bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Earthquakes and very deep groundwater perturbation mutually induced
Authors: Kaown Dugin , Lee Kang-Kun , Kim Jaeyeon , Woo Jeong-Ung , Lee Sanghoon , Park In-Woo , Lee Daeha , Lee Jin-Yong , Kim Heejung , Ge Shemin , Yeo In-Wook 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWe report unique observations from drilling and hydraulic stimulation at a depth of approximately 4.3 km in two Enhanced Geothermal System (EGS) wells at the Pohang EGS site, South Korea. We surveyed drilling logs and hydraulic stimulation data, simulated pore pressure diffusion around the fault delineated by seismic and drilling log analyses, conducted acoustic image logging through the EGS wells, observed significant water level drops (740 m) in one of the two EGS wells, and obtained hydrochemical and isotopic variation data in conjunction with the microbial community characteristics of the two EGS wells. We discuss the hydraulic and hydrochemical responses of formation pore water to a few key seismic events near the hypocenter. We focused on how the geochemistry of water that flowed back from the geothermal wells changed in association with key seismic events. These were (1) a swarm of small earthquakes that occurred when a significant circulation mud loss occurred during well drilling, (2) the MW 3.2 earthquake during hydraulic stimulation, and (3) the MW 5.5 main shock two months after the end of hydraulic stimulation. This study highlights the value of real-time monitoring and water chemistry analysis, in addition to seismic monitoring during EGS operation.
A novel strategy for site selective spin-labeling to investigate bioactive entities by DNP and EPR spectroscopy
Authors: Herr Kevin , Fleckenstein Max , Brodrecht Martin , Höfler Mark V. , Heise Henrike , Aussenac Fabien , Gutmann Torsten , Reggelin Michael , Buntkowsky Gerd 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA novel specific spin-labeling strategy for bioactive molecules is presented for eptifibatide (integrilin) an antiplatelet aggregation inhibitor, which derives from the venom of certain rattlesnakes. By specifically labeling the disulfide bridge this molecule becomes accessible for analytical techniques such as Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) and solid state Dynamic Nuclear Polarization (DNP). The necessary spin-label was synthesized and inserted into the disulfide bridge of eptifibatide via reductive followed by insertion by a double Michael addition under physiological conditions. This procedure is universally applicable for disulfide containing biomolecules and is expected to preserve their tertiary structure with minimal change due to the small size of the label and restoring of the previous disulfide connection. HPLC and MS analysis show the successful introduction of the spin label and EPR spectroscopy confirms its activity. DNP-enhanced solid state NMR experiments show signal enhancement factors of up to 19 in13C CP MAS experiments which corresponds to time saving factors of up to 361. This clearly shows the high potential of our new spin labeling strategy for the introduction of site selective radical spin labels into biomolecules and biosolids without compromising its conformational integrity for structural investigations employing solid-state DNP or advanced EPR techniques.
Extraction of apex beat waveform from acoustic pulse wave by sound sensing system using stochastic resonance
Authors: Fujita Etsunori , Horikawa Masahiro , Nobuhiro Yoshika , Maeda Shinichiro , Kojima Shigeyuki , Ogura Yumi , Murata Kohji , Kisaka Tomohiko , Taoda Kazushi , Kaneko Shigehiko , Yoshizumi Masao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith a sound sensing system using stochastic resonance (4SR), it became possible to obtain an acoustic pulse wave (APW)—a waveform created via a mixture of apex beat and heart sound. We examined 50 subjects who were healthy, with no underlying cardiovascular diseases. We could determine boundary frequency (BF) using APW and phonocardiogram signals. APW data was divided into two bands, one from 0.5 Hz to BF, and a second one from BF to 50 Hz. This permitted the extraction of cardiac apex beat (CAB) and cardiac acoustic sound (CAS), respectively. BF could be expressed by a quadratic function of heart rate, and made it possible to collect CAB and CAS in real time. According to heart rate variability analysis, the fluctuation was 1/f, which indicated an efficient cardiac movement when heart rate was 70 to 80/min. In the frequency band between 0.5 Hz and BF, CAB readings collected from the precordial region resembled apex cardiogram data. The waveforms were classified into five types. Therefore, the new 4SR sensing system can be used as a physical diagnostic tool to obtain biological pulse wave data non-invasively and repeatedly over a long period, and it shows promise for broader applications, including AI analysis.
