bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Viability of tDCS in Military Environments for Performance Enhancement: A Systematic Review
Authors: Feltman Kathryn A , Hayes Amanda M , Bernhardt Kyle A , Nwala Emmanuel , Kelley Amanda M 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Transcranial electrical stimulation (tES) as a method of cognitive enhancement in both diseased and healthy individuals has gained popularity. Its potential for enhancing cognition in healthy individuals has gained the interest of the military. However, before it being implemented into military training or operational settings, further work is needed to determine its efficacy and safety. Although a considerable amount of literature exists, few studies have specifically evaluated its use in enhancing cognition relative to operational, military tasks. Therefore, in a first step to evaluate its efficacy, we completed a systematic literature review of studies using transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), a type of tES, to enhance cognitive processes in healthy individuals.

Methods
A systematic literature review was conducted to identify literature published between 2008 and 2018 that used a method of tES for cognitive enhancement. As part of a larger literature review effort, 282 articles were initially retrieved. These were then screened to identify articles meeting predetermined criteria, to include those using various methods of tES, resulting in 44 articles. Next, the articles were screened for those using tDCS or high-definition tDCS, resulting in 34 articles for review and information extraction.

Results
Of the 34 articles reviewed, 28 reported some degree of enhancement (eg, improved accuracy on tasks and reduced reaction times). Areas of cognitive enhancements included executive functioning, creativity/cognitive flexibility, attention/perception, decision-making, memory, and working memory. However, the precise outcomes of enhancement varied given the range in tasks that were used to assess the constructs. Additionally, the stimulation parameters in terms of intensity applied, duration of stimulation, and brain region targeted for stimulation varied.

Conclusions
The conclusions to be drawn from this systematic literature review include the identification of a brain region for targeting with stimulation to enhance a broad range of cognitive constructs applicable to military tasks, as well as stimulation parameters for duration and intensity. The dorsolateral prefrontal cortex was most frequently targeted in the studies that found enhanced performance across several cognitive constructs. Stimulation intensities of 2 mA and durations of 20 minutes or longer appeared frequently as well. Although several parameters were identified, further work is required before this type of technology can be recommended for operational use.
Weight Loss Intervention Impact on the Physical Fitness Test Scores of Air Force Service Members
Authors: Pebley Kinsey , Beauvais Alexis , Gladney Leslie A , Kocak Mehmet , Klesges Robert C Klesges , Hare Marion , Richey Phyllis A , Johnson Karen C , Hryshko-Mullen Ann , Talcott G Wayne , Krukowski Rebecca A 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Introduction
Overweight and obesity are a major public health concern in the United States, including among active duty military personnel. Approximately 51% of active duty personnel are classified as overweight and 15% are classified as obese. This may impact military readiness. The current study aimed to determine if a weight loss intervention impacted fitness test scores among Air Force personnel.

Materials and Methods
From 2014 to 2016, 204 Air Force members with overweight/obesity were randomized into either a Self-paced or counselor-initiated arm in a weight loss program. Study procedures were approved by the Institutional Review Board of the 59th Medical Wing in San Antonio and were acknowledged by the Institutional Review Board at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center. Fitness test scores from before, during, and after the intervention were used to determine if the intervention resulted in improvements in overall fitness test ratings and scores on individual components of the test.

Results
Participants who lost at least 5% of their weight had better fitness ratings during the intervention compared to individuals who did not lose 5%. However, in the overall sample, fitness ratings worsened from preintervention to during the intervention, and from during to postintervention. Participants with overweight had better aerobic scores pre- and postintervention as well as better abdominal circumference scores and better fitness test ratings preintervention, during the intervention and postintervention compared to participants with obesity.

