bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Ultra-sensitive Magnetic Microscopy with an Optically Pumped Magnetometer
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Savukov Igor 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOptically pumped magnetometers (OPMs) based on lasers and alkali-metal vapor cells are currently the most sensitive non-cryogenic magnetic field sensors. Many applications in neuroscience and other fields require high-resolution, high-sensitivity magnetic microscopic measurements. In order to meet this demand we combined a cm-size spin-exchange relaxation-free (SERF) OPM and flux guides (FGs) to realize an ultra-sensitive FG-OPM magnetic microscope. The FGs serve to transmit the target magnetic flux to the OPM thus improving both the resolution and sensitivity to small magnetic objects. We investigated the performance of the FG-OPM device using experimental and numerical methods and demonstrated that an optimized device can achieve a unique combination of high resolution (80 μm) and high sensitivity (8.1 pT/"Equation missing"). In addition, we also performed numerical calculations of the magnetic field distribution in the FGs to estimate the magnetic noise originating from the domain fluctuations in the material of the FGs. We anticipate many applications of the FG-OPM device such as the detection of micro-biological magnetic fields; the detection of magnetic nano-particles; and non-destructive testing. From our theoretical estimate, an FG-OPM could detect the magnetic field of a single neuron, which would be an important milestone in neuroscience.
Fabrication of Radially Symmetric Graded Porous Silicon using a Novel Cell Design
Authors: Zhao Mingrui , Keswani Manish 
Published: April 2016

AbstractA contactless method using a novel design of the experimental cell for formation of porous silicon with morphological gradient is reported. Fabricated porous silicon layers show a large distribution in porosity, pore size and depth along the radius of the samples. Symmetrical arrangements of morphology gradient were successfully formulated radially on porous films and the formation was attributed to decreasing current density radially inward on the silicon surface exposed to Triton® X-100 containing HF based etchant solution. Increasing the surfactant concentration increases the pore depth gradient but has a reverse effect on the pore size distribution. Interestingly, when dimethyl sulfoxide was used instead of Triton® X-100 in the etchant solution, no such morphological gradients were observed and a homogeneous porous film was formed.
Neutrophil Elastase-mediated proteolysis activates the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-36 Receptor antagonist
Authors: Macleod Tom , Doble Rosella , McGonagle Dennis , Wasson Christopher W. , Alase Adewonuola , Stacey Martin , Wittmann Miriam 
Published: April 2016

AbstractThe interleukin-36 receptor antagonist (IL-36Ra) which regulates IL-36α, -β and -γ is linked to psoriatic inflammation, especially loss-of-function mutations in pustular psoriasis subtypes. As observed with other IL-1 superfamily proteins, the IL-36 members require N-terminal cleavage for full biological activity but the mechanisms of IL-36Ra activation remain poorly defined. Using different blood leukocyte and skin resident cell preparations and recombinant proteins, we have identified that neutrophil elastase, but not other neutrophil derived proteases, cleaves IL-36Ra into its highly active antagonistic form. The activity of this processed form of IL-36Ra was confirmed in human primary dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes and in skin equivalents. A significant dose dependent reduction of IL-36γ induced IL-8 and chemokine ligand 20 (CCL20) levels were detected following addition of the cleaved IL-36Ra compared to full length IL-36Ra. By activating IL-36Ra, the neutrophil derived protease can inhibit IL-36 induced chemokine production, including IL-8 and CCL20 and reduce further inflammatory cell infiltration. These findings strongly indicate neutrophil elastase to be a key enzyme in the biological function of IL-36Ra and that neutrophils can play a regulatory role in psoriatic inflammation with regard to balancing the pro-inflammatory activity of IL-36.
Randomly Distributed Fabry-Pérot-type Metal Nanowire Resonators and Their Lasing Action
Authors: Kwon Kyungmok , Jung Youngho , Kim Minkyung , Shim Jaeho , Yu Kyoungsik 
Published: April 2016

