bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Plasma complement component C2: a potential biomarker for predicting abdominal aortic aneurysm related complications
Authors: Feridooni Tiam , Zamzam Abdelrahman , Popkov Mariya , Syed Muzammil H. , Djahanpour Niousha , Wheatcroft Mark , Abdin Rawand , Qadura Mohammad 
Published: December 2022

AbstractBlood-based adjunctive measures that can reliably predict abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA)-related complications hold promise for mitigating the AAA disease burden. In this pilot study, we sought to evaluate the prognostic performance of complement factors in predicting AAA-related clinical outcomes. We recruited consecutive AAA patients (n = 75) and non-AAA patients (n = 75) presenting to St. Michael’s Hospital. Plasma levels of complement proteins were assessed at baseline, as well as prospectively measured regularly over a period of 2 years. The primary outcome was the incidence of rapidly progressing AAA (i.e. aortic expansion), defined as change in AAA diameter by either 0.5 cm in 6 months, or 1 cm in 12 months. Secondary outcomes included incidence of major adverse aortic events (MAAE) and major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). All study outcomes (AAA diameter, MACE and MAAE) were obtained during follow-up. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression analyses were performed to assess the prognostic value of plasma C2 levels in patients with AAA regarding rapid aortic expansion and MAAE and MACE. Event-free survival rates of both groups were also compared. Compared to non-AAA patients, patients with AAA demonstrated significantly higher plasma concentrations of C1q, C4, Factor B, Factor H and Factor D, and significantly lower plasma concentrations of C2, C3, and C4b (p = 0.001). After a median of 24 months from initial baseline measurements, C2 was determined as the strongest predictor of rapid aortic expansion (HR 0.10,p = 0.040), MAAE (HR 0.09,p = 0.001) and MACE (HR 0.14,p = 0.011). Based on the data from the survival analysis, higher levels of C2 at admission in patients with AAA predicted greater risk for rapid aortic expansion and MAAE (not MACE). Plasma C2 has the potential to be a biomarker for predicting rapid aortic expansion, MAAE, and the eventual need for an aortic intervention in AAA patients.
Long-term durability of immune responses to the BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 vaccines based on dosage, age and sex
Authors: Korosec Chapin S. , Farhang-Sardroodi Suzan , Dick David W. , Gholami Sameneh , Ghaemi Mohammad Sajjad , Moyles Iain R. , Craig Morgan , Ooi Hsu Kiang , Heffernan Jane M. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe lipid nanoparticle (LNP)-formulated mRNA vaccines BNT162b2 and mRNA-1273 are a widely adopted multi vaccination public health strategy to manage the COVID-19 pandemic. Clinical trial data has described the immunogenicity of the vaccine, albeit within a limited study time frame. Here, we use a within-host mathematical model for LNP-formulated mRNA vaccines, informed by available clinical trial data from 2020 to September 2021, to project a longer term understanding of immunity as a function of vaccine type, dosage amount, age, and sex. We estimate that two standard doses of either mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2, with dosage times separated by the company-mandated intervals, results in individuals losing more than 99% humoral immunity relative to peak immunity by 8 months following the second dose. We predict that within an 8 month period following dose two (corresponding to the original CDC time-frame for administration of a third dose), there exists a period of time longer than 1 month where an individual has lost more than 99% humoral immunity relative to peak immunity, regardless of which vaccine was administered. We further find that age has a strong influence in maintaining humoral immunity; by 8 months following dose two we predict that individuals aged 18–55 have a four-fold humoral advantage compared to aged 56–70 and 70+ individuals. We find that sex has little effect on the immune response and long-term IgG counts. Finally, we find that humoral immunity generated from two low doses of mRNA-1273 decays at a substantially slower rate relative to peak immunity gained compared to two standard doses of either mRNA-1273 or BNT162b2. Our predictions highlight the importance of the recommended third booster dose in order to maintain elevated levels of antibodies.
Crash severity analysis and risk factors identification based on an alternate data source: a case study of developing country
Authors: Bhuiyan Hanif , Ara Jinat , Hasib Khan Md. , Sourav Md Imran Hossain , Karim Faria Benta , Sik-Lanyi Cecilia , Governatori Guido , Rakotonirainy Andry , Yasmin Shamsunnahar 
Published: December 2022

