bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Short leukocyte telomeres predict 25-year Alzheimer’s disease incidence in non-APOE ε4-carriers
Authors: Hackenhaar Fernanda Schäfer , Josefsson Maria , Adolfsson Annelie Nordin , Landfors Mattias , Kauppi Karolina , Hultdin Magnus , Adolfsson Rolf , Degerman Sofie , Pudas Sara 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: Leukocyte telomere length (LTL) has been shown to predict Alzheimer's disease (AD), albeit inconsistently. Failing to account for the competing risks between AD, other dementia types, and mortality, can be an explanation for the inconsistent findings in previous time-to-event analyses. Furthermore, previous studies indicate that the association between LTL and AD is non-linear and may differ depending on apolipoprotein E ( APOE ) ε4 allele carriage, the strongest genetic AD predictor. Methods: We analysed whether baseline LTL in interaction with APOE ε4 predicts AD, by following 1306 initially non-demented subjects for 25 years. Gender- and age-residualized LTL (rLTL) was categorized into tertiles of short, medium, and long rLTLs. Two complementary time-to-event models that account for competing risks were used; the Fine-Gray model to estimate the association between the rLTL tertiles and the cumulative incidence of AD, and the cause-specific hazard model to assess the cause-specific risk of AD between rLTL groups. Vascular dementia and death were considered competing risk events. Models were adjusted for baseline lifestyle-related risk factors, gender, age, and non-proportional hazards. Results: After follow-up, 149 were diagnosed with AD, 96 were diagnosed with vascular dementia, 465 died without dementia, and 596 remained healthy. Baseline rLTL and other covariates were assessed on average 8 years before AD onset (range 1-24). APOE ε4-carriers had significantly increased incidence of AD, as well as increased cause-specific AD risk. A significant rLTL- APOE interaction indicated that short rLTL at baseline was significantly associated with an increased incidence of AD among non- APOE ε4-carriers (subdistribution hazard ratio = 3.24, CI 1.404–7.462, P = 0.005), as well as borderline associated with increased cause-specific risk of AD (cause-specific hazard ratio = 1.67, CI 0.947–2.964, P = 0.07). Among APOE ε4-carriers, short or long rLTLs were not significantly associated with AD incidence, nor with the cause-specific risk of AD. Conclusions: Our findings from two complementary competing risk time-to-event models indicate that short rLTL may be a valuable predictor of the AD incidence in non- APOE ε4-carriers, on average 8 years before AD onset. More generally, the findings highlight the importance of accounting for competing risks, as well as the APOE status of participants in AD biomarker research.
Synthesis of Pb3O4-SiO2-ZnO-WO3 glasses and their fundamental properties for gamma shielding applications
Authors: Shaaban kh. S. , Wahab E. A Abdel , Alomairy Sultan , Mutuwong C. , Al-Buriahi Mohammed Sultan 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In this research, we prepared zinc lead silicate glass system with the composition 35Pb3O4-60SiO2- (5-x) ZnO-xWO3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 5 mol %) via the melt-quench method. XRD is explored the nature of the glass system. Ultrasonic velocity, and elastic modulus were experimentally investigated and then the results were confirmed by using the theoretical calculations. It was found that because of molar volume reduction inter-ionic distance\({R}_{i}\), polaron radius \({r}_{p}\), and inter-nuclear distance, \({r}_{i}\)of the investigated glasses are reduced with WO3 content. The basic attenuation factors; mass and linear coefficients denoted by µ/ρ and µ, respectively, were determined employing several simulations for each energy via FLUKA code. As WO3 content increased from 0 to 5 mol %, the µ increased from 0.728 cm− 1 to 0.856 cm− 1 achieving high shielding performance for the sample with x = 5 mol %. At 0.6 MeV with x = 5 mol %, we found that the dose rate of the prepared glass system decreases from 2.35 × 107 R/h at 1 mm to 4.71 × 106 R/h at 4 mm. The values of MFP and HVL are lower than those of the conventional photon shields indicating that our prepared glass samples (especially G5 glass sample) have promising shielding properties to use for x/gamma rays applications.
