bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Spatial-temporal contrast sensitivity of the eye alignment reflex
Authors: Dhungel Deepa , Stevenson Scott B 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The binocular alignment of the eyes involves both voluntary and reflexive mechanisms, but little is known about the visual input and neurological pathway of the reflex component. Our studies examined the role of spatiotemporal frequency and contrast in the control of reflex eye alignment, and compares the contrast sensitivity of the alignment reflex with psychophysical contrast sensitivity. We measured the contrast sensitivity of vertical disparity-driven vergence eye movements in response to bandwidth filtered static or 6 Hz counterphase flickering noise and measured psychophysical detection sensitivity for the same stimuli. Contrast thresholds for producing a detectable vertical alignment change (measured with nonius lines) were determined using a staircase method for 7 spatial frequencies [0.25 to 16 cycles per degree] and 3 vertical disparities [5,10, and 30 arcmins] in 7 adults with normal or corrected to normal vision. The main findings of this study are, 1) the vertical alignment reflex had overall very high contrast sensitivity, comparable to but somewhat less than visual detection thresholds, 2) the most effective stimulus spatial frequency scaled in inverse proportion to the disparity being stimulated, and 3) unlike psychophysical contrast sensitivity, the eye alignment reflex contrast sensitivity was not improved by flickering low spatial frequencies.
Monthly and Annual Maximum Rainfall Prediction using Best Fitted Probability Distributions in Junagadh Region (Gujarat- India)
Authors: Gundalia Manoj 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Rainfall is a meagre and crucial hydrological parameter in arid and semi-arid region. Junagadh (Gujarat-India) reels under monsoon rainfall uncertainties and thereby the agriculture and other water resources management activities suffer. Therefore, urgent attention is needed to address water resources conservation and crop damage issues due to deficits or excess rainfall. The amount of runoff produced and rainfall received determine the development of water resources in any region. Appropriate probability distributions need to be selected and fitted to the historical rainfall time series for better frequency analysis and forecasting of the rainfall. The daily rainfall data was collected for a period of 38 years i.e., from 1984 to 2021. In this study an attempt was made to find the most appropriate probability distributions for the better prediction of maximum rainfall by fitting the eight different hypothetical probability distributions to the monthly and annual maximum rainfall for one to five consecutive days. Chi-Square and Nash-Sutcliffe Efficiency were employed to determine goodness of fit. The results indicated that the Gumbel distribution appears to be the best fit to predict monthly and annual maximum rainfall of Junagadh region.
Design, synthesis and assay of 2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyrimidine-5- carboxamide derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors
Authors: Wei Ben-Ben , Han Chuang , Shang Pan-Pan , Guo Xin-Yuan , Bai Li-Gai , Ma Zheng-Yue 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
A series of 2-(4-phenylpiperazin-1-yl)pyrimidine-5-carboxamide derivatives as acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) were designed and synthesized for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Their bioactivities were evaluated by the Ellman’s method, and the results showed that most of synthesized compounds displayed moderate acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities in vitro. Among them, compound 6g exhibited the most potent inhibitory activity against AChE with IC50 of 0.90 µM, and poor inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) with IC50 of 7.53 µM, which indicated that compound 6g was a selective AChE inhibitor, and compound 6g as a selective AChE inhibitor was confirmed by the molecular docking studies of compound 6g with AChE and BuChE. Furthermore, the mechanism of inhibition of compound 6g against AChE was analyzed by the kinetic study, and the result indicated that compound 6g was the mixed-type inhibitor of competitive inhibition and non-competitive inhibition. All the above showed that compound 6g could be considered as a lead compound for the development of AD drugs.
miRNA-1976 regulates apoptosis of dopaminergic neuron cells by targeting to PINK1
Authors: Qiu Feng , Wu Yue , Cole Michael H. , Xie Guojin , Cao Hui , Du Mingyang , Jiang Haibo 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a degenerative disease, the biomarkers are urgently required to assist with early diagnosis.
Objectives
We screened for differences in the expression of miRNAs and identified the miR-1976 as a possible biomarker of PD.
