bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation of the gas permeation properties of a polyether sulfone asymmetric membrane via the phase inversion method
Authors: Huang Nai‐Yi , Wang Cheng‐Chien , Chen Chuh‐Yung 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA defect‐free polyether sulfone (PES) asymmetric membrane was prepared by a one‐step phase inversion process and applied gas separation process in this article. The morphology of the PES asymmetric membrane formed via phase inversion that was correlated with the solvent composition, evaporation environment, coagulation bath, and so forth. The results reveal two kinds of coagulation phenomena that lead to different membrane structures and separation results. An instantaneous coagulation PES membrane formed a finger‐like structure within the membrane, and a delayed coagulation PES membrane resulted in a sponge‐like structure membrane. The selectivity of O2/N2 for membrane gas separation indicated that the asymmetric membranes prepared via a one‐step process in this study were defect‐free. Using the phase inversion method to fabricate asymmetric membranes improved the low permeability characteristic of glassy polymers. The maximum permeability of CO2 for the PES asymmetric membrane in the text can approach 30 Barrer. The results of gas separation for the sponge‐like PES membrane showed that the selectivity of O2/N2 and CO2/N2 was 7.1 and 35.6, respectively. This research showed that a PES asymmetric membrane was fabricated via a one‐step process without further defect repair and was applied effectively for CO2 membrane gas separation.
Ligand‐binding specificities of four odorant‐binding proteins in Conogethes punctiferalis
Authors: Tian Lin , Guo Hong‐Gang , Ren Zheng‐Guang , Zhang Ai‐Huan , Qin Xiao‐Chun , Zhang Min‐Zhao , Du Yan‐Li 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOdorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) play essential roles in lepidopteran insects' perception of host volatiles by binding and transporting hydrophobic ligands. The yellow peach moth (YPM), Conogethes punctiferalis (Guenée), is a serious agricultural pest, with broad host range and cryptic feeding habits. However, few studies about YPM perceiving pheromones and host plant odorants have been reported. In this study, four OBP genes (CpunOBP8, CpunOBP9, CpunABP, and CpunGOBP2) were cloned from the antennae of YPM. The recombinant proteins were expressed and purified by prokaryotic expression system, with their binding affinities to 26 ligands being tested. Four CpunOBPs all had six conserved cysteine residues, which were typical structural characteristics of classical OBPs. The fluorescence competitive binding assay indicated that CpunOBP8 and CpunABP could not only exhibit high binding affinities to female sex pheromones, but also to host plant odorants. For example, CpunOBP8 bound strongly with cis‐10‐hexadecenal, hexadecanal, and so forth, whereas CpunABP bound with cis‐10‐hexadecenal, camphene, and 3‐carene. Comparatively, CpunOBP9 and CpunGOBP2 could only bind with host plant odorants, with CpunOBP9 binding strongly to 3‐methyl‐1‐butanol, hexyl acetate, and so forth, while CpunGOBP2 displaying the widest binding spectra and correlating with 3‐carene, pentyl acetate, and so forth. The results indicated that on the one hand, each of the four CpunOBPs had its specific binding spectra when binding and transporting olfactory ligands; on the other hand, the same ligand might be bound to more than one CpunOBPs, which would provide information for the potential application of semiochemicals in controlling YPM.
