bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ionic liquid-supported magnetite nanoparticles as electrode modifier materials for estrogens sensing
Authors: Moreira Fernanda , Santana Edson Roberto , Spinelli Almir 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThis paper reports the application of a carbon paste electrode modified with magnetite nanoparticles and the ionic liquid 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium hexafluorophosphate in the electroanalytical determination of 17β-estradiol and estriol. These estrogens are potential endocrine disruptors and thus it is relevant the development of devices for their monitoring. Transmission electron microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and zeta potential techniques were applied to characterization of the modifier materials. In cyclic voltammetry experiments, irreversible oxidation peaks were observed for 17β-estradiol and estriol at +0.320 V and +0.400 V, respectively. The anodic currents obtained were approximately three times greater than those provided by the unmodified electrode due to the presence of magnetic nanoparticles and the ionic liquid, which improved the sensitivity of modified electrode. For the analysis, the parameters of the square-wave voltammetry (scan increment, amplitude and frequency) were optimized by Box-Behnken factorial design for each estrogen. For 17β-estradiol in B-R buffer pH 12.0, the calibration plot was linear from 0.10 to 1.0 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 50.0 nmol L−1. For estriol in B-R buffer pH 11.0, the linear range was 1.0 to 10.0 μmol L−1, with a detection limit of 300.0 nmol L−1. The modified electrode was applied in the determination of 17β-estradiol and estriol in pharmaceutical formulations and the results were comparable to those obtained using UV/VIS spectrometry. Statistical tests were applied to evaluate the results and it was concluded that there was no significant difference regarding the precision and accuracy of the data provided by the two methods.
Effect of the proton irradiation on the thermally activated flux flow in superconducting SmBCO coated conductors
Authors: Choi W. J. , Ahmad D. , Seo Y. I. , Ko R. K. , Kwon Yong Seung 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe investigate changes in the vortex pinning mechanism caused by proton irradiation through the measurement of the in-plane electrical resistivity for H//c in a pristine and two proton-irradiated (total doses of 1 × 1015 and 1 × 1016 cm−2) SmBa2Cu3O7-δ (SmBCO) superconducting tapes. Even though proton irradiation has no effect on the critical temperature (Tc), the resulting artificial point defect causes an increase in normal state electrical resistivity. The electrical resistivity data around Tc shows no evidence of a phase transition to the vortex glass state but only broadens with increasing magnetic field due to the vortex depinning in the vortex liquid state. The vortex depinning is well interpreted by a thermally activated flux flow model in which the activation energy shows a nonlinear temperature change $${\boldsymbol{U}}{\boldsymbol{(}}{\boldsymbol{T}},{\boldsymbol{H}}{\boldsymbol{)}}{\boldsymbol{=}}{{\boldsymbol{U}}}_{{\boldsymbol{0}}}{\boldsymbol{(}}{\boldsymbol{H}}{\boldsymbol{)}}{{\boldsymbol{(}}{\bf{1}}-{\boldsymbol{T}}{\boldsymbol{/}}{{\boldsymbol{T}}}_{{\boldsymbol{c}}}{\boldsymbol{)}}}^{{\boldsymbol{q}}}$$
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)

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(q = 2). The field dependence of activation energy shows a $${{\boldsymbol{U}}}_{{\bf{0}}}{\boldsymbol{ \sim }}{{\boldsymbol{H}}}^{-{\boldsymbol{\alpha }}}$$

