bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Real-time Physically Guided Hair Interpolation
Authors: Hsu Jerry , Wang Tongtong , Pan Zherong , Gao Xifeng , Yuksel Cem , Wu Kui 
Published: July 2024

Strand-based hair simulations have recently become increasingly popular for a range of real-time applications. However, accurately simulating the full number of hair strands remains challenging. A commonly employed technique involves simulating a subset of guide hairs to capture the overall behavior of the hairstyle. Details are then enriched by interpolation using linear skinning. Hair interpolation enables fast real-time simulations but frequently leads to various artifacts during runtime. As the skinning weights are often pre-computed, substantial variations between the initial and deformed shapes of the hair can cause severe deviations in fine hair geometry. Straight hairs may become kinked, and curly hairs may become zigzags.
This work introduces a novel physical-driven hair interpolation scheme that utilizes existing simulated guide hair data. Instead of directly operating on positions, we interpolate the internal forces from the guide hairs before efficiently reconstructing the rendered hairs based on their material model. We formulate our problem as a constraint satisfaction problem for which we present an efficient solution. Further practical considerations are addressed using regularization terms that regulate penetration avoidance and drift correction. We have tested various hairstyles to illustrate that our approach can generate visually plausible rendered hairs with only a few guide hairs and minimal computational overhead, amounting to only about 20% of conventional linear hair interpolation. This efficiency underscores the practical viability of our method for real-time applications.
Vertex Block Descent
Authors: Chen Anka He , Liu Ziheng , Yang Yin , Yuksel Cem 
Published: July 2024

We introduce vertex block descent, a block coordinate descent solution for the variational form of implicit Euler through vertex-level Gauss-Seidel iterations. It operates with local vertex position updates that achieve reductions in global variational energy with maximized parallelism. This forms a physics solver that can achieve numerical convergence with unconditional stability and exceptional computation performance. It can also fit in a given computation budget by simply limiting the iteration count while maintaining its stability and superior convergence rate.
We present and evaluate our method in the context of elastic body dynamics, providing details of all essential components and showing that it outperforms alternative techniques. In addition, we discuss and show examples of how our method can be used for other simulation systems, including particle-based simulations and rigid bodies.
Pulse Shape and Voltage-Dependent Synchronization in Spiking Neuron Networks
Authors: Pietras Bastian 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Pulse-coupled spiking neural networks are a powerful tool to gain mechanistic insights into how neurons self-organize to produce coherent collective behavior. These networks use simple spiking neuron models, such as the θ-neuron or the quadratic integrate-and-fire (QIF) neuron, that replicate the essential features of real neural dynamics. Interactions between neurons are modeled with infinitely narrow pulses, or spikes, rather than the more complex dynamics of real synapses. To make these networks biologically more plausible, it has been proposed that they must also account for the finite width of the pulses, which can have a significant impact on the network dynamics. However, the derivation and interpretation of these pulses are contradictory, and the impact of the pulse shape on the network dynamics is largely unexplored. Here, I take a comprehensive approach to pulse coupling in networks of QIF and θ-neurons. I argue that narrow pulses activate voltage-dependent synaptic conductances and show how to implement them in QIF neurons such that their effect can last through the phase after the spike. Using an exact low-dimensional description for networks of globally coupled spiking neurons, I prove for instantaneous interactions that collective oscillations emerge due to an effective coupling through the mean voltage. I analyze the impact of the pulse shape by means of a family of smooth pulse functions with arbitrary finite width and symmetric or asymmetric shapes. For symmetric pulses, the resulting voltage coupling is not very effective in synchronizing neurons, but pulses that are slightly skewed to the phase after the spike readily generate collective oscillations. The results unveil a voltage-dependent spike synchronization mechanism at the heart of emergent collective behavior, which is facilitated by pulses of finite width and complementary to traditional synaptic transmission in spiking neuron networks.
Intrahemispheric White Matter Asymmetries and Interhemispheric Connections Underlying the Lateralization of Language Production and Spatial Attention in Left-Handers
Authors: Zhu Miaomiao , Wang Xiao , Zhao Xier , Cai Qing 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Leftward language production and rightward spatial attention are salient features of functional organization in most humans, but their anatomical basis remains unclear. Interhemispheric connections and intrahemispheric white matter asymmetries have been proposed as important factors underlying functional lateralization. To investigate the role of white matter connectivity in functional lateralization, we first identified 96 left-handers using visual half field naming tasks. They were then divided into atypical and typical functional dominance based on the lateralization of brain activation in a word generation task (for language production) and a landmark task (for spatial attention). Using a novel fixel-based framework, we obtained fiber-specific properties of white matter pathways. Results showed, first, that differences between two language dominance groups occurred in the asymmetry of the superior longitudinal fasciculus-III (SLF-III), whereas differences between two spatial attention dominance groups occurred in the rostrum and rostral body of the corpus callosum. However, the directions of functional lateralization were not associated with the directions of white matter asymmetries. Second, the degree of language lateralization was predicted by SLF-III asymmetry and the rostral body of the corpus callosum, whereas the degree of spatial attention lateralization was predicted by the rostrum of the corpus callosum. Notably, the degree of each functional lateralization was negatively correlated with the anterior and middle callosal connections, supporting the excitatory model of the corpus callosum. The results suggest that language lateralization is shaped by a combined effect of intra- and interhemispheric connections, whereas spatial attention lateralization relies more on interhemispheric connections.
Improved the sound insulating properties of polystyrene through using organically modified montmorillonite
Authors: Shi Zhengxue , Zhu Kuilin , He Jie , Liu Liyi , You Feng , Zhou Danfeng , Fang Yuan , Yao Chu 
Published: July 2024

The alleviation of the transmission for noise by using sound insulation materials has been regarded as an efficient route to control noise. In this work, the reinforcing effect on the sound insulating properties of polystyrene (PS) was successfully realized by using cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) organically modified montmorillonite. The micrometer montmorillonite (MMT) was firstly organic modified by CTAB and then was melt blended with PS matrix to obtain high sound insulation polymer composites. X-ray diffraction results revealed that CTAB intercalation into MMT lamellar structure, leading to the increased lamellar space of the organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT). Moreover, the OMMT lamellar spacing was further enlarged by the intercalation of PS molecular chains. The sound insulation properties of all samples were tested by a four-microphone impedance tube. The average sound transmission loss (STL) of PS composites increased with the amount of OMMT. The average STL of PS/OMMT composite with the thickness of only 1.8 mm can reach to 35.46 dB when the weight fraction of OMMT was 30%, which is 36.0% higher than that of pure PS (26.08 dB). The sample thickness increased to 3.8 mm and the average STL up to 47.78 dB. Meanwhile, the storage modulus and thermal stability of PS were also enhanced by incorporating OMMT. This fabricating technique can provide a novel method to obtain low-cost and low-weight acoustic materials with high sound insulating properties.
Moral courage of emergency nurses in care-limited environments: A mixed-methods study
Authors: Wolf Lisa Adams , Noblewolf Hannah S. 
Published: July 2024

