bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparable risk of recurrent ventricular tachyarrhythmias in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator recipients treated with single beta‐blocker or combined amiodarone
Authors: Schupp Tobias , Behnes Michael , Kim Seung‐hyun , Müller Julian , Weidner Kathrin , Reiser Linda , Huseynov Aydin , Bollow Armin , Borggrefe Martin , Taton Gabriel , Reichelt Thomas , Ellguth Dominik , Engelke Niko , Akin Muharrem , Große Meininghaus Dirk , Bertsch Thomas , Akin Ibrahim 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThis study sought to assess the prognostic impact of treatment with single beta‐blocker (BB) compared to combined therapy with BB plus amiodarone (BB‐AMIO) on recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias in implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator (ICD) recipients. A large retrospective registry was used including consecutive ICD recipients with index episodes of ventricular tachyarrhythmias from 2002 to 2016. Patients treated with BB were compared to patients treated with BB‐AMIO. Kaplan‐Meier and Cox regression analyses were applied for the evaluation of the primary end‐point defined as first recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias at five years. Secondary end‐points comprised first appropriate ICD therapies, first cardiac rehospitalization and all‐cause mortality at five years. Among 512 ICD recipients, 81% were treated with BB and 19% with BB‐AMIO. BB and BB‐AMIO were associated with comparable risk of first recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias (46% vs. 43%; log rank P = .941; HR = 1.013; 95% CI 0.725‐1.415; P = .941) and appropriate ICD therapies (35% vs. 37%; log rank P = .389; HR = 0.852; 95% CI 0.591‐1.228; P = .390). BB was associated with decreased long‐term all‐cause mortality within an univariable analysis only (20% vs. 28%; log rank p = 0.023). In conclusion, BB and BB‐AMIO were associated with comparable risks regarding recurrences of ventricular tachyarrhythmias at five years.
Chronic fluoxetine treatment impairs motivation and reward learning by affecting neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala
Authors: Puścian Alicja , Winiarski Maciej , Łęski Szymon , Charzewski Łukasz , Nikolaev Tomasz , Borowska Joanna , Dzik Jakub M. , Bijata Monika , Lipp Hans‐Peter , Dziembowska Magdalena , Knapska Ewelina 
Published: November 2020

Background and PurposeThe therapeutic effects of fluoxetine are believed to be due to increasing neuronal plasticity and reversing some learning deficits. Nevertheless, a growing amount of evidence shows adverse effects of this drug on cognition and some forms of neuronal plasticity.Experimental ApproachTo study the effects of chronic fluoxetine treatment, we combine an automated assessment of motivation and learning in mice with an investigation of neuronal plasticity in the central amygdala and basolateral amygdala. We use immunohistochemistry to visualize neuronal types and perineuronal nets, along with DI staining to assess dendritic spine morphology. Gel zymography is used to test fluoxetine's impact on matrix metalloproteinase‐9, an enzyme involved in synaptic plasticity.Key ResultsWe show that chronic fluoxetine treatment in non‐stressed mice increases perineuronal nets‐dependent plasticity in the basolateral amygdala, while impairing MMP‐9‐dependent plasticity in the central amygdala. Further, we illustrate how the latter contributes to anhedonia and deficits of reward learning. Behavioural impairments are accompanied by alterations in morphology of dendritic spines in the central amygdala towards an immature state, most likely reflecting animals' inability to adapt. We strengthen the link between the adverse effects of fluoxetine and its influence on MMP‐9 by showing that behaviour of MMP‐9 knockout animals remains unaffected by the drug.Conclusion and ImplicationsChronic fluoxetine treatment differentially affects various forms of neuronal plasticity, possibly explaining its opposing effects on brain and behaviour. These findings are of immediate clinical relevance since reported side effects of fluoxetine pose a potential threat to patients.
