bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Investigation on the biodegradation properties of low density polyethylene film/plasticized cassava starch blends for optimal environmental pollution control
Authors: Nwuzor Iheoma Chigoziri , Oyeoka Henry Chukwuka , Nwanonenyi Simeon Chukwudozie , Ihekweme Gina 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Recently, polyethylene bags have become the highest source of environmental pollution due to long hydrocarbons contained in their polymer chains which hinders its degradation. The present study investigated biodegradation of low density polyethylene (LDPE) film and plasticized cassava starch (PCS) blends through casting methods. Five sample blends were produced by varying composition of LDPE and cassava starch (CS) using glycerol and water as plasticizers. Biodegradation behaviour of LDPE/PCS blends were determined by soil burial analysis within a period of 75 days. The results of the soil burial revealed continuous loss of weight with increased PCS content and number of days. Microanalysis was performed to isolate microorganisms from the active soil that contained the blend samples. The biodegradation was further confirmed by investigating the physical characterizations of the blend samples before and after biodegradation using international standards. The results of the Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) revealed chemical functional group changes after biodegradation. The tensile strength of the blends decreased with increased PCS content and incubation period. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) analysis revealed biodegraded microstructures with continuous crack dissemination, cavities and rough surfaces after soil burial. This study has revealed the environmental compatibility and biodegradability of PCS on thermoplastics. It, therefore, concludes that the rate of biodegradation exhibited by the blends in this study will eventually expedite their continuous reduction in the soil if utilized frequently.
A blockchain-based platform for trading weather derivatives
Authors: Silveira Fernando Alves , Camilo Silvio Parodi de Oliveira 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
This study investigated the technical and economic viability of hedging electricity consumption using weather derivatives and smart contracts. For this purpose, we priced call options to hedge against excess of temperature for 5 Brazilian cities. We also developed a distributed autonomous application (DApp) using smart contracts, which allows individuals to negotiate these financial instruments. Our findings suggest that blockchain technology can be useful in providing a low-cost infrastructure to develop financial instruments to hedge weather-related losses. The cost of providing this platform has been estimated to be less than300 USD. The price of options has been estimated under 50 USD. This is particularly useful for electricity consumers and small businesses in poor countries. In addition, this study provides a comprehensive guide for the development of financial solutions using smart contracts to mitigate climate change impacts.
Triplanar Osteotomy Combined with Proximal Tibial Transverse Transport to Accelerate Healing of Recalcitrant Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Xu Jia , Li Shanyu , Sun Yunchu , Bao Bingbo , Zhu Tianhao , Kang Qinglin , Zheng Xianyou , Wen Gen 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Management of recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers remains challenging. Tibial transverse transport (TTT) has been verified as an effective method for enhancing the healing of foot ulcers. This retrospective study reported a novel triplanar osteotomy in the tibia and assessed the clinical outcomes of TTT for diabetic foot ulcers. Methods: 59 patients with recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers were divided into the TTT (32 patients) and control (27 patients) groups. In the TTT group, the patients underwent triplanar osteotomy of the proximal tibia, followed by 2 weeks of medial distraction and 2 weeks of lateral distraction. In the control group, the patients received conventional management, including debridement, revascularisation, and reconstruction. Ulcer healing and healing time, amputation, recurrence, and complications were assessed at an 18-month follow-up visit. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) was used to evaluate vessel changes in the lower limbs of patients in the TTT group. Results: The TTT group was superior to the control group in the healing rate (29/32 vs. 18/27) and the healing time (4.6 ± 1.7 months vs. 7.4 ± 2.5 months), respectively. The proportions of amputation and recurrence in the TTT group were lower than that in the control group, without statistical difference. After triplanar osteotomy and transverse distraction, CTA showed more small vessels in the wound area and ipsilateral limb. All patients achieved satisfactory union of the osteotomized bone fragment after removal of the external fixator. Conclusions: Triplanar osteotomy combined with proximal tibial transverse distraction accelerated wound healing and limb salvage caused by severe and recalcitrant diabetic foot ulcers. Triplanar osteotomy can not only increase the bone contact area, which is beneficial for rapid bone reconstruction, but also preserve the vascularisation of the bone fragment and substantially facilitate capillary angiogenesis during distraction. These results suggest that triplanar osteotomy followed by tibial transverse distraction is an effective method for treating diabetic foot ulcers.
