bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Morphological and Elastic Transition of Polystyrene Adsorbed Layers on Silicon Oxide
Authors: DINELLI F. , PINGUE P. , SIGNORE G. , NAPOLITANO S. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryHerein we present a study on the formation of irreversibly adsorbed layer of polystyrene molecules on silicon oxide surfaces. Various scanning probe microscopy techniques have been employed to study both the morphology and the mechanical properties of these self‐assembled thin polymeric layers. More in detail, standard contact mode, force versus distance spectroscopy and ultrasonic force microscopy have been employed to obtain spatially‐resolved maps and, thus, observe the physisorption of polystyrene on native silicon oxide substrate in function of time. Thick films, spin coated from a toluene solution, have been annealed at a temperature above the glass transition for increasing time intervals, and finally thoroughly rinsed in toluene. We have found that isolated islands of adsorbed chains are already present after an annealing time of half an hour. Prolonged annealing determines a progressive increase of the covered areas, whereas the formation of a complete flat layer requires 24 h. The pattern observed is in line with expected evolution of an unstable system, corresponding to the phenomenon of spinodal dewetting. Adhesion measurements show that the films present a reduced snap‐off and the formation of a meniscus between tip and surface for annealing time up to 8 h. On the other hand, elastic measurements allow us to observe a progressive increase of the elastic modulus, with a complete transition for annealing time above 20 h. This is indication that a dense packing of the polystyrene molecules occurs, in line with the predictions of current models on the kinetics of irreversible adsorption.Lay DescriptionHerein we present a study on the formation of irreversibly adsorbed layer of polystyrene molecules on silicon oxide surfaces. Various scanning probe microscopy techniques have been employed to study both the morphology and the mechanical properties of these self‐assembled thin polymeric layers. Thick polystyrene films, spin coated from a toluene solution, have been thermally annealed at a temperature above the glass transition for increasing time intervals, and finally thoroughly rinsed in toluene. We have found that isolated islands of adsorbed chains are already present after an annealing time of half an hour. Prolonged annealing determines a progressive increase of the covered areas, whereas the formation of a complete flat layer requires twenty‐four hours. The adsorption pattern observed is in line with expected evolution of an unstable system, corresponding to the phenomenon of spinodal dewetting. Adhesion and elastic measurements have allowed us to observe a progressive increase of the packing density of the polystyrene molecules, in agreement with the predictions of current models on the kinetics of irreversible adsorption.
Glycogen synthase kinase‐3ß supports serotonin transporter function and trafficking in a phosphorylation‐dependent manner
Authors: Ragu Varman Durairaj , Jayanthi Lankupalle D. , Ramamoorthy Sammanda 
Published: August 2020

