bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiparametric assessment of the impact of opsin expression and anesthesia on striatal cholinergic neurons and auditory brainstem activity
Authors: Carrasco Andres , Tamura Atsushi , Pommer Stefan , Chouinard Julie A. , Kurima Kiyoto , Barzaghi Paolo , Wickens Jeffery R. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRecent developments in genetic engineering have established murine models that permit the selective control of cholinergic neurons via optical stimulation. Despite copious benefits granted by these experimental advances, the sensory physiognomy of these organisms has remained poorly understood. Therefore, the present study evaluates sensory and neuronal response properties of animal models developed for the study of optically induced acetylcholine release regulation. Auditory brainstem responses, fluorescence imaging, and patch clamp recording techniques were used to assess the impact of viral infection, sex, age, and anesthetic agents across the ascending auditory pathway of ChAT‐Cre and ChAT‐ChR2(Ai32) mice. Data analyses revealed that neither genetic configuration nor adeno‐associated viral infection alters the early stages of auditory processing or the cellular response properties of cholinergic neurons. However, anesthetic agent and dosage amount profoundly modulate the response properties of brainstem neurons. Last, analyses of age‐related hearing loss in virally infected ChAT‐Cre mice did not differ from those reported in wild type animals. This investigation demonstrates that ChAT‐Cre and ChAT‐ChR2(Ai32) mice are viable models for the study of cholinergic modulation in auditory processing, and it emphasizes the need for prudence in the selection of anesthetic procedures.
Divisible load scheduling of image processing applications on the heterogeneous star and tree networks using a new genetic algorithm
Authors: Nikbakht Aali Sahar , Bagherzadeh Nader 
Published: October 2019

SummaryThe divisible load scheduling of image processing applications on the heterogeneous star and multi‐level tree networks is addressed in this paper. In our platforms, processors and network links have different speeds. In addition, computation and communication overheads are considered. A new genetic algorithm for minimizing the processing time of low‐level image applications using divisible load theory is introduced. The closed‐form solution for the processing time, the image fractions that should be allocated to each processor, the optimum number of participating processors, and the optimal sequence for load distribution are derived. The new concept of equivalent processor in tree network is introduced and the effect of different image and kernel sizes on processing time and speed up are investigated. Finally, to indicate the efficiency of our algorithm, several numerical experiments are presented.
Anti‐Oxidizing Radical Polymer‐Incorporated Perovskite Layers and their Photovoltaic Characteristics in Solar Cells
Authors: Suwa Koki , Oyaizu Kenichi , Segawa Hiroshi , Nishide Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2019

AbstractA small amount of a radical‐bearing redox‐active polymer, poly(1‐oxy‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethylpiperidin‐4‐yl methacrylate) (PTMA), incorporated into the photovoltaic organo‐lead halide perovskite layer significantly enhanced durability of both the perovskite layer and its solar cell and even exposure to ambient air or oxygen. PTMA acted as an eliminating agent of the superoxide anion radical formed upon light irradiation on the layer, which can react with the perovskite compound and decompose it to lead halide. A cell fabricated with a PTMA‐incorporated perovskite layer and a hole‐transporting polytriarylamine layer gave a photovoltaic conversion efficiency of 18.8 % (18.2 % for the control without PTMA). The photovoltaic current was not reduced in the presence of PTMA in the perovskite layer probably owing to a carrier conductivity of PTMA. The incorporated PTMA also worked as a water‐repelling coating for providing humidity‐resistance to the organo‐lead halide perovskite layer.
