bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Endogenous dipeptide‐carnosine supplementation ameliorates hypobaric hypoxia‐induced skeletal muscle loss via attenuating endoplasmic reticulum stress response and maintaining proteostasis
Authors: Agrawal Akanksha , Rathor Richa , Kumar Ravi , Singh Som Nath , Kumar Bhuvnesh , Suryakumar Geetha 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHigh altitude is an environmental stress that is accompanied with numerous adverse biological responses, including skeletal muscle weakness and muscle protein loss. Skeletal muscle wasting is an important clinical problem, progressing to critical illness, associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The present study explores the protective efficacy of endogenous dipeptide, carnosine (CAR), supplementation in ameliorating skeletal muscle protein loss under hypobaric hypoxia (HH). Male Sprague–Dawley rats (n = 5) were randomly divided into control group, HH‐exposed group (3 days HH exposure equivalent to 7,620 m), and HH‐exposed rats supplemented with carnosine (3 days; 150 mg/kg b.w, orally) (HH + CAR). HH‐exposed rats supplemented with CAR ameliorated HH‐induced oxidative protein damage, lipid peroxidation, and maintained pro‐inflammatory cytokines levels. HH‐associated muscle protein degradative pathways, including calpain, ubiquitination, endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and apoptosis were also regulated in carnosine‐supplemented rats. Further, the muscle damage marker, the levels of serum creatine phosphokinase were also reduced in HH + CAR co‐supplemented rats which proved the protective efficacy of CAR against hypobaric hypoxia‐induced muscle protein loss. Altogether, CAR supplementation ameliorated HH‐induced skeletal muscle protein loss via performing multifaceted ways, mainly by maintaining redox homeostasis and proteostasis in skeletal muscle.
A decoy strategy to activate the immune system
Authors: Deshpande Manisha S. , Banerjee Tanushree 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAn approach comprising a novel fusion protein and inactivated virus, as a more efficacious vaccine against invading viruses is presented, using SARS‐CoV‐2 as a most prominent example. The fusion protein consists of the Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) conjugated to the N‐terminal helix (NTH) of Angiotensin‐Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is the receptor for SARS‐CoV‐2. For vaccination, this fusion protein is to be administered together with the whole killed virus. The NTH would bind to the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) of the Spike protein of the killed virus. Due to HBsAg acting as a decoy, immune responses would be mounted. Neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) pre‐existing in people already vaccinated with the recombinant Hepatitis B vaccine, fresh production of NAbs, and NAbs produced by memory B cells would bind to the HBsAg. This would lead to “presentation” of the killed virus to elements of the immune system at close range. Also, there would be enhanced opsonization and effective antigen presentation. This two‐component vaccine could be a platform strategy, wherein HBsAg could be linked to the part of the cellular receptor that any new intractable virus binds to, and is administered together with whole inactivated virus. Now, the same fusion protein, administered by itself to persons with infection, would have therapeutic action, yet by harnessing elements of the immune system. NAbs would bind to the fusion protein as above, the NTH of which would bind to the RBDs of the infecting virus, which, in effect would be neutralized.
