bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Analytical and clinical performance of different platforms simultaneously detecting 15 antinuclear antibodies
Authors: Qin Yan , Fan Chunxue , Wang Yanlin , Feng Min , Liang Zhaojun , Zhao Xiangcong , Gao Chong , Luo Jing 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundAntinuclear antibodies (ANAs) are invaluable biomarkers for the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases (AIDs). This study aims to compare the performances of line immunoassay (LIA), multiplex bead‐based flow fluorescent immunoassay (MBFFI), and magnetic bar code immunofluorescence assay (MBC‐IF) to detect ANA‐Profile‐15S.MethodsIn total, 184 samples from AID patients and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were collected. Fifteen ANAs (anti‐dsDNA, nucleosome, histone, Sm, PCNA, ribosomal‐P, SS‐A/Ro52, SS‐A/Ro60, SS‐B/La, centromere B [CENP‐B], Scl‐70, U1‐snRNP, AMA‐M2, Jo‐1, and Pm/Scl) were subjected to parallel detection by the LIA, MBFFI, and MBC‐IF. The consistency between assays was analyzed. The discrepant results were further examined by chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA).ResultsAnti‐SS‐A/Ro52 and SS‐A/Ro60 autoantibodies were the most common autoantibodies in ANA positive‐profiles, and were detected with equal efficiency by the LIA, MBFFI, and MBC‐IF (p = 0.101 and p = 0.732, respectively). The three assays showed excellent agreement (consistency range: 66.5%–97.5%), and total consistency was 85.8%. The MBFFI and MBC‐IF assays were in good agreement in terms of ANA‐Profile‐15S determination; the kappa coefficient ranged from 0.59 to 0.95, except for the PCNA and PM‐Scl. Of the 262 re‐assessed divergent results, 124 (47.33%) were positive on CLIA; the various autoantibodies exhibited variable patterns. More importantly, the ANA‐Profile‐15S results of the MBFFI and MBC‐IF accurately identified patients with AID; the area under the curves ranged from 0.642 to 0.919.ConclusionsThe novel MBFFI and MBC‐IF assay performed well in detecting ANA‐Profile‐15S. The application of MBFFI and MBC‐IF play important roles in laboratory diagnosis of AIDs.
Effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on spatial cognition and hippocampal synaptic plasticity in adolescent rats
Authors: Aghazadeh Razieh , Roshan‐Milani Shiva , Derafshpour Leila , Saboory Ehsan 
Published: June 2022

AbstractGlobal rise in methamphetamine (MA) abuse during pregnancy has placed a large number of children at risk for the adverse consequences of prenatal methamphetamine exposure (PME). While behavioral and neurocognitive deficits of PME have been extensively studied in humans and adult rodents, far less is known regarding the sex‐ and dose‐dependent effects of PME as well as the underlying mechanisms. Adolescence in nonhuman primates is also a less explored territory. In the present study, PME was inducted by oral treatment to pregnant rats on gestational days 15–19 with either low dose (0.1 mg/ml) or high dose (0.6 mg/ml) of MA. The cognitive effects of PME were then evaluated in two adolescence age‐intervals: early adolescent (started on postnatal day [PND] 21) and mid‐adolescent (started on PND 33), among male and female rat offspring using Morris water maze (MWM) test. Alterations in hippocampal synaptic plasticity in Schaffer collaterals‐CA1 pathway were also measured in vitro. Results of behavioral test showed that PME led to serious deficits of learning and memory abilities in both male and female rat offspring. PME also depressed LTP in most of the PME subgroups. Moreover, 21‐day‐old rats were more sensitive to PME‐induced cognitive impairment in MWM tasks, but not in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, than 33‐day‐old rats. No sex‐dependent effects of PME were found on the cognitive function and synaptic plasticity. These findings confirmed that PME impacted negatively on cognitive performance in prepubertal male and female rats, and the impairment of hippocampal synaptic functions might partly play a significant role in these effects.
Current strategies to induce selective killing of HIV-1-infected cells
Authors: Campbell Grant R , Spector Stephen A 
Published: June 2022

