bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Entropy‐driven binding of octyl gallate in albumin: Failure in the application of temperature effect to distinguish dynamic and static fluorescence quenching
Authors: de Carvalho Bertozo Luiza , Fernandes Ana J. F. C. , Yoguim Maurício I. , Bolean Maytê , Ciancaglini Pietro , Ximenes Valdecir F. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFluorescence quenching is widely used to obtain association constants between proteins and ligands. This methodology is based on assumption that ground‐state complex between protein and ligand is responsible for quenching. Here, we call the attention about the risk of using the temperature criterion for decision of applying or not fluorescence quenching data to measure association constants. We demonstrated that hydrophobic effect can be the major force involved in the interaction and, as such, superposes the well‐established rationalization that host/guest complexation is weakened at higher temperatures due to loss of translational and rotational degrees of freedom. To do so, the complexation of bovine serum albumin with octyl gallate was studied by steady‐state, time‐resolved fluorescence spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry. The results clearly demonstrated the complexation, even though the Stern‐Volmer constant increased at higher temperatures (1.6 × 104and 4.1 × 105 mol−1L at 20°C and 40°C), which could suggest a simple dynamic process and not complexation. The entropy‐driven feature of the interaction was demonstrated by the unfavorable enthalpy (∆H° = 104.4 kJmol−1) but favorable entropy (∆S° = 447.5 Jmol−1K−1). The relevance of the ligand hydrophobicity was also evaluated by comparing ascorbic acid and its ester ascorbyl palmitate. Docking simulations showed a higher number of hydrophobic contacts and lower energy poses for the esters, confirming the experimental results. In conclusion, the well‐established rationalization that host/guest complexation is weakened at higher temperatures is not straightforward for protein‐ligand interactions. Hence, the temperature effect for a decision between static and dynamic quenching and its use to decide if a complexation at ground state is taking place between ligand and protein should not be used.
Computational evaluation of mass filter acceptance and transmittance influenced by developing fields: An application of the plane method to investigate prefilter efficacy for rectangular wave operated mass filters
Authors: Huntley Adam P. , Reilly Peter T.A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe acceptance of quadrupole mass filters is improved when the alternating current (AC) and direct current (DC) fields are developed separately. Physically, this is achieved when a short RF only quadrupole (prefilter) is situated directly ahead of the mass filter. The acceptance gained by a system operating with a prefilter can be observed as an increase in sensitivity over conventional operation. Frequency dynamic duty cycle based rectangular waveform driven (rectangular wave) mass filters, a recent development, currently do not operate with prefilters. Little is known about the influence of duty cycle changes on the acceptance of rectangular wave mass filters. The sensitivity gain seen by conventional systems operating with prefilters indicates that the sensitivity of duty cycle based rectangular wave systems should increase comparably. The objective of this work was to determine prefilter efficacy for nonspecific rectangular wave mass filter systems. In this work, the plane method of acceptance was used to model the change to the acceptance and transmittance of sine and rectangular waveform driven mass filters under different modes of field development. Both systems indicated a fourfold increase in sensitivity when the mass filtering DC or duty cycle was delayed.
Yansuanmalingua inhibits replication of type 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus via activating the caspase‐8 apoptosis pathway
Authors: Ding Yaozhong , Li Guoxiu , Cheng Fangzhen , Dai Junfei , Hu Yonghao , Zhang Jie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPorcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV) causes significant economic losses to the pork industry. The present study showed that Yansuanmalingua (YASML) can inhibit type 2 PRRSV replication using plaque assay, quantitative reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence assay. Furthermore, inhibition of PRRSV replication was shown to be related to Toll‐like receptor 3 (TLR3)‐dependent apoptosis‐induction by YASML in the PRRSV‐infected MARC‐145, and TLR3‐dependent apoptosis‐induction by YASML was found to suppress PRRSV replication via the activation of caspase‐8 and caspase‐3 pathways, respectively. Meanwhile, activation of the caspase‐3 pathway seemed to be related to the downregulation of myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‐1) expression. Our results showed that YASML‐induced TLR3‐dependent apoptosis could be blocked by a pan‐caspase inhibitor and small interfering RNA against TLR3. In conclusion, the present study demonstrates that YASML exerts its anti‐PRRSV effect by activating the caspase‐8/caspase‐3 signaling pathway and by negatively regulating Mcl‐1 expression. These findings not only provide new insights into the molecular mechanism of YASML inhibition of PRRSV replication via the TLR3‐dependent apoptosis pathway but also suggest potential, new antiviral drugs by expressing caspase‐3 or down expressing Mcl‐1.
