bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Pore‐Scale 3D Dynamic Modeling and Characterization of Shale Samples: Considering the Effects of Thermal Maturation
Authors: Wu Yuqi , Tahmasebi Pejman , Yu Hao , Lin Chengyan , Wu HengAn , Dong Chunmei 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe development of shale gas necessitates accurate modeling and characterization of these complicated formations, at both small and large scales. At the small scale, the studies based on experimental techniques have uncovered that the components and pore types in shales vary dramatically. Several pore types are identified and varied when the thermal maturation of shales changes. Therefore, accurate modeling and characterization of shale samples require taking such dynamic variations into consideration. This study presents a novel, dynamic, and three‐dimensional (3D) modeling technique considering pore‐system variation when the thermal maturation changes. The technique can construct dynamic shale models based on quartet structure generation set algorithm and morphological operation. This method can include various elements available in the shale samples in a very accurate way when the dynamic processes are reproduced. To evaluate the performance of the presented technique, 12 dynamic 3D shale models of three cases are constructed. These models are then characterized by analyzing the fractions of components and pores, pore and throat size distributions, coordination number distribution, fractal dimension, and tortuosity. Besides, gas transport in these dynamic 3D shale models is also simulated using pore network modeling to demonstrate the permeability variation of these models. Moreover, the fractions of interparticle and intraparticle pores and cementation degree are changed to further illustrate the capability of the developed algorithm. This study reveals such a dynamic modeling technique is a robust tool to construct various porous media with complicated elements and pores, which is not limited to shale samples.
Deformation of Intrasalt Beds Recorded by Magnetic Fabrics
Authors: Issachar R. , Weinberger R. , Alsop G. I. , Levi T. 
Published: November 2019

Key Points

Magnetic fabrics are used to study the deformation and kinematics of thick intrasalt beds within the Sedom salt wall in the Dead Sea Basin
Magnetic fabrics show tectonic imprints due to folding associated with passive diapirism
Thick intrasalt beds are mechanically distinct from the flowing salt and preserve information on salt tectonic processes operating at depth
Multisatellite Analyses of Spatiotemporal Variability in Photosynthetic Activity Over the Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Wang Xiaoyi , Wang Tao , Liu Dan , Zhang Taotao , Xu Jinfeng , Cui Guishan , Lv Guanting , Huang Huabing 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEcosystems on the Tibetan Plateau are particularly sensitive to climate change. Significant advances have been made toward understanding the effects of climate change on the vegetation productivity of the plateau by using satellite observations, but a comprehensive study including various satellite measurements has yet to be presented. Here, we analyze the spatiotemporal variability in Tibetan vegetation productivity using a variety of proxies, including the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, Enhanced Vegetation Index, Near‐Infrared Reflectance of vegetation, and Solar‐Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence. First, in terms of productivity responses to seasonal climate variation, Near‐Infrared Reflectance of vegetation‐ and Solar‐Induced chlorophyll Fluorescence‐based growing season length had better correlation with eddy covariance site measurements and was ~50 days shorter than those of the other proxies. Second, all proxies, except the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index derived from Système Probatoire d'Observation de la Terre, displayed a dipole‐like trend pattern, similar to the observed north‐south dipole pattern of precipitation change. This result is explained by the finding that moisture is a dominant driver controlling the interannual variation in productivity. Third, we analyzed the long‐term responses of vegetation productivity to the precipitation regime and found four distinct productivity regimes, desert steppe, alpine steppe, meadow, and shrub/forests, indicating that Tibetan productivity varies with precipitation in a nonlinear way. The result offers insights into how Tibetan vegetation will respond to future climate change. Our results provide a multisatellite perspective on the impacts of climate change on spatiotemporal variation in productivity and suggest an urgent need to improve Tibetan productivity simulation.
Synaptic deficits in iPSC-derived cortical interneurons in schizophrenia are mediated by NLGN2 and rescued by N-acetylcysteine
Authors: Kathuria Annie , Lopez-Lengowski Kara , Watmuff Bradley , McPhie Donna , Cohen Bruce M. , Karmacharya Rakesh 
Published: November 2019

