bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Farnesoid X receptor contributes to oleanolic acid‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice
Authors: Feng Hong , Hu Yan , Zhou Shaoyu , Lu Yuanfu 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFarnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a nuclear receptor involved in the metabolism of bile acid. However, the molecular signaling of FXR in bile acid homeostasis in cholestatic drug‐induced liver injury remains unclear. Oleanolic acid (OA), a natural triterpenoid, has been reported to produce evident cholestatic liver injury in mice after a long‐term use. The present study aimed to investigate the role of FXR in OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice using C57BL/6J (WT) mice and FXR knockout (FXR−/−) mice. The results showed that a significant alleviation in OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury was observed in FXR−/− mice as evidenced by decreases in serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as reduced hepatocyte necrosis. UPLC‐MS analysis of bile acids revealed that the contents of bile acids decreased significantly in liver and serum, while increased in the bile in FXR−/− mice compared with in WT mice. In addition, the mRNA expressions of hepatic transporter Bsep, bile acid synthesis enzymes Bacs and Baat, and bile acids detoxifying enzymes Cyp3a11, Cyp2b10, Ephx1, Ugt1a1, and Ugt2b5 were increased in liver tissues of FXR−/− mice treated with OA. Furthermore, the expression of membrane protein BSEP was significantly higher in livers of FXR−/− mice compared with WT mice treated with OA. These results demonstrate that knockout of FXR may alleviate OA‐induced cholestatic liver injury in mice by decreasing accumulation of bile acids both in the liver and serum, increasing the export of bile acids via the bile, and by upregulation of bile acids detoxification enzymes.
Signed (0,2)‐graphs with few eigenvalues and a symmetric spectrum
Authors: Greaves Gary R. W. , Stanić Zoran 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe investigate properties of signed graphs that have few distinct eigenvalues together with a symmetric spectrum. Our main contribution is to determine all signed rectagraphs (triangle‐free signed ‐graphs) with vertex degree at most 6 that have precisely two distinct eigenvalues . Next, we consider to what extent induced subgraphs of signed graph with two distinct eigenvalues are determined by their spectra. Lastly, we classify signed rectagraphs that have a symmetric spectrum with three distinct eigenvalues and give a partial classification for signed ‐graphs with four distinct eigenvalues.
Incremental costs of integrated PrEP provision and effective use counselling in community‐based platforms for adolescent girls and young women in South Africa: an observational study
Authors: Mudimu Edinah , Sardinia Jack , Momin Sahar , Medina‐Marino Andrew , Bezuidenhout Charl , Bekker Linda‐Gail , Barnabas Ruanne V. , Peebles Kathryn 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIntroductionAdolescent girls and young women (AGYW) are a priority population for pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), a highly effective HIV prevention method. However, effective PrEP use among AGYW has been low. Interventions to support PrEP effective use may improve pill‐taking. Affordability of PrEP programs depends on their cost. We, therefore, evaluated the cost of community‐based PrEP with effective use counselling.MethodsCost data from a randomized controlled trial were used to evaluate the cost of PrEP provision with effective use counselling offered to AGYW through community‐based HIV testing platforms between November 2018 and November 2019. AGYW were randomized to receive (1) group‐based community health club effective use counselling, (2) individualized effective use counselling or (3) community‐based PrEP dispensary. Task shifting of effective use counselling from nurses to trained lay counsellors was implemented in groups 1 and 2. Personnel costs were estimated from time‐and‐motion observations and staff interviews. Expenditure and ingredients‐based approaches were used to estimate costs for medical and non‐medical supplies.ResultsIn total, 603 AGYW initiated PrEP and accrued a total of 1280 months on PrEP. Average cost per person‐month on PrEP with group‐based community health club, individualized effective use counselling and community‐based PrEP dispensary under the Department of Health scenario were similar and high (USD $55.32, $55.65 and $55.46, respectively) due to low PrEP client volume observed in the clinical trial. Increasing client volume (scaled Department of Health scenario) reduced cost per‐person month estimates to USD $15.48, $26.40 and $13.99, respectively.ConclusionsAs designed, individualized effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 89%, group‐based community health effective use counselling increased the cost of standard‐of‐care PrEP delivery by 11%. These estimates can inform cost‐effectiveness and budget impact analysis for PrEP provision with effective use counselling services.