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~

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with larger exponents above 4 T. This field dependence is mainly due to correlated disorders in pristine sample and artificially created point defects in irradiated samples. Compared with the vortex pinning due to correlated disorders, the vortex pinning due to the appropriate amount of point defects reduces the magnitude of Uo(H) in the low magnetic field region and slowly reduces Uo(H) in high magnetic fields.
Clinicopathological features and prognostic value of SOX11 in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Grönroos Toni , Mäkinen Artturi , Laukkanen Saara , Mehtonen Juha , Nikkilä Atte , Oksa Laura , Rounioja Samuli , Marincevic-Zuniga Yanara , Nordlund Jessica , Pohjolainen Virva , Paavonen Timo , Heinäniemi Merja , Lohi Olli 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAcute lymphoblastic leukemia is marked by aberrant transcriptional features that alter cell differentiation, self-renewal, and proliferative features. We sought to identify the transcription factors exhibiting altered and subtype-specific expression patterns in B-ALL and report here that SOX11, a developmental and neuronal transcription factor, is aberrantly expressed in the ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 subtypes of acute B-cell leukemias. We show that a high expression of SOX11 leads to alterations of gene expression that are typically associated with cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. A high expression is associated with DNA hypomethylation at the SOX11 locus and a favorable outcome. The results indicate that SOX11 expression marks a group of patients with good outcomes and thereby prompts further study of its use as a biomarker.
A 124-plex Microhaplotype Panel Based on Next-generation Sequencing Developed for Forensic Applications
Authors: Pang Jing-Bo , Rao Min , Chen Qing-Feng , Ji An-Quan , Zhang Chi , Kang Ke-Lai , Wu Hao , Ye Jian , Nie Sheng-Jie , Wang Le 
Published: February 2020

AbstractMicrohaplotypes are an emerging type of forensic genetic marker that are expected to support multiple forensic applications. Here, we developed a 124-plex panel for microhaplotype genotyping based on next-generation sequencing (NGS). The panel yielded intralocus and interlocus balanced sequencing data with a high percentage of effective reads. A full genotype was determined with as little as 0.1 ng of input DNA. Parallel mixture experiments and in-depth comparative analyses were performed with capillary-electrophoresis-based short tandem repeat (STR) and NGS-based microhaplotype genotyping, and demonstrated that microhaplotypes are far superior to STRs for mixture deconvolution. DNA from Han Chinese individuals (n = 256) was sequenced with the 124-plex panel. In total, 514 alleles were observed, and the forensic genetic parameters were calculated. A comparison of the forensic parameters for the 20 microhaplotypes with the top Ae values in the 124-plex panel and 20 commonly used forensic STRs showed that these microhaplotypes were as effective as STRs in identifying individuals. A linkage disequilibrium analysis showed that 106 of the 124 microhaplotypes were independently hereditary, and the combined match probability for these 106 microhaplotypes was 5.23 × 10−66. We conclude that this 124-plex microhaplotype panel is a powerful tool for forensic applications.
PSD-95 Serine 73 phosphorylation is not required for induction of NMDA-LTD
Authors: Nowacka Agata , Borczyk Małgorzata , Salamian Ahmad , Wójtowicz Tomasz , Włodarczyk Jakub , Radwanska Kasia 
Published: February 2020

