bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlated Light-Serial Scanning Electron Microscopy (CoLSSEM) for ultrastructural visualization of single neurons in vivo
Authors: Hirabayashi Yusuke , Tapia Juan Carlos , Polleux Franck 
Published: September 2018

AbstractA challenging aspect of neuroscience revolves around mapping the synaptic connections within neural circuits (connectomics) over scales spanning several orders of magnitude (nanometers to meters). Despite significant improvements in serial section electron microscopy (SSEM) technologies, several major roadblocks have impaired its general applicability to mammalian neural circuits. In the present study, we introduce a new approach that circumvents some of these roadblocks by adapting a genetically-encoded ascorbate peroxidase (APEX2) as a fusion protein to a membrane-targeted fluorescent reporter (CAAX-Venus), and introduce it in single pyramidal neurons in vivo using extremely sparse in utero cortical electroporation. This approach allows us to perform Correlated Light-SSEM (CoLSSEM), a variant of Correlated Light-EM (CLEM), on individual neurons, reconstructing their dendritic and axonal arborization in a targeted way via combination of high-resolution confocal microscopy, and subsequent imaging of its ultrastructural features and synaptic connections with ATUM-SEM (automated tape-collecting ultramicrotome - scanning electron microscopy) technology. Our method significantly will improve the feasibility of large-scale reconstructions of neurons within a circuit, and permits the description of some ultrastructural features of identified neurons with their functional and/or structural connectivity, one of the main goal of connectomics.
Identification of Peptide Mimotope Ligands for Natalizumab
Authors: Ruff Laura E. , Pfeilsticker Jessica A. , Johnsen Nicholas E. , Nocchi Sarah , Messmer Bradley T. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractMimotope peptides selected from combinatorial peptide libraries can be used as capture reagents for immunoassay detection of therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs). We report the use of phage display libraries to identify peptide ligands (VeritopesTM) that bind natalizumab, a therapeutic mAb indicated for use in multiple sclerosis. PKNPSKF is identified as a novel natalizumab-binding motif, and peptides containing this motif demonstrated utility as capture reagents in enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). A peptide containing the identified motif was shown to be competitive with the natural ligand (α4-integrin) and a neutralizing anti-idiotype antibody for natalizumab binding, indicating that VeritopesTM act as surrogate ligands that bind the antigen binding site of natalizumab. Affinity maturation further confirmed the motif sequence and yielded peptides with greater apparent affinity by ELISA. VeritopesTM are promising assay reagents for therapeutic drug level monitoring.
Analysis of the association of EPHB6, EFNB1 and EFNB3 variants with hypertension risks in males with hypogonadism
Authors: Wu Tao , Zhang Bi-Qi , Raelson John , Yao Yu-Mei , Wu Huan-Dong , Xu Zao-Xian , Marois-blanchet Francois-christophe , Tahir Muhammad Ramzan , Wang Yujia , Bradley W. Edward , Luo Hongyu , Wu Jiangping , Sheng Jian-Zhong , Hu Shen-Jiang 
Published: September 2018

