bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
On the CO2 gain in on‐line hemodiafiltration
Authors: Marano Marco , Izzo Francesco 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe dialysis bath holds up to 90 mmHg carbon dioxide (CO2) in order to keep pH low and salts in their soluble forms. CO2 crosses the dialyzer membrane and diffuses to patients. In post‐dilution on‐line hemodiafiltration (HDF) many liters of CO2‐containing dialysis bath – in the form of infusate – are delivered directly to patients bypassing the filtering membrane, but the precise amount of CO2 delivered is unknown.MethodsTo gain insights on this issue 18 outpatients undergoing their regular on‐line HDF were investigated by means of blood gas analysis.ResultsArterial pre‐dialysis samples show slight hypocapnia (35.40 ± 3.22 mmHg) consistent with the secondary compensatory response to metabolic acidosis. In blood coming back to patients (venous line of extracorporeal circuit) pCO2 doubled, amounting to 69 ± 5.5 mmHg (P < .0001 with respect to pre‐dialysis values) hence in on‐line HDF a CO2 gain does occur. Turning off the infusate flux pump, pCO2 decreased to 63.1 ± 5.8 mmHg (P = .004) meaning that delivery of infusate in post‐dilution mode significantly contributes to CO2 gain, albeit by a small amount.ConclusionOn‐line HDF is featured by CO2 delivery to patients, in part dragged by the infusate.
Development and validation of two artificial intelligence models for diagnosing benign, pigmented facial skin lesions
Authors: Yang Yin , Ge Yiping , Guo Lifang , Wu Qiuju , Peng Lin , Zhang Erjia , Xie Junxiang , Li Yong , Lin Tong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractObjectiveThis study used deep learning for diagnosing common, benign hyperpigmentation.MethodIn this study, two convolutional neural networks were used to identify six pigmentary diseases, and a disease diagnosis model was established. Because the distribution of lesions in the original training picture is very complex, we cropped the image around the lesions, trained the network on the extracted lesion images, and fused the verification results of the overall picture and the extracted picture to assess the model performance in identifying hyperpigmented dermatitis pictures. Finally, we evaluated the image recognition performance of the two convolutional neural networks and the converged networks in the test set through a comparison of the converged network and the physicians’ assessments.ResultsThe AUC of DenseNet‐96 for the overall picture was 0.98, whereas the AUC of ResNet‐152 was 0.96; therefore, we concluded that DenseNet‐96 performed better than ResNet‐152. From the AUC, the converged network has the best performance. The converged network model achieved a comprehensive classification performance comparable to that of the doctors.ConclusionsThe diagnostic model for benign, pigmented skin lesions based on convolutional neural networks had a slightly higher overall performance than the skin specialists.
Soil organic carbon allocation and dynamics under perennial energy crops and their feedbacks with soil microbial biomass and activity
Authors: Ruf Thorsten , Emmerling Christoph 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe cultivation of perennial instead of annual energy crops has received growing interest. Previous studies identified numerous beneficial effects of perennial energy crop (PEC) cultivation for the agricultural landscape such as promotion of agrobiodiversity, reduced requirements for agrochemicals and fertilizers as well as a large potential for carbon accumulation in soil. However, the mere presence of soil organic matter (SOM) accumulation gives no indication about the persistence of the SOM for example after a recultivation of the stands. Therefore, this study focused on SOM pools of different density fractions and soil microbial parameters. Six different PECs were tested against a typical benchmark system as feedstock for anaerobic digestion. The study has shown that all PEC species increased soil microbial activity and provided an insight how they sequester carbon in soil. Moreover, significant modifications in basic soil properties caused by plant growth were observed. For example, the cultivation of giant knotweed has lowered the soil pH by more than 0.5 pH units compared to the benchmark system. After 5 years of PEC cultivation, total soil organic carbon stocks were increased between 1,500 ± 400 and 4,500 ± 1,500 kg C ha‐1 for the upper 10 centimetres of soil. The distribution among different soil fractions showed species‐specific patterns. Tall wheatgrass and Virginia mallow showed particular high accumulation rates in the mineral‐associated SOM fraction which indicates long residence times of the SOM after a possible recultivation of the fields.
The casein kinase 2 β subunit CK2B1 is required for swollen stem formation via cell cycle control in vegetable Brassica juncea
Authors: Zhang Lili , Li Zhangping , Garraway Jenella , Cai Qingze , Zhou Yufeng , Li Xiang , Hu Zhongyuan , Zhang Mingfang , Yang Jinghua 
Published: August 2020

