bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel putative polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic degrading enzymes from the environmental metagenome
Authors: Karunatillaka Isuru , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Godzik Adam 
Published: September 2021

AbstractSeveral plastic degrading enzymes have been described in the literature, most notably PETases that are capable of hydrolyzing polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic. One of them, the PETase from Ideonella sakaiensis, a bacterium isolated from environmental samples within a PET bottle recycling site, was a subject of extensive studies. To test how widespread PETase functionality is in other bacterial communities, we used a cascade of BLAST searches in the JGI metagenomic datasets and showed that close homologs of I. sakaiensis PETase can also be found in other metagenomic environmental samples from both human‐affected and relatively pristine sites. To confirm their classification as putative PETases, we verified that the newly identified proteins have the PETase sequence signatures common to known PETases and that phylogenetic analyses group them with the experimentally characterized PETases. Additionally, docking analysis was performed in order to further confirm the functional assignment of the putative environmental PETases.
Delhi Model with Chemistry and aerosol framework (DM‐Chem) for high‐resolution fog forecasting
Authors: Jayakumar A. , Gordon Hamish , Francis Timmy , Hill Adrian A. , Mohandas Saji , Sandeepan B. S. , Mitra A. K. , Beig Gufran 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe introduce here the Delhi Model with Chemistry and aerosol framework (DM‐Chem), a high‐resolution (330 m) visibility and fog forecasting model with the UK Chemistry and Aerosol scheme. DM‐Chem is developed at the National Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasting (NCMRWF) in collaboration with UK Met Office and Carnegie Mellon University. We present a revised visibility scheme here which uses prognostic aerosols (mass and number concentration) from the two‐moment prognostic Global Model of Aerosol Processes (GLOMAP) ‐mode aerosol scheme. This scheme represents aerosol microphysical processes and the internal mixing of chemical components within five log‐normal size modes. The cloud microphysics parameterization also makes use of the GLOMAP scheme to predict cloud droplet number concentration (). Therefore we are able to evaluate the performance of the scheme indirectly by comparing the predicted with that derived from Moderate‐Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) retrievals over the Indo‐Gangetic Plain. Aerosol emissions for the inner (330 m) nest are prescribed with a high‐resolution inventory for Delhi, from the System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting project (SAFAR). Winter‐time stubble burning is represented using the MODIS‐based Fire Energetics and Emissions Research inventory, updated daily. In this article we consider case studies spanning both foggy and haze days of winter 2019–2020. The model compares well with the observed visibility and its spatial and diurnal patterns. The SAFAR emissions help improve the near‐surface model fields. For the “haze” case, the single scattering albedo (SSA) is high along the regions of high AOD, and the surface radiative cooling is enhanced. During the “foggy” case, the SSA is not clearly related to AOD, but aerosol absorption does lead to a minor surface warming via the semi‐direct effect at the time of onset of fog. The DM‐Chem entered operational mode at NCMRWF from winter 2020 and provides high‐resolution visibility forecast for Delhi and the adjoining region.
A case of intradiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst with an abnormally high serum level of CA19‐9
Authors: Kamimura Go , Ueda Kazuhiro , Suzuki Soichi , Aoki Masaya , Nagata Toshiyuki , Sato Masami 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBronchogenic cysts that occur within the diaphragm are rare and difficult to diagnose preoperatively. We experienced the case of a patient with an abnormally high serum carbohydrate antigen 19‐9 (CA19‐9) level before surgery. The diagnosis of intradiaphragmatic bronchogenic cyst was made at the time of surgery. The patient was a 50‐year‐old woman with upper abdominal pain with an incidentally elevated serum CA19‐9. Although the tumour location could not be established on images, a tumour within the diaphragm was confirmed during the operation. The diaphragm was incised and the tumour was removed together with the capsule. Bronchial cysts were diagnosed histopathologically, and immunohistochemical examination revealed that the bronchial epithelial cells were positive for CA19‐9. When managing patients with bronchogenic cysts in the diaphragm, it is difficult to make a preoperative diagnosis or determine the location of the tumour; thus, careful planning is required before surgery.
Green Synthesis of Pyrazolo Pyrano Pyrimidine Derivatives Using ZnFe2O4/GA as a New Effective Catalyst in Water Media
Authors: Amini Haneye , Neamani Shekofeh , Moradi Leila 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNowadays, Solid acid catalysts which are the great replacement for the homogenous acid catalysts have attracted a great attention. In this research, glutamic acid anchored on ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles (ZnFe2O4/GA) was prepared as a reusable heterogeneous catalyst. FT‐IR, FESEM, SEM, EDX, XRD, TEM VSM and TGA analysis proved the structure of the prepared composite. The obtained catalyst was applied for the green synthesis of some pyrazolo pyrano pyrimidines through the four component reaction. The products were achieved in high to excellent yields and characterized using spectroscopic methods.
Michael/Michael Addition Cascade of 2‐Benzylidene‐1‐indanones with Chalcones: Synthesis and Biological Evaluations of Novel Polycyclic Compounds
Authors: Gezegen Hayreddin , Tutar Uğur , Hepokur Ceylan , Tüzün Gamze , Atioğlu Zeliha , Akkurt Mehmet 
Published: September 2021