AbstractPSD-95 is a major scaffolding protein of the post-synaptic density (PSD) of a glutamatergic synapse. PSD-95, via interactions with stargazin, anchors AMPA receptors at the synapse and regulates AMPAR currents. The expression of PSD-95 is regulated during synaptic plasticity. It is, however, unknown whether this regulation is required for induction of functional plasticity of glutamatergic synapses. Here, we show that NMDA-induced long-term depression of synaptic transmission (NMDA-LTD) is accompanied by downregulation of PSD-95 protein levels. Using pharmacologic and molecular manipulations, we further demonstrate that the NMDA-induced downregulation of PSD-95 depends on the activation of CaMKII and CaMKII-driven phosphorylation of PSD-95 serine 73. Surprisingly, neither CaMKII activity nor CaMKII-dependent phosphorylation of PSD-95 serine 73 are required for the expression of NMDA-LTD. These results support the hypothesis that synaptic plasticity of AMPARs may occur without dynamic regulation of PSD-95 protein levels.
Effects of Human Synchronous Hand Movements in Eliciting a Sense of Agency and Ownership
Authors: Hao Qiao , Ora Hiroki , Ogawa Ken-ichiro , Amano Shun-ichi , Miyake Yoshihiro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe self is built as an entity independent from the external world using the human ability to experience the senses of agency and ownership. Humans usually experience these senses during movement. Nevertheless, researchers recently reported that another person’s synchronous mirror-symmetrical movements elicited both agency and ownership in research participants. However, it is unclear whether this elicitation was caused by the synchronicity or the mirror symmetry of the movements. To address this question, we investigated the effect of interpersonal synchronization on the self-reported sense of agency and ownership in two conditions, using movements with and without mirror symmetry. Participants performed rhythmic hand movements while viewing the experimenter’s synchronous or random hand movements, and then reported their perceptions of agency and ownership in a questionnaire. We observed that agency and ownership were significantly elicited by the experimenter’s synchronous hand movements in both conditions. The results suggested that the synchronous movements of another person—rather than mirror- or non-mirror-symmetrical movements—appear to elicit the experience of a sense of agency and ownership. The results also suggested that people could experience these senses not only from their own movements but also from another person’s synchronous movements.
Systematic dissection of biases in whole-exome and whole-genome sequencing reveals major determinants of coding sequence coverage
Authors: Barbitoff Yury A. , Polev Dmitrii E. , Glotov Andrey S. , Serebryakova Elena A. , Shcherbakova Irina V. , Kiselev Artem M. , Kostareva Anna A. , Glotov Oleg S. , Predeus Alexander V. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAdvantages and diagnostic effectiveness of the two most widely used resequencing approaches, whole exome (WES) and whole genome (WGS) sequencing, are often debated. WES dominated large-scale resequencing projects because of lower cost and easier data storage and processing. Rapid development of 3rd generation sequencing methods and novel exome sequencing kits predicate the need for a robust statistical framework allowing informative and easy performance comparison of the emerging methods. In our study we developed a set of statistical tools to systematically assess coverage of coding regions provided by several modern WES platforms, as well as PCR-free WGS. We identified a substantial problem in most previously published comparisons which did not account for mappability limitations of short reads. Using regression analysis and simple machine learning, as well as several novel metrics of coverage evenness, we analyzed the contribution from the major determinants of CDS coverage. Contrary to a common view, most of the observed bias in modern WES stems from mappability limitations of short reads and exome probe design rather than sequence composition. We also identified the ~ 500 kb region of human exome that could not be effectively characterized using short read technology and should receive special attention during variant analysis. Using our novel metrics of sequencing coverage, we identified main determinants of WES and WGS performance. Overall, our study points out avenues for improvement of enrichment-based methods and development of novel approaches that would maximize variant discovery at optimal cost.
Shift work and risk of skin cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yousef Einas , Mitwally Noha , Noufal Noha , Tahir Muhammad Ramzan 
Published: February 2020

