bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of biomass-to-water ratio and glycerol content to develop bioplastics from whole seaweed, Kappaphycus alvarezii
Authors: Hanry Eunice Lua , Surugau Noumie 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Many reports have described the development and properties of biodegradable plastics made from seaweed hydrocolloids, namely carrageenan, alginate, and agar. Although there is much potential, these seaweed extracts are expensive and require lengthy chemical treatment. In this study, the development of bioplastics using the whole biomass of red seaweed (Kappaphycus alvarezii) as base material, focusing on the optimization of the ratio of biomass (B) to water (W) and plasticizer (glycerol) concentration. The ratios (B: W) were 1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, and 1:90 (w/v), whereas glycerol was 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5% (v/v). The casting method was used for producing the bioplastics, and their physicochemical properties were tested using standard methods. As the water volume increases, tensile strength, colour intensity and opacity decrease while elongation-at-break and water vapour permeability increase. Similar trends were observed for the effect of increasing glycerol. All the bioplastics were fully degraded via soil burial within two weeks, and their shelf life lasted more than 14 weeks. Interestingly, the bioplastics developed at varied B: W ratios and glycerol concentration exhibit varied features that offer various applications, particularly food packaging.
High redox potential transition metals incorporated olivine structure: LiFe0.7(Mn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3)3x-yVyPO4 (x = 0.1, 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.10) cathode for Li-ion battery
Authors: Raj Hari , Verma Bharat , Rani Sonia , Sil Anjan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA series of LiFe0.7(Mn1/3Co1/3Ni1/3)3x−yVyPO4(x = 0.1,y = 0, 0.01, 0.02, 0.03, 0.04, 0.05, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10) compositions doped with high concentration (30 mol%) of transition metals having higher redox potential are synthesized by sol-gel process. In the composition, assumption is made that equal contents of Mn, Co and Ni are replaced simultaneously by vanadium (V), and changes in structural and electrochemical characteristics are systematically investigated. The X-ray diffraction analysis confirms that V is doped successfully into host lattice with 0.0 ≤ y ≤ 0.04, whereas a secondary phase Li3V2(PO4)3is observed for 0.05 ≤ y ≤ 0.10. The Rietveld refinement performed on XRD data shows continuous change in lattice parameters and cell volume with increasingy. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy study confirms the oxidation state of Fe, Mn, Co and Ni in + 2, whereas V in + 4 state. The electrochemical characteristics show the positive contribution of Li3V2(PO4)3in capacity as well as cycle life among doped samples.
Identification of an Optimal Threshold to Define Oliguria in Critically ill Patients: An Observational Study
Authors: Bianchi Nathan Axel , Altarelli Marco , Monard Céline , Kelevina Tatiana , Chaouch Aziz , Schneider Antoine Guillaume 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
The relevance of current consensus threshold to define oliguria has been challenged by small observational studies. We aimed to determine the optimal threshold to define oliguria in critically-ill patients.
Methods
Cohort study including adult patients admitted within a multi-disciplinary intensive care unit between January 1st 2010 and June 15th 2020. Patients on chronic dialysis or who declined consent were excluded. We extracted hourly urinary output (UO) measurements along with patient’s characteristics from electronic medical records and 90 days mortality from the Swiss national death registry. We randomly split our data into a training (80%) and a validation (20%) set. In the training set, we developed multivariable models to assess the relationship between 90-day mortality and the minimum average UO calculated over time windows of 3, 6, 12 and 24 hours. Optimal thresholds were determined by visually identifying cut-off values for the minimum average UO below which predicted mortality increased substantially. We tested models’ discrimination and calibration on the entire validation set as well as on a subset of patients with oliguria according to proposed thresholds.
Results
Among the 15'500 patients included in this analysis (training set: 12’440, validation set: 3’110), 73.0% (95% CI [72.3–73.8]) presented an episode of oliguria as defined by consensus criteria (UO < 0.5 ml/kg/h for 6 hours). Our models had excellent (AUC > 85% for all time windows) discrimination and calibration. The relationship between minimum average UO and predicted 90-day mortality was non-linear with an inflexion point at 0.2 ml/kg/h for 3 and 6 hours windows and 0.3 ml/kg/h for 12 and 24 hours windows. Considering a threshold of < 0.2 ml/kg/h over 6 hours, the proportion of patients with an episode of oliguria decreased substantially to 24.7% (95% CI [24.0–25.4]). Contrary to consensus definition, this threshold identified a population with a higher predicted 90-days mortality.
Conclusions
The widely used cut-off for oliguria of 0.5 ml/kg/h over 6 hours may be too conservative. A cut-off of 0.2 ml/kg/h over 3 or 6 hours is supported by the data and should be considered in further definitions of oliguria.
Examining Community Clinicians Use of Imaginal Exposure with Childhood Anxiety Disorders
Authors: Whiteside Stephen P.H. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Although community therapists rarely use exposure when treating youth with anxiety disorders, they are more likely to endorse the use of imaginal exposure, relative to in vivo or interoceptive exposure. Such use of imaginal exposure could reflect a sub-optimal replacement for in vivo exposure or a targeted intervention to address anxiety-provoking thoughts, such as in generalized anxiety disorder. The current study used the survey responses of 178 community-based clinicians to examine these competing hypotheses. The results indicated that therapist endorsement of more clearly defined imaginal exposure was significantly lower than other techniques such as cognitive restructuring or that imaginal exposure was other used instead of more intensive forms of exposures. In addition, most of the endorsed interventions were targeted at helping youth cope with anxiety rather than corrective learning. Alternatively, there was no observed association between imaginal exposure and treatment of general anxiety. These finding suggest that community therapist use of imaginal exposure is suboptimal and unlikely to improve treatment outcomes.
Neuron-derived Extracellular Vesicles in Blood Reveal Effects of Exercise in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Delgado-Peraza Francheska , Nogueras-Ortiz Carlos , Simonsen Anja Hviid , Knight De’Larrian DeAnté , Yao Pamela J. , Goetzl Edward J. , Jensen Camilla Steen , Høgh Peter , Gottrup Hanne , Vestergaard Karsten , Hasselbalch Steen Gregers , Kapogiannis Dimitrios 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background

Neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) in blood may be used to derive biomarkers for effects of exercise in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). For this purpose, we studied changes in neuroprotective proteins proBDNF, BDNF and humanin in plasma NDEVs from patients with mild to moderate AD participating in the randomized controlled trial (RCT) of exercise ADEX.

Methods

proBDNF, BDNF and humanin were quantified in NDEVs immunocaptured from the plasma of 95 ADEX participants, randomized into exercise and control groups, collected at baseline and 16-weeks. Exploratorily, we also quantified NDEV levels of putative exerkines known to respond to exercise in peripheral tissues.

Results

NDEV levels of proBDNF, BDNF and humanin increased in the exercise group, especially in APOE ε4 carriers, but remained unchanged in the control group. Inter-correlations between NDEV biomarkers observed at baseline were maintained after exercise. NDEV levels of putative exerkines remained unchanged.

Conclusions

Findings suggest that the cognitive benefits of exercise could be mediated by the upregulation of neuroprotective factors in NDEVs. Additionally, our results indicate that AD subjects carrying APOE ε4 are more responsive to the neuroprotective effects of physical activity. Unchanged NDEV levels of putative exerkines after physical activity imply that exercise engages different pathways in neurons and peripheral tissues. Future studies should aim to expand upon the effects of exercise duration, intensity, and type in NDEVs from patients with early AD and additional neurodegenerative disorders.

Trial registration:

