bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Controlled formation of Schottky diodes on n-doped ZnO layers by deposition of p-conductive polymer layers with oxidative chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Krieg Linus , Zhang Zhipeng , Splith Daniel , von Wenckstern Holger , Grundmann Marius , Wang Xiaoxue , Gleason Karen K , Voss Tobias 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
We report the controlled formation of organic/inorganic Schottky diodes by depositing poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) on n-doped ZnO layers using oxidative chemical vapor deposition (oCVD). Current-voltage measurements reveal the formation of Schottky diodes that show good thermal and temporal stability with rectification ratios of 107 and ideality factors of ∼1.2. In the frame of a Schottky model, we identify a mean barrier height at the hybrid inorganic-organic interface of 1.28 eV, which is consistent with the difference between the work function of PEDOT and the electron affinity of ZnO. The findings highlight the strength of oCVD to design high-quality hybrid PEDOT/ZnO heterojunctions with possible applications in electronic and optoelectronic devices.
Kinship effects in quasi-social parasitoids II: co-foundress relatedness and host dangerousness interactively affect host exploitation
Authors: Abdi Mohamed Khadar , Hardy Ian C W , Jucker Costanza , Lupi Daniela 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSclerodermus brevicornis is a parasitoid that exhibits cooperative multi-foundress brood production. Prior work showed that the time lag to paralysis of small-sized hosts is shorter when co-foundress relatedness is higher and predicted that the greater risks and greater benefits of attacking larger hosts would combine with co-foundress relatedness to determine the limits to the size of a host that a female is selected to attack as a public good. It was also predicted that the time to host attack would be affected by an interaction between host size and relatedness. Here, we show empirically that both host size and kinship affect S. brevicornis reproduction and that they interact to influence the timing of host attack. We also find effects of co-foundress relatedness after hosts have been suppressed successfully. A public goods model using parameters estimated for S. brevicornis again suggests that selection for individual foundresses to attack and, if successful, to share hosts will be dependent on both the size of the host and the relatedness of the foundresses to any co-foundresses present. Females will not be selected to bear the individual cost of a public good when hosts are large and dangerous or when their relatedness to the co-foundress is low. We conclude that although reproductive behaviours exhibited by Sclerodermus females can be cooperative, they are unlikely to be exhibited without reference to kinship or to the risks involved in attempting to suppress and share large and dangerous hosts.
Obeticholic acid—a new therapy in PBC and NASH
Authors: Chapman Roger W , Lynch Kate D 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Introduction
Obeticholic acid (OCA) is a semi-synthetic hydrophobic bile acid (BA) analogue that is highly selective agonist of farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a key nuclear BA receptor, which induces expression of gut-derived hormones, in particular fibroblast growth factor 19. The resulting beneficial effects of OCA on glucose and lipid metabolism and particularly hepatic inflammation make it a candidate for the treatment of a variety of conditions including primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH).

Sources of data
In PBC patients who have not initially responded to ursodeoxycholic acid, OCA has been shown in double-blind controlled clinical trials to significantly reduce serum alkaline phosphatase. To date, OCA is the only therapy licensed by the FDA, EMA and endorsed by NICE as second line therapy for PBC.
No medications are currently approved in Europe or the USA for the treatment of NASH.
In recent clinical trials, OCA has been shown encouraging results by improving liver blood tests and reducing liver fibrosis with no worsening of NASH.

Areas of agreement
OCA is the established second line therapy for PBC in those patients who fail to adequately respond to ursodeoxycholic acid.

Areas of controversy
The main side effects of OCA treatment in both PBC and NASH is that of dose-dependent pruritis which can lead to treatment discontinuation in ~1–10% of patients. In addition, OCA-treated patients may also exhibit (reversible) alterations in serum lipid levels; most notably a small decrease in high density lipoprotein cholesterol. It is not yet known whether these changes carry a long-term cardiovascular risk in NASH.
In addition, the relatively high cost of OCA may limit its use in cash-limited health systems.

Growing Points
Additional clinical trials are in progress to ascertain the long-term effects of OCA on survival in PBC and NASH.

