bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Attributional and attentional bias in children with conduct problems and callous-unemotional traits: a case–control study
Authors: Hartmann Daniela , Ueno Kathrin , Schwenck Christina 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Children who are frequently aggressive or lack empathy show various deficits in their social information processing. Several findings suggest that children with conduct problems (CP) show a tendency to interpret ambiguous situations as hostile (hostile attribution bias) and have difficulties to disengage from negative stimuli (attentional bias). The role that additional callous-unemotional traits (CU-traits) play in these biases is yet unclear. Investigating both attentional and attributional aspects of social information processing in children can help us to understand where anomalies in the processing pathway occur and whether the biases are associated with CP and CU-traits separately or in an interactive manner.

Methods
We compared three groups of children: (a) 25 children with CP and low levels of CU-traits (b) 25 children with CP and elevated levels of CU-traits (c) 50 gender (68% male), age (8–17 years) and intelligence score-matched typically developing children, on a pictorial emotional stroop task and a hostile attribution bias task.

Results
In contrast to our predictions, there were no significant group differences regarding attentional biases or hostile attribution biases. Boys with CP and high levels of CU-traits showed a significantly higher hostile attribution bias compared to girls with CP and high levels of CU-traits. The attention bias to angry stimuli significantly correlated with the hostile attribution bias. Compared to the control group the CP group with low levels of CU-traits showed a significantly stronger association between the attention bias to angry stimuli and the hostile attribution bias.

Conclusions
The current study provides evidence that boys with CP and high levels of CU-traits interpret ambiguous situations as more hostile than girls do. Our results further provide indications that the interaction of attentional and attributional biases in children with CP might contribute to their increased aggressive behavior.
Metabolic and evolutionary responses of Clostridium thermocellum to genetic interventions aimed at improving ethanol production
Authors: Holwerda Evert K. , Olson Daniel G. , Ruppertsberger Natalie M. , Stevenson David M. , Murphy Sean J. L. , Maloney Marybeth I. , Lanahan Anthony A. , Amador-Noguez Daniel , Lynd Lee R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Engineering efforts targeted at increasing ethanol by modifying the central fermentative metabolism of Clostridium thermocellum have been variably successful. Here, we aim to understand this variation by a multifaceted approach including genomic and transcriptomic analysis combined with chemostat cultivation and high solids cellulose fermentation. Three strain lineages comprising 16 strains total were examined. Two strain lineages in which genes involved in pathways leading to organic acids and/or sporulation had been knocked out resulted in four end-strains after adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE). A third strain lineage recapitulated mutations involving adhE that occurred spontaneously in some of the engineered strains.

Results
Contrary to lactate dehydrogenase, deleting phosphotransacetylase (pta, acetate) negatively affected steady-state biomass concentration and caused increased extracellular levels of free amino acids and pyruvate, while no increase in ethanol was detected. Adaptive laboratory evolution (ALE) improved growth and shifted elevated levels of amino acids and pyruvate towards ethanol, but not for all strain lineages. Three out of four end-strains produced ethanol at higher yield, and one did not. The occurrence of a mutation in the adhE gene, expanding its nicotinamide-cofactor compatibility, enabled two end-strains to produce more ethanol. A disruption in the hfsB hydrogenase is likely the reason why a third end-strain was able to make more ethanol. RNAseq analysis showed that the distribution of fermentation products was generally not regulated at the transcript level. At 120 g/L cellulose loadings, deletions of spo0A, ldh and pta and adaptive evolution did not negatively influence cellulose solubilization and utilization capabilities. Strains with a disruption in hfsB or a mutation in adhE produced more ethanol, isobutanol and 2,3-butanediol under these conditions and the highest isobutanol and ethanol titers reached were 5.1 and 29.9 g/L, respectively.

Conclusions
Modifications in the organic acid fermentative pathways in Clostridium thermocellum caused an increase in extracellular pyruvate and free amino acids. Adaptive laboratory evolution led to improved growth, and an increase in ethanol yield and production due a mutation in adhE or a disruption in hfsB. Strains with deletions in ldh and pta pathways and subjected to ALE demonstrated undiminished cellulolytic capabilities when cultured on high cellulose loadings.
Common fragile sites: protection and repair
Authors: Li Shibo , Wu Xiaohua 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCommon fragile sites (CFSs) are large chromosomal regions that exhibit breakage on metaphase chromosomes upon replication stress. They become preferentially unstable at the early stage of cancer development and are hotspots for chromosomal rearrangements in cancers. Increasing evidence has highlighted the complexity underlying the instability of CFSs, and a combination of multiple mechanisms is believed to cause CFS fragility. We will review recent advancements in our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the maintenance of CFS stability and the relevance of CFSs to cancer-associated genome instability. We will emphasize the contribution of the structure-prone AT-rich sequences to CFS instability, which is in line with the recent genome-wide study showing that structure-forming repeat sequences are principal sites of replication stress.
Circular RNA expression profile in blood according to ischemic stroke etiology
Authors: Ostolaza Aiora , Blanco-Luquin Idoia , Urdánoz-Casado Amaya , Rubio Idoya , Labarga Alberto , Zandio Beatriz , Roldán Miren , Martínez-Cascales Judith , Mayor Sergio , Herrera María , Aymerich Nuria , Gallego Jaime , Muñoz Roberto , Mendioroz Maite 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The discovery of novel biomarkers of stroke etiology would be most helpful in management of acute ischemic stroke patients. Recently, circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been proposed as candidate biomarkers of neurological conditions due to its high stability. circRNAs function as sponges, sequestering miRNAs and are involved in most relevant biological functions. Our aim was to identify differentially expressed circRNAs in acute ischemic stroke patients according to stroke etiology.

