bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Critical Transition from Soluble Complexes to Colloidal Aggregates of Polyelectrolyte Complexes at Non‐Stoichiometric Charge Ratios
Authors: Gao Jun , Zhan Qiang‐wei , Tang Ziyao , Huang Yan 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe transition from soluble to colloidal polyelectrolyte complex normally occurs at a critical non‐stoichiometric charge ratio. Here, it is demonstrated that the conventional batch mixing produces heterogeneous binding and complexation, which can easily mask this soluble‐colloidal complex transition (sol‐col transition) even for weakly binding polyelectrolytes like polyacrylic acid (PAA) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC). When mixed efficiently using multi‐inlet vortex mixer (MIVM), the sol‐col transition occurs beyond a critical charge ratio (n−/n+) and the large colloidal complexes are formed through the aggregation of small primary complexes (as revealed by atomic force microscopy). Moreover, the sol‐col transition occurs at a constant charge ratio below the overlapping concentration (c*) of the long host polyelectrolyte, but at lower charge ratios above c* due to chain entanglement. When adding NaCl to the solution, the sol‐col transition charge ratio first decreases, then remained stable for a period, and finally increased and vanished at high ionic strength. When replacing NaCl with chaotropic salts, the sol‐col transition occurs at lower charge ratios, while kosmotropes has little impact. The solvent quality and polymer hydrophobicity effects are also discussed. With the assistance of rapid mixing, this study provides a more reliable way of studying the sol‐col transition of polyelectrolyte complexes.
Technical note: Validation of an ultrahigh dose rate pulsed electron beam monitoring system using a current transformer for FLASH preclinical studies
Authors: Gonçalves Jorge Patrik , Grilj Veljko , Bourhis Jean , Vozenin Marie‐Catherine , Germond Jean‐François , Bochud François , Bailat Claude , Moeckli Raphaël 
Published: January 2022

AbstractPurposeThe Oriatron eRT6 is a linear accelerator (linac) used in FLASH preclinical studies able to reach dose rates ranging from conventional (CONV) up to ultrahigh (UHDR). This work describes the implementation of commercially available beam current transformers (BCTs) as online monitoring tools compatible with CONV and UHDR irradiations for preclinical FLASH studies.MethodsTwo BCTs were used to measure the output of the Oriatron eRT6 linac. First, the correspondence between the set nominal beam parameters and those measured by the BCTs was checked. Then, we established the relationship between the total exit charge (measured by BCTs) and the absorbed dose to water. The influence of the pulse width (PW) and the pulse repetition frequency (PRF) at UHDR was characterized, as well as the short‐ and long‐term stabilities of the relationship between the exit charge and the dose at CONV and UHDR.ResultsThe BCTs were able to determine consistently the number of pulses, PW, and PRF. For fixed PW and pulse height, the exit charge measured from BCTs was correlated with the dose, and linear relationships were found with uncertainties of 0.5 % and 3 % in CONV and UHDR mode, respectively. Short‐ and long‐term stabilities of the dose‐to‐charge ratio were below 1.6 %.ConclusionsWe implemented commercially available BCTs and demonstrated their ability to act as online beam monitoring systems to support FLASH preclinical studies with CONV and UHDR irradiations. The implemented BCTs support dosimetric measurements, highlight variations among multiple measurements in a row, enable monitoring of the physics parameters used for irradiation, and are an important step for the safety of the clinical translation of FLASH radiation therapy.
Inhibitory effects of a smartphone‐controlled wearable transcutaneous tibial nerve stimulation device on bladder reflexes in anesthetized cats
Authors: Liang Yanan , Liao Limin , Wan Xiaoping , Li Xing , Li Xunhua , Wang Yiming 
Published: January 2022

