bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Severe loss of mechanical efficiency in COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Pleguezuelos Eulogio , Del Carmen Amin , Llorensi Gemma , Carcole Jessica , Casarramona Paula , Moreno Eva , Ortega Pilar , Serra‐Prat Mateo , Palomera Elisabet , Miravitlles Marc M. , Yebenes Joan Carles , Boixeda Ramón , Campins Lluis , Villelabeitia‐Jaureguizar Koldo , Garnacho‐Castaño Manuel Vicente 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundThere is limited information about the impact of coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) on the muscular dysfunction, despite the generalized weakness and fatigue that patients report after overcoming the acute phase of the infection. This study aimed to detect impaired muscle efficiency by evaluating delta efficiency (DE) in patients with COVID‐19 compared with subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischaemic heart disease (IHD), and control group (CG).MethodsA total of 60 participants were assigned to four experimental groups: COVID‐19, COPD, IHD, and CG (n = 15 each group). Incremental exercise tests in a cycle ergometer were performed to obtain peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak). DE was obtained from the end of the first workload to the power output where the respiratory exchange ratio was 1.ResultsA lower DE was detected in patients with COVID‐19 and COPD compared with those in CG (P ≤ 0.033). However, no significant differences were observed among the experimental groups with diseases (P > 0.05). Lower VO2peak, peak ventilation, peak power output, and total exercise time were observed in the groups with diseases than in the CG (P < 0.05). A higher VO2, ventilation, and power output were detected in the CG compared with those in the groups with diseases at the first and second ventilatory threshold (P < 0.05). A higher power output was detected in the IHD group compared with those in the COVID‐19 and COPD groups (P < 0.05) at the first and second ventilatory thresholds and when the respiratory exchange ratio was 1. A significant correlation (P < 0.001) was found between the VO2peak and DE and between the peak power output and DE (P < 0.001).ConclusionsPatients with COVID‐19 showed marked mechanical inefficiency similar to that observed in COPD and IHD patients. Patients with COVID‐19 and COPD showed a significant decrease in power output compared to IHD during pedalling despite having similar response in VO2 at each intensity. Resistance training should be considered during the early phase of rehabilitation.
Kinetics and thermodynamics for aldo/keto conversion of D‐xylose and D‐glucose catalyzed by xylose isomerase from Thermotoga naphthophilaRKU‐10
Authors: Fatima Bilqees , Aftab Muhammad Nauman , Haq Ikram‐ul 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAldo‐keto isomerizations of D‐xylose and D‐glucose catalyzed by xylose isomerase (XI) is commercially carried out to produce bio‐ethanol and high fructose corn syrup. XI is a metalloenzyme. In this paper, kinetics and thermodynamics of the activity and stability of hyperthermophilic recombinant XI from Thermotoga naphthophila RKU‐10T (TnapXI) were studied in the presence and absence of metal ions.RESULTSKinetics parameters of recombinant XI from TnapXI were calculated as Km = 0.99 mmol L–1, Vmax = 500 μmol.mg−1.min−1, and kcat = 68.3 min−1 for the isomerization of D‐xylose(aldo)⇌D‐xylulose(keto), whereas for D‐glucose(aldo)⇌D‐fructose(keto) conversion Km = 7.72 mmol L–1, Vmax = 90 μmol.mg−1.min−1, and kcat = 12.4 min−1. Ionization constants were calculated as pKa1 = 6.0 and pKa2 = 7.6, whereas activation constants (Ka) of TnapXI were 0.3, 0.5, and 4.0 mmol L–1 for Co2+, Mn2+, and Mg2+, respectively. Inhibition constant (Ki) was 0.119 mmol L–1 for Ca2+. Q10 was 2.8 and Ea = 82.25 kJ.mol−1. Thermodynamics for isomerization were calculated as ∆H* = 79.2 kJ.mol−1, ∆G* = 83 kJ.mol−1, and ∆S* = −10.5 J.mol−1.K−1. The z‐value was 12.6 °C for apo‐TnapXI and 32.6 °C for holo‐TnapXI. Deactivation parameters were ∆G*(d) = 100 kJ.mol−1, ∆H*(d) = 206 kJ.mol−1, ∆S*(d) = 0.28 kJ.mol−1.K−1 for apo‐TnapXI and t1/2 = 18 min at 95 °C, while ∆G*(d) = 104 kJ.mol−1, ∆H*(d) = 767 kJ.mol−1, ∆S*(d) = 1.8 kJ.mol−1.K−1 for holo‐TnapXI and t1/2 = 65 min at 95 °C.CONCLUSIONThese noteworthy features make this enzyme an attractive candidate for the industrial production of fuel ethanol and high fructose corn syrup at high temperatures to maximize the product yield. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Charge transfer dissociation of a branched glycan with alkali and alkaline earth metal adducts
