bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Moving persistence assessments into the 21st century: A role for weight-of-evidence and overall persistence
Authors: Redman Aaron D. , Bietz Jens , Davis John W. , Lyon Delina , Maloney Erin , Ott Amelie , Otte Jens C. , Palais Frédéric , Parsons John R. , Wang Neil 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Assessing the persistence of chemicals in the environment is a key element in existing regulatory frameworks to protect human health and ecosystems. Persistence in the environment depends on many fate processes, including abiotic and biotic transformations and physical partitioning, which depend on substances' physicochemical properties and environmental conditions. A main challenge in persistence assessment is that existing frameworks rely on simplistic and reductionist evaluation schemes that may lead substances to be falsely assessed as persistent or the other way around—to be falsely assessed as nonpersistent. Those evaluation schemes typically assess persistence against degradation half-lives determined in single-compartment simulation tests or against degradation levels measured in stringent screening tests. Most of the available test methods, however, do not apply to all types of substances, especially substances that are poorly soluble, complex in composition, highly sorptive, or volatile. In addition, the currently applied half-life criteria are derived mainly from a few legacy persistent organic pollutants, which do not represent the large diversity of substances entering the environment. Persistence assessment would undoubtedly benefit from the development of more flexible and holistic evaluation schemes including new concepts and methods. A weight-of-evidence (WoE) approach incorporating multiple influencing factors is needed to account for chemical fate and transformation in the whole environment so as to assess overall persistence. The present paper's aim is to begin to develop an integrated assessment framework that combines multimedia approaches to organize and interpret data using a clear WoE approach to allow for a more consistent, transparent, and thorough assessment of persistence. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:868–887. © 2021 ExxonMobil Biomedical Sciences, Inc. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).
KEY POINTS
Weight of Evidence (WoE) is needed to utilize different standard and non-standard data types. A WoE framework is presented to organize the comparisons and make use of all available data. Overall persistence (Pov) supports holistic assessments that account for emission patterns and physicochemical properties of a substance. Combined WoE and Pov frameworks will support improved persistence assessments.
Immunoinformatics based designing a multi‐epitope vaccine against pathogenic Chandipura vesiculovirus
Authors: Deb Debashrito , Basak Srijita , Kar Tamalika , Narsaria Utkarsh , Castiglione Filippo , Paul Abhirup , Pandey Ashutosh , Srivastava Anurag P. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractChandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV) is a rapidly emerging pathogen responsible for causing acute encephalitis. Due to its widespread occurrence in Asian and African countries, this has become a global threat, and there is an urgent need to design an effective and nonallergenic vaccine against this pathogen. The present study aimed to develop a multi‐epitope vaccine using an immunoinformatics approach. The conventional method of vaccine design involves large proteins or whole organism which leads to unnecessary antigenic load with increased chances of allergenic reactions. In addition, the process is also very time‐consuming and labor‐intensive. These limitations can be overcome by peptide‐based vaccines comprising short immunogenic peptide fragments that can elicit highly targeted immune responses, avoiding the chances of allergenic reactions, in a relatively shorter time span. The multi‐epitope vaccine constructed using CTL, HTL, and IFN‐γ epitopes was able to elicit specific immune responses when exposed to the pathogen, in silico. Not only that, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation studies confirmed a stable interaction of the vaccine with the immune receptors. Several physicochemical analyses of the designed vaccine candidate confirmed it to be highly immunogenic and nonallergic. The computer‐aided analysis performed in this study suggests that the designed multi‐epitope vaccine can elicit specific immune responses and can be a potential candidate against CHPV.
Nonpoint source arsenic contamination of soil and groundwater from legacy pesticides
Authors: Higgins Mark A. , Metcalf Meredith J. , Robbins Gary A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractArsenic (As) contamination in wells is common throughout the northeastern United States. It is well documented that lead‐arsenate (PbHAsO4) pesticides were widely used on fruit tree orchards from the 1890s to 1950s. This study evaluates the potential for As contamination of groundwater from former orchards in Connecticut, where there were over 47,000 orchards in 1935. A proximity analysis involving 189 orchards and 114 domestic wells was conducted to assess the spatial relationship between historic orchards and As in wells. Field studies were then conducted to characterize As and lead (Pb) distributions in soils and wells near historic orchards. The proximity analysis found that the wells with no detected As were further away from historic orchards and had fewer historic orchards within their vicinity when compared with wells that contained As. The field investigations found that elevated levels of As and Pb were widespread in soils from orchards established by 1951, with some As concentrations exceeding 200 ppm. In some soils, As and Pb were leachable at concentrations exceeding USEPA drinking water standards in synthetic precipitation laboratory tests. It was also found that the wells nearest to the impacted soils tended to contain the highest As concentrations, while the wells located in areas that were forested prior to 1970 contained no As. Overall, this study found that As and Pb from legacy pesticide residues are still abundant in former orchard soils and that a strong spatial relationship exists between As‐contaminated wells and historic orchards. Greater consideration should be given to historic orchard soils as a potential contributing nonpoint source of As to the groundwater in Connecticut, where domestic well contamination rates are high.
