bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Two East Asian Atmospheric Circulation Modes on Black Carbon Aerosol Over the Tibetan Plateau in Winter
Authors: Yuan Tiangang , Chen Siyu , Wang Lin , Yang Yaoxian , Bi Hongru , Zhang Xiaorui , Zhang Yue 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLight‐absorbing particles over the Tibetan Plateau (TP) can accelerate glacial retreat, thus causing a series of serious environmental and social problems. Previous studies mainly focus on seasonal transport of aerosols over the TP, while the potential factors influencing the subseasonal variation in airborne black carbon (BC) are almost ignored. In this study, the Weather Research and Forecasting coupled with chemistry (WRF‐Chem) model and multiple observations are used to investigate the impacts of East Asian atmospheric circulation on BC aerosol over the TP in winter. Results show that the weakness of westerly wind over northern TP, acceleration of westerly wind over southern TP, and eastward shift of East Asia major trough are responsible for the high BC concentration over east slope of the TP. In this circumstance, more BC from northern India can be transported to eastern TP and the south slopes of the TP by the enhanced westerly wind. The intensified southwesterly wind over eastern TP brings more BC from the Sichuan Basin to northeastern TP. The BC can also penetrate to eastern TP in planetary boundary layer. Subsequently, the weakened westerly wind over northern TP and positive anomalous updrafts over east slope of the TP support the accumulation and uplift of BC. Another circulation mode is opposite to the pattern above and results in low BC concentration over the TP. These two circulation modes are possibly associated with the low‐level meridional temperature anomaly over East Asia, which modulates the upper level atmospheric circulation through the transient eddy feedback.
A trial comparing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices in preterm infants
Authors: Backes Carl H. , Cooper Jennifer N. , Notestine Jennifer L. , Alfred Crystal M. , Ball Molly K. , Rivera Brian K. , Lamp Jane M. , Marzec Laura , Stenger Michael R. , Moallem Mohannad , Miller Randy R. , Naik Apurwa , Beer Lindsey J. , Howard Christopher R. , Welty Stephen E. , Peter Richardson C. , Hillman Noah H. , Zupancic John A. F. , Stanberry Larissa I. , Hansen Thomas N. , Smith Charles V. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractObjectiveTo test the hypothesis that infants born <30 weeks’ gestation supported by Seattle-PAP will have lower rates of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) failure than infants supported with conventional, Fisher&Paykel-CPAP (FP-CPAP).Study designRandomized trial (3/2017-01/2019) at 5 NICUs. The primary outcome was CPAP failure; subgroup analyses (gestational age, receipt antenatal corticosteroids) were performed.ResultsA total of 232 infants were randomized. Infants in the Seattle-PAP and FP-CPAP groups had mean gestational ages of 27.0 and 27.2 weeks, respectively. We observed no differences in rates of treatment failure between Seattle-PAP (40/112, 35.7%) and FP-CPAP (38/120, 31.7%; risk difference, 4.1%; 95% CI, −8.1–16.2;P = 0.51). Subgroup analysis indicated no differences in rates of CPAP failure. We observed no differences between the two groups in frequencies of adverse events or duration of respiratory support.ConclusionsAmong infants born <30 weeks’ gestation, rates of CPAP failure did not differ between Seattle-PAP and FP-CPAP.
Depression—an underrecognized target for prevention of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Dafsari Forugh S. , Jessen Frank 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIt is broadly acknowledged that the onset of dementia in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) may be modifiable by the management of risk factors. While several recent guidelines and multidomain intervention trials on prevention of cognitive decline address lifestyle factors and risk diseases, such as hypertension and diabetes, a special reference to the established risk factor of depression or depressive symptoms is systematically lacking. In this article we review epidemiological studies and biological mechanisms linking depression with AD and cognitive decline. We also emphasize the effects of antidepressive treatment on AD pathology including the molecular effects of antidepressants on neurogenesis, amyloid burden, tau pathology, and inflammation. We advocate moving depression and depressive symptoms into the focus of prevention of cognitive decline and dementia. We constitute that early treatment of depressive symptoms may impact on the disease course of AD and affect the risk of developing dementia and we propose the need for clinical trials.
