bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
greenCUT&RUN: Efficient Genomic Profiling of GFP‐Tagged Transcription Factors and Chromatin Regulators
Authors: Koidl Stefanie , Timmers H. T. Marc 
Published: October 2021

AbstractGenome‐wide mapping of transcription factors and chromatin regulators is important to distinguish their direct from indirect effects on gene transcription or chromatin function. Novel approaches for studying their genomic localization under native conditions, such us cleavage under target and release using nuclease (CUT&RUN), offer higher resolution and lower sequencing costs than classical chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assays, and require fewer cells but they still depend on the availability of high‐quality antibodies. Here, we describe detailed and robust protocols for greenCUT&RUN, which is a generic CUT&RUN‐based approach for mapping the genome‐wide localization of green fluorescent protein (GFP)‐tagged factors in intact mammalian cells. The greenCUT&RUN method makes use of a micrococcal nuclease (MNase) coupled to a high affinity nanobody against GFP, which exploits the accessibility of multiple surfaces of the GFP tag, thus eliminating issues of antibody variability and availability. We also provide efficient protocols for the expression and purification of two different GFP nanobodies, which recognize non‐overlapping GFP epitopes and can be combined for a further gain in sensitivity and accuracy. Compared to traditional CUT&RUN, genomic localization by greenCUT&RUN reduces handling time and experimental variability. GreenCUT&RUN is a versatile, robust, and universal procedure for surveying the genome‐wide localization of GFP‐tagged versions of proteins that drive key transcriptional programs and regulate chromatin function. © 2021 The Authors. Current Protocols published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol: Standard greenCUT&RUN for GFP‐tagged proteins in mammalian cellsAlternate Protocol: High‐Ca++/low‐salt greenCUT&RUN for GFP‐tagged histone proteins in mammalian cellsSupport Protocol: Expression and purification of GFP nanobody‐MNase fusion proteins for greenCUT&RUN
Post‐Synthetic Modification of Oligonucleotides Through Oxidative Amination of 4‐Thio‐2′‐Deoxyuridine
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Shang Jiachen , Xiang Yu , Tong Aijun 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFunctionalized oligonucleotides (ONs) are widely applied as target recognition molecules for biosensing and gene regulation. Herein, we describe a general method for post‐synthetic modification of ONs based on the oxidative amination of 4‐thio‐2′‐deoxyuridine (4SdU) with sodium periodate and several amines. Alkyne‐/azide‐, biotin‐, and fluorophore‐modified ONs were prepared by modifying 4SdU‐containing ONs with the corresponding amines and characterized for their bioorthogonal reactivity, streptavidin‐binding affinity, and fluorescence properties, respectively. We synthesized three fluorophore‐modified ONs with and without the aromatic fluorophores conjugated to modified nucleobases and investigated their emission properties. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.Basic Protocol 1: Post‐synthetic modification of ONsSupporting Protocol: Preparation of dansyl ethylenediamineBasic Protocol 2: Quantification of ON reaction yieldsBasic Protocol 3: Characterization of modified ONs
Nonlinear models of power inductors: A survey
Authors: Oliveri Alberto , Lodi Matteo , Storace Marco 
Published: October 2021

SummarySwitch‐mode power supplies (SMPSs) are widely exploited to interface electrical energy sources to motors and other electrical loads. Inductors are usually the biggest and heaviest components in SMPSs, limiting their overall power density. Therefore, there is an increasing interest in designing SMPSs with partially saturating inductors, because this significantly reduces their weight and size, thus increasing power density. This paper provides a review of nonlinear behavioral models (based on easy‐to‐measure quantities) of the inductance, power loss, and temperature rise of inductors working, at least partially, in magnetic saturation. This survey discusses the pros, cons, and ranges of validity of these models, with a glimpse at their application to SMPS simulation, design, monitoring, and control.
