bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Polyvinyl Alcohol Based Nanocomposite Films Engineered With Clove Oil and Chitosan Nanoparticles to Combat the Postharvest Fungal Diseases
Authors: K Radhakrishnan E , Jose Ashitha , Saranya A.S , Chacko Chinnu , Jacob Dhanya M 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The post-harvest loss of fresh produces is a global challenge to the food industry. The drastic loss of fresh produces caused mainly by fungal attack demands the development of active packaging materials with antimicrobial properties. Hence studies have already reported the applications of polymers like Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) engineered with antimicrobial properties for the packaging. In the current study, material properties of PVA alone, PVA incorporated with chitosan nanoparticles (PCS), clove oil (PCO) and also chitosan nanoparticles and clove oil combination (PCSCO) have been studied for the packaging applications. All the developed films were characterised by the XRD and FTIR analysis and it confirmed the molecular interactions among the components of nanocomposites. At the same time, the bionanocomposite PCSCO was found to have low moisture content and film solubility as suitable for the packaging application. In addition, the presence of chitosan nanoparticles and clove oil was found to provide the microbial barrier properties to the PCS, PCO and PCSCO flms. The PCSCO film with both chitosan nanoparticles and clove oil was further demonstrated to have superior antifungal activity against the spoilage organism Pythium aphanidermatum. The results of the study indicate the potential of developed nanocomposite for the postharvest packaging application.
A Comprehensive Density-of-States Model for Oxide Semiconductor Thin Film Transistors
Authors: Rajshekar Kadiyam , Dhanaraj Kannadassan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a comprehensive Density of States model was proposed to understand the origin of conductivity and the performance of p-type and n-type oxide semiconductor thin film transistors (TFTs). To validate the model, the simulated I-V characteristics are compared with measured results of p-type Cu2O & SnO and n-type SnO2 TFTs. It was found that cation vacancies were responsible for hole conduction in p-type TFTs, while anion vacancies and/or metal interstitial were responsible for electron conduction in n-type TFTs. This was observed by assigning the cation vacancies to acceptor-like Gaussian states and anion vacancies and/or metal interstitial to Donor-like Gaussian states respectively. The characteristic slopes in conduction/valence band-tail states are due to disorders present in the oxide semiconductors. The model is successfully delivering the physical insight and path way to circuit simulation of large scale integration of pixel circuits AMLCD/AMOLED displays.
Mechanisms of immunomodulation and cytoprotection conferred to pancreatic islet by human amniotic epithelial cells
Authors: Lebreton Fanny , Wassmer Charles H. , Bellofatto Kevin , Perez Lisa , Othenin-Girard Véronique , de Tejada Begoña Martinez , Cohen Marie , Berishvili Ekaterine 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokine activity can reverse inflammation mediated dysfunction of islet grafts. Human amniotic epithelial cells (hAECs) possess regenerative, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. We hypothesized that hAECs could protect islets from cellular damage induced by pro-inflammatory cytokines. To verify our hypothesis hAECs monocultures, rat islets (RI), or RI-hAEC co-cultures where exposed to a pro-inflammatory cytokine cocktail (Interferon γ: IFN-γ, Tumor necrosis factor α: TNF-α and Interleukin-1β: IL-1β). The secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines and gene expression changes in hAECs and viability and function of RI were evaluated. The expression of non-classical Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) class I molecules by hAECs cultured with various IFN-γ concentrations were assessed. Exposure to the pro-inflammatory cocktail significantly increased the secretion of the anti-inflammatory cytokines IL6, IL10 and G-CSF by hAECs, which was confirmed by upregulation of IL6, and IL10 gene expression. HLA-G, HLA-E and PDL-1 gene expression was also increased. This correlated with an upregulation of STAT1, STAT3 and NF-κB1gene expression levels. RI co-cultured with hAECs maintained normal function after cytokine exposure compared to RI cultured alone, and showed significantly lower apoptosis rate. Our results show that exposure to pro-inflammatory cytokines stimulates secretion of anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory factors by hAECs through the JAK1/2 – STAT1/3 and the NF-κB1 pathways, which in turn protects islets against inflammation-induced damages. Integrating hAECs in islet transplants appears as a valuable strategy to achieve to inhibit inflammation mediated islet damage, prolong islet survival, improve their engraftment and achieve local immune protection allowing to reduce systemic immunosuppressive regimens.
