bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lessons from single-cell RNA sequencing of human islets
Authors: Ngara Mtakai , Wierup Nils 
Published: April 2022

AbstractIslet dysfunction is central in type 2 diabetes and full-blown type 2 diabetes develops first when the beta cells lose their ability to secrete adequate amounts of insulin in response to raised plasma glucose. Several mechanisms behind beta cell dysfunction have been put forward but many important questions still remain. Furthermore, our understanding of the contribution of each islet cell type in type 2 diabetes pathophysiology has been limited by technical boundaries. Closing this knowledge gap will lead to a leap forward in our understanding of the islet as an organ and potentially lead to improved treatments. The development of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) has led to a breakthrough for characterising the transcriptome of each islet cell type and several important observations on the regulation of cell-type-specific gene expression have been made. When it comes to identifying type 2 diabetes disease mechanisms, the outcome is still limited. Several studies have identified differentially expressed genes, although there is very limited consensus between the studies. As with all new techniques, scRNAseq has limitations; in addition to being extremely expensive, genes expressed at low levels may not be detected, noise may not be appropriately filtered and selection biases for certain cell types are at hand. Furthermore, recent advances suggest that commonly used computational tools may be suboptimal for analysis of scRNAseq data in small-scale studies. Fortunately, development of new computational tools holds promise for harnessing the full potential of scRNAseq data. Here we summarise how scRNAseq has contributed to increasing the understanding of various aspects of islet biology as well as type 2 diabetes disease mechanisms. We also focus on challenges that remain and propose steps to promote the utilisation of the full potential of scRNAseq in this area.
Graphical abstract
Mediators of the association between educational attainment and type 2 diabetes mellitus: a two-step multivariable Mendelian randomisation study
Authors: Zhang Jia , Chen Zekai , Pärna Katri , van Zon Sander K. R. , Snieder Harold , Thio Chris H. L. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Aims/hypothesis
Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a major health burden disproportionately affecting those with lower educational attainment (EA). We aimed to obtain causal estimates of the association between EA and type 2 diabetes and to quantify mediating effects of known modifiable risk factors.

Methods
We applied two-step, two-sample multivariable Mendelian randomisation (MR) techniques using SNPs as genetic instruments for exposure and mediators, thereby minimising bias due to confounding and reverse causation. We leveraged summary data on genome-wide association studies for EA, proposed mediators (i.e. BMI, blood pressure, smoking, television watching) and type 2 diabetes. The total effect of EA on type 2 diabetes was decomposed into a direct effect and indirect effects through multiple mediators. Additionally, traditional mediation analysis was performed in a subset of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013–2014.

Results
EA was inversely associated with type 2 diabetes (OR 0.53 for each 4.2 years of schooling; 95% CI 0.49, 0.56). Individually, the largest contributors were BMI (51.18% mediation; 95% CI 46.39%, 55.98%) and television watching (50.79% mediation; 95% CI 19.42%, 82.15%). Combined, the mediators explained 83.93% (95% CI 70.51%, 96.78%) of the EA–type 2 diabetes association. Traditional analysis yielded smaller effects but showed consistent direction and priority ranking of mediators.

Conclusions/interpretation
These results support a potentially causal protective effect of EA against type 2 diabetes, with considerable mediation by a number of modifiable risk factors. Interventions on these factors thus have the potential of substantially reducing the burden of type 2 diabetes attributable to low EA.

