bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A deforestation-free path to scaling silvopastoral production systems
Authors: Castro-Nunez Augusto , Buritica Alexander , Gonzalez Carolina , Villarino Eliza , Holmann Federico , Perez Lisset , Rio Martha Del , Sandoval Danny , Eufemia Luca , Loehr katharina , Romero Miguel , Lana Marcos , Sotelo Steven , Rivera Ovidio , Loboguerrero Ana , Quintero Marcela 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
The global community recognizes that silvopastoral systems (SPS), which are considered a form of sustainable land use, could reduce forest loss. Studies indicate that SPS can improve livelihoods, provide ecosystem services and act as carbon sinks. What has been missing from the literature, however, is how scaling SPS influences forest cover. Our research results from the Colombian Amazon point to possible unintended deforestation due to aggregated effects of farm-level changes in herd composition from broader SPS adoption with the absence of safeguards, appropriate incentives and government agencies devoted to implementing traceability of dairy and beef products to their deforestation-free origins. Our conclusions are drawn from surveying 144 livestock producers with traditional or SPS farms in Caquetá, one of the departments with the highest deforestation rates in Colombia. Land grabbing, in tandem with cattle pasture, is one of the major deforestation and conflict drivers in Colombia. We surveyed the farmers twice, both in 2016 and 2020, to determine the impact of SPS on herd composition. Our results show that surveyed SPS farmers reduced the number of male cattle and increased the number of lactating cows and calves in the herd. This suggests that these farmers specialize in producing milk, a move that constitutes a process of intensification that with the proper safeguards and incentives would unlikely broaden deforestation at the local scale. The availability of more calves and male cattle from SPS adoption, though, may exacerbate the drivers of deforestation because there is a risk that these extra calves and males would be moved to new pastures at the forest border, where they can be fattened as a source of beef. Our findings, as such, warrant a further investigation into the risk of unintended deforestation from scaling SPS and on how to mitigate that risk to make the process deforestation-free.
Best Selection of Generative Adversarial Networks Hyper-Parameters using Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Alarsan Fajr , Younes Mamoon 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs) are most popular generative frameworks that have achieved compelling performance. They follow an adversarial approach where two deep models generator and discriminator compete with each other
In this paper, we propose a Generative Adversarial Network with best hyper-parameters selection to generate fake images for digits number 1 to 9 with generator and train discriminator to decide whereas the generated images are fake or true. Using Genetic Algorithm technique to adapt GAN hyper-parameters, the final method is named GANGA:Generative Adversarial Network with Genetic Algorithm.
Anaconda environment with tensorflow library facilitates was used, python as programming language also used with needed libraries. The implementation was done using MNIST dataset to validate our work.
The proposed method is to let Genetic algorithm to choose best values of hyper-parameters depending on minimizing a cost function such as a loss function or maximizing accuracy function. GA was used to select values of Learning rate, Batch normalization, Number of neurons and a parameter of Dropout layer.
Impact of hydraulic retention time on phosphorus removal from wastewater using reactive media
Authors: Benzing S. , Couceiro F. , Barnett S. , Williams J. B. , Pearce P. , Stanford C. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Phosphorus (P) discharge from wastewater treatment plants into the environment contributes to eutrophication issues. Reactive media filters represent an effective, simple and cost-effective solution to decrease the P content. Previous research used various experimental designs and often synthetic wastewater, making assessment of real-world performance difficult. This study assesses the impact of the hydraulic retention time (HRT) on P removal using real wastewater to refine design criteria for full-scale installations. Four media were compared in column experiments for &gt;200 days. Different HRTs were applied and initially the media achieved low P effluent concentrations of &gt;0.1 mg/L PO4–P, increasing over time. Best P removal was observed for the highest HRT with on average &gt;99%. HRT was seen to be the driving factor for P removal rather than media capacity. Three of the four materials showed pH levels above 12 initially, decreasing over time. Water quality parameters, including organics, solids and metals, were monitored. In-depth analysis confirmed formation of calcium phosphate precipitation on the media's surface. The results suggest the importance of an optimal HRT to achieve high P removal and show that the reactive media application is an appropriate technology for P removal on small sites if the elevated pH is addressed.
Comparative Study of Gene Expression Profiling Unravels Functions Associated with Pathogenesis of Dengue Infection
Authors: Warsi Mohiuddin K. , Kamal Mohammad A. , Baeshen Mohammed N. , Izhari Mohammad A. , Firoz Ahmad , Mobashir Mohammad 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Dengue virus is a potential source of propagating dengue hemorrhagic fever. This
virus leads to dengue hemorrhagic fever/dengue shock syndrome, benign syndrome, and severe syndrome and
due to its infection, there occurs alterations at multiple levels such as gene expression and pathway levels. So, it
is critical to understand the pathogenesis of dengue infection in terms of gene expression and the associated
functions.

