bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Shared Dorsal Periaqueductal Gray Activation Patterns during Exposure to Innate and Conditioned Threats
Authors: Reis Fernando M.C.V. , Liu Jinhan , Schuette Peter J. , Lee Johannes Y. , Maesta-Pereira Sandra , Chakerian Meghmik , Wang Weisheng , Canteras Newton S. , Kao Jonathan C. , Adhikari Avishek 
Published: April 2021

The brainstem dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) has been widely recognized as being a vital node orchestrating the responses to innate threats. Intriguingly, recent evidence also shows that the dPAG mediates defensive responses to fear conditioned contexts. However, it is unknown whether the dPAG displays independent or shared patterns of activation during exposure to innate and conditioned threats. It is also unclear how dPAG ensembles encode and predict diverse defensive behaviors. To address this question, we used miniaturized microscopes to obtain recordings of the same dPAG ensembles during exposure to a live predator and a fear conditioned context in male mice. dPAG ensembles encoded not only distance to threat, but also relevant features, such as predator speed and angular offset between mouse and threat. Furthermore, dPAG cells accurately encoded numerous defensive behaviors, including freezing, stretch-attend postures, and escape. Encoding of behaviors and of distance to threat occurred independently in dPAG cells. dPAG cells also displayed a shared representation to encode these behaviors and distance to threat across innate and conditioned threats. Last, we also show that escape could be predicted by dPAG activity several seconds in advance. Thus, dPAG activity dynamically tracks key kinematic and behavioral variables during exposure to threats, and exhibits similar patterns of activation during defensive behaviors elicited by innate or conditioned threats. These data indicate that a common pathway may be recruited by the dPAG during exposure to a wide variety of threat modalities.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe dorsal periaqueductal gray (dPAG) is critical to generate defensive behaviors during encounters with threats of multiple modalities. Here we use longitudinal calcium transient recordings of dPAG ensembles in freely moving mice to show that this region uses shared patterns of activity to represent distance to an innate threat (a live predator) and a conditioned threat (a shock grid). We also show that dPAG neural activity can predict diverse defensive behaviors. These data indicate the dPAG uses conserved population-level activity patterns to encode and coordinate defensive behaviors during exposure to both innate and conditioned threats.
Primary Neural Degeneration in Noise-Exposed Human Cochleas: Correlations with Outer Hair Cell Loss and Word-Discrimination Scores
Authors: Wu Pei-Zhe , O'Malley Jennifer T. , de Gruttola Victor , Liberman M. Charles 
Published: April 2021

Animal studies suggest that cochlear nerve degeneration precedes sensory cell degeneration in both noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) and age-related hearing loss (ARHL), producing a hearing impairment that is not reflected in audiometric thresholds. Here, we investigated the histopathology of human ARHL and NIHL by comparing loss of auditory nerve fibers (ANFs), cochlear hair cells and the stria vascularis in a group of 52 cases with noise-exposure history against an age-matched control group. Although strial atrophy increased with age, there was no effect of noise history. Outer hair cell (OHC) loss also increased with age throughout the cochlea but was unaffected by noise history in the low-frequency region (<2 kHz), while greatly exacerbated at high frequencies (≥2 kHz). Inner hair cell (IHC) loss was primarily seen at high frequencies but was unaffected by noise at either low or high frequencies. ANF loss was substantial at all cochlear frequencies and was exacerbated by noise throughout. According to a multivariable regression model, this loss of neural channels contributes to poor word discrimination among those with similar audiometric threshold losses. The histopathological patterns observed also suggest that, whereas the low-frequency OHC loss may be an unavoidable consequence of aging, the high-frequency loss, which produces the classic down-sloping audiogram of ARHL, may be partially because of avoidable ear abuse, even among those without a documented history of acoustic overexposure.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAs regenerative therapeutics in sensorineural hearing loss enter clinical trials, it becomes critical to infer which cochlear pathologies are present in addition to hair cell loss. Here, by analyzing human autopsy material, we show that acoustic injury accelerates age-related primary neural degeneration, but not strial degeneration, neither of which can be inferred from audiometric thresholds. It exacerbates outer hair cell (OHC) loss only in the high-frequency half of the cochlea, suggesting that the apical loss is age-related, whereas the basal loss is partially noise induced, and therefore avoidable. Statistical analysis suggests that neural loss helps explain differences in word-recognition ability among individuals with similar audiometric thresholds. The surprising correlation between neural loss and OHC loss in the cochlea's speech region also implicates neural loss in the well-known decline in word scores as thresholds deteriorate with age.
