bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Integrative genomics approach identifies conserved transcriptomic networks in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Morabito Samuel , Miyoshi Emily , Michael Neethu , Swarup Vivek 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurological disorder characterized by changes in cell-type proportions and consequently marked alterations of the transcriptome. Here we use a data-driven systems biology meta-analytical approach across three human AD cohorts, encompassing six cortical brain regions, and integrate with multi-scale datasets comprising of DNA methylation, histone acetylation, transcriptome- and genome-wide association studies and quantitative trait loci to further characterize the genetic architecture of AD. We perform co-expression network analysis across more than 1200 human brain samples, identifying robust AD-associated dysregulation of the transcriptome, unaltered in normal human aging. We assess the cell-type specificity of AD gene co-expression changes and estimate cell-type proportion changes in human AD by integrating co-expression modules with single-cell transcriptome data generated from 27 321 nuclei from human postmortem prefrontal cortical tissue. We also show that genetic variants of AD are enriched in a microglial AD-associated module and identify key transcription factors regulating co-expressed modules. Additionally, we validate our results in multiple published human AD gene expression datasets, which can be easily accessed using our online resource (https://swaruplab.bio.uci.edu/consensusAD).
An experimental investigation into a novel small-scale device for energy harvesting using vortex-induced vibration
Authors: Moradi Gharghani Farshad , Bijarchi Mohamad Ali , Mohammadi Omid , Shafii Mohammad Behshad 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Renewable energies could be a good solution to the problems associated with fossil fuels. The storage of wind energy by means of small-scale devices rather than large-scale turbines is a topic that has gained lots of interest. In this study, a compact device is proposed to harvest wind energy and transform it into electrical energy, by means of oscillations of a magnet into a coil, using the concept of vortex-induced vibration (VIV) behind a barrier. For a more comprehensive investigation, this system is studied from two viewpoints of fluid mechanics (without magnet) and power generation (with the magnet). For this purpose, an oscillating plate hinging on one side and three barriers with different geometrical shapes including cylindrical, triangular and rectangular barriers are used. In addition to the effect of barrier geometry, the impacts of various barriers dimensions, the distance between the plate and the barriers as well as inclination angle of the plate with respect to the horizon on the amplitude of oscillations and generated power are investigated. Results showed that in each case, there is a unique Reynolds number in which the frequency of vortex shedding equals to the frequency of plate oscillation and the output power from the energy harvester device is maximum. Besides, by increasing the barrier dimensions, the amplitude of oscillations increases up to three times, which leads to a higher generated power. Finally, by considering the studied parameters, the best conditions for generating energy using the VIV method are presented for design purposes. Among all the considered cases, the cylindrical barrier with the highest diameter and nearest distance to the plate led to the highest efficiency (0.21%) in comparison with other barriers.
Bias reduction in the estimation of diffusion processes from discrete observations
Authors: Carlos Jimenez Juan 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis work deals with the bias reduction of approximations to two known estimators of diffusion processes from discrete observations: the innovation and quasi-maximum likelihood estimators. The bias reduction is obtained by means of convergent approximations to the predictions for the first two moments of the innovation process associated to a continuous-discrete filter of minimum variance. For finite samples, the convergence of the approximate estimators to the exact one is proved when the error between the predictions and their approximations decreases no matter the time distance between observations. For an increasing number of observations, these approximate estimators are asymptotically normal distributed and their bias decreases when the above-mentioned error does it. A simulation study shows that, with respect to the conventional approximate estimators, the new ones significantly enhance the parameter estimation of the test equations. The new approximate estimators are intended for the recurrent practical situation in which a diffusion process should be identified from a reduced number of observations distant in time.
A Random Matrix Approach to Absorption in Free Products
Authors: Hayes Ben , Jekel David , Nelson Brent , Sinclair Thomas 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper gives a free entropy theoretic perspective on amenable absorption results for free products of tracial von Neumann algebras. In particular, we give the 1st free entropy proof of Popa’s famous result that the generator MASA in a free group factor is maximal amenable, and we partially recover Houdayer’s results on amenable absorption and Gamma stability. Moreover, we give a unified approach to all these results using $1$-bounded entropy. We show that if ${\mathcal{M}} = {\mathcal{P}} * {\mathcal{Q}}$, then ${\mathcal{P}}$ absorbs any subalgebra of ${\mathcal{M}}$ that intersects it diffusely and that has $1$-bounded entropy zero (which includes amenable and property Gamma algebras as well as many others). In fact, for a subalgebra ${\mathcal{P}} \leq{\mathcal{M}}$ to have this absorption property, it suffices for ${\mathcal{M}}$ to admit random matrix models that have exponential concentration of measure and that “simulate” the conditional expectation onto ${\mathcal{P}}$.
Lebesgue Decomposition of Non-Commutative Measures
Authors: Jury Michael T , Martin Robert T W 
Published: August 2020

