bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An STDP-based encoding method for associative and composite data
Authors: Yoon Hong-Gyu , Kim Pilwon 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSpike-timing-dependent plasticity(STDP) is a biological process of synaptic modification caused by the difference of firing order and timing between neurons. One of neurodynamical roles of STDP is to form a macroscopic geometrical structure in the neuronal state space in response to a periodic input by Susman et al. (Nat. Commun.10(1), 1–9 2019), Yoon, & Kim. Stdp-based associative memory formation and retrieval. arXiv:2107.02429v2 (2021). In this work, we propose a practical memory model based on STDP which can store and retrieve high dimensional associative data. The model combines STDP dynamics with an encoding scheme for distributed representations and is able to handle multiple composite data in a continuous manner. In the auto-associative memory task where a group of images are continuously streamed to the model, the images are successfully retrieved from an oscillating neural state whenever a proper cue is given. In the second task that deals with semantic memories embedded from sentences, the results show that words can recall multiple sentences simultaneously or one exclusively, depending on their grammatical relations.
Impact of different enzymes on biofilm formation and mussel settlement
Authors: Li Jiazheng , Zhang Chi , Hu Xiaomeng , Yoshida Asami , Osatomi Kiyoshi , Guo Xingpan , Yang Jin-Long , Liang Xiao 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEnzymes have been known to impact the biofilm forming capacity. However, how the enzymes mediate the biofilm formation and macrofouling remains little known. Here, we investigated the effects of the three kinds of proteases, four kinds of glycosidases and one kind of lipase on the detachment of biofilms of Shewanella marisflavi ECSMB14101, identified biofilm total proteins response to enzyme treatments, and then tested the effects of biofilms treated with enzymes on the settlement of the mussel Mytilus coruscus plantigrades. The results showed that the cell density of bacteria in biofilms formed at different initial bacterial density were noticeably reduced after treating with all tested enzymes, and Neutrase and α-Amylase exhibited best removing efficiency of > 90%. Bacterial total proteins in S. marisflavi biofilm noticeably reduced or disappeared after treated by Alcalase. For the settlements of the mussel M. coruscus plantigrades, inducing capacities of S. marisflavi biofilm were noticeably suppressed and downregulation was > 75% at the initial density of 5 × 106 cells/cm2. Thus, the tested enzymes could effectively remove the adhered bacterial cell, inhibit the biofilm formation and finally suppress the mussel settlement. Our findings extend novel knowledge to developing eco-friendly approach to control micro- and macro-fouling.
Movement observation activates motor cortex in fibromyalgia patients: a fNIRS study
Authors: Gentile Eleonora , Brunetti Antonio , Ricci Katia , Bevilacqua Vitoantonio , Craighero Laila , de Tommaso Marina 
Published: March 2022

AbstractScientific evidence points to a shared neural representation between performing and observing an action. The action observation notoriously determines a modulation of the observer’s sensorimotor system, a phenomenon called Motor Resonance (MR). Fibromyalgia (FM) patients suffer from a condition characterized by generalized musculoskeletal pain in which even simple movement can exacerbate their symptoms. Maladaptive functioning of the primary motor cortex is a common finding in patients with chronic pain. Activation of the motor cortex is known to induce an analgesic effect in patients with chronic pain. In this exploratory study, we intend to verify if the mere observation of a movement could elicit activation of the motor cortical areas in patients with FM. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the presence of MR in patients affected by fibromyalgia. We adopted a behavioral paradigm known for detecting the presence of MR and a neurophysiological experiment. Participants watched videos showing gripping movements towards a graspable or an ungraspable object, respectively, and were asked to press a button the instant the agent touched the object (Time-to-contact detection session). In a different experimental session, participants were only requested to observe and pay attention to the videos (Observation-only session). During each experimental session, the participants’ cerebral hemodynamic activity was recorded using the functional Near-Infrared Spectroscopy method. The behavioral task analysis revealed the presence of MR in both FM patients and healthy controls. Moreover, neurophysiological findings suggested that the observation of movement during the Observation-only session provoked activation and modulation of the cortical motor networks of FM patients. These results could represent evidence of the possible beneficial effects of movement observation in restarting motor activation, notoriously reduced, in FM patients.
