bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Measuring COVID-19 Vaccination Coverage to Support Healthcare Equity Decision-Making in Urban Areas
Authors: Mohammadi Alireza , Mollalo Abolfazl , Bergquist Robert , Kiani Behzad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Limited studies have been conducted on access to COVID-19 vaccines and identifying the most appropriate health centres for performing vaccination in metropolitan areas. This study aimed to measure potential spatial access to COVID-19 vaccination centres in Mashhad, the second-most populous city in Iran.Methods: The age structure of the urban census tracts was integrated into the enhanced two-step floating catchment area model to improve accuracy. The model was developed based on three different scenarios: only public hospitals, only public healthcare centres, and the top 20% healthcare centres were employed as potential vaccination facilities. The weighted decision-matrix and analytic hierarchy process based on four criteria (i.e. service area, accessibility index, capacity of vaccination centres, and distance to main roads) were used to choose potential vaccination centres with the highest suitability for residents.Results: Our findings indicate that including the both public hospitals and public healthcare centres can provide high accessibility to vaccination in central parts of the urban areas. However, using only public healthcare centres for vaccination can provide higher accessibility to vaccination sites in the eastern and north-eastern parts of the study area. Therefore, a combination of public hospitals and public healthcare centres is recommended for efficient vaccination coverage.Conclusions: Measuring spatial access to COVID-19 vaccination centres can provide valuable insights for urban public health decision-makers. Our model, coupled with geographical information systems (GIS), provides more efficient vaccination coverage by identifying the most suitable healthcare centres, which is of special importance when only few centres are available.
Centromere Size Scales With Genome Size Across Eukaryotes
Authors: Plačková Klára , Bureš Petr , Zedek František 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Previous studies on grass species suggested that the total centromere size (sum of all centromere sizes in a cell) may be determined by the genome size, possibly because stable scaling is important for proper cell division. Here we analyze the total centromere size using the CenH3-immunofluorescence area as a proxy in 130 taxa including plants, animals, fungi, and protists. We verified the reliability of our methodological approach by comparing our measurements with available ChIP-seq-based measurements of the size of CenH3-binding domains. Data based on these two independent methods showed the same positive relationship between the total centromere size and genome size. Our results demonstrate that the genome size is a strong predictor (R-squared = 0.964) of the total centromere size universally across Eukaryotes. We also show that this relationship is independent of phylogenetic relatedness and centromere type (monocentric, metapolycentric, and holocentric), implying a common mechanism maintaining stable total centromere size in Eukaryotes.
Boron Efficient Sugar Beet (Beta Vulgaris L.) Variety Relieve The Symptoms of Boron Deficiency By Enhancing The Antioxidation And Boron Utilization Capacity of The Root System
Authors: Wang Xiangling , Wu Zhenzhen , Song Baiquan , Zhao Xiaoyu , Song Xin 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
(Aims) Sugar beet is one of the most sensitive crops to boron and boron deficiency inhibits the root growth and causes hollow symptoms in beets. However, how the roots of boron efficient sugar beet variety adapt to the morphology, physiological, and transcriptome mechanisms of boron deficiency are rarely reported. (Method) Thus, the present study was carried out with B efficient sugar beet variety (H, KWS1197) and B inefficient variety (L, KWS0143), and two B levels i.e., B0.1 (0.1 μM H3BO3, deficiency) and B50 (50 μM H3BO3, control) were designed for hydroponic experiment. (Result) Boron deficiency reduced the total root length, root forks, and root biomass of sugar beet. Compared with L variety, H variety have higher boron transport coefficient, boron distribution ratio above ground, peroxidase and catalase activities, lower malondialdehyde content and reactive oxygen species accumulation. Transcriptome data showed that the two comparison groups, HB0.1 vs HB50 and LB0.1 vs LB50, were enriched for 537 and 257 differentially expressed genes, respectively. The H variety mainly induced and regulated the GO term enrichment associated with antioxidant and stress resistance. On the contrary, the L variety induced cell death and negative regulation of biological and metabolic processes. (Conclusion) B efficient variety specifically up-regulated boron deficiency response genes to activate the antioxidant enzyme system, promoted rational root configuration, and enhance plant growth anti-oxidation and resistance to boron deficiency. The results of this study serve as a theoretical basis of screening candidate genes that respond to boron deficiency and adaptation mechanism of boron deficiency.
The Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA) Tool: A Feasibility Pilot Study
Authors: Oyedeji Charity I. , Hall Katherine , Luciano Alison , Morey Miriam C. , Strouse John J. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: The life expectancy for individuals with sickle cell disease (SCD) has greatly increased over the last 50 years. Adults with SCD experience multiple complications such as cardiopulmonary disease, strokes, and avascular necrosis that lead to limitations that geriatric populations often experience. There are no dedicated instruments to measure functional decline and functional age to determine risk of future adverse outcomes in older adults with SCD. The objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of performing the Sickle Cell Disease Functional Assessment (SCD-FA).Methods: We enrolled 40 adults with SCD (20 younger adults age 18-49 years as a comparison group and 20 older adults age 50 years and older) in a single-center prospective cohort study. Participants were recruited from a single comprehensive sickle cell clinic in an academic center in the southeastern United States. We included measures validated in an oncology geriatric assessment enriched with additional physical, cognitive, and patient-reported measures at the intersection of sickle cell disease and geriatrics. The primary outcome was the proportion completing the assessment. Secondary outcomes were the proportion consenting, duration of the assessment, acceptability, and adverse events.Results: Eighty percent (44/55) of individuals approached consented, 91% (40/44) completed the SCD-FA in its entirety, and the median duration was 89 minutes (IQR 80-98). There were no identified adverse events. On the acceptability survey, 95% (38/40) reported the length as appropriate, 2.5% (1/40) reported a question as upsetting, and 5% (2/40) reported portions as difficult. Exploratory analyses of physical function showed 63% (25/40) had a slow usual gait speed (< 1.2 meter/second).Conclusion: The SCD-FA is feasible, acceptable, and safe and physical performance tests were useful in identifying functional impairments in adults with SCD. These findings will inform the next phase of the study where we will assess the validity of the SCD-FA to predict patient-important outcomes in a larger sample of adults with SCD.
Sitafloxacin Inhibits TNFα Release from Monocytic THP-1 Cells Stimulated by LPS
Authors: Sakamaki Ippei , Fukushi Michika , Itoh Kazuhiro , Ohashi Wakana , Tomihara Kei , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Iwasaki Hiromichi 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Sepsis is a systemic reaction to infection and excessive production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. It sometimes results in septic shock. The present study was designated to find out which quinolone antibiotic reduces TNFα production the most and to elucidate its mechanisms. We examined which quinolone antibiotic reduced TNFα production from THP-1 cells stimulated by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Then, we examined the mechanism of inhibition of TNFα production by the antibiotic. STFX most effectively reduced TNFα concentrations within LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells supernatant. STFX suppressed TNFα production in a dose-dependent manner. We found that STFX did not inhibit the NF-kB, ERK, or p38 pathways, nor did it inhibit the production of TNFα mRNA. The percentage of intracellular TNFα was increased in cells stimulated by LPS and with STFX compared to that of cells stimulated by LPS alone. In conclusion, one of the mechanisms reducing TNFα production from LPS-stimulated THP-1 cells treated with STFX involves inhibition of TNFα release from these cells. STFX has a broad antimicrobial spectrum for gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria, and may be effective for treating sepsis by both killing bacteria and suppressing inflammation.
Thermal Conductivity of Epoxy Composites Modified by Microspheric Molybdenum Disulfide
Authors: Liu Zhen , Jia Yuan , Yang Juxiang , Shi Ruifeng 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
In order to improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy resins (EP) without reducing their dielectric properties, a kind of molybdenum disulfide with microspheres structure (S-MoS2) was prepared via surfactant promoting hydrothermal process based on the sodium molybdate, thiosemicarbazide, and sodium dodecyl sulfate. The S-MoS2 was then used as modifiers to add into EP matrix to prepare a new kind of S-MoS2/EP composites. The morphology of the prepared S-MoS2 was observed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) scanning electron microscopy (SEM), while the influence of different S-MoS2 loading on the dielectric properties, thermal conductivity and thermal resistance of S-MoS2/EP composites was also researched. The results suggested that the reasonable content of S-MoS2 can highly improve the thermal conductivity of S-MoS2/EP, which can be attributed to the excellent thermal resistant and uniform dispersion of S-MoS2 in EP matrix.
