bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influence of NiO and La2O3 nanoparticles on the optical, mechanical and electrical properties of PVAc–PMMA blend: a comparative study
Authors: El Sayed Adel M , El-Gamal S 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Nano-sized metal oxides are fascinating materials as fillers used for improving the polymeric materials’ performance and expanding their multifunctionality. Two metal oxides; NiO and La2O3 nanoparticles (NP) were prepared and introduced into poly(vinyl acetate)/poly(methyl methacrylate), PVAc/PMMA blend via solution casting route. XRD and HR-TEM analysis confirmed the preparation of a cubic NiO and a hexagonal La2O3 NP with an average crystallite size of 59.85 and 29.13 nm, respectively. Introducing NiO and La2O3 increases the films’ amorphous structure. FTIR analysis confirmed the existence of all blend’ functional groups and hydrogen bond formation. SEM investigation showed that NiO or La2O3 loading affects the blend surface morphology. A UV–vis-NIR study showed that NiO narrowed the direct bandgap of the blend from 4.1 to 3.3 eV, whereas La2O3 reduced it to 3.4 eV. 1.0 wt% NiO significantly improved the various optical constants of the blend. DMA revealed that storage modulus G′ increased with loading of 1 wt% NiO or La2O3 by 79.3% and 51.0%, respectively while G′ decreased with heating. The dielectric behavior of films is analyzed using several dielectric parameters. The maximum σ
ac reported for 1.0 wt% NiO/blend film is 5.8 × 10−6 (S/cm). The AC conduction mechanism is discussed for all films in the temperature and frequency ranges (298−373 K) and (5 Hz−2 MHz). 1.0 wt%/PVAc/PMMA nanocomposite showed enhanced optical and mechanical properties, making it suitable for architectural, flexible display screens, and photovoltaic cell devices. Moreover, loading NiO and La2O3 improved the dielectric properties of the blend to be used in the semiconductor industry, besides energy storage devices and supercapacitors.
The effect of rare-earth element (Gd, Nd, La) doping of NiO films on UV photodetector
Authors: Haunsbhavi Kumar , Kumar K Deva Arun , Ubaidullah Mohd , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F , Venkatesh R , Alagarasan Devarajan , Murahari Prashantha , Angadi Basavaraj 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
The semiconductor-based UV photodetectors are the most essential devices in the field of space observations, military, DNA sequencing, analysis of protein, medical imaging, checking of atmospheric pollution, optical communications radiation, etc. With such a wide range of possible applications, the nanostructured pristine and rare-earth (RE) doped NiO ((NiO: Gd(1%), NiO:Nd(1%), NiO:La(1%)) thin films were prepared and investigated for their suitability as UV photodetectors. The films were prepared by nebulized spray pyrolysis (NSP) at a substrate temperature of 450 °C. The x-ray diffraction studies confirm the cubic single phase with the polycrystalline nature of the prepared films. The spectroscopic studies such as absorbance and photoluminescence confirm that increase in the optical bandgap and 391 nm PL emission is attributed to the near band edge emission of the NiO. The x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy reveals the presence of nickel and the doped elements with their oxidation states. The UV photodetector performance of the prepared NiO films was carried out under the irradiation of 365 nm light. The NiO:Gd exhibits the best responsivity (0.353 AW−1), external quantum efficiency (120%), detectivity (1.72 × 1010 Jones) and rise time (2.0 s), and fall time (2.2 s). Importantly, strategies such as limited doping (1 at.%) and larger ionic radii of Gd incorporation into the host NiO cause a moderate increase in the lattice distortion and inhibit the recombination rate instead of behaving as a recombination center. In addition, the conduction band (CB) electrons are trapped by a greater number of oxygen vacancies residing at the Gd3+ 4f state and cause a good separation of charge carriers. Overall, these modifications enhance the mean lifetime of electrons, consequently reducing the recombination rate and enhancing the photoresponse.
Stability conditions for the Horndeski scalar field gravity model
Authors: Gomes C. , Bertolami O. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
We constrain the viable models of Horndeski gravity, written in its equivalent Generalised Galileon version, by resorting to the Witten positive energy theorem. We find that the free function G
3(ϕ,X) in the Lagrangian is constrained to be a function solely of the scalar field, G
3(ϕ), and relations among the free functions are found. Other criterion for stability are also analysed, such as the attractiveness of gravity, and the Dolgov-Kawasacki instability. Some applications for cosmology are discussed.
Dosage optimisation of magnetically retrievable zinc ferrite nanoparticles for photodegradation of methylene blue
