bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of muscle mass loss and deteriorating physical function on prognosis in patients receiving hemodialysis
Authors: Kitamura Mineaki , Takazono Takahiro , Yamaguchi Kosei , Notomi Satoko , Sawase Kenji , Harada Takashi , Funakoshi Satoshi , Mukae Hiroshi , Nishino Tomoya 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMuscle mass loss and worsening physical function are crucial issues in patients receiving hemodialysis (HD). However, few studies have investigated the association between temporal changes in muscle mass and physical function in a large number of HD patients. We examined 286 patients receiving HD (males, 58%; age, 66.8 ± 13.0 years) at a single center, and calculated the percent changes in psoas muscle mass index (%PMI) using computed tomography over two screenings, once per year (July 2011–June 2013). Physical function was evaluated using the Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status (ECOG-PS) (range 0–4). The observation period was from July 2012 to June 2021. The median %PMI was -9.5%, and those with the lowest quartile of %PMI (< −20.5%) showed a significantly poor prognosis compared with other patients (p < 0.001). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that these patients tended to have decreased physical function (ECOG-PS 2–4) [odds ratio (OR): 2.46, p < 0.001] and albumin levels (OR: 0.22, p = 0.007). Multiple-factor-adjusted Cox regression analyses showed that %PMI (hazard ratio: 0.99, p = 0.004) and each ECOG-PS stage (1–4 vs. 0) (p < 0.01) were associated with mortality. Augmenting physical activities in daily life and serum albumin levels should be considered to maintain muscle mass and improve the prognosis of patients receiving HD.
Enhancing diversity analysis by repeatedly rarefying next generation sequencing data describing microbial communities
Authors: Cameron Ellen S. , Schmidt Philip J. , Tremblay Benjamin J.-M. , Emelko Monica B. , Müller Kirsten M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAmplicon sequencing has revolutionized our ability to study DNA collected from environmental samples by providing a rapid and sensitive technique for microbial community analysis that eliminates the challenges associated with lab cultivation and taxonomic identification through microscopy. In water resources management, it can be especially useful to evaluate ecosystem shifts in response to natural and anthropogenic landscape disturbances to signal potential water quality concerns, such as the detection of toxic cyanobacteria or pathogenic bacteria. Amplicon sequencing data consist of discrete counts of sequence reads, the sum of which is the library size. Groups of samples typically have different library sizes that are not representative of biological variation; library size normalization is required to meaningfully compare diversity between them. Rarefaction is a widely used normalization technique that involves the random subsampling of sequences from the initial sample library to a selected normalized library size. This process is often dismissed as statistically invalid because subsampling effectively discards a portion of the observed sequences, yet it remains prevalent in practice and the suitability of rarefying, relative to many other normalization approaches, for diversity analysis has been argued. Here, repeated rarefying is proposed as a tool to normalize library sizes for diversity analyses. This enables (i) proportionate representation of all observed sequences and (ii) characterization of the random variation introduced to diversity analyses by rarefying to a smaller library size shared by all samples. While many deterministic data transformations are not tailored to produce equal library sizes, repeatedly rarefying reflects the probabilistic process by which amplicon sequencing data are obtained as a representation of the amplified source microbial community. Specifically, it evaluates which data might have been obtained if a particular sample’s library size had been smaller and allows graphical representation of the effects of this library size normalization process upon diversity analysis results.
