bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-collected gargle specimen as a patient-friendly sample collection method for COVID-19 diagnosis in a population context
Authors: Utama Revata , Hapsari Rebriarina , Puspitasari Iva , Sari Desvita , Hendrianingtyas Meita , Nurainy Neni 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Scaling up SARS-CoV-2 testing and tracing continues to be plagued with the limitation of the sample collection method, which requires trained healthcare workers to perform and causes discomfort to the patients. In response, we assessed the performance and user preference of gargle specimens for qRT-PCR-based detection of SARS-CoV-2 in Indonesia. Inpatients who had recently been diagnosed with COVID-19 and outpatients who were about to perform qRT-PCR testing were asked to provide nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal (NPOP) swabs and self-collected gargle specimens. We demonstrated that self-collected gargle specimens can be an alternative specimen to detect SARS-CoV-2 and the viral RNA remained stable for 31 days at room temperature storage. The developed method was validated for use on multiple RNA extraction kits and commercially available COVID-19 RT-PCR kits. Our developed method achieved a sensitivity of 91.38% when compared to paired NPOP swab specimens (Ct < 35), with 97.10% of patients preferring the self-collected gargle method.
Event-driven NN adaptive fixed-time control for nonlinear systems with guaranteed performance
Authors: Song Xiaona , Sun Peng , Song Shuai 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This article investigates the adaptive neural network fixed-time tracking control for a class of strict-feedback nonlinear systems with prescribed performance demands, in which radial basis function neural network (RBFNN) is utilized to approximate the unknown items. First, an improved fractionalorder dynamic surface control (FODSC) technique is incorporated to address the issue of the iterative derivation, where a fractional-order filter is adopted to improve the filter performance. What's more, the error compensation signal is established to remove the impact of filter error. Furthermore, a fixed-time adaptive event-triggered controller is constructed to reduce the communication burden, where the Zeno-behavior can also be excluded. Stability results prove that the designed controller not only guarantees all the signals of the closedloop systems (CLS) are practically fixed-time bounded, but also the tracking error can be regulated to a predefined boundary. Finally, the feasibility and superiority of the designed control algorithm are verified by two simulation examples.
Current-dependent Ocular Tilt Reaction in STN-DBS: evidence for a putative incerto-interstitial pathway?
Authors: Friedrich Maximilian , Eldebakey Hazem , Zwergal Andreas , Roothans Jonas , Capetian Philipp , Volkmann Jens , Reich Martin 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Objective: To report a patient with Parkinson’s disease presenting with a combined vestibular, oculomotor and postural syndrome dependent of deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the subthalamic nucleus. Methods: In a systematic monopolar review, eye, head and trunk position in roll and pitch plane were documented as a function of stimulation amplitude and field direction. Repeat ocular coherence tomography was used to estimate ocular torsion. The interstitial nucleus of Cajal (INC), zona incerta (ZI) and ascending vestibular fiber tracts were segmented on MRI using both individual and normative structural and connectomic data. Thresholded symptom-associated volumes of tissue activated (VTA) were calculated based on documented stimulation parameters. Results: Ipsilateral ocular tilt reaction and body lateropulsion as well as contralateral torsional nystagmus were elicited by the right electrode in a current-dependent manner and subsided after DBS deactivation. With increasing currents, binocular tonic upgaze and subsequently body retropulsion could be elicited, consistent with an irritative effect on the Interstitial Nucleus of Cajal (INC). Symptom-associated VTA was found to overlap with the dorsal zona incerta (dZI) and the lateral ipsilateral vestibulothalamic tract (IVTT), while lying in close proximity to the medial IVTT and rather distant to the INC proper. As described in non-human primates, a ZI-to-INC, “incerto-interstitial” tract (IIT) with contact to the medial-uppermost portion of the VTA could be traced. By ways of directional current steering laterally to both tracts, therapeutic response could be preserved while vestibular side effects were minimized. Conclusion: Unilateral stimulation of mesencephalic vestibular-related circuitry induces an ipsilateral vestibular, oculomotor and postural roll-plane syndrome, which converts into a combined pitch-plane syndrome, when functional activation expands to the bilateral INC. The phenomenology of the roll-plane syndrome in this patient points to an activation of INC neurons by DBS, hypothetically via a potentially aberrant incerto-interstitial pathway. Directional current steering proved useful in managing this rare side effect.