Nonlinear Site Effects from the 30 November 2018 Anchorage, Alaska, Earthquake
Authors: Thornley John D. , Dutta Utpal , Douglas John , Yang Zhaohui (Joey) 
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACTAnchorage, Alaska, is a natural laboratory for recording strong ground motions from a variety of earthquake sources. The city is situated in a tectonic region that includes the interface and intraslab earthquakes related to the subducting Pacific plate and crustal earthquakes from the upper North American plate. The generalized inversion technique was used with a local rock reference station to develop site response at &gt;20 strong-motion stations in Anchorage. A database of 94 events recorded at these sites from 2005 to 2019 was also compiled and processed to compare their site response with those in the 2018 Mw 7.1 event (main event). The database is divided into three datasets, including 75 events prior to the main event, the main event, and 19 aftershocks. The stations were subdivided into the site classes defined in the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program based on estimated average shear-wave velocity in of the upper 30 m (VS30), and site-response results from the datasets were compared. Nonlinear site response was observed at class D and DE sites (VS30 of 215–300 and 150–215  m/s, respectively) but not at class CD and C sites (VS30 of 300–440 and 440–640  m/s, respectively). The relationship of peak ground acceleration versus peak ground velocity divided by VS30 (shear-strain proxy) was shown to further support the observation that sites with lower VS30 experienced nonlinear site response.
Micronutrients and Infection with COVID-19: A Critical Mini-Review
Authors: Yaghtin Zahra , Webb Richard , Khayyatzadeh Sayyed Saeid 
Published: April 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been the cause of a global pandemic. Given the impact of nutritional status upon immune function, it is crucial to understand the relationship between micronutrient intake and severity of the disease. This mini-review aimed to summarize the known associations between specific micronutrients (vitamin A, D, E, C and zinc, selenium and magnesium) and the health of coronavirus-infected patients. Low serum levels of these micronutrients are associated with the incidence and severity of SARS-CoV-2. However, further studies are needed to evaluate the outcomes of supplementation with these nutrients.
The Effect of Green Coffee Consumption on High Blood Pressure
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Mahdieh , Pakravanfar Fatemeh , Hosseinzadeh Elham , Khosravi Maryam 
Published: April 2021

Background: Hypertension is a major risk factor for the development of coronary, cerebrovascular, and peripheral vascular diseases, which lead to myocardial infarction, stroke, and vascular death. Green coffee extract is particularly producer a great deal of chlorogenic acids (CGA) that may reduce the risk of high blood pressure. Therefore, the target of the study was to summarize the available publications on the effect of green coffee consumption on high blood pressure.
Methods: The systematic review was done with a search in PubMed-Medline and Scopus. The search strategy included keywords related to blood pressure and green coffee. Inclusion criteria were randomized controlled clinical trials conducted on people aged between 18 and 70 years. The publication date of articles was from 2004 to 2018. Exclusion criteria were articles not published in English.
Results: We discussed five articles that included our criteria. Green coffee had moderate effects on high blood pressure. It sounds that the effect of green coffee on reducing blood pressure is because of its phenolic compounds, as well as caffeine and chlorogenic acids, coffee’s roasting status, participants’ ethnicity, and even gender.
Conclusion: Green coffee intake for a long time might moderately decrease blood pressure. However, there is still a need for further clinical trials.
Household Food Security and Nutritional Status of Under-Five-Year Children: A Case Study of Nepal
Authors: Paudel Ajaya , Ram Bhandari Tulsi , Bahadur Dangi Nim 
Published: April 2021

Background: Food security refers to accessing to desirable, nutritious, and healthy foods to live a healthy and productive life. Household food insecurity is an underlying cause of malnutrition in children. In this study, the household food security and its influence on the nutritional status of under-five year children were investigated.
