bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Alpha-synuclein-specific regulatory T cells ameliorate Parkinson’s disease progression in mice
Authors: Bae Hyunsu , Park Seon-Young , Yang HyeJin , Go Hyemin , Kim Hongsung 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a long-term neurodegenerative disease characterized by dopaminergic neuronal loss and the aggregation of alpha-synuclein (α-syn) in the brain. Cell therapy using regulatory T cells (Tregs) has therapeutic potential on PD progression in a mouse model; however, several challenges were associated with its applications. Here, we propose a strategy for α-syn specific Treg expansion. We presented α-syn to T cells via dendritic cells. This method increased the mobility of Tregs towards the site of abundant α-synin vitro and in vivo. Consequently, α-syn Tregs showed noteworthy neuroprotective effects against motor function deficits, dopaminergic neuronal loss, and α-syn accumulation in MPTP-induced PD mice. Furthermore, adoptive transfer of α-syn Tregs exerted immunosuppressive effects on activated microglia, especially pro-inflammatory microglia, in PD mice.
Our findings suggest that α-syn presentation may provide a significant improvement in neuroprotective activities of Tregs and suggest the effective clinical application of Treg therapy in PD.
Achieving Sustainable Environment through Infrastructure and Energy Structure Developments; An empirical evidence from BRICS
Authors: Khurshid Muzammil , Zahid Rana Muhammad Ammar , Hussain Muzammil , Usman Ahmad 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The development of an environment that is sustainable requires infrastructure. Energy structure is necessary, along with infrastructure. Energy structure must be achieved for the desired infrastructure to exist. Therefore, it is interesting to look into the nexus of energy structure, infrastructure, and carbon emissions in, “Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS)” countries under the growth and environment hypothesis. To empirically estimate the said nexus, robust econometric techniques are adopted. Findings suggest the supportive role of infrastructure and energy structure in abating carbon emissions. The BRICS economies need to enhance the investment in infrastructure and energy structure. Findings are also robust to the short- and long-run policy implications. This study is a step forward toward the Sustainable Development Goals.
Fecal levels of SCFA and BCFA during capecitabine in patients with metastatic or unresectable colorectal cancer
Authors: Ziemons Janine , Aarnoutse Romy , Heuft Anne , Hillege Lars , Waelen Janneke , de Vos-Geelen Judith , Iersel Liselot Valkenburg-van , Hellemond Irene E.G. van , Creemers Geert-Jan M. , Baars Arnold , Vestjens J.H.M.J. , Penders John , Venema Koen , Smidt Marjolein L. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background Short-chain fatty acids (SCFA) and branched-chain fatty acids (BCFA) are produced by the gut microbiota and are considered to fulfill crucial physiological roles. Previous pre-clinical studies also indicated bi-directional interactions between gut bacteria and the chemotherapeutic capecitabine or its metabolite 5-FU. However, evidence from clinical studies in this field of research is scarce. This study investigated the effect of three cycles of capecitabine on fecal SCFA and BCFA levels and their associations with tumor response, nutritional status, physical performance, chemotherapy-induced toxicity, systemic inflammation, and bacterial abundances in patients with colorectal cancer (CRC). Methods Forty-four patients with metastatic or unresectable CRC, scheduled for treatment with capecitabine (± bevacizumab), were prospectively enrolled in a multicentre cohort study. Patients collected a fecal sample and completed a questionnaire before (T1), during (T2), and after (T3) three cycles of capecitabine. Tumor response (based on CT/MRI scans), nutritional status (MUST score), physical performance (Karnofsky Performance Score), and chemotherapy-induced toxicity (CTCAE) were recorded. Additional data on clinical characteristics, treatment regimen, medical history, and blood inflammatory parameters were collected. Fecal SCFA and BCFA concentrations were determined by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Gut microbiota composition was assessed using 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing. Results Fecal levels of the SCFA valerate and caproate decreased significantly during three cycles of capecitabine in our patient population. Furthermore, baseline levels of the BCFA iso-butyrate were associated with tumor response. Nutritional status, physical performance, and chemotherapy-induced toxicity were not statistically significantly associated with SCFA or BCFA. Baseline SCFA correlated positively with blood neutrophil counts. At the three sampling timepoints, we identified associations between SCFA and BCFA and the relative abundance of bacterial taxa on family level. Conclusions The present study provided the first indications for a role of SCFA and BCFA during treatment with capecitabine as well as implications and recommendations for further research. More knowledge in this field will contribute to the evidence-based design of interventions targeting the gut microbiota and/or SCFA/BCFA production to optimize chemotherapy efficacy. Trial registration The current study was registered in the Dutch Trial Register (NTR6957) on 17/01/2018 and can be consulted via the International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP).
