bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cellobiohydrolase B ofAspergillus nigerover-expressed inPichia pastorisstimulates hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunches
Authors: Woon James Sy-Keen , Mackeen Mukram M. , Illias Rosli M. , Mahadi Nor M. , Broughton William J. , Murad Abdul Munir Abdul , Abu Bakar Farah Diba 
Published: October 2017

BackgroundAspergillus niger, along with many other lignocellulolytic fungi, has been widely used as a commercial workhorse for cellulase production. A fungal cellulase system generally includes three major classes of enzymes i.e., β-glucosidases, endoglucanases and cellobiohydrolases. Cellobiohydrolases (CBH) are vital to the degradation of crystalline cellulose present in lignocellulosic biomass. However,A. nigernaturally secretes low levels of CBH. Hence, recombinant production ofA. nigerCBH is desirable to increase CBH production yield and also to allow biochemical characterisation of the recombinant CBH fromA. niger.MethodsIn this study, the gene encoding a cellobiohydrolase B (cbhB) fromA. nigerATCC 10574 was cloned and expressed in the methylotrophic yeastPichia pastorisX-33. The recombinant CBHB was purified and characterised to study its biochemical and kinetic characteristics. To evaluate the potential of CBHB in assisting biomass conversion, CBHB was supplemented into a commercial cellulase preparation (Cellic®CTec2) and was used to hydrolyse oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB), one of the most abundant lignocellulosic waste from the palm oil industry. To attain maximum saccharification, enzyme loadings were optimised by response surface methodology and the optimum point was validated experimentally. Hydrolysed OPEFB samples were analysed using attenuated total reflectance FTIR spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) to screen for any compositional changes upon enzymatic treatment.ResultsRecombinant CBHB was over-expressed as a hyperglycosylated protein attached toN-glycans. CBHB was enzymatically active towards soluble substrates such as 4-methylumbelliferyl-β-D-cellobioside (MUC),p-nitrophenyl-cellobioside (pNPC) andp-nitrophenyl-cellobiotrioside (pNPG3) but was not active towards crystalline substrates like Avicel®and Sigmacell cellulose. Characterisation of purified CBHB using MUC as the model substrate revealed that optimum catalysis occurred at 50 °C and pH 4 but the enzyme was stable between pH 3 to 10 and 30 to 80 °C. Although CBHB on its own was unable to digest crystalline substrates, supplementation of CBHB (0.37%) with Cellic®CTec2 (30%) increased saccharification of OPEFB by 27%. Compositional analyses of the treated OPEFB samples revealed that CBHB supplementation reduced peak intensities of both crystalline cellulose Iαand Iβ in the treated OPEFB samples.DiscussionSince CBHB alone was inactive against crystalline cellulose, these data suggested that it might work synergistically with other components of Cellic®CTec2. CBHB supplements were desirable as they further increased hydrolysis of OPEFB when the performance of Cellic®CTec2 was theoretically capped at an enzyme loading of 34% in this study. Hence,A. nigerCBHB was identified as a potential supplementary enzyme for the enzymatic hydrolysis of OPEFB.
Tympanostomy Tube Insertion With and Without Adenoidectomy
Authors: Qian Z. Jason , Truong Mai Thy , Alyono Jennifer C. , Valdez Tulio , Chang Kay 
Published: October 2024

ImportanceThe benefit of adenoidectomy on otologic outcomes after tympanostomy tube (TT) insertion is unclear. Results from prior work are challenging to interpret due to small sample sizes, heterogeneous study designs, and varying outcome measures.ObjectiveTo evaluate the association between adenoidectomy and otologic outcomes using a US population-level sample of children who received TTs, producing generalizable results for widespread clinical application.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsA matched cohort study was conducted using claims data from the Merative MarketScan Research Databases. The study included 601 848 children who received TTs between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2021. Children who received adenoidectomy and TTs simultaneously (Ad+TT) were identified irrespective of the number of prior TTs. Control participants who received TTs without adenoidectomy were matched based on sex, age at the time of the procedure, and the number of prior TT procedures.ExposuresAdenoidectomy without tonsillectomy was the primary exposure.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe primary outcomes were repeat TT insertion and subsequent oral antibiotic prescriptions after TT insertions. Multivariable logistic regression was used to quantify the effects of adenoidectomy and covariates on each outcome. Stratified analyses were performed in children younger than 4 years and 4 years or older.ResultsOverall, 601 848 children (median [IQR] age, 2 [1-4] years; range, 0-11 years; 351 078 [58.3%] male) who received TTs were identified. The Ad+TT cohort included 201 932 children, with an equal number in the matched cohort. In children younger than 4 years, Ad+TT was common and was associated with lower odds of subsequent oral antibiotics (odds ratio [OR], 0.59; 95% CI, 0.58-0.60) but higher odds of repeat TT insertions (OR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.22-1.27). In children 4 years or older, Ad+TT was associated with lower odds of repeat TT insertions (OR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.75-0.81) and subsequent oral antibiotics (OR, 0.63; 95% CI, 0.62-0.65).Conclusions and RelevanceThis study found that in children younger than 4 years, Ad+TT was commonly performed and may have had a secondary benefit of reducing subsequent oral antibiotic courses; however, it was not associated with a reduction in the risks of repeat TT insertions. In children 4 years or older, Ad+TT was associated with a reduction in the risk of repeat TT insertions and subsequent oral antibiotics. Given these findings, Ad+TT may be offered in children 4 years or older to improve otologic outcomes.
