bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bee venom phospholipase A2 ameliorates amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation through inhibition of signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 pathway in Tg2576 mice
Authors: Ham Hyeon Joo , Han Sang-Bae , Yun Jaesuk , Yeo In Jun , Ham Young Wan , Kim Se Hyun , Park Pil-Hoon , Choi Dong-Young , Hong Jin Tae 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundNeuroinflammation and accumulation of β-amyloid (Aβ) play a significant role in the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Our previous study demonstrated that signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) plays a major role in neuroinflammation and amyloidogenesis.MethodsIn the present study, we investigated the inhibitory effect of bee venom phospholipase A2 (bvPLA2) on memory deficiency in Tg2576 mice, which demonstrate genetic characteristics of AD and the mechanism of its action at the cellular and animal level. For in vivo study, we examined the effect of bvPLA2 on improving memory by conducting several behavioral tests with the administration of bvPLA2 (1 mg/kg) to Tg2576 mice. For in vitro study, we examined the effect of bvPLA2 on amyloidogenesis and neuroinflammation by treating bvPLA2 on LPS-activated BV2 cells.ResultsWe found that bvPLA2 alleviated memory impairment in Tg2576 mice, as demonstrated in the behavioral tests assessing memory. In the bvPLA2-treated group, Aβ, amyloid precursor protein (APP), and β-secretase 1 (BACE1) levels and β-secretase activity were significantly decreased. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammation-related proteins decreased in the brain of bvPLA2-treated group, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines increased. In addition, bvPLA2 reduced STAT3 phosphorylation in the brains of the bvPLA2-treated group. At the cellular level, bvPLA2 inhibits production of nitric oxide, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and inflammation-related proteins including p-STAT3. Additionally, bvPLA2 inhibits the production of Aβ in cultured BV-2 cells. Results from the docking experiment, pull-down assay, and the luciferase assay show that bvPLA2 directly binds STAT3 and, thus, regulates gene expression levels. Moreover, when the STAT3 inhibitor and bvPLA2 were administered together, the anti-amyloidogenic and anti-inflammatory effects were further enhanced than when they were administered alone.ConclusionThese results suggest that bvPLA2 could restore memory by inhibiting the accumulation of Aβ and inflammatory responses via blockage of STAT3 activity.
Impact of marginalization on tobacco use in individuals diagnosed with head and neck Cancer
Authors: Scott Grace Margaret , Best Corliss , Fung Kevin , Gupta Michael , Sommer Doron D. , Szeto Christopher , Micomonaco Damian Christopher 
Published: October 2019