Oceanic records of North American bats and implications for offshore wind energy development in the United States
Authors: Solick Donald I. , Newman Christian M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractOffshore wind energy is a growing industry in the United States, and renewable energy from offshore wind is estimated to double the country's total electricity generation. There is growing concern that land‐based wind development in North America is negatively impacting bat populations, primarily long‐distance migrating bats, but the impacts to bats from offshore wind energy are unknown. Bats are associated with the terrestrial environment, but have been observed over the ocean. In this review, we synthesize historic and contemporary accounts of bats observed and acoustically recorded in the North American marine environment to ascertain the spatial and temporal distribution of bats flying offshore. We incorporate studies of offshore bats in Europe and of bat behavior at land‐based wind energy studies to examine how offshore wind development could impact North American bat populations. We find that most offshore bat records are of long‐distance migrating bats and records occur during autumn migration, the period of highest fatality rates for long‐distance migrating bats at land‐based wind facilities in North America. We summarize evidence that bats may be attracted to offshore turbines, potentially increasing their exposure to risk of collision. However, higher wind speeds offshore can potentially reduce the amount of time that bats are exposed to risk. We identify knowledge gaps and hypothesize that a combination of operational minimization strategies may be the most effective approach for reducing impacts to bats and maximizing offshore energy production.
Prey‐driven behavioral habitat use in a low‐energy ambush predator
Authors: Tutterow Annalee M. , Hoffman Andrew S. , Buffington John L. , Truelock Zachary T. , Peterman William E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractFood acquisition is an important modulator of animal behavior and habitat selection that can affect fitness. Optimal foraging theory predicts that predators should select habitat patches to maximize their foraging success and net energy gain, likely achieved by targeting areas with high prey availability. However, it is debated whether prey availability drives fine‐scale habitat selection for predators. We assessed whether an ambush predator, the timber rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus), exhibits optimal foraging site selection based on the spatial distribution and availability of prey. We used passive infrared camera trap detections of potential small mammal prey (Peromyscusspp.,Tamias striatus, andSciurusspp.) to generate variables of prey availability across the study area and used whether a snake was observed in a foraging location or not to model optimal foraging in timber rattlesnakes. Our models of small mammal spatial distributions broadly predicted that prey availability was greatest in mature deciduous forests, butT.striatusandSciurusspp. exhibited greater spatial heterogeneity compared withPeromyscusspp. We found the spatial distribution of cumulative small mammal encounters (i.e., overall prey availability), rather than the distribution of any one species, to be highly predictive of snake foraging. Timber rattlesnakes appear to forage where the probability of encountering prey is greatest. Our study provides evidence for fine‐scale optimal foraging in a low‐energy, ambush predator and offers new insights into drivers of snake foraging and habitat selection.
Comparison of different chiral selectors for the enantiomeric determination of amphetamine‐type substances in human urine by solid‐phase extraction followed by capillary electrophoresis‐tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Pascual‐Caro Sergi , Borrull Francesc , Aguilar Carme , Calull Marta 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe present study develops a method for the enantioseparation of a group of amphetamines and their metabolites in urine by CE coupled to MS/MS (CE‐MS/MS). Amphetamines present a chiral center and thus two enantiomers, which is important from a toxicological point of view because they may have different pharmacokinetic and pharmacological properties. It is therefore essential to find suitable methods to distinguish both enantiomers. Today the use of CE is becoming more important in this field since, with the simple addition of a chiral selector to the background electrolyte, the enantioseparation can easily be achieved. However, when CE is coupled to MS, the use of volatile chiral selectors and compatible background electrolytes or other strategies such as the countercurrent migration approach are required to avoid contamination of the ion source from nonvolatile species. In the present study, we use the latter strategy to evaluate six different chiral selectors using CE‐MS/MS. As a sample pre‐treatment, two cationic‐exchange sorbents—Oasis WCX and Oasis MCX—are compared for the urine pre‐treatment. Using this method, it was possible to achieve the complete chiral separation of the amphetamines under study with detection limits ranging between 0.8 and 1.5 ng/mL and method quantification limits between 2.0 and 8.0 ng/mL. Matrix‐matched calibration curves up to 150 ng/mL were used to cover the usual concentration ranges at which amphetamines have generally been found in toxicological and forensic analyses.