Socio‐economic determinants of financial inclusion: An evaluation with a microdata multidimensional index
Authors: Balliester Reis Thereza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractFinancial inclusion is a central theme in development policy. While it involves changes at the individual level and comprises several interrelated financial activities, most existing measures rely on macroeconomic variables. We construct an alternative index of financial inclusion using the World Bank Findex—a microdata dataset with 451,372 observations. Applying it, we first analyse the socio‐economic determinants of financial inclusion. Second, we propose a new country ranking of financial inclusion. Our findings comprise three features. First, we do not find evidence of a gender gap in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Second, richer individuals display higher levels of financial inclusion. Third, countries with high self‐employment rates exhibit lower levels of financial inclusion. Our results suggest that financial inclusion is more related to income and employment status than gender disparities, which could lead to a different approach from policymakers on promoting the inclusion of the poor into the formal financial system.
Pancreas MRI Segmentation Into Head, Body, and Tail Enables Regional Quantitative Analysis of Heterogeneous Disease
Authors: Triay Bagur Alexandre , Aljabar Paul , Ridgway Gerard R. , Brady Michael , Bulte Daniel P. 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundQuantitative imaging studies of the pancreas have often targeted the three main anatomical segments, head, body, and tail, using manual region of interest strategies to assess geographic heterogeneity. Existing automated analyses have implemented whole‐organ segmentation, providing overall quantification but failing to address spatial heterogeneity.PurposeTo develop and validate an automated method for pancreas segmentation into head, body, and tail subregions in abdominal MRI.Study TypeRetrospective.SubjectsOne hundred and fifty nominally healthy subjects from UK Biobank (100 subjects for method development and 50 subjects for validation). A separate 390 UK Biobank triples of subjects including type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) subjects and matched nondiabetics.Field strength/SequenceA 1.5 T, three‐dimensional two‐point Dixon sequence (for segmentation and volume assessment) and a two‐dimensional axial multiecho gradient‐recalled echo sequence.AssessmentPancreas segments were annotated by four raters on the validation cohort. Intrarater agreement and interrater agreement were reported using Dice overlap (Dice similarity coefficient [DSC]). A segmentation method based on template registration was developed and evaluated against annotations. Results on regional pancreatic fat assessment are also presented, by intersecting the three‐dimensional parts segmentation with one available proton density fat fraction (PDFF) image.Statistical TestWilcoxon signed rank test and Mann–Whitney U‐test for comparisons. DSC and volume differences for evaluation. A P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.ResultsGood intrarater (DSC mean, head: 0.982, body: 0.940, tail: 0.961) agreement and interrater (DSC mean, head: 0.968, body: 0.905, tail: 0.943) agreement were observed. No differences (DSC, head: P = 0.4358, body: P = 0.0992, tail: P = 0.1080) were observed between the manual annotations and our method's segmentations (DSC mean, head: 0.965, body: 0.893, tail: 0.934). Pancreatic body PDFF was different between T2DM and nondiabetics matched by body mass index.Data ConclusionThe developed segmentation's performance was no different from manual annotations. Application on type 2 diabetes subjects showed potential for assessing pancreatic disease heterogeneity.Level of Evidence4Technical Efficacy Stage3
Effect of Mitral Regurgitation on Left Ventricular Deformation in Myocardial Infarction Patients: Evaluation by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Wen Xiao‐Ling , Gao Yue , Guo Ying‐Kun , Zhang Yi , Yang Meng‐Xi , Li Yuan , Yang Zhi‐Gang 
Published: February 2022

BackgroundMitral regurgitation (MR) is a comorbidity of myocardial infarction (MI), which may promote the incidence of adverse cardiovascular clinical events. However, it is not yet completely understood how MR in MI patients is associated with impaired myocardial deformation.PurposeTo determine the damaging myocardium effects of MR in MI patients in terms of the global peak strain (PS) and left ventricular (LV) function, and evaluate the independent risk factors impacting LV deformation after MI.Study typeRetrospective.PopulationOne hundred eighty‐six MI patients (17.7% female) and 84 normal control subjects (27.4% female).Field strength/sequence3.0T; late gadolinium enhancement sequence, balanced steady‐state free precession.AssessmentLV function and LV global PS (global radial peak strain [GRPS]; global circumferential peak strain [GCPS]; and global longitudinal peak strain [GLPS]) were compared among normal controls, MI without MR (MR−) and MI with MR (MR+, mild, moderate, severe) patients.Statistical TestsOne‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test, Mann–Whitney U test, Kruskal–Wallis test, and multiple linear regressions were used. A P value <0.05 indicated statistically significant difference (two‐tailed).ResultsThe MI (MR+) patients showed significantly lower LV global PS than both MI (MR−) and control groups in three directions (GRPS 16.66 ± 7.43%; GCPS −11.27 ± 4.27%; GLPS −7.75 ± 3.44%), and significantly higher LV end‐systolic (128.85 [87.91, 188.01] mL) and end‐diastolic volumes (210.29 [164.07, 264.00] mL) and significantly lower LV ejection fraction (38.23 ± 13.02%). Multiple regression analysis demonstrated that MR was independently associated with LV GCPS (β = −0.268) and GLPS (β = −0.320). LV infarct size was an independent indicator of LV GRPS (β = −0.215) and GCPS (β = −0.222). LV end‐diastolic volume was an independent indicator of LV GRPS (β = −0.518), GCPS (β = −0.503), and GLPS (β = −0.331).Data ConclusionMR may further exacerbate the reduction of LV global peak strains and function. The MR, infarct size, and LV end‐diastolic volume can be used as independent association indicators for LV global PS in MI (MR+) patients.Level of Evidence: 4Technical Efficacy Stage: 2TOC Category: Chest.
