bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Partial substitution of anthracite for coke breeze in iron ore sintering
Authors: Zhang Xin , Zhong Qiang , Liu Chen , Rao Mingjun , Peng Zhiwei , Li Guanghui , Jiang Tao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn the sintering of iron ores, the partial substitution of anthracite for coke breeze has been considered to be an effective way of reducing pollutant emissions and production cost. In this study, the basic characteristics of anthracite and coke breeze were compared and the sintering performance at different substitution ratios of anthracite for coke breeze was investigated. The porosity of anthracite is lower than that of coke breeze, but its density and combustion reactivity are higher. The substitution of anthracite for coke breeze has no influence on the granulation effect of the sintering blend. As the anthracite proportion increased, the sintering speed and productivity increased and the sintering yield and tumbler index decreased. As the substitution ratio increased from 0 to 60%, the melting temperature duration and the melt quantity index decreased from 2.59 to 2.03 min and from 3218.28 to 2405.75 °C·min, respectively, leading to insufficient sintering mineralization and bad sintering indexes. For an anthracite substitution ratio of 40%, the sintering speed, sintering productivity, sintering yield and tumbler index were 22.34 mm min−1, 1.49 t·(m2 h)−1, 71.65% and 63.59%, respectively, which entirely satisfies the production requirements. Furthermore, hematite (Fe2O3), calcium ferrite (CaO–Fe2O3), and compound calcium ferrite (CaO–SiO2–Fe2O3) were the major mineral phases, which were embedded with an interwoven structure.
Implicit motor learning within three trials
Authors: Ruttle Jennifer E. , ’t Hart Bernard Marius , Henriques Denise Y. P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn motor learning, the slow development of implicit learning is traditionally taken for granted. While much is known about training performance during adaptation to a perturbation in reaches, saccades and locomotion, little is known about the time course of the underlying implicit processes during normal motor adaptation. Implicit learning is characterized by both changes in internal models and state estimates of limb position. Here, we measure both as reach aftereffects and shifts in hand localization in our participants, after every training trial. The observed implicit changes were near asymptote after only one to three perturbed training trials and were not predicted by a two-rate model’s slow process that is supposed to capture implicit learning. Hence, we show that implicit learning is much faster than conventionally believed, which has implications for rehabilitation and skills training.
lncRNA expression profiles and associated ceRNA network analyses in epicardial adipose tissue of patients with coronary artery disease
Authors: Wang Qian-Chen , Wang Zhen-Yu , Xu Qian , Chen Xu-Liang , Shi Rui-Zheng 
Published: January 2021

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue (EAT) contributes to the pathophysiological process of coronary artery disease (CAD). The expression profiles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) in EAT of patients with CAD have not been well characterized. We conducted high-throughput RNA sequencing to analyze the expression profiles of lncRNA in EAT of patients with CAD compared to patients without CAD. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses were executed to investigate the principal functions of the significantly dysregulated mRNAs. We confirmed a dysregulated intergenic lncRNA (lincRNA) (LINC00968) by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Subsequently, we constructed a ceRNA network associated with LINC00968, which included 49 mRNAs. Compared with the control group, lncRNAs and genes of EAT in CAD were characterized as metabolic active and pro-inflammatory profiles. The sequencing analysis detected 2539 known and 1719 novel lncRNAs. Then, we depicted both lncRNA and gene signatures of EAT in CAD, featuring dysregulation of genes involved in metabolism, nuclear receptor transcriptional activity, antigen presentation, chemokine signaling, and inflammation. Finally, we identified a ceRNA network as candidate modulator in EAT and its potential role in CAD. We showed the expression profiles of specific EAT lncRNA and mRNA in CAD, and a selected non-coding associated ceRNA regulatory network, which taken together, may contribute to a better understanding of CAD mechanism and provide potential therapeutic targets.Trial registration Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, No. ChiCTR1900024782.
