bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of CD307a expression patterns during normal B‐cell maturation and in B‐cell malignancies by flow cytometry
Authors: Auat Mariangeles , Cardoso Chandra Chiappin , Santos‐Pirath Iris Mattos , Rudolf‐Oliveira Renata Cristina Messores , Matiollo Camila , Lange Bárbara Gil , da Silva Jessica Pires , Dametto Gisele Cristina , Pirolli Mayara Marin , Colombo Maria Daniela Holthausen Perico , Santos‐Silva Maria Claudia 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundFlow cytometric immunophenotyping is deemed a fundamental tool for the diagnosis of B‐cell neoplasms. Currently, the investigation of novel immunophenotypic markers has gained importance, as they can assist in the precise subclassification of B‐cell malignancies by flow cytometry. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the expression of CD307a during normal B‐cell maturation and in B‐cell malignancies as well as to investigate its potential role in the differential diagnosis of these entities.MethodsCD307a expression was assessed by flow cytometry in normal precursor and mature B cells and in 115 samples collected from patients diagnosed with precursor and mature B‐cell neoplasms. CD307a expression was compared between neoplastic and normal B cells.ResultsB‐acute lymphoblastic leukemia cases exhibited minimal expression of CD307a, displaying a similar expression pattern to that of normal B‐cell precursors. Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) cases showed the lowest levels of CD307a among mature B‐cell neoplasms. CD307a expression was statistically lower in MCL cases than in chronic B lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and marginal zone lymphoma (MZL) cases. No statistical differences were observed between CD307a expression in neoplastic and normal plasma cells.ConclusionThese results indicate that the assessment of CD307a expression by flow cytometry could be helpful to distinguish CLL from MCL, and the latter from MZL. Although these results are not entirely conclusive, they provide a basis for further studies in a larger cohort of patients. © 2018 International Clinical Cytometry Society
Novel Method for the Synthesis of Cholesteryl Glucosides starting from Disaccharides
Authors: Weiss Stephanie , Neu Philipp M. , Ludwig Christopher , Schober Sigurd , Mittelbach Martin 
Published: February 2018

Steryl glucosides (SG) and acylated steryl glucosides (ASG) are natural components of plant cell membranes and present in different concentrations in various plant foods. Currently, their positive effects on human health are under investigation. The present work presents a new and efficient synthesis method for cholesteryl glucosides starting from disaccharides. A five‐step synthesis protocol is done to obtain the desired product in 35% overall yield. In the first step, the hydroxy groups of the starting material sucrose are protected using benzyl ethers. After the subsequent acidic hydrolysis the obtained pyranosyl moiety of the disaccharide is transformed to its trichloroacetimidate derivative. Next, the formation of the glycosidic bond to cholesterol is performed and catalytic transfer hydrogenation in order to remove the protecting groups leads to the desired product. In this context, APCI‐MS‐TOF has turned out to be an excellent analytical tool for the high sensitive analysis of SG as well as intermediates.Practical Applications: Due to the comparatively high amounts of SG and ASG in seeds and oils, not only the food industry but also in biodiesel production, these natural compounds are of increasing interest. However, analysis of the compounds is difficult, commercially available pure standard materials are costly and their synthesis often requires time‐consuming work‐up procedures. The described preparation method allows the synthesis of cholesteryl glucosides which can be used as reference or standard material for the quantitative analysis of phytosteryl glucosides in plant derived samples. The general synthesis method could be also applied to other SG and ASG derivatives.Cholesteryl glucosides are synthesized using a new and efficient five‐step synthesis protocol starting from disaccharides. The preparation method provides products with good overall yield and high purity and, therefore, the synthesized glucosides can be used as reference or standard material for the quantitative analysis of phytosteryl glucosides in plant derived samples. APCI‐MS‐TOF is extensively used as analytical tool for the sensitive analysis of cholesteryl glucosides as well as intermediates.
N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 protects blood–brain barrier integrity following cerebral ischemia
Authors: Takarada‐Iemata Mika , Yoshikawa Akifumi , Ta Hieu Minh , Okitani Nahoko , Nishiuchi Takumi , Aida Yasuhiro , Kamide Tomoya , Hattori Tsuyoshi , Ishii Hiroshi , Tamatani Takashi , Le Thuong Manh , Roboon Jureepon , Kitao Yasuko , Matsuyama Tomohiro , Nakada Mitsutoshi , Hori Osamu 
Published: February 2018

