bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immobilization of Horseradish Peroxidase on Modified Nylon‐6 Fibers
Authors: Alatawi Fatema S. , Elsayed Nadia H. , Monier Mohammed 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNylon‐6 fibers were chemically modified via graft copolymerization reaction to being functionalized and utilized as a carrier for the immobilization of horseradish peroxidase (HRP). First, polyethyl acrylate (PEA) was grafted onto the nylon‐6 fibers and the inserted ester groups were transformed to hydrazide groups by treatment with hydrazine hydrate. Then, the obtained hydrazide‐containing fibers were activated by glutaraldehyde, which permits the coupling with the HRP protein macromolecules. The modification, activation and HRP immobilization steps were characterized using elemental analysis and FTIR spectra. Also, the morphology of the fibers was visualized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). The optimum pH of the HRP enzyme was found to shift to a higher value compared to the free enzyme. In addition, despite the same optimum temperature displayed by both free and immobilized HRP, the residual activity of the immobilized enzyme was higher than that of the free one at higher temperatures revealing the enhanced thermal stability upon immobilization process. Moreover, the kinetic studies indicated a lower enzyme‐substrate affinity upon immobilization. However, the immobilized HRP maintained more than 89% and 55% of its original activity after 5 and 10 reuse cycles, respectively, which could be promising results in the future application in the environmental and biotechnological fields.
Development of Deep Learning Models for Predicting the Effects of Exposure to Engineered Nanomaterials on Daphnia magna
Authors: Karatzas Pantelis , Melagraki Georgia , Ellis Laura‐Jayne A. , Lynch Iseult , Varsou Dimitra‐Danai , Afantitis Antreas , Tsoumanis Andreas , Doganis Philip , Sarimveis Haralambos 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis study presents the results of applying deep learning methodologies within the ecotoxicology field, with the objective of training predictive models that can support hazard assessment and eventually the design of safer engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). A workflow applying two different deep learning architectures on microscopic images of Daphnia magna is proposed that can automatically detect possible malformations, such as effects on the length of the tail, and the overall size, and uncommon lipid concentrations and lipid deposit shapes, which are due to direct or parental exposure to ENMs. Next, classification models assign specific objects (heart, abdomen/claw) to classes that depend on lipid densities and compare the results with controls. The models are statistically validated in terms of their prediction accuracy on external D. magna images and illustrate that deep learning technologies can be useful in the nanoinformatics field, because they can automate time‐consuming manual procedures, accelerate the investigation of adverse effects of ENMs, and facilitate the process of designing safer nanostructures. It may even be possible in the future to predict impacts on subsequent generations from images of parental exposure, reducing the time and cost involved in long‐term reproductive toxicity assays over multiple generations.
Intrinsic Effect of Nanoparticles on the Mechanical Rupture of Doubled‐Shell Colloidal Capsule via In Situ TEM Mechanical Testing and STEM Interfacial Analysis
Authors: Pham Sang T. , Tieu Kiet A. , Wan Shanhong , Hao Jingcheng , Nguyen Huynh H. , Mitchell David R. G. , Sencadas Vitor 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe discovery of Pickering emulsion templated assembly enables the design of a hybrid colloidal capsule with engineered properties. However, the underlying mechanisms by which nanoparticles affect the mechanical properties of the shell are poorly understood. Herein, in situ mechanical compression on the transmission electron microscope and aberration‐corrected scanning transmission microscope are unprecedentedly implemented to study the intrinsic effect of nanoparticles on the mechanical properties of the calcium carbonate (CaCO3)‐decorated silica (SiO2) colloidal capsule. The stiff and brittle nature of the colloidal capsule is due to the interfacial chemical bonding between the CaCO3 nanoparticles and SiO2 inner shell. Such bonding strengthens the mechanical strength of the SiO2 shell (166 ± 14 nm) from the colloidal capsule compared to the thicker single SiO2 shell (310 ± 70 nm) from the silica hollow sphere. At elevated temperature, this interfacial bonding accelerates the formation of the single calcium silicate shell, causing shell morphology transformation and yielding significantly enhanced mechanical strength by 30.9% and ductility by 94.7%. The superior thermal durability of the heat‐treated colloidal capsule holds great potential for the fabrication of the functional additives that can be applied in the wide range of applications at elevated temperatures.
Bioacoustics in cognitive research: Applications, considerations, and recommendations
