bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Order‐Disorder Transition of Triple Helical β‐1,3‐d‐Glucans in Aqueous Mixtures of Dimethyl Sulfoxide and Imidazole: Schizophyllan and its Chemically Modified Derivatives
Authors: Yoshiba Kazuto , Christensen Bjørn E. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSchizophyllan is a high molecular weight β‐1,3‐D‐glucan having three β‐1,3‐D‐glucoses and one branched β‐1,6‐D‐glucose in the repeating unit. It dissolves as a triple helix in aqueous solutions but exhibits two separate order‐disorder transitions: a low temperature cooperative order‐disorder transition (CODT) related mainly to the side chains, and a high temperature transition involving triplex dissociation. The branched side chain can be oxidized selectively by periodate oxidation to form a dialdehyde. Subsequent reactions may produce different kinds of derivatives: a dicarboxylated derivative (sclerox), or a Smith‐degraded (reduced dialdehyde) derivative. These derivatives still dissolve in water as trimers but the CODT may be strongly modified, depending on degree of chemical modification. The CODT behavior is analyzed with linear cooperative transition (LCT) theory. These theoretical analyses indicate that only unmodified units of sclerox and Smith degraded derivatives contribute to the transition enthalpy. With increasing degree of chemical modification, the transition curve broadens and the transition temperature shifts to lower temperatures. This happens because contiguous sequences of ordered structures gradually shorten with increasing degree of chemical modification. Dimethyl sulfoxide and imidazole are further employed to investigate solvent effects of CODT for both schizophyllan and the chemically modified derivatives. These compounds are shown to favorably associate with the unmodified units to stabilize the ordered structures.
Mechanical Properties of Polyvinyl Alcohol Stretched in Water as a Plasticizer
Authors: Ito Taiki , Nakaoki Takahiko 
Published: April 2023

