bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Slow dynamics of disordered zigzag chain molecules in layered LiVS2 under electron irradiation
Authors: Katayama Naoyuki , Kojima Keita , Yamaguchi Tomoki , Hattori Sosuke , Tamura Shinya , Ohara Koji , Kobayashi Shintaro , Sugimoto Koudai , Ohta Yukinori , Saitoh Koh , Sawa Hiroshi 
Published: February 2021

AbstractElectronic instabilities in transition metal compounds often spontaneously form orbital molecules, which consist of orbital-coupled metal ions at low temperature. Recent local structural studies utilizing the pair distribution function revealed that preformed orbital molecules appear disordered even in the high-temperature paramagnetic phase. However, it is unclear whether preformed orbital molecules are dynamic or static. Here, we provide clear experimental evidence of the slow dynamics of disordered orbital molecules realized in the high-temperature paramagnetic phase of LiVS2, which exhibits vanadium trimerization upon cooling below 314 K. Unexpectedly, the preformed orbital molecules appear as a disordered zigzag chain that fluctuate in both time and space under electron irradiation. Our findings should advance studies on soft matter physics realized in an inorganic material due to disordered orbital molecules.
A database of high-density surface electromyogram signals comprising 65 isometric hand gestures
Authors: Malešević Nebojša , Olsson Alexander , Sager Paulina , Andersson Elin , Cipriani Christian , Controzzi Marco , Björkman Anders , Antfolk Christian 
Published: February 2021

AbstractControl of contemporary, multi-joint prosthetic hands is commonly realized by using electromyographic signals from the muscles remaining after amputation at the forearm level. Although this principle is trying to imitate the natural control structure where muscles control the joints of the hand, in practice, myoelectric control provides only basic hand functions to an amputee using a dexterous prosthesis. This study aims to provide an annotated database of high-density surface electromyographic signals to aid the efforts of designing robust and versatile electromyographic control interfaces for prosthetic hands. The electromyographic signals were recorded using 128 channels within two electrode grids positioned on the forearms of 20 able-bodied volunteers. The participants performed 65 different hand gestures in an isometric manner. The hand movements were strictly timed using an automated recording protocol which also synchronously recorded the electromyographic signals and hand joint forces. To assess the quality of the recorded signals several quantitative assessments were performed, such as frequency content analysis, channel crosstalk, and the detection of poor skin-electrode contacts.
Age-dependence of electromagnetic power and heat deposition in near-surface tissues in emerging 5G bands
Authors: Sacco Giulia , Pisa Stefano , Zhadobov Maxim 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWith the development of 5th generation (5G) mobile networks people of different ages will be exposed in the upper part of the microwave spectrum. From the perspective of non-ionizing radiation dosimetry, an accurate analysis of age-dependent electromagnetic power deposition and resulting heating is required. In this study, we evaluate the effect of age on exposure at 26 GHz and 60 GHz. A near-surface tissue model illuminated by a plane wave is used to asses the exposure considering both frequency-independent and frequency-dependent limits. The age-related variation of the skin thickness and tissue electromagnetic properties has been considered. Moreover, the blood flow decrease rate has been taken into account to assess the age-dependent heating. Our results demonstrate that the overall variations of the power density, specific absorption rate (SAR) and heating in the near-surface tissues are limited to about 10–15%. These variations are mainly due to the tissue permittivity and blood flow change with age. In contrast to the transmitted power density that increases with age, the peak SAR decreases at both frequencies. The peak steady-state heating increases from 5 to 70 years old by roughly 11% at 26 GHz and 13% at 60 GHz.
