bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct Visualization of Carbon Black Aggregates in Nitrile Butadiene Rubber by THz Near-field Microscope
Authors: Moon Youngil , Lee Haneol , Jung Jaekap , Han Haewook 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The use of filling agents for rubber reinforcement is beneficial in various industrial applications, and several experimentalmethods have been used to study the effect of fillers on rubber. However, due to the lack of a suitable imaging technique, fillerdispersion and distribution in rubber cannot be easily displayed. Thus, we utilize the THz near-field microscope (THz-NFM)to directly visualize the distribution of carbon black (CB) aggregates in nitrile butadiene rubber (NBR). The THz time-domainspectroscopy (THz-TDS) was used to evaluate the optical properties of the NBR specimens. Results revealed significantindices contrast between CB and NBR at the THz regime, which was attributed to the variation in electrical conductivities. Themicrographs of NBR in the THz-NFM revealed the distribution of CB aggregates. The area fraction (AF) of the CB aggregateswas calculated using a binary thresholding algorithm to compare with the transmission electron microscope method. Bothmethods yielded comparable AF values, suggesting, for the first time, that CB can be detected in the NBR without preprocessingthe specimens.
Time-dependent recruitment of GAF, ISGF3 and IRF1 complexes shapes IFNα and IFNγ activated transcriptional responses and explains mechanistic and functional overlap
Authors: Sekrecka Agata , Kluzek Katarzyna , Sekrecki Michal , Boroujeni Mahdi Eskandarian , Hasani Sanaz , Yamauchi Shota , Sada Kiyonao , Wesoly Joanna , Bluyssen Hans 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
To understand in detail the transcriptional and functional overlap of IFN-I and IFN-II activated responses, we used an integrative RNAseq-ChIPseq approach in Huh7.5 cells and characterized the genome-wide role of pSTAT1, pSTAT2, IRF9 and IRF1 in time-dependent ISG expression. For the first time, our results provide detailed insight in the timely steps of IFNα and IFNγ induced transcription, in which pSTAT1 and pSTAT2-containing ISGF3 and GAF-like complexes and IRF1 are recruited to individual or combined ISRE and GAS composite sites in a phosphorylation and time-dependent manner. Accordingly, composite genes displayed a more intermediate expression pattern, as compared to GAS (early) and ISRE genes (late), with the time- and phosphorylation-dependent recruitment of GAF, ISGF3 and IRF1 after IFNα stimulation and GAF and IRF1 after IFNγ. By sharing features of GAS and ISRE genes, composite genes were able to sustain IFN responsiveness in STAT1-, STAT2-, IRF9-, IRF1- and IRF9/IRF1-mutant Huh7.5 cells compared to Wt cells. Thus, the ISRE + GAS composite site acted as a molecular switch, depending on the timely available components and transcription factor complexes. As part of the increasing complexity, STAT1, STAT2 and IRF9 were identified as functional composite genes that are part of a positive feedback-loop controlling long-term IFNα and IFNγ responses. More important, in the absence of any one of the components, the positive feedback regulation of the ISGF3 and GAF components appeared to be preserved. Together, these findings provide further insight in the existence of a novel intracellular amplifier circuit prolonging ISG expression and controlling cellular responsiveness to different types of IFNs and subsequent antiviral activity. It also offers an explanation for the existing molecular and functional overlap between IFN-I and IFN-II activated ISG expression.
Novel mutation in NOD2 gene with report on three families with Blau syndrome (BS) from a single centre in India - case series and review of literature
Authors: Baisya Ritasman 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Blau syndrome ( BS ) , considered a rare pediatric autoinflammatory disease, is characterized by a triad of granulomatous arthritis, dermatitis and uveitis . Here we present a tale of three families evaluated in our outpatient department over the last two years (2020-2022). More than one member of the family was affected with either skin, ophthalmological and joint involvement with either biopsy-proven granuloma or a genetic mutation at NOD2 gene suggesting the diagnosis of BS. The third family had a novel pathogenic mutation in the NOD2 gene with clinical features of BS
Trans-activating mutations of the pseudokinase ERBB3
Authors: Elenius Klaus , Koivu Marika , Chakroborty Deepankar , Airenne Tomi , Johnson Mark , Kurppa Kari 
Published: February 2023

Abstract

Genetic changes in the ERBB family of receptor tyrosine kinases serve as oncogenic driver events and predictive biomarkers for ERBB inhibitor drugs. ERBB3 is a pseudokinase member of the family that, although lacking a fully active kinase domain, is well known for its potent signaling activity as a heterodimeric complex with ERBB2. Previous studies have identified few transforming ERBB3 mutations while the great majority of the hundreds of different somatic ERBB3 variants observed in different cancer types remain of unknown significance. Here, we describe an unbiased functional genetics screen of the transforming potential of thousands of ERBB3 mutations in parallel. The screen based on a previously described iSCREAM (in vitro screen of activating mutations) platform, and addressing ERBB3 pseudokinase signaling in a context of ERBB3/ERBB2 heterodimers, identified 18 hit mutations. Validation experiments in Ba/F3, NIH 3T3, and MCF10A cell backgrounds demonstrated the presence of both previously known and unknown transforming ERBB3 missense mutations functioning either as single variants or in cis as a pairwise combination. Drug sensitivity assays with trastuzumab, pertuzumab and neratinib indicated actionability of the transforming ERBB3 variants.