AbstractStretching of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) hydrogel in water is investigated to obtain high mechanical properties. PVA crystallization is enhanced by high‐temperature annealing, as is thermal degradation. When the PVA film is annealed above 150 °C, the intensities for the C─H and C─O stretching modes decreased in the infrared spectrum, indicating thermal degradation. For freeze/thaw cycled gel, the microcrystallite is formed as a cross‐linking point. These microcrystallites can be a nucleator during water‐evaporating and annealing processes to obtain the film. Higher crystallinity is obtained when the gel is formed from a high concentration of PVA aqueous solution, such as 20 wt%. Young's modulus and maximum stress annealed at 140 °C after the film is formed during a freeze/thaw cycled gel from a 20% PVA aqueous solution is 15.1 GPa and 220 MPa, respectively. When the film is stretched at room temperature below six‐times stretching, the lamellar orients along the stretching axis without further crystallization. When the oriented film is stretched in water at 50 °C, the film is able to stretch more than seven times because water acted as a plasticizer. The highly oriented PVA, combined with the increase in crystallinity, results in a dramatic improvement in mechanical properties. Both the maximum stress and Young's modulus are as high as 3.2 and 142 GPa, respectively.
Preparation of Hydroxyapatite from Buffalo Bone and its Biodegradable Nanocomposite with Poly(Butylene Adipate‐co‐Terephthalate)
Authors: Acharya Arun , Puri Ramesh , Giri Jyoti , Malla Komal Prasad , Khatiwada Lekh Nath , Sharma Kamal Prasad , Maruyama Takahiro , Adhikari Rameshwar 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIs report, the extraction process for highly nanocrystalline hydroxyapatite (HAp) by thermal decomposition of the femur bone of buffalo and its utilization as filler to produce nanocomposite with poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT). Advanced analytical techniques (such as X‐ray diffraction [XRD], Fourier transform infrared [FTIR] spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscopy [SEM]) are employed to study the structural, chemical, and morphological properties of the HAp. The XRD analyses reveal that the crystallite size of HAp particles significantly increases from 10 (at 600 °C) to 40 nm (at 1100 °C) on increasing the calcination temperature. The formation of agglomerates (having diameters ranging from 1.75 to 2.72 µm) with thin flake‐like crystals of the HAp is revealed by the SEM analysis. The biodegradation properties of the 3D printed PBAT/HAp nanocomposites are investigated by water absorption and tris‐buffer tests. The extent of water absorption of the nanocomposites is found to increase with the amount of the nanofiller.
Double‐Edged Effects of Venglustat on Behavior and Pathology in Mice Overexpressing α‐Synuclein
Authors: Schidlitzki Alina , Stanojlovic Milos , Fournier Céline , Käufer Christopher , Feja Malte , Gericke Birthe , Garzotti Marco , Welford Richard W.D. , Steiner Michel Alexander , Angot Elodie , Richter Franziska 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundVenglustat is a brain‐penetrant, small molecule inhibitor of glucosylceramide synthase used in clinical testing for treatment of Parkinson's disease (PD). Despite beneficial effects in certain cellular and rodent models, patients with PD with mutations in GBA, the gene for lysosomal glucocerebrosidase, experienced worsening of their motor function under venglustat treatment (NCT02906020, MOVES‐PD, phase 2 trial).ObjectiveThe objective of this study was to evaluate venglustat in mouse models of PD with overexpression of wild‐type α‐synuclein.MethodsMice overexpressing α‐synuclein (Thy1‐aSyn line 61) or Gba‐mutated mice with viral vector‐induced overexpression of α‐synuclein in the substantia nigra were administered venglustat as food admixture. Motor and cognitive performance, α‐synuclein‐related pathology, and microgliosis were compared with untreated controls.ResultsVenglustat worsened motor function in Thy1‐aSyn transgenics on the challenging beam and the pole test. Although venglustat did not alter the cognitive deficit in the Y‐maze test, it alleviated anxiety‐related behavior in the novel object recognition test. Venglustat reduced soluble and membrane‐bound α‐synuclein in the striatum and phosphorylated α‐synuclein in limbic brain regions. Although venglustat reversed the loss of parvalbumin immunoreactivity in the basolateral amygdala, it tended to increase microgliosis and phosphorylated α‐synuclein in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, venglustat also partially worsened motor performance and tended to increase neurofilament light chain in the cerebrospinal fluid in the Gba‐deficient model with nigral α‐synuclein overexpression and neurodegeneration.ConclusionsVenglustat treatment in two mouse models of α‐synuclein overexpression showed that glucosylceramide synthase inhibition had differential detrimental or beneficial effects on behavior and neuropathology possibly related to brain region–specific effects. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
Cross‐Ethnic Variant Screening and Burden Analysis of PTPA in Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Li Chunyu , Lin Junyu , Jiang Qirui , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Huang Jingxuan , Hou Yanbing , Wei Qianqian , Cui Yiyuan , Wang Shichan , Xiaoting Zheng , Ou Ruwei , Liu Kuncheng , Chen Xueping , Song Wei , Zhao Bi , Shang Huifang 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundRecently, homozygous variants in PTPA were identified as the disease cause for two pedigrees with early‐onset parkinsonism and intellectual disability. Although the initial link between PTPA and parkinsonism has been established, further replication was still necessary.ObjectivesTo evaluate the genetic role of PTPA in Parkinson's disease (PD).MethodsWe analyzed rare variants of PTPA in cohorts of Asian and European ancestries (Ncase = 2743, Ncontrol = 8177) with whole‐exome sequencing, and further explored the functional effect of the target variant.ResultsOne patient with early‐onset PD from a consanguineous family carried the homozygous variant p.Met329Val, while her parents and elder sister with heterozygous p.Met329Val were healthy. This patient developed minor cognitive decline within 1 year, with a Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) score dropping from 28 to 25. Functional exploration with overexpression studies suggested that this variant was associated with decreased protein phosphatase 2A (PTPA) protein level by affecting protein stability, but not mRNA expression.ConclusionsThese results have broadened the mutation spectrum of PTPA, and paved the way for further research into the role of PTPA in PD. © 2023 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
No evidence of sustained recovery of native trout in response to angling suppression of invasive Brook Trout
Authors: Sinnatamby R. Niloshini , Cantin Ariane , Paul Andrew J. , Earle Jennifer , Post John R. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
Nonnative fish invasions have had widespread impacts on freshwater ecosystems, including effects on native fish biodiversity and persistence. Brook Trout Salvelinus fontinalis were first introduced into the Elbow River watershed (Alberta, Canada) in the 1940s. They have since become established in Quirk Creek, and they dominated the fish community by the mid-1990s, raising concern about the native populations of Westslope Cutthroat Trout Oncorhynchus clarkii lewisi and Bull Trout S. confluentus.

