bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Widely tunable femtosecond soliton generation in a fiber-feedback optical parametric oscillator
Authors: O’Donnell Callum F. , Kumar S. Chaitanya , Paoletta T. , Ebrahim-Zadeh M. 
Published: April 2020

Optical parametric oscillators (OPOs) are uniquely versatile—albeit complex—platforms for the generation of tunable coherent light in difficult-to-access spectral regions. A synchronously pumped

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femtosecond OPO producing sub-100-fs pulses, by means of optical soliton formation in a single-mode fiber-feedback cavity, is presented for the first time. This approach removes the requirement for active stabilization and bulk dispersion compensation elements associated with traditional OPOs, while reducing the physical footprint by a factor of 3. Transform-limited pulses of 80–120 fs are generated for both normal and anomalous dispersion, while a new type of spectral sideband formation is observed and studied. Experimental results are supported by detailed simulations based on nonlinear pulse propagation theory, which serve to enrich the understanding of femtosecond pulse evolution in OPOs perturbed by strong Kerr nonlinearity. The OPO provides a unique platform for the study of intracavity soliton phenomena across a wide wavelength range.
The current state of DNA barcoding of macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea: presently lacking but urgently required
Authors: Bartolo Angela G. , Zammit Gabrielle , Peters Akira F. , Küpper Frithjof C. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractThis review article explores the state of DNA barcoding of macroalgae in the Mediterranean Sea. Data from the Barcode of Life Data System (BOLD) were utilised in conjunction with a thorough bibliographic review. Our findings indicate that from around 1124 records of algae in the Mediterranean Sea, only 114 species have been barcoded. We thus conclude that there are insufficient macroalgal genetic data from the Mediterranean and that this area would greatly benefit from studies involving DNA barcoding. Such research would contribute to resolving numerous questions about macroalgal systematics in the area and address queries related to biogeography, especially those concerned with non-indigenous species. It could also possibly result in the development and application of better, cost-effective biodiversity monitoring programmes emanating from UN conventions and EU Directives. One possible way of achieving this is to construct DNA libraries via sequencing and barcoding, subsequently enabling better cost-effective biodiversity monitoring through environmental DNA metabarcoding.
Tumor-associated exosomal miRNA biomarkers to differentiate metastatic vs. nonmetastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Wang Ning , Guo Wei , Song Xingguo , Liu Lisheng , Niu Limin , Song Xianrang , Xie Li 
Published: April 2020

Abstract

Background
Exosomal microRNAs (miRNAs) are proposed to be excellent candidate biomarkers for clinical applications. However, little is known about their potential value as diagnostic biomarkers for metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods
In this study, microarrays were used to determine distinct miRNA profiles of plasma exosomes in a discovery cohort of healthy donors, metastatic NSCLC and nonmetastatic NSCLC patients. Three potential candidate miRNAs were selected based on the differential expression profiles. The discovery set data were validated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction using a validation cohort.

Results
NSCLC patients (n = 80) and healthy controls (n = 30) had different exosome-related miRNA profiles in plasma. Results demonstrated that the level of let-7f-5p was decreased in plasma exosomes of NSCLC patients (p < 0.0001). Further analysis of three differentially expressed miRNAs revealed that miR-320a, miR-622 and let-7f-5p levels could significantly segregate patients with metastatic NSCLC from patients with nonmetastatic NSCLC (p < 0.0001, p < 0.0001 and p = 0.023, respectively). In addition, the combination of let-7f-5p, CEA and Cyfra21-1 generated an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.981 for the diagnosis of NSCLC patients, and the combination of miR-320a, miR-622, CEA and Cyfra21-1 had an AUC of 0.900 for the diagnosis of patients with metastatic NSCLC.

