bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy: features on chest computed tomography using a structured report system
Authors: Grassi Roberto , Fusco Roberta , Belfiore Maria Paola , Montanelli Alessandro , Patelli Gianluigi , Urraro Fabrizio , Petrillo Antonella , Granata Vincenza , Sacco Palmino , Mazzei Maria Antonietta , Feragalli Beatrice , Reginelli Alfonso , Cappabianca Salvatore 
Published: October 2020

AbstractTo assess the use of a structured report in the Chest Computed Tomography (CT) reporting of patients with suspicious viral pneumonia by COVID-19 and the evaluation of the main CT patterns. This study included 134 patients (43 women and 91 men; 68.8 years of mean age, range 29–93 years) with suspicious COVID-19 viral infection evaluated by reverse transcription real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test. All patients underwent CT examinations at the time of admission. CT images were reviewed by two radiologists who identified COVID-19 CT patterns using a structured reports. Temporal difference mean value between RT-PCRs and CT scan was 0.18 days ± 2.0 days. CT findings were positive for viral pneumonia in 94.0% patients while COVID-19 was diagnosed at RT-PCR in 77.6% patients. Time mean value to complete the structured report by radiologist was 8.5 min ± 2.4 min. The disease on chest CT predominantly affected multiple lobes and the main CT feature was ground glass opacity (GGO) with or without consolidation (96.8%). GGO was predominantly bilateral (89.3%), peripheral (80.3%), multifocal/patching (70.5%). Consolidation disease was predominantly bilateral (83.9%) with prevalent peripheral (87.1%) and segmental (47.3%) distribution. Additional CT signs were the crazy-paving pattern in 75.4% of patients, the septal thickening in 37.3% of patients, the air bronchogram sign in 39.7% and the “reversed halo” sign in 23.8%. Less frequent characteristics at CT regard discrete pulmonary nodules, increased trunk diameter of the pulmonary artery, pleural effusion and pericardium effusion (7.9%, 6.3%, 14.3% and 16.7%, respectively). Barotrauma sign was absent in all the patients. High percentage (54.8%) of the patients had mediastinal lymphadenopathy. Using a Chest CT structured report, with a standardized language, we identified that the cardinal hallmarks of COVID-19 infection were bilateral, peripheral and multifocal/patching GGO and bilateral consolidation with peripheral and segmental distribution.
The impact of dislocations on AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes and on gate failure of high electron mobility transistors
Authors: Besendörfer Sven , Meissner Elke , Medjdoub Farid , Derluyn Joff , Friedrich Jochen , Erlbacher Tobias 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGaN epitaxially grown on Si is a material for power electronics that intrinsically shows a high density of dislocations. We show by Conductive Atomic Force Microscopy (C-AFM) and Defect Selective Etching that even for materials with similar total dislocation densities substantially different subsets of dislocations with screw component act as current leakage paths within the AlGaN barrier under forward bias. Potential reasons are discussed and it will be directly shown by an innovative experiment that current voltage forward characteristics of AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes shift to lower absolute voltages when such dislocations are present within the device. A local lowering of the Schottky barrier height around conductive dislocations is identified and impurity segregation is assumed as responsible root cause. While dislocation related leakage current under low reverse bias could not be resolved, breakdown of AlGaN/GaN Schottky diodes under high reverse bias correlates well with observed conductive dislocations as measured by C-AFM. If such dislocations are located near the drain side of the gate edge, failure of the gate in terms of breakdown or formation of percolation paths is observed for AlGaN/GaN high electron mobility transistors.
