bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Automated Quantification of Macular Ellipsoid Zone Intensity in Glaucoma Patients: the Method and its Comparison with Manual Quantification
Authors: Ha Ahnul , Sun Sukkyu , Kim Young Kook , Jeoung Jin Wook , Kim Hee Chan , Park Ki Ho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe macular ellipsoid zone intensity (mEZi) is a known marker of disease severity in a number of diverse ocular diseases. The purpose of this study was to establish an automated method (AM) for mEZi quantification and to compare the method’s performance with that of a manual method (MM) for glaucoma patients and healthy controls. Seventy-one (71) mild-to-moderate glaucoma patients, 71 severe-glaucoma patients, and 51 controls were enrolled. Both calibration (n = 160) and validation (n = 33) image sets were compiled. The correlation of AM to MM quantification was assessed by Deming regression for the calibration set, and a compensation formula was generated. Then, for each image in the validation set, the compensated AM quantification was compared with the mean of five repetitive MM quantifications. The AM quantification of the calibration set was found to be linearly correlated with MM in the normal-to-severe-stage glaucoma patients (R2 = 0.914). The validation set’s compensated AM quantification produced R2 = 0.991, and the relationship between the 2 quantifications was AM = 1.004(MM) + 0.139. In the validation set, the compensated AM quantification fell within MM quantification’s 95% confidence interval in 96.9% of the images. An AM for mEZi quantification was calibrated and validated relative to MM quantification for both glaucoma patients and healthy controls.
Kynurenine, 3-OH-kynurenine, and anthranilate are nutrient metabolites that alter H3K4 trimethylation and H2AS40 O-GlcNAcylation at hypothalamus-related loci
Authors: Hayakawa Koji , Nishitani Kenta , Tanaka Satoshi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractEpigenetic mechanisms can establish and maintain mitotically stable patterns of gene expression while retaining the DNA sequence. These mechanisms can be affected by environmental factors such as nutrients. The importance of intracellular dosages of nutrient metabolites such as acetyl coenzyme A and S-adenosylmethionine, which are utilized as donors for post-translational modifications, is well-known in epigenetic regulation; however, the significance of indirect metabolites in epigenetic regulation is not clear. In this study, we screened for metabolites that function as epigenetic modulators. Because the expression of genes related to hypothalamic function is reportedly affected by nutritional conditions, we used a neural cell culture system and evaluated hypothalamic-linked loci. We supplemented the culture medium with 129 metabolites separately during induction of human-iPS-derived neural cells and used high-throughput ChIP-qPCR to determine the epigenetic status at 37 hypothalamus-linked loci. We found three metabolites (kynurenine, 3-OH-kynurenine, and anthranilate) from tryptophan pathways that increased H3K4 trimethylation and H2AS40 O-GlcNAcylation, resulting in upregulated gene expression at most loci, except those encoding pan-neural markers. Dietary supplementation of these three metabolites and the resulting epigenetic modification were important for stability in gene expression. In conclusion, our findings provide a better understanding of how nutrients play a role in epigenetic mechanisms.
Incorporation of dynamic segmented neutrophil-to-monocyte ratio with leukocyte count for sepsis risk stratification
Authors: Fang Wen-Feng , Chen Yu-Mu , Wang Yi-Hsi , Huang Chi-Han , Hung Kai-Yin , Fang Ying-Tang , Chang Ya-Chun , Lin Chiung-Yu , Chang Ya-Ting , Chen Hung-Cheng , Huang Kuo-Tung , Chen Yun-Che , Wang Chin-Chou , Lin Meng-Chih 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe association between sepsis and segmented neutrophil-to-monocyte (SeMo) ratio is unclear. We postulated that an increase in dynamic SeMo ratio measurement can be applied in risk stratification. This retrospective study included 727 consecutive sepsis patients in medical intensive care units (ICUs), including a subpopulation of 153 patients. According to the leukocyte (white blood cell, WBC) count on day 3 (normal range, between 4,000/µL and 12,000/µL) and delta SeMo (value of SeMo ratio on day 3 minus value of SeMo ratio on day 1; normal delta SeMo, <7), patients were grouped into 3 (delta SeMo & WBC tool). The survival lines separated significantly with hazard ratios of 1.854 (1.342–2.560) for the delta SeMo or WBC abnormal group and 2.860 (1.849–4.439) for the delta SeMo and WBC abnormal group compared to the delta SeMo and WBC normal group. Delta SeMo & WBC tool and delta sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) tool performed better than the other tools (delta SeMo, delta WBC, day 3 WBC, and day 1 WBC). Severity in delta SeMo & WBC tool and delta SeMo tool reflected the immune dysfunction score, cytokine expression, and human leukocyte antigen D-related monocyte expression on day 1 and day 3. There was correspondence between delta SOFA and delta WBC and between delta SeMo and delta cytokine expression. Incorporation of dynamic SeMo ratio with WBC count provides risk stratification for sepsis patients admitted in the ICU.
Bulk and interfacial properties of decane in the presence of carbon dioxide, methane, and their mixture
Authors: Choudhary Nilesh , Narayanan Nair Arun Kumar , Che Ruslan Mohd Fuad Anwari , Sun Shuyu 
Published: December 2019

