bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Serum Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein: A Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder Biomarker
Authors: Aktas Orhan , Smith Michael A. , Rees William A. , Bennett Jeffrey L. , She Dewei , Katz Eliezer , Cree Bruce A. C. ,   the N‐MOmentum scientific group and the N‐MOmentum study investigators
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveBlood tests to monitor disease activity, attack severity, or treatment impact in neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) have not been developed. This study investigated the relationship between serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (sGFAP) concentration and NMOSD activity and assessed the impact of inebilizumab treatment.MethodsN‐MOmentum was a prospective, multicenter, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomized clinical trial in adults with NMOSD. sGFAP levels were measured by single‐molecule arrays (SIMOA) in 1,260 serial and attack‐related samples from 215 N‐MOmentum participants (92% aquaporin 4‐immunoglobulin G‐seropositive) and in control samples (from healthy donors and patients with relapsing–remitting multiple sclerosis).ResultsAt baseline, 62 participants (29%) exhibited high sGFAP concentrations (≥170 pg/ml; ≥2 standard deviations above healthy donor mean concentration) and were more likely to experience an adjudicated attack than participants with lower baseline concentrations (hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 3.09 [1.6–6.1], p = 0.001). Median (interquartile range [IQR]) concentrations increased within 1 week of an attack (baseline: 168.4, IQR = 128.9–449.7 pg/ml; attack: 2,160.1, IQR = 302.7–9,455.0 pg/ml, p = 0.0015) and correlated with attack severity (median fold change from baseline [FC], minor attacks: 1.06, IQR = 0.9–7.4; major attacks: 34.32, IQR = 8.7–107.5, p = 0.023). This attack‐related increase in sGFAP occurred primarily in placebo‐treated participants (FC: 20.2, IQR = 4.4–98.3, p = 0.001) and was not observed in inebilizumab‐treated participants (FC: 1.1, IQR = 0.8–24.6, p > 0.05). Five participants (28%) with elevated baseline sGFAP reported neurological symptoms leading to nonadjudicated attack assessments.InterpretationSerum GFAP may serve as a biomarker of NMOSD activity, attack risk, and treatment effects. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:895–910
Tetraphenylethylene‐Based Multicomponent Emissive Metallacages as Solid‐State Fluorescent Materials
Authors: Mu Chaoqun , Zhang Zeyuan , Hou Yali , Liu Haifei , Ma Lingzhi , Li Xiaopeng , Ling Sanliang , He Gang , Zhang Mingming 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe construction of solid‐state fluorescent materials with high quantum yield and good processability is of vital importance in the preparation of organic light‐emitting devices. Herein, a series of tetraphenylethylene (TPE)‐based multicomponent emissive metallacages are prepared by the coordination‐driven self‐assembly of tetra‐(4‐pyridylphenyl)ethylene, cis‐Pt(PEt3)2(OTf)2 and tetracarboxylic ligands. These metallacages exhibit good emission both in solution and in the solid state because the coordination bonds and aggregation restrict the molecular motions of TPE synergistically, which suppresses the non‐radiative decay of these metallacages. Impressively, one of the metallacages achieves very high fluorescence quantum yield (ΦF=88.46 %) in the solid state, which is further used as the coatings of a blue LED bulb to achieve white‐light emission. The study not only provides a general method to the preparation of TPE‐based metallacages but also explores their applications as solid‐state fluorescent materials, which will promote the future design and applications of metallacages as useful emissive devices.
