bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assembly properties of bacterial tubulin homolog FtsZ regulated by the positive regulator protein ZipA and ZapA from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Rahman Mujeeb ur , Li Zhe , Zhang Tingting , Du Shuheng , Ma Xueqin , Wang Ping , Chen Yaodong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBacterial tubulin homolog FtsZ self-assembles into dynamic protofilaments, which forms the scaffold for the contractile ring (Z-ring) to achieve bacterial cell division. Here, we study the biochemical properties of FtsZ from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PaFtsZ) and the effects of its two positive regulator proteins, ZipA and ZapA. Similar to Escherichia coli FtsZ, PaFtsZ had a strong GTPase activity, ~ 7.8 GTP min-1 FtsZ-1 at pH 7.5, and assembled into mainly short single filaments in vitro. However, PaFtsZ protofilaments were mixtures of straight and “intermediate-curved” (100–300 nm diameter) in pH 7.5 solution and formed some bundles in pH 6.5 solution. The effects of ZipA on PaFtsZ assembly varied with pH. In pH 6.5 buffer ZipA induced PaFtsZ to form large bundles. In pH 7.5 buffer PaFtsZ-ZipA protofilaments were not bundled, but ZipA enhanced PaFtsZ assembly and promoted more curved filaments. Comparable to ZapA from other bacterial species, ZapA from P. aeruginosa induced PaFtsZ protofilaments to associate into long straight loose bundles and/or sheets at both pH 6.5 and pH 7.5, which had little effect on the GTPase activity of PaFtsZ. These results provide us further information that ZipA functions as an enhancer of FtsZ curved filaments, while ZapA works as a stabilizer of FtsZ straight filaments.
Characterising particulate matter source contributions in the pollution control zone of mining and related industries using bivariate statistical techniques
Authors: Sooktawee Sirapong , Kanabkaew Thongchai , Boonyapitak Suteera , Patpai Aduldech , Piemyai Nirun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractNa Phra Lan Subdistrict is a pollution control zone with the highest PM10 level in Thailand. Major mobile and industrial sources in the area are related to stone crushing, quarrying and mining. This study used statistical techniques to investigate the potential sources influencing high PM10 levels in Na Phra Lan. Hourly PM10 data and related parameters (PM2.5, PMcoarse and NOx) from 2014–2017 were analysed using time series, bivariate polar plot and conditional bivariate probability function (CBPF). Results of diurnal variation revealed two peaks of PM10 levels from 06:00–10:00 and 19:00–23:00 every month. For seasonal variation, high PM10 concentrations were found from October to February associated with the cool and dry weather during these months. The bivariate polar plot and CBPF confirmed two potential sources, i.e., resuspended dust from mobile sources close to the air quality monitoring station (receptor) and industrial sources of mining, quarrying and stone crushing far from the station on the northeast side. While the industrial source areas played a role in background PM10 concentrations, the influence of mobile sources increased the concentrations resulting in two PM10 peaks daily. From the study results, we proposed that countermeasure activities should focus on potential source areas, resuspended road dust from vehicles and the industrial sources related to quarrying and mining, rather than distributing equal attention to all sources.
Quantum control using quantum memory
Authors: Roget Mathieu , Herzog Basile , Di Molfetta Giuseppe 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe propose a new quantum numerical scheme to control the dynamics of a quantum walker in a two dimensional space–time grid. More specifically, we show how, introducing a quantum memory for each of the spatial grid, this result can be achieved simply by acting on the initial state of the whole system, and therefore can be exactly controlled once for all. As example we prove analytically how to encode in the initial state any arbitrary walker’s mean trajectory and variance. This brings significantly closer the possibility of implementing dynamically interesting physics models on medium term quantum devices, and introduces a new direction in simulating aspects of quantum field theories (QFTs), notably on curved manifold.