AbstractObjectivesTo explore the inhibitory effects of a novel, smartphone‐controlled, and wearable tibial nerve stimulation device on nonnociceptive and nociceptive bladder reflexes in anesthetized cats and to compare the stimulus results of two current waveforms outputted by this new stimulator.Materials and MethodsA novel, intelligent tibial nerve stimulator was put on the ankles of 14 cats and controlled by a mobile application. Cystometrograms (CMGs) were performed repeatedly by infusing 0.9% normal saline (NS) and 0.5% acetic acid (AA) through a urethral catheter. Inhibitory effects were explored by measuring the bladder capacity (BC) in two areas: (1) on nonnociceptive bladder reflex (infused with NS) and on nociceptive bladder reflex (filled with AA to induce overactive bladder [OAB] model); and (2) under the stimulation of two different current waveforms (waveforms A and B).ResultsIn Group 1, the BC of AA‐induced OAB (41.48 ± 8.40%) was significantly different compared with the capacity of a NS‐infused bladder (104.89 ± 1.32%, p < 0.05). Both NS‐filled (151.35 ± 5.71%, p < 0.05) and AA‐instilled (71.41 ± 9.34%, p < 0.05) bladder volumes significantly increased after tibial nerve stimulation (TNS). In Group 2, the BC increased to 166.18 ± 15.17% (p = 0.026) and 127.64 ± 13.00% (p = 0.239), respectively, after TNS with waveforms A and B current.ConclusionsResults revealed that this novel, smartphone‐based, wearable, and wireless tibial nerve stimulation system could inhibit the micturition reflex on physiological condition, serving as a potential option for OAB treatment. In addition, the waveforms of stimulation current had an important influence on the effects of TNS.
The role of agroforestry in restoring Brazil's Atlantic Forest: Opportunities and challenges for smallholder farmers
Authors: Shennan‐Farpón Yara , Mills Morena , Souza Aline , Homewood Katherine 
Published: January 2022

Abstract

Restoring the degraded Atlantic Forest is one of the biggest conservation challenges in Brazil. In a biome with high human presence, understanding the potential for restoration approaches, such as agroforestry, to provide benefits to smallholder farmers and biodiversity is essential in developing equitable restoration strategies.

Smallholder or family farmers are essential to national food security, producing most fruit and vegetables consumed in Brazil. Their farms can also provide ecological stepping stones for biodiversity. To better understand their role in Atlantic Forest restoration, this study explores the use of agroforestry by smallholder farmers from the Movimento Sem Terra (MST), the Rural Landless Workers' Movement, in Pontal do Paranapanema.

We use quantitative and qualitative data to assess farmer perceptions of the measures which support agroforestry farming, barriers to implementation and its impact on indicators of wellbeing. We find agroforestry farmers report significant benefits in 8 of 18 tested indicators. Attitudes to agroforestry are varied, but common themes emerge including the high value of tree cover for shade and cooling effects, and the difficulties in selling agroforestry products. Our results show lack of policy support and initial investment needs are the biggest constraints to agroforestry, but opportunity cost is not considered a large barrier.

Tailored policies and financial measures are needed to integrate thousands of smallholder farmers into the Atlantic Forest restoration agenda, helping to reach biome restoration targets while supporting rural livelihoods and national food security. Further research is required into links between additional socio‐economic and biogeographical variables and agroforestry uptake in the region.
Contribution of multiple overexpressed carboxylesterase genes to indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura
Authors: Shi Yao , Li Wenlin , Zhou Yuliang , Liao Xiaolan , Shi Li 
Published: January 2022

