bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
N.Z National Society for Earthquake Engineering
Authors: Editor  
Published: February 2021

In 1974 the Management Committee of the Society authorised the setting up of an earthquake reconnaissance team scheme, whereby a team of suitably experienced observers would be quickly transported to the scene of a damaging earthquake. A sub-committee under Mr. J, P. Rollings was formed and a detailed brief for the scheme was prepared and subsequently adopted by the Management Committee.
Following advertisements in the Bulletin and the New Zealand Engineering, a pool of over 35 suitable observers has been formed. Most of the pool are practising civil and structural engineers though a number of specialists, including three architects, have been included.
The scheme is now fully operational. At present the team  organiser is Mr. J. P. Hcllings (Wellington) and his deputy is Mr. N. D. Bardie (Christchurch). Mr. Rollings is also authorised,  together with the President, to approve a reconnaissance. It is intended that all pool members will be issued an Engineering Reconnaissance Manual containing information on the administration and aims of the scheme, the action to be taken following a damaging earthquake and a detailed engineering reconnaissance field guide. The following brief is reproduced from the manual; Section One outlines the aims and administration of the scheme and Section Two, procedures to initiate a reconnaissance. These sections together with a budget sufficient to allow reconnaissance of a large earthquake, have been approved by the Management Committee.
Barremian anurans of the Iberian Peninsula: new insights into their taxonomic diversity
Authors: Ana M. BÁEZ undefined 
Published: February 2021

The Barremian continental successions of the Iberian Peninsula have yielded numerous remains of anurans. Some of these finds consist of fragmentary bones whereas others furnish more complete evidence on the skeletal morphology and proportions of the represented taxa. Notwithstanding the foregoing, most of these records have been ascribed either to the relatively basal extant costatan clade or to the poorly known extinct genus Eodiscoglossus Villalta, 1954 based on insufficient data. Recent revisions of some of these materials have demonstrated the presence of traits presumably plesiomorphic and unknown in extant costatans, thereby casting doubts on their phylogenetic placements. Herein two specimens from the upper Barremian Las Hoyas Konservat-lagerstätte are thoroughly described and compared, providing evidence of additional anuran taxa in this site. One of these specimens, initially reported as cf. Eodiscoglossus, is referred to Wealdenbatrachus Fey, 1988, a genus already described in the coeval fossil site of Uña. Another specimen consisting of a partial postcranial skeleton is documented by a latex-rubber cast and a photograph; it represents a new taxon whose phylogenetic position remains uncertain due to the incompleteness of the available evidence. Comments on a third specimen that might belong to another taxon are included, although its detailed description awaits its full preparation. The overview of the Barremian taxa currently recognized from Iberia reveals the co-occurrence of taxa of different sizes, body proportions, and lifestyles, suggesting some ecological partitioning in consonance with the heterogeneous habitats represented in the yielding fossil sites.
Magnetic resonance diffusion tensor imaging applied to rat model of contrast-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Wang Bin , Li Junjie , Wang Yongfang 
Published: February 2021

Objectives
In this preclinical investigation, the feasibility of using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) to study contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CIAKI) is explored, comparing radiographic outcomes with histopathologic and immunohistochemical findings after repeated animal exposures to iodinated contrast agent.

Materials and Methods
Forty-five male wistar rats were allocated to three groups (n = 15 each), each receiving two separate injections 1 day apart: group 1 (iodixanol then saline); group 2 (iodixanol twice); and control group (saline twice). Five rats were then randomly selected from each group at three separate time points (1 h, 24 h, and 120 h) for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Upon MRI completion, the animals were sacrificed, examining renal tissue and serum creatinine level. DTI data served to calculate fractional anisotropy (FA) and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC).

Results
FA values were significantly lower in group 2 than in the others. Compared with controls, FA assessments at 1 h, 24 h, and 120 h after injections commenced were significantly lower in group 2; and ADC was significantly more pronounced at 24 h. Serum creatinine levels at 24 h were markedly elevated in both groups 1 and 2. Pearson correlation analysis revealed significant negative correlations between FA (r = −0.730; p < 0.05) or ADC (r = −0.827; p < 0.05) and tubular injury and between FA (r = −0.563; p < 0.05) or ADC (r = −0.805; p < 0.05) and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α.

