bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid Peptides Based on α‐Aminoxy Acids as Antimicrobial and Anticancer Foldamers
Authors: Sinatra Laura , Kolano Lisa , Icker Maik , Fritzsche Stefan R. , Volke Daniela , Gockel Ines , Thieme René , Hoffmann Ralf , Hansen Finn K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstractα‐Aminoxy peptides represent an interesting group of peptidomimetics with high proteolytic stability and the ability to fold into specific, predictable secondary structures. Here, we present a series of hybrid peptides consisting of α‐aminoxy acids and α‐amino acids with cationic and aromatic, hydrophobic side chains in an alternating manner synthesized using an efficient protocol that combines solution‐ and solid‐phase synthesis. 2D ROESY experiments with a representative hexamer suggested the presence of a 7/8 helical conformation in solution. Biological evaluation revealed a significant impact of the peptide chain length and the N‐terminal cap on the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of this series of hybrid peptides. The Fmoc‐capped peptide 6e displayed the most potent antimicrobial activity against a panel of Gram‐negative and Gram‐positive bacterial strains (e. g. against E. Coli: MIC=8 mg/L; S. aureus: MIC=4 mg/L).
There is a paucity of economic evaluations of prediction methods of caries and periodontitis—A systematic review
Authors: Fransson Helena , Davidson Thomas , Rohlin Madeleine ,   The Foresight Research Consortium, Christell Helena 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesDirect cost for methods of prediction also named risk assessment in dentistry may be negligible compared with the cost of extensive constructions. On the other hand, as risk assessment is performed daily and for several patients in general dental practice, the costs may be considerable. The objective was to summarize evidence in studies of economic evaluation of prognostic prediction multivariable models and methods of caries and periodontitis and to identify knowledge gaps (PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020149763).Material and methodsFour electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, NHS Economic Evaluation Database) and reference lists of included studies were searched. Titles and abstracts were screened by two reviewers in parallel. Full‐text studies reporting resources used, costs and cost‐effectiveness of prediction models and methods were selected and critically appraised using a protocol based on items from the CHEERS checklist for economic evaluations and the CHARMS checklist for evaluation of prediction studies.ResultsFrom 38 selected studies, six studies on prediction fulfilled the eligibility criteria, four on caries and two on periodontitis. As the economic evaluations differed in method and perspective among the studies, the results could not be generalized. Our systematic review revealed methodological shortcomings regarding the description of predictive models and methods, and particularly of the economic evaluation.ConclusionsThe systematic review highlighted a paucity of economic evaluations regarding methods or multivariable models for prediction of caries and periodontitis. Our results indicate that what we currently practice using models and methods to predict caries and periodontitis lacks evidence regarding cost‐effectiveness.
Coexisting when living next door: The agreements neighbors make in mediation
Authors: Adrian Lin , Fjell Solfrid Mykland 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHow do neighbors reconcile their differences in mediated agreements? Based on a content analysis of agreements from a mediation project in housing associations, our study outlines the characteristics of mediated agreements in conflicts between neighbors in rented apartments. This study demonstrates how neighbors pursue neutral coexistence by taking steps to regulate their future behavior and communication and to manage future conflicts. We suggest that the agreements can be labeledinteraction agreementsand that these are conceptually different from other types of agreements. Our analysis also points to the inherent risk of mediation contributing to an individualization of structural and collective problems.
Electrochemical Synthesis of Benzimidazoles via Dehydrogenative Cyclization of Amidines
Authors: Zhao Huai‐Bo , Zhuang Jin‐Liang , Xu Hai‐Chao 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe development of efficient and sustainable methodologies for the synthesis of N‐heterocycles is a constant focus of organic synthesis. Herein an electrochemical method is reported for the synthesis of benzimidazoles through dehydrogenative cyclization of easily available N‐aryl amidines. The reactions were conducted under simple constant current conditions in an undivided cell without need for catalysts, chemical oxidants, or additives, and produced H2 as the only theoretical byproduct.
