bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimensional Effects of Polymer Piezoelectric Films for Wind Energy Harvesting
Authors: Scott Phillip C. , Jackson Nathan , Poroseva Svetlana V. 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Arrays of flexible polymer piezoelectric film cantilevers that mimic grass or leaves is a prospective idea for harvesting wind energy in urban areas, where the use of traditional technologies is problematic due to low wind velocities. Conversion of this idea into an economically attractive technology depends on various factors including the shape and dimensions of individual films to maximize generated power and to minimize associated costs of production, operation, and maintenance. The latter requirement can be satisfied with rectangular films undergoing flutter in ambient air. Flexible piezoelectric films that displace due to low forces and can convert mechanical energy into electrical energy are ideal for this application. The goal of the presented study is to determine the key dimensions of the piezoelectric film to enhance generated power within the wind range characteristic for urban areas from 1.3 to 7.6 m/s. For this purpose, experiments were conducted in a wind tunnel using piezoelectric polymer films of polyvinylidine fluoride with the length, width, and thickness varying in the ranges of 32–150, 16–22, and 40–64 μm, respectively. Voltage and power outputs for individual samples were measured at wind speeds ranging from 0.5 to 16.5 m/s. Results demonstrated that a single film could produce up to 0.74 nW and that the optimal film dimensions are 63 mm × 22 mm × 40 μm (from considered samples) for the wind energy harvesting in urban areas. Further improvement in power production can be expected when using films with reduced thickness, low elastic modulus, and increased length, and by assembling films in arrays.
Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 into and within immigrant households: nationwide registry study from Norway
Authors: Methi Fredrik , Hart Rannveig Kaldager , Godøy Anna Aasen , Jørgensen Silje Bakken , Kacelnik Oliver , Telle Kjetil Elias 
Published: December 2021

BackgroundMinority groups and immigrants have been hit disproportionally hard by COVID-19 in many developed countries, including Norway.MethodsUsing individual-level registry data of all Norwegian residents, we compared infections across all multiperson households. A household with at least one member born abroad was defined as an immigrant household. In households where at least one person tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 from 1 August 2020 to 1 May 2021, we calculated secondary attack rates (SARs) as the per cent of other household members testing positive within 14 days. Logistic regression was used to adjust for sex, age, household composition and geography.ResultsAmong all multiperson households in Norway (n=1 422 411), at least one member had been infected in 3.7% of the 343 017 immigrant households and 1.4% in the 1 079 394 households with only Norwegian-born members. SARs were higher in immigrant (32%) than Norwegian-born households (20%). SARs differed considerably by region, and were particularly high in households from West Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and East Asia, also after adjustment for sex and age of the secondary case, household composition and geography.ConclusionSARS-CoV-2 is more frequently introduced into multiperson immigrant households than into households with only Norwegian-born members, and transmission within the household occurs more frequently in immigrant households. The results are likely related to living conditions, family composition or differences in social interaction, emphasising the need to prevent introduction of SARS-CoV-2 into these vulnerable households.
Association between Helicobacter pylori infection and irritable bowel syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wang Chunmei , Yin Yue , Wang Le , Guo Xiaozhong , Liu Lu , Qi Xingshun 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Background
Helicobacter pylori infection and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) negatively affect the quality of life. Some previous studies found that H. pylori infection should be positively associated with the risk of IBS, but others did not. The present study aims to clarify this association, and to further analyse whether H. pylori treatment can improve IBS symptoms.

Materials and methods
The PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Science and Technology Journal and Wanfang databases were searched. Meta-analysis was performed using a random-effect model. The pooled odds ratios (ORs)/risk ratios (RRs) and their 95% CIs were calculated. Heterogeneity was evaluated using the Cochran’s Q test and I2 statistics. Meta-regression analysis was used to explore the sources of heterogeneity.

Results
Thirty-one studies with 21 867 individuals were included. Meta-analysis of 27 studies found that patients with IBS had a significantly higher risk of H. pylori infection than those without (OR = 1.68, 95% CI 1.29 to 2.18; p &lt; 0.001). The heterogeneity was statistically significant (I² = 85%; p &lt; 0.001). Meta-regression analyses indicated that study design and diagnostic criteria of IBS might be the potential sources of heterogeneity. Meta-analysis of eight studies demonstrated that H. pylori eradication treatment had a higher improvement rate of IBS symptoms (RR = 1.24, 95% CI 1.10 to 1.39; p &lt; 0.001). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 32%; p = 0.170). Meta-analysis of four studies also demonstrated that successful H. pylori eradication had a higher improvement rate of IBS symptoms (RR = 1.25, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.53; p = 0.040). The heterogeneity was not significant (I² = 1%; p = 0.390).