Frequency-dependent Batesian mimicry maintains colour polymorphism in a sea snake population
Authors: Shine Richard , Brown Gregory P. , Goiran Claire 
Published: March 2022

AbstractEvolutionary theory suggests that polymorphic traits can be maintained within a single population only under specific conditions, such as negative frequency-dependent selection or heterozygote advantage. Non-venomous turtle-headed sea snakes (Emydocephalus annulatus) living in shallow bays near Noumea in New Caledonia exhibit three colour morphs: black, black-and-white banded, and an intermediate (grey-banded) morph that darkens with age. We recorded morph frequencies during 18 consecutive years of surveys, and found that the numbers of recruits (neonates plus immigrants) belonging to each morph increased in years when that morph was unusually rare in the population, and decreased when that morph was unusually common. Thus, morph frequencies are maintained by negative frequency-dependent selection. We interpret the situation as Batesian mimicry of highly venomous sea snakes (Aipysurus, Hydrophis, Laticauda) that occur in the same bays, and range in colour from black-and-white banded to grey-banded. Consistent with the idea that mimicry may protect snakes from attack by large fish and sea eagles, behavioural studies have shown that smaller fish species in these bays flee from banded snakes but attack black individuals. As predicted by theory, mimetic (banded) morphs are less common than the cryptically-coloured melanic morph.
Modeling absolute zone size in retinopathy of prematurity in relation to axial length
Authors: Wang Sean K. , Korot Edward , Zaidi Moosa , Ji Marco H. , Al-Moujahed Ahmad , Callaway Natalia F. , Kumm Jochen , Moshfeghi Darius M. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractTreatment outcomes in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) are closely correlated with the location (i.e. zone) of disease, with more posterior zones having poorer outcomes. The most posterior zone, Zone I, is defined as a circle centered on the optic nerve with radius twice the distance from nerve to fovea, or subtending an angle of 30 degrees. Because the eye enlarges and undergoes refractive changes during the period of ROP screening, the absolute area of Zone I according to these definitions may likewise change. It is possible that these differences may confound accurate assessment of risk in patients with ROP. In this study, we estimated the area of Zone I in relation to different ocular parameters to determine how variability in the size and refractive power of the eye may affect zoning. Using Gaussian optics, a model was constructed to calculate the absolute area of Zone I as a function of corneal power, anterior chamber depth, lens power, lens thickness, and axial length (AL), with Zone I defined as a circle with radius set by a 30-degree visual angle. Our model predicted Zone I area to be most sensitive to changes in AL; for example, an increase of AL from 14.20 to 16.58 mm at postmenstrual age 32 weeks was calculated to expand the area of Zone I by up to 72%. These findings motivate several hypotheses which upon future testing may help optimize treatment decisions for ROP.
Improvement of water harvesting performance through collector modification in industrial cooling tower
Authors: Kim Ji Yeon , Kang Jong Hoon , Moon Jong Woon , Jung Sung Yong 
Published: March 2022

AbstractShortages of freshwater have become increasingly common around the world, and various studies have been conducted to solve this problem by collecting and reusing the water in nature or from factories and power plants that produce large fog plumes. Although the shape of a collection screen is strongly related to its harvesting performance, only flat meshes have been considered in previous studies, and research on the effects of collector structure shapes is severely lacking. In this study, we proposed modified collector structures improving harvesting performances in industrial cooling towers. The screen shape was modified in three steps. First, a concave shape was adopted for the mesh screen to increase the aerodynamic characteristics of the collection structure. Next, a sidewall was installed to collect additional fog from defected flows generated by the concave structure. Finally, to reduce loss during the draining of collected water droplets, the discharge direction of the fog flow was changed to follow the same direction as fog-laden flows in nature. Our results are expected to be useful for collector design in terms of increasing harvesting efficiency in various industrial fields in the future.
