bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A comparative analysis of flexible pvdf based smart films for advanced electromagnetic shielding applications using a machine learning approach
Authors: Nivedhitha D M , Jeyanthi S , Rajalakshmi R , Valarmathi P , Viswapriyan A S , Nishaanth S Guru , ManoRanjith S
Published: November 2023

Due to emerging technology, the usage of electronic gadgets has paved a route for the arousal of Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) pollution. Electromagnetic pollution is considered a global threat that can harm all biological systems and technological equipment. To overcome this issue, a suitable shielding material has to be implemented to attenuate the incoming electromagnetic waves. On the other hand, compared to traditional materials, recently, polymers have grabbed excellent responses in various fields of material science and modern chemistry. Specifically, functional polymers are increasing their scope in industry and academia due to their unique features, such as magnetic, catalysis, optical and piezoelectric properties. In this regard, Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), a well-known semicrystalline polymer from the family of Fluoropolymers, has achieved remarkable in various applications of sensors, actuators, biomedical scaffolds and energy harvesting devices. PVDF has also contributed excellent outcomes as a shielding material as they are transparent to light and flexible. Hence, this research work attempts to fabricate PVDF thin films with various weight percentages of nanofillers such as Zinc oxide (ZnO), Zirconium oxide (ZrO2), and Titanium dioxide (TiO2). Further, all the samples were tested for electromagnetic shielding effectiveness (SE). Further, these experimental results were compared with statistical and computational approaches such as the Gradient Descent Algorithm (GDA) and Response Surface Methodology (RSM). Based on the experimental results, it was observed that the PVDF nanofilm fabricated with 0.3 wt% of ZrO2, 0.5 wt% of TiO2and 0.3 wt% of ZnO nanofillers had achieved a maximum EMI SE of 11.4 dB at X-band frequency of 8–12 GHz.
Heat engines of the Kerr-AdS black hole
Authors: Zhong Yi , Du Yun-Zhi
Published: November 2023

In this paper, we investigate three types of heat engines for the rotating Kerr-Anti de Sitter (Kerr-AdS) black hole. We first briefly review the thermodynamics and phase structure of the Kerr-AdS black hole and obtain the phase structure in the T–S chart. The thermal stability of Kerr-AdS black holes, along with their dependence on various parameters, is thoroughly examined. Then, by utilizing the phase diagram, we consider three types of heat engines: the maximal Carnot engine, Stirling engine, and Rankine engine. We calculate both the work and efficiency for these engines. The results indicate that angular momentum has a significant influence on these heat engines.
Dealing with the Data Imbalance Problem in Pulsar Candidate Sifting Based on Feature Selection
Authors: Lin Haitao , Li Xiangru
Published: November 2023

Pulsar detection has become an active research topic in radio astronomy recently. One of the essential procedures for pulsar detection is pulsar candidate sifting (PCS), a procedure for identifying potential pulsar signals in a survey. However, pulsar candidates are always class-imbalanced, as most candidates are non-pulsars such as RFI and only a tiny part of them are from real pulsars. Class imbalance can greatly affect the performance of machine learning (ML) models, resulting in a heavy cost as some real pulsars are misjudged. To deal with the problem, techniques of choosing relevant features to discriminate pulsars from non-pulsars are focused on, which is known as feature selection. Feature selection is a process of selecting a subset of the most relevant features from a feature pool. The distinguishing features between pulsars and non-pulsars can significantly improve the performance of the classifier even if the data are highly imbalanced. In this work, an algorithm for feature selection called the K-fold Relief-Greedy (KFRG) algorithm is designed. KFRG is a two-stage algorithm. In the first stage, it filters out some irrelevant features according to their K-fold Relief scores, while in the second stage, it removes the redundant features and selects the most relevant features by a forward greedy search strategy. Experiments on the data set of the High Time Resolution Universe survey verified that ML models based on KFRG are capable of PCS, correctly separating pulsars from non-pulsars even if the candidates are highly class-imbalanced.
The Application of Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor with Small Electrical Time Constant in Fiber Positioner
Authors: Guo Shaoxiong , Yang Yan , Yin Yanbin , Tang Yihu , Tian Yang , Zhai Chao
Published: November 2023

With the development of cutting-edge multi-object spectrographs, fiber positioners located in the focal plane are being scaled down in size, and miniature hollow-cup Permanent Magnet motors are now being considered as a suitable replacement for Faulhaber Precistep stepper motors. However, the small electrical time constant of such coreless motors poses a challenge, as the problem of severe commutation torque ripple in a fiber positioner running a position loop has been tricky. To overcome this challenge, it is advised to increase the Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) frequency as much as possible to mitigate the effects of the current fluctuation. This must be done while ensuring adequate resolution of the PWM generator. By employing a voltage open-loop field-oriented control based on a modulation frequency of 1 MHz, the drive current only costs 25 mA under a 3.3 V power supply. The sine degree of phase current is immaculate, and the repeat positioning accuracy can reach 2 μm. Moreover, it is possible to further shrink the bill of devices and the layout area of the Printed Circuit Board, especially in size-sensitive applications. This device has been developed under the new generation of The Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope.
The research progress of an E//B neutral particle analyzer
Authors: MA 马 Long 龙 , QU 屈 Yufan 玉凡 , LUO 罗 Yuan 圆 , XIE 谢 Dehao 德豪 , WANG 汪 Yanxi 彦熹 , WANG 王 Shuo 硕 , QU 曲 Guofeng 国峰 , REN 任 Peipei 培培 , LUO 罗 Xiaobing 小兵 , LIU 刘 Xingquan 星泉 , HAN 韩 Jifeng 纪锋 , WADA Roy , LIN 林 Weiping 炜平 , ZANG 臧 Linge 临阁 , ZHU 朱 Jingjun 敬军
Published: November 2023