Areas timely for developing research
New FXR agonists with a lower rate of side effects are being developed and trialed. Combination therapy with other agents may offer increased efficacy.
Late Miocene to late Pleistocene geomagnetic secular variation at high northern latitudes
Authors: Døssing Arne , Riishuus Morten S , Mac Niocaill Conall , Muxworthy Adrian R , Maclennan John 
Published: March 2020

SUMMARYWe report a palaeomagnetic study of Icelandic lavas of late Miocene to late Pliocene age to test the geocentric axial dipole hypothesis at high northern latitudes. Cores were sampled from 125 sites in the Fljótsdalur valley in eastern Iceland, and hand samples were taken for 17 new incremental heating 40Ar/39Ar age determinations. 96 per cent of the cores were oriented using both a Brunton compass and a sun compass. Comparison of the magnetic and sun azimuths reveals deviations of ±5°, ±10° and ±20°, respectively, for 42, 16 and 3 per cent of the data points, indicating that core sampling intended for palaeosecular variation (PSV) studies at high northern latitudes should be oriented by sun. A total of 1279 independent specimens were subjected to AF- and thermal-demagnetization for palaeodirectional analysis, and well-grouped site mean directions were obtained for 123 sites of which 113 were found to be independent sites. Applying a selection criteria of k &gt; 50 and N ≥ 5 (Nmean = 9.5), we obtain a combined grand mean direction for 46 normal and 53 reverse (for VGPlat &gt; ±45°) polarity sites of declination = 5.6° and inclination = 77.5° that is not significantly different from that expected from a GAD field. The corresponding palaeomagnetic pole position (VGPlat = 86.3°N, VGPlon = 21.2°E, dp/dm = 4.0°/4.3°) is coincident with the North Pole within the 95 per cent confidence limits. An updated age model is constructed based on the 40Ar/39Ar ages, showing that the majority of the Fljótsdalur lavas fall within 2–7 Ma. We combine the Fljótsdalur data with existing data from the nearby Jökuldalur valley. The 154 palaeodirections are well-dispersed between 1 and 7 Ma and constitute a high-quality data set for PSV analysis. Our results partly support previous conclusions of a generally higher dispersion during reverse polarity intervals. However, when comparing our Matutayma data with Brunhes age data from Jan Mayen, we find no evidence of a higher VGP scatter during the Matuyama as previously suggested. When comparing our VGP scatter to the two commonly used models for VGP dispersion: Model G and TK03, we find a good fit for all 1–7 Ma VGP scatter data SB(1–7) to Model G, whereas SB(1–7) is not fitted by TK03, even when considering the uncertainty of SB(1–7). We also find that all VGP scatter estimates, except that for the Gilbert subset, are consistent with Model G, while the discrepancy with TK03 is generally larger.
How do decision-makers use evidence in community health policy and financing decisions? A qualitative study and conceptual framework in four African countries
Authors: Kumar Meghan Bruce , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Madan Jason , Ndima Sozinho , Chikaphupha Kingsley , Kea Aschenaki , Barasa Edwine 
Published: March 2020