Background Professional ethics in nursing exist to guide care and allow for decision-making to be patient-centered. In the current medicolegal landscape post-Roe and in light of bans on gender-affirming care, the decision-making processes of emergency nurses in the clinical environment of care as informed by both professional and personal ethics are an important area of inquiry. Aim The aim of this study was to examine the contribution of moral courage to decision-making by emergency nurses. Research Design A mixed-methods exploratory sequential approach was used, using a standard demographics form and the Nurses Moral Courage Scale to collect quantitative data. These data were used to inform an interview guide for qualitative data collection. Situational analysis was used to analyze the interview data. Ethical Considerations Prior to recruitment, this study was reviewed and approved by the University of Massachusetts IRB (#00003909). Participants were provided with an informed consent document at the time of registration and at the time of interview; participants provided both signed consent and verbal assent. Participants were assigned study codes to maintain anonymity and data were maintained in a secure University cloud. Participants and Research Context US-based emergency nurses working in environments with care limitations. Results 70% of respondents reported that they would speak up if they were aware of a situation that was ethically challenging. Respondents reported that it was fairly easy or very easy to defend their values when addressing ancillary staff, coworkers, authorities outside the organization, patients, and patient families. Respondents reported challenges in defending their professional values to charge nurses, physicians, or administrators. In response to a serious ethical problem, 65.8% of respondents answered that they would bring up the problem for discussion, 21.1% would file an internal report, and 13.2% would report externally. Interview participants reported significant social and professional barriers to acting in response to an ethical violation. Willingness to act centered on personal values and not professional codes of ethics. Conclusions While emergency nurses in this study reported high perceived levels of moral courage, they also reported low willingness to act directly, citing burnout and significant social and professional barriers. Adherence to professional codes of ethics is not the primary driver of moral courage.
Genetic polymorphisms and post-stroke upper limb motor improvement – A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Subramanian Sandeep K. , Morgan Riley T. , Rasmusson Carl , Shepherd Kayla M. , Li Carol L. 
Published: July 2024

