bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improvement of laryngoscopic view by hand-assisted elevation and caudad traction of the shoulder during tracheal intubation in pediatric patients
Authors: Ahn Jin Hee , Kim Doyeon , Gil Nam-su , Son Yong Hun , Seong Bong Gyu , Jeong Ji Seon 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPediatric patients have large heads and relatively small bodies, making it difficult to perform intubation even in the sniffing position. Therefore, this study was planned on the assumption that hand-assisted elevation and caudad traction of the shoulder (HA-ECTS) would compensate for the laryngoscopic view. In this observational study, 45 pediatric patients aged 0–36 months with an ASA physical status of I-III and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia were enrolled. HA-ECTS was defined as hand-assisted personalized traction in the upper and caudad directions with both hands under the lower cervical area. The POGO (percentage of glottis opening) score, MO (mouth opening), and LHS (laryngoscopic handling score) were compared before and after HA-ECTS. The median [range] POGO score was 30[10–50]% and 60[15–80]% before and after HA-ECTS, respectively (median difference, 20; 95% confidence interval [CI] 10 to 25%; P = 0.002). MO was 1.0[0.8–1.9] cm and 1.8[1.3–2.0] cm before and after HA-ECTS, respectively (median difference, 0.45 cm; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.60; P < 0.001). The ease of laryngoscopic handling was improved after HA-ECTS(P < 0.001). The application of HA-ECTS to pediatric patients younger than 3 years improved POGO score, MO, and LHS and could prove to be an assistive technique for tracheal intubation.
Completely scrambled memory for quantum superposition
Authors: Mukai Tetsuya 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAlthough constructing a quantum computation device with multiple qubits is arguably a difficult task, several seconds of coherence time with tens of thousands of quantum particles has been demonstrated with a trapped atomic ensemble. As a practical application, a security-enhanced quantum state memory using atoms has been demonstrated. It was shown that the quantum superposition preserved in an atomic ensemble was scrambled and faithfully descrambled; however, the scrambled phase ambiguity remained at 50%. To overcome this problem, we propose and demonstrate a scheme that achieves 100% phase ambiguity without introducing an extra Ramsey interferometer. Moreover, this scheme can be used as a direct application to keep the choice between two values secret without falsification.
Modeling spinocerebellar ataxias 2 and 3 with iPSCs reveals a role for glutamate in disease pathology
Authors: Chuang Ching-Yu , Yang Chih-Chao , Soong Bing-Wen , Yu Chun-Ying , Chen Shu-Hwa , Huang Hsiang-Po , Kuo Hung-Chih 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSpinocerebellar ataxias 2 and 3 (SCA2 and SCA3) are dominantly inherited neurodegenerative diseases caused by expansion of polyglutamine-encoding CAG repeats in the affected genes. The etiology of these disorders is known to involve widespread loss of neuronal cells in the cerebellum, however, the mechanisms that contribute to cell death are still elusive. Here we established SCA2 and SCA3 induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and demonstrated that SCA-associated pathological features can be recapitulated in SCA-iPSC-derived neurons. Importantly, our results also revealed that glutamate stimulation promotes the development of disease-related phenotypes in SCA-iPSC-derived neurons, including altered composition of glutamatergic receptors, destabilized intracellular calcium, and eventual cell death. Furthermore, anti-glutamate drugs and calcium stabilizer treatment protected the SCA-iPSC-derived neurons and reduced cell death. Collectively, our study demonstrates that the SCA-iPSC-derived neurons can recapitulate SCA-associated pathological features, providing a valuable tool to explore SCA pathogenic mechanisms and screen drugs to identify potential SCA therapeutics.
