bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Tau Deposition and Structural Connectivity Demonstrate Differential Association Patterns with Neurocognitive Tests
Authors: Hall Zack , Chien Billy , Zhao Yi , Risacher Shannon L. , Saykin Andrew J. , Wu Yu-Chien , Wen Qiuting 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Tau neurofibrillary tangles have a central role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Mounting evidence indicates that the propagation of tau is assisted by brain connectivity with weakened white-matter integrity along the propagation pathways. Recent advances in tau positron emission tomography tracers and diffusion magnetic resonance imaging allow the visualization of tau pathology and white-matter connectivity of the brain in vivo. The current study aims to investigate how tau deposition and structural connectivity are associated with memory function in prodromal AD. In this study, tau accumulation and structural connectivity data from 83 individuals (57 cognitively normal participants and 26 participants with mild cognitive impairment) were associated with neurocognitive test scores. Statistical analyses were performed in 70 cortical/subcortical brain regions to determine: 1. the level of association between tau and network metrics extracted from structural connectivity and 2. the association patterns of brain memory function with tau accumulation and network metrics. The results showed that tau accumulation and network metrics were correlated in early tau deposition regions. Furthermore, tau accumulation was associated with worse performance in almost all neurocognitive tests performance evaluated in the study. In comparison, decreased network connectivity was associated with declines in the delayed memory recall in Craft Stories and Benson Figure Copy. Interaction analysis indicates that tau deposition and dysconnectivity have a synergistic effect on the delayed Benson Figure Recall. Overall, our findings indicate that both tau deposition and structural dysconnectivity are associated with neurocognitive dysfunction. They also suggest that tau-PET may have better sensitivity to neurocognitive performance than diffusion MRI-derived measures of white-matter connectivity
Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm with Directed Scout
Authors: Saleh Radhwan A.A. , Akay Rüştü 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
As a relatively new model, the Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm (ABC) has shown impressive success in solving optimization problems. Nevertheless, its efficiency is still not satisfactory for some complex optimization problems. This paper has modified ABC and its other recent variants to improve its performance by modify the scout phase. This modification enhances its exploitation ability by intensifying the regions in the search space, which probably includes reasonable solutions. The experiments were performed on the CEC2014 benchmark suite, CEC2015 benchmark functions, and three real-life problems: pressure vessel design problem, tension and compression spring design problem, and Frequency-Modulated (FM) problem. And the proposed modification was applied to basic ABC, Gbest-Guided ABC, Depth First Search ABC, and Teaching Learning Based ABC, and they were compared with their modified counterparts. The results have shown that our modification can successfully increase the performance of the original versions. Moreover, the proposed modified algorithm was compared with the state-of-the-art optimization algorithms, and it produced competitive results.
Pancreatic MR Imaging and Endocrine Complications in Patients with Beta Thalassemia: A Single Center Experience
Authors: Sevimli Cihangir , Yilmaz Yasin , Bayramoglu Zuhal , Comert Rana Gunoz , Gul Nurdan , Dursun Memduh , Karakas Zeynep 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Iron deposition in various organs can cause endocrine complications in patients with transfusion-dependent beta-thalassemia. The aim was to investigate the relationship between endocrine complications and pancreatic iron overload using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Forty patients with transfusion-dependent thalassemia (TDT) were enrolled in the study. The magnetic resonance imagings of the patients were performed using a 1.5 Tesla Philips MRI scanner. Two out of three patients had at least one clinical endocrine complication. The rate of iron deposition was 62.5% in liver, and 45% in pancreas tissue, and was 12.5% in heart tissue. Pancreatic T2* and hepatic T2* values were significantly positively correlated (p = 0.006). Pancreatic T2* and ferritin were significantly negatively correlated (p = 0.03). Cardiac T2* values were negatively correlated with fasting blood glucose (p = 0.03). Patients with short stature had significantly higher cardiac iron burden (22.3 vs. 36.6 T2*ms; p00.01) and patients with hypothyroidism had higher liver iron concentrations (9.9 vs. 6.4 LIC mg/g; p = 0.05). The ferritin level of 841 ng/mL, and liver iron concentration (LIC) value of 8.7 mg/g were detected as the threshold level for severe pancreatic iron burden (AUC 70%, p:0.04, AUC 80%, p = 0.002, respectively). Moreover, males were found to have decreased pancreas T2* values compared with the values in females (T2* 19.3 vs. 29.9, p = 0.05). Patients with higher ferritin levels over than 840 ng/mL should be closely monitored for pancreatic iron deposition, and patients with endocrine complications should be assessed in terms of cardiac iron burden.