AbstractMolecular dynamics simulations were performed to study the bulk and interfacial properties of methane + n-decane, carbon dioxide + n-decane, and methane + carbon dioxide + n-decane systems under geological conditions. In addition, theoretical calculations using the predictive Peng-Robinson equation of state and density gradient theory are carried out to compare with the simulation data. A key finding is the preferential dissolution in the decane-rich phase and adsorption at the interface for carbon dioxide from the methane/carbon dioxide mixture. In general, both the gas solubility and the swelling factor increase with increasing pressure and decreasing temperature. Interestingly, the methane solubility and the swelling of the methane + n-decane system are not strongly influenced by temperature. Our results also show that the presence of methane increases the interfacial tension (IFT) of the carbon dioxide + n-decane system. Typically, the IFT of the studied systems decreases with increasing pressure and temperature. The relatively higher surface excess of the carbon dioxide + n-decane system results in a steeper decrease in its IFT as a function of pressure. Such systematic investigations may help to understand the behavior of the carbon dioxide-oil system in the presence of impurities such as methane for the design and operation of carbon capture and storage and enhanced oil recovery processes.
Risk factors associated with progressive nerve fiber layer thinning in open-angle glaucoma with mean intraocular pressure below 15 mmHg
Authors: Lee Jihei Sara , Seong Gong Je , Kim Chan Yun , Lee Sang Yeop , Bae Hyoung Won 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with progressive retinal nerve fiber layer(RNFL) thinning of open-angle glaucoma(OAG) in patients whose intraocular pressure(IOP) was maintained low with medical treatment. Based on a retrospective review of medical records, OAG patients with ≥60 months of follow-up and mean IOP below 15 mmHg were recruited. All eyes underwent IOP measurement with Goldmann applanation tonometer(GAT), standard automated perimetry(SAP), and cirrus optical coherence tomography(cirrus OCT) at 6 month or 1 year intervals. RNFL thinning was assessed using the Guided Progression Analysis(GPA) software. Forty-one eyes of 41 patients (mean age 54.9 ± 13.5) were followed up for 77.8 ± 7.8 months. GPA detected 20 eyes (48.8%) with progressive RNFL thinning(−1.5 ± 0.5 um/year), who were subsequently classified as the ‘rapid progression group.’ Those whose rate of change in RNFL thickness was slower than −1.00 µm/year was classified as the ‘slow progression group’ (n = 21, −0.0 ± 0.4 um/year, P < 0.001). Mean IOP after initiating therapy was 13.2 ± 1.1 mmHg in the rapid progression group and 13.1 ± 1.3 mmHg in the slow progression group (P = 0.300; 14.8 ± 10.0% vs. 19.6 ± 12.4% reduction, P = 0.155). Disc hemorrhage was found to more frequently occur in the rapid progression group (P = 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that patients with disc hemorrhage were at a higher risk for progressive RNFL thinning in OAG (OR 37.529 95% CI 2.915–483.140) after adjusting for baseline co-variates (P = 0.005). In conclusion, disc hemorrhage is associated with progressive RNFL thinning in OAG with well-maintained IOP. Factors other than IOP appear to also play a role in OAG progression.
3D Diatom–Designed and Selective Laser Melting (SLM) Manufactured Metallic Structures
Authors: Zglobicka Izabela , Chmielewska Agnieszka , Topal Emre , Kutukova Kristina , Gluch Jürgen , Krüger Peter , Kilroy Cathy , Swieszkowski Wojciech , Kurzydlowski Krzysztof J. , Zschech Ehrenfried 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDiatom frustules, with their diverse three-dimensional regular silica structures and nano- to micrometer dimensions, represent perfect model systems for biomimetic fabrication of materials and devices. The structure of a frustule of the diatom Didymosphenia geminata was nondestructively visualized using nano X-ray computed tomography (XCT) and transferred into a CAD file for the first time. Subsequently, this CAD file was used as the input for an engineered object, which was manufactured by applying an additive manufacturing technique (3D Selective Laser Melting, SLM) and using titanium powder. The self-similarity of the natural and the engineered objects was verified using nano and micro XCT. The biomimetic approach described in this paper is a proof-of-concept for future developments in the scaling-up of manufacturing based on special properties of microorganisms.
