bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The heart rate discrimination task: a psychophysical method to estimate the accuracy and precision of interoceptive beliefs
Authors: Legrand Nicolas , Nikolova Niia , Correa Camile , Brændholt Malthe , Stuckert Anna , Kildahl Nanna , Vejlø Melina , Fardo Francesca , Allen Micah 
Published: February 2021

AbstractInteroception - the physiological sense of our inner bodies - has risen to the forefront of psychological and psychiatric research. Much of this research utilizes tasks that attempt to measure the ability to accurately detect cardiac signals. Unfortunately, these approaches are confounded by well-known issues limiting their validity and interpretation. At the core of this controversy is the role of subjective beliefs about the heart rate in confounding measures of interoceptive accuracy. Here, we recast these beliefs as an important part of the causal machinery of interoception, and offer a novel psychophysical “heart rate discrimination“ method to estimate their accuracy and precision. By applying this task in 223 healthy participants, we demonstrate that cardiac interoceptive beliefs are more biased, less precise, and are associated with poorer metacognitive insight relative to an exteroceptive control condition. Our task, provided as an open-source python package, offers a robust approach to quantifying cardiac beliefs.HighlightsCurrent interoception tasks conflate cardiac beliefs with accuracy.We introduce a Bayesian method for estimating cardiac belief accuracy and precision.Individuals underestimate their heart rate by -7 BPM (95% CI [-8.6 -5.3]) on average.Cardiac beliefs are associated with reduced precision and metacognitive insight.The task and modelling tools are provided in the Python Cardioception Package.
Platinum nanoparticles inhibit intracellular ROS generation and protect against Cold Atmospheric Plasma-induced cytotoxicity
Authors: Gunes Sebnem , He Zhonglei , Malone Renee , Cullen Patrick J , Curtin James F 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPlatinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) have been investigated for their antioxidant abilities in a range of biological and other applications. The ability to reduce off-target CAP cytotoxicity would be useful in Plasma Medicine, however, little has been published to date about the ability of PtNPs to reduce or inhibit the effects of CAP. Here we investigate whether PtNPs can protect against CAP-induced cytotoxicity in cancerous and non-cancerous cell lines. PtNPs were shown to dramatically reduce intracellular reactive species (RONS) production in human U-251 MG cells. However, RONS generation was unaffected by PtNPs in medium without cells. PtNPs protect against CAP induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization, but not cell membrane permeabilization which is a CAP-induced RONS-independent event. PtNPs act as potent intracellular scavengers of reactive species and can protect both cancerous U-251 MG cells and non-cancerous HEK293 cells against CAP induced cytotoxicity. PtNPs may be useful as a catalytic antioxidant for healthy tissue and for protecting against CAP-induced tissue damage.Graphical AbstractPtNPs are potent catalase and superoxide dismutase mimetics which makes them strong antioxidant candidates for the protection of cells against oxidative stress. CAP was generated using a Dielectric Barrier Device (DBD) system with a voltage output of 75 kV at a frequency of 50 Hz. A range of concentrations of 3nm uncoated PtNPs combined with CAP were examined in human U-251 MG Glioblastoma (GBM) cells and non-cancerous human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells. The protective effects of PtNPs against CAP were explored using several biochemical indicators of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.
A Neural Signature of Regularity in Sound is Reduced in Older Adults
Authors: Herrmann Björn , Maess Burkhard , Johnsrude Ingrid S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractSensitivity to repetitions in sound amplitude and frequency is crucial for sound perception. As with other aspects of sound processing, sensitivity to such patterns may change with age, and may help explain some age-related changes in hearing such as segregating speech from background sound. We recorded magnetoencephalography to characterize differences in the processing of sound patterns between younger and older adults. We presented tone sequences that either contained a pattern (made of a repeated set of tones) or did not contain a pattern. We show that auditory cortex in older, compared to younger, adults is hyperresponsive to sound onsets, but that sustained neural activity in auditory cortex, indexing the processing of a sound pattern, is reduced. Hence, the sensitivity of neural populations in auditory cortex fundamentally differs between younger and older individuals, overresponding to sound onsets, while underresponding to patterns in sounds. This may help to explain some age-related changes in hearing such as increased sensitivity to distracting sounds and difficulties tracking speech in the presence of other sound.
Analysis of the blood microbiome in a porcine model of fecal-induced peritonitis
Authors: Hyun Hwi , Lee Min Seok , Park Inwon , Ko Hwa Soo , Yun Seungmin , Jang Dong-Hyun , Kim Seonghye , Kim Hajin , Kang Joo H. , Lee Jae Hyuk , Kwon Taejoon 
Published: February 2021

