bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Observation of ionic conductivity on PUA-TBAI-I2 gel polymer electrolyte
Authors: Chai K. L. , Aung Min Min , Noor I. M. , Lim H N , Abdullah L C 
Published: January 2022

AbstractJatropha oil-based polyurethane acylate gel polymer electrolyte was mixed with different concentrations of tetrabutylammonium iodide salt (TBAI). The temperature dependences of ionic conductivity, dielectric modulus and relaxation time were studied in the range of 298 to 393 K. The highest ionic conductivity of (1.88 ± 0.020) × 10–4 Scm−1 at 298 K was achieved when the gel contained 30 wt% of TBAI and 2.06 wt% of I2. Furthermore, the study found that conductivity-temperature dependence followed the Vogel-Tammann Fulcher equation. From that, it could be clearly observed that 30 wt% TBAI indicated the lowest activation energy of 6.947 kJ mol−1. By using the fitting method on the Nyquist plot, the number density, mobility and diffusion coefficient of the charge carrier were determined. The charge properties were analysed using the dielectric permittivity, modulus and dissipation factor. Apart from this, the stoke drag and capacitance were determined.
The H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF algorithms for predicting exercise intolerance and abnormal hemodynamics in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Amanai Shiro , Harada Tomonari , Kagami Kazuki , Yoshida Kuniko , Kato Toshimitsu , Wada Naoki , Obokata Masaru 
Published: January 2022

AbstractExercise intolerance is a primary manifestation in patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) and is associated with abnormal hemodynamics and a poor quality of life. Two multiparametric scoring systems have been proposed to diagnose HFpEF. This study sought to determine the performance of the H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for predicting exercise capacity and echocardiographic findings of intracardiac pressures during exercise in subjects with dyspnea on exertion referred for bicycle stress echocardiography. In a subset, simultaneous expired gas analysis was performed to measure the peak oxygen consumption (VO2). Patients with HFpEF (n = 83) and controls without HF (n = 104) were enrolled. The H2FPEF score was obtainable for all patients while the HFA-PEFF score could not be calculated for 23 patients (feasibility 88%). Both H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores correlated with a higher E/e′ ratio (r = 0.49 and r = 0.46), lower systolic tricuspid annular velocity (r =  − 0.44 and =  − 0.24), and lower cardiac output (r =  − 0.28 and r =  − 0.24) during peak exercise. Peak VO2 and exercise duration decreased with an increase in H2FPEF scores (r =  − 0.40 and r =  − 0.32). The H2FPEF score predicted a reduced aerobic capacity (AUC 0.71, p = 0.0005), but the HFA-PEFF score did not (p = 0.07). These data provide insights into the role of the H2FPEF and HFA-PEFF scores for predicting exercise intolerance and abnormal hemodynamics in patients presenting with exertional dyspnea.
Identifying gene expression profiles associated with neurogenesis and inflammation in the human subependymal zone from development through aging
Authors: Bitar Mainá , Weissleder Christin , North Hayley F. , Clearwater Misaki S. , Zalucki Oressia , Halliday Glenda M. , Webster Maree J. , Piper Michael , Weickert Cynthia Shannon , Barry Guy 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe generation of new neurons within the mammalian forebrain continues throughout life within two main neurogenic niches, the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus, and the subependymal zone (SEZ) lining the lateral ventricles. Though the SEZ is the largest neurogenic niche in the adult human forebrain, our understanding of the mechanisms regulating neurogenesis from development through aging within this region remains limited. This is especially pertinent given that neurogenesis declines dramatically over the postnatal lifespan. Here, we performed transcriptomic profiling on the SEZ from human post-mortem tissue from eight different life-stages ranging from neonates (average age ~ 2 months old) to aged adults (average age ~ 86 years old). We identified transcripts with concomitant profiles across these decades of life and focused on three of the most distinct profiles, namely (1) genes whose expression declined sharply after birth, (2) genes whose expression increased steadily with age, and (3) genes whose expression increased sharply in old age in the SEZ. Critically, these profiles identified neuroinflammation as becoming more prevalent with advancing age within the SEZ and occurring with time courses, one gradual (starting in mid-life) and one sharper (starting in old age).