Conclusions
This novel study demonstrated that plasma exosomal miRNAs are promising noninvasive diagnostic biomarkers for metastatic NSCLC.
Modulations of Insular Projections by Prior Belief Mediate the Precision of Prediction Error during Tactile Learning
Authors: Wang Bin A. , Schlaffke Lara , Pleger Burkhard 
Published: April 2020

Awareness for surprising sensory events is shaped by prior belief inferred from past experience. Here, we combined hierarchical Bayesian modeling with fMRI on an associative learning task in 28 male human participants to characterize the effect of the prior belief of tactile events on connections mediating the outcome of perceptual decisions. Activity in anterior insular cortex (AIC), premotor cortex (PMd), and inferior parietal lobule (IPL) were modulated by prior belief on unexpected targets compared with expected targets. On expected targets, prior belief decreased the connection strength from AIC to IPL, whereas it increased the connection strength from AIC to PMd when targets were unexpected. Individual differences in the modulatory strength of prior belief on insular projections correlated with the precision that increases the influence of prediction errors on belief updating. These results suggest complementary effects of prior belief on insular-frontoparietal projections mediating the precision of prediction during probabilistic tactile learning.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTIn a probabilistic environment, the prior belief of sensory events can be inferred from past experiences. How this prior belief modulates effective brain connectivity for updating expectations for future decision-making remains unexplored. Combining hierarchical Bayesian modeling with fMRI, we show that during tactile associative learning, prior expectations modulate connections originating in the anterior insula cortex and targeting salience-related and attention-related frontoparietal areas (i.e., parietal and premotor cortex). These connections seem to be involved in updating evidence based on the precision of ascending inputs to guide future decision-making.
The transformation of the value system Kalmyk society
Authors: Amykova Vera N. 
Published: April 2020

The article considers the factors influencing the change of the value system of society in the process of its development. The author draws a parallel between the traditional and modern systems of values of a separate ethnic group.
The Kalmyks are a small ethnic group, but their cultural and spiritual heritage is rich and multifaceted. The customs and traditions of ancestors still influence the mentality, methods of education of the younger generation, moral guidelines of modern Kalmyks. Nevertheless, de-ethnization, which accelerates the unification of culture, the loss of national features of lifestyle, economic activity, language, is becoming increasingly obvious. Kalmyk society has undergone a significant transformation, there is a shift in emphasis in value orientations: from ethical and altruistic to pragmatic. This fact cannot but cause concern for the future of this distinctive ethnic group.
The main emphasis in the article is on the fact that many crisis phenomena in the life of modern society are caused, first of all, by the loss of certain moral guidelines, following which a person could avoid irreparable social, political and economic losses.
Paleoenvironmental significance of microbial mat-related structures and ichnofaunas in an Ordovician mixed-energy estuary, Áspero Formation of Santa Victoria Group, northwestern Argentina
Authors: Duperron María , Scasso Roberto Adrián 
Published: April 2020