Zugang zu funktionalisierten Pyrenen, Peropyrenen, Terropyrenen und Quarterropyrenen über reduktive Aromatisierung
Authors: Werner Simon , Vollgraff Tobias , Sundermeyer Jörg 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWir berichten über ein vielseitig anwendbares Konzept zur Synthese vierfach funktionalisierter, löslicher Pyrene, Peropyrene, Terropyrene und Quarterropyrene. Diese wurden durch eine modulare Synthesestrategie über Suzuki‐Miyaura‐Kreuzkupplung, oxidative Cyclodehydrierung in Gegenwart von Caesiumhydroxid unter Luft und schließlich zinkvermittelte reduktive Silylierung erhalten. Die silylierten Reaktionsprodukte wurden mittels Einkristallstrukturanalysen charakterisiert. Wir stellen das erste Beispiel eines synthetisierten und kristallisierten Quarterropyrens und dessen Oxidationsreaktion vor. Die funktionalisierten Ropyrene wurden systematisch mittels UV/Vis‐NIR‐ und Photolumineszenz‐Spektroskopie charakterisiert und zeigten eine bathochrome Verschiebung von 80 nm pro Naphthalin‐Einheit und einen nahezu linearen Anstieg der Extinktionskoeffizienten. Cyclovoltammogramme und DFT‐Rechnungen identifizieren sie als elektronenreiche Farbstoffe und zeigen eine Verkleinerung des elektrochemisch bestimmten HOMO‐LUMO‐Abstands und niedrigere Oxidationspotentiale für die höheren Homologen.
Macroscopic Ultralight Aerogel Monoliths of Imine‐based Covalent Organic Frameworks
Authors: Martín‐Illán Jesús Á. , Rodríguez‐San‐Miguel David , Castillo Oscar , Beobide Garikoitz , Perez‐Carvajal Javier , Imaz Inhar , Maspoch Daniel , Zamora Félix 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe use of covalent organic frameworks (COFs) in practical applications demands shaping them into macroscopic objects, which remains challenging. Herein, we report a simple three‐step method to produce COF aerogels, based on sol‐gel transition, solvent‐exchange, and supercritical CO2 drying, in which 2D imine‐based COF sheets link together to form hierarchical porous structures. The resultant COF aerogel monoliths have extremely low densities (ca. 0.02 g cm−3), high porosity (total porosity values of ca. 99 %), and mechanically behave as elastic materials under a moderate strain (<25–35 %) but become plastic under greater strain. Moreover, these COF aerogels maintain the micro‐ and meso‐porosity of their constituent COFs, and show excellent absorption capacity (e.g. toluene uptake: 32 g g−1), with high removal efficiency (ca. 99 %). The same three‐step method can be used to create functional composites of these COF aerogels with nanomaterials.
Advances in ultra‐high‐pressure and multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography instrumentation and workflows
Authors: De Vos Jelle , Stoll Dwight , Buckenmaier Stephan , Eeltink Sebastiaan , Grinias James P. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe present contribution discusses recent advances in ultra‐high‐pressure liquid chromatography (UHPLC) and multi‐dimensional liquid chromatography (MDLC) technology. First, new developments in UHPLC column technology and system design are highlighted. The latter includes a description of a novel injector concept enabling method speed‐up, emerging detectors, and instrument diagnostics approaches. Next, online MDLC workflows are reviewed and advances in modulation technology are highlighted. Finally, key applications published in 2020 are reviewed.
Preparation and characterization of poly(vinyl alcohol)/gum tragacanth/cellulose nanocomposite film
Authors: Moghadam Majid Alizadeh , Mohammadi Reza , Sadeghi Ehsan , Mohammadifar Mohammad Amin , Nejatian Mohammad , Fallah Maryam , Rouhi Milad 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe effects of gum tragacanth obtained from two species of Astragalus Gossypinus (GT‐G) and A. Parrowianus (GT‐P) at two levels of 10% and 30% combined with cellulose nanofibers (CNF; 5%) on the physico‐mechanical and structural properties of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) nanocomposite film were investigated in this study. The water solubility and water vapor permeability of the films decreased with increasing the content of both gums, especially in the film containing 30% GT‐P. The highest values of the tensile strength (39.3 MPa) and elongation at break (445%) belonged to the treatment containing 10% GT‐P (90/10P/0). The FTIR and DSC analyses confirmed good interactions between GT and PVA in the 90/10P/0 treatment. SEM images indicated the dense structure of this film as the optimum treatment. Although the presence of CNF in the films containing GT‐G improved some properties, especially the Young modulus, it impaired all the functional properties of nanocomposite GT‐P film.