Anti-quorum sensing activity of quercetin in combination with imipenem and ciprofloxacin against Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1
Authors: Taghavi Tabasom , Zeighami Habib , Heidari Azam , Gholami Mina , Rafiee Farzaneh , Haghi Fakhri 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background

The inhibition of quorum sensing (QS) is considered as a novel strategy for development of antipathogenic agents and management of nosocomial infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The present study aimed to investigate the anti-quorum sensing activity of sub-MIC concentrations of quercetin (Q), imipenem (IPM) and ciprofloxacin (CIP) alone and in combination against P. aeruginosa.
Methods

We determined the MIC and synergistic activity of Q, IPM and CIP against P. aeruginosa PAO1. The effect of sub-MIC (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) concentrations of Q, IPM and CIP alone and in combination on QS related virulence factors and expression of lasI and lasR genes was also determined.
Results

The addition of Q decreased the MIC of IPM and CIP and there was additive effect from these combinations. Quercetin did not show significant effects on cell growth at concentrations of 1/4 and 1/16 MIC. However, sub-MIC concentrations (1/4 and 1/16 MIC) of Q in combination with IPM or CIP showed the significant reduction in QS dependent phenotypes (P < 0.001). The combination of Q with IPM or CIP at the concentrations of 1/4 MIC showed the greatest reduction in the expression levels of lasI compared with untreated control (P < 0.001). The docking results suggested that quercetin has potential to inhibit the LasR protein.
Conclusion

Considering the beneficial biological effects of quercetin and its inhibitory effects on QS related virulence traits, the combination of this natural compound with imipenem or ciprofloxacin may be used as an effective approach for managing of multidrug resistant infections of P. aeruginosa.
New phenoxyacetohydrazones against Trypanosoma cruzi
Authors: Capelini Camila , de Souza Kátia , Barbosa Juliana , Salomão Kelly , Junior Policarpo , Murta Silvane , Wardell Solange , Wardell James , Silva Edson da , Carvalho Samir Aquino 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Herein, we reported the design, synthesis, antitrypanosomal and cytotoxic evaluation of a new phenoxyacetohydrazones series. All derivatives were assayed against bloodstream trypomastigote forms of T. cruzi (Y strain) and intracellular amastigotes using the model of L-929 cells infected with trypomastigotes of the Tulahuen strain. Compound (E)-N'-(3.4-dihydroxybenzylidene)-2-phenoxyacetohydrazide (11) showed an activity against trypomastigotes (IC50/24 h = 10.3 µM) equivalent to that of benznidazole and with selectivity index (SI) = 46. Against infected cultures, (E)-N'-((5-nitrofuran-2-yl) methylene)-2-phenoxyacetohydrazide (19) was active at the nanomolar range (IC50/96 h = 100 nM), being about 15-fold more active than the standard drug and with SI equal to 1000. Thus, derivatives 11 and 19 could be considered good prototype for the development of new candidates for Chagas disease therapy.
Ficus Carica Mediated Synthesis of Simulated Solar Light Driven Nano-sized Zinc Stannate Photocatalyst for the Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Naqeeb Asia , Haq Sirajul , Ehsan Rimsha , Shahzad Muhammad Imran , Shahzad Nadia , Rehman Wajid , Waseem Muhammad , Ahmad Pervaiz , Khalilov Umedjon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The synthesis of zinc stannate nanocomposite (Zn2SnO4 NC) was carried out using an environment friendly process that included the use of Ficus carica (F. carica) leaves extract as a capping and reducing agent. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis was used to analyze the structural and crystallographic parameters, and the crystallite was discovered to have cubic geometry. The elemental composition of the studied Zn2SnO4 NC was investigated using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX), which revealed that it was extremely pure. The band gap (3.12 eV) was calculated through Tauc plot using diffuse reflectance (DRS) data where the functional groups were explored through Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. Prior to the photocatalytic reaction, some preliminary experiments were performed, which proposed that pH 9 is suitable for the mineralization of methylene blue (MB) (10 ppm) in the presence of 20 mg of Zn2SnO4 NC and simulated solar light. The 96 % of MB was degraded in 80 min with the degradation rate of 0.038 min-1.
Forensic facial reconstruction using CBCT – A systematic review
Authors: JAYAKRISHNAN JIJIN MEKKADATH 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Objectives

This systematic review evaluated whether CBCT is a better diagnostic tool in facial forensic reconstruction. Forensic facial reconstruction is a technique to reconstruct human face from unidentified face from skull remains for human identification and facial recognition.
