bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and characterisation of single and duplex ZnO/TiO2 ceramic films on additively manufactured bimetallic material of 316L stainless steel and Ti6Al4V
Authors: Yetim T , Tekdir H , Taftalı M , Turalıoğlu K , Yetim A F 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Selective laser melting (SLM), one of the Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) additive manufacturing methods, has enabled the layered production of Ti6Al4V/316L layered samples, thanks to the layer-by-layer construction. Although 316L and Ti6Al4V are used in many engineering applications, their wear performance is limited. This study aims to improve the tribological and electrochemical properties of Ti6Al4V/316L layered samples. Thus, ZnO, TiO2 monolayer, composite, and ZnO/TiO2, TiO2/ZnO multilayer ceramic films on Ti6Al4V/316L layered surface sample, were coated via the sol-gel dip-coating process. The structural, morphological, and tribological properties of ZnO-TiO2 ceramic films were analyzed via x-ray diffractometer, Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and 3D profilometer. The tribological properties of these coatings were examined using a reciprocating tribo-tester, and the electrochemical properties of samples were evaluated through potentiodynamic polarization and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements. Structural and mechanical results indicated that ZnO and TiO2 films (monolayer, composite, and multilayer-coated) have higher surface roughness and hardness values than additively manufactured Ti6Al4V/316L layered models. Both single and multilayer ZnO and TiO2 ceramic-coated films improved the wear resistance of the Ti6Al4V/316L substrate. Also, The best tribological and corrosion resistance was acquired for the multilayer film (ZnO/TiO2) among all the coated models.
Feasibility analysis of AERONET lunar AOD for nighttime particulate matter estimation
Authors: Kim Kwang Nyun , Kim Seung Hee , Park Sang Seo , Lee Yun Gon 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Several studies have attempted to estimate particulate matter (PM) concentrations using aerosol optical depth (AOD), based on AOD and PM relationships. Owing to the limited availability of nighttime AOD data, PM estimation studies using AOD have focused on daytime. Recently, the Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) produced nighttime AOD, called lunar AOD, providing an opportunity to estimate nighttime PM. Nighttime AOD measurements are particularly important as they help fill gaps in our understanding of aerosol variability and its impact on the atmosphere, as there are significant variations in AOD between day and night. In this study, the relationship between lunar AOD and PM was investigated using data from AERONET station, meteorological station, and air pollution station in Seoul Metropolitan area from May 2016 to December 2019, and then PM estimation model was developed covering both daytime and nighttime using random forest machine learning techniques. We have found the differences in the importance of variables affecting the AOD-PM relationship between day and night from the random forest model. The AOD-PM relationship in the daytime was more affected by time-related variables, such as the day of the year among the variables. The new model was developed using additional lunar AOD data to estimate continuous PM concentrations. The results have shown that the model based on lunar AOD data estimated well PM10 and PM2.5 with similar performance of model using solar AOD. The results imply the possibility of seamless near-surface PM concentration data on a large scale once satellites produce nighttime AOD data.
Improved performance HEMT device with backup bulk for LNA application
Authors: Kourdi Zakarya , Four Imane , Khaouani Mohammed 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
This study proposes a 30 nm gate length double-gate InAlN/GaN on a 4H-SiC substrate high-electron-mobility transistor. Different electrical characteristics such as DC, AC, capacity and noise analysis were performed through TCAD device simulations. The proposed device exhibited a maximum drain current of 2.15 A mm−1, a transconductance of 1308 mS/mm, (350/610) GHz of FT/FMAX and a maximum noise figure of NFMax = 9.5 dB at 1 THz. Thus, LNA-HEMT has been designed considering the main characteristics of power with a new structure, in terms of temperature and low noise figure effect. Adopting the backup bulk in the optimization procedure, the proposed device obtained an outstanding performance with appropriate low power consumption for the GEO satellite application.
Life cycle of Melittobia acasta (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) using Megachile rotundata (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae) as a host
Authors: Anderson Alan R , Ramirez Ricardo A , Creech J Earl , Pitts-Singer Theresa L 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Megachile rotundata F. is the primary commercial pollinator for alfalfa seed production in North America. Managed M. rotundata populations are susceptible to several mortality factors including attack by parasitoids. One such parasitoid, Melittobia acasta Walker, is a multivoltine wasp whose infestations can decimate bee stocks. Details of M. acasta life history using M. rotundata as a host are needed to develop control strategies. Our objectives were (i) to describe the M. acasta life cycle using M. rotundata prepupae as hosts and (ii) to determine the M. acasta developmental base temperature and propose a degree-day model. First, 150–300 M. acasta adults were introduced to 60 M. rotundata prepupae (10–20 wasp females/4 bee prepupae) upon which they oviposited. Progeny development (at 30 °C) was monitored through adulthood. We identified 12 distinct phases of the M. acasta life cycle that were observed among samples over an average of 19.5 days. Second, vials each containing a M. rotundata prepupa with M. acasta eggs were positioned across a temperature gradient bar (2 vials per temperature). In repeated trials, wasp development was tracked from egg to adult where a mean development time for 30 °C was found to be 13 days. A linear regression analysis determined the lower developmental temperature threshold to be 8.55 °C. Application of this base temperature in a degree-day model revealed an average of 305.8-degree-day accumulation from egg to adult. These results provide a framework to assist bee managers in devising M. acasta control strategies and timing their implementation.
Lessons learned from patient outcomes when lowering hemoglobin transfusion thresholds during COVID-19 blood shortages
Authors: Qiao Jesse , Ray Bradford , Singh Vishwajeet , Geno Aaron , Abadie Jude 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
This study examines whether patient outcomes were affected when the hemoglobin (Hb) transfusion threshold was lowered by 1 g/dL during COVID-19–related blood shortages.

