bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and perfusion‐computed tomography alterations in a series of patients with migraine with aura attended as stroke code
Authors: Gonzalez‐Martinez Alicia , Trillo Senín Santiago , Benavides Bernaldo de Queirós Carmen , Casado Fernández Laura , Barbosa del Olmo Antonio , Manzanares López Rafael , Gago‐Veiga Ana Beatriz , Vivancos José 
Published: December 2021

AbstractObjectiveThe aim of the current study was to determine the clinical characteristics of migraine with aura (MA) as well as the frequency and patterns of perfusion‐computed tomography (PCT) alterations, in a series of patients with MA mimicking acute ischemic stroke.BackgroundMA is one of the most frequent stroke mimics, following seizures and psychiatric disorders. Previous case reports and short series have reported abnormal PCT patterns in patients with MA.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study including all consecutive patients presenting with focal neurological symptoms during complete multimodal CT including baseline CT, angio‐CT, and PCT with a final diagnosis of MA. We collected demographic data and clinical information about MA variables using the hospital electronic database.ResultsWe found 25 patients with a final diagnosis of MA among 1761 patients who attended our stroke center with complete multimodal CT (1.4% [95% CI: 0.9–2.1]). Among them, 14/25 (56%) were women, average age 38.7 years (SD 12.5), and 16/25 (64%) had a previous history of migraine. The most frequent type of aura was sensory. The median time elapsed between the onset of symptoms and CT was 171 min (IQR: 119–244). PCT alteration was found in 3/25 (12%) consisting of a hypoperfusion pattern not restricted to a vascular territory. The three patients had aphasia as the presenting symptom.ConclusionThis is, to the best of our knowledge, the largest series of patients with MA managed as presumed stroke with clinical characteristics and PCT. In our study, most patients were young and had a prior history of migraine. PCT was normal in 88% of cases, with patients being still symptomatic by the time they were scanned. Further research will clarify the presence and type of PCT alterations in this entity.
Characterization of a high strength hydroxyapatite cement with dual chelate‐setting using phytic acid and citric acid
Authors: Nie Yunpeng , Wang Tao , Wu Meng , Qi Yan , Wei Wenchao , Wang Qi 
Published: December 2021

AbstractWith the development of biomaterials, a hydroxyapatite (HA) bone cement based on chelation has gradually attracted attention. This paper presents an investigation on the micromorphology and mechanical property of HA bone cement prepared by HA powders modified by inositol hexaphosphate (IP6, phytic acid). With the citric acid monohydrate (CA) solution used as setting liquid, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and universal testing machine were employed to investigate the influence of parameters including concentrations of CA as well as powder–liquid ratio on the properties of HA bone cement. In addition, the setting mechanism of chelating cement was analyzed. The results showed that when CA concentration was more than 20 wt.%, the curing products of IP6/CA dual chelating HA cement contained calcium citrate tetrahydrate and tricalcium phosphate (TCP) besides HA. The compressive strength of dual chelated cement increased with the CA concentration. With 10 000 ppm‐IP6‐HA used as the starting powder, the maximum compressive strength of bone cement prepared with 40 wt.% CA as the setting liquid was up to 57 MPa. Furthermore, the temperature, pH, antibacterial activity measurement, and cell studies in vitro were carried on, suggesting that chelate‐setting HA cement has potential development in orthopedic materials.
Evaluation of air‐dried soy protein isolate‐rice noodles prepared via combined treatment with microbial transglutaminase and glucono‐δ‐lactone
Authors: Ojukwu Moses , Ahaotu Ndidiamaka , Mat Easa Azhar 
Published: December 2021

SummaryIn this study, the effects of steaming treatments during the preparation of structurally enhanced air‐dried rice noodles were investigated. Soy protein isolate‐rice noodles (RNS) were combined (COM) with microbial transglutaminase (MTG) and glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL), and steamed for 5 (S5) or 10 (S 10) min followed by air‐drying to yield air‐dried RNS‐COM‐S5 and RNS‐COM‐S10, respectively. Control samples were air‐dried rice flour noodles (ADRN), steamed for 5 or 10 min before air‐drying (ADRN‐S5 and ADRN‐S10). Compared to other air‐dried RNS prepared without steaming, RNS‐COM‐S5 and RNS‐COM‐S10 showed a reduction in cooking time (5.35 min) and cooking loss (7.11%) and increased cooking yield (125%), supposedly due to low gelatinisation enthalpy, while retaining textural and mechanical properties, significantly higher (P < 0.05) than the controls. The scanning electron micrographs showed that all steamed air‐dried noodles also had larger hollows, which could be responsible for the improved cooking qualities. In general, the relative order of starch crystallinity resulting from steaming treatment decreased in all steamed noodles, and RNS‐COM1‐S10 showed the highest order. The treatment of RNS with MTG and GDL yielded air‐dried noodles with a more compact structure. Steaming is necessary to improve the rehydration characteristics of the air‐dried noodles without sacrificing textural and mechanical qualities.
