bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breath analysis combined with cardiopulmonary exercise testing and echocardiography for monitoring heart failure patients: the AEOLUS protocol
Authors: Biagini Denise , Pugliese Nicola R , Vivaldi Federico M , Ghimenti Silvia , Lenzi Alessio , De Angelis Francesca , Ripszam Matyas , Bruderer Tobias , Armenia Silvia , Cappeli Federica , Taddei Stefano , Masi Stefano , Francesco Fabio Di , Lomonaco Tommaso 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThis paper describes the AEOLUS pilot study which combines breath analysis with cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) and an echocardiographic examination for monitoring heart failure (HF) patients. Ten consecutive patients with a prior clinical diagnosis of HF with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction were prospectively enrolled together with 15 control patients with cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, type II diabetes or chronic ischemic heart disease. Breath samples were collected at rest and during CPET coupled with exercise stress echocardiography (CPET-ESE) protocol by means of needle trap micro-extraction and were analyzed through gas-chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry. The protocol also involved using of a selected ion flow tube mass spectrometer for a breath-by-breath isoprene and acetone analysis during exercise. At rest, HF patients showed increased breath levels of acetone and pentane, which are related to altered oxidation of fatty acids and oxidative stress, respectively. A significant positive correlation was observed between acetone and the gold standard biomarker NT-proBNP in plasma (r= 0.646,p< 0.001), both measured at rest. During exercise, some exhaled volatiles (e.g., isoprene) mirrored ventilatory and/or hemodynamic adaptation, whereas others (e.g., sulfide compounds and 3-hydroxy-2-butanone) depended on their origin. At peak effort, acetone levels in HF patients differed significantly from those of the control group, suggesting an altered myocardial and systemic metabolic adaptation to exercise for HF patients. These preliminary data suggest that concomitant acquisition of CPET-ESE and breath analysis is feasible and might provide additional clinical information on the metabolic maladaptation of HF patients to exercise. Such information may refine the identification of patients at higher risk of disease worsening.
Urbanization and political change in Africa
Authors: Hoelscher Kristian , Dorward Nick , Fox Sean , Lawanson Taibat , Paller Jeffrey W , Phillips Melanie L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Urbanization is transforming the human and political geography of Africa. While a growing body of research explores the urban dimensions of clientelism, contentious action, and social mobilization, there has been less attention given to the ways in which this demographic megatrend is influencing political change more broadly. We argue that the political implications of African urbanization are contingent on local conditions and experiences; there are no deterministic associations between urbanization and political change. To better understand the mechanisms linking urbanization to politics, we argue that a place-based approach is needed. We illustrate this by reviewing and highlighting how urbanization may affect (i) the nature and balance of citizen preferences; (ii) the composition, interests, and influence of elite actors; (iii) forms of political mobilization; (iv) shifting gender roles; (v) the role of civil society in political processes; and (vi) the likelihood and manifestations of contentious collective action. We conclude with a discussion of directions for further research.
Model aversiveness and the evolution of imperfect Batesian mimics
Authors: Pike Thomas W , Burman Oliver H P 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThere are numerous examples of Batesian mimics that only imperfectly resemble their models. Given that inaccurate mimics are known to be predated more frequently than accurate ones, imperfect mimicry therefore poses something of a conundrum. One putative explanation, the relaxed selection hypothesis, predicts that when the cost of attacking a model is high relative to the benefit of consuming a mimic, selection against imperfect mimics will be relaxed, allowing mimics to be more imperfect for a given level of fitness. However, empirical support for this hypothesis is equivocal. Here, we report an experimental test of the relaxed selection hypothesis, in which human participants were tasked with discriminating between artificial stimuli representing models and mimics. In response to “attacking” a model (i.e., misclassifying it as palatable, or non-aversive) they received either a mild electric shock (high cost) or vibratory feedback (low cost). Consistent with the predictions of this hypothesis, we found that when the cost of attacking a model was high, mimetic phenotype could deviate more from the model (i.e., be more imperfect) for a given level of fitness than when the cost of attacking a model was low. Moreover, when the cost of attacking a model was high, participants showed an increased latency to attack. This finding shows that given sufficient costs, the relaxed selection hypothesis is a plausible explanation for the evolution of imperfect mimicry.
Evaluation of greenhouse gas emission reduction potential of a demand–response solution: a carbon handprint case study of a virtual power plant
Authors: Sillman J , Lakanen L , Annala S , Grönman K , Luoranen M , Soukka R 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The transition towards zero-carbon energy production is necessary to limit global warming. Smart energy systems have facilitated the control of demand-side resources to maintain the stability of the power grid and to provide balancing power for increasing renewable energy production. Virtual power plants are examples of demand–response solutions, which may also enable greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reductions due to the lower need for fossil-based balancing energy in the grid and the increased share of renewables. The aim of this study is to show how potential GHG emission reductions can be assessed through the carbon handprint approach for a virtual power plant (VPP) in a grid balancing market in Finland. According to our results, VPP can reduce the hourly based GHG emissions in the studied Finnish grid systems compared with the balancing power without the VPP. Typical energy sources used for the balance power are hydropower and fossil fuels. The reduction potential of GHG emissions varies from 68% to 98% depending on the share of the used energy source for the power balancing, thus VPPs have the potential to significantly reduce GHG emissions of electricity production and hence help mitigate climate change.
The right hemisphere’s capacity for language: evidence from primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Neophytou Kyriaki , Wiley Robert , Litovsky Celia , Tsapkini Kyrana , Rapp Brenda 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
The role of the right hemisphere (RH) in core language processes is still a matter of intense debate. Most of the relevant evidence has come from studies of gray matter, with relatively little research on RH white matter (WM) connectivity. Using Diffusion Tensor Imaging-based tractography, the current work examined the role of the two hemispheres in language processing in 33 individuals with Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA), aiming to better characterize the contribution of the RH to language processing in the context of left hemisphere (LH) damage. The findings confirm the impact of PPA on the integrity of the WM language tracts in the LH. Additionally, an examination of the relationship between tract integrity and language behaviors provides robust evidence of the involvement of the WM language tracts of both hemispheres in language processing in PPA. Importantly, this study provides novel evidence of a unique contribution of the RH to language processing (i.e. a contribution independent from that of the language-dominant LH). Finally, we provide evidence that the RH contribution is specific to language processing rather than being domain general. These findings allow us to better characterize the role of RH in language processing, particularly in the context of LH damage.
Acute pain drives different effects on local and global cortical excitability in motor and prefrontal areas: insights into interregional and interpersonal differences in pain processing
Authors: De Martino Enrico , Casali Adenauer , Casarotto Silvia , Hassan Gabriel , Rosanova Mario , Graven-Nielsen Thomas , Ciampi de Andrade Daniel 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Pain-related depression of corticomotor excitability has been explored using transcranial magnetic stimulation-elicited motor-evoked potentials. Transcranial magnetic stimulation-electroencephalography now enables non-motor area cortical excitability assessments, offering novel insights into cortical excitability changes during pain states. Here, pain-related cortical excitability changes were explored in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and primary motor cortex (M1). Cortical excitability was recorded in 24 healthy participants before (Baseline), during painful heat (Acute Pain), and non-noxious warm (Warm) stimulation at the right forearm in a randomized sequence, followed by a pain-free stimulation measurement. Local cortical excitability was assessed as the peak-to-peak amplitude of early transcranial magnetic stimulation evoked potential, whereas global-mean field power measured the global excitability. Relative to the Baseline, Acute Pain decreased the peak-to-peak amplitude in M1 and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex compared with Warm (both P &lt; 0.05). A reduced global-mean field power was only found in M1 during Acute Pain compared with Warm (P = 0.003). Participants with the largest reduction in local cortical excitability under Acute Pain showed a negative correlation between dorsolateral prefrontal cortex and M1 local cortical excitability (P = 0.006). Acute experimental pain drove differential pain-related effects on local and global cortical excitability changes in motor and non-motor areas at a group level while also revealing different interindividual patterns of cortical excitability changes, which can be explored when designing personalized treatment plans.
Differential involvement of the anterior and posterior hippocampus, parahippocampus, and retrosplenial cortex in making precise judgments of spatial distance and object size for remotely acquired memories of environments and objects
Authors: Ziegler Marilyne G , Liu Zhong-Xu , Arsenault Jessica , Dang Christa , Grady Cheryl , Rosenbaum R Shayna , Moscovitch Morris 
Published: July 2023

