bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The association between deaths from infection and mutations of the BRAF, FBXW7, NRAS and XPO1 genes: a report from the LRF CLL4 trial
Authors: Else Monica , Blakemore Stuart J. , Strefford Jonathan C. , Catovsky Daniel 
Published: February 2021

AbstractCauses of death, in particular deaths due to infection, have not been widely studied in randomised trials in chronic lymphocytic leukaemia. With long-term follow-up (median 13 years) we examined the cause of death in 600/777 patients in the LRF CLL4 trial. Blood samples, taken at randomisation from 499 patients, were available for identifying gene mutations. Infection was a cause of death in 258 patients (43%). Patients dying of infection were more likely than those who died of other causes to have received ≥2 lines of treatment (194/258 [75%] versus 231/342 [68%], P = 0.04) and to have died in the winter months (149/258 [58%] versus 166/342 [49%], P = 0.03), respectively. In patients with mutation data, the factors significantly associated with death from infection versus all other deaths were 11q deletion (47/162 [29%] versus 40/209 [19%], P = 0.03) and mutations of the BRAF, FBXW7, NRAS and XPO1 genes. Death was caused by an infection in 46/67 assessable patients (69%) who had a mutation of one or more of these four genes versus only 129/333 patients (39%) without any of these mutations (odds ratio: 3.46 [95% CI 1.98–6.07] P < 0.0001). Careful management of infection risk, including prophylaxis against infection, may be important in patients who carry these mutations.
Bacterial microbiota similarity between predators and prey in a blue tit trophic network
Authors: Dion-Phénix Hélène , Charmantier Anne , de Franceschi Christophe , Bourret Geneviève , Kembel Steven W , Réale Denis 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Trophic networks are composed of many organisms hosting microbiota that interact with their hosts and with each other. Yet, our knowledge of the factors driving variation in microbiota and their interactions in wild communities is limited. To investigate the relation among host microbiota across a trophic network, we studied the bacterial microbiota of two species of primary producers (downy and holm oaks), a primary consumer (caterpillars), and a secondary consumer (blue tits) at nine sites in Corsica. To quantify bacterial microbiota, we amplified 16S rRNA gene sequences in blue tit feces, caterpillars, and leaf samples. Our results showed that hosts from adjacent trophic levels had a more similar bacterial microbiota than hosts separated by two trophic levels. Our results also revealed a difference between bacterial microbiota present on the two oak species, and among leaves from different sites. The main drivers of bacterial microbiota variation within each trophic level differed across spatial scales, and sharing the same tree or nest box increased similarity in bacterial microbiota for caterpillars and blue tits. This study quantifies host microbiota interactions across a three-level trophic network and illustrates how the factors shaping bacterial microbiota composition vary among different hosts.
Association between chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and ventricular arrhythmia: a nationwide population-based cohort study
Authors: Chen Chun-Chao , Lin Cheng-Hsin , Hao Wen-Rui , Chiu Chun-Chih , Fang Yu-Ann , Liu Ju-Chi , Sung Li-Chin 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe ventricular arrhythmia (VA)–chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) association and related risk factors remain unclear. Using 2001–2012 data from National Health Insurance Research Database, we retrospectively reviewed 71,838 patients diagnosed as having COPD and 71,838 age- and sex-matched controls. After adjustments for comorbidities, medication, urbanization level, and monthly income, patients with COPD had higher incidence rates of VA than did the controls (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 1.45 [1.25–1.68]). More hospitalization or emergency visits because of acute COPD exacerbation (aHRs [95% CIs] for first, second, and third visits: 1.28 [1.08–1.50], 1.75 [1.32–2.32], and 1.88 [1.46–2.41], respectively) and asthma–COPD overlap (aHR [95% CI]: 1.49 [1.25–1.79]) were associated with high VA risk in patients with COPD. In the multivariate analysis, heart failure (aHR [95% CI]: 2.37 [1.79–3.14]), diabetes (aHR [95% CI]:1.64 [1.29–2.08]), age ≥75 (aHR [95% CI]: 2.48 [1.68–3.67]), male (aHR [95% CI]: 1.69[1.34–2.12]), and class III antiarrhythmic drug use (aHR [95% CI]: 2.49 [1.88–3.28]) are the most significant risk factors of new onset of VA in patients with COPD.