AbstractRoad traffic injuries are one of the primary reasons for death, especially in developing countries like Bangladesh. Safety in land transport is one of the major concerns for road safety authorities and other policymakers. For this reason, contributory factors identification associated with crashes is necessary for reducing road crashes and ensuring transportation safety. This paper presents an analytical approach to identifying significant contributing factors of Bangladesh road crashes by evaluating the road crash data, considering three different severity levels (non-fetal, severe, and extremely severe). Generally, official crash databases are compiled from police-reported crash records. Though the official datasets are focusing on compiling a wide array of attributes, an assorted number of unreported issues can be observed that demands an alternative source of crash data. Therefore, this proposed approach considers compiling crash data from newspapers in Bangladesh which could be complimentary to the official crash database. To conduct the analysis, first, we filtered the useful features from compiled crash data using three popular feature selection techniques: chi-square, Two-way ANOVA, and Regression analysis. Then, we employed three machine learning classifiers: Decision Tree, Random Forest, and Naïve Bayes over the extracted features. A confusion matrix was considered to evaluate the proposed model, including classification accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity. The predictive machine learning model, namely, Random Forest using Label Encoder with chi-square and Two-way ANOVA feature selection process, seems the best option for crash severity prediction that provides high prediction accuracy. The resulting model highlights nine out of fourteen independent features as responsible factors. Significant features associated with crash severities include driver characteristics (gender, license type, seat belts), vehicle characteristics (vehicle type), road characteristics (road surface type, road classification), environmental conditions (day of crash occurred, time of crash), and injury localization. This outcome may contribute to improving traffic safety of Bangladesh.
Biomechanical traits of salt marsh vegetation are insensitive to future climate scenarios
Authors: Paul Maike , Bischoff Christina , Koop-Jakobsen Ketil 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSalt marshes provide wave and flow attenuation, making them attractive for coastal protection. It is necessary to predict their coastal protection capacity in the future, when climate change will increase hydrodynamic forcing and environmental parameters such as water temperature and CO2content. We exposed the European salt marsh speciesSpartina anglicaandElymus athericusto enhanced water temperature (+ 3°) and CO2(800 ppm) levels in a mesocosm experiment for 13 weeks in a full factorial design. Afterwards, the effect on biomechanic vegetation traits was assessed. These traits affect the interaction of vegetation with hydrodynamic forcing, forming the basis for wave and flow attenuation.Elymus athericusdid not respond to any of the treatments suggesting that it is insensitive to such future climate changes.Spartina anglicashowed an increase in diameter and flexural rigidity, while Young’s bending modulus and breaking force did not differ between treatments. Despite some differences between the future climate scenario and present conditions, all values lie within the natural trait ranges for the two species. Consequently, this mesocosm study suggests that the capacity of salt marshes to provide coastal protection is likely to remain constantly high and will only be affected by future changes in hydrodynamic forcing.
Experimental and constitutive model study on the mechanical properties of a structural plane of a rock mass under dynamic disturbance
Authors: Yu Yongjiang , Yang Yuntao , Liu Jingjing , Wang Pengbo , Zhang Shipeng , Wang Zhenmeng , Zhao Shangqing 
Published: December 2022

