bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Probing the Structural Dynamics of the Catalytic Domain of Human Soluble Guanylate Cyclase
Authors: Khalid Rana Rehan , Maryam Arooma , Sezerman Osman Ugur , Mylonas Efstratios , Siddiqi Abdul Rauf , Kokkinidis Michael 
Published: June 2020

AbstractIn the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway, human soluble guanylate cyclase (hsGC) synthesizes cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP); responsible for the regulation of cGMP-specific protein kinases (PKGs) and phosphodiesterases (PDEs). The crystal structure of the inactive hsGC cyclase dimer is known, but there is still a lack of information regarding the substrate-specific internal motions that are essential for the catalytic mechanism of the hsGC. In the current study, the hsGC cyclase heterodimer complexed with guanosine triphosphate (GTP) and cGMP was subjected to molecular dynamics simulations, to investigate the conformational dynamics that have functional implications on the catalytic activity of hsGC. Results revealed that in the GTP-bound complex of the hsGC heterodimer, helix 1 of subunit α (α:h1) moves slightly inwards and comes close to helix 4 of subunit β (β:h4). This conformational change brings loop 2 of subunit β (β:L2) closer to helix 2 of subunit α (α:h2). Likewise, loop 2 of subunit α (α:L2) comes closer to helix 2 of subunit β (β:h2). These structural events stabilize and lock GTP within the closed pocket for cyclization. In the cGMP-bound complex, α:L2 detaches from β:h2 and establishes interactions with β:L2, which results in the loss of global structure compactness. Furthermore, with the release of pyrophosphate, the interaction between α:h1 and β:L2 weakens, abolishing the tight packing of the binding pocket. This study discusses the conformational changes induced by the binding of GTP and cGMP to the hsGC catalytic domain, valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies for the treatment of cardiovascular diseases.
Time-of-Day Effects on Short-Duration Maximal Exercise Performance
Authors: Mirizio Gerardo Gabriel , Nunes Rodolfo Soares Mendes , Vargas Douglas Araujo , Foster Carl , Vieira Elaine 
Published: June 2020