Up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein and its signaling molecules following castration of bulls and their association with intramuscular fat content in Korean cattle
Authors: Jung Da Jin Sol , Baik Myunggi 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe evaluated whether castration affects bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) level and the expression of its signaling molecules in Korean cattle bulls. We also checked whether castration affects the expression of muscle fiber type and oxidative and glycolytic enzyme genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays revealed that steers had higher plasma BMP2 and leptin concentrations than bulls. Quantitative real-time PCR showed that steers had higher mRNA levels of the lysyl oxidase gene, a downstream target of the BMP signaling pathway, in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle. Steers had higher adipogenic peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma and lipogenic fatty acid binding protein 4 mRNA levels in the LT than bulls. Steers had lower mRNA levels for several muscle fiber type 1 genes and fiber type 2A myosin heavy chain 2 gene than bulls. Steers had higher mRNA levels of the glycolytic enzyme phosphoglycerate kinase 1 gene than bulls. Transcript levels of oxidative enzyme genes did not differ between bulls and steers. Regression analysis revealed a positive association between plasma BMP2 levels and intramuscular fat (IMF) content in the steer group. These findings suggest that upregulation of the BMP signaling pathway in response to castration induces increased adipogenic gene expression, contributing to the increased IMF deposition observed in castrated animals.
Short-term rainfall forecast model based on the improved BP–NN algorithm
Authors: Liu Yang , Zhao Qingzhi , Yao Wanqiang , Ma Xiongwei , Yao Yibin , Liu Lilong 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe existing methods have been used the Zenith Total Delay (ZTD) or Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) for rainfall forecasting. However, the occurrence of rainfall is highly related to a myriad of atmospheric parameters, and a good forecast result cannot be obtained if it only depends on a single predictor. This study focused on rainfall forecasting by using a number of atmospheric parameters (such as: temperature, relative humidity, dew temperature, pressure, and PWV) based on the improved Back Propagation Neural Network (BP–NN) algorithm. Results of correlation analysis showed that each meteorological parameter contributed to rainfall. Therefore, a short-term rainfall forecast model was proposed based on an improved BP–NN algorithm by using multiple meteorological parameters. Two GNSS stations and collocated weather stations in Singapore were used to validate the proposed rainfall forecast model by using three years of data (2010–2012). True forecast (TFR), false forecast (FFR), and missed forecast (MFR) rate were introduced as evaluation indices. The experimental result revealed that the proposed model exhibited good performance with TFR larger than 96% and FFR of approximately 40%. The proposed method improved TFR by approximately 10%, whereas FFR was comparable to existing literature. This forecasted result further verified the reliability and practicability of the proposed rainfall forecasting method by using the improved BP–NN algorithm.
Lithium acetate modified PU/graphene composites as separator for advanced Li‐ion batteries
Authors: Jiang Yong , Lu Cai , Liu Xing , Jiang Yunhong , Ding Yanhuai 
Published: December 2019

