bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A New Class of Scandium Carbide Nanosheet
Authors: Wang Jing , Liu Tian-Tian , Li Chen-Ling , Liu Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA new class of two-dimensional scandium carbide nanosheet has been identified by using first-principles density functional theory. It has a primitive cell of Sc3C10, in which there are two pentagonal carbon rings surrounded by one scandium octagon. Being as the precussor of Volleyballene Sc20C60 and ScC nanotubes, the Sc3C10 nanosheet is exceptionally stable. By rolling up this Sc3C10 sheet, a series of stable ScC nanotubes have been obtained. All the nanotubes studied have been found to be metallic. Furthermore, the hydrogen storage capacity of the ScC nanotubes has been explored. The calculated results show that one unit of the (0,3) ScC nanotube can adsorb a maximum of 51 hydrogen molecules, reaching up to a 6.25 wt% hydrogen gravimetric density with an average binding energy of 0.23 eV/H2.
Photonic integration based on a ferroelectric thin-film platform
Authors: Abe Shunsuke , Joichi Tomoki , Uekusa Kouichiro , Hara Hideo , Masuda Shin 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPhotonic-integrated circuits (PICs) using ferroelectric materials are expected to be used in many applications because of its unique optical properties such as large electro-optic coefficients. In this study, a novel PIC based on a ferroelectric thin-film platform was designed and fabricated, where high-speed optical modulator, spot-size converters (SSCs), and a variable optical attenuator (VOA) were successfully integrated. A ferroelectric lanthanum-modified lead zirconate titanate (PLZT) thin film was epitaxially-grown by using a modified sol-gel method, and it exhibits large electro-optic coefficients (>120 pm/V) and low propagation loss (1.1 dB/cm). The optical modulator, a Mach-Zehnder type, exhibited a half-wave voltage (Vπ) of 6.0 V (VπL = 4.5 Vcm) and optical modulation up to 56 Gb/s. Also, the VOA (with attenuation range of more than 26 dB) was successfully integrated with the modulator. As a result, it is concluded that the developed ferroelectric platform can pave the way for photonic integration.
Blocking connexin43 hemichannels protects mice against tumour necrosis factor-induced inflammatory shock
Authors: Delvaeye Tinneke , De Smet Maarten A. J. , Verwaerde Stijn , Decrock Elke , Czekaj Aleksandra , Vandenbroucke Roosmarijn E. , Lemeire Kelly , Gonçalves Amanda , Declercq Wim , Vandenabeele Peter , Krysko Dmitri V. , Leybaert Luc 
Published: November 2019

AbstractUpon intravenous injection of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) in mice, a systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is initiated, characterized by an acute cytokine storm and induction of vascular hyperpermeability. Connexin43 hemichannels have been implicated in various pathological conditions, e.g. ischemia and inflammation, and can lead to detrimental cellular outcomes. Here, we explored whether targeting connexin43 hemichannels could alleviate TNF-induced endothelial barrier dysfunction and lethality in SIRS. Therefore, we verified whether administration of connexin43-targeting-peptides affected survival, body temperature and vascular permeability in vivo. In vitro, TNF-effects on connexin43 hemichannel function were investigated by single-channel studies and Ca2+-imaging. Blocking connexin43 hemichannels with TAT-Gap19 protected mice against TNF-induced mortality, hypothermia and vascular leakage, while enhancing connexin43 hemichannel function with TAT-CT9 provoked opposite sensitizing effects. In vitro patch-clamp studies revealed that TNF acutely activated connexin43 hemichannel opening in endothelial cells, which was promoted by CT9, and inhibited by Gap19 and intracellular Ca2+-buffering. In vivo experiments aimed at buffering intracellular Ca2+, and pharmacologically targeting Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase-II, a known modulator of endothelial barrier integrity, demonstrated their involvement in permeability alterations. Our results demonstrate significant benefits of inhibiting connexin43 hemichannels to counteract TNF-induced SIRS-associated vascular permeability and lethality.