Decades of artificial nests towards African penguin conservation—Have they made a difference?
Authors: Pichegru L. , Sherley R. B. , Malan T. , Barham B. J. , Ludynia K. , Geldenhuys D. , Amos K. , Barham P. J. , Drost E. , Hahndiek V. , Hufke A. , Hugo C. , Lawrence C. , McGeorge C. , McInnes A. M. , Makhado A. M. , Mashau M. , Milne R. , Purves A. , Slier M. , van der Merwe C. , van Wilgen N. J. , Waller L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

African penguins are among the most threatened seabird species globally and an African Penguin Biodiversity Management Plan (BMP) published in 2013 guides conservation strategies to prevent their extinction. To counter the impact of past guano exploitation which reduced the nesting habitat of these burrowing seabirds, rendering them vulnerable to predators and extreme weather events, a suite of artificial nests was deployed in various colonies over the past decades with varying success. The BMP called for new nest designs to maximise breeding output.

This study assesses African penguin breeding success over the past 14 years in four types of artificial nests and in natural nests at all major colonies in South Africa.

Overall, artificial nests outperformed natural nests and successfully increased breeding output of African penguins by 16.5% (95% CI: 6.7–26.2). No design was, however, consistently most effective across locations. For example, fibreglass nests had the poorest hatching success of all nest types at one colony (Bird Island), but outperformed cement nests at another (Boulders Beach). The latest design of double‐layered ceramic nests tended to perform better than other artificial nests, although not consistently at all colonies and occupancy rates were low in some areas.

Practical implication. The deployment of artificial nests proved to be a successful conservation measure for African penguins although the variety of habitats in the different colonies seems to have prevented a one solution‐fits‐all approach. The consistent poor breeding output in some areas in all nest types (<30% at the mainland colony in Simons' Town and the islands in Algoa Bay) further calls for colony‐specific conservation strategies beyond artificial nests, while the continuous decline in African penguin numbers globally calls for broader measures urgently, primarily increasing access to their forage fish prey.
Impact of Secondary‐Phase Particle Morphology on Grain Growth in Pure Copper Using a Phase Field Simulation Approach
Authors: Bhuiyan M. Nabil , Nakhmanson Serge , Frame Lesley D. 
Published: October 2024

Microstructural stability of polycrystalline alloys depends on the motion of grain boundaries during heat treatment. The presence of second‐phase particles (SPP) is one of the most effective mechanisms to stabilize the polycrystalline structure by pinning grain boundaries. The current study utilizes phase field modeling to determine the impact of particle size, morphology, and number distribution on grain growth in a face centered cubic copper system. The simulation results indicate that a distinct relationship exists between grain boundary motion and particles of different shapes. Above a minimum area fraction threshold for SPP, the number of particles per unit area emerges as the primary factor controlling the rate of grain growth. Particle shape aspect ratio shows influence on pinning grain boundaries as well with elongated particle shapes demonstrating improved grain boundary pinning, especially when oriented with the long axis parallel to the migrating grain boundary. The results presented here are in good agreement with experimentally observed trends, and the validation of a simplified phase field model allows for added complexity in future simulations.
