bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tensile Behavior of Anchored Stainless Steel T‐Head Blind Bolts within Concrete‐Filled Steel Square Tubes
Authors: Li Ying‐Lei , Huang Ming‐Xian , Zhao Xiao‐Ling 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBased on a recent review on blind bolted connections to concrete‐filled steel tubes, there is a need to improve the performance of anchored blind bolts in such composite connections. This paper presents a study on the pull‐out behavior of anchored blind bolts under applied tensile load in terms of stiffness, yield strength, ultimate strength and load‐displacement response. A finite element (FE) model with concrete damage plasticity model was developed for parametric study. Effects of key parameters, such as concrete strength, bolt grade, embedment length, tube thickness and tube grade, on the tensile behavior of the connection were studied to identify the key parameters influencing the behavior. Finally, a predictive model based on component method was proposed to estimate the structural behavior of the blind‐bolted connections.
Elastic behavior of riveted double angle connections in tension
Authors: Sarou Lynita , Couchaux Maël , Hjiaj Mohammed , Sire Stéphane , Douroux Jean‐François 
Published: September 2023

AbstractT‐stubs and L‐stubs loaded in tension are generally assumed in contact with a rigid foundation. The prying force and stiffness of these components depend on this hypothesis. For double web angle riveted connections, the angle rests on deformable beam/column web. The objective of the present paper is to take into account the effects of this deformability on the development of the contact area, the rivet forces and the tensile stiffness. An enhanced theory of beam in contact with a tensionless Winkler foundation is adopted in the contact and lift‐off areas. The axial and bending flexibilities of rivets are also considered. A numerical analysis is also performed with ANSYS in order to validate the analytical model. A sensitivity study is conducted on the influence of the thickness of the horizontal leg. The analytical and the numerical results are in good agreement, which confirms the accuracy of the proposed mechanical model.
NMR Diffusometry and a (Random) Journey Across the World
Authors: Galvosas Petrik 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSamples relevant to fields such as chemical engineering, soft matter research, environmental studies and biology can be studied with respect to their material properties by characterizing the molecular mobility of the sample itself or of fluids interacting with the sample. This mini review aims to illustrate the versatility and power of NMR diffusometry in obtaining relevant material information provided by diffusion for a selection of different samples.
Feasibility of improving dust removal efficiency of fly ash fine particles for coal‐fired power plants
Authors: Li Haisheng , Yao Jie , Xu Ziyin , Zhou Hui , Chen Yinghua , Feng Weigang 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAs solid waste of coal‐fired power plants, atmospheric environmental pollution is caused by fly ash during transportation. The purpose of this study was to improve the dust removal efficiency of fly ash fine particles by electrocoagulation and obtain reasonable operating parameters. The effects of particle concentration, gas velocity, AC frequency, and voltage on particle electrocoagulation efficiency were studied through the establishment of a discrete element soft sphere calculation model, and reasonable electrocoagulation operation parameters were obtained. The dust removal process was evaluated according to the particle number concentration, electrocoagulation efficiency, and particles microscopic characteristics due to the dust removal experiments of fly ash by electrocoagulation. The results demonstrated that increasing particle concentration, reducing gas velocity, and selecting reasonable AC frequency and voltage were effective to improve the real‐time electrocoagulation efficiency and its stability. Under the suitable conditions: voltage of 3 kV, airflow velocity of 5 m s–1, particle concentration of 30 mg m–3 and AC frequency of 100 Hz, the electrocoagulation efficiency was higher than 40%. The electrocoagulation was effective to improve the dust removal efficiency of fly ash fine particles with a relative humidity of air below 70% and ambient temperatures above 20°C.
Structural Modification of the Natural Product Valerenic Acid Tunes RXR Homodimer Agonism
Authors: Zaienne Daniel , Isigkeit Laura , Marschner Julian A. , Duensing‐Kropp Silke , Höfner Georg , Merk Daniel 
Published: September 2023

AbstractRetinoid X receptors (RXR) are ligand‐sensing transcription factors with a unique role in nuclear receptor signaling as universal heterodimer partners. RXR modulation holds potential in cancer, neurodegeneration and metabolic diseases but adverse effects of RXR activation and lack of selective modulators prevent further exploration as therapeutic target. The natural product valerenic acid has been discovered as RXR agonist with unprecedented preference for RXR subtype and homodimer activation. To capture structural determinants of this activity profile and identify potential for optimization, we have studied effects of structural modification of the natural product on RXR modulation and identified an analogue with enhanced RXR homodimer agonism.