AbstractAn accurate description of the mechanical properties and deformation characteristics of a structural plane of a rock mass with a large chamber or slope under the ultimate stress with periodic stress disturbances is of great significance to ensure the stability and safety of underground rock engineering. By theoretically analysing the strength effect of a structural plane of a rock mass under dynamic disturbance, a criterion for the occurrence of shear damage on a structural plane of a compressed rock mass under dynamic disturbance is proposed. The results of the cyclic disturbance kinetic test show that there is a disturbance threshold for the shear failure of the structural plane under different disturbance stresses. When the disturbance stress is lower than the disturbance threshold, the cumulative plastic strain stabilizes with an increasing number of cycles; when the disturbance stress is higher than the disturbance threshold, an S-shaped curve of cumulative plastic strain versus the number of cycles is observed, revealing the progressive damage process and mechanism of such a rock structure plane under periodic dynamic disturbance. Based on perturbation concept theory, the relationship between the accumulated plastic strain and the number of cyclic loadings is similar to the relationship between strain and time, the creep curve. A new nonlinear viscous element is proposed, and the nonlinear element and the deformation element considering structural plane closure and sliding are combined with the Burgers model to form an 8-element nonlinear viscoelastic‒plastic creep constitutive model. Using the global optimization algorithm of 1stOpt, model validation and parameter identification are performed on the experimental data, and the results show that the model curve has a very good agreement with the experimental data. The model can accurately reflect the deformation characteristics of a structural plane of a rock mass under periodic dynamic disturbance. These research results provide a new idea for analysing disturbance-induced geohazards.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of the benefits of school-based, peer-led interventions for leaders
Authors: Wade Levi , Leahy Angus A. , Babic Mark J. , Beauchamp Mark R. , Smith Jordan J. , Kennedy Sarah G. , Boyer James , Nathan Nicole , Robinson Katie , Lubans David R. 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe aim of our systematic review and meta-analysis was to quantitatively synthesise the effects of school-based peer-led interventions on leaders’ academic, psychosocial, behavioural, and physical outcomes. Eligible studies were those that: (i) evaluated a school-based peer-led intervention using an experimental or quasi-experimental study design, (ii) included an age-matched control or comparison group, and (iii) evaluated the impact of the intervention on one or more leader outcomes. Medline, Sportdiscus, Psychinfo, Embase, and Scopus online databases were searched on the 24th of October, 2022 which yielded 13,572 results, with 31 included in the narrative synthesis and 12 in the meta-analysis. We found large positive effects for leaders’ attitudes toward bullying (d = 1.02), small-to-medium positive effects for leaders’ literacy (d = 0.39), and small positive effects for leaders’ self-esteem (d = 0.18). There were mixed findings for behavioural outcomes and null effects for physical outcomes. Notable limitations of this research are the inclusion of a relatively small number of studies, and high heterogeneity in those included. Our findings have the potential to inform educational practice, but also highlight the need for further research examining the mechanisms that might account for the observed effects. Our systematic review was prospectively registered with PROSPERO (CRD42021273129).
Enhance the performance of photovoltaic solar panels by a self-cleaning and hydrophobic nanocoating
Authors: Tayel Samir Ahmed , Abu El-Maaty Ashour Eid , Mostafa Eman Mohamed , Elsaadawi Youssef Fayez 
Published: December 2022

