bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Organosilicon‐functionalized polyolefins, a kind of designable and versatile polymer: From preparation to applications
Authors: Cai Yuquan , Fang Wenyu , Zheng Jieyuan , Xu Jie , Fan Hong 
Published: March 2023

AbstractFunctionalization of polyolefins has been a challenging but promising issue since their invention, with the promise of retaining inherent properties and overcoming the low reactivity and poor compatibility. Organosilicons are widely used for polymer modification to improve thermal stability, hydrophobicity, compatibility, and permeability. Since the advent of alkoxysilane‐grafted polyethylene in 1960s, organosilicon‐functionalized polyolefins (Si‐PO) have been extensively prepared, investigated, and developed. The structure of Si‐PO is designable due to the flexible chemistry of organosilicons; crosslinked, long chain branched, and star‐shaped polyolefins are available after the introduction of alkoxysilanes, chlorosilanes, hyrdosilanes, or alkylsilanes into polyolefins, and generally these polymers are more compatible to fillers than commercial polyolefins due to stronger interaction. In addition, functionalization of polyolefins with stable organosilicon components such as polysiloxane and polysilsesquioxane can improve thermostability, hydrophobicity, gas permeability, and aging resistance; such polyolefins are usually grafted or block polymers. In this review, Si‐PO is classified according to the functional organosilicon component, namely alkoxysilane, chlorosilane, hydrosilane, alkylsilane, polysiloxane, and polysilsesquioxane; their preparations are discussed minutely and summarized with manifold examples. Silicon‐containing structures impart the unique properties of organosilicons to polyolefins; applications of Si‐PO as compatibilizers, processing aids, battery separators, and separating membranes have been widely reported and are discussed here.
Molecular diagnostics and inhibition of cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants in Hymenoptera venom allergy
Authors: Jovanovic Dragana , Peric‐Popadic Aleksandra , Djuric Vojislav , Stojanovic Maja , Lekic Branislav , Milicevic Ognjen , Bonaci‐Nikolic Branka 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe composition of venom extracts, cross‐reactive carbohydrate determinants (CCD) and the component‐resolved diagnostics (CRD) are important fields of investigation. IgE‐reactivity to CCD complicates the interpretation of IgE to Hymenoptera venoms, especially in patients with multiple‐positivity. We analyzed the clinical importance of CRD and CCD‐inhibition for selection of allergens for venom immunotherapy (VIT).MethodsIn 71 patients, we measured specific IgE (sIgE) to honeybee venom (HBV), wasp venom (WV), hornet venom (HV), CCD, and recombinant allergens: phospholipase A2 (rApi m 1), hyaluronidase (rApi m 2), icarapin (rApi m 10), antigen 5 (rVes v 5), and phospholipase A1 (Immunoblot). In 29/71 HBV/WV/HV/CCD‐positive patients CCD‐inhibition was performed. According to CRD and CCD‐inhibition, we identified true sensitization and defined groups of multiple‐positive patients who needed CCD‐inhibition before starting VIT.ResultssIgE‐rApi m 1, sIgE‐rApi m 2, and sIgE‐rApi m 10 were detected in 65.7%, 68.4%, and 58%, respectively. In HBV allergic patients, CRD sensitivity was 86.8%. In WV allergic patients, sensitivity of sIgE‐rVes v 5 was 94%. True multiple‐sensitization was found in 44.8% of HBV/WV/HV/CCD‐positive patients after CCD‐inhibition. Patients with multiple venom‐ and CCD‐positivity had more frequent severe allergic reactions (p < 0.001). CCD‐inhibition was helpful in HBV/WV/HV/CCD‐positive patients who were negative to all tested recombinant honeybee allergens. Persistence of HBV‐positivity after CCD‐inhibition requires CRD to other honeybee recombinant allergens.ConclusionCRD, using a profile of five most important recombinant allergens and CCD, has a high sensitivity for the diagnosis of venom allergy, especially in patients positive to several venom extracts. CRD and CCD‐inhibition are helpful to reveal the clinically relevant, true sensitization and improve the selection of venoms for long‐lasting VIT.
