on microbial profile in the digestive tract.© 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Immunotherapy for Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Angeles Christina V. , Sabel Michael S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an aggressive form of skin cancer which, while chemosensitive, has high rates of relapse and chemoresistance, limiting the impact of chemotherapy. An immunogenic tumor, the management of advanced MCC has changed dramatically with the introduction of checkpoint inhibitors. This review will focus on the impact of immunotherapy in unresectable and metastatic MCC, ongoing research in the adjuvant and neoadjuvant settings, and future directions of immune‐based strategies for this challenging cancer.
Adjuvant immunotherapy for melanoma
Authors: Thomas Daniel , Bello Danielle M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSurgical resection is the treatment for early cutaneous melanoma and is often curative. Some patients, however, will subsequently relapse. High‐risk features in the primary tumor and regional lymph node metastasis highlight patient subsets that are at increased risk for recurrent disease. Immunotherapy in the form of checkpoint inhibitors ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab have been shown to improve recurrence‐free survival for node‐positive melanoma in the adjuvant setting and will be the focus of this review.
Neoadjuvant therapy versus surgery first for ampullary carcinoma: A propensity score‐matched analysis of the NCDB
Authors: Guo Marissa , Beal Eliza W. , Miller Eric D. , Williams Terence M. , Tsung Allan , Dillhoff Mary , Ejaz Aslam , Pawlik Timothy M. , Cloyd Jordan M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe role of neoadjuvant therapy (NT) for ampullary carcinoma (AC) has not been clearly established.MethodsPatients who underwent pancreatoduodenectomy for AC between 2004 and 2016 were identified in the National Cancer Database. Overall survival (OS) was compared between those who received NT before resection and those who underwent surgery first (SF). Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed using age, pathologic T and N stage, and tumor differentiation.ResultsAmong 8688 patients with AC, 175 (2.0%) received NT before surgery. While patients who received NT were younger (p = .022) and more likely to have nodal metastasis (43.3% vs. 35.1%, p < .001), there was no difference in OS on univariate (43 vs. 33 months; hazard ratio [HR]: 1.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.88–1.37, p = .401) or multivariate (HR: 1.09, 95% CI: 0.88–1.36, p = .416) analysis between groups. After PSM, there remained no difference in OS between NT or SF groups on univariate (37 vs. 32 months; HR: 1.20, 95% CI: 0.87–1.64, p = .350) or multivariate (HR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.71–1.38, p = .943) analysis.ConclusionNT followed by surgery was not associated with improved survival outcomes compared with SF among patients with localized AC. While NT is an acceptable alternative for patients with advanced disease, SF should remain the standard of care.
Jet flow rate and needle position govern distal airway pressures during low‐frequency jet ventilation
Authors: Pertile Joshua , Smith Bradford , Mellenthin Michelle , Wagner Jennifer , DeBoer Emily M. , Fink Daniel S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesAlthough jet ventilation is frequently used during surgery for airway stenosis, little is known about distal airway pressures during jet ventilation. The objective of the study is to determine how jet pressure, flow rate, and position of the ventilation needle relate to distal airway pressure magnitude and homogeneity.MethodsTwo 3D models of the first five generations of the human airway tree were created. One is a duplicate of a human airway from a 15‐year‐old healthy male's computed tomography scan, and the other is an idealized symmetric model of human lung morphometry. Pressure transducers measured fifth‐generation distal airway pressures in both models. A computer‐controlled jet needle positioning system was used to ventilate the lung casts. The effects of jet needle position, jet pressure, and jet flow rate on distal airway pressure and homogeneity were measured.ResultsTotal entrained jet flow rate was the most reliable predictor of distal airway pressure. Pressure supplied to the jet ventilation needle had a positive linear relationship with distal airway pressure; however, this relationship was dependent on the jet needle flow resistance. As the ventilation needle moved closer to the tracheal wall, ventilation homogeneity decreased. Depth into the trachea was positively correlated with sensitivity of the needle to the tracheal wall.ConclusionIn this model, total entrained jet flow rate is a more robust predictor of distal airway pressure than jet inlet pressure. More homogeneous ventilation was observed in our model with the ventilation needle centered in the proximal region of the trachea.
