bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Self-organizing pattern of subpleural alveolar ducts
Authors: Mitzner Wayne , Loube Jeffrey , Venezia Jarrett , Scott Alan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractIn this study we have utilized an optical clearing method to allow visualization of a heretofore undescribed subpleural acinar structural organization in the mammalian lung. The clearing method enables visualization of the lung structure deep below the visceral pleura in intact inflated lungs. In addition to confirming previous observations that the immediate subpleural alveoli are uniform in appearance, we document for the first time that the subpleural lung parenchyma is much more uniformly organized than the internal parenchyma. Specifically, we report that below the surface layer of alveoli, there is a striking parallel arrangement of alveolar ducts that all run perpendicular to the visceral pleural surface. A three dimensional visualization of alveolar ducts allowed for a calculation of the average inner to outer duct diameter ratio of 0.53 in these subpleural ducts. This unique, self-organizing parallel duct structure likely impacts both elastic recoil and the transmission of tethering forces in healthy and diseased lungs.
A Munc18-1 mutant mimicking phosphorylation by Down Syndrome-related kinase Dyrk1a supports normal synaptic transmission and promotes recovery after intense activity
Authors: Classen Jessica , Saarloos Ingrid , Meijer Marieke , Sullivan Patrick F. , Verhage Matthijs 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPhosphorylation of Munc18-1 (Stxbp1), a presynaptic organizer of synaptic vesicle fusion, is a powerful mechanism to regulate synaptic strength. Munc18-1 is a proposed substrate for the Down Syndrome-related kinase dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulate kinase 1a (Dyrk1a) and mutations in both genes cause intellectual disability. However, the functional consequences of Dyrk1a-dependent phosphorylation of Munc18-1 for synapse function are unknown. Here, we show that the proposed Munc18-1 phosphorylation site, T479, is among the highly constrained phosphorylation sites in the coding regions of the gene and is also located within a larger constrained coding region. We confirm that Dyrk1a phosphorylates Munc18-1 at T479. Patch-clamp physiology in conditional null mutant hippocampal neurons expressing Cre and either wildtype, or mutants mimicking or preventing phosphorylation, revealed that synaptic transmission is similar among the three groups: frequency/amplitude of mEPSCs, evoked EPSCs, paired pulse plasticity, rundown kinetics upon intense activity and the readily releasable pool. However, synapses expressing the phosphomimic mutant responded to intense activity with more pronounced facilitation. These data indicate that Dyrk1a-dependent Munc18-1 phosphorylation has a minor impact on synaptic transmission, only after intense activity, and that the role of genetic variation in both genes in intellectual disability may be through different mechanisms.
Anal human papillomavirus and its associations with abnormal anal cytology among men who have sex with men
Authors: Wu Ping-Feng , Hang Jen-Fan , Strong Carol , Chen Su-Jung , Lin Li-Ya , Chen Shu-Sheng , Lai Chiung-Ru , Ku Stephane Wen-Wei , Lee Mei-Hsuan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHuman papillomavirus (HPV) infection contributes to most anal cancers and premalignant intraepithelial lesions. This study investigated anal HPV infections and cytological abnormalities among men who have sex with men (MSM). Sociodemographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected by using a structured questionnaire. Anal cytological results were examined, and HPV genotyping was performed by the Linear Array HPV Genotyping test. Logistic regression was used to estimate risk factors and their associations with high-risk HPV infection and cytological abnormalities. Among 163 MSM, 101 were seropositive for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and 62 were seronegative for HIV. The overall prevalence of HPV was 66.2%. A total of 61.9% and 48.2% of participants had never acquired any of either the quadrivalent or nonavalent vaccine HPV types, respectively. Cytological findings showed 15.3% atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance, 16.6% low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion, 4.9% atypical squamous cells that cannot exclude high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion and 17% high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion. The number of high-risk HPV types was the predominant risk factor for abnormal anal cytology (OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.27–3.24). Infection with high-risk HPV was a significant predictor for cytological abnormality. MSM should be encouraged to obtain the HPV vaccine.
