bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Modulation of functional network properties in major depressive disorder following electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): a resting-state EEG analysis
Authors: Hill Aron T. , Hadas Itay , Zomorrodi Reza , Voineskos Daphne , Farzan Faranak , Fitzgerald Paul B. , Blumberger Daniel M. , Daskalakis Zafiris J. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractElectroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a highly effective neuromodulatory intervention for treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD). Presently, however, understanding of its neurophysiological effects remains incomplete. In the present study, we utilised resting-state electroencephalography (RS-EEG) to explore changes in functional connectivity, network topology, and spectral power elicited by an acute open-label course of ECT in a cohort of 23 patients with treatment-resistant MDD. RS-EEG was recorded prior to commencement of ECT and again within 48 h following each patient’s final treatment session. Our results show that ECT was able to enhance connectivity within lower (delta and theta) frequency bands across subnetworks largely confined to fronto-central channels, while, conversely, more widespread subnetworks of reduced connectivity emerged within faster (alpha and beta) bands following treatment. Graph-based topological analyses revealed changes in measures of functional segregation (clustering coefficient), integration (characteristic path length), and small-world architecture following ECT. Finally, post-treatment enhancement of delta and theta spectral power was observed, which showed a positive association with the number of ECT sessions received. Overall, our findings indicate that RS-EEG can provide a sensitive measure of dynamic neural activity following ECT and highlight network-based analyses as a promising avenue for furthering mechanistic understanding of the effects of convulsive therapies.
Covalent protein display on Hepatitis B core-like particles in plants through the in vivo use of the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system
Authors: Peyret Hadrien , Ponndorf Daniel , Meshcheriakova Yulia , Richardson Jake , Lomonossoff George P. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractVirus-like particles (VLPs) can be used as nano-carriers and antigen-display systems in vaccine development and therapeutic applications. Conjugation of peptides or whole proteins to VLPs can be achieved using different methods such as the SpyTag/SpyCatcher system. Here we investigate the conjugation of tandem Hepatitis B core (tHBcAg) VLPs and the model antigen GFP in vivo in Nicotiana benthamiana. We show that tHBcAg VLPs could be successfully conjugated with GFP in the cytosol and ER without altering VLP formation or GFP fluorescence. Conjugation in the cytosol was more efficient when SpyCatcher was displayed on tHBcAg VLPs instead of being fused to GFP. This effect was even more obvious in the ER, showing that it is optimal to display SpyCatcher on the tHBcAg VLPs and SpyTag on the binding partner. To test transferability of the GFP results to other antigens, we successfully conjugated tHBcAg VLPs to the HIV capsid protein P24 in the cytosol. This work presents an efficient strategy which can lead to time and cost saving post-translational, covalent conjugation of recombinant proteins in plants.
Potential association of plasma lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species with cognitive impairment in abstinent alcohol use disorders outpatients
Authors: García-Marchena Nuria , Pizarro Nieves , Pavón Francisco J. , Martínez-Huélamo Miriam , Flores-López María , Requena-Ocaña Nerea , Araos Pedro , Silva-Peña Daniel , Suárez Juan , Santín Luis J. , de la Torre Rafael , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Serrano Antonia 
Published: October 2020

AbstractLysophosphatidic acid (LPA) species are bioactive lipids participating in neurodevelopmental processes. The aim was to investigate whether the relevant species of LPA were associated with clinical features of alcohol addiction. A total of 55 abstinent alcohol use disorder (AUD) patients were compared with 34 age/sex/body mass index-matched controls. Concentrations of total LPA and 16:0-LPA, 18:0-LPA, 18:1-LPA, 18:2-LPA and 20:4-LPA species were quantified and correlated with neuroplasticity-associated growth factors including brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and IGF-2, and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). AUD patients showed dysexecutive syndrome (22.4%) and memory impairment (32.6%). Total LPA, 16:0-LPA, 18:0-LPA and 18:1-LPA concentrations, were decreased in the AUD group compared to control group. Total LPA, 16:0-LPA, 18:2-LPA and 20:4-LPA concentrations were decreased in men compared to women. Frontal lobe functions correlated with plasma LPA species. Alcohol-cognitive impairments could be related with the deregulation of the LPA species, especially in 16:0-LPA, 18:1-LPA and 20:4-LPA. Concentrations of BDNF correlated with total LPA, 18:2-LPA and 20:4-LPA species. The relation between LPA species and BDNF is interesting in plasticity and neurogenesis functions, their involvement in AUD might serve as a biomarker of cognitive impairment.
