bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
K2P18.1 translates T cell receptor signals into thymic regulatory T cell development
Authors: Ruck Tobias , Bock Stefanie , Pfeuffer Steffen , Schroeter Christina B. , Cengiz Derya , Marciniak Paul , Lindner Maren , Herrmann Alexander , Liebmann Marie , Kovac Stjepana , Gola Lukas , Rolfes Leoni , Pawlitzki Marc , Opel Nils , Hahn Tim , Dannlowski Udo , Pap Thomas , Luessi Felix , Schreiber Julian A. , Wünsch Bernhard , Kuhlmann Tanja , Seebohm Guiscard , Tackenberg Björn , Seja Patricia , Döring Frank , Wischmeyer Erhard , Chasan Achmet Imam , Roth Johannes , Klotz Luisa , Meyer zu Hörste Gerd , Wiendl Heinz , Marschall Tobias , Floess Stefan , Huehn Jochen , Budde Thomas , Bopp Tobias , Bittner Stefan , Meuth Sven G. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIt remains largely unclear how thymocytes translate relative differences in T cell receptor (TCR) signal strength into distinct developmental programs that drive the cell fate decisions towards conventional (Tconv) or regulatory T cells (Treg). Following TCR activation, intracellular calcium (Ca2+) is the most important second messenger, for which the potassium channel K2P18.1 is a relevant regulator. Here, we identify K2P18.1 as a central translator of the TCR signal into the thymus-derived Treg (tTreg) selection process. TCR signal was coupled to NF-κB-mediated K2P18.1 upregulation in tTreg progenitors. K2P18.1 provided the driving force for sustained Ca2+ influx that facilitated NF-κB- and NFAT-dependent expression of FoxP3, the master transcription factor for Treg development and function. Loss of K2P18.1 ion-current function induced a mild lymphoproliferative phenotype in mice, with reduced Treg numbers that led to aggravated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, while a gain-of-function mutation in K2P18.1 resulted in increased Treg numbers in mice. Our findings in human thymus, recent thymic emigrants and multiple sclerosis patients with a dominant-negative missense K2P18.1 variant that is associated with poor clinical outcomes indicate that K2P18.1 also plays a role in human Treg development. Pharmacological modulation of K2P18.1 specifically modulated Treg numbers in vitro and in vivo. Finally, we identified nitroxoline as a K2P18.1 activator that led to rapid and reversible Treg increase in patients with urinary tract infections. Conclusively, our findings reveal how K2P18.1 translates TCR signals into thymic T cell fate decisions and Treg development, and provide a basis for the therapeutic utilization of Treg in several human disorders.
Juvenile hormone analog enhances Zika virus infection in Aedes aegypti
Authors: Alomar Abdullah A. , Eastmond Bradley H. , Alto Barry W. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn recent years, there has been a rise in the emergence of arboviruses of public health importance, including Zika, chikungunya, dengue, and yellow fever viruses. Insecticide-based mosquito control has been the primary method for mitigating transmission of arboviruses. The consequences for the application of insecticides include both lethal and sublethal effects, and associated development of insecticide resistance. However, little is known about the influence on arboviral transmission. Mosquitoes with phenotypes that exhibit insecticide resistance or experience sublethal effects may be associated with altered susceptibility to arbovirus infection and transmission. Juvenile hormone analogs (JHAs) are insecticides that prevent pupa to adult molting of mosquitoes by mimicking the action of their natural juvenile hormone. Here, we examined whether the JHA pyriproxyfen interacts with ambient temperature (20 °C and 30 °C) during juvenile stages to influence life-history traits, population growth (λ'), and Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in Aedes aegypti. Development time of females was lengthened at 20 °C and in the presence of JHA. Prevention of pupa to adult molting by JHA was differentially higher at elevated temperature than low temperature. Size of females was larger at 20 °C and smaller at 30 °C. Infection, disseminated infection, and transmission of ZIKV in females were enhanced by JHA at both 20 °C and 30 °C relative to the controls. These results demonstrate that mosquito life-history and vector competence parameters are strongly influenced by interactive effects of JHA and temperature. The JHA-induced enhancement of ZIKV infection in females should be a consideration when implementing JHA in vector control strategies.
