bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Western Australian women's expectations for expanded NIPT—An online survey regarding NIPT for single gene, recessive and chromosomal conditions
Authors: Long Sarah , O'Leary Peter , Dickinson Jan E. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPrenatal screening has evolved rapidly following the introduction of non‐invasive prenatal testing (NIPT), with screening now available for an increasing number of conditions. We explored the attitudes and expectations of women within the context of using NIPT to detect multiple different single gene and chromosome conditions during pregnancy. An online survey was used to assess these issues with a sample of 219 women from Western Australia. In our study, the majority of women (96%) support of the concept of expanded NIPT for single gene and chromosome conditions provided the test involves no risk to the pregnancy and can provide the parents with relevant medical information about the fetus at any stage of pregnancy. 80% believed that expanded NIPT for single gene and chromosome conditions should be available at any stage during pregnancy and 68% of women indicated that test cost would be a factor in determining their participation in testing. Under half (43%) of the women favored an option to terminate a pregnancy at any stage if the fetus had a medical condition that would interfere with day to day functioning. The majority (78%) of women believed that testing for multiple genetic conditions would provide reassurance and lead to the delivery of a healthy child.
RO6807936 as a novel positron emission tomography (PET) radiotracer for in vitro and in vivo visualization and quantification of beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) in the rodent and baboon brain
Authors: Honer Michael , Polara Alessandra , Kuwabara Hiroto , Jacobsen Helmut , Pähler Axel , Hartung Thomas , Caruso Antonello , Esterhazy Daria , Stoffel Markus , Dannals Robert F. , Wong Dean F. , Borroni Edilio , Gobbi Luca C. 
Published: April 2023

The beta‐site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme (BACE1) is responsible for initiating the generation of beta‐amyloid, the major constituent of amyloid plaques in Alzheimer's disease (AD). The purpose of this study was to develop a specific BACE1 radioligand for visualization of the distribution pattern and quantification of the BACE1 protein in the rodent and monkey brain both in vitro by autoradiography and in vivo by positron emission tomography (PET). The BACE1 inhibitor RO6807936 originating from an in‐house chemical drug optimization program was selected based on its PET tracer‐like physicochemical properties and a favorable pharmacokinetic profile. Saturation binding analysis of [3H]RO6807936 revealed specific and high‐affinity binding (KD = 2.9 nM) and a lowBmaxvalue (4.3 nM) of the BACE1 protein in native rat brain membranes. [3H]RO6807936 binding showed a ubiquitous distribution on rat brain slices in vitro with higher levels in the CA3 pyramidal cell layer and the granule cell layer of the hippocampus. In a next step, RO6807936 was successfully radiolabeled with carbon‐11 and showed acceptable uptake in the baboon brain as well as a widespread and rather homogeneous distribution consistent with rodent data. In vivo blockade studies with a specific BACE1 inhibitor reduced uptake of the tracer to homogenous levels across brain regions and demonstrated specificity of the signal. Our data warrant further profiling of this PET tracer candidate in humans to investigate BACE1 expression in normal individuals and those with AD and as an imaging biomarker for target occupancy studies in clinical drug trials.
Design and development of novel potential inhibitors of the human USP21 enzyme using a pharmacophore‐based virtual screening technique
Authors: Roy Alankar , Luharuka Shreya , Paul Ishani , Ray Sujay 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAn overexpression and increase have been observed in the concentration and activity of the ubiquitin‐specific protease 21 (USP21) enzyme in many cancers, necessitating the need for the development of new inhibitor drugs against the same. The current study attempts to discover one such novel potential inhibitor of USP21 by the application of various bioinformatics techniques which include molecular modeling, pharmacophore mapping, pharmacophore‐based virtual screening, molecular docking, and ADMET prediction followed by molecular dynamics simulations. Following this inverted funnel‐like approach, we finally ended up with one ligand–ZINC02422616 which displays a very high binding affinity toward the USP21 domain. This ligand contains all the pharmacophoric features displayed by the compounds that are potential inhibitors of the USP21 domain. Moreover, it shows a favorable pharmacokinetic, pharmacodynamic, and ADMET profile, along with strong hydrophobic interaction and hydrogen bonding with the domain. Simulation studies showed that the complex remains stable over time, with the bound protein displaying a more constrained motion in the conformational space compared to the unbound form. The ligand showed a highly favorable free energy landscape/surface, forming several energy minima's in contrast to the unbound domain in which most conformations occupied a relatively higher energy state. Moreover, the ligand also displayed a Kd of 422.8 nM and a free energy of binding ΔG of −8.6 kcal/mol, both of which indicate a very high affinity toward the target domain. This potential drug candidate can then be used as a viable treatment method for many types of cancers caused by USP21.