Self-agglomerated collagen patterns govern cell behaviour
Authors: Dede Eren Aysegul , Eren E. Deniz , Wilting Twan J. S. , de Boer Jan , Gelderblom Hanneke , Foolen Jasper 
Published: January 2021

AbstractReciprocity between cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix is one of the main drivers for cellular function and, in turn, matrix maintenance and remodelling. Unravelling how cells respond to their environment is key in understanding mechanisms of health and disease. In all these examples, matrix anisotropy is an important element, since it can alter the cell shape and fate. In this work, the objective is to develop and exploit easy-to-produce platforms that can be used to study the cellular response to natural proteins assembled into diverse topographical cues. We demonstrate a robust and simple approach to form collagen substrates with different topographies by evaporating droplets of a collagen solution. Upon evaporation of the collagen solution, a stain of collagen is left behind, composed of three regions with a distinct pattern: an isotropic region, a concentric ring pattern, and a radially oriented region. The formation and size of these regions can be controlled by the evaporation rate of the droplet and initial collagen concentration. The patterns form topographical cues inducing a pattern-specific cell (tenocyte) morphology, density, and proliferation. Rapid and cost-effective production of different self-agglomerated collagen topographies and their interfaces enables further study of the cell shape-phenotype relationship in vitro. Substrate topography and in analogy tissue architecture remains a cue that can and will be used to steer and understand cell function in vitro, which in turn can be applied in vivo, e.g. in optimizing tissue engineering applications.
Early infection-induced natural antibody response
Authors: Kubelkova Klara , Hudcovic Tomas , Kozakova Hana , Pejchal Jaroslav , Macela Ales 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThere remains to this day a great gap in understanding as to the role of B cells and their products—antibodies and cytokines—in mediating the protective response to Francisella tularensis, a Gram-negative coccobacillus belonging to the group of facultative intracellular bacterial pathogens. We previously have demonstrated that Francisella interacts directly with peritoneal B-1a cells. Here, we demonstrate that, as early as 12 h postinfection, germ-free mice infected with Francisella tularensis produce infection-induced antibody clones reacting with Francisella tularensis proteins having orthologs or analogs in eukaryotic cells. Production of some individual clones was limited in time and was influenced by virulence of the Francisella strain used. The phylogenetically stabilized defense mechanism can utilize these early infection-induced antibodies both to recognize components of the invading pathogens and to eliminate molecular residues of infection-damaged self cells.
A quantitative model of cellular decision making in direct neuronal reprogramming
Authors: Merlevede Adriaan , Legault Emilie M. , Drugge Viktor , Barker Roger A. , Drouin-Ouellet Janelle , Olariu Victor 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe direct reprogramming of adult skin fibroblasts to neurons is thought to be controlled by a small set of interacting gene regulators. Here, we investigate how the interaction dynamics between these regulating factors coordinate cellular decision making in direct neuronal reprogramming. We put forward a quantitative model of the governing gene regulatory system, supported by measurements of mRNA expression. We found that nPTB needs to feed back into the direct neural conversion network most likely via PTB in order to accurately capture quantitative gene interaction dynamics and correctly predict the outcome of various overexpression and knockdown experiments. This was experimentally validated by nPTB knockdown leading to successful neural conversion. We also proposed a novel analytical technique to dissect system behaviour and reveal the influence of individual factors on resulting gene expression. Overall, we demonstrate that computational analysis is a powerful tool for understanding the mechanisms of direct (neuronal) reprogramming, paving the way for future models that can help improve cell conversion strategies.
A novel and facile green synthesis method to prepare LDH/MOF nanocomposite for removal of Cd(II) and Pb(II)
Authors: Soltani Roozbeh , Pelalak Rasool , Pishnamazi Mahboubeh , Marjani Azam , Albadarin Ahmad B. , Sarkar Shaheen M. , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractTo date, many nanoadsorbents have been developed and used to eliminate heavy metal contamination, however, one of the challenges ahead is the preparation of adsorbents from processes in which toxic organic solvents are used in the least possible amount. Herein, we have developed a new carboxylic acid-functionalized layered double hydroxide/metal–organic framework nanocomposite (LDH/MOF NC) using a simple, effective, and green in situ method. UiO-66-(Zr)-(COOH)2 MOF nanocrystals were grown uniformly over the whole surface of COOH-functionalized Ni50Co50-LDH ultrathin nanosheets in a green water system under a normal solvothermal condition at 100 °C. The synthesized LDH/MOF NC was used as a potential adsorbent for removal of toxic Cd(II) and Pb(II) from water and the influence of important factors on the adsorption process was monitored. Various non-linear isotherm and kinetic models were used to find plausible mechanisms involved in the adsorption, and it was found that the Langmuir and pseudo-first-order models show the best agreement with isotherm and kinetic data, respectively. The calculated maximum adsorption capacities of Cd(II) and Pb(II) by the LDH/MOF NC were found to be 415.3 and 301.4 mg g−1, respectively, based on the Langmuir model (pH = 5.0, adsorbent dose = 0.02 g, solution volume = 20 mL, contact time = 120 min, temperature = 25 ℃, shaking speed 200 rpm).
