bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring the role of the Ser9Gly (rs6280) Dopamine D3 receptor polymorphism in nicotine reinforcement and cue-elicited craving
Authors: Chukwueke Chidera C. , Kowalczyk William J. , Di Ciano Patricia , Gendy Marie , Taylor Richard , Heishman Stephen J. , Le Foll Bernard 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPreclinical studies show that the dopamine D3 receptor (D3R) is involved in the reinstatement of drug seeking and motivation for drugs of abuse. A D3R gene variant, Ser9Gly (rs6280) has been linked to nicotine dependence, yet the mechanisms underlying its involvement in nicotine dependence is unclear. This study investigated the relationship between the Ser9Gly variant and measures of both nicotine reinforcement and cue-elicited craving. Phenotypes of smoking behaviors were assessed in genetically grouped (Glycine vs. No Glycine carriers) current smokers (n = 104, ≥ 10 cigarettes per day). Laboratory measures included a forced choice session (to measure reinforcement of nicotine containing vs. denicotinized cigarettes), and a cue-reactivity session (to measure smoking cues vs. neutral cues elicited craving). The forced choice procedure revealed that subjective ratings were significantly higher in response to nicotinized compared to denicotinized cigarettes; however the Ser9Gly variant did not influence this effect. By comparison, smoking cues elicited greater craving over time compared to neutral cues, and Glycine carriers of the Ser9Gly D3R variant seem to experience a significant blunted cue-elicited craving effect. Results support D3R involvement in nicotine cue reactivity. However, more research is needed to reveal how this gene variant modulates various aspects of nicotine dependence.
Temporal changes in the gene expression heterogeneity during brain development and aging
Authors: Işıldak Ulaş , Somel Mehmet , Thornton Janet M. , Dönertaş Handan Melike 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCells in largely non-mitotic tissues such as the brain are prone to stochastic (epi-)genetic alterations that may cause increased variability between cells and individuals over time. Although increased inter-individual heterogeneity in gene expression was previously reported, whether this process starts during development or if it is restricted to the aging period has not yet been studied. The regulatory dynamics and functional significance of putative aging-related heterogeneity are also unknown. Here we address these by a meta-analysis of 19 transcriptome datasets from three independent studies, covering diverse human brain regions. We observed a significant increase in inter-individual heterogeneity during aging (20 + years) compared to postnatal development (0 to 20 years). Increased heterogeneity during aging was consistent among different brain regions at the gene level and associated with lifespan regulation and neuronal functions. Overall, our results show that increased expression heterogeneity is a characteristic of aging human brain, and may influence aging-related changes in brain functions.
Forecasting Air Quality in Taiwan by Using Machine Learning
Authors: Lee Mike , Lin Larry , Chen Chih-Yuan , Tsao Yu , Yao Ting-Hsuan , Fei Min-Han , Fang Shih-Hau 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study proposes a gradient-boosting-based machine learning approach for predicting the PM2.5 concentration in Taiwan. The proposed mechanism is evaluated on a large-scale database built by the Environmental Protection Administration, and Central Weather Bureau, Taiwan, which includes data from 77 air monitoring stations and 580 weather stations performing hourly measurements over 1 year. By learning from past records of PM2.5 and neighboring weather stations’ climatic information, the forecasting model works well for 24-h prediction at most air stations. This study also investigates the geographical and meteorological divergence for the forecasting results of seven regional monitoring areas. We also compare the prediction performance between Taiwan, Taipei, and London; analyze the impact of industrial pollution; and propose an enhanced version of the prediction model to improve the prediction accuracy. The results indicate that Taipei and London have similar prediction results because these two cities have similar topography (basin) and are financial centers without domestic pollution sources. The results also suggest that after considering industrial impacts by incorporating additional features from the Taichung and Thong-Siau power plants, the proposed method achieves significant improvement in the coefficient of determination (R2) from 0.58 to 0.71. Moreover, for Taichung City the root-mean-square error decreases from 8.56 for the conventional approach to 7.06 for the proposed method.