Methods: A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from August to November 2019 in Syangja district of Nepal. Of six rural municipalities of the district, Phedikhola Rural Municipality was selected using the lottery method. We found 905 eligible households that have an under-five year child. A total of 289 children entered the study after considering the 40% overall prevalence rate of malnutrition among children under five years of age. Data were collected proportionately from each ward considering the health status and anthropometric measurements of children and household food security using a structured interview schedule and the Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Descriptive statistics and chi-square tests were applied to assess the situation and determine the association.
Results: Food insecurity was observed in more than half (52.3%) of the households. Food insecurity was associated (P < 0.001) with the socioeconomic status of the family. Prevalence of stunting (height-for-age), underweight, and wasting (weight-for-height) in children were 28.7%, 20.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Food security, exclusive breastfeeding, and initiation time of complementary feeding were significantly associated with wasting and underweight (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Food insecurity and under-five year malnutrition were highly frequent in the study areas. The improvement of educational, occupational, and economic conditions of the households may be a solution to this problem.
Preservation of the Tenon’s capsule and Sub-Tenon’s space after the autologous limbal-conjunctival transplantation in pterygium surgery
Authors: VIDAL FERNANDA Santos , Cronemberger Sebastião , Massote José Aloísio 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Background No previous studies have evaluated the scarring of the conjunctiva and Tenon’s capsule (TC) separately when only the conjunctiva is removed, and TC is preserved in the upper part of the bulb: the site designated for trabeculectomy. Thus, this cohort interventional study aims to investigate the scarring of the donor area after autologous limbal-conjunctival transplantation (ALCT) using anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Methods Twenty-three eyes with pterygium were submitted to resection and local reconstruction with ALCT. AS-OCT images obtained from each eye preoperatively served as postoperative control. ALCT was removed superiorly with preservation of TC. The cure of this donor area occurred by secondary intention. AS-OCT was performed preoperatively and 30 and 180 days postoperatively in the donor area, measuring the thickness of the conjunctiva (epithelium and stroma) and TC. The sub-Tenon’s space (STS) was clinically assessed. Results The mean thickness of the conjunctival epithelium was 48.04 ± 11.37µm in the preoperative period and 51.87±15.04µm 180 days after surgery, without statistically significant difference (P=0.282). A statistically significant increase (P=0.005) in the mean thickness of the conjunctival stroma, from 85.35±23.10µm in the preoperative period to 101.61±20.19µm 180 days after surgery was found. TC had no significant changes, slightly increasing from 117.13±24.26µm preoperatively to 118.09±19.24µm (P=0.808) 180 days after surgery. STS was found in 19 (82%) eyes 180 days after surgery. Conclusions Following ALCT with TC preservation, scarring took place in the conjunctiva, epithelium, and stroma. The TC and the STS were preserved not showing any significant changes.
DFT study of new organic materials based on PEDOT and 4-[2-(2-N, N-dihydroxy amino thiophene) vinyl] benzanamine
Authors: Mveme Côme Damien Désiré , Nya Fridolin Tchangnwa , Ejuh Geh Wilson , Malloum Alhadji , Conradie Jeanet , Ndjaka Jean Marie Bienvenu 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the present study, we theoretically determine the optoelectronic, electronic, nonlinear optical (NLO) and thermodynamic properties of new materials from the conjugated polymer poly (3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) doped with halogens (Fluorine and Chlorine) combined with the organic semiconductor 4-[2-(2-N, N-dihydroxy amino thiophene) vinyl] benzamine (DATVB). The molecular geometry of the ground state, the optoelectronics and electronics parameters have been calculated by combining the 6-311++G (d, p) basis set with functionals of the density functional theory (DFT). The functionals B3LYP and the CAM-B3LYP have been used for NLO parameters. The energy gaps obtains for all the compounds are less than 3.0 eV. These results clearly show that PEDOT and its derivatives can be considerated as good semiconductors. They can be tested for use in the manufacture of organic solar cells (OSC) and organic light emitting diodes (OLED). The first order hyperpolarisabilities of these PEDOT hybrid compounds are much higher than those of the reference compound for NLO applications, namely para-nitroaniline (p-NA), which opens up a new field of application of PEDOT in NLO devices. The thermodynamic parameters such as the zero point vibrational energy (ZPVE), the enthalpy (H), the heat capacity at constant volume (Cv), the entropy (S) and the free energy (G) have been calculated and reported herein.
