bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photochemical Effects in Carbide Synthesis of d-Group Transition Metals (Ti, Zr; V, Nb, Ta; Cr, Mo, W) in a Solar Furnace at PSA (Plataforma Solar de Almería)
Authors: Rodríguez José , Martínez Diego , Guerra Rosa Luís , Cruz Fernandes Jorge , Amaral Pedro Miguel , Shohoji Nobumitsu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
During the course of our recent series of solar carbide and carbonitride synthesis work for d-group transition elements (Ti, Zr; V, Nb, Ta; Cr, Mo, W), we detected several intriguing evidences apparently indicative of involvement of photochemical effects in some reactions under solar radiation.
1) Acceleration of graphitisation of amorphous carbon during carburisation of W under solar radiation.
2) Promoted formation of high temperature mono-carbide phase of Mo under solar radiation at a temperature lower than the one indicated in equilibrium phase diagram.
3) Formation of sub-carbide Ta2C besides mono-carbide TaC in the carburisation of Ta with amorphous carbon under solar radiation. Only mono-carbide TaC formed by the carburisation of Ta with graphite under solar radiation in accordance with the equilibrium phase diagram.
Although the results so-far-obtained are rather primitive and still lacking quantitative characterisation, there seems to be no doubt that solar materials processing would open new routes for unique products which cannot be prepared through traditional industrial manufacturing processes.
Laser switch based on electric field modulated PT-symmetric structure
Authors: Cao Qing-Hua , fang Yun-Tuan 
Published: March 2020

In order to achieve a laser output at 1550 nm and a dynamical control, we perform an optimization design for one-dimensional PT-symmetric structure. The optimization is based on the structure parameters and the modulation of the external electric field. The optimization is performed by three steps: to achieve the defect mode, to achieve the amplification of the defect mode and to move the defect mode with a large peak value to the special wavelength 1550 nm. The maximum transmittance can reach 687.4. Through changing the electric field, the transmittance of the structure can be modulated to an arbitrary value from the cut-off state to its maximum value.
Dreams and Visions as Diagnosis in Medieval Sufism
Authors: Abuali Eyad 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
In recent scholarship the notion that dreams and visions in Islamic societies are phenomena with no relevance to historic events or societal concerns has been challenged and overturned. However, the theoretical underpinnings of Sufi oneirology in the medieval period have yet to receive a full exposition. Furthermore, the relevance of such seemingly abstract texts to Sufi organisational and institutional structures has not been realised. This article argues that understanding the development of Kubrawī oneirology offers important insights into Islamic thought and society. Focusing on the first generation of Kubrawī Sufi thinkers, this article accounts for the emergence of diagnostic oneirology in the sixth/twelfth and seventh/thirteenth centuries in two steps. Firstly, by detailing the systematisation of oneiric theory which occurs in early Kubrawī thought. And secondly, by demonstrating that this systematisation crafted a close relation between Sufi theory and the communal and institutional bonds that allowed the Sufi community to adapt to changing socio-political circumstances.
Multimoment Ice Bulk Microphysics Scheme with Consideration for Particle Shape and Apparent Density. Part I: Methodology and Idealized Simulation
Authors: Tsai Tzu-Chin , Chen Jen-Ping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTo improve the parameterization of ice-phase microphysics in regional meteorological models, this study developed a triple-moment bulk scheme, which also tracks the variations in the shape and density of several hydrometeors. Solid-phase hydrometeors are classified into pristine ice, snow aggregates, rimed ice, and hailstones based on their physical mechanisms. The new scheme has been incorporated into the Weather Research and Forecasting Model and tested with an idealized two-dimensional simulation of a squall-line system. The simulation successfully revealed the smooth transition from the convective core to the stratiform anvil as well as the alternating pattern in the hydrometeor vertical distributions, as was similarly demonstrated in other similar studies. A few sensitivity tests were performed to reveal the importance of including shape and density variations, which strongly affect the mean particle size by up to 50% and fall speed by as much as 100% for individual hydrometeor categories. Furthermore, the inclusion of a third moment could enhance the diffusional growth rate of small crystals and reduce the ventilation effect of large particles compared with the conventional double-moment approach. These factors have a significant influence on cloud structure and precipitation amounts.
Age- and gender-specific upper limits and reference equations for workload-indexed systolic blood pressure response during bicycle ergometry
Authors: Hedman Kristofer , Lindow Thomas , Elmberg Viktor , Brudin Lars , Ekström Magnus 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
Guidelines recommend considering workload in interpretation of the systolic blood pressure (SBP) response to exercise, but reference values are lacking.

