bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) in the synthesis of luminescent NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles
Authors: Birch Ross , Bruckbauer Jochen , Gajewska Marta , Cios Grzegorz , Pal Robert , MacKenzie Lewis E 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) can be used to produce upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) in an advantageous manner, i.e. at modest temperatures in open-to-air conditions with simple hotplate and flask apparatus. However, the influence of PVP parameters on the formation of UCNPs has not been previously investigated. In this exploratory study, we establish that PVP molecular weight and relative amount of PVP can greatly influence the morphology and diameter of NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs produced via the PVP-assisted route. At nominal amounts of PVP, varying the molecular weight of PVP in synthesis between 10,000 g mol−1 (PVP10), 40,000 g mol−1 (PVP40), and 55,000 g mol−1 (PVP55), had minimal effect on UCNP morphology, whereas reducing the quantity of PVP10 and PVP40 in the reaction to 10% of the nominal amount resulted in two notable effects: (1) the generation of a greater range of UCNP diameters and (2) the production of an unexpected sub-population of rhombus-shaped UCNPs. Bulk and individual nanoparticle analysis indicates that all UCNP morphologies were cubic (α-phase) crystal structure and consisted of NaYF4:Yb,Er. Optical emission properties exhibited only modest green and red luminescence emission ratio when PVP parameters were varied. However, separately produced PVP40 NaYF4:Yb,Tm UCNPs exhibited a much more intense and dual-band blue/red emission. This exploratory work demonstrates that tailoring PVP content in synthesis of UCNPs can greatly alter morphology of UCNPs produced and should be carefully considered in experimental design. However, the underlying mechanisms of action of the role PVP plays in this synthesis remain unclear. Ultimately, significant further work is still required to fully elucidate the relevant chemistry to achieve full control of PVP-UCNP synthesis.
Modeling and simulations for 2D materials: a ReaxFF perspective
Authors: Nayir Nadire , Mao Qian , Wang Tao , Kowalik Malgorzata , Zhang Yuwei , Wang Mengyi , Dwivedi Swarit , Jeong Ga-Un , Shin Yun Kyung , van Duin Adri 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Recent advancements in the field of two-dimensional (2D) materials have led to the discovery of a wide range of 2D materials with intriguing properties. Atomistic-scale simulation methods have played a key role in these discoveries. In this review, we provide an overview of the recent progress in ReaxFF force field developments and applications in modeling the following layered and nonlayered 2D materials: graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides, MXenes, hexagonal boron nitrides, groups III-, IV- and V-elemental materials, as well as the mixed dimensional van der Waals heterostructures. We further discuss knowledge gaps and challenges associated with synthesis and characterization of 2D materials. We close this review with an outlook addressing the challenges as well as plans regarding ReaxFF development and possible large-scale simulations, which should be helpful to guide experimental studies in a discovery of new materials and devices.
Wet flashover voltage improvement of the ceramics with dielectric barrier discharge
Authors: HUANG Chengshuo , XIE Xiangqian , ZHOU Yangyang , ZHU Xi , CUI Xinglei , FANG Zhi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Surface modification techniques with plasma are widely investigated to improve the surface insulation capability of polymers under dry conditions, while the relationship between treatment method, surface physical and chemical properties, and wet flashover voltage is still unclear for inorganic ceramics. In this work, the surface insulation properties of ceramics under wet conditions are improved using nanosecond-pulsed dielectric barrier discharge with polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as the precursor. The relationships between PDMS concentration and the water contact angle, dry and wet flashover voltages are obtained to acquire the optimal concentration. The surface charge dissipation test and surface physio-chemical property measurement with SEM, AFM, XPS are carried out to further explore the mechanism of surface insulation enhancement. The results show that film deposition with micron thickness and superhydrophobicity occurs at the PDMS concentration of 1.5%. The dry flashover voltage is increased by 14.6% due to the induction of deep traps, while the wet flashover voltage is increased by 66.7%. The gap between dry-wet flashover voltage is decreased by 62.3% compared with the untreated one due to the self-cleaning effect.
