bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Conceptual design and analysis of a cryogenic front-end ASIC for TES readout using ST-130 nm BiCMOS technology
Authors: PRELE Damien , GONZALEZ Manuel , CHEN Si 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
In the context of future ground-based or space-borne cryogenic instruments using transition-edge sensors (TES), the location of the front-end electronics (FEEs) is an important aspect of instrument design. The main functions of the FEE are to provide biasing currents for TES and superconducting quantum interferencedevices (SQUIDs) and to amplify the output signals of the SQUID arrays (the last SQUID stage). Room temperature FEE has several advantages compared to cryogenic FEE: more power available, characterized commercially available devices, easier to develop and test, etc. On the other hand, it usually means having a longer cryo-harness before large signal amplification and more complex cryostat interfaces to preserve small signal integrity. Moreover, it is generally assumed that cooling the readout improves the intrinsic noise in addition to avoid interference in the cryo-harness. In this paper, we present a conceptual design of an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) for TES front-end readout operating at cryogenic temperatures (50 K to 70 K) using ST-130 nm technology. We discuss the necessary steps for the development of such ASICs. Indeed, another ASIC integrating elementary components has already been developed with this technology and has been tested at cryogenic temperatures. The measurements as function of temperature are useful to determine the correct operating points for low-temperature optimal performances of an FEE. Finally, the impacts of cryogenic operations on noise are discussed.
Europe’s Heatwave Battle: How Age-Old Building Ways Beat the Heat
Authors: DE TOLDI TIMOTHEE 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
As heat stress intensifies across Europe, the escalating use of air conditioning poses environmental, equity, and reliability concerns. Macro-quantitative performance analyses of passive cooling techniques (PCTs) are lacking, hindering the development of thermal resilience policies. Employing an extreme value bias approach, this study investigates the capacity of vernacular PCTs to satisfy thermal comfort and safety standards in current and projected European climates, demonstrating the substantial contribution they can make towards meeting cooling demand until the end of the century. Results show that such PCTs could still fulfill 90% of cooling demand for comfort in at least 83.30% of cooling-demanding regions across Europe over the 2070-2100 period (including 82.82% of Mediterranean regions), compared to 99.93% over the 2010-2040 period. While occasionally insufficient for comfort, PCTs could still play a crucial role in safeguarding occupants, meeting over 90% of the cooling demand for safety during extreme temperature and humidity events in at least 84.28% of cooling-demanding regions of Europe (including 75.05% of Mediterranean regions) over the 2070-2100 period (compared to 99.68% over the 2010-2040 period).
Discovering the potential role of giant viruses in antibiotic resistance spread
Authors: Li Jin-tian , Yi Xin-zhu , Liang Jie-Liang , Wen Ping , Jia Pu , wei feng , Liu Shen-yan , Zhuang Yuan-yue , Guo Yu-qian , Lu Jingli , Zhong Sheng-ji , Liao Bin , Wang Zhang , Shu Wen-Sheng 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

The rapid spread of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the microbiota is a major global public health concern. While the viruses infecting prokaryotic microbes (called phages) are known as important mediators of the spread of ARGs, our knowledge of ARGs of those viruses infecting eukaryotic microbes is still extremely limited. To address this knowledge gap, we systematically explored ARGs of nucleocytoplasmic large DNA viruses (NCLDVs; also called giant viruses) that probably infect all major eukaryotic microbial lineages. Analysis of 1,416 NCLDV genomes including those of almost all currently available cultured isolates and high-quality metagenome-assembled genomes from diverse habitats across the globe revealed that 43.7% of them carried ARGs, which was approximately 23 times higher than that for phage genomes. Remarkably, two NCLDVs isolated from a > 30,000-year-old permafrost sample were found to harbor ARGs. A total of 14 ARG types were encoded by NCLDVs, covering nearly half of all known ARG types. Trimethoprim, polymyxin and rifampin were the major ARG types of NCLDVs, and antibiotic target alteration was their predominant antibiotic resistance mechanism. Phylogenies of the three most abundant NCLDV-encoded ARGs hinted that NCLDVs acquired ARGs not only from eukaryotes but also from prokaryotes and phages. A significant interdependence between the presence of ARGs and insertion sequences (ISs) in NCLDV genomes was observed, indicating the involvement of ISs in the acquisition of ARGs by NCLDVs. Minimum inhibitory concentration experiments with two Escherichia coli strains carrying trimethoprim resistance genes of NCLDVs provided the first evidence that NCLDV-encoded ARGs can confer an antibiotic resistance phenotype. Taken together, these findings underscore the overlooked importance of taking into account NCLDVs to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the spread of antibiotic resistance within the whole microbiota.