Exploring and modeling the ion mobility spectrometry of perindopril: Example of protonation‐dissociation reactions in large molecules
Authors: Douroudgari Hamed , Bahrami Hamed , Valadi Farshad Mirzaee , Tozihi Manijeh , Najafloo Nasim , Vahedpour Morteza 
Published: February 2022

AbstractThe current research is constructed for considering the chemical ionization and dissociation of perindopril in the positive mode of corona discharge ion mobility spectrometry. Four product ion peaks are observed in the ion mobility spectrum of perindopril erbumine at the cell temperature of 473 K. These peaks are assigned through the obtained intensity variation analysis in the ion mobility spectra over the elapsed time accompanied by the calculations backed by the validated density functional theory (DFT). In this regard, the most stable ionic species associated with each peak and the corresponding reliable generation pathways are found by the well‐confirmed meta hybrid density functional method, M06‐2X. The peaks are assigned to the protonated perindopril and its dissociation products, including counter ion and the related fragment ions. However, the structures of the neutral perindopril in the gas phase are thoroughly assessed to find a more stable one. The predicted chemical ionization products by the theory are in excellent agreement with our presented experiment here. Theoretical evaluations demonstrated that the production of a fragment by dissociation process occurs when perindopril gets a proton from the ionization region. Also, without protons, there is no dissociation process. Therefore, our mechanism investigated here is the proton transfer one. All possible sites of perindopril are considered theoretically for protonation along with their possible reactions. In addition to the computed PES, the assigned ions for obtained spectra are confirmed by the computed equilibrium constants and rate constants. Our theoretical results show that the peak of the main fragment is for M‐CH3CH2OH produced by a reaction pathway involving no barrier. This study opens new perspectives in interpreting large molecules spectra for future studies.
Projected changes in Feddema climate characteristics in the Larger Carpathian Region by the end of the 21st century
Authors: Szabó Amanda Imola , Breuer Hajnalka , Ács Ferenc , Belda Michal , Feddema Johannes 
Published: February 2022

AbstractClimate change in the Larger Carpathian Region (LCR) by the end of the century has been analysed using the Feddema climate classification. Temperature (T) and precipitation (P) data for the reference period 1971–2000 were taken from the CarpatClim dataset and projected data for the period 2069–2098 were taken from the EURO‐CORDEX dataset. The delta‐corrected simulated data with EUR‐11 and EUR‐44 resolutions are based on the RCP4.5 and 8.5 scenarios. Results obtained with the RCA4‐EC‐EARTH model pair are presented. Climate indices calculated from T and P describe annual heat and water availability, define the magnitude of seasonal variation and attribute seasonality to the variation of T or P. Changes in spatial coverage of climate types and seasonality types, and spatial shifts in each of the variables are presented. The analysis is performed for the total area and separately for lowlands, hills, low‐, mid‐ and high‐altitude mountain regions. There is a shift indicating warming for every climate type and the climate types indicating water deficiency are to become dryer while climate types with water surplus are to become wetter by the end of the 21st century. In most cases seasonality attributed to T is becoming dominant together with increasing magnitude of seasonality. According to RCP4.5, climate type change will affect 26.2% and seasonality type change will affect 23.2% of the study area. In case of RCP8.5 climate type change is projected on 64.4% and seasonality type change is projected on 48.5% of the study area, respectively. Changes in climate types and seasonality types are more significant in every subregion and altitudinal region of the LCR for RCP8.5 compared to RCP4.5. Climate change projections suggest not only warming but significant changes in moisture availability and seasonality, especially the magnitude of seasonality in mountainous areas.