An

//

neutral particle analyzer (NPA) has been designed and is under development at Sichuan University and Southwestern Institute of Physics. The main purpose of the

//

NPA is to measure the distribution function of fast ions in the HL-2A/3 tokamak. The

//

NPA contains three main units, i.e. the stripping unit, the analyzing unit and the detection unit. A gas stripping chamber was adopted as the stripping unit. The results of the simulations and beam tests for the stripping chamber are presented. Parallel electric and magnetic fields provided by a NdFeB permanent magnet and two parallel electric plates were designed and constructed for the analyzing unit. The calibration of the magnetic and electric fields was performed using a 50 kV electron cyclotron resonance ion source (ECRIS) platform. The detection unit consists of 32 lutetium-yttrium oxyorthosilicate (LYSO) detector modules arranged in two rows. The response functions of

, hydrogen ions (

,

and

) and

for a detector module were measured with

Am,

Cs and

Eu sources together with the 50 kV ECRIS platform. The overall results indicate that the designed

//

NPA device is capable of measuring the intensity of neutral hydrogen and deuteron atoms with energy higher than 20 keV.
Splitting of Gromov–Witten invariants with toric gluing strata
Authors: Wu Yixian
Published: November 2023

We prove a splitting formula that reconstructs the logarithmic Gromov–Witten invariants of simple normal crossing varieties from the punctured Gromov–Witten invariants of their irreducible components, under the assumption of the gluing strata being toric varieties. The formula is based on the punctured Gromov–Witten theory developed by Abramovich, Chen, Gross, and Siebert.
Sensitive Blood-Based Detection of HIV-1 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis Peptides for Disease Diagnosis by Immuno-Affinity Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry: A Method Development and Proof-of-Concept Study
Authors: Li Lin , Lyon Christopher J , LaCourse Sylvia M , Zheng Wenshu , Stern Joshua , Escudero Jaclyn N , Murithi Wilfred Bundi , Njagi Lilian , John-Stewart Grace , Hawn Thomas R , Nduba Videlis , Abdelgaliel Wael , Tombler Thomas , Horne David , Jiang Li , Hu Tony Y
Published: November 2023

Background

Novel approaches that allow early diagnosis and treatment monitoring of both human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) and tuberculosis disease (TB) are essential to improve patient outcomes.

Methods

We developed and validated an immuno-affinity liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (ILM) assay that simultaneously quantifies single peptides derived from HIV-1 p24 and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) 10-kDa culture filtrate protein (CFP10) in trypsin-digested serum derived from cryopreserved serum archives of cohorts of adults and children with/without HIV and TB.

Results

ILM p24 and CFP10 results demonstrated good intra-laboratory precision and accuracy, with recovery values of 96.7% to 104.6% and 88.2% to 111.0%, total within-laboratory precision (CV) values of 5.68% to 13.25% and 10.36% to 14.92%, and good linearity (r2 > 0.99) from 1.0 to 256.0 pmol/L and 0.016 to 16.000 pmol/L, respectively. In cohorts of adults (n = 34) and children (n = 17) with HIV and/or TB, ILM detected p24 and CFP10 demonstrated 85.7% to 88.9% and 88.9% to 100.0% diagnostic sensitivity for HIV-1 and TB, with 100% specificity for both, and detected HIV-1 infection earlier than 3 commercial p24 antigen/antibody immunoassays. Finally, p24 and CFP10 values measured in longitudinal serum samples from children with HIV-1 and TB distinguished individuals who responded to TB treatment from those who failed to respond or were untreated, and who developed TB immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome.

Conclusions

Simultaneous ILM evaluation of p24 and CFP10 results may allow for early TB and HIV detection and provide valuable information on treatment response to facilitate integration of TB and HIV diagnosis and management.
Epigenetic Aging Is Associated With Measures of Midlife Muscle Volume and Attenuation in CARDIA Study
Authors: Gao Tao , Zheng Yinan , Joyce Brian T , Kho Minjung , Terry James G , Wang Jun , Nannini Drew , Carr John Jeffrey , Nair Sangeeta , Zhang Kai , Zhao Wei , Jacobs David R , Schreiner Pamela J , Greenland Philip , Lloyd-Jones Donald , Smith Jennifer A , Hou Lifang
Published: November 2023

Background

GrimAge acceleration (GAA), an epigenetic marker that represents physiologic aging, is associated with age-related diseases including cancer and cardiovascular diseases. However, the associations between GAA and muscle mass and function are unknown.

Methods

We estimated measures of GAA in 1 118 Black and White participants from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study at exam years (Y) 15 (2000–2001) and 20 (2005–2006). Abdominal muscle composition was measured using CT scans at the Y25 (2010–2011) visit. We used multivariate regression models to examine associations of GAA estimates with muscle imaging measurements.

Results

In the CARDIA study, each 1-year higher GAA was associated with an average 1.1% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.6%, 1.5%) higher intermuscular adipose tissue (IMAT) volume for abdominal muscles. Each 1-year higher GAA was associated with an average −0.089 Hounsfield unit (HU; 95% CI: −0.146, −0.032) lower lean muscle attenuation and an average −0.049 HU (95% CI: −0.092, −0.007) lower IMAT attenuation for abdominal muscles. Stratified analyses showed that GAA was more strongly associated with higher abdominal muscle IMAT volume in females and significantly associated with lower lean muscle attenuation for White participants only.