Authors: Gentry Katherine E. , Lewis Rebecca N. , Glanz Hunter , Simões Pedro I. , Nyári Árpád S. , Reichert Michael S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe multifaceted ability to produce, transmit, receive, and respond to acoustic signals is widespread in animals and forms the basis of the interdisciplinary science of bioacoustics. Bioacoustics research methods, including sound recording and playback experiments, are applicable in cognitive research that centers around the processing of information from the acoustic environment. We provide an overview of bioacoustics techniques in the context of cognitive studies and make the case for the importance of bioacoustics in the study of cognition by outlining some of the major cognitive processes in which acoustic signals are involved. We also describe key considerations associated with the recording of sound and its use in cognitive applications. Based on these considerations, we provide a set of recommendations for best practices in the recording and use of acoustic signals in cognitive studies. Our aim is to demonstrate that acoustic recordings and stimuli are valuable tools for cognitive researchers when used appropriately. In doing so, we hope to stimulate opportunities for innovative cognitive research that incorporates robust recording protocols.This article is categorized under:
Neuroscience > Cognition
Psychology > Theory and Methods
Neuroscience > Behavior
Neuroscience > Cognition
Intra-individual variance of bilateral femoro-tibial leg rotation: a CT study of 105 healthy subjects
Authors: Ries Christian , Boese Christoph Kolja , Ott Nadine , Doerner Jonas , Müller Lars Peter , Hackl Michael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPurposeIn cases of suspected rotational deformity of the lower limb, in particular in post-traumatic malalignment following closed nailing, there is a lack of adequate reference values. Available publications on leg rotation have either small sample sizes or do not include bilateral or whole leg rotation of healthy legs. This study aimed to determine side-specific reference values of lower limb rotation in a large healthy sample. This may be helpful in acute clinical settings as well as for medical expert opinion.Methods226 consecutive bilateral lower limb computed tomography (CT) angiographies were screened. 105 patients (210 legs) were included (40 females, 65 males, mean age 67 ± 12 years). Bilateral axial femoral and tibial rotation alignment were independently measured and overall leg rotation was computed by two methods. Distributions, sex, and side differences were analyzed.ResultsTwo-sided pairedttests showed significant differences between right and left for all measurements. The left side showed a more pronounced mean anteversion in the femur of 2.2° (p = 0.002) and the right side higher mean external rotation in the tibia of 2.8° (p < 0.001). Overall leg rotation showed 5.1° more mean external rotation on the right side (p < 0.001) with both methods. Absolute side-to-side whole leg rotation difference was 9.5°. Absolute differences between both methods were 3.3°. The variance was high. 23 femora were retroverted, 1 tibia internally rotated, and 9 legs were overall internally rotated. No variables differed between female and male subjects except for femoral version (rightp = 0.003 and left p = 0.002). Correlation coefficients were high (rho 0.550–0.934, allp < 0.001).ConclusionThere is a significant prevalence of side-to-side asymmetry in femoro-tibial torsion. Although side-to-side differences are not extraordinary, comparative axial femoro-tibial rotation alignment should always be interpreted with caution.Level of evidenceDiagnostic, retrospective cohort study, level III.
Energy quantization for a singular super-Liouville boundary value problem
Authors: Jost Jürgen , Zhou Chunqin , Zhu Miaomiao 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn this paper, we develop the blow-up analysis and establish the energy quantization for solutions to super-Liouville type equations on Riemann surfaces with conical singularities at the boundary. In other problems in geometric analysis, the blow-up analysis usually strongly utilizes conformal invariance, which yields a Noether current from which strong estimates can be derived. Here, however, the conical singularities destroy conformal invariance. Therefore, we develop another, more general, method that uses the vanishing of the Pohozaev constant for such solutions to deduce the removability of boundary singularities.
T cell immunity rather than antibody mediates cross-protection against Zika virus infection conferred by a live attenuated Japanese encephalitis SA14-14-2 vaccine
Authors: Wang Ran , Zhen Zida , Turtle Lance , Hou Baohua , Li Yueqi , Wu Na , Gao Na , Fan Dongying , Chen Hui , An Jing 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Zika virus (ZIKV) and Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) are closely related to mosquito-borne flaviviruses. Japanese encephalitis (JE) vaccine SA14-14-2 has been in the Chinese national Expanded Program on Immunization since 2007. The recent recognition of severe disease syndromes associated with ZIKV, and the identification of ZIKV from mosquitoes in China, prompts an urgent need to investigate the potential interaction between the two. In this study, we showed that SA14-14-2 is protective against ZIKV infection in mice. JE vaccine SA14-14-2 triggered both Th1 and Th2 cross-reactive immune responses to ZIKV; however, it was cellular immunity that predominantly mediated cross-protection against ZIKV infection. Passive transfer of immune sera did not result in significant cross-protection but did mediate antibody-dependent enhancement in vitro, though this did not have an adverse impact on survival. This study suggests that the SA14-14-2 vaccine can protect against ZIKV through a cross-reactive T cell response. This is vital information in terms of ZIKV prevention or precaution in those ZIKV-affected regions where JEV circulates or SA14-14-2 is in widespread use, and opens a promising avenue to develop a novel bivalent vaccine against both ZIKV and JEV.

