bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Interaction between chloride ions mediated by carbon nanotubes: a chemical attraction
Authors: Dominguez-Flores Fabiola , Santos Elizabeth , Schmickler Wolfgang , Juarez Fernanda 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe interaction between two Cl− ions separated by the wall of a narrow carbon nanotube has been investigated by density functional theory (DFT) and by DFT-based tight binding (DFTB+). The direct Coulomb interaction between the ions is screened by the nanotube, no matter if the latter is conducting or semiconducting. The presence of the ions induces changes in the electronic density of states of the nanotube, which results in an effective attraction between the ions of the order of 0.2–0.3 eV. The interaction of the outside ions with the tube has a covalent component, when the two ions are near there is even a direct chemical attraction between the ions. In contrast to the effective attraction between two Li+ ions reported before (Juarez et al., Phys Chem Chem Phys 22:10,603, 2020), the effect cannot be explained in terms of physical concepts alone. DFTB+ performs well when compared with DFT, and lends itself to fast calculations for large systems.
Abdominal wall incisional hernia repair improves respiratory function: results after 3 years of follow-up
Authors: Licari L. , Campanella S. , Carolla C. , Madonia C. , Canino B. , Salamone G. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Hernias severely impact patient quality of life (QoL), and 80% of patients require a surgical operation. Moreover, hernias are responsible for respiratory function alterations. This study aims to investigate the postoperative alterations in respiratory function after open ventral hernia repair in patients with incisional hernia.

Methods
Patients operated on at the Policlinico “Paolo Giaccone” at Palermo University Hospital between January 2015 and December 2016 were identified in a prospective database. Fifty-one patients were enrolled in the study. The respiratory outcome measures used were forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC ratio, peak expiratory flow (PEF) and PEF percentage (%PEF). The timepoints at which the parameters listed were assessed were t0, 1 week before the surgical operation; t1, 12 months later; and t2, 3 years later.

Results
The difference between mean preoperative and postoperative PEF was significant [t0 4.32 (4.03–7.92), t1 6.7 (4.27–8.24) with p = 0.012 and t2 6.5 (4.25–8.21) with p = 0.026]. The %PEF increased from 75% preoperatively to 87% at t1 (p = 0.009) and to 85% at t2 (p = 0.03). No differences were found in the comparison of pre- and postoperative FVC, FEV1 or FEV1/FVC ratio.

