bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Molecular epidemiology of norovirus outbreaks in Argentina, 2013‐2018
Authors: Degiuseppe Juan I. , Barclay Leslie , Gomes Karina A. , Costantini Veronica , Vinjé Jan , Stupka Juan A. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractNoroviruses are a leading cause of endemic and epidemic acute gastroenteritis in all age groups. However, in Latin America, there are limited and updated data regarding circulating genotypes. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and genetic diversity of norovirus outbreaks in Argentina from 2013 to 2018. Stool samples from 29 acute gastroenteritis (AGE) outbreaks were available for viral testing. Norovirus was detected in samples from 18 (62.1%) outbreaks (2 GI and 16 GII). Both GI outbreaks were typed as GI.6[P11] whereas 10 different GII genotypes were detected, in which GII.4 viruses were the most frequently detected (29.4%, associated with GII.P31 and GII.P16) followed by GII.1[P33] and GII.6[P7] (17.6% each). Like GII.4 viruses, GII.2 viruses were also detected in association with different polymerases (GII.P2 and GII.P16). Our findings underscore the importance of dual RNA‐dependent RNA polymerase‐VP1 typing since recombinant strains with new polymerase sequences emerge frequently suggesting a possible role in improved fitness of these viruses. This study represents the most recent multi‐year assessment of the molecular epidemiology of norovirus strains associated with AGE outbreaks in Argentina. Molecular surveillance of norovirus has to be considered to monitor possible changes in dominant genotypes which may assist to inform the formulation of future vaccines.
Development and evaluation of a panel of multiplex one‐tube nested real time PCR assay for simultaneous detection of 14 respiratory viruses in five reactions
Authors: Zhao Li , Li Gui‐xia , Wang Ji , Zhao Meng‐chuan , Wang Le , Feng Zhi‐shan , Ma Xue‐jun 
Published: January 2020

AbstractMultiplex real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (mRT‐qPCR) assay is commonly used to detect respiratory viruses, however, the sensitivity is limited for most reports. A panel of locked nucleic acid based multiplex closed one‐tube nested real‐time PCR (mOTNRT‐PCR) assay consisting of five separate internally controlled RT‐qPCR assays was developed for detection of 14 respiratory viruses. The sensitivity and reproducibility of mOTNRT‐PCR panel were evaluated using plasmid standards and the specificity was evaluated using clinical samples. The clinical performance of mOTNRT‐PCR panel was further evaluated with 468 samples collected from patients with an acute respiratory infection and compared with individual real‐time PCR (RT‐qPCR) assay. The analytical sensitivities of mOTNRT‐PCR panel ranged from 2 to 20 copies/reaction, and no cross‐reaction with common respiratory viruses was observed. The coefficients of variation of intra‐assay and inter‐assay were between 0.35% and 8.29%. Totally 35 clinical samples detected by mOTNRT‐PCR assay panel were missed by RT‐qPCR and confirmed true positive by sequencing of nested PCR products. The mOTNRT‐PCR assay panel provides a more sensitive and high‐throughput method for the detection of 14 respiratory viruses.
Design and high‐power test of the transmission line for millimeter wave deep drilling
Authors: Wang Lina , Niu Xinjian , Chen Shuang , Liu Jianwei , Liu Yinghui , Guo Guo , Wang Hui 
Published: January 2020

AbstractA numerical synthesis method for optimization of the key components of the transmission line for high‐power fusion gyrotron is proposed in this paper. Combined with the analysis method, an algorithm has been developed for the waveguide to provide higher power transformation efficiency, which is 99.447% and 99.9721% for the TE01‐TE11 mode converter and TE11 taper, respectively. The synthesis method has been tested for the designed key components of transmission line to transfer the electromagnetic wave from the gyrotron output port to the specified position of the sample to be heat. The experimental results show that the output mode is in excellent agreement with theoretical calculation. The details are presented for the circular waveguide mode converter and the layout of the whole system.
