bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Blood Cultures and Blood Microbiota Analysis as Surrogates for Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid Analysis in Dogs With Bacterial Pneumonia
Authors: Vientós-Plotts A. I. , Ericsson A. C. , Rindt H. , Reinero C. R. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Diagnosis of canine bacterial pneumonia relies on airway lavage to confirm septic, suppurative inflammation, and a positive bacterial culture. Considering risks of bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) collection, minimally invasive methods like culture or next generation sequencing of blood would be appealing. In dogs with bacterial pneumonia, our study aims included: (1) determining proportion of agreement between cultivable bacteria in BALF and blood; (2) characterizing BALF, blood, and oropharyngeal (OP) microbiota and determining if bacteria cultured from BALF were present in these communities; and (3) comparing relatedness of microbial community composition at all three sites. Bacterial cultures were performed on BALF and blood. After DNA extraction of BALF, blood and OP, 16S rRNA amplicon libraries were generated, sequenced, and compared to a bacterial gene sequence database.
Results
Disregarding one false positive, blood cultures were positive in 2/9 dogs (5 total isolates), all 5 isolates were present in BALF cultures (16 total isolates). Based on sequencing data, all sites had rich and diverse microbial communities. Comparing cultured BALF bacterial genera with sequenced taxa, all dogs had ≥ 1 cultured isolate present in their microbiota: cultured BALF isolates were found in microbiota of BALF (12/16), blood (7/16), and OP (6/11; only 7 dogs had OP swabs). Of 394 distinct taxa detected in BALF, these were present in 75% OP and 45% blood samples. BALF community composition was significantly different than OP (p = 0.0059) and blood (p = 0.0009).
Conclusions
Blood cultures are insensitive but specific for cultured BALF bacteria in canine bacterial pneumonia. Cultivable BALF bacteria were present in BALF, blood and OP microbiota to differing degrees.
Direct Relativistic Extension of the Madelung-de-Broglie-Bohm Reformulations of Quantum Mechanics and Quantum Hydrodynamics
Authors: Ruiz-Columbié Arquimedes , de Peralta Luis Grave 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Using a Schrödinger-like equation, which describes a particle with mass and spin-0 and with the correct relativistic relation between its linear momentum and kinetic energy, the basic equations of the non-relativistic quantum mechanics with trajectories and quantum hydrodynamics are extended to the relativistic domain. Some simple but instructive free particle examples are discussed.
WITHDRAWN: Assessment of DOK7 and SPDEF as Potential Epigenetic Biomarkers in Whole Blood of Patients with Gastric Adenocarcinoma and Intestinal Metaplasia
Authors: Moradi Arash , Aleyasin Seyed Ahmad , Rezaii Masoumeh , Mohamadian Kamal , Alizamir Aida , Afshar Behrouz 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most prevalent cancer, and intestinal metaplasia (IM) is generally considered a precancerous lesion in the gastric carcinogenesis cascade. DNA methylation is one of the most deeply studied epigenetic modifications. Numerous studies have been shown that aberrant methylation of DOK7, an adaptor protein, and SPDEF, a transcription factor, correlates with carcinogenesis. This study aimed to investigate DNA methylation of DOK7 and SPDEF in the whole blood specimens obtained from patients with IM and GC and normal individual controls to examine the possible implication of epigenetic biomarker for differential diagnosis GC from IM.Material and MethodsBioinformatic analysis, differentially methylated regions (DMR) enrichment analysis, was conducted to detect appropriate epigenetic regions in DOK7 and SPDEF CpGs Island. The methylation of selected CPG regions of DOK7 and SPDEF was assayed on 95 blood samples, including 30 IM patients, 30 GC patients, and 35 normal controls individuals. After DNA extraction, MSRE-PCR was utilized to evaluate the loci methylation level, followed by real-time MSRE-PCR to quantify the region's methylation status.ResultsOur analysis indicated that DOK7 and SPDEF have significant hypermethylation in GC and IM versus the normal specimens. Significant methylation changes were observed for Dok7 between IM (p = 0.03), GC (p < 0.001) cases compared to normal controls. For SPDEF significant hypermethylation results obtained, for GC (p < 0.001) and IM (p = 0.03) cases in comparison to normal controls. Sensitivity and specificity for DOK7 as DNA epigenetic biomarker diagnostic of gastric cancer test were determined by ROC statistical analysis revealed high intermediate sensitivity (73.33 %) and high specificity (97.14 %) methylation changes with p < 0.001. For SPDEF DNA methylation test as GC biomarker by ROC statistical analysis revealed lower sensitivity (36.67 %) but higher specificity (97.14 %) with p < 0.001.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the change in the methylation of DOK7 (AUC = 0.9495) and SPDEF (AUC = 0.8419) is a promising epi-biomarker. For the first time, this study shows blood-based biomarkers DOK7 and SPDEF genes are powerful epi-biomarkers and provide insights into gastric cancer pathogenesis and diagnosis.
