bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spasmolytic, Gastroprotective and Antioxidant Activities of Dry Methanol Extract of Ferula heuffelii Underground Parts
Authors: Pavlović Ivan , Radenković Mirjana , Branković Suzana , Milenković Marina T. , Niketić Marjan , Ušjak Ljuboš , Petrović Silvana 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDry MeOH extract of Ferula heuffelii (Apiaceae) underground parts was tested for spasmolytic, gastroprotective and antioxidant activities. HPLC analysis revealed that chlorogenic acid (CGA; 34.6 mg/g) was its main constituent. Extract in vitro exhibited notable total antioxidant activity (FRAP value=1.0 μmol Fe2+/mg), and scavenging of DPPH (SC50=62.5 μg/ml) and •OH radicals (49.5 % at 20 μg/ml in 2‐deoxyribose assay). In vitro on isolated rat ileum, extract exhibited significant spasmolytic activity, i. e., it showed 124.6 % of maximal atropine effect on spontaneous contractions (at 100 μg/ml), and reduced spasmogenic effect of KCl (80 mm) to 44.4 % (at 60 μg/ml) and of highest applied concentration of ACh to 26.3 % (at 120 μg/ml). In parallel experiments, spasmolytic effect of CGA was also demonstrated. In acute EtOH‐induced gastric ulceration model in rats, extract (100 mg/kg p.o.) showed significant gastroprotective effect (gastric damage score 0.50), similar to ranitidine (20 mg/kg p.o.). Obtained results showed that tested F. heuffelii polar extract represents new herbal preparation with potential use against some gastrointestinal complaints.
Effect of hybridization on lipophosphoglycan expression in Leishmania major
Authors: Silveira Karine R. D. , Nogueira Paula M. , Soares Rodrigo P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLeishmania major is the causative agent of cutaneous leishmaniasis. It is one of the most studied Leishmania species not only during vector interaction but also in the vertebrate host. Lipophosphoglycan (LPG) is the Leishmania multifunctional virulence factor during host–parasite interaction, whose polymorphisms are involved in the immunopathology of leishmaniasis. Although natural hybrids occur in nature, hybridization of L. major strains in the laboratory was successfully demonstrated. However, LPG expression in the hybrids remains unknown. LPGs from parental (Friedlin, Fn and Seidman, Sd) and hybrids (FnSd3, FnSd4A, FnSd4B, and FnSd6F) were extracted, purified, and their repeat units analyzed by immunoblotting and fluorophore‐assisted carbohydrate electrophoresis. Parental strains have distinct profiles in LPG expression, and a mixed profile was observed for all hybrids. Variable levels of NO production by macrophages were detected after LPG exposure (parental and hybrids) and were strain specific.
The Influence of UiO‐66 Metal–Organic Framework Structural Defects on Adsorption and Separation of Hexane Isomers
Authors: Sławek Andrzej , Jajko Gabriela , Ogorzały Karolina , Dubbeldam David , Vlugt Thijs J. H. , Makowski Wacław 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this work, adsorption properties of the UiO‐66 metal–organic framework were investigated, with particular emphasis on the influence of structural defects. A series of UiO‐66 samples were synthesized and characterized using a wide range of experimental techniques. Type I adsorption isotherms for low‐temperature adsorption of N2 and Ar showed that micropore volume and specific surface area significantly increase with the number of defects. Adsorption of hexane isomers in UiO‐66 was studied by means of quasi‐equilibrated temperature‐programmed desorption and adsorption (QE‐TPDA) experimental and Monte Carlo simulation techniques. QE‐TPDA profiles revealed that only defect‐free UiO‐66 exhibits distinct two adsorption states. This technique also yielded high‐quality adsorption isobars that were successfully recreated using Grand‐Canonical Monte Carlo molecular simulations, which, however, required refinement of the existing force fields. The calculations demonstrated the detailed mechanism of adsorption and separation of hexane isomers in the UiO‐66 structure. The preferred tetrahedral cages provide suitable voids for bulky molecules, which is the reason for unusual “reverse” selectivity of UiO‐66 towards di‐branched alkanes. Interconnection of the tetrahedral cavities due to missing organic linkers greatly reduces the selectivity of the defected material.