Significance of magnetic Reynolds number in a three-dimensional squeezing Darcy–Forchheimer hydromagnetic nanofluid thin-film flow between two rotating disks
Authors: Riasat Saima , Ramzan Muhammad , Kadry Seifedine , Chu Yu-Ming 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe remarkable aspects of carbon nanotubes like featherweight, durability, exceptional electrical and thermal conduction capabilities, and physicochemical stability make them desirous materials for electrochemical devices. Having such astonishing characteristics of nanotubes in mind our aspiration is to examine the squeezing three dimensional Darcy–Forchheimer hydromagnetic nanofluid thin-film flow amid two rotating disks with suspended multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) submerged into the base fluid water. The analysis is done by invoking partial slip effect at the boundary in attendance of autocatalytic reactions. The mathematical model consists of axial and azimuthal momentum and magnetic fields respectively. The tangential and axial velocity profiles and components of the magnetic field are examined numerically by employing the bvp4c method for varying magnetic, rotational, and squeezing Reynolds number. The torque effect near the upper and lower disks are studied critically using their graphical depiction. The values of the torque at the upper and lower disks are obtained for rotational and squeezed Reynolds numbers and are found in an excellent concurrence when compared with the existing literature. Numerically it is computed that the torque at the lower disk is higher in comparison to the upper disk for mounting estimates of the squeezed Reynolds number and the dimensionless parameter for magnetic force in an axial direction. From the graphical illustrations, it is learned that thermal profile declines for increasing values of the squeezed Reynolds number.
In vivo magnetic particle imaging: angiography of inferior vena cava and aorta in rats using newly developed multicore particles
Authors: Mohtashamdolatshahi Azadeh , Kratz Harald , Kosch Olaf , Hauptmann Ralf , Stolzenburg Nicola , Wiekhorst Frank , Sack Ingolf , Hamm Bernd , Taupitz Matthias , Schnorr Jörg 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMagnetic Particle Imaging (MPI) is a new imaging modality, which maps the distribution of magnetic nanoparticles (MNP) in 3D with high temporal resolution. It thus may be suited for cardiovascular imaging. Its sensitivity and spatial resolution critically depend on the magnetic properties of MNP. Therefore, we used novel multicore nanoparticles (MCP 3) for in-vivo MPI in rats and analyzed dose requirements, sensitivity and detail resolution. 8 rats were examined using a preclinical MPI scanner (Bruker Biospin GmbH, Germany) equipped with a separate receive coil. MCP 3 and Resovist were administered intravenously (i.v.) into the rats’ tail veins at doses of 0.1, 0.05 and 0.025 mmol Fe/kg followed by serial MPI acquisition with a temporal resolution of 46 volumes per second. Based on a qualitative visual scoring system MCP 3–MPI images showed a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher image quality than Resovist-MPI images. Morphological features such as vessel lumen diameters (DL) of the inferior vena cava (IVC) and abdominal aorta (AA) could be assessed along a 2-cm segment in mesenteric area only after administration of MCP 3 at dosages of 0.1, 0.05 mmol Fe/kg. The mean DL ± SD estimated was 2.7 ± 0.6 mm for IVC and 2.4 ± 0.7 mm for AA. Evaluation of DL of the IVC and AA was not possible in Resovist-MPI images. Our results show, that MCP 3 provide better image quality at a lower dosage than Resovist. MCP 3-MPI with a clinically acceptable dose of 0.05 mmol Fe/kg increased the visibility of vessel lumens compared to Resovist-based MPI towards possible detection of vascular abnormalities such as stenosis or aneurysms, in vivo.
Cholesterol derivatives make large part of the lipids from epidermal molts of the desert-adapted Gila monster lizard (Heloderma suspectum)
Authors: Torri Cristian , Falini Giuseppe , Montroni Devis , Fermani Simona , Teta Roberta , Mangoni Alfonso , Alibardi Lorenzo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn order to understand the cutaneous water loss in the desert-adapted and venomous lizard Heloderma suspectum, the microscopic structure and lipid composition of epidermal molts have been examined using microscopic, spectroscopic and chemical analysis techniques. The molt is formed by a variably thick, superficial beta-layer, an extensive mesos-region and few alpha-cells in its lowermost layers. The beta-layer contains most corneous beta proteins while the mesos-region is much richer in lipids. The proteins in the mesos-region are more unstructured than those located in the beta-layer. Most interestingly, among other lipids, high contents of cholesteryl-β-glucoside and cholesteryl sulfate were detected, molecules absent or present in traces in other species of squamates. These cholesterol derivatives may be involved in the stabilization and compaction of the mesos-region, but present a limited permeability to water movements. The modest resistance to cutaneous water-loss of this species is compensated by adopting other physiological strategies to limit thermal damage and water transpiration as previous eco-physiological studies have indicated. The increase of steroid derivatives may also be implicated in the heat shock response, influencing the relative behavior in this desert-adapted lizard.