Risk of malignancy and clinical outcomes of cyst fluid only nodules in the thyroid based on ultrasound and aspiration cytology
Authors: Kanematsu Risa , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Higuchi Miyoko , Suzuki Ayana , Aga Hitomi , Tanaka Aki , Yamao Naoki , Hayashi Toshitetsu , Kuma Seiji , Miyauchi Akira 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe number of extensive studies focusing on cyst fluid only (CFO) thyroid nodules is limited, and the risk of malignancy (ROM) in CFO nodules has not been well‐established. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate CFO nodules using cytology and ultrasound. In addition, we sought to define the ROM and determine the recommended clinical management of CFO nodules.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed cytological preparations of 678 nodules that were originally identified as CFO nodules, including conventional specimens in 209 nodules, liquid based cytology (LBC) specimens in 221 nodules, and both conventional and LBC specimens in 248 nodules. Ultrasound reports with representative photographs were also reviewed.ResultsOf the 678 CFO nodules, 214 (31.6%) were reclassified into other categories, including non‐diagnostic/unsatisfactory (ND/UNS) except for CFO (n = 15), benign (n = 198), and malignant (n = 1). Conventional preparations (33.5%) were more frequently reclassified than LBC preparations (13.6%; P < .0001). Re‐aspiration for diagnosis was performed for only one calcified nodule. The rates of surgical resection and malignancy were 3.0% and 0.2%, respectively. Based on American Thyroid Association guidelines and the Kuma Hospital ultrasound classification, worrisome sonographic features were identified in 5.8% and 0% of CFO nodules, respectively.ConclusionWe propose that CFO nodules should be classified as separate from ND/UNS nodules; they should be categorized as a subtype of benign nodules. However, it is essential that fine‐needle aspiration cytology be performed under ultrasound‐guided real‐time visualization of needle placement in the target nodule in all cases.
Allometric relationships for Quercus gambelii and Robinia neomexicana for biomass estimation following disturbance
Authors: Krofcheck Dan J. , Litvak Marcy E. , Hurteau Matthew D. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn the southwestern USA, increases in size, frequency, and severity of wildfire are driving the conversion of forests to shrub‐dominated ecosystems. Increases in drought extent and severity, coupled with the way that shrub‐dominated systems are perpetuated by high‐severity fire, predisposes these post‐disturbance landscapes to remain in a non‐forest condition. Consequently, understanding the distribution of aboveground biomass in post‐disturbance, shrub‐dominated ecosystems is central to constraining the uncertainty surrounding how these ecosystems interact with light and water to sequester carbon. Here we present allometric regressions for Quercus gambelii (Gambel oak) and Robinia neomexicana (New Mexico locust), two species that dominate post‐fire landscapes in the southwestern USA. Our allometric regressions are designed to be driven by either field plot or high‐resolution remote sensing data, using either shrub area or shrub volume to estimate biomass.
Evaluation of a novel thermophilic nitrifying Bacillaceae species Aliibacillus thermotolerans BM62T promoting nitrogen retention in livestock manure compost
Authors: Xu Jie , Xu Xiuhong , Han Yue , Sheng Siyuan , Meng Qingxin , Wang Zeyi , Liu Wenyue , Di Lubin 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAliibacillus thermotolerans BM62T is a novel thermophilic nitrifying bacterium, which belongings to the family Bacillaceae. A laboratory scale composting was done to evaluate the effect of adding strain BM62T on nitrogen retention during the process of animal waste compost. During the whole composting process, the ammonia emission of the compost with BM62T added was 29.71% lower than that of the control compost. In addition, the emission amount reduced in the warming and high temperature period accounted for 92.19% of the total emission amount reduced by the addition of strain BM62T. In the early stage of composting (0–14 days), the ammonium content in the BM62T‐added compost was significantly lower than that of the control compost, while the content of nitrite and nitrate was significantly higher than that of the control compost. At the end of composting, the nitrate content in the BM62T‐added compost (3.25 g/kg DM) was significantly higher than that of the control compost (0.14 g/kg DM). The number of thermophilic bacteria increased by 73.07% and that of thermophilic nitrifying bacteria increased by 75.56% in the compost with BM62T added. While the number of thermophilic bacteria increased by 29.61% and that of thermophilic nitrifying bacteria increased by 31.72% in the control compost. These results showed that BM62T could effectively reduce the ammonia emission especially during the high temperature period of compost, which make it has good application value in livestock and poultry manure compost treatment for promoting nitrogen retention.
