bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Testing the uniqueness of deep terrestrial life
Authors: Trontelj Peter , Borko Špela , Delić Teo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTerrestrial life typically does not occur at depths greater than a few meters. Notable exceptions are massifs of fissured rock with caves and hollow spaces reaching depths of two kilometres and more. Recent biological discoveries from extremely deep caves have been reported as sensations analogous to wondrous deep sea creatures. However, the existence of unique deep terrestrial communities is questionable when caves are understood as integral parts of a bedrock fissure network (BFN) interconnecting all parts of a massif horizontally and vertically. We tested these two opposing hypotheses – unique deep cave fauna vs. BFN – by sampling subterranean communities within the 3D matrix of a typical karst massif. There was no distinction between deep core and shallow upper zone communities. Beta diversity patterns analysed against null models of random distribution were generally congruent with the BFN hypothesis, but suggested gravity-assisted concentration of fauna in deep caves and temperature-dependent horizontal distribution. We propose that the idea of a unique deep terrestrial fauna akin to deep oceanic life is unsupported by data and unwarranted by ecological considerations. Instead, the BFN hypothesis and local ecological and structural factors sufficiently explain the distribution of subterranean terrestrial life even in the deepest karst massifs.
Genome-wide association meta-analysis identifies five novel loci for age-related hearing impairment
Authors: Nagtegaal Andries Paul , Broer Linda , Zilhao Nuno R. , Jakobsdottir Johanna , Bishop Charles E. , Brumat Marco , Christiansen Mark W. , Cocca Massimiliano , Gao Yan , Heard-Costa Nancy L. , Evans Daniel S. , Pankratz Nathan , Pratt Sheila R. , Price T. Ryan , Spankovich Christopher , Stimson Mary R. , Valle Karen , Vuckovic Dragana , Wells Helena , Eiriksdottir Gudny , Fransen Erik , Ikram Mohammad Arfan , Li Chuang-Ming , Longstreth W. T. , Steves Claire , Van Camp Guy , Correa Adolfo , Cruickshanks Karen J. , Gasparini Paolo , Girotto Giorgia , Kaplan Robert C. , Nalls Michael , Schweinfurth John M. , Seshadri Sudha , Sotoodehnia Nona , Tranah Gregory J. , Uitterlinden André G. , Wilson James G. , Gudnason Vilmundur , Hoffman Howard J. , Williams Frances M. K. , Goedegebure André 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPrevious research has shown that genes play a substantial role in determining a person’s susceptibility to age-related hearing impairment. The existing studies on this subject have different results, which may be caused by difficulties in determining the phenotype or the limited number of participants involved. Here, we have gathered the largest sample to date (discovery n = 9,675; replication n = 10,963; validation n = 356,141), and examined phenotypes that represented low/mid and high frequency hearing loss on the pure tone audiogram. We identified 7 loci that were either replicated and/or validated, of which 5 loci are novel in hearing. Especially the ILDR1 gene is a high profile candidate, as it contains our top SNP, is a known hearing loss gene, has been linked to age-related hearing impairment before, and in addition is preferentially expressed within hair cells of the inner ear. By verifying all previously published SNPs, we can present a paper that combines all new and existing findings to date, giving a complete overview of the genetic architecture of age-related hearing impairment. This is of importance as age-related hearing impairment is highly prevalent in our ageing society and represents a large socio-economic burden.
Correlations of C-Reactive Protein and Folate with Smoking, Sport, Hematological Inflammation Biomarkers and Anthropometrics in Syrian University Female Students Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Rajab Mazen , Jumaa Mohamad , Horaniah Muhammad Yusr , Barakat Ahmad , Bakleh Saied , Zarzour Wafika 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn Syria, high-Sensitive C-Reactive (hsCRP), folate, and, other health risk data in young women are limited. This cross-sectional study evaluates hsCRP and folate levels along with anthropometric characteristics, lifestyle factors and some biomarkers linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors in healthy female students (n = 207, 18–25 years old). Among participants, hsCRP level was at average or high risk of CVD in 20.7% and 2.5% respectively and it was significantly higher in participants who had high body mass index (BMI) (Nonparametric statistical tests, p value < 0.05). Unexpectedly, it did not vary significantly between smokers and nonsmokers. And, it correlated positively with anthropometric and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements. While folate level was low in 3.4% of participants, no association between hsCRP and folate levels was found. Finally, low hemoglobin level and habit of waterpipe smoking are spreading; and, sport practicing is shrinking. After reviewing similar works, this study suggests that the possible correlation between hsCRP and folate could be displayed in patients older than 30 years. Also, the marked decrease in hemoglobin level needs more attention. Finally, young females in Syria are advised to consider a lifestyle free of smoking and packed with physical activity.