Identification of Kidney Cell Types in scRNA-seq and snRNA-seq Data Using Machine Learning Algorithms
Authors: Tisch Adam , Madapoosi Siddharth , Blough Stephen , Rosa Jan , Eddy Sean , Mariani Laura , Naik Abhijit , Limonte Christine , Mccown Philip , Menon Rajasree , Rosas Sylvia , Parikh Chirag , Kretzler Matthias , Mahfouz Ahmed , Alakwaa Fadhl 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Background
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) and single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) provide valuable insights into the cellular states of kidney cells. However, the annotation of cell types often requires extensive domain expertise and time-consuming manual curation, limiting scalability and generalizability. To facilitate this process, we tested the performance of five supervised classification methods for automatic cell type annotation.
Results
We analyzed publicly available sc/snRNA-seq datasets from five expert-annotated studies, comprising 62,120 cells from 79 kidney biopsy samples. Datasets were integrated by harmonizing cell type annotations across studies. Five different supervised machine learning algorithms (support vector machines, random forests, multilayer perceptrons, k-nearest neighbors, and extreme gradient boosting) were applied to automatically annotate cell types using four training datasets and one testing dataset. Performance metrics, including accuracy (F1 score) and rejection rates, were evaluated. All five machine learning algorithms demonstrated high accuracies, with a median F1 score of 0.94 and a median rejection rate of 1.8%. The algorithms performed equally well across different datasets and successfully rejected cell types that were not present in the training data. However, F1 scores were lower when models trained primarily on scRNA-seq data were tested on snRNA-seq data.
Conclusions
Our findings demonstrate that machine learning algorithms can accurately annotate a wide range of adult kidney cell types in scRNA-seq/snRNA-seq data. This approach has the potential to standardize cell type annotation and facilitate further research on cellular mechanisms underlying kidney disease.
3D printable ultra-strong elastomers rivaling spider silk
Authors: Xie Tao , Fang Zizheng , Mu Hongfeng , Sun Zhuo , Zhang Kaihang , Zhang Anyang , Zheng Ning , Zhao Qian , Yang Xuxu , Wu Jingjun 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Three-dimensional (3D) printing has emerged as an attractive manufacturing technique due to its exceptional freedom in accessing geometrically complex customizable products. Its potential for mass manufacturing, however, is hampered by its low manufacturing efficiency (print speed) and insufficient product quality (mechanical properties). Recent progresses in ultra-fast 3D printing of photo-polymers1-5 have alleviated the issue of manufacturing efficiency, but the mechanical performance of typical printed polymers still falls far behind what is achievable with conventional processing techniques. This is due to the printing requirements that restrict the molecular design towards achieving high mechanical performance. Here, we report a 3D photo-printable resin chemistry that yields an elastomer with tensile strength of 94.6 MPa. This strength far exceeds that of any 3D printed elastomer6-10 and in fact approaches that of natural spider silk which is a long lasting target for designing soft yet strong material11,12. Mechanistically, this is achieved via the dynamic covalent bonds in the printed polymer which allow network topological reconfiguration. This facilitates the formation of hierarchical hydrogen bonds (in particular amide hydrogen bonds), micro-phase separation, and interpenetration architecture, which contribute synergistically to the superior mechanical performance. Our work suggests a brighter future for mass manufacturing using 3D printing.