Artificial intelligence for improved fitting of trajectories of elementary particles in dense materials immersed in a magnetic field
Authors: Monsalve Saúl Alonso , Sgalaberna Davide , Zhao Xingyu , McGrew Clark , Rubbia André 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this article, we use artificial intelligence algorithms to show how to enhance the resolution of the elementary particle track fitting in dense detectors, such as plastic scintillators. We use deep learning to replace more traditional Bayesian filtering methods, drastically improving the reconstruction of the interacting particle kinematics. We show that a specific form of neural network, inherited from the field of natural language processing, is very close to the concept of a Bayesian filter that adopts a hyper-informative prior. Such a paradigm change can influence the design of future particle physics experiments and their data exploitation.
Bianchi Type-II Fractional Cosmological Model with Variable Lambda
Authors: Gupta Rajni , Mittal Ekta , Menon Mudita 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper we have reviewed and presented the results of the fractional order differential field equation for a Bianchi type-II (LRS) space-time with a perfect fluid assuming a variable cosmological constant Λ (adopted from R. K. Tiwari et. al.[7]). In order to substitute Einstein’s field equations for a certain configuration with equivalent fractional field equations, we used the Last Step Modification (LSM) method. Further applied Riemann-Liouville fractional order derivative assuming lower terminal at 0 to obtain all physical properties of the developed model along with their graphical representation.
Evolution law of wind-sand flow field of multi-row reed sand barriers and optimal spacing
Authors: Yuanfeng An , Jianjun Cheng , Ding Lusheng , Chen Boyu , Gao Li , Lei Jia , Ma Benteng , Zheng Zhipeng 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The multi-row sand barriers have been widely concerned about their high efficiency wind and sand prevention effect in the sand blown prevention and control for road engineering. The spacing between sand barriers is the primary issue to be resolved in the arrangement of multi-row sand barriers. This study considered the reed sand barrier protection project of Xinjiang segment of Golmud-Korla railway as the research object, revealed the evolution characteristics of flow field and distribution laws of sand accumulation under the control of three-row sand barriers spacing by field observation, wind tunnel test and numerical simulation, and the optimal spacing of three-row reed sand barriers was explored by Design Exploration optimization analysis method. The results indicated the flow field presented a typically superimposed morphology of deceleration zones, acceleration zones, and recovery zones when airflow passed through the reed sand barrier. There was no deceleration zone ahead the second and third-row sand barriers before optimization; the flow field distribution was complete and each-row sand barrier can have a synergistic role in wind and sand prevention after optimization. The optimal spacing between three-row sand barriers decreases as wind velocity increases. The optimal spacing between sand barriers corresponding to 10 m s− 1, 15 m s− 1 and 20 m s− 1 wind velocity is 25.5m, 24m and 20.0m respectively. The sand-blocking rates of corresponding reed sand barriers were 84.53%, 64.42% and 47.51%, which were 8.54%, 20.77% and 0.78% higher than before optimization, respectively. Therefore, it was suggested that the spacing of three rows reed sand barriers is 20 ~ 25 m in the survey region, so that each-row sand barriers can play a role.