AbstractBACKGROUNDAs an important family of detoxification enzymes, carboxylesterases (CarEs) have important roles in the development of insecticide resistance in almost all agricultural pests. Previous studies have suggested that enhancement of CarE activity is an important mechanism mediating indoxacarb resistance in Spodoptera litura, and several CarE genes have been found to be overexpressed in indoxacarb‐resistant strains. However, the functions of these CarE genes in indoxacarb resistance needs to be further investigated.RESULTSThe synergist triphenyl phosphate effectively reduced the resistance of S. litura to indoxacarb, suggesting an involvement of CarEs in indoxacarb resistance. Among seven identified S. litura CarE genes (hereafter SlituCOE), six were overexpressed in two indoxacarb‐resistant strains, but there were no significant differences in gene copy number. Knockdown of SlituCOE009 and SlituCOE050 enhanced indoxacarb sensitivity in both susceptible and resistant strains, whereas knockdown of SlituCOE090, SlituCOE093 and SlituCOE074 enhanced indoxacarb sensitivity in only the resistant strain. Knockdown of the sixth gene, SlituCOE073, did not have any effect. Furthermore, simultaneous knockdown of the five SlituCOE genes had a greater effect on increasing indoxacarb sensitivity than silencing them individually. By contrast, overexpression of the five SlituCOE genes individually in Drosophila melanogaster significantly decreased the toxicity of indoxacarb to transgenic fruit flies. Furthermore, modeling and docking analysis indicated that the catalytic pockets of SlituCOE009 and SlituCOE074 were ideally shaped for indoxacarb and N‐decarbomethoxylated metabolite (DCJW), but the binding affinity for DCJW was stronger than for indoxacarb.CONCLUSIONThis study reveals that multiple overexpressed CarE genes are involved in indoxacarb resistance in S. litura.
Fast redox switches lead to rapid transformation of goethite in humid tropical soils: A Mössbauer spectroscopy study
Authors: Bhattacharyya Amrita , Kukkadapu Ravi K. , Bowden Mark , Pett‐Ridge Jennifer , Nico Peter S. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractHumid tropical forest soils experience frequent rainfall, which limits oxygen diffusion and creates redox heterogeneity in upland soils. In this study we gauged the effect of short‐term anoxic conditions on Fe mineralogy of relatively Fe‐ and C‐rich surface soils (C/Fe mole ratio ∼5) from a humid tropical forest in Puerto Rico. Soils subjected to 4‐d oxic/anoxic oscillation were characterized by selective chemical extractions, Mössbauer spectroscopy (MBS), and X‐ray diffraction. Chemical extraction data suggested that rapidly switching redox conditions had subtle effects on bulk Fe mineralogy. Mössbauer, on the other hand, indicated that (a) the soil Fe is a mixture of goethites of varying characteristics with minor contributions from ferrihydrite (<5%) and Fe(III)‐organic matter (OM) phases (∼10%), and (b) anoxic conditions rapidly transformed all forms of goethite to relatively stable Fe oxides. Such fast changes in goethite features could be due to rapid depletion and sorption of bio‐released structural Al or sorbed OM onto residual soil components. The rapid temporal changes in MBS parameters and corresponding pore water nominal oxidation state of C values suggest that Fe‐C transformations in these upland tropical soils are complex and intricately coupled. A comprehensive understanding of the fate of Fe, Al, and OM (Fe‐organic moieties) during redox switches and concurrent changes in pore water chemistry is critical for development of robust transport models in humid tropical soils, which are subject to episodic low‐redox events.
Generation of continuous hybrid zig-zag and contour paths for 3D printing
Authors: Gomez Gorka , Cortés Camilo , Creus Carles , Amilibia Maialen Zelaia , Moreno Aitor 
Published: January 2022

AbstractThe generation of the printing paths is a decisive step in additive manufacturing (AM). There is a variety of patterns that offer different characteristics, but those that are strictly continuous become especially relevant in certain types of AM by extrusion, with materials like bioinks, carbon or clays, since they do not allow the retraction of the material and travelling movements result in the generation of artifacts. In this work, we present (1) a method that generates continuous paths to fill 2D polygons with a hybrid zig-zag and contour pattern with any direction and line separation, which extends an algorithm that decomposes the 2D area to be filled into convex areas, overcoming its limitations to generate less subpolygons in certain cases, (2) a method to join the subpolygon trajectories such that a continuous path that fills the whole polygon is obtained, and (3) a publicly available dataset containing (a) a set of 2D polygons that are relevant to test the performance of the algorithms and (b) the results of filling those polygons with our methodology. Results show that the developed methods produce satisfactory results for the polygons contained in the evaluation dataset, including a couple of demonstrations of real 3D prints with the generated trajectories. Further work is needed to extend the methodology to produce suitable solutions for polygons with curved holes.
Detection of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells of HCV-infected patients following sustained virologic response
Authors: Khattab Mahmoud A. , Zakaria Yehia , Sadek Eslam , Abd EL Fatah Aliaa S. , Fouad Magdy , Khattab Muhammed , Moness Hend M. , Adel Nashwa Mohamed , Ahmed Elham 
Published: January 2022