AbstractSerotonin (5‐HT) transporter (SERT) plays a crucial role in serotonergic transmission in the central nervous system, and any aberration causes serious mental illnesses. Nevertheless, the cellular mechanisms that regulate SERT function and trafficking are not entirely understood. Growing evidence suggests that several protein kinases act as modulators. Here, we delineate the molecular mechanisms by which glycogen synthase kinase‐3ß (GSK3ß) regulates SERT. When mouse striatal synaptosomes were treated with the GSK3α/ß inhibitor CHIR99021, we observed a significant increase in SERT function, Vmax, surface expression with a reduction in 5‐HT Km and SERT phosphorylation. To further study how the SERT molecule is affected by GSK3α/ß, we used HEK‐293 cells as a heterologous expression system. As in striatal synaptosomes, CHIR99021 treatment of cells expressing wild‐type hSERT (hSERT‐WT) resulted in a time and dose‐dependent elevation of hSERT function with a concomitant increase in the Vmax and surface transporters because of reduced internalization and enhanced membrane insertion; silencing GSK3α/ß in these cells with siRNA also similarly affected hSERT. Converting putative GSK3α/ß phosphorylation site serine at position 48 to alanine in hSERT (hSERT‐S48A) completely abrogated the effects of both the inhibitor CHIR99021 and GSK3α/ß siRNA. Substantiating these findings, over‐expression of constitutively active GSK3ß with hSERT‐WT, but not with hSERT‐S48A, reduced SERT function, Vmax, surface density, and enhanced transporter phosphorylation. Both hSERT‐WT and hSERT‐S48A were inhibited similarly by PKC activation or by inhibition of Akt, CaMKII, p38 MAPK, or Src kinase. These findings provide new evidence that GSK3ß supports basal SERT function and trafficking via serine‐48 phosphorylation.
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Evaluation of efficacy of QR 678 and QR678 neo hair growth factor formulation for the treatment of female pattern alopecia in patients with PCOS—A prospective study
Authors: Kapoor Rinky , Shome Debraj , Doshi Komal , Patel Ghanshyam , Vadera Sapna 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundHair is an essential identity of women. Femininity, sexuality, attractiveness, and personality are symbolically linked to a woman’s hair. Female pattern hair loss is found in 20%‐30% of patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).AimThe aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy of QR678® and QR678 Neo® therapy in the treatment of female alopecia with PCOS.MethodA total of 20 females diagnosed with PCOS in the age 25‐50 years, with complaints of female pattern alopecia with Ludwig, grades I, and II were selected for the study. At each visit, 1.5 ml solution of QR678® was injected in the scalp skin of patients. A total of eight sessions were performed at an interval of 3 week each. All the patients were evaluated with standard global photography at baseline, 4th and 8th session, and 2 months after 8th session.ResultMarked improvement was seen in the global photographic assessment score (mean = 8) which was maintained for over 1 year. In videomicroscopic assessment, after four sessions the patients had 8.07 fewer vellus hair, 6.07 more terminal hair, and average hair shaft diameter was 0.82 μm wider. After eight sessions, they had 11.66 fewer vellus hair, 13.77 more terminal hair, and hair shaft diameter was 2.86 μm wider than at baseline.ConclusionIntra‐dermal injections of QR 678® hair growth factor formulation is an effective option for female pattern alopecia with PCOS. This is the first of its kind study using QR678® and QR678 Neo® in PCOS patients.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation with Amyloidosis of the Tongue
Authors: Lee Sarah Kay Youny , Muller Olivia , Rasmussen Chad 
Published: August 2020

AbstractAmyloidosis of the tongue can result in significant and irreversible alterations of tooth position and function due to prolonged application of imbalanced force on the teeth by the enlarged tongue. Due to the rarity of this oral form of systemic disease, little has been elucidated on management of the resulting impaired oral function. While surgery can address the size of the tongue, it carries significant morbidities, enlargement can recur, and does not address adverse tooth positioning. Prosthetic rehabilitation can more aptly restore oral function but it also needs to be tailored based on the patient's expectations and goals as well as biologic and mechanical parameters of treatment. This report discusses an effective and noninvasive application of a tooth‐supported, removable prosthesis with an onlay occlusal design to restore occlusion, speech, and esthetics in a patient with tongue‐based amyloidosis.
Resistance to Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotype B in tomato landraces from Mexico
Authors: Garzón‐Tiznado José Antonio , Melgoza‐Villagómez Claudia María , López‐Orona Carlos Alfonso , Castro‐Espinoza Luciano , Velarde‐Félix Sixto , Figueroa‐Pérez Marely Graciela , Retes‐Manjarrez Jesús Enrique 
Published: August 2020

AbstractCandidatus Liberibacter solanacearum haplotype B (CLsoB) is an economically important pathogen of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) crops in New Zealand and Central and North America. Currently, resistant cultivars of tomato are not available as a management tactic because breeding programmes lack sources of resistance. Therefore, the objective of this study was to identify sources of resistance in tomato to CLsoB. Forty‐six landraces of tomato were collected from several states in Mexico and were inoculated with CLsoB using 20 infested adults of Bactericera cockerelli per plant. Two assays were done over two years under greenhouse conditions. In the first trial, landraces FC22 and FC44 showed a significantly higher proportion of resistant plants, less symptom severity and longer incubation time compared with the other forty‐four landraces and two susceptible cultivars. In the second assay, resistance to CLsoB of the landraces FC22 and FC44 was confirmed because they had again significantly greater numbers of resistant plants, less symptom severity, relative lower CLsoB titers and longer incubation time relative to the other genotypes. All plants considered resistant from both assays had DNA of CLsoB. Results indicate that all resistant plants from these landraces are promising sources for the development of tomato cultivars with resistance to CLsoB.
Cryptic lineages and potential introgression in a mixed‐ploidy species (Phragmites australis) across temperate China
Authors: Liu Le‐Le , Yin Mei‐Qi , Guo Xiao , Wang Jing‐Wen , Cai Yun‐Fei , Wang Cui , Yu Xiao‐Na , Du Ning , Brix Hans , Eller Franziska , Lambertini Carla , Guo Wei‐Hua 
Published: August 2020

