bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A novel transcriptional risk score for risk prediction of complex human diseases
Authors: Shan Nayang , Xie Yuhan , Song Shuang , Jiang Wei , Wang Zuoheng , Hou Lin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecently polygenetic risk score (PRS) has been successfully used in the risk prediction of complex human diseases. Many studies incorporated internal information, such as effect size distribution, or external information, such as linkage disequilibrium, functional annotation, and pleiotropy among multiple diseases, to optimize the performance of PRS. To leverage on multiomics datasets, we developed a novel flexible transcriptional risk score (TRS), in which messenger RNA expression levels were imputed and weighted for risk prediction. In simulation studies, we demonstrated that single‐tissue TRS has greater prediction power than LDpred, especially when there is a large effect of gene expression on the phenotype. Multitissue TRS improves prediction accuracy when there are multiple tissues with independent contributions to disease risk. We applied our method to complex traits, including Crohn's disease, type 2 diabetes, and so on. The single‐tissue TRS method outperformed LDpred and AnnoPred across the tested traits. The performance of multitissue TRS is trait‐dependent. Moreover, our method can easily incorporate information from epigenomic and proteomic data upon the availability of reference datasets.
Optimal design of on‐scalp electromagnetic sensor arrays for brain source localisation
Authors: Beltrachini Leandro , von Ellenrieder Nicolas , Eichardt Roland , Haueisen Jens 
Published: July 2021

AbstractOptically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) are quickly widening the scopes of noninvasive neurophysiological imaging. The possibility of placing these magnetic field sensors on the scalp allows not only to acquire signals from people in movement, but also to reduce the distance between the sensors and the brain, with a consequent gain in the signal‐to‐noise ratio. These advantages make the technique particularly attractive to characterise sources of brain activity in demanding populations, such as children and patients with epilepsy. However, the technology is currently in an early stage, presenting new design challenges around the optimal sensor arrangement and their complementarity with other techniques as electroencephalography (EEG). In this article, we present an optimal array design strategy focussed on minimising the brain source localisation error. The methodology is based on the Cramér‐Rao bound, which provides lower error bounds on the estimation of source parameters regardless of the algorithm used. We utilise this framework to compare whole head OPM arrays with commercially available electro/magnetoencephalography (E/MEG) systems for localising brain signal generators. In addition, we study the complementarity between EEG and OPM‐based MEG, and design optimal whole head systems based on OPMs only and a combination of OPMs and EEG electrodes for characterising deep and superficial sources alike. Finally, we show the usefulness of the approach to find the nearly optimal sensor positions minimising the estimation error bound in a given cortical region when a limited number of OPMs are available. This is of special interest for maximising the performance of small scale systems to ad hoc neurophysiological experiments, a common situation arising in most OPM labs.
Performance management systems and multinational enterprises: Where we are and where we should go
Authors: DeNisi Angelo , Murphy Kevin , Varma Arup , Budhwar Pawan 
Published: July 2021

AbstractIn this comprehensive summary, we take a critical look at the state of performance management systems in multinational enterprises, summarizing what we have learned to this point, and speculating on where the field should go. We specifically address four challenges (i) can performance really be managed? (ii) if so, how do we go about doing this? (iii) the need to balance consistency across locations with the need to accommodate unique realities of individual locations, and (iv) addressing the different employee profiles ‐ i.e., expatriates vs. host country nationals. In terms of what we have learned to this point, we believe that global organizations need to pay more attention to (i) performance context, (ii) ratee reactions, and (iii) rater motivation, as these are integral to successful performance management. On the other hand, they might re‐consider and re‐visit the amount of time and energy spent on factors such as (i) appraisal forms and (ii) rater training, as these may not be serving any useful purpose. We next discuss the unique challenges faced by multinational enterprises, including (i) the type of strategy a corporation might employ (Bartlett & Ghoshal, 1998), (ii) the different cultures of the nations where the organization operates (Hofstede et al., 2010), and (iii) managing the performance of expatriates (Toh & DeNisi, 2007). Looking ahead, we would like to remind multinational corporations (and all other corporations) that culture and context matter, but these must be addressed in concert with the need to treat all employees fairly and consistently. We conclude by proposing several research ideas, including the need to explore the potential role of host country nationals in the performance management process for multinational enterprises.
