bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rewilding With Large Herbivores Helped Increase Plant Species Richness in Dry Grasslands.
Authors: Dvorský Miroslav , Mudrák Ondřej , Doležal Jiří , Jirků Miloslav 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Rewilding is a form of environmental conservation and ecological restoration that has the potential to enhance biodiversity and create self-sustainable natural environments. The key approach is reintroducing lost keystone animal species, e.g. large herbivores and predators. One of the few places in all Central Europe where such efforts can be seen in practice is located in Milovice, Czech Republic, where European bison, Exmoor pony, and Tauros cattle have been introduced in 2015-2016 to a former military training area, now NATURA 2000 site and National nature monument Milovice-Mlada. The prevailing vegetation type is a forest-steppe with Bromus erectus dominated dry grasslands mixed with deciduous shrubs and trees. After the cessation of military use, the area was mostly left unmanaged during 1989-2010 which led to successional changes and increased dominance of tall grasses, and bush encroachment. We monitored grassland vegetation in 2017–2019 in 30 randomly distributed plots (2×2 m) inside the grazed area and in ungrazed control plots. Natural grazing increased species richness and the cover of forbs, while the proportion of grasses and legumes remained little affected. Grazing promoted small-statured species while ungrazed plots harboured taller ones. Large herbivores thus made the grassland shorter and richer both in overall species and flowering forbs. We can conclude that the introduction of large herbivores has had a beneficial effect on species richness and helped in restoring forest-steppe vegetation of better quality and conservational value.
Rigid Impacts of Three-dimensional Rocking Structures
Authors: Várkonyi Péter László , Ther Tamás , Kocsis Márton 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Studies of rocking motion aim to explain the remarkable earthquake resistence of rocking structures . State - of - the -art assessment methods are mostly based on planar models , despite ongoing efforts to understand the significance of three - dimensionality . Impacts are essential components of rocking motion . We present experimental measurements of free -rocking blocks , focusing on extreme sensitivity of impacts to geometric imperfections , unpredictability , and the emergence of three - dimensional motion via spontaneous symmetry breaking . These results inspire the development of new impact models of three dimensional facet and edge impacts of polyhedral objects . Our model is a natural generalization of existing planar models based on the seminal work of George W. Housner . Model parameters are estimated empirically for rectangular blocks . Finally , new perspectives in earthquake assessment of rocking structures are discussed .
Antenatal Dexamethasone Treatment Induces Sex-dependent Up-regulation of NTPDase1/CD39 and Ecto-5ʹ-nucleotidase/CD73 in the Rat Fetal Brain
Authors: Manojlovic-Stojanoski Milica , Lavrnja Irena , Stevanovic Ivana , Trifunovic Svetlana , Ristic Natasa , Nestorovic Natasa , Sévigny Jean , Nedeljkovic Nadezda , Laketa Danijela 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is frequently used to treat women at risk of preterm delivery, but although indispensable for completion of organ maturation in fetus, antenatal DEX treatment may exert adverse sex-dimorphic neurodevelopmental effects. Literature findings implicated oxidative stress in adverse effects of DEX treatment.. Purinergic signalling is involved in neurodevelopment, and controled by ectonucleotidases, among which in the brain are most abundant ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (NTPDase1/CD39) and ecto-5ʹ-nucleotidase (e5ʹNT/CD73), which jointly dephosphorylate ATP to adenosine. They are also involved in cell adhesion and migration, critical for brain development. Up-regulation of CD39 and CD73 after DEX treatment was reported in adult rat hippocampus. We investigated the effects of maternal DEX treatment on CD39 and CD73 expression and enzymatic activity in the rat fetal brain of both sexes, in the context of oxidative status of the brain tissue. Fetuses were obtained at embryonic day (ED) 21, from Wistar rat dams treated with 0.5 mg DEX/kg/day, at ED 16, 17, and 18, and brains were processed and used for further analysis. Sex-specific increase in CD39 and CD73 expression and in the corresponding enzyme activities was induced in the brain of antenatally DEX-treated fetuses, more prominently in males. The oxidative stress induction after antenatal DEX treatment, was confirmed in both sexes, altghough showing a slight bias in males. Due to involvement of purinergic system in crucial neurodevelopmental processes, future investigations are needed to determine the role of observed changes in the adverse effects of antenatal DEX treatment.