Schiller on Aesthetic Education as Radical Ethical-Political Remedy
Authors: Leontiev Kim 
Published: May 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the iconic conception of aesthetic education in the work of Friedrich Schiller, with the aim of elucidating Schiller’s unique innovation of this notion in understanding i) the relationship between aesthetic and ethical value and ii) the transformative possibilities within a collective, social dimension of aesthetic experience. The paper provides an overview of the Kantian origins of Schiller’s aesthetic programme (Section 1). It then considers Schiller’s critique of the perceived failings of the Kantian and Enlightenment republican models of ethical value and political emancipation (Section 2) before turning to his positive alternative aesthetic programme (Section 3). The paper concludes (Section 4) with some evaluation and reflection on Schiller’s original contributions.
Understanding the Accumulation of Health-Related Inequities Over the Life Course Using the Mean Cumulative Count
Authors: LeMasters Katherine , Renson Audrey , Zalla Lauren , Martin Chantel L , Edwards Jessie K 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Understanding how health inequities develop over time is necessary to inform interventions, but methods for doing so are underutilized. We provide an example of the accumulation of stressful life events using the mean cumulative count (MCC), which estimates the expected number of events per person as a function of time, allowing for censoring and competing events. Data came from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997, a nationally representative data set. To compare the MCC with standard practice, we present the proportions of persons experiencing 1, 2, and ≥3 stressful events and the cumulative probability of experiencing at least 1 event by the end of follow-up. Our sample included 6,522 individuals aged 18–33 years who were followed for a median of 14 years. Using the MCC, by age 20 years the expected number of encounters was 56 events per 100 participants for Black non-Hispanic persons, 47 per 100 for White non-Hispanic persons, and 50 per 100 for Hispanic persons. By age 33 years, inequities grew to 117, 99, and 108 events per 100 persons, respectively. The MCC revealed that inequities in stressful events accumulate over the course of early adulthood, partially driven by repeat events; this information was not evident from conventional approaches. This method can be used to identify intervention points for disrupting the accumulation of repeat events to improve health equity.
Deciphering the hormone regulatory mechanisms of storage root initiation in sweet potato: challenges and future prospects
Authors: Mathura Sarah R 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) is an economically important food crop that is grown primarily for its edible storage roots. Several researchers have consequently been conducting studies to increase sweet potato yield, and an important aspect of this research involves understanding how storage root initiation occurs. Although significant progress has been made, several challenges associated with studying this crop have resulted in lagging progress compared to other crops and thus sweet potato storage root initiation is not clearly understood. This article highlights the most important aspects of the hormone signalling processes during storage root initiation that needs to be investigated further and suggests candidate genes that should be prioritized for further study, based on their importance in storage organ formation in other crops. Lastly, ways of overcoming the challenges associated with studying this crop are suggested.
Antibodies from serum and CSF of multiple sclerosis patients bind to oligodendroglial and neuronal cell-lines
Authors: Nazir Faisal Hayat , Wiberg Anna , Müller Malin , Mangsbo Sara , Burman Joachim 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is a highly complex and heterogeneous disease. At the onset it often presents as a clinically isolated syndrome. Thereafter relapses are followed by periods of remissions, but eventually, most patients develop secondary progressive multiple sclerosis. It is widely accepted that autoantibodies are important to the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis, but hitherto it has been difficult to identify the target of such autoantibodies. As an alternative strategy, cell-based methods of detecting autoantibodies have been developed. The objective of this study was to explore differences in the binding of antibodies from sera and CSF of multiple sclerosis patients and controls to oligodendroglial and neuronal cell-lines, related to antibody type, immunoglobulin (IgG/IgM), matrix (serum/CSF) and disease course. The oligodendroglial and neuronal cell-lines were expanded in tissue culture flasks and transferred to 96-well plates at a concentration of 50 000 cells/well followed by fixation and blocking with bovine serum albumin. Sera and CSF samples, from healthy controls and multiple sclerosis patients, were incubated with the fixed cells. Epitope binding of immunoglobulins (IgG and IgM) in sera and CSF was detected using biotinylated anti-human IgM and IgG followed by avidin conjugated to horseradish peroxidase. Horseradish peroxidase activity was detected with 3,3′,5,5′-tetramethylbenzidine substrate. Serum from 76 patients and 30 controls as well as CSF from 62 patients and 32 controls were investigated in the study. The binding was similar between clinically isolated syndrome patients and controls, whereas the largest differences were observed between secondary progressive multiple sclerosis patients and controls. Antibodies from multiple sclerosis patients (all disease course combined) bound more to all investigated cell-lines, irrespectively of matrix type, but binding of immunoglobulin G from CSF to human oligodendroglioma cell-line discriminated best between multiple sclerosis patients and controls with a sensitivity of 93% and a specificity of 96%. The cell-based enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was able to discriminate between multiple sclerosis patients and controls with a high degree of accuracy. The disease course was the major determinant for the antibody binding.