Methods
A comprehensive expression profile of blood circRNAs was conducted by Arraystar Human circRNA arrays (13,617 probes) on a discovery cohort of 30 stroke patients with different stroke etiologies by TOAST classification. Real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to validate array results in a cohort of 50 stroke patients. Functional in silico analysis was performed to identify potential interactions with microRNAs (miRNAs) and pathways underlying deregulated circRNAs.

Results
A set of 60 circRNAs were found to be upregulated in atherotrombotic versus cardioembolic strokes (fold-change > = 1.5 and p-value ≤ 0.05). Differential expression of hsa_circRNA_102488, originated from UBA52 gene, was replicated in the validation cohort. RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) sites of hsa_circRNA_102488 clustered around AGO2 and FUS proteins. Further functional analysis revealed interactions between deregulated circRNAs and a set of miRNAs involved in stroke-related pathways, such as fatty acid biogenesis or lysine degradation.

Conclusion
Different stroke subtypes show specific profiles of circRNAs expression. circRNAs may serve as a new source of biomarkers of stroke etiology in acute ischemic stroke patients.
Quercetin and cancer: new insights into its therapeutic effects on ovarian cancer cells
Authors: Vafadar Asma , Shabaninejad Zahra , Movahedpour Ahmad , Fallahi Farzaneh , Taghavipour Mona , Ghasemi Younes , Akbari Maryam , Shafiee Alimohammad , Hajighadimi Sarah , Moradizarmehri Sanaz , Razi Ebrahim , Savardashtaki Amir , Mirzaei Hamed 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOvarian cancer is known as a serious malignancy that affects women’s reproductive tract and can considerably threat their health. A wide range of molecular mechanisms and genetic modifications have been involved in ovarian cancer pathogenesis making it difficult to develop effective therapeutic platforms. Hence, discovery and developing new therapeutic approaches are required. Medicinal plants, as a new source of drugs, could potentially be used alone or in combination with other medicines in the treatment of various cancers such as ovarian cancer. Among various natural compounds, quercetin has shown great anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties. In vitro and in vivo experiments have revealed that quercetin possesses a cytotoxic impact on ovarian cancer cells. Despite obtaining good results both in vitro and in vivo, few clinical studies have assessed the anti-cancer effects of quercetin particularly in the ovarian cancer. Therefore, it seems that further clinical studies may introduce quercetin as therapeutic agent alone or in combination with other chemotherapy drugs to the clinical setting. Here, we not only summarize the anti-cancer effects of quercetin but also highlight the therapeutic effects of quercetin in the ovarian cancer.
A novel detector based on EM algorithm for multiple-mode OFDM with index modulation
Authors: Qing Hua , Yu Hua , Wen Miaowen , Chen Fangjiong , Ji Fei 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMultiple-mode orthogonal frequency division multiplexing with index modulation (MM-OFDM-IM) is a promising multiple-carrier modulation technique, which activates all OFDM subcarriers to transmit multiple distinguishable modes (or signal constellations, alternatively) and carries additional information with the full permutation of the modes, enjoying superior error performance and high spectral efficiency. In this paper, we propose a novel detector tailored to MM-OFDM-IM based on the expectation maximization (EM) algorithm to further improve the detection performance. The idea is to first select the signal constellation points candidates for any given mode permutation by applying the EM algorithm and then determine the most-likely mode permutation as well as the associated signal constellation points by minimizing the Euclidean distance. The effectiveness of the EM detector has been verified in terms of bit error rate (BER) performance by Monte Carlo simulations.
Existence of a random attractor for non-autonomous stochastic plate equations with additive noise and nonlinear damping on $\mathbb{R}^{n}$
Authors: Yao Xiaobin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBased on the abstract theory of pullback attractors of non-autonomous non-compact dynamical systems by differential equations with both dependent-time deterministic and stochastic forcing terms, introduced by Wang in (J. Differ. Equ. 253:1544–1583, 2012), we investigate the existence of pullback attractors for the non-autonomous stochastic plate equations with additive noise and nonlinear damping on $\mathbb{R}^{n}$Rn.
Impact of test format on vocabulary test performance of EFL learners: the role of gender
Authors: Akhavan Masoumi Ghazal , Sadeghi Karim 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis study aimed to examine the effect of test format on test performance by comparing Multiple Choice (MC) and Constructed Response (CR) vocabulary tests in an EFL setting. Also, this paper investigated the function of gender in MC and CR vocabulary measures. To this end, five 20-item stem-equivalent vocabulary tests (CR, and 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-option MC) were administered to 243 (132 male and 111 female) pre-intermediate students. Results of the study revealed that MC tests were easier than CR. Results indicated a gender bias, in that, males scored better than females in all versions of MC tests while females outperformed males in CR. The findings implied that testers should consider the effect of test format while assessing vocabulary knowledge and use a combination of test formats (MC and CR) in vocabulary assessment to reduce gender bias and format effect.
Reduced macular inner retinal thickness and microvascular density in the early stage of patients with dysthyroid optic neuropathy
Authors: Wu Yufei , Tu Yunhai , Wu Chaoming , Bao Lulu , Wang Jianhua , Lu Fan , Shen Meixiao , Chen Qi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
The goal was to investigate changes of the inner intra-retinal layer thicknesses and retinal capillary density (RCD) around the macula in thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy (TAO) patients with or without dysthyroid optic neuropathy (DON).