Abstract It is unclear whether direct-acting antiviral drugs (DAAs) result in the complete eradication of HCV infection or whether some quantities of the virus may persist after achieving a sustained virologic response (SVR). Aim The aim of this work was to study the possibility of the persistence of HCV RNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) after achieving SVR following DAA treatment. This study included 100 patients infected with HCV genotype 4, who were candidates for receiving DAAs and who achieved SVR during follow-up, as determined at 12 and/or 24 weeks following the end of treatment. All patients were subjected to demographic, biochemical and hematological assessments. Detection of HCV RNA in the serum and PBMCs and determination of the HCV genotype were performed with real-time PCR. We detected HCV RNA in the PBMCs of 20 out of 100 (20%) patients infected with HCV genotype 4, who achieved SVR. However, the persistent viral load in the PBMCs was very low (range: 400–900 U/mL; mean ± SD: 645.45 ± 153 U/mL). Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that only the higher posttreatment levels of aspartate transaminase (AST) were significantly predictive of HCV RNA persistence in the PBMCs (OR: 1.29; 95% CI: 1.08–1.55). Additionally, according to the Cox proportional hazard model, liver cirrhosis was the only significant risk factor for the persistence of HCV infection in PBMCs (HR: 5.8; 95% CI: 1.3–26.1; P < 0.02). Our results indicated the persistence of HCV RNA in some HCV patients who achieved SVR after treatment with DAAs.
Cascaded neural network-based CT image processing for aortic root analysis
Authors: Krüger Nina , Meyer Alexander , Tautz Lennart , Hüllebrand Markus , Wamala Isaac , Pullig Marius , Kofler Markus , Kempfert Jörg , Sündermann Simon , Falk Volkmar , Hennemuth Anja 
Published: January 2022

Abstract
Purpose
Careful assessment of the aortic root is paramount to select an appropriate prosthesis for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). Relevant information about the aortic root anatomy, such as the aortic annulus diameter, can be extracted from pre-interventional CT. In this work, we investigate a neural network-based approach for segmenting the aortic root as a basis for obtaining these parameters.

Methods
To support valve prosthesis selection, geometric measures of the aortic root are extracted from the patient’s CT scan using a cascade of convolutional neural networks (CNNs). First, the image is reduced to the aortic root, valve, and left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT); within that subimage, the aortic valve and ascending aorta are segmented; and finally, the region around the aortic annulus. From the segmented annulus region, we infer the annulus orientation using principal component analysis (PCA). The area-derived diameter of the annulus is approximated based on the segmentation of the aortic root and LVOT and the plane orientation resulting from the PCA.

Results
The cascade of CNNs was trained using 90 expert-annotated contrast-enhanced CT scans routinely acquired for TAVI planning. Segmentation of the aorta and valve within the region of interest achieved an F1 score of 0.94 on the test set of 36 patients. The area-derived diameter within the annulus region was determined with a mean error below 2 mm between the automatic measurement and the diameter derived from annotations. The calculated diameters and resulting errors are comparable to published results of alternative approaches.

Conclusions
The cascaded neural network approach enabled the assessment of the aortic root with a relatively small training set. The processing time amounts to 30 s per patient, facilitating time-efficient, reproducible measurements. An extended training data set, including different levels of calcification or special cases (e.g., pre-implanted valves), could further improve this method’s applicability and robustness.
Soziale Ungleichheit in der Zahngesundheit von Kindern
Authors: Stasch Nicole , Ganahl Kristin , Geiger Harald 
Published: January 2022

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund
Das Risiko für behandlungsbedürftige Karies bei Kindern ist sozial ungleich verteilt.

Ziel der Arbeit
Ziel der Studie war es, den Zusammenhang zwischen regionalen sozioökonomischen Determinanten, Migrationshintergrund und behandlungsbedürftiger Karies bei Volksschulkindern in Vorarlberg im Schuljahr 2016/17 zu untersuchen.

Material und Methoden
Der Zahnstatus und das Alter wurden bei den zahnprophylaktischen Gruppenuntersuchungen der Zahnprophylaxe Vorarlberg GmbH systematisch erfasst. Abhängige dichotome Variable war die behandlungsbedürftige Karies, welche bei mindestens einem kariösen unbehandelten Zahn im Gebiss vorlag (WHO-Methodik). Einflussgrößen auf Gemeindeebene waren der Bildungsstand, der Erwerbsstatus und das Einkommen und auf Schulebene der Migrationshintergrund. Als potenzielle Störfaktoren wurden das Alter und der Urbanisierungsgrad der Gemeinden berücksichtigt. Die Auswertung erfolgte mittels eines gemischten logistischen Modells.

Ergebnisse
In Vorarlberg hatten 35,1 % der Volksschulkinder im Schuljahr 2016/17 eine behandlungsbedürftige Karies und durchschnittlich 0,9 kariöse unbehandelte Zähne. Eine erhöhte Chance für einen Behandlungsbedarf hatten Volksschulkinder in Gemeinden mit höherem durchschnittlichen Jahresbrutto, Schulen mit höherem Anteil an Kindern mit Migrationshintergrund und Schulen in einer Gemeinde im ländlich zentralen Raum (Referenz: urbane Zentren).