Design
This was a retrospective, consecutive cohort study.

Methods
From 12,976 subjects aged 18–85 years who performed a bicycle ergometer exercise test at one centre in Sweden during the years 2005–2016, we excluded those with prevalent cardiovascular disease, comorbidities, cardiac risk factors or medications. We extracted SBP, heart rate and workload (watt) from ≥ 3 time points from each test. The SBP/watt-slope and the SBP/watt-ratio at peak exercise were calculated. Age- and sex-specific mean values, standard deviations and 90th and 95th percentiles were determined. Reference equations for workload-indexed and peak SBP were derived using multiple linear regression analysis, including sex, age, workload, SBP at rest and anthropometric variables as predictors.

Results
A final sample of 3839 healthy subjects (n = 1620 female) were included. While females had lower mean peak SBP than males (188 ± 24 vs 202 ± 22 mmHg, p &lt; 0.001), workload-indexed SBP measures were markedly higher in females; SBP/watt-slope: 0.52 ± 0.21 versus 0.41 ± 0.15 mmHg/watt (p &lt; 0.001); peak SBP/watt-ratio: 1.35 ± 0.34 versus 0.90 ± 0.21 mmHg/watt (p &lt; 0.001). Age, sex, exercise capacity, resting SBP and height were significant predictors of the workload-indexed SBP parameters and were included in the reference equations.

Conclusions
These novel reference values can aid clinicians and exercise physiologists in interpreting the SBP response to exercise and may provide a basis for future research on the prognostic impact of exercise SBP. In females, a markedly higher SBP in relation to workload could imply a greater peripheral vascular resistance during exercise than in males.
Reversed paired-gRNA plasmid cloning strategy for efficient genome editing in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ding Tingting , Huang Chaoyong , Liang Zeyu , Ma Xiaoyan , Wang Ning , Huo Yi-Xin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Co-expression of two distinct guide RNAs (gRNAs) has been used to facilitate the application of CRISPR/Cas9 system in fields such as large genomic deletion. The paired gRNAs are often placed adjacently in the same direction and expressed individually by two identical promoters, constituting direct repeats (DRs) which are susceptible to self-homologous recombination. As a result, the paired-gRNA plasmids cannot remain stable, which greatly prevents extensible applications of CRISPR/Cas9 system.

Results
To address this limitation, different DRs-involved paired-gRNA plasmids were designed and the events of recombination were characterized. Deletion between DRs occurred with high frequencies during plasmid construction and subsequent plasmid propagation. This recombination event was RecA-independent, which agreed with the replication slippage model. To increase plasmid stability, a reversed paired-gRNA plasmids (RPGPs) cloning strategy was developed by converting DRs to the more stable invert repeats (IRs), which completely eliminated DRs-induced recombination. Using RPGPs, rapid deletion of chromosome fragments up to 100 kb with an efficiency of 83.33% was achieved in Escherichia coli.

Conclusions
The RPGPs cloning strategy serves as a general solution to avoid plasmid RecA-independent recombination. It can be adapted to applications that rely on paired gRNAs or repeated genetic parts.
Improved RIDIT statistic approach provides more intuitive and informative interpretation of EQ-5D data
Authors: Marfak Abdelghafour , Youlyouz-Marfak Ibtissam , El Achhab Youness , Saad Elmadani , Nejjari Chakib , Hilali Abderraouf , Turman Jr Jack 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
EQ-5D is generic measure of health-related quality of life. Studies using EQ-5D generate ordinal data that are interpreted as categories ordered by severity. New analytic approaches taking into account the ordinal nature of the health dimension severity and leading to a better interpretation of EQ-5D data are needed to better elucidate differences in health-related quality of life. We propose utilizing the Improved RIDIT statistical method to analyze EQ-5D outcomes.