Strong Association of Combined Genetic Deficiencies in the Classical Complement Pathway With Risk of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Primary Sjögren's Syndrome
Authors: Lundtoft Christian , Sjöwall Christopher , Rantapää‐Dahlqvist Solbritt , Bengtsson Anders A. , Jönsen Andreas , Pucholt Pascal , Wu Yee Ling , Lundström Emeli , Eloranta Maija‐Leena , Gunnarsson Iva , Baecklund Eva , Jonsson Roland , Hammenfors Daniel , Forsblad‐d'Elia Helena , Eriksson Per , Mandl Thomas , Bucher Sara , Norheim Katrine B. , Auglaend Johnsen Svein Joar , Omdal Roald , Kvarnström Marika , Wahren‐Herlenius Marie , Truedsson Lennart , Nilsson Bo , Kozyrev Sergey V. , Bianchi Matteo , Lindblad‐Toh Kerstin ,   the DISSECT consortium, the ImmunoArray consortium, Yu Chack‐Yung , Nordmark Gunnel , Sandling Johanna K. , Svenungsson Elisabet , Leonard Dag , Rönnblom Lars 
Published: June 2022

ObjectiveComplete genetic deficiency of the complement component C2 is a strong risk factor for monogenic systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), but whether heterozygous C2 deficiency adds to the risk of SLE or primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS) has not been studied systematically. This study was undertaken to investigate potential associations of heterozygous C2 deficiency and C4 copy number variation with clinical manifestations in patients with SLE and patients with primary SS.MethodsThe presence of the common 28‐bp C2 deletion rs9332736 and C4 copy number variation was examined in Scandinavian patients who had received a diagnosis of SLE (n = 958) or primary SS (n = 911) and in 2,262 healthy controls through the use of DNA sequencing. The concentration of complement proteins in plasma and classical complement function were analyzed in a subgroup of SLE patients.ResultsHeterozygous C2 deficiency—when present in combination with a low C4A copy number—substantially increased the risk of SLE (odds ratio [OR] 10.2 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 3.5–37.0]) and the risk of primary SS (OR 13.0 [95% CI 4.5–48.4]) when compared to individuals with 2 C4A copies and normal C2. For patients heterozygous for rs9332736 with 1 C4A copy, the median age at diagnosis was 7 years earlier in patients with SLE and 12 years earlier in patients with primary SS when compared to patients with normal C2. Reduced C2 levels in plasma (P = 2 × 10−9) and impaired function of the classical complement pathway (P = 0.03) were detected in SLE patients with heterozygous C2 deficiency. Finally, in a primary SS patient homozygous for C2 deficiency, we observed low levels of anti–Scl‐70, which suggests a risk of developing systemic sclerosis or potential overlap between primary SS and other systemic autoimmune diseases.ConclusionWe demonstrate that a genetic pattern involving partial deficiencies of C2 and C4A in the classical complement pathway is a strong risk factor for SLE and for primary SS. Our results emphasize the central role of the complement system in the pathogenesis of both SLE and primary SS.
Semi‐supervised empirical Bayes group‐regularized factor regression
Authors: Münch Magnus M. , van de Wiel Mark A. , van der Vaart Aad W. , Peeters Carel F. W. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe features in a high‐dimensional biomedical prediction problem are often well described by low‐dimensional latent variables (or factors). We use this to include unlabeled features and additional information on the features when building a prediction model. Such additional feature information is often available in biomedical applications. Examples are annotation of genes, metabolites, or p‐values from a previous study. We employ a Bayesian factor regression model that jointly models the features and the outcome using Gaussian latent variables. We fit the model using a computationally efficient variational Bayes method, which scales to high dimensions. We use the extra information to set up a prior model for the features in terms of hyperparameters, which are then estimated through empirical Bayes. The method is demonstrated in simulations and two applications. One application considers influenza vaccine efficacy prediction based on microarray data. The second application predicts oral cancer metastasis from RNAseq data.
From carbon dependence to renewables: The European oil majors' strategies to face climate change
Authors: Vieira Leticia Canal , Longo Mariolina , Mura Matteo 
Published: June 2022

AbstractInternational oil companies play a central role in the transition towards a low‐carbon economy. These companies have the leadership and influence to advance technological alternatives or sustain the current dependence on fossil fuels. This article aims to analyse the decarbonisation strategies that European oil companies are performing in the wake of climate change. A document analysis was integrated with carbon emission data from 10 European international oil companies and uncovered the four main strategies adopted by companies: sustained carbon dependence, carbon emissions compensation, carbon emissions mitigation and carbon independence. The results indicate that companies have adopted variable levels of action, despite their overlapping discourse on climate mitigation, with only one of the analysed firms performing a transition away from fossil fuels.
A High‐Nuclear Isopolymolybdate Cluster Assembled with an Anionic [{Mo24O48(OMe)32}]8−and Two Charge‐Neutral [{Mo24O52(OMe)28}] Cages
Authors: Wang Yingyue , Ma Xinyi , Li Guoao , Li Huafeng , Wang Quanzhong , Chen Wenjing , Ma Pengtao , Li Shuhua , Niu Jingyang , Wang Jingping 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe synthesized a high‐nuclear isopolymolybdate cluster (n‐Bu4N)6H2[{Mo24O48(OMe)32}{Mo24O52(OMe)28}2] ⋅ 25H2O ⋅ 6CH3CN (1) by using [Mo6O19]2−as the base precursor. Crystallographic characterization shows the cluster is composed of an anionic [{Mo24O48(OMe)32}]8−cage and two charge‐neutral [{Mo24O52(OMe)28}] cages. Supported by the electrospray ionization mass spectrometry study, the polyoxoanion structural unit [Mo24O48(CH3O)27]3−demonstrates strong stability in acetonitrile solution. Moreover, 1 exhibits good proton conductivity of 1.79×10−3 S cm−1at 358 K and 98 % relative humidity.