Left atrial reservoir strain is an outstanding predictor of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis: Assessment via three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography
Authors: Sun Minmin , Xing Yumeng , Guo Yao , Cao Xuesen , Nie Yuxin , Shu Xianhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere is a paucity of literature focusing left atrium (LA) in patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD).HypothesisWe used three‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography (3DSTE) to evaluate LA in MHD patients and to explore its predictive value for adverse outcomes.MethodsEchocardiography was performed on 130 consecutively enrolled MHD patients without previous cardiac diseases. Conventional and 3DSTE parameters of LA were obtained. The MHD cohort was then followed and the end point was major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs). LA strain indices, including reservoir strain (LASr), conduit strain (LAScd), and contractile strain (LASct), were measured and compared between patients with and without MACEs.ResultsPatients were prospectively followed up for a median of 40.5 (interquartile range: 26.3–48.0) months. During follow‐up, 43 patients met the end point. These patients had larger LA size and reduced LA strains (LA maximal volume indexed: 45.1 ± 11.9 vs. 33.8 ± 6.9ml/m2; LASr: 20.2 ± 3.5 vs. 27.2 ± 3.3%; LAScd: −12.3 ± 5.2 vs. −14.5±4.0%; LASct: −8.0 ± 4.2 vs. −13.2 ± 3.7%; all p<.05), compared with those without MACEs. Multivariable regression analysis showed LASr was the strongest predictor of MACEs (hazard ratio, 0.69; 95% confidence interval, 0.54–0.89; p=.004). Univarite Kaplan–Meier analysis revealed the incidence of MACEs in the impaired LASr (<24.2%) group was significantly higher than in the normal LASr group (log rank p<.001).ConclusionsLASr derived from 3DSTE is an independent predictor of MACEs and cardiac death in MHD patients, superior to LV parameters and LA volume indices.
Effect of positive airway pressure on cardiac troponins in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Li‐Hua , Hong Cai‐Xia , Zhao Zhi‐Wei , Huang Yan‐Fei , Li Huo‐Yu , Cai Hong‐Ling , Gao Zhi‐Sen , Wu Zhi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractBackgroundCardiac troponins are highly sensitive and specific biomarkers for cardiac injury. Previous studies evaluating the effect of positive airway pressure (PAP) on cardiac troponins in patients with sleep‐disordered breathing (SDB) have yielded conflicting results. The meta‐analysis was performed to examine the effect of PAP on cardiac troponins in SDB patients.MethodsPubMed, Web of Science, and EMBASE before September 2021 on original English language studies were searched. The data on cardiac troponins in both baseline and post‐PAP treatment were extracted from all studies. The data on the change of cardiac troponins in both PAP and control group were extracted from randomized controlled trials. Standardized mean difference (SMD) was used to synthesize quantitative results.ResultsA total of 11 studies were included. PAP treatment was not associated with a significant change in cardiac troponin T between the baseline and post‐PAP treatment (SMD = −0.163, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −0.652 to 0.326, z = 0.65, p = .514). The pooled estimate of SMD of cardiac troponin I between the pre‐ and post‐PAP treatment was 0.287, and the 95% CI was −0.586 to 1.160 (z = 0.64, p = .519). The pooled SMD of change of cardiac troponin T between the PAP group and control group was −0.473 (95% CI = −1.198 to 0.252, z = 1.28, p = .201).ConclusionsThis meta‐analysis revealed that PAP treatment was not associated with any change of cardiac troponin in SDB patients.
Accelerated hypofractionated radiation for elderly or frail patients with a newly diagnosed glioblastoma: A pooled analysis of patient‐level data from 4 prospective trials
Authors: Perlow Haley K. , Prasad Rahul N. , Yang Mike , Klamer Brett , Matsui Jennifer , Marrazzo Livia , Detti Beatrice , Scorsetti Marta , Clerici Elena , Arnett Andrea , Beyer Sasha , Ammirati Mario , Chakravarti Arnab , Raval Raju R. , Brown Paul D. , Navarria Pierina , Scoccianti Silvia , Grecula John C. , Palmer Joshua D. 