Single and bundled carbon nanofibers as ultralightweight and flexible piezoresistive sensors
Authors: Sengupta Debarun , Chen Ssu-Han , Michael Aron , Kwok Chee Yee , Lim Sean , Pei Yutao , Kottapalli Ajay Giri Prakash 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis work demonstrates the application of electrospun single and bundled carbon nanofibers (CNFs) as piezoresistive sensing elements in flexible and ultralightweight sensors. Material, electrical, and nanomechanical characterizations were conducted on the CNFs to understand the effect of the critical synthesis parameter—the pyrolyzation temperature on the morphological, structural, and electrical properties. The mechanism of conductive path change under the influence of external stress was hypothesized to explain the piezoresistive behavior observed in the CNF bundles. Quasi-static tensile strain characterization of the CNF bundle-based flexible strain sensor showed a linear response with an average gauge factor of 11.14 (for tensile strains up to 50%). Furthermore, conductive graphitic domain discontinuity model was invoked to explain the piezoresistivity originating in a single isolated electrospun CNF. Finally, a single piezoresistive CNF was utilized as a sensing element in an NEMS flow sensor to demonstrate air flow sensing in the range of 5–35 m/s.
Robust entanglement distribution via telecom fibre assisted by an asynchronous counter-propagating laser light
Authors: Miyanishi Koichiro , Tsujimoto Yoshiaki , Ikuta Rikizo , Miki Shigehito , Yabuno Masahiro , Yamashita Taro , Terai Hirotaka , Yamamoto Takashi , Koashi Masato , Imoto Nobuyuki 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDistributing entangled photon pairs over noisy channels is an important task for various quantum information protocols. Encoding an entangled state in a decoherence-free subspace (DFS) formed by multiple photons is a promising way to circumvent the phase fluctuations and polarisation rotations in optical fibres. Recently, it has been shown that the use of a counter-propagating coherent light as an ancillary photon enables us to faithfully distribute entangled photon with success probability proportional to the transmittance of the optical fibres. Several proof-of-principle experiments have been demonstrated, in which entangled photon pairs from a sender side and the ancillary photon from a receiver side originate from the same laser source. In addition, bulk optics have been used to mimic the noises in optical fibres. Here, we demonstrate a DFS-based entanglement distribution over 1 km optical fibre using DFS formed by using fully independent light sources at the telecom band, and obtain a high-fidelity entangled state. This shows that the DFS-based scheme protects the entanglement against collective noise in 1 km optical fibre. In the experiment, we utilise an interference between asynchronous photons from continuous wave pumped spontaneous parametric down conversion (SPDC) and mode-locked coherent light pulse. After performing spectral and temporal filtering, the SPDC photons and light pulse are spectrally indistinguishable. This property allows us to observe high-visibility interference without performing active synchronisation between fully independent sources.
Bitumen from the Dead Sea in Early Iron Age Nubia
Authors: Fulcher Kate , Stacey Rebecca , Spencer Neal 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBitumen has been identified for the first time in Egyptian occupied Nubia, from within the town of Amara West, occupied from around 1300 to 1050 BC. The bitumen can be sourced to the Dead Sea using biomarkers, evidencing a trade in this material from the eastern Mediterranean to Nubia in the New Kingdom or its immediate aftermath. Two different end uses for bitumen were determined at the site. Ground bitumen was identified in several paint palettes, and in one case can be shown to have been mixed with plant gum, which indicates the use of bitumen as a ground pigment. Bitumen was also identified as a component of a friable black solid excavated from a tomb, and a black substance applied to the surface of a painted and plastered coffin fragment. Both contained plant resin, indicating that this substance was probably applied as a ritual funerary liquid, a practice identified from this time period in Egypt. The use of this ritual, at a far remove from the royal Egyptian burial sites at Thebes, indicates the importance of this ritual as a component of the funeral, and the value attributed to the material components of the black liquid.
