bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Immersive Rehearsal in a Simulated Environment
Authors: Clouse Cassandra , Ewer Matthew W , French DeAnne , Gallimore Jennie , Ganapathy Subhashini 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recent advancements in virtual environment (VE) technology and the increasing use of VEs for treatment are opening up possibilities for rehearsal in safe and rich environments. Research has shown that VEs can be used to treat individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but little research has been done to suggest guidelines for creating an effective environment. The aim of this study was to determine the design of systems that would allow military veterans to rehearse potentially stressful events in a VE before having to step into the actual environment. This research evaluated the responses to six stimuli: startle sound, direct eye contact, horizontal movement across the visual field, social conflict, an abandoned item, and a crowded auditorium. Measures used included change in heart rate (ΔHR), change in subjective unit of discomfort scores, and participant behavior.

Materials and Methods
Thirty-eight participants, both with and without PTSD, experienced two VEs in first person using an Oculus Rift device. The first VE consisted of a tranquil garden, which allowed the participants to practice in the system, whereas baseline data were collected. The second VE was the experimental condition where the participant completed tasks within the VE and encountered stimuli designed to evoke responses from those with PTSD.

Results
There was a significant difference in ΔHR between the PTSD and non-PTSD groups (P = .008), and the PTSD group had a higher mean ΔHR for all stimuli. The stimulus type was also significant for all participants (P &lt; .001). Crowded auditorium and startle sound had the largest impact on the participants’ ΔHR. Change in subjective unit of discomfort showed a significant interaction between the group factor (PTSD, non-PTSD) and stimulus (P = .043). Individuals with PTSD also presented more avoidance behavior than those without PTSD.

Conclusions
Findings imply that VEs other than virtual combat zones can elicit behavioral, emotional, and physiological responses in individuals with PTSD, and these types of environments should be further studied for use with veterans suffering from PTSD. In future studies, systems should include initial stimuli that can be configured to allow focus on specific past traumatic experiences. Stimuli should also include both a crowded room and a startle noise scenario.
Repeated Occupational Exposure to Low-level Blast in the Canadian Armed Forces: Effects on Hearing, Balance, and Ataxia
Authors: Nakashima Ann , Vartanian Oshin , Rhind Shawn G , King Kristen , Tenn Catherine , Jetly Col Rakesh 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT

Introduction
Recently, there has been increasing concern about the adverse health effects of long-term occupational exposure to low-level blast in military personnel. Occupational blast exposure occurs routinely in garrison through use of armaments and controlled blast detonations. In the current study, we focused on a population of breaching instructors and range staff. Breaching is a tactical technique that is used to gain entry into closed spaces, often through the use of explosives.

Materials and Methods
Initial measurements of blast overpressure collected during breaching courses found that up to 10% of the blasts for range staff and up to 32% of the blasts for instructors exceeded the recommended 3 psi exposure limit. Using a cross-sectional design, we used tests of balance, ataxia, and hearing to compare a sample of breachers (n = 19) to age-and sex-matched military controls (n = 19).

Results
There were no significant differences between the two groups on the balance and ataxia tests, although the average scores of both groups were lower than would be expected in a normative population. The prevalence of hearing loss was low in the breacher group (4 of 19), and hearing thresholds were not significantly different from the controls. However, the prevalence of self-reported tinnitus was significantly higher in the breacher group (12 of 19) compared with the controls (4 of 19), and all breachers who were identified as having hearing loss also reported tinnitus.

