bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Uncovering The Role of Oxygen in Ni-Fe(OxHy) Electrocatalysts using In situ Soft X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy during the Oxygen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Drevon Dorian , Görlin Mikaela , Chernev Petko , Xi Lifei , Dau Holger , Lange Kathrin M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn-situ X-ray absorption spectroscopy (XAS) at the oxygen K-edge was used to investigate the role of oxygen during the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in an electrodeposited Ni-Fe(OxHy) electrocatalyst in alkaline pH. We show the rise of a pre-peak feature at 529 eV in the O K-edge spectra, correlated to the appearance of a shoulder at the Ni L3-edge and formation of oxidized Ni3+/4+-O. Then, for the first time, we track the spectral changes in a dynamic fashion in both the soft and hard X-ray regimes during cyclic voltammetry (in situ CV-XAS) to obtain a fine-tuned resolution of the potential-related changes. The pre-peak feature at the O K-edge likely signifies formation of an electron deficient oxygen site. The electrophilic oxygen species appears and disappears reversibly in correlation with the Ni2+ ↔ Ni3+/4+ process, and persists during OER catalysis as long the metal is oxidized. Our study provides new insight into OER electrocatalysis: Before onset of the O-O bond formation step, the catalytic oxyhydroxide has accumulated electron deficiencies by both, oxidation of transition metal ions and formation of partially oxidized oxygen sites.
Very low prevalence of anti-HAV in Japan: high potential for future outbreak
Authors: Yamamoto Chikako , Ko Ko , Nagashima Shintaro , Harakawa Takayuki , Fujii Toshiko , Ohisa Masayuki , Katayama Keiko , Takahashi Kazuaki , Okamoto Hiroaki , Tanaka Junko 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSince the early 21st century, almost all developed countries have had a very low hepatitis A virus antibody (anti-HAV) sero-prevalence profile, as sanitation conditions and health care facilities have been optimized to a universal standard. There has not been a report on anti-HAV prevalence among a large scale population in Japan since 2003. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the current HAV status among the general population in Hiroshima. From each age and sex specific group, a total of 1,200 samples were randomly selected from 7,682 stocked serum samples from residents’ and employees’ annual health check-ups during 2013–2015. Total anti-HAV was detected using Chemiluminescent Enzyme Immunoassay. The overall anti-HAV sero-prevalence was 16.8%. In both males and females, anti-HAV prevalence among individuals between 20–59 years of age was as low as 0.0–2.0%, whilst that among 70 s was as high as 70.0–71.0%. A large number of residents aged under 60 are now susceptible to HAV infection. The cohort reduction trend of anti-HAV in Japan exposes the high possibility of mass outbreak in the future. HAV vaccine especially to younger generation and high risk population may prevent outbreak in Japan.
A Rotating-Coil Magnetometer for Scanning Transversal Field Harmonics in Accelerator Magnets
Authors: Arpaia Pasquale , Caiafa Gianni , Russenschuck Stephan 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThis paper presents a rotating-coil magnetometer that was designed and validated for scanning local transversal field harmonics, required for extracting so-called pseudo-multipoles in accelerator magnets. The magnetometer consists of four layers of flexible printed circuits with a track thickness of 40 μm. The design aimed at maximizing the sensitivity factors for field harmonics up to order 13 and at a compensation ratio for the main component in the same range of what is achievable with standard rotating coils. Key innovative features of the induction coil are the shape for minimizing the sensitivity to the longitudinal field component and the manufacturing technology. The design, the uncertainty analysis of the manufacturing tolerances, as well as preliminary application results are presented.
Intravitreal aflibercept for active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy without active polyps
Authors: Lee Sang Eun , Jang Jun Won , Kang Se Woong , Park Kyu Hyung , Lee Dong Won , Kim Jae Hui , Bae KunHo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal aflibercept for active polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy (PCV) without active polyps and to identify prognostic factors. We enrolled 40 eyes from 40 patients who manifested PCV with exudation but without active polyps after prior treatment with photodynamic therapy (PDT) and/or anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) other than aflibercept. Participants were initially given three consecutive intravitreal injections of aflibercept at 1-month intervals, followed by injections every 2 months in the maintenance phase. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomographic and indocyanine green angiographic features were assessed to determine associations between anatomical parameters and visual outcomes 14 months later. Mean visual acuity improved from 61.5 ± 11.1 letters at baseline to 68.1 ± 13.6 letters at 14 months (P = 0.001). Better vision and a smaller branching vascular network at baseline and 1 month after three monthly injections (visit 4) were associated with better final vision (P < 0.001). The presence of an inner retinal cyst at visit 4 was significantly related to worse final vision (P = 0.011). Intravitreal aflibercept improved the visual and anatomical outcomes of PCV with exudation from BVN after pre-treatment with PDT and/or anti-VEGF other than aflibercept. Better vision, smaller lesion size, and absence of an inner retinal cyst after induction therapy may predict better visual outcome.
