bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Structural differences and adsorption behaviour of alkaline metals doped zinc oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Manivannan Nithyapriya , Sycheva Anna , Kristály Ferenc , Muránszky Gabor , Baumli Peter 
Published: February 2022

AbstractNanotechnology plays a vital role in all the scientific fields including environmental research due to their surface: volume ratio compared to bulk materials. Recent studies prove their effectiveness as pollutant removal and remediation practices. Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanoparticles a multifunctional material with distinct properties and their doped counterparts were widely being studied in different fields of science. However, its application in environmental waste treatment is starting to gain attention due to its low cost and high productivity. Heavy metal pollution is one of the major pollutants affecting aquatic and terrestrial life forms. Pollution in water bodies has also raised alarming concerns in the past decades. Most of the heavy metals are essential elements in trace amounts and omnipresent in the environment, causing toxicity for living organisms, for instance, nickel. In our work, we analysed the prospect of selective removal of nickel ions by different alkaline metals (K+, Rb+, and Cs+) doped zinc oxide nanoparticles fabricated by different treatment methods (as-prepared and heat-treated). We found morphological variations from flower like to rod like owing to the alkaline cations of the dopants. In addition, the crystal structure and its different fractions presented amorphous content of the fabricated samples increased from 2 to 10 wt% with respect to the atomic radius of dopant in as-prepared samples and not present in heat-treated samples. We report, how the structure and the sample composition directly affected their adsorption behaviour towards Nickel ions in aqueous solutions based on the micro and nano zincite ratio of the ZnO particles.
Paper-based electrochemical immunosensor for label-free detection of multiple avian influenza virus antigens using flexible screen-printed carbon nanotube-polydimethylsiloxane electrodes
Authors: Lee Daesoon , Bhardwaj Jyoti , Jang Jaesung 
Published: February 2022

AbstractMany studies have been conducted on measuring avian influenza viruses and their hemagglutinin (HA) antigens via electrochemical principles; most of these studies have used gold electrodes on ceramic, glass, or silicon substrates, and/or labeling for signal enhancement. Herein, we present a paper-based immunosensor for label-free measurement of multiple avian influenza virus (H5N1, H7N9, and H9N2) antigens using flexible screen-printed carbon nanotube-polydimethylsiloxane electrodes. These flexible electrodes on a paper substrate can complement the physical weakness of the paper-based sensors when wetted, without affecting flexibility. The relative standard deviation of the peak currents was 1.88% when the electrodes were repeatedly bent and unfolded twenty times with deionized water provided each cycle, showing the stability of the electrodes. For the detection of HA antigens, approximately 10-μl samples (concentration: 100 pg/ml–100 ng/ml) were needed to form the antigen–antibody complexes during 20–30 min incubation, and the immune responses were measured via differential pulse voltammetry. The limits of detections were 55.7 pg/ml (0.95 pM) for H5N1 HA, 99.6 pg/ml (1.69 pM) for H7N9 HA, and 54.0 pg/ml (0.72 pM) for H9N2 HA antigens in phosphate buffered saline, and the sensors showed good selectivity and reproducibility. Such paper-based sensors are economical, flexible, robust, and easy-to-manufacture, with the ability to detect several avian influenza viruses.
Selection of new diagnostic markers for Dirofilaria repens infections with the use of phage display technology
Authors: Pękacz Mateusz , Basałaj Katarzyna , Kalinowska Alicja , Klockiewicz Maciej , Stopka Diana , Bąska Piotr , Długosz Ewa , Karabowicz Justyna , Młocicki Daniel , Wiśniewski Marcin , Zawistowska-Deniziak Anna 
Published: February 2022

AbstractDirofilaria repens is a parasitic nematode causing vector-borne disease (dirofilariasis), considered an emerging problem in veterinary and human medicine. Although main hosts are carnivores, particularly dogs, D. repens shows high zoonotic potential. The disease spreads uncontrollably, affecting new areas. Since there is no vaccine against dirofilariasis, the only way to limit disease transmission is an early diagnosis. Currently, diagnosis depends on the detection of microfilariae in the host bloodstream using modified Knott's test or multiplex PCR. However, the efficacy of tests relying on microfilariae detection is limited by microfilariae periodic occurrence. Therefore, a new reliable diagnostic test is required. Our study aimed to select new diagnostic markers for dirofilariasis with potential application in diagnostics. We focused on single epitopes to ensure high specificity of diagnosis and avoid cross-reactivity with the other parasite infections common in dogs. Using phage display technology and 12-mer peptides library, we selected epitopes highly reactive with IgG from sera of infected dogs. Additionally, our study presents the possibility of detecting D. repens specific cell-free DNA in dogs with no microfilaria but high IgG and IgM antibody levels against parasite somatic antigen.