Association Between Enhanced Carbonyl Stress and Decreased Apparent Axonal Density in Schizophrenia by Multimodal White Matter Imaging. Running title: Carbonyl Stress and Axon in Schizophrenia
Authors: Son Shuraku , Arai Makoto , Toriumi Kazuya , Andica Christina , Matsuyoshi Daisuke , Kamagata Koji , Aoki Shigeki , Kawashima Takahiro , Hayashi Takuya , Okada Tomohisa , Fushimi Yasutaka , Nakamoto Yuji , Kobayashi Yuko , Murai Toshiya , Itokawa Masanari , Miyata Jun 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Carbonyl stress is a condition featuring increased rich reactive carbonyl compounds, which facilitate the formation of advanced glycation end products including pentosidine. We previously reported the relationship between enhanced carbonyl stress and disrupted white matter integrity in schizophrenia, although which microstructural component is disrupted remained unclear. In this study, 32 patients with schizophrenia (SCZ) and 45 age-and gender-matched healthy volunteers (HC) were recruited. We obtained blood samples for carbonyl stress markers (plasma pentosidine and serum pyridoxal) and multi-modal magnetic resonance imaging measures of white mater microstructures including apparent axonal density (intra-cellular volume fraction (ICVF)) and orientation (orientation dispersion index (ODI)), myelin content (calibrated T1-weigted/T2-weighted image ratio), and inflammation (free water (FW)). In SCZ, the plasma pentosidine level was significantly increased. Group comparison revealed that mean white matter values were decreased for ICVF, increased for FW, and not different for the myelin component. We found a significant negative correlation between the plasma pentosidine level and mean ICVF values in SCZ, and a significant negative correlation between the serum pyridoxal level and mean ODI value in HC, regardless of age. Our results suggest an association between enhanced carbonyl stress and axonal abnormality in SCZ.
High RIG-I and EFTUD2 expression predicts poor survival in endometrial cancer
Authors: Beyer Susanne , Müller Lena , Mitter Sophie , Keilmann Lucia , Meister Sarah , Buschmann Christina , Kraus Fabian , Topalov Nicole E , Czogalla Bastian , Trillsch Fabian , Burges Alexander , Mahner Sven , Schmoeckel Elisa , Löb Sanja , Corradini Stefanie , Kessler Mirjana , Jeschke Udo , Kolben Thomas 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Endometrial cancer is the most common gynecological malignancy. The helicase RIG-I, a part of the innate immune system, and EFTUD2, a splicing factor which can upregulate RIG-I expression, are shown to influence tumor growth and disease progression in several malignancies. For endometrial cancer, an immunogenic cancer, data about RIG-I and EFTUD2 are still missing. The aim of this study was to examine the expression of RIG-I and EFTUD2 in endometrial cancer.
Methods
225 specimen of endometrial cancer were immunohistochemically stained for RIG-I and EFTUD2. The results were correlated to clinicopathological data, overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS).
Results
High RIG-I expression correlated with advanced tumor stages (FIGO: p = 0.027; pT: p = 0.010) and worse survival rates (OS: p = 0.009; PFS: p = 0.022). High EFTUD2 expression correlated to worse survival rates (OS: p = 0.026; PFS: p < 0.001) and was determined to be an independent marker for survival rates.
Conclusion
Our data suggest that the expression of RIG-I and EFTUD2 correlates with survival data, which makes both a possible therapeutic target in the future.
