bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age and sex affect deep learning prediction of cardiometabolic risk factors from retinal images
Authors: Gerrits Nele , Elen Bart , Craenendonck Toon Van , Triantafyllidou Danai , Petropoulos Ioannis N. , Malik Rayaz A. , De Boever Patrick 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDeep neural networks can extract clinical information, such as diabetic retinopathy status and individual characteristics (e.g. age and sex), from retinal images. Here, we report the first study to train deep learning models with retinal images from 3,000 Qatari citizens participating in the Qatar Biobank study. We investigated whether fundus images can predict cardiometabolic risk factors, such as age, sex, blood pressure, smoking status, glycaemic status, total lipid panel, sex steroid hormones and bioimpedance measurements. Additionally, the role of age and sex as mediating factors when predicting cardiometabolic risk factors from fundus images was studied. Predictions at person-level were made by combining information of an optic disc centred and a macula centred image of both eyes with deep learning models using the MobileNet-V2 architecture. An accurate prediction was obtained for age (mean absolute error (MAE): 2.78 years) and sex (area under the curve: 0.97), while an acceptable performance was achieved for systolic blood pressure (MAE: 8.96 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (MAE: 6.84 mmHg), Haemoglobin A1c (MAE: 0.61%), relative fat mass (MAE: 5.68 units) and testosterone (MAE: 3.76 nmol/L). We discovered that age and sex were mediating factors when predicting cardiometabolic risk factors from fundus images. We have found that deep learning models indirectly predict sex when trained for testosterone. For blood pressure, Haemoglobin A1c and relative fat mass an influence of age and sex was observed. However, achieved performance cannot be fully explained by the influence of age and sex. In conclusion we confirm that age and sex can be predicted reliably from a fundus image and that unique information is stored in the retina that relates to blood pressure, Haemoglobin A1c and relative fat mass. Future research should focus on stratification when predicting person characteristics from a fundus image.
Quantum measurement optimization by decomposition of measurements into extremals
Authors: Martínez-Vargas Esteban , Pineda Carlos , Barberis-Blostein Pablo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUsing the convex structure of positive operator value measurements and several quantities used in quantum metrology, such as quantum Fisher information or the quantum Van Trees information, we present an efficient numerical method to find the best strategy allowed by quantum mechanics to estimate a parameter. This method explores extremal measurements thus providing a significant advantage over previously used methods. We exemplify the method for different cost functions in a qubit and in a harmonic oscillator and find a strong numerical advantage when the desired target error is sufficiently small.
Hydrodynamic flow of non-Newtonian power-law fluid past a moving wedge or a stretching sheet: a unified computational approach
Authors: Kudenatti Ramesh B. , Misbah Noor-E- 
Published: June 2020

AbstractA unified mathematical equation that combines two different boundary-layer flows of viscous and incompressible Ostwald-de Waele fluid is derived and studied. The motion of the mainstream and the wedge is approximated in the power-law manner, i.e, in terms of the power of the distance from the leading boundary-layer edge. It is also considered that the wedge can move in the same and opposite direction to that of the mainstream. The governing partial differential equations are transformed into the nonlinear ordinary differential equation using a new set of similarity variables. This transformed equation subjected to the boundary conditions describing the flow is then solved using the Chebyshev collocation method. Further, these numerical results are then validated by determining the flow behaviour at far-field by performing asymptotics. The velocity ratio parameter effectively captures and distinguishes two boundary-layer flows. The boundary layer thickness for shear-thinning fluid is thinner compared to corresponding parameters for shear-thickening fluids and is markedly separated by the Newtonian fluid. Further, the boundary-layer flow of the non-Newtonian fluid predicts an infinite viscosity for shear-thinning fluid quite away from the surface. The hydrodynamics of the obtained results is explained thoroughly.
