bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hybrid setup for stable magnetic fields enabling robust quantum control
Authors: Hakelberg Frederick , Kiefer Philip , Wittemer Matthias , Schaetz Tobias , Warring Ulrich 
Published: March 2018

AbstractWell controlled and highly stable magnetic fields are desired for a wide range of applications in physical research, including quantum metrology, sensing, information processing, and simulation. Here we introduce a low-cost hybrid assembly of rare-earth magnets and magnetic field coils to generate a field strength of $$\simeq $$
≃
10.9 mT with a calculated spatial variation of less than 10−6 within a diameter of spherical volume of 150 μm. We characterise its tuneability and stability performance using a single Mg+ atom confined in a radio-frequency surface-electrode trap under ultra-high vacuum conditions. The strength of the field can be tuned with a relative precision of ≤2 × 10−5 and we find a passive temporal stability of our setup of better than 1.0 × 10−4 over the course of one hour. Slow drifts on time scales of a few minutes are actively stabilised by adjusting electric currents in the magnetic field coils. In this way, we observe coherence times of electronic superposition states of greater than six seconds using a first-order field insensitive (clock) transition. In a first application, we demonstrate sensing of magnetic fields with amplitudes of ≥0.2 μT oscillating at $$\simeq $$
≃
2π × 60 MHz. Our approach can be implemented in compact and robust applications with strict power and load requirements.
Organ-specific responses during brain death: increased aerobic metabolism in the liver and anaerobic metabolism with decreased perfusion in the kidneys
Authors: Van Erp A. C. , Rebolledo R. A. , Hoeksma D. , Jespersen N. R. , Ottens P. J. , Nørregaard R. , Pedersen M. , Laustsen C. , Burgerhof J. G. M. , Wolters J. C. , Ciapaite J. , Bøtker H. E. , Leuvenink H. G. D. , Jespersen B. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractHepatic and renal energy status prior to transplantation correlates with graft survival. However, effects of brain death (BD) on organ-specific energy status are largely unknown. We studied metabolism, perfusion, oxygen consumption, and mitochondrial function in the liver and kidneys following BD. BD was induced in mechanically-ventilated rats, inflating an epidurally-placed Fogarty-catheter, with sham-operated rats as controls. A 9.4T-preclinical MRI system measured hourly oxygen availability (BOLD-related R2*) and perfusion (T1-weighted). After 4 hrs, tissue was collected, mitochondria isolated and assessed with high-resolution respirometry. Quantitative proteomics, qPCR, and biochemistry was performed on stored tissue/plasma. Following BD, the liver increased glycolytic gene expression (Pfk-1) with decreased glycogen stores, while the kidneys increased anaerobic- (Ldha) and decreased gluconeogenic-related gene expression (Pck-1). Hepatic oxygen consumption increased, while renal perfusion decreased. ATP levels dropped in both organs while mitochondrial respiration and complex I/ATP synthase activity were unaffected. In conclusion, the liver responds to increased metabolic demands during BD, enhancing aerobic metabolism with functional mitochondria. The kidneys shift towards anaerobic energy production while renal perfusion decreases. Our findings highlight the need for an organ-specific approach to assess and optimise graft quality prior to transplantation, to optimise hepatic metabolic conditions and improve renal perfusion while supporting cellular detoxification.
In Vivo Small Molecule Delivery to the Optic Nerve in a Rodent Model
Authors: Tehrani Shandiz , Delf R. Katherine , Cepurna William O. , Davis Lauren , Johnson Elaine C. , Morrison John C. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSmall molecule delivery to the optic nerve would allow for exploration of molecular and cellular pathways involved in normal physiology and optic neuropathies such as glaucoma, and provide a tool for screening therapeutics in animal models. We report a novel surgical method for small molecule drug delivery to the optic nerve head (ONH) in a rodent model. In proof-of-principle experiments, we delivered cytochalasin D (Cyt D; a filamentous actin inhibitor) to the junction of the superior optic nerve and globe in rats to target the actin-rich astrocytic cytoskeleton of the ONH. Cyt D delivery was quantified by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry of isolated optic nerve tissue. One day after Cyt D delivery, anterior ONH filamentous actin bundle content was significantly reduced as assessed by fluorescent-tagged phalloidin labeling, relative to sham delivery. Anterior ONH nuclear counts and axon-specific beta-3 tubulin levels, as well as peripapillary retinal ganglion cell layer nuclear counts were not significantly altered after Cyt D delivery relative to sham delivery. Lastly, the surgical delivery technique caused minimal observable axon degeneration up to 10 days post-surgery. This small molecule delivery technique provides a new approach to studying optic neuropathies in in vivo rodent models.
