bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quality Controls on SEM Performance: A Novel Reference Sample
Authors: Griffin Brendan J , Platten Sharon T 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The monitoring of performance of an SEM in a multi-user facility is a difficult task as user feedback is generally not reliable. Regular quality control measurements must be undertaken using standard conditions to maintain research-quality products. The test specimens should also be available to the general user community to allow them to monitor their own skills against the reference images. The ready availability of these specimens also helps to eliminate problems related to user specimen preparation, as users can refer back to them when in doubt with respect to SEM performance.
Certified SEM imaging standards are expensive and cannot be provided routinely, particularly where a number of SEM are present. We have investigated a range of potential materials and preparations in search of a low cost, reliable and robust specimen for use in routine (day-to-day) quality control.
Probing Individual Proteins in Unsupported Membranes
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Proteins in biologic membranes perform a large variety of essential functions. The fact that about one third of all genes code for membrane proteins, and that the majority of drugs target these proteins, attest to that fact. However, until now, proteins have been studied under artificial conditions, such as after being crystallized, frozen, or adsorbed to a substrate. Rui Pedro Gonçalves, Guillaume Agnus, Pierre Sens, Christine Houssin, Bernard Bartenlian, and Simon Scheuring have devised a novel setup with the atomic force microscope (AFM) to allow proteins to be probed while they are in unsupported membranes. Their method is similar in principle to methods where a small area of a membrane is sampled, such as when a piece of membrane is examined by patch clamping. The difference is that instead of attaching a membrane to the end of a pipette, it is spread across a piece of perforated Si(001).
Luminance Contrast — a New Visible Light Technique for Examining Transparent Specimens
Authors: Piper Jörg 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Transparent specimens are usually examined by dark field, phase contrast and interference contrast light microscopy. In dark field, specimens are illuminated by oblique light beams that come from the periphery of the illuminating apparatus. Therefore, some transparent objects, e.g. unstained native bacteria, are barely visible and fine structures inside them are often not visible. In phase contrast, the discernment of fine detail can be reduced by halo artifacts. The intensity of contrast, i.e. the difference in brightness between the background and specimen, is constant and not variable; it is determined by the specification of the phase ring within the phase contrast lens and dependent on the specific phase differences between the specimen and its surrounding medium. Interference contrast images are free from halo artifacts, but their contrast may be lower than in corresponding phase contrast or dark field images, especially, when transparent specimens are examined in thinlayer preparations.
Multimode Trans-Illuminator for the Stereomicroscope
Authors: Clarke Ted 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
The stereomicroscope was the main tool I once used for metallurgical failure analysis. I have owned a Meiji EMT Greenough-type stereomicroscope since the late 1980's. I had not used transmitted light with the stereomicroscope until about a year ago when I completed a multimode transmitted light illuminator for my Meiji stereomicroscope. I thought this capability would be very useful for introducing the grandkids to the microscopic world, especially with live lake water organisms. My earlier article in Microscopy Today, “Rediscovery of Darkfield Dispersion Staining while Building a Universal Student Microscope,” January/February 2003, demonstrated usefulness of a dual brightfield and darkfield capability in transmitted light for viewing living organisms. I have a ½″ fiber-optic bundle light guide used in the illumination system for my modified Biolam microscope also shown in Microscopy Today, “Effects of Condenser Spherical Aberration on Image Quality,” March 2005.
Digital Cameras and the TEM
Authors: Straszheim Warren 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Resolution and pixel number is a recurring question in microscopy, especially in regards to appreciating or visualizing the image's resolution once an image is captured. For instance, what is the effect of changing a one megapixel camera for a three megapixel camera? It is important to consider nanometers (or micrometers) per pixel, which will determine the ultimate resolution available. Of course Nyquist will tell you that you can't push things to the single-pixel dimensions—a couple of pixels is more likely the limit.
It is also important to remember that raw pixel count alone is meaningless. The image formation process must be considered. The camera needs to be matched to the phosphor for optimum cost and performance.
