bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Heteromer formation between cannabinoid type 1 and dopamine type 2 receptors is altered by combination cannabinoid and antipsychotic treatments
Authors: Bagher Amina M. , Young Alexander P. , Laprairie Robert B. , Toguri James T. , Kelly Melanie E. M. , Denovan‐Wright Eileen M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe cannabinoid type 1 (CB1) receptor and the dopamine type 2 (D2) receptor are co‐localized on medium spiny neuron terminals in the globus pallidus where they modulate neural circuits involved in voluntary movement. Physical interactions between the two receptors have been shown to alter receptor signaling in cell culture. The objectives of the current study were to identify the presence of CB1/D2 heteromers in the globus pallidus of C57BL/6J male mice, define how CB1/D2 heteromer levels are altered following treatment with cannabinoids and/or antipsychotics, and determine if fluctuating levels of CB1/D2 heteromers have functional consequences. Using in situ proximity ligation assays, we observed CB1/D2 heteromers in the globus pallidus of C57BL/6J mice. The abundance of the heteromers increased following treatment with the nonselective cannabinoid receptor agonist, CP55,940. In contrast, treatment with the typical antipsychotic haloperidol reduced the number of CB1/D2 heteromers, whereas the atypical antipsychotic olanzapine treatment had no effect. Co‐treatment with CP55,940 and haloperidol had similar effects to haloperidol alone, whereas co‐treatment with CP55,940 and olanzapine had similar effects to CP55,940. The observed changes were found to have functional consequences as the differential effects of haloperidol and olanzapine also applied to γ‐aminobutyric acid release in STHdhQ7/Q7 cells and motor function in C57BL/6J male mice. This work highlights the clinical relevance of co‐exposure to cannabinoids and different antipsychotics over acute and prolonged time periods.
Relationship between coarse F waves and thromboembolic events in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation
Authors: İçen Yahya Kemal , Koca Hasan , Sümbül Hilmi Erdem , Yıldırım Arafat , Koca Fadime , Yıldırım Abdullah , Ardıc Mustafa Lutfullah , Coşkun Mükremin , Uğurlu Mehmet , Koç Mevlüt 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe coarse F waves on the 12‐lead surface electrocardiogram (ECG) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) are known as atrial viability and contractility indicator. Our aim in this study was to investigate the effect of coarse F wave on thromboembolism in patients with permanent AF.MethodsIn our study, 328 patients with permanent AF were included. Routine laboratory, echocardiographic and electrocardiographic parameters were examined. Cerebrovascular event (CVE) or acute artery occlusion was considered a thromboembolic event.ResultsIn our study, 46 (14.0%) of the patients were found to have thromboembolic events and 282 (86%) of them were found without thromboembolic events. In the group with thromboembolic event, the number of patients with hypertension (HT) (P < .001) and history of coronary artery disease (P = .003) and elderly patients (P < .001) was significantly higher and warfarin use was significantly lower (P = .025). In the group of patients without thromboembolic events, the number of patients with a coarse F wave in surface ECG was significantly lower (P = .001). Age (OR: 1.105, 95% CI: 1.066‐1.145, P < .001), HT (OR: 2.831, 95% CI: 1.266‐6.331, P = .011), and coarse F wave (OR: 0.290, 95% CI: 0.126‐ 0.670, P = .004) were determined as independent variables for thromboembolic events.ConclusionCoarse F wave in 12‐lead surface ECG in patients with permanent AF may be associated with good prognosis.
First‐principles study of f‐orbital‐dependent band topology of topological rare earth hexaborides
Authors: Majid Abdul , Batool Amber , Khan Salah Ud‐Din , Ahmad Ashfaq 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe rare earth hexaboride (RE)B6 series of compounds (RE = Ce, Pr, Nd, Pm, Sm, Eu, Gd) was investigated using the first‐principles approach for exploring new topological insulators. The calculated structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of the materials are discussed in detail. To account for better f‐electron correlation, the Hubbard correction was also tested to correct the Kondo states. The lattice appeared contracted for materials from CeB6 to GdB6, and charge is transferred from RE to boron. The inspection of band structure points to spd hybridization between RE‐5d and B‐2s, 2p states at Fermi level. The application of spin‐orbit coupling revealed the conversion in the parity, and an odd number of Dirac cones is found at Γ and X points without Kondo mechanism. PrB6, GdB6, and PmB6 revealed a dispersive conic region near the Fermi level at high symmetry points, which enclosed Kramer's degenerate points with surface states of opposite parity. These materials prove to be a strong topological Kondo insulator with an SmB6‐like cubic structure without involvement of f‐orbitals in the formation of a Dirac cone. The Hubbard U parameter determined from atomic calculation of RE f‐orbital, apart from the few cases when f‐states remain close to the Fermi level, revealed that the band structures are semimetallic in most cases.