Utilization of liquid product through pyrolysis of LDPE and C/LDPE as commercial wax
Authors: Akgün Hasret , Yapıcı Ece , Günkaya Zerrin , ÖZKAN AYSUN , Banar Müfide 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
In this study, pyrolysis of low-density polyethylene (LDPE) and LDPE with aluminum (C/LDPE) wastes was carried out with different heating rates (5-10-20°C/min) at different temperatures (400-600-800°C). The effect of temperature and heating rate on liquid product yield was investigated. Product yields of LDPE and C/LDPE wastes were compared, and optimum liquid products were analyzed to utilize as commercial waxes for future use.
Methods
To determine the parameters of pyrolysis wastes was investigated with proximate, elemental analysis, and TGA. The as-produced liquid from pyrolysis of wastes was characterized by different characteristic tools, such as elemental analyses, GC-MS analyzes, 1H-NMR tests, FT-IR spectra, the density, melting point, and carbon residue to compare commercial waxes. The characterization process was continued for the parameters with the optimum liquid products.
Results
As a result of pyrolysis, the highest liquid product yield was achieved at 800°C with 5°C/min heating rate (85.87 %), and at 600°C with 5°C/min heating rate (71.3 %) for LDPE and C/LDPE, respectively. The results indicated that the derived liquid products are similar to commercial heavy wax.
A Novel ACTL6A Exonic Circular RNA Exacerbates Polycystic Ovary Syndrome via Recruiting TET1
Authors: Zhang Lingzhi , Wang Fang , Li Dongmei , Yan Yufeng , Wang Hongyan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is an endocrine disorder prevailing among females at reproductive age. Circular non-coding RNAs (circRNAs) are essential “player” in PCOS. This study aimed to investigate the potentials of newly found circRNA, circ_ACTL6A in PCOS. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) was utilized to establish PCOS model in vivo. qRT-PCR and western blot were applied to determine the gene expression level. DNA methylation was determined by bisulfite sequencing assay. RNA pull-down, Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay, and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) assay was applied to verify gene interactions. CCK-8, colony formation and 5-Ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) assay were applied to determine cellular function of human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) cells. The results showed that circ_ACTL6A was upregulated in PCOS, which was due to the upregulation of RNA splicing factor eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4A3 (EIF4A3) and its cognate protein actin like 6A (ACTL6A). Downregulation of circ_ACTL6A suppressed the cell viability, colony formation and proliferation of KGN cells in vitro. Moreover, knockdown of circ_ACTL6A suppressed the progression of PCOS, manifested by the improvement in insulin sensitivity, ovarian function and fertility. Furthermore, circ_ACTL6A recruited tet methylcytosine dioxygenase 1 (TET1) to suppress DNA methylation of ACTL6A. Overexpression of ACTL6A promoted the development of PCOS in vivo and in vitro. Taken together, circ_ACTL6A/ACTL6A may form a positive feedback in the progression of PCOS. This may be a potential therapeutic target for PCOS.
Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus Transmission and Hospital-Acquired Bacteremia in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Greece
Authors: DOUDOULAKAKIS ANASTASSIOS GEORGE , Spiliopoulou Iris , Giormezis Nikolaos , Syridou Garyfallia , Nika Angeliki , Bozavoutoglou Elisavet , Militsopoulou Maria , Kalogeras Georgios , Tsolia Maria , Lebessi Evangelia 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The epidemiology of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) colonization and infections in a 30-bed, level III university-affiliated neonatal intensive care unit was retrospectively investigated (2014-2018). Virulence, resistance genes and clonality of 46 isolates were determined by PCRs and MLST. Of 1538 neonates, 77 (5%) had a positive culture for MRSA; four bacteremias occured. One major clone was identified, ST225 (23/40, 58%), imported from the same maternity hospital. Another clone, ST217, was predominant (4/6) among colonized health care workers. Four isolates classified as ST80 were PVL-positive, four tst-positive, and two etb-positive. Strengthening of infection control measures with emphasis on hand hygiene was applied.
