bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fluidic device for the controlled formation and real-time monitoring of soft membranes self-assembled at liquid interfaces
Authors: Mendoza-Meinhardt Arturo , Botto Lorenzo , Mata Alvaro 
Published: February 2018

AbstractMembrane materials formed at the interface between two liquids have found applications in a large variety of technologies, from sensors to drug-delivery and catalysis. However, studying the formation of these membranes in real-time presents considerable challenges, owing to the difficulty of prescribing the location and instant of formation of the membrane, the difficulty of observing time-dependent membrane shape and thickness, and the poor reproducibility of results obtained using conventional mixing procedures. Here we report a fluidic device that facilitates characterisation of the time-dependent thickness, morphology and mass transport properties of materials self-assembled at fluid-fluid interfaces. In the proposed device the membrane forms from the controlled coalescence of two liquid menisci in a linear open channel. The linear geometry and controlled mixing of the solutions facilitate real-time visualisation, manipulation and improve reproducibility. Because of its small dimensions, the device can be used in conjunction with standard microscopy methods and reduces the required volumes of potentially expensive reagents. As an example application to tissue engineering, we use the device to characterise interfacial membranes formed by supra-molecular self-assembly of peptide-amphiphiles with either an elastin-like-protein or hyaluronic acid. The device can be adapted to study self-assembling membranes for applications that extend beyond bioengineering.
Impact of Gamma rays and DBD plasma treatments on wastewater treatment
Authors: Attri Pankaj , Tochikubo Fumiyoshi , Park Ji Hoon , Choi Eun Ha , Koga Kazunori , Shiratani Masaharu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe rapid growth in world population brings with it the need for improvement in the current technology for water purification, in order to provide adequate potable water to everyone. Although an advanced oxidation process has been used to purify wastewater, its action mechanism is still not clear. Therefore, in the present study we treat dye-polluted water with gamma rays and dielectric barrier discharge (DBD) plasma. We study the wastewater treatment efficiency of gamma rays and DBD plasma at different absorbed doses, and at different time intervals, respectively. Methyl orange and methylene blue dyes are taken as model dyes. To understand the effects of environment and humidity on the decolorization of these dyes, we use various gas mixtures in the DBD plasma reactor. In the plasma reactor, we use the ambient air and ambient air + other gas (oxygen, nitrogen, and argon) mixtures, respectively, for the treatment of dyes. Additionally, we study the humidity effect on the decolorization of dyes with air plasma. Moreover, we also perform plasma simulation in different environment conditions, to understand which major radicals are generated during the plasma treatments, and determine their probable densities.
Functional Variants Identified Efficiently through an Integrated Transcriptome and Epigenome Analysis
Authors: Meng Fanlin , Yuan Guohong , Zhu Xiurui , Zhou Yiming , Wang Dong , Guo Yong 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAlthough genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified numerous genetic loci associated with complex diseases, the underlying molecular mechanisms of how these loci contribute to disease pathogenesis remain largely unknown, due to the lack of an efficient strategy to identify these risk variants. Here, we proposed a new strategy termed integrated transcriptome and epigenome analysis (iTEA) to identify functional genetic variants in non-coding elements. We considered type 2 diabetes mellitus as a model and identified a well-known diabetic risk variant rs35767 using iTEA. Furthermore, we discovered a new functional SNP, rs815815, involved in glucose metabolism. Our study provides an approach to directly and quickly identify functional genetic variants in type 2 diabetes mellitus, and this approach can be extended to study other complex diseases.
In vivo GluCEST MRI: Reproducibility, background contribution and source of glutamate changes in the MPTP model of Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Bagga Puneet , Pickup Stephen , Crescenzi Rachelle , Martinez Daniel , Borthakur Arijitt , D’Aquilla Kevin , Singh Anup , Verma Gaurav , Detre John A. , Greenberg Joel , Hariharan Hari , Reddy Ravinder 
Published: February 2018