AbstractSeveral members of the EPH kinase family and their ligands are involved in blood pressure regulation, and such regulation is often sex- or sex hormone-dependent, based on animal and human genetic studies. EPHB6 gene knockout (KO) in mice leads to hypertension in castrated males but not in un-manipulated KO males or females. To assess whether this finding in mice is relevant to human hypertension, we conducted a human genetic study for the association of EPHB6 and its two ligands, EFNB1 and EFNB3, with hypertension in hypogonadic patients. Seven hundred and fifty hypertensive and 750 normotensive Han Chinese patients, all of whom were hypogonadic, were genotyped for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the regions of the genes, plus an additional 50 kb 5′ of the genes for EPHB6, EFNB1 and EFNB3. An imputed insertion/deletion polymorphism, rs35530071, was found to be associated with hypertension at p-values below the Bonferroni-corrected significance level of 0.0024. This marker is located 5′ upstream of the EFNB3 gene start site. Previous animal studies showed that while male EFNB3 gene knockout mice were normotensive, castration of these mice resulted in hypertension, corroborating the results of the human genetic study. Considering the significant associations of EFNB3 SNPs with hypertension in hypogonadic males and supporting evidence from castrated EFNB3 KO mice, we conclude that loss-of-function variants of molecules in the EPHB6 signaling pathway in the presence of testosterone are protective against hypertension in humans.
Genome-wide burden and association analyses implicate copy number variations in asthma risk among children and young adults from Latin America
Authors: Oliveira Pablo , Costa Gustavo N. O. , Damasceno Andresa K. A. , Hartwig Fernando P. , Barbosa George C. G. , Figueiredo Camila A. , Ribeiro-Silva Rita de C. , Pereira Alexandre , Lima-Costa M. Fernanda , Kehdy Fernanda S. , Tarazona-Santos Eduardo , Horta Bernardo L. , Rodrigues Laura C. , Fiaccone Rosemeire L. , Barreto Maurício L. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe genetic architecture of asthma was relatively well explored. However, some work remains in the field to improve our understanding on asthma genetics, especially in non-Caucasian populations and with regards to commonly neglected genetic variants, such as Copy Number Variations (CNVs). In the present study, we investigated the contribution of CNVs on asthma risk among Latin Americans. CNVs were inferred from SNP genotyping data. Genome wide burden and association analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of CNVs on asthma outcome. We found no significant difference in the numbers of CNVs between asthmatics and non-asthmatics. Nevertheless, we found that CNVs are larger in patients then in healthy controls and that CNVs from cases intersect significantly more genes and regulatory elements. We also found that a deletion at 6p22.1 is associated with asthma symptoms in children from Salvador (Brazil) and in young adults from Pelotas (Brazil). To support our results, we conducted an in silico functional analysis and found that this deletion spans several regulatory elements, including two promoter elements active in lung cells. In conclusion, we found robust evidence that CNVs could contribute for asthma susceptibility. These results uncover a new perspective on the influence of genetic factors modulating asthma risk.
MoB2 Driven Metallic Behavior and Interfacial Charge Transport Mechanism in MoS2/MoB2 Heterostructure: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Bano Amreen , Pandey Devendra K. , Modi Anchit , Gaur N. K. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractWe have performed the density functional theory calculations on heterostructure (HS) of MoS2 and MoB2 monolayers. The aim of this study is to assess the influence of MoB2 on electron transport of adjacent MoS2 layer. In present investigation we predict that the electronic properties of MoS2 monolayer is influenced by 4d-states of Mo in MoB2 monolayer. Whereas, the B atoms of MoB2 and S atoms of MoS2 exhibit overlapping of intermediate atomic orbitals thereby collectively construct the interfacial electronic structure observed to be metallic in nature. From charge density calculations, we have also determine that the charge transfer is taking place at the interface via B-2p and S-3p states. The bonds at the interface are found to be metallic which is also confirmed by adsorption analysis. Thermoelectric performance of this HS is found be in good agreement with available literature. Low Seebeck coefficient and high electrical conductivity further confirms the existence of metallic state of the HS.
Biosynthesis of organic photosensitizer Zn-porphyrin by diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR)-mediated global upregulation of engineered heme biosynthesis pathway in Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Ko Young Jin , Joo Young-Chul , Hyeon Jeong Eun , Lee Eunhye , Lee Myeong-Eun , Seok Jiho , Kim Seung Wook , Park Chulhwan , Han Sung Ok 
Published: September 2018