Graphical abstract
Integral points on curves $$\frac{f(X)-f(Y)}{X-Y}$$
Authors: Zannier Umberto 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThe following short article first arose as an Appendix to the paper Counting points of bounded height in monoid orbits, by Wade Hindes, which appears just above in this journal. Subsequently, due to the general nature of the underlying problem, we thought that the result could have further applications, and could be easily overlooked if it appeared as an appendix. So, with the welcome kind help of the Editors, we decided to publish the result separately.
GeoChemFoam: Direct modelling of flow and heat transfer in micro-CT images of porous media
Authors: Maes Julien , Menke Hannah P. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractGeoChemFoam is an open-source OpenFOAM-based numerical modelling toolbox that includes a range of custom packages to solve complex flow processes including multiphase transport with interface transfer, single-phase flow in multiscale porous media, and reactive transport with mineral dissolution. In this paper, we present GeoChemFoam’s novel numerical model for simulation of conjugate heat transfer in micro-CT images of porous media. GeoChemFoam uses the micro-continuum approach to describe the fluid-solid interface using the volume fraction of fluid and solid in each computational cell. The velocity field is solved using Brinkman’s equation with permeability calculated using the Kozeny-Carman equation which results in a near-zero permeability in the solid phase. Conjugate heat transfer is then solved with heat convection where the velocity is non-zero, and the thermal conductivity is calculated as the harmonic average of phase conductivity weighted by the phase volume fraction. Our model is validated by comparison with the standard two-medium approach for a simple 2D geometry. We then simulate conjugate heat transfer and calculate heat transfer coefficients for different flow regimes and injected fluid analogous to injection into a geothermal reservoir in a micro-CT image of Bentheimer sandstone and perform a sensitivity analysis in a porous heat exchanger with a random sphere packing.
Rotational atherectomy of calcified coronary lesions: current practice and insights from two randomized trials
Authors: Allali Abdelhakim , Abdel-Wahab Mohamed , Elbasha Karim , Mankerious Nader , Traboulsi Hussein , Kastrati Adnan , El-Mawardy Mohamed , Hemetsberger Rayyan , Sulimov Dmitriy S. , Neumann Franz-Josef , Toelg Ralph , Richardt Gert 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWith growing experience, technical improvements and use of newer generation drug-eluting stents (DES), recent data showed satisfactory acute and long-term results after rotational atherectomy (RA) in calcified coronary lesions. The randomized ROTAXUS and PREPARE–CALC trials compared RA to balloon-based strategies in two different time periods in the DES era. In this manuscript, we assessed the technical evolution in RA practice from a pooled analysis of the RA groups of both trials and established a link to further recent literature. Furthermore, we sought to summarize and analyze the available experience with RA in different patient and lesion subsets, and propose recommendations to improve RA practice. We also illustrated the combination of RA with other methods of lesion preparation. Finally, based on the available evidence, we propose a simple and practical approach to treat severely calcified lesions.
Graphical abstract
Exosomal LncRNA RP5-977B1 as a novel minimally invasive biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Min Ling , Zhu Ting , Lv Bo , An Taixue , Zhang Qichao , Shang Yanyan , Yu Zhiwu , Zheng Lei , Wang Qian 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Background
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the world. Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) accounts for 85% of all lung cancer cases. For lack of conveniently sensitive and specific biomarkers, the majority of patients are in the late stage at initial diagnosis. Long non-coding RNAs (LncRNAs), a novel type of non-coding RNA, have recently been recognized as critical factors in tumor initiation and progression, but the role of exosomal LncRNAs has not been thoroughly excavated in NSCLC yet.

Methods
We isolated exosomes from the serum of patients with NSCLC and healthy controls. Exosome RNA deep sequencing was subsequently performed to detect differentially expressed exosomal LncRNAs. qRT-PCR assay was then utilized to validate dysregulated LncRNAs in both testing and multicentric validation cohort. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the diagnostic capability of exosomal biomarkers. Furthermore, Kaplan–Meier analysis was applied to evaluate the prognostic values of these molecules.

Results
On the basis of analysis, we found that novel exosomal LncRNA RP5-977B1 exhibited higher levels in NSCLC than that in the healthy controls. The area under the curve (AUC) value of exosomal RP5-977B1 was 0.8899 and superior to conventional biomarkers CEA and CYFRA21-1 both in testing and multicentric validation cohort. Interestingly, the diagnostic capability of exosomal RP5-977B1 was also validated in early-stage patients with NSCLC. Furthermore, high expression of exosomal RP5-977B1was closely related with worse prognosis in NSCLC (P = 0.036).