Probability of continued local-scale warming and extreme events during and after decarbonization
Authors: Diffenbaugh Noah , Barnes Elizabeth , Keys Patrick 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
While achieving net-zero emissions is likely to stabilize the long-term global temperature, the possibility of continued warming and extreme events could cause those efforts to be perceived as a failure. Leveraging decarbonization scenarios from multiple global climate models, we find that much of the world faces >30% probability of decadal warming after net-zero CO2 emissions are achieved, and most areas exhibit >10% probability of exceeding the most extreme hot and wet events of the decarbonization period. Further, substantial fractions of the global population and gross domestic product could experience post-net-zero warming, including hundreds of millions of people and trillions of dollars in the United States, China and India during the decade following net-zero. This likelihood highlights the possibility that some of the most populous, wealthy, and powerful regions may experience climatic conditions that could be perceived – at least in the near-term – to indicate that climate stabilization policies have failed.
Phytest: Quality Control for Phylogenetic Analyses
Authors: Wirth Wytamma , Mutch Simon , Turnbull Robert , Duchene Sebastian 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Motivation: The ability to automatically conduct quality control checks on phylogenetic analyses is becoming more important with the increase of genetic sequencing and use of real-time pipelines e.g. in the SARS-CoV-2 era. Implementations of ”nowcasting” or real-time phylogenetic analyses require automated testing to make sure that problems in the data are caught automatically within analysis pipelines and in a timely manner. Here we present Phytest (version 1.0) a tool for automating quality control checks on sequence, trees and metadata during phylogenetic analyses. Results: Phytest is a phylogenetic analysis testing program that easily integrates into existing phylogenetic pipelines. We demonstrate the utility of Phytest with real-world examples. Availability: Phytest source code available on GitHub (https://github.com/phytest-devs/phytest) and can be installed via PyPI with the command ‘pip install phytest‘. Extensive documentation can be found at https://phytest-devs.github.io/phytest/. Contact: wytamma.wirth@unimelb.edu.au
Long COVID affects home-isolated young patients
Authors: Blomberg Bjorn , Mohn Kristin , Brokstad Karl Albert , Linchausen Dagrunn , Hansen Bent-Are , Jalloh Sarah Lartey , Kuwelker Kanika , Zhou Fan , Saevik Marianne , Bartsch Hauke , Tondel Camilla , Kittang Bard , Cox Rebecca , Langeland Nina ,   Bergen COVID-19 Study Group
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Long-term complications following COVID-19 are common in hospitalised patients, but the spectrum of symptoms in milder cases remains unclear. In a Norwegian prospective cohort study of 312 patients, 61% of COVID-19 patients (247 home-isolated and 65 hospitalised) had persistent symptoms at six months, most commonly fatigue (37%), impaired concentration (26%), disturbed smell and/or taste (25%), memory loss (24%) and dyspnoea (21%). In young home-isolated adults, aged 16–30, 52% had symptoms at six months, with fatigue (21%), dyspnoea (13%), impaired concentration (13%) and memory loss (11%) posing particular challenges. Pre-existing chronic lung disease and high convalescent antibody titres predicted persistent symptoms, particularly fatigue. Our finding that young, home-isolated adults with mild COVID-19 are at risk of long-lasting dyspnoea and cognitive symptoms highlights the importance of infection control measures, such as vaccination.
Ultrasound-Assisted Electrodeposition Synthesis of nZVI-Pd/AC Toward Reductive Degradation of Methylene Blue
Authors: Long Yingtao , Liang Jianjun , Xue Yinghao 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A novel composite (nZVI/Pd-AC) was prepared by loading nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI) and Pd on activated carbon (AC) electrode under electrodeposition with ultrasound, which was used to conduct reductive degradation of methylene blue (MB). The loading contents of Fe and Pd were 15.84% and 2.06%, respectively. XPS results further confirmed that the resulting material contained Fe0 and Pd0. Without external conditions, MB could be degraded on the surface of nZVI/Pd-AC and reach equilibrium within 180 min. To investigate the regeneration property, re-electrodeposition strategy was effective to refresh the active sites of nZVI/Pd-AC, and the removal efficiency only reduced by 4.51% in five circles indicating the good reusability of nZVI/Pd-AC composites. GC-MS was used to identify a possible degradation pathways of MB, the results showed that the degradation products were mainly N, N-dimethylaniline and 2-amino-5-dimethylamino-benzenesulfonic acid. And the S-C, C-N bonds are the sites easier to be attacked.
