bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
First Demonstration of Functional Task Performance Using a Sonomyographic Prosthesis: A Case Study
Authors: Engdahl Susannah M. , Acuña Samuel A. , King Erica L. , Bashatah Ahmed , Sikdar Siddhartha 
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound-based sensing of muscle deformation, known as sonomyography, has shown promise for accurately classifying the intended hand grasps of individuals with upper limb loss in offline settings. Building upon this previous work, we present the first demonstration of real-time prosthetic hand control using sonomyography to perform functional tasks. An individual with congenital bilateral limb absence was fitted with sockets containing a low-profile ultrasound transducer placed over forearm muscle tissue in the residual limbs. A classifier was trained using linear discriminant analysis to recognize ultrasound images of muscle contractions for three discrete hand configurations (rest, tripod grasp, index finger point) under a variety of arm positions designed to cover the reachable workspace. A prosthetic hand mounted to the socket was then controlled using this classifier. Using this real-time sonomyographic control, the participant was able to complete three functional tasks that required selecting different hand grasps in order to grasp and move one-inch wooden blocks over a broad range of arm positions. Additionally, these tests were successfully repeated without retraining the classifier across 3 hours of prosthesis use and following simulated donning and doffing of the socket. This study supports the feasibility of using sonomyography to control upper limb prostheses in real-world applications.
How Yeast Antifungal Resistance Gene Analysis Is Essential to Validate Antifungal Susceptibility Testing Systems
Authors: Pellaton Nicolas , Sanglard Dominique , Lamoth Frederic , Coste Alix T. 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThe antifungal susceptibility testing (AFST) of yeast pathogen alerts clinicians about the potential emergence of resistance. In this study, we compared two commercial microdilution AFST methods: Sensititre YeastOne read visually (YO) and MICRONAUT-AM read visually (MN) or spectrophotometrically (MNV), interpreted with Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute and European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing criteria, respectively.MethodsOverall, 97 strains from 19 yeast species were measured for nine antifungal drugs including a total of 873 observations. First, the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) was compared between YO and MNV, and between MNV and MN, either directly or by assigning them to five susceptibility categories. Those categories were based on the number of MIC dilutions around the breakpoint or epidemiological cut-off reference values (ECOFFs or ECVs). Second, YO and MNV methods were evaluated for their ability to detect the elevation of MICs due to mutation in antifungal resistance genes, thanks to pairs or triplets of isogenic strains isolated from a single patient along a treatment previously analyzed for antifungal resistance gene mutations. Reproducibility measurement was evaluated, thanks to three quality control (QC) strains.ResultsYO and MNV direct MIC comparisons obtained a global agreement of 67%. Performing susceptibility category comparisons, only 22% and 49% of the MICs could be assigned to categories using breakpoints and ECOFFs/ECVs, respectively, and 40% could not be assigned due to the lack of criteria in both consortia. The YO and MN susceptibility categories gave accuracies as low as 50%, revealing the difficulty to implement this method of comparison. In contrast, using the antifungal resistance gene sequences as a gold standard, we demonstrated that both methods (YO and MN) were equally able to detect the acquisition of resistance in the Candida strains, even if MN showed a global lower MIC elevation than YO. Finally, no major differences in reproducibility were observed between the three AFST methods.ConclusionThis study demonstrates the valuable use of both commercial microdilution AFST methods to detect antifungal resistance due to point mutations in antifungal resistance genes. We highlighted the difficulty to conduct conclusive analyses without antifungal gene sequence data as a gold standard. Indeed, MIC comparisons taking into account the consortia criteria of interpretation remain difficult even after the effort of harmonization.
Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., an Intranuclear Microsporidian Infecting the Seahorse Hippocampus erectus From China
Authors: Wang Yuan , Ying Na , Huang Yanqing , Zou Xiong , Liu Xin , Li Letian , Zhou Junfang , Zhao Shu , Ma Rongrong , Li Xincang , Tan Hongxin , Fang Wenhong 
Published: May 2022

The life cycle, ultrastructure, and molecular phylogeny of a new intranuclear microsporidian, Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp., infecting the intestine of the Hippocampus erectus, were described. The histopathology revealed an extensive infection, mainly in the columnar epithelium of the intestinal mucosa layer. The enterocytes were the important target cell for Nucleospora hippocampi n. sp. infection. Transmission electron microscopy results showed that this microsporidian developed directly within the host cell nucleoplasm. In the intranuclear life cycle, the transformation from meront to sporogonial plasmodium was recognized by forming electron-dense disc structures, which were considered the polar tube precursors. The microsporidian showed the typical morphological characteristics of the family Enterocytozoonidae in the formation and development of spore organelles prior to the division of the sporogonial plasmodium. According to wet smear observation, eight spores were generally formed in a single host nucleus. Mature spores were elongated ovoids that were slightly bent and measured 1.93 × 0.97 μm. The isofilar polar tube was arranged in 7~8 coils in one row. Phylogenetic analysis of its small subunit ribosomal DNA sequences demonstrated that the parasite belonged to the Nucleospora group clade. The histological, ultrastructural, and molecular data support the emergence of a new species in the genus Nucleospora. This is the first report of Nucleospora species in Asia and threatened syngnathid fishes.
Horizontal Force Required for Subduction Initiation at Passive Margins With Constraints From Slab Detachment
Authors: Candioti Lorenzo G. , Duretz Thibault , Schmalholz Stefan M. 
Published: May 2022