PMCA4 inhibition does not affect cardiac remodelling following myocardial infarction, but may reduce susceptibility to arrhythmia
Authors: Stafford Nicholas , Zi Min , Baudoin Florence , Mohamed Tamer M. A. , Prehar Sukhpal , De Giorgio Daria , Cartwright Elizabeth J. , Latini Roberto , Neyses Ludwig , Oceandy Delvac 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIschaemic heart disease is the world’s leading cause of mortality. Survival rates from acute myocardial infarction (MI) have improved in recent years; however, this has led to an increase in the prevalence of heart failure (HF) due to chronic remodelling of the infarcted myocardium, for which treatment options remain poor. We have previously shown that inhibition of isoform 4 of the plasma membrane calcium ATPase (PMCA4) prevents chronic remodelling and HF development during pressure overload, through fibroblast mediated Wnt signalling modulation. Given that Wnt signalling also plays a prominent role during remodelling of the infarcted heart, this study investigated the effect of genetic and functional loss of PMCA4 on cardiac outcomes following MI. Neither genetic deletion nor pharmacological inhibition of PMCA4 affected chronic remodelling of the post-MI myocardium. This was the case when PMCA4 was deleted globally, or specifically from cardiomyocytes or fibroblasts. PMCA4-ablated hearts were however less prone to acute arrhythmic events, which may offer a slight survival benefit. Overall, this study demonstrates that PMCA4 inhibition does not affect chronic outcomes following MI.
Capture and return of sexual genomes by hybridogenetic frogs provides clonal genome enrichment in a sexual species
Authors: Doležálková-Kaštánková Marie , Mazepa Glib , Jeffries Daniel L. , Perrin Nicolas , Plötner Marcela , Plötner Jörg , Guex Gaston-Denis , Mikulíček Peter , Poustka Albert J. , Grau Jose , Choleva Lukáš 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHybridogenesis is a reproductive tool for sexual parasitism. Hybridogenetic hybrids use gametes from their sexual host for their own reproduction, but sexual species gain no benefit from such matings as their genome is later eliminated. Here, we examine the presence of sexual parasitism in water frogs through crossing experiments and genome-wide data. We specifically focus on the famous Central-European populations where Pelophylax esculentus males (hybrids of P. ridibundus and P. lessonae) live with P. ridibundus. We identified a system where the hybrids commonly produce two types of clonal gametes (hybrid amphispermy). The haploid lessonae genome is clonally inherited from generation to generation and assures the maintenance of hybrids through a process, in which lessonae sperm fertilize P. ridibundus eggs. The haploid ridibundus genome in hybrids received from P. ridibundus a generation ago, is perpetuated as clonal ridibundus sperm and used to fertilize P. ridibundus eggs, yielding female P. ridibundus progeny. These results imply animal reproduction in which hybridogenetic taxa are not only sexual parasites, but also participate in the formation of a sexual taxon in a remarkable way. This occurs through a process by which sexual gametes are being captured, converted to clones, and returned to sexual populations in one generation.