Silicon Cross-Section Sample Preparation (Cleaving)
Authors: Beanland Richard 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
I have found the best way to cleave [001]-oriented silicon wafers is rather different compared to GaAs or InP. The problem is that Si prefers to cleave on (111) planes rather than (110) and so one gets an angled face with the cleave, which is usually rather uneven and often doesn't run straight. This is even worse when cleaving close to an existing edge, which attracts the crack front as it propagates. Good for making low-angle cleaved specimens, but a problem otherwise. It is possible to make Si cleave on (110) by cleaving the wafer without any support.
When Did Agriculture Begin?
Authors: Carmichael Stephen W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
It has generally been considered that cereals (such as wheat, rice, and maize) were the first crops to be cultivated by human beings. But a new study that included scanning electron microscopy, by Mordechai Kislev, Anat Hartmann, and Ofer Bar-Yosef (micrographs by Yakov Langsam) provides strong evidence that figs were the first agricultural crop in human history.
Kislev et al. recovered nine fig fruits (plus many nutlets called drupelets) from the ruins of a burned building near Jericho. The fire had carbonized the fruit which helped preserve the morphology of the specimens. The site was radiocarbon dated to 11,400 to 11,200 years ago. Microscopic analysis demonstrated that these specimens were of an edible fig that produces drupelets without embryos; that is, these fruits are sterile. Wild fertile figs have a symbiotic relationship with a wasp that plays an essential role in pollinating the fruit, but this fruit is inedible. In this study, no evidence of wasps or where a wasp could exit the fruit were found and these are features found in wild fruit. In other words, wild figs that can be pollinated and reproduce without human intervention are inedible, but edible figs require human intervention. The specimens examined in this study were of the latter variety.
Olympus E330 DSLR for Photomicrography with Older Design Microscopes
Authors: Clarke Theodore M 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Jan Hinsch wrote an excellent review article “About the Use of Digital Single Lens Reflex Cameras on Microscopes” in 2004 for the web journal Modern Microscopy, http://www.modernmicroscopy.com/main.asp?article=33&print=true. The purpose of this article is to demonstrate the capabilities of the new Olympus Evolt E-330 DSLR for use with older design microscopes to capture the full diagonal of an 18 mm field number eyepiece that is not high eyepoint. This camera can be fitted with OM mount film camera lenses using the Olympus MF-1 adapter. A key requirement I had before purchasing a DSLR was that critical focusing must be possible at the full resolution of the sensor. I asked the Olympus Precision Instruments Group whether Olympus would have a DSLR available with this capability, and learned from them that the new E-330 DSLR would allow a selected area to be displayed at full resolution from the main CMOS sensor for critical focusing. This 7.5 megapixel sensor measures 13 by 17 mm.
Comments on Zinc Formalin Fixative
Authors: Dapson Richard W 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Questions have arisen recently on the Histonet listserver about the properties of zinc formalin fixative. The advantage of zinc formalin over the usual formalin fixatives appears to be that zinc ions hold macromolecules in their native conformation via coordinate bonds, preventing the damaging crosslinkages that formaldehyde alone would create. The result is greatly enhanced immunopreservation: rarely is antigen retrieval necessary, and primary antibodies can be diluted 2 to 10 fold greater than usual.
Making and breaking a health service
Authors: Doran Tim 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe creation of the National Health Service (NHS) marked a radical break with the past, making health care universally available on the basis of need rather than means. The NHS was conceived during wartime emergency and has had to survive further regular crises to reach its 70th year, but it now faces challenges that are unprecedented in scale and there are doubts about its ability to continue in its present form. Resources have not increased with need, and the NHS can no longer function as a comprehensive service during periods of peak demand. Policymakers look for solutions in service rearrangements, new technologies, quality improvement initiatives and alternative funding arrangements; meanwhile, chronic lack of capacity is taking a predictable toll on patient care and staff morale. The NHS has become a formidably resilient institution, but securing its future may take as great a collective effort as the one that created it.
