bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Full-duplex reflective beamsteering metasurface featuring magnetless nonreciprocal amplification
Authors: Taravati Sajjad , Eleftheriades George V. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractNonreciprocal radiation refers to electromagnetic wave radiation in which a structure provides different responses under the change of the direction of the incident field. Modern wireless telecommunication systems demand versatile apparatuses which are capable of full-duplex nonreciprocal wave processing and amplification, especially in the reflective state. To realize such a functionality, we propose an architecture in which a chain of series cascaded radiating patches are integrated with nonreciprocal phase shifters, providing an original and efficient apparatus for full-duplex reflective beamsteering. Such an ultrathin reflective metasurface can provide directive and diverse radiation beams, large wave amplification, steerable beams by simply changing the bias of the gradient active nonmagnetic nonreciprocal phase shifters, and is immune to undesired time harmonics. Having accomplished all these functionalities in the reflective state, the metasurface represents a conspicuous apparatus for efficient, controllable and programmable wave engineering.
TNFα increases tyrosine hydroxylase expression in human monocytes
Authors: Gopinath Adithya , Badov Martin , Francis Madison , Shaw Gerry , Collins Anthony , Miller Douglas R. , Hansen Carissa A. , Mackie Phillip , Tansey Malú Gámez , Dagra Abeer , Madorsky Irina , Ramirez-Zamora Adolfo , Okun Michael S. , Streit Wolfgang J. , Khoshbouei Habibeh 
Published: July 2021

AbstractMost, if not all, peripheral immune cells in humans and animals express tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), the rate limiting enzyme in catecholamine synthesis. Since TH is typically studied in the context of brain catecholamine signaling, little is known about changes in TH production and function in peripheral immune cells. This knowledge gap is due, in part, to the lack of an adequately sensitive assay to measure TH in immune cells expressing lower TH levels compared to other TH expressing cells. Here, we report the development of a highly sensitive and reproducible Bio-ELISA to quantify picogram levels of TH in multiple model systems. We have applied this assay to monocytes isolated from blood of persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD) and to age-matched, healthy controls. Our study unexpectedly revealed that PD patients’ monocytes express significantly higher levels of TH protein in peripheral monocytes relative to healthy controls. Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, has also been shown to be increased in the brains and peripheral circulation in human PD, as well as in animal models of PD. Therefore, we investigated a possible connection between higher levels of TH protein and the known increase in circulating TNFα in PD. Monocytes isolated from healthy donors were treated with TNFα or with TNFα in the presence of an inhibitor. Tissue plasminogen activator (TPA) was used as a positive control. We observed that TNFα stimulation increased both the number of TH+ monocytes and the quantity of TH per monocyte, without increasing the total numbers of monocytes. These results revealed that TNFα could potentially modify monocytic TH production and serve a regulatory role in peripheral immune function. The development and application of a highly sensitive assay to quantify TH in both human and animal cells will provide a novel tool for further investigating possible PD immune regulatory pathways between brain and periphery.
Dating historical droughts from religious ceremonies, the international pro pluvia rogation database
Authors: Domínguez-Castro Fernando , Alcoforado María João , Bravo-Paredes Nieves , Fernández-Fernández María Isabel , Fragoso Marcelo , Gallego María Cruz , García Herrera Ricardo , Garnier Emmanuel , Garza-Merodio Gustavo , El Kenawy Ahmed M. , Latorre Borja , Noguera Iván , Peña-Angulo Dhais , Reig-Gracia Fergus , Silva Luís Pedro , Vaquero José M. , Vicente Serrano Sergio M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractClimate proxy data are required for improved understanding of climate variability and change in the pre-instrumental period. We present the first international initiative to compile and share information on pro pluvia rogation ceremonies, which is a well-studied proxy of agricultural drought. Currently, the database has more than 3500 dates of celebration of rogation ceremonies, providing information for 153 locations across 11 countries spanning the period from 1333 to 1949. This product provides data for better understanding of the pre-instrumental drought variability, validating natural proxies and model simulations, and multi-proxy rainfall reconstructions, amongst other climatic exercises. The database is freely available and can be easily accessed and visualized via http://inpro.unizar.es/.