Fosmanogepix Therapy of Disseminated Fusarium Infection
Authors: Winston Drew J , Young Patricia A , Schlamm Haran T , Schiller Gary J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Invasive Fusarium infections cause high mortality. Fosmanogepix, a first-in-class antifungal agent, has potent activity against Fusarium. A patient with acute leukemia with invasive fusariosis, probably involving the central nervous system and caused by Fusarium lactis resistant to currently available antifungal agents, was cured of her infection with fosmanogepix. Fosmanogepix was well tolerated.
Critically ill patients with acute kidney injury: clinical determinants and post-mortem histology
Authors: Gleeson Patrick James , Crippa Ilaria Alice , Sannier Aurélie , Koopmansch Caroline , Bienfait Lucie , Allard Justine , Sexton Donal J , Fontana Vito , Rorive Sandrine , Vincent Jean-Louis , Creteur Jacques , Taccone Fabio Silvio 
Published: May 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Acute kidney injury (AKI) requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the intensive care unit (ICU) portends a poor prognosis. We aimed to better characterize predictors of survival and the mechanism of kidney failure in these patients.

Methods
This was a retrospective observational study using clinical and radiological electronic health records, analysed by univariable and multivariable binary logistic regression. Histopathological examination of post-mortem renal tissue was performed.

Results
Among 157 patients with AKI requiring RRT, higher serum creatinine at RRT initiation associated with increased ICU survival [odds ratio (OR) 0.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.62, P = .001]; however, muscle mass (a marker of frailty) interacted with creatinine (P = .02) and superseded creatinine as a predictor of survival (OR 0.26, 95% CI 0.08–0.82; P = .02). Achieving lower cumulative fluid balance (mL/kg) predicted ICU survival (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.00–1.01, P &lt; .001), as supported by sensitivity analyses showing improved ICU survival with the use of furosemide (OR 0.40, 95% CI 0.18–0.87, P = .02) and increasing net ultrafiltration (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.95–0.99, P = .02). A urine output of &gt;500 mL/24 h strongly predicted successful liberation from RRT (OR 0.125, 95% CI 0.05–0.35, P &lt; .001). Post-mortem reports were available for 32 patients; clinically unrecognized renal findings were described in 6 patients, 1 of whom had interstitial nephritis. Experimental staining of renal tissue from patients with sepsis-associated AKI (S-AKI) showed glomerular loss of synaptopodin (P = .02).

Conclusions
Confounding of creatinine by muscle mass undermines its use as a marker of AKI severity in clinical studies. Volume management and urine output are key determinants of outcome. Loss of synaptopodin implicates glomerular injury in the pathogenesis of S-AKI.
The Vitamin D Metabolite Ratio (VMR) is a Biomarker of Vitamin D Status That is Not Affected by Acute Changes in Vitamin D Binding Protein
Authors: Dugar Anushree , Hoofnagle Andrew N , Sanchez Amber P , Ward David M , Corey-Bloom Jody , Cheng Jonathan H , Ix Joachim H , Ginsberg Charles 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
25-hydroxyvitamin D[25(OH)D] may be a poor marker of vitamin D status due to variability in levels of vitamin D binding protein (VDBP). The vitamin D metabolite ratio (VMR) is the ratio of 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D[24,25(OH)2D3] to 25(OH)D3 and has been postulated to reflect vitamin D sufficiency independent of variability in VDBP. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) is a procedure that removes plasma, including VDBP, and may lower bound vitamin D metabolite concentrations. Effects of TPE on the VMR are unknown.