The implications of variations in nasal irrigation recipes in the United Kingdom
Authors: Whittaker Joshua D. , Reynolds Timothy , Lee Patrick K. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the variations in publicly available nasal irrigation recipes published in the United Kingdom (UK).DesignInternet searches used to identify eligible nasal irrigation recipes. These were then examined for their physical and biochemical properties, through theoretical calculations and experimental measurement.SettingRecipes produced by healthcare providers or official national bodies in the UK.ParticipantsNo human participants.Main outcome measuresSolution osmolality (classified into hypo‐, iso‐ and hypertonic), acidity (pH) and specific gravity.ResultsThirteen unique recipes were identified from 17 sources. Osmolality ranged from 166.2 to 1492.2 mosmol/kg in volumes ranging from 142 to 1136 mLs (isotonic range 275‐295 mosmol/kg). Specific gravity ranged from 1.006 to 1.034. pH ranged from 7.74 to 8.11. No recipe produced a solution with isotonic properties. The majority produced hypertonic irrigations.ConclusionsMost publicly available nasal irrigation recipes produce hypertonic solutions but there is great variability in the osmolality and volume. UK organisations should take action to review published recipes to bring these into alignment with latest guidelines (recommending against hypertonic saline use) and reduce variability in patient interpretations.
Enforcing Kubelka–Munk constraints for opaque paints
Authors: Centore Paul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe Kubelka–Munk model relates the colours of paint mixtures to the absorption and scattering coefficients (K and S) of the constituent paints, and to their concentrations (C) in the mixtures. All Ks and Ss are non‐negative, and Cs are physically constrained to be between 0 and 1. Standard estimation procedures cast the Kubelka–Munk relationships as an overdetermined linear system and apply ordinary least squares (OLS). OLS, however, sometimes produces coefficients or concentrations that are less than 0 or greater than 1. These physically impossible solutions occur because OLS projects a target vector (such as a desired reflectance spectrum) onto a vector subspace, while in fact the set of physically realisable paint combinations is a convex polytope, which is a subset of that subspace. This paper reformulates Kubelka–Munk estimation problems geometrically, as the problem of finding the point on that polytope which is closest to a target vector. The solutions to the reformulated problem are always physically realisable. If feasible, a worker could solve the reformulated problem with a ready‐made commercial solver. Otherwise, the Gilbert–Johnson–Keerthi algorithm is recommended as particularly suitable for Kubelka–Munk estimation; this algorithm has been tested on some simple cases and released as open‐source code.
The roles and functions of Paneth cells in Crohn’s disease: A critical review
Authors: Yang Erpeng , Shen Jun 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPaneth cells (PCs) are located at the base of small intestinal crypts and secrete the α‐defensins, human α‐defensin 5 (HD‐5) and human α‐defensin 6 (HD‐6) in response to bacterial, cholinergic and other stimuli. The α‐defensins are broad‐spectrum microbicides that play critical roles in controlling gut microbiota and maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Inflammatory bowel disease, including ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease (CD), is a complicated autoimmune disorder. The pathogenesis of CD involves genetic factors, environmental factors and microflora. Surprisingly, with regard to genetic factors, many susceptible genes and pathogenic pathways of CD, including nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain 2 (NOD2), autophagy‐related 16‐like 1 (ATG16L1), immunity‐related guanosine triphosphatase family M (IRGM), wingless‐related integration site (Wnt), leucine‐rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), histone deacetylases (HDACs), caspase‐8 (Casp8) and X‐box‐binding protein‐1 (XBP1), are relevant to PCs. As the underlying mechanisms are being unravelled, PCs are identified as the central element of CD pathogenesis, integrating factors among microbiota, intestinal epithelial barrier dysfunction and the immune system. In the present review, we demonstrate how these genes and pathways regulate CD pathogenesis via their action on PCs and what treatment modalities can be applied to deal with these PC‐mediated pathogenic processes.