Methods
556 Moroccan participants aged over 18 years representing four chronic diseases: back pain (n = 158), renal insufficiency (n = 56), diabetes (n = 82) or hypertension (n = 80) and healthy subjects (n = 180). All participants received the two EQ-5D versions. Two other published data sets were included. The first was extracted from a diabetic Spain study and the second was extracted from a clinical trial study. The Improved RIDIT analyses were carried out using an R statistic program we developed.

Results
Applying the Improved RIDIT on the EQ-5D data allowed estimating for the first time the ordinal odds, the Absolute Risk Reduction (ARR) or the Absolute Risk Increase (ARI) and the Number Needed to Treat. The ARI values estimated for Moroccan patients showed that (i) hypertension increased anxiety/depression by 66% and reduced mobility by 65%; (ii) back pain increased pain/discomfort by 69%; (iii) renal insufficiency impacts mobility (ARI = 57%, oddsordinal = 9.95) and usual activities (ARI = 44%, oddsordinal = 6.41) and (iv) diabetes acts only on anxiety/depression (ARI = 50%, oddsordinal = 4.8). Also, we demonstrated that the approach works well in clinical trials.

Conclusions
Improved RIDIT provides more intuitive and informative interpretation of the EQ-5D data by (1) taking into account the level severity; estimating (2) the odds ordinal, (3) the ARR/ARI and the NNT; (4) analyzing the five dimensions of the EQ-5D separately, which gives clinical teams more precision in understanding the treatment/pathology impacts on the health status and completes the EQ-5D data analysis based on score utilities.
High serum Antimullerian hormone levels are associated with lower live birth rates in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome undergoing assisted reproductive technology
Authors: Tal Reshef , Seifer Charles M. , Khanimov Moisey , Seifer David B. , Tal Oded 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Introduction
Antimullerian hormone (AMH) strongly correlates with ovarian reserve and response to controlled ovarian stimulation. Emerging data suggests that serum AMH level may also predict ART outcomes. However, AMH is characteristically elevated in PCOS women and it is unknown whether it may predict live birth outcomes in this population.

Methods
This was a retrospective cohort study of 184 PCOS women (Rotterdam criteria) who underwent their first fresh IVF/ICSI cycle. Women were divided into 3 groups according to the <25th (low), 25 to 75th (average), or > 75th (high) percentile of serum AMH concentration. Cycle stimulation parameters and reproductive outcomes were compared between groups.

Results
Women in the low serum AMH group were older than those in the average or high AMH (p < 0.05), and required greater gonadotropin dose for stimulation compared to the high AMH group (p < 0.05). Women with high AMH had greater testosterone level compared to women in the low or average AMH groups. No differences were noted between groups in terms of maximal E2, oocytes retrieved and fertilization rate. However, low serum AMH women had significantly greater live birth rates (p < 0.05) and showed a trend towards greater clinical pregnancy rates compared to women in the average and high AMH groups (p = 0.09). The significant association of AMH with live birth rate remained after adjusting for age, BMI, day of transfer and number of embryos transferred.