Novel plasma biomarkers improve discrimination of metabolic health independent of weight
Authors: Ellison Stephen , Abdulrahim Jawan W. , Kwee Lydia Coulter , Bihlmeyer Nathan A. , Pagidipati Neha , McGarrah Robert , Bain James R. , Kraus William E. , Shah Svati H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWe sought to determine if novel plasma biomarkers improve traditionally defined metabolic health (MH) in predicting risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) events irrespective of weight. Poor MH was defined in CATHGEN biorepository participants (n > 9300), a follow-up cohort (> 5600 days) comprising participants undergoing evaluation for possible ischemic heart disease. Lipoprotein subparticles, lipoprotein-insulin resistance (LP-IR), and GlycA were measured using NMR spectroscopy (n = 8385), while acylcarnitines and amino acids were measured using flow-injection, tandem mass spectrometry (n = 3592). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models determined association of poor MH and plasma biomarkers with time-to-all-cause mortality or incident myocardial infarction. Low-density lipoprotein particle size and high-density lipoprotein, small and medium particle size (HMSP), GlycA, LP-IR, short-chain dicarboxylacylcarnitines (SCDA), and branched-chain amino acid plasma biomarkers were independently associated with CVD events after adjustment for traditionally defined MH in the overall cohort (p = 3.3 × 10−4–3.6 × 10−123), as well as within most of the individual BMI categories (p = 8.1 × 10−3–1.4 × 10−49). LP-IR, GlycA, HMSP, and SCDA improved metrics of model fit analyses beyond that of traditionally defined MH. We found that LP-IR, GlycA, HMSP, and SCDA improve traditionally defined MH models in prediction of adverse CVD events irrespective of BMI.
New insights into the autofluorescence properties of cellulose/nanocellulose
Authors: Ding Qijun , Han Wenjia , Li Xia , Jiang Yifei , Zhao Chuanshan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis work explored the fluorescence properties of nano/cellulose isolated from bleached softwood kraft pulp by TEMPO oxidation. Fluorescence spectra showed that all samples exhibited a typical emission peak at 574 nm due to the probabilistic formation of unsaturated bonds by glycosidic bonds independent of lignin. Increasing the excitation wavelengths (510–530 nm) caused red shift of fluorescence emission peaks (570–585 nm) with unchanged fluorescence intensity. Conversely, changing acid/alkaline conditions led to an increase of fluorescence intensity with no shifting of fluorescence emission peak. This can be attributed to an increase in the polarity of the solution environment but does not cause interaction of functional groups within the system identified by generalized two-dimensional correlation fluorescence spectroscopy. This study provides new insight in applying nano/cellulose with special luminous characteristics in biomedicine area such as multi-color biological imaging and chemical sensing.
The role of IgE specific for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in predicting cetuximab induced hypersensitivity reaction: a systematic review and a diagnostic meta-analysis
Authors: Lungulescu Cristian Virgil , Ungureanu Bogdan Silviu , Turcu-Stiolica Adina , Ghimpau Valentina , Artene Stefan Alexandru , Cazacu Irina Mihaela , Grecu Alexandru Florian , Dinescu Venera Cristina , Croitoru Adina , Volovat Simona Ruxandra 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecombinant monoclonal antibodies are used for treating various diseases, from asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease to cancer. Although monoclonal antibodies are known to have fewer toxic reactions compared with the conventional cytotoxic antineoplastic drugs, the cases of severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction (HSR) should be acknowledged. Our aim was to assess the diagnostic accuracy of the anti-IgE for galactose-α-1,3-galactose in patients with HSRs to cetuximab. We searched in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and World of Science databases to July 1st, 2020. We included a total of 6 studies, with 1074 patients. Meta-analysis was performed using bivariate analysis and the random-effect model. The pooled sensitivity was 73% (95% CI 62–81%) and the pooled specificity was 88% (95% CI 79–94%). We had not found significant heterogeneity and, despite some discrepancies in the nature of data available in the analysed studies, we draw the conclusion that the presence of cetuximab specific IgE (anti cetuximab antibody) and/or galactose-α-1,3-galactose shows moderate to high sensitivity and specificity of developing an HSR. More studies are needed to establish a protocol necessary for the proper prediction and avoidance of HSR related to cetuximab.