Materials and methods

Article selection and data extraction was done based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria devised for the study. The articles were screened from PubMed, ProQuest, Google scholar, Science direct and Scopus.
Result

Three hundred and thirty-nine articles were initially identified from which seven articles were full text reviewed and included in the review. All the articles included in this study suggest that the facial reconstruction done using CBCT are reliable.
Conclusion

The computerized 3D modeling method produces reliable facial reconstructions which involves the images scanned from CBCT and the combination method. The computerized 3D modeling method produces facial reconstruction which almost mimics the original resemblance.
Novel P2-Type Layered Medium-Entropy Ceramics Oxide as Cathode Material for Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Luo S.H. , Yan Sheng-xue , Yang Liu , Feng Jian , Li Peng-wei , Wang Qing , Zhang Ya-hui , Liu Xin 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Similar to high-entropy oxides (HEOs), medium-entropy oxides (MEOs) are a new type of single-phase solid solution material. As a positive electrode material for sodium ion batteries (SIBs), it has been rarely reported. Here, we first proposed the concept of the application of MEOs in SIBs. P2-type 3-cation oxide Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3O2 (NaNMF) and 4-cation oxide Na2/3Ni1/3Mn1/3Fe1/3−xAlxO2 (NaNMFA) were prepared by solid-state method, rather than the doping technology. In addition, the importance of the concept of entropy stabilization in material performance and battery cycling was demonstrated by testing 3-cation oxide (NaNMF) and 4-cation oxide in (NaNMFA) the same system. As a result, NaNMFA can provide a reversible capacity of about 125.6 mAh g–1 in the voltage range of 2-4.2 V, and has enhanced cycle stability. The capacity and decay law of the mid-entropy oxide battery indicate that the configuration entropy (1.28R (NaNMFA) > 1.10R (NaNMF)) of the cationic system is the main factor affecting the structural stability and cycle stability of the electrode material. This work emphasizes that the rational design of MEOs with novel structures and different electrochemically active elements may be an effective strategy for exploring high-performance SIBs cathode materials in next-generation energy storage devices.
Research on Evaluation Method of Rockburst Proneness Based on Energy Principles
Authors: Sun Feiyue , Wu Wenlong 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
The study of rockburst criterion is the key to predict whether rockburst occurs or not. First of all, based on the energy principle and taking the rock strength and overall failure criterion as the benchmark, the rockburst proneness criterion of rock mass unit under compression and tension was established. The criterion took into account the integrity factors, mechanical factors, brittleness factors and energy storage factors in the process of rockburst inoculation, and three rockburst classification thresholds (2, 11 and 110) for four grades of none, weak, moderate and severe rockburst were proposed. Second, Taking the typical rockburst disaster as examples, the rationality of the existing classical rockburst criterions and the rockburst proneness criterion proposed in this paper were tested, and the results showed that this criterion had good engineering applicability. Finally, the numerical simulation analysis of rockburst disaster in 2# diversion tunnel of Jinping II hydropower station was carried out by using this criterion. The results were basically consistent with the actual situation, which verified the accuracy and effectiveness of the rockburst proneness criterion proposed in this paper. The research results can provide reference for the evaluation and prediction of rockburst disaster in deep underground engineering.
Phase synchronization and criticality in a network of neural mass models
Authors: Kazemi Sheida , Jamali Yousef 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Synchronization has an important role in neural networks, and their dynamics are mostly accompanied by cognitive activities such as memory, learning, and perception. These activities arise from the collective neural behaviors and are not totally understood yet. This paper aims to investigate a cortical model from this perspective. In this paper, we investigated a network of neural populations in a way the dynamics of each node corresponded to the Jansen-Rit neural mass model. First, we put this dynamic on a single mass of four different input levels. Then, we considered a Watts-Strogatz network of Jansen-Rit oscillators. We observed an epileptic activity in the weak input level. The network to change various parameters is considered. The detailed results including the mean times series, phase spaces and power spectrum revealed a wide range of different behaviors such as epilepsy, unimpaired, and a transition between synchrony and asynchrony states. Since the critical state is a dynamic candidate for healthy brains, we considered some measures of criticality and investigated them on phase transition points. We showed that the criticality hypothesis is not all or nothing theory. It means that due to the nature of specific indicators selected for studying the criticality, the phase transition point can be a critical point or not. Indeed, some markers of criticality can exist in phase transition points, and others may not. As a result, we do not claim that neural models show criticality or not, but we can only admit that they have a percentage of criticality.