Numerical simulation of fluid‐solid coupling of fractured rock mass considering changes in fracture stiffness
Authors: Qiao Yuandong , Zhang Cun , Zhang Lei , Zhao Wei 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe fluid‐solid coupling simulation of fractured coal and rock is helpful to study the influence of the fracture structure on the stress sensitivity of the permeability. Therefore, a key factor in improving the reliability of such a numerical simulation is selecting parameters that match measured laboratory results. This paper firstly illustrates the use of a common inversion method to select the fluid‐solid coupling parameters through the constant joint stiffness method (CJSM). The main principle, application range, and the shortcomings of this method (CJSM) are analyzed: It can be used to simulate the measured results in a lower stress range. However, the stress sensitivity of permeability is zero when the stress reaches the critical stress (the stress where the hydraulic aperture reaches the residual hydraulic aperture). In order to solve this problem, a numerical simulation method for fluid‐solid coupling using the varying joint stiffness method (VJSM) is proposed based on the characteristic that the compressibility of a fracture decreases with increasing stress. In this method, the compressibility of the hydraulic aperture can be changed by increasing the joint stiffness during the loading process. Thus, the hydraulic aperture can continuously change and there is no need to set the residual hydraulic aperture. Finally, fluid‐solid coupling simulations under different stress states were performed using the VJSM in this study. The numerical simulation results were basically consistent with the experimental results, which indicated that a fluid‐solid coupling simulation using the VJSM can match experimental results very well and can be further used to study the influence of the persistent fracture angle on the permeability.
The RNA binding protein fragile X mental retardation protein promotes myelin sheath growth
Authors: Doll Caleb A. , Yergert Katie M. , Appel Bruce H. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractDuring development, oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system extend a multitude of processes that wrap axons with myelin. The highly polarized oligodendrocytes generate myelin sheaths on many different axons, which are far removed from the cell body. Neurons use RNA binding proteins to transport, stabilize, and locally translate mRNA in distal domains of neurons. Local synthesis of synaptic proteins during neurodevelopment facilitates the rapid structural and functional changes underlying neural plasticity and avoids extensive protein transport. We hypothesize that RNA binding proteins also regulate local mRNA regulation in oligodendrocytes to promote myelin sheath growth. Fragile X mental retardation protein (FMRP), an RNA binding protein that plays essential roles in the growth and maturation of neurons, is also expressed in oligodendrocytes. To determine whether oligodendrocytes require FMRP for myelin sheath development, we examined fmr1−/− mutant zebrafish and drove FMR1 expression specifically in oligodendrocytes. We found oligodendrocytes in fmr1−/− mutants developed myelin sheaths of diminished length, a phenotype that can be autonomously rescued in oligodendrocytes with FMR1 expression. Myelin basic protein (Mbp), an essential myelin protein, was reduced in myelin tracts of fmr1−/− mutants, but loss of FMRP function did not impact the localization of mbpa transcript in myelin. Finally, expression of FMR1‐I304N, a missense allele that abrogates FMRP association with ribosomes, failed to rescue fmr1−/− mutant sheath growth and induced short myelin sheaths in oligodendrocytes of wild‐type larvae. Taken together, these data suggest that FMRP promotes sheath growth through local regulation of translation.
Deletion of calcineurin from GFAP‐expressing astrocytes impairs excitability of cerebellar and hippocampal neurons through astroglial Na+/K+ ATPase
Authors: Tapella Laura , Soda Teresa , Mapelli Lisa , Bortolotto Valeria , Bondi Heather , Ruffinatti Federico A. , Dematteis Giulia , Stevano Alessio , Dionisi Marianna , Ummarino Simone , Di Ruscio Annalisa , Distasi Carla , Grilli Mariagrazia , Genazzani Armando A. , D'Angelo Egidio , Moccia Francesco , Lim Dmitry 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAstrocytes perform important housekeeping functions in the nervous system including maintenance of adequate neuronal excitability, although the regulatory mechanisms are currently poorly understood. The astrocytic Ca2+/calmodulin‐activated phosphatase calcineurin (CaN) is implicated in the development of reactive gliosis and neuroinflammation, but its roles, including the control of neuronal excitability, in healthy brain is unknown. We have generated a mouse line with conditional knockout (KO) of CaN B1 (CaNB1) in glial fibrillary acidic protein‐expressing astrocytes (astroglial calcineurin KO [ACN‐KO]). Here, we report that postnatal and astrocyte‐specific ablation of CaNB1 did not alter normal growth and development as well as adult neurogenesis. Yet, we found that specific deletion of astrocytic CaN selectively impairs intrinsic neuronal excitability in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). This impairment was associated with a decrease in after hyperpolarization in CGC, while passive properties were unchanged, suggesting impairment of K+ homeostasis. Indeed, blockade of Na+/K+‐ATPase (NKA) with ouabain phenocopied the electrophysiological alterations observed in ACN‐KO CGCs. In addition, NKA activity was significantly lower in cerebellar and hippocampal lysates and in pure astrocytic cultures from ACN‐KO mice. While no changes were found in protein levels, NKA activity was inhibited by the specific CaN inhibitor FK506 in both cerebellar lysates and primary astroglia from control mice, suggesting that CaN directly modulates NKA activity and in this manner controls neuronal excitability. In summary, our data provide formal evidence for the notion that astroglia is fundamental for controlling basic neuronal functions and place CaN center‐stage as an astrocytic Ca2+‐sensitive switch.