Conclusions
Behavioral weight management interventions that achieve 5% weight loss may help improve military fitness test ratings.
HaloTag-based conjugation of proteins to barcoding-oligonucleotides
Authors: Yazaki Junshi , Kawashima Yusuke , Ogawa Taisaku , Kobayashi Atsuo , Okoshi Mayu , Watanabe Takashi , Yoshida Suguru , Kii Isao , Egami Shohei , Amagai Masayuki , Hosoya Takamitsu , Shiroguchi Katsuyuki , Ohara Osamu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHighly sensitive protein quantification enables the detection of a small number of protein molecules that serve as markers/triggers for various biological phenomena, such as cancer. Here, we describe the development of a highly sensitive protein quantification system called HaloTag protein barcoding. The method involves covalent linking of a target protein to a unique molecule counting oligonucleotide at a 1:1 conjugation ratio based on an azido–cycloalkyne click reaction. The sensitivity of the HaloTag-based barcoding was remarkably higher than that of a conventional luciferase assay. The HaloTag system was successfully validated by analyzing a set of protein-protein interactions, with the identification rate of 44% protein interactions between positive reference pairs reported in the literature. Desmoglein 3, the target antigen of pemphigus vulgaris, an IgG-mediated autoimmune blistering disease, was used in a HaloTag protein barcode assay to detect the anti-DSG3 antibody. The dynamic range of the assay was over 104-times wider than that of a conventional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The technology was used to detect anti-DSG3 antibody in patient samples with much higher sensitivity compared to conventional ELISA. Our detection system, with its superior sensitivity, enables earlier detection of diseases possibly allowing the initiation of care/treatment at an early disease stage.
Regioselective formation of RNA strands in the absence of magnesium ions
Authors: Motsch Sebastian , Tremmel Peter , Richert Clemens 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
The oligomerization of ribonucleotides can produce short RNA strands in the absence of enzymes. This reaction gives one of two regioisomeric phosphodiester linkages, a 2′,5′- or a 3′,5′-diester. The former, non-natural linkage is detrimental for duplex stability, and is known to form preferentially in oligomerizations occurring in homogeneous solution with preactivated nucleotides in the presence of magnesium cations. We have studied ribonucleotide oligomerization with in situ activation, using NMR as monitoring technique. Unexpectedly, the known preference for 2′,5′-linkages in the oligomerization of AMP was reversed in the absence of magnesium ions at slightly basic pH. Further, oligomerization was surprisingly efficient in the absence of Mg2+ salts, producing oligomers long enough for duplex formation. A quantitative systems chemistry analysis then revealed that the absence of magnesium ions favors the activation of nucleotides, and that the high concentration of active species can compensate for slower coupling. Further, organocatalytic intermediates can help to overcome the unfavorable regioselectivity of the magnesium-catalyzed reactions. Our findings allay concerns that RNA may have been difficult to form in the absence of enzymes. They also show that there is an efficient path to genetic material that does not require mineral surfaces or cations known to catalyze RNA hydrolysis.
Structural basis for the dimerization of Gemin5 and its role in protein recruitment and translation control
Authors: Moreno-Morcillo María , Francisco-Velilla Rosario , Embarc-Buh Azman , Fernández-Chamorro Javier , Ramón-Maiques Santiago , Martinez-Salas Encarnacion 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn all organisms, a selected type of proteins accomplishes critical roles in cellular processes that govern gene expression. The multifunctional protein Gemin5 cooperates in translation control and ribosome binding, besides acting as the RNA-binding protein of the survival of motor neuron (SMN) complex. While these functions reside on distinct domains located at each end of the protein, the structure and function of the middle region remained unknown. Here, we solved the crystal structure of an extended tetratricopeptide (TPR)-like domain in human Gemin5 that self-assembles into a previously unknown canoe-shaped dimer. We further show that the dimerization module is functional in living cells driving the interaction between the viral-induced cleavage fragment p85 and the full-length Gemin5, which anchors splicing and translation members. Disruption of the dimerization surface by a point mutation in the TPR-like domain prevents this interaction and also abrogates translation enhancement induced by p85. The characterization of this unanticipated dimerization domain provides the structural basis for a role of the middle region of Gemin5 as a central hub for protein-protein interactions.
The therapeutic and diagnostic potential of regulatory noncoding RNAs in medulloblastoma
Authors: Joshi Piyush , Katsushima Keisuke , Zhou Rui , Meoded Avner , Stapleton Stacie , Jallo George , Raabe Eric , Eberhart Charles G , Perera Ranjan J 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMedulloblastoma, a central nervous system tumor that predominantly affects children, always requires aggressive therapy. Nevertheless, it frequently recurs as resistant disease and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. While recent efforts to subclassify medulloblastoma based on molecular features have advanced our basic understanding of medulloblastoma pathogenesis, optimal targets to increase therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects remain largely undefined. Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with known regulatory roles, particularly long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs), are now known to participate in medulloblastoma biology, although their functional significance remains obscure in many cases. Here we review the literature on regulatory ncRNAs in medulloblastoma. In providing a comprehensive overview of ncRNA studies, we highlight how different lncRNAs and miRNAs have oncogenic or tumor suppressive roles in medulloblastoma. These ncRNAs possess subgroup specificity that can be exploited to personalize therapy by acting as theranostic targets. Several of the already identified ncRNAs appear specific to medulloblastoma stem cells, the most difficult-to-treat component of the tumor that drives metastasis and acquired resistance, thereby providing opportunities for therapy in relapsing, disseminating, and therapy-resistant disease. Delivering ncRNAs to tumors remains challenging, but this limitation is gradually being overcome through the use of advanced technologies such as nanotechnology and rational biomaterial design.
High growth rates of a dominant calanoid copepod in the northern San Francisco Estuary
Authors: Owens Stephanie , Ignoffo Toni R , Frantzich Jared , Slaughter Anne , Kimmerer Wim 
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACTWe measured growth rates of the copepod Pseudodiaptomus forbesi in relation to food, environmental conditions and hydrology in the northern San Francisco Estuary, California, USA. We conducted 38 copepod growth-rate experiments during summers 2015–2017 at four sites in a tidal, freshwater channel that had strong gradients in environmental conditions. Copepod growth rates were measured using the artificial cohort method with an image analysis technique, and seston attributes were measured to investigate the effects of food quantity and quality on copepod growth rates. Growth rates ranging from 0.03 to 0.47 day−1 (median 0.30 day−1) and growth rates, chlorophyll, turbidity and total lipids in the channel decreased with distance downstream. Growth rates had a saturating response to chlorophyll and were generally higher than rates previously measured in larger estuarine channels, presumably because of higher chlorophyll and temperature in our study area. Growth rate was positively associated with biovolume of cyanobacteria but not with that of other major phytoplankton groups, which is consistent with a recent finding of high feeding of P. forbesi on cyanobacteria. This adds to the small but growing literature suggesting that crustacean planktons are able to overcome the nutritional deficiencies of cyanobacteria to grow and reproduce.
Association Between Self-Reported Spinal Morning Stiffness and Radiographic Evidence of Lumbar Disk Degeneration in Participants of the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee (CHECK) Study
Authors: van den Berg Roxanne , Jongbloed Elisabeth M , Kuchuk Natalia O , Koes Bart W , Oei Edwin H G , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , Luijsterburg Pim A J 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Background
Low back pain (LBP) is very common and is a main cause of limited activity and work absence. Patients with LBP may also report spinal morning stiffness; this symptom could be useful for identifying subgroups with signs and symptoms related to spinal osteoarthritis.