Conclusions

Higher GAA is associated with higher abdominal muscle IMAT volume and lower lean muscle attenuation in a midlife population.
Geographic variability in the seasonality of euphausiid diel vertical migrations among three locations in coastal British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Ens Nicholas J , Dower John F , Gauthier Stéphane
Published: November 2023

Diel vertical migration (DVM) is a behaviour observed across zooplankton taxa in marine and limnetic systems worldwide. DVM influences biogeochemical cycling and carbon drawdown in oceanic systems and alters prey availability for zooplanktivorous species. DVM has been well studied among zooplankton, and many exogenous and endogenous triggers as well as adaptive significances have been hypothesized. However, second-order variability in DVM timing, the deviation of DVM times to respective dawn and dusk times throughout the year, is a less-studied phenomenon that can help identify the factors influencing migration timing as well as demonstrate the changes of DVM behaviours within and across systems. Here, we quantified seasonal trends in second-order variability of DVM timing of euphausiids at Brooks Peninsula, Clayoquot Canyon, and Saanich Inlet near Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, over multiple years using upward-facing moored echosounders. We used generalized additive mixed models to characterize this seasonality. DVM timing relative to civil twilight times showed strong seasonality at all locations, with euphausiids remaining near the surface longer than expected in spring and summer, and shorter than expected in winter. Euphausiids spent less time near the surface at Brooks Peninsula and Clayoquot Canyon than at Saanich Inlet throughout the year. Increased primary productivity in Saanich Inlet, which reduced light penetration and hid euphausiids from visual predators, likely drove this difference. Our findings confirm that proper understanding of DVM behaviours must account for seasonal variability due to context-specific oceanographic and ecological parameters. This is particularly pertinent when attempting to model the biogeochemical or predator–prey interactions influenced by DVM behaviours.
What Are the Advantages of a FE-EPMA or FE-SEM (Even When Not Analyzing Submicron Features at Low kV and High Beam Current)?
Authors: Robertson Vernon
Published: November 2023

Field emission electron probe microanalyzers (EPMA) and scanning electron microscopes (SEM) have improved in both the hardware and software. They have become workhorse instruments for imaging secondary (SE) and backscattered (BSE) electrons. Recent advancements in technology provide qualitative quantitative analysis and X-ray maps at lower kVs and higher beam current without significantly enlarging the beam diameter. On EPMAs and SEMs with W and LaB6 electron guns, spatial resolution for microanalysis was ∼1 micron. Now, with field emission (FE) guns, resolution of 300 nm for quantitative analysis and mapping of elements well below 100 nm are possible. Software has also become more user-friendly and has advanced automation algorithms that allow the “non-expert” EPMA user to collect data. However, the best part of automation sits in the user’s chair. The new EPMAs and SEMs can collect very good data, but if they don’t answer the question that is being asked, they have no use.
Multiwavelength observations of the lensed quasar PKS 1830-211 during the 2019 γ-ray flare
Authors: Vercellone S , Donnarumma I , Pittori C , Capitanio F , De Rosa A , Di Gesu L , Kiehlmann S , Iacolina M N , Pellizzoni P A , Egron E , Pacciani L , Piano G , Puccetti S , Righini S , Valente G , Verrecchia F , Vittorini V , Tavani M , Brocato E , Chen A W , Hovatta T , Melis A , Max-Moerbeck W , Perrodin D , Pilia M , Pili M , Readhead A C S , Reeves R , Ridolfi A , Vitali F , Bulgarelli A , Cattaneo P W , Lucarelli F , Morselli A , Trois A
Published: November 2023

PKS 1830 -211 is a γ-ray emitting, high-redshift (z =2.507 ± 0.002), lensed flat-spectrum radio quasar. During the period 2019 mid-February to mid-April, this source underwent a series of strong γ-ray flares that were detected by both AGILE-GRID (Gamma-Ray Imaging Detector) and Fermi Large Area Telescope (Fermi-LAT), reaching a maximum γ-ray flux of $F_{\rm E\gt 100\, MeV}\approx 2.3\times 10^{-5}$ photons cm−2 s−1. Here, we report on a coordinated campaign from both on-ground [Medicina, Owens Valley Radio Observatory (OVRO), Rapid Eye Mount (REM), and Sardinia Radio Telescope (SRT)] and orbiting facilities (AGILE, Fermi, INTEGRAL, NuSTAR, Swift, and Chandra), with the aim of investigating the multiwavelength properties of PKS 1830-211 through nearly simultaneous observations presented here for the first time. We find a possible break in the radio spectra in different epochs above 15 GHz, and a clear maximum of the 15 GHz data approximately 110 d after the γ-ray main activity periods. The spectral energy distribution shows a very pronounced Compton dominance (> 200) which challenges the canonical one-component emission model. Therefore, we propose that the cooled electrons of the first component are re-accelerated to a second component by, for example, kink or tearing instability during the γ-ray flaring periods. We also note that PKS 1830-211 could be a promising candidate for future observations with both Compton satellites [e.g. enhanced ASTROGAM (e-ASTROGAM)] and Cherenkov arrays [Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO)] which will help, thanks to their improved sensitivity, in extending the data availability in energy bands currently uncovered.
Climate change and infectious disease surveillance in Nepal: qualitative study exploring social, cultural, political and institutional factors influencing disease surveillance
Authors: Bhandari Dinesh , Bi Peng , Sherchand Jeevan Bahadur , von Ehrenstein Ondine S , Lokmic-Tomkins Zerina , Dhimal Meghnath , Hanson-Easey Scott
Published: November 2023

Background

To explore the impacts of contextual issues encompassing social, cultural, political and institutional elements, on the operation of public health surveillance systems in Nepal concerning the monitoring of infectious diseases in the face of a changing climate.