AbstractThe hippocampus is known to support processing of precise spatial information in recently learned environments. It is less clear, but crucial for theories of systems consolidation, to know whether it also supports processing of precise spatial information in familiar environments learned long ago and whether such precision extends to objects and numbers. In this fMRI study, we asked participants to make progressively more refined spatial distance judgments among well-known Toronto landmarks (whether landmark A is closer to landmark B or C) to examine hippocampal involvement. We also tested whether the hippocampus was similarly engaged in estimating magnitude regarding sizes of familiar animals and numbers. We found that the hippocampus was only engaged in spatial judgment. Activation was greater and lasted longer in the posterior than anterior hippocampus, which instead showed greater modulation as discrimination between spatial distances became more fine grained. These findings suggest that the anterior and posterior hippocampus have different functions which are influenced differently by estimation of differential distance. Similarly, parahippocampal-place-area and retrosplenial cortex were involved only in the spatial condition. By contrast, activation of the intraparietal sulcus was modulated by precision in all conditions. Therefore, our study supports the idea that the hippocampus and related structures are implicated in retrieving and operating even on remote spatial memories whenever precision is required, as posted by some theories of systems consolidation.
Mismatch negativity as a marker of auditory pattern separation
Authors: Herman Deena , Baker Stevenson , Chow Ricky , Cazes Jaime , Alain Claude , Rosenbaum R Shayna 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
To what extent does incidental encoding of auditory stimuli influence subsequent episodic memory for the same stimuli? We examined whether the mismatch negativity (MMN), an event-related potential generated by auditory change detection, is correlated with participants’ ability to discriminate those stimuli (i.e. targets) from highly similar lures and from dissimilar foils. We measured the MMN in 30 young adults (18–32 years, 18 females) using a passive auditory oddball task with standard and deviant 5-tone sequences differing in pitch contour. After exposure, all participants completed an incidental memory test for old targets, lures, and foils. As expected, participants at test exhibited high sensitivity in recognizing target items relative to foils and lower sensitivity in recognizing target items relative to lures. Notably, we found a significant correlation between MMN amplitude and lure discrimination, but not foil discrimination. Our investigation shows that our capacity to discriminate sensory inputs at encoding, as measured by the MMN, translates into precision in memory for those inputs.
Short Timeframe Prediction of Kidney Failure among Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Klamrowski Martin M , Klein Ran , McCudden Christopher , Green James R , Ramsay Tim , Rashidi Babak , White Christine A , Oliver Matthew J , Akbari Ayub , Hundemer Gregory L 
Published: July 2023

