bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new high‐resolution melting assay for genotyping Alternaria species causing citrus brown spot
Authors: Garganese Francesca , Ippolito Antonio , di Rienzo Valentina , Lotti Concetta , Montemurro Cinzia , Sanzani Simona M 
Published: March 2018

AbstractBACKGROUNDAlternaria brown spot is one of the most important diseases of tangerines and their hybrids worldwide. To set up effective control strategy, the accurate detection and identification of the species responsible for the diseases is crucial. However, characterization based on morphology and/or multilocus genetic approaches is time consuming, requires great expertise and sometimes is not conclusive. Therefore, the set‐up of a rapid and efficient DNA‐based assay might be of paramount importance. High‐resolution melting (HRM) analysis represents an interesting tool for the uncovering of nucleotide variations as small as one base difference and, as such, relevant to species characterization.RESULTSIn the present investigation, an HRM assay based on the Alternaria barcoding region OPA1–3 was set up. Specimen strains of the main citrus‐associated Alternaria species and morphotypes generated distinct and normalized profiles, allowing their differentiation when HRM‐tested. Moreover, when the assay was used to screen an Alternaria collection from citrus fruit and leaves, it distributed the 180 isolates in three independent clusters, readily and consistently resolved. Isolates were identified as belonging to the species Alternaria alternata and the species complex A. arborescens. Within A. alternata, the morphotypes alternata (77% of the collection) and limoniasperae (17% of the collection) were present.CONCLUSIONSAlthough further validation experiments will be performed to optimize the assay for a diagnostic use, this HRM approach might represent a rapid, sensitive and specific method for the detection and identification of Alternaria spp. responsible for citrus brown spot disease. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Identification and characterization of a novel alkalistable and salt‐tolerant esterase from the deep‐sea hydrothermal vent of the East Pacific Rise
Authors: Yang Xinwei , Wu Lianzuan , Xu Ying , Ke Chongrong , Hu Fangfang , Xiao Xiang , Huang Jianzhong 
Published: March 2018

AbstractA novel esterase gene selected from metagenomic sequences of deep‐sea hydrothermal vents was successfully expressed in Escherichia coli. The recombinant protein (est‐OKK), which belongs to the lipolytic enzyme family V, exhibited high activity toward pNP‐esters with short acyl chains and especially p‐nitrophenyl butyrate. Site‐mutagenesis results confirmed that est‐OKK contains the nonclassical catalytic tetrad predicted by alignment and computational modeling. The est‐OKK protein is a moderately thermophilic enzyme that is relatively thermostable, and highly salt‐tolerant, which remained stable in 3 mol/L NaCl for 6 hr. The est‐OKK protein showed the considerable alkalistability, displayed optimal activity at pH 9.0 and maintained approximately 70% of its residual activity after incubation at pH 10 for 4 hr. Furthermore, the est‐OKK activity was strongly resistant to a variety of metal ions such as Co2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Na+, and K+; nonionic detergents such as Tween‐20, Tween‐80; and organic solvents such as acetone and isopropanol. Taken together, the novel esterase with unique characteristics may give us a new insight into the family V of lipolytic enzymes, and could be a highly valuable candidate for biotechnological applications such as organic synthesis reactions or food and pharmaceutical industries.
A simple head‐sized phantom for realistic static and radiofrequency characterization at high fields
Authors: Brink Wyger M. , Wu Zhiyi , Webb Andrew G. 
Published: March 2018