Proteasome activator PA200 regulates myofibroblast differentiation
Authors: Welk Vanessa , Meul Thomas , Lukas Christina , Kammerl Ilona E. , Mulay Shrikant R. , Schamberger Andrea C. , Semren Nora , Fernandez Isis E. , Anders Hans-Joachim , Günther Andreas , Behr Jürgen , Eickelberg Oliver , Korfei Martina , Meiners Silke 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe proteasome is essential for the selective degradation of most cellular proteins and is fine-tuned according to cellular needs. Proteasome activators serve as building blocks to adjust protein turnover in cell growth and differentiation. Understanding the cellular function of proteasome activation in more detail offers a new strategy for therapeutic targeting of proteasomal protein breakdown in disease. The role of the proteasome activator PA200 in cell function and its regulation in disease is unknown. In this study, we investigated the function of PA200 in myofibroblast differentiation and fibrotic tissue remodeling. PA200 was upregulated in hyperplastic basal cells and myofibroblasts of fibrotic lungs from patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Increased expression of PA200 and enhanced formation of PA200-proteasome complexes was also evident in experimental fibrosis of the lung and kidney in vivo and in activated primary human myofibroblasts of the lung in vitro. Transient silencing and overexpression revealed that PA200 functions as a negative regulator of myofibroblast differentiation of human but not mouse cells. Our data thus suggest an unexpected and important role for PA200 in adjusting myofibroblast activation in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli, which fails in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Annealing induced a well-ordered single crystal δ-MnO2 and its electrochemical performance in zinc-ion battery
Authors: Corpuz Ryan Dula , De Juan Lyn Marie Z. , Praserthdam Supareak , Pornprasertsuk Rojana , Yonezawa Tetsu , Nguyen Mai Thanh , Kheawhom Soorathep 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHerein, the formation and electrochemical performance of a novel binder-free turbostratic stacked/ well-ordered stacked δ-MnO2-carbon fiber composite cathodes in deep eutectic solvent (DES) based zinc-ion battery (ZIB) is reported. Results of morphological, elemental, and structural analyses revealed directly grown and interconnected δ-MnO2 crumpled nanosheets on a carbon fiber substrate. Moreover, an improvement via a simple annealing strategy in the stacking, surface area and conductivity of the δ-MnO2 sheets was observed. Annealing induces the rearrangement of δ-MnO2 sheets resulting in the transformation from turbostratic stacking to a well-ordered stacking of $${\delta }$$
δ
-MnO2 sheets, as indicated by the selected area electron diffraction (SAED) hexagonal single crystal pattern. Besides, the formation of the well-ordered stacking of $${\delta }$$
δ
-MnO2 sheets exhibited improved electrochemical performance and cyclability, as cathode material for ZIB. The novel strategy described in this study is an essential step for the development of binder-free δ-MnO2-C fiber composite with a well-ordered stacking of δ-MnO2 sheets. This study also demonstrated comparable electrochemical performance between the turbostratic $${\delta }$$
δ
-MnO2 sheets and the well-ordered stacked δ-MnO2 sheets.
