bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Temperature, Hydrostatic Pressure, and Osmolyte Effects on Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation in Protein Condensates: Physical Chemistry and Biological Implications
Authors: Cinar Hasan , Fetahaj Zamira , Cinar Süleyman , Vernon Robert M. , Chan Hue Sun , Winter Roland H. A. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractLiquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of proteins and other biomolecules play a critical role in the organization of extracellular materials and membrane‐less compartmentalization of intra‐organismal spaces through the formation of condensates. Structural properties of such mesoscopic droplet‐like states were studied by spectroscopy, microscopy, and other biophysical techniques. The temperature dependence of biomolecular LLPS has been studied extensively, indicating that phase‐separated condensed states of proteins can be stabilized or destabilized by increasing temperature. In contrast, the physical and biological significance of hydrostatic pressure on LLPS is less appreciated. Summarized here are recent investigations of protein LLPS under pressures up to the kbar‐regime. Strikingly, for the cases studied thus far, LLPSs of both globular proteins and intrinsically disordered proteins/regions are typically more sensitive to pressure than the folding of proteins, suggesting that organisms inhabiting the deep sea and sub‐seafloor sediments, under pressures up to 1 kbar and beyond, have to mitigate this pressure‐sensitivity to avoid unwanted destabilization of their functional biomolecular condensates. Interestingly, we found that trimethylamine‐N‐oxide (TMAO), an osmolyte upregulated in deep‐sea fish, can significantly stabilize protein droplets under pressure, pointing to another adaptive advantage for increased TMAO concentrations in deep‐sea organisms besides the osmolyte's stabilizing effect against protein unfolding. As life on Earth might have originated in the deep sea, pressure‐dependent LLPS is pertinent to questions regarding prebiotic proto‐cells. Herein, we offer a conceptual framework for rationalizing the recent experimental findings and present an outline of the basic thermodynamics of temperature‐, pressure‐, and osmolyte‐dependent LLPS as well as a molecular‐level statistical mechanics picture in terms of solvent‐mediated interactions and void volumes.
Modeling Thioredoxin Reductase‐Like Activity with Cyclic Selenenyl Sulfides: Participation of an NH⋅⋅⋅Se Hydrogen Bond through Stabilization of the Mixed Se−S Intermediate
Authors: Arai Kenta , Matsunaga Takahiko , Ueno Haruhito , Akahoshi Nozomi , Sato Yuumi , Chakrabarty Gaurango , Mugesh Govindasamy , Iwaoka Michio 
Published: June 2019

AbstractAt the redox‐active center of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), a selenenyl sulfide (Se−S) bond is formed between Cys497 and Sec498, which is activated into the thiolselenolate state ([SH,Se−]) by reacting with a nearby dithiol motif ([SHCys59,SHCys64]) present in the other subunit. This process is achieved through two reversible steps: an attack of a cysteinyl thiol of Cys59 at the Se atom of the Se−S bond and a subsequent attack of a remaining thiol at the S atom of the generated mixed Se−S intermediate. However, it is not clear how the kinetically unfavorable second step progresses smoothly in the catalytic cycle. A model study that used synthetic selenenyl sulfides, which mimic the active site structure of human TrxR comprising Cys497, Sec498, and His472, suggested that His472 can play a key role by forming a hydrogen bond with the Se atom of the mixed Se−S intermediate to facilitate the second step. In addition, the selenenyl sulfides exhibited a defensive ability against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress in cultured cells, which suggests the possibility for medicinal applications to control the redox balance in cells.
The expression of keratan sulfate reveals a unique subset of microglia in the mouse hippocampus after pilocarpine‐induced status epileptics
Authors: Ohgomori Tomohiro , Jinno Shozo 
Published: June 2019

