bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Creating robotic intelligence using multistimuli-responsive cobalt-doped manganese oxide
Authors: Wu Runni , Kwan Kin Wa , Mak Chi Hin , Ngan Alfonso Hing Wan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCompact material constructs possessing some degree of built-in intelligence via the exhibition of complex functionalities in response to easily deliverable stimuli are highly desirable for material-powered robots. We report here a visible light-driven, dual-responsive material of cobalt-doped manganese dioxide (Co-MnO2), which exhibits high actuation performance in terms of speed and power requirement and decreased electrical resistivity under light illumination. The actuation properties are fine-tunable by controlling the amount of Co doping, followed by an electrochemical treatment to activate the actuation, and the resistance change conveniently serves as a built-in feedback signal for controlling the actuation. Utilizing these properties, compact microrobotic devices capable of self-sensing visible light intensities of ~4 mW/cm2to perform complex motions along multiple selectable configurational pathways are fabricated. Intelligent robotic functions, including self-adapting load lifting, object sorting, and on-demand structural stiffening, are demonstrated in these devices. The concept demonstrated here opens up a perspective of creating robotic intelligence using multistimuli-responsive materials.
Permutation-based identification of important biomarkers for complex diseases via machine learning models
Authors: Mi Xinlei , Zou Baiming , Zou Fei , Hu Jianhua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStudy of human disease remains challenging due to convoluted disease etiologies and complex molecular mechanisms at genetic, genomic, and proteomic levels. Many machine learning-based methods have been developed and widely used to alleviate some analytic challenges in complex human disease studies. While enjoying the modeling flexibility and robustness, these model frameworks suffer from non-transparency and difficulty in interpreting each individual feature due to their sophisticated algorithms. However, identifying important biomarkers is a critical pursuit towards assisting researchers to establish novel hypotheses regarding prevention, diagnosis and treatment of complex human diseases. Herein, we propose a Permutation-based Feature Importance Test (PermFIT) for estimating and testing the feature importance, and for assisting interpretation of individual feature in complex frameworks, including deep neural networks, random forests, and support vector machines. PermFIT (available athttps://github.com/SkadiEye/deepTL) is implemented in a computationally efficient manner, without model refitting. We conduct extensive numerical studies under various scenarios, and show that PermFIT not only yields valid statistical inference, but also improves the prediction accuracy of machine learning models. With the application to the Cancer Genome Atlas kidney tumor data and the HITChip atlas data, PermFIT demonstrates its practical usage in identifying important biomarkers and boosting model prediction performance.
Robot-assisted, source-camera-coupled multi-view broadband imagers for ubiquitous sensing platform
Authors: Li Kou , Yuasa Ryoichi , Utaki Ryogo , Sun Meiling , Tokumoto Yu , Suzuki Daichi , Kawano Yukio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMulti-functional photo-imaging garners attention towards the development of universal safety-net sensor networks. Although there are urgent needs to comprehensively address the optical information from arbitrarily structured and located targets, investigations on multi-view sensitive broadband monitoring, being independent of the operating environment, are yet to be completed. This study presents a robot-assisted, photo-source and imager implanted, multi-view stereoscopic sensitive broadband photo-monitoring platform with reflective and transmissive switchable modes. A multifaceted photo-thermoelectric device design based on flexible carbon nanotube films facilitates the prototype demonstrations of non-destructive, target-structure-independent, free-form multi-view examinations on actual three-dimensional industrial components. Further functionalisation, namely, a portable system utilising three-dimensional printing and ultraviolet processing, achieves the unification of freely attachable photo-imagers and miniature photo-sources, enabling location-independent operation. Consequently, the non-destructive unmanned, remote, high-speed, omni-directional testing of a defective aerial miniature model winding road-bridge with a robot-assisted photo-source imager built into a multi-axis movable photo-thermoelectric monitor arm is demonstrated.