The role of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and iron homeostasis in object recognition impairment in aged sepsis-survivor rats
Authors: Nikaido Yoshikazu , Midorikawa Yoko , Furukawa Tomonori , Shimoyama Shuji , Takekawa Daiki , Kitayama Masato , Ueno Shinya , Kushikata Tetsuya , Hirota Kazuyoshi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractOlder adult patients with sepsis frequently experience cognitive impairment. The roles of brain neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and iron in older sepsis patients remain unknown. We investigated the effects of lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis on novel object recognition test, NGAL levels, an inflammatory mediator tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα) levels, and iron ion levels in the hippocampus and cortex of young and aged rats. The effect of an iron chelator deferoxamine pretreatment on aged sepsis rats was also examined. Young sepsis-survivor rats did not show impaired novel object recognition, TNFα responses, or a Fe2+/Fe3+ imbalance. They showed hippocampal and cortical NGAL level elevations. Aged sepsis-survivor rats displayed a decreased object discrimination index, elevation of NGAL levels and Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, and no TNFα responses. Pretreatment with deferoxamine prevented the reduction in the object recognition of aged sepsis-survivor rats. The elevation in hippocampal and cortical NGAL levels caused by lipopolysaccharide was not influenced by deferoxamine pretreatment. The lipopolysaccharide-induced Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio elevation was blocked by deferoxamine pretreatment. In conclusion, our findings suggest that iron homeostasis in the cortex and hippocampus contributes to the maintenance of object recognition ability in older sepsis survivors.
Establishment and characterization of immortalized sweat gland myoepithelial cells
Authors: Hayakawa Tomohisa , Fujita Fumitaka , Okada Fumihiro , Sekiguchi Kiyotoshi 
Published: January 2022

AbstractSweat glands play an important role in thermoregulation via sweating, and protect human vitals. The reduction in sweating may increase the incidence of hyperthermia. Myoepithelial cells in sweat glands exhibit stemness characteristics and play a major role in sweat gland homeostasis and sweating processes. Previously, we successfully passaged primary myoepithelial cells in spheroid culture systems; however, they could not be maintained for long under in vitro conditions. No myoepithelial cell line has been established to date. In this study, we transduced two immortalizing genes into primary myoepithelial cells and developed a myoepithelial cell line. When compared with primary sweat gland cells, the immortalized myoepithelial cells (designated "iEM") continued to form spheroids after the 4th passage and expressed α-smooth muscle actin and other proteins that characterize myoepithelial cells. Furthermore, treatment with small compounds targeting the Wnt signaling pathways induced differentiation of iEM cells into luminal cells. Thus, we successfully developed an immortalized myoepithelial cell line having differentiation potential. As animal models are not useful for studying human sweat glands, our cell line will be helpful for studying the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of sweating disorders.
Relationship between muscle strength and rehospitalization in ventricular assist device patients
Authors: Kobayashi Kiyonori , Mutsuga Masato , Usui Akihiko 
Published: January 2022

AbstractWe examined the relationship between leg extensor muscle strength (LEMS) at discharge and rehospitalization within 1 year in patients with a newly implanted ventricular assist device (VAD). This study included 28 patients who had received a VAD at our institution between October 2013 and February 2019, all of whom had been discharged for 1 year. The patients were divided into two groups according to their LEMS at discharge (higher strength [group H] and lower strength [group L]), based on the median value of the 55.2 kg-force (kgf)/body weight (BW) equation. Exercise performance parameters (e.g., grip strength, 6-min walk distance, and peak VO2) and laboratory data concerning nutritional status were also collected. Nine patients (64.3%) in group L were rehospitalized within 1 year after discharge. The rehospitalization rate was significantly higher in group L than group H (p = 0.020). Compared with discharge, patients exhibited higher grip strength (56.3 vs. 48.6 kg/BW, respectively; p = 0.011), 6-min walk distances (588 vs. 470 m, respectively; p = 0.002), and peak VO2 (15.4 vs. 11.9 mL/min/kg, respectively; p < 0.001) at 1 year after discharge. However, the LEMS (57.4 vs. 58.0 kgf/BW, respectively; p = 0.798) did not increase after discharge in VAD patients who avoided rehospitalization. LEMS at discharge was associated with rehospitalization after VAD surgery; a high LEMS improves the likelihood of avoiding rehospitalization.
