bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Decolonial AI: Decolonial Theory as Sociotechnical Foresight in Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Mohamed Shakir , Png Marie-Therese , Isaac William 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThis paper explores the important role of critical science, and in particular of post-colonial and decolonial theories, in understanding and shaping the ongoing advances in artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence (AI) is viewed as amongst the technological advances that will reshape modern societies and their relations. While the design and deployment of systems that continually adapt holds the promise of far-reaching positive change, they simultaneously pose significant risks, especially to already vulnerable peoples. Values and power are central to this discussion. Decolonial theories use historical hindsight to explain patterns of power that shape our intellectual, political, economic, and social world. By embedding a decolonial critical approach within its technical practice, AI communities can develop foresight and tactics that can better align research and technology development with established ethical principles, centring vulnerable peoples who continue to bear the brunt of negative impacts of innovation and scientific progress. We highlight problematic applications that are instances of coloniality, and using a decolonial lens, submit three tactics that can form a decolonial field of artificial intelligence: creating a critical technical practice of AI, seeking reverse tutelage and reverse pedagogies, and the renewal of affective and political communities. The years ahead will usher in a wave of new scientific breakthroughs and technologies driven by AI research, making it incumbent upon AI communities to strengthen the social contract through ethical foresight and the multiplicity of intellectual perspectives available to us, ultimately supporting future technologies that enable greater well-being, with the goal of beneficence and justice for all.
Arthrinins E–G, Three Botryane Sesquiterpenoids from the Plant Endophytic Fungus Arthrinium sp. HS66
Authors: Su Xiao-Zheng , Tang Jian-Wei , Hu Kun , Li Xiao-Nian , Sun Han-Dong , Puno Pema-Tenzin 
Published: July 2020

