bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Importance of Extensional Rheology in Bolus Control during Swallowing
Authors: Hadde Enrico Karsten , Cichero Julie Ann Yvette , Zhao Shaofeng , Chen Wei , Chen Jianshe 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThickened fluids are commonly used in the medical management of individuals who suffer swallowing difficulty (known as dysphagia). Previous studies have shown that the rheological properties of a liquid affect the flow behavior of the bolus in swallowing, such as pharyngeal transit time. While there is no doubt that shear rheology is a highly important factor for bolus flow, it is suspected that extensional properties of a liquid bolus also plays an important role in swallowing, due to elongation of the bolus as it flows through the oropharynx. Our aim in this work was to observe the effect of extensional viscosity on pharyngeal transit time and elongation of the bolus during swallowing. Eight samples of thickened liquid barium that were shear-controlled, but varied in extensional viscosity and two samples that were extensional-controlled, but varied in shear viscosity were swallowed by eight healthy individuals. Data were collected under lateral view of videofluoroscopy swallow study (VFSS); measures of pharyngeal transit time and the ratio of the length to the width of the bolus on the frame of Upper Esophageal Sphincter (UES) opening were taken from the VFSS recordings. It was observed that the pharyngeal transit time generally increases when the fluids are thickened to higher IDDSI consistency. Additionally, higher extensional viscosity fluids reduced the elongation of the bolus during swallowing, thus potentially reducing the risk of post-swallow residue due to bolus breakage. This study confirmed the relevance of the extensional viscosity of the bolus in swallowing.
Design of highly stabilized nanocomposite inks based on biodegradable polymer-matrix and gold nanoparticles for Inkjet Printing
Authors: Begines Belen , Alcudia Ana , Aguilera-Velazquez Raul , Martinez Guillermo , He Yinfeng , Trindade Gustavo F. , Wildman Ricky , Sayagues Maria-Jesus , Jimenez-Ruiz Aila , Prado-Gotor Rafael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractNowadays there is a worldwide growing interest in the Inkjet Printing technology owing to its potentially high levels of geometrical complexity, personalization and resolution. There is also social concern about usage, disposal and accumulation of plastic materials. In this work, it is shown that sugar-based biodegradable polyurethane polymers exhibit outstanding properties as polymer-matrix for gold nanoparticles composites. These materials could reach exceptional stabilization levels, and demonstrated potential as novel robust inks for Inkjet based Printing. Furthermore, a physical comparison among different polymers is discussed based on stability and printability experiments to search for the best ink candidate. The University of Seville logo was printed by employing those inks, and the presence of gold was confirmed by ToF-SIMS. This approach has the potential to open new routes and applications for fabrication of enhanced biomedical nanometallic-sensors using stabilized AuNP.
Structural Features of a Conformation-dependent Antigen Epitope on ORFV-B2L Recognized by the 2E4 mAb
Authors: Yu Yongzhong , Zhao Wenbo , Tan Qiang , Zhang Xue , Wang Mengyao , Duan Xuyang , Liu Yuanyuan , Wu Zhijun , Ma Jinzhu , Song Baifen , Zhao Rui , Zhao Kui , Lian Zhengxing , Cui Yudong 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPreviously, we successfully prepared a monoclonal antibody (mAb) named 2E4, that directly recognizes the major envelope protein B2L of the orf virus (ORFV), but there is little information about its epitope. Here, we meticulously mapped the 2E4 epitope through combinatorial programs and identified the functional binding domain and a key amino acid residue. Briefly, the simulated epitope peptide closely resembles84VDVQSKDKDADELR97located at the N-terminus of B2L, strongly suggesting that the epitope is conformationally or spatially structure-dependent. Subsequently, we combined these findings with the results from the antigenicity prediction of B2L to design three truncated fragments of B2L (F1, F2 and F3) selected using 2E4, and only the F1 fragment was found to be eligible for the advanced stage. Alanine-scanning mutagenesis suggested that the D94residue is structurally crucial for the 2E4 epitope. The other participating residues, including K61, E62, and D92, together with D94were responsible for enabling 2E4 binding and served as factors that synergistically enabled binding to the whole 2E4 epitope. In this paper, we describe, for the first time, the architecture of an ORFV conformational epitope, and it is also expected that mAb 2E4 and its epitope can be used for applications relating to orf control.
