bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Removal of oil spills by novel developed amphiphilic chitosan-g-citronellal schiff base polymer
Authors: Omer Ahmed Mohamed , Eweida Basant Yossry , Tamer Tamer Mahmoud , Soliman Hesham M. A. , Ali Safaa Mohamed , Zaatot Ahmed Amin , Mohy-Eldin Mohamed Samir 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA novel chitosan grafted citronellal (Ch-Cit) schiff base amphiphilic polymer was developed for the adsorptive removal of oil spills. The chemical structure was verified by FT-IR spectroscopy and 1H NMR spectrometer, while the morphological changes and surface area were investigated by SEM and BET analysis tools. The amphiphilic character of Ch-Cit schiff base was controlled through variation of the grafting percentage (G%) of citronellal from 11 to 61%. Dramatic changes in the ion exchange capacity (IEC), solubility and water uptake profiles were established, while the oil adsorption capacity was founded in direct relation with the G (%) of citronellal. Operational conditions such as oil amount, adsorption time, adsorbent dose and agitation speed were investigated. The developed Ch-Cit schiff base exhibited a higher surface area (115.94 m2/g) compared to neat chitosan (57.78 m2/g). The oil adsorption capacity of the Ch-Cit schiff base was greatly improved by 166% and 120% for light crude and heavy crude oil, respectively. Finally, the adsorption process was optimized using response surface methodology (RSM).The results substantiate that the amphiphilic Ch-Cit schiff base could be efficiently applied as a low-cost oil-adsorbent for the removal of crude oil spills from sea-water surfaces.
Genetic effects on longitudinal cognitive decline during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kumar Atul , Shoai Maryam , Palmqvist Sebastian , Stomrud Erik , Hardy John , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may depend on genetic variability. In the Swedish BioFINDER study, we used polygenic scores (PGS) (for AD, intelligence, and educational attainment) to predict longitudinal cognitive change (measured by mini-mental state examination (MMSE) [primary outcome] and other cognitive tests) over a mean of 4.2 years. We included 260 β-amyloid (Aβ) negative cognitively unimpaired (CU) individuals, 121 Aβ-positive CU (preclinical AD), 50 Aβ-negative mild cognitive impairment (MCI) patients, and 127 Aβ-positive MCI patients (prodromal AD). Statistical significance was determined at Bonferroni corrected p value < 0.05. The PGS for intelligence (beta = 0.1, p = 2.9e−02) was protective against decline in MMSE in CU and MCI participants regardless of Aβ status. The polygenic risk score for AD (beta =  − 0.12, p = 9.4e−03) was correlated with the rate of change in MMSE and was partially mediated by Aβ-pathology (mediation effect 20%). There was no effect of education PGS on cognitive measures. Genetic variants associated with intelligence mitigate cognitive decline independent of Aβ-pathology, while effects of genetic variants associated with AD are partly mediated by Aβ-pathology.
Pulse sharpness as a quantitative index of vascular aging
Authors: Bae Jang-Han , Jeon Young Ju 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe aim of this study was to develop a robust algorithm to quantify pulse sharpness that can complement the limitations of radial augmentation index (rAIx) and explore the role of this quantitative sharpness index in reflecting vascular aging or arterial stiffness. The pulse sharpness index (PSI) was developed by combining the end point angle and virtual height, and 528 radial pulses were analyzed. The PSI could be uniformly applied to various waveform morphologies, even those with no or vague tidal waves, unlike the rAIx. Significant sex differences were identified in the rAIx and PSI (P < 0.01 for both), and significant age-dependent decreases in the PSI were observed (P < 0.01). In addition, the PSI and age were correlated (r = − 0.550) at least as strong as the rAIx and age (r = 0.532), and the PSI had a significant negative correlation with arterial stiffness (r = − 0.700). Furthermore, the multiple linear regression model for arterial stiffness using the PSI, age, sex and heart rate showed the excellent performance (cross-validated R2 = 0.701), and the PSI was found to have the greatest influence on arterial stiffness. This study confirmed that the PSI could be a quantitative index of vascular aging and has potential for use in inferring arterial stiffness with an advantage over the rAIx.
Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of genes involved in keratinization in the tears of COVID-19 patients
Authors: Mastropasqua Leonardo , Toto Lisa , Chiricosta Luigi , Diomede Francesca , Gugliandolo Agnese , Silvestro Serena , Marconi Guya Diletta , Sinjari Bruna , Vecchiet Jacopo , Cipollone Francesco , D’Ardes Damiano , Auricchio Antonio , Lanzini Manuela , Caputi Sergio , D’Aloisio Rossella , Mazzon Emanuela , Trubiani Oriana 
Published: October 2021

AbstractRecent studies have focused their attention on conjunctivitis as one of the symptoms of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Therefore, tear samples were taken from COVID-19 patients and the presence of SARS-CoV-2 was evidenced using Real Time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. The main aim of this study was to analyze mRNA expression in the tears of patients with COVID-19 compared with healthy subjects using Next Generation Sequencing (NGS). The functional evaluation of the transcriptome highlighted 25 genes that differ statistically between healthy individuals and patients affected by COVID-19. In particular, the NGS analysis identified the presence of several genes involved in B cell signaling and keratinization. In particular, the genes involved in B cell signaling were downregulated in the tears of COVID-19 patients, while those involved in keratinization were upregulated. The results indicated that SARS-CoV-2 may induce a process of ocular keratinization and a defective B cell response.
Proteomics analysis identifies PEA-15 as an endosomal phosphoprotein that regulates α5β1 integrin endocytosis
Authors: Caliva Maisel J. , Yang Won Seok , Young-Robbins Shirley , Zhou Ming , Yoon Hana , Matter Michelle L. , Grimes Mark L. , Conrads Thomas , Ramos Joe William 
Published: October 2021

AbstractEndosomal trafficking of cell surface receptors is essential to their function. Integrins are transmembrane receptors that integrate adhesion to the extracellular matrix with engagement of the cytoskeleton. Ligated integrins mediate diverse signals that regulate matrix assembly, cell survival, cell morphology, and cell motility. Endosomal trafficking of integrins modulates these signals and contributes to cell motility and is required for cancer cell invasion. The phosphoprotein PEA-15 modulates integrin activation and ERK MAP Kinase signaling. To elucidate novel PEA-15 functions we utilized an unbiased proteomics approach. We identified several binding partners for PEA-15 in the endosome including clathrin and AP-2 as well as integrin β1 and other focal adhesion complex proteins. We confirmed these interactions using proximity ligation analysis, immunofluorescence imaging, pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation. We further found that PEA-15 is enriched in endosomes and was required for efficient endosomal internalization of α5β1 integrin and cellular migration. Importantly, PEA-15 promotion of migration was dependent on PEA-15 phosphorylation at serines 104 and 116. These data support a novel endosomal role for PEA-15 in control of endosomal trafficking of integrins through an association with the β1 integrin and clathrin complexes, and thereby regulation of cell motility.
Electrical and dielectric parameters in TiO2-NW/Ge-NW heterostructure MOS device synthesized by glancing angle deposition technique
Authors: Singh H. Manas , Lim Ying Ying , Chinnamuthu P. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThis paper reports the catalyst-free coaxial TiO2/Ge-nanowire (NW) heterostructure synthesis using the glancing angle deposition (GLAD) technique integrated into an electron beam evaporator. The frequency and voltage dependence of the capacitance–voltage (C–V) and conductance–voltage (G/ω–V) characteristics of an Ag/TiO2-NW/Ge-NW/Si device over a wide range of frequency (10 kHz–5 MHz) and voltage (− 5 V to + 5 V) at room temperature were investigated. The study established strong dependence on the applied frequency and voltage bias. Both C–V and G/ω–V values showed wide dispersion in depletion region due to interface defect states (Dit) and series resistance (Rs). The C and G/ω value decreases with an increase in applied frequency. The voltage and frequency-dependent Dit and Rs were calculated from the Hill-Coleman and Nicollian–Brews methods, respectively. It is observed that the overall Dit and Rs for the device decrease with an increase in the frequency at different voltages. The dielectric properties such as dielectric constant ($$\upepsilon$$
ϵ
′), loss ($$\upepsilon$$
ϵ
″) and loss tangent (tan δ) were determined from the C–V and G/ω–V measurements. It is observed that $$\upepsilon$$
ϵ
′, $$\upepsilon$$
ϵ
″ decreases with the increase in frequency. Therefore, the proposed MOS structure provides a promising alternative approach to enhance the device capability in the opto-electronics industry.
