bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The interplay between autophagy and chloroplast vesiculation pathways under dark‐induced senescence
Authors: Barros Jessica A. S. , Cavalcanti João Henrique F. , Pimentel Karla G. , Magen Sahar , Soroka Yoram , Weiss Shahar , Medeiros David B. , Nunes‐Nesi Adriano , Fernie Alisdair R. , Avin‐Wittenberg Tamar , Araújo Wagner L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIn cellular circumstances where carbohydrates are scarce, plants can use alternative substrates for cellular energetic maintenance. In plants, the main protein reserve is present in the chloroplast, which contains most of the total leaf proteins and represents a rich source of nitrogen and amino acids. Autophagy plays a key role in chloroplast breakdown, a well‐recognised symptom of both natural and stress‐induced plant senescence. Remarkably, an autophagic‐independent route of chloroplast degradation associated with chloroplast vesiculation (CV) gene was previously demonstrated. During extended darkness, CV is highly induced in the absence of autophagy, contributing to the early senescence phenotype of atg mutants. To further investigate the role of CV under dark‐induced senescence conditions, mutants with low expression of CV (amircv) and double mutants amircv1xatg5 were characterised. Following darkness treatment, no aberrant phenotypes were observed in amircv single mutants; however, amircv1xatg5 double mutants displayed early senescence and altered dismantling of chloroplast and membrane structures under these conditions. Metabolic characterisation revealed that the functional lack of both CV and autophagy leads to higher impairment of amino acid release and differential organic acid accumulation during starvation conditions. The data obtained are discussed in the context of the role of CV and autophagy, both in terms of cellular metabolism and the regulation of chloroplast degradation.
RASopathies and spinal deformities for screening of scoliosis
Authors: Machida Masayoshi , Rocos Brett , Ohashi Hirofumi , Taira Katsuaki , Nemoto Naho , Oikawa Noboru , Kaguchi Ryoma , Nakanishi Kazuyoshi 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThe RASopathies (Noonan syndrome [NS] and Costello syndrome [CS]) are rare disorders. Although these have been characterized, precise delineation of the differences in the spinal deformities associated with RASopathy has not been described. This study characterized the spinal deformities found in NS and CS and describes a strategy for the screening of scoliosis.MethodsThe clinical records and spinal X‐rays of 35 consecutive NS and CS patients were reviewed. Spinal X‐rays were assessed to define the presence and progression of scoliosis. Clinical records were examined to identify the risk factors associated with scoliosis. In addition, we investigated the association between clinical records and scoliosis using logistic regression analysis.ResultsTwenty‐four patients with NS and 11 with CS were included. Nine patients with NS and five with CS showed scoliosis. The mean ± SD age at diagnosis was 12.6 ± 2.4 years in NS and 11.4 ± 2.5 years in CS (p = 0.55), and mean follow‐up period was 4.8 ± 2.6 years and 6.3 ± 2.4 years (p = 0.42), respectively. The coronal angular deformity at final follow‐up was 27.3 ± 8.5° in NS and 19.4 ± 6.9° in CS (p = 0.030) with a mean annual progression of 2.8 ± 1.1° in NS 1.0 ± 1.0° in CS (p = 0.030). Cardiac disease was present in eight out of nine patients with NS with concomitant scoliosis in NS, and significantly more than in CS (p = 0.007). PTPN11 significantly correlated with scoliosis (odds ratio 12.4 0.035, 95% confidence interval: 1.20–128.00).ConclusionsSpinal deformity in NS is more severe than in CS. This study identified a relationship between PTPN11 and scoliosis. Therefore, PTPN11 can be used for the screening of scoliosis.