Objective
This study investigated whether an association exists between reported spinal morning stiffness and radiographic evidence of lumbar disk degeneration (LDD) in people with LBP and a history of pain of the hip and/or knee.

Design
This cross-sectional study used 8-year follow-up data from the Cohort Hip and Cohort Knee study.

Methods
The association between spinal morning stiffness and radiographic LDD features was assessed with multivariable logistic regression models.

Results
The presence of osteophytes was significantly associated with spinal morning stiffness (odds ratio [OR] = 2.1 [95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.3–3.2]) as was the presence of grade 2 or 3 disk space narrowing (OR = 2.0 [95% CI = 1.1–3.5]). There was also a significant association between morning stiffness persisting for &gt; 30 minutes and grade 2 osteophytes (OR = 2.6 [95% CI = 1.1–6.2]) and grade 1 disk space narrowing (OR = 2.0 [95% CI = 1.1–3.6]). Furthermore, there was a significant association between moderate spinal morning stiffness and the presence of osteophytes (OR = 2.0 [95% CI = 1.2–3.2]). Both the presence of osteophytes and disk space narrowing were significantly associated with severe spinal morning stiffness (for osteophytes: OR = 2.0 [95% CI = 1.2–3.7]; for narrowing at L1-S1: OR = 1.8 [95% CI = 1.1–3.1]).