Increased survival in puppies affected by Canine Parvovirus type II using an immunomodulator as a therapeutic aid
Authors: Muñoz Adriana I. , Vallejo-Castillo Luis , Fragozo Ana , Vázquez-Leyva Said , Pavón Lenin , Pérez-Sánchez Gilberto , Soria-Castro Rodolfo , Mellado-Sánchez Gabriela , Cobos-Marin Laura , Pérez-Tapia Sonia Mayra 
Published: October 2021

AbstractCanine parvovirus type II (CPV-2) infection induces canine parvoviral enteritis (CPE), which in turn promotes sepsis and systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Mortality in this disease is usually registered within 48–72 h post-hospitalization, the critical period of the illness. It has been recently described that the use of an immunomodulator, whose major component is monomeric ubiquitin (mUb) without the last two glycine residues (Ub∆GG), in pediatric human patients with sepsis augments survival. It is known that CXCR4 is the cell receptor of extracellular ubiquitin in humans. This work aimed to explore the effect of one immunomodulator (human Dialyzable Leukocyte Extract-hDLE) as a therapeutic auxiliary in puppies with sepsis and SIRS induced by CPE. We studied two groups of puppies with CPV-2 infection confirmed by polymerase chain reaction. The first group received conventional treatment (CT) and vehicle (V), while the second group received CT plus the immunomodulator (I). We assessed both groups' survival, clinical condition, number of erythrocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes during the hospitalization period. In addition, hematocrit, hemoglobin, plasma proteins and cortisol values, as well as norepinephrine/epinephrine and serotonin concentration were determined. Puppies treated with CT + I showed 81% survival, mild clinical signs, and a significant decrease in circulating neutrophils and lymphocytes in the critical period of the treatment. In contrast, the CT + V group presented a survival of 42%, severe clinical status, and no improvement of the parameters evaluated in the critical period of the disease. We determined in silico that human Ub∆GG can bind to dog CXCR4. In conclusion, the administration of a human immunomodulator (0.5 mg/day × 5 days) to puppies with CPE under six months of age reduces the severity of clinical signs, increases survival, and modulates inflammatory cell parameters. Further studies are necessary to take full advantage of these clinical findings, which might be mediated by the human Ub∆GG to canine CXCR4 interaction.
Facile and versatile ligand analysis method of colloidal quantum dot
Authors: Kim Jin Hae , Park Hyokeun , Kim Tae-Gon , Lee Hyunmi , Jun Shinae , Lee Eunha , Jeon Woo Sung , Chung Jaegwan , Jung In-Sun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractColloidal quantum-dots (QDs) are highly attractive materials for various optoelectronic applications owing to their easy maneuverability, high functionality, wide applicability, and low cost of mass-production. QDs usually consist of two components: the inorganic nano-crystalline particle and organic ligands that passivate the surface of the inorganic particle. The organic component is also critical for tuning electronic properties of QDs as well as solubilizing QDs in various solvents. However, despite extensive effort to understand the chemistry of ligands, it has been challenging to develop an efficient and reliable method for identifying and quantifying ligands on the QD surface. Herein, we developed a novel method of analyzing ligands in a mild yet accurate fashion. We found that oxidizing agents, as a heterogeneous catalyst in a different phase from QDs, can efficiently disrupt the interaction between the inorganic particle and organic ligands, and the subsequent simple phase fractionation step can isolate the ligand-containing phase from the oxidizer-containing phase and the insoluble precipitates. Our novel analysis procedure ensures to minimize the exposure of ligand molecules to oxidizing agents as well as to prepare homogeneous samples that can be readily analyzed by diverse analytical techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and gas-chromatography mass-spectrometry.