Conclusion
H. pylori infection is associated with an increased risk of IBS. H. pylori eradication treatment can improve IBS symptoms.
Inflammatory Glycoprotein 130 Signaling Links Changes in Microtubules and Junctophilin-2 to Altered Mitochondrial Metabolism and Right Ventricular Contractility
Authors: Prisco Sasha Z. , Hartweck Lynn M. , Rose Lauren , Lima Patricia D.A. , Thenappan Thenappan , Archer Stephen L. , Prins Kurt W. 
Published: December 2021

Background:
Right ventricular dysfunction (RVD) is the leading cause of death in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH), but no RV-specific therapy exists. We showed microtubule-mediated junctophilin-2 dysregulation (MT-JPH2 pathway) causes t-tubule disruption and RVD in rodent PAH, but the druggable regulators of this critical pathway are unknown. GP130 (glycoprotein 130) activation induces cardiomyocyte microtubule remodeling in vitro; however, the effects of GP130 signaling on the MT-JPH2 pathway and RVD resulting from PAH are undefined.

Methods:
Immunoblots quantified protein abundance, quantitative proteomics defined RV microtubule-interacting proteins (MT-interactome), metabolomics evaluated the RV metabolic signature, and transmission electron microscopy assessed RV cardiomyocyte mitochondrial morphology in control, monocrotaline, and monocrotaline-SC-144 (GP130 antagonist) rats. Echocardiography and pressure-volume loops defined the effects of SC-144 on RV-pulmonary artery coupling in monocrotaline rats (8–16 rats per group). In 73 patients with PAH, the relationship between interleukin-6, a GP130 ligand, and RVD was evaluated.

Results:

SC-144 decreased GP130 activation, which normalized MT-JPH2 protein expression and t-tubule structure in the monocrotaline RV. Proteomics analysis revealed SC-144 restored RV MT-interactome regulation. Ingenuity pathway analysis of dysregulated MT-interacting proteins identified a link between microtubules and mitochondrial function. Specifically, SC-144 prevented dysregulation of electron transport chain, Krebs cycle, and the fatty acid oxidation pathway proteins. Metabolomics profiling suggested SC-144 reduced glycolytic dependence, glutaminolysis induction, and enhanced fatty acid metabolism. Transmission electron microscopy and immunoblots indicated increased mitochondrial fission in the monocrotaline RV, which SC-144 mitigated. GP130 antagonism reduced RV hypertrophy and fibrosis and augmented RV-pulmonary artery coupling without altering PAH severity. In patients with PAH, higher interleukin-6 levels were associated with more severe RVD (RV fractional area change 23±12% versus 30±10%,
P
=0.002).

Conclusions:
GP130 antagonism reduces MT-JPH2 dysregulation, corrects metabolic derangements in the RV, and improves RVD in monocrotaline rats.
Factors Affecting Language Proficiency in Heritage Language: The Case of Young Russian Heritage Speakers in Spain
Authors: Vorobyeva Tamara , Bel Aurora 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
This study focuses on the issue of language proficiency attainment among young heritage speakers of Russian living in Spain and examines factors that have been claimed to promote heritage language proficiency, namely, age, gender, age of onset to L2, quantity of exposure and family language use. A group of 30 Russian-Spanish-Catalan trilingual children aged 7–11 participated in the study. In order to measure heritage language proficiency (L1 Russian), oral narratives were elicited.
The results demonstrated a significant relationship between L1 proficiency and three sociolinguistic variables (age of onset to L2, quantity of exposure and family language use). Additionally, the multiply regression model demonstrated that the only significant variable affecting language proficiency was family language use and it accounted only for 33% of the variation of children’s language proficiency. The study raises the question about what are the other, yet unknown factors, which can affect heritage language proficiency.
Optimization and prediction of engine block vibration using micro-electro-mechanical systems capacitive accelerometer, fueled with diesel-bioethanol (water-hyacinth) blends by response surface methodology and artificial neural network
Authors: Choudhary Akhilesh Kumar , Chelladurai H , Panchal Hitesh 
Published: December 2021

