bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and productivity responses of Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) ecotypes to simulated grazing in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Kisambo Bosco Kidake , Wasonga Oliver V. , Koech Oscar K. , Karuku George N. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundLivestock production is an economically significant activity in grassland‐based production systems with herbivory, a critical process in modifying plant structure and regulating biomass dynamics in these areas.MethodsA grazing simulation experiment was undertaken in a semi‐arid environment in Kenya to determine the effects of clipping frequency and intensity on the morphology and productivity of Cenchrus ciliaris and Panicum maximum grass ecotypes. The ecotypes were clipped at different frequencies (every 2, 4, and 12 weeks) and different intensities (5, 10, and 15 cm clipping heights). The morphological responses of the grass ecotypes and biomass yields were determined.ResultsThe grass ecotypes showed significantly (p < 0.05) varied responses to cutting frequency and intensity. Morphological parameters, tillering, and biomass production were all affected by clipping frequency and intensity. The highest dry matter (DM) yields were recorded under low frequency (LF) clipping, followed by moderate frequency (MF) clipping and high frequency (HF) clipping. LF clipping in C. ciliaris ecotype Kilifi was 20% and 31% more compared to MF and HF clipping. No significant difference in yields was found by cutting the C. ciliaris ecotype Magadi at 4‐ and 12‐week intervals, even though clipping at 2‐week intervals cumulatively yielded less biomass. There was a biomass yield reduction in P. maximum ecotype Taveta of 23% and 25% for MF and HF clipping, respectively, while for ecotype Isinya, the reduction was 13% and 15% for MF and HF, respectively. Clipping intensity had a significant (p < 0.05) effect on cumulative yields in C. ciliaris ecotypes, but not P. maximum. Ecotypic differences were apparent in both C. ciliaris and P. maximum ecotype DM yields.ConclusionsThe results in this study suggest that clipping range grass ecotypes less frequently (4‐ and 12‐week intervals) and at 10 and 15 cm stubble heights results in higher biomass yields. Generally, LF and MF grazing and cutting strategies are advantageous for semi‐arid lands. Combinations of frequent and high‐intensity utilization grazing strategies should be discouraged as they are likely to lead to reduced biomass yields and negative effects both on grasses and on the environment.
Longitudinal associations of adherence to lifestyle recommendations and health‐related quality of life in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Vidra Nikoletta , Beeren Ivy , van Zutphen Moniek , Aben Katja K. , Kampman Ellen , Witjes J. Alfred , van der Heijden Antoine G. , Kiemeney Lambertus A. , Vrieling Alina 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAlthough the role of lifestyle in health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes has been increasingly recognized for various types of cancer, evidence in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC) is very limited. We aimed to evaluate the longitudinal association between adherence to the 2018 World Cancer Research Fund/American Institute for Cancer Research (WCRF/AICR) lifestyle recommendations and HRQoL in patients with NMIBC. This study included 1029 patients with NMIBC recruited between May 2014 and April 2017 from the Dutch multi‐centre prospective cohort study UroLife. Lifestyle and HRQoL data were collected at 6 weeks (baseline), 3 months and 15 months after diagnosis. Information on body mass index (BMI), physical activity, diet and alcohol was used to compute the standardized WCRF/AICR adherence score (0‐7). HRQoL outcomes were evaluated by the EORTC QLQ‐C30. Linear mixed models were used to assess longitudinal confounder‐adjusted associations between the WCRF/AICR adherence score and HRQoL outcomes. Adherence to each additional WCRF/AICR recommendation was associated with better global quality of life, physical, role and social functioning, and less fatigue. We found stronger inter‐individual than intra‐individual associations, suggesting that associations were mainly driven by between‐subject differences. Higher adherence to the BMI, physical activity and dietary recommendations was associated with better scores for most HRQoL outcomes, while adherence to the alcohol recommendation (ie, non‐consumption) was associated with worse HRQoL. Following the WCRF/AICR lifestyle recommendations may improve HRQoL in patients with NMIBC. Intervention studies are needed to establish whether the association between lifestyle and HRQoL is causal.