The miR‐282‐5p regulates larval moulting process by targeting chitinase 5 in Bombyx mori
Authors: Wang Yun , Zou Hongbin , Lai Juan , Zhang Ze , Sun Wei 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMoulting is critical for growth, development and survival in insects. As the main components of cuticle, dynamic change of chitin is consistent with the moulting process. Chitinase is the main enzyme to mediate chitin metabolism in the old cuticle. To avoid over‐degrading chitin from the new cuticle, the expression of chitinase must be precisely regulated. In this study, we performed microRNA‐sequencing to investigate expression change of microRNAs in silkworm epidermis during the moulting process. A comparative microRNA transcriptomic analysis from different moulting stages and 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20E) treatment identified bmo‐miR‐282‐5p as a candidate. By the bioinformatic analysis, chitinase 5 (BmCht5) was predicted to be a target of bmo‐miR‐282‐5p. Meanwhile, a temporal expression analysis revealed that BmCht5 only expressed at moulting D3 stage, whereas bmo‐miR‐282‐5p showed a converse pattern, in which its transcript signal disappeared at this time point. Furthermore, a luciferase assay and agomir treatment demonstrated that bmo‐miR‐282‐5p suppressed transcript of BmCht5 in vivo. As a result, injection of 282‐5p agomir triggered 40% death due to moulting failure. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi)‐mediated silencing of BmCht5 caused 30% developmental defect. Taken together, our data demonstrate the coordinated regulation of chitinase 5 by conserved miR‐282‐5p, and the 20E signalling pathway is essential for the normal moulting process in the domesticated silkworm.
Optimization of investments in labor productivity in supply chain networks
Authors: Nagurney Anna 
Published: December 2021

AbstractLabor is an essential resource in the functionality of supply chains. The COVID‐19 pandemic has demonstrated the varied impacts of disruptions to supply chains because of labor issues. Shortages of labor continue even now as economies begin to open up with progress on vaccinations. Investing in labor productivity is a possible mechanism in moderating shortfalls in labor. This paper constructs a supply chain network optimization model, whose solution yields optimal product path flows to demand markets, the optimal investments in link labor productivity, as well as labor hours needed, and the optimal wages of the workers in production, transportation, storage, and distribution. The model includes a budget constraint on the investments, along with maximum bounds on investments on the supply chain network links. The theoretical framework, which includes Lagrange analysis and the computational approach, are based on the theory of variational inequalities. Managerial insights are provided obtained via the Lagrange analysis and a series of numerical examples, which demonstrate that such investments can help both the firm and the consumers.
Water‐assisted sintering of silica: Densification mechanisms and their possible implications in biomineralization
Authors: Li Hongkun , Zhong Jing , Shen Junda , Liu Jiahua , Li Bo , Tang Xinxue , Pan Jie , Xu Zhengtao , Lu Jian , Li Yang Yang 
Published: December 2021

AbstractTaking silica as an exemplary material system, we studied water‐assisted densification behaviors of different crystallinities (quartz, glass, and vitreous silica). To avoid the complexity in data interpretation, we adopted a simple procedure similar to those used for pressing salt pellets for IR: compressing silica powders in a mold with pure water under ambient conditions. It is discovered that crystalline silica is compacted through liquid lubrication, while amorphous silica's densification behaviors contradict the widely regarded dissolution‐reprecipitation mechanism. Another mechanism is thus proposed: stress‐driven water incorporation into the solid structures produces hydrated silica of considerable plasticity for deformation and fusion. Inspired by this water‐assisted mechanism, a more effective sintering method is developed via repetitive stressing/destressing treatments at room temperature, enabling dramatically boosted densities (e.g., over 90% with transparent appearance for silica glass) and enhanced mechanical performance. This generic strategy may apply to a wide range of materials. Furthermore, the hydration‐enabled deformation/sintering mechanism proposed in this work offers fresh insights into the biomineralization puzzles, particularly those on how life accomplishes some of the most challenging tasks faced by humans in modern ceramic technology, for example, to fuse, mend or reshape the rigid brittle ceramic objects in aqueous environments under ambient conditions. This purely inorganic biomineralization mechanism may be particularly important for life at its early stage of evolution on earth.
