bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolutionary design of optimal surface topographies for biomaterials
Authors: Vasilevich Aliaksei , Carlier Aurélie , Winkler David A. , Singh Shantanu , de Boer Jan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNatural evolution tackles optimization by producing many genetic variants and exposing these variants to selective pressure, resulting in the survival of the fittest. We use high throughput screening of large libraries of materials with differing surface topographies to probe the interactions of implantable device coatings with cells and tissues. However, the vast size of possible parameter design space precludes a brute force approach to screening all topographical possibilities. Here, we took inspiration from Nature to optimize materials surface topographies using evolutionary algorithms. We show that successive cycles of material design, production, fitness assessment, selection, and mutation results in optimization of biomaterials designs. Starting from a small selection of topographically designed surfaces that upregulate expression of an osteogenic marker, we used genetic crossover and random mutagenesis to generate new generations of topographies.
Micronucleus frequency in buccal mucosa cells of patients with neurodegenerative diseases
Authors: Reimann Hauke , Stopper Helga , Polak Thomas , Lauer Martin , Herrmann Martin J. , Deckert Jürgen , Hintzsche Henning 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNeurodegenerative diseases show an increase in prevalence and incidence, with the most prominent example being Alzheimer’s disease. DNA damage has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis, but the exact mechanisms remain elusive. We enrolled 425 participants with and without neurodegenerative diseases and analyzed DNA damage in the form of micronuclei in buccal mucosa samples. In addition, other parameters such as binucleated cells, karyolytic cells, and karyorrhectic cells were quantified. No relevant differences in DNA damage and cytotoxicity markers were observed in patients compared to healthy participants. Furthermore, other parameters such as lifestyle factors and diseases were also investigated. Overall, this study could not identify a direct link between changes in buccal cells and neurogenerative diseases, but highlights the influence of lifestyle factors and diseases on the human buccal cytome.
Geochemical and organic petrographic characteristics of high bituminous shales from Gurha mine in Rajasthan, NW India
Authors: Singh Alok K. , Hakimi Mohammed Hail , Kumar Alok , Ahmed Adeeb , Abidin Nor Syazwani Zainal , Kinawy Mostafa , Mahdy Osama El , Lashin Aref 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA high bituminous shale horizon from the Gurha mine in the Bikaner sub-basin of the Rajasthan District, NW India, was studied using a collection of geochemical and petrological techniques. This study investigated the nature and environmental conditions of the organic matter and its relation to the unconventional oil-shale resources of the bituminous shale. The analyzed shales have high total organic carbon and total sulfur contents, suggesting that these shale sediments were deposited in a paralic environment under reducing conditions. The dominant presence of organic matter derived from phytoplankton algae suggests warm climatic marine environment, with little connection to freshwater enhancing the growth of algae and other microorganisms. The analyzed bituminous shales have high aquatic-derived alginite organic matters, with low Pr/Ph, Pr/n-C17, and Ph/n-C18 ratios. It is classified as Type II oil-prone kerogen, consistent with high hydrogen index value. Considering the maturity indicators of geochemical Tmax (< 430 °C) and vitrinite reflectance values less than 0.40%VRo, the analyzed bituminous shale sediments are in an immature stage of the oil window. Therefore, the oil-prone kerogen Type II in the analyzed bituminous shales has not been cracked by thermal alteration to release oil; thus, unconventional heating is recommended for commercial oil generation.
Dance training improves the CNS’s ability to utilize the redundant degrees of freedom of the whole body
Authors: Koh Kyung , Park Yang Sun , Park Da Won , Shim Jae Kun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProfessional dancers demonstrate an amazing ability to control their balance. However, little is known about how they coordinate their body segments for such superior control. In this study, we investigated how dancers coordinate body segments when a physical perturbation is given to their body. A custom-made machine was used to provide a short pulling impulse at the waist in the anterior direction to ten dancers and ten non-dancers. We used Uncontrolled Manifold analysis to quantify the variability in the task-relevant space and task-irrelevant space within the multi-dimensional space made up of individual segments’ centers of mass with a velocity adjustment. The dancers demonstrated greater utilization of redundant degrees of freedom (DoFs) supported by the greater task-irrelevant variability as compared to non-dancers. These findings suggest that long-term specialized dance training can improve the central nervous system’s ability to utilize the redundant DoFs in the whole-body system.
Physical education class participation is associated with physical activity among adolescents in 65 countries
Authors: Uddin Riaz , Salmon Jo , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful , Khan Asaduzzaman 
Published: December 2020

