bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Brain Functional Biomarkers Distinguishing Premature Ejaculation From Anejaculation by ALFF: A Resting-State fMRI Study
Authors: Chen Jianhuai , Yang Jie , Huang Xinfei , Wang Qing , Lu Chao , Liu Shaowei , Chen Yun , Ni Liangyu 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Premature ejaculation (PE) and anejaculation (AJ) are 2 opposite disorders of male ejaculatory dysfunction. Recent studies have demonstrated that the process of ejaculation is mediated by certain neural circuits in the brain. However, different mechanisms between PE and AJ are still unclear.

Aim
Therefore, we used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to explore the underlying neural mechanisms in patients with PE and AJ by measuring the amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (ALFF).

Methods
Resting-state fMRI data were acquired in 17 PE, 20 AJ patients and 23 matched healthy controls (HC).

Main Outcome Measure
Differences of ALFF values among the 3 groups were compared. We also explored the correlations between brain regions showing altered ALFF values and scores of Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT) in the PE group.

Results
There were widespread differences of ALFF values among the 3 groups, which included left anterior cingulate gyrus, precentral and postcentral gyrus, paracentral lobule, superior temporal gyrus, calcarine fissure, putamen; right postcentral gyrus, paracentral lobule, middle temporal gyrus, putamen. Compared with HC, PE patients had greater ALFF in the right inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part), AJ patients had greater ALFF in the left postcentral gyrus. In addition, PE patients exhibited greater ALFF in the left Rolandic operculum, anterior cingulate gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus (orbital part), putamen, and right putamen when compared with AJ patients, as well as decreased ALFF in the right postcentral gyrus. Moreover, positive correlations were found between ALFF of left postcentral gyrus, inferior frontal gyrus (orbital part), right inferior frontal gyrus (opercular part), and PEDT scores.

Clinical Implications
The differences in central pathophysiological mechanisms between PE and AJ might be useful for improving the clinical diagnosis of ejaculation dysfunction.

Strength & Limitations
Our results showed that the method of fMRI could identify the differences of ALFF between PE and AJ and that these alterations in ALFF were related to clinical function. However, this was a relatively small sample study, and further multimodal neuroimaging studies with large samples were needed.

Conclusion
The findings demonstrated that altered ALFF of frontal, parietal cortex, and putamen might help distinguish premature ejaculation from anejaculation. Abnormal function of these brain regions might play a critical role in the physiopathology of ejaculatory dysfunction of patients.
The last guardian of the throne: the regional army in the late Qing dynasty
Authors: Peng Linan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis paper investigates the organizational structure of the Xiang Army, one of the best-known regional armies in the late Qing dynasty. The army developed an organizational form to overcome problems that plagued the imperial army of the central government, namely, the poor recruitment and training of soldiers, the lack of incentives to fight in battles, and the coordination failure. This organizational structure, I argue, played a central role in the rise of the Xiang Army in the Qing dynasty.
Characteristics of Ionospheric Irregularities Using GNSS Scintillation Indices Measured at Jang Bogo Station, Antarctica (74.62°S, 164.22°E)
Authors: Hong Junseok , Chung Jong‐Kyun , Kim Yong Ha , Park Jaeheung , Kwon Hyuck‐Jin , Kim Jeong‐Han , Choi Jong‐Min , Kwak Young‐Sil 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlobal Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals strongly depend on the ionospheric conditions, which are composed of electrons and ions generated by solar radiation and particle precipitation. Ionospheric plasma irregularities may cause the scintillation of the GNSS signals or even the loss of signal lock, resulting in the reduction of positioning accuracy and timing precision. Phase scintillation phenomenon is known to occur frequently at high latitudes and primarily related to a significant plasma density gradient, which is due to fast plasma flows in the polar region, energetic particle precipitation in the auroral region, polar cap patches, or several instability mechanisms. Statistical studies are required to understand the characteristics of ionospheric (both phase and amplitude) scintillations at high latitudes. Here, we report the results of ionospheric scintillation measurements at Jang Bogo Station (JBS; 74.62°S, 164.22°E), located inside the polar cap region in Antarctica. The occurrence rates of ionospheric scintillations over the JBS are recorded for 2 years (2017–2018) during solar minimum conditions. The occurrence rates of amplitude scintillations increase only at lower elevation angles (below 30°), which are hard to determine whether the source is ionospheric irregularity or ambient noise such as multipath. In contrast, the occurrence rates of phase scintillations depend on the azimuth angle, season, magnetic activity, magnetic local time, and signal frequency. The results of our analysis suggest that users of the GNSS should consider these parameters to prepare for the degradation of the GNSS performance at high latitudes in the Southern Hemisphere.
Microtechnology-based methods for organoid models
Authors: Velasco Vanessa , Shariati S. Ali , Esfandyarpour Rahim 
Published: October 2020