In Situ Preparation of CsPbBr3@CsPb2Br5 Composite Assisted with Water as a Highly Efficient and Stable Catalyst for Photothermal CO2 Hydrogenation
Authors: Gao Peng , Cui Zihao , Liu Xiaolei , Wu Yaqiang , Zhang Qianqian , Wang Zeyan , Zheng Zhaoke , Cheng Hefeng , Liu Yuanyuan , Li Qing , Huang Baibiao , Wang Peng 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLead halide perovskite has triggered a lot of research due to its superior optical properties. However, halide perovskite materials have poor environmental stabilities and are easily affected by external factors such as water and heat, resulting in structural decomposition and performance failure. Contrary to this commonplace concept, it is found that CsPbBr3 (CPB) can convert to CsPb2Br5 (CP2B5) partially when meeting a small amount of water, and the CsPbBr3@CsPb2Br5 (CPB@CP2B5) composite is synthesized by an in situ method accordingly. The CPB@CP2B5 composite shows an enhanced catalytic performance compared with pure CPB, as well as a dramatically synergistic effect of photo and thermal for catalytic CO2 hydrogenation. The CO production rate of CPB@CP2B5 is determined as 69 μmol g−1 h−1 under light irradiation at 200 °C, which is 156.8 and 43.4 times higher than that under pure photo (0.44 μmol g−1 h −1) and pure thermal (1.59 μmol g−1 h −1) condition, respectively. Meanwhile, the CPB@CP2B5 sample is also stable, which shows no significant decline in the catalytic activity during 8 cycles of repeated experiments. The probable mechanism is explored by utilizing a series of in situ characterizations.
Direct C−H Trifluoromethylation of (Hetero)Arenes in Water Enabled by Organic Photoredox‐Active Amphiphilic Nanoparticles
Authors: Eisenreich Fabian , Palmans Anja R. A. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPhotoredox‐catalyzed chemical conversions are predominantly operated in organic media to ensure good compatibility between substrates and catalysts. Yet, when conducted in aqueous media, they are an attractive, mild, and green way to introduce functional groups into organic molecules. We here show that trifluoromethyl groups can be readily installed into a broad range of organic compounds by using water as the reaction medium and light as the energy source. To bypass solubility obstacles, we developed robust water‐soluble polymeric nanoparticles that accommodate reagents and photocatalysts within their hydrophobic interior under high local concentrations. By taking advantage of the high excited state reduction potential of N‐phenylphenothiazine (PTH) through UV light illumination, the direct C−H trifluoromethylation of a wide array of small organic molecules is achieved selectively with high substrate conversion. Key to our approach is slowing down the production of CF3 radicals during the chemical process by reducing the catalyst loading as well as the light intensity, thereby improving effectiveness and selectivity of this aqueous photocatalytic method. Furthermore, the catalyst system shows excellent recyclability and can be fueled by sunlight. The method we propose here is versatile, widely applicable, energy efficient, and attractive for late‐stage introduction of trifluoromethyl groups into biologically active molecules.
Rapid Discrimination of Bacterial Drug Resistivity by Array‐Based Cross‐Validation Using 2D MoS2
Authors: Behera Pradipta , Kumar Singh Krishna , Kumar Saini Deepak , De Mrinmoy 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe precise discrimination of microbes based on family, class and drug resistivity is essential for the early diagnosis of infectious diseases. Information about the type and strength of drug resistivity can help the analyst to prescribe a suitable antibiotic at the proper dosage to completely eradicate microbes without giving them a chance to gain further resistance. Herein, we propose a sensor array based on the use of cationic two‐dimensional MoS2 units and green fluorescence protein as building blocks. Cationic surfaces of receptors with various functionality were suitable for tunable interaction with anionic surfaces of microbes. The array successfully discriminates six different bacterial strains. The versatile ability of the receptors to bind with the wild‐type as well as the corresponding ampicillin‐resistant strain contributed significantly to rapid detection with high sensitivity. The optimized array was able to classify five different types and three different extents of drug‐resistant variants of Escherichia coli by using bacteria cells and lysates. Finally, we have introduced the cross identification method using both bacteria cells and lysates and we found a great enhancement of detection in sensitivity and accuracy. This is the first report of this approach, which can be extended to many other methods for better accuracy in array‐based detection.