Review of efficiency enhancement techniques and linearization techniques for power amplifier
Authors: Singh Sukwinder , Malik Jagannath 
Published: February 2021

SummaryPower amplifier is one of the most important module of transceiver design. Linearity and efficiency are the two main areas of improvement in power amplifier design. Fifth generation (5G) mobile communication is one of the most important application of power amplifier, which require power amplifiers that are extremely linear and efficient. In this paper, review of different efficiency enhancement and linearization techniques has been undertaken. Basic architecture, advantages, and challenges of efficiency enhancement techniques—outphasing, Doherty, and envelope tracking—have been discussed. Linearization techniques—feedback, feedforward, and predistortion—have also been discussed in this paper.
Quasi‐constant bus voltage CrCM boost PFC fed LLC resonant converter in high power LED lighting systems
Authors: Pal Somnath , Singh Bhim , Shrivastava Ashish 
Published: February 2021

SummaryThis paper deals with a two‐stage LED (light emitting diode) driver on the basis of front‐end boost converter operating in critical conduction mode (CrCM) and second stage LLC resonant converter for driving an LED lighting load. The boost converter operates in the valley switching mode to reduce switching power loss with less component stress. The ZVS (zero voltage switching) operation of both the half‐bridge semiconductor switching devices reduces the switching losses, which improves the system efficiency. Moreover, to ensure the stability of the DC‐bus voltage, state‐space analysis is also carried out for the CrCM boost converter. The first stage provides the power factor correction (PFC) over the universal AC mains and maintains a constant DC‐bus for the next stage. The second‐stage converter maintains a ripple‐free output voltage to an LED load. This circuit has reasonably minimized the design complexity as compared with single‐stage variable DC‐bus PFC integrated resonant converters and also gives improved efficiency in an isolated configuration. In order to validate the system, a 150‐W prototype is investigated, and experimental findings are analyzed in‐line with theoretical results at universal AC mains.
Acceleration of vector bilateral filtering for hyperspectral imaging with GPU
Authors: Chen Chong 
Published: February 2021

SummaryFor hyperspectral imaging, the vector bilateral filter usually leads to better performance when compared with the traditional 2D bilateral filter. However, the large computation complexity of vector bilateral filtering makes it an extremely time cost algorithm. To overcome this challenge, a GPU‐based acceleration for vector bilateral filtering called vBF_GPU was proposed in this paper. To improve the efficiency of the cache memory usage, multiple CUDA threads were utilized to processing one pixel of the hyperspectral image in vBF_GPU. The memory access operation of vBF_GPU was fully optimized to reduce the memory access cost of the GPU program. The experiment results indicated that vBF_GPU can provide more than 30× speedup when compared with an octa‐core CPU implementation and more than 20× speedup when compared with a naïve GPU implementation of vector bilateral filtering.
Circular RNA TRAPPC6B inhibits intracellular Mycobacterium tuberculosis growth while inducing autophagy in macrophages by targeting microRNA‐874‐3p
Authors: Luo Hou‐Long , Pi Jiang , Zhang Jun‐Ai , Yang En‐Zhuo , Xu Huan , Luo Hong , Shen Ling , Peng Ying , Liu Gan‐Bin , Song Cai‐Mei , Li Ke‐Yue , Wu Xian‐Jin , Zheng Bi‐Ying , Shen Hong‐Bo , Chen Zheng W , Xu Jun‐Fa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesGenetic and epigenetic mechanisms regulate antimicrobial immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection.MethodsThe present study assessed circular RNA TRAPPC6B (circTRAPPC6B) for antimicrobial immune functions and defined mechanisms wherein circTRAPPC6B regulates Mtb growth, autophagy and microRNA in macrophages.ResultsThe Mtb infection of monocytes/macrophages resulted in a significantly decreased level of circTRAPPC6B that inhibited intracellular Mtb growth in macrophages. Conversely, circTRAPPC6B expression enhanced autophagy or autophagy‐associated protein LC3‐II production in Mtb‐infected macrophages. circTRAPPC6B‐enhanced autophagy aggregation or sequestration was also observed in fluorescence in situ hybridisation (FISH) analysis and confocal imaging. Mechanistically, circTRAPPC6B targets an inhibiting element miR‐874‐3p, as shown by bioinformatics, dual‐luciferase reporter gene analysis and pull‐down assay, respectively. Notably, miR‐874‐3p prohibited autophagy via suppressing autophagy protein ATG16L1 by binding to its 3′‐untranslated region (UTR) in Mtb‐infected macrophages and thus promoting intracellular Mtb growth. Concurrently, circTRAPPC6B enhanced autophagy in Mtb‐infected macrophages by blocking the ability of miR‐874‐3p to inhibit ATG16L1. Thus, circTRAPPC6B antagonises the ability of miR‐874‐3p to suppress ATG16L1 expression and activate and enhance autophagy sequestration to restrict Mtb growth in macrophages.ConclusionThe current findings suggested that both circTRAPPC6B and miR‐874‐3p mechanisms can be explored as potential therapeutics against Mtb infection.
