bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, characterization, and properties of silicone grafted epoxy/acrylonitrile butadiene styrene/graphene oxide nanocomposite with high adhesion strength and thermal stability
Authors: Gholinezhad Farhad , Golhosseini Reza , Moini Jazani Omid 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTo improve thermal, mechanical and adhesion properties, epoxy resin was modified with methyl phenyl silicone (MPS), acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) and graphene oxide (GO). In order to increase compatibility and stability, MPS intermediate was grafted on epoxy resin through condensation reaction. Transmission electron microscopy images showed well dispersion of GO particles in the system proving successfully preparation of the MPS grafted epoxy/ABS/GO nanocomposite. Single lap shear strength for steel‐epoxy/carbon fiber composite joint in sample containing 15% MPS and 2% ABS improved up to 108% compared to neat epoxy. Such an improvement occurred when only 5% MPS, 2% ABS and 0.1% GO were used showing GO could decrease required content of modifiers in this case. Tensile strength of sample containing 5% MPS and 2% ABS was 49.89 MPa and it reached 55.23 MPa by adding 0.1% GO while it was 37.12 MPa in pure epoxy. Nanocomposite modified sample had a residual char of 20 wt%. at 600°C and increment of 30°C in initial degradation temperature and 7°C in maximum degradation temperature compared to pure epoxy. These finding beside 23% increasing in calculated activation energy using Kessinger's and FWO method's proved significantly improved thermal stability of modified epoxy resin. Scanning electron microscope images of fractured surface of specimens showed micro size domains obtained by phase separation cause toughness improvement and crack energy absorption.
An improved reliability index based on regional equivalent conversion
Authors: Wang Junjie , Liu Yating , Zhao Gongwei , Ye Nanhai , Yang Lifei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAiming at the accuracy and efficiency of traditional reliability method for solving highly nonlinear problem, this paper proposes the regional equivalent conversion index (RECI) to compute reliability under arbitrary boundary and number of subdomains of limit state function. Firstly, we establish the model of RECI and the corresponding sampling method. Furthermore, the RECI of a series of parallel linear performance functions are computed by the proposed method. Besides the advanced first order and second moment method (AFOSM) are used to compute the reliability. Finally, the mapping relationship between RECI and reliability is established. Influence of sampling parameters on relative error is studied and optimal value is given. The parameters are optimized by analyzing the influence of the parameters on the precision. This method is also suitable for multiple failure modes without changing any process. Numerical examples are employed to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed method for solving highly nonlinear problem in dimension 1–4.
River thinking: Towards a holistic approach to watery places in the human imaginary
Authors: Davis Michael 
Published: January 2022

Abstract‘Yet behind these obvious and immediate hopes and fears there lies a deeper meaning, known only to the mountain itself. Only the mountain has lived long enough to listen objectively to the howl of a wolf’ (Aldo Leopold. (1949/1989). A Sand county almanac, p. 129). How do we think about rivers and waterways? In this paper I meditate on the notion of ‘thinking like a river’, to ask questions about how rivers and other waterways are conceptualised in the human imaginary, and in relation to peoples, place and ecology. The paper speculates on an ontology and phenomenology of watery places; to explore alternative ways of seeing and thinking. It poses the possibility that alternative epistemologies of nature can facilitate a deeper thinking that embraces connectivity ‐ the idea that rivers and waterways are intrinsically connected with place, peoples and landscape. I draw on three rivers and bodies of water, two in Australia and one in Aotearoa, New Zealand, to explore how these are being re‐imagined in more holistic ways, embracing Indigenous First Law, cosmologies and epistemologies, and framing them in discourses of Earth laws.
Further investigation of the survivability of code technical debt items
Authors: Zabardast Ehsan , Ebo Bennin Kwabena , Gonzalez‐Huerta Javier 
Published: January 2022

AbstractContext: Technical debt (TD) discusses the negative impact of sub‐optimal decisions to cope with the need‐for‐speed in software development. Code technical debt items (TDI) are atomic elements of TD that can be observed in code artifacts. Empirical results on open‐source systems demonstrated how code‐smells, which are just one type of TDIs, are introduced and “survive” during release cycles. However, little is known about whether the results on the survivability of code‐smells hold for other types of code TDIs (i.e., bugs and vulnerabilities) and in industrial settings. Goal: Understanding the survivability of code TDIs by conducting an empirical study analyzing two industrial cases and 31 open‐source systems from Apache Foundation. Method: We analyzed 133,670 code TDIs (35,703 from the industrial systems) detected by SonarQube (in 193,196 commits) to assess their survivability using survivability models. Results: In general, code TDIs tend to remain and linger for long periods in open‐source systems, whereas they are removed faster in industrial systems. Code TDIs that survive over a certain threshold tend to remain much longer, which confirms previous results. Our results also suggest that bugs tend to be removed faster, while code smells and vulnerabilities tend to survive longer.
