bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gray matter declines with age and hearing loss, but is partially maintained in tinnitus
Authors: Koops Elouise A. , de Kleine Emile , van Dijk Pim 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe impact of age-related hearing loss extends beyond the auditory pathway and impacts brain areas related to cognitive impairment and even dementia. The presence of tinnitus, a sensation of sound that frequently co-occurs with hearing loss, is additionally linked to cognitive decline. Interestingly, structural neuroimaging studies have reported that hearing loss may precede or modulate the onset of cognitive impairment. In this study, we aimed to disentangle the effects of age, hearing loss, and tinnitus on gray matter structure. In total, 39 participants with hearing loss and tinnitus, 21 with hearing loss but without tinnitus, and 39 controls were included in this voxel- and surface-based morphometry MRI study. Whole brain volume and surface thickness measures were compared between the groups. Age-related gray matter volume decline was observed in all groups. Several brain areas showed smaller gray matter volume and cortical surface thickness in hearing loss without tinnitus, relative to controls. This reduction was observed both within and outside of the auditory pathway. Interestingly, these reductions were not observed in participants with tinnitus, who had similar hearing loss and were of similar age. Since we have tools to improve hearing loss, hearing screening may aid in the battle against cognitive decline.
The polymicrogyria-associated GPR56 promoter preferentially drives gene expression in developing GABAergic neurons in common marmosets
Authors: Murayama Ayako Y. , Kuwako Ken-ichiro , Okahara Junko , Bae Byoung-Il , Okuno Misako , Mashiko Hiromi , Shimogori Tomomi , Walsh Christopher A. , Sasaki Erika , Okano Hideyuki 
Published: December 2020

AbstractGPR56, a member of the adhesion G protein-coupled receptor family, is abundantly expressed in cells of the developing cerebral cortex, including neural progenitor cells and developing neurons. The human GPR56 gene has multiple presumptive promoters that drive the expression of the GPR56 protein in distinct patterns. Similar to coding mutations of the human GPR56 gene that may cause GPR56 dysfunction, a 15-bp homozygous deletion in the cis-regulatory element upstream of the noncoding exon 1 of GPR56 (e1m) leads to the cerebral cortex malformation and epilepsy. To clarify the expression profile of the e1m promoter-driven GPR56 in primate brain, we generated a transgenic marmoset line in which EGFP is expressed under the control of the human minimal e1m promoter. In contrast to the endogenous GPR56 protein, which is highly enriched in the ventricular zone of the cerebral cortex, EGFP is mostly expressed in developing neurons in the transgenic fetal brain. Furthermore, EGFP is predominantly expressed in GABAergic neurons, whereas the total GPR56 protein is evenly expressed in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neurons, suggesting the GABAergic neuron-preferential activity of the minimal e1m promoter. These results indicate a possible pathogenic role for GABAergic neuron in the cerebral cortex of patients with GPR56 mutations.
Comparison of pelvic floor dysfunction 6 years after uncomplicated vaginal versus elective cesarean deliveries: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Baud David , Sichitiu Joanna , Lombardi Valeria , De Rham Maud , Meyer Sylvain , Vial Yvan , Achtari Chahin 
Published: December 2020

AbstractClinicians and patients have traditionally believed that elective cesarean section may protect against certain previously ineluctable consequences of labor, including a plethora of urinary, anorectal and sexual dysfunctions. We aimed to evaluate fecal, urinary and sexual symptoms 6 years postpartum, comparing uncomplicated vaginal delivery and elective cesarean delivery, and to assess their impact on quality of life. We conducted a cross-sectional study to compare perineal functional symptomatology between women having singleton elective cesarean deliveries (eCS) and singleton uncomplicated vaginal deliveries (uVD). Women who delivered 6 years before this study were chosen randomly from our hospital database. This database includes demographic, labor, and delivery information, as well as data regarding maternal and neonatal outcomes, all of which is collected at the time of delivery by the obstetrician. Four validated self-administrated questionnaires were sent by post to the participants: the short forms of the Urogenital Distress Inventory, Incontinence Impact Questionnaire, Wexner fecal incontinence scale, and Female Sexual Function Index. Current socio-demographic details, physical characteristics, obstetrical history and mode of delivery at subsequent births were also registered using a self-reported questionnaire. A total of 309 women with uVD and 208 with eCS returned postal questionnaires. The response rate was 49%. Socio-demographic characteristics and fecal incontinence were similar between groups. After eCS, women reported significantly less urgency urinary incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.55; 95% confidence interval 0.34–0.88) and stress incontinence (adjusted Relative Risk 0.53; 95% confidence interval 0.35–0.80) than after uVD. No difference in total Incontinence Impact Questionnaire score was found between both modes of delivery. Lower abdominal or genital pain (adjusted Relative Risk 1.58; 95% confidence interval 1.01–2.49) and pain related to sexual activity (adjusted Relative Risk 2.50; 95% confidence interval 1.19–5.26) were significantly more frequent after eCS than uVD. Six years postpartum, uVD is associated with urinary incontinence, while eCS is associated with sexual and urination pain.