Telocytes contribute to aging-related modifications in the prostate
Authors: Sanches Bruno Domingos Azevedo , Tamarindo Guilherme Henrique , dos Santos Maldarine Juliana , da Silva Alana Della Torre , dos Santos Vitória Alário , Lima Maria Letícia Duarte , Rahal Paula , Góes Rejane Maira , Taboga Sebastião Roberto , Felisbino Sérgio Luis , Carvalho Hernandes F. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractTelocytes are interstitial cells present in the stroma of several organs, including the prostate. There is evidence that these cells are present during prostate alveologenesis, in which these cells play a relevant role, but there is no information about the presence of and possible changes in telocytes during prostate aging. Throughout aging, the prostate undergoes several spontaneous changes in the stroma that are pro-pathogenic. Our study used histochemistry, 3D reconstructions, ultrastructure and immunofluorescence to compare the adult prostate with the senile prostate of the Mongolian gerbil, in order to investigate possible changes in telocytes with senescence and a possible role for these cells in the age-associated alterations. It was found that the layers of perialveolar smooth muscle become thinner as the prostatic alveoli become more dilated during aging, and that telocytes form a network that involves smooth muscle cells, which could possibly indicate a role for telocytes in maintaining the integrity of perialveolar smooth muscles. On the other hand, with senescence, VEGF+ telocytes are seen in stroma possibly contributing to angiogenesis, together with TNFR1+ telocytes, which are associated with a pro-inflammatory microenvironment in the prostate. Together, these data indicate that telocytes are important both in understanding the aging-related changes that are seen in the prostate and also in the search for new therapeutic targets for pathologies whose frequency increases with age.
TMEM150B is dispensable for oocyte maturation and female fertility in mouse
Authors: Liu Ran , Ke Hanni , Shao Tong , Qin Yingying , Zhao Shidou 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPremature ovarian insufficiency (POI) refers to severe decline of ovary function in females which usually leads to infertility. It has been reported that the TMEM150B gene is mostly associated with age at natural menopause, early menopause and POI, but its role in female reproduction remains unknown. In this study, we found Tmem150b was highly expressed in mouse oocytes, but its deletion had no obvious effect on meiotic maturation of oocytes indicated by first polar body emission and spindle morphology. There were also no obvious differences in follicle development and corpus luteum formation between knockout and wild type mice. Finally, knockout of Tmem150b did not affect female fertility and sexual hormone levels. In summary, our results suggest that TMEM150B is not essential for female fertility in mice.
Differential effects of socio-demographic factors on maternal haemoglobin concentration in three sub-Saharan African Countries
Authors: Amugsi Dickson A. , Dimbuene Zacharie T. , Kyobutungi Catherine 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLow Haemoglobin concentration (Hb) among women of reproductive age is a severe public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. This study investigated the effects of putative socio-demographic factors on maternal Hb at different points of the conditional distribution of Hb concentration. We utilised quantile regression to analyse the Demographic and Health Surveys data from Ghana, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Mozambique. In Ghana, maternal schooling had a positive effect on Hb of mothers in the 5th and 10th quantiles. A one-year increase in education was associated with an increase in Hb across all quantiles in Mozambique. Conversely, a year increase in schooling was associated with a decrease in Hb of mothers in the three upper quantiles in DRC. A unit change in body mass index had a positive effect on Hb of mothers in the 5th, 10th, 50th and 90th, and 5th to 50th quantiles in Ghana and Mozambique, respectively. We observed differential effects of breastfeeding on maternal Hb across all quantiles in the three countries. The effects of socio-demographic factors on maternal Hb vary at the various points of its distribution. Interventions to address maternal anaemia should take these variations into account to identify the most vulnerable groups.
