bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Combined use of Bacillus strains and Miscanthus for accelerating biodegradation of poly(lactic acid) and poly(ethylene terephthalate)
Authors: Dąbrowska Grażyna B. , Janczak Katarzyna , Richert Agnieszka 
Published: March 2021

Background
The aim of this study was to verify whether the presence of Bacillus strains and of miscanthus influence biodegradation and formed of biofilm of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) and poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET).

Methods
The experiment conducted in compost soil showed that strains Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus cereus isolated from heavy metal contaminated environment have biochemical activity and accelerate biodegradation of both plastic materials.

Results
For PLA film it was found that the carbonyl index dropped by over 15% in the presence of B. subtilis, while the film tensile strength decreased by 35% and the oxygen to carbon O/C ratio was higher by 3% in the presence of B. cereus, and the presence of miscanthus resulted in a loss of weight. For PET film, a decrease in the carbonyl index by 16% was observed following inoculation with B. cereus. The metabolic activity of this strain contributed to the reduction of the film’s tensile strength by 17% and to the increase in the permeability to O2 and CO2. The most intense degradation of PET film was observed in the presence of bacteria and plants. B. subtilis strain combined with miscanthus plantings may be a promising method for accelerating PLA and PET degradation in compost soil.
Systematic analysis of JmjC gene family and stress­-response expression of KDM5 subfamily genes in Brassica napus
Authors: He Xinghui , Wang Qianwen , Pan Jiao , Liu Boyu , Ruan Ying , Huang Yong 
Published: March 2021

Background
Jumonji C (JmjC) proteins exert critical roles in plant development and stress response through the removal of lysine methylation from histones. Brassica napus, which originated from spontaneous hybridization by Brassica rapa and Brassica oleracea, is the most important oilseed crop after soybean. In JmjC proteins of Brassica species, the structure and function and its relationship with the parents and model plant Arabidopsis thaliana remain uncharacterized. Systematic identification and analysis for JmjC family in Brassica crops can facilitate the future functional characterization and oilseed crops improvement.

Methods
Basing on the conserved JmjC domain, JmjC homologs from the three Brassica species, B. rapa (AA), B. oleracea (CC) and B. napus, were identified from the Brassica database. Some methods, such as phylogenic analysis, chromosomal mapping, HMMER searching, gene structure display and Logos analysis, were used to characterize relationships of the JmjC homologs. Synonymous and nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions were used to infer the information of gene duplication among homologs. Then, the expression levels of BnKDM5 subfamily genes were checked under abiotic stress by qRT-PCR.

Results
Sixty-five JmjC genes were identified from B. napus genome, 29 from B. rapa, and 23 from B. oleracea. These genes were grouped into seven clades based on the phylogenetic analysis, and their catalytic activities of demethylation were predicted. The average retention rate of B. napus JmjC genes (B. napus JmjC gene from B. rapa (93.1%) and B. oleracea (82.6%)) exceeded whole genome level. JmjC sequences demonstrated high conservation in domain origination, chromosomal location, intron/exon number and catalytic sites. The gene duplication events were confirmed among the homologs. Many of the BrKDM5 subfamily genes showed higher expression under drought and NaCl treatments, but only a few genes were involved in high temperature stress.