AbstractAlthough combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) has led to significant HIV-1 suppression and improvement in immune function, persistent viral reservoirs remain that are refractory to intensified ART. ART poses many challenges such as adherence to drug regimens, the emergence of resistant virus, and cumulative toxicity resulting from long-term therapy. Moreover, latent HIV-1 reservoir cells can be stochastically activated to produce viral particles despite effective ART and contribute to the rapid viral rebound that typically occurs within 2 weeks of ART interruption; thus, lifelong ART is required for continued viral suppression. Several strategies have been proposed to address the HIV-1 reservoir such as reactivation of HIV-1 transcription using latency reactivating agents with a combination of ART, host immune clearance and HIV-1-cytotoxicity to purge the infected cells—a “shock and kill” strategy. However, these approaches do not take into account the multiple transcriptional and translational blocks that contribute to HIV-1 latency or the complex heterogeneity of the HIV-1 reservoir, and clinical trials have thus far failed to produce the desired results. Here, we describe alternative strategies being pursued that are designed to kill selectively HIV-1-infected cells while sparing uninfected cells in the absence of enhanced humoral or adaptive immune responses.
Functional morphology of the hindlimb of fossilized pygmy hippopotamus from Ayia Napa (Cyprus)
Authors: Georgitsis Michail K. , Liakopoulou Dionysia Ε. , Theodorou Georgios E. , Tsiolakis Efthymios 
Published: June 2022

AbstractWe studied the functional morphology of the postcranial skeleton of the endemic hippopotamus Phanourios minor, derived from the Upper Pleistocene site of Ayia Napa. The deposit, which consists of a hard limestone substrate on which the species moved, has yielded a great abundance of hippopotamus material, making the Ayia Napa locality one of the most important paleontological sites in Cyprus. The immigration of the large‐sized mainland Hippopotamus to Cyprus led to the emergence of a new insular species with its main characteristic being the extremely reduced body size. In this study, all the hindlimb elements of the Cypriot hippo are described in detail and compared with those of the modern species, with the extant Hippopotamus amphibius being considered similar to the possible ancestor of P. minor. In some cases, the morphological comparison is reinforced using bones of other extinct insular and mainland hippos. Additionally, we provided a functional analysis of the hindlimb joints, suggesting specific locomotor habits for the species. The anatomical examination reveals that the elements in P. minor are robust with marked muscular insertion areas resembling those found in Hippopotamus. However, there are also similarities with Choeropsis liberiensis in certain morphofunctional traits. P. minor adapted to slow but powerful locomotion with remarkable stabilization, particularly in the zeugopodium and the autopodium. The knee was less mobile in the craniocaudal direction compared with that in recent hippos, while the abduction–adduction movements of the thigh were advanced. The pes presented good mobility in the sagittal plane and limitation in transversal movements. Thus, P. minor displayed modifications to its limbs, influenced by the mountainous island environment and the body size reduction, resulting in specialized locomotion, which was different from that of extant hippopotamuses.
Human seasonal coronavirus neutralization and COVID‐19 severity
Authors: Wells David A. , Cantoni Diego , Mayora‐Neto Martin , Genova Cecilia Di , Sampson Alexander , Ferrari Matteo , Carnell George , Nadesalingam Angalee , Smith Peter , Chan Andrew , Raddi Gianmarco , Castillo‐Olivares Javier , Baxendale Helen , Temperton Nigel , Heeney Jonathan L. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractThe virus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), responsible for the global coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, spread rapidly around the world causing high morbidity and mortality. However, there are four known, endemic seasonal coronaviruses in humans (HCoVs), and whether antibodies for these HCoVs play a role in severity of COVID‐19 disease has generated a lot of interest. Of these seasonal viruses NL63 is of particular interest as it uses the same cell entry receptor as SARS‐CoV‐2. We use functional, neutralizing assays to investigate cross‐reactive antibodies and their relationship with COVID‐19 severity. We analyzed the neutralization of SARS‐CoV‐2, NL63, HKU1, and 229E in 38 COVID‐19 patients and 62 healthcare workers, and a further 182 samples to specifically study the relationship between SARS‐CoV‐2 and NL63. We found that although HCoV neutralization was very common there was little evidence that these antibodies neutralized SARS‐CoV‐2. Despite no evidence in cross‐neutralization, levels of NL63 neutralizing antibodies become elevated after exposure to SARS‐CoV‐2 through infection or following vaccination.
Prevalence of periodontal disease in young Moroccans: A national survey
Authors: Kissa Jamila , El Houari Bouchra , Amine Khadija , Chemlali Sihame , Khlil Nadia , Mikou Salwa , Gharibi Amina , El Ouadnassi Imane , Rifki Chouaib , Albandar Jasim M. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundThere are few large surveys of periodontal disease in young age cohorts, and national surveys in Africa do not exist. This study assessed the prevalence and severity of periodontal disease in a national survey of adolescents and young adults in Morocco.MethodsA multistage probability sampling design was used to draw a sample of 14,667 students 12–25 years old attending 87 schools. The sample was representative of approximately three million Moroccan students in this age group.ResultsA total of 27.9%, 11.9%, and 7.7% of the subjects had ≥1 tooth with ≥4, ≥5, and ≥6 mm probing depth, and the population estimates were ≈ 822,436, 349,961, and 226,297 affected subjects, respectively. For attachment loss, the prevalences were: 11.6%, 9.5%, and 6.9% (or ≈ 341,761, 281,043, and 203,977 affected subjects) for ≥4, ≥5, and ≥6 mm, respectively. The rates of probing depth and attachment loss increased significantly with the increase in age (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). Sex and urban status did not show significant effects on the prevalence of periodontal disease (p > 0.05). Similarly, the relationship between the occupation status and periodontal status was modest and not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionsChildren and young adults attending public schools in Morocco have a high prevalence and severity of periodontal disease compared with other populations of similar age. The rate of periodontal disease reported here may be used as baseline population estimates in the surveillance of disease status in this population.
Long‐term effect of integrated farming systems on soil erosion in hilly micro‐watersheds (Indian Eastern Himalayas)
Authors: Choudhury Burhan U. , Nengzouzam Grace , Mandal Satyabrata , Sethy Bira K. , Hazarika Samarendra , Mishra Vinay K. 
Published: June 2022