AbstractWe extend the Lebesgue decomposition of positive measures with respect to Lebesgue measure on the complex unit circle to the non-commutative (NC) multi-variable setting of (positive) NC measures. These are positive linear functionals on a certain self-adjoint subspace of the Cuntz–Toeplitz $C^{\ast }-$algebra, the $C^{\ast }-$algebra of the left creation operators on the full Fock space. This theory is fundamentally connected to the representation theory of the Cuntz and Cuntz–Toeplitz $C^{\ast }-$algebras; any *−representation of the Cuntz–Toeplitz $C^{\ast }-$algebra is obtained (up to unitary equivalence), by applying a Gelfand–Naimark–Segal construction to a positive NC measure. Our approach combines the theory of Lebesgue decomposition of sesquilinear forms in Hilbert space, Lebesgue decomposition of row isometries, free semigroup algebra theory, NC reproducing kernel Hilbert space theory, and NC Hardy space theory.
Upregulation of Superoxide Dismutase 2 by Astrocytes in the SIV/Macaque Model of HIV-Associated Neurologic Disease
Authors: Sullivan Michelle N , Brill Samuel A , Mangus Lisa M , Jeong Yea Ji , Solis Clarisse V , Knight Audrey C , Colantuoni Carlo , Keceli Gizem , Paolocci Nazareno , Queen Suzanne E , Mankowski Joseph L 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) remain prevalent despite implementation of antiretroviral therapy (ART). Development of HAND is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the brain; therefore, upregulation of antioxidant defenses is critical to curtail neuronal damage. Superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) is a mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme essential for maintaining cellular viability. We hypothesized that SOD2 was upregulated during retroviral infection. Using a simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-infected macaque model of HIV, quantitative PCR showed elevated SOD2 mRNA in cortical gray ([GM], 7.6-fold for SIV vs uninfected) and white matter ([WM], 77-fold for SIV vs uninfected) during SIV infection. Further, SOD2 immunostaining was enhanced in GM and WM from SIV-infected animals. Double immunofluorescence labeling illustrated that SOD2 primarily colocalized with astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in SIV-infected animals. Interestingly, in ART-treated SIV-infected animals, brain SOD2 RNA levels were similar to uninfected animals. Additionally, using principal component analysis in a transcriptomic approach, SOD2 and GFAP expression separated SIV-infected from uninfected brain tissue. Projection of these data into a HIV dataset revealed similar expression changes, thereby validating the clinical relevance. Together, our findings suggest that novel SOD2-enhancing therapies may reduce neuroinflammation in ART-treated HIV-infected patients.
Caracal caracal(Carnivora: Felidae)
Authors: Veals Amanda M , Burnett Alexandra D , Morandini Marina , Drouilly Marine , Koprowski John L 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCaracal caracal (Schreber, 1776) is a felid commonly called the caracal. It is a slender, medium-sized cat (5.8–22 kg) characterized by a short tail and long ear tufts. C. caracal has a wide distribution and is found throughout Africa, north to the Arabian Peninsula, the Middle East, central and southwest Asia into India; its habitat includes arid woodlands, savanna, scrublands, hilly steppes, and arid mountainous regions. It is globally listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources as “Least Concern” despite population trends unknown across most of its geographic distribution. The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora lists Asian populations under Appendix I and African populations under Appendix II.
Predicting the Future: Art and Algorithms
Authors: Rona-Tas Akos 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPredictive algorithms are replacing the art of human judgement in rapidly growing areas of social life. By offering pattern recognition as forecast, predictive algorithms mechanically project the past onto the future, embracing a peculiar notion of time where the future is different in no radical way from the past and present, and a peculiar world where human agency is absent. Yet, prediction is about agency, we predict the future to change it. At the individual level, the psychological literature has concluded that in the realm of predictions, human judgement is inferior to algorithmic methods. At the sociological level, however, human judgement is often preferred over algorthms. We show how human and algorithmic predictions work in three social contexts—consumer credit, college admissions and criminal justice—and why people have good reasons to rely on human judgement. We argue that mechanical and overly successful local predictions can result in self-fulfilling prophecies and, eventually, global polarization and chaos. Finally, we look at algorithmic prediction as a form of societal and political governance and discuss how it is currently being constructed as a wide net of control by market processes in the USA and by government fiat in China.
Preoperative Factors Predict Postoperative Trajectories of Pain and Disability Following Surgery for Degenerative Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Hébert Jeffrey J. , Abraham Edward , Wedderkopp Niels , Bigney Erin , Richardson Eden , Darling Mariah , Hall Hamilton , Fisher Charles G. , Rampersaud Y. Raja , Thomas Kenneth C. , Jacobs W. Bradley , Johnson Michael , Paquet Jérôme , Attabib Najmedden , Jarzem Peter , Wai Eugene K. , Rasoulinejad Parham , Ahn Henry , Nataraj Andrew , Stratton Alexandra , Manson Neil 
Published: August 2020