Methods

Semi-structured interviews (n = 16) were conducted amongst key informants from the Department of Health Services, Health Information Management System, Department of Hydrology and Meteorology, World Health Organization, and experts working on infectious disease and climate change in Nepal, and data were analysed using thematic analysis technique.

Results

Analysis explicates how climate change is constructed as a contingent risk for infectious diseases transmission and public health systems, and treated less seriously than other ‘salient’ public health risks, having implications for how resources are allocated. Further, analysis suggests a weak alliance among different stakeholders, particularly policy makers and evidence generators, resulting in the continuation of traditional practices of infectious diseases surveillance without consideration of the impacts of climate change.

Conclusions

We argue that along with strengthening systemic issues (epidemiological capacity, data quality and inter-sectoral collaboration), it is necessary to build a stronger political commitment to urgently address the influence of climate change as a present and exponential risk factor in the spread of infectious disease in Nepal.
Can Preoperative Laboratory Values Predict Short-term Postoperative Complications and Health Utilization in Patients Undergoing Cranioplasty?
Authors: Bajaj Anitesh , Khazanchi Rushmin , Weissman Joshua P. , Gosain Arun K.
Published: November 2023

Background:

Low hematocrit, low albumin, and high creatinine levels have been associated with postoperative morbidity. The present study intends to analyze the effects of preoperative laboratories on medical complications and postoperative health resource utilization in patients undergoing cranioplasty.

Methods:

Using data from the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, demographic, clinical, and intraoperative characteristics were collected for each patient who had recorded albumin, hematocrit, or creatinine laboratory values within 90 days of the index cranioplasty. Outcomes analyzed were ≥1 medical complication, ≥1 wound complication, unplanned reoperation, 30-day readmission, and extended hospital stay (>30 d). Outcomes significant on bivariate analyses were evaluated using multivariate logistic regression. Significant outcomes on multivariate analyses were analyzed using receiver operating characteristic curves and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results:

The 3 separate cohorts included 1349 patients with albumin, 2201 patients with hematocrit, and 2182 patients with creatinine levels. Upon multivariate analysis, increases in albumin and hematocrit were independently associated with decreased odds of medical complications and extended length of stay. Increases in creatinine were independently associated with increased odds of medical complications. Discriminative cutoff values were identified for albumin and hematocrit.

Conclusions:

Preoperative laboratory values were independent predictors of medical complications and health utilization following cranioplasty in this study. Surgical teams can use these findings to optimize preoperative risk stratification.
Use and Outcomes of Hepatitis B Virus-Positive Grafts for Kidney or Heart Transplantation in the United States From 1999 to 2021
Authors: Singal Ashwani K. , Reddy K. Rajender , Nguyen Mindie H. , Younossi Zobair , Kwo Paul , Kuo Yong-Fang
Published: November 2023

Background.

The gap between demand and supply for solid organ transplants requires strategies to expand the donor pool. Successful use of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-positive grafts has been reported in liver transplantation.

Methods.

In this United Network for Organ Sharing database (January 1999 to June 2021) retrospective cohort study, outcomes of kidney transplant (KT) or heart transplant (HT) recipients with HBV donor grafts (hepatitis B surface antigen and/or for HBV nucleic acid test-positive) were examined. Propensity score matching was performed for HBV-positive to negative graft recipients (1:5 for renal transplantation and 1:10 for HT).

Results.

Of 448 HBV-positive donors with 896 kidneys, 352 kidneys (39.3%) and 56 hearts (12.5%) were transplanted. Of these, 312 kidneys (88.6%) and 45 hearts (80.3%) were transplanted in hepatitis B surface antigen-negative recipients. Ten-year graft survival was 47.1% and 49% (log-rank P = 0.353), and patient survival was 58% and 59% (P = 0.999) for KT recipients. Similar figures among HT recipients were 41.9% and 38.9% for graft survival (P = 0.471), and 54.3% and 61.2% for patient survival (P = 0.277). Subgroup analyses in recipients with HBV nucleic acid test-positive grafts irrespective of antibodies to HBV core antigen-positive status, and recipients negative for anti-HBs (548 renal transplantation and 209 HT) were similar.

Conclusions.

Although we are limited by lack of available data on posttransplant anti-HBV treatment, the study observations suggest that using HBV-positive grafts is a reasonable strategy to expand the donor pool among candidates waiting for KT or HT.
Quantifying the Disadvantage of Small Recipient Size on the Liver Transplantation Waitlist, a Longitudinal Analysis Within the Eurotransplant Region
Authors: Sneiders Dimitri , van Dijk Anne-Baue R. M. , Darwish-Murad Sarwa , van Rosmalen Marieke , Erler Nicole S. , IJzermans Jan N. M. , Polak Wojciech G. , Hartog Hermien ,   for the Eurotransplant Liver and Intestine Advisory Committee (ELIAC)
Published: November 2023

Background.