AbstractIn this study we examined the associations of physical education class participation with physical activity among adolescents. We analysed the Global School-based Student Health Survey data from 65 countries (N = 206,417; 11–17 years; 49% girls) collected between 2007 and 2016. We defined sufficient physical activity as achieving physical activities ≥ 60 min/day, and grouped physical education classes as ‘0 day/week’, ‘1–2 days/week’, and ‘ ≥ 3 days/week’ participation. We used multivariable logistic regression to obtain country-level estimates, and meta-analysis to obtain pooled estimates. Compared to those who did not take any physical education classes, those who took classes ≥ 3 days/week had double the odds of being sufficiently active (OR 2.05, 95% CI 1.84–2.28) with no apparent gender/age group differences. The association estimates decreased with higher levels of country’s income with OR 2.37 (1.51–3.73) for low-income and OR 1.85 (1.52–2.37) for high-income countries. Adolescents who participated in physical education classes 1–2 days/week had 26% higher odds of being sufficiently active with relatively higher odds for boys (30%) than girls (15%). Attending physical education classes was positively associated with physical activity among adolescents regardless of sex or age group. Quality physical education should be encouraged to promote physical activity of children and adolescents.
Manufacturing micropatterned collagen scaffolds with chemical-crosslinking for development of biomimetic tissue-engineered oral mucosa
Authors: Suzuki Ayako , Kodama Yoshihiro , Miwa Keito , Kishimoto Kazuma , Hoshikawa Emi , Haga Kenta , Sato Taisuke , Mizuno Jun , Izumi Kenji 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe junction between the epithelium and the underlying connective tissue undulates, constituting of rete ridges, which lack currently available soft tissue constructs. In this study, using a micro electro mechanical systems process and soft lithography, fifteen negative molds, with different dimensions and aspect ratios in grid- and pillar-type configurations, were designed and fabricated to create three-dimensional micropatterns and replicated onto fish-scale type I collagen scaffolds treated with chemical crosslinking. Image analyses showed the micropatterns were well-transferred onto the scaffold surfaces, showing the versatility of our manufacturing system. With the help of rheological test, the collagen scaffold manufactured in this study was confirmed to be an ideal gel and have visco-elastic features. As compared with our previous study, its mechanical and handling properties were improved by chemical cross-linking, which is beneficial for grafting and suturing into the complex structures of oral cavity. Histologic evaluation of a tissue-engineered oral mucosa showed the topographical microstructures of grid-type were well-preserved, rather than pillar-type, a well-stratified epithelial layer was regenerated on all scaffolds and the epithelial rete ridge-like structure was developed. As this three-dimensional microstructure is valuable for maintaining epithelial integrity, our micropatterned collagen scaffolds can be used not only intraorally but extraorally as a graft material for human use.
Impact of data on generalization of AI for surgical intelligence applications
Authors: Bar Omri , Neimark Daniel , Zohar Maya , Hager Gregory D. , Girshick Ross , Fried Gerald M. , Wolf Tamir , Asselmann Dotan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAI is becoming ubiquitous, revolutionizing many aspects of our lives. In surgery, it is still a promise. AI has the potential to improve surgeon performance and impact patient care, from post-operative debrief to real-time decision support. But, how much data is needed by an AI-based system to learn surgical context with high fidelity? To answer this question, we leveraged a large-scale, diverse, cholecystectomy video dataset. We assessed surgical workflow recognition and report a deep learning system, that not only detects surgical phases, but does so with high accuracy and is able to generalize to new settings and unseen medical centers. Our findings provide a solid foundation for translating AI applications from research to practice, ushering in a new era of surgical intelligence.
Grating-coupled interferometry reveals binding kinetics and affinities of Ni ions to genetically engineered protein layers
Authors: Jankovics Hajnalka , Kovacs Boglarka , Saftics Andras , Gerecsei Tamas , Tóth Éva , Szekacs Inna , Vonderviszt Ferenc , Horvath Robert 
Published: December 2020