AbstractShift work with circadian disruption has been considered as a carcinogenic risk factor for skin cancer. The few prior studies that investigated the association between shift work and skin cancer have inconclusive results. Our main objective was to evaluate the associations between shift work and the risks of different types of skin cancer. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE and Science Direct until October 2018 for studies that included a relationship between shift work and skin cancer. Our search yielded 193 articles and 9 studies met the criteria for our review. The included studies involved 3,579,147 participants and 17,308 skin cancer cases. Overall, ever shift work, was associated with increased risk of melanoma (RR = 1.10, 95% CI = 1.05–1.16) and a significant decrease in the risk of BCC (RR = 0.90, 95% CI = 0.88–0.93). No association between shift work and the risk of SCC was detected. Interestingly, our dose response analysis demonstrated that the risk of melanoma cumulatively increases by 2% for every year of shift work (RR = 1.02; 95% CI = 1.00–1.03). In conclusion, shift work is associated with increased risk of melanoma and deceased risk of BCC. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to elucidate the related potential biological mechanisms.
Production and control of coagulation proteins for factor X activation in human endothelial cells and fibroblasts
Authors: Cohen Clay T. , Turner Nancy A. , Moake Joel L. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHuman endothelial cells (ECs) synthesize, store, and secrete von Willebrand factor multimeric strings and coagulation factor (F) VIII. It is not currently known if ECs produce other coagulation factors for active participation in coagulation. We found that 3 different types of human ECs in primary culture produce clotting factors necessary for FX activation via the intrinsic (FVIII-FIX) and extrinsic (tissue factor [TF]-FVII) coagulation pathways, as well as prothrombin. Human dermal fibroblasts were used as comparator cells. TF, FVII, FIX, FX, and prothrombin were detected in ECs, and TF, FVII, FIX, and FX were detected in fibroblasts. In addition, FVII, FIX, FX, and prothrombin were detected by fluorescent microscopy in EC cytoplasm (associated with endoplasmic reticulum and Golgi proteins). FX activation occurred on human umbilical vein EC surfaces without the addition of external coagulation proteins, proteolytic enzymes, or phospholipids. Tumour necrosis factor, which suppresses the generation of activated protein C and increases TF, augmented FX activation. Fibroblasts also produced TF, but (in contrast to ECs) were incapable of activating FX without the exogenous addition of FX and had a marked increase in FX activation following the addition of both FX and FVII. We conclude that human ECs produce their own coagulation factors that can activate cell surface FX without the addition of exogenous proteins or phospholipids.
First isolation and molecular characterization of Toxoplasma gondii strains from human congenital toxoplasmosis cases in Monastir, Tunisia
Authors: Lahmar Ibtissem , Lachkhem Arwa , Babba Oussama , Slama Darine , Trabelsi Aida , Passebosc-Faure Karine , Dardé Marie Laure , Babba Hamouda 
Published: February 2020

AbstractToxoplasma gondii is a protozoon parasite that can cause severe clinical problems such as congenital toxoplasmosis. The distribution of T. gondii genotypes varies from one geographic area to another. So far, little is known about the parasite genotypes in Tunisia, North Africa. The present study aimed isolating and genotyping T. gondii from the amniotic fluid (AF) and placenta of pregnant women in Monastir, Tunisia. Amniotic fluid and/or placenta from 80 women who acquired toxoplasma infection during pregnancy were tested by PCR and/or mouse bioassay. Genotyping of T. gondii isolates from these samples was performed with 15 microsatellite markers. Four viable T. gondii strains were isolated from either the AF or placenta of four women. Specifically, strains TUN001-MON1 and TUN002-MON2 were isolated from both the AF and placenta, TUN003-AHA from only the placenta, and TUN004-NEL from only the AF. The four viable strains were not virulent for mice. Genotyping revealed that the four strains were type II strains. This is the first report on isolation and genotyping of T. gondii from AF human samples in Tunisia. Further studies focused on T. gondii genotyping on a larger number of human cases and on animals in Tunisia are needed to improve the knowledge and epidemiology of toxoplasmosis.
Visceral Adipose Tissue Depth in Early Pregnancy and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus - a Cohort Study
Authors: Alves João Guilherme , Souza Alex Sandro Rolland , Figueiroa José Natal , de Araújo Carla Adriane Leal , Guimarães Angélica , Ray Joel Geoffrey 
Published: February 2020