Double‐σ‐Bonded Close‐Shell Dimers and Peroxy‐Linked Open‐Shell Dimer Derived from aC3Symmetric Trioxophenalenyl Neutral Diradical
Authors: Murata Tsuyoshi , Yoshida Kenta , Suzuki Shuichi , Ueda Akira , Nishida Shinsuke , Kawai Junya , Fukui Kozo , Sato Kazunobu , Takui Takeji , Nakasuji Kazuhiro , Morita Yasushi 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA novel neutral diradical of π‐extended phenalenyl derivative having three oxo‐groups, tri‐tert‐butyl‐1,4,7‐trioxophenalenyl, and two types of the corresponding σ‐dimers were investigated. Quantum chemical calculations showed that the neutral diradical is in triplet ground state having doubly degenerate singly occupied molecular orbitals. The neutral diradical undergoes a σ‐dimerization, generating two types of σ‐dimers immediately after the preparation. One of the σ‐dimers, which was selectively generated in the crystalline state, was a close‐shell dimer linked through double‐σ‐bonds on the phenalenyl skeleton with a long C−C bond length of 1.66 Å. The other σ‐dimer, which existed only in the solution state, was a peroxy‐linked open‐shell dimer in which one σ‐bond was formed between two oxygen atoms. Furthermore, the temperature‐dependent1H NMR and ESR spectra revealed that these σ‐dimers are in equilibrium in the solution state by the reversible σ‐bond formation/cleavage via the neutral diradical as a key intermediate.
Immunofluorescent and molecular characterization of effusion tumor cells reveal cancer site‐of‐origin and disease‐driving mutations
Authors: Zhu Yili , Wang Aihui , Allard Grace M. , Nordberg Joshua J. , Nair Ramesh V. , Kunder Christian A. , Lowe Alarice C. 
Published: June 2022

BackgroundEffective cancer treatment relies on precision diagnostics. In cytology, an accurate diagnosis facilitates the determination of proper therapeutics for patients with cancer. Previously, the authors developed a multiplexed immunofluorescent panel to detect epithelial malignancies from pleural effusion specimens. Their assay reliably distinguished effusion tumor cells (ETCs) from nonmalignant cells; however, it lacked the capacity to reveal specific cancer origin information. Furthermore, DNA profiling of ETCs revealed some, but not all, cancer‐driver mutations.MethodsThe authors developed a new multiplex immunofluorescent panel that detected both malignancy and pulmonary origin by incorporating the thyroid transcription factor‐1 (TTF‐1) biomarker. Evaluation for TTF‐1–positive ETCs (T‐ETCs) was performed on 12 patient samples. T‐ETCs and parallel ETCs from selected patients were collected and subjected to DNA profiling to identify pathogenic mutations. All samples were obtained with Institutional Review Board approval.ResultsMalignancy was detected in all samples. T‐ETCs were identified in 9 of 10 patients who had clinically reported TTF‐1 positivity (90% sensitivity and 100% specificity). Furthermore, DNA profiling of as few as five T‐ETCs identified pathogenic mutations with equal or greater sensitivity compared with profiling of ETCs, both of which showed high concordance with clinical findings.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that the immunofluorescent and molecular characterization of tumor cells from pleural effusion specimens can provide reliable diagnostic information, even with very few cells. The integration of site‐specific biomarkers like TTF‐1 into ETC analysis may facilitate better refined diagnosis and improve patient care.
