bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of calcination temperature on physicochemical and antimicrobial properties of green synthesised ZnO/C/Ca nanocomposites using Calotropis gigantea leaves
Authors: Govindasamy G Ambarasan , S. M. N. Mydin Rabiatul Basria , Sreekantan Srimala , Harun Nor Hazliana 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present study, green synthesised ZnO nanoparticles using Calotropis gigantea (C. gigantea) leaf extract which were produced at different calcination temperatures (i.e. 400 °C and 500 °C) were evaluated against skin ulcer pathogens since no study is reviewed before. The results from x-ray powder diffraction and energy-dispersive spectroscopy confirmed the presence of ZnO nanoparticles along with natural compounds from medicinal plant (i.e. Ca and C). The capping and stabilising phytochemical agents of C. gigantea leaves such as phenol and carbonyl were identified through UV–Vis and FTIR. Scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy revealed that increasing the calcination temperature altered the size and shape of the prepared samples. ZnO nanoparticles which were prepared at calcination temperatures of 400 °C and 500 °C were quasi-spherical and irregular rod in shape. The minimum inhibitory and the minimum bactericidal concentrations of ZnO-400C were 0.625 and 1.25 mg ml−1, whereas those of ZnO-500C were 1.25 and 20 mg ml−1 against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus). Remarkably, the ZnO-400C revealed excellent bactericidal activity against skin ulcer pathogens, with MBC ranging from 0.3125 mg ml−1 to 2.5 mg ml−1. The time-kill kinetics assay demonstrated that 1.25 mg ml−1 ZnO-400C captured a significant reduction of ≤2.5 log10 in the S. aureus population after 6 h of incubation. ZnO-400C sample significantly reduced the biofilm formed by S. aureus which might be associated to the presence of Zn2+, Ca2+ and reactive oxygen species (ROS). A strong interaction and exfoliation between natural calcium and carbon from C. gigantea and ZnO nanoparticles offered new insights to inactivate skin ulcer pathogens synergically.
Electrical and magnetic properties of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticle prepared by reactive milling method
Authors: Thi Dung Nguyen , Van Dang Nguyen , Thanh Tran Dang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticle in an orthorhombic structure with space group of Pnma was prepared by a combination of the reactive milling method and annealing at 900 °C for 1 h in air. The mean crystal size determined through the powder x-ray diffraction data is 18 ± 2 nm. Based on the dependences of the resistivity and the magnetisation on temperature and applied magnetic field, the electrical-magnetic properties, the magnetoresistance and the magnetocaloric effects have been investigated. It shows La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticle undergoes a metal-insulator and a ferromagnetic-paramagnetic phase transitions at T
MI = 252 K and T
C = 253 K, respectively. The temperature dependences of resistivity of material in the absence and presence of 4 kOe in a range of 30–300 K were fitted to the phase segregation model. The magnetoresistance and the magnetocaloric effects related to the double-exchange interactions taking place around T
MI and T
C were observed, corresponding to the values of the magnetoresistance MR = 9.29% and the maximum magnetic entropy change ∣ΔS
max∣ = 0.18 J/kg.K under an applied magnetic field of 4 kOe. Besides, the low field magnetoresistance value at low temperature region and the change of the specific heat of La0.7Ca0.3MnO3 nanoparticle have also been concerned.
Microstructure and mechanical behaviour of Ti-Cu foams synthesized via powder metallurgy technique
Authors: Sharma Abhishek , Mishra Pushyamitra 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In the present study titanium based copper alloy foams were synthesized using acrawax as a space holder through powder metallurgy route. The effects of distinct pore size range and Cu content on the microstructural features, density, compressive and flexural behaviour was investigated. Results show that the amount of microporosity generated was more in case of foams with coarser pores than finer ones and also it increased with increase in Cu content. The presence of fine pores and lower amount of Cu led to generation of minimal amount of microporosity; resulting into greater relative density of Ti-Cu foams. The plastic collapse stress, plateau stress and bending strength of Ti-Cu foams decreased while densification strain increased with increase in Cu content. The maximum value of plastic collapse stress is reported for Ti-3Cu foam with fine pores. The plateau strength and bending strength of Ti-3Cu foam with fine pores was found to be higher than that of Pure Ti foams and was found to be the most optimized in terms of the characteristic features. The higher values of relative density, plateau and bending strength of Ti-3Cu foams makes them more preferable over pure Ti foams for implants applications.
