bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Overcoming Challenges in Material Science Testing with the use of Large Specimen SEM Analysis
Authors: Romero Adriana 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
One of the most oft-confronted challenges in materials science, when using scanning electron microscopy, is the limitation of the size of the sample being examined, as well as the analysis application planned. Normally, only small samples in the order of ten to a hundred millimetres in diameter may be investigated. In addition, until now, conventional high-load fatigue testing inside a scanning electron microscope (SEM) seemed impossible. Nevertheless, SEM testing is a very valuable method in the fields of material and biological science as well as in quality control and failure analysis. For many technological interesting applications, conventional scanning electron microscopy is not possible because the specimens that need to be investigated cannot be destroyed for the SEM investigations for one of several reasons. It maybe that the specimen must be kept whole so that it can be returned to a production line or perhaps the specimen is an object of historic and/or artistic interest and value.
Beyond Death: Forensic Investigations of pre-Columbian Mummies from the Tarapacá Valley, Chile, Using Variable Pressure SEM and Raman Spectroscopy
Authors: Prikhodko SV , Fischer C , Boytner R , Lozada M C , Uribe M , Kakoulli I 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VPSEM) coupled with other non-destructive analytical methods, such as energy dispersive (EDS) and Raman spectroscopy (RS) offers new capabilities for non-invasive imaging and chemical characterization of archaeological materials. This article underlines the application of VPSEM-EDS-RS on bioarchaeological specimens of pre-Columbian mummies from the Tarapacá Valley in northern Chile. The aim of the scientific investigations is to identify nonanatomical features and to provide qualitative and quantitative information at molecular levels, complementing the morphological record from studies in physical anthropology, in an effort to understand mortuary practices in the Tarapacá Valley and the effects of the burial environment in the preservation of mummified human remains.
Methods for Casting Ancient Bone and Teeth for Viewing under the SEM
Authors: Schmidt Christopher W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
While using casts in place of original bones and teeth for study with the SEM is a rather common practice, periodic updates and introductions of unique casting methods help to keep the process of improving cast quality cumulative, limiting unnecessary repetition of ineffectual procedures. The following is a summary of casting methods that I have synthesized from several published reports as well as some that I have developed independently (e.g., Waters and Savage 1971; Scott 1982; Rose 1983; Gordon 1984; Teaford 1991; Buikstra and Ubelaker 1994; Schmidt, 1998). The study for which I first employed these methods consisted of hundreds of archeologically- derived human teeth dating from about 1,000 to around 10,000 years ago. The study required detailed views of dental surfaces magnified 500X (Figure 1). The casts that I produced routinely had features that were distinct at magnifications of 2.000X and higher.
The Analytical Limits: HADF (High Angle Dark Field Imaging)
Authors: Kersker Michael 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
High Angle Dark Field Imaging, or Z contrast imaging, is an Imaging method. It takes advantage of the useful fact that if one uses the high angle scattering intensities and eliminates the elastic scattered (diffracted) beams from the image (by using a Howie type angular dark field detector), the remaining image will be characterized by, if the probe used is on the order of the atomic dimensions, intensity modulations that reveal atom positions and relative atomic number. In simple terms, the image will display Z-contrast at the atomic level and can differentiate columns of heavy atoms from columns of lighter ones.
A FIB Micro-Sampling Technique for Three-Dimensional Characterization of a Site-Specific Defect
Authors: Yaguchi Toshie , Kuroda Yasushi , Konno Mitsuru , Kamino Takeo , Ohnishi Tsuyohsi , Hashimoto Takahito , Umemura Kaoru , Asayama Kyoichiro 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
In characterization or failure analysis of new materials and semiconductor devices, the requirements for three dimensional observation and analysis are rapidly increasing. We discuss techniques for specimen preparation, three-dimensional observation, and elemental analysis of semiconductor devices that we developed using a system consisting of a dedicated focused ion beam (FIB) instrument and a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM). The system utilizes a FIB-STEM compatible specimen holder with a specially designed rotation mechanism, which allows 360° rotation of a specimen on a conical stage (needle stub) around the ion beam axis of the FIB system and 360° rotation perpendicular to the electron beam in the STEM. A piece of sample (micro sample) is extracted from a specific-site by the micro-sampling technique and mounted on the needle stub. Instruments used in the study are the Hitachi FB-2100 FIB system with a micro-sampling attachment and the HD-2300 field emission 200kV STEM.