Catalytic asymmetric Nakamura reaction by gold(I)/chiral N,Nʹ-dioxide-indium(III) or nickel(II) synergistic catalysis
Authors: Hu Xinyue , Tang Xiaoxue , Zhang Xiying , Lin Lili , Feng Xiaoming 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIntermolecular addition of enols and enolates to unactivated alkynes was proved to be a simple and powerful method for carbon-carbon bond formation. Up to date, a catalytic asymmetric version of alkyne with 1,3-dicarbonyl compound has not been realized. Herein, we achieve the catalytic asymmetric intermolecular addition of 1,3-dicarbonyl compounds to unactivated 1-alkynes attributing to the synergistic activation of chiral N,N′-dioxide-indium(III) or nickel(II) Lewis acid and achiral gold(I) π-acid. A range of β-ketoamides, β-ketoesters and 1,3-diketones transform to the corresponding products with a tetra-substituted chiral center in good yields with good e.r. values. Besides, a possible catalytic cycle and a transition state model are proposed to illustrate the reaction process and the origin of chiral induction based on the experimental investigations.
Co-development of central and peripheral neurons with trunk mesendoderm in human elongating multi-lineage organized gastruloids
Authors: Olmsted Zachary T. , Paluh Janet L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractStem cell technologies including self-assembling 3D tissue models provide access to early human neurodevelopment and fundamental insights into neuropathologies. Gastruloid models have not been used to investigate co-developing central and peripheral neuronal systems with trunk mesendoderm which we achieve here in elongating multi-lineage organized (EMLO) gastruloids. We evaluate EMLOs over a forty-day period, applying immunofluorescence of multi-lineage and functional biomarkers, including day 16 single-cell RNA-Seq, and evaluation of ectodermal and non-ectodermal neural crest cells (NCCs). We identify NCCs that differentiate to form peripheral neurons integrated with an upstream spinal cord region after day 8. This follows initial EMLO polarization events that coordinate with endoderm differentiation and primitive gut tube formation during multicellular spatial reorganization. This combined human central-peripheral nervous system model of early organogenesis highlights developmental events of mesendoderm and neuromuscular trunk regions and enables systemic studies of tissue interactions and innervation of neuromuscular, enteric and cardiac relevance.
Chemically defined and xeno-free culture condition for human extended pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Liu Bei , Chen Shi , Xu Yaxing , Lyu Yulin , Wang Jinlin , Du Yuanyuan , Sun Yongcheng , Liu Heming , Zhou Haoying , Lai Weifeng , Xue Anqi , Yin Ming , Li Cheng , Bai Yun , Xu Jun , Deng Hongkui 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExtended pluripotent stem (EPS) cells have shown great applicative potentials in generating synthetic embryos, directed differentiation and disease modeling. However, the lack of a xeno-free culture condition has significantly limited their applications. Here, we report a chemically defined and xeno-free culture system for culturing and deriving human EPS cells in vitro. Xeno-free human EPS cells can be long-term and genetically stably maintained in vitro, as well as preserve their embryonic and extraembryonic developmental potentials. Furthermore, the xeno-free culturing system also permits efficient derivation of human EPS cells from human fibroblast through reprogramming. Our study could have broad utility in future applications of human EPS cells in biomedicine.
Regioselective activation of benzocyclobutenones and dienamides lead to anti-Bredt bridged-ring systems by a [4+4] cycloaddition
Authors: Zhang Jianyu , Wang Xi , Xu Tao 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo the best of our knowledge, bridgehead carbon benzofused-bridged ring systems have previously not been accessible to the synthetic community. Here, we describe a formal type-II [4 + 4] cycloaddition approach that provides fully sp2-carbon embedded anti-Bredt bicyclo[5.3.1] skeletons through the Rh-catalyzed C1–C8 activation of benzocyclobutenones (BCBs) and their coupling with pedant dienamides. Variously substituted dienamides have been coupled with BCBs to provide a range of complex bicyclo[5.3.1] scaffolds (>20 examples, up to 89% yield). The bridged rings were further converted to polyfused hydroquinoline-containing tetracycles via a serendipitously discovered transannular 1,5-hydride shift/Prins-like cyclization/Schmidt rearrangement cascade.