Interactions in the bond-frustrated helimagnet ZnCr2Se4 investigated by NMR
Authors: Park Sejun , Kwon Sangil , Lee Soonchil , Khim Seunghyun , Bhoi Dilip , Park Chang Bae , Kim Kee Hoon 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe zero field 53Cr nuclear magnetic resonance was measured at low temperatures to investigate the interactions in the bond-frustrated S = 3/2 Heisenberg helimagnet ZnCr2Se4. A quadratic decrease of the sublattice magnetization was determined from the temperature dependence of the isotropic hyperfine field. We calculated the magnetization using linear spin wave theory for the incommensurate spiral spin order and compared this outcome with experimental results to estimate the coupling constants. The hyperfine fields at Cr and Se ions provide evidences that the spin polarization of Cr ions is transferred to neighboring Se ions due to the covalent bonding between them, resulting in reduced magnetic moment in the Cr ion. This observation indicates that the Jahn-Teller effect, which leads to distortion inducing spin-lattice coupling, is not completely missing in ZnCr2Se4.
Effect of High-dose Antithrombin Supplementation in Patients with Septic Shock and Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation
Authors: Kim Youn-Jung , Ko Byuk Sung , Park Seo Young , Oh Dong Kyu , Hong Sang-Bum , Jang Seongsoo , Kim Won Young 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe efficacy of antithrombin (AT) administration in patients with septic shock and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) was uncertain. This study aimed to investigate whether high-dose AT administration improves outcomes in patients with septic shock and DIC. This observational, prospective cohort study included consecutive adult septic shock patients with DIC who showed AT activity <70% between March 2016 and August 2018. The 28 day mortality of the patients treated with AT and without AT was evaluated by propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting. Among 142 patients with septic shock and DIC, 45 patients (31.7%) received AT supplementation and 97 did not. The 28 day mortality rate was lower in the AT group, but no statistically significant difference persisted after matching. Multivariable analysis showed that AT supplementation was independently associated with 28 day mortality (odds ratio [OR], 0.342; 95% CI [confidence interval], 0.133−0.876; P = 0.025); however, no such association was observed after matching (OR, 0.480; 95% CI, 0.177−1.301; P = 0.149). High-dose AT administration in septic shock patients with DIC showed the improvement in survival, but the improvement was not observed after matching. Further larger studies are needed to conclusively confirm these findings.
Inertial Focusing and Separation of Particles in Similar Curved Channels
Authors: Ying Yue , Lin Ying 
Published: November 2019

AbstractInertial particle focusing in curved channels has enormous potential for lab-on-a-chip applications. This paper compares a zigzag channel, which has not been used previously for inertial focusing studies, with a serpentine channel and a square wave channel to explore their differences in terms of focusing performance and separation possibilities. The particle trajectories and fluid fields in the curved channels are studied by a numerical simulation. The effects of different conditions (structure, Reynolds number, and particle size) on the competition between forces and the focusing performance are studied. The results indicate that the zigzag channel has the best focusing effect at a high Reynolds number and that the serpentine channel is second in terms of performance. Regarding the particle separation potential, the zigzag channel has a good performance in separating 5 μm and 10 μm particles at ReC = 62.5. In addition, the pressure drop of the channel is also considered to evaluate the channel performance, which has not been taken into account in the literature on inertial microfluidics. This result is expected to be instructive for the selection and optimization of inertial microchannel structures.
Recognition memory reconsolidation requires hippocampal Zif268
Authors: Gonzalez Maria Carolina , Rossato Janine I. , Radiske Andressa , Pádua Reis Marina , Cammarota Martín 
Published: November 2019

AbstractObject recognition memory (ORM) serves to distinguish familiar items from novel ones. Reconsolidation is the process by which active memories are updated. The hippocampus is engaged in ORM reconsolidation through a mechanism involving induction of long-term potentiation (LTP). The transcription factor Zif268 is essential for hippocampal LTP maintenance and has been frequently associated with memory processes. However, its possible involvement in ORM reconsolidation has not been determined conclusively. Using Zif268 antisense oligonucleotides in combination with behavioural, biochemical and electrophysiological tools in rats, we found that hippocampal Zif268 is necessary to update ORM through reconsolidation but not to retrieve it or keep it stored. Our results also suggest that knocking down hippocampal Zif268 during ORM reconsolidation deletes the active recognition memory trace.