Conclusion
The improvement in respiratory measures suggests the importance of abdominal wall restoration to recover functional activity of respiratory function.
Combining implicit geological modeling, field surveys, and hydrogeological modeling to describe groundwater flow in a karst aquifer
Authors: D’Affonseca Fernando M. , Finkel Michael , Cirpka Olaf A. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn three-dimensional (3-D) implicit geological modeling, the bounding surfaces between geological units are automatically constructed from lithological contact data (position and orientation) and the location and orientation of potential faults. This approach was applied to conceptualize a karst aquifer in the Middle Triassic Muschelkalk Formation in southwest Germany, using digital elevation data, geological maps, borehole logs, and geological interpretation. Dip and strike measurements as well as soil-gas surveys of mantel-borne CO2 were conducted to verify the existence of an unmapped fault. Implicit geological modeling allowed the straightforward assessment of the geological framework and rapid updates with incoming data. Simultaneous 3-D visualizations of the sedimentary units, tectonic features, hydraulic heads, and tracer tests provided insights into the karst-system hydraulics and helped guide the formulation of the conceptual hydrogeological model. The 3-D geological model was automatically translated into a numerical single-continuum steady-state groundwater model that was calibrated to match measured hydraulic heads, spring discharge rates, and flow directions observed in tracer tests. This was possible only by introducing discrete karst conduits, which were implemented as high-conductivity features in the numerical model. The numerical groundwater flow model was applied to initially assess the risk from limestone quarrying to local water supply wells with the help of particle tracking.
Accelerating variance-reduced stochastic gradient methods
Authors: Driggs Derek , Ehrhardt Matthias J. , Schönlieb Carola-Bibiane 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVariance reduction is a crucial tool for improving the slow convergence of stochastic gradient descent. Only a few variance-reduced methods, however, have yet been shown to directly benefit from Nesterov’s acceleration techniques to match the convergence rates of accelerated gradient methods. Such approaches rely on “negative momentum”, a technique for further variance reduction that is generally specific to the SVRG gradient estimator. In this work, we show for the first time that negative momentum is unnecessary for acceleration and develop a universal acceleration framework that allows all popular variance-reduced methods to achieve accelerated convergence rates. The constants appearing in these rates, including their dependence on the number of functionsn, scale with the mean-squared-error and bias of the gradient estimator. In a series of numerical experiments, we demonstrate that versions of SAGA, SVRG, SARAH, and SARGE using our framework significantly outperform non-accelerated versions and compare favourably with algorithms using negative momentum.
A phase II trial of dose-reduced nab-paclitaxel for patients with previously treated, advanced or recurrent gastric cancer (OGSG 1302)
Authors: Tamura Shigeyuki , Taniguchi Hirokazu , Nishikawa Kazuhiro , Imamura Hiroshi , Fujita Junya , Takeno Atsushi , Matsuyama Jin , Kimura Yutaka , Kawada Junji , Hirao Motohiro , Hirota Masashi , Fujitani Kazumasa , Kurokawa Yukinori , Sakai Daisuke , Kawakami Hisato , Shimokawa Toshio , Satoh Taroh 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Background
For unresectable or recurrent advanced gastric adenocarcinoma (AGC), tri-weekly administration of nanoparticle albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) at 260 mg/m2 achieved a response rate of 27.8% in a phase II trial in Japan. However, frequent neutropenia and peripheral neuropathy limit its use in clinical settings. We, thus, conducted a single-arm phase II trial to investigate the efficacy and safety of a reduced dose (220 mg/m2) of tri-weekly nab-PTX.

Methods
Eligible patients included those with AGC and ECOG performance status of 0–2 who had received one or more prior chemotherapy containing fluoropyrimidine regimens. A reduced dose of nab-PTX (220 mg/m2) was administered tri-weekly. The primary endpoint was response rate (RR). Secondary endpoints were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), disease-control rate (DCR), incidence of adverse events, relative dose intensity (RDI) and proportion of patients receiving subsequent chemotherapy.

Results
Among 33 patients enrolled, 32 were treated with protocol therapy. RR was 3.1% [95% confidence interval (CI), 0–16.2%], which did not reach the protocol-specified threshold (p = 0.966). DCR was 37.5% (95% CI, 21.1–56.3%). Median OS and PFS were 6.3 (95% CI, 4.4–14.2) and 2.2 (95% CI, 1.8–3.1) months, respectively. RDI was 97.8%. Twenty (62.5%) patients received subsequent chemotherapy. Toxicity was relatively mild with the most common grade ≥ 3 adverse events being neutropenia (38%), anemia (13%), fatigue (19%), anorexia (16%), and peripheral neuropathy (13%).