Platelet extracellular vesicles in COVID-19: Potential markers and makers
Authors: Puhm Florian , Flamand Louis , Boilard Eric 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPlatelets and platelet extracellular vesicles (pEV) are at the crossroads of coagulation and immunity. Extracellular vesicles are messengers that not only transmit signals between cells, but also provide information about the status of their cell of origin. Thus, pEVs have potential as both biomarkers of platelet activation and contributors to pathology. Coronavirus Disease-19 (COVID-19), caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is a complex disease affecting multiple organs and is characterized by a high degree of inflammation and risk of thrombosis in some patients. In this review, we introduce pEVs as valuable biomarkers in disease with a special focus on their potential as predictors of and contributors to COVID-19.
Corticosteroid treatment in COVID-19 modulates host inflammatory responses and transcriptional signatures of immune dysregulation
Authors: Pinski Amanda N , Steffen Tara L , Zulu Michael Z , George Sarah L , Dickson Alexandria , Tifrea Delia , Maroney Kevin J , Tedeschi Neil , Zhang Yun , Scheuermann Richard H , Pinto Amelia K , Brien James D , Messaoudi Ilhem 
Published: November 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the causative agent of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19), a respiratory disease that varies in severity from mild to severe/fatal. Several risk factors for severe disease have been identified, notably age, male sex, and pre-existing conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. Several advancements in clinical care have been achieved over the past year, including the use of corticosteroids (e.g., corticosteroids) and other immune-modulatory treatments that have now become standard of care for patients with acute severe COVID-19. While the understanding of the mechanisms that underlie increased disease severity with age has improved over the past few months, it remains incomplete. Furthermore, the molecular impact of corticosteroid treatment on host response to acute SARS-CoV-2 infection has not been investigated. In this study, a cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of Ab, soluble immune mediators, and transcriptional responses in young (65 ≤ years) and aged (≥ 65 years) diabetic males with obesity hospitalized with acute severe COVID-19 was conducted. Additionally, the transcriptional profiles in samples obtained before and after corticosteroids became standard of care were compared. The analysis indicates that severe COVID-19 is characterized by robust Ab responses, heightened systemic inflammation, increased expression of genes related to inflammatory and pro-apoptotic processes, and reduced expression of those important for adaptive immunity regardless of age. In contrast, COVID-19 patients receiving steroids did not show high levels of systemic immune mediators and lacked transcriptional indicators of heightened inflammatory and apoptotic responses. Overall, these data suggest that inflammation and cell death are key drivers of severe COVID-19 pathogenesis in the absence of corticosteroid therapy.
Virus transmission by ultrasonic scaler and its prevention by antiviral agent: An in vitro study
Authors: Fidler Aleš , Steyer Andrej , Manevski Damjan , Gašperšič Rok 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is well recognized that dental procedures represent a potential way of infection transmission. With the COVID‐19 pandemic, the focus of dental procedure associated transmission has rapidly changed from bacteria to viruses. The aim was to develop an experimental setup for testing the spread of viruses by ultrasonic scaler (USS) generated dental spray and evaluate its mitigation by antiviral coolants.MethodsIn a virus transmission tunnel, the dental spray was generated by USS with saline coolant and suspension of Equine Arteritis Virus (EAV) delivered to the USS tip. Virus transmission by settled droplets was evaluated with adherent RK13 cell lines culture monolayer. The suspended droplets were collected by a cyclone aero‐sampler. Antiviral activity of 0.25% NaOCl and electrolyzed oxidizing water (EOW) was tested using a suspension test. Antiviral agents' transmission prevention ability was evaluated by using them as a coolant.ResultsIn the suspension test with 0.25% NaOCl or EOW, the TCID50/mL was below the detection limit after 5 seconds. With saline coolant, the EAV‐induced cytopathic effect on RK13 cells was found up to the distance of 45 cm, with the number of infected cells decreasing with distance. By aero‐sampler, viral particles were detected in concentration ≤4.2 TCID50/mL. With both antiviral agents used as coolants, no EAV‐associated RK‐13 cell infection was found.ConclusionWe managed to predictably demonstrate EAV spread by droplets because of USS action. More importantly, we managed to mitigate the spread by a simple substitution of the USS coolant with NaOCl or EOW.