Authors: Sasiene Zachary J. , Ropartz David , Rogniaux Hélène , Jackson Glen P. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAlkali and alkaline earth metal adducts of a branched glycan, XXXG, were analyzed with helium charge transfer dissociation (He‐CTD) and low‐energy collision‐induced dissociation (LE‐CID) to investigate if metalation would impact the type of fragments generated and the structural characterization of the analyte. The studied adducts included 1+ and 2+ precursors involving one or more of the cations: H+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, and Mg2+. Regardless of the metal adduct, He‐CTD generated abundant and numerous glycosidic and cross‐ring cleavages that were structurally informative and able to identify the 1,4‐linkage and 1,6‐branching patterns. In contrast, the LE‐CID spectra mainly contained glycosidic cleavages, consecutive fragments, and numerous neutral losses, which complicated spectral interpretation. LE‐CID of [M + K + H]2+ and [M + Na]+ precursors generated a few cross‐ring cleavages, but they were not sufficient to identify the 1,4‐linkage and 1,6‐branching pattern of the XXXG xyloglucan. He‐CTD predominantly generated 1+ fragments from 1+ precursors and 2+ product ions from 2+ precursors, although both LE‐CID and He‐CTD were able to generate 1+ product ions from 2+ adducts of magnesium and calcium. The singly charged fragments derive from the loss of H+ from the metalated product ions and the formation of a protonated complementary product ion; such observations are similar to previous reports for magnesium and calcium salts undergoing electron capture dissociation (ECD) activation. However, during He‐CTD, the [M + Mg]2+ precursor generated more singly charged product ions than [M + Ca]2+, either because Mg has a higher second ionization potential than Ca or because of conformational differences and the locations of the charging adducts during fragmentation. He‐CTD of the [M + 2Na]2+ and the [M + 2 K]2+ precursors generated singly charged product ions from the loss of a sodium ion and potassium ion, respectively. In summary, although the metal ions influence the mass and charge state of the observed product ions, the metal ions had a negligible effect on the types of cross‐ring cleavages observed.
Characteristics of neonicotinoid and metabolite residues in Taiwanese tea leaves
Authors: Yuan Tzu‐Hsuen , Yu Meng‐Ting , Ikenaka Yoshinori , Chen Yi‐Hsuan , Nakayama Shoji F , Chan Chang‐Chuan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDNeonicotinoids are widely used insecticides, and tea is a popular non‐alcoholic beverage in Taiwan. However, the levels of neonicotinoids in Taiwanese tea leaves remain unclear. Therefore, this study aims to understand the characteristics of neonicotinoid and metabolite residues in Taiwanese tea leaves.METHODSIn this study, 12 tea leaf samples were collected in Taiwan and extracted by solid‐phase extraction before analysis by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. In addition, the levels of neonicotinoids were compared with the maximum residue level standards from other countries.RESULTSIn Taiwanese tea leaves, five neonicotinoids and seven metabolites were detected. Different tea species influenced the levels of neonicotinoids and their metabolites in the present study. Moreover, the levels of neonicotinoids and their metabolites in partially fermented leaves were higher than in completely fermented leaves. In Jin‐Xuan tea, the levels of neonicotinoids and their metabolites in most winter‐harvested teas were lower than in summer‐harvested teas.CONCLUSIONThe residue levels of neonicotinoids and their metabolites were detectable in Taiwanese tea leaves. Moreover, different tea species, manufacturing processes, and harvest seasons might influence the levels of these pesticides. Therefore, the government should monitor the use of neonicotinoids. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Assessing the quality of life of head and neck healthcare workers during the COVID‐19 pandemic—A self‐reported global cross‐sectional questionnaire study by the International Federation of Head and Neck Oncologic Societies
Authors: Singh Arjun , Garg Apurva , Mandlik Dushyant , Vander Poorten Vincent , Patel Snehal G. , O'Neill James Paul , Spriano Giuseppe , Shaha Ashok , Chaturvedi Pankaj , Cernea Claudio , Shah Jatin 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundConsidering the pandemic's mode of transmission, the impact on quality of life (QOL) is likely to be exaggerated among healthcare workers (HCWs) who treat head and neck diseases (hHCWs).MethodsA cross‐sectional self‐reported QOL assessment was undertaken between July and September 2020 using the World Health Organization Quality of Life instrument sent out to hHCWs. Factors that predicted a poorer QOL were identified using regression models and mediation analysis.ResultsResponses from 979 individuals across 53 countries were analyzed with 62.4% participation from low‐ and middle‐income countries. The physical domain had the highest mean scores of 15 ± 2.51, while the environmental domain was the lowest (14.17 ± 2.42). Participants from low‐ and middle‐income countries had a significantly worse physical (p < 0.001) and environmental (p < 0.001) domains, while a low coronavirus disease 2019‐related mortality significantly impacted the environmental domain (p‐0.034).ConclusionQOL‐related issues among hHCWs are a vexing problem and need intervention at an individual and systems level in all parts of the world.
