bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Twist Angle mapping in layered WS2 by Polarization-Resolved Second Harmonic Generation
Authors: Psilodimitrakopoulos Sotiris , Mouchliadis Leonidas , Paradisanos Ioannis , Kourmoulakis George , Lemonis Andreas , Kioseoglou George , Stratakis Emmanuel 
Published: October 2019

AbstractStacked atomically thin transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit fundamentally new physical properties compared to those of the individual layers. The twist angle between the layers plays a crucial role in tuning these properties. Having a tool that provides high-resolution, large area mapping of the twist angle, would be of great importance in the characterization of such 2D structures. Here we use polarization-resolved second harmonic generation (P-SHG) imaging microscopy to rapidly map the twist angle in large areas of overlapping WS2 stacked layers. The robustness of our methodology lies in the combination of both intensity and polarization measurements of SHG in the overlapping region. This allows the accurate measurement and consequent pixel-by-pixel mapping of the twist angle in this area. For the specific case of 30° twist angle, P-SHG enables imaging of individual layers.
Stimulator of interferon genes (STING) activation exacerbates experimental colitis in mice
Authors: Martin Gary R. , Blomquist Charlene M. , Henare Kimiora L. , Jirik Frank R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDetection of cytoplasmic DNA by the host’s innate immune system is essential for microbial and endogenous pathogen recognition. In mammalian cells, an important sensor is the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) protein, which upon activation by bacterially-derived cyclic dinucleotides (cDNs) or cytosolic dsDNA (dsDNA), triggers type I interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokine production. Given the abundance of bacterially-derived cDNs in the gut, we determined whether STING deletion, or stimulation, acts to modulate the severity of intestinal inflammation in the dextran sodium sulphate (DSS) model of colitis. DSS was administered to Tmem173gt (STING-mutant) mice and to wild-type mice co-treated with DSS and a STING agonist. Colitis severity was markedly reduced in the DSS-treated Tmem173gt mice and greatly exacerbated in wild-type mice co-treated with the STING agonist. STING expression levels were also assessed in colonic tissues, murine bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDMs), and human THP-1 cells. M1 and M2 polarized THP-1 and murine BMDMs were also stimulated with STING agonists and ligands to assess their responses. STING expression was increased in both murine and human M1 polarized macrophages and a STING agonist repolarized M2 macrophages towards an M1-like subtype. Our results suggest that STING is involved in the host’s response to acutely-induced colitis.
The role of extracellular matrix in mouse and human corneal neovascularization
Authors: Barbariga M. , Vallone F. , Mosca E. , Bignami F. , Magagnotti C. , Fonteyne P. , Chiappori F. , Milanesi L. , Rama P. , Andolfo A. , Ferrari G. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCorneal neo-vascularization (CNV) is a highly prevalent medical condition which impairs visual acuity. The role of specific proteins in modulating CNV has been extensively reported, although no studies have described the entire human proteome in CNV corneas. In this paper, we performed a proteomic analysis of vascularizedvshealthy corneal stroma, in a CNV mouse model and in CNV-affected patients, with a specific focus on extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. We identified and quantified 2315 murine proteins, 691 human proteins and validated 5 proteins which are differentially expressed in vascularized samples and conserved in mice and humans: tenascin-C and fibronectin-1 were upregulated, while decorin, lumican and collagen-VI were downregulated in CNV samples. Interestingly, among CNV patients, those affected with Acanthamoeba keratitis showed the highest levels of fibronectin-1 and tenascin-C, suggesting a specific role of these two proteins in Acanthamoeba driven corneal CNV. On a broader picture, our findings support the hypothesis that the corneal stroma in CNV samples is disorganized and less compact. We are confident that the dissection of the human corneal proteome may shed new light on the complex pathophysiology of human CNV, and finally lead to improved treatments.
Oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors activate vagus nerve dependent gut-brain signalling