Methods
A targeted angling program was operated from 1998 to 2015, along with limited electrofishing removals, to suppress the Brook Trout population. We used 25 years of fish monitoring data from 1978 to 2020 to evaluate the program's effectiveness for reducing the Brook Trout population and the program's consequences for native trout.

Result
Densities of Brook Trout larger than 150 mm declined after the onset of the suppression project, and the decline was attributed to removals through angling. However, Brook Trout recruitment remained comparable to presuppression levels. Westslope Cutthroat Trout recruitment increased during and after Brook Trout suppression. Densities of Westslope Cutthroat Trout larger than 150 mm increased during the suppression period but did not reach density goals targeted for recovery of the species. Bull Trout remained at very low densities throughout the suppression project.

Conclusion
The lack of native trout recovery during the suppression project was hypothesized to result from (1) incidental release mortality of native trout, (2) Brook Trout suppression that was insufficient to prompt an effective response in native trout populations, or (3) a combination of these factors. Continued low densities of Brook Trout larger than 150 mm and native trout after the end of the suppression project (when harvest and incidental release mortality were alleviated) may point to some other factor impacting the recovery of trout larger than 150 mm, particularly Westslope Cutthroat Trout, since recruitment was at its highest during this period. Overall, angling was not considered an effective method for promoting native trout recovery, and other techniques should be pursued depending on management goals.
Field evaluation of electrofishing response thresholds for adult Grass Carp
Authors: Young Ryan T. , Boase James C. , Buszkiewicz John T. , Dean Jan C. , McCarter Jesse T. 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
Optimal electrofishing waveforms and parameters have been established for juvenile Grass Carp Ctenopharyngodon idella in controlled laboratory trials, but effective settings for adult Grass Carp in riverine systems remain to be determined. This work builds upon existing research by making opportunistic use of data collected in the Cuyahoga River, Ohio, to refine power standards for boat electrofishing that is used to target adult Grass Carp.

Methods
Over 12 days of boat electrofishing surveys, we used a gradient of voltage settings at various ambient water conductivities to generate an electrofishing goal table for adult Grass Carp.

Result
Our target power was 3550 W (1447–6507 W) higher, on average, than the target power recommended in previous studies for coolwater and warmwater fish species with 60 Hz. Results also show that a 40-A control box is inadequate in locations where ambient water conductivities exceed 576 μS/cm and when power is limited.

Conclusion
Refining power standards for boat electrofishing that targets Grass Carp may increase catch rates to levels needed to suppress populations in the Great Lakes region and North America.
Backpack electrofishing can be used to collect adult lamprey
Authors: Litts Richard , Clemens Benjamin J. , Vonderohe Gary , Schaefer John 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objective
We describe a new method for collecting adult Pacific Lamprey Entosphenus tridentatus in wadeable streams using a backpack electrofisher with pulsed direct current at 300 V, 50 Hz, and a 4-ms pulse width in a 150-m2 reach of Eel Creek, a small dunal stream in Oregon, United States.

Methods
The 150-m2 collection reach was predominately coarse substrate (20% boulders, 60% cobble, 15% pebbles, and 5% sand), whereas the substrate in the remainder of the 4.2-km-long Eel Creek is predominately sand and silt. The specific conductivity of the stream was 83.7 μS cm−1, water temperatures ranged from 8.9°C to 17.2°C, and water depth was less than 1.2 m. One person electrofished while gradually moving downstream, and up to six netters that were stationed up to 6 m away covered most of the channel width and caught the lamprey as they emerged from the substrate and floated or swam downstream.

Result
We collected 118 adult Pacific Lamprey (mean catch per unit effort = 29.5 lamprey h−1; range = 4–80 lamprey h−1) measuring 504 ± 54 mm TL (mean ± SD) over eight collection events during 2018–2021. Of these 118 fish, 117 were subsequently anesthetized, handled, tagged, and released within a few hours with no mortalities, external injuries, or abnormal behavior. One tagged lamprey (0.8% of all collected lamprey) died during a second collection 35 d later. The estimated peak power output was 267.7 μW cm−1, and the estimated mean body volume of the lamprey was 378 ± 68 cm3.

