bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Rapid pathogen identification using a novel microarray-based assay with purulent meningitis in cerebrospinal fluid
Authors: Hou Yuting , Zhang Xu , Hou Xiaolin , Wu Ruofen , Wang Yanbai , He Xuexian , Wang Libin , Wang Zhenhai 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn order to improve the diagnosis of pathogenic bacteria in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with purulent meningitis, we developed a DNA microarray technique for simultaneous detection and identification of seven target bacterium. DNA were extracted from 24 CSF samples with purulent meningitis (or suspected purulent meningitis). The specific genes of each pathogen were chosen as the amplification target, performed the polymerase chain reaction (PCR), labeled with a fluorescence dye, and hybridized to the oligonucleotide probes on the microarray. There is no significant cross-hybridization fluorescent signal occurred in untargeted bacteria. There were 87.5% (21/24) positive results in DNA microarray compared with the 58.3% (14/24) of the CSF culture test. Of which 58.3% (14/24) of the patients with culture-confirmed purulent meningitis, 37.5% (9/24) patients who were not confirmed by culture test but were demonstrated by the clinical diagnosis and DNA microarray. Multiple bacterial infections were detected in 5 cases by the microarray. In addition, the number of gene copies was carried out to determine the sensitivity of this technique, which was shown to be 3.5 × 101 copies/μL. The results revealed that the microarray technique which target pathogens of the CSF specimen is better specificity, accuracy, and sensitivity than traditional culture method. The microarray method is an effective tool for rapidly detecting more target pathogens and identifying the subtypes of strains which can eliminate the impact of the different individuals with purulent meningitis for prompt diagnosis and treatment.
Synthesis of N-Bridged Pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidines and Self-Assembly into Twin Rosette Cages and Nanotubes in Organic Media
Authors: Igci Cansu , Karaman Osman , Fan Yiwen , Gonzales Arthur A. , Fenniri Hicham , Gunbas Gorkem 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTwo N-bridged pyrido[4,3-d]pyrimidine derivatives were synthesized toward realization of a self-assembled bis-rosette cage, in organic media. Starting from commercially available malononitrile dimer and dimethyl 5-aminoisophthalate, the target molecules were synthesized in 11 steps using a convergent approach. The final bridged compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and high-resolution mass spectrometry. The hierarchical self-assembly of the nanocages into rosette nanotubes and nanobundles was established by electron microscopy and molecular modelling studies.
Reversal of cerebrovascular constriction in experimental cerebral malaria by L-arginine
Authors: Ong Peng Kai , Moreira Aline S. , Daniel-Ribeiro Cláudio T. , Frangos John A. , Carvalho Leonardo J. M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractVascular dysfunction associated with low nitric oxide (NO) biavailability and low plasma L-arginine levels is observed in both human and experimental cerebral malaria (ECM). In ECM, cerebrovascular constriction results in decreased pial blood flow and hypoxia, and administration of NO donors reverses constriction and increases survival. Supplementation of L-arginine, the substrate for NO synthesis by NO synthases, has been considered as a strategy to improve vascular health and act as adjunctive therapy in human severe malaria. We investigated the effect of L-arginine supplementation on pial vascular tonus of mice with ECM after direct superfusion on the brain surface or systemic delivery. Pial arteriolar diameters ofPlasmodium berghei-infected mice with implanted cranial windows were measured using intravital microscopy methods, before and after L-arginine administration. Systemic delivery of L-arginine was performed intravenously, at 10, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, as bolus injection or slowly through osmotic pumps, combined or not with artesunate. Direct superfusion of L-arginine (10−7M, 10−5M and 10−3M) on the brain surface of mice with ECM resulted in immediate, consistent and dose-dependent dilation of pial arterioles. ECM mice showed marked cerebrovascular constriction that progressively worsened over a 24 h-period after subcutaneous saline bolus administration. L-arginine administration prevented the worsening in pial constriction at all the doses tested, and at 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg it induced temporary reversal of vasoconstriction. Slow, continuous delivery of L-arginine by osmotic pumps, or combined bolus administration of artesunate with L-arginine, also prevented worsening of pial constriction and resulted in improved survival of mice with ECM. L-arginine ameliorates pial vasoconstriction in mice with ECM.