Machine learning classifies predictive kinematic features in a mouse model of neurodegeneration
Authors: Huang Ruyi , Nikooyan Ali A. , Xu Bo , Joseph M. Selvan , Damavandi Hamidreza Ghasemi , von Trotha Nathan , Li Lilian , Bhattarai Ashok , Zadeh Deeba , Seo Yeji , Liu Xingquan , Truong Patrick A. , Koo Edward H. , Leiter J. C. , Lu Daniel C. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractMotor deficits are observed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) prior to the appearance of cognitive symptoms. To investigate the role of amyloid proteins in gait disturbances, we characterized locomotion in APP-overexpressing transgenic J20 mice. We used three-dimensional motion capture to characterize quadrupedal locomotion on a treadmill in J20 and wild-type mice. Sixteen J20 mice and fifteen wild-type mice were studied at two ages (4- and 13-month). A random forest (RF) classification algorithm discriminated between the genotypes within each age group using a leave-one-out cross-validation. The balanced accuracy of the RF classification was 92.3 ± 5.2% and 93.3 ± 4.5% as well as False Negative Rate (FNR) of 0.0 ± 0.0% and 0.0 ± 0.0% for the 4-month and 13-month groups, respectively. Feature ranking algorithms identified kinematic features that when considered simultaneously, achieved high genotype classification accuracy. The identified features demonstrated an age-specific kinematic profile of the impact of APP-overexpression. Trunk tilt and unstable hip movement patterns were important in classifying the 4-month J20 mice, whereas patterns of shoulder and iliac crest movement were critical for classifying 13-month J20 mice. Examining multiple kinematic features of gait simultaneously could also be developed to classify motor disorders in humans.
A geo-chemo-mechanical study of a highly polluted marine system (Taranto, Italy) for the enhancement of the conceptual site model
Authors: Cotecchia F. , Vitone C. , Sollecito F. , Mali M. , Miccoli D. , Petti R. , Milella D. , Ruggieri G. , Bottiglieri O. , Santaloia F. , De Bellis P. , Cafaro F. , Notarnicola M. , Todaro F. , Adamo F. , Di Nisio A. , Lanzolla A. M. L. , Spadavecchia M. , Moretti M. , Agrosì G. , De Giosa F. , Fago P. , Lacalamita M. , Lisco S. , Manzari P. , Mesto E. , Romano G. , Scardino G. , Schingaro E. , Siniscalchi A. , Tempesta G. , Valenzano E. , Mastronuzzi G. , Cardellicchio N. , Di Leo A. , Spada L. , Giandomenico S. , Calò M. , Uricchio V. F. , Mascolo G. , Bagnuolo G. , Ciannarella R. , Tursi A. , Cipriano G. , Cotugno P. , Sion L. , Carlucci R. , Capasso G. , De Chiara G. , Pisciotta G. , Velardo R. , Corbelli V. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe paper presents the results of the analysis of the geo-chemo-mechanical data gathered through an innovative multidisciplinary investigation campaign in the Mar Piccolo basin, a heavily polluted marine bay aside the town of Taranto (Southern Italy). The basin is part of an area declared at high environmental risk by the Italian government. The cutting-edge approach to the environmental characterization of the site was promoted by the Special Commissioner for urgent measures of reclamation, environmental improvements and redevelopment of Taranto and involved experts from several research fields, who cooperated to gather a new insight into the origin, distribution, mobility and fate of the contaminants within the basin. The investigation campaign was designed to implement advanced research methodologies and testing strategies. Differently from traditional investigation campaigns, aimed solely at the assessment of the contamination state within sediments lying in the top layers, the new campaign provided an interpretation of the geo-chemo-mechanical properties and state of the sediments forming the deposit at the seafloor. The integrated, multidisciplinary and holistic approach, that considered geotechnical engineering, electrical and electronical engineering, geological, sedimentological, mineralogical, hydraulic engineering, hydrological, chemical, geochemical, biological fields, supported a comprehensive understanding of the influence of the contamination on the hydro-mechanical properties of the sediments, which need to be accounted for in the selection and design of the risk mitigation measures. The findings of the research represent the input ingredients of the conceptual model of the site, premise to model the evolutionary contamination scenarios within the basin, of guidance for the environmental risk management. The study testifies the importance of the cooperative approach among researchers of different fields to fulfil the interpretation of complex polluted eco-systems.
