bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self‐Assembled Peptide Amphiphile Nanofibers for Controlled Therapeutic Delivery to the Atherosclerotic Niche
Authors: Peters Erica B. , Karver Mark R. , Sun Kui , Gillis David C. , Biswas Suvendu , Clemons Tristan D. , He Wenhan , Tsihlis Nick D. , Stupp Samuel I. , Kibbe Melina R. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAtherosclerotic plaque remains the leading contributor to cardiovascular disease and requires invasive surgical procedures for its removal. Nanomedicine offers a minimally invasive approach to alleviate plaque burden by targeted therapeutic delivery. However, nanocarriers are limited without the ability to sense and respond to the diseased microenvironment. In this study, targeted self‐assembled peptide amphiphile (PA) nanofibers are developed that cleave in response to biochemical cues expressed in atherosclerotic lesions—reactive oxygen species (ROS) and intracellular glutathione—to deliver a liver X receptor agonist (LXR) to enhance macrophage cholesterol efflux. The PAs release LXR in response to physiological levels of ROS and reducing agents and can be co‐assembled with plaque‐targeting PAs to form nanofibers. The resulting LXR PA nanofibers promoted cholesterol efflux from macrophages in vitro as well as LXR alone and with lower cytotoxicity. Further, the ApoA1‐LXR PA nanofibers target plaque within an atherosclerotic mouse model in vivo and activate ATP‐binding cassette A1 (ABCA1) expression as well as LXR alone with reduced liver toxicity. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential of self‐assembled PA nanofibers for controlled therapeutic delivery to the atherosclerotic niche.
Fiber‐Shaped Electronic Devices
Authors: Fakharuddin Azhar , Li Haizeng , Di Giacomo Francesco , Zhang Tianyi , Gasparini Nicola , Elezzabi Abdulhakem Y. , Mohanty Ankita , Ramadoss Ananthakumar , Ling JinKiong , Soultati Anastasia , Tountas Marinos , Schmidt‐Mende Lukas , Argitis Panagiotis , Jose Rajan , Nazeeruddin Mohammad Khaja , Mohd Yusoff Abd Rashid Bin , Vasilopoulou Maria 
Published: July 2021

AbstractTextile electronics embedded in clothing represent an exciting new frontier for modern healthcare and communication systems. Fundamental to the development of these textile electronics is the development of the fibers forming the cloths into electronic devices. An electronic fiber must undergo diverse scrutiny for its selection for a multifunctional textile, viz., from the material selection to the device architecture, from the wearability to mechanical stresses, and from the environmental compatibility to the end‐use management. Herein, the performance requirements of fiber‐shaped electronics are reviewed considering the characteristics of single electronic fibers and their assemblies in smart clothing. Broadly, this article includes i) processing strategies of electronic fibers with required properties from precursor to material, ii) the state‐of‐art of current fiber‐shaped electronics emphasizing light‐emitting devices, solar cells, sensors, nanogenerators, supercapacitors storage, and chromatic devices, iii) mechanisms involved in the operation of the above devices, iv) limitations of the current materials and device manufacturing techniques to achieve the target performance, and v) the knowledge gap that must be minimized prior to their deployment. Lessons learned from this review with regard to the challenges and prospects for developing fiber‐shaped electronic components are presented as directions for future research on wearable electronics.
Evaluating agronomic factors for maize production in a semi‐arid Loess Plateau
Authors: Liang Gaimei , Chi Baoliang , Li Nana , Chen Wenliang , Qin Wei , Wu Xueping , Huang Xuefang 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCrop production is often affected by multiple agronomic factors. However, little has been reported on the synergistic effects of multiple factors on crop production. Here, we reported the effects of five factors (i.e., variety, planting density, nitrogen application, supplemental irrigation, and plastic mulching) on crop yields, using data from a 5‐yr experiment at Dongyang, Shanxi province of China. An incomplete factorial design with these factors comprised 12 treatments, including two controls: optimized technology (OT) and conventional technology (CT), comprising all five factors applied at the added or subtracted level, respectively. The result showed that, on 5‐yr average, OT significantly increased maize yield by 3.5 Mg ha–1 (44.3% more) as compared to CT (7.9 Mg ha–1), showing a huge potential for increasing yields. Among the five factors, plastic mulching contributed the most in yield increase (11.5%), and high density, improved variety, and irrigation contributed 9.9, 6.9, and 5.1% increases in yield, respectively. There were no significant differences in yield between two N input levels (i.e., 225 and 300 kg N ha–1), suggesting the N input of 225 kg N ha–1 was sufficient to realize a yield level of 8–11 Mg ha–1 in the studied area. In conclusion, reducing the yield gap can only be achieved by optimizing multiple factors simultaneously because the effects of single measure are relatively small and inconsistent among years. The results of our study will help develop adaptive management practices for increasing crop yield stability in other semi‐arid regions.
Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis of d/l‐Agrimonolide
Authors: Cui Yu‐Ang , Zhang Guang‐Yu , Li Yun‐Zhi , Li Wei , Tanabe Genzoh , Osamu Muraoka , Xie Wei‐Jia 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, we reported an improved approach for the synthesis of d/l Agrimonolide from 4‐Chlororesorcinol. It was found that a microwave assisted intramolecular esterification is an effective way to construct the 3,4‐dihydroisocoumarin core structure. The target d/l Agrimonolide is obtained in 7 steps with the overall yields of 20.7%.
External Catalyst‐Free Oxidation of Benzyl Halides to Benzoic Acids Using NaOH/TBHP in Water
Authors: Saini Parul , Krishnan Anandhu , Yadav Deepak , Hazra Susanta , Elias Anil J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractAn efficient and metal‐free methodology for the oxidation of benzyl halides to benzoic acids using an inexpensive and green oxidant (TBHP) in aqueous basic medium has been developed. This protocol offers an excellent way to avoid adding catalysts and involves the use of an in‐situ generated halide ion as catalyst. It is also the first report on the oxidation of benzyl iodides to benzoic acids. A series of carboxylic acids were prepared from benzyl halides in high yields under mild reaction conditions by this method which does not require chromatographic purification. Gram scale reactions for the synthesis of the carboxylic acids in good yields have been successfully carried out using benzyl chloride, bromide and iodide. As an industrial application, the synthesis of a key monomer used for the synthesis of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), i. e., terephthalic acid (PTA), has also been accomplished in good yields.
Is craniofacial morphology and body composition related by common genes: Comparative analysis of two ethnically diverse populations
Authors: Ghosh Sudipta , Kasher Melody , Malkina Ida , Livshits Gregory 
Published: July 2021

AbstractObjectivesThe overarching hypothesis of the present paper is that ethnically and/or genetically diverse human populations may exhibit similarity in correlations between various aspects of human phenotypes due to the morphological integration process during the ontogenetic stages. To test this we investigated whether an association between craniofacial (CF) features and body composition (BC) variations is present in humans and the extent to which such possible associations are comparable in different populations. Furthermore, the paper examines the contribution of common genetic (additive) and shared familial environmental factors in assessing the correlation between CF and BC characteristics in humans.Materials and MethodsTwo pedigree‐based samples were collected from two distinct populations, including India (Santhal) and Europe (Chuvash). Canonical correlation analysis was used to compare the association between CF and BC characteristics in the two studied samples. The contribution of genetic and familial environmental factors on the correlation between CF and BC features was analyzed through variance decomposition analysis by implementing the Mendelian Analysis package (MAN).ResultsOur study suggests that CF morphology is significantly (p < 0.001) associated with BC variation in both samples. CF characteristics and BC phenotypes revealed a consistent trend in both samples where condensed and broad CF morphology was significantly associated with increased fat accumulation, with slight variations between the Santhal and Chuvash samples. Despite the variations observed between the samples, the heritability estimates were impressively equivalent for traits like total facial height (55.6%Santhalvs.56.1%Chuvash) and nasal index (42.8%Santhalvs. 43.3%Chuvash).DiscussionThe genetic contribution of CF morphology appeared to be extensive and the contribution of common genetic and shared family environmental correlations between CF and BC measures were suggestively substantial. Accordingly, these correlations were consistently observed across ethnically diverse populations, despite drastic morphological differences between the samples under comparison.