Pregnancy care in solid organ transplant recipients
Authors: Kallapur Aneesh , Jang Christine , Yin Ophelia , Mei Jenny Y. , Afshar Yalda 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRecipients of solid organ transplants who become pregnant represent an obstetrically high‐risk population. Preconception planning and effective contraception tailored to the individual patient are critical in this group. Planned pregnancies improve both maternal and neonatal outcomes and provide a window of opportunity to mitigate risk and improve lifelong health. Optimal management of these pregnancies is not well defined. Common pregnancy complications after transplantation include hypertension, preterm birth, infection, and metabolic disease. Multidisciplinary preconception and prepartum management, and counseling decrease complications and benefit the maternal‐neonatal dyad.
Delineating papillary dermis around basal cell carcinomas by high and ultrahigh resolution optical coherence tomography—A pilot study
Authors: Møller Israelsen Niels , Mogensen Mette , Jensen Mikkel , Haedersdal Merete , Bang Ole 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBedside diagnosis of skin cancer remains a challenging task. The real‐time noninvasive technology of optical coherence tomography (OCT) masters a high diagnostic accuracy in basal cell carcinoma (BCC) but a lower specificity in recognizing imitators and other carcinomas. We investigate the delicate signal of papillary dermis using an in‐house developed ultrahigh resolution OCT (UHR‐OCT) system with shadow compensation and a commercial multi‐focus high resolution OCT (HR‐OCT) system for clinical BCC imaging. We find that the HR‐OCT system struggled to resolve the dark band signal of papillary dermis where the UHR‐OCT located this in all cases and detected changes in signal width. UHR‐OCT is able to monitor extension and position of papillary dermis suggesting a novel feature for delineating superficial BCCs in pursuit of a fast accurate diagnosis. Comprehensive studies involving more patients are imperative in order to corroborate results.
Visible light–induced cross‐linking of porcine pericardium for the improvement of endothelialization, anti‐tearing, and anticalcification properties
Authors: Yang Fan , Xu Liangpeng , Guo Gaoyang , Wang Yunbing 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPopulation aging and the development of transcatheter aortic valve replacement boost the implantation of bioprosthetic heart valves (BHVs) in patients worldwide. However, the traditional glutaraldehyde cross‐linked BHVs fail within 12–15 years mainly due to leaflet tear and calcification defects. In this study, a novel visible light–induced cross‐linking of the porcine pericardium (PP) was realized by the photo‐oxidation of the furfuryl‐modified PP in the presence of Rose Bengal. The resulting material showed comparable collagen stability with the glutaraldehyde cross‐linked PP and appropriate biomechanical properties such as tensile strength, modulus, and elongation, suggesting that this material could meet the general requirement for BHVs. Besides, this cross‐linked PP showed significantly improved cytocompatibility compared with the Glut–cross‐linked PP, with no cytotoxicity to L929 cells and the ability to support HUVECgrowth. Meanwhile, this material showed superior anti‐tearing performance and much less calcification than the Glut–cross‐linked PP in hope of reducing the risk of BHV failure. Considering these results, the visible light–induced cross‐linking method proposed in this study could provide a promising way to construct a biocompatible and robust biomaterial for the fabrication of the BHV.
Association of systemic antibody response against polyethylene terephthalate with inflammatory serum cytokine profile following implantation of differently coated vascular prostheses in a rat animal model
Authors: Köhler Ronny , Pohl Christopher , Walschus Uwe , Zippel Roland , Wilhelm Lutz , Hoene Andreas , Patrzyk Maciej , Schlosser Michael 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExperimental studies demonstrated antibodies against matrix and coating of polyester‐based vascular prostheses. Thus, this study examined associations of these antibodies with serum cytokines (IL‐2, IL‐4, and IL‐10) and local inflammatory reactions. Rats (n = 8/group) intramuscularly received prosthesis segments [PET‐C, PET‐G, and PET‐A groups: polyethylene terephthalate (PET)‐based prostheses coated with bovine collagen and gelatin or human serum albumin, respectively; uncoated polytetrafluoroethylene‐based (PTFE) prosthesis], with sham‐operated controls. Blood was drawn pre‐operatively and weekly until day 22. Polymer‐specific or coating‐specific antibodies and cytokines were detected by enzyme immunoassays, inflammatory reactions were immunohistochemically evaluated on day 23. Polymer‐specific antibodies were detected in all PET‐groups using uncoated PET as antigenic target, but not for PTFE or controls, coating‐specific antibodies only for PET‐A. IL‐10 was increased in all PET‐groups and correlated with polymer‐specific antibodies for PET‐G and PET‐A. IL‐2 was increased for PET‐A, but overall correlated with PET‐specific antibodies. IL‐4 remained unchanged in all groups. Intense local inflammatory reactions (ED1+/ED2+macrophages and T lymphocytes) were found within all PET‐groups, but only minor for PTFE or controls. In conclusion, PET‐specific antibodies were associated with increased IL‐10 and along with concurrent coating‐specific antibodies also with increased IL‐2, indicating a specific T cell response. Thus, matrix and/or coating of polymeric vascular prostheses elicit distinct systemic immune reactions, probably influencing local inflammatory reactions.