Rapid Classification of Quantum Sources Enabled by Machine Learning
Authors: Kudyshev Zhaxylyk A. , Bogdanov Simeon I. , Isacsson Theodor , Kildishev Alexander V. , Boltasseva Alexandra , Shalaev Vladimir M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractDeterministic nanoassembly may enable unique integrated on‐chip quantum photonic devices. Such integration requires a careful large‐scale selection of nanoscale building blocks such as solid‐state single‐photon emitters by means of optical characterization. Second‐order autocorrelation is a cornerstone measurement that is particularly time‐consuming to realize on a large scale. Supervised machine learning‐based classification of quantum emitters as “single” or “not‐single” is implemented based on their sparse autocorrelation data. The method yields a classification accuracy of 95% within an integration time of less than a second, realizing roughly a 100‐fold speedup compared to the conventional Levenberg–Marquardt fitting approach. It is anticipated that machine learning‐based classification will provide a unique route to enable rapid and scalable assembly of quantum nanophotonic devices.
Composite Films Based on Silver‐Zeolite/Polymer as Efficient Antifungals
Authors: Chiericatti Carolina A. , Lozano Luis A. , Zamaro Juan M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThis work analyzes the preparation and antifungal behavior of composite films formed by a mixed matrix of Ag‐zeolite crystals immobilized in a continuous polymer phase. The physicochemical qualities of films prepared with Ag‐exchanged mordenite (Ag‐MOR) dispersed in polysulfone (PSF), polyimide (PI) or polyetherimide (PEI) were thoroughly analyzed by means of various techniques such as SEM, EDS, XRD, UV‐VIS, FTIR‐ATR, TGA‐SDTA and XPS. Subsequently, the composites were evaluated as antifungal materials for the control of P. roqueforti isolated from contaminated foods of industrial origin. Of all the systems studied, Ag‐MOR/PI demonstrated an outstanding antifungal activity, acting effectively in the control of this mold and reducing the colony growth (CFU mL−1) by a factor of 5 Log after 24 h of contact. This activity was due to highly dispersed cationic silver species immobilized in the film which were effectively dosed towards the microorganism. The Ag‐mordenite/polymer nanocomposite films represent a technological alternative in the search of novel materials for the control of fungal growth.
Synthesis and Applications of Imidazothiazoles: An Overview
Authors: Afsina Abdulla C. M. , Neetha Mohan , Aneeja Thaipparambil , Anilkumar Gopinathan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractImidazothiazoles and its derivatives have vital role in medicinal chemistry as they exhibit biological activities such as anti‐tumor, anti‐cancer, anti‐inflammatory, antibacterial, analgesic etc. This review summarises the various methodologies used to synthesise imidazothiazoles, its derivatives and applications covering literature upto 2020 and it emphasizes the synthesis of imidazothiazoles from 2‐aminothiazole, mercaptoimidazole and imidazothiadiazole.