Dysbiosis of oropharyngeal microbiome and antibiotic resistance in hospitalized COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Wu Jiani , Liu Wei , Zhu Lin , Li Nina , Luo Gengyan , Gu Ming , Peng Minwu , Zeng Shike , Wu Shu , Zhang Shengze , Chen Qiqi , Cai Meiqi , Cao Wei , Jiang Ying , Luo Chuming , Tian Dechao , Shi Mang , Shu Yuelong , Chang Guohui , Luo Huanle 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) pandemic is ongoing and multiple studies have elucidated its pathogenesis, however, the related‐ microbiome imbalance caused by SARS‐CoV‐2 is still not clear. In this study, we have comprehensively compared the microbiome composition and associated function alterations in the oropharyngeal swabs of healthy controls and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients with moderate or severe symptoms by metatranscriptomic sequencing. We did observe a reduced microbiome alpha‐diversity but significant enrichment of opportunistic microorganisms in patients with COVID‐19 compared with healthy controls, and the microbial homeostasis was rebuilt following the recovery of COVID‐19 patients. Correspondingly, less functional genes in multiple biological processes and weakened metabolic pathways such as carbohydrate metabolism, energy metabolism were also observed in COVID‐19 patients. We only found higher relative abundance of limited genera such as Lachnoanaerobaculum between severe patients and moderate patients while no worthy‐noting microbiome diversity and function alteration were observed. Finally, we noticed that the co‐occurrence of antibiotic resistance and virulence was closely related to the microbiome alteration caused by SRAS‐CoV‐2. Overall, our findings demonstrate that microbial dysbiosis may enhance the pathogenesis of SARS‐CoV‐2 and the antibiotics treatment should be critically considered.
Effects of cornstalk mulching and rainfall intensity on the quantity and quality of dissolved organic carbon in runoff: A field rainfall simulation at the plot scale
Authors: Li Tianyang , Liang Chuan , He Binghui , Li Siyue 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUnderscoring how crop mulching changes the dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in runoff is essential to understanding the sustainable application of cornstalk mulching. This study examined the runoff DOC quantity and quality in plots with and without cornstalk mulching under various rainfall intensities in a representative steep fallow land of southwestern China. Field rainfall simulations within a 60 min duration were conducted on the triplet plots (1.5 m × 1 m for a single plot) with bare soils under 30‐ and 90‐mm h−1intensities and with cornstalk mulching (air‐dried whole plants with 60% coverage and weight 1.65 kg per plot) under 90 mm h−1intensity, respectively. The concentration and loss of runoff DOC and its quality variables, including SUVA254(aromaticity of DOC), C:C (proportion of colored humic substances in DOC), and E4:E6 (fulvic acid to humic acid in DOC), are determined. Results showed that runoff DOC concentration and loss were both significantly higher at 90 mm h−1intensity than at 30 mm h−1intensity (p < 0.05), simultaneously, they were 52.6% and 53.2% higher in mulched plots than in bare plots (p < 0.05), respectively. Runoff SUVA254and C:C in bare plots were 90% and 88.9% higher in 30 mm h−1intensity than in 90 mm h−1intensity (p < 0.05), respectively. Whereas, E4:E6 of runoff was 12.3% higher in mulched plots than that in bare plots (p < 0.05). Our findings imply that cornstalk mulching enhances the export of runoff DOC with a decline in aromaticity and the molecular weight of humic substances.