Prenatal exposure to metals and neurodevelopment in infants at six months: Rio Birth Cohort Study of Environmental Exposure and Childhood Development (PIPA Project).
Authors: Araujo Monica Seefelder de Assis , de figueiredo Nataly Damasceno , Flho Jorge Fonte de Rezende , Junior Joffre Amim , Martins Marlos Melo , Neto Santos Alves Vicentini , Santos Lisia Maria Gobbo dos , Jaco Silvana do Couto , Camara Volney Magalhães , Luiz Ronir Raggio , Barbosa Arnaldo Prata , Asmus Carmen Ildes Rodrigues Froes 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The PIPA Project is a prospective birth cohort study based in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, whose pilot study was carried out between October 2017 and August 2018. Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and mercury (Hg) concentrations were determined in maternal (n = 49) and umbilical cord blood (n = 46). The Denver Developmental Screening Test II (DDST-II) was applied in 50 six-month-old infants. Metals were detected in 100% of the mother and newborn samples above the limits of detection. Maternal blood lead concentrations were higher in premature newborns (GM: 5.72 µg/dL; p = 0.05). One-third of the infants (17–33%) exhibited at least one fail in the neurodevelopment evaluation (fail group). Maternal blood arsenic concentrations were significantly (p = 0.02) higher in the "fail group" (GM: 11.85 µg /L) compared to infants who did not fail (not fail group) (GM: 8.46 µg /L). Maternal and umbilical cord blood arsenic concentrations were higher in all Denver Test’s domains (except personal/social) in the “fail group”, albeit non-statistically significant. These findings indicate the need to further investigate the toxic effects of prenatal exposure to metals on infant neurodevelopment.
White Matter Integrity Changes and Neurocognitive Functioning in Adult-Late Onset DM1: A Follow-Up DTI Study
Authors: Labayru Garazi , Camino-Pontes Borja , Jimenez-Marin Antonio , Garmendia Joana , Villanua Jorge , Zulaica Miren , Cortes Jesus M , de Munain Adolfo López , Sistiaga Andone 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Background: Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1 (DM1) is a multisystemic disease that affects gray and white matter (WM) tissues. WM changes in DM1 include increased hyperintensities and altered tract integrity distributed in a widespread manner. However, the precise spatiotemporal changes are yet undetermined. Methods: MRI data were acquired from 8 adult- and late-onset DM1 patients and 10 healthy controls (HC) at two different timepoints over 9.06 years. Fractional anisotropy (FA) variations were assessed with Tract-Based Spatial Statistics. Transversal and longitudinal intra- and intergroup analyses were conducted, along with correlation analyses with clinical and neuropsychological data.Results: At baseline, reduced FA values were found in patients in the uncinate, anterior-thalamic, fronto-occipital, and longitudinal tracts. At follow-up, the WM disconnection was shown to have spread from the frontal part to the rest of the tracts in the brain. Furthermore, WM lesion burden was negatively correlated with FA values, while visuo-construction and intellectual functioning were positively correlated with global and regional FA values at follow-up.Conclusion: DM1 patients showed a pronounced WM integrity loss over time compared to HC, with a neurodegeneration pattern that suggests a progressive anterior-posterior disconnection. The visuo-construction domain stands out as the most sensitive neuropsychological measure for WM microstructural impairment.