Morphological and Mechanical Characterization of Al-4032/SiC/GMP Hybrid Composites
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Saini Pardeep , Singh Pradeep K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The pattern of metal matrix composites can be enhanced by integrating the concept of hybrid composite to produce newer engineering materials. The morphological and mechanical characteristics of Al-4032/SiC/GMP hybrid composites have been investigated. The aluminium alloy (Al-4032) based hybrid composites have been fabricated through the bottom pouring stir casting set up, by reinforcing the silicon carbide (SiC) and granite marble powder ceramic particles as the reinforcement material at various fraction level i.e. 0, 3, 6, 9 weight% in equal proportion. The reinforcement particle size is up to 54 µm. The microstructural characterization of the hybrid composite samples has been carried out using optical microscope, SEM and XRD. The study reveals that the reinforcement hybrid particles (SiC + GMP) are almost uniformly distributed throughout the matrix phase. The mechanical properties (tensile strength, impact strength and microhardness) of the composite samples have been obtained and found to be better than the unreinforced alloy.
Increased Primaquine Total Dose in Patients with Multiple Plasmodium vivax Relapses Associated with Impaired CYP2D6 Activity: Report of Three Cases
Authors: Pina-Costa Anielle da , Silvino Ana Carolina Rios , Santos Edwiges Motta dos , Pedro Renata , Moreira Jose , Robleda Gabriela , Tavares Ana Danielle , Lupi Otilia , Henriques Karina , Daniel-Ribeiro Claudio Tadeu , Brasil Patricia , Sousa Tais , Siqueira Andre M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe relapsing nature of Plasmodium vivax infection is a major barrier to its control and elimination. Factors such as adequate dosing, adherence, drug quality, and pharmacogenetics can impact the effectiveness of radical cure of P. vivax and need to be properly evaluated. CYP2D6 pathway mediates the activation of primaquine (PQ) into an active metabolite(s) in hepatocytes, and impaired activity has been linked to higher risk of relapse. Cases presentationThree patients diagnosed with P. vivax malaria presented repeated relapses after being initially treated with chloroquine (25mg/kg) and primaquine (3.5mg/kg in 14 days) at a non-endemic travel clinic. Recurring episodes were subsequently treated with higher dose of primaquine (7mg/kg in 14 days), which prevented further relapses in two patients. However, one patient still presented 2 episodes after higher primaquine dose and was prescribed 300mg of chloroquine weekly to prevent further episodes. Impaired CYP2D6 function was observed in all of them. ConclusionLack of response to PQ was associated with impaired CYP2D6 activity in three patients presenting multiple relapses followed in a non-endemic setting. Higher PQ dosage was a safe and effectively prevented relapses in two patients and should be further investigated as an option in Latin America. It is important to investigate the factors associated with unsuccessful radical cure and alternative therapeutic options.
Anal human papillomavirus infection and its relations with abnormal anal cytology among MSM with or without HIV infection in Japan
Authors: Shiojiri Daisuke , Mizushima Daisuke , Takano Misao , Watanabe Koji , Ando Naokatsu , Uemura Haruka , Yanagawa Yasuaki , Aoki Takahiro , Tanuma Junko , Tsukada Kunihisa , Teruya Katsuji , Kikuchi Yoshimi , Gatanaga Hiroyuki , Oka Shinichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background Anorectal high-risk human papillomavirus (hr-HPV) infection is associated with anal malignancies. However, the epidemiological data is quite limited in Japan. Methods Anorectal swab was obtained from HIV-infected and –uninfected men who have sex with men (MSM). Only high-risk HPV genotypes were examined by the Hybrid Capture-based methodology. Anal cytology was determined by the modification of the Bethesda System classification. Results In total, 644 participants were included. No participant had history of HPV vaccination at inclusion. The overall prevalence of hr-HPV was 58.5% (95% confidence interval: 54.7-62.3). The most frequently detected hr-HPV genotypes in order were HPV-52, -16, and -58. Among the HPV infected subjects, 82.8% (312/377) were infected with at least one of the 9 valent vaccine covered genotypes. Incidence of abnormal cytology was positively correlated with the number of HPV genotypes infected rather than the difference in genotypes. Multivariate analysis identified the number of detected hr-HPV genotypes as well as HIV-infection were the independent risk factors for pre-cancer. Conclusion Nine valent vaccine preventable HPVs are currently prevalent among MSM in Japan. Also, increased numbers of hr-HPV genotypes were strongly associated with anorectal pre-cancer. Universal HPV vaccination should be considered for Japanese MSM.