Development and validation of the Epilepsy Self‐Stigma Scale
Authors: Kuramochi Izumi , Iwayama Takayuki , Horikawa Naoshi , Shimotsu Sakie , Watanabe Satsuki , Yamanouchi Hideo , Yoshimasu Haruo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveSelf‐stigma is the internalization of negative public attitudes and is often experienced by patients with epilepsy (PWE). Greater self‐stigma is associated with lower self‐esteem and hinders therapeutic behavior. The study aims were to develop the Epilepsy Self‐Stigma Scale (ESSS) to assess self‐stigma in PWE and to examine the scale's reliability and validity.MethodsWe created a test scale based on items from an existing stigma scale and the results of a previous qualitative analysis we conducted. We recruited 200 outpatients from departments specializing in epilepsy (psychiatry, neurology, and pediatric neurology) at four facilities in Tokyo and Saitama prefecture, Japan, between September and December 2020. Participants also completed the Rosenberg Self‐Esteem Scale (RSES) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI‐II).ResultsQuestionnaires were returned from 102 participants (response rate: 51%). After excluding two participants with incomplete questionnaires, data for 100 participants were analyzed (53 women, 47 men; mean age [standard deviation]: 39.86 [17.45] years). Exploratory factor analysis extracted eight items loading on three factors: internalization of stigma, societal incomprehension, and confidentiality. Cronbach's α for all items and each factor demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.76‐0.87). Test‐retest reliability was confirmed using data from 21 participants who completed the scale twice (r = 0.72 to 0.90). ESSS total scores and subscale scores correlated with RSES and BDI‐II scores (r = −0.30 to 0.55). The ESSS demonstrated substantial constructive validity. However, total scores did not significantly correlate with objective physician assessment of self‐stigma.SignificanceThe results showed that the eight‐item ESSS has high reliability and validity. This scale could facilitate the examination of factors associated with self‐stigma in PWE, which could inform the development of effective interventions for reducing stigma.
Low‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma‐like tumors in male with JAZF1 gene fusions
Authors: Dermawan Josephine K. , Zhang Lei , Singer Samuel , Chi Ping , Antonescu Cristina R. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractLow‐grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (ESS) is a hormone‐responsive low‐grade sarcoma typically occurring in the uterine corpus in women. Their genetic hallmarks are recurrent gene fusions involving JAZF1, partnering with either SUZ12 gene or less commonly with PHF1. Low‐grade ESS‐like sarcoma, or endometrioid stromal sarcoma, is exceptionally rare in males and has been reported to date only in two cases, one in the paratesticular area and the other of prostatic stromal origin. We report herein two new cases of low‐grade ESS‐like sarcoma in male patients, one presenting as a periprostatic/peri‐rectal mass with a JAZF1‐GLI3 fusion, while the other as a paratesticular mass with a JAZF1‐PHF1 fusion. As the GLI3 fusion appeared novel, we searched the transcriptional signature of 35 low‐grade ESS from our archives and found a similar JAZF1‐GLI3 fusion in a low‐grade ESS arising from the uterine corpus, supporting a common pathogenesis. Histopathologically, both cases demonstrate cellular, monotonous proliferation of ovoid to fusiform cells with a background of arteriolar vascular network. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells express ER, PR, and CD10, similar to ESS. One case also expresses diffuse and strong AR. On follow‐up, the patient with the periprostatic mass recurred 2 years after initial surgery with peritoneal “sarcomatosis.” We describe the salient diagnostic morphologic, immunohistochemical, and molecular features and discuss the differential diagnosis and possible pathogenesis of this unusual entity.
Supplementary private health insurance: The impact of physician financial incentives on medical practice
Authors: Milcent Carine , Zbiri Saad 
Published: October 2021

AbstractIn the French diagnosis‐related group (DRG)‐based payment system, both private and public hospitals are financed by a public single payer. Public hospitals are overcrowded and have no direct financial incentives to choose one procedure over another. If a patient has a strong preference, they can switch to a private hospital. In private hospitals, the preference does come into play, but the patient has to pay for the additional cost, for which they are reimbursed if they have supplementary private health insurance. Do financial incentives from the fees received by physicians for different procedures drive their behavior? Using French exhaustive data on delivery, we find that private hospitals perform significantly more cesarean deliveries than public hospitals. However, for patients without private health insurance, the two sectors differ much less in terms of cesareans rate. We determine the impact of the financial incentive for patients who can afford the additional cost. Affordability is mainly ensured by the reimbursement of costs by private health insurance. These findings can be interpreted as evidence that, in healthcare systems where a public single payer offers universal coverage, the presence of supplementary private insurance can contribute to creating incentives on the supply side and lead to practices and an allocation of resources that are not optimal from a social welfare perspective.