Small adult patients with end-stage liver disease waitlisted for liver transplantation may face a shortage of size-matched liver grafts. This may result in longer waiting times, increased waitlist removal, and waitlist mortality. This study aims to assess access to transplantation in transplant candidates with below-average bodyweight throughout the Eurotransplant region.

Methods.

Patients above 16 y of age listed for liver transplantation between 2010 and 2015 within the Eurotransplant region were eligible for inclusion. The effect of bodyweight on chances of receiving a liver graft was studied in a Cox model corrected for lab-Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) score updates fitted as time-dependent variable, blood type, listing for malignant disease, and age. A natural spline with 3 degrees of freedom was used for bodyweight and lab-MELD score to correct for nonlinear effects.

Results.

At the end of follow-up, the percentage of transplanted, delisted, and deceased waitlisted patients was 49.1%, 17.9%, and 24.3% for patients with a bodyweight <60 kg (n = 1267) versus 60.1%, 15.1%, and 18.6% for patients with a bodyweight ≥60 kg (n = 10 520). To reach comparable chances for transplantation, 60-kg and 50-kg transplant candidates are estimated to need, respectively, up to 2.8 and 4.0 more lab-MELD points than 80-kg transplant candidates.

Conclusions.

Decreasing bodyweight was significantly associated with decreased chances to receive a liver graft. This resulted in substantially longer waiting times, higher delisting rates, and higher waitlist mortality for patients with a bodyweight <60 kg.
Hilar Anatomy in 3035 Living Liver Donors: A Novel Classification for Donor Surgery and Suitability, Hepatic Surgeries, and Hepatobiliary Interventions
Authors: Rastogi Amit , Gupta Ankur A. , Piplani Tarun , Yadav Kamal S. , K. V. Fysal , Bhangui Prashant , Soin Arvinder S.
Published: November 2023

Background.

This study examines the vascular and biliary variations in 3035 liver donors. We propose a novel classification of hepatic arteries, portal veins, and bile ducts and clinically relevant donor classification.

Methods.

Preoperative imaging and operative details of 3035 donors from 2005 to 2020 were reviewed. Hilar anatomical variations were identified and grouped on the basis of incidence and clinical relevance.

Results.

Hilar structures are classified according to the numbers supplying or draining the graft: for the hepatic artery, right (R) and left (L), RA1/LA1 (1 artery), RA2/LA2 (2 arteries), and RA3/LA3 (3 arteries), respectively, further defined on the basis of the inflow trunk into C (for common hepatic artery), S (for superior mesenteric artery), and L (for left gastric artery); for the portal vein, RP1 (1 vein) and RP2 (2 veins) for the right lobe; and for the hepatic duct, RB1/LB1 (1 duct), RB2/LB2 (2 ducts), RB3 (3 right ducts), and RB4 (4 right ducts). Donors were classified on the basis of anatomical variations into 3 groups: class 1 and class 2 donors, who can donate liver with acceptable risks, and class 3 donors, who are high-risk donors because they are anatomically unacceptable (Figures S1 to S4, SDC,
http://links.lww.com/TP/C918).

Conclusions.

Defining hilar anatomical variations and donor grouping into anatomy-based clinical classes helps in operative planning of donors, hepatobiliary surgeries, and interventional procedures.
Long COVID Among Kidney Transplant Recipients Appears to Be Attenuated During the Omicron Predominance
Authors: Amorim Carlos Eduardo Neves , Cazetta Gabriela Silveira , Cristelli Marina Pontello , Requião-Moura Lucio Roberto , da Silva Erica Rodrigues , Pinheiro Vale Ludmila , Brito Millena de Mikely Pereira , Bronzo Thais , Nakamura Monica Rika , Tedesco-Silva Helio , Medina-Pestana José
Published: November 2023

Background.

Omicron variant has been associated with milder cases of COVID-19 among kidney transplant recipients. However, little is known about postacute sequelae, referred to as Long COVID.

Methods.

Prospective, single-center cohort study investigating prevalence and risk factors for Long COVID among kidney transplant recipients during the omicron predominance in Brazil. The analysis included adult patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between January 5, 2022, and July 18, 2022, were alive, had a functioning kidney transplant 3 mo after symptom onset, and answered a telephonic survey about physical complains of Long COVID.

Results.

From the 1529 eligible, 602 (39%) patients responded the survey. Sixteen percent reported a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection, and 85% had been fully vaccinated. The prevalence of Long COVID was 52%, with the most common complaints being weakness (46%), myalgia (41%), dizziness (33%), and headache (31%). Among employed patients, 94% were able to resume their normal work activities. In multivariable analysis, female gender (hazard ratio [HR], 2.14; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.51-3.02; P < 0.0001), previous SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR, 3.55; 95% CI, 1.91-6.60; P < 0.0001), fatigue (HR, 2.32; 95% CI, 1.18-4.55; P = 0.014), myalgia (HR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.15; P = 0.036) during the acute phase, and hospitalization because of COVID-19 (HR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.06-2.76; P = 0.028) were independently associated with Long COVID.

Conclusions.

In the “omicron era,” Long COVID among kidney transplant recipients exhibited milder characteristics and had a less significant impact on their ability to resume normal life activities. The risk factors for persistent symptoms were similar to those observed in the general population except for the vaccination status, underscoring the importance of closer monitoring in special subgroups.
Risk Factors for Early Fungal Disease in Solid Organ Transplant Recipients: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Pennington Kelly M. , Martin Max J. , Murad M. Hassan , Sanborn David , Saddoughi Sahar A. , Gerberi Danielle , Peters Steve G. , Razonable Raymund R. , Kennedy Cassie C.
Published: November 2023

Background.

