bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Correlation of displacement vector fields calculated by different deformable image registration algorithms with motion parameters in helical, axial and cone beam CT imaging
Authors: Alsbou Nesreen , Ahmad Salahuddin , Ali Imad 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAim:The purpose of this study is to investigate quantitatively the correlation of displacement vector fields (DVFs) from different deformable image registration (DIR) algorithms to register images from helical computed tomography (HCT), axial computed tomography (ACT) and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) with motion parameters.Materials and methods:CT images obtained from scanning of the mobile phantom were registered with the stationary CT images using four DIR algorithms from the DIRART software: Demons, Fast-Demons, Horn–Schunck and Lucas–Kanade. HCT, ACT and CBCT imaging techniques were used to image a mobile phantom, which included three targets with different sizes (small, medium and large) that were manufactured from a water-equivalent material and embedded in low-density foam to simulate lung lesions. The phantom was moved with controlled cyclic motion patterns where a range of motion amplitudes (0–20 mm) and frequencies (0·125–0·5 Hz) were used.Results:The DVF obtained from different algorithms correlated well with motion amplitudes applied on the mobile phantom for CBCT and HCT, where the maximal DVF increased linearly with the motion amplitudes of the mobile phantom. In ACT, the DVF correlated less with motion amplitudes where motion-induced strong image artefacts and the DIR algorithms were not able to deform the ACT image of the mobile targets to the stationary targets. Three DIR algorithms produce comparable values and patterns of the DVF for certain CT imaging modality. However, DVF from Fast-Demons deviated strongly from other algorithms at large motion amplitudes.Conclusions:The local DVFs provide direct quantitative values for the actual internal tumour shifts that can be used to determine margins for the internal target volume that consider tumour motion during treatment planning. Furthermore, the DVF distributions can be used to extract motion parameters such as motion amplitude that can be extracted from the maximal or minimal DVF calculated by the different DIR algorithms and used in the management of the patient motion.
Eddy‐Induced Meridional Salt Flux and Its Impacts on the Sea Surface Salinity Maxima in the Southern Subtropical Oceans
Authors: Qu Tangdong , Lian Zhan , Nie Xunwei , Wei Zexun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractEnergetic eddy activities are observed in the southern subtropical oceans. Among the three ocean basins, eddies are most active in the subtropical south Indian Ocean, where they induce a northward salt flux in the north and a southward salt flux in the south, resulting in a divergence of salt in the central part of the basin. Further analysis of satellite‐sea surface salinity observations shows that eddy‐induced meridional salt flux takes more than half of the salt gain from the excess of evaporation over precipitation out of the sea surface salinity maximum region in the south Indian Ocean, while this ratio falls below 19% in the South Pacific and 12% in the South Atlantic. The result may partially explain why salinity of the sea surface salinity maximum in the south Indian Ocean is the lowest among the three southern subtropical oceans.
Properties of Localized Precipitation of Energetic Protons Equatorward of the Isotropic Boundary
Authors: Semenova N. V. , Yahnin A. G. , Yahnina T. A. , Demekhov A. G. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractUsing National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Polar Orbiting Environmental Satellite (NOAA/POES) observations of energetic protons, we for the first time investigated statistical properties of a specific type of particle precipitation—localized precipitation of energetic protons (LPEP) equatorward of the isotropy boundary. The maximum occurrence rate was found in the day‐afternoon sector at L > 6. The maximum precipitating flux is found at lower L shells (L = 4–5). The dependence of LPEP occurrence and intensity on the geomagnetic activity indices and solar wind parameters is investigated. In particular, while the precipitating proton flux increases with geomagnetic activity everywhere, the occurrence rate in the day‐afternoon sector at L > 6 decreases under the strongest activity. We conclude that revealed LPEP properties are mostly similar to those obtained for electromagnetic ion cyclotron waves on the basis of data from previous spacecraft missions. This similarity supports the suggestion on LPEP as the result of ion cyclotron instability in the magnetosphere.