AbstractOptical feedback mechanisms are often obtained from well-defined resonator structures fabricated by top-down processes. Here, we demonstrate that two-dimensional networks of metallic nanowires dispersed on the semiconductor slab can provide strong in-plane optical feedback and, thus, form randomly-distributed Fabry-Pérot-type resonators that can achieve multi- or single-mode lasing action in the near infrared wavelengths. Albeit with their subwavelength-scale cross-sections and uncontrolled inter-nanowire distances, a cluster of nearly parallel metal nanowires acts as an effective in-situ reflector for the semiconductor-metal slab waveguide modes for coherent optical feedback in the lateral direction. Fabry-Pérot type resonance can be readily developed by a pair of such clusters coincidentally formed in the solution-processed random nanowire network. Our low-cost and large-area approach for opportunistic random cavity formation would open a new pathway for integrated planar light sources for low-coherence imaging and sensing applications.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi in soil and roots respond differently to phosphorus inputs in an intensively managed calcareous agricultural soil
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Yunlong , Jiang Shanshan , Deng Yan , Christie Peter , Murray Philip J. , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Junling 
Published: April 2016

AbstractUnderstanding the diversity and community structure of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) is important for potentially optimizing their role in mining phosphorus (P) in agricultural ecosystems. Here, we conduct a comprehensive study to investigate the vertical distribution of AMF in a calcareous field and their temporal structure in maize-roots with fertilizer P application over a three-year period. The results showed that soil available-P response to P fertilization but maize yields did not. Phosphorus fertilization had no-significant effect on richness of AMF except at greater soil-depths. High P-supply reduced root colonization while optimum-P tended to increase colonization and fungal richness on all sampling occasions. Crop phenology might override P-supply in determining the community composition of active root inhabiting fungi. Significant differences in the community structure of soil AMF were observed between the controls and P treatments in surface soil and the community shift was attributable mainly to available-P, N/P and pH. Vertical distribution was related mainly to soil electrical conductivity and Na content. Our results indicate that the structure of AMF community assemblages is correlated with P fertilization, soil depth and crop phenology. Importantly, phosphorus management must be integrated with other agricultural-practices to ensure the sustainability of agricultural production in salinized soils.
Evaluation of voltage-dependent calcium channel γ gene families identified several novel potential susceptible genes to schizophrenia
Authors: Guan Fanglin , Zhang Tianxiao , Liu Xinshe , Han Wei , Lin Huali , Li Lu , Chen Gang , Li Tao 
Published: April 2016

AbstractVoltage-gated L-type calcium channels (VLCC) are distributed widely throughout the brain. Among the genes involved in schizophrenia (SCZ), genes encoding VLCC subunits have attracted widespread attention. Among the four subunits comprising the VLCC (α − 1, α −2/δ, β and γ), the γ subunit that comprises an eight-member protein family is the least well understood. In our study, to further investigate the risk susceptibility by the γ subunit gene family to SCZ, we conducted a large-scale association study in Han Chinese individuals. The SNP rs17645023 located in the intergenic region of CACNG4 and CACNG5 was identified to be significantly associated with SCZ (OR = 0.856, P = 5.43 × 10−5). Similar results were obtained in the meta-analysis with the current SCZ PGC data (OR = 0.8853). We also identified a two-SNP haplotype (rs10420331-rs11084307, P = 1.4 × 10−6) covering the intronic region of CACNG8 to be significantly associated with SCZ. Epistasis analyses were conducted and significant statistical interaction (OR = 0.622, P = 2.93 × 10−6, Pperm < 0.001) was observed between rs192808 (CACNG6) and rs2048137 (CACNG5). Our results indicate that CACNG4, CACNG5, CACNG6 and CACNG8 may contribute to the risk of SCZ. The statistical epistasis identified between CACNG5 and CACNG6 suggests that there may be an underlying biological interaction between the two genes.
Metabolomic Profiling of Infectious Parapneumonic Effusions Reveals Biomarkers for Guiding Management of Children with Streptococcus pneumoniae Pneumonia
Authors: Chiu Chih-Yung , Lin Gigin , Cheng Mei-Ling , Chiang Meng-Han , Tsai Ming-Han , Lai Shen-Hao , Wong Kin-Sun , Hsieh Sen-Yung 
Published: April 2016