A Reinvestigation of the Role of the Sorbic Acid Tail on the Antibacterial and Anti‐Tuberculosis Properties of Moiramide B
Authors: Kollmorgen Irina , Bachmann Nathalie , Dal Molin Michael , Degenhart Carsten , Zent Eldar , Pareek Vikram , Koch Uwe , Rybniker Jan , Metzler‐Nolte Nils , Stoll Raphael , Klebl Bert , Bandow Julia Elisabeth , Scherkenbeck Jürgen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractDue to worldwide increasing resistances, there is a considerable need for antibacterial compounds with modes of action not yet realized in commercial antibiotics. One such promising structure is the acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) inhibitor moiramide B which shows strong antibacterial activity against gram‐positive bacteria such as Bacillus subtilis and weaker activities against gram‐negative bacteria. However, the narrow structure‐activity relationship of the pseudopeptide unit of moiramide B represents a formidable challenge for any optimization strategy. In contrast, the lipophilic fatty acid tail is considered an unspecific vehicle responsible only for the transport of moiramide into the bacterial cell. Here we show that the sorbic acid unit, in fact, is highly relevant for ACC inhibition. A hitherto undescribed sub‐pocket at the end of the sorbic acid channel binds strongly aromatic rings and allows the development of moiramide derivatives with altered antibacterial profiles including anti‐tubercular activity.
Design, Synthesis, and Optimization of Indole Acetic Acid Derivatives as Potent and Selective CRTH2 Receptor Antagonists: Discovery of ACT‐774312
Authors: Aissaoui Hamed , Holdener Martin , Gnerre Carmela , Niggemann Kerstin , Reber Stefan , Richard Sylvia , Siegrist Romain , Boss Christoph 
Published: March 2023

AbstractHerein we report the structure‐activity relationship (SAR) studies and optimization of new highly potent and selective CRTH2 receptor antagonists as potential follow‐ups of our previous reported clinical candidate setipiprant (ACT‐129968) for the treatment of respiratory diseases. Structural modification of the amide part of setipiprant (ACT‐129968) led to the identification of the tetrahydrocarbazole derivative(S)‐B‐1(ACT‐453859) ((S)‐2‐(3‐((5‐chloropyrimidin‐2‐yl)(methyl)amino)‐6‐fluoro‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐9H‐carbazol‐9‐yl)acetic acid). This compound which displayed a substantial improvement in potency in the presence of plasma versus setipiprant(ACT‐129968)has exhibited an excellent overall pharmacokinetic profile. Further lead optimization to overcome a safety issue as observed in non‐clinical studies with(S)‐B‐1(ACT‐453859), led to the discovery of the 4‐azaindole derivative(S)‐72(ACT‐774312) ((S)‐2‐(8‐((5‐chloropyrimidin‐2‐yl)(methyl)amino)‐2‐fluoro‐6,7,8,9‐tetrahydro‐5H‐pyrido[3,2‐b]indol‐5‐yl)acetic acid) which was selected as a potential follow‐up of setipiprant (ACT‐129968).
Linguistic predictors of symptom change in an internet‐based cognitive behavioural intervention for prolonged grief symptoms
Authors: Schmidt Viktoria , Kaiser Julia , Treml Julia , Linde Katja , Nagl Michaela , Kersting Anette 
Published: March 2023

AbstractThis study investigates linguistic predictors of reduction in prolonged grief symptoms following a writing intervention in an internet‐based cognitive behavioural therapy for people bereaved by cancer. Data stem from a randomized control clinical trial with 70 people. The Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count program was used to analyse patient language. Absolute change scores and reliable change index were used to calculate reduction in grief symptoms and clinical significant change. Best subset regression and Mann–Whitney U tests were conducted. A higher reduction of prolonged grief symptoms was correlated with more social words in the first module (β = −.22, p = .042), less risk (β = .33, p = .002) and body words (β = .22, p = .048) in the second module and more time words in the third module (β = −.26, p = .018). Patients with clinically significant change showed a higher median in function words in the first module (p = .019), a lower median in risk words in the second module (p = .019) and a higher median in assent words in the last module (p = .014) compared to patients without clinically significant change. Findings suggest that it may be beneficial for therapists to encourage a more detailed description of patients' relationship with their deceased relative during the first module, a change in perspective during the second module and a summary of past, present and future aspects at the end of therapy. Future studies should include mediation analyses to allow causal attribution of the studied effects.