AbstractHuman postmortem studies suggest a major role for abnormalities in GABAergic interneurons in the prefrontal cortex in schizophrenia. Cortical interneurons differentiated from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) of schizophrenia subjects showed significantly lower levels of glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), replicating findings from multiple postmortem studies, as well as reduced levels of synaptic proteins gehpyrin and NLGN2. Co-cultures of the interneurons with excitatory cortical pyramidal neurons from schizophrenia iPSCs showed reduced synaptic puncta density and lower action potential frequency. NLGN2 overexpression in schizophrenia neurons rescued synaptic puncta deficits while NLGN2 knockdown in healthy neurons resulted in reduced synaptic puncta density. Schizophrenia interneurons also had significantly smaller nuclear area, suggesting an innate oxidative stressed state. The antioxidant N-acetylcysteine increased the nuclear area in schizophrenia interneurons, increased NLGN2 expression and rescued synaptic deficits. These results implicate specific deficiencies in the synaptic machinery in cortical interneurons as critical regulators of synaptic connections in schizophrenia and point to a nexus between oxidative stress and NLGN2 expression in mediating synaptic deficits in schizophrenia.
Effectiveness of the adjunctive use of ozone and chlorhexidine in patients with chronic periodontitis
Authors: Gandhi Kaveri Kranti , Cappetta Emil G. , Pavaskar Rajdeep 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Scaling and root planning (SRP) is the gold standard approach for treatment of chronic periodontitis but used alone it may not be effective in removing periodontal pathogens from sites where access is poor.

Objective
To evaluate and compare the clinical and microbiological efficacy of ozone and chlorhexidine (CHX) as an adjunct to SRP in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods
Twenty-five patients with generalized moderate to severe chronic periodontitis with presence of at least one site in each quadrant with a probing depth ≥5 mm were recruited. In a split mouth study design, two quadrants were randomly allocated to the SRP and ozone therapy and the remaining two quadrants to SRP and CHX therapy. Plaque index (PI), Gingival index (GI), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment loss (CAL) were assessed. Subgingival plaque samples were obtained for assessment of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans (Aa) and Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg).

Results
Both groups demonstrated significant intragroup reduction in PI, GI, PD, CAL, Pg count and Aa count from baseline to 3 months follow-up. There were no significant differences between two groups for any of the parameters.

Conclusion
Ozonated olive oil can be used as an adjunctive subgingival irrigant in patients with chronic periodontitis.
Coordinated targeting of CK2 and KIT in gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Huang Mengyuan , Yang Wenyu , Zhu Jiaqing , Mariño-Enríquez Adrián , Zhu Chennianci , Chen Jiaming , Wu Yuehong , Quan Yanping , Qiu Haibo , Li Xuhui , Chai Li , Fletcher Jonathan A. , Ou Wen-Bin 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background
Most gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST) are driven by activating oncogenic mutations of KIT/PDGFRA, which provide a compelling therapeutic target. Our previous studies showed that CDC37, regulated by casein kinase 2 (CK2), is a crucial HSP90 cofactor for KIT oncogenic function and a promising and more selective therapeutic target in GIST.

Methods
Biologic mechanisms of CK2-mediated CDC37 regulation were assessed in GISTs by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitations, knockdown and inactivation assays. The effects of a combination of KIT and CK2 inhibition were assessed by immunoblotting, cell viability, colony growth, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, migration and invasiveness.

Results
CK2 overexpression was demonstrated by immunoblotting in GIST cell lines and patient biopsies. Treatment with a specific CK2 inhibitor, CX4945, leads to CDC37 dephosphorylation and inhibits KIT signalling in imatinib-sensitive and in imatinib-resistant GIST cell lines. Immunoprecipitation demonstrated that CK2 inhibition blocks KIT:HSP90:CDC37 interaction in GIST cells. Coordinated inhibition of CK2 and KIT by CX4945 (or CK2 shRNA) and imatinib, respectively, leads to increased apoptosis, anti-proliferative effects and cell cycle arrest and decreased p-AKT and p-S6 expression, migration and invasiveness in all GIST cell lines compared with either intervention alone, indicating additive effects of inhibiting these two important regulators of GIST biology.

