bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Proteomic profiling of human uterine extracellular vesicles reveal dynamic regulation of key players of embryo implantation and fertility during menstrual cycle
Authors: Rai Alin , Poh Qi Hui , Fatmous Monique , Fang Haoyun , Gurung Shanti , Vollenhoven Beverley , Salamonsen Lois A. , Greening David W. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEndometrial extracellular vesicles (EVs) are emerging as important players in reproductive biology. However, how their proteome is regulated throughout the menstrual cycle is not known. Such information can provide novel insights into biological processes critical for embryo development, implantation, and successful pregnancy. Using mass spectrometry‐based quantitative proteomics, we show that small EVs (sEVs) isolated from uterine lavage of fertile women (UL‐sEV), compared to infertile women, are laden with proteins implicated in antioxidant activity (SOD1, GSTO1, MPO, CAT). Functionally, sEVs derived from endometrial cells enhance antioxidant function in trophectoderm cells. Moreover, there was striking enrichment of invasion‐related proteins (LGALS1/3, S100A4/11) in fertile UL‐sEVs in the secretory (estrogen plus progesterone‐driven, EP) versus proliferative (estrogen‐driven, E) phase, with several players downregulated in infertile UL‐sEVs. Consistent with this, sEVs from EP‐ versus E‐primed endometrial epithelial cells promote invasion of trophectoderm cells. Interestingly, UL‐sEVs from fertile versus infertile women carry known players/predictors of embryo implantation (PRDX2, IDHC), endometrial receptivity (S100A4, FGB, SERPING1, CLU, ANXA2), and implantation success (CAT, YWHAE, PPIA), highlighting their potential to inform regarding endometrial status/pregnancy outcomes. Thus, this study provides novel insights into proteome reprograming of sEVs and soluble secretome in uterine fluid, with potential to enhance embryo implantation and hence fertility.
Bandgaps in free‐standing monolayer TiO2: Ab initio diffusion quantum Monte Carlo study
Authors: Huang Xia , Zhang Hong , Cheng Xin‐Lu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIn this study, bandgap of the two‐dimensional (2D) TiO2, a transition‐metal oxide, was obtained by the diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method for the first time. This genuine 2D monolayer material that includes transition elements has been proven to be very challenging for reliable prediction of the bandgap. In order to improve the description of correlation effects, the DMC method was used to calculate the bandgaps of 2D‐TiO2 in α‐ and β‐phases, and the obtained results were compared with the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The DMC results obtained from the infinite periodic superlattices predict ∆f of the 2D‐TiO2 in the α‐ and β‐phases to be about 5.54(4) and 5.69(2) eV, respectively, indicating that the available DFT results significantly underestimated the bandgaps of 2D‐TiO2 nanosheets. Considering the recently reported linear scaling relationship between the bandgap ∆f and the exciton binding energy ∆e of 2D semiconductors, (∆e ≈ 0.28∆f), the optical bandgap ∆o was further predicted to be ~3.99 eV for the α‐phase TiO2, and it is consistent with the experimental value (~3.84 eV). The successful application of the quantum Monte Carlo (QMC) method on the 2D‐TiO2 systems implies that QMC may serve as a feasible tool to investigate the electronic properties of the freestanding 2D transition‐metal oxides.
Hematopoietic Stem Cell- and Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived CAR-NK Cells as Reliable Cell-Based Therapy Solutions
Authors: Arias Jonathan , Yu Jingwei , Varshney Mukesh , Inzunza Jose , Nalvarte Ivan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHematopoietic stem cell- (HSC) and induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived natural killer (NK) cells containing engineered functions, such as chimeric antigen receptors (CAR), offer great promise for the treatment of seemingly incurable oncological malignancies. Today, some of the main challenges of CAR cell-based therapeutics are the long manufacturing time and safety of the cell sources used. Additional challenges include avoiding graft vs host disease (GVHD) and cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Here, we show compelling evidence for the use of NK cell therapeutics as a reliable off-the-shelf option, as they address key issues. Furthermore, we highlight how iPS cells and directed differentiation toward HSC and NK cells address industrial scalability and safety.