AbstractInnovations in biomaterials and stem cell technology have allowed for the emergence of novel three-dimensional (3D) tissue-like structures known as organoids and spheroids. As a result, compared to conventional 2D cell culture and animal models, these complex 3D structures have improved the accuracy and facilitated in vitro investigations of human diseases, human development, and personalized medical treatment. Due to the rapid progress of this field, numerous spheroid and organoid production methodologies have been published. However, many of the current spheroid and organoid production techniques are limited by complexity, throughput, and reproducibility. Microfabricated and microscale platforms (e.g., microfluidics and microprinting) have shown promise to address some of the current limitations in both organoid and spheroid generation. Microfabricated and microfluidic devices have been shown to improve nutrient delivery and exchange and have allowed for the arrayed production of size-controlled culture areas that yield more uniform organoids and spheroids for a higher throughput at a lower cost. In this review, we discuss the most recent production methods, challenges currently faced in organoid and spheroid production, and microfabricated and microfluidic applications for improving spheroid and organoid generation. Specifically, we focus on how microfabrication methods and devices such as lithography, microcontact printing, and microfluidic delivery systems can advance organoid and spheroid applications in medicine.
Single-electron detection utilizing coupled nonlinear microresonators
Authors: Wang Xuefeng , Wei Xueyong , Pu Dong , Huan Ronghua 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSince the discovery of the electron, the accurate detection of electrical charges has been a dream of the scientific community. Owing to some remarkable advantages, micro/nanoelectromechanical system-based resonators have been used to design electrometers with excellent sensitivity and resolution. Here, we demonstrate a novel ultrasensitive charge detection method utilizing nonlinear coupling in two micromechanical resonators. We achieve single-electron charge detection with a high resolution up to 0.197 ± 0.056 $${\mathrm{e}}/\sqrt {{\mathrm{Hz}}}$$

e
/

Hz

at room temperature. Our findings provide a simple strategy for measuring electron charges with extreme accuracy.
Flexible and reconfigurable radio frequency electronics realized by high-throughput screen printing of vanadium dioxide switches
Authors: Li Weiwei , Vaseem Mohammad , Yang Shuai , Shamim Atif 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSmart materials that can change their properties based on an applied stimulus are in high demand due to their suitability for reconfigurable electronics, such as tunable filters or antennas. In particular, materials that undergo a metal–insulator transition (MIT), for example, vanadium dioxide (VO2) (M), are highly attractive due to their tunable electrical and optical properties at a low transition temperature of 68 °C. Although deposition of this material on a limited scale has been demonstrated through vacuum-based fabrication methods, its scalable application for large-area and high-volume processes is still challenging. Screen printing can be a viable option because of its high-throughput fabrication process on flexible substrates. In this work, we synthesize high-purity VO2 (M) microparticles and develop a screen-printable VO2 ink, enabling the large-area and high-resolution printing of VO2 switches on various substrates. The electrical properties of screen-printed VO2 switches at the microscale are thoroughly investigated under both thermal and electrical stimuli, and the switches exhibit a low ON resistance of 1.8 ohms and an ON/OFF ratio of more than 300. The electrical performance of the printed switches does not degrade even after multiple bending cycles and for bending radii as small as 1 mm. As a proof of concept, a fully printed and mechanically flexible band-pass filter is demonstrated that utilizes these printed switches as reconfigurable elements. Based on the ON and OFF conditions of the VO2 switches, the filter can reconfigure its operating frequency from 3.95 to 3.77 GHz without any degradation in performance during bending.
Species-specific differences in synaptic transmission and plasticity
Authors: Beed Prateep , Ray Saikat , Velasquez Laura Moreno , Stumpf Alexander , Parthier Daniel , Swaminathan Aarti , Nitzan Noam , Breustedt Jörg , Las Liora , Brecht Michael , Schmitz Dietmar 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSynaptic transmission and plasticity in the hippocampus are integral factors in learning and memory. While there has been intense investigation of these critical mechanisms in the brain of rodents, we lack a broader understanding of the generality of these processes across species. We investigated one of the smallest animals with conserved hippocampal macroanatomy—the Etruscan shrew, and found that while synaptic properties and plasticity in CA1 Schaffer collateral synapses were similar to mice, CA3 mossy fiber synapses showed striking differences in synaptic plasticity between shrews and mice. Shrew mossy fibers have lower long term plasticity compared to mice. Short term plasticity and the expression of a key protein involved in it, synaptotagmin 7 were also markedly lower at the mossy fibers in shrews than in mice. We also observed similar lower expression of synaptotagmin 7 in the mossy fibers of bats that are evolutionarily closer to shrews than mice. Species specific differences in synaptic plasticity and the key molecules regulating it, highlight the evolutionary divergence of neuronal circuit functions.
Area under the expiratory flow-volume curve: predicted values by artificial neural networks
Authors: Ioachimescu Octavian C. , Stoller James K. , Garcia-Rio Francisco 
Published: October 2020