AbstractArthrinins E–G (1–3), three new sesquiterpenoids possessing non-isoprenoid botryane skeleton, were isolated from the fermentation of an endophytic fungus named Arthrinium sp. HS66 which colonized in the stems of Isodon xerophilus. Their structures were determined by extensive spectroscopic methods. Furthermore, the structure of 1 was unambiguously confirmed by X-ray diffraction, while those of 2 and 3 were verified through quantum chemical calculation of NMR data and ECD spectra.
Renal structure in type 2 diabetes: facts and misconceptions
Authors: Di Vincenzo Angelo , Bettini Silvia , Russo Lucia , Mazzocut Sara , Mauer Michael , Fioretto Paola 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe clinical manifestations of diabetic nephropathy are similar in type 1 and type 2 diabetes, while the renal lesions may differ. Indeed, diabetic glomerulopathy is the predominant renal lesion in type 1 diabetes, although also tubular, interstitial and arteriolar lesions are present in the advanced stages of renal disease. In contrast, in type 2 diabetes renal lesions are heterogeneous, and a substantial number of type 2 diabetic patients with diabetic kidney disease have mild or absent glomerulopathy with tubulointerstitial and/or arteriolar abnormalities. In addition, a high prevalence of non-diabetic renal diseases, isolated or superimposed on classic diabetic nephropathy lesions have been reported in patients with type 2 diabetes, often reflecting the bias of selecting patients for unusual clinical presentations for renal biopsy. This review focuses on renal structural changes in type 2 diabetes, emphasizing the contribution of research kidney biopsy studies to the understanding of the pathogenesis of DKD and of the structural lesions responsible for the different clinical phenotypes. Also, kidney biopsies could provide relevant information in terms of renal prognosis, and help to understand the different responses to different therapies, especially SGLT2 inhibitors, thus allowing personalized medicine.
Improving the workability of materials during the dieless drawing processes by multi-pass incremental deformation
Authors: Milenin Andrij , Furushima Tsuyoshi , Du Peihua , Pidvysots’kyy Valeriy 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The paper explores the new method of improving the workability of materials in the dieless drawing processes. The proposed method is based on the implementation of a multi-pass incremental deformation. Moreover, in each pass, strain and strain rate sensitivity of flow stress should be positive and significant. An approach based on the finite element calculation of instability coefficient of plastic deformation and simultaneous modeling of material ductility were applied for prediction of the workability. Two dieless drawing processes have been investigated. The difference was related to the heating system—induction heating and laser heating. FE simulations and experimental tests for three materials, two magnesium alloys (MgCa0.8 and MgNi19) and pure copper were performed. It was shown that the most effective increase in workability by multi-pass deformation can be achieved using laser dieless drawing. This is possible due to the shorter heating area and, as a consequence, the larger strain rate, which leads to better stability of the deformation process.
Population Genetics of SARS-CoV-2: Disentangling Effects of Sampling Bias and Infection Clusters
Authors: Liu Qi , Zhao Shilei , Shi Cheng-Min , Song Shuhui , Zhu Sihui , Su Yankai , Zhao Wenming , Li Mingkun , Bao Yiming , Xue Yongbiao , Chen Hua 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A novel RNA virus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), is responsible for the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Population genetic analysis could be useful for investigating the origin and evolutionary dynamics of COVID-19. However, due to extensive sampling bias and existence of infection clusters during the epidemic spread, direct applications of existing approaches can lead to biased parameter estimations and data misinterpretation. In this study, we first present robust estimator for the time to the most recent common ancestor (TMRCA) and the mutation rate, and then apply the approach to analyze 12,909 genomic sequences of SARS-CoV-2. The mutation rate is inferred to be 8.69 × 10−4 per site per year with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of [8.61 × 10−4, 8.77 × 10−4], and the TMRCA of the samples inferred to be Nov 28, 2019 with a 95% CI of [Oct 20, 2019, Dec 9, 2019]. The results indicate that COVID-19 might originate earlier than and outside of Wuhan Seafood Market. We further demonstrate that genetic polymorphism patterns, including the enrichment of specific haplotypes and the temporal allele frequency trajectories generated from infection clusters, are similar to those caused by evolutionary forces such as natural selection. Our results show that population genetic methods need to be developed to efficiently detangle the effects of sampling bias and infection clusters to gain insights into the evolutionary mechanism of SARS-CoV-2. Software for implementing VirusMuT can be downloaded at https://bigd.big.ac.cn/biocode/tools/BT007081.
Exosome Released From Schwann Cells May Be Involved in Microenergy Acoustic Pulse–Associated Cavernous Nerve Regeneration
Authors: Peng Dongyi , Reed-Maldonado Amanda B. , Zhou Feng , Tan Yan , Yuan Huixing , Banie Lia , Wang Guifang , Tang Yuxin , He Leye , Lin Guiting , Lue Tom F. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Neurogenic erectile dysfunction (ED) is often refractory to treatment because of insufficient functional nerve recovery after injury or insult. Noninvasive mechano-biological intervention, such as microenergy acoustic pulse (MAP), low-intensity pulsed ultrasound, and low-intensity extracorporeal shockwave treatment, is an optimal approach to stimulate nerve regeneration.

Aim
To establish a new model in vitro to simulate nerve injury in neurogenic ED and to explore the mechanisms of MAP in vitro.

Methods
Sprague-Dawley rats were used to isolate Schwann cells (SCs), major pelvic ganglion (MPG), and cavernous nerve with MPG (CN/MPG). SCs were then treated with MAP (0.033 mJ/mm2, 1 Hz, 100 pulses), and SC exosomes were isolated. The MPG and CN/MPG were treated with MAP (0.033 mJ/mm2, 1 Hz) at different dosages (25, 50, 100, 200, or 300 pulses) or exosomes derived from MAP-treated SCs in vitro.

Outcomes
Neurite growth from the MPG fragments and CN was photographed and measured. Expression of neurotropic factors (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3) was checked.

Results
Neurite outgrowth from MPG and CN/MPG was enhanced by MAP in a dosage response manner, peaking at 100 pulses. MAP promoted SC proliferation, neurotropic factor (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, nerve growth factor, and neurotrophin-3) expression, and exosome secretion. SC-derived exosomes significantly enhanced neurite outgrowth from MPG in vitro.

Clinical Implications
MAP may have utility in the treatment of neurogenic ED by SC-derived exosomes.

Strength & Limitations
We confirmed that MAP enhances penile nerve regeneration through exsomes. Limitations of this study include that our study did not explore the exact mechanisms of how MAP increases SC exosome secretion nor whether MAP modulates the content of exosomes.

