bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Scratch the surface: Histopathology of foot-pad dermatitis in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo)
Authors: Stracke J , Klotz D , Wohlsein P , Döhring S , Volkmann N , Kemper N , Spindler B 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFoot-pad dermatitis (FPD) is an important indicator of animal welfare in turkeys (Meleagris gallopavo). The present study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of a commonly used five-point visual score (VC), assessing FPD based on lesion size by implementing histopathological analysis. In 100 turkey feet (20 per scale scored by the VC), the size of both the foot-pad and the alteration were measured. Subsequently, a histopathological analysis was performed, examining the occurrence and severity grade of different parameters. The study addressed three main goals: (i) examining the reliability of the scoring system concerning the evaluated size of FPD; (ii) assessing histopathological parameters to analyse patterns, reflecting the categories of the scoring system; and (iii) finding threshold values to avoid the occurrence of ulcerations. The study found good observer reliabilities for the VC, but measuring the relative size of alterations resulted in divergent values according to the original specifications With regard to the histopathological parameters, no clear patterns were found in the respective VC scoring levels. However, ulcerations revealed a significant effect on the size of the alteration, showing a greater grade of severity with increasing lesion size. Regarding the occurrence of ulcerations, optimum threshold values could be identified even in very small lesions. This study helps contribute to a better understanding of the pathophysiology of FPD. It also raises the question as to whether, in light of animal welfare concerns, threshold values of visual systems should be adjusted to avoid ulcerations, considering the outcome of our histopathological assessment.
Need for Legal Regulation of Blockchain and Smart Contracts in the Shipping Industry
Authors: Perkušić Marko , Jozipović Šime , Piplica Damir 
Published: October 2020

The paper analyzes the potential impact of blockchain technology and smart contracts on the shipping industry. As the shipping industry represents a complex system of various actions that have to be controlled and registered, blockchain technology could serve as a tool to allow the streamlining of numerous processes, whilst at the same time taking the human factor out of multiple elements where trust between involved parties is an issue. The authors therefore first present how blockchain technology works and what smart contracts are, in order to give an insight into their applicability in the shipping sector. After a general overview of the technological and legal characteristics of blockchain technology and smart contracts, the authors present examples of relevant subjects, relations, and contracts in the shipping industry. Based on the charter party, a key contract in the shipping industry, the authors present the existing problems which could potentially be solved using blockchain technology. Besides the benefits of blockchain technologies, the authors furthermore point out the existing deficiencies that still make blockchain technology hard to apply in legal relations within the shipping industry. Based on these insights, the authors highlight the current developments in this area and present the existing and expected regulatory reforms of blockchain solutions and smart contracts within the European Union.
Hydrothermal synthesis of carbon and sulfur mono-doped sodium tantalates
Authors: Karna Sunil , Saunders Christopher , Karna Roma , Guragain Deepa , Mishra Sanjay , Karna Priya 
Published: October 2020

A set of experiments was conducted to synthesize doped and undoped sodium tantalates with carbon and sulfur in energy efficient single-step hydrothermal process. Undoped sodium tantalate nanocubes were synthesized at 140 °C and doped one at 180 °C for 12 h in rich alkaline atmosphere. The sizes of undoped, carbon-doped, and sulfur-doped sodium tantalate nanocubes were 38 nm, 45 nm, and 40 nm, respectively. The morphological, elemental, compositional, structural, thermal, and photophysical properties of as-synthesized doped and undoped sodium tantalate (NaTaO3) were characterized using scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive x-ray spectroscope (EDS), Raman spectroscopy, X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared spectrophotometer (FTIR), and UV-vis spectrophotometer. The sulfur doped NaTaO3 shows a higher photocatalytic activity in degradation of methylene blue than carbon doped and the undoped NaTaO3. The band gaps of undoped NaTaO3, carbon doped c-NaTaO3, and sulfur doped s-NaTaO3 were calculated to be 3.94 eV, 3.8 eV, and 3.52 eV, respectively using Tauc plot.