Methods
We measured 25(OH)D, free 25(OH)D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D[1,25(OH)2D], 24,25(OH)2D3, and VDBP in persons undergoing TPE, before and after treatment. We used paired t-tests to assess changes in these biomarkers during a TPE procedure.

Results
Study participants (n = 45) had a mean age of 55 ± 16 years; 67% were female; and 76% were white. Compared to pretreatment concentrations, TPE caused a significant decrease in total VDBP by 65% (95%CI 60,70%), as well as all the vitamin D metabolites—25(OH)D by 66% (60%,74%), free 25(OH)D by 31% (24%,39%), 24,25(OH)2D3 by 66% (55%,78%) and 1,25(OH)2D by 68% (60%,76%). In contrast, there was no significant change in the VMR before and after a single TPE treatment, with an observed mean 7% (−3%, 17%) change in VMR.

Conclusions
Changes in VDBP concentration across TPE parallel changes in 25(OH)D, 1,25(OH)2D, and 24,25(OH)2D3, suggesting that concentrations of these metabolites reflect underlying VDBP concentrations. The VMR is stable across a TPE session despite a 65% reduction in VDBP. These findings suggest that the VMR is a marker of vitamin D status independent of VDBP levels.
Neuronal motifs reveal backbone structure and influential neurons of neural network in C. elegans
Authors: Liu Jian , Yuan Ye , Zhao Peng , Gu Xiao , Huo Hong , Li Zhaoyu , Fang Tao 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Neural network elements such as motif, backbone and influential nodes play important roles in neural network computation. Increasing researches have been applying complex network methods in order to identify different essential structures within complex neural networks. However, the distinct properties of synapses that build the neural network are often neglected, such as the difference between chemical synapses and electrical synapses. By separating these distinct synapses, we can identify a novel repertoire of neural motifs and greatly expand neural motif families in neural systems. Based on the expanded motif families, we further propose a novel neural-motif-based algorithm to extract the backbone in the neural network. The backbone circuit we extracted from Caenorhabditis elegans connectome controls an essential motor behaviour in C. elegans. Furthermore, we develop a novel neural-motif-based algorithm to identify influential neurons. Compared with the influential neurons identified using existing methods, the neurons identified in this work provide more information in related to their functions. These methods have been successfully applied to identify a series of network features in C. elegans, providing a biologically interpretable way of exploring the structure of neural network.
ChagasDB: 80 years of publicly available data on the molecular host response to Trypanosoma cruzi infection in a single database
Authors: Brochet Pauline , Mouren Jean-Christophe , Hannouche Laurent , Lopez Fabrice , Ballester Benoit , Cunha-Neto Edecio , Spinelli Lionel , Chevillard Christophe 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Chagas disease is a parasitical disease caused by Trypanosoma cruzi which affects ∼7 million people worldwide. Per year, ∼10 000 people die from this pathology. Indeed, ∼30% of humans develop severe chronic forms, including cardiac, digestive or neurological disorders, for which there is still no treatment. In order to facilitate research on Chagas disease, a manual curation of all papers corresponding to ‘Chagas disease’ referenced on PubMed has been performed. All deregulated molecules in hosts (all mammals, humans, mice or others) following T. cruzi infection were retrieved and included in a database, named ChagasDB. A website has been developed to make this database accessible to all. In this article, we detail the construction of this database, its contents and how to use it.
