bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparason of extraction methods for PCR detection of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) from cystic fibrosis patients
Authors: Ergunay Koray , Yurdakul Pinar , Sener Burcin , Ozcelik Ugur , Karabulut Erdem , Kiper Nural 
Published: February 2008

AbstractDirect detection of Burkholderia cepacia complex (BCC) and its genomovars from sputum by molecular tests emerges as a method for rapid identification. In this study, four DNA extraction methods were evaluated for the identification for BCC from sputum of CF patients. Sputa from 28 CF patients were aliquoted and spiked with BCC reference strain. Boiling, phenol-chloroform, CTAB methods and a commercial spin column kit was used for DNA extraction. Total DNA yields were determined by spectrophotometry and single-round recA PCR was used for detection of BCC. No significant difference was observed in DNA yields from different extraction methods. Lower limit of detection for recA PCR was determined as 106 cfu/ml. Amplification was observed in 7/16 (43.7%) of sputa for boiling, 8/16 (50%) of sputa for CTAB and 13/16 (81.2%) of sputa for phenol-chloroform method and spin column kit in the assay sensitivity range determined in the study. Phenol-chloroform and commercial spin column kit were found to be better suited for DNA purification from sputum of CF patients for BCC identification. Diagnostic impact of single-round recA PCR directly from sputum was limited to chronically-infected patients.
Review of surfactin chemical properties and the potential biomedical applications
Authors: Seydlová Gabriela , Svobodová Jaroslava 
Published: February 2008

AbstractSurfactin, a highly powerful biosurfactant produced by various strains of the genus Bacillus, exhibits antibacterial, antiviral, antitumor and hemolytic action. This anionic cyclic lipopeptide is constituted by a heptapeptide interlinked with a β-hydroxy fatty acid. Due to its amhipathic nature surfactin incorporates into the phospholipid bilayer and induces permeabilization and perturbation of target cells. The rising antibiotic resistance as well as a number of remarkable surfactin activities shows that it deserves special interest and is considered as a candidate compound for combating several health related issues. In this review, the current state of knowledge of surfactin properties, biomedical potential and limitations for its application is presented.
Primary total hip arthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck: Medium-term functional and radiographic outcomes
Authors: Džupa Valér , Pazdírek Pavel , Pacovský Vladimír , Bartoníček Jan , Skála-Rosenbaum Jiří 
Published: February 2008

AbstractThe number of complications after primary total hip arthroplasty for displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck is higher than that after operations for osteoarthritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the number of complications and mid-term functional and radiological findings of patients after primary THA for displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck. Between 1995 and 1998, we operated on a total of 89 patients for acute displaced intracapsular fractures of the femoral neck, i.e. Garden Type 3 and 4. In all the patients we evaluated intraoperative and early postoperative complications. We reviewed clinical and radiological results in 65 patients. The only intraoperative complication was abruption of the greater trochanter. Early postoperative complications occurred in 13 patients (15%). The specific complications, THA dislocation, occurred in 3 patients. Non-specific complications were recorded in 10 patients. No delayed healing of the surgical wound, neural lesion or early, delayed or late infection was recorded. Of 65 patients followed-up for an average of 78 months (range, 62–109 months), 8 patients underwent revision surgery. Of 57 patients with primary THA, very good and good clinical results according to the Harris Hip Score were recorded in 48 patients (84%) and poor results in only 2 patients (4%). Nine of 57 followed-up patients showed radiological signs of loosening (16%). The radiolucent line could be seen in 3 patients in the region of the cup, in 1 patient in the region of the femoral component and in 5 patients in both components. Clinical complaints that would result in indication for reimplantation were recorded in none of the mentioned patients. Number of complications, functional results and resumption of full self-reliance by patients after THA for an intracapsular fracture of the femoral neck are so positive that we consider the indication of THA for a displaced femoral neck fracture fully justified.
Research on Integrated Performance Assessment at the Post-Secondary Level: Student Performance Across the Modes of Communication
Authors: Glisan Eileen W. , Uribe Daniel , Adair-Hauck Bonnie 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:This article reports on a performance-based assessment research project conducted at the US Air Force Academy during the 2004–2005 academic year. The primary purpose of the research project was to measure post-secondary students’ progress towards meeting the Standards for Foreign Language Learning in the 21st Century – specifically the three modes of communication. The article explains how Integrated Performance Assessment measures learners’ language performance in light of current research in foreign language assessment. The paper demonstrates a sample Integrated Performance Assessment for a post-secondary Spanish culture and civilization course, and shares data on the students’ performance for the interpretive, interpersonal, and presentational modes of communication. Correlational data on the impact of middle and high school language learning on post-secondary language performance is also shared. Finally, the paper argues that, unlike traditional testing formats, integrated performance assessment connects teaching, learning, and assessment seamlessly.
Student Accounts of the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test: A Case for Validation
Authors: Cheng Liying , Fox Janna , Zheng Ying 
Published: February 2008