Longitudinal assessment of social cognition in infants born preterm using eye‐tracking and parent–child play
Authors: Dean Bethan , O'Carroll Sinéad , Ginnell Lorna , Ledsham Victoria , Telford Emma , Sparrow Sarah , Boardman James P. , Fletcher‐Watson Sue 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPreterm birth is associated with reduced social attention in infancy. Are these early social attention differences linked to later interactive ability? This study draws on a well‐characterized preterm cohort in whom we have previously demonstrated a reduced attentional preference for social information in infancy, using eye‐tracking. States of engagement during parent–child play at 60 months were coded for 36 preterm‐ and 31 term‐born children. We also repeated the eye‐tracking assessment of social attention previously performed in infancy and evaluated neurodevelopment via the Mullen Scales of Early Learning. Children born preterm or at term spent similar percentages of time in different engagement states. Infant and child social attentional profiles did not relate to the complexity of engagement. Preterm infants' language impairments correlated with time spent in conversational joint engagement. Children born preterm showed complex social interaction abilities unrelated to their profile of social attention in infancy.
Magnesium oxide nanoparticles and their ecotoxicological effect on edaphic organisms in tropical soil
Authors: Ogliari André Junior , Borges William Gabriel , Silva Luciano Luiz , de Mello Josiane Maria Muneron , Baretta Dilmar , Fiori Márcio Antônio , Baretta Carolina Riviera Duarte Maluche 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe demand for food has intensified production in agricultural areas and stimulated the use of nanotechnology to develop new inputs, especially nanoparticle materials. In this new context, predicting the impact of using nanoparticles on non‐target organisms becomes a necessary measure. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ecotoxicological potential of magnesium (Mg2+) added via magnesium oxide nanoparticles (MgO‐NPs), magnesium oxide (MgO), and magnesium nitrate hexahydrate (Mg [NO3]2·6H2O) incubated over time in tropical soil on earthworms (Eisenia andrei), springtails (Folsomia candida), and enchytraeids (Enchytraeus crypticus). Tests were conducted using a clay‐textured Latossolo Vermelho distrófico (Oxisol), which received increasing doses of Mg2+ (0; 25; 50; 100; 200 and 400 mg kg−1 of soil) from the three sources tested added to the soil. Treated soil was incubated for 120 days in a room with controlled temperature and photoperiod, and the ecotoxicological tests were performed at 0, 60, and 120 days of incubation. Despite having caused reduction in the reproduction of F. candida at the incubation time 0, MgO‐NPs showed a low toxic potential against the other species studied, with toxicity only at a higher dose of 50 mg Mg kg−1 when compared to the other sources of Mg2+ applied to the soil (MgO and Mg [NO3]2·6H2O). Responses associated with incubation times showed that all magnesium sources tested have lower toxicity over incubation time.
Associations between inflammasome‐related gene NLRP3 Polymorphisms (rs10754558 and rs35829419) and risk of bladder cancer in a Chinese population
Authors: Xu Gang , Huang Ruohui , Xia Wei , Jiang Bo , Xiao Guancheng , Li Yanmin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundNLRP3 inflammasome as a component of immune system has been found related to several cancers, but no study has assessed NLRP3 polymorphisms on risk of bladder cancer (BC). We aim to investigate whether NLRP3 polymorphisms are associated with the risk and clinical features of bladder cancer (BC) in a Chinese population.MethodsGenotype frequency of two commonly studied NLRP3 SNPs (rs10754558 and rs35829419) was examined in 154 patients with BC and the 308 healthy controls. NLRP3 gene polymorphisms were genotyped by polymerase chain reaction‐restriction fragment length polymorphism method.ResultsThe distribution frequencies of GG, AG+GG, GG, and G allele in NLRP3 (rs10754558) genotypes were significantly different between case and control group (OR = 2.296, P = .022; OR = 1.598, P = .020; OR = 1.998, P = .049; OR = 1.557, P = .006), but no statistical difference existed for rs35829419. Among smokers and alcohol drinkers, for rs10754558, individuals with AG, GG, and GG+AG genotypes had a higher BC risk compared with individuals with AA; for rs35829419, individuals with variant genotypes (AG and GG+AG) had a stronger risk of developing BC compared with individuals with AA (all P < .05). In stratified analyses of tumor size and tumor node metastasis, AG or GG genotypes of rs10754558 and rs35829419 SNPs were associated with BC risk (both P < .05).ConclusionNLRP3 polymorphisms (rs10754558 and rs35829419) were related to BC risk and tumor size and lymph node metastasis, especially among smokers and alcohol drinkers.
