bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fouling behavior of wavy-patterned pore-filling membranes in reverse electrodialysis under natural seawater and sewage effluents
Authors: Choi Jiyeon , Kim Won-Sik , Kim Han Ki , Yang Seung Cheol , Han Ji-Hyung , Jeung Yoon Cheul , Jeong Nam Jo 
Published: March 2022

AbstractReverse electrodialysis (RED) generates electricity from a mixture of seawater and river water. Herein, patterned membranes consisting of ultra-thin pore-filling membranes (16-μm thick) were used to determine whether the RED system operates steadily when using natural underground seawater and sewage effluent and if the membranes become polluted by various foulants. The flat stack performances, comprising flat membranes and woven-type spacers, were compared with those of the pattern stack, comprising patterned membranes with mirror-imaged wavy lines. The pattern stack clearly reduced the pressure drop and maintained the power within 40% of the initial value, and the flat stack significantly increased to 3 bar inside the sewage effluent and decreased the power to 20% of the initial value. Both anion and cation exchange-surface membranes showed organic fouling and scaling, with more significant fouling in the flat stack. The patterned membranes used here provide a powerful solution to reduce fouling inside RED stacks.
Oligodendrocyte precursor cells sculpt the visual system by regulating axonal remodeling
Authors: Xiao Yan , Petrucco Luigi , Hoodless Laura J. , Portugues Ruben , Czopka Tim 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMany oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) do not differentiate to form myelin, suggesting additional roles of this cell population. The zebrafish optic tectum contains OPCs in regions devoid of myelin. Elimination of these OPCs impaired precise control of retinal ganglion cell axon arbor size during formation and maturation of retinotectal connectivity and degraded functional processing of visual stimuli. Therefore, OPCs fine-tune neural circuits independently of their canonical role to make myelin.
Function, life histories, and biographies of Lower Paleolithic patinated flint tools from Late Acheulian Revadim, Israel
Authors: Efrati Bar , Barkai Ran , Cesaro Stella Nunziante , Venditti Flavia 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFlint tools exhibiting modified patinated surfaces (“double patina”, or post-patination flaked items) provide a glimpse into Paleolithic lithic recycling, stone economy, and human choices. Different life cycles of such items are visually evident by the presence of fresh new modified surfaces alongside old patinated ones (according to color and texture differences). New modifications testify to a gap in time between the previous life cycle of the patinated flaked item and its new one. The aim of the current study is to reconstruct the functional properties and life cycles of a sample of modified patinated flaked tools from Late Acheulian Revadim, Israel by applying use-wear and residue analyses. The results of the functional study allow a better understanding of the practical reasoning behind the collection and recycling of old flint tools, while additional inputs from theoretical and methodological advancements assist in reconstructing their probable role in the worldviews of the site’s inhabitants.
Humanization of a strategic CD3 epitope enables evaluation of clinical T-cell engagers in a fully immunocompetent in vivo model
Authors: Zorn Julie A. , Wheeler Matthew L. , Barnes Ralston M. , Kaberna Jim , Morishige Winse , Harris Marek , Huang Richard Y.-C. , Lohre Jack , Chang Yu Ching , Chau Bryant , Powers Kathleen , Schindler Ian , Neradugomma Naveen , Thomas Winston , Liao Xiaoyun , Zhou Yinhan , West Sean M. , Wang Feng , Kotapati Srikanth , Chen Guodong , Yamazoe Sayumi , Kosenko Anastasia , Dollinger Gavin , Sproul Tim , Rajpal Arvind , Strop Pavel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractT-cell engagers (TCEs) are a growing class of biotherapeutics being investigated in the clinic for treatment of a variety of hematological and solid tumor indications. However, preclinical evaluation of TCEs in vivo has been mostly limited to xenograft tumor models in human T-cell reconstituted immunodeficient mice, which have a number of limitations. To explore the efficacy of human TCEs in fully immunocompetent hosts, we developed a knock-in mouse model (hCD3E-epi) in which a 5-residue N-terminal fragment of murine CD3-epsilon was replaced with an 11-residue stretch from the human sequence that encodes for a common epitope recognized by anti-human CD3E antibodies in the clinic. T cells from hCD3E-epi mice underwent normal thymic development and could be efficiently activated upon crosslinking of the T-cell receptor with anti-human CD3E antibodies in vitro. Furthermore, a TCE targeting human CD3E and murine CD20 induced robust T-cell redirected killing of murine CD20-positive B cells in ex vivo hCD3E-epi splenocyte cultures, and also depleted nearly 100% of peripheral B cells for up to 7 days following in vivo administration. These results highlight the utility of this novel mouse model for exploring the efficacy of human TCEs in vivo, and suggest a useful tool for evaluating TCEs in combination with immuno-oncology/non-immuno-oncology agents against heme and solid tumor targets in hosts with a fully intact immune system.