Racial differences in serum chemokines in prostate cancer patients
Authors: Karan Dev , Wick Jo , Dubey Seema , Kumar‐Sinha Chandan , Siddiqui Javed , Kunju Lakshmi P. , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Chinnaiyan Arul M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to understand the differential levels of inflammatory chemokines in association with higher prostate cancer incidence and mortality in African American (AA) men than in Caucasians (CA).MethodsThe authors used a chemokine assay to simultaneously measure 40 chemokines and cytokines levels in the serum of preoperative prostate cancer patients and healthy controls of AA and CA races. Selected chemokines (CXCL2, CXCL5, and CCL23) serum level was validated in 211 serum samples from prostate cancer patients and healthy controls. Differential expression of CXCL5 and CCL23 was analyzed using immunohistochemistry in a representative cohort of prostate tumor tissues of AA and CA races.ResultsRace‐specific comparisons from 211 serum samples showed significantly higher levels of CXCL2 (control: 3104.0 pg/mL vs. cancer: 2451.0 pg/mL) and CXCL5 (control: 5189.0 pg/mL vs. cancer: 5459.0 pg/mL) in AA men than in CAs (CXCL2; control: 1155.0 pg/mL vs. cancer: 889.3 pg/mL, and CXCL5; control: 1183.0 pg/mL vs. cancer: 977.5 pg/mL). CCL23 differed significantly within and between the races with a lower level in AA cancer cases (454.5 vs. 966.6 pg/mL) than healthy controls (740.5 vs. 1263.0 pg/mL). Patient age, prostate‐specific antigen, or Gleason scores were not significantly associated with these chemokines. Immunostaining for CXCL5 and CCL23 in a representative cohort of archival prostate tissues displayed significantly higher CXCL5 in prostate tumors than in adjacent benign tissues, whereas CCL23 was nondetectable in most of the analyzed tumor tissues.ConclusionLower levels of CCL23 in AA prostate cancer patient sera and tumor tissues and high CXCL2 and CXCL5 may contribute to aggressive prostate cancer, as often seen in AA men. The disproportionate levels of serum chemokines associated with race warrant further exploration to improve equitability in precision oncology to benefit prostate cancer patients.
Protective effect of miR‐18a in resected liver metastases of colorectal cancer and FOLFOX treatment
Authors: Franz Clemens , Jötten Laila , Wührl Michael , Hartmann Sibylle , Klupp Fee , Schmidt Thomas , Schneider Martin 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackgroundColorectal cancer ranks second in terms of cancer associated deaths worldwide, whereas miRNA play a pivotal role in the etiology of cancer and its metastases.AimsStudying the expression and cellular function of miR‐18a in metastatic colorectal cancer and association to progression‐free survival.Methods and ResultsColorectal liver metastases (N = 123) and primary colorectal cancer (N = 27) where analyzed by RT‐PCR and correlated with clinical follow up data. Invasion and migration assays were performed with the liver metastatic cell line LIM2099 after miR‐18a knockdown. Cell viability under FOLFOX treatment and knockdown was measured. We found that the expression of miR‐18a was increased 4.38‐fold in liver metastases and 3.86‐fold in colorectal tumor tissue compared to healthy liver tissue and colorectal mucosa, respectively (p ≤ .001). Patients with a high miR‐18a expression in liver metastases had a progression‐free survival (PFS) of 13.6 months versus 8.9 months in patients with low expression (N = 123; p = .024). In vitro migration of LIM2099 cells was reduced after miR‐18a knockdown and cell viability was significantly increased after miR‐18a knockdown and treatment with folinic acid or oxaliplatin. Subgroup analysis of PFS revealed significant benefits for patients with high miR‐18a expression receiving 5‐FU, folinic acid or oxaliplatin.ConclusionsHigh expression of miR‐18a in colorectal liver metastases might have a protective effect after resection of metastases and FOLFOX treatment regarding PFS.