The Mechanism of Increased Intestinal Palmitic Acids Absorption and The Impact On Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation in Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis
Authors: Hanayama Masakazu , Yamamoto Yasunori , Utsunomiya Hiroki , Yoshida Osamu , Shuang Liu , Mogi Masaki , Matsuura Bunzo , Takeshita Eiji , Ikeda Yoshiou , Hiasa Yoichi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Dietary palmitic acids (PAs) promote liver fibrosis in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). This study aimed to clarify the intestinal absorption kinetics of dietary PAs and the effect of trans-portal PAs on the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) involved in liver fibrosis in patients with NASH. First, we found that the concentration of blood PAs after meals was significantly increased in NASH patients compared to control patients (P < 0.01). Second, gene expressions associated with fat absorption and chylomicron formation, such as CD36 and MTP, were significantly increased in the intestine of the NASH model rats fed a high-fat-cholesterol diet compared to control rats. Furthermore, portal PA levels after meals in the NASH model rats were significantly higher compared to control and non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) rats (P<0.01). Third, PA injection via the portal vein to the liver in control rats increased the mRNA levels associated with the activation of HSCs and the expression of α-SMA in liver tissues. Our study showed an increased intestinal absorption of dietary-derived PA in NASH. The rapid increase in PAs via the portal vein to the liver may activate HSCs and affect the development of liver fibrosis in NASH.
New Organic Compounds Detection and Potential Removal in Crude Phosphoric Acid using Waste Sludge
Authors: Ibrahim Saber Ahmed , Masoud Ahmed , Taha Mohamed Helmy , Meawad Amr Sayed 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Some organic compounds in phosphoric acid are a potential mediator of adverse environmental impacts on soil. This work aims to detect and reduce the content of organic compounds in crude phosphoric acid using waste sludge, from water treatment plants, as a low-cost sorbent. Gas chromatography/Mass spectrometry (GC/MS) was used to detect the organic species in crude phosphoric acid, while X-ray fluorescence (XRF), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), and Attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy were used to characterize waste sludges. Practically, three sludge samples were utilized and different factors including shaking time, sorbent dose, and phosphoric acid concentration were studied. The results of GC/MS revealed that crude phosphoric acid contains bis [tert-butyl(dimethyl)silyl] azelaate, dibutyl phthalate, and 2,6-di-tert-butyl-4-methylphenol as the main organic species. Moreover, the clay content and the surface charge of sludge strongly affect the removal efficiency of organic species. Kinetic analysis using Lagregran pseudo-first-order, pseudo-second-order, Morris-Weber, and Elvoich models display that the sorption process using waste sludges is a chemisorption process. Finally, the three sludge samples exhibit potential sorbents for the clarification of phosphoric acid and sequentially to produce green phosphate fertilizers.