Neurofunctional and neuroimaging readouts for designing a preclinical stem-cell therapy trial in experimental stroke
Authors: Dumot Chloé , Po Chrystelle , Capin Lucille , Hubert Violaine , Ong Elodie , Chourrout Matthieu , Bolbos Radu , Amaz Camille , Auxenfans Céline , Canet-Soulas Emmanuelle , Rome Claire , Chauveau Fabien , Wiart Marlène 
Published: March 2022

AbstractWith the aim of designing a preclinical study evaluating an intracerebral cell-based therapy for stroke, an observational study was performed in the rat suture model of ischemic stroke. Objectives were threefold: (i) to characterize neurofunctional and imaging readouts in the first weeks following transient ischemic stroke, according to lesion subtype (hypothalamic, striatal, corticostriatal); (ii) to confirm that intracerebral administration does not negatively impact these readouts; and (iii) to calculate sample sizes for a future therapeutic trial using these readouts as endpoints. Our results suggested that the most relevant endpoints were side bias (staircase test) and axial diffusivity (AD) (diffusion tensor imaging). Hypothalamic-only lesions did not affect those parameters, which were close to normal. Side bias in striatal lesions reached near-normal levels within 2 weeks, while rats with corticostriatal lesions remained impaired until week 14. AD values were decreased at 4 days and increased at 5 weeks post-surgery, with a subtype gradient: hypothalamic < striatal < corticostriatal. Intracerebral administration did not impact these readouts. After sample size calculation (18–147 rats per group according to the endpoint considered), we conclude that a therapeutic trial based on both readouts would be feasible only in the framework of a multicenter trial.
An experimental method for efficiently evaluating the size-resolved sampling efficiency of liquid-absorption aerosol samplers
Authors: Guo Jianshu , Zheng Xinying , Qin Tongtong , Lv Meng , Zhang Wei , Song Xiaolin , Qiu Hongying , Hu Lingfei , Zhang Lili , Zhou Dongsheng , Sun Yansong , Yang Wenhui 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAerosol samplers are critical tools for studying indoor and outdoor aerosols. Development and evaluation of samplers is often labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need to use monodisperse aerosols spanning a range of sizes. This study develops a rapid experimental methodology using polydisperse solid aerosols to evaluate size-resolved aerosol-to-aerosol (AtoA) and aerosol-to-hydrosol (AtoH) sampling efficiencies. Arizona Test Dust (diameter 0.5–20 µm) was generated and dispersed into an aerosol test chamber and two candidate samplers were tested. For the AtoA test, aerosols upstream and downstream of a sampler were measured using an online aerodynamic particle sizer. For the AtoH test, aerosols collected in sampling medium were mixed with a reference sample and then measured by the laser diffraction method. The experimental methodology were validated as an impressive time-saving procedure, with reasonable spatial uniformity and time stability of aerosols in the test chamber and an acceptable accuracy of absolute mass quantification of collected particles. Evaluation results showed that the AGI-30 and the BioSampler sampler had similar size-resolved sampling efficiencies and that efficiencies decreased with decreasing sampling flow rate. The combined evaluation of AtoA and AtoH efficiency provided more comprehensive performance indicators than either test alone. The experimental methodology presented here can facilitate the design and choice of aerosol sampler.
A qualitative study exploring the process of postmortem brain tissue donation after suicide
Authors: Padoan Carolina Stopinski , Garcia Lucas França , Crespo Kleber Cardoso , Longaray Vanessa Kenne , Martini Murilo , Contessa Júlia Camargo , Kapczinski Flávio , de Oliveira Francine Hehn , Goldim José Roberto , VS Magalhães Pedro 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAccess to postmortem brain tissue can be valuable in refining knowledge on the pathophysiology and genetics of neuropsychiatric disorders. Obtaining postmortem consent for the donation after death by suicide can be difficult, as families may be overwhelmed by a violent and unexpected death. Examining the process of brain donation can inform on how the request can best be conducted. This is a qualitative study with in-depth interviews with forty-one people that were asked to consider brain donation—32 who had consented to donation and 9 who refused it. Data collection and analyses were carried out according to grounded theory. Five key themes emerged from data analysis: the context of the families, the invitation to talk to the research team, the experience with the request protocol, the participants’ assessment of the experience, and their participation in the study as an opportunity to heal. The participants indicated that a brain donation request that is respectful and tactful can be made without adding to the family distress brought on by suicide and pondering brain donation was seen as an opportunity to transform the meaning of the death and invest it with a modicum of solace for being able to contribute to research.