Evaluation of the association between polymorphisms of PRM1 and PRM2 and the risk of male infertility: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression
Authors: Nemati Houshang , Sadeghi Masoud , Nazeri Mehri , Mohammadi Mohana 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStudies have reported the genetic gives rise to male infertility. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to evaluate the association between PRM1 (rs737008 and rs2301365) and PRM2 (rs1646022 and rs2070923) polymorphisms and susceptibility to male infertility. The association between PRM1 and PRM2 polymorphisms and the risk of male infertility was evaluated using specific search terms in the Web of Science, Cochrane Library, PubMed, and Scopus databases without language restriction until January 28, 2020. The association was determined by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) on five genetic models using Review Manager 5.3 software. The funnel plot analysis and sensitivity analysis were done by the Comprehensive Meta-analysis 2.0 software. Out of 261 records retrieved from the databases, 17 studies were analyzed in the meta-analysis, including the four PRM polymorphisms. The pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 0.96 (0.44), 1.04 (0.70), 0.94 (0.51), 0.94 (0.48), and 1.03 (0.72) for PRM1 rs737008 polymorphism and 1.67 (0.0007), 1.73 (0.06), 1.50 (0.007), 1.56 (0.004), and 1.62 (0.33) for PRM1 rs2301365 polymorphism in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. Moreover, the pooled results as OR (P-value) showed 1.19 (0.004), 1.15 (0.26), 1.08 (0.70), 1.05 (0.76), and 0.98 (0.82) for PRM2 rs1646022 and 0.88 (0.04), 0.84 (0.10), 1.05 (0.81), 0.90 (0.24), and 0.80 (0.02) for PRM2 rs2070923 in allele, homozygous, heterozygous, recessive, and dominant models, respectively. The results showed PRM1 rs2301365 and PRM2 rs1646022 polymorphisms were associated with an elevated risk of male infertility and PRM2 rs2070923 polymorphism had a protective role in infertile men.
Longitudinal changes in DTI parameters of specific spinal white matter tracts correlate with behavior following spinal cord injury in monkeys
Authors: Mishra Arabinda , Wang Feng , Chen Li Min , Gore John C. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study aims to evaluate how parameters derived from diffusion tensor imaging reflect axonal disruption and demyelination in specific white matter tracts within the spinal cord of squirrel monkeys following traumatic injuries, and their relationships to function and behavior. After a unilateral section of the dorsal white matter tract of the cervical spinal cord, we found that both lesioned dorsal and intact lateral tracts on the lesion side exhibited prominent disruptions in fiber orientation, integrity and myelination. The degrees of pathological changes were significantly more severe in segments below the lesion than above. The lateral tract on the opposite (non-injured) side was minimally affected by the injury. Over time, RD, FA, and AD values of the dorsal and lateral tracts on the injured side closely tracked measurements of the behavioral recovery. This unilateral section of the dorsal spinal tract provides a realistic model in which axonal disruption and demyelination occur together in the cord. Our data show that specific tract and segmental FA and RD values are sensitive to the effects of injury and reflect specific behavioral changes, indicating their potential as relevant indicators of recovery or for assessing treatment outcomes. These observations have translational value for guiding future studies of human subjects with spinal cord injuries.
An integrated analysis of Maglemose bone points reframes the Early Mesolithic of Southern Scandinavia
Authors: Jensen Theis Zetner Trolle , Sjöström Arne , Fischer Anders , Rosengren Erika , Lanigan Liam Thomas , Bennike Ole , Richter Kristine Korzow , Gron Kurt Joseph , Mackie Meaghan , Mortensen Morten Fischer , Sørensen Lasse , Chivall David , Iversen Katrine Højholt , Taurozzi Alberto John , Olsen Jesper , Schroeder Hannes , Milner Nicky , Sørensen Mikkel , Collins Matthew James 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe extensive peat bogs of Southern Scandinavia have yielded rich Mesolithic archaeological assemblages, with one of the most iconic artefacts being the bone point. Although great in number they remain understudied. Here we present a combined investigation of the typology, protein-based species composition, and absolute chronology of Maglemosian bone points. The majority of the bone points are made from cervids and bovines. However, changes both in species composition and barb morphology can be directly linked to a paucity of finds lasting nearly 600 years in Southern Scandinavia around 10,300 cal BP. We hypothesize that this hiatus was climate-driven and forced hunter-gatherers to abandon the lakes. Furthermore, the marked change in bone points coincides with a change in lithic technology. We, therefore, propose that the Maglemose culture in Southern Scandinavia is fundamentally divided into an Early Complex and a Late Complex.