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have proposed the existence of a blood microbiome, even in the healthy host. However, we do not know how the blood microbiome changes when a bloodstream infection (BSI) occurs. Here, we analyzed the dynamics of the blood microbiome in a porcine model of polymicrobial bacteremia induced by fecal peritonitis. Serial blood samples were taken over 12 hours post-induction of fecal peritonitis, and BSI was validated by conventional blood culture and assessment of clinical symptoms.ResultsThe bacterial populations in the blood microbiome were retained throughout the experimental period. However, there were significant taxonomic differences between the profile in the fecal and blood microbiomes, reflecting tropism for the blood environment. We also confirmed that the microbiota we detected was not contaminated by low mass bacteria in the bloodstream. However, at the same time, we noted a slight increase in Bacteroidetes, which is a major component of the gut microbiome, as sepsis developed. Comparison of the functional pathways in the blood and fecal microbiomes revealed upregulation of pathways involved in environmental interactions, and downregulation of those related to cell proliferation, in the former. Based on the enriched biological pathways, we concluded that communication and stress management pathways are essential for the survival of the blood microbiome under harsh conditions.ConclusionThis study suggests that the microbiota can be stably retained in the bloodstream over time. Although further investigation in humans is required, we suggest that the blood microbiome may be another factor to be considered in the context of BSI and subsequent sepsis.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic responses to carbon and nitrogen sources in Methylomicrobium album BG8
Authors: Sugden Scott , Lazic Marina , Sauvageau Dominic , Stein Lisa Y. 
Published: February 2021

ABSTRACTMethanotrophs use methane as their sole carbon and energy source and represent an attractive platform for converting single-carbon feedstocks into value-added compounds. Optimizing these species for biotechnological applications involves choosing an optimal growth substrate based on an understanding of cellular responses to different nutrients. Although many studies of methanotrophs have examined growth rate, yield, and central carbon flux in cultures grown with different carbon and nitrogen sources, few studies have examined more global cellular responses to different media. Here, we evaluated global transcriptomic and metabolomic profiles of Methylomicrobium album BG8 when grown with methane or methanol as the carbon source and nitrate or ammonium as the nitrogen source. We identified five key physiological changes during growth on methanol: M. album BG8 cultures upregulated transcripts for the Entner-Doudoroff and pentose phosphate pathways for sugar catabolism, produced more ribosomes, remodeled its phospholipid membrane, activated various stress response systems, and upregulated glutathione-dependent formaldehyde detoxification. When using ammonium, M. album BG8 upregulated haoAB hydroxylamine dehydrogenase and the overall central metabolic activity; whereas when using nitrate, cultures upregulated genes for nitrate assimilation and conversion. Overall, we identified several nutrient source-specific responses that could provide a valuable basis for future research on the biotechnological optimization of these species.IMPORTANCEMethanotrophs are gaining increasing interest for their biotechnological potential to convert single-carbon compounds into value-added products such as industrial chemicals, fuels, and bioplastics. Optimizing these species for biotechnological applications requires a detailed understanding of how cellular activity and metabolism varies across different growth substrates. Although each of the two most commonly used carbon sources (methane or methanol) and nitrogen sources (ammonium or nitrate) in methanotroph growth media have well-described advantages and disadvantages in an industrial context, their effects on global cellular activity remain poorly characterized. Here, we comprehensively describe the transcriptomic and metabolomic changes that characterize the growth of an industrially promising methanotroph strain on multiple combinations of carbon and nitrogen sources. Our results represent a more holistic evaluation of cellular activity than previous studies of core metabolic pathways and provide a valuable basis for the future biotechnological optimization of these species.
A small RNA is linking CRISPR-Cas and zinc transport
Authors: Märkle Pascal , Maier Lisa-Katharina , Maaß Sandra , Hirschfeld Claudia , Bartel Jürgen , Becher Dörte , Voß Björn , Marchfelder Anita 
Published: February 2021