Key points
• JEV SA14-14-2 vaccine conferred cross-protection against ZIKV challenge in mice.
• T cell immunity rather than antibody mediated the cross-protection.
• It provides important information in terms of ZIKV prevention or precaution.
De-escalation of empiric broad spectrum antibiotics in hematopoietic stem cell transplant recipients with febrile neutropenia
Authors: Rearigh Lindsey , Stohs Erica , Freifeld Alison , Zimmer Andrea 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFebrile neutropenia (FN) is a common serious complication in patients undergoing hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) requiring urgent evaluation and initiation of empiric broad spectrum antibiotics (BSA). The appropriate duration of BSA for FN in patients with negative cultures and no identifiable infection remains undefined. We retrospectively analyzed allogenic and autologous HSCT patients with FN and negative infectious work-up at our facility from 2012 to 2018. The early de-escalation group (EDG) included those who had BSA de-escalation to fluoroquinolone prophylaxis at least 24 h prior to absolute neutrophil count (ANC) recovery after the patient was fever-free for at least 48 h. Among 297 patients undergoing their first HSCT who experienced FN with negative infectious work-up, 83 patients were de-escalated early with the remaining 214 in the standard of care group (SCG) whose BSA were continued until ANC was > 500. Duration of broad-spectrum antibiotics was shorter in EDG compared to SCG (3.86 days vs. 4.62 days, p = 0.03). Rates of mortality, new infections, and clinical decompensation requiring intensive care unit transfer and/or pressor use within 30 days were all similar between the two groups (0% vs. 0.4% p = 1.00, 0% vs. 1.4% p = 0.56, 13.2% vs. 8.4% p = 0.27). This indicates that it is safe to de-escalate antibiotics prior to ANC recovery, leading to less BSA exposure.
Effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of the WEE1 inhibitor adavosertib (AZD1775) in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Någård Mats , Ah-See Mei-Lin , So Karen , Vermunt Marit , Thistlethwaite Fiona , Labots Mariette , Roxburgh Patricia , Ravaud Alain , Campone Mario , Valkenburg-van Iersel Liselot , Ottesen Lone , Li Yan , Mugundu Ganesh 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Purpose