A novel approach for evaluating antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 using menstrual blood collected from sanitary napkins before and after vaccination and evaluation of the visual napkin score
Authors: Shirasawa Hiromitsu , Kumazawa Yukiyo , Kushima Shiori , Fujishima Ayaka , Sato Wataru , Togashi Kazue , Goto Mayumi , Takahashi Kazumasa , Sato Emiko , Terada Yukihiro 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Peripheral blood is mainly used for SARS-CoV-2 antibody testing. We evaluated menstrual blood, which can be collected noninvasively from sanitary napkins, as a specimen type for antibody testing. We also evaluated the visual napkin score and examined the relationship between the amount of menstrual blood collected. We tested napkins from 40 participants; 77.5% of samples could be tested with the antibody testing kits. In 35 unvaccinated participants, there were no IgG or IgM positive results. In five vaccinated participants, IgG was positive in 100% of samples and IgM was positive in 60%. Four antibody test kits were used in this study. The results also differed depending on the antigen targeted by each antibody. The evaluation of antibodies using menstrual blood from napkins might have public health applications in the future as napkins could be developed into wearable monitoring sensors.
Joining YSZ electrolyte to AISI 441 interconnect for solid oxide cells using the Ag interlayer: Enhanced mechanical and aging properties
Authors: Si Xiaoqing , Wang Xiaoyang , Li Chun , Lin Tong , Qi Junlei , Cao Jian 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Conventional Ag-CuO braze can lead to two electrolyte/interconnect joining issues: over-oxidation at the steel interconnect and hydrogen-induced decomposition of CuO. This work demonstrates that a pure Ag interlayer, instead of Ag-CuO braze, can join YSZ electrolyte to AISI 441 interconnect in air. Reliable joining between YSZ and AISI 441 can be realized at 920 °C. A dense and thin oxide layer (~2 μm) is formed at the AISI 441 interface. Also, an interatomic joining at the YSZ/Ag interface is detected by TEM observation. Obtained joints display high shear strengths (~86.1 MPa), 161% higher than that of joints brazed by Ag-CuO braze (~33 MPa). After aging in reducing and oxidizing atmospheres (800 °C/300 h), joints remain tight and dense, indicating a better aging performance. This technique eliminates the CuO-induced issues, which will extend lifetimes for SOFC/SOEC stacks and other ceramic/metal joining applications.
Manipulation of Majorana bound states in proximity to a quantum ring with Rashba coupling
Authors: Medina Fabían Gonzalo , Martínez Dunkan , Díaz-Fernández Alvaro , Domínguez-Adame Francisco , Rosales Luis , Orellana Pedro A. 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The quest for Majorana zero modes in the laboratory is an active field of research in condensed matter physics. In this regard, there have been many theoretical proposals; however, their experimental detection remains elusive. In this article, we present a realistic setting by considering a quantum ring with Rashba spin-orbit coupling and threaded by a magnetic flux, in contact with a topological superconducting nanowire. We focus on spin-polarized persistent currents to assess the existence of Majorana zero modes. We find that the Rashba spin-orbit coupling allows for tuning the position of the zero modes and has sizable effects on spin-polarized persistent currents. Our results pave the way towards probing the existence of Majorana zero modes.
Association Analysis of KIR/HLA Genotype with Liver Cirrhosis, Hepatocellular Carcinoma, and NUC Freedom in Chronic Hepatitis B Patients
Authors: Joshita Satoru , Ota Masao , Kobayashi Hiroyuki , Wakabayashi Shun-ichi , Yamashita Yuki , Sugiura Ayumi , Yamazaki Tomoo , Tanaka Eiji , Umemura Takeji 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Natural killer cells are modulated through the binding of killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptors (KIRs) with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I ligands. This study investigated the association of KIR/HLA pairs with progression to liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development, and nucleot(s)ide (NUC) treatment freedom in hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. KIR, HLA-Bw, and HLA-C were genotyped in 280 Japanese HBV patients for clinical comparisons. The proportion of the KIR2DS4/HLA-C2 pair was significantly higher in patients with liver cirrhosis (n = 40) than in those without (n = 240) (12.5% vs. 4.2%, odds ratio [OR] 3.29, P = 0.029). The KIR2DS3 positive rate was significantly higher in patients with HCC (n = 39) than in those without (n = 241) (30.8% vs. 14.9%, OR 2.53, P = 0.015). The KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4 pair rate was significantly lower in the NUC freedom group (n = 20) than in the NUC continue group (n = 114) (25.0% vs. 52.6%, OR 0.30, P = 0.042). In conclusions, this study revealed significant KIR/HLA associations with progression to liver cirrhosis (KIR2DS4/HLA-C2), HCC development (KIR2DS3), and freedom from NUC therapy (KIR3DL1/HLA-Bw4) in HBV patients. KIR/HLA pairs may therefore play a role in HBV patient status.