Fast and direct identification of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants via 2D InSe field‐effect transistors
Authors: Xu Duo , Li Junji , Xiong Yunhai , Li Han , Yang Jialin , Liu Wenqiang , Jiang Lianfu , Qu Kairui , Zhao Tong , Shi Xinyu , Zhang Shengli , Shan Dan , Chen Xiang , Zeng Haibo 
Published: January 2023

AbstractAs the COVID‐19 pandemic evolves and new variants emerge, the development of more efficient identification approaches of variants is urgent to prevent continuous outbreaks of SARS‐CoV‐2. Field‐effect transistors (FETs) with two‐dimensional (2D) materials are viable platforms for the detection of virus nucleic acids (NAs) but cannot yet provide accurate information on NA variations. Herein, 2D Indium selenide (InSe) FETs were used to identify SARS‐CoV‐2 variants. The device's mobility and stability were ensured by atomic layer deposition (ALD) of Al2O3. The resulting FETs exhibited sub‐fM detection limits ranging from 10–14 M to 10–8 M. The recognition of single‐nucleotide variations was achieved within 15 min to enable the fast and direct identification of two core mutations (L452R, R203M) in Delta genomes (p < 0.01). Such capability originated from the trap states in oxidized InSe (InSe1−xOx) after ALD, resulting in traps‐involved carrier transport responsive to the negative charges of NAs. In sum, the proposed approach might highly provide epidemiological information for timely surveillance of the COVID pandemic.image
Evaluation of chronic cigarette smoke exposure in human bronchial epithelial cultures
Authors: Tyrrell Jean , Ghosh Arunava , Manzo Nicholas D. , Randell Scott H. , Tarran Robert 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCigarette smoke (CS) exposure induces both cytotoxicity and inflammation, and often causes COPD, a growing cause of morbidity and mortality. CS also inhibits the CFTR Cl‐ channel, leading to airway surface liquid dehydration, which is predicated to impair clearance of inhaled pathogens and toxicants. Numerous in vitro studies have been performed that utilize acute (≤24 h) CS exposures. However, CS exposure is typically chronic. We evaluated the feasibility of using British‐American Tobacco (BAT)‐designed CS exposure chambers for chronically exposing human bronchial epithelial cultures (HBECs) to CS. HBECs are polarized and contain mucosal and serosal sides. In vivo, inhaled CS interacts with mucosal membranes, and BAT chambers are designed to direct CS to HBEC mucosal surfaces while keeping CS away from serosal surfaces via a perfusion system. We found that serosal perfusion was absolutely required to maintain HBEC viability over time following chronic CS exposure. Indeed, with this system, we found that CS increased inflammation and mucin levels, while decreasing CFTR function. Without this serosal perfusion, CS was extremely toxic within 24 h. We therefore propose that 5‐ and 10‐day CS exposures with serosal perfusion are suitable for measuring chronic CS exposure and can be used for monitoring new and emerging tobacco products.
Realization of the structural fluctuation of biomolecules in solution: Generalized Langevin mode analysis
Authors: Sugita Masatake , Hirata Fumio 
Published: January 2023

AbstractA new theoretical method, referred to as Generalized Langevin Mode Analysis (GLMA), is proposed to analyze the mode of structural fluctuations of a biomolecule in solution. The method combines the two theories in the statistical mechanics, or the Generalized Langevin theory and the RISM/3D‐RISM theory, to calculate the second derivative, or the Hessian matrix, of the free energy surface of a biomolecule in aqueous solution, which consists of the intramolecular interaction among atoms in the biomolecule and the solvation free energy.The method is applied to calculate the wave‐number spectrum of an alanine dipeptide in water for which the optical heterodyne‐detected Raman‐induced spectroscopy (RIKES) spectrum is available to compare with. The theoretical analysis reproduced the main features of the experimental spectrum with respect to the peak positions of the four bands around ~90 cm−1, ~240 cm−1, ~370 cm−1, and 400 cm−1, observed in the experimental spectrum, in spite that the physics involved in the two spectrum was not exactly the same: the experimental spectrum includes the contributions from the dipeptide and the water molecules interacting with the solute, while the theoretical one is just concerned with the solute molecule, influenced by solvation.Two major discrepancies between the theoretical and experimental spectra, one in the band intensity around ~100 cm−1, and the other in the peak positions around ~370 cm−1, are discussed in terms of the fluctuation mode of water molecules interacting with the dipeptide, which is not taken explicitly into account in the theoretical analysis.
