bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Detection of biological signals from a live mammalian muscle using an early stage diamond quantum sensor
Authors: Webb James Luke , Troise Luca , Hansen Nikolaj Winther , Olsson Christoffer , Wojciechowski Adam M. , Achard Jocelyn , Brinza Ovidiu , Staacke Robert , Kieschnick Michael , Meijer Jan , Thielscher Axel , Perrier Jean-François , Berg-Sørensen Kirstine , Huck Alexander , Andersen Ulrik Lund 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe ability to perform noninvasive and non-contact measurements of electric signals produced by action potentials is essential in biomedicine. A key method to do this is to remotely sense signals by the magnetic field they induce. Existing methods for magnetic field sensing of mammalian tissue, used in techniques such as magnetoencephalography of the brain, require cryogenically cooled superconducting detectors. These have many disadvantages in terms of high cost, flexibility and limited portability as well as poor spatial and temporal resolution. In this work we demonstrate an alternative technique for detecting magnetic fields generated by the current from action potentials in living tissue using nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond. With 50 pT/$$\sqrt{\text {Hz}}$$

Hz

sensitivity, we show the first measurements of magnetic sensing from mammalian tissue with a diamond sensor using mouse muscle optogenetically activated with blue light. We show these proof of principle measurements can be performed in an ordinary, unshielded lab environment and that the signal can be easily recovered by digital signal processing techniques. Although as yet uncompetitive with probe electrophysiology in terms of sensitivity, we demonstrate the feasibility of sensing action potentials via magnetic field in mammals using a diamond quantum sensor, as a step towards microscopic imaging of electrical activity in a biological sample using nitrogen vacancy centres in diamond.
Intergenerational sustainability is enhanced by taking the perspective of future generations
Authors: Shahen Mostafa E. , Kotani Koji , Saijo Tatsuyoshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe intergenerational sustainability dilemma (ISD) is a situation of whether or not a person sacrifices herself for future sustainability. To examine the individual behaviors, one-person ISD game (ISDG) is instituted with strategy method where a queue of individuals is organized as a generational sequence. In ISDG, each individual chooses unsustainable (or sustainable) option with her payoff of $$X$$
X
($$X-D$$

X
-
D

) and an irreversible cost of $$D$$
D
(zero cost) to future generations in $$36$$

36

situations. Future ahead and back (FAB) mechanism is suggested as resolution for ISD by taking the perspective of future generation whereby each individual is first asked to take the next generation’s standpoint and request what she wants the current generation to choose, and, second, to make the actual decision from the original position. Results show that individuals choose unsustainable option as previous generations do so or $$\frac{X}{D}$$