AbstractSoil erosion from traditional hill agriculture is a major concern for agronomic development in the Eastern Himalayas (India). An integrated farming system (IFS: is the combination of multipurpose trees‐MPT interspersed with seasonal agricultural crops) may reduce the severity of erosion while ensuring food and nutritional security. The aim of our study was to identify an IFS, resistant to soil erosion in the hill ecosystem of Eastern Himalaya. For this, eight micro‐watershed (MW)‐based IFSs namely livestock with fodder crops (MW1), forestry (MW2), agroforestry (MW3), agriculture (MW4), agri‐horti‐silvi‐pastoral (MW5), horticulture (MW6), cultivated fallow (MW7), and abandoned shifting cultivation (MW8, as traditional land use) were established and soil erosion was measured for 24 years in the sloping land (32.0%–53.0%) of the Eastern Himalayas (Meghalaya, Northeast India). In the forests (MW2), annual average (IA: 1983–2006) runoff and soil losses were 405.5 (±113) mm and 11.0 (±2.4) Mg ha−1 yr−1, respectively. The conversion of forests to cultivation caused a decline in the parameters of hydro‐physical quality and fertility, more severely in the traditional farming (MW7&8) than in the IFS mode of cultivation (MW3,5,&6). Soil water conservation measures (SWCMs: contour bunding, terracing, and grassed waterways) were more effective at reducing erosion when used together compared to individually. Adoption of these SWCMs in cultivated MWs in IFS mode (MW3,5,&6), reduced the runoff by 13.0%–17.1% and soil loss by 12.6%–15.1% over forests (MW2). However, in traditional agriculture (MW7&8), runoff increased by 50.6%–87.6% while soil loss was 50.3%–59.8% higher over the forest. The study demonstrated that the adoption of agroforestry, agri‐silvi‐horti‐pastoral or horticulture‐based IFSs with appropriate SWCMs may be promoted to reduce soil erosion while sustaining soil quality attributes and food security in the hill ecosystem of the Indian Eastern Himalayas.
Potential global distribution of a temperate marine coastal predator: The role of barriers and dispersal corridors on subpopulation connectivity
Authors: De Wysiecki Agustín M. , Cortés Federico , Jaureguizar Andrés J. , Barnett Adam 
Published: June 2022