Authors: Pius Minu , Joseph Santhi Ani 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In this paper, we report the studies on photocatalytic activity of the zinc ferrite nanoparticles for the degradation of methylene blue dye. The study reveals that an optimum minimum dosage of 1g/L can give a degradation efficiency of 89% within 90 minutes of its exposure to the sunlight. Zinc ferrite nanoparticles were synthesised using co-precipitation method in stoichiometric ratio. Structural, magnetic and optical characterisation were done using XRD, FTIR, VSM and UV-VIS-IR analysis which confirmed the crystalline, magnetic and visible light active nature of the sample. Feasibility for magnetic retrieval of the photocatalyst was studied after photodegradation of dye and then analysed using XRD which confirmed the phase purity of the sample even after retrieval.
Study of the utility of Fe2O3-Au nanocomposite in photodynamic therapy
Authors: Rajan Divya , Francis Frincy , Thomas Daniya , Ramankutty Meenakshi , Joseph Santhi Ani 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
A novel multifunctional nanofluid composite of Iron oxide/Gold (Fe2O3-Au) was prepared using simple wet chemical method by reducing Chloroauric acid using trisodium citrate in the presence of Fe2O3 stock solution. The optical and morphological characterization confirmed the formation of hybrid structure of Iron Oxide with Gold nanoparticles. In-vitro cytoprotective studies of the sample was carried out in L929 cells. The study showed an increase up to 15% in the cell viability by the co-administration of 25 μL of Fe2O3-Au nanofluid in the L929 cells, which suffered significant reduction in cell viability due to laser irradiation. Thus, the sample is found to possess potential application in Photodynamic therapy.
Plasma biomarkers and genetics in the diagnosis and prediction of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Stevenson-Hoare Joshua , Heslegrave Amanda , Leonenko Ganna , Fathalla Dina , Bellou Eftychia , Luckcuck Lauren , Marshall Rachel , Sims Rebecca , Morgan Bryan Paul , Hardy John , de Strooper Bart , Williams Julie , Zetterberg Henrik , Escott-Price Valentina 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Plasma biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease-related pathologies have undergone rapid developments during the past few years, and there are now well-validated blood tests for amyloid and tau pathology, as well as neurodegeneration and astrocytic activation. To define Alzheimer’s disease with biomarkers rather than clinical assessment, we assessed prediction of research-diagnosed disease status using these biomarkers and tested genetic variants associated with the biomarkers that may reflect more accurately the risk of biochemically defined Alzheimer’s disease instead of the risk of dementia.
In a cohort of Alzheimer’s disease cases [n = 1439, mean age 68 years (standard deviation = 8.2)] and screened controls [n = 508, mean age 82 years (standard deviation = 6.8)], we measured plasma concentrations of the 40 and 42 amino acid-long amyloid-β (Aβ) fragments (Aβ40 and Aβ42, respectively), tau phosphorylated at amino acid 181 (P-tau181), neurofilament light (NfL) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) using state-of-the-art Single molecule array (Simoa) technology. We tested the relationships between the biomarkers and Alzheimer’s disease genetic risk, age at onset and disease duration. We also conducted a genome-wide association study for association of disease risk genes with these biomarkers.
The prediction accuracy of Alzheimer’s disease clinical diagnosis by the combination of all biomarkers, APOE and polygenic risk score reached area under receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) = 0.81, with the most significant contributors being ε4, Aβ40 or Aβ42, GFAP and NfL. All biomarkers were significantly associated with age in cases and controls (P &lt; 4.3 × 10−5). Concentrations of the Aβ-related biomarkers in plasma were significantly lower in cases compared with controls, whereas other biomarker levels were significantly higher in cases.
In the case-control genome-wide analyses, APOE-ε4 was associated with all biomarkers (P = 0.011−4.78 × 10−8), except NfL. No novel genome-wide significant single nucleotide polymorphisms were found in the case-control design; however, in a case-only analysis, we found two independent genome-wide significant associations between the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio and WWOX and COPG2 genes.
Disease prediction modelling by the combination of all biomarkers indicates that the variance attributed to P-tau181 is mostly captured by APOE-ε4, whereas Aβ40, Aβ42, GFAP and NfL biomarkers explain additional variation over and above APOE. We identified novel plausible genome wide-significant genes associated with Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio in a sample which is 50 times smaller than current genome-wide association studies in Alzheimer’s disease.
Immune Response to LinB13, a Lutzomyia Intermedia Salivary Protein Correlates With Disease Severity in Tegumentary Leishmaniasis
Authors: Carvalho Augusto M , Viana Sayonara M , Andrade Bruno B , Oliveira Fabiano , Valenzuela Jesus G , Carvalho Edgar M , de Oliveira Camila I 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
We have previously shown that seropositivity to rLinB-13, a salivary protein from Lutzomyia intermedia, predicted sand fly exposure and was associated with increased risk of developing cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL).