Role of bioglass in enamel remineralization: Existing strategies and future prospects—A narrative review
Authors: Ramadoss Ramya , Padmanaban Rajashree , Subramanian Balakumar 
Published: July 2021

AbstractEnamel, once formed, loses the ability to regenerate due to the loss of the formative ameloblasts. It is subjected to constant damaging events due to exposure to external agents and oral microbiomes. An enamel remineralization process targets to replenish the lost ionic component of the enamel through a multitude of methods. Enamel remineralization is highly challenging as it has a complex organized hierarchical microstructure. Hydroxyapatite nanocrystals of the enamel vary in size and orientation along alignment planes inside the enamel rod. The inability of the enamel to remodel unlike other mineralized tissues is another substantial deterrent. One of the well‐known biomaterials, bioglass (BG) induces apatite formation on the external surface of the enamel in the presence of saliva or other physiological fluids. Calcium, sodium, phosphate, and silicate ions in BG become responsive in the presence of body fluids, leading to the precipitation of calcium phosphate. Studies have also demonstrated the bactericidal potential of BG against Streptococcus mutans biofilms. The anticariogenicity and antibacterial activity were found to be enhanced when BG was doped with inorganic ions such as F, Ag, Mg, Sr, and Zn. Due to the versatility of BG, it has been combined with a variety of agents such as chitosan, triclosan, and amelogenin to biomimic remineralization process. Key strategies that can aid in the development of contemporary enamel remineralization agents are also included in this review.
The mechanism of sorbitol dehydration in hot acidic solutions
Authors: Kondo Tomomi , Sasaki Takehiko , Shiga Motoyuki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractSugar alcohol dehydration in hot water is an important reaction that allows for environmentally friendly biomass conversion without the use of organic solvents. Here, we report a free‐energy analysis by metadynamics (MTD) simulations based on ab initio density functional theory and semiempirical density‐functional tight‐binding method to understand the mechanism of dehydration reactions of d‐sorbitol (SBT) in hot acidic water. Comparing the results of ab initio and semiempirical MTD, it was found that the latter gives a reliable free energy surface of SBT dehydration reaction, although the results vary upon the inclusion of dispersion correction. It was found that the reaction proceeds consistently via an SN2 mechanism, whereby the free energy of protonation of the hydroxyl group created as an intermediate is affected by the acidic species. This mechanism was further verified by real‐time trajectories started from the transition state using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. The free energy barriers of the reaction pathways leading to five‐membered ether products are lower than those leading to six‐membered ether products, in agreement with experiment. This outcome can be ascribed, in part, to our finding that the reaction barrier of the pathway is correlated to the stability of the SBT confined conformation at the initial stage of the reaction.
