bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Development and characterization of chitosan and beeswax coated biodegradable corn husk and sugarcane bagasse-based cellulose paper.
Authors: Bhardwaj Aastha , Sharma Nitya , Alam Tanweer , Sharma Vasudha , Sahu J.K. , Hamid Hinna , Bansal Vasudha , Alam sarwar 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This research focuses on the development of paper from lignocellulosic agricultural wastes, viz., corn husk (CH), which is an underexplored material and sugarcane baggase (SB), in varying proportions, through soda pulping and enhancement of their functionalities through chitosan and chitosan-beeswax emulsion coatings. Fiber digestion conditions were as follows: 100°C (30 min); 100–162°C (90 min) and 162°C (90 min); followed by blowing, quenching and then refining of both treated CH and SB pulp to a Canadian Standard Freeness (CSF) of 400–450 mL. The handsheets of 80 GSM (grammage) were prepared as per the standard ISO-5269/1 and were tested for their mechanical and barrier properties as per standard methods of ISO. Handsheets developed from the blend of SB and CH (50:50) and SB fibers (100%) were found to have better mechanical strength (in terms of burst, tensile and tear strength) in comparison to CH fibers (100%). The effect of coatings on mechanical, water resistance, micro-structural, and biodegradable properties of the cellulose papers were also assessed. The chitosan coating significantly improved (p < 0.05) the mechanical properties of papers, the barrier properties against water vapor, moisture and air were also enhanced (up to 85%). Papers coated with beeswax–chitosan emulsion had the longest absorbency time, followed by chitosan-coated and uncoated papers. The results advocated for beeswax–chitosan emulsion as the best among the coatings tested, for aforementioned cellulose papers to enhance their barrier properties.
Spectral Efficiency Of QPSK In A Coherent WDM System With Component Crosstalk
Authors: Mukherjee Pinakpani , Sarkar Santu , Das Nikhil R. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
This paper presents an analytical method to investigate the impact of component crosstalk on the spectral efficiency (SE) of generalized quadrature phase shift keying (QPSK) modulation format by computing its bit error rate (BER) over additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel. For this purpose we consider a wavelength division multiplexed (WDM) receiver system and the desired signal is coherently detected in presence of any arbitrary number of independent and identical (i.i.d.) crosstalk sources. The analysis exploits characteristic function method and examines the bandwidth expenses of the system while subjected to crosstalk sources. The theory is verified for single interferer case with the previous work reported in literature. The approach is useful for accurate and time-saving BER (thus SE) assessment and monitoring in the network/system, which can improve the reach and efficiency of the WDM system. It is observed from the result that crosstalk level and number of active interferers perform a vital role to determine the spectral efficiency of the system. In this context the study of the protection ratio i.e. the minimum crosstalk level required to obtain a fixed BER, is essential for any particular signal to noise ratio (SNR). The power budgeting of the network under component crosstalk is also discussed in terms of spectral efficiency and interference penalty.
Assessing Knowledge of First Aid Management of Burns Amongst Syrian Private University Students.
Authors: Alistwani Dima , Addin Rowida Alaa , Ammar Ali 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background:Burn related injuries (BRIs) are relatively common, mostly accidental, and highly preventable forms of injury. First aid management of BRIs can have a significant impact on the outcome and morbidity of these injuries, yet there seems to be an inadequacy in the knowledge related to burn management worldwide. Hence, our study aimed to delineate the level of knowledge and awareness of burn first aid treatment (BFAT) amongst undergraduate students, and the impact training courses had on that knowledge.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among students of the Syrian Private University using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of: socio-demographic characteristics and questions assessing their knowledge of first aid. The statistical study was conducted using SPSS software. The demographic characteristics were described, and the sample distribution was described according to the study variables that measure students' awareness of burns measures. The averages of the independent groups were also compared using parametric tests (T-Test Independent Samples, One way ANOVA).Results:The students obtained an average score (4.79, ±1.467) in knowledge of first aid burn treatment, as there was an insufficient degree of awareness among the participants. Gender, college, and parents' educational level were not statistically significant factors, whereas students with better economic level and students with higher school years and those who received training achieved higher mean scores of knowledge (P-value <0.05).Conclusions:The majority of students had insufficient general knowledge about first aid for burns, highlighting the need to incorporate this topic into the curriculum. In addition, awareness should be spread in the community through multimedia and formal training sessions, both of which are necessary to raise awareness and reduce the incidence of burn-related injuries.