The role of irradiance in controlling coralline algal calcification
Authors: Krieger Erik C. , Nelson Wendy A. , Grand Johan , Le Ru Eric C. , Bury Sarah J. , Cossais Amelie , Davy Simon K. , Cornwall Christopher E. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractCoralline algae are an essential element of benthic ecosystems throughout the ocean's photic zone. Yet, the role of light in shaping the physiology of coralline algae from cold‐water, low‐light habitats is poorly understood. Here, we assess the calcification physiology of five cool temperate coralline algae in response to different irradiance levels over 3 months. We show that in contrast to current models focused on warmer water species, previously observed enhancement of calcification rates by photosynthesis is largely limited to lower irradiances, and that the removal of CO2 from the calcifying fluid is not the underlying mechanism of this enhancement. Instead, this most likely occurs via two processes: (1) increased ion pumping rates to elevate the calcium carbonate saturation state in the calcifying fluid; and (2) a higher daytime pH in the diffusion boundary layer that raises calcifying fluid pH. However, as irradiance increases, ion pumping becomes increasingly saturated limiting further enhancements. Our results also suggest the existence of two calcification strategies in coralline algae and indicate that magnesium incorporation is determined by the magnesium to calcium ratio in the calcifying fluid ([Mg]CF/[Ca]CF). This study adds to our mechanistic understanding of calcification in coralline algae and fills in much needed knowledge about the role of light in controlling their physiology.
Investigation of the Reaction Kinetics of Poly(butylene terephthalate) and Epoxide Chain Extender
Authors: Himmelsbach Andreas , Standau Tobias , Kuhnigk Justus , Bubmann Tobias , Akdevelioglu Yavuz , Nofar Mohammadreza , Ruckdäschel Holger 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPolyesters, such as poly (butylene terephthalate) (PBT), owe a rather low melt strength, which is considered as not beneficial for foaming. To overcome this issue, a typical attempt is the incorporation of chemical modifications—so‐called chain extenders (CE)—in the reactive extrusion process. In this study, the reaction kinetic variables are investigated depending on the material and process parameters. For this purpose, different series of experiments are performed with varying PBT with different molecular weights and the commonly used CE, Joncryl ADR4468, on a micro compounder. The screw force is recorded and analyzed using an Avrami and an Arrhenius plot. First, the amount of CE is systematically varied. To study the course of the reaction in more detail, the reaction is stopped in a series of measurements (10, 30, 60, and 90 s after complete filling). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), and Raman spectra are recorded. In the second series, the effect of processing temperatures between 250 and 270 °C is investigated, and finally, in the third series, the average molecular weight of PBT is varied. It could be shown that the activation energy seems to be dependent on the initial molecular weight; lower molecular weights result in lower activation energy.
Transient Open‐Closed Loop Experimental Validation of a Nonlinear Two‐Phase Flow Distributed System
Authors: Vega Márcia Peixoto , de Carvalho Mateus Azevedo Dalbone , Oliveira Gabrielle Fontella de Moraes , Fernandes Lindoval Domiciano 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe oil well drilling process is a nonlinear system with transient nature. Conventional drilling is unable to assure safe and cost‐effective operation for fractured, cavernous, and highly permeable carbonate reservoirs, which contain the largest oil reserves worldwide. Concerning drilling technologies, Pressurized Mud Cap Drilling (PMCD) is suitable for the challenging scenario previously mentioned. According to PMCD technique, a sacrificial fluid is injected through the drill string and a light annular mud is pumped in countercurrent through the annulus region (bullheading), without surface return, forcing gas and drilled cuttings back to formation. A two‐phase flow distributed model (Drift Flux Model – DFM) is developed to properly describe the complex nature of the system. Also, an experimental facility, presenting field similarity, is employed to validate the open – closed loop schemes. The main objective of the controller (control reconfiguration with gain scheduling) is to regulate annulus pressure, handling gas kick, drilling fluid losses and inverse response dynamics. Besides, gas injection, migration and bullheading are studied. The simulations, validated through experimental data, highlight the methodology usefulness for field applications.