An innovative green synthesis approach of chitosan nanoparticles and their inhibitory activity against phytopathogenic Botrytis cinerea on strawberry leaves
Authors: El-Naggar Noura El-Ahmady , Saber WesamEldin I. A. , Zweil Amal M. , Bashir Shimaa I. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGreen synthesis is a newly emerging field of nanobiotechnology that offers economic and environmental advantages over traditional chemical and physical protocols. Nontoxic, eco-friendly, and biosafe materials are used to implement sustainable processes. The current work proposes a new biological-based strategy for the biosynthesis of chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) usingPelargonium graveolensleaves extract. The bioconversion process of CNPs was maximized using the response surface methodology. The best combination of the tested parameters that maximized the biosynthesis process was the incubation of plant extract with 1.08% chitosan at 50.38 °C for 57.53 min., yielding 9.82 ± 3 mg CNPs/mL. Investigation of CNPs by SEM, TEM, EDXS, zeta potential, FTIR, XRD, TGA, and DSC proved the bioconversion process's success. Furthermore, the antifungal activity of the biosynthesized CNPs was screened against a severe isolate of the phytopathogenicBotrytis cinerea. CNPs exerted efficient activity against the fungal growth. On strawberry leaves, 25 mg CNPs/mL reduced the symptoms of gray mold severity down to 3%. The higher concentration of CNPs (50 mg/mL) was found to have a reverse effect on the infected area compared with those of lower concentrations (12.5 and 25 mg CNPs/mL). Therefore, additional work is encouraged to reduce the harmful side effects of elevated CNPs concentrations.
Clinical validation of a multiplex PCR-based detection assay using saliva or nasopharyngeal samples for SARS-Cov-2, influenza A and B
Authors: Sahajpal Nikhil S. , Mondal Ashis K. , Ananth Sudha , Njau Allan , Jones Kimya , Ahluwalia Pankaj , Oza Eesha , Ross Ted M. , Kota Vamsi , Kothandaraman Arvind , Fulzele Sadanand , Hegde Madhuri , Chaubey Alka , Rojiani Amyn M. , Kolhe Ravindra 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant diversion of human and material resources to COVID-19 diagnostics, to the extent that influenza viruses and co-infection in COVID-19 patients remains undocumented and pose serious public-health consequences. We optimized and validated a highly sensitive RT-PCR based multiplex-assay for the detection of SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses in a single-test. This study evaluated clinical specimens (n = 1411), 1019 saliva and 392 nasopharyngeal swab (NPS), tested using two-assays: FDA-EUA approved SARS-CoV-2 assay that targets N and ORF1ab gene, and the PKamp-RT-PCR based assay that targets SARS-CoV-2, influenza viruses A and B. Of the 1019 saliva samples, 17.0% (174/1019) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using either assay. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher with the multiplex assay compared to SARS-specific assay [91.9% (160/174) vs. 87.9% (153/174)], respectively. Of the 392 NPS samples, 10.4% (41/392) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 using either assay. The detection rate for SARS-CoV-2 was higher with the multiplex assay compared to SARS-specific assay [97.5% (40/41) vs. 92.1% (39/41)], respectively. This study presents clinical validation of a multiplex-PCR assay for testing SARS-CoV-2, influenza A and B viruses, using NPS and saliva samples, and demonstrates the feasibility of implementing the assay without disrupting the existing laboratory workflow.
Gene methylation of CADM1 and MAL identified as a biomarker of high grade anal intraepithelial neoplasia
Authors: Phillips Samuel , Cassells Kahli , Garland Suzanne M. , Machalek Dorothy A. , Roberts Jennifer M. , Templeton David J. , Jin Fengyi , Poynten I. Mary , Hillman Richard J. , Grulich Andrew E. , Murray Gerald L. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Molano Monica , Cornall Alyssa M. ,   SPANC team
Published: March 2022