Conclusions
This study provides the first genome-wide characterization of JmjC genes in Brassica species. The BnJmjC exhibits higher conservation during the formation process of allotetraploid than the average retention rates of the whole B. napus genome. Furthermore, expression profiles of many genes indicated that BnKDM5 subfamily genes are involved in stress response to salt, drought and high temperature.
Application of Black Soldier Fly, Hermetia illucens (L., 1758) (Diptera: Stratiomyidae) Larvae to Treat Waste Water
Authors: Doelle Klaus , Udegbunam Ifeoma 
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the application potential of Black Soldier Fly Larva Hermetia illucens Stratiomyidae: Diptera (L.1758) for wastewater treatment and the removal potential of chemical oxygen demand, ammonia, and phosphorus of and liquid manure residue and municipal waste water containing 1% solids content.
Black Soldier Fly Larva were found to reduce the concentration of chemical oxygen demand, but unfortunately, increase the concentration of ammonia and phosphorus.
The ability of Black Soldier Fly Larva to feed on organic waste of Liquid manure residue showed that Black Soldier Fly Larva increase their weight by 365% in a solution with 12% solids content and by 595% in a solution having 6% solids content. The study also showed that Black Soldier Fly Larva have the ability to survive in a solution of 1% solids content and have the ability to reduce chemical oxygen demand by up to 86.4% for liquid manure residue and 46.9% for municipal wastewater after 24 hours. Generally, ammonia increased by 43.9% for Liquid manure residue and 98.6% for municipal wastewater. Total phosphorus showed an increase of 11.0% and 88.6% increase for liquid manure residue and municipal wastewater respectively over the 8-day study. Transparent environments tend to reduce the COD content more than the dark environment, both for the liquid manure residue (55.8% and 65.4%) and municipal wastewater (71.5% and 66.4%).
Impact of the Climate Change and the Recent Development of an Artificial Tropical Estuary on the Mobility and Distribution of Phosphorus: Case of Vridi Channel (Côte d'Ivoire)
Authors: Samuel N’DA , Konan YAO Marcel , Albert Trokourey 
Published: March 2021

This study focused on the effects of the climate change and the recent modification of Vridi channel on the mobility and distribution of phosphorus (P) in its superficial sediments. To best estimate this fact, the annual mobility and distribution of P were followed and compared before and after this development during two different annual periods, marked differently by the climate change effects. The first annual period has covered the period from April 2014 to March 2015 and this channel presented its former hydromorphology, with hydroclimatic conditions very close to that normal of Abidjan district. The second period annual has covered the period from October 2018 to September 2019 and this channel presented its current hydromorphology and, characterized by a rainfall drop and high ambient air temperatures compared to that normal of Abidjan district.
A monthly sampling has been done at 5 cm below the surface sediment in this channel during each annual period. The mobility and distribution of P was assessed in the superficial sediments of this channel according two sequential extraction protocols: the modified Van Eck method and the modified Olsen method. Total phosphorus was assessed according AFNOR NF X31-147.
The total phosphorus contents and all P fractions contents of these superficial sediments assessed by these two sequential methods and obtained over the period from April 2014 to March 2015 are higher than those determined over the period from October 2018 to September 2019. Thus, the recent development of this estuary, with as a corollary the modification of the physical and chemical characteristics of its superficial sediments, would have had the effect of clearing P towards the Atlantic Ocean and/or accelerating its sedimentation; hence the reduction of eutrophication risk of this aquatic ecosystem.
Diagnostic Performance of Hrp2 Based Diagnostic Test Kits and Frequency of Pfhrp2 Gene Deletion in Plasmodium falciparum Isolates of Osogbo, Southwestern Nigeria
Authors: Nassar A. S. , Bakarey A. S. , Abdulazeez A. A. , Fayemi O. O. 
Published: March 2021

Introduction: The introduction of P. falciparum encoded HRP-2 based malaria Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) kits is widely accepted in Nigeria and worldwide as a simplified form of diagnosis and a cheaper alternative to the microscopy technique (gold standard). However, deletion of Pfhrp2 gene contributes to false negative results and large number of such deletions has been reported in advanced countries thereby highlighting the importance of surveillance to detect such deletions in our local environment.
Methodology: Microscopy as well as RDT techniques (using Rapid malaria test kit: SD BIOLINE Malaria Ag P.f/Pv, South Korea) were carried out on the blood samples of three hundred and twenty-three (323) febrile subjects attending Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Osun State Nigeria. PCR analysis was also conducted on 50 blood samples that were positive for microscopy but negative for RDT.
Results: The results from the study revealed that microscopy had a sensitivity of 99% and specificity of 99.2%. The RDT however had a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 60.1%. Fifty (50) samples that were positive for microscopy but negative for RDT were subjected to further PCR examination to detect the possible deletion of the Pfhrp-2 gene and the result revealed that the gene was present in 39 (78%) of the blood samples while remaining 11 (22%) samples lacked the gene which could possibly be the reason for the negative results obtained using the RDT kits.
Conclusion: This study provides evidence of low level of presence of Pfhrp-2 gene deletion of Plasmodium falciparum parasites in our healthcare facility setting in Osogbo, Nigeria.
Dynamic Analysis of Fatigue Life Prediction on the Shafts of a Modern Cassava Peeling Machine for Safe and Economic Use
Authors: Eddy Pondi Pius , Chuka Nwigbo Solomon , Omeiza Obende Eziekel , Chukwuemeka Olisakwe Henry , Peter Chikelu Okechukwu , Andrew Azaka Onyemazuwa 
Published: March 2021