Database URL https://chagasdb.tagc.univ-amu.fr
CIGAF—a database and interactive platform for insect-associated trichomycete fungi
Authors: Chaudhary Shalini , Wu Yibing , Strongman Doug , Wang Yan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Trichomycete fungi are gut symbionts of arthropods living in aquatic habitats. The lack of a central platform with accessible collection records and associated ecological metadata has limited ecological investigations of trichomycetes. We present CIGAF (short for Collections of Insect Gut–Associated Fungi), a trichomycetes-focused digital database with interactive visualization functions enabled by the R Shiny web application. CIGAF curated 3120 collection records of trichomycetes across the globe, spanning from 1929 to 2022. CIGAF allows the exploration of nearly 100 years of field collection data through the web interface, including primary published data such as insect host information, collection site coordinates, descriptions and date of collection. When possible, specimen records are supplemented with climatic measures at collection sites. As a central platform of field collection records, multiple interactive tools allow users to analyze and plot data at various levels. CIGAF provides a comprehensive resource hub to the research community for further studies in mycology, entomology, symbiosis and biogeography.
Chromosome-level genome assembly of an endangered plant Prunus mongolica using PacBio and Hi-C technologies
Authors: Zhu Qiang , Wang Yali , Yao Ning , Ni Xilu , Wang Cuiping , Wang Meng , Zhang Lei , Liang Wenyu 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Prunus mongolica is an ecologically and economically important xerophytic tree native to Northwest China. Here, we report a high-quality, chromosome-level P. mongolica genome assembly integrating PacBio high-fidelity sequencing and Hi-C technology. The assembled genome was 233.17 Mb in size, with 98.89% assigned to eight pseudochromosomes. The genome had contig and scaffold N50s of 24.33 Mb and 26.54 Mb, respectively, a BUSCO completeness score of 98.76%, and CEGMA indicated that 98.47% of the assembled genome was reliably annotated. The genome contained a total of 88.54 Mb (37.97%) of repetitive sequences and 23,798 protein-coding genes. We found that P. mongolica experienced two whole-genome duplications, with the most recent event occurring ~3.57 million years ago. Phylogenetic and chromosome syntenic analyses revealed that P. mongolica was closely related to P. persica and P. dulcis. Furthermore, we identified a number of candidate genes involved in drought tolerance and fatty acid biosynthesis. These candidate genes are likely to prove useful in studies of drought tolerance and fatty acid biosynthesis in P. mongolica, and will provide important genetic resources for molecular breeding and improvement experiments in Prunus species. This high-quality reference genome will also accelerate the study of the adaptation of xerophytic plants to drought.
Identification of Evolutionary Trajectories Shared across Human Betacoronaviruses
Authors: Escalera-Zamudio Marina , Kosakovsky Pond Sergei L , Martínez de la Viña Natalia , Gutiérrez Bernardo , Inward Rhys P D , Thézé Julien , van Dorp Lucy , Castelán-Sánchez Hugo G , Bowden Thomas A , Pybus Oliver G , Hulswit Ruben J G 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Comparing the evolution of distantly related viruses can provide insights into common adaptive processes related to shared ecological niches. Phylogenetic approaches, coupled with other molecular evolution tools, can help identify mutations informative on adaptation, although the structural contextualization of these to functional sites of proteins may help gain insight into their biological properties. Two zoonotic betacoronaviruses capable of sustained human-to-human transmission have caused pandemics in recent times (SARS-CoV-1 and SARS-CoV-2), although a third virus (MERS-CoV) is responsible for sporadic outbreaks linked to animal infections. Moreover, two other betacoronaviruses have circulated endemically in humans for decades (HKU1 and OC43). To search for evidence of adaptive convergence between established and emerging betacoronaviruses capable of sustained human-to-human transmission (HKU1, OC43, SARS-CoV-1, and SARS-CoV-2), we developed a methodological pipeline to classify shared nonsynonymous mutations as putatively denoting homoplasy (repeated mutations that do not share direct common ancestry) or stepwise evolution (sequential mutations leading towards a novel genotype). In parallel, we look for evidence of positive selection and draw upon protein structure data to identify potential biological implications. We find 30 candidate mutations, from which 4 (codon sites 18121 [nsp14/residue 28], 21623 [spike/21], 21635 [spike/25], and 23948 [spike/796]; SARS-CoV-2 genome numbering) further display evolution under positive selection and proximity to functional protein regions. Our findings shed light on potential mechanisms underlying betacoronavirus adaptation to the human host and pinpoint common mutational pathways that may occur during establishment of human endemicity.