Effects of Nutrient Enriched Municipal Solid Waste Compost on Yield and Nutrient Content of Cabbage in Alluvial Soil
Authors: Sultana Marufa , Jahiruddin Mohammad , Islam Mohammad Rafiqul , Rahman Mohammad Mazibur , Abedin Md. Anwarul 
Published: October 2020

Composting of municipal solid waste (MSW) is a good option for solid waste recycling, but its use by the farmers is limited because of its very low nutrient status.
Aims: The study aimed at nutrient enrichment of marketed MSW compost by using some organic materials and evaluating the influence of nutrient enriched MSW compost on yield and nutrient content of cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.).
Place and Duration of Study: MSW compost amendment, field experiment and nutrient analysis were carried out at Bangladesh Agricultural University (BAU), Mymensingh during October 2017 to June 2018.
Methodology: We prepared three types of amended compost by mixing 20% mustard oil cake (MOC), and 30% poultry manure (PM) or cow dung (CD) or sugarcane press mud (SPM) with 50% MSW compost. A liquid culture of Trichoderma viride was inoculated to every type of compost. The field experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance of the amended MSW composts on yield and nutrient content of cabbage (cv. Atlas-70), and on soil fertility. The experimental soil was silt loam having 6.7 pH and 2.79% organic matter; according to Soil Taxonomy it belongs to Aeric Haplaquept under the order Inceptisols.
Results: Based on the yield and nutrient concentration (N, P, K & S) of cabbage, the treatment containing 50% fertilizers + 50% compost mixture (MSW compost + MOC + SPM in a ratio of 5:2:3) demonstrated the best result followed by poultry manure amended compost. Use of the amended composts had residual effects on soil showing an increased N, P, K & S content.
Conclusion: Organic amendment of MSW compost inoculated with Trichoderma is a noble means to increase the nutrient status of marketed MSW compost and improve the soil fertility and crop productivity. The results have significant value in fertilizer management strategies for vegetables cultivation in sub-tropical countries.
Assessment of Antimicrobial Activities and Toxicological Effects of Green and Red Cultivars of Roselle- Hibiscus sabdariffa L
Authors: Salami Serifat Olatundun , Afolayan Anthony Jide 
Published: October 2020

Aims: The use of synthetic antibiotics has been the major way of curing diseases; however, over-use of antibiotics has led to emergence of multi-drug-resistant strains of several groups of microorganisms. This study aimed at examining roselle extracts for antimicrobial properties with a view to providing the best alternative to the injudicious use of synthetic antibiotics and also examines the toxicological effects of roselle extracts.
Methodology: Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of roselle leaves and calyces were evaluated for antimicrobial activity based on minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC50) using Broth dilution method. The toxicological effects based on LC50 were also evaluated using Brine shrimp- Artemia salina. Simple percentage was used to determine the mortality rate of the nauplii while the minimum inhibitory concentrations of the extracts were determined using MINITAB 17 statistical package (P<0.05). Data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation of three replicates.
Results: Roselle calyces, pre-flowering green and flowering red exhibited excellent inhibition to bacteria. Calyces had better antimicrobial activities and higher toxicological effects than the leaves. Green roselle at pre-flowering stage and red flowering were good for antimicrobial screening.
Conclusion: Roselle extracts possessed excellent antibacterial and antifungal properties. These can be explored to develop new drugs, which can suppress the resistant strains. All the plant extracts were greater than 1000 mg/mL, which indicates that they were non-toxic to brine shrimp larvae.
Leukemoid Reaction in a Preterm Infant: Diagnostic Challenge in Resource Poor Setting: A Case Report
Authors: Chukwudi Okoli , Nwaoma Nwaogu , Ifeyinwa Nwafia 
Published: October 2020

A preterm neonate delivered at 28 weeks gestation, mother had antenatal steroid. Blood counts showed leukemoid reaction, blood culture, procalcitonin and peripheral blood film was normal. Baby was stabilized in the NICU, recovered and the WBC count done serially showed a downward trend. The leukemoid reaction was presumed to come from antenatal steroid use. The diagnostic and management challenges encountered in managing the infant in resource constrained environment like ours is presented alongside.