Perylene‐Based Dyes in Dye‐Sensitized Solar Cells: Structural Development and Synthetic Strategies
Authors: Giordano Marco , Cardano Francesca , Barolo Claudia , Viscardi Guido , Fin Andrea 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe versatile absorption and fluorescence properties alongside the outstanding chemical and photostability make the rylene‐based derivatives one of the most investigated compounds in the field of third‐generation solar cells. Over the last 25 years, an intensive research activity has made the rylene‐based derivatives one of the most interesting and modular class of sensitizers in the dye‐sensitized solar cells. This critical analysis compares and discusses the state of the art of the rylene‐based dyes, starting from the pioneering studies on the perylene bisimides to the latest N‐annulated rylene derivatives. The focus of this review is to discuss the structure‐to‐properties relationship highlighting how critical points have been overcome and what are the most recent approaches toward the achievement of novel record efficiencies in the dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Enhanced Organic Solvent Nanofiltration Membranes with Double Permeance via Laser‐Induced Graphitization of Polybenzimidazole
Authors: Kim Seong Heon , Khan Muhammad Ajmal , Im Kwang Seop , Kang Pilgyu , Nam Sang Yong 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis study investigates the fabrication of organic solvent nanofiltration (OSN) membranes through laser‐induced graphitization of polybenzimidazole (PBI). Employing a CO2 laser, the polymer is converted into graphene, resulting in controlled submicron‐scale porous 3D structures, a feat not achievable with traditional methods such as chemical crosslinking. The effectiveness of this process hinges on precise adjustments of laser parameters, such as fluence, to attain the ideal graphitization levels. The findings indicate that partial graphitization, as opposed to excessive, is crucial for preserving the membrane's microstructure and enhancing its functional properties. The partially graphitized PBI‐LIG (Polybenzimidazole ‒ Laser‐induced Graphene) membranes achieved up to 94% rejection of Congo red from ethanol, with an ethanol permeance rate of 12.14 LMH bar−1—nearly twice that of standard PBI membranes. Additionally, these membranes showcased outstanding chemical stability and solvent resistance, maintaining over 99% structural integrity and experiencing <1% weight loss after prolonged exposure to various industrial solvents over a week. These results highlight the potential of laser‐graphitized PBI membranes for applications in harsh chemical conditions, paving the way for further optimization of high‐performance OSN membranes. This research advances membrane technology, merging laser engineering with materials science, and contributes to environmental sustainability and industrial efficiency.
Bandgap Engineering of TiO2 for Enhanced Selectivity in Photoelectrochemical Glycerol Oxidation
Authors: Pecoraro Claudio M. , Wu Siming , Santamaria Monica , Schmuki Patrik 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe application of photoelectrochemical cells to the partial oxidation of biomass represents a promising avenue as a sustainable process for obtaining valuable products. However, achieving both efficient conversion rates and high selectivity of desired products remains a great challenge. In this study, the photoelectrochemical oxidation of glycerol is investigated to produce dihydroxyacetone (DHA) as the primary target using TiO2 nanotubes (NTs) as the photoanode. Nitrogen doping is used to modify the TiO2 NTs, resulting in enhanced visible light photoactivity in N‐doped NTs. These N‐doped NTs exhibit a high selectivity toward DHA and show a remarkable faradaic efficiency when irradiated with light at a wavelength of 450 nm, i.e., light that excites N‐related states in the band gap of TiO2. The N‐doped material also exhibits remarkable stability over prolonged reaction periods. The superior performance of N‐doped NTs can be attributed to the band‐engineering effects induced by nitrogen doping. Specifically, N‐doping leads to an upward shift of the valence band, thereby adjusting the exit energy levels of photogenerated holes that result in a high selectivity toward glycerol conversion to DHA.