AbstractArea under expiratory flow-volume curve (AEX) has been proposed recently to be a useful spirometric tool for assessing ventilatory patterns and impairment severity. We derive here normative reference values for AEX, based on age, gender, race, height and weight, and by using artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms. We analyzed 3567 normal spirometry tests with available AEX values, performed on subjects from two countries (United States and Spain). Regular linear or optimized regression and ANN models were built using traditional predictors of lung function. The ANN-based models outperformed the de novo regression-based equations for AEXpredicted and AEX z scores using race, gender, age, height and weight as predictor factors. We compared these reference values with previously developed equations for AEX (by gender and race), and found that the ANN models led to the most accurate predictions. When we compared the performance of ANN-based models in derivation/training, internal validation/testing, and external validation random groups, we found that the models based on pooling samples from various geographic areas outperformed the other models (in both central tendency and dispersion of the residuals, ameliorating any cohort effects). In a geographically diverse cohort of subjects with normal spirometry, we computed by both regression and ANN models several predicted equations and z scores for AEX, an alternative measurement of respiratory function. We found that the dynamic nature of the ANN allows for continuous improvement of the predictive models’ performance, thus promising that the AEX could become an essential tool in assessing respiratory impairment.
Theoretical investigation of oscillator strengths and lifetimes in Ti II
Authors: Li W. , Hartman H. , Wang K. , Jönsson P. 
Published: October 2020

Aims. Accurate atomic data for Ti II are essential for abundance analyses in astronomical objects. The aim of this work is to provide accurate and extensive results of oscillator strengths and lifetimes for Ti II.
Methods. The multiconfiguration Dirac–Hartree–Fock and relativistic configuration interaction (RCI) methods, which are implemented in the general-purpose relativistic atomic structure package GRASP2018, were used in the present work. In the final RCI calculations, the transverse-photon (Breit) interaction, the vacuum polarisation, and the self-energy corrections were included.
Results. Energy levels and transition data were calculated for the 99 lowest states in Ti II. Calculated excitation energies are found to be in good agreement with experimental data from the Atomic Spectra Database of the National Institute of Standards and Technology based on the study by Huldt et al. Lifetimes and transition data, for example, line strengths, weighted oscillator strengths, and transition probabilities for radiative electric dipole (E1), magnetic dipole (M1), and electric quadrupole (E2) transitions, are given and extensively compared with the results from previous calculations and measurements, when available. The present theoretical results of the oscillator strengths are, overall, in better agreement with values from the experiments than the other theoretical predictions. The computed lifetimes of the odd states are in excellent agreement with the measured lifetimes. Finally, we suggest a relabelling of the 3d2(12D)4p y2 D3/2o and z2 P3/2o levels.
Rationale Therapieentscheidungen bei Intensivpatienten
Authors: Riessen Reimer , Haap Michael , Marckmann Georg , Mahling Moritz 
Published: October 2020