PurposeTo demonstrate a simple head‐sized phantom for realistic static and RF field characterization in high field systems.MethodsThe head‐sized phantom was composed of an ellipsoidal compartment and a spherical cavity to mimic the nasal cavity. The phantom was filled with an aqueous solution of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), to mimic the average dielectric properties of brain tissue. The static and RF field distributions were characterized on a 7T MRI system and compared to in vivo measurements and simulations. MR thermometry was performed, and the results were compared to thermal simulations for RF validation purposes.ResultsAccurate reproduction of both static and RF fields patterns observed in vivo was confirmed experimentally and was shown to be strongly affected by the inclusion of the spherical cavity. MR thermometry and transmit efficiency (
) measurements were obtained in close agreement with simulations (peak values agreeing within 0.3 °C and 0.02 μT/√W) as well as fiber optic thermal probes (RMSE < 0.18 °C).ConclusionsA simple head‐sized phantom has been presented that produces B0 and
nonuniformities similar to those encountered in the human head and allows for accurate MR thermometry measurements, making this a suitable reference phantom for RF validation and methodological development in high field MRI.
Videourodynamic characteristics of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome—The role of bladder outlet dysfunction in the pathophysiology
Authors: Kuo Yuh‐Chen , Kuo Hann‐Chorng 
Published: March 2018

AimsTo investigate the characteristics of videourodynamic study (VUDS) in females with interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) focusing on the etiologies of bladder outlet dysfunction (BOD) and their associations with clinical and urodynamic parameters.MethodsIC/BPS females with complete data on symptom assessment, VUDS, the potassium sensitivity test, and cystoscopic hydrodistention were reviewed retrospectively. Diagnoses of bladder dysfunction (hypersensitive bladder, HSB) and BOD including dysfunctional voiding (DV), poor relaxation of the external urethral sphincter (PRES), and bladder neck dysfunction (BND) were made by VUDS. The clinical and urodynamic parameters between patients with normal and abnormal VUDS diagnoses were analyzed.ResultsA total of 348 IC/BPS female patients (mean age 48.8 ± 13.5) were enrolled. HSB was found in 307 (88.2%) patients and BOD in 209 (60.1%). The causes of BOD included DV in 40 (11.5%), PRES in 168 (48.3%), and BND in 1 (0.3%). Patients with DV and BND had higher, and those with PRES had lower detrusor pressures at maximum flow rate (Qmax) than those with normal tracings. For all BOD patients, univariate logistic regression revealed a significant positive correlation of disease duration and negative correlations of urodynamic volume parameters with BOD in IC/BPS patients. Multivariate logistic regression found a cut‐off value of Qmax ≦ 11 mL/s predicted BOD in IC/BPS with a receiver operating characteristic area of 0.81 (sensitivity = 82.0%, specificity = 68.5%).ConclusionsHSB and BOD are common findings on VUDS in IC/BPS females. BOD is associated with duration and hypersensitive bladder. A Qmax ≦ 11 mL/s predicts BOD in IC/BPS.
Factors contributing to treatment outcomes of post‐prostatectomy incontinence surgery for the selection of the proper surgical procedure for individual patients: A single‐center experience
Authors: Kim Myong , Choi Daehun , Hong Jun Hyuk , Kim Choung‐Soo , Ahn Hanjong , Choo Myung‐Soo 
Published: March 2018

ObjectivesTo investigate the clinical and urodynamic parameters affecting the treatment outcomes of post‐prostatectomy incontinence (PPI) surgery.Patients and MethodsWe reviewed the patients with PPI who received an artificial urinary sphincter (AUS) or adjustable male sling (MS) from 2001 to 2016.ResultsA total of 103 patients (AUS, 53; adjustable MS, 50) with a mean age of 69.9 (±5.6, standard deviation) years were analyzed. The mean number of pads used daily was 4.8 (±3.4). The mean symptom duration and follow‐up duration were 46.9 (±31.1) and 31.0 (±21.4) months, respectively. The overall rate of treatment success (≤1 pad per day at last follow‐up) at 12 months postoperatively was 81.6%. Based on univariate analysis, previous pelvic irradiation (P = 0.013), prior PPI surgery (P = 0.017), and degree of incontinence (P = 0.010) were inversely associated with the success of PPI surgery. In patients who received AUS, history of neurologic disease (P = 0.038) was inversely associated with treatment success. However, in patients with an adjustable MS, previous pelvic irradiation (P = 0.001), prior PPI surgery (P = 0.022), and degree of incontinence (P = 0.008) were inversely associated with treatment success.ConclusionsAdjustable MS should be avoided in patients with previous pelvic irradiation, prior PPI surgery, or severe symptoms. Physicians should be aware that the treatment outcome of AUS might be compromised in patients with neurologic disease.
Reliability‐based topology optimization against geometric imperfections with random threshold model
Authors: Kang Zhan , Liu Peishuo 
Published: March 2018