Investigation of the elastic properties of poly (methyl methacrylate) reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Muhammettursun Mahmut , Bel Tayfun , Kocacinar Elif , Erman Ecem , Gul Fuat Berke , Augousti Andy , Baydogan Nilgun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe technique for synthesis of poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) by atom transfer radical polymerization has been strengthened by using graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) to enhance the elastic properties of the polymer. In order to improve practical, economical and mechanical performance, the requirements for effective implementation of production control as a smart bulk polymer nanocomposite were determined for cost‐effective bulk production. Three‐dimensional inspection (using an ultrasound interrogation method for the whole volume under test) confirmed the synthesis of the nanocomposite to be free of agglomeration and bubbles. As a result of this elimination of defects, an enhancement in compressive strength of 42.7% was achieved and the Rockwell hardness was increased by 19.9% through the addition of GNPs at 2 wt% by mass. The deformation and mechanical failure properties have been characterized in the mechanical enhancement of the polymer nanocomposite. Elastic parameters determined using ultrasound testing identified that changes in the structural features following the addition of these GNPs were uniquely connected to the enhancements in these elastic parameters (such as Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, shear modulus, and microhardness) of the PMMA/GNPs nanocomposite.
Phenol removal from wastewater using eco‐friendly hybrid hydrogels
Authors: Dutra Mariana Alves Leite , Marques Nívia do Nascimento , Souza Filho Men de Sá Moreira de , Balaban Rosangela de Carvalho 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe intent of this study was to evaluate the ability of low‐cost polyacrylamide/starch hybrid hydrogels in removing organic pollutants from wastewater, using phenol as a model compound, besides of investigating the adsorption/desorption behavior as a function of hydrogels composition. The results indicated that the hydrogel with the lowest amount of starch and crosslinking agent exhibited the maximum phenol adsorption capacity, 21 mg g−1. The adsorption isotherm data were described by Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models. According to linear regression analysis, the Freundlich isotherm model was the best fit among the isotherm models for the adsorption process. Furthermore, desorption study revealed a minimum of about 60% of phenol release, indicating reusability to wastewater treatment.
Detecting the brook floater, a freshwater mussel species at risk, using environmental DNA
Authors: LeBlanc F. , Steeves R. , Belliveau V. , Akaishi F. , Gagné N. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe use of environmental DNA (eDNA) is a promising approach for the detection of aquatic species, including species at risk. One freshwater mussel species of interest in Atlantic Canada, the brook floater (Alasmidonta varicosa), is listed as being of Special Concern under theSpecies at Risk Actin Canada and as Vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. Further scientific data regarding species distribution and critical habitat is needed for the protection and conservation of this species.The aim of this study was to design, optimize, and apply a species‐specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay for the detection of brook floater from eDNA samples, and to assess temporal variability in brook floater eDNA quantities.Through an eDNA survey performed in New Brunswick rivers in 2017 and 2018, brook floater DNA was found at a total of 16 out of 56 sites sampled. The amount of brook floater DNA detected at all 16 sites was always below the theoretical limit of detection of the assay, and, as such, results were classified as either ‘inconclusive’ or ‘suspected’.The co‐detection of eastern pearlshell (Margaritifera margaritifera), a more abundant freshwater mussel species in Atlantic Canada, was successfully used as a natural positive control.Temporal variability in the amount of eDNA found in the water was also assessed at a site with a known brook floater population and minimal variability in eDNA quantities was observed from May to September.These results provide researchers and managers with a new tool for the detection of the brook floater in support of conservation and monitoring efforts.