AbstractThe function and mode of action of small regulatory RNAs is currently still understudied in archaea. In the halophilic archaeonH. volcaniia plethora of sRNAs have been identified, however, in-depth functional analysis is missing for most of them. We selected a small RNA (s479) fromH. volcaniifor detailed characterization. The sRNA gene is encoded between a CRISPR RNA locus and the Cas protein gene cluster, the s479 deletion strain is viable and was characterized in detail. Transcriptome studies of wild typeHaloferaxcells and the deletion mutant revealed up-regulation of six genes in the deletion strain, showing that the sRNA has a clearly defined function. Three of the six up-regulated genes encode potential zinc transporter proteins (ZnuA1, ZnuB1, ZnuC1) suggesting involvement of s479 in regulation of zinc transport. Upregulation of these genes in the deletion strain was confirmed by northern blot and proteome analyses. Furthermore, electrophoretic mobility shift assays demonstrate a direct interaction of s479 with the targetznuC1 mRNA. Proteome comparison of wild type and deletion strains further expanded the regulon of s479 deeply rooting this sRNA within the metabolism ofH. volcaniiespecially the regulation of transporter abundance. Interestingly, s479 is not only encoded next to CRISPR-casgenes but the mature s479 contains a crRNA-like 5’ handle and experiments with Cas protein deletion strains indicate maturation by Cas6 and interaction with Cas proteins. Together this might suggest that the CRISPR-Cas system is involved in s479 function.
Crystal structures of adenylylated and unadenylylated PIIprotein GlnK fromCorynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Grau Florian C. , Burkovski Andreas , Muller Yves A. 
Published: February 2021

PIIproteins are ubiquitous signaling proteins that are involved in the regulation of the nitrogen/carbon balance in bacteria, archaea, and some plants and algae. Signal transductionviaPIIproteins is modulated by effector molecules and post-translational modifications in the PIIT-loop. Whereas the binding of ADP, ATP and the concomitant binding of ATP and 2-oxoglutarate (2OG) engender two distinct conformations of the T-loop that either favor or disfavor the interaction with partner proteins, the structural consequences of post-translational modifications such as phosphorylation, uridylylation and adenylylation are far less well understood. In the present study, crystal structures of the PIIprotein GlnK fromCorynebacterium glutamicumhave been determined, namely of adenylylated GlnK (adGlnK) and unmodified unadenylylated GlnK (unGlnK). AdGlnK has been proposed to act as an inducer of the transcription repressor AmtR, and the adenylylation of Tyr51 in GlnK has been proposed to be a prerequisite for this function. The structures of unGlnK and adGlnK allow the first atomic insights into the structural implications of the covalent attachment of an AMP moiety to the T-loop. The overall GlnK fold remains unaltered upon adenylylation, and T-loop adenylylation does not appear to interfere with the formation of the two major functionally important T-loop conformations, namely the extended T-loop in the canonical ADP-bound state and the compacted T-loop that is adopted upon the simultaneous binding of Mg-ATP and 2OG. Thus, the PII-typical conformational switching mechanism appears to be preserved in GlnK fromC. glutamicum, while at the same time the functional repertoire becomes expanded through the accommodation of a peculiar post-translational modification.
Marketing advantages and sustainable competitiveness through branding for the supply chain of Islamic country
Authors: Shahbaz Muhammad Saeed , Javaid Mudaser , Alam Kazmi Syed Hasnain , Abbas Qamar 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
Branding plays a vital role in the success of every organization and even industry. In Islamic countries, every organization must consider Sharia rules while strategy making. Nowadays, the supply chain is considered a major tool of branding and marketing. After an extensive literature review, it has been found that the studies that test the marketing advantages (MAs) and sustainable competitiveness through branding are scarce. The purpose of this study is to empirically examine the relationship between branding and MAs and mediating the role of sustainable competitiveness.