Conclusions
Analytic approaches to DTI with better reproducibility should aid in monitoring the early pathophysiologic derangements of CIAKI, thus facilitating timely reversal of the detrimental effects.
Influence of Compounds Contents and Particle Size on Some Functional Properties of Moringa oleifera Leaves (Lam) Powders
Authors: Armel Assiéné Agamou Julien , Edith Fombang Nig , Moses Mbofung Carl 
Published: February 2021

Objective: This study aims to determine the influence of the contents of compounds and particle size on the functional properties of leaves powders of M. oleifera.
Methodology: The leaves were collected from three farms in the localities of Mbouda and Maroua and processed in powders. The proximate composition, some functional properties such as particle size, true Water Absorption Capacity (WACt), apparent Water Absorption Capacity (WACa), Water Solubility Index (WSI), Oil Holding Capacity (OHC), and Bulk density were determined.
Results: The mean contents of young and mature leaves powders are 24.96 ± 0.29 and 23.13 ± 0.50 g/100 DM in total proteins; 34.26 ± 0.52 and 29.11 ± 1.44 g/100g DM in available carbohydrate, 8.34 ± 0.64 and 8.34 ± 0.68 g/100g DM in total lipids, 8.75 ± 0.74 and 9.08 ± 0.48 g/100g DM in total ash, 21.13 ± 1.34 and 27.14 ± 1.04 g/100g DM in total fibers, respectively. The particle size of powders is majority large. The fiber's contents significantly affect the increase of rehydration properties and the OHC, while the large particle size, the density. Values of WACt and WACa are 27.02 ± 0.20 and 32.88 ± 1.24 % in young leaves and 28.98 ± 0.15 and 35.88 ± 1.02 % in mature leaves, respectively. The WSI and OHC are 3.02 ± 0.06 and 257 ± 1% in young leaves and 3.5 ± 0.04 and 261 ± 2 % in mature leaves, respectively. The Bulk density is 0.42 ± 0.01 g/ml in young leaves and 0.39 ± 0.01 in mature leaves.
Conclusion: Functional properties of M. oleifera leave powders do not always depend on the contents of compounds and particle size distribution.
Effect of Roasted Soybean Flour Substitution on the Chemical and Sensory Properties of Maize Flour Snack (Aadun)
Authors: Amanyunose A. A. , Olosunde O. O. , Adedeji T. O. , Abiodun O. A. 
Published: February 2021

Aims: To determine the effect of roasted soybean flour substitution on the chemical and sensory properties of maize flour snack (Aadun).
Study Design: Multiple comparison test was performed on the data obtained using Duncan test
Place and Duration of Study: Samples were prepared in Department of Food Science and Technology, Osun State Polytechnic, between August 2020 and November 2020.
Methodology: Composite flours were developed from roasted maize and soybean to produce snacks (Aadun). Proximate, mineral, amino acid profile and sensory properties of the samples were determined using standard procedure.
Results: The protein content of the sample ranged between 8.94–16.43% with sample with 40% soybeans having the highest value. The mineral content of the samples increased with increased addition of soybean. Total amino acid of the Aadun samples ranged between 64.81 and 83.42 g/100 g showing an increase as fortification with soybean flour increased. The sensory evaluation showed no significant differences (p>0.05) in the overall acceptability of all the snacks.
Conclusion: The chemical properties of Aadun increased with addition of soybean flour. Addition of 10 % soybeans to the maize snack did not have significant effect on the taste, texture and overall acceptability.
Urinary Schistosomiasis among Vulnerable Children in Security Challenged District of Safana, Katsina State - Nigeria
Authors: Auta Timothy , Ezra Jesse Joshua , Rufai Hafsat Sada , Alabi Emmanuel Dayo , Anthony Everest 
Published: February 2021