A Metal-Cap Wedge Shape Hybrid Plasmonic Waveguide for Nano-Scale Light Confinement and Long Propagation Range
Authors: Kumar Santosh , Kumar Pintu , Ranjan Rakesh 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A metal-cap wedge shape hybrid plasmonic waveguide (WSHPW) has been investigated, for the nano-scale light confinement and long propagation range, in order to analyze the optical properties, such as propagation length, normalized effective mode area, etc., of the fundamental hybrid mode at the wavelength of 1550 nm . Due to the wedge shape structure of high-index region (AlGaAs), the energy is mostly confined at the top of it, inside the low-index region. This results in significant improvement in the propagation length. The modal analysis has been done, using the finite element method, by varying the width of waveguide, wedge angle, permittivity of high- and low-index regions, and heights of metal, high- and low-index regions. The analysis has been further extended for different metal, such as Silver (Ag), Gold (Au) and Aluminum (Al). From the simulation results, it has been established that the propagation length (Lp) > 490 um, can be achieved for the fundamental mode propagation. Further, the investigations on coupling length (Lc) between the two parallel WSHPWs have been done, which has been achieved as small as 6.10 um, for the waveguide separation of 100 nm, and waveguide width of
Age-related heterogeneity in immune responses to SARS-CoV-2 following BNT162b2 vaccination
Authors: Ferreira Isabella A.T.M. , Datir Rawlings , Kotagiri Prasanti , Lim Eleanor , Meng Bo , Bergamaschi Laura ,   The CITIID-NIHR BioResource COVID-19 Collaboration, Elmer Anne , Kingston Nathalie , Graves Barbara , Gresley Emma Le , Caputo Daniela , McCoy Laura , Smith Kenneth GC , Bradley John R. , Ceron-Gutierrez Lourdes , Cortes-Acevedo Paulina , Barcenas-Morales Gabriela , Lyons Paul A. , McKinney Eoin , Doffinger Rainer , Wills Mark , Gupta Ravindra 
Published: July 2022

Abstract

Vaccines remain the cornerstone for containing the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. mRNA vaccines provide protection in clinical trials using a two-dose approach, separated by a three to four week gap. UK policy in 2021 is to extend the dosing interval from three to twelve weeks and other countries are likely to follow suit given the demand for mRNA vaccines and ongoing uncontrolled transmission. There is a paucity of data in the elderly, even though these individuals are the first to receive vaccines due to risk of severe disease. Here we assessed real world immune responses following vaccination with mRNA-based vaccine BNT162b2.
Median age was 81 years amongst 101 participants after the first dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine. Geometric mean neutralisation titres in participants over 80 years old after the first dose were lower than in younger individuals [83.4 (95% CI 52.0-133.7) vs 46.6 (95% CI 33.5-64.8) p 0.01]. A lower proportion of participants 80 years and older achieved adequate neutralisation titre of >1:20 for 50% neutralisation as compared to those under 80 (21% vs 51%, p 0.003). Binding IgG responses correlated with neutralisation. Sera from participants in both age groups showed significantly lower neutralisation potency against B.1.1.7 Spike pseudotyped viruses as compared to wild type. The adjusted ORs for inadequate neutralisation in the 80 years and above age group were 3.7 (95% CI 1.2-11.2) and 4.4 (95% CI 1.5-12.6) against wild type and B.1.1.7 pseudotyped viruses. We observed a trend towards lower somatic hypermutation in participants with suboptimal neutralisation, and elderly participants demonstrated clear reduction in class switched somatic hypermutation, driven by the IgA1/2 isotype. SARS-CoV-2 Spike specific T- cell IFN𝛾 and IL-2 responses were impaired in the older age group after 1 dose and although IFN𝛾 increased between vaccine doses, IL-2 responses did not significantly increase. There was a significantly higher risk of suboptimal neutralising antibody and T cell response following first dose vaccination with BNT162b2 in half of participants above the age of 80, persisting up to 12 weeks. These high risk populations warrant specific measures in order to mitigate against vaccine failure, particularly where SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern are circulating.
