bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genetic Determinants of Crop Timing and Quality Traits in Two Interspecific Petunia Recombinant Inbred Line Populations
Authors: Guo Yufang , Lin Wei-Kuang , Chen QiuXia , Vallejo Veronica A. , Warner Ryan M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe rate at which plants develop new nodes (development rate) is a major determinant of crop production time, yet the genetic control of this process, including genetic interactions with crop quality parameters, is poorly understood. We employed a modified genotyping-by-sequencing approach and generated genetic linkage maps with 6,291 and 3,297 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) for the interspecific Petunia recombinant inbred line (RIL) population - P. axillaris × P. exserta (AE) and P. integrifolia × P. axillaris (IA), respectively. Comparative mapping between the populations revealed perfect collinearity of marker order but different recombination frequency at the corresponding linkage groups (LGs). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping conducted for development traits and other important quality traits indicated QTL clustered on chromosome 1, 2, 4 and 6 for the AE population and chromosome 1, 2, 5 and 6 for the IA population. Additionally, 209 differentially expressed unique transcripts were identified in shoot apex tissue between fast- and slow-developing RILs, 13 of which mapped to within 1 cM of a development rate QTL. These results will facilitate the identification of novel genes controlling crop timing and quality traits in Petunia and highlight the power of using multiple interspecific populations to elucidate genetic determinants of natural variation.
Wide Incidence Angle-Insensitive Metamaterial Absorber for Both TE and TM Polarization using Eight-Circular-Sector
Authors: Nguyen Toan Trung , Lim Sungjoon 
Published: June 2017

AbstractIn this paper, a wide incidence angle-insensitive metamaterial absorber is proposed using eight-circular-sector (ECS). Under normal incidence, the proposed absorber shows high absorptivity at different polarizations due to its symmetric geometry. Under oblique incidence, zero-reflection conditions for transverse electric (TE) and transverse magnetic (TM) polarization are different. Nevertheless, the proposed absorber shows high absorptivity under oblique incidence of both TE and TM polarization due to ECS. The performance of the proposed absorber was demonstrated with full-wave simulation and measurements. The simulated absorptivity at the specular angles exceed 90% and the frequency variation is less than 0.7% at approximately 9.26 GHz up to a 70° incidence angle in both TM and TE polarization. We built the proposed absorber on a printed-circuit board with 20 × 20 unit cells, and we demonstrated its performance experimentally in free space. The measured absorptivity at 9.26 GHz for the specular angles is close to 98% for all polarization angles under normal incidence. As the incidence angle is varied from 0° to 70°, the measured absorptivity at 9.26 GHz for the specular angles remain above 92% in both TE and TM polarization.
RNAseq based transcriptomics study of SMCs from carotid atherosclerotic plaque: BMP2 and IDs proteins are crucial regulators of plaque stability
Authors: Alloza Iraide , Goikuria Haize , Idro Juan Luis , Triviño Juan Carlos , Fernández Velasco José María , Elizagaray Elena , García-Barcina María , Montoya-Murillo Genoveva , Sarasola Esther , Vega Manrique Reyes , Freijo Maria del Mar , Vandenbroeck Koen 
Published: June 2017

