bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of sarcopenia in idiopathic dropped head syndrome patients is similar to healthy volunteers
Authors: Igawa Tatsuya , Ishii Ken , Isogai Norihiro , Suzuki Akifumi , Ishizaka Masahiro , Funao Haruki 
Published: August 2021

AbstractDropped head syndrome (DHS) exhibits cervical deformity due to weakness of the cervical extensor group, and sarcopenia is characterized by progressive and systemic reduction in skeletal muscle mass. These clinical finding are associated with reduced activity of daily living, reduced quality of life, and increased risk of mortality. We collected and reviewed prospective registry data for 16 patients with idiopathic DHS continuously collected without dropping out and 32 healthy individuals who matched their gender and age. The prevalence of sarcopenia and body composition data were compared. There were no differences in the prevalence of sarcopenia, appendicular muscle mass, and leg muscle mass between DHS patients and the healthy elderly. Trunk muscle mass in DHS patients was significantly lower than that in healthy individuals. A significant correlation was found between appendicular muscle mass and trunk muscle mass in healthy subjects but not in DHS patients. Sarcopenia was not associated with the onset of idiopathic DHS. The prevalence of sarcopenia was not high in patients with idiopathic DHS due to the preservation of their appendicular skeletal muscle mass. Patients with DHS were characterized by a significant loss of trunk muscle mass that may be related to the disease but not aging.
De novo transcriptome characterization of Iris atropurpurea (the Royal Iris) and phylogenetic analysis of MADS-box and R2R3-MYB gene families
Authors: Bar-Lev Yamit , Senden Esther , Pasmanik-Chor Metsada , Sapir Yuval 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe Royal Irises (section Oncocyclus) are a Middle-Eastern group of irises, characterized by extremely large flowers with a huge range of flower colors and a unique pollination system. The Royal Irises are considered to be in the course of speciation and serve as a model for evolutionary processes of speciation and pollination ecology. However, no transcriptomic and genomic data are available for these plants. Transcriptome sequencing is a valuable resource for determining the genetic basis of ecological-meaningful traits, especially in non-model organisms. Here we describe the de novo transcriptome assembly of Iris atropurpurea, an endangered species endemic to Israel’s coastal plain. We sequenced and analyzed the transcriptomes of roots, leaves, and three stages of developing flower buds. To identify genes involved in developmental processes we generated phylogenetic gene trees for two major gene families, the MADS-box and MYB transcription factors, which play an important role in plant development. In addition, we identified 1503 short sequence repeats that can be developed for molecular markers for population genetics in irises. This first reported transcriptome for the Royal Irises, and the data generated, provide a valuable resource for this non-model plant that will facilitate gene discovery, functional genomic studies, and development of molecular markers in irises, to complete the intensive eco-evolutionary studies of this group.
In vivo multimodal retinal imaging of disease-related pigmentary changes in retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Meleppat Ratheesh K. , Ronning Kaitryn E. , Karlen Sarah J. , Burns Marie E. , Pugh Edward N. , Zawadzki Robert J. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMelanosomes, lipofuscin, and melanolipofuscin are the three principal types of pigmented granules found in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells. Changes in the density of melanosomes and lipofuscin in RPE cells are considered hallmarks of various retinal diseases, including Stargardt disease and age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Herein, we report the potential of an in vivo multimodal imaging technique based on directional back-scattering and short-wavelength fundus autofluorescence (SW-FAF) to study disease-related changes in the density of melanosomes and lipofuscin granules in RPE cells. Changes in the concentration of these granules in Abca4−/− mice (a model of Stargardt disease) relative to age-matched wild-type (WT) controls were investigated. Directional optical coherence tomography (dOCT) was used to assess melanosome density in vivo, whereas the autofluorescence (AF) images and emission spectra acquired with a spectrometer-integrated scanning laser ophthalmoscope (SLO) were used to characterize lipofuscin and melanolipofuscin granules in the same RPE region. Subcellular-resolution ex vivo imaging using confocal fluorescence microscopy and electron microscopy was performed on the same tissue region to visualize and quantify melanosomes, lipofuscin, and melanolipofuscin granules. Comparisons between in vivo and ex vivo results confirmed an increased concentration of lipofuscin granules and decreased concentration of melanosomes in the RPE of Abca4−/− mice, and provided an explanation for the differences in fluorescence and directionality of RPE scattering observed in vivo between the two mouse strains.
Clusters of hairpins induce intrinsic transcription termination in bacteria
Authors: Gupta Swati , Pal Debnath 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIntrinsic transcription termination (ITT) sites are currently identified by locating single and double-adjacent RNA hairpins downstream of the stop codon. ITTs for a limited number of genes/operons in only a few bacterial genomes are currently known. This lack of coverage is a lacuna in the existing ITT inference methods. We have studied the inter-operon regions of 13 genomes covering all major phyla in bacteria, for which good quality public RNA-seq data exist. We identify ITT sites in 87% of cases by predicting hairpin(s) and validate against 81% of cases for which the RNA-seq derived sites could be calculated. We identify 72% of these sites correctly, with 98% of them located ≤ 80 bases downstream of the stop codon. The predicted hairpins form a cluster (when present < 15 bases) in two-thirds of the cases, the remaining being single hairpins. The largest number of clusters is formed by two hairpins, and the occurrence decreases exponentially with an increasing number of hairpins in the cluster. Our study reveals that hairpins form an effective ITT unit when they act in concert in a cluster. Their pervasiveness along with single hairpin terminators corroborates a wider utilization of ITT mechanisms for transcription control across bacteria.
Calcitonin gene related peptide α is dispensable for many danger-related motivational responses
Authors: Zajdel Joanna , Sköld Johan , Jaarola Maarit , Singh Anand Kumar , Engblom David 
Published: August 2021