AbstractReliable measurement of the binding kinetics of low molecular weight analytes to their targets is still a challenging task. Often, the introduction of labels is simply impossible in such measurements, and the application of label-free methods is the only reliable choice. By measuring the binding kinetics of Ni(II) ions to genetically modified flagellin layers, we demonstrate that: (1) Grating-Coupled Interferometry (GCI) is well suited to resolve the binding of ions, even at very low protein immobilization levels; (2) it supplies high quality kinetic data from which the number and strength of available binding sites can be determined, and (3) the rate constants of the binding events can also be obtained with high accuracy. Experiments were performed using a flagellin variant incorporating the C-terminal domain of the nickel-responsive transcription factor NikR. GCI results were compared to affinity data from titration calorimetry. We found that besides the low-affinity binding sites characterized by a micromolar dissociation constant (Kd), tetrameric FliC-NikRC molecules possess high-affinity binding sites with Kd values in the nanomolar range. GCI enabled us to obtain real-time kinetic data for the specific binding of an analyte with molar mass as low as 59 Da, even at signals lower than 1 pg/mm2.
Promising candidates for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation for out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
Authors: Shin Yo Sep , Kim Youn-Jung , Ryoo Seung Mok , Sohn Chang Hwan , Ahn Shin , Seo Dong Woo , Kim Won Young 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPrecise criteria for extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) are still lacking in patients with out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). We aimed to investigate whether adopting our hypothesized criteria for ECPR to patients with refractory OHCA could benefit. This before-after study compared 4.5 years after implementation of ECPR for refractory OHCA patients who met our criteria (Jan, 2015 to May, 2019) and 4 years of undergoing conventional CPR (CCPR) prior to ECPR with patients who met the criteria (Jan, 2011 to Jan, 2014) in the emergency department. The primary and secondary outcomes were good neurologic outcome at 6-months and 1-month respectively, defined as 1 or 2 on the Cerebral Performance Category score. A total of 70 patients (40 with CCPR and 30 with ECPR) were included. For a good neurologic status at 6-months and 1-month, patients with ECPR (33.3%, 26.7%) were superior to those with CCPR (5.0%, 5.0%) (all Ps < 0.05). Among patients with ECPR, a group with a good neurologic status showed shorter low-flow time, longer extracorporeal membrane oxygenation duration and hospital stays, and lower epinephrine doses used (all Ps < 0.05). The application of the detailed indication before initiating ECPR appears to increase a good neurologic outcome rate.
Quantum control operations with fuzzy evolution trajectories based on polyharmonic magnetic fields
Authors: Fuentes Jesús 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe explore a class of quantum control operations based on a wide family of harmonic magnetic fields that vary softly in time. Depending on the magnetic field amplitudes taking part, these control operations can produce either squeezing or loop (orbit) effects, and even parametric resonances, on the canonical variables. For these purposes we focus our attention on the evolution of observables whose dynamical picture is ascribed to a quadratic Hamiltonian that depends explicitly on time. In the first part of this work we survey such operations in terms of biharmonic magnetic fields. The dynamical analysis is simplified using a stability diagram in the amplitude space, where the points of each region will characterise a specific control operation. We discuss how the evolution loop effects are formed by fuzzy (non-commutative) trajectories that can be closed or open, in the latter case, even hiding some features that can be used to manipulate the operational time. In the second part, we generalise the case of biharmonic fields and translate the discussion to the case of polyharmonic fields. Using elementary properties of the Toeplitz matrices, we can derive exact solutions of the problem in a symmetric evolution interval, leading to the temporal profile of those magnetic fields suitable to achieve specific control operations. Some of the resulting fuzzy orbits can be destroyed by the influence of external forces, while others simply remain stable.