Anatomy, Histology and color Thresholding
Authors: Fermin Cesar D 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
For over 5 years, here in Pathology at Tuiane, I have used color thresholding (CT) rather than monochrome thresholding (MT) for objective quantitation of histological, immunohistological, fluorescent and thick TEM sections. Technical aspects distinguishing CT from MT were recently described in detail, and this technical note represents an abbreviation of the last paper, which I recommend for those beginning to use video imaging technology. The system I use is the V150 (r) from ONCOR. Despite the advantages of today computers, data outcome, e.g., unbiased, still depends on good experimental design, strict control and repeatability. When the stain of interest is histochemically derived, my laboratory follows standard procedures found in the Handbook of Histopathological and Histochemical Techniques. When the stain is immunohistochemically derived, my laboratory checks cross reactivity of every antibody with known positive and negative control tissues besides using irrelevant antibodies or omitting the primary antibody. In addition, preabsorbing the antibody is done whenever its substrate is available.
The Commercial Development of FT-IR Microspectroscopy
Authors: Reffner John A 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Pittcon ‘93 marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of a microscope attachment designed specifically for Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy. The first commercial microscope developed for FT-IR spectroscopy was designed by Spectra-Tech, Inc., under the direction of then-owner D. W. Sting, in fulfillment of a contract with C. T. Foskett of the Digilab Division of BioRad. Digilab recognized a growing interest in the market for an FT-IR microscope and contracted with Spectra-Tech to design and build a microscope accessory for Digilab's FT-IR spectrometers. This microscope was introduced at the 1983 Pittsburgh Conference.
Linking microscopy with Fourier transform spectroscopy was a very significant event, but the foundation of infrared microspectroscopy can be traced back to 1949. The explosive growth in the use of infrared-absorption spectroscopy following World War II led researchers R. Gore (in the U.S.A.), and R. Barer, A. R. Cole, and H. W. Thompson (in England), to investigate (in 1949) the possibility of recording infrared spectra of microscopic samples.
Hints On Removing Epon Specimen Blocks From Glass Slides
Authors: Muss Wolfgang 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Depending on the quality of the glass slide (not all brands seem to be the same quality and therefore display variable physical properties), post-polymerized specimen blocks can be separated from object slides. These can be of varying area size, and can include a selected area of your former semi-thin section or the whole area (as used in re-embedding techniques).
Collecting and Examining Beach Sand: Getting Started
Authors: Millette Jim , Hopen Thom , Brown Rich 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Grains of sand collected from the beach may be examined for a number of reasons. From the youngster who first peers at a handful of beach sand under a magnifying glass to see the various shapes and colors to the sedimentologist who studies sand grains for clues to the questions of plate tectonics, the collection and examination of sand can be a fascinating activity. Dr. Oliver H. Howe, in an interesting article published in 1946, remarked of one sand sampie that under a low power magnifier the various colors of garnet grains contrasted strikingly with the black grains of magnetite, green of epidote and the brilliant grains of quartz.
Keeping the Arctic White: The Legal and Governance Landscape for Reducing Short-Lived Climate Pollutants in the Arctic Region
Authors: Yamineva Yulia , Kulovesi Kati 
Published: March 2018

AbstractReducing emissions of short-lived climate pollutants (SLCPs) – in particular, black carbon and methane – is a promising option for slowing global and regional warming in the short term, while at the same time reducing local air pollution. This mitigation opportunity seems to be particularly relevant in the Arctic context. The article provides a comprehensive overview and a critical assessment of the state of international law and governance relevant to the reduction of SLCP emissions in the Arctic. The article demonstrates that current legal and governance regimes for reducing SLCP emissions in the Arctic are complex and fragmented, which raises questions about the scope for this option for climate change and air pollution mitigation to reach its full potential. Nevertheless, the article concludes that fragmentation in this policy domain is of a cooperative or synergistic nature and therefore not problematic, provided that greater harmonization of legal instruments and enhanced cooperation between institutions are achieved. It also suggests options for strengthening international law and governance on SLCPs. Although the focus of the article is regional, many of its conclusions are relevant for the global regulation of SLCPs.
