bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Novel 199 base pair NEFH promoter drives expression in retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Millington-Ward Sophia , Chadderton Naomi , Berkeley Megan , Finnegan Laura K. , Hanlon Killian S. , Carrigan Matthew , Humphries Peter , Kenna Paul F. , Palfi Arpad , Farrar G. Jane 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRetinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are known to be involved in several ocular disorders, including glaucoma and Leber hereditary optic neuropathy (LHON), and hence represent target cells for gene therapies directed towards these diseases. Restricting gene therapeutics to the target cell type in many situations may be preferable compared to ubiquitous transgene expression, stimulating researchers to identify RGC-specific promoters, particularly promoter sequences that may also be appropriate in size to fit readily into recombinant adeno associated viral (AAV) vectors, the vector of choice for many ocular gene therapies. In the current study we analysed EGFP expression driven by various sequences of the putative human NEFH promoter in order to define sequences required for preferential expression in RGCs. EGFP expression profiles from four different potential NEFH promoter constructs were compared in vivo in mice using retinal histology and mRNA expression analysis. Notably, two efficient promoter sequences, one comprising just 199 bp, are presented in the study.
Design of intrinsically stretchable and highly conductive polymers for fully stretchable electrochromic devices
Authors: Kim Youngno , Park Chanil , Im Soeun , Kim Jung Hyun 
Published: October 2020

AbstractStretchable materials are essential for next generation wearable and stretchable electronic devices. Intrinsically stretchable and highly conductive polymers (termed ISHCP) are designed with semi interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPN) that enable polymers to be simultaneously applied to transparent electrodes and electrochromic materials. Through a facile method of acid-catalyzed polymer condensation reaction, optimized ISHCP films show the highest electrical conductivity, 1406 S/cm, at a 20% stretched state. Without the blending of any other elastomeric matrix, ISHCP maintains its initial electrical properties under a cyclic stretch-release of over 50% strain. A fully stretchable electrochromic device based on ISHCP is fabricated and shows a performance of 47.7% ∆T and high coloration efficiency of 434.1 cm2/C at 590 nm. The device remains at 45.2% ∆T after 50% strain stretching. A simple patterned electrolyte layer on a stretchable electrochromic device is also realized. The fabricated device, consisting of all-plastic, can be applied by a solution process for large scale production. The ISHCP reveals its potential application in stretchable electrochromic devices and satisfies the requirements for next-generation stretchable electronics.
Three-dimensional optoacoustic imaging of nailfold capillaries in systemic sclerosis and its potential for disease differentiation using deep learning
Authors: Nitkunanantharajah Suhanyaa , Haedicke Katja , Moore Tonia B. , Manning Joanne B. , Dinsdale Graham , Berks Michael , Taylor Christopher , Dickinson Mark R. , Jüstel Dominik , Ntziachristos Vasilis , Herrick Ariane L. , Murray Andrea K. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe autoimmune disease systemic sclerosis (SSc) causes microvascular changes that can be easily observed cutaneously at the finger nailfold. Optoacoustic imaging (OAI), a combination of optical and ultrasound imaging, specifically raster-scanning optoacoustic mesoscopy (RSOM), offers a non-invasive high-resolution 3D visualization of capillaries allowing for a better view of microvascular changes and an extraction of volumetric measures. In this study, nailfold capillaries of patients with SSc and healthy controls are imaged and compared with each other for the first time using OAI. The nailfolds of 23 patients with SSc and 19 controls were imaged using RSOM. The acquired images were qualitatively compared to images from state-of-the-art imaging tools for SSc, dermoscopy and high magnification capillaroscopy. The vascular volume in the nailfold capillaries were computed from the RSOM images. The vascular volumes differ significantly between both cohorts (0.216 ± 0.085 mm3 and 0.337 ± 0.110 mm3; p < 0.0005). In addition, an artificial neural network was trained to automatically differentiate nailfold images from both cohorts to further assess whether OAI is sensitive enough to visualize anatomical differences in the capillaries between the two cohorts. Using transfer learning, the model classifies images with an area under the ROC curve of 0.897, and a sensitivity of 0.783 and specificity of 0.895. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the capabilities of RSOM as an imaging tool for SSc and establishes it as a modality that facilitates more in-depth studies into the disease mechanisms and progression.
Age-related decline in motion contrast sensitivity due to lower absorption rate of cones and calculation efficiency
Authors: Braham chaouche Asma , Silvestre Daphné , Trognon Arthur , Arleo Angelo , Allard Rémy 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMotion perception is affected by healthy aging, which impairs the ability of older adults to perform some daily activities such as driving. The current study investigated the underlying causes of age-related motion contrast sensitivity losses by using an equivalent noise paradigm to decompose motion contrast sensitivity into calculation efficiency, the temporal modulation transfer function (i.e., temporal blur) and 3 sources of internal noise: stochastic absorption of photons by photoreceptors (i.e., photon noise), neural noise occurring at the retinal level (i.e., early noise) and at the cortical level (i.e., late noise). These sources of internal noise can be disentangled because there impacts on motion contrast sensitivity vary differently as a function of luminance intensity. The impact of healthy aging on these factors was evaluated by measuring motion contrast sensitivity of young and older healthy adults at different luminance intensities, temporal frequencies and with/without external noise. The older adults were found to have higher photon noise, which suggests a lower photon absorption rate of cones. When roughly equating the amount of photons being absorbed by the photoreceptors, older adults had lower calculation efficiencies, but no significant aging effect was found on temporal modulation transfer function, early noise and late noise.
Optimal design and manufacture of variable stiffness laminated continuous fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Boddeti Narasimha , Tang Yunlong , Maute Kurt , Rosen David W. , Dunn Martin L. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAdvanced manufacturing methods like multi-material additive manufacturing are enabling realization of multiscale materials with intricate spatially varying microstructures and thus, material properties. This blurs the boundary between material and structure, paving the way to lighter, stiffer, and stronger structures. Taking advantage of these tunable multiscale materials warrants development of novel design methods that effectively marry the concepts of material and structure. We propose such a design to manufacture workflow and demonstrate it with laminated continuous fiber-reinforced composites that possess variable stiffness enabled by spatially varying microstructure. This contrasts with traditional fiber-reinforced composites which typically have a fixed, homogenous microstructure and thus constant stiffness. The proposed workflow includes three steps: (1) Design automation—efficient synthesis of an optimized multiscale design with microstructure homogenization enabling efficiency, (2) Material compilation—interpretation of the homogenized design lacking specificity in microstructural detail to a manufacturable structure, and (3) Digital manufacturing—automated manufacture of the compiled structure. We adapted multiscale topology optimization, a mesh parametrization-based algorithm and voxel-based multimaterial jetting for these three steps, respectively. We demonstrated that our workflow can be applied to arbitrary 2D or 3D surfaces. We validated the complete workflow with experiments on two simple planar structures; the results agree reasonably well with simulations.
Caveolin 1 is required for axonal outgrowth of motor neurons and affects Xenopus neuromuscular development
Authors: Breuer Marlen , Berger Hanna , Borchers Annette 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCaveolins are essential structural proteins driving the formation of caveolae, specialized invaginations of the plasma membrane. Loss of Caveolin-1 (Cav1) function in mice causes distinct neurological phenotypes leading to impaired motor control, however, the underlying developmental mechanisms are largely unknown. In this study we find that loss-of-function of Xenopus Cav1 results in a striking swimming defect characterized by paralysis of the morphants. High-resolution imaging of muscle cells revealed aberrant sarcomeric structures with disorganized actin fibers. As cav1 is expressed in motor neurons, but not in muscle cells, the muscular abnormalities are likely a consequence of neuronal defects. Indeed, targeting cav1 Morpholino oligonucleotides to neural tissue, but not muscle tissue, disrupts axonal outgrowth of motor neurons and causes swimming defects. Furthermore, inhibition of voltage-gated sodium channels mimicked the Cav1 loss-of-function phenotype. In addition, analyzing axonal morphology we detect that Cav1 loss-of-function causes excessive filopodia and lamellipodia formation. Using rescue experiments, we show that the Cav1 Y14 phosphorylation site is essential and identify a role of RhoA, Rac1, and Cdc42 signaling in this process. Taken together, these results suggest a previously unrecognized function of Cav1 in muscle development by supporting axonal outgrowth of motor neurons.
Shifting fish distributions in warming sub-Arctic oceans
Authors: Campana Steven E. , Stefánsdóttir Ragnhildur B. , Jakobsdóttir Klara , Sólmundsson Jón 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe distributional response of marine fishes to climate warming would be expected to be very different than that of homeothermic birds and mammals, due both to more direct thermal effects on poikilothermic fish physiology and on reduced habitat fragmentation. In this study, we use a combination of linear models and graphical tools to quantify three-dimensional distribution shifts in 82 fish species caught in 5390 standardized groundfish survey tows over a 22-year time frame in the highly-productive sub-Arctic waters around Iceland. Over a 1 °C range, temperature significantly modified the distributional centroids of 72% of all fish species, but had relatively little effect on diversity. Most of the geographic shifts were to the northwest, and there was no overall tendency to move to deeper waters. A doubling of species abundance significantly influenced the distribution of 62% of species, but lacked the poleward orientation observed with temperature increases. Stenothermal species, those near their upper or lower thermal limits, and those with restricted spatial ranges were most likely to shift their distribution in response to climate warming, while deepwater species were not. A 2–3 °C warming of marine waters seems likely to produce large-scale changes in the location of many sub-Arctic fisheries.
Non-hematopoietic deficiency of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 deficiency leads to more severe anemia in a murine model of sickle cell disease
Authors: Venugopal J. , Wang J. , Guo C. , Lu H. , Chen Y. E. , Eitzman D. T. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractProprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) deficiency leads to lower cholesterol and is associated with reduced vascular complications in the general population. Cholesterol lowering may also have beneficial effects in sickle cell disease (SCD). The objective of this study was to determine effects of PCSK9 deficiency in a mouse model of SCD. Bone marrow transplantation (BMT) was performed from donor SCD mice to wild-type, PCSK9-deficient, and LDLR-deficient recipients to generate SCD controls (Pcsk9+/+, SCDbmt) with preserved PCSK9 status, SCD mice with deficiency of PCSK9 (Pcsk9−/−, SCDbmt), and SCD mice with deficiency of LDLR (Ldlr−/−, SCDbmt). Although cholesterol levels were lower in Pcsk9−/−, SCDbmt mice compared to Pcsk9+/+, SCDbmt mice, anemia was more severe in Pcsk9−/−, SCDbmt mice. Increased reticulocytosis, enhanced ex vivo erythrocyte sickling, and increased erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure was also observed. Livers, spleens, and kidneys contained increased iron in Pcsk9−/−, SCDbmt mice compared to Pcsk9+/+, SCDbmt mice consistent with greater hemolysis. SCD mice with deficiency of LDLR (Ldlr−/−, SCDbmt mice) had similar anemia as Ldlr+/+, SCDbmt mice despite higher serum cholesterol. In conclusion, deficiency of PCSK9 is associated with worsened anemia in SCD mice due to increased hemolysis. These findings may have implications for lipid-lowering strategies in patients with SCD, as well as for potential novel modifiers of anemia severity.
Association of remote imaging photoplethysmography and cutaneous perfusion in volunteers
Authors: Rasche Stefan , Huhle Robert , Junghans Erik , de Abreu Marcelo Gama , Ling Yao , Trumpp Alexander , Zaunseder Sebastian 
Published: October 2020

AbstractRemote imaging photoplethysmography (iPPG) senses the cardiac pulse in outer skin layers and is responsive to mean arterial pressure and pulse pressure in critically ill patients. Whether iPPG is sufficiently sensitive to monitor cutaneous perfusion is not known. This study aimed at determining the response of iPPG to changes in cutaneous perfusion measured by Laser speckle imaging (LSI). Thirty-seven volunteers were engaged in a cognitive test known to evoke autonomic nervous activity and a Heat test. Simultaneous measurements of iPPG and LSI were taken at baseline and during cutaneous perfusion challenges. A perfusion index (PI) was calculated to assess iPPG signal strength. The response of iPPG to the challenges and its relation to LSI were determined. PI of iPPG significantly increased in response to autonomic nervous stimuli and to the Heat test by 5.8% (p = 0.005) and 11.1% (p < 0.001), respectively. PI was associated with LSI measures of cutaneous perfusion throughout experiments (p < 0.001). iPPG responses to study task correlated with those of LSI (r = 0.62, p < 0.001) and were comparable among subjects. iPPG is sensitive to autonomic nervous activity in volunteers and is closely associated with cutaneous perfusion.
Asynchronous electric field visualization using an integrated multichannel electro-optic probe
Authors: Hisatake Shintaro , Kamada Junpei , Asano Yuya , Uchida Hirohisa , Tojo Makoto , Oikawa Yoichi , Miyaji Kunio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe higher the frequency, the more complex the scattering, diffraction, multiple reflection, and interference that occur in practical applications such as radar-installed vehicles and transmitter-installed mobile modules, etc. Near-field measurement in “real situations” is important for not only investigating the origin of unpredictable field distortions but also maximizing the system performance by optimal placement of antennas, modules, etc. Here, as an alternative to the previous vector-network-analyzer-based measurement, we propose a new asynchronous approach that visualizes the amplitude and phase distributions of electric near-fields three-dimensionally without placing a reference probe at a fixed point or plugging a cable to the RF source to be measured. We demonstrate the visualization of a frequency-modulated continuous wave (FMCW) signal (24 GHz ± 40 MHz, modulation cycle: 2.5 ms), and show that the measured radiation patterns of a standard horn antenna agree well with the simulation results. We also demonstrate a proof-of-concept experiment that imitates a realistic situation of a bumper installed vehicle to show how the bumper alters the radiation patterns of the FMCW radar signal. The technique is based on photonics and enables measuring in the microwave to millimeter-wave range.
A Purkinje image-based system for an assessment of the density and transmittance spectra of the human crystalline lens in vivo
Authors: Eto Taisuke , Teikari Petteri , Najjar Raymond P. , Nishimura Yuki , Motomura Yuki , Kuze Manami , Higuchi Shigekazu 
Published: October 2020

AbstractA method for rapid and objective assessment of ocular lens density and transmittance is needed for research and clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine whether the Purkinje image-based technique can be used for objective and accurate quantification of spectral density and transmittance of ocular media (the mainly crystalline lens) in visible light. Twenty-six individuals (10 young, 9 middle-aged and 7 older individuals) participated in this study. Spectral lens density was evaluated by detecting the intensity of the IVth Purkinje image for different wavelengths. Subsequently, optical density index (ODI), the area under the curve in the lens density spectrum, was calculated and ODIs were compared with clinical lens opacification scales assessed subjectively using a slit lamp. Spectral lens transmittance was estimated from the lens density spectrum. Lens densities were higher in the short wavelength region of the visible spectrum across all age groups. ODI was highly correlated with the clinical opacification scale, while lens transmittance decreased with aging. Our results showed that spectral transmittance of the human crystalline lens can be easily estimated from optical density spectra evaluated objectively and rapidly using the Purkinje image-based technique. Our results provide clinicians and scientists with an accurate, rapid and objective technique for quantification of lens transmittance.
Free circulating mircoRNAs support the diagnosis of invasive aspergillosis in patients with hematologic malignancies and neutropenia
Authors: Tolnai Emese , Fidler Gábor , Szász Róbert , Rejtő László , Nwozor Kingsley Okechukwu , Biró Sándor , Paholcsek Melinda 
Published: October 2020

AbstractFungal infections represent a worrisome complication in hematologic cancer patients and in the absence of disease specific symptoms, it is important to establish new biological indicators, which can be used during mould-active prophylaxis. Recently, miRNAs have appeared as candidate diagnostic and prognostic markers of several diseases. A pilot clinical study was performed to evaluate the diagnostic utility of 14 microRNAs which can be related to invasive fungal infections. Based on our data miR-142-3p, miR-142-5p, miR-26b-5p and miR-21-5p showed significant overexpression (p < 0.005) due to invasive aspergillosis in hemato-oncology patients with profound neutropenia. A tetramiR assay was designed to monitor peripheral blood specimens. Optimal cut-off was estimated by using the median value (fold change 1.1) of the log10 transformed gene expressions. The biomarker panel was evaluated on two independent sample cohorts implementing different antimicrobial prophylactic strategies. The receiver operating characteristic analysis with area under the curve proved to be 0.97. Three miRNAs (miR-142-5p, miR-142-3p, miR-16-5p) showed significant expression alterations in episodes with sepsis. In summary, the tetramiR assay proved to be a promising diagnostic adjunct with sufficient accuracy and sensitivity to trace invasive aspergillosis in hemato-oncology patients.
Enhanced heavy metal removal from an aqueous environment using an eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbent
Authors: Zhang Wanqi , An Yuhong , Li Shujing , Liu Zhechen , Chen Zhangjing , Ren Yukun , Wang Sunguo , Zhang Xiaotao , Wang Ximing 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThiol-lignocellulose sodium bentonite (TLSB) nanocomposites can effectively remove heavy metals from aqueous solutions. TLSB was formed by using –SH group-modified lignocellulose as a raw material, which was intercalated into the interlayers of hierarchical sodium bentonite. Characterization of TLSB was then performed with BET, FTIR, XRD, TGA, PZC, SEM, and TEM analyses. The results indicated that thiol-lignocellulose molecules may have different influences on the physicochemical properties of sodium bentonite, and an intercalated–exfoliated structure was successfully formed. The TLSB nanocomposite was subsequently investigated to validate its adsorption and desorption capacities for the zinc subgroup ions Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II). The optimum adsorption parameters were determined based on the TLSB nanocomposite dosage, concentration of zinc subgroup ions, solution pH, adsorption temperature and adsorption time. The results revealed that the maximum adsorption capacity onto TLSB was 357.29 mg/g for Zn(II), 458.32 mg/g for Cd(II) and 208.12 mg/g for Hg(II). The adsorption kinetics were explained by the pseudo-second-order model, and the adsorption isotherm conformed to the Langmuir model, implying that the dominant chemical adsorption mechanism on TLSB is monolayer coverage. Thermodynamic studies suggested that the adsorption is spontaneous and endothermic. Desorption and regeneration experiments revealed that TLSB could be desorbed with HCl to recover Zn(II) and Cd(II) and with HNO3 to recover Hg(II) after several consecutive adsorption/desorption cycles. The adsorption mechanism was investigated through FTIR, EDX and SEM, which demonstrated that the introduction of thiol groups improved the adsorption capacity. All of these results suggested that TLSB is an eco-friendly and sustainable adsorbent for the extraction of Zn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions in aqueous media.
Serious complications and risk of re-operation after Dupuytren’s disease surgery: a population-based cohort study of 121,488 patients in England
Authors: Alser Osaid , Craig Richard S. , Lane Jennifer C. E. , Prats-Uribe Albert , Robinson Danielle E. , Rees Jonathan L. , Prieto-Alhambra Daniel , Furniss Dominic 
Published: October 2020

AbstractDupuytren’s disease (DD) is a common fibro-proliferative disorder of the palm. We estimated the risk of serious local and systemic complications and re-operation after DD surgery. We queried England’s Hospital Episode Statistics database and included all adult DD patients who were surgically treated. A longitudinal cohort study and self-controlled case series were conducted. Between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2017, 121,488 adults underwent 158,119 operations for DD. The cumulative incidence of 90-day serious local complications was low at 1.2% (95% CI 1.1–1.2). However, the amputation rate for re-operation by limited fasciectomy following dermofasciectomy was 8%. 90-day systemic complications were also uncommon at 0.78% (95% CI 0.74–0.83), however operations routinely performed under general or regional anaesthesia carried an increased risk of serious systemic complications such as myocardial infarction. Re-operation was lower than previous reports (33.7% for percutaneous needle fasciotomy, 19.5% for limited fasciectomy, and 18.2% for dermofasciectomy). Overall, DD surgery performed in England was safe; however, re-operation by after dermofasciectomy carries a high risk of amputation. Furthermore, whilst serious systemic complications were unusual, the data suggest that high-risk patients should undergo treatment under local anaesthesia. These data will inform better shared decision-making regarding this common condition.