Meiofauna in stream habitats: temporal dynamics of abundance, biomass and secondary production in different substrate microhabitats in a first-order stream
Authors: Brüchner-Hüttemann Henrike , Ptatscheck Christoph , Traunspurger Walter 
Published: September 2020

AbstractMeiofaunal abundance, biomass and secondary production were investigated over 13 months in an unpolluted first-order stream. Four microhabitats were considered: sediment and the biofilms on dead wood, macrophytes and leaf litter. The relative contribution of the microhabitats to secondary production and the influence of environmental factors on meiofaunal density distribution were estimated. We expected (1) meiofaunal abundance and biomass to exhibit seasonal patterns, with more pronounced seasonal fluctuations on macrophytes and leaf litter than in the other microhabitats, (2) annual secondary production to be highest in sediment; however, the relative contribution of the microhabitats to monthly secondary production would change during the year, and (3) a bottom-up driven influence on meiofaunal density distribution in the microhabitats. Meiofaunal annual mean abundance, biomass and secondary production were 7–14 times higher in sediment and on dead wood than on macrophytes and leaf litter. Significant seasonal patterns described the meiofaunal abundance in sediment and on leaf litter as well as the biomass in sediment, on macrophytes and leaf litter. Organisms in sediment and on dead wood contributed 48 and 43%, respectively, to secondary production m−2, but in regard to the stream area covered by the microhabitats, sediment had the highest share (80%). Significant determinants of the density distribution were AFDM, protozoans, bacteria and Chl-a, which influenced all meiofaunal groups. Our study clearly indicates that meiofaunal organisms in sediment and on dead wood have a remarkable share on total secondary production of lotic systems which is especially relevant for forested low-order streams.
A micronucleus assay detects genotoxic effects of herbicide exposure in a protected butterfly species
Authors: Santovito Alfredo , Audisio Michela , Bonelli Simona 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLycaena dispar Hawort (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae), a protected butterfly, is declining in Europe, but it thrives in rice fields in northern Italy. Here, agrochemical usage could threaten its long-term survival. We investigated, by micronucleus (MN) assay, the genotoxic effect of glyphosate, a common herbicide, on L. dispar larvae. Micronuclei (MNi) are DNA fragments separated from the main nucleus and represent the result of genomic damage that has been transmitted to daughter cells. In a control/treatment experiment, we extracted epithelial cells from last-instar larvae fed with Rumex spp. plants sprayed with a solution containing 3.6 g/L of glyphosate, and from larvae fed with unsprayed plants. MNi and other chromosomal aberrations—nuclear buds (NBUDs) and bi-nucleated cells—were then scored in 1000 cells/subject. Significant differences were found between glyphosate-exposed and control groups in terms of MNi and total genomic damage, but not in terms of NBUDs or bi-nucleated cells. We reported a possible genomic damage induced by glyphosate on larvae of L. dispar. For the first time, a MN assay was used in order to evaluate the genomic damage on a phytophagous invertebrate at the larval stage. Increased levels of MNi reflect a condition of genomic instability that can result in reduced vitality and in an increased risk of local extinction. Therefore, farmland management compatible with wildlife conservation is needed.
Physics competition to inspire learning and improve soft skills: a case of the Chain Experiment
Authors: Dziob Daniel , Górska Urszula , Kołodziej Tomasz , Čepič Mojca 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe Chain Experiment competition has been held successfully for 6 years in Poland and is attracting growing interest. The competition provides participants with a task that involves designing and constructing a contraption that is an element in a chain of events that are based on various physical phenomena. The contraptions are then linked together in a chain and made to run consecutively. The operation of a contraption starts when it receives a ball from the preceding contraption and ends when it releases another ball to the next contraption. The process of constructing the contraptions includes elements of design education. This paper examines whether participating in the competition has a positive impact on the soft skills, social abilities and motivation of the participants, as well as their learning performance, mainly in physics. Questionnaires completed after the fifth running of the competition suggest that active participation in the Chain Experiment could have a positive impact on participants’ soft skills and their abilities to solve problems, and it might also increase scientific knowledge, general interest in physics and science and motivation to be involved in similar challenges. The claim is that the format of the competition can stimulate versatile development of the participants and is a good way to arouse students’ interests in physics and engineering, even in the very early stages of their education.