Conclusions
Our results suggest that basic tests of balance, ataxia, and hearing on their own were not sensitive to the effects of long-term occupational exposure to low-level blast. Some of the blast exposure levels exceeded limits, and there was a significant association of exposure with tinnitus. Future studies should supplement with additional information including exposure history and functional hearing assessments. These findings should be considered in the design of future acute and longitudinal studies of low-level blast exposure.
Antifungal effects ofStreptococcus mutansextract onCandidastrains susceptible and resistant to fluconazole: Anin vivostudy
Authors: Alves Mariana de Sá , Fugisaki Luciana Ruano de Oliveira , dos Santos Jéssica Diane , Scorzoni Liliana , Medina Rebeca Previate , Silva Dulce Helena Siqueira , Junqueira Juliana Campos 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPrevious studies showed that the crude extract obtained from Streptococcus mutans inhibited the growth of Candida albicans reference strains. In this study, we evaluated whether the antifungal effects of S. mutans extract can be extended to clinical Candida isolates, including C. albicans and non-abicans strains with different susceptibilities to fluconazole. We verified that S. mutans extract increased the survival of Galleria mellonella larvae infected with C. albicans and C. glabrata and inhibited the fungal cells in hemolymph. These antifungal effects occurred for both fluconazole-susceptible and fluconazole-resistant strains. However, larvae infected by C. krusei were not affected by S. mutans extract.Lay SummaryStreptococcus mutans crude extract shows antifungal effects on clinical Candida strains susceptible and resistant to fluconazole in Galleria mellonella model.
Mildly relativistic magnetized shocks in electron–ion plasmas – II. Particle acceleration and heating
Authors: Ligorini Arianna , Niemiec Jacek , Kobzar Oleh , Iwamoto Masanori , Bohdan Artem , Pohl Martin , Matsumoto Yosuke , Amano Takanobu , Matsukiyo Shuichi , Hoshino Masahiro 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Particle acceleration and heating at mildly relativistic magnetized shocks in electron–ion plasma are investigated with unprecedentedly high-resolution 2D particle-in-cell simulations that include ion-scale shock rippling. Electrons are super-adiabatically heated at the shock, and most of the energy transfer from protons to electrons takes place at or downstream of the shock. We are the first to demonstrate that shock rippling is crucial for the energization of electrons at the shock. They remain well below equipartition with the protons. The downstream electron spectra are approximately thermal with a limited supra-thermal power-law component. Our results are discussed in the context of wakefield acceleration and the modelling of electromagnetic radiation from blazar cores.
Characteristic time variability of gravitational-wave and neutrino signals from three-dimensional simulations of non-rotating and rapidly rotating stellar core collapse
Authors: Shibagaki Shota , Kuroda Takami , Kotake Kei , Takiwaki Tomoya 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
We present results from full general relativistic 3D hydrodynamics simulations of stellar core collapse of a 70 M⊙ star with spectral neutrino transport. To investigate the impact of rotation on non-axisymmetric instabilities, we compute three models by parametrically changing the initial strength of rotation. The most rapidly rotating model exhibits a transient development of the low-T/|W| instability with one-armed spiral flow at the early post-bounce phase. Subsequently, the two-armed spiral flow appears, which persists during the simulation time. The moderately rotating model also shows the growth of the low-T/|W| instability, but only with the two-armed spiral flow. In the non-rotating model, a vigorous activity of the standing accretion-shock instability (SASI) is only observed. The SASI is first dominated by the sloshing mode, which is followed by the spiral SASI until the black hole (BH) formation. We present a spectrogram analysis of the gravitational waves (GWs) and neutrinos, focusing on the time correlation. Our results show that characteristic time modulations in the GW and neutrino signals can be linked to the growth of the non-axisymmetric instabilities. We find that the degree of the protoneutron star (PNS) deformation, depending upon which modes of the non-axisymmetric instabilities develop, predominantly affects the characteristic frequencies of the correlated GW and neutrino signals. We point out that these signals would be simultaneously detectable by the current-generation detectors up to ∼10 kpc. Our findings suggest that the joint observation of GWs and neutrinos is indispensable for extracting information on the PNS evolution preceding the BH formation.
The Umov effect in cosmic dust analogue fluffy aggregates
Authors: Mazarbhuiya A M , Das H S , Halder P 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
We investigate the effect of porosity in the Umov effect for the first time using the aggregate dust model. The Umov effect is an inverse correlation between the reflectivity (or geometric albedo) of an object and the degree of linear polarization of light scattered by it. Three different types of fractal aggregates: ballistic agglomeration (BA), ballistic agglomeration with one migration (BAM1), and ballistic agglomeration with two migrations (BAM2) having porosities 0.87, 0.74, and 0.64, respectively (which have the same characteristic radius ∼1 μm), are considered in our simulations. Using the multisphere T-matrix (mstm) code, maximum positive polarization (Pmax) and geometric albedo (A) are calculated for three different fractal aggregated structures considering amorphous silicate composition. Then Pmax and A are plotted against each other in logarithmic scale that shows a linear inverse correlation and a strong porosity dependence. This study shows that the porosity of the aggregates plays a crucial role in the Umov-law diagram. Further, we explore the effect of aggregate size parameter and the effect of composition in the Umov diagram for particles larger than the wavelength of incident radiation. A systematic study is presented in this paper.