SynGAP is expressed in the murine suprachiasmatic nucleus and regulates circadian‐gated locomotor activity and light‐entrainment capacity
Authors: Aten Sydney , Kalidindi Anisha , Yoon Hyojung , Rumbaugh Gavin , Hoyt Kari R. , Obrietan Karl 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the hypothalamus functions as the master circadian clock. The phasing of the SCN oscillator is locked to the daily solar cycle, and an intracellular signaling cassette from the small GTPase Ras to the p44/42 mitogen‐activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway is central to this entrainment process. Here, we analyzed the expression and function of SynGAP—a GTPase‐activating protein that serves as a negative regulator of Ras signaling—within the murine SCN. Using a combination of immunohistochemical and Western blotting approaches, we show that SynGAP is broadly expressed throughout the SCN. In addition, temporal profiling assays revealed that SynGAP expression is regulated over the circadian cycle, with peak expression occurring during the circadian night. Further, time‐of‐day‐gated expression of SynGAP was not observed in clock arrhythmic BMAL1 null mice, indicating that the daily oscillation in SynGAP is driven by the inherent circadian timing mechanism. We also show that SynGAP phosphorylation at serine 1138—an event that has been found to modulate its functional efficacy—is regulated by clock time and is responsive to photic input. Finally, circadian phenotypic analysis of Syngap1 heterozygous mice revealed enhanced locomotor activity, increased sensitivity to light‐evoked clock entrainment, and elevated levels of light‐evoked MAPK activity, which is consistent with the role of SynGAP as a negative regulator of MAPK signaling. These findings reveal that SynGAP functions as a modulator of SCN clock entrainment, an effect that may contribute to sleep and circadian abnormalities observed in patients with SYNGAP1 gene mutations.
A new strain of Taylorella asinigenitalis shows differing pathogenicity in mares and Jenny donkeys
Authors: Wilsher Sandra , Omar Hussein , Ismer Ann , Allen Twink , Wernery Ulli , Joseph Marina , Mawhinney Ian , Florea Laura , Thurston Lisa , Duquesne Fabien , Petry Sandrine 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThree horse mares inadvertently inseminated with semen from a Tayorella asinigenitalis‐positive Jack donkey developed severe, purulent endometritis whereas two Jenny donkeys mated naturally to the same Jack donkey did not develop clinical signs of infection.ObjectivesTo isolate and identify the causative agent.Study designCase report.MethodsEndometrial swabs from the infected mares were cultured on selective and non‐selective media under aerobic and microaerophilic conditions. Isolates were subjected to Gram staining, oxidase and catalase tests, the Monotayl Latex Agglutination test and PCR to test for both T. equigenitalis and T. asinigenitalis. In vitro antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed and the bacterial isolate was genotyped using MLST.ResultsA new sequence type of T. asinigenitalis was confirmed.Main limitationsA limited numbers of mares and donkeys are described.ConclusionsThis strain of T. asinigenitalis causes a severe venereal infection in mares but not in Jenny donkeys.
Arc self‐association and formation of virus‐like capsids are mediated by an N‐terminal helical coil motif
Authors: Eriksen Maria S. , Nikolaienko Oleksii , Hallin Erik I. , Grødem Sverre , Bustad Helene J. , Flydal Marte I. , Merski Ian , Hosokawa Tomohisa , Lascu Daniela , Akerkar Shreeram , Cuéllar Jorge , Chambers James J. , O’Connell Rory , Muruganandam Gopinath , Loris Remy , Touma Christine , Kanhema Tambudzai , Hayashi Yasunori , Stratton Margaret M. , Valpuesta José M. , Kursula Petri , Martinez Aurora , Bramham Clive R. 