Methods:
For this purpose, here, we have analyzed the temporal gene expression profiling for the dengue hemorrhagic
fever dataset at 12, 24, and 48 hours.

Results:
The outcome appears that the dengue hemorrhagic fever evolves differently at different time periods
or stages.

Counclusions:
The change in the gene expression pattern increases exponentially from 12 hours to 48 hours and
the number of altered functions (pathways) also increases. Wnt, apoptosis, and transcription signaling are
among the critical pathways which are dominantly altered. In the initial phase (first 12 hours), only two pathways
are altered due to dengue infection, while in the next 12 hours, eight pathways are altered, and finally, in
the next 24 hours, 11 pathways are altered and most of these 11 pathways are very critical in terms of biological
pathways and functions.
Functional Characterization and Structural Modelling of Peptidoglycan Degrading β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase from a Dental Isolate of Serratia marcescens
Authors: Rathee Aditi , Panwar Anil , Kumari Seema , Chhibber Sanjay , Kumar Ashok 
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Enzymatic degradation of peptidoglycan, a structural cell wall component
of Gram-positive bacteria, has attracted considerable attention being a specific target for many
known antibiotics.

Methods:
Peptidoglycan hydrolases are involved in bacterial lysis through peptidoglycan
degradation. β-N-acetyl-glucosaminidase, a peptidoglycan hydrolase, acts on O-glycosidic bonds
formed by N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetyl muramic acid residues of peptidoglycan. Aim of
present study was to study the action of β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, on methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and other Gram-negative bacteria.

Results:
We investigated its dynamic behaviour using molecular dynamics simulation and
observed that serine and alanine residues are involved in catalytic reaction in addition to aspartic
acid, histidine, lysine and arginine residues. When simulated in its bound state, the RMSD values
were found lesser than crystal form in the time stamp of 1000 picoseconds revealing its stability.
Structure remained stably folded over 1000 picoseconds without undergoing any major change
further confirming the stability of complex.

Conclusion:
It can be concluded that enzymes belonging to this category can serve as a tool in
eradicating Gram-positive pathogens and associated infections.
Hemisyntheses and In-silico Study of New Analogues of Carlina Oxide from Carthamus Caeruleus Roots
Authors: Mami Imane Rihab , Amina Tabet Zatla , Pérard Joëlle , Arrar Zoheir , Dib Mohammed El Amine 
Published: November 2020

Aim and Objective:
Nowadays, developing effective antibiotics for bacteria control has become difficult due to
increased resistance to the available medicines in the market. Essential oils have very interesting biological properties; some
of their components have very powerful antiviral and antibacterial properties. Carthamus caeruleus is a plant that has antibacterial
and antioxidant activity due to the presence of an acetylenic compound, Carlina oxide. The aim of this work was to
provide for the first time the chemical modifications to the structure of Carlina oxide and the in-silico study of these analogues.

Materials and Methods:
The essential oil of Carthamus caeruleus was extracted by steam distillation in a Clevenger-type
apparatus. Carlina oxide component was separated by column chromatography. Five new analogues were synthetized and
identified by spectroscopic analyses (RMN, IR and SM). Molecular docking simulation study was performed using Molecular
Operating Environment software (MOE) on three enzymes of bacterial origin (Streptococcus pyogenesis and Enterococcus
faecalis).

Results:
Five new compounds derived from Carlina oxide were synthesized (IM8-IM12), and their structures were characterized
by infrared (IR), 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The new synthesized compounds were evaluated as
mSpeB, DHFR from Enterococcus faecalis and DNA gyrase inhibitors by a docking analysis using MOE. These results
show interesting ligand interactions with the three enzymes, and the best result was attributed to the complexes formed with
IM9, which had the lowest score.