A multispeaker dataset of raw and reconstructed speech production real-time MRI video and 3D volumetric images
Authors: Lim Yongwan , Toutios Asterios , Bliesener Yannick , Tian Ye , Lingala Sajan Goud , Vaz Colin , Sorensen Tanner , Oh Miran , Harper Sarah , Chen Weiyi , Lee Yoonjeong , Töger Johannes , Monteserin Mairym Lloréns , Smith Caitlin , Godinez Bianca , Goldstein Louis , Byrd Dani , Nayak Krishna S. , Narayanan Shrikanth S. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReal-time magnetic resonance imaging (RT-MRI) of human speech production is enabling significant advances in speech science, linguistics, bio-inspired speech technology development, and clinical applications. Easy access to RT-MRI is however limited, and comprehensive datasets with broad access are needed to catalyze research across numerous domains. The imaging of the rapidly moving articulators and dynamic airway shaping during speech demands high spatio-temporal resolution and robust reconstruction methods. Further, while reconstructed images have been published, to-date there is no open dataset providing raw multi-coil RT-MRI data from an optimized speech production experimental setup. Such datasets could enable new and improved methods for dynamic image reconstruction, artifact correction, feature extraction, and direct extraction of linguistically-relevant biomarkers. The present dataset offers a unique corpus of 2D sagittal-view RT-MRI videos along with synchronized audio for 75 participants performing linguistically motivated speech tasks, alongside the corresponding public domain raw RT-MRI data. The dataset also includes 3D volumetric vocal tract MRI during sustained speech sounds and high-resolution static anatomical T2-weighted upper airway MRI for each participant.
Whole genome sequencing of nearly isogenic WMI and WLI inbred rats identifies genes potentially involved in depression and stress reactivity
Authors: de Jong Tristan V. , Kim Panjun , Guryev Victor , Mulligan Megan K. , Williams Robert W. , Redei Eva E. , Chen Hao 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe WMI and WLI inbredratswere generated from the stress-prone, and not yet fully inbred, Wistar Kyoto (WKY) strain. These were selected using bi-directional selection for immobility in the forced swim test and were then sib-mated for over 38 generations. Despite the low level of genetic diversity among WKY progenitors, the WMI substrain is significantly more vulnerable to stress relative to the counter-selected WLI strain. Here we quantify numbers and classes of genomic sequence variants distinguishing these substrains with the long term goal of uncovering functional and behavioral polymorphism that modulate sensitivity to stress and depression-like phenotypes. DNA from WLI and WMI was sequenced using Illumina xTen, IonTorrent, and 10X Chromium linked-read platforms to obtain a combined coverage of ~ 100X for each strain. We identified 4,296 high quality homozygous SNPs and indels between the WMI and WLI. We detected high impact variants in genes previously implicated in depression (e.g.Gnat2), depression-like behavior (e.g.Prlr,Nlrp1a), other psychiatric disease (e.g.Pou6f2,Kdm5a,Reep3,Wdfy3), and responses to psychological stressors (e.g.Pigr). High coverage sequencing data confirm that the two substrains are nearly coisogenic. Nonetheless, the small number of sequence variants contributes to numerous well characterized differences including depression-like behavior, stress reactivity, and addiction related phenotypes. These selected substrains are an ideal resource for forward and reverse genetic studies using a reduced complexity cross.
Enhancing reappraisal of negative emotional memories with transcranial direct current stimulation
Authors: Doerig Nadja , Seinsche Rosa J. , Moisa Marius , Seifritz Erich , Ruff Christian C. , Kleim Birgit 
Published: July 2021

AbstractReappraisal of negative memories and experiences is central for mental health and well-being. Deficiency of reappraisal lies at the core of many psychiatric disorders and is a key target for treatment. Here we apply transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) to enhance reappraisal of negative emotional memories. In a randomised, sham-controlled, 2 × 2 between-subject and double-blinded study, we applied single sessions of anodal and sham tDCS over the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (dlPFC) of 101 healthy participants while reappraising a personal negative memory or engaging in a control task. We hypothesised that (i) reappraisal decreases negative valence, arousal and evaluations of the memory and leads to improved decision making, and (ii) tDCS leads to additional changes in these reappraisal outcomes. In line with these hypotheses, participants’ personal memories were rated as less negative and less arousing following reappraisal. Anodal tDCS during reappraisal was associated with significant short-term reductions in negative valence compared to sham stimulation. Our results indicate that tDCS may enhance some of the effects of reappraisal. If replicated, our findings suggest potential benefits elicited by tDCS stimulation that may help optimise current treatment approaches for psychiatric disorders.