Real-time analysis of quantum dot labeled single porcine epidemic diarrhea virus moving along the microtubules using single particle tracking
Authors: Hou Wei , Li Yangyang , Kang Wenjie , Wang Xin , Wu Xuping , Wang Shouyu , Liu Fei 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn order to study the infection mechanism of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV), which causes porcine epidemic diarrhea, a highly contagious enteric disease, we combined quantum dot labeled method, which could hold intact infectivity of the labeled viruses to the largest extent, with the single particle tracking technique to dynamically and globally visualize the transport behaviors of PEDVs in live Vero cells. Our results were the first time to uncover the dynamic characteristics of PEDVs moving along the microtubules in the host cells. It is found that PEDVs kept restricted motion mode with a relatively stable speed in the cell membrane region; while performed a slow-fast-slow velocity pattern with different motion modes in the cell cytoplasm region and near the microtubule organizing center region. In addition, the return movements of small amount of PEDVs were also observed in the live cells. Collectively, our work is crucial for understanding the movement mechanisms of PEDV in the live cells, and the proposed work also provided important references for further analysis and study on the infection mechanism of PEDVs.
12,23-Dione dammarane triterpenes from Gynostemma longipes and their muscle cell proliferation activities via activation of the AMPK pathway
Authors: Ha Thi Kim Quy , Pham Ha Thanh Tung , Cho Hyo Moon , Tran Van On , Yang Jun-Li , Jung Da-Woon , Williams Darren R. , Oh Won Keun 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe aging population is growing rapidly around the world and there is also an increase in sarcopenia, which is characterized by decreased muscle mass, strength and function in the elderly population. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is an essential sensor and regulator of glucose, lipid and energy metabolism throughout the body. Previous studies have shown that AMPK pathway activation by regular exercise and appropriate dietary control have beneficial effects on skeletal muscle. In the process of searching for new AMPK activators from medicinal plants, we isolated and characterized eight new 12,23-dione dammarane triterpenoids (1–3 and 5–9), as well as one known gypentonoside A from Gynostemma longipes. When all isolates were tested for their AMPK activation activities, seven compounds (1 and 3–8) were significantly activated AMPK phosphorylation in mouse C2C12 skeletal muscle cell lines. Since G. longipes contained a significant amount of active compound 1 (over 2.08% per dried raw plant), it suggested the potential of this plant to be developed as a functional food or botanical drug that enhances muscle proliferation by activating AMPK signaling pathways.
Using all-sky differential photometry to investigate how nocturnal clouds darken the night sky in rural areas
Authors: Jechow Andreas , Hölker Franz , Kyba Christopher C. M. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractArtificial light at night has affected most of the natural nocturnal landscapes worldwide and the subsequent light pollution has diverse effects on flora, fauna and human well-being. To evaluate the environmental impacts of light pollution, it is crucial to understand both the natural and artificial components of light at night under all weather conditions. The night sky brightness for clear skies is relatively well understood and a reference point for a lower limit is defined. However, no such reference point exists for cloudy skies. While some studies have examined the brightening of the night sky by clouds in urban areas, the published data on the (natural) darkening by clouds is very sparse. Knowledge of reference points for the illumination of natural nocturnal environments however, is essential for experimental design and ecological modeling to assess the impacts of light pollution. Here we use differential all-sky photometry with a commercial digital camera to investigate how clouds darken sky brightness at two rural sites. The spatially resolved data enables us to identify and study the nearly unpolluted parts of the sky and to set an upper limit on ground illumination for overcast nights at sites without light pollution.
Structural and electronic properties of Mo6S3I6 nanowires by newly proposed theoretical compositional ordering
Authors: Chung You Kyoung , Lee Weon-Gyu , Chae Sudong , Choi Jae-Young , Huh Joonsuk 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe structural, electronic, and magnetic properties of molybdenum-based nanowires have been actively investigated for their potential applications in nanodevices; however, further advancement is hindered by incomplete knowledge of the electronic and atomic structures of Mo6S3I6. To facilitate further development of Mo6S3I6 nanowire devices, we propose possible atomic structures and corresponding electronic properties of Mo6S3I6 nanowires based on density functional theory. We explored various combinations of atomic structures by changing the positions of sulfur and iodine atoms linked to the two Mo6 octahedra in the Mo6S3I6 unit cell. We found two stable local energy minima structures characterized by elongation of the wire length, and therefore propose 28 possible atomic configurations. We calculated band structures of the newly proposed atomic models and found three structures that behaved as conductors. According to our compositional ordering structural analysis, we concluded that (i) periodic distortion of the bond lengths influences the behavior of the electrons in the system, (ii) the role of sulfur atoms in the bridging plane is important for intramolecular charge transport due to delocalized charge differences, and (iii) the electronic band gap energy is proportional to the integrated Mo-S bonding orbital energy.