Conclusion
Our findings suggest that combinatorial inhibition of CK2 and KIT warrants evaluation as a novel therapeutic strategy in GIST, especially in imatinib-resistant GIST.
Advanced maternal age compromises fetal growth and induces sex-specific changes in placental phenotype in rats
Authors: Napso Tina , Hung Yin-Po , Davidge Sandra T. , Care Alison S. , Sferruzzi-Perri Amanda N. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractAdvanced maternal age is associated with an increased risk of pregnancy complications. It programmes sex-specific cardiovascular dysfunction in rat offspring, however the intrauterine mechanisms involved remain unknown. This study in the rat assessed the impact of advanced maternal age on placental phenotype in relation to the growth of female and male fetuses. We show that relative to young (3–4 months) dams, advanced maternal age (9.5–10 months) compromises growth of both female and male fetuses but affects the placental phenotype sex-specifically. In placentas from aged versus young dams, the size of the placental transport and endocrine zones were increased and expression of Igf2 (+41%) and placental lactogen (Prl3b1: +59%) genes were upregulated in female, but not male fetuses. Placental abundance of IGF2 protein also decreased in the placenta of males only (−95%). Moreover, in placentas from aged versus young dams, glucocorticoid metabolism (11β-hsd2: +63% and 11β-hsd1: −33%) was higher in females, but lower in males (11β-hsd2: −50% and 11β-hsd1: unaltered). There was however, no change in the placental abundance of 11β-HSD2 protein in aged versus young dams regardless of fetal sex. Levels of oxidative stress in the placenta were increased in female and male fetuses (+57% and +90%, respectively) and apoptosis increased specifically in the placenta of males from aged rat dams (+700%). Thus, advanced maternal age alters placental phenotype in a sex-specific fashion. These sexually-divergent changes may play a role in determining health outcomes of female and male offspring of aged mothers.
Individual Differences in Serial Dependence of Facial Identity are Associated with Face Recognition Abilities
Authors: Turbett Kaitlyn , Palermo Romina , Bell Jason , Burton Jessamy , Jeffery Linda 
Published: December 2019

AbstractSerial dependence is a perceptual bias where current perception is biased towards prior visual input. This bias occurs when perceiving visual attributes, such as facial identity, and has been argued to play an important functional role in vision, stabilising the perception of objects through integration. In face identity recognition, this bias could assist in building stable representations of facial identity. If so, then individual variation in serial dependence could contribute to face recognition ability. To investigate this possibility, we measured both the strength of serial dependence and the range over which individuals showed this bias (the tuning) in 219 adults, using a new measure of serial dependence of facial identity. We found that better face recognition was associated with stronger serial dependence and narrower tuning, that is, showing serial dependence primarily when sequential faces were highly similar. Serial dependence tuning was further found to be a significant predictor of face recognition abilities independently of both object recognition and face identity aftereffects. These findings suggest that the extent to which serial dependence is used selectively for similar faces is important to face recognition. Our results are consistent with the view that serial dependence plays a functional role in face recognition.
Correcting Artifacts in Single Molecule Localization Microscopy Analysis Arising from Pixel Quantum Efficiency Differences in sCMOS Cameras
Authors: Babcock Hazen P. , Huang Fang , Speer Colenso M. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractOptimal analysis of single molecule localization microscopy (SMLM) data acquired with a scientific Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (sCMOS) camera relies on statistical compensation for its pixel-dependent gain, offset and readout noise. In this work we show that it is also necessary to compensate for differences in the relative quantum efficiency (RQE) of each pixel. We found differences in RQE on the order of 4% in our tested sCMOS sensors. These differences were large enough to have a noticeable effect on analysis algorithm results, as seen both in simulations and biological imaging data. We discuss how the RQE differences manifest themselves in the analysis results and present the modifications to the Poisson maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) sCMOS analysis algorithm that are needed to correct for the RQE differences.
Microbial Diversity in Bushmeat Samples Recovered from the Serengeti Ecosystem in Tanzania
Authors: Katani Robab , Schilling Megan A. , Lyimo Beatus , Tonui Triza , Cattadori Isabella M. , Eblate Ernest , Martin Andimile , Estes Anna B. , Buza Teresia , Rentsch Dennis , Davenport Karen W. , Hovde Blake T. , Lyimo Samson , Munuo Lydia , Stomeo Francesca , Tiambo Christian , Radzio-Basu Jessica , Mosha Fausta , Hudson Peter J. , Buza Joram J. , Kapur Vivek 
Published: December 2019

