bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma amino acids profile in first-episode psychosis, unaffected siblings and community-based controls
Authors: Loureiro Camila Marcelino , da Roza Daiane Leite , Corsi-Zuelli Fabiana , Shuhama Rosana , Fachim Helene Aparecida , Simões-Ambrosio Lívia Maria Cordeiro , Deminice Rafael , Jordão Alceu Afonso , Menezes Paulo Rossi , Del-Ben Cristina Marta , Louzada-Junior Paulo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInvestigations of plasma amino acids in early psychosis and their unaffected siblings are rare. We measured plasma amino acids involved in the co-activation of dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, and serotoninergic neurotransmitters in first-episode psychosis (FEP) patients (n = 166), unaffected siblings (n = 76), and community-based controls (n = 166) included in a cross-sectional study. Plasma levels of glutamic acid (GLU), glutamine, glycine, proline (PRO), tryptophan (TRP), tyrosine, serine and GABA were quantified by gas-chromatography-mass spectrometry. We used the generalized linear model adjusted by sex, age, and body mass index for group comparison and paired t-test for FEP-Sibling pairs. FEP had reduced GABA plasma levels compared to siblings and controls (p < 0.05 for both). Siblings had lower GLU, Glx and PRO (p < 0.05 for all) but increased TRP compared to patients and controls (p < 0.05 for both). FEP patients with longer duration of pharmacological treatment and medicated only with antipsychotics had increased GLU compared to FEP with shorter periods, or with those treated with a combination of medications (p < 0.05 for both). Finally, FEP patients treated only with antipsychotics presented higher Glx compared to those with mixed medications (p = 0.026). Our study suggests that FEP have low a GABA plasma profile. Unaffected siblings may be a possible risk group for metabolic abnormalities.
Influence of quartz powder and silica fume on the performance of Portland cement
Authors: Tavares Ludmila Rodrigues Costa , Junior Joaquim Francisco Tavares , Costa Leonardo Martins , da Silva Bezerra Augusto Cesar , Cetlin Paulo Roberto , Aguilar Maria Teresa Paulino 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSupplementary cementitious materials interact chemically and physically with cement, influencing the formation of hydrate compounds. Many authors have analyzed the filler and pozzolanic effect. However, few studies have explored the influence of these effects on hydration, properties in the fresh and hardened states, and durability parameters of cementitious composites separately. This study investigates the influence of the replacement of 20% of Portland cement for silica fume (SF) or a 20-µm medium diameter quartz powder (QP) on the properties of cementitious composites from the first hours of hydration to a few months of curing. The results indicate that SF is pozzolanic and that QP has no pozzolanic activity. The use of SF and QP reduces the released energy at early times to the control paste, indicating that these materials reduce the heat of hydration. The microstructure with fewer pores of SF compounds indicates that the pozzolanic reaction reduced pore size and binding capability, resulting in equivalent mechanical properties, reduced permeability and increased electrical resistance of the composites. SF and QP increase the carbonation depth of the composites. SF and QP composites are efficient in the inhibition of the alkali-aggregate reaction. The results indicate that, unlike the filler effect, the occurrence of pozzolanic reaction strongly influences electrical resistance, reducing the risk of corrosion of the reinforcement inserted in the concrete.
Production of genome-edited Daphnia for heavy metal detection by fluorescence
Authors: Arao Takuto , Kato Yasuhiko , Nong Quang Dang , Yamamoto Hiroshi , Watanabe Haruna , Matsuura Tomoaki , Tatarazako Norihisa , Tani Kazune , Okamoto Akira , Matsumoto Takeru , Watanabe Hajime 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAquatic heavy metal pollution is a growing concern. To facilitate heavy metal monitoring in water, we developed transgenic Daphnia that are highly sensitive to heavy metals and respond to them rapidly. Metallothionein A, which was a metal response gene, and its promoter region was obtained from Daphnia magna. A chimeric gene fusing the promoter region with a green fluorescent protein (GFP) gene was integrated into D. magna using the TALEN technique and transgenic Daphnia named D. magna MetalloG were produced. When D. magna MetalloG was exposed to heavy metal solutions for 1 h, GFP expression was induced only in their midgut and hepatopancreas. The lowest concentrations of heavy metals that activated GFP expression were 1.2 µM Zn2+, 130 nM Cu2+, and 70 nM Cd2+. Heavy metal exposure for 24 h could lower the thresholds even further. D. magna MetalloG facilitates aqueous heavy metal detection and might enhance water quality monitoring.