SUMMARYThe swollen stem is a determinant of yield for the stem‐type vegetable Brassica juncea that is representative of vegetative organ formation. However, the genetic mechanism underlying swollen stem formation and its regulation remains unknown. In this study, we identified a casein kinase 2 β subunit 1 (CK2B1) and revealed its role in swollen stem formation. Genotyping analysis revealed that a homozygous variation in the CK2B1 promoter is responsible for swollen stem formation, and the promoter activity of CK2B1 was significantly associated with the variations between swollen stem and non‐swollen stem types. CK2B1 was exclusively located in the nucleus and expressed in the stem nodes of the plant. Swollen stem formation was blocked when CK2B1 expression was silenced, and induced in a backcross population carrying a swollen stem genotype, which indicates that CK2B1 is required for swollen stem formation. Cell numbers were increased during swollen stem formation and decreased in CK2B1‐silenced expression plant, indicating that CK2B1 regulates swollen stem formation via cell division. CK2B1 directly interacted with E2Fa, a regulator of G1/S transition in the cell cycle, in which CK2 phosphorylates E2Fa. Our results revealed that CK2B1 affects swollen stem formation via the control of the cell cycle. These findings help to elucidate the signals that control swollen stem formation and provide a promising molecular target to enhance the yield of vegetative organ formation.
Systematic profiling of early regulators during tissue regeneration using zebrafish model
Authors: Shi Linsheng , Chen Changsheng , Yin Zhenhua , Wei Guanyun , Xie Gangcai , Liu Dong 
Published: August 2020

AbstractGreat progresses have been made in comprehension of tissue regeneration process. However, one of the central questions in regeneration research remains to be deciphered is what factors initiate regenerative process. In present study, we focused on systematic profiling of early regulators in tissue regeneration via high‐throughput screening on zebrafish caudal fin model. Firstly, 53 GO‐annotated regeneration‐related genes, which were specifically activated upon fin amputation, were identified according to the transcriptomic analysis. Moreover, qRT‐PCR analysis of a couple of randomly selected genes from the aforementioned gene list validated our sequencing results. These studies confirmed the reliability of transcriptome sequencing analysis. Fibroblast growth factor 20a (fgf20a) is a key initial factor in the regeneration of zebrafish. Through a gene expression correlation analysis, we discovered a collection of 70 genes correlating with fgf20a, whose expression increased promptly at 2 days post amputation (dpa) and went down to the basal level until the completion of fin regeneration. In addition, two genes, socs3b and nppc, were chosen to investigate their functions during the fin regeneration. Inhibition of either of those genes significantly delayed the regenerative process. Taken together, we provided a simple and effective time‐saving strategy that may serve as a tool for identifying early regulators in regeneration and identified 71 genes as early regulators of fin regeneration.
Polyphenol-induced improvements in glucose metabolism are associated with bile acid signaling to intestinal farnesoid X receptor
Authors: Tveter Kevin M , Villa-Rodriguez Jose A , Cabales Alrick J , Zhang Li , Bawagan Fiona G , Duran Rocio M , Roopchand Diana E 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionBile acid (BA) biotransformation by gut bacteria impacts BA profile and signaling to nuclear receptors, such as the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) regulating glucose metabolism. Altered BA-FXR signaling was therefore investigated as a potential mechanism linking polyphenol-induced gut bacterial changes and improved glucose metabolism.Research design and methodsDiabeticdb/dbwere fed low-fat diet (LFD) or LFD supplemented with a proanthocyanidin-rich extract of grape polyphenols (LFD-GP) for 4 weeks. Metabolic phenotypes, serum BAs, gut microbiota composition, and gene expression markers relevant to gut barrier and glucose metabolism were assessed. Gut organoids were used to investigate effects of individual BAs on ileal FXR activity.ResultsCompared with LFD-fed controls, GP supplementeddb/dbmice showed improved glucose metabolism, decreased relative abundance of gut bacteria associated with production of secondary BAs (SBAs), and depleted serum levels of SBAs taurohyodeoxycholic acid (THDCA), ω-muricholic acid (ωMCA), and tauro-ω-muricholic acid (TωMCA). Serum levels of primary BAs (PBAs) increased, consistent with higher gene expression of PBA synthesis enzymeCyp7a1. GP-induced BA changes associated with FXR inhibition as evidenced by reduced expression of FXR-responsive genesShp,Fgf15, andFabp6in ileum tissue as well as hepaticShp, which negatively regulates PBA synthesis. GP treatment did not affect expression of hepaticFxror expression ofAbcb11,Slc51b, andObp2agenes controlling BA transport. Ceramide biosynthesis genesSmpd3, Sptlc2,andCers4were decreased in liver and intestine suggesting lower tissue ceramides levels may contribute to improved glucose metabolism. THDCA, ωMCA, and TωMCA behaved as FXR agonists in ileal organoid experiments; therefore, their depletion in serum of GP-supplementeddb/dband wild type (WT) mice was consistent with FXR inhibition.ConclusionThese data suggest that by altering the gut microbiota, GPs modify BA-FXR signaling pathways to promote glucoregulation.
Role of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer: a systematic review protocol of randomised controlled trial studies
Authors: Dikeocha Ifeoma Julieth , Al-Kabsi Abdelkodose Mohammed , Hussin Salasawati , Alshawsh Mohammed Abdullah 
Published: August 2020