AbstractCarotid artery atherosclerosis is a risk factor to develop cerebrovascular disease. Atheroma plaque can become instable and provoke a cerebrovascular event or else remain stable as asymptomatic type. The exact mechanism involved in plaque destabilization is not known but includes among other events smooth muscle cell (SMC) differentiation. The goal of this study was to perform thorough analysis of gene expression differences in SMCs isolated from carotid symptomatic versus asymptomatic plaques. Comparative transcriptomics analysis of SMCs based on RNAseq technology identified 67 significant differentially expressed genes and 143 significant differentially expressed isoforms in symptomatic SMCs compared with asymptomatic. 37 of top-scoring genes were further validated by digital PCR. Enrichment and network analysis shows that the gene expression pattern of SMCs from stable asymptomatic plaques is suggestive for an osteogenic phenotype, while that of SMCs from unstable symptomatic plaque correlates with a senescence-like phenotype. Osteogenic-like phenotype SMCs may positively affect carotid atheroma plaque through participation in plaque stabilization via bone formation processes. On the other hand, plaques containing senescence-like phenotype SMCs may be more prone to rupture. Our results substantiate an important role of SMCs in carotid atheroma plaque disruption.
Core-multishell globular oxidation in a new TiAlNbCr alloy at high temperatures
Authors: Tang S. Q. , Qu S. J. , Feng A. H. , Feng C. , Shen J. , Chen D. L. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractOxidation resistance is one of key properties of titanium aluminide (TiAl) based alloys for high-temperature applications such as in advanced aero-engines and gas turbines. A new TiAlNbCr alloy with micro-addition of yttrium has been developed, but its oxidation behavior is unknown. To provide some fundamental insights, high-temperature oxidation characteristics of this alloy are examined via scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis, and X-ray diffraction. We show that distinctive core-multishell globular oxidation and “daisy” flower-like oxidation occur exclusively around Y2O3 particles. Globular oxides exhibit multi-layered Y2O3/TiO2/Al2O3-rich/TiO2-rich shell structures from the inside to outside. Flower-like inner oxides consist of core Y2O3 particles surrounded by divergent Al2O3 and oxygen-rich α2-Ti3Al in the near-scale substrate. As the scale-substrate interface moves inward, the inner oxide structures suffer deeper oxidation and transform into the globular oxide structures. Our results demonstrate that the unique oxidation characteristics and the understanding of formation mechanisms pave the way for the exploration and development of advanced oxidation-resistant TiAl-based materials.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine, impairs E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion and alters calcium homeostasis in pancreatic beta cells
Authors: Chang Huang-Yu , Chen Shu-Ling , Shen Meng-Ru , Kung Mei-Lang , Chuang Lee-Ming , Chen Yun-Wen 
Published: June 2017

AbstractSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed drugs for mood disorders. Long term use of SSRIs is associated with an increased risk of diabetes, but the underlying mechanism(s) remains elusive. E-cadherin-mediated cell-cell adhesion and elevated [Ca2+]i are important for insulin release and pancreatic β cell functions. This study aims to investigate whether a SSRI, fluoxetine (Prozac), induces pancreatic β cell dysfunction through affecting E-cadherin and/or [Ca2+]i. Here we show that fluoxetine significantly reduces glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). MIN6 cells, an established murine immortalized β cell line, form smaller colonies of loosely packed cells with reduced cell-cell contact after fluoxetine treatment. Immunofluorescence staining reveals that fluoxetine increases cytoplasmic accumulation of E-cadherin and reduces the membrane-localized E-cadherin probably due to increase of its endocytosis. Fluoxetine inhibits spreading of β cells on E-cad/Fc coated slides and also disrupts E-cadherin-mediated actin filaments. Additionally, fluoxetine significantly suppresses endoplasmic reticulum (ER) calcium release and store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) activation, probably through reduction of ER calcium storage and inhibition of stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1) trafficking. These data suggest that exposure to fluoxetine results in impaired β cell functions, occurring in concert with reduction of E-cadherin-dependent cell adhesion and alterations of calcium homeostasis.
Scanning tunnelling microscope light emission: Finite temperature current noise and over cut-off emission
Authors: Kalathingal Vijith , Dawson Paul , Mitra J. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe spectral distribution of light emitted from a scanning tunnelling microscope junction not only bears its intrinsic plasmonic signature but is also imprinted with the characteristics of optical frequency fluc- tuations of the tunnel current. Experimental spectra from gold-gold tunnel junctions are presented that show a strong bias (V
b
) dependence, curiously with emission at energies higher than the quantum cut-off (eV
b
); a component that decays monotonically with increasing bias. The spectral evolution is explained by developing a theoretical model for the power spectral density of tunnel current fluctuations, incorporating finite temperature contribution through consideration of the quantum transport in the system. Notably, the observed decay of the over cut-off emission is found to be critically associated with, and well explained in terms of the variation in junction conductance with V
b
. The investigation highlights the scope of plasmon-mediated light emission as a unique probe of high frequency fluctuations in electronic systems that are fundamental to the electrical generation and control of plasmons.
An alternative conformation of ERβ bound to estradiol reveals H12 in a stable antagonist position
Authors: Souza Paulo C. T. , Textor Larissa C. , Melo Denise C. , Nascimento Alessandro S. , Skaf Munir S. , Polikarpov Igor 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe natural ligand 17β-estradiol (E2) is so far believed to induce a unique agonist-bound active conformation in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of the estrogen receptors (ERs). Both subtypes, ERα and ERβ, are transcriptionally activated in the presence of E2 with ERβ being somewhat less active than ERα under similar conditions. The molecular bases for this intriguing behavior are mainly attributed to subtype differences in the amino-terminal domain of these receptors. However, structural details that confer differences in the molecular response of ER LBDs to E2 still remain elusive. In this study, we present a new crystallographic structure of the ERβ LBD bound to E2 in which H12 assumes an alternative conformation that resembles antagonist ERs structures. Structural observations and molecular dynamics simulations jointly provide evidence that alternative ERβ H12 position could correspond to a stable conformation of the receptor under physiological pH conditions. Our findings shed light on the unexpected role of LBD in the lower functional response of ERβ subtype.
Image based Machine Learning for identification of macrophage subsets
Authors: Rostam Hassan M. , Reynolds Paul M. , Alexander Morgan R. , Gadegaard Nikolaj , Ghaemmaghami Amir M. 
Published: June 2017