Characterization of variations within the rumen metaproteome of Holstein dairy cattle relative to morning feed offering
Authors: Honan Mallory C. , Greenwood Sabrina L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFew studies have utilized proteomic techniques to progress our knowledge of protein-mediated pathways within the rumen microbial community, and no previous research has used these techniques to investigate the patterns or variations of these proteins within this community. It was hypothesized that there would be fluctuations of rumen microbial protein abundances due to feed intake-mediated nutrient availability and that these could be identified using non gel-based proteomic techniques. This study investigated the fluctuations of bovine rumen metaproteome utilizing three mid to late-lactation Holsteins. Rumen fluid was collected at three timepoints on three days relative to their first morning feed offering (0 h, 4 h, and 6 h). Samples were pooled within timepoint within cow across day, analyzed using LC-MS/MS techniques, and analyzed for variations across hour of sampling using PROC MIXED of SAS with orthogonal contrasts to determine linear and quadratic effects. A total of 658 proteins were characterized across 19 microbial species, with 68 proteins identified from a variety of 15 species affected by time of collection. Translation-related proteins such as 50S and 30S ribosomal protein subunit variants and elongation factors were positively correlated with hour of sampling. Results suggest that as nutrients become more readily available, microbes shift from conversion-focused biosynthetic routes to more encompassing DNA-driven pathways.
Hepcidin-mediated Iron Regulation in P19 Cells is Detectable by Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Alizadeh Kobra , Sun Qin , McGuire Tabitha , Thompson Terry , Prato Frank S. , Koropatnick Jim , Gelman Neil , Goldhawk Donna E. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMagnetic resonance imaging can be used to track cellular activities in the body using iron-based contrast agents. However, multiple intrinsic cellular iron handling mechanisms may also influence the detection of magnetic resonance (MR) contrast: a need to differentiate among those mechanisms exists. In hepcidin-mediated inflammation, for example, downregulation of iron export in monocytes and macrophages involves post-translational degradation of ferroportin. We examined the influence of hepcidin endocrine activity on iron regulation and MR transverse relaxation rates in multi-potent P19 cells, which display high iron import and export activities, similar to alternatively-activated macrophages. Iron import and export were examined in cultured P19 cells in the presence and absence of iron-supplemented medium, respectively. Western blots indicated the levels of transferrin receptor, ferroportin and ubiquitin in the presence and absence of extracellular hepcidin. Total cellular iron was measured by inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry and correlated to transverse relaxation rates at 3 Tesla using a gelatin phantom. Under varying conditions of iron supplementation, the level of ferroportin in P19 cells responds to hepcidin regulation, consistent with degradation through a ubiquitin-mediated pathway. This response of P19 cells to hepcidin is similar to that of classically-activated macrophages. The correlation between total cellular iron content and MR transverse relaxation rates was different in hepcidin-treated and untreated P19 cells: slope, Pearson correlation coefficient and relaxation rate were all affected. These findings may provide a tool to non-invasively distinguish changes in endogenous iron contrast arising from hepcidin-ferroportin interactions, with potential utility in monitoring of different macrophage phenotypes involved in pro- and anti-inflammatory signaling. In addition, this work demonstrates that transverse relaxivity is not only influenced by the amount of cellular iron but also by its metabolism.