Long-term efficacy and safety of bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation for stage III Kümmell disease
Authors: Mo Guo-ye , Zhou Teng-peng , Guo Hui-zhi , Li Yong-xian , Tang Yong-chao , Guo Dan-qing , Luo Pei-jie , Li Dong-xiao , Yuan Kai , Mo Ling , Zhang Shun-cong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation for stage III Kümmell disease. Twenty-five patients with stage III Kümmell disease who received bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine between June 2009 and December 2015 were enrolled. All patients were females with a history of osteoporosis. The vertebral Cobb angle (V-Cobb angle), the fixed segment Cobb Angle (S-Cobb angle), pelvic parameters, visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were assessed preoperatively, postoperatively and at the final follow-up. Complications, loosening rate, operation time, and intraoperative bleeding were recorded. The average lumbar vertebral density T-value was − 3.68 ± 0.71 SD, and the average age was 71.84 ± 5.39. The V-Cobb angle, S-Cobb angle, and Sagittal Vertical Axis (SVA) were significantly smaller postoperatively compared to the preoperative values. The VAS and ODI at 1 month after surgery were 3.60 ± 1.00 and 36.04 ± 6.12%, respectively, which were both significantly lower than before surgery (VAS: 8.56 ± 1.04, ODI: 77.80 ± 6.57%). Bone cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation is a safe and effective treatment for stage III Kümmell disease. It can effectively correct kyphosis, restore and maintain sagittal balance, and maintain spinal stability.
Optimizing the catalytic activities of methanol and thermotolerant Kocuria flava lipases for biodiesel production from cooking oil wastes
Authors: Najjar Azhar , Hassan Elhagag Ahmed , Zabermawi Nidal , Saber Saber H. , Bajrai Leena H. , Almuhayawi Mohammed S. , Abujamel Turki S. , Almasaudi Saad B. , Azhar Leena E. , Moulay Mohammed , Harakeh Steve 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this study, two highly thermotolerant and methanol-tolerant lipase-producing bacteria were isolated from cooking oil and they exhibited a high number of catalytic lipase activities recording 18.65 ± 0.68 U/mL and 13.14 ± 0.03 U/mL, respectively. Bacterial isolates were identified according to phenotypic and genotypic 16S rRNA characterization as Kocuria flava ASU5 (MT919305) and Bacillus circulans ASU11 (MT919306). Lipases produced from Kocuria flava ASU5 showed the highest methanol tolerance, recording 98.4% relative activity as well as exhibited high thermostability and alkaline stability. Under the optimum conditions obtained from 3D plots of response surface methodology design, the Kocuria flava ASU5 biocatalyst exhibited an 83.08% yield of biodiesel at optimized reaction variables of, 60 ○C, pH value 8 and 1:2 oil/alcohol molar ratios in the reaction mixture. As well as, the obtained results showed the interactions of temperature/methanol were significant effects, whereas this was not noted in the case of temperature/pH and pH/methanol interactions. The obtained amount of biodiesel from cooking oil was 83.08%, which was analyzed by a GC/Ms profile. The produced biodiesel was confirmed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) approaches showing an absorption band at 1743 cm−1, which is recognized for its absorption in the carbonyl group (C=O) which is characteristic of ester absorption. The energy content generated from biodiesel synthesized was estimated as 12,628.5 kJ/mol. Consequently, Kocuria flava MT919305 may provide promising thermostable, methanol-tolerant lipases, which may improve the economic feasibility and biotechnology of enzyme biocatalysis in the synthesis of value-added green chemicals.
Novel silicon bipodal cylinders with controlled resonances and their use as beam steering metasurfaces
Authors: Fawzy Samar M. , Mahmoud Ahmed M. , Ismail Yehea I. , Allam Nageh K. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMetasurfaces have paved the way for high performance wavefront shaping and beam steering applications. Phase-gradient metasurfaces (PGM) are of high importance owing to the powerful and relatively systematic tool they offer for manipulating electromagnetic wave fronts and achieving various functionalities. Herein, we numerically present a novel unit cell known as bipodal cylinders (BPC), made of Silicon (Si) and placed on a Silicon dioxide (SiO2) substrate to be compatible with CMOS fabrication techniques and to avoid field leakage into a high index substrate. Owing to its geometrical structure, the BPC structure provides a promising unit cell for electromagnetic wave manipulation. We show that BPC offers a way to shift the electric dipole mode to a frequency higher than that of the magnetic dipole mode. We investigate the effect of varying different geometrical parameters on the performance of such unit cell. Building on that, a metasurface is then presented that can achieve efficient electromagnetic beam steering with high transmission of 0.84 and steering angle of 15.2°; with very good agreement with the theoretically predicted angle covering the whole phase range from 0 to 2$$\pi$$
π
.