AbstractInduction of keratan sulfate in microglia has been found in several animal models of neurological disorders. However, the significance of keratan sulfate‐expressing microglia is not fully understood. To address this issue, we analyzed the characteristics of microglia labeled by the 5D4 epitope, a marker of high‐sulfated keratan sulfate, in the mouse hippocampus during the latent period after pilocarpine‐induced status epilepticus (SE). Only 5D4‐negative (5D4−) microglia were found in the CA1 region of vehicle‐treated controls and pilocarpine‐treated mice at 1 day after SE onset. A few 5D4+ microglia appeared in the strata oriens and radiatum at 5 days post‐SE, and they were distributed into the stratum pyramidale at 14 days post‐SE. The expressions of genes related to both anti‐ and pro‐inflammatory cytokines were higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 5 but not 14 days post‐SE. The expressions of genes related to phagocytosis were higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells throughout the latent period. The phagocytic activity of microglia, as measured by engulfment of the zymosan bioparticles, was higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells. The contact ratios between excitatory synaptic boutons and microglia were also higher in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 5 and 14 days post‐SE. The excitatory/inhibitory ratios of synaptic boutons within the microglial domain were lower in 5D4+ cells than in 5D4− cells at 14 days post‐SE. Our findings indicate that 5D4+ microglia may play some role in epileptogenesis via pruning of excitatory synapses during the latent period after SE.
Lung cancer stigma: A concept with consequences for patients
Authors: Maguire Roma , Lewis Liane , Kotronoulas Grigorios , McPhelim John , Milroy Robert , Cataldo Janine 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundPatients with lung cancer (LC) report lower quality of life (QoL) and higher levels of psychological distress compared with other cancer populations. Lung cancer stigma (LCS) may in part explain these findings.AimWe investigated the prevalence of patient‐perceived lung cancer stigma (LCS) and its relationships to symptom burden/severity, depression, and deficits in health‐related quality of life (HR‐QoL).MethodsIn this descriptive, observational, and cross‐sectional study, 201 participants were sent questionnaires. These included the Cataldo Lung Cancer Stigma Scale (CLCSS), the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies‐Depression Scale, and the Quality of Life Inventory.ResultsParticipants were on average 69 years old, 52% women, 95% ever smokers, and 18.5% current smokers. The mean total CLCSS score was 53.1 (SD = 14.1; range = 31‐94). LCS was significantly correlated with younger age (P < .001), greater social deprivation (P < .05), being unemployed (P < .001), depression (P < .001), symptom burden (P < .001), and HR‐QoL deficits (P < .001). Symptom burden explained 18% of variance in LCS (P < .001). LCS explained 8.5% and 14.3% of the variance in depression (P < .001) and HR‐QoL (P < .001), respectively.ConclusionPatients with lung cancer are vulnerable to LCS. Symptom burden can directly contribute to greater perceived LCS. Greater perceived LCS can be directly related to greater levels of depression and lower HR‐QoL. A tailored approach is required to screen for LCS and implement interventions to enhance the psychosocial well‐being of patients with perceived LCS.
A hybrid swarm intelligence based optimization approach for solving minimum exposure problem in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Aravinth S.S. , Senthilkumar J. , Mohanraj V. , Suresh Y. 
Published: June 2019

SummaryMinimum Exposure Problem (MEP) has become one of the most important issues in WSN as it affects the coverage quality measurement to a greater extent. Recently, MEP issues have been dealt by Physarum Optimization Algorithm (POA). Nevertheless, this method ends with the less scope in precision faults. Along with these issues, the necessity for computation time and memory requirements gets increases statistically. The major aim of the work is to propose a new optimization algorithm to solve the MEP issue. Thus, Hybrid Genetic Particle Swarm Optimization (H‐GPSO) is formulated to give a desirable solution for MEP issue. In the proposed work, energy usage of the sensor node for MEP identification is measured using Hidden Markov Model (HMM) with the intention of prolonging the lifetime of the sensor node. After accomplishing the energy efficiency, MEP is developed and converted to an optimization issue. H‐GPSO is presented to resolve the optimization problem; hence, it gives a desirable solution to MEP issue. Therefore, the pretended answer proves the proposed H‐GPSO related MEP model is desirable for detecting the minimal exposure problem with high energy ratio. The results of the proposed and existing methods are measured in terms of Energy, Throughput, Delay, and Exposure via NS2.
A 20‐MHz bandwidth, 75‐dB dynamic range, continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator with reduced nonidealities
Authors: Song Seokjae , Lee Jaeseong , Roh Jeongjin 
Published: June 2019