Conclusions
Our results suggested that exosomal RP5-977B1 might serve as a novel “liquid biopsy” diagnostic and prognostic biomarker to monitor NSCLC and improve possible therapy.
Teaching Experiences of Inclusive Spanish STEM Faculty with Students with Disabilities
Authors: Moriña Anabel , Orozco Inmaculada 
Published: April 2022

AbstractThis paper explores the experiences of 14 inclusive STEM faculty members from five Spanish universities who taught students with disabilities. Their students with disabilities nominated them for having contributed to their success in their degrees. The article presents part of a larger qualitative study comprising individual interviews with faculty members. Data were analysed through an inductive system of categories and codes. The results show what the faculty did when they knew they had students with disabilities studying their subjects, how they valued their experiences with disability and what recommendations they would make to other colleagues regarding how to be more inclusive. The conclusions suggest that, in order to respond to diversity, faculty must be well-informed and well-trained, contact the disability office and plan the lectures in a proactive and accessible way, making reasonable adjustments. The experiences of these inclusive professionals can help other members of the university community to perceive disability as an opportunity to improve teaching practices, learn how to help their students with disabilities and design educational practices for all.
Atypical Tactile Perception in Early Childhood Autism
Authors: Espenhahn Svenja , Godfrey Kate J. , Kaur Sakshi , McMorris Carly , Murias Kara , Tommerdahl Mark , Bray Signe , Harris Ashley D. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractWe assessed different aspects of tactile perception in young children (3–6 years) with autism. Autistic and neurotypical children completed vibrotactile tasks assessing reaction time, amplitude discrimination (sequential and simultaneous) and temporal discrimination (temporal order judgment and duration discrimination). Autistic children had elevated and more variable reaction times, suggesting slower perceptual-motor processing speed and/or greater distractibility. Children with autism also showed higher amplitude discrimination and temporal order judgement thresholds compared to neurotypical children. Tactile perceptual metrics did not associate with social or tactile sensitivities measured by parent-reports. Altered tactile behavioral responses appear in early childhood, can be quantified but appear dissociated from sensitivity. This implies these measures are complementary, but not necessarily related, phenomena of atypical tactile perception in autism.
High Photoluminescence Polyindole/CuInS Quantum Dots for Pb Ions Sensor
Authors: Elkony Yasmeen , Ali Mohamed , Ebrahim Shaker , Adel Rania 
Published: April 2022

AbstractPolyindole is considered an excellent conducting polymer with interested properties for different applications. A novel polyindole (PIn)/CuInS (CIS)/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) nanocomposite was synthesized via in situ polymerization of PIn in presence of CIS/ZnS QDs. By investigating the effect of CIS/ZnS QDs on optical properties of PIn, it was found that the optical band gaps of PIn, CIS/ZnS QDs, and PIn/CIS/ZnS QDs nanocomposite were 3.24 eV, 4.68 eV and 3.44 eV, respectively. From the luminance spectra, it was observed that emission peaks of PIn at 442 and 468 nm are independent of the excitation wavelength with the highest intensity at excitation wavelength of 380 nm. However, the luminance spectrum of PIn/CIS/ZnS QDs nanocomposite exhibited a quenching peak for CIS/ZnS QDs while the intensity of PIn peak was enhanced. High resolution of transmission electron microscope image of CIS/ZnS QDs revealed nanocrystals with a size of 3–4.5 nm and lattice space of 0.2 nm. PIn/CIS/ZnS QDs nanocomposite as the fluorescent probe was employed for sensing different concentrations of Pb2+from 5 to 50 ppb. The reaction between PIn/CIS/ZnS QDs and Pb2+was slightly quenched and fixed after 90 min. The emission peak was reduced gradually with increasing concentration of lead via photo-induced electron transfer or ion exchange mechanism. The value of correlation coefficient (R2) was 0.99, the sensitivity was 0.0041 ppb−1and limit of detection value was 4.48 ppb.
Optical Properties of Cellulose Nanofibre Films at High Temperatures
Authors: Niskanen Ilpo , Zhang Kaitao , Karzarjeddi Mohammad , Liimatainen Henrikki , Shibata Shuhei , Hagen Nathan , Heikkilä Rauno , Yoda Hidehiko , Otani Yukitoshi 
Published: April 2022