Authors: McVey Neufeld Karen-Anne , Bienenstock John , Bharwani Aadil , Champagne-Jorgensen Kevin , Mao YuKang , West Christine , Liu Yunpeng , Surette Michael G. , Kunze Wolfgang , Forsythe Paul 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe vagus nerve can transmit signals to the brain resulting in a reduction in depressive behavior as evidenced by the long-term beneficial effects of electrical stimulation of the vagus in patients with intractable depression. The vagus is the major neural connection between gut and brain, and we have previously shown that ingestion of beneficial bacteria modulates behaviour and brain neurochemistry via this pathway. Given the high levels of serotonin in the gut, we considered if gut-brain signaling, and specifically the vagal pathway, might contribute to the therapeutic effect of oral selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). Mesenteric nerve recordings were conducted in mice after treatment with SSRI to ascertain if this class of drugs resulted in increased vagal excitability. Patch clamp recordings of enteric neurons were carried out to measure activity of primary afferent neurons in the gut in response to SSRI and to assess the importance of gut epithelium in transducing signal. The tail suspension test (TST) was used following 14d feeding of SSRI in vagotomised and surgical sham mice to measure depressive-like behaviour. Brain mRNA expression was examined via PCR and the intestinal microbiome was assessed. Mesenteric nerve recordings in BALB/c mice demonstrated that oral treatment with SSRI leads to a significant increase in vagal activity. This effect was not observed in mice treated with a representative noradrenaline-dopamine reuptake inhibitor. It is known that signals from the gut can be transmitted to the vagus via the enteric nervous system. Exposure of the gut to SSRI increased the excitability of intrinsic primary afferent neurons in the myenteric plexus, through an intestinal epithelium dependent mechanism, and alpha-diversity of gut microbiota was altered. Critically, blocking vagal signaling from gut to brain, via subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, abolished the antidepressive effects of oral SSRI treatment as determined by the tail suspension test. This work suggests that vagus nerve dependent gut-brain signaling contributes to the effects of oral SSRI and further, highlights the potential for pharmacological approaches to treatment of mood disorders that focus on vagal stimulation and may not even require therapeutic agents to enter the circulation.
Relationship between subjective sleep disturbances and glycaemia in Chinese adults with type 2 diabetes: findings from a 1.5-year follow-up study
Authors: Xu Chunrong , Zhang Pan , Xiang Quanyong , Chang Guiqiu , Zhang Ming , Zhang Lei , Li Ting , Qiao Cheng , Qin Yu , Lou Peian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWe wanted to determine whether subjective sleep disturbance was associated with serum glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) in people with type 2 diabetes mellitus. In total, 944 randomly-selected people with diabetes completed the Chinese version of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Participants’ glycaemia was assessed using HbA1c in March 2016 and September 2017. The PSQI score and the change in score(△PSQI), and the HbA1c and its change (△HbAlc) were analysed by sex and age (30–45, 46–60, 61–75, and 76–89 years). Associations between time point PSQI and △PSQI with static HbA1c and △HbA1c were analysed using multiple linear regression. The results showed subjective sleep disturbance among people with diabetes was not correlated with serum HbAlc (β coefficient = 0.032, P = 0.103). However, cross-sectional multiple linear regression showed the relationship was present in women (β coefficient = 0.163, P < 0.01). In multiple linear regression, △PSQI score was correlated with △HbAlc value (β coefficient = 0.142, P < 0.01). The regression coefficient (β) for the relationship between △PSQI score and △HbA1c in men was greater than that in women, and for age was β61–75years < β46–60years < β30–45years. The strongest relationship between △PSQI and △HbA1c was in men aged 30–45 years (β = 0.452, P < 0.01). Subjective sleep disturbance among people with diabetes was not related to glycaemic status in the whole sample, but there was a correlation in women. The change in subjective sleep disturbance correlated with the change in glycaemia, most strongly in younger participants, especially men aged 30–45 years.
Thought and language disturbance in bipolar disorder quantified via process-oriented verbal fluency measures