Predictors of Underweight Among Lactating Mothers in Dangila District, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Adugna Abaynew , Degu Amsalu 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Health extension workers are responsible for providing nutritional services like nutritional assessment and intervention for individuals who are identified as being at nutrition risk within their catchment area. Despite the Ethiopian government's effort to reduce the prevalence of maternal malnutrition through health extension workers, maternal underweight is still a significant public health problem in the country. Hence, this study aimed to identify the predictors of underweight among lactating mothers in Dangila woreda, Amhara Regional State, Ethiopia.Methods: An institution-based case-control study was conducted on 400 lactating women in three primary health care units of Dangila Woreda. A consecutive sampling method was used to select study participants. The data collectors were given appropriate training, and the principal investigator was continuously supervising the data collection process to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information. A bivariable logistic regression was performed, and the variables with p-value <0.2 in bivariable logistic regression were entered to multivariable logistic regression to control the effect of confounding variables.Results: The present study showed no statistically significant difference between the cases and controls in the sociodemographic characteristics. Besides, most of the cases had inadequate (60.52%) levels of nutritional knowledge compared to the controls. Regarding household food security, the majority (93.88%) of the cases and controls (89.43%) had food security while only 6.12% of the cases and 10.57% of the controls had food insecurity. Age at first pregnancy (AOR=2.138, 95% CI: 1.134-4.031), breastfeeding age (AOR=2.486, 95 % CI: 1.281-4.823), and site of delivery (AOR=3.157, 95% CI: 1.407-7.084) were the predictors of underweight among lactating mothers.Conclusions: Age at first pregnancy, site of delivery, and breastfeeding age were the significant predictors of underweight in lactating mothers. Therefore, interventions like promoting institutional delivery, prevention of teenage pregnancy, and enhancing the intake of adequate nutrition during lactation should be taken.
Electromechanical Impedance Based Self-Diagnosis of Piezoelectric Smart Structure Using Principal Component Analysis and LibSVM
Authors: Jiang Xie , Zhang Xin , Tang Tao , Zhang Yuxiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The long-term use of a piezoelectric smart structure make it difficult to judge whether the structure or piezoelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT) is damaged when the signal changes. If the sensor fault occurs, the cases and degrees of the fault are unknown based on the electromechanical impedance method. Therefore, after the principal component analysis (PCA) of six characteristic indexes, a two-component solution which could explain 99.2% of the variance in the original indexes was obtained to judge whether the damage comes from the PZT. Then LibSVM was used to make an effective identification of four sensor faults (pseudo soldering, debonding, wear, and breakage) and their three damage degrees. The result shows that the identification accuracy of damaged PZT reached 97.5%. The absolute scores of PCA comprehensive evaluation for structural damages are less than 0.5 while for sensor faults are greater than 0.6. By comparing the scores of the samples under unknown conditions with the set threshold, whether the sensor faults occur is effectively judged; the intact and 12 possible damage states of PZT can be all classified correctly with the model trained by LibSVM. It is feasible to use LibSVM to classify the cases and degrees of sensor faults.
Highly sensitive biomarker biosensor for early detection of cancer biomarkers
Authors: Upponi Jaydev , Musacchio Tiziana , Siavoshi Salome , Malima Asanterabi , Yilmaz Cihan , Hartner William C. , Levchenko Tatyana , Somu Sivasubramanian , Torchilin Vladimir P. , Busnaina Ahmed 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Biomarkers are emerging as potentially important diagnostic tools for cancer and many other diseases. However, many current detection systems for suffer from insufficient sensitivity. To address this concern, we developed a highly sensitive biosensor, featuring monoclonal antibody-coated polystyrene nanobeads assembled in the trenches of a microchip, for the detection of cancer biomarkers. These biosensors detected nucleosomes and carcinoembryonic antigen in serum at concentrations of 62.5 and 15.6 pg/mL, respectively. Very low detection limits that suggest such devices might be beneficial for the early detection of tumors and for monitoring of patients in remission.
