bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Subtle cognitive impairment as a marker of Alzheimer's pathologies and clinical progression in cognitively normal individuals
Authors: Shen Xue‐Ning , Kuo Kevin , Yang Yu‐Xiang , Li Hong‐Qi , Chen Shi‐Dong , Cui Mei , Tan Lan , Dong Qiang , Yu Jin‐Tai ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntroductionSubtle cognitive impairment (SCI) may appear before pathological changes surpass thresholds for abnormality. We aimed to investigate whether SCI could predict Alzheimer's pathologies and advancement.MethodsA total of 816 cognitively normal individuals were enrolled to assess the longitudinal neuropathological and clinical correlates of baseline SCI, via linear mixed‐effects and Cox proportional‐hazard models. Cross‐lagged panel models were used in specific time waves.ResultsSCI individuals had a faster increase in brain amyloid burden and a higher risk of conversion. They also showed greater rates of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) phosphorylated tau (p‐tau)181 increase and glucose metabolism decrease. In addition, baseline SCI predicted worse clinical progression, whereas multi‐domain SCI advanced faster compared to the single domain group.DiscussionBaseline SCI could be an imperative prediction indicator of clinical and pathological progression. It enables cognitive measures to be informative at a very early stage and provided objective criteria for high‐risk population screening.
The filter‐house of the larvaceanOikopleura dioica. A complex extracellular architecture: From fiber production to rudimentary state to inflated house
Authors: Razghandi Khashayar , Janßen Nils , Le Mai‐Lee Van , Stach Thomas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWhile cellulose is the most abundant macromolecule in the biosphere, most animals are unable to produce cellulose with the exception of tunicates. Some tunicates have evolved the ability to secrete a complex house containing cellulosic fibers, yet little is known about the early stages of the house building process. Here, we investigate the rudimentary house ofOikopleura dioicafor the first time using complementary light and electron microscopic techniques. In addition, we digitally modeled the arrangement of chambers, nets, and filters of the functional, expanded house in three dimensions based on life‐video‐imaging. Combining 3D‐reconstructions based on serial histological semithin‐sections, confocal laser scanning microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and focused ion beam (FIB)‐SEM, we were able to elucidate the arrangement of structural components, including cellulosic fibers, of the rudimentary house with a focus on the food concentration filter. We developed a model for the arrangement of folded structures in the house rudiment and show it is a precisely preformed structure with identifiable components intricately correlated with specific cells. Moreover, we demonstrate that structural details of the apical surfaces of Nasse cells provide the exact locations and shapes to produce the fibers of the house and interact among each other, with Giant Fol cells, and with the fibers to arrange them in the precise positions necessary for expansion of the house rudiment into the functional state. The presented data and hypotheses advance our knowledge about the interrelation of structure and function on different biological levels and prompt investigations into this astonishing biological object.
Voice assessment of fat injection vs medialization laryngoplasty in nonparalytic dysphonia
Authors: Rapoport Sarah K. , Murry Thomas , Woo Peak 
Published: May 2021

AbstractObjectiveCompare long‐term voice outcomes in patients treated with FIM or BML for nonparalytic dysphonia. There is controversy whether fat injection medialization (FIM) is a durable alternative to bilateral medialization laryngoplasty (BML) for nonparalytic dysphonia (atrophy, sulcus, scar, paresis). Both interventions yield improved voice quality, yet comparison of patients' long‐term perceptions of their voice after these procedures has not been performed.MethodsRetrospective review of patients who underwent FIM or BML for nonparalytic dysphonia was performed from 2008‐2018. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, preoperative diagnosis, intervention, Voice Handicap Index‐10 (VHI‐10), and follow‐up time.ResultsForty‐nine patients met our criteria. Fifty procedures were performed (25 FIM, 25 BML). One patient underwent BML with subsequent FIM. There was no significant difference in pre‐treatment or post‐treatment VHI‐10 scores between both groups (Pre‐FIM 21 Post‐FIM 10.28; Pre‐BML 22.48, Post‐BML 10.88). Total median follow‐up time was 11.3 months (FIM 14.8 months, BML 9.5 months). Using VHI‐10 scores recorded at each patient's latest follow‐up visit, both groups demonstrated significant decrease (P < .05) compared to preoperative scores: VHI‐10 decreased by a mean delta of 10.72 in the FIM group and 11.6 in the BML group. There was no significant difference in pre, post and change in VHI between groups.ConclusionsIn patients with nonparalytic dysphonia, FIM is a durable alternative to BML. Patients treated in both groups gained substantial improvement in vocal function. For both treatment groups, we should anticipate less than complete satisfaction with surgery and revision procedures in a minority of patients.Level of EvidenceIV.