Genomic Patterns of Divergence in the Early and Late Steps of Speciation of the Deep-Sea Vent Thermophilic Worms of the Genus Alvinella
Authors: Thomas–Bulle Camille , Bertrand Denis , Nagarajan Niranjan , Copley Richard , Corre Erwan , Hourdez Stéphane , Bonnivard Eric , Claridge-Chang Adam , Jollivet Didier 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: The transient and fragmented nature of the deep-sea hydrothermal environment made of ridge subduction, plate collision and the emergence of new rifts is currently acting to the separation of vent populations, local adaptation and is likely to promote bursts of speciation and species specialization. The tube-dwelling worms Alvinella pompejana called the Pompeii worm and its sister species Alvinella caudata live syntopically on the hottest part of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys along the East Pacific Rise. They are exposed to extreme thermal and chemical gradients, which vary greatly in space and time, and thus represent ideal candidates for understanding the evolutionary mechanisms at play in the vent fauna evolution. Results: In the present study, we explored genomic patterns of divergence in the early and late steps of speciation of these emblematic worms using transcriptome assemblies and the first draft genome to better understand the relative role of geographic isolation and habitat preference in their genome evolution. Analyses were conducted on allopatric populations of Alvinella pompejana (early stage of separation) and between A. pompejana and its syntopic species Alvinella caudata (late stage of speciation). We first identified divergent genomic regions and targets of selection as well as their position in the genome over collections of orthologous genes and, then, described the speciation dynamics by documenting the annotation of the most divergent and/or positively selected genes involved in the isolation process. Gene mapping clearly indicated that divergent genes associated with the early stage of speciation, although accounting for nearly 30% of genes, are highly scattered in the genome without any island of divergence and not involved in gamete recognition or mito-nuclear incompatibilities. By contrast, genomes of A. pompejana and A. caudata are clearly separated with nearly all genes (96%) exhibiting high divergence. This congealing effect however seems to be linked to habitat specialization and still allows positive selection on genes involved in gamete recognition, as a possible long-duration process of species reinforcement. Conclusion: Our analyses pointed out the non-negligible role of natural selection on both the early and late stages of speciation in the emblematic thermophilic worms living on the walls of deep-sea hydrothermal chimneys. They shed ligth on the evolution of gene divergence during the process of speciation and species specialization over a very long period of time.
The influence of Urbanisation on Phytodiversity and some edaphic properties in urban and peri-urban riverine fresh water wetlands of Bamenda Municipality
Authors: Azinwie Asongwe Godswill , Bame Irene B , Orock Ayuk , Tellen Valatine , Bumtu Pascal , Tening Aaron 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
AimsIn urban areas, human activities result to the discharge of a variety of chemical substances to the environment, playing a substantial role in soil quality, plant species diversity and human security. In order to suggest appropriate management strategies that ensures soil quality, their sustainable utilization and human security in the midst of urbanization, this study assesses the relationship between macrophyte diversity and some soil characteristics of wetlands in Bamenda Municipality, Cameroon at different stages of urbanization. It examines (i) macrophyte diversity and soil characteristics of wetlands adjacent urban and peri-urban areas. MethodsPlant communities were sampled for species composition and relative abundance, using the Braun-banquet method. Species richness was evaluated using the Simpson’s diversity index. Twenty-one soil samples (0 - 25 cm depth) were also randomly collected within the wetlands and analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics using standard methods. The hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) was used to group the area under managing units. ResultsFrom the results, 50 macrophytes species distributed in 28 families were documented in the area. The species observed were mostly emergent herbaceous plants (grasses) with only few shrubs and trees. The Simpson indices of diversity were 0.94 and 0.96 for the urban and control sites, respectively. The soils were slightly acidic. Sand, pH-H2O, pH-KCl, Na were consistently least variable across the three sites. Two significant clusters representing a combination of urban and peri urban/rural were formed from the hierarchical dendrograms for classification of the chemical variables for the surface soils wetlands with associations to plants species. The Mann-Whitney U test, revealed a significant lower (P <0.05) concentration of the chemical constituents of the control site and the urban sites indicating contamination.ConclusionIntensification and extension of urbanisation is reducing the diversity of the wetlands of the Bamenda municipality warranting monitoring.