Work disability patterns before and after incident acute myocardial infarction and subsequent risk of common mental disorders: A Swedish cohort study
Authors: Bokenberger K. , Rahman S. , Wang M. , Vaez M. , Dorner T. E. , Helgesson M. , Ivert T. , Mittendorfer-Rutz E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study investigated the extent to which work disability patterns including sickness absence and disability pension (SA/DP) before and after acute myocardial infarction (AMI) were associated with subsequent common mental disorders (CMDs) such as depression and anxiety in AMI patients without previous CMD. Total 11,493 patients 26–64 years with incident AMI during 2008–10 were followed up for CMD (measured as antidepressant prescription) through 2013. Four SA/DP trajectory groups during the 3-years pre-AMI and 1-year post-AMI were identified. Hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals for subsequent CMD were estimated in Cox models. Higher pre-AMI SA/DP annual levels (>1–12 months/year) were associated with 40–60% increased CMD rate than the majority (78%) with low increasing levels (increasing up to 1 month/year). Regarding post-AMI findings, constant high (~25–30 days/month) SA/DP levels within the first 3 months was associated with a 76% higher CMD rate, compared to constant low (0 days/month). A gradually decreasing post-AMI SA/DP pattern over a 12-month period suggested protective influences for CMD (HR = 0.80). This is the first study to demonstrate that pre- and post-AMI work disability patterns are associated with subsequent CMD risk in AMI patients. Work disability patterns should be considered as an indicator of AMI prognosis in terms of CMD risk.
A highly specific and sensitive nanoimmunosensor for the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders
Authors: de Souza Moraes Ariana , Brum Doralina Guimarães , Ierich Jéssica Cristiane Magalhães , Higa Akemi Martins , Assis Amanda Stefanie Jabur , Miyazaki Celina Massumi , Shimizu Flávio Makoto , Peroni Luís Antonio , Machini M. Teresa , Barreira Amilton Antunes , Ferreira Marystela , Oliveira Osvaldo N. , Leite Fabio Lima 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA precise diagnosis for neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) is crucial to improve patients’ prognostic, which requires highly specific and sensitive tests. The cell-based assay with a sensitivity of 76% and specificity of 100% is the most recommended test to detect anti-aquaporin-4 antibodies (AQP4-Ab). Here, we tested four AQP4 external loop peptides (AQP461–70, AQP4131–140, AQP4141–150, and AQP4201–210) with an atomic force microscopy nanoimmunosensor to develop a diagnostic assay. We obtained the highest reactivity with AQP461–70-nanoimunosensor. This assay was effective in detecting AQP4-Ab in sera of NMOSD patients with 100% specificity (95% CI 63.06–100), determined by the cut-off adhesion force value of 241.3 pN. NMOSD patients were successfully discriminated from a set of healthy volunteers, patients with multiple sclerosis, and AQP4-Ab-negative patients. AQP461–70 sensitivity was 81.25% (95% CI 56.50–99.43), slightly higher than with the CBA method. The results with the AQP461–70-nanoimmunosensor indicate that the differences between NMOSD seropositive and seronegative phenotypes are related to disease-specific epitopes. The absence of AQP4-Ab in sera of NMOSD AQP4-Ab-negative patients may be interpreted by assuming the existence of another potential AQP4 peptide sequence or non-AQP4 antigens as the antibody target.