Infarct in new territory after endovascular stroke treatment: A diffusion-weighted imaging study
Authors: Kaesmacher Johannes , Kurmann Christoph , Jungi Noel , Breiding Philipe , Lang Matthias F. , Meier Raphael , Dobrocky Tomas , Piechowiak Eike , Zibold Felix , Bellwald Sebastian , Meinel Thomas R. , Heldner Mirjam R. , Mordasini Pasquale , Arnold Marcel , Mosimann Pascal J. , Goyal Mayank , Gralla Jan , Fischer Urs 
Published: May 2020

AbstractData on infarcts in new territory (INT) in patients undergoing endovascular stroke treatment for acute large-vessel occlusions are sparse. Aim of this study was to assess the prevalence, risk factors, and clinical relevance of INT. For this purpose, all patients in a single-center prospective registry who underwent endovascular stroke treatment and received pre- and post-interventional diffusion-weighted imaging were included (N = 259). Using an established scoring system, INT were classified according to size (I-III, ≤2 mm, >2 mm ≤20 mm, >20 mm) and likelihood of being related to the intervention (A, high likelihood; B, low likelihood). Additionally, a new type of infarct, that occurred in a territory distal to the occlusion, but was initially not hypoperfused, was defined as an infarct in initially not hypoperfused territory (IINHT). A total of 180 INT and 38 IINHT were observed in 32.8% (N = 85/259) of patients. In most patients, INT were angiographically occult (90.2%), and 13 patients had INT/IINHT larger than 2 cm (type III). Absence of protection during stent-retrieval and a cardio-embolic stroke origin were associated with higher incidence of INT/IINHT, whereas pretreatment with IV tPA showed no association, even when different bolus timing was considered. INT/IINHT were associated with lower rates of functional independence with increasing size type after adjusting for confounders (adjusted Odds Ratio per size group increase 0.63, 95% confidence interval 0.46–0.86). In conclusion, INT and IINHT are not rare, are associated with poor outcome with increasing size, and they may serve as a surrogate endpoint for safety evaluation of new devices and endovascular techniques. Further research on associated factors is warranted.
Sexual modulation in a polyploid grass: a reproductive contest between environmentally inducible sexual and genetically dominant apomictic pathways
Authors: Karunarathne Piyal , Reutemann Anna V. , Schedler Mara , Glücksberg Adriana , Martínez Eric J. , Honfi Ana I. , Hojsgaard Diego H. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn systems alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction, sex increases under unfavorable environmental conditions. In plants producing sexual and asexual (apomictic) seeds, studies on the influence of environmental factors on sex are equivocal. We used Paspalum intermedium to study environmental effects on the expression of sexual and apomictic developments, and on resulting reproductive fitness variables. Flow cytometric and embryological analyses were performed to characterize ploidy and reproductive modes, and effects of local climatic conditions on sexual and apomictic ovule and seed frequencies were determined. Seed set and germination data were collected and used to estimate reproductive fitness. Frequencies of sexual and apomictic ovules and seeds were highly variable within and among populations. Apomictic development exhibited higher competitive ability but lower overall fitness. Frequencies of sexual reproduction in facultative apomictic plants increased at lower temperatures and wider mean diurnal temperature ranges. We identified a two-fold higher fitness advantage of sexuality and a Tug of War between factors intrinsic to apomixis and environmental stressors promoting sexuality which influence the distribution of sex in apomictic populations. This points toward a crucial role of local ecological conditions in promoting a reshuffling of genetic variability that may be shaping the adaptative landscape in apomictic P. intermedium plants.
Population structure and genetic diversity in red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) germplasm
Authors: Jones Charlotte , De Vega Jose , Lloyd David , Hegarty Matthew , Ayling Sarah , Powell Wayne , Skøt Leif 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRed clover (Trifolium pratense L.) is a highly adaptable forage crop for temperate livestock agriculture. Genetic variation can be identified, via molecular techniques, and used to assess diversity among populations that may otherwise be indistinguishable. Here we have used genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to determine the genetic variation and population structure in red clover natural populations from Europe and Asia, and varieties or synthetic populations. Cluster analysis differentiated the collection into four large regional groups: Asia, Iberia, UK, and Central Europe. The five varieties clustered with the geographical area from which they were derived. Two methods (BayeScan and Samβada) were used to search for outlier loci indicating signatures of selection. A total of 60 loci were identified by both methods, but no specific genomic region was highlighted. The rate of decay in linkage disequilibrium was fast, and no significant evidence of any bottlenecks was found. Phenotypic analysis showed that a more prostrate and spreading growth habit was predominantly found among populations from Iberia and the UK. A genome wide association study identified a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located in a homologue of the VEG2 gene from pea, associated with flowering time. The identification of genetic variation within the natural populations is likely to be useful for enhancing the breeding of red clover in the future.