Toward a better understanding of fish‐based contribution to ocean carbon flux
Authors: Saba Grace K. , Burd Adrian B. , Dunne John P. , Hernández‐León Santiago , Martin Angela H. , Rose Kenneth A. , Salisbury Joseph , Steinberg Deborah K. , Trueman Clive N. , Wilson Rod W. , Wilson Stephanie E. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFishes are the dominant vertebrates in the ocean, yet we know little of their contribution to carbon export flux at regional to global scales. We synthesize the existing information on fish‐based carbon flux in coastal and pelagic waters, identify gaps and challenges in measuring this flux and approaches to address them, and recommend research priorities. Based on our synthesis of passive (fecal pellet sinking) and active (migratory) flux of fishes, we estimated that fishes contribute an average (± standard deviation) of about 16.1% (± 13%) to total carbon flux out of the euphotic zone. Using the mean value of model‐generated global carbon flux estimates, this equates to an annual flux of 1.5 ± 1.2 Pg C yr−1. High variability in estimations of the fish‐based contribution to total carbon flux among previous field studies and reported here highlight significant methodological variations and observational gaps in our present knowledge. Community‐adopted methodological standards, improved and more frequent measurements of biomass and passive and active fluxes of fishes, and stronger linkages between observations and models will decrease uncertainty, increase our confidence in the estimation of fish‐based carbon flux, and enable identification of controlling factors to account for spatial and temporal variability. Better constraints on this key component of the biological pump will provide a baseline for understanding how ongoing climate change and harvest will affect the role fishes play in carbon flux.
Virtual Growing Pains: Initial Lessons Learned from Organizing Virtual Workshops, Summits, Conferences, and Networking Events during a Global Pandemic
Authors: Meyer Michael F. , Ladwig Robert , Dugan Hilary A. , Anderson Alyssa , Bah Abdou R. , Boehrer Bertram , Borre Lisa , Chapina Rosaura J. , Doyle Chris , Favot Elizbaeth J. , Flaim Giovanna , Forsberg Philip , Hanson Paul C. , Ibelings Bas W. , Isles Peter , Lin Fang‐Pang , Lofton Dendy , Moore Tadhg N. , Peel Sara , Peters Jody A. , Pierson Don , de Senerpont Domis Lisette N. , Schloss Jeffrey A. , Shikhani Muhammed , Smagula Amy P. , Stockwell Jason D. , Thomas Perry , Thomas R. Quinn , Tietjen Todd , Weathers Kathleen C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractFor many, 2020 was a year of abrupt professional and personal change. For the aquatic sciences community, many were adapting to virtual formats for conducting and sharing science, while simultaneously learning to live in a socially distanced world. Understandably, the aquatic sciences community postponed or canceled most in‐person scientific meetings. Still, many scientific communities either transitioned annual meetings to a virtual format or inaugurated new virtual meetings. Fortunately, increased use of video conferencing platforms, networking and communication applications, and a general comfort with conducting science virtually helped bring the in‐person meeting experience to scientists worldwide. Yet, the transition to conducting science virtually revealed new barriers to participation whereas others were lowered. The combined lessons learned from organizing a meeting constitute a necessary knowledge base that will prove useful, as virtual conferences are likely to continue in some form. To concentrate and synthesize these experiences, we showcase how six scientific societies and communities planned, organized, and conducted virtual meetings in 2020. With this consolidated information in hand, we look forward to a future, where scientific meetings embrace a virtual component, so to as help make science more inclusive and global.