Discovery of a new Theileria sp. closely related to Theileria annulata in cattle from Sri Lanka
Authors: Sivakumar Thillaiampalam , Fujita Shiori , Tuvshintulga Bumduuren , Kothalawala Hemal , Silva Seekkuge Susil Priyantha , Yokoyama Naoaki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractTheileria annulatais a haemoprotozoan parasite that causes a cancer-like illness known as tropical theileriosis in cattle. In the course of analyzing the genetic diversity ofT.annulatain Sri Lanka, we observed that merozoite-piroplasm surface antigen (tams1) and surface protein (tasp)-like gene sequences obtained from bovine blood DNA samples, which were PCR-positive forT.annulata, were conserved but shared low identity withT.annulataGenBank sequences. Moreover, the 18S rRNA sequences from the Sri Lankan samples contained ten unique single-nucleotide polymorphisms compared with all knownT.annulatasequences. The cytochrome b (cob) gene sequences isolated from the Sri Lankan samples were highly conserved and shared low identity scores with similarly conservedT.annulatasequences from GenBank. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the Sri Lankantams1-like,tasp-like, 18S rRNA, andcobsequences clustered together and formed sister clades to the common ancestors of all knownT.annulataandTheileria lestoquardisequences. These findings demonstrated that the Sri Lankan cattle were not infected withT.annulatabut with a newTheileriasp. (designated asTheileriasp. Yokoyama) closely related toT.annulata.
Extracellular vesicles from endothelial progenitor cells prevent steroid-induced osteoporosis by suppressing the ferroptotic pathway in mouse osteoblasts based on bioinformatics evidence
Authors: Lu Jinsen , Yang Jiazhao , Zheng Yongshun , Chen Xiaoyu , Fang Shiyuan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAbnormal antioxidative capabilities were observed in the pathogenesis of steroid-induced osteoporosis (SIOP). Ferroptosis is a recently discovered type of cell death that is characterized by the overproduction of ROS in response to GPX4 and system Xc− downregulation, which is mediated by an Fe2+ fenton reaction. However, investigations focusing on the relationship between ferroptosis and steroid-induced bone disease remain limited. In the present study, high-dose dexamethasone was used to establish a mouse SIOP model, and extracellular vesicles extracted from bone marrow-derived endothelial progenitor cells (EPC-EVs) alleviated the pathological changes in SIOP via microtomography (micro-CT), with elevations in bone volume (BV), bone surface (BS), trabecular thickness (Tb.Th), and trabecular connectivity density (Conn-D) and decreases in trabecular separation (Tb.sp) and the structure model index (SMI). Histopathological analysis, such as haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining, showed that EPC-EVs treatment increased the volume and density of the trabecular bone and bone marrow. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis revealed subcellular biological alterations upon steroid and EPC-EVs treatment. Compared with the control, high-dose dexamethasone downregulated GPX4 and system XC−, and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG)-based gene set enrichment analysis suggested that the ferroptotic pathway was activated. In contrast, combination treatment with EPC-EVs partly reversed the KEGG-mapped changes in the ferroptotic pathway at both the gene and mRNA expression levels. In addition, alterations in ferroptotic marker expression, such as SLC3A2, SLC7A11, and GPX4, were further confirmed by RNA-seq. EPC-EVs were able to reverse dexamethasone treatment-induced alterations in cysteine and several oxidative injury markers, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione disulphide (GSSG) (as detected by ELISA). In conclusion, EPC-EVs prevented mouse glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis by suppressing the ferroptotic pathway in osteoblasts, which may provide a basis for novel therapies for SIOP in humans.
Detection of bovine serum albumin using hybrid TiO2 + graphene oxide based Bio – resistive random access memory device
Authors: Sahu Dwipak Prasad , Jammalamadaka S. Narayana 
Published: November 2019

AbstractBio – molecules detection and their quantification with a high precision is essential in modern era of medical diagnostics. In this context, the memristor device which can change its resistance state is a promising technique to sense the bio - molecules. In this work, detection of the Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) protein using resistive switching memristors based on TiO2 and TiO2 + graphene oxide (GO) is explored. The sensitivity of BSA detection is found to be 4 mg/mL. Both the devices show an excellent bipolar resistive switching with an on/off ratio of 73 and 100 respectively, which essentially demonstrates that the device with GO, distinguishes the resistance states with a high precision. The enhanced performance in the GO inserted device (~ 650 cycles) is attributed to the prevention of multi-dimensional and random growth of conductive paths.