Excited and exotic bottomonium spectroscopy from lattice QCD
Authors:   for the Hadron Spectrum Collaboration, Ryan Sinéad M. , Wilson David J. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We explore the spectrum of excited and exotic bottomonia using lattice QCD. Highly excited states are identified with masses up to 11,000 MeV, many of which can be grouped into supermultiplets matching those of the quark model while exotic spin-parity-charge-conjugation quantum numbers JPC = 0+−, 1−+, 2+− that cannot be formed from $$ \overline{q}q $$

q
¯

q
alone are also identified. Single-meson operator constructions are used that have good JPC in the continuum, these are found to overlap well onto heavy quark states up to J ≤ 4. A continuum JPC is assigned to each level, based on the distribution amongst lattice irreps and dominant operator overlaps. States with a dominant gluonic component are identified and form a hybrid supermultiplet with JPC = (0, 1, 2)−+, 1−−, approximately 1500 MeV above the ground-state ηb, similar to previous computations with light, strange and charm quark systems.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 consistent truncations from wrapped M5-branes
Authors: Cassani Davide , Josse Grégoire , Petrini Michela , Waldram Daniel 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
We discuss consistent truncations of eleven-dimensional supergravity on a six-dimensional manifold M, preserving minimal $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supersymmetry in five dimensions. These are based on GS ⊆ USp(6) structures for the generalised E6(6) tangent bundle on M, such that the intrinsic torsion is a constant GS singlet. We spell out the algorithm defining the full bosonic truncation ansatz and then apply this formalism to consistent truncations that contain warped AdS5×wM solutions arising from M5-branes wrapped on a Riemann surface. The generalised U(1) structure associated with the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 solution of Maldacena-Nuñez leads to five-dimensional supergravity with four vector multiplets, one hypermultiplet and SO(3) × U(1) × ℝ gauge group. The generalised structure associated with “BBBW” solutions yields two vector multiplets, one hypermultiplet and an abelian gauging. We argue that these are the most general consistent truncations on such backgrounds.
Calcium-alginate beads as a formulation for the application of entomopathogenic nematodes to control rootworms
Authors: Kim Jinwon , Hiltpold Ivan , Jaffuel Geoffrey , Sbaiti Ilham , Hibbard Bruce E. , Turlings Ted C. J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractEntomopathogenic nematodes (EPN) have great potential as biological control agents against root-feeding insects. They have a rapid and long-lasting mode of action, minimal adverse effects on the environment and can be readily mass-produced. However, they have a relatively short shelf-life and are susceptible to desiccation and UV light. These shortcomings may be overcome by encapsulating EPN in Ca2+-alginate hydrogels, which have been shown to provide a humid and UV protective shelter. Yet, current Ca2+-alginate formulations do not keep EPN vigorous and infectious for a prolonged period of time and do not allow for their controlled release upon application. Here, we introduce solid Ca2+-alginate beads which we supplemented with glycerol to better retain the EPN during storage and to ensure a steady release when applied in soil. Glycerol-induced metabolic arrest in EPN (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) resulting in quiescence and total retainment of EPN when added to beads made with 0.5% sodium alginate and 2% CaCl2·2H2O solutions. More than 4,000 EPN could be embedded in a single 4–5-mm diameter bead, and quiescence could be broken by adding water, after which the EPN readily emerged from the beads. In a field trial, the EPN beads were as effective in reducing root damage by the western corn rootworm (WCR, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera) as EPN that were applied in water. Although further improvements are desirable, we conclude that Ca2+-alginate beads can provide an effective and practical way to apply EPN for the control of WCR larvae.
