bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlations between Serum P2X7, Vitamin A, 25‐hydroxy Vitamin D, and Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Meng Fanjun , Chen Ping , Guo Xiaolong , Li Xiaoru , Wu Yuexuan , Liu Wenen , Jiang Feng , Liu Huan , Wang Lixin 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundIdentifying new molecular diagnostic markers for Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Pneumonia (MPP) has always been an essential topic since MPP cases have increased every year, especially among children. Here, we examined the correlation between serum level of Purinergic receptor P2X7, vitamin A, and 25‐hydroxy vitamin D (25(OH)D) and the severity of MPP, aiming to identify molecules that have the potential to become diagnostic markers.MethodsThis study was conducted on 186 cases aged 1–14 (136 MPP and 50 non‐MPP patients). Serum levels of Purinergic receptor P2X7, vitamin A, 25(OH)D, and multiple inflammatory and immune factors were measured, compared, and tested for statistical significance.ResultsSerum P2X7, tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) levels were significantly increased in severe MPP patients, while serum vitamin A, 25(OH)D, IgA, and IgG levels were significantly decreased.ConclusionOur results demonstrated a positive correlation between serum P2X7 level and the severity of MPP, and negative correlations between serum levels of vitamin A and 25(OH)D and the severity of MPP, suggesting that high serum levels of P2X7 and low serum levels of vitamin A and 25(OH)D may indicate relatively severer MPP.
Immobilized fungal consortium‐GR: a novel textile effluent treatment alternative for removal of azo dyes and other pollutants
Authors: Sen Sudip Kumar , Das Jagan Kumar , Rajhans Geetanjali , Barik Adyasa , Raut Sangeeta 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDCleaning up the environment by the elimination of harmful contaminants from textile effluents (TE) is a critical and challenging crisis that requires long‐term appropriate solutions. In this work, a fungal consortium‐GR containing two fungi Geotrichum candidum F4 and Rhodotorula glutinis F7, in the ratio 1:1, is demonstrated to treat the organic contaminants in TEs.RESULTSThe immobilized consortium‐GR in coconut fibre is 24% more efficient at treating TE than free consortium‐GR, showing a maximum decolorization of 88.4% in 6 h immersion, at optimal conditions of pH 5.5, temperature 35 °C, inoculum size 5% and fibre quantity 2.5 g L−1. Biodegradation was confirmed by using UV–visible spectrophotometry, high‐performance liquid chromatography and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and the degradation pathway of methyl orange was confirmed by gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy study. The novel immobilized consortium‐GR in the bioreactor was assessed by the reduction of toxic parameters in 6 h: colour by 70%, total dissolved solids by 62%, total suspended solids by 81%, biological oxygen demand by 51%, chemical oxygen demand by 58%, chloride by 78%, ammonia by 64%, sulfate by 55%, lead by 12.5% and chromium by 75%. During this process of bioconversion, maximum laccase activity of 3.25 U L−1 was observed in 6 h by immobilized consortium‐GR. Phytotoxicity and genotoxicity studies revealed the detoxification of TE.CONCLUSIONThrough the continuous reuse of treated water in subsequent dyeings, the proposed TE treatment process represented a 92.86% reduction in water use and a total cost reduction of 22.47%.This study is a step towards upcoming onsite, field and short‐term applications of consortium‐GR for the management of TE. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Engineered extracellular vesicles as versatile ribonucleoprotein delivery vehicles for efficient and safe CRISPR genome editing
Authors: Yao Xingang , Lyu Pin , Yoo Kyung , Yadav Manish Kumar , Singh Ravi , Atala Anthony , Lu Baisong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractTransient delivery of CRISPR‐based genome editing effectors is important to reduce off‐target effects and immune responses. Recently extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been explored for Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP) delivery. However, lack of mechanisms to enrich RNPs into EVs limited the efficiency of EVs as a RNP delivery vehicle. Here we describe a mechanism to actively enrich RNPs into EVs. We used the specific interaction between RNA aptamer and aptamer‐binding protein (ABP) to enrich RNPs into EVs. We inserted RNA aptamer com into single guide RNA (sgRNA), and fused com‐binding ABP Com to both termini of tetraspan protein CD63 that is abundant in exosomes. We found that the Com/com interaction enriched Cas9 and adenine base editor (ABE) RNPs into EVs, via forming a three‐component complex including CD63‐Com fusion protein, com‐modified sgRNA and Cas9 or ABE. The RNP enriched EVs are efficient in genome editing and transiently expressed. The system is capable of delivering RNPs targeting multiple loci for multiplex genome editing. In addition, Cas9 from different species can be used together. The EV‐delivered RNPs are active in vivo. The data show that the aptamer and ABP interactions can be utilized to actively enrich RNPs into EVs for improved genome editing efficiency and safety.