Electronic transport properties of the Al0.5TiZrPdCuNi alloy in the high-entropy alloy and metallic glass forms
Authors: Wencka Magdalena , Krnel Mitja , Jelen Andreja , Vrtnik Stanislav , Luzar Jože , Koželj Primož , Gačnik Darja , Meden Anton , Hu Qiang , Wang Chaomin , Guo Sheng , Dolinšek Janez 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHigh-entropy alloys (HEAs) are characterized by a simultaneous presence of a crystal lattice and an amorphous-type chemical (substitutional) disorder. In order to unravel the effect of crystal-glass duality on the electronic transport properties of HEAs, we performed a comparative study of the electronic transport coefficients of a 6-component alloy Al0.5TiZrPdCuNi that can be prepared either as a HEA or as a metallic glass (MG) at the same chemical composition. The HEA and the MG states of the Al0.5TiZrPdCuNi alloy both show large, negative-temperature-coefficient resistivity, positive thermopower, positive Hall coefficient and small thermal conductivity. The transport coefficients were reproduced analytically by the spectral conductivity model, using the Kubo-Greenwood formalism. For both modifications of the material (HEA and MG), contribution of phonons to the transport coefficients was found small, so that their temperature dependence originates predominantly from the temperature dependence of the Fermi–Dirac function and the variation of the spectral conductivity and the related electronic density of states with energy within the Fermi-level region. The very similar electronic transport coefficients of the HEA and the MG states point towards essential role of the immense chemical disorder.
Theoretical, chemical, and electrochemical studies of Equisetum arvense extract as an impactful inhibitor of steel corrosion in 2 M HCl electrolyte
Authors: Deyab M. A. , Mohsen Q. , Guo Lei 
Published: February 2022

AbstractA new type ofEquisetum arvenseaerial part (EAAP) extract was ready to be tested as a corrosion inhibitor for steel-based parts in Multi-stage flash (MSF) segments while the segments were being acid cleaned. The EAAP extract was identified using Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). When compared to the specimen exposed to blank solution, EAAP extract molecules covered about 97% of the carbon steel surface in 2 M HCl solution, and the corrosion rate was reduced to 0.58 ± 0.02 μg cm−2 h−1at 300 mg l−1. EAAP extract tends to have a blended impact on both anodic and cathodic sites on the surface of carbon steel. The thermodynamic activation factors are substantially higher in the presence of extract solution than in the absent of extract, demonstrating that the carbon steel surface would corrode slowly in the presence of EAAP extract. Theoretical models were used to validate the adsorption of EAAP extract on steel surfaces.
Multiple Walker breakdowns in magnetic multilayers
Authors: Moon Joon , Yoon Jaesung , Kim Kitae , Lee Seong-Hyub , Kim Dae-Yun , Choe Sug-Bong 
Published: February 2022

AbstractHerein, we report an exotic domain-wall dynamics showing double Walker breakdowns in magnetic multilayer films composed of two magnetic layers. Such multiple Walker breakdowns are attributed to the internal magnetic dipole field, which is antisymmetric on the domain walls of the lower and upper magnetic layers. A micromagnetic simulation shows four phases of the domain-wall dynamics, which result in a phase diagram with the phase boundaries of the double Walker breakdown fields. Such double Walker breakdowns lead to two minima in the variation of the domain-wall velocity, as often observed experimentally.