Abstract: The Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test (OSSLT) is a cross-curricular literacy test issued to all secondary school students in the province of Ontario. The test consists of a reading and a writing component, both of which must be successfully completed for secondary school graduation in Ontario. This study elicited 16 first language and second language student accounts of their OSSLT test-taking processes immediately after the March 2006 test administration. The analysis of these students’ accounts provided valuable information about the validity of the inferences drawn from the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test. These accounts suggest the complexity of the processes that the students engaged as they attempted to demonstrate their reading and writing skills on the test. The study has implications for test developers and test users regarding the interpretation of student test performance on the Ontario Secondary School Literacy Test.
Participants, Texts, and Processes in ESL/EFL Essay Tests: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Authors: Barkaoui Khaled 
Published: February 2008

Abstract:Essay tests are widely used to assess ESL/EFL learners’ writing abilities for instructional, administrative, and research purposes. Relevant literature was searched to identify 70 empirical studies on ESL/EFL essay tests. The majority of these studies examined task, essay, and rater effects on essay rating and scores. Less attention has been given to the effects of examinee factors, scoring methods, and assessment contexts. This absence seems mainly to be the result of a traditional concern with controlling for task and rater variability as ‘sources of measurement error.’ This article argues for viewing these factors as ‘sources of variability’ that contribute to the richness and uniqueness of the contexts within which writing performance and assessment occur and for taking them into account when interpreting and using essay test scores. The paper concludes with several implications for research and practice.
Partial Lexical Knowledge in Tests of Incidental Vocabulary Learning from L2 Reading
Authors: Bruton Anthony 
Published: February 2008