Methods
Outcomes of lowered Hb thresholds (from &lt;7 to &lt;6 g/dL) were defined by 14-month intervals in 2 patient groups (prepandemic [January 2019-February 2020] and pandemic [April 2020-May 2021]). We evaluated patient admissions, pretransfusion (if transfused) or nadir admission (if not transfused) Hb levels between 5.0 and 8.0 g/dL, and total red blood cell (RBC) transfusions during admission (if transfused). Baseline variables and outcomes were selected from electronic health records. Primary COVID-19–related admissions were excluded. Regression analysis was conducted to determine outcomes.

Results
Those in the prepandemic group (1976) and pandemic group (1547) were transfused. Fewer RBCs (2186, vs 3337) were used in the prepandemic group than in the pandemic group, respectively. Those in the prepandemic group had significantly higher rates of hypertension and diabetes as well as more smokers. Significant differences were observed when comparing the number of procedures and incidence of sepsis between the patient groups. Similar patterns were observed for the not transfused and transfused subgroups.

Conclusions
Patient outcomes were not affected after implementing lower Hb pretransfusion thresholds. Although confounding factors were mitigated, some may have been associated with procedures or sepsis. Proactive patient blood management strategies during COVID-19–related blood shortages may include adopting lower Hb thresholds.
Validation of a rapid HLA-DQA1*05 pharmacogenomics assay to identify at-risk resistance to anti–tumor necrosis factor therapy among patients with inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: DelBaugh Regina M , Cook Leanne J , Siegel Corey A , Tsongalis Gregory J , Khan Wahab A 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Objectives
The HLA-DQA1*05 variant (rs2097432) is associated with increased risk of immunogenicity to tumor necrosis factor antagonists, with subsequent resistance to therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Identification of these patients would optimize personalized therapeutic selection.

Methods
Genomic DNA was extracted from 80 deidentified samples in an unselected patient population with an unknown rs2097432 genotype. Split sample analysis was performed using a reference laboratory. Primer probes for a TaqMan quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) assay (Thermo Fisher Scientific) were custom designed. Synthesized genomic-block fragments were used as controls. All qPCR reactions were performed using a TaqMan GTXpress Master Mix (Thermo Fisher Scientific) on the Applied Biosystems 7500 system under fast cycling conditions.