AbstractA series of novel racemic 2‐aryloyl‐1,3‐diaryl‐2,3,3a,8a‐tetrahydrocyclopenta[a]inden‐8(1H)‐one derivatives were synthesized from KOtBu mediated Michael/Michael addition reaction of 2‐benzylidene‐1‐indanones with chalcones in high yields. This method provides an efficient route for the synthesis of a new class of polycyclic compounds have five stereo centers. The obtained polycyclic compounds were evaluated for the antimicrobial and anticancer activities against fifteen microorganism and three cell lines. The compound 3 r have the best activity value against the cells (MCF‐7 IC50=18.01±0.39 μg/mL) (MDA‐MB‐ 231 IC50=18.78±1.75 μg/mL) (MCF‐10 A IC50=31.31±0.05 μg/mL).
Bacteria‐Targeted MRI Probe‐Based Imaging Bacterial Infection and Monitoring Antimicrobial Therapy In Vivo
Authors: Li Linyao , Gu Peilin , Hao Mengqi , Xiang Xiaoli , Feng Yuting , Zhu Xiaokang , Song Yang , Song Erqun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDespite the significant advances of imaging techniques nowadays, accurate diagnosis of bacterial infections and real‐time monitoring the efficacy of antibiotic therapy in vivo still remain huge challenges. Herein, a self‐assembling peptide (FFYEGK) and vancomycin (Van) antibiotic molecule co‐modified gadolinium (Gd) MRI nanoaggregate probe (GFV) for detecting Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection in vivo and monitoring the treatment of S. aureus‐infected myositis by using daptomycin (Dap) antibiotic as model are designed and fabricated. The as‐prepared GFV probe bears Van molecules, making itself good bacteria‐specific targeting, and the peptide in the probe can enhance the longitudinal relaxivity rate (r1) after self‐assembly due to the π–π stacking. The study showed that, based on the GFV probe, bacterial infections and sterile inflammation can be discriminated, and as few as 105 cfu S. aureus can be detected in vivo with high specificity and accurately. Moreover, the T1 signal of GFV probe at the S. aureus‐infected site in mice correlates with the increasing time of Dap treating, indicating the possibility of monitoring the efficacy of antibacterial agents for infected mice based on the as proposed GFV probe. This study shows the potential of GFV probe for diagnosis, evaluation, and prognosis of infectious diseases in clinics.
Dual‐Functional MgO Nanocrystals Satisfying Both Polysulfides and Li Regulation toward Advanced Lithium−Sulfur Full Batteries
Authors: Wang Peng , Xi Baojuan , Zhang Zhengchunyu , Song Ning , Chen Weihua , Feng Jinkui , Xiong Shenglin 
Published: September 2021

AbstractLithium–sulfur battery (LSB) is regarded as a preferential option for next‐generation energy‐storage system, but the lithium polysulfides (LiPSs) shuttling effect and the uncontrollable growth of dendritic Li in the anode impede its commercial viability. To address both of the issues simultaneously, a well‐designed hybrid of MgO ultrafine nanocrystals dispersed on graphene‐supported carbon nanosheets (MCG) is developed via a facile self‐template strategy as dual‐functional host for both sulfur and lithium. Relying on the coordination of strong LiPS‐capturing capability, the shuttling effect is inhibited. Furthermore, the lithiophilic configuration with high specific surface area induce homogenous Li deposition, thus preventing the formation of disordered lithium dendrite. Integrating all these advantages, a full cell based on S@MCG cathode and Li@MCG@Cu anode exhibits a stable capacity at 0.5 C for 150 cycles with a low capacity fading rate. Furthermore, the full cell achieves a high capacity retention of 85.5% at a high S areal loading of 3.82 mg cm−2 under the condition of a low electrolyte/sulfur ratio (E/S) of 6.5 µL mg−1 and negative/positive capacity ratio (N/P) of 3. This strategy satisfying both cathode and anode host provides a viable approach to realize high‐energy‐density and dendrite‐free LSBs.
ZnFe2O4 Dendrite/SnO2 Helix 3D Hetero‐Structure Photoanodes for Enhanced Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting: Triple Functions of SnO2 Nanohelix
Authors: Kim Jeong Hun , Choi Il Yong , Kim Jin Hyun , Kim Jaerim , Kim Young Kyeong , Kim Jong Kyu , Lee Jae Sung 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAn array of SnO2 nanohelix structures is employed to fabricate a SnO2 helix@ZnFe2O4 dendrite core‐shell 3D heterostructure photoanode for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. The SnO2 helix provides triple critical functions to enhance the PEC performance of the photoanode. First, it scatters the incident light to achieve a higher light harvesting efficiency. Second, it provides a facile electron pathway as an electron transfer layer (ETL) while blocking hole transport to mitigate charge recombination in the bulk of ZnFe2O4. Finally, it becomes a template for the formation of ZnFe2O4 dendrite nanostructure shell. The ZnFe2O4 dendrite/SnO2 helix photoanode exhibits a remarkable increase in incident photon‐to‐electron conversion efficiency compared to unmodified ZnFe2O4 with no ETL and modified one with "flat" SnO2 ETL. The surface of the ZnFe2O4/SnO2 helix photoanode is further modified with TiO2 passivation layer and NiFeOx oxygen evolution co‐catalyst to achieve one of the best PEC performances among reported ZnFe2O4‐based photoanodes.
Use of thoracic ultrasound on Scottish dairy cattle farms to support the diagnosis and treatment of bovine respiratory disease in calves
Authors: Baxter‐Smith Katharine , More James , Hyde Robert 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBackgroundBovine respiratory disease (BRD) is common in cattle youngstock on UK dairy farms. The current diagnostic methods lack sensitivity and specificity. Thoracic ultrasound (TUS) is a relatively new BRD diagnostic tool with increased accuracy.MethodData were collected from TUS examinations of 347 calves on Scottish dairy farms and compared to farmer BRD treatment rates. A calf health scoring tool was used to collect information on youngstock health and management on these farms.ResultsOf 347 ultrasonographic examinations, 53 (15.3%) were classified as abnormal and 294 (84.7%) as normal. Of the 53 calves classified as abnormal, only 13 (24.5%) were treated by the farmer; however, of the 294 classified as normal, 22 (7.5%) were treated.ConclusionThe results indicated farmers were misdiagnosing BRD in youngstock. Use of TUS on UK farms may improve diagnostic rates and accuracy, reduce the unnecessary use of antimicrobials and demonstrate the value of preventive healthcare programmes.
Optimization of the ultraviolet–visible absorption properties of nano‐particle TiO2: Influence of milling, surface area and surfactants on particle‐size distribution, and stability of isocyanate/acrylic paints
Authors: Allen Norman S. , Edge Michele , Hill Claire , Kerrod Julie Maltby 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe ultraviolet–visible (UV–Vis) absorption properties of a range of nano‐particle titanium dioxides have been optimized and interrelated to the effects of the nature of calcination versus wet milling methodologies. Different inorganic and organic surfactants and surface treatments were also assessed. The TiO2 particles as prepared were characterized using X‐Ray diffraction spectrometry (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), BET, UV/Vis spectroscopy, and CPS disk centrifuge. Data are related to their spectral absorption properties and weathering stability in an isocyanate‐acrylic coating via gloss retention and weight loss. The choice of particle size is a compromise between UVA absorption, UVB absorption, visible transmission, and photoactivity. It is demonstrated that TiO2 with a crystallite size of 25 nm yields a product with the optimum properties. A method using UV/visible absorption spectroscopy has been developed and found to give excellent sensitivity to particle size was shown with CPS (disk centrifuge). It is shown to be a useful way to assess nano‐TiO2 dispersions. The wet milling of the base TiO2 before surface treatment was also optimized utilizing different dispersants. It was shown that using the ratio of absorbance at 300:550 nm is a good approximation for the ratio of the whole area under the curve in the UV spectrum to that in the visible region. This was used as an indication of the generation of smaller fragments generated by milling the larger aggregates. The particle‐size distribution and nature of the wet‐milling process significantly influenced the subsequent accelerated ATLAS weathering performance of the titania particles in an isocyanate‐acrylic coating.
Applications of the versatile CRISPR‐Cas13 RNA targeting system
Authors: Kordyś Martyna , Sen Raneet , Warkocki Zbigniew 
Published: September 2021

AbstractCRISPR‐Cas are adaptable natural prokaryotic defense systems that act against invading viruses and plasmids. Among the six currently known major CRISPR‐Cas types, the type VI CRISPR‐Cas13 is the only one known to exclusively bind and cleave foreign RNA. Within the last couple of years, this system has been adapted to serve numerous, and sometimes not obvious, applications, including some that might be developed as effective molecular therapies. Indeed, Cas13 has been adapted to kill antibiotic‐resistant bacteria. In a cell‐free environment, Cas13 has been used in the development of highly specific, sensitive, multiplexing‐capable, and field‐adaptable detection tools. Importantly, Cas13 can be reprogrammed and applied to eukaryotes to either combat pathogenic RNA viruses or in the regulation of gene expression, facilitating the knockdown of mRNA, circular RNA, and noncoding RNA. Furthermore, Cas13 has been harnessed for in vivo RNA modifications including programmable regulation of alternative splicing, A‐to‐I and C to U editing, and m6A modifications. Finally, approaches allowing for the detection and characterization of RNA‐interacting proteins have also been demonstrated. Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the applications utilizing CRISPR‐Cas13 that illustrate its versatility. We also discuss the most important limitations of the CRISPR‐Cas13‐based technologies, and controversies regarding them.This article is categorized under:
RNA Methods > RNA Analyses in Cells
RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification
RNA Interactions with Proteins and Other Molecules > Protein‐RNA Interactions: Functional Implications
Swampland geometry and the gauge couplings
Authors: Cecotti Sergio 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this paper is two-fold. First we review in detail the geometric aspects of the swampland program for supersymmetric 4d effective theories using a new and unifying language we dub “domestic geometry”, the generalization of special Kähler geometry which does not require the underlying manifold to be Kähler or have a complex structure. All 4d SUGRAs are described by domestic geometry. As special Kähler geometries, domestic geometries carry formal brane amplitudes: when the domestic geometry describes the supersymmetric low-energy limit of a consistent quantum theory of gravity, its formal brane amplitudes have the right properties to be actual branes. The main datum of the domestic geometry of a 4d SUGRA is its gauge coupling, seen as a map from a manifold which satisfies the geometric Ooguri-Vafa conjectures to the Siegel variety; to understand the properties of the quantum-consistent gauge couplings we discuss several novel aspects of such “Ooguri-Vafa” manifolds, including their Liouville properties.Our second goal is to present some novel speculation on the extension of the swampland program to non-supersymmetric effective theories of gravity. The idea is that the domestic geometric description of the quantum-consistent effective theories extends, possibly with some qualifications, also to the non-supersymmetric case.
Plasticity and flexibility in the anti-predator responses of treefrog tadpoles
Authors: Sergio Castellano , Luca Racca , Olivier Friard 
Published: September 2021