Controlling the Propagation Asymmetry of Hyperbolic Shear Polaritons in Beta-Gallium Oxide
Authors: Matson Joseph , Wasserroth Sören , Ni Xiang , Obst Maximilian , Diaz-Granados Katja , Carini Giulia , Renzi Enrico , Galiffi Emanuele , Folland Thomas G. , Eng Lukas , Klopf J. , Mastel Stefan , Armster Sean , Gambin Vincent , Wolf Martin , Kehr Susanne C. , Alu Andrea , Paarmann Alexander , Caldwell Joshua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Structural anisotropy in a crystal is one of the key tools for controlling light propagation. The correlation between crystalline structure and the interaction with light is strongest in the infrared spectral regime, where optical frequencies overlap with anisotropic lattice resonances of materials, thereby enabling light-matter coupling through quasiparticles called phonon polaritons (PhPs). In recent years, the exploration of PhPs in anisotropic materials has yielded new levels of confinement and manipulation of light. The strongly anisotropic bonds in materials such as hBN and MoO3 lead to hyperbolic phonon polaritons that exhibit even stronger light confinement and propagation directionality than conventional polaritons. Recently, we showed that the enhanced anisotropy and non-orthogonal structure of the monoclinic crystal β-Ga2O3 (bGO) induces a remarkable rotation of the optical axis with frequency ("axial dispersion") associated to nano- to microscopic shear phenomena, resulting in hyperbolic PhPs that exhibit dramatic propagation asymmetry along the hyperbolic polaritonic branches. Here, we employ a Free-Electron Laser (FEL) coupled to a scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscope (s-SNOM) to enable direct imaging of the symmetry-broken propagation patterns of hyperbolic shear polaritons in bGO within the far-infrared. Further, we demonstrate how we can control and enhance the shear-induced propagation asymmetry of nano-antenna-launched shear polaritons, by varying the incidence direction with respect to the crystal orientation, as well as by momentum selection using different sizes of nano-antennas. Finally, we also observe significant rotation of the hyperbola axis as we change the incident light frequency. Our work thereby paves a foundation for widespread utilization and device implementation of polaritons in low-symmetry crystals.
Intraretinal microvascular alterations in indirect traumatic optic neuropathy
Authors: Park Kyung-Ah , Oh Sei Yeul , Kang Min Chae , HAN Jiyeon , Lee Ga-In 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

PURPOSE To quantitatively evaluate macular and peripapillary microvascular alterations in patients with indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) compared to normal controls using optical coherence tomography angiography (OCT-A [Topcon DRI OCT; Triton]) and determine their associations with other ocular parameters. METHODS We enrolled 33 eyes of 33 patients with TON and 34 eyes of 34 healthy controls. OCT-A was used to generate microvascular structure images of the superficial retinal capillary plexus (SRCP), deep retinal capillary plexus (DRCP), and radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) segment in the macula and peripapillary area. Age, gender, and spherical equivalent refractive errors were statistically adjusted for the analysis. RESULTS OCT-A revealed a significant reduction of the average vessel density in the RPC segment in TON patients compared to controls (48.5% ± 6.28 vs. 57.88% ± 3.06%,P < 0.0001, correctedP < 0.0001). The vessel density of the RPC segment in TON patients was also significantly lower than that in healthy controls in all four quadrants when compared by sectors. The inferior sector vessel density of the RPC segment was significantly associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0253) and visual acuity (P = 0.0369). The temporal sector vessel density of DRCP was also associated with visual field defects (P = 0.0377). The RPC segment in the temporal, superior, and inferior sector vessel density had a significant association with the average pRNFL thickness (P = 0.0092, 0.0171, and < 0.0001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Patients with indirect TON show significant microvascular alterations compared to controls. This study confirms that TON can induce intraretinal microvascular changes and suggests that OCTA can be a useful biomarker for visual functional and structural changes.
Synergistic effect and mechanism of enhanced degradation on aromatic compounds by bacterial flora
Authors: liu xingshe , Liu Yong Jun , li shuang , liu zhe , zhang aining , li zhihua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

In this study, the synergistic effects and mechanisms of biodegradation on aromatic compounds including phenol (PHN), naphthalene (NAP), phenanthrene (PHE), and pyrene (PYR), respectively as the only carbon source by bacterial flora were investigated. The results indicated that the bacterial flora showed good synergistic effects for the degradation of aromatic compounds. The removal rate of TOC, compared with the single strain, was improved by 9.85%, 11.57% and 12.41%, respectively, for the degradation of NAP, PHE, and PYR, and their toxicity reduction was also significantly improved. Synergistic mechanisms of bacterial flora on aromatics biodegradation indicated that the diversity of bacterial flora increased with the increase of molecular weight of aromatic compounds, and the coordinated metabolic activities of bacterial flora significantly enhanced its activity. Highly active microorganisms promoted the secretion of EPS, and the contents of EPS were positively related to the molecular weight of aromatic compounds, which would enhance the resistance of microorganisms to toxic environment and the bioavailability of polycyclic substances. In addition, the expression time of C23O activity was advanced by 6 h and the activity was also increased by 1.23–1.70 times under the synergistic effect of the bacterial flora, and the activity showed different responses due to different structures of aromatic compounds.