Fluorescent Fe Embedded Magnetic Nanodiamonds Made by Ion Implantation
Authors: Lin Bo-Rong , Kunuku Srinivasu , Chen Chien-Hsu , Chen Tzung-Yuang , Hsiao Tung-Yuan , Yu Hung-Kai , Chang Yu-Jen , Liao Li-Chuan , Niu Huan , Lee Chien-Ping 
Published: February 2019

AbstractWe demonstrate fluorescent Fe embedded magnetic nanodiamonds by ion implantation and two-step annealing. The diamond characteristics with a highly ordered core and a graphite surface layer are maintained after the implantation process. After the two-step annealing process, a bright red fluorescence associated with nitrogen-vacancy centers is observed. These new fluorescent magnetic nanodiamonds can be used as a dual-function in vivo tracer with both optical visibility and magnetic resonance imaging capabilities. They are potentially useful for the more advanced in vivo biological and medical applications.
Tracking perceptual decision mechanisms through changes in interhemispheric functional connectivity in human visual cortex
Authors: Sousa Teresa , Duarte João V. , Costa Gabriel N. , Kemper Valentin G. , Martins Ricardo , Goebel Rainer , Castelo-Branco Miguel 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe role of long-range integration mechanisms underlying visual perceptual binding and their link to interhemispheric functional connectivity, as measured by fMRI, remains elusive. Only inferences on anatomical organization from resting state data paradigms not requiring coherent binding have been achieved. Here, we used a paradigm that allowed us to study such relation between perceptual interpretation and functional connectivity under bistable interhemispheric binding vs. non-binding of visual surfaces. Binding occurs by long-range perceptual integration of motion into a single object across hemifields and non-binding reflects opponent segregation of distinct moving surfaces into each hemifield. We hypothesized that perceptual integration vs. segregation of surface motion, which is achieved in visual area hMT+, is modulated by changes in interhemispheric connectivity in this region. Using 7T fMRI, we found that perceptual long-range integration of bistable motion can be tracked by changes in interhemispheric functional connectivity between left/right hMT+. Increased connectivity was tightly related with long-range perceptual integration. Our results indicate that hMT+ interhemispheric functional connectivity reflects perceptual decision, suggesting its pivotal role on long-range disambiguation of bistable physically constant surface motion. We reveal for the first time, at the scale of fMRI, a relation between interhemispheric functional connectivity and decision based perceptual binding.
Investigation of relationship between vitamin D status and reproductive fitness in Scottish hill sheep
Authors: Zhou Ping , McEvoy Thomas G. , Gill Andrew C. , Lambe Nicola R. , Morgan-Davies Claire R. , Hurst Emma , Sargison Neil D. , Mellanby Richard J. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThere is a growing interest in the influence of vitamin D on ovine non-skeletal health. The aim of this study was to explore the relationship between pre-mating vitamin D status, as assessed by serum concentrations of 25-Hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D; comprising D2 and D3] and subsequent reproductive performance of genetically unimproved Scottish Blackface (UBF), genetically improved Scottish Blackface (IBF) and Lleyn ewes kept under Scottish hill conditions. 25-Hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and 25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3) concentrations were determined in serum samples harvested in November from ewes grazed outdoors. There were no significant differences in 25(OH)D2concentrations amongst the 3 genotypes. Lleyn ewes had significantly higher 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D concentrations than both Scottish Blackface ewe genotypes, whereas these vitamin D parameters did not differ significantly between the UBF and IBF ewes. Concentrations of 25(OH)D3 and 25(OH)D were positively associated with subsequent birth weights of singleton and of twin lamb litters. No significant associations between vitamin D status and number of lambs born or weaned per ewe were found. This study demonstrates that concentrations of cutaneously-derived 25(OH)D3, but not of orally consumed 25(OH)D2, differed between breeds. The positive association between ewe vitamin D status and offspring birth weight highlights the need for further investigations.