Network analysis reveals essential proteins that regulate sodium-iodide symporter expression in anaplastic thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rakhsh-Khorshid Hassan , Samimi Hilda , Torabi Shukoofeh , Sajjadi-Jazi Sayed Mahmoud , Samadi Hamed , Ghafouri Fatemeh , Asgari Yazdan , Haghpanah Vahid 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAnaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is the most rare and lethal form of thyroid cancer and requires effective treatment. Efforts have been made to restore sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) expression in ATC cells where it has been downregulated, yet without complete success. Systems biology approaches have been used to simplify complex biological networks. Here, we attempt to find more suitable targets in order to restore NIS expression in ATC cells. We have built a simplified protein interaction network including transcription factors and proteins involved in MAPK, TGFβ/SMAD, PI3K/AKT, and TSHR signaling pathways which regulate NIS expression, alongside proteins interacting with them. The network was analyzed, and proteins were ranked based on several centrality indices. Our results suggest that the protein interaction network of NIS expression regulation is modular, and distance-based and information-flow-based centrality indices may be better predictors of important proteins in such networks. We propose that the high-ranked proteins found in our analysis are expected to be more promising targets in attempts to restore NIS expression in ATC cells.
In vitro synergy of isavuconazole in combination with colistin against Candida auris
Authors: Schwarz Patrick , Bidaud Anne-Laure , Dannaoui Eric 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe in vitro interactions of isavuconazole with colistin were evaluated against 15 clinical Candida auris isolates by a microdilution checkerboard technique based on the EUCAST reference method for antifungal susceptibility testing and by agar diffusion using isavuconazole gradient concentration strips with or without colistin incorporated RPMI agar. Interpretation of the checkerboard results was done by the fractional inhibitory concentration index and by response surface analysis based on the Bliss model. By checkerboard, combination was synergistic for 93% of the isolates when interpretation of the data was done by fractional inhibitory concentration index, and for 80% of the isolates by response surface analysis interpretation. By agar diffusion test, although all MICs in combination decreased compared to isavuconazole alone, only 13% of the isolates met the definition of synergy. Essential agreement of EUCAST and gradient concentration strip MICs at +/− 2 log2 dilutions was 93.3%. Antagonistic interactions were never observed for any technique or interpretation model used.
Archaeopteryx feather sheaths reveal sequential center-out flight-related molting strategy
Authors: Kaye Thomas G. , Pittman Michael , Wahl William R. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractModern flying birds molt to replace old and worn feathers that inhibit flight performance, but its origins are unclear. We address this by presenting and evaluating a ~150 million year old record of molting in a feathered dinosaur from the early bird Archaeopteryx. Laser-Stimulated Fluorescence revealed feather sheaths that are otherwise invisible under white light. These are separated by one feather and are not in numerical sequential order and are mirrored in both wings. This indicates that a sequential center-out molting strategy was already present at the origins of flight, which is used in living falcons to preserve maximum flight performance. This strategy would have been a welcome advantage for early theropod flyers that had poor flight capabilities. This discovery provides important insights into how birds refined their early flight capabilities before the appearance of the keeled sternum, pygostyle and triosseal canal.
Influenza virus neuraminidase regulates host CD8+ T-cell response in mice
Authors: Wu Chung-Yi , Chuang Hong-Yang , Wong Chi-Huey 
Published: December 2020

AbstractInfluenza A virus (IAV)-specific CD8+ T-cell response was shown to provide protection against pandemic and seasonal influenza infections. However, the response was often relatively weak and the mechanism was unclear. Here, we show that the composition of IAV released from infected cells is regulated by the neuraminidase (NA) activity and the cells infected by NA-defective virus cause intracellular viral protein accumulation and cell death. In addition, after uptake of NA-defective viruses by dendritic cells (DCs), an expression of the major histocompatibility complex class I is induced to activate IAV-specific CD8+ T-cell response. When mice were infected by NA-defective IAV, a CD8+ T-cell response to the highly conserved viral antigens including PB1, NP, HA, M1, M2 and NS1 was observed along with the increasing expression of IL10, IL12 and IL27. Vaccination of mice with NA-defective H1N1 A/WSN/33 induced a strong IAV-specific CD8+ T cell response against H1N1, H3N2 and H5N1. This study reveals the role of NA in the IAV-specific CD8+ T-cell response and virion assembly process, and provides an alternative direction toward the development of universal influenza vaccines.