AbstractDisruption of the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) following cerebral ischemia is closely related to the infiltration of peripheral cells into the brain, progression of lesion formation, and clinical exacerbation. However, the mechanism that regulates BBB integrity, especially after permanent ischemia, remains unclear. Here, we present evidence that astrocytic N‐myc downstream‐regulated gene 2 (NDRG2), a differentiation‐ and stress‐associated molecule, may function as a modulator of BBB permeability following ischemic stroke, using a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischemia. Immunohistological analysis showed that the expression of NDRG2 increases dominantly in astrocytes following permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Genetic deletion of Ndrg2 exhibited enhanced levels of infarct volume and accumulation of immune cells into the ipsilateral brain hemisphere following ischemia. Extravasation of serum proteins including fibrinogen and immunoglobulin, after MCAO, was enhanced at the ischemic core and perivascular region of the peri‐infarct area in the ipsilateral cortex of Ndrg2‐deficient mice. Furthermore, the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) after MCAO markedly increased in Ndrg2−/− mice. In culture, expression and secretion of MMP‐3 was increased in Ndrg2−/− astrocytes, and this increase was reversed by adenovirus‐mediated re‐expression of NDRG2. These findings suggest that NDRG2, expressed in astrocytes, may play a critical role in the regulation of BBB permeability and immune cell infiltration through the modulation of MMP expression following cerebral ischemia.
Glia in brain energy metabolism: A perspective
Authors: Barros L. Felipe , Brown Angus , Swanson Raymond A. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEarly views of glia as relatively inert, housekeeping cells have evolved, and glia are now recognized as dynamic cells that not only respond to neuronal activity but also sense metabolic changes and regulate neuronal metabolism. This evolution has been aided in part by technical advances permitting progressively better spatial and temporal resolution. Recent advances in cell‐type specific genetic manipulation and sub‐cellular metabolic probes promise to further this evolution by enabling study of metabolic interactions between intertwined fine neuronal and glial processes in vivo. Views of glia in disease processes have also evolved. Long considered purely reactive, glia and particularly microglia are now seen to play active roles in both promoting and limiting brain injury. At the same time, established concepts of glial energetics are now being linked to areas such as learning and neural network function, topics previously considered far removed from glial biology.
Information Literacy in the Internet Age: Making Space for Students' Intentional and Incidental Knowledge
Authors: Kohnen Angela M. , Saul E. Wendy 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThe authors argue that nonfiction reading and writing instruction in K–12 settings must include authentic opportunities for students to seek information online. To that end, the authors provide two frameworks for thinking about information acquisition in the 21st century. The first, the intentional and incidental information continuum, describes how adults encounter information. On one end is the information that adults actively seek, often by going online; on the other is information that is encountered passively. In between is information that could be considered semi‐incidental: The specific information is not actively sought, but the source was accessed purposefully. The second framework, a graphic for thinking about why adults actively seek information, proposes that searches should be thought of in terms of the seeker's education or preparation and the importance of the search. The authors contend that these frameworks can be used to rethink nonfiction reading and writing instruction.
An examination of ethnic identity as a mediator of the effects of community participation and neighborhood sense of community on psychological empowerment among urban youth of color
Authors: Lardier David T. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractEmpowerment research has made important contributions toward understanding youth development, well‐being, and activism; however, it has failed to consider the impact that ethnic identity has on psychological empowerment (PE) and among related empowerment predictors (e.g., community participation and neighborhood sense of community [SOC]). The present study focuses on examining the mediating role of ethnic identity between community participation, neighborhood SOC, and PE. Using structural equation modeling path analysis techniques among a sample of Hispanic and Black youth (N = 1,480) from an underresourced community, this study examines the mediating role of ethnic identity between community participation, neighborhood SOC, and PE. Community participation and neighborhood SOC had a positive direct effect on both ethnic identity and PE. Both community participation and neighborhood SOC also indirectly affected PE through ethnic identity. This study supports the mediating role of ethnic identity and the direct effect of ethnic identity on PE. Results point toward the importance of ethnic identity with PE and in the empowerment process. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.
“They're hoping we can stop it”: Student leadership in sexual violence intervention and response at West Point
Authors: Arbeit Miriam R. 
Published: February 2018

AbstractThis study identified risks and opportunities in peer leadership approaches to sexual violence intervention and response. Constructivist grounded theory was used to analyze semistructured interviews with 24 cadets, including a bystander intervention scenario. With regard to bystander intervention, cadets adhered to gendered assumptions that blocked action, drew upon community values to plan intervention, and thus prepared in ways that reinforced gender biases. With regard to incident response, cadets struggled with cynicism regarding their role in addressing sexual assault, but wanted incidents to be reported despite victim blaming and lack of supports, and responded from their feelings instead of skillfully acting on their values. This study explicates opportunities for leveraging community values in service of intervention and response while illustrating risks of rape myths and gender biases. Addressing inaccurate assumptions and reinforcing positive values could better prepare cadets and other undergraduate students for leadership.
Generating standardized image data for testing and calibrating quantification of volumes, surfaces, lengths, and object counts in fibrous and porous materials using X‐ray microtomography
Authors: Jiřík Miroslav , Bartoš Martin , Tomášek Petr , Malečková Anna , Kural Tomáš , Horáková Jana , Lukáš David , Suchý Tomáš , Kochová Petra , Hubálek Kalbáčová Marie , Králíčková Milena , Tonar Zbyněk 
Published: February 2018