Fully Printed Wearable Vital Sensor for Human Pulse Rate Monitoring using Ferroelectric Polymer
Authors: Sekine Tomohito , Sugano Ryo , Tashiro Tomoya , Sato Jun , Takeda Yasunori , Matsui Hiroyuki , Kumaki Daisuke , Domingues Dos Santos Fabrice , Miyabo Atsushi , Tokito Shizuo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe ability to monitor subtle changes in vital and arterial signals using flexible devices attached to the human skin can be valuable for the detection of various health conditions such as cardiovascular disease. Conventional Si device technologies are being utilised in traditional clinical systems; however, its fabrication is not easy owing to the difficulties in adapting to conventional processes. Here, we present the development of a fully printed, wearable, ferroelectric-polymer vital sensor for monitoring the human pulse wave/rate on the skin. This vital sensor is compact, thin, sufficiently flexible, and conforms to the skin while providing high pressure sensitivity, fast response time, superior operational stability, and excellent mechanical fatigue properties. Moreover, the vital sensor is connected to a communication amplifier circuit for monitoring the pulse waves with a wireless sensing system. This sensor system can realise the development of new healthcare devices for wearable sensor applications.
Novel 2-pheynlbenzofuran derivatives as selective butyrylcholinesterase inhibitors for Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kumar Amit , Pintus Francesca , Di Petrillo Amalia , Medda Rosaria , Caria Paola , Matos Maria João , Viña Dolores , Pieroni Enrico , Delogu Francesco , Era Benedetta , Delogu Giovanna L. , Fais Antonella 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAlzheimer’s disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder representing the leading cause of dementia and is affecting nearly 44 million people worldwide. AD is characterized by a progressive decline in acetylcholine levels in the cholinergic systems, which results in severe memory loss and cognitive impairments. Expression levels and activity of butyrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzyme has been noted to increase significantly in the late stages of AD, thus making it a viable drug target. A series of hydroxylated 2-phenylbenzofurans compounds were designed, synthesized and their inhibitory activities toward acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and BChE enzymes were evaluated. Two compounds (15 and 17) displayed higher inhibitory activity towards BChE with IC50 values of 6.23 μM and 3.57 μM, and a good antioxidant activity with EC50 values 14.9 μM and 16.7 μM, respectively. The same compounds further exhibited selective inhibitory activity against BChE over AChE. Computational studies were used to compare protein-binding pockets and evaluate the interaction fingerprints of the compound. Molecular simulations showed a conserved protein residue interaction network between the compounds, resulting in similar interaction energy values. Thus, combination of biochemical and computational approaches could represent rational guidelines for further structural modification of these hydroxy-benzofuran derivatives as future drugs for treatment of AD.