Authors: Weiner Luisa , Doignon-Camus Nadège , Bertschy Gilles , Giersch Anne 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBipolar disorder (BD) is characterized by speech abnormalities, reflected by symptoms such as pressure of speech in mania and poverty of speech in depression. Here we aimed at investigating speech abnormalities in different episodes of BD, including mixed episodes, via process-oriented measures of verbal fluency performance – i.e., word and error count, semantic and phonological clustering measures, and number of switches–, and their relation to neurocognitive mechanisms and clinical symptoms. 93 patients with BD – i.e., 25 manic, 12 mixed manic, 19 mixed depression, 17 depressed, and 20 euthymic–and 31 healthy controls were administered three verbal fluency tasks – free, letter, semantic–and a clinical and neuropsychological assessment. Compared to depression and euthymia, switching and clustering abnormalities were found in manic and mixed states, mimicking symptoms like flight of ideas. Moreover, the neuropsychological results, as well as the fact that error count did not increase whereas phonological associations did, showed that impaired inhibition abilities and distractibility could not account for the results in patients with manic symptoms. Rather, semantic overactivation in patients with manic symptoms, including mixed depression, may compensate for trait-like deficient semantic retrieval/access found in euthymia.“For those who are manic, or those who have a history of mania, words move about in all directions possible, in a three-dimensional ‘soup’, making retrieval more fluid, less predictable.”Kay Redfield Jamison (2017, p. 279).
Relevant heating of the quiet solar corona by Alfvén waves: a result of adiabaticity breakdown
Authors: Escande D. F. , Gondret V. , Sattin F. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIon heating by Alfvén waves has been considered for long as the mechanism explaining why the solar corona has a temperature several orders of magnitude higher than the photosphere. Unfortunately, as the measured wave frequencies are much smaller than the ion cyclotron frequency, particles were expected to behave adiabatically, impeding a direct wave-particle energy transfer to take place, except through decorrelating stochastic mechanisms related to broadband wave spectra. This paper proposes a new paradigm for this mechanism by showing it is actually much simpler, more general, and very efficient. Indeed, for measured wave amplitudes in the quiet corona, ion orbits are shown to cross quasi-periodically one or several slowly pulsating separatrices in phase space. Now, a separatrix is an orbit with an infinite period, thus much longer than the pulsation one. Therefore, each separatrix crossing cancels adiabatic invariance, and yields a very strong energy transfer from the wave, and thus particle heating. This occurs whatever be the wave spectrum, even a monochromatic one. The proposed mechanism is so efficient that it might lead to a self-organized picture of coronal heating: all Alfvén waves exceeding a threshold are immediately quenched and transfer their energy to the ions.
SR9009 administered for one day after myocardial ischemia-reperfusion prevents heart failure in mice by targeting the cardiac inflammasome
Authors: Reitz Cristine J. , Alibhai Faisal J. , Khatua Tarak N. , Rasouli Mina , Bridle Byram W. , Burris Thomas P. , Martino Tami A. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractReperfusion of patients after myocardial infarction (heart attack) triggers cardiac inflammation that leads to infarct expansion and heart failure (HF). We previously showed that the circadian mechanism is a critical regulator of reperfusion injury. However, whether pharmacological targeting using circadian medicine limits reperfusion injury and protects against HF is unknown. Here, we show that short-term targeting of the circadian driver REV-ERB with SR9009 benefits long-term cardiac repair post-myocardial ischemia reperfusion in mice. Gain and loss of function studies demonstrate specificity of targeting REV-ERB in mice. Treatment for just one day abates the cardiac NLRP3 inflammasome, decreasing immunocyte recruitment, and thereby allowing the vulnerable infarct to heal. Therapy is given in vivo, after reperfusion, and promotes efficient repair. This study presents downregulation of the cardiac inflammasome in fibroblasts as a cellular target of SR9009, inviting more targeted therapeutic investigations in the future.
Speaking Clearly for Older Adults With Normal Hearing: The Role of Speaking Rate
Authors: Krause Jean C. , Panagiotopoulos Athina Panagos 
Published: October 2019