Abstract: This analysis evaluates the receptive tests of targeted lexical knowledge in the written medium, which are typically used in empirical research into lexical acquisition from reading foreign/second language texts. Apart from the types of second language cues or prompts, and the language of the responses, the main issues revolve around: (a) the recognition of partial knowledge, (b) the categorization of different subject responses, in closed and open formats, and (c) their quantification. Variations in response categorizations are questioned in particular on partial lexical knowledge, the capacity for multiple choice formats to cope with partial and correct knowledge, and the conversions of nominal scales to equal interval numerical scales.
Fluorophor Embedded MOFs Steering Gas Ultra‐Recognition
Authors: Shen Zhengqi , Li Weina , Tang Wenying , Jiang Xiuyun , Qi Kai , Liu Huan , Xu Wei , Xu Wenxing , Zang Simeng , Zhen Kangbo , Li Huizi , He Qingguo , Tu Min , Cheng Jiangong , Fan Zhiyong , Fu Yanyan 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThin‐film fluorescent sensors play critical roles in the gas sensing field. However, fluorescent sensing materials for practical applications are limited, because of the aggregation‐caused quenching (ACQ) effect and photobleaching. This study investigates a host–guest thin‐film fluorescence sensor by incorporating a fluorescent probe into a metal–organic framework (MOF). The fluorescent molecule Me4BOPHY‐1 acts as a recognition probe for the neurotoxin analog diethylchlorophosphite (DCP). The MOF (ZIF‐8) provides nanocavities for the confinement of guest molecules, which reduces the self‐aggregation of fluorescent molecules and pre‐enriches the target gas. By applying ZIF‐8 framework to disperse the fluorescent molecules, the ACQ effect of Me4BOPHY‐1 can be effectively overcome. The fluorescence quantum efficiency of the molecules is increased from 0.76% to 19.72%, which enables its ability for gas sensing with a fast response time of 3 s and a detection limit as low as 1.13 ppb. Besides, the MOF facilitates selectivity enhancement through the confinement effect, weakening the sensing response to the interference of HCl. Moreover, the confinement effect also ensures high photo‐stability as well as thermal stability. It can maintain fluorescence intensity under 4800 s’ laser irradiation. Thus, the host–guest design strategy offers a thin‐film fluorescence gas sensor with high 3S (sensitivity, selectivity, and stability) toward neurotoxin analytes.
Eliminating the Burn‐in Loss of Efficiency in Organic Solar Cells by Applying Dimer Acceptors as Supramolecular Stabilizers
Authors: Li Yanxun , Qi Feng , Fan Baobing , Liu Kai‐Kai , Yu Jifa , Fu Yuang , Liu Xianzhao , Wang Zhen , Zhang Sen , Lu Guanghao , Lu Xinhui , Fan Qunping , Chow Philip C. Y. , Ma Wei , Lin Francis R. , Jen Alex K.‐Y. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe meta‐stable active layer morphology of organic solar cells (OSCs) is identified as the main cause of the rapid burn‐in loss of power conversion efficiency (PCE) during long‐term device operation. However, effective strategies to eliminate the associated loss mechanisms from the initial stage of device operation are still lacking, especially for high‐efficiency material systems. Herein, the introduction of molecularly engineered dimer acceptors with adjustable thermal transition properties into the active layer of OSCs to serve as supramolecular stabilizers for regulating the thermal transitions and optimizing the crystallization of the absorber composites is reported. By establishing intimate π‐π interactions with small‐molecule acceptors, these stabilizers can effectively reduce the trap‐state density (Nt) in the devices to achieve excellent PCEs over 19%. More importantly, the low Nt associated with an initially optimized morphology can be maintained under external stresses to significantly reduce the PCE burn‐in loss in devices. This research reveals a judicious approach to improving OPV stability by establishing a comprehensive correlation between material properties, active‐layer morphology, and device performance, for developing burn‐in‐free OSCs.
Room‐Temperature Phosphorescence Hydrogel with Multiple Color Based on Salt‐Induced Aggregation
Authors: Yu Shunfeng , Zhang Jie , Chen Xiaoxiao , Wu Xinjun , Zhao Xin , Zhu Zhengdao , Zhang Jiawei , Zuo Yongkang , Zhao Chuanzhuang 
Published: April 2024