Prenatal Genetic Diagnosis of a Sex Chromosome Aneuploidy: Parent Experiences
Authors: Riggan Kirsten A. , Gross Brianna , Close Sharron , Weinberg Abigail , Allyse Megan A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSex chromosome aneuploidies (SCAs) occur in 1 in every 400 births. SCAs are highly variable and have uncertain prognoses, complicating the delivery of prenatal cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) results or diagnosis following amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling. Using a mixed‐methods approach, we explored the experiences of parents receiving a prenatal diagnosis of a fetus with SCA. Responses to open‐ended questions were qualitatively analyzed. Of the 323 parents who completed the survey, 122 received a prenatal diagnosis and answered at least one open‐ended question. Most parents did not recall being informed that cfDNA screening or amniocentesis could reveal the presence of a SCA prior to testing and described feeling unprepared for a positive result. Variation was found between parents who were delivered a diagnosis by a genetic professional versus other clinical specialties. Many parents expressed that the diagnosis was delivered in a way that emphasized the negative attributes of the SCA and that they were provided limited support materials. Parents who received a prenatal diagnosis of a SCA expressed a desire for more supportive delivery of prenatal diagnosis that focuses on parental education and nuanced discussion of potential phenotypes. Genetic counselors should be aware of the range of parental experiences when receiving a SCA diagnosis from non‐genetic providers. Prenatal SCA diagnoses are predicted to increase as prenatal cfDNA screening becomes more widely used. Collaborations for greater provider education and comprehensive materials on SCAs are essential to facilitate the delivery of SCA diagnoses and improve parent understanding and support.
Evaluation of precipitation simulations in CMIP6 models over Uganda
Authors: Ngoma Hamida , Wen Wang , Ayugi Brian , Babaousmail Hassen , Karim Rizwan , Ongoma Victor 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study employed 15 CMIP6 GCMs and evaluated their ability to simulate rainfall over Uganda during 1981–2014. The models and the ensemble mean were assessed based on the ability to reproduce the annual climatology, seasonal rainfall distribution and trend. Statistical metrics used include mean bias error, normalized root mean square error, and pattern correlation coefficient. The Taylor diagram and Taylor skill score (TSS) were used in ranking the models. The models' performance varies greatly from one season to the other. The models reproduced the observed bimodal rainfall pattern of March to May (MAM) and September to November (SON) occurring over the region. Some models slightly overestimated, while some slightly underestimated, the MAM rainfall. However, there was a high rainfall overestimation during SON by most models. The models showed a positive spatial correlation with observed dataset, whereas a low correlation was shown inter‐annually. Some models could not capture the rainfall patterns around local‐scale features, for example, around the Lake Victoria basin and mountainous areas. The best performing models identified in the study include GFDL‐ESM4, CanESM5, CESM2‐WACCM, MRI‐ESM2‐0, NorESM2‐LM, UKESM1‐0‐LL, and CNRM‐CM6‐1. The models CNRM‐CM6‐1, and CNRM‐ESM2 underestimated rainfall throughout the annual cycle and mean climatology. However, these two models better reproduced the spatial trends of rainfall during both MAM and SON. Caution should be taken when employing the models in seasonal climate change studies as their performance varies from one season to another. The model spread in CMIP6 over the study area also calls for further investigation on the attributions and possible implementation of robust approaches of machine learning to minimize the biases.