Assessment of corneal viscoelasticity using elastic wave optical coherence elastography
Authors: Jin Zi , Zhou Yuheng , Shen Meixiao , Wang Yuanyuan , Lu Fan , Zhu Dexi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe corneal viscoelasticity have great clinical significance, such as the early diagnosis of keratoconus. In this work, an analysis method which utilized the elastic wave velocity, frequency and energy attenuation to assess the corneal viscoelasticity is presented. Using phase‐resolved optical coherence tomography, the spatial‐temporal displacement map is derived. The phase velocity dispersion curve and center frequency are obtained by transforming the displacement map into the wavenumber‐frequency domain through the 2D fast Fourier transform (FFT). The shear modulus is calculated through Rayleigh wave equation using the phase velocity in the high frequency. The normalized energy distribution is plotted by transforming the displacement map into the spatial‐frequency domain through the 1D FFT. The energy attenuation coefficient is derived by exponential fitting to calculate the viscous modulus. Different concentrations of tissue‐mimicking phantoms and porcine corneas are imaged to validate this method, which demonstrates that the method has the capability to assess the corneal viscoelasticity.
MicroRNA‐132 suppresses migration and invasion of renal carcinoma cells
Authors: Yu Yi , Lu Wenbao , Zhou Xinmin , Huang Hua , Shen Shaochen , Guo Lian 
Published: October 2019

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to explain the effects of microRNA‐132 in renal cell carcinoma by regulating FOXM1 expression.MethodsThirty patients with renal cell carcinoma admitted to our hospital were enrolled, and their adjacent normal tissues and cancer tissues were taken. The expression of microRNA‐132 was measured by in situ hybridization (ISH) and RT‐PCR, and the expression of FOXM1 was evaluated by RT‐PCR and immunohistochemistry (IHC), and the correlation between microRNA‐132 and FOXM1 was analyzed. In the cell experiment, the KETR‐3 cells were divided into three groups: Negative control (NC) group were treated with nothing; blank (BL) group were transfected with empty vector; and microRNA‐132 (miRNA) group were transfected with microRNA‐132. The cell invasion and migration abilities among groups were assessed by transwell and wound healing assays. The expression levels of related proteins (FOXM1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF‐alpha, and uPAR) were determined by Western blot.ResultsDepending on clinical data, we found that FOXM1 protein expression of renal cell carcinoma tissues was higher than that in adjacent normal tissues. MiRNA‐132 was negative correlation with FOXM1. In vitro, the number of invasive cells and wound healing rate in the microRNA group were significantly suppressed than those in the NC group (P < 0.05, respectively). In the Western blot assay, the results showed that the protein expression levels of FOXM1, MMP‐2, MMP‐9, VEGF‐α, and uPAR were significantly inhibited in the miRNA group compared with the NC group (P < 0.05, respectively).ConclusionmiRNA‐132 had anti‐tumor effects in renal cell carcinoma by suppressing FOXM1 expression.