Conclusions
In PCOS women, elevated AMH concentrations are associated with hyperandrogenism and lower live birth rates.
Shikonin and 4-hydroxytamoxifen synergistically inhibit the proliferation of breast cancer cells through activating apoptosis signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Lin Hong-Yan , Han Hong-Wei , Wang Yin-Song , He De-Liu , Sun Wen-Xue , Feng Lu , Wen Zhong-Ling , Yang Min-Kai , Lu Gui-Hua , Wang Xiao-Ming , Qi Jin-Liang , Yang Yong-Hua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTamoxifen (TAM) is a cell type-specific anti-estrogen and is applied to improve the survival of patients with estrogen receptor positive (ER +) breast cancer. However, long-term TAM use can induce serious drug resistance, leading to breast cancer recurrence and death in patients. Further, it is almost useless among patients with estrogen receptor negative (ER −) breast cancer. Shikonin (SK) is a natural product broadly explored in cancer therapy. Some studies have demonstrated the combined treatment of SK and clinical anticancer drugs including TAM on various tumors. However, the combined effect of SK and 4-hydroxytamoxifen (4-OHT) on ER- breast cancer is not known. The current study aimed to assess the combination effects of SK and 4-OHT on human breast cancer cells, MCF-7 (ER +) and MDA-MB-435S (ER −), in vitro and in vivo and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.MethodsCCK-8 assays and flow cytometry were conducted to determine the cell viability and apoptotic profiles of human breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435S) treated with SK, 4-OHT, and the combination. ROS and JC-1 assays were used to determine ROS level and mitochondrial membrane potential. Western blot analysis was performed to investigate proteins that are associated with apoptosis. Haematoxylin & Eosin (HE) staining was used to detect the tumor and kidney morphology of mice. TUNEL and immunohistochemical staining were performed to detect Ki67 expression level and cell apoptotic profile in tumor tissues.ResultsSK and 4-OHT synergistically inhibited MCF-7 and MDA-MB-435S cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis by reducing mitochondrial membrane potential and increasing the intracellular ROS level. The combination of SK and 4-OHT activated the mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis and the death receptor pathways, significantly regulating the PI3K/AKT/Caspase 9 signaling pathway. Compared with SK and 4-OHT alone, the combination of SK and 4-OHT could better inhibit tumor growth in mice.ConclusionThe combination of SK and 4-OHT shows highly efficient anticancer effects on breast cancer therapy. SK may be a promising candidate as an adjuvant to 4-OHT for breast cancer treatments, especially for ER- breast cancer.
The impact of point-of-care testing for influenza A and B on patient flow and management in a medical assessment unit of a general hospital
Authors: O’Connell S. , Conlan C. , Reidy M. , Stack C. , Mulgrew A. , Baruah J. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Objectives
Timely implementation of influenza infection control and treatment can significantly reduce the impact on Hospital resources and patient management when demand is at peak. Turnaround times of Laboratory based screening tests for the diagnosis of influenza may have an impact on the implementation of infection control measures and treatment. In this study the objectives included determining the correlation between the Abbott ID NOW point-of-care testing (POCT) instrument using the Influenza A&B2 test and the laboratory based GeneXpert Flu+RSV kit. In addition the impact of the POCT instrument on the prescription of antivirals and antibiotics was evaluated by comparing with practice when the instrument was not in place.

Results
The results of the correlation study with a cohort of 54 patients revealed the Abbott ID NOW POCT has 92% sensitivity for the detection of Influenza A, while specificity was 100% for both Influenza A and B. The impact of the POCT instrument on the frequency of prescription of antivirals and amount of antibiotics consumed (33% reduction in antibiotic consumption in a cohort of 65 (2017) and 61 (2018)) was significant. In addition the average patient length of Hospital stay was significantly reduced from 5.26 days to 3.73 days.
The extracellular thioredoxin Etrx3 is required for macrophage infection in Rhodococcus equi
Authors: Mourenza Álvaro , Collado Cristina , Bravo-Santano Natalia , Gil José A. , Mateos Luís M. , Letek Michal 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRhodococcus equi is an intracellular veterinary pathogen that is becoming resistant to current antibiotherapy. Genes involved in preserving redox homeostasis could be promising targets for the development of novel anti-infectives. Here, we studied the role of an extracellular thioredoxin (Etrx3/REQ_13520) in the resistance to phagocytosis. An etrx3-null mutant strain was unable to survive within macrophages, whereas the complementation with the etrx3 gene restored its intracellular survival rate. In addition, the deletion of etrx3 conferred to R. equi a high susceptibility to sodium hypochlorite. Our results suggest that Etrx3 is essential for the resistance of R. equi to specific oxidative agents.
Dynamic alterations in early intestinal development, microbiota and metabolome induced by in ovo feeding of L-arginine in a layer chick model
Authors: Dai Dong , Wu Shu-geng , Zhang Hai-jun , Qi Guang-hai , Wang Jing 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Prenatal nutrition is crucial for embryonic development and neonatal growth, and has the potential to be a main determinant of life-long health. In the present study, we used a layer chick model to investigate the effects of in ovo feeding (IOF) of L-arginine (Arg) on growth, intestinal development, intestinal microbiota and metabolism. The treatments included the non-injected control, saline-injected control, and saline containing 2, 6, or 10 mg Arg groups.