Was ist neu?
Zeitlich begrenzter Therapieversuch (Time-limited Trial, TLT) Kann die Entscheidung für oder gegen eine Intensivtherapie nicht unmittelbar getroffen werden, ist die zeitlich begrenzte Behandlung auf einer Intensivstation eine gute Strategie, um im Verlauf die erforderlichen prognostischen Informationen für die Entscheidung zu gewinnen.
Prognosefaktoren im Rahmen einer Intensivbehandlung Die Kenntnis von Prognosefaktoren ist für ein informiertes Patientengespräch relevant. Während das kurzfristige Überleben maßgeblich vom Schweregrad der akuten Erkrankung bestimmt wird, haben Alter und Komorbiditäten einen großen Einfluss auf das langfristige Überleben. Die aus diesen Faktoren resultierende Gebrechlichkeit (Frailty) beeinflusst ebenfalls wesentlich die langfristige Prognose.
Konzept für die Entscheidungshilfe bei knappen Ressourcen Stehen nicht ausreichend Ressourcen zur Versorgung aller Patienten zur Verfügung, muss unter dem ärztlichen Handlungsprinzip der Gerechtigkeit eine Priorisierung der Patienten erfolgen. Die aktuellen Leitlinien schlagen in solchen Situationen (z. B. im Rahmen der COVID-19-Pandemie) vor, sich hierbei primär am Kriterium der klinischen Erfolgsaussicht zu orientieren.
The Role of Alpha Defensins in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Oktayoglu Pelin , Mete Nuriye , Caglayan Mehmet 
Published: October 2020

Abstract
Objectives Defensins are a family of antimicrobial peptides. Elevated levels of human neutrophil peptides (HNP 1–3) are seen in blood samples of patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and in many rheumatic diseases. It has been suggested that they may play a significant role in the progression and pathogenesis of these diseases. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the levels of HNP 1–3 in sera of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and its association with disease activity and other clinical features of AS.
Methods A total of 36 patients, who met the Modified New York Criteria for AS, and 50 healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. The Bath AS Disease Activity Index (BASDAI) and the Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Score (ASDAS) were used to assess disease activity. The Bath AS Radiology Index (BASRI) was used to assess radiological damage. Spinal and hip measurements were determined by the Bath AS Metrology Index (BASMI). An AS Quality of Life (ASQoL) questionnaire was administered to assess the disease-related quality of life. Serum HNP 1–3 levels were determined using the ELISA kit.
Results Mean serum HNP 1–3 levels were significantly higher in patients with AS (287.01±201.307 vs. 152.09±43.75 pg/ml) compared with HCs (p=0.001). HNP 1–3 levels did not correlate with BASDAI (p=0.519), ASDAS-CRP (p=0.424), BASRI (p=0.280), BASMI (p=0.168), ASQoL (p=0.307), ESR (p=0.706) and CRP (p=0.157) values.
Conclusion Elevated serum levels of HNP 1–3 may play an important role in the pathogenetic mechanisms of AS. This result may give us an opportunity to develop new treatment strategies considering the role of these peptides in the pathogenetic mechanisms of AS.
Posttranscriptional regulation of human endogenous retroviruses by RNA-binding motif protein 4, RBM4
Authors: Foroushani Amir K. , Chim Bryan , Wong Madeline , Rastegar Andre , Smith Patrick T. , Wang Saifeng , Barbian Kent , Martens Craig , Hafner Markus , Muljo Stefan A. 
Published: October 2020

Significance
The expression of endogenous retroviruses (ERVs) appears to have broad impact on human biology. Nevertheless, only a handful of transcriptional or posttranscriptional regulators of ERV expression are known. We implemented a computational pipeline that allowed us to identify RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) that modulate ERV expression levels. Experimental validation of one of the prime candidates we identified, RNA-binding motif protein 4 (RBM4), showed that it indeed bound RNAs made from ERVs and negatively regulated the levels of those RNAs. We hereby identify a layer of ERV regulation by RBPs. We suspect that this work on RBM4 is only the beginning in recognizing a broader set among the >1,500 human RBPs that act on transcripts derived from endogenous and exogenous viruses.
Myeloid/Lymphoid Neoplasms Associated With Eosinophilia and Rearrangements of PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1 or With PCM1-JAK2
Authors: Pozdnyakova Olga , Orazi Attilio , Kelemen Katalin , King Rebecca , Reichard Kaaren K , Craig Fiona E , Quintanilla-Martinez Leticia , Rimsza Lisa , George Tracy I , Horny Hans-Peter , Wang Sa A 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Objectives
To summarize cases submitted to the 2019 Society for Hematopathology/European Association for Haematopathology Workshop under the category of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms with eosinophilia and PDGFRA, PDGFRB, or FGFR1 or with PCM1-JAK2 rearrangements, focusing on recent updates and relevant practice findings.