Methods
Forty-four TAO patients including 23 non-DON and 21 DON patients, and 38 healthy participants were enrolled. Spectral domain optical coherence tomography equipped with Angiovue was used to obtain three-dimensional retinal thickness maps and microvascular images of the superficial and deep retinal capillary layers (SRCL and DRCL, respectively) around the macula. Quantitative analyses were performed using a custom automated algorithm.

Results
The thicknesses of the nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell layer + inner plexiform layer, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) as well as the RCDs in the SRCL and DRCL in both TAO groups were significantly decreased compared to the controls. In addition, the RCDs in DRCL of the DON group were further decreased compared to the non-DON group. GCC thickness in both TAO groups was positively correlated with the RCDs of the SRCL in the total annular zone and in the temporal, inferior, and nasal sectors. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves for the GCC thickness combined with the RCD were generally larger than those of each single indicator.

Conclusions
Thinned inner intra-retinal layers and decreased RCDs in the TAO patients without DON revealed that morphological changes might precede visual dysfunction. The composite index of the retinal structure and the microvascular density might be valuable in the diagnosing, monitoring, and intervention for early DON.
Spontaneous trans-anal extrusion of caudally migrated ventriculo-peritoneal shunt tip in a child: a case report
Authors: Bakshi Sabyasachi 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Bowel perforation caused by the ventriculo-peritoneal shunt is a rare occurrence with an estimated incidence rate of 0.1% to 1.0% among all cases of VP shunt displacement. This is an unusual report of spontaneous trans-anal extrusion of caudally migrated ventriculo-peritoneal shunt tip in a child. Literature was reviewed to find out therapeutic strategies.

Case presentation
An asymptomatic 8 months old boy presented with spontaneous trans-anal extrusion of caudally migrated left-sided Chhabra type of ventriculo-peritoneal (VP) shunt for last 1 day, following surgery for hydrocephalus initially done 3 months ago. He had no features of peritonitis or encephalitis. Digital X-ray of the whole abdomen in postero-anterior view in erect posture was only evident of the expulsion of radio-opaque distal catheter tip through the anus into the exterior. Noncontrast-enhanced computed tomography scan (NCCT) of brain showed proximal catheter in the lateral ventricle of the brain. Under sedation, the distal part of the VP shunt catheter was resected out, aseptically, over the abdomen and pulled out gently through the anus. The proximal catheter part along with the reservoir was removed through a separate incision in the neck and sent for bacteriological study, which came out later to be negative. Postoperatively, the child was put on a prophylactic antibiotic and 3 weeks later another VP shunt was placed in the contralateral side.

Conclusions
Spontaneous trans-anal extrusion of VP shunt tip is a surgical emergency. The whole catheter must be removed aseptically in such a way that both contamination of the cerebral cavity and spillage into the peritoneum can be avoided. Awareness of this unusual complication among surgeons is needed for early recognition, management, and timely intervention to minimize morbidity.
Spatiotemporal analysis of drug-resistant TB patients registered in selected districts of Karnataka, South India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Poojar Basavaraj , Shenoy K. Ashok , Naik Poonam R. , Kamath Ashwin , Tripathy Jaya Prasad , Mithra P. Prasanna , Chowta Mukta N. , Badarudeen M. N. , Nagalakshmi Narasimhaswamy , Sharma Vivek , Shamanewadi Amrita N. , Thekkur Pruthu 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Tuberculosis (TB) depicts heterogeneous spatial patterns with geographical aggregation of TB cases due to either ongoing person-to-person transmission or reactivation of latent infection in a community sharing risk factor. In this regard, we aimed to assess the spatiotemporal aggregation of drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) patients notified to the national TB program (NTP) from 2015 to 2018 in selected districts of Karnataka, South India.