AbstractNanocelluloses and their different designs, such as films and nanopapers, have gained considerable interest in many application areas due to their unique properties. For many purposes, such as packaging and electronics, the thermal stability and optical properties of nanocellulose materials are crucial characteristics. In this study, the effects of heat treatment (100 ºC, 150 ºC and 200 ºC) on the optical and mechanical properties of 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl-1-oxy radical-oxidised cellulose nanofibre (TO-CNF) films were investigated, especially the alteration of the colour, complex refractive index and birefringence. Exposing TO-CNF films to high temperatures (> 150 ºC) induced permanent transformations in the CNF structure, leading to an increase in the refractive index, decreases in the birefringence and crystallinity index, colour darkening and significant deterioration of the mechanical properties.
Graphical abstract
Estimating heart mass from heart volume as measured from post-mortem computed tomography
Authors: Aitken-Buck Hamish M. , Moore Matthew , Whalley Gillian A. , Lohner Larissa , Ondruschka Benjamin , Coffey Sean , Tse Rexson D. , Lamberts Regis R. 
Published: April 2022

AbstractHeart mass can be predicted from heart volume as measured from post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT), but with limited accuracy. Although related to heart mass, age, sex, and body dimensions have not been included in previous studies using heart volume to estimate heart mass. This study aimed to determine whether heart mass estimation can be improved when age, sex, and body dimensions are used as well as heart volume. Eighty-seven (24 female) adult post-mortem cases were investigated. Univariable predictors of heart mass were determined by Spearman correlation and simple linear regression. Stepwise linear regression was used to generate heart mass prediction equations. Heart mass estimate performance was tested using median mass comparison, linear regression, and Bland–Altman plots. Median heart mass (P = 0.0008) and heart volume (P = 0.008) were significantly greater in male relative to female cases. Alongside female sex and body surface area (BSA), heart mass was univariably associated with heart volume in all cases (R2 = 0.72) and in male (R2 = 0.70) and female cases (R2 = 0.64) when segregated. In multivariable regression, heart mass was independently associated with age and BSA (R2 adjusted = 0.46–0.54). Addition of heart volume improved multivariable heart mass prediction in the total cohort (R2 adjusted = 0.78), and in male (R2 adjusted = 0.74) and female (R2 adjusted = 0.74) cases. Heart mass estimated from multivariable models incorporating heart volume, age, sex, and BSA was more predictive of actual heart mass (R2 = 0.75–0.79) than models incorporating either age, sex, and BSA only (R2 = 0.48–0.57) or heart volume only (R2 = 0.64–0.73). Heart mass can be more accurately predicted from heart volume measured from PMCT when combined with the classical predictors, age, sex, and BSA.
A small microring array that performs large complex-valued matrix-vector multiplication
Authors: Cheng Junwei , Zhao Yuhe , Zhang Wenkai , Zhou Hailong , Huang Dongmei , Zhu Qing , Guo Yuhao , Xu Bo , Dong Jianji , Zhang Xinliang 
Published: April 2022

