bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autocharacterization: Automated and Scalable Semiconductor Property Estimation from High-throughput Experiments using Computer Vision
Authors: Siemenn Alexander , Aissi Eunice , Sheng Fang , Tiihonen Armi , Kavak Hamide , Das Basita , Buonassisi Tonio 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

High-throughput materials synthesis methods have risen in popularity due to their potential to accelerate the design and discovery of novel functional materials, such as solution-processed semiconductors. After synthesis, key material properties must be measured and characterized to validate discovery and provide feedback to optimization cycles. However, with the boom in development of high-throughput synthesis tools that champion production rates up to 104 samples per hour with flexible form factors, most sample characterization methods are either slow (conventional rates of 101 samples per hour, approximately 1000x slower) or rigid (e.g., designed for standard-size microplates), resulting in a bottleneck that impedes the materials-design process. To overcome this challenge, we propose a set of automated material property characterization (autocharacterization) tools that leverage the adaptive, parallelizable, and scalable nature of computer vision to accelerate the throughput of characterization by 85x compared to the non-automated workflow. We demonstrate a generalizable composition mapping tool for high-throughput synthesized binary material systems as well as two scalable autocharacterization algorithms that (1) autonomously compute the band gap of 200 unique compositions in 6 minutes and (2) autonomously compute the degree of degradation in 200 unique compositions in 20 minutes, generating ultra-high compositional resolution trends of band gap and stability. We demonstrate that the developed band gap and degradation detection autocharacterization methods achieve 98.5% accuracy and 96.9% accuracy, respectively, on the FA1-xMAxPbI3, 0 ≤ x ≤ 1 perovskite semiconductor system.
MiR-186-5p inhibition restores synaptic transmission and neuronal network activity in a model of chronic stress
Authors: Carvalho Ana Luisa , Rodrigues Beatriz , Leitão Ricardo , Santos Mónica , Trofimov Alexander , Silva Mariline , Inácio Ângela , Abreu Mónica , Nobre Rui Jorge , Costa Jéssica , Cardoso Ana Luisa , Milosevic Ira , Peça João , de Almeida Luís Pereira , Pinheiro Paulo 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Chronic stress exerts profound negative effects on cognitive and emotional behaviours and is a major risk factor for the development of neuropsychiatric disorders. However, the molecular links between chronic stress and its deleterious effects on neuronal and synaptic function remain elusive. Here, using a combination of in vitro and in vivo approaches, we demonstrate that the upregulation of miR-186-5p triggered by chronic stress may be a key mediator of such changes, leading to synaptic dysfunction. Our results show that the expression levels of miR-186-5p are increased both in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of mice exposed to chronic stress and in cortical neurons chronically exposed to dexamethasone. Additionally, viral overexpression of miR-186-5p in the PFC of naïve mice induces anxiety- and depressive-like behaviours. The upregulation of miR-186-5p through prolonged glucocorticoid receptor activation differentially affects glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission, causing an imbalance in excitation/inhibition and leading to altered neuronal network activity. At glutamatergic synapses, we observed both a reduction in synaptic AMPAR and synaptic transmission, along with a switch in their subunit composition, whereas GABAergic synaptic transmission was strengthened. These changes could be rescued by a miR-186-5p inhibitor. Overall, our results establish a novel molecular link between chronic glucocorticoid receptor activation, the upregulation of miR-186-5p and the synaptic changes induced by chronic stress, that may be amenable to therapeutic intervention.