Predicted ‘wiring landscape’ of Ras-effector interactions in 29 human tissues
Authors: Catozzi Simona , Halasz Melinda , Kiel Christina 
Published: February 2021

AbstractRas is a plasma membrane (PM)-associated signaling hub protein that interacts with its partners (effectors) in a mutually exclusive fashion. We have shown earlier that competition for binding and hence the occurrence of specific binding events at a hub protein can modulate the activation of downstream pathways. Here, using a mechanistic modeling approach that incorporates high-quality proteomic data of Ras and 56 effectors in 29 (healthy) human tissues, we quantified the amount of individual Ras-effector complexes, and characterized the (stationary) Ras “wiring landscape” specific to each tissue. We identified nine effectors that are in significant amount in complex with Ras in at least one of the 29 tissues. We simulated both mutant- and stimulus-induced network re-configurations, and assessed their divergence from the reference scenario, specifically discussing a case study for two stimuli in three epithelial tissues. These analyses pointed to 32 effectors that are in significant amount in complex with Ras only if they are additionally recruited to the PM, e.g. via membrane-binding domains or domains binding to activated receptors at the PM. Altogether, our data emphasize the importance of tissue context for binding events at the Ras signaling hub.
Area efficient folded undecimator based ECG detector
Authors: Uma A. , Kalpana P. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThis paper presents an area-efficient folded wavelet filter-based Electrocardiogram (ECG) detector for cardiac pacemakers. The modified folded undecimator based detector consists of Wavelet Filter Bank, QRS complex detector with Generalized Likelihood Ratio Test (GLRT) block and noise detector. A high-level transformation technique such as folding transformation and Cutset retiming are applied to the GLRT block in order to reduce the silicon area. Folding is a high-level transformation applied at the architectural level to enhance the performance of DSP architectures. It reduces the number of adders, multipliers and delay elements in the architecture. The Cutset retiming reduces clock period of the architecture by changing position of delay elements in the critical path. The folding transformation and cutset retiming implement the functional blocks of the GLRT circuit with minimum hardware. The modified folded ECG detector is tested for short term and long-term MIT-BIH databases. The results show that the modified folded undecimator detector has hardware savings and achieves sensitivity of 99.95%, positive prediction of 99.97% and Detection Error Rate (DER) of 0.061. The folded GLRT block architecture is synthesized with FPGA Zed board XC7Z010CLG484-1. Results show that the device utilization and power consumption are lesser than the conventional GLRT structure.
Impact of COPD on COVID-19 prognosis: A nationwide population-based study in South Korea
Authors: Lee Sang Chul , Son Kang Ju , Han Chang Hoon , Park Seon Cheol , Jung Ji Ye 
Published: February 2021

AbstractUnderlying chronic respiratory disease may be associated with the severity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This study investigated the impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the risk for respiratory failure and mortality in COVID-19 patients. A nationwide retrospective cohort study was conducted in 4610 patients (≥ 40 years old) infected with COVID-19 between January 20 and May 27, 2020, using data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service in Korea. The clinical course and various clinical features were compared between COPD and non-COPD patients, and the risks of respiratory failure and all-cause mortality in COPD patients were analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Among 4610 COVID-19 patients, 4469 (96.9%) and 141 (3.1%) were categorized into the non-COPD and COPD groups, respectively. The COPD group had greater proportions of older (≥ 60 years old) (78.0% vs. 45.2%, P < 0.001) and male (52.5% vs. 36.6%, P < 0.001) patients than the non-COPD group. Relatively greater proportions of patients with COPD received intensive critical care (7.1% vs. 3.7%, P = 0.041) and mechanical ventilation (5.7% vs. 2.4%, P = 0.015). Multivariate analyses showed that COPD was not a risk factor for respiratory failure but was a significant independent risk factor for all-cause mortality (OR = 1.80, 95% CI 1.11–2.93) after adjustment for age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index score. Among COVID-19 patients, relatively greater proportions of patients with COPD received mechanical ventilation and intensive critical care. COPD is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality in COVID-19 patients in Korea.