Underrecognition and undertreatment of thirst among hospitalized patients with restricted oral feeding and drinking
Authors: Ho Vanda , Goh Gordon , Tang Xuan Rong , See Kay Choong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThirst is distressing but overlooked by healthcare professionals. Patients experience thirst due to comorbidities, physical or cognitive limitations, and iatrogenesis. Nasogastric tube (NGT) use and nil-by-mouth(NBM) orders are common practices that can lead to thirst. However, thirst in these populations has never been formally studied. We aim to examine prevalence of recognition and treatment of thirst among NGT + NBM and NBM patients. Our descriptive study was conducted intermittently over 25 weeks, across 1.5 years, in 12 adult general medicine wards of a tertiary hospital. Cognitively intact NGT + NBM or NBM inpatients, defined as Abbreviated Mental Test score ≥ 8, were studied. One-time questionnaire was administered. Variables included: demography, co-morbidities, clinical condition, feeding route, thirst defined by thirst distress and/or intensity ≥ 3, pain, hunger and volume status. 88 NGT + NBM and NBM patients were studied. 69.3% suffered from thirst. Thirsty patients experienced significant thirst-related distress (mean score ± SD: 5.7 ± 2.5). Subjects with previous stroke and who were euvolemic tended towards thirst. 13.6% were asked about thirst by doctors or nurses. Thirst was a major source of patient distress in our study. We suggest that thirst needs to be actively identified and targeted to achieve person-centred care.
Strain and ligand effects in Pt-Ni alloys studied by valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Jiatang , Finfrock Y. Zou , Wang Zhiqiang , Sham Tsun-Kong 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExperimental detection of the Pt 5d densities of states in the valence band is conducted on a series of Pt-Ni alloys by high energy resolution valence-to-core X-ray emission spectroscopy (VTC-XES) at the Pt L3-edge. VTC-XES measurements reveal that the Pt d-band centroid shifts away from the Fermi level upon dilution, accompanied by concentration-dependent Pt d-band width. The competition between the strain effect and ligand effect is observed experimentally for the first time. It is found that the d-band widths in Pt3Ni and PtNi are broader than that of Pt metal due to compressive strain which overcompensates the effect of dilution, while it is narrower in PtNi3 where the ligand effect dominates. VTC-XES is demonstrated to be a powerful tool to study the Pt d-band contribution to the valence band of Pt-based bimetallic. The implication for the enhanced activity of Pt-Ni catalysts in oxygen reduction reaction is discussed.
Patch antenna sensor for wireless ice and frost detection
Authors: Kozak Ryan , Khorsand Kasra , Zarifi Telnaz , Golovin Kevin , Zarifi Mohammad H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractA patch antenna sensor with T-shaped slots operating at 2.378 GHz was developed and investigated for wireless ice and frost detection applications. Detection was performed by monitoring the resonant amplitude and resonant frequency of the transmission coefficient between the antenna sensor and a wide band receiver. This sensor was capable of distinguishing between frost, ice, and water with total shifts in resonant frequency of 32 MHz and 36 MHz in the presence of frost and ice, respectively, when compared to the bare sensor. Additionally, the antenna was sensitive to both ice thickness and the surface area covered in ice displaying resonant frequency shifts of 2 MHz and 8 MHz respectively between 80 and 160 μL of ice. By fitting an exponential function to the recorded data, the freezing rate was also extracted. The analysis within this work distinguishes the antenna sensor as a highly accurate and robust method for wireless ice accretion detection and monitoring. This technology has applications in a variety of industries including the energy sector for detection of ice on wind turbines and power lines.