Background Considerable evidence now indicates that individuals living in underprivileged neighbourhoods have higher rates of mortality and morbidity independent of individual-level characteristics. This study explored the impact of geographical marginalization on smoking cessation in a population of individuals with a diagnosis of head and neck cancer. The aims of this study were twofold: (1) assess the prevalence of smoking cessation in those with a previous diagnosis of head and neck cancer, (2) analyze the determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status. Methods This was a cross-sectional study. We administered a self-reported nicotine dependence package to participants between the ages of 20–90 with a previous mucosal head and neck cancer diagnosis and with a history of tobacco use. Using the Canadian Marginalization (CAN-Marg) Index tool based on 2006 Canada Census data we compared the degree of marginalization to the smoking status. For those individuals who were currently smoking, nicotine dependence and readiness to quit were assessed. A summative score of marginalization was compared to smoking status of individuals. Results The results from this study indicate that the summative level of marginalization developed from the combined factors of residential instability, material deprivation, ethnic concentration and dependency may be important factors in smoking cessation. Conclusions This analysis of determinants of smoking alongside area-based measures of socioeconomic status may implicate the need for targeted population-based smoking cessation interventions.
Characterization of a Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra excavated in Lu’an, China
Authors: Liu Liu , Gong Decai , Yao Zhengquan , Xu Liangjie , Zhu Zhanyun , Eckfeld Tonia 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Historically, sutras played an important role in spreading Buddhist faith and doctrine, and today these remain important records of Buddhist thought and culture. A Mahamayuri Vidyarajni Sutra with polychrome paintings was found inside the cavity on top of the Nanmen Buddhist pagoda, built in the early Tang dynasty (618–627 CE) and located in Anhui Province, China. Textile was found on the preface which is strongly degraded and fragile. Unfortunately, the whole sutra is under severe degradation and is incomplete. Technical analysis based on scientific methods will benefits the conservation of the sutra. Optical microscopy (OM), micro-Raman spectroscopy combined with optical microscope (Raman), scanning electron microscopy in combination with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM–EDS) and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) were used to characterize the pigment and gilded material, as well as the paper fiber and textile. Pigments such as cinnabar, minium, paratacamite, azurite, lead white were found. Gilded material was identified as gold. A five-heddle warp satin, made of silk, was found as the textile on the preface of the sutra. The sutra’s preface and inner pages were made of paper comprised of bamboo and bark. As a magnificent yet recondite treasure of Buddhism, the sutra was analyzed for a better understanding of the material. A conservation project of the sutra will be scheduled accordingly.
Origin of the seismic belt in the San-in district, southwest Japan, inferred from the seismic velocity structure of the lower crust
Authors: Tsuda Hiroo , Iio Yoshihisa , Shibutani Takuo 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
A long linear distribution of epicenters is seen along the Japan Sea coast in the San-in district located in southwestern Japan. This linear distribution of epicenters is called the seismic belt in the San-in district. The localization of intraplate earthquakes in the San-in district, far from plate boundaries, is not well understood. To answer this question, we look at the seismic velocity structure of the lower crust beneath the San-in district using seismic travel-time tomography. Our results show the existence of a low-velocity anomaly in the lower crust beneath the seismic belt. We infer that the deformation was concentrated in the low-velocity zone due to compressive stress caused by the subduction of oceanic plates, that stress concentration occurred just above the low-velocity zone, and that the seismic belt was therefore formed there. We also calculated the cutoff depths of shallow intraplate earthquakes in the San-in district. Based on the results, we consider the possible causes of the low-velocity anomaly in the lower crust beneath the seismic belt. We found that the cutoff depths of the intraplate earthquakes were shallower in the eastern part of the low-velocity zone in the lower crust beneath the seismic belt and deeper in the western part. Thus, the eastern part is likely to be hotter than the western part. We inferred that the eastern part was hot because a hot mantle upwelling approaches the Moho discontinuity below it and the resulting high temperature may be the main cause of the low-velocity anomaly. On the other hand, in the western part, we inferred that the temperature is not high because the mantle upwelling may not exist at shallow depth, and water dehydrated from the Philippine Sea plate reaches the lower crust, and the existence of this water may be the main cause of the low-velocity anomaly.
Perceptions of health professionals regarding minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) to identify the cause of death in stillbirths and neonates: results from a qualitative study
Authors: Feroz Anam , Ali Anum Shiraz , Ibrahim Mohsina Noor , McClure Elizabeth M. , Tikmani Shiyam Sunder , Reza Sayyeda , Abbasi Zahid , Raza Jamal , Yasmin Haleema , Bano Khadija , Zafar Afia , Siddiqi Sameen , Goldenberg Robert L. , Saleem Sarah 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Background
Pakistan is considered to be one of the riskiest places in the world for childbirth as measured by its high stillbirth and neonatal mortality rates. Complete diagnostic autopsy remains the gold standard to determine the cause of death (CoD); however, it is not routinely implemented due to religious objections, sociocultural beliefs, limited resources and low demand from physicians and families. Recently, minimally invasive tissue sampling (MITS) using needle biopsies of multiple tissues to obtain tissue for histological examination and organism identification with PCR has been developed and promoted to determine CoD in low-resource areas. To ensure successful implementation of MITS, it is important to understand health professionals’ attitudes and perceptions related to MITS.

Methods
A qualitative study was conducted at the National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Karachi, Pakistan. Focus group discussions (FGDs) and Key-informant interviews (KIIs) were conducted with health professionals including doctors, nurses, trainees, clinicians, bioethics experts and public health experts to explore their perceptions and views on acceptability of MITS. Data were analyzed using NVivo 10 software.

Results
A total of 12 interviews (FGDs = 4; KIIs = 8) were conducted. Four overarching themes were identified: (I) acceptability of MITS; (II) perceived benefits of the MITS procedure; (III) factors facilitating the implementation of MITS; and (IV) health system requirements for implementing the MITS procedure. Generally, MITS was considered as a positive development for the health system. Diagnostic accuracy and identification of less common causes of death were highlighted as two main benefits of the MITS procedure. The study highlighted a number of facilitators for the acceptability of MITS including effective counseling, building trust with parents, fast procedure time, and approaching families within a few hours of death. In addition, lack of skilled staff, poorly equipped healthcare facilities and the potential high cost to conduct MITS were identified as challenges for the implementation of MITS.