Towards sustainable landscape irrigation using novel design of water collecting systems from atmospheric humidity condensation
Authors: Aldeek Zaid 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
The paper proposes an innovative improvement to the water collectors from atmospheric humidity condensation by introducing non-hydrophobic substances to speed up the water condensation and the dropping off process using simple technology, inexpensive and with high quality materials with the finality to favor sustainable irrigation in regions characterized by water resources scarcity favoring greening generally. The innovative collector’ design and experimentation conduced confirm the possibility to collect water from air humidity in different regions with reduced rain days as semi desertic zones enhancing the gain of desertification process, harvesting water in urban landscape, in vertical greening and roof gardens. The first principal innovative aspect of the novel design collector is the fast capacity of condensation caused from the method of design of the used materials and fast capacity of releasing water collected to contrast the undesired evaporations. The second innovative aspect is the reduced volume to permit a diffused and unexpensive implants which can be distribute suitably on the targeted landscape. Reduced costs and simplicity of fabrication announce real possibility of use in underdeveloped and poor countries to increase vegetation diffusion firstly and contributing on sustainable agriculture and architecture.
Use of nanofiltration concentrates of buttermilk and whey for fermented dairy products with increased mass content of protein
Authors: Ostreczova N. G. , Bobrova A. V. 
Published: July 2021

Baromembrane methods, in particular, nanofiltration, open up broad opportunities in the field of obtaining dairy products with a high protein content in terms of quality and energy saving. This paper describes the feasibility of using buttermilk and cheese whey concentrates obtained by nanofiltration in the production of fermented milk products. The physicochemical, rheological and organoleptic studies of nanofiltration concentrates of buttermilk and cheese whey made it possible to select concentrates with a mass fraction of dry substances of 20% for further research. Electron microscopic studies of the microstructure of buttermilk, whey and their concentrates with a mass fraction of dry substances of 20% showed that when buttermilk was concentrated by nanofiltration, the average diameter of dispersed particles did not increase and amounted to (130 ± 30) nm. The grid cells size decreased by 3.2 times; in serum concentration, the particle size increased by 1.7 times with a decrease in the grid cells size by 1.3 times. The obtained data make it possible to predict the positive effect of this concentration method on the consistency of fermented milk products. The use of the combined milk base with a ratio of buttermilk concentrate (20% dry matter) to whey concentrate (20% dry matter) of 50:50 and 75:25 is substantiated, providing a complete protein content of 4.4–5.6% in fermented milk products. A high rate of acid formation and a good water-holding capacity of acid clots were established when fermenting with a starter culture containing thermophilic streptococcus and acidophilic bacillus in a ratio of 4:1. The obtained results make it possible to expand the range of fermented milk products with an increased mass fraction of protein for good nutrition of the population.
Potential of harvesting water from fog and dew water over semi-arid and arid regions in Syria
Authors: Khalil Majd M. , Kara-Ali Ahmad , Assad Mohamad 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
Water is a significant primary resource on the Earth's surface. Fresh water is essential for human beings and for the stability and sustainable development of any nation. Many regions in the interior of Syria have an insufficient water balance. This has caused severe shortages of freshwater as a result of climate change. Syria's main source of fresh water, rivers and groundwater, suffers from low levels due to the lack of rainfall amounts. The war in Syria exacerbated water stress, in particular the effects of the war on water sources such as the Euphrates River and the ‘Feijah’ source that feeds the capital Damascus. All of this has prompted us to seek other non-traditional sources such as atmospheric water, which is a renewable and relatively clean source. This paper is considered to be the first of its kind in Syria. Experimental results from semi-arid and arid regions have shown good potential for harvesting dew and fog water as a supplementary and complementary source to the existing freshwater supply.