EIF3D promotes resistance to 5‐fluorouracil in colorectal cancer through upregulating RUVBL1
Authors: Li Chaobin , Lu Kemei , Yang Chenggang , Du Wenfeng , Liang Zhengkai 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundAs EIF3D is oncogenic in colorectal cancer (CRC) and is associated with multidrug resistance, this study aims to investigate whether and how EIF3D regulates resistance to 5‐fluorouracil (5‐Fu) in CRC.MethodsEIF3D‐associated genes in CRC were predicted using bioinformatics tools. CRC cells and nude mice received 5‐Fu treatment. Then, the impacts of EIF3D and the interaction between EIF3D and RUVBL1 on cell viability, colony formation, apoptosis, and DNA damage were detected through MTT, colony formation, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence assays, and those on in vivo tumorigenesis through murine xenograft assay. IC50 value of 5‐Fu for CRC cells was determined by probit regression analysis. Expressions of EIF3D, eIF4E, EIF3D‐associated genes, γH2AX, Bcl‐2, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase‐3/Caspase‐3 in CRC tissues, cells, and/or xenograft tumors were analyzed by qRT‐PCR and/or Western blot.ResultsEIF3D and RUVBL1 were highly expressed and positively correlated with CRC tissues/cells. In CRC cells, except for eIF4E, both EIF3D and RUVBL1 levels were upregulated by 5‐Fu treatment; in addition to that, RUVBL1 level was downregulated by EIF3D silencing rather than eIF4E. Meanwhile, EIF3D silencing diminished IC50 value of 5‐Fu and potentiated 5‐Fu‐induced viability decrease, colony formation inhibition, apoptosis promotion, Bcl‐2 downregulation, and γH2AX, Bax, and Cleaved Caspase‐3/Caspase‐3 upregulation but reversed 5‐Fu‐triggered RUVBL1 upregulation. RUVBL1 overexpression offsets EIF3D silencing‐induced viability decrease and apoptosis promotion of 5‐Fu‐treated CRC cells, and tumorigenesis suppression and apoptosis promotion in 5‐Fu‐treated mice.ConclusionEIF3D promotes resistance to 5‐Fu in CRC through upregulating RUVBL1 level.
Two directional THz wave duplexer and filter based on graphene disks and rings
Authors: Mohammad Khani Amir Ali , Fouladian Majid , Mazloum Jalil 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCoating both sides of a dielectric spacer with graphene patterns, leads to a tunable meta surface which acts as a THz duplexer. Two separate channels, reflection and transmission are considered as outputs ports while the aim is to minimize absorption ration. The presented structure consists of periodic arrays of graphene patterns on both sides of silicon dioxide as substrate. Moreover, the patterns include disks and rings are biased differently compared to conventional patterns which makes it possible to achieve tunable behaviors versus external bias. utilizing equivalent circuit models (ECM) for graphene patterns and dielectric, the whole structure is modeled by passive RLC branches. According to the simulation outputs, the presented structure can transmit and reflect incident THz waves at desired frequencies in 0.1 THz to 30 THz which makes it an ideal candidate for manipulating THz waves in terms of transmission and reflection. The THz duplexer can transmit and reflect incident waves at 1–3.3 THz as wide‐band and 1.05 THz as narrow‐band operation. Such a tunable device is in great demand for indoor communications, security, less harmful medical imaging and space related researches.