SummaryThis paper develops a new reliability‐based topology optimization framework considering spatially varying geometric uncertainties. Geometric imperfections arising from manufacturing errors are modeled with a random threshold model. The projection threshold is represented by a memoryless transformation of a Gaussian random field, which is then discretized by means of the expansion optimal linear estimation. The structural response and their sensitivities are evaluated with the polynomial chaos expansion, and the accuracy of the proposed method is verified by Monte Carlo simulations. The performance measure approach is adopted to tackle the reliability constraints in the reliability‐based topology optimization problem. The optimized designs obtained with the present method are compared with the deterministic solutions and the reliability‐based design considering random variables. Numerical examples demonstrate the efficiency of the proposed method.
Body Mass Index and Kidney Disease‐Related Mortality in Midlife: A Nationwide Cohort of 2.3 Million Adolescents
Authors: Twig Gilad , Vivante Asaf , Bader Tarif , Derazne Estela , Tsur Avishai M. , Levi Moran , Goldberger Nehama , Leiba Adi , Kark Jeremy D. 
Published: March 2018

ObjectiveThis study aimed to evaluate the association of body mass index (BMI) in adolescence with mortality attributed to kidney disease.MethodsIn this study, 2,294,139 Jewish Israeli adolescents with measured weight and height at 17 years old during the military fitness assessment were analyzed with a follow‐up extending up to 45 years. All kidney‐related outcomes, coded by the Central Bureau of Statistics from death notifications as the underlying cause of death, were obtained by linkage. Cox hazards models were applied.ResultsDuring 42,297,007 person‐years of follow‐up (median 18.4 years), 226 deaths related to kidney disease were recorded. There was an increased risk for kidney‐related death among adolescents with overweight and obesity with adjusted hazard ratios of 2.7 (95% CI: 1.8‐3.9) and 8.4 (5.1‐13.8), respectively, with BMI between 18.5 and 22.0 kg/m2 as the reference. A 15% increased risk for kidney‐related mortality (1.11‐1.19) per unit increment in BMI was observed. Furthermore, a multivariable spline model indicated a minimum risk for kidney‐related mortality starting at BMI of 18.6 kg/m2 with significantly increased risk seen above values of 22.8 kg/m2. The results withstood extensive sensitivity analyses, including stratification of kidney‐related death attributed to acute, chronic, and total kidney disease.ConclusionsAdolescent overweight and obesity are risk markers for kidney‐related mortality over 4 decades.
Non‐isothermal crystallization of polypropylene with sorbitol‐type nucleating agents at cooling rates used in processing
Authors: Schawe Jürgen EK , Budde Felix , Alig Ingo 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSorbitol‐type nucleating agents used as clarifiers for polypropylene (PP) show a complex interplay of phase and crystallization behavior. To study the crystallization behavior, cooling measurements were performed by fast scanning calorimetry using rates between 10 and 4000 K s−1. These rates correspond to cooling rates used in processing. These measurements were combined with conventional differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) measurements at 10 K min−1. The optical properties were characterized by haze measurements. For this investigation the commercially available clarifiers 1,3:2,4‐bis(3,4‐dimethylbenzylidene)sorbitol and 1,2,3‐tridesoxy‐4,6:5,7‐bis‐O‐[(4‐propylphenyl)methylene]nonitol were added to PP in various amounts up to 0.6 wt%. At relatively slow cooling rates only a single crystallization process was observed. In contrast, fast cooling leads to a complex crystallization behavior with up to four different crystallization processes. It was found that the temperature of the main crystallization process during fast cooling correlates with the optical properties from haze measurements. Finally, the cooling rate dependence of the different crystallization processes is discussed in terms of nucleating efficiency of the clarifiers. We conclude that the results of conventional DSC measurements cannot be extrapolated in a simple way to describe the nucleation activity of nucleating agents at cooling conditions relevant during processing. © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of let‐7e on LPS‐Stimulated THP‐1 Cells Assessed by iTRAQ Proteomic Analysis
Authors: Gui Lian , Zhang Qianqian , Cai Yan , Deng Xiaohong , Zhang Yingke , Li Cheukfai , Guo Qi , He Xiaoshun , Huang Junqi 
Published: March 2018