Evaluation of the sedative and physiological effects of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats
Authors: Nahvi Atefeh , Molaei Mohammad Mahdi , Samimi Amir Saeed , Azari Omid , Mashayekhi Hossein , Ebrahimzadeh Fatemeh 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundMany α2‐agonists are commonly used for sedation and analgesia in ruminants.IntroductionThe present study aims to compare the sedative and physiological effects of intravenous (IV) administration of xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.MethodsTen healthy goats aged 6 ± 1 months and weighing 15 ± 2 kg were used in experimental, crossover Latin square, randomised and blinded study. Animals were assigned to five IV treatments: control (normal saline); xylazine (100 μg kg−1); detomidine (50 μg kg−1); medetomidine (20 μg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg−1). The degree of sedation was investigated using a numerical ranking scale of 0–10. Sedation scores were compared at each time using nonparametric (Kruskal–Wallis and Mann–Whitney U) tests.ResultsHeart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), rectal temperature (RT), ruminal motility and capillary refill time (CRT) were performed before (baseline) and after drug administration. Animals in α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments were sedated at 5–60 min. There were no significant differences among α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments at 5–60 min in sedation scores. HR significantly decreased from baseline 5–90 min after α2‐adrenergic agonists’ administration. Ruminal motility was decreased in α2‐adrenergic agonist treatments at 5, 90 and 120 min and absent at 10–60 min. A significant decrease from baseline in RR was detected between 30 and 90 min after α2‐adrenergic agonists’ administration. RT was unchanged in any treatment for 120 min. CRT was less than 2 s at all time points following each treatment.ConclusionsThe duration of sedation was up to 60 min after IV administration of xylazine (100 μg kg−1), detomidine (50 μg kg−1), medetomidine (20 μg kg−1) and dexmedetomidine (5 μg kg−1) in goats in this study. No significant differences were detected between xylazine, detomidine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine in goats.
Entwicklungsansätze für Impfstoffe gegen Hepatitis-C-Virus-Infektionen
Authors: Bankwitz Dorothea , Krey Thomas , Pietschmann Thomas 
Published: January 2022

ZusammenfassungMehr als 10 Jahre nach der Zulassung der ersten direkt wirkenden antiviralen Wirkstoffe zur Behandlung der Hepatitis C bleibt die Inzidenz der Hepatitis-C-Virus-(HCV-)Infektion ungebrochen hoch. In manchen Ländern stecken sich mehr Menschen neu mit dem Virus an, als Patienten durch eine erfolgreiche Therapie geheilt werden. Die Entwicklung eines prophylaktischen Impfstoffes könnte die Transmission des Virus unterbinden und dadurch einen wesentlichen Beitrag zur Kontrolle dieser weltweit verbreiteten Infektion leisten. In diesem Artikel werden die besonderen Herausforderungen und die aktuellen Ansätze der HCV-Impfstoffentwicklung dargestellt.HCV ist ein hochgradig diverses und wandlungsfähiges Virus, das zumeist dem Immunsystem entkommt und chronische Infektionen etabliert. Andererseits heilt die HCV-Infektion bei bis zu einem Drittel der exponierten Individuen aus, sodass eine schützende Immunität erreichbar ist. Zahlreiche Untersuchungen zu den Determinanten einer schützenden Immunität gegen HCV zeichnen ein immer kompletteres Bild davon, welche Ziele ein Impfstoff erreichen muss. Sehr wahrscheinlich werden sowohl starke neutralisierende Antikörper als auch wirkungsvolle zytotoxische T‑Zellen gebraucht, um sicher vor einer chronischen Infektion zu schützen. Die Schlüsselfrage ist, welche Ansätze besonders breit wirksame Antikörper und T‑Zellen heranreifen lassen. Dies wird erforderlich sein, um vor der großen Fülle unterschiedlicher HCV-Varianten zu schützen. Die jüngsten Erfolge von mRNA-Impfstoffen öffnen neue Türen auch für die HCV-Impfstoffforschung. Kombiniert mit einem tieferen Verständnis der Struktur und Funktion der viralen Hüllproteine, der Identifizierung kreuzprotektiver Antikörper- und T‑Zellepitope sowie der Nutzung standardisierter Verfahren zur Quantifizierung der Wirksamkeit von Impfkandidaten ergeben sich neue Perspektiven für die Entwicklung eines Impfstoffes.