Mid-gestation cytokine profiles in mothers of children affected by autism spectrum disorder: a case–control study
Authors: Carter Michael , Casey Sophie , O’Keeffe Gerard W. , Gibson Louise , Murray Deirdre M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractAutism Spectrum disorder is one of the commonest and most important neurodevelopmental conditions affecting children today. With an increasing prevalence and an unclear aetiology, it is imperative we find early markers of autism, which may facilitate early identification and intervention. Alterations of gestational cytokine profiles have been reported in mothers of autistic children. Increasing evidence suggests that the intrauterine environment is an important determinant of autism risk. This study aims to examine the mid-gestational serum cytokine profiles of the mothers of autistic children from a well-characterised birth cohort. A nested sub-cohort within a large mother–child birth cohort were identified based on a confirmed multi-disciplinary diagnosis of autism before the age 10 years and neuro-typical matched controls in a 2:1 ratio. IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17A, GMCSF and TNFα were measured in archived maternal 20-week serum using MesoScale Diagnostics multiplex technology and validation of our IL-17A measurements was performed using an ultrasensitive assay. From a cohort of 2137 children, 25 had confirmed autism before 10 years and stored maternal serum from mid-gestation. We examined the sera of these 25 cases and 50 matched controls. The sex ratio was 4:1 males to females in each group, and the mean age at diagnosis was 5.09 years (SD 2.13). We found that concentrations of IL-4 were significantly altered between groups. The other analytes did not differ significantly using either multiplex or ultra-sensitive assays. In our well-characterised prospective cohort of autistic children, we confirmed mid-gestational alterations in maternal IL-4 concentrations in autism affected pregnancies versus matched controls. These findings add to promising evidence from animal models and retrospective screening programmes and adds to the knowledge in this field.
EEG and behavioral correlates of attentional processing while walking and navigating naturalistic environments
Authors: Liebherr Magnus , Corcoran Andrew W. , Alday Phillip M. , Coussens Scott , Bellan Valeria , Howlett Caitlin A. , Immink Maarten A. , Kohler Mark , Schlesewsky Matthias , Bornkessel-Schlesewsky Ina 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe capacity to regulate one’s attention in accordance with fluctuating task demands and environmental contexts is an essential feature of adaptive behavior. Although the electrophysiological correlates of attentional processing have been extensively studied in the laboratory, relatively little is known about the way they unfold under more variable, ecologically-valid conditions. Accordingly, this study employed a ‘real-world’ EEG design to investigate how attentional processing varies under increasing cognitive, motor, and environmental demands. Forty-four participants were exposed to an auditory oddball task while (1) sitting in a quiet room inside the lab, (2) walking around a sports field, and (3) wayfinding across a university campus. In each condition, participants were instructed to either count or ignore oddball stimuli. While behavioral performance was similar across the lab and field conditions, oddball count accuracy was significantly reduced in the campus condition. Moreover, event-related potential components (mismatch negativity and P3) elicited in both ‘real-world’ settings differed significantly from those obtained under laboratory conditions. These findings demonstrate the impact of environmental factors on attentional processing during simultaneously-performed motor and cognitive tasks, highlighting the value of incorporating dynamic and unpredictable contexts within naturalistic designs.
An innovative approach for provenancing ancient white marbles: the contribution of x-ray diffraction to disentangling the origins of Göktepe and Carrara marbles
Authors: Antonelli F. , Nestola F. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe paper presents a very efficient, quick, low-cost and minimally micro-destructive approach to discriminating between Roman artefacts sculpted with Göktepe (Aphrodisia, Turkey) or Carrara (Apuan Alps, Italy) white marbles by using a standard X-Ray Powder Diffractometer (XRPD) and a refinement of the unit cell parameters and volume of calcite. At present, the routine way of differentiating between these two almost indistinguishable by-eye marbles is based on the typically higher strontium content of calcite in the Microasiatic lithotype, a unique geochemical-crystallographic feature with respect to all other non-Göktepe fine-grained white marbles used in classical times. The XRPD approach has been verified by testing eighteen samples of known composition, nine from Carrara and nine from Göktepe quarries, which had already been analysed with other laboratory techniques. The applicability of the method to archaeological artefacts was confirmed by an archaeometric study performed on some famous Roman sculptures of the National Archaeological Museum of Venice and from Hadrian’s Villa at Tivoli. The results show that Göktepe/Carrara discrimination is always possible and that this XRPD approach can potentially become a useful and low-cost routine procedure to solve provenance issues.
Effect of biostimulants on the growth, yield and nutritional value of Capsicum annuum grown in an unheated plastic tunnel
Authors: Majkowska-Gadomska Joanna , Dobrowolski Artur , Jadwisieńczak Krzysztof K. , Kaliniewicz Zdzisław , Francke Anna 
Published: November 2021

AbstractRecent years have witnessed an increased interest in the cultivation and consumption of peppers. Therefore, new solutions are being sought to provide pepper plants with the most favorable conditions for growth and development. In view of the above, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of selected biostimulants on the biometric parameters, yield and nutritional value of Capsicum annuum fruit. The research hypothesis postulates that biostimulants can increase the yield and improve the nutritional quality of pepper fruit. The experiment was conducted in an unheated plastic tunnel. The experimental materials comprised three sweet (‘Solario F1’, ‘Turbine F1’ and ‘Whitney F1’) and two hot (‘Cyklon’ and ‘Palivec’) cultivars of C. annuum. It was found that the combined application of environmentally-friendly microbial-based biostimulants (BB Soil, BB Foliar, Multical, MK5 and Biocin F) did not clearly improve the morphological traits of pepper fruit, yield or the concentrations of sugars and organic acids in fruit, therefore their use is not economically justified. Hot peppers had a higher content of dry matter, total sugars and L-ascorbic acid than sweet peppers. The analyzed biostimulants increased nitrate (V) concentrations in the fruit of both hot and sweet peppers. ‘Turbine F1’ and ‘Solario F1’ were particularly prone to nitrate (V) accumulation in fruit, therefore the use of biostimulants should be limited in their cultivation. Pepper fruits with the largest horizontal diameter and the thickest skin should be preferred because these traits are associated with high sugar content.
Muscle transcriptome provides the first insight into the dynamics of gene expression with progression of age in sheep
Authors: Arora Reena , Siddaraju Naveen Kumar , Manjunatha S. S. , Sudarshan S. , Fairoze Mohamed Nadeem , Kumar Ashish , Chhabra Pooja , Kaur Mandeep , Sreesujatha R. M. , Ahlawat Sonika , Vijh Ramesh Kumar 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe dynamic synergy of genes and pathways in muscles in relation to age affects the muscle characteristics. Investigating the temporal changes in gene expression will help illustrate the molecular mechanisms underlying muscle development. Here we report the gene expression changes in skeletal muscles through successive age groups in Bandur, a meat type sheep of India. RNA sequencing data was generated from the longissimus thoracis muscles from four age groups, ranging from lamb to adult. Analysis of 20 highest expressed genes common across the groups revealed muscle protein, phosphorylation, acetylation, metal binding and transport as significant functions. Maximum differentiation was observed after 2.5–3 years on transition from lambs to adult. Transcriptional regulation by the TFAP2 transcription factors, IL-6 signaling and PI3K/AKT signaling pathways were enriched in younger animals. The gene-protein network demarcated key interactive genes involved in muscle development and proliferation that can be used as candidates for future research on improvement of muscle characteristics.
Effect of different management techniques on bird taxonomic groups on rice fields in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Choi Green , Do Min Seock , Son Seok-Jun , Nam Hyung-Kyu 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMany bird species rely on the ecological functions of rice field habitats (e.g., paddy, levee, road, and ditch). However, recent intensive practices are causing rice fields to provide fewer suitable habitats. This study examined bird habitat usage and how it is affected by cultivation methods (e.g., eco-friendly vs conventional fields). Eco-friendly and conventional rice fields in the midwestern region of the Republic of Korea were surveyed from January 2014 to December 2016, and the species presence, number of birds, and locations of observed habitats were recorded. It was found that shorebirds and herons used more eco-friendly rice paddies with lower or no pesticide and/or herbicide use, while waterfowl used paddy habitats more than the other habitats, regardless of the amounts of pesticides and/or herbicides used. Land birds used ditches or roads in conventional rice fields more than those in fields that used pesticides and/or herbicides. Pesticide and/or herbicide use affected bird taxonomic groups differently. Consequently, the use of habitats by different bird taxonomic groups varied depending on the crop cultivation as well as the cultivation methods. These results provided valuable information for managing rice fields, which serve as habitats for birds.
DLST-dependence dictates metabolic heterogeneity in TCA-cycle usage among triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Shen Ning , Korm Sovannarith , Karantanos Theodoros , Li Dun , Zhang Xiaoyu , Ritou Eleni , Xu Hanfei , Lam Andrew , English Justin , Zong Wei-Xing , Liu Ching-Ti , Shirihai Orian , Feng Hui 
Published: November 2021

AbstractTriple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is traditionally considered a glycolytic tumor with a poor prognosis while lacking targeted therapies. Here we show that high expression of dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase (DLST), a tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle enzyme, predicts poor overall and recurrence-free survival among TNBC patients. DLST depletion suppresses growth and induces death in subsets of human TNBC cell lines, which are capable of utilizing glutamine anaplerosis. Metabolomics profiling reveals significant changes in the TCA cycle and reactive oxygen species (ROS) related pathways for sensitive but not resistant TNBC cells. Consequently, DLST depletion in sensitive TNBC cells increases ROS levels while N-acetyl-L-cysteine partially rescues cell growth. Importantly, suppression of the TCA cycle through DLST depletion or CPI-613, a drug currently in clinical trials for treating other cancers, decreases the burden and invasion of these TNBC. Together, our data demonstrate differential TCA-cycle usage in TNBC and provide therapeutic implications for the DLST-dependent subsets.
A series of microporous and robust Ln-MOFs showing luminescence properties and catalytic performances towards Knoevenagel reactions
Authors: Tian Miaomiao , Zheng Jun , Xue Jintang , Pan Xuze , Zhou Dandan , Yao Qingxia , Li Yunwu , Duan Wenzeng , Su Jie , Huang Xianqiang 
Published: November 2021

A series of microporous and stable LnMOFs (1-Ln, Ln = La, Pr, Eu, and Tb) has been synthesized from H3NTB ligand. 1-Tb shows the best catalytic activities (yield 99%) for Knoevenagel reactions, providing a unique example to differentiate the role of Ln ions in catalysis.
Payoff‐maximization‐based adaptive hierarchical wireless charging algorithm for mobile charger in IoT
Authors: Haobo Guo , Runze Wu , Bing Qi , Bing Fan 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn order to maximize the work efficiency of wireless mobile charger, a payoff‐maximization‐based adaptive hierarchical wireless charging algorithm for mobile charger is proposed. Based on the mesh structure and multi‐node charging technology, the recharging optimization for massive devices is modelled as a problem of payoff maximization. According to energy allocation, anchor point deployment and time allocation, we decompose it into three layers by the hierarchical decomposition method to obtain optimal solution quickly. The process of energy allocation and anchor point deployment in each mesh is optimized in the first two layers based on Karush–Kuhn–Trucker (KKT) condition and greedy strategy, respectively. Based on the feedback of the first two layers, the most complex problem of time allocation in the last layer is solved by our innovative gain recall mechanism. The trade‐off between the number of recharged devices and recharging time in each cycle can be achieved by only charging the devices in the meshes which are without recall gains. The simulation results prove our algorithm can adaptively adjust the ratio of moving time to recharging time in a fixed cycle, and mobile charger can always work in efficient recharging positions, whose effect is exploited utmost.
Synchronization of high‐dimensional Kuramoto models with nonidentical oscillators and interconnection digraphs
Authors: Zhang Jinxing , Zhu Jiandong 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThis paper investigates some synchronization behaviors of high‐dimensional Kuramoto models with nonidentical oscillators and interconnection digrphs. By using the matrix Riccati differential equation of the state error variables, it is proved that a high‐dimensional Kuramoto model can achieve local practical synchronization when the interconnection digraph is strongly connected or has a spanning tree. Compared with the existing practical synchronization literature, the results are based on general digraphs instead of complete graphs. Moreover, the complete synchronization is proved for proportional nonidentical oscillators limited on a half‐sphere and interconnected by a strongly connected digraph. Finally, some numerical simulations are given to validate the obtained theoretical results.
Effect of common branch impedance coupling and mutual inductance on current sharing of paralleled SiC MOSFETs with different layouts
Authors: Zhao Bin , Ke Junji , Yu Qiuping , Sun Peng , Cai Yumeng , Zhao Zhibin 
Published: November 2021

AbstractOvercurrent failure caused by imbalanced current distribution is one of the universal failure forms of the SiC MOSFET module. The current sharing of parallel SiC MOSFETs is an important guarantee for the safe and reliable operation of parallel devices even the whole system. The existence of current coupling has a significant influence on the current sharing among paralleled SiC MOSFETs. Here, the mechanism of dynamic and static current imbalance under the different layouts resulting from current coupling generated by common branch impedance coupling and mutual inductance is comprehensively investigated by theoretical analysis and simulation validations. It is concluded that dynamic current imbalance is more serious when the drain confluence point and power source confluence point are on both sides than they are on the one side. While, the influence of the arrangement of two confluence points on the static current distribution is in reverse. Finally, a flexible and adjustable test bench is designed to verify the current sharing performance on the different layouts. The experimental results validate the correctness of the theoretical analysis. Based on these results, some guidelines are provided for the parallel‐connected application of SiC MOSFETs.
CO-CAVITY pilot survey: Molecular gas and star formation in void galaxies
Authors: Domínguez-Gómez J. , Lisenfeld U. , Pérez I. , López-Sánchez Á. R. , Duarte Puertas S. , Falcón-Barroso J. , Kreckel K. , Peletier R. F. , Ruiz-Lara T. , van de Weygaert R. , van der Hulst J. M. , Verley S. 
Published: November 2021

Context. Voids are the most under-dense large-scale regions in the Universe. Galaxies inhabiting voids are one of the keys for understanding the intrinsic processes of galaxy evolution, as external factors such as multiple galaxy mergers or a dense self-collapsing environment are negligible.
Aims. We present the first molecular gas mass survey of void galaxies. We compare these new data together with data for the atomic gas mass (MH I) and star formation rate (SFR) from the literature to those of galaxies in filaments and walls in order to better understand how molecular gas and star formation are related to the large-scale environment.
Methods. We observed at the IRAM 30 m telescope the CO(1−0) and CO(2−1) emission of 20 void galaxies selected from the Void Galaxy Survey, with a stellar mass range from 108.5 to 1010.3 M⊙. We detected 15 objects in at least one CO line. We compared the molecular gas mass (MH2), the star formation efficiency (SFE = SFR/MH2), the atomic gas mass, the molecular-to-atomic gas mass ratio, and the specific star formation rate (sSFR) of the void galaxies with two control samples of galaxies in filaments and walls, selected from xCOLD GASS and EDGE-CALIFA, for different stellar mass bins and taking the star formation activity into account.
Results. In general, we do not find any significant differences between void galaxies and the control sample. In particular, we do not find any evidence for a difference in the molecular gas mass or molecular gas mass fraction. For the other parameters (SFE, atomic gas mass, molecular-to-atomic gas mass ratio, and sSFR), we also find similar (within the errors) mean values between void and filament and wall galaxies when the sample is limited to star-forming galaxies. We find no evidence for an enhanced sSFR in void galaxies. Some tentative differences emerge when trends with stellar mass are studied: The SFE of void galaxies might be lower than in filament and wall galaxies for low stellar masses, and there might be a trend of increasing deficiency in the HI content in void galaxies compared to galaxies in filaments and walls for higher stellar masses, accompanied by an increase in the molecular-to-atomic gas mass ratio. However, all trends with stellar mass are based on a low number of galaxies and need to be confirmed for a larger sample.
Conclusions. The results for the molecular gas mass for a sample of 20 voids galaxies allowed us to make a statistical comparison to galaxies in filaments and walls for the first time. We do not find any significant differences of the molecular gas properties and the SFE, but we note that a larger sample is necessary to confirm this and be sensitive to subtle trends.