bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Robust combined modeling of crystalline and amorphous silicon grain boundary conductance by machine learning
Authors: Lortaraprasert Chayaphol , Shiomi Junichiro 
Published: October 2022

AbstractKnowledge in thermal and electric transport through grain boundary (GB) is crucial for designing nanostructured thermoelectric materials, where the transport greatly depends on GB atomistic structure. In this work, we employ machine learning (ML) techniques to study the relationship between silicon GB structure and its thermal and electric boundary conductance (TBC and EBC) calculated by Green’s function methods. We present a robust ML prediction model of TBC covering crystalline–crystalline and crystalline–amorphous interfaces, using disorder descriptors and atomic density. We also construct high-accuracy ML models for predicting both TBC and EBC and their ratio, using only small data of crystalline GBs. We found that the variations of interatomic angles and distance at GB are the most predictive descriptors for TBC and EBC, respectively. These results demonstrate the robustness of the black-box model and open the way to decouple thermal and electrical conductance, which is a key physical problem with engineering needs.
Loss of Mst1/2 activity promotes non-mitotic hair cell generation in the neonatal organ of Corti
Authors: Lu Xiaoling , Yu Huiqian , Ma Jiaoyao , Wang Kunkun , Guo Luo , Zhang Yanping , Li Boan , Zhao Zehang , Li Huawei , Sun Shan 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMammalian sensory hair cells (HCs) have limited capacity for regeneration, which leads to permanent hearing loss after HC death. Here, we used in vitro RNA-sequencing to show that the Hippo signaling pathway is involved in HC damage and self-repair processes. Turning off Hippo signaling through Mst1/2 inhibition or Yap overexpression induces YAP nuclear accumulation, especially in supporting cells, which induces supernumerary HC production and HC regeneration after injury. Mechanistically, these effects of Hippo signaling work synergistically with the Notch pathway. Importantly, the supernumerary HCs not only express HC markers, but also have cilia structures that are able to form neural connections to auditory regions in vivo. Taken together, regulating Hippo suggests new strategies for promoting cochlear supporting cell proliferation, HC regeneration, and reconnection with neurons in mammals.
Real-time robust generalized dynamic inversion based optimization control for coupled twin rotor MIMO system
Authors: Abbas Nadir , Pan Xuejun , Raheem Abdur , Shakoor Rabia , Arfeen Zeeshan Ahmad , Rashid Muhammad , Umer Farhana , Safdar Nouman , Liu Xiaodong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis work is used to design a novel robust optimization control law augmented with Robust Generalized Dynamic Inversion (RGDI) for continuous varying perturbations in the Twin Rotor MIMO System (TRMS). The perturbations like coupling effect, un-known states, gyroscopic disturbance torque, parametric uncertainties and parametric disturbances are considered as unwanted signal which should be optimized by an efficient controller. The variable structured systems like the TRMS (prototype) have great focus due to its high computational cost with a higher order non-linear behavior. The RGDI based controller designed to remove nonlinear dynamics as well as to avoid singularity issue with the augmentation of stability based mathematical operations (lyapunov stability analysis, controllability and observability matrices ) in the presence of considered perturbations during implementation. In this paper, we develop estimation of state deviation calculation between control angles and desired angles known as Euclidean error norm. The next step was to design RGDI based controller [Sliding Mode Control (SMC) and $${H_\infty }$$

H
∞

optimization] to minimize considered perturbations as well as the computational cost. The sharp (rapid) chattering phenomena in RGDI based SMC reduce the actuators performance that goes towards the failure of actuators. While the RGDI based $${H_\infty }$$

H
∞

optimization overcome the computational cost and minimizes $${H_\infty }$$

H
∞

norm that’s guaranteeing the robust stability as well as robust performance. The robustness of the optimization control technique validated by taking its worst case via MATLAB-Simulation. A real-time implementation applied to evaluate the worth of novel dynamic approach.
Weather impacts on interactions between nesting birds, nest-dwelling ectoparasites and ants
Authors: Maziarz Marta , Broughton Richard K. , Chylarecki Przemysław , Hebda Grzegorz 
Published: October 2022