Methylprednisolone use in children with severe pneumonia caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
Authors: Ozsurekci Yasemin , Aykac Kubra , Demir Osman Oguz , Ilbay Sare , Kesici Selman , Karakaya Jale , Cengiz Ali Bulent 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and optimal use of corticosteroids in children with severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pneumonia, for which effective treatment is still lacking with respect to this population.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study and included patients (aged < 18 years) with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia and/or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) who received standard doses (2–4 mg/kg/day) and high doses (>250 mg/day) of methylprednisolone (MPZ). We adjusted for patients on steroid treatments with a propensity score and compared the side effects of different MPZ doses and patient survival.ResultsFifty‐nine patients were included: 61% were male, the median age was 8, interquartile range (IQR) 2–15) years. The overall survival was 84.4% in patients treated with standard‐dose MPZ (n = 45, 76.3%) and 92.2% in patients treated with high‐dose MPZ (n = 14, 23.7%; p = 0.67). The demographic, clinical, and laboratory data did not differ significantly after propensity score matching, apart from bradycardia, which was a prominent feature of the high‐dose group. The clinical and radiological response rates on day 7 were higher and the need for invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV) was lower in the high‐dose group.ConclusionThe patients with high‐dose MPZ had better clinical and radiological responses than those with standard‐dose MPZ, although the mortality rate did not differ between standard and high‐dose regimens of MPZ.
Predictors of functional impairment and mortality in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Jain Neha , Bansal Ravi , Saxena Sanjiv , Sharma Sourabh , Raju Sree Bhushan 
Published: August 2023

AbstractIntroductionNumerous factors impact the mortality and functional abilities of patients with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) receiving maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). We aimed to determine the mortality rate at 1 year of MHD, identify predictors of mortality, and assess functional impairments concerning activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental ADL (IADL).MethodsOur study was prospective, observational cohort study that enrolled patients receiving MHD. We collected demographic, clinical, and laboratory data. We also assessed ADLs and IADLs for daily performance.ResultsOur study included 167 patients with a mean age of 51.6 ± 13.1 years, and 56.9% were male. Of these, 80 (47.9%) were diabetic, and 145 (86.8%) were hypertensive. The mortality rate after 1 year of MHD was 10.8%, and cardiovascular causes accounted for over 70% of total deaths. Sudden cardiac death was the most frequent cause (38.9%), followed by cardiogenic shock (22.2%). Older age and low parathormone levels (<300 pg/mL) were significantly associated with higher mortality rates. Mean ADL and IADL scores were 4.5 ± 1.3 and 6.3 ± 2.7, respectively. Eighteen (10.8%) and 56 (33.5%) patients had low ADL and IADL scores, respectively. Although statistically insignificant, a higher proportion of non‐survivors exhibited low IADL and ADL scores. Older age, longer diabetes duration, and higher BMI levels were significantly associated with lower IADL scores.ConclusionsOlder age and suppressed PTH levels are predictors of mortality in ESRD patients receiving MHD. These patients require regular follow‐ups to rule out cardiovascular morbidity. Functional impairment is prevalent but remains underdiagnosed in MHD patients. It should be monitored regularly to improve quality of life in ESRD.
The inverse association between the apolipoprotein E ε4 allele and C‐reactive protein levels is stronger in persons with obesity and diabetes
Authors: Giil Lasse Melvaer , Hanseth Silja , Bojovic Ognjen , Nordrehaug Jan Erik , Ueland Per Magne , Meyer Klaus , Tell Grethe S. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) is lower in patients who carry the apolipoprotein E epsilon 4 allele variant (APOEε4) of the APOE gene. This could however be explained by other factors observed in APOEε4 carriers, such as lower body mass index (BMI), possibly less diabetes and more use of statins, all associated with CRP concentrations.ObjectivesTo assess the association between CRP and APOEε4 stratified by BMI, statin use and diabetes.MethodsWe included 2700 community‐dwelling older adults from the Hordaland health study with genotyping of the APOE gene by a one‐step polymerase chain reaction and CRP measured using immuno‐MALDI‐TOF MS. Differences in CRP concentrations by APOE (ε4 vs no ε4) were assessed using the Mann–Whitney U tests, also stratified by statin use, diabetes and BMI categories. Finally, we performed linear regression with log (CRP) as the outcome and APOEε4 together with statin use, diabetes, BMI and their respective interactions.ResultsCRP was higher in APOEε4 carriers irrespective of BMI, diabetes and statin use. In APOEε4 non‐carriers, CRP was elevated with diabetes and obesity as expected. However, this was attenuated or even reversed in APOEε4 carriers. Such differences were not observed for statin use.ConclusionsStatin use, obesity or diabetes did not confound the known association between the APOEε4 allele and lower CRP. Our data suggest that CRP is less responsive to inflammatory cues involved in diabetes and obesity in APOEε4 carriers. Epidemiological studies should take note of these relationships, as CRP, APOEε4, diabetes and obesity are both linked to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular disease.