Preparation and characterization of homogeneous and enhanced casein protein-based composite films via incorporating cellulose microgel
Authors: Yao Yijun , Wang Hongru , Wang Ruirui , Chai Yong 
Published: February 2019

AbstractGelatin-coupled cellulose (GCC) microgel with whisker-like structure is prepared and used to incorporate into casein (CA) matrix to construct reinforced CA-based composite films by solution casting. The GCC microgel has excellent dispersibility and stability in water, which contributes to the hydrophobicity and significantly reduces the moisture absorption of the composite films, as well as a decrease in the water vapor permeability with an increase of GCC content at different relative humidity is also observed. Compared with pure casein material, the resultant CA-based composite films show more homogeneous and dense cross-sectional structure, and the cleavage temperature of the hydrogen bonds increases by 16 °C. In particular, their tensile strength and Young’s modulus increase by 6 and 3.5 times, respectively. These indicators are superior to that of the nanoparticle enhanced CA-based composite film. Moreover, the light transmittance of the CA-based films at 550 nm is about 88% when GCC content is higher than 9%. The above results could be attributed to the strong hydrogen bonds formed between GCC components and CA matrix, as further confirmed by fourier transform infrared spectra and X-ray diffraction analysis.
Autoimmune rheumatic disease IgG has differential effects upon neutrophil integrin activation that is modulated by the endothelium
Authors: Khawaja Akif A. , Pericleous Charis , Ripoll Vera M. , Porter Joanna C. , Giles Ian P. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractThe importance of neutrophils in the pathogenesis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is increasingly recognised. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) by activated neutrophils are both thought to contribute to pathology; although the underlying mechanisms, particularly the effects of IgG autoantibodies upon neutrophil function, are not fully understood. Therefore, we determined whether purified IgG from patients with SLE or RA have differential effects upon neutrophil activation and function. We found that SLE- and RA-IgG both bound human neutrophils but differentially regulated neutrophil function. RA- and SLE-IgG both increased PMA-induced β1integrin-mediated adhesion to fibronectin, whilst only SLE-IgG enhanced αMβ2integrin-mediated adhesion to fibrinogen. Interestingly, only SLE-IgG modulated neutrophil adhesion to endothelial cells. Both SLE- and RA-IgG increased ROS generation and DNA externalisation by unstimulated neutrophils. Only SLE-IgG however, drove DNA externalisation following neutrophil activation. Co-culture of neutrophils with resting endothelium prevented IgG-mediated increase of extracellular DNA, but this inhibition was overcome for SLE-IgG when the endothelium was stimulated with TNF-α. This differential pattern of neutrophil activation has implications for understanding SLE and RA pathogenesis and may highlight avenues for development of novel therapeutic strategies.
Segmented Echo Planar Imaging Improves Detection of Subcortical Functional Connectivity Networks in the Rat Brain
Authors: Tambalo Stefano , Scuppa Giulia , Bifone Angelo 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSusceptibility artifacts in the vicinity of aural and nasal cavities result in significant signal drop-out and image distortion in echo planar imaging of the rat brain. These effects may limit the study of resting state functional connectivity in deep brain regions. Here, we explore the use of segmented EPI for resting state fMRI studies in the rat, and assess the relative merits of this method compared to single shot EPI. Sequences were evaluated in terms of signal-to-noise ratio, geometric distortions, data driven detection of resting state networks and group level correlations of time series. Multishot imaging provided improved SNR, temporal SNR and reduced geometric distortion in deep areas, while maintaining acceptable overall image quality in cortical regions. Resting state networks identified by independent component analysis were consistent across methods, but multishot EPI provided a more robust and accurate delineation of connectivity patterns involving deep regions typically affected by susceptibility artifacts. Importantly, segmented EPI showed reduced between-subject variability and stronger statistical significance of pairwise correlations at group level over the whole brain and in particular in subcortical regions. Multishot EPI may represent a valid alternative to snapshot methods in functional connectivity studies, particularly for the investigation of subcortical regions and deep gray matter nuclei.