Serum markers of cardiac complications in a systemic sclerosis cohort
Authors: Tennøe Anders H. , Murbræch Klaus , Didriksen Henriette , Ueland Thor , Palchevskiy Vyacheslav , Weigt Stephen S. , Fretheim Håvard , Midtvedt Øyvind , Garen Torhild , Brunborg Cathrine , Aukrust Pål , Molberg Øyvind , Belperio John A. , Hoffmann-Vold Anna-Maria 
Published: March 2022

AbstractPrimary cardiac involvement is one of the leading causes of mortality in systemic sclerosis (SSc), but little is known regarding circulating biomarkers for cardiac SSc. Here, we aimed to investigate potential associations between cardiac SSc and candidate serum markers. Serum samples from patients of the Oslo University SSc cohort and 100 healthy controls were screened against two custom-made candidate marker panels containing molecules deemed relevant for cardiopulmonary and/or fibrotic diseases. Left (LV) and right ventricular (RV) dysfunction was assessed by protocol echocardiography, performed within three years from serum sampling. Patients suspected of pulmonary hypertension underwent right heart catheterization. Vital status at study end was available for all patients. Descriptive analyses, logistic and Cox regressions were conducted to assess associations between cardiac SSc and candidate serum markers. The 371 patients presented an average age of 57.2 (± 13.9) years. Female sex (84%) and limited cutaneous SSc (73%) were predominant. Association between LV diastolic dysfunction and tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) (OR 0.41, 95% CI 0.21–0.78, p = 0.007) was identified. LV systolic dysfunction defined by global longitudinal strain was associated with angiopoietin 2 (ANGPT2) (OR 3.42, 95% CI 1.52–7.71, p = 0.003) and osteopontin (OPN) (OR 1.95, 95% CI 1.08–3.52, p = 0.026). RV systolic dysfunction, measured by tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, was associated to markers of LV dysfunction (ANGPT2, OPN, and TRAIL) (OR 1.67, 95% CI 1.11–2.50, p = 0.014, OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.25–2.77, p = 0.002, OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.15–0.66, p = 0.002, respectively) and endostatin (OR 1.86, 95% CI 1.22–2.84, p = 0.004). In conclusion, ANGPT2, OPN and TRAIL seem to be circulating biomarkers associated with both LV and RV dysfunction in SSc.
Record low sea ice extent in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica in April/May 2019 driven by intense and explosive polar cyclones
Authors: Jena B. , Bajish C. C. , Turner J. , Ravichandran M. , Anilkumar N. , Kshitija S. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractSea ice extent (SIE) in the Weddell Sea attained exceptionally low levels in April (1.97 million km2) and May (3.06 million km2) 2019, with the values being ~22% below the long-term mean. Using in-situ, satellite and atmospheric reanalysis data, we show the large negative SIE anomalies were driven by the passage of a series of intense and explosive polar cyclones (with record low pressure), also known as atmospheric ‘bombs’, which had atmospheric rivers on their eastern flanks. These storms led to the poleward propagation of record-high swell and wind waves (~9.6 m), resulting in southward ice advection (~50 km). Thermodynamic processes also played a part, including record anomalous atmospheric heat (>138 W m−2) and moisture (>300 kg m−1s−1) fluxes from midlatitudes, along with ocean mixed-layer warming (>2 °C). The atmospheric circulation anomalies were associated with an amplified wave number three pattern leading to enhanced meridional flow between midlatitudes and the Antarctic.