Utilizing the National Basketball Association’s COVID-19 restart “bubble” to uncover the impact of travel and circadian disruption on athletic performance
Authors: McHill Andrew W. , Chinoy Evan D. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOn March 11th, 2020, the National Basketball Association (NBA) paused its season after ~ 64 games due to the Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak, only to resume ~ 5 months later with the top 22 teams isolated together (known as the “bubble”) in Orlando, Florida to play eight games each as an end to the regular season. This restart, with no new travel by teams, provided a natural experiment whereby the impact of travel and home-court advantage could be systematically examined. We show here that in the pre-COVID-19 regular season, traveling across time zones reduces winning percentage, team shooting accuracy, and turnover percentage, whereas traveling in general reduces offensive rebounding and increases the number of points the opposing (home) team scores. Moreover, we demonstrate that competition in a scenario where no teams travel (restart bubble) reduces the typical effects of travel and home-court advantage on winning percentage, shooting accuracy, and rebounding. Thus, home-court advantage in professional basketball appears to be linked with the away team’s impaired shooting accuracy (i.e., movement precision) and rebounding, which may be separately influenced by either circadian disruption or the general effect of travel, as these differences manifest differently when teams travel within or across multiple time zones.
A multivariable miRNA signature delineates the systemic hemodynamic impact of arteriovenous shunt placement in a pilot study
Authors: Henn Dominic , Abu-Halima Masood , Kahraman Mustafa , Falkner Florian , Fischer Katharina S. , Barrera Janos A. , Chen Kellen , Gurtner Geoffrey C. , Keller Andreas , Kneser Ulrich , Meese Eckart , Schmidt Volker J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractArteriovenous (AV) fistulas for hemodialysis can lead to cardiac volume loading and increased serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels. Whether short-term AV loop placement in patients undergoing microsurgery has an impact on cardiac biomarkers and circulating microRNAs (miRNAs), potentially indicating an increased hemodynamic risk, remains elusive. Fifteen patients underwent AV loop placement with delayed free flap anastomosis for microsurgical reconstructions of lower extremity soft-tissue defects. N-terminal pro-BNP (NT-proBNP), copeptin (CT-proAVP), and miRNA expression profiles were determined in the peripheral blood before and after AV loop placement. MiRNA expression in the blood was correlated with miRNA expression from AV loop vascular tissue. Serum NT-proBNP and copeptin levels exceeded the upper reference limit after AV loop placement, with an especially strong NT-proBNP increase in patients with preexistent cardiac diseases. A miRNA signature of 4 up-regulated (miR-3198, miR-3127-5p, miR-1305, miR-1288-3p) and 2 down-regulated miRNAs (miR30a-5p, miR-145-5p) which are related to cardiovascular physiology, showed a significant systemic deregulation in blood and venous tissue after AV loop placement. AV loop placement causes serum elevations of NT-proBNP, copeptin as well as specific circulating miRNAs, indicating a potentially increased hemodynamic risk for patients with cardiovascular comorbidities, if free flap anastomosis is delayed.