A randomized study on the value of self‐directed versus traditional mentor‐led microsurgical training
Authors: Powell Michael S. , Gardner James Reed , Davis Kyle P. , Dunlap Quinn , King Deanne , Vural Emre , Moreno Mauricio Alejandro , Sunde Jumin 
Published: January 2023

AbstractObjectiveAnalyze efficacy of self‐directed resident microvascular training versus a mentor‐led course.Study DesignRandomized, single‐blinded cohort study.SettingAcademic tertiary care center.MethodsSixteen resident and fellow participants were randomized into two groups stratified by training year. Group A completed a self‐directed microvascular course with instructional videos and self‐directed lab sessions. Group B completed a traditional mentor‐led microvascular course. Both groups spent equal time in the lab. Video recorded pre and post‐course microsurgical skill assessments were performed to assess the efficacy of the training. Two microsurgeons, blinded to participant identity, evaluated the recordings and inspected each microvascular anastomosis (MVA). Videos were scored using an objective‐structured assessment of technical skills (OSATS), a global rating scale (GRS), and quality of anastomosis scoring (QoA).ResultsThe pre‐course assessment identified that the groups were well matched with only “Economy of Motion” on the GRS favoring the mentor led group (p = .02). This difference remained significant on the post assessment (p = .02) Both groups significantly improved in OSATS and GRS scoring (p < .05). There was no significant difference in OSATS improvement between the two groups (p = .36) or improvement in MVA quality between groups (p > .99). Time to completion of MVA significantly improved overall by a mean of 8 min and 9 s (p = .005) with no significant difference between post training times to complete (p = .63).ConclusionDifferent microsurgical training models have previously been validated as effective methods for improved MVA performance. Our findings indicate that a self‐directed microsurgical training model is an effective alternative to a traditional mentor driven models.Level of EvidenceLevel 2.
Assessing pH‐dependent activities of virulence factors secreted by Candida albicans
Authors: Ramos‐Pardo Asier , Castro‐Álvarez Rocío , Quindós Guillermo , Eraso Elena , Sevillano Elena , Kaberdin Vladimir R. 
Published: January 2023

AbstractCandida albicans is an opportunistic pathogen that can thrive under adverse conditions including suboptimal pH, nutrient scarcity, and low levels of oxygen. Its pathogenicity is associated with the production of virulence factors such as extracellular hydrolytic enzymes and toxins. This study was aimed at determining the effect of external pH, substrate nature, and strain origin on protease, lipase, and hemolysin production. To achieve this objective, agar plate assays were performed at pH 5.0, 6.5, and 7.5 with substrates suitable for the detection of each family of enzymes. Moreover, the study was conducted with 20 clinical C. albicans isolates from blood, oral cavity, skin, urine, and vagina. The hydrolytic zones formed around the colonies were further measured to calculate the Ez (enzymatic zone) indexes. We found that detection of proteases in skim milk agar plates was possible for most isolates only at pH 5 (80%) and pH 6.5 (75%), whereas BSA plates could confer protease detection exclusively at pH 5 (80%). Similarly, the percentage of isolates possessing lipolytic activities was higher at pH 5 (90%) than at pH 6.5 (70%) and pH 7.5 (35%). In contrast, hemolytic activities were detected in all isolates at pH 6.5 and 7.5 but not at pH 5. Further analysis revealed that some differences in the detected activities could potentially be attributed to the anatomical origin of these isolates. Collectively, these findings suggest that the pH of the site of infection might be critical for mimicking the microenvironment employed to experimentally discover the key virulence factors.
Optically tunable engineered macromolecular fluorescent material analyzed using optical parameters
Authors: Kumar Rajan , Kumar Nishkarsh , Chandel Shubham , Tiwari Akash , Ghosh Nirmalya , Shunmugam Raja 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThere are extensive reports on bathochromic emissive material associated with non‐covalent interaction but the reports on emissive material with covalent crosslinked approach is limited. Therefore, we highlight unique method for synthesis of crosslinked polymeric materials formed via thermal Click reaction where the static aggregate of naphthalene (Np) in Polym‐Np or pyrene (Py) in Polym‐Py showed energy tunable emission. Initially, the crosslinked polymeric materials were well‐characterized using spectroscopic and analytical methods like NMR, ATR‐FTIR, rheometer, TGA and optical analysis. The energy tunability to fluorescence emission with polynuclear aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) ‐ naphthalene and pyrene was observed. The quantum efficiency for the respective crosslinked polymers—Polym‐Np and Polym‐Py was found to be 2.54% and 8.72%. Moreover, the Full polarization fluorescence Mueller matrix (FLMM) spectroscopy was invoked to extract and quantify the molecular orientation of the ground and excited state of the crosslinked polymers—Polym‐Np and Polym‐Py. The polarization parameters (Fluorescence Diattenuation and Polarizance) based on fluorescence polarization showed that the PAHs within the crosslinked polymers found to be well organized in the excited state with respect to the ground state. Such materials have potential to application such as photocatalyst, chemosensor, etc.