Long-term follow-up of osteomyelitis caused by Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccination in immunocompetent children
Authors: Tsai Yen-Lin , Chen Yen-Ju , Lai Yu-Cheng 
Published: March 2020

AbstractNo standard treatment for Bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG)-associated osteomyelitis, a rare but serious complication of the BCG vaccine, has been established. This study explored the short- and long-term outcomes of surgical intervention for BCG-associated osteomyelitis. Four patients with BCG osteomyelitis aged 9–21 months when diagnosed and treated at the Department of Orthopedics, Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, Taiwan, between January 2001 and April 2019 were analysed. Radiography revealed osteolytic lesions of the involved sites. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed physeal involvement in three patients. Debridement was performed for all four patients. One patient then underwent additional arthroscopy because of suspect intra-articular involvement. Specimens obtained intraoperatively were sent for pathology, culture, and to the national reference mycobacterial laboratory for BCG detection using polymerase chain reaction. All four patients had positive results for Mycobacterium bovis and satisfactory short-term results. Functional monitoring using QuickDASH or the Lower Extremity Functional Scale revealed excellent long-term outcomes despite tiny limb length discrepancy observed during follow-up in two patients. Prompt diagnosis plus proper intervention is required to prevent further major complications of BCG osteomyelitis. Minimally invasive debridement led to positive clinical outcomes and is therefore recommended.
BrainSpace: a toolbox for the analysis of macroscale gradients in neuroimaging and connectomics datasets
Authors: Vos de Wael Reinder , Benkarim Oualid , Paquola Casey , Lariviere Sara , Royer Jessica , Tavakol Shahin , Xu Ting , Hong Seok-Jun , Langs Georg , Valk Sofie , Misic Bratislav , Milham Michael , Margulies Daniel , Smallwood Jonathan , Bernhardt Boris C. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUnderstanding how cognitive functions emerge from brain structure depends on quantifying how discrete regions are integrated within the broader cortical landscape. Recent work established that macroscale brain organization and function can be described in a compact manner with multivariate machine learning approaches that identify manifolds often described as cortical gradients. By quantifying topographic principles of macroscale organization, cortical gradients lend an analytical framework to study structural and functional brain organization across species, throughout development and aging, and its perturbations in disease. Here, we present BrainSpace, a Python/Matlab toolbox for (i) the identification of gradients, (ii) their alignment, and (iii) their visualization. Our toolbox furthermore allows for controlled association studies between gradients with other brain-level features, adjusted with respect to null models that account for spatial autocorrelation. Validation experiments demonstrate the usage and consistency of our tools for the analysis of functional and microstructural gradients across different spatial scales.
Artificial light during the polar night disrupts Arctic fish and zooplankton behaviour down to 200 m depth
Authors: Berge Jørgen , Geoffroy Maxime , Daase Malin , Cottier Finlo , Priou Pierre , Cohen Jonathan H. , Johnsen Geir , McKee David , Kostakis Ina , Renaud Paul E. , Vogedes Daniel , Anderson Philip , Last Kim S. , Gauthier Stephane 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFor organisms that remain active in one of the last undisturbed and pristine dark environments on the planet—the Arctic Polar Night—the moon, stars and aurora borealis may provide important cues to guide distribution and behaviours, including predator-prey interactions. With a changing climate and increased human activities in the Arctic, such natural light sources will in many places be masked by the much stronger illumination from artificial light. Here we show that normal working-light from a ship may disrupt fish and zooplankton behaviour down to at least 200 m depth across an area of >0.125 km2 around the ship. Both the quantitative and qualitative nature of the disturbance differed between the examined regions. We conclude that biological surveys in the dark from illuminated ships may introduce biases on biological sampling, bioacoustic surveys, and possibly stock assessments of commercial and non-commercial species.
Development of a CRISPR/Cas9n-based tool for metabolic engineering of Pseudomonas putida for ferulic acid-to-polyhydroxyalkanoate bioconversion
Authors: Zhou Yueyue , Lin Lu , Wang Heng , Zhang Zhichao , Zhou Jizhong , Jiao Nianzhi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFerulic acid is a ubiquitous phenolic compound in lignocellulose, which is recognized for its role in the microbial carbon catabolism and industrial value. However, its recalcitrance and toxicity poses a challenge for ferulic acid-to-bioproducts bioconversion. Here, we develop a genome editing strategy for Pseudomonas putida KT2440 using an integrated CRISPR/Cas9n-λ-Red system with pyrF as a selection marker, which maintains cell viability and genetic stability, increases mutation efficiency, and simplifies genetic manipulation. Via this method, four functional modules, comprised of nine genes involved in ferulic acid catabolism and polyhydroxyalkanoate biosynthesis, were integrated into the genome, generating the KTc9n20 strain. After metabolic engineering and optimization of C/N ratio, polyhydroxyalkanoate production was increased to ~270 mg/L, coupled with ~20 mM ferulic acid consumption. This study not only establishes a simple and efficient genome editing strategy, but also offers an encouraging example of how to apply this method to improve microbial aromatic compound bioconversion.