Assessing Nutrient Removal in Stormwater Runoff for Urban Farming with Iron filings-based Green Environmental Media
Authors: Wen Dan , Chang Ni-Bin , Wanielista Martin P. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractEnsuring urban areas have access to clean drinking water, safe food supply, and uncontaminated water bodies is essential to the good health of millions of urban residents. This paper presents the functionality of Iron Filings-based Green Environmental Media (IFGEM) in terms of nutrient removal efficiencies to support water quality management and urban farming. IFGEM uses recycled materials such as tire crumb and iron filings to help remove nutrients with essential physicochemical properties. In this study, IFGEM were proven effective and sustainable through an isotherm study, a column study of reaction kinetics, and a microstructure examination under various inlet nutrient concentration levels. IFGEMs exhibited over 90% nitrate removal, as well as 50–70% total phosphorus removal, under most inlet conditions. These promising results make IFGEM suitable for treating stormwater runoff, wastewater effluent, and agricultural discharge via varying ex situ treatment units in flexible landscape environments. In addition, the byproduct of ammonia generation permits possible reuse of spent IFGEM as soil amendments in crop land, gardens and yards, and green roofs for urban farming. Findings may help secure urban food supply chains and harmonize nutrients, soil, water, and waste management in different urban environments.
Impeding Nucleation for More Significant Grain Refinement
Authors: Fan Zhongyun , Gao Feng , Jiang Bo , Que Zhongping 
Published: June 2020

AbstractGrain refinement has been a topic of extensive research due to its scientific and technological importance as a common industrial practice for over seven decades. The traditional approach to grain refinement has been to reduce nucleation undercooling by the addition of potent nucleant particles. Here we show both theoretically and experimentally that more significant grain refinement can be achieved through increasing nucleation undercooling by using impotent nucleant particles. Based on the concept of explosive grain initiation, this new approach is illustrated by grain initiation maps and grain refinement maps and validated by experiments. It is anticipated that this new approach may lead to a profound change in both nucleation research and industrial practice well beyond metal casting.
Association of Alk1 and Endoglin Polymorphisms with Cardiovascular Damage
Authors: Garzon-Martinez Mercedes , Perretta-Tejedor Nuria , Garcia-Ortiz Luis , Gomez-Marcos Manuel A. , Gonzalez-Sarmiento Rogelio , Lopez-Hernandez Francisco J. , Martinez-Salgado Carlos 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCardiovascular diseases are associated to risk factors as obesity, hypertension and diabetes. The transforming growth factor-β1 receptors ALK1 and endoglin regulate blood pressure and vascular homeostasis. However, no studies relate the association of ALK1 and endoglin polymorphisms with cardiovascular risk factors. We analysed the predictive value of the ALK1 and endoglin polymorphisms on cardiovascular target organ damage in hypertensive and diabetic patients in 379 subjects with or without hypertension and diabetes in a Primary Care setting. The ALK1 rs2071219 polymorphism (AA genotype) is associated with a lower presence of diabetic retinopathy and with the absence of altered basal glycaemia. Being carrier of the ALK1 rs3847859 polymorphism (G allele) is associated with lower basal heart rate and with higher LDL-cholesterol levels. The endoglin rs3739817 polymorphism (AA genotype) is associated with higher levels of LDL-cholesterol, and being carrier of the endoglin rs10987759 polymorphism (C allele) is associated with higher haemoglobin levels and with an increased heart rate. Summarizing, several ALK1 and endoglin gene polymorphisms increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The analysis of these polymorphisms in populations at risk, in combination with the determination of other parameters and biomarkers, could implement the diagnosis and prognosis of susceptibility to cardiovascular damage.