TLR3 activation modulates immunomodulatory properties of human periodontal ligament cells
Authors: Chaikeawkaew Daneeya , Everts Vincent , Pavasant Prasit 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundToll‐like receptors (TLR) are a group of receptors that play roles in the innate immune system. Human periodontal ligament cells (hPDL cells) express several TLRs, including TLR3, a nucleotide sensing receptor that recognizes double‐stranded RNA from viral infection. However, its role in hPDL cells is unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of hPDL cells in terms of immunomodulation after TLR3 engagement.MethodsHPDL cells were treated with various doses of poly I:C, a TLR3 activator. The expression of interferon‐gamma (IFNγ), indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA‐G) was determined. Chemical inhibitors and small interfering RNA (siRNA) were used to confirm the role of TLR3. Coculture with human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) with poly I:C‐activated hPDL cells was performed.ResultsEndosomal TLR3 in hPDL cells was observed by immunocytochemistry. Addition of poly I:C significantly enhanced the expression and secretion of IFNγ, IDO, and HLA‐G. Knockdown of TLR3 using siRNA decreased the poly I:C‐induced expression of these three molecules. Bafilomycin‐A, an inhibitor of auto‐phagosome and lysosome fusion, inhibited poly I:C‐induced IDO and HLA‐G expression, whereas cycloheximide and a TLR3‐neutralizing antibody had no effect. In co‐culture experiments, poly I:C‐activated hPDL cells inhibited PBMCs proliferation and increased mRNA expression of forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), a transcription factor which is a marker of regulatory T cells.ConclusionOur findings indicated that TLR3 engagement of hPDL cells induced immunosuppressive properties of these cells. Because immunosuppressive properties play an important role in tissue healing and regeneration, activation of TLR3 may help to attenuate tissue destruction by limiting the inflammatory process and perhaps initiate the healing and regeneration process of the periodontium.
Intermachine Variation of Ultrasound Strain Elastographic Measures of the Quadriceps and Patellar Tendons in Healthy Participants
Authors: Dickson Diane M. , Fawole Henrietta O. , Hendry Gordon J. , Smith Stephanie L. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectivesTo evaluate intermachine variation and compare intraoperator and interoperator agreement and repeatability characteristics of 2 ultrasound (US) systems for measurements of quadriceps and patellar tendons by strain elastography (SE).MethodsForty tendons from 20 healthy participants were investigated by operators with different experience (operator 1, 12 years of US experience and >50 SE examinations; operator 2, no US experience and 1 day of SE training). Repeated measures were performed on GE Healthcare (Waukesha, WI) and Esaote (Genoa, Italy) US systems. The percentage of agreement, Cohen κ, intraclass correlation coefficient, and correlation tests assessed agreement, repeatability, and associations of SE measures. A paired t test and Wilcoxon signed rank test assessed differences in SE measures.ResultsThe study participants included 5 male and 15 female volunteers (mean [range] age, 29.3 [21–39] years). Better agreement and repeatability characteristics were observed for the patellar compared to the quadriceps tendon and the color score (CS) method over the elasticity ratio (ER). Intraoperator agreement was better for the experienced operator. Intraoperator repeatability was achieved in 55% of ER (intraclass correlation coefficient, 0.40–0.91; P < .05) and 77% to 85% (κ = –0.25–1) of CS measures. Interoperator repeatability was achieved in 35% (t/z, –2.93–7.94; P < .001–.048) of all ER measures. No significant differences in proximal (z, –0.13– –0.78) and distal patellar (z, –1.52–2.26; P > .5) patellar ER measures were observed. Seventy‐four percent to 75% mean agreement (κ = 0–0.5) for CS measures comparable across both US systems was observed. Intermachine ER associations were poor (r = –0.39–0.13; P > .05), whereas greater than 70% agreement (κ = –0.87–0.53) for the CS was achieved.ConclusionsThe reproducibility of knee tendon SE measurements is influenced by the operator experience, US system, and tendon site.