Competing with precision: incentives for developing predictive biomarker tests
Authors: Brekke Kurt R. , Dalen Dag Morten , Straume Odd Rune 
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe study the incentives of drug producers to develop predictive biomarkers, taking into account strategic interaction between drug producers and health plans. For this purpose, we develop a two‐dimensional spatial framework that allows us to capture the informational role of biomarkers and their effects on price competition and treatment choices. Although biomarkers increase the information available to prescribers, we identify an anticompetitive effect on the prices set by producers of therapeutically substitutable drugs. We also find that better information about each patient's most therapeutically appropriate drug does not necessarily lead to more efficient treatment outcomes.
The long non‐coding RNALINDA restrains cellular collapse following DNA damage in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Herbst Josephine , Nagy Solveig Henriette , Vercauteren Ilse , De Veylder Lieven , Kunze Reinhard 
Published: August 2023

SUMMARYThe genomic integrity of every organism is endangered by various intrinsic and extrinsic stresses. To maintain genomic integrity, a sophisticated DNA damage response (DDR) network is activated rapidly after DNA damage. Notably, the fundamental DDR mechanisms are conserved in eukaryotes. However, knowledge about many regulatory aspects of the plant DDR is still limited. Important, yet little understood, regulatory factors of the DDR are the long non‐coding RNAs (lncRNAs). In humans, 13 lncRNAs functioning in DDR have been characterized to date, whereas no such lncRNAs have been characterized in plants yet. By meta‐analysis, we identified the putative long intergenic non‐coding RNA induced by DNA damage (LINDA) that responds strongly to various DNA double‐strand break‐inducing treatments, but not to replication stress induced by mitomycin C. After DNA damage, LINDA is rapidly induced in an ATM‐ and SOG1‐dependent manner. Intriguingly, the transcriptional response of LINDA to DNA damage is similar to that of its flanking hypothetical protein‐encoding gene. Phylogenetic analysis of putative Brassicales and Malvales LINDA homologs indicates that LINDA lncRNAs originate from duplication of a flanking small protein‐encoding gene followed by pseudogenization. We demonstrate that LINDA is not only needed for the regulation of this flanking gene but also fine‐tuning of the DDR after the occurrence of DNA double‐strand breaks. Moreover, Δlinda mutant root stem cells are unable to recover from DNA damage, most likely due to hyper‐induced cell death.
“Why don't you want my poop?” Willing stool donor's experiences of being ineligible to donate intestinal microbiota
Authors: Hyde Melissa K. , Masser Barbara M. , Spears Lianne 
Published: August 2023

AbstractBackgroundBlood collection agencies (BCAs) hosting stool (fecal or poo) donor programs report high rates of donor deferral. However, the impact of deferral on willing donors, in terms of personal well‐being and future engagement with BCAs, remains unexplored. Accordingly, we surveyed those attempting to donate intestinal microbiota about their experience of being ineligible.Study Design and MethodsA total of 196 potential stool donors from Australia's BCA (>90% blood/blood product donors) completed the first stage of eligibility screening and then an online survey once notified of their ineligibility. Respondents reported motives for donating, perceptions of screening and improvements needed, experience of being told they are ineligible, and their feelings about this.ResultsOver 80% of participants were ineligible to donate. Of those ineligible, 58% did not know why they were ineligible resulting in potentially future eligible donors being permanently lost. Motives (>5%) included helping others, being a human substance donor, understanding benefits, curiosity/novelty, and helping science/research. Participants identified they needed clear and timely information during screening and a specific reason for their ineligibility. Participants commonly experienced disappointment, confusion, and calm in response to being ineligible.DiscussionBCAs need strategies to mitigate the disappointment of ineligible donors, maintain satisfaction with BCAs, and preserve donor identity since many ineligible donors give multiple human substances. BCAs should provide more information about eligibility criteria during early screening stages to reduce disappointment and give personalized information about ineligibility to resolve the confusion. Offering alternative opportunities to give may reduce disappointment and increase ineligible donor engagement.