AbstractGlutamate Chemical Exchange Saturation Transfer (GluCEST) MRI is a recently developed technique to image glutamate. In the present study, we evaluated the reproducibility and background contamination to the GluCEST and source of the GluCEST changes in a mouse model of Parkinson’s disease. Repeated measurements in five mice demonstrated an intra-animal coefficient of variation (CV) of GluCEST signal to be 2.3 ± 1.3% and inter-animal CV of GluCEST to be 3.3 ± 0.3%. Mice were treated with MPTP to create a localized striatal elevation of glutamate. We found an elevation in the GluCEST contrast of the striatum following MPTP treatment (Control: 23.3 ± 0.8%, n = 16; MPTP: 26.2 ± 0.8%, n = 19; p ≤ 0.001). Additionally, the positive association between glutamate concentration measured via 1H MRS and GluCEST signal was used to estimate background contribution to the measured GluCEST. The contribution of signal from non-glutamate sources was found to be ~28% of the total GluCEST. Immunohistochemical analysis of the brain showed co-localization of glutamate with GFAP in the striatum. This suggests that the elevated glutamate present in the striatum in this mouse model reflects astroglial proliferation or reactivity due to the action of MPTP. The potential of GluCEST as a biomarker for imaging inflammation mediated gliosis is discussed.
Development of a bacterial cellulose-based hydrogel cell carrier containing keratinocytes and fibroblasts for full-thickness wound healing
Authors: Loh Evelyn Yun Xi , Mohamad Najwa , Fauzi Mh Busra , Ng Min Hwei , Ng Shiow Fern , Mohd Amin Mohd Cairul Iqbal 
Published: February 2018

AbstractBacterial cellulose (BC)/acrylic acid (AA) hydrogel has successfully been investigated as a wound dressing for partial-thickness burn wound. It is also a promising biomaterial cell carrier because it bears some resemblance to the natural soft tissue. This study assessed its ability to deliver human epidermal keratinocytes (EK) and dermal fibroblasts (DF) for the treatment of full-thickness skin lesions. In vitro studies demonstrated that BC/AA hydrogel had excellent cell attachment, maintained cell viability with limited migration, and allowed cell transfer. In vivo wound closure, histological, immunohistochemistry, and transmission electron microscopy evaluation revealed that hydrogel alone (HA) and hydrogel with cells (HC) accelerated wound healing compared to the untreated controls. Gross appearance and Masson’s trichrome staining indicated that HC was better than HA. This study suggests the potential application of BC/AA hydrogel with dual functions, as a cell carrier and wound dressing, to promote full-thickness wound healing.
In vitro patient-derived 3D mesothelioma tumor organoids facilitate patient-centric therapeutic screening
Authors: Mazzocchi Andrea R. , Rajan Shiny A. P. , Votanopoulos Konstantinos I. , Hall Adam R. , Skardal Aleksander 
Published: February 2018