Oral health-related quality of life in patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia: a qualitative exploration
Authors: Nguyen Caroline , Celestin Elisabeth , Chambolle Delphine , Linglart Agnès , Duplan Martin Biosse , Chaussain Catherine , Friedlander Lisa 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background. X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) is a rare, hereditary, and lifelong phosphate wasting disorder characterized by rickets in childhood and impaired teeth mineralization. In the oral cavity, spontaneous abscesses can often occur without any clinical signs of alteration of the causal tooth. The objective of our study was to evaluate the oral care pathway and the oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) of patients followed in an expert oral medicine department located within a Parisian hospital and working in close collaboration with an endocrinology department expert in this pathology. Methods. This study employed a qualitative descriptive design including semi-structured interviews using guiding themes. Results. Twenty-one patients were included in the study. The topics brought up exceeded the initial objectives as the patients mostly addressed the alteration of their oral and general quality of life; a very chaotic oral health care pathway with oral health professionals not aware of their pathology; consequences on their social, professional, and school integration; access to care complicated by financial factors. Patients declared the importance of having a multidisciplinary team around them, including medical and dental professionals.Conclusions. The variety of manifestations in patients with XLH necessitates a high coordination of multidisciplinary patient care to optimize quality of life and reduce disease burden. Oral health care pathways are very chaotic for patients who have difficulty finding professionals with sufficient knowledge of the disease. OHRQoL is therefore diminished. This situation improves when patients enter a coordinated care network.
Cardiac remodeling induced by exercise in male master athletes
Authors: Dores Helder , Gonçalves Pedro de Araújo , Monge José , Cardim Nuno 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Aims: To describe cardiac remodeling in a population of male master athletes evaluated by transthoracic echocardiography and to analyse its relationship with several exercise-related characteristics.Methods and results: A total of 105 male master athletes aged ≥40 years old, mostly involved in endurance sports (81.0%) with a median training-volume of 66 [44; 103] METs/h/week, were studied. Left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes were above the references in 84.8% and 75.8% athletes, decreasing in frequency when adjusted for BSA (26.3% and 23.2%). LV geometry was changed in more than half of the athletes (eccentric hypertrophy 28.3%, concentric remodelling 15.2% and concentric hypertrophy 8.1%) and several right ventricular (RV) dimensions were increased. Left atrium was dilated in 53.5% and right atrium in 37.4% athletes; only one athlete had a dilated aorta. Mean LV ejection fraction was 61±7% and global longitudinal strain -18.3±2.0%. Changes in LV geometry were more common in high intensity sports; LV dilation in athletes exercising >10 hours/week and in high intensity sports; RV dilation in athletes exercising >66 MET-hour/week and in endurance sports. In multivariate analysis high intensity sports remained an independent predictor of changes in LV geometry. There was a significant correlation between volume of exercise and cardiac structural adaptations.Conclusions: Cardiac structural adaptations were frequent in male master athletes, more pronounced in those involved in endurance sports, with high intensity and high volume of exercise. This data reinforces the concept that the characteristics of exercise are major determinants of cardiac remodeling and should be considered during athletes’ evaluation.
Modeling and Simulation for Wear Prediction in Planar Mechanical Systems with Multiple Clearance Joints
Authors: Li Bo , Wang Min San , Gantes Charis J , Tan Xuan U 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The main goal of this work is to develop a comprehensive methodology for predicting wear in planar mechanical systems with multiple clearance joints and investigating the interaction between the joint clearance, driving condition and wear. In the process, an effective contact surface discretization method together with Lagrangian method are used to establish the dynamic equation of the multibody system. Considering the change of the contact surface, an improved nonlinear contact-force model suitable for the complicated contact conditions is utilized to evaluate the intrajoint forces, and the friction effects between the inter-connecting bodies are discussed using LuGre model. Next, the contact forces developed are integrated into the Archard model to compute the wear depth caused by the relative sliding and the geometry of the bearing is updated. Then, a crank slider mechanism with multiple clearance joints is employed to perform numerical simulations in order to demonstrate the efficiency of the dynamic procedures adopted throughout this work. The correctness of the proposed method is verified by comparing with other literature and simulation results. This study is helpful for predicting joint wear of mechanical systems with clearance and optimize the mechanism’s design.