Recovery from supercooling, freezing, and cryopreservation stress in larvae of the drosophilid fly, Chymomyza costata
Authors: Štětina Tomáš , Hůla Petr , Moos Martin , Šimek Petr , Šmilauer Petr , Koštál Vladimír 
Published: March 2018

AbstractPhysiological adjustments accompanying insect cold acclimation prior to cold stress have been relatively well explored. In contrast, recovery from cold stress received much less attention. Here we report on recovery of drosophilid fly larvae (Chymomyza costata) from three different levels of cold stress: supercooling to −10 °C, freezing at −30 °C, and cryopreservation at −196 °C. Analysis of larval CO2 production suggested that recovery from all three cold stresses requires access to additional energy reserves to support cold-injury repair processes. Metabolomic profiling (targeting 41 metabolites using mass spectrometry) and custom microarray analysis (targeting 1,124 candidate mRNA sequences) indicated that additional energy was needed to: clear by-products of anaerobic metabolism, deal with oxidative stress, re-fold partially denatured proteins, and remove damaged proteins, complexes and/or organelles. Metabolomic and transcriptomic recovery profiles were closely similar in supercooled and frozen larvae, most of which successfully repaired the cold injury and metamorphosed into adults. In contrast, the majority of cryopreseved larvae failed to proceed in ontogenesis, showed specific metabolic perturbations suggesting impaired mitochondrial function, and failed to up-regulate a set of 116 specific genes potentially linked to repair of cold injury.
Azolla along a phosphorus gradient: biphasic growth response linked to diazotroph traits and phosphorus-induced iron chlorosis
Authors: Temmink Ralph J. M. , Harpenslager Sarah F. , Smolders Alfons J. P. , van Dijk Gijs , Peters Roy C. J. H. , Lamers Leon P. M. , van Kempen Monique M. L. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAzolla spp., a water fern often used for phytoremediation, is a strong phosphorus (P) accumulator due to its high growth rate and N2 fixing symbionts (diazotrophs). It is known that plant growth is stimulated by P, but the nature of the interactive response of both symbionts along a P gradient, and related changes in growth-limiting factors, are unclear. We determined growth, and N and P sequestration rates of Azolla filiculoides in N-free water at different P concentrations. The growth response appeared to be biphasic and highest at levels ≥10 P µmol l−1. Diazotrophic N sequestration increased upon P addition, and rates were three times higher at high P than at low P. At 10 µmol P l−1, N sequestration rates reached its maximum and A. filiculoides growth became saturated. Due to luxury consumption, P sequestration rates increased until 50 µmol P l−1. At higher P concentrations (≥50 µmol l−1), however, chlorosis occurred that seems to be caused by iron- (Fe-), and not by N-deficiency. We demonstrate that traits of the complete symbiosis in relation to P and Fe availability determine plant performance, stressing the role of nutrient stoichiometry. The results are discussed regarding Azolla’s potential use in a bio-based economy.
Seasonally varying footprint of climate change on precipitation in the Middle East
Authors: Tabari Hossein , Willems Patrick 
Published: March 2018

AbstractClimate change is expected to alter precipitation patterns; however, the amplitude of the change may broadly differ across seasons. Combining different seasons may mask contrasting climate change signals in individual seasons, leading to weakened signals and misleading impact results. A realistic assessment of future climate change is of great importance for arid regions, which are more vulnerable to any change in extreme events as their infrastructure is less experienced or not well adapted for extreme conditions. Our results show that climate change signals and associated uncertainties over the Middle East region remarkably vary with seasons. The region is identified as a climate change hotspot where rare extreme precipitation events are expected to intensify for all seasons, with a “highest increase in autumn, lowest increase in spring” pattern which switches to the “increase in autumn, decrease in spring” pattern for less extreme precipitation. This pattern is also held for mean precipitation, violating the “wet gets wetter, dry gets drier” paradigm.
Transcriptomic analysis of transgressive segregants revealed the central role of photosynthetic capacity and efficiency in biomass accumulation in sugarcane
Authors: Singh Ratnesh , Jones Tyler , Wai Ching Man , Jifon John , Nagai Chifumi , Ming Ray , Yu Qingyi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSugarcane is among the most efficient crops in converting solar energy into chemical energy. However, due to its complex genome structure and inheritance, the genetic and molecular basis of biomass yield in sugarcane is still largely unknown. We created an F2 segregating population by crossing S. officinarum and S. spontaneum and evaluated the biomass yield of the F2 individuals. The F2 individuals exhibited clear transgressive segregation in biomass yield. We sequenced transcriptomes of source and sink tissues from 12 selected extreme segregants to explore the molecular basis of high biomass yield for future breeding of high-yielding energy canes. Among the 103,664 assembled unigenes, 10,115 and 728 showed significant differential expression patterns between the two extreme segregating groups in the top visible dewlap leaf and the 9th culm internode, respectively. The most enriched functional categories were photosynthesis and fermentation in the high-biomass and the low-biomass groups, respectively. Our results revealed that high-biomass yield was mainly determined by assimilation of carbon in source tissues. The high-level expression of fermentative genes in the low-biomass group was likely induced by their low-energy status. Group-specific expression alleles which can be applied in the development of new high-yielding energy cane varieties via molecular breeding were identified.