Surfactant-free starch-graphene composite films as simultaneous oxygen and water vapour barriers
Authors: Zhao Wei , Sugunan Abhilash , Gillgren Thomas , Larsson Johan A. , Zhang Zhi-Bin , Zhang Shi-Li , Sommertune Jens , Dobryden Illia , Ahniyaz Anwar 
Published: March 2022

AbstractA single coating formulation for multifunctional composites, such as a gas barrier against both oxygen and water vapour, is the holy grail for the packaging industry. Since the last decade, graphene has been touted as the ideal barrier material in composites due to its morphology and impermeability to all gases. However, this prospect is limited by either poor dispersion of graphene or excess surfactants to aid the dispersion, both leading to shortcuts that allow gas permeation through the composite. Here, we demonstrate a combined gas barrier with starch-graphene composite films made from a single formulation of surfactant-free starch nanoparticle-stabilized graphene dispersion (2.97 mg mL−1). Hence, the incorporated graphene reduces the permeability of both the oxygen and the water vapour by over 70% under all the relative humidity conditions tested. Moreover, these films are foldable and electrically conductive (9.5 S m−1). Our surfactant-free approach of incorporating graphene into an industrially important biopolymer is highly relevant to the packaging industry, thus offering cost-effective and water-based solution depositions of multifunctional composite films for wide-ranging applications, such as gas barriers in food packaging.
Functional polymeric passivation-led improvement of bias stress with long-term durability of edge-rich nanoporous MoS2 thin-film transistors
Authors: Park Heekyeong , Choi Junhwan , Shim Junoh , Lee Seung Min , On Sungmin , Yun Hyung Joong , Kim Sunkook , Im Sung Gap , Yoo Hocheon 
Published: March 2022

AbstractNanoporous patterning of two-dimensional materials using block copolymer lithography has drawn much attention. Lateral edge exposures made by the nanoporous patterning provide electrical and optical characteristics that are different from the original materials. However, nanopatterning processes inevitably generate edge exposure and surface defects that may result in poor reliability and reproducibility of the devices. In this study, we propose a reliable method to passivate nanoporous molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) thin-film transistors (TFTs) using polymer thin films, synthesized by initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) to improve the electrical stability of nanoporous MoS2 TFTs. To this end, functional polymer films of electron-donating poly(1-vinylimidzole) (pVI) and inert poly(1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorodecyl methacrylate) (pPFDMA) were utilized as passivation layers on nanoporous MoS2 TFTs. An n-type doping effect was observed in the pVI-deposited nanoporous MoS2 film due to the electron-donating imidazole ring, whereas the inert pPFDMA efficiently stabilized the electrical characteristics of the nanoporous MoS2 TFTs. Moreover, the hydrophobic fluoroalkyl chain of the pPFDMA film efficiently prevented oxygen and moisture adsorption on the nanoporous MoS2. The superior passivation effect of the pPFDMA layer was confirmed using gate-bias stress tests and long-term storage tests under ambient conditions.
Health app policy: international comparison of nine countries’ approaches
Authors: Essén Anna , Stern Ariel D. , Haase Christoffer Bjerre , Car Josip , Greaves Felix , Paparova Dragana , Vandeput Steven , Wehrens Rik , Bates David W. 
Published: March 2022

AbstractAn abundant and growing supply of digital health applications (apps) exists in the commercial tech-sector, which can be bewildering for clinicians, patients, and payers. A growing challenge for the health care system is therefore to facilitate the identification of safe and effective apps for health care practitioners and patients to generate the most health benefit as well as guide payer coverage decisions. Nearly all developed countries are attempting to define policy frameworks to improve decision-making, patient care, and health outcomes in this context. This study compares the national policy approaches currently in development/use for health apps in nine countries. We used secondary data, combined with a detailed review of policy and regulatory documents, and interviews with key individuals and experts in the field of digital health policy to collect data about implemented and planned policies and initiatives. We found that most approaches aim for centralized pipelines for health app approvals, although some countries are adding decentralized elements. While the countries studied are taking diverse paths, there is nevertheless broad, international convergence in terms of requirements in the areas of transparency, health content, interoperability, and privacy and security. The sheer number of apps on the market in most countries represents a challenge for clinicians and patients. Our analyses of the relevant policies identified challenges in areas such as reimbursement, safety, and privacy and suggest that more regulatory work is needed in the areas of operationalization, implementation and international transferability of approvals. Cross-national efforts are needed around regulation and for countries to realize the benefits of these technologies.