Large photocurrent density enhancement assisted by non-absorbing spherical dielectric nanoparticles in a GaAs layer
Authors: Singh Bhaskar , Shabat Mohammed M. , Schaadt Daniel M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHerein, we report a theoretical investigation of large photocurrent density enhancement in a GaAs absorber layer due to non-absorbing spherical dielectric (SiO2) nanoparticles-based antireflection coating. The nanoparticles are embedded in a dielectric matrix (SiN) which improves the antireflection property of SiN ($$\lambda /4$$

λ
/
4

coating) and let to pass more photons into the GaAs layer. The improvement is noticed omnidirectional and the highest is more than 100% at 85° angle of incidence with the nanoparticles’ surface filling density of 70%. Sunrise to sunset calculation of normalized photocurrent density over the course of a year have also shown improvements in the nanoparticles’ case.
Bioavailability and -accessibility of subsoil allocated 33P-labelled hydroxyapatite to wheat under different moisture supply
Authors: Wolff Jan , Hofmann Diana , Koch Maximilian , Bol Roland , Schnepf Andrea , Amelung Wulf 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInformation on the bioavailability and -accessibility of subsoil phosphorus (P) and how soil moisture affects its utilization by plants is scarce. The current study examined whether and to which degree wheat acquires P from subsoil allocated hydroxyapatite and how this could be affected by soil moisture. We investigated the33P uptake by growing wheat in two rhizotron trials (soil and sand) with integrated33P-labelled hydroxyapatite hotspots over a period of 44 days using digital autoradiography imaging and liquid scintillation counting. We applied two irrigation scenarios, mimicking either rainfall via topsoil watering or subsoil water storage. The plants showed similar biomass development when grown in soil, but a reduced growth in sand rhizotrons. Total plant P(tot)stocks were significantly larger in plants grown under improved subsoil moisture supply, further evidenced by enhanced P stocks in the ears of wheat in the sand treatment due to an earlier grain filling. This P uptake is accompanied by larger33P signals, indicating that the plants accessed the hydroxyapatite because subsoil irrigation also promoted root proliferation within and around the hotspots. We conclude that even within a single season plants access subsoil mineral P sources, and this process is influenced by water management.
Characterization of rock joint surface anisotropy considering the contribution ratios of undulations in different directions
Authors: Huang Man , Hong Chenjie , Ma Chengrong , Luo Zhanyou , Du Shigui 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAnisotropy in rock joint is strongly dependent on undulating surface morphology. Recent research of the morphology showed the parameter can express the different types of anisotropic characteristics of the joint surface separately. This report aims to analyze the common characteristic of the anisotropic distribution and exhibit the anisotropic variation trend. The joint morphology function consists of two morphology functions of regular plane in orthogonal directions, and the anisotropic variation determined by the contribution ratios of the two morphology. The roughness weight ratio in orthogonal direction of joint surface is used as an index to describe the anisotropic variation behavior, which proposes the anisotropic variation coefficient (AVC). On this basis, it is divided into 5 levels from strong anisotropic to isotropic. According to the assumption of anisotropic arc distribution, the anisotropic analytic function is derived and the agreement between the deduced curves and measured data therefore suggests the possibility of defining the morphology anisotropy through the index AVC. Finally, we verify the characteristic of three natural rock joints, and prove the proposed function can reflect the anisotropic distribution trend. The new index can be used to describe the anisotropic variation behaviour of rock joint surfaces.