Adsorption of Adipic acid in Al/B-N/P nanocages: DFT investigations
Authors: Al-Otaibi Jamelah S. , Mary Y.Sheena , Mary Y.Shyma , Serdaroglu Goncagül 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Drug delivery clusters based on nanocages recently have been the most capable to study. Adipic acid (ADPA) interaction mechanism over nanocages of X(Al/B)12Y(N/P)12 was investigated. We analyzed various electronic, chemical and spectroscopic properties with nanocages of the adsorbed ADPA molecule. Adsorption energies were calculated to study the adsorption of ADPA with nanocages. Raman enhanced surface scattering is used to track the drug as an effective approach to vibrational spectroscopy. Detection of the drug has been investigated using the SERS properties of nanocages. Title drug acts as a donor of electrons and adsorbs at the electrophilic site of nanocages. Variations in chemical descriptors to recognize the sensing property of ADPA-nanocages are also noted. Analysis of various properties explains enhancement which makes it possible to detect the drug in other products.
Effect of Permanent Magnet Material on Failure-Pressure of Magnetic Fluid Seal
Authors: Zhang Tong , Li De-Cai , Li Yan-Wen 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Material properties of permanent magnet in the magnetic fluid seal are important factors that determine the sealing effect. However, the relationship between the magnetic properties of permanent magnet and the failure-pressure has not been studied quantitatively in the available research. In this work, the relationship between material properties of permanent magnet and the failure-pressure of magnetic fluid seal was obtained from theoretical analysis and numerical simulation. The permanent magnet was changed in materials to calculate the failure-pressures of a typical magnetic fluid seal. The result shows that the failure-pressure of magnetic fluid seal grows with the maximum magnetic energy product of permanent magnet increases at the beginning, whereas there is a turning point. After that, the failure-pressure decreases as the maximum magnetic energy product increases.
An IBD-based mixed model approach for QTL mapping in multiparental populations
Authors: Li Wenhao , Boer Martin P. , Zheng Chaozhi , Joosen Ronny V.L. , Eeuwijk Fred A. van 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Multiparental populations (MPPs) have become popular for QTL detection. Tools for QTL mapping in MPPs are mostly developed for specific MPPs and do not generalize to other MPPs. We present an IBD-based mixed model approach for QTL mapping in all kinds of MPP designs, e.g., diallel, Nested Association Mapping (NAM), and Multiparental Advanced Generation Intercrosses (MAGIC) designs. The first step is to compute identity-by-descent (IBD) probabilities using a general Hidden Markov model framework, called reconstructing ancestry blocks bit by bit (RABBIT). Next, functions of IBD information are used as design matrices, or genetic predictors, in a mixed model approach. The estimated parameters are random allelic effects associated with the parents. Family-specific residual genetic effects are added, and a polygenic effect is structured by kinship relations between individuals. Case studies of simulated diallel, NAM, and MAGIC designs proved that the IBD-based mixed model approach could increase true positive rates and mapping resolutions of QTLs in comparison to a widely used benchmark association mapping method. Successful analyses of various real data cases confirmed the wide applicability of our IBD-based mixed model methodology.
Accelerated endoplasmic reticulum and coagulation factor processing in platelets are linked with the hypercoagulable state of patients with lung cancer
Authors: Ercan Huriye , Mauracher Lisa-Marie , Grilz Ella , Hell Lena , Hellinger Roland , Schmid Johannes A. , Moik Florian , Ay Cihan , Pabinger Ingrid , Zellner Maria 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The risk of venous thromboembolism in cancer is nine times higher than in the general population and the second leading cause of death in these patients. Platelets play a key role in tumour growth, metastasis, and cancer-associated thrombosis. Despite this widely observed functional role of platelets in the prothrombotic state of certain cancers, the underlying molecular mechanisms are largely unknown.