AbstractWeather has a dominant impact on organisms, including their life histories and interspecific interactions. Yet, for nesting birds, and the arthropods inhabiting bird nests, the direct and cascading effects of weather are poorly known. We explored the influence of ambient temperatures and rainfall on the cohabitation of dome-shaped bird nests by Wood WarblersPhylloscopus sibilatrix, their blowflyProtocalliphora azureaectoparasites, and predatoryMyrmicaandLasiusants that may provide nest sanitation. We sampled blowflies and ants in 129 nests, and measured warbler nestlings during 2018–2020 in the primeval Białowieża Forest, eastern Poland. The probability of ectoparasites occurring in nests increased with increasing ambient temperatures and declining precipitation in the early nestling stage, when adult blowflies are ovipositing. Where present, the number of ectoparasites was greater if higher ambient temperatures had prevailed in the late nestling stage, but only when ants were absent from nests. However, the nestling growth was unrelated to ectoparasite abundance or ant presence within bird nests, although it was lower at high rainfall. The results suggest that weather can have conflicting impacts on interactions between nesting birds and nest-dwelling arthropods, but birds can mostly compensate for any related costs in old-growth forest, where food is generally abundant.
The effect of fatigue on electromechanical response times in basketball players with and without persistent low back pain
Authors: Abdollahi Sajjad , Sheikhhoseini Rahman , Roostayi Mohammad Mohsen , Huddleston Wendy E. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractTypically, athletes alter movement mechanics in the presence of back pain, but the effect of these changes on lower extremity injury risk is not well understood. This study aimed to compare the effect of fatigue on electromechanical response times during a choice reaction task in basketball players with and without persistent low back pain. Twenty-four male basketball players participated. Total reaction time (TRT), premotor time (PMT), and electromechanical delay (EMD data were recorded before and after fatigue. The chronic low back pain (CLBP) group had significantly longer EMD in Med gastrocnemius (p = 0.001) and Tibialis anterior (p = 0.001), and shorter EMD in Vastus Lateralis (p = 0.001), Vastus Medialis Oblique (p = 0.003), and Semitendinosus (p = 0.025) muscles after fatigue. PMT in the CLBP group had longer than the Non-CLBP in Vastus Lateralis (p = 0.010), Vastus Medialis Oblique (p = 0.017), Semitendinosus (p = 0.002). Also, TRT was longer in knee flexion (p = 0.001) and ankle plantarflexion (p = 0.001) muscle groups. The different effects of fatigue on electromechanical response times of the knee and ankle in people with CLBP may represent the effect of an axial injury on lower extremity injury risk factors in situations of higher cognitive load, similar to competitive play.
Regular and irregular astigmatism of bullous keratopathy using Fourier harmonic analysis with anterior segment optical coherence tomography
Authors: Chen Lily Wei , Ono Takashi , Hashimoto Yumi , Tsuneya Miki , Abe Yuito , Omoto Takashi , Taketani Yukako , Toyono Tetsuya , Aihara Makoto , Miyai Takashi 
Published: October 2022

AbstractBullous keratopathy (BK) is known to present with corneal edema and Descemet's folds, which can cause corneal astigmatism. However, no report quantitatively evaluated BK astigmatism by separating it into regular and irregular astigmatism. This study investigated the regular and irregular astigmatism of the anterior and posterior corneal surface with Fourier harmonic analysis and anterior segment optical coherence tomography. Preoperative data from 43 eyes of 41 BK patients who received corneal endothelial transplantation were compared with the data from 43 eyes of 43 subjects without corneal disease. Anterior and posterior cylinder power, central corneal thickness (CCT) and thinnest corneal thickness were significantly greater in BK. With Fourier harmonic analysis, BK eyes were found to have significantly larger anterior and posterior regular astigmatism, asymmetry component and higher-order irregularity. Asymmetry component and higher-order irregularity that accounted for the posterior irregular astigmatism increased as CCT increased in BK. Higher-order irregularity in the posterior cornea also positively correlated with worsening best corrected visual acuity. Subgroup analysis found significant correlations between CCT and posterior higher-order irregularity for intraocular surgery and laser iridotomy, but not Fuchs endothelial corneal dystrophy. This study has significance in that it revealed the characteristics of the corneal posterior irregular astigmatism of BK.
Piercing and sucking mouth parts sensilla of irradiated mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) with gamma radiation
Authors: Zahran Nagwan , Sawires Sameh , Hamza Ali 
Published: October 2022