Using a new HSPC aging model in vitro to explore the mechanism of cellular memory in aging HSPCs
Authors: Dong Yongpin , Li Wenfang , Zhou Wuxiong , Zhang Lina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Age-associated changes attenuate human blood system functionality through the aging of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs). Hematopoietic aging is manifested in human populations in the form of an increase in myeloproliferative disease,therefore, study on hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) senescence bears great significance to treat hematopoietic associated disease. However, the mechanism of HSPC aging is lacking, especially cellular memory mechanism. Here, we not only reported a new HSPC aging model in vitro, but also propose and verify the cellular memory mechanism of HSPC aging of Polycomb/Trithorax system. In this model cells, the senescence-related β-gal activity, cell cycle, colony-forming ability, aging-related cell morphology and metabolic pathway are significantly changed compare to the young group. Furthermore, we found the model HSPCs have more obvious aging manifestation than those of natural mice and IL3 is the major factor contributing to HSPC aging in the model. We also observed dramatically changes in the expression level of PRC/TrxG complexes. We further identified downstream molecules of PRC/TrxG complexes,Uhrf1 and TopII, which were found to play a critical role in HSPC aging based on the HSPC aging model. So, these findings proposed a new aging HSPC model in vitro which we forecasted could be used to preliminary screen the drugs of the HSPC aging related hemopathy and suggested cellular memory mechanism of HSPC aging.
Precise engineering of ultrasound-mediated cerium oxide nanoparticles: Investigations on antioxidant, antibacterial activity and human osteomyelitis
Authors: Dai Xiusong , Wang Xiaopan , Chen Xiaotian , Ye Longfei , Wu Min 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this study, the antibacterial activity of cerium oxide nanoparticles on two Gram-negative and three Gram-positive foodborne pathogens was investigated. CeO2 nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) were synthesized by a Wet Chemical Synthesis route, using the precipitation method and the Simultaneous Addition of reactants (WCS–SimAdd). The as-obtained precursor powders were investigated by thermal analysis (TG–DTA), to study their decomposition process and to understand the CeO2 NPs formation. The composition, structure, and morphology of the thermally treated sample were investigated by FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, TEM, and DLS. The cubic structure and average particle size ranging between 5 and 15 nm were evidenced. Optical absorption measurements (UV–Vis) reveal that the band gap of CeO2 NPs is 2.61 eV, which is smaller than the band gap of bulk ceria. The antioxidant effect of CeO2 NPs was determined, and the antibacterial test was carried out both in liquid and on solid growth media against five pathogenic microorganisms, namely Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhimurium, Listeria monocytogenes, Staphylococcus aureus, and Bacillus cereus. Cerium oxide nanoparticles showed growth inhibition toward all five pathogens tested with notable results. This paper highlights the CeO2 NPs showed antibacterial activity with significant variations due to the differences in the membrane structure and cell wall composition among the two groups tested. Consequently, synthesized CeO2 NPs can be potential candidates for the treatment of osteomyelitis.
Survival Outcomes of In-Hospital Cardiac Arrest in Pediatric Patients in the United States
Authors: Hamzah Mohammed , Othman Hasan F. , Almasri Murad , Al-Subu Awni , Lutfi Riad 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We report on in-hospital cardiac arrest outcomes in the United States. The data were obtained from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample datasets for the years 2000–2017, which includes data from participating hospitals in 47 US states and the District of Columbia. We included pediatric patients (< 18 years of age) with cardiac arrest and we excluded patients with no cardiopulmonary resuscitation during the hospitalization. Primary outcome of the study was in-hospital mortality after cardiac arrest. A multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with survival. A total of 20,654 patients were identified, 8226 (39.82%) patients survived to discharge. The median length of stay and cost of hospitalization were significantly higher in the survivors vs. Non- survivors (LOS 18 days vs. 1 day, and cost $187,434 vs. $45,811, respectively, p < 0.001). In a multivariable model, patients admitted to teaching hospitals, elective admissions and those admitted on weekdays had higher survival (aOR=1.19, CI: 1.06–1.33, aOR=2.65, CI: 2.37–2.97 and aOR=1.17, CI: 1.07–1.27, respectively). Acute renal failure was associated with decrease in survival (aOR=0.66, CI: 0.60–0.73). There was no difference in mortality between patients with Extracorporeal CardioPulmonary Resuscitation (E-CPR) and those with conventional CardioPulmonary Resuscitation. E-CPR patients were likely to have congenital heart surgery (51.0% vs. 20.8%). In conclusion, we highlighted the survival predictors in these events, which can guide future studies aimed at improving outcomes in pediatric cardiac arrest.