Lipid accumulation by Coelastrella multistriata (Scenedesmaceae, Sphaeropleales) during nitrogen and phosphorus starvation
Authors: Maltsev Yevhen , Krivova Zinaida , Maltseva Svetlana , Maltseva Kateryna , Gorshkova Elena , Kulikovskiy Maxim 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA novel freshwater strain of Coelastrella multistriata MZ–Ch23 was discovered in Tula region, Russia. The identification is based on morphological features, phylogenetic analysis of SSU rDNA gene and ITS1–5.8S rDNA–ITS2 region and predicted secondary structure of the ITS2. Phylogenetic analysis places the novel strain in the “core” Coelastrella clade within the Chlorophyceae. This is the first record of Coelastrella multistriata in the algal flora of Russia. Cultivation experiments were carried out to evaluate growth dynamics of the newly identified strain and the impact of nitrogen and/or phosphorus depletion on the fatty acid profiles and lipid productivity. On the fully supplemented Bold’s basal medium and under phosphorus-depleted conditions as well, the fatty acid profiles were dominated by α-linolenic acid (29.4–38.1% of total fatty acids). Depletion of either nitrogen or both nitrogen and phosphorus was associated with increased content of oleic acid (32.9–33.7%) and linoleic acid (11.9%). Prolongation of the growth to two months (instead of 25 days) resulted in increased content and diversity of very long-chain fatty acids including saturated species. The total very long-chain fatty acid content of 9.99% achieved in these experiments was 1.9–12.3-fold higher than in stress experiments. The highest variation was observed for oleic acid (3.4–33.7%). The novel strain showed the ability to accumulate lipids in amounts up to 639.8 mg L−1 under nitrogen and phosphorus starvation, which exceeds the previously obtained values for most Coelastrella strains. Thus, the newly identified MZ–Ch23 strain can be considered as a potential producer of omega-3 fatty acids on fully supplemented Bold’s basal medium or as a source of biomass with high content of saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids after nitrogen and phosphorus starvation.
Association of short sleep duration and trabecular bone score
Authors: Shiao Yi-Chih , Chen Wan-Ting , Chen Wei-Liang 
Published: October 2021

AbstractShort sleep duration has been found to be associated with bone health deterioration by using bone mineral density (BMD). Only a few attempts have been made to assess the association of sleep duration and bone by utilizing the trabecular bone score (TBS). The aim of this study was to examine the association between sleep duration and TBS from a national database. A total of 4480 eligible participants older than 20 years who attended the United States National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2006 with TBS data and self-reported sleep duration. The association between sleep duration and TBS was investigated using a multivariate regression model with covariate adjustment. TBS was lowest in individuals with a short sleep duration (≤ 5 h) and it was increased in those with longer self-reported total sleep times. After a full adjustment for covariates, those sleeping less than 5 h had a significantly lower TBS than the reference group (sleep duration of 7 h). In subgroup analyses, an association between short sleep duration (≤ 5 h) and lower TBS persisted in older ages (≥ 60 years old), women, obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), and non-Hispanic Whites. Short sleep duration is associated with low TBS in women, obese adults (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2), and non-Hispanic whites. Strict self-monitoring of body weight, well-tailored controls of underlying disease(s), and adequate sleep may help prevent osteoporosis.
Validation of a new fully automated software for 2D digital mammographic breast density evaluation in predicting breast cancer risk
Authors: Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Djuric Olivera , Hélin Valerie , Astley Susan , Mantellini Paola , Nitrosi Andrea , Harkness Elaine F. , Gauthier Emilien , Puliti Donella , Balleyguier Corinne , Baron Camille , Gilbert Fiona J. , Grivegnée André , Pattacini Pierpaolo , Michiels Stefan , Delaloge Suzette 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWe compared accuracy for breast cancer (BC) risk stratification of a new fully automated system (DenSeeMammo—DSM) for breast density (BD) assessment to a non-inferiority threshold based on radiologists’ visual assessment. Pooled analysis was performed on 14,267 2D mammograms collected from women aged 48–55 years who underwent BC screening within three studies: RETomo, Florence study and PROCAS. BD was expressed through clinical Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System (BI-RADS) density classification. Women in BI-RADS D category had a 2.6 (95% CI 1.5–4.4) and a 3.6 (95% CI 1.4–9.3) times higher risk of incident and interval cancer, respectively, than women in the two lowest BD categories. The ability of DSM to predict risk of incident cancer was non-inferior to radiologists’ visual assessment as both point estimate and lower bound of 95% CI (AUC 0.589; 95% CI 0.580–0.597) were above the predefined visual assessment threshold (AUC 0.571). AUC for interval (AUC 0.631; 95% CI 0.623–0.639) cancers was even higher. BD assessed with new fully automated method is positively associated with BC risk and is not inferior to radiologists’ visual assessment. It is an even stronger marker of interval cancer, confirming an appreciable masking effect of BD that reduces mammography sensitivity.