The asymptotic behavior of a dynamical process coming from the development in continuous fractions
Authors: Bucur Maria-Liliana , Cerbulescu Cristina-Gabriela 
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is the study of a dynamical process generated by a sequence of maps:
$${x_{n + 1}} = {f_n}\left( {{x_n}} \right)$$
where $${f_n}{\rm{ : }}\left( {0,\infty } \right){\rm{ }} \to \left( {0,\infty } \right){\rm{, }}{f_n}{\rm{ }}\left( x \right){\rm{ = }}{{{c_n}} \over {1 + x}}{\rm{ for all }}n{\rm{ }} \in {\rm{ }}N{\rm{ and }}{\left( {{c_n}} \right)_n}$$ is a a sequence of positive numbers.
This process is generated similar to continuous fractions development.
A continued fraction is an expression obtained through an iterative process of representing a number as the sum of its integer part and the inverse of another number, then writing this other number as the sum of its integer part and another inverse, and so on. In a ﬁnite continued fraction (or terminated continued fraction), the iteration is terminated after ﬁnitely many steps by using an integer in stead of another continued fraction. In contrast, an inﬁnite continued fraction is an inﬁnite expression. In either case, all integers in the sequence, other than the ﬁrst, must be positive. The integers are called the coeﬃcients or terms of the continued fraction.
We will study the pre-equilibrium points for this process, the attraction basins and the stability.
A study of a three-dimensional competitive Lotka–Volterra system
Authors: Munteanu Florian 
Published: December 2020

In this paper we will consider a community of three mutually competing species modeled by the Lotka–Volterra system:
$$ {\left\{ {\dot x} \right._i} = {x_i}\left( {{b_i} - \sum\limits_{i = 1}^3 {{a_{ij}}{x_j}} } \right),i = 1,2,3 $$
where xi(t) is the population size of the i-th species at time t, Ẋi denote $${{dxi} \over {dt}}$$ and aij, bi are all strictly positive real numbers.
This system of ordinary diﬀerential equations represent a class of Kolmogorov systems. This kind of systems is widely used in the mathematical models for the dynamics of population, like predator-prey models or diﬀerent models for the spread of diseases.
A qualitative analysis of this Lotka-Volterra system based on dynamical systems theory will be performed, by studying the local behavior in equilibrium points and obtaining local dynamics properties.
Knowledge, Attitudes, and Clinical Practices of Dental Professionals during COVID-19 Pandemic in Pakistan
Authors: Almas Khalid , Khan Abdul Samad , Tabassum Afsheen , Nazir Muhammad Ashraf , Afaq Ashar , Majeed Abdul 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Objective The aim of this study is to assess knowledge, attitudes, and clinical practices of dental professionals regarding the prevention and control of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Pakistan.
Materials and Methods General dentists and dental specialists working in public and private dental practices, hospitals, and academic institutions participated in this cross-sectional study. A pilot-tested questionnaire was sent to dental professionals through an online link in Pakistan and data collection was completed in April-May 2020. The knowledge score was calculated from 22 variables about the COVID-19.
Results The study included data of 343 dental professionals with 47.2% of males and 52.8% of females. The mean knowledge score was 16.78 ± 2.25, and it significantly differed between general dentists (16.55 ± 2.36) and dental specialists (17.15 ± 2.04) (p = 0.020), and those with up to 10 years of experience (16.58 ± 2.28) and those with more than 10 years of experience (17.05 ± 2.2) (p = 0.026). Only 15.5% of the participants were comfortable in treating patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. A workshop/seminar on the COVID-19 was attended by 23% of the participants. In multivariate analysis, being comfortable in treating patients (odds ratio = 3.31, 95% confidence interval = 1.63, 6.73) was associated with the attendance of workshop/seminar on COVID-19.
Conclusions Dental professionals had adequate knowledge about COVID-19, but a few of them were comfortable in treating patients during the pandemic. A minority of dental professionals attended a workshop/seminar on the COVID-19. Continuous education activities should be provided to dental professionals to enhance their role in the prevention of COVID-19 spread and promotion of oral health.
Pyridoxine Therapy: Not Just the Dose, the Duration Matters Too
Authors: Chidambaram Aakash Chandran , Talwar Milan , Kasinathan Ananthanarayanan , Gulati Reena , Selvan Tamil 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPyridoxine-dependent epilepsy (PDE) (OMIM 266100) is an autosomal recessive disorder of lysine metabolism secondary to antiquitin deficiency. The prototypical presentation is intractable neonatal seizures that do not respond to conventional antiseizure medication but are well controlled by pyridoxine supplementation. Atypical forms account for one-third of the PDE spectrum and may escape early diagnosis. The common atypical presentations include the prenatal onset of seizures, seizures onset as delayed as 3 years of age, autism, arrested hydrocephalus, and fetal ventriculomegaly. Herein, we describe a 9-month-old child with neonatal-onset refractory seizures who failed two short trials of pyridoxine therapy and was later diagnosed with PDE by molecular studies. Regardless of the therapeutic response, a prolonged course of pyridoxine therapy is justified to identify delayed responders in infants with drug-refractory epilepsy of no apparent etiology.
Response to Steroids in IQSEC2-Related Encephalopathy Presenting with Rett-Like Phenotype and Infantile Spasms
Authors: Nagabushana Divya , Chatterjee Aparajita , Kenchaiah Raghavendra , Asranna Ajay , Arunachal Gautham , Mundlamuri Ravindranadh Chowdary 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Introduction IQSEC2-related encephalopathy is an X-linked childhood neurodevelopmental disorder with intellectual disability, epilepsy, and autism. This disorder is caused by a mutation in the IQSEC2 gene, the product of which plays an important role in the development of the central nervous system.
Case Report We describe the symptomatology, clinical course, and management of a 17-month-old male child with a novel IQSEC2 mutation. He presented with an atypical Rett syndrome phenotype with developmental delay, autistic features, midline stereotypies, microcephaly, hypotonia and epilepsy with multiple seizure types including late-onset infantile spasms. Spasms were followed by worsening of behavior and cognition, and regression of acquired milestones. Treatment with steroids led to control of spasms and improved attention, behavior and recovery of lost motor milestone. In the past 10 months following steroid therapy, child lags in development, remains autistic with no further seizure recurrence.
Conclusion IQSEC2-related encephalopathy may present with Rett atypical phenotypes and childhood spasms. In resource-limited settings, steroids may be considered for spasm remission in IQSEC2-related epileptic encephalopathy.
Chimerism 47,XY, + 8/46,XX: Follow-up for 11 Years
Authors: de Carvalho Acácia Fernandes Lacerda , Pitanga Paula Monique Leite , Alves Esmeralda Santos , Miguel Diego Santana Chaves Geraldo , Santo Laila Damasceno Espirito , de Araújo Ana Eliete Fernandes , Ornellas Ana Carolina Pereira , Toralles Maria Betânia Pereira 
Published: December 2020

AbstractApproximately 30 sex chromosome discordant chimera cases have been reported to date. In particular, there are few reported cases of chimerism involving coexisting normal and abnormal lineages that each carries a distinct sex chromosome complement. To our knowledge, this is the first case of sexual chimerism with a simultaneous chromosomal aneuploidy involving chromosome 8. This report represents the data from 11 years of follow-up.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 Infection in a Child with Mild Symptoms and Atypical Course
Authors: Koç Elif , Yıldırım Şule 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe number of children infected with new type coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is relatively small; its atypical, mild, and unexpected clinical pictures can be suggested as the reason. In this article, we reported a 25-month-old girl patient without any symptom besides high fever and who had no risk factor or suspicious contact. Also, she developed maculopapular rash that is not reported before in the COVID-19 patients to the best of our knowledge. In the pandemic states, any symptom should be evaluated as potential COVID-19 and detection and isolation of these cases are necessary as it can affect dissemination.
Bacteremia-Induced Cholestatic Jaundice as a Major Manifestation of Pneumococcal Infection in a Healthy Toddler
Authors: Suzuki Shigeru , Taketazu Genya , Mukai Tokuo , Sakata Hiroshi , Oki Junichi 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccines has substantially decreased the incidence of invasive pneumococcal diseases. However, the incidence of bacteremia due to nonvaccine serotypes has increased. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms and complications of pneumococcal infection to expedite diagnosis. Herein, we report the case of a 22-month-old patient diagnosed with pneumococcal bacteremia who presented with cholestatic jaundice and fever without any other signs of systemic sepsis. The patient's condition improved soon after antibacterial therapy. Other causes of jaundice were possibly ruled out based on the screening test for viral hepatitis, and there were no abnormal findings on abdominal ultrasonography. Therefore, the present case suggests that cholestatic jaundice could be a manifestation of pneumococcal bacteremia.
Dynamics of RNA polymerase II and elongation factor Spt4/5 recruitment during activator-dependent transcription
Authors: Rosen Grace A. , Baek Inwha , Friedman Larry J. , Joo Yoo Jin , Buratowski Stephen , Gelles Jeff 
Published: December 2020

Significance
The synthesis of a eukaryotic messenger RNA molecule involves the association of RNA polymerase and dozens of accessory proteins on DNA. We used differently colored fluorescent dyes to tag DNA, RNA polymerase II, and the elongation factor Spt4/5 in yeast nuclear extract and then observed the assembly and dynamics of individual molecules of the proteins with single DNA molecules by microscopy. The observations quantitatively define an overall pathway by which transcription complexes form and evolve during activator-dependent transcription. They also suggest how Spt4/5 dynamics might promote efficient RNA production.
Quantum simulation investigation of work-function variation in nanowire tunnel FETs
Authors: Guan Yunhe , Carrillo-Nuñez Hamilton , Georgiev Vihar P , Asenov Asen , Liang Feng , Li Zunchao , Chen Haifeng 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The variability induced by the work-function variation (WFV) in p-type ultra-scaled nanowire tunnel FET (TFET) has been studied by using the Non-Equilibrium Green’s Function module implemented in University of Glasgow quantum transport simulator called NESS. To provide a thorough insight into the influence of WFV, we have simulated 250 atomistically different nanowire TFETs and the obtained results are compared to nanowire MOSFETs first. Our statistical simulations reveal that the threshold voltage (V
th) variations of MOSFETs and TFETs are comparable, whereas the on-current (I
on) and off-current (I
off) variations of TFETs are smaller and higher, respectively in comparison to the MOSFET. Based on the results of the simulations, we have provided a physical insight into the variations of the I
on and I
off currents. Then, we compared the nanowire and Fin TFETs structures with different oxide thickness in terms of the WFV-induced variability. The results show that WFV has a strongest impact on the I
off, and moderate effect on the I
on and V
th in nanowire TFET with smaller oxide thickness. Lastly, it is found that compared with the random discrete dopants, WFV is a relatively weaker variability source in ultra-scaled nanowire TFETs, especially from the point of view of I
on variation.
Layer thickness influenced irradiation effects of proton beam on MoS2 field effect transistors
Authors: Huang Xin-nan , Shi Jing-yuan , Yao Yao , Peng Song-ang , Zhang Da-yong , Jin Zhi 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
We investigated the influence of the flake thickness for molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) field effect transistors on the effect of a 150 keV high-energy proton beam applied on these devices. The electrical characteristics of the devices with channel thicknesses ranging from monolayer to bulk were measured before and after proton irradiation with a proton fluence of 5 × 1014 cm−2. The subthreshold swing (SS), threshold voltage shift and electron mobility were extracted with the Y-function method after proton irradiation and significant degradation were observed. It is found that, with the increase of layer thickness, mobility degradation and threshold voltage shift both eased, but the SS degradation was insensitive to the MoS2 flake thickness increase. We also demonstrate that the threshold voltage shift is dominated by oxide charges; however, the mobility and SS degradations are mainly affected by the interface traps. Our study will enhance the understanding of the influence of high-energy particles on MoS2-based nano-electronic devices. By increasing the MoS2 flake thickness to a certain extent, one can hopefully find a balance between effectively resisting

V

T
H

shift and achieving high mobility and small SS degradation.