SummaryThis letter presents a 4‐bit continuous‐time delta‐sigma modulator (CT‐DSM) fabricated using a 65‐nm CMOS process. The circuit is designed for wide‐bandwidth applications, such as those related to wireless communications. This CT‐DSM has an oversampling ratio of 16 with a 640‐MHz sampling frequency. To reduce the clock jitter sensitivity and excess loop delay effect, the first DAC pulse is a nonreturn‐to‐zero (NRZ)–type pulse, whereas the second DAC pulse is a return‐to‐zero (RZ)–type pulse; this is accomplished using a current‐steering DAC. In order to reduce mismatch without using a data‐weighted averaging circuit, the size and layout of the unit current source in the current‐steering DAC are considered carefully. The CT‐DSM achieves a signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) of 67.3 dB, a signal‐to‐noise and distortion ratio (SNDR) of 63.4 dB, and a dynamic range of 75 dB for a 20‐MHz signal bandwidth.
A decision tree‐based NLOS detection method for the UWB indoor location tracking accuracy improvement
Authors: Musa Ardiansyah , Nugraha Gde Dharma , Han Hyojeong , Choi Deokjai , Seo Seongho , Kim Juseok 
Published: June 2019

SummaryAmong existing wireless technologies, ultra‐wideband (UWB) is the most promising solution for indoor location tracking. UWB has a great multipath fading immunity; however, great multipath resolvability alone does not eliminate the effect of non‐line‐of‐sight (NLOS) and multipath propagation. NLOS and multipath propagation in indoor environments can easily produce meters of UWB ranging error. This condition gives an enormous impact on the accuracy of indoor location tracking data. To address this problem, we propose an NLOS detection method using recursive decision tree learning. Using the UWB channel quality indicators information, we develop our model with the Gini index and altered priors splitting criteria. We then validate the constructed model using the 10‐fold cross‐validation method. Our experiment shows that the constructed model has correctly detected 90% of both line‐of‐sight (LOS) and NLOS cases on the seven different indoor environments. The result of this work can be used for the UWB indoor location tracking accuracy improvement.
A new model explaining the origin of different topologies in interaction networks
Authors: Pinheiro Rafael B. P. , Felix Gabriel M. F. , Dormann Carsten F. , Mello Marco A. R. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractNestedness and modularity have been recurrently observed in species interaction networks. Some studies argue that those topologies result from selection against unstable networks, and others propose that they likely emerge from processes driving the interactions between pairs of species. Here we present a model that simulates the evolution of consumer species using resource species following simple rules derived from the integrative hypothesis of specialization (IHS). Without any selection on stability, our model reproduced all commonly observed network topologies. Our simulations demonstrate that resource heterogeneity drives network topology. On the one hand, systems containing only homogeneous resources form generalized nested networks, in which generalist consumers have higher performance on each resource than specialists. On the other hand, heterogeneous systems tend to have a compound topology: modular with internally nested modules, in which generalists that divide their interactions between modules have low performance. Our results demonstrate that all real‐world topologies likely emerge through processes driving interactions between pairs of species. Additionally, our simulations suggest that networks containing similar species differ from heterogeneous networks and that modules may not present the topology of entire networks.
Improved detection of rare, endangered and invasive trout in using a new large‐volume sampling method for eDNA capture
Authors: Sepulveda Adam J. , Schabacker Jenna , Smith Seth , Al‐Chokhachy Robert , Luikart Gordon , Amish Stephen J. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractEnvironmental DNA (eDNA) detection probability increases with volume of water sampled. Common approaches for collecting eDNA samples often require many samples since these approaches usually use fine filters, which restrict the volume of water that can be sampled. An alternative to collecting many, small volume water samples using fine filters may be to collect fewer, large volume water samples using coarse filters that do not clog as rapidly. We used mesocosm experiments and field evaluations to compare coarse filter‐large water volume samples (hereafter large volume filter samples) versus fine filter‐small water volume samples (hereafter small volume filter samples) for detection and quantification of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and bull trout (Salvelinus confluentus) DNA. We found that large volume filter sampling can be an effective approach for detecting DNA of low‐density target taxa. In mesocosm experiments, large‐volume and small‐volume water samples detected similar quantities of rainbow trout DNA. In the field, large volume samples more frequently detected bull trout DNA, had higher bull trout DNA copy number, and higher total DNA concentrations than small volume samples. However, sampling higher water volumes increased the potential for PCR inhibition so the DNA workflow had to be altered for large volume samples. Combining larger water volume samples with other strategies, like increasing PCR sensitivity and the number of PCR replicates, will improve detection of rare species, which is crucial for advancing conservation and ecological understanding.
The central sensitization inventory predicts pain‐related disability for musculoskeletal disorders in the primary care setting
Authors: Tanaka Katsuyoshi , Murata Shunsuke , Nishigami Tomohiko , Mibu Akira , Manfuku Masahiro , Shinohara Yoshikazu , Tanabe Akihito , Ono Rei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractBackgroundCentral sensitization (CS) is found in patients with musculoskeletal disorders and is related to clinical symptoms, including pain‐related disability. The Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) has been developed for patients who are at risk of symptoms related to CS, and CSI severity levels are suggested for clinical interpretation of the CSI score. However, the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity and pain‐related disability is unclear in primary care. In this study, we investigated the association between CSI severity levels and the profiles of patients with musculoskeletal disorders as well as the longitudinal relationship between CSI severity levels and pain‐related disability in primary care settings.MethodsA total of 553 patients were assessed using CSI, EuroQol‐5 dimension (EQ5D), and Brief Pain Inventory (BPI). Of the 553 patients, 150 patients were reassessed at the 3‐month follow‐up. Patients were grouped into three severity levels according to baseline CSI score: subclinical, mild, and moderate to higher level.ResultsAs the CSI severity levels increased, the clinical symptoms tended to worsen on cross‐sectional analysis (p < 0.05). Pain‐related disability at the 3‐month follow‐up was significantly higher for patients with moderate to high baseline CSI severity levels than for patients with subclinical baseline CSI levels (p < 0.001). Furthermore, pain‐related disability increased according to the CSI severity level, with a medium to large effect size. However, there were no differences in pain duration across the CSI severity levels.ConclusionsCSI has clinical utility as a prediction tool regardless of pain duration in patients with musculoskeletal disorders in primary care settings.SignificanceHigher CSI severity levels predicted higher pain‐related disability for patients with musculoskeletal disorders in a primary care setting. CSI is a clinically useful prediction tool in patients with musculoskeletal disorders.
The dynamics of mountain erosion: Cirque growth slows as landscapes age
Authors: Barr Iestyn D. , Ely Jeremy C. , Spagnolo Matteo , Evans Ian S. , Tomkins Matt D. 
Published: June 2019

