bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Eimeria bovis Macromeront Formation Induces Glycolytic Responses and Mitochondrial Changes in Primary Host Endothelial Cells
Authors: Velásquez Zahady D. , López-Osorio Sara , Mazurek Sybille , Hermosilla Carlos , Taubert Anja 
Published: July 2021

Eimeria bovis is an intracellular apicomplexan parasite that causes considerable economic losses in the cattle industry worldwide. During the first merogony, E. bovis forms large macromeronts with &gt;140,000 merozoites I in host endothelial cells. Because this is a high-energy demanding process, E. bovis exploits the host cellular metabolism to fulfill its metabolic requirements. We here analyzed the carbohydrate-related energetic metabolism of E. bovis–infected primary bovine umbilical vein endothelial cells during first merogony and showed that during the infection, E. bovis–infected culture presented considerable changes in metabolic signatures, glycolytic, and mitochondrial responses. Thus, an increase in both oxygen consumption rates (OCR) and extracellular acidification rates (ECAR) were found in E. bovis–infected host cells indicating a shift from quiescent to energetic cell status. Enhanced levels of glucose and pyruvate consumption in addition to increased lactate production, suggesting an important role of glycolysis in E. bovis–infected culture from 12 days p.i. onward. This was also tested by glycolytic inhibitors (2-DG) treatment, which reduced the macromeront development and diminished merozoite I production. As an interesting finding, we observed that 2-DG treatment boosted sporozoite egress. Referring to mitochondrial activities, intracellular ROS production was increased toward the end of merogony, and mitochondrial potential was enhanced from 12 d p. i. onward in E. bovis–infected culture. Besides, morphological alterations of membrane potential signals also indicated mitochondrial dysfunction in macromeront-carrying host endothelial culture.
Applying a Digital Health Checklist and Readability Tools to Improve Informed Consent for Digital Health Research
Authors: Nebeker Camille , Gholami Maryam , Kareem Daniah , Kim Emily 
Published: July 2021

Background: As research involving human participants increasingly occurs with the aid of digital tools (e.g., mobile apps, wearable and remote pervasive sensors), the consent content and delivery process is changing. Informed consent documents to participate in research are lengthy and difficult for prospective participants to read and understand. As the consent communication will need to include concepts and procedures unique to digital health research, making that information accessible and meaningful to the prospective participant is critical for consent to be informed. This paper describes a methodology that researchers can apply when developing a consent communication for digital health research.Methods: A consent document approved by a US institutional review board was deconstructed into segments that aligned with federal requirements for informed consent. Three researchers independently revised each segment of text with a goal of achieving a readability score between a 6–8th grade level. The team then consulted with an external readability expert well-versed in revising informed consent documents into “plain language.” The resulting text was evaluated using Microsoft Word and Online-Utility accessibility software. The final step involved adding visual images and graphics to complement the text. The Digital Health Checklist consent prototype builder was then used to identify areas where the consent content could be expanded to address four key domains of Access and Usability, Privacy, Risks and Benefits, and Data Management.Results: The approved consent was evaluated at a 12.6 grade reading level, whereas the revised language by our study team received 12.4, 12, and 12.58, respectively. The final consent document synthesized the most readable of the three revised versions and was further revised to include language recommended by the software tool for improving readability, which resulted in a final revised consent readability score of a 9.2 grade level. Moreover, word count was reduced from 6,424 in the original consent to 679 in the rewritten consent form.Conclusion: Utilizing an iterative process to design an accessible informed consent document is a first step in achieving meaningful consent to participate in digital health research. This paper describes how a consent form approved by an institutional review board can be made more accessible to a prospective research participant by improving the document readability score, reducing the word count and assessing alignment with the Digital Health Checklist.
A Novel RNA-Binding Protein Signature to Predict Clinical Outcomes and Guide Clinical Therapy in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Qiu Zhigang , Jiang Haitao , Ju Kun , Liu Xichun 
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aimed to develop an RNA-binding protein (RBP)-based signature for risk stratification and guiding clinical therapy in gastric cancer.Methods: Based on survival-related RBPs, an RBP-based signature was established by LASSO regression analysis in TCGA dataset. Kaplan–Meier curves were drawn between high- and low-risk groups. The predictive efficacy of this signature was assessed via ROCs at 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival. Its generalizability was verified in an external dataset. Following adjustment with other clinicopathological characteristics, the independency of survival prediction was evaluated via multivariate Cox regression and subgroup analyses. GSEA was utilized in identifying activated pathways in two groups. Stromal score, immune score, tumor purity, and infiltration levels of 22 immune cells were determined in each sample via the ESTIMATE and CIBERSORT algorithms. The sensitivity to chemotherapy drugs was assessed through the GDSC database.Results: Data showed that patients with high risk exhibited unfavorable clinical outcomes than those with low risk. This signature possessed good performance in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival and can be independently predictive of patients' survival. Calcium, ECM receptor interaction, and focal adhesion were highly enriched in high-risk samples. High-risk samples presented increased stromal and immune scores and reduced tumor purity. Moreover, this signature presented close relationships with immune infiltrations. Low-risk specimens were more sensitive to sorafenib, gefitinib, vinorelbine, and gemcitabine than high-risk specimens.Conclusion: This RBP-based signature may be a promising tool for predicting clinical outcomes and guiding clinical therapy in gastric cancer.
A Nomogram-Based Risk Classification System Predicting the Overall Survival of Patients With Newly Diagnosed Stage IVB Cervix Uteri Carcinoma
Authors: Yu Wenke , Huang Lu , Zhong Zixing , Song Tao , Xu Hong'en , Jia Yongshi , Hu Jinming , Shou Huafeng 
Published: July 2021