Background Post-stroke upper limb (UL) motor improvement is associated with adaptive neuroplasticity and motor learning. Both intervention-related (including provision of intensive, variable, and task-specific practice) and individual-specific factors (including the presence of genetic polymorphisms) influence improvement. In individuals with stroke, most commonly, polymorphisms are found in Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), Apolipoprotein (APOE) and Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT). These involve a replacement of cystine by arginine (APOEε4) or valines by 1 or 2 methionines (BDNF:val66met, met66met; COMT:val158met; met158met). However, the implications of these polymorphisms on post-stroke UL motor improvement specifically have not yet been elucidated. Objective Examine the influence of genetic polymorphism on post-stroke UL motor improvement. Design Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Methods We conducted a systematic search of the literature published in English language. The modified Downs and Black checklist helped assess study quality. We compared change in UL motor impairment and activity scores between individuals with and without the polymorphisms. Meta-analyses helped assess change in motor impairment (Fugl Meyer Assessment) scores based upon a minimum of 2 studies/time point. Effect sizes (ES) were quantified based upon the Rehabilitation Treatment Specification System as follows: small (0.08-0.18), medium (0.19 -0.40) and large (≥0.41). Results We retrieved 10 (4 good and 6 fair quality) studies. Compared to those with BDNF val66met and met66met polymorphism, meta-analyses revealed lower motor impairment (large ES) in those without the polymorphism at intervention completion (0.5, 95% CI: 0.11-0.88) and at retention (0.58, 95% CI:0.06-1.11). The presence of CoMT val158met or met158met polymorphism had similar results, with lower impairment (large ES ≥1.5) and higher activity scores (large ES ranging from 0.5-0.76) in those without the polymorphism. Presence of APOEε4 form did not influence UL motor improvement. Conclusion Polymorphisms with the presence of 1 or 2 met alleles in BDNF and COMT negatively influence UL motor improvement. Registration https://osf.io/wk9cf/ .
Abatacept for acute graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis after unrelated donor hematopoietic cell transplantation
Authors: Kean Leslie S. , Burns Linda J. , Kou Tzuyung D. , Kapikian Roxanne , Lozenski Karissa , Langston Amelia , Horan John T. , Watkins Benjamin , Qayed Muna , Bratrude Brandi , Betz Kayla , Tang Xiao-Ying , Zhang Mei-Jie , Connolly Sean E. , Polinsky Martin , Gavin Brian , Gomez-Caminero Andres , Pasquini Marcelo C. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Abatacept plus calcineurin inhibitors/methotrexate (CNI/MTX) is the first US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved regimen for acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) prophylaxis during unrelated-donor hematopoietic cell transplantation (URD-HCT). Using Center for International Blood and Marrow Transplant Research data, we investigated its impact in patients receiving 7/8 HLA-mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) or 8/8 HLA-matched unrelated donor (MUD) URD-HCT between 2011 and 2018. Primary outcomes included day-180, 1-year, and 2-year overall survival (OS) and relapse-free survival (RFS) for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX, CNI/MTX + antithymocyte globulin (ATG), and posttransplant cyclophosphamide-based prophylaxis (PT-Cy). For 7/8 MMUDs, day-180 OS (primary end point supporting FDA approval) was significantly higher for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX (98% vs 75%; P = .0028). Two-year RFS was significantly higher for abatacept + CNI/MTX vs CNI/MTX (74% vs 49%; P = .0098) and CNI/MTX + ATG (77% vs 35%; P = .0002), and similar vs PT-Cy (72% vs 56%; P = .1058). For 8/8 MUDs, 2-year RFS for abatacept + CNI/MTX was numerically higher vs CNI/MTX (63% vs 52%; P = .1497), with an improved hazard ratio (HR) of 0.46 (0.25-0.86), and vs CNI/MTX + ATG (66% vs 55%; P = .1193; HR, 0.39 [0.21-0.73]), and was similar vs PT-Cy (68% vs 57%; P = .2356; HR, 0.54 [0.26-1.11]). For 7/8 MMUD and 8/8 MUD recipients, abatacept + CNI/MTX prophylaxis improved survival outcomes vs CNI/MTX and CNI/MTX + ATG; outcomes were similar to PT-Cy–based regimens. Abatacept + CNI/MTX may facilitate unrelated donor pool expansion for HCT.
CD70 identifies alloreactive T cells and represents a potential target for prevention and treatment of acute GVHD
Authors: Verma Kriti , Croft Wayne , Margielewska-Davies Sandra , Pearce Hayden , Stephens Christine , Diaconescu Diana , Bevington Sarah , Craddock Charles , Amel-Kashipaz Rasoul , Zuo Jianmin , Kinsella Francesca A. M. , Moss Paul 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) remains a major challenge after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT), and further understanding of its immunopathology is crucial for developing new treatments. CD70 interacts with CD27 and is upregulated transiently on T cells after recent T-cell receptor (TCR) engagement. Here, we investigated the functional and clinical significance of CD70 expression on T cells during the early posttransplantation period. CD70 was expressed on a subset of highly activated memory T cells within the first 2 weeks after transplant, which then gradually declined in most patients. CD70+ T cells exhibited an open chromatin landscape and a transcriptional profile indicative of intense Myelocytomatosis oncogene (MYC)-driven glycolysis and proliferation. CD4+ and CD8+CD70+ T-cell numbers increased by ninefold and fourfold, respectively, during acute GVHD (aGVHD) and displayed an oligoclonal TCR repertoire. These cells expressed CCR4 and CCR6 chemokine receptors and were markedly increased in aGVHD tissue samples. Furthermore, CD70+ T cells demonstrated alloreactive specificity in vitro, and proliferative and inflammatory cytokine responses were markedly attenuated by CD70 blockade. These findings identify CD70 as a marker of highly activated alloreactive T cells and reveal the potential therapeutic importance of inhibiting CD27-CD70 costimulation in both the prophylaxis and treatment of aGVHD.
Unexpected diagnosis of WHIM syndrome in refractory autoimmune cytopenia
Authors: Garcia-Carmona Yolanda , Chavez Jose , Gernez Yael , Geyer Julia T. , Bussel James B. , Cunningham-Rundles Charlotte 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
WHIM (warts, hypogammaglobulinemia, infections, and myelokathexis) syndrome is a rare primary immunodeficiency predominantly caused by heterozygous gain-of-function mutations in the C-terminus of the gene CXCR4. These CXCR4 variants display impaired receptor trafficking with persistence of the CXCR4 receptor on the surface, resulting in hyperactive downstream signaling after CXCL12 stimulation. In turn, this results in defective lymphoid differentiation, and reduced blood neutrophil and lymphocyte numbers. Here, we report a CXCR4 mutation that in 2 members of a kindred, led to life-long autoimmunity and lymphoid hypertrophy as the primary clinical manifestations of WHIM syndrome. We examine the functional effects of this mutation, and how these have affected phosphorylation, activation, and receptor internalization.
Upstream CtrA-binding sites both induce and repress pilin gene expression in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Rijal Anurag , Johnson Eli T. , Curtis Patrick D. 
Published: July 2024