AbstractGlacial cirques are widely used palaeoenvironmental indicators, and are key to understanding the role of glaciers in shaping mountain topography. However, notable uncertainty persists regarding the rate and timing of cirque erosion. In order to address this uncertainty, we analyse the dimensions of 2208 cirques in Britain and Ireland and model ice accumulation to investigate the degree of coupling between glacier occupation times and cirque growth. Results indicate that during the last ~120 ka, cirques were glacier‐free for an average of 52.0 ± 21.2 ka (43 ± 18%); occupied by small (largely cirque‐confined) glaciers for 16.2 ± 9.9 ka (14 ± 8%); and occupied by large glaciers, including ice sheets, for 51.8 ± 18.6 ka (43 ± 16%). Over the entire Quaternary (i.e. 2.6 Ma), we estimate that cirques were glacier‐free for 1.1 ± 0.5 Ma; occupied by small glaciers for 0.3 ± 0.2 Ma; and occupied by large glaciers for 1.1 ± 0.4 Ma. Comparing occupation times to cirque depths, and calculating required erosion rates, reveals that continuous cirque growth during glacier occupation is unlikely. Instead, we propose that cirques attained much of their size during the first occupation of a non‐glacially sculpted landscape (perhaps during the timeframe of a single glacial cycle). During subsequent glacier occupations, cirque growth may have slowed considerably, with the highest rates of subglacial erosion focused during periods of marginal (small glacier) glaciation. We propose comparatively slow rates of growth following initial cirque development because a ‘least resistance’ shape is formed, and as cirques deepen, sediment becomes trapped subglacially, partly protecting the bedrock from subsequent erosion. In support of the idea of rapid cirque growth, we present evidence from northern British Columbia, where cirques of comparable size to those in Britain and Ireland developed in less than 140 ka. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. © 2019 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dual‐frequency ultrasound for ultrasonic‐assisted esterification
Authors: Abedi Elahe , Pourmohammadi Kiana , Abbasi Sahar 
Published: June 2019