Antibiotic resistance in bacterial isolates from freshwater samples in Fildes Peninsula, King George Island, Antarctica
Authors: Jara Daniela , Bello-Toledo Helia , Domínguez Mariana , Cigarroa Camila , Fernández Paulina , Vergara Luis , Quezada-Aguiluz Mario , Opazo-Capurro Andrés , Lima Celia A. , González-Rocha Gerardo 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAnthropic activity in Antarctica has been increasing considerably in recent years, which could have an important impact on the local microbiota affecting multiple features, including the bacterial resistome. As such, our study focused on determining the antibiotic-resistance patterns and antibiotic-resistance genes of bacteria recovered from freshwater samples collected in areas of Antarctica under different degrees of human influence. Aerobic heterotrophic bacteria were subjected to antibiotic susceptibility testing and PCR. The isolates collected from regions of high human intervention were resistant to several antibiotic groups, and were mainly associated with the presence of genes encoding aminoglycosides-modifying enzymes (AMEs) and extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBLs). Moreover, these isolates were resistant to synthetic and semi-synthetic drugs, in contrast with those recovered from zones with low human intervention, which resulted highly susceptible to antibiotics. On the other hand, we observed that zone A, under human influence, presented a higher richness and diversity of antibiotic-resistance genes (ARGs) in comparison with zones B and C, which have low human activity. Our results suggest that human activity has an impact on the local microbiota, in which strains recovered from zones under anthropic influence were considerably more resistant than those collected from remote regions.
Persistent features of intermittent transcription
Authors: Wilkinson Michael , Darmanis Spyros , Pisco Angela Oliveira , Huber Greg 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSingle-cell RNA sequencing is a powerful tool for exploring gene expression heterogeneity, but the results may be obscured by technical noise inherent in the experimental procedure. Here we introduce a novel parametrisation of sc-RNA data, giving estimates of the probability of activation of a gene and its peak transcription rate, which are agnostic about the mechanism underlying the fluctuations in the counts. Applying this approach to single cell mRNA counts across different tissues of adult mice, we find that peak transcription levels are approximately constant across different tissue types, in contrast to the gene expression probabilities which are, for many genes, markedly different. Many genes are only observed in a small fraction of cells. An investigation of correlation between genes activities shows that this is primarily due to temporal intermittency of transcription, rather than some genes being expressed in specialised cell types. Both the probability of activation and the peak transcription rate have a very wide ranges of values, with a probability density function well approximated by a power law. Taken together, our results indicate that the peak rate of transcription is a persistent property of a gene, and that differences in gene expression are modulated by temporal intermittency of the transcription.
An exonic insertion in the NAGLU gene causing Mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB in Schipperke dogs
Authors: Raj Karthik , Ellinwood N. Matthew , Giger Urs 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMucopolysaccharidosis (MPS) IIIB (Sanfilippo syndrome B; OMIM 252920), is a lysosomal storage disease with progressive neurological signs caused by deficient activity of alpha-N-acetylglucosaminidase (NAGLU, EC 3.2.1.50). Herein we report the causative variant in the NAGLU gene in Schipperke dogs and a genotyping survey in the breed. All six exons and adjacent regions of the NAGLU gene were sequenced from six healthy appearing and three affected Schipperkes. DNA fragment length and TaqMan assays were used to genotype privately owned Schipperkes. A single variant was found in exon 6 of MPS IIIB affected Schipperkes: an insertion consisting of a 40–70 bp poly-A and an 11 bp duplication of the exonic region preceding the poly-A (XM_548088.6:c.2110_2111ins[A(40_70);2100_2110]) is predicted to insert a stretch of 13 or more lysines followed by either an in-frame insertion of a repeat of the four amino acids preceding the lysines, or a frameshift. The clinically affected Schipperkes were homozygous for this insertion, and the sequenced healthy dogs were either heterozygous or homozygous for the wild-type allele. From 2003–2019, 3219 Schipperkes were genotyped. Of these, 1.5% were homozygous for this insertion and found to be clinically affected, and 23.6% were heterozygous for the insertion and were clinically healthy, the remaining 74.9% were homozygous for the wild-type and were also clinically healthy. The number of dogs homozygous and heterozygous for the insertion declined rapidly after the initial years of genotyping, documenting the benefit of a DNA screening program in a breed with a small gene pool. In conclusion, a causative NAGLU variant in Schipperke dogs with MPS IIIB was identified and was found at high frequency in the breed. Through genotyping and informed breeding practices, the prevalence of canine MPS IIIB has been drastically reduced in the Schipperke population worldwide.