Background: This study constructed and demonstrated a model to predict the overall survival (OS) of newly diagnosed distant metastatic cervical cancer (mCC) patients.Methods: The SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database was used to collect the eligible data, which from 2010 to 2016. Then these data were separated into training and validation cohorts (7:3) randomly. Cox regression analyses was used to identify parameters significantly correlated with OS. Harrell's Concordance index (C-index), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were further applied to verify the performance of this model.Results: A total of 2,091 eligible patients were enrolled and randomly split into training (n = 1,467) and validation (n = 624) cohorts. Multivariate analyses revealed that age, histology, T stage, tumor size, metastatic sites, local surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy were independent prognostic parameters and were then used to build a nomogram for predicting 1 and 2-year OS. The C-index of training group and validation group was 0.714 and 0.707, respectively. The calibration curve demonstrated that the actual observation was in good agreement with the predicted results concluded by the nomogram model. Its clinical usefulness was further revealed by the DCAs. Based on the scores from the nomogram, a corresponding risk classification system was constructed. In the overall population, the median OS time was 23.0 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 20.5–25.5), 12.0 months (95% CI, 11.1–12.9), and 5.0 months (95% CI, 4.4–5.6), in the low-risk group, intermediate-risk group, and high-risk group, respectively.Conclusion: A novel nomogram and a risk classification system were established in this study, which purposed to predict the OS time with mCC patients. These tools could be applied to prognostic analysis and should be validated in future studies.
Genomic Analyses of Metaplastic or Sarcomatoid Carcinomas From Different Organs Revealed Frequent Mutations in KMT2D
Authors: Zheng Biqiang , Song Zhijian , Chen Yong , Yan Wangjun 
Published: July 2021