ABSTRACTThe study on a unique set of outstandingly preserved sedimentary surface textures (SSTs) found in the late Tremadocian Áspero Formation of northwestern Argentina, coupled with the sedimentological and ichnological analysis, indicate that they were formed in the intertidal to supratidal setting of a mixed-energy estuary recording storm and tide sedimentation. We recognize seven types of SSTs: probably biotic microbial mat-related SSTs (Kinneyia, elephant skin, exfoliating sandy laminae), abiotic SSTs (elliptical scours and convex parallel ridges type I “wrinkle marks” sensuAllen 1985), and problematic (convex parallel ridges type II and dot matrix texture). Elliptical scours and convex parallel ridges type I show features which indicate reworking of a cohesive sandy substrate in an intertidal or supratidal setting. Abundance of biotic SSTs with specific associated trace fossils reflect matground development and mat-grazing ichnofaunas, indicating the suppression of intense, penetrative bioturbation due to intense physicochemical stress. The “dot matrix” texture, described here for the first time, consists of a regular horizontal network of millimeter-scale pits; it appears associated with exfoliating sandy laminae, probably reflecting a mat-related origin. Three facies associations are defined through paleoenvironmental analysis. Facies association 1 is dominated by high-energy sandy and bioclastic storm deposits with tidal flat facies, and corresponds to the outer bay of a mixed-energy estuary; highly impoverished Cruziana assemblages and distal expressions of the Skolithos Ichnofacies reflect high energy and sedimentation rate. Facies association 2 shows tidal-channel and tidal-flat facies with subordinated storm deposits, representing the middle bay; impoverished Cruziana assemblages dominated by simple facies-crossing structures, with high-density monogeneric opportunistic suites, evidence physicochemical stress associated with subaerial exposure, frequent episodic deposition, high water turbidity, and/or brackish water conditions in these relatively sheltered tidal flats. Facies association 3 is formed by interdistributary-bay deposits with intercalation of channel-fill deposits in the upper part, and represents the river-dominated bay-head delta; low degrees of bioturbation in fine-grained facies indicate brackish- to fresh-water conditions. SSTs are found in tidal flat facies of facies association 2; they indicate an intertidal to supratidal environment subject to localized conditions of intense physicochemical stress. The paleoenvironmental interpretation of SSTs converges with the one performed through sedimentological and ichnological analysis, producing a robust and more detailed paleoenvironmental model for the Áspero Formation. Our study highlights the use of SSTs as a tool for supporting and refining paleoenvironmental analysis.
Psychosocial, Behavioral and Clinical correlates of children with overweight and obesity
Authors: Thaker Vidhu V , Osganian Stavroula K. , de Ferranti Sarah D. , Sonneville Kendrin R. , Cheng Jennifer K. , Feldman Henry A. , Richmond Tracy K. 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Psychological and behavioral correlates are considered important in the development and persistence of obesity in both adults and youth. This study aimed to identify such features in youth with severe obesity (BMI ³ 120% of 95th percentile of sex-specific BMI-for-age) compared to those with overweight or non-severe obesity. Methods: Youth with BMI ³ 85th percentile were invited to participate in a prospective research registry where data was collected on attributes such as family characteristics, eating behaviors, dietary intake, physical activity, perception of health and mental well-being, and cardiometabolic parameters. Results: In a racially/ethnically diverse cohort of 105 youth (65% female, median age 16.1 years, range 4.62-25.5), 51% had severe obesity. The body fat percent increased with the higher levels of obesity. There were no differences in the self-reported frequency of intake of sugar sweetened beverages or fresh produce across the weight categories. However, the participants with severe obesity reported higher levels of emotional eating and eating when bored (p=0.022), levels of stress (p =0.013), engaged in fewer sports or organized activities (p=0.044), and had suboptimal perception of health (p=0.053). Asthma, depression and obstructive sleep apnea were more frequently reported in youth with severe obesity. The presence of abnormal HDL, HOMA-IR, CRP and multiple cardiometabolic risk factors were more common among youth with severe obesity. Conclusions: Youth with severe obesity have identifiable differences in psychosocial and behavioral attributes that can be used to develop targeted intervention strategies to improve their health.
An Endostatin-Lentivirus (ES-LV)-EPC Gene Therapy Agent for Suppression of Neovascularization in Oxygen-Induced Retinopathy Rat Model
Authors: Ai Jing , Ma Jian , Chen Zhi-Qing , Sun Jun-Hui , Yao Ke 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Transplantation of gene transfected endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) has provided novel methods for tumor neovascularization therapy but not for ocular disease therapy. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of endostatin transfected EPCs in retinal neovascularization therapy. Results: Quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) showed the high expression of endostatin in endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs. The neovascularization leakage area and the number of preretinal neovascular cell nuclei were significantly decreased in the endostatin-lentivirus and endostatin-lentivirus-EPC groups, and the effects of these two treatments on inhibiting retinal neovascularization were almost the same. These two groups also showed the greater retinal distribution of endostatin. Intravitreal injections of endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs inhibited retinal neovascularization, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and CD31 expression, and increased endostatin expression in vivo. Endostatin-lentivirus-EPCs targeted and prevented pathologic retinal neovascularization. Conclusions: Gene-combined EPCs represent a potential new therapeutic agent for the treatment of neovascular eye diseases.
Is Procalcitonin (PCT) a reliable biomarker for preoperative diagnosing of low grade Periprosthetic Joint Infection? A Prospective Study
Authors: Busch André , Jäger Marcus , Engler Harald , Haversath Marcel , Bielefeld Charlotte , Landgraeber Stefan , Wegner Alexander 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Since a „gold-standard“ is missing, diagnosing periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) remains a challenge in orthopedic surgery. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of serum and synovial fluid Procalcitonin (S-PCT and SF-PCT) as a diagnostic parameter and to compare it to the biomarkers recommended in the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection.Methods:Between August 2018 and July 2019, a prospective cohort study was conducted in 70 patients with painful hip, shoulder and knee arthroplasty. Besides medical history, clinical and laboratory data was gathered. PJI was diagnosed based on the 2018 Definition of periprosthetic hip and knee infection. Preoperative blood and synovial joint fluid were taken for PCT measurement. S-PCT and SF-PCT levels were measured using standard quantitative PCT enzyme immunoassays.Results: Twenty three patients (33%) were classified as the PJI group and fourty seven patient (67%) as the aseptic group. The mean levels of S-PCT were significantly (p<0.001) higher in the PJI group than those in the aseptic group (PJI 0.05 ± 0.21 ng/mL (0.0-1.03) vs. aseptic 0.02 ± 0.03 ng/mL (0.0-0.18)). In synovial fluid, the mean PCT values in the aseptic group were significantly higher (p<0.001) than those of PJI group (PJI 2.7 ± 1.4 ng/mL (0.53-9.7) vs. aseptic 8.7 ± 2.5 ng/mL (0.25-87.9)). S- PCT, with a cut-off level of 0.5 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 91.0%.SF-PCT, with a cut-off level of 5.0 ng/mL, had a sensitivity of 13.0% and a specificity of 52.0%.Conclusion: S-PCT and SF-PCT appeared to be no reliable biomarkers in the differential diagnosis of PJI from aseptic loosening in total joint arthroplasty.
Who responds? An examination of response rates to a national postal survey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults, 2018-2019
Authors: Wright Alyson Jane , Thurber Katherine Anne , Yap Mandy , Du Wei , Banks Emily , Walker Jennie , Irwin Faye , Sanders William , Lovett Raymond 
Published: April 2020