The Effect of Physical Exercise in Alzheimer Patients (ADEX) was registered as ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT01681602 and was first submitted on April 30, 2012 and was first submitted that met QC criteria on September 5, 2012.
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis; a comparison between soy-based lipids and mix-based lipids in the high-risk surgical neonates
Authors: Shikha Anas , Sudhakaran Nadarajan 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Introduction:
Parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis (PNAC) in surgical neonates remains the most challenging complication associated with administering parenteral nutrition (PN). This is because surgical neonates are already under significant immune and metabolic stress compared to older children. This study compares the risk of PNAC developed in surgical neonates receiving Soy-based Lipids (IL) to those receiving Mix-based lipids (SL).
Method:
Sophisticated criteria are set to ensure equality of conditions and eliminate the factors that may invariably affect the results. The incidence and severity of PNAC are compared after 3 weeks of significant administration of lipid emulsion taking into consideration the control over the concomitant factors.
Results:
67 patients were included, 35 patients were in the IL group whilst 32 patients were in the SL group. There was no statistical significance between the 2 groups concerning the concomitant factors. After 21 days of being on >= 2g/kg/day of lipid emulsion, the cumulated incidence of PNAC in the IL group was 57% compared to 22% in the SL group. The absolute risk reduction (ARR) of SL is 35.27% whereas the odd ratio (OR) of IL is 4.76. The elevation of conjugated bilirubin and gamma-glutamyl transferase was about 50% less in the SL group but without statistical significance for the latter. Considering the premature surgical neonates, the ARR of SL and the OR of IL failed to prove statistical significance.
Conclusion:
The incidence and severity of PNAC are less in surgical neonates on SL compared to their counterparts on IL. However, these benefits are unclear in premature surgical neonates. The risk of PNAC in surgical neonates remains the highest, thus consideration of an alternative approach is recommended.
Comparing of anti-microbial properties of propolis and silver active agent doped cotton fabric
Authors: TURAN Necla YAMAN , KORCAN Safiye Elif , AYDIN Büşra 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
The aim of this study is to examine the anti-hygenic properties and washing resistance of cotton fabrics coated with propolis-loaded hydrogel. The anti-hygenic effect of AgNO3, which is frequently used as an antimicrobial agent in textile materials, and the antimicrobial effect of propolis were compared in this study for the first time. PVA and NaCMC were used for hydrogel production due to their biocompatibility and non-toxicity. The efficacy of propolis or AgNO3-doped hydrogel-impregnated cotton fabrics against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans fungus was investigated and compared with each other. As a result of the assessments, it was determined that propolis was a natural antibacterial agent that can be an alternative to AgNO3. When the content of the active substance used increased, so did the antibacterial effect and washing resistance. While SEM images were used to display the hydrogel coating, SEM-EDX was used to determine the silver content in the silver-doped layers. ATR-FTIR results also support the flavonoid and phenol contents in the structure of propolis. The changes in the basic comfort properties of the products were found at acceptable levels.
Geodesics on Regular Constant Distance Surfaces
Authors: Veerman J. J. P. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Suppose that the surfaces K0 and Kr are the boundaries of two convex, complete, connectedC2 bodies in R3. Assume further that the (Euclidean) distance between any point x in Krand K0 is always r (r > 0). For x in Kr, let Pi(x) denote the nearest point to x in K0. Weshow that the projection Pi preserves geodesics in these surfaces if and only if both surfacesare concentric spheres or co-axial round cylinders. This is optimal in the sense that the mainstep to establish this result is false for C1;1 surfaces. Finally, we give a non-trivial example of a geodesic preserving projection of two C2 non-constant distance surfaces. The question whether for any C2 convex surface S0, there is a surface S whose projection to S0 preserves geodesics is open.
2020 Mathematics Subject Classification: 52A15, 53A05.
A re-examination of the foundations of the cost of capital for regulatory purposes