Abstract

Background
Development of a short timeframe (6–12 months) kidney failure risk prediction model may serve to improve transitions from advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) to kidney failure and reduce rates of unplanned dialysis. The optimal model for short timeframe kidney failure risk prediction remains unknown.

Methods
This retrospective study included 1757 consecutive patients with advanced CKD (mean age 66 years, estimated glomerular filtration rate 18 mL/min/1.73 m2). We compared the performance of Cox regression models using (a) baseline variables alone, (b) time-varying variables and machine learning models, (c) random survival forest, (d) random forest classifier in the prediction of kidney failure over 6/12/24 months. Performance metrics included area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC) and maximum precision at 70% recall (PrRe70). Top-performing models were applied to 2 independent external cohorts.

Results
Compared to the baseline Cox model, the machine learning and time-varying Cox models demonstrated higher 6-month performance [Cox baseline: AUC-ROC 0.85 (95% CI 0.84–0.86), PrRe70 0.53 (95% CI 0.51–0.55); Cox time-varying: AUC-ROC 0.88 (95% CI 0.87–0.89), PrRe70 0.62 (95% CI 0.60–0.64); random survival forest: AUC-ROC 0.87 (95% CI 0.86–0.88), PrRe70 0.61 (95% CI 0.57–0.64); random forest classifier AUC-ROC 0.88 (95% CI 0.87–0.89), PrRe70 0.62 (95% CI 0.59–0.65)]. These trends persisted, but were less pronounced, at 12 months. The random forest classifier was the highest performing model at 6 and 12 months. At 24 months, all models performed similarly. Model performance did not significantly degrade upon external validation.