A search for modifying genetic factors in CHEK2:c.1100delC breast cancer patients
Authors: Wendt Camilla , Muranen Taru A. , Mielikäinen Lotta , Thutkawkorapin Jessada , Blomqvist Carl , Jiao Xiang , Ehrencrona Hans , Tham Emma , Arver Brita , Melin Beatrice , Kuchinskaya Ekaterina , Stenmark Askmalm Marie , Paulsson-Karlsson Ylva , Einbeigi Zakaria , von Wachenfeldt Väppling Anna , Kalso Eija , Tasmuth Tiina , Kallioniemi Anne , Aittomäki Kristiina , Nevanlinna Heli , Borg Åke , Lindblom Annika 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe risk of breast cancer associated with CHEK2:c.1100delC is 2–threefold but higher in carriers with a family history of breast cancer than without, suggesting that other genetic loci in combination with CHEK2:c.1100delC confer an increased risk in a polygenic model. Part of the excess familial risk has been associated with common low-penetrance variants. This study aimed to identify genetic loci that modify CHEK2:c.1100delC-associated breast cancer risk by searching for candidate risk alleles that are overrepresented in CHEK2:c.1100delC carriers with breast cancer compared with controls. We performed whole-exome sequencing in 28 breast cancer cases with germline CHEK2:c.1100delC, 28 familial breast cancer cases and 70 controls. Candidate alleles were selected for validation in larger cohorts. One recessive synonymous variant, rs16897117, was suggested, but no overrepresentation of homozygous CHEK2:c.1100delC carriers was found in the following validation. Furthermore, 11 non-synonymous candidate alleles were suggested for further testing, but no significant difference in allele frequency could be detected in the validation in CHEK2:c.1100delC cases compared with familial breast cancer, sporadic breast cancer and controls. With this method, we found no support for a CHEK2:c.1100delC-specific genetic modifier. Further studies of CHEK2:c.1100delC genetic modifiers are warranted to improve risk assessment in clinical practice.
Interleukin 6 (rs1800795) and pentraxin 3 (rs2305619) polymorphisms-association with inflammation and all-cause mortality in end-stage-renal disease patients on dialysis
Authors: Rocha Susana , Valente Maria João , Coimbra Susana , Catarino Cristina , Rocha-Pereira Petronila , Oliveira José Gerardo , Madureira José , Fernandes João Carlos , do Sameiro-Faria Maria , Miranda Vasco , Belo Luís , Santos-Silva Alice , Bronze-da-Rocha Elsa 
Published: July 2021

AbstractChronic inflammation plays an important role in the progression and outcome of chronic kidney disease (CKD). The circulating levels of the inflammatory biomarkers interleukin 6 (IL6) and pentraxin 3 (PTX3) are enhanced in CKD patients, and are associated with the progression of the disease and with higher risk for cardiovascular events, the major cause of death in CKD patients. Our aim was to study how specific polymorphisms of IL6 and PTX3 encoding genes affect the inflammatory response and outcome of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients on dialysis. Methodology included the analysis of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP), namely the IL6 (rs1800795) polymorphism in the promoter region (-174G > C), and the PTX3 (rs2305619) polymorphism in the intron 1 (+ 281A > G), which were analyzed in ESRD patients on dialysis and in a group of heathy individuals. The allelic frequencies, genotype distribution and their association with circulating levels of the inflammatory markers C-reactive protein (CRP), IL6, growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and PTX3, were determined in ESRD patients. Events of death were recorded along one year, to assess the association of the studied SNPs with all-cause mortality and the inflammatory biomarkers, in ESRD patients. Results showed that the allelic frequencies and genotype distribution for IL6 and PTX3 SNPs in the control group and ESRD patients were similar and in agreement with other European reports. For the IL6 polymorphism, we found a trend towards higher levels of high-sensitivity (hs) CRP, IL6 and PTX3 in the homozygous genotypes; the CC genotype also showed the highest levels of GDF15. The mortality rate after the 1-year follow-up was 10.4%. The CC genotype (IL6 SNP) was associated to a higher risk of mortality and deceased patients carrying this genotype also showed the highest levels of hsCRP. Regarding the studied PTX3 SNP, the AA genotype was linked to an enhanced inflammatory response, showing the highest values of hsCRP and IL6. Nevertheless, this genotype had no significant impact on the mortality rate. In conclusion, both studied SNPs seem to modulate the inflammatory response in ESRD and may, therefore, be determinant on disease progression and patients’ outcome. Our data also highlights the importance of research on genetic variants that, although less frequent, may have significant biological value.