Here lithium acetate modified PU/graphene composites were prepared from a simple electrospun method. The electrochemical properties, thermal stability, and mechanical properties of polyurethane (PU) separator have been improved remarkably by the addition of lithium acetate and graphene. The composite separator can maintain the dimension size even after being treated at 170°C for 1 h. High ionic conductivity of 2.47 mS·cm−1 can be reached. The results show that the as‐prepared lithium acetate modified PU/graphene separator is a promising candidate for commercial polyolefin separators.
An empirical metallicity tracer in CEMP and C-normal stars
Authors: Singh D. , Hansen C. J. , Byrgesen J. S. , Reichert M. , Reggiani H. M. 
Published: December 2019

Context. Deriving the metallicity, [Fe/H], in low-resolution spectra of carbon-enhanced metal-poor (CEMP) stars is a tedious task that, owing to the large number of line blends, often leads to uncertainties on [Fe/H] exceeding 0.25 dex. The CEMP stars increase in number with decreasing [Fe/H] and some of these are known to be bona fide second generation halo stars. Hence, knowing their [Fe/H] is important for tracing the formation and chemical evolution of the Galaxy.
Aims. Here, we aim to improve the [Fe/H] measurements in low-resolution spectra by avoiding issues related to blends. In turn, we improve our chemical tagging in such spectra at low metallicities.
Methods. We developed an empirical way of deriving [Fe/H] in CEMP (and C-normal) stars that relates the equivalent width (EW) of strong lines, which remain detectable in lower resolution, metal-poor spectra, such as X-shooter spectra to [Fe/H].
Results. The best [Fe/H] tracers are found to be Cr I and Ni I, which both show strong transitions in spectral regions that are free of molecular bands (between ~5200−6800Å, a region accessible to most surveys). We derive different relations for dwarfs and giants. The relations are valid in the ranges ~ − 3 < [Fe/H] < −0.5 and 10 < EW < 800 m Å (Cr) or [Fe/H] > −3.2 and EW > 5 m Å (Ni), depending on the trace element and line as well as the stellar evolutionary stage.
Conclusions. The empirical relations are valid for both CEMP and C-normal stars and have been proven to be accurate tracers in a sample of ~400 stars (mainly giants). The metallicities are accurate to within ± ~0.2 dex depending on the sample and resolution, and the empirical relations are robust to within 0.05–0.1 dex. Our relations will improve the metallicity determination in future surveys, which will encounter a large number of CEMP stars, and will greatly speed up the process of determining [Fe/H] as the EWs only need to be measured in two or three lines in relatively clean regions compared to dealing with numerous blended Fe lines.
Idiopathic Hypertrophic Spinal Pachymeningitis: A Diagnostic Challenge: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Alsulaiman Abdulla 
Published: December 2019

Abstract
Idiopathic hypertrophic pachymeningitis (IHP) can resemble other disorders associated with spinal compression. It is a rare inflammatory fibrosing disease of the dura of unidentified etiology and is considered a diagnosis of exclusion. We present a case of idiopathic hypertrophic spinal pachymeningitis occupying a long segment of cervical dura. This is a case of 38-year-old female patient, who suffered progressive neck pain for 2-year duration. Examination revealed spasticity in all four limbs, plus three symmetric reflexes all over, and the sensory level at T4. Magnetic resonance imaging showed spinal cord compression by a thickened anterior and posterior dura adjacent to the cord from C2 to C7. The diagnosis of spinal IHP was confirmed through biopsy. The patient improved after treatment with corticosteroids. Early surgical intervention with postoperative corticosteroid therapy is a known treatment for this disease, as a way to prevent irreversible neurological damage.
Neurologic Assessment and Management of the Multiple Ligament Injured Knee: A Review and Synthesis of Current Evidence
Authors: Hoit Graeme , Farag Jordan , Whelan Daniel B. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractKnee dislocations are rare but devastating injuries that can often be associated with concomitant nerve injury, most often of the common peroneal nerve. Prompt diagnosis, investigation, and appropriate treatment are important in this subset of patients. This article provides an overview of relevant injury demographics, anatomy, diagnosis, and prognosis, and suggests a treatment algorithm for nerve injury associated with multiligament knee injury.
Factors Associated with Knee Arthroplasty in a Knee Osteoarthritis Patient Cohort Treated with Intra-articular Injections of Hylan G-F 20
Authors: Ong Kevin , Lau Edmund , Runa Maria , Daley William , Altman Roy 
Published: December 2019

