bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Seasonal challenges of tropical bats in temperate zones
Authors: Weinberg Maya , Mazar Omer , Rachum Adi , Chen Xing , Goutink Sophia , Lifshitz Nora , Winter-Livneh Rona , Czirják Gábor Á. , Yovel Yossi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTo examine the challenges faced by free-ranging Rousettus aegyptiacus living at the northern edge of their distribution, we performed a retrospective analysis of 2196 clinical cases reported by a bat rescue NGO over a period of 36 months, from throughout Israel. All cases of injured bats were evaluated and categorized according to date, place, sex, age, and etiology of the morbidity. The data analysis revealed an increase in all types of morbidity during the wintertime, with more than two-fold the number of cases per week compared to in the summer, over three consecutive years. Moreover, we found that the number of abandoned pups peaked during spring and summer, when adult morbidity is minimal. We characterized two prominent types of previously undescribed morbidities in R. aegyptiacus. We also employed GPS tracking to monitor the movement and foraging of dozens of bats, and to examine the potential correlates of elevated winter morbidity. Our results suggest that it is mainly harsh weather that drives the observed winter morbidity, with food limitations playing a minor-role. We hypothesize that R. aegyptiacus, of tropical origin, is facing major seasonal survival difficulties near the northern edge of its distribution, probably limiting its spread further northwards still.
Green synthesis of cellulose nanocrystal/ZnO bio-nanocomposites exerting antibacterial activity and downregulating virulence toxigenic genes of food-poisoning bacteria
Authors: Dawwam Ghada E. , Al-Shemy Mona T. , El-Demerdash Azza S. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRecently, cellulose nanocrystals (CNs) have attracted wide attention owing to their superior properties compared to their bulk materials. For example, they represent an outstanding model for fabricating green metallic/metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs). In this study, two CNs (carboxylated CNs and sulfated CNs) extracted from agro-wastes of palm sheath fibers were used as templates for the facile and green synthesis of ZnO NPs by employing the sono-co-precipitation method. The obtained nanomaterials were characterized using TEM, EDX, UV–visible, DLS, FT-IR, and XRD analysis. As a result, the size and concentration of synthesized ZnO NPs were inversely proportional to one another and were affected by the CNs utilized and the reaction temperature used. Contagious diseases incited by multifarious toxigenic bacteria present severe threats to human health. The fabricated bio-nanocomposites were evaluated in terms of their antimicrobial efficacy by agar well diffusion method and broth microdilution assay, showing that CN–ZnO bio-nanocomposites were effective against the tested Gram-negative (Escherichia coliandSalmonella) and Gram-positive (Listeria monocytogenesandStaphylococcus aureus) bacteria. The influence of the subinhibitory concentrations of these suspensions on the expression of the most critical virulence toxin genes of the tested strains was effective. Significant downregulation levels were observed through toxigenic operons to both fabricated CN–ZnO bio-nanocomposites with a fold change ranging from 0.004 to 0.510, revealing a decline in the capacity and virulence of microorganisms to pose infections. Therefore, these newly fabricated CNS–ZnO bio-nanocomposites could be employed rationally in food systems as a novel preservative to inhibit microbial growth and repress the synthesis of exotoxins.
A novel experimental approach to characterize neutron fields at high- and low-energy particle accelerators
Authors: Braccini Saverio , Casolaro Pierluigi , Dellepiane Gaia , Mateu Isidre , Mercolli Lorenzo , Pola Andrea , Rastelli Dario , Scampoli Paola 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe characterization of particle accelerator induced neutron fields is challenging but fundamental for research and industrial activities, including radiation protection, neutron metrology, developments of neutron detectors for nuclear and high-energy physics, decommissioning of nuclear facilities, and studies of neutron damage on materials and electronic components. This work reports on the study of a novel approach to the experimental characterization of neutron spectra at two complex accelerator environments, namely the CERF, a high-energy mixed reference field at CERN in Geneva, and the Bern medical cyclotron laboratory, a facility used for multi-disciplinary research activities, and for commercial radioisotope production for nuclear medicine. Measurements were performed through an innovative active neutron spectrometer called DIAMON, a device developed to provide in real time neutron energy spectra without the need of guess distributions. The intercomparison of DIAMON measurements with reference data, Monte Carlo simulations, and with the well-established neutron monitor Berthold LB 6411, has been found to be highly satisfactory in all conditions. It was demonstrated that DIAMON is an almost unique device able to characterize neutron fields induced by hadrons at 120 GeV/c as well as by protons at 18 MeV colliding with different materials. The accurate measurement of neutron spectra at medical cyclotrons during routine radionuclide production for nuclear medicine applications is of paramount importance for the facility decommissioning. The findings of this work are the basis for establishing a methodology for producing controlled proton-induced neutron beams with medical cyclotrons.