AbstractPolyploidization and hybridization are very common in natural plant species, and mixed‐ploidy species provide a unique opportunity to study the effects of evolutionary history, local abundance, and ploidy level on the direction and extent of introgression between intraspecific lineages. First, we delimited two morphologically cryptic lineages of Phragmites australis Trin. ex Steud. in temperate China using 11 nuclear microsatellites and two chloroplast DNA fragments with 225 samples from China as well as 11 samples from Oceania and Europe. Our evidence supported that haplotype O and haplotype P were two relatively independent lineages with low and high ploidy levels, respectively; haplotype M might be ancient and could have undergone a complex evolutionary history. Then we examined the lineage divergence and compared the introgression patterns between two major lineages along geographical and abundance gradients with a large number of samples (n = 1067) collected from China. The sympatric coexistence of two lineages in north and northeast China implies an ongoing or potential introgression between them. Cline analysis showed that the level of genetic admixture were significantly correlated with longitude rather than latitude. Our results also suggested that ploidy level could deeply influence the introgression asymmetry, and the effect of the current local abundance on introgression might be covered by the past coexistence time driven by phylogeographic history. Our study draws a baseline for future research on the ecological and evolutionary consequences of migration and introgression of Chinese P. australis under global change.
Long‐term clinical and magnetic resonance imaging follow‐up of dogs with osseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy
Authors: Nye Carolyn , Hostnik Eric , Parker Elizabeth , Wittum Thomas , Jones Stephen , Moore Sarah , Cook Laurie , da Costa Ronaldo C. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundOsseous‐associated cervical spondylomyelopathy (OA‐CSM) is a complex disorder with limited long‐term survival. The longitudinal progression is currently unknown.ObjectiveTo describe changes on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) over a 2‐year minimum period. We hypothesized that spinal lesions would progress in the majority of dogs.AnimalsEleven dogs previously diagnosed with OA‐CSM were prospectively studied. Nine dogs were treated medically, whereas 2 were treated surgically.MethodsClinical and MRI follow‐up were performed with a median time between MRI studies of 30 months (range, 24‐54). Morphologic assessment evaluated vertebral canal stenosis, spinal cord compression, foraminal stenosis, and articular processes, among other variables. Morphometric assessment included vertebral canal area, spinal cord area, area of the articular processes, and foraminal height.ResultsOn follow‐up MRI, the most affected site at the initial examination in medically treated dogs had progressed in 4 of 9 dogs, improved in 4, and was unchanged in 3. Clinically, all dogs except 2 medically treated dogs were unchanged to improve at follow‐up. Initially, 50 of 60 (83.3%) intervertebral spaces had vertebral canal stenosis, whereas in the follow‐up MRI 82.3% did. Of the sites with stenosis, 45.7% were unchanged, 18.6% improved, and 38.9% worsened. Morphometry identified significant decreases in vertebral canal and spinal cord areas at C4‐C5 through C6‐C7, and significant progression of articular process irregularities at C3‐C4 and C6‐C7.Conclusions and Clinical ImportanceThis long‐term follow‐up study of dogs with OA‐CSM did not identify clinical or MRI progression of lesions in the majority of dogs.
Outcome and treatments of dogs with aortic thrombosis: 100cases(1997‐2014)
Authors: Ruehl Mackenzie , Lynch Alex M. , O'Toole Therese E. , Morris Bari , Rush John , Couto C. Guillermo , Hmelo Samantha , Sonnenshein Stacey , Butler Amy , Guillaumin Julien 
Published: August 2020