Conclusion:
In fact, these new compounds could lead to powerful approaches for the research and development of new antibiotics.
Comprehensive Analysis of Transcriptomics and Metabolomics between the Heads and Tails of Angelica Sinensis: Genes Related to Phenylpropanoid Biosynthesis Pathway
Authors: Yang Jie , Zhang Chi , Li Wei-Hong , Zhang Tian-Er , Fan Guang-Zhong , Guo Bu-Fa , Yao Wei-Yi , Gong Di-Hong , Peng Qi-Lun , Ding Wei-Jun 
Published: November 2020

Background:
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the heads and tails of Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels
(AS) is used in treating different diseases due to their different pharmaceutical efficacies. The underline mechanisms, however,
have not been fully explored.

Objective:
Novel mechanisms responsible for the discrepant activities between AS heads and tails were explored by a combined
strategy of transcriptomes and metabolomics.

Method::
Six pairs of the heads and tails of AS roots were collected in Min County, China. Total RNA and metabolites,
which were used for RNA-seq and untargeted metabolomics analysis, were respectively isolated from each AS sample (0.1
g) by Trizol and methanol reagent. Subsequently, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and discrepant pharmaceutical metabolites
were identified for comparing AS heads and tails. Key DEGs and metabolites were quantified by qRT-PCR and
targeted metabolomics experiment.

Results:
Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomes and metabolomics results suggested that five
KEGG pathways with significant differences included 57 DEGs. Especially, fourteen DEGs and
six key metabolites were related to the metabolic regulation of Phenylpropanoid biosynthesis (PB)
pathway. Results of RT-qPCR and targeted metabolomics indicated that higher levels of
expression of crucial genes in PB pathway, such as PAL, CAD, COMT and peroxidase in the tail
of AS, were positively correlated with levels of ferulic acid-related metabolites. The average
content of ferulic acid in tails (569.58±162.39 nmol/g) was higher than those in the heads (168.73
± 67.30 nmol/g) (P˂0.01); Caffeic acid in tails (3.82 ± 0.88 nmol/g) vs heads (1.37 ± 0.41 nmol/g)
(P˂0.01), and Cinnamic acid in tails (0.24 ± 0.09 nmol/g) vs heads (0.14 ± 0.02 nmol/g) (P˂0.05).

Conclusion:
Our work demonstrated that overexpressed genes and accumulated metabolites derived from PB pathway
might be responsible for the discrepant pharmaceutical efficacies between AS heads and tails.
A Low-Cost Method to Prepare Biocompatible Filaments with Enhanced Physico-Mechanical Properties for FDM 3D Printing
Authors: Tan Deck Khong , Münzenrieder Niko , Maniruzzaman Mohammed , Nokhodchi Ali 
Published: November 2020

Background::
Fused Deposition Modelling (FDM) 3D printing has received much interest
as a fabrication method in the medical and pharmaceutical industry due to its accessibility and
cost-effectiveness. A low-cost method to produce biocompatible and biodegradable filaments can
improve the usability of FDM 3D printing for biomedical applications.

Objectives::
The feasibility of producing low-cost filaments suitable for FDM 3D printing via single
screw and twin-screw hot melt extrusion was explored.

Methods::
A single-screw extruder and a twin-screw extruder were used to produce biocompatible
filaments composed of varying concentrations of polyethylene glycol (PEG) at 10%, 20%, 30%
w/w and polylactic acid (PLA) 90%, 80% and 70% w/w, respectively. DSC, TGA and FTIR were
employed to investigate the effect of PEG on the PLA filaments.

Results::
The presence of PEG lowered the processing temperature of the formulation compositions
via melt-extrusion, making it suitable for pharmaceutical applications. The use of PEG can lower
the melting point of the PLA polymer to 170°C, hence lowering the printing temperature. PEG can
also improve the plasticity of the filaments, as the rupture strain of twin-screw extruded filaments
increased up to 10-fold as compared to the commercial filaments. Advanced application of FTIR
analysis confirmed the compatibility and miscibility of PEG with PLA.