Comparing 15N2 uptake and acetylene reduction methods for measuring stream N2-fixation: release of N2 fixed
Authors: Kunza Lisa , Hall Robert O. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Nitrogen fixation can be a substantial flux of new biologically available nitrogen (N) into some aquatic ecosystems. The most commonly used method for measuring N2fixation is the acetylene reduction method, which measures nitrogenase activity. For this method, it is necessary to assume a theoretical ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed unless the estimates are calibrated using 15N2 as a tracer. We measured N2-fixation using both the acetylene reduction method and 15N2 uptake methods to examine the ratio of ethylene produced to N2-fixed (C2H4:N2), estimate controls on variation in this ratio, and to quantify the immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved N. We estimated N2-fixation for benthic biofilms and separated Nostoc in 4 streams in Wyoming, Little Laramie River, Ditch Creek, Spread Creek, and Polecat Creek. Estimates of the C2H4:N2 ratio for any one stream and date ranged from 1.6-7.1 with a group-level mean of 3.8. Immediate release of N2-fixed as dissolved organic and inorganic N was < 1% of N2-fixation. Ethylene production increased 1.8 times faster than N2-fixation as temperature increased showing strong control of temperature in the C2H4:N2 ratio. Temperature contributed substantially to the variability in ratios of ethylene produced to N2-fixed.
Optimal Strategy of the Simultaneous Dice Game Pig for Multiplayers: When Reinforcement Learning Meets Game Theory
Authors: Zhu Tian , Ma Merry , Chen Lu , Liu Zhenhua 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
A milestone was set in modern machine learning history when AlphaGo Zero, based on reinforcement learning and with no training data from human players, became the undefeated Go champion against all machines and humans. Currently, Deepmind is building its next generation of protein folding prediction AI expected to surpass the famed AlphaFold that has already surpassed all human scientists, using the same mechanism of Zero, namely, reinforcement learning. In this work, we focus on using reinforcement learning and game theory to solve for the optimal strategies for the dice game Pig, in a novel simultaneous playing setting. First, we derived analytically the optimal strategy for the 2-player simultaneous game using dynamic programming, mixed-strategy Nash equilibrium. At the same time, we proposed a new Stackelberg value iteration framework to approximate the near-optimal pure strategy. Next, we developed the corresponding optimal strategy for the multiplayer independent strategy game numerically. Finally, we presented the Nash equilibrium for simultaneous Pig game with infinite number of players. To help promote the learning of and interest in reinforcement learning, game theory and statistics, we have further implemented a website where users can play both the sequential and simultaneous Pig game against the optimal strategies derived in this work.
Dual Trajectories of Antiretroviral Therapy Adherence and Polypharmacy in Women with HIV in the United States
Authors: Elbur Abubaker Ibrahim , Ghebremichael Musie , Konkle-Parker Deborah , Jones Deborah L , Collins Shelby , Adimora Adaora A. , Schneider Michael F. , Cohen Mardge H. , Tamraz Bani , Plankey Michael , Wilson Tracey , Adedimeji Adebola , Haberer Jessica E. , Jacobson Denise L. 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Background
Polypharmacy, using five or more medications, may increase the risk of nonadherence to prescribed treatment. We aimed to identify the interrelationship between trajectories of adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) and polypharmacy.
Methods
We included women with HIV (aged ≥ 18) enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study in the United States from 2014 to 2019. We used group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) to identify trajectories of adherence to ART and polypharmacy and the dual GBTM to identify the interrelationship between adherence and polypharmacy.