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) is detected in up to 96% of anal squamous cell cancers, where screening programs needed. However, the best methodology is still undetermined. Host DNA methylation markers CADM1, MAL and miR124 have been identified in cervical disease, but not anal disease. Anal swabs varying by disease grade were assessed for DNA methylation of CADM1, MAL and miR124-2. Each marker was compared across disease grades, stratified by HPV and HIV status. Receiver operating characteristic curves identified the predictive value of significant gene candidates. CADM1 methylation was significantly higher in high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL) compared with low-grade (LSIL) (p = 0.005) or normal (p < 0.001) samples with 67.2% correctly identified as HSIL. MAL methylation was significantly (p = 0.002) increased in HSIL compared with LSIL in HIV positive participants with 79.8% correctly indicated as HSIL. Gene miR124-2, showed no difference between disease grades. Biomarkers with established diagnostic value in cervical disease have limited utility in the prediction of anal disease, with CADM1 identified as a marker with screening potential in a gay and bisexual men (GBM) population and MAL in HIV positive GBM population. New markers specific to the anal mucosa are required to improve triage of high-risk individuals.
Transmissive terahertz metasurfaces with vanadium dioxide split-rings and grids for switchable asymmetric polarization manipulation
Authors: Serebryannikov Andriy E. , Lakhtakia Akhlesh , Vandenbosch Guy A. E. , Ozbay Ekmel 
Published: March 2022

AbstractMetasurfaces containing arrays of thermally tunable metal-free (double-)split-ring meta-atoms and metal-free grids made of vanadium dioxide (VO$$_2$$

2

), a phase-change material can deliver switching between (1) polarization manipulation in transmission mode as well as related asymmetric transmission and (2) other functionalities in the terahertz regime, especially when operation in the transmission mode is needed to be conserved for both phases of VO$$_2$$

2

. As the meta-atom arrays function as arrays of metallic subwavelength resonators for the metallic phase of VO$$_2$$

2

, but as transmissive phase screens for the insulator phase of VO$$_2$$

2

, numerical simulations of double- and triple-array metasurfaces strongly indicate extreme scenarios of functionality switching also when the resulting structure comprises only VO$$_2$$

2

meta-atoms and VO$$_2$$

2

grids. More switching scenarios are achievable when only one meta-atom array or one grid is made of VO$$_2$$

2

components. They are enabled by the efficient coupling of the geometrically identical resonator arrays/grids that are made of the materials that strongly differ in terms of conductivity, i.e. Cu and VO$$_2$$

2

in the metallic phase.
Calculation of the 3-D femoral component’s orientation in total hip arthroplasty using a trigonometric algorithm
Authors: van Erp Joost H. J. , Schlösser Tom P. C. , Baijense Ariënne W. , Snijders Thom E. , Stevenson Rob , Gielis Willem Paul , Castelein René M. , Weinans Harrie , de Gast Arthur 
Published: March 2022

AbstractFemoral component orientation plays a key role in implant stability and therefore the success rate of total hip arthroplasty. To date, this topic has been studied using various definitions and a variety of imaging modalities and protocols. The aim of this study is a proof of concept that a new algorithm can be used to describe the femoral component’s 3D orientation on the three orthogonal anatomical planes and relative to its mechanical axis using input from two orthogonal planes. CT scans of 18 patients with a total of 22 hip arthroplasties were collected. From these, orthogonal coronal and sagittal projections of the complete femur were acquired in the scanning position (MIPs) and relative to the femoral mechanical axis (corrected MIPs). On these images, the orientation of the neck of the femoral component in space and relative to the femoral axis, respectively, was measured by coronal inclination (CIF), sagittal inclination (SIF) and transverse version (TVF). With the algorithm, TVF was also calculated based on CIF and SIF. Differences between measured and calculated TVF and intra- and inter-observer reliability were evaluated using intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC). The error of non-orthogonal imaging (85° angle between the sagittal and coronal reconstructions) was tested on a third series of MIPs. The ICC between the calculated TVF and manually measured TVF, in space and relative to the femoral axis, was 0.98 for both with median absolute differences of 1.3 and 1.5°. For non-orthogonal images this was 0.70 with a median absolute difference of 5°. ICCs for intra-observer and inter-observer reliability for the calculated TVF values were 0.98 and 0.88, respectively. With this algorithm the transverse orientation of the neck of the femoral component can be assessed in space and relative to the mechanical femoral axis by combining its sagittal and coronal orientation. As long as the imaging visualizes two orthogonal planes, the orientation of an implant can be assessed in 3-D, regardless of the imaging modality.
Dynamical regulations on mobility and vaccinations for controlling COVID-19 spread
Authors: Rajakaruna Mevan , Rajakaruna Harshana , Rajakaruna Rupika 
Published: March 2022

AbstractUsing a system of time-dynamical equations, we investigate how daily mobility indices, such as the homestay percentage above the pre-COVID normal ($$H\%$$

H
%

; or H-forcing), and the vaccinated percentage ($$V_c\%$$

V
c

%

; or V-forcing) impact the net reproductive rate (R0) of COVID-19 in ten island nations as a prototype, and then, extending it to 124 countries worldwide. Our H- and V-forcing model of R0 can explain the new trends in 106 countries. The disease transmission can be controlled by forcing down $$R0(H,V_c) < 1$$

R
0
(
H
,

V
c

)
<
1

with an enforcement of continuous $$H > 40\%$$

H
>
40
%

in $$93\%$$

93
%

of countries with $$0\%$$

0
%

vaccinated plus recovered, $$V_p$$

V
p

. The required critical $$H\%$$

H
%

decreases with increasing $$V_p\%$$

V
p

%

, dropping it down to $$20\%$$

20
%

with $$25\% V_p$$

25
%

V
p

, and further down to $$8\%$$

8
%

with $$50\% V_p$$

50
%

V
p

. However, the regulations on $$H\%$$

H
%

are context-dependent and country-specific. Our model gives insights into forecasting and controlling the disease’s transmission behaviour when the effectiveness of the vaccines is a concern due to new variants, and/or there are delays in vaccination rollout programs.
The neuronal-specific isoform of BIN1 regulates β-secretase cleavage of APP and Aβ generation in a RIN3-dependent manner
Authors: Bhattacharyya Raja , Teves Catarina Amelia Fidalgo , Long Alexandra , Hofert Madison , Tanzi Rudolph E. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractGenome-wide association studies have identified BIN1 (Bridging integrator 1) and RIN3 (Ras and Rab interactor 3) as genetic risk factors for late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). The neuronal isoform of BIN1 (BIN1V1), but not the non-neuronal isoform (BIN1V9), has been shown to regulate tau-pathology and Aβ generation via RAB5-mediated endocytosis in neurons. BIN1 directly interacts with RIN3 to initiate RAB5-mediated endocytosis, which is essential for β-secretase (BACE1)-mediated β-secretase cleavage of β-amyloid precursor protein (APP) to generate Amyloid-β (Aβ), the key component of senile plaques in AD. Understanding the regulatory roles of BIN1 (neuronal BIN1V1) and RIN3 in β-secretase mediated cleavage of APP and Aβ generation is key to developing novel therapeutics to delay or prevent AD progression. Neuronal and non-neuronal isoforms of BIN1 (BIN1V1 and BIN1V9, respectively) were introduced with RIN3 into an in vitro cell-based system to test RIN3-dependent effects of neuronal BIN1V1 and non-neuronal BIN1V9 on β-secretase-mediated cleavage of APP and Aβ generation. Confocal microscopy was performed to examine RIN3-dependent subcellular localization of BIN1V1 and BIN1V9. Western blot analysis was performed to assess the effects of RIN3 and BIN1V1/BIN1V9 on β-secretase mediated processing of APP. We enriched cells expressing BIN1V1 without or with RIN3 via FACS to measure Aβ generation using Aβ ELISA assay, and to evaluate APP internalization by chasing biotinylated or antibody-labeled cell surface APP. Neuronal BIN1V1 containing the CLAP domain and non-neuronal BIN1V9 lacking the CLAP domain are the major isoforms present in the brain. Employing confocal microscopy, we showed that RIN3 differentially regulates the recruitment of both BIN1V1 and BIN1V9 into RAB5-endosomes. We further showed that BIN1V1, but not BIN1V9, downregulates β-secretase (BACE1)-mediated processing of APP in a RIN3-dependent manner. Overexpression of BIN1V1 also attenuated Aβ generation in a RIN3-dependent manner. Using cell-based internalization assays, we show BIN1V1, but not BIN1V9, delays the endocytosis of APP, but not of BACE1, into early endosomes, thereby spatially and temporally separating these two proteins into different cellular compartments, resulting in reduced cleavage of APP by BACE1 and reduced Aβ generation—all in a RIN3-dependent manner. Finally, we show that RIN3 sequesters BIN1V1 in RAB5-positive early endosomes, likely via the CLAP-domain, resulting in attenuated β-secretase processing of APP and Aβ generation by delaying endocytosis of APP. Our findings provide new mechanistic data on how two AD-associated molecules, RIN3 and BIN1 (neuronal BIN1V1), interact to govern Aβ production, implicating these two proteins as potential therapeutic targets for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Mitigation of total body irradiation-induced mortality and hematopoietic injury of mice by a thrombopoietin mimetic (JNJ-26366821)