Contribution of syndecans to cellular uptake and fibrillation of α-synuclein and tau
Authors: Hudák Anett , Kusz Erzsébet , Domonkos Ildikó , Jósvay Katalin , Kodamullil Alpha Tom , Szilák László , Hofmann-Apitius Martin , Letoha Tamás 
Published: November 2019

AbstractScientific evidence suggests that α-synuclein and tau have prion-like properties and that prion-like spreading and seeding of misfolded protein aggregates constitutes a central mechanism for neurodegeneration. Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) in the plasma membrane support this process by attaching misfolded protein fibrils. Despite of intense studies, contribution of specific HSPGs to seeding and spreading of α-synuclein and tau has not been explored yet. Here we report that members of the syndecan family of HSPGs mediate cellular uptake of α-synuclein and tau fibrils via a lipid-raft dependent and clathrin-independent endocytic route. Among syndecans, the neuron predominant syndecan-3 exhibits the highest affinity for both α-synuclein and tau. Syndecan-mediated internalization of α-synuclein and tau depends heavily on conformation as uptake via syndecans start to dominate once fibrils are formed. Overexpression of syndecans, on the other hand, reduces cellular uptake of monomeric α-synuclein and tau, yet exerts a fibril forming effect on both proteins. Data obtained from syndecan overexpressing cellular models presents syndecans, especially the neuron predominant syndecan-3, as important mediators of seeding and spreading of α-synuclein and tau and reveal how syndecans contribute to fundamental molecular events of α-synuclein and tau pathology.
Impact of Sarcopenia on Clinical Outcomes of Minimally Invasive Lumbar Decompression Surgery
Authors: Toyoda Hiromitsu , Hoshino Masatoshi , Ohyama Shoichiro , Terai Hidetomi , Suzuki Akinobu , Yamada Kentaro , Takahashi Shinji , Hayashi Kazunori , Tamai Koji , Hori Yusuke , Nakamura Hiroaki 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to clarify the clinical impact of sarcopenia on the outcome of minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery. The records of 130 patients who were >65 years and underwent minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery were retrospectively reviewed. We collected the Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score before surgery and at the final follow-up and measured appendicular muscle mass using bioimpedance analysis, hand-grip strength and gait speed. We diagnosed the patients with sarcopenia, dynapenia and normal stages using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People definition and used cutoff thresholds according to the algorithm set by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The average age of patients undergoing surgery was 76.9 years old. The JOA score improved from 12.6 points preoperatively to 24.3 points at final follow up. The prevalence of the sarcopenia, dynapenia and normal stages was 20.0, 31.6 and 43.8%. Clinical outcomes, such as JOA score, JOA score improvement ratio, visual analog scale for low back pain, leg pain and numbness, were not significantly different among each group. Multiple regression analysis showed that preoperative JOA score and low physical performance (low gait speed) were independently associated with poor clinical outcomes. The JOA score improved after minimally invasive lumbar decompression surgery even when the patients were diagnosed as being at different stages of sarcopenia. Low physical performance had the greater clinical impact on the clinical outcome of lumbar surgery than low skeletal muscle index.
Metabolic Effects of JAK1/2 Inhibition in Patients with Myeloproliferative Neoplasms
Authors: Sapre Manali , Tremblay Douglas , Wilck Eric , James Annie , Leiter Amanda , Coltoff Alexander , Koshy Anita G. , Kremyanskaya Marina , Hoffman Ronald , Mascarenhas John O. , Gallagher Emily J. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRuxolitinib is an FDA approved janus kinase (JAK)1/2 inhibitor used to treat myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), including myelofibrosis and polycythemia vera. We aimed to determine the metabolic consequences of ruxolitinib treatment in patients with MPNs. We performed a retrospective single-center cohort study utilizing an electronic medical record based database of patients who began treatment with ruxolitinib for MPNs from January 2010 to March 2017. We also examined the effects of ruxolitinib on adipose tissue JAK/STAT signaling in a mouse model. 127 patients were identified, of which 69 had data available for weight, and at least one other parameter of interest before, and 72 weeks after starting ruxolitinib. Mean baseline weight was 73.9 ± 17.0 kg, and 78.54 ± 19.1 kg at 72 weeks (p < 0.001). 50% of patients gained >5% body weight. Baseline body mass index (BMI) was 25.8 ± 4.8 kg/m2, and 27.5 ± 5.5 kg/m2 at 72 weeks (p < 0.001). Patients treated with ruxolitinib had a higher systolic blood pressure, serum AST, and ALT at 72 weeks, compared with baseline (p = 0.03, p = 0.01, p = 0.04, respectively). In mice, ruxolitinib decreased basal and GH-stimulated STAT5 phosphorylation in adipose tissue. As pharmacological JAK1/2 inhibitors are being developed and used in clinical practice, it is important to understand their long-term metabolic consequences.