Estimating epidemiological parameters using diagnostic testing data from low pathogenicity avian influenza infected turkey houses
Authors: Bonney Peter J. , Malladi Sasidhar , Ssematimba Amos , Spackman Erica , Torchetti Mia Kim , Culhane Marie , Cardona Carol J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLimiting spread of low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) during an outbreak is critical to reduce the negative impact on poultry producers and local economies. Mathematical models of disease transmission can support outbreak control efforts by estimating relevant epidemiological parameters. In this article, diagnostic testing data from each house on a premises infected during a LPAI H5N2 outbreak in the state of Minnesota in the United States in 2018 was used to estimate the time of virus introduction and adequate contact rate, which determines the rate of disease spread. A well-defined most likely time of virus introduction, and upper and lower 95% credibility intervals were estimated for each house. The length of the 95% credibility intervals ranged from 11 to 22 with a mean of 17 days. In some houses the contact rate estimates were also well-defined; however, the estimated upper 95% credibility interval bound for the contact rate was occasionally dependent on the upper bound of the prior distribution. The estimated modes ranged from 0.5 to 6.0 with a mean of 2.8 contacts per day. These estimates can be improved with early detection, increased testing of monitored premises, and combining the results of multiple barns that possess similar production systems.
Possible diverse contribution of coronary risk factors to left ventricular systolic and diastolic cavity sizes
Authors: Suzuki Kenichiro , Inoue Yasunori , Ogawa Kazuo , Nagoshi Tomohisa , Minai Kosuke , Ogawa Takayuki , Kawai Makoto , Yoshimura Michihiro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIt is generally believed that risk factors damage the coronary arteries, cause myocardial ischemia, and consequently change the shape of the heart. On the other hand, each of the risk factors may also have a negative effect on the heart. However, it is very difficult to examine the effects of each of these risk factors independently. Therefore, it is necessary to select an appropriate statistical method and apply it efficiently. In this study, the effects of coronary risk factors on left ventricular size and cardiac function were investigated using structure equation modeling (SEM), and were shown as Bayesian SEM-based frequency polygons using selected two-dimensional contours. This study showed that each risk factor directly affected the shape of the heart. Because vascular risk and heart failure risk are likely to evolve at the same time, managing risk factors is very important in reducing the heart failure pandemic.
Ultrasound probe tilt impedes the needle-beam alignment during the ultrasound-guided procedures
Authors: Mao Qingxiang , He Haitao , Lu Yuangang , Hu Yi , Wang Zhen , Gan Maoxiang , Yan Hong , Chen Liyong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objective of this study was to identify the factors that complicate the needle visualization in ultrasound-guided in-plane needling procedures. Forty-nine residents were recruited and randomized to insert the simulated blood vessel with four different views including Neutral (the long axis of the probe along the visual axis and the ultrasonic beam vertical to the surface of gel phantom), 45°-rotation (45° angle between the long axis of probe and the operator’s visual axis), 45°-tilt (45° angle between the ultrasonic beam and the surface of gel phantom) and 45°-rotation plus 45°-tilt of probe. Number of needle redirections, insertion time, and needle visibility were documented and compared for each procedure. When the residents faced with 45°-tilt view, the needle redirections (2 vs 0) and insertion time increased significantly (39 vs 16) compared with that of the Neutral view. When faced with 45°-rotation plus 45°-tilt view, the residents’ performance decreased further as compared with that of the 45°-tilt view and the Neutral view. However, there was no performance difference between the Neutral view and 45°-rotation view. In conclusion, during ultrasound-guided in-plane procedures, tilting the ultrasound probe may increase the difficulty of needle-beam alignment.
A risk marker of tribasic hemagglutinin cleavage site in influenza A (H9N2) virus
Authors: Zhang Jiahao , Ma Kaixiong , Li Bo , Chen Yiqun , Qiu Ziwen , Xing Jinchao , Huang Jinyu , Hu Chen , Huang Yifan , Li Huanan , Liu Dingxiang , Liao Ming , Qi Wenbao 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLow pathogenic avian influenza A(H9N2) virus is endemic worldwide and continually recruit internal genes to generate human-infecting H5N1, H5N6, H7N9, and H10N8 influenza variants. Here we show that hemagglutinin cleavage sites (HACS) of H9N2 viruses tended to mutate towards hydrophilic via evolutionary transition, and the tribasic HACS were found at high prevalence in Asia and the Middle East. Our finding suggested that the tribasic H9N2 viruses increased the viral replication, stability, pathogenicity and transmission in chickens and the virulence of mice compared to the monobasic H9N2 viruses. Notably, the enlarged stem-loop structures of HACS in the RNA region were found in the increasing tribasic H9N2 viruses. The enlarged HACS RNA secondary structures of H9N2 viruses did not influence the viral replication but accelerated the frequency of nucleotide insertion in HACS. With the prevailing tendency of the tribasic H9N2 viruses, the tribasic HACS in H9N2 viruses should be paid more attention.