Methods
This was a cross-sectional study among DR-TB patients notified from Dakshina Kannada, Udupi, and Chikamagalur districts of the state of Karnataka. Clinico-demographic details were extracted from treatment cards. The registered addresses of the patients were geocoded (latitude and longitude) using Google Earth. Using the QGIS software, spot map, heat maps and grid maps 25 km2 with more than the expected count of DR-TB patients were constructed.

Results
Of the total 507 patients studied, 376 (74%) were males and the mean (standard deviation) age of the study participants was 41.4 (13.9) years. From 2015 to 2018, the number of patients increased from 85 to 209 per year, the area of aggregation in square kilometers increased from 113.6 to 205.7, and the number of rectangular grids with more than the expected DR-TB patients (> 1) increased from 12 to 47.

Conclusions
The increase in the number of DR-TB patients, area of aggregation, and grids with more than the expected count is a cause for concern. The NTP can use routine programmatic data to develop maps to identify areas of aggregation of disease for targeted TB control activities.
Integrated Er/Si Schottky Photodetectors on the end facet of optical waveguides
Authors: Crisci T. , Moretti L. , Gioffrè M. , Iodice M. , Coppola G. , Casalino M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIn the last two decades there has been growing interest in silicon photonics and in the possibility to integrate new materials to overcome the silicon intrinsic limitations. Erbium has represented a viable solution for the realization of light sources at telecommunications wavelengths opening the path to the investigation of various photonic devices based on rare earth.In this work we investigate a photodetector operating at 1550 nm whose detection mechanism is based on the internal photoemission effect through an Er/Si Schottky junction. The Er/Si junction has been carefully electrically characterized showing a potential barrier and cut-off wavelength of 0.59 eV and 2105 nm, respectively. Moreover, a responsivity of 0.62 mA/W has been measured for a 3 μm-width waveguide at 1550 nm and at reverse voltage of -8 V. Finally, the noise equivalent power of the device has been evaluated as high as 0.53 nW/(Hz)1/2 at -8 V.Even if device responsivity is still low, we believe that our insights may suggest Er/Si as a new platform for the integration of various optical functionalities on the same chip opening new frontiers in the field of low-cost silicon micro and nanophotonics.
Differential exosome miRNA expression in oral cancer stem cells
Authors: Shoff M. , Booker T. , Leavitt B. , Harmon D. , Kingsley K. , Howard K. M. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Background
Oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) secrete exosomes into the surrounding extracellular environment to promote the horizontal transfer of bioactive molecules including microRNA (miRNA). The primary objective of this study was to explore potential differences in miRNA content between OSCC and OSCC stem cells.

Methods
The OSCC cell lines SCC4, SCC15, SCC25 and CAL27 were used in these studies. The corresponding OSCC stem cells that demonstrated phenotypic adhesion independent tumor spheres (AiTS) were manually isolated. All cells were cultured in DMEM containing 10% exosome-free fetal bovine serum. Exosomes were isolated using Total Exosome Isolation reagent (Invitrogen) and RNA was purified using Total Exosome RNA isolation kit (Invitrogen). Exosome miRNA content was evaluated using miRNA Advanced Taqman Assays for miR-21, − 155, − 133, − 34, − 31, − 32, and − 365. The fold change of miRNA content was calculated using the comparative CT (ΔΔCT) method using miR-16 as an endogenous control.

Results
After successful cell cultures were established, AiTS (cancer stem cells) were manually separated and confirmed using CD133 and Sox-2 biomarkers. Exosomes and extracellular vesicles were successfully isolated from all cell lines and AiTS isolates for miRNA screening. All isolates exhibited miR-16 expression (positive control), but none contained mir-31, − 32, or 133a. Differential expression of miR-21, miR-34 and miR-155 were observed with patterns observed among the cancer cell lines which were distinct from the corresponding AiTS isolates.

Conclusions
Exosomes isolated from these different OSCC stem cell populations displayed nearly consistent downregulation/loss of miR-21 and miR-34 suggesting the possibility of a unique miRNA profile characteristic of oral cancer stem cells. These findings highlight the need to investigate the comprehensive functions of miR-21 and miR-34 in tumor progression and continued research to refine a miRNA profile that could aid in distinguishing tumors with poor prognosis.