Human mobility and COVID-19 initial dynamics
Authors: Iacus Stefano Maria , Santamaria Carlos , Sermi Francesco , Spyratos Spyros , Tarchi Dario , Vespe Michele 
Published: September 2020

AbstractCountries in Europe took different mobility containment measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. The European Commission asked mobile network operators to share on a voluntarily basis anonymised and aggregate mobile data to improve the quality of modelling and forecasting for the pandemic at EU level. In fact, mobility data at EU scale can help understand the dynamics of the pandemic and possibly limit the impact of future waves. Still, since a reliable and consistent method to measure the evolution of contagion at international level is missing, a systematic analysis of the relationship between human mobility and virus spread has never been conducted. A notable exceptions are France and Italy, for which data on excess deaths, an indirect indicator which is generally considered to be less affected by national and regional assumptions, are available at department and municipality level, respectively. Using this information together with anonymised and aggregated mobile data, this study shows that mobility alone can explain up to 92% of the initial spread in these two EU countries, while it has a slow decay effect after lockdown measures, meaning that mobility restrictions seem to have effectively contribute to save lives. It also emerges that internal mobility is more important than mobility across provinces and that the typical lagged positive effect of reduced human mobility on reducing excess deaths is around 14–20 days. An analogous analysis relative to Spain, for which an IgG SARS-Cov-2 antibody screening study at province level is used instead of excess deaths statistics, confirms the findings. The same approach adopted in this study can be easily extended to other European countries, as soon as reliable data on the spreading of the virus at a suitable level of granularity will be available. Looking at past data, relative to the initial phase of the outbreak in EU Member States, this study shows in which extent the spreading of the virus and human mobility are connected. The findings will support policymakers in formulating the best data-driven approaches for coming out of confinement and mostly in building future scenarios in case of new outbreaks.
Adaptive servo-ventilation in patients with chronic heart failure and sleep disordered breathing: predictors of usage
Authors: Kolb Leonie , Arzt Michael , Stadler Stefan , Heider Katharina , Maier Lars S. , Malfertheiner Maximilian 
Published: September 2020

Abstract
Purpose
Adaptive servo-ventilation (ASV) is a therapy designed for patients with central sleep apnea (CSA) and Cheyne Stokes respiration. The aim of this study was to find predictors of ASV usage in patients with CSA in a routine sleep clinic cohort.

Methods
In this retrospective study, consecutive patients in whom ASV therapy was initiated at the University Hospital Regensburg between 2011 and 2015, were analyzed. Analysis included polysomnographies of diagnostic and ASV initiation nights, a phone questionnaire on ASV usage, readout of the ASV device 1 month after initiation (“early ASV usage,” 1 month after ASV initiation), and the readout of the last month before a reappointment date set in 2015 (“late ASV usage,” median 17 months after ASV initiation).

Results
In 69 consecutive patients, the mean early and late ASV usage per night was 4.8 ± 2.5 h and 4.1 ± 3.0 h, respectively. Seventeen months after initiation, 57% of patients used the device ≥ 4 h per night, and of those 91% reported a subjective benefit from ASV therapy. Early ASV usage was significantly associated with late ASV usage (univariable regression: Beta 0.8, 95%CI [0.6; 1.0] p < 0.001). In multivariable regression analysis, short duration of slow wave sleep (N3) during diagnostic polysomnography (Beta − 6.2, 95%CI [− 11.0; − 1.5]; p = 0.011) and subjective benefit from ASV (Beta 174.0, 95%CI [68.6; 279.5]; p = 0.002) were significantly associated with longer late ASV usage.

Conclusion
Early ASV usage predicts late ASV usage. In addition, low slow wave sleep before ASV initiation and subjective benefit from ASV may contribute to higher late ASV usage.
Extracellular Microvesicles (MV’s) Isolated from 5-Azacytidine-and-Resveratrol-Treated Cells Improve Viability and Ameliorate Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Metabolic Syndrome Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Weiss C , Kornicka-Grabowska K , Mularczyk M , Siwinska N , Marycz K 
Published: September 2020

AbstractExtracellular vesicles (EVs), a spherical membrane fragments including exosomes, are released from several cell types, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), constitutively or under stimulation. As MVs cargo include DNA, RNA, miRNA, lipids and proteins their have gain special attention in the field of regenerative medicine. Depending on the type of transferred molecules, MVs may exert wide range of biological effects in recipient cells including pro-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic action. In presented paper, we isolated MVs form adipose derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASC) which underwent stimulation with 5-azacytydine and resveratrol (AZA/RES) in order to improve their therapeutic potential. Then, isolated MVs were applied to ASC with impaired cytophysiological properties, isolated from equine metabolic syndrome diagnosed animals. Using RT-PCR, immunofluorescence, ELISA, confocal microscopy and western blot, we have evaluated the effects of MVs on recipient cells. We have found, that MVs derived from AZA/RES treated ASC ameliorates apoptosis, senescence and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in deteriorated cells, restoring their proper functions. The work indicates, that cells treated with AZA/RES through their paracrine action can rejuvenate recipient cells. However, further research needs to be performed in order to fully understand the molecular mechanisms of these bioactive factors action.