Acetaldehyde exposure underlies functional defects in monocytes induced by excessive alcohol consumption
Authors: Shiba Shunsuke , Nakamoto Nobuhiro , Chu Po-Sung , Ojiro Keisuke , Taniki Nobuhito , Yamaguchi Akihiro , Morikawa Rei , Katayama Tadashi , Yoshida Aya , Aoki Ryo , Teratani Toshiaki , Suzuki Takahiro , Miyamoto Takeshi , Hara Sachiko , Yokoyama Akira , Kanai Takanori 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIncreased intestinal permeability and hepatic macrophage activation by endotoxins are involved in alcohol-induced liver injury pathogenesis. Long-term alcohol exposure conversely induces endotoxin immune tolerance; however, the precise mechanism and reversibility are unclear. Seventy-two alcohol-dependent patients withalcohol dehydrogenase-1B(ADH1B, rs1229984) andaldehyde dehydrogenase-2(ALDH2, rs671) gene polymorphisms admitted for alcohol abstinence were enrolled. Blood and fecal samples were collected on admission and 4 weeks after alcohol cessation and were sequentially analyzed. Wild-type andALDH2*2transgenic mice were used to examine the effect of acetaldehyde exposure on liver immune responses. The productivity of inflammatory cytokines of peripheral CD14+monocytes in response to LPS stimulation was significantly suppressed in alcohol dependent patients on admission relative to that in healthy controls, which was partially restored by alcohol abstinence with little impact on the gut microbiota composition. Notably, immune suppression was associated withALDH2/ADH1Bgene polymorphisms, and patients with a combination ofALDH2*1/*2andADH1B*2genotypes, the most acetaldehyde-exposed group, demonstrated a deeply suppressed phenotype, suggesting a direct role of acetaldehyde. In vitro LPS and malondialdehyde-acetaldehyde adducted protein stimulation induced direct cytotoxicity on monocytes derived from healthy controls, and a second LPS stimulation suppressed the inflammatory cytokines production. Consistently, hepatic macrophages of ethanol-administeredALDH2*2transgenic mice exhibited suppressed inflammatory cytokines production in response to LPS compared to that in wild-type mice, reinforcing the contribution of acetaldehyde to liver macrophage function. These results collectively provide new perspectives on the systemic influence of excessive alcohol consumption based on alcohol-metabolizing enzyme genetic polymorphisms.
Introducing the novel Cytoscape app TimeNexus to analyze time-series data using temporal MultiLayer Networks (tMLNs)
Authors: Pierrelée Michaël , Reynders Ana , Lopez Fabrice , Moqrich Aziz , Tichit Laurent , Habermann Bianca H. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIntegrating -omics data with biological networks such as protein–protein interaction networks is a popular and useful approach to interpret expression changes of genes in changing conditions, and to identify relevant cellular pathways, active subnetworks or network communities. Yet, most -omics data integration tools are restricted to static networks and therefore cannot easily be used for analyzing time-series data. Determining regulations or exploring the network structure over time requires time-dependent networks which incorporate time as one component in their structure. Here, we present a method to project time-series data on sequential layers of a multilayer network, thus creating atemporal multilayer network(tMLN). We implemented this method as a Cytoscape app we named TimeNexus. TimeNexus allows to easily create, manage and visualize temporal multilayer networks starting from a combination of node and edge tables carrying the information on the temporal network structure. To allow further analysis of the tMLN, TimeNexus creates and passes on regular Cytoscape networks in form of static versions of the tMLN in three different ways: (i) over the entire set of layers, (ii) over two consecutive layers at a time, (iii) or on one single layer at a time. We combined TimeNexus with the Cytoscape apps PathLinker and AnatApp/ANAT to extract active subnetworks from tMLNs. To test the usability of our app, we applied TimeNexus together with PathLinker or ANAT on temporal expression data of the yeast cell cycle and were able to identify active subnetworks relevant for different cell cycle phases. We furthermore used TimeNexus on our own temporal expression data from a mouse pain assay inducing hindpaw inflammation and detected active subnetworks relevant for an inflammatory response to injury, including immune response, cell stress response and regulation of apoptosis. TimeNexus is freely available from the Cytoscape app store athttps://apps.cytoscape.org/apps/TimeNexus.