Can a Quantitative Assessment of SARS-CoV-2 PCR Predict Degree of Severity and Outcomes in Critical Care Patients with COVID-19
Authors: Stonham Rosalind , Monck Chantelle , Orchard Laurence , Baker Laurence , Ahmad-Saeed Nusreen , Friar Simon , Samaraweera Buddhini , Mahanama Adhyana , Pelosi Emanuela , Wilson-Davies Eleri , Dushianathan Ahilanadan , Saeed Kordo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Real-Time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) is the gold standard diagnostic method for acute SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cycle threshold (Ct) is defined as the number of heating and cooling cycles required during the PCR process. Ct-values are inversely proportional to the amount of target nucleic acid in a sample. Our aim in this retrospective study was to determine the impact of serial SARS-CoV-2 qPCR Ct-values, among critically ill COVID-19 patients both prior and during intensive care unit (ICU) stay, on: mortality, need for mechanical ventilation (MV) and development of acute kidney injury (AKI). There was a continuous increment in Ct-values over the ICU stay from 1st-week through to 3rd-week. Although not significant, lower ICU 1st-week Ct-values were associated with Black ethnicity, increased need for MV and mortality. However, patients who had developed AKI at any stage of their illness had significantly lower Ct-values compared to those with normal renal function. When ICU 1st-week Ct-values are subcategorised as <20, 20-30 and >30 the 28-day survival probability was less for patients with Ct-values of <20.To our knowledge this is the first report showing the impact of Ct-values and outcomes, especially AKI, among patients at different time point’s prior to and during ICU stay.
Bi2S3 and MoS2 Soft Coatings: A Comparative Study of Their Frictional Behavior Under Different Humidity Levels, Contact Stresses, and Sliding Speeds
Authors: Pilotti Bruno A. , Prieto Germán , Juan Alfredo , Faccio Ricardo , Broitman Esteban , Dennehy Mariana , Tuckart Walter 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Bi2S3 is a promising solid lubricant for demanding applications, such as oil extraction, heavy mining, and aerospace components. However, so far its tribological behavior has not been studied in depth. Bi2S3 soft coatings were evaluated utilizing reciprocating sliding tests under different levels of relative humidity level, contact stress, and sliding speed and the results were benchmarked against MoS2 coatings. In addition, ab initio calculations using density functional theory modeling were employed for studying the interaction between the sulfides and the steel substrates and the effect of water intercalation at an atomic level. It was found that Bi2S3 presents excellent environmental adaptability and substrate protection over a wide range of testing conditions, thanks to its characteristic crystal structure.