Lattice dynamics, mechanical stability and electronic structure of Fe-based Heusler semiconductors
Authors: Khandy Shakeel Ahmad , Islam Ishtihadah , Gupta Dinesh C. , Khenata Rabah , Laref A. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe structural and mechanical stability of Fe2TaAl and Fe2TaGa alloys along with the electronic properties are explored with the help of density functional theory. On applying different approximations, the enhancement of semiconducting gap follows the trend as GGA < mBJ < GGA + U. The maximum forbidden gaps observed by GGA + U method are Eg = 1.80 eV for Fe2TaAl and 1.30 eV for Fe2TaGa. The elastic parameters are simulated to determine the strength and ductile nature of these materials. The phonon calculations determine the dynamical stability of all these materials because of the absence of any negative frequencies. Basic understandings of structural, elastic, mechanical and phonon properties of these alloys are studied first time in this report.
Genome reorganization of the GmSHMT gene family in soybean showed a lack of functional redundancy in resistance to soybean cyst nematode
Authors: Lakhssassi Naoufal , Patil Gunvant , Piya Sarbottam , Zhou Zhou , Baharlouei Azam , Kassem My Abdelmajid , Lightfoot David A. , Hewezi Tarek , Barakat Abdelali , Nguyen Henry T. , Meksem Khalid 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn soybeans, eighteen members constitute the serine hydroxymethyltransferase (GmSHMT) gene family, of which the cytosolic-targetedGmSHMT08c member has been reported to mediate resistance to soybean cyst nematode (SCN). This work presents a comprehensive study of theSHMTgene family members, including synteny, phylogeny, subcellular localizations, haplotypes, protein homology modeling, mutational, and expression analyses. Phylogenetic analysis showed thatSHMTgenes are divided into four classes reflecting their subcellular distribution (cytosol, nucleus, mitochondrion, and chloroplast). Subcellular localization of selected GmSHMT members supports theirin-silicopredictions and phylogenetic distribution. Expression and functional analyses showed thatGmSHMTgenes display many overlapping, but some divergent responses during SCN infection. Furthermore, mutational analysis reveals that all isolated EMS mutants that lose their resistance to SCN carry missense and nonsense mutations at theGmSHMT08c, but none of theGmshmt08cmutants carried mutations in the otherGmSHMTgenes. Haplotype clustering analysis using the whole genome resequencing data from a collection of 106 diverse soybean germplams (15X) was performed to identify allelic variants and haplotypes within theGmSHMTgene family. Interestingly, only the cytosolic-localized GmSHMT08c presented SNP clusters that were associated with SCN resistance, supporting our mutational analysis. Although eightGmSHMTmembers respond to the nematode infestation, functional and mutational analysis has shown the absence of functional redundancy in resistance to SCN. Structural analysis and protein homology modeling showed the presence of spontaneous mutations at important residues within the GmSHMT proteins, suggesting the presence of altered enzyme activities based on substrate affinities. Due to the accumulation of mutations during the evolution of the soybean genome, the other GmSHMT members have undergone neofunctionalization and subfunctionalization events.