Published: November 2020

Activity‐regulated cytoskeleton‐associated protein (Arc) is a protein interaction hub with diverse roles in intracellular neuronal signaling, and important functions in neuronal synaptic plasticity, memory, and postnatal cortical development. Arc has homology to retroviral Gag protein and is capable of self‐assembly into virus‐like capsids implicated in the intercellular transfer of RNA. However, the molecular basis of Arc self‐association and capsid formation is largely unknown. Here, we identified a 28‐amino‐acid stretch in the mammalian Arc N‐terminal (NT) domain that is necessary and sufficient for self‐association. Within this region, we identified a 7‐residue oligomerization motif, critical for the formation of virus‐like capsids. Purified wild‐type Arc formed capsids as shown by transmission and cryo‐electron microscopy, whereas mutant Arc with disruption of the oligomerization motif formed homogenous dimers. An atomic‐resolution crystal structure of the oligomerization region peptide demonstrated an antiparallel coiled‐coil interface, strongly supporting NT‐NT domain interactions in Arc oligomerization. The NT coil–coil interaction was also validated in live neurons using fluorescence lifetime FRET imaging, and mutation of the oligomerization motif disrupted Arc‐facilitated endocytosis. Furthermore, using single‐molecule photobleaching, we show that Arc mRNA greatly enhances higher‐order oligomerization in a manner dependent on the oligomerization motif. In conclusion, a helical coil in the Arc NT domain supports self‐association above the dimer stage, mRNA‐induced oligomerization, and formation of virus‐like capsids.DatabaseThe coordinates and structure factors for crystallographic analysis of the oligomerization region were deposited at the Protein Data Bank with the entry code 6YTU.
A modified normalization method for determining fracture toughness of steel
Authors: Gao Hui , Wang Weigang , Wang Yanlin , Zhang Bohua , Li Chun‐Qing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNormalization method (NM) is a practical method for determining the J–R curves and fracture toughness of steels. There is some concern, however, about the performance of this method on steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength owing mainly to the assumption of infinite strain hardening exponent. This paper intends to analytically modify the NM by removing this assumption and incorporating the strain hardening in calculating the blunting corrected crack length. This modification enables the NM to be applied to steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength. Experiments are undertaken to verify the modified NM (CNM). A comparison of fracture toughness determined by CNM with that by the unloading compliance method and NM corroborates the improved accuracy of the developed CNM. The paper concludes that the developed CNM overcomes the deficiency of the NM for steels with small strain hardening exponent and yield strength.
The lunar compass of European glass eels (Anguilla anguilla) increases the probability that they recruit to North Sea coasts
Authors: Cresci Alessandro , Sandvik Anne D. , Sævik Pål N. , Ådlandsvik Bjørn , Olascoaga Maria Josefina , Miron Philippe , Durif Caroline M. F. , Skiftesvik Anne Berit , Browman Howard I. , Vikebø Frode 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe European eel hatches in the Sargasso Sea and migrates across the Atlantic Ocean toward Europe. At the continental shelf, larvae metamorphose into glass eels and then recruit to coastal habitats and estuaries. Among other cues, glass eels orient in situ using lunar cues, but what role this lunar compass plays in their recruitment to the coast is unknown. To assess this, we incorporated empirical in situ observations of glass eel swimming and lunar‐driven orientation into a biophysical advection model. We simulated dispersal of glass eels drifting with the North Atlantic Current to test the hypothesis that lunar‐driven swimming and orientation behavior affects recruitment to North Sea coasts. Particles were released from the continental slope north of Scotland, an obligate passage for migrating eel larvae. Four numerical experiments were conducted: one with passive drift and three including glass eel swimming speeds (ranging from 3 to 12 cm/s) and lunar‐driven orientation. With a speed of 3 cm/s, the lunar compass increased recruitment to the North Sea coasts of Southwestern Norway and Scotland by 34%–40%. Conversely, orientation behavior decreased recruitment to northern areas like Iceland (−46%), the Faroe Islands (−39%) and Northern Norway (−49%). Behavior affected the timing of recruitment to Southwestern Norway, causing peaks of abundance in May–June, but not to other regions. These results show that lunar‐driven orientation and swimming behavior observed in glass eels substantially increases their recruitment to North Sea coasts. Results agree with the distribution of eel in northern Europe, which decreases in abundance with increasing latitude.