Conclusion
This study revealed that neurite outgrowth from MPG was enhanced by MAP and by SC-derived exosomes which were isolated after MAP treatment. Our findings indicate that one mechanism by which MAP induces nerve regeneration is by stimulation of SCs to secrete exosomes.
“I Tell Them What I Can Feel and How Far My Legs Can Bend”: Optimizing Sexual Satisfaction for Women with Spina Bifida
Authors: Streur Courtney S. , Schafer Christine L. , Garcia Valerie P. , Quint Elisabeth H. , Wiener John S. , Sandberg David E. , Kalpakjian Claire Z. , Wittmann Daniela A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
There is a high reported rate of sexual dysfunction among women with spina bifida, but little is known about the etiology of this or how sexual satisfaction could be improved.

Aim
To identify, through the words of women with spina bifida, perceived causes of diminished sexual satisfaction and recommendations to optimize partnered sexual encounters.

Methods
In this qualitative study, we conducted semi-structured individual interviews with 22 women with spina bifida (median age 26.5 years, range 16–52 years) who have had a romantic partner. Using Grounded Theory, interviews were independently coded by 3 reviewers. Disagreements were resolved by consensus.

Outcomes
We identified overlapping themes of issues women experienced during sexual intimacy and strategies they learned to improve sexual encounters.

Results
7 salient themes emerged from the data: (i) fear of rejection with resulting difficulty setting boundaries and the risk of coercion; (ii) conflict between spontaneity and self-care in sexual encounters; (iii) worry about incontinence during sex; (iv) trial and error in learning optimal sexual positions; (v) decreased genital sensation; (vi) safety considerations; and (vii) sharing advice with other women with spina bifida.

Clinical Implications
As sexual satisfaction is influenced by physical features as well as psychological, interpersonal, and sociocultural factors, optimizing sexual satisfaction of women with spina bifida is best managed with a holistic approach utilizing a biopsychosocial model.

Strengths & Limitations
The sample included women with a diverse range of functional impairments. Women were forthright with their comments and thematic saturation was reached. Recruitment was primarily from a single Midwestern institution, which may have limited sampled perspectives.

Conclusion
While women with spina bifida encounter challenges during sexual encounters, strategies focused on improving communication with partners and addressing specific physical considerations can potentially enhance their sexual experiences.
Trends in Sexual Activity and Associations with All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality Among US Adults
Authors: Cao Chao , Yang Lin , Xu Tianlin , Cavazos-Rehg Patricia A. , Liu Qinran , McDermott Daragh , Veronese Nicola , Waldhoer Thomas , Ilie Petre Cristian , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Smith Lee 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Sexual activity can be referred to as a health behavior and may also act as an indicator of health status.

Aim
To evaluate temporal trends in sexual activity and to examine associations of sexual activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality risk.

Methods
We examined the trends and prevalence of sexual activity and association of sexual activity with all-cause and cause-specific mortality in a nationally representative sample using data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey from 2005 to 2016 and the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005-2014 Linked Mortality File (through December 31, 2015).

Outcomes
All-cause, cardiovascular disease, and cancer mortality.

Results
A total of 15,269 US adults (mean age, 39.1 years [standard error, 0.18 years]) were included in the trend analysis. In the 2015-2016 cycle, while 71.7% (95% CI, 67.7–75.7%) US adults aged 20-59 years engaged in sexual activity ≥ 12 times/year (monthly), only 36.1% (95% CI, 31.6–40.7%) of them engaged in sexual activity ≥ 52 times/year (weekly). Since the 2005–2006 cycle, the estimated prevalence of sexual activity, ≥52 times/year and ≥12 times/year, were both stable over time among overall and each age group (all P for trend &gt;0.1). During a median follow-up of 5.7 years (range, 1–11 years) and 71,960 person-years of observation, among 12,598 participants with eligible information on mortality status, 228 deaths occurred, including 29 associated with cardiovascular disease and 62 associated with cancer. Overall, participants with higher sexual activity frequency were at a lower risk of all-cause death in a dose-response manner (P for trend = 0.020) during the follow-up period. In addition, the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios for all-cause mortality, CVD mortality, cancer mortality, and other cause mortality among participants who had sex ≥52 times/year compared with those having sex 0–1 time/year were 0.51 (95% CI, 0.34 to 0.76), 0.79 (95% CI, 0.19 to 3.21), 0.31 (95% CI, 0.11 to 0.84), and 0.52 (95% CI, 0.28 to 0.96), respectively.