Synthesis and investigation of SiO2-MgO coated MWCNTs and their potential application
Authors: Nemeth Krisztian , Varro Nikolett , Reti Balazs , Berki Peter , Adam Balazs , Belina Karoly , Hernadi Klara 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the present publication, multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) coated with SiO2–MgO nanoparticles were successfully fabricated via sol–gel method to facilitate their incorporation into polymer matrices. Magnesium acetate tetrahydrate and tetraethyl orthosilicate were used as precursors. The coated MWCNTs were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X–ray diffraction (XRD) and Raman spectroscopy methods. These investigation techniques verified the presence of the inorganic nanoparticles on the surface of MWCNTs. Surface coated MWCNTs were incorporated into polyamide (PA), polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) matrices via melt blending. Tensile test and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) investigations were performed on SiO2–MgO/MWCNT polymer composites to study the reinforcement effect on the mechanical and thermal properties of the products. The obtained results indicate that depending on the type of polymer, the nanoparticles differently influenced the Young’s modulus of polymers. Generally, the results demonstrated that polymers treated with SiO2-MgO/MWCNT nanoparticles have higher modulus than neat polymers. DSC results showed that nanoparticles do not change the melting and crystallization behavior of PP significantly. According to the obtained results, coated MWCNTs are promising fillers to enhance mechanical properties of polymers.
Response Latency Tuning by Retinal Circuits Modulates Signal Efficiency
Authors: Tengölics Ádám Jonatán , Szarka Gergely , Ganczer Alma , Szabó-Meleg Edina , Nyitrai Miklós , Kovács-Öller Tamás , Völgyi Béla 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the visual system, retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of various subtypes encode preprocessed photoreceptor signals into a spike output which is then transmitted towards the brain through parallel feature pathways. Spike timing determines how each feature signal contributes to the output of downstream neurons in visual brain centers, thereby influencing efficiency in visual perception. In this study, we demonstrate a marked population-wide variability in RGC response latency that is independent of trial-to-trial variability and recording approach. RGC response latencies to simple visual stimuli vary considerably in a heterogenous cell population but remain reliable when RGCs of a single subtype are compared. This subtype specificity, however, vanishes when the retinal circuitry is bypassed via direct RGC electrical stimulation. This suggests that latency is primarily determined by the signaling speed through retinal pathways that provide subtype specific inputs to RGCs. In addition, response latency is significantly altered when GABA inhibition or gap junction signaling is disturbed, which further supports the key role of retinal microcircuits in latency tuning. Finally, modulation of stimulus parameters affects individual RGC response delays considerably. Based on these findings, we hypothesize that retinal microcircuits fine-tune RGC response latency, which in turn determines the context-dependent weighing of each signal and its contribution to visual perception.
Fractionated irradiation of right thorax induces abscopal damage on testes leading to decline in fertility
Authors: Zhang Junling , Yao Dan , Song Yimeng , Pan Yan , Zhu Lin , Bai Yang , Xu Yanwu , Zhang Jianghong , Shao Chunlin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRadiation-induced abscopal effect (RIAE) may influence radiotherapy efficiency. However, it is unknown whether RIAE triggers abnormal genetic consequence. We present a novel evidence that, when mice were given fractionated irradiation on right thorax, the ultrastructure of blood-testis barrier was damaged in company with apoptosis induction in testes, and the sperm number and vitality were drastically decreased so that both the fertility and the survival of their offspring were reduced. Protein microarray assay and hormone detection showed that some cytokines especially TNF-α, TGF-β and estradiol in the serum of irradiated mice increased to higher levels in consistent with abscopal damage, and this conditioned serum had toxic effect on TM4 cells in vitro. When the mice were fed with cimetidine, the above abscopal responses were significantly attenuated. This study demonstrates in the first time that the thoracic irradiation (Th-IR) induces structural and functional damage in the distal testes and further cause fertility decline of irradiated male mice, which may have important implications in the strategy development of radiotherapy in avoiding abnormal genetic consequence.
Oil recovery for fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs by cyclic water huff and puff: performance analysis and prediction
Authors: Wang Daigang , Sun Jingjing 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCyclic water huff and puff (CWHP) has proven to be an attractive alternative to improve oil production performance after depletion-drive recovery in fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoirs. However, due to the impact of strong heterogeneity, multiple types of fractured-vuggy medium, poor connectivity, complex flow behaviors and oil-water relationship, CWHP is merely suitable for specific types of natural fractured-vuggy medium, usually causing a great difference in actual oil-yielding effect. It remains a great challenge for accurate evaluation of CWHP adaptability and quantitative prediction of production performance in fractured-vuggy carbonate reservoir, which severely restricts the application of CWHP. For this study, we firstly enable the newly developed fuzzy grey relational analysis to quantify the adaptability of CWHP. With production history of several targeted producers, the accuracy of the proposed method is validated. Based on the traditional percolation theory and waterflood mechanisms in various types of fractured-vuggy medium, a quantitative prediction model for cyclic water cut fwp and increased recovery factor ΔR is presented. The CWHP production performance is discussed by using the Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm for history matching. With a better understanding of the fwp ~ ΔR curve characteristics in different types of fractured-vuggy medium, proper strategies or measures for potential-tapping remaining oil are provided. This methodology can also offer a good basis for engineers and geologists to develop other similar reservoirs with high efficiency.