The durability of a machine structure is based on its mechanical performance through its entire service life. To avoid structural failures in machines, it is a standard design practice that machines be analyzed based on the types of loading (static and fatigue) associated with it in order to design safe and dependable machine structures. These types of analyses are performed with the purpose of estimating the behavior of the mechanical parts under specific operational conditions. The aim of this research is to investigate the effect of different loading to the maximum load on the redesigned shafts of an existing cassava peeling machine capable of peeling at least one (10) tons of cassava tubers with different weight, size or shape per day to ascertain the effects on the bending moment, shear force, deflection angle, shear stress and bending stress, and evaluate if there is need to reduce or increase the thickness of the shafts to a standard considered to be safe and economical. The three shafts of the cassava peeling machine have been carefully analyzed to check for their fatigue life under different loading conditions. From the analysis, with stress values of 48.640MPa, 49.1289MPa, 3.06089MPa and shaft diameter values of 34.6799mm, 34.7955mm, 13.7941mm evaluated from the reduced stress diagrams and ideal diameter diagrams for abrasive cylinder shaft, peeling cylinder shaft, and retainer shaft respectively, gave positive results because none of stress values were greater than reduced stresses (calculated stress value from Tresca’s theory) on the respective shafts. Therefore, a standard steel shaft of 35mm diameter is appropriate for manufacturing of the machine and also safe and economical.
Opioid toxicity due to CNS depressant polypharmacy: A case report
Authors: Lee Christine , Wanson Annabelle , Frangou Sarah , Chong David , Halpape Katelyn 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The interaction between methadone and central nervous system depressants can cause serious adverse effects, including profound sedation, respiratory depression, coma, and death. This poses a challenge in the treatment of patients with concurrent psychiatric and substance use disorders as the combined use is often unavoidable. We report a case of a patient with opioid use disorder, mood disorder unspecified, chronic pain, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who experienced 2 serious episodes of CNS and respiratory depression due to polypharmacy-induced opioid toxicity. Careful consideration of pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and patient-specific factors was imperative to identify the suspected contributing medications: methadone, lorazepam, divalproex, gabapentin, and cyclobenzaprine. Cognitive and system factors that contributed to these adverse events and strategies to mitigate risk of recurrence were also identified.
The MedPhys match survey: Search criteria and advice for programs and applicants
Authors: Hendrickson Kristi R. G. , Juang Titania , Rodrigues Anna E. , Burmeister Jay W. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurposeThe purpose of this study was to gauge the experiences of applicants and program directors (PDs) in the Medical Physics (MedPhys) Match (MPM) and to determine the most important characteristics and factors that influence decision‐making for applicants and programs when screening, interviewing, and ranking in the MPM. Opinions were also solicited from applicants and PDs on the status of medical physics residencies and the selection process, such as the availability of residency positions and satisfaction with the match process.MethodsA survey was sent to all applicants registered for the 2015–2018 MPM and to all PDs registered for the 2015–2017 MPM. Survey questions asked about the pre‐interview screening, interview, and ranking stages of the residency match process. Survey data were analyzed using graphical methods and spreadsheet tools.ResultsAn increasing percentage of applicants are female and/or hold a PhD as their highest degree. The over all number of interview invitations per applicant has increased, leading some applicants to decline interviews with the top reasons being cost of travel and scheduling conflicts. The top considerations for applicants in ranking programs were residency program/institution reputation, program structure/organization, and facilities/equipment available. The primary considerations identified by PDs for ranking applicants included impressions from the interview, personality fit, and clinical potential. While two‐thirds of applicants agreed or strongly agreed with the statement that a residency position was difficult to obtain, roughly one‐third of PDs agree that the current residency placement rate is a problem.ConclusionFour years of survey data on the experiences of applicants and PDs participating in the MPM is useful to future participants navigating the residency match system. It is hoped that the data will be helpful to inform improvements and to enhance understanding of the residency match system and how it shapes our profession.