Design/methodology/approach
This is a quantitative study. An instrument was adopted, and data were collected. The researchers tested the hypotheses from the survey data from 179 electronic organizations. The data ware analyzed through structural equation modeling to examine the proposed hypothesis of this study.

Findings
The findings indicate that the relationship among dimensions of branding attitude and MAs were supported (expect reliability). Additionally, this study also revealed that a sustainable competitive variable plays a substantial role as a mediating variable in those relationships.

Research limitations/implications
This study is a cross-sectional survey. Consequently, the limited sample size from the electric industry may affect the power of generalizability. The next study may be demonstrated for other industries to respect the nature of the branding and MAs among the managerial staff of other industries.

Practical implications
This study will help managers to understand how to use the supply chain as branding for their MAs through sustainable competitiveness.

Originality/value
This study adds practical value to the literature on sustainable competitive, branding and MA and supply chain. The study shows that sustainable competitiveness has varying mediating effects on industry value.
Family experiences of caregiving to patients with Alzheimer
Authors: Al-Zyoud Eman , Maharmeh Mahmoud , Ahmad Muayyad 
Published: February 2021

Purpose
This paper aims to describe and understand the family experience of caregiving to their Alzheimer patients and to explore the impact of caregiving on the family’s caregiver well-being.

Design/methodology/approach
The study involved eight family caregivers from the outpatient department, specifically from the neurology-medical clinic. A descriptive phenomenological approach was used for data collection through in-depth semi-structured interviews.

Findings
Four themes emerged: caregiver perception, tension, the sense of duty and commitment and altruism and sacrifice. The experience of family caregivers was different from their experiences with other chronic illnesses.

Originality/value
The family caregivers experience new life when providing care to their patients with Alzheimer's. The impact of the process of caregiving on whole life appeared in both positive and negative aspects. The perception and awareness of family caregivers toward Alzheimer’s disease were poor.
Effectiveness, safety and acceptability of no‐test medical abortion (termination of pregnancy) provided via telemedicine: a national cohort study
Authors: Aiken ARA , Lohr PA , Lord J , Ghosh N , Starling J 
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveTo compare outcomes before and after implementation of medical abortion (termination of pregnancy) without ultrasound via telemedicine.DesignCohort analysis.SettingThe three main abortion providers.Population or sampleMedical abortions at home at ≤69 days’ gestation in two cohorts: traditional model (in‐person with ultrasound, n = 22 158) from January to March 2020 versus telemedicine‐hybrid model (either in person or via telemedicine without ultrasound, n = 29 984, of whom 18 435 had no‐test telemedicine) between April and June 2020. Sample (n = 52 142) comprises 85% of all medical abortions provided nationally.MethodsData from electronic records and incident databases were used to compare outcomes between cohorts, adjusted for baseline differences.Main outcome measuresTreatment success, serious adverse events, waiting times, gestation at treatment, acceptability.ResultsMean waiting time from referral to treatment was 4.2 days shorter in the telemedicine‐hybrid model and more abortions were provided at ≤6 weeks’ gestation (40% versus 25%, P < 0.001). Treatment success (98.8% versus 98.2%, P > 0.999), serious adverse events (0.02% versus 0.04%, P = 0.557) and incidence of ectopic pregnancy (0.2% versus 0.2%, P = 0.796) were not different between models. In the telemedicine‐hybrid model, 0.04% were estimated to be over 10 weeks’ gestation at the time of the abortion; all were completed safely at home. Within the telemedicine‐hybrid model, effectiveness was higher with telemedicine than in‐person care (99.2% versus 98.1%, P < 0.001). Acceptability of telemedicine was high (96% satisfied) and 80% reported a future preference for telemedicine.ConclusionsA telemedicine‐hybrid model for medical abortion that includes no‐test telemedicine and treatment without an ultrasound is effective, safe, acceptable and improves access to care.Tweetable abstractCompelling evidence from 52 142 women shows no‐test telemedicine abortion is safe, effective and improves care.
Computed tomography findings of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis
Authors: Anderson Mark A , Kordbacheh Hamed , Joseph Evita , Bennett Susan E , Stanford Fatima Cody , Kambadakone Avinash 
Published: February 2021