ICS‐SUFU standard: Theory, terms, and recommendations for pressure‐flow studies performance, analysis, and reporting. Part 1: Background theory and practice
Authors: Rosier Peter F. W. M. , Valdevenito Juan P. , Smith Phillip , Sinha Sanjay , Speich John , Gammie Andrew ,   The Members of the ICS Working Group PFS23
Published: April 2023

AbstractAimsThe working group (WG) initiated by the International Continence Society Standardization Steering Committee and supported by the Society of Urodynamics, Female Pelvic Medicine and Urogenital Reconstruction has revised the (1997) ICS Standard for pressure flow studies.MethodsBased on the ICS standard for developing evidence‐based standards, the WG developed this new ICS standard in the period from May 2020 to December 2022. A draft was posted on the ICS website in January 2023 to facilitate public discussion and the comments received have been incorporated into this final release.ResultsThe WG summarizes the theory and recommends the practice and the terms used for the diagnosis of voiding dysfunction for adult female and male patients without relevant neurological abnormalities, in part 1 of this standard. The WG has also recommended standard principles and parameters for objective and continuous grading of urethral resistance and detrusor voiding contraction on the basis of pressure flow studies in part 2. The recommendations for practice in this part have also the aim to increase the understanding of the physiology as well as the psychology of voiding. The potential effects of the laboratory situation of the test on the voiding as well as the role of the urodynamicist in this regard are discussed. The WG has recommended to use for diagnosis only the voidings that are considered representative by the patient.ConclusionA pressure flow study is the gold standard to assess voiding function and to quantify dysfunction. This part of the standard explains the clinical background, gives recommendations for the execution of a pressure flow study and lists relevant terms, parameters, and units of measurements.
Characterizing the Bitcoin network topology with Node‐Probe
Authors: Essaid Meryam , Lee Changhyun , Ju Hongteak 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn blockchain networks, topology discovery is a prerequisite when investigating the network characteristics (e.g., performance and robustness), which can provide a deeper comprehension of the behavior of the nodes and topology dynamicity. In this paper, we conduct a longitudinal study on the Bitcoin topology by collecting network snapshots from 2018 to 2022 with Node‐Probe, our topology discovery technique that uses recursive scanning to find all reachable nodes in the Bitcoin network. Using Node‐Probe, we have collected 5‐week‐long snapshots (36‐day‐long snapshots) of the Bitcoin main network and analyzed the network properties, community structure, and topology dynamicity. We confirm that our approach achieves a precision of 99% with a recall of 98% in inferring the topology. Analytical results on community structure show that the Bitcoin network has
more communities than what should be expected from a random network. Meanwhile, analytical results on dynamicity indicate that the topology stands firmly on heavy and long‐running nodes. Improving the propagation mechanism using master nodes could improve the propagation delay by proximity
compared with the Bitcoin default protocol. Considering a K‐anonymity attack, any transaction from one of the autonomous systems containing only a single Bitcoin node can easily be linked to real users' IP information.
Mechanical and electrical properties of carbon nanotube/epoxy/glass‐fiber composites intended for nondestructive testing
Authors: Qu Muchao , Cai Jinfeng , Li Xiaoqing , Wu Jin , Chen Hongji , Zheng Zhenxing , Nilsson Fritjof , Liu Shuiyan , Gao Qun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this study, ternary polymer composites sheets comprising glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy with various fractions of carbon nanotubes (CNT) were manufactured using hot‐pressing technology. A multiscale morphology analysis was presented using scanning electron microscopy. The thermal behavior of the glass fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) was investigated using thermogravimetric analysis, DSC, and DMA, which indicated an application temperature up to 71°C for the composites. Mechanical uniaxial stretching and three‐points bending tests showed that the addition of 0.1–0.2 wt% CNT decreased the dissipated energy of the specimen by 50% and increased the Young's modulus by more than 100%. During all stretching and bending measurements, the relative change in electrical resistance (RCR) was recorded as function of strain, revealing a relationship between the electrical signal and the applied deformation of the GFRP. Finally, the standard equation for fitting RCR versus strain was optimized, reducing the number of fitting parameters from five to three. The electrical and mechanical properties of the CNT/GF/epoxy composites show that they are suitable sensoring materials for wind‐turbine blades and other glass‐fiber reinforced epoxy constructions, especially for nondestructive testing.
