bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effect of temperature on the unimodal size scaling of phytoplankton growth
Authors: Fernández-González Cristina , Marañón Emilio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractContrary to predictions by the allometric theory, there is evidence that phytoplankton growth rates peak at intermediate cell sizes. However, it is still unknown if this pattern may result from the effect of experimental temperature. Here we test whether temperature affects the unimodal size scaling pattern of phytoplankton growth by (1) growing Synechococcus sp., Ostreococcus tauri, Micromonas commoda and Pavlova lutheri at 18 °C and 25 °C, and (2) using thermal response curves available in the literature to estimate the growth rate at 25 °C as well as the maximum growth rate at optimal temperature for 22 species assayed previously at 18 °C. We also assess the sensitivity of growth rate estimates to the metric employed for measuring standing stocks, by calculating growth rates based on in vivo fluorescence, chlorophyll a concentration, cell abundance and biomass (particulate organic carbon and nitrogen content). Our results show that the unimodal size scaling pattern of phytoplankton growth, with a peak at intermediate cell sizes, is observed at 18 °C, 25 °C and at the optimal temperature for growth, and that it prevails irrespective of the standing-stock metric used. The unimodal size scaling pattern of phytoplankton growth is supported by two independent field observations reported in the literature: (i) a positive relationship between cell size and metabolic rate in the picophytoplankton size range and (ii) the dominance of intermediate-size cells in nutrient-rich waters during blooms.
Combined effect of arginine and fluoride on the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG
Authors: Bijle Mohammed Nadeem , Ekambaram Manikandan , Lo Edward C. M. , Yiu Cynthia Kar Yung 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe objectives of the in vitro study were: (1) to investigate the effect of combining L-arginine (Arg) and NaF on the growth of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LRG); and (2) to identify an optimum synergistic concentration for the synbiotic (Arg + LRG)-fluoride (SF) therapy. 1% Arg + 2000-ppm NaF (A-SF) and 2% Arg + 2000-ppm NaF (B-SF) demonstrated antagonism against LRG (FIC > 4.0). Both XTT (2,3-bis-(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium-5-carboxanilide) and WST-8 (2-(2-methoxy-4-nitrophenyl)-3-(4-nitrophenyl)-5-(2,4-disulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium, monosodium salt) assays showed that A-SF and B-SF enhanced the growth of LRG when compared to 2000-ppm NaF and LRG control. Colony forming units, bacterial weight, and biofilm thickness of A-SF and B-SF were significantly higher than 2000-ppm NaF and LRG control. Biofilm imaging depicted that 2000-ppm NaF inhibited biofilm formation; while 1%/2% Arg, A-SF, and B-SF increased biofilm growth of LRG. Lactic acid formation was the lowest for 2000-ppm NaF, followed by A-SF and then B-SF. The SF buffer potential after 24 h was the highest for B-SF, and then A-SF. Biofilm pH for B-SF was closest to neutral. Fluoride, Arg and LRG bioavailability remained unaffected in B-SF. The relative gene expression for arcA, argG, and argH was significantly higher for B-SF than the respective controls. In conclusion, combining 2% Arg, 2000-ppm NaF, and LRG provides an optimum synbiotic-fluoride synergism.
Current practice and effects of intravenous anticoagulant therapy in hospitalized acute heart failure patients with sinus rhythm
Authors: Nakano Hiroki , Hamatani Yasuhiro , Nagai Toshiyuki , Nakai Michikazu , Nishimura Kunihiro , Sumita Yoko , Ogawa Hisao , Anzai Toshihisa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough the risk of thromboembolism is increased in heart failure (HF) patients irrespective of atrial fibrillation (AF), especially during the acute decompensated phase, the effects of intravenous anticoagulants for these patients remain unclear. We sought to investigate the current practice and effects of intravenous anticoagulant therapy in acute HF (AHF) patients with sinus rhythm. We analyzed a nationwide prospective cohort from April 2012 to March 2016. We extracted 309,015 AHF adult patients. After application of the exclusion criteria, we divided the 92,573 study population into non-heparin [n = 70,621 (76.3%)] and heparin [n = 21,952 (23.7%)] groups according to the use of intravenous heparin for the first 2 consecutive days after admission. Multivariable logistic regression analyses demonstrated that heparin administration was not associated with in-hospital mortality (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.91–1.03) and intracranial hemorrhage (OR 1.18, 95% CI 0.78–1.77), while heparin administration was significantly associated with increased incidence of ischemic stroke (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.29–1.72) and venous thromboembolism (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.14–2.30). In conclusion, intravenous heparin administration was not associated with favorable in-hospital outcomes in AHF patients with sinus rhythm. Routine additive use of intravenous heparin to initial treatment might not be recommended in AHF patients.