Subduction zones are essential drivers of plate tectonics. However, the processes causing subduction zone initiation (SZI), involving the formation of a new plate boundary, and the forces required remain disputed. Here, we focus on horizontally forced SZI at passive margins and quantify the horizontal force required for SZI with two-dimensional petrological-thermomechanical numerical models. The initial configuration, involving two passive margins bounding a 400 km wide basin with exhumed mantle, is calculated by a numerical rifting simulation to guarantee thermomechanical feasibility and isostatic equilibrium. SZI occurs at one passive margin during convergence of the basin-margin system. SZI is caused by thermal softening due to local shear heating. A local temperature increase of only ca. 50°C is sufficient to cause SZI. Corresponding simulations without shear heating do not show SZI, showing unequivocally that thermal softening controls SZI. We systematically limit the lithospheric deviatoric stress to determine the minimum force required for SZI. A minimum force (per unit length) of ca. 14 TN m−1 is required for SZI; a force magnitude that agrees with independent estimates from mantle convection models. However, for the associated stress limit of 200 MPa the lithosphere is so weak that slab detachment (SD) already occurs at the onset of basin closure in the horizontal, non-subducted region of the subducting plate. Only for stress limits >=300 MPa (yielding a force of ca. 15 TN m−1) subduction of continental crust occurs and SD occurs in the subducted slab. The force required for SZI is a proxy for the effective compressive lithospheric strength. This strength also controls subsequent SD due to tensile slab pull, which increases during subduction, also since our models include the olivine–wadsleyite phase change. Our simulations show a causal link betweeen SZI and subsequent SD: If forces required for SZI are smaller, then the lithosphere is weaker and then SD occurs at shallower levels and corresponding slabs are shorter. Concerning the European Alps, our results imply that if there was no SD since the Europe–Adria collision some 30 Myr ago (as proposed by some studies), then the subducted lithosphere must be considerably strong.
Correlation Between Ne and Te Around 14:00 LT in the Topside Ionosphere Observed by CSES, Swarm and CHAMP Satellites
Authors: Yan Rui , Xiong Chao , Zhima Zeren , Shen Xuhui , Liu Dapeng , Liu Chao , Guan Yibing , Zhu Keying , Zheng Lin , Lv Fangxian 
Published: May 2022

In this study, we have performed a detailed analysis for the correlation between electron density (Ne) and temperature (Te) at the topside ionosphere. In situ measurements from four satellites have been utilized, including the China Seismo-Electromagnetic Satellite (CSES), Swarm A and B, as well as the earlier Challenging Minisatellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite. To make a fair comparison, only simultaneous observations between CSES and Swarm A/B have been considered; while for CHAMP, as it doesn’t have overlaps with CSES period, the observations during similar low solar activity years are considered. Our study has been confined to the dayside around 14:00 local time (LT), due to the fixed LT coverage of CSES. Observations from the four satellites show generally consistent relationship between the Ne and Te at the topside ionosphere. When Ne is low, the Te is negative correlated with Ne, while the slop of negative relation becomes shallower or even reverses to a positive relation after Ne exceeds a certain threshold. The slope of Ne/Te relation shows also dependence on season and magnetic latitude (MLat), as the ionospheric Ne and Te themselves are seasonal and MLat dependent. Interestingly, we find two abnormal features of the Swarm Te measurements: 1) when Ne is lower than 1×1011 m−3, Te sometimes becomes very scatter at low and middle latitudes; 2) when Ne is larger than 1×1011 m−3, Te is grouped into two branches at the equatorial and low latitudes. Further analysis reveals that the flags used in the Swarm Level-1 B plasma density product cannot well distinguish the two abnormal features of Te, implying further efforts are needed for the Swarm Te data calibration.
Single-Cell RNA-Seq and Bulk RNA-Seq Reveal Intratumoral Heterogeneity and Tumor Microenvironment Characteristics in Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Zhao Yang , Xu Hui , Zhang Mingzhi , Li Ling 
Published: May 2022