The dose effect of dansyl chloride on the derivative products of bisphenols and its application for the determination of bisphenols in human serum by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Guo Cuicui , Zhao Xueqin , Jin Jing , Wang Longxing , Tan Dongqin , Chen Jiping , Ni Yuwen 
Published: June 2021

AbstractHuman exposure to bisphenols has rarely been reported. The most important challenges in this regard are the sensitivity and accuracy of the analytical methods employed. Dansyl chloride derivatization prior to high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry has been prevalently employed to improve sensitivity. However, the dose effect of the derivatization reagent on the reaction products is not well understood, especially for reactants with two or more active groups. This study investigated the mass ratio of dansyl chloride to bisphenols and found the mass ratio played a vital role in changing the composition of derivatives; further, the optimal ratio for obtaining di‐substituted derivatives was confirmed. Under optimal conditions, solid‐phase extraction followed by dansyl chloride derivatization coupled with high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry was used to detect eight bisphenols in human serum samples. The method detection limits of the eight bisphenols were 0.025‒0.28 ng/mL, and the recoveries were 72.9‒121.7% by spiking bisphenols (2, 5, and 20 ng/mL) into bovine serum. The detection frequencies of bisphenol A and bisphenol F in 73 serum samples obtained from children from Guangzhou were 41.1% and 71.2%, respectively, while the detection frequencies of other bisphenols were below 20%. The concentrations of bisphenol A and bisphenol F were < 0.28‒8.0 ng/mL and < 0.028‒7.6 ng/mL, respectively.
Rapid changes in river plume dynamics caused by advected wind‐driven coastal upwelling as observed in Lake Geneva
Authors: Soulignac Frédéric , Lemmin Ulrich , Ziabari Seyed Mahmood Hamze , Wynn Htet Kyi , Graf Benjamin , Barry David Andrew 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBased on field investigations carried out in Lake Geneva during summer stratification in 2019, this study documents, for the first time, the rapid change of negatively buoyant river inflow dynamics caused by the passing of a coastal upwelling. Under calm conditions, the negatively buoyant Rhône River, entering at the eastern end of the lake, interacts with the lake density profile such that the river intrusion moves as an interflow in the thermocline layer straight out into the lake. A strong, large‐scale spatially homogeneous wind that lasts for several days causes a downward thermocline tilt at the western end of the lake, coastal downwelling on the northern shore, and coastal upwelling on the southern shore. This cold‐water upwelling progresses like a Kelvin wave around the lake after wind forcing ceases. When it arrives at the river inflow area, it homogenizes the lake water temperatures, and the river inflow transforms into an intrusion that spreads over the whole water column. Trapped by strong alongshore currents generated by the progressing coastal upwelling, the river plume is sharply deviated and flows along the shore in the nearshore zone, potentially bringing nutrients directly into the phototrophic near‐surface layer. Following the passage of the coastal upwelling, the river inflow transforms back into an interflow. This change in inflow dynamics, which is documented for five strong wind events between June and September by combining in situ measurements, remote sensing, and numerical simulation, can be expected to occur in other large lakes with comparable wind‐induced large‐scale thermocline displacement.