Immediate single‐tooth implant placement with simultaneous bone augmentation versus delayed implant placement after alveolar ridge preservation in bony defect sites in the esthetic region: A 5‐year randomized controlled trial
Authors: Slagter Kirsten W. , Meijer Henny J. A. , Hentenaar Diederik F. M. , Vissink Arjan , Raghoebar Gerry M. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundIt is unclear if an intact buccal bony plate is a prerequisite for immediate implant placement in post‐extraction sockets. The aim of this 5‐year randomized controlled trial was therefore comparison of peri‐implant soft and hard tissue parameters, esthetic ratings, and patient‐reported satisfaction of immediate implant placement in post‐extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of ≥ 5 mm in the esthetic zone, with delayed implant placement after ridge preservation.MethodsPatients presenting a failing tooth in the esthetic region and a buccal bony defect of ≥ 5 mm after extraction were randomly assigned to immediate (Immediate group, n = 20) or delayed (Delayed group, n = 20) implant placement. Second‐stage surgery and placement of a provisional restoration occurred 3 months after implant placement in both groups, followed by definitive restorations 3 months thereafter. The follow‐up was 5 years. Marginal bone level (primary outcome), buccal bone thickness, soft tissue parameters, esthetics, and patient‐reported satisfaction were recorded.ResultsMean marginal bone level change was −0.71 ± 0.35 mm and −0.54 ± 0.41 mm in respectively the Immediate group and the Delayed group after 5 years (P = 0.202). This difference, and in other variables, was not significant.ConclusionsMarginal bone level changes, buccal bone thickness, clinical outcomes, esthetics, and patients’ satisfaction following immediate implant placement, in combination with bone augmentation in post‐extraction sockets with buccal bony defects of ≥ 5 mm, were comparable to those following delayed implant placement after ridge preservation in the esthetic zone.
The impact of smart tourism technology and domestic travelers' technology readiness on their satisfaction and behavioral intention: A cross‐country comparison
Authors: Hailey Shin Hyejo , Jeong Miyoung , Cho Mi‐Hea 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDespite the increasing use of tourism technology, not much has been discovered about the effects of the external aspects of tourism technology with internal inclination of travelers to adopt the technologies. This study attempted to examine the influence of smart tourism technologies (STTs) and travelers' technology readiness (TR) on satisfaction and future behavioral intention. Comparing two smart tourism destinations in the United States and South Korea, this study investigated the cross‐country effects in the relationships among STTs, TR, satisfaction, and behavioral intention. The results revealed that travelers' TR has a more significant impact on satisfaction than STTs. Specifically, travelers' optimism, innovativeness, and discomfort significantly influenced travelers' satisfaction, while STTs' informativeness positively affected travelers' satisfaction. The results of cross‐country comparison indicated that travelers' TR and perspectives toward STTs differently affected their satisfaction with STTs by their destination country. The findings of this study suggest that when implementing STTs in tourism destinations, the destination tourism organizations should identify their target travelers' demographic profile including cultural backgrounds as a way to enhance their level of satisfaction and future behavioral intention.
Social media usage behaviours of religious tourists: The cases of the Vatican, Mecca, and Jerusalem
Authors: Caber Meltem , Drori Netanel , Albayrak Tahir , Herstein Ram 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe study examines social media (SM) usage preferences of religious tourists, their motivations for sharing travel experiences on SM, and the motivational differences by demographics and SM usage characteristics. Employing three field studies in the Vatican, Mecca, and Jerusalem, we show that instant messaging applications were the most popular SM platforms for all religious groups. In addition, motivation for experience sharing on SM differed by age, visit frequency to destination, religiosity level, and SM usage experience. Although there were significant differences between the groups in terms of using SM to share their travel experience, 'maintaining social connections & friendships' was identified as the most important motive for all.
Enabling Superior Thermo–Oxidative Resistance Elastomers Based on a Structure Recovery Strategy
Authors: Chen Xu , Zhang Hui‐Feng , Li Kai‐Juan , Liao Shuangquan , Luo Ming‐Chao 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThermo–oxidative process leads to the structure damage of elastomers, such as the scission of main chains and destruction of crosslinks. The problem that damaged structure brings about the deterioration of mechanical properties has not been solved by the conventional anti‐aging methods. Inspired by self‐healing process, a structure recovery strategy for recovering the damaged structure induced by thermo–oxidative process is proposed, which endows elastomers with superior thermo–oxidative resistance. The high reactivity between 1,3‐diisopropenylbenzene and free radicals realizes high recovery efficiency (from 83% to 118%); the changes in topology structure during recovery process make much more rubber chains bear external stress and improve mechanical properties significantly (from 18.5 to 29.6 MPa). This work paves the way for the development of elastomers with superior thermo–oxidative resistance, meanwhile this work is helpful to push the theoretical research of self‐healing to practical application.