Geometry of anchoring miniscrew in the lateral palate that support a tissue bone borne maxillary expander affects neighboring root damage
Authors: Oh Song Hee , Lee Sae Rom , Choi Jin-Young , Ahn Hyo-Won , Kim Seong-Hun , Nelson Gerald 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAnchoring miniscrews used for a tissue bone borne maxillary expander (C-expander) can fail if they contact tooth roots or perforate the maxillary sinus. Cone beam computed tomography images were reviewed retrospectively to evaluate the geometric factors of miniscrew placement in the palate that contribute to root proximity (RP) and sinus perforation (SP), and to investigate the differences of miniscrew placement depth (PD) and placement angle (PA) among the groups in each variable from 340 anchoring miniscrews on 70 patients whose C-expanders showed sufficient stability after palatal expansion for orthodontic treatment. Two types of miniscrews were used: a self-tapping miniscrew with 1.8 mm-in-diameter, and a self-drilling miniscrew with 1.6 mm-in-diameter. While the self-tapping larger diameter miniscrew influenced root proximity significantly, the screw location and PD affected the rate of sinus perforation. PA was significantly different between the right and left sides of the palate. The results of this study confirmed that root proximity and sinus perforation of anchoring miniscrews in a tissue bone borne palatal expander occurred due to certain risk factors, even when the palates were expanded successfully. Knowledge of these factors can help the clinician place miniscrews with less risk of root proximity or sinus perforation.
The structure of a plant-specific partitivirus capsid reveals a unique coat protein domain architecture with an intrinsically disordered protrusion
Authors: Byrne Matthew , Kashyap Aseem , Esquirol Lygie , Ranson Neil , Sainsbury Frank 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPersistent plant viruses may be the most common viruses in wild plants. A growing body of evidence for mutualism between such viruses and their hosts, suggests that they play an important role in ecology and agriculture. Here we present the capsid structure of a plant-specific partitivirus, Pepper cryptic virus 1, at 2.9 Å resolution by Cryo-EM. Structural features, including the T = 1 arrangement of 60 coat protein dimers, are shared with fungal partitiviruses and the picobirnavirus lineage of dsRNA viruses. However, the topology of the capsid is markedly different with protrusions emanating from, and partly comprising, the binding interface of coat protein dimers. We show that a disordered region at the apex of the protrusion is not required for capsid assembly and represents a hypervariable site unique to, and characteristic of, the plant-specific partitiviruses. These results suggest a structural basis for the acquisition of additional functions by partitivirus coat proteins that enables mutualistic relationships with diverse plant hosts.
A multi‐focus image fusion method based on multi‐source joint layering and convolutional sparse representation
Authors: Hu Yanxiang , Chen Zhijie , Zhang Bo , Ma Lifeng , Li Jiaqi 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a new Multi‐Focus Image Fusion (MFIF) method based on multi‐source joint layering and Convolutional Sparse Representation (CSR) is proposed. Based on the characteristics of multi‐focus source images, a multi‐source joint layering regularization model was designed to divide the sources into a common base‐layer and respective focus detail‐layers. This strategy can overcome the defects caused by source layering separately effectively. In detail‐layer fusion, CSR was employed to extract and global features. It can avoid detail blur and high computational cost caused by image blocking in the conventional sparse representation model. The proposed detail‐layer fusion rule combined the CSR coefficient maps pairwise with the window based select‐max rule. In the experiments, the optimal layering parameter was selected by experiments at first, and then five recently proposed specific MFIF or general image fusion algorithms were contrasted with the proposed method by plenty of subjective and objective experimental comparisons. The experimental results demonstrated the superiority of the authors’ method.