bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Quartz Grain Growth and the Application of the Wattmeter to Predict Quartz Recrystallized Grain Sizes
Authors: Tokle Leif , Hirth Greg 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRelationships between the recrystallized grain size and stress are investigated for experimentally deformed water‐added quartz aggregates. For stresses ≥100 MPa there is a variation in the measured recrystallized grain size for a given stress. This variation correlates with a change in the c‐axis fabric in general shear experiments, where samples with larger recrystallized grain sizes for a given stress have dominantly prism <a> c‐axis fabrics and samples with smaller recrystallized grain sizes for a given stress have dominantly basal <a> c‐axis fabrics. The dislocation creep flow law also changes at conditions where these two c‐axis fabrics form (Tokle et al., 2019, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.epsl.2018.10.017). Using the wattmeter model (Austin & Evans, 2007, https://doi.org/10.1130/G23244A.1), different piezometric relationships are quantified for samples that develop prism <a> and basal <a> c‐axis fabrics, respectively. The wattmeter model is sensitive to grain growth kinetics; a new grain growth law for quartz is formulated based on reanalysis of microstructures in samples from previous work. The activation enthalpies and water fugacity exponents for our grain growth law and dislocation creep flow laws are the same within error, suggesting the recrystallized grain size versus stress relationships are nearly independent of temperature and water fugacity, consistent with laboratory observations. The wattmeters successfully predict the recrystallized grain size versus stress relationships of all quartzite samples from experiments with added water. These results support the use and extrapolation of the wattmeter model for both experimental and geologic conditions to investigate the stress state and grain size evolution of quartz rich rocks.
Effects of Atmospheric Circulation on Stream Chemistry in Forested Watersheds Across the Northeastern United States: Part 2. Interannual Weather Type Variability
Authors: Suriano Z. J. , Siegert C. M. , Leathers D. J. , Gold A. J. , Addy K. , Schroth A. W. , Seybold E. , Inamdar S. , Levia D. F. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractUsing synoptic classification techniques, synoptic‐scale weather types associated with large exports of dissolved organic carbon and nitrate‐nitrogen in three forested watersheds in the northeastern United States are analyzed. In contrast to Siegert et al. (2021,https://doi.org/10.1029/2020jd033413; Part 1), which details the general synoptic conditions associated with stream chemistry variations, this study focuses on the long‐term frequency, trends, and global‐scale forcing mechanisms of individual, chemistry‐relevant, synoptic types. Nine individual types are identified as the most important to stream chemistry exports in northeastern watersheds during a 2.5‐year period of high‐frequency stream chemistry observation (2014–2016). Streamflow chemistry was the most influenced by Northwest Flow synoptic weather types in Vermont, cold front passages associated with Weak Westerly Flow types in Rhode Island, and Southwest Flow (SWF) types in Maryland. Each type provides unique atmospheric conditions that result in variations in precipitation, and thus chemical signals. From 1948 to 2017, the Arctic and North Atlantic Oscillations greatly influenced the interannual frequency of the analyzed synoptic types. When the indices were positively phased, SWF types were more frequent, while Northwest Flow and Weak Westerly Flow types were less frequent. Long‐term trends in synoptic type frequency are, inpart, due to documented changes in these teleconnection indices toward more positively phased configurations. As the climate continues to change into the 21st century, such associations may continue to drive large changes in synoptic type frequency, and thus watershed hydrology and biogeochemistry in the Northeast region.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids protect against inflammation through production of LOX and CYP450 lipid mediators: relevance for major depression and for human hippocampal neurogenesis