Salt‐Melt Synthesis of Poly Heptazine Imides with Enhanced Optical Absorption for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Chang Mengling , Pan Zhiming , Zheng Dandan , Wang Sibo , Zhang Guigang , Anpo Masakazu , Wang Xinchen 
Published: March 2023

AbstractBroadening the visible light absorption range and accelerating the separation and migration process of charge carriers are effective ways to improve photocatalytic quantum efficiencies. In this study, we show that poly heptazine imides with enhanced optical absorption and promoted charge carrier separation and migration could be obtained by means of a rational design of the band structures and crystallinity of polymeric carbon nitride. Copolymerization of urea with monomers such as 2‐aminothiophene‐3‐carbonitrile would first generate amorphous melon with enhanced optical absorption, while further ionothermal treatment of melon in eutectic salts would increase the polymerization degree and create condensed poly heptazine imides as final products. Accordingly, the optimized poly heptazine imide presents an apparent quantum yield of 12 % at 420 nm for photocatalytic hydrogen production.
The relationship between midlife dyslipidemia and lifetime incidence of dementia: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of cohort studies
Authors: Wee Jason , Sukudom Sara , Bhat Saiuj , Marklund Matti , Peiris Niridu Jude , Hoyos Camilla M , Patel Sanjay , Naismith Sharon L , Dwivedi Girish , Misra Ashish 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionWe conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to review the relationship between midlife dyslipidemia and lifetime incident dementia.MethodsThe databases Medline, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane were searched from inception to February 20, 2022. Longitudinal studies examining the relationship between midlife lipid levels on dementia, dementia subtypes, and/or cognitive impairment were pooled using inverse‐variance weighted random‐effects meta‐analysis.ResultsSeventeen studies (1.2 million participants) were included. Midlife hypercholesterolemia was associated with increased incidence of mild cognitive impairment (effect size [ES] = 2.01; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.19 to 2.84; I2 = 0.0%) and all‐cause dementia (ES = 1.14; 95% CI: 1.07 to 1.21; I2 = 0.0%). Each 1 mmol/L increase in low‐density lipoprotein was associated with an 8% increase (ES = 1.08, 95% CI: 1.03 to 1.14; I2 = 0.3%) in incidence of all‐cause dementia.DiscussionMidlife dyslipidemia is associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in later life.
Plasma amyloid beta 40/42, phosphorylated tau 181, and neurofilament light are associated with cognitive impairment and neuropathological changes among World Trade Center responders: A prospective cohort study of exposures and cognitive aging at midlife
Authors: Kritikos Minos , Diminich Erica D. , Meliker Jaymie , Mielke Michelle , Bennett David A. , Finch Caleb E. , Gandy Sam E. , Carr Melissa A. , Yang Xiaohua , Kotov Roman , Kuan Pei‐Fen , Bromet Evelyn J. , Clouston Sean A. P. , Luft Benjamin J. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIntroductionWorld Trade Center (WTC) responders are experiencing a high risk of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and dementia, though the etiology remains inadequately characterized. This study investigated whether WTC exposures and chronic post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were correlated with plasma biomarkers characteristic of Alzheimer's disease (AD) neuropathology.MethodsEligible participants included WTC‐exposed individuals with a baseline cognitive assessment and available plasma sample. We examined levels of the amyloid beta (Aβ)40/42 ratio, phosphorylated tau 181 (p‐tau181), and neurofilament light chain (NfL) and associations with a WTC exposures (duration on site ≥15 weeks, dust cloud), the PTSD Symptom Checklist for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition PTSD, and classification of amyloid/tau/neurodegeneration (AT[N]) profiles. Multinomial logistic regressions assessed whether biomarkers predicted increased risk of MCI or dementia.ResultsOf 1179 eligible responders, 93.0% were male, mean (standard deviation) age 56.6 years (7.8). Aβ40/42, p‐tau181, and NfL intercorrelated and increased with age. In subgroup analyses of responders with available neuroimaging data (n = 75), Aβ40/42 and p‐tau181 were further associated with decreased hippocampal volume (Spearman's ρ = −0.3). Overall, 58.08% of responders with dementia had ≥1 elevated biomarker, and 3.45% had elevations across all biomarkers. In total, 248 (21.05%) had MCI and 70 (5.94%) had dementia. Increased risk of dementia was associated with plasma AT(N) profile T+ or A+N+. Exposure on site ≥15 weeks was independently associated with T+ (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.03 [1.01−1.05], P = 0.009), and T+N+ profile (aRR = 2.34 [1.12−4.87]). The presence of PTSD was independently associated with risk of A+ (aRR = 1.77 [1.11−2.82]).DiscussionWTC exposures and chronic PTSD are associated with plasma biomarkers consistent with neurodegenerative disease.
