bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ensemble classification and regression techniques combined with portable near infrared spectroscopy for facile and rapid detection of water adulteration in bovine raw milk
Authors: Ehsani Samaneh , Dastgerdy Eisa Mohandes , Yazdanpanah Hassan , Parastar Hadi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe objective of the present contribution is to use a portable near infrared (NIR) spectrometer (in spectral range of 900–1700 nm) as a rapid, facile, and nondestructive technique in combination with ensemble methods, for detection of water in bovine milk samples in concentration range 1% to 30% (v/v). On this matter, the pattern of the milk samples (pure and adulterated) was explored by principal component analysis (PCA). Then, random subspace discriminant ensemble (RSDE) was used for classification. The classification figures of merit for the RSDE method was evaluated in terms of sensitivity (Sen), specificity (Spe), accuracy (Acc), error rate (ER), and reliability (Rel). All the values were satisfactory for calibration, cross‐validation, and prediction sets, which showed the reliability and robustness of the developed model. Furthermore, the performance of RSDE method was compared with partial least square‐discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA) and support vector machine (SVM) as the most common classification techniques. In overall, the RSDE classification outperformed the other tested classification methods (PLS‐DA and RBF‐SVM) in terms of accuracy and reliability. Finally, boosted regression tree (BRT) was used for quantifying the level of water adulterant in milk. The performance of the ensemble regression model was evaluated using regression coefficient (R2) and root mean square error (RMSE). The values of R2 and RMSE in prediction set for BRT were 0.95 and 0.58, respectively. The performance of BRT method was also compared with partial least squares regression (PLSR) which again showed outperformance in comparison with this frequent used regression technique.
Deciphering the Spectral Tuning Mechanism in Proteorhodopsin: The Dominant Role of Electrostatics Instead of Chromophore Geometry
Authors: Church Jonathan R. , Amoyal Gil S. , Borin Veniamin A. , Adam Suliman , Olsen Jógvan Magnus Haugaard , Schapiro Igor 
Published: March 2022

AbstractProteorhodopsin (PR) is a photoactive proton pump found in marine bacteria. There are two phenotypes of PR exhibiting an environmental adaptation to the ocean's depth which tunes their maximum absorption: blue‐absorbing proteorhodopsin (BPR) and green‐absorbing proteorhodopsin (GPR). This blue/green color‐shift is controlled by a glutamine to leucine substitution at position 105 which accounts for a 20 nm shift. Typically, spectral tuning in rhodopsins is rationalized by the external point charge model but the Q105L mutation is charge neutral. To study this tuning mechanism, we employed the hybrid QM/MM method with sampling from molecular dynamics. Our results reveal that the positive partial charge of glutamine near the C14−C15 bond of retinal shortens the effective conjugation length of the chromophore compared to the leucine residue. The derived mechanism can be applied to explain the color regulation in other retinal proteins and can serve as a guideline for rational design of spectral shifts.
Inhibition of androgenic pathway impairs encoding of cerebellar‐dependent motor learning in male rats
Authors: Panichi Roberto , Dieni Cristina V. , Sullivan Jacqueline A. , Biscarini Andrea , Contemori Samuele , Faralli Mario , Pettorossi Vito E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCerebellar‐dependent learning is essential for the adaptation of motor and no motor behaviors to changing contexts, and neuroactive steroids—mainly referred to as estrogens—may regulate this process. However, the role of androgens in this process has not been established, although they may affect cerebellar physiology. Thus, this study aims to determine whether the activation of androgenic neural pathways may take part in controlling the vestibuloocular (VOR) and optokinetic reflexes (OKR), which depend on a defined cerebellar circuitry. To answer this question, we acutely blocked the activation of androgen receptors (Ars) using systemic administration of the Ars antagonist flutamide (FLUT; 20 mg/Kg) in peripubertal male rats. Then, we evaluated the FLUT effect on general oculomotor performance in the VOR and OKR as well as VOR adaptive gain increases and decreases. We used a paradigm causing fast VOR adaptation that combined in phase/out phase visuo‐vestibular stimulations. We found that FLUT impaired the gain increase and decrease in VOR adaptation. However, FLUT altered neither acute nor overtime basal ocular‐motor performance in the VOR or OKR. These findings indicate that the activation of androgenic neural pathways participates in phenomena leading to fast VOR adaptation, probably through the modulation of plasticity mechanisms that underlie adaptation of this reflex. Conversely, androgens may not be essential for neural information processing demands in basal ocular‐motor reflexes. Moreover, our results suggest that androgens, possibly testosterone and dihydrotestosterone, could rapidly regulate motor memory encoding in the VOR adaptation, acting at both cerebellar and extracerebellar plasticity sites.
