bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effective removal of proteins using carbon‐based nanoadsorbent: relevancy to the application of membrane‐driven pre‐water treatment
Authors: Somu Prathap , Singh Vineeta , Paul Subhankar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDProtein is one of the key components of dissolved organic matter (DOM) and poses challenges in water treatment such as membrane fouling. The removal of proteins in preliminary treatment should transform wastewater treatment into a more feasible and cost‐effective process by preventing membrane fouling. In this study, we chemically synthesized nanographene oxide (NGO) and explored its potential as a nanoabsorbent for adsorbing the proteins lysozyme (LYZ) and bovine serum albumin (BSA).RESULTSHere, NGO was synthesized by incorporating some changes in a modified Hummer's method and characterized by various physicochemical methods. We demonstrated the excellent adsorption potential of NGO for the removal of LYZ and BSA from solution. We observed that the adsorption isotherm obeyed the nonlinear Langmuir model; maximal adsorption capacities of 1743.23 and 1156.54 mg g−1 were estimated for LYZ and BSA, respectively. Further, we also demonstrated the excellent regeneration efficiency of NGO whereby removal efficiency dropped by only 5–8% after repeated cycles of adsorption and desorption. Moreover, NGO demonstrated the high antibacterial potential in its protein adsorbed as well as regenerated state against both Gram‐positive and ‐negative bacteria.CONCLUSIONOur findings revealed that carbon‐based NGO might be used as nanoadsorbent for preliminary wastewater treatment before membrane treatment to overcome problems including membrane biofouling, viscosity and foaming that otherwise can cause interference and complications in membrane operation. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Seed priming with copper‐loaded chitosan nanoparticles promotes early growth and enzymatic antioxidant defense of maize (Zea mays L.) seedlings
Authors: Gomes Diego G , Pelegrino Milena T , Ferreira André S , Bazzo José HB , Zucareli Claudemir , Seabra Amedea B , Oliveira Halley C 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe unique features of nanoparticles can improve the effectiveness of seed priming with metallic ions, boosting plant growth and the defense response. The current study aimed to evaluate the effects of nanopriming of maize (Zea mays L.) seeds with chitosan nanoparticles containing copper ions (NPCu) on the growth and photosynthetic activity of non‐stressed seedlings, as well as on the germination and antioxidant response of seeds undergoing deterioration caused by high relative humidity and temperature.RESULTSSeed priming with bulk or nanoencapsulated Cu2+ influenced the initial development of greenhouse‐grown maize seedlings, mainly by increasing shoot growth and photosynthetic electron transport, compared to the control. Chitosan nanoparticles without Cu (NP) induced minor morphophysiological responses. In the laboratory assay with stressed seeds, NPCu stood out for strongly increasing the activity of antioxidant enzymes. In contrast, priming with NP induced oxidative stress in maize seedlings.CONCLUSIONUnder normal growing conditions, Cu2+ promoted the initial growth of maize seedlings regardless of the nanoencapsulation. In the stressful condition caused by the deterioration process, NPCu combined the properties of chitosan with the essentiality of Cu2+, promoting the enzymatic antioxidant response. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Hydrometallurgical recycling strategies for recovery of rare earth elements from consumer electronic scraps: a review
Authors: Akcil Ata , Ibrahim Yahaya Alhaji , Meshram Pratima , Panda Sandeep ,   Abhilash
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe global demand for rare earth elements (REEs) for use in hi‐tech applications is constantly rising, yet their supply is a matter of concern given high rates of disposal. However, urban waste such as consumer electronic scrap (CE‐Scrap) has remarkable potential to come to the rescue and meet this growing demand, in line with circular economy principles. Notwithstanding this, globally, their commercial extraction and recovery are yet to be adopted, as <1% of REEs are obtained from recycled CE‐Scrap, with the rest removed from the materials cycle. Considering the economic importance and industrial applicability of REEs, the current status of the potential CE‐Scrap resources for REEs recycling is presented herein. The summarized availability of all REEs, their mode of occurrence and the prospects of relevant recycling processes, typically by the hydrometallurgical route, are discussed. The feasibility of using established REE extraction and recovery technologies is discussed concerning CE‐Scrap such as spent fluorescent lamps, spent NiMH hybrid batteries, computer monitor scrap, and scrap NdFeB magnets. Furthermore, the pros and cons associated with their separation are discussed along with the future directions of research and policies to be envisaged in urban resource recycling. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