From Land to the Ocean: The Interplay Between Allochthonous and Autochthonous Contribution to Particles in Nepheloid Layers of the Cariaco Basin, Venezuela
Authors: Lorenzoni Laura , Thunell Robert C. , Benitez‐Nelson Claudia R. , Montes Enrique , Varela Ramón , Astor Yrene , Muller‐Karger Frank E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLithogenic sediment input to the Cariaco Basin on the eastern Venezuelan shelf is controlled by small mountainous rivers (SMRs). The Cariaco Basin is also an area of high phytoplankton productivity as a result of strong Trade Wind‐driven coastal upwelling. Characterizing the sources that supply particulate organic carbon (POC) to the deep Cariaco Basin is important for interpreting the paleoclimate record stored in its sediments. We measured suspended POC in the four main rivers draining into the Caraiaco Basin, the Tuy, Unare, Neveri, and Manzanares, between September 2008 and September 2009 and conducted basin‐wide oceanographic cruises in September 2008 (rainy season) and March 2009 (upwelling season). Riverine concentrations of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and POC in the four rivers were comparable to observations made in similar tropical SMR systems (POC was between 0.3–2 mg C l−1; DOC was between 100–300 μM). Within the basin, the geochemical composition of surface particles and bottom nepheloid layers (BNLs) changed with season. During the rainy season, the isotopic composition of both surface particles and BNL was characteristic of continentally derived material (δ13Corg, approximately −30 to −26‰), while during upwelling, the composition shifted to values more typical of marine sources (δ13Corg, approximately −24 to −20‰). SMRs represent an important component of the global carbon budget, which are often overlooked in ocean carbon budgets and also in paleoclimate studies of coastal environments.
Association of perinatal factors of epilepsy in very low birth weight infants, using a nationwide database in Japan
Authors:   on behalf of the Neonatal Research Network of Japan (NRNJ), Matsushita Yuki , Sakai Yasunari , Torio Michiko , Inoue Hirosuke , Ochiai Masayuki , Yasuoka Kazuaki , Kurata Hiroaki , Fujiyoshi Junko , Ichiyama Masako , Taguchi Tomoaki , Kato Kiyoko , Ohga Shouichi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObjectiveTo determine clinical features of very low birth weight infants (VLBWIs) who had developed epilepsy by age 3 years.Study designMulticenter cohort study using the Neonatal Research Network of Japan database. We analyzed clinical variables of 8431 VLBWIs who had recorded data of neurological sequelae at age 3 years. Logistic regression identified the association between variables and development of epilepsy.ResultOne hundred and forty-three (1.7%) infants developed epilepsy, 683 (8.1%) showed cerebral palsy (CP), and 1114 (13.2%) had psychomotor delay. Epilepsy was associated with history of sepsis [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.23], severe intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH; AOR 5.13), and cystic periventricular leukomalacia (PVL; AOR 12.7). Severe IVH and cystic PVL were also frequently associated with CP and psychomotor delay.ConclusionSevere IVH and cystic PVL are strongly associated with development of epilepsy, as well as other neurological sequelae, and are potential critical therapeutic targets.
Congenital myasthenic syndrome with mild intellectual disability caused by a recurrent SLC25A1 variant
Authors: Balaraju Sunitha , Töpf Ana , McMacken Grace , Kumar Veeramani Preethish , Pechmann Astrid , Roper Helen , Vengalil Seena , Polavarapu Kiran , Nashi Saraswati , Mahajan Niranjan Prakash , Barbosa Ines A. , Deshpande Charu , Taylor Robert W. , Cossins Judith , Beeson David , Laurie Steven , Kirschner Janbernd , Horvath Rita , McFarland Robert , Nalini Atchayaram , Lochmüller Hanns 
Published: September 2019

AbstractCongenital myasthenic syndromes (CMS) are a clinically and genetically heterogeneous group of disorders caused by mutations which lead to impaired neuromuscular transmission.SLC25A1encodes a mitochondrial citrate carrier, associated mainly with the severe neurometabolic disease combined D-2- and L-2-hydroxyglutaric aciduria (D/L-2-HGA). We previously reported a single family with a homozygous missense variant inSLC25A1with a phenotype restricted to relatively mild CMS with intellectual disability, but to date no additional cases of this CMS subtype had been reported. Here, we performed whole exome sequencing (WES) in three additional and unrelated families presenting with CMS and mild intellectual disability to identify the underlying causative gene. The WES analysis revealed the presence of a homozygous c.740G>A; p.(Arg247Gln) missenseSLC25A1variant, the sameSLC25A1variant as identified in the original family with this phenotype. Electron microscopy of muscle from two cases revealed enlarged and accumulated mitochondria. Haplotype analysis performed in two unrelated families suggested that this variant is a result of recurrent mutation and not a founder effect. This suggests that p.(Arg247Gln) is associated with a relatively mild CMS phenotype with subtle mitochondrial abnormalities, while other variants in this gene cause more severe neurometabolic disease. In conclusion, the p.(Arg247Gln)SLC25A1variant should be considered in patients presenting with a presynaptic CMS phenotype, particularly with accompanying intellectual disability.