Synthesis of bimetallic nanoparticles loaded on to PNIPAM hybrid microgel and their catalytic activity
Authors: Kakar Mohib Ullah , Khan Khakemin , Akram Muhammad , Sami Rokayya , Khojah Ebtihal , Iqbal Imran , Helal Mahmoud , Hakeem Abdul , Deng Yulin , Dai Rongji 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThis study was designed to preparecarboxyl-functionalized poly (N-isopropylacrylamide) PNIPAM microgels having excellent catalytic properties.Recently, researchers are trying to fabricate cost effective and efficient hybrid catalytic materials for the synthesis of nitrogenous compounds along with enhanced optical properties. For the same motive, synthesis of carboxyl-functionalized PNIPAM microgels was performed by using polymerization of soap-free emulsion of N-isopropyl acrylamide, which is NIPAM along with acrylic acid (AA). The thiol group was introduced through the imide bond mediated by carbodiimide, between carboxyl-functionalized microgels through carboxyl group and aminoethanethiol (AET). Copper, Palladium and Cu/Pd nanoparticles were incorporated successfully into thiol-functionalized PNIPAM microgels through metals thiol linkage. The synthesized microgels and hybrid encompassing metallic nanoparticles were characterized in detail by using Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS) and Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy for structural interpretation. The thermal properties of the pure and hybrid microgels were inspected by TG analysis. The prepared nanocomposites PNIPAM-Cu, PNIPAM-Pd and PNIPAM-Cu/Pd exhibited decent catalytic properties for the degradation of 4-Nitrophenol and methylene blue, but the bimetallic Cu/Pd have remarkable catalytic properties. The catalytic reaction followed pseudo-first-order reaction with rate constants 0.223 min−1, 0.173 min−1 for 4-Nitrophenol and methylene blue in that order. In this study,we were able to establish that Cu/Pd hybrid is an efficient catalyst for 4-Nitrophenol and methylene blue as compared to its atomic analogue.
Modulation of spatial and temporal modules in lower limb muscle activations during walking with simulated reduced gravity
Authors: Hagio Shota , Nakazato Makoto , Kouzaki Motoki 
Published: July 2021

AbstractGravity plays a crucial role in shaping patterned locomotor output to maintain dynamic stability during locomotion. The present study aimed to clarify the gravity-dependent regulation of modules that organize multiple muscle activities during walking in humans. Participants walked on a treadmill at seven speeds (1–6 km h−1 and a subject- and gravity-specific speed determined by the Froude number (Fr) corresponding to 0.25) while their body weight was partially supported by a lift to simulate walking with five levels of gravity conditions from 0.07 to 1 g. Modules, i.e., muscle-weighting vectors (spatial modules) and phase-dependent activation coefficients (temporal modules), were extracted from 12 lower-limb electromyographic (EMG) activities in each gravity (Fr ~ 0.25) using nonnegative matrix factorization. Additionally, a tensor decomposition model was fit to the EMG data to quantify variables depending on the gravity conditions and walking speed with prescribed spatial and temporal modules. The results demonstrated that muscle activity could be explained by four modules from 1 to 0.16 g and three modules at 0.07 g, and the modules were shared for both spatial and temporal components among the gravity conditions. The task-dependent variables of the modules acting on the supporting phase linearly decreased with decreasing gravity, whereas that of the module contributing to activation prior to foot contact showed nonlinear U-shaped modulation. Moreover, the profiles of the gravity-dependent modulation changed as a function of walking speed. In conclusion, reduced gravity walking was achieved by regulating the contribution of prescribed spatial and temporal coordination in muscle activities.