An assistive computer vision tool to automatically detect changes in fish behavior in response to ambient odor
Authors: Banerjee Sreya , Alvey Lauren , Brown Paula , Yue Sophie , Li Lei , Scheirer Walter J. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe analysis of fish behavior in response to odor stimulation is a crucial component of the general study of cross-modal sensory integration in vertebrates. In zebrafish, the centrifugal pathway runs between the olfactory bulb and the neural retina, originating at the terminalis neuron in the olfactory bulb. Any changes in the ambient odor of a fish’s environment warrant a change in visual sensitivity and can trigger mating-like behavior in males due to increased GnRH signaling in the terminalis neuron. Behavioral experiments to study this phenomenon are commonly conducted in a controlled environment where a video of the fish is recorded over time before and after the application of chemicals to the water. Given the subtleties of behavioral change, trained biologists are currently required to annotate such videos as part of a study. This process of manually analyzing the videos is time-consuming, requires multiple experts to avoid human error/bias and cannot be easily crowdsourced on the Internet. Machine learning algorithms from computer vision, on the other hand, have proven to be effective for video annotation tasks because they are fast, accurate, and, if designed properly, can be less biased than humans. In this work, we propose to automate the entire process of analyzing videos of behavior changes in zebrafish by using tools from computer vision, relying on minimal expert supervision. The overall objective of this work is to create a generalized tool to predict animal behaviors from videos using state-of-the-art deep learning models, with the dual goal of advancing understanding in biology and engineering a more robust and powerful artificial information processing system for biologists.
Effects of multi-domain cognitive training on working memory retrieval in older adults: behavioral and ERP evidence from a Chinese community study
Authors: Hong Xiangfei , Chen You , Wang Jijun , Shen Yuan , Li Qingwei , Zhao Binglei , Guo Xiaoli , Feng Wei , Wu Wenyuan , Li Chunbo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWorking memory (WM) is a fundamental cognitive function that typically declines with age. Previous studies have shown that targeted WM training has the potential to improve WM performance in older adults. In the present study, we investigated whether a multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM could improve the behavioral performance and affect the neural activity during WM retrieval in healthy older adults. We assigned healthy older participants (70–78 years old) from a local community into a training group who completed a 3-month multi-domain cognitive training and a control group who only attended health education lectures during the same period. Behavioral and electroencephalography (EEG) data were recorded from participants while performing an untrained delayed match or non-match to category task and a control task at a pre-training baseline session and a post-training follow-up session. Behaviorally, we found that participants in the training group showed a trend toward greater WM performance gains than participants in the control group. Event-related potential (ERP) results suggest that the task-related modulation of P3 during WM retrieval was significantly enhanced at the follow-up session compared with the baseline session, and importantly, this enhancement of P3 modulation was only significant in the training group. Furthermore, no training-related effects were observed for the P2 or N2 component during WM retrieval. These results suggest that the multi-domain cognitive training program that was not designed to specifically target WM is a promising approach to improve WM performance in older adults, and that training-related gains in performance are likely mediated by an enhanced modulation of P3 which might reflect the process of WM updating.
Velocity prediction of nanofluid in a heated porous pipe: DEFIS learning of CFD results
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Behroyan Iman , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: January 2021