Results
Of 80 samples, 50% were wild-type reference genotypes, 22.5% were heterozygous, and 27.5% were homozygous variant calls, comparable to population data. Split analysis samples between 2 independent laboratories were 100% concordant. The detection limit tested across genomic-block controls processed in duplicate was reproducible on sample input from 10 ng titrated down to 1.25 ng across 2 independent runs. Further, analytical specificity assessed with previous wild-type reference and homozygous variant DNA spiked into genomic-block controls produced appropriate heterozygous genotypes.

Conclusions
Here we present validation of a lab-developed test for a rapid HLA-DQA1*05 (rs2097432) pharmacogenomics assay targeting a hotspot identified by genome-wide association studies. Targeted genotyping employed here will allow for expeditious personalized therapeutic selection.
Trends and Characteristics of Blood Pressure Prescription Fills Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States
Authors: Yang Peter K , Park SoYoun , Jackson Sandra L , Attipoe-Dorcoo Sharon , Gray Elizabeth , Ritchey Matthew D , Sperling Laurence S 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

BACKGROUND
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare in the United States and raised concerns about certain antihypertensives, and may have impacted both prescribing practices and access to blood pressure (BP) medications.

METHODS
We assessed trends in BP prescription fills before and during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, using cross-sectional data for BP fills and tablets in the IQVIA (IMS Health) National Prescription Audit® database. Drugs filled via retail (92% coverage), mail-order (78% coverage), and long-term care (72% coverage) channels from January 2018 through December 2020 were included. Data were projected nationally and by state.

RESULTS
Between 2.9 and 3.4 billion BP tablets were dispensed monthly until February 2020, increasing sharply to 3.8 billion in March 2020 and declining to 3.5 billion in April, then increasing at 3-month intervals until December 2020. The number of tablets per fill increased slightly over time, with the largest increase (from 66.7 to 68.6) during February–March, 2020. Tablets were dispensed through retail channels (99.7 billion), mail-order (14.7 billion), and long-term care (5.3 billion). Rates of patients initiating new medications decreased during 2020 compared to prior years. Fills did not vary significantly by drug class.

CONCLUSIONS
A sharp increase in BP fills occurred with COVID-19 emergence, suggesting patients may have secured medications in preparation for potential access limitations. A decrease in new fills, indicating decreased initiation and/or modification of treatment regimens, suggests need for efforts to re-engage patients in the healthcare system and provide alternative ways to obtain medication refills and adjustments.
Pocket to concavity: a tool for the refinement of protein–ligand binding site shape from alpha spheres
Authors: Kudo Genki , Hirao Takumi , Yoshino Ryunosuke , Shigeta Yasuteru , Hirokawa Takatsugu 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Summary
Understanding the binding site of the target protein is essential for rational drug design. Pocket detection software predicts the ligand binding site of the target protein; however, the predicted protein pockets are often excessively estimated in comparison with the actual volume of the bound ligands. This study proposes a refinement tool for the pockets predicted by an alpha sphere-based approach, Pocket to Concavity (P2C). P2C is divided into two modes: Ligand-Free (LF) and Ligand-Bound (LB) modes. The LF mode provides the shape of the deep and druggable concavity where the core scaffold can bind. The LB mode searches the deep concavity around the bound ligand. Thus, P2C is useful for identifying and designing desirable compounds in Structure-Based Drug Design (SBDD).

Availability and implementation
Pocket to Concavity is freely available at https://github.com/genki-kudo/Pocket-to-Concavity. This tool is implemented in Python3 and Fpocket2.
ICAT: a novel algorithm to robustly identify cell states following perturbations in single-cell transcriptomes
Authors: Hawkins Dakota Y , Zuch Daniel T , Huth James , Rodriguez-Sastre Nahomie , McCutcheon Kelley R , Glick Abigail , Lion Alexandra T , Thomas Christopher F , Descoteaux Abigail E , Johnson William Evan , Bradham Cynthia A 
Published: April 2023

Abstract

Motivation
The detection of distinct cellular identities is central to the analysis of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) experiments. However, in perturbation experiments, current methods typically fail to correctly match cell states between conditions or erroneously remove population substructure. Here, we present the novel, unsupervised algorithm Identify Cell states Across Treatments (ICAT) that employs self-supervised feature weighting and control-guided clustering to accurately resolve cell states across heterogeneous conditions.