Invasive fungal infections are associated with high morbidity in solid organ transplant recipients. Risk factor modification may help with preventative efforts. The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for the development of fungal infections within the first year following solid organ transplant.

Methods.

We searched for eligible articles through February 3, 2023. Studies published after January 1, 2001, that pertained to risk factors for development of invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant were reviewed for inclusion. Of 3087 articles screened, 58 were included. Meta-analysis was conducted using a random-effects model to evaluate individual risk factors for the primary outcome of any invasive fungal infections and invasive candidiasis or invasive aspergillosis (when possible) within 1 y posttransplant.

Results.

We found 3 variables with a high certainty of evidence and strong associations (relative effect estimate ≥ 2) to any early invasive fungal infections across all solid organ transplant groups: reoperation (odds ratio [OR], 2.92; confidence interval [CI], 1.79-4.75), posttransplant renal replacement therapy (OR, 2.91; CI, 1.87-4.51), and cytomegalovirus disease (OR, 2.97; CI, 1.78-4.94). Both posttransplant renal replacement therapy (OR, 3.36; CI, 1.78-6.34) and posttransplant cytomegalovirus disease (OR, 2.81; CI, 1.47-5.36) increased the odds of early posttransplant invasive aspergillosis. No individual variables could be pooled across groups for invasive candidiasis.

Conclusions.

Several common risk factors exist for the development of any invasive fungal infections in solid organ transplant recipients. Additional risk factors for invasive candidiasis and aspergillosis may be unique to the pathogen, transplanted organ, or both.
Rheological properties of arabinogalactan solutions related to the
carbohydrate composition of different legumes
Authors: Kim Kyeongyee , Kim Choon Young
Published: November 2023

The aim of this study was to elucidate chemical structures and rheological
properties of arabinogalactans (AGs) isolated from three legumes including black
gram (BG), great northern bean (GNB), and California small white bean (CSWB).
The ratio of galactose to arabinose (G/A) in three legumes increased in the
order of BG > GNB > CSWB. The rheological measurements of 1-5% (w/v) AG
solutions revealed Newtonian and non-Newtonian flow behaviors. BG exhibited
yield stress, indicating plastic behavior. Small-amplitude oscillatory tests
indicated viscoelastic properties of BG, GNB, and CSWB ranging from solid-like,
paste-like, and liquid-like behaviors, respectively. Small-strain oscillatory
tests were conducted to assess the structure recovery of the AGs after
pre-shearing. G″ values of BG and GNB increased, but those of CSWB
remained constant after shearing. These results suggest that the chemical
structures of the AGs, particularly their G/A ratios, influence their
rheological properties.
NPZfc: An ecological relation based fish catch prediction model using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Mukherjee Manasi , Suresh Vettath Raghavan , Kundu Suman
Published: November 2023

Quantifying interactions of organisms of the various trophic levels is very important in understanding the dynamics of aquatic ecosystems. With regards to fish, as both ecologically and commercially important parts of an ecosystem, predicting their catch in relation to primary producers provides insight into sustainable management. The present paper describes a novel model NPZfc, for nutrients, phytoplankton, zooplankton and fishes, which can predict planktivorous fish catch. Unlike the existing models which deal with the interactions within the system through mathematical equilibrium, the proposed model uses artificial neural network (ANN) to automatically learn inter-dependencies between different related variables and predict the fish catch of a water body. The efficiency of the model was increased by refining the input variables. Here biomass of plankton species population (phyto-plankton and zooplankton) were specifically selected from feeding ecology studies of target fish species as input variable. The study of two of the commercially important fish species,Etroplus suratensisandNematalosa nasusin Chilika lagoon showed that the model can predict with high accuracy from limited input data. The root mean square error (RMSE) is found to be very satisfactory, ranging from 3.53% to 11.5% forE. suratensisand from 1.63% to 2.22% forN. nasus. Higher accuracy and better predictive ability with a smaller dataset makes this ANN-based NPZfcmodel more conducive.
Engineered Secretory Immunoglobulin A provides insights on antibody-based effector mechanisms targetingClostridiodes difficile
Authors: Bharathkar Sonya Kumar , Miller Michael J. , Stadtmueller Beth M.
Published: November 2023

Secretory (S) Immunoglobin (Ig) A is the predominant mucosal antibody, which mediates host interactions with commensal and pathogenic microbes, includingClostridioides difficile. SIgA adopts a polymeric IgA structure that is bound by secretory component (SC). Despite significance, how SIgA supports diverse effector mechanisms is poorly characterized and SIgA-based therapies nonexistent. We engineered chimeric (c) SIgAs, in which we replaced SC domain D2 with a single domain antibody or a monomeric fluorescent protein, allowing us to investigate and enhance SIgA effector mechanisms. cSIgAs exhibited increased neutralization potency againstC. difficiletoxins, promoted bacterial clumping and cell rupture, and decreased cytotoxicity. cSIgA also allowed us to visualize and/or quantifyC. difficilemorphological changes and clumping events. Results reveal mechanisms by which SIgA combatsC. difficileinfection, demonstrate that cSIgA design can modulate these mechanisms, and demonstrate cSIgA’s adaptability to modifications that might target a broad range of antigens and effector mechanisms.
NEUROEPITHELIAL BODIES AND TERMINAL BRONCHIOLES ARE NICHES FOR DISTINCTIVE CLUB CELLS THAT CAN REPAIR AIRWAYS FOLLOWING ACUTE NOTCH INHIBITION
Authors: Lingamallu Sai Manoz , Deshpande Aditya , Joy Neenu , Ganeshan Kirthana , Lafkas Daniel , Guha Arjun
Published: November 2023