Measuring the Frequency-Specific Functional Connectivity Using Wavelet Coherence Analysis in Stroke Rats Based on Intrinsic Signals
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Leila , Latifi Hamid , Khaksar Sepideh , Feiz Mohammad-Sadegh , Motamedi Fereshteh , Asadollahi Amir , Ezzatpour Marzieh 
Published: June 2020

AbstractOptical intrinsic signal imaging (OISi) method is an optical technique to evaluate the functional connectivity (FC) of the cortex in animals. Already, using OISi, the FC of the cortex has been measured in time or frequency domain separately, and at frequencies below 0.08 Hz, which is not in the frequency range of hemodynamic oscillations which are able to track fast cortical events, including neurogenic, myogenic, cardiac and respiratory activities. In the current work, we calculated the wavelet coherence (WC) transform of the OISi time series to evaluate the cerebral response changes in the stroke rats. Utilizing WC, we measured FC at frequencies up to 4.5 Hz, and could monitor the time and frequency dependency of the FC simultaneously. The results showed that the WC of the brain diminished significantly in ischemic motor and somatosensory cortices. According to the statistical results, the signal amplitude, responsive area size, correlation, and wavelet coherence of the motor and the somatosensory cortices for stroke hemisphere were found to be significantly lower compared to the healthy hemisphere. The obtained results confirm that the OISi-based WC analysis is an efficient method to diagnose the relative severity of infarction and the size of the infarcted region after ischemic stroke.
Reversible Underwater Adhesion: The Unique C-shaped Suckers of Net-winged Midge Larvae (Blepharicera sp.)
Authors: Liu Guan-Lin , Chang Haw-Kai , Chuang Yung-Chieh , Lin Yu-Min , Chen Po-Yu 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAquatic insects living in fast-flowing streams have developed various types of attachment systems to resist being carried away by strong currents. Combinations of various attachment devices offer aquatic insects advantages in underwater adhesion on substrates with different surface properties. In this study, the net-winged midge (Blepharicera sp.) larvae were investigated to understand micro-/nano-structural attachment mechanisms. The hierarchical structure of insect adhesive surfaces was characterized using Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM). Centrifugal measurements were also conducted to measure the critical rotational velocity at which the larvae of Blepharicera sp. can adhere to substrates with varying roughness. Commercial suckers require smooth substrate surface to maintain a pressure that is lower than the surrounding pressure for adhesion under the sucker cup while the suckers of net-winged midge larvae possess hierarchical micro-/nano-structures, which attach closely to rough surfaces underwater. Furthermore, the functions of microstructures observed on the sucker, including wrinkled surface, inward setae, outer fibers, and nick were explored and may contribute to underwater adhesion. The aligned C-shaped suckers can attach and detach effectively by closing or opening the gap. The unique microstructure and adhesion capability of such suckers could shed light on the design and synthesis of novel bio-inspired devices for reversible underwater adhesion.
Fungal-like particles and macrophage-conditioned medium are inflammatory elicitors for 3T3-L1 adipocytes
Authors: Jakkawanpitak Chanawee , Hutadilok-Towatana Nongporn , Sermwittayawong Decha 
Published: June 2020

AbstractAdipocytes from white-adipose tissue are known to produce inflammatory cytokines, which play a major role in energy balance and metabolism. While they can respond to pathogen-associated molecular pattern (PAMPs) such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from bacteria, it is not known whether adipocytes can be stimulated by fungal cells. Previously, adipocytes were shown to produce toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), a β-glucan receptor, suggesting that they could respond to β-glucan on the fungal cell wall. In this study, we show that heat-killed yeast induce an inflammatory response in adipocytes. Using fungal-like particles, namely laminarin-coated beads (LCB), we find that these particles trigger the expression of many key inflammatory genes in dose- and time-dependent fashions in adipocytes. These results suggest that β-glucan on the fungal cell wall is sufficient to elicit an inflammatory response in adipocytes. In addition, we show that both LCB and LCB-treated conditioned medium from RAW 264.7 murine macrophages (LCB-RM) induce the expression of those inflammatory genes through IKKβ-IκBα proteins. Together, we conclude that the fungal-like particles and the conditioned medium elicit an inflammatory response in adipocytes through the canonical or classical NF-κB pathway.
Can information from citizen science data be used to predict biodiversity in stormwater ponds?