Influence of climate factors on pediatric alopecia areata flares in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Authors: George Elisabeth A. , Castelo-Soccio Leslie , Putterman Elana , Kuhn Helena , Wambier Carlos , Qureshi Abrar , Cho Eunyoung 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPatients with alopecia areata (AA) may experience episodic disease flares characterized by increasing hair loss that follow a seasonal pattern. However, no studies have examined whether specific climate factors contribute to the seasonal pattern of AA flares. Using Spearman rank correlation analyses, we assessed the association between climate variables and AA flare frequency per month in 336 children with AA in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Region-specific monthly values for average ambient temperature, air pressure, cloudiness, hours of sunlight, relative humidity, number of days with sun, number of days with rain, volume of precipitation, wind gust, wind speed, and UV index from January 2015 to December 2017 were obtained from World Weather Online. We found significant (P < 0.05) correlations between AA flare frequency and UV index (R = − 0.66), precipitation (R = − 0.66), number of days with rain (R = − 0.70), number of days with sun (R = 0.62), and air pressure (R = 0.80). Stratified analyses showed even stronger associations with UV index and precipitation in patients with an atopic comorbidity. New significant correlations appeared with temperature, wind speed, and UV index of the prior month. However, in patients who did not have atopic comorbidities, we generally observed weaker and non-significant correlations between climate and AA flare frequency. This study suggests that certain climate factors may mediate the seasonal pattern of AA flares and may contribute to AA pathogenesis. Atopic AA patients may be more susceptible to the influence of climate compared to those with no history of atopy.
Intubated COVID-19 predictive (ICOP) score for early mortality after intubation in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Nishikimi Mitsuaki , Rasul Rehana , Sison Cristina P. , Jafari Daniel , Shoaib Muhammad , Shinozaki Koichiro , Li Timmy , Hayashida Kei , Rolston Daniel M. , Hirsch Jamie S. , Becker Lance B. ,   The Northwell Health COVID-19 Research Consortium, Barish Matthew A. , Barnaby Douglas P. , Miyara Santiago J. , Burns Edith , Cohen Stuart L. , Cookingham Jennifer , Dominello Andrew J. , Johnson Jennifer C. , Kozel Zachary M. , Lima Brian , McGinn Ariana K. , Molmenti Ernesto P. , Monane Rachel , d. Paradis Marc 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPatients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can have increased risk of mortality shortly after intubation. The aim of this study is to develop a model using predictors of early mortality after intubation from COVID-19. A retrospective study of 1945 intubated patients with COVID-19 admitted to 12 Northwell hospitals in the greater New York City area was performed. Logistic regression model using backward selection was applied. This study evaluated predictors of 14-day mortality after intubation for COVID-19 patients. The predictors of mortality within 14 days after intubation included older age, history of chronic kidney disease, lower mean arterial pressure or increased dose of required vasopressors, higher urea nitrogen level, higher ferritin, higher oxygen index, and abnormal pH levels. We developed and externally validated an intubated COVID-19 predictive score (ICOP). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.75 (95% CI 0.73–0.78) in the derivation cohort and 0.71 (95% CI 0.67–0.75) in the validation cohort; both were significantly greater than corresponding values for sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) or CURB-65 scores. The externally validated predictive score may help clinicians estimate early mortality risk after intubation and provide guidance for deciding the most effective patient therapies.