Multifunctional neuron-specific enolase: its role in lung diseases
Authors: Xu Cai-Ming , Luo Ya-Lan , Li Shuai , Li Zhao-Xia , Jiang Liu , Zhang Gui-Xin , Owusu Lawrence , Chen Hai-Long 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Neuron-specific enolase (NSE), also known as gamma (γ) enolase or enolase-2 (Eno2), is a form of glycolytic enolase isozyme and is considered a multifunctional protein. NSE is mainly expressed in the cytoplasm of neurons and neuroendocrine cells, especially in those of the amine precursor uptake and decarboxylation (APUD) lineage such as pituitary, thyroid, pancreas, intestine and lung. In addition to its well-established glycolysis function in the cytoplasm, changes in cell localization and differential expression of NSE are also associated with several pathologies such as infection, inflammation, autoimmune diseases and cancer. This article mainly discusses the role and diagnostic potential of NSE in some lung diseases.
The fitness challenge of studying molecular adaptation
Authors: Coombes David , Moir James W.B. , Poole Anthony M. , Cooper Tim F. , Dobson Renwick C.J. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Advances in bioinformatics and high-throughput genetic analysis increasingly allow us to predict the genetic basis of adaptive traits. These predictions can be tested and confirmed, but the molecular-level changes — i.e. the molecular adaptation — that link genetic differences to organism fitness remain generally unknown. In recent years, a series of studies have started to unpick the mechanisms of adaptation at the molecular level. In particular, this work has examined how changes in protein function, activity, and regulation cause improved organismal fitness. Key to addressing molecular adaptations is identifying systems and designing experiments that integrate changes in the genome, protein chemistry (molecular phenotype), and fitness. Knowledge of the molecular changes underpinning adaptations allow new insight into the constraints on, and repeatability of adaptations, and of the basis of non-additive interactions between adaptive mutations. Here we critically discuss a series of studies that examine the molecular-level adaptations that connect genetic changes and fitness.
Experimental and finite element studies of a 250 kW brushless doubly fed induction generator
Authors: Abdi Salman , Abdi Ehsan , McMahon Richard 
Published: October 2019

This study studies, using experimentally verified finite element (FE) analysis, various performance measures of the brushless doubly fed induction generator (BDFIG) when magnetic wedges are used for closing stator open slots. The BDFIG is an attractive generator solution for offshore wind power and can replace doubly fed slip‐ring induction generators. It is shown in this study that the use of magnetic wedges, commonly used in large induction machines, reduces the stator windings magnetising currents in a BDFIG, reflected in the values of magnetising inductances. They also increase the leakage flux in the stator slots, leading to a larger series inductance in the equivalent circuit. The series inductance significantly affects the BDFIG performance as well as the rating of its converter. The effects of magnetic wedges on BDFIG air‐gap flux, synchronous torque, and stator tooth top saturation is also investigated. Two‐dimensional FE analysis of an experimental 250 kW BDFIG is used in this study, verified by experimental measurements.
Quantitative analysis and detection of chaptalization and watering down of wine using isotope ratio mass spectrometry
Authors: Smajlovic I. , Wang D. , Túri M. , Qiding Z. , Futó I. , Veres M. , Sparks K.L. , Sparks J.P. , Jakšić D. , Vuković A. , Vujadinović M. 