To support future dosing recommendations, the effect of food on the pharmacokinetics of adavosertib, a first-in-class, small-molecule reversible inhibitor of WEE1 kinase, was assessed in patients with advanced solid tumors.

Methods
In this Phase I, open-label, randomized, two-period, two-sequence crossover study, the pharmacokinetics of a single 300 mg adavosertib dose were investigated in fed versus fasted states.

Results
Compared with the fasted state, a high-fat, high-calorie meal (fed state) decreased adavosertib maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) by 16% and systemic exposure (area under the plasma concentration–time curve [AUC]) by 6%; AUC0–t decreased by 7% and time to maximum plasma concentration was delayed by 1.97 h (P = 0.0009). The 90% confidence interval of the geometric least-squares mean treatment ratio for AUC and AUC0–t was contained within the no-effect limits (0.8–1.25), while that of Cmax crossed the lower bound of the no-effect limits. Adverse events (AEs) related to adavosertib treatment were reported by 20 (64.5%) of the 31 patients treated in this study. Grade ≥ 3 AEs were reported by four (12.9%) patients (one in the fed state, three in the fasted state); two of these AEs were considered treatment-related by the investigator. Three serious AEs were reported in three (9.7%) patients; these were not considered treatment-related. No patients discontinued because of treatment-related AEs, and no new safety signals were reported.

Conclusion
A high-fat meal did not have a clinically relevant effect on the systemic exposure of adavosertib, suggesting that adavosertib can be administered without regard to meals.
Genome protection: histone H4 and beyond
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Moirangthem Romila , Kaur Rupinder 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHistone proteins regulate cellular factors’ accessibility to DNA, and histone dosage has previously been linked with DNA damage susceptibility and efficiency of DNA repair pathways. Surplus histones are known to impede the DNA repair process by interfering with the homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here, we discuss the recent finding of association of methyl methanesulfonate (MMS) resistance with the reduced histone H4 gene dosage in the pathogenic yeast Candida glabrata. We have earlier shown that while the low histone H3 gene dosage led to MMS susceptibility, the lack of two H4-encoding ORFs, CgHHF1 and CgHHF2, led to resistance to MMS-induced DNA damage. This resistance was linked with a higher rate of homologous recombination (HR). Taking these findings further, we review the interactome analysis of histones H3 and H4 in C. glabrata. We also report that the arginine residue present at the 95th position in the C-terminal tail of histone H4 protein is required for complementation of the MMS resistance in the Cghhf1Δhhf2Δ mutant, thereby pointing out a probable role of this residue in association with HR factors. Additionally, we present evidence that reduction in H4 protein levels may constitute an important part of varied stress responses in C. glabrata. Altogether, we present an overview of histone H4 dosage, HR-mediated repair of damaged DNA and stress resistance in this opportunistic human fungal pathogen.
Up to 5-year retention of abatacept in Belgian patients with moderate-to-severe rheumatoid arthritis: a sub-analysis of the international, observational ACTION study
Authors: Westhovens R. , Connolly S. E. , Margaux J. , Vanden Berghe M. , Maertens M. , Van den Berghe M. , Elbez Y. , Chartier M. , Baeke F. , Robert S. , Malaise M. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractFavorable efficacy and safety profiles have been demonstrated for abatacept in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in randomized controlled trials, but these data require validation during long-term follow-ups in routine clinical practice. This study explored long-term safety and retention rates in RA patients treated with intravenous abatacept in the Belgian cohort of the international AbataCepT In rOutiNe clinical practice (ACTION) study (NCT02109666). This non-interventional, observational, longitudinal study included Belgian patients aged ≥ 18 years with moderate-to-severe RA who started intravenous abatacept treatment as first- or second/further-line biologic therapy in routine clinical practice. Between October 2010 and December 2012, 141 patients were enrolled in this cohort, of whom 135 evaluable patients (6 biologic-naïve; 129 previously exposed to ≥ 1 prior biologic disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs) were eligible for the descriptive analysis; 131/135 were included in the effectiveness analysis. Mean disease duration was 10.5 years (standard deviation 9.7) before abatacept initiation. RA patients presented with high disease activity and comorbidity rate, having failed multiple previous treatment options. In this cohort, the 5-year abatacept retention rate was 34% (95% confidence interval, 23−45%) per protocol, and 51% (95% confidence interval, 40−61%) when temporary discontinuations of abatacept > 84 days (n = 24) were not considered as treatment discontinuations. After 5 years of abatacept treatment, clinical outcomes were favorable [good/moderate European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) responses in 91.7% patients]. No new safety signals were detected for abatacept in routine clinical practice. In this difficult-to-treat Belgian RA population, high retention rates, good clinical outcomes and favorable safety profile were observed with abatacept.
Antarctic fur seal (Arctocephalus gazella) annual migration and temporal patterns of on-shore occurrence of leucistic individuals on King George Island
Authors: Grebieniow Anna , Korczak-Abshire Małgorzata , Gasek Anna , Górecka-Bruzda Aleksandra 
Published: June 2020