Evidence for galaxy assembly bias in BOSS CMASS redshift-space galaxy correlation function
Authors: Yuan Sihan , Hadzhiyska Boryana , Bose Sownak , Eisenstein Daniel J , Guo Hong 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACT
Building accurate and flexible galaxy–halo connection models is crucial in modelling galaxy clustering on non-linear scales. Recent studies have found that halo concentration by itself cannot capture the full galaxy assembly bias effect and that the local environment of the halo can be an excellent indicator of galaxy assembly bias. In this paper, we propose an extended halo occupation distribution (HOD) model that includes both a concentration-based assembly bias term and an environment-based assembly bias term. We use this model to achieve a good fit (χ2/degrees of freedom = 1.35) on the 2D redshift-space two-point correlation function (2PCF) of the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) CMASS galaxy sample. We find that the inclusion of both assembly bias terms is strongly favoured by the data and the standard five-parameter HOD model is strongly rejected. More interestingly, the redshift-space 2PCF drives the assembly bias parameters in a way that preferentially assigns galaxies to lower mass haloes. This results in galaxy–galaxy lensing predictions that are within 1σ agreement with the observation, alleviating the perceived tension between galaxy clustering and lensing. We also showcase a consistent 3σ–5σ preference for a positive environment-based assembly bias that persists over variations in the fit. We speculate that the environmental dependence might be driven by underlying processes such as mergers and feedback, but might also be indicative of a larger halo boundaries such as the splashback radius. Regardless, this work highlights the importance of building flexible galaxy–halo connection models and demonstrates the extra constraining power of the redshift-space 2PCF.
Single cell epigenetic visualization assay
Authors: Kint Sam , Van Criekinge Wim , Vandekerckhove Linos , De Vos Winnok H , Bomsztyk Karol , Krause Diane S , Denisenko Oleg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Characterization of the epigenetic status of individual cells remains a challenge. Current sequencing approaches have limited coverage, and it is difficult to assign an epigenetic status to the transcription state of individual gene alleles in the same cell. To address these limitations, a targeted microscopy-based epigenetic visualization assay (EVA) was developed for detection and quantification of epigenetic marks at genes of interest in single cells. The assay is based on an in situ biochemical reaction between an antibody-conjugated alkaline phosphatase bound to the epigenetic mark of interest, and a 5′-phosphorylated fluorophore-labeled DNA oligo tethered to a target gene by gene-specific oligonucleotides. When the epigenetic mark is present at the gene, phosphate group removal by the phosphatase protects the oligo from λ-exonuclease activity providing a quantitative fluorescent readout. We applied EVA to measure 5-methylcytosine (5mC) and H3K9Ac levels at different genes and the HIV-1 provirus in human cell lines. To link epigenetic marks to gene transcription, EVA was combined with RNA-FISH. Higher 5mC levels at the silenced compared to transcribed XIST gene alleles in female somatic cells validated this approach and demonstrated that EVA can be used to relate epigenetic marks to the transcription status of individual gene alleles.
HuB and HuD repress telomerase activity by dissociating HuR from TERC
Authors: Cheng Xiaolei , Gu Xiaoping , Xia Tianjiao , Ma Zhengliang , Yang Zhongzhou , Feng Helen Lechen , Zhao Yong , Ma Wenbin , Ju Zhenyu , Gorospe Myriam , Yi Xia , Tang Hao , Wang Wengong 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
The ubiquitous RNA-binding protein HuR (ELAVL1) promotes telomerase activity by associating with the telomerase noncoding RNA TERC. However, the role of the neural-specific members HuB, HuC, and HuD (ELAVL2–4) in telomerase activity is unknown. Here, we report that HuB and HuD, but not HuC, repress telomerase activity in human neuroblastoma cells. By associating with AU-rich sequences in TERC, HuB and HuD repressed the assembly of the TERT–TERC core complex. Furthermore, HuB and HuD competed with HuR for binding to TERC and antagonized the function of HuR that was previously shown to enhance telomerase activity to promote cell growth. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism controlling telomerase activity in human neuroblastoma cells that involves a competition between HuR and the related, neural-specific proteins HuB and HuD.
Strategies to lower fibroblast growth factor 23 bioactivity
Authors: Verbueken Devin , Moe Orson W 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is a circulating hormone derived from the bone whose release is controlled by many factors and exerts a multitude of systemic actions. There are congenital and acquired disorders of increased and decreased FGF23 levels. In chronic kidney disease (CKD), elevations of FGF23 levels can be 1000-fold above the upper physiological limit. It is still debated whether this high FGF23 in CKD is a biomarker or causally related to morbidity and mortality. Data from human association studies support pathogenicity, while experimental data are less robust. Knowledge of the biology and pathobiology of FGF23 has generated a plethora of means to reduce FGF23 bioactivity at many levels that will be useful for therapeutic translations. This article summarizes these approaches and addresses several critical questions that still need to be answered.
Vaping in Pregnancy: A Systematic Review
Authors: Calder Robert , Gant Eleanor , Bauld Linda , McNeill Ann , Robson Debbie , Brose Leonie S 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Introduction
Smoking in pregnancy increases the risk of negative health outcomes. Vaping can be effective for smoking cessation in nonpregnant populations. We conducted a systematic review of vaping in pregnancy, covering prevalence, patterns of use, reasons for use, smoking cessation, and health effects.