The role of long intergenic non-coding RNA for kinase activation (LINK-A) as an oncogene in non-small cell lung carcinoma
Authors: Maleki Parichehr , Mowla Seyed Javad , Taheri Mohammad , Ghafouri-Fard Soudeh , Raheb Jamshid 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe oncogenic role of long intergenic non-coding RNA for kinase activation (LINK-A) has been appraised in triple-negative breast cancer. However, the molecular function of LINK-A is still unclear in most cancers including lung cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of down-regulation of LINK-A in A549 and Calu-3 cell lines as cellular models of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). We used the RNA interference system to knock down LINK-A. LINK-A expression was significantly reduced by siRNA transfection in A549 and Calu-3 cell lines. LINK-A down-regulation significantly reduced cell viability, colony-forming ability and cell migration, as measured by MTT, colony formation and invasion assays. Finally, cell cycle analysis and Annexin-V/7AAD staining indicated that apoptosis was influenced by LINK-A silencing. Taken together, LINK-A can be proposed as an oncogene in NSCLC.
Deep learning identifies morphological features in breast cancer predictive of cancer ERBB2 status and trastuzumab treatment efficacy
Authors: Bychkov Dmitrii , Linder Nina , Tiulpin Aleksei , Kücükel Hakan , Lundin Mikael , Nordling Stig , Sihto Harri , Isola Jorma , Lehtimäki Tiina , Kellokumpu-Lehtinen Pirkko-Liisa , von Smitten Karl , Joensuu Heikki , Lundin Johan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe treatment of patients with ERBB2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer with anti-ERBB2 therapy is based on the detection of ERBB2 gene amplification or protein overexpression. Machine learning (ML) algorithms can predict the amplification of ERBB2 based on tumor morphological features, but it is not known whether ML-derived features can predict survival and efficacy of anti-ERBB2 treatment. In this study, we trained a deep learning model with digital images of hematoxylin–eosin (H&E)-stained formalin-fixed primary breast tumor tissue sections, weakly supervised by ERBB2 gene amplification status. The gene amplification was determined by chromogenic in situ hybridization (CISH). The training data comprised digitized tissue microarray (TMA) samples from 1,047 patients. The correlation between the deep learning–predicted ERBB2 status, which we call H&E-ERBB2 score, and distant disease-free survival (DDFS) was investigated on a fully independent test set, which included whole-slide tumor images from 712 patients with trastuzumab treatment status available. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) in predicting gene amplification in the test sets was 0.70 (95% CI, 0.63–0.77) on 354 TMA samples and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.62–0.71) on 712 whole-slide images. Among patients with ERBB2-positive cancer treated with trastuzumab, those with a higher than the median morphology–based H&E-ERBB2 score derived from machine learning had more favorable DDFS than those with a lower score (hazard ratio [HR] 0.37; 95% CI, 0.15–0.93; P = 0.034). A high H&E-ERBB2 score was associated with unfavorable survival in patients with ERBB2-negative cancer as determined by CISH. ERBB2-associated morphology correlated with the efficacy of adjuvant anti-ERBB2 treatment and can contribute to treatment-predictive information in breast cancer.
Conductive hearing loss during development does not appreciably alter the sharpness of cochlear tuning
Authors: Ye Yi , Ihlefeld Antje , Rosen Merri J. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAn increasing number of studies show that listeners often have difficulty hearing in situations with background noise, despite normal tuning curves in quiet. One potential source of this difficulty could be sensorineural changes in the auditory periphery (the ear). Signal in noise detection deficits also arise in animals raised with developmental conductive hearing loss (CHL), a manipulation that induces acoustic attenuation to model how sound deprivation changes the central auditory system. This model attributes perceptual deficits to central changes by assuming that CHL does not affect sensorineural elements in the periphery that could raise masked thresholds. However, because of efferent feedback, altering the auditory system could affect cochlear elements. Indeed, recent studies show that adult-onset CHL can cause cochlear synapse loss, potentially calling into question the assumption of an intact periphery in early-onset CHL. To resolve this issue, we tested the long-term peripheral effects of CHL via developmental bilateral malleus displacement. Using forward masking tuning curves, we compared peripheral tuning in animals raised with CHL vs age-matched controls. Using compound action potential measurements from the round window, we assessed inner hair cell synapse integrity. Results indicate that developmental CHL can cause minor synaptopathy. However, developmental CHL does not appreciably alter peripheral frequency tuning.