Common dental diseases in children and malocclusion
Authors: Zou Jing , Meng Mingmei , Law Clarice S , Rao Yale , Zhou Xuedong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMalocclusion is a worldwide dental problem that influences the affected individuals to varying degrees. Many factors contribute to the anomaly in dentition, including hereditary and environmental aspects. Dental caries, pulpal and periapical lesions, dental trauma, abnormality of development, and oral habits are most common dental diseases in children that strongly relate to malocclusion. Management of oral health in the early childhood stage is carried out in clinic work of pediatric dentistry to minimize the unwanted effect of these diseases on dentition. This article highlights these diseases and their impacts on malocclusion in sequence. Prevention, treatment, and management of these conditions are also illustrated in order to achieve successful oral health for children and adolescents, even for their adult stage.
Inhibition of Sec61-dependent translocation by mycolactone uncouples the integrated stress response from ER stress, driving cytotoxicity via translational activation of ATF4
Authors: Ogbechi Joy , Hall Belinda S. , Sbarrato Thomas , Taunton Jack , Willis Anne E. , Wek Ronald C. , Simmonds Rachel E. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMycolactone is the exotoxin virulence factor of Mycobacterium ulcerans that causes the neglected tropical disease Buruli ulcer. We recently showed it to be a broad spectrum inhibitor of Sec61-dependent co-translational translocation of proteins into the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). An outstanding question is the molecular pathway linking this to its known cytotoxicity. We have now used translational profiling to better understand the reprogramming that occurs in cells exposed to mycolactone. Gene ontology identified enrichment in genes involved in cellular response to stress, and apoptosis signalling among those showing enhanced translation. Validation of these results supports a mechanism by which mycolactone activates an integrated stress response meditated by phosphorylation of eIF2α via multiple kinases (PERK, GCN, PKR) without activation of the ER stress sensors IRE1 or ATF6. The response therefore uncouples the integrated stress response from ER stress, and features translational and transcriptional modes of genes expression that feature the key regulatory transcription factor ATF4. Emphasising the importance of this uncoupled response in cytotoxicity, downstream activation of this pathway is abolished in cells expressing mycolactone-resistant Sec61α variants. Using multiple genetic and biochemical approaches, we demonstrate that eIF2α phosphorylation is responsible for mycolactone-dependent translation attenuation, which initially protects cells from cell death. However, chronic activation without stress remediation enhances autophagy and apoptosis of cells by a pathway facilitated by ATF4 and CHOP. Our findings demonstrate that priming events at the ER can result in the sensing of stress within different cellular compartments.
Histone deacetylase 3 promotes liver regeneration and liver cancer cells proliferation through signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 signaling pathway
Authors: Lu Xu-Feng , Cao Xiao-Yue , Zhu Yong-Jie , Wu Zhen-Ru , Zhuang Xiang , Shao Ming-Yang , Xu Qing , Zhou Yong-Jie , Ji Hong-Jie , Lu Qing-Richard , Shi Yu-Jun , Zeng Yong , Bu Hong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHistone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) plays pivotal roles in cell cycle regulation and is often aberrantly expressed in various cancers including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), but little is known about its role in liver regeneration and liver cancer cells proliferation. Using an inducible hepatocyte-selective HDAC3 knockout mouse, we find that lack of HDAC3 dramatically impaired liver regeneration and blocked hepatocyte proliferation in the G1 phase entry. HDAC3 inactivation robustly disrupted the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) cascade. HDAC3 silencing impaired the ac-STAT3-to-p-STAT3 transition in the cytoplasm, leading to the subsequent breakdown of STAT3 signaling. Furthermore, overexpressed HDAC3 was further associated with increased tumor growth and a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Inhibition of HDAC3 expression reduced liver cancer cells growth and inhibited xenograft tumor growth. Our results suggest that HDAC3 is an important regulator of STAT3-dependent cell proliferation in liver regeneration and cancer. These findings provide novel insights into the HDAC3–STAT3 pathway in liver pathophysiological processes.