AbstractVariability in patient response to anti-cancer drugs is currently addressed by relating genetic mutations to chemotherapy through precision medicine. However, practical benefits of precision medicine to therapy design are less clear. Even after identification of mutations, oncologists are often left with several drug options, and for some patients there is no definitive treatment solution. There is a need for model systems to help predict personalized responses to chemotherapeutics. We have microengineered 3D tumor organoids directly from fresh tumor biopsies to provide patient-specific models with which treatment optimization can be performed before initiation of therapy. We demonstrate the initial implementation of this platform using tumor biospecimens surgically removed from two mesothelioma patients. First, we show the ability to biofabricate and maintain viable 3D tumor constructs within a tumor-on-a-chip microfluidic device. Second, we demonstrate that results of on-chip chemotherapy screening mimic those observed in subjects themselves. Finally, we demonstrate mutation-specific drug testing by considering the results of precision medicine genetic screening and confirming the effectiveness of the non-standard compound 3-deazaneplanocin A for an identified mutation. This patient-derived tumor organoid strategy is adaptable to a wide variety of cancers and may provide a framework with which to improve efforts in precision medicine oncology.
Characterization of 111In-labeled Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide as a Radiotracer for Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Willekens Stefanie M. A. , Joosten Lieke , Boerman Otto C. , Brom Maarten , Gotthardt Martin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractSomatostatin receptor targeting is considered the standard nuclear medicine technique for visualization of neuroendocrine tumors (NET). Since not all NETs over-express somatostatin receptors, the search for novel targets, visualizing these NETs, is ongoing. Many NETs, expressing low somatostatin receptor levels, express glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors (GIPR). Here, we evaluated the performance of [Lys37(DTPA)]N-acetyl-GIP1-42, a newly synthesized GIP analogue to investigate whether NET imaging via GIPR targeting is feasible. Therefore, [Lys37(DTPA)]N-acetyl-GIP1-42 was radiolabeled with 111In with specific activity up to 1.2 TBq/µmol and both in vitro and in vivo receptor targeting properties were examined. In vitro, [Lys37(111In-DTPA)]N-acetyl-GIP1-42 showed receptor-mediated binding to BHK-GIPR positive cells, NES2Y cells and isolated islets. In vivo, both NES2Y and GIPR-transfected BHK tumors were visualized on SPECT/CT. Furthermore, co-administration of an excess unlabeled GIP1-42 lowered tracer uptake from 0.7 ± 0.2%ID/g to 0.6 ± 0.01%ID/g (p = 0.78) in NES2Y tumors and significantly lowered tracer uptake from 3.3 ± 0.8 to 0.8 ± 0.2%ID/g (p = 0.0001) in GIPR-transfected BHK tumors. In conclusion, [Lys37(111In-DTPA)]N-acetyl-GIP1-42 shows receptor-mediated binding in various models. Furthermore, both GIPR-transfected BHK tumors and NES2Y tumors were visible on SPECT/CT using this tracer. Therefore, [Lys37(111In-DTPA)]N-acetyl-GIP1-42 SPECT seems promising for visualization of somatostatin receptor negative NETs.
The Model Structures of the Complement Component 5a Receptor (C5aR) Bound to the Native and Engineered hC5a
Authors: Sahoo Amita Rani , Mishra Richa , Rana Soumendra 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe interaction of hC5a with C5aR, previously hypothesized to involve a “two-site” binding, (i) recognition of the bulk of hC5a by the N-terminus (NT) of C5aR (“site1”), and (ii) recognition of C-terminus (CT) of hC5a by the extra cellular surface (ECS) of the C5aR (“site2”). However, the pharmacological landscapes of such recognition sites are yet to be illuminated at atomistic resolution. In the context, unique model complexes of C5aR, harboring pharmacophores of diverse functionality at the “site2” has recently been described. The current study provides a rational illustration of the “two-site” binding paradigm in C5aR, by recruiting the native agonist hC5a and engineered antagonist hC5a(A8). The hC5a-C5aR and hC5a(A8)-C5aR complexes studied over 250 ns of molecular dynamics (MD) each in POPC bilayer illuminate the hallmark of activation mechanism in C5aR. The intermolecular interactions in the model complexes are well supported by the molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area (MM-PBSA) based binding free energy calculation, strongly correlating with the reported mutational studies. Exemplified in two unique and contrasting molecular complexes, the study provides an exceptional understanding of the pharmacological divergence observed in C5aR, which will certainly be useful for search and optimization of new generation “neutraligands” targeting the hC5a-C5aR interaction.
BiFC-based visualisation system reveals cell fusion morphology and heterokaryon incompatibility in the filamentous fungus Aspergillus oryzae
Authors: Okabe Tomoya , Katayama Takuya , Mo Taoning , Mori Noriko , Jin Feng Jie , Fujii Ikuo , Iwashita Kazuhiro , Kitamoto Katsuhiko , Maruyama Jun-ichi 
Published: February 2018

AbstractAspergillus oryzae is an industrially important filamentous fungus used for Japanese traditional food fermentation and heterologous protein production. Although cell fusion is important for heterokaryon formation and sexual/parasexual reproduction required for cross breeding, knowledge on cell fusion and heterokaryon incompatibility in A. oryzae is limited because of low cell fusion frequency. Therefore, we aimed to develop a BiFC system to specifically visualise fused cells and facilitate the analysis of cell fusion in A. oryzae. The cell fusion ability and morphology of 15 A. oryzae strains were investigated using heterodimerising proteins LZA and LZB fused with split green fluorescence protein. Morphological investigation of fused cells revealed that cell fusion occurred mainly as conidial anastomosis during the early growth stage. Self-fusion abilities were detected in most industrial A. oryzae strains, but only a few strain pairs showed non-self fusion. Protoplast fusion assay demonstrated that almost all the pairs capable of non-self fusion were capable of heterokaryon formation and vice versa, thus providing the first evidence of heterokaryon incompatibility in A. oryzae. The BiFC system developed in this study provides an effective method in studying morphology of fused cells and heterokaryon incompatibility in the filamentous fungal species with low cell fusion efficiency.
Cognitive Profiles of Finnish Preschool Children With Expressive and Receptive Language Impairment
Authors: Saar Virpi , Levänen Sari , Komulainen Erkki 
Published: February 2018