Development and validation of an in vitro model system to study peripheral sensory neuron development and injury
Authors: Jones Iwan , Yelhekar Tushar Devanand , Wiberg Rebecca , Kingham Paul J. , Johansson Staffan , Wiberg Mikael , Carlsson Leif 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe ability to discriminate between diverse types of sensation is mediated by heterogeneous populations of peripheral sensory neurons. Human peripheral sensory neurons are inaccessible for research and efforts to study their development and disease have been hampered by the availability of relevant model systems. Thein vitrodifferentiation of peripheral sensory neurons from human embryonic stem cells therefore provides an attractive alternative since an unlimited source of biological material can be generated for studies that specifically address development and injury. The work presented in this study describes the derivation of peripheral sensory neurons from human embryonic stem cells using small molecule inhibitors. The differentiated neurons express canonical- and modality-specific peripheral sensory neuron markers with subsets exhibiting functional properties of human nociceptive neurons that include tetrodotoxin-resistant sodium currents and repetitive action potentials. Moreover, the derived cells associate with human donor Schwann cells and can be used as a model system to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying neuronal death following peripheral nerve injury. The quick and efficient derivation of genetically diverse peripheral sensory neurons from human embryonic stem cells offers unlimited access to these specialised cell types and provides an invaluablein vitromodel system for future studies.
L10-FeNi films on Au-Cu-Ni buffer-layer: a high-throughput combinatorial study
Authors: Giannopoulos G. , Barucca G. , Kaidatzis A. , Psycharis V. , Salikhov R. , Farle M. , Koutsouflakis E. , Niarchos D. , Mehta A. , Scuderi M. , Nicotra G. , Spinella C. , Laureti S. , Varvaro G. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe fct L10-FeNi alloy is a promising candidate for the development of high performance critical-elements-free magnetic materials. Among the different materials, the Au-Cu-Ni alloy has resulted very promising; however, a detailed investigation of the effect of the buffer-layer composition on the formation of the hard FeNi phase is still missing. To accelerate the search of the best Au-Cu-Ni composition, a combinatorial approach based on High-Throughput (HT) experimental methods has been exploited in this paper. HT magnetic characterization methods revealed the presence of a hard magnetic phase with an out-of-plane easy-axis, whose coercivity increases from 0.49 kOe up to 1.30 kOe as the Au content of the Cu-Au-Ni buffer-layer decreases. Similarly, the out-of-plane magneto-crystalline anisotropy energy density increases from 0.12 to 0.35 MJ/m3. This anisotropy is attributed to the partial formation of the L10FeNi phase induced by the buffer-layer. In the range of compositions we investigated, the buffer-layer structure does not change significantly and the modulation of the magnetic properties with the Au content in the combinatorial layer is mainly related to the different nature and extent of interlayer diffusion processes, which have a great impact on the formation and order degree of the L10FeNi phase.
Novel Urinary Biomarkers For Improved Prediction Of Progressive eGFR Loss In Early Chronic Kidney Disease Stages And In High Risk Individuals Without Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Rodríguez-Ortiz María E. , Pontillo Claudia , Rodríguez Mariano , Zürbig Petra , Mischak Harald , Ortiz Alberto 
Published: October 2018

AbstractChronic kidney disease is associated with increased risk of CKD progression and death. Therapeutic approaches to limit progression are limited. Developing tools for the early identification of those individuals most likely to progress will allow enriching clinical trials in high risk early CKD patients. The CKD273 classifier is a panel of 273 urinary peptides that enables early detection of CKD and prognosis of progression. We have generated urine capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry-based peptidomics CKD273 subclassifiers specific for CKD stages to allow the early identification of patients at high risk of CKD progression. In the validation cohort, the CKD273 subclassifiers outperformed albuminuria and CKD273 classifier for predicting rapid loss of eGFR in individuals with baseline eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. In individuals with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2 and albuminuria <30 mg/day, the CKD273 subclassifiers predicted rapid eGFR loss with AUC ranging from 0.797 (0.743–0.844) to 0.736 (0.689–0.780). The association between CKD273 subclassifiers and rapid progression remained significant after adjustment for age, sex, albuminuria, DM, baseline eGFR, and systolic blood pressure. Urinary peptidomics CKD273 subclassifiers outperformed albuminuria and CKD273 classifier for predicting the risk of rapid CKD progression in individuals with eGFR > 60 ml/min/1.73 m2. These CKD273 subclassifiers represented the earliest evidence of rapidly progressive CKD in non-albuminuric individuals with preserved renal function.