Altered diversity and composition of gut microbiota in Wilson's disease
Authors: Cai Xiangsheng , Deng Lin , Ma Xiaogui , Guo Yusheng , Feng Zhiting , Liu Minqi , Guan Yubin , Huang Yanting , Deng Jianxin , Li Hongwei , Sang Hong , Liu Fang , Yang Xiaorong 
Published: December 2020

AbstractWilson’s disease (WD) is an autosomal recessive inherited disorder of chronic copper toxicosis with high mortality and disability. Recent evidence suggests a correlation between dysbiosis in gut microbiome and multiple diseases such as genetic and metabolic disease. However, the impact of intestinal microbiota polymorphism in WD have not been fully elaborated and need to be explore for seeking some microbiota benefit for WD patients. In this study, the 16S rRNA sequencing was performed on fecal samples from 14 patients with WD and was compared to the results from 16 healthy individuals. The diversity and composition of the gut microbiome in the WD group were significantly lower than those in healthy individuals. The WD group presented unique richness of Gemellaceae, Pseudomonadaceae and Spirochaetaceae at family level, which were hardly detected in healthy controls. The WD group had a markedly lower abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and Verrucomicrobia, and a higher abundance of Bacteroidetes, Proteobacteria, Cyanobacteria and Fusobacteria than that in healthy individuals. The Firmicutes to Bacteroidetes ratio in the WD group was significantly lower than that of healthy control. In addition, the functional profile of the gut microbiome from WD patients showed a lower abundance of bacterial groups involved in the host immune and metabolism associated systems pathways such as transcription factors and ABC-type transporters, compared to healthy individuals. These results implied dysbiosis of gut microbiota may be influenced by the host metabolic disorders of WD, which may provide a new understanding of the pathogenesis and new possible therapeutic targets for WD.
Silicon carbide formation from methane and silicon monoxide
Authors: Aarnæs Trygve Storm , Ringdalen Eli , Tangstad Merete 
Published: December 2020

AbstractSilicon carbide (SiC) formation plays an important role during the production of elemental silicon. SiC forms through a high temperature reaction between silicon monoxide gas (SiO) and carbon. Currently, the carbon sources are solids, however finding a way of substituting the solid carbon with methane could have several advantages. SiC formation was studied in argon, hydrogen and methane containing atmospheres at 1650 °C and 1750 °C. SiO gas was generated from pellets of a 1:2 molar ratio of SiC and silica (SiO2). The reactions were investigated through CO off-gas analysis in conjunction with measuring the weight change. After each experiment, the reaction products were examined in a scanning electron microscope with secondary electrons and through energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. It was confirmed that SiC may form from SiO and methane. Increasing the methane content to 5% caused a significant increase in SiC formation. Furthermore, the SiC structure was also highly sensitive to the methane content that was used. In addition, the SiO producing reaction was affected by hydrogen. The hydrogen lead to an increased rate of SiO formation relative to what was seen in argon. The effect of hydrogen was most pronounced at 1750 °C which is right after the melting of silica.
NPHS2 gene polymorphism aggravates renal damage caused by focal segmental glomerulosclerosis with COL4A3 mutation
Authors: Sun Liping , Zhang Xinzhou , Wang Zhen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of primary glomerular disease, is the leading cause of end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Several studies have revealed that certain single-gene mutations are involved in the pathogenesis of FSGS; however, the main cause of FSGS has not been fully elucidated. Homozygous mutations in the glomerular basement membrane gene can lead to early renal failure, while heterozygous carriers develop renal failure symptoms late. Here, molecular genetic analysis of clinical information collected from clinical reports and medical records was performed. Results revealed that nephrosis 2 (NPHS2) gene polymorphism aggravated renal damage in three FSGS families with heterozygous COL4A3 mutation, leading to early renal failure in index patients. Our findings suggest that COL4A3 and NPHS2 may have a synergistic effect on renal injury caused by FSGS. Further analysis of the glomerular filtration barrier could help assess the cause of kidney damage. Moreover, a detailed analysis of the glomerular basement membrane-related genes and podocyte structural proteins may help us better understand FSGS pathogenesis and provide insights into the prognosis and treatment of hereditary glomerulonephropathy.
The GAPS Programme at TNG
Authors: Carleo I. , Desidera S. , Nardiello D. , Malavolta L. , Lanza A. F. , Livingston J. , Locci D. , Marzari F. , Messina S. , Turrini D. , Baratella M. , Borsa F. , D’Orazi V. , Nascimbeni V. , Pinamonti M. , Rainer M. , Alei E. , Bignamini A. , Gratton R. , Micela G. , Montalto M. , Sozzetti A. , Squicciarini V. , Affer L. , Benatti S. , Biazzo K. , Bonomo A. S. , Claudi R. , Cosentino R. , Covino E. , Damasso M. , Esposito M. , Fiorenzano A. , Frustagli G. , Giacobbe P. , Harutyunyan A. , Leto G. , Magazzù A. , Maggio A. , Mainella G. , Maldonado J. , Mallonn M. , Mancini L. , Molinari E. , Molinaro M. , Pagano I. , Pedani M. , Piotto G. , Poretti E. , Redfield S. , Scandariato G. 