Characterization of codon usage pattern and evolutionary changes of Human Enterovirus 71 in China
Authors: Chen Li , Sun Penghui , Jin Wangjie , Han Yanjiang , Huang Shun , Wang Meng 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is a common etiological agent of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children, which caused large outbreaks in mainland China in 2008. However, the genetic information of EV71 strains circulating in China is limited. Here, we performed a systematic evolutionary and codon usage bias analysis of EV71. The result shows that the overall extent of codon usage bias in EV71 is low (ENc = 56.696), and natural selection, mutation pressure, nucleotide compositions and host shape the codon usage patterns of EV71, with natural selection being more important than the others. We also found EV71 breaking out in large scale in 2008, the codon usage pattern of the virus isolated from China has change a lot compare the previous isolates, and after 2008, three different codon usage patterns were popularized in China. In the end, we've confirmed that C2 isolates has outbreak in China before 2000 through codon usage analysis for the first time. In conclusion, our results provide useful insights into the evolutionary relationships of EV 71.
Withdrawal of Inhaled Corticosteroids from COPD Patients with Mild or Moderate Airflow Limitation: Primary Care Feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial Reveals High Prevalence of Suspected Undiagnosed Asthma
Authors: Harries Timothy H , Gilworth Gill , Corrigan Christopher J , Murphy Patrick B , Hart Nicholas , Thomas Mike , White Patrick 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundInhaled corticosteroids (ICS) are frequently prescribedoutsideguidelines to COPD patients with mild or moderate airflow limitation and low exacerbation risk, despite little evidence of benefit and risk of adverse effects. This trial explored thefeasibilityof ICS withdrawalfrompatients with mild/moderate COPD in primary care.MethodsOpen, feasibility trial. Outcome measures included prevalence of suitable participants, sensitivity and specificity of their identification,their willingness to accept open randomisation to ICS withdrawal for up to 6 months or continuation with usual care.Results392 (13%) of 2967COPD patients from 20 practices (209,618 total population)identifiedas eligible for ICS withdrawalby algorithm electronic record search.Following individual record review, 243 (62%)deemedineligible because of (a)one severeor two moderate COPD exacerbations in previous year (86, 22%); (b)severe airflow limitation (65, 17%); (c) asthma (15, 4%); (d)other causes (77, 20%). Remainder (149)invited for assessment.61 attended and all agreed to randomisation to ICS withdrawal or usual care. At baseline assessment, 10 exhibitedairflow reversibility (forced expiratory volume (FEV)1 reversibility>12% and 200ml) which was a safety exclusion criterion, 2 had suffered ≥2 moderate exacerbations in prior year,7 had severe airflow limitation,2 had normal spirometry.40 were randomised.During ensuing 6 months, 1 patient died and another was lost to follow-up. 18 (45%) of the 38 (10 withdrawal, 8 usual care) exhibited previously undocumented FEV1variability consistent with asthma,supported bysignificant associations in ICS withdrawal group between FEV1 variability andelevated fractional exhaled nitric oxide (p=0.04), atopic history (p=0.01), elevated symptom score (p=0.04),poorerquality of life (p=0.04).ConclusionIdentifyingpatients with mild/moderate COPD suitable for ICS withdrawal was difficult because of poor recording of suitability criteria (undocumented exacerbations, unreliable lung function). Open, randomisation to ICS withdrawal or usual care was acceptableFollow-upretention at 6 months was excellent.Nearly 50% of participants with mild/moderate COPD and no previously recorded bronchodilator reversibility, demonstrated FEV1 variability during follow-up. In patients with mild/moderate COPD considered suitable for ICS withdrawal in primary care, surveillance of variability should be undertaken over at least 6 months. Trial registrationEudraCT Number: 2016-001876-31. Date registered: 5th August 2016.