Pelvic orthosis effects on posterior pelvis kinematics An in-vitro biomechanical study
Authors: Klima Stefan , Grunert Ronny , Ondruschka Benjamin , Scholze Mario , Seidel Thomas , Werner Michael , Hammer Niels 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe sacroiliac joint (SIJ) is a well-known source of low back pain, with increasing interest for both conservative and surgical treatment. Alterations in pelvis kinematics are hypothesized as a contributor to SIJ pain and pelvic orthoses one treatment option, but their effects on the pelvis are poorly understood. Alterations in movement patterns induced by the application of pelvic orthoses were determined in five human cadaveric pelvises. Deformations were obtained from the lumbosacral transition and the bilateral SIJ, using digital image correlation and a customized routine to compute the movements within the pelvis. Significant alterations were found for the movements at the SIJ, in particular a vast increase in axial (x-axis) rotation, accompanied by increased inferior (y-) translation of the sacrum relative to the ilium. Movement patterns at the lumbosacral transition changed, causing increases in axial rotation and decreased inferior translation of L5 relative to S1. Using a physiologic mode of load application gives novel insights into the potential effects of pelvic orthoses. The results of these in-vitro experiments vary markedly from previous experiments with loading limited to two or less axes. Furthermore, the influence of pelvic orthoses on the lumbosacral transition warrants further investigation.
The Effects of Non-Thermal Atmospheric Pressure Plasma treated Titanium Surface on Behaviors of Oral Soft Tissue Cells
Authors: Jeong Won-Seok , Kwon Jae-Sung , Choi Eun-Ha , Kim Kwang-Mahn 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHere, we investigated the possible use of the technology known as non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma on integration and control of cytokine release of soft tissue on titanium surface. After NTAPP was applied to titanium samples, changes of surface characteristics were measured as topographical features, contact angle, surface tension, and with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Protein absorption was evaluated using a bovine serum albumin absorption assay. The attachment, viability, morphology, proliferation, and cytokine release of soft tissue on titanium were assessed. No change in topographical features was observed between control and NTAPP-treated groups. However, NTAPP treatment resulted in significant lowering of the contact angle for polar and non-polar liquids and increase of surface tension. Protein absorption was significantly enhanced on the NTAPP-treated samples. Normal soft tissue attachment was improved on the NTAPP-treated groups with good viability. Cellular morphology was improved in NTAPP-treated groups whereas cellular proliferation was not enhanced. There was a significant reduction in the amounts of cytokine release for inflamed IHOK and hTERT-hNOF on the NTAPP-treated groups; except for IL-8 for IHOKs. This study demonstrates that surface functional consequences by NTAPP exposure enhanced behavior of oral soft tissue cells without topographical change.