Nitrogen and carbon stable isotope analysis sheds light on trophic competition between two syntopic land iguana species from Galápagos
Authors: Gargano Marco , Colosimo Giuliano , Gratton Paolo , Marta Silvio , Brilli Mauro , Giustini Francesca , Sevilla Christian , Gentile Gabriele 
Published: October 2022

AbstractCoexistence between closely related species can lead to intense competition for resources. Stable isotope analysis (SIA) is a reliable tool to estimate the extent of species competition. We employed SIA to evaluate niche partitioning among two syntopic species of Galápagos land iguanas:Conolophus subcristatusandC. marthae. Samples were collected on Wolf Volcano, Isabela Island, whereC. marthaeis endemic and syntopic withC. subcristatus. We determined δ13C and δ15N ratios and described the isotopic niche of each species using corrected standard ellipse area (SEAc). We tested for differentiation between the isotopic niches, while controlling for sex, body size, spatial location of samples and mean annual primary productivity at capture points, using bivariate linear models. Despite the extensive overlap of the isotopic niches, we found species and sex to be a significant, interacting predictor of a sample’s location in the δ13C, δ15N space, indicating the existence of niche partitioning mechanisms acting between species and sexes. We also found that body size and productivity at the capture points, compounded with yet undetermined spatial effects, explain ca. 75% of the differences observed between species and sexes, providing evidence for differential microhabitat and food-items usage. Our study provides essential baselines for evaluating conservation actions forC. marthae,such as the potential translocation to a sanctuary area free of competition fromC. subcristatus.
Spatial–temporal trends of COVID-19 infection and mortality in Sudan
Authors: Abd El-Raheem Ghada Omer Hamad , Elamin Hind Eltayeb Salih , Ahmad Zuhal Mohammednour Omer , Noma Mounkaila 
Published: October 2022

AbstractSince its emergence, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is constantly affecting many parts of the globe and threatening millions of lives worldwide. Charting and aligning disease incidence to identify spatial clustering and patterns continue to be a substantial pathway to understanding disease epidemiology and is essential for implementing effective planning and prevention strategies. A national descriptive study was implemented to present the infection and mortality rates of the COVID-19 pandemic in all states of Sudan. Data were collected and summarized in monthly statistical reports of COVID-19 infection and mortality rates. The reports used were from May 2020 to March 2021. The highest COVID-19 incidence rate occurred in December 2020 with a total incidence of 4863 cases ranging from 0 cases in some of the states to 4164 cases in other states (mean = 270 ± 946, median = 21 cases). Followed by the incidence in May 2020 with a total of 4524 cases ranging from 4 to 3509 cases (mean = 251 ± 794, median = 31 cases). The western and southern states of the country had the lowest mortality rates. While, the middle states (Khartoum and El Gezira) had the highest mortalities. Northern and eastern states had lower mortalities than the middle states, yet, higher than the western states. A strong positive correlation between infection and mortality was found.