Covid‐19 Infection and Parkinsonism: Is There a Link?
Authors: Bouali‐Benazzouz Rabia , Benazzouz Abdelhamid 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) is an opportunistic pathogen that infects the upper respiratory tract in humans and causes serious illness, including fatal pneumonia and neurological disorders. Several studies have reported that SARS‐CoV‐2 may worsen the symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), with the potential to increase mortality rates in patients with advanced disease. The potential risk of SARS‐CoV‐2 to induce PD has also been suggested because the virus can enter the brain, where it can trigger cellular processes involved in neurodegeneration. In this review, we will discuss the potential of SARS‐CoV‐2 to exacerbate and cause certain neurological disorders, including PD. We will then elucidate its impact on the brain while examining its pathways and mechanisms of action. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Dynamic response and optimization of functionally graded porous nanocomposite cylinders using a meshfree method
Authors: Sayyidmousavi Alireza , Foroutan Mehrdad , Fawaz Zouheir 
Published: May 2021

AbstractA new class of advanced ultralight composite materials has recently emerged through the use porous polymer matrix reinforced by carbon nanotubes. In this article, the dynamic response of functionally graded porous polymeric cylinders, reinforced by randomly oriented single‐walled carbon nanotubes, using a meshfree method is studied. Three different porosity distribution patterns are investigated: symmetric distribution (SYD), unsymmetric distribution, and uniform distribution. A thorough study on the effects of reinforcement volume fractions and porosity distribution patterns on the dynamic response of the structure has been carried out using the radial point interpolation meshfree method based on the 2D theory of elasticity. In addition, a Pareto front solution is obtained through a multiobjective optimization aimed at minimizing the weight and maximizing the natural frequency of the structure with porosity and reinforcement volume fraction as design variables. From a design perspective, the results indicate that the SYD porosity type is the best candidate for relatively thick cylinders because of its smaller mass and higher stiffness compared to the other distribution types. The current research presents a reliable computational framework to help provide an insight into the design of an optimum structure subject to dynamic loading.
Pericyte hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) drives blood-brain barrier disruption and impacts acute ischemic stroke outcome
Authors: Tsao Chih-Chieh , Baumann Julia , Huang Sheng-Fu , Kindler Diana , Schroeter Aileen , Kachappilly Nicole , Gassmann Max , Rudin Markus , Ogunshola Omolara O. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPericytes play essential roles in blood-brain barrier integrity and their dysfunction is implicated in neurological disorders such as stroke although the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1), a master regulator of injury responses, has divergent roles in different cells especially during stress scenarios. On one hand HIF-1 is neuroprotective but on the other it induces vascular permeability. Since pericytes are critical for barrier stability, we asked if pericyte HIF-1 signaling impacts barrier integrity and injury severity in a mouse model of ischemic stroke. We show that pericyte HIF-1 loss of function (LoF) diminishes ischemic damage and barrier permeability at 3 days reperfusion. HIF-1 deficiency preserved barrier integrity by reducing pericyte death thereby maintaining vessel coverage and junctional protein organization, and suppressing vascular remodeling. Importantly, considerable improvements in sensorimotor function were observed in HIF-1 LoF mice indicating that better vascular functionality post stroke improves outcome. Thus, boosting vascular integrity by inhibiting pericytic HIF-1 activation and/or increasing pericyte survival may be a lucrative option to accelerate recovery after severe brain injury.