Results
Overall, 1,538 were eligible (median age of 49 years). GBTM analysis revealed five latent trajectories of adherence with 42% of women grouped in the consistently moderate trajectory. GBTM identified four polypharmacy trajectories with 45% categorized in the consistently low group.
Conclusions
The joint model did not reveal any interrelationship between ART adherence and polypharmacy trajectories. Future research should consider examining the interrelationship between both variables using objective measures of adherence.
Free drug provision for tuberculosis increases patient follow-ups and successful treatment outcomes in the Indian private sector: A quasi experimental study using propensity score matching
Authors: Sodhi Ridhima , Penkunas Michael J. , Pal Arnab 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background:The private sector is an important yet underregulated component of the TB treatment infrastructure in India. The Joint Effort for Elimination of Tuberculosis (Project JEET) aims to link private sector TB care with the constellation of social support mechanisms available through the Indian National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), including the provision of free fixed-dose combination (FDCs) drugs to patients. This quasi-experimental study analysed routinely collected data to determine the impact of free drugs on patient follow-ups and treatment outcomes.Methods:We used data for private sector patients enrolled with Project JEET who were diagnosed with pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB between 1 January 2019 and 31March 2020, and completed treatment by 31 December 2021. Propensity score matching was used to create a dataset to compare the number of follow-ups and proportion of successful treatment outcomes for patients on free drugs to a control group who paid out-of-pocket. 11,621 matched pairs were included in the analysis. Logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression models were used to estimate the impact of free drugs on number of follow-ups and treatment success, where latter is defined as treatment completion or cure.Results:After controlling for potential confounders, patients on free drugs received on average 2.522 (95% C.I.: 2.325 to 2.719) additional follow-ups compared topatientswho paid out of pocket. This equates to a 25% mean and 32% median increase in follow-ups for patients availing free drugs. For treatment success, patients receiving free drugs had a 45% higher likelihood of a successful treatment (Odds Ratio: 1.452, 95% C.I.: 1.288 to 1.637).Conclusions:Patients receiving free drugs were found to follow up with their treatment coordinator more frequently, in part likely to enable drug refilling, compared to patients who were paying out of pocket. These additional contacts would have offered opportunities to address concerns regarding side effects, provide additional treatment information, and connect with social support services, all of which subsequently contributed to patients’ continual engagement with their treatment. This potentially represents the unmeasured effect of free drugs on continual social support, which translates into a higher likelihood of treatment success for patients.
Development and validation of a novel nomogram to predict overall survival in patients with 2018 FIGO IB cervical cancer
Authors: Liu Chengwei , Xu Lixian , An Yunting , Xiong Shuhua , Wu Haigeng , LI Longyu , Zeng Siyuan , Xiao Zhongqing , Hu Xiaoqing , Pan Mei , Shu Kuanyong 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Objective: To develop a nomogram for Overall Survival (OS) prediction in 2018 FIGO staging IB cervical cancer patients.
Methods and Materials: A total of 1185 2018 FIGO staging IB cervical cancer patients were analyzed. They were randomly divided into the training set (n=889,75%) and the validation set (n=296,25%). Data collected included demographics, clinical characteristics, and follow-up information. Missing data were estimated by multiple imputations. LASSO and Cox analysis was used to evaluate risk factors of OS rate. Nomograms were developed and internally validated. Three risk groups were identified based on the nomo-score of the patient.
Results: The 5-year OS of IB1 patients was 96.0%, for IB2 patients was 93.1%, and for IB3 patients was 90.3%. We established a multivariate Cox regression model, including 2018 FIGO staging, age, Lvsi and deep stromal invasion. The c-index and AUC for 2-, 3-, and 5-year OS revealed that the nomogram model significantly outperformed the 2018 FIGO staging. Furthermore, nomograms performed well in clinical applicability calibration and decision curve analysis. The OS of patients differed significantly (P<0.001) across the three risk groups stratified by the nomo-score.
Conclusions: This study developed a novel nomogram to predict overall survival in 2018 FIGO IB cervical cancer patients. The nomogram had significant discrimination ability and prediction accuracy, making it an excellent supplement to FIGO staging.