Conclusion::
Twin-screw extrusion is more effective in producing a polymeric mixture of filaments as the mixing is more
homogenous. The PEG/PLA filament is suitable to be used in 3D printing of medical or pharmaceutical applications such as
medical implants, drug delivery systems, or personalised tablets.
Sterically Stabilized Polyionic Complex Nanogels of Chitosan Lysate and PEG-b-Polyglutamic Acid Copolymer for the Delivery of Irinotecan Active Metabolite (SN-38)
Authors: Salmanpour Mohsen , Saeed-Vaghefi Mahvand , Abolmaali Samira Sadat , Tamaddon Ali Mohamad 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Poly Ionic Complex (PIC) nanogels are promising delivery systems with
numerous attractions such as simple, fast, and organic solvent-free particle formation and mild
drug loading conditions. Among polyelectrolytes, poly (L-amino acid) copolymers, such as poly
(ethylene glycol)-block-poly (L-glutamic acid) copolymers (PEG-b-PGlu) are interesting biocompatible
and biodegradable candidates bearing carboxylic acid functional groups.

Objectives:
Aiming to solubilize and to preserve short-acting irinotecan active metabolite (SN38),
sterically stabilized PIC nanogels were prepared through electrostatic charge neutralization between
PEG-b-PGlu and chitosan lysate, a polycationic natural polymer obtained through digestion
of chitosan by hydrogen peroxide oxidation and is soluble in a wide range of pH.

Methods:
Synthesis of PEG-b-PGlu was accomplished by N-carboxy anhydride polymerization of
γ -benzyl L-glutamic acid, which is initiated by methoxy PEG-NH2 and successive debenzylation
reaction.

Result:
The resulting block copolymer was characterized by FTIR, 1H-NMR, and Size Exclusion
Chromatography (SEC). Self-assembling properties of the PIC nanogels were investigated by
pyrene assay, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM),
indicating the formation of homogeneous spherical particles with a mean size of 28 nm at the PEGb-
PGlu concentrations/LMWC weight ratio of 5:1. Upon direct loading of SN38, the drug solubility
enhanced more than 4×103 folds with a mean loading efficiency of 89% and the drug loading of
30%. PIC nanogels exhibited zeta potential of +1 mV, acceptable biocompatibility, and superior cytotoxicity
in murine colorectal carcinoma (CT26 cell line) compared to free drug.

Conclusion:
In addition, the PIC nanogels provided SN38 protection against hydrolytic degradation
in physiologic conditions. Conclusively, the well-tuned PIC nanogels are suggested as a potentially
biocompatible nanocarrier for SN38 delivery.
Efficacy and Cardiovascular Safety of Insulins
Authors: Fernandez Cornelius James , Radhakrishnan Chandni 
Published: November 2020

Abstract::
Insulin is a lifesaving drug for patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus. Many type 2 diabetes
mellitus patients will eventually require insulin. The rapid-acting and long-acting insulin analogues
(RAIAs and LAIAs) have a pharmacological profile that closely mimics normal human physiology
when compared to Neutral Protamine Hagedorn (NPH) insulin and regular human insulin,
respectively. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) were found to have a proven
cardiovascular safety. They are preferred over insulin in many recent guidelines. Fixed-ratio combinations
of GLP-1RAs and insulin are also recommended when either of these molecules fail to
achieve glycaemic control. Despite decades of experience in using insulin, there is a debate among
the scientific community over the safety of exogenous insulin, especially regarding their cardiovascular
safety and the risk of cancer. There is also an ongoing debate regarding the safety, even
though two long-acting insulin analogues (glargine and degludec) have proven their cardiovascular
non-inferiority. Drugs with proven safety are often preferred in patients with pre-existing cardiovascular
disease or at high risk of cardiovascular disease. In this review we will critically analyse efficacy
and safety issues related to insulin molecules to help in clinical decision making.
The Impact of Synchronous Telehealth Services With a Digital Platform on Day-by-Day Home Blood Pressure Variability in Patients with Cardiovascular Diseases: Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Ying-Hsien , Hung Chi-Sheng , Huang Ching-Chang , Lee Jen-Kuang , Yu Jiun-Yu , Ho Yi-Lwun 
Published: November 2020

Background
Hypertension is associated with a large global disease burden with variable control rates across different regions and races. Telehealth has recently emerged as a health care strategy for managing chronic diseases, but there are few reports regarding the effects of synchronous telehealth services on home blood pressure (BP) control and variability.