AbstractPredicting the potential distribution of species and possible dispersal corridors at a global scale can contribute to better understanding the availability of suitable habitat to move between, and the potential connectivity between regional distributions. Such information increases knowledge of ecological and biogeographic processes, but also has management applications at a global scale, for example, for estimating the restocking ability of exploited regional subpopulations. As a case study, we tested the utility of environmental niche modeling to investigate the potential global distribution of a highly mobile temperate marine coastal species, the broadnose sevengill shark (Notorynchus cepedianus). First, we characterized and compared three model variants using global data and regional data from two geographically distant and genetically diverging subpopulations in the Southwest Atlantic and southern Australia. The best performing model was then transferred to the rest of the world to obtain a final global prediction for the species. Predictions revealed broad suitable areas across temperate regions of the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. As a final step, we overlaid underwater seamount data on suitability maps to simulate possible dispersal corridors and regional connectivity. Global subpopulation connectivity and dispersal are discussed in the light of recent genetic evidence, to help explain why unoccupied suitable areas are not currently accessed by the species. This study highlights the potential use of global and regional data for the assessment of habitat suitability of species at a global scale, and provides considerations when applying these models to other highly mobile species.
Compact dual‐band quasi‐Yagi antenna with pattern diversification for WI‐FI 6E applications
Authors: Hong Dingmou , Yu Yaqing , Yi Da , Ye Mao , Tang Ming‐Chun 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA dual‐band quasi‐Yagi antenna with diverse radiation patterns at different frequency bands is presented for the Wi‐Fi 6E applications. It has multiple working bands that cover the two existing bands of traditional Wi‐Fi 6, that is, from 2.4–2.4835 to 5.17−5.835 GHz, as well as the upcoming extended Wi‐Fi 6E band that covers the 5.925−7.125 GHz band. The proposed antenna consists of a microstrip (MS) line, a coplanar strip‐line (CPS), a bow‐tie driven dipole element, a slotted ground plane and a parasitic director element. By jointly employing these structures, multiple resonances can be generated, where the resonance with largest current path results in low‐frequency working band, while the others are merged to form a relatively wide high‐frequency band. In the low‐frequency band, the antenna has an omnidirectional radiation pattern with wide beam‐coverage, while in the high‐frequency band, the antenna can achieve directional radiation pattern with high gain value. An antenna prototype is then fabricated and measured for validation. Good agreement between the simulated and measured results is observed. The measured −10 dB impedance fractional bandwidth are 4.3% (2.38−2.484 GHz) and 60.6% (4.47−8.36 GHz) in the low‐ and high‐frequency bands, respectively, associated with peak gain values 0.64 and 6.22 dBi. The antenna's overall size is 0.22 λL × 0.20 λL × 0.006 λL. The proposed antenna is a good candidate for multiple kinds of Wi‐Fi applications.
Defining urge as an uncontrolled micturition explains pathogenesis, informs cure and helps solve the burgeoning OAB crisis
Authors: Petros Peter , Quaghebeur Jörgen , Wyndaele Jean‐Jacques 
Published: June 2022

AbstractBackgroundParallel with the demographic ageing crisis, is a disabling overactive bladder (OAB) crisis (urgency/frequency/nocturia), 30% prevalence in older women, pathogenesis stated as unknown and, according to some learned societies, incurable.Hypothesis/AimsTo review International Continence Society and Integral System paradigms to test our thesis that OAB per se is not a pathological condition, rather, a prematurely activated uncontrolled micturition; pathogenesis being anatomical damage in a nonlinear feedback control system comprising cortical and peripheral (muscle/ligament) components.MethodsWe examined studies from basic science, anatomy, urodynamics, ultrasonic and video xrays, ligament repairs, from which we created a nonlinear binary model of bladder function. We applied a Chaos Theory feedback equation, Xnext = Xc(1 − X) to test our hypothesis against existing concepts and hypotheses for OAB pathogenesis.ResultsThe bladder has ONLY two modes, EITHER closed OR open (micturition). Closure is reflexly controlled cortically and peripherally: muscles contracting against ligaments stretch the vagina to suppress afferent signals to micturate from urothelial stretch receptors. “OAB” can be caused by anatomical damage anywhere in the model, by childbirth or age‐weakened ligaments, which can be repaired to cure all three OAB symptoms. Urodynamic “DO” graphs are interpreted anatomically and by the feedback equation.ConclusionOAB is in crisis. Our thesis of OAB as an uncontrolled micturition from anatomical defects in the bladder control system provides fresh directions for further development of new treatments, nonsurgical and surgical, to help break the crisis and bring hope and cure to 600 million women sufferers.
Event‐triggered finite‐time quantized synchronization of uncertain delayed neural networks
Authors: Zhang Yingqi , Li Xiao , Liu Caixia 
Published: June 2022