Automated Retinal Boundary Segmentation of Optical Coherence Tomography Images Using an Improved Canny Operator
Authors: Liu Jian , Yan Shixin , Lu Nan , Yang Dongni , Lv Hongyu , Wang Shuanglian , Zhu Xin , Zhao Yuqian , Wang Yi , Ma Zhenhe , Yu Yao 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Retinal segmentation is a prerequisite for quantifying retinal structural features and diagnosing related ophthalmic diseases. Canny operator is recognized as the best boundary detection operator so far, and is often used to obtain the initial boundary of the retina in retinal segmentation. However, the traditional Canny operator is susceptible to vascular shadows, vitreous artifacts, or noise interference in retinal segmentation, causing serious misdetection or missed detection. This paper proposed an improved Canny operator for automatic segmentation of retinal boundaries. The improved algorithm solves the problems of the traditional Canny operator by adding a multi-point boundary search step on the basis of the original method, and adjusts the convolution kernel. The algorithm was used to segment the retinal images of healthy subjects and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) patients; eleven retinal boundaries were identified and compared with the results of manual segmentation by the ophthalmologists. The average difference between the automatic and manual methods is: 2-6 microns (1~2 pixels) for healthy subjects and 3-10 microns (1~3 pixels) for AMD patients. Qualitative method is also used to verify the accuracy and stability of the algorithm. The percentage of “perfect segmentation” and “good segmentation” is 98% in healthy subjects and 94% in AMD patients. This algorithm can be used alone or in combination with other methods as an initial boundary detection algorithm. It is easy to understand and improve, and may become a useful tool for analyzing and diagnosing eye diseases.
Influence of KI Salt Concentration on The Hydroxypropyl Methylcellulose Films: Optical Study
Authors: J Sannappa , Demappa Thippaiah , Sunilkumar  
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Herein the optical properties of Hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose/Potassium iodide (HPMC/KI) composite films were determined. Casting technique was introduced to make HPMC/KI films with different KI salt concentrations (0.1–1) wt%. The absorbance model was used to determine parameters like absorption edge, refractive index, real and imaginary sections of dielectric function, extinction coefficient, Urbach energy, band gap and optical conductivity in the spectral range 200–800 nm. As shown by study, KI salt doping affects the optical properties of HPMC. The absorption edge (\({E}_{e}\)) was widely displaced towards a region of lower photonic energy. For the 1 wt% KI/HPMC film, the direct and indirect optical bandwidth gaps of pure HPMC were reduced from 5.6 eV to 2.56 eV and 5.86 to 2.5 eV respectively. The optical dielectric loss method was effectively employed as an alternate method for estimating the optical bandgap. In addition, the Tauc’s extrapolation method identified the kind of electronic transition. The variation of optical energy band gap and dielectric constant based on KI salt concentration was used to investigate the credibility of the Penn’s model. In salt-composite films, an increase in Urbach energy and optical conductivity were observed which may be evidence of large shift from tail-to-tail and band to tail. Meanwhile, X-ray diffraction (XRD) examination revealed that the KI salts damaged the HPMC polymer's crystalline phase. Lastly, the films were also subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The considerable variation in transmittance and band change in FTIR spectra was exposed for doped films.
Quantum Fourier Transform to Estimate Drive Cycles
Authors: Dixit Vinayak , Jian Sisi 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Drive cycles in vehicle systems are important determinants for energy consumption, emissions, and safety. Estimating the frequency of the drive cycle quickly is important for control applications related to fuel efficiency, emission reduction and improving safety. Quantum computing has established the computational efficiency that can be gained. A drive cycle frequency estimation algorithm based on the quantum Fourier transform is exponentially faster than the classical Fourier transform. The algorithm is applied on real world data set. We evaluate the method using a quantum computing simulator, demonstrating remarkable consistency with the results from the classical Fourier Transform. Current quantum computers are noisy, a simple method is proposed to mitigate the impact of the noise. The method is evaluated on a 15 qbit IBM-q quantum computer. The proposed method for a noisy quantum computer is still faster than the classical Fourier transform.
Synthesize of GaN/quartz Nanostructure Using Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquid for Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Amir Husam Aldin A. Abdul , Fakhri Makram A , Alwahib Ali. A. , Salim Evan T. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
This study involves synthesizing gallium nitride (GaN) nanoparticles (NPs) under six different ablation energies using the pulsed laser ablation method. The nanoparticle was deposited using drop cast method on a quartz substrate. XRD pattern shows two peaks of h-GaN nanoparticles at 2θ = 34.64 and 37.98, reflected from (002) and (100) planes. The morphological properties indicate the hexagonal crystal nature of GaN that shows in the XRD pattern. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra show the highest laser power, 2000 mj has a minor emission peaked at 3.34 eV. The maximum emission peak 3.83 eV at 1400 mJ. The study depends on the pulsed laser to generate nanoparticles with different characteristics.