Aims: Schistosomiasis is among the Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) which has remained a global health burden, causing illnesses of great health, social and economic implications; especially among the most vulnerable. This study assessed the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis among almajiri and primary school children in Safana Town, Katsina State, Nigeria.
Study Design: Random Sampling Technique was used in collection of samples.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in a security challenged Safana District, Katsina State, Nigeria between May and September, 2019.
Methodology: A total of three hundred (300) urine samples (150 each from almajiris and primary school pupils) were collected using plain sample bottles, they were taken to the Laboratory of the Department of Biological Sciences, Federal University Dutsin-Ma, where they were analyzed for the eggs of Schistosoma haematobium using centrifugation technique. Data obtained were subjected to Chi-Square analysis to test for association with risk factors.
Results: Out of the 300 samples examined, 64 (21.3%) of them were infected with Schistosoma haematobium. The almajiri school had the highest prevalence infection of 42 (28.0%) out of the 150 samples examined, while the conventional schools (primary school) had the prevalence of 22 (14.6%) out of 150 examined. When prevalence was compared between males and females, 57 (25.1%) out of 227 males were infected, while only 7 (9.5%) out of 73 females had the infection. Significant associations of schistosomiasis with type of school (χ2 = 0.023) and with sex (χ2 = 0.005) were established.
Conclusion: The present study confirmed the endemicity of schistosomiasis in Safana despite several rounds Mass Drug Administration (MDA) with praziquantel; with almajiris remaining reservoirs of the infection in the District. Environmental improvement and snail vector elimination are required in this District, with a better coordinated MDA.
Cu‐Catalyzed Selective Synthesis of Propargylamines via A3‐Coupling/Aza‐Michael Addition Sequence: Amine Loading Controls the Selectivity
Authors: Feng Huangdi , Peng Futao , Xi Hui , Zhong Ling , Huang Liliang 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPropargylamines are valuable molecules in medicinal chemistry and organic synthesis. A3 reaction is straightforward access to construct propargylamine and its derivatives. Here we report operationally simple catalytic domino A3‐coupling/aza‐Michael addition of a primary amine, formaldehyde solution, an alkyne, and an olefin using copper as a catalyst to produce a series of functionalized propargylamines in moderate to excellent yields. This protocol involves a competition between aza‐Michael addition and Mannich reaction. By changing the amount loading of amines to control the process of Mannich reaction is the key procedure of increasing the selectivity.
Bone remodeling and cyclical loading in maxillae of New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)
Authors: Lad Susan E. , Anderson Rebecca J. , Cortese Stephen A. , Alvarez Carmen E. , Danison Andrew D. , Morris Hannah M. , Ravosa Matthew J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMammalian feeding behaviors are altered when mechanically challenging (e.g., tough, stiff) foods require large bite forces or prolonged mastication. Bony responses to high bite forces are well‐documented for the mammalian skull, but osteogenesis due to cyclical loading, caused by repetitive chewing, is more poorly understood. Previous studies demonstrate that cyclical loading results in greater bone formation in the rabbit masticatory apparatus and in substantial Haversian remodeling in primate postcrania. Here we assess the relationship between cyclical loading and remodeling in the rabbit maxilla. Twenty male New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were raised on either an overuse or control diet (10 per group) for 48 weeks, beginning at weaning onset. The control group was raised on a diet of rabbit pellets (E = 29 MPa, R = 1031 J/m2), whereas the overuse group ate rabbit pellets and hay, which has high stiffness (E = 3336 MPa) and toughness (R = 2760 J/m2) properties. Hay requires greater chewing investment (475 chews/g) and longer chewing durations (568 s/g) than pellets (161 chews/g and 173 s/g), therefore causing cyclical loading of the jaws. Remodeling was measured as osteon population density (OPD), percent Haversian bone (%HAV), and osteon cross‐sectional area (On.Ar). The only significant difference found was greater On.Ar in the alveolar region of the maxilla (p < 0.001) in the overuse group. The hypothesis that cyclical loading engenders Haversian remodeling in the developing maxilla is not supported. The continuation of modeling throughout the experimental duration may negate the need for remodeling as newly laid bone tends to be more compliant and resistant to crack propagation.