Cable SCARA Robot Controlled by a Neural Network Using Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Okabe Eduardo , Paiva Victor , Silva-Teixeira Luis H. , Izuka Jaime 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this work, three reinforcement learning algorithms (Proximal Policy Optimization, Soft Actor-Critic, and Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient) are employed to control a two link selective compliance articulated robot arm (SCARA) robot. This robot has three cables attached to its end-effector, which creates a triangular shaped workspace. Positioning the end-effector in the workspace is a relatively simple kinematic problem, but moving outside this region, although possible, requires a nonlinear dynamic model and a state-of-the-art controller. To solve this problem in a simple manner, reinforcement learning algorithms are used to find possible trajectories for three targets out of the workspace. Additionally, the SCARA mechanism offers two possible configurations for each end-effector position. The algorithm results are compared in terms of displacement error, velocity, and standard deviation among ten trajectories provided by the trained network. The results indicate the Proximal Policy Algorithm as the most consistent in the analyzed situations. Still, the Soft Actor-Critic presented better solutions, and Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic Policy Gradient provided interesting and more unusual trajectories.
New Dynamic Multiwave Solutions of the Fractional Peyrard–Bishop DNA Model
Authors: Tripathy A. , Sahoo S. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we have studied the new solitary wave solutions of the beta-fractional derivative form of the Peyrard–Bishop DNA model (PB-DNAM). These solutions are responsible for analyzing the nonlinear interaction between the adjacent displacements of the DNA strand. To get these solutions, we have applied the generalized Riccati equation expansion method. Under different parametric conditions and fractional values, the obtained solutions show different wave patterns including w-shape, bright, combined dark-bright, periodic wave solutions, bell shape, m-shape, w-shape along with two bright solutions, and m-shape along with two dark solutions. These physical characteristics are analyzed thoroughly by graphical representations. The solutions show the successful application of the proposed method which will be helpful in finding analytical solutions to other nonlinear problems.
An Analytical Method for Sensitivity Analysis of Rigid Multibody System Dynamics Using Projective Geometric Algebra
Authors: Sun Guangzhen , Ding Ye 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
The analytical sensitivity analysis, i.e., the analytical first-order partial derivatives of dynamical equations, is one key to improving descent-based optimization methods for motion planning and control of robots. This paper proposes an efficient algorithm that recursively evaluates the analytic gradient of the dynamical equations of a multibody system. The theory of projective geometric algebra (PGA) is used to generate the algorithm. It provides a systemic and geometrically intuitive interpretation for the multibody system dynamics, and the resulting algorithm is highly efficient, with concise formula. The algorithm is first applied to the open-chain system and extended for the cases when kinematic loops are contained. The runtime varying with respect to the degree-of-freedom (DOF) of the system is analyzed. The results are compared with that obtained from the algorithm based on spatial vector algebra (SVA) using open-source matlab codes. A 2DOF serial robot, a 3DOF robot with a kinematic loop and the PUMA560 robot are used for the validation of the minimum-effort motion planning, and it is verified that the proposed algorithm improves the efficiency.