Abstract
Various investments could help countries deliver on the universal health coverage (UHC) goals set by the global community; community health is a pillar of many national strategies towards UHC. Yet despite resource mobilization towards this end, little is known about the potential costs and value of these investments, as well as how evidence on the same would be used in related decisions. This qualitative study was conducted to understand the use of evidence in policy and financing decisions for large-scale community health programmes in low- and middle-income countries. Through key informant interviews with 43 respondents in countries with community health embedded in national UHC strategies (Ethiopia, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique) and at global institutions, we investigated evidence use in community health financing and policy decision-making, as well as evidentiary needs related to community health data for decision-making. We found that evidence use is limited at all levels, in part due to a perceived lack of high-quality, relevant evidence. This perception stems from two main areas: first, desire for local evidence that reflects the context, and second, much existing economic evidence does not deal with what decision-makers value when it comes to community health systems—i.e. coverage and (to a lesser extent) quality. Beyond the evidence gap, there is limited capacity to assess and use the evidence. Elected officials also face political challenges to disinvestment as well as structural obstacles to evidence use, including the outsized influence of donor priorities. Evaluation data must to speak to decision-maker interests and constraints more directly, alongside financiers of community health providing explicit guidance and support on the role of evidence use in decision-making, empowering national decision-makers. Improved data quality, increased relevance of evidence and capacity for evidence use can drive improved efficiency of financing and evidence-based policymaking.
Implicit MAC scheme for compressible Navier–Stokes equations: low Mach asymptotic error estimates
Authors: Maltese David , Novotný Antonín 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe investigate the error between any discrete solution of the implicit marker-and-cell (MAC) numerical scheme for compressible Navier–Stokes equations in the low Mach number regime and an exact strong solution of the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations. The main tool is the relative energy method suggested on the continuous level in Feireisl et al. (2012, Relative entropies, suitable weak solutions, and weak–strong uniqueness for the compressible Navier–Stokes system. J. Math. Fluid Mech., 14, 717–730). Our approach highlights the fact that numerical and mathematical analyses are not two separate fields of mathematics. The result is achieved essentially by exploiting in detail the synergy of analytical and numerical methods. We get an unconditional error estimate in terms of explicitly determined positive powers of the space–time discretization parameters and Mach number in the case of well-prepared initial data and in terms of the boundedness of the error if the initial data are ill prepared. The multiplicative constant in the error estimate depends on a suitable norm of the strong solution but it is independent of the numerical solution itself (and of course, on the discretization parameters and the Mach number). This is the first proof that the MAC scheme is unconditionally and uniformly asymptotically stable in the low Mach number regime.
Contribution of Immunoscore and Molecular Features to Survival Prediction in Stage III Colon Cancer
Authors: Sinicrope Frank A , Shi Qian , Hermitte Fabienne , Zemla Tyler J , Mlecnik Bernhard , Benson Al B , Gill Sharlene , Goldberg Richard M , Kahlenberg Morton S , Nair Suresh G , Shields Anthony F , Smyrk Thomas C , Galon Jerome , Alberts Steven R 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Background
The American Joint Committee on Cancer staging and other prognostic tools fail to account for stage-independent variability in outcome. We developed a prognostic classifier adding Immunoscore to clinicopathological and molecular features in patients with stage III colon cancer.

Methods
Patient (n = 559) data from the FOLFOX arm of adjuvant trial NCCTG N0147 were used to construct Cox models for predicting disease-free survival (DFS). Variables included age, sex, T stage, positive lymph nodes (+LNs), N stage, performance status, histologic grade, sidedness, KRAS/BRAF, mismatch repair, and Immunoscore (CD3+, CD8+ T-cell densities). After determining optimal functional form (continuous or categorical) and within Cox models, backward selection was performed to analyze all variables as candidate predictors. All statistical tests were two-sided.

Results
Poorer DFS was found for tumors that were T4 vs T3 (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.76, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.19 to 2.60; P = .004), right- vs left-sided (HR = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.14 to 2.04; P = .005), BRAF V600E (HR = 1.74, 95% CI = 1.26 to 2.40; P &lt; .001), mutant KRAS (HR = 1.66, 95% CI = 1.08 to 2.55; P = .02), and low vs high Immunoscore (HR = 1.69, 95% CI = 1.22 to 2.33; P = .001) (all P &lt; .02). Increasing numbers of +LNs and lower continuous Immunoscore were associated with poorer DFS that achieved significance (both Ps&lt; .0001). After number of +LNs, T stage, and BRAF/KRAS, Immunoscore was the most informative predictor of DFS shown multivariately. Among T1–3 N1 tumors, Immunoscore was the only variable associated with DFS that achieved statistical significance. A nomogram was generated to determine the likelihood of being recurrence-free at 3 years.