Authors: Kumar Vidya P. , Holmes-Hampton Gregory P. , Biswas Shukla , Stone Sasha , Sharma Neel Kamal , Hritzo Bernadette , Guilfoyle Mary , Eichenbaum Gary , Guha Chandan , Ghosh Sanchita P. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe threat of a nuclear attack has increased in recent years highlighting the benefit of developing additional therapies for the treatment of victims suffering from Acute Radiation Syndrome (ARS). In this work, we evaluated the impact of a PEGylated thrombopoietin mimetic peptide, JNJ-26366821, on the mortality and hematopoietic effects associated with ARS in mice exposed to lethal doses of total body irradiation (TBI). JNJ-26366821 was efficacious as a mitigator of mortality and thrombocytopenia associated with ARS in both CD2F1 and C57BL/6 mice exposed to TBI from a cobalt-60 gamma-ray source. Single administration of doses ranging from 0.3 to 1 mg/kg, given 4, 8, 12 or 24 h post-TBI (LD70 dose) increased survival by 30–90% as compared to saline control treatment. At the conclusion of the 30-day study, significant increases in bone marrow colony forming units and megakaryocytes were observed in animals administered JNJ-26366821 compared to those administered saline. In addition, enhanced recovery of FLT3-L levels was observed in JNJ-26366821-treated animals. Probit analysis of survival in the JNJ-26366821- and saline-treated cohorts revealed a dose reduction factor of 1.113 and significant increases in survival for up to 6 months following irradiation. These results support the potential use of JNJ-26366821 as a medical countermeasure for treatment of acute TBI exposure in case of a radiological/nuclear event when administered from 4 to 24 h post-TBI.
Prioritization of ICU beds with renal replacement therapy support by court order and mortality in a Brazilian metropolitan area
Authors: dos Santos Ana Cristina , de Oliveira Simone Luzia Fidelis , de Macedo Virgílio Luiz Marques , Araujo Paula Lauane , Fraiberg Francine Salapata , Bastos Nélliton Fernandes , Alves Richard Lucas , da Silveira Carlos Darwin Gomes , Fernandes Sérgio Eduardo Soares , de Assis Rocha Neves Francisco , Amorim Fábio Ferreira 
Published: March 2022

AbstractThe shortage of intensive care unit (ICU) resources, including equipment and supplies for renal replacement therapy (RRT), is a critical problem in several countries. This study aimed to assess hospital mortality and associated factors in patients treated in public hospitals of the Federal District, Brazil, who requested admission to ICU with renal replacement therapy support (ICU-RRT) in court. Retrospective cohort study that included 883 adult patients treated in public hospitals of the Federal District who requested ICU-RRT admission in court from January 2017 to December 2018. ICU-RRT was denied to 407 patients, which increased mortality (OR 3.33, 95% CI 2.39–4.56, p ≪ 0.01), especially in patients with priority level I/II (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01–1.04, p ≪ 0.01). Of the requests made in court, 450 were filed by patients with priority levels III/IV, and 44.7% of these were admitted to ICU-RRT. In admitted patients, priority level III priority level I/II was associated with a low mortality (OR 0.47, 95% CI 0.32–0.69, p < 0.01), and not. The admission of patients classified as priority levels III/IV to ICU-RRT considerably jeopardized the admission of patients with priority levels I/II to these settings. The results found open new avenues for organizing public policies and improving ICU-RRT triage.