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) with highly heterogeneous genetic and phenotypic features. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of cellular diversity and intratumoral heterogeneity is essential to elucidate the mechanisms driving DLBCL progression and to develop new therapeutic approaches.Methods: We analyzed single-cell transcriptomic data from 2 reactive lymph node tissue samples and 2 DLBCL lymph node biopsy tissue samples to explore the transcriptomic landscape of DLBCL. In addition, we constructed a prognostic model based on the genes obtained from differential analysis.Results: Based on gene expression profiles at the single cell level, we identified and characterized different subpopulations of malignant and immune cells. Malignant cells exhibited a high degree of inter-tumor heterogeneity. Tumor-infiltrating regulatory CD4+ T cells showed highly immunosuppressive properties and exhausted cytotoxic CD8+ T cells were highly expressed with markers of exhaustion. Cell communication analysis identified complex interactions between malignant cells and other cell subpopulations. In addition, the prognostic model we constructed allows for monitoring the prognosis of DLBCL patients.Conclusion: This study provides an in-depth dissection of the transcriptional features of malignant B cells and tumor microenvironment (TME) in DLBCL and provides new insights into the tumor heterogeneity of DLBCL.
Characterization of Interface and Bulk Traps in Ultrathin Atomic Layer-Deposited Oxide Semiconductor MOS Capacitors With HfO2/In2O3 Gate Stack by C-V and Conductance Method
Authors: Wang Ziheng , Lin Zehao , Si Mengwei , Ye Peide D. 
Published: May 2022

Oxide semiconductors have attracted revived interest for complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) back-end-of-line (BEOL) compatible devices for monolithic 3-dimensional (3D) integration. To obtain a high-quality oxide/semiconductor interface and bulk semiconductor, it is critical to enhance the performance of oxide semiconductor transistors. Atomic layer-deposited (ALD) indium oxide (In2O3) has been reported with superior performance such as high drive current, high mobility, steep subthreshold slope, and ultrathin channel. In this work, the interface and bulk traps in the MOS gate stack of ALD In2O3 transistors are systematically studied by using the C–V and conductance method. A low EOT of 0.93 nm is achieved directly from the accumulation capacitance in C–V measurement, indicating a high-quality gate oxide and oxide/semiconductor interface. Defects in bulk In2O3 with energy levels in the subgap are confirmed to be responsible for the conductance peak in GP/ω versus ω curves by TCAD simulation of C–V and G–V characteristics. A high n-type doping of 1×1020/cm3 is extracted from C–V measurement. A high subgap density of states (DOS) of 3.3×1020 cm−3 eV−1 is achieved using the conductance method, which contributes to the high n-type doping and high electron density. The high n-type doping further confirms the capability of channel thickness scaling because the charge neutrality level aligns deeply inside the conduction band.
A Qualitative Study of the Disorder Effect on the Phonon Transport in a Two-Dimensional Graphene/h-BN Heterostructure
Authors: Liu Yinong , Ren Weina , An Meng , Dong Lan , Gao Lei , Shai Xuxia , Wei Tingting , Nie Linru , Hu Shiqian , Zeng Chunhua 
Published: May 2022