On the pyrolysis of a methyl‐silsesquioxane in reactive CO2 atmosphere: A TG/MS and FT‐IR study
Authors: Campostrini Renzo , Zambotti Andrea , Biesuz Mattia , Sorarù Gian Domenico 
Published: December 2021

AbstractPolymer‐derived SiOC‐C composites are typically obtained through pyrolysis of a polysiloxane precursor in inert atmosphere. Recent studies have shown that novel SiOC microstructures and compositions can be obtained when the pyrolysis is carried out in a reactive environment, as CO2, which leads to a selective oxidation of the Si─C bonds leaving a microstructure constituted by a nano‐dispersed sp2 carbon phase within an SiO2 matrix. However, little is known about the reaction mechanisms between CO2 and the preceramic polymer to date. In this work, we investigated the pyrolysis of a methyl‐silsesquioxane in reactive (CO2) and inert (Ar or He) atmosphere by combining TG/MS and FT‐IR analysis. The results showed that CO2 starts to react with the preceramic polymer from ≈750°C when the Si─CH3 groups start to form Si─CHx‐Si units. The reaction breaks the Si─C bond increasing the amount of the free carbon phase and releasing water vapor, detected by MS, even at temperatures exceeding 900°C. At higher temperatures (≈950°C), CO2 reacts with the free carbon phase leading to a weight loss and the formation of CO.
Reactions of metal chlorides with hexamethyldisilazane: Novel precursors to aluminum nitride and beyond
Authors: Zhang Xinyu , Yu Mengjie , Indris Sylvio , Laine Richard M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMetal nitrides are intensely investigated because they can offer high melting points, excellent corrosion resistance, high hardness, electronic and magnetic properties superior to the corresponding metals/metal oxides. Thus, they are used in diverse applications including refractory materials, semiconductors, electronic devices, and energy storage/conversion systems. Here, we present a simple, novel, scalable and general route to metal nitride precursors by reactions of metal chlorides with hexamethyldisilazane [HMDS, (Me3Si)2NH] in tetrahydrofuran or acetonitrile at low temperatures (ambient to 60°C/N2). Such reactions have received scant attention in the literature.The work reported here focuses primarily on the Al‐HMDS precursor produced from the reaction of AlCl3 with HMDS (mole ratio = 1:3) characterized by matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis‐differential thermal analysis, and multinuclear nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMRs) for chemical and structural analyses. The Al‐HMDS precursor heated to 1600°C/4 h/N2 produces aluminum nitride, characterized by X‐ray powder diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy/energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, and magic‐angle spinning NMR. On heating to 800–1200°C/4 h/N2, the precursor transforms to an amorphous, oxygen‐sensitive powder with very high surface areas (>200 m2/g) indicating nanosized particles, which can be used as additives to polymer matrices to modify their thermal stabilities. Al2O3 is also presented in the final product after heating, due to its high susceptibility to oxidation.This approach was extended via proof‐of‐concept studies to other metal chloride systems, including Zn‐HMDS, Cu‐HMDS, Fe‐HMDS, and Bi‐HMDS. The formed precursors are volatile, offering the potential utility as gas‐phase deposition precursors for their corresponding metal nitrides.
Effects of nanoscale abrasive agglomeration on material removal in magnetorheological finishing
Authors: Li Qikai , Li Xiaoyuan , Ye Zuoyan , Wang Lili , Pan Jinlong , Zhang Yunfei , Ye Minheng , Wang Chao 
Published: December 2021

AbstractMagnetorheological finishing (MRF) is a main technology to achieve super smooth surfaces of ultra‐precision optics. Although the nanoscale abrasives in MRF fluid are agglomerated to various extents, such effects on material removal in MRF are seldom discussed. Herein, the agglomeration of the nanodiamond (ND) abrasive on material removal rate (MRR) of MRF is studied by both experimental and molecular dynamic simulation (MDS) pathways. The agglomeration degrees of ND abrasives are being characterized by the hydrodynamic scattering method. The number of removed atoms by a single agglomerated ND abrasive is calculated by the MDS. Then by using a novel active abrasive contact sites model, the simulated MRR of fused silica (FS) can be obtained. Theoretical calculated MRRs compare well with the experimental MRF results. This work provides an insight into controlled nanoscale material removal and atomic adhesion friction mechanism in MRF.