Authors: Borsini Alessandra , Nicolaou Anna , Camacho-Muñoz Dolores , Kendall Alexandra C. , Di Benedetto Maria Grazia , Giacobbe Juliette , Su Kuan-Pin , Pariante Carmine M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractEicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) can exert antidepressant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, but the exact molecular mechanism underlying their effects is still not fully understood. We conducted both in vitro and clinical investigations to test which EPA or DHA metabolites are involved in these anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and antidepressant effects. In vitro, we used the human hippocampal progenitor cell line HPC0A07/03C, and pre-treated cells with either EPA or DHA, followed by interleukin 1beta (IL1β), IL6 and interferon-alpha (IFN-α). Both EPA and DHA prevented the reduction in neurogenesis and the increase in apoptosis induced by these cytokines; moreover, these effects were mediated by the lipoxygenase (LOX) and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) EPA/DHA metabolites, 5-hydroxyeicosapentaenoic acid (HEPE), 4-hydroxydocosahexaenoic acid (HDHA), 18-HEPE, 20-HDHA, 17(18)-epoxyeicosatetraenoic acid (EpETE) and 19(20)-epoxydocosapentaenoic acid (EpDPA), detected here for the first time in human hippocampal neurones using mass spectrometry lipidomics of the supernatant. In fact, like EPA/DHA, co-treatment with these metabolites prevented cytokines-induced reduction in neurogenesis and apoptosis. Moreover, co-treatment with 17(18)-EpETE and 19(20)-EpDPA and the soluble epoxide hydroxylase (sEH) inhibitor, TPPU (which prevents their conversion into dihydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (DiHETE)/ dihydroxydocosapentaenoic acid (DiHDPA) metabolites) further enhanced their neurogenic and anti-apoptotic effects. Interestingly, these findings were replicated in a sample of n = 22 patients with a DSM-IV Major Depressive Disorder, randomly assigned to treatment with either EPA (3.0 g/day) or DHA (1.4 g/day) for 12 weeks, with exactly the same LOX and CYP450 lipid metabolites increased in the plasma of these patients following treatment with their precursor, EPA or DHA, and some evidence that higher levels of these metabolites were correlated with less severe depressive symptoms. Overall, our study provides the first evidence for the relevance of LOX- and CYP450-derived EPA/DHA bioactive lipid metabolites as neuroprotective molecular targets for human hippocampal neurogenesis and depression, and highlights the importance of sEH inhibitors as potential therapeutic strategy for patients suffering from depressive symptoms.
AMRFinderPlus and the Reference Gene Catalog facilitate examination of the genomic links among antimicrobial resistance, stress response, and virulence
Authors: Feldgarden Michael , Brover Vyacheslav , Gonzalez-Escalona Narjol , Frye Jonathan G. , Haendiges Julie , Haft Daniel H. , Hoffmann Maria , Pettengill James B. , Prasad Arjun B. , Tillman Glenn E. , Tyson Gregory H. , Klimke William 
Published: June 2021

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a significant public health threat. With the rise of affordable whole genome sequencing, in silico approaches to assessing AMR gene content can be used to detect known resistance mechanisms and potentially identify novel mechanisms. To enable accurate assessment of AMR gene content, as part of a multi-agency collaboration, NCBI developed a comprehensive AMR gene database, the Bacterial Antimicrobial Resistance Reference Gene Database and the AMR gene detection tool AMRFinder. Here, we describe the expansion of the Reference Gene Database, now called the Reference Gene Catalog, to include putative acid, biocide, metal, stress resistance genes, in addition to virulence genes and species-specific point mutations. Genes and point mutations are classified by broad functions, as well as more detailed functions. As we have expanded both the functional repertoire of identified genes and functionality, NCBI released a new version of AMRFinder, known as AMRFinderPlus. This new tool allows users the option to utilize only the core set of AMR elements, or include stress response and virulence genes, too. AMRFinderPlus can detect acquired genes and point mutations in both protein and nucleotide sequence. In addition, the evidence used to identify the gene has been expanded to include whether nucleotide or protein sequence was used, its location in the contig, and presence of an internal stop codon. These database improvements and functional expansions will enable increased precision in identifying AMR genes, linking AMR genotypes and phenotypes, and determining possible relationships between AMR, virulence, and stress response.