The influence of partial gastrectomy for gastric cancer on the spontaneous disappearance of Helicobacter pylori: A single‐center prospective study
Authors: Yanagawa Senichiro , Fujikuni Nobuaki , Tanabe Kazuaki , Nakahara Masahiro , Noriyuki Toshio 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBackground/AimsHelicobacter pylori (HP) eradication is recommended after endoscopic treatment of early gastric cancer (EGC). Cases of spontaneous HP resolution after partial gastrectomy due to environmental changes have been reported; however, there is no evidence for the efficacy of HP eradication in suppressing carcinogenesis and also no reports on the natural history of HP after partial gastrectomy in gastric cancer (GC). To report the natural history of HP in patients with GC and HP infection after partial gastrectomy.Methods and ResultsWe prospectively studied the rate of spontaneous disappearance of HP after partial gastrectomy in patients with GC. From April 2016 to May 2020, 80 patients underwent partial gastrectomy, including 9 cases of proximal gastrectomy (PG), and 71 cases of distal gastrectomy (DG). The presence of HP was confirmed in the stool antigen test 1 year after operation, HP infection persisted in 46 patients (57.5%) and disappeared in 34 patients (42.5%). In univariate analysis, only proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use was a significant contributing factor for the spontaneous resolution of HP infection, especially in the DG group. However, there was no difference in the rates of HP disappearance between Billroth‐I and Roux‐en‐Y reconstructions in the DG group.ConclusionThe HP spontaneously disappeared in 42.5% of the GC patients within 1 year after partial gastrectomy. Further investigation in a larger cohort is needed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms.
Distribution of hand function by age in individuals with Rett syndrome
Authors: Neul Jeffrey L. , Benke Tim A. , Marsh Eric D. , Lane Jane B. , Lieberman David N. , Skinner Steven A. , Glaze Daniel G. , Suter Bernhard , Heydemann Peter T. , Beisang Arthur A. , Standridge Shannon M. , Ryther Robin C. C. , Haas Richard H. , Edwards Lloyd J. , Ananth Amitha , Percy Alan K. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine the longitudinal distribution of hand function skills in individuals with classic Rett syndrome (RTT), an X‐linked dominant neurodevelopmental disorder, and correlate with MECP2 variants.MethodWe conducted a longitudinal study of 946 girls and young women with typical RTT seen between 2006 and 2021 in the US Natural History Study (NHS) featuring a structured clinical evaluation to assess the level of hand function skills. The specific focus of this study was to assess longitudinal variation of hand skills from age 2 through age 18 years in relation to specific MECP2 variant groups.ResultsFollowing the initial regression period, hand function continues to decline across the age spectrum in individuals with RTT. Specific differences are noted with steeper declines in hand function among those with milder variants (Group A: R133C, R294X, R306C, and C‐terminal truncations) compared with groups composed of individuals with more severe variants.ConclusionsThese temporal variations in hand use represent specific considerations that could influence the design of clinical trials that test therapies aiming to ameliorate specific functional limitations in individuals with RTT. Furthermore, the distinct impact of specific MECP2 variants on clinical severity, especially related to hand use, should be considered in such interventional trials.