The role of EUS elastography-guided fine needle biopsy in the histological diagnosis of solid pancreatic lesions: a prospective exploratory study
Authors: Ohno Eizaburo , Kawashima Hiroki , Ishikawa Takuya , Mizutani Yasuyuki , Iida Tadashi , Nishio Ryo , Uetsuki Kota , Yashika Jun , Yamada Kenta , Yoshikawa Masakatsu , Gibo Noriaki , Aoki Toshinori , Kataoka Kunio , Mori Hiroshi , Takada Yoshihisa , Aoi Hironori , Takahashi Hidekazu , Yamamura Takeshi , Furukawa Kazuhiro , Nakamura Masanao , Shimoyama Yoshie , Hirooka Yoshiki , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and efficacy of Endoscopic ultrasound elastography-guided fine needle biopsy (EUS-EG-FNB) for the diagnosis of pancreatic mass lesions. EUS-EG images were classified into heterogeneous and homogeneous groups. For the heterogeneous group, EUS-FNB was separately performed in both hard areas and soft areas. Only samples obtained during the first two passes (hard/soft areas) were used to compare the diagnostic accuracy as well as the quality and quantity of the specimens. We investigated the association of EUS-EG findings using strain histogram analysis with the histological findings. Fifty-five patients were enrolled including 25 patients with heterogeneous group. The homogeneous group had significantly lower mean strain value (hard) lesions. The adequate sampling rates from hard and soft areas were 88 and 92%, respectively (P = 0.6374). Comparison of the diagnostic accuracy and the quality and quantity of the histological core between hard and soft areas showed no significant differences. In pancreatic adenocarcinoma cases, the proportion of fibrous stroma in the core tissue was significantly correlated with the elasticity of the region. (R2 = 0.1226: P = 0.0022) EUS-EG may reflect tissue composition in pancreatic tumors, however, EUS-EG did not affect either the quality and quantity of the tissues obtained.Clinical Trial Registry No: UMIN-000033073.
Comparative genomic and biochemical analyses identify a collagen galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase from Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus
Authors: Wu Wenhui , Kim Jeong Seon , Bailey Aaron O. , Russell William K. , Richards Stephen J. , Chen Tiantian , Chen Tingfei , Chen Zhenhang , Liang Bo , Yamauchi Mitsuo , Guo Houfu 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHumans and Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus share numerous homologous genes, including collagens and collagen-modifying enzymes. To explore this homology, we performed a genome-wide comparison between human and mimivirus using DELTA-BLAST (Domain Enhanced Lookup Time Accelerated BLAST) and identified 52 new putative mimiviral proteins that are homologous with human proteins. To gain functional insights into mimiviral proteins, their human protein homologs were organized into Gene Ontology (GO) and REACTOME pathways to build a functional network. Collagen and collagen-modifying enzymes form the largest subnetwork with most nodes. Further analysis of this subnetwork identified a putative collagen glycosyltransferase R699. Protein expression test suggested that R699 is highly expressed in Escherichia coli, unlike the human collagen-modifying enzymes. Enzymatic activity assay and mass spectrometric analyses showed that R699 catalyzes the glucosylation of galactosylhydroxylysine to glucosylgalactosylhydroxylysine on collagen using uridine diphosphate glucose (UDP-glucose) but no other UDP-sugars as a sugar donor, suggesting R699 is a mimiviral collagen galactosylhydroxylysyl glucosyltransferase (GGT). To facilitate further analysis of human and mimiviral homologous proteins, we presented an interactive and searchable genome-wide comparison website for quickly browsing human and Acanthamoeba polyphaga mimivirus homologs, which is available at RRID Resource ID: SCR_022140 or https://guolab.shinyapps.io/app-mimivirus-publication/.
Retrospective study for the universal applicability of the residue-based linear free energy relationship in the two-state exchange of protein molecules
Authors: Fujinami Daisuke , Hayashi Seiichiro , Kohda Daisuke 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMultiprobe measurements, such as NMR and hydrogen exchange studies, can provide the equilibrium constant, K, and rate constants for forward and backward processes, k and k′, of the two-state structural changes of a polypeptide on a per-residue basis. We previously found a linear relationship between log K and log k and between log K and log k′ for the topological exchange of a 27-residue bioactive peptide. To test the general applicability of the residue-based linear free energy relationship (rbLEFR), we performed a literature search to collect residue-specific K, k, and k′ values in various exchange processes, including folding-unfolding equilibrium, coupled folding and binding of intrinsically disordered peptides, and structural fluctuations of folded proteins. The good linearity in a substantial number of the log–log plots proved that the rbLFER holds for the structural changes in a wide variety of protein-related phenomena. Among the successful cases, the hydrogen exchange study of apomyoglobin folding intermediates is particularly interesting. We found that the residues that deviated from the linear relationship corresponded to the α-helix, for which transient translocation had been identified by other experiments. Thus, the rbLFER is useful for studying the structures and energetics of the dynamic states of protein molecules.