Published: March 2022

BackgroundThe standard of care for elderly or frail patients with glioblastoma (GBM) is 40 Gy in 15 fractions of radiotherapy. However, this regimen has a lower biological effective dose (BED) compared with the Stupp regimen of 60 Gy in 30 fractions. It is hypothesized that accelerated hypofractionated radiation of 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions (BED equivalent to Stupp) is safe and efficacious.MethodsElderly or frail patients with GBM treated with 52.5 Gy in 15 fractions were pooled from 3 phase 1/2 studies and a prospective observational study. Overall survival (OS) and progression‐free survival (PFS) were defined time elapsing between surgery/biopsy and death from any cause or progression of disease.ResultsSixty‐two newly diagnosed patients were eligible for this pooled analysis of individual patient data. The majority (66%) had a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score <70. The median age was 73 years. The median OS and PFS were 10.3 and 6.9 months, respectively. Patients with KPS scores ≥70 and <70 had a median OS of 15.3 and 9.5 months, respectively. Concurrent chemotherapy was an independent prognostic factor for improved PFS and OS. Grade 3 neurologic toxicity was seen in 2 patients (3.2%). There was no grade 4/5 toxicity.ConclusionsThis is the only analysis of elderly/frail patients with GBM prospectively treated with a hypofractionated radiation regimen that is isoeffective to the Stupp regimen. Treatment was well tolerated and demonstrated excellent OS and PFS compared with historical studies. This regimen gives the elderly/frail population an alternative to regimens with a lower BED. Randomized trials are needed to validate these results.
Traffic prediction using MSSBiLS with self‐attention model
Authors: D Suvitha , M Vijayalakshmi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractDue to gathering and examining a tremendous amount of traffic stream data, traffic blockage is the most important issue in the intelligent transportation framework. The main aim of this research work is “to find the appropriate deep learning time series models, to predict the future traffic of Denmark Aarhus city.” In this article, multivariate sequential stacked bidirectional LSTM with self‐attention model (MSSBiLS‐SA) is proposed to prevent the long term dependencies and also to reduce the error rate. Based on the traffic state, the high, medium, and low range of traffic is predicted to give the best route to the users, and visualization is performed with the help of the Android application. The proposed MSSBiLS‐SA attains higher accuracy 94.56% and 95.36%, sensitivity 88.74% and 92.5%, specificity 93.5% and 94.5%, precision 94.23% and 95.5%, F‐score 94.5% and 94.5%, and lower time complexity 10.19% and 12.43% shows better performance when compared with the existing methods, such as prediction and classification of traffic location analysis using optimized graph convolutional recurrent neural network and prediction and classification of traffic location analysis based multilayer perceptron network using long short term memory. Finally, the proposed method predicts and classifies the traffic location very accurately.
Properties of Bulk In‐Pt Intermetallic Compounds in Methanol Steam Reforming
Authors: Köwitsch Nicolas , Barth Stefan , Ploner Kevin , Blume Raoul , Teschner Detre , Penner Simon , Armbrüster Marc 
Published: March 2022

AbstractHeterogeneous catalysts are often complex materials containing different compounds. While this can lead to highly beneficial interfaces, it is difficult to identify the role of single components. In methanol steam reforming (MSR), the interplay between intermetallic compounds, supporting oxides and redox reactions leads to highly active and CO2‐selective materials. Herein, the intrinsic catalytic properties of unsupported In3Pt2, In2Pt, and In7Pt3 as model systems for Pt/In2O3‐based catalytic materials in MSR are addressed. In2Pt was identified as the essential compound responsible for the reported excellent CO2‐selectivity of 99.5 % at 300 °C in supported systems, showing a CO2‐selectivity above 99 % even at 400 °C. Additionally, the partial oxidation of In7Pt3 revealed that too much In2O3 is detrimental for the catalytic properties. The study highlights the crucial role of intermetallic In−Pt compounds in Pt/In2O3 materials with excellent CO2‐selectivity.