Methods

In order to comprehensively expose cancer-related biochemical changes, we compared the platelet proteome of two types of cancer with a high risk of thrombosis (22 patients with brain cancer, 19 with lung cancer) to 41 matched healthy controls using unbiased two-dimensional differential in-gel electrophoresis. Cancer-related platelet proteins were statistically characterised by adjusted one-way ANOVA and planned comparisons post hoc tests. Significantly changed platelet proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Afterward, selected cancer-associated platelet proteins were validated by 1-D and 2-D Western blots and/or functional assessments were made by association analysis with central haemostatic plasma parameters.
Results

The examined platelet proteome was unchanged in patients with brain cancer, but considerably affected in lung cancer with 15 significantly altered proteins. Amongst these, the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) proteins CALR, HSPA5 and P4HB were significantly elevated. Accelerated conversion of the fibrin stabilising factor has been detected in platelets of patients with lung cancer by elevated levels of a F13A1 55 kDa fragment. A significant correlation of this F13A1 cleavage product with plasma D-dimer levels suggests an enhanced degradation in platelets by the fibrinolytic system. Functional protein association network analysis showed that lung cancer-related protein profiles were involved in platelet degranulation and upregulated ER protein processing. The latter is important in the glycosylation of coagulation factors. As a possible outcome, plasma FVIII, an immediate end product for ER-mediated glycosylation, correlated significantly with the ER-executing chaperones CALR and HSPA5. In addition, several lung cancer-related platelet proteins such as decreased levels of ITGA2B are significantly linked to the plasmatic haemostasis factors D-dimer and fibrinogen.
Conclusions

These new data on the differential behaviour of platelets in various cancers revealed F13A1 and ER chaperones as potential novel diagnostic and therapeutic targets in lung cancer patients.
Hand Hygiene During Facility-Based Childbirth in Cambodia: A Theory-Driven, Mixed-Methods Observational Study
Authors: Nalule Yolisa , Buxton Helen , Ir Por , Leang Supheap , Macintyre Alison , Pors Ponnary , Samol Channa , Dreibelbis Robert 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Despite current efforts to improve hand hygiene in health care facilities, compliance among birth attendants remains low. Current improvement strategies are inadequate, largely focusing on a limited set of known behavioural determinants or addressing hand hygiene as part of a generalized set of hygiene behaviours. To inform the design of a facility –based hand hygiene behaviour change intervention in Kampong Chhnang, Cambodia, a theory-driven formative research study was conducted to investigate the context specific behaviours and determinants of handwashing during labour and delivery among birth attendants.
Methods

This formative mixed-methods research followed a sequential explanatory design and was conducted across eight healthcare facilities. The hand hygiene practices of all birth attendants present during the labour and delivery of 45 women were directly observed and compliance with hand hygiene protocols assessed in analysis. Semi-structured, interactive interviews were subsequently conducted with 20 key healthcare workers to explore the corresponding cognitive, emotional, and environmental drivers of hand hygiene behaviours.
Results

Birth attendants’ compliance with hand hygiene protocol was 18% prior to performing labour, delivery and newborn aftercare procedures. Hand hygiene compliance did not differ by facility type or attendants’ qualification, but differed by shift with adequate hand hygiene less likely to be observed during the night shift (p = 0.03). The midwives’ hand hygiene practices were influenced by cognitive, psychological, environmental and contextual factors including habits, gloving norms, time, workload, inadequate knowledge and infection risk perception.
Conclusion

The resulting insights from formative research suggest a multi-component improvement intervention that addresses the different key behaviour determinants to be designed for the labour and delivery room. A combination of disruption of the physical environment via nudges and cues, participatory education to the midwives and the promotion of new norms using social influence and affiliation may increase the birth attendants’ hand hygiene compliance in our study settings.