The scope of dental education during COVID‐19 pandemic: A systematic review
Authors: Santos Glaucia N. M. , da Silva Helbert E. C. , Leite André F. , Mesquita Carla R. M. , Figueiredo Paulo T. S. , Stefani Cristine M. , Melo Nilce S. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIntroductionCOVID‐19 forced e‐learning processes to develop abruptly and posed challenges to the educational infrastructure. Emergency Remote Teaching was designated to distinguish the new educational scheme. This concept involves production of online activities that may return to face‐to‐face format as soon as the isolation period ends.ObjectiveFrom March through September of 2020, this systematic review attempted to elucidate experiences, benefits, and challenges enforced in dental education due to the pandemic, the learning technologies, and methods used to maintain education.MethodsA literature search was conducted on Cochrane, Embase, Lilacs, Livivo, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Gray literature was also contemplated. Studies in which online teaching methods were described and dental learners were the subjects during pandemic were included.ResultsLearning technology, pedagogical model, knowledge gain, and dental learners’ satisfaction and attitudes toward remote learning were assessed. The Joanna Briggs Institute JBI Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports was applied as the methodological quality assessment to the 16 included studies. Assessments were related to demographic and historical characteristics of the participants, the intervention procedure, pre‐ and post‐intervention descriptions, and identification of unanticipated events. All studies described the use of learning technology to ensure education continuity, and 15 studies highlighted the pedagogical model applied. Eight studies investigated knowledge gain while 12 searched the learners’ satisfaction with online technologies.ConclusionThe evidence suggests that learning technologies can support continuity in dental education. Reported problems include poor knowledge of faculty members on how to deal with technology, Internet connection, and content transition to online education.
Stress and work‐life balance in undergraduate dental students in Birmingham, United Kingdom and Hong Kong, China
Authors: Narwal Simran , Narwal Pavandeep , Leung Yiu Yan , Ahmed Bilal 
Published: March 2021

AbstractPurpose/objectivesDentistry is a challenging profession, subjecting students to various stressors which can affect well‐being. This study in 2019 investigates the relationship between stress and work‐life balance in dental students at University of Birmingham and The University of Hong Kong, from two different countries.MethodsOnline anonymous questionnaires were completed by 54 students from Birmingham and 48 students from Hong Kong. Ethical approval was gained by both centres. Quantitative and qualitative data were captured with Likert scales and open questions. Using simple descriptive statistics in SPSS, Pearson chi‐square tests determined statistical significance between categorical and quantitative variables (p < 0.05).ResultsThe majority of students from University of Birmingham (38.9%) felt “extremely stressed,” whereas the majority of students from The University of Hong Kong (45.8%) only felt “slightly stressed” (p < 0.001). Exercise and emotional support appeared to be positive approaches for stress relief. Hong Kong dental students (68.8%) reported a good work‐life balance compared to significantly fewer students (24.1%) in University of Birmingham (p < 0.001).ConclusionMajor stressors in this study included examinations and fear of failure. Students found that hobbies and extracurricular activities contributed to a healthier lifestyle. A better work‐life balance reduced reported stress levels.
ABO subgroup incompatibility with severe hemolysis after consecutive allogeneic stem cell transplantations
Authors: Hecker Judith S. , Wahida Adam , Hameister Erik , Filo Aneta , Ruland Jürgen , Bassermann Florian , Hildebrandt Martin , Verbeek Mareike , Poeck Hendrik 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAllogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantations (HSCTs) represent a curative strategy for treating hematologic malignancies yet bear dangerous and frequently life‐threatening complications including the development of graft‐versus‐host disease. Here, we present a case of a patient that suffered from relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma, a hematologic neoplasm characterized by clonal proliferation of malignant plasma cells in the bone marrow. During the course of his disease, the patient underwent consecutive allogeneic HSCTs, during which he developed a clinical meaningful and hitherto unreported ABO subgroup incompatibility, leading to persistent hemolysis. Testing for ABO subgroups during donor selection, especially after consecutive allogeneic HSCTs, may therefore aid to prevent these complications.