X
D

is low (i.e., sustainability is endangered). However, FAB prevents individuals from choosing unsustainable option in such endangered situations. Overall, the results suggest that some new institutions, such as FAB mechanisms, which induce people to take the perspective of future generations, may be necessary to avoid intergenerational unsustainability, especially when intergenerational sustainability is highly endangered.
Novel hybrid method to additively manufacture denser graphite structures using Binder Jetting
Authors: Popov Vladimir , Fleisher Alexander , Muller-Kamskii Gary , Avraham Shaul , Shishkin Andrei , Katz-Demyanetz Alexander , Travitzky Nahum , Yacobi Yair , Goel Saurav 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study introduces two hybrid processes integrating an additive manufacturing technique with post-processing treatments namely (i) Binder Jetting Printing (BJP) + Cold Isostatic Pressing (CIP) + cycle and (ii) BJP + cycle where cycle refers to a sequence of Impregnation—Drying—Pyrolysis. These two new processes yielded additively manufactured parts with higher density and reduced defects/porosities. As a testbed, we used these new processes to fabricate graphite structures. The samples produced by both methods were compared with each other and benchmarked to the samples produced by (a) BJP alone and (b) Traditional uniaxial pressing like compaction moulding. Various characterisation methods were used to investigate the microstructure and mechanical properties which showed that the porosity of hybrid manufactured samples reduces from 55% to a record 7%. This technological pathway is expected to create a new avalanche of industrial applications that are hitherto unexplored in the arena of hybrid additive manufacturing with BJP method.
Novel method for scalable synthesis of wollastonite nanoparticle as nano-filler in composites for promotion of anti-corrosive property
Authors: Dordane Rouholah , Doroodmand Mohammad Mahdi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study is focused on novel anti-corrosive support. This coating is based on the mixed matrix (MM) including epoxy and its hardener as thermoset polymer, melamine–formaldehyde as the organic phase, activated graphite as both inorganic and conductive phases, as well as wollastonite nanoparticles as filler. The wollastonite nanoparticles are synthesized by the new and novel method as suitable etching using hydrofluoric acid, “HF” at room temperature (25 ℃). The synthesized wollastonite nanoparticles are then adapted as a suitable filler during the formation of a new type of MM anti-corrosive coating for the preservation of metals form any corrosion. According to the results, during coating the MM, significant positive characteristics such as enough positive open circuit potential (OCP), small enough (icorr), low cost, significant chemical/mechanical stability and acceptable flexibility are observed. Based on to the weight-loss analysis test on the MM-modified stainless steel during a 42-day time interval, the corrosion rate % is decreased from 74.86 to 0.34. In addition, the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy reveals major enhancements in the double-layer resistance and solution resistance of the cell system. Based on the electrochemical measurements, noticeable reduction and enhancement are observed in the correction rate and potential, respectively, during introducing hard corrosive conditions such as NaCl (3.0%, w/v) and HCl (1.0 mol L−1) environments that reveal the acceptable anti-corrosive behavior of the synthesized MM. The introduced MM is therefore considered as low cost, safe, eco-friendly, industrial-justified anti-corrosion support.
Multi-functionality of a tryptophan residue conserved in substrate-binding groove of GH19 chitinases
Authors: Nagata Takuya , Shinya Shoko , Ohnuma Takayuki , Fukamizo Tamo 
Published: January 2021