10 Jahre Nationales Referenzzentrum für Hepatitis-B-Viren und Hepatitis-D-Viren in Gießen: Tätigkeiten und Erfahrungen
Authors: Glebe Dieter , Lehmann Felix , Goldmann Nora , Giese Annika , Hida Yassine , Gerlich Wolfram H. , Ziebuhr John , Slanina Heiko , Schüttler Christian G. 
Published: January 2022

ZusammenfassungDas Nationale Referenzzentrum (NRZ) für Hepatitis-B-Viren (HBV) und Hepatitis-D-Viren (HDV) befindet sich seit seiner Gründung und Berufung im Jahr 2011 am Institut für Medizinische Virologie der Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen (JLU). In diesem Beitrag werden die Tätigkeitsbereiche des NRZ und die damit verbundenen Erfahrungen beschrieben.Das NRZ bietet eine umfassende Beratungstätigkeit zu allen diagnostischen und klinischen Aspekten der akuten und chronischen Infektion mit HBV und HDV für den Öffentlichen Gesundheitsdienst (ÖGD), diagnostische Laboratorien, Kliniken, Forschungsinstitute und niedergelassene Ärzte. Unklare diagnostische Befunde können mit der am NRZ etablierten HBV/HDV-Spezialdiagnostik unter Verwendung von aktuellen molekularbiologischen, biochemischen und genetischen Untersuchungsmethoden analysiert, interpretiert und epidemiologische Zusammenhänge aufgeklärt werden. Das NRZ kann dabei auf eine umfangreiche Stammsammlung von vielen gut charakterisierten und klonierten HBV/HDV-Isolaten zurückgreifen, die eine vergleichende Analyse und Bewertung von antiviralen Resistenzmutationen und Immunescape-Varianten zulässt. Das NRZ initiiert und begleitet mit seinen nationalen und internationalen Partnerinstitutionen unter anderem Ringversuche zur Diagnostik der HBV-Resistenz, einschließlich Immunescape, zur Entwicklung und Validierung von internationalen Standards der Weltgesundheitsorganisation (WHO) und zur Optimierung der quantitativen HDV-Genombestimmung. Das NRZ beteiligt sich aktiv an aktuellen Empfehlungen und Leitlinien zu HBV und HDV sowie an Empfehlungen von medizinischen Fachgesellschaften. Es weist mit Beiträgen in Form von nationalen und internationalen Vorträgen sowie mit Originalarbeiten und Kommentaren in nationalen und internationalen Journalen auf aktuelle HBV/HDV-relevante Aspekte hin.
Almost positive links are strongly quasipositive
Authors: Feller Peter , Lewark Lukas , Lobb Andrew 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe prove that any link admitting a diagram with a single negative crossing is strongly quasipositive. This answers a question of Stoimenow’s in the (strong) positive. As a second main result, we give a simple and complete characterization of link diagrams with quasipositive canonical surface (the surface produced by Seifert’s algorithm). As applications, we determine which prime knots up to 13 crossings are strongly quasipositive, and we confirm the following conjecture for knots that have a canonical surface realizing their genus: a knot is strongly quasipositive if and only if the Bennequin inequality is an equality.