AbstractOrganic photoluminescent materials with room‐temperature phosphorescence (RTP) are of great interest, yet achieving RTP in hydrogels faces challenges due to water‐quenching effects. In this study, a straightforward method is presented to achieve RTP hydrogel using a self‐healing and salt‐hardening hydrogel. The hydrogel is synthesized by polymerizing acrylic acid (AA) with diethylenetriamine (DETA) as the dynamic crosslinker. The poly(acrylic acid)/DETA hydrogel could achieve an afterglow lasting 1.6 s after soaking with NaBr solution. The salt‐enhanced hydrophobic aggregation of the hydrogel network promotes the clustering of carboxyl groups and oxygen atoms, resulting in a rigid environment that suppresses nonradioactive transitions and leads to the manifestation of RTP. Additionally, the dynamic association of AA‐DETA allows the freeze‐dried hydrogel powder to be blended with various hydrophobic dyes, leading to a remodelable hydrogel with delayed emission of multiple colors. In general, by combining salt‐hardening property with self‐healing property together, a RTP hydrogel platform that can be facilely loaded with various organic dyes is proposed.
Low‐Cost, Large‐Area, and Highly Transparent Organic Glassy Scintillators for High Resolution X‐Ray Imaging
Authors: Quan Xin , Zhang Guo‐Zhen , Zhang Yang , Liao Qing , Chen Hong‐Ming , Lin Mei‐Jin 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe architectural design and fabrication of low‐cost, high‐performance organic scintillators are critical for medical imaging and material/device analysis. However, achieving large‐area and high‐transparency organic scintillators in a low‐cost and easy‐to‐implement method remains a challenge. Herein, a new design strategy for regulating the side chain length of maleimide derivatives is demonstrated to develop organic scintillators for achieving low‐cost, large‐area, and high spatial resolution in X‐ray imaging. The effective intermolecular interactions and relatively twisted molecular structure endow PAM‐M4 molecule with outstanding scintillator properties. More importantly, as demonstrated for the first time, pure organic glassy films with a diameter over 10 cm and high optical transparency can be prepared by the developed melt‐quenched method using PAM‐M4 crystal powder as a raw material. This glassy film exhibits excellent X‐ray imaging ability with a spatial resolution as high as 27.0 lp mm−1 at MTF = 0.20, which is one of the best results among reported organic scintillators. The results of this work not only develop a new design strategy for high‐performance organic scintillators but also demonstrate a reliable approach to fabricating large area screens with superior spatial resolution for medical or industrial X‐ray imaging applications.
Data‐driven classification of cognitively normal and mild cognitive impairment subtypes predicts progression in the NACC dataset
Authors: Edmonds Emily C. , Thomas Kelsey R. , Rapcsak Steven Z. , Lindemer Shannon L. , Delano‐Wood Lisa , Salmon David P. , Bondi Mark W. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONData‐driven neuropsychological methods can identify mild cognitive impairment (MCI) subtypes with stronger associations to dementia risk factors than conventional diagnostic methods.METHODSCluster analysis used neuropsychological data from participants without dementia (mean age = 71.6 years) in the National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center (NACC) Uniform Data Set (n = 26,255) and the “normal cognition” subsample (n = 16,005). Survival analyses examined MCI or dementia progression.RESULTSFive clusters were identified: “Optimal” cognitively normal (oCN; 13.2%), “Typical” CN (tCN; 28.0%), Amnestic MCI (aMCI; 25.3%), Mixed MCI‐Mild (mMCI‐Mild; 20.4%), and Mixed MCI‐Severe (mMCI‐Severe; 13.0%). Progression to dementia differed across clusters (oCN < tCN < aMCI < mMCI‐Mild < mMCI‐Severe). Cluster analysis identified more MCI cases than consensus diagnosis. In the “normal cognition” subsample, five clusters emerged: High‐All Domains (High‐All; 16.7%), Low‐Attention/Working Memory (Low‐WM; 22.1%), Low‐Memory (36.3%), Amnestic MCI (16.7%), and Non‐amnestic MCI (naMCI; 8.3%), with differing progression rates (High‐All < Low‐WM = Low‐Memory < aMCI < naMCI).DISCUSSIONOur data‐driven methods outperformed consensus diagnosis by providing more precise information about progression risk and revealing heterogeneity in cognition and progression risk within the NACC “normal cognition” group.
Sex‐specific associations between AD genotype and the microbiome of human amyloid beta knock‐in (hAβ‐KI) mice
Authors: Dunham Sage J. B. , Avelar‐Barragan Julio , Rothman Jason A. , Adams Eric D. , Faraci Gina , Forner Stefania , Kawauchi Shimako , Tenner Andrea J. , Green Kim N. , LaFerla Frank M. , MacGregor Grant R. , Mapstone Mark , Whiteson Katrine L. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractINTRODUCTIONEmerging evidence links changes in the gut microbiome to late‐onset Alzheimer's disease (LOAD), necessitating examination of AD mouse models with consideration of the microbiome.METHODSWe used shotgun metagenomics and untargeted metabolomics to study the human amyloid beta knock‐in (hAβ‐KI) murine model for LOAD compared to both wild‐type (WT) mice and a model for early‐onset AD (3xTg‐AD).RESULTSEighteen‐month female (but not male) hAβ‐KI microbiomes were distinct from WT microbiomes, with AD genotype accounting for 18% of the variance by permutational multivariate analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). Metabolomic diversity differences were observed in females, however no individual metabolites were differentially abundant. hAβ‐KI mice microbiomes were distinguishable from 3xTg‐AD animals (81% accuracy by random forest modeling), with separation primarily driven by Romboutsia ilealis and Turicibacter species. Microbiomes were highly cage specific, with cage assignment accounting for more than 40% of the PERMANOVA variance between the groups.DISCUSSIONThese findings highlight a sex‐dependent variation in the microbiomes of hAβ‐KI mice and underscore the importance of considering the microbiome when designing studies that use murine models for AD.Highlights
Microbial diversity and the abundance of several species differed in human amyloid beta knock‐in (hAβ‐KI) females but not males.
Correlations to Alzheimer's disease (AD) genotype were stronger for the microbiome than the metabolome.
Microbiomes from hAβ‐KI mice were distinct from 3xTg‐AD mice.
Cage effects accounted for most of the variance in the microbiome and metabolome.
Revealing the Mechanism of Combining Best Properties of Homogeneous and Heterogeneous Catalysis in Hybrid Pd/NHC Systems
Authors: Prima Darya O. , Kulikovskaya Natalia S. , Novikov Roman A. , Kostyukovich Alexander Yu. , Burykina Julia V. , Chernyshev Victor M. , Ananikov Valentine P. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe formation of transient hybrid nanoscale metal species from homogeneous molecular precatalysts has been demonstrated by in situ NMR studies of catalytic reactions involving transition metals with N‐heterocyclic carbene ligands (M/NHC). These hybrid structures provide benefits of both molecular complexes and nanoparticles, enhancing the activity, selectivity, flexibility, and regulation of active species. However, they are challenging to identify experimentally due to the unsuitability of standard methods used for homogeneous or heterogeneous catalysis. Utilizing a sophisticated solid‐state NMR technique, we provide evidence for the formation of NHC‐ligated catalytically active Pd nanoparticles (PdNPs) from Pd/NHC complexes during catalysis. The coordination of NHCs via C(NHC)−Pd bonding to the metal surface was first confirmed by observing the Knight shift in the 13C NMR spectrum of the frozen reaction mixture. Computational modeling revealed that as little as few NHC ligands are sufficient for complete ligation of the surface of the formed PdNPs. Catalytic experiments combined with in situ NMR studies confirmed the significant effect of surface covalently bound NHC ligands on the catalytic properties of the PdNPs formed by decomposition of the Pd/NHC complexes. This observation shows the crucial influence of NHC ligands on the activity and stability of nanoparticulate catalytic systems.
PyrAtes: Modular Organic Salts with Large Stokes Shifts for Fluo‐rescence Microscopy
Authors: Saridakis Iakovos , Riomet Margaux , Belleza Oliver J. V. , Coussanes Guilhem , Singer Nadja K. , Kastner Nina , Xiao Yi , Smith Elliot , Tona Veronica , de la Torre Aurélien , Lopes Eric F. , Sánchez‐Murcia Pedro A. , González Leticia , Sitte Harald H. , Maulide Nuno 
Published: April 2024