Dysmenorrhea increased the risk of postpartum depression in Chinese Han parturients
Authors: Meng Liping , Li Jianmei , Cheng Yuli , Wei Tingting , Du Yukai , Peng Songxu 
Published: November 2019

AbstractSeveral studies have shown that dysmenorrhea increased the risk of depression. However, the association between dysmenorrhea and postpartum depression (PPD) is unclear. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effects of dysmenorrhea on the development of PPD among Chinese women. A case-control study was performed on parturients who delivered from January 1, 2016, to December 31, 2016, at Bao an Maternal and Child Health Hospital in Shenzhen, China. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was used to screen for maternal postpartum depression. Logistic regression models were used to examine the association between dysmenorrhea and the risk of PPD. A total of 360 women including 120 cases and 240 controls were enrolled. Our study showed that parturients with PPD had a higher percentage of dysmenorrhea than women without PPD (64.2% vs 47.9%, P = 0.004). In univariate analysis, we observed that dysmenorrhea increased the risk for PPD (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.24–3.06; P = 0.004). In the fully adjusted model, dysmenorrhea was still significantly associated with an increased risk of PPD (OR = 2.45; 95% CI: 1.36–4.54; P = 0.003). Our data confirmed that dysmenorrhea may be a risk factor for PPD. Therefore, screening for postpartum depression should be considered in parturients with a history of dysmenorrhea.
A Comparative Evaluation of the New Genexpert MTB/RIF Ultra and other Rapid Diagnostic Assays for Detecting Tuberculosis in Pulmonary and Extra Pulmonary Specimens
Authors: Osei Sekyere John , Maphalala Nontobeko , Malinga Lesibana A. , Mbelle Nontombi M. , Maningi Nontuthuko E. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStudies evaluating the new GeneXpert Ultra with other rapid diagnostic assays are limited, particularly in different geographical settings. The performance of the GeneXpert Ultra, the GeneXpert G4, the Line probe assays (LPA) and auramine smear microscopy in detecting TB in pulmonary and extra-pulmonary samples were thus evaluated. Remnants (n = 205 samples) of pulmonary (n = 125 samples) and extra-pulmonary (n = 80 samples) specimens from TB suspects were prospectively collected. Each sample was divided for diagnosis using microscopy, GeneXpert MTB/RIF assays, and LPA; these were all comparatively evaluated, using the MGIT 960 culture as a gold standard. The sensitivity and specificity of microscopy, Xpert Ultra, Xpert G4 and MTBDRplus (ver 2) in pulmonary samples were respectively: 82.00% and 90.28%; 88.00% and 58.57%; 79.59% and 90.28%; 80.00% and 11.11%. For extra-pulmonary specimen, the sensitivity and specificity were respectively: 53.85% and 98.51%; 69.23% and 49.25%; 50.00% and 97.01%; 69.23% and 25.37%. The new and improved GeneXpert Ultra assay was more sensitive than GeneXpert G4 and LPA in both pulmonary and extra pulmonary samples, albeit with lower specificity than the GeneXpert G4. The auramine and LPA tests were also highly sensitive, although the LPA was less specific.