Light-field microscopy with correlated beams for high-resolution volumetric imaging
Authors: Massaro Gianlorenzo , Giannella Davide , Scagliola Alessio , Lena Francesco Di , Scarcelli Giuliano , Garuccio Augusto , Pepe Francesco V. , D’Angelo Milena 
Published: October 2022

AbstractLight-field microscopy represents a promising solution for microscopic volumetric imaging, thanks to its capability to encode information on multiple planes in a single acquisition. This is achieved through its peculiar simultaneous capture of information on light spatial distribution and propagation direction. However, state-of-the-art light-field microscopes suffer from a detrimental loss of spatial resolution compared to standard microscopes. In this article, we experimentally demonstrate the working principle of a new scheme, called Correlation Light-field Microscopy (CLM), where the correlation between two light beams is exploited to achieve volumetric imaging with a resolution that is only limited by diffraction. In CLM, a correlation image is obtained by measuring intensity correlations between a large number of pairs of ultra-short frames; each pair of frames is illuminated by the two correlated beams, and is exposed for a time comparable with the source coherence time. We experimentally show the capability of CLM to recover the information contained in out-of-focus planes within three-dimensional test targets and biomedical phantoms. In particular, we demonstrate the improvement of the depth of field enabled by CLM with respect to a conventional microscope characterized by the same resolution. Moreover, the multiple perspectives contained in a single correlation image enable reconstructing over 50 distinguishable transverse planes within a 1 mm3 sample.
Effectiveness of enzymatic hydrolysis for reducing the allergenic potential of legume by-products
Authors: Calcinai Luisa , Bonomini Maria Giulia , Leni Giulia , Faccini Andrea , Puxeddu Ilaria , Giannini Daiana , Petrelli Fiorella , Prandi Barbara , Sforza Stefano , Tedeschi Tullia 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe interest in agri-food residues and their valorization has grown considerably, and many of them are today considered to be valuable, under-exploited sources of different compounds and notably proteins. Despite the beneficial properties of legumes by-products, there are also some emerging risks to consider, including their potential allergenicity. In this work the immunoreactivity of chickpea, pea, and white bean by-products was assessed, and whether the production of enzymatic hydrolysates can be an effective strategy to reduce this allergenic potential. The results presented clearly indicate that the efficiency of this strategy is strongly related to the enzyme used and the food matrix. All legume by-products showed immunoreactivity towards serum of legume-allergic patients. Hydrolysates from alcalase did not show residual immunoreactivity for chickpea and green pea, whereas hydrolysates from papain still presented some immunoreactivity. However, for white beans, the presence of antinutritional factors prevented a complete hydrolysis, yielding a residual immunoreactivity even after enzymatic hydrolysis with alcalase.
The hand tremor spectrum is modified by the inertial sensor mass during lightweight wearable and smartphone-based assessment in healthy young subjects
Authors: Santos Patrícia Seixas Alves , Santos Enzo Gabriel Rocha , Monteiro Luis Carlos Pereira , Santos-Lobato Bruno Lopes , Pinto Gustavo Henrique Lima , Belgamo Anderson , Cabral André Santos , de Athayde Costa e Silva Anselmo , Callegari Bianca , Souza Givago Silva 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTremors are common disorders characterized by an involuntary and relatively rhythmic oscillation that can occur in any part of the body and may be physiological or associated with some pathological condition. It is known that the mass loading can change the power spectral distribution of the tremor. Nowadays, many instruments have been used in the evaluation of tremors with bult-in inertial sensors, such as smartphones and wearables, which can significantly differ in the device mass. The aim of this study was to compare the quantification of hand tremor using Fourier spectral techniques obtained from readings of accelerometers built-in a lightweight handheld device and a commercial smartphone in healthy young subjects. We recruited 28 healthy right-handed subjects with ages ranging from 18 to 40 years. We tested hand tremors at rest and postural conditions using lightweight wearable device (5.7 g) and smartphone (169 g). Comparing both devices at resting tremor, we found with smartphone the power distribution of peak ranging 5 and 12 Hz in both hands. With wearable, the result was similar but less evident. When comparing both devices in postural tremor, there were significant differences in both frequency ranges in peak frequency and peak amplitude in both hands. Our main findings show that in resting condition the hand tremor spectrum had a higher peak amplitude in the 5–12 Hz range when the tremor was recorded with smartphones, and in postural condition there was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher peak power spectrum and peak frequency in the dominant hand tremors recorded with smartphones compared to those obtained with lightweight wearable device. Devices having different masses can alter the features of the hand tremor spectrum and their mutual comparisons can be prejudiced.