Innovative Fast‐Charging Protocol Incorporating Proactive Lithium‐Plating Suppression Pulses for Lithium‐Ion Batteries: Protocol Design, Validation, and Post‐Mortem Analysis
Authors: Ha Ye Ji , Roh Somi , Park Bo Keun , Kim Minsoo , Jeong Dong Ho , Kim Hyunjae , Kim Inwoo , Jo Yong Nam , Choi Jang Wook , Kim Ki Jae 
Published: October 2024

AbstractConventional fast‐charging using a high constant current can ultimately accelerate uncontrolled Li plating on the graphite anode, resulting in degradation and poor cycle life of Li‐ion batteries (LIBs). Therefore, identifying suitable fast‐charging methods for LIBs is beneficial for the widespread use of electric vehicles (EVs). Herein, an innovative fast‐charging protocol, designed by combining an active control pulse (ACP) with a multi‐step fast‐charging method (M‐ACP), is proposed to mitigate issues related to Li plating and byproduct formation on the graphite anode during fast‐charging. Because M‐ACP not only reduces charging time but also actively prevents Li plating on the graphite anode surface, the 60 Ah pouch cell used in EVs that employ the M‐ACP protocol exhibits an extended lifetime with no capacity fading over 2000 cycles. The degradation behavior of the negative electrodes, which is strongly correlated to the improved performance of M‐ACP cells, is demonstrated using non‐destructive diagnostic techniques and post‐mortem analyses. The M‐ACP cell exhibits significantly less active material and Li loss, and decreased solid electrolyte interphase layer growth on graphite, owing to effective mitigation of Li+ accumulation at the electrode/electrolyte interface. Consequently, the distinguished fast‐charging protocol effectively decelerates the degradation of the negative electrode, leading to outstanding electrochemical performance.
Biomarker pathway heterogeneity of amyloid‐positive individuals
Authors: Prosser Lloyd , Sudre Carole H. , Oxtoby Neil P. , Young Alexandra L. , Malone Ian B. , Manning Emily N. , Pemberton Hugh , Walsh Phoebe , Barkhof Frederik , Biessels Geert Jan , Cash David M. , Barnes Josephine ,   for the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: October 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONIn amyloid‐positive individuals, disease‐related biomarker heterogeneity is understudied.METHODSWe used Subtype and Stage Inference (SuStaIn) to identify data‐driven subtypes among cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) amyloid beta (1‐42)–positive individuals from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNIGO/2 [n = 376]). Variables included: CSF phosphorylated tau (p‐tau181), hippocampal and whole‐brain volume, logical memory (LM), composite Trail Making Test score, and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volumes. CSF amyloid‐negative, apolipoprotein E ε4 non‐carrier cognitively unimpaired controls (n = 86) were used to calculate z scores.RESULTSOne subtype (n = 145) had early LM changes, with later p‐tau and WMH changes. A second subtype (n = 88) had early WMH changes, were older, and more hypertensive. A third subtype (n = 100) had early p‐tau changes, and reflected typical Alzheimer's disease. Some amyloid positive (n = 43) individuals were similar to the amyloid‐negative group.DISCUSSIONThis work identified heterogeneity in individuals who are conventionally considered homogeneous, which is likely driven by co‐pathologies including cerebrovascular disease.Highlights
Data‐driven modeling identified marker heterogeneity in amyloid‐positive individuals.
Heterogeneity reflected Alzheimer's disease‐like, vascular‐like, and mixed pathology presentations.
Some amyloid‐positive individuals were more similar to amyloid‐negative controls.
Vascular pathology plays a key role in understanding heterogeneity in those on the amyloid pathway.
Frontoparietal network integrity supports cognitive function in pre‐symptomatic frontotemporal dementia: Multimodal analysis of brain function, structure, and perfusion
Authors: Liu Xulin , Jones Peter Simon , Pasternak Maurice , Masellis Mario , Bouzigues Arabella , Russell Lucy L. , Foster Phoebe H. , Ferry‐Bolder Eve , van Swieten John , Jiskoot Lize , Seelaar Harro , Sanchez‐Valle Raquel , Laforce Robert , Graff Caroline , Galimberti Daniela , Vandenberghe Rik , de Mendonça Alexandre , Tiraboschi Pietro , Santana Isabel , Gerhard Alexander , Levin Johannes , Sorbi Sandro , Otto Markus , Pasquier Florence , Ducharme Simon , Butler Chris , Le Ber Isabelle , Finger Elizabeth , Tartaglia Maria Carmela , Synofzik Matthis , Moreno Fermin , Borroni Barbara , Rohrer Jonathan D. , Tsvetanov Kamen A. , Rowe James B. ,   The GENFI consortium
Published: October 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONGenetic mutation carriers of frontotemporal dementia can remain cognitively well despite neurodegeneration. A better understanding of brain structural, perfusion, and functional patterns in the pre‐symptomatic stage could inform accurate staging and potential mechanisms.METHODSWe included 207 pre‐symptomatic genetic mutation carriers and 188 relatives without mutations. The gray matter volume, cerebral perfusion, and resting‐state functional network maps were co‐analyzed using linked independent component analysis (LICA). Multiple regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship of LICA components to genetic status and cognition.RESULTSPre‐symptomatic mutation carriers showed an age‐related decrease in the left frontoparietal network integrity, while non‐carriers did not. Executive functions of mutation carriers became dependent on the left frontoparietal network integrity in older age.DISCUSSIONThe frontoparietal network integrity of pre‐symptomatic mutation carriers showed a distinctive relationship to age and cognition compared to non‐carriers, suggesting a contribution of the network integrity to brain resilience.Highlights
A multimodal analysis of structure, perfusion, and functional networks.