Three‐port DC‐DC converter for stand‐alone PV/battery systems with four operation modes
Authors: Mohammadi Kourosh , Abbasi Vahid , Tanha Kambiz Mohammadi 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThis paper presents a three‐port DC‐DC converter for photovoltaic (PV)/battery stand‐alone systems. The converter is designed by an effective combination of quadratic boost converter and a bidirectional port with low number of components. The converter performance consists of four operation modes with similar voltage gains, which improve reliability of the converter in comparison with the reviewed converters. Battery‐alone mode is performed in the proposed configuration for the times input power of PV is equal to zero. Main advantages of the converter include its common grounded ports, operation with high voltage gain, current continuous of the input ports, utilizing low number of switch to perform four essential operation modes, and its high‐efficiency performance due to low number of used components. Three switches of the structure enable it to control input power of main source and output voltage with two duty cycles per the modes. This number of switches in a three‐port converter requires simpler driving and control systems in comparison with some of the previous presented three‐port converters. The converter is analyzed, and its main equations are obtained. To validate feasibility of the converter and investigate coordination of its performance with theory, a prototype is prepared for 120 W output power.
The effect of urbanization on spatiotemporal interactions between gray foxes and coyotes
Authors: Parsons Arielle W. , Kellner Kenneth F. , Rota Christopher T. , Schuttler Stephanie G. , Millspaugh Joshua J. , Kays Roland W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractInteractions between species can influence their distribution and fitness, with potential cascading ecosystem effects. Human disturbance can affect these competitive dynamics but is difficult to measure due to potential simultaneous spatial and temporal responses. We used camera traps with a multispecies occupancy model incorporating a continuous‐time detection process to evaluate spatial and temporal interactions between two competing carnivore species, coyote (Canis latrans) and gray fox (Urocyon cinereoargenteus), along an urbanization gradient. Coyotes were less likely to occupy high housing density sites than gray foxes, but the two species were more likely to co‐occur in suburban forest fragments. Gray foxes were less likely to occupy low housing density sites in the presence of coyotes, shifted their activity patterns to be more nocturnal when coyotes were present and avoided sites recently used by coyotes. These effects were most pronounced where forest cover was low, suggesting these shifts are not necessary where forest cover is high, perhaps due to the gray fox's ability to climb trees. Gray foxes did not spatially or temporally avoid coyotes moving through the suburban matrix nor did precipitation mediate temporal avoidance in suburban habitats (i.e., by washing away scent), possibly because coyotes are less likely to establish territories at high housing densities, and thus less likely to scent mark. As reports of gray fox declines in portions of North America mount and coyotes are implicated, our results suggest that preserving tree cover could be important for gray fox persistence. At least 50% of forest cover in a 1 km radius resulted in lower coyote occupancy with gray fox occupancy rising to ≥0.1, suggesting a good benchmark for management.