Purpose
The aim of this study was to compare the verbal and nonverbal cognitive profiles of children with specific language impairment (SLI) with problems predominantly in expressive (SLI-E) or receptive (SLI-R) language skills. These diagnostic subgroups have not been compared before in psychological studies.

Method
Participants were preschool-age Finnish-speaking children with SLI diagnosed by a multidisciplinary team. Cognitive profile differences between the diagnostic subgroups and the relationship between verbal and nonverbal reasoning skills were evaluated.

Results
Performance was worse for the SLI-R subgroup than for the SLI-E subgroup not only in verbal reasoning and short-term memory but also in nonverbal reasoning, and several nonverbal subtests correlated significantly with the composite verbal index. However, weaknesses and strengths in the cognitive profiles of the subgroups were parallel.

Conclusions
Poor verbal comprehension and reasoning skills seem to be associated with lower nonverbal performance in children with SLI. Performance index (Performance Intelligence Quotient) may not always represent the intact nonverbal capacity assumed in SLI diagnostics, and a broader assessment is recommended when a child fails any of the compulsory Performance Intelligence Quotient subtests. Differences between the SLI subgroups appear quantitative rather than qualitative, in line with the new Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM V) classification (American Psychiatric Association, 2013).
Impulsive radio and hard X-ray emission from an M-class flare
Authors: Zhang Ping , Guo Yang , Wang Lu , Liu Siming 
Published: February 2018

Context. Impulsive radio and hard X-ray emission from large solar flares are usually attributed to a hard distribution of high-energy electrons accelerated in the energy dissipation process of magnetic reconnection.
Aims. We report the detection of impulsive radio and hard X-ray emissions produced by a population of energetic electrons with a very soft distribution in an M-class flare: SOL2015-08-27T05:45 .
Methods. The absence of impulsive emission at 34 GHz and hard X-ray emission above 50 keV and the presence of distinct impulsive emission at 17 GHz and lower frequencies and in the 25–50 keV X-ray band imply a very soft distribution of energetic electrons producing the impulsive radio emission via the gyro-synchrotron process, and impulsive X-rays via bremsstrahlung.
Results. The spectrum of the impulsive hard X-ray emission can be fitted equally well with a power-law model with an index of ∼6.5 or a super-hot thermal model with a temperature as high as 100 MK. Imaging observations in the extreme-UV and X-ray bands and extrapolation of the magnetic field structure using a nonlinear force-free model show that energetic electrons trapped in coronal loops are responsible for these impulsive emissions.
Conclusions. Since the index of the power-law model is nearly constant during the impulsive phase, the power-law distribution or the super-hot component should be produced by a bulk energization process such as the Fermi and betatron acceleration of collapsing magnetic loops.
Multi-spacecraft observations and transport simulations of solar energetic particles for the May 17th 2012 event
Authors: Battarbee M. , Guo J. , Dalla S. , Wimmer-Schweingruber R. , Swalwell B. , Lawrence D. J. 
Published: February 2018