Identification of critical windows in early development of human upper respiratory tract and middle ear disease
Authors: Pagano Anthony S. , Márquez Samuel , Smith Christopher M. , Laitman Jeffrey T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOtitis media (OM) or middle ear disease is a prevalent pediatric condition generally related to early growth of the cartilaginous Eustachian tube (CET). This study used a developmental series of dry crania to reconstruct CET and dilator tubae (DT, the muscle opening the CET) morphology. Timing and directionality of CET and upper respiratory tract (URT) growth were investigated. Traditional and 3D geometric morphometrics (GM) were used to assess bony landmarks on the crania. The series was divided using dental eruption into seven growth stages ranging from before eruption of deciduous dentition (approximately the first 6 postnatal months) to eruption of the first permanent maxillary molar (after approximately 6 years). Bony endpoints of the CET and DT were used to calculate their morphology. GM analysis showed substantial shape differences between newborns, early infants, and all later developmental stages. Univariate measures showed the largest growth change between birth and 6 months. Subsequently, CET morphology changed little in the latter half of year 1, instead maturing gradually until approximately 3 years whereas DT relative length and orientation finish growth by the end of year 1. Incongruence in slower CET growth and faster DT growth could impact CET function between 6 and 12 months and be a contributing factor of OM. Tubal aeration may improve after this time when both CET and DT morphology mature, coinciding with clinically reported drop‐off in ear infections.
Genome‐Wide Reduction in Chromatin Accessibility and Unique Transcription Factor Footprints in Endothelial Cells and Fibroblasts in Scleroderma Skin
Authors: Tsou Pei‐Suen , Palisoc Pamela J. , Ali Mustafa , Khanna Dinesh , Sawalha Amr H. 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveSystemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by widespread fibrosis and vascular complications. This study was undertaken to examine the chromatin landscape and transcription factor footprints in SSc, using an assay for genome‐wide chromatin accessibility.MethodsDermal endothelial cells (ECs) and fibroblasts were isolated from healthy controls and patients with diffuse cutaneous SSc (dcSSc). Assay for transposase‐accessible chromatin with sequencing (ATAC‐seq) was performed to assess genome‐wide chromatin accessibility at a read depth of ~150 million reads per sample. Transcription factor footprinting and motif binding analysis were performed, followed by functional experiments.ResultsChromatin accessibility was significantly reduced in dcSSc patients compared to healthy controls. Differentially accessible chromatin loci were enriched in pathways and gene ontologies involved in the nervous system, cell membrane projections and cilia motility, nuclear and steroid receptors, and nitric oxide. In addition, chromatin binding of transcription factors SNAI2, ETV2, and ELF1 was significantly increased in dcSSc ECs, while recruitment of RUNX1 and RUNX2 was enriched in dcSSc fibroblasts. We found significant down‐regulation of the neuronal gene NRXN1 and up‐regulation of SNAI2 and ETV2 in dcSSc ECs. In dcSSc fibroblasts, down‐regulation of the neuronal gene ENTPD1 and up‐regulation of RUNX2 were confirmed. Further functional analysis revealed that ETV2 and NRXN1 dysregulation affected angiogenesis in ECs, while ENTPD1 enhanced profibrotic properties in dcSSc fibroblasts.ConclusionOur data identify the chromatin blueprint of dcSSc, and suggest that neuronal‐related characteristics of SSc ECs and fibroblasts could be a culprit for dysregulated angiogenesis and enhanced fibrosis. Targeting the key pathways and transcription factors identified might present novel therapeutic approaches in SSc.
Enhancement and mechanisms of MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast‐like cell adhesion to albumin through calcium exposure
Authors: Haag Stephanie L. , Schiele Nathan R. , Bernards Matthew T. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSerum albumin is the most prominent protein in blood, and it aids in bone fracture healing, though the manner through which enhanced healing occurs is not well understood. This study investigates the influence of calcium on the bioactivity of albumin due to the prevalence of calcium at bone injury sites. Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was exposed to varying concentrations of calcium, adsorbed to tissue culture polystyrene, and the subsequent BSA‐coated surfaces were evaluated with calcium titration, and cell adhesion, viability, and binding inhibition studies. Calcium‐modified BSA improved overall MC3T3‐E1 osteoblast‐like cell adhesion, although high calcium concentrations induced cell death. Inhibiting specific integrins revealed that without calcium exposure, cell binding to BSA was primarily mediated by integrins that typically bind to the GFOGER sequence of collagen. As calcium exposure increases, the primary binding interaction transitioned to integrins known to bind RGD. However, cell binding to calcium‐modified BSA was not completely eliminated during the inhibition studies indicating additional unidentified binding interactions occur. Overall, these results suggest that the exposure to calcium induces conformational changes that affect the cell‐binding bioactivity of BSA, which may explain the beneficial impact of albumin in bone tissue.