AbstractMacrophages play a crucial rule in orchestrating immune responses against pathogens and foreign materials. Macrophages have remarkable plasticity in response to environmental cues and are able to acquire a spectrum of activation status, best exemplified by pro-inflammatory (M1) and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotypes at the two ends of the spectrum. Characterisation of M1 and M2 subsets is usually carried out by quantification of multiple cell surface markers, transcription factors and cytokine profiles. These approaches are time-consuming, require large numbers of cells and are resource intensive. In this study, we used machine learning algorithms to develop a simple and fast imaging-based approach that enables automated identification of different macrophage functional phenotypes using their cell size and morphology. Fluorescent microscopy was used to assess cell morphology of different cell types which were stained for nucleus and actin distribution using DAPI and phalloidin respectively. By only analysing their morphology we were able to identify M1 and M2 phenotypes effectively and could distinguish them from naïve macrophages and monocytes with an average accuracy of 90%. Thus we suggest high-content and automated image analysis can be used for fast phenotyping of functionally diverse cell populations with reasonable accuracy and without the need for using multiple markers.
6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light detection using fast terahertz quantum well photodetectors
Authors: Li Hua , Wan Wen-Jian , Tan Zhi-Yong , Fu Zhang-Long , Wang Hai-Xia , Zhou Tao , Li Zi-Ping , Wang Chang , Guo Xu-Guang , Cao Jun-Cheng 
Published: June 2017

AbstractThe fast detection of terahertz radiation is of great importance for various applications such as fast imaging, high speed communications, and spectroscopy. Most commercial products capable of sensitively responding the terahertz radiation are thermal detectors, i.e., pyroelectric sensors and bolometers. This class of terahertz detectors is normally characterized by low modulation frequency (dozens or hundreds of Hz). Here we demonstrate the first fast semiconductor-based terahertz quantum well photodetectors by carefully designing the device structure and microwave transmission line for high frequency signal extraction. Modulation response bandwidth of gigahertz level is obtained. As an example, the 6.2-GHz modulated terahertz light emitted from a Fabry-Pérot terahertz quantum cascade laser is successfully detected using the fast terahertz quantum well photodetector. In addition to the fast terahertz detection, the technique presented in this work can also be used for optically characterizing the frequency stability of terahertz quantum cascade lasers, heterodyne detections and photomixing applications.
The Impact of Deep Brain Stimulation on the Quality of Life and Swallowing in Individuals with Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Olchik Maira , Ghisi Marciéle , Ayres Annelise , Schuh Arthur , Oppitz Paulo , Rieder Carlos 
Published: June 2017