Study Design.
Longitudinal analysis of prospectively collected data.

Objective.
Investigate potential predictors of poor outcome following surgery for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Summary of Background Data.
LSS is the most common reason for an older person to undergo spinal surgery, yet little information is available to inform patient selection.

Methods.
We recruited LSS surgical candidates from 13 orthopedic and neurological surgery centers. Potential outcome predictors included demographic, health, clinical, and surgery-related variables. Outcome measures were leg and back numeric pain rating scales and Oswestry disability index scores obtained before surgery and after 3, 12, and 24 postoperative months. We classified surgical outcomes based on trajectories of leg pain and a composite measure of overall outcome (leg pain, back pain, and disability).

Results.
Data from 529 patients (mean [SD] age = 66.5 [9.1] yrs; 46% female) were included. In total, 36.1% and 27.6% of patients were classified as experiencing a poor leg pain outcome and overall outcome, respectively. For both outcomes, patients receiving compensation or with depression/depression risk were more likely, and patients participating in regular exercise were less likely to have poor outcomes. Lower health-related quality of life, previous spine surgery, and preoperative anticonvulsant medication use were associated with poor leg pain outcome. Patients with ASA scores more than two, greater preoperative disability, and longer pain duration or surgical waits were more likely to have a poor overall outcome. Patients who received preoperative chiropractic or physiotherapy treatment were less likely to report a poor overall outcome. Multivariable models demonstrated poor-to acceptable (leg pain) and excellent (overall outcome) discrimination.

Conclusion.
Approximately one in three patients with LSS experience a poor clinical outcome consistent with surgical non-response. Demographic, health, and clinical factors were more predictive of clinical outcome than surgery-related factors. These predictors may assist surgeons with patient selection and inform shared decision-making for patients with symptomatic LSS.

Level of Evidence: 2
How Osmoviscoelastic Coupling Affects Recovery of Cyclically Compressed Intervertebral Disc
Authors: Feki Faten , Taktak Rym , Kandil Karim , Derrouiche Amil , Moulart Melissa , Haddar Nader , Zaïri Fahmi , Zaïri Fahed 
Published: August 2020

Study Design.
Osmoviscoelastic behavior of cyclically loaded cervical intervertebral disc.

Objective.
The aim of this study was to evaluate in vitro the effects of physiologic compressive cyclic loading on the viscoelastic properties of cervical intervertebral disc and, examine how the osmoviscoelastic coupling affects time-dependent recovery of these properties following a long period of unloading.