Nest building in titmice Paridae: Selectivity in bryophyte use
Authors: Rydgren Knut , Indreeide Bendik , Slagsvold Tore , Lampe Helene M. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractIn many bird species, reproductive success is dependent on nest quality. However, detailed data on nest composition are scarce, and quantitative analyses have generally used only rough categories, without species identification. Bryophytes dominate the nests of many passerine bird species, but little is known about whether birds have preferences for certain species. In this study, we determined the bryophyte species composition in nests of blue tits Cyanistes caeruleus and great tits Parus major in a forest near Oslo, Norway. We also sampled the abundance of the bryophyte species in plots on the forest floor surrounding a subset of the great tit nests. Blue tits and great tits both used 15 bryophyte species as nest materials, mainly the same pleurocarpous species but in different proportions. The tits preferred highly branched bryophyte species, i.e., Pleurozium schreberi, Rhytidiadelphus squarrosus, and Sanionia uncinata but avoided common forest floor bryophyte species that are sparsely branched. Great tits clearly collected bryophyte species selectively. We also found that bryophyte species content in great tit nests in the same nest box in different years was very similar. Our results also indicated that the great tits collected bryophyte nest materials close to their nests, mostly within 5 m, supporting the view that collecting nest materials is costly. We review several hypotheses to explain why the tits prefer certain species of bryophytes as nest materials. These include handling costs and their suitability as structural materials. We recommend field experiments to test specific hypotheses and to study whether preferences are heritable.
Experimental ectoparasite removal has a sex‐specific effect on nestling telomere length
Authors: Wolf Sarah E. , Zhang Samuel , Clotfelter Ethan D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractParasites are a strong selective force that can influence fitness‐related traits. The length of chromosome‐capping telomeres can be used to assess the long‐term costs of parasitism, as telomere loss accelerates in response to environmental stressors and often precedes poorer survival prospects. Here, we explored the sex‐specific effects of ectoparasite removal on morphology and telomere length in nestling tree swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). To do so, we experimentally removed blow fly (Protocalliphoraspp.) larvae from nests using Permethrin, a broad‐spectrum insecticide. Compared to water‐treated controls, insecticide treatment of nests had a sex‐biased effect on blood telomere length: ectoparasite removal resulted in significantly longer telomeres in males but not females. While this treatment did not influence nestling body mass, it was associated with reduced feather development regardless of sex. This may reflect a relaxed pressure to fledge quickly in the absence of parasites, or alternatively, could be a negative side effect of permethrin on morphology. Exploring robust sex‐specific telomere dynamics in response to early‐life environmental pressures such as parasitism will shed light on sexual dimorphism in adult life histories and aging.
Predicting ecosystem metaphenome from community metagenome: A grand challenge for environmental biology
Authors: Martinez Neo D. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractElucidating how an organism's characteristics emerge from its DNA sequence has been one of the great triumphs of biology. This triumph has cumulated in sophisticated computational models that successfully predict how an organism's detailed phenotype emerges from its specific genotype. Inspired by that effort's vision and empowered by its methodologies, a grand challenge is described here that aims to predict the biotic characteristics of an ecosystem, its metaphenome, from nucleic acid sequences of all the species in its community, its metagenome. Meeting this challenge would integrate rapidly advancing abilities of environmental nucleic acids (eDNA and eRNA) to identify organisms, their ecological interactions, and their evolutionary relationships with advances in mechanistic models of complex ecosystems. Addressing the challenge would help integrate ecology and evolutionary biology into a more unified and successfully predictive science that can better help describe and manage ecosystems and the services they provide to humanity.