Aptamer based diagnosis of crimean-congo hemorrhagic fever from clinical specimens
Authors: Jalali Tahmineh , Salehi-Vaziri Mostafa , Pouriayevali Mohammad Hassan , Gargari Seyed Latif Mousavi 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCrimean-Congo hemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an acute viral zoonotic disease. The widespread geographic distribution of the disease and the increase in the incidence of the disease from new regions, placed CCHF in a list of public health emergency contexts. The rapid diagnosis, in rural and remote areas where the majority of cases occur, is essential for patient management. Aptamers are considered as a specific and sensitive tool for being used in rapid diagnostic methods. The Nucleoprotein (NP) of the CCHF virus (CCHFV) was selected as the target for the isolation of aptamers based on its abundance and conservative structure, among other viral proteins. A total of 120 aptamers were obtained through 9 rounds of SELEX (Systematic Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) from the ssDNA aptamer library, including the random 40-nucleotide ssDNA region between primer binding sites (GCCTGTTGTGAGCCTCCTAAC(N40)GGGAGACAAGAATAAGCA). The KD of aptamers was calculated using the SPR technique. The Apt33 with the highest affinity to NP was selected to design the aptamer-antibody ELASA test. It successfully detected CCHF NP in the concentration of 90 ng/ml in human serum. Evaluation of aptamer-antibody ELASA with clinical samples showed 100% specificity and sensitivity of the test. This simple, specific, and the sensitive assay can be used as a rapid and early diagnosis tool, as well as the use of this aptamer in point of care test near the patient. Our results suggest that the discovered aptamer can be used in various aptamer-based rapid diagnostic tests for the diagnosis of CCHF virus infection.
Stress in obstructive sleep apnea
Authors: Wong Jasmine L. , Martinez Fernando , Aguila Andrea P. , Pal Amrita , Aysola Ravi S. , Henderson Luke A. , Macey Paul M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPeople with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) often have psychological symptoms including depression and anxiety, which are commonly treated with anti-depression or anti-anxiety interventions. Psychological stress is a related symptom with different intervention targets that may also improve mental state, but this symptom is not well characterized in OSA. We therefore aimed to describe stress in relation to other psychological symptoms. We performed a prospective cross-sectional study of 103 people, 44 untreated OSA (mean ± s.d. age: 51.2 ± 13.9 years, female/male 13/31) and 57 healthy control participants (age: 46.3 ± 13.8 years, female/male 34/23). We measured stress (Perceived Stress Scale; PSS), excessive daytime sleepiness (Epworth Sleepiness Scale; ESS), depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire; PHQ-9), and anxiety symptoms (General Anxiety Disorder; GAD-7). We compared group means with independent samples t-tests and calculated correlations between variables. Mean symptom levels were higher in OSA than control, including PSS (mean ± s.d.: OSA = 15.3 ± 6.9, control = 11.4 ± 5.5; P = 0.002), GAD-7 (OSA = 4.8 ± 5.0, control = 2.1 ± 3.9; P = 0.02), PHQ-9 (OSA = 6.9 ± 6.1, control = 2.6 ± 3.8; P = 0.003) and ESS (OSA = 8.1 ± 5.3, control = 5.0 ± 3.3; P = 0.03). Similar OSA-vs-control differences appeared in males, but females only showed significant differences in PHQ-9 and ESS, not PSS or GAD-7. PSS correlated strongly with GAD-7 and PHQ-9 across groups (R = 0.62–0.89), and moderately with ESS. Perceived stress is high in OSA, and closely related to anxiety and depressive symptoms. The findings support testing stress reduction in OSA.
A modified in vitro clot lysis assay predicts outcomes and safety in acute ischemic stroke patients undergoing intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Orbán-Kálmándi Rita , Szegedi István , Sarkady Ferenc , Fekete István , Fekete Klára , Vasas Nikolett , Berényi Ervin , Csiba László , Bagoly Zsuzsa 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe outcome of intravenous thrombolysis using recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is only favorable in ≈ 40% of acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients. Moreover, in ≈ 6–8% of cases, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) develops. We tested whether a modification of clot lysis assay (CLA), might predict therapy outcomes and safety. In this prospective observational study, blood samples of 231 AIS patients, all receiving intravenous rt-PA, were taken before thrombolysis. Cell-free DNA (cfDNA), CLA and CLA supplemented with cfDNA and histones (mCLA) were determined from the blood samples. Stroke severity was determined by NIHSS on admission. ICH was classified according to ECASSII. Short- and long-term outcomes were defined at 7 and 90 days post-event according to ΔNIHSS and by the modified Rankin Scale, respectively. Stroke severity demonstrated a step-wise positive association with cfDNA levels, while a negative association was found with the time to reach 50% lysis (50%CLT) parameter of CLA and mCLA. ROC analysis showed improved diagnostic performance of the mCLA. Logistic regression analysis proved that 50%CLT is a predictor of short-term therapy failure, while the AUC parameter predicts ICH occurrence. A modified CLA, supplemented with cfDNA and histones, might be a promising tool to predict short-term AIS outcomes and post-lysis ICH.