Hyaluronan‐Mediated Motility Receptor Governs Chromosome Segregation by Regulating Microtubules Sliding Within the Bridging Fiber
Authors: Jiang Zemin , Zhang Shiyu , Lee Yew Mun , Teng Xiang , Yang Qiaoyun , Toyama Yusuke , Liou Yih‐Cherng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAccurate segregation of chromosomes during anaphase relies on the central spindle and its regulators. A newly raised concept of the central spindle, the bridging fiber, shows that sliding of antiparallel microtubules (MTs) within the bridging fiber promotes chromosome segregation. However, the regulators of the bridging fiber and its regulatory mechanism on MTs sliding remain largely unknown. In this study, the non‐motor microtubule‐associated protein, hyaluronan‐mediated motility receptor (HMMR), is identified as a novel regulator of the bridging fiber. It then identifies that HMMR regulates MTs sliding within the bridging fiber by cooperating with its binding partner HSET. By utilizing a laser‐based cell ablation system and photoactivation approach, the study's results reveal that depletion of HMMR causes an inhibitory effect on MTs sliding within the bridging fiber and disrupts the forced uniformity on the kinetochore‐attached microtubules‐formed fibers (k‐fibers). These are created by suppressing the dynamics of HSET, which functions in transiting the force from sliding of bridging MTs to the k‐fiber. This study sheds new light on the novel regulatory mechanism of MTs sliding within the bridging fiber by HMMR and HSET and uncovers the role of HMMR in chromosome segregation during anaphase.
Highly Efficient Plasmonic Membrane Flow Reactor
Authors: Tang Hao , Shao Guozheng , Hinds Bruce J. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA plasmonic flow reactor, consisting of thin Au film at exits of monolithic anodized aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes under LED illumination is demonstrated. The system shows over 200% quantum efficiency (QE) for peroxide activation and the ability to limit to single oxidation reaction by controlling residence time with flow rate and pore geometry. Periodic pore arrays (20–200 nm diameter) with 25 nm thick Au on AAO are modeled by finite‐difference time‐domain (FDTD) simulations and predicted largest E‐field enhancements for the larger 200 nm pore diameters. Peroxide activation, as measured by O2 generation is most efficient with a 200 nm pore diameter system under 523 nm LED illumination. The optimal wavelength falls near the absorption peak of Au@AAO with 200 nm pore diameter suggesting that hot electron generated from gold plasmonic response is the primary mechanism for activation of H2O2. QE for gold plasmonic flow system calculated from O2 generation experiments is as high as 250%, which indicates a mechanism of hot‐electron activation of peroxide that leaves a still energetic hot‐electron to catalytically activate multiple reactions. The formation of Au surface oxides that are catalytically active in dark is also observed and must be accounted for in Au plasmonic photochemical studies.
Three Resistance States Achieved by Nanocrystalline Decomposition in Ge‐Ga‐Sb Compound for Multilevel Phase Change Memory
Authors: Zhang Liwei , Mai Xianliang , Gu Rongchuan , Liu Long , Xiong Changying , Yang Zhe , Tong Hao , Cheng Xiaomin , Xu Ming , Zhou Peng , Miao Xiangshui 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPhase‐change memory (PCM), using the fast and reversible transition between crystal and glass to store binary data, is a promising candidate for next‐generation information storage and computing technologies. Recording more than one bit of information on each memory cell, known as multilevel cell (MLC) technology, can greatly increase the data density of PCMs. In this paper, the MLC capability in a phase change material Ge‐Ga‐Sb (GGS) is explored. Using the “SET” operation with increasing voltage amplitudes on this PCM cell in a 250 nm pillar structure device, three resistance levels are achieved and can be stabilized within large operating voltage windows, allowing large tolerance of SET voltage variation which may lead to the overlap of the neighboring resistance levels. It is discovered that the additional resistance level other than “0” and “1” is enabled by compositional phase separation in the nanocrystalline GGS, as revealed via atom probe tomography and electronic microscopy. The device also shows small resistance drift (ν = 0.025) in amorphous state, about four times lower than prototypical Ge‐Sb‐Te‐based PCMs, stabilizing it against time variation. Meanwhile, high thermal stability (Tc ≈ 300 °C) in GGS‐based device can also facilitate the practical applications in some extreme conditions.