A Review of River Herring Science in Support of Species Conservation and Ecosystem Restoration
Authors: Hare Jonathan A. , Borggaard Diane L. , Alexander Michael A. , Bailey Michael M. , Bowden Alison A. , Damon-Randall Kimberly , Didden Jason T. , Hasselman Daniel J. , Kerns Toni , McCrary Rachel , McDermott Sean , Nye Janet A. , Pierce Jeffrey , Schultz Eric T. , Scott James D. , Starks Caitlin , Sullivan Kevin , Beth Tooley Mary 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
River herring—a collective name for the Alewife Alosa pseudoharengus and Blueback Herring A. aestivalis—play a crucial role in freshwater and marine ecosystems along the Eastern Seaboard of North America. River herring are anadromous and return to freshwater habitats in the tens to hundreds of millions to spawn, supplying food to many species and providing nutrients to freshwater ecosystems. After two and a half centuries of habitat loss, habitat degradation, and overfishing, river herring are at historic lows. In 2013, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries established the Technical Expert Working Group (TEWG) to synthesize information about river herring and to provide recommendations to advance the science related to their restoration. This paper was composed largely by the chairs of the TEWG subgroups and represents a review of the current state of knowledge of river herring, with an emphasis on identification of threats and discussion of recent research and management actions related to understanding and reducing these threats. Important research needs are then identified and discussed. Finally, current knowledge is synthesized, considering the relative importance of different threats. This synthesis identifies dam removal and increased stream connectivity as critical to river herring restoration. Better understanding and accounting for predation, climate change, and fisheries are also important for restoration. Finally, there is recent evidence that the effects of human development and contamination on habitat quality may be more important threats than previously recognized. Given the range of threats, an ecosystem approach is needed to be successful with river herring restoration. To facilitate this ecosystem approach, collaborative forums such as the TEWG (renamed the Atlantic Coast River Herring Collaborative Forum in 2020) are needed to share and synthesize information among river herring managers, researchers, and community groups from across the species’ range.
Glycogen synthesis and beyond, a comprehensive review of GSK3 as a key regulator of metabolic pathways and a therapeutic target for treating metabolic diseases
Authors: Wang Li , Li Jiajia , Di Li‐jun 
Published: November 2021

AbstractGlycogen synthase kinase‐3 (GSK3) is a highly evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine protein kinase first identified as an enzyme that regulates glycogen synthase (GS) in response to insulin stimulation, which involves GSK3 regulation of glucose metabolism and energy homeostasis. Both isoforms of GSK3, GSK3α, and GSK3β, have been implicated in many biological and pathophysiological processes. The various functions of GSK3 are indicated by its widespread distribution in multiple cell types and tissues. The studies of GSK3 activity using animal models and the observed effects of GSK3‐specific inhibitors provide more insights into the roles of GSK3 in regulating energy metabolism and homeostasis. The cross‐talk between GSK3 and some important energy regulators and sensors and the regulation of GSK3 in mitochondrial activity and component function further highlight the molecular mechanisms in which GSK3 is involved to regulate the metabolic activity, beyond its classical regulatory effect on GS. In this review, we summarize the specific roles of GSK3 in energy metabolism regulation in tissues that are tightly associated with energy metabolism and the functions of GSK3 in the development of metabolic disorders. We also address the impacts of GSK3 on the regulation of mitochondrial function, activity and associated metabolic regulation. The application of GSK3 inhibitors in clinical tests will be highlighted too. Interactions between GSK3 and important energy regulators and GSK3‐mediated responses to different stresses that are related to metabolism are described to provide a brief overview of previously less‐appreciated biological functions of GSK3 in energy metabolism and associated diseases through its regulation of GS and other functions.
A LabVIEW‐based TDLAS methane detection system using a wavelet denoising method
Authors: Ye Weilin , Xu Xiaohuan , Peng Changxin , Xiao Xupeng , Xia Zikun , Liu Weihao , Luo Wenxuan , Wu Fupei , Wu Tao 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA methane detection system based on tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy (TDLAS) using LabVIEW platform was demonstrated. To suppress the noise interference in the system, a wavelet denoising method was studied and experiments with different parameters were carried out. With the threshold of Hard, the wavelet basis of Coif5 and the rule of Heursure, high frequency noises of the sensor can be effectively decreased with the harmonic amplitude increased. Experiments showed that, the 1σ minimum detection limit (MDL) was 23.68 ppbv (part per billion of volume) with an integration time of 300 s.
Calculation model and analysis of laser echo power based on dual‐transmitter and dual‐receiver laser circumferential scanning detection mechanism
Authors: Shi Zhijun , Lei Zhiyong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTo ensure that the laser proximity fuze can detect the ground target during the intersection between the laser detection system and the ground target, based on the dual‐transmitter dual‐receiver laser circumferential scanning detection mechanism, we established the constraint functions of scanning frequency and laser pulse frequency without missing measurement. According to the surface characteristics of the plane target, we derived the calculation models of the laser echo power and the minimum detectable echo power of the detection system to the plane target under the random intersection attitude. The calculation function of the angle between adjacent laser beams is obtained based on the minimum detectable echo power. We discussed the relation of the scanning frequency, the laser pulse frequency, the angle between adjacent laser beams and the intersection angle, focused on the influence of the intersection angle and the detection distance on the laser echo power. The simulation experiments were carried out under different laser peak powers and detection distances, the experimental results fully demonstrate that the laser echo power calculation model established in this paper is correct; the detection ability of the system is improved to a certain extent by increasing the laser peak power.