Evaluation of tissue and serum lipocalin 2 in psoriasis vulgaris and its implications on subclinical atherosclerosis
Authors: Hassab‐El‐Naby Hussein M. , Helal Ehab A. , Abdou Adel M. , Abu Elkheir Ola A. , Elsaie Mohamed L. , Ibrahim Shady M. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLipocalin‐2 (LCN2) has been identified as an adipokine but its role in psoriasis has not been fully elucidated. The study aimed to evaluate serum and tissue levels of LCN2 in patients with plaque‐type psoriasis and its correlation with C‐reactive protein (CRP), disease duration, severity, and subclinical atherosclerosis. Thirty patients with psoriasis and another 15 healthy age and sex matching controls were included and LCN2 was assessed in serum and tissue from patients and controls. Total lipid profile and high‐sensitivity CRP were also measured. Carotid artery intima media thickness was determined by using high‐resolution mode ultrasound in both patients and controls. Results showed statistically higher serum and tissue levels of LCN2 in patients than controls (p = .009 and p = .025, respectively). A significant difference in the right and left IMT was noted between patients and controls (p = .02 and p = .04). In conclusion, patients with psoriasis are found to be at increased risk of atherosclerosis.
The impact of oxytocin on neurite outgrowth and synaptic proteins in Magel2‐deficient mice
Authors: Reichova Alexandra , Schaller Fabienne , Bukatova Stanislava , Bacova Zuzana , Muscatelli Françoise , Bakos Jan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOxytocin contributes to the regulation of cytoskeletal and synaptic proteins and could, therefore, affect the mechanisms of neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism. Both the Prader‐Willi syndrome and Schaaf‐Yang syndrome exhibit autistic symptoms involving the MAGEL2 gene. Magel2‐deficient mice show a deficit in social behavior that is rescued following the postnatal administration of oxytocin. Here, in Magel2‐deficient mice, we showed that the neurite outgrowth of primary cultures of immature hippocampal neurons is reduced. Treatment with oxytocin reversed this abnormality. In the hippocampus of Magel2‐deficient pups, we further demonstrated that several transcripts of neurite outgrowth‐associated proteins, synaptic vesicle proteins, and cell‐adhesion molecules are decreased. In the juvenile stage, when neurons are mature, normalization or even overexpression of most of these markers was observed, suggesting a delay in the neuronal maturation of Magel2‐deficient pups. Moreover, we found reduced transcripts of the excitatory postsynaptic marker, Psd95 in the hippocampus and we observed a decrease of PSD95/VGLUT2 colocalization in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions in Magel2‐deficient mice, indicating a defect in glutamatergic synapses. Postnatal administration of oxytocin upregulated postsynaptic transcripts in pups; however, it did not restore the level of markers of glutamatergic synapses in Magel2‐deficient mice. Overall, Magel2 deficiency leads to abnormal neurite outgrowth and reduced glutamatergic synapses during development, suggesting abnormal neuronal maturation. Oxytocin stimulates the expression of numerous genes involved in neurite outgrowth and synapse formation in early development stages. Postnatal oxytocin administration has a strong effect on development that should be considered for certain neuropsychiatric conditions in infancy.