Prenatal Diagnosis, Associated Findings and Postnatal Outcome of Fetuses With Truncus Arteriosus Communis (TAC)
Authors: Abel Judith S. , Berg Christoph , Geipel Annegret , Gembruch Ulrich , Herberg Ulrike , Breuer Johannes , Brockmeier Konrad , Gottschalk Ingo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Purpose: To assess the spectrum of associated anomalies, the intrauterine course, postnatal outcome and management of fetuses with truncus arteriosus communis (TAC) Methods: All cases of TAC diagnosed prenatally over a period of 8 years were retrospectively collected in two tertiary referral centers. All additional prenatal findings were assessed and correlated with the outcome. The accuracy of prenatal diagnosis was assessed.Results: 39 cases of TAC were diagnosed prenatally. Mean gestational age at first diagnosis was 22 weeks (range, 13-38). Two cases were lost follow up. Correct prenatal diagnosis of TAC was made in 87.5% and of TAC subtype in 90.5%. Prenatal diagnosis was incorrect in three cases: One newborn had aortic atresia with ventricular septal defect (VSD) postnatally, one had hypoplastic right ventricle with dextro Transposition of the Great Arteries (d-TGA) with coartation of the aorta and a third newborn had Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) with abnormal origin of the left pulmonary artery arising from the ascending aorta postnatally. These 3 cases were excluded from further analysis.In 26.5% of cases TAC was an isolated finding. 38.2% of fetuses had additional chromosomal anomalies. Among them, microdeletion 22q11.2 was most common with a prevalence of 17.6% in our cohort. Another 3 fetuses were highly suspicious for non-chromosomal genetic syndromes due to their additional extra-cardiac anomalies, but molecular diagnosis could not be provided. Major cardiac and extra-cardiac anomalies occurred in 8.8% and 58.8%, respectively. Predominantly, extra-cardiac anomalies occurred in association with chromosomal anomalies. Additionally, severe IUGR occurred in 17.6%. There were 14 terminations of pregnancy (41.2%), 1 (2.9%) intrauterine fetal death, 5 postnatal deaths (14.7%) and 14 (41.2%) infants were alive at last follow-up. Intention-to-treat survival rate was 70%. Mean follow up among survivors was 42 months (range, 6-104). Postoperative health status among survivors was excellent in 78.6%, but 46.2% needed repeated re-interventions due to recurrent pulmonary artery or conduit stenosis. The other 21.4% of survivors were significantly impaired due to non-cardiac problems.Conclusion: TAC is a rare and complex cardiac anomaly that can be diagnosed prenatally with high precision. TAC is frequently associated with chromosomal and extra-cardiac anomalies, leading to a high intrauterine and postnatal loss rate due to terminations and perioperative mortality. Without severe extra-cardiac anomalies, postoperative health status is excellent, independent of the subtype of TAC, but the prevalence of repeated interventions due to recurrent stenosis is high.
Plasmons Coupling and&nbsp;Anti-Crossing&nbsp;of Nanometal&nbsp;Asymmetric Dimer
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Zhang Jian , Li Yongfang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In this paper, by defining a new physical quantity called as the frequency offset in the harmonic oscillator model and combining with the established plasmon coupling model, we successfully explain the anti-crossing property caused by plasmon coupling of dimer composed of a silver nanoring and a silver nanorod. In the plasmons coupling model, we reasonably reveal that the physical mechanism of the coupling between bright mode and dark mode of the plasmons is mainly represented by the coulomb potential and the electrostatic potential. With this model, we explain also the asymmetric feature the variation of frequency offset and coupling coefficient with coupling distance.
High Near-Field Enhancement in Plasmonic Coupled Nanostructure for Spaser Application
Authors: JAMIL SAQIB , Khan Adnan Daud , Iqbal Javed , Farooq Waqas 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We theoretically demonstrated a kind of plasmon coupled elliptical nanostructure to achieve a vast range of applications based on nanolaser or spaser with high intensity. To overcome the ohmic losses, the plasmon ellipse is composed of the gold film substrate with a gain media. A simple ellipse has been chosen from which variety of dimer configurations have been formed by symmetry alteration technique which are then tested for different light polarizations and gap variations. The proposed model supports localized surface plasmon resonance mode (LSPR). Moreover, the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property of the proposed nanostructure is numerically analysed by the finite-element method (FEM) and the results shows that the electric field intensity (EFI) can be amplified to a large values by symmetry breaking in the elliptical nanostructure. Various plasmon modes can be excited by selecting the appropriate gain media. In addition to this, a compact tunable multi-wavelength nanolaser (spaser) can be developed by using this model. Giant near field enhancement (NFE) and high LSPR enable this structure to be promising for spaser applications such as surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy, sensing, lithography, imaging, dental applications and much more.