AbstractThe optimization of wheat starch esterification (acetylation) with a high degree of substitution was performed through response surface methodology (RSM) via various concentrations of reagents (acetic anhydride), pHs, and temperatures under various ultrasonication frequencies (25, 40, and 25 + 40 kHz). According to RSM methodology, optimized samples were selected by achieving high degrees of substitution at various frequencies, temperatures, and pHs. Solubility, swelling, X‐ray, RVA, DSC, freeze–thaw stability, texture, and SEM analysis of the optimized samples were performed at three frequencies. X‐ray pattern exhibited a more significant reduction in the crystallinity percentage of esterified starch at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with 25 kHz, 40 kHz, and native starch. According to DSC analysis, To, Tp, Tc, and enthalpy of gelatinization (ΔH gel) were lower in AC at frequency 25 + 40 kHz compared with AC at frequency 25 and 40 kHz and N starches. According to morphology analysis, in acetylated starches at 25 and 40 kHz, the surfaces and small granules underwent more damage, whereas in 25 + 40 kHz, large granules were more affected than small granules. Upon acetylation, freeze–thaw stability and textural properties of the starch significantly increased and decreased, respectively. The peak and final viscosity of acetylated starch increased (25 + 40 kHz ˃ 25 kHz ˃ 40 kHz ˃ N starch).
An Aging Population of Chronic Hepatitis B With Increasing Comorbidities: A Territory‐Wide Study From 2000 to 2017
Authors: Wong Grace Lai‐Hung , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Yuen Becky Wing‐Yan , Tse Yee‐Kit , Luk Hester Wing‐Sum , Yip Terry Cheuk‐Fung , Hui Vicki Wing‐Ki , Liang Lilian Yan , Lui Grace Chung‐Yan , Chan Henry Lik‐Yuen 
Published: June 2019

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) are aging because of improved survival under better health care. This has an important implication on the choice of antiviral treatment (AVT), given that long‐term safety would be a concern in the presence of multiple comorbidities. We aimed to determine the prevalence of key comorbidities and concomitant medications in a territory‐wide CHB cohort in Hong Kong in 2000‐2017. CHB patients who have been under the care at primary, secondary, and tertiary medical centers in the public sector were identified through the Clinical Data Analysis and Reporting System of the Hospital Authority, Hong Kong. The demographics and prevalence of key comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, osteopenia/osteoporosis based on diagnosis codes, relevant medications, and/or laboratory parameters, were determined according to CHB patients’ first appearance in four time periods: 2000‐2004, 2005‐2009, 2010‐2013, and 2014‐2017. In the final analysis, 135,395 CHB patients were included; the mean age increased with time: 41 ± 15 years in 2000‐2004; 46 ± 17 years in 2005‐2009; 51 ± 16 years in 2010‐2013; and 55 ± 15 years in 2014‐2017. There was a trend of increasing prevalence of several common comorbidities over the four periods: hypertension 25.5%, 23.8%, 27.2%, and 28.6%; diabetes mellitus 10.6%, 12.5%, 16.1%, and 20.1%; cardiovascular disease 12.5%, 16.9%, 20.9%, and 22.2%; and malignancy 7.0%, 13.2%, 17.3%, and 23.6%, respectively (all P < 0.001). Conclusion: CHB patients are getting older with increasing prevalence of common comorbidities. These comorbidities should be taken into account when choosing AVT.
Cross‐cumulative residual entropy‐based medical image registration via hybrid differential search algorithm
Authors: Gui Peng , Ling Wing‐Kuen , Zhang Dengyi , Xiang Yan , Shao Dangguo , Ma Lei 
Published: June 2019

AbstractImage registration is the process of overlaying images of the same scene taken at different times by different sensors from different viewpoints. The cross‐cumulative residual entropy (CCRE)‐based medical image registration could achieve a high precision and a strong robustness performance. However, the optimization problem formulated by CCRE consists of some local extrema, especially for noise images. In order to address these difficulties, this article proposes a new optimization algorithm named hybrid differential search algorithm (HDSA) to optimize CCRE. As HDSA consists of simple control parameters, it is independent of the initial searching point. In addition, HDSA ameliorated the search method and the iterative conditions. As a result, the optimization process is more stable and efficient. Image registration experiments of HDSA are performed and compared with the conventional differential search algorithm (DSA) and adaptive differential evolution with optional external archive (JADE). The results show that HDSA does not only overcome the difficulties of sticking in the local extrema but also enhances the precision of registration. It is effective, robust, and fast for both the single‐mode rigid medical image registration and the multispectral‐mode rigid medical image registration.