Molecular Mechanism and Role of Translational Values of Heat Shock Protein (HSP27) in Various Disease
Authors: Chaudhary Sameer , Chaudhary Sapana Sameer , Rawat Sakshi , Kaur Savneet , Devi Bogireddy , Ahmad Malik M. , Arshad Zia , Mustafa M. , Jedaie Manie M. Al , Alam Pravej 
Published: October 2020

HSP27, also known as HSPB1, was first discovered with a molecular weight 27kDa belonging to the four member gene family. Elevated levels of HSP27 are seen when different unfavorable conditions prevail such as increase in temperature and oxidative stress or exposure to heavy metals or organic solvents. They possess ATP-independent chaperone like activity which helps in maintaining protein homeostasis. It can also form large oligomers (300-600 kDa) containing different numbers of subunits. It is composed of total 205 amino acids. HSP27 undergoes post-translational modifications i.e. phosphorylation thereby converting large oligomers into dimers. It can act as an anti-apoptotic and antioxidant molecule during oxidative stress. The elevated form of HSP27 is also seen in some cancer belongs to breast, ovary, prostate, brain, colorectal, hepatocellular carcinoma, lung, liver, and cervical regions. Keeping in view of molecular roles of HSP27 signaling in various pathways, we have proposed their translational values in different diseases. In addition, we have also reported the existing scientific data on the HSP27 as the potential cancer biomarker and their therapeutic targets for improved prognosis and treatment in different diseases.
Surface guided imaging during stereotactic radiosurgery with automated delivery
Authors: Covington Elizabeth L. , Stanley Dennis N. , Fiveash John B. , Thomas Evan M. , Marcrom Samuel R. , Bredel Marcus , Willey Christopher D. , Riley Kristen O. , Popple Richard A. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPurposeTo report on the use of surface guided imaging during frameless intracranial stereotactic radiotherapy with automated delivery via HyperArcTM (Varian Medical Systems, Palo Alto, CA).MethodsAll patients received intracranial radiotherapy with HyperArcTM and were monitored for intrafraction motion by the AlignRT® (VisionRT, London, UK) surface imaging (SI) system. Immobilization was with the EncompassTM (Qfix, Avondale, PA) aquaplast mask device. AlignRT® log files were correlated with trajectory log files to correlate treatment parameters with SI reported offsets. SI reported offsets were correlated with gantry angle and analyzed for performance issues at non‐zero couch angles and during camera‐pod blockage during gantry motion. Demographics in the treatment management system were used to identify race and determine if differences in SI reported offsets are due to skin tone settings.ResultsA total of 981 fractions were monitored over 14 months and 819 were analyzed. The median AlignRT® reported motion from beginning to the end of treatment was 0.24 mm. The median offset before beam on at non‐zero couch angles was 0.55 mm. During gantry motion when camera pods are blocked, the median magnitude was below 1 mm. Median magnitude of offsets at non‐zero couch angles was not found to be significantly different for patients stratified by race.ConclusionsSurface image guidance is a viable alternative to scheduled mid‐treatment imaging for monitoring intrafraction motion during stereotactic radiosurgery with automated delivery.
Graphene‐Based Advanced Membrane Applications in Organic Solvent Nanofiltration
Authors: Nie Lina , Chuah Chong Yang , Bae Tae‐Hyun , Lee Jong‐Min 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOwing to the increasing need to mitigate excessive organic solvent waste, the efficient separation and recovery of organic solvents have received major research attention in recent years. The membrane‐based organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) process has demonstrated its feasibility in addressing this problem with low energy costs, compared to conventional separation techniques, such as adsorption, liquid–liquid extraction, and solvent evaporation. Recently, membranes made of 2D graphene‐based materials have shown great promise because they attain high solvent flux and solute rejection using easy processing methods. Thus, this paper focuses on state‐of‐the‐art studies of graphene‐based membranes used in OSN processes, which include syntheses, characterizations, performance evaluations, membrane fouling, and simulation studies, in combination with the development of the “upper‐bound” line to indicate the performance of graphene‐based membranes. In this paper, critical challenges involved in the development of graphene‐based membranes are also focused on and discussed to map out the future directions of these membranes in industrial OSN processes. In addition to OSN, this paper pertains to a broader audience in other separation processes, particularly in the fields of gas separation and water treatment.