Unveiling new interdependencies between significant DNA methylation sites, gene expression profiles and glioma patients survival
Authors: Dabrowski Michal J. , Draminski Michal , Diamanti Klev , Stepniak Karolina , Mozolewska Magdalena A. , Teisseyre Paweł , Koronacki Jacek , Komorowski Jan , Kaminska Bozena , Wojtas Bartosz 
Published: March 2018

AbstractIn order to find clinically useful prognostic markers for glioma patients’ survival, we employed Monte Carlo Feature Selection and Interdependencies Discovery (MCFS-ID) algorithm on DNA methylation (HumanMethylation450 platform) and RNA-seq datasets from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) for 88 patients observed until death. The input features were ranked according to their importance in predicting patients’ longer (400+ days) or shorter (≤400 days) survival without prior classification of the patients. Interestingly, out of the 65 most important features found, 63 are methylation sites, and only two mRNAs. Moreover, 61 out of the 63 methylation sites are among those detected by the 450 k array technology, while being absent in the HumanMethylation27. The most important methylation feature (cg15072976) overlaps with the RE1 Silencing Transcription Factor (REST) binding site, and was confirmed to intersect with the REST binding motif in human U87 glioma cells. Six additional methylation sites from the top 63 overlap with REST sites. We found that the methylation status of the cg15072976 site affects transcription factor binding in U87 cells in gel shift assay. The cg15072976 methylation status discriminates ≤400 and 400+ patients in an independent dataset from TCGA and shows positive association with survival time as evidenced by Kaplan-Meier plots.
High planktonic diversity in mountain lakes contains similar contributions of autotrophic, heterotrophic and parasitic eukaryotic life forms
Authors: Ortiz-Álvarez Rüdiger , Triadó-Margarit Xavier , Camarero Lluís , Casamayor Emilio O. , Catalan Jordi 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA rich eukaryotic planktonic community exists in high-mountain lakes despite the diluted, oligotrophic and cold, harsh prevailing conditions. Attempts of an overarching appraisal have been traditionally hampered by observational limitations of small, colorless, and soft eukaryotes. We aimed to uncover the regional eukaryotic biodiversity of a mountain lakes district to obtain general conclusions on diversity patterns, dominance, geographic diversification, and food-web players common to oligotrophic worldwide distributed freshwater systems. An unprecedented survey of 227 high-altitude lakes comprising large environmental gradients was carried out using Illumina massive tag sequencing of the 18S rRNA gene. We observed a large Chrysophyceae dominance in richness, abundance and novelty, and unveiled an unexpected richness in heterotrophic phagotrophs and parasites. In particular, Cercozoa and Chytridiomycota showed diversity features similar to the dominant autotrophic groups. The prominent beta-dispersion shown by parasites suggests highly specific interactions and a relevant role in food webs. Interestingly, the freshwater Pyrenean metacommunity contained more diverse specific populations than its closest marine oligotrophic equivalent, with consistently higher beta-diversity. The relevance of unseen groups opens new perspectives for the better understanding of planktonic food webs. Mountain lakes, with remarkable environmental idiosyncrasies, may be suitable environments for the genetic diversification of microscopic eukaryotic life forms.
Oxygen and zinc abundances in 417 Galactic bulge red giants
Authors: da Silveira C. R. , Barbuy B. , Friaça A. C. S. , Hill V. , Zoccali M. , Rafelski M. , Gonzalez O. A. , Minniti D. , Renzini A. , Ortolani S. 
