bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ovary abortion is prevalent in diverse maize inbred lines and is under genetic control
Authors: Gustin Jeffery L. , Boehlein Susan K. , Shaw Janine R. , Junior Weschester , Settles A. Mark , Webster Ashley , Tracy William F. , Hannah L. Curtis 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCrop improvement programs focus on characteristics that are important for plant productivity. Typically genes underlying these traits are identified and stacked to create improved cultivars. Hence, identification of valuable traits for plant productivity is critical for plant improvement. Here we describe an important characteristic for maize productivity. Despite the fact mature maize ears are typically covered with kernels, we find that only a fraction of ovaries give rise to mature kernels. Non-developed ovaries degenerate while neighboring fertilized ovaries produce kernels that fill the ear. Abortion occurs throughout the ear, not just at the tip. We show that the fraction of aborted ovaries/kernels is genetically controlled and varies widely among maize lines, and low abortion genotypes are rare. Reducing or eliminating ovary abortion could substantially increase yield, making this characteristic a new target for selection in maize improvement programs.
Corticosterone levels reflect variation in metabolic rate, independent of ‘stress’
Authors: Jimeno Blanca , Hau Michaela , Verhulst Simon 
Published: August 2018

AbstractVariation in glucocorticoid hormones (GCs) is often interpreted as reflecting ‘stress’, but this interpretation is subject of intense debate. GCs induce gluconeogenesis, and we hypothesized therefore that GC variation can be explained by changes in current and anticipated metabolic rate (MR). Alternatively, GC levels may respond to psychological ‘stress’ over and above its effect on metabolic rate. We tested these hypotheses in captive zebra finches, by inducing an increase in MR using a psychological stressor (noise), and compared its effect on corticosterone (CORT, the primary avian GC) with the effect induced by a decrease in ambient temperature increasing MR to a similar extent. We found the increase in CORT induced by the psychological stressor to be indistinguishable from the level expected based on the noise effect on MR. We further found that a handling and restraint stressor that increased CORT levels also resulted in increased blood glucose levels, corroborating a key assumption underlying our hypothesis. Thus, GC variation primarily reflected variation in energy expenditure, independently of psychological stress. GC levels have many downstream effects besides glucose mobilization, and we propose that these effects can be interpreted as adjustments of physiological functions to the metabolic level at which an organism operates.
Low-energy band structure and even-odd layer number effect in AB-stacked multilayer graphene
Authors: Yagi Ryuta , Hirahara Taiki , Ebisuoka Ryoya , Nakasuga Tomoaki , Tajima Shingo , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi 
Published: August 2018