Practical implications of methanotrophic denitrification as post‐treatment unit of anaerobic effluents in tropical areas
Authors: Costa Rachel B , Okada Dagoberto Y , Foresti Eugenio 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe use of methane as electron donor for denitrification addresses nitrogen removal in anaerobic effluents and can help to abate greenhouse gas emissions from wastewater treatment plants. However, applicable rates of methanotrophic denitrification were only reached under temperature controlled conditions, and in membrane bioreactors, which are not widely available in low‐income countries. In this study, polyurethane foam was used as support media in an up‐flow fixed structured bed reactor (Up‐FSBR). Methane was provided as the sole electron donor and carbon source to the Up‐FSBR, fed with synthetic medium mimicking nitrified sewage pre‐treated anaerobically and operated without temperature control or previous medium sterilization.RESULTSThe denitrification rate was 16.7 ± 6.9 mg N·day−1 and the average efficiency was 42.7 ± 14.6%. Data dispersion is linked to the operation conditions, such as temperature variation that ranged up to 18 °C in a 24 h period. The temperature variation caused a swallow in the metallic valves used in the methane input device, leading to a high fluctuation in methane availability and bubble size, influencing gas–liquid transfer. 16S rDNA sequencing revealed a complex interplay among aerobic methane oxidizers (10.8% of relative abundance), non‐methanotrophic methylotrophs (7.0% RA), heterotrophic denitrifiers (14.3% RA), and microorganisms affiliated with the archaeal Methanosarcinales (13.2%).CONCLUSIONSThe Up‐FSBR is a promising alternative for methanotrophic denitrification. The operation challenges are linked with methane input rather than with the reactor configuration. The Up‐FSBR was efficient in selecting a microbial community that is capable of performing methane oxidation and heterotrophic denitrification. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Stakeholder efforts to mitigate antiretroviral therapy interruption among people living with HIV during the COVID‐19 pandemic in China: a qualitative study
Authors: Sun Yinghui , Zhan Yuewei , Li Hui , Yuan Tanwei , Gao Yanxiao , Liang Bowen , Feng Anping , Li Peiyang , Zheng Weiran , Fitzpatrick Thomas , Wu Dan , Zhai Xinyi , Zou Huachun 
Published: September 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe COVID‐19 pandemic has affected antiretroviral therapy (ART) continuity among people living with HIV (PLHIV) worldwide. We conducted a qualitative study to explore barriers to ART maintenance and solutions to ART interruption when stringent COVID‐19 control measures were implemented in China, from the perspective of PLHIV and relevant key stakeholders.MethodsBetween 11 February and 15 February 2020, we interviewed PLHIV, community‐based organization (CBO) workers, staff from centres for disease control and prevention (CDC) at various levels whose work is relevant to HIV care (CDC staff), HIV doctors and nurses and drug vendors from various regions in China. Semi‐structured interviews were conducted using a messaging and social media app. Challenges and responses relevant to ART continuity during the COVID‐19 pandemic were discussed. Themes were identified by transcript coding and mindmaps.ResultsSixty‐four stakeholders were recruited, including 16 PLHIV, 17 CBO workers, 15 CDC staff, 14 HIV doctors and nurses and two drug vendors. Many CDC staff, HIV doctors and nurses responsible for ART delivery and HIV care were shifted to COVID‐19 response efforts. Barriers to ART maintenance were (a) travel restrictions, (b) inadequate communication and bureaucratic obstacles, (c) shortage in personnel, (d) privacy concerns, and (e) insufficient ART reserve. CBO helped PLHIV maintain access to ART through five solutions identified from thematic analysis: (a) coordination to refill ART from local CDC clinics or hospitals, (b) delivery of ART by mail, (c) privacy protection measures, (d) mental health counselling, and (e) providing connections to alternative sources of ART. Drug vendors contributed to ART maintenance by selling out‐of‐pocket ART.ConclusionsSocial and institutional disruption from COVID‐19 contributed to increased risk of ART interruption among PLHIV in China. Collaboration among key stakeholders was needed to maintain access to ART, with CBO playing an important role. Other countries facing ART interruption during current or future public health emergencies may learn from the solutions employed in China.
ENSO and PDO related interannual variability in the north and east‐central part of the Bolivian Altiplano in South America
Authors: Rojas‐Murillo Katherine , Lupo Anthony R. , Garcia Magali , Gilles Jere , Korner Alex , Rivera Marco A. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractPrevious studies in this region focused on interannual and interdecadal precipitation variability during Dec–Feb (summer), relating the El Niño (EN) phase to droughts. Many studies examine this variability over different parts of the Altiplano, and mountainous terrain is well‐known for producing complex climate signals as well as variability over relatively small regions. Studies that have examined climate variability over the Altiplano suggest that the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence is complex. The monthly precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature from 1979 to 2017 are used to examine how ENSO and PDO (Pacific decadal oscillation) influence climate conditions. Power spectra analysis determined the periodicities, and analysis of variance was applied to standardized anomalies of the three variables to evaluate PDO and ENSO as variance factors. Frequency distributions were calculated by PDO and ENSO phases, and the differences were tested using the Chi‐square test. Our results suggest a PDO and ENSO influence, displaying more dry anomalies during DJF for EN/PDO(+), in agreement with a northward position of the Bolivian high. More wet anomalies during SON (Sep–Oct–Nov) in Neutral (NEU)/PDO(+) due to an upper‐level weak westerly flow during PDO(+). For maximum temperature, a reduction in cold anomalies during EN/PDO(−) was observed along with greater warm anomalies in JJA (Jun–Jul–Aug), SON and MAM (Mar–Apr–May). Similar results were observed for NEU phase, due to a greater occurrence of high pressures centres over the region during the PDO(−). Minimum temperature results displayed more variation within stations and a less clear response to ENSO compared to PDO. The research found a clear influence of PDO in the regional climatology associated with the influence of the upper‐level jet stream using the NCEP‐NCAR composites. This provided a better understanding of these two phenomena, which would allow the production of seasonal forecasts based on ENSO and PDO using both surface and upper‐level information.