Compact and wideband nanoacoustic pass-band filters for future 5G and 6G cellular radios
Authors: Giribaldi Gabriel , Colombo Luca , Simeoni Pietro , Rinaldi Matteo 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The last half a century has seen an enormous growth in mobile communication, reflecting into an increasingly interconnected world. Nevertheless, the incessant demand for faster data-rates requires a shift to higher carrier frequencies, which translates to the need for more ubiquitous hardware due to the increased wave propagation losses. The 7-20 GHz range, located between the sub-6 GHz (5G FR-1) and the mm-wave (5G FR-2) spectrum, provides an excellent trade-off between network capacity and coverage. Such spectrum portion constitutes a yet-to-explore third frequency range (FR-3) for future 5G applications, and is foreseen to become the 6G mid-band, devoted to crowded urban area coverage. This work proposes a technological platform able to deliver CMOS-compatible, on-chip multi-frequency low-loss, wideband, and compact passband filters for cellular radios operating at mid-band frequencies, exploiting the micro-to-nano scaling of acoustic electromechanical resonators and filters. The presented results showcase the first-ever demonstrated low insertion loss bank of 7 nanoacoustic passive passband filters in the X-band, spanning more than 3 GHz of operation, all fabricated on the same substrate with state-of-the-art and low-complexity micro-machining process. Most of the filters showcase fractional bandwidths above 3% and sub-dB loss per stage, all in an extremely compact form factor, enabling the manufacturing of X-band filters and duplexers that can be integrated in mobile handsets at each antenna element. The novelty of the current results stems from the adoption of a high-crystallinity piezoelectric Sc-doped AlN thin film, together with an optimized resonator topology in terms of design and fabrication.
Broadband, angle-dependent optical characterization of asymmetric self-assembled nanohole arrays in silver
Authors: El-Ansary Z. , Kumar H. P. R. , Brioual B. , Petronijevic E. , Cesca T. , Scian C. , Mattei G. , Hasnaoui M. El , Sibilia C. , Belardini A. 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Plasmonic nanostructured materials made of nanohole arrays in metal are significant plasmonic devices exhibiting resonances and strong electromagnetic confinement in the visible and near-infrared range. As such, they have been proposed for use in many applications such as biosensing and communications. In this work, we introduce the asymmetry in nanoholes, and investigate its influence on the electromagnetic response by means of broadband experimental characterization and numerical simulations. As a low-cost fabrication process, we use nanosphere lithography, combined with tilted silver evaporation, to obtain a 2D hexagonal array of asymmetric nanoholes in Ag. Our experimental set-up is based on a laser, widely tunable in the near-infrared range, with precise polarization control in the input and in the output. We next resolve the circular polarization degree of the transmitted light when the nanohole array is excited with linear polarization. We attribute the disbalance of left and right transmitted light to the asymmetry of the nanohole, which we support by numerical simulations. We believe that the optimization of such simple plasmonic geometry could lead to multifunctional flat-optic devices.
A Contemporary Assessment of Patients Presenting to a Tertiary Medical Center with Peyronie’s Disease
Authors: Roadman Daniel , Wang Vinson , Beer Adam , Levine Laurence 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Peyronie’s disease continues to be poorly understood. We characterize the presenting features of Peyronie’s disease within a large cohort and elucidate the factors that correlate with surgical intervention. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed on 1483 consecutive patients to assess pre-operative predictors of surgical intervention for Peyronie’s disease. 1263 patients met inclusion criteria. Mean age was 55 ± 11 years with a mean duration of disease at presentation of 33.2 ± 42.5 months. Mean primary curvature was 49.8 ± 20.8°. Primary ventral curvature was present in 11.4% and 36.5% of patient had a multiplanar curvature. During penile duplex ultrasound evaluation indentation/narrowing deformities were appreciated in 76.0%, hourglass deformity in 10.1%, and hinge effect in 33.0% of patients. Calcification was seen in 30.1% of patients. Operative intervention occurred in 35.3% of patients. Severity of primary curvature (1.03 OR, p<0.001), hourglass deformity (1.82 OR, p=0.01), decreased tunical elasticity (1.20 OR, p=0.03), and prior intralesional collagenase clostridium histolyticum injections (2.94 OR, p <0.001) predicted surgical correction. Compared to historical studies, we found a higher incidence of severe degree of curvature, indentation deformities, hinge-effect, multiplanar curvature and penile calcifications. Ultimately, predictors of surgical intervention included those with worse erectile function and more severe characteristics.