Methods
Twenty-three patients with PD and 30 controls were included in this case-controlled study. The dopamine neuron cells (MES23.5 cells) and the C57BL mice were cultured. The miRNA expression profiles were analyzed using the µParaflo® miRNA microarray. By miRNA microarray assay, miR-1976 was identified as a miRNA that was expressed differently between PD and controls. Lentiviral vectors were constructed for miR-1976, then the effect of apoptosis in dopaminergic neuron cell were analyzed by MTS and flow cytometry. We then used the biological analysis to predict the target gene of miR-1976 and predict its biological effect on MES23.5 cells by transaction of miR-1976 mimics.
Results
Overexpression of miR-1976 increased the cell apoptosis and mitochondria damage of dopaminergic neuron cells. The bioinformatic analysis showed that the PINK1 was the most common target protein of miR-1976 in MES23.5 cells, and the results were verified by Dual-Luciferase assay. Further analysis demonstrated that silence of PINK1 increased apoptosis of MES23.5 cells and damage of mitochondria.
Conclusion
miR-1976 is a newly discovered miRNA that exhibits a high degree of differential expression with respect to the apoptosis of dopaminergic neuron cells and, hence, may prove to be a new biomarker for PD. Besides, high expression of miR-1976 might improve PD development by targeting to PINK1.
Synthesis and Characterization of Manganese Ferrite nano-particles from Low-grade Manganese ore and Ferric oxide powder via Pyrometallurgy
Authors: Ahmad Salar , Ali Sajjad , Ullah Ikram , ali Sajjad , Weera Wajaree 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The present study focuses on the synthesis and characterization of manganese ferrite. Manganese ferrite has been synthesized by mixing ferric oxide powder (Fe2O3) with low grade Mn-ore and then sintering it at different temperatures (1000-1200 0C). the method is cheap, simple, and easily controls particle size. It has been established that manganese ferrite phase has been successfully achieved at all the three sintering temperatures however, a higher peak has been noted at sintering temperature of 1200 0C in XRD diffractogram. An increase in particle size with increasing sintering temperature has been reported. Thermal analysis shows a weight gain of ( ) at ( ) which further confirm the phase formation of manganese ferrite. Stretching vibrations were recorded at 1636 cm-1 while some peaks were observed below 1000 cm-1 in FTIR graph which is a common feature of ferrites. Microstructural analysis show small pores at the surface and confirm that the synthesized manganese ferrite nano-particles show best magnetic properties and possess high melting point. A highly synchronous nucleation and growth of the synthesized nanoparticles is also confirmed from TEM analysis. Overall, because of its simpleness and cheapness this method could be used for synthesis of manganese ferrite synthesis.
Investigation of Drought Induced Biochemical and Gene Expression Changes in Carrot Indicate Cultivar Specific Resilience
Authors: Junaid Muhammad Daniyal , GÖKÇE Zahide Neslihan ÖZTÜRK , GÖKÇE Ali Fuat 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: Carrot is the most important vegetable in Apiaceae family, and it is consumed globally due to its high nutritional quality. Drought stress is major environmental constraint for vegetables especially carrot. Limited data is available regarding the mechanisms conferring drought tolerance in carrot. Methods and Results: Eight commercial carrot cultivars were used in this study and subjected to drought stress under semi-controlled greenhouse conditions. Biochemical, antioxidant enzymatic activity and changes in transcript level of drought related genes was estimated in comparison to their control plants. Gene expression analysis was done by using qRT-PCR. Results revealed that cultivars Coral Orange, Tendersweet and Solar Yellow were resilient to drought stress, which was supported by their higher transcript levels of catalase gene (CAT), superoxide dismutase genes (Cu/ZN-SOD, Cu/Zn-SDC) in these cultivars. The downregulation of PDH1 gene (Proline dehydrogenase 1) was also observed that was associated with upregulation of proline accumulation in carrot plants. Moreover, results also suggested that PRT genes (Proline transporter genes) played a key role in drought tolerance in carrot cultivars.Conclusions: Among the cultivars studied, Coral Orange showed overall resilience under drought stress conditions, whereas cultivars Cosmic Purple and Eregli Black were sensitive. According to our knowledge, this is the first comparative study on drought resilience in several carrot cultivars. It will provide a background for carrot breeding to understand biochemical and molecular responses of carrot plant to drought stress and mechanisms behind it.