Limitations
Only lumbar lateral radiographs were available for each participant, implying that the LDD features could have been underestimated. The quality of the radiographs was not consistent.

Conclusions
This study showed an association between self-reported spinal morning stiffness and symptomatic LDD. When morning stiffness lasted &gt; 30 minutes, there was a significant association with the features of LDD. The association was stronger when the severity of spinal morning stiffness increased.
Robust, ECG-based detection of Sleep-disordered breathing in large population-based cohorts
Authors: Olsen Mads , Mignot Emmanuel , Jennum Poul Jorgen , Sorensen Helge Bjarup Dissing 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Study Objectives
Up to 5% of adults in Western countries have undiagnosed sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Studies have shown that electrocardiogram (ECG)-based algorithms can identify SDB and may provide alternative screening. Most studies, however, have limited generalizability as they have been conducted using the apnea-ECG database, a small sample database that lacks complex SDB cases.

Methods
Here, we developed a fully automatic, data-driven algorithm that classifies apnea and hypopnea events based on the ECG using almost 10 000 polysomnographic sleep recordings from two large population-based samples, the Sleep Heart Health Study (SHHS) and the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), which contain subjects with a broad range of sleep and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) to ensure heterogeneity.

Results
Performances on average were sensitivity(Se)=68.7%, precision (Pr)=69.1%, score (F1)=66.6% per subject, and accuracy of correctly classifying apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) severity score was Acc=84.9%. Target AHI and predicted AHI were highly correlated (R2 = 0.828) across subjects, indicating validity in predicting SDB severity. Our algorithm proved to be statistically robust between databases, between different periodic leg movement index (PLMI) severity groups, and for subjects with previous CVD incidents. Further, our algorithm achieved the state-of-the-art performance of Se=87.8%, Sp=91.1%, Acc=89.9% using independent comparisons and Se=90.7%, Sp=95.7%, Acc=93.8% using a transfer learning comparison on the apnea-ECG database.

Conclusions
Our robust and automatic algorithm constitutes a minimally intrusive and inexpensive screening system for the detection of SDB events using the ECG to alleviate the current problems and costs associated with diagnosing SDB cases and to provide a system capable of identifying undiagnosed SDB cases.
Self-reported sleep relates to hippocampal atrophy across the adult lifespan: results from the Lifebrain consortium
Authors: Fjell Anders M , Sørensen Øystein , Amlien Inge K , Bartrés-Faz David , Bros Didac Maciá , Buchmann Nikolaus , Demuth Ilja , Drevon Christian A , Düzel Sandra , Ebmeier Klaus P , Idland Ane-Victoria , Kietzmann Tim C , Kievit Rogier , Kühn Simone , Lindenberger Ulman , Mowinckel Athanasia M , Nyberg Lars , Price Darren , Sexton Claire E , Solé-Padullés Cristina , Pudas Sara , Sederevicius Donatas , Suri Sana , Wagner Gerd , Watne Leiv Otto , Westerhausen René , Zsoldos Enikő , Walhovd Kristine B 
Published: November 2019

Abstract

Objectives
Poor sleep is associated with multiple age-related neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric conditions. The hippocampus plays a special role in sleep and sleep-dependent cognition, and accelerated hippocampal atrophy is typically seen with higher age. Hence, it is critical to establish how the relationship between sleep and hippocampal volume loss unfolds across the adult lifespan.

Methods
Self-reported sleep measures and MRI-derived hippocampal volumes were obtained from 3105 cognitively normal participants (18–90 years) from major European brain studies in the Lifebrain consortium. Hippocampal volume change was estimated from 5116 MRIs from 1299 participants for whom longitudinal MRIs were available, followed up to 11 years with a mean interval of 3.3 years. Cross-sectional analyses were repeated in a sample of 21,390 participants from the UK Biobank.

Results
No cross-sectional sleep—hippocampal volume relationships were found. However, worse sleep quality, efficiency, problems, and daytime tiredness were related to greater hippocampal volume loss over time, with high scorers showing 0.22% greater annual loss than low scorers. The relationship between sleep and hippocampal atrophy did not vary across age. Simulations showed that the observed longitudinal effects were too small to be detected as age-interactions in the cross-sectional analyses.