AbstractZn-porphyrin is a promising organic photosensitizer in various fields including solar cells, interface and biomedical research, but the biosynthesis study has been limited, probably due to the difficulty of understanding complex biosynthesis pathways. In this study, we developed a Corynebacterium glutamicum platform strain for the biosynthesis of Zn-coproporphyrin III (Zn-CP III), in which the heme biosynthesis pathway was efficiently upregulated. The pathway was activated and reinforced by strong promoter-induced expression of hemAM (encoding mutated glutamyl-tRNA reductase) and hemL (encoding glutamate-1-semialdehyde aminotransferase) genes. This engineered strain produced 33.54 ± 3.44 mg/l of Zn-CP III, while the control strain produced none. For efficient global regulation of the complex pathway, the dtxR gene encoding the transcriptional regulator diphtheria toxin repressor (DtxR) was first overexpressed in C. glutamicum with hemAM and hemL genes, and its combinatorial expression was improved by using effective genetic tools. This engineered strain biosynthesized 68.31 ± 2.15 mg/l of Zn-CP III. Finally, fed-batch fermentation allowed for the production of 132.09 mg/l of Zn-CP III. This titer represents the highest in bacterial production of Zn-CP III reported to date, to our knowledge. This study demonstrates that engineered C. glutamicum can be a robust biotechnological model for the production of photosensitizer Zn-porphyrin.
In situ heating TEM observations on carbide formation and α-Fe recrystallization in twinned martensite
Authors: Liu X. , Man T. H. , Yin J. , Lu X. , Guo S. Q. , Ohmura T. , Ping D. H. 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe microstructural evolution of twinned martensite in water-quenched Fe–1.6 C (wt.%) alloys upon in situ heating was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In the as-quenched samples, a high density of a body-centred cubic (bcc) {112} 〈111〉 -type twinning structure exists in the martensite structure. Upon in situ heating to approximately 200–250 °C, carbides (mainly θ-Fe3C cementite) accompanying a detwinning process were observed only in the originally twinned region. The carbides were absent in the originally untwinned (twin-free) region. The experimental results have suggested that the formation of the carbides depends on the twinning-boundary ω-Fe metastable phase, which can be stabilised by interstitial carbon atoms. When the specimens were heated, the twinning-boundary ω-Fe(C) transformed into carbide (mainly θ-Fe3C cementite) particles on the original {112} twinning planes. Further heating resulted in substantial recrystallisation of α-Fe fine particles, which formed immediately after martensite transformation. The results presented here should be helpful in understanding the microstructural evolution of various carbon steels.
Sociomarkers and biomarkers: predictive modeling in identifying pediatric asthma patients at risk of hospital revisits
Authors: Shin Eun Kyong , Mahajan Ruhi , Akbilgic Oguz , Shaban-Nejad Arash 
Published: September 2018

AbstractThe importance of social components of health has been emphasized both in epidemiology and public health. This paper highlights the significant impact of social components on health outcomes in a novel way. Introducing the concept of sociomarkers, which are measurable indicators of social conditions in which a patient is embedded, we employed a machine learning approach that uses both biomarkers and sociomarkers to identify asthma patients at risk of a hospital revisit after an initial visit with an accuracy of 66%. The analysis has been performed over an integrated dataset consisting of individual-level patient information such as gender, race, insurance type, and age, along with ZIP code-level sociomarkers such as poverty level, blight prevalence, and housing quality. Using this uniquely integrated database, we then compare the traditional biomarker-based risk model and the sociomarker-based risk model. A biomarker-based predictive model yields an accuracy of 65% and the sociomarker-based model predicts with an accuracy of 61%. Without knowing specific symptom-related features, the sociomarker-based model can correctly predict two out of three patients at risk. We systematically show that sociomarkers play an important role in predicting health outcomes at the individual level in pediatric asthma cases. Additionally, by merging multiple data sources with detailed neighborhood-level data, we directly measure the importance of residential conditions for predicting individual health outcomes.
Analysis and interpretation of inner-heliospheric SEP events with the ESA Standard Radiation Environment Monitor (SREM) onboard the INTEGRAL and Rosetta Missions
Authors: Georgoulis Manolis K. , Papaioannou Athanasios , Sandberg Ingmar , Anastasiadis Anastasios , Daglis Ioannis A. , Rodríguez-Gasén Rosa , Aran Angels , Sanahuja Blai , Nieminen Petteri 
Published: September 2018