Fermentation of chickpea flour with selected lactic acid bacteria for improving its nutritional and functional properties
Authors: Sáez Gabriel D. , Sabater Carlos , Fara Agustina , Zárate Gabriela 
Published: December 2021

AbstractAimsTo improve the nutri-functional quality of chickpea flour by fermentation with selected lactic acid bacteria (LAB) to formulate functional legume-derived products.Methods and ResultsA Randomized Complete Block Design was carried out to assess the influence of experimental conditions (presence/absence of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum CRL2211 and/or Weissella paramesenteroides CRL2182, temperature, time and dough yield) on LAB population, acidification, antinutritional factors and total phenolic contents (TPCs) of chickpea flour. Fermentation with both strains for 24 h at 37°C produced an increase in LAB (up to 8.9 log CFU/g), acidity (final pH 4.06), TPC (525.00 mg GAE/100 g) and tannin and trypsin inhibitor removal (28.80 mg GAE/100 g and 1.60 mg/g, respectively) higher than the spontaneously fermented doughs. RAPD and Rep-PCR analysis revealed that fermentation was dominated by L. plantarum CRL2211. Molecular docking and dynamics simulations were useful to explain LAB enzyme behaviour during fermentation highlighting the chemical affinity of LAB tannases and proteinases to gallocatechin and trypsin inhibitors. Compared with other processing methods, fermentation was better than soaking, germination and cooking for increasing the techno-functional properties of chickpea flour. Fermented doughs were applied to the manufacture of crackers that contained 81% more TPC and 64% more antioxidant activity than controls.ConclusionsFermentation for 24 h at 37°C with selected autochthonous LAB was the best method for improving the quality of chickpea flour and derived crackers type cookies.Significance and Impact of StudyChickpea is suitable for the development of novel functional foods. Fermentation with selected LAB would improve the final product quality and bioactivity. The combination of experimental and simulation approaches can lead to a better understanding of the fermentation processes to enhance the properties of a food matrix.
Epac‐2 ameliorates spontaneous colitis in Il‐10−/− mice by protecting the intestinal barrier and suppressing NF‐κB/MAPK signalling
Authors: Song Xue , Wen Hexin , Zuo Lugen , Geng Zhijun , Nian Jing , Wang Luyao , Jiang Yifan , Tao Jing , Zhu Zihan , Wu Xiaopei , Wang Zhikun , Zhang Xiaofeng , Yu Liang , Zhao Hao , Xiang Ping , Li Jing , Shen Lin , Hu Jianguo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntestinal barrier dysfunction and intestinal inflammation interact in the progression of Crohn's disease (CD). A recent study indicated that Epac‐2 protected the intestinal barrier and had anti‐inflammatory effects. The present study examined the function of Epac‐2 in CD‐like colitis. Interleukin‐10 gene knockout (Il‐10−/−) mice exhibit significant spontaneous enteritis and were used as the CD model. These mice were treated with Epac‐2 agonists (Me‐cAMP) or Epac‐2 antagonists (HJC‐0350) or were fed normally (control), and colitis and intestinal barrier structure and function were compared. A Caco‐2 and RAW 264.7 cell co‐culture system were used to analyse the effects of Epac‐2 on the cross‐talk between intestinal epithelial cells and inflammatory cells. Epac‐2 activation significantly ameliorated colitis in mice, which was indicated by reductions in the colitis inflammation score, the expression of inflammatory factors and intestinal permeability. Epac‐2 activation also decreased Caco‐2 cell permeability in an LPS‐induced cell co‐culture system. Epac‐2 activation significantly suppressed nuclear factor (NF)‐κB/mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling in vivo and in vitro. Epac‐2 may be a therapeutic target for CD based on its anti‐inflammatory functions and protective effects on the intestinal barrier.