Authors: Johansson Frank , Heino Jani , Coiffard Paul , Svanbäck Richard , Wester Jacob , Bini Luis Mauricio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractCitizen science data (CSD) have the potential to be a powerful scientific approach to assess, monitor and predict biodiversity. Here, we ask whether CSD could be used to predict biodiversity of recently constructed man-made habitats. Biodiversity data on adult dragonfly abundance from all kinds of aquatic habitats collected by citizen scientists (volunteers) were retrieved from the Swedish Species Observation System and were compared with dragonfly abundance in man-made stormwater ponds. The abundance data of dragonflies in the stormwater ponds were collected with a scientific, standardized design. Our results showed that the citizen science datasets differed significantly from datasets collected scientifically in stormwater ponds. Hence, we could not predict biodiversity in stormwater ponds from the data collected by citizen scientists. Using CSD from past versus recent years or from small versus large areas surrounding the stormwater ponds did not change the outcome of our tests. However, we found that biodiversity patterns obtained with CSD were similar to those from stormwater ponds when we restricted our analyses to rare species. We also found a higher beta diversity for the CSD compared to the stormwater dataset. Our results suggest that if CSD are to be used for estimating or predicting biodiversity, we need to develop methods that take into account or correct for the under-reporting of common species in CSD.
In silico analysis reveals EP300 as a panCancer inhibitor of anti-tumor immune response via metabolic modulation
Authors: Krupar Rosemarie , Watermann Christian , Idel Christian , Ribbat-Idel Julika , Offermann Anne , Pasternack Helen , Kirfel Jutta , Sikora Andrew G. , Perner Sven 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) and other solid malignancies is a key determinant of therapy response and prognosis. Among other factors, it is shaped by the tumor mutational burden and defects in DNA repair enzymes. Based on the TCGA database we aimed to define specific, altered genes associated with different TIME types, which might represent new predictive markers or targets for immuno-therapeutic approaches. The HNSCC cohort of the TCGA database was used to define 3 TIME types (immune-activated, immune-suppressed, immune-absent) according to expression of immune-related genes. Mutation frequencies were correlated to the 3 TIME types. Overall survival was best in the immune-activated group. 9 genes were significantly differentially mutated in the 3 TIME types with strongest differences for TP53 and the histone-acetyltransferase EP300. Mutations in EP300 correlated with an immune-activated TIME. In panCancer analyses anti-tumor immune activity was increased in EP300 mutated esophageal, stomach and prostate cancers. Downregulation of EP300 gene expression was associated with higher anti-tumor immunity in most solid malignancies. Since EP300 is a promoter of glycolysis, which negatively affects anti-tumor immune response, we analyzed the association of EP300 with tumor metabolism. PanCancer tumor metabolism was strongly shifted towards oxidative phosphorylation in EP300 downregulated tumors. In silico analyses of of publicly available in vitro data showed a decrease of glycolysis-associated genes after treatment with the EP300 inhibitor C646. Our study reveals associations of specific gene alterations with different TIME types. In detail, we defined EP300 as a panCancer inhibitor of the TIME most likely via metabolic modulation. In this context EP300 represents a promising predictive biomarker and an immuno-therapeutic target.
The 2020 coronavirus lockdown and seismic monitoring of anthropic activities in Northern Italy
Authors: Poli Piero , Boaga Jacopo , Molinari Irene , Cascone Valeria , Boschi Lapo 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn March/April 2020 the Italian government drastically reduced vehicle traffic and interrupted all non-essential industrial activities over the entire national territory. Italy thus became the first country in the world, with the exception of Hubei, to enact lockdown measures as a consequence of the COVID-19 outbreak and the need to contain it. Italy is also a seismically active area, and as such is monitored by a dense permanent network of seismic stations. We analyse continuous seismic data from many stations in northern and central Italy, and quantify the impact of the lockdown on seismic ambient noise, as a function of time and location. We find that the lockdown reduces ambient noise significantly in the 1–10 Hz frequency range; because natural sources of seismic noise are not affected by the lockdown, the seismic signature of anthropic noise can be characterised with unprecedented clarity, by simply comparing the signal recorded before and after the lockdown. Our results correlate well with independent evaluations of the impact of the lockdown (e.g., cell phone displacements), and we submit that ambient-noise seismology is a useful tool to monitor containment measures such as the coronavirus lockdowns.