Agronomic potential of two different glass‐based materials as novel inorganic slow‐release iron fertilizers
Authors: D'Amato Roberto , De Feudis Mauro , Troni Elisabetta , Gualtieri Sabrina , Soldati Roberto , Famiani Franco , Businelli Daniela 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDLarge amounts of chemical fertilizers are still currently used to compensate the soil nutrients scarcity in order to increase and sustain crop yield with consequent rising of environmental pollution and health problems. To mitigate these environmental risks, fertilizers with slow‐release behaviours have been developed. The aim of this study was to assess the agronomic potential of two different glass‐based materials (by‐products from the ceramic sector) as inorganic slow‐release iron (Fe) fertilizers.RESULTSThe X‐ray powder diffraction confirmed the presence of amorphous structure and the richness in Fe of the investigated materials. The solubility analysis highlighted the slow Fe release from the glassy network and that the maximum of the Fe release was at alkaline pH suggesting their potential use as slow‐release Fe fertilizers, especially in calcareous soils. The pot and leaching experiments demonstrated that although the glass‐based materials increased the amount of soil available Fe, we did not observe Fe leaching and plant toxicity. This fact would suggest their reliability to increase soil fertility without negative effects on the environment.CONCLUSIONThe use of glass‐based materials, specifically by‐products from the ceramic sectors, as inorganic slow‐release Fe fertilizers can be sustained. The tests performed at three different pH conditions testified the slow‐release behaviour of the tested materials and underlined that the Fe release increases at alkaline environment. Therefore, the present study pointed out the glass‐based materials by products from the ceramic sector as novel slow‐release and environmental‐friendly fertilizers in agriculture. © 2021 The Authors. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Influence of strains and environmental cultivation conditions on the bioconversion of ergosterol and vitamin D2 in the sun mushroom
Authors: Vieira Junior Wagner Gonçalves , Centeio Cardoso Rossana Veviana , Fernandes Ângela , Ferreira Isabel Cristina Fernandes Rodrigues , Barros Lillian , Pardo‐Giménez Arturo , Mendel Soares Douglas Moraes , Stevani Cassius Vinicius , Zied Diego Cunha 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe fungus Agaricus subrufescens is grown commercially in China, the USA, Brazil, Taiwan and Japan, among others. However, each country adopts a cultivation system that significantly influences the agronomical parameters and chemical composition of the harvested mushrooms. In this study, the influence of the cultivation process on the content of ergosterol and vitamin D2 was evaluated.RESULTSFour commercial strains of A. subrufescens (ABL 04/49, ABL CS7, ABL 18/01 and ABL 19/01) and two environmental cultivation conditions (in the field and a controlled chamber with the absence of sunlight) were used. Infield cultivation, ABL CS7 and ABL 19/01 strains presented better agronomic parameters, whereas in a protected environment ABL 19/01, ABL 04/49 and ABL 18/01 demonstrated better performance, respectively. The highest biological efficiency value (64%) was provided by ABL 19/01 strain in a controlled environment.CONCLUSIONThe highest content in ergosterol (990 mg kg−1) and vitamin D2 (36.8 mg kg−1) were observed in mushrooms obtained in the field from strain ABL 04/49, which presents reasonable agronomic parameters for cultivation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Pathological examples of structures with o‐minimal open core
Authors: Block Gorman Alexi , Caulfield Erin , Hieronymi Philipp 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThis paper answers several open questions around structures with o‐minimal open core. We construct an expansion of an o‐minimal structure by a unary predicate such that its open core is a proper o‐minimal expansion of . We give an example of a structure that has an o‐minimal open core and the exchange property, yet defines a function whose graph is dense. Finally, we produce an example of a structure that has an o‐minimal open core and definable Skolem functions, but is not o‐minimal.