Not in education, employment and training: pathways from toddler difficult temperament
Authors: Wu Tom C.‐H. , Maughan Barbara , Moreno‐Agostino Dario , Barker Edward D. 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundYouths disengaged from the education system and labour force (i.e. ‘Not in Education, Employment, or Training’ or ‘NEET’) are often at reduced capacity to flourish and thrive as adults. Developmental precursors to NEET status may extend back to temperamental features, though this – and possible mediators of such associations such as attention deficit hyperactivity (ADHD) symptoms and antisocial behaviours (ASB) – have yet to be directly tested. This study investigates if i) difficult temperament in toddlerhood associates with NEET status in adulthood and ii) different subdomains of ADHD (i.e. hyperactivity‐impulsivity vs. inattention) in late childhood and ASB in adolescence partially explain this pathway.MethodsParticipants were 6,240 mother‐child dyads (60.7% female) from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. Mothers reported on their child’s (a) difficult temperament (i.e. mood, intensity and adaptability) at age 2 and (b) ADHD symptoms at ages 8 and 10. Participants reported their own ASB at age 14 and NEET status in adulthood (ages 18, 20, 22 and 23).ResultsFirst, higher levels of difficult temperament in toddlerhood directly associated with an increased probability of being NEET in adulthood. Second, this effect was carried through hyperactivity‐impulsivity, but not inattention, in late childhood, and ASB in adolescence; this demonstrates differential contribution to the pathway between the ADHD dimensions, with symptoms of hyperactivity‐impulsivity playing a prominent role.ConclusionsEarly difficult temperament is a vulnerability factor for NEET status in adulthood. Our findings suggest that one developmental pathway for this vulnerability manifests through increased hyperactivity‐impulsivity in childhood and ASB in adolescence. Of note, difficult temperament, as measured here, reflects difficulties in emotional and behavioural self‐control (e.g. low adaptability and high intensity negative emotional expressions). Our results, therefore, suggest a prominent developmental role for lack of self‐control from toddlerhood onwards in increasing risk for NEET.
Incidence and remission rates of self‐reported hidradenitis suppurativa ‐ A prospective cohort study conducted in Danish blood donors
Authors: Kjærsgaard Andersen R. , Loft I.C. , Hansen T. , Hjalgrim H. , Rostgaard K. , Banasik K. , Bruun M. , Nielsen K. , Dinh K.M. , Sørensen E. , Burgdorff K. , Erikstrup C. , Ullum H. , Saunte D.M. , Pedersen O.B. , Jemec G.B.E. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractBackgroundA large discrepancy between physician‐diagnosed and self‐reported Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) exists. Knowledge regarding incidence and remission rates of self‐reported HS is missing, but may help bridge the gap in understanding between these two phenotypes.ObjectivesTo determine the incidence and remission rates of self‐reported HS, and to what degree these are affected by sex, smoking and BMI.MethodsA prospective cohort of 23 930 Danish blood donors. Information on self‐reported HS, symptom‐localisation, sex, age, BMI and smoking status was collected at baseline and study termination. Self‐reported HS fulfilled clinical obligatory diagnostic criteria. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted for both incidence and remission rates providing a hazard ratio (HR) of risk for each variable in the regression.ResultsIncidence rate of self‐reported HS was 10.8/1000 person‐years (95% confidence interval (CI): 9.9–11.7), decreasing as a function of numbers of areas affected. Female BMI points above 25 (HR = 1.11, 95% CI: 1.09–1.13), male BMI points above 25 (HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.04–1.11), active smoking (HR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.15–2.57), male sex (HR = 0.55, 95% CI: 0.45–0.67) and years of age above 25 (HR = 0.97, 95% CI: 0.96–0.97) were all statistically associated with the development of self‐reported HS. Remission rate of self‐reported HS was 256.7/1000 person‐years (95% CI: 223.9–292.6), decreasing as a function of numbers of affected areas. Symptoms in ≥3 areas (HR = 0.54, 95% CI: 0.34–0.85), active smoking (HR = 0.49, 95% CI: 0.32–0.76) and female weight loss (every percentage drop in BMI: HR = 1.07, 95% CI: 1.05–1.11) all significantly affected the remission rate.ConclusionsBoth incidence and remission rates of self‐reported HS are high, indicating that many with self‐reported HS are unlikely to be diagnosed, as they to a higher degree experience mild transient HS symptoms.