The frontoparietal network integrity decreases with age in pre‐symptomatic carriers only.
Executive functions of pre‐symptomatic carriers dissociated from non‐carriers.
Investigating the feasibility of 18F‐flortaucipir PET imaging in the antemortem diagnosis of primary age‐related tauopathy (PART): An observational imaging‐pathological study
Authors: Lavrova Anna , Satoh Ryota , Pham Nha Trang Thu , Nguyen Aivi , Jack Clifford R. , Petersen Ronald C. , Ross Reichard R. , Dickson Dennis W. , Lowe Val J. , Whitwell Jennifer L. , Josephs Keith A. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONPrimary age‐related tauopathy (PART) is characterized by neurofibrillary tangles and minimal β‐amyloid deposition, diagnosed postmortem. This study investigates 18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET imaging for antemortem PART diagnosis.METHODSWe analyzed FTP PET scans from 50 autopsy‐confirmed PART and 13 control subjects. Temporal lobe uptake was assessed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics and voxel‐level uptake using SPM12 were compared between FTP‐positive and FTP‐negative cases. Intra‐reader reproducibility was evaluated with Krippendorff's alpha.RESULTSMinimal/mild and moderate FTP uptake was seen in 32% of PART cases and 62% of controls, primarily in the left inferior temporal lobe. No demographic or clinicopathological differences were found between FTP‐positive and FTP‐negative cases. High intra‐reader reproducibility (α = 0.83) was noted.DISCUSSIONFTP PET imaging did not show a specific uptake pattern for PART diagnosis, indicating that in vivo PART identification using FTP PET is challenging. Similar uptake in controls suggests non‐specific uptake in PART.Highlights
18F‐flortaucipir (FTP) PET scans were analyzed for diagnosing PART antemortem.
32% of PART cases had minimal/mild FTP uptake in the left inferior temporal lobe.
Similar to PART FTP uptake was found in 62% of control subjects.
No specific uptake pattern was found, challenging in vivo PART diagnosis.
Individualized, cross‐validated prediction of future dementia using cognitive assessments in people with mild cognitive symptoms
Authors: Borland Emma , Mattson‐Carlgren Niklas , Tideman Pontus ,   the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Stomrud Erik , Hansson Oskar , Palmqvist Sebastian 
Published: October 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONWe aimed to develop an algorithm to predict the individualized risk of future dementia using brief cognitive tests suitable for primary care.METHODSWe included 612 participants with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) or mild cognitive impairment (MCI) from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) study, assessed for at least 4 years or until progression to dementia. A logistic regression model, using cognitive tests as predictors and dementia progression as an outcome, stratified participants into low, intermediate, or high risk. A second model, including 1‐year cognitive test changes, was applied to the intermediate group. The models were replicated in 392 SCD/MCI participants from the BioFINDER‐1 study.RESULTSThe best two‐step model for predicting dementia incorporated Trail Making Test B (attention/executive function), Animal Fluency (verbal fluency), Mini‐Mental State Examination (global cognition), and 10‐word list recall (memory). The model's positive predictive value in ADNI was 85.8% and negative predictive value was 92.2% versus 62.5% and 95.6%, respectively, in BioFINDER‐1.DISCUSSIONThis two‐step model accurately predicts individualized dementia risk.Highlights
To our knowledge, this is the first algorithm for predicting all‐cause dementia using a novel two‐step model utilizing brief cognitive tests.
Applying a validated model including the Trail Making Test B, Animal Fluency, MMSE, Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale delayed, and immediate recall can robustly and accurately categorize individuals into low, intermediate, or high risk of dementia progression and can facilitate clinical decision‐making and personalized patient care.
We created an app that is available for research and educational purposes at https://brainapps.shinyapps.io/PredictAllCauseDementia to provide an individualized risk score for dementia progression.