Recently, massive efforts have been made to control phonon transport via introducing disorder. Meanwhile, materials informatics, an advanced material-discovery technology that combines data-driven search algorithms and material property simulations, has made significant progress and shown accurate prediction ability in studying the target properties of new materials. However, with the introduction of disorder, the design space of random structures is greatly expanded. Global optimization for the entire domain is nearly impossible with the current computer resource even when materials informatics reduces the design space to a few percent. Toward the goal of reducing design space, we investigate the effect of different types of disorders on phonon transport in two-dimensional graphene/hexagonal boron nitride heterostructure using non-equilibrium molecular dynamics simulation. The simulation results show that when the hexagonal boron nitride is distributed disorderly in the coherent phonon-dominated structure, that is, the structure with a period length of 1.23 nm, the thermal conductivity is significantly reduced due to the appearance of coherent phonon localization. By qualitatively analyzing different types of disorder, we found that the introduction of disordered structure in the cross direction with a larger shift distance can further reduce the thermal conductivity. Further physical mechanism analysis revealed that the structures with lower thermal conductivity were caused by weak propagation and strong localization of phonon. Our findings have implications for accelerating machine learning in the search for structures with the lowest thermal conductivity, and provide some guidance for the future synthesis of 2D heterostructures with unique thermal properties.
Evaluation of the Presence of Bacterial and Viral Agents in the Semen of Infertile Men: A Systematic and Meta-Analysis Review Study
Authors: Gholami Mehrdad , Moosazadeh Mahmood , Haghshenash Mohammad Reza , Jafarpour Hamed , Mousavi Tahoora 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesInfections in the male genitourinary system with bacterial and viral agents may play a significant role in male infertility. These agents usually infect the urethra, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis, vas deferens, and testes retrograde through the reproductive system. A meta-analysis review study was performed to evaluate the presence of bacterial and viral agents in the semen of infertile men and its correlation with infertility.MethodsRelevant cross-sectional and/or case-control studies were found by an online review of national and international databases (Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, Science Direct, and Google scholar), and suitable studies were selected. A checklist determined the qualities of all studies. Heterogeneity assay among the primary studies was evaluated by Cochran’s Q test and I2 index (significance level 50%). A statistical analysis was conducted using the Comprehensive Stata ver. 14 package (StataCorp, College Station, TX, United States).ResultsSeventy-two studies were included in this meta-analysis. Publication bias was compared with Egger’s test, and the impact of each research on overall estimate was evaluated by sensitivity analysis. In 56 studies, the rate of bacterial infections in the semen of infertile men was 12% [95% confidence interval (CI): 10–13]. Also, in 26 case-control studies, the association of infertility in men with bacterial infections was evaluated. The results show that the odds ratio of infertility in men exposed to bacterial infections is 3.31 times higher than that in non-infected men (95% CI: 2.60–4.23). Besides, in 9 studies that examined the prevalence of human papillomavirus (HPV), herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1), herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV2), and herpes simplex virus 1-2 (HSV1-2) in infertile men, the frequency of these viruses was 15% (95% CI: 9–21). In 6 case-control studies, the association between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV), and HPV and male infertility was evaluated. The chance of male infertility due to exposure to these viruses was 2.24 times higher than those without exposure to these viruses (CI 95%: 1.9–4.52). The results show that the chance of infertility in men exposed to bacteria was significantly higher than that in the uninfected population.ConclusionThis meta-analysis showed that viral and bacterial infections are a risk factor and could impair male fertility potential. Moreover, our study supports the hypothesis that bacterial and viral infections of the genital tract correlate positively with impairment of sperm quality in the male population.
Ursolic Acid Ameliorates Spinal Cord Injury in Mice by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolic Changes
Authors: Rong Zi-Jie , Cai Hong-Hua , Wang Hao , Liu Gui-Hua , Zhang Zhi-Wen , Chen Min , Huang Yu-Liang 
Published: May 2022

Background: Spinal cord injury (SCI) damages the autonomic nervous system and affects the homeostasis of gut microbiota. Ursolic acid (UA) is a candidate drug for treating nervous system injury due to its neuroprotective and antioxidant functions. The purpose of our study was to investigate the role of UA on SCI and its mechanism.Methods: UA was administered to SCI mice and the solvent corn oil was used as control. The weight of the mice was recorded daily. Mice feces were collected 21 days after surgery for 16S rRNA-amplicon sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis. The expressions of NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α in the spinal cord and colon tissues of mice were detected by Western blot and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, respectively. Immunohistochemistry was used to analyze the expression of NeuN, NF-200, and synapsin in the spinal cord tissues.Results: UA treatment increased body weight and soleus muscle weight of SCI mice. UA treatment inhibited inflammatory response and protected neuronal activity in SCI mice. UA improved the relative abundance of Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, and Alloprevotell genus in the gut tract of SCI mice. SCI destroyed the Glutamine_and_D-glutamate_metabolism, Nitrogen_metabolism, Aminoacyl-tRNA_biosynthesis, and Taurine_and_hypotaurine_metabolism in the gut of mice, which might be alleviated by UA.Conclusions: UA treatment could inhibit SCI progression by improving the gut environment and metabolic changes, promoting synaptic regeneration and anti-inflammatory effects.
Rhino-Orbital Cerebral Mucormycosis in a Patient With Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Dong Nan , Jordan Ashly E. , Shen Xiaozhu , Wu Xuan , Guo Xianghong , Zhao Hongru , Wang Yajuan , Wang Dapeng , Fang Qi 
Published: May 2022

BackgroundRhino-orbital cerebral mucormycosis (ROCM) is a rare, invasive, and fatal fungal disease. Due to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and adequate auxiliary examinations, patients are easily misdiagnosed in the early stage. Early diagnosis and timely therapy are essential for successful treatment.Case ReportWe report a 68-year-old man with diabetic ketoacidosis, presented with orbital apex syndrome (OAS), fever, and pansinusitis, which progressively worsened to death only 4 days after admission. It was finally confirmed as a fungal Rhizopus arrhizus infection by metagenomics cell-free DNA next-generation sequencing (mNGS) testing.ConclusionOrbital apex syndrome could be the initial presentation for mucormycosis. Thus, it is necessary to evaluate the presence of mucormycosis in patients with OAS, especially in diabetic or immunosuppressed hosts, and mNGS testing and timely antifungal therapy should be strongly recommended in highly suspected cases.