Pre-validation of a MALDI MS proteomics-based method for the reliable detection of blood and blood provenance
Authors: Kennedy Katie , Heaton Cameron , Langenburg Glenn , Cole Laura , Clark Tom , Clench Malcolm R. , Sears Vaughn , Sealey Mark , McColm Richard , Francese Simona 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe reliable identification of blood, as well as the determination of its origin (human or animal) is of great importance in a forensic investigation. Whilst presumptive tests are rapid and deployed in situ, their very nature requires confirmatory tests to be performed remotely. However, only serological tests can determine blood provenance. The present study improves on a previously devised Matrix Assisted Laser Desorption Ionisation Mass Spectrometry (MALDI MS)—proteomics based method for the reliable detection of blood by enabling the determination of blood provenance. The overall protocol was developed to be more specific than presumptive tests and faster/easier than the gold standard liquid chromatography (LC) MS/MS analysis. This is considered a pre-validation study that has investigated stains and fingermarks made in blood, other biofluids and substances that can elicit a false-positive response to colorimetric or presumptive tests, in a blind fashion. Stains and marks were either untreated or enhanced with a range of presumptive tests. Human and animal blood were correctly discriminated from other biofluids and non-biofluid related matrices; animal species determination was also possible within the system investigated. The procedure is compatible with the prior application of presumptive tests. The refined strategy resulting from iterative improvements through a trial and error study of 56 samples was applied to a final set of 13 blind samples. This final study yielded 12/13 correct identifications with the 13th sample being correctly identified as animal blood but with no species attribution. This body of work will contribute towards the validation of MALDI MS based methods and deployment in violent crimes involving bloodshed.
Gfi1 upregulates c-Myc expression and promotes c-Myc-driven cell proliferation
Authors: Zhang Yangyang , Dong Fan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGfi1 is a zinc-finger transcriptional repressor that plays an important role in hematopoiesis. When aberrantly activated, Gfi1 may function as a weak oncoprotein in the lymphoid system, but collaborates strongly with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis. The mechanism by which Gfi1 collaborates with c-Myc in lymphomagenesis is incompletely understood. We show here that Gfi1 augmented the expression of c-Myc protein in cells transfected with c-Myc expression constructs. The N-terminal SNAG domain and C-terminal ZF domains of Gfi1, but not its transcriptional repression and DNA binding activities, were required for c-Myc upregulation. We further show that Gfi1 overexpression led to reduced polyubiquitination and increased stability of c-Myc protein. Interestingly, the levels of endogenous c-Myc mRNA and protein were augmented upon Gfi1 overexpression, but reduced following Gfi1 knockdown or knockout, which was associated with a decline in the expression of c-Myc-activated target genes. Consistent with its role in the regulation of c-Myc expression, Gfi1 promoted Myc-driven cell cycle progression and proliferation. Together, these data reveal a novel mechanism by which Gfi1 augments the biological function of c-Myc and may have implications for understanding the functional collaboration between Gfi1 and c-Myc in lymphomagenesis.
Prevalence of dens invaginatus in young Israeli population and its association with clinical morphological features of maxillary incisors
Authors: Kfir Anda , Flaisher Salem Nurit , Natour Lobna , Metzger Zvi , Sadan Noa , Elbahary Shlomo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDens invaginatus is an anomaly mostly observed in maxillary incisors. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dens invaginatus in maxillary incisors in young Israeli population and to study its potential association with clinical coronal morphological features. Data was collected from periapical radiographs and clinical photographs of patients from Orthodontics Department between 2006 and 2018. Radiographic characteristics were evaluated and compared to clinical coronal morphological features. Statistical analysis was performed using the Pearson chi-square test with statistical significance set at p < 0.05. The sample included 1621 maxillary incisors from 547 patients. Dens invaginatus was observed in 422 (26%) of these teeth. Maxillary lateral incisors were more affected than central incisors. In 103 patients dens invaginatus was unilateral, while in all other cases it was bilateral. Unique clinical morphological characteristics were observed in 88% of the teeth that exhibited radiographic evidence of dens invaginatus. Dens invaginatus Type I was most frequently observed, accounting for 90% of the teeth. A significant association between clinical coronal morphological features and dens invaginatus was detected. Dens invaginatus is common in maxillary incisors of the study population. Several clinical morphological features may predict the presence of dens invaginatus.