AbstractNon-invasive tracking the on-shore occurrence of the atypically pigmented animals and determination of land residency duration of leucistic seals would help us find out more about the rotation of the migrating population. During seven austral summer seasons (2011–2018), by counting the animals every 10 days at the Cape Lions Rump shore, King George Island, South Shetlands, in the Antarctic Specially Protected Area No. 151 and the adjacent ice-free land (31.52 km2) we registered fourteen leucistic individuals per a total of 43,919 animals. Moreover, daily monitoring of local fauna resulted in further 33 leucistic animals (together 47, in all seasons). Whilst the results of 10-day censuses of the total population were similar inter-seasonally, a tendency for increased occurrence of leucistic individuals in successive seasons was revealed. Generally, the number of animals increased significantly as season progressed. Since leucistic individuals stayed on-shore for 1–2 days usually, it can be hypothesised that the observation of migrating Antarctic fur seals every 3 days does not involve the same individuals. Also, additional every 5-day censuses taken in one season in ASPA 151 resulted in a higher seasonal number of animals, which proves that more frequent counts help us estimate population abundance more efficiently. Thus, every 5-day counts are proposed as a feasible and justified method of population monitoring.
The role of the “beret” sign and other markers in ultrasound diagnostic of the acrania–exencephaly–anencephaly sequence stages
Authors: Szkodziak Piotr , Krzyżanowski Jarosław , Krzyżanowski Arkadiusz , Szkodziak Filip , Woźniak Sławomir , Czuczwar Piotr , Kwaśniewska Anna , Paszkowski Tomasz 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Neural tube defects (NTDs) are a group of heterogeneous congenital anomalies of the central nervous system (CNS). Acrania is a non-NTD congenital disorder related to the CNS. It can transform into anencephaly through the acrania–exencephaly–anencephaly sequence (AEAS). In AEAS, the cerebral tissue is not protected and is gradually destroyed due to exposure to the harmful effect of amniotic fluid and mechanical injuries. These lead to exencephaly and then into anencephaly. In contrast to primary anencephaly (NTDs), this type of anencephaly authors suggests calling secondary anencephaly.

Objective
Analysis of the known prenatal ultrasonography (US) signs associated with AEAS. Simultaneously, the authors propose a new sign in the differentiation of acrania from exencephaly and anencephaly, called the “beret” sign.

Methods
It is a two-centre retrospective observational study. As part of the study, 4060 US scans were analyzed.

Results
In 10 cases, the absence of calvarium was diagnosed, allowing recognition of either AEAS stages or primary anencephaly. In 5 cases, cerebral structures were enclosed by an inertial rippled thin membrane, with a smooth outer contour. Between the described membrane and the brain structures, a thin anechoic space corresponding to cerebrospinal fluid was observed. This sign was defined as the “beret” sign. In these cases, acrania was diagnosed. In three cases calvarium was missing. The brain structures had an irregular appearance, did not wave and remained motionless. The outer contour was unequal as if divided into lobes. Amniotic fluid was anechoic. Exencephaly was diagnosed in these cases. In two cases calvarium, brain structures, and meninges were missing. The “frog eyes” sign and slightly echogenic amniotic fluid were visible. In this case, anencephaly was diagnosed.

Conclusions
The “beret” sign seems to be a promising tool in the diagnosis of acrania. Furthermore, echogenicity of amniotic fluid could be useful during differentiation between primary and secondary anencephaly.