Summary of Background Data.
The human neck supports repetitive loadings during daily activities and recovery of disc mechanics is essential for normal mechanical function. However, the response of cervical intervertebral disc to cyclic loading is still not very well defined. Moreover, how loading history conditions could affect the time-dependent recovery is still unclear.

Methods.
Ten thousand cycles of compressive loading, with different magnitudes and saline concentrations of the surrounding fluid bath, are applied to 8 motion segments (composed by 2 adjacent vertebrae and the intervening disc) extracted from the cervical spines of mature sheep. Subsequently, specimens are hydrated during 18 hours of unloading. The viscoelastic disc responses, after cyclic loading and recovery phase, are characterized by relaxation tests.

Results.
Viscoelastic behaviors are significantly altered following large number of cyclic loads. Moreover, after 18-hour recovery period in saline solution at reference concentration (0.15 mol/L), relaxation behaviors were fully restored. Nonetheless, full recovery is not obtained whether the concentration of the surrounding fluid, that is, hypo-, iso-, or hyper-osmotic conditions.

Conclusion.
Cyclic loading effects and full recovery of viscoelastic behavior after hydration at iso-osmotic condition (0.15 mol/L) are governed by osmotic attraction of fluid content in the disc due to imbalance between the external load and the swelling pressure of the disc. After removal of the load, the disc recovers its viscoelastic properties following period of rest. Nevertheless, the viscoelastic recovery is a chemically activated process and its dependency on saline concentration is governed by fluid flow due to imbalance of ions between the disc tissues and the surrounding fluid.

Level of Evidence: 3
Preoperative Parameters for Predicting the Loss of Lordosis After Cervical Laminoplasty
Authors: Kim Kwang-Ryeol , Lee Chang-Kyu , Park Jeong-Yoon , Kim In-Soo 
Published: August 2020

Study Design.
Retrospective study.

Objective.
The preoperative parameters for predicting the loss of lordosis after cervical laminoplasty were investigated in the present study.

Summary of Background Data.
Cervical laminoplasty is an effective surgical method to decompress the cervical spinal cord. Maintaining cervical lordosis after laminoplasty is an important factor to ensure the successful surgical treatment. To know the preoperative parameters for predicting loss of lordosis after cervical laminoplasty is important for better outcome after laminoplasty.

Methods.
In this retrospective study, 106 patients who underwent cervical laminoplasty from 2011 to 2015 were reviewed. The preoperative parameters; T1 slope (TS), Cobb lordotic angle (CLA) and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) at C2–C7, relative cross-sectional area (RCSA), and fatty degeneration of deep extensor muscles (DEMs) were measured. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) scores were used for clinical assessment. Correlation analysis was performed between the postoperative CLA change and preoperative parameters. The patients were divided into the decreased- or maintained-lordosis groups based on the difference between postoperative and preoperative CLA. All preoperative parameters were compared between groups.

Results.
Based on correlation analysis, preoperative TS (P = 0.001), TS–CLA (P = 0.046), RCSA at C7–T1 (P < 0.001), and fatty degeneration of DEMs (P < 0.001) were correlated with loss of lordosis. Among the 106 patients, 68 showed decreased-lordosis and 38 maintained-lordosis. Preoperative TS (P = 0.003), SVA (P = 0.014), TS–CLA (P = 0.015), and RCSA at C7–T1 (P = 0.005) were significantly different between groups. In both correlation and comparative analyses, higher TS and TS–CLA and less RCSA at C7–T1 were associated with loss of lordosis. Neck pain VAS (P < 0.001) and mJOA scores (P < 0.001) were significantly improved in the maintained-lordosis group.

Conclusion.
Maintaining cervical lordosis is important for clinical outcomes after laminoplasty. Preoperative higher TS, TS–CLA, and less RCSA at C7–T1 were considered as predictors for loss of lordosis. These characteristics should be considered when choosing the surgical method to help maintain cervical lordosis.