AbstractGH19 and GH22 glycoside hydrolases belonging to the lysozyme superfamily have a related structure/function. A highly conserved tryptophan residue, Trp103, located in the binding groove of a GH19 chitinase from moss Bryum coronatum (BcChi-A) appears to have a function similar to that of well-known Trp62 in GH22 lysozymes. Here, we found that mutation of Trp103 to phenylalanine (W103F) or alanine (W103A) strongly reduced the enzymatic activity of BcChi-A. NMR experiments and the X-ray crystal structure suggested a hydrogen bond between the Trp103 side chain and the -2 sugar. Chitooligosaccharide binding experiments using NMR indicated that the W103F mutation reduced the sugar-binding abilities of nearby amino acid residues (Tyr105/Asn106) in addition to Trp103. This appeared to be derived from enhanced aromatic stacking of Phe103 with Tyr105 induced by disruption of the Trp103 hydrogen bond with the -2 sugar. Since the stacking with Tyr105 was unlikely in W103A, Tyr105/Asn106 of W103A was not so affected as in W103F. However, the W103A mutation appeared to reduce the catalytic potency, resulting in the lowest enzymatic activity in W103A. We concluded that Trp103 does not only interact with the sugar, but also controls other amino acids responsible for substrate binding and catalysis. Trp103 (GH19) and Trp62 (GH22) with such a multi-functionality may be advantageous for enzyme action and conserved in the divergent evolution in the lysozyme superfamily.
Expression profile of protein fractions in the developing kernel of normal, Opaque-2 and quality protein maize
Authors: Sethi Mehak , Singh Alla , Kaur Harmanjot , Phagna Ramesh Kumar , Rakshit Sujay , Chaudhary Dharam Paul 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMaize protein quality is determined by the composition of its endosperm proteins, which are classified as nutritionally poor zeins (prolamin and prolamin-like) and nutritionally rich non-zeins (albumin, globulin, glutelin-like, and glutelin). Protein quality is considerably higher in opaque-2 mutants due to increased content of non-zeins over zeins. However, the opaque-2 endosperm is soft, which leads to poor agronomic performance and post-harvest infestation. Endosperm modification of opaque-2 had led to the development of Quality Protein Maize (QPM), which has higher protein quality along with hard kernel endosperm. The present study was planned to analyze the expression dynamics of different protein fractions in the endospem of developing maize kernel in normal, opaque-2 and QPM in response to the introgression of endosperm modifiers. Results revealed that albumin and globulin content decreases, whereas, prolamin, prolamin-like, glutelin-like, and glutelin content increases with kernel maturity. It has been observed that opaque-2 mutation affects protein expression at initial stages, whereas, the effect of endosperm modifiers was observed at the intermediate and later stages of kernel development. It has also been noted that prolamin, glutelin, and glutelin-like fractions can be used as quick markers for quality assessment for differentiating QPM varieties, even at the immature stage of kernel development. Overall, the present study implicates the role of different protein fractions in developing and utilizing nutritionally improved maize varieties.
Human amnion-derived mesenchymal stem cells attenuate xenogeneic graft-versus-host disease by preventing T cell activation and proliferation
Authors: Tago Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Chiho , Ogura Mineko , Wada Jutaro , Yamaguchi Sho , Yamaguchi Takashi , Hayashi Masahiro , Nakaishi Tomoyuki , Kubo Hiroshi , Ueda Yasuyoshi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAcute graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) is characterized by severe tissue damage that is a life-threatening complication of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Due to their immunosuppressive properties, mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have been increasingly examined for the treatment of immune-related diseases. We aimed to assess the immunosuppressive effects of human amnion-derived MSC (AMSC) in a xenogeneic GVHD NOD/Shi-scid IL2rγnull mouse model using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). Additionally, we used human bone marrow-derived MSC (BMSC) as comparative controls to determine differences in immunomodulatory functions depending on the MSC origin. Administration of AMSC significantly prolonged survival, and reduced human tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration and percentage of programmed cell death protein-1 receptor (PD-1)+CD8+ T cell populations compared with in GVHD control mice. Furthermore, colonic inflammation score and percentage of human CD8+ T cell populations in AMSC-treated mice were significantly lower than in GVHD control and BMSC-treated mice. Interestingly, gene expression and protein secretion of the PD-1 ligands were higher in AMSC than in BMSC. These findings are the first to demonstrate that AMSC exhibit marked immunosuppression and delay acute GVHD progression by preventing T cell activation and proliferation via the PD-1 pathway.
Higher cardiorespiratory fitness is strongly associated with lower cardiovascular risk factors in firefighters: a cross-sectional study in a German fire brigade
Authors: Strauss Markus , Foshag Peter , Jehn Ulrich , Brzęk Anna , Littwitz Henning , Leischik Roman 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrevious studies have shown significant cardiovascular risks in firefighters and that they suffer from cardiovascular events, especially on duty. Otherwise, adequate cardiorespiratory fitness is considered to have a protective effect in reducing cardiovascular complications. Therefore, the study aimed to evaluate the association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risks factors in firefighters. We enrolled ninety-seven male German firefighters in this cross-sectional study of cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors. We used spiroergometry testing to estimate oxygen consumption to determine cardiorespiratory fitness and to calculate metabolic equivalents. We evaluated cardiovascular risk factors included nicotine consumption, lipid profiles, body composition, resting blood pressure, and heart rate. We evaluated cardiovascular risk factors included nicotine consumption, lipid profiles, body composition, resting blood pressure and heart rate. The comparison of association between cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors was performed by using χ2-test, analysis of variance, general linear regression with/without adjustment for age and body mass index (BMI). This study demonstrated a strong association between lower cardiovascular risk factors and higher cardiorespiratory fitness. There were significantly lower values for BMI, waist circumference, body fat percentage and resting systolic blood pressure, triglycerides, and total cholesterol (all p < 0.0443, age-adjusted) with increased cardiorespiratory fitness. Only 19.6% (n = 19) of the examined firefighters were classified as “fit and not obese”, 48.4% (n = 47) were “low fit and not obese” and 30.9% (n = 30) were “low fit and obese”. The results clarify that increasing cardiorespiratory fitness is a fundamental point for the reduction and prevention of cardiovascular complications in firefighters. It could be demonstrated, especially for central risk factors, particularly BMI, waist circumference, sytolic resting blood pressure and triglyceride values. Therefore, firefighters should be motivated to increase their cardiorespiratory fitness for the beneficial effect of decreasing cardiovascular risk profile.
Simultaneously enhanced dielectric properties and through-plane thermal conductivity of epoxy composites with alumina and boron nitride nanosheets
Authors: Wang Zhengdong , Meng Guodong , Wang Liangliang , Tian Liliang , Chen Siyu , Wu Guanglei , Kong Bo , Cheng Yonghong 
Published: January 2021