Mild Renal Insufficiency and Attributable Risk of Adverse In-hospital Outcomes in Patients with ACS from the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China (CCC) Project
Authors: Xu Fengbo , Wang Guoqin , Ye Nan , Bian Weijing , Yang Lijiao , Ma Changsheng , Zhao Dong , Liu Jing , Hao Yongchen , Liu Jun , Yang Na , Cheng Hong 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Renal insufficiency (RI) is a frequent comorbidity among patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). We aimed to evaluate the attributable risk associated with mild RI for the in-hospital outcomes in patients with ACS. Methods: The Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-ACS (CCC-ACS) Project was a collaborative study of the American Heart Association and the Chinese Society of Cardiology. A total of 92509 inpatients with a discharge diagnosis of ACS were included. The attributable risk was calculated to investigate the effect of mild RI (eGFR 60-89 ml / min · 1.73 m2) on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) during hospitalization. Results: The average age of these ACS patients was 63 years, and 73.9% were men. The proportion of patients with mild RI was 36.17%. After adjusting for other possible risk factors, mild RI was still an independent risk factor for MACE in ACS patients. In the ACS patients, the attributable risk of eGFR 60-89ml/min·1.73m2 to MACE was 8.96%, 5.59% of eGFR 45-59 ml/min·1.73m2 ,5.31% of eGFR 30-44 ml/min·1.73m2, and 4.03% of eGFR＜30 ml/min·1.73m2. Conclusion: Compared with moderate to severe RI, mild RI has higher attributable risk to MACE during hospitalization in Chinese ACS population.
Interactive analysis and exploration of cell-cell communication in single-cell transcriptomics with InterCellar
Authors: Interlandi Marta , Kerl Kornelius , Dugas Martin 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Deciphering cell-cell communication is a key step in understanding the physiology and pathology of multicellular systems. Recent advances in single-cell transcriptomics have contributed to unraveling the cellular composition of tissues and enabled the development of computational algorithms to predict cellular communication mediated by ligand-receptor interactions. Despite the existence of various tools capable of inferring cell-cell interactions from single-cell RNA sequencing data, the analysis and interpretation of the biological signals often require deep computational expertise. Here we present InterCellar, an interactive platform empowering lab-scientists to analyze and explore predicted cell-cell communication without requiring programming skills. InterCellar guides the biological interpretation through customized analysis steps, several visualization options and the possibility to link biological pathways to ligand-receptor interactions. By analyzing COVID-19 and melanoma cell-cell interactions, we show that InterCellar resolves data-driven patterns of communication and highlights molecular signals through the integration of biological functions and pathways.
Cyanide as a Primordial Reductant enables a Protometabolic Reductive Glyoxylate Pathway
Authors: Krishnamurthy Ramanarayanan , Yadav Mahipal , Pulletikurti Sunil , Yerabolu Jayasudhan Reddy 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Investigation of prebiotic chemical pathways leading to protometabolic forerunners of metabolism has been largely based on bio-inspired (iron-mediated) reductive conversion of carbon dioxide and of carboxylic acid substrates.1,2 While attractive from a parsimony point of view, this approach has been challenging with debatable outcomes.3,4 Herein, we show that cyanide reacts with citric acid cycle (TCA) intermediates and derivatives and acts as a primordial reducing agent mediating abiotic reductive transformations. The hydrolysis of the cyanide adducts followed by decarboxylation enables the efficient reductive-decarboxylative transformation of oxaloacetate to malate and fumarate to succinate while pyruvate and α-ketoglutarate are not reduced. In the presence of glyoxylate,5,6 malonate7 and malononitrile,8 alternative pathways emerge, which after decarboxylation produce metabolic intermediates and related compounds also found in meteorites.9 These results, along with the previous demonstration of the metal-free alpha-keto analog of the reverse-TCA cycle,4,6 suggest that (a) alternative paradigms of cyanide-based protometabolic reactions bypassing the abiotic reductive-carboxylation steps can be prebiotically viable, (b) a novel reductive glyoxylate pathway can be a precursor to the r-TCA cycle and (c) the type of sophisticated carboxylation and reduction chemistries which are part of extant metabolic cycles10,11 are an evolutionary invention mediated by complex metalloproteins11.