On the curious case of the recent decade, mid-spring precipitation deficit in central Europe
Authors: Ionita M. , Nagavciuc V. , Kumar R. , Rakovec O. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractCentral Europe has experienced a severe drought almost every April for the last 14 years consecutively, driven by record high temperatures, low flows, high evapotranspiration, and high soil moisture deficit. The dynamic of this recent and recurrent mid-spring dryness is not yet understood. Here we show that the period 2007–2020 was characterized by a reduction of ~50% of the usual April rainfall amount over large areas in central Europe. The precipitation deficit and the record high temperatures were triggered by a multiyear recurrent high-pressure system centered over the North Sea and northern Germany and a decline in the temperature gradient between the Arctic region and the mid-latitudes, which diverted the Atlantic storm tracks northward. From a long-term perspective, the precipitation, temperature, and soil moisture anomalies observed over the last 14 years have reached the highest amplitudes over the observational record. Our study provides an in-depth analysis of the hydroclimate extremes in central Europe over the last 140 years and their atmospheric drivers, enabling us to increase our dynamical understating of long-term dry periods, which is vital to enhance forecasting and mitigation of such events.
Epigenetic landscape of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours reveals distinct cells of origin and means of tumour progression
Authors: Di Domenico Annunziata , Pipinikas Christodoulos P. , Maire Renaud S. , Bräutigam Konstantin , Simillion Cedric , Dettmer Matthias S. , Vassella Erik , Thirlwell Chrissie , Perren Aurel , Marinoni Ilaria 
Published: December 2020

AbstractRecent data suggest that Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumours (PanNETs) originate from α- or β-cells of the islets of Langerhans. The majority of PanNETs are non-functional and do not express cell-type specific hormones. In the current study we examine whether tumour DNA methylation (DNAme) profiling combined with genomic data is able to identify cell of origin and to reveal pathways involved in PanNET progression. We analyse genome-wide DNAme data of 125 PanNETs and sorted α- and β-cells. To confirm cell identity, we investigate ARX and PDX1 expression. Based on epigenetic similarities, PanNETs cluster in α-like, β-like and intermediate tumours. The epigenetic similarity to α-cells progressively decreases in the intermediate tumours, which present unclear differentiation. Specific transcription factor methylation and expression vary in the respective α/β-tumour groups. Depending on DNAme similarity to α/β-cells, PanNETs have different mutational spectra, stage of the disease and prognosis, indicating potential means of PanNET progression.
Pillar[6]arene acts as a biosensor for quantitative detection of a vitamin metabolite in crude biological samples
Authors: Ueno Masaya , Tomita Takuya , Arakawa Hiroshi , Kakuta Takahiro , Yamagishi Tada-aki , Terakawa Jumpei , Daikoku Takiko , Horike Shin-ichi , Si Sha , Kurayoshi Kenta , Ito Chiaki , Kasahara Atsuko , Tadokoro Yuko , Kobayashi Masahiko , Fukuwatari Tsutomu , Tamai Ikumi , Hirao Atsushi , Ogoshi Tomoki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractMetabolic syndrome is associated with obesity, hypertension, and dyslipidemia, and increased cardiovascular risk. Therefore, quick and accurate measurements of specific metabolites are critical for diagnosis; however, detection methods are limited. Here we describe the synthesis of pillar[n]arenes to target 1-methylnicotinamide (1-MNA), which is one metabolite of vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) produced by the cancer-associated nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT). We found that water-soluble pillar[5]arene (P5A) forms host–guest complexes with both 1-MNA and nicotinamide, and water-soluble pillar[6]arene (P6A) selectively binds to 1-MNA at the micromolar level. P6A can be used as a “turn-off sensor” by photoinduced electron transfer (detection limit is 4.38 × 10−6 M). In our cell-free reaction, P6A is used to quantitatively monitor the activity of NNMT. Moreover, studies using NNMT-deficient mice reveal that P6A exclusively binds to 1-MNA in crude urinary samples. Our findings demonstrate that P6A can be used as a biosensor to quantify 1-MNA in crude biological samples.
Evaluating the Accuracy of Step Tracking and Fall Detection in the Starkey Livio Artificial Intelligence Hearing Aids: A Pilot Study
Authors: Rahme Mohamed , Folkeard Paula , Scollie Susan 
Published: December 2020

Purpose
The primary purpose of this study was to examine the efficacy and the effectiveness of Starkey Livio Artificial Intelligence hearing aids in tracking step count. A secondary purpose was to investigate the accuracy of the fall detection and alert system of Livio hearing aids in detecting fall maneuvers.