AbstractThe photovoltaic (PV) solar panels are negatively impacted by dust accumulation. The variance in dust density from point to point raises the risk of forming hot spots. Therefore, a prepared PDMS/SiO2 nanocoating was used to reduce the accumulated dust on the PV panels' surface. However, the effectiveness of these coatings is greatly influenced by geographical and climatic factors. Three identical PV modules were installed to run comparable experimental tests simultaneously. The first module is coated with the prepared PDMS/SiO2 nanocoating, the second is coated with commercial nanocoating, and the third module is uncoated and serves as a reference. The prepared nanocoating was hydrophobic and had a self-cleaning effect. The fill factors for the reference panel (RP), commercial-nanocoated panel (CNP), and prepared-nanocoated panel (PNP), were 0.68, 0.69, and 0.7, respectively. After 40 days of exposure to outdoor conditions, the dust densities on the RP and PNP panels' surfaces were 10 and 4.39 g/m2, respectively. Thus, the nanocoated panel's efficiency was found to be higher than that of the reference panel by 30.7%.
Co-seeding grasses and forbs supports restoration of species-rich grasslands and improves weed control in ex-arable land
Authors: Kiss Réka , Deák Balázs , Tóth Katalin , Lukács Katalin , Rádai Zoltán , Kelemen András , Miglécz Tamás , Tóth Ágnes , Godó Laura , Valkó Orsolya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSowing is widely used for the restoration of species-rich grasslands but still there are knowledge gaps regarding the most suitable application of different seed mixtures. We tested the effect of seed mixtures application timing on the establishment of sown forbs and weed control. 36 experimental plots with nine sowing treatments were established in an abandoned cropland in Hungary. Grass-seeds, diverse forb seed mixture and the combination of the two were applied: diverse forb mixture was sown simultaneously or 1, 2 or 3 years after grass sowing, in plots sown previously with grass or in empty plots (fallows). All sowing treatments supported the rapid establishment of the sown species in large cover and hampered weed encroachment. Forbs performed better when sown into fallows than in grass-matrix and forbs establishment was worse in older fallows than in younger ones. Grasses expressed a strong priority effect, especially when forbs were sown at least two years later than grasses. We also investigated the relation between seed germinability, weather parameters and establishment success. Germination rate in the greenhouse could not predict the establishment success of forbs in the field and showed great differences between years, hence we recommend sowing target forbs in multiple years.
Tracking momentary fluctuations in human attention with a cognitive brain-machine interface
Authors: Chinchani Abhijit M. , Paliwal Siddharth , Ganesh Suhas , Chandrasekhar Vishnu , Yu Byron M. , Sridharan Devarajan 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSelective attention produces systematic effects on neural states. It is unclear whether, conversely, momentary fluctuations in neural states have behavioral significance for attention. We investigated this question in the human brain with a cognitive brain-machine interface (cBMI) for tracking electrophysiological steady-state visually evoked potentials (SSVEPs) in real-time. Discrimination accuracy (d’) was significantly higher when target stimuli were triggered at high, versus low, SSVEP power states. Target and distractor SSVEP power was uncorrelated across the hemifields, and target d’ was unaffected by distractor SSVEP power states. Next, we trained participants on an auditory neurofeedback paradigm to generate biased, cross-hemispheric competitive interactions between target and distractor SSVEPs. The strongest behavioral effects emerged when competitive SSVEP dynamics unfolded at a timescale corresponding to the deployment of endogenous attention. In sum, SSVEP power dynamics provide a reliable readout of attentional state, a result with critical implications for tracking and training human attention.
Dissecting aggregation and seeding dynamics of α-Syn polymorphs using the phasor approach to FLIM
Authors: Tittelmeier Jessica , Druffel-Augustin Silke , Alik Ania , Melki Ronald , Nussbaum-Krammer Carmen 
Published: December 2022

AbstractSynucleinopathies are a heterogenous group of neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the progressive accumulation of pathological α-synuclein (α-Syn). The importance of structural polymorphism of α-Syn assemblies for distinct synucleinopathies and their progression is increasingly recognized. However, the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here we use fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) to investigate seeded aggregation of α-Syn in a biosensor cell line. We show that conformationally distinct α-Syn polymorphs exhibit characteristic fluorescence lifetimes. FLIM further revealed that α-Syn polymorphs were differentially processed by cellular clearance pathways, yielding fibrillar species with increased seeding capacity. Thus, FLIM is not only a powerful tool to distinguish different amyloid structures, but also to monitor the dynamic process of amyloid remodeling by the cellular environment. Our data suggest that the accumulation of highly seeding competent degradation products for particular polymorphs may account for accelerated disease progression in some patients.
Selective hinge removal strategy for architecting hierarchical auxetic metamaterials
Authors: Jalali Ehsan , Soltanizadeh Hadi , Chen Yao , Xie Yi Min , Sareh Pooya 
Published: December 2022