Becoming an English language teacher over lines of desires
Authors: Nigar Nashid , Kostogriz Alex , Gurney Laura 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
The article explores the becoming of English language teachers, focusing on the past experiences of sixteen English language teachers, mostly prior to their migration to Australia. Findings revealed two lines of becoming and their intersections – the line of becoming an English language learner and the line of becoming an English language teacher. The histories of their ‘becoming’ demonstrate the interplay of socially produced desires and personal investment in professional learning and capabilities. Through exploring the assemblages within which their desires to become teachers were fomented and strengthened, we argue that the concept of English teachers’ ‘desired becoming’ provides a window into the formation of their professional identities as an interplay of the affective and the rational.
Day Surgery unit Robotics Thoracic surgery: feasibility and management
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Yuanqi , Zhou Yanwu , Gao Yang , Duan Chaojun , Zhang Chunfang 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background:Day surgery has been widely carried out in medical developed countries such as Europe and the United States with high efficiency, safety and economy. The development of thoracic day surgery started late, and currently only a few top three hospitals carry thoracic day surgery. In recent years, with the continuous in-depth application of the concept of accelerated rehabilitation surgery (ERAS) in the field of surgery, thoracic surgery ERAS has also entered clinical practice with remarkable results. At present, the application of day surgery in the field of thoracic surgery is still in its infancy, and the application of robot-assisted thoracic surgery in thoracic surgery has brought new opportunities for the popularization of day surgery in thoracic surgery.
Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 86 patients underwent thoracic day surgery under the application of robot-assisted surgery system and through systematic randomization method choose 86 patients underwent conventional thoracic surgery under the application of robot-assisted surgery system at our Institute between 2020 and 2022. We analyzed the clinical and pathological features between the two groups.
Results: The clinical feature of location of the nodules, the size of nodules, pN, histology and post-operative complications were homogenous between the two groups. The average age was significantly higher in the conventional mode group, the ratio of male patients and the patients with history of smoking were significantly lower in day-surgery mode group. The major surgical method in conventional mode group was lobectomy resection(48.8%). While the segmental resection was the major surgical in day surgery mode group. The hospital stay and the time of drain was significant longer in conventional mode group. And the total medical cost in conventional was more than day-surgery mode group. While the histology and post-operative complications were homogenous between the two group.
Conclusion: Before this, day surgery and robotics assistant surgery in thoracic surgery had been proved feasibility and safety. However, there was no report of day surgery unit robotics assistant thoracic surgery. Our clinical practice demonstrated that the method of day surgery unit robotics thoracic surgery is feasibility and safety enough.
The Impact of Verbal Communication Disturbance and Nonverbal Sensitivity on Social Functioning in Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Demirok Zeynep Nur , Akça Erdoğdu , Demirok Ömer , Sağ Yağmur , Kuşçu Mehmet Kemal 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Communication skills are vital to social functioning (SF). Patients with schizophrenia (SCH), a population with vital impairments in SF, are known to have difficulties in both verbal and nonverbal communication. To compare the influence of nonverbal sensitivity (NVS) and verbal communication disturbances (VCD) on SF, 38 SCH and 40 healthy controls (HC) were included in the present study. Mini Profile of Nonverbal Sensitivity Test (Mini-PONS Test) and Communication Disturbance Index (CDI) were respectively used to assess nonverbal and verbal abilities. The level of SF was determined using Social Functioning Scale (SFS). The severity of illness was measured with Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANNS). Lower NVS and higher rate of VCD were found in SCH compared to HC. CDI and Mini-PONS total scores were significantly correlated with SFS total score in SCH, but not in HC. PANSS and Mini-PONS total scores remained a significant predictor of SFS total score in subsequent regression models in SCH. Symptom severity was shown to be a full mediator of the relationship between VCD and SF. The results indicate that the impairment of nonverbal communication skills have a salient impact on the decline in SF in schizophrenia.
Perioperative redox changes in patients undergoing hepato-pancreatico-biliary cancer surgery
Authors: Stevens Jia L , McKenna Helen T , BSc Helder Filipe , Lau Laurie , Fernandez Bernadette O , Murray Andrew J , Feelisch Martin , Martin Daniel S 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Background
Tissue injury induces inflammation and the surgical stress response, which are thought to be central to the orchestration of recovery or deterioration after surgery. Enhanced formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species accompanies the inflammatory response and triggers separate but integrated reduction/oxidation (redox) pathways that leads to oxidative and/or nitrosative stress (ONS). Quantitative information on ONS in the perioperative period is scarce. This single-centre exploratory study investigated the effects of major surgery on ONS and systemic redox status, and their potential associations with postoperative morbidity.