Bioactive VEGF-C from E. coli
Authors: Rauniyar Khushbu , Akhondzadeh Soheila , Gąciarz Anna , Vulli Jaana , Jeltsch Michael 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor-C (VEGF-C) stimulates lymphatic vessel growth in transgenic models, via viral gene delivery, and as a recombinant protein. Expressing eukaryotic proteins like VEGF-C in bacterial cells has limitations, as these cells lack specific posttranslational modifications and provisions for disulfide bond formation. However, given the cost and time savings associated with bacterial expression systems, there is considerable value in expressing VEGF-C using bacterial cells. We identified two approaches that result in biologically active E. coli-derived VEGF-C. Expectedly, VEGF-C expressed from a truncated cDNA became bioactive after in vitro folding from inclusion bodies. Given that VEGF-C is one of the cysteine-richest growth factors in humans, it was unclear whether known methods to facilitate correct cysteine bond formation allow for the direct expression of bioactive VEGF-C in the cytoplasm. By fusing VEGF-C to maltose-binding protein and expressing these fusions in the redox-modified cytoplasm of the Origami (DE3) strain, we could recover biological activity for deletion mutants lacking the propeptides of VEGF-C. This is the first report of a bioactive VEGF growth factor obtained from E. coli cells circumventing in-vitro folding.
The extremely rare chronic neutrophilic leukemia characterized by unrelieved abdominal distention and swollen painful limbs
Authors: Liu Yanquan , Tang Huanwen , Chen Yuting , Lun Weidan , Yan Zhimin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Backgroud: Although the pathogenesis of hematological tumors has not been fully elucidated, the academic community believes that genetic mutation abnormalities caused by a wide range of environmental factors play a crucial role in the occurrence and development of hematological malignancies. Chronic neutrophilic leukemia (CNL) is a rare hematological tumor in the world. It is characterized by a Philadelphia chromosome BCR-ABL1-negative myeloproliferative tumor. In addition, it can be accompanied by mutations in various genes. Among them, Colony-stimulating factor 3 receptor (CSF3R) is a classic mutation in CNL and is included in the diagnostic criteria for CNL.Case presentation: This article describes a 46-year-old male patient who came to the hospital with non-specific clinical manifestations such as unrelieved abdominal distension and edema of both lower extremities as the first symptoms. The middle-aged male patient was given a peripheral blood routine test and biochemical tests revealed abnormalities, and was then given a bone marrow biopsy to complete various tests such as bone marrow morphology, immunology, molecular biology, cytogenetics, and imaging. Finally, he was diagnosed as a rare chronic neutrophilic leukemia. After the diagnosis, the patient took ruxolitinib orally targeted therapy as prescribed by the doctor and regularly reviewed the peripheral blood examination and bone marrow status. The current condition is well controlled.Conclusion: CNL is extremely rare, and the disease usually has non-specific clinical features and manifestations as the first symptoms, which can easily lead to missed or misdiagnosed by clinicians. It is necessary to increase the awareness and vigilance of CNL.
Association of alcohol use with memory decline in middle-aged and older Chinese: a longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Tian Yu Meng , Zhang Wei Sen , Jiang Chao Qiang , Zhu Feng , Jin Ya Li , Zhu Tong , Cheng Kar Keung , Xu Lin 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background
Previous studies on associations of alcohol use with memory decline and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) showed inconclusive results. We examined these associations using longitudinal data from the Guangzhou Biobank Cohort Study (GBCS) and explored whether these associations varied by sex.
Methods
Memory function was assessed by delayed 10-word recall test (DWRT) and immediate 10-word recall test (IWRT) at both baseline (2003–2008) and follow-up (2008–2012) examinations, expressed as the mean annual change and mean annual rate of change in scores. MCI was defined by DWRT score of less than 4. Generalized linear models and restricted cubic spline were used for data analysis.
Results
Of 14,827 participants without MCI at baseline, 90.2% were never or occasional drinkers, 5% moderate drinkers, 1.5% excessive drinkers, and 3.3% former drinkers. The mean (standard deviation) age was 60.6 (6.6) years old. During an average of 4.1 years follow-up, 968 (6.5%) participants developed MCI. After adjusting for confounders, compared with never or occasional drinkers, moderate and excessive drinkers had significant decline in DWRT score (β, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.04 (-0.08 to -0.01), and − 0.07 (-0.14 to 0.01), respectively), and IWRT score (β, 95% CI = -0.10 (-0.19 to -0.01), and − 0.15 (-0.30 to 0.01), respectively) annually. With respect to the mean annual rate of change, moderate and excessive drinkers also showed greater decline in DWRT score (β, 95% CI = -1.02% (-1.87% to -0.16%), and − 1.64% (-3.14% to -0.14%), respectively). The associations did not vary by sex (all p values for interaction ≥ 0.10).