Difficulties in Management of Functional Movement Disorders: Three Illustrative Cases
Authors: Nadler Martine , Cary Isabel , Symeon Christopher 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundSome patients with FND and FEVD cannot re‐establish walking ability with standard treatment alone.CasesNovel invasive treatment of FEVD trialed in three females, aged 19, 30 and 33 years with >18 month history of FND. None could walk and all were wheelchair‐dependent needing home carers. Standard treatment plus novel step‐wise escalation of invasive “intervention+” was individually tailored to correct FEVD; functional electrical stimulation, botulinum toxin injections, tibial nerve block, serial casting, and for Case 3, manipulation under anesthetic and surgical tendon lengthening. All regained walking ability and discontinued carers. Case 1 resumed dancing and Case 3 returned to employment. Improvements were largely maintained at 3 and 6 month follow‐up.ConclusionsAs a last resort, invasive adjuncts may be considered in a very small proportion of FND patients who fail to regain walking ability with standard treatment alone and reach a “dead end” where no further progress is feasible.
Constitutive and insect‐induced transcriptomes of weevil‐resistant and susceptible Sitka spruce
Authors: Whitehill Justin G. A. , Yuen Macaire M. S. , Bohlmann Jörg 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSpruce weevil (Pissodes strobi) is a significant pest of regenerating spruce (Picea) and pine (Pinus) forests in North America. Weevil larvae feed in the bark, phloem, cambium, and outer xylem of apical shoots, causing stunted growth or mortality of young trees. We identified and characterized constitutive and weevil‐induced patterns of Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis) transcriptomes in weevil‐resistant (R) and susceptible (S) trees using RNA sequencing (RNA‐seq) and differential expression (DE) analyses. We developed a statistical model for the analysis of RNA‐seq data from treatment experiments with a 2 × 3 factorial design to differentiate insect‐induced responses from the effects of mechanical damage. Across the different comparisons, we identified two major transcriptome contrasts: A large set of genes that was constitutively DE between R and S trees, and another set of genes that was DE in weevil‐induced S‐trees. The constitutive transcriptome unique to R trees appeared to be attuned to defense, while the constitutive transcriptome unique to S trees was enriched for growth‐related transcripts. Notably, a set of transcripts annotated as “fungal” was detected consistently in the transcriptomes. Fungal transcripts were identified as DE in the comparison of R and S trees and in the weevil‐affected DE transcriptome of S trees, suggesting a potential microbiome role in this conifer‐insect interaction.
The reduced form of the antibody CH2 domain
Authors: Xi Zhaoyong , Liu Xianglei , Lin Rui , Persons John D. , Ilina Tatiana V. , Li Wei , Dimitrov Dimiter S. , Ishima Rieko 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAmong the immunoglobulin domains, the CH2 domain has the lowest thermal stability, which also depends on amino acid sequence and buffer conditions. To further identify factors that influence CH2 folding and stability, we characterized the domain in the reduced form using differential scanning fluorimetry and nuclear magnetic resonance. We show that the CH2 domain can fold, similarly to the disulfide‐bridged form, without forming a disulfide‐bridge, even though the protein contains two Cys residues. Although the reduced form exhibits thermal stability more than 15°C lower than the disulfide‐bridged form, it does not undergo immediate full oxidization. To explain this phenomenon, we compared CH2 oxidization at different conditions and demonstrate a need for significant fluctuation of the folded conformation to enhance CH2 disulfide‐bridge formation. We conclude that, since CH2 can be purified as a folded, semi‐stable, reduced protein that can coexist with the oxidized form, verification of the level of oxidization at each step is critical in CH2 engineering studies.
The legacy of representation in medieval Europe for incomes and institutions today
Authors: Pavlik Jamie Bologna , Young Andrew T. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWhy can some governments credibly commit to the rule of law and protection of property rights while others cannot? A potential answer involves deep historical traditions of institutions that constrain rulers. We explore whether experiences with representative assemblies in medieval/early modern Europe have left their mark on incomes and institutions today. We employ Stasavage's (2010) data on representative assembly activity in 30 medieval/early modern European polities and the Putterman and Weil (2010) data on descendancy shares from circa 1500 populations to construct country‐level measures of historical assembly experience. We find that assembly experience is positively correlated with a measure of the rule of law and property rights and the Polity IV index that emphasizes constraint. Our estimates imply an important advantage for countries with assembly experience – an increase in experience from zero to that of an average Stasavage country would improve the country's property rights score by nearly 1.5 points.