AbstractQuantification of the structure and composition of biomaterials using micro‐CT requires image segmentation due to the low contrast and overlapping radioopacity of biological materials. The amount of bias introduced by segmentation procedures is generally unknown. We aim to develop software that generates three‐dimensional models of fibrous and porous structures with known volumes, surfaces, lengths, and object counts in fibrous materials and to provide a software tool that calibrates quantitative micro‐CT assessments. Virtual image stacks were generated using the newly developed software TeIGen, enabling the simulation of micro‐CT scans of unconnected tubes, connected tubes, and porosities. A realistic noise generator was incorporated. Forty image stacks were evaluated using micro‐CT, and the error between the true known and estimated data was quantified. Starting with geometric primitives, the error of the numerical estimation of surfaces and volumes was eliminated, thereby enabling the quantification of volumes and surfaces of colliding objects. Analysis of the sensitivity of the thresholding upon parameters of generated testing image sets revealed the effects of decreasing resolution and increasing noise on the accuracy of the micro‐CT quantification. The size of the error increased with decreasing resolution when the voxel size exceeded 1/10 of the typical object size, which simulated the effect of the smallest details that could still be reliably quantified. Open‐source software for calibrating quantitative micro‐CT assessments by producing and saving virtually generated image data sets with known morphometric data was made freely available to researchers involved in morphometry of three‐dimensional fibrillar and porous structures in micro‐CT scans.
The influence of trees, shrubs, and grasses on microclimate, soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux: Potential implications of shrub encroachment for Kalahari rangelands
Authors: Thomas Andrew David , Elliott David R , Dougill Andrew John , Stringer Lindsay Carman , Hoon Stephen Robert , Sen Robin 
Published: February 2018

AbstractShrub encroachment is a well‐documented phenomenon affecting many of the world's drylands. The alteration of vegetation structure and species composition can lead to changes in local microclimate and soil properties which in turn affect carbon cycling. The objectives of this paper were to quantify differences in air temperatures, soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux under trees (Vachellia erioloba), shrubs (Grewia flava), and annual and perennial grasses (Schmidtia kalahariensis and Eragrostis lehmanniana) collected over three seasons at a site in Kgalagadi District, Botswana, in order to determine the vegetation‐soil feedback mechanism affecting the carbon cycle. Air temperatures were logged continuously, and soil CO2 efflux was determined throughout the day and evening using closed respiration chambers and an infrared gas analyser. There were significant differences in soil carbon, total nitrogen, CO2 efflux, light, and temperatures beneath the canopies of trees, shrubs, and grasses. Daytime air temperatures beneath shrubs and trees were cooler compared with grass sites, particularly in summer months. Night‐time air temperatures under shrubs and trees were, however, warmer than at the grass sites. There was also significantly more soil carbon, nitrogen, and CO2 efflux under shrubs and trees compared with grasses. Although the differences observed in soils and microclimate may reinforce the competitive dominance of shrubs and present challenges to strategies designed to manage encroachment, they should not be viewed as entirely negative. Our findings highlight some of the dichotomies and challenges to be addressed before interventions aiming to bring about more sustainable land management can be implemented.
Functional lower lip reconstruction with the partial latissimus dorsi muscle free flap without nerve coaptation
Authors: Özkan Özlenen , Özkan Ömer , Çinpolat Anı , Ubur Mehmet Can , Bektaş Gamze , Jumshudov Adil , Uysal Hilmi 
Published: February 2018

BackgroundThe repair of extensive lower lip defects is difficult due to the presence of both functional and esthetic requirements. This report describes functional lip repair using the partial latissimus dorsi free flap without nerve coaptation.MethodsReconstruction of the lower lip due to subtotal and total tissue defects was performed using latissimus dorsi free flap on twelve patients, between 2013 and 2017. The etiology was squamous cell carcinoma in six patients, malignant melanoma in one, firearm injury in three and microstomia in two. Following exposure of the lip defect, the partial latissumus dorsi muscle flap was harvested and transfered into the lower lip defect. The microvascular anastomoses was done and no nerve coaptation was performed. The muscle was covered with a skin graft taken from the thigh for mucosal and skin lining. Functional outcomes were assessed using physical examination, electromyography (EMG), electroneuromyography, cold/warm and pain sensation, two point discrimination (TPD), and Semmes Weinstein (SMW) tests.ResultsPostoperative course was uneventful for all of the flaps. Patients were followed for between fifteen months and four years (mean 28.2 months).Color match between the flap and the face and functional outcome was satisfactory. Reinnervation was detected at EMG in eleven patients undergoing surgery six months postoperatively.After 1 year, the patients demonstrated quite normal results of the test with SMW and TDP results. None of patients perceived both hot and cold sensation.ConclusionThe technique is an alternative option in lower lip reconstruction since it provides satisfactory functional and esthetic results despite absence of any neural coaptation.
Whole‐brain 3DFLAIR at 7T using direct signal control
Authors: Beqiri Arian , Hoogduin Hans , Sbrizzi Alessandro , Hajnal Joseph V. , Malik Shaihan J. 
Published: February 2018