The Effects of Sildenafil and/or Nitroglycerin on Random-pattern Skin Flaps After Nicotine Application in Rats
Authors: Ellabban Mohamed A. , Fattah Islam Omar Abdel , Kader Ghada Abdel , Eldeen Omar Salah , Mehana Amir E. , Khodeer Dina M. , Hosny Hossam , Elbasiouny Mahmoud S. , Masadeh Suhail 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSmoking aggravates skin necrosis as a complication of random-pattern flap ischaemia. Sildenafil and nitroglycerin (NTG) are vasodilator agents that may affect skin flap survival. Fifty rats were subjected to a dorsal random-pattern flap operation and randomly divided into 5 groups. The control group received no treatment. The ischaemic group were administered local nicotine injections. The sildenafil group were administered oral sildenafil treatment in addition to the same intervention as the ischaemic group. The NTG group received topical NTG ointment application instead of sildenafil. The combined group were given both sildenafil and NTG treatments. After 7 days, all rats were sacrificed for flap assessment. Flap survival percentages at the 3rd and 7th days were significantly higher in the combined group than in the other study groups. Histologically, the ischaemic group exhibited dermal disorganization and inflammatory cell infiltration, which were improved in the 3 treated groups; however, the combined group presented the most relevant effect. The epidermal thickness showed a decrease in the ischaemic group (23.1 μm) that was significantly increased in the sildenafil (28.4 μm), NTG (28.8 μm) and combined (35.8 μm) groups. Immunohistochemically, the combined group exhibited a significant decrease in the apoptotic index and an increase in the proliferative index (2.3 and 56.9%, respectively) compared to those in the ischaemic (63.2 and 3%), sildenafil (41.7 and 28.1%) and NTG (39.3 and 30.4%) groups. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) showed that the combined group displayed improvement in most of the ischaemic changes. Our analyses suggest that the combined use of sildenafil and NTG is more efficacious than using only one of these treatments for skin flap survival.
Upper Airway Obstruction Elicited Energy Imbalance Leads to Growth Retardation that Persists after the Obstruction Removal
Authors: Assadi Mohammad H. , Segev Yael , Tarasiuk Ariel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractUpper airway obstruction can lead to growth retardation by unclear mechanisms. We explored the effect of upper airway obstruction in juvenile rats on whole-body energy balance, growth plate metabolism, and growth. We show that after seven weeks, obstructed animals’ ventilation during room air breathing increased, and animals grew less due to abnormal growth plate metabolism. Increased caloric intake in upper airway-obstructed animals did not meet increased energy expenditure associated with increased work of breathing. Decreased whole-body energy balance induced hindrance of bone elongation following obstruction removal, and array pathways regulating growth plate development and marrow adiposity. This is the first study to show that rapidly growing animals cannot consume enough calories to maintain their energy homeostasis, leading to an impediment in growth in the effort to save energy.
Children's Language Disorders: What's in a Name?
Authors: Paul Rhea 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
This article aims to illuminate the process and results of an international consortium project that considered terms and diagnostic criteria used in the identification of children with language problems.

Method
The process by which the consortium worked to arrive at its recommendations is considered. The wider implications of accepting their recommendations are also discussed.

Results
Although the consortium's recommendations have been accepted in many quarters, they remain controversial among American child language disorders researchers.

Conclusion
Suggestions are provided for addressing the controversies identified.
Frequent Billing Misconceptions and Potential Related Dilemmas Faced by Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Schwartz Sandra A. 
Published: February 2020

Purpose
Speech-language pathologists practicing clinically are often faced with billing questions and reimbursement issues related to everchanging insurance regulations and Medicare guidelines. The ability to remain current, knowledgeable, and therefore compliant with these insurance rules and regulations is often a challenge. Errors are frequently made that unknowingly create fraudulent, financial, and/or ethical dilemmas. It is important to have not only the knowledge, as it pertains to the facility and location in which services are rendered, but also the ability to obtain the appropriate answers when questions occur.