Efficient Access to 3D Mesoscopic Prisms in Polymeric Soft Materials
Authors: Lyu Xiaolin , Huang Hanlin , Tang Zhehao , Luo Longfei , Luo Wenjun , Yu Yan , Shen Zhihao , Fan Xing‐He , Zou Zhigang 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe preparation of 3D functional isolated mesoscopic assemblies remains a challenge in the self‐assembly of polymers. Here, well‐defined 3D hexagonal and hexagram prisms with uniform dimensions are acquired by the crystallization of the inclusion complex composed of a crystalline molecule tris‐o‐phenylenedioxycyclotriphosphazene (TPP) and a block copolymer. The crystalline TPP plays an important role in the self‐assembling process. The faceted morphologies of the hexagonal and hexagram prisms are infrequent in the self‐assembly field of soft materials. The formation of the prisms experiences a 3D growth mechanism. The epitaxial growth, accompanied by the heterogeneous nucleation in the edges, yields the growth of inclusion crystals. This study provides a path to construct well‐defined polymeric soft materials with broad utility based on numerous supramolecular complexes.
Increased Risk of Parkinson's Disease in Women after Bilateral Oophorectomy
Authors: Canonico Marianne , Pesce Giancarlo , Bonaventure Audrey , Le Noan‐Lainé Maryline , Benatru Isabelle , Ranoux Danièle , Moisan Frédéric , Elbaz Alexis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundResults regarding the association between hormonal exposure and risk of Parkinson's disease (PD) are heterogeneous.ObjectivesTo investigate the association of reproductive life characteristics with PD among postmenopausal women.MethodsThe PARTAGE case–control included 130 female cases and 255 age‐matched female controls. Information on gynecological history was obtained from a standardized questionnaire and PD was validated by neurological examination. Odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were computed using conditional logistic regression.ResultsAfter adjustment for education level, smoking status, professional exposure to pesticides, and coffee and alcohol drinking, bilateral oophorectomy (OR = 3.55, 95%CI = 1.75–7.20), but neither menopause before age 50 years (OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 0.74–2.09) nor hormone therapy (HT; OR = 1.07, 95%CI = 0.62–1.86), was associated with PD.ConclusionOur findings suggest that bilateral oophorectomy is associated with increased risk of PD. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Targeted next‐generation sequencing of deaf patients from Southwestern China
Authors: Li Yunlong , Su Jie , Zhang Jingman , Pei Jiahong , Li Dongmei , Zhang Yinhong , Li Jingyu , Chen Menglang , Zhu Baosheng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundTargeted next‐generation sequencing is an efficient tool to identify pathogenic mutations of hereditary deafness. The molecular pathology of deaf patients in southwestern China is not fully understood.MethodsIn this study, targeted next‐generation sequencing of 127 deafness genes was performed on 84 deaf patients. They were not caused by common mutations of GJB2 gene, including c.35delG, c.109 G>A, c.167delT, c.176_191del16, c.235delC and c.299_300delAT.ResultsIn the cohorts of 84 deaf patients, we did not find any candidate pathogenic variants in 14 deaf patients (16.7%, 14/84). In other 70 deaf patients (83.3%, 70/84), candidate pathogenic variants were identified in 34 genes. Of these 70 deaf patients, the percentage of “Solved” and “Unsolved” patients was 51.43% (36/70) and 48.57% (34/70), respectively. The most common causative genes were SLC26A4 (12.9%, 9/70), MT‐RNR1 (11.4%, 8/70), and MYO7A (2.9%, 2/70) in deaf patients. In “Unsolved” patients, possible pathogenic variants were most found in SLC26A4 (8.9%, 3/34), MYO7A (5.9%, 2/34), OTOF (5.9%, 2/34), and PDZD7 (5.9%, 2/34) genes. Interesting, several novel recessive pathogenic variants were identified, like SLC26A4 c.290T>G, SLC26A4 c.599A>G, PDZD7c.490 C>T, etc.ConclusionIn addition to common deafness genes, like GJB2, SLC26A4, and MT‐RNR1 genes, other deafness genes (MYO7A, OTOF, PDZD7, etc.) were identified in deaf patients from southwestern China. Therefore, the spectrum of deafness genes in this area should be further studied.
