bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Chitin Fiber from Mushroom as Reinforcement for Biobased Polymer
Authors: Zin M I M , Shamsudin N S , Ali F , Nawawi W M F W 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
This project aimed to study the reinforcement effect of fungal chitin at different loading on chitin/PLA composite. The chitin nanofibers were extracted from three mushroom species (oyster mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus, shiitake mushroom Lentinula edodes, enoki mushroom Flammulina velutipes) and used as a reinforcement element in PLA. The chitin/PLA composite was fabricated using a solvent-casting method followed by the hot-compress molding method. In the solvent-casting method, the chitin nanofibers were dispersed in PLA/chloroform mixture and the mixture was left for solvent evaporation. The solvent-free chitin/PLA thin film was then filled in dog bone mold before proceeded with hot-compress molding at 190°C and 70 bar. The samples with different chitin loading were tested with tensile test to study the mechanical performance of nanocomposite. The chitin/PLA composite from oyster mushroom shows the optimum result (σ= 43 MPa, E= 12 MPa) at 5% chitin loading. The increment of the chitin loading leads to a decrease in both strength and strain. However, for the samples from enoki and shitake mushrooms, the optimum chitin loading is 10% with 55 MPa and 56 MPa tensile strength, respectively. This study suggests the potential of fungal chitin as reinforcement in PLA.
Enzymatic Glycerolysis of Palm Kernel Olein and Palm Kernel Stearin in different Ratios for Monolaurin Synthesis
Authors: Ngatirah N , Hidayat C , Rahayu ES , Utami T 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Monolaurin is known as a monoglyceride of lauric acid, which act as an emulsifier and antimicrobial. One potential of monolaurin raw materials is palm kernel oil (PKO), which can be fractionated into palm kernel olein (PKOo) and palm kernel stearin (PKS). This study aims to determine the enzymatic glycerolysis influence of PKOo and PKS mixture in different ratios and time, on monoacylglycerol (MAG), diacylglycerol (DAG), and triacylglycerol (TAG) profiles. The Glycerolysis process of PKOo-PKS fat blends were carried out in different ratios of (60:40, 40:60, and 20:80 w/w) using commercial lipases (Lypozime RM IM) at 50°C, with an oil:glycerol molar ratio of 1:4, in a tert-butanol solvent system, between 3 to 24 hours. The results showed that the glycerolysis of PKOo and PKS in different ratios yielded varying product reactions with similar compositions (1.8-3.9% MAG, 73.2-76.4% DAG, and 20.7-24.2% TAG). A higher and not significant MAG was observed during the period of 24 hours. Also, the monolaurin was obtained at the ratio of 40:60 PKOo:PKS, within the glycerolysis time of 3 to 24 hours, at approximately 2.18±0.59% and 3.47±0.62%, respectively. The FTIR analysis also showed that the monolaurin sample was identical to the standard type, with the formation of OH group at wave number and cluster C=O ester of 3368.64 cm-1 and 1734.03 cm-1, respectively.
Thermoplastic sago starch nanocomposites wound dressing fortified with antibiotic-modified HNT
Authors: Abuhamed N , Ahmad Z , Sarifuddin N 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Starches were reported to promote wound healing. However, the hydrophilicity of starch help absorbs the exudates from the wounds during the healing process, but it also enables a bacterial infection that slows the healing process. Halloysite nanotubes (HNT) are attracting many biological technologies because of their high loading capacity and biocompatibility. This paper investigates the modified HNT as a carrier for antimicrobials agent in wound healing materials. Halloysite was modified by dispersing it with chloramphenicol solution using a magnetic stirring method. Thermoplastic sago Starch (TPSS)/modified HNT (MHNTs) biocomposite films of different compositions (0.25, 0.5, 0.75 and 1 wt. % HNT) were then developed using the solution casting method. SEM revealed that modified HNT shows good dispersion on the TPSS matrix. With the introduction of modified HNT, the FTIR peaks of TPSS have altered at the peak of 3693.21 cm-1 and 1040.05 cm-1. In addition, modified HNT reduced the water absorption rate of the TPSS films. Furthermore, modified HNT showed good resistance to bacterial culture and significantly reduced the biodegradability rate of TPSS compared to pristine HNT. From the findings, HNT can be a potential carrier for antibacterial agents to withstand bacterial attacks.