AbstractDielectric materials with good thermal transport performance and desirable dielectric properties have significant potential to address the critical challenges of heat dissipation for microelectronic devices and power equipment under high electric field. This work reported the role of synergistic effect and interface on through-plane thermal conductivity and dielectric properties by intercalating the hybrid fillers of the alumina and boron nitride nanosheets (BNNs) into epoxy resin. For instance, epoxy composite with hybrid fillers at a relatively low loading shows an increase of around 3 times in through-plane thermal conductivity and maintains a close dielectric breakdown strength compared to pure epoxy. Meanwhile, the epoxy composite shows extremely low dielectric loss of 0.0024 at room temperature and 0.022 at 100 ℃ and 10−1 Hz. And covalent bonding and hydrogen-bond interaction models were presented for analyzing the thermal conductivity and dielectric properties.
Characteristics and outcomes of clinically diagnosed RT-PCR swab negative COVID-19: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Middleton Paul , Perez-Guzman Pablo N. , Cheng Alexandra , Kumar Naveenta , Kont Mara D. , Daunt Anna , Mukherjee Sujit , Cooke Graham , Hallett Timothy B. , Hauck Katharina , White Peter J. , Thursz Mark R. , Nayagam Shevanthi 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPatients with strong clinical features of COVID-19 with negative real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) SARS-CoV-2 testing are not currently included in official statistics. The scale, characteristics and clinical relevance of this group are not well described. We performed a retrospective cohort study in two large London hospitals to characterize the demographic, clinical, and hospitalization outcome characteristics of swab-negative clinical COVID-19 patients. We found 1 in 5 patients with a negative swab and clinical suspicion of COVID-19 received a clinical diagnosis of COVID-19 within clinical documentation, discharge summary or death certificate. We compared this group to a similar swab positive cohort and found similar demographic composition, symptomology and laboratory findings. Swab-negative clinical COVID-19 patients had better outcomes, with shorter length of hospital stay, reduced need for > 60% supplementary oxygen and reduced mortality. Patients with strong clinical features of COVID-19 that are swab-negative are a common clinical challenge. Health systems must recognize and plan for the management of swab-negative patients in their COVID-19 clinical management, infection control policies and epidemiological assessments.
A clinical pilot study on the effect of the probiotic Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain in women with vaginal dysbiosis
Authors: Pino Alessandra , Rapisarda Agnese Maria Chiara , Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Cianci Stefano , Caggia Cinzia , Randazzo Cinzia Lucia , Cianci Antonio 
Published: January 2021