AbstractHow atoms acquire three-dimensional bulk character is one of the fundamental questions in materials science. Before addressing this question, how atomic layers become a bulk crystal might give a hint to the answer. While atomically thin films have been studied in a limited range of materials, a recent discovery showing how to mechanically exfoliate bulk crystals has opened up the field to study the atomic layers of various materials. Here, we show systematic variation in the band structure of high mobility graphene with one to seven layers by measuring the quantum oscillation of magnetoresistance. The Landau fan diagram showed distinct structures that reflected differences in the band structure, as if they were finger prints of multilayer graphene. In particular, an even-odd layer number effect was clearly observed, with the number of bands increasing by one for every two layers and a Dirac cone observed only for an odd number of layers. The electronic structure is significantly influenced by the potential energy arising from carrier screening associated with a gate electric field.
High prevalence of ventricular repolarization abnormalities in people carrying TGFβR2 mutations
Authors: Extramiana F. , Milleron O. , Elbitar S. , Uccellini A. , Langeois M. , Spentchian M. , Delorme G. , Arnoult F. , Denjoy I. , Bouleti C. , Fressart V. , Iserin F. , Maison-Blanche P. , Abifadel M. , Leenhardt A. , Boileau C. , Jondeau G. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractMutations in the TGFβR2 gene have been associated with a life threatening risk of aortic dissection but no arrhythmic death has been previously reported. Two young females carrying a TGFβR2 mutation, initially diagnosed as Marfan syndrome or Loeys Dietz syndrome, presented sudden death with autopsy ruling out dissection. The ECGs of the 2 Sudden Cardiac Deaths revealed profound ventricular repolarization abnormalities with a sinusoidal T-U morphology associated with normal left ventricular ejection fraction. These data strongly suggest sudden cardiac arrhythmic deaths and prompted us to systematically study the repolarization pattern in the patients with TGFβR2 mutations. ECG findings from 58 mutation carriers patients (TGFβR2 group) were compared with those of 46 non-affected first degree relatives (control group). TGFβR2 mutation was associated with ventricular repolarization abnormalities in 47% of patients (p < 0.001 vs. controls), including a 19.6 ms (95%CI 8.7; 30.5) QTc interval prolongation compared to the non-affected first degree relatives (p < 0.001), higher prevalence of abnormal U waves (16% vs. 2%), and sinusoidal T-U morphology (10% vs. 0%). TGFβR2 mutations can be associated with abnormal ventricular repolarization pattern, longer QT interval than non-carrier relatives and an increased risk for sudden death.
Nanospectroscopy Captures Nanoscale Compositional Zonation in Barite Solid Solutions
Authors: Ling Florence T. , Hunter Heather A. , Fitts Jeffrey P. , Peters Catherine A. , Acerbo Alvin S. , Huang Xiaojing , Yan Hanfei , Nazaretski Evgeny , Chu Yong S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractScientists have long suspected that compositionally zoned particles can form under far-from equilibrium precipitation conditions, but their inferences have been based on bulk solid and solution measurements. We are the first to directly observe nanoscale trace element compositional zonation in <10 µm-sized particles using X-ray fluorescence nanospectroscopy at the Hard X-ray Nanoprobe (HXN) Beamline at National Synchrotron Light Source II (NSLS-II). Through high-resolution images, compositional zonation was observed in barite (BaSO4) particles precipitated from aqueous solution, in which Sr2+ cations as well as HAsO42− anions were co-precipitated into (Ba,Sr)SO4 or Ba(SO4,HAsO4) solid solutions. Under high salinity conditions (NaCl ≥ 1.0 M), bands contained ~3.5 to ~5 times more trace element compared to the center of the particle formed in early stages of particle growth. Quantitative analysis of Sr and As fractional substitution allowed us to determine that different crystallographic growth directions incorporated trace elements to different extents. These findings provide supporting evidence that barite solid solutions have great potential for trace element incorporation; this has significant implications for environmental and engineered systems that remove hazardous substances from water.
Gut microbiota mediates the anti-obesity effect of calorie restriction in mice
Authors: Wang Shuo , Huang Meiqin , You Xue , Zhao Jingyu , Chen Lanlan , Wang Lin , Luo Yangjun , Chen Yan 
Published: August 2018

AbstractCalorie restriction (CR) extends lifespan and elicits numerous effects beneficial to health and metabolism in various model organisms, but the underlying mechanisms are not completely understood. Gut microbiota has been reported to be associated with the beneficial effects of CR; however, it is unknown whether these effects of CR are causally mediated by gut microbiota. In this study, we employed an antibiotic-induced microbiota-depleted mouse model to investigate the functional role of gut microbiota in CR. Depletion of gut microbiota rendered mice resistant to CR-induced loss of body weight, accompanied by the increase in fat mass, the reduction in lean mass and the decline in metabolic rate. Depletion of gut microbiota led to increases in fasting blood glucose and cholesterol levels independent of CR. A few metabolism-modulating hormones including leptin and insulin were altered by CR and/or gut microbiota depletion. In addition, CR altered the composition of gut microbiota with significant increases in major probiotic genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, together with the decrease of Helicobacter. In addition, we performed fecal microbiota transplantation in mice fed with high-fat diet. Mice with transferred microbiota from calorie-restricted mice resisted high fat diet-induced obesity and exhibited metabolic improvement such as alleviated hepatic lipid accumulation. Collectively, these data indicate that CR-induced metabolic improvement especially in body weight reduction is mediated by intestinal microbiota to a certain extent.
Schlafen2 mutation in mice causes an osteopetrotic phenotype due to a decrease in the number of osteoclast progenitors
Authors: Omar Ibrahim , Guterman-Ram Gali , Rahat Dolev , Tabach Yuval , Berger Michael , Levaot Noam 
Published: August 2018