AbstractCalcitonin gene related peptide (CGRP) expressing neurons in the parabrachial nucleus have been shown to encode danger. Through projections to the amygdala and other forebrain structures, they regulate food intake and trigger adaptive behaviors in response to threats like inflammation, intoxication, tumors and pain. Despite the fact that this danger-encoding neuronal population has been defined based on its CGRP expression, it is not clear if CGRP is critical for its function. It is also not clear if CGRP in other neuronal structures is involved in danger-encoding. To examine the role of CGRP in danger-related motivational responses, we used male and female mice lacking αCGRP, which is the main form of CGRP in the brain. These mice had no, or only very weak, CGRP expression. Despite this, they did not behave differently compared to wildtype mice when they were tested for a battery of danger-related responses known to be mediated by CGRP neurons in the parabrachial nucleus. Mice lacking αCGRP and wildtype mice showed similar inflammation-induced anorexia, conditioned taste aversion, aversion to thermal pain and pain-induced escape behavior, although it should be pointed out that the study was not powered to detect any possible differences that were minor or sex-specific. Collectively, our findings suggest that αCGRP is not necessary for many threat-related responses, including some that are known to be mediated by CGRP neurons in the parabrachial nucleus.
Observation of rescue behaviour in wild boar (Sus scrofa)
Authors: Masilkova Michaela , Ježek Miloš , Silovský Václav , Faltusová Monika , Rohla Jan , Kušta Tomáš , Burda Hynek 
Published: August 2021

AbstractHere, we provide unique photo documentation and observational evidence of rescue behaviour described for the first time in wild boar. Rescue behaviour represents an extreme form of prosocial behaviour that has so far only been demonstrated in a few species. It refers to a situation when one individual acts to help another individual that finds itself in a dangerous or stressful situation and it is considered by some authors as a complex form of empathy. We documented a case in which an adult female wild boar manipulated wooden logs securing the door mechanism of a cage trap and released two entrapped young wild boars. The whole rescue was fast and particular behaviours were complex and precisely targeted, suggesting profound prosocial tendencies and exceptional problem-solving capacities in wild boar. The rescue behaviour might have been motivated by empathy because the rescuer female exhibited piloerection, a sign of distress, indicating an empathetic emotional state matching or understanding the victims. We discuss this rescue behaviour in the light of possible underlying motivators, including empathy, learning and social facilitation.
Analysis of the influence of a solenoid magnetic field in the azimuth transmission system
Authors: Yang Zhiyong , Song Junchen , Cai Wei , Lu Gaoxiang , Zhang Zhiwei 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA solenoid magnetic field plays an important role in a non-line-of-sight azimuth transmission system based on polarization-maintaining fiber, which is directly related to the transmission accuracy of azimuth information. This research mainly studies the factors that affect the solenoid magnetic field according to the modulation signal from the direct current to the alternating current, as well as the hollow solenoid. First, the magnetic field components of the static solenoid are derived from the Biot–Savart law by using the uniform cylindrical current equivalent model. Then, the magnetic field of the near axial region is studied from the axial and radial directions, and the feasibility of calculating the magnetic field of the multi-layer solenoid with the superposition principle is verified by measuring the magnetic field of each position on the axis of the solenoid with a Gauss meter. Finally, the alternating electromagnetic field model is established using Maxwell’s equations, and the magnetic and electric fields of the hollow solenoid are further solved. The results show that the magnetic field in the middle part of the magneto-optic glass is more stable, and the magnetic collecting ability of the solenoid is stronger. The magnetic field intensity at the center of the magneto-optic modulation solenoid of the system is the largest, and it decreases with the distance from the center. The alternating electromagnetic field is closely related to frequency. The results provide a reference for the study of the azimuth accuracy of a non-line-of-sight azimuth transmission system.
Superhydrophobic functionalized cellulosic paper by copper hydroxide nanorods for oils purification
Authors: Belal Ahmed S. , Nady Jehan El , Shokry Azza , Ebrahim Shaker , Soliman Moataz , Khalil Marwa 
Published: August 2021