Experimental Study of Helium Stratification in Multi-Compartment Containment Studies Facility
Authors: Gera Bhuvaneshwar , Sharma Pavan K. , Karanam Aditya , Mishra Shubham , Thangamani I. , Saha Nandan , Dutta Anu , Goyal Priyanshu , Verma Vishnu , Chattopadhyay Jayanta 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
A significant amount of hydrogen may be released inside the containment of water-cooled nuclear power reactor under postulated accident conditions. Its distribution in the multicompartment containment geometry must be known to manage and mitigate the local hydrogen concentration in combustible pockets. An experimental study to characterize the behavior of a lighter gas (helium in place of hydrogen) in a multicompartment containment studies facility (CSF) has been pursued. Helium distribution experiments have been performed in CSF by varying important accident parameters like helium release rate, injection duration, injection area, and injection direction. The experimental studies performed in CSF depict helium stratification in the upper dome region. Stratification in terms of stratification/effective stratification factor has been determined for a range of experiments. The present experimental studies are important for understanding hydrogen distribution characteristics in multicompartment containment geometry and for benchmarking computational fluid dynamics (CFD) codes. Based on these studies some important prevailing practices for recombiner placement were endorsed.
Development and Testing of a System Thermal-Hydraulics Model for a 50-MWel-Class Pressurized Water Reactor–Small Modular Reactor
Authors: Wang Shujun , Huang Xianmin , Rao Yanfei , Bromley Blair P. 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
This paper describes the development, analysis, testing of a RELAP5-3D system thermal-hydraulics model for a 50-MWel-class pressurized water reactor–small modular reactor (PWR–SMR), similar to that by NuScale Power. This study focuses on a series of sensitivity tests to investigate the impacts of model changes. Parameters considered in the sensitivity study included the surge line junction resistance (SLJR), steam generator (SG) heat transfer area (SGHTA), SG primary flow area (SGPFA), SG secondary pressure (SGSP), and SG secondary flowrate (SGSF). Results for the reference and sensitivity simulations are compared with available design data. The flow in the primary circuit of the PWR–SMR is driven by natural circulation and can be sensitive to changes in hydraulic resistance and pressure drop in system components. Initial analysis results demonstrated significant flow oscillations. As a result of sensitivity studies, it was found that the surge line junction resistance needed to be increased by increasing the form loss coefficient from 4.9 to 30.0, to reduce mass flow oscillation amplitude to less than ±2%. Modifications to the steam generator heat transfer area, primary flow area, or secondary pressure have very little impact in reducing flow oscillations. However, it was found that the steam generator secondary flowrate will affect primary circuit flow oscillations, and when the SGSF was artificially increased from 68 kg/s (design data) to 91 kg/s (a 36% increase), the oscillations were eliminated, along with better matching with design data for core flowrate and inlet/outlet temperatures. Further improvements to the model for the steam generator will be required.
Investigation on Heat Transfer Distribution of Rotating Two-Pass Smooth and Ribbed Channels Under Aero-Engine Simulated Conditions
Authors: Yao Jiaxu , Zhang Ke , He Wenbin , Lei Jiang , Xu Jin 
Published: August 2023

Abstract
Rotating significantly alters the internal cooling of turbine rotor blades by induced Coriolis force and buoyancy force, whose effects are characterized by the nondimensional rotation number (Ro) and buoyancy parameter (Bo). The present work was carried out in a new experimental rig of rotor blade internal cooling to obtain detailed heat transfer distributions when the three nondimensional criterion numbers (i.e., Re, Ro, and Bo) are similar to aero-engine operating conditions. Smooth and ribbed two-pass internal cooling channels with a 180-deg tip turn are investigated. The hydraulic diameter is 25.4 mm (1 in.), and the aspect ratio is 2:1. The Reynolds number is fixed at 25,000, with the maximum Ro and Bo of 0.316 and 0.272, respectively. The steady-state thermochromic liquid crystal (TLC) technique is used to measure detailed heat transfer distributions in the channel. Steady-state RANS simulations are also employed to resolve the flow characteristics. The effects of rotation on the flow and heat transfer characteristics are studied in this paper. The results show effects of rotation on the heat transfer distribution present apparent spatial discrepancy, especially around the bend region. The significant difference in the influence of rotation is witnessed in the smooth and the ribbed channels.