Authors: Biggar Darryl 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In regulatory proceedings, few issues are more hotly debated than the cost of capital. This article seeks to formalise the theoretical foundation of cost of capital estimation for regulatory purposes. We find that several common regulatory practices lack a solid foundation in the theory. For example, the common practice of estimating a single cost of capital for the regulated firm suffers from a circularity problem, in that the estimate of the cost of capital depends on the regulated revenue allowance which, in turn, depends on the cost of capital. This problem is especially severe in the context of a multi-year regulatory period. We also show that, in the context of a multi-year regulatory period the cost of capital cannot be expressed as a weighted average of the cost of equity and the cost of debt. In addition, the relevant cost of debt cannot normally be estimated using the yield-to-maturity on a corporate bond. We suggest possible directions for reform of cost of capital practices in regulatory proceedings.
JEL Classification: K23 , L51
Style Matching CAPTCHA: Match Neural Transferred Styles to Thwart Intelligent Attacks
Authors: Ray Palash , Bera Asish , Giri Debasis , Bhattacharjee Debotosh 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Completely Automated Public Turing Test to Tell Computers and Humans Apart (CAPTCHA) is widely used to prevent malicious automated attacks on various online services. Text- and image-CAPTCHAs have shown broader acceptability due to usability and security factors. However, recent progress in deep learning implies that text-CAPTCHAs can easily be exposed to various fraudulent attacks. Thus, image-CAPTCHAs are getting research attention to enhance usability and security. In this work, the Neural Style Transfer (NST) is adapted for designing an image-CAPTCHA algorithm to enhance security while maintaining human performance. In NST-rendered image-CAPTCHAs, existing methods inquire a user to identify or localize the salient object (e.g., content) which is solvable effortlessly by off-the-shelf intelligent tools. Contrarily, we propose a Style Matching CAPTCHA (SMC) that asks a user to select the style image which is applied in the NST method. A user can solve a random SMC challenge by understanding the semantic correlation between the content and style output as a cue. The performance in solving SMC is evaluated based on the 1368 responses collected from 152 participants through a web-application. The average solving accuracy in three sessions is 95.61%; and the average response time for each challenge per user is 6.52 seconds, respectively. Likewise, a Smartphone Application (SMCApp) is devised using the proposed method. The average solving accuracy through SMC-App is 96.33%, and the average solving time is 5.13 seconds. To evaluate the vulnerability of SMC, deep learning-based attack schemes using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), such as ResNet-50 and Inception-v3 are simulated. The average accuracy of attacks considering various studies on SMC using ResNet-50 and Inception-v3 is 37%, which is improved over existing methods. Moreover, in-depth security analysis, experimental insights, and comparative studies imply the suitability of the proposed SMC.
Associations of Sperm Mitochondrial DNA Copy Number with Concentrations of Urinary Cadmium and Selenium
Authors: Aisyah Cindy Rahman , Mizuno Yuki , Masuda Momoka , Iwamoto Teruaki , Yamasaki Kazumitsu , Uchida Masahiro , Kariya Fumiko , Higaki Shogo , Konishi Shoko 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Elevated sperm mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) is associated with damage to sperm and poorer measures of semen quality. Exposure to cadmium (Cd) can increase oxidative stress and damage sperm mitochondria. The adverse effects of Cd can potentially be reduced by sufficient selenium (Se). The objective of this study was to examine the associations between sperm mtDNAcn and urinary concentrations of Cd, Se, and the Cd/Se molar ratio. Participants were recruited from patients who sought infertility treatment at two hospitals in Japan. Urine and semen specimens and self-administered questionnaires were collected on the day of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn was measured in extracted sperm DNA by multiplex real-time qPCR. Urinary Cd and Se concentrations were measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Cd/Se molar weights were calculated to obtain the molar ratio. Linear regression was used to predict associations after adjusting for age, BMI, smoking, drinking, exercise, varicocele, and hospital of recruitment. Sperm mtDNAcn showed statistically insignificant associations with urinary Cd (β = 0.13, 95% CI -0.18, 0.44), urinary Se concentration (β = -0.09, 95% CI -0.54, 0.35), and Cd/Se molar ratio (β = 0.12, 95% -0.13, 0.37). The current study did not find evidence of urinary Cd or Se concentrations or Cd/Se molar ratio being related to mtDNAcn.
Synthesis of zeolite-based Cu/Fe-X from coal gangue for Fenton-like catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B
Authors: Wang Lixiang , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Miaosen , Zhang Rui 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