Erythrocytes as bioreactors to decrease excess ammonium concentration in blood
Authors: Protasov Eugeniy S. , Borsakova Daria V. , Alexandrovich Yuliya G. , Korotkov Anatoliy V. , Kosenko Elena A. , Butylin Andrey A. , Ataullakhanov Fazoil I. , Sinauridze Elena I. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIncreased blood ammonium concentrations cause neurological complications. Existing drugs are not always sufficiently effective. Alternatively, erythrocytes-bioreactors (EBRs) loaded with enzymes utilizing ammonium, were suggested for ammonium removal from blood. However all they worked only for a short period of time. The reasons for this were not investigated. In this study, EBR mathematical models were developed and analysed based on the reactions of glycolysis and different enzymes utilizing ammonium, which showed that the efficiency and duration of EBRs’ functioning could be limited due to low permeability of the cell membrane for some key substrates and products. A new enzyme system including glutamate dehydrogenase and alanine aminotransferase was proposed and realised experimentally, which was not limited by cell membrane permeability for glutamate and α-ketoglutarate due to creating metabolic pathway where these metabolites were produced and consumed cyclically. New bioreactors removed ammoniumin vitroat the rate of 1.5 mmol/h × lRBCs(for human bioreactors) andin vivoin a model of hyperammoniemia in mice at the rate of 2.0 mmol/h × lRBCs(for mouse bioreactors), which correlated with model calculations. Experimental studies proved the proposed mathematical models are correct. Mathematical simulation of erythrocyte-bioreactors opens new opportunities for analysing the efficiency of any enzyme included in erythrocytes.
Differential expression of CXCR3 and CCR6 on CD4+ T-lymphocytes with distinct memory phenotypes characterizes tuberculosis-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Silveira-Mattos Paulo S. , Narendran Gopalan , Akrami Kevan , Fukutani Kiyoshi F. , Anbalagan Selvaraj , Nayak Kaustuv , Subramanyam Sudha , Subramani Rajasekaran , Vinhaes Caian L. , Souza Deivide Oliveira-de , Antonelli Lis R. , Satagopan Kumar , Porter Brian O. , Sher Alan , Swaminathan Soumya , Sereti Irini , Andrade Bruno B. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractImmune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) occurs in up to 40% of individuals co-infected with pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) and HIV, primarily upon antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation. Phenotypic changes in T-cells during TB-IRIS and their relationship with systemic inflammation are not fully understood. In this prospective cohort study, we followed 48 HIV-positive patients with PTB from South India before and after ART initiation, examining T-lymphocyte subsets and inflammatory biomarkers in peripheral blood. Quantification of naïve (CD27+CD45RO−) as well as effector memory CD4+ T cells (CD27−CD45RO+) at weeks 2–6 after ART initiation could distinguish TB-IRIS from non-IRIS individuals. Additional analyses revealed that ART reconstituted different quantities of CD4+ T lymphocyte subsets with preferential expansion of CXCR3+ CCR6− cells in TB-IRIS patients. Moreover, there was an expansion and functional restoration of central memory (CD27+CD45RO+) CXCR3+CCR6− CD4+ lymphocytes and corresponding cytokines, with reduction in CXCR3−CCR6+ cells after ART initiation only in those who developed TB-IRIS. Together, these observations trace a detailed picture of CD4+ T cell subsets tightly associated with IRIS, which may serve as targets for prophylactic and/or therapeutic interventions in the future.
Genome-wide profiling of human papillomavirus DNA integration in liquid-based cytology specimens from a Gabonese female population using HPV capture technology
Authors: Nkili-Meyong Andriniaina Andy , Moussavou-Boundzanga Pamela , Labouba Ingrid , Koumakpayi Ismaël Hervé , Jeannot Emmanuelle , Descorps-Declère Stéphane , Sastre-Garau Xavier , Leroy Eric M. , Belembaogo Ernest , Berthet Nicolas 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is recognised as the cause of precancerous and cancerous cervical lesions. Furthermore, in high-grade lesions, HPV is frequently integrated in the host cell genome and associated with the partial or complete loss of the E1 and E2 genes, which regulate the activity of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7. In this study, using a double-capture system followed by high-throughput sequencing, we determined the HPV integration status present in liquid-based cervical smears in an urban Gabonese population. The main inclusion criteria were based on cytological grade and the detection of the HPV16 genotype using molecular assays. The rate of HPV integration in the host genome varied with cytological grade: 85.7% (6/7), 71.4% (5/7), 66.7% (2/3) 60% (3/5) and 30.8% (4/13) for carcinomas, HSIL, ASCH, LSIL and ASCUS, respectively. For high cytological grades (carcinomas and HSIL), genotypes HPV16 and 18 represented 92.9% of the samples (13/14). The integrated form of HPV16 genotype was mainly found in high-grade lesions in 71.4% of samples regardless of cytological grade. Minority genotypes (HPV33, 51, 58 and 59) were found in LSIL samples, except HPV59, which was identified in one HSIL sample. Among all the HPV genotypes identified after double capture, 10 genotypes (HPV30, 35, 39, 44, 45, 53, 56, 59, 74 and 82) were detected only in episomal form. Our study revealed that the degree of HPV integration varies with cervical cytological grade. The integration event might be a potential clinical prognostic biomarker for the prediction of the progression of neoplastic lesions.