Historical anthropogenic disturbances explain long‐term moorland vegetation dynamics
Authors: Rowney Francis M. , Fyfe Ralph M. , Baker Leonard , French Henry , Koot Martha B. , Ombashi Havananda , Timms Rhys G. O. 
Published: March 2023

AbstractUpland moorlands are important landscapes, but many are considered degraded as a result of human activities. Consequently, their protection and restoration are of substantial concern. In Europe, restoration activities are often aimed at reversing the effects of 19th and 20th century “agricultural improvements,” which often involved major drainage schemes. However, the ecological effects and long‐term ecological context of “agricultural improvement” are not yet fully understood. To develop this understanding, we analyze paleoecological data (pollen, coprophilous fungal spores, microcharcoal) from five upland peatland sites using a range of analytical approaches: cluster analysis, principal component analysis, rate‐of‐change analysis, and regression analyses incorporating documentary historical data. The sites are located on Exmoor (South West England, UK), a landscape that typifies historic upland degradation. We demonstrate that in this landscape, 19th century drainage is associated with declines inSphagnumand non‐arboreal taxon richness; over longer timescales burning is associated with enhanced graminoid monocot abundance and grazing with lower taxon richness. We also show that rate‐of‐change in moorland vegetation communities during the 19th century is not distinctive in a long‐term context: change has been a constant in this landscape, rather than an exception during the 19th century. Our findings indicate that the aims of “restoration” interventions intended to increaseSphagnumabundances, increase taxon richness and reduce graminoid dominance are consistent with the long‐term dynamics of peatland systems, such as those on Exmoor. “Restoration” deemed successful in these terms may or may not resemble pre‐drainage conditions, which were themselves a function of millennia of successive moorland management regimes.
Aquatic quillworts, Isoëtes echinospora and I. lacustris under acidic stress—A review from a temperate refuge
Authors: Čtvrtlíková Martina , Kopáček Jiří , Nedoma Jiří , Znachor Petr , Hekera Petr , Vrba Jaroslav 
Published: March 2023

AbstractQuillworts (Isoëtes) represent highly specialized flora of softwater lakes, that is, freshwater ecosystems potentially sensitive to acidification. In this paper, we combine a review of previous studies and our new results to address unrecognized reproduction strategies of quillworts to overcome long‐term environmental stresses. These strategies play an important role in the plant's ability to overcome atmospheric acidification of freshwaters, protecting the plants until their environment can recover. Environmental drivers of recovery of Isoëtes echinospora and I. lacustris were studied in two acidified lakes in the Bohemian Forest (Central Europe). Both populations survived more than 50 years of severe acidification, although they failed to recruit new sporelings. Their survival depended entirely on the resistance of long‐living adult plants because the quillworts do not grow clonally. During the past two decades, a renewal of I. echinospora population inhabiting Plešné Lake has been observed, while no such renewal of I. lacustris, dwelling in Černé Lake, was evident, despite similar changes in water composition occurring in both lakes undergoing advanced recovery from acidification. Our in vitro experiments revealed that the threshold acidity and toxic aluminium concentrations for sporeling survival and recruitment success differed between I. echinospora (pH ≤ 4.0 and ≥300 μg L−1 Al at pH 5) and I. lacustris (pH ≤ 5.0 and ≥100 μg L−1Al at pH 5). The higher sensitivity of I. lacustris to both stressors likely stems from its year‐long germination period and underlines the risk of exposure to chronic or episodic acidification in recovering lakes. By contrast, the shorter germination period of I. echinospora (2–3 months) enables its faster and deeper rooting, protecting this quillwort from periodic acidification during the next snowmelt. Our study brings novel insights into widely discussed environmental issues related to the long‐term degradation of softwater lakes, which represent important hotspots of pan‐European biodiversity and conservation efforts.