AbstractOsteoclasts are the bone resorbing cells that derive from myeloid progenitor cells. Although there have been recent advancements in the ability to identify osteoclast progenitors, very little is known about the molecular mechanisms governing their homeostasis. Here, by analyzing the normalized phylogenetic profiles of the Schlafen (Slfn) gene family, we found that it co-evolved with osteoclast-related genes. Following these findings, we used a Slfn2 loss-of-function mutant mouse, elektra, to study the direct role of Slfn2 in osteoclast development and function. Slfn2eka/eka mice exhibited a profound increase in their cancellous bone mass and a significant reduction in osteoclast numbers. In addition, monocyte cultures from the bone marrow of Slfn2eka/eka mice showed a reduction in osteoclast number and total resorption area. Finally, we show that the bone marrow of Slfn2eka/eka mice have significantly less CD11b–Ly6Chi osteoclast precursors. Overall, our data suggest that Slfn2 is required for normal osteoclast differentiation and that loss of its function in mice results in an osteopetrotic phenotype.
Comprehensive Investigation on Controlling for CT Imaging Variabilities in Radiomics Studies
Authors: Ger Rachel B. , Zhou Shouhao , Chi Pai-Chun Melinda , Lee Hannah J. , Layman Rick R. , Jones A. Kyle , Goff David L. , Fuller Clifton D. , Howell Rebecca M. , Li Heng , Stafford R. Jason , Court Laurence E. , Mackin Dennis S. 
Published: August 2018

AbstractRadiomics has shown promise in improving models for predicting patient outcomes. However, to maximize the information gain of the radiomics features, especially in larger patient cohorts, the variability in radiomics features owing to differences between scanners and scanning protocols must be accounted for. To this aim, the imaging variability of radiomics feature values was evaluated on 100 computed tomography scanners at 35 clinics by imaging a radiomics phantom using a controlled protocol and the commonly used chest and head protocols of the local clinic. We used a linear mixed-effects model to determine the degree to which the manufacturer and individual scanners contribute to the overall variability. Using a controlled protocol reduced the overall variability by 57% and 52% compared to the local chest and head protocols respectively. The controlled protocol also reduced the relative contribution of the manufacturer to the total variability. For almost all variabilities (manufacturer, scanner, and residual with different preprocesssing), the controlled protocol scans had a significantly smaller variability than the local protocol scans did. For most radiomics features, the imaging variability was small relative to the inter-patient feature variability in non–small cell lung cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patient cohorts. From this study, we conclude that using controlled scans can reduce the variability in radiomics features, and our results demonstrate the importance of using controlled protocols in prospective radiomics studies.
Gaia Data Release 2
Authors: Roelens M. , Eyer L. , Mowlavi N. , Rimoldini L. , Lecoeur-Taïbi I. , Nienartowicz K. , Jevardat de Fombelle G. , Marchal O. , Audard M. , Guy L. , Holl B. , Evans D. W. , Riello M. , De Angeli F. , Blanco-Cuaresma S. , Wevers T. 
Published: August 2018