Published: December 2020

Context. Young stars and multi-planet systems are two types of primary objects that allow us to study, understand, and constrain planetary formation and evolution theories.
Aims. We validate the physical nature of two Neptune-sized planets transiting TOI-942 (TYC 5909-319-1), a previously unacknowledged young star (50−20+30 Myr) observed by the TESS space mission in Sector 5.
Methods. Thanks to a comprehensive stellar characterization, TESS light curve modeling and precise radial-velocity measurements, we validated the planetary nature of the TESS candidate and detected an additional transiting planet in the system on a larger orbit.
Results. From photometric and spectroscopic observations we performed an exhaustive stellar characterization and derived the main stellar parameters. TOI-942 is a relatively active K2.5V star (log R′HK = −4.17 ± 0.01) with rotation period Prot = 3.39 ± 0.01 days, a projected rotation velocity v sin i⋆ = 13.8 ± 0.5 km s−1, and a radius of ~0.9 R⊙. We found that the inner planet, TOI-942 b, has an orbital period Pb = 4.3263 ± 0.0011 days, a radius Rb = 4.242−0.313+0.376 R⊕, and a mass upper limit of 16 M⊕ at 1σ confidence level. The outer planet, TOI-942 c, has an orbital period Pc = 10.1605−0.0053+0.0056 days, a radius Rc = 4.793−0.351+0.410 R⊕, and a mass upper limit of 37 M⊕ at 1σ confidence level.
Präzisionspsychiatrie und der Beitrag von Brain Imaging und anderen Biomarkern
Authors: Popovic David , Schiltz Kolja , Falkai Peter , Koutsouleris Nikolaos 
Published: December 2020

ZusammenfassungDie Präzisionspsychiatrie stellt die psychiatrische Variante des übergeordneten Konzepts der Präzisionsmedizin dar. Hierbei soll eine auf Biomarkern basierte und auf die individuelle klinische, neurobiologische und genetische Konstitution des Patienten zugeschnittene Diagnostik und Behandlung angeboten werden. Die spezifische Eigenheit des Fachs Psychiatrie, in der die Krankheitsentitäten normativ anhand klinischer Erfahrungswerte definiert und damit auch maßgeblich durch zeitgeschichtliche, gesellschaftliche und philosophische Einflüsse geprägt sind, hat bisher die Suche nach psychobiologischen Zusammenhängen erschwert. Dennoch gibt es mittlerweile in allen Bereichen der psychiatrischen Forschung erhebliche Fortschritte, die vor allem durch die kritische Überprüfung und Erneuerung bisheriger Krankheits- und Psychopathologie-Konzepte, die vermehrte Ausrichtung hin zur Neurobiologie und Genetik und insbesondere die Verwendung maschineller Lernverfahren ermöglicht wurden. Vor allem letztere Analysemethoden erlauben es, hochdimensionale und multimodale Datensätze zu integrieren und Modelle zu entwickeln, die einerseits neue psychobiologische Erkenntnisse liefern und andererseits eine real anwendbare Prädiktion von Diagnose, Therapieansprechen und Prognose auf Einzelfallniveau zunehmend realistisch erscheinen lassen. Ziel der hier vorliegenden Übersichtsarbeit soll daher sein, dem interessierten Leser das Konzept der Präzisionspsychiatrie näherzubringen, die hierfür verwendeten maschinellen Lernverfahren darzustellen und sowohl den gegenwärtigen Entwicklungsstand als auch zukunftsnahe Entwicklungen in diesem neuen Feld übersichtlich darzustellen.
Synthesis of the Common Monomeric Unit of Uroleuconaphins and Viridaphins via Hauser–Kraus Annulation
Authors: Kitamura Kei , Kaku Hiroto , Kanagawa Hinano , Ozakai Chiharu , Nishimura Taichi , Tokuda Hayato , Tsunoda Tetsuto 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA stereoselective synthesis of a pyranonaphthoquinone derivative found in aromatic polyketide-derived aphid pigments is reported herein. This approach features the anionic [4+2]-annulation of phthalides with a carbohydrate-derived optically active enone. Additional synthetic steps provide access to the monomer fragment of uroleuconaphins and viridaphins. The optimization for a facile preparation of phthalides bearing sulfonyl or cyano groups are also studied.