Using an Electrochemical MIP Sensor for Selective Determination of 1‐Naphthol in Oilfield Produced Water
Authors: Bartilotti Mariana , Beluomini Maísa Azevedo , Boldrin Zanoni Maria Valnice 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) sensor was successfully constructed on glassy carbon electrode for the determination of 1‐naphthol (1‐Nph). The sensor was constructed by electropolymerization on bare GCE in the presence of the target molecule. The recognition of 1‐Nph was conducted indirectly using [Fe(CN)6]3−/4− as redox probe. The MIP sensor presented wide linear working range and limit of detection of 1.5×10−9 mol L−1. The MIP sensor was applied for the determination of 1‐Nph in oilfield produced water. The results obtained showed good selectivity and sensitivity of the proposed sensor in terms of 1‐Nph quantification.
Structural Features of the Algal Cell Determine Adhesion Behavior at a Charged Interface
Authors: Novosel Nives , Ivošević DeNardis Nadica 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe aimed to examine the effects of algal structural features on adhesion at a charged interface. Results showed that algae with a glycocalyx, and with a cellulose amphiesma adhered at a charged interface at species‐specific potential ranges. Algae, encased with a calcite‐encrusted theca, and with an organosilicate cell wall, did not adhere to the interface. These differences in the amperometrically determined adhesion behavior of algal cells are in agreement with reported cell mechanical properties. Critical interfacial tensions of adhesion show differences between the studied soft algal cells as a consequence of their distinct cell barrier structure, composition, and properties.
Comparing estimation of the parameters of distribution of the root density of plants in the presence of outliers
Authors: Jabbari Nooghabi Mehdi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe root density of plants with depth follows exponential or the Lindley distribution in the presence of outliers generated from a uniform distribution. In this article, we estimate the parameters of the Lindley distribution in the presence of outliers generated from a uniform distribution based on the moment, maximum likelihood, least squares, weighted least squares, percentile, Cramer–von‐Mises, and Anderson–Darling methods and mixture estimator of moment and maximum likelihood. These methods of estimation are compared. Also, the estimators of the parameters of Lindley‐uniform contaminated distribution are compared with the corresponding estimators of exponential‐uniform contaminated distribution, which was presented by Dixit and Nasiri, Metron, 59(3–4), 187–198 (2001). Furthermore, an analysis of an actual example of the root length of plants is presented for illustrative purposes. It is concluded that the Lindley‐uniform contaminated distribution is more appropriate than the exponential‐uniform contaminated distribution to model the root density of plants.
Toxic Responses of Palladium Accumulation in Duckweed (Lemna minor): Determination of Biomarkers
Authors: Jmii Souleimen , Dewez David 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Palladium (Pd) is a trace metal of the platinum group elements, representing an emerging contaminant for the environment. It is of great interest to characterize the bioaccumulation and toxicity of Pd to improve our toxicological knowledge for this contaminant. Under standardized toxicity testing conditions, we analyzed Pd accumulation and toxicity effects on the duckweed Lemna minor exposed to nominal concentrations from 2 to 50 µM. The inhibitory effect was significant (p &lt; 0.05) from 8 µM of Pd, starting with 9.5% of growth inhibition and a decrease of 1 cm for the root size. Under 12.5 μM of Pd, the bioaccumulated Pd of 63.93 µg/g fresh weight inhibited plant growth by 37.4%, which was caused by a strong oxidative stress in the cytosol and organelles containing DNA. Under 25 and 50 μM of Pd, bioaccumulated Pd was able to deteriorate the entire plant physiology including chlorophyll synthesis, the photosystem II antenna complex, and the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis. In fact, plants treated with 50 μM Pd accumulated Pd up to 255.95 µg/g fresh weight, causing a strong decrease in total biomass and root elongation process. Therefore, we showed several growth, physiological, and biochemical alterations which were correlated with the bioaccumulation of Pd. These alterations constituted toxicity biomarkers of Pd with different lowest-observed-effect dose, following this order: root size = growth inhibition &lt; catalase activity = carotenoid content = reactive oxygen species production = total thiols &lt; chlorophyll a/b = variable fluorescence to maximal fluorescence intensity ratio = absorbed-light energy transfer from the chlorophyll a antenna to the photosystem II reaction center = performance index of photosystem II activity &lt; VJ. Therefore, the present study provides insight into the toxicity mechanism of Pd in L. minor plants under standardized testing conditions. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1630–1638. © 2021 SETAC