Spectroscopic evidence of mixed angular momentum symmetry in non-centrosymmetric Ru$$_7$$B$$_3$$
Authors: Datta Soumya , Vasdev Aastha , Ramachandran Ranjani , Halder Soumyadip , Motla Kapil , Kataria Anshu , Arushi  , Roy Chowdhury Rajeswari , Singh Ravi Prakash , Sheet Goutam 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSuperconducting crystals with a lack of inversion symmetry can potentially host unconventional pairing. However, till today, no direct conclusive experimental evidence of such unconventional order parameters in non-centrosymmetric superconductors has been reported. In this paper, through direct measurement of the superconducting energy gap by scanning tunnelling spectroscopy, we report the existence of both s-wave (singlet) and p-wave (triplet) pairing symmetries in non-centrosymmetric Ru$$_7$$

7

B$$_3$$

3

. Our temperature and magnetic field-dependent studies also indicate that the relative amplitudes of the singlet and triplet components change differently with temperature.
Comprehensive functional network analysis and screening of deleterious pathogenic variants in non-syndromic hearing loss causative genes
Authors: Ray Manisha , Sarkar Saurav , Sable Mukund Namdev 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Hearing loss (HL) is a significant public health problem and causes the most frequent congenital disability in developed societies. The genetic analysis of non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) may be considered as a complement to the existent plethora of diagnostic modalities available. The present study focuses on exploring more target genes with respective non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (nsSNPs) involved in the development of NSHL. The functional network analysis and variant study have successfully been carried out from the gene pool retrieved from reported research articles of the last decade. The analyses have been done through STRING. According to predicted biological processes, various variant analysis tools have successfully classified the NSHL causative genes and identified the deleterious nsSNPs, respectively. Among the predicted pathogenic nsSNPs with rsIDs rs80356586 (I515T), rs80356596 (L1011P), rs80356606 (P1987R) in OTOF have been reported in NSHL earlier. The rs121909642 (P722S), rs267606805 (P722H) in FGFR1, rs121918506 (E565A) and rs121918509 (A628T, A629T) in FGFR2 have not been reported in NSHL yet, which should be clinically experimented in NSHL. This also indicates this variant’s novelty as its association in NSHL. The findings and the analyzed data have delivered some vibrant genetic pathogenesis of NSHL. These data might be used in the diagnostic and prognostic purposes in non-syndromic congenitally deaf children.
The unusual cytoarchitecture of “vitelline follicles” in freshwater blood flukes of the genus Sanguinicola (Digenea, Aporocotylidae)
Authors: Poddubnaya Larisa G. , Zhokhov Alexander , Gibson David I. 
Published: October 2021

This is the first study assessing the cytoarchitecture of the vitellarium of members of the freshwater, teleost-infecting lineage of blood-flukes (Aporocotylidae). The vitelline cytoarchitecture of two innominate species of Sanguinicola from freshwater fishes in Russia showed that vitelline cells at different stages of maturation are widely distributed throughout much of the body and are mixed with other cell types. The latter feature indicates that use of the term “follicular vitellarium” is inappropriate for species of this genus. An additional characteristic of the vitelline cells in these Sanguinicola spp. is their ability to form long, pseudopodia-like extensions of the peripheral cytoplasm that contact neighbouring vitelline cells and sarcoplasmic extensions, forming both heterologous and homologous intercellular junctions. Within the vitelline duct lumen, the cytoplasm of mature vitelline cells is filled with regular clusters (0.5–1.0 μm in diameter), comprising 10–30 vitelline globules, which have heterogeneous contents and electron-lucent lipid droplets (1.1–1.7 μm in diameter), but no apparent modifications of vitelline globules occur within the vitelline duct. The flattened, ciliated, epithelial lining of the common vitelline duct contains intra-epithelial nuclei, its luminal surface bears shallow lamellae and adjacent cells are adjoined by apical septate junctions. All of these observations, when compared to the marine Aporocotyle simplex, likely represent additional characteristics supporting the divergent evolutionary lineages of marine and freshwater aporocotylids.