IntroductionColorectal cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related morbidity worldwide and it has been reported to be associated with poor lifestyle habits which include excess tobacco and alcohol intake as well as genetics and age factors. Probiotics such as the lactic acid bacteria and Bifidobacterium as well as probiotic containing foods (kombucha, kefir, miso etc) have received lots of attention as anticancer agents for prevention and treatment. The effects of the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer is the primary goal of this systematic review. The overall aim is to assess how the use of probiotics in patients with colorectal cancer helps in the management of colorectal cancer and its effect on the diversity of gut microbiota. The final systematic review will provide a comprehensive evidence base for the use and efficacy of probiotics in patient with colorectal cancer care.Methods and analysisThe systematic review, will be conducted by extensively searching different databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Wiley and ProQuest to identify randomised controlled trials (with no time frame) which relate to the administration of probiotics to patients with colorectal cancer. The search strategy will include words like colorectal cancer, probiotics, Bifidobacterium, clinical trials etc. A systematic search of databases was performed between 17 and 20 January 2020. Two reviewers will independently review the studies and also search the reference lists of the eligible studies to obtain more references. Data will be extracted from the eligible studies using standardised data extraction form. After assessing the risk of bias, qualitative analysis will be used to synthesise the systematic review.Ethics and disseminationThis is a protocol for a systematic review; therefore, it doesn’t require any ethics approval. We intend to disseminate the protocol in a peer reviewed journal.
Short-Term Oral Anticoagulation Versus Antiplatelet Therapy Following Transcatheter Left Atrial Appendage Closure
Authors: Asmarats Lluis , O’Hara Gilles , Champagne Jean , Paradis Jean-Michel , Bernier Mathieu , O’Connor Kim , Beaudoin Jonathan , Junquera Lucia , Del Val David , Muntané-Carol Guillem , Côté Mélanie , Rodés-Cabau Josep 
Published: August 2020

Background:
The impact of antithrombotic therapy on coagulation system activation after left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) remains unknown. This study sought to compare changes in coagulation markers associated with short-term oral anticoagulation (OAC) versus antiplatelet therapy (APT) following LAAC.

Methods:
Prospective study including 78 atrial fibrillation patients undergoing LAAC with the Watchman device. F1+2 (prothrombin fragment 1+2) and TAT (thrombin-antithrombin III) were assessed immediately before the procedure, and at 7, 30, and 180 days after LAAC.