Conclusion
The results suggest that backpack electrofishing is a useful method for collecting adult lamprey in streams with favorable habitat that concentrates them.
Quality improvement project in a neonatal intensive care unit reduced the prevalence and duration of hypophosphatemia with significant and sustainable results
Authors: Lair Cheryl S. , Brown L. Steven , Edwards Audrey , Jacob Theresa , Brion Luc P. , Jaleel Mambarambath 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundHypophosphatemia is associated with prolonged mechanical ventilation and may affect growth, bone mineralization, nephrocalcinosis, and mortality in preterm infants. Optimal nutrition practices may decrease risk for hypophosphatemia and improve outcome.MethodsA quality improvement project was established to improve parenteral and enteral phosphorus intake with the goal to decrease prevalence and duration of hypophosphatemia in the first 14 days in infants <32 weeks' gestation.ResultsAmong 406 preterm infants, the prevalence of moderate hypophosphatemia decreased from 44% to 19% (P < 0.01) over 4 years. The median duration of moderate hypophosphatemia decreased from 72 h (48–128) to 24 (24–53) (P < 0.01). Daily intakes of parenteral calcium and phosphorus on the fourth day of life increased from 1.5 to 2.5 mEq/kg/day (P < 0.01) and 0.6 to 1.3 mmol/kg/day (P < 0.01), respectively. The median postnatal age of first serum phosphorus concentration assessment decreased from 53 h (41–64) to 32 (24–40) (P < 0.01).ConclusionDuring this quality improvement project, reduced prevalence and duration of hypophosphatemia in infants <32 weeks' gestation in the first 14 days of life was achieved through the optimization of parenteral and enteral phosphorus intake and improved response to acute hypophosphatemia.
Perceived obstacles and strategies to academic success for autistic and nonautistic high school students
Authors: Schaffer Gary E. , Faber Anthony J. , Shafaie Shahrokh M. , Stageberg Darin 
Published: April 2023