AbstractMetabolic markers in biofluids represent an attractive tool for guiding clinical management. The aim of this study was to identify metabolic mechanisms during the progress of pleural infection in children with Streptococcus pneumoniae pneumonia. Forty children diagnosed with pneumococcal pneumonia were enrolled and analysis of pleural fluid metabolites categorized by complicated parapneumonic effusions (CPE) and non-CPE was assessed by using 1H-NMR spectroscopy. Multivariate statistical analysis including principal components analysis (PCA) and partial least-squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were performed. Metabolites identified were studied in relation to subsequent intervention procedures by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Ten metabolites significantly different between CPE and non-CPE were identified. A significantly lower level of glucose for glycolysis was found in CPE compared to non-CPE. Six metabolites involving bacterial biosynthesis and three metabolites involving bacterial fermentation were significantly higher in CPE compared to non-CPE. Glucose and 3-hydroxybutyric acid were the metabolites found to be useful in discriminating from receiving intervention procedures. Metabolic profiling of pleural fluid using 1H-NMR spectroscopy provides direct observation of bacterial metabolism in the progress of pneumococcal pneumonia. An increase in the metabolism of butyric acid fermentation of glucose could potentially lead to the need of aggressive pleural drainage.
Noise and the Perceptual Filling-in effect
Authors: Zomet Ativ , Polat Uri , Levi Dennis M. 
Published: April 2016

AbstractNearby collinear flankers increase the false alarm rate (reports of the target being present when it is not) in a Yes-No experiment. This effect has been attributed to “filling-in” of the target location due to increased activity induced by the flankers. According to signal detection theory, false alarms are attributed to noise in the visual nervous system. Here we investigated the effect of external noise on the filling-in effect by adding white noise to a low contrast Gabor target presented between two collinear Gabor flankers at a range of target-flanker separations. External noise modulates the filling-in effect, reducing visual sensitivity (d′) and increasing the filling-in effect (False Alarm rate). We estimated the amount of external noise at which the false alarm rate increases by the √2 (which we refer to as NFA). Across flank distances, both the false alarm rate and d′ (with no external noise) are correlated with NFA. These results are consistent with the notion that nearby collinear flankers add both signal and noise to the target location. The increased signal results in higher d′ values; the increased noise to higher false alarm rates (the filling effect).
Aortic Arch Calcification Predicts Patency Loss of Arteriovenous Fistula in End-Stage Renal Disease Patients
Authors: Yap Yit-Sheung , Ting Kai-Ting , Chi Wen-Che , Lin Cheng-Hao , Liu Yi-Chun , Chuang Wan-Long 
Published: April 2016

AbstractAortic arch calcification (AAC) is recognized as an important cardiovascular risk factor in patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The aim of the study was to evaluate the impact of AAC grade on patency rates of arteriovenous fistula (AVF) in this specific population. The data of 286 ESRD patients who had an initial AVF placed were reviewed. The extent of AAC identified on chest radiography was divided into four grades (0–3). The association between AAC grade, other clinical factors, and primary patency of AVF was then analyzed by Cox proportional hazard analysis. The multivariate analysis demonstrated that the presence of AAC grade 2 (hazard ratio (95% confidence interval): 1.80 (1.15–2.84); p = 0.011) and grade 3 (3.03 (1.88–4.91); p < 0.001), and higher level of intact-parathyroid hormone (p = 0.047) were associated with primary patency loss of AVF. In subgroup analysis, which included AVF created by a surgeon assisted with preoperative vascular mapping, only AAC grade 3 (2.41 (1.45–4.00); p = 0.001), and higher intact-parathyroid hormone (p = 0.025) level were correlated with AVF patency loss. In conclusion, higher AAC grade and intact-parathyroid hormone level predicted primary patency loss of AVF in an ESRD population.
Systematic Analysis of Adverse Event Reports for Sex Differences in Adverse Drug Events
Authors: Yu Yue , Chen Jun , Li Dingcheng , Wang Liwei , Wang Wei , Liu Hongfang 
Published: April 2016