Results:

Forty-eight patients were discharged on APT (dual: 31, single: 17) and 30 on OAC (direct anticoagulants: 26, vitamin K antagonists: 4), with no differences in baseline-procedural characteristics between groups except for higher spontaneous echocardiography contrast in the OAC group. OAC significantly reduced coagulation activation within 7 days post-LAAC compared with APT (23% [95% CI, 5%–41%] versus 82% [95% CI, 54%–111%] increase for F1+2,
P
=0.007; 52% [95% CI, 15%–89%] versus 183% [95% CI, 118%–248%] increase for TAT,
P
=0.048), with all patients in both groups progressively returning to baseline values at 30 and 180 days. Spontaneous echocardiography contrast pre-LAAC was associated with an enhanced activation of the coagulation system post-LAAC (144 [48–192] versus 52 [24–111] nmol/L,
P
=0.062 for F1+2; 299 [254–390] versus 78 [19–240] ng/mL,
P
=0.002 for TAT). Device-related thrombosis occurred in 5 patients (6.4%), and all of them were receiving APT at the time of transesophageal echocardiography (10.2% versus 0% if OAC at the time of transesophageal echocardiography,
P
=0.151). Patients with device thrombosis exhibited a greater coagulation activation 7 days post-LAAC (
P
=0.038 and
P
=0.108 for F1+2 and TAT, respectively).

Conclusions:
OAC (versus APT) was associated with a significant attenuation of coagulation system activation post-LAAC. Spontaneous echocardiography contrast pre-LAAC associated with enhanced coagulation activation post-LAAC, which in turn increased the risk of device thrombosis. These results highlight the urgent need for randomized trials comparing OAC versus APT post-LAAC.
Rapamycin Induces an eNOS (Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase) Dependent Increase in Brain Collateral Perfusion in Wistar and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Beard Daniel J. , Li Zhaojin , Schneider Anna M. , Couch Yvonne , Cipolla Marilyn J. , Buchan Alastair M. 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:
Rapamycin is a clinically approved mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor that has been shown to be neuroprotective in animal models of stroke. However, the mechanism of rapamycin-induced neuroprotection is still being explored. Our aims were to determine if rapamycin improved leptomeningeal collateral perfusion, to determine if this is through eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase)-mediated vessel dilation and to determine if rapamycin increases immediate postreperfusion blood flow.

Methods:
Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats (≈14 weeks old, n=22 and n=15, respectively) were subjected to ischemia by middle cerebral artery occlusion (90 and 120 minutes, respectively) with or without treatment with rapamycin at 30-minute poststroke. Changes in middle cerebral artery and collateral perfusion territories were measured by dual-site laser Doppler. Reactivity to rapamycin was studied using isolated and pressurized leptomeningeal anastomoses. Brain injury was measured histologically or with triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining.

Results:

In Wistar rats, rapamycin increased collateral perfusion (43±17%), increased reperfusion cerebral blood flow (16±8%) and significantly reduced infarct volume (35±6 versus 63±8 mm
3
,
P
<0.05). Rapamycin dilated leptomeningeal anastomoses by 80±9%, which was abolished by nitric oxide synthase inhibition. In spontaneously hypertensive rats, rapamycin increased collateral perfusion by 32±25%, reperfusion cerebral blood flow by 44±16%, without reducing acute infarct volume 2 hours postreperfusion. Reperfusion cerebral blood flow was a stronger predictor of brain damage than collateral perfusion in both Wistar and spontaneously hypertensive rats.

Conclusions:
Rapamycin increased collateral perfusion and reperfusion cerebral blood flow in both Wistar and comorbid spontaneously hypertensive rats that appeared to be mediated by enhancing eNOS activation. These findings suggest that rapamycin may be an effective acute therapy for increasing collateral flow and as an adjunct therapy to thrombolysis or thrombectomy to improve reperfusion blood flow.
Direct Transfer to Angio-Suite Versus Computed Tomography–Transit in Patients Receiving Mechanical Thrombectomy
Authors: Pfaff Johannes A.R. , Schönenberger Silvia , Herweh Christian , Ulfert Christian , Nagel Simon , Ringleb Peter A. , Bendszus Martin , Möhlenbruch Markus A. 
Published: August 2020

Background and Purpose:
To quantify workflow metrics in patients receiving stroke imaging (noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography [CT] and CT-angiography) in either a computed-tomography scanner suite (CT-Transit [CTT]) or an angio-suite (direct transfer to angio-suite—[DTAS]—using flat-panel CT) before undergoing mechanical thrombectomy.

Methods:
Prospective, single-center investigator initiated randomized controlled trial in a comprehensive stroke center focusing on time from imaging to groin puncture (primary end point) and time from hospital admission to final angiographic result (secondary end point) in patients receiving mechanical thrombectomy for anterior circulation large vessel occlusion after randomization to the CTT or DTAS pathway.