Three‐Year Results of Facial Photoaging in Asian Patients After Alexandrite 755 nm Picosecond Laser With Diffractive Lens Array: A Split‐Face, Single‐Blinded, Randomized Controlled Comparison
Authors: Yu Wenyou , Zhu Jiafang , Yu Wenxin , Shang Ying , Lyu Dongze , Lin Xiaoxi , Xu Hui , Zhang Zhen 
Published: February 2021

Background and ObjectiveThe long‐term efficacy of a picosecond alexandrite laser (PSAL) with a diffractive lens array (DLA) for the treatment of photoaging is absent. To observe the long‐term efficacy of PSAL for the treatment of photoaging.Study Design/Materials and MethodsEach patient (n = 10) received 10 treatments at 2‐week intervals. One side of the face was randomly selected for treatment. At 1, 3, 6, and 36 months after the final treatment, two blinded physicians evaluated photographs with four clinical indicators of photoaging (dyschromia, skin texture, skin laxity, and rhytids). A quartile scale was used.ResultsAt baseline, there were no significant differences in dyschromia, skin texture, facial laxity, or rhytids between the treated and control sides (P > 0.05). Picosecond laser‐treated side showed 0.85 and 1.05 (both P < 0.05) better for dyschromia at 3‐ and 6‐month follow‐up, and 0.6 (P < 0.05) better for skin texture at 6‐month follow‐up. At 36‐month follow‐up, the degree of photoaging is intensified on the control side while the rejuvenation efficacy maintained on the treated side, with 1.4, 0.75, and 0.8 (all P < 0.05) better for dyschromia, skin texture, and rhytids relative to the control side measures.ConclusionOur results demonstrate the long‐term efficacy and safety of PSAL with DLA for the treatment of facial photoaging. Limitation: Small sample size and the lack of objective evaluation. Lasers Surg. Med. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Flexible Oxygen‐Bridged Porous Organic Polymers for Adsorping and Fluorescence Sensing Iodine and the Formation of Liquid Complexes of POPs‐(Poly)Iodide Anions
Authors: Geng Tong‐Mou , Liu Min , Hu Chen , Zhu Feng 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThree flexible oxygen‐bridged porous organic polymers (TPG, HCCPA, and HPG) have been synthesized by nucleophilic substitution polymerization reactions. The three POPs display efficient and reversible adsorption of radioactive I2 in vapor and solution. In iodine vapor at 350 K, the maximum iodine adsorption capacities of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG are 5.29, 4.08, and 1.63 g g−1, respectively. The strong affinities for I2 are mainly due to the charge transfer of the POPs to iodine. Interestingly, with the decrease of iodine adsorption, charge transfer complexes of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG exhibit liquid, semi‐solid, and solid states, respectively. Furthermore, the three POPs have been found to fluorescently detect molecular iodine. The S–V quenching constants of TPG, HCCPA, and HPG are 2.01 × 104, 1.14 × 104, and 1.44 × 103 L mol−1, respectively. Their sensitivities decrease with the decrease of iodine adsorption. Pleasingly, HCCPA can sense molecular iodine by fluorescence in aqueous solution. Most probably, this is the first example of POPs used for fluorescent sensing molecular iodine in aqueous solution. Both TPG and HCCPA act as efficient adsorbents and chemical sensors of iodine.
On meromorphic solutions of non‐linear differential equations of Tumura–Clunie type
Authors: Heittokangas J. , Latreuch Z. , Wang J. , Zemirni M. A. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMeromorphic solutions of non‐linear differential equations of the form are investigated, where is an integer, h is a meromorphic function, and is differential polynomial in f and its derivatives with small functions as its coefficients. In the existing literature this equation has been studied in the case when h has the particular form , where are small functions of f and are entire functions. In such a case the order of h is either a positive integer or equal to infinity. In this article it is assumed that h is a meromorphic solution of the linear differential equation with rational coefficients , and hence the order of h is a rational number. Recent results by Liao–Yang–Zhang (2013) and Liao (2015) follow as special cases of the main results.