The mitochondrially targeted antioxidant MitoQ protects the intestinal barrier by ameliorating mitochondrial DNA damage via the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway
Authors: Hu Qiongyuan , Ren Jianan , Li Guanwei , Wu Jie , Wu Xiuwen , Wang Gefei , Gu Guosheng , Ren Huajian , Hong Zhiwu , Li Jieshou 
Published: March 2018

AbstractDisruption of the mucosal barrier following intestinal ischemia reperfusion (I/R) is life threatening in clinical practice. Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress significantly contribute to the early phase of I/R injury and amplify the inflammatory response. MitoQ is a mitochondrially targeted antioxidant that exerts protective effects following I/R injury. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether and how MitoQ protects intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) from I/R injury. In both in vivo and in vitro studies, we found that MitoQ pretreatment downregulated I/R-induced oxidative stress and stabilized the intestinal barrier, as evidenced by MitoQ-treated I/R mice exhibiting attenuated intestinal hyperpermeability, inflammatory response, epithelial apoptosis, and tight junction damage compared to controls. Mechanistically, I/R elevated mitochondrial 8-hydroxyguanine content, reduced mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number and mRNA transcription levels, and induced mitochondrial disruption in IECs. However, MitoQ pretreatment dramatically inhibited these deleterious effects. mtDNA depletion alone was sufficient to induce apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction of IECs. Mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), a key activator of mitochondrial transcription, was significantly reduced during I/R injury, a phenomenon that was prevented by MitoQ treatment. Furthermore, we observed that thee protective properties of MitoQ were affected by upregulation of cellular antioxidant genes, including HO-1, NQO-1, and γ-GCLC. Transfection with Nrf2 siRNA in IECs exposed to hypoxia/reperfusion conditions partially blocked the effects of MitoQ on mtDNA damage and mitochondrial oxidative stress. In conclusion, our data suggest that MitoQ exerts protective effect on I/R-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction.
MicroRNA-30a-5p inhibits gallbladder cancer cell proliferation, migration and metastasis by targeting E2F7
Authors: Ye Yuan-Yuan , Mei Jia-Wei , Xiang Shan-Shan , Li Huai-Feng , Ma Qiang , Song Xiao-Ling , Wang Zheng , Zhang Yi-Chi , Liu Yong-Chen , Jin Yun-Peng , Hu Yun-Ping , Jiang Lin , Liu Fa-Tao , Zhang Yi-Jian , Hao Ya-Juan , Liu Ying-Bin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractGallbladder carcinoma (GBC), the most common malignant tumour of the bile duct, is highly aggressive and has a poor prognosis. MicroRNA-30a-5p (miR-30a-5p) is an important tumour suppressor that participates in many aspects of carcinogenesis and cancer development. However, the role of miR-30a-5p in GBC development remains to be determined, as do the mechanisms underlying its effects in GBC. Using samples collected from 42 subjects with gallbladder carcinoma (GBC), we showed decreased miR-30a-5p expression in the primary lesions vs. non-tumour adjacent tissues (NATs). Decreased miR-30a-5p was associated with shorter disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). Inhibiting miR-30a-5p expression in 2 representative GBC cell lines (GBC-SD and NOZ) increased cell proliferation, migration, invasiveness, as well as β-catenin nuclear translocation, vice versa. In nude mice, NOZ cells transfected with miR-30a-5p mimics grew slower (vs. miR-NC) upon subcutaneous inoculation, and had lower rate of hepatic metastasis upon spleen inoculation. Dual luciferase assay confirmed that E2F transcription factor 7 (E2F7) was a direct target of miR-30a-5p and antagonized the effects induced by miR-30a-5p downregulation in GBC cells. MiR-30a-5p attenuates the EMT and metastasis in GBC cells by targeting E2F7, suggesting miR-30a-5p is a tumour suppressor that may serve as a novel potential prognostic biomarker or molecular therapeutic target for GBC.