Biochemical and biophysical characterization of the main protease, 3-chymotrypsin-like protease (3CLpro) from the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV 2
Authors: Ferreira Juliana C. , Rabeh Wael M. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). An appealing antiviral drug target is the coronavirus 3C-like protease (3CLpro) that is responsible for the processing of the viral polyproteins and liberation of functional proteins essential for the maturation and infectivity of the virus. In this study, multiple thermal analytical techniques have been implemented to acquire the thermodynamic parameters of 3CLpro at different buffer conditions. 3CLpro exhibited relatively high thermodynamic stabilities over a wide pH range; however, the protease was found to be less stable in the presence of salts. Divalent metal cations reduced the thermodynamic stability of 3CLpro more than monovalent cations; however, altering the ionic strength of the buffer solution did not alter the stability of 3CLpro. Furthermore, the most stable thermal kinetic stability of 3CLpro was recorded at pH 7.5, with the highest enthalpy of activation calculated from the slope of Eyring plot. The biochemical and biophysical properties of 3CLpro explored here may improve the solubility and stability of 3CLpro for optimum conditions for the setup of an enzymatic assay for the screening of inhibitors to be used as lead candidates in the discovery of drugs and design of antiviral therapeutics against COVID-19.
Modelling of hydrogen sulfide fate and emissions in extended aeration sewage treatment plant using TOXCHEM simulations
Authors: Zwain Haider M. , Nile Basim K. , Faris Ahmed M. , Vakili Mohammadtaghi , Dahlan Irvan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOdors due to the emission of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) have been a concern in the sewage treatment plants over the last decades. H2S fate and emissions from extended aeration activated sludge (EAAS) system in Muharram Aisha-sewage treatment plant (MA-STP) were studied using TOXCHEM model. Sensitivity analysis at different aeration flowrate, H2S loading rate, wastewater pH, wastewater temperature and wind speed were studied. The predicted data were validated against actual results, where all the data were validated within the limits, and the statistical evaluation of normalized mean square error (NMSE), geometric variance (VG), and correlation coefficient (R) were close to the ideal fit. The results showed that the major processes occurring in the system were degradation and emission. During summer (27 °C) and winter (12 °C), about 25 and 23%, 1 and 2%, 2 and 2%, and 72 and 73% were fated as emitted to air, discharged with effluent, sorbed to sludge, and biodegraded, respectively. At summer and winter, the total emitted concentrations of H2S were 6.403 and 5.614 ppm, respectively. The sensitivity results indicated that aeration flowrate, H2S loading rate and wastewater pH highly influenced the emission and degradation of H2S processes compared to wastewater temperature and wind speed. To conclude, TOXCHEM model successfully predicted the H2S fate and emissions in EAAS system.
A report on COVID-19 epidemic in Pakistan using SEIR fractional model
Authors: Ahmad Zubair , Arif Muhammad , Ali Farhad , Khan Ilyas , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecently, novel coronavirus is a serious global issue and having a negative impact on the economy of the whole world. Like other countries, it also effected the economy and people of Pakistan. According to the publicly reported data, the first case of novel corona virus in Pakistan was reported on 27th February 2020. The aim of the present study is to describe the mathematical model and dynamics of COVID-19 in Pakistan. To investigate the spread of coronavirus in Pakistan, we develop the SEIR time fractional model with newly, developed fractional operator of Atangana–Baleanu. We present briefly the analysis of the given model and discuss its applications using world health organization (WHO) reported data for Pakistan. We consider the available infection cases from 19th March 2020, till 31st March 2020 and accordingly, various parameters are fitted or estimated. It is worth noting that we have calculated the basic reproduction number $${\mathfrak{R}}_{0} \approx 2.30748$$