Conclusion
Tri-weekly nab-PTX with a reduced dose (220 mg/m2) is not recommended for AGC in a second-line or later setting, despite demonstrating less toxicity than at 260 mg/m2.
Clinical trial registration
The OGSG1302 trial was registered with UMIN-CTR as UMIN000000714.
Sustaining Attention for a Prolonged Duration Affects Dynamic Organizations of Frequency-Specific Functional Connectivity
Authors: Liu Jia , Zhu Yongjie , Sun Hongjin , Ristaniemi Tapani , Cong Fengyu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractSustained attention encompasses a cascade of fundamental functions. The human ability to implement a sustained attention task is supported by brain networks that dynamically formed and dissolved through oscillatory synchronization. The decrement of vigilance induced by prolonged task engagement affects sustained attention. However, little is known about which stage or combinations are affected by vigilance decrement. Here, we applied an analysis framework composed of weighted phase lag index (wPLI) and tensor component analysis (TCA) to an EEG dataset collected during 80 min sustained attention task to examine the electrophysiological basis of such effect. We aimed to characterize the phase-coupling networks to untangle different phases involved in sustained attention and study how they are modulated by vigilance decrement. We computed the time–frequency domain wPLI from each block and subject and constructed a fourth-order tensor, containing the time, frequency, functional connectivity (FC), and blocks × subjects. This tensor was subjected to the TCA to identify the interacted and low-dimensional components representing the frequency-specific dynamic FC (fdFC). We extracted four types of neuromakers during a sustained attention task, namely the pre-stimulus alpha right-lateralized parieto-occipital FC, the post-stimulus theta fronto-parieto-occipital FC, delta fronto-parieto-occipital FC, and beta right/left sensorimotor FCs. All these fdFCs were impaired by vigilance decrement. These fdFCs, except for the beta left sensorimotor network, were restored by rewards, although the restoration by reward in the beta right sensorimotor network was transient. These findings provide implications for dissociable effects of vigilance decrement on sustained attention by utilizing the tensor-based framework.
Galectin-3: an immune checkpoint target for musculoskeletal tumor patients
Authors: Nakajima Kosei , Balan Vitaly , Raz Avraham 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the past decade, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors in oncological clinical settings was in the forefront. However, the interest in musculoskeletal tumor patients as candidates for checkpoint inhibition remains underserved. Here, we are forwarding evidence proposing that galectin-3 (Gal-3) is an additional immune factor in the checkpoint processes. This review is the result of a large-scale cohort study depicting that overexpression of Gal-3 was widely prevalent in patients with musculoskeletal tumors, whereas T cell infiltrations were generally suppressed in the tumor microenvironment. Targeting Gal-3 would serve as a novel immune checkpoint inhibitor candidate in patients afflicted with aggressive musculoskeletal tumors.
Microtubule Dynamics and Neuronal Excitability: Advances on Cytoskeletal Components Implicated in Epileptic Phenomena
Authors: Gambino Giuditta , Rizzo Valerio , Giglia Giuseppe , Ferraro Giuseppe , Sardo Pierangelo 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExtensive researches have deepened knowledge on the role of synaptic components in epileptogenesis, but limited attention has been devoted to the potential implication of the cytoskeleton. The study of the development of epilepsy and hyperexcitability states involves molecular, synaptic, and structural alterations of neuronal bioelectric activity. In this paper we aim to explore the neurobiological targets involved in microtubule functioning and cytoskeletal transport, i.e. how dynamic scaffolding of microtubules can influence neuronal morphology and excitability, in order to suggest a potential role for microtubule dynamics in the processes turning a normal neuronal network in a hyperexcited one. Pathophysiological alterations of microtubule dynamics inducing neurodegeneration, network remodeling and relative impairment on synaptic transmission were overviewed. Recent researches were reported on the phosphorylation state of microtubule-associated proteins such as tau in neurodegenerative diseases and epileptic states, but also on the effect of microtubule-active agents influencing cytoskeleton destabilization in epilepsy models. The manipulation of microtubule polymerization was found effective in the modulation of hyperexcitability. In addition, it was considered the importance of microtubules and related neurotrophic factors during neural development since they are essential for the formation of a properly functional neuronal network. Otherwise, this can lead to cognitive deficits, hyperexcitability phenomena and neurodevelopmental disorders. Lastly, we evaluated the role of microtubule dynamics on neuronal efficiency considering their importance in the transport of mitochondria, cellular elements fulfilling energy requirements for neuronal activity, and a putative influence on cannabinoid-mediated neuroprotection. This review provides novel perspectives for the implication of microtubule dynamics in the development of epileptic phenomena.