Recruitment of a multi‐site randomized controlled trial of aerobic exercise for older adults with amnestic mild cognitive impairment: The EXERT trial
Authors: Shadyab Aladdin H. , LaCroix Andrea Z. , Feldman Howard H. , van Dyck Christopher H. , Okonkwo Ozioma C. , Tam Steven P. , Fairchild J. Kaci , Welsh‐Bohmer Kathleen A. , Matthews Genevieve , Bennett Daniel , Shadyab Alexandre A. , Schafer Kimberly A. , Morrison Rosemary H. , Kipperman Sean A. , Mason Jennifer , Tan Donna , Thomas Ronald G. , Cotman Carl W. , Baker Laura D. ,   for the ADCS EXERT Study Group
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntroductionEffective strategies to recruit older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) into nonpharmacological intervention trials are lacking.MethodsRecruitment for EXERT, a multisite randomized controlled 18‐month trial examining the effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive trajectory in adults with amnestic MCI, involved a diverse portfolio of strategies to enroll 296 participants.ResultsRecruitment occurred September 2016 through March 2020 and was initially slow. After mass mailings of 490,323 age‐ and geo‐targeted infographic postcards and brochures, recruitment rates increased substantially, peaking at 16 randomizations/month in early 2020. Mass mailings accounted for 52% of randomized participants, whereas 25% were recruited from memory clinic rosters, electronic health records, and national and local registries. Other sources included news broadcasts, public service announcements (PSA), local advertising, and community presentations.DiscussionAge‐ and geo‐targeted mass mailing of infographic materials was the most effective approach in recruiting older adults with amnestic MCI into an 18‐month exercise trial.
Specialty chemicals production case study: Economic analysis of modular chemical process intensification versus conventional stick‐built approaches
Authors: O'Connor James T. , Kowall Cliff P. , Haapala Karl R. , Agrawal Naman V. , Paul Brian K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe beneficial synergies of chemical process intensification and plant modularization present a unique step‐wise advancement opportunity for many chemical manufacturers, but economic case studies are needed to raise awareness of such opportunities. The primary objective of this case study is to better understand the business case economics of a specialty chemical plant using modular chemical process intensification (MCPI), by comparing it with that of a conventional stick‐built (CSB) plant that produces the same product at the same production capacity. When comparing MCPI against CSB approaches for a plant project strategy decision, analysts should thoroughly understand and model the differences and similarities in scope bases. The MCPI approach for this case study benefitted from dramatic reductions in capital expenditures (CAPEX). A sizeable reduction in plant spatial volume likely explains some of these reductions. Sizeable operational expenditure (OPEX) reductions with the MCPI plant appear to be associated with the reduced operator staffing required from converting a labor‐intensive batch process into an automated, continuous flow process. Traditional project investment economic measures strongly favored the MCPI case for the design, construction, and operation of the specialty chemical plant. The net present value for the MCPI case was nearly twice that for the CSB case over a ten‐year period, and the payback period for the CSB case was nearly five times longer than that of the MCPI case. The opinion‐based perspective of the study participant identified significant contributors to superior MCPI economic performance for this case study. With the two conditions of low MCPI CAPEX and high product profit margin, economic analysis indicates that incorporation of a backup MCPI train, for operational redundancy when downtime occurs, is a very beneficial strategy.
Advection‐Enhanced Kinetics in Microtiter Plates for Improved Surface Assay Quantitation and Multiplexing Capabilities
Authors: Pereiro Iago , Fomitcheva Khartchenko Anna , Lovchik Robert D. , Kaigala Govind V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSurface assays such as ELISA are pervasive in clinics and research and predominantly standardized in microtiter plates (MTP). MTPs provide many advantages but are often detrimental to surface assay efficiency due to inherent mass transport limitations. Microscale flows can overcome these and largely improve assay kinetics. However, the disruptive nature of microfluidics with existing labware and protocols has narrowed its transformative potential. We present WellProbe, a novel microfluidic concept compatible with MTPs. With it, we show that immunoassays become more sensitive at low concentrations (up to 9× signal improvement in 12× less time), richer in information with 3–4 different kinetic conditions, and can be used to estimate kinetic parameters, minimize washing steps and non‐specific binding, and identify compromised results. We further multiplex single‐well assays combining WellProbe's kinetic regions with tailored microarrays. Finally, we demonstrate our system in a context of immunoglobulin subclass evaluation, increasingly regarded as clinically relevant.