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and the risk of atrial fibrillation stratified by body mass index: a nationwide population-based study
Authors: Lee So-Ryoung , Han Kyung-Do , Choi Eue-Keun , Oh Seil , Lip Gregory Y. H. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe evaluated the association between nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and incident atrial fibrillation (AF) and analyzed the impact of NAFLD on AF risk in relation to body mass index (BMI). A total of 8,048,055 subjects without significant liver disease who were available fatty liver index (FLI) values were included. Subjects were categorized into 3 groups based on FLI: < 30, 30 to < 60, and ≥ 60. During a median 8-year of follow-up, 534,442 subjects were newly diagnosed as AF (8.27 per 1000 person-years). Higher FLI was associated with an increased risk of AF (hazard ratio [HR] 1.053, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.046–1.060 in 30 ≤ FLI < 60, and HR 1.115, 95% CI 1.106–1.125 in FLI ≥ 60). In underweight subjects (BMI < 18.5 kg/m2), higher FLI raised the risk of AF (by 1.6-fold in 30 ≤ FLI < 60 and by twofold in FLI ≥ 60). In normal- and overweight subjects, higher FLI was associated with an increased risk of AF, but the HRs were attenuated. In obese subjects, higher FLI was not associated with higher risk of AF. NAFLD as assessed by FLI was independently associated with an increased risk of AF in nonobese subjects with BMI < 25 kg/m2. The impact of NAFLD on AF risk was accentuated in lean subjects with underweight.
Hypermutated phenotype in gliosarcoma of the spinal cord
Authors: Hong Christopher S. , Kuzmik Gregory A. , Kundishora Adam J. , Elsamadicy Aladine A. , Koo Andrew B. , McGuone Declan , Blondin Nicholas A. , DiLuna Michael L. , Erson-Omay E. Zeynep 
Published: February 2021

AbstractGliosarcoma is a variant of glioblastoma with equally poor prognosis and characterized by mixed glial and mesenchymal pathology. Metastasis is not uncommon but the involvement of the spinal cord is rare, and comprehensive genetic characterization of spinal gliosarcoma is lacking. We describe a patient initially diagnosed with a low-grade brain glioma via biopsy, followed by adjuvant radiation and temozolomide treatment. Nearly 2 years after diagnosis, she developed neurological deficits from an intradural, extramedullary tumor anterior to the spinal cord at T4, which was resected and diagnosed as gliosarcoma. Whole-exome sequencing (WES) of this tumor revealed a hypermutated phenotype, characterized by somatic mutations in key DNA mismatch repair (MMR) pathway genes, an abundance of C>T transitions within the identified somatic single nucleotide variations, and microsatellite stability, together consistent with temozolomide-mediated hypermutagenesis. This is the first report of a hypermutator phenotype in gliosarcoma, which may represent a novel genomic mechanism of progression from lower grade glioma.
A new method of roundness error evaluation based on twin support vector machines
Authors: Liu Dongliang , Zheng Peng , Cao Manyi , Yin Haotian , Xu Yingjie , Zhang Linna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The geometric error determines the product quality and function to a certain extent. Among them, the roundness error is one of the important indicators for evaluating the geometric error of shaft parts. With the increase of industrial requirements, there are higher requirements for the accuracy and efficiency of roundness error evaluation. However, most of the traditional roundness error evaluation models used in the industry can no longer meet the needs of current industrial processing in terms of efficiency and accuracy. This paper proposes a new roundness error evaluation method based on twin support vector machines (TWSVMs). First, according to the roundness error evaluation and the TWSVMs theory, the roundness error evaluation model with the TWSVMs is obtained. Then, experimental research and analysis are carried out, and the accuracy and efficiency of the traditional roundness evaluation method and the new method are compared. The research results show that the new roundness evaluation method based on the TWSVMs proposed in this paper can efficiently and accurately evaluate the roundness error, and can be applied to the online evaluation of the roundness error in industrial processing to improve the processing efficiency.