Use of infrared thermography in an animal model as a complementary tool for monitoring the inflammatory process: a preliminary study
Authors: Meireles Agnes Batista , Cruz Timilly Martins , Moreira Izabela Cristina Brandão , de Almeida Valéria Gomes , Avelar-Freitas Bethânia , Ottoni Marcelo Henrique Fernandes , Araújo Cíntia Pimenta , de Melo Gustavo Eustáquio Brito Alvim , Gonçalves Patrícia Furtado , Pereira Wagner de Fátima 
Published: August 2021

Abstract

PurposeTemperature changes on a surface can be measured by infrared thermographic cameras. Thus, the images obtained by these cameras can be useful for a wide range of biological in vivo studies, including animal models of inflammation. In this preliminary study, the use of thermography in rat paw inflammation was evaluated.MethodsCFA-induced paw edema on rats (n=5) was performed and discrepancies between animals treated or not with anti-inflammatory drugs as triamcinolone acetonide and diclofenac sodium were analyzed. Experimental times were: T0, before chemical induction of inflammatory process (control); and times after injection: T1 (30 min); T2 (24 hours); T3 (48 hours); T4 (72 hours); T5 (96 hours); T6 (7 days); T7 (14 days); T8 (21 days); T9 (28 days). The measured parameters were temperature, the edema (thickness and volume) of each animal paw (left and right), histological analysis, and blood leukocyte count.ResultsThe results demonstrated that the profile of local temperature changes was similar to the volume and thickness of the paws, with an increase at 24 hours. Such increase (the 24 hours peak) is expected for this specific type of inflammation model. From T7 onwards, the temperature values, in all groups, returned to baseline values (T0).ConclusionsThis preliminary study shows a possible use of quantitative high-resolution infrared as a complementary tool for monitoring the inflammatory process.
Step, dip, and bell-shape traveling waves in a (2 + 1)-chemotaxis model with traction and long-range diffusion
Authors: Kuipou William , Didier Belobe Belobo , Mohamadou Alidou , Fouda Henri Paul Ekobena 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a new (2 + 1)-dimensional chemotaxis model is introduced, the focus being the understanding of influences of cooperative mechanisms from traction forces, long-range diffusion to chemotaxis on the dynamical characteristics of waves and their transport. Applying the F-expansion method, three families of new traveling wave solutions of bacterial density and chemoattractant concentration are constructed, including step, dip, and bell-shape wave profiles. The dependence of the conditions of existence of our solutions with respect to the model parameters is fully clarified. We found that traction and long-range diffusion slow down the waves and entail the transport of a small number of particles. Surprisingly, the long-range diffusion increases the thickness of the wave but does not alter its magnitude. Amongst families of solutions constructed, dip waves travel faster may be used to explain fast coordination amongst particles. As they support the transport of large amounts of cells, step waves could explain the transport of particles in high dense media. Intensive numerical simulations corroborate with a pretty much accuracy our theoretical analysis, confirming the robustness of our predictions. Traction, long-range diffusion and chemotaxis deeply affect the wave dynamics, they must be taken into account for a better understanding of chemotaxis systems.
Spatial-transcriptomics reveals unique defining molecular features of 5-aminolevulinic acid+ infiltrative tumor cells associated with glioblastoma recurrence and poor survival
Authors: Andrieux Geoffroy , Das Tonmoy , Griffin Michaela , Boerries Melanie , Smith Stuart , Rahman Ruman , Chakraborty Sajib 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Spatiotemporal-heterogeneity originating from genomic and transcriptional variation contributes to subtype switching in GBM prior to and upon recurrence. Fluorescence-guided neurosurgical resection utilizing 5-aminolevulinic acid (5ALA) enables the isolation of infiltrative margin tumor cells (5ALA+) from a non-neoplastic background within neighboring brain parenchyma. Spatial transcriptomics identifies GBM molecular subtype plasticity as not restricted to recurrence, but manifesting regionally in a cell-type-specific manner, where a 5ALA+ Mesenchymal subtype may drive recurrence. Exon-intron split analysis reveals hijacking of the neural wound response pathway to promote tumor growth, via IRF8-mediated post-transcriptonal control. A unique stemness index further defines 5ALA+ cells as a rare sub-population of infiltrative GBM stem cells. Finally, we establish that enriched gene signatures of 5ALA+ cells are associated with poor survival and recurrence in GBM, signifying that transition from primary to recurrent GBM is not discreet, but rather a continuum whereby 5ALA+ residual disease more closely resembles the eventual recurrent GBM.
The removal of turbidity and toxic metals in the AMD using a combination of saw dust, bentonite clay and synthetic CaMg.2(OH)2
Authors: Ntwampe I. O. 