A geographic information system‐based land use impact model to map areas with risk for land degradation: Wind erosion as an example
Authors: Sardo I. Kouchami , Besalatpour A. A. , Bashari H. , Shirani H. , Yildiz Ö. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractWind erosion modeling is hampered by the complexity of the relationships between factors involved in this process and the absence of comprehensive empirical data. In this study, we developed a geographic information system‐based Land Use Impact Model and investigated its potential use for assessing the wind erosion risk in different land uses and wind geomorphic units. The obtained results were validated by field measurements and observations using a wind erosion simulator. Comparing the measured wind erosion intensities by the wind erosion simulator with those from the likelihood map obtained from the model revealed the high potency of the developed model for assessing land degradation due to wind erosion in our data scarce arid studied regions. Almost 90% of the mapping units in the likelihood map had similar wind erosion classes to the measured values. Furthermore, there was a high wind erosion occurrence risk in most parts of the studied regions (i.e., about 64% of the study area), and no mapping units in the study area were classified as ‘very low’ risk class. In addition, only about 9% of the surveyed mapping units were classified as a ‘low’ risk class, indicating an undesirable situation of the study area with regard to wind erosion.
Mesomorphic Sugar‐Coated Polydiacetylene Polymers
Authors: Yadav Shivender , Gowda Ashwathanarayana , Jayaraman Narayanaswamy 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe derivatization of a polydiacetylene (PDA) polymer with free hydroxyl groups containing sugars leads to amphiphilicity of the polymer and the emergence of thermotropic liquid crystalline behavior, in addition to the thermochromatic properties. The diacetylene monomers, incorporated with mono‐ and disaccharides, exhibit mono‐ and/or enantiotropic phase behavior in a wide temperature range. Structural characterization and modeling studies reveal a lamellar arrangement and interdigitization of the molecules in the mesophase. The importance of the amphiphilicity as a source to induce mesomorphic behavior in PDA polymers is emphasized.
Common and distinct features of potentially predictive biomarkers in small cell lung carcinoma and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung by systematic and integrated analysis
Authors: Dong Shenghua , Liang Jun , Zhai Wenxin , Yu Zhuang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackgroundLarge‐cell neuroendocrine carcinoma of the lung (LCNEC) and small‐cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) are neuroendocrine neoplasms. However, the underlying mechanisms of common and distinct genetic characteristics between LCNEC and SCLC are currently unclear. Herein, protein expression profiles and possible interactions with miRNAs were provided by integrated bioinformatics analysis, in order to explore core genes associated with tumorigenesis and prognosis in SCLC and LCNEC.MethodsGSE1037 gene expression profiles were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in LCNEC and SCLC, as compared with normal lung tissues, were selected using the GEO2R online analyzer and Venn diagram software. Gene ontology (GO) analysis was performed using Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The biological pathway analysis was performed using the FunRich database. Subsequently, a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network of DEGs was generated using Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes and displayed via Cytoscape software. The PPI network was analyzed by the Molecular Complex Detection app from Cytoscape, and 16 upregulated hub genes were selected. The Oncomine database was used to detect expression patterns of hub genes for validation. Furthermore, the biological pathways of these 16 hub genes were re‐analyzed, and potential interactions between these genes and miRNAs were explored via FunRich.ResultsA total of 384 DEGs were identified. A Venn diagram determined 88 common DEGs. The PPI network was constructed with 48 nodes and 221 protein pairs. Among them, 16 hub genes were extracted, 14 of which were upregulated in SCLC samples, as compared with normal lung specimens, and 10 were correlated with the cell cycle pathway. Furthermore, 57 target miRNAs for 8 hub genes were identified, among which 31 miRNAs were correlated with the progression of carcinoma, drug‐resistance, radio‐sensitivity, or autophagy in lung cancer.ConclusionThis study provided effective biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for diagnosis and prognosis of SCLC and LCNEC.