Conclusion
Included in this tutorial are frequent misconceptions and/or billing-related questions encountered in speech-language pathology practice. Answers to these questions along with relevant scenarios are presented with information and references to assist practitioners navigate them if, and when, they arise.
Spatial distribution of exoplanet candidates based on Kepler and Gaia data
Authors: Maliuk A. , Budaj J. 
Published: February 2020

Context. Surveying the spatial distribution of exoplanets in the Galaxy is important for improving our understanding of planet formation and evolution.
Aims. We aim to determine the spatial gradients of exoplanet occurrence in the Solar neighbourhood and in the vicinity of open clusters.
Methods. We combined Kepler and Gaia DR2 data for this purpose, splitting the volume sampled by the Kepler mission into certain spatial bins. We determined an uncorrected and bias-corrected exoplanet frequency and metallicity for each bin.
Results. There is a clear drop in the uncorrected exoplanet frequency with distance for F-type stars (mainly for smaller planets), a decline with increasing distance along the Galactic longitude l = 90°, and a drop with height above the Galactic plane. We find that the metallicity behaviour cannot be the reason for the drop of the exoplanet frequency around F stars with increasing distance. This might have only contributed to the drop in uncorrected exoplanet frequency with the height above the Galactic plane. We argue that the above-mentioned gradients of uncorrected exoplanet frequency are a manifestation of a single bias of undetected smaller planets around fainter stars. When we correct for observational biases, most of these gradients in exoplanet frequency become statistically insignificant. Only a slight decline of the planet occurrence with distance for F stars remains significant at the 3σ level. Apart from that, the spatial distribution of exoplanets in the Kepler field of view is compatible with a homogeneous one. At the same time, we do not find a significant change in the exoplanet frequency with increasing distance from open clusters. In terms of byproducts, we identified six exoplanet host star candidates that are members of open clusters. Four of them are in the NGC 6811 (KIC 9655005, KIC 9533489, Kepler-66, Kepler-67) and two belong to NGC 6866 (KIC 8396288, KIC 8331612). Two out of the six had already been known to be cluster members.
Predictors for the Early Termination of a Psychological Intervention During Treatment with Assisted Reproductive Technologies
Authors: Bernd Marie , Schick Maren , Rösner Sabine , Germeyer Ariane , Strowitzki Thomas , Moessner Markus , Bauer Stephanie , Ditzen Beate , Wischmann Tewes 
Published: February 2020

Abstract
Introduction Assisted reproductive technologies are typically perceived by couples as being an emotional burden. The objective of the study “Positive Ausrichtung bei unerfülltem Kinderwunsch” [Positive adjustment in infertility] (PACI) is to examine the efficacy and acceptance of a smartphone-supported psychosocial intervention during infertility treatment. In this investigation, the early drop-out of study subjects from the study is of primary interest. The objective of the investigation was to find predictors for ending a psychological intervention prematurely.
Materials and Methods There are data available from an eight-month randomised, controlled study in which 141 patients and their partners participated. Sociodemographic and fertility-related data were collected at the start of the study. The couples received the ScreenIVF questionnaire at two points in time. As part of a post-evaluation, a survey was conducted on the efficacy of the psychological online intervention. To analyse the data, a dyadic data structure was used in order to determine connections within the study subject couples between the selected stress indicators and the drop-out. In addition, a “risk score” as a possible predictor for the drop-out was tested.
Results The descriptive observation of the sample indicates in this interim assessment that the study subjects recruited are less stressed patient couples. Actor–partner interdependence models indicate statistically significant connections between the stress indicators of anxiety, little social support and helplessness and an early drop-out.
Conclusions The statistically significant effects found in this study with regard to the stress indicators in connection with drop-outs from psychosocial intervention studies indicate that it is advisable to continue to seek measures for people undergoing stressful medical treatments in order to motivate and support them and thus optimally utilise the opportunities of a medical treatment. The number of patients who endure their ART treatment may also increase as a result, which could lead in turn to increased patient satisfaction over the long term (and thus possibly to higher pregnancy rates).