Dissecting the properties of neutron star–black hole mergers originating in dense star clusters
Authors: Arca Sedda Manuel 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe detection of gravitational waves emitted during a neutron star–black hole merger and the associated electromagnetic counterpart will provide a wealth of information about stellar evolution nuclear matter, and general relativity. While the theoretical framework about neutron star–black hole binaries formed in isolation is well established, the picture is loosely constrained for those forming via dynamical interactions. Here, we use N-body simulations to show that mergers forming in globular and nuclear clusters could display distinctive marks compared to isolated mergers, namely larger masses, heavier black holes, and the tendency to have no associated electromagnetic counterpart. These features could represent a useful tool to interpreting forthcoming observations. In the local Universe, gravitational waves emitted from dynamical mergers could be unraveled by detectors sensitive in the decihertz frequency band, while those occurring at the distance range of Andromeda and the Virgo Cluster could be accessible to lower-frequency detectors like LISA.
Thermally assisted delayed fluorescence (TADF): fluorescence delayed is fluorescence denied
Authors: Ravinson Daniel Sylvinson Muthiah , Thompson Mark E. 
Published: March 2020

Thermally assisted delayed fluorescence (TADF) allows for efficient collection of both singlet and triplet excitons with both emitting through the singlet channel. TADF opens the door to photo- and electroluminescence efficiencies close to 100%.
Down-regulation of protease-activated receptor 2 ameliorated osteoarthritis in rats through regulation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathwayin vivoandin vitro
Authors: Yan Shichang , Ding Huimin , Peng Junyang , Wang Xinqiang , Pang Chenglong , Wei Juncheng , Wei Jianjun , Chen Hui 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRecently, protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) has been proved to be involved in the inflammatory response including osteoarthritis (OA). In the present study, we found that PAR2 antagonist could remarkably improve the pathological condition of OA rats in vivo. In addition, we also found that PAR2 antagonist could suppress the production of inflammatory factors (TNF-α and Cox-2), decrease the levels of MMP-1 and MMP-13, and restrain the levels of P62 proteins and aggravate the expression of LC3-II both in vivo and in vitro. Besides, in vitro, PAR2 antagonist could increase the proliferation and colony formation of chondrocytes induced with IL-1β. Moreover, PAR2 antagonist could decrease the expression of expressions of p-p38, p-IκBα and p-NF-κB in vitro. However, PAR2 agonist exhibited the opposite effects. Furthermore, SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, could remarkably promote the proliferation of chondrocytes induced with IL-1β, could alleviate the production of TNF-α and Cox-2, could down-regulate the protein expressions of MMP-1 and MMP-13, and could decrease the expression of P62 and increase the expressions of LC3-II of chondrocytes induced with IL-1β. Importantly, SB203580 could reverse the effects of PAR2 agonist on the functions of chondrocytes induced with IL-1β. Taken together, the present data suggest that down-regulation of PAR2 can ameliorate OA through inducing autophagy via regulation of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro, and PAR2 can be considered as a potential candidate to treat OA.
Influence of humidity on conduction processes in gas‐insulated devices
Authors: Tschentscher Malte , Graber David , Franck Christian M. 