Methods
The cases were summarized according to their respective gene rearrangement to illustrate the spectrum of clinical, laboratory, and histopathology manifestations and to explore the appropriate molecular genetic tests.

Results
Disease presentations were heterogeneous, including myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), myelodysplastic syndromes (MDSs), MDS/MPN, acute myeloid leukemia, acute B- or T-lymphoblastic lymphoma/acute lymphoblastic lymphoma (ALL/LBL), or mixed-lineage neoplasms. Frequent extramedullary involvement occurred. Eosinophilia was common but not invariably present. With the advancement of RNA sequencing, cryptic rearrangements were recognized in genes other than PDGFRA. Additional somatic mutations were more frequent in the FGFR1-rearranged cases. Cases with B-ALL presentations differed from Philadelphia-like B-ALL by the presence of an underlying MPN. Cases with FLT3 and ABL1 rearrangements could be potential candidates for future inclusion in this category.

Conclusions
Accurate diagnosis and classification of this category of myeloid/lymphoid neoplasms has important therapeutic implications. With the large number of submitted cases, we expand our understanding of these rare neoplasms and improve our ability to diagnose these genetically defined disorders.
Serum ACE2, Angiotensin II, and Aldosterone Levels Are Unchanged in Patients With COVID-19
Authors: Rieder Marina , Wirth Luisa , Pollmeier Luisa , Jeserich Maren , Goller Isabella , Baldus Niklas , Schmid Bonaventura , Busch Hans-Joerg , Hofmann Maike , Kern Winfried , Bode Christoph , Duerschmied Daniel , Lother Achim 
Published: October 2020

Abstract

Background
The role of the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is controversially discussed. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) enters host cells by binding to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) and activity of the RAAS may affect susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and outcome of patients with COVID-19.

Methods
In this prospective single-center study, we determined the serum levels of ACE2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone in patients with COVID-19 compared with control patients presenting with similar symptoms in the emergency unit.

Results
We analyzed serum samples from 24 SARS-CoV-2 positive and 61 SARS-CoV-2 negative patients. SARS-CoV-2 positive and control patients did not differ in baseline patients characteristics, symptoms, and clinical presentation. Mean serum concentrations of ACE2, angiotensin II, and aldosterone did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2 positive and the control group. In line with this, serum potassium as surrogate parameter for RAAS activity and blood pressure were similar in both groups.

Conclusions
In summary, we did not find evidence for altered RAAS activity including angiotensin II, aldosterone, or potassium levels, and blood pressure in patients with COVID-19.

Clinical trials registration
Trial Number DRKS00021206.
A review on drug repurposing applicable to COVID-19
Authors: Dotolo Serena , Marabotti Anna , Facchiano Angelo , Tagliaferri Roberto 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDrug repurposing involves the identification of new applications for existing drugs at a lower cost and in a shorter time. There are different computational drug-repurposing strategies and some of these approaches have been applied to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. Computational drug-repositioning approaches applied to COVID-19 can be broadly categorized into (i) network-based models, (ii) structure-based approaches and (iii) artificial intelligence (AI) approaches. Network-based approaches are divided into two categories: network-based clustering approaches and network-based propagation approaches. Both of them allowed to annotate some important patterns, to identify proteins that are functionally associated with COVID-19 and to discover novel drug–disease or drug–target relationships useful for new therapies. Structure-based approaches allowed to identify small chemical compounds able to bind macromolecular targets to evaluate how a chemical compound can interact with the biological counterpart, trying to find new applications for existing drugs. AI-based networks appear, at the moment, less relevant since they need more data for their application.