Biomimetic Model of Contractile Cardiac Tissue with Endothelial Networks Stabilized by Adipose-Derived Stromal/Stem Cells
Authors: Morrissette-McAlmon Justin , Ginn Brian , Somers Sarah , Fukunishi Takuma , Thanitcul Chanon , Rindone Alexandra , Hibino Narutoshi , Tung Leslie , Mao Hai-Quan , Grayson Warren 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCardiac tissue engineering strategies have the potential to regenerate functional myocardium following myocardial infarction. In this study, we utilized novel electrospun fibrin microfiber sheets of different stiffnesses (50.0 ± 11.2 kPa and 90.0 ± 16.4 kPa) to engineer biomimetic models of vascularized cardiac tissues. We characterized tissue assembly, electrophysiology, and contractility of neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes (NRVCMs) cultured on these sheets. NRVCMs cultured on the softer substrates displayed higher conduction velocities (CVs) and improved electrophysiological properties. Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) formed dense networks on the sheets when co-cultured with human adipose-derived stem/stromal cells (hASCs). To achieve vascularized cardiac tissues, we tested various tri-culture protocols of NRVCM:hASC:HUVEC and found that a ratio of 1,500,000:37,500:150,000 cells/cm2enabled the formation of robust endothelial networks while retaining statistically identical electrophysiological characteristics to NRVCM-only cultures. Tri-cultures at this ratio on 90 kPa substrates exhibited average CVs of 14 ± 0.6 cm/s, Action Potential Duration (APD)80 and APD30 of 152 ± 11 ms and 71 ± 6 ms, respectively, and maximum capture rate (MCR) of 3.9 ± 0.7 Hz. These data indicate the significant potential of generating densely packed endothelial networks together with electrically integrated cardiac cellsin vitroas a physiologic 3D cardiac model.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis ribosomal protein S1 (RpsA) and variants with truncated C-terminal end show absence of interaction with pyrazinoic acid
Authors: Vallejos-Sánchez Katherine , Lopez Juan M. , Antiparra Ricardo , Toscano Emily , Saavedra Harry , Kirwan Daniela E. , Amzel L. M. , Gilman R. H. , Maruenda Helena , Sheen Patricia , Zimic Mirko 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPyrazinamide (PZA) is an antibiotic used in first- and second-line tuberculosis treatment regimens. Approximately 50% of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and over 90% of extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis strains are also PZA resistant. Despite the key role played by PZA, its mechanisms of action are not yet fully understood. It has been postulated that pyrazinoic acid (POA), the hydrolyzed product of PZA, could inhibit trans-translation by binding to Ribosomal protein S1 (RpsA) and competing with tmRNA, the natural cofactor of RpsA. Subsequent data, however, indicate that these early findings resulted from experimental artifact. Hence, in this study we assess the capacity of POA to compete with tmRNA for RpsA. We evaluated RpsA wild type (WT), RpsA ∆A438, and RpsA ∆A438 variants with truncations towards the carboxy terminal end. Interactions were measured using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance spectroscopy (NMR), Isothermal Titration Calorimetry (ITC), Microscale Thermophoresis (MST), and Electrophoretic Mobility Shift Assay (EMSA). We found no measurable binding between POA and RpsA (WT or variants). This suggests that RpsA may not be involved in the mechanism of action of PZA in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, as previously thought. Interactions observed between tmRNA and RpsA WT, RpsA ∆A438, and each of the truncated variants of RpsA ∆A438, are reported.