Conclusions
Compared to never or occasional alcohol use, moderate and excessive alcohol users had greater memory decline, especially for immediate recall memory and the associations did not vary by sex.
Using long-term pheromone-baited trap catch data for spatial distribution patterns of Indian meal moth Plodia interpunctella (Hübner) occurring in local food facilities at Rajshahi Municipality, Bangladesh
Authors: Hasan Md. Mahbub , Athanassiou Christos G. , Hossain Md. Akhtar 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The Indian meal moth, Plodia interpunctella (Hübner), feeds on a wide range of commodities in most regions of the world. The present study presents six years of monitoring data for P. interpunctella in pheromone-baited traps by analyzing the trends of spatial variability, in five food facilities located in the Rajshahi municipality area of Bangladesh. We also tracked insect incidence at different spatial scales and evaluated the impact of food facility types and storage structures on insect populations. Our model showed an aggregated distribution pattern for P. interpunctella. Population patterns of P. interpunctella varied significantly among facilities. The highest number of moths captured was recorded in a grain retailer located at Municipal market, followed by a grain warehouse at Harian, pulse mill at Kazla, flour mill at Sapura and grocery at Katakhali. The population fluctuation of P. interpunctella moths was similar among the different locations tested, while there were no captures during the winter period. Our results indicate that long-term monitoring in a wide range of areas can be used to indicate population outbursts, under an area-wide management strategy.
The impact of an attending intensivist on the clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit following valvular heart surgery
Authors: Kim Dong Jung , Park You Kyeong , Kim Kang Min , Kim Sang Yoon , Jung Joon Chul , Chang Hyoung Woo , Lee Jae Hang , Kim Jun Sung , Lim Cheong , Park Kay-Hyun 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Background: We aimed to investigate the impact of an attending intensivist on the clinical outcomes of patients admitted to the cardiac surgical intensive care unit (CSICU) following valvular heart surgery. Methods: Patients who underwent valvular heart surgery between January 2007 and December 2012 (control group, n=337) were propensity matched (1:1) between January 2013 and June 2017 (intensivist group, n=407).Results: During the propensity score matching analysis, 285 patients were extracted from each group. Patients in the intensivist group underwent mechanical ventilation for a significantly shorter time than those in the control group (21.8±69.8 vs. 39.2±115.3 hours, P=0.021). More patients were extubated within 6 h in the intensivist group than in the control group (53.7 vs. 42.8%, P=0.015). The incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (1.4 vs. 4.9%, P=0.031), cardiac arrest due to cardiac tamponade associated with post-cardiotomy bleeding (0.4 vs. 3.9%, P=0.002), and acute kidney injury (2.8 vs. 7.7%, P=0.011) in the intensivist group was significantly lower than that in the control group. The 30-day mortality rate of the intensivist group was significantly lower than that of the control group (2.1 vs. 6.7%, P=0.015).Conclusions: Critical care provided in the CSICU staffed by an attending intensivist is associated with a lower 30-day mortality rate and reduced incidence of postoperative complications.
Mining in extremely imbalanced data: a case study for predicting personnel fraud in a bank
Authors: Duman Ekrem 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
One of the rare departments that data scientists have not deal with yet is the Internal Audit department where they inspect and try to find out the bank personnel who might have been committing fraud. The main reason of this is the too few known fraudulent cases and thus an extremely imbalanced data between fraudulent and legitimate transactions. On the other hand, the work of the auditors is too complicated as they touch almost all banking system. In this study, we, for the first time in the literature, apply data analytics tools in a novel framework to help the auditors. The aim is to indicate which transactions, or personnel should the auditors inspect in the first place so that they can figure out problems with a higher chance. To overcome the difficulties related with the extreme imbalance of the data, we suggested and compared two different ideas. First one is making use of descriptive techniques together with the predictive tools. The second one is using a genuine technique to oversample the minority class. The models developed are shown to perform good on past data.