Bone loss markers in the earliest Pacific Islanders
Authors: Miszkiewicz Justyna J. , Valentin Frédérique , Vrahnas Christina , Sims Natalie A. , Vongsvivut Jitraporn , Tobin Mark J. , Clark Geoffrey 
Published: February 2021

AbstractKingdom of Tonga in Polynesia is one of the most obese nations where metabolic conditions, sedentary lifestyles, and poor quality diet are widespread. These factors can lead to poor musculoskeletal health. However, whether metabolic abnormalities such as osteoporosis occurred in archaeological populations of Tonga is unknown. We employed a microscopic investigation of femur samples to establish whether bone loss afflicted humans in this Pacific region approximately 3000 years ago. Histology, laser confocal microscopy, and synchrotron Fourier-transform infrared microspectroscopy were used to measure bone vascular canal densities, bone porosity, and carbonate and phosphate content of bone composition in eight samples extracted from adult Talasiu males and females dated to 2650 BP. Compared to males, samples from females had fewer vascular canals, lower carbonate and phosphate content, and higher bone porosity. Although both sexes showed evidence of trabecularised cortical bone, it was more widespread in females (35.5%) than males (15.8%). Our data suggest experiences of advanced bone resorption, possibly as a result of osteoporosis. This provides first evidence for microscopic bone loss in a sample of archaeological humans from a Pacific population widely afflicted by metabolic conditions today.
Incidence and remission of aeroallergen sensitization in adults in Northern Finland: 15 years longitudinal study
Authors: Haarala Anna Karoliina , Sinikumpu Suvi-Päivikki , Vaaramo Eeva , Jokelainen Jari , Timonen Markku , Auvinen Juha , Pekkanen Juha , Lampi Jussi , Huilaja Laura 
Published: February 2021

AbstractStudies on the longitudinal changes in sensitization to aeroallergens in adult populations are sparse. The aim was to evaluate changes in sensitization to aeroallergens [birch, timothy, cat and house dust mite (HDM)] in an unselected adult population aged from 31 to 46 years. Data were gathered from a cohort of adults (Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1966) who had been skin prick tested (SPT) with birch, timothy, cat and HDM allergens at the age of 31 years and at age 46 (n = 5484 and 5373 respectively). Data from both time points were available for 3409 participants, who made up the cohort of the longitudinal study. The overall prevalence of sensitization to any of the selected allergens was 30.3% (n = 1661) in 31-year-olds and 30.7% (n = 1649) in 46-year-olds. In general, men were more sensitized (P < 0.001) and also had more polysensitization (P < 0.001) compared to women. In longitudinal sub-population incidence of sensitization was 7.1%. Birch was the most prevalent new sensitizer, however, the difference was not statistically significant when compared to cat. We conclude that new sensitization, demonstrated by positive findings in SPT, can still occur in middle age and this should be taken into account when managing allergic manifestations in adults as sensitization can be considered the first step in developing clinical allergy.
Molecular diagnosis of non-syndromic hearing loss patients using a stepwise approach
Authors: Wang Jing , Xiang Jiale , Chen Lisha , Luo Hongyu , Xu Xiuhua , Li Nan , Cui Chunming , Xu Jingjing , Song Nana , Peng Jiguang , Peng Zhiyu 
Published: February 2021

AbstractHearing loss is one of the most common birth disorders in humans, with an estimated prevalence of 1–3 in every 1000 newborns. This study investigates the molecular etiology of a hearing loss cohort using a stepwise strategy to effectively diagnose patients and address the challenges posed by the genetic heterogeneity and variable mutation spectrum of hearing loss. In order to target known pathogenic variants, multiplex PCR plus next-generation sequencing was applied in the first step; patients which did not receive a diagnosis from this were further referred for exome sequencing. A total of 92 unrelated patients with nonsyndromic hearing loss were enrolled in the study. In total, 64% (59/92) of the patients were molecularly diagnosed, 44 of them in the first step by multiplex PCR plus sequencing. Exome sequencing resulted in eleven diagnoses (23%, 11/48) and four probable diagnoses (8%, 4/48) among the 48 patients who were not diagnosed in the first step. The rate of secondary findings from exome sequencing in our cohort was 3% (2/58). This research presents a molecular diagnosis spectrum of 92 non-syndromic hearing loss patients and demonstrates the benefits of using a stepwise diagnostic approach in the genetic testing of nonsyndromic hearing loss.