The effects of cosolutes and crowding on the kinetics of protein condensate formation based on liquid–liquid phase separation: a pressure-jump relaxation study
Authors: Cinar Hasan , Winter Roland 
Published: October 2020

AbstractBiomolecular assembly processes based on liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) are ubiquitous in the biological cell. To fully understand the role of LLPS in biological self-assembly, it is necessary to characterize also their kinetics of formation and dissolution. Here, we introduce the pressure-jump relaxation technique in concert with UV/Vis and FTIR spectroscopy as well as light microscopy to characterize the evolution of LLPS formation and dissolution in a time-dependent manner. As a model system undergoing LLPS we used the globular eye-lens protein γD-crystallin. As cosolutes and macromolecular crowding are known to affect the stability and dynamics of biomolecular condensates in cellulo, we extended our kinetic study by addressing also the impact of urea, the deep-sea osmolyte trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) and a crowding agent on the transformation kinetics of the LLPS system. As a prerequisite for the kinetic studies, the phase diagram of γD-crystallin at the different solution conditions also had to be determined. The formation of the droplet phase was found to be a very rapid process and can be switched on and off on the 1–4 s timescale. Theoretical treatment using the Johnson–Mehl–Avrami–Kolmogorov model indicates that the LLPS proceeds via a diffusion-limited nucleation and growth mechanism at subcritical protein concentrations, a scenario which is also expected to prevail within biologically relevant crowded systems. Compared to the marked effect the cosolutes take on the stability of the LLPS region, their effect at biologically relevant concentrations on the phase transformation kinetics is very small, which might be a particular advantage in the cellular context, as a fast switching capability of the transition should not be compromised by the presence of cellular cosolutes.
Dsi-RNA knockdown of genes regulated by Foxo reduces glycogen and lipid accumulations in diapausing Culex pipiens
Authors: Olademehin Olatunde P. , Liu Chengyin , Rimal Binayak , Adegboyega Nathaniel F. , Chen Fu , Sim Cheolho , Kim Sung Joon 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCulex pipiens is a major carrier of the West Nile Virus, the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. Cx. pipiens survive overwinter through diapause which is an important survival strategy that is under the control of insulin signaling and Foxo by regulating energy metabolism. Three homologous candidate genes, glycogen synthase (glys), atp-binding cassette transporter (atp), and low-density lipoprotein receptor chaperone (ldlr), that are under the regulation of Foxo transcription factor were identified in Cx. pipiens. To validate the gene functions, each candidate gene was silenced by injecting the target dsi-RNA to female Cx. pipiens during the early phase of diapause. The dsi-RNA injected diapause-destined female post-adult eclosion were fed for 7 days with 10% glucose containing 1% d-[13C6]glucose. The effects of dsi-RNA knockdown on glucose metabolism in intact mosquitoes were monitored using 13C solid-state NMR and ATR-FTIR. Our finding shows that the dsi-RNA knockdown of all three candidate genes suppressed glycogen and lipid biosyntheses resulting in inhibition of long-term carbon energy storage in diapausing females.