Remotely sensed tree canopy cover-based indicators for monitoring global sustainability and environmental initiatives
Authors: Estoque Ronald C , Johnson Brian A , Gao Yan , DasGupta Rajarshi , Ooba Makoto , Togawa Takuya , Hijioka Yasuaki , Murayama Yuji , Gavina Lilito D , Lasco Rodel D , Nakamura Shogo 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
With the intensifying challenges of global environmental change, sustainability, and biodiversity conservation, the monitoring of the world’s remaining forests has become more important than ever. Today, Earth observation technologies, particularly remote sensing, are at the forefront of forest cover monitoring worldwide. Given the current conceptual understanding of what a forest is, canopy cover threshold values are used to map forest cover from remote sensing imagery and produce categorical data products such as forest/non-forest (F/NF) maps. However, multi-temporal categorical map products have important limitations because they inadequately represent the actual status of forest landscapes and the trajectories of forest cover changes as a result of the thresholding effect. Here, we examined the potential of using remotely sensed tree canopy cover (TCC) datasets, which are continuous data products, to complement F/NF maps for forest cover monitoring. We developed a conceptual analytical framework for forest cover monitoring using both types of data products and applied it to the forests of Southeast Asia. We conclude that TCC datasets and the statistics derived from them can be used to complement the information provided by categorical F/NF maps. TCC-based indicators (i.e. losses, gains, and net changes) can help in monitoring not only deforestation but also forest degradation and forest cover enhancement, all of which are highly relevant to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other global forest cover monitoring-related initiatives. We recommend that future research should focus on the production, application, and evaluation of TCC datasets to advance the current understanding of how accurately these products can capture changes in forest landscapes across space and time.
Distributing bipartite quantum systems under timing constraints
Authors: Dolev Kfir , May Alex , Wan Kianna 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In many quantum information processing protocols, entangled states shared among parties are an important resource. In this article, we study how bipartite states may be distributed in the context of a quantum network limited by timing constraints. We explore various tasks that plausibly arise in this context, and characterize the achievability of several of these in settings where only one-way communication is allowed. We provide partial results in the case where two-way communication is allowed. This builds on earlier work on summoning single and bipartite systems.
A control sub-areas division method based on improved FN algorithm
Authors: Li Enqun , Dong Baotian , Li Pengcheng , Chu Rusi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
.In order to implement signal control more effectively and improve the operating efficiency of urban traffic systems, this paper proposes a control sub-area division method based on an improved FN division algorithm. Comprehensively consider the intersection spacing, link flow, traffic dispersion, signal cycle, link traffic state and other factors, respectively calculate the correlation degrees of link flow, the intersection signal cycle,the link traffic state of adjacent intersections.Then its introduce the intersection correlation degree to improve the FN algorithm to divide the regional road network traffic district. Finally, the paper select the regional traffic data of Beijing’s road network to verify the model. The result shows that the sub-area division based on improved FN algorithm is more reasonable and effective.
Experimental Study on Scour Model of Wujiagang Bridge Pier
Authors: Li Zhijing , Shan Miner , Huang Jiancheng , Zhou Yinjun 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Local scouring of bridge piers is one of the main causes of structural damage and even water damage. In this study, an experimental study on scour model of Wujiagang bridge pier is carried out, the results show that the scope and depth of the pier scouring pit are closely related to the flow and water depth at the pier location, the maximum scouring depth and the scope of the scouring pit increase with the increase of unit-width discharge.
Discussion on operation safety and countermeasures of Highway tunnel Traffic Engineering Facilities
Authors: Pang Rong , Yuan Yuan , Guo Xinglong , Zhou Lijian , Su Yufeng , Jiang Mingxing , Li Xiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
In order to further improve the condition of road tunnel traffic engineering facilities, and thus improve the safety of tunnel operations. The paper analyzes the inspection results of traffic engineering facilities in dozens of tunnels in China, and summarizes the common operational safety risks of traffic engineering facilities. Then puts forward corresponding risk prevention and control measures, which is helpful to improve the status of tunnel traffic engineering facilities. It has certain guiding significance for the safety management of road tunnel operation.