Blunted natriuretic response to saline loading in sheep with hypertensive kidney disease following radiofrequency catheter-based renal denervation
Authors: Singh Reetu R. , McArdle Zoe , Singh Harshil , Booth Lindsea C. , May Clive N. , Head Geoffrey A. , Moritz Karen M. , Schlaich Markus P. , Denton Kate M. 
Published: July 2021

AbstractRenal sympathetic nerves contribute to renal excretory function during volume expansion. We hypothesized that intact renal innervation is required for excretion of a fluid/electrolyte load in hypertensive chronic kidney disease (CKD) and normotensive healthy settings. Blood pressure, kidney hemodynamic and excretory response to 180 min of isotonic saline loading (0.13 ml/kg/min) were examined in female normotensive (control) and hypertensive CKD sheep at 2 and 11 months after sham (control-intact, CKD-intact) or radiofrequency catheter-based RDN (control-RDN, CKD-RDN) procedure. Basal blood pressure was ~ 7 to 9 mmHg lower at 2, and 11 months in CKD-RDN compared with CKD-intact sheep. Saline loading did not alter glomerular filtration rate in any group. At 2 months, in response to saline loading, total urine and sodium excretion were ~ 40 to 50% less, in control-RDN and CKD-RDN than intact groups. At 11 months, the natriuretic and diuretic response to saline loading were similar between control-intact, control-RDN and CKD-intact groups but sodium excretion was ~ 42% less in CKD-RDN compared with CKD-intact at this time-point. These findings indicate that chronic withdrawal of basal renal sympathetic activity impairs fluid/electrolyte excretion during volume expansion. Clinically, a reduced ability to excrete a saline load following RDN may contribute to disturbances in body fluid balance in hypertensive CKD.
Complex shaped periodic corrugations for broadband Bull’s Eye antennas
Authors: Kampouridou Despoina , Feresidis Alexandros 
Published: July 2021

AbstractPeriodically corrugated metallic antennas have been developed in recent years from microwave to THz frequencies, due to their advantages of highly directive radiation patterns, low profile and ease of fabrication. However, the limited gain bandwidth of such antennas remains one of their inherent disadvantages. In terms of design, the majority of the existing implementations in literature utilize the standard rectangular shaped corrugated unit cell. In this paper, we propose novel complex shaped corrugated unit cells that produce a broadband performance when assembled in a periodic configuration. Two broadband prototypes are presented at the Ku frequency band that are formed of hybrid shaped corrugations. The first prototype of six periodic rings achieves, for the first time, a flat gain simulated response with a maximum value of 15.7 dBi, 1-dB gain bandwidth of 16.4%, and an extended 3-dB gain bandwidth of 19.64%. The second novel prototype of five rings achieves an enhanced 3-dB gain bandwidth of 15.2% and maximum gain of 18.1 dBi.
High-throughput compound screening identifies navitoclax combined with irradiation as a candidate therapy for HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Tuomainen Katja , Hyytiäinen Aini , Al-Samadi Ahmed , Ianevski Philipp , Ianevski Aleksandr , Potdar Swapnil , Turunen Laura , Saarela Jani , Kuznetsov Sergey , Wahbi Wafa , Risteli Maija , Mäkitie Antti , Monni Outi , Salo Tuula 
Published: July 2021

AbstractConventional chemotherapeutic agents are nonselective, often resulting in severe side effects and the development of resistance. Therefore, new molecular-targeted therapies are urgently needed to be integrated into existing treatment regimens. Here, we performed a high-throughput compound screen to identify a synergistic interaction between ionizing radiation and 396 anticancer compounds. The assay was run using five human papillomavirus (HPV)-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) cell lines cultured on the human tumor-derived matrix Myogel. Our screen identified several compounds with strong synergistic and antagonistic effects, which we further investigated using multiple irradiation doses. Navitoclax, which emerged as the most promising radiosensitizer, exhibited synergy with irradiation regardless of the p53 mutation status in all 13 HNSCC cell lines. We performed a live cell apoptosis assay for two representative HNSCC cell lines to examine the effects of navitoclax and irradiation. As a single agent, navitoclax reduced proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner, whereas the navitoclax–irradiation combination arrested cell cycle progression and resulted in substantially elevated apoptosis. Overall, we demonstrated that combining navitoclax with irradiation resulted in synergistic in vitro antitumor effects in HNSCC cell lines, possibly indicating the therapeutic potential for HNSCC patients.