bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification of nonlinear dynamical systems with time delay
Authors: Leylaz Ghazaale , Wang Shuo , Sun Jian-Qiao 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper proposes a technique to identify nonlinear dynamical systems with time delay. The sparse optimization algorithm is extended to nonlinear systems with time delay. The proposed algorithm combines cross-validation techniques from machine learning for automatic model selection and an algebraic operation for preprocessing signals to filter the noise and for removing the dependence on initial conditions. We further integrate the bootstrapping resampling technique with the sparse regression to obtain the statistical properties of estimation. We use Taylor expansion to parameterize time delay. The proposed algorithm in this paper is computationally efficient and robust to noise. A nonlinear Duffing oscillator is simulated to demonstrate the efficiency and accuracy of the proposed technique. An experimental example of a nonlinear rotary flexible joint is presented to further validate the proposed method.
Computation of Energy Absorption and Residual Voltage in a Fourth Rail LRT Station Arresters in EMTP-RV: A Comparative Study
Authors: Abd Rahman Farah Asyikin , Ab Kadir Mohd Zainal Abidin , Ungku Amirulddin Ungku Anisa , Osman Miszaina 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis paper presents a study on the performance of a fourth rail direct current (DC) urban transit affected by an indirect lightning strike. The indirect lightning strike was replicated and represented by a lightning-induced overvoltage by means of the Rusck model, with the sum of two Heidler functions as its lightning channel base current input, on a perfect conducting ground. This study aims to determine whether an indirect lightning strike has any influence with regard to the performance of the LRT Kelana Jaya line, a fourth rail DC urban transit station arrester. The simulations were carried out using the Electromagnetic Transients Program–Restructured Version (EMTP–RV), which includes the comparison performance results between the 3EB4-010 arrester and PDTA09 arrester when induced by a 90 kA (9/200 µs). The results demonstrated that the PDTA09 arrester showed better coordination with the insulated rail bracket of the fourth rail. It allowed a lower residual voltage and a more dynamic response, eventually resulting in better voltage gradient in the pre-breakdown region and decreased residual voltage ratio in the high current region.
Coping with religious conflicts
Authors: Heyden Katharina , Mona Martino 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis article presents conceptual results from the Interfaculty Research Cooperation “Religious Conflicts and Coping Strategies” at the University of Bern. Since 2018, researchers from various academic disciplines—theology, psychology, law, religious studies, social anthropology, jewish studies, islamic studies, political sciences, history, communication studies, philosophy, gender studies and german studies—have been comparatively investigating past and present conflicts with religious dimensions.Conflicts involving religion often intensify, elude resolution or lose their constructive and socializing potential, because strong emotional, factual and interpretive aspects are interwoven. Established strategies of conflict resolution therefore often reach their limits in such conflicts. We show that the concept of coping has the advantage of focusing on the process rather than on the resolution of conflicts. It does not aim at solving a conflict that may not be solved, but it aims at looking for ways to shape and manage conflicts with religious dimensions. Coping as a concept originates from psychologists, who describe individuals as active beings who are able to deal with stressful situations on emotional, factual and interpretative-evaluative levels. The different types of coping correlate with three essential dimensions of religion. Therefore, coping as a travelling concept can be particularly fruitful for the interdisciplinary study of conflicts with religious dimensions. It fosters a context-sensitive and differentiated analysis of the dynamics of religious conflicts and may therefore contribute to develop the approach of conflict transformation. First, this paper presents guiding questions for such a context-sensitive conflict analysis; second, it presents an analytical model that visualizes the relevant conflict factors, dimensions of religion and types of coping and facilitates questions about their interactions.
Secondary metabolites, antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the leaf extracts of Acacia rigidula benth. and Acacia berlandieri benth.