Cryptochrome expression in avian UV cones: revisiting the role of CRY1 as magnetoreceptor
Authors: Pinzon-Rodriguez Atticus , Muheim Rachel 
Published: June 2021

AbstractCryptochromes (CRY) have been proposed as putative magnetoreceptors in vertebrates. Localisation of CRY1 in the UV cones in the retinas of birds suggested that it could be the candidate magnetoreceptor. However, recent findings argue against this possibility. CRY1 is a type II cryptochrome, a subtype of cryptochromes that may not be inherently photosensitive, and it exhibits a clear circadian expression in the retinas of birds. Here, we reassessed the localisation and distribution of CRY1 in the retina of the zebra finch. Zebra finches have a light-dependent magnetic compass based on a radical-pair mechanism, similar to migratory birds. We found that CRY1 colocalised with the UV/V opsin (SWS1) in the outer segments of UV cones, but restricted to the tip of the segments. CRY1 was found in all UV cones across the entire retina, with the highest densities near the fovea. Pre-exposure of birds to different wavelengths of light did not result in any difference in CRY1 detection, suggesting that CRY1 did not undergo any detectable functional changes as result of light activation. Considering that CRY1 is likely not involved in magnetoreception, our findings open the possibility for an involvement in different, yet undetermined functions in the avian UV/V cones.
Prosocial behavior of wearing a mask during an epidemic: an evolutionary explanation
Authors: Kabir K. M. Ariful , Risa Tori , Tanimoto Jun 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIn the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, with limited or no supplies of vaccines and treatments, people and policymakers seek easy to implement and cost-effective alternatives to combat the spread of infection during the pandemic. The practice of wearing a mask, which requires change in people’s usual behavior, may reduce disease transmission by preventing the virus spread from infectious to susceptible individuals. Wearing a mask may result in a public good game structure, where an individual does not want to wear a mask but desires that others wear it. This study develops and analyzes a new intervention game model that combines the mathematical models of epidemiology with evolutionary game theory. This approach quantifies how people use mask-wearing and related protecting behaviors that directly benefit the wearer and bring some advantage to other people during an epidemic. At each time-step, a suspected susceptible individual decides whether to wear a facemask, or not, due to a social learning process that accounts for the risk of infection and mask cost. Numerical results reveal a diverse and rich social dilemma structure that is hidden behind this mask-wearing dilemma. Our results highlight the sociological dimension of mask-wearing policy.
Preclinical study to improve microbubble-mediated drug delivery in cancer using an ultrasonic probe with an interchangeable acoustic lens
Authors: Lee Seunghyun , Jeon Hoyoon , Shim Shinyong , Im Maesoon , Kim Jinsik , Kim Jung Hoon , Lee Byung Chul 
Published: June 2021

AbstractFocused ultrasound with microbubbles (FUS-MBs) has shown that it can lead to an efficient drug delivery system (DDS) involving the oscillation and destruction of the MB but is limited in drug delivery due to its narrow pressure field. However, unfocused ultrasound with MBs (UUS-MBs) and an interchangeable acoustic lens can tune and enhance the pressure field for MB destruction to overcome the disadvantages of FUS-MB DDSs. We designed a lens suitable for an ultrasound-phased array probe and studied the optimal treatment conditions for MB destruction in vitro through an optical imaging setup. The DDS effects were evaluated in a rat hepatoma model using doxorubicin (DOX) treatment. A concave lens with a radius of curvature of 2.6 mm and a thickness of 4 mm was selected and fabricated. UUS-MBs with the acoustic lens at 60 Vpp for 32 cycles and a PRF of 1 kHz could induce MB destruction, promoting the DDS even under fluidic conditions. In the animal experiment, the UUS-MBs in the acoustic lens treatment group had a higher concentration of DOX in the tumor than the control group. Our system suggests uses an acoustic lens to increase DDS effectiveness by providing sufficient ultrasound irradiation to the MBs.