Published: March 2018

Context. Oxygen and zinc in the Galactic bulge are key elements for the understanding of the bulge chemical evolution. Oxygen-to-iron abundance ratios provide a most robust indicator of the star formation rate and chemical evolution of the bulge. Zinc is enhanced in metal-poor stars, behaving as an α-element, and its production may require nucleosynthesis in hypernovae. Most of the neutral gas at high redshift is in damped Lyman-alpha systems (DLAs), where Zn is also observed to behave as an α-element.
Aims. The aim of this work is the derivation of the α-element oxygen, together with nitrogen, and the iron-peak element zinc abundances in 417 bulge giants, from moderate resolution (R ~ 22 000) FLAMES-GIRAFFE spectra. For stars in common with a set of UVES spectra with higher resolution (R ~ 45 000), the data are intercompared. The results are compared with literature data and chemodynamical models.
Methods. We studied the spectra obtained for a large sample of red giant stars, chosen to be one magnitude above the horizontal branch, using FLAMES-GIRAFFE on the Very Large Telescope. We computed the O abundances using the forbidden [OI] 6300.3 Å and Zn abundances using the Zn I 6362.34 Å lines. Stellar parameters for these stars were established in a previous work from our group.
Results. We present oxygen abundances for 358 stars, nitrogen abundances for 403 stars and zinc abundances were derived for 333 stars. Having oxygen abundances for this large sample adds information in particular at the moderate metallicities of −1.6 < [Fe/H] < −0.8. Zn behaves as an α-element, very similarly to O, Si, and Ca. It shows the same trend as a function of metallicity as the α-elements, i.e., a turnover around [Fe/H] ~ − 0.6, and then decreasing with increasing metallicity. The results are compared with chemodynamical evolution models of O and Zn enrichment for a classical bulge. DLAs also show an enhanced zinc-to-iron ratio, suggesting they may be enriched by hypernovae.
Continuous Cardiac Output Measurement during Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Radial Arterial Pulse Wave versus Femoral Arterial Pulse Wave
Authors: Kanchi Muralidhar , Rudresh Manjunath , Das Sucharita 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background and Objectives Measurement of cardiac output (CO) during off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OP-CABG) is useful to assess the impact of displacement of heart during surgery. FloTrac uses the pulse-contour analysis algorithm to derive stroke volume (SV) and CO. This study was aimed to determine whether the site of monitoring of arterial pressure influences the CO measurement using Flotrac/Vigileo.
Methods The authors recorded 75 sets of observations in 15 patients who underwent elective OP-CABG. Each patient had the radial and femoral artery cannulated and connected to FloTrac/Vigileo. The hemodynamic parameters were monitored at specified points of time intraoperatively.
Results The CO, cardiac index, SV, stroke volume index, and stroke volume variation measured from radial artery did not differ from those of femoral artery at all points of measurement.
Conclusion Either of the sites of monitoring of arterial pressure (namely radial and femoral artery) is acceptable for monitoring CO during OP-CABG.
Interhemispheric, Translamina Terminalis Approach for the Resection of Suprasellar Cavernous Malformation
Authors: Zenonos Georgios , Gardner Paul 
Published: March 2018

Objectives The current video presents the nuances of an interhemispheric, translamina terminalis approach for the resection of suprasellar cavernous malformation.
Design The video analyzes the presentation, preoperative workup and imaging, surgical steps and technical nuances of the surgery, the clinical outcome, and follow-up imaging.
Setting The patient was treated by a skull base team at a teaching academic institution.
Participants The case refers to a 64-year-old female who presented with vision loss and confusion, and was found to have a suprasellar mass, with imaging characteristics consistent with a cavernous malformation of the third ventricle.
Main Outcome Measures The main outcome measures consist of the reversal of the patient symptoms (vision loss and confusion), the recurrence-free survival based on imaging, as well as the absence of any complications.
Results The patient's mental status improved slightly after surgery. There was no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusions The interhemispheric, translamina terminalis approach is safe and effective for the resection of suprasellar cavernous malformations.The link to the video can be found at: https://youtu.be/z6RSAM_GnBA.