Corneal Imaging and Densitometry Measurements in Patients with Fuchs' Dystrophy Undergoing Penetrating Keratoplasty and Descemet's Striping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Alzahrani Khaled , Brahma Arun , Carley Fiona , Hillarby M. Chantal 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Aims:In the present study, we used the densitometry software from the Oculus Pentacam to compare postoperative corneal clarity between penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty (DSAEK) in patients with Fuchs' dystrophy.Methods:A retrospective comparative study was carried out at Manchester Royal Eye Hospital. In 28 patients with Fuchs' dystrophy, corneal densitometry measurements were performed 12–18 months after corneal transplantation. The correlations of the densitometry measurements with the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central corneal thickness (CCT) were analysed and compared between eyes that underwent PK and those that underwent DSAEKResults:Corneal densitometry measurements in the 33 eyes showed no significant differences between the PK and DSAEK post-surgery groups. There was no significant correlation between CCT and corneal densitometry measurements in either group (P > 0.05 in both cases). After DSAEK, corneal densitometry measurements were significantly correlated with BCVA in the central (P = 0.01), posterior (P = 0.007), and full-depth (P = 0.008) 0–2 mm zones of the cornea but not in PK group. The postoperative CCT was significantly different between the two groups (P˂0.01).Conclusion:The two types of corneal transplantation resulted in different outcomes in terms of corneal densitometry measurements. Improved visual acuity after DSAEK was found to positively correlate with improvements in corneal clarity. Oculus Pentacam provides an objective evaluation tool to monitor corneal status after surgery.
Trade, Energy Consumption, Economic Growth and Ecological Quality: An Empirical Evidence from D-8 and G-7 Countries
Authors: Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Asghar Naveed 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
While pursuing sustainable growth there is a need to inculcate the procedure of a sustainable environment for coming generations. This study investigates the association between carbon dioxide emissions (CO2) and gross domestic product (GDP), disaggregate and aggregate energy usage, trade, using yearly data for the time component of 1980–2019 for D-8 and G-7 countries. The study employs second-generation unit root tests namely cross sectionally augmented Dickey Fuller (CADF) and cross sectionally augmented IPS (CIPS). Further, Kao, Pedroni, and Westerlund cointegration tests are employed to test for cointegration. To estimate models, fully modified least squares (FMOLS), dynamic ordinary least squares (DOLS) and heterogeneous panel estimators (MG, AMG, CCEMG, DCCEMG) are used. Finally, to verify the causality among the study variables the Dumitrescu and Hurlin, (2012) causality test is used. The findings of the study reveal that income, aggregate, and disaggregate energy consumptions (oil, coal, gas), and trade exacerbate ecological quality in D-8 countries while income and trade improve it in G-7 economies. However, oil, coal, and gas usage are detrimental for ecological quality in G-7 economies. The study validates an inverted U-shaped environmental Kuznets curve in D-8 while U-shaped in G-7 countries. It is recommended that both groups of countries need to adopt green strategies and sustainable patterns for growth and development.