Schlussfolgerungen
Die Datenlagen des Zahnstatus und der sozialen Indikatoren sollte auf kleinräumiger Ebene – im Idealfall auf Individualebene – verbessert werden. Darüber hinaus sollten bestehende Präventionsangebote evaluiert und Schulen, die bisher nicht teilnehmen, erreicht werden. Weitere Maßnahmen für vulnerable Gruppen sollten geplant, implementiert und evaluiert werden.
Cysteine Peptidase Cathepsin X as a Therapeutic Target for Simultaneous TLR3/4-mediated Microglia Activation
Authors: Pišlar Anja , Nedeljković Biljana Božić , Perić Mina , Jakoš Tanja , Zidar Nace , Kos Janko 
Published: January 2022

AbstractMicroglia are resident macrophages in the central nervous system that are involved in immune responses driven by Toll-like receptors (TLRs). Microglia-mediated inflammation can lead to central nervous system disorders, and more than one TLR might be involved in these pathological processes. The cysteine peptidase cathepsin X has been recognized as a pathogenic factor for inflammation-induced neurodegeneration. Here, we hypothesized that simultaneous TLR3 and TLR4 activation induces synergized microglia responses and that these phenotype changes affect cathepsin X expression and activity. Murine microglia BV2 cells and primary murine microglia were exposed to the TLR3 ligand polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)) and the TLR4 ligand lipopolysaccharide (LPS), individually and simultaneously. TLR3 and TLR4 co-activation resulted in increased inflammatory responses compared to individual TLR activation, where poly(I:C) and LPS induced distinct patterns of proinflammatory factors together with different patterns of cathepsin X expression and activity. TLR co-activation decreased intracellular cathepsin X activity and increased cathepsin X localization at the plasma membrane with concomitant increased extracellular cathepsin X protein levels and activity. Inhibition of cathepsin X in BV2 cells by AMS36, cathepsin X inhibitor, significantly reduced the poly(I:C)- and LPS-induced production of proinflammatory cytokines as well as apoptosis. Additionally, inhibiting the TLR3 and TLR4 common signaling pathway, PI3K, with LY294002 reduced the inflammatory responses of the poly(I:C)- and LPS-activated microglia and recovered cathepsin X activity. We here provide evidence that microglial cathepsin X strengthens microglia activation and leads to subsequent inflammation-induced neurodegeneration. As such, cathepsin X represents a therapeutic target for treating neurodegenerative diseases related to excess inflammation.
A School-Based Approach to Building Resilience and Mental Health Among Adolescents on the Autism Spectrum: A Longitudinal Mixed Methods Study
Authors: Shochet Ian M. , Saggers Beth R. , Carrington Suzanne B. , Orr Jayne A. , Wurfl Astrid M. , Kelly Rachel L. , Duncan Bonnie M. 
Published: January 2022

AbstractTackling mental health difficulties in adolescents on the autism spectrum requires a comprehensive prevention approach. A 3-year multisite proof-of-concept longitudinal study implemented an evidence-based multilevel resilience intervention in schools to promote protective factors at the adolescent, parent, and school level. The intervention, consisting of the adolescent, parent and teacher components of the Resourceful Adolescent Program–Autism Spectrum Disorder (RAP-ASD) augmented with the Index for Inclusion, was implemented in 6 secondary schools with 30 adolescents with an autism diagnosis in Grades 7 and 8, 31 parents of 23 of the adolescents, and school staff. The intervention was implemented with good validity and acceptability. Quantitative data from adolescents and parents were analysed using the Reliable Change Index, and qualitative data were analysed using Consensual Qualitative Research. Triangulated quantitative and qualitative outcomes from the majority of adolescents and their parents showed some evidence for promoting resilience for adolescents with a diagnosis or traits of autism, as reflected in reliable improvements in coping self-efficacy and school connectedness, and a reduction in anxiety symptoms and emotional and behavioural difficulties. A reliable improvement in depressive symptoms was more modest and was only achieved by a small minority of adolescents. This multilevel, strength-focused, resilience-building approach represents a promising and sustainable school-based primary prevention program to improve the quality of life for adolescents on the spectrum by promoting their mental health and providing their families with much needed support.