Using two heliospheric vantage points, we study 22 solar energetic particle (SEP) events, 14 of which were detected at both locations. SEP proton events were detected during the declining phase of solar cycle 23 (November 2003–December 2006) by means of two nearly identical Standard Radiation Environment Monitor (SREM) units in energies ranging between 12.6 MeV and 166.3 MeV. In this work we combine SREM data with diverse solar and interplanetary measurements, aiming to backtrace solar eruptions from their impact in geospace (i.e., from L1 Lagrangian point to Earth’s magnetosphere) to their parent eruptions at the Sun’s low atmosphere. Our SREM SEP data support and complement a consistent inner-heliospheric description of solar eruptions (solar flares and coronal mass ejections [CMEs]) and their magnetospheric impact. In addition, they provide useful information on the understanding of the origin, acceleration, and propagation of SEP events at multi-spacecraft settings. All SEP events in our sample originate from major eruptions consisting of major (>M-class) solar flares and fast (>1800 km/s, on average), overwhelmingly (>78%) halo, CMEs. All but one SEP event studied are unambiguously associated with shock-fronted CMEs, suggesting a CME-driven shock acceleration mechanism. Moreover, a significant correlation is found between the SEP event peak and the onset of the storm sudden commencement, that might help improve prediction of magnetospheric disturbances. In general, SEP events correlate better with interplanetary (i.e., in-situ; L1-based) than with solar eruption features. Our findings support (a) the routine use of cost-effective SREM units, or future improvements thereof, for the detection of SEP events and (b) their implementation in multi-spacecraft settings as a means to improve both the physical understanding of SEP events and their forecasting.
Arterial Stiffening with Ultrafast Ultrasound Imaging Gives New Insight into Arterial Phenotype of Vascular Ehlers-Danlos Mouse Models
Authors: Goudot Guillaume , Papadacci Clément , Dizier Blandine , Baudrie Véronique , Ferreira Irmine , Boisson-Vidal Catherine , Tanter Mickaël , Jeunemaître Xavier , Pernot Mathieu , Messas Emmanuel , Mirault Tristan 
Published: September 2018

Abstract
Objective Vascular Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (vEDS) is associated with arterial ruptures due to a mutant gene encoding collagen type III (Col-III). To better understand the role of Col-III, we aimed at evaluating aortic stiffness and dynamic stiffening in vEDS mouse models, with either a quantitative (col3KO mice) or a qualitative Col-III defect (col3KI mice).
Materials and Methods Abdominal aortic wall pulse wave velocities (PWV) in col3KO and col3KI mice were compared to their respective wild type (WT) littermates using a 15 MHz ultrafast ultrasonic transducer. A carotid catheter continuously monitored pressure changes due to phenylephrine injections. PWV1, generated at diastolic blood pressure (DBP), and PWV2, at systolic blood pressure (SBP) were recorded. Difference between PWV2 and PWV1 (Delta-PWV) normalized by the pulse pressure (PP), corresponding to the aortic stiffening over the cardiac cycle, were compared between mutant and WT mice, as well as the regression slope of PWV as a function of pressure.
Results Delta-PWV/PP was lower in col3KO (p = 0.033) and col3KI mice (p < 0.001) vs. WT-mice regardless of the pressure level. The slope of PWV1 with DBP increase showed a lower arterial stiffness in mutant mice vs. controls in both models. This difference was amplified when evaluating stiffness at systolic blood pressure levels with PWV2.
Conclusion In both vEDS mouse models, aortic stiffening was reduced, mainly driven by a lower stiffness at systolic blood pressure. Defective Col-III may be responsible for this, as it is utilized when pressure rises. These pre-clinical data could explain vascular fragility observed in vEDS patients.
Pediatric Ophthalmology Fellowship Survey: Fellows Selection Criteria for Training Programs
Authors: Singh Jasleen , Lovelace Kimberly , Patnaik Jennifer , Enzenauer Robert 
Published: September 2018

Purpose This article investigates the characteristics that trainees look for in a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship program.
Methods A 14-question anonymous survey was created and sent out via the United States Postal Service to all physicians of American Association of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. The survey addressed demographics, the interview process, and the qualities of fellowship training programs that were important factors in ranking fellowship training programs. A Likert scale was used to rate different qualities (1: not important, 9: very important) and summary statistics were reported as overall means and standard deviations.
Results In total, 1,061 were mailed out with 413 returned amounting to a 38.9% response rate. The qualities with the highest mean were diversity of surgical procedures, volume of procedures/surgeries, reputation of the fellowship director, advice from mentor, emphasis on type of surgery performed, program association with an academic institution, and national reputation of program. The characteristics that ranked the lowest were presence of a Veteran's Administration hospital and presence of a county hospital. Females rated proximity to family significantly higher than males. Among responders who ranked volume of procedures/surgeries as very important, strabismus surgery was the most important.
Conclusion Pediatric ophthalmologists chose fellowship training programs based on the diversity and surgical volume of procedures and the reputation of the program director.
Ahead of the Curve: Tracking Progress in Novice Microsurgeons
Authors: Brosious John , Kleban Shawna , Goldman Joshua , Mohsin Adnan , Williams Shelly , Wang Wei , Menezes John , Baynosa Richard 
Published: September 2018