Method
A participant wore Binaural Starkey Livio receiver-in-the-canal style hearing aids, a Sportline pedometer, and a Fitbit Charge 3 concurrently during both real-world and treadmill walking conditions. The real-world condition was conducted over a 5-day period. Step count for the treadmill protocol was assessed at six different treadmill speeds (2 mph, 2.5 mph, 3 mph, 3.5 mph, 4 mph, 4.5 mph, and 5 mph). The fall detection and alert system were assessed through falling maneuvers of activities of daily living.

Results

In the real-world condition, Livio, Sportline, and Fitbit recorded steps within 1
SD
of each other. In addition, Livio recorded the most accurate steps compared to actual physical steps taken. In the treadmill condition, Livio recorded the least number of steps across all walking paces compared to the rest of the devices. Also, Livio hearing aids detected majority of the engaged falling maneuvers.

Conclusions
The Livio was found to be feasible, consistent, and sensitive in detecting steps and falls. Further research of higher sample size and recruitment of individuals with hearing loss are suggested.
Quantitative Assessment of Learning and Retention in Virtual Vocal Function Exercises
Authors: Van Stan Jarrad H. , Park Se-Woong , Jarvis Matthew , Stemple Joseph , Hillman Robert E. , Sternad Dagmar 
Published: December 2020

PurposeSuccessful voice therapy requires the patient to learn new vocal behaviors, but little is currently known regarding how vocal motor skills are improved and retained. To quantitatively characterize the motor learning process in a clinically meaningful context, a virtual task was developed based on the Vocal Function Exercises. In the virtual task, subjects control a computational model of a ball floating on a column of airflow via modifications to mean airflow (L/s) and intensity (dB-C) to keep the ball within a target range representing a normative ratio (dB × s/L).MethodOne vocally healthy female and one female with nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction practiced the task for 11 days and completed retention testing 1 and 6 months later. The mapping between the two execution variables (airflow and intensity) and one error measure (proximity to the normative ratio) was evaluated by quantifying distributional variability (tolerance cost and noise cost) and temporal variability (scaling index of detrended fluctuation analysis).ResultsBoth subjects reduced their error over practice and retained their performance 6 months later. Tolerance cost and noise cost were positively correlated with decreases in error during early practice and late practice, respectively. After extended practice, temporal variability was modulated to align with the task's solution manifold.ConclusionsThese case studies illustrated, in a healthy control and a patient with nonphonotraumatic vocal hyperfunction, that the virtual floating ball task produces quantitative measures characterizing the learning process. Future work will further investigate the task's potential to enhance clinical assessment and treatments involving voice control.Supplemental Materialhttps://doi.org/10.23641/asha.13322891
Adaptive algorithm in distance relay with out of step blocking element compatible with smart grid requirements during sub‐synchronous resonance in transmission line
Authors: Rezaei Salman 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSmart grid comprises utility system and dispersed renewable generations. It establishes bidirectional power transmission and communication among utility system, distributed generations and consumers. Sub‐synchronous resonance (SSR) is a major concern in transmission line. Furthermore, impedance swing during SSR leads in operation of out of step blocking characteristic of distance relay. SSR brings about a significant rise in the magnitudes of voltage and current. It also raises probability of occurrence of ferroresonance. Here, the impact of SSR in utility system is analysed on operation of doubly‐fed induction generator and distance relay with out of step blocking element is given here. Smart grid urge to establish a self‐healing protection, hence, an adaptive algorithm based on sub harmonic and ferroresonance detection is proposed for distance relay. The algorithm discriminates ferroresonance from other nonlinearities by wavelet transform and neural network and utilises time domain analysis to distinguish between different types of ferroresonance. The algorithm is able to observe smart grid protection strategy. It is capable of receiving the commands according to protection strategy to take a correct decision in such conditions to enhance reliability of power electricity in smart grid. Finally, the proposed algorithm is examined in SSR condition to certify the correct operation.