An adaptable microreactor to investigate the influence of interfaces on Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm growth
Authors: Ye Zhang , Silva Dina M. , Traini Daniela , Young Paul , Cheng Shaokoon , Ong Hui Xin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBiofilms are ubiquitous and notoriously difficult to eradicate and control, complicating human infections and industrial and agricultural biofouling. However, most of the study had used the biofilm model that attached to solid surface and developed in liquid submerged environments which generally have neglected the impact of interfaces. In our study, a reusable dual-chamber microreactor with interchangeable porous membranes was developed to establish multiple growth interfaces for biofilm culture and test. Protocol for culturing Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PAO1) on the air–liquid interface (ALI) and liquid–liquid interface (LLI) under static environmental conditions for 48 h was optimized using this novel device. This study shows that LLI model biofilms are more susceptible to physical disruption compared to ALI model biofilm. SEM images revealed a unique “dome-shaped” microcolonies morphological feature, which is more distinct on ALI biofilms than LLI. Furthermore, the study showed that ALI and LLI biofilms produced a similar amount of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS). As differences in biofilm structure and properties may lead to different outcomes when using the same eradication approaches, the antimicrobial effect of an antibiotic, ciprofloxacin (CIP), was chosen to test the susceptibility of a 48-h-oldP. aeruginosabiofilms grown on ALI and LLI. Our results show that the minimum biofilm eradication concentration (MBEC) of 6-h CIP exposure for ALI and LLI biofilms is significantly different, which are 400 μg/mL and 200 μg/mL, respectively. These results highlight the importance of growth interface when developing more targeted biofilm management strategies, and our novel device provides a promising tool that enables manipulation of realistic biofilm growth.Key points• A novel dual-chamber microreactor device that enables the establishment of different interfaces for biofilm culture has been developed.• ALI model biofilms and LLI model biofilms show differences in resistance to physical disruption and antibiotic susceptibility.
Vaccination against galectin-1 promotes cytotoxic T-cell infiltration in melanoma and reduces tumor burden
Authors: Femel Julia , van Hooren Luuk , Herre Melanie , Cedervall Jessica , Saupe Falk , Huijbers Elisabeth J. M. , Verboogen Danielle R. J. , Reichel Matthias , Thijssen Victor L. , Griffioen Arjan W. , Hellman Lars , Dimberg Anna , Olsson Anna-Karin 
Published: January 2022

AbstractGalectin-1 (Gal1) is a glycan-binding protein that promotes tumor progression by several distinct mechanisms. Through direct binding to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-receptor 2, Gal1 is able to induce VEGF-like signaling, which contributes to tumor angiogenesis. Furthermore, several studies have demonstrated an immunosuppressive function of Gal1 through effects on both effector and regulatory T cells. Elevated Gal1 expression and secretion have been shown in many tumor types, and high Gal1 serum levels have been connected to poor prognosis in cancer patients. These findings suggest that therapeutic strategies directed against Gal1 would enable simultaneous targeting of angiogenesis, immune evasion and metastasis. In the current study, we have analyzed the potential of Gal1 as a cancer vaccine target. We show that it is possible to generate high anti-Gal1 antibody levels in mice immunized with a recombinant vaccine protein consisting of bacterial sequences fused to Gal1. Growth of Gal1 expressing melanomas was significantly impaired in the immunized mice compared to the control group. This was associated with improved perfusion of the tumor vasculature, as well as increased infiltration of macrophages and cytotoxic T cells (CTLs). The level of granzyme B, mainly originating from CTLs in our model, was significantly elevated in Gal1 vaccinated mice and correlated with a decrease in tumor burden. We conclude that vaccination against Gal1 is a promising pro-immunogenic approach for cancer therapy that could potentially enhance the effect of other immunotherapeutic strategies due to its ability to promote CTL influx in tumors.
Safety and Feasibility of Robotic Transaxillary Thyroidectomy for Graves’ Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Bu Bshait Mohammed Saad , Kim Jin Kyong , Lee Cho Rok , Kang Sang‐Wook , Jeong Jong Ju , Nam Kee‐Hyun , Chung Woong Youn 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBackgroundDespite the increase in experience and understanding of robotic thyroidectomy, its application for Graves’ disease (GD) remains controversial. This study aimed to assess the safety and feasibility of robotic transaxillary thyroidectomy (RTT) for GD in comparison with the conventional open thyroidectomy (open group: OG) approach.MethodsA total of 192 patients who underwent surgical resection for GD were retrospectively reviewed. Among them, 51 patients underwent RTT and the remaining 141 patients were in the conventional OG.ResultsAll robotic operations were performed successfully without open conversion. Patients who underwent RTT were significantly younger (P < 0.001) and predominantly of the female sex. Operative time was longer for RTT than for the OG (182.5 ± 58.1 vs. 112.0 ± 29.5; P < 0.001). The mean intraoperative blood loss was not statistically different between RTT and the OG (113.3 ± 161.6 vs. 95.3 ± 209.1, P = 0.223). The mean weight of the resected thyroid was reduced in those who underwent RTT compared with open thyroidectomy (P = 0.033). The overall complication rate for RTT and open thyroidectomy was not significantly different (33.3% vs. 22.7%, P = 0.135). In RTT, the most common complication was transient hypocalcemia (21%). Permanent hypocalcemia and recurrent laryngeal nerve injury occurred in only one patient in each group. The weight of the resected thyroid was not related to the incidence of complications in patients receiving RTT.ConclusionsConsidering excellent cosmesis, findings of this study support the safety and feasibility of RTT. Nevertheless, it should be performed by expert surgeons with extensive robotic surgery experience.