AbstractBackgroundAortic thrombosis (ATh) is an uncommon condition in dogs, with limited understanding of risks factors, outcomes, and treatments.Objectives/HypothesisTo describe potential risk factors, outcome, and treatments in dogs with ATh.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs with a diagnosis of ATh based on ultrasonographic or gross necropsy examination.MethodMulticentric retrospective study from 2 academic institutions.ResultsOne hundred dogs were identified. Anti‐thrombin diagnosis, 35/100 dogs were nonambulatory. The dogs were classified as acute (n = 27), chronic (n = 72), or unknown (n = 1). Fifty‐four dogs had at least one comorbidity thought to predispose to ATh, and 23 others had multiple comorbidities. The remaining 23 dogs with no obvious comorbidities were classified as cryptogenic. Concurrent illnesses potentially related to the development of ATh included protein‐losing nephropathy (PLN) (n = 32), neoplasia (n = 22), exogenous corticosteroid administration (n = 16), endocrine disease (n = 13), and infection (n = 9). Dogs with PLN had lower antithrombin activity than those without PLN (64% and 82%, respectively) (P= .04). Sixty‐five dogs were hospitalized with 41 subsequently discharged. Sixteen were treated as outpatient and 19 euthanized at admission. In‐hospital treatments varied, but included thrombolytics (n = 12), alone or in combination with thrombectomy (n = 9). Fifty‐seven dogs survived to discharge. Sixteen were alive at 180 days. Using regression analysis, ambulation status at the time of presentation was significantly correlated with survival‐to‐discharge (P < .001).Conclusions/Clinical ImportanceDogs with ATh have a poor prognosis, with nonambulatory dogs at the time of presentation having worse outcome. Although the presence of comorbid conditions associated with hypercoagulability is common, an underlying cause for ATh was not always identified.
Specialized and shared functions of diguanylate cyclases and phosphodiesterases in Streptomyces development
Authors: Haist Julian , Neumann Sara Alina , Al‐Bassam Mahmoud M. , Lindenberg Sandra , Elliot Marie A. , Tschowri Natalia 
Published: August 2020

AbstractThe second messenger bis‐3,5‐cyclic di‐guanosine monophosphate (c‐di‐GMP) determines when Streptomyces initiate sporulation. c‐di‐GMP signals are integrated into the genetic differentiation network by the regulator BldD and the sigma factor σWhiG. However, functions of the development‐specific diguanylate cyclases (DGCs) CdgB and CdgC, and the c‐di‐GMP phosphodiesterases (PDEs) RmdA and RmdB, are poorly understood. Here, we provide biochemical evidence that the GGDEF‐EAL domain protein RmdB from S. venezuelae is a monofunctional PDE that hydrolyzes c‐di‐GMP to 5′pGpG. Despite having an equivalent GGDEF‐EAL domain arrangement, RmdA cleaves c‐di‐GMP to GMP and exhibits residual DGC activity. We show that an intact EAL motif is crucial for the in vivo function of both enzymes since strains expressing protein variants with an AAA motif instead of EAL are delayed in development, similar to null mutants. Transcriptome analysis of ∆cdgB, ∆cdgC, ∆rmdA, and ∆rmdB strains revealed that the c‐di‐GMP specified by these enzymes has a global regulatory role, with about 20% of all S. venezuelae genes being differentially expressed in the cdgC mutant. Our data suggest that the major c‐di‐GMP‐controlled targets determining the timing and mode of sporulation are genes involved in cell division and the production of the hydrophobic sheath that covers Streptomyces aerial hyphae and spores.
Eeyarestatin 24 impairs SecYEG‐dependent protein trafficking and inhibits growth of clinically relevant pathogens
Authors: Steenhuis Maurice , Koningstein Gregory M. , Oswald Julia , Pick Tillman , O’Keefe Sarah , Koch Hans‐Georg , Cavalié Adolfo , Whitehead Roger C. , Swanton Eileithyia , High Stephen , Luirink Joen 
Published: August 2020

AbstractEeyarestatin 1 (ES1) is an inhibitor of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) associated protein degradation, Sec61‐dependent Ca2+ homeostasis and protein translocation into the ER. Recently, evidence was presented showing that a smaller analog of ES1, ES24, targets the Sec61‐translocon, and captures it in an open conformation that is translocation‐incompetent. We now show that ES24 impairs protein secretion and membrane protein insertion in Escherichia coli via the homologous SecYEG‐translocon. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that ES24 has a complex mode of action, probably involving multiple targets. Interestingly, ES24 shows antibacterial activity toward clinically relevant strains. Furthermore, the antibacterial activity of ES24 is equivalent to or better than that of nitrofurantoin, a known antibiotic that, although structurally similar to ES24, does not interfere with SecYEG‐dependent protein trafficking. Like nitrofurantoin, we find that ES24 requires activation by the NfsA and NfsB nitroreductases, suggesting that the formation of highly reactive nitroso intermediates is essential for target inactivation in vivo.
Global patterns of biomass allocation in woody species with different tolerances of shade and drought: evidence for multiple strategies
Authors: Puglielli Giacomo , Laanisto Lauri , Poorter Hendrik , Niinemets Ülo 
Published: August 2020

Summary

The optimal partitioning theory predicts that plants of a given species acclimate to different environments by allocating a larger proportion of biomass to the organs acquiring the most limiting resource. Are similar patterns found across species adapted to environments with contrasting levels of abiotic stress?