Theoretical derivation of Darcy's law for fluid flow in thin porous media
Authors: Suárez‐Grau Francisco J. 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this paper we study stationary incompressible Newtonian fluid flow in a thin porous media. The media under consideration is a bounded perforated 3D domain confined between two parallel plates. The description of the domain includes two small parameters: ε representing the distance between plates and connected to the microstructure of the domain such that . We consider the classical setting of perforated media, i.e. ‐periodically distributed solid (not connected) obstacles of size . The goal of this paper is to introduce a version of the unfolding method, depending on both parameters ε and , and then to derive the corresponding 2D Darcy law.
Protein with negative surface charge distribution, Bnr1, shows characteristics of a DNA‐mimic protein and may be involved in the adaptation of Burkholderia cenocepacia
Authors: Dennehy Ruth , Duggan Niamh , Dignam Simon , McCormack Sarah , Dillon Eugene , Molony Jessica , Romano Maria , Hou Yueran , Ardill Laura , Whelan Matthew V. X. , Drulis‐Kawa Zuzanna , Ó'Cróinín Tadhg , Valvano Miguel A. , Berisio Rita , McClean Siobhán 
Published: February 2022

AbstractAdaptation of opportunistic pathogens to their host environment requires reprogramming of a vast array of genes to facilitate survival in the host. Burkholderia cenocepacia, a Gram‐negative bacterium with a large genome of ∼8 Mb that colonizes environmental niches, is exquisitely adaptable to the hypoxic environment of the cystic fibrosis lung and survives in macrophages. We previously identified an immunoreactive acidic protein encoded on replicon 3, BCAS0292. Deletion of the BCAS0292 gene significantly altered the abundance of 979 proteins by 1.5‐fold or more; 19 proteins became undetectable while 545 proteins showed ≥1.5‐fold reduced abundance, suggesting the BCAS0292 protein is a global regulator. Moreover, the ∆BCAS0292 mutant showed a range of pleiotropic effects: virulence and host‐cell attachment were reduced, antibiotic susceptibility was altered, and biofilm formation enhanced. Its growth and survival were impaired in 6% oxygen. In silico prediction of its three‐dimensional structure revealed BCAS0292 presents a dimeric β‐structure with a negative surface charge. The ΔBCAS0292 mutant displayed altered DNA supercoiling, implicated in global regulation of gene expression. Three proteins were identified in pull‐downs with FLAG‐tagged BCAS0292, including the Histone H1‐like protein, HctB, which is recognized as a global transcriptional regulator. We propose that BCAS0292 protein, which we have named Burkholderia negatively surface‐charged regulatory protein 1 (Bnr1), acts as a DNA‐mimic and binds to DNA‐binding proteins, altering DNA topology and regulating the expression of multiple genes, thereby enabling the adaptation of B. cenocepacia to highly diverse environments.