Authors: Cavazos Peter , Gonzalez David , Lanorio Jocelyn , Ynalvez Ruby 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe use of plants as sources for novel antimicrobial as well as antioxidant agents offers advantages. Plants are readily accessible and inexpensive, extracts or compounds from plant sources often demonstrate high level of biological activities. Previous studies have reported antibacterial and antifungal activities within the Fabaceae family that included Acacia species. This study aims to determine presence of antibacterial activity, antioxidant activity, and the secondary metabolites of sequential solvent extracts (acetone, methanol, and acetic acid) of Acacia berlandieri and Acacia rigidula leaves. The antibacterial activity was investigated using a disc diffusion assay. The ferric thiocyanate method was used to assess the ability of all extracts to prevent oxidation. Qualitative phytochemical tests, NMR, IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy were done to identify potential secondary metabolites. P. alcalifaciens (p < 0.001), E. faecalis (p < 0.01), S. aureus (p < 0.001), and Y. enterocolitica (p < 0.001) were significantly inhibited by A. rigidula extracts when compared to A. berlandieri extracts. A. rigidula’s acetone extract exhibited the significantly (p < 0.001) highest inhibition of peroxidation, 42%. Qualitative phytochemical tests showed positive results for presence of phenols, flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and tannins. NMR, IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy revealed chemical structures found in flavonoids, saponins, terpenes and tannins, supporting the results of qualitative phytochemical tests. A. berlandieri and A. rigidula leaf extracts have revealed presence of medicinally valued bioactive components. The results of this study provide a basis for further investigations of the A. rigidula leaf extracts. A. rigidula leaf extracts have the potential to serve as a source of novel antimicrobial and antioxidant agents.
Graphic abstract
Assessment of endogenous fibrinolysis in clinical practice using novel tests: ready for clinical roll-out?
Authors: Gue Ying X. , Ding Wern Yew , Lip Gregory Y. H. , Gorog Diana A. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe occurrence of thrombotic complications, which can result in excess mortality and morbidity, represent an imbalance between the pro-thrombotic and fibrinolytic equilibrium. The mainstay treatment of these complications involves the use of antithrombotic agents but despite advances in pharmacotherapy, there remains a significant proportion of patients who continue to remain at risk. Endogenous fibrinolysis is a physiological counter-measure against lasting thrombosis and may be measured using several techniques to identify higher risk patients who may benefit from more aggressive pharmacotherapy. However, the assessment of the fibrinolytic system is not yet accepted into routine clinical practice. In this review, we will revisit the different methods of assessing endogenous fibrinolysis (factorial assays, turbidimetric lysis assays, viscoelastic and the global thrombosis tests), including the strengths, limitations, correlation to clinical outcomes of each method and how we might integrate the assessment of endogenous fibrinolysis into clinical practice in the future.
An evolutionary perspective on the emergence and implementation of mission-oriented innovation policy: the example of the change of the leitmotif from biotechnology to bioeconomy
Authors: Prochaska Leonard , Schiller Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe design and implementation of innovation policy funding programmes has been the subject of scientific and political debate for decades. Especially the increasingly popular approach of mission-oriented innovation policies is a much discussed subject. The question of how missions arise, what rhetoric accompanies them and how they are eventually implemented has not yet been sufficiently clarified and specification is lacking. Whether mission-oriented innovation policy actually follows a strict top-down logic, or whether the policymaking process rather resembles a certain evolutionary scheme is questioned in this study. On the basis of the change within many policy strategy papers from biotechnology to a much broader bioeconomy, it is shown that, in reality, the transition does not follow a linear sequence. Neither excessive prioritisation nor neglect of a selected sector can be confirmed in this analysis. Within the bioeconomy, however, a clear change can be identified. Biotechnology funding was visibly reduced as part of the change of leitmotif while R&D increased in the agricultural sector in particular. Furthermore, it becomes clear that the issue of missing markets, which is predicted in theoretical studies, can also be confirmed empirically. So far, in terms of public involvement, little effort has been invested in the practical application of bioeconomical knowledge, which is why the intended transition towards bio-based economic activities is lagging behind expectations.