AbstractMechanical metamaterials are man-made structures capable of achieving different intended mechanical properties through their artificial, structural design. Specifically, metamaterials with negative Poisson’s ratio, known as auxetics, have been of widespread interest to scientists. It is well-known that some pivotally interconnected polygons exhibit auxetic behaviour. While some hierarchical variations of these structures have been proposed, generalising such structures presents various complexities depending on the initial configuration of their basic module. Here, we report the development of pivotally interconnected polygons based on even-numbered modules, which, in contrast to odd-numbered ones, are not straightforward to generalize. Particularly, we propose a design method for such assemblies based on the selective removal of rotational hinges, resulting in fully-deployable structures, not achievable with previously known methods. Analytical and numerical analyses are performed to evaluate Poisson’s ratio, verified by prototyping and experimentation. We anticipate this work to be a starting point for the further development of such metamaterials.
Cytochrome c in cancer therapy and prognosis
Authors: Pessoa João 
Published: December 2022

Abstract
Cytochrome c (cyt c) is an electron transporter of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. Upon permeabilization of the mitochondrial outer membrane, cyt c is released into the cytoplasm, where it triggers the intrinsic pathway of apoptosis. Cytoplasmic cyt c can further reach the bloodstream. Apoptosis inhibition is one of the hallmarks of cancer and its induction in tumors is a widely used therapeutic approach. Apoptosis inhibition and induction correlate with decreased and increased serum levels of cyt c, respectively. The quantification of cyt c in the serum is useful in the monitoring of patient response to chemotherapy, with potential prognosis value. Several highly sensitive biosensors have been developed for the quantification of cyt c levels in human serum. Moreover, the delivery of exogenous cyt c to the cytoplasm of cancer cells is an effective approach for inducing their apoptosis. Similarly, several protein-based and nanoparticle-based systems have been developed for the therapeutic delivery of cyt c to cancer cells. As such, cyt c is a human protein with promising value in cancer prognosis and therapy. In addition, its thermal stability can be extended through PEGylation and ionic liquid storage. These processes could contribute to enhancing its therapeutic exploitation in clinical facilities with limited refrigeration conditions. Here, I discuss these research lines and how their timely conjunction can advance cancer therapy and prognosis.
Cognitive Predictors of Perception and Adaptation to Dysarthric Speech in Young Adult Listeners
Authors: Lansford Kaitlin L. , Barrett Tyson S. , Borrie Stephanie A. 
Published: December 2022

Purpose:
Although recruitment of cognitive-linguistic resources to support dysarthric speech perception and adaptation is presumed by theoretical accounts of effortful listening and supported by cross-disciplinary empirical findings, prospective relationships have received limited attention in the disordered speech literature. This study aimed to examine the predictive relationships between cognitive-linguistic parameters and intelligibility outcomes associated with familiarization with dysarthric speech in young adult listeners.

Method:
A cohort of 156 listener participants between the ages of 18 and 50 years completed a three-phase perceptual training protocol (pretest, training, and posttest) with one of three speakers with dysarthria. Additionally, listeners completed the National Institutes of Health Toolbox Cognition Battery to obtain measures of the following cognitive-linguistic constructs: working memory, inhibitory control of attention, cognitive flexibility, processing speed, and vocabulary knowledge.

Results:
Elastic net regression models revealed that select cognitive-linguistic measures and their two-way interactions predicted both initial intelligibility and intelligibility improvement of dysarthric speech. While some consistency across models was shown, unique constellations of select cognitive factors and their interactions predicted initial intelligibility and intelligibility improvement of the three different speakers with dysarthria.

Conclusions:
Current findings extend empirical support for theoretical models of speech perception in adverse listening conditions to dysarthric speech signals. Although predictive relationships were complex, vocabulary knowledge, working memory, and cognitive flexibility often emerged as important variables across the models.
Actuator attack detection and power balance for cyber physical power systems
Authors: Li Jian , Li Hongliang , Wang Handong , Su Qingyu 
Published: December 2022

AbstractIn this paper, the problem of attack detection for actuator attacks and power balance on cyber physical power systems (CPPSs) is investigated. An economic optimization strategy based on observer data is proposed to enable optimal power balance of the attacked system. System states and cyber attacks are estimated by a sliding mode observer satisfying the performance index. Then, the system power is redistributed according to the optimal economic dispatch. Finally, several simulation cases are presented to illustrate the effectiveness of attack detection and economic optimization strategy.