Results
Using simulated and real datasets, we show ICAT is superior in identifying and resolving cell states compared with current integration workflows. While requiring no a priori knowledge of extant cell states or discriminatory marker genes, ICAT is robust to low signal strength, high perturbation severity, and disparate cell type proportions. We empirically validate ICAT in a developmental model and find that only ICAT identifies a perturbation-unique cellular response. Taken together, our results demonstrate that ICAT offers a significant improvement in defining cellular responses to perturbation in scRNA-seq data.

Availability and implementation
https://github.com/BradhamLab/icat.
Development and function of FOXP3+ regulators of immune responses
Authors: Golzari-Sorkheh Mahdieh , Zúñiga-Pflücker Juan Carlos 
Published: April 2023

Summary
The Forkhead Box P3 (FOXP3) protein is an essential transcription factor for the development and function of regulatory T cells (Tregs), involved in the maintenance of immunological tolerance. Although extensive research over the last decade has investigated the critical role of FOXP3+ cells in preserving immune homeostasis, our understanding of their specific functions remains limited. Therefore, unveiling the molecular mechanisms underpinning the up- and downstream transcriptional regulation of and by FOXP3 is crucial for developing Treg-targeted therapeutics. Dysfunctions in FOXP3+ Tregs have also been found to be inherent drivers of autoimmune disorders and have been shown to exhibit multifaceted functions in the context of cancer. Recent research suggests that these cells may also be involved in tissue-specific repair and regeneration. Herein, we summarize current understanding of the thymic-transcriptional regulatory landscape of FOXP3+ Tregs, their epigenetic modulators, and associated signaling pathways. Finally, we highlight the contributions of FOXP3 on the functional development of Tregs and reflect on the clinical implications in the context of pathological and physiological immune responses.
Sodium polystyrene is unsafe and should not be prescribed for the treatment of hyperkalaemia: primum non nocere!
Authors: Rossignol Patrick , Pitt Bertram 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT
‘Old-generation’ potassium (K) binders [i.e. sodium (SPS) and calcium polystyrene sulfonate] are widely used, but with substantial heterogeneity across countries to treat hyperkalaemia (HK). However, there are no randomized data to support their chronic use to manage HK, nor have they been shown to have a renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitor (RAASi)-enabling effect. These compounds have poor tolerability and an unpredictable onset of action and magnitude of K lowering. Furthermore, SPS may induce fluid overload, owing to the fact that it exchanges K for sodium. Its use has also been associated with colonic necrosis, as emphasized by a black box warning from the US Food and Drug Administration. In contrast, two new K binders, patiromer and sodium zirconium cyclosilicate, have been shown to be safe and well tolerated for chronic management of HK, thereby enabling RAASi optimization, as acknowledged by the latest international cardiorenal guidelines. In view of the lack of reliable evidence regarding the efficacy and safety of the old-generation K binders compared with the placebo-controlled randomized and real-word evidence demonstrating the safety, efficacy and RAASi-enabling effect of the new K binders, clinicians should now use these new K binders to treat HK (primum non nocere!).
Integrative analysis of the association between circadian rhythm and lupus nephritis
Authors: Jin Meiling , Teng Fei , Cao Baoping , Sun Qianmei , Li Diangeng 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Lupus nephritis (LN) is an autoimmune nephropathy associated with systemic lupus erythematosus. Circadian rhythms are involved in the development of several diseases, especially inflammation-related diseases, but their relationship with LN is unclear.