AbstractIncreasing evidence has shown that sex differences exist in Adverse Drug Events (ADEs). Identifying those sex differences in ADEs could reduce the experience of ADEs for patients and could be conducive to the development of personalized medicine. In this study, we analyzed a normalized US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Chi-squared test was conducted to discover which treatment regimens or drugs had sex differences in adverse events. Moreover, reporting odds ratio (ROR) and P value were calculated to quantify the signals of sex differences for specific drug-event combinations. Logistic regression was applied to remove the confounding effect from the baseline sex difference of the events. We detected among 668 drugs of the most frequent 20 treatment regimens in the United States, 307 drugs have sex differences in ADEs. In addition, we identified 736 unique drug-event combinations with significant sex differences. After removing the confounding effect from the baseline sex difference of the events, there are 266 combinations remained. Drug labels or previous studies verified some of them while others warrant further investigation.
AKAP18:PKA-RIIα structure reveals crucial anchor points for recognition of regulatory subunits of PKA
Authors: Götz Frank , Roske Yvette , Schulz Maike Svenja , Autenrieth Karolin , Bertinetti Daniela , Faelber Katja , Zühlke Kerstin , Kreuchwig Annika , Kennedy Eileen J. , Krause Gerd , Daumke Oliver , Herberg Friedrich W. , Heinemann Udo , Klussmann Enno 
Published: April 2016

A-kinase anchoring proteins (AKAPs) interact with the dimerization/docking (D/D) domains of regulatory subunits of the ubiquitous protein kinase A (PKA). AKAPs tether PKA to defined cellular compartments establishing distinct pools to increase the specificity of PKA signalling. Here, we elucidated the structure of an extended PKA-binding domain of AKAP18β bound to the D/D domain of the regulatory RIIα subunits of PKA. We identified three hydrophilic anchor points in AKAP18β outside the core PKA-binding domain, which mediate contacts with the D/D domain. Such anchor points are conserved within AKAPs that bind regulatory RII subunits of PKA. We derived a different set of anchor points in AKAPs binding regulatory RI subunits of PKA. In vitro and cell-based experiments confirm the relevance of these sites for the interaction of RII subunits with AKAP18 and of RI subunits with the RI-specific smAKAP. Thus we report a novel mechanism governing interactions of AKAPs with PKA. The sequence specificity of each AKAP around the anchor points and the requirement of these points for the tight binding of PKA allow the development of selective inhibitors to unequivocally ascribe cellular functions to the AKAP18-PKA and other AKAP-PKA interactions.
Colchicine therapy in acute coronary syndrome patients acts on caspase-1 to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome monocyte activation
Authors: Robertson Stacy , Martínez Gonzalo J. , Payet Cloe A. , Barraclough Jennifer Y. , Celermajer David S. , Bursill Christina , Patel Sanjay 
Published: April 2016

Inflammasome activation, with subsequent release of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and IL-18, has recently been implicated in atherosclerosis-associated inflammation. This study aims to assess in acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (1) inflammasome activation in circulating monocytes and (2) whether short-term oral colchicine, a recognized anti-inflammatory agent that has been shown to be cardio-protective in clinical studies, might acutely suppress inflammasome-dependent inflammation. ACS patients (n=21) were randomized to oral colchicine (1 mg followed by 0.5 mg 1 h later) or no treatment, and compared with untreated healthy controls (n=9). Peripheral venous blood was sampled pre- (day 1) and 24 h post- (day 2) treatment. Monocytes were cultured and stimulated with ATP. Analysis of key inflammasome markers was performed by ELISA. IL-1β secretion increased by 580.4% (P&lt;0.01) in ACS patients compared with controls but only with ATP stimulation. Untreated ACS patients secreted significantly higher levels of IL-18 compared with healthy controls independent of ATP stimulation (P&lt;0.05). Colchicine treatment in ACS patients markedly reduced intracellular and secreted levels of IL-1β compared with pre-treatment levels (P&lt;0.05 for both), as well as significantly reducing pro-caspase-1 mRNA levels by 57.7% and secreted caspase-1 protein levels by 30.2% compared with untreated patients (P&lt;0.05 for both). Monocytes from ACS patients are ‘primed’ to secrete inflammasome-related cytokines and short-term colchicine acutely and markedly suppresses monocyte caspase-1 activity, thereby reducing monocyte secretion of IL-1β.
Effects of amino acid mutations in the pore-forming domain of the hemolytic lectin CEL-III
Authors: Nagao Tomonao , Masaki Risa , Unno Hideaki , Goda Shuichiro , Hatakeyama Tomomitsu 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The hemolytic lectin CEL-III forms transmembrane pores in the membranes of target cells. A study on the effect of site-directed mutation at Lys405 in domain 3 of CEL-III indicated that replacements of this residue by relatively smaller residues lead to a marked increase in hemolytic activity, suggesting that moderately destabilizing domain 3 facilitates formation of transmembrane pores through conformational changes.
To the question about the states of workability for automatic control systems with complicated structure
Authors: Kuznetsov P A , Kovalev I V , Losev V V , Kalinin A O , Murygin A V 
Published: April 2016