miR-381-3p knockdown improves intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function after intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury by targeting nurr1
Authors: Liu Liwei , Yao Jihong , Li Zhenlu , Zu Guo , Feng Dongcheng , Li Yang , Qasim Wasim , Zhang Su , Li Tong , Zeng Huizhi , Tian Xiaofeng 
Published: March 2018

AbstractImpairment in gut barrier function induced by intestinal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Intestinal barrier function requires the tight coordination of epithelial migration, proliferation and differentiation. We previously observed that nuclear receptor-related protein 1 (nurr1)-mediated proliferative pathway was impaired in intestinal I/R injury. Here, we aimed to assess the effect of nurr1 on intestinal barrier function and to evaluate microRNA (miRNA)-nurr1-mediated restoration of intestinal barrier function in intestinal I/R injury. We induced an in vivo intestinal I/R injury mouse model by clamping and then releasing the superior mesenteric artery. We also performed an in vitro study in which we exposed Caco-2 and IEC-6 cells to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions to stimulate intestinal I/R injury. Our results demonstrated that nurr1 regulated intestinal epithelial development and barrier function after intestinal I/R injury. miR-381-3p, which directly suppressed nurr1 translation, was identified by microarray and bioinformatics analysis. miR-381-3p inhibition enhanced intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function in vitro and in vivo and also attenuated remote organ injury and improved survival. Importantly, nurr1 played an indispensable role in the protective effect of miR-381-3p inhibition. Collectively, these findings show that miR-381-3p inhibition mitigates intestinal I/R injury by enhancing nurr1-mediated intestinal epithelial proliferation and barrier function. This discovery may lead to the development of therapeutic interventions for intestinal I/R injury.
Crystal structure of an intramembranal phosphatase central to bacterial cell-wall peptidoglycan biosynthesis and lipid recycling
Authors: Workman Sean D. , Worrall Liam J. , Strynadka Natalie C. J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractUndecaprenyl pyrophosphate phosphatase (UppP) is an integral membrane protein that recycles the lipid carrier essential to the ongoing biosynthesis of the bacterial cell wall. Individual building blocks of peptidoglycan are assembled in the cytoplasm on undecaprenyl phosphate (C55-P) before being flipped to the periplasmic face, where they are polymerized and transferred to the existing cell wall sacculus, resulting in the side product undecaprenyl pyrophosphate (C55-PP). Interruption of UppP’s regeneration of C55-P from C55-PP leads to the buildup of cell wall intermediates and cell lysis. We present the crystal structure of UppP from Escherichia coli at 2.0 Å resolution, which reveals the mechanistic basis for intramembranal phosphatase action and substrate specificity using an inverted topology repeat. In addition, the observation of key structural motifs common to a variety of cross membrane transporters hints at a potential flippase function in the specific relocalization of the C55-P product back to the cytosolic space.
Disparities in breast cancer tumor characteristics, treatment, time to treatment, and survival probability among African American and white women
Authors: Foy Kevin Chu , Fisher James L. , Lustberg Maryam B. , Gray Darrell M. , DeGraffinreid Cecilia R. , Paskett Electra D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAfrican American (AA) women have a 42% higher breast cancer death rate compared to white women despite recent advancements in management of the disease. We examined racial differences in clinical and tumor characteristics, treatment and survival in patients diagnosed with breast cancer between 2005 and 2014 at a single institution, the James Cancer Hospital, and who were included in the Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute Cancer Registry in Columbus OH. Statistical analyses included likelihood ratio chi-square tests for differences in proportions, as well as univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regressions to examine associations between race and overall and progression-free survival probabilities. AA women made up 10.2% (469 of 4593) the sample. Average time to onset of treatment after diagnosis was almost two times longer in AA women compared to white women (62.0 days vs 35.5 days, p < 0.0001). AA women were more likely to report past or current tobacco use, experience delays in treatment, have triple negative and late stage breast cancer, and were less likely to receive surgery, especially mastectomy and reconstruction following mastectomy. After adjustment for confounding factors (age, grade, and surgery), overall survival probability was significantly associated with race (HR = 1.33; 95% CI 1.03–1.72). These findings highlight the need for efforts focused on screening and receipt of prompt treatment among AA women diagnosed with breast cancer.