Computational analysis of optically controlled reconfigurable terahertz mesh filters using mesa arrays
Authors: Deng Yijing , Shi Yu , Fay Patrick , Liu Lei 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe report a novel approach for realizing tunable/reconfigurable terahertz (THz) mesh filters on the basis of micromachined mesa‐array structures. In this approach, different filter patterns are generated virtually using photogenerated free carriers in a semiconducting mesa‐array structure to achieve superior tunability and reconfigurability. Micromachined mesa‐array structures enable the formation of high fidelity, optically generated mesh filter structures for THz frequencies. To evaluate the proposed filter designs, the optically patterned spatial modulation properties of mesa‐array structures were first evaluated. Reconfigurable mesh filter prototypes were then designed and simulated using silicon mesa arrays with 50 × 50 μm2 square mesa unit cells. Simulations show that reconfigurable bandpass filters (BPFs) operating in the frequency range of 108–489 GHz with insertion losses of 0.82–1.13 dB can be achieved. By employing smaller unit cells, the frequency tuning range and filtering performance can be further improved. In addition to BPFs, other filter functionalities can also be realized utilizing the proposed approach. The wide tuning range and reconfigurability of the mesh filters demonstrate that the proposed approach is promising for developing tunable/reconfigurable circuits and components for advanced THz sensing, imaging, and communications.
Can R2’ mapping evaluate hypoxia in renal ischemia reperfusion injury quantitatively? An experimental study
Authors: Zhang Jinggang , Chen Jie , Chen Qin , Chen Jing , Luo Kai , Pan Liang , Zhang Yongcheng , Dou Weiqiang , Xing Wei 
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo explore if R2’ mapping can assess renal hypoxia in rabbits with ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI).MethodsForty rabbits were randomly divided into 4 groups according to the clipping time: the sham group and 45 min, 60 min, and 75 min for the mild, moderate, and severe groups (with n = 10 each group), respectively. Intravenous furosemide (FU) was administered 24 h after IRI. All rabbits were performed 5 times (IRIpre, IRI24h, FU5min, FU12min, and FU24min) with a 3.0 Tesla MR. The R2’ values and the hypoxic scores were then recorded. The repeated measurement analysis of variance and Spearman correlation analysis was used for statistical analysis.ResultsCompared to the baseline, the medullary R2’ values increased significantly 24 h after the IRI (baseline 19.31 ± 1.21 s‐1, mild group 20.05 ± 1.26 s−1, moderate group 25.38 ± 1.38 s−1, and severe group 25.79 ± 1.10 s−1; each P < .001). FU led to a significant decrease in the medullary R2’ value (sham group 11.17 ± 4.33 s−1, mild group 7.80 ± 0.74 s−1, moderate group 3.92 ± 0.28 s−1, and severe group 3.82 ± 0.23 s−1; each P < .05). Quantitative hypoxic scores revealed significant differences among the 4 groups in the outer medulla (P < .001 each). The medullary R2’ differences (before and after intravenous FU) were significantly correlated with the hypoxic scores, respectively (P < .001).ConclusionR2’ mapping can evaluate the renal hypoxia in the procession of IRI in rabbits and might serve as a quantitative biomarker for IRI.
Analysis of deep complex‐valued convolutional neural networks for MRI reconstruction and phase‐focused applications
Authors: Cole Elizabeth , Cheng Joseph , Pauly John , Vasanawala Shreyas 
Published: March 2021

PurposeDeep learning has had success with MRI reconstruction, but previously published works use real‐valued networks. The few works which have tried complex‐valued networks have not fully assessed their impact on phase. Therefore, the purpose of this work is to fully investigate end‐to‐end complex‐valued convolutional neural networks (CNNs) for accelerated MRI reconstruction and in several phase‐based applications in comparison to 2‐channel real‐valued networks.MethodsSeveral complex‐valued activation functions for MRI reconstruction were implemented, and their performance was compared. Complex‐valued convolution was implemented and tested on an unrolled network architecture and a U‐Net–based architecture over a wide range of network widths and depths with knee, body, and phase‐contrast datasets.ResultsQuantitative and qualitative results demonstrated that complex‐valued CNNs with complex‐valued convolutions provided superior reconstructions compared to real‐valued convolutions with the same number of trainable parameters for both an unrolled network architecture and a U‐Net–based architecture, and for 3 different datasets. Complex‐valued CNNs consistently had superior normalized RMS error, structural similarity index, and peak SNR compared to real‐valued CNNs.ConclusionComplex‐valued CNNs can enable superior accelerated MRI reconstruction and phase‐based applications such as fat–water separation, and flow quantification compared to real‐valued convolutional neural networks.