Background: Metaplastic or sarcomatoid carcinomas (MSCs) are rare epithelial malignancies with heterologous histological differentiation that can occur in different organs. The objective of the current study was to identify novel somatically mutated genes in MSCs from different organs.Methods: Whole-exome sequencing was performed in 16 paired MSCs originating from the breast (n = 10), esophagus (n = 3), lung (n = 2), and kidney (n = 1). In addition, we collected data on KMT2D mutations from eight independent cohorts (n = 195) diagnosed with MSCs derived from the breast (n = 83), liver (n = 8), esophagus (n = 15), lung (n = 10), and uterus or ovary (n = 79). The expression of KMT2D and its clinical significance were evaluated in our cohort.Results: The most frequently mutated genes were TP53 (13/16, 81%) and KMT2D (5/16,31%). We identified seven somatic KMT2D mutations in the exploratory cohort (n = 16 tumors), including three nonsense mutations, two frameshift indels, one missense mutation, and one splice site mutation. Interestingly, two patients showed double hits on KMT2D with nonsense mutations and frameshift indels. In the eight validation cohorts (n = 195), the average mutation rates for TP53 and KMT2D were 78% (152/195) and 13% (25/195), respectively. Two or more hits on KMT2D were also present in three validation cohorts. Furthermore, KMT2D mutations were associated with low expression of KMT2D, large tumor size and unfavorable prognosis.Conclusions: These findings provide clues for understanding the genetic basis of MSCs originating from different organs and implicate KMT2D alteration as a frequent pathogenic mutation, allowing provision of appropriate treatment for this rare malignant disease in the future.
Repeated Use of Prescription Drugs in Pediatrics: Comprehensive Overview Based on German Claims Data
Authors: Scholle Oliver , Neubert Antje , Riedel Oliver , Toni Irmgard , Haug Ulrike 
Published: July 2021

Background: Investigating drug utilization in large and unselected samples of children and adolescents is an important component of public health monitoring. Most existing studies in this field focused on any drug use (i.e., ≥1 prescription of a certain drug) although chronic drug use may be more relevant. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive overview of prevalence and types of prescription drugs used repeatedly in children and adolescents in Germany in 2016.Methods: We used the German Pharmacoepidemiological Research Database (GePaRD)—a claims database covering ∼20% of the German population. We included children and adolescents aged 0–17 years and assessed repeated use of prescription drugs (≥3 prescriptions in 2016) on two levels: therapeutic subgroups (ATC 2nd level) and chemical substances (ATC 5th level). Analyses were stratified by sex and age groups (&lt;2, 2–5, 6–12, and 13–17 years).Results: Overall, 2.5 million children and adolescents were included. In the age groups below 13 years, the prevalence rates of repeated use of prescription drugs (ATC 2nd level) were higher in boys than in girls (113–152 vs. 83–130 per 1,000 person-years), whereas in the age group 13–17 years, they were twice as high in girls than in boys (236 vs. 118 per 1,000 person-years). In boys and girls aged below six years, systemic antibiotics, topical ocular antibiotics, and drugs for constipation were among the most common drugs used repeatedly. For higher ages, methylphenidate, levothyroxine, and combined hormonal contraceptives, were among the most common drugs used repeatedly.Conclusions: Overall, about one in ten children in Germany repeatedly used prescription drugs. This proportion as well as the type of drugs used repeatedly markedly varied by sex and age. For certain drugs, our findings raise concerns regarding appropriateness of prescribing that should be addressed in future studies.
A Broadband High-Efficiency Hybrid Continuous Inverse Power Amplifier Based on Extended Admittance Space
Authors: Ni Chun , Wang Hui , Liu Jing , Chen Mingsheng , Zhang Zhongxiang , Zhang Liang , Zhu Jiabing , Wu Xianliang 
Published: July 2021

A novel hybrid continuous inverse power amplifier (PA) that is constituted by a continuum of PA modes from the continuous inverse class-F to the continuous inverse class-B/J is proposed, and a detailed mathematical analysis is presented. The fundamental and second harmonic admittance spaces of the hybrid PA proposed in this article are analyzed mathematically. By introducing the phase shift parameter into the current waveform formula of the hybrid continuous inverse PA, the design space of the fundamental and second harmonic admittance is expanded, further increasing the operating bandwidth. The efficiency of the amplifier under different parameter conditions is calculated. In order to verify this method, a broadband high-efficiency PA is designed and fabricated. The drain voltage and current waveforms of the amplifier are extracted for analysis. The experimental measured results show a 60.7–71.5% drain efficiency across the frequency band of 0.5–2.5 GHz (133% bandwidth), and the designed PA can obtain an 11.8–13.9 dB gain in the interesting frequency range. The measured results are confirmed to be in good agreement with theory and simulations.
Virtual Reality Exposure Therapy for Fear of Heights: Clinicians’ Attitudes Become More Positive After Trying VRET
Authors: Rimer Elise , Husby Lars Vågsholm , Solem Stian 
Published: July 2021