AbstractDespite an increasing number of autistic children entering and graduating from high school, there remains limited research in this area. This study surveyed 162 autistic and nonautistic high school students. Participants were asked about their perceptions regarding their compensatory strategies, everyday hindrances, and areas of perceived strength. In controlling for background characteristics of gender, minority status, and age, results revealed that autistic and nonautistic students identified similar compensatory strategies, experienced similar obstacles, and drew on similar sources of strength to remain academically successful. Differences between autistic and nonautistic students are discussed along with differences between male and female respondents.
Multifunctional edible chitin nanofibers/ferulic acid composite coating for fruit preservation
Authors: Jia Qiaoqiao , Lin Xinghuan , Yang Yiwen , Duan Bo 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAbout one‐third of the world's entire food production is lost or wasted every year, in which the perishables such as fruits and vegetables account for the largest proportion due to their short shelf life. Therefore, it has attracted great attention to the development of food preservation. In this paper, a simple strategy for food preservation is developed. Chitin nanofiber aqueous suspension is used as the substrate, and ferulic acid (FA) acts as the physical crosslinker to obtain a multifunctional composite protective coating for fruits. The results of Zeta potential, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and X‐ray diffraction (XRD) indicate that there are multiple noncovalent interactions between FA and chitin nanofibers. The chitin/FA coating films show superior mechanical properties, water and oxygen resistance. They could effectively reduce the water loss rate, delay ripening, and resist oxidation and microbial invasion for the fresh strawberries and fresh‐cut apples, indicating the potential in food preservation.
Engineering mutually orthogonal PylRS/tRNA pairs for dual encoding of functional histidine analogues
Authors: Taylor Christopher J. , Hardy Florence J. , Burke Ashleigh J. , Bednar Riley M. , Mehl Ryan A. , Green Anthony P. , Lovelock Sarah L. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe availability of an expanded genetic code opens exciting new opportunities in enzyme design and engineering. In this regard histidine analogues have proven particularly versatile, serving as ligands to augment metalloenzyme function and as catalytic nucleophiles in designed enzymes. The ability to genetically encode multiple functional residues could greatly expand the range of chemistry accessible within enzyme active sites. Here, we develop mutually orthogonal translation components to selectively encode two structurally similar histidine analogues. Transplanting known mutations from a promiscuous Methanosarcina mazei pyrrolysyl‐tRNA synthetase (MmPylRSIFGFF) into a single domain PylRS from Methanomethylophilus alvus (MaPylRSIFGFF) provided a variant with improved efficiency and specificity for 3‐methyl‐L‐histidine (MeHis) incorporation. The MaPylRSIFGFF clone was further characterized using in vitro biochemical assays and x‐ray crystallography. We subsequently engineered the orthogonal MmPylRS for activity and selectivity for 3‐(3‐pyridyl)‐L‐alanine (3‐Pyr), which was used in combination with MaPylRSIFGFF to produce proteins containing both 3‐Pyr and MeHis. Given the versatile roles played by histidine in enzyme mechanisms, we anticipate that the tools developed within this study will underpin the development of enzymes with new and enhanced functions.
Very lean hydrogen vapor cloud explosion testing
Authors: Malik Darren R. , Lowry W. B. , Vivanco E. , Thomas J. K. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractHydrogen is a key energy carrier for modern society. The breaking of the hydrogen bonds within traditional hydrocarbon molecules has been the primary mode of energy utilization since the industrial revolution. An increased focus on “net‐zero” greenhouse gas emissions, specifically carbon dioxide and methane, has resulted in a global push for lower carbon energy vectors, including pure hydrogen. Accurately modeling the dispersion, fire, and explosion hazards associated with new and existing hydrogen production, distribution and transportation networks, and consumption is a key component to the safe expansion of these networks. BakerRisk performed a series of very lean hydrogen‐air vapor cloud explosion (VCE) tests as part of an internal research effort. The goal of these tests was to better understand the VCE hazards associated with very lean hydrogen‐air mixtures (≤14% H2). Flame speeds and blast loads were measured using high‐speed video and an array of dynamic pressure transducers. This paper discusses the test setup and test results, including a comparison with data from prior tests. The measured flame speeds are compared to those predicted using computational fluid dynamics analysis and referenced to deflagration‐to‐detonation criteria. Discussion regarding the application of these test results to facility siting studies is also provided.
Topological indices and entropy of twisted cylinder‐nonorientable hexagonal Mobius strip
Authors: Qasim Muhammad , Shaker Hani , Zobair Mian Muhammad 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMobius strip is an infinite loop having one‐sided surface with no boundaries, also known as twisted cylinder. Möbius strips being widely used in different fields of engineering are of important nature in research. Being different in sizes and shapes, these can be visualized in Euclidean space but few cannot be. Topology of Mobius strips makes it a rare Euclidean representation of the infinite nature. Researchers expanded this concept and generalized it in the form of Klein bottles. In this article, we have derived various polynomials and respective topological indices for the Hexagonal Möbius graphs having each face as a hexagon. Also, inverse relationship between heat of formation and crystal size is developed for the calculated indices.
A reference model for software product line capability assessment
Authors: Gökalp Ebru , Çalişkanbaş Bora , Koçyiğit Altan 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe Software Product Line (SPL) approach receives more attention due to the observed benefits, such as cost reduction, quality improvements, and reduced delivery time. Although organizations are aware of its potential benefits, they face some challenges while creating a clear road map to adopt this approach. Capability maturity models are developed to guide organizations by providing an extensive road map for improvement. Accordingly, we developed a capability maturity model, entitled SPL Capability Maturity Model (SPL‐CMM), to improve an organization's SPL capabilities by enabling the assessment of SPL‐specific processes and providing a guideline for process improvement. SPL‐CMM, developed based on SPICE‐ISO/IEC 330xx standard, has two dimensions of process and capability. The process dimension consists of 16 SPL‐specific processes defined under four process areas: business, architecture, technical, and organization, and the capability dimension has six capability and maturity levels from levels 0 to 5. It is a structured approach assisted by adequate measures with guidance on actions for improvement. A case study was conducted to check the applicability and usefulness of the proposed approach in a software company. The case study results show that SPL‐CMM is applicable for identifying the current state of the SPL process capability and the gaps for process improvement to the next level.