Roles of drinking and diet in the U-shaped relationship between smoking and BMI in middle-aged and elderly Chinese rural adults
Authors: Pan Da , Wang Shaokang , Su Ming , Wei Jie , Wang Kai , Luo Pengfei , Smith James D. , Ma Gege , Sun Guiju 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe study aimed to investigate the relationship between smoking and BMI, from the perspective of the roles of alcohol drinking and dietary factors in a rural population. We analysed cross-sectional data from 10,837 middle-aged and elderly Chinese rural adults who completed a questionnaire that included questions on demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and detailed smoking and drinking status. Results showed that current smokers had lower BMI and consumed foods less frequently (except coriander, onion, garlic, hawthorn and fermented bean curd) than non-smokers. The relationship between smoking amount and the risk of overweight or obesity was U-shaped, and the trends were also similar by stratum of baseline age groups (all p for interaction < 0.001). Heavy smokers tended to have drinking habits, which was associated with increased BMI (all p for trend < 0.001). Additionally, despite the lower risk of overweight or obesity for current smokers, normal weight individuals were found to have the minimum smoking amount. In conclusion, smoking may cause suppression of appetite but smokers tend to have other unhealthy habits relating to increased BMI. Dietary factors and alcohol use play important roles in the U-shaped relationship between smoking behaviours and BMI in the middle-aged and elderly Chinese rural population.
Mechanisms of the regulation of ester balance between oxidation and esterification in aged Baijiu
Authors: Deng Yonghui , Xiong Ayuan , Zhao Kun , Hu Yaru , Kuang Bisheng , Xiong Xiang , Yang Zhilong , Yu Yougui , Zheng Qing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe influence of oxidation and esterification on the ester balance of aged Baijiu and methodology for the rational design of liquor flavors to optimize the practice of Baijiu production are not completely understood. We investigated the influence of ester balance on the flavor compounds of aged Baijiu by conducting constituent analysis of Baijiu from different aging times (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 10 years). The changes of the main flavor compounds in the aging process were determined, and the correlations among different chemical reactions, such as oxidation, hydrolysis, and esterification, were systematically expounded. Furthermore, cluster analysis of the heat map indicated significant differences between aged Baijiu and new Baijiu and recommended a suitable aging time of 2–3 years.
Synthesis of high-quality monolayer tungsten disulfide with chlorophylls and its application for enhancing bone regeneration
Authors: Chen Yi-Wen , Shie Ming-You , Hsiao Chien-Hsuan , Liang Yu-Chun , Wang Ben , Chen I-Wen Peter 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDue to the population explosion of the 21st century, nearly one billion people are over 64 years of age and bone fracture is one of the most frequent problems facing both sexes because of osteoporosis. However, difficulty in enhancing bone regeneration to repair bone fracture poses challenges and thus, a two-dimensional monolayer material (i.e. tungsten disulfide (WS2)) could be one of the candidates offering a possible solution to the problem. Here, we prepare high-quality monolayer WS2 thin sheets in a large quantity with the assistance of extracted chlorophyll molecules, the natural pigment used in photosynthesis, via a liquid-phase exfoliation method. Then, the exfoliated WS2 sheets were mixed with polycaprolactone (PCL)/calcium silicate (CS) to form a biocompatible WS2-based composite. The in vivo experiments show that the bone regeneration of the WS2-based composite was 120% superior to commercially available mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA) bone cement. Moreover, the mechanical properties of the WS2-based composite exhibited ~300% enhancement over PCL/CS, which is one of the most commonly used bone regeneration materials. Our findings highlight the prospects for the composite of WS2 towards the improvement of bone regeneration applications.
Seismological constraints on the solar coronal heating function
Authors: Kolotkov D. Y. , Duckenfield T. J. , Nakariakov V. M. 
Published: October 2020

Aims. The hot solar corona exists because of the balance between radiative and conductive cooling and some counteracting heating mechanism that remains one of the major puzzles in solar physics.