Methods
Here, we investigated the cellular immune response to saliva from Lu. intermedia, using rLinB-13 as a surrogate antigen in naturally exposed individuals presenting positive serology to LinB-13. We also investigated the response to rLinB-13 in leishmaniasis patients, displaying active ulcers and positive PCR for Leishmania braziliensis.

Results
Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) stimulated in vitro with rLinB-13 secreted elevated levels of interleukin-10 (IL-10), IL-4, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-6, and chemokines (CCL3, CCL4, CCL5, and CXCL5). CL and disseminated leishmaniasis (DL) patients displayed a significantly higher immunoglobulin G (IgG) response to rLinB-13 compared with healthy subjects, and anti–rLinB-13 IgG was positively correlated with the number of lesions in DL patients. Positive serology to rLinB-13 was also associated with chemotherapy failure. PBMCs from DL patients stimulated with rLINB-13 secreted significantly higher levels of IL-10 and IL-1β compared with CL individuals.

Conclusions
In this study, we observed an association between humoral and cellular immune response to the sand fly salivary protein rLinB-13 and disease severity in tegumentary leishmaniasis. This study brings evidence that immunity to rLinB-13 influences disease outcome in L. braziliensis infection and results indicate that positive serology to rLinB-13 IgG can be used as a marker of DL, an emerging and severe form of disease caused by L. braziliensis.
Pretreatment prediction of tumour spread through air spaces in clinical stage I non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Ding Yun , Chen Yiyong , Wen Hui , Li Jiuzhen , Chen Jinzhan , Xu Meilin , Geng Hua , You Lisheng , Pan Xiaojie , Sun Daqiang 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to construct a nomogram prediction model for tumour spread through air spaces (STAS) in clinical stage I non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and discuss its potential application value.

METHODS
A total of 380 patients with clinical stage I NSCLC in Tianjin Chest Hospital were collected as the training cohort and 285 patients in Fujian Provincial Hospital were collected as the validation cohort. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent factors for STAS in the training cohort. Based on the results of the multivariable analysis, the nomogram prediction model of STAS was constructed by R software.

RESULTS
The incidence of STAS in the training cohort was 39.2%. STAS was associated with worse overall survival and recurrence-free survival (P &lt; 0.01). Univariable analysis showed that maximum tumour diameter, consolidation-to-tumour ratio, spiculation, vacuole and carcinoembryonic antigen were associated with STAS (P &lt; 0.05). Multivariable analysis showed that maximum tumour diameter, consolidation-to-tumour ratio, spiculation sign and vacuole were independent risk factors for STAS (P &lt; 0.05). Based on this, the nomogram prediction model of STAS in clinical stage I NSCLC was constructed and internally validated by bootstrap. The Hosmer–Lemeshow test showed a χ2 value of 7.218 (P = 0.513). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve and C-index were 0.724 (95% confidence interval: 0.673–0.775). The external validation conducted on the validation cohort produced an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.759 (95% confidence interval: 0.703–0.816).