BackgroundVirtual reality exposure therapy (VRET) has the potential to solve logistic challenges when treating specific phobias. However, VRET has yet to see a large-scale implementation in clinical settings despite positive findings in treatment trials. This may partly be due to attitudes and lack of experience among clinicians, but also because of expensive and stationary VR solutions.ObjectiveThis study tested whether modern, wireless, commercially available VR equipment with controller-free hand tracking could induce and reduce discomfort using scenarios designed for fear of heights. Also, the study tested if clinicians’ attitudes toward using VR in therapy changed after trying it themselves.MethodAttitudes to using VR in therapy and discomfort ratings were assessed for 74 clinicians before and after completing two VR scenarios. In addition, 54 non-clinicians completed the same scenarios. Participants were not diagnosed with acrophobia.ResultsThe VR scenarios induced discomfort comparable to participants’ reported fear of heights in real life. Repeated training reduced discomfort. Positive attitudes toward use of VR in therapy was predicted by previous experience with VR, as well as positive attitudes toward novel technology and exposure therapy. Clinicians’ attitudes became more favorable after trying VRET themselves. Clinicians reported a range of possible advantages and disadvantages of using VR in therapy.ConclusionVRET for fear of heights was able to induce and reduce discomfort in clinicians and non-clinicians, and clinicians’ attitudes toward using VRET become more positive after trying VRET for themselves. The latest generation of VR solutions has potential to improve clinical availability and treatment options. Future research should explore how VRET can be implemented in clinical settings.
Examining the Antecedent Role of Movement Proficiency in Child Development: Study Protocol
Authors: Capio Catherine M. , Lee Kerry , Jones Rachel A. , Masters Rich S. W. 
Published: July 2021

Background:Decades of research, largely from associational studies, show that the relationships of movement proficiency with the cognitive and social aspects of development are particularly strong in early childhood. Children who move proficiently tend to have better cognitive skills and social behaviors. However, the mechanisms that underpin these relationships remain unclear and research that explores causation is necessary. This study will explore the antecedent role of movement proficiency in the cognitive and social domains of child development, by examining whether a targeted movement skills training program facilitates improvements in cognitive and social skills.Methods:A group-randomized controlled trial will be conducted, implementing a fundamental movement skills training program in Hong Kong kindergartens. Participants will consist of children aged 3–5 years (N= 158) who will be randomly allocated by class to either a training or active control condition. The training program (10 weeks × 2 bouts) will be informed by an error-reduced approach to skills learning, which will involve careful design and manipulation of equipment and training environment to minimize practice errors. The active control condition will consist of typical movement activities implemented in the kindergartens in the context of the local curriculum guide. Outcomes will be measured using standardized tests of gross motor skills proficiency, executive functioning, and social skills. Measurements will occur at baseline, mid-training, post-training, and follow-up. Latent variable longitudinal modeling will be used to analyze changes in the outcomes, with covariates that include sex, body composition, fine motor skills, and physical activity.Expected Results:The findings will subsequently be reported consistent with the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement. Contributions to knowledge and understanding of child development are expected, through evidence of causal mechanisms surrounding the relationship of motor with cognitive and social development. The findings will also inform policy and practice related to early childhood development and education.
Cloud Detection Over Sunglint Regions With Observations From the Earth Polychromatic Imaging Camera
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Yang Yuekui , Zhai Peng-Wang , Gao Meng 
Published: July 2021