Successful Breast-Feeding Following a Level II NICU Stay In Qatar – A Prospective Study
Authors: Viswanathan Brijroy , Al-Bedaywi Rajai , Tomerak Ahmed , Abedin Sarfrazul 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Background: Exclusive breast-feeding is recommended by WHO for maternal and infant benefits. Cultural practices and demands of employment influence feeding practices significantly. There remains conflicting evidence regarding the association between NICU admission and breastfeeding outcomes and there is limited published data from Qatar. Aim of the study: This study aims to estimate the rate of breast milk feeding at the time of a level II NICU discharge and estimate the rate of successful breast-feeding (exclusive or partial) after a level II NICU discharge in Qatar during a well-baby follow up and formulate appropriate strategy to promote exclusive breast feeding and build a culture to attain BFHI status. Methods: It’s a qualitative longitudinal prospective study conducted over 18 months starting from 1st of January 2019 of neonates born in Al Wakra hospital and admitted to its NICU. Data: Demography details, diagnosis, duration of NICU stay, feeding during NICU stay and at the time of discharge were obtained through a lactation chart. Breast feeding education received, feeding and cultural practices were obtained through a questionnaire administered at or before 4- and 8-weeks post discharge in the well-baby clinic. Results: Rate of exclusive breast feeding was 20%, 54% and 42% respectively at discharge, at 4 weeks and 8 weeks respectively. Rate of partial breast feeding was 64%, 40% and 43% at discharge, at 4 weeks and at 8 weeks respectively. Neonates who had longer than 1-week NICU stay had higher rate of exclusive breast feeding at the time of discharge but were found to have reduced rate of breast feeding and higher rate of formula feeding during the 4 weeks and 8 weeks follow up.Conclusion: The overall breast-feeding rates from this single center level II NICU from Qatar are better compared to previously available data. Follow up encouragement and breast-feeding support methods need to be established and studies with extended follow up and assessment of intervention methods should be planned to improve and sustain the practice of exclusive breast feeding.
Hyperbolic Shear Polaritons in Low-Symmetry Crystals
Authors: Passler Nikolai , Ni Xiang , Hu Guangwei , Matson Joseph , Wolf Martin , Schubert Mathias , Alu Andrea , Caldwell Joshua , Folland Thomas , Paarmann Alexander 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
The lattice symmetry of a crystal is one of the most important factors in determining its physical properties. Particularly, low-symmetry crystals offer powerful opportunities to control light propagation, polarization and phase. Materials featuring extreme optical anisotropy can support a hyperbolic response, enabling coupled light-matter interactions, also known as polaritons, with highly directional propagation and compression of light to deeply sub-wavelength scales. Here we show that monoclinic crystals can support hyperbolic shear polaritons, a new polariton class arising in the mid- to far-infrared due to shear dissipation in the dielectric response. This feature emerges in materials where the dielectric tensor cannot be diagonalized, that is, in low-symmetry monoclinic and triclinic crystals where multiple oscillators with non-orthogonal relative orientations contribute to the optical response. Hyperbolic shear polaritons complement previous observations of hyperbolic phonon polaritons in orthorhombic and hexagonal crystal systems, unveiling new features, such as the continuous evolution of their propagation direction with frequency, tilted wavefronts and asymmetric responses. The interplay between diagonal loss and off-diagonal shear dissipation in the dielectric response of these materials has implications for new forms of non-Hermitian and topological photonic states. We anticipate that our results will motivate new directions for polariton physics in low-symmetry materials, which include geological minerals, many common oxides and organic crystals, significantly expanding the material base and extending design opportunities for compact photonic devices.