New results for impulsive fractional differential equations through variational methods
Authors: Gao Dongdong , Li Jianli 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we mainly discuss the existence of solutions for impulsive fractional differential equations. By applying variational methods and critical point theory, some new criteria to guarantee that the impulsive fractional differential equation has infinitely many solutions are established. Moreover, we improve and extend some previous results.
On local‐in‐time Strichartz estimates for the Schrödinger equation with singular potentials
Authors: Kim Seongyeon , Seo Ihyeok , Seok Jihyeon 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThere have been a lot of works concerning the Strichartz estimates for the perturbed Schrödinger equation by potential. These can be basically carried out adopting the well‐known procedure for obtaining the Strichartz estimates from the weighted L2 resolvent estimates for the Laplacian. In this paper we handle the Strichartz estimates without relying on the resolvent estimates. This enables us to consider various potential classes such as the Morrey–Campanato classes.
Erratum to the paper “Global Lp estimates for degenerate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators with variable coefficients”
Authors: Bramanti Marco , Cupini Giovanni , Lanconelli Ermanno , Priola Enrico 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn this note we point out and correct a mistake in our paper “Global Lp estimates for degenerate Ornstein–Uhlenbeck operators with variable coefficients”, published in Math. Nachr. 286 (2013), no. 11–12, 1087–1101.
Challenges in ensuring the generalizability of image quantitation methods for MRI
Authors: Keenan Kathryn E. , Delfino Jana G. , Jordanova Kalina V. , Poorman Megan E. , Chirra Prathyush , Chaudhari Akshay S. , Baessler Bettina , Winfield Jessica , Viswanath Satish E. , deSouza Nandita M. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractImage quantitation methods including quantitative MRI, multiparametric MRI, and radiomics offer great promise for clinical use. However, many of these methods have limited clinical adoption, in part due to issues of generalizability, that is, the ability to translate methods and models across institutions. Researchers can assess generalizability through measurement of repeatability and reproducibility, thus quantifying different aspects of measurement variance. In this article, we review the challenges to ensuring repeatability and reproducibility of image quantitation methods as well as present strategies to minimize their variance to enable wider clinical implementation. We present possible solutions for achieving clinically acceptable performance of image quantitation methods and briefly discuss the impact of minimizing variance and achieving generalizability towards clinical implementation and adoption.
Additive Schwarz preconditioners for C0 interior penalty methods for the obstacle problem of clamped Kirchhoff plates
Authors: Brenner Susanne C. , Sung Li‐Yeng , Wang Kening 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe discrete variational inequalities resulting from interior penalty methods for the obstacle problem of clamped Kirchhoff plates can be solved by the primal‐dual active set algorithm. We develop and analyze additive Schwarz preconditioners for the auxiliary systems that appear in each iteration of the primal‐dual active set algorithm. Numerical results corroborate our theoretical estimates.
“Money was the problem”: Caregivers' self‐reported reasons for abandoning their children's cancer treatment in southwest Uganda
Authors: Atwiine Barnabas , Busingye Imelda , Kyarisiima Rose , Baluku Emmanuel , Mbabazi Ruth , Bamwine Brian , Ankunda Siyadora , Libes Jaime , Weinstein Howard , Schwartz Kevin , Kiwanuka Gertrude 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntroductionTreatment abandonment contributes significantly to poor survival of children with cancer in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). In order to inform an approach to this problem, we investigated why caregivers withdraw their children from treatment.MethodsIn a qualitative study, carried out in October and November 2020, in‐depth interviews were conducted with caregivers of children who had abandoned cancer treatment at the Pediatric Cancer Unit of Mbarara Regional Referral Hospital in south‐western Uganda. Recorded in‐depth interviews were transcribed and analyzed to identify themes of caregivers’ self‐reported reasons for treatment abandonment. The study was approved by the Review and Ethics Committee of Mbarara University of Science and Technology.ResultsSeventy‐seven out of 343 (22.4%) children diagnosed with cancer abandoned treatment during the study period; 20 contactable and consenting caregivers participated in the study. The median age of the caregivers was 37 years and most (65%) were mothers. At the time of this study, eight (40%) children were alive and five (62.5%) were males; with a median age of 6.5 years. Financial difficulty, other obligations, the child falsely appearing cured, preference for alternative treatments, belief that cancer was incurable, fear that the child's death was imminent and chemotherapy side effects were the caregivers’ reasons for treatment abandonment.Conclusions and recommendationSeeking cancer treatment for children in Uganda is an expensive venture and treatment abandonment is mainly caused by caregivers’ difficult socio‐economic circumstances. This problem needs to be approached with empathy and support rather than blame.