Methods
This was an integrative bioinformatics study. The expression profile from glomeruli, tubular interstitium and renal whole tissue samples was used to assess the expression levels and relevance of circadian rhythm–related genes. To screen for circadian rhythm–related signatures, we employed the LASSO and SVM-RFE algorithms. A consensus clustering algorithm was used to classify LN patients into two circadian rhythm patterns (cluster A and cluster B). We made immune cell infiltration analysis. We used the weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) algorithm to identify cluster-specific differentially expressed genes. Nephroseq data were used to observe the relationship between genes and renal function.

Results
We found more significant differences in circadian rhythm–related gene expression in LN glomeruli compared with tubulointerstitial and whole-kidney tissues. We established a circadian rhythm–related signature consisting of eight genes that can easily distinguish LN from healthy individuals. Patients in cluster A were associated with B-cell-dominated immunity, whereas patients in cluster B were associated with T-cell-dominated immunity. As most of the patients with proliferative LN combined with membranous LN belonged to cluster B, patients in cluster B may have more severe renal pathology compared with patients in cluster A. Fifteen circadian rhythm–related genes associated with LN and LN typing were screened using the WGCNA algorithm, with COL1A2 and DOCK2 associated with renal prognosis.

Conclusions
This study found that circadian rhythms are associated with the occurrence of LN, providing new ideas for the development of new LN treatment options from the perspective of circadian rhythms.
Associations between eGFR and albuminuria with right ventricular measures: the MESA-Right Ventricle study
Authors: Husain-Syed Faeq , DiFrancesco Matthew F , Deo Rajat , Barr R Graham , Scialla Julia J , Bluemke David A , Kronmal Richard A , Lima Joao A C , Praestgaard Amy , Tracy Russell P , Shlipak Michael , Kawut Steven M , Kim John S 
Published: April 2023

ABSTRACT

Background
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary hypertension, which may lead to right ventricular (RV) pressure overload and RV dysfunction. However, the presence of subclinical changes in RV structure or function in early CKD and the influence of these changes on mortality are not well studied. We hypothesized that early CKD, as indicated by elevated albuminuria or mild reductions in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), is associated with greater RV dilation and RV mass.

Methods
We included 4063 participants (age 45–84 years) without baseline clinical cardiovascular disease from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. The associations of baseline creatinine–cystatin C-based eGFR and albuminuria with cardiac magnetic resonance–derived RV measures (2000–02) were examined cross-sectionally with linear regression models. Cox regression models were used to examine whether RV parameters modified the associations of eGFR and albuminuria with all-cause mortality.

Results
Participants with reductions in eGFR primarily within the 60–89 mL/min/1.73 m2 category had smaller RV end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes and stroke volume (all adjusted P-trends &lt;.001) than those with eGFR ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m2, an association that was predominantly seen in participants with albuminuria below 30 mg/g creatinine. Albuminuria was more strongly associated with death among those with lower RV volumes (P-values for interaction &lt;.03).

Conclusions
Among community-dwelling adults, reductions in eGFR primarily within the normal range were associated with smaller RV volumes and the association of albuminuria with worse survival was stronger among those with smaller RV volumes. Further studies are needed to elucidate the underlying mechanistic pathways that link kidney measures and RV morphology.
Revocable Public Key Encryption with Equality Test without Pairing in Cloud Storage
Authors: Yang Tian , Ma Sha , Du Jiaojiao , Jiang Chengyu , Huang Qiong 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Public key encryption with equality test (PKEET) plays an important role in the cloud storage. It allows a third party to test whether two ciphertexts contain the same message without decryption. Since the third party is not fully trusted, it is sometimes necessary to prevent the third party from testing the ciphertexts all the time. To this end, we propose the notion of revocable public key encryption with equality test (R-PKEET). We give the construction of R-PKEET in the random oracle model, which employs time key to update trapdoor and partial ciphertexts. In details, our scheme enables a user to revoke the third party’s test right by sending a time key to the cloud server, which is responsible for updating partial ciphertexts using the time key. Compared with related works, our scheme achieves both lightweight revocation and lower computational complexity by using Shamir’s secret sharing and Lagrange interpolating polynomial.