AbstractHylan G-F 20 viscosupplementation can be used to treat knee osteoarthritis pain. This study evaluated time to knee arthroplasty (KA), KA risk factors, and health care resource utilization in patients aged ≥18 years with claims in the Optum Clinformatics Data Mart database (2006–2016) for knee osteoarthritis treated with at least one course of hylan G-F 20. Kaplan–Meier analysis estimated KA risk from osteoarthritis diagnosis and first hylan G-F 20 treatment. KA risk factors were determined using multivariate Cox regression. Among 62,033 patients treated with hylan G-F 20 and/or hylan G-F 20 single intra-articular injection, 60 to 64% did not undergo KA 8 years following first injection. KA risk factors from time of osteoarthritis diagnosis and first hylan G-F 20 treatment were similar: increased age, fewer comorbidities, fewer hylan G-F 20 treatments, female sex, and no ultrasound/fluoroscopy for injection guidance. Patients who underwent KA versus those who did not had more office visits and claims for opioids, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy. Patients less likely to undergo KA were younger (<40 years), had more comorbidities, received more courses of hylan G-F 20, were males, or received ultrasound/fluoroscopic injection guidance. Patients who did not receive KA versus those who did used fewer health care resources.
Microsecond-timescale simulations suggest 5-HT–mediated preactivation of the 5-HT3Aserotonin receptor
Authors: Guros Nicholas B. , Balijepalli Arvind , Klauda Jeffery B. 
Published: December 2019

SignificanceThe pentameric ligand-gated ion channel 5-HT3Aexhibits a transient preactive state that provides valuable insight into its binding and activation mechanisms. In this preactive state, the allosteric regulation of the channel structure, and thereby function, upon ligand binding occur at timescales that are too fast to be measured experimentally. This study demonstrates the power of microsecond-timescale MD simulations in detecting these transitional preactive states upon ligand binding and describing their effects on channel function at the molecular scale. Such a mechanistic understanding of the channel function is a critical element in the design of therapeutics for the regulation of 5-HT3A, which are needed to reverse the effects of numerous pathological conditions.
Regulation of INF2-mediated actin polymerization through site-specific lysine acetylation of actin itself
Authors: A Mu , Fung Tak Shun , Francomacaro Lisa M. , Huynh Thao , Kotila Tommi , Svindrych Zdenek , Higgs Henry N. 
Published: December 2019

SignificanceTight regulation is required to control biochemical reactions in cells so that these reactions can be activated precisely when and where needed. Our work focuses on actin, a protein that polymerizes into filaments in at least 20 distinct processes in mammalian cells. We have previously shown that lysine acetylation, a relatively minor modification on actin, is crucial for regulating a specific population of actin filaments through a protein called INF2. Here we identify key acetylated lysines that control INF2 activity. INF2 mutations link to 2 human diseases, focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (a kidney disease) and Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease (a neuropathy), and our findings further the mechanistic understanding of these diseases.
Accurate and rapid background estimation in single-molecule localization microscopy using the deep neural network BGnet
Authors: Möckl Leonhard , Roy Anish R. , Petrov Petar N. , Moerner W. E. 
Published: December 2019

Significance
Single-molecule localization microscopy has developed from a specialized technique into a widely used method across biological and chemical science. However, to see one molecule, unwanted light from the sample (background) must be minimized. More importantly, nonuniform background can seriously degrade the localization process. So far, addressing this problem has been challenging. We provide a robust, general, and easy-to-implement framework rooted in deep learning to accurately and rapidly estimate arbitrarily structured background so that this interfering structure can be removed. The method works both for conventional microscopes and also for complex 3-dimensional designs based on engineering the point-spread function. Accurate background estimation is a critically useful tool for extracting maximum information from single-molecule images.
Chorea-related mutations in PDE10A result in aberrant compartmentalization and functionality of the enzyme
Authors: Tejeda Gonzalo S. , Whiteley Ellanor L. , Deeb Tarek Z. , Bürli Roland W. , Moss Stephen J. , Sheridan Eamonn , Brandon Nicholas J. , Baillie George S. 
Published: December 2019

SignificancePhosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) is as a target of interest in Huntington’s disease (HD) as levels of the enzyme have been shown to decrease prior to the development of the hallmark motor symptoms. Clearly, a better understanding of how PDE10A protein levels change as HD develops is required. Here we show that mutations in the regulatory GAF domains of PDE10A that cause hyperkinetic syndromes in humans lead to misprocessing of the PDE10A enzyme that ultimately leads to targeted degradation by the ubiquitin proteasome system or clearance by autophagy. Both mechanisms result in a paucity of PDE10A activity that lead to a loss of movement coordination. Our research suggests that similar mechanisms may underpin PDE10A loss during HD.