Synthesis of sericin‐conjugated silver nanoparticles and their potential antimicrobial activity
Authors: Muhammad Tahir Hafiz , Saleem Fatima , Ali Shaukat , Ain Qurat ul , Fazal Amna , Summer Muhammad , Mushtaq Rabia , Tariq Zahid Muhammad , Liaqat Iram , Murtaza Ghulam 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNanoparticles (NPs) are being recognized as antibacterial agents due to their rapidly increasing multidrug resistance in bacterial pathogens. Hence, there is an unmet need to identify the natural antibacterial agent. The present study aimed to evaluate the antibacterial activity of sericin‐conjugated silver NPs synthesized by using sericin as a reducing and capping agent. Synthesized NPs were characterized by scanning electron microscope, nanolaser particle size analyzer (BT‐90), Fourier‐transform infrared analysis, and energy‐dispersive X‐ray. The biogenic NPs significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli (12–15 mm zone of inhibition), Staphylococcus aureus (14.6–15.4 mm zone of inhibition), and Klebsiella pneumoniae (12.5–18 mm zone of inhibition). The stability of naturally synthesized NPs was examined at various temperatures (i.e., 4°C, 37°C, and 55°C) and pH (i.e., 3, 7, and 11). Temperature variability did not significantly affect the efficacy of NPs. However, NPs performed better at higher pH levels. This study suggested that the sericin‐based silver NPs are not only effective against bacteria, but they also maintain the stability at different ranges of temperature and pH. We concluded that the sericin‐conjugated silver NPs possess the remarkable antibacterial potential, which suggests their large‐scale use as a cheap and stable antimicrobial agent in the future.
Fourier transform‐Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy analysis of safflower red‐dyed washi paper: pH study and bands assignment
Authors: Cañamares Maria Vega , Mieites‐Alonso Maria Goretti , Leona Marco 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSafflower red is a natural dye extracted from the petals of Carthamus tinctorius L. Its main coloring matter is carthamin. Despite its poor lightfastness, safflower was greatly appreciated in Asia for its bright red color. It was particularly important in nishiki‐e multicolor Japanese woodblock printing. In the present work, safflower red was analyzed by Fourier transform (FT)‐Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopies and the band assignment was carried out with the support of density functional theory calculations. Different pH values were tested in order to determine the optimal conditions for SERS analysis. Changes in the relative intensity of the Raman bands at neutral and acid pH suggest a deprotonation of the acidic groups in the molecule. From the obtained results, the adsorption geometry of the dye molecule on Ag nanoparticles was deducted. Finally, SERS was successfully applied to the detection of safflower red in a paper fiber from a Japanese woodblock print.
Effect of Intravenous Lidocaine Infusion on Postoperative Early Recovery Quality in Upper Airway Surgery
Authors: Wang Qiao , Ding Xiaojun , Huai De , Zhao Weibing , Wang Jun , Xie Chenglan 
Published: March 2020

Objectives/HypothesisSystemic infusions of lidocaine have been widely used as perioperative analgesic adjuvants. The aim of this randomized, double‐blinded, controlled trial was to investigate the effect of perioperative lidocaine infusion on postoperative early recovery quality in upper airway surgery.Study DesignProspective, randomized, double‐blinded, placebo‐controlled trial.MethodsA total of 99 patients were randomly assigned to the lidocaine group (group L) or the control group (group C). The patients received 2 mg/kg lidocaine completed within 10 minutes before the induction of anesthesia followed by continuous infusions of 2 mg/kg/hr lidocaine (group L) or the same volume of 0.9% normal saline (group C) intravenously during anesthesia. The Quality of Recovery‐40 (QoR‐40) survey was administered on the preoperative day (Pre) and postoperative days 1 (POD1) and 2 (POD2). The primary endpoint was QoR‐40 score on POD1 and POD2.ResultsCompared with Pre, global QoR‐40 scores on POD1 and POD2 were significantly lower (P < .05). Compared with group C, global QoR‐40 scores were significantly higher in group L on POD1 and POD2 (P < .05). Among the five dimensions of QoR‐40, the scores for physical comfort, emotional state, and pain were superior in group L compared to group C (P < .05). Compared with group C, the consumption of remifentanil and diclofenac as well as the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and postoperative 48‐hour numeric rating scale (NRS) scores in group L were significantly lower (P < .05).ConclusionsSystemic lidocaine infusion can improve QoR‐40 scores in patients with upper airway surgery, reduce the dosage of intraoperative opioids, decrease the incidence of PONV and NRS scores 2 days after surgery, thus improving postoperative early recovery quality.Level of Evidence1b Laryngoscope, 131:E63–E69, 2021