Fitness response variation within and among consumer species can be co-mediated by food quantity and biochemical quality
Authors: Schälicke Svenja , Teubner Johannes , Martin-Creuzburg Dominik , Wacker Alexander 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn natural heterogeneous environments, the fitness of animals is strongly influenced by the availability and composition of food. Food quantity and biochemical quality constraints may affect individual traits of consumers differently, mediating fitness response variation within and among species. Using a multifactorial experimental approach, we assessed population growth rate, fecundity, and survival of six strains of the two closely related freshwater rotifer speciesBrachionus calyciflorussensu stricto andBrachionus fernandoi. Therefore, rotifers fed low and high concentrations of three algal species differing in their biochemical food quality. Additionally, we explored the potential of a single limiting biochemical nutrient to mediate variations in population growth response. Therefore, rotifers fed a sterol-free alga, which we supplemented with cholesterol-containing liposomes. Co-limitation by food quantity and biochemical food quality resulted in differences in population growth rates among strains, but not between species, although effects on fecundity and survival differed between species. The effect of cholesterol supplementation on population growth was strain-specific but not species-specific. We show that fitness response variations within and among species can be mediated by biochemical food quality. Dietary constraints thus may act as evolutionary drivers on physiological traits of consumers, which may have strong implications for various ecological interactions.
Effects of suspended micro- and nanoscale particles on zooplankton functional diversity of drainage system reservoirs at an open-pit mine
Authors: Goździejewska Anna Maria , Gwoździk Monika , Kulesza Sławomir , Bramowicz Mirosław , Koszałka Jacek 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWater from mining drainage is turbid because of suspensions. We tested the hypothesis that the chemical composition as well as shape and size of particles in suspensions of natural origin affect the density and functional diversity of zooplankton. The suspensions were analyzed with atomic force microscopy (AFM), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and optical microscopy. Elements found in the beidellite clays were also identified in the mineral structure of the particles. As the size of the microparticles decreased, the weight proportions of phosphorus, sulfur, and chlorine increased in the suspensions. These conditions facilitated the biomass growth of large and small microphages and raptorials. As the size of the nanoparticles decreased, the shares of silicon, aluminum, iron, and magnesium increased. These conditions inhibited raptorials the most. Ecosystem functionality was the highest with intermediate suspension parameters, which were at the lower range of the microphase and the upper range of the nanophase. The functional traits of zooplankton demonstrate their potential for use as sensitive indicators of disruptions in aquatic ecosystems that are linked with the presence of suspensions, and they facilitate gaining an understanding of the causes and scales of the impact of suspensions.
Degradation Mechanism Detection in Photovoltaic Backsheets by Fully Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Binbin , Grant Joydan , Bruckman Laura S. , Wodo Olga , Rai Rahul 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMaterials and devices age with time. Material aging and degradation has important implications for lifetime performance of materials and systems. While consensus exists that materials should be studied and designed for degradation, materials inspection during operation is typically performed manually by technicians. The manual inspection makes studies prone to errors and uncertainties due to human subjectivity. In this work, we focus on automating the process of degradation mechanism detection through the use of a fully convolutional deep neural network architecture (F-CNN). We demonstrate that F-CNN architecture allows for automated inspection of cracks in polymer backsheets from photovoltaic (PV) modules. The developed F-CNN architecture enabled an end-to-end semantic inspection of the PV module backsheets by applying a contracting path of convolutional blocks (encoders) followed by an expansive path of decoding blocks (decoders). First, the hierarchy of contextual features is learned from the input images by encoders. Next, these features are reconstructed to the pixel-level prediction of the input by decoders. The structure of the encoder and the decoder networks are thoroughly investigated for the multi-class pixel-level degradation type prediction for PV module backsheets. The developed F-CNN framework is validated by reporting degradation type prediction accuracy for the pixel level prediction at the level of 92.8%.