Mortality and readmission rates among hospitalized COVID-19 patients with varying stages of chronic kidney disease: a multicenter retrospective cohort
Authors: Appelman Brent , Oppelaar Jetta J. , Broeders Lani , Wiersinga Willem Joost , Peters-Sengers Hessel , Vogt Liffert ,   the CovidPredict Study Group, Appelman Brent , Schinkel Michiel , Buis David , Sigaloff Kim C. E. , Elbers Paul W. G. , Rusch Daisy , Reidinga Auke , Moeniralam Hazra , Wyers Caroline , van den Bergh Joop , Simsek Suat , van Dam Bastiaan , van den Gritters Niels C. , Bokhizzou Nejma , Brinkman Kees , de Kruif Martijn , Dormans Tom , Douma Renée , de Haan Lianne R. , Fung Tsz Yeung , Beudel Martijn 
Published: February 2022

AbstractChronic kidney disease (CKD) has been recognized as a highly prevalent risk factor for both the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and COVID-19 associated adverse outcomes. In this multicenter observational cohort study, we aim to determine mortality and readmission rates of patients hospitalized for COVID-19 across varying CKD stages. We performed a multicenter cohort study among COVID-19 patients included in the Dutch COVIDPredict cohort. The cohort consists of hospitalized patients from March 2020 until July 2021 with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection or a highly suspected CT scan-based infection with a CORADS score ≥ 4. A total of 4151 hospitalized COVID-19 patients were included of who 389 had a history of CKD before admission. After adjusting for all confounding covariables, in patients with CKD stage 3a, stage 3b, stage 4 and patients with KTX (kidney transplantation), odds ratios of death and readmission compared to patients without CKD ranged from 1.96 to 8.94. We demonstrate an evident increased 12-week mortality and readmission rate in patients with chronic kidney disease. Besides justified concerns for kidney transplant patients, clinicians should also be aware of more severe COVID-19 outcomes and increased vulnerability in CKD patients.
Potential of micro-exercise to prevent long-term sickness absence in the general working population: prospective cohort study with register follow-up
Authors: Andersen Lars L. , Skovlund Sebastian V. , Vinstrup Jonas , Geisle Niels , Sørensen Stig I. , Thorsen Sannie V. , Sundstrup Emil 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis study assesses the potential of workplace-based micro-exercise (brief and simple exercise bouts) to prevent long-term sickness absence (LTSA) at the population level. In the Work Environment and Health in Denmark Study (2012–2018), we followed 70,130 workers from the general working population, without prior LTSA, for two years in the Danish Register for Evaluation of Marginalisation. We used Cox regression with model-assisted weights and controlled for various confounders. From 2012 to 2018, the percentage of workers in Denmark using workplace-based micro-exercise during and outside of working hours increased from 7.1 to 10.9% and from 0.8 to 1.4%, respectively. The incidence of long-term sickness absence (at least 30 days) was 8.4% during follow-up. The fully adjusted model showed reduced risk of long-term sickness absence from using micro-exercise during working hours, (HR 0.86, 95% CI 0.77–0.96), but not when used outside of working hours. If used by all workers, micro-exercise during working hours could potentially prevent 12.8% of incident long-term sickness absence cases (population attributable fraction). In conclusion, micro-exercise performed during working hours holds certain potential to prevent incident long-term sickness absence in the general working population. Large-scale implementation of workplace-based micro-exercise may represent an unexploited opportunity for public health promotion.
Combining satellite geophysical data with continuous on-site measurements for monitoring the dynamic parameters of civil structures
Authors: Coccimiglio Stefania , Coletta Giorgia , Lenticchia Erica , Miraglia Gaetano , Ceravolo Rosario 
Published: February 2022

AbstractOne key issue in the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of buildings is the influence of the soil on the dynamics of the system. The lack of accurate information on soil-structure interaction represents a source of significant uncertainty and generates difficulties in assessing the state of structural health. In this respect, satellite data could represent a valuable tool for soil knowledge. This paper presents the first study of satellite data coming from the environmental Copernicus program of the European Space Agency (ESA) for the alternative application in the field of SHM. In particular, Land Surface Temperature (LST) and Soil Water Index (SWI) data are elected to study surface temperature and moisture condition of the soil. Once examined and processed, these records have been statistically analyzed, crossed with on-site experimental quantities (natural frequencies and environmental variations), and given as input to a Finite Element (FE) model. The final goal is to understand the actual structural behavior, but also to monitor the evolution of the dynamic parameters for the purposes of structural and seismic monitoring. The largest oval masonry dome in the world was chosen as a prominent case study to demonstrate this novel approach to SHM.