Wind erosion control using inoculation of aeolian sand with cyanobacteria
Authors: Fattahi Seyed Mohammad , Soroush Abbas , Huang Ning 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWind erosion is a natural phenomenon that has been increasing due to anthropogenic activities. Wind erosion has detrimental consequences on the environment, and its prevention is a critical issue in many arid regions of the world. The topic of this study was an artificial formation of biocrusts to diminish wind erosion by inoculation of the aeolian sand by two filamentous cyanobacteria of Nostoc punctiforme and Microcoleus vaginatus. The erodibility of the sand was examined in a wind–tunnel equipped with a sand particle counter (SPC). The erosion rate, number of emitted particles, and flux of eroded mass from the surface of the sand were measured as indicators of the erodibility at five wind velocities of 6, 10, 15, 20, and 25 m/s. Results suggested that biocrust of M. vaginatus had thicker interparticle bonding and more resistance than biocrust of N. punctiforme against wind erosion; however, both of cyanobacterial crust reduced the erodibility indicators by two to three orders of magnitude.
Shifts in the soil bacterial community along a salinity gradient in the Yellow River Delta
Authors: Zhao Qingqing , Bai Junhong , Gao Yongchao , Zhao Haixiao , Zhang Guangliang , Cui Baoshan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSoil salinization has rapidly encroached from the coastline to inland areas over the past two decades in the Yellow River Delta (YRD). Soil samples were collected from low‐ (LSW), medium‐ (MSW), and high‐ (HSW) salinity wetlands at a depth of 0–20 cm for 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic analyses. The richness and α‐diversity indices were significantly lower in saline soils (ECe > 15 dS/m, HSW) than in soils those were not saline (ECe < 15 dS/m, LSW and MSW) (p < 0.05), generally showing a decreasing trend with increasing salinities. The phyla, Proteobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria and Planctomycetes, represented more than 70% of the bacterial community in the three wetlands, indicating the wide adaption of these phyla to salinity changes. Specifically, Proteobacteria was recognized as the most dominant (35.30% ‐ 38.59%) phylum regardless of salinity. Furthermore, bacterial composition was different among the wetlands, as revealed by β‐diversity indices and analysis of similarities. Linear discriminant analysis (LDA) effect size revealed the presence of 11, 2, and 10 discriminating bacterial taxa (LDA > 4) among LSW, MSW, and HSW, respectively, implying that they can serve as bioindicators of soil salinization. Redundancy analysis, Spearman correlation analysis, and the Mantel test suggested that salinity parameters (EC, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, Cl−, and SO42−) prominently structured the bacterial community in the current study. These results suggest that the changes of bacterial composition would be induced in these LSW and MSW soils once seawater intrusion occurs.
A unidirectional ultra‐wideband circularly polarized spiral antenna array
Authors: Geng Jingru , Liu Xueguan , Liu Changrong , Guo Huiping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper studies a unidirectional ultra‐wideband circularly polarized (CP) spiral antenna array. The ultra‐wideband high‐gain CP operation is realized by implementing four‐element sequentially rotated spiral array antennas fed with an ultra‐wideband feeding network. Tapered multisections power dividers and broadband microstrip‐slot phase shifters are utilized to provide accurately equal power division and constant phase shifts of 90°. In order to further improve the CP operating bandwidth, foam of absorber is adopted between the radiating aperture and the feeding network substrate. The proposed CP array is designed, fabricated, and measured. Test results show that the impendence bandwidth of the proposed array covers 2.2 to 11.6 GHz (5.3:1) and 3 dB axial‐ratio bandwidth covers 2.3 to 13 GHz (5.65:1), demonstrating a stable CP array performance within an ultra‐wide working bandwidth.