Molecular evidence for hybridization in the aquatic plant Limosella on sub-Antarctic Marion Island
Authors: Chau John H. , Greve Michelle , Jansen van Vuuren Bettine 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDNA sequence data have become a crucial tool in assessing the relationship between morphological variation and genetic and taxonomic groups, including in the Antarctic biota. Morphologically distinct populations of submersed aquatic vascular plants were observed on sub-Antarctic Marion Island, potentially representing the two species of such plants listed in the island's flora, Limosella australis R.Br. (Scrophulariaceae) and Ranunculus moseleyi Hook.f. (Ranunculaceae). To confirm their taxonomic identity, we sequenced a nuclear locus (internal transcribed spacer; ITS) and two plastid loci (trnL-trnF, rps16) from three specimens collected on Marion Island and compared the sequences with those in public sequence databases. For all three loci, sequences from the Marion Island specimens were nearly identical despite morphological dissimilarity, and phylogenetic analyses resolved them to a position in Limosella. In phylogenetic trees and comparisons of species-specific sequence polymorphisms, the Marion Island specimens were closest to a clade comprising Limosella aquatica L., L. curdieana F.Muell. and L. major Diels for ITS and closest to L. australis for the plastid loci. Cytonuclear discordance suggests a history of hybridization or introgression, which may have consequences for morphological variability and ecological adaptation.
Research on neck dissection for oral squamous-cell carcinoma: a bibliometric analysis
Authors: Jiang Zhou , Wu Chenzhou , Hu Shoushan , Liao Nailin , Huang Yingzhao , Ding Haoran , Li Ruohan , Li Yi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractNeck dissection for oral squamous-cell carcinoma (OSCC) is a clinically controversial issue and has therefore been the subject of abundant research. However, no one has performed a bibliometric study on this topic to date. The aim of this study was to assess the development of research on neck dissection for OSCC in terms of the historical evolution, current hotspots and future directions, particularly including research trends and frontiers from 2010 to 2019. Literature records related to research on neck dissection for OSCC were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). CiteSpace was used as a tool to perform a bibliometric analysis of this topic. The survey included 2 096 papers. “Otorhinolaryngology” was the most popular research area. The most active institutions and countries were Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and the USA, respectively. Shah J.P. was the most cited author. Among the six identified “core journals”,Head & Neckranked first. The top three trending keywords were ‘invasion’, ‘upper aerodigestive’ and ‘negative neck’. ‘D’Cruz AK (2015)’ was the most cited and the strongest burst reference in the last decade. The study evaluated the effect on survival of elective versus therapeutic neck dissection in patients with lateralized early-stage OSCC. The depth of invasion and the management of N0 OSCC were research frontiers in this field. The present study provides a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on neck dissection for OSCC, which will assist investigators in exploring potential research directions.
Depression patient-derived cortical neurons reveal potential biomarkers for antidepressant response
Authors: Avior Yishai , Ron Shiri , Kroitorou Dana , Albeldas Claudia , Lerner Vitaly , Corneo Barbara , Nitzan Erez , Laifenfeld Daphna , Cohen Solal Talia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMajor depressive disorder is highly prevalent worldwide and has been affecting an increasing number of people each year. Current first line antidepressants show merely 37% remission, and physicians are forced to use a trial-and-error approach when choosing a single antidepressant out of dozens of available medications. We sought to identify a method of testing that would provide patient-specific information on whether a patient will respond to a medication using in vitro modeling. Patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines from the Sequenced Treatment Alternatives to Relieve Depression study were used to rapidly generate cortical neurons and screen them for bupropion effects, for which the donor patients showed remission or non-remission. We provide evidence for biomarkers specific for bupropion response, including synaptic connectivity and morphology changes as well as specific gene expression alterations. These biomarkers support the concept of personalized antidepressant treatment based on in vitro platforms and could be utilized as predictors to patient response in the clinic.
HomeoboxC6 promotes metastasis by orchestrating the DKK1/Wnt/β-catenin axis in right-sided colon cancer
Authors: Qi Lina , Chen Jiani , Zhou Biting , Xu Kailun , Wang Kailai , Fang Zhihao , Shao Yingkuan , Yuan Ying , Zheng Shu , Hu Wangxiong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractPatients with right-sided colon cancer (RCC) generally have a poorer prognosis than those with left-sided colon cancer (LCC). We previously found that homeobox C6 (HOXC6) was the most significantly upregulated gene in RCC compared to LCC. However, it remains unclear whether HOXC6 plays a role in tumor proliferation and metastasis. Our study aimed to explore the potential oncogenic role and the detailed molecular mechanism of HOXC6 in RCC. In this study, HOXC6 was validated to be overexpressed in RCC and associated with poor prognosis. Furthermore, overexpression of HOXC6 promoted the migration and invasion of colon cancer cells through inducing EMT by activating the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and inhibition of DKK1 secretion. Lastly, we preliminary explored the translational effect of HOXC6 and found that silencing of HOXC6 made HCT116 and HT29 cells more sensitive to irinotecan.