Methods
Blood was collected from 56 patients at baseline, end of surgery (EoS), and on day-1. Postoperative morbidity was recorded using the Clavien-Dindo classification and further categorised into minor, moderate and severe. Plasma/serum measures included markers of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances; TBARS, 4-hydroxynonenal; 4-HNE, 8-iso-prostaglandin F2⍺; 8-isoprostanes). Total reducing capacity was measured using total free thiols (TFTs) and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP). Nitric oxide (NO) formation/metabolism, was measured using cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), nitrite, nitrate and total nitroso-species (RxNO). Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-⍺) were measured to evaluate inflammation.
Results
Both oxidative stress (TBARS) and nitrosative stress (total nitroso-species) increased from baseline to EoS (+ 14%, P = 0.003 and + 138%, P < 0.001 respectively), along with an increase in overall reducing capacity (+ 9%, P = 0.03) at EoS and protein-adjusted total free thiols (+ 12%, P = 0.001) day-1 after surgery. Nitrite, nitrate and cGMP concentrations declined concomitantly from baseline to day-1. Baseline nitrate was 60% higher in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P = 0.003).The increase in intraoperative TBARS was greater in severe compared to minor morbidity (P = 0.01). The decline in intraoperative nitrate was more marked in the minor morbidity group compared to severe (P < 0.001), whereas the cGMP decline was greatest in the severe morbidity group (P = 0.006).
Conclusion
In patients undergoing major HPB surgery, intraoperative oxidative and nitrosative stress increased, whilst reductive capacity also increased. Baseline nitrate was inversely associated with postoperative morbidity, and the hallmarks of poor postoperative outcome include changes in both oxidative stress and NO metabolism.
Lead poisoning epidemiology, challenges and opportunities: first systematic review and expert censuses of the MENA region
Authors: Sukaiti Waleed Al , Shuhoumi Mohammed Abdullah Al , Balushi Hassan Al , Faifi Musa Al , Kazzi Ziad 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
Lead is the most ubiquitous heavy metal in the Earth's crust. Since prehistoric times, lead has widely propagated and mobilized in the environment, increasing its non-essential uptake and exposure. The amount of lead entering the atmosphere has reduced substantially in the majority of wealthy nations. Acute exposure becomes relatively low, but chronic exposure to low levels of lead remains a significant public health issue. However, disadvantaged groups are developing and industrializing countries in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Our current study comprises various sources of lead pollutant from 48 studies. Of these, 34 studies entered systematic review synthesis after quality assessment and evaluation using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The study sought to identify lead pollution sources, epidemiology and distribution and analyse lead poisoning clinical manifestations, management, challenges and opportunities throughout the MENA countries.
Plant Community Structure and Species Diversity Characteristics in Traditional Villages of Dong Nationality in Southeastern Guizhou and Their Interrelation
Authors: Chen Xuan , Huang Zongsheng , Zhang Yuanbo , Chen Haixia , Liu Lin , Zhang Hao , Liu Zhengji , Xiang Huiwen 
Published: February 2023

Abstract
To investigate the plant community structure and species diversity characteristics in the traditional villages of Dong nationality in Southeastern Guizhou and the interrelation between the two, the author adopts biodiversity theory, fractal theory, and forest stand spatial structure parameters to analyze the plant community structure and species diversity characteristics in the traditional villages of Dong nationality in Southeastern Guizhou. The coupling relationship between the two is also investigated. Results showed that: the plant communities in the traditional villages of Dong nationality display a low-degree clustering pattern, and the communities are in a transition from moderately mingled to stable states. Community structure parameters and species diversity are significantly different among different types of green spaces and three spaces, but show no significant changes under different topography and landforms. The spatial isolation degree of tree species in the arbor layer, the individual spatial distribution pattern and the spatial occupancy degree of the arbor layer are the main factors affecting species diversity in the arbor and shrub layer, while the main factor that affects the herb layer diversity is the competitiveness of the arbor layer. Dong culture acts as a key factor in maintaining the plant community structure and species diversity in the traditional villages of Dong nationality in Southeastern Guizhou. In the future, we need coordinate the relationship between ethnic cultural development and ecological environmental protection, strengthen ethnic culture construction to promote the sustainable development of biodiversity. This study can provide a theoretical foundation for the construction of plant landscapes under the background of rural revitalization, which is of important significance to the construction of an ecologically livable environment.