Published: August 2021

Abstract
Sets of experiments were conducted using 200 mL of synthetic acid mine drainage (AMD) into five 500 mL glass beakers, dosed with varying quantities of bentonite clay, saw dust and CaMg.2(OH)2 respectively and as a flocculent (bentonite clay, saw dust and CaMg.2(OH)2), mixed at 250 and 100 rpm for 2 and 10 mins respectively. The samples settled for 1 hour after which the pH, conductivity, turbidity, dissolved oxygen, oxidation reduction potential and toxic metals were measured. The turbidity removal of AMD samples treated with a flocculent (0–23 NTU) is lower compared to that of the samples treated with bentonite clay and saw dust (27–32 NTU). Results show 100% removal of Ni, moderate percentage removal of Fe and slightly lower percentage of Cu in treated AMD using a flocculent. Turbidity removal in treated AMD using a flocculent is higher compared to that of the samples treated with bentonite clay, saw dust or CaMg.2(OH)2. Treated AMD using flocculent has low Ca, Mg, Cl− and SO42− content (&gt;84.8%). The SEM micrograph of the sludge of the sample with a combination of 1.5 bentonite clay, 1.5 g saw dust and 20 mL 0.025 M CaMg.2(OH)2 dosage shows optimal sorption of turbid materials.
Effects of General Anesthetics on Synaptic Transmission and Plasticity
Authors: Platholi Jimcy , Hemmings Hugh C. 
Published: August 2021

:General anesthetics depress excitatory and/or enhance inhibitory synaptic transmission principally by modulating the function of glutamatergic or GABAergic synapses, respectively, with relative anesthetic agent-specific mechanisms. Synaptic signaling proteins, including ligand- and voltage-gated ion channels, are targeted by general anesthetics to modulate various synaptic mechanisms including presynaptic neurotransmitter release, postsynaptic receptor signaling, and dendritic spine dynamics to produce their characteristic acute neurophysiological effects. As synaptic structure and plasticity mediate higher-order functions such as learning and memory, long-term synaptic dysfunction following anesthesia may lead to undesirable neurocognitive consequences depending on specific anesthetic agent and the vulnerability of population. Here we review the cellular and molecular mechanisms of transient and persistent general anesthetic alterations of synaptic transmission and plasticity.
Overview of Chemistry and Therapeutic Potential of Non-Nitrogen Heterocyclics
as Anticonvulsant Agents
Authors: Akhtar Md. Jawaid , Pal Rohit , Singh Karanvir , Paul Joyson , Khan Shah Alam , Naim Mohd. Javed 
Published: August 2021

:
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by the predisposition of unpro-voked seizures affecting the neurobiological, psychological, cognitive, economic, and social well-being of the patient. As per the 2019 report by World Health Organization, it affects nearly 80% of the population, which comes from middle to low-income countries. It has been suggested that 70% of such cases can be treated effectively if properly diagnosed. It is one of the most common neuro-logical diseases affecting 50 million people globally. Most of the antiepileptic drugs used in clinical practice are only 60-80% effective in controlling the disease. These drugs suffer from serious draw-backs of non-selectivity and toxicity that limit their clinical usefulness. Hence, there is a need to search for safe, potent, and effective anti-epileptic drugs. One of the emerging strategies to discover and develop selective and non-toxic anticonvulsant molecules focuses on the design of non-nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NNHC). Drugs such as valproic acid, gabapentin, viagabatrin, fluorofel-bamate, tiagabine, progabide, pregabalin, gamma amino butyric acid (GABA), etc. do not contain a nitrogen heterocyclic ring but are as effective anticonvulsants as conventional heterocyclic nitrogen compounds. This review covers the various classes of NNHC which have been developed in the re-cent past as anticonvulsants along with their chemistry, percentage yield, structure-activity relation-ship and biological activity. The most potent compound in each series has been identified for com-parative studies, for further structural modification and to improve the pharmacokinetic profile. Var-ious optimized synthetic pathways and diverse functionalities other than nitrogen-containing rings discussed in the article may help medicinal chemists to design safe and effective anticonvulsant drugs in near future.
Pluripotent Stem Cells for Livestock Health and Production
Authors: Punetha Meeti , Bajwa Kamlesh K. , Dua Seema , Bansal Sonu , Kuotsu Vineichuno , Parashar Atul , Selokar Naresh L. , Kumar Pradeep , Yadav P.S. , Kumar Dharmendra 
Published: August 2021

:
Pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) have unlimited capacity for self-renewal and differentiation
so that they can potentially produce any cell or tissue of animal’s body. The PSCs derived
from livestock represents a more appropriate model than a rodent for investigating human diseases
due to their higher anatomical and physiological resemblance with human. Apart from that, livestock
PSCs hold immense promises for innovative therapies, transgenic animal production and their
biomedical interest. The realization of the full potential of PSCs, however, depends on the elucidation
of the molecular mechanisms which play a critical role in the maintenance of pluripotency and
reprogramming procedure remains poorly understood in livestock which in turn impedes the generation
of true PSCs and their usage for clinical research. An in-depth understanding of pluripotency
is extremely essential for improving health and welfare of livestock animals. Therefore, the present
review focuses on the milestone achievements of PSCs in livestock animals and their potential application
in health and production of livestock.