AbstractTime-of-day dependent fluctuations in exercise performance have been documented across different sports and seem to affect both endurance and resistance modes of exercise. Most of the studies published to date have shown that the performance in short-duration maximal exercises (i.e. less than 1 min - e.g. sprints, jumps, isometric contractions) exhibits diurnal fluctuations, peaking between 16:00 and 20:00 h. However, the time-of-day effects on short duration exercise performance may be minimized by the following factors: (1) short exposures to moderately warm and humid environments; (2) active warm-up protocols; (3) intermittent fasting conditions; (4) warming-up while listening to music; or (5) prolonged periods of training at a specific time of day. This suggests that short-duration maximal exercise performance throughout the day is controlled not only by body temperature, hormone levels, motivation and mood state but also by a versatile circadian system within skeletal muscle. The time of day at which short-duration maximal exercise is conducted represents an important variable for training prescription. However, the literature available to date lacks a specific review on this subject. Therefore, the present review aims to (1) elucidate time-of-day specific effects on short-duration maximal exercise performance and (2) discuss strategies to promote better performance in short-duration maximal exercises at different times of the day.
Screening and functional identification of lncRNAs in antler mesenchymal and cartilage tissues using high-throughput sequencing
Authors: Chen Dan-yang , Jiang Ren-feng , Li Yan-jun , Liu Ming-xiao , Wu Lei , Hu Wei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractLong non-coding RNA (lncRNA) is a transcription product of the mammalian genome that regulates the development and growth in the body. The present study aimed to analyze the expression dynamics of lncRNA in sika antler mesenchymal and cartilage tissues by high-throughput sequencing. Bioinformatics was applied to predict differentially expressed lncRNAs and target genes and screen lncRNAs and mRNAs related to osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration. Finally, the expression of the lncRNAs and target genes were analyzed by qRT-PCR. The results showed that compared to the cartilage tissue, the transcription levels of lncRNA and mRNA, 1212 lncRNAs and 518 mRNAs, in mesenchymal tissue were altered significantly. Thus, a complex interaction network was constructed, and the lncRNA-mRNA interaction network correlation related to osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and migration was analyzed. Among these, the 26 lncRNAs and potential target genes were verified by qRT-PCR, and the results of qRT-PCR were consistent with high-throughput sequencing results. These data indicated that lncRNA promotes the differentiation of deer antler mesenchymal tissue into cartilage tissue by regulating the related osteogenic factors, cell proliferation, and migration-related genes and accelerating the process of deer antler regeneration and development.
High Pressure Quenched Glasses: unique structures and properties
Authors: Dmowski W. , Yoo G. H. , Gierlotka S. , Wang H. , Yokoyama Y. , Park E. S. , Stelmakh S. , Egami T. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractZr-based metallic glasses are prepared by quenching supercooled liquid under pressure. These glasses are stable in ambient conditions after decompression. The High Pressure Quenched glasses have a distinct structure and properties. The pair distribution function shows redistribution of the Zr-Zr interatomic distances and their shift towards smaller values. These glasses exhibit higher density, hardness, elastic modulus, and yield stress. Upon heating at ambient pressure, they show volume expansion and distinct relaxation behavior, reaching an equilibrated state above the glass transition. These experimental results are consistent with an idea of pressure-induced low to high density liquid transition in the supercooled melt.
Cold atmospheric pressure plasma: simple and efficient strategy for preparation of poly(2-oxazoline)-based coatings designed for biomedical applications
Authors: Šrámková Petra , Zahoranová Anna , Kelar Jakub , Kelar Tučeková Zlata , Stupavská Monika , Krumpolec Richard , Jurmanová Jana , Kováčik Dušan , Černák Mirko 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPoly(2-oxazolines) (POx) are an attractive material of choice for biocompatible and bioactive coatings in medical applications. To prepare POx coatings, the plasma polymerization represents a fast and facile approach that is surface-independent. However, unfavorable factors of this method such as using the low-pressure regimes and noble gases, or poor control over the resulting surface chemistry limit its utilization. Here, we propose to overcome these drawbacks by using well-defined POx-based copolymers prepared by living cationic polymerization as a starting material. Chemically inert polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is selected as a substrate due to its beneficial features for medical applications. The deposited POx layer is additionally post-treated by non-equilibrium plasma generated at atmospheric pressure. For this purpose, diffuse coplanar surface barrier discharge (DCSBD) is used as a source of “cold” homogeneous plasma, as it is operating at atmospheric pressure even in ambient air. Prepared POx coatings possess hydrophilic nature with an achieved water contact angle of 60°, which is noticeably lower in comparison to the initial value of 106° for raw PTFE. Moreover, the increased fibroblasts adhesion in comparison to raw PTFE is achieved, and the physical and biological properties of the POx-modified surfaces remain stable for 30 days.
Formation of gigahertz pulse train by chirped terahertz pulses interference
Authors: Liu Xinrui , Melnik Maksim , Zhukova Maria , Oparin Egor , Rodrigues Joel J. P. C. , Tcypkin Anton , Kozlov Sergei 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThe state-of-art broadband THz sources can contribute to the development of short-range 6G communications. This paper has demonstrated the feasibility of forming the controllable sequence of THz subpulses in the temporal domain and the corresponding quasidiscrete spectrum by the interference of two THz pulses with an exponential chirp. Moreover, due to small time delay between these pulses the temporal and spectral structures are similar to each other (so-called “linkage relation”). This will benefit information encoding in the THz range. The calculated metrics for the prototype communication channel based on the proposed method are competitive with existing short-range THz CW channels.
Effect of life stage and pesticide exposure on the gut microbiota of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens L
Authors: Juma Elijah O. , Allan Brian F. , Kim Chang-Hyun , Stone Christopher , Dunlap Christopher , Muturi Ephantus J. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractPesticides commonly contaminate the aquatic environments inhabited by mosquito juveniles. However, their role in shaping the mosquito microbiota is not well understood. We hypothesized that environmentally relevant concentrations of atrazine, permethrin and malathion will mediate a shift in the mosquito gut bacterial community structure due to their toxic effect on the aquatic bacterial communities, and reduce mosquito gut bacterial diversity by enriching pesticide-degrading bacterial communities over susceptible taxa. Illumina MiSeq sequencing of the V3-V4 hypervariable regions of the 16 S rRNA gene was used to characterize the microbial communities of larval and adult stages of the two mosquito species and the water samples from microcosms treated with each of the pesticides, separately. Bacterial community composition differed by sample type (larval stage vs. adult stage) and water sampling date (day 3 vs. day 7), but not by pesticide treatment. In larval stages, bacterial OTU richness was highest in samples exposed to malathion, intermediate in permethrin, and lowest in controls. Bacterial richness was significantly higher in larval stages compared to adult stages for all treatments. This study provides a primer for future studies evaluating mosquito microbial responses to exposures to chemical pesticides and the possible implications for mosquito ecology.
The kinetics and mechanism of the uranium hydride - water vapour system under ambient conditions
Authors: Banos A. , Scott T. B. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractThis work investigated the reaction of uranium hydride powder with saturated water vapour at 25 °C. Two corrosion experiments were conducted one with deionised water (H2O) and one with deuterated water (D2O). The kinetics of the reaction were measured through gas generation method while concurrent residual gas analysis (RGA) allowed better understanding of the oxidation mechanism governing the system. From the analysis, it was found that the kinetics of the reaction are robust initially, followed by quasi-linear decelerating regime indicative of a ‘shrinking core’ type oxidation behaviour. The extent of the reaction (conversion to UO2) was lower in comparison to other works. The reaction remained incomplete bolstering the case of UH3 persistence in legacy wastes. Through interpretation of the gas analysis data, a mechanism for the uranium hydride water reaction was suggested.
Analysis of Surface Current by Quantum Tunneling Effect of Thin Film Transistors with Topological Insulators
Authors: Oh Teresa 
Published: June 2020