Antioxidant activity and bioactive compounds of extracts from the Algerian plant Moltkia ciliata
Authors: Chihi Soumaia , Rahim Oumelkheir , Douadi Ali , Zatout Rabab 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the present study, we reported the evaluation of antioxidant properties using electrochemical and spectrophotometric assays and determination of total bioactive compounds content of the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) and n-butanol (n-BuOH) extracts ofMoltkia ciliatagrowing in Algeria. The results obtained showed that the EtOAc extract was rich in bioactive compounds, which showed the most effective antioxidant capacity in all tests compared to the n-BuOH extract. This was confirmed by the chromatographic analysis and HPLC of the extract of many compounds in different quantities. The difference in antioxidant activity can be explained by differences in the levels of polyphenols and flavonoids. The study concludes this plant is a rich source of phenols and flavonoids, and also showed good in-vitro antioxidant activity by all methods. Thus, the plantM. ciliatacan be explored as a potential source of natural antioxidant.
Valorization of potato peel residues to produce a bioflocculant to be used in the treatment of liquid effluents
Authors: Choumane Fatima Zohra , Zaoui Fatiha , Kandouci Fatma , Maachou Bouhana , Benguella Belkacem 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The present study aims primarily to investigate the flocculation capacity of a novel potato peel-based bioflocculant in wastewater treatment. The analysis of wastewater revealed high COD and BOD5 contents that could respectively reach the values 529.08 mg O2/l and 317.03 mg O2/l. In addition, the effect of experimental parameters such as the pH, coagulant/flocculant dosage, and contact time, was studied using the coagulation-flocculation treatment technique. The experiments were carried out with a lab-scale jar-test apparatus where aluminum chloride (AlCl3) was used as a coagulant agent. It should be noted that the optimal dose of AlCl3 was equal to 0.6 g at 10 mn, with turbidity reduction of 99.01%. Moreover, the flocculation tests showed higher turbidity removal (98%), for a flocculant dosage of 0.2g. The results obtained in this study indicated that using the natural potato peel-based flocculant, in the presence of a coagulant, provides an effective and environmentally friendly coagulation option for wastewater treatment.
Elaboration of a piezoelectric force sensor for medical application
Authors: Chelli Zakia , Achour Hakim , Saidi Malika , Laghrouche Mourad , Ahcene Chaouchi 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this work, a piezoelectric force sensor was fabricated based on Lead-Free ferroelectric particles (Na0.535K0.48)0.966 Li0.058 Nb0.9Ta0.1O3 (NKLNT) synthesized by solid-state route. A piezoelectric characterization by FTIR spectroscopy and dielectric characterization was performed.
The manufactured NKLNT sensor shows excellent sensitivity and response to external mechanical forces, which implies that this sensor presents a promising technology for different applications.
Effects of active mineral admixture on mechanical properties and durability of concrete
Authors: Xupeng Chen , Zhuowen Sun , Jianyong Pang 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The purpose of this study is to figure out the effects of the active mineral admixture on the mechanical properties and the durability of the concrete. In this paper, the orthogonal test was adopted to study the effects of the metakaolin, the ultra-fine fly ash, and the silica fume on the compressive strength and the splitting tensile strength of the concrete at various curing ages, and to further determine the optimal mix ratio. After that, the ordinary concrete was taken as the control group, the Na2SO4 solution and the MgSO4 + NaCl solution were used as the corrosive medium, and the dry-wet alternation method was adopted to make comparison and micro-analysis on the durability degradation processes of both the admixture concrete with optimal mix ratio and the ordinary concrete in the two solutions as mentioned above. The results show that: as for the concrete mechanical properties, the metakaolin shows the most significant and positive effects on the concrete cured for 7d-14d, while the silica fume affects the concrete with 28 d curing age most. The mechanical properties of the concretes at various curing ages reach their optimal levels when it is added with 10% metakaolin, 15% ultra-fine fly ash, and 3% silica fume. For the concrete durability, the application of mineral admixture could greatly improve the concrete capability in resisting the SO4
2− corrosion. However the complex ions have destructive effects on the mineral admixture concrete. Compared with the ordinary concrete, it shows the most significant growth of corrosion product M–S–H, faster reduction of mechanical properties, and loose and porous micro-structure.