CONCLUSIONS
The constructed nomogram prediction model of STAS in clinical stage I NSCLC has good calibration and can potentially be applied to guide treatment selection.
The Effect of Physical Limitations on Depressive Symptoms Over the Life Course: Is Optimism a Protective Buffer?
Authors: Choi Shinae L , Namkung Eun Ha , Carr Deborah 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objectives
We examined the extent to which optimism buffers the effects of physical limitations on depressive symptoms across 4 mid- and later-life age groups (ages 40–49, 50–64, 65–74, 75 and older at baseline). Analyses are motivated by stress theories, which propose that the protective effects of coping resources are evidenced only at high levels of stress. We further explore whether these purportedly protective effects diminish with age, as health-related stressor(s) intensify and become irreversible.

Methods
We use data from 2 waves (2004–2006 and 2013–2014) of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS, n = 4,515) and Midlife in the United States (MIDUS, n = 2,138). We estimate ordinary least squares regression models with 3-way interaction terms to examine prospectively the benefits of optimism as a coping resource for persons with physical limitations across 4 age groups. Physical limitations are assessed with a composite measure encompassing mobility and activity of daily living limitations.

Results
In HRS and MIDUS, persons with 3+ limitations reported significantly more depressive symptoms than persons with 0–2 limitations, yet these disparities diminished at higher levels of optimism. Buffering effects of optimism vary by age. For midlife and young-old persons with 3+ limitations, optimism is strongly and inversely related to depressive symptoms at follow-up. Comparable protective effects are not evident among the oldest sample members.

Discussion
Stress and coping models should consider more fully factors that limit older adults’ capacity to deploy purportedly protective personal resources. Investments in structural or institutional supports may be more effective than interventions to enhance positive thinking.
Support Now to Care Later: Intergenerational Support Exchanges and Older Parents’ Care Receipt and Expectations
Authors: Bui Cindy N , Kim Kyungmin , Fingerman Karen L 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Objectives
Older parents’ previous support exchanges with adult children could influence which child currently provides care or which child they expect to provide care in the future. Distinguishing between support and care, we investigated how different types of past support exchanges with children were associated with care receipt and expectations from the parent’s perspective.

Methods
Older parents (N = 190; Mage = 79.98) reported on exchanges of tangible and nontangible support, and provision of childcare support with each of their adult children (N = 709; Mage = 52.69) in two waves of the Family Exchanges Study (2008 and 2013). Multilevel, within-family, logistic regression models were estimated to examine how past patterns of support exchanges were associated with which child the older parent receives or expects to receive care from.

Results
Parents with functional limitations at Wave 2 were more likely to receive care from children whom they received more tangible support from at the prior wave. Parents without current limitations more likely named children whom they previously provided childcare support to and received more tangible support from as their expected future caregiver.