Altered cord blood mitochondrial DNA content and prenatal exposure to arsenic metabolites in low-arsenic areas
Authors: Qiu Feng , Zhang Hongling , Wang Xin , Jia Zhenxian , He Yujie , Wu Yi , Li Zhangpeng , Zheng Tongzhang , Xia Wei , Xu Shunqing , Li Yuanyuan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
While mitochondria are susceptible to environmental detriments, little is known about potential associations between arsenic metabolites and mitochondria DNA copy number (mtDNAcn). We attempted to examine whether arsenic metabolism in different trimesters was related to cord blood mtDNAcn alteration. We included 819 mother-newborn pairs embedded in an in-progress birth cohort survey performed from April 2014 to October 2016 in Wuhan, China. We determined maternal urinary arsenic species concentrations in different trimesters using HPLC-ICPMS. We decided on cord blood mtDNAcn using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. In covariate-adjusted models, each two-fold increment of dimethylated arsenic (DMA) and total arsenic (TAs) in the 3rd trimester were related to 8.43% (95% CI: 1.13%, 16.26%) and 12.15% (95% CI:4.35%, 20.53%) increases in mtDNAcn, respectively. The dose-response trend with statistical significance was observed across tertiles of DMA and TAs in the 3rd trimester with mtDNAcn. These findings may prove the relationships between arsenic species and mitochondrial dysfunction.
The alpha2-adrenergic receptor agonist clonidine protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion induced neuronal apoptosis in rats
Authors: He Zhi , Yin Bo-Kai , Wang Ke , Zhao Bo , Chen Yue , Li Zi-Cheng , Chen Jing 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Apoptosis is the crucial pathological mechanism following cerebral ischemic injury. Our previous studies demonstrated that clonidine, one agonist of alpha2-adrenergic receptor (α2-AR), could attenuate cerebral ischemic injury in a rat model of Middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R). However, it’s unclear whether clonidine exerts neuroprotective effects by regulating neuronal apoptosis. In this study, we elucidated whether clonidine can exert anti-apoptotic effects in cerebral ischemic injury, and further explore the possible mechanisms. Neurological deficit score was measured to evaluate the neurological function. TTC staining was used for the measurement of brain infarct size. Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining was applied to examine the cell morphology. TUNEL and DAPI fluorescent staining methods were used to analyze the cell apoptosis in brain tissue. Western blotting assay was applied to detect the protein expression of Caspase-3 and P53. Fluorescence quantitative real-time PCR was performed to assess the gene expression of Caspase-3 and P53. The results showed that clonidine improved neurological function, reduced brain infarct size, alleviated neuronal damage, and reduced the ratio of cell apoptosis in the brain with MCAO/R injury. moreover, clonidine down-regulated the protein and gene expression of Caspase-3 and P53 which were over-expressed after MCAO/R injury. Whereas, yohimbine (one selective α2-AR antagonist) mitigated the anti-apoptosis effects of clonidine, accompanied by reversed gene and protein expression changes. The results indicated that clonidine attenuated cerebral MCAO/R injury via suppressing neuronal apoptosis, which may be mediated, at least in part, by activating α2-AR.
Optimizing the ratio of Coomassie and Methylene blue dyes for a cost-effective and rapid staining of PET, PVC, PP, PS, LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE
Authors: Li Lanxing , Dong Linyinxue , Tian Xuechen , Kalkhajeh Yusef , Yang Yixin , Gan Samuel 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

The ubiquitous presence of plastic brought on by the extensive use of plastic products calls for efficient and rapid plastic detection methods for the detection and evaluation of pollution. The commonly used Nile red dye takes many hours and is expensive while also not equally efficient across all the common plastic waste. To address this, we investigated the staining efficiency and optimized the ratio of a combined dye of Coomassie brilliant blue and Methylene blue. In the optimisation process, Methanol-based Coomassie and Methylene blue dyes effectively stained the PET, PP, PS, LLDPE, LDPE, and HDPE plastics without compromising the plastic's integrity. Image analysis showed a generally better staining efficacy compared to Nile red. Given the cost-effectiveness, efficiency, and accessibility of the blue dyes in labs, the optimized ratio of the blue dyes makes it suitable for large-scale plastic staining across the six tested types of plastic, replacing Nile red.