Evolutionary origin and functioning of pregenital abdominal outgrowths in a viviparous insect, Arixenia esau
Authors: Tworzydlo Waclaw , Jaglarz Mariusz K. , Pardyak Laura , Bilinska Barbara , Bilinski Szczepan M. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAlthough pregenital abdominal outgrowths occur only rarely in pterygote insects, they are interesting from the evolutionary viewpoint because of their potential homology to wings. Our previous studies of early development of an epizoic dermapteran, Arixenia esau revealed that abdominal segments of the advanced embryos and larvae, growing inside a mother’s uterus, are equipped with paired serial outgrowths. Here, we focus on the origin and functioning of these outgrowths. We demonstrate that they bud from the lateral parts of the abdominal nota, persist till the end of intrauterine development, and remain in contact with the uterus wall. We also show that the bundles of muscle fibers associated with the abdominal outgrowths may facilitate flow of the haemolymph from the outgrowths’ lumen to the larval body cavity. Following completion of the intrauterine development, abdominal outgrowths are shed together with the larval cuticle during the first molt after the larva birth. Using immunohistochemical and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that the Arixenia abdominal outgrowths represent an evolutionary novelty, presumably related to intrauterine development, and suggest that they are not related to serial wing homologs.
Encephalitis and aseptic meningitis: short-term and long-term outcome, quality of life and neuropsychological functioning
Authors: Quist-Paulsen Else , Ormaasen Vidar , Kran Anne-Marte B. , Dunlop Oona , Ueland Per Magne , Ueland Thor , Eikeland Randi , Aukrust Pål , Nordenmark Tonje H. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFor those surviving encephalitis, the influence on daily life of patients and their relatives may be substantial. In contrast, the prognosis after aseptic meningitis (ASM) is considered good. In this prospective study in patients with encephalitis (n = 20) and ASM (n = 46), we show that both groups experienced reduced Health Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) at two months after discharge, and that workability was reduced in 37% of the patients with ASM. However, 12 months after discharge no neuropsychological deficits were detected in the ASM group, whereas patients with encephalitis had lower scores on tests of fine motor and psychomotor skills as well as on learning and memory. We also found that for patients with encephalitis, neopterin, as a marker of Th1 cell induced macrophage activation, and a putatively neurotoxic ratio of the kynurenine pathway (KP) measured during the acute phase was associated with lower HRQoL. Our data show that not only encephalitis, but also ASM has substantial short-term influence on HRQoL and workability. For patients with encephalitis we suggest a link between immune activation and activation of the KP during the acute phase with impaired HRQoL.
Evaluating the photocatalytic efficiency of the BiVO4/rGO photocatalyst
Authors: Phanichphant Sukon , Nakaruk Auppatham , Chansaenpak Kantapat , Channei Duangdao 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe present study reported the preparation of BiVO4 by co-precipitation method. The as-prepared BiVO4 photocatalyst were deposited on rGO sheets to form BiVO4/rGO via the hydrothermal method. The crystalline structure, morphological, optical properties, and surface properties of the synthesized pure BiVO4 compared to BiVO4/rGO composite were studied using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electronmicroscopy (SEM), photoluminescence (PL) spectrophotoscopy, UV–vis spectrophotometer with an integrating sphere, and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherm based on BET theory. The photocatalytic activity of the prepared samples were evaluated by the degradation of MB dye in aqueous medium under visible light irradiation. The result showed that the BiVO4/rGO composite exhibited greater photocatalytic efficiency compared to pure BiVO4 with the photocatalytic degradation efficiency remains stable up to fifth cycle. The improved activity of the BiVO4/rGO composite might be attributed to the high surface area available to adsorb more MB molecules, and efficient charge separation of BiVO4 through π electron on the rGO structure. According to experimental results, the possible photocatalytic mechanism of the BiVO4/rGO composite were determined and the active species hydroxyl radical were reported. Based on photocatalytic activity inhibition in the presence of both h+ (VB) and O2•− (CB) scavengers over the BiVO4 photocatalyst, it can be proposed that the hydroxyl radical generated during the photocatalytic degradation mechanism is mainly responsible by the main active species of h+ and O2•− at VB and CB positions, respectively.