The current investigation is focused on the vibration signals analysis for health status diagnosis of the single-cylinder diesel engine fueled with bioethanol diesel mixture. The water hyacinth (WH) plants (Eichhornia crassipes) are used as raw materials for bioethanol production. The bio-ethanol obtained from WH has been mixed with diesel fuel (WBED) to various extent. Systematically designed experiments were conducted with different working parameters like load, fuel injection pressure (FIP), and compression ratio (CR) in a diesel engine. The Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS) capacitive accelerometer was used to get vibration signals from the engine while operating with blended fuels. The obtained experimental vibrations data have been used to predict the engine vibration by using Response Surface Methodology (RSM) technique and Artificial Neural Network (ANN). The experimental results have been compared with RSM and ANN prediction results. From results, it is elicited that the acceleration declines with the increase in load and CR. At all tested blends, FIP produces a significant effect on the engine block vibration. Among all blends, WBED 5 and WBED 10 produce less vibration as compared to other diesel bioethanol blends. At optimized operating condition the engine block vibration for WBED 5; the experimental acceleration is 0.016962 m/s2 and the predicted acceleration by RSM and ANN is 0.016182 m/s2 and 0.0166 m/s2, respectively. For WBED 10, the acceleration is 0.0172604 m/s2 and the predicted acceleration by RSM and ANN 0.016207 m/s2 0.017 m/s2, respectively, has been found.
The age structure of cases as the key of COVID-19 severity: Longitudinal population-based analysis of European countries during 150 days
Authors: Hulíková Tesárková Klára , Dzúrová Dagmar 
Published: December 2021

Aims: Over a million confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) across 16 European countries were observed during the first wave of the pandemic. Epidemiological measures like the case fatality rate (CFR) are generally used to determine the severity of the illness. The aim is to investigate the impact of the age structure of reported cases on the reported CFR and possibilities of its demographic adjustment for a better cross-country comparison (age-standardized CFRs, time delay between cases detection and death). Methods: This longitudinal study uses prospective, population-based data covering 150 days, starting on the day of confirmation of the 100th case in each country. COVerAGE-DB and the Human Mortality Database were used in this regard. The age-standardized CFRs were calculated with and without the time delay of the number of deaths after the confirmation of the cases. Results: The observed decline in the CFRs at the end of the first wave is partly given by the changes in the age structure of confirmed cases. Using the adjusted (age-standardized) CFRs with time delay, the risk of death among confirmed cases is much more stable in comparison to crude (observed) CFRs. Conclusions: Preventing the spread of COVID-19 among the elderly is an important way to positively influence the overall fatality rate, decrease the number of deaths, and not overload the health systems. The crude CFRs (still often presented) are not sufficient for a proper evaluation of the development across populations nor as a means of identifying the influencing factors.
The effects of cellulose nanofibers compounded in water-based undercoat paint on the discoloration and deterioration of painted wood products
Authors: Shimokawa Tomoko , Hishikawa Yukako , Togawa Eiji , Shibuya Hajime , Kobayashi Masahiko , Ishikawa Atsuko , He Xin , Ohki Hironari , Magara Kengo 
Published: December 2021

AbstractCellulose nanofibers (CNFs) have many potentials as filler to improve the properties of the other materials. We have developed the novel paints containing CNFs, and which controlled the discoloration of wood products. To clarify the discoloration mechanism of wood panels using an undercoat paint containing CNFs, prepared by an integrated process from Cryptomeria japonica, the composites and films made of CNFs and acryl resin that was a raw material for the paints were prepared. Observation of the surface of the CNFs/acryl resin composite film by atomic force microscopy showed that the fibers and the resin were uniformly mixed. The composite film prevented light transmittance in the ultraviolet (UV) light region, as well as oxygen gas permeation. The permeability coefficient of the oxygen gas decreased to 60% with the addition of 1.5 wt% of CNFs to the acryl resin. The addition of CNFs also increased the breaking stress by approximately 1.5 times compared with the acryl resin film. Electron spin resonance (ESR) analysis after UV irradiation resulted in the lowest radical formation of a piece of wood wrapped in the CNFs/acryl resin composite compared with the acryl-coated specimen and the wood as it was. Therefore, the CNFs composite film shielded the UV rays and oxygen more effectively than the original acryl resin, making it difficult for these factors to reach the wood’s surface, and thus, perhaps suppressing the generation of radicals from the wood. These actions would suppress the production of coloring substances caused by the radicals, resulting in the suppression of discoloration. Furthermore, the increase in the film’s strength by the addition of CNFs would have enhanced the stability of overall the paints with a CNF-containing undercoat. These effects might have contributed not only to the prevention of discoloration but also to the prevention of the occurrence of minute cracks caused by various weather deterioration factors.
Real-world impact of fremanezumab on migraine symptoms and resource utilization in the United States
Authors: McAllister Peter , Lamerato Lois , Krasenbaum Lynda J. , Cohen Joshua M. , Tangirala Krishna , Thompson Stephen , Driessen Maurice , Casciano Julian , Dotiwala Zenobia , Mauskop Alexander 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Fremanezumab, a fully humanized monoclonal antibody (IgG2Δa) that selectively targets calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), is approved for migraine prevention in adults. Real-world data on the effectiveness of fremanezumab are limited. This retrospective, observational cohort study assessed patient-reported migraine symptoms, health care resource utilization (HCRU), and direct medical costs before and after fremanezumab treatment initiation.