AbstractBackground: Evidence on the effectiveness of postal recruitment methods for Indigenous peoples is lacking. Mayi Kuwayu, the National Study of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Wellbeing, uses multi-staged sampling. We aimed to test postal surveys as a primary recruitment method, analysing preliminary response rate data to inform the Study’s ongoing sampling approach. Methods: 20,000 adults aged ≥16 years were sampled from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people enrolled in the Medicare Australia Enrolment Database. We calculated response rates at 4 and 15 weeks, overall and by age group, gender, state/territory and remoteness. Results: The overall response rate was 2.3% (n=456/20000). Highest response rates were observed among males and females ≥50 years from major cities (6.0%, 95%CI 4.4–7.9 and 5.5%, 4.1–7.2, respectively) and regional areas (6.0%, 4.6–7.6 and 6.2%, 4.9–7.7, respectively). Younger age groups and remote areas had lower response rates; all remote age groups <50 years had a response rate ≤0.6%. While most participants responded on the paper surveys, online responses were more common among younger age groups and, respondents with higher education levels and whose first language was not English.Conclusion: Using a postal survey, we observed response rates of ≥5.5% among older Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults in major cities and regional areas; response rates were lower in other groups. A two-stage postal distribution approach provided an opportunity to adapt sampling approaches to different demographic groups. Based on initial response rates, the sampling strategy was revised to send postal surveys to groups with higher response rates groups and focus field recruitment strategies on low response groups.
Comparison of dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy versus posterosuperior prominence resection for the treatment of Haglund syndrome
Authors: Ge Zilu , Ma Lin , Tang Hong , Yang Mingyu , Yang Aining , Yuan Chengsong , Tao Xu , Zhou Binghua , Tang Kanglai , Chen Wan 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background: Haglund syndrome is a common disease that causes posterior heel pain. This study compared the clinical outcomes of dorsal closing wedge calcaneal osteotomy (DCWCO) and posterosuperior prominence resection (PPR) for the treatment of Haglund syndrome.Methods: This retrospective study included 12 patients who underwent DCWCO and 32 patients who underwent PPR from January 2010 to August 2016. Patients were evaluated using the American Orthopedic Foot Ankle Society ankle-hindfoot scale (AOFAS), Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment Scale for Achilles tendinopathy (VISA-A), Fowler-Philip angle, Bohler’s angle, and calcaneal pitch angle preoperatively and postoperatively (at 3 months, 6 months, 1 year, and the latest follow-up). Results: Both groups exhibited a significant increase in their AOFAS and VISA-A scores after surgery. The DCWCO group had lower AOFAS scores than the PPR group at 6 months (77.6 ± 5.1 vs. 82.8 ± 7.8; P =0.037) but had higher scores at the latest follow-up (98.2 ± 2.3 vs. 93.4 ± 6.1; P =0.030). The DCWCO group had lower VISA-A scores at 3 months (56.9 ± 13.9 vs. 65.2 ± 11.0; P =0.044) but higher scores at the latest follow-up (98.2 ± 2.6 vs. 94.3 ± 5.0; P =0.010) than the PPR group. Both groups exhibited significant changes in the Fowler-Philip angle and Bohler’s angle after surgery. The postoperative Fowler-Philip angle of the DCWCO group was greater than that of the PPR group (35.9° ± 4.9° vs. 31.4° ± 6.2°; P =0.026). However, there was no statistically significant difference in any other angle of the two groups postoperatively.Conclusions: Compare to PPR group, the DCWCO group had poorer short-term clinical outcomes but provide better long-term function and symptom remission. This method can be a good option for those patients with higher functional expectations.
Insufficient gestational weight gain associated with higher DNA methylation in cord blood cells
Authors: Kawai Tomoko , Miyakoshi Kei , Kasuga Yoshifumi , New Shiori Kinoshita , Tanaka Mamoru , Hata Kenichiro 
Published: April 2020