Methods. The coronal thermal equilibrium is perturbed by magnetoacoustic waves, which are abundantly present in the corona, causing a misbalance between the heating and cooling rates. As a consequence of this misbalance, the wave experiences a back-reaction, either losing or gaining energy from the energy supply that heats the plasma, at timescales comparable to the wave period.
Results. In particular, the plasma can be subject to wave-induced instability or over-stability, depending on the specific choice of the coronal heating function. In the unstable case, the coronal thermal equilibrium would be violently destroyed, which does not allow for the existence of long-lived plasma structures typical for the corona. Based on this, we constrained the coronal heating function using observations of slow magnetoacoustic waves in various coronal plasma structures.
The Tor Vergata Synoptic Solar Telescope (TSST): A robotic, compact facility for solar full disk imaging
Authors: Giovannelli Luca , Berrilli Francesco , Calchetti Daniele , Del Moro Dario , Viavattene Giorgio , Pietropaolo Ermanno , Iarlori Marco , Rizi Vincenzo , Jefferies Stuart Mark , Oliviero Maurizio , Terranegra Luciano , Murphy Neil 
Published: October 2020

By the continuous multi-line observation of the solar atmosphere, it is possible to infer the magnetic and dynamical status of the Sun. This activity is essential to identify the possible precursors of space weather events, such as flare or coronal mass ejections. We describe the design and assembly of TSST (Tor Vergata Synoptic Solar Telescope), a robotic synoptic telescope currently composed of two main full-disk instruments, a Hα telescope and a Potassium (KI D1) magneto-optical filter (MOF)-based telescope operating at 769.9 nm. TSST is designed to be later upgraded with a second MOF channel. This paper describes the TSST concepts and presents the first light observation carried out in February 2020. We show that TSST is a low-cost robotic facility able to achieve the necessary data for the study of precursors of space weather events (using the magnetic and velocity maps by the MOF telescope) and fast flare detection (by the Hα telescope) to support Space Weather investigation and services.
Neuropathologische Veränderungen bei COVID-19
Authors: Matschke Jakob , Hagel Christian , Glatzel Markus 
Published: October 2020

ZUSAMMENFASSUNGEine Infektion mit SARS-CoV-2 kann die Krankheit COVID-19 verursachen. Neben Komplikationen in Lunge, Herz und Nieren kann es bei COVID-19 auch zu neurologischen Symptomen kommen. Diese weisen ein breites Spektrum auf und reichen von diffusen Beschwerden milder Ausprägung bis hin zu schweren Schlaganfällen. Eine Reihe grundsätzlicher Fragen bezüglich der neurologischen Komplikationen bei COVID-19 bedarf noch der Klärung: Gelangt SARS-CoV-2 in das Gehirn, und wenn ja, wie? Vermehrt sich das Virus im Gehirn und schädigt es das Gehirn direkt oder sind die neurologischen Symptome eine indirekte Folge der Virusinfektion? Neuropathologische Untersuchungen an Patienten, die an COVID-19 verstorben sind, bieten die Möglichkeit diese Fragen zu untersuchen. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit wird der derzeitige Stand des Wissens bezüglich dieser Thematik dargestellt.
Pseudohypoxic Brain Swelling after Drilling and Drainage for Chronic Subdural Hematoma
Authors: Fan Qi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractPseudohypoxic brain swelling (PHBS) is a rare and potentially fatal complication that may occur in patients following uneventful brain surgery. We present a case of PHBS that developed after drilling and drainage of a chronic subdural hematoma. Neuroimaging findings, pathogenic factors, and therapy are also discussed.
Advances in the synthesis of heterocycles bearing an endocyclic urea moiety
Authors: Smolobochkin Andrey V. , Gazizov Almir S. , Burilov Alexander R. , Pudovik Mikhael A. , Sinyashin Oleg G. 
Published: October 2020

The review systematizes and summarizes data on the synthesis of structurally diverse cyclic ureas published over the last 10 years. Saturated and unsaturated monocyclic ureas, as well as fused heterocycles containing one urea moiety, are considered. Data on the biological activity of selected compounds of this type are provided. The synthetic approaches to cyclic carbamides are classified in terms of the reaction type and the source of a carbonyl group.
The bibliography includes 235 references.