AbstractBushmeat, the meat and organs derived from wildlife species, is a common source of animal protein in the diets of those living in sub-Saharan Africa and is frequently associated with zoonotic spillover of dangerous pathogens. Given the frequent consumption of bushmeat in this region and the lack of knowledge about the microbial communities associated with this meat, the microbiome of 56 fresh and processed bushmeat samples ascertained from three districts in the Western Serengeti ecosystem in Tanzania was characterized using 16S rRNA metagenomic sequencing. The results show that the most abundant phyla present in bushmeat samples include Firmicutes (67.8%), Proteobacteria (18.4%), Cyanobacteria (8.9%), and Bacteroidetes (3.1%). Regardless of wildlife species, sample condition, season, or region, the microbiome is diverse across all samples, with no significant difference in alpha or beta diversity. The findings also suggest the presence of DNA signatures of potentially dangerous zoonotic pathogens, including those from the genus Bacillus, Brucella, Coxiella, and others, in bushmeat. Together, this investigation provides a better understanding of the microbiome associated with this major food source in samples collected from the Western Serengeti in Tanzania and highlights a need for future investigations on the potential health risks associated with the harvesting, trade, and consumption of bushmeat in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Organ Dynamics and Hemodynamic of the Whole HH25 Avian Embryonic Heart, Revealed by Ultrasound Biomicroscopy, Boundary Tracking, and Flow Simulations
Authors: Ho Sheldon , Chan Wei Xuan , Phan-Thien Nhan , Yap Choon Hwai 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCongenital heart malformations occur to substantial number of pregnancies. Studies showed that abnormal flow biomechanical environments could lead to malformations, making it important to understand the biomechanical environment of the developing heart. We performed 4D high-frequency ultrasound scans of chick embryonic hearts at HH25 to study the biomechanics of the whole heart (atria and ventricle). A novel and high-fidelity motion estimation technique, based on temporal motion model and non-rigid image registration algorithm, allowed automatic tracking of fluid-structure boundaries from scan images, and supported flow simulations. Results demonstrated that atrial appendages were the most contractile portion of the atria, having disproportionately high contribution to atrial blood pumping for its volume in the atria. However, the atria played a small role in blood pumping compared to the ventricle, as it had much lower ejection energy expenditure, and as the ventricle appeared to be able to draw inflow from the veins directly during late diastole. Spatially and temporally averaged wall shear stresses (WSS) for various cardiac structures were 0.062–0.068 Pa, but spatial-averaged WSS could be as high as 0.54 Pa in the RV. WSS was especially elevated at the atrial inlet, atrioventricular junction, regions near to the outflow tract, and at dividing lines between the left and right atrium and left and right side of the ventricle, where septation had begun and the lumen had narrowed. Elevated WSS could serve as biomechanics stimulation for proper growth and development.
The bears from Dmanisi and the first dispersal of early Homo out of Africa
Authors: Medin Tsegai , Martínez-Navarro Bienvenido , Madurell-Malapeira Joan , Figueirido Borja , Kopaliani Giorgi , Rivals Florent , Kiladze Gocha , Palmqvist Paul , Lordkipanidze David 
Published: November 2019