Self‐navigation for 3D multishot EPI with data‐reference
Authors: Moeller Steen , Ramanna Sudhir , Lenglet Christophe , Pisharady Pramod K. , Auerbach Edward J. , Delabarre Lance , Wu Xiaoping , Akcakaya Mehmet , Ugurbil Kamil 
Published: March 2020

PurposeIn this study, we sought to develop a self‐navigation strategy for improving the reconstruction of diffusion weighted 3D multishot echo planar imaging (EPI). We propose a method for extracting the phase correction information from the acquisition itself, eliminating the need for a 2D navigator, further accelerating the acquisition.MethodsIn‐vivo acquisitions at 3T with 0.9 mm and 1.5 mm isotropic resolutions were used to evaluate the performance of the self‐navigation strategy. Sensitivity to motion was tested using a large difference in pitch position of the head. Using a multishell diffusion weighted acquisition, tractography results were obtained at (0.9 mm)3 to validate the quality with conventional acquisition.ResultsThe use of 3D multislab EPI with self‐navigation enables 3D diffusion‐weighted spin echo EPI acquisitions that have the same efficiency as 2D single‐shot acquisition. For matched acquisition time the image signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) between 3D and 2D acquisition is shown to be comparable for whole‐brain coverage with (1.5 mm)3 resolution and for (0.9 mm)3 resolution the 3D acquisition has higher SNR than what can be obtained with 2D acquisitions using current state‐of‐art multiband techniques. The self‐navigation technique was shown to be stable under inter‐volume motion. In tractography analysis, the higher resolution afforded by our technique enabled clear delineation of the tapetum and posterior corona radiata.ConclusionThe proposed self‐navigation approach utilized a self‐consistent phase in 3D diffusion weighted acquisitions. Its efficiency and stability were demonstrated for a plurality of common acquisitions. The proposed self‐navigation approach allows for faster acquisition of 3D multishot EPI desirable for large field of view and/or higher resolution.
Application of Lectin Microarrays for Biomarker Discovery
Authors: Dang Kai , Zhang Wenjuan , Jiang Shanfeng , Lin Xiao , Qian Airong 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMany proteins in living organisms are glycosylated. As their glycan patterns exhibit protein‐, cell‐, and tissue‐specific heterogeneity, changes in the glycosylation levels could serve as useful indicators of various pathological and physiological states. Thus, the identification of glycoprotein biomarkers from specific changes in the glycan profiles of glycoproteins is a trending field. Lectin microarrays provide a new glycan analysis platform, which enables rapid and sensitive analysis of complex glycans without requiring the release of glycans from the protein. Recent developments in lectin microarray technology enable high‐throughput analysis of glycans in complex biological samples. In this review, we will discuss the basic concepts and recent progress in lectin microarray technology, the application of lectin microarrays in biomarker discovery, and the challenges and future development of this technology. Given the tremendous technical advancements that have been made, lectin microarrays will become an indispensable tool for the discovery of glycoprotein biomarkers.
Aromatic Fluorination of Multiblock Amphiphile Enhances Its Incorporation into Lipid Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Sasaki Ryo , Sato Kohei , Kinbara Kazushi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe designed multiblock amphiphiles AmF and AmH, which consist of perfluorinated and non‐fluorinated hydrophobic units, respectively. Absorption spectroscopy revealed that both amphiphiles are molecularly dispersed in organic solvent, while they form aggregates under aqueous conditions. Furthermore, we investigated whether AmF and AmH can be incorporated into DOPC lipid bilayer membranes, and found that the maximum concentration of AmF that can be incorporated into DOPC lipid bilayer membranes is 43 times higher than that of AmH.
Fetal open spinal dysraphism repair through a mini‐hysterotomy: Influence of gestational age at surgery on the perinatal outcomes and postnatal shunt rates
Authors: Peralta Cleisson F. A. , Botelho Rafael D. , Romano Edson R. , Imada Vanessa , Lamis Fabrício , Júnior Ronaldo R. , Nani Fernando , Stoeber Gerd H. , de Salles Antônio A. F. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo analyze the impact of gestational age (GA) at the time of fetal open spinal dysraphism (OSD) repair through a mini‐hysterotomy on the perinatal outcomes and the infants' ventriculoperitoneal shunt rates.MethodsRetrospective study of cases of fetal OSD correction performed from 2014 and 2019.ResultsOne hundred and ninety women underwent fetal surgery for OSD through a mini‐hysterotomy, and 176 (176/190:92.6%) have since delivered. Fetal OSD correction performed earlier in the gestational period, ranging from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, was associated with lower rates of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting (P: .049). Earlier fetal surgeries were associated with shorter surgical times (P: .01), smaller hysterotomy lengths (P < .001), higher frequencies of hindbrain herniation reversal (P: .003), and longer latencies from surgery to delivery (P < .001). Median GA at delivery was 35.3 weeks. Multivariate binary logistic regression showed that both fetal lateral ventricle‐to‐hemisphere ratio (%; P < .001; OR: 1.14 [95% CI: 1.09‐1.21]) and GA at the time of fetal surgery (P: .016; OR: 1.37 [95% CI: 1.07‐1.77]) were independent predictors of postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunting.ConclusionFetuses with OSD who were operated on earlier in the gestational interval, which ranged from 19.7 to 26.9 weeks, were less prone to receiving postnatal ventriculoperitoneal shunts.