A comparison of the effectiveness of respondent‐driven and venue‐based sampling for identifying undiagnosed HIV infection among cisgender men who have sex with men and transgender women in Tijuana, Mexico
Authors: Pines Heather A , Semple Shirley J , Magis‐Rodríguez Carlos , Harvey‐Vera Alicia , Strathdee Steffanie A , Patrick Rudy , Rangel Gudelia , Patterson Thomas L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundEfforts to increase HIV testing, diagnosis and care are critical to curbing HIV epidemics among cisgender men who have sex with men (MSM) and transgender women (TW) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMIC). We compared the effectiveness of respondent‐driven sampling (RDS) and venue‐based sampling (VBS) for identifying previously undiagnosed HIV infection among MSM and TW in Tijuana, Mexico.MethodsBetween March 2015 and December 2018, we conducted RDS within the social networks of MSM and TW and VBS at venues frequented by MSM and TW to socialize and meet sexual partners. Those reached by RDS/VBS who reported at least 18 years of age, anal sex with MSM or TW, and no previous HIV diagnosis were eligible for HIV testing.ResultsOf those screened following recruitment via RDS (N = 1232; 98.6% MSM; 1.3% TW), 60.8% (749/1232) were eligible for HIV testing and 97.5% (730/749) were tested for HIV infection, which led to the identification of 36 newly diagnosed HIV infections (4.9%). Of those screened following recruitment via VBS (N = 2560; 95.2% MSM; 4.6% TW), 56.5% (1446/2560) were eligible for HIV testing and 92.8% (1342/1446) were tested for HIV infection, which led to the identification of 82 newly diagnosed HIV infections (6.1%). The proportion of new HIV diagnoses did not differ by recruitment method (ratio = 0.81, 95% confidence interval: 0.55 to 1.18). Compared to those recruited via RDS, those tested following recruitment via VBS were younger, more likely to identify as gay, and more likely to identify as TW. Compared to those recruited via VBS, those newly diagnosed with HIV infection following recruitment via RDS reported higher levels of internalized stigma and were more likely to report injection drug use and a history of deportation from the United States.ConclusionsDespite RDS and VBS being equally effective for identifying undiagnosed HIV infection, each recruitment method reached different subgroups of MSM and TW in Tijuana. Our findings suggest that there may be benefits to using both RDS and VBS to increase the identification of previously undiagnosed HIV infection and ultimately support HIV care engagement among MSM and TW in Mexico and other similar LMIC.
Monoclonal antibodies capable of binding SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor-binding motif specifically prevent GM-CSF induction
Authors: Qiang Xiaoling , Zhu Shu , Li Jianhua , Chen Weiqiang , Yang Huan , Wang Ping , Tracey Kevin J , Wang Haichao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-like coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has recently caused a pandemic COVID-19 disease that infected approximately 94 million and killed more than 2,000,000 people worldwide. Like the SARS-CoV, SARS-CoV-2 also employs a receptor-binding motif (RBM) of its envelope spike protein for binding the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) to gain viral entry. Currently, extensive efforts are being made to produce vaccines against a surface fragment of a SARS-CoV-2, such as the spike protein, in order to boost protective antibodies that can inhibit virus-ACE2 interaction to prevent viral entry. It was previously unknown how spike protein-targeting antibodies would affect innate inflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 infections. Here we generated a highly purified recombinant protein corresponding to the RBM of SARS-CoV-2, and used it to screen for cross-reactive monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We found two RBM-binding mAbs that competitively inhibited its interaction with human ACE2, and specifically blocked the RBM-induced GM-CSF secretion in both human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and murine macrophage cultures. Our findings have suggested a possible strategy to prevent SARS-CoV-2-elicited “cytokine storm,” and revealed a potentially anti-inflammatory and protective mechanism for SARS-CoV-2 spike-based vaccines.