Effect of Cucumis sativus on Dysfunctional 3T3-L1 Adipocytes
Authors: Marisol Méndez-Martínez , Celeste Trejo-Moreno , Laura Maldonado-Mejía , Fernando Esquivel-Guadarrama , José Pedraza-Chaverri , Alejandro Zamilpa , Omar Medina-Campos , Francisco Alarcón-Aguilar , Julio César Almanza-Pérez , Erika Contreras-Nuñez , Angélica Santana-Calderón , Gladis Fragoso , Enrique Jiménez-Ferrer , Gabriela Rosas 
Published: September 2019

AbstractObesity is caused by lipid accumulation in adipose tissues inducing adipocyte dysfunction, characterized by insulin resistance, increased lipolysis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, leading to increased levels of adipokines. Herein the capacity of the subfractions (SFs) SF1, SF2, and SF3 from theCucumis sativusaqueous fraction and their combinations (M) to control adipocyte dysfunctionin vitro, in 3T3-L1 adipocytes was studied. Adipocytes, previously treated with dexamethasone or IL-1 to induce dysfunction, were incubated with different concentrations of the subfractions for 24 h. 2-deoxyglucose consumption and glycerol release were evaluated, and a surface model was constructed to determine the most effective SF concentrations to improve both parameters. Effective SF combinations were assessed in their capacity to control metabolic, pro-oxidative, and pro-inflammatory conditions. SF1, SF2 (40 μg/ml each) and SF3 (20 μg/ml) improved 2-deoxyglucose consumption by 87%, 57%, and 87%, respectively. SF1 and SF2 (5 μg/ml each) and SF3 (40 μg/mL) increased glycerol secretion by 10.6%, 18.9%, and 11.8%, respectively. Among five combinations tested, only M4 (SF1 40 μg/ml:SF2 60 μg/ml:SF3 30 μg/ml) and M5 (SF1 40 μg/ml:SF2 60 μg/mL:SF3 10 μg/ml) controlled effectively the metabolic, pro-oxidative, and proinflammatory conditions studied. Glycine, asparagine, and arginine were the main components in these SFs.
Versatile and High-throughput Force Measurement Platform for Dorsal Cell Mechanics
Authors: Park Seungman , Joo Yoon Ki , Chen Yun 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe present a high-throughput microfluidics technique facilitating in situ measurements of cell mechanics parameters at the dorsal side of the cell, including molecular binding strengths, local traction forces, and viscoelastic properties. By adjusting the flow rate, the force magnitude exerted on the cell can be modulated ranging from ~14 pN to 2 nN to perturb various force-dependent processees in cells. Time-lapse images were acquired to record events due to such perturbation. The values of various mechanical parameters are subsequently obtained by single particle tracking. Up to 50 events can be measured simultaneously in a single experiment. Integrating the microfluidic techniques with the analytic framework established in computational fluid dynamics, our method is physiologically relevant, reliable, economic and efficient.