Level of Evidence: 3
Lumbar Facet Tropism on Different Facet Portions and Asymmetry Between Ipsilateral Cephalad and Caudad Portions
Authors: Wang Yu , Li Daoyou , Zhu Minyu , Wang Jing , Li Chi , Lin Chaowei , Wang Jianhong , Teng Honglin 
Published: August 2020

Study Design.
A retrospective case-control study.

Objective.
To investigate the correlation between lumbar disc herniation (LDH) and lumbar facet tropism (FT) on cephalad and caudad facet portions, respectively; to investigate the asymmetry between ipsilateral cephalad and caudad facet portions and its correlation with LDH.

Summary of Background Data.
There are still heavy debates on the exact correlation between lumbar FT and LDH. However, no study ever focused on the FT on different facet portions and asymmetry between ipsilateral cephalad and caudad portions in patients with LDH.

Methods.
One hundred patients with L4/5 LDH, 100 patients with L5/S1 LDH, and 100 participants without LDH (control group) were age and sex matched and included in this study. Participants in each group were further divided into two subgroups based on age (≥ or < 50 yr old). Bilateral facet joint angles on both cephalad and caudad portions were measured. FT and asymmetry between ipsilateral cephalad and caudad portions in each LDH group were compared with those in corresponding control group.

Results.
Comparing with control participants, the mean difference of bilateral facet angles in older patients with L4/5 LDH was significantly greater either on cephalad portion and caudad portion, whereas significantly higher frequency of FT was only exhibited on cephalad portion. In older patients with L4/5 LDH, the mean difference of facet angle between ipsilateral cephalad and caudad portions was significantly greater than that of control participants, the frequency of ipsilateral cephalad, and caudad facet asymmetry was also significantly higher.

Conclusions.
Only the FT on cephalad portion but not caudad portion of facet joint is associated with L4/5 LDH of older patients. The measurement on different portions of facet joint may result in discrepancy on FT identification. Asymmetry between ipsilateral cephalad and caudad facet portions is also associated with L4/5 LDH in older patients.

Level of Evidence: 3
Are Modic Changes Associated With Health-related Quality of Life After Discectomy
Authors: Udby Peter Muhareb , Ohrt-Nissen Søren , Bendix Tom , Paulsen Rune , Støttrup Christian , Andresen Andreas , Brorson Stig , Carreon Leah Y. , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden 
Published: August 2020

Study Design.
A registry-based comparative cohort study with 2-year follow-up.

Objective.
To assess whether Modic changes (MCs) are associated with health-related quality of life, long-term physical disability, back- or leg pain after discectomy.

Summary of Background Data.
Previous studies have failed to show a clinically significant association between MCs and patient-reported outcomes (PROs) after discectomy.

Methods.
Data from the Danish National Spine Registry on patients undergoing first-time lumbar discectomy at a single institution from 2014 to 2017 with an accessible preoperative lumbar magnetic resonance imaging, complete preoperative, and 2-year follow-up questionnaires were obtained. PROs including Oswestry disability index (ODI), European Quality of Life—Five Dimensions (EQ-5D), visual analogue scale (VAS) back and leg pain, and patient satisfaction were collected. Patients were stratified based on the presence (+MC) or absence (−MC) of MCs on the preoperative MRI.

Results.
Of 620 patients included, MCs were present in 290 patients (47%). Of these, MC type 1 (MC-1) was present in 73 (25%) and MC type 2 (MC-2) in 217 (75%) patients. Preoperative data for ODI, EQ-5D, VAS-BP, and VAS-LP were comparable for the +MC and −MC groups. Both groups had a statistically significant improvement in PROs from baseline compared with 2-year follow-up (P < 0.001). At 2-year follow-up, both groups had improved with no significant difference between them in regards to ODI (15.5 vs. 17.2, P = 0.208); EQ-5D (0.75 vs. 0.72, P = 0.167); VAS-BP (27.1 vs. 28.3, P = 0.617); VAS-LP (26.8 vs. 25.0, P = 0.446); and patient satisfaction (74% vs. 76%, P = 0.878).

Conclusion.
MCs were not found to be associated with health-related quality of life, disability, back- or leg pain, or patient satisfaction 2 years after discectomy.

Level of Evidence: 2