AbstractDirac insulator and Weyl conductors have different semiconductor structures. A Dirac insulator is a SiOC insulated thin film, and a Weyl conductor consists of transistors with different semiconductor structures combining channels with SiOC insulated films. The transfer characteristics of transistors were investigated in this study. The difference between Dirac insulators and Weyl conductors is the same as the difference between transistors without channels and transistors with channels. Transistors without channels exhibit bidirectional transmission characteristics due to the spin currents of the Dirac insulators. By contrast, transistors with channels display unidirectional transmission characteristics consistent with the movement of the charges in the channels. This unidirectional transmission characteristic results in an existence of the threshold voltage and leakage current.
Transcriptome analyses suggest that changes in fungal endophyte lifestyle could be involved in grapevine bud necrosis
Authors: Ribeiro Thales Henrique Cherubino , Fernandes-Brum Christiane Noronha , de Souza Claudia Rita , Dias Frederico Alcantara Novelli , Almeida-Junior Osmar de , Regina Murilo de Albuquerque , de Oliveira Kellen Kauanne Pimenta , dos Reis Gabriel Lasmar , Oliveira Larissa Maia , Fernandes Fernanda de Paula , Torregrosa Laurent , de Souza Jorge Teodoro , Chalfun-Junior Antonio 
Published: June 2020

AbstractBud necrosis (BN) is a common disorder that affectsVitis viniferaL. and reduces its potential yield. To minimize the losses caused by BN, the double pruning management was applied in Brazilian Southeast vineyards. In this management strategy plants are pruned at the winter to promote a vegetative cycle and then, at summer, to promote the reproductive cycle at optimal environmental conditions. To investigate the relationship of BN and the double pruning management RNA-seq libraries were sequenced from healthy and necrotic tissues at four different stages of the year. The comparison of differentially expressed genes in necrotic and non-necrotic tissues showed an enhanced expression of genes related to cell death possibly induced by endophytic microorganisms in the necrotic tissues. Thede novoassembly, characterization and quantification of transcripts within the RNA-seq libraries showed that genes from the endophytic fungusAlternaria alternata, responsible for the production of toxic compounds were highly expressed under BN. Here we propose a model in which unfavorable conditions and reduced carbohydrate levels in buds can promote the switch from a biotrophic lifestyle to a necrotrophic lifestyle in the endophytic fungi, which seems to be involved in the development of BN.
Speech-Language Pathology Guidance for Tracheostomy During the COVID-19 Pandemic: An International Multidisciplinary Perspective
Authors: Zaga Charissa J. , Pandian Vinciya , Brodsky Martin B. , Wallace Sarah , Cameron Tanis S. , Chao Caroline , Orloff Lisa Ann , Atkins Naomi E. , McGrath Brendan A. , Lazarus Cathy L. , Vogel Adam P. , Brenner Michael J. 
Published: June 2020

Purpose
As the COVID-19 pandemic has unfolded, there has been growing recognition of risks to frontline health care workers. When caring for patients with tracheostomy, speech-language pathologists have significant exposure to mucosal surfaces, secretions, and aerosols that may harbor the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This tutorial provides guidance on practices for safely performing patient evaluation and procedures, thereby reducing risk of infection.

Method
Data were collated through review of literature, guidelines, and consensus statements relating to COVID-19 and similar high-consequent infections, with a focus on mitigating risk of transmission to health care workers. Particular emphasis was placed on speech-language pathologists, nurses, and other allied health professionals. A multinational interdisciplinary team then analyzed findings, arriving at recommendations through consensus via electronic communications and video conference.

Results
Reports of transmission of infection to health care workers in the current COVID-19 pandemic and previous outbreaks substantiate the need for safe practices. Many procedures routinely performed by speech-language pathologists have a significant risk of infection due to aerosol generation. COVID-19 testing can inform level of protective equipment, and meticulous hygiene can stem spread of nosocomial infection. Modifications to standard clinical practice in tracheostomy are often required. Personal protective equipment, including either powered air-purifying respirator or N95 mask, gloves, goggles, and gown, are needed when performing aerosol-generating procedures in patients with known or suspected COVID-19 infection.

Conclusions
Speech-language pathologists are often called on to assist in the care of patients with tracheostomy and known or suspected COVID-19 infection. Appropriate care of these patients is predicated on maintaining the health and safety of the health care team. Careful adherence to best practices can significantly reduce risk of infectious transmission.
Effective Design, Development, and Evaluation of Video Tutorials for Electronic Medical Record Training
Authors: Randhawa Gurprit K. , Shachak Aviv , Courtney Karen L. , Kushniruk Andre 
Published: June 2020

Abstract
Background Electronic medical record (EMR) use by primary care physicians (PCP) in the United States and Canada is suboptimal, especially for supporting chronic diseases like diabetes. PCPs need postimplementation training to achieve value-adding EMR use. Video tutorials demonstrate how to accomplish tasks using software. However, there is a dearth of research on the use of video tutorials for EMR training.
Objective The purpose of the study was to design, develop, and evaluate video tutorials for training PCPs in using EMR advanced features for diabetes care. This study addressed three research questions related to PCP's views of video tutorials as an EMR training method/approach, barriers, and facilitators to applying the EMR video tutorials to PCPs' practice, and how the design of EMR video tutorials can be improved.
Methods The overall research study employed a QUAN (qual) mixed methods approach with an embedded design. This article focuses on the qualitative phase of the mixed methods study. A series of four theory-informed and evidence-based video tutorials for diabetes care was developed with a physician champion. Qualitative data were collected at four time points: 1 month before (O1), immediately before (O2), 3 months after (O3), and 6 months (O4) after the intervention. Semistructured interviews with participants were held at O3 and O4. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis.
Results In total, 14 PCPs from the overall study participated in interviews (78%). The thematic analysis of the qualitative data revealed seven themes, which fall into two main categories: (1) design and development of EMR video tutorials, and (2) adoption and use of EMR video tutorials.
Conclusion PCPs liked the EMR video tutorials for diabetes care, and would like more EMR video tutorials on various topics and EMR use levels. The study offers a roadmap for health informatics professionals everywhere to develop EMR training videos that meet evidence-based design criteria. It also help to identify opportunities to improve the design, delivery, and adoption of EMR video tutorials for future training interventions.
Hepatitis C Virus Treatment in Children: A Challenge for Hepatitis C Virus Elimination
Authors: El-Sayed Manal H. , Indolfi Giuseppe 
Published: June 2020