AbstractUtilizing artificial intelligence algorithm of adaptive network-based fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) in combination with the computational lfuid dynamics (CFD) has recently revealed great potential as an auxiliary method for simulating challenging fluid mechnics problems. This research area is at the beginning, and needs sophisticated algorithms to be developed. No studies are available to consider the efficiency of the other trainers like differential evolution (DE) integrating with the FIS for capturing the pattern of the simulation results generated by CFD technique. Besides, the adjustment of the tuning parameters of the artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm for finding the highest level of intelligence is unavailable. The performance of AI algorithms in the meshing process has not been considered yet. Therfore, herein the Al2O3/water nanofluid flow in a porous pipe is simulated by a sophisticated hybrid approach combining mechnsitic model (CFD) and AI. The finite volume method (FVM) is employed as the CFD approach. Also, the differential evolution-based fuzzy inference system (DEFIS) is used for learning the CFD results. The DEFIS learns the nanofluid velocity in the y-direction, as output, and the nodes coordinates (i.e., x, y, and z), as inputs. The intelligence of the DEFIS is assessed by adjusting the methd’s variables including input number, population number, and crossover. It was found that the DEFIS intelligence is related to the input number of 3, the crossover of 0.8, and the population number of 120. In addition, the nodes increment from 4833 to 774,468 was done by the DEFIS. The DEFIS predicted the velocity for the new dense mesh without using the CFD data. Finally, all CFD results were covered with the new predictions of the DEFIS.
Tailoring topological edge states with photonic crystal nanobeam cavities
Authors: Gong Yongkang , Guo Liang , Wong Stephan , Bennett Anthony J. , Oh Sang Soon 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe realization of topological edge states (TESs) in photonic systems has provided unprecedented opportunities for manipulating light in novel manners. The Su–Schrieffer–Heeger (SSH) model has recently gained significant attention and has been exploited in a wide range of photonic platforms to create TESs. We develop a photonic topological insulator strategy based on SSH photonic crystal nanobeam cavities. In contrast to the conventional photonic SSH schemes which are based on alternately tuned coupling strength in one-dimensional lattice, our proposal provides higher flexibility and allows tailoring TESs by manipulating mode coupling in a two-dimensional manner. We reveal that the proposed hole-array based nanobeams in a dielectric membrane can selectively tailor single or double TESs in the telecommunication region by controlling the coupling strength of the adjacent SSH nanobeams in both transverse and axial directions. Our finding provides an additional degree of freedom in exploiting the SSH model for integrated topological photonic devices and functionalities based on the well-established photonic crystal nanobeam cavity platforms.
Use of the extended feasible stability region for assessing stability of perturbed walking
Authors: Bahari Hosein , Forero Juan , Hall Jeremy C. , Hebert Jacqueline S. , Vette Albert H. , Rouhani Hossein 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWalking stability has been assessed through gait variability or existing biomechanical measures. However, such measures are unable to quantify the instantaneous risk of loss-of-balance as a function of gait parameters, body sway, and physiological and perturbation conditions. This study aimed to introduce and evaluate novel biomechanical measures for loss-of-balance under various perturbed walking conditions. We introduced the concept of ‘Extended Feasible Stability Region (ExFSR)’ that characterizes walking stability for the duration of an entire step. We proposed novel stability measures based on the proximity of the body’s centre of mass (COM) position and velocity to the ExFSR limits. We quantified perturbed walking of fifteen non-disabled individuals and three individuals with a disability, and calculated our proposed ExFSR-based measures. 17.2% (32.5%) and 26.3% (34.0%) of the measured trajectories of the COM position and velocity during low (high) perturbations went outside the ExFSR limits, for non-disabled and disabled individuals, respectively. Besides, our proposed measures significantly correlated with measures previously suggested in the literature to assess gait stability, indicating a similar trend in gait stability revealed by them. The ExFSR-based measures facilitate our understanding on the biomechanical mechanisms of loss-of-balance and can contribute to the development of strategies for balance assessment.
Silver decorated CeO2 nanoparticles for rapid photocatalytic degradation of textile rose bengal dye
Authors: Murugadoss G. , Kumar D. Dinesh , Kumar M. Rajesh , Venkatesh N. , Sakthivel P. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractHigh quality silver (Ag) decorated CeO2 nanoparticles were prepared by a facile one-step chemical method. The samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FT-IR), electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), UV–Visible absorption (UV–Vis), photoluminescence (PL) and thermogravimetric analysis. The decoration of Ag on CeO2 surface was confirmed by XRD, EPR and HR-TEM analysis. Harmful textile pollutant Rose Bengal dye was degraded under sunlight using the novel Ag decorated CeO2 catalyst. It was found that great enhancement of the degradation efficiency for Ag/CeO2 compared to pure CeO2, it can be ascribed mainly due to decrease in its band gap and charge carrier recombination rate. The Ag/CeO2 sample exhibited an efficient photocatalytic characteristic for degrading RB under visible light irradiation with a high degradation rate of 96% after 3 h. With the help of various characterizations, a possible degradation mechanism has been proposed which shows the effect of generation of oxygen vacancies owing to the decoration of Ag on the CeO2 surface.
Subsystem domination influence on magnetization reversal in designed magnetic patterns in ferrimagnetic Tb/Co multilayers
Authors: Frąckowiak Łukasz , Stobiecki Feliks , Chaves-O’Flynn Gabriel David , Urbaniak Maciej , Schmidt Marek , Matczak Michał , Maziewski Andrzej , Reginka Meike , Ehresmann Arno , Kuświk Piotr 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRecent results showed that the ferrimagnetic compensation point and other characteristic features of Tb/Co ferrimagnetic multilayers can be tailored by He+ ion bombardment. With appropriate choices of the He+ ion dose, we prepared two types of lattices composed of squares with either Tb or Co domination. The magnetization reversal of the first lattice is similar to that seen in ferromagnetic heterostructures consisting of areas with different switching fields. However, in the second lattice, the creation of domains without accompanying domain walls is possible. These domain patterns are particularly stable because they simultaneously lower the demagnetizing energy and the energy associated with the presence of domain walls (exchange and anisotropy). For both lattices, studies of magnetization reversal show that this process takes place by the propagation of the domain walls. If they are not present at the onset, the reversal starts from the nucleation of reversed domains and it is followed by domain wall propagation. The magnetization reversal process does not depend significantly on the relative sign of the effective magnetization in areas separated by domain walls.
Molecular pathogenesis of rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Öhman Tiina , Gawriyski Lisa , Miettinen Sini , Varjosalo Markku , Loukovaara Sirpa 
Published: January 2021

AbstractRhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) is an ophthalmic emergency, which usually requires prompt surgery to prevent further detachment and restore sensory function. Although several individual factors have been suggested, a systems level understanding of molecular pathomechanisms underlying this severe eye disorder is lacking. To address this gap in knowledge we performed the molecular level systems pathology analysis of the vitreous from 127 patients with RRD using state-of-the art quantitative mass spectrometry to identify the individual key proteins, as well as the biochemical pathways contributing to the development of the disease. RRD patients have specific vitreous proteome profiles compared to other diseases such as macular hole, pucker, or proliferative diabetic retinopathy eyes. Our data indicate that various mechanisms, including glycolysis, photoreceptor death, and Wnt and MAPK signaling, are activated during or after the RRD to promote retinal cell survival. In addition, platelet-mediated wound healing processes, cell adhesion molecules reorganization and apoptotic processes were detected during RRD progression or proliferative vitreoretinopathy formation. These findings improve the understanding of RRD pathogenesis, identify novel targets for treatment of this ophthalmic disease, and possibly affect the prognosis of eyes treated or operated upon due to RRD.
Estimation of the hemoglobin glycation rate constant
Authors: Kameyama Masashi , Okumiya Toshika , Tokuhiro Shinji , Matsumura Yoshihisa , Matsui Hirotaka , Ono Yasuhiro , Iwasaka Tsuyoshi , Hiratani Kazuyuki , Koga Masafumi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractIn a previous study, a method of obtaining mean erythrocyte age ($$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