Comprehensive symptom assessment using Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale in hospitalized heart failure patients
Authors: Hamatani Yasuhiro , Iguchi Moritake , Ikeyama Yurika , Kunugida Atsuko , Ogawa Megumi , Yasuda Natsushige , Fujimoto Kana , Ichihara Hidenori , Sakai Misaki , Kinoshita Tae , Nakashima Yasuyo , Akao Masaharu 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAimsPatients with heart failure (HF) may have variable unrecognized symptom burdens. We sought to investigate the details, determinants, and prognostic significance of symptom burden in hospitalized patients with HF.Methods and resultsWe prospectively evaluated consecutive hospitalized patients with HF as primary diagnosis at our institution using the Integrated Palliative care Outcome Scale (IPOS) both on admission and at discharge. The IPOS, which is a well‐validated multi‐dimensional symptom assessment scale among advanced illness, consists of 17 questions for enquiring about physical symptoms (10 items), emotional symptoms (4 items) and communication and practical issues (3 items) using a 5‐point Likert scale (0 [best]–4 [worst] points). Clinically relevant symptoms were defined as ≥2 points for each IPOS item. Worsening symptom burden was defined as the total IPOS score at discharge being poorer than that on admission. Of 294 patients (mean age: 77.5 ± 12.0 years, male: 168 patients, New York Heart Association class IV: 96 patients, mean left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF]: 44%, and median N‐terminal pro B‐type natriuretic peptide [NT‐proBNP] level: 4418 ng/L), the median (IQR) total IPOS score on admission was 19 (12, 27) and they were widely distributed (minimum: 0 – maximum: 52). The total IPOS score on admission was not correlated with the HF severity, including LVEF (Spearman's ρ = −0.05, P = 0.43), NT‐proBNP levels (Spearman's ρ = 0.08, P = 0.20) or in‐hospital mortality prediction model (GWTG‐HF risk score) (Spearman's ρ = 0.01, P = 0.90). Total IPOS scores significantly decreased during hospitalization as a whole (median [IQR]: 13 [6, 21] at discharge; P < 0.001 vs. those on admission). All of the four emotional symptoms (patient anxiety, depression, family anxiety and feeling at peace) remained in the top 5 of clinically relevant symptoms at discharge, whereas none of 10 physical symptoms were nominated. Worsening symptom burden was noted in 28% of the patients during hospitalization, and was independently associated with higher all‐cause mortality after discharge (hazard ratio: 2.28, 95% confidence interval: 1.02–5.09; P = 0.044) even after adjustment by age and HF mortality prediction model (MAGGIC risk score).ConclusionsWe revealed that hospitalized patients with HF had multi‐dimensional symptom burdens which varied among individuals and were not correlated with the disease severity. Emotional symptoms, such as anxiety and depression, were the main clinically relevant symptoms at discharge. A worsening IPOS score was noted in a quarter of patients with HF and was associated with a poor prognosis, suggesting the importance of holistic symptom assessment during the course of hospitalization for HF.
Peripheral differentiation patterns of human T cells
Authors: Heikkilä Nelli , Hetemäki Iivo , Sormunen Silja , Isoniemi Helena , Kekäläinen Eliisa , Saramäki Jari , Arstila T. Petteri 
Published: March 2022

AbstractLong‐term T‐cell memory is dependent on the maintenance of memory T cells in the lymphoid tissues, and at the surface interfaces that provide entry routes for pathogens. However, much of the current information on human T‐cell memory is based on analyzing circulating T cells. Here, we have studied the distribution and age‐related changes of memory T‐cell subsets in samples from blood, mesenteric LNs, spleen, and ileum, obtained from donors ranging in age from 5 days to 67 years of age. Our data show that the main reservoir of polyclonal naive cells is found in the LNs, and the resting memory subsets capable of self‐renewal are also prominent there. In contrast, nondividing but functionally active memory subsets dominate the spleen, and especially the ileum. In general, the replacement of naive cells with memory subsets continues throughout our period of observation, with no apparent plateau. In conclusion, the analysis of lymphoid and nonlymphoid tissues reveals a dynamic pattern of changes distinct to each tissue, and with substantial differences between CD4+ and CD8+ compartments.