Towards a bioengineered uterus: bioactive sheep uterus scaffolds are effectively recellularized by enzymatic preconditioning
Authors: Padma Arvind Manikantan , Carrière Laura , Krokström Karlsson Frida , Sehic Edina , Bandstein Sara , Tiemann Tom Tristan , Oltean Mihai , Song Min Jong , Brännström Mats , Hellström Mats 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUterine factor infertility was considered incurable until recently when we reported the first successful live birth after uterus transplantation. However, risky donor surgery and immunosuppressive therapy are factors that may be avoided with bioengineering. For example, transplanted recellularized constructs derived from decellularized tissue restored fertility in rodent models and mandate translational studies. In this study, we decellularized whole sheep uterus with three different protocols using 0.5% sodium dodecyl sulfate, 2% sodium deoxycholate (SDC) or 2% SDC, and 1% Triton X-100. Scaffolds were then assessed for bioactivity using the dorsal root ganglion and chorioallantoic membrane assays, and we found that all the uterus scaffolds exhibited growth factor activity that promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis. Extensive recellularization optimization was conducted using multipotent sheep fetal stem cells and we report results from the following three in vitro conditions; (a) standard cell culturing conditions, (b) constructs cultured in transwells, and (c) scaffolds preconditioned with matrix metalloproteinase 2 and 9. The recellularization efficiency was improved short-term when transwells were used compared with standard culturing conditions. However, the recellularization efficiency in scaffolds preconditioned with matrix metalloproteinases was 200–300% better than the other strategies evaluated herein, independent of decellularization protocol. Hence, a major recellularization hurdle has been overcome with the improved recellularization strategies and in vitro platforms described herein. These results are an important milestone and should facilitate the production of large bioengineered grafts suitable for future in vivo applications in the sheep, which is an essential step before considering these principles in a clinical setting.
International consensus on initial screening and follow-up of asymptomatic SDHx mutation carriers
Authors: Amar Laurence , Pacak Karel , Steichen Olivier , Akker Scott A. , Aylwin Simon J. B. , Baudin Eric , Buffet Alexandre , Burnichon Nelly , Clifton-Bligh Roderick J. , Dahia Patricia L. M. , Fassnacht Martin , Grossman Ashley B. , Herman Philippe , Hicks Rodney J. , Januszewicz Andrzej , Jimenez Camilo , Kunst Henricus P. M. , Lewis Dylan , Mannelli Massimo , Naruse Mitsuhide , Robledo Mercedes , Taïeb David , Taylor David R. , Timmers Henri J. L. M. , Treglia Giorgio , Tufton Nicola , Young William F. , Lenders Jacques W. M. , Gimenez-Roqueplo Anne-Paule , Lussey-Lepoutre Charlotte 
Published: May 2021

AbstractApproximately 20% of patients diagnosed with a phaeochromocytoma or paraganglioma carry a germline mutation in one of the succinate dehydrogenase (SDHx) genes (SDHA,SDHB,SDHCandSDHD), which encode the four subunits of the SDH enzyme. When a pathogenicSDHxmutation is identified in an affected patient, genetic counselling is proposed for first-degree relatives. Optimal initial evaluation and follow-up of people who are asymptomatic but might carrySDHxmutations have not yet been agreed. Thus, we established an international consensus algorithm of clinical, biochemical and imaging screening at diagnosis and during surveillance for both adults and children. An international panel of 29 experts from 12 countries was assembled, and the Delphi method was used to reach a consensus on 41 statements. This Consensus Statement covers a range of topics, including age of first genetic testing, appropriate biochemical and imaging tests for initial tumour screening and follow-up, screening for rareSDHx-related tumours and management of elderly people who have anSDHxmutation. This Consensus Statement focuses on the management of asymptomaticSDHxmutation carriers and provides clinicians with much-needed guidance. The standardization of practice will enable prospective studies in the near future.