Lightweight poly(vinylidene fluoride) based quaternary nanocomposite foams with efficient and tailorable electromagnetic interference shielding properties
Authors: Bai Yu'an , Wei Xinyi , Dun Dongxing , Bai Shijian , Zhou Hongfu , Wen Bianying , Wang Xiangdong , Hu Jing 
Published: January 2023

AbstractDriven by rapidly growing demands in fields such as mobile electronics, aerospace and military, the need for functional materials with lightweight, good environmental stability and efficient electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding properties has rose sharply. In this paper, quaternary nanocomposite foams comprising of poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF), carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and Ni were developed by a melt blending and supercritical CO2foaming technology. Compared with pure PVDF, the crystallization temperature of PVDF/2CNTs/2GNPs/12Ni nanocomposite increased remarkably from 139.0 to 144.9°C. Rising the nanofiller loading from 0 to 16 wt% led to the enhancements of around four orders of magnitude in the storage modulus of PVDF nanocomposites as well as about three orders of magnitude in their complex viscosity. For a typical PVDF/2CNTs/2GNPs/12Ni nanocomposite, its EMI shielding effectiveness reached 32.2 dB, brought by dielectric loss and magnetic loss. The electrical conductivity and EMI shielding effectiveness of PVDF nanocomposite foam achieved the optimum values of 0.84 S/m and 19.4 dB, respectively, which originated from the introduction of pore structure and the gradual generation of nanofiller‐nanofiller conductive networks. This study took a promising way toward the fabrication of materials with adjustable EMI shielding property in the fields of electronics and aerospace industries.
Research on mechanical properties of metal entangled structure‐silicone rubber composite vibration damping materials
Authors: Zhiying Ren , Jinming Li , Honglin Qin , Hongbai Bai , Guibin Tan , Shuncong Zhong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractMetal entangled structure is a porous metal damping material wound by spiral springs and formed by cold stamping. Its interior consists of interlocking and interlocking spiral springs. To further make the metal entangled structure have the characteristics of high stiffness and high damping at the same time, a high‐performance metal entangled structure‐silicone rubber composite damping material was designed. The viscoelastic properties, mechanical stability, deformation behavior, and damage mechanism of metal entangled structure‐silicone rubber composite were investigated by relaxation test, cyclic loading test, different loading rate test, and damage test, respectively. The effects of different preparation process parameters and loading conditions on the static mechanical properties of metal entangled structure‐silicone rubber composite were investigated. The experimental results show that metal entangled structure‐silicone rubber composite has good mechanical stability, insignificant viscoelasticity, and also variable damping and variable stiffness properties, and the load carrying capacity is substantially increased while maintaining good damping properties.
Long‐acting growth hormone in 2022
Authors: Steiner Margaret , Frank Jacklyn , Saenger Paul 
Published: January 2023

ABSTRACTAfter the isolation of pituitary growth hormone (GH) in 1957, this form of GH, always in limited supply, was the only drug available for the treatment of GH deficiency. In 1985, recombinant GH became available, and the modalities of GH therapies changed dramatically as the supply was unlimited. New indications for GH in pediatrics and adult medicine were developed. Treatment was daily. Now in 2021 long‐acting GH (LAGH) became available the world over making GH therapy more patient‐friendly and even showing slightly greater efficacy than daily GH therapy. We are now entering a new era of LAGH therapy for pediatric and adult use with new formulations of GH, which will predictably be the preferred form of GH therapy for years to come increasing adherence to GH therapy and possibly even efficacy, that is, better growth rate. The continued availability of new safety data will further solidify the use of LAGH in clinical medicine.