AbstractThe deployment of small‐molecule fluorescent agents plays an ever‐growing role in medicine and drug development. Herein, we complement the portfolio of powerful fluorophores, reporting the serendipitous discovery and development of a novel class with an imidazo[1,2‐a]pyridinium triflate core, which we term PyrAtes. These fluorophores are synthesized in a single step from readily available materials (>60 examples) and display Stokes shifts as large as 240 nm, while also reaching NIR−I emissions at λmax as long as 720 nm. Computational studies allow the development of a platform for the prediction of λmax and λEm. Furthermore, we demonstrate the compatibility of these novel fluorophores with live cell imaging in HEK293 cells, suggesting PyrAtes as potent intracellular markers.
Development of wound dressing materials based on silk fibroin and transgenic silk fibroin with Arg‐Gly‐Asp motifs
Authors: Asakura Tetsuo , Kitayama Kasumi , Naito Akira 
Published: April 2024

AbstractIn this paper, wound dressing materials made of silk fibroin (SF) and transgenic SF with Arg‐Gly‐Asp motifs (TG‐RGD SF) were developed. Initially, an animal evaluation experiment with mice to demonstrate the usefulness of SF film as a wound dressing was performed. The amorphous SF film was shown to promote the formation of granulation tissue and neovessels in the dermis, leading to skin regeneration. As a result, amorphous SF film is suitable for use as a wound dressing materials. Then, the SF‐ Human umbilical vein endothelial cells signaling pathway was determined by cell proliferation assay with pharmacological inhibitors. Subsequently, a mice evaluation experiment to assess the promotion of healing effects using TG‐RGD SF was conducted and the results were compared with those obtained using SF. In the wound area evaluation and the quantitative evaluation of granulation tissue formation, the TG‐RGD SF film promoted dermis regeneration more than the SF film.