Airway club cells (CCs) have the dual role of a secretory cell and a progenitor cell. Using pharmacological, genetic, and cell-ablation approaches we probe the role of canonical Notch signalling in the regulation of the regenerative capacity of CCs. We report that in response to its perturbation, different subpopulations of CCs adopt distinct fates. Upon acute inhibition of Notch, the majority transdifferentiate into multiciliated cells. However, a “variant” subpopulation (v-CCs), juxtaposed with Neuroepithelial Bodies (5-10%) and neighbouring bronchioalveolar duct junctions (>80%), does not. Instead, v-CCs transition into partially differentiated/lineage ambiguous states but can revert to a CC fate upon restoration of Notch signalling and repopulate the airways with CCs and multiciliated cells. Analysis of a v-CC lineage marker (Uroplakin3a), coupled with sequential Notch inhibition, reveals that differential responses of v-CCs to Notch inhibition are regulated by their cellular microenvironment. We propose that perturbations to Notch signalling may be a common consequence of airway injury and that microenvironmental signals diversify CCs to create a robust pool that can repair airways upon acute Notch inhibition.
Light induced expression of gRNA allows for optogenetic gene editing of T lymphocytes in vivo
Authors: Pulgarin Diego Velasquez , Pelo Nathalie , Ferrandiz Lin , Trselic Tilen , Nyberg William A , Bowlin Gary , Espinosa Alexander
Published: November 2023

There is currently a lack of tools capable of perturbing genes in both a precise and spatiotemporal fashion. CRISPR’s ease of use and flexibility, coupled with light’s unparalleled spatiotemporal resolution deliverable from a controllable source, makes optogenetic CRISPR a well-suited solution for precise spatiotemporal gene perturbations. Here we present a new optogenetic CRISPR tool, BLU-VIPR, that diverges from prevailing split-Cas design strategies and instead focuses on optogenetic regulation of gRNA production. This simplifies spatiotemporal gene perturbation and works in vivo with cells previously intractable to optogenetic gene editing. We engineered BLU-VIPR around a new potent blue-light activated transcription factor and ribozyme-flanked gRNA. The BLU-VIPR design is genetically encoded and ensures precise excision of multiple gRNAs from a single mRNA transcript, allowing for optogenetic gene editing in T lymphocytes in vivo.
Single protein molecules separation, tracking and counting in ultra-thin silicon channels
Authors: Ohayon Shilo , Taib Liran , Verma Navneet Chandra , Iarossi Marzia , Bhattacharya Ivy , Marom Barak , Huttner Diana , Meller Amit
Published: November 2023

Emerging single-molecule protein sensing techniques are ushering in a transformative era in biomedical research. Nevertheless, challenges persist in realizing ultra-fast full-size protein sensing, including loss of molecular integrity due to protein fragmentation, biases introduced by antibodies affinity, identification of proteoforms and low throughputs. Here, we introduce a single-molecule method for parallel protein separation and tracking, yielding multi-dimensional molecular properties used for their identification. Proteins are tagged by dual amino-acid specific labels and are electrophoretically separated by their mass/charge in custom-designed silicon nano-channel. This approach allows us to analyze thousands of individual proteins within a few minutes by tracking their motion during the migration. We demonstrate the power of the method by quantifying a cytokine panel for host-response discrimination between viral and bacterial infections. Moreover, we show that two clinically-relevant splice isoforms of VEGF can be accurately quantified from human serum samples. Being non-destructive and compatible with full-length intact proteins, this method opens up new ways for antibody-free single protein molecule quantification.
Rapid, systematic updating of movement by accumulated decision evidence
Authors: Molano-Mazón Manuel , Garcia-Duran Alexandre , Pastor-Ciurana Jordi , Hernández-Navarro Lluís , Bektic Lejla , Lombardo Debora , de la Rocha Jaime , Hyafil Alexandre
Published: November 2023

Acting in the natural world requires not only deciding among multiple options but also converting decisions into motor commands. How the dynamics of decision formation influence the fine kinematics of response movement remains, however, poorly understood. Here we investigate how the accumulation of decision evidence shapes the response orienting trajectories in a task where freely-moving rats combine prior expectations and auditory information to select between two possible options. Response trajectories and their motor vigor are initially determined by the prior. Rats movements then incorporate sensory information as early as 60 ms after stimulus onset by accelerating or slowing depending on how much the stimulus supports their initial choice. When the stimulus evidence is in strong contradiction, rats change their mind and reverse their initial trajectory. Human subjects performing an equivalent task display a remarkably similar behavior. We encapsulate these results in a computational model that, by mapping the decision variable onto the movement kinematics at discrete time points, captures subjects’ choices, trajectories and changes of mind. Our results show that motor responses are not ballistic. Instead, they are systematically and rapidly updated, as they smoothly unfold over time, by the parallel dynamics of the underlying decision process.
High-quality genome assembly of a white eared pheasant individual and related functional and genetics data resources
Authors: Wu Siwen , Wang Kun , Dou Tengfei , Yuan Sisi , Wu Dong-Dong , Su Zhengchang , Ge Changrong , Jia Junjing
Published: November 2023

