bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Levels of Par-1 kinase determine the localization of Bruchpilot at the Drosophila neuromuscular junction synapses
Authors: Barber Kara R. , Hruska Martin , Bush Keegan M. , Martinez Jade A. , Fei Hong , Levitan Irwin B. , Dalva Matthew B. , Wairkar Yogesh P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractFunctional synaptic networks are compromised in many neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative diseases. While the mechanisms of axonal transport and localization of synaptic vesicles and mitochondria are relatively well studied, little is known about the mechanisms that regulate the localization of proteins that localize to active zones. Recent finding suggests that mechanisms involved in transporting proteins destined to active zones are distinct from those that transport synaptic vesicles or mitochondria. Here we report that localization of BRP-an essential active zone scaffolding protein in Drosophila, depends on the precise balance of neuronal Par-1 kinase. Disruption of Par-1 levels leads to excess accumulation of BRP in axons at the expense of BRP at active zones. Temporal analyses demonstrate that accumulation of BRP within axons precedes the loss of synaptic function and its depletion from the active zones. Mechanistically, we find that Par-1 co-localizes with BRP and is present in the same molecular complex, raising the possibility of a novel mechanism for selective localization of BRP-like active zone scaffolding proteins. Taken together, these data suggest an intriguing possibility that mislocalization of active zone proteins like BRP might be one of the earliest signs of synapse perturbation and perhaps, synaptic networks that precede many neurological disorders.
RNA-Seq transcriptomic profiling of primary murine microglia treated with LPS or LPS + IFNγ
Authors: Pulido-Salgado Marta , Vidal-Taboada Jose M. , Barriga Gerardo Garcia-Diaz , Solà Carme , Saura Josep 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMicroglia, the main resident immune cells in the CNS, are thought to participate in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders. LPS and LPS + IFNγ are stimuli that are widely used to activate microglia. However, the transcriptomic profiles of microglia treated with LPS and LPS + IFNγ have not been properly compared. Here, we treated murine primary microglial cultures with LPS or LPS + IFNγ for 6 hours and then performed RNA-Sequencing. Gene expression patterns induced by the treatments were obtained by WGCNA and 11 different expression profiles were found, showing differential responses to LPS and LPS + IFNγ in many genes. Interestingly, a subset of genes involved in Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s and Huntington’s disease were downregulated by both treatments. By DESeq analysis we found differentially upregulated and downregulated genes that confirmed LPS and LPS + IFNγ as inducers of microglial pro-inflammatory responses, but also highlighted their involvement in specific cell functions. In response to LPS, microglia tended to be more proliferative, pro-inflammatory and phagocytic; whereas LPS + IFNγ inhibited genes were involved in pain, cell division and, unexpectedly, production of some inflammatory mediators. In summary, this study provides a detailed description of the transcriptome of LPS- and LPS + IFNγ treated primary microglial cultures. It may be useful to determine whether these in vitro phenotypes resemble microglia in in vivo pathological conditions.
Highly efficient MoOx-free semitransparent perovskite cell for 4 T tandem application improving the efficiency of commercially-available Al-BSF silicon
Authors: Ramos F. Javier , Jutteau Sebastien , Posada Jorge , Bercegol Adrien , Rebai Amelle , Guillemot Thomas , Bodeux Romain , Schneider Nathanaelle , Loones Nicolas , Ory Daniel , Broussillou Cedric , Goaer Gilles , Lombez Laurent , Rousset Jean 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this work, the fabrication of MoOx-free semitransparent perovskite solar cells (PSC) with Power Conversion Efficiencies (PCE) up to 15.7% is reported. Firstly, opaque PSCs up to 19.7% were fabricated. Then, the rear metal contact was replaced by a highly transparent and conductive indium tin oxide (ITO) film, directly sputtered onto the hole selective layer, without any protective layer between Spiro-OMeTAD and rear ITO. To the best of our knowledge, this corresponds to the most efficient buffer layer-free semitransparent PSC ever reported. Using time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) technique on both sides of the semitransparent PSC, Spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite and perovskite/TiO2 interfaces were compared, confirming the great quality of Spiro-OMeTAD/perovskite interface, even after damage-less ITO sputtering, where degradation phenomena result less important than for perovskite/TiO2 one. Finally, a 4-terminal tandem was built combining semitransparent PSC with a commercially-available Aluminium Back Surface Field (Al-BSF) silicon wafer. That silicon wafer presents PCE = 19.52% (18.53% after being reduced to cell size), and 5.75% once filtered, to generate an overall 4 T tandem efficiency of 21.18% in combination with our champion large semitransparent PSC of 15.43%. It means an absolute increase of 1.66% over the original silicon wafer efficiency and a 2.65% over the cut Si cell.