Methods
Five academic databases were searched on 17 February 2020. Studies reporting prevalence, patterns, reasons, cessation, or health effects of vaping in pregnancy were included; animal and in vitro studies were excluded. A narrative review was used, with risk of bias assessed using Hoy and colleague’s tool, the Newcastle–Ottawa scale, and the Consolidated Criteria for reporting Qualitative Research.

Results
Twenty-three studies were identified: 11 survey, 7 qualitative, 3 cohort, and 2 secondary analyses of randomized clinical trials. Prevalence of vaping in pregnancy (four studies) was between 1.2% and 7.0% overall, and &lt;1% among nonsmokers. Twelve studies reported patterns of use, but findings were inconsistent. Twelve of 14 studies asking why pregnant women vaped reported that most vaped to reduce or quit smoking. Mixed findings were reported from six studies on smoking cessation. Of three studies with health-related outcomes, two were underpowered and one reported similar birthweights for babies born to nonsmokers and women who vaped, with both higher (p &lt; .0001) than the birthweight of babies born to smokers.

Conclusions
There were insufficient data to draw conclusions about prevalence, patterns, and effects of vaping in pregnancy on smoking cessation. The limited literature suggests that vaping in pregnancy has little or no effect on birthweight.

Implications
Smoking causes many negative health outcomes for pregnant women and to babies born to people who smoke. There remains a paucity of research on the effects of vaping in pregnancy. There is, however, the potential for vaping products to reduce the negative health outcomes associated with smoking. More research is needed to develop an evidence base in this area.
Mucosal immune responses in COVID19 - a living review
Authors: Pearson Claire F , Jeffery Rebecca ,   The Oxford-Cardiff COVID-19 Literature Consortium, Ahern David J , Almuttaqi Hannah , Alonzi Dominic S , Alrubayyi Aljawharah , Alsaleh Ghada , Bart Valentina M T , Batchelor Vicky , Bayliss Rebecca , Berthold Dorothée L , Bezbradica Jelena S , Bharuchq Tehmina , Borrmann Helene , Borsa Mariana , Borst Rowie , Brun Juliane , Burnell Stephanie , Capitani Lorenzo , Cavounidis Athena , Chapman Lucy , Chauveau Anne , Cifuentes Liliana , Codd Amy Susan , Compeer Ewoud Bernardus , Coveney Clarissa , Cross Amy , Danielli Sara , Davies Luke C , Dendrou Calliope A , Dimonte Sandra , Peter Durairaj Ruban Rex , Dustin Lynn B , Dyer Arthur , Fielding Ceri , Fischer Fabian , Gallimore Awen , Galloway Sarah , Gammage Anís , Gea-Mallorquí Ester , Godkin Andrew , Hanna Stephanie Jean , Heuberger Cornelia , Hulin-Curtis Sarah , Issa Fadi , Jones Emma , Jones Ruth , Ladell Kristin , Lauder Sarah N , Liddiard Kate , Ligoxygakis Petros , Lu Fangfang , MacLachlan Bruce , Maleki-Toyserkani Shayda , Mann Elizabeth H , Marzeda Anna M , Matthews Reginald James , Mazet Julie M , Milicic Anita , Mitchell Emma , Moon Owen , Nguyen Van Dien , O'Hanlon Miriam , Pavillet Clara Eléonore , Peppa Dimitra , Pires Ana , Pring Eleanor , Quastel Max , Reed Sophie , Rehwinkel Jan , Richmond Niamh , Richter Felix Clemens , Robinson Alice J B , Rodrigues Patrícia R S , Sabberwal Pragati , Sami Arvind , Peres Raphael Sanches , Sattentau Quentin , Schonfeldova Barbora , Scourfield David Oliver , Selvakumar Tharini A , Shepherd Freya R , Shorten Cariad , Simon Anna Katharina , Smith Adrian L , Crespo Alicia Teijeira , Tellier Michael , Thornton Emily , Uhl Lion F K , van Grinsven Erinke , Wann Angus K T , Williams Richard , Wilson Joseph D , Zhou Dingxi , Zhu Zihan , Thornton Emily E 
Published: January 2021