High throughput estimates of Wolbachia, Zika and chikungunya infection in Aedes aegypti by near-infrared spectroscopy to improve arbovirus surveillance
Authors: Santos Lilha M. B. , Mutsaers Mathijs , Garcia Gabriela A. , David Mariana R. , Pavan Márcio G. , Petersen Martha T. , Corrêa-Antônio Jessica , Couto-Lima Dinair , Maes Louis , Dowell Floyd , Lord Anton , Sikulu-Lord Maggy , Maciel-de-Freitas Rafael 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDeployment ofWolbachiato mitigate dengue (DENV), Zika (ZIKV) and chikungunya (CHIKV) transmission is ongoing in 12 countries. One way to assess the efficacy ofWolbachiareleases is to determine invasion rates within the wild population ofAedes aegyptifollowing their release. Herein we evaluated the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of the Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS) in estimating the time post death, ZIKV-, CHIKV-, andWolbachia-infection in trapped dead femaleAe. aegyptimosquitoes over a period of 7 days. Regardless of the infection type, time post-death of mosquitoes was accurately predicted into four categories (fresh, 1 day old, 2–4 days old and 5–7 days old). Overall accuracies of 93.2, 97 and 90.3% were observed when NIRS was used to detect ZIKV, CHIKV andWolbachiain deadAe. aegyptifemale mosquitoes indicating NIRS could be potentially applied as a rapid and cost-effective arbovirus surveillance tool. However, field data is required to demonstrate the full capacity of NIRS for detecting these infections under field conditions.
Spatial quasi-periodic variations of the plasma density and magnetic field in zebra radio sources
Authors: Karlický M. , Yasnov L. V. 
Published: January 2021

Context.Radio bursts and their fine structures are an integral part of solar flares. Fine structures in particular are used for diagnostics of solar flare processes. The so-called zebras belong to the most important of such fine structures.Aims.We analyze seven zebra events in order to search for spatial variations in the plasma density and magnetic field in zebra-stripe sources.Methods.We used an improved method for estimating the gyroharmonic numbers of zebra-stripe frequencies. We compared observed zebra-stripe frequencies with those calculated in the zebra model. The differences in these frequencies vary and thus show spatial variations in the plasma density and magnetic field.Results.In six out of seven analyzed zebras, we found a rather high correlation coefficient (about 0.7 and higher) between spatial variations in the density and magnetic field and a strictly periodic function. These density and magnetic field variations are explained by the torsional or sausage magnetoacoustic waves in the loop in which zebra-stripe sources are located. We present the wavelengths of these waves in dependence on the zebra frequency and estimate their periods.
Macrostructure in the narratives of Indonesian-Dutch bilinguals
Authors: Tribushinina Elena , Irmawati Mila , Mak Pim 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
There is no agreement regarding the relationship between narrative abilities in the two languages of a bilingual
child. In this paper, we test the hypothesis that such cross-language relationships depend on age and language exposure by
studying the narrative skills of 32 Indonesian-Dutch bilinguals (mean age: 8;5, range: 5;0–11;9). The narratives were elicited by
means of the Multilingual Assessment Instrument for Narratives (MAIN) and analysed for story structure, episodic complexity and
use of internal state terms (ISTs) in the home language (Indonesian) and majority language (Dutch). The results demonstrate that
story structure scores in the home language (but not in the majority language) were positively related to age. Exposure measures
(current Dutch/Indonesian input, current richness of Dutch/Indonesian input, and length of exposure to Dutch) did not predict the
macrostructure scores. There was a significant positive cross-language relationship in story structure and episodic complexity,
and this relationship became stronger as a function of length of exposure to Dutch. There was also a positive cross-lingual
relation in IST use, but it became weaker with age. The results support the idea that narrative skills are transferable between
languages and suggest that cross-language relationships may interact with age and exposure factors in differential ways.