A UPLC–MS/MS method for simultaneous determination of nine antiepileptic drugs in human plasma and its application in TDM
Authors: Qi Yingjie , Liu Guangxuan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the purpose of carrying out therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of nine antiepileptic drugs simultaneously in the clinic, a UPLC–MS/MS assay method was developed and validated. Separation of antiepileptic drugs and internal standard (naproxen and diazepam) was performed on an Agilent Eclipse XDB‐C18 column (50.0 × 2.1 mm, 1.7 μm) using water and acetonitrile as mobile phase for gradient elution. Polarity switch ionization mode (positive–negative–positive) was performed in a total run time of 3.0 min. The method validation was conducted based on bioanalytical method validation guidance, including specificity, calibration curve, precision, accuracy, recovery, matrix effect, stability and dilution integrity, and all of the results satisfied the requirements. Consequently, the proposed method was applied to the TDM of nine antiepileptic drugs and was proved to be sensitive, reliable and specific to determine antiepileptic drugs in human plasma simultaneously. Meanwhile, the TDM results showed that the plasma drug concentration of many patients was not within the effective therapeutic range, especially those taking topiramate, oxcarbazepine and levetiracetam, which was of great guiding significance to rational drug use and timely adjustment of the treatment plan. Therefore, individualized therapy based on advanced analytical methods and TDM theory is of great practical significance.
Exchange of Proteins in Liposomes through Streptolysin O Pores
Authors: Tsuji Gakushi , Sunami Takeshi , Oki Masaya , Ichihashi Norikazu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractLiposomes, which are vesicles surrounded by lipid membranes, can be used as biochemical reactors by encapsulating various reactions. Accordingly, they are useful for studying cellular functions under controlled conditions that mimic the environment within a cell. However, one of the shortcomings of liposomes as biochemical reactors is the difficulty of introducing or removing proteins due to the impermeability of the membrane. In this study, we established a method for exchanging proteins in liposomes by forming reversible pores in the membrane. We used the toxic protein streptolysin O (SLO); this forms pores in membranes made of phospholipids containing cholesterol that can be closed by the addition of calcium ions. After optimizing the experimental procedure and lipid composition, we observed the exchange of fluorescent proteins (transferrin Alexa Fluor 488 and 647) in 9.9 % of liposomes. We also introduced T7 RNA polymerase, a 98‐kDa enzyme, and observed RNA synthesis in ∼8 % of liposomes. Our findings establish a new method for controlling the internal protein composition of liposomes, thereby increasing their utility as bioreactors.
Embedding Heterostructured α‐MnS/MnO Nanoparticles in S‐Doped Carbonaceous Porous Framework as High‐Performance Anode for Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ma Yuan , Ma Yanjiao , Diemant Thomas , Cao Kecheng , Kaiser Ute , Behm R. Jürgen , Varzi Alberto , Passerini Stefano 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this work, the synthesis of α‐MnS/MnO/S‐doped C micro‐rod composites via a simple sulfidation process is demonstrated, starting from a Mn‐based metal‐organic framework. The resulting heterostructured α‐MnS/MnO nanoparticles (8±2 nm) are uniformly embedded into the S‐doped carbonaceous porous framework with hierarchical micro‐/meso‐porosity. The combination of structural and compositional characteristics results in the promising electrochemical performance of the as‐obtained composites as anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries, coupled with high reversible capacity (940 mAh g−1 at 0.1 A g−1), excellent rate capability as well as long cycling lifespan at high rate of 2.0 A g−1 for 2000 cycles with the eventual capacity of ∼300 mAh g−1. Importantly, in situ X‐ray diffraction studies clearly reveal mechanistic details of the lithium storage mechanism, involving multistep conversion processes upon initial lithiation.