Longitudinal CTCs gene expression analysis on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel reveals new potential prognosis markers
Authors: Pereira-Veiga Thais , González-Conde Miriam , León-Mateos Luis , Piñeiro-Cid Roberto , Abuín Carmen , Muinelo-Romay Laura , Martínez-Fernández Mónica , Brea Iglesias Jenifer , García González Jorge , Anido Urbano , Aguín-Losada Santiago , Cebey Víctor , Costa Clotilde , López-López Rafael 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCTCs have extensively been used for the monitoring and characterization of metastatic prostate cancer, but their application in the clinic is still very scarce. Besides, the resistance mechanisms linked to prostate cancer treatment remain unclear. Liquid biopsies represent the most promising alternative due to the complexity of biopsying bone metastasis and the duration of the disease. We performed a prospective longitudinal study in CTCs from 20 castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel. For that, we used CellSearch® technology and a custom gene expression panel with qRT-PCR using a CTCs negative enrichment approach. We found that CTCs showed a hybrid phenotype during the disease, where epithelial features were associated with the presence of ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood, while high relative expression of the gene MYCL was observed preferentially in the set of samples with < 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood. At baseline, patients whose CTCs had stem or hybrid features showed a later progression. After 1 cycle of docetaxel, high relative expression of ZEB1 indicated worse outcome, while KRT19 and KLK3 high expression could predisposed the patients to a worse prognosis at clinical progression. In the present work we describe biomarkers with clinical relevance for the prediction of early response or resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Besides, we question the utility of targeted isolated CTCs and the use of a limited number of markers to define the CTCs population.
Using Network Theory for Psychoeducation in Eating Disorders
Authors: Meier Marieke , Jansen Katrin , Summers Berta J. , Dreier Melissa J. , Farrell Nicholas R. , Buhlmann Ulrike 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Negative illness representations such as self-blame impede treatment-seeking behavior and therapy motivation in individuals with eating disorders (EDs). However, only one study so far has investigated how different explanatory models influence these beliefs in EDs. We aimed to expand these findings by introducing an explanatory model based on network theory (NT).

Methods
We presented three explanatory models to a diverse web-recruited sample (n = 290, 141 females, 149 males) with clinically elevated ED symptomatology. Participants either watched a video with a biological-genetic (BG), cognitive-behavioral (CB) or an NT explanatory model and were asked about illness representations before and after watching the video.

Results
The BG group showed significantly greater reductions in self-blame but a significant decrease in personal control and less optimistic expectation regarding timeline compared to the CB and NT groups. There were no group differences regarding the perception of the clinician, comprehensibility of the explanatory model and credibility of a CBT intervention.

Conclusions
Given the increasing popularity of biological-genetic explanatory models of EDs, it is important to note the disadvantages we found to be associated with these models. Our findings indicate that explanatory models emphasizing cognitive-behavioral (CB) principles and/or network theoretical (NT) underpinnings of EDs may serve to promote optimism and greater perceptions of personal agency in affected populations.
This trial's registration number is 316.
MicroRNA-384 inhibits nasopharyngeal carcinoma growth and metastasis via binding to Smad5 and suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin axis
Authors: Zeng Xinyu , Liao Huiqun , Wang Fusen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractNasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a major otorhinolaryngological disease with limited effective therapeutic options. This work focused on the function of microRNA-384 (miR-384) on the NPC pathogenesis and the molecules involved. miR-384 expression in cancer tissues and cells was detected. Gain- and loss-of-functions of miR-384 were performed to identify its role in NPC progression. The target mRNA of miR-384 was predicted on an online system and validated through a luciferase reporter assay. The activity of Wnt/β-catenin signaling was detected. Consequently, miR-384 was found to be poorly expressed in NPC tissues and cell lines and was linked to unfavorable survival rates in patients. Overexpression of miR-384 in 6-10B cells suppressed growth, migration, invasion and resistance to apoptosis of cells, but inverse trends were presented in C6661 cells where miR-384 was downregulated. miR-384 targeted Smad5 mRNA. Upregulation of Smad5 counteracted the roles of miR-384 mimic in cells. The NPC-inhibiting effects of miR-384 mimic were also blocked by Wnt/β-catenin activation. To conclude, miR-384 targets Smad5 and inactivates the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which exerts a suppressing role in NPC cell behaviors as well as tumor growth in vivo. The findings may offer novel thoughts into NPC therapy.