Purpose
Talkers typically use a slow speaking rate when producing clear speech, a speaking style that has been widely shown to improve intelligibility over conversational speech in difficult communication environments. With training, however, talkers can learn to produce a form of clear speech at normal speaking rates that provides young listeners with normal hearing much of the same intelligibility benefit. The purpose of this study was to determine if older listeners with normal hearing can also obtain an intelligibility benefit from clear speech at normal rates.

Method
Eight older listeners (55–68 years of age) with normal hearing were presented with nonsense sentences from 4 talkers in a background of speech-shaped noise (signal-to-noise ratio = 0 dB). Intelligibility (percent correct key words) was evaluated for conversational and clear speech produced at 2 speaking rates (normal and slow), for a total of 4 conditions: conv/normal, conv/slow, clear/normal, and clear/slow.

Results

As expected, the clear/slow speaking condition provided a large and robust intelligibility advantage (23 points) over conv/normal speech. The conv/slow condition provided almost as much benefit on average (21 points) but was highly variable across talkers. Notably, the clear/normal speaking condition provided the same size intelligibility advantage (14 points), previously reported for young listeners with normal hearing (
Krause & Braida, 2002
), thus extending the benefit of clear speech at normal speaking rates to older normal-hearing listeners.

Conclusions
Applications based on clear/normal speech (e.g., signal processing approaches for hearing aids) have the potential to provide comparable intelligibility improvements to older and younger listeners alike.
Oncologists' Perceptions of a Digital Tool to Improve Cancer Survivors' Cardiovascular Health
Authors: Kelley Marjorie , Foraker Randi , Lin En-Ju Deborah , Kulkarni Manjusha , Lustberg Maryam , Weaver Kathryn E. 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Background Cardiovascular (CV) disease continues to be a leading cause of morbidity and mortality with higher rates among cancer survivors than in the general population.
Objective This study was aimed to understand oncology providers' attitudes toward a digital CV health tool, delivered via a tablet, to promote CV health in cancer survivors.
Methods Using qualitative methods, 14 oncologists, from community and academic practice sites, were interviewed while they used the tool. Interviews were videotaped then analyzed using NVivo 11 software. Themes were inductively developed from the interviews.
Results Three major themes emerged from the interviews as follows: (1) system functionality, (2) facilitators and barriers to integration, and (3) appropriate end-users. Oncologists recognized the critical role of CV health promotion among cancer survivors and identified features about the tool that would be helpful for CV health promotion. Workflow (subtheme) was a barrier to tool use. This feedback enabled tool redesign for further testing in the context of survivorship care.
Conclusion Our findings emphasized the importance of identifying appropriate End-users which may include other survivorship care providers, patients, and primary care providers.
Implications Our research addresses the knowledge gap in the use of digital tools in cancer survivorship care, specifically digital tools to promote CV health. Future research is needed to evaluate digital tools in cancer survivorship care. Research investigating patients as users of digital tools may provide additional insight.
Asymmetric synthesis of trans-p-menth-3-ene-1,2,8-triol, the monoterpene isolated from herbal plants
Authors: Konishi Shunsuke , Ogura Yusuke , Takikawa Hirosato , Watanabe Hidenori 
Published: October 2019