Increased Transferrin Sialylation Predicts Phenoconversion in IsolatedREMSleep Behavior Disorder
Authors: Ganapathy S. Ranjani , Levová Kateřina , Kotačková Lenka , Trnka Jiří , Zogala David , Rusz Jan , Zima Tomáš , Devos David , Šonka Karel , Růžička Evžen , Kalousová Marta , Dušek Petr 
Published: February 2022

AbstractBackgroundSialic acid–protein interactions are involved in regulating central nervous system immunity; therefore, derangements in sialylation could be involved in neurodegeneration.ObjectivesWe evaluate the differences in serum transferrin sialylation in prodromal and early‐stage Parkinson's disease (PD), its relation to substantia nigra degeneration, and the risk of phenoconversion to manifest disease.MethodsSixty treatment‐naive PD patients; 72 polysomnography‐confirmed isolated rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) patients, that is, patients with prodromal synucleinopathy; and 46 healthy volunteers aged ≥45 years and drinking ≤60 standard drinks per month were included. The proportion of serum low‐sialylated, carbohydrate‐deficient transferrin (CDT) isoforms was assessed using high‐performance liquid chromatography, and the values were adjusted for alcohol intake (CDTadj). Dopamine transporter single‐photon emission computed tomography (DaT‐SPECT) imaging was performed. In iRBD, phenoconversion risk of DaT‐SPECT and CDTadjwas evaluated using Cox regression adjusted for age and sex.ResultsMedian CDTadjwas lower in PD (1.1 [interquartile range: 1.0–1.3]%) compared to controls (1.2 [1.1–1.6]%) (P = 0.001). In iRBD, median CDTadjwas lower in subjects with abnormal (1.1 [0.9–1.3]%) than normal (1.3 [1.2–1.6]%) DaT‐SPECT (P = 0.005). After a median 44‐month follow‐up, 20% of iRBD patients progressed to a manifest disease. Although iRBD converters and nonconverters did not significantly differ in CDTadjlevels (P = 0.189), low CDTadjincreased the risk of phenoconversion with hazard ratio 3.2 (P = 0.045) but did not refine the phenoconversion risk associated with abnormal DaT‐SPECT yielding hazard ratio 15.8 (P < 0.001).ConclusionsDecreased serum CDTadjis associated with substantia nigra degeneration in synucleinopathies. iRBD patients with low CDTadjare more likely to phenoconvert to manifest disease. © 2022 The Authors.Movement Disorderspublished by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson Movement Disorder Society.
A 65‐nm 28‐GHz CMOS Wilkinson power divider with improved isolation
Authors: Song Jae‐Hyeok , Oh Hyun‐Myung , Kim Choul‐Young 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn this study, we implemented a Wilkinson power divider/combiner composed of lumped elements suitable for 28‐GHz of fifth‐generation mobile communication technology. To improve the isolation of the system, signal perfect cancellation analysis is used with optimized values of the lumped elements of the Wilkinson power divider, which is fabricated using bulk complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) 1P9M 65‐nm process and the fabricated circuit area was 0.046 mm2. The measured insertion loss of this system is less than 0.62 dB, input/output matching exceeds 16.9 dB, and isolation between the output ports exceeds 19.6 dB in the operating frequency range of 25.5–29.5 GHz. The circuit thus has low insertion loss and good isolation compared to conventional Wilkinson power dividers manufactured for use in the similar frequency bands.
Carboplatin‐induced renal salt‐wasting syndrome in pediatric patients with intracranial germ cell tumors and concomitant diabetes insipidus
Authors: Wan Tania , Yuet‐Ling Tung Joanna , Ma Alison , Lai‐Ka Lee Samantha , Pak‐Yin Liu Anthony , Tak‐Loi Ku Dennis , Yau Ping‐Wa , Ming‐Kong Shing Matthew 
Published: February 2022

AbstractWe report a case series of 14 children with intracranial germ cell tumor and concomitant central diabetes insipidus, who developed hyponatremia secondary to renal salt‐wasting syndrome (RSWS) following the administration of carboplatin. Clinicians prescribing platinum‐based chemotherapy for this group of patients should be alert to the risk of RSWS. Regular monitoring should be performed as hyponatremia can be asymptomatic until it is severe.
Optimization of high‐quality carbon fiber production from electrospun aligned lignin fibers
Authors: Chen Jiawei , Ghosh Tanushree , Tang Tian , Ayranci Cagri 
Published: February 2022

AbstractIn recent years, investigating lignin as an alternative carbon fiber precursor has received immense research attention as a way to reduce the cost and replace the unsustainable conventional petroleum‐based precursors for carbon fiber production. The predominant challenge for lignin‐based carbon fibers is its low mechanical performance compared to conventional ones. In this work, mechanical properties of electrospun lignin carbon fiber mats were shown to be considerably enhanced via alignment of the submicron fibers. Over 60% of the fibers were aligned via a rotating drum collector utilized during fiber production. The main electrospinning parameters, namely electric field, rotating speed, and flow rate were optimized with the Box–Behnken method to enhance mechanical properties with reduced fiber diameter and improved fiber alignment. The optimal electrospinning process parameter was achieved at 2000 rpm collection speed, 80 kV/m electric field, and 440 nl/s flow rate. The lignin carbon fibers produced under the optimized condition exhibited elastic modulus of 3145.47 ± 917.75 MPa, tensile strength of 18.78 ± 6.11 MPa, and average fiber diameter of 697.07 ± 96.41 nm. The analysis on the interactions between electrospinning parameters has laid a solid foundation for the production of high‐quality carbon fibers from lignin precursor.