Variation in cross‐sectional shape and biomechanical properties of the bat humerus under Wolff's law
Authors: López‐Aguirre Camilo , Wilson Laura A. B. , Koyabu Daisuke , Tu Vuong Tan , Hand Suzanne J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBats use their forelimbs in different ways, but flight is the most notable example of morphological adaptation. Foraging and roosting specializations beyond flight have also been described in several bat lineages. Understanding postcranial evolution during the locomotory and foraging diversification of bats is fundamental to understanding bat evolution. We investigated whether different foraging and roosting behaviors influenced humeral cross‐sectional shape and biomechanical variation, following Wolff's law of bone remodeling. The effect of body size and phylogenetic relatedness was also tested, in order to evaluate multiple sources of variation. Our results suggest strong ecological signal and no phylogenetic structuring in shape and biomechanical variation in humeral phenotypes. Decoupled modes of scaling of shape and biomechanical variation were consistently indicated across foraging and roosting behaviors, suggesting divergent allometric trajectories. Terrestrial locomoting and upstand roosting species showed unique patterns of shape and biomechanical variation across all our analyses, suggesting that these rare behaviors among bats place unique functional demands on the humerus, canalizing phenotypes. Our results suggest that complex and multiple adaptive pathways interplay in the postcranium, leading to the decoupling of different features and regions of skeletal elements optimized for different functional demands. Moreover, our results shed further light on the phenotypical diversification of the wing in bats and how adaptations besides flight could have shaped the evolution of the bat postcranium.
A switch of microbial flora coupled with ontogenetic niche shift in Leptinotarsa decemlineata
Authors: Kang Wei‐Nan , Jin Lin , Fu Kai‐Yun , Guo Wen‐Chao , Li Guo‐Qing 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn Leptinotarsa decemlineata, a final‐instar wandering larva typically undergoes an ontogenetic niche shift (ONS), from potato plant during the foraging stage to its pupation site below ground. Using high‐throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S ribosomal RNA gene, we determined the hypothesis that the L. decemlineata pupae harbor stage‐specific bacteria to meet the physiological requirements for underground habitat. We identified 34 bacterial phyla, comprising 73 classes, 208 orders, 375 families, and 766 genera in the collected specimens. Microbes across phyla Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes were enriched in the pupae, while those in the phylum Proteobacteria, Tenericutes, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes dominated in the larvae and adults. A total of 18 genera, including Blastococcus, Corynebacterium_1, Gordonia, Microbacterium, Nocardia, Nocardioides, Rhodococcus, Solirubrobacter, Tsukamurella, Enterococcus, Acinetobacter, Escherichia_Shigella, Lysobacter, Pseudomonas, and Stenotrophomonas, were specifically distributed in pupae. Moreover, soil sterilizing removed a major portion of bacteria in pupae. Specifically, both Enterococcus and Pseudomonas were eliminated in the soil sterilizing and antibiotic‐fed beetle groups. Furthermore, the pupation rate and fresh pupal weight were similar, whereas the emergence rate and adult weight were decreased in the antibiotic‐fed beetles, compared with controls. The results demonstrate that a switch of bacterial communities occurs in the pupae; the pupal‐specific bacteria genera are mainly originated from soil; this bacterial biodiversity improves pupa performance in soil. Our results provide new insight into the evolutionary fitness of L. decemlineata to different environmental niches.
Orientation tactics and associated factors in the digital library environment: Comparison between blind and sighted users
Authors: Xie Iris , Babu Rakesh , Lee Hyun Seung , Wang Shengang , Lee Tae Hee 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis is the first study that compares types of orientation tactics that blind and sighted users applied in their initial interactions with a digital library (DL) and the associated factors. Multiple methods were employed for data collection: questionnaires, think‐aloud protocols, and transaction logs. The paper identifies seven types of orientation tactics applied by the two groups of users. While sighted users focused on skimming DL content, blind users concentrated on exploring DL structure. Moreover, the authors discovered 13 types of system, user, and interaction factors that led to the use of orientation tactics. More system factors than user factors affect blind users' tactics in browsing DL structures. The findings of this study support the social model that the sight‐centered design of DLs, rather than blind users' disability, prohibits them from effectively interacting with a DL. Simultaneously, the results reveal the limitation of existing interactive information retrieval models that do not take people with disabilities into consideration. DL design implications are discussed based on the identified factors.