How Robust is the Evidence for a Role of Oxidative Stress in Autism Spectrum Disorders and Intellectual Disabilities?
Authors: Burke Shanna L. , Cobb Jessica , Agarwal Rumi , Maddux Marlaina , Cooke Marcus S. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGrowing interest in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) has led to emerging evidence implicating a role for oxidative stress. However, understanding the strength of this association is made challenging by the use of a variety of purported biomarkers of oxidative stress, many of which have either uncertain specificity or flawed methods of analysis. This review aims to address this issue, which is widespread in the ASD and IDD literature, by providing readers with information concerning the strengths and limitations of the choice and analysis of biomarkers of oxidative stress. We highlight that biomarkers and assays should be specific, sensitive, reproducible, precise, robust, and chosen with careful consideration. Future studies should be sufficiently powered and address sample collection, processing, and storage which are, additionally, poorly considered, sources of bad practice, and potential errors. Only with these issues considered, will the data lead to conclusions as to the precise role of oxidative stress in ASDs and IDD.
Pleistocene Water Crossings and Adaptive Flexibility Within the Homo Genus
Authors: Gaffney Dylan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPleistocene water crossings, long thought to be an innovation ofHomo sapiens, may extend beyond our species to encompass Middle and Early PleistoceneHomo. However, it remains unclear how water crossings differed among hominin populations, the extent to whichHomo sapiensare uniquely flexible in these adaptive behaviors, and how the tempo and scale of water crossings played out in different regions. I apply the adaptive flexibility hypothesis, derived from cognitive ecology, to model the global data and address these questions. Water-crossing behaviors appear to have emerged among different regional hominin populations in similar ecologies, initially representing nonstrategic range expansion. However, an increasing readiness to form connections with novel environments allowed someH. sapienspopulations to eventually push water crossings to new extremes, moving out of sight of land, making return crossings to maintain social ties and build viable founder populations, and dramatically shifting subsistence and lithic provisioning strategies to meet the challenges of variable ecological settings.
Role of non-magnetic dopants (Ca, Mg) in GdFeO3 perovskite nanoparticles obtained by different synthetic methods: structural, morphological and magnetic properties
Authors: Ruffo Antonia , Mozzati Maria Cristina , Albini Benedetta , Galinetto Pietro , Bini Marcella 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGdFeO3 perovskite attracted large interest in different fields thanks to peculiar magnetic and optical properties that are further tunable by means of doping processes and achievable on both Gd and Fe sites or by properly choosing the synthesis routes. In this paper, nanometric GdFeO3 compounds, undoped and doped with diamagnetic Ca2+ and Mg2+ ions, were synthesized by microwave assisted, sol–gel, and polyol syntheses and characterized by X-ray diffraction, showing solid solutions formation. Raman spectroscopy allowed us to confirm, from peak enlargements, the Ca and Mg substitution on Gd and Fe sites, respectively. The magnetic data showed the presence of magnetic domains as consequence of doping with diamagnetic ions, which seem to play a crucial role in the magnetic activity of the compounds. A superparamagnetic behaviour is evidenced; nevertheless, its intrinsic character is not definitely demonstrated. Indeed, the possible presence of traces of magnetic impurities, which are easily obtainable in these samples, such as iron oxides, must be taken into account.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: MAGE-C2/CT10 promotes growth and metastasis through upregulating c-Myc expression in prostate cancer
Authors: Qiu Jun , Yang Bei 
Published: September 2020