AbstractAs an important computing operation, photonic matrix–vector multiplication is widely used in photonic neutral networks and signal processing. However, conventional incoherent matrix–vector multiplication focuses on real-valued operations, which cannot work well in complex-valued neural networks and discrete Fourier transform. In this paper, we propose a systematic solution to extend the matrix computation of microring arrays from the real-valued field to the complex-valued field, and from small-scale (i.e., 4 × 4) to large-scale matrix computation (i.e., 16 × 16). Combining matrix decomposition and matrix partition, our photonic complex matrix–vector multiplier chip can support arbitrary large-scale and complex-valued matrix computation. We further demonstrate Walsh-Hardmard transform, discrete cosine transform, discrete Fourier transform, and image convolutional processing. Our scheme provides a path towards breaking the limits of complex-valued computing accelerator in conventional incoherent optical architecture. More importantly, our results reveal that an integrated photonic platform is of huge potential for large-scale, complex-valued, artificial intelligence computing and signal processing.
Probing fluorination promoted sodiophilic sites with model systems of F16CuPc and CuPc
Authors: Liu Yuan , Lian Xu , Xie Zhangdi , Yang Jinlin , Ding Yishui , Chen Wei 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSodium metal batteries (SMBs) are receiving broad attention due to the high specific capacity of sodium metal anodes and the material abundance on earth. However, the growth of dendrites results in poor battery performance and severe safety problems, inhibiting the commercial application of SMBs. To stabilize sodium metal anodes, various methods have been developed to optimize the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) layer and adjust the electroplating/stripping behavior of sodium. Among the methods, developing anode host materials and adding electrolyte additives to build a protective layer are promising and convenient. However, the understanding of the interaction process between sodium metal and those organic materials is still limited, but is essential for the rational design of advanced anode hosts and electrolyte additives. In this study, we use copper(II) hexadecafluorophthalocyanine (F16CuPc), and copper(II) phthalocyanine (CuPc), as model systems to unravel the sodium interaction with polar functional groups by in-situ photoelectron spectroscopy and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It is found that sodium atoms prefer to interact with the inner pyrrolic nitrogen sites of CuPc, while they prefer to interact with the outer aza bridge nitrogen atoms, owing to Na-F interaction at the Na/F16CuPc interface. Besides, for the both organic molecules, the central Cu(II) ions are reduced to Cu(I) ions by charge transfer from deposited sodium. The fluorine-containing groups are proven to promote the interaction process of sodium in organic materials, which sheds light on the design of functional interfaces in host materials and anode protective layers for sodium metal anodes.
Graphical Abstract
“It’s a win for the clinic, it’s a win for the frontline, but, most importantly, it’s a win for the client”: Task Shifting HIV Prevention Services from Clinicians to Community Health Workers in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Brennan David J. , Charest Maxime , Turpin Aaron , Griffiths Dane , Adam Barry D. , Maxwell John , McCrady Keith , Ahmed Robbie 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Introduction
Despite strong evidence from low- and middle-income countries supporting the use of task shifting to provide quality, cost-effective HIV-related health services, this strategy has been adopted less widely in high-income countries such as Canada.

Methods
In 2020, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 clinicians (e.g., psychologists, nurses, physicians) and 14 community health workers (CHWs) in Ontario to examine their perspectives on the prospect of shifting HIV/STBBI testing services and PrEP in Ontario, Canada. Interviews were transcribed and then analyzed using content analysis. A community consultation with key stakeholders was also performed to assess the validity of the findings.

Results
There was substantial agreement between clinicians and CHWs with respect to shifting specific tasks related to HIV/STBBI testing and PrEP. In particular, most participants felt that rapid HIV testing could and should be provided by CHWs and that ASOs could be ideal sites for clients to obtain and use self-testing kits for STBBIs. Most respondents agreed that CHWs have the skills and expertise required to perform most non-clinical services related to PrEP (e.g., pre-counselling, follow-up, case management). The co-location of clinicians and CHWs could help support the development of task shifting initiatives.

Conclusion
Findings indicate that there is enthusiasm among both clinicians and CHWs with respect to shifting HIV prevention services. Creative solutions are required to have a meaningful impact on HIV incidence in this population.

Policy Implications
With adequate training and supervision, non-regulated CHWs should be allowed to provide certain HIV prevention services such as rapid HIV testing. A provincial, publicly funded program for PrEP is recommended.
Thermal expansion and temperature-dependent Young’s modulus of Invar fabricated via laser powder-bed fusion
Authors: Hitzler Leonhard , Shahul Hameed Muhammed Zubair , Kah Adrian , Merkel Markus , Werner Ewald 
Published: April 2022

AbstractInvar alloys possess the peculiarity of dimensional invariance, which is of importance for high precision applications, such as measurement instruments. As ductile face-centered cubic (fcc) material, it is adequately weldable and is nowadays readily available as powder feed stock for additive manufacturing processes. Single-phase fcc alloys are known to often be highly textured, when fabricated via laser powder-bed fusion. Within this study, the thermal expansion behavior was analyzed via true differential dilatometry and the directional Young’s moduli were determined via impulse excitation technique in the temperature range up to 850 °C. The coefficient of thermal expansion was found to be nearly independent of the analyzed orientations. However, Young’s moduli differed by 20 GPa, with the highest stiffness obtained for specimens orientated parallel to the x-axis of the machines’ coordinate system.