Optimizing the Photovoltaic Performance of Organic Solar Cells for Indoor Light Harvesting
Authors: Cui Mengmeng , Lv Aifeng , Ma Zaifei 
Published: March 2022

AbstractOrganic solar cells (OSCs) harvesting indoor light are highly promising for emerging technologies, such as internet of things. Herein, the photovoltaic performance of PTB7‐Th:PC71BM solar cells constructed using “optimized (with 1,8‐diiodooctane (DIO))” and “non‐optimized (without DIO)” processing conditions are compared for indoor and outdoor applications. We find that in comparison to the “optimized” solar cell, the “non‐optimized” solar cell is less efficient under simulated solar light illumination (100 mW cm−2, spectral range 350–1100 nm), owing to significant bimolecular charge carrier recombination losses. However, under simulated indoor illumination (3.28 mW cm−2, spectral range 400–700 nm), bimolecular recombination losses are effective suppressed, thus the power conversion efficiency of the solar cell without DIO was increased to 14.7 %, higher than that of the solar cell with DIO (14.2 %). These results suggest that the common strategy used to optimize the OSCs could be undesired for indoor OSCs. We demonstrate that the efforts for realizing the desired “morphology” of the active layer for the outdoor OSCs may be unnecessary for indoor OSCs, allowing us to realize high‐efficiency indoor OSCs using a non‐halogenated solvent.
Path analysis from COVID‐19 perceptions to psychological health: The roles of critical distance and mastery
Authors: Faustino Bruno , Vasco António Branco , Farinha‐Fernandes António , Delgado João , Guerreiro José Carlos , Matos Marta 
Published: March 2022

AbstractObjectiveThe Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic was previously associated with psychopathological symptoms. However, the psychological mechanisms underlying these associations are largely unexplored. Previous studies suggested associations between metacognitive abilities (e.g., mastery) and symptomatology, which may have impacts on COVID‐19 perceptions. This study aims to explore, using path analysis, the mediational role of Critical Distance (differentiation and decentration abilities) and Mastery on the relationships between COVID‐19 perceptions and psychological well‐being and distress.MethodsIn a cross‐sectional design, 227 participants (M = 34.21, SD = 10.9) filled self‐report questionnaires.ResultsMetacognitive abilities were negatively correlated with psychopathological symptoms. Both Critical Distance and Mastery mediated the path from COVID‐19 perceived severity and anxiety to psychological distress and well‐being. Critical Distance seems to augment Mastery which tends to increase psychological well‐being and limited psychological distress.ConclusionsMetacognition seems to play a mediational role on the relationship between COVID‐19 perceptions and mental health. Clinical psychologists and psychotherapists may enhance psychological interventions regarding COVID‐19 psychopathological symptomatology by working on metacognitive Critical Distance and Mastery abilities.
Fluorescence Intensity Fluctuation Analysis of Protein Oligomerization in Cell Membranes
Authors: Killeen Tom D. , Rahman Sadia , Badu Dammar N. , Biener Gabriel , Stoneman Michael R. , Raicu Valerică 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFluorescence fluctuation spectroscopy (FFS) encompasses a bevy of techniques that involve analyzing fluorescence intensity fluctuations occurring due to fluorescently labeled molecules diffusing in and out of a microscope's focal region. Statistical analysis of these fluctuations may reveal the oligomerization (i.e., association) state of said molecules. We have recently developed a new FFS‐based method, termed Two‐Dimensional Fluorescence Intensity Fluctuation (2D FIF) spectrometry, which provides quantitative information on the size and stability of protein oligomers as a function of receptor concentration. This article describes protocols for employing FIF spectrometry to quantify the oligomerization of a membrane protein of interest, with specific instructions regarding cell preparation, image acquisition, and analysis of images given in detail. Application of the FIF Spectrometry Suite, a software package designed for applying FIF analysis on fluorescence images, is emphasized in the protocol. Also discussed in detail is the identification, removal, and/or analysis of inhomogeneous regions of the membrane that appear as bright spots. The 2D FIF approach is particularly suited to assess the effects of agonists and antagonists on the oligomeric size of membrane receptors of interest. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of live cells expressing protein constructsBasic Protocol 2: Image acquisition and noise correctionBasic Protocol 3: Drawing and segmenting regions of interestBasic Protocol 4: Calculating the molecular brightness and concentration of individual image segmentsBasic Protocol 5: Combining data subsets using a manual procedure (Optional)Alternate Protocol 1: Combining data subsets using the advanced FIF spectrometry suite (Optional; alternative to Basic Protocol 5)Basic Protocol 6: Performing meta‐analysis of brightness spectrogramsAlternate Protocol 2: Performing meta‐analysis of brightness spectrograms (alternative to Basic Protocol 6)Basic Protocol 7: Spot extraction and analysis using a manual procedure or by writing a program (Optional)Alternate Protocol 3: Automated spot extraction and analysis (Optional; alternative to Protocol 7)Support Protocol: Monomeric brightness determination