Aims. We describe the methods used and the analysis performed in the frame of the Gaia data processing activities to produce the Gaia Data Release 2 (DR2) sample candidates with short-timescale variability together with associated parameters.
Methods. The Gaia DR2 sample of candidates with short-timescale variability results from the investigation of the first 22 months of Gaia G per-CCD, GBP, and GRP photometry for a subsample of sources at the Gaia faint end (G ~ 16.5−20 mag). For this first short-timescale variability search exploiting Gaia data, we limited ourselves to the case of suspected rapid periodic variability. Our study combines fast-variability detection through variogram analysis, a high-frequency search by means of least-squares periodograms, and an empirical selection based on the investigation of specific sources seen through the Gaia eyes (e.g., known variables or visually identified objects with peculiar features in their light curves). The progressive definition, improvement, and validation of this selection criterion also benefited from supplementary ground-based photometric monitoring of a few tens of preliminary candidates with short-timescale variability, performed at the Flemish Mercator telescope in La Palma (Canary Islands, Spain) between August and November 2017.
Results. As part of Gaia DR2, we publish a list of 3018 candidates with short-timescale variability, spread throughout the sky, with a false-positive rate of up to 10–20% in the Magellanic Clouds, and a more significant but justifiable contamination from longer-period variables between 19% and 50%, depending on the area of the sky. Although its completeness is limited to about 0.05%, this first sample of Gaia short-timescale variables recovers some very interesting known short-period variables, such as post-common envelope binaries or cataclysmic variables, and brings to light some fascinating, newly discovered variable sources. In the perspective of future Gaia data releases, several improvements of the short-timescale variability processing are considered, by enhancing the existing variogram and period-search algorithms or by classifying the identified variability candidates. Nonetheless, the encouraging outcome of our Gaia DR2 analysis demonstrates the power of this mission for such fast-variability studies, and opens great perspectives for this domain of astrophysics.
Von der Prämedikationsvisite bis zum Aufwachraum
Authors: Hiedl Tobias , Christmann Tina , Neitzert Renate , Brettner Florian , Hulde Nikolai , Gleim Nicole 
Published: August 2018

ZusammenfassungIm Schwerpunkt werfen wir einen Blick hinter das grüne Tuch: Hohes medizinisches und pflegerisches Fachwissen, perfekter Umgang mit den technisch komplexen
Geräten, dazu eine sichere und effektive Kommunikation mit den Anästhesisten – die Anforderungen an Anästhesiepflegefachkräfte sind vielfältig und hoch. Immer
im Blick: die Sicherheit und das Wohlbefinden des Patienten. Wir stellen die pflegerischen Aufgaben im Einzelnen vor – damit Sie fit sind für die
Jobrotation.
In Vitro Effect of p-Chlormercuribenzoate upon Dilute Blood Clot Lysis Time in Hyperlipemia
Authors: Cucuianu Mircea P , Stef Codruta , Zdrenghea Dorel , Popescu Octavian 
Published: August 2018

SummaryIn comparison to values obtained in normal-weight normolipenic controls, dilute blood clot lysis time was found to be prolonged in resting and exercised patients with endogenous hypertriglyceridemia. Lysis time was also prolonged in overweight subjects with only slightly increased serum lipids but it was not significantly changed in type II-a hyperlipoproteinemia. An obvious acceleration of clot lysis was noted in patients with decompensated cirrhosis of the liver. Inclusion of p-chlormercuribenzoate (PCMB) into the diluted blood clot caused an acceleration of lysis time. This effect was particularly obvious with hypertriglyceridemic blood and minimal with blood obtained from cirrhotic patients. Addition of various amounts of heat-defibrinated plasma to blood from cirrhotic patients caused a proportional prolongation of clot lysis time and this effect was greatly diminished in the presence of PCMB. Similar amounts of serum had a much lesser effect than defibrinated plasma. Inhibition of fibrin cross-linking by PCMB was confirmed by sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis.The present data complete previous observations concerning a higher plasma factor XIII activity in type II-b and type IV hyperlipoproteinemia and suggest that an increased crosslinking of fibrin might partially explain the deficient thrombolysis of hypertriglyceridemic patients.
Preparation of a Viable Population of Indium-111- Labelled Human Blood Platelets
Authors: Heyns A Dup , Badenhorst P N , Pieters H , Lötter M G , Minnaar P C , Duyvene de Wit L J , Van Reenen O R , Retief F P 
Published: August 2018