Phenotypic variation of fruit and ecophysiological traits among maqui (Aristotelia chilensis [Molina] Stuntz) provenances established in a common garden
Authors: Yáñez Marco A. , González Benita , Espinoza Sergio E. , Vogel Hermine , Doll Ursula 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe domestication of forest species has traditionally relied on productivity issues. However, today there are concerns about the potential responses of natural populations and new cultivars to extreme climatic conditions derived from climate change and how to incorporate this knowledge into the domestication programs.Aristotelia chilensis(Molina) Stuntz (‘Maqui’) is a widely distributed native species in Chile. Its berry is considered a “super fruit” with an increasing interest in the food industry. This study investigated the phenotypic variation of growth, fruit, and ecophysiological traits of 20A. chilensisclones originated from six provenances along the latitudinal gradient and established in a common-garden experiment in the Mediterranean zone of central Chile (center part of the species distribution). Differences among provenances were observed for most of the  traits under study, especially between the northern and southernmost provenances (i.e., San Fernando versus Entre Lagos). Northern provenances showed higher development of vegetative tissue and fruit yield but lower intrinsic water use efficiency (WUEint) compared with southern ones. Clonal variation within provenances was found significant for the ripening index, WUEint, and fruit number and weight but not significant for traits related to the crown and leaf morphology. A genetic differentiation due to latitudinal cline was not evident in this study, but differences among provenances suggest local adaptation for some traits. The genotypic variation in productive traits must be considered in the outgoing domestication of the species and future selection programs.
Performance-based comparison of Yamada–Ota and Hamilton–Crosser hybrid nanofluid flow models with magnetic dipole impact past a stretched surface
Authors: Gul Hina , Ramzan Muhammad , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Mohamed Roshan Noor , Ghazwani Hassan Ali S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe nanofluid flows play a vital role in many engineering processes owing to their notable industrial usage and excessive heat transfer abilities. Lately, an advanced form of nanofluids namely “hybrid nanofluids” has swapped the usual nanofluid flows to further augment the heat transfer capabilities. The objective of this envisaged model is to compare the performance of two renowned hybrid nanofluid models namely Hamilton–Crosser and Yamada–Ota. The hybrid nanoliquid (TiO2-SiC/DO) flow model is comprised of Titanium oxide (TiO2) and Silicon carbide (SiC) nanoparticles submerged into Diathermic oil (DO). The subject flow is considered over a stretched surface and is influenced by the magnetic dipole. The uniqueness of the fluid model is augmented by considering the modified Fourier law instead of the traditional Fourier law and slip conditions at the boundary. By applying the suitable similarity transformations, the system of ordinary differential equations obtained from the leading partial differential equations is handled by the MATLAB solver bvp4c package to determine the numerical solution. It is divulged that the Yamada–Ota model performs considerably better than the Hamilton–Crosser flow model as far as heat transfer capabilities are concerned. Further, the velocity reduces on increasing hydrodynamic interaction and slip parameters. It is also noted that both temperature profiles increase for higher hydrodynamic interaction and viscous dissipation parameters. The envisioned model is authenticated when compared with an already published result in a limiting case.