Simulation of functional additive and non-additive genetic effects using statistical estimates from quantitative genetic models
Authors: Chu Thinh , Kristensen Peter , Jensen Just 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Stochastic simulation software is commonly used to aid breeders designing cost-effective breeding programs and to validate statistical models used in genetic evaluation. An essential feature of the software is the ability to simulate populations with desired genetic and non-genetic parameters. However, this feature is lacking when non-additive effects due to dominance or epistasis are modeled, as the desired properties of simulated populations are estimated from classical quantitative genetic statistical models formulated at the population level. The software simulates underlying biological functional effects for gene action at the individual level, which are not necessarily the same as effects from statistical models in which dominance and epistasis are included. This paper provides the theoretical basis and mathematical formulas for the transformation between functional and statistical effects in such simulation. The transformation is demonstrated with two statistical models analyzed individual phenotypes in a single population (common in animal breeding) and plot phenotypes of three-way hybrids involving two inbred populations (observed in some crop breeding programs), respectively. We also describe different methods for the simulation of functional effects for additive genetics, dominance, and epistasis to achieve the desired levels of variance components in classical statistical models used in quantitative genetics.
Characterizing participants who respond to text, email, phone calls, or postcards in a SARS-CoV-2 prevalence study
Authors: Duszynski Thomas , Fadel William , Dixon Brian , Yiannoutsos Constantin , Menachemi Nir , Halverson Paul 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Introduction:
Multiple modalities and frequencies of contact are needed to maximize recruitment in many public health surveys. The purpose of the current analysis is to characterize respondents to a statewide SARS-CoV-2 testing study whose participation followed either the postcard, phone outreach or electronic means of invitation. In addition, we examine how participant characteristics differ based upon the number of contacts needed to elicit participation.
Methods
Study participants were randomly selected to represent Indiana residents and were invited to participated via postcard, text/emails, and/or robocalls/texts based upon available contact information. The modality and frequency of contacts that prompted participation was determined by when the notification was sent and when the participant registered for the study. Chi square analyses were used to determine difference between groups and significant findings were analyzed using multinomial logistic regression.
Results
Respondents included 3,658 individuals and were stratified by postcards (7.9%), text/emails (26.5%), and robocalls/text (65.7%) with 19.7% registering after 1 contact, 47.9% after 2 contacts, and 32.4% after 3 contacts encouraging participation. Females made up 54.6% of the sample and responded at a higher rate for postcards (8.2% vs. 7.5%) and text/emails (28.1 vs. 24.6%) as compared to males (χ2 = 7.43, p = 0.025). Compared to males, females responded at a higher percentage after 1 contact (21.4 vs. 17.9%, χ2 = 7.6, p = 0.023). With respect to age, those over 60 years respondent least often following 1 contact and most often after 2 contacts (χ2 = 27.5, p < 0.001). The regression model reinforced that participant sex (p = 0.036) age (p = 0.005), educational attainment (p = < 0.0001) were predictors of participation along with free testing (p = 0.036).
Discussion
Researchers should be aware that the modality of contact as well as the number of prompts used could influence differential participation in public health surveys by different demographic groups. Our findings can inform researchers wanting to increase participation from targeted demographic groups by using certain modalities and frequencies of contact in any study that relies on selective participation by study subjects.
Association of pet exposure with allergic disease incidence and all-cause mortality: Nhanse database analysis
Authors: Zhang Lili , Liu Xiangliang , Ge Tingwen , Li Yuguang , Wang Hongyi , Li Fangqi , Xing Weiwei , Cui Jiuwei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the association between pet exposure with the incidence of allergic disease and all-cause mortality.
Methods: The primary results of our study were the incidence of allergic diseases and all-cause mortality. The relevant data of 2005-2006 in Nhanse database were used, including clinical basic information, serum index, disease information and death information, etc. Association between pets and allergic disease was assessed by a logistic regression model. Association of pet exposure with all-cause mortality was assessed using a Cox proportional risk model.