AbstractOily water contamination has been sighted as one of the most global environmental pollution. Herein, copper hydroxide nanorods layer was constructed onto cellulosic filter paper surface cured with polydopamine, Ag nanoparticles, and Cu NPs through immersion method. This work has been aimed to produce a superhydrophobic and superoleophilic cellulosic filter paper. The structure, crystalline, and morphological properties of these modified cellulosic filter paper were investigated. Scanning electron microscope images confirmed that the modified surface was rougher compared with the pristine surface. The contact angle measurement confirmed the hydrophobic nature of these modified surfaces with a water contact angle of 169.7°. The absorption capacity was 8.2 g/g for diesel oil and the separation efficiency was higher than 99%. It was noted that the flux in the case of low viscosity solvent as n-hexane was 9663.5 Lm−2 h−1, while for the viscous oil as diesel was 1452.7 Lm−2 h−1.
A numerical analysis of skin–PPE interaction to prevent facial tissue injury
Authors: Jobanputra Rikeen D. , Hayes Jack , Royyuru Sravani , Masen Marc A. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe use of close-fitting PPE is essential to prevent exposure to dispersed airborne matter, including the COVID-19 virus. The current pandemic has increased pressure on healthcare systems around the world, leading to medical professionals using high-grade PPE for prolonged durations, resulting in device-induced skin injuries. This study focuses on computationally improving the interaction between skin and PPE to reduce the likelihood of discomfort and tissue damage. A finite element model is developed to simulate the movement of PPE against the face during day-to-day tasks. Due to limited available data on skin characteristics and how these vary interpersonally between sexes, races and ages, the main objective of this study was to establish the effects and trends that mask modifications have on the resulting subsurface strain energy density distribution in the skin. These modifications include the material, geometric and interfacial properties. Overall, the results show that skin injury can be reduced by using softer mask materials, whilst friction against the skin should be minimised, e.g. through use of micro-textures, humidity control and topical creams. Furthermore, the contact area between the mask and skin should be maximised, whilst the use of soft materials with incompressible behaviour (e.g. many elastomers) should be avoided.
Acquired JAK2 mutations confer resistance to JAK inhibitors in cell models of acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Downes Charlotte E. J. , McClure Barbara J. , Bruning John B. , Page Elyse , Breen James , Rehn Jacqueline , Yeung David T. , White Deborah L. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractRuxolitinib (rux) Phase II clinical trials are underway for the treatment of high-riskJAK2-rearranged (JAK2r) B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL). Treatment resistance to targeted inhibitors in other settings is common; elucidating potential mechanisms of rux resistance inJAK2r B-ALL will enable development of therapeutic strategies to overcome or avert resistance. We generated a murine pro-B cell model ofATF7IP-JAK2with acquired resistance to multiple type-I JAK inhibitors. Resistance was associated with mutations within theJAK2ATP/rux binding site, including aJAK2p.G993A mutation. Using in vitro models ofJAK2r B-ALL,JAK2p.G993A conferred resistance to six type-I JAK inhibitors and the type-II JAK inhibitor, CHZ-868. Using computational modeling, we postulate thatJAK2p.G993A enabled JAK2 activation in the presence of drug binding through a unique resistance mechanism that modulates the mobility of the conserved JAK2 activation loop. This study highlights the importance of monitoring mutation emergence and may inform future drug design and the development of therapeutic strategies for this high-risk patient cohort.
Spectral dynamic causal modelling in healthy women reveals brain connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle
Authors: Hidalgo-Lopez Esmeralda , Zeidman Peter , Harris TiAnni , Razi Adeel , Pletzer Belinda 
Published: August 2021

AbstractLongitudinal menstrual cycle studies allow to investigate the effects of ovarian hormones on brain organization. Here, we use spectral dynamic causal modelling (spDCM) in a triple network model to assess effective connectivity changes along the menstrual cycle within and between the default mode, salience and executive control networks (DMN, SN, and ECN). Sixty healthy young women were scanned three times along their menstrual cycle, during early follicular, pre-ovulatory and mid-luteal phase. Related to estradiol, right before ovulation the left insula recruits the ECN, while the right middle frontal gyrus decreases its connectivity to the precuneus and the DMN decouples into anterior/posterior parts. Related to progesterone during the mid-luteal phase, the insulae (SN) engage to each other, while decreasing their connectivity to parietal ECN, which in turn engages the posterior DMN. When including the most confident connections in a leave-one out cross-validation, we find an above-chance prediction of the left-out subjects’ cycle phase. These findings corroborate the plasticity of the female brain in response to acute hormone fluctuations and may help to further understand the neuroendocrine interactions underlying cognitive changes along the menstrual cycle.
Runt related transcription factor-1 plays a central role in vessel co-option of colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Rada Miran , Kapelanski-Lamoureux Audrey , Petrillo Stephanie , Tabariès Sébastien , Siegel Peter , Reynolds Andrew R. , Lazaris Anthoula , Metrakos Peter 
Published: August 2021