We tested the optimal partitioning theory by analysing how fractional biomass allocation to leaves, stems and roots differed between woody species with different tolerances of shade and drought in plants of different age and size (seedlings to mature trees) using a global dataset including 604 species.

No overarching biomass allocation patterns at different tolerance values across species were found. Biomass allocation varied among functional types as a result of phenological (deciduous vs evergreen broad‐leaved species) and broad phylogenetical (angiosperms vs gymnosperms) differences. Furthermore, the direction of biomass allocation responses between tolerant and intolerant species was often opposite to that predicted by the optimal partitioning theory.

We conclude that plant functional type is the major determinant of biomass allocation in woody species. We propose that interactions between plant functional type, ontogeny and species‐specific stress tolerance adaptations allow woody species with different shade and drought tolerances to display multiple biomass partitioning strategies.
Current surgical treatment standards for esophageal and esophagogastric junction cancer
Authors: Jung Minoa K. , Schmidt Thomas , Chon Seung‐Hun , Chevallay Mickael , Berlth Felix , Akiyama Junichi , Gutschow Christian A. , Mönig Stefan P. 
Published: August 2020

AbstractA number of different surgical techniques for the treatment of cancer of the esophagus and the esophagogastric junction have been proposed. Guidelines generally recommend a transthoracic approach for esophageal cancer, including Siewert type I tumors. In tumors of the proximal esophageal third, transthoracic esophagectomy may be extended to a three‐field approach, including resection of cervical lymph nodes. However, the choice between transthoracic esophagectomy with intrathoracic anastomosis (Ivor Lewis esophagectomy) and the three‐incision approach with cervical esophago‐gastrostomy (McKeown esophagectomy) remains controversial, with guidelines varying among different countries. Furthermore, it is commonly accepted that Siewert type III tumors should be treated by extended total gastrectomy with transhiatal resection of the lower esophagus, whereas currently no consensus exists regarding the optimal surgical approach for the treatment of Siewert type II adenocarcinoma. Likewise, there is a major controversy regarding palliative and potentially curative treatment modalities in oligometastatic disease. This review deals with current surgical treatment standards for cancer of the esophagus and the eosphagogastric junction, including discussion of ongoing trials.
Systematic review and meta‐analyses of the relationship between short sleep and incidence of obesity and effectiveness of sleep interventions on weight gain in preschool children
Authors: Miller Michelle A. , Bates Sarah , Ji Chen , Cappuccio Francesco P. 
Published: August 2020

SummaryThe aim of this study is to determine (a) whether short sleep is associated with the incidence of obesity and (b) whether interventions beneficial for sleep reduce weight gain in preschool children. We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and Cochrane up to 12/09/2019. (a) Studies that were included were prospective, had follow‐up ≥1 year, with sleep duration at baseline and required outcome measures. (b) Intervention trials with sleep intervention and measures of overweight or obesity were included. Data were extracted according to PRISMA guidelines. (a) The risk of developing overweight/obesity was greater in short sleeping children (13 studies, 42 878 participants, RR: 1.54; 95% CI, 1.33 to 1.77; p < 0.001). Sleep duration was associated with a significant change in BMI z‐score (10 studies, 11 cohorts and 29 553 participants) (mean difference: −0.02 unit per hour sleep; −0.03 to −0.01; p < 0.001). (b) Four of the five intervention studies reported improved outcomes: for BMI (−0.27 kg/m2; −0.50 to −0.03; p = 0.03); for BMI z‐score (−0.07 unit; −0.12 to −0.02; p = 0.006). Short sleep duration is a risk factor or marker of the development of obesity in preschool children. Intervention studies suggest that improved sleep may be beneficially associated with a reduced weight gain in these children.