Osteocyte Vegf-a contributes to myeloma-associated angiogenesis and is regulated by Fgf23
Authors: Mulcrone Patrick L. , Edwards Shanique K. E. , Petrusca Daniela N. , Haneline Laura S. , Delgado-Calle Jesús , Roodman G. David 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMultiple Myeloma (MM) induces bone destruction, decreases bone formation, and increases marrow angiogenesis in patients. We reported that osteocytes (Ocys) directly interact with MM cells to increase tumor growth and expression of Ocy-derived factors that promote bone resorption and suppress bone formation. However, the contribution of Ocys to enhanced marrow vascularization in MM is unclear. Since the MM microenvironment is hypoxic, we assessed if hypoxia and/or interactions with MM cells increases pro-angiogenic signaling in Ocys. Hypoxia and/or co-culture with MM cells significantly increased Vegf-a expression in MLOA5-Ocys, and conditioned media (CM) from MLOA5s or MM-MLOA5 co-cultured in hypoxia, significantly increased endothelial tube length compared to normoxic CM. Further, Vegf-a knockdown in MLOA5s or primary Ocys co-cultured with MM cells or neutralizing Vegf-a in MM-Ocy co-culture CM completely blocked the increased endothelial activity. Importantly, Vegf-a-expressing Ocy numbers were significantly increased in MM-injected mouse bones, positively correlating with tumor vessel area. Finally, we demonstrate that direct contact with MM cells increases Ocy Fgf23, which enhanced Vegf-a expression in Ocys. Fgf23 deletion in Ocys blocked these changes. These results suggest hypoxia and MM cells induce a pro-angiogenic phenotype in Ocys via Fgf23 and Vegf-a signaling, which can promote MM-induced marrow vascularization.
Range expansion of muskox lungworms track rapid arctic warming: implications for geographic colonization under climate forcing
Authors: Kafle Pratap , Peller Peter , Massolo Alessandro , Hoberg Eric , Leclerc Lisa-Marie , Tomaselli Matilde , Kutz Susan 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRapid climate warming in the Arctic results in multifaceted disruption of biodiversity, faunal structure, and ecosystem health. Hypotheses have linked range expansion and emergence of parasites and diseases to accelerating warming globally but empirical studies demonstrating causality are rare. Using historical data and recent surveys as baselines, we explored climatological drivers for Arctic warming as determinants of range expansion for two temperature-dependent lungworms,Umingmakstrongylus pallikuukensisandVarestrongylus eleguneniensis, of muskoxen (Ovibos moschatus) and caribou (Rangifer tarandus), in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago from 1980 through 2017. Our field data shows a substantial northward shift of the northern edge of the range for both parasites and increased abundance across the expanded ranges during the last decade. Mechanistic models parameterized with parasites’ thermal requirements demonstrated that geographical colonization tracked spatial expansion of permissive environments, with a temporal lag. Subtle differences in life histories, thermal requirements of closely related parasites, climate oscillations and shifting thermal balances across environments influence faunal assembly and biodiversity. Our findings support that persistence of host-parasite assemblages reflects capacities of parasites to utilize host and environmental resources in an ecological arena of fluctuating opportunity (alternating trends in exploration and exploitation) driving shifting boundaries for distribution across spatial and temporal scales.
Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression patterns analysis of the SBP-box gene family in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors: Li Ying , Song Qilu , Zhang Yamin , Li Zheng , Guo Jialin , Chen Xinhong , Zhang Gaisheng 
Published: October 2020

AbstractSQUAMOSApromoter-binding protein (SBP)-box genes encode a family of plant-specific transcription factors that play roles in plant growth and development. The characteristics of SBP-box genes in rice (Oryza sativa) andArabidopsishave been reported, but their potential roles in wheat (Triticum aestivum) are not fully understood. In this study, 48SBP-box genes (TaSBPs) were identified; they were located in all wheat chromosomes except for 4B and 4D. SixTaSBPswere identified as tandem duplication genes that formed three tandem duplication pairs, while 22 were segmentally duplicated genes that formed 16 segmental duplication pairs. Subcellular localization prediction showed TaSBPs were located in nucleus. Among the 48TaSBPs, 24 were predicted to be putative targets ofTamiR156. Phylogenetic analysis showed that TaSBPs, AtSBPs, and OsSBPs that shared similar functions were clustered into the same subgroups. The phylogenetic relationships between the TaSBPs were supported by the identification of highly conserved motifs and gene structures. Four types ofcis-elements––transcription-related, development-related, hormone-related, and abiotic stress-related elements––were found in theTaSBPpromoters. Expression profiles indicated mostTaSBPsparticipate in flower development and abiotic stress responses. This study establishes a foundation for further investigation ofTaSBPgenes and provides novel insights into their biological functions.