The Epilepsy-Related Protein PCDH19 Regulates Tonic Inhibition, GABAAR Kinetics, and the Intrinsic Excitability of Hippocampal Neurons
Authors: Serratto Giulia M. , Pizzi Erika , Murru Luca , Mazzoleni Sara , Pelucchi Silvia , Marcello Elena , Mazzanti Michele , Passafaro Maria , Bassani Silvia 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPCDH19 encodes for protocadherin-19 (PCDH19), a cell-adhesion molecule of the cadherin superfamily preferentially expressed in the brain. PCDH19 mutations cause a neurodevelopmental syndrome named epileptic encephalopathy, early infantile, 9 (EIEE9) characterized by seizures associated with cognitive and behavioral deficits. We recently reported that PCDH19 binds the alpha subunits of GABAA receptors (GABAARs), modulating their surface availability and miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs). Here, we investigated whether PCDH19 regulatory function on GABAARs extends to the extrasynaptic receptor pool that mediates tonic current. In fact, the latter shapes neuronal excitability and network properties at the base of information processing. By combining patch-clamp recordings in whole-cell and cell-attached configurations, we provided a functional characterization of primary hippocampal neurons from embryonic rats of either sex expressing a specific PCDH19 short hairpin (sh)RNA. We first demonstrated that PCDH19 downregulation reduces GABAAR-mediated tonic current, evaluated by current shift and baseline noise analysis. Next, by single-channel recordings, we showed that PCDH19 regulates GABAARs kinetics without altering their conductance. In particular, GABAARs of shRNA-expressing neurons preferentially exhibit brief openings at the expense of long ones, thus displaying a flickering behavior. Finally, we showed that PCDH19 downregulation reduces the rheobase and increases the frequency of action potential firing, thus indicating neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings establish PCDH19 as a critical determinant of GABAAR-mediated tonic transmission and GABAARs gating, and provide the first mechanistic insights into PCDH19-related hyperexcitability and comorbidities.
Burnout in medical students
Authors: Thun-Hohenstein L. , Höbinger-Ablasser C. , Geyerhofer S. , Lampert K. , Schreuer M. , Fritz C. 
Published: September 2020

SummaryOnly a small number of studies have examined the relationship between medical students and burnout syndrome. In Salzburg, Paracelsus Private Medical University (PMU) offers a 5‑year medical program instead of the regular 6 years of medical studies. Due to the tight schedule and heavy workload, the stress level of students is high. The purpose of this study was to determine whether PMU students show burnout symptoms. Three surveys were conducted: at the beginning of the academic year (T1, December 2009), at the end of the academic year (T2, June 2010), and at the beginning of the following academic year (T3, December 2010). For the assessment of burnout, the Maslach Burnout Inventory (emotional exhaustion, depersonalization or cynicism, and low personal accomplishment) was used, as well as the Six Factors Theory of Burnout (workload, control, reward, community, fairness, and values) and for comparison, the Austrian norms developed by Unterholzer. Burnout rate was calculated by a combined measure of the three components. The results show a significant difference from the norm means in emotional exhaustion, depersonalization/cynicism, and low personal accomplishment. With regard to areas of work life, all values are below the means, indicating high workload, high external control, low reward, low feeling of community, and low fairness—except values, i.e., motivation of the students. The mean overall burnout frequency turned out to be 47.8 ± 11.0%, whereas females have slightly higher burnout rates than males. An increasing linear trend with burnout rates was seen from the youngest to the oldest class. In addition, the estimated burnout rate increased within the academic term, as T2 had the highest rate, followed by T3, and the lowest rate was seen in T1. In conclusion, burnout in medical students is frequent and significantly related to heavy workload and other factors of worklife, necessitating changes of academic and organizational settings of medical curricula.