Rheological investigation of nylon‐carbon fiber composites fabricated using material extrusion‐based additive manufacturing
Authors: Das Arit , Etemadi Martin , Davis Bradley A. , McKnight Steven H. , Williams Christopher B. , Case Scott W. , Bortner Michael J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFused filament fabrication (FFF) has seen broad industrial adoption as it is capable of manufaturing large complex parts from robust thermoplastics in a cost‐effective manner. However, the mechanical performance of the printed parts is limited due to poor interlayer bonding and the presence of voids. In order to overcome these drawbacks, the addition of short or continuous fibers into the polymer matrix has been investigated, as the fibers can act as a mechanical reinforcement while also mitigating residual stress resulting from the material's rapid solidification following extrusion. Therefore, understanding the implications of process parameters and fiber reinforcements on printed part properties through detailed crystallization analysis and rheological characterizations is of paramount importance. The goal of this study is to understand the process–structure–property relationships of short carbon fiber‐reinforced polyamide 6 (CF‐PA6) by comparing the melt rheology and crystallinity of CF‐PA6 versus a neat PA6 polymer. Differences in the melting and crystallization behavior resulting from the reinforcing fibers revealed an increased time window for crystallization in the fiber‐reinforced matrix. Rheological characterizations at the recommended printing temperatures demonstrate the shear‐thinning behavior of the samples at shear rates relevant to FFF. From a statistical design of experiments analysis, the layer thickness was found to be the most significant parameter affecting the tensile properties of a printed part at a constant printing temperature and printing speed. The tensile fracture surfaces of the printed specimens using scanning electron microscopy were analyzed to provide insights into the failure mechanisms as a function of AM processing variables.
Turning wastes into value‐added materials: Polystyrene nanocomposites (PS‐AgNPs) from waste thermocol and green synthesized silver nanoparticles for water disinfection application
Authors: Bag Subhendu Sekhar , Bora Anupama , Golder Animes Kr. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDue to the scarcity of clean water, scientists worldwide are keen to develop cost‐effective, non‐toxic and eco‐friendly water disinfection systems. Achieving proper disinfection without creating harmful byproducts for removing or inactivating waterborne pathogens is the main challenge. In this respect, polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites find wide applications in water storage, food packaging material, transportation, medicine, and so forth. The addition of nanoparticles such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) into PS enhances its mechanical properties, gas barrier properties, thermal stability, and so forth. This study reports the development of PS‐AgNPs composite using green synthesized AgNPs and waste thermocol. Firstly, the green synthesized AgNPs were prepared in different concentrations and embedded accordingly into the PS matrix. The morphology of PS‐AgNPs nanocomposites was studied using Field Emission Transmission Scanning Microscopy (FESEM) and Field Emission Transmission Electron Microscopy (FETEM). Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to evaluate the prepared nanocomposites' surface chemical bonding and surface composition. The thermal property of the nanocomposites was investigated by Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The tensile strength of the composites was also estimated. These PS‐AgNPs nanocomposites showed an antibacterial effect against Escherichia coli, a disease‐causing gram‐negative bacteria commonly found in water. Among them, the PS‐AgNPs cup encapsulating 10% AgNPs showed optimum tensile strength and bacteria disinfection property. These nanocomposites have been utilized to prepare cups as a model of water tank for water storage having disinfection properties.