Insertion of PrpoD_rpoS Fragment Enhances Expression of Recombinant Protein By Dps Auto-Inducible Promoter in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Mulyanti Dina , Soewandhi Sundani Nurono , Riani Catur 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Nowadays, recombinant therapeutic proteins have been widely produced and consumed. For the safety and effectiveness of the protein production, an auto-inducible expression vector is required to replace inducer interference, which is uneconomic and could be harmful. In this research, an auto-inducible expression plasmid, pCAD2_sod, which was under dps (RpoS-dependent gene) promoter control, was modified to provide RpoS at earlier phase, hence accumulate more target protein by generated a new plasmid, pCAD2+_sod. pCAD2_sod had been constructed to automatically induce the expression of recombinant superoxide dismutase (SOD) from Staphylococcus equorum (rMnSODSeq) in the stationary growth phase of Escherichia coli. This work aimed to obtain pCAD2+_sod and determined the expression level of rMnSODSeq. Method and Results: A synthetic rpoS coding region under rpoD promoter control (prpoD_rpoS) was inserted to pCAD2_sod and generated pCAD2+_sod. The rMnSODSeq (24.3 kDa) produced from pCAD2+_sod was ~1.5 fold higher at 37 °C and more intense at 43 °C compared to that produced from pCAD2_sod, likewise shifted to earlier phase (after 1 h of incubation), as shown in the SDS-PAGE. The dismutase activity was also retained after zymography assay. The mRNA level of rMnSODSeq from pCAD2+_sod, in all growth phases, gave a consistently lower Cq values compared to the one carried pCAD2_sod and so gave higher quantification values relative to rho reference gene as well. Conclusions: The prpoD_rpoS insertion shifts and increases the rMnSODSeq production from stationary to exponential phase, either in the RNA or protein level. The pCAD2+_sod plasmid has good potential for further recombinant protein productions.
Influence of User Behavior on Energy Consumption and Its Relation With Comfort. A Case Study Based on Sensor and Crowd-Sensed Data
Authors: Rusek Robert , Frigola Joaquim Melendez , Llinas Joan Colomer 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundIn recent years monitoring of user behavior became an imperative for building energy optimization. Very often there is a significant discrepancy between predicted building energy performance at the design stage and the actual one rendered during the building operation. This stems from the difference in users’ behavior. In spite of that, users’ interaction and feedback is rarely taken into account and evidence of the impact of occupants’ behavior on energy consumption is still scarce. Thus, the purpose of this study is to apply crowd-sensing techniques to understand how energy is consumed, define appropriate performance indicators, and provide inputs for building operations on more efficient use of resources.MethodsMonitoring strategies were implemented in an office lab with controlled variables to collect quality data on occupancy patterns, ambient factors and energy consumption. In addition, crowd-sensing techniques were applied to model user behavior at different ambient conditions over time and to contrast this behavior with energy consumption patterns combined with new inquiry tools to identify how occupants perceive their comfort level. Also, a set of energy efficiency indicators was used to compare energy performance in different periods. ResultsIt was found out, that there is a strong relation between users’ behavior and energy consumption, however, more than 50% of energy was consumed when no users’ activity was registered. Energy performance indicators revealed that measuring energy efficiency in terms of kWh per surface area encourages less efficient use of space and therefore including coefficient of person hours is advised. It was also found out that users do not relay fully on feedback mechanism and they rather prefer to take an action to adapt the ambient conditions instead of simply expressing their opinion. Analysis of energy usage during the covid-19 lock down revealed substantial use of energy unlike it was expected. It was because home computers were used only as terminals, while the actual tasks were performed on the lab computers with remote desktop connection turned on 24/7. In addition, energy consumed by each employee at their home has to be taken into account. Moreover, a set of practical recommendations was formulated.