Revealing the Composition of the Eukaryotic Microbiome of Oyster Spat by CRISPR-Cas Selective Amplicon Sequencing (CCSAS)
Authors: Zhong Kevin Xu , Cho Anna , Deeg Christophe M. , Chan Amy M. , Suttle Curtis A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe microbiome affects the health of plants and animals, including humans, and has many biological, ecological and evolutionary consequences. Microbiome studies typically rely on sequencing ribosomal 16S RNA gene fragments, which serve as taxonomic markers for prokaryotic communities; however, for eukaryotic microbes this approach is compromised, because 18S rRNA gene sequences from microbial eukaryotes are swamped by contaminating host rRNA gene sequences. ResultsTo overcome this problem, we developed CRISPR-Cas Selective Amplicon Sequencing (CCSAS), a high-resolution and efficient approach for characterizing eukaryotic microbiomes. CCSAS uses taxon-specific single-guide RNA (sgRNA) to direct Cas9 to cut 18S rRNA gene sequences of the host, while leaving protistan and fungal sequences intact. We validated the specificity of the sgRNA on ten model organisms and an artificially constructed (mock) community of nine protistan and fungal pathogens. The results showed that >96.5% of host rRNA gene amplicons were cleaved, while 18S rRNA gene sequences from protists and fungi were unaffected. When used to assess the eukaryotic microbiome of oyster spat from a hatchery, CCSAS revealed a diverse community of eukaryotic microbes, typically with much less contamination from oyster 18S rRNA gene sequences than other methods using non-metazoan or blocking primers. However, each method revealed taxonomic groups that were not detected using the other methods, showing that a single approach is unlikely to uncover the entire eukaryotic microbiome in complex communities. To facilitate the application of CCSAS, we designed taxon-specific sgRNA for ~16,000 metazoan and plant taxa, making CCSAS widely available for characterizing eukaryotic microbiomes that have largely been neglected. ConclusionCCSAS provides a high-through-put and cost-effective approach for resolving the eukaryotic microbiome of metazoa and plants with minimal contamination from host 18S rRNA gene sequences. Keywords: Eukaryotic microbiome, 18S rRNA gene, Microeukaryote, CRISPR-Cas, Taxon-specific single-guide RNA, gRNA-target-site, CasOligo, CCSAS
Clinical study on the effect of multifocal contact lenses on myopia progression in myopia school children
Authors: Hieda Osamu , Nakamura Yo , Hiraoka Takahiro , Kojima Miho , Oshika Tesuro , Sotozono Chie 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: The efficacy of peripheral low add multifocal soft contact lenses for suppressing the progression of myopia is controversial. The aim of the on-going present clinical study is to investigate whether or not multifocal soft contact lenses with +0.50 D addition suppress the progression of myopia in myopic elementary school children.Design: Prospective randomized controlled trialSubjects and Methods: The study plans to include a total of 100 myopic school children. Target subjects are primary school male and female students with mild to moderate myopia. Children, who have eye related diseases other than myopia, are excluded from the study because they may affect the evaluation of the outcome. Subjects will be randomly assigned to wear daily disposable multifocal contact lenses with +0.50 D addition or daily disposable soft contact lenses. Subjects will wear contact lenses on both eyes and will be observed for two years under double-masked. Primary outcome is a change in the axial length over the two-year period. Objectives: The purpose of this study is to identify whether or not multifocal soft contact lenses with +0.5D addition suppress the progression of myopia in myopic elementary school children as compared with standard soft contact lenses.
Genetic Differentiation and Phylogeography of Rotifer Polyarthra Dolichoptera and P. Vulgaris Complexes Between Southern China and Eastern North America: High Intercontinental Differences
Authors: Liang Diwen , McManus George , Wang Qing , Sun Xian , Liu Zhiwei , Lin Senjie , Yang Yufeng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Genetic differentiations and phylogeographical patterns of small organisms may be shaped by spatial isolation, environmental gradients and gene flow. However, knowledge about genetic differentiation of rotifers on intercontinental gradient is still limited. Polyarthra dolichoptera and P. vulgaris are cosmopolitan rotifers and tolerant to environmental changes, offering an excellent model to address the research gap. Here, we investigated the populations in Southern China and eastern North America, and evaluated the phylogeographical patterns from their geographical range sizes, geographic-genetic distance relationships and their response to spatial-environmental factors. Using mitichondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene as the DNA marker, we analyzed a total of 170 individuals. At least 24 putative cryptic species, including 20 of P. dolichoptera and 4 of P. vulgaris were detected based on three delimitation methods. Our results showed that some cryptic species were widely distributed but most of them were limited to single areas. The divergence of P. dolichoptera and P. vulgaris complexes indicated that gene flow between continents was limited while that within each continent was stronger. Furthermore, on the intercontinental scale spatial distance had a stronger influence than physicochemical variables on the genetic differentiations of P. dolichoptera and P. vulgaris complexes. However, the relationship between genetic distance and geographic distance was not continuously linear and the P. dolichoptera data best fitted the power-law model. This might be due to the effects of habitat heterogeneity, long-distance colonization and oceanographic barriers. Outliers above the correlation line between geographic distance and genetic distance suggest a significant dispersal barrier on large geographic scales studies.