AbstractSome studies have suggested that abdominal visceral adipose tissue depth (VAD) measured by ultrasound in early pregnancy, may predict the future onset of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). Wheter this is true, independent of pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), has been debated, leading the current study. A prospective cohort study was completed, in which VAD was measured at around 14 weeks’ gestation. GDM was later assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test at 24 to 28 weeks, according to the IADPSG criteria. Logistic regression analysis and receiver operating curve (ROC) analysis were used to estimate the predictive value of VAD, above and beyond pre-pregnancy BMI. 627 pregnant women were enrolled, and 518 completed the study. VAD was measured at a mean of 14.4 weeks’ gestation. 87 women (16.8%) subsequently developed GDM. The unadjusted odds ratio (OR) for developing GDM was 1.99 (95% CI 1.59–2.46) per 1-cm increase in VAD. After adjusting for maternal BMI and age, the OR was 2.00 (95% CI 1.61 to 2.50). The ROC under the curve for developing GDM was higher for VAD (0.70, 95% CI 0.63 to 0.75) than for pre-pregnancy BMI (0.57 95% CI 0.50 to 0.64) (p < 0.001). In conclusion, higher VAD may better predict GDM than pre-pregnancy BMI.
An overview of clinical decision support systems: benefits, risks, and strategies for success
Authors: Sutton Reed T. , Pincock David , Baumgart Daniel C. , Sadowski Daniel C. , Fedorak Richard N. , Kroeker Karen I. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractComputerized clinical decision support systems, or CDSS, represent a paradigm shift in healthcare today. CDSS are used to augment clinicians in their complex decision-making processes. Since their first use in the 1980s, CDSS have seen a rapid evolution. They are now commonly administered through electronic medical records and other computerized clinical workflows, which has been facilitated by increasing global adoption of electronic medical records with advanced capabilities. Despite these advances, there remain unknowns regarding the effect CDSS have on the providers who use them, patient outcomes, and costs. There have been numerous published examples in the past decade(s) of CDSS success stories, but notable setbacks have also shown us that CDSS are not without risks. In this paper, we provide a state-of-the-art overview on the use of clinical decision support systems in medicine, including the different types, current use cases with proven efficacy, common pitfalls, and potential harms. We conclude with evidence-based recommendations for minimizing risk in CDSS design, implementation, evaluation, and maintenance.
Enhancement of axial ratio‐beamwidth of X‐band composite microstrip patch antenna with conical ground plane
Authors: Narke S. , Ananthakrishnan S. , Bhattacharya C. 
Published: February 2020

A single‐feed circularly polarised (CP) composite microstrip patch antenna (MPA) with a 3D conical ground plane at X‐band is presented here to meet the requirements of wide beamwidth for on‐board antenna structures of highly rotating bodies in projectile motion. The results of the measurement for fabricated antenna in the anechoic chamber show that a half power beamwidth and axial ratio (AR) beamwidth are achieved for right‐hand CP radiation pattern in both the xoz and yoz planes with a gain of . The AR at the resonating frequency of 10.28 GHz has a low figure of 0.46 dB producing nearly smooth CP foot print with a wide AR beamwidth. The measured reflection coefficient () of CP–MPA is at 10.28 GHz with an impedance bandwidth that is 8.75% of the resonant frequency. The figure of merit for cross‐polarisation in the fabrication is , i.e. achieved at the zenith of co‐polarisation.
Voltage‐mode hysteretic control techniques for high‐current single‐inductor multiple‐output switching regulators
Authors: Huang Cheng , Lee Sangwon 
Published: February 2020

In this Letter, two comparator‐based voltage‐mode hysteretic controller designs are proposed to enhance dynamic response for single‐inductor multiple‐output (SIMO) switching converters to minimise over‐/under‐shoot voltages due to self‐ and cross‐regulations in fast load transients, especially with high output power and large current steps. The proposed converters are designed and simulated in a 65 nm CMOS process with standard I/O devices. With the proposed techniques, the output voltage fluctuations, including steady‐state voltage ripples and over‐/under‐shoot voltages due to self‐ and cross‐regulations during a 1.8 A load transient in 1 ns, are kept within 60 mV. The proposed converter delivers more than 3 A maximum load current per output and a maximum total output power above 6 W, with a peak efficiency above 90%. Compared to state‐of‐the‐art SIMO converters, this work achieves a significantly higher output power capacity and faster dynamic response thus smaller self‐ and cross‐regulations within 0.033 mV/mA.