Interplay Between Spirituality and Religiosity on the Physical and Mental Well-Being of Cancer Survivors
Authors: Cannon Anthony , Dokucu Mehmet , Loberiza Fausto 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Purpose: This study explored the relationship of spirituality and religiosity as it affects the physical and mental quality of life (pQOL, mQOL) of cancer survivors. Methods: This is a prospective observational study that included adults ≥19 years who received treatment for various types of cancer. Patients’ QOL was obtained at baseline, 6, and 12 months. Cohorts were categorized according to spirituality/religiosity levels: low spirituality – low religiosity (LSLR), low spirituality – high religiosity (LSHR), high spirituality – low religiosity (HSLR), and high spirituality – high religiosity (HSHR). Results: Of the 551 eligible: 248 (45%) had HSHR, 196 (36%) had LSHR, 75 (14%) had LSLR, and 32 (6%) had HSLR. The pQOL of LSLR were significantly lower than those with HSHR (p = 0.02). The difference in pQOL between LS and HS were observed among those who have HR (p <0.0001). Among patients with LR, pQOL did not differ. The mQOL of patients with LSLR was significantly lower than those with HSHR (p < 0.0001). The mQOL of those with HS was significantly higher than those with LS in both cohorts having LR (p <0.0001) or HR (p <0.0001). pQOL decreased while mQOL increased over time regardless of spirituality or religiosity levels.Conclusion: Spirituality is important in the improvement of both pQOL and mQOL of cancer survivors, while religiosity may have some impact on pQOL. Clinicians’ incorporation of spirituality into cancer treatment facilitates well-rounded care, that offers measurable improvements for patients with an illness, of which the treatment is often arduous, and uncertain.
GeneTargeter: Automated in silico design for genome editing in the malaria parasite, Plasmodium falciparum
Authors: Cárdenas Pablo , Esherick Lisl Y. , Chambonnier Gaël , Dey Sumanta , Turlo Christopher V. , Nasamu Armiyaw Sebastian , Niles Jacquin C 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Functional characterization of the multitude of poorly-described proteins in the human malarial pathogen, Plasmodium falciparum, requires tools to enable genome-scale perturbation studies. Here we present GeneTargeter (genetargeter.mit.edu), a software tool for automating the design of homology-directed repair donor vectors to achieve gene knockouts, conditional knockdowns, and epitope tagging of P. falciparum genes. We demonstrate GeneTargeter facilitated genome-scale design of six different types of knockout and conditional knockdown constructs for the P. falciparum genome, and validate the computational design process experimentally with successful donor vector assembly. The software's modular, customizable nature makes it extendable to additional plasmids and genomes.
Abrupt change in North African hydroclimate and landscape evolution 3.2 million years ago
Authors: Grant Katharine , Amarathunga Udara , Amies Jessica , Hu Pengxiang , Qian Yao , Penny Tiah , Rodríguez-Sanz Laura , Zhao Xiang , Heslop David , Liebrand Diederik , Hennekam Rick , Westerhold Thomas , Gilmore Stewart , Lourens Lucas , Roberts Andrew , Rohling Eelco J 
Published: June 2021

Abstract
Dark organic-rich layers (sapropels) have accumulated in Mediterranean sediments since the Miocene due to deep-sea dysoxia and enhanced carbon burial at times of intensified North African run-off during ‘Green’ Sahara Periods (GSPs). The existence of orbital precession-dominated Saharan aridity/humidity cycles is well known, but lack of long-term, high-resolution records hinders understanding of their precise relationships with environmental and hominin evolution. Here we present continuous, high-resolution geochemical and environmental magnetic records for the Eastern Mediterranean that span the past 5.2 million years, which reveal that organic burial in sapropels intensified 3.2 Myr ago. We deduce that fluvial terrigenous sediment inputs during GSPs doubled abruptly at this time, whereas monsoon run-off intensity remained relatively constant. We attribute the increase in sediment mobilisation to an abrupt non-linear North African landscape response associated with a major increase in arid:humid contrasts between GSPs and intervening dry periods. This likely limited hominin (and other animal) inhabitation of, and migration through, the Sahara region to GSPs only.