Objective
The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of synchronous telehealth services with a digital platform on home BP.

Methods
This retrospective study was conducted by the Taiwan ELEctroHEALTH study group at the Telehealth Center of the National Taiwan University Hospital. We analyzed home BP data taken from 2888 patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD) enrolled in our telehealth program between 2009 to 2017. Of the 2888 patients with CVD, 348 (12.05%) patients who received home BP surveillance for ≥56 days were selected for BP analysis. Patients were stratified into three groups: (1) poorly controlled hypertension, (2) well-controlled hypertension, and (3) nonhypertension. The mean, SD, coefficient of variation (CV), and average real variability were calculated.

Results
Telehealth interventions significantly and steadily reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP) in the poorly controlled hypertension group from 144.8.2±9.2 to 133.7±10.2 mmHg after 2 months (P<.001). BP variability reduced in all patients: SBP-SD decreased from 7.8±3.4 to 7.3±3.4 after 2 months (P=.004), and SBP-CV decreased from 6.3±2.5 to 5.9±2.6 after 2 months (P=.004). Event-free survival (admission) analysis stratified by SBP-SD showed longer time to first hospitalization for Q1 patients compared with Q4 patients (P=.02, odds ratio 2.15, 95% CI 1.18-3.89).

Conclusions
Synchronous telehealth intervention may improve home BP control and decrease day-by-day home BP variability in patients with CVD.
Influence of catecholic ring torsion on hydroxyflavones
Authors: Michalík Martin , Biela Monika , Cagardová Denisa , Lukeš Vladimír 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Systematic quantum chemical investigation of quercetin and selected eight mono- and bihydroxyflavonols is presented. Structural analysis based on the Density Functional Theory showed that the energetically preferred conformation of flavonols substituted at the C5 and C3 atoms by a hydroxyl group is stabilised via intramolecular hydrogen bonds occurring between the (C4)O···HO(3 or 5) atomic pairs. Depending on the hydroxyl group positions, energetically preferred torsional orientation of the phenyl ring with respect to the planar benzo-γ-pyrone moiety changed from 0 to 180 degrees. Gas-phase electron transitions were investigated using the time-dependent DFT treatment. The dependence of maximal wavelengths on the torsional deformation of the phenyl ring is of a similar shape, i.e. minima observed for the perpendicular orientation and maxima for the planar one. Shape and energies of the Highest Occupied (HOMO) and Lowest Unoccupied (LUMO) Molecular Orbitals were compared. The obtained theoretical results were compared with available experimental data.
Carbon family nanomaterials — new applications and technologies
Authors: Roupcova Petra , Klouda Karel , Brandeburova Paula , Sipos Rastislav , Hives Jan , Gal Miroslav , Mackulak Tomas , Skrizovska Michaela , Kissikova Lenka 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Research on carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNMs) and their development is one of the major scientific disciplines of the last century. This is mainly because of their unique properties which can lead to improvements in industrial technology or new medical applications. Therefore, it is necessary to examine their properties such as shape, size, chemical composition, density, toxicity, etc. This article focuses on the general characteristics of nanomaterials (NMs) and their behavior when entering the environment (water and soil). In addition, it presents individual members of the graphene family including porous ecological carbon (biochar). The article mainly deals with the new potential technologies of CBNMs considering their possible toxic and genotoxic effects. This review also highlights the latest developments in the application of self-propelled micromotors for green chemistry applications. Finally, it points to the potential biomedical applications of CBNMs.
Pichia pastoris — recombinant enzyme producent for environment treatment — review
Authors: Kyzeková Tamara , Krasňan Vladimír , Rebroš Martin 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Since environmental pollution is increasing, scientists try to find a sustainable way for its clean up and for environment protection. Due to increasing knowledge of genetics and recombinant technologies, recombinant enzymes have been increasingly applied for these purposes. This article deals with the possibilities of environmental treatment with different types of enzymes produced by P. pastoris. Environment is polluted mostly with pesticides, wastewaters, phenol compounds, plastics, toxic compounds, wastes from medical treatment, etc. All these compounds have to be eliminated considering the deteriorating biodiversity, human health, and condition of plants. Enzymes are an environmentally friendly way of such treatment.