Introduction Deep brain stimulation (DBS) is an established treatment for Parkinson's disease (PD). However, there is little evidence regarding the effect of DBS on dysphagia.
Objective To assess the swallowing and quality of life of individuals with PD before and after DBS surgery.
Methods Our sample consisted of people who had undergone DBS surgery in a referral hospital in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The inclusion criteria were a diagnosis of PD and having undergone DBS surgery. A cognitive screening, through a questionnaire about depression and quality of life, was conducted. Evaluations of each patient's swallowing were performed before and after surgery. The assessment consisted of anamnesis, clinical assessment, the Functional Oral Intake Scale, clinical evaluation of swallowing, and the Hoehn and Yahr scale.
Results The sample included 10 individuals, all male, with a mean age of 57.3 years (±4.7), a mean disease duration of 13.0 years (±2.4), and mean level education of 8.1 years (±4.0). In the clinical evaluation of the swallowing, a significant improvement after DBS was not observed. However, little changes in the signs and symptoms of dysphagia that had a positive impact on the quality of life were observed. Furthermore, there was no relation between the patients' motor subtype and swallowing pre- and post-DBS.
Conclusion There was an improvement in the quality of life of the patients after DBS. However, the improvement in the clinical signs and symptoms of dysphagia did not cause an overall improvement in the swallowing function.
Management of Advanced and Terminal Hepatocellular Carcinoma: When and How to Treat, and When not to Treat?
Authors: Rilling William , White Sarah 
Published: June 2017

AbstractHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide according to the National Cancer Institute. If treated with liver directed therapy, patients' median overall survival is significantly improved at 20.1 versus 4.3 months without treatment. The purpose of this article is to give an overview on when and how to treat, and when not to treat patients with advanced or terminal HCC. Treatment of patients with advanced HCC can be challenging, as patients are often already debilitated due to their chronic underlying liver disease. Performance status, hepatic function, tumor characteristics, and the patient's desire to maintain their quality of life should be at the forefront of deciding when and how to treat this patient population. If patients are found to be outside treatment criteria, referral to palliative care can be beneficial.
Association of Resident Duty Hour Reform and Neonatal Outcomes of Very Preterm Infants
Authors: Piedboeuf Bruno , Platt Robert , Barrington Keith , Bizgu Victoria , Shah Prakesh , Beltempo Marc ,   on behalf of the Canadian Neonatal Network Investigators
Published: June 2017

Objective To assess the association of the 2011 Quebec provincial resident duty hour reform, which reduced the maximum consecutive hours worked by all residents from 24 to 16 hours, with neonatal outcomes.
Study Design Retrospective observational study of 4,271 infants born between 23 and 32 weeks, admitted at five Quebec neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) participating in the Canadian Neonatal Network (CNN) between 2008 and 2015 was conducted. Adjusted odds ratios (AORs) were calculated to compare mortality and the composite outcome of mortality or major morbidity before and after the implementation of the duty hour reform.
Results The mortality rate was 8.4% (218/2,598) before the resident duty hour reform and 8.6% (182/2,123) after the reform (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.83–1.26). The composite outcome rate was 32% (830/2,598) before the duty hour reform and 29% (615/2,123) after the reform (OR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.77–0.98). In the adjusted analyses, the resident call-hour reform was not associated with a significant change in mortality (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI = 0.91–1.50) or composite outcome (AOR = 0.87, 95% CI = 0.74–1.03).
Conclusion Reducing residents' duty hours from 24 to 16 hours in Quebec was not associated with a difference in mortality or the composite outcome of very preterm infants.
Risk of Ovarian Involvement in Advanced Colorectal or Appendiceal Tumors Involving the Peritoneum
Authors: Mehta Akash M. , Bignell Mark B. , Alves Sue , Dayal Sanjeev P. , Mohamed Faheez , Cecil Tom D. , Moran Brendan J. 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:
Ovarian metastases of GI tumors grow rapidly and are relatively resistant to systemic chemotherapy. They may be unilateral or bilateral and macroscopic or occult. The risk of macroscopic ovarian involvement or occult involvement of macroscopically normal ovaries is unquantified.