AbstractTadpoles can respond to perceived predation risk by adjusting their life history, morphology, and behavior in an adaptive way. Adaptive phenotypic plasticity can evolve by natural selection only if there is variation in reaction norms and if this variation is, at least in part, heritable. To provide insights into the evolution of adaptive phenotypic plasticity, we analyzed the environmental and parental components of variation in predator-induced life history (age and size at metamorphosis), morphology (tail depth), and behavior of Italian treefrog tadpoles (Hyla intermedia). Using an incomplete factorial design, we raised tadpoles either with or without caged predators (dragonfly larvae, gen.Aeshna) and, successively, we tested them in experimental arenas either with or without caged predators. Results provided strong evidence for an environmental effect on all three sets of characters. Tadpoles raised with caged predators (dragonfly larvae, gen.Aeshna) metamorphosed earlier (but at a similar body size) and developed deeper tails than their fullsib siblings raised without predators. In the experimental arenas, all tadpoles, independent of their experience, flexibly changed their activity and position, depending on whether the cage was empty or contained the predator. Tadpoles of the two experimental groups, however, showed different responses: those raised with predators were always less active than their predator-naive siblings and differences slightly increased in the presence of predators. Besides this strong environmental component of phenotypic variation, results provided evidence also for parental and parental-by-environment effects, which were strong on life-history, but weak on morphology and behavior. Interestingly, additive parental effects were explained mainly by dams. This supports the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity might mainly depend on maternal effects and that it might be the expression of condition-dependent mechanisms.Significance statementAnimals, by plastically adjusting their phenotypes to the local environments, can often sensibly improve their chances of survival, suggesting the hypothesis that phenotypic plasticity evolved by natural selection. We test this hypothesis in the Italian treefrog tadpoles, by investigating the heritable variation in the plastic response to predators (dragonfly larvae). Using an incomplete factorial common-garden experiment, we showed that tadpoles raised with predators metamorphosed earlier (but at similar body size), developed deeper tails, and were less active than their siblings raised without predators. The plastic response varied among families, but variation showed a stronger maternal than paternal component. This suggests that plasticity might largely depend on epigenetic factors and be the expression of condition-dependent mechanisms.
A geometric analysis of the SIRS epidemiological model on a homogeneous network
Authors: Jardón-Kojakhmetov Hildeberto , Kuehn Christian , Pugliese Andrea , Sensi Mattia 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe study a fast–slow version of an SIRS epidemiological model on homogeneous graphs, obtained through the application of the moment closure method. We use GSPT to study the model, taking into account that the infection period is much shorter than the average duration of immunity. We show that the dynamics occurs through a sequence of fast and slow flows, that can be described through 2-dimensional maps that, under some assumptions, can be approximated as 1-dimensional maps. Using this method, together with numerical bifurcation tools, we show that the model can give rise to periodic solutions, differently from the corresponding model based on homogeneous mixing.
Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion—a single-centre experience of 200 cases
Authors: Breakey R. William F. , van de Lande Lara S. , Sidpra Jai , Knoops Paul M. , Borghi Alessandro , O’Hara Justine , Ong Juling , James Greg , Hayward Richard , Schievano Silvia , Dunaway David J. , Jeelani N ul Owase 
Published: September 2021

Abstract
Purpose
Children affected by premature fusion of the cranial sutures due to craniosynostosis can present with raised intracranial pressure and (turri)brachycephalic head shapes that require surgical treatment. Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion (SA-PVE) is the surgical technique of choice at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH), London, UK. This study aims to report the SA-PVE clinical experience of GOSH to date.

Methods
A retrospective review was carried out including all SA-PVE cases performed at GOSH between 2008 and 2020. Demographic and clinical data were recorded including genetic diagnosis, craniofacial surgical history, surgical indication and assessment, age at time of surgery (spring insertion and removal), operative time, in-patient stay, blood transfusion requirements, additional/secondary (cranio)facial procedures, and complications.

Results
Between 2008 and 2020, 200 SA-PVEs were undertaken in 184 patients (61% male). The study population consisted of patients affected by syndromic (65%) and non-syndromic disorders. Concerns regarding raised intracranial pressure were the surgical driver in 75% of the cases, with the remainder operated for shape correction. Median age for SA-PVE was 19 months (range, 2–131). Average operative time for first SA-PVE was 150 min and 87 for spring removal. Median in-patient stay was 3 nights, and 88 patients received a mean of 204.4 ml of blood transfusion at time of spring insertion. A single SA-PVE sufficed in 156 patients (85%) to date (26 springs still in situ at time of this analysis); 16 patients underwent repeat SA-PVE, whilst 12 underwent rigid redo. A second SA-PVE was needed in significantly more cases when the first SA-PVE was performed before age 1 year. Complications occurred in 26 patients with a total of 32 events, including one death. Forty-one patients underwent fronto-orbital remodelling at spring removal and 22 required additional cranio(maxillo)facial procedures.

Conclusions
Spring-assisted posterior vault expansion is a safe, efficient, and effective procedure based on our 12-year experience. Those that are treated early in life might require a repeat SA-PVE. Long-term follow-up is recommended as some would require additional craniomaxillofacial correction later in life.