Adsorption performance of reactive red 2BF onto magnetic Zn0.3Cu0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Liu Min , Wang Zhou 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The facile solution combustion and gel calcination process was applied to prepare magnetic Zn0.3Cu0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles, and the characterization of the product was analyzed by SEM, TEM, XRD, and VSM techniques. The magnetic Zn0.3Cu0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles prepared with absolute alcohol volume of 15 ml at 600 °C were expressed with the average particle size of approximately 60 nm and the saturation magnetization of 39.2 emu g−1. Where after, Zn0.3Cu0.7Fe2O4 nanoparticles were applied to remove reactive red 2BF (RR-2BF), and at room temperature, the adsorbance of RR-2BF onto them was examined. The results demonstrated that pseudo-second-order kinetics could well express the adsorption process, and Temkin isotherm conformed to experimental data. The adsorption capacity of the sample could reach 130 mg g−1, which was greatly affected by pH. The acidic environment was conducive to adsorption while the alkaline environment was conducive to desorption. Moreover, the material had excellent cycling performance.
Assessing heart disease using a novel magnetocardiography device
Authors: Beadle R , McDonnell D , Ghasemi-Roudsari S , Unitt L , Parker S J , Varcoe B T H 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The aim of this paper is to present the use of a portable, unshielded magnetocardiograph (MCG) and identify key characteristics of MCG scans that could be used in future studies to identify parameters that are sensitive to cardiac pathology. We recruited 50 patients with confirmed myocardial infarction (MI) within the past 12 weeks and 46 volunteers with no history of cardiac disease. A set of 38 parameters were extracted from MCG features including both signals from the sensor array and from magnetic images obtained from the device and principal component analysis was used to concentrate the information contained in these parameters into uncorrelated predictors. Linear fits of these parameters were then used to examine the ability of MCG to distinguish between sub-groups of patients. In the first instance, the primary aim of this study was to ensure that MCG has a basic ability to separate a highly polarised patient group (young controls from post infarction patients) and to identify parameters that could be used in future studies to build a formal diagnostic tool kit. Parameters that parameterised left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were identified and an example is presented to show differential low and high ejection fractions.
Restored Macrophage Function Ameliorates Disease Pathophysiology in a Mouse Model for IL10 Receptor-deficient Very Early Onset Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Ackermann Mania , Mucci Adele , McCabe Amanda , Frei Sandy , Wright Kayla , Snapper Scott B , Lachmann Nico , Williams David A , Brendel Christian 
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Background and Aims
Mutations in IL10 or the IL10 receptor lead to very early onset [VEO] inflammatory bowel disease [IBD], a life-threatening disease which is often unresponsive to conventional medication. Recent studies have demonstrated that defective IL-10 receptor signalling in innate immune cells is a key driver of severe intestinal inflammation in VEO-IBD. Specifically, IL10 unresponsiveness of macrophages, which govern the tight balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory responses in the intestinal system, plays a central role in the events leading to excessive inflammatory responses and the development of IBD.

Methods and Results
We here evaluated haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy in a VEO-IBD mouse model and demonstrated that the therapeutic response closely correlates with gene correction of the IL10 signalling pathway in intestinal macrophages. This finding prompted us to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of macrophage transplantation in the Il10rb-/- VEO-IBD mouse model. A 6-week regimen employing a combination of depletion of endogenous hyperinflammatory macrophages followed by intraperitoneal administration of wild-type [WT] macrophages significantly reduced colitis symptoms.

Conclusions
In summary, we show that the correction of the IL10 receptor defect in macrophages, either by genetic therapy or transfer of WT macrophages to the peritoneum, can ameliorate disease-related symptoms and potentially represent novel treatment approaches for VEO-IBD patients.