Looking forward to the next 70 years: from a National Ill-Health Service to a National Health System
Authors: Hunter David J. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAmidst the NHS’s (National Health Service) success lies its major weakness, although one that Klein overlooks in his reflections on the NHS as it approaches 70. The focus on, and investment in, curing ill-health has been at the expense of attending to the public’s overall health and well-being. This preoccupation poses a greater threat to the NHS’s future than privatisation. Despite the weakness having been diagnosed decades ago, redressing the imbalance has proved stubbornly hard to achieve. Rhetoric has not been translated into reality. Yet, we may be on the cusp of a tipping point where in order to ensure a sustainable NHS, and one that is capable of meeting the 21st century challenges facing it, there is a renewed and overdue interest in promoting health and well-being in communities. But for this to succeed, the NHS will need to embrace its bete noire, local government.
Screening Tests Reveal High Risk Among Adjudicated Adolescents of Auditory Processing and Language Disorders
Authors: Moncrieff Deborah , Miller Elizabeth , Hill Earl 
Published: March 2018

PurposeThe study investigated the prevalence of risk factors for auditory processing and language disorders among adolescents residing at a local juvenile detention center.MethodA total of 782 adjudicated adolescents with normal hearing were screened with the Randomized Dichotic Digits Test (Strouse & Wilson, 1999) and the Dichotic Words Test (Moncrieff, 2015). A subset of 420 of those adolescents was also screened with the Clinical Evaluation of Language Fundamentals (CELF; Semel, Wiig, & Secord, 2003).ResultsMore than 70% of the adolescents produced weakness on at least 1 dichotic listening test. One third of those produced weakness across both dichotic listening tests, consistent with a binaural integration deficit pattern. Nearly 48% of the subgroup of adolescents produced CELF scores that fell below the criterion for age. Dichotic listening and language scores were more associated in participants with poor performance in both ears during dichotic tests, who also produced the lowest scores on the CELF. There was no main effect of race, but 17- and 18-year-old Black adolescents produced lower CELF scores than White adolescents of the same age.ConclusionsSchool-age children referred for disciplinary action may have undiagnosed deficits in auditory processing and/or language. Efforts to screen, diagnose, and remediate these deficits could lead to improvements in communication, learning, and language skills in this population.
GJ 1214: Rotation period, starspots, and uncertainty on the optical slope of the transmission spectrum
Authors: Mallonn M. , Herrero E. , Juvan I. G. , von Essen C. , Rosich A. , Ribas I. , Granzer T. , Alexoudi X. , Strassmeier K. G. 
Published: March 2018

Aims. Brightness inhomogeneities in the stellar photosphere (dark spots or bright regions) affect the measurements of the planetary transmission spectrum. To investigate the star spots of the M dwarf GJ 1214, we conducted a multicolor photometric monitoring from 2012 to 2016.
Methods. The time-series photometry was analyzed with the light curve inversion tool StarSim. Using the derived stellar surface properties from the light curve inversion, we modeled the impact of the star spots when unocculted by the transiting planet. We compared the photometric variability of GJ 1214 to published results of mid- to late M dwarfs from the MEarth sample.
Results. The measured variability shows a periodicity of 125 ± 5 days, which we interpret as the signature of the stellar rotation period. This value overrules previous suggestions of a significantly shorter stellar rotation period. A light curve inversion of the monitoring data yields an estimation of the flux dimming of a permanent spot filling factor not contributing to the photometric variability, a temperature contrast of the spots of ~370 K and persistent active longitudes. The derived surface maps over all five seasons were used to estimate the influence of the star spots on the transmission spectrum of the planet from 400 to 2000 nm. The monitoring data presented here do not support a recent interpretation of a measured transmission spectrum of GJ 1214b as to be caused by bright regions in the stellar photosphere. Instead, we list arguments as to why the effect of dark spots likely dominated over bright regions in the period of our monitoring. Furthermore, our photometry proves an increase in variability over at least four years, indicative for a cyclic activity behavior. The age of GJ 1214 is likely between 6 and 10 Gyr.