Discussion
This study distinguished different types of support to examine unique pathways to received and expected care within families. Taking the older parent’s perspective, these findings endorse previous studies that emphasize continuity in the transition from receiving tangible support to receiving and expecting care from adult children. The findings also suggest the importance of older parents’ childcare support given to adult children, highlighting reciprocity in intergenerational care exchanges.
The 2020 Belarusian presidential election and conspiracy theories in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict
Authors: Gentile Michael , Kragh Martin 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This article contributes to the growing literature on how authoritarian regimes deploy disinformation and conspiracy theories to achieve foreign policy goals. While the effectiveness of these measures is disputed, our study—which is based on a rarely occurring natural experiment—makes an empirical contribution in this direction. Based on the analysis of survey materials collected in Mariupol, Ukraine, around the time of the tumultuous events surrounding the Belarusian presidential election of 2020, we show that, given the right conditions, a critical juncture event in one country can rapidly influence existing patterns of relevant conspiracy belief in a neighbouring one. The right conditions, in this case, include a massive disinformation campaign channelled through (pro-)Russian media, against the backdrop of conspiracy theories already in circulation in Ukraine. The implication of this finding is that the disinformation weapon becomes far more effective when it manages to offer a straightforward explanation (a conspiracy theory) of a critical juncture event that is otherwise complex and multilayered, and that adequate psychological defence mechanisms are needed to mitigate and counter this effect.
O-glycosylation of the extracellular domain of pollen class I formins modulates their plasma membrane mobility
Authors: Lara-Mondragón Cecilia M , Dorchak Alexandria , MacAlister Cora A 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
In plant cells, linkage between the cytoskeleton, plasma membrane, and cell wall is crucial for maintaining cell shape. In highly polarized pollen tubes, this coordination is especially important to allow rapid tip growth and successful fertilization. Class I formins contain cytoplasmic actin-nucleating formin homology domains as well as a proline-rich extracellular domain and are candidate coordination factors. Here, using Arabidopsis, we investigated the functional significance of the extracellular domain of two pollen-expressed class I formins: AtFH3, which does not have a polar localization, and AtFH5, which is limited to the growing tip region. We show that the extracellular domain of both is necessary for their function, and identify distinct O-glycans attached to these sequences, AtFH5 being hydroxyproline-arabinosylated and AtFH3 carrying arabinogalactan chains. Loss of hydroxyproline arabinosylation altered the plasma membrane localization of AtFH5 and disrupted actin cytoskeleton organization. Moreover, we show that O-glycans differentially affect lateral mobility in the plasma membrane. Together, our results support a model of protein sub-functionalization in which AtFH5 and AtFH3, restricted to specific plasma membrane domains by their extracellular domains and the glycans attached to them, organize distinct subarrays of actin during pollen tube elongation.
Molecular and physiological responses to desiccation indicate the abscisic acid pathway is conserved in the peat moss, Sphagnum
Authors: Nibau Candida , van de Koot Willem , Spiliotis Dominic , Williams Kevin , Kramaric Tina , Beckmann Manfred , Mur Luis , Hiwatashi Yuji , Doonan John H 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Mosses of the genus Sphagnum are the main components of peatlands, a major carbon-storing ecosystem. Changes in precipitation patterns are predicted to affect water relations in this ecosystem, but the effect of desiccation on the physiological and molecular processes in Sphagnum is still largely unexplored. Here we show that different Sphagnum species have differential physiological and molecular responses to desiccation but, surprisingly, this is not directly correlated with their position in relation to the water table. In addition, the expression of drought responsive genes is increased upon water withdrawal in all species. This increase in gene expression is accompanied by an increase in abscisic acid (ABA), supporting a role for ABA during desiccation responses in Sphagnum. Not only do ABA levels increase upon desiccation, but Sphagnum plants pre-treated with ABA display increased tolerance to desiccation, suggesting that ABA levels play a functional role in the response. In addition, many of the ABA signalling components are present in Sphagnum and we demonstrate, by complementation in Physcomitrium patens, that Sphagnum ABI3 is functionally conserved. The data presented here, therefore, support a conserved role for ABA in desiccation responses in Sphagnum.
Characteristics of Pregnant Women With Syphilis and Factors Associated With Congenital Syphilis at a Chicago Hospital
Authors: Thornton Corinne , Chaisson Lelia H , Bleasdale Susan C 
Published: April 2022

Abstract

Background
Congenital syphilis incidence has more than tripled in recent years, in parallel with the resurgence of syphilis among reproductive-aged women. An understanding of risk factors associated with maternal syphilis infection can guide prevention of congenital syphilis through prenatal diagnosis and treatment. We aimed to describe factors associated with maternal syphilis and congenital syphilis at a public medical center in Chicago, Illinois.

Methods
Maternal syphilis diagnoses were identified using a database for local health department reporting. Medical records were reviewed for infant congenital syphilis diagnoses, sociodemographic information, medical history, and other behavioral factors. Maternal characteristics associated with congenital syphilis were assessed using logistic regression.

Results
Of 106 maternal syphilis diagnoses between 2014 and 2018, 76 (72%) had a known pregnancy outcome; of these, 8 (11%) delivered an infant with congenital syphilis. Women with psychiatric illness and noninjection substance use each had a &gt;5-fold increased odds of having an infant with congenital syphilis. Cases with congenital syphilis were more likely to have late or scant prenatal care and initiated treatment nearly 3 months later in pregnancy. None were human immunodeficiency virus positive or reported incarceration, intravenous substance use, sex work, or having sex with men who have sex with men.

Conclusions
Maternal psychiatric illness and substance use may have complicated prenatal care and delayed syphilis treatment, describing a population in need of public health intervention. Women experiencing such barriers to care may benefit from closer follow-up after a prenatal syphilis diagnosis to prevent congenital transmission.