AbstractA novel finite‐time synchronization design is developed for uncertain delayed neural networks with event‐triggered mechanisms and input quantizations. Initially, an error model is established which characterizes the effects of the event triggering scheme and quantization within a unified framework. Under such a synchronization model, some matrix inequality‐based sufficient conditions for the existence of the finite‐time synchronization is deduced by using Lyapunov functional approach and free‐weighting matrix techniques. Additionally, utilizing variable separation approach, a co‐design algorithm for the suitable finite‐time synchronization controller and event‐triggered matrix parameter are derived in terms of the feasibility of linear matrix inequalities. Besides, an example is illustrated to verify the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Connecting people, plants and place: A native plant society's journey towards a community of practice
Authors: Beckwith Brenda R. , Johansson Eva M. , Huff Valerie J. 
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Native plants are often promoted for gardening, biodiversity conservation and ecological restoration. Native plant gardening can contribute to environmental sustainability by conserving water and creating biologically diverse habitat. Despite the many virtues of native plants, there are challenges to building relationships between people and plants, including limited plant availability and low level of general plant appreciation and literacy. Activities that foster people–plant connections can help to alleviate Plant Awareness Disparity, foster plant conservation and produce more native plants.

We describe how our environmental non‐profit organization, the Kootenay Native Plant Society, has worked to encourage people–plant connections in the West Kootenay region of British Columbia, Canada, over a 10‐year period. We borrowed from different disciplines, practices and theories to inform our work—from organic gardening and ecological restoration to sustainable development. Our programmes developed from outreach and educational activities to more place‐based and interactive initiatives. Initial activities, including wildflower walks and school programmes, offered plant information but more meaningful plant engagement was needed. We provided deeper knowledge through a flagship species approach showcasing a native plant, camas Camassia quamash, itxwa, resulting in greater appreciation for camas, although this strategy rarely translated to broader plant conservation by residents. We developed more specialized programmes that trained participants in native plant propagation and gardening, where they gained competence and contributed to a social group linked by community‐based conservation efforts and a passion for native plants.

We learned our journey to connect more people with native species and get plants into gardens was a pathway towards a community of practice. Building lasting people–plant connections is not straightforward; it is an adaptive integrative process requiring delivery of dynamic and complementary activities developed over time from cumulative insights and organizational reflection. What we thought was simply an unavailability of native plants paired with people's lack of native plant appreciation was more complex, requiring a shift in social understanding of people's relationships with plants. The cultivation of a community of practice is an act of socio‐ecological restoration, a shared pathway that supports a self‐sustaining community practicing good stewardship and empowered to grow native plants.

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Curing and rheological study of epoxy molding compound with novel phosphonium silicate latent accelerators
Authors: Yu Yongjia , Yang Xin , Liu Qianfa , She Naidong , Liu Dongliang , Huang Wei 
Published: June 2022

AbstractLatent curing accelerators are significant for curing and molding controlling of epoxy molding compounds. Two novel phosphonium silicate latent accelerators, tetraphenylphosphonium bis(2,3‐dioxy‐naphthalene)methylsilicate (P‐Si‐Me) and tetraphenylphosphonium bis(2,3‐dioxy‐naphthalene)phenylsilicate (P‐Si‐Ph) were synthesized and characterized. The catalytic performance of P‐Si‐Me and P‐Si‐Ph on epoxy/phenolic resin system was evaluated and compared with commercial organophosphine accelerators triphenyl phosphine (TPP) and triphenylphosphine‐1,4‐benzoquinone (TPP‐BQ). Systems with four accelerators displayed similar autocatalytic curing reaction mechanism, and the curing and rheological behavior of four epoxy systems could be well described with the diffusion factor‐incorporated Kamal model, and Castro and Macosko model, respectively. DSC and rheology results showed that the latency of four accelerators followed the order of P‐Si‐Ph ≈ TPP‐BQ >> P‐Si‐Me > TPP, while the catalytic reactivity followed TPP > P‐Si‐Me > P‐Si‐Ph > TPP‐BQ. DMA results exhibited that epoxy systems with phosphonium silicate accelerators had higher Tg than that with TPP and TPP‐BQ. The latency and catalytic performance of phosphonium silicate accelerators were attributed to their ionic complex nature. Moreover, the substituent on silicate anion had obvious impact on the performance of accelerators.