Results: A total of 4082 subjects aged 20 years or older were enrolled in this study, of which 1776 (43.5%) had contact with pets and 2306 (56.5%) had no contact with pets. The incidence of allergic rhinitis, hay fever, asthma and eczema in pet contact group was significantly higher than that in non-pet contact group. A logistic regression model showed that exposure to cats was associated with hay fever (OR:1.419; 95%CI 1.037,1.942), allergic rhinitis (OR:1.300; 95%CI 1.046,1.616) were significantly associated with a higher incidence. Exposure to dogs and asthma (OR:1.361; 95%CI 1.085, 1.707), eczema (OR:1.402; 95%CI 1.039,1.891) were significantly associated with a higher incidence. According to models of all-cause mortality, owning a cat or owning two types of pets (cat, dog) is associated with reduced all-cause mortality, especially among male. In female, only a reduction in all-cause mortality was observed with cat ownership.
Conclusions: In American adults, pet ownership, especially dog and cat exposure, may increase the risks of allergic diseases but decrease the risk of all-cause mortality.
Growth and diet of the invasive mosquitofish Gambusia affinis in lotic and lentic habitats in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Shinji , Kaneko Shota , Chiba Natsumi 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
To understand the success of non-native fish invasions, it is important to clarify their tolerance to habitat differences and their adaptations to these habitats with regard to feeding habits. In this study, the invasive characteristics of the non-native fish Gambusia affinis were examined in order to determine its growth and feeding habits in different habitats (lotic and lentic). Fish specimens were collected from October 2021 to November 2022 from the Nakaibori Stream (lotic) and from May to December 2022 from the Nagatsugawa Reservoir (lentic). Growth indices (total length: TL, eviscerated weight: EW, and condition factor: CF) for both habitats showed that TL and EW were significantly lower for lotic than for lentic habitats. However, the CF of the lotic habitat was higher than that of the lentic habitat. The vacuity index (VI) for the lotic habitat was more than five times higher than that for the lentic habitat. The food range of G. affinis in the lentic habitat comprised 14 food items, which mainly included members of Diptera. However, in the lotic habitat, only eight of these were consumed, with members of Formicidae being the most common, followed by plants (mostly filamentous algae). Zooplankton were not consumed in the lotic habitat. Both the lotic and lentic habitats had relatively low niche breadths (0.39). The feeding strategy of G. affinis was determined to be closely related to changes in habitat prey assemblages and possibly indicates competition for food with native fish species.
Primary site surgery of de novo advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer in the era of CDK4/6 inhibitors treatments: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Lu Guanyu , Jia Lin , Yang Ruohan , Lv Zheng , Cui Jiuwei 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Objective
The surgical treatment of the primary site remains controversial in patients with de novo metastatic breast cancer. Recent studies have shown survival benefits of localized surgery for these patients. However, with the improved prognosis linked to novel antitumor agents, it is essential to investigate the role of primary site surgery in the context of new drug treatments for advanced HR+/HER2- breast cancer.
Methods
This retrospective analysis included patients with metastatic breast cancer at diagnosis who were consulted at the First Hospital of Jilin University between 2016 and 2022. We compared the patients' clinical characteristics, treatment regimens, and prognosis between the surgery and non-surgery groups.
Results
A total of 123 patients were included in the study, with 34 patients (27.6%) undergoing primary site surgery. Patients with metastases confined to one organ/site were more likely to undergo surgery. Patients in the surgical group had longer progression-free survival (median 29.5 vs. 19.7 months, p = 0.059) and overall survival (median NA vs. 55.1 months, p = 0.078) compared to patients in the non-surgical group. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses suggested that the selection of first-line systemic therapy regimens, as opposed to surgical treatment, influenced the prognoses of patients. However, for patients who underwent surgery on the primary site while receiving CDK4/6 inhibitors, there was no statistically significant effect on prognosis.
Conclusion
In the case of de novo HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer, there was an observed trend towards a prognostic benefit for patients who underwent primary site surgery. However, this trend was not statistically significant. In the era of new drug therapies, surgical treatment of the primary site should be performed in addition to an effective systemic therapy. The benefit of surgery in individual patients should be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
Non-calcified constrictive pericarditis; Two Case Reports
Authors: LIU Bin , Li Zixi , Gu Jiaru , Sun Huan 
Published: October 2023

Abstract
Background
Non calcific constrictive pericarditis is not uncommon in clinical practice, but timely and accurate diagnosis is a challenge for clinical doctors.