Antimicrobial properties of viscose yarns ring-spun with integrated amino-functionalized nanocellulose
Authors: Kokol Vanja , Vivod Vera , Peršin Zdenka , Čolić Miodrag , Kolar Matjaž 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBio-based, renewable and biodegradable products with multifunctional properties are also becoming basic trends in the textile sector. In this frame, cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs) have been surface modified with hexamethylenediamine/HMDA and used as an antimicrobial additive to a ring-spun viscose yarn. The CNF-HMDA suspension was first characterized in relation to its skin irritation potential, antimicrobial properties, and technical performance (dispersability and suspensability in different media) to optimize its sprayability on a viscose fiber sliver with the lowest sticking, thus to enable its spinning without flowing and tearing problems. The impact of CNF-HMDA content has been examined on the yarn`s fineness, tensile strength, surface chemistry, wettability and antimicrobial properties. The yarn`s antimicrobial properties were increasing with the content of CNF-HMDA, given a 99% reduction for S. aureus and C. albicans (log 1.6–2.1) in up to 3 h of exposure at minimum 33 mg/g, and for E. coli (log 0.69–2.95) at 100 mg/g of its addition, yielding 45–21% of bactericidal efficacy. Such an effect is related to homogeneously distributed CNF-HMDA when sprayed from a fast-evaporated bi-polar medium and using small (0.4 mm) nozzle opennings, thus giving a high positive charge (0.663 mmol/g) without affecting the yarn`s tenacity and fineness, but improving its wettability. However, a non-ionic surfactant being used in the durability testing of functionalized yarn to 10-washing cycles, adheres onto it hydrophobically via the methylene chain of the HMDA, thus blocking its amino groups, and, as such, decreasing its antibacterial efficiency, which was slightly affected in the case when the washing was carried out without using it.
How to feel about emotionalized artificial intelligence? When robot pets, holograms, and chatbots become affective partners
Authors: Weber-Guskar Eva 
Published: May 2021

AbstractInteractions between humans and machines that include artificial intelligence are increasingly common in nearly all areas of life. Meanwhile, AI-products are increasingly endowed with emotional characteristics. That is, they are designed and trained to elicit emotions in humans, to recognize human emotions and, sometimes, to simulate emotions (EAI). The introduction of such systems in our lives is met with some criticism. There is a rather strong intuition that there is something wrong about getting attached to a machine, about having certain emotions towards it, and about getting involved in a kind of affective relationship with it. In this paper, I want to tackle these worries by focusing on the last aspect: in what sense could it be problematic or even wrong to establish an emotional relationship with EAI-systems? I want to show that the justifications for the widespread intuition concerning the problems are not as strong as they seem at first sight. To do so, I discuss three arguments: the argument from self-deception, the argument from lack of mutuality, and the argument from moral negligence.