On the phenomena of partial crystallization of highly undercooled magnesium silicate molten droplets
Authors: Shete Ganesh , Mishra Sushil , Karagadde Shyamprasad , Srivastava Atul 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe present work reports real-time observations of the phenomena of partial crystallization of one of the glass-forming materials, namely enstatite (MgSiO3) from its supercooled liquid droplet. Initially, the molten droplet has been held under purely non-contact conditions using the aerodynamic levitation technique. The desired levels of undercooling have been achieved by deliberately making the levitated molten droplet touch a thin molybdenum wire and hence to initiate heterogeneous nucleation from the point of contact. Influence of thermal parameters like undercooling, cooling rates and recalescence on the process of crystallization is investigated. To understand and report the morphological properties and extent of crystallinity, the solidified enstatite samples have been characterized using optical/scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) respectively, which confirmed the formation of partially crystallized enstatite spherules and fully glass spherules. XRD showed sharp peaks of enstatite, which confirm crystallinity and a halo profile confirms the amorphous phase of enstatite. Based on the observations of several experiments, we propose the effect of thermal parameters such as levels of undercooling and recalescence on the partial crystallization, as well as partial glass formation from the initially molten droplets of enstatite composition.
Intravenous iron is non-inferior to oral iron regarding cell growth and iron metabolism in colorectal cancer associated with iron-deficiency anaemia
Authors: Al-Hassi Hafid O. , Ng Oliver , Evstatiev Rayko , Mangalika Manel , Worton Natalie , Jambrich Manuela , Khare Vineeta , Phipps Oliver , Keeler Barrie , Gasche Christoph , Acheson Austin G. , Brookes Matthew J. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOral iron promotes intestinal tumourigenesis in animal models. In humans, expression of iron transport proteins are altered in colorectal cancer. This study examined whether the route of iron therapy alters iron transport and tumour growth. Colorectal adenocarcinoma patients with pre-operative iron deficiency anaemia received oral ferrous sulphate (n = 15), or intravenous ferric carboxymaltose (n = 15). Paired (normal and tumour tissues) samples were compared for expression of iron loading, iron transporters, proliferation, apoptosis and Wnt signalling using immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR. Iron loading was increased in tumour and distributed to the stroma in intravenous treatment and to the epithelium in oral treatment. Protein and mRNA expression of proliferation and iron transporters were increased in tumours compared to normal tissues but there were no significant differences between the treatment groups. However, intravenous iron treatment reduced ferritin mRNA levels in tumours and replenished body iron stores. Iron distribution to non-epithelial cells in intravenous iron suggests that iron is less bioavailable to tumour cells. Therefore, intravenous iron may be a better option in the treatment of colorectal cancer patients with iron deficiency anaemia due to its efficiency in replenishing iron levels while its effect on proliferation and iron metabolism is similar to that of oral iron treatment.
Prevalence of UL97 gene mutations and polymorphisms in cytomegalovirus infection in the colon associated with or without ulcerative colitis
Authors: Tamura Satoshi , Osawa Satoshi , Ishida Natsuki , Miyazu Takahiro , Tani Shinya , Yamade Mihoko , Iwaizumi Moriya , Hamaya Yasushi , Kosugi Isao , Furuta Takahisa , Sugimoto Ken 
Published: July 2021

AbstractCytomegalovirus (CMV) reactivation in the colon is common in patients with severe ulcerative colitis (UC). Ganciclovir (GCV) resistance conferring CMV UL97 gene mutations have been reported in recent years. However, the prevalence of UL97 gene mutations in GCV-naive CMV infection in the colon remains unknown. We investigated the prevalence of CMV UL97 gene mutations in patients with colonic CMV infection associated with or without UC. Twenty-two GCV-naive patients with colonic CMV infection, 15 with UC and 7 with other diseases, were enrolled. Frozen biopsy samples or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples were used for nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the UL97 gene. Sanger DNA sequencing was performed. In comparison with AD169 reference strain, natural polymorphisms were frequently detected in codons N68D (100%), I244V (100%), and D605E (86.4%). Seven polymorphisms were detected infrequently (< 10%) outside the kinase domain. However, no known GCV resistance mutations were found. There seemed to be no difference between the ratio of polymorphisms in patients with and without UC. In conclusions, we did not detect UL97 gene mutations associated with GCV resistance in GCV-naive patients with or without UC. Consistent with previous reports, D605E polymorphism may be used as a genetic marker for CMV in East Asian countries.