Conclusions. The long-term photometry allows for a correction of unocculted spots. For an active star such as GJ 1214, there remains a degeneracy between occulted spots and the transit parameters used to build the transmission spectrum. This degeneracy can only be broken by high-precision transit photometry resolving the spot crossing signature in the transit light curve.
L’actualité immunologique sous l’oeil critique des étudiants de Master 2
Authors: Chassouros Alexandre , Essakhi Alexandre , Khiat Anis , Kouadri Shirihane , Tadjine Aïda , Tadjine Nadia , Ubeda Pol , Zhang Victorine 
Published: March 2018

Pour la quatrième année consécutive, les étudiants du Master 2 « Immunothérapies et bio-ingénierie » de l’Université Pierre et Marie Curie (Sorbonne Université) ont pris la plume pour partager avec les lecteurs de m/s quelques-uns des faits marquants de la littérature de fin 2017 dans le domaine de l’immunologie. Cette année, ils nous rappellent combien l’immunothérapie est porteuse d’espoir en cancérologie en relatant deux approches très novatrices : l’une, indirecte, utilise des nanovésicules bactériennes, l’autre réalise une vaccination antitumorale fondée sur des néoantigènes tumoraux spécifiquement identifiés chez les patients. Deux autres brèves rapportent les résultats d’études dont l’impact clinique est évident : l’une identifie un anticorps thérapeutique efficace et sûr contre le virus Zika, l’autre décrypte le lien entre immunosuppression exercée par les Treg et autophagie dans les cellules dendritiques, et offre une explication à l’activité thérapeutique d’un activateur de la voie CTLA4/B7. Toutes ces découvertes ont une application directe en clinique humaine, ce qui souligne, une fois encore, combien la recherche est essentielle au progrès médical ! Bonne lecture !
Sophie Sibéril (Maître de conférence Sorbonne Université, responsable du module « analyse scientifique » du M2 immunothérapies et bio-ingénierie)
Factors associated with bone metabolism in patients with cervical ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament accompanied with diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis
Authors: Horie Shinji , Sawaji Yasunobu , Endo Kenji , Suzuki Hidekazu , Matsuoka Yuji , Nishimura Hirosuke , Seki Takeshi , Yamamoto Kengo 
Published: March 2018

Introduction: Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH) and ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) are both characterized as ossification in paravertebral ligaments and sometimes present simultaneously, however, the bone metabolism in patients with cervical OPLL accompanying/not accompanying DISH has not well been studied. Thus, a retrospective analysis was performed to understand any differences in bone metabolism in these patients.Methods: Male patients who underwent surgery for OPLL were divided into two groups based on the presence or absence of DISH (OD and O group, respectively). Patients with cervical spondylosis comprised the control group (CS group). Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone metabolism factors were compared among the groups.Results: The OD and O groups had significantly higher body mass indexes (BMIs) than did the CS group. Morphologically, the number of continuous type of OPLL was high in the OD group whereas that of segmental type was higher in the O group. The OD and O group had greater BMD than the CS group. Both TRACP-5b and P1NP were tended to be lower in the OD group whereas Ca and P concentrations were similar level among the groups. Intact parathyroid hormone in OD group was significantly higher than CS group.Discussion: Patients with OPLL accompanying DISH had significantly higher BMD whereas they tend to be lower in bone turnover. Significantly higher i-PTH levels was found in the OD group and would be the characteristic blood marker, but further research on the relationship between DISH and PTH was necessary.