Molsidomine Provides Neuroprotection Against Vincristine-induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity Through Soluble Guanylyl Cyclase Activation
Authors: Utkina-Sosunova Irina , Chiorazzi Alessia , De Planell-Saguer Mariangels , Li Hai , Meregalli Cristina , Pozzi Eleonora , Carozzi Valentina Alda , Canta Annalisa , Monza Laura , Alberti Paola , Fumagalli Giulia , Karan Charles , Moayedi Yalda , Przedborski Serge , Cavaletti Guido , Lotti Francesco 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Peripheral neurotoxicity is a dose-limiting adverse reaction of primary frontline chemotherapeutic agents, including vincristine. Neuropathy can be so disabling that patients drop out of potentially curative therapy, negatively impacting cancer prognosis. The hallmark of vincristine neurotoxicity is axonopathy, yet its underpinning mechanisms remain uncertain. We developed a comprehensive drug discovery platform to identify neuroprotective agents against vincristine-induced neurotoxicity. Among the hits identified, SIN-1 – an active metabolite of molsidomine – prevents vincristine-induced axonopathy in both motor and sensory neurons without compromising vincristine anticancer efficacy. Mechanistically, we found that SIN-1’s neuroprotective effect is mediated by activating soluble guanylyl cyclase. We modeled vincristine-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats to determine molsidomine therapeutic potential in vivo. Vincristine administration induced severe nerve damage and mechanical hypersensitivity that were attenuated by concomitant treatment with molsidomine. This study provides evidence of the neuroprotective properties of molsidomine and warrants further investigations of this drug as a therapy for vincristine-induced peripheral neurotoxicity.
Management factors affecting milk yield, composition, and quality on smallholder dairy farms
Authors: Mukasafari Marie Anne , Mpatswenumugabo Jean Pierre , Ndahetuye Jean Baptiste , Wredle Ewa , Båge Renée 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A cross-sectional study on 156 smallholder dairy farms in Rwanda was carried out to assess the association between farm management practices and milk yield and quality. A pre-tested questionnaire was used to collect data on cow characteristics and farm management practices. Milk yield was recorded at household level, milk composition was monitored using a Lactoscan device (Milk Analyzer). Somatic cell count (SCC) was determined using a DeLaval cell counter (DCC). A Delvotest SP-NT kit was used to determine antibiotic residues in raw milk. Most dairy cows were kept in zero-grazing system (84.6%) and most farmers had no experience of dairy production (78.2%). Mean daily milk yield was 3.9 L/cow and was associated with type of breed, milking frequency, stage of lactation and parity. Mean milk content of protein, fat, lactose and solid non-fat, and density were normal and showed no association with different management practices. Based on SCC analyses, 65.8% of the milk samples were graded as acceptable for delivery to a milk collection centre (MCC) and 12.9% of the samples tested positive for antibiotic residues. These findings suggest low milk yields on smallholder farms in Rwanda that are attributable to breed and mastitis, among other factors. The results also indicate possible non-compliance with withdrawal periods, resulting in antibiotic residues in milk, which has public health implications for consumers. Routine testing at MCC for both SCC and antibiotic residues is important for quality control.
Fabrication and Characterization of PVA/γ-chitosan/Kaolin Nanofiber for Hemostatic Oral Wound Dressing
Authors: Lee Hakyong , Kim Jinkyeong , Myung Suwan , Jung Tae-Gon , Han Dong-Wook , Kim Bongju , Lee Jae-Chang 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

A nanofiber-based composite nonwoven fabric was fabricated for hemostatic oral wound dressing, integrating polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), kaolin, and γ-chitosan extracted from Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis, Allomyrina dichotoma, and Eophileurus chinensis. The fabrication process utilized an electrospinning technique with needle-less and mobile spinneret, producing nanofibers with average diameters ranging from 172 to 277 nm, depending on the composition ratios. The γ-chitosan yield from these insects was between 6.9% and 10.8%, with the highest moisture-binding capacity observed at 535.6% for γ-chitosan from P. brevitarsis seulensis. Thermogravimetric analysis indicated a progressive increase in residual inorganic content with higher kaolin content, affirming its uniform distribution. Notably, the PVA/kaolin/γ-chitosan fabrics demonstrated enhanced biocompatibility, with cell survival rates under certain compositions reaching up to 86.9%. Furthermore, the optimized fabric compositions reduced blood coagulation time by approximately 2.5-fold compared to PVA alone, highlighting their efficacy in hemostasis. The study concludes that these novel nanofiber-based fabrics offer promising applications in dental medicine, providing an effective solution for hemostatic oral wound dressing with superior biocompatibility and enhanced hemostatic performance.