AbstractWe report on the taxonomy and paleodiet of the bear population that inhabited the emblematic palaeoanthropological Early Pleistocene (1.8 Ma) site of Dmanisi (Georgia), based on a dual approach combining morphometrics and microwear of upper and lower teeth. Given that the teeth of Ursus etruscus Cuvier, 1823 from Dmanisi show considerable size variability, their systematic position has been debated. However, a comparative study of the coefficients of variation for tooth size measurements in several modern bear species shows that the variability in tooth size of the ursid population from Dmanisi could result from sexual dimorphism. The analysis of tooth microwear indicates that these bears inhabited a mixed environment of open plain with forest patches, where they had a browsing diet with a substantial contribution of meat and/or fish. Comparative tooth morphometric analyses of modern ursids and fossil U. etruscus indicate that this extinct species had an omnivorous behavior similar to that of extant brown bears. The ecological interactions of the Dmanisi bears with other members of the large mammals community, including the first hominins that dispersed out of Africa, are discussed in the light of this new evidence.
Associations between cognitive impairment at onset and disability accrual in young people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Carotenuto Antonio , Moccia Marcello , Costabile Teresa , Signoriello Elisabetta , Paolicelli Damiano , Simone Marta , Lus Giacomo , Brescia Morra Vincenzo , Lanzillo Roberta ,   Cogniped study group, Rosa Laura , Barbarulo Anna Maria , Falco Fabrizia , Viterbo Rosa Gemma , Lauro Francesca 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDifferently from the adult multiple sclerosis (MS) population, the predictive value of cognitive impairment in early-onset MS is still unknown. We aim to evaluate whether cognitive performances at disease onset predict disease progression in young people with MS. This is a retrospective study on early onset (<25 years) MS patients, who had a baseline cognitive evaluation at disease onset. Demographic and longitudinal clinical data were collected up to 7 years follow up. Cognitive abilities were assessed at baseline through the Brief Repeatable Battery. Associations between cognitive abilities and clinical outcomes (occurrence of a relapse, and 1-point EDSS progression) were evaluated with stepwise logistic and Cox regression models. We included 51 patients (26 females), with a mean age at MS onset of 17.2 ± 3.9 years, and an EDSS of 2.5 (1.0–6.0). Over the follow-up, twenty-five patients had at least one relapse, and 7 patients had 1-point EDSS progression. Relapse occurrence was associated with lower 10/36 SPART scores (HR = 0.92; p = 0.002) and higher WLG scores (HR = 1.05; p = 0.01). EDSS progression was associated with lower SDMT score (OR: 0.70; p = 0.04). Worse visual memory and attention/information processing were associated with relapses and with increased motor disability after up to 7-years follow-up. Therefor, specific cognitive subdomains might better predict clinical outcomes than the overall cognitive impairment in early-onset MS.
Oscillations in the near-field feeding current of a calanoid copepod are useful for particle sensing
Authors: Giuffre Carl , Hinow Peter , Jiang Houshuo , Strickler J. Rudi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractCalanoid copepods are small crustaceans that constitute a major element of aquatic ecosystems. Key to their success is their feeding apparatus consisting of sensor-studded mouth appendages that are in constant motion. These appendages generate a feeding current to enhance the encounter probability with food items. Additionally, sensing enables the organism to determine the position and quality of food particles, and to alter the near-field flow to capture and manipulate the particles for ingestion or rejection. Here we observe a freely swimming copepod Leptodiaptomus sicilis in multiple perspectives together with suspended particles that allow us to analyse the flow field created by the animal. We observe a highly periodic motion of the mouth appendages that is mirrored in oscillations of nearby tracer particles. We propose that the phase shift between the fluid and the particle velocities is sufficient for mechanical detection of the particles entrained in the feeding current. Moreover, we propose that an immersed algal cell may benefit from the excitation by increased uptake of dissolved inorganic compounds.
A New Index of Coordinated Posterior and Anterior Evoked EEG to Detect Recall Under Sedation – A Pilot Study
Authors: Baron Shahaf Dana , Hare Gregory M. T. , Baker Andrew J. , Chenosia Violina , Priven Leonid , Mistry Nikhil , Shahaf Goded 
Published: November 2019

AbstractEEG-based technologies may be limited in identifying recall under sedation (RUS). We developed a novel index, posteriorization/anteriorization (P/A) index, based on auditory evoked EEG signal and assessed whether it could differentiate between patients with or without RUS. Methods: EEG and BIS were sampled from 3 groups: 1. Patients undergoing sedation (n = 26); 2. Awake volunteers (n = 13, positive control for recall) 3. Patients undergoing general anesthesia (GA, n = 12, negative control for recall). In recovery, recall was assessed using the BRICE questionnaire. Of the 26 sedated patients, 12 experienced recall. Both The P/A index and BIS differentiated between patients with recall and no recall. However, BIS differentiation may have been sensitive to the main drug used for sedation (midazolam vs. propofol) and the P/A index did not show similar drug-based sensitivity. Furthermore, only BIS results were correlated with EMG. Conclusion: This pilot study provided support for the association between P/A index and recall after sedation. Further research is needed in integrating the index into clinical use: (1) it should be derived by an easy-to-use EEG system with a better signal-to-noise ratio; (2) its applicability to other drugs must be shown.