LKB1/p53/TIGAR/autophagy-dependent VEGF expression contributes to PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammatory responses
Authors: Xu Huan , Xu Xiuduan , Wang Hongli , Qimuge Aodeng , Liu Shasha , Chen Yuanlian , Zhang Chongchong , Hu Meiru , Song Lun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractOne of the health hazards of PM2.5 exposure is to induce pulmonary inflammatory responses. In our previous study, we demonstrated that exposing both the immortalized and primary human bronchial epithelial cells to PM2.5 results in a significant upregulation of VEGF production, a typical signaling event to trigger chronic airway inflammation. Further investigations showed that PM2.5 exposure strongly induces ATR/CHK1/p53 cascade activation, leading to the induction of DRAM1-dependent autophagy to mediate VEGF expression by activating Src/STAT3 pathway. In the current study, we further revealed that TIGAR was another transcriptional target of p53 to trigger autophagy and VEGF upregulation in Beas-2B cells after PM2.5 exposure. Furthermore, LKB1, but not ATR and CHK1, played a critical role in mediating p53/TIGAR/autophagy/VEGF pathway activation also by linking to Src/STAT3 signaling cascade. Therefore, on combination of the previous report, we have identified both ATR/CHK1/p53/DRAM1- and LKB1/p53/TIGAR- dependent autophagy in mediating VEGF production in the bronchial epithelial cells under PM2.5 exposure. Moreover, the in vivo study further confirmed VEGF induction in the airway potentially contributed to the inflammatory responses in the pulmonary vascular endothelium of PM2.5-treated rats. Therefore, blocking VEGF expression or autophagy induction might be the valuable strategies to alleviating PM2.5-induced respiratory injuries.
Investigation of phase transformations and corrosion resistance in Co/CoCo2O4 nanowires and their potential use as a basis for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Zdorovets M. V. , Kozlovskiy A. L. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe paper is devoted to the study of the effect of thermal annealing on the change in the structural properties and phase composition of metal Co nanostructures, as well as the prospects of their use as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. During the study, a four-stage phase transition in the structure of nanowires consisting of successive transformations of the structure (Со-FCC/Co-HCP) → (Со-FCС) → (Со-FCC/СоСо2О4) → (СоСо2О4), accompanied by uniform oxidation of the structure of nanowires with an increase in temperature above 400 °C. In this case, an increase in temperature to 700 °C leads to a partial destruction of the oxide layer and surface degradation of nanostructures. During life tests, it was found that the lifetime for oxide nanostructures exceeds 500 charge/discharge cycles, for the initial nanostructures and annealed at a temperature of 300 °С, the lifetimes are 297 and 411 cycles, respectively. The prospects of using Co/CoCo2O4nanowires as the basis for lithium-ion batteries is shown.
Evidenzbasierte Stimmtherapieprogramme bei Dysphonien: eine Literaturstudie
Authors: Barsties v Latoszek Ben 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe aim of the present study was a systematic literature review on selected evidence-based voice therapy programs for the treatment of various types of dysphonia. The results showed that nine of seventeen voice therapy programs complied the selection criteria. All nine voice therapy programs revealed significant improvements in various aspects of laryngeal evaluation, voice quality, vocal function, and/or self-evaluation. These improvements might be expected between one day to ten weeks. Mostly, the voice therapy programs based on physiological voice therapy.
Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Sickle Cell Trait
Authors: Wellenstein Whitney L. , Sullivan Shannon , Darbinian Jeanne , Ritterman Weintraub Miranda L. , Greenberg Mara 
Published: November 2019

Objective To compare adverse pregnancy outcomes between women with sickle cell trait (SCT) and women with normal hemoglobin.
Study Design A retrospective cohort study of women who delivered within Kaiser Permanente Northern California between 2006 and 2013. Using hemoglobin electrophoretic profiles, we defined women with hemoglobin AS (HbAS) as having SCT and those with hemoglobin AA (HbAA) as having normal hemoglobin. Outcomes were pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), small for gestational age (SGA), gestational diabetes (GDM), and preterm delivery (PTD). Demographic and pregnancy outcome variations were assessed in bivariate analyses. Multivariable logistic regression modeling was used to estimate odds ratios for the association between primary outcomes and selected characteristics.
Results Of 31,840 eligible women, 868 (2.7%) had SCT. Women with SCT were more likely to have PIH (15.6% vs. 12.2%, p value = 0.003) and SGA (8.3% vs. 6.1%, p value = 0.008), less likely to have GDM (6.8% vs. 9.8%, p value = 0.003) and had similar PTD prevalence (8.1% vs. 7.6%, p value = 0.600). In multivariable analyses, SCT was not an independent predictor of these outcomes. Racial/ethnic minorities had higher adjusted odds of PIH, SGA, and GDM.
Conclusion SCT alone does not appear to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. Race/ethnicity is a risk factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes.