bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Loss‐of‐function of Endothelin receptor type A results in Oro‐Oto‐Cardiac syndrome
Authors: Pritchard Amanda Barone , Kanai Stanley M. , Krock Bryan , Schindewolf Erica , Oliver‐Krasinski Jennifer , Khalek Nahla , Okashah Najeah , Lambert Nevin A. , Tavares Andre L.P. , Zackai Elaine , Clouthier David E. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCraniofacial morphogenesis is regulated in part by signaling from the Endothelin receptor type A (EDNRA). Pathogenic variants in EDNRA signaling pathway components EDNRA, GNAI3, PCLB4, and EDN1 cause Mandibulofacial Dysostosis with Alopecia (MFDA), Auriculocondylar syndrome (ARCND) 1, 2, and 3, respectively. However, cardiovascular development is normal in MFDA and ARCND individuals, unlike Ednra knockout mice. One explanation may be that partial EDNRA signaling remains in MFDA and ARCND, as mice with reduced, but not absent, EDNRA signaling also lack a cardiovascular phenotype. Here we report an individual with craniofacial and cardiovascular malformations mimicking the Ednra
−/− mouse phenotype, including a distinctive micrognathia with microstomia and a hypoplastic aortic arch. Exome sequencing found a novel homozygous missense variant in EDNRA (c.1142A>C; p.Q381P). Bioluminescence resonance energy transfer assays revealed that this amino acid substitution in helix 8 of EDNRA prevents recruitment of G proteins to the receptor, abrogating subsequent receptor activation by its ligand, Endothelin‐1. This homozygous variant is thus the first reported loss‐of‐function EDNRA allele, resulting in a syndrome we have named Oro‐Oto‐Cardiac Syndrome. Further, our results illustrate that EDNRA signaling is required for both normal human craniofacial and cardiovascular development, and that limited EDNRA signaling is likely retained in ARCND and MFDA individuals. This work illustrates a straightforward approach to identifying the functional consequence of novel genetic variants in signaling molecules associated with malformation syndromes.
Preparation of slow release encapsulated insecticide and fertilizer based on superabsorbent polysaccharide microbeads
Authors: Joshi Prutha P. , Van Cleave Ashleigh , Held David W. , Howe Julie A. , Auad Maria L. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe use of encapsulated fertilizers and pesticides is a key approach for slowing the release of agrochemicals, while simultaneously reducing costs and environmental problems. The use of hybrid systems for encapsulation in organic‐based agriculture, which enables the release of agrochemicals in a single application, has been a growing field. In this approach, a formulation of Bacillus‐thuringiensis as bio‐pesticide and nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizer (fish emulsion, potassium nitrate, and potassium phosphate) were formulated using superabsorbent polymers microbeads based on sodium alginate (ALG) then evaluated for release. Different formulations were prepared using 15 wt% of Bt, fish emulsion, nitrogen, and phosphorus. The encapsulated microbeads were prepared by wet‐extrusion processing using sodium alginate as the superabsorbent polymer and calcium chloride as the gelling agent. The resulting beads were characterized in terms of size, morphology, water uptake, and biodegradability. The results showed that the prepared microbeads have narrow size distributions (1.2 to 2.1 mm) and increased water uptake (1,200–3,200%). Moreover, loaded microbeads were analyzed using inductively coupled plasma‐optical emission spectroscopy and Elementar CHNS analyzer to obtain the fertilizer grades as (6.2–0.8–1.05), (0–6.3–6.4), and (0.62–0–2.4) for the one loaded with fish emulsion, for potassium phosphate loaded beads, and for potassium nitrate loaded beads, respectively.
Systematization, description, and territory of arteries that promote vascularization of the midbrain and rhombencephalon in the ostrich (Struthio camelus)
Authors: Nazer Manoel B. , Campos Rui , Voll Juliana 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBrain specimens from 30 ostriches were injected with red‐dyed latex via the internal carotid arteries (Aa.). The ventral tectal mesencephalic artery (a.), invariably a medium‐sized single vessel, was, on the right side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (53.4%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (43.3%) and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%) and on the left side, a collateral branch of the caudal branch of the carotid artery (66.7%), a direct branch of the carotid artery (30%), and a direct branch of the basilar artery (3.3%). It vascularized only the ventral half of the optic lobe, with no involvement in cerebellar vascularization on the right (93.3%) and left (80%) sides, extending to the ventrorostral‐most cerebellar lobules, which were vascularized on the right (6.7%) and left (20%) sides. The caudal ventral cerebellar arteries were a single vessel on the right (96.7%) and left (93.3%) sides. Its first branch was a common trunk: dorsal spinal—caudal cerebellar on the right (60%) and left (56.6%) sides. Its second branch was the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (76.7%) and left (86.7%) sides. Its third branch was the second component of the caudal cerebellar artery on the right (6.7%) and left (3.3%) sides. The midbrain was vascularized by dorsal and ventral tectal mesencephalic arteries. The cerebellum was vascularized by branches of the caudal ventral cerebellar artery and by the dorsal cerebellar artery.
Morphological effects of whole‐body vibration on remobilization of the tibialis anterior muscle of Wistar rats
Authors: Zazula Matheus Felipe , Wutzke Maria Luiza Serradourada , da Costa Juliana Roncini Gomes , Guimarães Ana Tereza Bittencourt , Costa Rose Meire , Bertolini Gladson Ricardo Flor , Ribeiro Lucinéia de Fátima Chasko 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTherapeutic immobilization is a common treatment for the locomotor system; however, it causes loss of muscle due to disuse, leading to protein degradation and generating atrophy of muscle cells, ultimately changing functionality. In this sense, it is important for remobilization to be initiated early and performed with appropriate therapeutic strategies that enable tissue and functional recovery. One method of remobilization is physical exercise, among which whole body vibration (WBV) has been highlighted and mainly applied in people with reduced mobility. However, there are gaps on the morphological effects WBV has on muscle tissue, so in this study we analyzed the histomorphometry of the tibialis anterior muscle (TA) of Wistar rats remobilized using WBV. For the experiment, 32 male Wistar rats were used and divided into four groups (n = 8/group). Groups consisted of: control (CG), immobilized (IG), immobilized and remobilized freely (FG), and immobilized and remobilized with WBV (WG). After the experimental period, the TA was collected and processed for analysis in light microscopy. When compared to the control group, significant morphological changes were observed, which characterize muscle atrophy and reduction of all histomorphometric parameters of the TA of the immobilized animals. Remobilized animals showed improvement in all parameters, and the WBV was not different from the free remobilization, except for the reduction of central nuclei, which can be related to acceleration of the process of tissue regeneration. Thus, we can conclude that the WBV can have an impact on the acceleration of the muscle regenerative process, and may be beneficial in people with reduced mobility.
Gestational exposure to valproic acid upregulates total Stat3 protein expression while downregulating phosphorylated Stat3 in CD‐1 mouse embryos with neural tube defects
Authors: Shafique Sidra , Winn Louise M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractValproic acid (VPA), a widely prescribed antiepileptic drug and an effective treatment for psychiatric disorders, is teratogenic causing neural tube defects (NTDs) and other defects in the exposed embryo. Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) is a transcription factor that is activated via tyrosine phosphorylation. Stat3, as well as its active form (pYStat3), is expressed during neural tube closure in murine development. This study investigated the effects of in utero VPA exposure on embryonic Stat3 mRNA and protein expression during the critical period of neural tube closure in CD‐1 mouse embryos. Following the exposure of CD‐1 pregnant mice to the teratogenic dose of 400 mg/kg VPA or saline on gestational day (GD) 9, embryos were harvested at 1, 3, 6, or 24 hr and on GD13. Stat3 mRNA levels remained unchanged at all time points. Total Stat3 protein levels were significantly (p < .05) increased in GD9 embryos at 1 and 6 hr post‐exposure and in GD13 exposed nonexencephalic and exencephalic embryo heads. In contrast, phosphorylated Stat3 levels were significantly (p < .05) downregulated in GD9 embryos at the 3 and 6 hr time points with an overall trend of downregulation in the GD10 and GD13 groups. Total and phosphorylated Stat3 protein levels remained unchanged in nuclear extracts of the exposed nonexencephalic and exencephalic GD13 embryo heads. The reported significant downregulation of phosphorylated Stat3 levels suggests its possible role in VPA‐induced NTDs in mouse embryos.
Metal‐organic framework‐derived Fe/Cu‐substituted Co nanoparticles embedded in CNTs‐grafted carbon polyhedron for Zn‐air batteries
Authors: Zhang Kexin , Zhang Yelong , Zhang Qinghua , Liang Zibin , Gu Lin , Guo Wenhan , Zhu Bingjun , Guo Shaojun , Zou Ruqiang 
Published: March 2020

AbstractMetal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) and MOF‐derived materials have attracted great attention as alternatives to noble‐metal based electrocatalysts owing to their intriguing structure properties, especially for high efficiency and stable oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Herein, we employed a one‐pot reaction to make a multimetal (Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn) mixed zeolitic imidazolate framework (MM‐ZIF) via adopting a simple in situ redox reaction. Further pyrolysis of the target MM‐ZIF, a highly porous carbon polyhedron (FC‐C@NC) grafted with abundant carbon nanotubes was obtained, in which ultrasmall Co nanoparticles with partial lattice sites substituted by Fe and Cu were embedded. The obtained FC‐C@NC possessed large surface area, highly porous structure, widely‐spread metal active sites, and conductive carbon frameworks, contributing to outstanding ORR activity and long‐term stability. It displayed superior tolerance to methanol crossover and exceeded the commercial Pt/C catalyst and most previously reported non‐noble‐metal catalysts. Impressively, the as‐produced FC‐C@NC‐based zinc‐air battery afforded an open‐circuit potential of 1.466 V, a large specific capacity of 659.5 mAh/g, and a high gravimetric energy density of 784.3 Wh/kgZn, significantly outperforming the Pt/C‐based cathode.
In a Quest for Selectivity Paired with Activity: A Ruthenium Olefin Metathesis Catalyst Bearing an Unsymmetrical Phenanthrene‐Based N‐Heterocyclic Carbene
Authors: Dąbrowski Michał , Wyrębek Przemysław , Trzybiński Damian , Woźniak Krzysztof , Grela Karol 
Published: March 2020

AbstractRobust, selective, and stable in the presence of ethylene, ruthenium olefin metathesis pre‐catalyst, {[3‐benzyl‐1‐(10‐phenyl‐9‐phenanthryl)]‐2‐imidazolidinylidene}dichloro(o‐isopropoxyphenylmethylene)ruthenium(II), Ru‐3, bearing an unsymetrical N‐heterocyclic carbene (uNHC) ligand, has been synthesized. The initiation rate of Ru‐3 was examined by ring‐closing metathesis and cross‐metathesis reactions with a broad spectrum of olefins, showing an unprecendented selectivity. It was also tested in industrially relevant ethenolysis reactions of olefinic substrates from renewable feedstock with very good yields and selectivities.
Poly‐γ‐S‐perillyl‐l‐glutamate and Poly‐γ‐S‐perillyl‐d‐glutamate: Diastereomeric Alignment Media Used for the Investigation of the Alignment Process
Authors: Alcaraz Janßen Marcel , Thiele Christina M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractResidual dipolar couplings (RDCs) offer additional information for structure elucidation by NMR spectroscopy. They are measured in anisotropic media, such as lyotropic liquid crystalline phases of polypeptides. Today, some suitable polypeptides are known. Nevertheless, structural influences of these polypeptides on the alignment properties are not really understood. Thus, which influence a chiral side chain has on enantiodiscrimination and whether we can improve the enantiodifferentiation significantly by adding an additional chiral center in the side chain are questions of interest. Therefore, new diastereomeric polypeptide‐based alignment media with an additional chiral center in the side chain derived from perillyl alcohol were synthesized and their properties were investigated (secondary structure, liquid crystallinity, etc.). The enantiomers of isopinocampheol and β‐pinene were used as model analytes for the study of enantiodiscrimination. Additionally, the usage of 1H–1H‐RDCs to improve the alignment tensor quality is demonstrated.
Sensory systems in birds: What we have learned from studying sensory specialists
Authors: Iwaniuk Andrew N. , Wylie Douglas R. 
Published: March 2020

Abstract“Diversity” is an apt descriptor of the research career of Jack Pettigrew as it ranged from the study of trees, to clinical conditions, to sensory neuroscience. Within sensory neuroscience, he was fascinated by the evolution of sensory systems across species. Here, we review some of his work on avian sensory specialists and research that he inspired in others. We begin with an overview of the importance of the Wulst in stereopsis and the need for further study of the Wulst in relation to binocularity across avian species. Next, we summarize recent anatomical, behavioral, and physiological studies on optic flow specializations in hummingbirds. Beyond vision, we discuss the first evidence of a tactile “fovea” in birds and how this led to detailed studies of tactile specializations in waterfowl and sensorimotor systems in parrots. We then describe preliminary studies by Pettigrew of two endemic Australian species, the plains‐wanderer (Pedionomus torquatus) and letter‐winged kite (Elanus scriptus), that suggest the evolution of some unique auditory and visual specializations in relation to their unique behavior and ecology. Finally, we conclude by emphasizing the importance of a comparative and integrative approach to understanding avian sensory systems and provide an example of one system that has yet to be properly examined: tactile facial bristles in birds. Through reviewing this research and offering future avenues for discovery, we hope that others also embrace the comparative approach to understanding sensory system evolution in birds and other vertebrates.
Panel Design and Optimization for High‐Dimensional Immunophenotyping Assays Using Spectral Flow Cytometry
Authors: Ferrer‐Font Laura , Pellefigues Christophe , Mayer Johannes U. , Small Sam J. , Jaimes Maria C. , Price Kylie M. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTechnological advances in fluorescence flow cytometry and an ever‐expanding understanding of the complexity of the immune system have led to the development of large (20+ parameters) flow cytometry panels. However, as panel complexity and size increase, so does the difficulty involved in designing a high‐quality panel, accessing the instrumentation capable of accommodating large numbers of parameters, and analyzing such high‐dimensional data. A recent advancement is spectral flow cytometry, which in contrast to conventional flow cytometry distinguishes the full emission spectrum of each fluorophore across all lasers, rather than identifying only the peak of emission. Fluorophores with a similar emission maximum but distinct off‐peak signatures can therefore be accommodated within the same flow cytometry panel, allowing greater flexibility in terms of panel design and fluorophore detection. Here, we highlight the specific characteristics of spectral flow cytometry and aim to guide users through the process of building, designing, and optimizing high‐dimensional spectral flow cytometry panels using a comprehensive step‐by‐step protocol. Special considerations are also given for using highly overlapping dyes, and a logical selection process for optimal marker‐fluorophore assignment is provided. © 2020 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Salix dormant bud cryotolerance varies by taxon, harvest year, and stem‐segment length
Authors: Jenderek Maria M. , Ambruzs Barbara D. , Holman Gregory E. , Carstens Jeffrey D. , Ellis David D. , Widrlechner Mark P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWillow (Salix L.) species have good qualities for becoming a biomass crop for production of biofuels. They grow on marginal soils, produce high yields of wood in a short period of time, and are easily propagated. Salix is one of the few genera that may be cryopreserved as dormant winter buds (DBs) instead of using tissue culture techniques. The objective of our study was to evaluate selected factors that affect cryotolerance of nine Salix germplasm accessions in the USDA‐ARS National Plant Germplasm System collection. One‐year‐old branches harvested in January over 3 yr were cut into either 6‐ to 7‐ or 10‐cm segments containing at least two DBs. Segments were treated with a slow‐cooling procedure and stored in vapor‐phase liquid N (LNV). Control segments were stored at −5 °C until planting. The LNV‐exposed and the −5 °C‐stored nodal segments were warmed and directly planted in a cold greenhouse. Six weeks later, the material was evaluated for shoot and root development. Segments that developed a shoot were considered viable. Average viability varied among years (0–35.1%) even for the same accession, species (4.2–51.4%), and segment length. Dormant buds on 10‐cm segments had higher average viability (82.2%) than did DBs on 6‐ to 7‐cm segments (43.9%), suggesting higher suitability for cryopreservation. In the material studied, Salix DB viability was correlated with branch diameter, DB density, and the ability to develop shoots and roots prior to cryopreservation.
Corporate social responsibility and earnings transparency: Evidence from Korea
Authors: Park Hee‐Jin , Ha Mi‐Hye 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe objective of this study was to investigate the association between corporate social responsibility (CSR) and earnings transparency of Korean companies. Transparency is one of key principles of CSR activities. We will focus on accounting transparency as accounting provides fundamental financial information about a company. Our results showed that companies with superior CSR activities had higher earnings transparency. This suggests that the more a company performs CSR, the more it gets trust from market participants on earnings information. We tested whether continuance of CSR commitments could affect the level of transparency. Our results revealed found that a company with a longer period of CSR activities had higher earnings transparency. This implies that CSR activities on ongoing‐basis encourage a company to disclose its information to outside stockholders in an open way.
Efficient implementation of mixed‐precision multiply‐accumulator unit for AI algorithms
Authors: Mounica Chandana , Krishna Sagar , Veeramachaneni Sreehari , Mahammad S Noor 
Published: March 2020

SummaryMany of the modern deep learning, machine learning, and artificial intelligence algorithms use adders, multipliers, and multiply‐accumulators (MACs) with mixed precisions. In general, fixed‐point and floating‐point adders, multipliers, and MACs are used in mixed‐precision hardware, such that the above algorithm can choose appropriate hardware for its processing. This paper proposes an efficient mixed‐precision MAC circuit that can perform fixed‐point and floating‐point operations. The proposed design uses Han‐Carlson adder with late carry or end‐around carry in its accumulator design; as a result, delay and energy of the circuit reduce by
and
respectively, when compared with the existing designs from the literature.
Current/voltage mode full‐wave rectifier based on a single CCCII
Authors: Petrović Predrag B. 
Published: March 2020

SummaryA novel full‐wave rectifier (or inverting full‐wave rectifier) based on a single second‐generation current controlled conveyor (CCCII) having no external passive components and diodes, conducive to IC implementation, is proposed in this paper. The circuits are capable of precisely processing the input signals of up to 30 MHz frequency, while in the situation when the circuits are operating in a voltage mode (VM), the allowed range of possible changes in the input voltage signal is ±500 mV compared with ±1 mA in the current mode (CM). In order to more fully perceive the performance of the proposed full‐wave rectifier, the influence of nonidealities and parasitic impedances effects on its work was analyzed. The simulation results using 0.35‐μm parameters confirm the feasibility of the proposed solutions.
Splintered tubercular granuloma—A consistent cytological findings in drug defaulters
Authors: Zaheer Sufian , Sharma Rohit , Beg Farzana , Sherwani Rana K. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBackgroundTuberculosis remains a major health problem in the less developed nations and is now a major health problem in developed countries, owing to the emergence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and (AIDS). However, despite the availability of effective chemotherapy, patient noncompliance with regimens is the most common reason for therapeutic failures. The aim of this study is to describe the cytological features of drug defaulters on lymph node fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).ObjectiveDue to the common problem of drug defaulters in developing countries like India, we had carried out a study to see the cytological features of drug defaulters on FNAC of the lymph node.MethodThree hundred fifty tuberculosis cases, diagnosed based on Mantoux (Mx) test, acid‐fast bacilli and/or culture, were followed up for drug compliance by cervical lymph node FNAC.ResultForty cases were found to be drug defaulters on detailed and meticulous follow‐up. These patients were found to have splintered epithelioid cell granuloma with some viable epithelioid cells enmeshed in fibrous tissue elements. Other findings were degenerating epithelioid cells with or without surrounding eosinophilic infiltration and leaching of the degenerating lymphoid and epithelioid cells.ConclusionLymph node FNAC can be used to identify tubercular drug defaulters, which may be time consuming and/or expensive by culture or other ancillary means.