In vivo monitoring of viable bacteria by SPECT using 99mTc-HYNIC(GH)2-UBI 29-41 and 99mTc-HYNIC(Tricine)2-UBI 29-41
Authors: Nishiyama Yuri , Uehara Tomoya , Okazaki Kenichi , Maki Hideki , Abe Kohji , Arano Yasushi , Momosaki Sotaro 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background: The number of bacterial infections that—for various reasons—are challenging to cure continues to increase. One such reason is persister cell infection. To investigate persister formation and persister infections, viable bacteria must be evaluated in the same animal over time. In this study, the feasibility of monitoring viable bacteria by SPECT using two labeled peptides was evaluated. Results: Two types of ubiquicidin (UBI) 29-41 labeled with technetium-99m, 99mTc-HYNIC(GH)2-UBI 29-41 and 99mTc-HYNIC(Tricine)2-UBI 29-41, were synthesized. The in vitro binding of these labeled peptides to Staphylococcus aureus was measured. For the in vivo study, each labeled peptide was injected into S. aureus infected mouse thigh after treatment with various doses of ciprofloxacin (CPFX). Two hours after injection, the accumulation of each labeled peptide at the infection site was assessed by SPECT, and then the number of viable bacteria was determined from the accumulation detected. The peptide labeling was successful, and the radiochemical purity was 91±9% (GH, n=8) and 100% (Tricine, n=8). The in vitro binding of the labeled peptides to S. aureus (5×108 cfu) without serum was 78.9% (GH) and 85.5% (Tricine) of the total 99mTc activity. With serum, the binding rate was 67.5% (GH) and 13.3% (Tricine). The accumulation of labeled peptide was calculated from the SPECT images, and that in the bacterial infection site (left thigh) was higher than that in the non-infection site (right thigh) for both peptides. Good correlation was found between the target-to-non-target (T/NT) ratios of each labeled peptide and the viable bacterial count at the infection site, and 99mTc-HYNIC(Tricine)2-UBI 29-41 had a wider range than 99mTc-HYNIC(GH)2-UBI 29-41.Conclusion: Using the SPECT/labeled peptide method, it was possible to monitor viable bacterial count in the range 103–108 cfu, which is appropriate for tracking viable bacterial counts in the same animal over time.
Equilibrium studies on the uptake of nitrate and phosphate ion onto low-cost adsorbent prepared via radiation-induced graft polymerization and hydrazine hydrate functionalization
Authors: ANIAGOR CHUKWUNONSO , Sokker H.H. , Hashem A.I. , El-Hamaki Y.M. , El-Degwi M.H. , Abdel-Halim E.S. , Hashem A. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the study, cellulosic fabric waste-based anion exchanger (‘Cell-AE’), with abundant N+(CH3)2 functional groups were prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile (AN) onto cotton fabric waste using γ radiation 60Co, followed by chemical modification with hydrazine hydrate and alkylation with dimethyl sulfate. Factors affecting the grafting process, such as radiation dose and monomer concentration, was investigated. The main adsorbent (‘Cell-AE’) and its intermediate precursors were characterized using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scan electron microscopy (SEM). The nitrate and phosphate sorption potentials of the Cell-AE further evaluated via batch mode. Based on the results obtained, ‘Cell-AE’ showed higher adsorption affinity towards phosphate ion (19.56 mg/g), when compared to that of the nitrate ion (11.23 mg/g). Similarly, the phosphate and nitrate ion adsorption onto ‘Cell-AE’ obeys both Dubinin–Radushkevich (D-R) and Redlich-Peterson (R-P) isotherm models, respectively. The present study conclusively proffered a potential mitigation approach to cotton fabric waste management.