Conclusions
This formative research provided a unique opportunity to explore health professionals’ views and attitudes towards the MITS procedure. Such insights are crucial to ensure successful implementation and integration of a new technique into the existing health system. The research identified the factors influencing the acceptability of MITS among health professionals in Pakistan. The study also informed factors that could help facilitate the implementation of the MITS procedures in the context of Pakistan and similar settings.
Position paper: ability to drive in cerebrovascular diseases
Authors: Marx Peter , Hamann Gerhard , Busse Otto , Mokrusch Thomas , Niemann Hendrik , Vatter Hartmut , Widder Bernhard 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
The regulations for fitness to drive after a cerebrovascular accident in the German Driving License Regulations (FeV) and the German Evaluation Guidelines for Driving Ability (BGL). are not up to date with the current medical knowledge and not consistent with regulations regarding cardiovascular diseases.
This position paper presented by six medical and neuropsychological societies in Germany provides a guideline for the assessment of driving ability after diagnosis of a cerebrovascular disease and addresses three major questions:
If there is a functional limitation, how can it be compensated for?
What is the risk of sudden loss of control while driving in the future?
Are there behavioral or personality changes or cognitive deficiencies interfering with safety while driving?
Recommendations for the assessment of driving ability in different cerebrovascular diseases are presented.
This article is a translation of the position paper published in Nervenarzt: Marx, P., Hamann, G.F., Busse, O. et al. Nervenarzt 90(4): 388–398.
Impact of water saturation on the elastic anisotropy of the Whitby Mudstone, United Kingdom
Authors: Douma Lisanne A. N. R. , Dautriat Jeremie , Sarout Joel , Dewhurst David N. , Barnhoorn Auke 
Published: October 2019

Mudstones are often anisotropic, which complicates depth conversion in seismic exploration and monitoring subsurface reservoirs during injection or production. In addition, the physical and mechanical properties of mudstones are highly sensitive to their water content. The elastic anisotropy of mudstones is not well understood because of their complex nature and the lack of laboratory experiments performed on well-preserved samples. Triaxial deformation tests were performed on mudstone core plugs to investigate the impact of water saturation on the elastic anisotropy of the Whitby Mudstone (United Kingdom). The mechanical and physical properties of the Whitby Mudstone were estimated from stress-strain and ultrasonic wave velocity data obtained on core plugs with different water saturations under isotropic and anisotropic stress conditions. The Whitby Mudstone has extremely high intrinsic elastic anisotropy (0.3–0.4) due to its composition and lamination. This elastic anisotropy increases with decreasing water content. There are three competing mechanisms that play a key role in the anisotropy increase due to dehydration such as (1) density contrast in the pore space (i.e., the presence of purely brine or a mixture of brine and air in the pore space), (2) formation of dehydration fractures, and (3) frame stiffening. Increasing the mean effective stress leads to a decrease in Thomsen’s anisotropy parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] because of the closure of defects, such as natural and dehydration fractures, and the formation of stress-induced fractures. The relationship between the wavefront anellipticity factor [Formula: see text] and the mean effective stress is nonmonotonic and can be related to the onset of inelastic deformation.
Two-station continuous wavelet transform cross-coherence analysis for surface-wave tomography using active-source seismic data
Authors: Ikeda Tatsunori , Tsuji Takeshi 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT Surface-wave tomography has great potential to improve the lateral resolution of near-surface characterization compared to 2D surface-wave analysis with multichannel analysis of surface waves (MASW). Surface-wave tomography has been widely applied to obtain high-resolution maps of phase or group velocity from dispersion curves between pairs of stations in seismological studies. However, very few studies have done surface-wave tomography with active-source (exploration) seismic data, probably because extracting surface-wave dispersion curves between two stations is difficult due to the complex wave propagation in heterogeneous near-surface structures. Here, we describe a method to estimate reliable phase-velocity dispersion curves between two stations from exploration seismic data. In our approach, we compute cross coherences between pairs of stations to extract phase information, stacking the cross coherences from different shot gathers to improve the signal-to-noise ratio. To further distinguish surface-wave signals from noise in the time domain, we perform a time-frequency analysis using the continuous wavelet transform (CWT) on the stacked cross coherences. We used modeling of the wavelet transform between station pairs to extract phase-velocity dispersion curves from the stacked cross coherences. We apply this two-station CWT cross-coherence method to synthetic and field data sets. Both applications demonstrate that our method can extract stable phase-velocity dispersion curves between two stations better than two-station or multistation analysis without time-domain filtering. In phase-velocity distributions constructed by surface-wave tomography from the dispersion curves between two stations, the horizontal resolution is improved over MASW-based analyses. Improvement of the horizontal resolution is also achieved in S-wave velocity structures derived by inversion of the phase-velocity distributions. Our method is effective in estimating reliable phase-velocity dispersion curves and may contribute to constructing high-resolution S-wave velocity models located with a laterally heterogeneous structure, by subsequent surface-wave tomography and S-wave velocity inversion.
Depositional characteristics of fluvial facies in gentle slope zone of lacustrine rift basins: The third member of the Dongying Formation in the Wen’an Slope of Baxian Sag, Bohai Bay Basin, China
Authors: Zhang Zili , Zhu Xiaomin , Li Qi , Zhang Ruifeng , Zhang Jing , Huang Yi 
Published: October 2019