Reshaping energy policy based on social and human dimensions: an analysis of human-building interactions among societies in transition in GCC countries
Authors: Ghofrani Ali , Zaidan Esmat , Jafari Mohsen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractWithout major structural changes, social sciences can potentially bolster economic diversification and strategic planning efforts in developing countries. This article presents an analysis of a set of human-oriented dimensions to enhance energy policies associated with the building sector in developing countries with similarities to the Gulf Cooperation Council union (GCC). A clear understanding of human dimensions in the GCC union’s energy policy is crucial due to social complexities and large numbers of expatriate communities and migrant workers with unknown cultural, behavioral, and financial diversities with respect to local communities. This study evaluates the correlations of demographic, socioeconomic, and behavioral dimensions with human–building interactions to identify the main contributors that create discrepancies in human habits, well-being, motivations, responsibilities, and energy use based on a sample of 2200 respondents in Qatar. Moreover, this study is extended to explore human indoor comfort perception dependencies with building features. Behavioral associations with financial drivers, including energy subsidies and demand response programs, are investigated. The patterns in the data are analyzed and attributed to applications in energy policy concerning awareness, social well-being, and interventions. The sample is clustered into various consumer classes, and a feature importance analysis is conducted via machine learning methods to find the key contributors to consumer behavior. The outcomes show profound insight into how human factors influence consumption, consequence awareness, self-responsibility, habits, norms, and comfort perception in residential and work environments. The findings of this study can assist decision-makers in creating targeted strategies to enhance the efficacy of energy policies and improve sustainability performance indicators.
PIC/MC calculation of current–voltage characteristic of emissive probe
Authors: Jílek Z , Čaloud J , Zikán P , Obrusník A , Trunec D 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Two numerical models were used to study the function of an emissive (electron-emitting) probe—the PIC/MC model and the thermal model. The PIC/MC model was used to calculate the I–V characteristics of the emissive probe. The calculations were focussed on the determination of the floating potential of the probe, which increases with increasing probe temperature. It was found that the floating potential can reach the value of the plasma potential, and it can even be higher than the plasma potential. The dependence of the floating potential on probe temperature is linear in the vicinity of the plasma potential, and the slope of this dependence changes when the floating potential equals the plasma potential. The potential profiles near the probe were also calculated and it was found that the space charge effects can be neglected for the plasma parameters studied (electron density 1014–1016 m−3, electron temperature 2500–40 000 K, probe temperature up to 2500 K). The thermal model was used for the calculation of the dependence of probe temperature and potential profiles on DC current passing through the probe (and heating the probe). The thermal model was based on the heat equation, which was solved using the finite element method. Finally, the results from both the above-mentioned models were combined to obtain the dependencies of floating potential on probe heating DC current.
Manipulation of a temporal electron-spin splitter via a δ-potential in an embedded magnetic-electric-barrier microstructure
Authors: Liu Gui-Xiang , Tang Ge , Liu Jian-Lin , Guo Qing-Meng , Yang Shuai-Quan , Xie Shi-Shi 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We theoretically explore the manipulation of a temporal electron-spin splitter by a δ-potential in an embedded magnetic-electric-barrier microstructure (EMEBM), which is constructed by patterning a ferromagnetic stripe and a Schottky-metal stripe on the top and bottom of an InAs/Al
x
In1−x
As heterostructure, respectively. Spin polarization of the dwell time remains, even though a δ-potential is inserted by atomic-layer doping. Both the magnitude and sign of the spin-polarized dwell time can be manipulated by changing the weight or position of the δ-potential. Thus, a structurally controllable temporal electron-spin splitter can be obtained for spintronics device applications.
Modeling snowflake divertors in MAST-U Tokamak
Authors: Khrabry A.I. , Soukhanovskii V.A. , Rognlien T.D. , Umansky M.V. , Moulton D. , Harrison J.R. 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
In a snowflake (SF) divertor, two magnetic field nulls are placed close to each other, creating four strike points (SPs) compared to two in a standard X-point divertor. In preparation for MAST-U experiments, magnetic configurations with the standard and SF divertors with various locations and separation distances of the nulls were modeled using the two-dimensional multi-fluid code UEDGE with a full plasma transport model featuring charge-state-resolved sputtered carbon impurities. The complex interplay of the plasma transport and magnetic configurations was comprehensively studied using a simple model for the theoretically predicted fast plasma mixing driven by the ‘churning’ mode instability in the two-null SF region. The modeling results show that (1) all SF-plus configurations and SF-minus configuration with closely located nulls produce the same plasma parameters and heat fluxes at the same SPs; (2) SF divertors approach the outer and inner SP detachment conditions at lower upstream density w.r.t. the standard divertor; (3) heat flux profiles at primary SPs are substantially broadened and peak values are reduced in SF configurations w.r.t. SN divertors; this broadening becomes more pronounced with the fast plasma mixing increase.
Reconstruction of three-dimensional lumbar vertebrae from biplanar x-rays
Authors: Su Chia-Wei , Lin Cheng-Li , Fang Jing-Jing 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Objective. Vertebrae models from computer tomographic (CT) imaging are extensively used in image-guided surgical systems to deliver percutaneous orthopaedic operations with minimum risks, but patients may be exposed to excess radiation from the pre-operative CT scans. Generating vertebrae models from intra-operative x-rays for image-guided systems can reduce radiation exposure to the patient, and the surgeons can acquire the vertebrae’s relative positions during the operation; therefore, we proposed a lumbar vertebrae reconstruction method from biplanar x-rays. Approach. Non-stereo-corresponding vertebral landmarks on x-rays were identified as targets for deforming a set of template vertebrae; the deformation was formulated as a minimisation problem, and was solved using the augmented Lagrangian method. Mean surface errors between the models reconstructed using the proposed method and CT scans were measured to evaluate the reconstruction accuracy. Main results. The evaluation yielded mean errors of 1.27 mm and 1.50 mm in in vitro experiments on normal vertebrae and pathological vertebrae, respectively; the outcomes were comparable to other template-based methods. Significance. The proposed method is a viable alternative to provide digital lumbar to be used in image-guided systems, where the models can be used as a visual reference in surgical planning and image-guided applications in operations where the reconstruction error is within the allowable surgical error.
Nonrelativistic effective quantum mechanics of the Coulomb interaction
Authors: Jacobs David M , Jankowski Matthew 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
We apply the ideas of effective field theory to the nonrelativistic quantum mechanics of the Coulomb problem. Utilizing an artificial boundary of ignorance as a calculational tool, we develop this effective theory using boundary conditions to encode short-ranged effects that are deliberately not modeled; thus, the boundary conditions play a role similar to the effective action in field theory. We find that this effective theory can predict the bound state energies of hydrogen-like systems to very high accuracy with a small number of fitting parameters. It is also shown to be equivalent to the theory of quantum defects, but derived here using an effective framework. The method respects electromagnetic gauge invariance and also can describe decays due to short-ranged interactions, such as those found in positronium. Potential applications of this approach include atomic and condensed matter systems that admit analytic long-range descriptions, but whose short-ranged effects are not reliably or efficiently modeled. It may also provide a useful perspective for the study of blackholes.
Network analytics for drug repurposing in COVID-19
Authors: Siminea Nicoleta , Popescu Victor , Sanchez Martin Jose Angel , Florea Daniela , Gavril Georgiana , Gheorghe Ana-Maria , Iţcuş Corina , Kanhaiya Krishna , Pacioglu Octavian , Popa Laura Ioana , Trandafir Romica , Tusa Maria Iris , Sidoroff Manuela , Păun Mihaela , Czeizler Eugen , Păun Andrei , Petre Ion 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
To better understand the potential of drug repurposing in COVID-19, we analyzed control strategies over essential host factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection. We constructed comprehensive directed protein–protein interaction (PPI) networks integrating the top-ranked host factors, the drug target proteins and directed PPI data. We analyzed the networks to identify drug targets and combinations thereof that offer efficient control over the host factors. We validated our findings against clinical studies data and bioinformatics studies. Our method offers a new insight into the molecular details of the disease and into potentially new therapy targets for it. Our approach for drug repurposing is significant beyond COVID-19 and may be applied also to other diseases.