Ultrafast Optical Control of Surface and Bulk Magnetism in Magnetic Topological Insulator/Antiferromagnet Heterostructure
Authors: Liu Peiwen , Eckberg Chris , Pan Lei , Zhang Peng , Wang Kang L. , Lüpke Gunter 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Optical control of the magnetic properties in topological insulator systems is an important step in applying these materials in ultrafast optoelectronic and spintronic schemes. In this work, we report the experimental observation of photo-induced magnetization dynamics in the magnetically doped topological insulator (MTI)/antiferromagnet (AFM) heterostructure composed of Cr-(Bi,Sb)2Te3/CrSb. Through proximity coupling to the AFM layer, the MTI displays a dramatically enhanced magnetism, with robust perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. When subjected to intense laser irradiation, magnetism in the bulk of the MTI is strikingly weakened by laser-induced heating of the lattice, whereas the surface magnetism is enhanced due to the strengthening Dirac-hole-mediated exchange coupling as demonstrated by an unconventional pump-fluence-dependent exchange-bias effect. Through theoretical analyses, the sizes of exchange coupling energies are estimated in the MTI/AFM bilayer structure. The fundamentally different mechanisms supporting the surface and bulk magnetic order in MTIs allow a novel and distinctive photo-induced transient magnetic state with antiparallel spin configuration, which broadens the understanding of the magnetization dynamics of MTIs under ultrashort and intense optical excitation.
Compare the physicochemical properties of engineered polymer-functionalized silver nanoparticles and evaluate their biological properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: zhang meng , Lo Edward CM. 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background: Nano silver (AgNPs) is a broad-spectrum antibacterial nanomaterial and many polymer-functionalized AgNPs (P-AgNPs) have been developed to optimize the biological properties of AgNPs and some possess good potential for commercial application. However, no horizontal study compares the differences in physicochemical and biological properties among various P-AgNPs, and provides evidence for the selection of polymer and optimization of AgNPs. Methods: Two AgNPs with similar nano-size but opposite surface charges were synthesized and functionalized by seven polymers. Their physicochemical properties were detected by UV-Vis, DLS, TEM and ICP-OES. Their biological properties against Porphyromonas gingivalis and human gingival fibroblast were investigated by MIC determination, time-dependent antibacterial assay, antibiofilm activity, and cell viability assay. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), AgNO3 and metronidazole were used as the positive controls.Results: Comparative analysis found that there was no significant difference between P-AgNPs and AgNPs in nano-size and surface charge. For antibacterial property, in negatively charged AgNPs, only polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-functionalized AgNPs-1 showed significant lower MIC values than AgNPs-1 (0.79 vs 4.72 μg/ml). In positively charged AgNPs, the MIC values of all P-AgNPs (0.34-4.37 μg/ml) were lower than AgNPs-2 (13.89 μg/ml), especially the PVP- and Pluronic127-AgNPs-2 (1.75 and 0.34 μg/ml). For antibiofilm property, the PVP-AgNPs-1 (7.86 μg/ml, P=0.002) and all P-AgNPs-2 (3.425-31.14 μg/ml, P<0.001) showed great antibiofilm effect against Porphyromonas gingivalis biofilm at 5* to 10* MIC level. For cytotoxicity, all negatively charged AgNPs and PVP-AgNPs-2 showed no cytotoxicity at MIC level, but significant cytotoxicity was detected at 2.5*-10* MIC levels. Conclusions: Polymer functionalization only minimally alters the physical properties of AgNPs, but modifies their surface chemical property, which is closely related to their biological property. The antibacterial and antibiofilm properties and cytotoxicity of AgNPs can be significantly optimized to varying degrees by some polymer functionalization, especially using PVP. However, none of the AgNPs studied has low cytotoxicity at the antibiofilm concentration levels.