AbstractIntroductionMany factors associated with colonic diverticulitis are also part of the clinical definition of the metabolic syndrome. Computed tomography (CT) is commonly performed in symptomatic patients, such as those with suspected or known acute diverticulitis, and could add additional value for the health of these patients by identifying and reporting CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome, if present and detectable. The purpose of this study was to identify CT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome in patients with acute colonic diverticulitis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 243 patients (mean‐60 yrs, M:F:126:117) diagnosed with colonic diverticulitis on CT between March 2015 and March 2017 for hepatic steatosis, vascular calcifications, abdominal diameters and fat volumes. Criteria of metabolic syndrome were obtained from medical records. Differences in imaging biomarkers were compared using chi‐square comparisons stratified by metabolic syndrome, abdominal diameter and fat volume.ResultsOf 243 patients, 33% demonstrated hepatic steatosis and 71% atherosclerotic vascular calcifications on CT. 28% met criteria for metabolic syndrome. Patients with metabolic syndrome had higher occurrence of hepatic steatosis, sagittal diameter ≥ 35 cm, visceral fat > 5000 cm3 and subcutaneous fat > 8300 cm3 (P < 0.05), but not vascular calcifications (P > 0.05).ConclusionsCT biomarkers of metabolic syndrome are commonly encountered in patients with acute diverticulitis. Recognizing and reporting these findings can guide towards further evaluation for metabolic syndrome.
Pulmonary large cell carcinoma, highly positive for PD‐L1, shows marked response to pembrolizumab: A case report
Authors: Okabe Naoyuki , Mine Hayato , Takagi Hironori , Watanabe Masayuki , Muto Satoshi , Matsumura Yuki , Shio Yutaka , Suzuki Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2021

AbstractPulmonary large cell carcinoma (LCC) is classified as a poorly defined entity among non‐small cell lung cancers (NSCLCs). At present, there are no effective anticancer drugs, such as molecular targeted drugs, for LCC, and it has been reported that patient prognosis is poor. Recently, the development of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has changed the therapeutic strategies for patients with NSCLC. Here, we present a case of LCC successfully treated with pembrolizumab. A 58‐year‐old man who was a former smoker was diagnosed with LCC. The postoperative stage was T3N2M0. During postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy, swelling of the supraclavicular lymph node was observed and the patient was diagnosed with recurrence. The patient was treated with two regimens of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy; however, he experienced some hoarseness. Imaging confirmed swelling of the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes and the patient was subsequently diagnosed with disease progression. Previous surgical specimens when immunostained showed that a high proportion of the tumor cells were positive for expression of programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), and it was decided to commence treatment with pembrolizumab. This treatment resulted in rapid regression of the hilar and mediastinal lymph nodes, and a progression‐free period maintained for at least 24 treatment cycles. The patient's hoarseness improved, and the lymph nodes decreased in size. Immunotherapy targeting PD‐1/PD‐L1 may be an option for patients with PD‐L1 positive LCC. This case report suggests that treatment with ICIs may be important in the selection of treatment for not only LCC but also relatively rare NSCLC with high PD‐L1 expression.