Reductions in NO2 concentrations in Seoul, South Korea detected from space and ground-based monitors prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Seo Seunghwan , Kim Si-Wan , Kim Kyoung-Min , Lamsal Lok N , Jin Hyungah 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Nitrogen oxides detected in urban regions are primarily emitted by transportation methods and are crucial precursors for air pollutants and climate forcers such as ozone and fine particulate matter. We investigate the trends of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) obtained from a satellite instrument and surface monitors over the megacity, Seoul, South Korea, from 2005 to 2019. Both satellite Ozone Monitoring Instrument NO2 and surface in situ concentrations decreased by up to 30% between 2015 and 2019 while significant trends were not observed between 2005 and 2015. Further analysis shows the continual reduction of NO2 concentrations prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. This study highlights the efficacy of South Korean pollution control policies targeting vehicular emissions. However, this study also found inconsistencies between trends observed in the official bottom-up emission inventory and data collected from space and surface sites. Further research will be urgently needed to understand the causes for the discrepancies.
Contribution of the intensity of intraseasonal oscillation to the interannual variation of tropical cyclogenesis over the western North Pacific
Authors: Cao Xi , Wu Renguang , Xu Jing , Feng Juan , Zhang Xiping , Dai Yifeng , Liu Yuyun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The present study compares the contributions of seasonal, intraseasonal, and synoptic variations of environmental factors, i.e., mid-level moisture, vertical instability, and lower-level relative vorticity, to the interannual variation of tropical cyclone (TC) genesis over the western North Pacific (WNP) during July-August-September-October (JASO) of 1979–2015. It is found that the TC genesis frequency has a significant positive correlation with the intensity of intraseasonal oscillation, but a weak correlation with the intensity of synoptic variation of environmental factors during JASO in the WNP. In addition, the intraseasonal components of convection and lower-level vorticity at the location of TC genesis have a larger contribution than the interannual and synoptic components to the differences between more and less TC years over the WNP. The present results indicate that the intensity of intraseasonal oscillation of environmental factors has an important effect on the interannual variation of the TC genesis frequency over the WNP. This study enhances our understanding of the impacts of intraseasonal oscillation on the interannual variation of the WNP TC activity and indicates that the intensity of intraseasonal oscillation has the potential to be used in the seasonal prediction of the WNP TC genesis.
A self-powered glucose sensor based on BioCapacitor principle with micro-sized enzyme anode employing direct electron transfer type FADGDH
Authors: Lee Inyoung , Okuda-Shimazaki Junko , Tsugawa Wakako , Ikebukuro Kazunori , Sode Koji 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin; consequently, blood glucose levels increase to become abnormally high. Accordingly, the primary treatment of diabetes is to control glycemic levels continuously. To continuously control glycemic levels, several medical devices have been developed to monitor blood glucose levels, represented by sensors and monitors for the self-monitoring of blood glucose. The ultimate goal for those engaged in research to develop medical devices is to develop implantable biodevices, namely self-powered autonomously operated artificial pancreas systems. One of the most challenging issues in realizing an implantable artificial pancreas is the long-term continuous supply of electricity, which is currently dependent on rechargeable batteries, requiring periodical replacement. In this work, we report the development of a direct electron transfer type enzyme-based miniaturized self-powered glucose sensor based on the BioCapacitor principle with a micro-sized enzyme anode area (0.15 mm × 0.75 mm), which has only 0.1 mm2 of electrode surface. As a result, a BioCapacitor utilizing a biofuel cell with a micro-sized enzyme anode was operated by self-power. In addition, the glucose concentration was detected within the range from 13 mM to 100 mM based on the frequency of charge/discharge cycles of the BioCapacitor. Although further improvement of the current density of the micro-sized anode is necessary to monitor a glucose concentration range lower than 13 mM, this self-powered glucose sensor with a micro-sized electrode based on the BioCapacitor principle was operated continuously for 6.6 h at 37 °C in 100 mM potassium phosphate buffer (pH 7.0). Our success indicates the potential to realize self-powered, autonomous, and implantable sensing modules for bio devices such as glucose-sensing systems for an artificial pancreas.
Kinematic design of linkage-based haptic interfaces for medical applications: a review
Authors: Torabi Ali , Nazari Ali A , Conrad-Baldwin Everly , Zareinia Kourosh , Tavakoli Mahdi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
A haptic interface recreates haptic feedback from virtual environments or haptic teleoperation systems that engages the user’s sense of touch. High-fidelity haptic feedback is critical to the safety and success of any interaction with human beings. Such interactions can be seen in haptic systems utilized in medical fields, such as for surgical training, robotic tele-surgery, and tele-rehabilitation, which require appropriate haptic interface design and control. In order to recreate high-fidelity soft and stiff contact experiences for the user in the intended application, different designs strike different trade-offs between the desirable characteristics of an interface, such as back-drivability, low apparent inertia and low friction for the best perception of small reflected forces, large intrinsic stiffness and force feedback capability for the best perception of large reflected forces, a large-enough workspace for exploring the remote or virtual environment, and the uniformity of haptic feedback and its adequate sensitivity over the workspace. Meeting all of the requirements simultaneously is impossible, and different application-driven compromises need to be made. This paper reviews how various kinematic designs have helped address these trade-offs in desired specifications. First, we investigate the required characteristics of linkage-based haptic interfaces and inevitable trade-offs between them. Then, we study the state of the art in the kinematic design of haptic interfaces and their advantages and limitations. In all sections, we consider the applications of the intended haptic interfaces in medical scenarios. Non-linkage-based haptic interfaces are also shortly discussed to show the broad range of haptic technologies in the area. The potentials of kinematic redundancy to address the design trade-offs are introduced. Current challenges and future directions of haptic interface designs for medical applications are shortly discussed, which is finally followed by the conclusion.
Effect of pH on the Quantification of Common Chemistry Analytes in Body Fluid Specimens Using the Roche cobas Analyzer for Clinical Diagnostic Testing
Authors: Nandakumar Vijayalakshmi , Dolan Christopher T , Baumann Nikola A , Block Darci R 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
To determine the influence of pH on recovery of analytes in body fluids (BFs), investigate the mechanism of pH interference, measure the frequency of abnormal-pH BFs received, and compare pH measured by meter and paper.

Methods
We performed pH titration in residual BFs. A low-pH BF was spiked and neutralized to investigate pH interference. We measured analytes on a Roche cobas c501 analyzer (Roche Diagnostics) and calculated the percent recovery. Measurement of pH using a meter and paper was conducted on 122 BF samples received in the laboratory.

Results
Enzyme activity in BFs was unaffected when pH = 7.4-8.5 lactate dehydrogenase, pH = 7.3-10.2 amylase, pH = 6.0-9.9 lipase, and pH = 1.3-11.7 all other analytes. BFs had mean (range) pH of 8.0 (5.1-8.9), with a mean (range) difference (paper ‒ meter) of ‒0.4 (‒0.6 to 1.1).

Conclusions
Irreversible loss of enzyme activity occurs in BFs at low pH. Few clinical BFs have pH &lt; 7.0, but laboratories should incorporate pH measurement in BF workflows.
Queueing theory model of Krebs cycle
Authors: Kloska Sylwester , Pałczyński Krzysztof , Marciniak Tomasz , Talaśka Tomasz , Nitz Marissa , Wysocki Beata J , Davis Paul , Wysocki Tadeusz A 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMotivationQueueing theory can be effective in simulating biochemical reactions taking place in living cells, and the article paves a step toward development of a comprehensive model of cell metabolism. Such a model could help to accelerate and reduce costs for developing and testing investigational drugs reducing number of laboratory animals needed to evaluate drugs.ResultsThe article presents a Krebs cycle model based on queueing theory. The model allows for tracking of metabolites concentration changes in real time. To validate the model, a drug-induced inhibition affecting activity of enzymes involved in Krebs cycle was simulated and compared with available experimental data.Availabilityand implementationThe source code is freely available for download at https://github.com/UTP-WTIiE/KrebsCycleUsingQueueingTheory, implemented in C# supported in Linux or MS Windows.Supplementary informationSupplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Nutrient provisioning of its host myrmecophytic tree by a temporary social parasite of a plant-ant
Authors: Dejean Alain , Petitclerc Frédéric , Azémar Frédéric , Rossi Vivien 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne of the most advanced ant–plant mutualisms is represented by myrmecophytes sheltering colonies of some plant-ant species in hollow structures called domatia. In turn, the myrmecophytes benefit from biotic protection and sometimes nutrient provisioning (myrmecotrophy). Furthermore, over the course of evolution, some ant species have become social parasites of others. In this general context, we studied the relationship between its host trees and Azteca andreae (Dolichoderinae), a temporary social parasite of the plant-ant Azteca ovaticeps, and, as such, obligatorily associated with myrmecophytic Cecropia obtusa trees (Urticaceae). A first experiment showed that the δ15N values of the young leaves of Cecropia sheltering a mature A. andreae colony were very similar to those for trees sheltering Azteca alfari or A. ovaticeps, two typical Cecropia mutualists for which myrmecotrophy is known. In a second experiment, by injecting a 15N-labelled glycine solution into locusts given as prey to A. andreae colonies, we triggered an increase in δ15N in the young leaves of their host Cecropia. Thus, 15N passed from the prey to the host trees, explaining the outcomes of the first experiment. We discuss these results in light of the notion of ‘by-product benefits’.
Comparison of the urgent referral for suspected breast cancer process with patient age and a predictive multivariable model
Authors: Ramzi S , Cant P J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
The urgent 2-week wait referral for suspected breast cancer system (U2WW) in the UK prioritizes primary care referrals to one-stop breast clinics as ‘urgent’ or ‘choose and book’ (C&B). The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of U2WW in discriminating cancer versus no cancer, and to consider alternative criteria.

Methods
Clinical features elicited in primary care and demographics of consecutive female patients in a specialist breast clinic were collated at the time of consultation from May 2008 to July 2017. U2WW was compared with patient age alone and a multivariable model in terms of accuracy and net cost for eight underlying cost–benefit assumptions.

Results
There were 7915 eligible referrals: 4877 urgent (61.6 per cent) and 3038 C&B (38.4 per cent) referrals. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 546 patients (6.9 per cent): 491 (10.1 per cent) in urgent and 55 (1.8 per cent) in C&B referrals (P &lt; 0.001). The multivariable model summated the significant variables: age (odds ratio (OR) 1.07, 95 per cent c.i. 1.07 to 1.08), tumour (OR 4.85, 3.62 to 6.52), observed change (OR 1.73, 1.34 to 2.23), pain (OR 0.46, 0.35 to 0.61) and gravidity (OR 0.72, 0.54 to 0.95). The area under the curve was 0.651 for U2WW, 0.784 for age alone, and 0.824 for the multivariable model (P &lt;0.001 for all comparisons). Considering the cost assumptions, age alone and the multivariable model were either more accurate than U2WW, or as accurate but less costly.

Conclusion
The U2WW is surpassed by patient age as a single referral criterion. A multivariable model based on demographics and simple clinical features outperformed both. The continued use of the U2WW needs to be reconsidered.