Fabrication and Characterization of Fully Inkjet Printed Capacitors Based on Ceramic/Polymer Composite Dielectrics on Flexible Substrates
Authors: Mikolajek Morten , Reinheimer Timo , Bohn Nicole , Kohler Christian , Hoffmann Michael J. , Binder Joachim R. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe preparation of fully inkjet printed capacitors containing ceramic/polymer composites as the dielectric material is presented. Therefore, ceramic/polymer composite inks were developed, which allow a fast one-step fabrication of the composite thick films. Ba0.6Sr0.4TiO3(BST) is used as the ceramic component and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) as the polymer. The use of such composites allows printing on flexible substrates. Furthermore, it results in improved values for the permittivity compared to pure polymers. Three composite inks with varying ratio of BST to PMMA were used for the fabrication of composite thick films consisting of 33, 50 and 66 vol% BST, respectively. All inks lead to homogeneous structures with precise transitions between the different layers in the capacitors. Besides the microstructures of the printed thick films, the dielectric properties were characterized by impedance spectroscopy over a frequency range of 100 Hz to 200 kHz. In addition, the influence of a larger ceramic particle size was investigated, to raise permittivity. The printed capacitors exhibited dielectric constants of 20 up to 55 at 1 kHz. Finally, the experimental results were compared to different theoretical models and their suitability for the prediction ofεcompositewas assessed.
Dysbiotic microbiota in autistic children and their mothers: persistence of fungal and bacterial wall-deficient L-form variants in blood
Authors: Markova N. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBased on our hypothesis for existing microbiota of wall-deficient variants (L-forms) in human blood, we created an innovative methodology, which allowed for the development of L-form populations from blood of all investigated people. In contrast to healthy controls, blood L-forms from autistic children and their mothers converted under appropriate conditions of cultivation into detectable opportunistic bacteria and fungi, а process demonstrated by light and transmission electron microscopy. It can be distinguished into two types of states – “eubiotic” blood microbiota in healthy individuals, and “dysbiotic” in autistic children and their mothers. Remarkably, the unifying finding for autistic children and their mothers was the presence in blood of wall-free variants from life-cycle of filamentous fungi. Increased specific IgG, IgM and IgA, together with typical mold growth were a decisive argument for proven presence of Aspergillus fumigatus in almost all of the autistic children. As it was demonstrated in our previous study, filterable L-forms can be transmitted by vertical pathway from mother to child before birth. Thus, it can be suggested that autistic children may be born already colonized with fungi, while a “silent aspergillosis” could contribute or even be a leading cause for neurodevelopmental disorders in the early childhood.
Clinical implications of drug-screening assay for recurrent metastatic hormone receptor-positive, human epidermal receptor 2-negative breast cancer using conditionally reprogrammed cells
Authors: Mimoto Rei , Yogosawa Satomi , Saijo Hiroki , Fushimi Atsushi , Nogi Hiroko , Asakura Tadashi , Yoshida Kiyotsugu , Takeyama Hiroshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractVarious new drugs have been developed for treating recurrent hormone receptor-positive (HR+)/human epidermal receptor 2-negative (HER2−) breast cancer. However, directly identifying effective drugs remains difficult. In this study, we elucidated the clinical relevance of cultured cells derived from patients with recurrent HR+/HER2− metastatic breast cancer. The recently established conditionally reprogrammed (CR) cell system enables us to examine heterogeneity, drug sensitivity and cell function using patient-derived tumour samples. The results of microarray analysis, DNA target sequencing and xenograft experiments indicated that the mutation status and pathological features were preserved in CR cells, whereas RNA expression was different from that in the primary tumour cells, especially with respect to cell adhesion-associated pathways. The results of drug sensitivity assays involving the use of primary breast cancer CR cells were consistent with gene expression profiling test data. We performed drug-screening assays using liver metastases, which were sensitive to 66 drugs. Importantly, the result reflected the actual clinical course of this patient. These results supported the use of CR cells obtained from the metastatic lesions of patients with HR+/HER2− breast cancer for predicting the clinical drug efficacy.