AbstractColorectal cancer liver metastasis (CRCLM) has two major histopathological growth patterns: angiogenic desmoplastic and non-angiogenic replacement. The replacement lesions obtain their blood supply through vessel co-option, wherein the cancer cells hijack pre-existing blood vessels of the surrounding liver tissue. Consequentially, anti-angiogenic therapies are less efficacious in CRCLM patients with replacement lesions. However, the mechanisms which drive vessel co-option in the replacement lesions are unknown. Here, we show that Runt Related Transcription Factor-1 (RUNX1) overexpression in the cancer cells of the replacement lesions drives cancer cell motility via ARP2/3 to achieve vessel co-option. Furthermore, overexpression of RUNX1 in the cancer cells is mediated by Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 (TGFβ1) and thrombospondin 1 (TSP1). Importantly, RUNX1 knockdown impaired the metastatic capability of colorectal cancer cells in vivo and induced the development of angiogenic lesions in liver. Our results confirm that RUNX1 may be a potential target to overcome vessel co-option in CRCLM.
Training machine learning models on climate model output yields skillful interpretable seasonal precipitation forecasts
Authors: Gibson Peter B. , Chapman William E. , Altinok Alphan , Delle Monache Luca , DeFlorio Michael J. , Waliser Duane E. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA barrier to utilizing machine learning in seasonal forecasting applications is the limited sample size of observational data for model training. To circumvent this issue, here we explore the feasibility of training various machine learning approaches on a large climate model ensemble, providing a long training set with physically consistent model realizations. After training on thousands of seasons of climate model simulations, the machine learning models are tested for producing seasonal forecasts across the historical observational period (1980-2020). For forecasting large-scale spatial patterns of precipitation across the western United States, here we show that these machine learning-based models are capable of competing with or outperforming existing dynamical models from the North American Multi Model Ensemble. We further show that this approach need not be considered a ‘black box’ by utilizing machine learning interpretability methods to identify the relevant physical processes that lead to prediction skill.
A young spectroscopic binary in a quintuple system part of the Local Association
Authors: Cardona Guillén Carlos , Lodieu Nicolas , Béjar Víctor J. S. , Baroch David , Montes David , Hoskin Matthew J. , Jeffers Sandra V. , Murgas Felipe , Tremblay Pier-Emmanuel , Schöfer Patrick , Harbeck Daniel , McCully Curtis 
Published: August 2021

Context. Double-lined spectroscopic (SB2) binaries allow us to obtain a direct determination of the masses of their components, which is essential to test stellar models. Although these objects only provide a lower limit for the mass, they are more abundant than their eclipsing counterparts as they are not as strongly limited by the inclination of their orbit.
Aims. Our aim is to derive the orbital and physical parameters of GJ 1284, a young SB2. We also revise the membership of this system and its two wide co-moving companions, GJ 898 and GJ 897AB, to a young moving group to assess, along with other youth indicators, their age. Afterwards, we compare the results from these analyses and the photometry of these systems with several pre-main-sequence evolutionary models.
Methods. We use high-resolution spectra to determine the radial velocity of each component of GJ 1284 and the orbit of the system alongside its systemic velocity. Additionally, we use TESS photometry to derive the rotational period of the GJ 1284 and its two wide companions.
Results. GJ 1284 is a binary system located at approximately 16 pc with an eccentric orbit (e = 0.505) of 11.83 d period made up of an M2–M2.5 + M3–M3.5 with minimum masses of M sin 3i = 0.141 ± 0.003 and 0.1189 ± 0.003 M⊙, respectively. The revised systemic velocity of γ = 0.84 ± 0.14 km s−1 suggests that it is a member of the Local Association. The kinematics together with other activity and youth indicators imply an age of 110–800 Myr for this system and its two companions.
Conclusions. The isochronal ages derived from the comparison of the photometry with several evolutionary models are younger than the age estimated from the activity indicators for the three co-moving systems. The masses for the components of GJ 1284, derived from their luminosity and age using the different models, are not consistent with the masses derived from the photometry, except for the PARSEC models, but are compatible with dynamical masses of double-lined eclipsing binaries with similar ages and spectral types. The effect of magnetic activity in the form of spots can reconcile to some extent the photometric and dynamical masses, but is not considered in most of the evolutionary models.