Mycosynthesis of silver nanoparticles using Aspergillus caespitosus: Characterization, antimicrobial activities, cytotoxicity, and their performance as an antimicrobial agent for textile materials
Authors: El‐Bendary Magda A. , Moharam Maysa E. , Hamed Shimaa R. , Abo El‐Ola Samiha M. , Khalil Safaa K. H. , Mounier Marwa M. , Roshdy Amira M. , Allam Mousa A. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMycosynthesis of stable silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) using Aspergillus caespitosus exo‐ and endo‐filtrates were obtained. Both exo‐ and endo‐AgNPs showed an absorbance peak at 410 nm, spherical, hexagonal, and anisotropic crystalline nanoparticles with 22–57 nm in size. FTIR analysis of mycosynthesized AgNPs showed presence of amide and carbonyl functional groups, which depicts the presence of peptides that involved in the synthesis and stability of AgNPs. Nitrate reductase activity was found to be 0.71 and 0.36 μM/min/ml for exo‐ and endo‐filtrates, respectively. The optimum conditions for the synthesis of exo‐ and endo‐AgNPs were at 6:4 and 8:2 filtrate:double distilled water dilution, respectively. Also, both AgNPs syntheses were the maximum at using one mM AgNO3 in aqueous solution, 24‐h incubation at 30°C under static and illuminating conditions. Aspergillus caespitosus‐synthesized AgNPs showed antimicrobial activities against Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria and Candida albicans. They showed non‐cytotoxic effect with exception of endo‐AgNPs on MCF‐7 breast carcinoma cells. Different textile samples treated with these nanoparticles exhibited antimicrobial activities against the tested pathogenic microorganisms. Finally, Aspergillus caespitosus is a promising nano‐factory for simple, green, and cost‐effective biosynthesis of AgNPs using extracellular and intracellular filtrates.
Evolutionary treasures hidden in the West Indies: Comparative osteology and visceral morphology reveals intricate miniaturization in the insular generaMitophisHedges, Adalsteinsson, & Branch, 2009 andTetracheilostomaJan, 1861 (Leptotyphlopidae: Epictinae: Tetracheilostomina)
Authors: Martins Angele , Koch Claudia , Joshi Mitali , Pinto Roberta , Machado Alessandra , Lopes Ricardo , Passos Paulo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe generaMitophisandTetracheilostomacomprise two extant lineages of small‐sized threadsnakes that exclusively inhabit several islands of the West Indies. Even though leptotyphlopids are known for their extremely reduced size, miniaturization has only been hypothesized to reflect insular dwarfism for the genusTetracheilostoma. Herein, we aim to describe the comparative osteology and visceral morphology of both genera, investigating and discussing their several internal morphological simplifications and novelties. Our results indicate that these taxa exhibit several autapomorphies mostly concentrated in the dorsoposterior skull elements and maxillae, as well as in their axial skeleton and viscera. These novelties and simplifications are most likely a result of extreme miniaturization driven by the evolutionary constraints or ecological opportunities possibly imposed by the “island rule.” BothMitophisandTetracheilostomadistinguish from all other Epictinae in lacking a dentigerous process in the maxillae, by having the prootic fused to the otooccipital, and by the lack (except in comparison to a fewEpictia) of a cervical vertebrae intercentrum I. Additionally,Mitophiscan be distinguished from other Epictinae by the participation of the unpaired supraoccipital in the dorsal border of the foramen magnum, by the absence of the pleurapophyses in the caudal vertebrae, by a higher number of liver segments, and by the extreme degeneration of the pelvic rudiments.Tetracheilostomadiffers from other Epictinae by lacking a distinct supraoccipital, which is fused to the parietal. Thus, our results reinforce that morphological characters are extremely valuable for leptotyphlopid systematics given their extremely conserved external morphology.