R
0

≈
2.30748

which shows that virus is spreading rapidly. Furthermore, stability analysis of the model at disease free equilibrium DFE and endemic equilibriums EE is performed to observe the dynamics and transmission of the model. Finally, the AB fractional model is solved numerically. To show the effect of the various embedded parameters like fractional parameter $$\alpha$$
α
on the model, various graphs are plotted. It is worth noting that the base of our investigation, we have predicted the spread of disease for next 200 days.
Evaluation of a panel of spermatological methods for assessing reprotoxic compounds in multilayer semen plastic bags
Authors: Schulze M. , Schröter F. , Jung M. , Jakop U. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe increase of fertility performance in sows is one of the biggest achievements in pig production over the last 30 years. Nevertheless, pig farms using artificial insemination (AI) repeatedly experienced in recent year’s fertility problems with dramatic consequences due to toxic compounds from plastic semen bags. In particular, bisphenol A diglycidyl-ether (BADGE) present in multilayer plastic bags can leach into the semen and could affect the functionality of the spermatozoa. Former studies could not find any alterations in spermatozoa based on the exposure to BADGE. The aim of the study was to evaluate effects of BADGE on boar spermatozoa using an extended panel of spermatological methods. In spring 2019, a large drop in farrowing rates from 92.6 ± 2.3% to 63.7 ± 11.1% in four sow farms in Croatia was detected. In migration studies, BADGE could be identified as a causal toxic compound and leached into the extended semen in concentration of 0.37 ± 0.05 mg/L. Detailed spermatological studies showed that significant predictors for effects on spermatozoa were different levels of motility and kinematic data after a prolonged storage time, thermo-resistance test (prolonged incubation time), mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity and fluidity. No serious effects were observed for sperm morphology and DNA fragmentation. These results provide new insights into the development of a new quality assurance concept for a detailed spermatological examination during testing of plastic materials for boar semen preservation. It could be shown that boar spermatozoa are an excellent biosensor to detect potential toxicity and fertility-relevant compounds.
Investigation of Embodied Language Processing on Command-Swallow Performance in Healthy Participants
Authors: Kurosu Atsuko , Pratt Sheila R. , Palmer Catherine , Shaiman Susan 
Published: December 2020

Purpose

During videofluoroscopic examination of swallowing, patients commonly are instructed to hold a bolus in their mouth until they hear a verbal instruction to swallow, which usually consists of the word
swallow
and is commonly referred to as the command swallow condition. The language-induced motor facilitation theory suggests that linguistic processes associated with the verbal command to swallow should facilitate the voluntary component of swallowing. As such, the purpose of the study was to examine the linguistic influences of the verbal command on swallowing.

Method

Twenty healthy young adult participants held a 5-ml liquid bolus in their mouth and swallowed the bolus after hearing one of five acoustic stimuli presented randomly: congruent action word (
swallow
), incongruent action word (
cough
), congruent pseudoword (
spallow
), incongruent pseudoword (
pough
), and nonverbal stimulus (1000-Hz pure tone). Suprahyoid muscle activity during swallowing was measured via surface electromyography (sEMG).

Results

The onset and peak sEMG latencies following the congruent action word
swallow
were shorter than latencies following the pure tone and pseudowords but were not different from the incongruent action word. The lack of difference between
swallow
and
cough
did not negate the positive impact of real words on timing. In contrast to expectations, sEMG activity duration and rise time were longer following the word
swallow
than the pure tone and pseudowords but were not different from
cough
. No differences were observed for peak suprahyoid muscle activity amplitude and fall times.

Conclusions
Language facilitation was observed in swallowing. The clinical utility of the information obtained in the study may depend on the purposes for using the command swallow and the type of patient being assessed. However, linguistic processing under the command swallow condition may alter swallow behaviors and suggests that linguistic inducement could be useful as a compensatory technique for patients with difficulty initiating oropharyngeal swallows.