Janus particles by simplified RAFT-based emulsion polymerization process for polymer coating
Authors: Nguyen Duc , Huynh Vien T. , Serelis Algirdas K. , Davey Tim , Paravagna Olga , Such Chris H. , Hawkett Brian S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe describe a simplified method to synthesize film forming polymer Janus particles by phase separation during RAFT-based free radical emulsion polymerization. Fully crosslinked snowman- or football-shaped polystyrene Janus particles (PSJPs) were first produced in a one-step batch process using amphiphilic triblock macro-RAFT copolymers as stabilizers. Such particles were in turn employed as seeds in a continuous emulsion polymerization in which a monomer mixture of methyl methacrylate (MMA) and butyl acrylate (BA) (1/1 by weight) was constantly injected into the reaction in the presence of a water soluble initiator. The added monomers wetted seed particle surface and their polymerization led to formations of 93-nm film forming single- or two-headed Janus particles. The resulted latex was successfully used to disperse and encapsulate solid calcite extender.
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The role of oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos
Authors: Zhao Yuewen , Vanderkooi Sydney , Kan Frederick W. K. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractDiverse lines of evidence indicate that the mammalian oviduct makes important contributions to the complex process of reproduction other than being simply a conduit for the transport of gametes and embryos. The cumulative synthesis and transport of proteins secreted by oviductal secretory cells into the oviductal lumen create a microenvironment supporting important reproductive events, including sperm capacitation, fertilization, and early embryo development. Among the components that have been identified in the oviductal fluid is a family of glycosylated proteins known collectively as oviduct-specific glycoprotein (OVGP1) or oviductin. OVGP1 has been identified in several mammalian species, including humans. The present review summarizes the work carried out, in various mammalian species, by many research groups revealing the synthesis and secretion of OVGP1, its fate in the female reproductive tract upon secretion by the oviductal epithelium, and its role in modulating biological functions of gametes and embryos. The production and functions of recombinant human OVGP1 and recombinant OVGP1 of other mammalian species are also discussed. Some of the findings obtained with immunocytochemistry will be highlighted in the present review. It is hoped that the findings obtained from recent studies carried out with recombinant OVGP1 from various species will rekindle researchers’ interest in pursuing further the role of the oviductal microenvironment, of which OVGP1 is a major component, in contributing to the successful occurrence of early reproductive events, and the potential use of OVGP1 in improving the current assisted reproductive technology in alleviating infertility.
Diagnostic significance of reassessment of prostate biopsy specimens by experienced urological pathologists at a high-volume institution
Authors: Okubo Yoichiro , Yamamoto Yayoi , Sato Shinya , Yoshioka Emi , Suzuki Masaki , Washimi Kota , Osaka Kimito , Suzuki Takahisa , Yokose Tomoyuki , Kishida Takeshi , Miyagi Yohei 
Published: January 2022

AbstractIn prostate cancer, accurate diagnosis and grade group (GG) decision based on biopsy findings are essential for determining treatment strategies. Diagnosis by experienced urological pathologists is recommended; however, their contribution to patient benefits remains unknown. Therefore, we analyzed clinicopathological information to determine the significance of reassessment by experienced urological pathologists at a high-volume institution to identify factors involved in the agreement or disagreement of biopsy and surgical GGs. In total, 1325 prostate adenocarcinomas were analyzed, and the GG was changed in 452/1325 (34.1%) cases (359 cases were upgraded, and 93 cases were downgraded). We compared the highest GG based on biopsy specimens, with the final GG based on surgical specimens of 210 cases. The agreement rate between the surgical GG performed and assessed in our institute and the highest biopsy GG assessed by an outside pathologist was 34.8% (73/210); the agreement rate increased significantly to 50% (105/210) when biopsy specimens were reevaluated in our institute (chi-square test, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only the length of the lesion in the positive core with the highest GG in the biopsy was a significant factor for determining the agreement between biopsy GG and surgical GG, with an odds ratio of 1.136 (95% confidence interval: 1.057–1.221; P < 0.01). Thus, reassessment by experienced urological pathologists at high-volume institutions improved the agreement rate. However, it should be noted there is a high probability of discordance between a small number of lesions or short lesions and surgical GG.