Animal‐related factors predicting fatal cases of blackleg and gas gangrene in cattle
Authors: Richter Veronika , Roch Franz‐Ferdinand , Knauss Marlena , Hiesel Jörg , Wolf Robert , Wagner Peter , Käsbohrer Annemarie , Conrady Beate 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundBlackleg and gas gangrene are acute clostridial infections primarily affecting cattle. The objectives of this study were to identify (i) animal‐related factors influencing the occurrence and (ii) prognostic pathological findings supporting the differentiation of fatal blackleg and gas gangrene cases in the cattle population from 1998 to 2018 in Styria, Austria.MethodsTwo binomial logistic models were applied to analyse the research questions. Additionally, cross‐validations were performed to estimate the accuracy of the predictive models.ResultsModel results show that animal‐related factors (i.e., age, geographical discovery location of dead cattle, vaccination status) significantly influence the occurrence of blackleg when compared to gas gangrene. Pathological findings are similar for both diseases.ConclusionsModel results reveal that using animal‐related factors has a better accuracy to predict the fatal cases caused by both pathogens. Thus, the authors recommend not relying on pathological findings as predictive factors in the differentiation between blackleg and gas gangrene in cattle.
Deep Learning Driven Self-adaptive Hp Finite Element Method
Authors: Paszyński Maciej , Grzeszczuk Rafał , Pardo David , Demkowicz Leszek 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe finite element method (FEM) is a popular tool for solving engineering problems governed by Partial Differential Equations (PDEs). The accuracy of the numerical solution depends on the quality of the computational mesh. We consider the self-adaptive hp-FEM, which generates optimal mesh refinements and delivers exponential convergence of the numerical error with respect to the mesh size. Thus, it enables solving difficult engineering problems with the highest possible numerical accuracy. We replace the computationally expensive kernel of the refinement algorithm with a deep neural network in this work. The network learns how to optimally refine the elements and modify the orders of the polynomials. In this way, the deterministic algorithm is replaced by a neural network that selects similar quality refinements in a fraction of the time needed by the original algorithm.
The impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions on COVID-19 epidemic growth in the 37 OECD member states
Authors: Pozo-Martin Francisco , Weishaar Heide , Cristea Florin , Hanefeld Johanna , Bahr Thurid , Schaade Lars , El Bcheraoui Charbel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe estimated the impact of a comprehensive set of non-pharmeceutical interventions on the COVID-19 epidemic growth rate across the 37 member states of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and between October and December 2020. For this task, we conducted a data-driven, longitudinal analysis using a multilevel modelling approach with both maximum likelihood and Bayesian estimation. We found that during the early phase of the epidemic: implementing restrictions on gatherings of more than 100 people, between 11 and 100 people, and 10 people or less was associated with a respective average reduction of 2.58%, 2.78% and 2.81% in the daily growth rate in weekly confirmed cases; requiring closing for some sectors or for all but essential workplaces with an average reduction of 1.51% and 1.78%; requiring closing of some school levels or all school levels with an average reduction of 1.12% or 1.65%; recommending mask wearing with an average reduction of 0.45%, requiring mask wearing country-wide in specific public spaces or in specific geographical areas within the country with an average reduction of 0.44%, requiring mask-wearing country-wide in all public places or all public places where social distancing is not possible with an average reduction of 0.96%; and number of tests per thousand population with an average reduction of 0.02% per unit increase. Between October and December 2020 work closing requirements and testing policy were significant predictors of the epidemic growth rate. These findings provide evidence to support policy decision-making regarding which NPIs to implement to control the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Easy Ontology, Regress, and Holism
Authors: Miller J. T. M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn this paper, I distinguish between two possible versions of Amie Thomasson’s easy ontology project that differ in virtue of positing atomic or holistic application conditions, and evaluate the strengths of a holistic version over a non-holistic version. In particular, I argue that neither of the recently identified regress or circularity problems are troublesome for the supporter of easy ontology if they adopt a holistic account of application conditions. This is not intended to be a defence of easy ontology from all possible objections, but rather to compare holistic and non-holistic versions of the view. This discussion is also significant in that it serves to highlight two distinct forms of easy ontology, which, I argue, need to be distinguished when assessing the merits of the easy approach in future work.