Effect of Chemical Permeation Enhancers on Skin Permeability: In silico screening using Molecular Dynamics simulations
Authors: Gupta Rakesh , Dwadasi Balarama Sridhar , Rai Beena , Mitragotri Samir 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBreaching of the skin barrier is essential for delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) for pharmaceutical, dermatological and aesthetic applications. Chemical permeation enhancers (CPEs) are molecules that interact with the constituents of skin’s outermost and rate limiting layer stratum corneum (SC), and increase its permeability. Designing and testing of new CPEs is a resource intensive task, thus limiting the rate of discovery of new CPEs. In-silico screening of CPEs in a rigorous skin model could speed up the design of CPEs. In this study, we performed coarse grained (CG) molecule dynamics (MD) simulations of a multilayer skin lipid matrix in the presence of CPEs. The CPEs are chosen from different chemical functionalities including fatty acids, esters, and alcohols. A multi-layer in-silico skin model was developed. The CG parameters of permeation enhancers were also developed. Interactions of CPEs with SC lipids was studied in silico at three different CPE concentrations namely, 1% w/v, 3% w/v and 5% w/v. The partitioning and diffusion coefficients of CPEs in the SC lipids were found to be highly size- and structure-dependent and these dependencies are explained in terms of structural properties such as radial distribution function, area per lipid and order parameter. Finally, experimentally reported effects of CPEs on skin from the literature are compared with the simulation results. The trends obtained using simulations are in good agreement with the experimental measurements. The studies presented here validate the utility of in-silico models for designing, screening and testing of novel and effective CPEs.
Analysis and Predictability of Drought In Northwest Africa Using Optical and Microwave Satellite Remote Sensing Products
Authors: Le Page Michel , Zribi Mehrez 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn a context of high stress on water resources and agricultural production at the global level, together with climate change marked by an increase in the frequency of these events, drought is considered to be a strong threat both socially and economically. The Mediterranean region is a hot spot of climate change; it is also characterized by a scarcity of water resources that places intense pressure on agricultural productivity. This article analyzes the potential for using multiple remote sensing tools in the quantification and predictability of drought in Northwest Africa. Three satellite products are considered: the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI), Soil Moisture Index (SWI), and Land Surface Temperature (LST). A discussion of the variability of these products and their inter-correlation is presented, illustrating a generally high consistency between them. Statistical anomaly indices are then computed and a drought severity mapping is presented. The results illustrate in particular a high percentage of dry conditions in the region studied during the last ten years (2007–2017). Finally, we propose the use of the analog statistical approach to identify similar evolutions of the three variables in the past. Although this technique is not a forecast, it provides a strong indication of the plausible future trajectory of a given hydrological season.
CLOCK gene polymorphisms and quality of aging in a cohort of nonagenarians – The MUGELLO Study
Authors: Pagliai Giuditta , Sofi Francesco , Dinu Monica , Sticchi Elena , Vannetti Federica , Molino Lova Raffaele , Ordovàs José Marìa , Gori Anna Maria , Marcucci Rossella , Giusti Betti , Macchi Claudio 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA total of 356 elderly subjects [257F; 88–106 years] were genotyped for three polymorphisms of the CLOCK gene by TaqMan real-time PCR approach, in order to find associations with quality of aging. Subjects homozygous for the minor allele of rs1801260 were less frequently overweight (p = 0.046), had higher fasting glucose levels (p = 0.037), better scores at the Clock Drawing Test (CDT) (p = 0.047) and worse scores at the Geriatric Depression Scale (p = 0.032). Subjects homozygous for the minor allele of rs11932595 showed higher fasting glucose levels (p = 0.044) and better scores at CDT (p = 0.030). Conversely, subjects homozygous for the minor allele of rs4580704 showed higher triglyceride (p = 0.012), and LDL-cholesterol levels (p = 0.44), and a greater adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD) (p = 0.044). In addition, AAC, AAG, GGC and AGC (rs1801260–rs11932595–rs4580704) haplotypes were analyzed: AAG was associated with higher risk of overweight (p = 0.008), hypertriglyceridemia (p = 0.040) and hypercholesterolemia (p = 0.036); GGC with lower risk of hyperglycemia (p = 0.022), better sleep pattern (p = 0.001) and with better score at mini-mental state examination (p = 0.010); AGC with lower risk of depression (p = 0.026) and AAC with lower adherence to the MD (p = 0.028). Therefore, CLOCK gene polymorphisms let us hypothesize an involvement in the quality of aging in a cohort of nonagenarians.