Towards Inquiry-Based Flipped Classroom Scenarios: a Design Heuristic and Principles for Lesson Planning
Authors: Schallert Stefanie , Lavicza Zsolt , Vandervieren Ellen 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe effectiveness of flipped classroom approaches can be improved by combining it with other pedagogical models such as inquiry-based learning. Implementing inquiry-based learning in flipped classroom scenarios requires teachers to plan arrangements for in- and out-of-class activities carefully. In this study, a design heuristic based on the 5E inquiry model was developed to support teachers’ practice of planning inquiry-based flipped classroom lessons. Following a design-based research approach, the design heuristic progressed through two cycles within 2 years. The design heuristic was implemented in both cycles in an online professional development course for secondary mathematics teachers. In the first cycle, 18 lesson plans were collected and analysed using the 5E lesson plan scoring instrument. Results showed that the design heuristic helped teachers to set up lesson plans for flipped classroom scenarios which were mostly in line with the 5E model. However, the evaluation phase was insufficiently addressed. Revision decisions were made at the end of the first cycle, and the design heuristic was revised and re-implemented in a second cycle. Results of the second cycle showed another 19 participating teachers who also struggled in choosing appropriate assessment techniques, an issue which could not be resolved with the proposed design heuristic. This paper describes the development of the design heuristic as well as relevant design principles for inquiry-based flipped classroom scenarios. The proposed design heuristic is not domain specific. Hence, further research could examine its use in other subjects or interdisciplinary as inquiry-based flipped classroom approaches are one of the emerging pedagogies.
Globally Optimal Point Set Registration by Joint Symmetry Plane Fitting
Authors: Hu Lan , Kneip Laurent 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe present work proposes a solution to the challenging problem of registering two partial point sets of the same object with very limited overlap. We leverage the fact that most objects found in man-made environments contain a plane of symmetry. By reflecting the points of each set with respect to the plane of symmetry, we can largely increase the overlap between the sets and therefore boost the registration process. However, prior knowledge about the plane of symmetry is generally unavailable or at least very hard to find, especially with limited partial views. Finding this plane could strongly benefit from a prior alignment of the partial point sets. We solve this chicken-and-egg problem by jointly optimizing the relative pose and symmetry plane parameters. We present a globally optimal solver by employing the branch-and-bound paradigm and thereby demonstrate that joint symmetry plane fitting leads to a great improvement over the current state of the art in globally optimal point set registration for common objects. We conclude with an interesting application of our method to dense 3D reconstruction of scenes with repetitive objects.
Inequalities in Frailty Among Older Turkish and Moroccan Immigrants and Native Dutch: Data from the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam
Authors: Hoogendijk Emiel O. , Muntinga Maaike E. , de Breij Sascha , Huisman Martijn , Klokgieters Silvia S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractVery few studies have investigated frailty among older immigrants in Europe. The aim of the current study was to investigate inequalities in frailty in young-olds related to gender, educational level and country of origin, as well as intersections between these characteristics. Cross-sectional data were used from older Turkish and Moroccan immigrants (n = 466) and native Dutch (n = 1,020), all aged 55–65 years and participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam. Frailty was assessed with a 30-item frailty index, based on the deficit accumulation approach. Frailty was higher among women, lower educated, and people with a migration background. Of all groups considered, frailty levels were the highest among Turkish immigrants. No statistically significant interaction effects between gender, educational level and country of origin were found. When targeting frailty interventions, special attention should be devoted to older immigrants, as they are the most vulnerable group with the highest frailty levels.
Dirac and normal states on Weyl–von Neumann algebras
Authors: Hörmann Günther 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe study particular classes of states on the Weyl algebra$$\mathcal {W}$$Wassociated with a symplectic vector spaceSand on the von Neumann algebras generated in representations of$$\mathcal {W}$$W. Applications in quantum physics require an implementation of constraint equations, e.g., due to gauge conditions, and can be based on the so-called Dirac states. The states can be characterized by nonlinear functions onS, and it turns out that those corresponding to non-trivial Dirac states are typically discontinuous. We discuss general aspects of this interplay between functions onSand states, but also develop an analysis for a particular example class of non-trivial Dirac states. In the last part, we focus on the specific situation with$$S = L^2(\mathbb {R}^n)$$S=L2(Rn)or test functions on$$\mathbb {R}^n$$Rnand relate properties of states on$$\mathcal {W}$$Wwith those of generalized functions on$$\mathbb {R}^n$$Rnor with harmonic analysis aspects of corresponding Borel measures on Schwartz functions and on temperate distributions.