First report of the occurrence of Asian citrus psyllid Diaphorina citri (Hemiptera: Liviidae), an invasive species in Nigeria, West Africa
Authors: Oke Abiola Olufunke , Oladigbolu Abiola Adeyinka , Kunta Madhurababu , Alabi Olufemi J. , Sétamou Mamoudou 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe Asian citrus psyllid (ACP; Diaphorina citri) is the vector of Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus (CLas) that is associated with the devastating Huanglongbing (HLB; citrus greening disease). This pest of Asian origin has spread into the Americas and more recently into a few countries in East Africa. During recent surveys, suspect ACP adults and nymphs were recorded for the first time infesting citrus trees in southwest Nigeria. Morphological identification and DNA barcoding confirmed the samples to be D. citri. Analysis of the obtained sequences revealed that the ACP recorded in Nigeria clustered with other taxa in the previously identified B1 clade that consists of populations from different continents. The presence of the endosymbionts Ca. Carsonella ruddii and Ca. Profftella armatura in ACP from Nigeria was also confirmed by PCR and Sanger sequencing. The ACP individuals were assayed for the presence of CLaf, CLam and CLas by qPCR, but none of the insects tested positive for any of the Liberibacters. The prolific nature of ACP and the tropical climate prevailing in the citrus-producing areas of Nigeria and other West African countries may favor its rapid spread and population increase, thus posing a grave threat to the sustainability of citriculture in these countries.
Range-wide genetic structure in the thorn-tailed rayadito suggests limited gene flow towards peripheral populations
Authors: Botero-Delgadillo Esteban , Quirici Veronica , Poblete Yanina , Acevedo Matías , Cuevas Élfego , Bravo Camila , Cragnolini Margherita , Rozzi Ricardo , Poulin Elie , Mueller Jakob C. , Kempenaers Bart , Vásquez Rodrigo A. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractUnderstanding the population genetic consequences of habitat heterogeneity requires assessing whether patterns of gene flow correspond to landscape configuration. Studies of the genetic structure of populations are still scarce for Neotropical forest birds. We assessed range-wide genetic structure and contemporary gene flow in the thorn-tailed rayadito (Aphrastura spinicauda), a passerine bird inhabiting the temperate forests of South America. We used 12 microsatellite loci to genotype 582 individuals from eight localities across a large latitudinal range (30°S–56°S). Using population structure metrics, multivariate analyses, clustering algorithms, and Bayesian methods, we found evidence for moderately low regional genetic structure and reduced gene flow towards the range margins. Genetic differentiation increased with geographic distance, particularly in the southern part of the species’ distribution where forests are continuously distributed. Populations in the north seem to experience limited gene flow likely due to forest discontinuity, and may comprise a demographically independent unit. The southernmost population, on the other hand, is genetically depauperate and different from all other populations. Different analytical approaches support the presence of three to five genetic clusters. We hypothesize that the genetic structure of the species follows a hierarchical clustered pattern.
Helicobacter pylori eradication affects platelet count recovery in immune thrombocytopenia
Authors: Lee Ayoung , Hong Junshik , Chung Hyunsoo , Koh Youngil , Cho Soo-Jeong , Byun Ja Min , Kim Sang Gyun , Kim Inho 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHelicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection is on the rise as a cause of immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). It has been suggested that platelet recovery can be achieved following successful microbial eradication, although, the exact pathophysiology has yet to be fully elucidated. This study evaluated the long-term effects of H. pylori eradication monotherapy on platelet count recovery in patients with ITP. H. pylori eradication was analysed in 61 ITP patients. Patients who maintained a complete response (CR) for more than six months were classified as sustained responders (SR). The prevalence of H. pylori infection was 54.3% (75/138), and the success rate of eradication with first-line therapy was 71.4% (35/49). Patients who had achieved a CR at 2 months maintained a higher platelet count thereafter. At 1 year following eradication, platelet counts had increased 2.78 times in the eradicated group, 1.36 times in the sustained infection group, and 1.33 times in the no infection group compared with the baseline (P = 0.016).