Modeling of the Aorta: Complexities and Inadequacies
Authors: Rajagopal Kumbakonam R. , Rajagopal Keshava 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe aorta is a very complex organ comprising three layers, consisting of four kinds of tissues. It is an anisotropic, inhomogeneous, multiconstituent, and living organ that presents both a formidable challenge and a tremendous opportunity to a modeler to mathematically characterize its structure. Unfortunately, even the most sophisticated models in vogue do not faithfully take into consideration its various complexities, falling very short of putting into place a reasonable model, as they ignore many of the quintessential features that need to be taken into account. In this article, we address the various features that need to be taken into account to develop a meaningful model of the aorta.
On the relation between argumentative style and linguistic style
Authors: Haaften Ton van , Leeuwen Maarten van 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Argumentative style is assumed to be instrumental to the implementation of an arguer’s strategic plan to resolve a
difference of opinion in his/her favor. One important constitutive element of argumentative style are linguistic choices. It is
therefore crucial to pay close and systematic attention to linguistic choices and their argumentative functions in the analysis of
argumentative style.
In this paper we discuss how a linguistic-stylistic analysis can be conducted systematically by making use of
methodological insights from the so-called “linguistic-stylistic approach”, and how such an analysis can be integrated with a
pragma-dialectical analysis of argumentative discourse. Our aim is to show how such an integration could be helpful in analysing
the presentational aspect of an argumentative style, and how the outcomes of such an analysis could be linked to another aspect of
argumentative style, namely the strategic considerations implemented in the argumentative discourse and more particularly the
argumentative strategies involved.
Mediators’ reframing as a constitutive element of a reconciliatory argumentative style
Authors: Greco Sara , Jermini-Martinez Soria Chiara 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
This paper shows that reframing of conflict can be considered as a constitutive element of a “reconciliatory argumentative
style” (van Eemeren, 2019), which is typical of dispute mediators, whose aim is to steer parties
towards the resolution of their conflict. On the basis of a systematic empirical analysis of mediation cases, we first show that reframing
encompasses a change of issue, which may or may not be justified by arguments. Then, we show how it is functional to the three aspects of
mediators’ strategic manoeuvring, being used consistently by mediators in their effort to help parties solve their conflict on the basis of
reasonable discussion.
Pedagogical challenges of foreign language teaching in mixed-age primary school classrooms
Authors: Kos Tomáš 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn increasing number of primary schools, mainly in western European countries, have established mixed-age (M‑A) classrooms due to the belief of the teaching community in the pedagogical and social benefits of this approach. In the area of foreign language teaching, the M‑A approach has gained popularity, particularly at the primary school level. However, despite the increase in the number of M‑A foreign language classrooms, the benefits of this approach remain unclear. This lack of clarity might be caused by the lack of research on M‑A teaching practices in foreign language classrooms. In this article, I first describe what M‑A classrooms are and address relevant research findings on M‑A teaching. At the heart of the article, I address in detail some important pedagogical challenges of M‑A teaching. Specifically, I consider in what ways and to what extent differentiated instruction is possible in these classrooms. Later, I discuss the issue of the “right” approach to M‑A teaching and provide some pedagogical suggestions.
Strategies to facilitate containment of genetically engineered crops
Authors: Klocko Amy Leigh 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Many of the food and feed crops grown in the United States of America (USA) are genetically engineered (GE) varieties of plants. GE plants have been grown commercially in the USA since 1996. However, their usage is controversial for a variety of reasons. A major concern is the possibility of gene flow from GE plantings to non-GE fields, or to wild or weedy relatives, as well as the possibility of the establishment of feral GE populations. Gene flow from GE to non-GE crops can impact the marketability of the crop product which received the genes. A related issue regarding gene flow from GE crops to other plants is the possibility of agricultural weeds acquiring crop protection traits, such as insect resistance and herbicide tolerance, as such weeds would lead to increased management challenges. The prevention of gene flow in crop plants can be achieved with various genetic containment strategies, some of which are more practical to implement than others. These methods include approaches such as physical distancing, utilizing natural sterility, and engineering sterility. The strategy selected needs to be aligned with the biology of the crop species and integrated into the field management plan. This review will focus on commercial GE crops currently grown in the USA, possible genetic containment strategies, as well as discuss possible future research needs.