Background The purpose of this study was to evaluate learning curves for an existing microsurgical training model. We compared efficiency and amount of training needed to achieve proficiency between novice microsurgeons without operative experience versus those who had completed a surgical internship.
Methods Ten novice microsurgeons anastomosed a silastic tube model. Time to perform each anastomosis, luminal diameter, and number of errors were recorded.
Results First year residents improved up to a brief plateau at 10 repetitions, followed by continued improvement. Second year residents improved up to a plateau at 10 repetitions with no further improvement thereafter. There was no significant difference in luminal area or errors between groups.
Conclusion Residents with no operative experience can benefit from early exposure to microsurgical training. These interns continue to improve with additional repetitions while second year residents achieve proficiency with fewer repetitions.
Die Fragilitätsfraktur des Beckens ist eine Indikatorfraktur der Osteoporose
Authors: Drees P. , Thomczyk S. , Betz U. , Wagner D. , Hofmann A. , Rommens P. M. 
Published: September 2018

ZusammenfassungDie Inzidenz der Fragilitätsfraktur des Beckens nimmt erheblich zu. Die Fraktur ist Folge eines niedrigenergetischen Traumas. Risikofaktoren sind das Alter, das weibliche Geschlecht und die Osteoporose. Die Patienten leiden an immobilisierenden Schmerzen im Bereich der Schamregion, der Leiste oder des tiefen Rückens. Die Diagnostik beruht auf der konventionellen Bildgebung und der Computertomographie. Die Morphologie dieser Frakturen unterscheidet sich von denen eines hochenergetischen Traumas. Die neue FFPKlassifikation differenziert vier Kategorien des Stabilitätsverlusts unterschiedlichen Ausmaßes. Die Subtypen unterscheiden verschiedene Lokalisationen der Frakturen im posterioren Beckenring. Die Behandlung beinhaltet Schmerztherapie, Physiotherapie, aktivierende Pflege und eine spezifische Osteoporose-Therapie. Bei Fragilitätsfrakturen mit Beteiligung des posterioren Beckenrings sollte eine operative Stabilisierung in Betracht gezogen werden. Die chirurgische Behandlung sollte möglichst wenig invasiv sein. Die Wiederherstellung der Stabilität ist entscheidender als die Wiederherstellung der Anatomie. Verschiedene minimalinvasive Verfahren für den posterioren und anterioren Beckenring werden vorgestellt.
Non-arthropod pests of date palm and their management.
Authors: El-Shafie H. A. F. , Abdel-Banat B. M. A. 
Published: September 2018

Abstract

In addition to the arthropod pests, the date palm
Phoenix dactylifera
L is attacked by numerous non-arthropod pests, which include birds, rodents, bats, nematodes and snails. This review lists 57 species of birds reported in the agro-ecosystem of date palm. Of these, three species are major pests, 35 species are minor pests, 15 species are neutral and four species are birds of prey (raptors). The major bird pest species are the bulbuls,
Pycnonotus
spp., the rose-ringed parakeet
Psittacula krameri
and the house sparrow
Passer domesticus
. Rodents comprise 13 species, of which 12 are rats and mice and one species of porcupine. The major rodents are the roof rat
Rattus rattus
, the Norway rat
Rattus norvegicus
, the house mouse
Mus musculus
, the Nile rat
Arvicanthis niloticus
and the mole rat
Nesokia indica
. The Egyptian fruit bat,
Rousettus aegyptiacus
, is reported to be an important pest of date palm fruits. The review also lists 24 species of nematodes belonging to the following genera:
Meloidogyne
,
Pratylenchus
,
Helicotylenchus
and
Tylenchorhynchus
. Additionally, four species of land snails associated with date palm are listed. The article gives comprehensive information on the major non-arthropod pests of date palm regarding their distribution, biology, behaviour, nature of damage and possible management measures. Non-arthropod pests of minor importance are mentioned as checklists.