High Intra-Abdominal Pressure Secondary to Obesity as a Determining Factor for Ventriculoperitoneal Shunt Malfunction
Authors: Morais Barbara , Yamaki Vitor , Cardeal Daniel , Andrade Fernanda , Paiva Wellingson , Matushita Hamilton , Teixeira Manoel 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) is an established treatment for hydrocephalus. The functioning of the system requires a pressure difference between the cranial and abdominal cavities. The VPS can be particularly problematic in patients with increased intra-abdominal pressure (IAP). We report the case of a 16-year-old girl with VPS since she was 2 months old due to hydrocephalus secondary to myelomeningocele. The patient had been asymptomatic ever since, but she sought the emergency service with intermittent headache and vomiting. A non-enhanced brain tomography, a shunt trajectory X-ray and an abdominal ultrasound revealed no cause of system malfunction. In view of the persistent clinical picture, a revision of the shunt was performed, which revealed adequate intraoperative functioning. She returned with the same symptoms two weeks after surgery. The patient was obese (body mass index [BMI]: 48). We hypothesized intermittent valve malfunction due to increased intra-abdominal pressure. She underwent a ventriculoatrial shunt, without intercurrences. In the postoperative period, the patient presented transient tachycardia and was asymptomatic at the 6-month follow-up. Obesity should be considered an important variable for the inadequate functioning of the VPS due to increased IAP and catheter dystocia to the extraperitoneal cavity. Studies have already correlated the IAP with the BMI, which reaches between 8 mm Hg and 12 mm Hg in obese individuals. Therefore, the BMI can be considered during the selection of valve pressure in systems with non-adjustable valves to prevent insufficient drainage. The recognition of obesity as a cause of VPS malfunction is fundamental to avoid unnecessary surgeries and intermittent malfunction of the system.
Toward Precision Medicine in Brain Metastases
Authors: Berghoff Anna , Brastianos Priscilla 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBrain metastases (BMs) reflect an area of high clinical need, as up to 40% of patients with metastatic cancer will develop this morbid and highly fatal complication. Historically, treatment strategies have relied on local approaches including radiosurgery, whole-brain radiotherapy, and neurosurgical resection. Recently, targeted and immune-modulating therapies have shown promising responses and have been introduced in the clinical management of patients with BMs. Recent improvements in genomic technologies have enriched our understanding of BMs and have demonstrated that BMs present with significant genetic divergence from the originating primary tumor, such that potentially targetable genetic alterations are detected only in the BMs. However, this genetic divergence also results in genetic alterations associated with resistance to targeted therapies. A deeper insight on the genetic alterations of BMs and the interaction with the brain microenvironment will likely reveal new treatment targets, moving toward more precision therapies for patients with BMs.
HIV Pediatric Care Quality in Togo's Health Facilities in 2014
Authors: Azoumah K. , Agbéko F. , Djadou K. , Segbedji K. , Géraldo A. , Takassi O. , Douaguibe B. , Agbèrè A. , Atakouma Y. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn 2013, children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)(CLHIV) and on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Togo accounted for 7.6% of people living with HIV on ART. Management faces many challenges due to insufficient qualified human resources. This study aimed to assess the availability of care offered to these children in health facilities. This was a retrospective descriptive study on 244 CLHIV (under 15 years) who were on ART and randomly selected in 26 sites providing HIV medical care in Togo from July 22 to September 06 2014. Evaluation forms on children's clinical, biological, and therapeutic parameters were analyzed. Forty percent of CLHIV were between the ages of 5 and 9 years. The average age was 5 years at testing for diagnosis; 49% of children were in the World Health Organization (WHO) stage III–IV. The sex ratio (male/female [M/F]) was 1:1. Almost 71% of CLHIV were underweight (weight-for-age <  − 2 Z scores Severely underweight : weight-for-age  <  −  3 Z scores). The patient height was not recorded in 81.6% of the cases. According to the guidelines, the criteria to be on ART were met for 90.2% of children. The average delay (from diagnosis) to be on ART was 216 days. First-line regimens were mostly zidovudine/lamivudine/nevirapine (AZT/3TC/NVP) (47.0%) and stavudine/lamivudine/nevirapine (d4T/3TC/NVP) (38.7%). Follow-up was characterized by a low rate of achievement of the biological semi-annual evaluation (19.8%), child compliance for 62.7%, a cotrimoxazole prophylaxis for 70.2%, and tuberculosis screening for 64.8%. The lost-to-follow-up (LFU) proportion was 8.9%. HIV pediatric diagnosis is still an issue in Togo. Early maternal and child healthcare and HIV care are not optimal. Recruitment and capacity building of health professionals, delegation of tasks to paramedics, and innovative motivation processes could improve care for HIV-infected children.