With the ability to observe the entire sunlit side of the Earth, EPIC data have become an important resource for studying cloud daily variability. Inaccurate cloud masking is a great source of uncertainty. One main region that is prone to error in cloud masking is the sunglint area over ocean surfaces. Cloud detection over these regions is challenging for the EPIC instrument because of its limited spectral channels. Clear sky ocean surface reflectance from visible channels over sunglint is much larger than that over the non-glint areas and can exceed reflectance from thin clouds. This paper presents an improved EPIC ocean cloud masking algorithm (Version 3). Over sunglint regions (glint angle ≤25°), the algorithm utilizes EPIC’s oxygen (O2) A-band ratio (764/780 nm) in addition to the 780 nm reflectance observations in masking tests. Outside the sunglint regions, a dynamic reflectance threshold for the Rayleigh corrected 780 nm reflectance is applied. The thresholds are derived as a function of glint angle. When compared with co-located data from the geosynchronous Earth orbit (GEO) and the low Earth orbit (LEO) observations, the consistency of the new ocean cloud mask algorithm has increased by 4∼10% and 4∼6% in the glint center and granule edges respectively. The false positive rate is reduced by 10∼17%. Overall global ocean cloud detection consistency increases by 2%. This algorithm, along with other improvements to the EPIC cloud masks, has been implemented in the EPIC cloud products Version 3. This algorithm will improve the cloud daily variability analysis by removing the artificial peak at local noon time in the glint center latitudes and reducing biases in the early morning and late afternoon cloud fraction over ocean surfaces.
Evaluation of Ruthenium(II) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Complexes as Antibacterial Agents and Inhibitors of Bacterial Thioredoxin Reductase
Authors: Burmeister Hilke , Dietze Pascal , Preu Lutz , Bandow Julia E. , Ott Ingo 
Published: July 2021

A series of ruthenium(II) complexes with N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) ligands of the general type (arene)(NHC)Ru(II)X2 (where X = halide) was prepared, characterized, and evaluated as antibacterial agents in comparison to the respective metal free benzimidazolium cations. The ruthenium(II) NHC complexes generally triggered stronger bacterial growth inhibition than the metal free benzimidazolium cations. The effects were much stronger against Gram-positive bacteria (Bacillus subtilis and Staphylococcus aureus) than against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa), and all complexes were inactive against the fungus Candida albicans. Moderate inhibition of bacterial thioredoxin reductase was confirmed for selected complexes, indicating that inhibition of this enzyme might be a contributing factor to the antibacterial effects.
FAST NETWORK CODING SIMULATION WITH PARALLELIZATION OF PROCESSES IN THE DTSMS SYSTEM
Authors: ВЛАДИМИРОВ С.С. 
Published: July 2021

Изложены принципы быстрого имитационного моделирования процедур сетевого кодирования с распараллеливанием процессов в многоядерных ЭВМ на основе разработанной системы моделирования DTSMS. Представлены способы и схемы взаимодействия элементов модели с реализацией модели сети в соответствии с общепринятой в сетевом кодировании архитектурой «бабочка» для последовательного и асинхронного режимов работы. Выполнена оценка объема выделяемой памяти и времени моделирования для DTSMS в сравнении с реализацией на открытой системе компьютерной алгебры GNU/Octave.
The principles of fast network coding simulation with parallelization of processes in multicore computers based on the developed DTSMS simulation system are stated. Methods and schemes of the sequential and asynchronous model elements interaction within the framework of the "butterfly" network model architecture generally accepted in network coding are presented. The allocated memory amount and simulation time for DTSMS are estimated in comparison with the open computer algebra system GNU/Octave.
ALGORITHM OF SPATIAL POLARIZATION CODING FOR THE DATA TRANSMISSION SYSTEM OF THE COMBINED HF RADIO CENTER
Authors: БАРАБОШИН А.Ю. , ЛУЧИН Д.В. 
Published: July 2021

Рассматриваются вопросы увеличения скорости передачи данных разнесенным радиоцентром декаметрового диапазона (с помощью поляризационного разнесения). Сделан обзор основных исследований и экспериментов, проводимых в этом направлении. Разработан алгоритм поляризационного пространственного кодирования и способ одновременного формирования волн с левой и правой круговыми поляризациями. Приведены результаты математического моделирования, показывающие работоспособность предложенного алгоритма.
The article discusses the issues of increasing the data transfer rate by the spaced HF radio center using polarization diversity. A review of the main research and experiments carried out in this direction is made. An algorithm for polarization spatial coding and a method for the simultaneous formation of waves with left and right circular polarizations has been developed. The results of mathematical modeling showing the efficiency of the proposed algorithms are presented.