Methods
Data were extracted from September 2018 through June 2020 from the Midwest component of EMRClaims+®, an integrated health services database containing > 20 million medical records from national commercial insurance claims, Medicare claims, and regional electronic medical records. Patients included in the cohort analysis were aged ≥ 18 years and were administered fremanezumab, with enrollment or treatment history for ≥ 6 months prior (pre-index) to initiating fremanezumab (index date) and ≥ 1 month after the index date (post-index), and without pregnancy or pregnancy-related encounters during the study period. Patient-reported headache frequency, migraine pain intensity (MPI), composite migraine symptoms, and HCRU were assessed pre-index and ≥ 1 month after fremanezumab initiation. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to compare means of migraine symptoms and outcomes and HCRU before and after fremanezumab initiation.

Results
Overall, 172 patients were eligible for analysis. Of patients who self-reported (n = 129), 83.7% reported improvement in headache frequency or symptoms after fremanezumab treatment. Specifically, headache frequency decreased by 63% after fremanezumab initiation: mean (standard deviation) headache frequency was 22.24 (9.29) days per month pre-index versus 8.24 (7.42) days per month post-index (P < 0.0001). Mean MPI also decreased by 18% after fremanezumab initiation: MPI was 5.47 (3.19) pre-index versus 4.51 (3.34) post-index (P = 0.014). Mean emergency room (ER) visits per month decreased from 0.72 to 0.54 (P = 0.003), and mean outpatient visits per month decreased from 1.04 to 0.81 (P < 0.001). Mean hospitalizations per month decreased, but the results did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.095). Hospitalization and ER costs decreased, while outpatient costs increased, from pre-index to post-index, but differences were not statistically significant (P ≥ 0.232).

Conclusions
Significant reductions in headache frequency, MPI, and HCRU were observed after fremanezumab initiation in patients with migraine in a US real-world setting.
FCLQC: fast and concurrent lossless quality scores compressor
Authors: Cho Minhyeok , No Albert 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background
Advances in sequencing technology have drastically reduced sequencing costs. As a result, the amount of sequencing data increases explosively. Since FASTQ files (standard sequencing data formats) are huge, there is a need for efficient compression of FASTQ files, especially quality scores. Several quality scores compression algorithms are recently proposed, mainly focused on lossy compression to boost the compression rate further. However, for clinical applications and archiving purposes, lossy compression cannot replace lossless compression. One of the main challenges for lossless compression is time complexity, where it takes thousands of seconds to compress a 1 GB file. Also, there are desired features for compression algorithms, such as random access. Therefore, there is a need for a fast lossless compressor with a reasonable compression rate and random access functionality.

Results
This paper proposes a Fast and Concurrent Lossless Quality scores Compressor (FCLQC) that supports random access and achieves a lower running time based on concurrent programming. Experimental results reveal that FCLQC is significantly faster than the baseline compressors on compression and decompression at the expense of compression ratio. Compared to LCQS (baseline quality score compression algorithm), FCLQC shows at least 31x compression speed improvement in all settings, where a performance degradation in compression ratio is up to 13.58% (8.26% on average). Compared to general-purpose compressors (such as 7-zip), FCLQC shows 3x faster compression speed while having better compression ratios, at least 2.08% (4.69% on average). Moreover, the speed of random access decompression also outperforms the others. The concurrency of FCLQC is implemented using Rust; the performance gain increases near-linearly with the number of threads.

Conclusion
The superiority of compression and decompression speed makes FCLQC a practical lossless quality score compressor candidate for speed-sensitive applications of DNA sequencing data. FCLQC is available at https://github.com/Minhyeok01/FCLQC and is freely available for non-commercial usage.
Intellectual disability genomics: current state, pitfalls and future challenges
Authors: Maia Nuno , Nabais Sá Maria João , Melo-Pires Manuel , de Brouwer Arjan P. M. , Jorge Paula 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntellectual disability (ID) can be caused by non-genetic and genetic factors, the latter being responsible for more than 1700 ID-related disorders. The broad ID phenotypic and genetic heterogeneity, as well as the difficulty in the establishment of the inheritance pattern, often result in a delay in the diagnosis. It has become apparent that massive parallel sequencing can overcome these difficulties. In this review we address: (i) ID genetic aetiology, (ii) clinical/medical settings testing, (iii) massive parallel sequencing, (iv) variant filtering and prioritization, (v) variant classification guidelines and functional studies, and (vi) ID diagnostic yield. Furthermore, the need for a constant update of the methodologies and functional tests, is essential. Thus, international collaborations, to gather expertise, data and resources through multidisciplinary contributions, are fundamental to keep track of the fast progress in ID gene discovery.