High resolution 3D subsurface mapping using a towed transient electromagnetic system ‐ tTEM: case studies
Authors: Maurya Pradip Kumar , Christiansen Anders Vest , Pedersen Jesper , Auken Esben 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACTGeophysical methods are routinely applied for investigation of near surface in areas of infrastructure, water supply, artificial infiltration, farming, waste deposits, construction, etc. A new towed transient electromagnetic tool, called ‘tTEM’, provides rapid, efficient, high‐resolution imaging of subsurface hydrogeology, and can deliver densely spaced profiles of resistivity. These profiles can be used to map a three‐dimensional subsurface in high resolution. In this paper, we present three case studies where the towed transient electromagnetic system was used to map the subsurface at the hectare scale. In the first case, we used towed transient electromagnetic to map raw materials in the northern Jutland, Denmark. The survey was carried out to map possible sand and gravel deposits. In the towed transient electromagnetic models, the potential sand/gravel targets are identified as high resistive bodies in the top 30 m. These bodies can have significant lateral variation at scales much less than one hundred metres. In the second case study, towed transient electromagnetic was used to map the thickness of a protecting clay layer above an aquifer in Vildbjerg, a town in the central part of Denmark. Results show that the overlying clay layer has sufficient thickness (>15 m) to protect the underlying aquifer from pesticide pollution in the area. Finally, in the third case study, we used towed transient electromagnetic for mapping geology in the vicinity of a landfill. The inversion results reveal a hitherto unknown buried valley‐like feature within the top 30 m of the subsurface that was not identified by older, regional TEM surveys – a feature that can have significant impact on the water flow.
Development of cashew nut shell carbon reinforced thiourea based biophenolic benzoxazine‐epoxy composites: High performance biobased coating materials
Authors: Vaithilingam Selvaraj , ThangavelRavivarman Raghavarshini , Muthukaruppan Alagar 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe research work focused on the preparation of biobased eugenol benzoxazine (EUBz) using thiourea as amine resource and their conversion into EUBz‐epoxy (EUBz‐EP) blend matrix and EUBz‐EP blend composites. In the present work, thiourea‐based eugenol‐benzoxazine monomer was synthesized using eugenol as phenolic compound, thiourea as amine resource and paraformaldehyde. The molecular structure of monomer was confirmed by FTIR, NMR, and Maldi mass studies. The thiourea‐based EUBz properties were enhanced by the blending of EP resin and reinforced with varying weight percentages of amine functionalized cashew nut shell carbon (f‐CSC). The thermally cured f‐CSC/EUBz‐EP composites possesses a higher glass transition temperature of 202.9°C when compared to that of the EUBz matrix (104.2°C), which might arise due to the higher crosslinking density resulted from the reinforcement of EP resin with f‐CSC. In addition, the hydrophobic behavior of the prepared composite materials is improved by blending the EUBz with EP resin and reinforcing with f‐CSC. The enhancement of the value of contact angle from 80.3° to 105.9° infers the improvement of hydrophobic behavior of f‐CSC reinforced EUBz‐EP blend composites. The corrosion rate and protection efficiency of 5 wt% f‐CSC/EUBz‐EP composites exhibits 0.814 (mm/year) and 99.97%, respectively. Data obtained from different studies suggested that the f‐CSC reinforced EUBz‐EP blended composites can be used in the form of sealants, encapsulants, adhesives, and coatings for different industrial and engineering applications.
High‐resolution analysis of the human placental DNA methylome in early gestation
Authors: Shridhar Varsha , Chu Tianjiao , Simhan Hyagriv , Shaw Patricia A. , Peters David G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractBackground/ObjectiveWe communicate high‐read‐depth bisulfite sequencing analysis of the chorionic villus (CV) DNA methylome from samples obtained between 11 and 13 weeks gestation and samples of gestationally age‐matched maternal blood cells (MBC).MethodsThis was achieved through solution‐phase targeted region capture (84 Mb) of bisulfite converted human DNA.ResultsWe identified biphasic distribution of methylation in CV and MBC genomes. We found greater numbers of intermediate methylated sites (20%‐80% methylated) in CV and greater number of high methylation sites in MBC and investigated distributions of these in promoters, introns, exons, CpG islands, CpG islands shores, and enhancers. We identified differentially methylated sites distinguishing CV and MBC. These are less likely to occur in CpG islands (CGIs), particularly those that exist outside promoters, exons, and introns. We found that gene promoter and gene body methylation patterns are associated with mRNA transcriptional profiles in CV. Despite the relative hypomethylation of CV genomes, we found that these contain DM regions that are more likely to be hypermethylated in CV relative to MBC.ConclusionsOur data provide novel insight into the structure and organization of the CV epigenome, which may inform future studies of placental biology and noninvasive prenatal phenotyping.