Clinical Implications
Sexual activity appears to be a health indicator of all-cause and cancer mortality in US middle-aged adults.

Strengths & Limitations
Clear strengths of the present study include the large representative sample of the noninstitutionalized US population as well as the identification of precise estimates in relation to sexual activity and mortality. However, because of the observational nature of the study design, causality could not be determined.

Conclusions
Sexual activity was found to be associated with a lower risk of mortality from all cause and cancer.
A Retrospective Cohort Study Evaluating Surgical Aptitude Over Time in a New Male-To-Female Penoscrotal Vaginoplasty Program
Authors: Whynott Rachel M. , Summers Karen , Mickelsen Riley , Ponnuru Satish , Broghammer Joshua A. , Gray Meredith 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Background
Given the burgeoning demand for gender affirmation surgery, there are few studies examining both surgical process variables and patient outcome variables. Knowing the learning curve for surgical teams who are beginning to perform this procedure will be important for patient safety and presurgical patient counseling as more institutions open transgender surgical programs.

Aim
The purpose of this study was to determine the demographics of patients pursuing penoscrotal vaginoplasty, to determine their postoperative course, and to determine a learning curve for the surgical team performing penoscrotal vaginoplasty.

Methods
We retrospectively reviewed charts of all 43 patients who underwent penoscrotal vaginoplasty from the commencement of a new male-to-female penoscrotal vaginoplasty program in March 2018 through July 2019.

Outcomes
Primary outcomes included mean hemoglobin decrease from surgery and operative time. Mean time to neoclitoral sensation, length of hospital admission, complication rates, reoperation rates, length of narcotic use after surgery, and demographics were also evaluated. Associations between surgical team experience and outcomes were assessed with Spearman's rho and Cox regression, and curve-fitting procedures were applied to determine the relationship.

Results
The mean operative time from initial incision to procedure finish was 225 minutes, and the mean decrease in hemoglobin was 3.3 g/dL. The mean time to neoclitoral sensation was 0.72 months. The time until neoclitoral sensation decreased as the surgical cases performed increased (Spearman's rho, −0.577 [P &lt; .001]), with a power function best describing the learning curve. Operative time did not change with case number (Spearman's rho, 0.062 [P = .698]) but overall time in the operating room did (Spearman's rho, 0.631 [P &lt; .001]). Mean length of hospital admission was 2.9 days. There were no intraoperative complications. 18 patients (42%) experienced a postoperative complication. 8 of 43 patients underwent reoperation (20%). Narcotics were used a mean of 9.5 days after surgery.

Clinical Implications
A learning curve can be demonstrated in penoscrotal vaginoplasty for time to neoclitoral sensation and overall time in the operating room, plateauing between 30 and 40 cases.

Strengths and Limitations
Strengths include assessing a learning curve for time to neoclitoral sensation, length of hospital stay, and length of postoperative narcotic use after penoscrotal vaginoplasty, which, to our knowledge, has not been reported elsewhere. Limitations include our overall low number of patients.

Conclusion
Despite a low number of cases, length of hospital stay was short and the postoperative complication rate was similar to that of long-standing penoscrotal vaginoplasty programs.
Anti-biofouling NH3 gas sensor based on reentrant thorny ZnO/graphene hybrid nanowalls
Authors: Hang Tian , Wu Jiangming , Xiao Shuai , Li Baohong , Li Hongbo , Yang Chengduan , Yang Cheng , Hu Ning , Xu Yonghang , Zhang Yu , Xie Xi 
Published: July 2020