A family harboring an MLKL loss of function variant implicates impaired necroptosis in diabetes
Authors: Hildebrand Joanne M. , Lo Bernice , Tomei Sara , Mattei Valentina , Young Samuel N. , Fitzgibbon Cheree , Murphy James M. , Fadda Abeer 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMaturity-onset diabetes of the young, MODY, is an autosomal dominant disease with incomplete penetrance. In a family with multiple generations of diabetes and several early onset diabetic siblings, we found the previously reported P33T PDX1 damaging mutation. Interestingly, this substitution was also present in a healthy sibling. In contrast, a second very rare heterozygous damaging mutation in the necroptosis terminal effector, MLKL, was found exclusively in the diabetic family members. Aberrant cell death by necroptosis is a cause of inflammatory diseases and has been widely implicated in human pathologies, but has not yet been attributed functions in diabetes. Here, we report that the MLKL substitution observed in diabetic patients, G316D, results in diminished phosphorylation by its upstream activator, the RIPK3 kinase, and no capacity to reconstitute necroptosis in two distinct MLKL−/− human cell lines. This MLKL mutation may act as a modifier to the P33T PDX1 mutation, and points to a potential role of impairment of necroptosis in diabetes. Our findings highlight the importance of family studies in unraveling MODY’s incomplete penetrance, and provide further support for the involvement of dysregulated necroptosis in human disease.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated mutagenesis of ClBG1 decreased seed size and promoted seed germination in watermelon
Authors: Wang Yanping , Wang Jinfang , Guo Shaogui , Tian Shouwei , Zhang Jie , Ren Yi , Li Maoying , Gong Guoyi , Zhang Haiying , Xu Yong 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) is a critical regulator of seed development and germination. β-glucosidases (BGs) have been suggested to be contributors to increased ABA content because they catalyze the hydrolysis of ABA-glucose ester to release free ABA. However, whether BGs are involved in seed development is unclear. In this study, a candidate gene,ClBG1, in watermelon was selected for targeted mutagenesis via the CRISPR/Cas9 system. Seed size and weight were significantly reduced in theClbg1-mutant watermelon lines, which was mainly attributed to decreased cell number resulting from decreased ABA levels. A transcriptome analysis showed that the expression of 1015 and 1429 unique genes was changed 10 and 18 days after pollination (DAP), respectively. Cytoskeleton- and cell cycle-related genes were enriched in the differentially expressed genes of wild type andClbg1-mutant lines during seed development. Moreover, the expression of genes in the major signaling pathways of seed size control was also changed. In addition, seed germination was promoted in theClbg1-mutant lines due to decreased ABA content. These results indicate thatClBG1may be critical for watermelon seed size regulation and germination mainly through the modulation of ABA content and thereby the transcriptional regulation of cytoskeleton-, cell cycle- and signaling-related genes. Our results lay a foundation for dissecting the molecular mechanisms of controlling watermelon seed size, a key agricultural trait of significant economic importance.
Venous thromboembolism is caused by prothrombin p.Arg541Trp mutation in Japanese individuals
Authors: Yamamoto Jumpei , Yamamoto Masaya , Takano Kozue , Okazaki Toru , Arakawa Reiko , Hara Hisao , Okazaki Atsuko , Takeuchi Fumihiko , Hiroi Yukio , Kato Norihiro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractVenous thromboembolism (VTE) is a multifactorial disease. Because low-frequency variants and rare mutations have been found to predispose carriers toward VTE, there is a need for variant discovery in clinical settings. Therefore, we used a whole-exome approach for a young VTE patient with a positive family history. We identified in the proband and his affected mother a rare, functional missense variant of prothrombin, p.Arg541Trp, which contributes to the clinical picture of VTE.