Conclusions
Worse self-reported sleep is associated with higher rates of hippocampal volume decline across the adult lifespan. This suggests that sleep is relevant to understand individual differences in hippocampal atrophy, but limited effect sizes call for cautious interpretation.
Involvement of VNS NAC-domain transcription factors in tracheid formation in Pinus taeda
Authors: Akiyoshi Nobuhiro , Nakano Yoshimi , Sano Ryosuke , Kunigita Yusuke , Ohtani Misato , Demura Taku 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Vascular plants have two types of water-conducting cells, xylem vessel cells (in angiosperms) and tracheid cells (in ferns and gymnosperms). These cells are commonly characterized by secondary cell wall (SCW) formation and programmed cell death (PCD), which increase the efficiency of water conduction. The differentiation of xylem vessel cells is regulated by a set of NAC (NAM, ATAF1/2 and CUC2) transcription factors, called the VASCULAR-RELATED NAC-DOMAIN (VND) family, in Arabidopsis thaliana Linne. The VNDs regulate the transcriptional induction of genes required for SCW formation and PCD. However, information on the transcriptional regulation of tracheid cell differentiation is still limited. Here, we performed functional analysis of loblolly pine (Pinus taeda Linne) VND homologs (PtaVNS, for VND, NST/SND, SMB-related protein). We identified five PtaVNS genes in the loblolly pine genome, and four of these PtaVNS genes were highly expressed in tissues with tracheid cells, such as shoot apices and developing xylem. Transient overexpression of PtaVNS genes induced xylem vessel cell-like patterning of SCW deposition in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana Domin) leaves, and up-regulated the promoter activities of loblolly pine genes homologous to SCW-related MYB transcription factor genes and cellulose synthase genes, as well as to cysteine protease genes for PCD. Collectively, our data indicated that PtaVNS proteins possess transcriptional activity to induce the molecular programs required for tracheid formation, i.e., SCW formation and PCD. Moreover, these findings suggest that the VNS–MYB-based transcriptional network regulating water-conducting cell differentiation in angiosperm and moss plants is conserved in gymnosperms.
Implementing Best Practices for the Provision of Long-acting Reversible Contraception: A Survey of Obstetrician-Gynecologists
Authors: Castleberry Neko M. , Stark Lauren , Schulkin Jay , Grossman Daniel 
Published: November 2019

(Abstracted from Contraception 2019;100:123–127)
The most effective long-acting reversible contraceptives (LARCs) are intrauterine devices (IUDs) and contraceptive implants. Although LARCs are safe for nulliparous women and adolescents in the immediate postpartum and postabortion periods, the proportion of reproductive-aged women using contraceptives is low.
Use and Misuse of Opioids After Gynecologic Surgical Procedures
Authors: Wright Jason D. , Huang Yongmei , Melamed Alexander , Tergas Ana I. , St Clair Caryn M. , Hou June Y. , Khoury-Collado Fady , Ananth Cande V. , Neugut Alfred I. , Hershman Dawn L. 
Published: November 2019

(Abstracted from Obstet Gynecol 2019;134(2):250–260)
The majority of opioid use disorders originate legally through prescriptions to the individual or through diverted medications; however, for various reasons, use often switches to use of cheaper illicit substances such as heroin. Recent literature has shown that 22% of opioids prescribed to opioid-naive patients are due to surgical procedures, with 1 study finding that of 36,000 patients who underwent surgery, 6% of patients prescribed a perioperative opioid developed persistent use more than 90 days postoperatively.
Maternal and Neonatal Outcomes Associated With Trophectoderm Biopsy
Authors: Zhang Wendy Y. , von Versen-Höynck Frauke , Kapphahn Kristopher I. , Fleischmann Raquel R. , Zhao Qianying , Baker Valerie L. 
Published: November 2019

(Abstracted from Fertil Steril 2019;112:283–290)
Despite a widespread increase in the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT), there remains inconclusive examination of maternal and neonatal outcomes after pregnancy achieved through in vitro fertilization (IVF) with PGT. It has been proposed that abnormal placentation may occur at a higher rate in pregnancies after PGT due to the removal of trophectoderm cells during biopsy, leading to higher rates of preeclampsia and restricted fetal growth.