Forces acting on codon bias in malaria parasites
Authors: Sinha I. , Woodrow C. J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMalaria parasite genomes have a range of codon biases, with Plasmodium falciparum one of the most AT-biased genomes known. We examined the make up of synonymous coding sites and stop codons in the core genomes of representative malaria parasites, showing first that local DNA context influences codon bias similarly across P. falciparum, P. vivax and P. berghei, with suppression of CpG dinucleotides and enhancement of CpC dinucleotides, both within and aross codons. Intense asexual phase gene expression in P. falciparum and P. berghei is associated with increased A3:G3 bias but reduced T3:C3 bias at 2-fold sites, consistent with adaptation of codons to tRNA pools and avoidance of wobble tRNA interactions that potentially slow down translation. In highly expressed genes, the A3:G3 ratio can exceed 30-fold while the T3:C3 ratio can be less than 1, according to the encoded amino acid and subsequent base. Lysine codons (AAA/G) show distinctive behaviour with substantially reduced A3:G3 bias in highly expressed genes, perhaps because of selection against frameshifting when the AAA codon is followed by another adenine. Intense expression is also associated with a strong bias towards TAA stop codons (found in 94% and 89% of highly expressed P. falciparum and P. berghei genes respectively) and a proportional rise in the TAAA stop ‘tetranucleotide’. The presence of these expression-linked effects in the relatively AT-rich malaria parasite species adds weight to the suggestion that AT-richness in the Plasmodium genus might be a fitness adaptation. Potential explanations for the relative lack of codon bias in P. vivax include the distinct features of its lifecycle and its effective population size over evolutionary time.
Reliable detection of low visual acuity in mice with pattern visually evoked potentials
Authors: Tokashiki Naoyuki , Nishiguchi Koji M , Fujita Kosuke , Sato Kota , Nakagawa Yurika , Nakazawa Toru 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMeasuring the optokinetic response (OKR) to rotating sinusoidal gratings is becoming an increasingly common method to determine visual function thresholds in mice. This is possible also through direct electrophysiological recording of the response of the neurons in the visual cortex to the presentation of reversing patterned stimuli, i.e. the pattern visually evoked potential (pVEP). Herein, we optimized the conditions for recording pVEPs in wild-type mice: we investigated the optimal depth (1, 2, or 3 mm) of the inserted electrode and the optimal stimulus pattern (vertical, horizontal, or oblique black and white stripes, or a checkerboard pattern). Visual acuity was higher when measured with the optimal pVEP recording conditions, i.e., with the electrode at 2 mm and a vertical-stripe stimulus (0.530 ± 0.021 cycle/degree), than with OKR (0.455 ± 0.006 cycle/degree). Moreover, in murine eyes with optic nerve crush-induced low vision, OKR could not measure any visual acuity, while pVEPs allowed the reliable quantification of residual vision (0.064 ± 0.004 cycle/degree). Our results show that pVEPs allow more sensitive measurement of visual function than the OKR-based method. This technique should be particularly useful in mouse models of ocular disease and low vision.
Evaluating the origin and virulence of a Helicobacter pylori cagA-positive strain isolated from a non-human primate
Authors: Hashi Kana , Imai Chihiro , Yahara Koji , Tahmina Kamrunnesa , Hayashi Takeru , Azuma Takeshi , Miyabe-Nishiwaki Takako , Sato Hideyuki , Matsuoka Masao , Niimi Sachi , Okamoto Munehiro , Hatakeyama Masanori 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHelicobacter pylori cagA-positive strains are critically involved in the development of gastric cancer. Upon delivery into gastric epithelial cells via type IV secretion, the cagA-encoded CagA interacts with and thereby perturbs the pro-oncogenic phosphatase SHP2 and the polarity-regulating kinase PAR1b via the tyrosine-phosphorylated EPIYA-C/D segment and the CM sequence, respectively. Importantly, sequences spanning these binding regions exhibit variations among CagA proteins, which influence the pathobiological/oncogenic potential of individual CagA. Here we isolated an H. pylori strain (Hp_TH2099) naturally infecting the stomach of a housed macaque, indicating a zoonotic feature of H. pylori infection. Whole genome sequence analysis revealed that Hp_TH2099 belongs to the hpAsia2 cluster and possesses ABC-type Western CagA, which contains hitherto unreported variations in both EPIYA-C and CM sequences. The CM variations almost totally abolished PAR1b binding. Whereas pTyr + 5 variation in the EPIYA-C segment potentiated SHP2-binding affinity, pTyr-2 variation dampened CagA tyrosine phosphorylation and thus impeded CagA-SHP2 complex formation. As opposed to the H. pylori standard strain, infection of mouse ES cell-derived gastric organoids with Hp_TH2099 failed to elicit CagA-dependent epithelial destruction. Thus, the macaque-isolated H. pylori showed low virulence due to attenuated CagA activity through multiple substitutions in the sequences involved in binding with SHP2 and PAR1b.