Quantitative label-free proteomics and biochemical analysis of Phaeodactylum tricornutum cultivation on dairy manure wastewater
Authors: Burch Andrew R. , Yothers Cody W. , Salemi Michelle R. , Phinney Brett S. , Pandey Pramod , Franz Annaliese K. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMicroalgae cultivation on wastewater offers the dual benefit of lowering costs for feedstock production with simultaneous wastewater remediation. This study utilized biochemical and quantitative label-free proteomic approaches to evaluate the growth and proteomic response for diatomPhaeodactylum tricornutumcultivated on flushed dairy manure wastewater (DMW). Comparing several DMW dilutions (up to 60% DMW diluted in seawater) with a synthetic seawater medium indicates that biomass and lipid yields correlate with the starting nitrogen content of the DMW dilution.Phaeodactylum tricornutumcultivated on DMW exhibits elevated levels of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), particularly docosapentaenoic acid (DPA, 22:5 n-3). Proteomic analysis revealed alterations in the regulations of proteins associated with protein metabolism, cellular signaling, transcription and translation, protein trafficking, and oxidative stress management pathways when comparingP. tricornutumcultivation on diluted DMW versus synthetic media, thus providing insights into howP. tricornutumreorganizes its proteome in response to a complex wastewater source.Graphical abstract
Architected poly(lactic acid)/poly(ε-caprolactone)/halloysite nanotube composite scaffolds enabled by 3D printing for biomedical applications
Authors: Alam Fahad , Verma Pawan , Mohammad Walaa , Teo Jeremy , Varadarajan K. M. , Kumar S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractHerein, we report the physicochemical, thermal, mechanical and biological characteristics, including bioactivity, biodegradation and cytocompatibility of additive manufacturing-enabled novel nanocomposite scaffolds. The scaffolds comprise a blend of polylactic acid (PLA) and poly-ε-caprolactone (PCL) reinforced with halloysite nanotubes (HNTs). The nanoengineered filaments were developed by melt blending, and the nanocomposite scaffolds were manufactured by fused filament fabrication. Uniform dispersion of HNTs in the PLA/PCL blend is revealed via scanning electron microscopy. Mechanical property loss due to the addition of PCL to realize a suitable biodegradation rate of PLA was fully recovered by the addition of HNTs. Bioactivity, as revealed by the fraction of apatite growth quantified from XRD analysis, was 5.4, 6.3, 6.8 and 7.1% for PLA, 3, 5 and 7 wt% HNT in PLA/PCL blend, respectively, evidencing enhancement in the bioactivity. The degradation rate, in terms of weight loss, was reduced from 4.6% (PLA) to 1.3% (PLA/PCL) upon addition of PCL, which gradually increased to 4.4% by the addition of HNTs (at 7 wt% HNT). The results suggest that the biodegradation rate, mechanical properties and biological characteristics, including cytocompatibility and cell adhesion, of the 3D printed, microarchitected PLA/PCL/HNT composite scaffolds can be tuned by an appropriate combination of HNT and PCL content in the PLA matrix, demonstrating their promise for bone replacement and regeneration applications.
Graphical abstract
The liberation of nature and knowledge: a case study on Hans Reichenbach’s naturalism
Authors: Kocsis László , Tuboly Adam Tamas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractOur main goal in this paper is to present and scrutinize Reichenbach’s own naturalism in our contemporary context, with special attention to competing versions of the concept. By exploring the idea of Reichenbach’s naturalism, we will argue that he defendeda liberating, therapeutic form of naturalism, meaning that he took scientific philosophy (or philosophy of nature,Naturphilosophie) to be a possible cure for bad old habits and traditional ways of philosophy. For Reichenbach, naturalistic scientific philosophy was a well-established form ofliberation. We do not intend to suggest that Reichenbach acted as an inventor of naturalism; nonetheless, invoking the term and the idea of ‘naturalism’ is more than a simple rhetorical strategy for rehabilitating Reichenbach as a forerunner of this field. We think that his ideas can make a valuable contribution to contemporary debates, and that he presents an interesting case among the other scientifically oriented proponents of his time. After presenting a short reconstruction of the meaning of naturalism—or, more appropriately, naturalisms—in order to be able to correctly situate Reichenbach within his own as well as a systematic context, we discuss Reichenbach’s naturalism against the background of his scientific philosophy, his views on the relation of common-sense knowledge to science, and his efforts at popularization. To delve deeper into this topic, we present a case study to show how Reichenbach argued that in both scientific and philosophical discussions (assuming their naturalistic continuity), it is necessary to move from the request and value of truth to probability. And, finally, we argue that the liberation of knowledge and nature was a socio-political program for Reichenbach, who talked about his ownscientific philosophyas “a crusade.” By emphasizing this aspect of Reichenbach’s naturalism, we may be in a better position to situate him in the history of analytic philosophy in general, and in the yet-to-be-written narrative of the naturalistic movement in particular.