Published: March 2020

Humidity has been considered as one of the main influencing factors that determine the conduction processes and electric strength of gas‐insulated systems. Whereas in the past, various studies focused on the change in the partial discharge inception voltages, breakdown strength of homogeneous and inhomogeneous field arrangements, and insulator flashover voltage, recent studies have investigated the changes in ion currents measured through different gas gaps. In the framework of this contribution, a highly precise humidity control circuit has been developed to analyse the significance of humidity in the range from −25 to −5°C frost‐point, which is fully applicable to operating gas‐insulated devices. Using sulphur hexafluoride (SF6) as the insulation gas at 0.45 MPa, Al2O3‐filled epoxy resin insulators, and technically rough electrodes, the humidity was found to significantly influence the intensity of microdischarges at interfaces. Charge generation from microdischarges at the interfaces substantially increased with increasing humidity. For an electric field of 5 kV/mm that were applicable to the dimensioning of gas‐insulated devices, humidity strongly influences the charge provision from technically rough interfaces and potentially contributes to the surface‐charge accumulation at insulator surfaces. On the other hand, for low‐field conduction phenomena, no increase in the ion currents from natural ionisation or electrophoretic conduction was observed. For the investigated range of parameters, humidity is expected to be highly relevant for the design of gas‐insulated devices.
Rectangular reinforced concrete tank loaded by seismic load
Authors: Uhlířová Lenka , Jendželovský Norbert 
Published: March 2020

Tanks have currently been used for storage of different substances and products. Most often they serve as reservoirs for drinking water, for wastewater treatment and storage of various technical liquids. Rectangular tanks are less common, still there are many benefits of their using, e.g. lower sensitivity to unilateral load and better use of space mainly in systems of multiple tanks.
The rectangular tank analyzed in this article is filled with water. Our investigation is focused on dynamic analysis of the tank. The tank was loaded by accelerogram of a natural earthquake. Step-by-step method was used for the calculation. The model was created using ANSYS Academic software, which is based on the Finite Element Method (FEM). The particular calculation was performed using the transient analysis. A time course of displacements and accelerations of each point of a structure has been obtained. The state of stress in walls during the period of maximum displacements has been presented.
An Encrusted Ureteral Stent Removed by Open Surgery in a Solitary Pelvic Ectopic Kidney (PEK) Patient Presented with Anuria and Renal Dysfunction: A Case Report
Authors: Pan Yang , Chen Gang , Chen Han , Zhu Yunxiao , Chen Hualin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractA 19-year-old man complaining of anuria for 1 day was presented. A ureteral stent was indwelled 3 months ago for preventing ureteral obstruction and protecting kidney function. Abdominopelvic computed tomography (CT) scan revealed a solitary pelvic ectopic kidney (PEK) and severe hydronephrosis. And the ureteral stent was covered by encrustations which caused ureteral obstruction. The stent had been retained in his ureter for more than 3 months until he was admitted. It couldn’t be removed after shock wave lithotripsy (SWL) or flexible ureteroscope laser lithotripsy (f-URS). Finally, we had to conduct open surgery which was an alternative option. The stent was replaced by a new one successfully. The patient was discharged safely without postoperative complications. After 2 months of follow-up, the patient’s renal function remained stable.
Open Reduction and Internal Fixation for Dorsal Fracture-dislocation of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint
Authors: Lee Jun-Ku , Kim Yoon Seok , Lee Jin-Hyun , Jang Gyu-Chol , Han Soo-Hong 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the clinical and radiological results of ORIF with inter-fragment screw or buttress plate fixation of acute PIP joint fracture dorsal dislocation.
Patients and Methods Between January 2007 to December 2016, nineteen patients – 14 men and 5 women with an average age of 40.9 (19 to 64) years – were included in this study; 9 patients underwent small sized interfragmentary screw fixation and 10 patients underwent small buttress plating. The average follow-up period was 45.1 (13 to 78) months. Clinical assessment included measurement of range of motion (ROM) of the proximal and distal interphalangeal joint (PIP, DIP), grip and pinch strength, and pain with use of the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). At the postoperative X-ray, articular step off, gap, and degree of dorsal subluxation was measured, and maintenance of the reduction, fracture union, and the presence of degenerative changes were assessed.
Results All patients achieved solid unions without instability. The overall average range of motion of PIP joint were from 9° to 85° (10–83° in the screw group, 8–87° in the plate group without significant difference). However, the screw group (average: 53°) presented more flexion in the distal interphalangeal joint than the plate group (average: 34°). Plate fixation can cause limited DIP flexion. Six of the ten patients from the plate group, underwent implant removal and two of these patients required PIP joint arthrolysis due to the PIP flexion contracture of more than 30°. Three of the nine patients in screw group underwent implant removal and two of the three patients required PIP joint arthrolysis.