Results
IOF Arg increased early intestinal index and villus height, and enhanced uptake of residual yolk lipid, contributing to subsequent improvement in the early growth performance of chicks. Prenatal Arg supplementation also increased the early microbial α-diversity, the relative abundance of Lactobacillales and Clostridiales, and decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria of cecum in chicks. Furthermore, the shift of cecal microbiota composition and the colonization of potential probiotics were accelerated by IOF of Arg. Simultaneously, metabolomics showed that metabolisms of galactose, taurine-conjugated bile acids and lipids were modulated to direct more energy and nutrients towards rapid growth of intestine at the beginning of post-hatch when embryos received IOF of Arg.

Conclusions
Prenatal Arg supplementation showed beneficial effects on the early intestinal development, cecal microbiota and host metabolism of layer chicks, contributing to subsequent improvement in the early growth performance. These findings provide new insight into the role of IOF of Arg in the establishment of the gut microbiota of newly-hatched layer chicks, and can expand our fundamental knowledge about prenatal nutrition, early bacterial colonization and intestinal development in neonate.
Recommendations for Advancing the Diagnosis and Management of Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer in Brazil
Authors: Achatz Maria Isabel , Caleffi Maira , Guindalini Rodrigo , Marques Renato Moretti , Nogueira-Rodrigues Angelica , Ashton-Prolla Patricia 
Published: March 2020

PURPOSEThe objective of this review was to address the barriers limiting access to genetic cancer risk assessment and genetic testing for individuals with suspected hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) through a review of the diagnosis and management steps of HBOC.METHODSA selected panel of Brazilian experts in fields related to HBOC was provided with a series of relevant questions to address before the multiday conference. During this conference, each narrative was discussed and edited by the entire group, through numerous drafts and rounds of discussion, until a consensus was achieved.RESULTSThe authors propose specific and realistic recommendations for improving access to early diagnosis, risk management, and cancer care of HBOC specific to Brazil. Moreover, in creating these recommendations, the authors strived to address all the barriers and impediments mentioned in this article.CONCLUSIONThere is a great need to expand hereditary cancer testing and counseling in Brazil, and changing current policies is essential to accomplishing this goal. Increased knowledge and awareness, together with regulatory actions to increase access to this technology, have the potential to improve patient care and prevention and treatment efforts for patients with cancer across the country.
U-Shaped Association of Plasma Testosterone, and no Association of Plasma Estradiol, with Incidence of Fractures in Men
Authors: Yeap Bu B , Alfonso Helman , Chubb S A Paul , Center Jacqueline R , Beilin Jonathan , Hankey Graeme J , Almeida Osvaldo P , Golledge Jonathan , Norman Paul E , Flicker Leon 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Purpose
Whether androgens, distinct from estrogen, maintain bone health during male aging has implications for understanding osteoporosis. We assessed associations of different sex hormones with incidence of any bone fracture or hip fracture in older men.

Participants and methods
Analysis of 3307 community-dwelling men aged 76.8 ± 3.5 years, median follow-up period of 10.6 years. Plasma testosterone (T), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (E2) assayed by mass spectrometry, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and luteinizing hormone (LH) using immunoassay. Incident fractures determined via data linkage. We analyzed probability of fracture and performed Cox regression adjusted for age, medical comorbidities, and frailty.

Results
Incident fractures occurred in 330 men, including 144 hip fractures. Probability plots suggested nonlinear relationships between hormones and risk of any fracture and hip fracture, with higher risk at lower and higher plasma T, lower E2, higher SHBG, and higher LH. In fully adjusted models, there was a U-shaped association of plasma T with incidence of any fracture (Quartile 2 [Q2] versus Q1: fully adjusted hazard ratio [HR] = 0.69, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.51–0.94, P = .020; Q3: HR 0.59, 95% CI 0.42–0.83, P = .002) and hip fracture (Q2 versus Q1: HR 0.60, 95% CI 0.37–0.93, P = .043; Q3: HR 0.52, 95% CI 0.31–0.88, P = .015). DHT, E2, and LH were not associated with fracture. Higher SHBG was associated with hip fracture (Q4 versus Q1: HR 1.76, 95% CI 1.05–2.96, P = .033).

Conclusions
Midrange plasma T was associated with lower incidence of any fracture and hip fracture, and higher SHBG with increased risk of hip fracture. Circulating androgen rather than estrogen represents a biomarker for hormone effects on bone driving fracture risk.