Correlated transitions in TKE and mass distributions of fission fragments described by 4-D Langevin equation
Authors: Usang Mark Dennis , Ivanyuk Fedir A. , Ishizuka Chikako , Chiba Satoshi 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe have decomposed to symmetric and asymmetric modes the mass-TKE fission fragment distributions calculated by 4-dimensional Langevin approach and observed how the dominant fission mode and symmetric mode change as functions of $${Z}^{2}/\sqrt[3]{A}$$

Z

2

/

A
3

of the fissioning system in the actinides and trans-actinide region. As a result, we found that the symmetric mode makes a sudden transition from super-long to super short fission mode around 254Es. The dominant fission modes on the other hand, are persistently asymmetric except for 258Fm, 259Fm and 260Md when the dominant fission mode suddenly becomes symmetric although it returns to the asymmetric mode around 256No. These correlated “twin transitions” have been known empirically by Darleane Hoffman and her group back in 1989, but for the first time we have given a clear explanation in terms of a dynamical model of nuclear fission. More specifically, since we kept the shape model parameters unchanged over the entire mass region, we conclude that the correlated twin transition emerge naturally from the dynamics in 4-D potential energy surface.
Evaluation of Oral Cavity DNA Extraction Methods on Bacterial and Fungal Microbiota
Authors: Rosenbaum Jennifer , Usyk Mykhaylo , Chen Zigui , Zolnik Christine P. , Jones Heidi E. , Waldron Levi , Dowd Jennifer B. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Burk Robert D. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe objective of this study was to evaluate the most effective method of DNA extraction of oral mouthwash samples for use in microbiome studies that utilize next generation sequencing (NGS). Eight enzymatic and mechanical DNA extraction methods were tested. Extracted DNA was amplified using barcoded primers targeting the V6 variable region of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene and the ITS1 region of the fungal ribosomal gene cluster and sequenced using the Illumina NGS platform. Sequenced reads were analyzed using QIIME and R. The eight methods yielded significantly different quantities of DNA (p < 0.001), with the phenol-chloroform extraction method producing the highest total yield. There were no significant differences in observed bacterial or fungal Shannon diversity (p = 0.64, p = 0.93 respectively) by extraction method. Bray-Curtis beta-diversity did not demonstrate statistically significant differences between the eight extraction methods based on bacterial (R2 = 0.086, p = 1.00) and fungal (R2 = 0.039, p = 1.00) assays. No differences were seen between methods with or without bead-beating. These data indicate that choice of DNA extraction method affect total DNA recovery without significantly affecting the observed microbiome.
The buried knot technique for all inside graft link preparation leads to superior biomechanical graft link stability
Authors: Tiefenboeck Thomas M. , Hirtler Lena , Winnisch Markus , Binder Harald , Koch Thomas , Komjati Micha , Hofbauer Marcus , Ostermann Roman C. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aim of this study was to measure and compare the biomechanical properties of two different graft link preparation techniques for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction. We hypothesised that there would be differences in elongation, load at failure and failure mode due to the different graft link preparation techniques. Thirty fresh-frozen anatomical specimen knees were used. Both tendons (semitendinosus and gracilis) were harvested and randomly assigned to two groups. Graft links prepared with a continuous loop technique were allocated to group 1, whereas those prepared with a buried-knot technique were allocated to group 2. The mechanical properties of both techniques were measured. A mean load to failure of 731 N and an overall graft elongation of 6 mm was found in the continuous loop group. In the buried-knot group, a higher load to failure (848 N) and a lower mean overall elongation (5 mm) was found. The buried-knot technique showed better results with significantly higher load to failure and significantly less elongation compared to the continuous loop technique. It is essential in clinical practice to choose the most accurate technique for graft link preparation to ensure graft stability, especially in the early phase of recovery.