The clinical features and outcomes of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome
Authors: Oh Shin Yeop 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

The objective of this study was to investigate the clinical features and outcomes of Tolosa-Hunt syndrome (THS).
Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records was performed on patients with THS between March 2016 and January 2020. A total of eleven patients fulfilling the ICHD-3 beta diagnostic criteria for THS were included in this study.
Results

The average age of the patients with THS was 57.18 ± 13.56 years and the mean duration of recovery was 26.91 ± 24.35 days. All nine patients had orbital or periorbital pain as the first symptom followed by diplopia. Ptosis was found in five patients (45.45%) in the involved eye. Sixth cranial nerve (CN) palsy was most common (eight cases, 72.73%), followed by third and fourth CN palsy (five cases, 45.45%, respectively), optic nerve (two cases, 18.18%), and trigeminal nerve and facial nerve palsy (one case, 9.09%, respectively). One patient with optic nerve (ON) involvement failed to recover visual acuity and the other ten patients completely recovered their ocular motor limitation. All patients were initially treated with steroids. One patient relapsed after five weeks and one patient had a history of THS five years earlier.
Conclusions

THS responded well to steroid treatment, but if it was accompanied by ON involvement, follow-up with active treatment was important.
Transverse Distribution of the Streamwise Velocity for the Open-channel Flow With Floating Vegetated Islands
Authors: Fu Xuecheng , Wang Feifei , Liu Mengyang , Huai Wenxin 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Floating vegetation islands (FVIs) have been widely utilized in various river ecological restoration projects due to their ability to purify pollutants. FVIs float at the surface of shallow pools with their roots unanchored in the sediment. Biofilm formed by roots under islands filters nutrients and particles in the water flowing through it. Flow field disturbance will occur and transverse distribution of flow velocity will change due to the existence of FVIs. Transport efficiency of suspended solids, nutrients, and pollutants will also be altered. A modified analytical model that considers effects of boundary friction, drag force of vegetation, transverse shear turbulence, and secondary flow is established to predict transverse variation of depth-averaged streamwise velocity for the open-channel flow with FVIs using Shiono and Knight method. The simulation results with suitable boundary conditions successfully predicted lateral profile of the depth-averaged streamwise velocity compared with the experimental results of symmetrical and unsymmetrical arrangements of FVIs. Hence, the presented model can provide guidance for investigating flow characteristics of rivers with FVIs.
Preparation, Characterization and Application of a Home–made Graphene for the Removal of Congo Red From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Popoola Temilolu J. , Okoronkwo Afamefuna E. , Oluwasina Olugbenga O. , Adebayo Matthew A. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Ethylene diaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) functionalized graphene was synthesized from Nigerian coal using a chemical exfoliation method and the graphene was applied for the removal of Congo red dye from aqueous solutions. The synthesized coal graphene and the raw coal were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD) spectroscopy, Scanning electron microscopy and Energy (SEM)–Energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy. The SEM data revealed surface roughness which is enhanced in the prepared graphene while the EDX revealed an increase in carbon, the main constituent of graphene, from about 26% in the raw coal to about 80% in the prepared graphene. Various adsorption parameters, such as pH, contact time, concentration of Congo red and temperature, were varied for the removal of the dye using raw coal and the synthesized coal graphene. The Liu isotherm gave the best fit of the equilibrium data than the Langmuir, Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. The maximum adsorption capacities of the raw coal and synthesized coal graphene at 25 °C are 109.1 mg/g and 129.0 mg/g, respectively. The Avrami fractional order kinetic model was the best model for description of the kinetic data. The model had the lowest values of standard deviation than the pseudo-first order and pseudo-second order models. The adsorption process of the two materials occurred via two stages as proved by intraparticle diffusion model. The adsorption process of the Congo red removal was spontaneous, feasible and endothermic. The study conclusively revealed the graphene nanomaterial to be a viable adsorbent for textile wastewater treatment.