Recent Applications of Aggregation Induced Emission Probes for Antimicrobial Peptide Studies
Authors: Luu Tracey , Li Wenyi , O'Brien‐Simpson Neil M. , Hong Yuning 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are being intensively investigated as they are considered promising alternatives to antibiotics where their clinical efficacy is dwindling due to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Accompanying with the development of AMPs, a number of fluorescent probes have been developed to facilitate the understanding the modes of action of AMPs. These probes have been used to monitor the binding process, determine the working mechanism and evaluate the antimicrobial properties of AMPs. In particular, with the recent advance of aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) fluorophores, that show many advantageous properties over traditional probes, there is an increasing research interest in using AIE probes for AMP studies. In this review, we give an overview of AMP development, highlight the recent progress of using fluorescence probes in particularly AIE probes in the AMP field and propose the future perspective of developing potent antimicrobial agents to combat AMR.
Modification of raindrop size distribution due to seeder–feeder interactions between stratiform precipitation and shallow convection observed by X‐band polarimetric radar and optical disdrometer
Authors: Misumi Ryohei , Uji Yasushi , Maesaka Takeshi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe seeder–feeder interactions (SFIs), where raindrops from upper clouds grow by accreting cloud droplets in the lower clouds, have been extensively studied. However, there are few studies on the modification of raindrop size distribution (DSD) through this process. In the present study, rainfall from the landfalling rainbands of a typhoon was observed using an optical disdrometer and an X‐band polarimetric radar. Rainfall was classified into the following three types based on the DSD characteristics at the surface and the existence of a ρHV minimum in the upper layer: convective rainfall accompanied by a melting layer (type SF), convective rainfall without a melting layer (type C), and stratiform rainfall with a melting layer (type S). Type SF rainfall was regarded as having undergone SFIs between stratiform precipitation and shallow convection. The DSD for SF type rainfall was characterized by more small‐ to medium‐sized raindrops and a larger normalized intercept parameter than rainfall types C and S. An analysis using vertical profiles of radar‐derived DSD parameters for type SF rainfall suggested that the median‐volume diameter of raindrops increased by accreting cloud droplets in the lower clouds, and that small‐ to medium‐sized raindrops were produced by a warm rain process and breakup of raindrops.
Improving promotional effectiveness for consumer goods—A dynamic Bayesian approach
Authors: Raman Balaji , Sen Kamal , Gorti Venu , Ravishanker Nalini 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA leading global personal care manufacturer was spending millions of dollars towards giving promotional offers on various goods throughout the year. The C‐suite (i.e., CEO, CFO, COO, and CIO) of the global personal care firm was aware of the increasing promotion spends year on year and this led to questions on promotion effectiveness. The main question faced by the firm was whether the returns they were getting in terms of revenue was justifying the increase in promotional spends. In addition, they had the following concerns: (i) Are they evaluating their promotion effectiveness in a scientific way? (ii) Given that the nature and intensity of promotions differ across weeks, regions, and the size and type of retail outlet, can they quantify promotion effectiveness for different time periods and at different levels of hierarchy of retail outlets? (iii) Can we develop a tool to evaluate and optimize promotional spends periodically? Based on our previous association with this firm, we were approached to solve their problems related to promotions. After our initial meeting, we realized that our solution should consist of four pillars: (i) Data—understanding the data and data wrangling, (ii) Model—developing a statistical modeling framework to evaluate promotion effectiveness, (iii) Computation—coding with emphasis on computational speed in order to update returns periodically, and (iv) Dashboard—producing an interactive tool for viewing results and carrying out budget optimization by stakeholders. In this article, we consider one brand of the manufacturer as an example to present our solution as a case study. This brand under focus is a face care brand in India and it spends about USD 4 million every year on promotions. We model the promotion effectiveness under the framework of dynamic linear models (DLM) using integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA), a fast, approximate computational framework for Bayesian modeling and prediction. Companies like our personal care manufacturer belong to an industry which is commonly known as consumer packaged goods (CPG). An overview of this industry is presented in the following section.