Molecular characterization of echovirus 9 strains isolated from hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhang Ming , Guo Wei , Xu Danhan , Feng Changzeng , Bao Guohong , Sun Hao , Yang Zhaoqing , Ma Shaohui 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEchovirus 9 (E9) belongs to the species Enterovirus B. So far, 12 whole genome sequences of E9 are available in GenBank. In this study, we determined the whole genomic sequences of five E9 strains isolated from the stools of patients with hand-foot-and-mouth disease in Kunming, Yunnan Province, China, in 2019. Their nucleotide and amino acid sequences shared 80.8–80.9% and 96.4–96.8% identity with the prototype Hill strain, respectively, and shared 99.3–99.9% and 99.1–99.8% mutual identity, respectively. Recombination analyses revealed that intertype recombination had occurred in the 2C and 3D regions of the five Yunnan E9 strains with coxsackieviruses B5 and B4, respectively. This study augmented the whole genome sequences of E9 in the GenBank database and extended the molecular characterization of this virus in China.
Modelling biophoton emission kinetics based on the initial intensity value in Helianthus annuus plants exposed to different types of stress
Authors: Pónya Zsolt , Somfalvi-Tóth Katalin 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBiophoton radiation also referred to as ultra-weak photon emission (UPE) is used to denote a spontaneous and permanent photon emission associated with oxidative processes in cells and seems to universally occur in all living systems as a result of the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are produced under stress conditions. The measurement of this biophoton emission allows for a non-invasive approach in monitoring phenological stages throughout plant development which has direct relevance in agriculture research. In this study, the emission of photons emanating from sunflower (Helianthus annuus, L.) plants exposed to biotic and abiotic stress has been investigated. In healthy plants raised under controlled growth conditions UPE was low whereas in stressed individuals it considerably increased; particularly upon water stress. The kinetics of the signal is shown to reveal an exponential decay with characteristic dynamics, which appears to reflect different physiological states concomitantly setting in upon stress. The dynamics of the signal decay is shown to vary according to the type of stress applied (biotic vs. abiotic) hence suggesting a putative relationship between the kinetic traits of change in the signal intensity-decay and stress. Intriguingly, the determination of the change in the intensity of biophoton emission that ensued in a short time course was possible by using the initial biophoton emission intensity. The predictability level of the equations demonstrated the applicability of the model in a corroborative manner when employing it in independent UPE-measurements, thus permitting to forecast the intensity change in a very accurate way over a short time course. Our findings allow the notion that albeit stress confers complex and complicated changes on oxidative metabolism in biological systems, the employment of biophoton imaging offers a feasible method making it possible to monitor oxidative processes triggered by stress in a non-invasive and label-free way which has versatile applications especially in precision agriculture.
Deep learning segmentation and quantification method for assessing epicardial adipose tissue in CT calcium score scans
Authors: Hoori Ammar , Hu Tao , Lee Juhwan , Al-Kindi Sadeer , Rajagopalan Sanjay , Wilson David L. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractEpicardial adipose tissue volume (EAT) has been linked to coronary artery disease and the risk of major adverse cardiac events. As manual quantification of EAT is time-consuming, requires specialized training, and is prone to human error, we developed a deep learning method (DeepFat) for the automatic assessment of EAT on non-contrast low-dose CT calcium score images. Our DeepFat intuitively segmented the tissue enclosed by the pericardial sac on axial slices, using two preprocessing steps. First, we applied a HU-attention-window with a window/level 350/40-HU to draw attention to the sac and reduce numerical errors. Second, we applied a novel look ahead slab-of-slices with bisection (“bisect”) in which we split the heart into halves and sequenced the lower half from bottom-to-middle and the upper half from top-to-middle, thereby presenting an always increasing curvature of the sac to the network. EAT volume was obtained by thresholding voxels within the sac in the fat window (− 190/− 30-HU). Compared to manual segmentation, our algorithm gave excellent results with volume Dice = 88.52% ± 3.3, slice Dice = 87.70% ± 7.5, EAT error = 0.5% ± 8.1, and R = 98.52% (p < 0.001). HU-attention-window and bisect improved Dice volume scores by 0.49% and 3.2% absolute, respectively. Variability between analysts was comparable to variability with DeepFat. Results compared favorably to those of previous publications.