A Comprehensive Study on Gelatin- and Whey Protein Isolate-based Edible Films as Carriers of Fireweed (Epilobium angustifolium L.) Extract
Authors: Kowalczyk Dariusz , Szymanowska Urszula , Skrzypek Tomasz , Basiura-Cembala Monika , Bartkowiak Artur , Łupina Katarzyna 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
The properties of gelatin (GEL) and whey protein isolate (WPI) edible films incorporated with fireweed extract (FE, 0-0.05%) were compared. The GEL films had more crystalline structure, thus were mechanically stronger and less permeable to water vapor than the WPI films. Furthermore, GEL offered more transparent, less yellow, and more stretchable films. In turn, the WPI films had superior UV-protective potential. An increase in the FE concentration yielded films with improved UV-blocking ability. The WPI films incorporated with higher levels of FE (0.025–0.05%) exhibited better antiradical potential in comparison to the GEL films. This result indirectly indicates that the WPI-based films, being more soluble and less swellable, ensured faster release of FE than the GEL films. The slower building up of the antiradical activity of the FE-supplemented GEL films suggests that GEL could be more useful in the development of slow/less migratory active packaging systems for high moisture food.
The genome size estimation and telomeric-repeat motifs of thirteen Arctic plants
Authors: Kim Jun , Kim Moonkyo , Lee Yoo Kyung 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
As a preliminary step of genome analysis, we produced a total of 28–44 Gb DNA sequencing data of whole-genome for thirteen Svalbard plants. We estimated genome sizes using these data with a k-mer-based computation tool and found that genome sizes of eight species ranged from 180–894 Mb: Cochlearia groenlandica 180 Mb, Dryas octopetala 204 Mb, Eriophorum scheuchzeri ssp. arcticum 306 Mb, Oxyria digyna 352 Mb, Salix polaris 383 Mb, Betula nana 689 Mb, Cassiope tetragona 798 Mb, and Silene uralensis ssp. arctica 894 Mb. We could not estimate the genome size of the other five species. We also analyzed variations in DNA sequences by identifying putative telomeric-repeat motifs in the thirteen Svalbard plants. Eleven out of thirteen species contained the canonical plant telomeric-repeat motif, TTTAGGG (Arabidopsis-type), whereas S. oppositifolia contained the Chlamydomonas-type telomeric-repeat motif (TTTTAGGG) and P. dahlianum had a novel telomeric-repeat motif, TTCAGGG. These findings provide a quantitative guideline for whole-genome sequencing analysis of Arctic plants in the future. The findings in this study provide a quantitative guideline for whole-genome sequencing analysis of Arctic plants, and they also show the potential of Arctic plants to be a new source of telomere diversity.
Inhibition of P2X7 receptors by Lu AF27139 diminishes colonic hypersensitivity and CNS prostanoid levels in a rat model of visceral pain
Authors: Staal Roland , Gandhi Adarsh , Zhou Hua , Cajina Manuel , Jacobsen Anne-Marie , Hestehave Sara , Hopper Allen , Poda Suresh , Chandresana Gamini , Zorn Stevin , Campbell Brian , Segerdahl Marta , Moller Thomas , Munro Gordon 
Published: July 2022

Abstract
Visceral pain is a prominent feature of various gastrointestinal diseases. The P2X7 receptor is expressed by multiple cell types including dorsal root ganglion satellite glial cells, macrophages and spinal microglia, all of which have been implicated in nociceptive sensitization. We have used the selective and CNS penetrant P2X7 receptor antagonist Lu AF27139 to explore this receptor’s role in distinct rat models of inflammatory and visceral hypersensitivity. Rats injected with CFA in the hindpaw displayed a marked reduction in hindpaw mechanical threshold, which was dose-dependently reversed by Lu AF27139 (3–30 mg/kg, p.o.). In rats injected with TNBS in the proximal colon, the colorectal distension threshold measured distally was significantly lower than sham treated rats at 7 days post-injection (P < 0.001), indicative of a marked central sensitization. Colonic hypersensitivity was also reversed by Lu AF27139 (10–100 mg/kg) and by the κ-opioid receptor agonist U-50,488H (3 mg/kg, s.c.). Moreover, both Lu AF27139 and U-50,488H prevented a TNBS-induced increase in spinal and brain levels of PGE2 and LTB4, as well as an increase in brain levels of PGF2α and TXB2. Lu AF27139 was well tolerated as revealed by a lack of significant effect on rotarod motor function and coordination at all doses tested up to 300 mg/kg. Thus, P2X7 receptor antagonism is efficacious in a rat model of visceral pain, via a mechanism which potentially involves attenuation of microglial function within spinal and/or supraspinal pain circuits, albeit a peripheral site of action cannot be excluded.