Published: October 2019

In early 1990's European Union has established new isotopic approach for detection of wine authenticity. In this article we setup the possibility of using new approach using new EIM – Module – IRMS (Ethanol Isotope Measurement – Module – Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry) instrumental technique and new analytical parameter δDn(δ2Hn) wine ethanol value, which represents δ2H value of non-exchangeable hydrogen stable isotope ratio in ethanol, with other isotopic species (δ18O values in wine water) to improve detection of illegal wine production practices such as addition of sugar and/or dilution with water. Total of 42 wine samples were analyzed. 10 wine samples (out of 42) were prepared from grapes by alcoholic fermentation and analyzed for δDn values of ethanol. 19 wine samples (out of 42) were collected from wine producers in Serbia plus 1 wine samples designated from United States was taken from Serbian market and analyzed for δDn values of ethanol, δ18O values in wine water and also δ13C values in wine ethanol. Furthermore 9 wine samples (out of 42) were taken from Hungarian market and analyzed for δDn values of ethanol, and also 3 wine samples (out of 42) were taken from Austrian market and analyzed for δDn values of ethanol. All experiments were done in 4 isotope laboratories located in US, Austria, Hungary and People's Republic of China. δDn values of ethanol were measured by using EIM Module connected to FlashHT 2000 pyrolizer (one laboratory – Imprint Analytics GmbH, Austria), while in other 3 laboratories (US – COIL – Cornell University, Stable Isotope Laboratory, Hungary – Isotoptech Ltd, Debrecen, Hungary and China – C.N.R.I.F.F.I. – China National Institute of Food and Fermentation Industries Limited) EIM Module was connected to TC/EA (High Temperature Conversion Elemental Analyzer). Peripherals in all laboratories were further interfaced with isotope ratio mass spectrometer. Furthermore δ18O values in wine water were measured by using Gas Bench II interfaced also with isotope ratio mass spectrometer (one laboratory – US). Obtained results from all 4 laboratories have shown that this new approach which uses δDn in wine ethanol is more effective in improving detection of illegal wine production practices (sugar enrichment and water dilution) and origin of ethanol, and also detecting the addition of corn or beet sugar, sugar syrup to wine, or dilution of grape must with water prior to alcoholic fermentation.
Keywords: Wine authenticity; EIM – Module – IRMS; Stable Isotope; Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry; Wine; Watering; Chaptalization.
Nichts ist mehr wie es vorher war
Authors: Seel Helga 
Published: October 2019

Liebe Leserinnen und Leser,jährlich erleiden mehr als 270 000 Menschen überwiegend unfallbedingt
eine Schädelhirnverletzung unterschiedlichsten Schweregrades. Schlaganfälle,
entzündliche Hirnerkrankungen, Hirntumorerkrankungen führen jährlich
bei über 500 000 Menschen zu einer Hirnschädigung. Insgesamt kann davon
ausgegangen werden, dass in Deutschland ungefähr 800 000 Menschen mit den
Folgen einer Hirnschädigung leben, viele davon mit dauerhaften Einschränkungen
der körperlichen und geistigen Leistungsfähigkeit.
Zehn Jahre Hautkrebsscreening in Deutschland – Leuchtturmfunktion, Probleme und Verbesserungsansätze – Daten einer großen Hautarztpraxis
Authors: Ziegler P. 
Published: October 2019

ZusammenfassungVon 2008 – 2018 wurden ca. 40 000 Hautkrebsscreenings durchgeführt und die Daten analysiert.Es zeigte sich zum einen eine hochsignifikant steigende Zunahme von epithelialen malignen Tumoren um mehr als das Doppelte zwischen 2009 – 2018. Bei Patienten des gesetzlichen Hautkrebsscreenings konnte bei jedem 10. Patienten „weißer Hautkrebs“ diagnostiziert werden, 1,2 % der Patienten litten unter einem malignen Melanom, wobei 50 % davon in situ waren. Eine statistische Analyse der dysplastischen Nävi erbrachte eine höchst signifikante Differenz zwischen Patienten des gesetzlichen Screenings (54,2 Jahre) und Patienten unter 35 Jahren (23,4 Jahre). Die jüngere Patientengruppe (< 35 Jahre) wies fast doppelt so häufig histologisch nachgewiesene dysplastische Nävi als die Patienten des gesetzlichen Screenings (> 35 Jahre) auf. Dies könnte ein früheres Screening ab 20 Jahren befürworten, um mögliche Risikogruppen rechtzeitig zu identifizieren. Die Senkung der Melanommortalität als einziger Erfolgsparameter ist allerdings kritisch zu hinterfragen.