Conclusions
The Immunoscore can enhance the accuracy of survival prediction among patients with stage III colon cancer.
The Northern Cross fast radio burst project – I. Overview and pilot observations at 408 MHz
Authors: Locatelli Nicola T , Bernardi Gianni , Bianchi Germano , Chiello Riccardo , Magro Alessio , Naldi Giovanni , Pilia Maura , Pupillo Giuseppe , Ridolfi Alessandro , Setti Giancarlo , Vazza Franco 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT
Fast radio bursts (FRBs) remain one of the most enigmatic astrophysical sources. Observations have significantly progressed over the last few years, due to the capabilities of new radio telescopes and the refurbishment of existing ones. Here, we describe the upgrade of the Northern Cross radio telescope, operating in the 400–416 MHz frequency band, with the ultimate goal of turning the array into a dedicated instrument to survey the sky for FRBs. We present test observations of the pulsar B0329+54 to characterize the system performance and forecast detectability. Observations with the system currently in place are still limited by modest sky coverage (∼9.4 deg2) and biased by smearing of high dispersion measure events within each frequency channels. In its final, upgraded configuration, however, the telescope will be able to carry out unbiased FRB surveys over a ∼350 deg2 instantaneous field of view up to z ∼ 5, with a (nearly constant) $\sim 760 \, (\tau /{\rm ms})^{-0.5}$ mJy rms sensitivity.
Galaxy HiCExplorer 3: a web server for reproducible Hi-C, capture Hi-C and single-cell Hi-C data analysis, quality control and visualization
Authors: Wolff Joachim , Rabbani Leily , Gilsbach Ralf , Richard Gautier , Manke Thomas , Backofen Rolf , Grüning Björn A 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe Galaxy HiCExplorer provides a web service at https://hicexplorer.usegalaxy.eu. It enables the integrative analysis of chromosome conformation by providing tools and computational resources to pre-process, analyse and visualize Hi-C, Capture Hi-C (cHi-C) and single-cell Hi-C (scHi-C) data. Since the last publication, Galaxy HiCExplorer has been expanded considerably with new tools to facilitate the analysis of cHi-C and to provide an in-depth analysis of Hi-C data. Moreover, it supports the analysis of scHi-C data by offering a broad range of tools. With the help of the standard graphical user interface of Galaxy, presented workflows, extensive documentation and tutorials, novices as well as Hi-C experts are supported in their Hi-C data analysis with Galaxy HiCExplorer.
Comparing reactions to written leaflets, online information and real-time Doppler images among South Asian patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Kumar Kanta , Bradbury-Jones Caroline , Armitage Christopher J , Peters Sarah , Raizada Sabrina , Wong Peter 
Published: March 2020

Abstract

Objective
There is poor adherence to medication in patients of South Asian origin with RA. There are limited numbers of interventions to improve patient engagement. The objective of this study was to explore how patients of South Asian origin make sense of their disease after receiving written leaflets compared with online information or visualizing real-time Doppler US images of their inflamed joints.

Methods
Patients of South Asian origin with RA were recruited from two National Health Service hospitals in the West Midlands, UK. In-depth semi-structured interviews were undertaken after exposure to vignettes designed to elicit patients’ perspectives on: written leaflets; online information to complement face-to-face interaction with health-care professionals; and Doppler US during the early stages of the disease journey. Data were analysed thematically until data saturation was reached in 20 individuals.

Results
The responses to vignette scenarios were described by the patients. Overall, patients found real-time Doppler US more valuable in understanding RA and RA medications compared with other methods. Patients reported that Doppler US reduced anxiety and helped to address misconceptions about the long-term disease and its ability to be controlled.

Conclusion
We have developed new understanding regarding the educational utility of a Doppler US session in patients of South Asian origin and how these sessions can be optimized to increase patient engagement and adherence to medication.
Assessing the impact of arsenic metabolism efficiency on DNA methylation using Mendelian randomization
Authors: DiGiovanni Anthony , Demanelis Kathryn , Tong Lin , Argos Maria , Shinkle Justin , Jasmine Farzana , Sabarinathan Mekala , Rakibuz-Zaman Muhammad , Sarwar Golam , Islam Md. Tariqul , Shahriar Hasan , Islam Tariqul , Rahman Mahfuzar , Yunus Md. , Graziano Joseph , Gamble Mary V. , Ahsan Habibul , Pierce Brandon L. 
Published: March 2020

Background:
Arsenic exposure affects >100 million people globally and increases risk for chronic diseases. One possible toxicity mechanism is epigenetic modification. Previous epigenome-wide association studies (EWAS) have identified associations between arsenic exposure and CpG-specific DNA methylation. To provide additional evidence that observed associations represent causal relationships, we examine the association between genetic determinants of arsenic metabolism efficiency (percent dimethylarsinic acid, DMA%, in urine) and DNA methylation among individuals from the Health Effects of Arsenic Longitudinal Study (n = 379) and Bangladesh Vitamin E and Selenium Trial (n = 393).