White eared pheasant (WT), (Crossoptilon crossoptilon), inhibiting at high altitudes (3000∼4,300 m), is a Galliformes bird native to the Qinghai, Sichuan, Yunnan and Tibet Province of China. Due to the difficulty of sequencing the precious species, there is no high-quality genome assembly for the species, hampering the understanding of their genetic mechanisms. To fill the gap, we sequenced and assembled a WT individual using Illumina short reads, PacBio long reads and Hi-C reads. With a contig N50 of 19.63 Mb, scaffold N50 of 29.59 Mb, total length of 1.02 Gb and BUSCO completeness of 97.2%, the assembly is highly complete. Evaluation shows that the assembly is at chromosome-level with only six gaps. Thus, our assembly provides a valuable genetic resource for thecrossoptilonspecies. To further provide resources for gene annotation and population genetics analysis, we also sequenced transcriptomes of 20 tissues of the WT individual and re-sequenced another 10 individuals of WT. Our assembled WT genome and the sequencing data can be valuable resources to study thecrossoptilonspecies.
Acetylation of H3K115 at the nucleosome dyad is associated with fragile nucleosomes at active regulatory sites
Authors: Sengupta Dipta , Friman Elias T. , Illingworth Robert S. , Bickmore Wendy A. , Kumar Yatendra
Published: November 2023

Acetylation of lysine residues in the tail domain of histone H3 is well characterized. However, acetyl-lysines in the histone globular domain also hold regulatory potential because of their impact on nucleosome dynamics and stability. In this study, we report the genome-wide distribution of acetylated H3 lysine 115 (H3K115ac), a residue on the lateral surface at the nucleosome dyad, in mouse embryonic stem cells. We find that H3K115ac is associated with highly active promoters, particularly those associated with CpG islands, and with enhancers. During differentiation H3K115ac is dynamic, changing in line with gene activation and chromatin accessibility. Most strikingly, unlike other commonly studied histone acetylation marks, H3K115ac is enriched on “fragile” nucleosomes within the nucleosome depleted regions of active promoters, and enhancers where it coincides with transcription factor binding. Additionally, we detect H3K115ac-marked fragile nucleosomes at sites most strongly occupied by CTCF, within the CTCF footprint and oriented relative to the CTCF motif. This unusual genomic distribution suggests that H3K115ac could have a role in nucleosome destabilization and that it might be a valuable marker for identifying functionally important regulatory elements in mammalian genomes.
Insights into B Cell and Antibody Kinetics Against SARS-CoV-2 Variants Using Mathematical Modelling
Authors: Farhang-Sardroodi Suzan , Deng Xiaoyan , Portet Stéphanie , Arino Julien , Craig Morgan
Published: November 2023

B cells and antibodies are crucial in protecting against infections like SARS-CoV-2. However, antibody levels decline after infection or vaccination, reducing defences against future SARS-CoV-2 infections. To understand antibody production and decline, we developed a mathematical model that predicts germinal center B cell, long-lived plasma cell, memory B cell, and antibody dynamics. Our focus was on B cell activation and antibody generation following both primary and secondary SARS-CoV-2 infections. Aligning our model with clinical data, we adjusted antibody production rates for germinal center B cells and plasma B cells during primary and secondary infections. We also assessed antibody neutralization against Delta and Omicron variants post-primary and secondary exposure. Our findings showed reduced neutralization against Omicron due to its immune evasion. In primary and secondary exposures to Delta and Omicron, our predictions indicated enhanced antibody neutralization in the secondary response within a year of the primary response. We also explored waning immunity, demonstrating how B cell kinetics affect viral neutralization post-primary infection. This study enhances our understanding of humoral immunity to SARS-CoV-2 and can predict antibody dynamics post-infection or vaccination.
Cardiometabolic Health in Asian American Children
Authors: Sethna Julian , Wong Kristal , Meyers Kevin
Published: November 2023

Background

The aim was to compare cardiometabolic health between Asian American children and Non-Hispanic White (NHW) children as well as to compare cardiometabolic health among Asian American children by birthplace.

Methods

Children aged 6-17 years enrolled in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2011-2018 who self-identified as non-Hispanic Asian and NHW were included. Among Asian Americans, place of birth was defined as foreign-born vs United States (US)-born. Regression models were adjusted for age, sex, household income, food insecurity, passive smoke exposure, and body mass index (BMI) z-score.

Results

Among 3369 children, 8.4% identified as Asian American (age 11.7 years) and 91.6% identified as NHW (age 11.7 years). Compared to NHW children, Asian American children had significantly lower BMI z-scores and odds of obesity. Asian American children had higher HOMA-IR and uric acid, and greater odds of dyslipidemia, microalbuminuria and glomerular hyperfiltration compared to NHW children. Among Asian Americans, 30.5% were foreign-born. Compared to foreign-born Asian American children, US-born Asian American children had significantly higher non-HDL, triglycerides, HOMA-IR and uric acid, lower HDL, and lower odds of hyperfiltration. There were no differences in blood pressure by racial group or place of birth.

Conclusions

Although Asian American children have lower odds of obesity, they have significantly worse glucose intolerance, higher serum uric acid levels, more dyslipidemia and more microalbuminuria compared to NHW children. US-born Asian American children have worse cardiometabolic health profiles compared to foreign-born Asian Americans.