Measurement of Blood‐Brain Barrier Disruption in Mice Following Ozone Exposure Using Highly Sensitive Radiotracer Assays
Authors: Erickson Michelle A. , Banks William A. , Baumann Kristen K. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractOzone is a widespread air toxicant. Although its primary target organ is the lungs, emerging evidence suggests that ozone also has harmful effects on the brain. The vascular blood‐brain barrier (BBB), an endothelial interface that regulates passage of substances between the brain and peripheral tissues, is a likely mediator of ozone's adverse effects on the brain. Ozone can cause BBB disruption, a pathological state in which the BBB becomes leaky, resulting in the unregulated entry of circulating substances into the brain. BBB disruption can be detected using many methods, which each have their strengths and limitations. Recent data suggest that BBB disruption can occur in mice following ozone exposures, albeit at a low level. Therefore, robust and highly sensitive assays for BBB disruption are needed. Assays commonly used to detect BBB disruption, however, can be time consuming, lack sensitivity, and can be vulnerable to artifacts that are typically not addressed in the experimental design. Radiochemical assays are among the most sensitive and specific for detecting subtle disruptions of the BBB and require minimal sample processing for detection. Radiochemical assays can also be multiplexed to include radiotracer conjugates of large and small molecular weights, and the uptake of each of them can provide information about the severity and mechanism of BBB disruption. Here, we describe a protocol to use two of these radiotracer conjugates, 14C‐sucrose and 99mTc‐ albumin, to measure BBB disruption following an acute exposure to ozone in mice. We provide the steps to expose mice acutely to ozone, to label albumin with 99mTc‐pertechnetate, and to measure BBB disruption by evaluating permeability to 99mTc‐albumin and 14C‐sucrose after ozone exposure. These methods can be adapted to different ozone exposure paradigms and to different rodent species/strains, allowing for the sensitive and rapid assessment of BBB disruption that is detectable in whole brains or in brain regions. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Ozone exposures in miceBasic Protocol 2: Measurement of blood‐brain barrier disruption by evaluating permeability to 14C‐sucrose and 99mTc‐albuminSupport Protocol: Labeling of bovine serum albumin with 99mTc
Bridging the gap between emerging models and humans by learning from polio animal studies: A systematic review
Authors: Moreni Giulia , Aknouch Ikrame , Ras Morris , Brouwer Lieke , Spijker René , Calitz Carlemi , Stittelaar Koert J. , Sridhar Adithya , Wolthers Katja C. , Pajkrt Dasja 
Published: June 2022

AbstractDisease modelling plays a fundamental role in biomedical research, even more in virology where the virus depends strictly on its host for replication. Although animal models are extensively used in virology, there is an increasing demand for animal‐free research. Therefore, during this transition, it is crucial to learn and take advantage of animal research to better implement new emerging models. In this study, we aim to systematically review the translation from animal models to humans for the well‐characterized viral disease polio, as a reference for novel in vitro models in virology. We found a high risk of bias in the included studies and a large diversity of animal models. Moreover, we showed that animal models for studying poliovirus pathogenesis are mainly discrimination models focusing on specific aspects of the disease allowing an insightful understanding of the complex poliovirus infection. Our review underlines the importance of proper standardization of new emerging models and a careful interpretation of the results from discrimination models.
Indigenous microbial communities as catalysts for early marine cements: An in vitro study
Authors: Diaz Mara R. , Eberli Gregor P. , Weger Ralf J. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractEarly marine cementation is a fundamental process for many characteristics of carbonates, like the stabilisation of steep slopes. The genesis of early cements is often attributed to physicochemical processes but there is evidence for microbial mediation. To elucidate the role of microbes and associated organic material, in vitro experiments were undertaken in the presence and absence of indigenous microbiota in ooids from Schooner Cays, Bahamas and compared with native grapestones from Joulter Cays, Bahamas. Microscopic examinations by stereomicroscopy, scanning electron microscopy and thin section analysis of in vitro incubations with native flora document rapid grain fusion, resulting in the formation of grapestones within 30–60 days. The initial binding of the grains is primarily facilitated by exudates of extracellular polymeric substances and microbial communities acting as catalysts in the formation of micritic bridges, cements and encrusted aggregates. In vitro grapestones are similar to native grapestones from Joulter Cays with intergranular areas infested with extracellular polymeric substances, microbes, micritic cements, amorphous calcium carbonate nanograins and micritised outer surfaces. These similarities suggest that incubations with native flora follow similar mineralisation mechanisms as in the natural environment. In contrast, sterilised grains remain loose with little crystal formation after 60 days and are devoid of microbes and organic exudates. Owing to the near absence of precipitates, abiotic precipitation is not the driving force promoting early cements. In contrast, grain fusion is microbially mediated via both a passive mechanism, where extracellular polymeric substances and cell surfaces function as templates for crystal nucleation and generation of micritic cements, and through an active mechanism by which biofilm heterotrophs and autotrophs induce chemical alterations of a local environment, facilitating precipitation. This study underscores that microbially mediated cementation can occur at fast rates and that firmground to hardgrounds and slope stabilisation take place shortly after deposition of carbonate grains.