PurposeImage quality obtained for brain imaging at 7T can be hampered by inhomogeneities in the static magnetic field, B0, and the RF electromagnetic field, B1. In imaging sequences such as fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR), which is used to assess neurological disorders, these inhomogeneities cause spatial variations in signal that can reduce clinical efficacy. In this work, we aim to correct for signal inhomogeneities to ensure whole‐brain coverage with 3D FLAIR at 7T.MethodsThe direct signal control (DSC) framework was used to optimize channel weightings applied to the 8 transmit channels used in this work on a pulse‐by‐pulse basis through the echo train in the FLAIR sequences. 3D FLAIR brain images were acquired on 5 different subjects and compared with imaging using a quadrature‐like mode of the transmit array. Precomputed “universal” DSC solutions calculated from a separate set of 5 subjects were also explored.ResultsDSC consistently enabled improved imaging across all subjects, with no dropouts in signal seen over the entire brain volume, which contrasted with imaging in quadrature mode. Further, the universal DSC solutions also consistently improved imaging despite not being optimized specifically for the subject being imaged.Conclusion3D FLAIR brain imaging at 7T is substantially improved using DSC and is able to recover regions of low signal without increasing imaging time or interecho spacing.
Morphological and functional analyses of skeletal muscles from an immunodeficient animal model of limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E
Authors: Giovannelli Gaia , Giacomazzi Giorgia , Grosemans Hanne , Sampaolesi Maurilio 
Published: February 2018

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2E (LGMD2E) is caused by mutations in the β‐sarcoglycan gene, which is expressed in skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscles. β‐Sarcoglycan‐deficient (Sgcb‐null) mice develop severe muscular dystrophy and cardiomyopathy with focal areas of necrosis. Methods: In this study we performed morphological (histological and cellular characterization) and functional (isometric tetanic force and fatigue) analyses in dystrophic mice. Comparison studies were carried out in 1‐month‐old (clinical onset of the disease) and 7‐month‐old control mice (C57Bl/6J, Rag2/γc‐null) and immunocompetent and immunodeficient dystrophic mice (Sgcb‐null and Sgcb/Rag2/γc‐null, respectively). Results: We found that the lack of an immunological system resulted in an increase of calcification in striated muscles without impairing extensor digitorum longus muscle performance. Sgcb/Rag2/γc‐null muscles showed a significant reduction of alkaline phosphate‐positive mesoangioblasts. Discussion: The immunological system counteracts skeletal muscle degeneration in the murine model of LGMD2E. Muscle Nerve 58: 133–144, 2018
No Significant Effect of Maternal Perception of the Food Environment on Reproductive Success or Pup Outcomes in C57BL/6J Mice
Authors: Gibbs Victoria K. , Schwartz Tonia S. , Johnson Maria S. , Patki Amit , Nagy Tim R. , George Brandon J. , Allison David B. 
Published: February 2018

ObjectivePrior work concerning maternal perception of the food environment suggests that perceived disparities in food resources resulted in reduced pup mass and dam reproductive success. This study attempted to replicate this result with increased sample size and additional measures.MethodsFemale C57BL/6J mice (n = 160; 3 weeks old) were randomly assigned to either subject or peer and were pair housed in partitioned cages with olfactory and visual contact. After a 6‐week maturation period on an energy‐rich cafeteria diet, cages were randomly assigned to Control (subject and peer fed pelleted diet) or Treatment (subject fed pellets, peer fed cafeteria diet), and subjects were bred. After weaning, one pup from each sex per litter was reared to 5 months.ResultsTreatment did not affect the number of births, pup size at birth, or the proportion of pups surviving to weaning (P > 0.09). Treatment did not affect dam body or fat mass at parturition (P > 0.22), but these measures were higher in some Treatment dams at weaning (P < 0.05). Smaller female pups were weaned from Treatment dams pregnant on the first breeding attempt (P = 0.01), but no other pup effects were observed (P > 0.07).ConclusionsExposure to food‐environment disparity in this study did not replicate previous findings or affect pup growth after weaning.