Observation of frequency-uncorrelated photon pairs generated by counter-propagating spontaneous parametric down-conversion
Authors: Liu Yi-Chen , Guo Dong-Jie , Ren Kun-Qian , Yang Ran , Shang Minghao , Zhou Wei , Li Xinhui , Sun Chang-Wei , Xu Ping , Xie Zhenda , Gong Yan-Xiao , Zhu Shi-Ning 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe report the generation of frequency-uncorrelated photon pairs from counter-propagating spontaneous parametric down-conversion in a periodically-poled KTP waveguide. The joint spectral intensity of photon pairs is characterized by measuring the corresponding stimulated process, namely, the difference frequency generation process. The experimental result shows a clear uncorrelated joint spectrum, where the backward-propagating photon has a narrow bandwidth of 7.46 GHz and the forward-propagating one has a bandwidth of 0.23 THz like the pump light. The heralded single-photon purity estimated through Schmidt decomposition is as high as 0.996, showing a perspective for ultra-purity and narrow-band single-photon generation. Such unique feature results from the backward-wave quasi-phase-matching condition and does not has a strict limitation on the material and working wavelength, thus fascinating its application in photonic quantum technologies.
Genetic variants in bone morphogenetic proteins signaling pathway might be involved in palatal rugae phenotype in humans
Authors: Silva-Sousa Alice Corrêa , Marañón-Vásquez Guido Artemio , Stuani Maria Bernadete Sasso , Proff Peter , Andrades Kesly Mary Ribeiro , Baratto-Filho Flares , Matsumoto Mírian Aiko Nakane , Paddenberg Eva , Küchler Erika Calvano , Kirschneck Christian 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThis study investigated, if genetic variants in BMP2, BMP4 and SMAD6 are associated with variations in the palatal rugae pattern in humans. Dental casts and genomic DNA from 75 patients were evaluated. Each patient was classified as follows: total amount of rugae; bilateral symmetry in the amount, length and shape of the palatal rugae; presence of secondary or fragmentary palatal rugae; presence of unifications; predominant shape; and predominant direction of the palatal rugae. The genetic variants in BMP2 (rs1005464 and rs235768), BMP4 (rs17563) and SMAD6 (rs2119261 and rs3934908) were genotyped. Genotype distribution was compared between palatal rugae patterns using the chi-square test (alpha = 0.05). The allele A was associated with the presence of secondary or fragmentary rugae for rs1005464 (OR = 2.5, 95%CI 1.1–6.3; p = 0.014). Secondary or fragmentary rugae were associated with the G allele in rs17563 (OR = 2.1, 95%CI 1.1–3.9; p = 0.017). rs17563 was also associated with rugae unification (p = 0.017 in the additive model). The predominant shape (wavy) was associated with rs2119261 (p = 0.023 in the additive model). The left–right symmetry of the length of primary rugae was associated with rs3934908 in the recessive model (OR = 3.6, 95%CI 1.2–11.7; p = 0.025). In conclusion, genetic variants in the BMP pathway impacted on palatal rugae pattern.
Secondary bacterial infection in COVID-19 patients is a stronger predictor for death compared to influenza patients
Authors: Shafran Noa , Shafran Inbal , Ben-Zvi Haim , Sofer Summer , Sheena Liron , Krause Ilan , Shlomai Amir , Goldberg Elad , Sklan Ella H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractSecondary bacterial infections are a potentially fatal complication of influenza infection. We aimed to define the impact of secondary bacterial infections on the clinical course and mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients by comparison with influenza patients. COVID-19 (n = 642) and influenza (n = 742) patients, admitted to a large tertiary center in Israel and for whom blood or sputum culture had been taken were selected for this study. Bacterial culture results, clinical parameters, and death rates were compared. COVID-19 patients had higher rates of bacterial infections than influenza patients (12.6% vs. 8.7%). Notably, the time from admission to bacterial growth was longer in COVID-19 compared to influenza patients (4 (1–8) vs. 1 (1–3) days). Late infections (> 48 h after admission) with gram-positive bacteria were more common in COVID-19 patients (28% vs. 9.5%). Secondary infection was associated with a higher risk of death in both patient groups 2.7-fold (1.22–5.83) for COVID-19, and 3.09-fold (1.11–7.38) for Influenza). The association with death remained significant upon adjustment to age and clinical parameters in COVID-19 but not in influenza infection. Secondary bacterial infection is a notable complication associated with worse outcomes in COVID-19 than influenza patients. Careful surveillance and prompt antibiotic treatment may benefit selected patients.