bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative Study on Effect of Chrysophyllum albidum Medicinal Plant from Crude Oil Polluted and Non-crude Oil Polluted Areas on Selected Biochemical Parameters in Rats
Authors: Ekpo Grace , Amadi Benjamin , Adindu Eze , Michael Odey , Dasimeokuna Princewill 
Published: November 2019

Comparative study on effect of Chrysophyllum albidum medicinal plant from crude oil polluted and non-crude oil polluted areas on selected biochemical parameters in rats was evaluated. Leaves of C. albidium were collected from a botanical garden (non-crude oil polluted site) and Okrika (crude oil polluted site), and studied. The leaves passed for heavy metals analyses and heavy metals such as mercury (0.38 ±0.07 mg/100 g), lead (3.06±0.40 mg/100 g), cadmium (0.09±0.00 mg/100 g), copper (1.00±0.18 mg/100 g), chromium (0.23±0.01 mg/100 g), and cobalt (4.90±1.22 mg/100 g) were observed in leaves of C. albidum from crude oil polluted area. Rats placed on compounded feed of C. albidium leaves from crude oil polluted area revealed marked degeneration in haematological indices, liver enzymes, urea and creatinine of the kidney. These observed degeneration could be linked to toxicity of the heavy metals found in the leaves of C. albidum from crude oil polluted area since leaves of C. albidum are known to have medicinal potency that could protect the integrity of internal organs and tissues. There is need to properly inform those who rely on medicinal plants from crude oil polluted areas of the possible dangers such may pose in the body. This study has evaluated the comparative effect of C. albidum medicinal plant from crude oil polluted and non-crude oil polluted areas on selected biochemical parameters in rats.
Viability of Hydrocarbon-degrading Bacterial Consortium Immobilized on Different Carriers
Authors: Ezebuiro Victor , Otaraku Ipeghan Jonathan , Oruwari Boma , Okpokwasili Gideon Chijioke 
Published: November 2019

Aim: Viability of hydrocarbon-degrading bacterial consortium immobilized on different carriers was studied.
Methodology: Hydrocarbon-degrading bacteria were isolated from crude oil contaminated sites in Gio and K-Dera, Rivers State, Nigeria using enrichment method. Proximate analyses were carried out on the best carrier materials. Immobilization was by direct adsorption of the isolates onto the carrier materials and viability was determined by plate count method. The carrier materials tested included soya bran, sugarcane bagasse, corn cob, brown saw dust, white saw dust, cassava peel and red mud (bentonite).
Results: The bacterial isolates demonstrated varied degradation capacity. The best carrier material was saw dust (103.6% survival) and corn cob (103.6% survival) followed by soya bran (94.4% survival rate) and cassava peel (94.4% survival rate). The saw dust had moisture content, 5.92%; ash content, 7.49%; crude protein, 2.2%; volatile matter, 74.28; and fixed carbon, 12.34%; whereas, the percentage chemical composition observed for soya bran were 10.11, 4.08, 5.22, 42.61, 18.37 and 8.89 for moisture content, ash content, crude fibre, crude protein, crude fat and carbohydrate, respectively. There was significant difference (p=0.05) between viability rate observed with the different carrier materials.
Conclusion: This study showed that the agro-wastes used in this study can effectively enhance the viability of hydrocarbon-utilizing bacterial. The result is significant as it shows the possibility of using these carrier materials for bioremediation of hydrocarbon contaminated media.
Isolation and Culture Dependent Characterization of Escherichia coli from the Sewage Waste Water of Lahore, Pakistan
Authors: Bano Abida , Ali Basharat 
Published: November 2019

Aims: Infectious disease haemorrhagic uremic syndrome (HUS), present in sewage water, its cross contamination with drinking water may affect the community. This study was conducted to isolate the pathogenic strain of E. coli O157 from the sewage waste water of Lahore, Pakistan. The aim of this study was to evaluate biofilm formation and antibiotic susceptibility pattern for the isolated strains. Selective Hichrome EC O157 agar media was used for the isolation of E. coli.
Methodology: Taxonomic status of strain was confirmed by 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Serotyping of E. coli O157 strains was accomplished by ProlexTM E. coli O157 Latex Test Reagent Kit results for O157. Bacterial strains were also evaluated for biofilm formation, toxin related genes (stx1, stx2, stx2c, stx2d) and antibiotic sensitivity.
Results: Bacterial strains showed resistance against amoxicillin, tobramycin, tetracycline and nitrofurantoin antibiotics. Maximum biofilm formation was shown by strain E124 when used as monoculture. In cocultures, strains E35 and E101 were the most efficient biofilm formers. PCR amplification recorded negative results for shiga toxin genes.
Conclusion: Shiga toxin genes were not present in any of the E. coli strain, from which we can suggest that our environment is free of shiga toxin genes. E. coli was present in sewage water, its cross contamination with drinking water may affect the community. Therefore, waste water should be treated properly before discarding it into the common water bodies.
Potentiality and limitations of N‐mixture and Royle‐Nichols models to estimate animal abundance based on noninstantaneous point surveys
Authors: Nakashima Yoshihiro 
Published: November 2019

AbstractReliable and accurate information on animal abundance is fundamental for the conservation and management of wildlife. Recently, a number of innovative devices (such as camera traps) have been widely used in field surveys and have largely improved survey efficiency. However, these devices often constitute noninstantaneous point surveys, resulting in the multiple counts of the same animal individuals within a single sampling occasion (i.e., false‐positive errors). Many commonly‐used statistical models do not explicitly account for the false‐positive error, with its effects on estimates being poorly understood. Here, I tested the performance of the commonly‐used Poisson‐binomial N‐mixture and the Royle‐Nichols model in the presence of both false‐positive and negative errors (i.e., individuals in a population might not be detected). I also implemented the Poisson‐Poisson mixture model in the Bayesian framework to evaluate its reliability. The results of the simulation using random walks based on Ornstein‐Uhlenbeck processes showed that the Poisson‐binomial model was not robust to false‐positive errors. In comparison, the Royle‐Nichols and Poisson‐Poisson models provided reasonable estimates of the number of animals whose home range included the survey point. However, the number of animals whose home range included the survey point is inherently influenced by the size of animal home ranges, and thus cannot be used as a surrogate of animal density. Although the N‐mixture and Royle‐Nichols models are widely used, their utility might be restricted by this limitation. In conclusion, studies should clearly define the objective of surveys and carefully consider whether the models used are valid.
Hirudin or hirudin‐like factor ‐ that is the question: insights from the analyses of natural and synthetic HLF variants
Authors: Müller Christian , Lukas Phil , Böhmert Michel , Hildebrandt Jan‐Peter 
Published: November 2019

The hirudin‐like factor 1 (HLF1) of Hirudo medicinalis belongs to a new class of leech‐derived factors. In previous investigations, HLF1 did not exhibit anticoagulatory activities. Here, we describe the analysis of natural and synthetic variants of HLF1 and HLF‐Hyb, a yet uncharacterized member of the HLF family. Modifications within the N terminus of HLF1 have a strong impact on its activity. Some variants of HLF1 exhibit thrombin‐inhibiting activity comparable to hirudins, whereas others have reduced or no activity. The analyses of HLF‐Hyb variants revealed a strong impact of the central globular domain on activity. Our results indicate a comparable mode of action of hirudins and thrombin‐inhibiting HLF variants. Finally, we propose and discuss criteria for classifying hirudins and HLFs.
TR1801‐ADC: a highly potent cMet antibody–drug conjugate with high activity in patient‐derived xenograft models of solid tumors
Authors: Gymnopoulos Marco , Betancourt Oscar , Blot Vincent , Fujita Ryo , Galvan Diana , Lieuw Vincent , Nguyen Sophie , Snedden Jeanette , Stewart Christine , Villicana Jose , Wojciak Jon , Wong Eley , Pardo Raul , Patel Neki , D’Hooge Francois , Vijayakrishnan Balakumar , Barry Conor , Hartley John A. , Howard Philip W. , Newman Roland , Coronella Julia 
Published: November 2019

cMet is a well‐characterized oncogene that is the target of many drugs including small molecule and biologic pathway inhibitors, and, more recently, antibody–drug conjugates (ADCs). However, the clinical benefit from cMet‐targeted therapy has been limited. We developed a novel cMet‐targeted ‘third‐generation’ ADC, TR1801‐ADC, that was optimized at different levels including specificity, stability, toxin–linker, conjugation site, and in vivo efficacy. Our nonagonistic cMet antibody was site‐specifically conjugated to the pyrrolobenzodiazepine (PBD) toxin–linker tesirine and has picomolar activity in cancer cell lines derived from different solid tumors including lung, colorectal, and gastric cancers. The potency of our cMet ADC is independent of MET gene copy number, and its antitumor activity was high not only in high cMet‐expressing cell lines but also in medium‐to‐low cMet cell lines (40 000–90 000 cMet/cell) in which a cMet ADC with tubulin inhibitor payload was considerably less potent. In vivo xenografts with low–medium cMet expression were also very responsive to TR1801‐ADC at a single dose, while a cMet ADC using a tubulin inhibitor showed a substantially reduced efficacy. Furthermore, TR1801‐ADC had excellent efficacy with significant antitumor activity in 90% of tested patient‐derived xenograft models of gastric, colorectal, and head and neck cancers: 7 of 10 gastric models, 4 of 10 colorectal cancer models, and 3 of 10 head and neck cancer models showed complete tumor regression after a single‐dose administration. Altogether, TR1801‐ADC is a new generation cMet ADC with best‐in‐class preclinical efficacy and good tolerability in rats.
Investigating sexual harassment in online video games: How personality and context factors are related to toxic sexual behaviors against fellow players
Authors: Tang Wai Yen , Reer Felix , Quandt Thorsten 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOnline video games are social spaces for players from around the world. They use this space to form communities, relationships, and identities. However, gaming communities are not always welcoming, and some are even perceived as being “toxic.” A prevalent issue is online sexual harassment, which is keeping many women from participating in the gaming community. Research on the factors contributing to the problem is limited, though. The present study replicates and expands previous research, using a sample of 856 online gamers. The study supports earlier findings that found hostile sexism and social dominance orientation as predictors of sexual harassment perpetration in online video games. In addition, we expanded the previous research with additional predictors: machiavellianism, psychopathy, and gamer identification predicted higher sexual harassment perpetration. Our results have implications for the gaming community's role in curtailing sexual harassment and making itself a more inclusive community.
Neighborhood violent crime and adolescent relationship aggression
Authors: Taylor Bruce G. , Mumford Elizabeth A. , Okeke Nnenna , Rothman Emily 
Published: November 2019

AbstractResearch has shown that neighborhoods play a role in the etiology of violence. However, few adolescent relationship aggression (ARA) studies have objective measures of violent neighborhoods. Drawing on a nationally representative sample of youth, this study examines the association between ARA and local levels of violent crime (measured using geocoded Uniform Crime Report data from each of the youths’ residential neighborhoods). Study analyses are based on survey data from 723 youth (ages 10–18) in current or recent dating relationships (351 males and 372 females) in the Survey on Teen Relationships and Intimate Violence (STRiV), a national representative household panel survey exploring interpersonal violence and related aggression among adolescents. About 19% of the sample reported ARA victimization in their most recent dating relationship (ARA perpetration was 17%). Neighborhood violent crime in the study (males living in 86.9 and females 99.8) was slightly lower than the national average of 100. With a broad national sample, 40% non‐Whites, hypotheses guided by theories of neighborhood influence were tested. The study did not find an association between neighborhood violent crime and ARA victimization and perpetration, controlling for key demographic factors. The results, for a broad range of high‐ and low‐crime neighborhoods, suggest that neighborhood violence does not seem to affect individual rates of ARA. The results suggest the ARA victimization and perpetration are perhaps ubiquitous and found both in low and high violent crime neighborhoods, suggesting that addressing local violent crime rates alone does not seem to be a path to also reducing ARA.
Single Crystal Perovskite Solar Cells: Development and Perspectives
Authors: Cheng Xiao , Yang Shuang , Cao Bingqiang , Tao Xutang , Chen Zhaolai 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe efficiency of perovskite solar cells has increased to a certified value of 25.2% in the past 10 years, benefiting from the superior properties of metal halide perovskite materials. Compared with the widely investigated polycrystalline thin films, single crystal perovskites without grain boundaries have better optoelectronic properties, showing great potential for photovoltaics with higher efficiency and stability. Additionally, single crystal perovskite solar cells are a fantastic model system for further investigating the working principles related to the surface and grain boundaries of perovskite materials. Unfortunately, only a handful of groups have participated in the development of single crystal perovskite solar cells; thus, the development of this area lags far behind that of its polycrystalline counterpart. Therefore, a review paper that discusses the recent developments and challenges of single crystal perovskite solar cells is urgently required to provide guidelines for this emerging field. In this progress report, the optical and electrical properties of single crystal and polycrystalline perovskite thin films are compared, followed by the recent developments in the growth of single crystal perovskite thin films and the photovoltaic applications of this material. Finally, the challenges and perspectives of single crystal perovskite solar cells are discussed in detail.
Organic Small Molecule Based Photothermal Agents with Molecular Rotors for Malignant Breast Cancer Therapy
Authors: Guo Bing , Huang Zemin , Shi Qi , Middha Eshu , Xu Shidang , Li Ling , Wu Min , Jiang Jianwen , Hu Qinglian , Fu Zhengwei , Liu Bin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOrganic photothermal nanoagents are promising candidates for treating primary tumors and inhibiting metastasis. However, they often exhibit poor photostability, low absorptivity, or limited photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE). Herein, a facile molecular engineering approach to produce efficient organic photothermal molecules is demonstrated. By integrating donor–acceptor structure and molecular motors, a small molecule (TA1) is synthesized with large absorptivity (22.4 L g−1 cm−1), negligible reactive oxygen species generation, high PCE (84.8%), excellent photothermal stability, and good biocompatibility. Furthermore, microfluidics is used to thoroughly study the relationship between the size and process conditions, yielding small uniform nanoparticles (NPs) with a diameter of 44 nm. Importantly, TA1 NPs under near‐infrared laser irradiation significantly suppressed primary breast tumor growth and metastasis, both in vitro and in vivo. This study shows that small organic molecule nanoparticles are promising candidates for future cancer nanomedicine.
Binding and Internalization in Receptor‐Targeted Carriers: The Complex Role of CD44 in the Uptake of Hyaluronic Acid‐Based Nanoparticles (siRNA Delivery)
Authors: Rios de la Rosa Julio M. , Pingrajai Ponpawee , Pelliccia Maria , Spadea Alice , Lallana Enrique , Gennari Arianna , Stratford Ian J. , Rocchia Walter , Tirella Annalisa , Tirelli Nicola 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCD44 is an endocytic hyaluronic acid (HA) receptor, and is overexpressed in many carcinomas. This has encouraged the use of HA to design CD44‐targeting carriers. This paper is about dissecting the mechanistic role of CD44. Here, HA‐decorated nanoparticles are used to deliver siRNA to both tumoral (AsPC‐1, PANC‐1, HT‐29, HCT‐116) and non‐tumoral (fibroblasts, differently polarized THP‐1 macrophages, HUVEC) human cell lines, evaluating the initial binding of the nanoparticles, their internalization rate, and the silencing efficiency (cyclophilin B (PPIB) gene). Tumoral cells internalize faster and experience higher silencing than non‐tumoral cells. This is promising as it suggests that, in a tumor, HA nanocarriers may have limited off‐target effects. More far‐reaching is the inter‐relation between the four parameters of the study: CD44 expression, HA binding on cell surfaces, internalization rate, and silencing efficiency. No correlation is found between binding (an early event) and any of the other parameters, whereas silencing correlates both with speed of the internalization process and CD44 expression. This study confirms on one hand that HA‐based carriers can perform a targeted action, but on the other it suggests that this may not be due to a selective binding event, but rather to a later recognition leading to selective internalization.