A neuromorphic model of olfactory processing and sparse coding in the Drosophila larva brain
Authors: Jürgensen Anna-Maria , Khalili Afshin , Chicca Elisabetta , Indiveri Giacomo , Nawrot Martin Paul 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Animal nervous systems are highly efficient in processing sensory input. The neuromorphic computing paradigm aims at the hardware implementation of neural network computations to support novel solutions for building brain-inspired computing systems. Here, we take inspiration from sensory processing in the nervous system of the fruit fly larva. With its strongly limited computational resources of <200 neurons and <1.000 synapses the larval olfactory pathway employs fundamental computations to transform broadly tuned receptor input at the periphery into an energy efficient sparse code in the central brain. We show how this approach allows us to achieve sparse coding and increased separability of stimulus patterns in a spiking neural network, validated with both software simulation and hardware emulation on mixed-signal real-time neuromorphic hardware. We verify that feedback inhibition is the central motif to support sparseness in the spatial domain, across the neuron population, while the combination of spike frequency adaptation and feedback inhibition determines sparseness in the temporal domain. Our experiments demonstrate that such small, biologically realistic neural networks, efficiently implemented on neuromorphic hardware, can achieve parallel processing and efficient encoding of sensory input at full temporal resolution.
Identifying Predictors of Opioid Overdose Death at a Neighborhood Level With Machine Learning
Authors: Schell Robert C , Allen Bennett , Goedel William C , Hallowell Benjamin D , Scagos Rachel , Li Yu , Krieger Maxwell S , Neill Daniel B , Marshall Brandon D L , Cerda Magdalena , Ahern Jennifer 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Predictors of opioid overdose death in neighborhoods are important to identify, both to understand characteristics of high-risk areas and to prioritize limited prevention and intervention resources. Machine learning methods could serve as a valuable tool for identifying neighborhood-level predictors. We examined statewide data on opioid overdose death from Rhode Island (log-transformed rates for 2016–2019) and 203 covariates from the American Community Survey for 742 US Census block groups. The analysis included a least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm followed by variable importance rankings from a random forest algorithm. We employed double cross-validation, with 10 folds in the inner loop to train the model and 4 outer folds to assess predictive performance. The ranked variables included a range of dimensions of socioeconomic status, including education, income and wealth, residential stability, race/ethnicity, social isolation, and occupational status. The R2 value of the model on testing data was 0.17. While many predictors of overdose death were in established domains (education, income, occupation), we also identified novel domains (residential stability, racial/ethnic distribution, and social isolation). Predictive modeling with machine learning can identify new neighborhood-level predictors of overdose in the continually evolving opioid epidemic and anticipate the neighborhoods at high risk of overdose mortality.
The Dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART): A Bayesian Model for Dermal Exposure Assessment
Authors: McNally Kevin , Goede Henk A , Schinkel Jody , Gorce Jean-Philippe , Warren Nick 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The dermal Advanced REACH Tool (dART) is a tier 2 exposure model for estimating dermal exposure to the hands (mg min−1) for non-volatile liquid and solid-in-liquid products. The dART builds upon the existing ART framework and describes three mass transport processes (deposition (Dhands), direct emission and direct contact (Ehands), and contact transfer (Thands)) that may each contribute to dermal exposure. The mechanistic model that underpins the dART and calibration of the mechanistic model, such that the dimensionless score that results from encoding contextual information about a task into the determinants of the dART can be converted into a prediction of exposure (mg min−1), have been described in previous work. This paper completes the methodological framework of the dART model through placing the mechanistic model within a wider statistical modelling framework. A mixed-effects model, within a Bayesian framework, is presented for modelling the rate of dermal exposure per minute of activity. The central estimate of exposure for a particular task is provided by a calibrated mechanistic model (and thus based upon contextual information about a task). The model also describes between- and within-worker sources of variability in dermal exposure, with prior distributions for variance components based upon the literature. Estimates of exposure based upon informative prior distributions may be updated using measurement data associated with the task. The dART model is demonstrated using three worked examples, where estimates are initially obtained based upon the prior distributions alone, and then refined through accommodating measurement data on the tasks.