Structure of the complete, membrane-assembled COPII coat reveals a complex interaction network
Authors: Hutchings Joshua , Stancheva Viktoriya G. , Brown Nick R. , Cheung Alan C. M. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Zanetti Giulia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractCOPII mediates Endoplasmic Reticulum to Golgi trafficking of thousands of cargoes. Five essential proteins assemble into a two-layer architecture, with the inner layer thought to regulate coat assembly and cargo recruitment, and the outer coat forming cages assumed to scaffold membrane curvature. Here we visualise the complete, membrane-assembled COPII coat by cryo-electron tomography and subtomogram averaging, revealing the full network of interactions within and between coat layers. We demonstrate the physiological importance of these interactions using genetic and biochemical approaches. Mutagenesis reveals that the inner coat alone can provide membrane remodelling function, with organisational input from the outer coat. These functional roles for the inner and outer coats significantly move away from the current paradigm, which posits membrane curvature derives primarily from the outer coat. We suggest these interactions collectively contribute to coat organisation and membrane curvature, providing a structural framework to understand regulatory mechanisms of COPII trafficking and secretion.
Differential controls of MAIT cell effector polarization by mTORC1/mTORC2 via integrating cytokine and costimulatory signals
Authors: Tao Huishan , Pan Yun , Chu Shuai , Li Lei , Xie Jinhai , Wang Peng , Zhang Shimeng , Reddy Srija , Sleasman John W. , Zhong Xiao-Ping 
Published: April 2021

AbstractMucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells have important functions in immune responses against pathogens and in diseases, but mechanisms controlling MAIT cell development and effector lineage differentiation remain unclear. Here, we report that IL-2/IL-15 receptor β chain and inducible costimulatory (ICOS) not only serve as lineage-specific markers for IFN-γ-producing MAIT1 and IL-17A-producing MAIT17 cells, but are also important for their differentiation, respectively. Both IL-2 and IL-15 induce mTOR activation, T-bet upregulation, and subsequent MAIT cell, especially MAIT1 cell, expansion. By contrast, IL-1β induces more MAIT17 than MAIT1 cells, while IL-23 alone promotes MAIT17 cell proliferation and survival, but synergizes with IL-1β to induce strong MAIT17 cell expansion in an mTOR-dependent manner. Moreover, mTOR is dispensable for early MAIT cell development, yet pivotal for MAIT cell effector differentiation. Our results thus show that mTORC2 integrates signals from ICOS and IL-1βR/IL-23R to exert a crucial role for MAIT17 differentiation, while the IL-2/IL-15R-mTORC1-T-bet axis ensures MAIT1 differentiation.
Skeletal muscle transcriptome in healthy aging
Authors: Tumasian Robert A. , Harish Abhinav , Kundu Gautam , Yang Jen-Hao , Ubaida-Mohien Ceereena , Gonzalez-Freire Marta , Kaileh Mary , Zukley Linda M. , Chia Chee W. , Lyashkov Alexey , Wood William H. , Piao Yulan , Coletta Christopher , Ding Jun , Gorospe Myriam , Sen Ranjan , De Supriyo , Ferrucci Luigi 
Published: April 2021

AbstractAge-associated changes in gene expression in skeletal muscle of healthy individuals reflect accumulation of damage and compensatory adaptations to preserve tissue integrity. To characterize these changes, RNA was extracted and sequenced from muscle biopsies collected from 53 healthy individuals (22–83 years old) of the GESTALT study of the National Institute on Aging–NIH. Expression levels of 57,205 protein-coding and non-coding RNAs were studied as a function of aging by linear and negative binomial regression models. From both models, 1134 RNAs changed significantly with age. The most differentially abundant mRNAs encoded proteins implicated in several age-related processes, including cellular senescence, insulin signaling, and myogenesis. Specific mRNA isoforms that changed significantly with age in skeletal muscle were enriched for proteins involved in oxidative phosphorylation and adipogenesis. Our study establishes a detailed framework of the global transcriptome and mRNA isoforms that govern muscle damage and homeostasis with age.