AbstractMorphology, distribution and function of the sensilla associated with mouthparts of female mosquito, Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) were studied by using the scanning electron microscope. The female mosquito mouthpart is a piercing and sucking type and carrying many sensory organs which plays major role in host seeking, and oviposition behaviour of mosquitoes. Six types of mouthpart sensilla have been identified and described, Sensilla trichoidea, chaetica, basiconica, Capitate peg, campaniformia and squamiformia. Females mosquito were irradiated as pupae with 20, 40 and 80 Gy of gamma radiation to investigate their effect on mouthparts sensilla. Dose of 20 Gy had slight effect on the different types of the sensilla as compared with the control. Features of malformation observed in the maxillary palp segments at this radiation dose include falling of some scales (sensilla squamiformia) at certain parts of the 1st segment leaving vacuoles. At 40 Gy, the maxillary palp segments were liquefied in some areas leaving undistinguished shape. At the highest dose 80 Gy, the tip of labial palps had many tears and showed were most affected, especially, at the trichoid, basiconic and chateica sensilla. All these malformations may lead the mosquitoes to not reaching the host, impeding their ability to transmit diseases or killing the mosquitoes, and this is the main objective of this study.
Engineering of HIV-1 neutralizing antibody CAP256V2LS for manufacturability and improved half life
Authors: Zhang Baoshan , Gollapudi Deepika , Gorman Jason , O’Dell Sijy , Damron Leland F. , McKee Krisha , Asokan Mangaiarkarasi , Yang Eun Sung , Pegu Amarendra , Lin Bob C. , Chao Cara W. , Chen Xuejun , Gama Lucio , Ivleva Vera B. , Law William H. , Liu Cuiping , Louder Mark K. , Schmidt Stephen D. , Shen Chen-Hsiang , Shi Wei , Stein Judith A. , Seaman Michael S. , McDermott Adrian B. , Carlton Kevin , Mascola John R. , Kwong Peter D. , Lei Q. Paula , Doria-Rose Nicole A. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe broadly neutralizing antibody (bNAb) CAP256-VRC26.25 has exceptional potency against HIV-1 and has been considered for clinical use. During the characterization and production of this bNAb, we observed several unusual features. First, the antibody appeared to adhere to pipette tips, requiring tips to be changed during serial dilution to accurately measure potency. Second, during production scale-up, proteolytic cleavage was discovered to target an extended heavy chain loop, which was attributed to a protease in spent medium from 2-week culture. To enable large scale production, we altered the site of cleavage via a single amino acid change, K100mA. The resultant antibody retained potency and breadth while avoiding protease cleavage. We also added the half-life extending mutation LS, which improved the in vivo persistence in animal models, but did not impact neutralization activity; we observed the same preservation of neutralization for bNAbs VRC01, N6, and PGDM1400 with LS on a 208-virus panel. The final engineered antibody, CAP256V2LS, retained the extraordinary neutralization potency of the parental antibody, had a favorable pharmacokinetic profile in animal models, and was negative in in vitro assessment of autoreactivity. CAP256V2LS has the requisite potency, developability and suitability for scale-up, allowing its advancement as a clinical candidate.
First hepatitis E outbreak in Southeastern Senegal
Authors: Sadio Bacary Djilocalisse , Faye Martin , Kaiser Marco , Diarra Maryam , Balique Fanny , Diagne Cheikh Tidiane , Faye Oumar , Diagne Moussa Moïse , Fall Gamou , Ndiaye Oumar , Loucoubar Cheikh , Sow Abdourahmane , Faye Ousmane , Faye Adama , Boye Cheikh Saad Bouh , Sall Amadou Alpha 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThe Rapid proliferation of traditional gold mining sites in the Kedougou region has led to massive migration of people from neighbouring West African countries and the establishment of several small villages where poor hygiene and sanitation conditions exist. In this context, a Hepatitis E virus outbreak was reported in Kedougou in 2014 with several cases among the traditional mining workers. Herein, we described epidemiological and laboratory data collected during the outbreak’s investigation from February 2012 to November 2014. Any suspected, contact or probable case was investigated, clinical and epidemiological data were collected. In our study, sera were collected and tested for viral RNA and anti-Hepatitis E virus (HEV) IgM. Archived serum samples from Kedougou were retrospectively screened by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). A total of 65 water samples collected from ponds and wells surrounding gold panners' sites and habitats and 75 tissues samples from rats captured in the environment of traditional gold mining sites were also tested. A total of 1617 sera were collected from 698 suspected cases, 862 contacts and 57 persons with missing information. The median age was 20 (1–88 years-old) and the sex ratio was 1.72. An overall rate of 64.62% (1045/1617) of these patients tested positive for HEV with a high case fatality rate in pregnant women. All water samples and animal tissues tested negative for HEV. Our data help not only determining of the beginning of the HEV outbreak to March 2012, but also identifying risk factors associated to its emergence. However, there is a need to implement routine diagnosis, surveillance and training of health personnel in order to reduce mortality especially among pregnant women. In addition, further studies are needed to identify the virus reservoir and environmental risk factors for HEV in the Kedougou region.
Co-alterations of circadian clock gene transcripts in human placenta in preeclampsia
Authors: Zhou Guoli , Winn Emily , Nguyen Duong , Kasten Eric P. , Petroff Margaret G. , Hoffmann Hanne M. 
Published: October 2022