Multilocus sequence typing analysis and second‐generation sequencing analysis of Salmonella Wandsworth
Authors: Zhang Chunling , Wang Yichao , Lu Yutian , Xu Xuebin 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBackgroundSalmonella Wandsworth is a rare serotype of Salmonella. This study analyzed the genotyping, genome structure, and molecular biological functions of Salmonella Wandsworth based on the results of multilocus sequence typing and next‐generation sequencing genome assembly analysis.MethodsSerological typing was performed using the slide‐agglutination method. The micro broth dilution method was used to test antibiotic susceptibility. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was used to perform the homology analysis, while the second‐generation sequencing genome analysis was used to analyze the whole genome of the bacteria.ResultsSalmonella Wandsworth is Group Q Salmonella. The MLST of this strain was ST1498. Salmonella Wandsworth was sensitive to antibiotics, such as ceftriaxone, imipenem, chloramphenicol, and colistin, but was resistant to ampicillin, cefalotin, gentamicin, and ciprofloxacin. The second‐generation sequencing results showed that the genome sequence length of the bacteria was 5109457bp. Annotated COG library analysis generated 3,746 corresponding genes. After the comparison with the KEGG library, 1,340 genes, which participate in 19 types of metabolic pathways, were obtained. A total of 249 pathogenic factors and 2 disease islands were predicted. 2 CRISPR sites and 8 Cas sites were predicted. It can be seen from the evolutionary tree that Salmonella Wandsworth MLST1498 and Paratyphi B str.SPB7 are gathered together. We identified one resistance gene, namely, aac(6’)‐Iaa accounting for aminoglycoside resistance.ConclusionSalmonella Wandsworth isolated in this study is Salmonella group Q. Consequently, it is necessary to strengthen the understanding of clinical infections of Salmonella Wandsworth and carry out continuous monitoring and research.
Valorization of crude glycerol as carbon source for the bioconversion of L‐phenylamine to 2‐phenylethanol by Yarrowia species
Authors: Braga Adelaide , Freitas Bruna , Cordeiro Ana , Belo Isabel 
Published: July 2021

AbstractBACKGROUND2‐Phenylethanol (2‐PE) is an aromatic alcohol with a delicate fragrance of rose petals that is widely used in perfumes, cosmetics, foods, beverages, and pharmaceutical industries. The yeast Yarrowia can produce 2‐PE through L‐Phenylalanine (L‐Phe) biotransformation. However, it has not been properly explored in this field, despite its interesting characteristics for this process, such as the Crabtree negative trait.RESULTSThis study explored the potential of different Yarrowia species (Y. lipolytica W29, CH 1/5, and CH 3/4, as well as Y. divulgata M 445/4) for 2‐PE production. It was observed that all strains were inhibited by 2‐PE concentrations above 2 g L−1, but only Y. lipolytica W29 was inhibited by 15 g L−1 L‐Phe. It was also confirmed that all strains were able to produce 2‐PE, with concentrations ranging from 1 to 2.2 g L−1. Afterwards, crude glycerol was used as an alternative carbon source for 2‐PE production. All strains grew and produced 2‐PE on this carbon source, but CH 1/5 strain was selected for further studies because it allowed the highest 2‐PE throughput. The production of 2‐PE with CH 1/5 was further studied in bioreactor batch cultures, where a low accumulation of 2‐PE was observed. However, a step‐wise fed‐batch culture allowed an increase in the production of 2‐PE to 3.2 g L−1.CONCLUSIONTo the best of the authors' knowledge, this value corresponds to the highest titer of 2‐PE obtained to date with Y. lipolytica. In this study, Y. lipolytica CH 1/5 is, for the first time, described as a good natural producer for 2‐PE. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Deep convolutional generative adversarial network for Alzheimer's disease classification using positron emission tomography (PET) and synthetic data augmentation
Authors: Sajjad Muhammad , Ramzan Farheen , Khan Muhammad Usman Ghani , Rehman Amjad , Kolivand Mahyar , Fati Suliman Mohamed , Bahaj Saeed Ali 
Published: July 2021

AbstractWith the evolution of deep learning technologies, computer vision‐related tasks achieved tremendous success in the biomedical domain. For supervised deep learning training, we need a large number of labeled datasets. The task of achieving a large number of label dataset is a challenging. The availability of data makes it difficult to achieve and enhance an automated disease diagnosis model's performance. To synthesize data and improve the disease diagnosis model's accuracy, we proposed a novel approach for the generation of images for three different stages of Alzheimer's disease using deep convolutional generative adversarial networks. The proposed model out‐perform in synthesis of brain positron emission tomography images for all three stages of Alzheimer disease. The three‐stage of Alzheimer's disease is normal control, mild cognitive impairment, and Alzheimer's disease. The model performance is measured using a classification model that achieved an accuracy of 72% against synthetic images. We also experimented with quantitative measures, that is, peak signal‐to‐noise (PSNR) and structural similarity index measure (SSIM). We achieved average PSNR score values of 82 for AD, 72 for CN, and 73 for MCI and SSIM average score values of 25.6 for AD, 22.6 for CN, and 22.8 for MCI.