Ecosystem engineering in the Quaternary of the West Coast of South Africa
Authors: Braun David R. , Faith John Tyler , Douglass Matthew J. , Davies Benjamin , Power Mitchel J. , Aldeias Vera , Conard Nicholas J. , Cutts Russell , DeSantis Larisa R. G. , Dupont Lydie M. , Esteban Irene , Kandel Andrew W. , Levin Naomi E. , Luyt Julie , Parkington John , Pickering Robyn , Quick Lynne , Sealy Judith , Stynder Deano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractDespite advances in our understanding of the geographic and temporal scope of the Paleolithic record, we know remarkably little about the evolutionary and ecological consequences of changes in human behavior. Recent inquiries suggest that human evolution reflects a long history of interconnections between the behavior of humans and their surrounding ecosystems (e.g., niche construction). Developing expectations to identify such phenomena is remarkably difficult because it requires understanding the multi‐generational impacts of changes in behavior. These long‐term dynamics require insights into the emergent phenomena that alter selective pressures over longer time periods which are not possible to observe, and are also not intuitive based on observations derived from ethnographic time scales. Generative models show promise for probing these potentially unexpected consequences of human‐environment interaction. Changes in the uses of landscapes may have long term implications for the environments that hominins occupied. We explore other potential proxies of behavior and examine how modeling may provide expectations for a variety of phenomena.
Phase behavior and rheological properties of basil seed gum/whey protein isolate mixed dispersions and gels
Authors: Sarabi‐Aghdam Vahideh , Hosseini‐Parvar Seyed H. , Motamedzadegan Ali , Razi Saeed Mirarab 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMany food formulations comprise proteins and polysaccharides simultaneously, contributing in the functional properties in food systems. In this study, the effects of basil seed gum (BSG) addition to whey protein isolate (WPI) dispersions were investigated through phase behavior, steady shear flow, and small amplitude oscillatory shear tests (SAOS). The phase behavior of WPI‐BSG mixed solutions was dependent on the initial concentration of biopolymers, while the effect of BSG was predominant. Herschel–Bulkley model characterized the flow behavior of ternary mixtures, very well. Furthermore, apparent viscosity, the extent of thixotropy and viscoelastic behavior enhanced with increase in BSG concentration, significantly (p ˂ .05). Temperature sweep measurements showed a reduction in WPI gelling temperature by increase in BSG concentration. SEM results depending on BSG concentration revealed the protein continuous, bicontinuous, and polysaccharide continuous networks. Phase separation may be attributed to depletion flocculation and thermodynamic incompatibility of WPI and BSG molecules. The results confirmed the occurrence of phase separation and weak‐gel formation through mixtures, but the rate of gelation was more than the phase separation. In consequence, these results may open up new horizons in developing novel food products and delivery systems as well as utilizing as emulsifying, thickening and gelling agents in food and pharmaceutical industry.
Effect of encapsulated edible halophyte with different biopolymers on the inhibition of sodium absorption in mouse
Authors: Jung Eun Young , Lee Seung Yun , Lee Da Young , Kim On You , Park Yeonhwa , Hur Sun Jin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of edible halophyte Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with biopolymers on inhibition of sodium absorption in mouse. Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with four biopolymers (pectin, chitosan, cellulose and dextrin) were fed to mice for 48 hr, and inhibiting sodium absorption was measured. In primary in vitro condition, fresh Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 1% cellulose had 40% binding rate. Juice residue Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 1% chitosan had the highest sodium binding rate by 50%. In mouse model, fresh, juice, and juice residue of Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with 4% chitosan had the highest sodium absorption inhibitory rate by 19%. These results indicate that biopolymer‐encapsulated Salicornia herbacea could be combined with sodium under in vitro condition, and Salicornia herbacea encapsulated with biopolymers reduced sodium absorption in a mouse model. Chitosan and cellulose had the highest sodium absorption inhibitory effects compared with the other biopolymers.