Conclusion Mini plate and screw fixation of acute PIP joint fracture dorsal dislocation can achieve comparable favorable clinical and radiographic outcomes through stable fixation and early range of motion exercise. Screw fixation, if possible, is probably preferable to plate fixation because of better DIP joint ROM and lower incidence of hardware removal. If there is a need for plate fixation the use of a short plate is recommended to avoid joint stiffness.
Analysis of Retinal Vessel Pulsations with Electrocardiographic Gating
Authors: Bollinger Olivia , Saruhan Yasemin , Gugleta Konstantin 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Purpose The origin of retinal venous pulsations has been a matter of debate for some time. One classical explanation to the origin of these pulsations has been that the cardiac cycle induces systolic peaks in the intraocular pressure (IOP) which leads to decreases in retinal vein diameters. Recently, theoretical concepts have been published which postulate that IOP changes during the pulse cycle is not the primary driving force for venous pulsation, and hence, predict that the retinal vein diameter is indeed reduced during IOP diastole. The aim of the study was to test this hypothesis in a clinical trial.
Subjects and Methods Continuous IOP and retinal vessel analyser (RVA) measurements were taken from 21 subjects, ages 20 to 30 years, with no known ophthalmologic diseases, while connected to a standard electrocardiograph (ECG). With this methodology, average and synchronised curves for the pulse cycle of IOP and retinal vessel pulsations were calculated for each subject. Each pulse cycle was standardised to 50 timepoints, which enabled direct phase shift comparisons.
Results All subjects showed comparable results. Close to the optic disc (within 0 to 1.5 optic disc diameters away from the disc), retinal arteries led with the first peak at the 16/50 pulse cycle position, followed by IOP peak at the 23/50 cycle position, and then by veins at the 26/50 cycle position.
Conclusion The present method indeed shows that retinal veins do not collapse when the IOP is highest, on the contrary, IOP and retinal vein diameters seem to be in phase, which lends support to the hypothesis that IOP is not the major driving force of the retinal vein pulsations.
Augenmuskelparesen nach Gleitschirmunfällen
Authors: Lengwiler Fabian , Heckmann Jan , Sturm Veit 
Published: March 2020

Zusammenfassung
Hintergrund Gleitschirmfliegen gilt als risikoträchtige Erlebnissportart. Sie kann individuell oder im Tandemflug in Begleitung eines Fluglehrers ausgeübt werden. Gleitschirmfliegen wie auch andere „Extremsportarten“ verzeichneten in den letzten Jahren einen deutlichen Zulauf. Bei Unfällen treten vor allem Verletzungen der unteren Extremitäten und Wirbelsäulenverletzungen auf. Kopfverletzungen sind eher selten.
Patienten und Methoden Retrospektive Fallserie von 3 Patienten mit Augenmuskelparesen nach Gleitschirmunfällen. Die Kasuistiken werden unter besonderer Berücksichtigung der Therapiemaßnahmen präsentiert.
Ergebnisse Zwei Männer (41 und 56 Jahre) erlitten ein offenes Schädel-Hirn-Trauma (SHT) und ein weiterer Mann (56 Jahre) ein geschlossenes SHT im Rahmen eines Polytraumas nach Gleitschirmabsturz. Alle Patienten beklagten unfallbedingte Doppelbilder. Beim 1. Patienten resultierten eine Abduzensparese rechts sowie eine gleichseitige Hebungseinschränkung infolge komplexer Orbitafraktur. Der 2. Patient zeigte eine unfallbedingte Abduzensparese rechts. Beim 3. Patienten fand sich eine komplexe Störung der Motilität mit einer beidseitigen Abduzens- und Trochlearisparese. Bei allen 3 Patienten wurde durch die Schieloperationen eine Verbesserung der Motilität erreicht. Bei 2 Patienten resultierte eine Wiederherstellung binokularen Einfachsehens.
Schlussfolgerung Die Verletzungsmuster nach Gleitschirmabstürzen sind abhängig vom Unfallszenario und können sehr unterschiedlich ausfallen. Augenmuskelparesen treten dabei infolge von SHT auf. Ihre Behandlung orientiert sich am üblichen Management inkomitanter Schielformen. Die häufig komplexen Motilitätsstörungen erfordern ein individuelles Vorgehen.