Anxiety-related shifts in smell function in children and adolescents
Authors: Cortese Bernadette M , Uhde Thomas W , Schumann Aicko Y , McTeague Lisa M , Sege Christopher T , Calhoun Casey D , Danielson Carla Kmett 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAnxious adults show changes in smell function that are consistent with a durable shift in sensitivity toward particular odorants and away from others. Little is known regarding the development of these changes, including whether they exist in youth, are stable during the transition from childhood to adolescence, and whether odorant properties (e.g. trigeminal features, hedonic valence) affect anxiety-related differences in detection. To address this, we measured smell detection thresholds to phenyl ethyl alanine (PEA), a rose-like odorant with little trigeminal properties, and guaiacol (GUA), a smoke-like odorant with high trigeminal properties. These thresholds were measured at baseline and after an acute stress challenge, the Trier Social Stress Tests, in 131 healthy youth (in 4th, 7th, and 10th grades, age 9–16 years) that reported normal to elevated levels of anxiety. At baseline, high anxious youth exhibited heightened sensitivity to GUA coupled with reduced sensitivity to PEA, as well as a further exaggeration of this bias with acute stress. Importantly, sex, age, and hedonic valence moderated the relationship between trait anxiety and sensitivity to both odorants. Smell function and its aberrations are often overlooked in the literature on biomarkers of stress and anxiety. Taken together with the extant literature, these findings suggest that greater attention is warranted to characterize potential novel olfactory therapeutic targets—across the lifespan.
Prevalence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisin Sputum and Reported Symptoms Among Clinic Attendees Compared With a Community Survey in Rural South Africa
Authors: Govender Indira , Karat Aaron S , Olivier Stephen , Baisley Kathy , Beckwith Peter , Dayi Njabulo , Dreyer Jaco , Gareta Dickman , Gunda Resign , Kielmann Karina , Koole Olivier , Mhlongo Ngcebo , Modise Tshwaraganang , Moodley Sashen , Mpofana Xolile , Ndung’u Thumbi , Pillay Deenan , Siedner Mark J , Smit Theresa , Surujdeen Ashmika , Wong Emily B , Grant Alison D 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis (TB) case finding efforts typically target symptomatic people attending health facilities. We compared the prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) sputum culture-positivity among adult clinic attendees in rural South Africa with a concurrent, community-based estimate from the surrounding demographic surveillance area (DSA).MethodsClinic: Randomly selected adults (≥18 years) attending 2 primary healthcare clinics were interviewed and requested to give sputum for mycobacterial culture. Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and antiretroviral therapy (ART) status were based on self-report and record review. Community: All adult (≥15 years) DSA residents were invited to a mobile clinic for health screening, including serological HIV testing; those with ≥1 TB symptom (cough, weight loss, night sweats, fever) or abnormal chest radiograph were asked for sputum.ResultsClinic: 2055 patients were enrolled (76.9% female; median age, 36 years); 1479 (72.0%) were classified HIV-positive (98.9% on ART) and 131 (6.4%) reported ≥1 TB symptom. Of 20/2055 (1.0% [95% CI, .6–1.5]) with Mtb culture-positive sputum, 14 (70%) reported no symptoms. Community: 10 320 residents were enrolled (68.3% female; median age, 38 years); 3105 (30.3%) tested HIV-positive (87.4% on ART) and 1091 (10.6%) reported ≥1 TB symptom. Of 58/10 320 (0.6% [95% CI, .4–.7]) with Mtb culture-positive sputum, 45 (77.6%) reported no symptoms. In both surveys, sputum culture positivity was associated with male sex and reporting &gt;1 TB symptom.ConclusionsIn both clinic and community settings, most participants with Mtb culture-positive sputum were asymptomatic. TB screening based only on symptoms will miss many people with active disease in both settings.