Evaluation of a stacked‐FET cell for high‐frequency applications (invited paper)
Authors: Piacibello Anna , Costanzo Ferdinando , Giofré Rocco , Quaglia Roberto , Colantonio Paolo , Pirola Marco , Camarchia Vittorio 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis paper presents the design, electromagnetic simulation strategies and experimental characterisation of a two‐stage stacked‐FET cell in a 100 nm GaN on Si technology around 18.8 GHz, suited for Ka band satellite downlink applications. A good agreement is found between the electromagnetic simulations and the measured performance on the manufactured prototype, thus demonstrating that a successful voltage combining architecture can be obtained in the frequency range of interest with the selected topology, based on a symmetric fork‐like connection between the transistors. This proves the effectiveness of an appropriate electromagnetic simulation set‐up in correctly predicting the crosstalk, which typically affects this structure, leading to a correct stacking operation.
High accessory pathway conductivity blocks antegrade conduction in Wolff‐Parkinson‐White syndrome: A simulation study
Authors: Haraguchi Ryo , Ashihara Takashi , Matsuyama Taka‐aki , Yoshimoto Jun 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundWolff‐Parkinson‐White (WPW) syndrome is characterized by an anomalous accessory pathway (AP) that connects the atrium and ventricles, which can cause abnormal myocardial excitation and cardiac arrhythmias. The morphological and electrophysiological details of the AP remain unclear. The size and conductivity of the AP may affect conduction and WPW syndrome symptoms.MethodsTo clarify this issue, we performed computer simulations of antegrade AP conduction using a simplified wall model. We focused on the bundle size of the AP and myocardial electrical conductivity during antegrade conduction (from the atrium to the ventricle).ResultsWe found that a thick AP and high ventricular conductivity promoted antegrade conduction, whereas a thin AP is unable to deliver the transmembrane current required for electric conduction. High ventricular conductivity amplifies transmembrane current. These findings suggest the involvement of a source‐sink mechanism. Furthermore, we found that high AP conductivity blocked antegrade conduction. As AP conductivity increased, sustained outward transmembrane currents were observed. This finding suggests the involvement of an electrotonic effect.ConclusionsThe findings of our theoretical simulation suggest that AP size, ventricular conductivity, and AP conductivity affect antegrade conduction through different mechanisms. Our findings provide new insights into the morphological and electrophysiological details of the AP.
Thinking of you thinking of me: An integrative review of meta‐perception in the workplace
Authors: Grutterink Hanneke , Meister Alyson 
Published: March 2021

SummaryDecades of research demonstrate a fundamental human tendency to care about how one is seen by others, and for good reason; the perceptions and appraisals of others affect a wealth of important outcomes in our lives. In the workplace, for example, these outcomes include dismissals, bonuses, and promotions. In this review, we integrate a diverse body of research surrounding human “beliefs about how we are seen by others” and define these beliefs as meta‐perceptions. We derive an overarching framework to highlight what we do and do not know about meta‐perceptions in the workplace by disentangling their content, structural composition, and effects. Our review highlights that meta‐perceptions can have important implications for employees' affect, cognition, and behavior, yet there is a lack of research exploring meta‐perceptions in work settings and an inconsistency in how they are conceptualized and explored. Finally, we suggest several pathways for future research into the role of meta‐perception in the workplace.