A novel conditional ZsGreen-expressing transgenic reporter rat strain for validating Cre recombinase expression
Authors: Bryda Elizabeth C. , Men Hongsheng , Davis Daniel J. , Bock Anagha S. , Shaw Mary L. , Chesney Kari L. , Hankins Miriam A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe Cre/loxP recombination system has revolutionized the ability to genetically manipulate animal genomes in order to conditionally control gene expression. With recent advances in genome editing, barriers to manipulating the rat genome have been overcome and it is now possible to generate new rat strains (Cre drivers) in which Cre recombinase expression is carefully controlled temporally and/or spatially. However, the ability to evaluate and characterize these Cre driver strains is limited by the availability of reliable reporter rat strains. Here, we describe the generation and characterization of a new transgenic rat strain in which conditional expression of the ZsGreen fluorescent protein gene requires the presence of exogenous Cre recombinase. Breeding Cre-expressing rat strains to this stable ZsGreen reporter strain provides an ideal method for validating new rat Cre driver lines and will greatly accelerate the characterization pipeline.
Imaging of hepatic drug transporters with [131I]6-β-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol
Authors: Kobayashi Masato , Nishi Kodai , Mizutani Asuka , Hokama Tsuzumi , Matsue Miki , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Nakanishi Takeo , Nishii Ryuichi , Tamai Ikumi , Kawai Keiichi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractWe examined whether [131I]6-β-iodomethyl-19-norcholesterol (NP-59), a cholesterol analog, can be used to measure function of hepatic drug transporters. Hepatic uptake of NP-59 with and without rifampicin was evaluated using HEK293 cells expressing solute carrier transporters. The stability of NP-59 was evaluated using mouse blood, bile, and liver, and human liver S9. Adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette (ABC) transporters for bile excretion were examined using hepatic ABC transporter vesicles expressing multidrug resistance protein 1, multidrug resistance-associated protein (MRP)1-4, breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), or bile salt export pump with and without MK-571 and Ko143. Single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) was performed in normal mice injected with NP-59 in the presence or absence of Ko143. Uptake of NP-59 into HEK293 cells expressing organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP)1B1 and OATP1B3 was significantly higher than that into mock cells and was inhibited by rifampicin. NP-59 was minimally metabolized in mouse blood, bile, and liver, and human liver S9 after 120 min of incubation. In vesicles, NP-59 was transported by MRP1 and BCRP. Excretion of NP-59 into bile via BCRP was observed in normal mice with and without Ko143 in the biological distribution and SPECT imaging. NP-59 can be used to visualize and measure the hepatic function of OATP1B1, OATP1B3, and BCRP.
Coxiella burnetii utilizes both glutamate and glucose during infection with glucose uptake mediated by multiple transporters
Authors: Kuba Miku , Neha Nitika , De Souza David P. , Dayalan Saravanan , Newson Joshua P. M. , Tull Dedreia , McConville Malcolm J. , Sansom Fiona M. , Newton Hayley J. 
Published: September 2019

Abstract
Coxiella burnetii is a Gram-negative bacterium which causes Q fever, a complex and life-threatening infection with both acute and chronic presentations. C. burnetii invades a variety of host cell types and replicates within a unique vacuole derived from the host cell lysosome. In order to understand how C. burnetii survives within this intracellular niche, we have investigated the carbon metabolism of both intracellular and axenically cultivated bacteria. Both bacterial populations were shown to assimilate exogenous [13C]glucose or [13C]glutamate, with concomitant labeling of intermediates in glycolysis and gluconeogenesis, and in the TCA cycle. Significantly, the two populations displayed metabolic pathway profiles reflective of the nutrient availabilities within their propagated environments. Disruption of the C. burnetii glucose transporter, CBU0265, by transposon mutagenesis led to a significant decrease in [13C]glucose utilization but did not abolish glucose usage, suggesting that C. burnetii express additional hexose transporters which may be able to compensate for the loss of CBU0265. This was supported by intracellular infection of human cells and in vivo studies in the insect model showing loss of CBU0265 had no impact on intracellular replication or virulence. Using this mutagenesis and [13C]glucose labeling approach, we identified a second glucose transporter, CBU0347, the disruption of which also showed significant decreases in 13C-label incorporation but did not impact intracellular replication or virulence. Together, these analyses indicate that C. burnetii may use multiple carbon sources in vivo and exhibits greater metabolic flexibility than expected.