Correlates of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Vaccine Hesitancy Among People Who Inject Drugs in the San Diego-Tijuana Border Region
Authors: Strathdee Steffanie A , Abramovitz Daniela , Harvey-Vera Alicia , Vera Carlos F , Rangel Gudelia , Artamonova Irina , Patterson Thomas L , Mitchell Rylie A , Bazzi Angela R 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Background
People who inject drugs (PWID) are vulnerable to acquiring severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). We examined correlates of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine hesitancy among PWID in the US-Mexico border region, of whom only 7.6% had received ≥ 1 COVID-19 vaccine dose by September 2021.

Methods
Between October 2020 and September 2021, participants aged ≥ 18 years from San Diego, California, USA, and Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, who injected drugs within the last month completed surveys and SARS-CoV-2, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) serologic testing. Logistic regressions with robust standard error estimation via generalized estimating equations identified factors associated with being unsure or unwilling to receive COVID-19 vaccines.

Results
Of 393 participants, 266 (67.7%) were willing to receive COVID-19 vaccines and 127 (32.3%) were hesitant (23.4% unwilling and 8.9% unsure). Older participants, those with greater food insecurity, and those with greater concern about acquiring SARS-CoV-2 were more willing to be vaccinated. Higher numbers of chronic health conditions, having access to a smart phone or computer, and citing social media as one’s most important source of COVID-19 information were independently associated with vaccine hesitancy. COVID-19-related disinformation was independently associated with vaccine hesitancy (adjusted odds ratio: 1.51 per additional conspiracy theory endorsed; 95% confidence interval: 1.31–1.74).

Conclusions
Nearly one third of people injecting drugs in the US-Mexico border region were COVID-19 vaccine hesitant, which was significantly associated with exposure to social media, disinformation and co-morbidities and inversely associated with food security and high perceived threat of COVID-19. Interventions that improve accurate knowledge of and trust in COVID-19 vaccines are needed in this vulnerable population.
NOX1 mediates metabolic heart disease in mice and is upregulated in monocytes of humans with diastolic dysfunction
Authors: Xu Lifen , Balzarolo Melania , Robinson Emma L , Lorenz Vera , Della Verde Giacomo , Joray Lydia , Mochizuki Michika , Kaufmann Beat A , Valstar Gideon , de Jager Saskia C A , den Ruijter Hester M , Heymans Stephane , Pfister Otmar , Kuster Gabriela M 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Aims
Microvascular inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diastolic dysfunction (DD) and metabolic heart disease. NOX1 is expressed in vascular and immune cells and has been implicated in the vascular pathology of metabolic disease. However, its contribution to metabolic heart disease is less understood.

Methods and results
NOX1-deficient mice (KO) and male wild-type (WT) littermates were fed a high-fat high-sucrose diet (HFHS) and injected streptozotocin (75 mg/kg i.p.) or control diet (CTD) and sodium citrate. Despite similar weight gain and increase in fasting blood glucose and insulin, only WT-HFHS but not KO-HFHS mice developed concentric cardiac hypertrophy and elevated left ventricular filling pressure. This was associated with increased endothelial adhesion molecule expression, accumulation of Mac-2-, IL-1β-, and NLRP3-positive cells and nitrosative stress in WT-HFHS but not KO-HFHS hearts. Nox1 mRNA was solidly expressed in CD45+ immune cells isolated from healthy mouse hearts but was negligible in cardiac CD31+ endothelial cells. However, in vitro, Nox1 expression increased in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in endothelial cells and contributed to LPS-induced upregulation of Icam-1. Nox1 was also upregulated in mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages in response to LPS. In peripheral monocytes from age- and sex-matched symptomatic patients with and without DD, NOX1 was significantly higher in patients with DD compared to those without DD.

Conclusions
NOX1 mediates endothelial activation and contributes to myocardial inflammation and remodelling in metabolic disease in mice. Given its high expression in monocytes of humans with DD, NOX1 may represent a potential target to mitigate heart disease associated with DD.