Improved adherence and treatment outcomes with an engaging, personalized digital therapeutic in amblyopia
Authors: Xiao Scott , Gaier Eric D. , Mazow Malcolm L. , Stout Ann U. , Travers Dean A. , Angjeli Endri , Wu Hank C. , Binenbaum Gil , Hunter David G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractGiven the prevalence of poor adherence to therapy and the biases of self-reporting across healthcare, we hypothesized that an engaging, personalized therapy may improve adherence and treatment outcomes in the home. We tested this hypothesis in the initial indication of amblyopia, a neurodevelopmental disorder for which available treatments are limited by low adherence. We designed a novel digital therapeutic that modifies patient-selected cinematic content in real-time into therapeutic visual input, while objectively monitoring adherence. The therapeutic design integrated a custom-designed headset that delivers precise visual input to each eye, computational algorithms that apply real-time therapeutic modifications to source content, a cloud-based content management system that enables treatment in the home, and a broad library of licensed content. In a proof-of-concept human study on the therapeutic, we found that amblyopic eye vision improved significantly after 12 weeks of treatment, with higher adherence than that of available treatments. These initial results support the utility of personalized therapy in amblyopia and may have broader relevance for improving treatment outcomes in additional indications.
Agreement in Measures of Macular Perfusion between Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Machines
Authors: Dai Wei , Chee Miao-Li , Majithia Shivani , Teo Cong Ling , Thakur Sahil , Cheung Ning , Rim Tyler Hyungtaek , Tan Gavin S. , Sabanayagam Charumathi , Cheng Ching-Yu , Tham Yih-Chung 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe evaluated the agreements in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) area and vessel density (VD) parameters (within the superficial capillary plexus region), between two widely used optical coherence tomography angiography machines. Participants who attended the Singapore Malay Eye Study III between 29th March and 6th August 2018, were enrolled in this study. Participants underwent fovea-centered 6×6-mm macular cube scan, using both AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT machines. Scans were analyzed automatically using built-in review software of each machine. 177 eyes (95 participants) without retinal diseases were included for final analysis. Mean FAZ area was 0.38 ± 0.11 mm2 and 0.30 ± 0.10 mm2, based on AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT, respectively. Mean parafoveal VD was 0.50 ± 0.04 in Angiovue, and 0.43 ± 0.04 in Cirrus HDOCT. Cirrus HDOCT measurements were consistently lower than those by AngioVue, with a mean difference of −0.08 (95% limits of agreement [LOA], −0.30–0.13) mm2 for FAZ area, and −0.07 (95% LOA, −0.17–0.03) for parafoveal VD. Intraclass correlation coefficients for FAZ area and parafoveal VD were 0.33 and 0.07, respectively. Our data suggest that agreements between AngioVue and Cirrus HDOCT machines were poor to fair, thus alternating use between these two machines may not be recommended especially for follow up evaluations.
Microbiota in vitro modulated with polyphenols shows decreased colonization resistance against Clostridioides difficile but can neutralize cytotoxicity
Authors: Mahnic Aleksander , Auchtung Jennifer M. , Poklar Ulrih Nataša , Britton Robert A. , Rupnik Maja 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWhile the knowledge on gut microbiota - C. difficile interactions has improved over the years, the understanding of the underlying mechanisms providing colonization resistance as well as preventative measures against the infection remain incomplete. In this study the antibiotic clindamycin and polyphenol extracts from pomegranate and blueberries were used individually and in combination to modulate fecal microbial communities in minibioreactor arrays (MBRA). Modulated communities were inoculated with C. difficile (ribotype 027). Subsequent 7-day periodical monitoring included evaluation of C. difficile growth and activity of toxins TcdA and TcdB as well as analysis of MBRA bacterial community structure (V3V4 16 S metagenomics). Polyphenols affected multiple commensal bacterial groups and showed different synergistic and antagonistic effects in combination with clindamycin. Exposure to either clindamycin or polyphenols led to the loss of colonization resistance against C. difficile. The successful growth of C. difficile was most significantly correlated with the decrease in Collinsella and Lachnospiraceae. Additionally, we demonstrated that Clostridium sporogenes decreased the activity of both C. difficile toxins TcdA and TcdB. The feature was shown to be common among distinct C. sporogenes strains and could potentially be applicable as a non-antibiotic agent for the alleviation of C. difficile infection.