Thallium(III) p‐tosylate‐mediated oxidative [1,2] rearrangement of 2‐naphthyl and 2‐heteroarylchromanones
Authors: Kurapati Chidvilas , Muthukrishnan Murugan , Singh Om V. , Gundla Rambabu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractA practical and effective approach towards the synthesis of 3‐heteroaryl‐4H‐chromen‐4‐ones by the oxidative [1,2] rearrangement of the respective 2‐heteroaryl chroman‐4‐ones using thallium(III) p‐tosylate is presented. The oxidative rearrangement of α‐ and β‐naphthyl and thiophene substituents behaves like aryl groups; However, pyridyl substituents gave only dehydrogenated products.
Radiographic evaluation of a novel bone adhesive for maintenance of crestal bone around implants in canine oversized osteotomies
Authors: Sugita Ryushiro , Jones Archie A. , Kotsakis Georgios A. , Cochran David L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundA novel bone adhesive (tetracalcium phosphate and O‐phospho‐L‐serine) has been developed as an osteoconductive, biodegradable bone‐adherent material. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the maintenance of crestal bone/material level by standardized radiographs.MethodsThis was a randomized, controlled, three arm, prospective study. Twenty‐six mixed breed hound dogs were included in this study. Three implants were placed on either side of the mandible with either bone adhesive (BA), bovine bone mineral (BBM), or no biomaterial (negative control [NC]). Standardized periapical radiographs were taken immediately after implant placement and at every month up to 1 year. The vertical distance between the implant platform to the first radiopaque material on both the mesial and distal surfaces were measured and crestal bone/material level changes were analyzed.ResultsThe crestal bone/material level adjacent to BA was stable and maintained throughout the study. There were statistically significant differences found between BA and NC in terms of maintenance of crestal bone levels at any given timepoint.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that BA maintained crestal bone levels and had a similar ability to maintain that level over 1 year compared with BBM.
Fabrication of Thermoplastic Polyurethane Foams with Wrinkled Pores and Superior Energy Absorption Properties by CO2 Foaming and Fast Chilling
Authors: Jun Li , Qin Ziwei , Mi Hao‐Yang , Dong Bin‐Bin , Liua Chuntai , Shena Changyu 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPrecise control and delicate manipulation of pore morphology are challenges for supercritical CO2 (scCO2) foaming of polymer foams to boost their performances and extend their applications. Herein, a simple two‐step scCO2 foaming and fast chilling method is proposed to fabricate thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) foams with unique wrinkly structures inside the pores by introducing a fast cooling procedure in an ice water bath right after the foaming process. The combined effects of the increase of TPU surface tension and the decrease of CO2 pressure inside the pores induce intense intermolecular stress on the pore walls, which trigger the formation of micro‐sized wrinkles on the pore walls. The wavelength of the wrinkly structure can be reduced from 2.8 to 1.1 µm by raising the foaming temperature, which is associated with the wrinkled structure changing from hexagon to labyrinth. Compared with conventional foams, wrinkled foams possess superior compressive modulus, strength, and energy absorption performance, and wrinkled foams with wrinkles display better energy absorption. This study provides a facile approach to produce wrinkled foams with controllable morphology and gives insights into the remarkable compressive performance of the wrinkled foams, which make them promising materials for energy absorption applications.