How practice nurses engage with parents during their consultations about the MMR vaccine: a qualitative study
Authors: Hill M.C. , Salmon D. , Chudleigh J. , Aitken L.M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAim:We aimed to understand practice nurses’ perceptions about how they engage with parents during consultations concerning the measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine.Background:The incidence of measles is increasing globally. Immunisation is recognised as the most significant intervention to influence global health in modern times, although many factors are known to adversely affect immunisation uptake. Practice nurses are a key member of the primary care team responsible for delivering immunisation. However, little is known how practice nurses perceive this role.Methods:Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with 15 practice nurses in England using a qualitative descriptive approach. Diversity in terms of years of experience and range of geographical practice settings were sought. These interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and open-coded using qualitative content analysis to manage, analyse and identify themes.Findings:Three themes were derived from the data: engaging with parents, the informed practice nurse and dealing with parental concerns: strategies to promote MMR uptake. During their consultations, practice nurses encountered parents who held strong opinions about the MMR vaccine and perceived this to be related to the parents’ socio-demographic background. Practice nurses sought to provide parents with tailored and accurate sources of information to apprise their immunisation decision-making about the MMR vaccine.
The Influence of Stratospheric Soot and Sulfate Aerosols on the Northern Hemisphere Wintertime Atmospheric Circulation
Authors: Coupe Joshua , Robock Alan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Northern Hemisphere wintertime circulation response to volcanic eruptions has been explored extensively using general circulation models. In observations and some models, the response is characterized by an enhanced stratospheric polar vortex (SPV), a positive mode of the North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), and warm surface temperatures during the winter over North America and Eurasia. A weak surface air temperature signal in previous studies has led to conflicting conclusions on the robustness of the response. Here, we use simulations with the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model (WACCM) of six nuclear war scenarios to present a new perspective on the connection between stratospheric aerosol heating, the SPV, and the surface temperature response. We show that stratospheric aerosol heating by soot is the primary contributor to the SPV response in nuclear war simulations, which is coupled to the troposphere and projects as a positive mode of the NAO at the surface. Winter warming is observed across northern Eurasia, albeit poleward of the response after volcanic eruptions. We compare the results to simulations of volcanic eruptions and find that observed Eurasian warming in the first winter after the 1963 Agung, 1982 El Chichón, and 1991 Pinatubo volcanic eruptions is simulated with the NCAR CAM5 climate model only when tropical sea surface temperatures, including the observed El Niño, are specified along with the volcanic aerosols. This suggests an undiagnosed tropospheric mechanism connecting the tropics and high latitudes, as without specifying sea surface temperatures, internal variability dominates the simulated winter warming response after historical volcanic eruptions.
Improvement in appetite among stunted children receiving nutritional intervention in Bangladesh: results from a community-based study
Authors: Naila Nurun Nahar , Mahfuz Mustafa , Hossain Muttaquina , Arndt Michael , Walson Judd L. , Nahar Baitun , Ahmed Tahmeed 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Background/objectives
Stunted children often have poor appetite, which may limit their response to nutritional interventions. We investigated the effect of a nutritional intervention on the appetite status of stunted children.

Methods
A longitudinal prospective intervention study was conducted with 50 stunted (length for age; LAZ < −2) (age and sex matched) aged 12–18 months and their mothers in Bauniabadh slum of Dhaka city. The stunted children received the following intervention package: one boiled egg and 150 ml milk daily 6 days a week for 3 months; psychosocial stimulation including structured play activities and parental counseling for 6 months; routine clinical care. Appetite status was measured using an interview-based tool “Early Childhood Appetite and Satiety Tool.”

Results
Over the period of nutritional intervention, the mean appetite score increased from 49 to 60 in the stunted children and was associated with increased food consumption. Over the intervention period, both egg and milk consumption increased (40.3–49.6 g and 83.8–138.5 ml, respectively).

Conclusions
Assessment of appetite status using EACST appears to be a useful tool for monitoring a nutritional intervention in stunted children. This tool may be useful for programs in managing child stunting in low-income countries and an important way to assess the efficacy of a nutritional intervention in these children.