Pediatric renal tumor epidemiology: Global perspectives, progress, and challenges
Authors: Libes Jaime , Hol Janna , Neto Joaquim Caetano de Aguirre , Vallance Kelly L. , Tinteren Harm van , Benedetti Daniel J. , Villar Gema Lucia Ramirez , Duncan Catriona , Ehrlich Peter F. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractPediatric renal tumors account for 3%–11% of childhood cancers, the most common of which is Wilms tumor or nephroblastoma. Epidemiology plays a key role in cancer prevention and control by describing the distribution of cancer and discovering risk factors for cancer. Large pediatric research consortium trials have led to a clearer understanding of pediatric renal tumors, identification of risk factors, and development of more risk‐adapted therapies. These therapies have improved event‐free and overall survival for children. However, several challenges remain and not all children have benefited from the improved outcomes. In this article, we review the global epidemiology of pediatric renal tumors, including key consortium and global studies. We identify current knowledge gaps and challenges facing both high and low middle‐incomes countries.
Synergistic effect of β‐nucleating agent and layered double hydroxide on high toughness of polypropylene composites
Authors: Guo Xincheng , Chen Yao , Guo Jianbing , Qin Jun , Lian Honglin , Lu Zongcheng , Chen Xiaolang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe crystalline behaviors and micromorphology of polymers have a large impact on the physical and mechanical properties, especially for polypropylene (PP) composites with toughening effect. In this work, the changes of the content ratio for layered double hydroxide (LDH) and β‐nucleating agent (CaHA), mechanical properties, and crystallization behaviors of PP/ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA)/LDH ternary composites are investigated by differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), polarizing optical microscopy (POM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and notched impact strength testing. The CaHA is used for synergistic toughening with LDH, and the highest notched impact strength is achieved in the 6PEL2 sample with CaHA of 0.03 phr and LDH of 5.70 phr, which is about 100% higher than that of pure PP. It is found from the crystallization behaviors and SEM images of the composites that 6PEL2 has the highest relative content of β‐crystals and the appearance of rougher interface and deformation pullout of the EVA phase in 6PEL2 because of dislocations in the β‐crystals and the formation of a large number of cavities absorbing the impact energy.
Risk factors for the deterioration of pulmonary function in primary ciliary dyskinesia
Authors: Fein Vanessa , Maier Christoph , Schlegtendal Anne , Denz Robin , Koerner‐Rettberg Cordula , Brinkmann Folke 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundPCD is a genetic disease leading to a decline in pulmonary function. There is only little knowledge of factors determining the long‐term pulmonary outcome. Especially adherence has not been addressed yet although being an independent risk factor for an increased loss of lung capacity in other chronic respiratory diseases.ObjectiveAssessing the impact of bacterial airway colonization and adherence on long‐term lung function in patients with PCD.MethodsData on colonization and lung function parameters like forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1, Z‐score) and lung clearance index (LCI2,5%) were collected for 7.01 ± 2.2 years (893 quarters) in 44 PCD patients. Adherence was classified as good, moderate or poor. The impact of both adherence and colonization was assessed for the long‐term course of FEV1, the association of colonization with lung function also quarterly.StatisticsKruskall–Wallis test, T test, ANOVA, linear regression, linear mixed model.ResultsChronic colonization did not show any impact on the for long‐term course of FEV1, but adherence was a significant factor: patients with good adherence showed better FEV1 at the end of the observation period than children with poor adherence (–0.15 ± 0.88 vs. –2.63 ± 1.79, p < 0.01).ConclusionAdherence has not yet been investigated for PCD. However, we found it to be a major significant factor affecting long‐term FEV1 in PCD. Thus, it should be taken into consideration in the treatment protocols for PCD.