FTIR spectral band shifts explained by OM–cation interactions
Authors: Ellerbrock Ruth H. , Gerke Horst H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackground: The organic matter (OM) in soils interacts with polyvalent cations such as Ca2+ through hydroxyl (OH), carboxylic acid, ester, keto, aldehyde (summarized as C=O), and carboxylate (COO−) functional groups. Such interactions affect the bonding strength of the double bond between the C and the O atom in the functional groups, which is assumed to shift the wavenumber (WN) region of O–H (hydroxyl), C=O, COO−, and OMcat (i.e., C=O interacting with cations plus O–H groups) absorption band maxima in the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra. Such band shifts limit the evaluation of spectral information on OM in soil samples.Aims: The objective of this study was to analyze the extent of band shifts and the changes in absorption band intensities for relations with cation concentrations, and to estimate effects of band shifts on OM properties such as potential wettability of OM evaluated from FTIR absorption band ratios.Methods: Polygalacturonic acid (PGA) solutions were mixed with a CaCl2 solution at different relations. The freeze‐dried mixtures were analyzed with FTIR spectroscopy in the mid‐infrared spectral range by using KBr‐technique. The FTIR spectra were interpreted with respect to O–H, C=O, COO−, and OMcat bands, the latter reflecting the formation of PGA‐Ca2+ complexes.Results: The FTIR spectra of the PGA–Ca mixtures compared to that of pure PGA indicate band shift effects by CaCl2 addition on both, intensity and WN value of the OMcat, C=O and COO− absorption band maxima. The COO−/C–O–C ratio increased with Ca2+ concentration while the C–H/C–O–C ratio decreased. Furthermore, the C=O and COO− absorption band maxima were shifted towards lower WN values, while the OMcat absorption band was shifted towards higher WN values. The shift of OMcat band maxima was two times higher than that of the C=O band maximum and increased with Ca2+ concentration.Conclusion: Spectral band shifts depend on polyvalent cation concentration and limit automated interpretations of FTIR spectra without prior soil‐specific spectral corrections.
Influence of different hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography stationary phases on method performance for the determination of highly polar anionic pesticides in complex feed matrices
Authors: Dias Jonatan , López Sonia Herrera , Mol Hans , de Kok André 
Published: March 2021

AbstractHydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography is an alternative liquid chromatography mode for separation of polar compounds. In the recent years, this liquid chromatography mode has been recognized as an important solution for the analysis of compounds not amenable to reverse phase chromatography. In this work, we evaluated three different hydrophilic liquid chromatography stationary phases for the determination of 14 highly polar anionic molecules including pesticides such as glyphosate, glufosinate, ethephon and fosetyl, their main metabolites, and bromide, chlorate, and perchlorate. Several mobile phase compositions were evaluated combined with different gradients for the chromatographic run. The two columns that presented the best results were used to assess the performance for the determination of the 14 compounds in challenging highly complex feed materials. Very different matrix effects were observed for most of the compounds in each column, suggesting that different interactions can occur. Using isotopically labeled internal standards, acceptable quantitative performance and identification could be achieved down to 0.02 mg kg−1 (the lowest level tested) for most compounds. While one column was found to be favorable in terms of scope (suited for all 14 compounds), the other one was more suited for quantification and identification at lower levels, however, not for all analytes tested.
Rapid determination of 13 organophosphorus flame retardants in milk by using modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique, solid‐phase extraction, and HPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Chen Xuelei , Li Wei , Li Jingguang , Fan Sai , Shi Zhixiong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOrganophosphorus flame retardants are a class of widely used plasticizers and flame retardants. In this study, an analytical methodology for the simultaneous determination of 13 organophosphorus flame retardants in milk was developed by using high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry in combination with a modified quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe technique and solid‐phase extraction. The experimental parameters of the sample purification procedure and high‐performance liquid chromatography‐tandem mass spectrometry were optimized. The developed method was validated in terms of linearity, limits of detection, recovery, and precision. The method showed a linear response in the 1–100 ng/mL concentration range and the limits of detection ranged from 0.001 to 0.3 ng/mL. The mean recoveries for most organophosphorus flame retardants were in the ranges of 75.0–115.8% (spiked at 2.5 ng/mL) and 76.7–124.8% (spiked at 25 ng/mL), with relative standard deviations of <13.09%. The developed methodology was successfully applied to the analysis of nine human milk samples and nine commercial cow milk samples. Eleven organophosphorus flame retardants were detected in the human milk samples, with median concentrations that ranged from lower than the limit of detection to 1.47 ng/mL, and only nine organophosphorus flame retardants were detected in cow milk samples, with median levels of <0.32 ng/mL.