PurposePrevious studies have demonstrated that let‐7e is associated with inflammatory responses. To date, the roles and mechanisms of let‐7e have not been completely revealed.Therefore, we aim to identify proteins associated with let‐7e overexpression and explore their functions in the immune responses, including in cytokine production.Experimental designHigh‐throughput isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) technology is used to provide the first genome‐wide study of THP‐1 cells transfected with let‐7e mimic followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses are used to analyze a large number of differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) associated with let‐7e overexpression or LPS stimulation. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT‐PCR) and 50% tissue culture infective dose (TCID50) assays are processed to confirm the relationship of let‐7e and dengue virus replication.ResultsiTRAQ results show that let‐7e is associated with the expression of anti‐viral proteins. What's more, calcineurin subunit B type 1, an anti‐tumor factor, is upregulated by let‐7e after LPS stimulation. KEGG analyses identify that some DEPS associated with let‐7e overexpression are involved in the measles and influenza A pathways, and LPS‐stimulated proteins in THP‐1 cells are mainly enriched in transcriptional misregulation in cancer pathway and hippo signaling pathway (multiple species). The results of qRT‐PCRand TCID50 show that let‐7e promotes dengue virus replication, which is in agreement with the iTRAQ results.Conclusions and clinical relevanceThese results provide molecular insights into the regulatory mechanisms of let‐7e in cytokine expression, virus replication, and anti‐tumor function.
Inhibition of amyloid beta fibril formation by monomeric human transthyretin
Authors: Garai Kanchan , Posey Ammon E. , Li Xinyi , Buxbaum Joel N. , Pappu Rohit V. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTransthyretin (TTR) is a homotetrameric protein that is found in the plasma and cerebrospinal fluid. Dissociation of TTR tetramers sets off a downhill cascade of amyloid formation through polymerization of monomeric TTR. Interestingly, TTR has an additional, biologically relevant activity, which pertains to its ability to slow the progression of amyloid beta (Aβ) associated pathology in transgenic mice. In vitro, both TTR and a kinetically stable variant of monomeric TTR (M‐TTR) inhibit the fibril formation of Aβ1‐40/42 molecules. Published evidence suggests that tetrameric TTR binds preferentially to Aβ monomers, thus destabilizing fibril formation by depleting the pool of Aβ monomers from aggregating mixtures. Here, we investigate the effects of M‐TTR on the in vitro aggregation of Aβ1‐42. Our data confirm previous observations that fibril formation of Aβ is suppressed in the presence of sub‐stoichiometric amounts of M‐TTR. Despite this, we find that sub‐stoichiometric levels of M‐TTR are not bona fide inhibitors of aggregation. Instead, they co‐aggregate with Aβ to promote the formation of large, micron‐scale insoluble, non‐fibrillar amorphous deposits. Based on fluorescence correlation spectroscopy measurements, we find that M‐TTR does not interact with monomeric Aβ. Two‐color coincidence analysis of the fluorescence bursts of Aβ and M‐TTR labeled with different fluorophores shows that M‐TTR co‐assembles with soluble Aβ aggregates and this appears to drive the co‐aggregation into amorphous precipitates. Our results suggest that mimicking the co‐aggregation activity with protein‐based therapeutics might be a worthwhile strategy for rerouting amyloid beta peptides into inert, insoluble, and amorphous deposits.
Development and validation of a liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry method for determination of caspofungin in dried blood spots
Authors: Cheng Xiaoliang , Liu Kunhong , Liu Yong , Wang Maoyi , Ma Ying 
Published: March 2018