Azolla pinnata, Aspergillus terreus and Eisenia fetida for enhancing agronomic value of paddy straw
Authors: Arora Manveen , Kaur Arvinder 
Published: February 2019

AbstractIn the present study rice straw (R, control) was mixed with Cowdung (C), Azolla (A) and cellulolytic fungus Aspergillus terreus (F) in different combinations viz. RC, RA, RF, RCF, RCA, RFA and RCFA and subjected to aerobic composting (Acom) and vermicomposting (Vcom - with Eisenia fetida). It was found that addition of azolla and cattledung to two parts straw(RCA-666: 314:20 g) caused fastest degradation (105 days), gave maximum population buildup of E. fetida (cocoons, hatchlings and worm biomass), highest decline in pH, EC, TOC and C/N ratio and maximum increase over control in N(17.72%), P(44.64%), K(43.17%), H (7.93%), S (14.85%), Ca(10.16%), Na(145.97%), Fe(68.56%), Zn(12.10%) and Cu(32.24%). Rice straw (R) took longest time for degradation i.e. 120 and 140 days and had lowest content of nutrients in Vcom as well as Acom group. RCFA was also converted into Vcom at the same time but other parameters were less than RCA except for highest content of B (19.87%), Mg(21.27%) and Mn (5.58%). Bioconversion of three parts straw (RCA-735:245:20 g) was also faster (110 days) with vermicomposting than all the mixtures of Acom group (130–140 days) but nutrient content was slightly less than RCA with 2 parts straw. The results show that azolla reduces dependence on cattledung for recycling the carbon rich rice straw and enhances its agronomic value.
A novel immunogenic mouse model of melanoma for the preclinical assessment of combination targeted and immune-based therapy
Authors: Lelliott Emily J. , Cullinane Carleen , Martin Claire A. , Walker Rachael , Ramsbottom Kelly M. , Souza-Fonseca-Guimaraes Fernando , Abuhammad Shatha , Michie Jessica , Kirby Laura , Young Richard J. , Slater Alison , Lau Peter , Meeth Katrina , Oliaro Jane , Haynes Nicole , McArthur Grant A. , Sheppard Karen E. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractBoth targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been used successfully to treat melanoma, but the development of resistance and poor response rates to the individual therapies has limited their success. Designing rational combinations of targeted therapy and immunotherapy may overcome these obstacles, but requires assessment in preclinical models with the capacity to respond to both therapeutic classes. Herein, we describe the development and characterization of a novel, immunogenic variant of the BrafV600ECdkn2a−/−Pten−/− YUMM1.1 tumor model that expresses the immunogen, ovalbumin (YOVAL1.1). We demonstrate that, unlike parental tumors, YOVAL1.1 tumors are immunogenic in vivo and can be controlled by immunotherapy. Importantly, YOVAL1.1 tumors are sensitive to targeted inhibitors of BRAFV600E and MEK, responding in a manner consistent with human BRAFV600E melanoma. The YOVAL1.1 melanoma model is transplantable, immunogenic and sensitive to clinical therapies, making it a valuable platform to guide strategic development of combined targeted therapy and immunotherapy approaches in BRAFV600E melanoma.
Remotely constraining the temporal evolution of offshore oil systems
Authors: Corrick Alexander J. , Selby David , McKirdy David M. , Hall Philip A. , Gong Se , Trefry Christine , Ross Andrew S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractAn understanding of the temporal evolution of a petroleum system is fundamental to interpreting where hydrocarbons may be trapped in the subsurface. However, traditional exploration methods provide few absolute constraints on the timing of petroleum generation. Here we show that 187Re/187Os geochronology may be applied to natural crude oil seepage to determine when petroleum generation occurred in offshore sedimentary basins. Using asphaltites collected from the South Australian coastline, our determined Re-Os age (68 ± 15 million years ago) is consistent with their derivation from a Late Cretaceous source rock in the nearby Bight Basin, an interpretation similarly favoured by source-specific biomarker constraints. Furthermore, the calculated initial 187Os/188Os composition of the asphaltites, a value inherited from the source rock at the time of oil generation, suggests that the source rock represents the later stage of Oceanic Anoxic Event 2. Our results demonstrate a new approach to identifying the origin of crude oils encountered in coastal environments by providing direct constraints on the timing of petroleum generation and potential source rock intervals in poorly characterised offshore sedimentary basins prior to exploratory drilling.