Case presentation
Both patients presented with difficulty breathing and multiple fluid accumulation throughout the body. After receiving treatment for heart failure and underlying diseases, no significant improvement was observed. After a series of screening, partial pericardial dissection was performed and the final diagnosis was confirmed.
Conclusion
The diagnostic and management strategies of this uncommon presentation are discussed.: The diagnostic and management strategies of this uncommon presentation are discussed.
Adenovirus 36 seropositivity influences the expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 and MEG3 in adipose tissue obtained from subjects with obesity
Authors: Cerda Alvaro , Manriquez Victor , Brito Roberto , Pavez Monica , Sapunar Jorge , Fonseca Luis , Molina Victor , Ortiz Eugenia , Baeza Romilio , Reimer Camila , Charles Maria , Schneider Constance , Hirata Mario , Hirata Rosario 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Background Adenovirus 36 (Ad-36) promotes adipogenesis and the development of human obesity. Induction of PPARγ by Ad-36 seems to have a central role in maintenance of adipogenic status. There is limited information about epigenetic mechanisms contributing to this process in human adipose tissue. This study evaluated the expression of lncRNAs (ADINR, GAS5 and MEG3) and miRNAs ((miR-18a and miR-140) involved in adipogenic process in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of subjects with obesity with previous Ad-36 infection (seropositive) and unexposed (seronegative) obese subjects.Methods Obese individuals were grouped according to seroconversion against Ad-36 (Seropositive: Ad-36[+], n = 29; and Seronegative: Ad-36[-], n = 28). Additionally, a group of lean controls (n = 17) was selected to compare with the obese group. The Ad-36 serology was carried out by ELISA. Biopsies of VAT were obtained during an elective and clinically indicated surgery (bariatric or cholecystectomy). RNA extraction from VAT was performed and the expression of PPARG and non-coding RNAs was evaluated by qPCR.Results Ad-36[+] individuals had lower expression of anti-adipogenic lncRNAs GAS5 (p = 0.016) and MEG3 (p = 0.035) compared with Ad-36[-] obese subjects. Ad-36[+] subjects also presented increased expression of the adipogenic miRNA miR-18a (p = 0.042), which has been reported to be modulated by GAS5 through a RNA sponging mechanism during adipogenic differentiation. Additionally, an inverse correlation of GAS5 with PPARG expression was observed (r= -0.917, p = 0.01).Conclusion Our results suggest the participation of non-coding RNAs implicated in adipogenic process in the long-term maintenance of adipogenic status associated with previous Ad-36 infection, probably through the GAS5/miR-18a axis.
Geographic variation in dementia-related adverse events associated with sacubitril/valsartan: Analysis of the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System
Authors: Kim Seong Kyung , Kim Myeong Gyu 
Published: October 2023

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate geographical variation in the risk of dementia-related adverse events (AEs) associated with sacubitril/valsartan. Cases from the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System involving patients aged 60 or older with sacubitril/valsartan or angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) were analyzed. The reporting odds ratios (RORs) for dementia-related AEs were calculated for each continent and the correlation between MME variants and ROR was analyzed. The risk of broad dementia associated with sacubitril/valsartan usage was significantly lower in Asia and Africa (ROR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.31–0.91; ROR = 0.34, 95% CI = 0.12–0.96, respectively). The risk was significantly higher in North America (ROR = 1.3, 95% CI = 1.16–1.60). In Europe, the risk of broad dementia was significantly lower (ROR = 0.74, 95% CI = 0.59–0.93), while that of narrow dementia was significantly higher (ROR = 8.76, 95% CI = 2.27–33.90). A strong negative correlation was found between broad dementia risk and the frequency of the rs701109 polymorphism (r = -0.9) and the rs3736187 polymorphism (r = -0.88). There are regional variations in dementia-related AEs associated with sacubitril/valsartan usage, and differences in genetic polymorphisms could be a potential cause.