The Effect of Intravenous Acetaminophen on Patient Outcomes within a Large Integrated Delivery Network
Authors: Mattern Henry P. , Reichert James C. , McConnell Karen J. 
Published: January 2020

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of intravenous acetaminophen on patient outcomes.MethodsIn this retrospective observational analysis, 54,742 patients were identified from 19 Catholic Health Initiatives hospitals during a 12‐month period. Charges were used to identify patients who received intravenous acetaminophen during their encounter. The control group included patients who did not receive intravenous acetaminophen. Five outcomes were measured: total length of stay, intensive care unit (ICU) length of stay, total narcotic use (in morphine milligram equivalents [MME]), likelihood of receiving a narcotic prescription at discharge, and 30‐day readmission rate. Patients undergoing five procedures were evaluated: total knee replacements, total hip replacements, cesarean section, coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), and gallbladder resection. These patients were also evaluated in a combined group.ResultsAfter matching, population imbalances for patient characteristics were addressed. Combined with the five outcomes, 25 populations had a sufficient number of matched pairs for analysis. Six of the 25 tests showed a significant difference favoring the control group. Total length of stay was shorter for the control group in the combined population (−0.18 days [4 hours], 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.26 to −0.11). Total narcotic use was lower for the control group in the caesarean section (−10 MME, 95% CI −16 to −5), CABG (−26 MME, 95% CI −41 to −12), and combined (−13 MME, 95% CI −16 to −11) populations. The control group was less likely to be discharged with a narcotic prescription for the caesarean section (odds ratio (OR) −1.39, 95% CI −1.00 to −1.92) and combined (OR −1.14, 95% CI −1.04 to −1.24) populations.ConclusionsIntravenous acetaminophen was not associated with improvement in the following patient outcomes: total length of stay, ICU length of stay, total narcotic use, likelihood of receiving a discharge narcotic prescription, and 30‐day readmission rate. Based on these findings, clinicians may reconsider the routine use of intravenous acetaminophen.
23.83% efficient mono‐PERC incorporating advanced hydrogenation
Authors: Chen Ran , Tong Hongbo , Zhu Haitao , Ding Chao , Li Hua , Chen Daniel , Hallam Brett , Chong Chee Mun , Wenham Stuart , Ciesla Alison 
Published: January 2020

AbstractLONGi Solar Energy Technology Co. Ltd. has achieved 23.83% for a commercial p‐type Cz PERC cell. From a batch of over 40 000 cells, the average line efficiency achieved was 22.5%. R&D studies investigating hydrogenation and degradation show the importance of hydrogenation processes for efficiency improvements and controlling the hydrogen to prevent light‐induced degradation. Such degradation is shown to appear very differently under different illumination and temperature conditions. This degradation impacts VOC, ISC, and especially fill factor. Current injection and thermal anneal can be used to recover the degradation, but the recovery may not be stable. Reducing the hydrogen content within the cell is shown to minimise degradation without sacrificing performance, provided that enough hydrogen is retained to passivate boron‐oxygen defects.
High ability students with coexisting disabilities: Implications for school psychological practice
Authors: Foley‐Nicpon Megan , Assouline Susan G. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractSchool psychologists are well‐positioned to change the educational landscape for twice‐exceptional students, or those who possess high ability in one or more talent domains along with one or more disabilities. Better understanding of the nuanced cognitive and psychosocial assessment patterns within this population may increase well‐needed participation in gifted education opportunities and the likelihood of receiving accommodations, as well as decrease missed diagnoses. Based on our review of the empirical literature within domains of twice‐exceptionality (e.g., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorder, and specific learning disability), we provide recommendations for how school psychologists can interpret formative and summative assessments taken by twice‐exceptional students and subsequently help design educational plans that will meet their unique needs.