On the Juridical Relevance of the Phenomenological Notion of Person in Max Scheler and Edith Stein
Authors: Galofaro Francesco 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paper presents a semiotic interpretation of the phenomenological debate on the notion of person, focusing in particular on Edmund Husserl, Max Scheler, and Edith Stein. The semiotic interpretation lets us identify the categories that orient the debate: collective/individual and subject/object. As we will see, the phenomenological analysis of the relation between person and social units such as the community, the association, and the mass shows similarities to contemporary socio-semiotic models. The difference between community, association, and mass provides an explanation for the establishment of legal systems. The notion of person we inherit from phenomenology can also be useful in facing juridical problems raised by the use of non-human decision-makers such as machine learning algorithms and artificial intelligence applications.
Decreased myelin content of the fornix predicts poorer memory performance beyond vascular risk, hippocampal volume, and fractional anisotropy in nondemented older adults
Authors: Bangen Katherine J. , Delano-Wood Lisa , Deoni Sean C. L. , Clark Alexandra L. , Evangelista Nicole D. , Hoffman Samantha N. , Sorg Scott F. , Holmqvist Sophia , Osuna Jessica , Weigand Alexandra J. , Jak Amy J. , Bondi Mark W. , Lamar Melissa 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAlterations to cerebral white matter tracts have been associated with cognitive decline in aging and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). In particular, the fornix has been implicated as especially vulnerable given that it represents the primary outflow tract of the hippocampus. Despite this, little work has focused on the fornix using a potential early marker of white matter degeneration—myelin water fraction (MWF; an in vivo marker of myelin content). Therefore, we sought to (1) clarify associations between MWF in the fornix and memory functioning, and (2) examine whether fornix MWF relates to memory performance above and beyond hippocampal volume and conventional imaging measures of white matter that may not be as specific to alterations in myelin content. Forty nondemented older adults (mean age = 72.9 years) underwent an MRI exam and neuropsychological assessment. Multicomponent driven equilibrium single pulse observation of T1 and T2 (mcDESPOT) was used to quantify fornix MWF and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) was used to measure fornix fractional anisotropy (FA). Adjusting for age, sex, education, and vascular risk factors, linear regression models revealed that, lower fornix MWF was significantly associated with poorer memory functioning (β = 0.405, p = .007) across our sample of older adults. Notably, fornix MWF remained a significant predictor of memory functioning (β = 0.380, p = .015) even after adjusting for fornix DTI FA and hippocampal volume (in addition to the above covariates). Given the observed associations between myelin and memory in older adults without dementia, MWF may be a useful early marker of dementia risk.
Development of a numerical compensation framework for geometrical deviations in bulk metal forming exploiting a surrogate model and computed compatible stresses
Authors: Scandola Lorenzo , Büdenbender Christoph , Till Michael , Maier Daniel , Ott Michael , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Volk Wolfram 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe optimal design of the tools in bulk metal forming is a crucial task in the early design phase and greatly affects the final accuracy of the parts. The process of tool geometry assessment is resource- and time-consuming, as it consists of experience-based procedures. In this paper, a compensation method is developed with the aim to reduce geometrical deviations in hot forged parts. In order to simplify the transition process between the discrete finite-element (FE) mesh and the computer-aided-design (CAD) geometry, a strategy featuring an equivalent surrogate model is proposed. The deviations are evaluated on a reduced set of reference points on the nominal geometry and transferred to the FE nodes. The compensation approach represents a modification of the displacement-compatible spring-forward method (DC-SF), which consists of two elastic FE analyses. The compatible stress originating the deviations is estimated and subsequently applied to the original nominal geometry. After stress relaxation, an updated nominal geometry of the part is obtained, whose surfaces represent the compensated tools. The compensation method is verified by means of finite element simulations and the robustness of the algorithm is demonstrated with an additional test geometry. Finally, the compensation strategy is validated experimentally.