Molecular Interactions of the Omicron, Kappa, and Delta SARS-CoV-2 Spike Proteins with Quantum Dots of Graphene Oxide
Authors: Arouche Tiago da Silva , Lobato Julio Cesar Mendes , Borges Rosivaldo , Oliveira Mozaniel Santana , Neto Antonio Maia de Jesus Chaves 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) represent a burgeoning class of oxygen-enriched, zero-dimensional materials characterized by their sub-20 nm dimensions. Exhibiting pronounced quantum confinement and edge effects, GOQDs manifest exceptional physical-chemical attributes. This study delves into the potential of graphene oxide quantum dots, elucidating their inherent properties pertinent to the surface structures of SARS-CoV-2, employing an integrated computational approach for the repositioning of inhibitory agents. Following rigorous adjustment tests, a spectrum of divergent bonding conformations emerged, with particular emphasis placed on identifying the conformation exhibiting optimal adjustment scores and interactions. The investigation employed molecular docking simulations integrating affinity energy evaluations, electrostatic potential clouds, molecular dynamics encompassing average square root calculations, and the computation of Gibbs-free energy. These values quantify the strength of interaction between GOQDs and SARS-CoV-2 spike protein variants. Lower values indicate stronger binding. Notably, GO-E consistently showed the most negative values across interactions with different variants, suggesting a higher affinity compared to other GOQDs (GO-A to GO-D).
Mortality predictors in patients with suspected sepsis in the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bidart João P. M. , Rosa Regis G. , Bessel Marina , Pedrotti Luana G. , Goldani Luciano Z. 
Published: January 2024

Abstract

Conclusions: Even though an association was found between qSOFA and ICU admission, there was no association of qSOFA or the severity criteria with mortality. Further studies are necessary to assess novel scores or biomarkers to predict mortality in sepsis patients admitted to the emergency department's initial care.
Background: Sepsis remains a worldwide major cause of hospitalization, mortality, and morbidity. In order to improve the ability to identify patients with suspected sepsis in a high possibility of mortality and adverse outcomes in the emergency department, mortality predictors are applicable. This study aims to establish whether qSOFA and the severity criteria applied in patients with suspicion of sepsis in a monitored emergency department (ED) are in fact predictors of mortality. We performed a retrospective cohort study among adult patients with suspicion of sepsis at the emergency department of a tertiary care hospital in Brazil between January 1st, 2019 and December 31, 2020. All adult patients (age ≥18 yr) with suspected sepsis that scored two or more points on qSOFA score or at least one point on the severity criteria score were included in the study.
Results: The total of patients included in the study was 665 and the average age of the sample was 73 + 19 years.The proportion between male and female subjects was similar. Most patients exhibited qSOFA ≥ 2 (58.80%) and 356 patients (53.61%) scored one point in the severity criteria at admission. Overall mortality was 19.7% (131 patients). 98 patients (14.74%) exhibited positive blood cultures, with the most isolated bacteria being Escherichia coli. Neither scores of qSOFA nor the severity criteria were associated with mortality rates, but scoring any point on qSOFA was considered as an independent factor for ICU admission (qSOFA=1 point, p=0.02; qSOFA=2 points, p=0.03, and qSOFA= 3 points, p=0.04). Positive blood cultures (RR, 1.63;95% CI, 1.10 to 2.41) and general administration of vasopressors at the emergency department (RR, 2.14;95% CI, 1.44 to 3.17) were associated with 30-day mortality. The administration of vasopressors at the emergency room (RR, 2.25; CI 95%, 1.58 to 3.21) was found to be a predictor of overall mortality.