) from HbA1c and average plasma glucose (AG) was proposed. However, the true value of the hemoglobin glycation constant ($$k_g$$

k
g

dL/mg/day), required for this model has yet to be well characterized. Another study also proposed a method of deriving $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

from erythrocyte creatine (EC). Utilizing these formulae, this study aimed to determine a more accurate estimate of $$k_g$$

k
g

. One hundred and seven subjects including 31 patients with hemolytic anemia and 76 subjects without anemia were included in this study. EC and HbA1c data were analyzed, and $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

using HbA1c, AG and the newly-derived constant, $$k_g$$

k
g

were compared to $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

using traditional $$^{51}\hbox {Cr}$$

51

Cr

in three patients whose data were taken from previous case studies. A value of $$7.0\times 10^{-6}$$

7.0
×

10

-
6

dL/mg/day was determined for $$k_g$$

k
g

. $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

using HbA1c, AG and $$k_g$$

k
g

were found to no be significantly different (paired t-test, $$p=0.45$$

p
=
0.45

) to $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

using traditional $$^{51}\hbox {Cr}$$

51

Cr

. $$k_g$$

k
g

enables the estimation of $$M_{RBC}$$

M

RBC

from HbA1c and AG.
Activated neutrophil fluorescent imaging technique for human lungs
Authors: Craven Thomas H. , Walton Tashfeen , Akram Ahsan R. , Scholefield Emma , McDonald Neil , Marshall Adam D.L. , Humphries Duncan C. , Mills Bethany , Campbell Thane A. , Bruce Annya , Mair Joanne , Dear James W. , Newby David E. , Hill Adam T. , Walsh Timothy S. , Haslett Chris , Dhaliwal Kevin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractNeutrophil activation is an integral process to acute inflammation and is associated with adverse clinical sequelae. Identification of neutrophil activation in real time in the lungs of patients may permit biological stratification of patients in otherwise heterogenous cohorts typically defined by clinical criteria. No methods for identifying neutrophil activation in real time in the lungs of patients currently exist. We developed a bespoke molecular imaging probe targeting three characteristic signatures of neutrophil activation: pinocytosis, phagosomal alkalinisation, and human neutrophil elastase (HNE) activity. The probe functioned as designed in vitro and ex vivo. We evaluated optical endomicroscopy imaging of neutrophil activity using the probe in real-time at the bedside of healthy volunteers, patients with bronchiectasis, and critically unwell mechanically ventilated patients. We detected a range of imaging responses in vivo reflecting heterogeneity of condition and severity. We corroborated optical signal was due to probe function and neutrophil activation.
Stability of SARS-CoV-2 on critical personal protective equipment
Authors: Kasloff Samantha B. , Leung Anders , Strong James E. , Funk Duane , Cutts Todd 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe spread of COVID-19 in healthcare settings is concerning, with healthcare workers representing a disproportionately high percentage of confirmed cases. Although SARS-CoV-2 virus has been found to persist on surfaces for a number of days, the extent and duration of fomites as a mode of transmission, particularly in healthcare settings, has not been fully characterized. To shed light on this critical matter, the present study provides the first comprehensive assessment of SARS-CoV-2 stability on experimentally contaminated personal protective equipment (PPE) widely used by healthcare workers and the general public. Persistence of viable virus was monitored over 21 days on eight different materials, including nitrile medical examination gloves, reinforced chemical resistant gloves, N-95 and N-100 particulate respirator masks, Tyvek, plastic, cotton, and stainless steel. Unlike previous reports, viable SARS-CoV-2 in the presence of a soil load persisted for up to 21 days on experimentally inoculated PPE, including materials from filtering facepiece respirators (N-95 and N-100 masks) and a plastic visor. Conversely, when applied to 100% cotton fabric, the virus underwent rapid degradation and became undetectable by TCID50 assay within 24 h. These findings underline the importance of appropriate handling of contaminated PPE during and following use in high-risk settings and provide interesting insight into the potential utility of cotton in limiting COVID-19 transmission.