AbstractPili are bacterial surface structures important for surface adhesion. In the alphaproteobacterium Caulobacter crescentus, the global regulator CtrA activates transcription of roughly 100 genes, including pilA which codes for the pilin monomer that makes up the pilus filament. While most CtrA-activated promoters have a single CtrA-binding site at the − 35 position and are induced at the early to mid-predivisional cell stage, the pilA promoter has 3 additional upstream CtrA-binding sites and it is induced at the late predivisional cell stage. Reporter constructs where these additional sites were disrupted by deletion or mutation led to increased activity compared to the WT promoter. In synchronized cultures, these mutations caused pilA transcription to occur approximately 20 min earlier than WT. The results suggested that the site overlapping the − 35 position drives pilA gene expression while the other upstream CtrA-binding sites serve to reduce and delay expression. EMSA experiments showed that the − 35 Site has lower affinity for CtrA∼P compared to the other sites, suggesting binding site affinity may be involved in the delay mechanism. Mutating the upstream inhibitory CtrA-binding sites in the pilA promoter caused significantly higher numbers of pre-divisional cells to express pili, and phage survival assays showed this strain to be significantly more sensitive to pilitropic phage. These results suggest that pilA regulation evolved in C. crescentus to provide an ecological advantage within the context of phage infection.
A cross-sectional comparison of gut metagenomes between dairy workers and community controls
Authors: Trinh Pauline , Teichman Sarah , Roberts Marilyn C. , Rabinowitz Peter M. , Willis Amy D. 
Published: July 2024

Abstract
Background
As a nexus of routine antibiotic use and zoonotic pathogen presence, the livestock farming environment is a potential hotspot for the emergence of zoonotic diseases and antibiotic resistant bacteria. Livestock can further facilitate disease transmission by serving as intermediary hosts for pathogens before a spillover event. In light of this, we aimed to characterize the microbiomes and resistomes of dairy workers, whose exposure to the livestock farming environment places them at risk for facilitating community transmission of antibiotic resistant genes and emerging zoonotic diseases.

Results
Using shotgun sequencing, we investigated differences in the taxonomy, diversity and gene presence of 10 dairy farm workers and 6 community controls’ gut metagenomes, contextualizing these samples with additional publicly available gut metagenomes. We found no significant differences in the prevalence of resistance genes, virulence factors, or taxonomic composition between the two groups. The lack of statistical significance may be attributed, in part, to the limited sample size of our study or the potential similarities in exposures between the dairy workers and community controls. We did, however, observe patterns warranting further investigation including greater abundance of tetracycline resistance genes and prevalence of cephamycin resistance genes as well as lower average gene diversity (even after accounting for differential sequencing depth) in dairy workers’ metagenomes. We also found evidence of commensal organism association with tetracycline resistance genes in both groups (including Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, Ligilactobacillus animalis, and Simiaoa sunii).

Conclusions
This study highlights the utility of shotgun metagenomics in examining the microbiomes and resistomes of livestock workers, focusing on a cohort of dairy workers in the United States. While our study revealed no statistically significant differences between groups in taxonomy, diversity and gene presence, we observed patterns in antibiotic resistance gene abundance and prevalence that align with findings from previous studies of livestock workers in China and Europe. Our results lay the groundwork for future research involving larger cohorts of dairy and non-dairy workers to better understand the impact of occupational exposure to livestock farming on the microbiomes and resistomes of workers.