SummaryFactors influencing labelling of human platelets with 111Indium-8-hydroxyquinoline ([111In]-oxine) in a physiological saline medium were investigated. The efficiency of labelling is influenced by time of incubation, concentration of oxine, and pH of the incubating medium. It was found that a viable platelet population could be labelled under the following conditions: (1) centrifugation of platelet rich plasma in polystyrene conical tubes at 800 g for 15 min; (2) resuspension of the platelet pellet in saline, pH 5.5; (3) incubating for 30 min at 22°C with [111In]-oxine at a concentration of 6.25 mg oxine/litre platelet suspension; (4) washing once with platelet poor autologous plasma (PPP); and (5) finally resuspending the platelets in PPP. The labelled platelets aggregated normally with collagen and ADP. Electron microscopy, done immediately after labelling, showed internal organelle reorganization characteristic of activated platelets. These ultrastructural features were reversible on incubation in PPP at 37°C for 30 min. The 111In is not released from aggregated platelets and the label does not elute from incubated platelets for at least five hr. We conclude that human platelets thus labelled are suitable for in vivo kinetic studies.
Evaluation of the In Vitro Detection of the Hypercoagulable State Using the Thrombin Generation Test and Plasma Clot Impedance Test
Authors: Peck Sanford D 
Published: August 2018

SummaryThis study reports the correlation of the thrombin generation test and the plasma clot impedance test with clinical evidence of hypercoagulability. Thrombin generation is increased and the rate of change of plasma from a liquid to a gel (clot impedance) is increased in situations where the risk of thrombosis is increased.These situations include increasing clinical signs and/or symptoms of thromboembolism, positive lung scans, postoperative total hip replacement, patients over 40 years old, low serum antithrombin III, thrombocytosis, transient cerebral ischemia, and positive isotope venogram for thrombosis. The two tests failed to indicate a significant effect of antiplatelet drugs on the hypercoagulable state.This study shows that the thrombin generation and plasma clot impedance tests are practical, rapid and useful tests for the detection and monitoring of the hypercoagulable state.
Treatment of Iron Deficiency Anemia in Pregnancy with Intravenous versus Oral Iron: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Burwick Richard , Govindappagari Shravya 
Published: August 2018

Objective To perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the benefits of intravenous (IV) iron in pregnancy.
Study Design Systematic review was registered with PROSPERO and performed using PRISMA guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched. Eleven RCTs, comparing IV to oral iron for treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy, were included. Meta-analyses were performed with Stata software (College Station, TX), utilizing random effects model and method of DerSimonian and Laird. Outcomes were assessed by pooled odds ratios (OR) or pooled weighted mean difference (WMD). Sensitivity analyses were performed for heterogeneity.
Results We found that pregnant women receiving IV iron, compared with oral iron, had the following benefits: (1) Achieved target hemoglobin more often, pooled OR 2.66 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.71–4.15), p < 0.001; (2) Increased hemoglobin level after 4 weeks, pooled WMD 0.84 g/dL (95% CI: 0.59–1.09), p < 0.001; (3) Decreased adverse reactions, pooled OR 0.35 (95% CI: 0.18–0.67), p = 0.001. Results were unchanged following sensitivity analyses.
Conclusion In this meta-analysis, IV iron is superior to oral iron for treatment of iron-deficiency anemia in pregnancy. Women receiving IV iron more often achieve desired hemoglobin targets, faster and with fewer side effects.
Childhood Pulmonary Function, Exercise Capacity, and Exhaled Nitric Oxide Levels: Outcomes following Neonatal Treatment with Inhaled Nitric Oxide to Prevent Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Authors: Escobar Hugo , Holmes Anne , Teson Kelli , Truog William , Kilbride Howard 
Published: August 2018

Objective The goal was to determine if inhaled nitric oxide (iNO) for 3 weeks during neonatal care of high-risk preterm infants was associated with improved pulmonary function and exercise capacity or altered exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) levels in later childhood.
Study Design Thirty-four very preterm children previously enrolled in a randomized, neonatal trial of iNO to prevent chronic lung disease, were assessed in follow-up at 7 to 9 years of age, including pulmonary function testing (PFT), exercise testing, and measurement of FeNO.
Results There were no differences in PFTs or exercise capacity between iNO treated and controls. FeNO levels showed large interpatient variability but tended to be lower in the iNO treated.
Conclusion Findings indicate no overall differences in pulmonary function or exercise capacity for children who had neonatal iNO treatment compared with placebo.