Ropeginterferon alfa‐2b in patients with genotype 1 chronic hepatitis C: Pharmacokinetics, safety, and preliminary efficacy
Authors: Lin Hsien‐Hong , Hsu Shih‐Jer , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chuang Wan‐Long , Hsu Chao‐Wei , Chien Rong‐Nan , Yang Sien‐Sing , Su Wei‐Wen , Wu Jaw‐Ching , Lee Tzong‐Hsi , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Tseng Kuan‐Chiao , Qin Albert , Huang Yi‐Wen , Chen Pei‐Jer 
Published: July 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and AimRopeginterferon alfa‐2b (P1101) is a novel long‐acting mono‐PEGylated recombinant proline interferon (IFN) conjugated to a 40 kDa branched polyethylene glycol (PEG) chain at its N‐terminus, allowing every‐two‐week injection. It received European Medicines Agency and Taiwan marketing authorization for the treatment of polycythemia vera in 2019 and 2020, respectively. This phase 2 study aimed to evaluate the pharmacokinetics, safety, and preliminary efficacy of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b as compared with PEG‐IFN‐α2a in patients with chronic hepatitis C virus genotype 1 infection.MethodsOne hundred six treatment naive patients were enrolled in this phase 2 study and randomized to four treatment groups: subcutaneous weekly PEG‐IFN‐α2a 180 μg (group 1), weekly ropeginterferon alfa‐2b 180 μg (group 2), weekly ropeginterferon alfa‐2b 270 μg (group 3), or biweekly ropeginterferon alfa‐2b 450 μg (group 4) plus ribavirin for 48 weeks.ResultsAfter multiple weekly administration, serum exposure (AUC0‐τ) in ropeginterferon alfa‐2b 180 μg was approximately 41% greater and the accumulation ratio of 2‐fold greater than PEG‐IFN‐α2a 180 μg. The incidences of flu‐like symptoms were 66.7% (18/27), 53.3% (16/30), 55.0% (11/20), and 48.3% (14/29), anxiety were 14.8% (4/27), 6.7% (2/30), 0%, and 0%, and depression were 25.9% (7/27), 13.3% (4/30), 0%, and 3.4% (1/29), for groups 1–4, respectively. Two grade 2 of 3 depression were noted in PEG‐IFN‐α2a arm, but none in ropeginterferon arms. The SVR24 rates were 77.8% (21/27), 66.7% (20/30), 80% (16/20), and 69% (20/29), respectively.ConclusionsRopeginterferon alfa‐2b showed longer effective half‐life and superior safety profile than PEG‐IFN‐α2a. Biweekly injection of ropeginterferon alfa‐2b will be studied in larger viral hepatitis patient population.
Added value of CMIP6 models over CMIP5 models in simulating the climatological precipitation extremes in China
Authors: Luo Neng , Guo Yan , Chou Jieming , Gao Zhibo 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPerformance of six models in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 5 (CMIP5) and their new versions in CMIP phase 6 (CMIP6) in representing the climatological (1976–2005) precipitation extremes over China were evaluated based on five precipitation indices. Improvements are found in CMIP6 models in simulating the climatology of all five indices, in which GFDL‐CM4 and GFDL‐ESM4 show significant improvement. Dry biases over South China (SC) are reduced in five CMIP6 models (BCC‐CSM, CanESM, GFDL‐CM, GFDL‐ESM, and IPSL‐CM), with the largest decreased root‐mean‐square error (RMSE) of 59.2% in GFDL‐CM. The reduced dry biases in CMIP6 can be attributed to more moisture transported into SC from the southern boundary and dynamic processes of the atmosphere except in BCC‐CSM, where the increased evaporation dominates. Additionally, increased heavy precipitation events (>20 mm·day−1) are produced over SC in CMIP6 models. Wet biases over West China (WC) are also reduced. with the largest reduced RMSE of 46.8% in GFDL‐CM, which are related to the reduced precipitation frequency (more than 40%) and weakened precipitation intensity. In addition, the CMIP6 models show a higher skill in simulating the frequency distribution of daily precipitation intensity. More heavy precipitation over SC and Northeast China, and fewer weak precipitation (<20 mm·day−1) over WC can be reasonably reproduced. Although the CMIP6 models have obviously improved in simulating total precipitation on wet days, wet days (WD), simple daily intensity index (SDII), and extreme precipitation amount (R95T), the bias still exists in simulating consecutive dry days (CDD).