Basic or Adaptation: The Assessment and Heritability of a Brief Measure of Agency
Authors: Junkins Eleanor J. , Briley D. A. , Derringer Jaime 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
The interpersonal circumplex describes two major axes of personality that guide much of social behavior. Agency, one half of the interpersonal circumplex, refers to relatively stable behavioral patterns that center on self-focused dominance and assertiveness. Past empirical work on agency tends to treat the dimension as a characteristic adaptation, rather than a basic component of personality, in part due to the relatively large gender difference in agency with masculine individuals tending to behave more agentic. However, the psychometric overlap between agency and the most closely linked big five dimension, extraversion, is not well-established, and no behavior genetic work has documented evidence concerning the role of genetic and environmental influences. It is unclear whether agency is more similar to a personality trait, with no evidence of shared environmental influence and moderate heritability, or a characteristic adaptation, with some evidence for shared environmental influence and possibly lower heritability. We used the Midlife Development in the United States study to examine agency, big five, and generativity with replication and robustness check (Nnon-twins = 5,194; Ntwins = 1,914; NMilwaukee = 592). Results indicated that agency was higher in men (d = -.24), moderately heritable (44.4%), strongly correlated with extraversion (r = .51), moderately correlated with generativity (r = .36), and that approximately 40% of the variance in agency was shared with the big five. Agency also changed strongly with extraversion and openness, but less so generativity. Altogether, these results indicate that agency functions similar to other basic personality dimensions but is not clearly a dispositional trait.
Kinome focused CRISPR-Cas9 screens in African ancestry patient-derived breast cancer organoids identify essential kinases and synergy of EGFR and FGFR1 inhibition
Authors: Martin M. Laura , Martini Rachel , Ackermann Sarah , Tang Colin , Tranquille Marvel , Irizarry Adriana , Us Ilkay , Alawa Omar , Moyer Jenna , Sigouros Michael , Nguyen John , Assaad Majd , Cheng Esther , Ginter Paula , Manohar Jyothi , Stonaker Brian , Boateng Richard , Oppong Joseph , Adjei Ernest , Awuah Baffour , Kyei Ishmael , Aitpillah Frances , Adinku Michael , Ankomah Kwasi , Osei-Bonsu Ernest , Gyan Kofi , Hoda Syed , Newman Lisa , Mosquera Juan Miguel , Sboner Andrea , Elemento Olivier , Dow Lukas , Davis Melissa , Rowdo Florencia Madorsky 
Published: January 2024

Abstract
Precision medicine approaches to cancer treatment aim to exploit genomic alterations that are specific to individual patients to tailor therapy strategies. These alterations are usually revealed via next generation sequencing of the tumor tissue. Yet, it is clear that some targetable genes and pathways are essential for tumor cell viability even in the absence of direct genomic alterations. This is especially important in under-represented populations, whose mutational landscape and determinants of response to existing therapies are poorly characterized due to limited inclusion in clinical trials and studies. One way to reveal tumor essential genes is with genetic screens. Most screens are conducted on cell lines that bear little resemblance to patient tumors, after years of culture in non-physiological conditions. To address this problem, we aimed to develop a CRISPR screening pipeline in 3D-grown patient-derived tumor organoid (PDTO) models. We focused on identifying essential kinases that may translate to options for targeted therapies, including combination therapies. We first established a breast cancer PDTO biobank focused on underrepresented populations, including West African patients. We then performed a negative selection kinome-focused CRISPR screen to identify kinases essential for organoid growth and potential targets for combination therapy with EGFR or MEK inhibitors. We identified several previously unidentified kinase targets and showed that combination of FGFR1 and EGFR inhibitors synergizes to block organoids proliferation. Together these data demonstrate feasibility of CRISPR-based genetic screens in patient-derived tumor models, including PDTOs from under-represented cancer patients, and identify new targets for cancer therapy.