Synthesis of peptide homo‐ and heterodimers as potential mimics of platelet‐derived growth factor BB
Authors: Stubbing Louise A. , Kaur Harveen , Feng Sheryl X. , Aalderink Miranda , Dragunow Michael , Brimble Margaret A. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPericyte loss is correlated with blood‐brain barrier leakage in neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease. The platelet‐derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ)/platelet‐derived growth factor BB (PDGF‐BB) signalling pathway is key to the regulation of pericyte survival and proliferation. A series of peptide dimers mimicking the ligand PDGF‐BB were prepared in the hope of stimulating PDGFRβ internalisation and activation of this pathway. Copper‐catalysed azide‐alkyne cycloaddition of peptide monomers with PEGylated linkers of varying length afforded the desired peptide dimers. Evaluation of the peptide dimers in human brain pericyte assays revealed no effect on PDGFRβ internalisation nor cell proliferation at concentrations <10 μM. The peptide dimers also did not act as antagonists at PDGFRβ at concentrations <10 μM.
Dissociation of tetramethylsilane for the growth of SiC nanocrystals by atmospheric pressure microplasma
Authors: Haq Atta Ul , Lucke Philip , Benedikt Jan , Maguire Paul , Mariotti Davide 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe report on mass spectrometry of residual gases after dissociation of tetramethylsilane (TMS) during the synthesis of silicon carbide (SiC) nanocrystals (NCs) by an atmospheric pressure microplasma. We use these results to provide details that can contribute to the understanding of the formation mechanisms of NCs. Mass spectrometry reveals the presence of high‐mass polymerization products supporting the key role of neutral fragments and limited atomization. On this basis, we found that the loss of methyl groups from TMS, together with hydrogen abstraction, represents important paths leading to nucleation and growth. The combination of TMS concentration and NC residence time controls the NC mean size and the corresponding distributions. For higher precursor concentrations, the reaction kinetics is sufficiently fast to promote coalescence.
Use of portable gas analyzers during pediatric field testing
Authors: Itaborahy Bianca Dana Horongozo , Wamosy Renata Maba Gonçalves , Scalco Janaina Cristina , Schivinski Camila Isabel Santos 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo compare performance and cardiorespiratory responses in field tests performed by healthy children, with and without the use of a portable gas analyzer (PGA), and to analyze the reproducibility of the tests.MethodThe study included healthy children aged 6 to 14 years old. The sample was divided into children who underwent field tests (modified shuttle walk test [MSWT], 6‐minute walk test [6MWT], and ADL‐Glittre for pediatrics [TGlittre‐P]) without PGA (GS) and children who carried the equipment K4b2—COSMED, Rome, Italy (GK).ResultsA total of 120 children participated in the study, 31 in the GK (mean age 10.16 ± 1.81 years old) and 89 in GS (mean age 10.1 ± 1.79 years old). The groups did not differ from each other and there was no significant difference in the performance of the 6MWT and MSWT intergroup (P > .05), but the significant alteration in the variables of the cardiorespiratory response was identified. In the TGlittre‐P, the GK completed the test in a shorter time than the GS (2.69 ± 0.38 minutes vs 2.91 ± 0.40 minutes) and both presented alterations in most cardiorespiratory variables. The intragroup reproducibility showed concordance in all tests, and there was no concordance between groups (P > .05).ConclusionThe use of PGA had a lower time spent on TGlittre‐P. In the 6MWT and MSWT, there was no difference in cardiorespiratory performance and response with and without the use of PGA. The three field tests were reproducible, but the same test, with and without the use of PGA, did not show agreement.