The effect of different ammonium to nitrate ratios on antioxidant activity, morpho-physiological and phytochemical traits of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica)
Authors: Naseri Ali , Alirezalu Abolfazl , Noruzi Parviz , Alirezalu Kazem 
Published: October 2022

AbstractImproving yield and secondary metabolites production of medicinal plants through nutrition management recently has been considered. The present study was done to determine the effects of different ammonium (NH4+) to nitrate (NO3−) ratios (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, 0:100) on morphophysiological, nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca, and Mg), phenolic compounds (Total phenolics (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents and individual phenolics including chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid, gallic acid, cinnamic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, p-Coumaric acid, apigenin, and quercetin by HPLC–DAD), essential oil composition (by GC and GC–MS), and antioxidant capacity (by DPPH and FRAP assays) of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavicaL.) in deep water culture (DWC) system. The highest biomass and morphological traits values ofD. moldavicaobserved in 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3−. Also, the highest TPC and TFC was earned in plants that supplied with 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3−. Using the 25:75 ratio of NH4+:NO3−caused the highest nutrient contents (N, Ca and Mg) in the leaves. p-Coumaric acid was detected as the major abundant phenolic compound in extracts and the application of 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3resulted in the highest amounts of p-Coumaric acid, gallic acid, rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, quercetin, and rutin. The highest antioxidant capacity by both FRAP and DPPH assays was obtained in 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3−. Also, the highest geranial and geranyl acetate, geraniol, and neral were obtained in 75:25, 25:75, and 50:50 ratios of NH4+:NO3−, respectively. Plants supplied with the 0:100 ratio of NH4+:NO3−, had the highest total carotenoids, while the highest chlorophyll a and b content gained with 75:25 ratio of NH4+:NO3−. These results suggest that the management of N source in nutrient recipe could contribute to enhance of morphophysiological traits, antioxidant activity and phytochemical compounds in Moldavian balm.
Assessment of a three-axis on-rotor sensing performance for machining process monitoring: a case study
Authors: Li Chun , Zou Zhexiang , Lu Kaibo , Wang Hongjun , Cattley Robert , Ball Andrew D. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractOnline monitoring of cutting conditions is essential in intelligent manufacturing, and vibrations are one of the most effective signals in monitoring machining conditions. Generally, traditional wired accelerometers should be installed on a motionless or stable platform, such as a tool holder or lathe bed, to sense vibrations. Such installation methods would cause the signals to suffer more serious noise interferences and a low signal-to-noise ratio, resulting in less sensitivity to valuable information. Therefore, this study developed a novel three-axis wireless on-rotor sensing (ORS) system for monitoring the turning process. The Micro Electromechanical System (MEMS) accelerometer sensor node can be mounted on a rotating workpiece or spindle rotor and is more sensitive in detecting the vibrations of the entire rotor system without any modification of the lathe system and interference in the cutting procedure. The processor, data acquisition, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) 5.0+ modules were developed and debugged to cooperate with a piezoelectric triaxial accelerometer, with a vibration amplitude not larger than ± 16 g. A series of turning tests were conducted and the results were compared with those from the commercial wired accelerometers, which proved that the ORS system can measure the vibration signal of the rotor system more effectively and sensitively than wired accelerometers, thus demonstrating the accurate monitoring of machining parameters.