Why the Electron Energy Balance During the Thermo-Field Emission From Refractory Metal Micro-Protrusions Can Trigger a Thermal Instability ?
Authors: Mofakhami Darius , Seznec Benjamin , Minea Tiberiu , Landfried Romaric , Teste Philippe , Dessante Philippe 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The electron emission by micro-protrusions has been studied for over a century, but the complete explanation of the unstable behaviors and their origin remains an open issue. These systems often evolve towards vacuum breakdown, which makes experimental studies of instabilities very difficult. Modeling studies are therefore necessary. In our model, refractory metals have shown the most striking results for discontinuities or jumps recorded on the electron emitted current under high applied voltages. Herein, we provide evidence on the mechanisms responsible for the initiation of a thermal instability during the field emission from refractory metal micro-protrusions. A jump in the emission current at steady state is found beyond a threshold electric field, and it is correlated to a similar jump in temperature. These jumps are related to a transient runaway of the resistive heating that occurs after the Nottingham flux inversion. That causes the hottest region to move beneath the apex, and generates an emerging heat reflux towards the emitting surface. Two additional conditions are required to initiate the runaway. The emitter geometry must ensure a large emission area and the thermal conductivity must be high enough at high temperatures so that the heat reflux can significantly compete with the heat diffusion towards the thermostat. The whole phenomenon, that we propose to call the Nottingham Inversion Instability, can explain unexpected thermal failures and breakdowns observed with field emitters.
Shared Genetic Architecture Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Gastrointestinal Tract Disorders: A Large-scale Genome-wide Cross-trait Analysis
Authors: Adewuyi Emmanuel O , O’Brien Eleanor K , Nyholt Dale R , Porter Tenielle , Laws Simon M 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Consistent with the concept of the gut-brain phenomenon, observational studies have reported a pattern of co-occurring relationship between Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and a range of gastrointestinal tract (GIT) traits. However, it is not clear whether the reported association reflects a causal or shared genetic aetiology of GIT disorders with AD. While AD has no known curative treatments, and its pathogenesis is not clearly understood, a comprehensive assessment of its shared genetics with diseases (comorbidities) can provide a deeper understanding of its underlying biological mechanisms and enhance potential therapy development. Methods: We analysed large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) summary data (sample size = 34,652 – 456,327) to comprehensively assess shared genetic overlap and causality of GIT disorders with the risk of AD. Further, we performed meta-analyses, pairwise GWAS analysis; and investigated genes and biological pathways shared by AD and GIT disorders.Results: Our analyses reveal significant concordance of SNP risk effects across AD and GIT disorders (Ppermuted = 9.99 × 10−4). Also, we found a significant positive genetic correlation between AD and each of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), peptic ulcer disease (PUD), medications for GERD or PUD (PGM), gastritis-duodenitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and diverticular disease, but not inflammatory bowel disease. Mendelian randomisation analyses found no evidence for a significant causal association between AD and GIT disorders. However, shared independent genome-wide significant (Pmeta-analysis < 5 × 10-8) loci (including 1p31.3 [near gene, PDE4B], 1q32.2 [CD46], 3p21.31 [SEMA3F], 16q22.1 [MTSS2], 17q21.33 [PHB], and 19q13.32 [APOE]) were identified for AD and PGM, six of which are putatively novel. These loci were replicated using GERD and PUD GWAS and reinforced in pairwise GWAS (colocalisation) as well as gene-based analyses. Lipid metabolism, autoimmune system, lipase inhibitors, PD-1 signalling, and statin mechanisms were significantly enriched in pathway-based analyses. Conclusions: These findings support shared genetic susceptibility of GIT disorders with AD risk and provide new insights into their observed association. The identified loci and genes—PDE4B, CD46 and APOE, especially—and biological pathways—statins and lipase inhibitors, in particular—may provide novel therapeutic avenues or targets for further investigation in AD, GIT disorders, or their comorbidity.