Abstract
Background Gestational weight gain (GWG) is one of the crucial factors affecting fetal growth as well as the in utero environment, influencing fetal cell programming during development. We reported previously that GWG affected the occurrence of outlying CpG methylation values of placental DNA in a U-shaped manner, with the occurrence of outlying values from adequate GWG subjects positioned at the bottom of the curve. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the effects of GWG on the infant epigenome by the view that the influence of insufficient GWG on infant DNA methylation may turn in some other direction at the borderline of the optimal weight gain. Method We collected cord blood from 60 subjects with uncomplicated term delivery whose mean pre-pregnancy body mass index and mean GWG was 19.8 ± 1.9 and 8.1 ± 4.3 kg, respectively. Cord blood DNA was underwent analysis using the Infinium MethylationEPIC BeadChip to profile genome-wide methylation status. Results GWG was continuously associated with cord blood DNA methylation at five CpG loci significantly (multiple test corrected p-value, 0.043) in the lower than upper limit of the recommended GWG group (n = 51). The significant association between DNA methylation levels and GWG was disappeared when added 9 subjects who gained weight more than upper limit of recommendation during pregnancy. The methylation plot of the five loci plateaued or traced a U-curve near the border of the upper limit of the GWG recommendation. Cord blood DNA methylation of these five were all negatively associated with GWG. Validation using deep targeted bisulfite sequencing reproduced negative correlations between GWG and methylation levels within one of the five targets; at the upstream of LINC01816 . This region has been annotated as a promoter or an enhancer depending on blood cell types based on their epigenetic marks. Conclusions It is known that demethylation at enhancer region in genome is one of the features during late fetal development. We found that insufficient GWG showed higher methylation status in some enhancer-candidate loci in cord blood cells, which may indicate incomplete demethylation during in utero development.