AbstractCOVID-19 was initially characterized as a disease primarily of the lungs, but it is becoming increasingly clear that the SARS-CoV2 virus is able to infect many organs and cause a broad pathological response. The primary infection site is likely to be a mucosal surface, mainly the lungs or the intestine, where epithelial cells can be infected with virus. Although it is clear that virus within the lungs can cause severe pathology, driven by an exaggerated immune response, infection within the intestine generally seems to cause minor or no symptoms. In this review, we compare the disease processes between the lungs and gastrointestinal tract, and what might drive these different responses. As the microbiome is a key part of mucosal barrier sites, we also consider the effect that microbial species may play on infection and the subsequent immune responses. Because of difficulties obtaining tissue samples, there are currently few studies focused on the local mucosal response rather than the systemic response, but understanding the local immune response will become increasingly important for understanding the mechanisms of disease in order to develop better treatments.
Scale Shortening and Decrease in Measurement Precision: Analysis of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire and Its Short Forms in an Italian-Speaking Population With Neck Pain Disorders
Authors: Monticone Marco , Giordano Andrea , Franchignoni Franco 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Objective
Short (2- and 4-item) forms of the Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (PSEQ) have been proposed, but their measurement precision at the individual level is unclear.
The purpose of this study was to analyze the Rasch psychometric characteristics of PSEQ and its 3 short forms (one 4-item and two 2-item versions) in an Italian-speaking population with neck pain (NP) disorders and compare their measurement precision at the individual level through calculation of the test information function (TIF).

Methods
Secondary analysis of data from a prospective single-group observational study was conducted. In 161 consecutive participants (mean age = 45 years [SD = 14]; 104 women) with NP disorders, a Rasch analysis was performed on each version of the PSEQ (full scale plus 3 short forms), and the TIF was calculated to examine the degree of measurement precision in estimating person ability over the whole measured construct (pain self-efficacy).

Results
In all versions of the PSEQ, the rating scale fulfilled the category functioning criteria, and all items showed an adequate fit to the Rasch model. The TIF showed a bell-shaped distribution of information, with an acceptable measurement precision (standard error &lt;0.5) for persons with a wide range of ability; conversely, measurement precision was unacceptably low in each short form (particularly the two 2-item versions).

Conclusions
The results confirm and expand reports on the sound psychometric characteristics of PSEQ, showing for the first time, to our knowledge, its conditional precision in estimating pain self-efficacy measures in Italian individuals with NP disorders. The study cautions against use of the 3 PSEQ short forms for individual-level clinical decision-making.

Impact
Short scales are popular in rehabilitation settings largely because they can save assessment time and related costs. The psychometric characteristics of the 10-item PSEQ were confirmed and deepened, including its precision in estimating individual pain self-efficacy at different levels of this latent variable. On the other hand, low measurement precision of the 3 PSEQ short forms cautions against their use for individual judgments.