AbstractSince toxic gas leakage may cause ecological environmental problems and even life-threatening damage, effective monitoring of toxic gas is of great importance and subject to increasing demand. However, complicated environmental factors, as well as various coexisting interferences can easily affect the sensitivity and selectivity of gas sensors, hindering their performance. Recent reports have successfully demonstrated the development of hierarchical nanostructures with desirable self-cleaning properties, yet gas sensors that can resist contamination have rarely been realized. Here, we developed a reentrant thorny ZnO/graphene hybrid nanowall structure that simultaneously repels liquid contamination and possesses NH3 gas sensing properties. The unique reentrant and hierarchical structure, featuring an interconnected vertical graphene nanowall framework with numerous ZnO nanospikes branched on the top nanowall, is highly repellent to liquids, even biofluids with low surface tension. The hierarchical structure consisting of gas sensing graphene and ZnO can be successfully applied as an NH3 gas sensor at room temperature, exhibiting not only excellent sensitivity, selectivity, and repeatability, but also outstanding stability even after bacterial contamination. This study provides a versatile method for fabricating reentrant and hierarchical structures with excellent liquid repellency, and offers a promising method for designing reliable gas sensors with anti-biofouling properties.
Flexible, diamond-based microelectrodes fabricated using the diamond growth side for neural sensing
Authors: Fan Bin , Rusinek Cory A. , Thompson Cort H. , Setien Monica , Guo Yue , Rechenberg Robert , Gong Yan , Weber Arthur J. , Becker Michael F. , Purcell Erin , Li Wen 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDiamond possesses many favorable properties for biochemical sensors, including biocompatibility, chemical inertness, resistance to biofouling, an extremely wide potential window, and low double-layer capacitance. The hardness of diamond, however, has hindered its applications in neural implants due to the mechanical property mismatch between diamond and soft nervous tissues. Here, we present a flexible, diamond-based microelectrode probe consisting of multichannel boron-doped polycrystalline diamond (BDD) microelectrodes on a soft Parylene C substrate. We developed and optimized a wafer-scale fabrication approach that allows the use of the growth side of the BDD thin film as the sensing surface. Compared to the nucleation surface, the BDD growth side exhibited a rougher morphology, a highersp3content, a wider water potential window, and a lower background current. The dopamine (DA) sensing capability of the BDD growth surface electrodes was validated in a 1.0 mM DA solution, which shows better sensitivity and stability than the BDD nucleation surface electrodes. The results of these comparative studies suggest that using the BDD growth surface for making implantable microelectrodes has significant advantages in terms of the sensitivity, selectivity, and stability of a neural implant. Furthermore, we validated the functionality of the BDD growth side electrodes for neural recordings both in vitro and in vivo. The biocompatibility of the microcrystalline diamond film was also assessed in vitro using rat cortical neuron cultures.
Neurodevelopmental impairment induced by prenatal valproic acid exposure shown with the human cortical organoid-on-a-chip model
Authors: Cui Kangli , Wang Yaqing , Zhu Yujuan , Tao Tingting , Yin Fangchao , Guo Yaqiong , Liu Haitao , Li Fei , Wang Peng , Chen Yuejun , Qin Jianhua 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPrenatal exposure to environmental insults can increase the risk of developing neurodevelopmental disorders. Administration of the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy is tightly associated with a high risk of neurological disorders in offspring. However, the lack of an ideal human model hinders our comprehensive understanding of the impact of VPA exposure on fetal brain development, especially in early gestation. Herein, we present the first report indicating the effects of VPA on brain development at early stages using engineered cortical organoids from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Cortical organoids were generated on micropillar arrays in a controlled manner, recapitulating the critical features of human brain development during early gestation. With VPA exposure, cortical organoids exhibited neurodevelopmental dysfunction characterized by increased neuron progenitors, inhibited neuronal differentiation and altered forebrain regionalization. Transcriptome analysis showed new markedly altered genes (e.g., KLHL1, LHX9, and MGARP) and a large number of differential expression genes (DEGs), some of which are related to autism. In particular, comparison of transcriptome data via GSEA and correlation analysis revealed the high similarity between VPA-exposed organoids with the postmortem ASD brain and autism patient-derived organoids, implying the high risk of autism with prenatal VPA exposure, even in early gestation. These new findings facilitate a better understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying postnatal brain disorders (such as autism) with prenatal VPA exposure. This established cortical organoid-on-a-chip platform is valuable for probing neurodevelopmental disorders under environmental exposure and can be extended to applications in the study of diseases and drug testing.