AbstractPre-eclampsia (PE) is a hypertensive condition that occurs during pregnancy and complicates up to 4% of pregnancies. PE exhibits several circadian-related characteristics, and the placenta possesses a functioning molecular clock. We examined the associations of 17 core circadian gene transcripts in placenta with PE vs. non-PE (a mixture of pregnant women with term, preterm, small-for-gestational-age, or chorioamnionitis) using two independent gene expression datasets: GSE75010-157 (80 PE vs. 77 non-PE) and GSE75010-173 (77 PE and 96 non-PE). We found a robust difference in circadian gene expression between PE and non-PE across the two datasets, where CRY1 mRNA increases and NR1D2 and PER3 transcripts decrease in PE placenta. Gene set variation analysis revealed an interplay between co-alterations of circadian clock genes and PE with altered hypoxia, cell migration/invasion, autophagy, and membrane trafficking pathways. Using human placental trophoblast HTR-8 cells, we show that CRY1/2 and NR1D1/2 regulate trophoblast migration. A subgroup study including only term samples demonstrated that CLOCK, NR1D2, and PER3 transcripts were simultaneously decreased in PE placenta, a finding supported by CLOCK protein downregulation in an independent cohort of human term PE placenta samples. These findings provide novel insights into the roles of the molecular clock in the pathogenesis of PE.
The impact of self-reported sensory impairment on cognitive function using the Korean longitudinal study of aging survey data
Authors: Joo Hye Jin , Joo Jae Hong , Kim Seung Hoon , Kwon Junhyun , Park Eun-Cheol 
Published: October 2022

AbstractRecent studies suggest that sensory impairment is related to cognitive function at older ages. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the impact of sensory impairment on cognitive function in the Korean population. We used the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging data from 2006 to 2018. Cognitive function was measured by the Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination scale. A score < 24 at the time of assessment was defined as cognitive impairment. Sensory impairment was assessed according to the self-reported levels of hearing or vision, and the development of sensory impairment was investigated using records of prior survey. We used the generalized estimating equation model to determine association between cognitive function and sensory impairment. A total of 4844 participants (age range: 47–95 years; mean age: 58) were included in the study. Compared to people without sensory impairment, people with a single sensory impairment of hearing or vision had a higher risk of cognitive impairment (odds ratio (OR) = 1.65 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.49–1.82]). People with dual sensory impairment had the greatest risk of cognitive impairment (OR = 3.23 [95% CI, 2.52–4.12]). The findings suggested the need for timely assessment of sensory function in older persons, which may be useful in identifying individuals at risk for cognitive impairment.
The association between altitude and serum folate levels in Tibetan adults on the Tibetan plateau
Authors: Yao Shaoli , Chen Xiwen , Zhou Yao , Xu Li , Zhang Qi , Bao Shimin , Feng Huiru , Ge Weihong 
Published: October 2022