Dealing with the Foreign‐Body Response to Implanted Biomaterials: Strategies and Applications of New Materials
Authors: Zhang Donghui , Chen Qi , Shi Chao , Chen Minzhang , Ma Kaiqian , Wan Jianglin , Liu Runhui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractForeign‐body response caused by implanted biomaterials seriously impedes the function of implants and is a major obstacle to the development of implantable biomaterials and medical devices. Recent advances in implantable biomaterials and medical devices have provided strategies to resist the foreign‐body response. In this review, the mechanism of the foreign‐body response and conventional strategies to mitigate foreign‐body response is briefly introduced. Then, three types of promising foreign‐body response resisting materials are focused and the advantages, characteristics, and applications of each material are discussed. Finally, prospects are put forward for future development of foreign‐body response resisting materials and current challenges that require in‐depth study.
Newly Synthesized Nonvacuum Processed High‐k Polymeric Dielectrics with Carboxyl Functionality for Highly Stable Operating Printed Transistor Applications
Authors: Kwon Hyeok‐jin , Ye Heqing , Shim Kyuwon , Girma Henok Getachew , Tang Xiaowu , Lim Bogyu , Kim Yejin , Lee Jihoon , Park Chan Eon , Jung Seo‐Hyun , Park Jong Mok , Jung Yu Jin , Hwang Do‐Hoon , Kong Hoyoul , Kim Se Hyun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSolution‐processed polar hydroxyl containing polymers such as poly(4‐vinylphenol) are widely utilized in organic filed‐effect transistors (OFETs) due to their high dielectric constant (k) and excellent insulating properties owing to the crosslinking through their hydroxyl groups. However, hydroxyl functionalities can function as trapsites, and their crosslinking reactions decrease the k value of materials. Hence, in this study, new solution‐processable copolymers containing both carboxyl and hydrophobic functionalities are synthesized. A fluorophenyl azide (FPA) based UV‐assisted crosslinker is also employed to promote the movement of polar carboxyl groups toward the bulk region and the hydrophobic functionalities to the surface region, thereby maintaining the high‐k characteristics and hydrophobic surface in thin film. Thus, the addition of an FPA crosslinker eliminates the trapsites on the surface, allowing a stable operation and efficient charge transport. Additionally, the solution‐processability enables the production of uniform and thin films to yield OFETs with stable and low‐voltage driving characteristics. The printed layers are also applied as gate dielectrics for floating gate memory devices and in integrated one‐transistor‐one‐transistor based memory cells, displaying their excellent memory performance. The synthesis and fabrication strategies employed in this study can become useful guidelines for the production of high‐k dielectrics for stable OFETs and other applications.
Enhancing the Long‐Term Stability of a Polymer Dot Glucose Transducer by Using an Enzymatic Cascade Reaction System
Authors: Sun Kai , Ding Zhaoyang , Zhang Jicheng , Chen Haobin , Qin Yuling , Xu Shihan , Wu Changfeng , Yu Jiangbo , Chiu Daniel T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractImpaired glucose metabolism in diabetes causes severe acute and long‐term complications, making real‐time detection of blood glucose indispensable for diabetic patients. Existing continuous glucose monitoring systems are unsuitable for long‐term clinical glycemic management due to poor long‐term stability. Polymer dot (Pdot) glucose transducers are implantable optical nanosensors that exhibit excellent brightness, sensitivity, selectivity, and biocompatibility. Here, it is shown that hydrogen peroxide—a product of glucose oxidation in Pdot glucose sensors—degrades sensor performance via photobleaching, reduces glucose oxidase activity, and generates cytotoxicity. By adding catalase to a glucose oxidase‐based Pdot sensor to create an enzymatic cascade, the hydrogen peroxide product of glucose oxidation is rapidly decomposed by catalase, preventing its accumulation and improving the sensor's photostability, enzymatic activity, and biocompatibility. Thus, a next‐generation Pdot glucose transducer with a multienzyme reaction system (Pdot–GOx/CAT) that provides excellent sensing characteristics as well as greater detection system stability is presented. Pdot glucose transducers that incorporate this enzymatic cascade to eliminate hydrogen peroxide will possess greater long‐term stability for improved continuous glucose monitoring in diabetic patients.