Factors Associated with Emergency Department Patients’ Knowledge of Their Borderline Personality Disorder Diagnosis
Authors: Artioli Mariasole , Bougon Emmanuelle , Mathur Anjali , Salles Juliette 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
BackgroundResearch on borderline personality disorder (BDP) has shown that less intensive, easier-to-learn approaches like good psychiatric management (GPM) are especially effective when based on patient knowledge of their diagnosis and the provision of psychoeducation. However, issues with failing to make the diagnosis are also described in the literature. This study therefore aimed to explore the sociodemographic and clinical factors associated with the challenges of detecting BDP and providing a diagnosis to patients. MethodsA retrospective database maintained at Toulouse University Hospital was employed in the study. This contains information on 202 patients with a CIM -10 F60.3 diagnosis admitted to the short-term hospitalization unit of the adult psychiatric emergency department (ED). This data was used to compare the sociodemographic and clinical benchmarks associated with knowledge of the criteria employed for diagnosing BDP. We then performed a multimodal logistic regression analysis.FindingsWe found that 63% of the BDP patients in the database were aware of their diagnosis. The regression model identified that the factors associated with this knowledge were: a history of hospitalization on a psychiatric ward (OR=6.1; 95% CI= [2.3-17]); having a major depressive disorder (MDD) diagnosis (OR=0.4; 95% CI= [0.1-0.9]); and the number of admissions to the ED in the previous 12 months (OR=1.25; 95% CI= [1.02-1.5]). ConclusionsThe main factor associated with knowledge of a BDP diagnosis was previous hospitalization on a psychiatric ward, suggesting a lack of disclosure in outpatient care. This could mean that incorporating a period of short-term hospitalization (as occurs in the ED) in the healthcare provided could not only improve how physicians detect the disorder, but also their delivery of the diagnosis to patients.
Heterogeneous Inheritance in Autism Genes Shared Across Neurodevelopmental and Neuromuscular Disorders in Consanguineous Singlets
Authors: Ghasemi Mohammad-Reza , Sadeghi Hossein , Hashemi-Gorji Farzad , Mirfakhraie Reza , Gupta Vijay , Ben-Mahmoud Afif , Razjouyan Katayoon , Salehpour Shadab , Tonekaboni Seyed Hassan , Dianatpour Mehdi , Omrani Davood , Layman Lawrence C. , Kim Hyung-Goo , Miryounesi Mohammad 
Published: March 2022

Abstract
Background
Autosomal recessive genetic disorders are leading health concerns in countries with consanguineous marriage. However, previously there was no strong association of consanguinity with autosomal dominant or X-linked inheritance patterns. Whether this would be the case in singlet consanguineous families remained unexplored.
Methods
The current study aimed to identify the disease genes and their inheritance patterns in 12 independent Iranian consanguineous singlet families with syndromic autism.
Results
Exome sequencing revealed two missense and two nonsense variants (one in each gene: IQSEC2, FOXG1, DMD, and CHKB) in four out of 12 families, thereby offering an aetiologic diagnosis. Autism, intellectual disability, learning disability, developmental delay, and behavioral problems were common features in these four families, and three individuals presented with impaired motor skills such as abnormal gait. Muscular dystrophy coupled with hypotonia were noted in two individuals, whereas in the remaining two families ADHD combined with language/speech delay were present. Along with the two X-linked (IQSEC2 and DMD), one autosomal dominant (FOXG1) and one autosomal recessive genes (CHKB) were found in these four consanguineous families. Two genes-DMD and CHKB- are known to be mainly involved in muscular dystrophy.
Limitation:
our study significance is limited by the small sample size, 12 individuals, and lack of functional experiment on a VUS on the DMD variant.
Conclusion
Our findings illustrate the mixed inheritance pattern in consanguineous singlet families and highlight the association of autism spectrum disorder with muscular dystrophy, both of which are seemingly not related.