AbstractThis study investigated the relationship between residence altitude and serum folate levels in healthy Tibetans living on the Tibetan Plateau. Participants were selected from those who underwent physical examinations at our health center between November 2019 and February 2020. Demographic characteristics and medical histories were collected, and fasting blood was tested for serum folate and other hematological indicators. The relationship between altitude and serum folate levels was analyzed using a multivariable linear regression model. Serum folate levels were associated with altitude (β = − 0.44; 95% confidence interval [CI] − 0.71; − 0.16), hemoglobin (β = − 0.01; 95% CI − 0.03; − 0.00), red blood cells (β = − 0.72; 95% CI − 1.18; − 0.27), hematocrit (β = − 0.07; 95% CI − 0.12; − 0.02), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (β = 2.67; 95% CI 1.35; 3.98), and sex (β = 0.68; 95% CI 0.12; 1.23). Multivariate linear regression analysis revealed that altitude was negatively associated with serum folate levels. After adjusting for confounding factors, serum folate levels decreased by 0.33 ng/mL per each 500-m increase in altitude (β = − 0.33; 95% CI − 0.6; − 0.05; P = 0.022). Altitude was negatively associated with serum folate levels in Tibetan adults. The relationship between altitude and folate levels should be further explored in populations of different races and disease states. Further large-scale prospective studies should illustrate the causality of this relationship.
A perspective on life-cycle health technology assessment and real-world evidence for precision oncology in Canada
Authors: Regier Dean A. , Pollard Samantha , McPhail Melanie , Bubela Tania , Hanna Timothy P. , Ho Cheryl , Lim Howard J. , Chan Kelvin , Peacock Stuart J. , Weymann Deirdre 
Published: October 2022

AbstractHealth technology assessment (HTA) can be used to make healthcare systems more equitable and efficient. Advances in precision oncology are challenging conventional thinking about HTA. Precision oncology advances are rapid, involve small patient groups, and are frequently evaluated without a randomized comparison group. In light of these challenges, mechanisms to manage precision oncology uncertainties are critical. We propose a life-cycle HTA framework and outline supporting criteria to manage uncertainties based on real world data collected from learning healthcare systems. If appropriately designed, we argue that life-cycle HTA is the driver of real world evidence generation and furthers our understanding of comparative effectiveness and value. We conclude that life-cycle HTA deliberation processes must be embedded into healthcare systems for an agile response to the constantly changing landscape of precision oncology innovation. We encourage further research outlining the core requirements, infrastructure, and checklists needed to achieve the goal of learning healthcare supporting life-cycle HTA.
FAD-deficient P187S mutation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1*2) binds and accelerates β-amyloid aggregation
Authors: Panja Sudipta , Siegel David , Camandola Simonetta , de Cabo Rafael , Ross David , Mallela Krishna M.G. 
Published: October 2022

Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is one of the most prominent neurodegenerative diseases. Results from animal and cellular models suggest that FAD-deficient forms of NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) may accelerate the aggregation of Alzheimer’s amyloid-β peptide (Aβ1-42). Here, we examined in vitro whether NQO1 and its FAD-deficient P187S mutation (NQO1*2) directly interact with Aβ1-42 and modify its rate of aggregation. When monitored using the fluorescence of either noncovalent thioflavin T (ThT) or HiLyte Fluor 647 (HF647) dye covalently attached to the Aβ1-42 peptide, the aggregation kinetics of Aβ1-42 were markedly more rapid in the presence of NQO1*2 than the wild-type (WT) NQO1. Experiments using apo-NQO1 indicate that this increase is linked to the inability of NQO1*2 to bind to FAD. Furthermore, dicoumarol, an NQO1 inhibitor that binds near the FAD-binding site and stabilizes NQO1*2, markedly decreased the aggregation kinetics of Aβ1-42. Imaging flow cytometry confirmed in-vitro coaggregation of NQO1 isoforms and Aβ1-42. Aβ1-42 alone forms rod-shaped fibril structures while in the presence of NQO1 isoforms, Aβ1-42 is incorporated in the middle of larger globular protein aggregates surrounded by NQO1 molecules. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) analysis indicates that Aβ1-42 interacts with NQO1 isoforms with a specific stoichiometry through a hydrophobic interaction with positive enthalpy and entropy changes. These data define the kinetics, mechanism, and shape of coaggregates of Aβ1-42 and NQO1 isoforms and the potential relevance of FAD-deficient forms of NQO1 for amyloid aggregation diseases.