AbstractProstate cancer (PC) is the most common reproductive cancer in men and the third leading cause of cancer death among men worldwide. Recently targeted therapy showed a significant therapeutic effect on PC, whereas finding more PC therapeutic target is still urgently needed. Melanoma-associated antigen-encoding C2 (MAGE-C2/CT10), which have significant homology with the MAGE-C1/CT-7 gene, was known to be involved in the development of a variety of tumors. However, the role and mechanism of MAGE-C2/CT10 in prostate cancer remains unclear. Herein, we found the high levels of MAGE-C2/CT10 in highly metastatic prostate cancer. Our findings confirmed that the depletion of MAGE-C2/CT10 suppressed the growth of PC cells, and restrained PC cell migration and invasion in vitro. We noticed MAGE-C2/CT10 could stimulate c-Myc expression via FBP1, and further contributed to PC cell proliferation and motility. Performing in vivo assays, we demonstrated MAGE-C2/CT10 promoted tumor growth and metastasis of PC cells in mice. Collectively, we found the abnormal expression of MAGE-C2/CT10 in PC, and revealed the regulatory mechanism underlying MAGE-C2/CT10 promoting PC progression and metastasis.
One drug to treat many diseases: unlocking the economic trap of rare diseases
Authors: Pierzynowska Karolina , Kamińska Teresa , Węgrzyn Grzegorz 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThere are two major problems with the development of therapies for rare diseases. First, among over 7000 such diseases, the vast majority are caused by genetic defects and/or include neurodegeneration, making them very difficult to treat. Second, drugs for rare diseases, so-called orphan drugs, are extremely expensive, as only a small number of patients are interested in purchasing them. This results in the appearance of a specific economic trap of rare diseases; namely, despite high biomedical, pharmaceutical and technological potential, the development of new orphan drugs is blocked by the economic reality. The purpose of this work was to find a potential solution that might resolve this economic trap of rare diseases. A literature review was conducted, and a hypothesis was formulated assuming that the use of one drug for the treatment of many rare diseases might overcome the economic trap. We provide examples showing that finding such drugs is possible. Thus, a possible solution for the problem of developing orphan drugs is presented. Further preclinical and clinical studies, although neither easy nor inexpensive, should verify whether the hypothesis regarding the possibility of unlocking the economic trap of rare diseases is valid.
Modeling and simulation of anisotropic linear viscoelasticity
Authors: Pettermann Heinz E. , Cheyrou Camille , DeSimone Antonio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractA constitutive material law for linear viscoelasticity in the time domain is presented. It does not only allow for anisotropic elastic behavior but also for anisotropic (i.e. direction dependent) relaxation response. Under the assumption of thermo–rheological simple material behavior, the model is capable to account for direction dependent time–temperature-shift functions.The application is demonstrated for a linear viscoelastic matrix material reinforced by linear viscoelastic continuous fibers. The effective orthotropic linear viscoelastic response of the composite is computed by means of a periodic unit cell approach. These data, evaluated at different temperatures, are used to calibrate the input for the developed material law. Predictions from the latter are compared to the results from the unit cell simulations.
Efficient antioxidant defence systems of spring barley in response to stress induced jointly by the cyst nematode parasitism and cadmium exposure
Authors: Labudda Mateusz , Muszyńska Ewa , Gietler Marta , Różańska Elżbieta , Rybarczyk-Płońska Anna , Fidler Justyna , Prabucka Beata , Dababat Abdelfattah A. 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Aims
This research aimed to establish how Hordeum vulgare responds to abiotic and biotic stress affecting in tandem.

Methods
Plants were inoculated with Heterodera filipjevi and treated with cadmium (Cd) concentration (5 μM) that can occur in the cultivated soil. To verify the hypothesis about participation of increased antioxidative defence in H. vulgare under stress, biochemical and microscopic methods were implemented.

Results
The amount of superoxide anions and hydrogen peroxide was diminished in plants that were both nematode-inoculated and cadmium-treated. Superoxide anions were rendered harmless by increased activity of superoxide dismutase, and H2O2 was scavenged via Foyer-Halliwell-Asada pathway. The unique enhanced antioxidant capacity of double stressed plants was also linked with the accumulation of S-nitrosoglutathione as nitrosoglutathione reductase activity was inhibited. Furthermore, stimulated activity of arginase in these plants could promote polyamine synthesis and indirectly enhance non-enzymatic antioxidant mechanism. Results indicate that different antioxidants operating together significantly restricted oxidation of lipids and proteins, thus the integrity of cell membranes and protein functions were maintained.

Conclusions
The ROS deactivation machinery in barley leaves showed an unusual response during stress induced by H. filipjevi infection and cadmium treatment. Plants could induce a multi-component model of stress response, to detoxify Cd ions and efficiently repair stress damage.