Intraoperative hand strength as an indicator of consciousness during awake craniotomy: a prospective, observational study
Authors: Umaba Chinatsu , Mineharu Yohei , Liang Nan , Mizota Toshiyuki , Yamawaki Rie , Ueda Masaya , Yamao Yukihiro , Nankaku Manabu , Miyamoto Susumu , Matsuda Shuichi , Inadomi Hiroyuki , Arakawa Yoshiki 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAwake craniotomy enables mapping and monitoring of brain functions. For successful procedures, rapid awakening and the precise evaluation of consciousness are required. A prospective, observational study conducted to test whether intraoperative hand strength could be a sensitive indicator of consciousness during the awake phase of awake craniotomy. Twenty-three patients who underwent awake craniotomy were included. Subtle changes of the level of consciousness were assessed by the Japan Coma Scale (JCS). The associations of hand strength on the unaffected side with the predicted plasma concentration (Cp) of propofol, the bispectral index (BIS), and the JCS were analyzed. Hand strength relative to the preoperative maximum hand strength on the unaffected side showed significant correlations with the Cp of propofol (ρ =  − 0.219, p = 0.007), the BIS (ρ = 0.259, p = 0.002), and the JCS (τ =  − 0.508, p = 0.001). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis for discriminating JCS 0–1 and JCS ≥ 2 demonstrated that the area under the curve was 0.76 for hand strength, 0.78 for Cp of propofol, and 0.66 for BIS. With a cutoff value of 75% for hand strength, the sensitivity was 0.76, and the specificity was 0.67. These data demonstrated that hand strength is a useful indicator for assessing the intraoperative level of consciousness during awake craniotomy.
Distribution and history of extensional stresses on vWF surrogate molecules in turbulent flow
Authors: Pham Oanh L. , Feher Samuel E. , Nguyen Quoc T. , Papavassiliou Dimitrios V. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe configuration of proteins is critical for their biochemical behavior. Mechanical stresses that act on them can affect their behavior leading to the development of decease. The von Willebrand factor (vWF) protein circulating with the blood loses its efficacy when it undergoes non-physiological hemodynamic stresses. While often overlooked, extensional stresses can affect the structure of vWF at much lower stress levels than shear stresses. The statistical distribution of extensional stress as it applies on models of the vWF molecule within turbulent flow was examined here. The stress on the molecules of the protein was calculated with computations that utilized a Lagrangian approach for the determination of the molecule trajectories in the flow filed. The history of the stresses on the proteins was also calculated. Two different flow fields were considered as models of typical flows in cardiovascular mechanical devises, one was a Poiseuille flow and the other was a Poiseuille–Couette flow field. The data showed that the distribution of stresses is important for the design of blood flow devices because the average stress can be below the critical value for protein damage, but tails of the distribution can be outside the critical stress regime.
The discrepancy between fire ant recruitment to and performance on rodent carrion
Authors: Lin Constance , Tarone Aaron M. , Eubanks Micky D. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAnts have not been considered important in the process of vertebrate carrion decomposition, but a recent literature review reported over 150 carrion-visiting ant species. Though many ant species have been observed to remove carrion tissue and consume carrion-exuded liquids, the significance of ant recruitment to vertebrate carrion is poorly understood. We conducted a combination of field and laboratory experiments to quantify red imported fire ant recruitment to rodent carrion and determine whether consuming rodent carrion is beneficial to ant colony performance. In the field, 100% of rat carcasses were rapidly colonized by fire ants at high abundances. In our laboratory experiment, the performance of mice-fed fire ant colonies was poor when compared to colonies that were fed mice and insects or insects only. Our results suggest that there is a discrepancy between high levels of fire ant recruitment to vertebrate carrion and the poor colony performance when fed carrion. We hypothesize that fire ants are attracted to vertebrate carrion not because it is a high-quality food, but rather because it hosts large numbers of other invertebrates that can serve as prey for fire ants, potentially showcasing an interesting case of tritrophic interaction in carrion ecology.
Cortical diurnal rhythms remain intact with microglial depletion
Authors: Barahona Rocio A. , Morabito Samuel , Swarup Vivek , Green Kim N. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMicroglia are subject to change in tandem with the endogenously generated biological oscillations known as our circadian rhythm. Studies have shown microglia harbor an intrinsic molecular clock which regulates diurnal changes in morphology and influences inflammatory responses. In the adult brain, microglia play an important role in the regulation of condensed extracellular matrix structures called perineuronal nets (PNNs), and it has been suggested that PNNs are also regulated in a circadian and diurnal manner. We sought to determine whether microglia mediate the diurnal regulation of PNNs via CSF1R inhibitor dependent microglial depletion in C57BL/6J mice, and how the absence of microglia might affect cortical diurnal gene expression rhythms. While we observe diurnal differences in microglial morphology, where microglia are most ramified at the onset of the dark phase, we do not find diurnal differences in PNN intensity. However, PNN intensity increases across many brain regions in the absence of microglia, supporting a role for microglia in the regulation of PNNs. Here, we also show that cortical diurnal gene expression rhythms are intact, with no cycling gene changes without microglia. These findings demonstrate a role for microglia in the maintenance of PNNs, but not in the maintenance of diurnal rhythms.