AC electrokinetic immobilization of influenza virus
Authors: Stanke Sandra , Wenger Christian , Bier Frank F. , Hölzel Ralph 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe use of alternating current (AC) electrokinetic forces, like dielectrophoresis and AC electroosmosis, as a simple and fast method to immobilize sub‐micrometer objects onto nanoelectrode arrays is presented. Due to its medical relevance, the influenza virus is chosen as a model organism. One of the outstanding features is that the immobilization of viral material to the electrodes can be achieved permanently, allowing subsequent handling independently from the electrical setup. Thus, by using merely electric fields, we demonstrate that the need of prior chemical surface modification could become obsolete. The accumulation of viral material over time is observed by fluorescence microscopy. The influences of side effects like electrothermal fluid flow, causing a fluid motion above the electrodes and causing an intensity gradient within the electrode array, are discussed. Due to the improved resolution by combining fluorescence microscopy with deconvolution, it is shown that the viral material is mainly drawn to the electrode edge and to a lesser extent to the electrode surface. Finally, areas of application for this functionalization technique are presented.
A lab‐on‐disc centrifugal microfluidic system for ultraprecise plasma separation
Authors: Shi Yuxing , Ye Peng , Yang Kuojun , Qiaoge Bayin , Xie Jiawen , Guo Jiuchuan , Wang Chuang , Pan Zhixiang , Liu Shan , Guo Jinhong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAs the medical community puts forward higher requirements for the speed and convenience of disease diagnosis, point‐of‐care testing has become a hot research topic to overcome various kinds of healthcare problems. Blood test is considered to be highly sensitive and accurate in clinical diagnosis. However, conventional plasma separation system tends to be bulky and needs professional operations. Moreover, imprecise separation may cause residual biochemical substances such as blood cells to affect the detection results. In this work, to solve these problems, we designed a portable centrifugal microfluidic platform for automatic, rapid and ultraprecise blood separation. The disc consists of multichambers and multi‐microchannels where a plasma reservoir and a cell reservoir are connected to each other and collinear with the center of the circle. This structure overcomes the weakness of low separation efficiency (when hematocrit increases) under the traditional blood separation structure (bifurcation structure). As a result, the proposed system achieved 99.9% plasma purity, 99.9% separation efficiency (with a blood hematocrit of 48%) and 32.5% plasma recovery rate in the 50s, which provides a strong guarantee for rapid blood diagnosis and analysis, especially in areas where medical resources are limited.
High‐rate and dendrite‐free liquid alloy anode for high energy potassium metal batteries
Authors: Luo Tingting , Zhao Qianqian , Liu Yiwei , Meng Weidong , Sun Qi , Dai Lei , Liu Shan , Wang Ling 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPotassium ion batteries are considered as promising candidates for electrochemical energy storage device due to its low‐cost and high theoretical capacity. However, it is seriously limited by the dendrite growth. Liquid Na‐K alloy has excellent kinetic mass transfer characteristics which could avoid dendrite fundamentally. However, due to its large surface tension, liquid alloy is difficult to be processed and used in practical applications. Herein, a flexible and processable graphene‐based liquid alloy anode (Na‐K@rGO) was designed. Thanks to the reasonable porous structure, good chemical and mechanical stability and rapid charge transfer of graphene matrix, Na‐K@rGO anode exhibits excellent cycle stability and rate performance. The batteries could cycle stably and exhibit dendrites‐free property. Our work offers a simple approach to construct dendrite‐free anodes for high energy density and long‐lifespan potassium metal batteries.image
Effects of Nostoc sphaeroids Kütz polysaccharide on renal fibrosis in high‐fat mice
Authors: Yang Litao , Liu Yinlu , Bi Cuicui , Zhang Bo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractIn this study, we investigated the effects of Nostoc sphaeroids Kütz polysaccharide (NSKP) on renal fibrosis in high‐fat mice. ApoE−/− male mice were randomly divided into four groups: control (Cont) group, high‐fat diet (HFD) group, HFD+0.4 g/kg BW NSKP, and HFD+0.8 g/kg BW NSKP (NSKP groups). The Cont was fed a standard diet. The HFD group was fed HFD. Every day, NSKP groups were fed HFD, as well as given 0.4 g/kg BW or 0.8 g/kg BW NSKP. After 22 weeks, the serum biochemical indices (TC, TG, LDL‐C, HDL‐C, GLU, BUN, and SCR) were measured. For the kidney, the histopathological sections were observed and analyzed, and inflammatory factors and markers of renal fibrosis were measured. For the NSKP groups, the serum TC, TG, LDL‐C, BUN, and SCR were decreased, HDL‐C significantly increased compared with the HFD group. The protein expressions of TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and TGF‐β1 were significantly downregulated. The α‐SMA in renal cortex was decreased, and the mRNA expression of Col‐I and Col‐IV in renal collagen fibers was downregulated. To sum up, NSKP reduced the blood lipid of HFD mice, downregulated the inflammation of kidney, inhibited the expression of collagen fiber, and improved the renal fibrosis caused by long‐term lipid metabolism disorder.