RationaleA liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) method for quantification of caspofungin in dried blood spots (DBS) was developed and validated.MethodsThe DBS samples were prepared by spotting whole blood onto Whatman 903 filter paper, drying at room temperature and extracting with 50% methanol and further cleaned by protein precipitation with acetonitrile. Roxithromycin was selected as internal standard, and the separation of the analytes with endogenous ingredients was accomplished on a Hypersil GOLD aQ column with a mobile phase composed of 0.1% formic acid (v/v) and methanol in gradient mode. The detection of the analytes was performed on a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer in positive electrospray ionization mode, and the following selective reaction monitoring (SRM) transitions were monitored: m/z 547.6 → 538.7 and 837.4→ 679.4 for quantification of caspofungin and the internal standard, respectively.ResultsThe total analytical time was 8 min for each run. The calibration curve exhibited a good linearity over the range from 0.2 to 20 μg/mL and the lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) was 0.2 μg/mL for caspofungin in DBS. The recoveries of caspofungin ranged from 62.64% to 76.69%, and no obvious matrix effect was observed. The intra‐ and inter‐day precision and accuracy were within acceptable limits, and caspofungin in DBS was stable after storage at room temperature for 24 h and at −80°C for 30 days. There was no evident effect of the hematocrit value on the analysis of caspofungin.ConclusionsThe proposed method presents an alternative to the conventional venous sampling method, and was successfully utilized for pharmacokinetics study of caspofungin in ICU patients.
Photonic Potentiation and Electric Habituation in Ultrathin Memristive Synapses Based on Monolayer MoS2
Authors: He Hui‐Kai , Yang Rui , Zhou Wen , Huang He‐Ming , Xiong Jue , Gan Lin , Zhai Tian‐You , Guo Xin 
Published: March 2018

AbstractMonolayer of 2D transition metal dichalcogenides, with a thickness of less than 1 nm, paves a feasible path to the development of ultrathin memristive synapses, to fulfill the requirements for constructing large‐scale high density 3D stacking neuromorphic chips. Herein, memristive devices based on monolayer n‐MoS2 on p‐Si substrate with a large self‐rectification ratio, exhibiting photonic potentiation and electric habituation, are successfully fabricated. Versatile synaptic neuromorphic functions, such as potentiation/habituation, short‐term/long‐term plasticity, and paired‐pulse facilitation, are successfully mimicked based on the inherent persistent photoconductivity performance and the volatile resistive switching behavior. These findings demonstrate the potential applications of ultrathin transition metal dichalcogenides for memristive synapses. These memristive synapses with the combination of photonic and electric neuromorphic functions have prospective in the applications of synthetic retinas and optoelectronic interfaces for integrated photonic circuits based on mixed‐mode electro‐optical operation.
The corridor to survival: Assessment of disaster management literacy in a developing country
Authors: Daramola Oluwole , Odunsi Oluwafemi , Olowoporoku Oluwaseun 
Published: March 2018

AbstractStudies have stressed the importance of disaster literacy and suggested that such awareness is an effective disaster management strategy. The success of this recommendation is however scarcely assessed in literature. This study therefore assesses the application of available disaster‐related information in the management of disasters. The study was carried out in Ibadan, Nigeria. Data were collected by administering a questionnaire to residents in the selected Local Government Area (LGA) in Ibadan. Using systematic sampling technique, household heads’ opinions were sampled in 20% of the buildings. This effort culminated in the sampling of 102 household heads in the LGA. The questionnaire addressed issues on household socioeconomic characteristics; sources, types, and manners of utilization of disaster‐related information available to the households as well as the effects of available disaster‐related information on disaster management. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that 47.9% of the respondents were aware of post‐disaster information, with television or radio (38.5%) and government agencies (26.6%) being the major information sources. It is suggested that disaster management literacy can be properly enhanced if households are provided with practical knowledge of effective pre‐disaster, during‐disaster, and post‐disaster information.