Starfish oocytes of A. pectinifera reveal marked differences in sperm‐induced electrical and intracellular calcium changes during oocyte maturation and at fertilization
Authors: Mohri Tatsuma , Kyozuka Keiichiro 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAlthough changes in membrane potential and intracellular Ca2+ (Cai) during fertilization in starfish oocytes have been known for long time, little is known precisely about how and what kind of channels are involved during oocyte maturation and in fertilization, and how the mechanisms of changes in Cai in oocytes develop during oocyte maturation. Since in starfish, oocyte maturation‐inducing hormone, 1‐methyladenine (1MA) is well known, we took advantage of it to investigate the developmental process of channel‐function and changes in Cai in three different developmental stages using 1MA. Sperm‐induced membrane current at voltage clamp and changes in Cai in starfish oocytes, Asterina pectinifera, were examined in stages of immature, partly mature (a state in 15–20 min after sufficient concentration, 1 µM of 1MA addition, or 30–40 min exposure to subthreshold concentration of 1MA), and mature oocytes (MO). We found some immature and many partly MOs showed fluctuating responses in membrane current, membrane potential, and corresponding changes in Cai, which are distinct from those in MOs. The responses in immature and partly MOs indicate physiologically characteristic responses of insufficient changes in Cai and its corresponding electrical responses at the partial developmental stage during maturation. Our data should shed light on the mechanism of egg activation and oocyte maturation in terms of examining membrane current and corresponding changes in Cai.
Synergistic effect of expandable graphite and aluminum hypophosphite in flame‐retardant ethylene vinyl acetate composites
Authors: Yang Jiajie , Chen Xiaohong , Zhou Honglei , Guo Weichun , Zhang Jian , Miao Zhen , He Daihua 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this work, flame‐retardant ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) composites were prepared by compounding expandable graphite (EG) and aluminum hypophosphite (AHP). The combustion behavior and mechanical properties of EG and AHP in flame‐retardant EVA composites were tested, and flame retardant mechanism was also investigated. According to the thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) results, AHP and EG can promote the carbonization of EVA to form the char layer at high temperature. The limiting oxygen index (LOI) test and vertical burning test (UL‐94) test results show that when the mass ratio of EG to AHP is 2:1, the sample (EVA/10EG/5AHP) passes the UL‐94 V‐0 rating, and its LOI value reaches 30.5%. The cone calorimetry test (CCT) results show that the EVA/10EG/5AHP sample has a significantly reduction on heat release and smoke release. Mechanical tests show that as the content of EG decreases and the content of AHP increases, both the strength and the elongation at break of EVA composites increase and the rigidity decreases. Whatever, we used SEM, Raman, and TG‐IR to understand the flame‐retardant mechanism of the EVA composites and the synergistic effect of EG and AHP It was found that the combination of condensed‐phase and gaseous‐phase is realized in the burning process.
Bone tissue engineering using 3‐D polycaprolactone/gelatin nanofibrous scaffold containing berberine: In vivo and in vitro study
Authors: Ehterami Arian , Abbaszadeh‐Goudarzi Ghasem , Haghi‐Daredeh Saeed , Niyakan Maryam , Alizadeh Morteza , JafariSani Moslem , Atashgahi Mahboubeh , Salehi Majid 
Published: November 2021

AbstractA solid structure similar to an extracellular matrix network is needed for bone cells attachment and starting healing of bone damages. Different biomaterials and fabrication techniques are used for scaffold fabrication to prepare a supportive structure in bone tissue engineering. In the current study, a 3‐D polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin scaffold was developed by blending electrospinning and freeze‐drying techniques to make an appropriate structure for bone healing. In addition, different concentrations of berberine that have a positive effect on bone healing were loaded to enhance the healing process. Fabricated scaffolds were characterized by different tests like surface morphology, water contact angle, degradation rate, compressive strength, porosity, and Fourier transform infrared. Their interactions with blood and cells were evaluated by hemolysis, and MTT test, and the healing process was also evaluated by implanting scaffolds in the rat calvaria defect model. Based on the results, the average porosity of scaffolds was about 80% and by adding berberine, mechanical strength decreased while due to its hydrophilic properties, degradation rate increased. In vivo and in vitro tests showed better cell proliferation and bone healing in PCL/gelatin/berberine 0.1%‐treated group. These results showed the positive effect of fabricated scaffold on osteogenesis and bone healing and the possibility of using it in clinical trials.