Huntington’s disease-specific mis-splicing unveils key effector genes and altered splicing factors
Authors: Elorza Ainara , Márquez Yamile , Cabrera Jorge R , Sánchez-Trincado José Luis , Santos-Galindo María , Hernández Ivó H , Picó Sara , Díaz-Hernández Juan I , García-Escudero Ramón , Irimia Manuel , Lucas José J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Correction of mis-splicing events is a growing therapeutic approach for neurological diseases such as spinal muscular atrophy or neuronal ceroid lipofuscinosis 7, which are caused by splicing-affecting mutations. Mis-spliced effector genes that do not harbour mutations are also good candidate therapeutic targets in diseases with more complex aetiologies such as cancer, autism, muscular dystrophies or neurodegenerative diseases. Next-generation RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) has boosted investigation of global mis-splicing in diseased tissue to identify such key pathogenic mis-spliced genes. Nevertheless, while analysis of tumour or dystrophic muscle biopsies can be informative on early stage pathogenic mis-splicing, for neurodegenerative diseases, these analyses are intrinsically hampered by neuronal loss and neuroinflammation in post-mortem brains. To infer splicing alterations relevant to Huntington’s disease pathogenesis, here we performed intersect-RNA-seq analyses of human post-mortem striatal tissue and of an early symptomatic mouse model in which neuronal loss and gliosis are not yet present. Together with a human/mouse parallel motif scan analysis, this approach allowed us to identify the shared mis-splicing signature triggered by the Huntington’s disease-causing mutation in both species and to infer upstream deregulated splicing factors. Moreover, we identified a plethora of downstream neurodegeneration-linked mis-spliced effector genes that—together with the deregulated splicing factors—become new possible therapeutic targets. In summary, here we report pathogenic global mis-splicing in Huntington’s disease striatum captured by our new intersect-RNA-seq approach that can be readily applied to other neurodegenerative diseases for which bona fide animal models are available.
Host versus cell-dependent effects of β-arrestin 1 expression in prostate tumorigenesis
Authors: Adekoya Timothy O , Smith Nikia , Thomas Ariel J , Lane Tonya S , Burnette Nija , Rivers Elizabeth J , Li Yahui , Chen Xiaoxin L , Richardson Ricardo M 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProstate cancer (PCa) constitutes a serious health challenge and remains one of the main causes of cancer-related death among men. The more aggressive form of the disease has been attributed to androgen independence, resulting in a lack of response to androgen deprivation therapy and sustained activation of other growth pathways. The scaffold proteins β-arrestin 1 and 2 (βarr1 and βarr2), which are known to mediate G protein-coupled receptor desensitization and internalization, were also shown to modulate prostate tumorigenesis. βarr1 is significantly overexpressed (&gt;4-fold) in PCa cells relative to βarr2. In this study, we investigated the effect of βarr1 overexpression in PCa development and progression using the mouse and human PCa cell xenografts, and autochthonous transgenic adenocarcinoma of the mouse prostate (TRAMP) models deficient in β-arrestin depletion of βarr1 in TRAMP mice (TRAMP/βarr1−/−) increased PCa growth and decreased overall survival relative to control TRAMP or TRAMP/βarr2−/− animals. Prostate tissues from TRAMP/βarr1−/− tumors displayed an increase in androgen receptor (AR) expression, whereas overexpression of βarr1 in TRAMP-C1 (TRAMP-C1-βarr1-GFP) which derived from TRAMP decreased AR expression, cell proliferation and tumor growth in nude mice xenografts, relative to control TRAMP-C1-GFP. Knockdown of βarr1 expression in human MDA PCa 2b cells (MDA PCa 2b-βarr1−/−) also decreased AR expression cell proliferation and tumor growth relative to control (MDA PCa 2b-Sham) cells. Interestingly, both TRAMP-C1-βarr1-GFP and MDA PCa 2b-βarr1−/− xenografts showed a decrease in AKT phosphorylation but an increase in MAPK activation. Altogether, the data indicate that the effect of βarr1 in modulating AR signaling to regulate PCa aggressiveness is cell and host autonomous.