Application of Solid Waste As An Adsorbent For Capture of 137Cs, 85Sr and 131I From Environmental Water
Authors: Metwally Sayed , El-Din A.M. Shahr , Hamed M.M. 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Cesium, strontium, and iodine radionuclides are produced from uranium fission and easily soluble in water through accidents or leakages, as those occurred at Chernobyl, Three Mile Island, and Fukushima. Thus, developing an economical and effective process for removing these radioisotopes from real water is a progressively important issue. Hence, adsorption of 137Cs, 85Sr, and 131I radionuclides was achieved using solid waste adsorbent. The solid waste adsorbent is granular activated carbon (GAC) gained from the wasted household water filters (from the second stage). After the adsorption process, the gained data illustrated that the percentages of uptake for 137Cs, 85Sr, and 131I were 87.6, 85.6, and 82.7 %, respectively. Application of GAC for the decontamination of real water as groundwater, river water, tap water, and seawater was achieved. The findings revealed that GAC has the ability to be employed effectively as a hopeful material for the decontamination of radioactive 137Cs, 85Sr, and 131I from the environmental water.
Spectral Shaping of Advanced Optical Filters with Integrated Coupled Sagnac Loop Reflectors in a Self-Coupled Nanowire
Authors: Arianfard Hamed , wu jiayang , juodkazis saulius , moss david 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We propose and theoretically investigate integrated photonic filters based on coupled Sagnac loop reflectors (SLRs) formed by a self-coupled wire waveguide. By tailoring coherent mode interference in the device, three different filter functions are achieved, including Fano-like resonances, wavelength interleaving, and varied resonance mode splitting. For each function, the impact of device structural parameters is analyzed to facilitate optimized performance. Our results theoretically verify the proposed device as a compact multi-functional integrated photonic filter for flexible spectral shaping.
Integral order photonic RF and microwave signal processors based on Kerr micro-combs
Authors: tan mengxi , xu xingyuan , Moss David 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Soliton crystal micro-combs are powerful tools as sources of multiple wavelength channels for radio frequency (RF) signal processing. They offer a compact device footprint, large numbers of wavelengths, very high versatility, and wide Nyquist bandwidths. Here, we demonstrate integral order RF signal processing functions based on a soliton crystal micro-comb, including a Hilbert transformer and first- to third-order differentiators. We compare and contrast results achieved and the tradeoffs involved with varying comb spacing, tap design methods, as well as shaping methods.
Wearable Magnetic Induction-based Approach Toward 3D Motion Tracking
Authors: Golestani Negar , Moghaddam Mahta 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Activity recognition using wearable sensors has gained popularity due to its wide range of applications, including healthcare, rehabilitation, sports, and senior monitoring. Tracking the body movement in 3D space facilitates behavior recognition in different scenarios. Wearable systems have limited battery capacity, and many critical challenges have to be addressed to gain a trade-off among power consumption, computational complexity, minimizing the effects of environmental interference, and achieving higher tracking accuracy. This work presents a motion tracking system based on magnetic induction (MI) to tackle the challenges and limitations inherent in designing a wireless monitoring system. We integrated a realistic prototype of an MI sensor with machine learning techniques and investigated one-sensor and two-sensor configuration setups for motion reconstruction. This approach is successfully evaluated using measured and synthesized datasets generated by the analytical model of the MI system. The system has an average distance root-mean-squared error (RMSE) error of 3 cm compared to the ground-truth real-world measured data with Kinect.
Performance Analysis of Coal Cleaning Operations: Relationship Between Probable Error in Separation and Organic Efficiency Performance Analysis of Coal Cleaning Operations: Relationship Between Probable Error in Separation and Organic Efficiency
Authors: Paul Subha Ranjan , Bhattacharya Sumantra 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Separation efficiency of coal cleaning equipment is typically assessed by Probable Error in Separation (Ep) and Organic Efficiency (Eorg). The first one is determined on the basis of precise cut point density of separation and implies that for ideal separation the error is zero. The second one is calculated on the basis of yield of clean coal/ middling at the target ash and implies that for ideal separation the efficiency is 100%. Plant operators worldwide being accountable for the tonnage of the clean coal and middling produced regularly monitor Eorg with some application in plant design in India. Ep is universally used as an equipment selection criterion from among the vendors, in commercial contracts and sometimes for performance analysis of coal cleaning equipment carried out at the plants. Since both are performance measures there should possibly be a relationship between the two for specific cleaning equipment or for a particular type of density separators. Such relationships are however rarely observed. Moreover there are many instances where high to very high Eorg does not translate into low to very low Ep. Therefore, is there a dichotomy between the two performance measures?