Results:

The trial was stopped early after the enrollment of n=60 patients (CTT: n=34/60 [56.7 %]; DTAS: n=26/60 [43.3%]) of n=110 planned patients because of a preplanned interim analysis. Time from imaging to groin puncture was shorter in DTAS-patients (in minutes, median [interquartile range]: CTT: 26 [23–32]; DTAS: 19 [15–23];
P
value: 0.001). Time from hospital admission to stroke imaging was longer in patients randomized to DTAS (in minutes, mean [SD]: CTT: 12 [13]; DTAS: 21 [14],
P
value: 0.007). Time from hospital admission to final angiographic reperfusion was comparable between patient groups (CTT: 78 [58–92], DTAS: 80 [66–118];
P
value: 0.067).

Conclusions:
This trial showed a reduction in time from imaging to groin-puncture when patients are transferred directly to the angiosuite for advanced stroke-imaging compared with imaging in a CT scanner suite. This time saving was outweighed by a longer admission to imaging time and could not translate into a shorter time to final angiographic reperfusion in this trial.
Do Monetary Incentives Undermine Performance on Intrinsically Enjoyable Tasks? A Field Test
Authors: Esteves-Sorenson Constança , Broce Robert 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEconomists have long been intrigued by an influential literature in psychology positing that monetary pay lowers performance on enjoyable tasks by crowding out agents' intrinsic interest in them. But typical experiments in this literature do not report a full set of performance metrics, which might reveal conflicting evidence on crowding out. Further, they may suffer from confounds. To evaluate these issues, we review over 100 prior tests and run a field experiment building on the canonical two-session test for crowding out wherein agents receive pay for an interesting activity in session 1 that is withdrawn unexpectedly in session 2. We test whether pay harms performance using a comprehensive set of performance measures, and if so, whether unmet pay expectations might also contribute to this decline. Our results on output, productivity and quits are most consistent with a standard economics model than with a crowding-out one. Additional, though more speculative, evidence suggests that unmet pay expectations may harm output quality.
Better, Faster, Stronger: Global Innovation and Trade Liberalization
Authors: Coelli Federica , Moxnes Andreas , Ulltveit-Moe Karen Helene 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThis paper estimates the effect on innovation of increased market access facilitated by trade liberalization. We use a novel empirical design that exploits tariff cuts during the 1990s, along with detailed data on innovation among firms from 65 countries. Our results reveal a large effect of tariff cuts on innovation as measured by patent data, suggesting that multilateral liberalization has promoted innovation and growth. These effects are not driven by the deterioration of innovation quality, and the results are robust to controlling for changes in the patent system and to industry-wide trends in innovation.
Interpreting OLS Estimands When Treatment Effects Are Heterogeneous: Smaller Groups Get Larger Weights
Authors: Słoczyński Tymon 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
Applied work often studies the effect of a binary variable (“treatment”) using linear models with additive effects. I study the interpretation of the OLS estimands in such models when treatment effects are heterogeneous. I show that the treatment coefficient is a convex combination of two parameters, which under certain conditions can be interpreted as the average treatment effects on the treated and untreated. The weights on these parameters are inversely related to the proportion of observations in each group. Reliance on these implicit weights can have serious consequences for applied work, as I illustrate with two well-known applications. I develop simple diagnostic tools that empirical researchers can use to avoid potential biases. Software for implementing these methods is available in R and Stata. In an important special case, my diagnostics require only the knowledge of the proportion of treated units.
Can Mobile-Linked Bank Accounts Bolster Savings? Evidence from a Randomized Controlled Trial in Sri Lanka
Authors: de Mel Suresh , McIntosh Craig , Sheth Ketki , Woodruff Christopher 
Published: August 2020

Abstract
We introduce a new mobile money interface that permits Sri Lankans to deposit mobile airtime balances directly into a formal bank account. Randomizing access and prices, we find a small increase in savings deposits with the partner institution and formal banks more generally, but no change in overall savings. When the deposit transaction costs are completely removed, only 26% use the mobile deposit service and only 7% use it frequently. Our results imply that deposit transaction costs are not a significant barrier to increasing savings, limiting the potential gains of mobile-linked savings products for financial inclusion.