OBJECTIVE:
This study aims to quantify the risks of ovarian involvement in patients with peritoneal malignancy undergoing cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy.

DESIGN:
This was a retrospective analysis of a dedicated prospective malignancy database.

SETTINGS:
This study was conducted at a high-volume tertiary referral center for peritoneal malignancy.

PATIENTS:
Female patients with at least 1 remaining ovary, undergoing complete cytoreductive surgery and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy for appendiceal tumors or colorectal peritoneal metastases between January 2010 and March 2015 were included.

OUTCOME MEASURES:
Data regarding ovarian involvement was extracted from surgical and histological records.

RESULTS:
Two hundred fifty-eight female patients with at least 1 ovary underwent complete cytoreduction and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy during the study period. In total, 141 of 258 (54.7%) patients had ovarian tumor involvement, and 80% with at least 1 macroscopically abnormal ovary had bilateral involvement. Of 40 patients with 1 macroscopic ovarian metastasis, microscopic involvement of the contralateral ovary was found in 18 of 40 (45.0%). Of 141 patients in whom both ovaries were macroscopically normal, 24 of 141 (17.0%) patients had microscopic ovarian involvement.

LIMITATIONS:
The retrospective nature limits the interpretation of these results.

CONCLUSIONS:
Occult malignancy was present in 17% when both ovaries looked macroscopically normal and in 45% of contralateral normal-looking ovaries if the other ovary was macroscopically involved. These results help to inform preoperative consent and intraoperative decision making in patients with advanced appendiceal and colorectal malignancy, and are of benefit in managing advanced lower GI tract malignancy.
Analysis of Postoperative Venous Thromboembolism in Patients With Chronic Ulcerative Colitis: Is It the Disease or the Operation?
Authors: McKenna Nicholas P. , Behm Kevin T. , Ubl Daniel S. , Glasgow Amy E. , Mathis Kellie L. , Pemberton John H. , Habermann Elizabeth B. , Cima Robert R. 
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND:
Patients with IBD have a higher baseline risk of venous thromboembolism, which further increases with surgery. Therefore, extended venous thromboembolism chemoprophylaxis has been suggested in certain high-risk cohorts.

OBJECTIVE:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the underlying diagnosis, operative procedure, or both influence the incidence of postoperative venous thromboembolism.

DESIGN:
This was a retrospective review.

SETTINGS:
The American College of Surgeons–National Surgical Quality Improvement Project database was analyzed.

PATIENTS:
The NSQIP database was queried for patients with chronic ulcerative colitis and non-IBD undergoing colorectal resections using surgical Current Procedural Terminology codes modeled after the 3 stages used for the surgical management of chronic ulcerative colitis from 2005 to 2013.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:
We measured 30-day postoperative venous thromboembolism risk in patients with chronic ulcerative colitis based on operative stage and risk factors for development of venous thromboembolism.

RESULTS:
A total of 18,833 patients met inclusion criteria, with an overall rate of venous thromboembolism of 3.8. Among procedure risk groups, venous thromboembolism rates were high risk, 4.4%; intermediate risk, 1.6%; and low risk, 0.7% (across risk groups, p < 0.01). Emergent case subjects exhibited a higher rate of venous thromboembolism than their elective counterparts (6.9% vs 3.1%). Factors significantly associated with venous thromboembolism on adjusted analysis included emergent risk case (adjusted OR = 7.85), high-risk elective case (adjusted OR = 5.07), intermediate-risk elective case (adjusted OR = 2.69), steroid use (adjusted OR = 1.54), and preoperative albumin <3.5 g/dL (adjusted OR = 1.45).

LIMITATIONS:
Because of its retrospective nature, correlation between procedures and venous thromboembolism risk can be demonstrated, but causation cannot be proven. In addition, data on inpatient and extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis use are not available.

CONCLUSIONS:
Emergent status and operative procedure are the 2 highest risk factors for postoperative venous thromboembolism. Extended venous thromboembolism prophylaxis might be appropriate for patients undergoing these high-risk procedures or any emergent colorectal procedures. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/A339.