Postmortem Interval and Diagnostic Performance of the Autopsy Methods
Authors: Hurtado Juan Carlos , Quintó Llorenç , Castillo Paola , Carrilho Carla , Fernandes Fabiola , Jordao Dercio , Lovane Lucilia , Navarro Mireia , Casas Isaac , Bene Rosa , Nhampossa Tacilta , Santos Ritchie Paula , Bandeira Sónia , Sambo Calvino , Chicamba Valeria , Mocumbi Sibone , Jaze Zara , Mabota Flora , Ismail Mamudo R. , Lorenzoni Cesaltina , Guisseve Assucena , Rakislova Natalia , Marimon Lorena , Castrejon Natalia , Sanz Ariadna , Cossa Anelsio , Mandomando Inacio , Munguambe Khátia , Maixenchs Maria , Muñoz-Almagro Carmen , Macete Eusebio , Alonso Pedro , Vila Jordi , Bassat Quique , Menéndez Clara , Martínez Miguel J. , Ordi Jaume 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPostmortem studies, including the complete diagnostic autopsy (CDA) and the minimally invasive autopsy (MIA), an innovative approach to post-mortem sampling and cause of death investigation, are commonly performed within 24 hours after death because the quality of the tissues deteriorates over time. This short timeframe may hamper the feasibility of the procedure. In this study, we compared the diagnostic performance of the two postmortem procedures when carried out earlier and later than 24 hours after death, as well as the impact of increasing postmortem intervals (PMIs) on the results of the microbiological tests in a series of 282 coupled MIA/CDA procedures performed at the Maputo Central Hospital in Mozambique between 2013 and 2015. 214 procedures were conducted within 24 hours of death (early autopsies), and 68 after 24 hours of death (late autopsies). No significant differences were observed in the number of non-conclusive diagnoses (2/214 [1%] vs. 1/68 [1%] p = 0.5645 for the CDA; 27/214 [13%] vs. 5/68 [7%] p = 0.2332 for the MIA). However, increasing PMIs were associated with a raise in the number of bacteria identified (rate: 1.014 per hour [95%CI: 1.002–1.026]; p = 0.0228). This increase was mainly due to rising numbers of bacteria of the Enterobacteriaceae family and Pseudomonas genus strains. Thus, performing MIA or CDA more than 24 hours after death can still render reliable diagnostic results, not only for non-infectious conditions but also for many infectious diseases, although, the contribution of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. as etiological agents of infections leading to death may be overestimated.
Targeting Adults for Supplementary Immunization Activities of Measles Control in Central China: A Mathematical Modelling Study
Authors: Chong Ka Chun , Zhang Chi , Jia Katherine Min , Zee Benny Chung Ying , Luo Tongyong , Wang Lei , Tam Greta Chun Huen , Sun Riyang , Wang Maggie Haitian , Guan Xuhua 
Published: October 2018

AbstractRoutine immunizations and supplementary immunization activities (SIAs) have significantly improved measles control over the past two decades in China. Progress towards eliminating measles currently faces multiple challenges as the infection age increases, and adult-targeted SIA strategies are being considered. This study developed an age-stratified susceptible-exposed-infectious-recovered model using a recently published contact matrix to depict measles transmissions between individuals in seven age groups. Hubei, a high measles-incidence province in central China, was the selected setting. The baseline scenario was calibrated by fitting with the 2012–2015 age-stratified incidence data. SIAs targeting multiple age groups were simulated. Adult-targeted (>29 years) two-year SIA cycles produced the greatest annual incidence rate decrease, reducing incidences by half over a long timespan with 90% coverage levels. Incidences could remain below 10/100,000 until 2030 if SIAs were provided to individuals ≥6 years old with at least 50% coverage. These findings will help officials prioritize supplementary vaccination strategies. Public health officials in China should consider adult-to-adult transmissions and provide adult-targeted SIAs. Although officials have reported approximately 90% SIA coverage in the past, SIAs for the adult population should be provided on shorter intervals, particularly for the aging population with decreased immunity.
In situ measurements of micronutrient dynamics in open seawater show that complex dissociation rates may limit diatom growth
Authors: Baeyens Willy , Gao Yue , Davison William , Galceran Josep , Leermakers Martine , Puy Jaume , Superville Pierre-Jean , Beguery Laurent 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn this firstin situstudy of the dynamic availability of phytoplankton micronutrients, a SeaExplorer glider was combined with Diffusive Gradients in Thin Films and deployed in the Mediterranean Sea. On the basis of their labile metal complex pools, we discovered that Fe and Co can be potentially limiting and Cu co-limiting to diatom growth, contrary to the generally accepted view that phosphorus (phosphate) is the growth limiting element in the Mediterranean Sea. For flagellates and picoplankton, phosphorus remains the main element limiting growth. Ourin situmeasurements showed that organic complexes of Fe and Cu (>98% of total dissolved concentration), dissociate slower than inorganic complexes of Co, Cd and Ni (>99% of total dissolved concentration being free ions and inorganic complexes). This strengthens the potential growth limiting effect of Fe and Cu versus phosphate, which is present as a free ion and, thus, directly available for plankton.
The indispensable contribution of s38 protein to ovarian-eggshell morphogenesis in Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Velentzas Athanassios D. , Velentzas Panagiotis D. , Katarachia Stamatia A. , Anagnostopoulos Athanasios K. , Sagioglou Niki E. , Thanou Eleni V. , Tsioka Maria M. , Mpakou Vassiliki E. , Kollia Zoe , Gavriil Vassilios E. , Papassideri Issidora S. , Tsangaris George Th. , Cefalas Alkiviadis-Constantinos , Sarantopoulou Evangelia , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDrosophila chorion represents a remarkable model system for the in vivo study of complex extracellular-matrix architectures. For its organization and structure, s38 protein is considered as a component of major importance, since it is synthesized and secreted during early choriogenesis. However, there is no evidence that proves its essential, or redundant, role in chorion biogenesis. Hence, we show that targeted downregulation of s38 protein, specifically in the ovarian follicle-cell compartment, via employment of an RNAi-mediated strategy, causes generation of diverse dysmorphic phenotypes, regarding eggshell’s regionally and radially specialized structures. Downregulation of s38 protein severely impairs fly’s fertility and is unable to be compensated by the s36 homologous family member, thus unveiling s38 protein’s essential contribution to chorion’s assembly and function. Altogether, s38 acts as a key skeletal protein being critically implicated in the patterning establishment of a highly structured tripartite endochorion. Furthermore, it seems that s38 loss may sensitize choriogenesis to stochastic variation in its coordination and timing.
Monitoring paddy productivity in North Korea employing geostationary satellite images integrated with GRAMI-rice model
Authors: Yeom Jong-min , Jeong Seungtaek , Jeong Gwanyong , Ng Chi Tim , Deo Ravinesh C. , Ko Jonghan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo meet the growing demands of staple crops with a strategy to develop amicable strategic measures that support efficient North Korean relief policies, it is a desirable task to accurately simulate the yield of paddy (Oryza sativa), an important Asian food commodity. We aim to address this with a grid-based crop simulation model integrated with satellite imagery that enables us to monitor the crop productivity of North Korea. Vegetation Indices (VIs), solar insolation, and air temperature data are thus obtained from the Communication Ocean and Meteorological Satellite (COMS), including the reanalysis data of the Korea Local Analysis and Prediction System (KLAPS). Paddy productivities for North Korea are projected based on the bidirectional reflectance distribution function-adjusted VIs and the solar insolation using the grid GRAMI-rice model. The model is calibrated on a 500-m grid paddy field in Cheorwon, and the model simulation performance accuracy is verified for Cheorwon and Paju, located at the borders of North Korea using four years of data from 2011 to 2014. Our results show that the paddy yields are reproduced reasonably accurately within a statistically significant range of accuracy, in comparison with observation data in Cheorwon (p = 0.183), Paju (p = 0.075), and NK (p = 0.101) according to a statistical t-test procedure. We advocate that incorporating a crop model with satellite images for crop yield simulations can be utilised as a reliable estimation technique for the monitoring of crop productivity, particularly in unapproachable, data-sparse regions not only in North Korea, but globally, where estimations of paddy productivity can assist in planning of agricultural activities that support regionally amicable food security strategies.