Context. The injection, propagation and arrival of solar energetic particles (SEPs) during eruptive solar events is an important and current research topic of heliospheric physics. During the largest solar events, particles may have energies up to a few GeVs and sometimes even trigger ground-level enhancements (GLEs) at Earth. These large SEP events are best investigated through multi-spacecraft observations.
Aims. We aim to study the first GLE-event of solar cycle 24, from 17th May 2012, using data from multiple spacecraft (SOHO, GOES, MSL, STEREO-A, STEREO-B and MESSENGER). These spacecraft are located throughout the inner heliosphere, at heliocentric distances between 0.34 and 1.5 astronomical units (au), covering nearly the whole range of heliospheric longitudes.
Methods. We present and investigate sub-GeV proton time profiles for the event at several energy channels, obtained via different instruments aboard the above spacecraft. We investigated issues caused by magnetic connectivity, and present results of three-dimensional SEP propagation simulations. We gathered virtual time profiles and perform qualitative and quantitative comparisons with observations, assessed longitudinal injection and transport effects as well as peak intensities.
Results. We distinguish different time profile shapes for well-connected and weakly connected observers, and find our onset time analysis to agree with this distinction. At select observers, we identify an additional low-energy component of Energetic Storm Particles (ESPs). Using well-connected observers for normalisation, our simulations are able to accurately recreate both time profile shapes and peak intensities at multiple observer locations.
Conclusions. This synergetic approach combining numerical modelling with multi-spacecraft observations is crucial for understanding the propagation of SEPs within the interplanetary magnetic field. Our novel analysis provides valuable proof of the ability to simulate SEP propagation throughout the inner heliosphere, at a wide range of longitudes. Accurate simulations of SEP transport allow for better constraints of injection regions at the Sun, and thus, better understanding of acceleration processes.
Opportunities for Audiologists to Use Patient-Centered Communication during Hearing Device Monitoring Encounters
Authors: Muñoz Karen , Ong Clarissa , Butcher Grayson , Nelson Lauri , Twohig Michael , Coleman Corinne 
Published: February 2018

AbstractPatient-centered care incorporates patient's priorities, values, and goals. Audiologists can increase patient engagement when they use patient-centered principles during communication. Recent research, however, has revealed counseling gaps in audiology that could be detrimental to the intervention process. The present study sought to understand the extent patient-centered communication strategies were used during hearing device monitoring visits by analyzing audio recordings. Counseling portions of the appointments were transcribed using conversation analysis. Missed opportunities were observed, including not validating patients' emotional concerns, providing technical responses to emotional concerns, providing information without determining patient desire for the information, and not engaging the patient in a shared planning process. Training opportunities to enhance audiological services will be discussed.
Counseling in Audiology: Au.D. Students' Perspectives and Experiences
Authors: Muñoz Karen , Schultz Jared , Whicker John 
Published: February 2018

AbstractCounseling in audiology is an important aspect of service delivery. How audiologists interact with patients and foster counseling relationships to help patients and families understand and live with hearing loss can impact outcomes of audiological interventions. Currently, variability exists in how graduate training programs are teaching counseling skills, and the extent to which counseling skills development is supported in clinical experiences is unclear. This article seeks to explore the perspectives related to the importance of counseling and counseling training experiences received through clinical instruction of Au.D. students beginning their final year of study, to identify where counseling training might be limited, and to examine how counseling skills might be better supported. Findings revealed that students generally appreciate the importance of counseling in audiology. Data suggest that how students are supported in developing counseling skills appears to be variable and unstructured.
Efficiency of Emergency Physicians: Insights from an Observational Study using EHR Log Files
Authors: Kannampallil Thomas , Denton Courtney , Shapiro Jason , Patel Vimla 
Published: February 2018

Objective With federal mandates and incentives since the turn of this decade, electronic health records (EHR) have been widely adopted and used for clinical care. Over the last several years, we have seen both positive and negative perspectives on its use. Using an analysis of log files of EHR use, we investigated the nature of EHR use and their effect on an emergency department's (ED) throughput and efficiency.
Methods EHR logs of time spent by attending physicians on EHR-based activities over a 6-week period (n = 2,304 patients) were collected. For each patient encounter, physician activities in the EHR were categorized into four activities: documentation, review, orders, and navigation. Four ED-based performance metrics were also captured: door-to-provider time, door-to-doctor time, door-to-disposition time, and length of stay (LOS). Association between the four EHR-based activities and corresponding ED performance metrics were evaluated.
Results We found positive correlations between physician review of patient charts, and door-to-disposition time (r = 0.43, p < 0.05), and with LOS (r = 0.48, p < 0.05). There were no statistically significant associations between any of the other performance metrics and EHR activities.
Conclusion The results highlight that longer time spent on reviewing information on the EHR is potentially associated with decreased ED throughput efficiency. Balancing these competing goals is often a challenge of physicians, and its implications for patient safety is discussed.