Hexanuclear Co4Dy2, Zn4Dy2, and Co4Y2 Complexes with Defect Tetracubane Cores: Syntheses, Structures, and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Li Dawei , Li Yafei , Tello Yepes David Felipe , Zhang Xiamei , Li Yahong , Yao Jin‐lei 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA hexanuclear heterometallic cluster of composition [Dy2Co4(L)4(NO3)2(OH)4(C2H5OH)2] ⋅ 2 C2H5OH (1) was synthesized by employing a Schiff base 2‐(((2‐hydroxy‐3‐methoxybenzyl) imino)methyl)‐4‐methoxyphenol (H2L) as ligand and utilizing Dy(NO3)3 ⋅ 6H2O and Co(NO3)2 ⋅ 6H2O as metal ion sources. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction analysis indicated that complex 1 contains a defect tetracubane core and possesses central symmetric structure, with two DyIII ions being in the central body position of the molecule and four CoII ions being arranged at the outer sites. Magnetic studies reveal that complex 1 behaves as single‐molecule magnet (SMM) with energy barrier of 27.50 K. To investigate the individual contribution of DyIII and CoII ions to the SMM behavior, another two complexes of formulae [Dy2Zn4(L)4(NO3)2(OH)4] ⋅ 4CH3OH (2) and [Y2Co4(L)4(NO3)2(OH)4(C2H5OH)2] ⋅ 2 C2H5OH (3) were prepared. Complexes 1 and 3 are isomorphous. The coordination geometries of DyIII ions in 1 and 2 are different. The DyIII ions are eight‐coordinated in 2 and nine‐coordinated in 1. Complex 2 exhibits SMM behavior with energy barrier of 69.67 K, but complex 3 does not display SMM property. These results reveal that the SMM behaviors of 1 and 2 are mainly originated from DyIII ions. It might be the higher symmetry of DyIII ions in 2 that results in the higher energy barrier.
Stochastic comparison on load‐sharing systems with one statistically dependent redundancy
Authors: Li Chen , Fang Rui , Li Xiaohu 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this article, we study a load‐sharing redundancy system in the presence of statistical dependence between base and redundancy component lifetimes when they are under partial workload. We derive the system reliability function in terms of reliability functions and the copula function of the base and redundancy component lifetimes. Further, in the setting of some aging properties, the base component and absolute continuous copula, we develop the hazard rate order, the reversed hazard rate order, and the likelihood ratio order between the system lifetime and the base component lifetimes. Two typical scenarios with independence between the base and redundancy component lifetimes are discussed in particular. Several numerical examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical findings as well.
Comparison of UV‐ and Raman‐based monitoring of the Protein A load phase and evaluation of data fusion by PLS models and CNNs
Authors: Rolinger Laura , Rüdt Matthias , Hubbuch Jürgen 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA promising application of Process Analytical Technology to the downstream process of monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) is the monitoring of the Protein A load phase as its control promises economic benefits. Different spectroscopic techniques have been evaluated in literature with regard to the ability to quantify the mAb concentration in the column effluent. Raman and Ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy are among the most promising techniques. In this study, both were investigated in an in‐line setup and directly compared. The data of each sensor were analyzed independently with Partial‐Least‐Squares (PLS) models and Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) for regression. Furthermore, data fusion strategies were investigated by combining both sensors in hierarchical PLS models or in CNNs. Among the tested options, UV spectroscopy alone allowed for the most precise and accurate prediction of the mAb concentration. A Root Mean Square Error of Prediction (RMSEP) of 0.013 g L−1 was reached with the UV‐based PLS model. The Raman‐based PLS model reached an RMSEP of 0.232 g L−1. The different data fusion techniques did not improve the prediction accuracy above the prediction accuracy of the UV‐based PLS model. Data fusion by PLS models seems meritless when combining a very accurate sensor with a less accurate signal. Furthermore, the application of CNNs for UV and Raman spectra did not yield significant improvements in the prediction quality. For the presented application, linear regression techniques seem to be better suited compared with advanced nonlinear regression techniques, like, CNNs. In summary, the results support the application of UV spectroscopy and PLS modeling for future research and development activities aiming to implement spectroscopic real‐time monitoring of the Protein A load phase.