Conclusions
When predicting kidney failure over short timeframes among patients with advanced CKD, machine learning incorporating time-updated data provides enhanced performance compared with traditional Cox models.
Assessing Lexical and Syntactic Comprehension in Deaf Signing Adults
Authors: Zorzi Giorgia , Aristodemo Valentina , Giustolisi Beatrice , Hauser Charlotte , Donati Caterina , Cecchetto Carlo 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Among the existing sign language assessment tools, only a small number can be used in clinical settings. This contribution aims at presenting three comprehension assessment tests (two lexical and one syntactic) that offer a solid basis to build tools to assess language impairments in deaf signing adults. We provide the material and guidelines, based on psychometric analyses of the items, to make these tests suitable for clinical assessment. They are available for French Sign Language and Italian Sign Language. So far, the three tests were administered to three groups of deaf participants based on age of exposure (AoE) to sign language: native (AoE from birth), early (AoE = from 1 to 5 years), and late (AoE = from 6 to 15 years) signers. The results showed that the three tests are easy for the typical deaf signing population, and therefore, they can be adapted into tests that assess a deaf signing population with language impairments. Moreover, the results of the syntactic test reveal a categorial difference between native and non-native signers and therefore show the need for baselines that mirror the effect of AoE to sign language when assessing language competence, in particular in clinical assessment.
Transcriptional regulation of the synthesis and secretion of farnesol in the fungus Candida albicans: examination of the Homann transcription regulator knockout collection
Authors: Gutzmann Daniel J , Kramer Jaxon J , Toomey Brigid M , Boone Cory H T , Atkin Audrey L , Nickerson Kenneth W 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Candida albicans is an efficient colonizer of human gastrointestinal tracts and skin and is an opportunistic pathogen. C. albicans exhibits morphological plasticity, and the ability to switch between yeast and filamentous morphologies is associated with virulence. One regulator of this switch is the quorum sensing molecule farnesol that is produced by C. albicans throughout growth. However, the synthesis, secretion, regulation, and turnover of farnesol are not fully understood. To address this, we used our improved farnesol assay to screen a transcription regulator knockout library for differences in farnesol accumulation in whole cultures, pellets, and supernatants. All screened mutants produced farnesol and they averaged 9.2× more farnesol in the pellet than the supernatant. Nineteen mutants had significant differences with ten mutants producing more farnesol than their SN152+ wild-type control strain while nine produced less. Seven mutants exhibited greater secretion of farnesol while two exhibited less. We examined the time course for farnesol accumulation in six mutants with the greatest accumulation differences and found that those differences persisted throughout growth and they were not time dependent. Significantly, two high-accumulating mutants did not exhibit the decay in farnesol levels during stationary phase characteristic of wild-type C. albicans, suggesting that a farnesol modification/degradation mechanism is absent in these mutants. Identifying these transcriptional regulators provides new insight into farnesol's physiological functions regarding cell cycle progression, white–opaque switching, yeast–mycelial dimorphism, and response to cellular stress.
Characterizing industry payments to US teaching hospitals and affiliated physicians: a cross-sectional analysis of the Open Payments datasets from 2016 to 2022
Authors: Pope Elle , Sehgal Neil 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Industry payments to US teaching hospitals are common; however, little is known about whether these financial relationships influence affiliated physicians to engage in similar financial relationships with industry. Using national hospital, physician, and industry payment data we investigated trends in industry payments made to US teaching hospitals and affiliated physicians to characterize the magnitude and nature of payments. In addition, we assessed if physicians may be influenced to accept higher value industry payments depending on the value of promotional payments accepted by the teaching hospital they affiliate with. We found that physicians with a US teaching hospital affiliation are associated with accepting higher value industry payments as the total value of industry payments of the teaching hospital increases. Our findings varied by specialty, with surgeons accepting the highest value payments. These results highlight the need for greater public disclosure and awareness of payments to better manage and mitigate industry-biased clinical decision making.
Human herpesvirus 8 ORF57 protein is able to reduce TDP-43 pathology: network analysis identifies interacting pathways
Authors: Webber Chelsea J , Murphy Caroline N , Rondón-Ortiz Alejandro N , van der Spek Sophie J F , Kelly Elena X , Lampl Noah M , Chiesa Giulio , Khalil Ahmad S , Emili Andrew , Wolozin Benjamin 
Published: July 2023

Abstract
Aggregation of TAR DNA-binding protein 43 kDa (TDP-43) is thought to drive the pathophysiology of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and some frontotemporal dementias. TDP-43 is normally a nuclear protein that in neurons translocates to the cytoplasm and can form insoluble aggregates upon activation of the integrated stress response (ISR). Viruses evolved to control the ISR. In the case of Herpesvirus 8, the protein ORF57 acts to bind protein kinase R, inhibit phosphorylation of eIF2α and reduce activation of the ISR. We hypothesized that ORF57 might also possess the ability to inhibit aggregation of TDP-43. ORF57 was expressed in the neuronal SH-SY5Y line and its effects on TDP-43 aggregation characterized. We report that ORF57 inhibits TDP-43 aggregation by 55% and elicits a 2.45-fold increase in the rate of dispersion of existing TDP-43 granules. These changes were associated with a 50% decrease in cell death. Proteomic studies were carried out to identify the protein interaction network of ORF57. We observed that ORF57 directly binds to TDP-43 as well as interacts with many components of the ISR, including elements of the proteostasis machinery known to reduce TDP-43 aggregation. We propose that viral proteins designed to inhibit a chronic ISR can be engineered to remove aggregated proteins and dampen a chronic ISR.