Stabilization of gamma sulfur at room temperature to enable the use of carbonate electrolyte in Li-S batteries
Authors: Pai Rahul , Singh Arvinder , Tang Maureen H. , Kalra Vibha 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThis past decade has seen extensive research in lithium-sulfur batteries with exemplary works mitigating the notorious polysulfide shuttling. However, these works utilize ether electrolytes that are highly volatile severely hindering their practicality. Here, we stabilize a rare monoclinic γ-sulfur phase within carbon nanofibers that enables successful operation of Lithium-Sulfur (Li-S) batteries in carbonate electrolyte for 4000 cycles. Carbonates are known to adversely react with the intermediate polysulfides and shut down Li-S batteries in first discharge. Through electrochemical characterization and post-mortem spectroscopy/ microscopy studies on cycled cells, we demonstrate an altered redox mechanism in our cells that reversibly converts monoclinic sulfur to Li2S without the formation of intermediate polysulfides for the entire range of 4000 cycles. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to report the synthesis of stable γ-sulfur and its application in Li-S batteries. We hope that this striking discovery of solid-to-solid reaction will trigger new fundamental and applied research in carbonate electrolyte Li-S batteries.
The Gaia-ESO survey: Age-chemical-clock relations spatially resolved in the Galactic disc
Authors: Viscasillas Vázquez C. , Magrini L. , Casali G. , Tautvaišienė G. , Spina L. , Van der Swaelmen M. , Randich S. , Bensby T. , Bragaglia A. , Friel E. , Feltzing S. , Sacco G.G. , Turchi A. , Jiménez-Esteban F. , D’Orazi V. , Delgado-Mena E. , Mikolaitis Š. , Drazdauskas A. , Minkevičiūtė R. , Stonkutė E. , Bagdonas V. , Montes D. , Guiglion G. , Baratella M. , Tabernero H. M. , Gilmore G. , Alfaro E. , Francois P. , Korn A. , Smiljanic R. , Bergemann M. , Franciosini E. , Gonneau A. , Hourihane A. , Worley C. C. , Zaggia S. 
Published: February 2022

Context. The last decade has seen a revolution in our knowledge of the Galaxy thanks to the Gaia and asteroseismic space missions and the ground-based spectroscopic surveys.
Aims. To complete this picture, it is necessary to map the ages of its stellar populations. During recent years, the dependence on time of abundance ratios involving slow (s) neutron-capture and α elements (called chemical-clocks) has been used to provide estimates of stellar ages, usually in a limited volume close to the Sun. We aim to analyse the relations of chemical clocks in the Galactic disc extending the range to RGC ∼ 6–20 kpc.
Methods. Using the sixth internal data release of the Gaia-ESO survey, we calibrated several relations between stellar ages and abundance ratios [s/α] using a sample of open clusters, the largest one so far used with this aim (62 clusters). Thanks to their wide galactocentric coverage, we investigated the radial variations of the shape of these relations, confirming their non-universality.
Results. The multi-variate relations allowed us to infer stellar ages for field stars. We estimated our accuracy (ranging from 0.0 to −0.9 Gyr) and precision (from 0.4 to 2.3 Gyr) in recovering the global ages of open clusters, and the ages of their individual members. We applied the relations with the highest correlation coefficients to the field star population, finding an older population at lower metallicity and higher [α/Fe] in the thin disc, and a younger one at higher [Fe/H] and low [α/Fe], as expected.
Conclusion. We confirm that there is no single age-chemical clock relationship valid for the whole disc, but that there is a dependence on the galactocentric position, which is related to the radial variation of the star formation history combined with the non-monotonic dependence on metallicity of the yields of the s-process elements from low- and intermediate-mass stars. Finally, the abundance ratios [Ba/α] are more sensitive to age than those with [Y/α] for young disc stars, and their slopes vary less with galactocentric distance. We remind the reader that the application of such relationships to field stars is only of statistical value.