AbstractLactobacilli with probiotic features play an essential role in maintaining a balanced vaginal microbiota and their administration has been suggested for the treatment and prevention of vaginal dysbiosis. The present study was aimed to in vitro and in vivo investigate the probiotic potential of the Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain, isolated from the vaginal ecosystem of a healthy woman. For this purpose, safety and functional properties were in depth evaluated. The strain exhibited a broad spectrum of antagonistic activity against vaginal pathogens; adhesion capacity to both the vaginal VK2/E6E7 and the intestinal Caco-2 cells; anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, suggesting its promising probiotic features. In addition, an in vivo pilot-study was planned. Based on both clinical and microbiological parameters, the oral or vaginal strain administration, determined a significant pathogens reduction after 10 days of administration and a maintenance of eubiosis up to 30 days after the end of the treatment. Therefore, the L. rhamnosus TOM 22.8 strain can be proposed as valuable oral and/or vaginal treatment for vaginal dysbiosis.
Particulate matter (PM2.5) as a potential SARS-CoV-2 carrier
Authors: Nor Norefrina Shafinaz Md , Yip Chee Wai , Ibrahim Nazlina , Jaafar Mohd Hasni , Rashid Zetti Zainol , Mustafa Norlaila , Hamid Haris Hafizal Abd , Chandru Kuhan , Latif Mohd Talib , Saw Phei Er , Lin Chin Yik , Alhasa Kemal Maulana , Hashim Jamal Hisham , Nadzir Mohd Shahrul Mohd 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThe rapid spread of the SARS-CoV-2 in the COVID-19 pandemic had raised questions on the route of transmission of this disease. Initial understanding was that transmission originated from respiratory droplets from an infected host to a susceptible host. However, indirect contact transmission of viable virus by fomites and through aerosols has also been suggested. Herein, we report the involvement of fine indoor air particulates with a diameter of ≤ 2.5 µm (PM2.5) as the virus’s transport agent. PM2.5 was collected over four weeks during 48-h measurement intervals in four separate hospital wards containing different infected clusters in a teaching hospital in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Our results indicated the highest SARS-CoV-2 RNA on PM2.5 in the ward with number of occupants. We suggest a link between the virus-laden PM2.5 and the ward’s design. Patients’ symptoms and numbers influence the number of airborne SARS-CoV-2 RNA with PM2.5 in an enclosed environment.
Multiple maternal risk-management adaptations in the loggerhead sea turtle (Caretta caretta) mitigate clutch failure caused by catastrophic storms and predators
Authors: Cassill Deby L. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractMaternal risk-management, an extension ofr/Kselection, is an indispensable tool for understanding the natural selection pressures that shape the evolution of reproduction. Central to the construct of maternal risk-management is its definition of reproductive success as replacement fitness (w = 2), the survival of one breeding daughter to replace the female and one outbreeding son to replace her mate. Here, I apply maternal risk-management as a theoretical framework to explain multiple reproductive adaptations by loggerhead sea turtles nesting on a barrier island off the southern coast of Florida, US, from 1988 to 2004. Extrapolated over a 30-year reproductive span, nesting females averaged 4000–4500 eggs. I show that, rather than “putting all their eggs in one basket,” females divided eggs into 40 clutches of variable size (50–165 eggs). To deposit clutches, females migrated to the barrier island 10–12 times at unpredictable intervals of 2–8 years. Each nesting season, females deposited 1–7 clutches over diversified time intervals at diversified locations on the beach. Despite devastating clutch losses caused by ten catastrophic hurricanes, hundreds of erratic thunderstorms and dozens of predation events during this study, 72% of clutches produced by nesting females on this barrier island were undisturbed—median hatching success for these clutches was an astonishing 92%. I conclude that diversified maternal investments over time and space by nesting females are reproductive adaptations that have successfully offset clutch losses, thus enabling populations of loggerhead females to meet or exceed their reproductive goal of replacement fitness.
Epigenetic silencing directs expression heterogeneity of stably integrated multi-transcript unit genetic circuits
Authors: Zimak Jan , Wagoner Zachary W. , Nelson Nellie , Waechtler Brooke , Schlosser Hana , Kopecky Morgan , Wu Jie , Zhao Weian 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWe report that epigenetic silencing causes the loss of function of multi-transcript unit constructs that are integrated using CRISPR-Cas9. Using a modular two color reporter system flanked by selection markers, we demonstrate that expression heterogeneity does not correlate with sequence alteration but instead correlates with chromosomal accessibility. We partially reverse this epigenetic silencing via small-molecule inhibitors of methylation and histone deacetylation. We then correlate each heterogeneously-expressing phenotype with its expected epigenetic state by employing ATAC-seq. The stability of each expression phenotype is reinforced by selective pressure, which indicates that ongoing epigenetic remodeling can occur for over one month after integration. Collectively, our data suggests that epigenetic silencing limits the utility of multi-transcript unit constructs that are integrated via double-strand repair pathways. Our research implies that mammalian synthetic biologists should consider localized epigenetic outcomes when designing complex genetic circuits.