Fertility management for industrial hemp production: Current knowledge and future research needs
Authors: Wylie Sarah E. , Ristvey Andrew G. , Fiorellino Nicole M. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUntil recently, commercial cultivation of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) was illegal in the United States. Industrial hemp is cultivated for multiple purposes including fiber, seed, and biomass production; each requiring a different agronomic system which may require different nutrient and fertility recommendations. However, there is limited peer‐reviewed research available on hemp plant fertility requirements and soil‐nutrient removal. This essentially multiplies the research effort needed to generate scientifically sound fertigation recommendations. Some fertility research has been published from European and Canadian studies, but as cultivation of hemp increases in the U.S. researchers and extension personnel will be asked to generate recommendations for profitable hemp cultivation. This creates a need for new, updated, and relevant fertility research to form the basis of peer‐reviewed recommendations. This article reviews and summarizes the current state of peer‐reviewed industrial hemp fertility research and we pose ideas for future fertility studies necessary for the development of industrial hemp fertilizer recommendations.
Lignocellulosic ethanol production combined with CCS—A study of GHG reductions and potential environmental trade‐offs
Authors: Lask Jan , Rukavina Slavica , Zorić Ivana , Kam Jason , Kiesel Andreas , Lewandowski Iris , Wagner Moritz 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe combination of bioethanol production and carbon capture and storage technologies (BECCS) is considered an indispensable method for the achievement of the targets set by the Paris agreement. In Croatia, a first‐of‐its‐kind biorefinery project is currently underway that aims to integrate a second‐generation ethanol plant into an existing fossil refinery. The goal is to replace the fossil fuel production by second‐generation ethanol production using miscanthus. In the ethanol fermentation, CO2 is emitted in highly concentrated form and this can be directly compressed, injected and stored in exploited oil reservoirs. This study presents an assessment of the greenhouse gas (GHG) reduction potential of miscanthus ethanol produced in combination with CCS technology, based on data from the planning process of this biorefinery project. The GHG reduction potential is evaluated as part of a full environmental life cycle assessment. This is of particular relevance as a lignocellulosic ethanol industry is currently emerging in the European Union (EU) and LCAs of BECCS systems have, so far, often omitted environmental impacts other than GHG emissions. Overall, the ethanol to be produced in this planned biorefinery project would clearly achieve the EU's global warming potential (GWP) reduction target for biofuels. Depending on the accounting approach applied for the biological carbon storage, reduction potentials between 104% and 138% relative to the fossil comparator are likely. In addition, ethanol can reduce risks to resource availability. As such, the results generated from data based on the intended biorefinery project support the two major rationales for biofuel use. However, these reductions could come at the expense of human health and ecosystem quality impacts associated with the combustion of lignin and biogas. In order to prevent potential environmental trade‐offs, it will be imperative to monitor and manage these emissions from residue combustion, as they represent significant drivers of the overall environmental impacts.
The multidimensionality of soil macroecology
Authors: Eisenhauer Nico , Buscot François , Heintz‐Buschart Anna , Jurburg Stephanie D. , Küsel Kirsten , Sikorski Johannes , Vogel Hans‐Jörg , Guerra Carlos A. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe recent past has seen a tremendous surge in soil macroecological studies and new insights into the global drivers of one‐quarter of the biodiversity of the Earth. Building on these important developments, a recent paper in Global Ecology and Biogeography outlined promising methods and approaches to advance soil macroecology. Among other recommendations, White and colleagues introduced the concept of a spatial three‐dimensionality in soil macroecology by considering the different spheres of influence and scales, as soil organism size ranges vary from bacteria to macro‐ and megafauna. Here, we extend this concept by discussing three additional dimensions (biological, physical, and societal) that are crucial to steer soil macroecology from pattern description towards better mechanistic understanding. In our view, these are the requirements to establish it as a predictive science that can inform policy about relevant nature and management conservation actions. We highlight the need to explore temporal dynamics of soil biodiversity and functions across multiple temporal scales, integrating different facets of biodiversity (i.e., variability in body size, life‐history traits, species identities, and groups of taxa) and their relationships to multiple ecosystem functions, in addition to the feedback effects between humans and soil biodiversity. We also argue that future research needs to consider effective soil conservation policy and management in combination with higher awareness of the contributions of soil‐based nature's contributions to people. To verify causal relationships, soil macroecology should be paired with local and globally distributed experiments. The present paper expands the multidimensional perspective on soil macroecology to guide future research contents and funding. We recommend considering these multiple dimensions in projected global soil biodiversity monitoring initiatives.