AbstractHepatitis C is a global public health threat. The introduction of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) brings the prospect of curing the 71 million people living with the disease, dramatically changing the landscape of hepatitis C. The World Health Organization developed a roadmap for the elimination and cure of hepatitis C by 2030 with a clear goal with measurable targets. However, there is a lack of a well-defined strategy to tackle the hepatitis C virus (HCV) problem in children and adolescents vis-à-vis the adult population. Hepatitis C in children and adolescents can be addressed as part of a national policy for elimination in the whole population, namely macroelimination, or could be fragmented into a microelimination approach targeting the high-risk population groups. Children born to HCV-infected mothers, adolescents who are injecting drugs, migrants, and those suffering from inherited blood diseases are important target populations. After the U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval for the use of DAAs in children aged 3 years and above, evidence from clinical trials and real-world experience was accumulated using brand and generic medicines, with sustained virological response rates exceeding 95%. The evidence created should guide policies on the management of hepatitis C in children and adolescents. There are many challenges in managing HCV in this left-behind marginalized population. The lack of awareness and epidemiological data, consent age, prohibitive prices of medicines, and absence of policies on access to diagnostics, treatment, and linkage to care are among the many barriers to service delivery that should be addressed to achieve the elimination goal by 2030.
A Call to Action: A High Prevalence of Mental Health Conditions in Septic Compared with Aseptic Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Warren Jared , Anis Hiba K. , Klika Alison K. , Navale Suparna , Zhou Guangjin , Barsoum Wael , Higuera Carlos A. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. 
Published: June 2020

AbstractProsthetic joint infections (PJIs) after primary total hip arthroplasty (pTHA) are known to have a profound impact on patients' pain and function. However, there is little evidence on the association between PJIs and mental health in pTHA and revision total hip arthroplasty (rTHA) patients. The purpose of this study was to compare the prevalence of mental health conditions among patients undergoing (1) pTHA, (2) septic rTHA, and (3) aseptic rTHA. All THAs performed between 2005 and 2014 were queried using the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project State Inpatient Databases. This yielded 468,663 patients. Patients were separated into the following cohorts based on procedure: primary, septic revision, and aseptic revision. Diagnoses of any mental health condition as well as the following specific conditions were compared among the three cohorts: schizophrenia/delusion, bipolar disorder, depression/mood disorder, personality disorder, anxiety/somatic/dissociative disorder, eating disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder/conduct/impulse control, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse. Univariate analysis was performed to assess differences and trends in mental health conditions among the three cohorts. The prevalence of mental health conditions overall in rTHA patients increased throughout the study period. There was a significantly higher prevalence of mental health conditions overall among patients in the septic rTHA cohort (n = 1,818, 28.0%) compared with the pTHA (n = 81,616, 19.2%; p < 0.001), and aseptic rTHA (n = 7,594, 20.9%; p < 0.001) cohorts. Specifically, septic rTHA patients had a higher prevalence of schizophrenia (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), bipolar disorder (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), depression (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), personality disorders (p = 0.0015; p = 0.013), anxiety (p < 0.001; p = 0.0055), eating disorders (p < 0.001; p = 0.006), alcohol abuse (p < 0.001; p < 0.001), and drug abuse (p < 0.001; p < 0.001) compared with primary THA and aseptic rTHA, respectively. Overall, rates of mental health conditions were significantly higher among septic rTHA patients. Alcohol and drug abuse were approximately twice as prevalent among patients undergoing rTHA for infection compared with primary or aseptic rTHA patients. The level of evidence of the study is level III.