Determining the Effects of Neddylation on Cullin‐RING Ligase–Dependent Protein Ubiquitination
Authors: Wang Kankan , Liu Xing 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs the largest family of ubiquitin (Ub) E3 ligases, cullin‐RING ligases (CRLs) play crucial roles in various cellular processes, and their activities are tightly regulated by orchestrated mechanisms. Neddylation, the conjugation of a Ub‐like protein NEDD8 to a target protein such as the cullin, represents a key regulatory mechanism for CRLs. Biochemical and structural studies of a few CRLs have revealed that cullin neddylation alters the CRL conformation and activates CRL‐dependent protein ubiquitination. Here, using CUL2‐RING ligase (CRL2) as an example, we describe our protocols for the preparation of recombinant CUL2 with or without NEDD8 conjugation, which is further used to quantitatively determine the effect of neddylation on CRL2‐dependent protein ubiquitinationin vitro. © 2022 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Expression and purification of CUL2•RBX1 fromEscherichia coliSupport Protocol: Further purification of CUL2•RBX1 with additional chromatography on an FPLC systemBasic Protocol 2: Reconstitution of cullin neddylation for quantitative ubiquitination assayin vitro
Impurity profiling of methamphetamine synthesized from methyl α‐acetylphenylacetate
Authors: Langone Deanna , Painter Ben , Nash Clark , Hulshof Janneke , Oldenhof Sander , Johnston Martin R. , Kirkbride K. Paul 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe group of P2P precursors including α‐phenylacetoacetonitrile (APAAN), α‐phenylacetoamide (APAA) and methyl α‐acetylphenylacetate (MAPA) has become increasingly popular in Europe and other parts of the world in the last decade. Previous investigations have reported the use of APAAN in the synthesis of amphetamine and methamphetamine and identified a range of characteristic impurities. This research has expanded upon the current literature by investigating the use of MAPA in the synthesis of methamphetamine.In this study methamphetamine was synthesized via three common clandestine methods: the Leuckart synthesis and two reductive amination methods. We report the identification of seven impurities, four of which are methyl ester equivalents of impurities previously reported for the detection of APAAN. These are methyl 2‐phenylbut‐2‐enoate, methyl 2‐phenyl‐3‐hydroxybutanoate, methyl 3‐(methylamino)‐2‐phenylbut‐2‐enoate and methyl 3‐(methylamino)‐2‐phenylbutanoate. The other impurities identified are ethyl ester compounds formed via transesterification of the methyl ester due to the reaction solvent. This susceptibility for transesterification suggests that identification of the pre‐precursor used may not always be straightforward and may be dependent on the reaction conditions employed. Of the impurities reported, methyl 3‐(methylamino)‐2‐phenylbutanoate was deemed to be a potentially reliable impurity for detection of the use of MAPA; however, it is expected that lower levels of characteristic impurities may be detected in methamphetamine synthesized from MAPA than that from APAAN.
Building integral projection models with nonindependent vital rates
Authors: Fung Yik Leung , Newman Ken , King Ruth , de Valpine Perry 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPopulation dynamics are functions of several demographic processes including survival, reproduction, somatic growth, and maturation. The rates or probabilities for these processes can vary by time, by location, and by individual. These processes can co‐vary and interact to varying degrees, e.g., an animal can only reproduce when it is in a particular maturation state. Population dynamics models that treat the processes as independent may yield somewhat biased or imprecise parameter estimates, as well as predictions of population abundances or densities. However, commonly used integral projection models (IPMs) typically assume independence across these demographic processes. We examine several approaches for modelling between process dependence in IPMs and include cases where the processes co‐vary as a function of time (temporal variation), co‐vary within each individual (individual heterogeneity), and combinations of these (temporal variation and individual heterogeneity). We compare our methods to conventional IPMs, which treat vital rates independent, using simulations and a case study of Soay sheep (Ovis aries). In particular, our results indicate that correlation between vital rates can moderately affect variability of some population‐level statistics. Therefore, including such dependent structures is generally advisable when fitting IPMs to ascertain whether or not such between vital rate dependencies exist, which in turn can have subsequent impact on population management or life‐history evolution.