Endoscopic management versus radical nephroureterectomy for localized upper tract urothelial carcinoma in a high endemic region
Authors: Chen Yung-Tai , Yu Chih-Chin , Yeh Hsin-Chih , Lee Hsiang-Ying , Jiang Yuan-Hong , Lee Yu-Khun , Kuei Chia-Hao , Wu Chia-Chang , Huang Chao-Yuan , Lin Wei-Yu , Yang Cheng Kuang , Tsai Yao Chou 
Published: February 2021

AbstractOur aim was to analyze the clinical and survival differences among patients who underwent the two main treatment modalities, endoscopic ablation and radical nephroureterectomy. This study examined all patients who had undergone endoscopic management and RNU between Jul. 1988 and Mar. 2019 from the Taiwan UTUC registry. The inclusion criteria were low stage UTUC in RNU and all cases in endoscopic managed UTUC with a curative intent. The demographic and clinical characteristics were included for analysis. In total, 84 cases in the endoscopic group and 272 cases in the RNU group were enrolled for final analysis. The median follow-up period were 33.5 and 42.0 months in endoscopic and RNU group, respectively (p = 0.082). Comparison of Kaplan–Meier estimated survival curves between groups, the endoscopic group was associated with similar overall survival (OS), cancer specific survival (CSS), and intravesical recurrence free survival (IVRS) but demonstrated inferior disease free survival (DFS) (p = 0.188 for OS, p = 0.493 for CSS and p < 0.001 for DFS). Endoscopic management of UTUC was as safe as RNU in UTUC endemic region.
Caffeine may disrupt the impact of real-time drowsiness on cognitive performance: a double-blind, placebo-controlled small-sample study
Authors: Aidman E. , Balin M. , Johnson K. , Jackson S. , Paech G. M. , Pajcin M. , Yates C. , Mitchelson E. , Kamimori G. H. , Fidock J. , Vedova C. Della , Banks S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCaffeine is widely used to promote alertness and cognitive performance under challenging conditions, such as sleep loss. Non-digestive modes of delivery typically reduce variability of its effect. In a placebo-controlled, 50-h total sleep deprivation (TSD) protocol we administered four 200 mg doses of caffeine-infused chewing-gum during night-time circadian trough and monitored participants' drowsiness during task performance with infra-red oculography. In addition to the expected reduction of sleepiness, caffeine was found to disrupt its degrading impact on performance errors in tasks ranging from standard cognitive tests to simulated driving. Real-time drowsiness data showed that caffeine produced only a modest reduction in sleepiness (compared to our placebo group) but substantial performance gains in vigilance and procedural decisions, that were largely independent of the actual alertness dynamics achieved. The magnitude of this disrupting effect was greater for more complex cognitive tasks.
Shear stress affects the architecture and cohesion of Chlorella vulgaris biofilms
Authors: Fanesi A. , Lavayssière M. , Breton C. , Bernard O. , Briandet R. , Lopes F. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe architecture of microalgae biofilms has been poorly investigated, in particular with respect to shear stress, which is a crucial factor in biofilm-based reactor design and operation. To investigate how microalgae biofilms respond to different hydrodynamic regimes, the architecture and cohesion of Chlorella vulgaris biofilms were studied in flow-cells at three shear stress: 1.0, 6.5 and 11.0 mPa. Biofilm physical properties and architecture dynamics were monitored using a set of microscopic techniques such as, fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) and particle tracking. At low shear, biofilms cohesion was heterogeneous resulting in a strong basal (close to the substrate) layer and in more loose superficial ones. Higher shear (11.0 mPa) significantly increased the cohesion of the biofilms allowing them to grow thicker and to produce more biomass, likely due to a biological response to resist the shear stress. Interestingly, an acclimation strategy seemed also to occur which allowed the biofilms to preserve their growth rate at the different hydrodynamic regimes. Our results are in accordance with those previously reported for bacteria biofilms, revealing some general physical/mechanical rules that govern microalgae life on substrates. These results may bring new insights about how to improve productivity and stability of microalgae biofilm-based systems.