Efficient Violet Organic Light‐Emitting Diodes with CIEy of 0.02 Based on Spiro Skeleton
Authors: Zou Sheng‐Nan , Chen Xing , Yang Sheng‐Yi , Kumar Sarvendra , Qu Yang‐Kun , Yu You‐Jun , Fung Man‐Keung , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Liao Liang‐Sheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractOrganic materials with violet electroluminescence are highly interesting for organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) application. However, the design and synthesis of new molecules combining with desirable violet emission and high luminous efficiency are a challenging task. Here, three novel organic molecules consisting of a pyrene unit and a highly rigid skeleton, namely TFPy2, TFPy3, and TFPy4, are developed for violet‐emitting OLEDs (VOLEDs). These emitters exhibit excellent thermal stability and violet emission with a narrow full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) and high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs). Photophysical results show that the emission peaks can be tuned by the introduction of pyrene units at different positions, and the emission will have a blue shift with increasing steric hindrance. Moreover, OLEDs fabricated with TFPy2, TFPy3, and TFPy4 as the emitters exhibit maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEs), emission peaks, and CIEs (x,y) of 3.8%, 414 nm, and (0.15, 0.03); 4.8%, 406 nm, and (0.16, 0.02); and 5.1%, 404 nm, and (0.16, 0.02), respectively. The two molecules TFPy3 and TFPy4 exhibit violet emissions with EL peaks at ≈405 nm with a record low CIEy of 0.02. Therefore, these materials and their construction strategy are promising for future VOLEDs with wide‐color‐gamut display and potential biological applications.
Dopamine D1 receptor in the NAc shell is involved in delayed emergence from isoflurane anesthesia in aged mice
Authors: Zhang Yi , Gui Huan , Hu Lang , Li Chengxi , Zhang Jie , Liang Xiaoli 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBackgroundDelayed emergence after general anesthesia tends to occur in the elderly population, but the mechanism remains unclear. Apart from age‐related pharmacokinetic changes, the aging‐induced structural and functional alterations in the arousal‐promoting neural substrates should be considered. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is a crucial arousal‐related nucleus, in which activating medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing dopamine D1 receptor (D1R) could facilitate the arousal from natural sleep. Meanwhile, the dopaminergic systems decline with aging in multiple brain regions. However, whether the age‐related decline in D1R in the NAc shell attenuates its arousal‐promoting capacity from general anesthesia remains to be elucidated.MethodsWe first verified the delayed emergence from isoflurane anesthesia and examined the corresponding changes of electroencephalogram (EEG) power in aged mice. In turn, the arousal‐modulating capacity of D1R was characterized in the young and aged cohorts by microinjection of D1R agonist/antagonist into the NAc shell. Furthermore, to address the possible mechanism responsible for the attenuated arousal‐modulating capacity of the aged NAc, the expression of D1R in the NAc shell was measured and compared between young and aged mice.ResultsOur data indicated that compared with young mice, the emergence time in aged mice was notably longer, while EEG power in δ band (1‐4Hz) was significantly higher and power in β band (12‐25Hz) was lower. Activating or inhibiting D1R in the NAc shell by microinjection D1R agonist/antagonist promoted or delayed the emergence process in young mice. Nevertheless, this modulation capacity of D1R in the NAc shell declined in aged mice, respectively. Meanwhile, downregulation of D1R expression in the NAc shell was detected in the aged brain.ConclusionTogether, these results suggest that aging attenuates the arousal‐modulating capacity of D1R in the NAc shell probably through downregulation of D1R expression therein, which may provide a potential explanation and a therapeutic target for increased sensitivity to anesthetics in the elderly patients.