In this paper, coal gangue, a solid waste is used as raw material to provide silicon and aluminum sources for synthesis of zeolite. A coal gangue zeolite based Cu/Fe-X catalyst is successfully prepared by immersion-calcination method, which is used to remove Rhodamine B from aqueous solution. The characterization results show that Cu and Fe have been successfully loaded on zeolite, not damaged its structure, and these nanoparticles are highly dispersed and low crystallinity. This special structure will enhance its catalytic ability to activate H2O2. The experiment showed that hydroxyl radical (•OH) was the main active species for catalytic degradation of Rhodamine B, and the circulation of Cu2+to Cu1+and Fe3+to Fe2+could synergistically produce •OH. Furthermore, the redox potential of Cu1+and Cu2+is lower than Fe2+and Fe3+, which can promote Fe3+ circulate to Fe2+, further promote Fe2+to activate H2O2 to decompose into •OH, and overcome the speed limiting step of Fenton-Like catalytic reaction. The Cu/Fe-X catalyst can activate H2O2 in wide pH range (1–10). Under optimal conditions the catalytic degradation rate can reach 99.9%, and the TOC removal rate is as high as 98.5%. Therefore, Cu/Fe-X/H2O2 system can effectively remove organic dyes, and has a high industrial application prospect.
Age estimation of Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) using methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM)
Authors: Arai Kana , Qi Huiyuan , Inoue-Murayama Miho 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAge is an important parameter that provides a better understanding towards biodemographic trends–development, survival, reproduction and environmental effects–which is critical for conservation. However, current methods to estimate age is difficult in many species and no standardised technique has been adopted. Here, we focus on the endangered Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) to examine the potential of estimating age from DNA methylation through two candidate age-related epigenetic genes and develop an age estimation model. DNA was extracted from blood samples (n= 53) from 25 known-aged captive individuals. Methylation rates of two genetic regions:RALYLandTET2were measured via methylation-sensitive high-resolution melting (MS-HRM) which is a labour-, time-, and cost-effective method. The developed DNA methylation-based age estimation model showed a significant correlation with chronological age for both markers:RALYL(cor = 0.54,p< 0.001) andTET2(cor = −0.60,p< 0.001). The final age estimation model combining both genes showed a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 5.56 years. This study highlights MS-HRM as a practical and convenient method to investigate the relationship between epigenetic modifications in age-related genes and chronological age in Asian elephants, and its potential to provide key life history information for future implications.
Identification of candidate metabolite biomarkers for metabolic syndrome and its five components in population-based human cohorts
Authors: Shi Mengya , Han Siyu , Klier Kristin , Fobo Gisela , Montrone Corinna , Yu Shixiang , Harada Makoto , Henning Ann-Kristin , Friedrich Nele , Bahls Martin , Dörr Marcus , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Homuth Georg , Grabe Hans J. , Prehn Cornelia , Adamski Jerzy , Suhre Karsten , Rathmann Wolfgang , Ruepp Andreas , Hertel Johannes , Peters Annette , Wang-Sattler Rui 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) consists of risk factors (abdominal obesity, hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL–C), hypertension, hyperglycemia) for cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. Here, we aim to identify candidate metabolite biomarkers of MetS and its risk factors to better understand the complex interplay of underlying signaling pathways.
Methods
We quantified serum samples of the KORA F4 study participants (N = 2,815) and analyzed 121 metabolites. Using multiple regression models adjusted for clinical and lifestyle covariates, we examined metabolites that have a Bonferroni significant MetS association, and replicated them in the SHIP-TREND-0 study (N = 988), and further analyzed for each of the five components of MetS. Database-based networks of the identified metabolites with interacting enzymes were also constructed.
Results
We identified and replicated 56 MetS-specific metabolites: 13 positively associated (e.g., Val, Leu/Ile, Phe and Tyr, sum of hexoses, 2 carnitines, and 6 lipids), and 43 negatively associated (e.g., Gly, Ser, and 40 lipids). Furthermore, most (89%) and least (23%) of the MetS-specific metabolites were separately associated with low HDL–C and hypertension among the components. One lipid, lysoPC a C18:2, was negatively associated with MetS and all of the five components, indicating patients with MetS and each of the risk factors had lowered concentrations of lysoPC a C18:2 compared to corresponding healthy controls. Our metabolic networks clarified our observations by revealing impaired catabolisms of branched-chain and aromatic amino acids, as well as higher rates of Gly catabolism.
Conclusion
Our identified candidate metabolite biomarkers are associated with the pathophysiology of MetS and its risk factors and could help develop therapeutic strategies to prevent type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. For example, higher levels of lysoPC a C18:2 may provide protection against MetS and its five risk components. More in-depth studies are necessary to determine the mechanism of key metabolites in the MetS pathophysiology.