Ophthalmic conditions associated with dementia risk: The Cardiovascular Health Study
Authors: Hwang Phillip H. , Longstreth Will T. , Thielke Stephen M. , Francis Courtney E. , Carone Marco , Kuller Lewis H. , Fitzpatrick Annette L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionOphthalmic conditions and dementia appear to overlap and may share common pathways, but research has not differentiated dementia subtypes.MethodsDiagnoses of cataracts, age‐related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and glaucoma were based on medical histories and International Classification of Diseases, Ninth Revision (ICD‐9) codes for 3375 participants from the Cardiovascular Health Study. Dementia, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and vascular dementia (VaD), was classified using standardized research criteria.ResultsCataracts were associated with AD (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.01‐1.80) and VaD/mixed dementia (HR = 1.41; 95% CI = 1.02‐1.95). AMD was associated with AD only (HR = 1.87; 95% CI = 1.13‐3.09), whereas DR was associated with VaD/mixed dementia only (HR = 2.63; 95% CI = 1.10‐6.27).DiscussionDifferential associations between specific ophthalmic conditions and dementia subtypes may elucidate pathophysiologic pathways. Lack of association between glaucoma and dementia was most surprising from these analyses.
Quantifying progression in primary progressive aphasia with structural neuroimaging
Authors: Lombardi Jolina , Mayer Benjamin , Semler Elisa , Anderl‐Straub Sarah , Uttner Ingo , Kassubek Jan , Diehl‐Schmid Janine , Danek Adrian , Levin Johannes , Fassbender Klaus , Fliessbach Klaus , Schneider Anja , Huppertz Hans‐Jürgen , Jahn Holger , Volk Alexander , Kornhuber Johannes , Landwehrmeyer Bernhard , Lauer Martin , Prudlo Johannes , Wiltfang Jens , Schroeter Matthias L. , Ludolph Albert , Otto Markus ,   the FTLD consortium
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe term primary progressive aphasia (PPA) sums up the non‐fluent (nfv), the semantic (sv), and the logopenic (lv) variant. Up to now, there is only limited data available concerning magnetic resonance imaging volumetry to monitor disease progression.MethodsStructural brain imaging and an extensive assessment were applied at baseline and up to 4‐year(s) follow‐up in 269 participants. With automated atlas‐based volumetry 56 brain regions were assessed. Atrophy progression served to calculate sample sizes for therapeutic trials.ResultsAt baseline highest atrophy appeared in parts of the left frontal lobe for nfvPPA (–17%) and of the left temporal lobe for svPPA (–34%) and lvPPA (–24%). Severest progression within 1‐year follow‐up occurred in the basal ganglia in nfvPPA (–7%), in the hippocampus/amygdala in svPPA (–9%), and in (medial) temporal regions in lvPPA (–6%).ConclusionPPA presents as a left‐dominant, mostly gray matter sensitive disease with considerable atrophy at baseline that proceeds variant‐specific.
Collecting Site‐Level Data on Organisms Causing Surgical Site Infections to Guide Quality Improvement
Authors: Goldman Lauren , McAlister Sarah A. , Keith Abigail , Bone Nathalie , McSwain Jenna M. , Klineline Dena N. , Hagedorn Wonder Amy 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACTSurgical site infections (SSIs) negatively affect patients and health care organizations. We conducted a descriptive, correlational study at two hospitals that provide care to rural patients in one Midwestern state. The study purposes were to describe: types of organisms causing reportable organ/space SSIs that occurred within 30 days of an open or a laparoscopic abdominal surgery (N = 20), and commonalities in patient‐ and care‐related factors to provide baseline information for site‐level prevention efforts for quality improvement. We identified Escherichia coli in almost half of the SSI cases (n = 9, 45%). Common patient‐related factors included ethnicity, smoking, and dirty or contaminated wounds. Common care‐related factors included longer surgery times (> 60 minutes), unplanned surgeries, and procedures that involved the colon or small bowel. Personnel can use site‐level data to monitor prevalent types of organisms causing SSIs, enabling an evidence‐based, interdisciplinary approach to develop and test methods to enhance prevention.