Deciphering the molecular pathogenesis behind neurological manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 and drug repurposing, a systems biology approach
Authors: Mozafar Maryam , Mirmotalebisohi Seyed Amir , Sameni Marzieh , Dehghan Zeinab , Khazaei-Poul Yalda , Sepehrizadeh Zargham , Faramarzi Mohammad Ali , Shahverdi Ahmad Reza , zali hakimeh 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
Introduction: As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads worldwide, reports about the neurological complications of SARS-CoV-2 are excessively increasing. However, there is still insufficient high-throughput data on neuronal cells infected with SARS-CoV-2 to help predict its neural pathogenesis. HCoV-OC43 is another member of the beta coronavirus family that has confirmed neuro-invasive effects and has available neural omics data. This study predicts the critical genes, biological processes, and pathways mediating in SARS-CoV-2 neurological manifestations using a systems biology approach.Method: We retrieved raw data related to SARS-CoV-2 and HCoV-OC43 infections from gene expression omnibus datasets (GSE147507 and GSE13879 respectively). We constructed gene regulatory networks for both infections, detected significant regulatory motifs by FANMOD software, and created their subnetworks. We also constructed PPI networks and identified the MCODE clusters. In the intersection of merged subnetworks of two viruses, the most critical genes were verified in GRN & PPI networks. We drug-repurposed for the selected target genes and performed the functional enrichment analysis using DAVID and String databases.Results: Some of the top KEGG pathway results included NF-kappa B, Toll-like receptor, NOD-like receptor, MAPK, and Neurotrophin signaling pathways. The most essential identified genes included IL6, TNF, HOXA5, POU2F2, ITGB3, STAT1, YY1, E2F6, ESR1, FOXO3, FOXO1, MEF2A, ATF3, ATF4, DDIT3, TCF4, BCL2L2, and BMP4. These genes were also involved in mechanisms of other viral infections of the nervous system. This study repurposes nine medicines with effects on COVID-19 neurological complications. Some of the repurposed drugs were previously registered in clinical trials for COVID-19 treatment.Conclusion: We recommended some identified crucial genes and medications to investigate further their potential role in treating COVID-19 neurological complications.
Distribution and Functional Analysis of the Two Types of 8-vinyl Reductase Involved in Chlorophyll Biosynthesis in Marine Cyanobacteria
Authors: Suehiro Haruka , Tanaka Ryouichi , Ito Hisashi 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
In the chlorophyll biosynthesis pathway, the 8-vinyl group of the chlorophyll precursor is reduced to an ethyl group by 8-vinyl reductase. Two isozymes of 8-vinyl reductase have been described in oxygenic photosynthetic organisms: one encoded by BciA and another by BciB. Only BciB contains an [Fe-S] cluster and most cyanobacteria harbor this form; whereas a few contain BciA. Given this disparity in distribution, cyanobacterial BciA has remained largely overlooked, which has limited understanding of chlorophyll biosynthesis in these microorganisms. Here, we reveal that cyanobacterial BciA encodes a functional 8-vinyl reductase, as evidenced by measuring the in vitro activity of recombinant Synechococcus and Acaryochloris BciA. Genomic comparison revealed that BciB had been replaced by BciA during evolution of the marine cyanobacterium Synechococcus, and coincided with replacement of Fe-superoxide dismutase (SOD) with Ni-SOD. These findings imply that the acquisition of BciA confers an adaptive advantage to cyanobacteria living in low-iron oceanic environments.
Computed tomography-based assessment of radiographic progression in spine and sacroiliac joints after pregnancy in women with ankylosing spondylitis
Authors: Lee Kyung-Ann , Lee So Yun , Kim Se Hee , Kim Hyun-Sook , Kim Hae-Rim , Lee Sang-Hoon 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
We aimed to investigate whether pregnancy affects radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) based on computed tomography (CT) evaluations. This retrospective study included women with AS aged 19–49 years who underwent at least two CT evaluations of the whole spine or sacroiliac joints (SIJs) at intervals of 2–4 years. The delivery group was restricted to women who had the first CT ~ 2 years before delivery and the second CT ~ 2 years after delivery. The CT Syndesmophyte Score (CTSS) (0-522) and SIJ scores (0–40) were used to radiographic progression. A total of 21 women in the delivery group and 38 women in the controls were included. The median (Q1-Q3) CTSS at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 19 (16–23) and 20 (13.25–27.75), and the median progression was 1 (0–3) and 0 (0–1) during the median 2.9-year follow-up, respectively. The median SIJ score at baseline in the delivery group and controls was 13 (8–22) and 11 (6–22), and the median progression was 1.5 (0–3) and 1 (0–2), respectively. The CTSS and SIJ scores significantly increased in both groups; however, no difference in absolute score changes per time-point was observed. Pregnancy do not affect the radiographic progression in AS.