Highly Sensitive 1T‐MoS2 Pressure Sensor with Wide Linearity Based on Hierarchical Microstructures of Leaf Vein as Spacer
Authors: Yang Tingting , Xiang Haiyan , Qin Chaopeng , Liu Yeru , Zhao Xiaorui , Liu Hang , Li Huimin , Ouzounian Miray , Hong Guo , Chen Hong , Dong Qizhi , Hu Travis Shihao , Liu Song 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFlexible pressure sensors have attracted considerable interest for their promising applications in future robotics and wearable devices. Pressure sensors with high sensitivity and a wide linear range do not require complex signal processing, and greatly enhance device miniaturization and decrease power consumption. High‐performance pressure sensors are prepared based on 1T molybdenum disulfide within polydimethylsiloxane foams (MoS2‐PDMS) as conductive active layer and with hierarchical micro‐network leaf vein as spacers. Due to the excellent electrical conductivity of 1T MoS2‐PDMS and the novel structural design, they exhibit better properties than previously reported devices, including a high sensitivity of 1036.04 kPa−1 over a wide linear range from 1 to 23 kPa, fast response time (<50 ms), ultralow detectable pressure limit of 6.2 Pa, and excellent repetitive load and unloading stability (10 000 cycles). In addition, its applications in sensing subtle pressure and non‐contact breeze and in monitoring different human motion activities and physiological signals are explored. Some new applications including water pressure testing and subtle fluctuations in water caused by small fish swimming are also investigated. The results demonstrate the tested applications of layered 2D materials in pressure sensors that can be feasibly adopted in next‐generation electronic skin and artificial intelligence.
Strain Engineering for 2D Ferroelectricity in Lead Chalcogenides
Authors: Xu Tao , Wang Xiaoyuan , Mai Jiawei , Zhang Jingtong , Wang Jie , Zhang Tong‐Yi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe quest for new 2D ferroelectric materials continues to arouse interest. Based on first‐principles calculations, here, 2D ferroelectric properties in lead chalcogenides PbXs (X = S, Se, and Te) with a thickness of two atomic layers via strain engineering is demonstrated. Although these materials are stable in a rocksalt‐type cubic structure and are intrinsically nonferroelectric materials, an appropriate mechanical strain can readily activate a paraelectric to ferroelectric phase transition and induce in‐plane electric polarization in these atomic layers. The induced polarization magnitude can be as large as 1.90 × 10−10 C m−1 at a biaxial strain of ε = 4.0%, which is comparable in magnitude to that of ultrathin ferroelectric SnTe. The Curie temperature Tc of the materials is also estimated using effective Hamiltonian simulations. The origin of the emerged ferroelectric phase is attributed to softening of the polar mode with applied strain. In addition, the band gaps of the crystals are found to be tunable with applied strain, which can be adjusted to the ideal value of 1.3 eV for photovoltaic applications. The results not only provide a new route to explore ferroelectricity in 2D materials but also suggest promising semiconducting ferroelectrics for solar applications.
In Situ Simulation for Ventilator Management in Emergency Medicine
Authors: Byars Donald V. , Klinkhammer Martin D. , Fellin Matthew A. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBackgroundEmergency physicians have a residency graduation milestone to effectively manage the airway and initiate mechanical ventilation. However, many emergency medicine (EM) residents report rarely or never feeling comfortable managing mechanically ventilated patients. Our goal was to determine the effectiveness of an in situ simulation program for EM residents to successfully manage a ventilator on a high‐fidelity patient simulator.MethodsThis was a prospective observational educational study of EM residents executed in four steps. Baseline performance was assessed by observed standard clinical examination (OSCE) in a checklist manner after our routine classroom‐based annual ventilator teaching. The in situ simulation was executed in a small‐group format located in the trauma bay of the ED using only equipment available in the clinical setting. Performance at 1 week and 8 months after the educational intervention was assessed by repeat OSCE. The results were assessed using paired Student’s t‐tests.ResultsThere was a statistically significant improvement in all checklist markers of successful ventilator management on repeat OSCE after the in situ simulation intervention. A final unannounced retention OSCE was administered 8 months after the intervention with no additional interval training. The improved performance persisted 8 months later.ConclusionsThis in situ simulation study demonstrated improved checklist scoring on ventilator management in simulated critically ill patients by EM residents. This improvement persisted 8 months after the educational intervention.