Phytochemical constituents of Camellia osmantha fruit cores with antithrombotic activity
Authors: Yang Li , Xie Gui‐Liang , Ma Jin‐Lin , Huang Xiao‐Qiong , Gu Yao , Huang Lei , Chen Hai‐Yan , Ouyang Xi‐Lin 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCamellia osmantha is a new species of the genus Camellia and is an economically important ornamental plant. Its activity and ingredients are less studied than other Camellia plants. This study investigated the antithrombotic effect and chemical components of C. osmantha fruit cores using platelet aggregation assays and coagulation function tests. The cores of C. osmantha fruits were extracted with ethanol to obtain a crude extract. The extract was dissolved in water and further eluted with different concentrations of methanol on an MCI resin column to obtain three fractions. These samples were used for antithrombotic activity tests and phytochemical analysis. The results showed that the extract and its fractions of C. osmantha have strong antithrombotic activity, significantly reducing the platelet aggregation rate and prolonging the thrombin time (TT). The total saponins, flavonoids, and polyphenols in the active fractions may be responsible for the antithrombotic activity. The chemical constituents were analyzed by ultra‐performance liquid chromatography‐quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐QTOF/MS). Twenty‐three compounds were identified rapidly and accurately. Among them, ellagic acid, naringenin, and quercetin 3‐O‐glucuronide may be important antithrombotic constituents. Furthermore, interactions between these compounds and the P2Y1 receptor were investigated via molecular modeling, because the P2Y1 receptor is a key drug target of antiplatelet aggregative activity. The molecular docking results suggested that these compounds could combine tightly with the P2Y1R protein. Our results showed that C. osmantha fruit cores are rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and saponins, which can be developed into a promising antithrombotic functional beverage for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.
Assessing synergistic effect of Jerusalem Artichoke juice and antioxidant compounds on enhanced viability and persistence ofBifidobacteriumspecies, palatability, and shelf life
Authors: Alsharafani Mustafa A. M. , Abdullah Taghreed , Jabur Zahraa A. , Hassan Abdulwahed Ahmed , Alhendi Abeer S. , Abdulmawjood Amir , Khan Izhar U. H. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractCommercial vegetable and fruit juices with probiotics are new functional type of beverages; however, limitations including persistence and impact of probiotic bacteria on palatability and shelf life may prevent their industrial development. This study evaluated the effect of antioxidant compounds (ascorbic acid, astaxanthin, and ginseng) on viability and persistence ofBifidobacteriumspp. in Jerusalem Artichoke (JA) juice; and determine the impact of these antioxidants on the sensory (color, texture, flavor, acidity) properties, free reducing sugar (inulin and fructose), and shelf life in the fortified JA juice. Overall, the JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significant impact on the rate of persistence of two targeted bifidobacterial strains from 1 to 28 days at 5°C. Both strains produced slight acidity in ascorbic acid fortified JA juice as compared to other tested samples. Similarly, the JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significantly high increase in the total number of bifidobacterial cells of both species, enhanced palatability, and shelf life as compared to astaxanthin and ginseng extract. The quadratic model indicated a strong association between ascorbic acid, ginseng extract, and astaxanthin with a bifidobacterial cell concentration in the fortified JA juices. The Box–Behnken design was considered a feasible analysis for describing fortified JA juice and the rate of viability and persistence of bifidobacteria during 28 days of storage at 5°C in all trials. In conclusion, JA juice fortified with ascorbic acid showed a significant impact on improving the cell viability and persistence of probiotic bacteria, enhanced palatability, and shelf life as compared to other compounds tested.