An Open‐Field‐Based Unimodal Object Recognition Test (OF‐UORT) for Assessment of Chronic Stress Effects on Visual and Tactile Unimodal Cognition in Mice
Authors: Wang Chi , You Shi‐Wei , Wang Xiao‐Dong 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe open field (OF) test is a widely used behavioral assay in animal studies to assess locomotion, emotion, and cognition. In open‐field‐based object recognition tasks, the open arena is equipped with combinations of objects to allow the examination of various aspects of learning and memory. In this article, we provide a protocol for open‐field‐based unimodal memory tests that assess tactile or visual unimodal cognitive behavior in mice. These tests do not require mice to be restricted from eating or drinking and do not involve aversive stimuli, such as electric shock, high‐decibel sound waves, bright light, or forced swimming. Inside the apparatus, mice can freely and spontaneously explore the objects and the environment. Sniffing of, or direct contact with, objects is considered a cognitive exploration of the objects, and the timing and number of such behaviors can be recorded. During the acquisition phase, two identical objects are provided. After an intertrial interval, the retrieval phase is initiated, during which one object is replaced with a new object that is different from the previous one. Decorative clear domes are used prevent direct tactile contact with the objects, whereas infrared illumination is used to block visual information from the objects. By alternating the access to visual or tactile features of the objects in the acquisition and retrieval phases, the experimenters can assess visual or tactile unimodal cognition. Here, we describe our own instrumentation and application for experiments, and demonstrate that the modified device is capable of testing visual or tactile unimodal cognition in mice. Although easy to perform, this task/test can accurately reflect unimodal cognitive performance in mice, which can provide solid and reproducible data support to related studies. © 2023 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Validation of the open‐field‐based unimodal object recognition testBasic Protocol 2: Evaluation of chronic stress effects on unimodal cognition using the open‐field‐based unimodal cognitive test
Climate suitability analyses compare the distributions of invasive knotweeds in Europe and North America with the source localities of their introduced biological control agents
Authors: Andersen Jeremy C. , Elkinton Joseph S. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractClimate suitability analyses based on ecological niche modeling provide a powerful tool for biological control practitioners to assess the likelihood of establishment of different candidate agents prior to their introduction in the field. These same analyses could also be performed to understand why some agents establish more easily than others. The release of three strains of Aphalara itadori (Shinji) (Hemiptera: Pysllidae), each from a different source locality in Japan, for the biological control of invasive knotweed species, Reynoutria spp. Houtt. (Caryophyllales: Polygonaceae), provides an important opportunity to compare the utility of climate suitability analyses for identifying potential climate‐based limitations for successful biological control introductions. Here, we predict climate suitability envelopes for three target species of knotweed in Europe and two target species of knotweed in North America and compare these suitability estimates for each of these species to the source localities of each A. itadori strain. We find that source locality of one strain, the Kyushu strain, has little‐to‐no suitability compared to other locations in Japan based on knotweed records from Europe, supporting an earlier study based on North American Japanese knotweed records. The source locality of a second strain, the Murakami strain, was predicted to have medium‐to‐high suitability based on records of knotweeds from North America. In contrast, European records of Reynoutria × bohemica Chrtek & Chrtková and Reynoutria sachalinensis (F. Schmidt) Nakai predicted no suitability for this locality compared to other locations in Japan, while European records for Reynoutria japonica Houtt. predicted low suitability. The source locality of the final strain, the Hokkaido strain, was predicted as having medium‐to‐high suitability based on knotweed records of all examined species from both North America and Europe.
Field sampling of fig pollinator wasps across host species and host developmental phase: Implications for host recognition and specificity
Authors: Oldenbeuving Aafke , Gómez‐Zúniga Adalberto , Florez‐Buitrago Ximena , Gutiérrez‐Zuluaga Ana M. , Machado Carlos A. , Van Dooren Tom J. M. , van Alphen Jacques , Biesmeijer Jacobus C. , Herre Edward Allen 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Previous genetic studies of pollinator wasps associated with a community of strangler figs (Ficus subgenus Urostigma, section Americana) in Central Panama suggest that the wasp species exhibit a range in host specificity across their host figs. To better understand factors that might contribute to this observed range of specificity, we used sticky traps to capture fig‐pollinating wasp individuals at 13 Ficus species, sampling at different phases of the reproductive cycle of the host figs (e.g., trees with receptive inflorescences, or vegetative trees, bearing only leaves). We also sampled at other tree species, using them as non‐Ficus controls. DNA barcoding allowed us to identify the wasps to species and therefore assign their presence and abundance to host fig species and the developmental phase of that individual tree. We found: (1) wasps were only very rarely captured at non‐Ficus trees; (2) nonetheless, pollinators were captured often at vegetative individuals of some host species; (3) overwhelmingly, wasp individuals were captured at receptive host fig trees representing the fig species from which they usually emerge. Our results indicate that wasp occurrence is not random either spatially or temporally within the forest and across these hosts, and that wasp specificity is generally high, both at receptive and vegetative host trees. Therefore, in addition to studies that show chemicals produced by receptive fig inflorescences attract pollinator wasps, we suggest that other cues (e.g., chemicals produced by the leaves) can also play a role in host recognition. We discuss our results in the context of recent findings on the role of host shifts in diversification processes in the Ficus genus.