Methods:
We used multivariate linear models to assess the association of methylation at 221 arsenic-associated CpGs with DMA% and measures of genetically predicted DMA% derived from three SNPs (rs9527, rs11191527, and rs61735836). We also conducted two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses to estimate the association between arsenic metabolism efficiency and CpG methylation.

Results:
Among the associations between DMA% and methylation at each of 221 CpGs, 64% were directionally consistent with associations observed between arsenic exposure and the 221 CpGs from a prior EWAS. Similarly, among the associations between genetically predicted DMA% and each CpG, 62% were directionally consistent with the prior EWAS results. Two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses produced similar conclusions.

Conclusion:
Our findings support the hypothesis that arsenic exposure effects DNA methylation at specific CpGs in whole blood. Our novel approach for assessing the impact of arsenic exposure on DNA methylation requires larger samples in order to draw more robust conclusions for specific CpG sites.
4-Methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(Furan-3-yl) Acrylate Inhibits Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation
Authors: Han Seongho , Son Mina , Lee Yunmi , Cheon Sae Hee , Kim Sung-Whan 
Published: March 2020

Abstract:
The Cordyceps extract exhibits antiproliferative potential in vascular smooth muscle cells (SMCs) through the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. In this study, we aimed to identify the active compounds in the Cordyceps extract and analyze their role in remodeling the arterial wall. On investigation, we discovered the following active compound: 4-methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(furan-3-yl) acrylate and synthesized it. We performed antiproliferation and antimigration assays in addition to an in vivo vessel wall remodeling experiment. Investigation of the mechanism adopted by the active compound to remodel the vessel was performed. The newly synthesized compound inhibited the proliferation and migration of SMCs. Treatment with the synthesized compound reduced neointima formation in the balloon-injured Sprague–Dawley rat model. In addition, this compound inhibited the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in type I collagen-activated SMCs. Moreover, this compound suppressed the expression of cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2) in SMCs. Therefore, this compound can exert potential antiarteriosclerotic effects by modulating vessel wall remodeling. In conclusion, the newly synthesized 4-methoxyphenyl (E)-3-(furan-3-yl) acrylate might be an alternative therapeutic intervention for the treatment of atherosclerosis.
Extracellular vesicles as a potential diagnostic tool in assisted reproduction
Authors: Giacomini Elisa , Makieva Sofia , Murdica Valentina , Vago Riccardo , Viganó Paola 
Published: March 2020

Purpose of review
Extracellular vesicles have emerged as a promising field of research for their potential to serve as biomarkers. In the pathophysiology of reproduction, they have attracted significant attention because of their diverse roles in gametogenesis and embryo-endometrial cross-talk. Advances in extracellular vesicle translational potential are herein reviewed with a particular focus in oocyte competence, semen quality diagnostics, embryo selection and detection of endometrial receptivity.

Recent findings
Specific miRNAs present in follicular fluid-derived extracellular vesicles have been associated with follicle development and oocyte maturation. Some proteins known to regulate sperm function and capacitation such as glycodelin, and CRISP1 have been found as overrepresented in semen exosomes isolated from severe asthenozoospermic compared to normozoospermic men. In vitro developed human embryos can secrete extracellular vesicles whose propitiousness for preimplantation genetic testing is being increasingly investigated. Endometrial cell-derived extracellular vesicles recovered from uterine flushings might represent a reservoir of molecular markers potentially exploited for monitoring the endometrial status.

Summary
Accumulated knowledge on extracellular vesicles deriving from endometrium, follicular fluid, embryos or male reproductive system may be translated to clinical practice to inform diagnostics in assisted reproduction technology (ART). Validation studies and technology developments are required to implement the profiling of extracellular vesicles as diagnostic tests in ART.