A computational model for predicting changes in infection dynamics due to leakage through N95 respirators
Authors: Hariharan Prasanna , Sharma Neha , Guha Suvajyoti , Banerjee Rupak K. , D’Souza Gavin , Myers Matthew R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn the absence of fit-testing, leakage of aerosolized pathogens through the gaps between the face and N95 respirators could compromise the effectiveness of the device and increase the risk of infection for the exposed population. To address this issue, we have developed a model to estimate the increase in risk of infection resulting from aerosols leaking through gaps between the face and N95 respirators. The gaps between anthropometric face-geometry and N95 respirators were scanned using computed tomography. The gap profiles were subsequently input into CFD models. The amount of aerosol leakage was predicted by the CFD simulations. Leakage levels were validated using experimental data obtained using manikins. The computed amounts of aerosol transmitted to the respiratory system, with and without leaks, were then linked to a risk-assessment model to predict the infection risk for a sample population. An influenza outbreak in which 50% of the population deployed respirators was considered for risk assessment. Our results showed that the leakage predicted by the CFD model matched the experimental data within about 13%. Depending upon the fit between the headform and the respirator, the inward leakage for the aerosols ranged between 30 and 95%. In addition, the non-fit-tested respirator lowered the infection rate from 97% (for no protection) to between 42 and 80%, but not to the same level as the fit-tested respirators (12%). The CFD-based leakage model, combined with the risk-assessment model, can be useful in optimizing protection strategies for a given population exposed to a pathogenic aerosol.
The nature of Pu-bearing particles from the Maralinga nuclear testing site, Australia
Authors: Cook Megan , Etschmann Barbara , Ram Rahul , Ignatyev Konstantin , Gervinskas Gediminas , Conradson Steven D. , Cumberland Susan , Wong Vanessa N. L. , Brugger Joёl 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe high-energy release of plutonium (Pu) and uranium (U) during the Maralinga nuclear trials (1955–1963) in Australia, designed to simulate high temperature, non-critical nuclear accidents, resulted in wide dispersion µm-sized, radioactive, Pu–U-bearing ‘hot’ particles that persist in soils. By combining non-destructive, multi-technique synchrotron-based micro-characterization with the first nano-scale imagining of the composition and textures of six Maralinga particles, we find that all particles display intricate physical and chemical make-ups consistent with formation via condensation and cooling of polymetallic melts (immiscible Fe–Al–Pu–U; and Pb ± Pu–U) within the detonation plumes. Plutonium and U are present predominantly in micro- to nano-particulate forms, and most hot particles contain low valence Pu–U–C compounds; these chemically reactive phases are protected by their inclusion in metallic alloys. Plutonium reworking was observed within an oxidised rim in a Pb-rich particle; however overall Pu remained immobile in the studied particles, while small-scale oxidation and mobility of U is widespread. It is notoriously difficult to predict the long-term environmental behaviour of hot particles. Nano-scale characterization of the hot particles suggests that long-term, slow release of Pu from the hot particles may take place via a range of chemical and physical processes, likely contributing to on-going Pu uptake by wildlife at Maralinga.
Differentiation between multiple sclerosis and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder using optical coherence tomography angiography
Authors: Rogaczewska Małgorzata , Michalak Sławomir , Stopa Marcin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNeuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are autoimmune demyelinating diseases of distinct etiology presenting with optic neuritis (ON). This study aimed to identify the macular and peripapillary neurovascular alterations that may facilitate the differentiation between NMOSD and MS eyes using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) and OCT angiography (OCTA). A total of 13 NMOSD patients and 40 MS patients were evaluated. After ON, the radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) vessel density was significantly decreased in the superior (S) and inferior (I) sectors in NMOSD compared with MS eyes, whereas in non-ON eyes, the temporal (T) sector of RPC was reduced in MS group. In the ON eyes, the retinal nerve fiber layer in the I and T quadrants was thinner in NMOSD than in MS. Regarding ON and non-ON eyes, the macular capillary plexuses, and the ganglion cell complex thickness did not differ between NMOSD and MS. The ratios, based on the disease-specific intra-eye RPC vessel density reduction pattern, were the best discriminants between NMOSD and MS, i.e., inferior to nasal (I/N) and I/T ratios for ON eyes, and S/T and N/T ratios for non-ON eyes. Our results show that the OCTA-based simple ratios may be useful in distinguishing NMOSD and MS patients.