The potential predictive value of cardiac mechanics for left ventricular reverse remodelling in dilated cardiomyopathy
Authors: Kan Ao , Fang Qimin , Li Shuhao , Liu Wenying , Tao Xinwei , Huang Kaiyao , Hu Mengyao , Feng Zhaofeng , Gong Lianggeng 
Published: September 2023

AbstractAimsLeft ventricular reverse remodelling (LVRR) is an important objective of optimal medical management for dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) patients, as it is associated with favourable long‐term outcomes. Cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) can comprehensively assess cardiac structure and function. We aimed to assess the CMR parameters at baseline and investigate independent variables to predict LVRR in DCM patients.Methods and resultsNighty‐eight initially diagnosed DCM patients who underwent CMR and echocardiography examinations at baseline were included. CMR parameters and feature tracking (FT) based left ventricular (LV) global strain (nStrain) and nStrain indexed to LV cardiac mass index (rStrain) were measured. The predictors of LVRR were determined by multivariate logistic regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CMR parameters and were compared by the DeLong test. At a median follow‐up time of 9 [interquartile range, 7–12] months, 35 DCM patients (36%) achieved LVRR. The patients with LVRR had lower LV volume, mass, LGE extent and stroke volume index (LVSVi) and higher left ventricular remodelling index (LVRI), nStrains, rStrains, and peak systolic strain rate (PSSR) in the longitudinal direction and rStrains in the circumferential direction at baseline (all P < 0.05). In the multivariate logistic regression analyses, LVRI [per SD, odds ratio (OR) 1.79; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.08–2.98; P = 0.024] and the ratio of global longitudinal peak strain (rGLPS) (per SD, OR 1.88; 95% CI 1.18–3.01; P = 0.008) were independent predictors of LVRR. The combination of LVSVi, LVRI, and rGLPS had a greater area under the curve (AUC) than the combination of LVSVi and LVRI (0.75 vs. 0.68), but not significantly (P = 0.09).ConclusionsPatients with LVRR had a lower LV volume index, lower LVSV index, lower LGE extent, higher LVRI, and preserved myocardial deformation in the longitudinal direction at baseline. LVRI and rGLPS at baseline were independent determinants of LVRR.
Lewis Acid Catalysed Chemoselective Amination of Alcohols Using Heterocyclic Thiones: An Avenue to Thiotetrazole Derivatives
Authors: Kataky Sudhamoyee , Boruah Pikumoni , Thakur Ashim J. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractHerein,a protocol for the chemoselective formation of C−N bond using Cu(OTf)2 as catalyst has been described using heterocyclic thiones. The reaction occurs preferentially at the nitrogen centre over the sulphur atom leading to C−N bond formation. Water being the only by‐product, the reaction is environmentally friendly. The reaction proceeds without any additive, ligand or inert atmosphere and shows good tolerance towards variety of alcohols and thiotetrazole derivatives. Our developed protocol could be scaled up to gram scale efficiently, which highlights the efficacy of this method and might offer potential application in synthetic industry.
Synthesis of a N‐heterocyclic Olefin‐Ligated Pd Complex [(NHO)Pd{[2‐(CH3O)C6H4]3P}Cl2] as a Catalyst for Suzuki−Miyaura Coupling
Authors: Ando Shin , Tanaka Ayako , Ishizuka Tadao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractN‐heterocyclic olefin (NHO) is known as a highly electron‐donative ligand, but its application to metal catalysts has rarely been studied. In this study, we synthesized 2‐methyleneimidazolidine ligands equipped with a bicyclic frameworks with the goal of developing a NHO‐ligated Pd catalyst. These synthesized [(NHO)PdCl(μ‐Cl)]2 complexes had a phosphine co‐ligand that proved effective as a catalyst for Suzuki‐Miyaura coupling at ambient temperature. By optimizing the N‐substituents of NHO ligands and a phosphine co‐ligand, we developed a [(NHO)Pd{[2‐(CH3O)C6H4]3P}Cl2] complex as a catalyst that shows good catalytic activity.