Systematics study through scanning electron microscopy; a tool for the authentication of herbal drug Mentha suaveolens Ehrh
Authors: Ayaz Asma , Zaman Wajid , Ullah Fazal , Saqib Saddam , Jamshed Shayan , Bahadur Saraj , Shakoor Abdul , Arshad Bushra 
Published: October 2019

AbstractIn all over the world, herbal drugs are usually adulterated with similar species or varieties due to incorrect identification. Most of herbal products devoid purity and quality, therefore an attempt was carried out to identify plant species and authenticate its herbal drug products from Mentha suaveolens. Microscopy tools provide an excellent platform to identify plants at species level. In this study, microscopic and pharmacokinetic parameters of M. suaveolens were observed. Plant species were collected from high diverse areas of Northern Pakistan. Macro and micro‐morphology including palynology and anatomical features were analyzed to study M. suaveolens. Species characteristics were studied, while implementing microscopic techniques for the delimitation and identification of the species. Traditionally Mentha species are used to cure several diseases that is, digestive disorders, respiratory disorders. Micromorphology (stem, leaves, flowers structure, length etc.), palynology (shape, size of pollen etc.), and anatomical characters (types of stomata, epidermal cell shape, and trichomes) were studied. Micromorphology and anatomical characters were of great interest and significance to discuss the taxonomy of the species. Taxonomic characters were studied to characterize and authenticate the species. The aim of the present study is to observe in detail the taxonomic identification of the species in term of morphology, palynology, and foliar epidermal anatomy for the correct identification along with their medicinal uses in the area.
Prostate diffusion MRI with minimal echo time using eddy current nulled convex optimized diffusion encoding
Authors: Zhang Zhaohuan , Moulin Kevin , Aliotta Eric , Shakeri Sepideh , Afshari Mirak Sohrab , Hosseiny Melina , Raman Steven , Ennis Daniel B. , Wu Holden H. 
Published: October 2019

BackgroundProstate diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) using monopolar encoding is sensitive to eddy‐current‐induced distortion artifacts. Twice‐refocused bipolar encoding suppresses eddy current artifacts, but increases echo time (TE), leading to lower signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR). Optimization of the diffusion encoding might improve prostate DWI.PurposeTo evaluate eddy current nulled convex optimized diffusion encoding (ENCODE) for prostate DWI with minimal TE.Study TypeProspective cohort study.PopulationA diffusion phantom, an ex vivo prostate specimen, 10 healthy male subjects (27 ± 3 years old), and five prostate cancer patients (62 ± 7 years old).Field Strength/Sequence3T; single‐shot spin‐echo echoplanar DWI.AssessmentEddy‐current artifacts, TE, SNR, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), and image quality scores from three independent readers were compared between monopolar, bipolar, and ENCODE prostate DWI for standard‐resolution (1.6 × 1.6 mm2, partial Fourier factor [pF] = 6/8) and higher‐resolution protocols (1.6 × 1.6 mm2, pF = off; 1.0 × 1.0 mm2, pF = 6/8).Statistical TestingSNR and ADC differences between techniques were tested with Kruskal–Wallis and Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests (P < 0.05 considered significant).ResultsEddy current suppression with ENCODE was comparable to bipolar encoding (mean coefficient of variation across three diffusion directions of 9.4% and 9%). For a standard‐resolution protocol, ENCODE achieved similar TE as monopolar and reduced TE by 14 msec compared to bipolar, resulting in 27% and 29% higher mean SNR in prostate transition zone (TZ) and peripheral zone (PZ) (P < 0.05) compared to bipolar, respectively. For higher‐resolution protocols, ENCODE achieved the shortest TE (67 msec), with 17–21% and 58–70% higher mean SNR compared to monopolar (TE = 77 msec) and bipolar (TE = 102 msec) in PZ and TZ (P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in mean TZ (P = 0.91) and PZ ADC (P = 0.94) between the three techniques. ENCODE achieved similar or higher image quality scores than bipolar DWI in patients, with mean intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.77 for overall quality between three independent readers.Data ConclusionENCODE minimizes TE (improves SNR) and reduces eddy‐current distortion for prostate DWI compared to monopolar and bipolar encoding.Level of Evidence: 2Technical Efficacy: Stage 1J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1526–1539.