We have integrated core, well logs, and seismic data to analyze fluvial types and reconstruct sediment dispersal patterns of the Dongying Formation in the Wen’an Slope, Bohai Bay Basin (China). We analyzed four meandering-braided fluvial successions from the Dongying Formation in the Wen’an Slope. The results indicate that the fluvial systems are dominantly northeast–southwest and consist of channel, channel bar, and flood plain subfacies, which can be further subdivided into six microfacies including braided channel, meandering channel, sandy channel bar, muddy channel bar, crevasse fan, and floodplain. With a paleoflow direction, [Formula: see text] ranges from 40° to 65°, the river belt width [Formula: see text] is estimated to be 1.47–2.64 km, whereas the main channel width varies from 0.02 to 0.29 km and its thickness/bankfull depth [Formula: see text] ranges from 1.2 to 6.4 m. The differential subsidence of rift basin during fault-depression transition period is the main control on fluvial evolution and sand body distribution. The climatic effect causes changes in river flow. During the flood season, river flow and flow rate are large, and early sediments and sand bodies are reconstructed. Lateral erosion and undercutting are very strong in this period. In the dry season, the river is dominated by weak lateral erosion. Our study also suggests that the development of thick mudstone in the upslope may limit hydrocarbon charging and migration and thick channel and channel bar deposits in the middle and downslope cross cut by faults, which are conduits for migration are likely to be the most potential reservoirs in the Bohai Bay Basin.
Fertility and Pregnancy in Women With Hypopituitarism: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Vila Greisa , Fleseriu Maria 
Published: October 2019

AbstractContextHuman reproduction is mainly governed from the hypothalamic–adrenal–gonadal (HPG) axis, which controls both ovarian morphology and function. Disturbances in the secretion of other anterior pituitary hormones (and their respective endocrine axes) interfere with HPG activity and have been linked to fertility problems. In normal pregnancy, maintenance of homeostasis is associated with continuous changes in pituitary morphology and function, which need to be considered during hormone replacement in patients with hypopituitarism.DesignWe conducted a systematic PubMed literature review from 1969 to 2019, with the following keywords: fertility and hypopituitarism, pregnancy and hypopituitarism, and ovulation induction and hypopituitarism. Case reports or single-case series of up to 2 patients/4 pregnancies were excluded.ResultsEleven publications described data on fertility (n = 6) and/or pregnancy (n = 7) in women with hypopituitarism. Women with hypopituitarism often need assisted reproductive treatment, with pregnancy rates ranging from 47% to 100%. In patients achieving pregnancy, live birth rate ranged from 61% to 100%. While glucocorticoids, levothyroxine, and desmopressin are safely prescribed during pregnancy, growth hormone treatment regimens vary significantly between countries, and several publications support a positive effect in women seeking fertility.ConclusionsIn this first systematic review on fertility, ovulation induction, and pregnancy in patients with hypopituitarism, we show that while literature is scarce, birth rates are high in patients achieving pregnancy. However, prospective studies are needed for evaluating outcomes in relationship to treatment patterns. Replacement therapy in hypopituitarism should always mimic normal physiology, and this becomes challenging with changing demands during pregnancy evolution.
Geographic Distribution and Change in Tang Poetry: Data Analysis from the “Chronological Map of Tang-Song Literature”
Authors: Zhaopeng Wang , Junjun Qiao 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
This article uses data to analyze the geographic distribution and transformation of the poetic world in the Tang dynasty (618–907 CE). There are two ways we can examine spatial distribution and movement in Tang poetry. The first is a static examination of poets' hometowns (jiguan 籍貫). This method looks at the distribution of poets during a specific period to understand where greater or lesser numbers of poets were born, which places could be considered the center of Tang poetry, and what kinds of geographical changes occurred over time in the Tang literary world. The second is a dynamic examination of poets' activities. When we compare various Tang poets, what differences and changes can we find in the places they lived and traveled? Are the poets' spatial distribution patterns even, or do they favor certain regions? Where were the centers of poetic activity in this period? Were they the same as the political center (the two capitals), or were they located farther out in the provinces? Were they in culturally or politically developed areas or in more remote, less developed ones? In which areas was poetic activity most frequent and intense? This article attempts to answer these questions with data.