Unilateral zebrafish corneal injury induces bilateral cell plasticity supporting wound closure
Authors: Ikkala Kaisa , Stratoulias Vassilis , Michon Frederic 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe cornea, transparent and outermost structure of camera-type eyes, is prone to environmental challenges, but has remarkable wound healing capabilities which enables to preserve vision. The manner in which cell plasticity impacts wound healing remains to be determined. In this study, we report rapid wound closure after zebrafish corneal epithelium abrasion. Furthermore, by investigating the cellular and molecular events taking place during corneal epithelial closure, we show the induction of a bilateral response to a unilateral wound. Our transcriptomic results, together with our TGF-beta receptor inhibition experiments, demonstrate conclusively the crucial role of TGF-beta signaling in corneal wound healing. Finally, our results on Pax6 expression and bilateral wound healing, demonstrate the decisive impact of epithelial cell plasticity on the pace of healing. Altogether, our study describes terminally differentiated cell competencies in the healing of an injured cornea. These findings will enhance the translation of research on cell plasticity to organ regeneration.
Experimental aortic aneurysm severity and growth depend on topical elastase concentration and lysyl oxidase inhibition
Authors: Berman Alycia G. , Romary Daniel J. , Kerr Katherine E. , Gorazd Natalyn E. , Wigand Morgan M. , Patnaik Sourav S. , Finol Ender A. , Cox Abigail D. , Goergen Craig J. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation and expansion is highly complex and multifactorial, and the improvement of animal models is an important step to enhance our understanding of AAA pathophysiology. In this study, we explore our ability to influence aneurysm growth in a topical elastase plus β-Aminopropionitrile (BAPN) mouse model by varying elastase concentration and by altering the cross-linking capability of the tissue. To do so, we assess both chronic and acute effects of elastase concentration using volumetric ultrasound. Our results suggest that the applied elastase concentration affects initial elastin degradation, as well as long-term vessel expansion. Additionally, we assessed the effects of BAPN by (1) removing it to restore the cross-linking capability of tissue after aneurysm formation and (2) adding it to animals with stable aneurysms to interrupt cross-linking. These results demonstrate that, even after aneurysm formation, lysyl oxidase inhibition remains necessary for continued expansion. Removing BAPN reduces the aneurysm growth rate to near zero, resulting in a stable aneurysm. In contrast, adding BAPN causes a stable aneurysm to expand. Altogether, these results demonstrate the ability of elastase concentration and BAPN to modulate aneurysm growth rate and severity. The findings open several new areas of investigation in a murine model that mimics many aspects of human AAA.
Development of high slip-resistant footwear outsole using rubber surface filled with activated carbon/sodium chloride
Authors: Nishi Toshiaki , Yamaguchi Takeshi , Hokkirigawa Kazuo 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHigh slip-resistant footwear outsoles can reduce the risk of slip and fall on wet and icy surfaces. Falls on wet and icy surfaces can cause serious life-threatening injuries, especially for older adults. Here we show that footwear outsoles using the rubbers filled with activated carbon or sodium chloride produce higher friction force and reduce the slip rate in walking. We have identified that small depressions were formed on outsole materials filled with activated carbon or sodium chloride during friction between the rubber and surface leading to some air ingress into the interface. While there are air bubbles between the rubber and surface, real contacts are surrounded by water with negative pressure (Laplace pressure). It is considered that the negative pressure promotes real contact formation, which causes high friction. We consider that the outsole materials filled with activated carbon or sodium chloride can reduce the risk of slip-and-fall accidents.