Abstract
The article discusses the reliability of automated control systems. Analyzes the approach to the classification systems for health States. This approach can be as traditional binary approach, operating with the concept of "serviceability", and other variants of estimation of the system state. This article provides one such option, providing selective evaluation of components for the reliability of the entire system. Introduced description of various automatic control systems and their elements from the point of view of health and risk, mathematical method of determining the transition object from state to state, they differ from each other in the implementation of the objective function. Explores the interplay of elements in different States, the aggregate state of the elements connected in series or in parallel. Are the tables of various logic States and the principles of their calculation in series and parallel connection. Through simulation the proposed approach is illustrated by finding the probability of getting into the system state data in parallel and serially connected elements, with their different probabilities of moving from state to state. In general, the materials of article will be useful for analyzing of the reliability the automated control systems and engineering of the highly-reliable systems. Thus, this mechanism to determine the State of the system provides more detailed information about it and allows a selective approach to the reliability of the system as a whole. Detailed results when assessing the reliability of the automated control systems allows the engineer to make an informed decision when designing means of improving reliability.
Postoperative Symptomatic Anterior Spinal Epidural Hematoma
Authors: González-Diaz Rafael , Auñon-Martin Ismael , Ortega-Garcia Francisco Javier , da Rocha Rui Miguel Reis 
Published: April 2016

Study Design.
A case report.

Objective.
We describe a technique to drain a thoracic and cervical postoperative epidural hematoma causing paraplegia after anterior cervical discectomy and fusion.

Summary of Background Data.
Postoperative compressive spinal epidural hematoma (SEH) is a devastating complication and early diagnosis and treatment is essential. The most commonly accepted treatment is decompression and drainage of hematoma.

Methods.
A 65-year-old male with a degenerative disc disease located at C4-C5, C5-C6, and C6-C7 levels with disc herniation underwent a standard anterior cervical decompression and fusion at C4-C5-C6-C7. Three hours after the procedure, the patient started complaining of progressive paraplegia and affectation of upper extremity. A magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a postoperative SEH extending from C3 to T6, causing compression.
To resolve this unusual complication, a new surgery was performed. An anterior approach through the previous one was performed, and a C6 corpectomy was done. The anterior epidural hematoma was drained with an elastic urinary catheter. At the end of the surgery, a tricortical iliac crest autograft was placed between C5-C7 and the plate was placed as previously.

Results.
The patient recovered tactile and vibratory senses, as well as motor function in both hands 12 hours after the second procedure. The complete drainage of the hematoma was MRI-verified the first postoperative day.
The patient was discharged from the hospital presenting a complete sensitive recovery and a 3/5 of muscle recovery. At one year, the patient made a full recovery and was able to walk unassisted.

Conclusion.
The treatment of choice in SEH is the early decompression as complete as possible, usually with the same approach or at the level of major compression. In rare cases like this, we recommend the use of an elastic catheter to complete hematoma drainage, distant from the surgical wound.

Level of Evidence: N/A