Study on characteristics of slow‐front overvoltage of ±1100 kV UHVDC transmission lines
Authors: Zhong Jiqun , Qi Qinya , He Hengxin , He Huiwen , Ding Ting , He Junjia 
Published: October 2018

The ±1100 kV Zhundong–Wannan ultra high‐voltage direct current (UHVDC) transmission project is under construction in China, which has the highest operating voltage in the world. The length of the UHVDC overhead transmission line is greater than 3000 km. The electromagnetic transient process caused by grounding faults might have significantly impact on the overvoltage level of DC transmission line, which is crucial for the external insulation configuration of the overhead transmission line. This paper presents a detailed electromagnetic transient simulation model for the UHVDC transmission system using an open‐loop extinction angle control principle. The simulation results demonstrate that the single pole grounding fault into a bipolar system causes the most serious damage. The maximum overvoltage is 1.628 p.u. and the 2% statistic overvoltage is 1.635 p.u., while the reference value is 1122 kV. The influence of DC filters for line overvoltage is also analysed here. Furthermore, results show that adding a no gap line arrester at the midpoint of transmission line can suppress line overvoltage, while the maximum overvoltage reduces by 0.138 p.u. The results obtained provides a reference for the optimisation of the external insulation configuration.
Research on protection block strategy of grounding faults in HVDC converter station
Authors: Liu Yichen , Zhu Xiaoguang , Deng Junbo , Guo Jie , Yu Fang , Li Jiangtao 
Published: October 2018

DC grounding fault is a typical fault for HVDC system. In order to obtain smoother, faster, and more secure transient process, the DC protection block strategy is used to remove and isolate the converter to prevent the accident enlargement and reduce the impact on devices and power grid when the grounding fault is detected. Two main strategies are commonly taken in this situation: the X block for not >±500 kV and the S block for ±800 kV. There is no specific principle on the strategy choosing for ±1100 kV UHVDC system with hierarchical connection mode. Changji–Guquan ±1100 kV UHVDC transmission project adopting hierarchical connection mode at receiving end. In this study, the effects of different DC block strategies when grounding faults occurred in both converter stations are compared based on PSCAD simulation. The simulation results indicate that the overvoltage at rectifier side has two stages while the overvoltage at inverter side has only one. Taking S block strategy can cause lower overvoltage but longer oscillation duration on grounding current. The proper block strategy for ±1100 kV UHVDC grounding faults is adopting S block at rectifier side and X block at inverter side.
Delayed Babcock-Leighton dynamos in the diffusion-dominated regime
Authors: Fournier Y. , Arlt R. , Elstner D. 
Published: October 2018

Context. Solar dynamo models of Babcock-Leighton type typically assume the rise of magnetic flux tubes to be instantaneous. The periods of solutions with high magnetic diffusivity are too short, and their active belts do not migrate correctly. Only the low-diffusivity regime with advective meridional flows is usually considered.Aims. We here discuss these assumptions and apply a time delay in the source term of the azimuthally averaged induction equation. This delay is set to be the rise time of magnetic flux tubes, which are assumed to form at the tachocline. We study the effect of the delay, which adds a nonlinear temporal to the spacial nonlocality in the advective but particularly in the diffusive regime.Methods. We have previously obtained the rise time as a function of rotation and the magnetic field strength at the bottom of the convection zone. These results allowed us to constrain the delay in the mean-field model we used in a parameter study.Results. We identify an unknown family of solutions. These solutions show self-quenching and exhibit longer periods than their nondelayed counterparts. Additionally, we demonstrate that the nonlinear delay is responsible for the recovery of the equatorward migration of the active belts at high turbulent diffusivities.Conclusions. By introducing a nonlinear temporal nonlocality (the delay) in a Babcock-Leighton dynamo model, we were able to obtain solutions that are quantitatively comparable to the solar butterfly diagram in the diffusion-dominated regime.