Association of short-term exposure to fine particulate air pollution and mortality: effect modification by oxidant gases
Authors: Lavigne Eric , Burnett Richard T. , Weichenthal Scott 
Published: October 2018

AbstractShort term changes in exposure to outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations are associated with an increased risk of mortality. However, less is known about how oxidant gases may modify the acute health effects of PM2.5. Our objective was to investigate whether associations between acute exposure to PM2.5 and mortality were modified by the oxidant gases O3 and NO2 using their redox-weighted average (Ox). We conducted a multi-city case-crossover study in 24 cities across Canada between 1998–2011 including 1,179,491 nonaccidental mortality events. Interquartile increases in lag-0 and 3-day mean PM2.5 and Ox concentrations were each associated with small increases in nonaccidental and cardiovascular mortality. In stratified analyses, associations between PM2.5 and nonaccidental and cardiovascular mortality tended to be greatest in the highest tertile of Ox with a significant interaction observed between lag 0 PM2.5 and 3-day mean Ox (interaction p-value = 0.04). There was no evidence of effect modification by Ox in the relationship between PM2.5 and respiratory mortality. Overall, the relationship between short-term changes in outdoor PM2.5 and nonaccidental mortality may be greater when oxidant gas concentrations are also elevated. In some regions, reductions in oxidant gas concentrations may also reduce the acute health impacts of PM2.5.
Hypertension and physical activity in middle-aged and older adults in China
Authors: You Yinghui , Teng Wenjie , Wang Jincai , Ma Guifeng , Ma Anning , Wang Junjie , Liu Pengtao 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThere are few studies examining the association between levels of physical activity and hypertension in middle-aged and older adults in China. Data were drawn from the Chinese Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (using four-stage stratified probability-proportional-to-size sampling), involving 7113 individuals aged 45 years and older from 28 provinces of China. Hypertension was defined as a systolic BP ≥ 130 mm Hg, or diastolic BP ≥ 80 mm Hg, or self-reported use of anti-hypertensive medications. The awareness, treatment, and control among hypertensive participants were 53.12%, 43.37%, and 10.03%, respectively. The prevalence of hypertension was 56.12% among all the participants, higher in main city zones (58.68%) than villages (55.52%) and other areas (55.78%, p < 0.0001). Participants who were overweight (BMI ≥ 24: AOR 4.08, 95% CI 3.21–5.20, P < 0.0001; BMI ≥ 28: 10.03, 7.56–13.31, P < 0.0001), and drinking more than once a month (1.28, 1.12–1.46, P < 0.0001) were more likely to have hypertension. The decision tree model was established to analyze the importance of different levels of physical activity on hypertension prevention. Participants who usually participated in moderate-to-vigorous activity for more than 10 minutes (vigorous: 0.82, 0.73–0.91, P = 0.0004; moderate: 0.83, 0.75–0.92, P = 0.0006) were less likely to have hypertension. The results of the decision tree showed that the vigorous physical activity seemed to be more important than moderate and light activity to induce beneficial effects on prevention of hypertension. The strength of our study is in using the decision tree to clearly rank the importance of those key factors affecting hypertension.
Augmented liver inflammation in a microsomal prostaglandin E synthase 1 (mPGES-1)-deficient diet-induced mouse NASH model
Authors: Henkel Janin , Coleman Charles Dominic , Schraplau Anne , Jöhrens Korinna , Weiss Thomas Siegfried , Jonas Wenke , Schürmann Annette , Püschel Gerhard Paul 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn a subset of patients, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is complicated by cell death and inflammation resulting in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress to fibrosis and subsequent organ failure. Apart from cytokines, prostaglandins, in particular prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), play a pivotal role during inflammatory processes. Expression of the key enzymes of PGE2 synthesis, cyclooxygenase 2 and microsomal PGE synthase 1 (mPGES-1), was increased in human NASH livers in comparison to controls and correlated with the NASH activity score. Both enzymes were also induced in NASH-diet-fed wild-type mice, resulting in an increase in hepatic PGE2 concentration that was completely abrogated in mPGES-1-deficient mice. PGE2 is known to inhibit TNF-α synthesis in macrophages. A strong infiltration of monocyte-derived macrophages was observed in NASH-diet-fed mice, which was accompanied with an increase in hepatic TNF-α expression. Due to the impaired PGE2 production, TNF-α expression increased much more in livers of mPGES-1-deficient mice or in the peritoneal macrophages of these mice. The increased levels of TNF-α resulted in an enhanced IL-1β production, primarily in hepatocytes, and augmented hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, attenuation of PGE2 production by mPGES-1 ablation enhanced the TNF-α-triggered inflammatory response and hepatocyte apoptosis in diet-induced NASH.
Transient overvoltage on overhead metal return lines of ±500 kV MMC‐HVDC grid
Authors: He Huiwen , Li Xiaolan , Lou Ying , Wang Lei , Zhou Peihong 
Published: October 2018

The ±500 kV half‐bridge modular multilevel converter‐high‐voltage DC (MMC‐HVDC) grid project with overhead transmission line is under construction in China at present. For MMC‐HVDC grid, only one electrical grounding point is allowed and thus, the metal return lines on the same towers with positive and negative polar lines are necessary. However, current studies mainly focused on the control methods of MMC‐HVDC substation and few studies have been done on the transient overvoltage of overhead transmission line for the MMC‐HVDC project. This study analysed the main transient overvoltage types of metal return lines of ±500 kV half‐bridge MMC‐HVDC grid which transmit electric power by overhead lines and clear the grounding fault by DC breakers. Based on a ±500 kV MMC‐HVDC grid project, the simulation models were built using PSCAD and the possible transient overvoltage types were studied. The results showed that the most serious overvoltage was caused by the DC breaker clearing the grounding fault. Then the insulation coordination design for metal return lines was carried out. The recommended arcing horn clearances at different altitude were given. The research results provided support for the insulation design of the transmission line.
Iterative design method of LCL filter for grid‐connected converter to achieve optimal filter parameter combination
Authors: Tong Li , Chen Chao , Zhang Jianping 
Published: October 2018

This study proposes an iterative design method of L‐type Inductor, Capacitor, and L‐type Inductor (LCL) filter for grid‐connected converter to achieve optimal filter parameter combination. LCL filter is commonly used for to reduce high frequency harmonic pollutions being injected into distributed power network. Accordingly, the performance of harmonics attenuation is taken as the most decisive constraint for filter parameter design. Usually, traditional methods apply the full‐modulated operating condition to acquire amplitudes of present voltage harmonics, leading to over‐designed capability of harmonics attenuation, which means increased inductance, degraded dynamic response, and enlarged weight and space. To deal with these challenges, the harmonic distortion factor is first proposed to evaluate the influence of different order voltage harmonic on grid current distortion. Also then, with four deduced constraint functions, an iterative design procedure is proposed to obtain satisfactory region of all filter parameters. As a result, the capability of harmonics attenuation can be precisely designed, and the optimal parameter combination brings about significant reduction of filter inductance. For instance, compared with the traditional method, the total inductance can be reduced by 23.3% in a 10 kW system. Finally, the experimental results are presented to demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed method.
High current field test of impulse transient characteristics of substation grounding grid
Authors: Tong Xuefang , Dong Xiaohui , Tan Bo 
Published: October 2018

It is significant to research the impulse characteristics of substation grounding grid for its optimal design and safe and stable operation. In order to obtain the impulse transient characteristics of substation grounding grid under lightning impulse current more accurately, the impulse current field test was done on a real substation grid. By monitoring the impulse grounding impedance, impulse coefficient, longitudinal current, and node potential under different test conditions, impulse characteristics curves and the effect of some influence factors are gotten, then the main zones of current dispersion and voltage drop are proposed, as well as the effective areas under different conditions are proposed combined with simulation analysis. The results show that: the impulse grounding impedance and impulse coefficient are smaller when the current is injected from the central of the grid. The main current dispersion region of the large‐scale grounding grid is about 40 m around the injection point. The potential drops about 30% within 20 m around the injection point, and the change of the potential is small in the far distance. The effective area of substation grounding grid is affected by soil resistivity, and its side length is usually only tens of meters.