ABSTRACT
The monoterpene, trans-p-menth-3-ene-1,2,8-triol, is a naturally occurring alcohol isolated from several herbal plants. In the present work, the asymmetric synthesis of both enantiomers of this natural product was achieved using Sharpless asymmetric dihydroxylation as the key step. A reversal of enantiofacial selectivity was observed in the asymmetric dihydroxylation.
Divergence in land surface modeling: linking spread to structure
Authors: Schwalm Christopher R , Schaefer Kevin , Fisher Joshua B , Huntzinger Deborah , Elshorbany Yasin , Fang Yuanyuan , Hayes Daniel , Jafarov Elchin , Michalak Anna M , Piper Mark , Stofferahn Eric , Wang Kang , Wei Yaxing 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Divergence in land carbon cycle simulation is persistent and widespread. Regardless of model intercomparison project, results from individual models diverge significantly from each other and, in consequence, from reference datasets. Here we link model spread to structure using a 15-member ensemble of land surface models from the Multi-scale synthesis and Terrestrial Model Intercomparison Project (MsTMIP) as a test case. Our analysis uses functional benchmarks and model structure as predicted by model skill in a machine learning framework to isolate discrete aspects of model structure associated with divergence. We also quantify how initial conditions prejudice present-day model outcomes after centennial-scale transient simulations. Overall, the functional benchmark and machine learning exercises emphasize the importance of ecosystem structure in correctly simulating carbon and water cycling, highlight uncertainties in the structure of carbon pools, and advise against hard parametric limits on ecosystem function. We also find that initial conditions explain 90% of variation in global satellite-era values—initial conditions largely predetermine transient endpoints, historical environmental change notwithstanding. As MsTMIP prescribes forcing data and spin-up protocol, the range in initial conditions and high levels of predetermination are also structural. Our results suggest that methodological tools linking divergence to discrete aspects of model structure would complement current community best practices in model development.
Spatial and temporal distribution and contamination assessment of heavy metal in Woji Creek
Authors: Dibofori-Orji Amalo Ndu , Ihunwo Owhonda Chikeru , Udo Kufre Solomon , Shahabinia Amir Reza , Onyema Mark Obinna , Mmom Prince Chinedu 
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Land use is one major factor that affects river water quality which is related to anthropogenic activities. Studies have shown that abandoned boats on watershed, petroleum and untreated wastewater from abattoirs can lead to anthropogenic pollution in surface waters. This study, therefore, was designed to assess spatial and temporal variation of selected heavy metals and level of pollution in Woji Creek. The study was carried out in the months of August, September and October 2018. Water samples were collected from five stations along the creek over a 3.2 km stretch. Water was collected to be analysed for heavy metals (Nickel, Cadmium, Copper, Lead and Iron). Results were subjected to ANOVA and heavy metal pollution index (HPI) was calculated using aquatic toxicity reference values (TRV) as threshold values. Heavy metal dominance in Woji was in the order of Pb > Ni > Fe > Cd > Cu. In the river, Ni had mean values ranging from 0.379 ± 0.259 mg l−1 in August to 0.545 ± 0.369 in October, while Pb with the highest concentration had mean values ranging from 0.229 ± 0.333 mg l−1 in October to 1.534 ± 0.103 mg l−1 in September. Concentrations of metals analysed were high than the TRV. Temporal analysis of HPI calculated for the study was above the critical heavy metal pollution index (100) (August = 329.358, September = 361.796, October = 112.715). A correlation was observed between heavy metals analysed during the study. Spatial analysis of HPI showed higher pollution level at Station 3 with the highest anthropogenic activity along the creek. Cu showed a negative correlation to other metals analysed. Sources of pollution on this creek was identified to be both natural and majorly anthropogenic sources. This study, therefore, points out the need for proper environmental management as regards commercial activities around the waterways.
Safety and efficacy outcomes of double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy in patients with atrial fibrillation following percutaneous coronary intervention: a systematic review and meta-analysis of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant-based randomized clinical trials
Authors: Gargiulo Giuseppe , Goette Andreas , Tijssen Jan , Eckardt Lars , Lewalter Thorsten , Vranckx Pascal , Valgimigli Marco 
Published: October 2019

Abstract

Aims
To investigate the safety and efficacy of double vs. triple antithrombotic therapy (DAT vs. TAT) in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) and acute coronary syndrome or who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

Methods and results
A systematic review and meta-analysis was performed using PubMed to search for non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulant (NOAC)-based randomized clinical trials comparing DAT vs. TAT in AF patients undergoing PCI. Four trials encompassing 10 234 patients (DAT = 5496 vs. TAT = 4738) were included. The primary safety endpoint (ISTH major or clinically relevant non-major bleeding) was significantly lower with DAT compared with TAT [risk ratio (RR) 0.66, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.56–0.78; P &lt; 0.0001; I 2 = 69%], which was consistent across all available bleeding definitions. This benefit was counterbalanced by a significant increase of stent thrombosis (RR 1.59, 95% CI 1.01–2.50; P = 0.04; I 2 = 0%) and a trend towards higher risk of myocardial infarction with DAT. There were no significant differences in all-cause and cardiovascular death, stroke and major adverse cardiovascular events. The comparison of NOAC-based DAT vs. vitamin K antagonist (VKA)-TAT yielded consistent results and a significant reduction of intracranial haemorrhage (RR 0.33, 95% CI 0.17–0.65; P = 0.001; I 2 = 0%).

Conclusion
Double antithrombotic therapy, particularly if consisting of a NOAC instead of VKA and a P2Y12 inhibitor, is associated with a reduction of bleeding, including major and intracranial haemorrhages. This benefit is however counterbalanced by a higher risk of cardiac—mainly stent-related—but not cerebrovascular ischaemic occurrences.