Assessment and optimization of respiratory syncytial virus prophylaxis in Connecticut, 1996–2013
Authors: Artin Ben , Pitzer Virginia E. , Weinberger Daniel M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRespiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes seasonal respiratory infection, with hospitalization rates of up to 50% in high-risk infants. Palivizumab provides safe and effective, yet costly, immunoprophylaxis. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends palivizumab only for high-risk infants and only during the RSV season. Outside of Florida, the current guidelines do not recommend regional adjustments to the timing of the immunoprophylaxis regimen. Our hypothesis is that adjusting the RSV prophylaxis regimen in Connecticut based on spatial variation in the timing of RSV incidence can reduce the disease burden compared to the current AAP-recommended prophylaxis regimen. We obtained weekly RSV-associated hospital admissions by ZIP-code in Connecticut between July 1996 and June 2013. We estimated the fraction of all Connecticut RSV cases occurring during the period of protection offered by immunoprophylaxis (“preventable fraction”) under the AAP guidelines. We then used the same model to estimate protection conferred by immunoprophylaxis regimens with alternate start dates, but unchanged duration. The fraction of RSV hospitalizations preventable by the AAP guidelines varies by county because of variations in epidemic timing. Prophylaxis regimens adjusted for state- or county-level variation in the timing of RSV seasons are superior to the AAP-recommended regimen. The best alternative strategy yielded a preventable fraction of 95.1% (95% CI 94.7–95.4%), compared to 94.1% (95% CI 93.7–94.5%) for the AAP recommendation. In Connecticut, county-level recommendations would provide only a minimal additional benefit while adding complexity. Initiating RSV prophylaxis based on state-level data may improve protection compared with the AAP recommendations.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic joint analysis reveals distinct flavonoid biosynthesis regulation for variegated testa color development in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Hu Mengdie , Li Jiawei , Hou Mingyu , Liu Xiaoqing , Cui Shunli , Yang Xinlei , Liu Lifeng , Jiang Xiaoxia , Mu Guojun 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPeanut is one of the important oil and economic crops, among which the variegated testa peanut is a unique member. The molecular mechanisms underlying the pigment synthesis in variegated testa are still unclear. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the flavonoid metabolism pathway in pigmented areas indicated that there were 27 DEGs highly related to the synthesis of variegated testa color among 1,050 DEGs. Of these 27, 13 were up-regulated and 14 were down-regulated, including 3 PALs, 1 C4H, 2 CHSs, 1 F3H, 1 F3'H, 2 DFRs, 2 LARs, 2 IAAs, 4 bHLHs, and 9 MYBs. GO (Gene Ontology) analysis indicated that DEGs were similarly enriched in three branches. KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes) analysis suggested flavonoid biosynthesis is the most direct metabolic pathway for the synthesis of testa variegation. The liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) results showed that cyanidin and delphinidin were the primary metabolites that caused the color differences between the pigmented and the non-pigmented areas. Through the verification of 20 DEGs via qPCR, the results were consistent with transcriptome sequencing in four comparison groups. The results in this study lay the foundation for revealing the molecular regulation mechanisms of flavonoid synthesis in variegated testa peanut.
Multiscale-omic assessment of EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion positive sarcomas identifies the mTOR pathway as a potential therapeutic target
Authors: Seligson Nathan D. , Maradiaga Richard D. , Stets Colin M. , Katzenstein Howard M. , Millis Sherri Z. , Rogers Alan , Hays John L. , Chen James L. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSarcomas harboring EWSR1-NFATc2 fusions have historically been categorized and treated as Ewing sarcoma. Emerging evidence suggests unique molecular characteristics and chemotherapy sensitivities in EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion positive sarcomas. Comprehensive genomic profiles of 1024 EWSR1 fusion positive sarcomas, including 14 EWSR1-NFATc2 fusions, were identified in the FoundationCore® database. Additional data from the Gene Expression Omnibus, the Genomics of Drug Sensitivity in Cancer and The Cancer Genome Atlas datasets were included for analysis. EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion positive sarcomas were genomically distinct from traditional Ewing sarcoma and demonstrated upregulation of the mTOR pathway. We also present a case of a 58-year-old male patient with metastatic EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion positive sarcoma who achieved 47 months of disease stabilization when treated with combination mTOR and VEGF inhibition. EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion positive sarcomas are molecularly distinct entities with overactive mTOR signaling; which may be therapeutically targetable. These findings support the use of precision medicine in the Ewing family of tumors.