bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Transverse signal decay under the weak field approximation: Theory and validation
Authors: Berman Avery J.L. , Pike G. Bruce 
Published: December 2017

PurposeTo derive an expression for the transverse signal time course from systems in the motional narrowing regime, such as water diffusing in blood. This was validated in silico and experimentally with ex vivo blood samples.MethodsA closed‐form solution (CFS) for transverse signal decay under any train of refocusing pulses was derived using the weak field approximation. The CFS was validated via simulations of water molecules diffusing in the presence of spherical perturbers, with a range of sizes and under various pulse sequences. The CFS was compared with more conventional fits assuming monoexponential decay, including chemical exchange, using ex vivo blood Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill data.ResultsFrom simulations, the CFS was shown to be valid in the motional narrowing regime and partially into the intermediate dephasing regime, with increased accuracy with increasing Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill refocusing rate. In theoretical calculations of the CFS, fitting for the transverse relaxation rate (R2) gave excellent agreement with the weak field approximation expression for R2 for Carr‐Purcell‐Meiboom‐Gill sequences, but diverged for free induction decay. These same results were confirmed in the ex vivo analysis.ConclusionTransverse signal decay in the motional narrowing regime can be accurately described analytically. This theory has applications in areas such as tissue iron imaging, relaxometry of blood, and contrast agent imaging. Magn Reson Med 80:341–350, 2018. © 2017 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.
Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy and malignancy: A systematic review
Authors: Rajabally Yusuf A. , Attarian Shahram 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTA systematic review of the literature was performed on the association of chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) with malignancy. Hematological disorders are the most common association, particulalry non‐Hodgkin lymphoma. CIDP frequently precedes the malignancy diagnosis, and there is a favorable CIDP response to treatment more than 70% of the time. Melanoma is the second most common association and may be accompanied by antiganglioside antibodies; CIDP shows a good response to immunotherapy. Other cancers are rare, with variable timings and presentations but good responses to immunomodulation and/or cancer therapy. Unusual neurological features such as ataxia, distal/upper limb predominance, or cranial/respiratory/autonomic involvement may suggest associated malignancy as may abdominal pain, diarrhea/constipation, poor appetite/weight loss, dermatological lesions, and lymphadenopathy. In the appropriate clinical and electrophysiological setting, CIDP associated with cancer should be considered. Immunomodulatory therapy, cancer treatment alone, or a combination may be effective. Muscle Nerve 57: 875–883, 2018
Understanding higher education fundraisers in the United States
Authors: Shaker Genevieve G. , Nathan Sarah K. 
Published: December 2017

Since their earliest days, the U.S. higher education institutions have relied on philanthropic support to achieve their missions. What began as incidental is now a highly organized process of fundraising that accounts for tens of billions of dollars annually. As institutions' desire for private support grows, so too does the demand for successful fundraising professionals. Drawing on qualitative and quantitative analysis, this survey‐based study (n = 508) of U.S. higher education fundraising personnel provides new knowledge and grounds fundraisers' position in historical and contemporary literature about fundraisers and professionalism. The findings highlight notable generational, income, and gender differences within the higher education sector and between higher education and the greater profession. The analysis shows an established knowledge‐base and set of learnable skills for higher education fundraisers—which are best applied when combined with particular personal attributes. Although the latter are critically important, without full and fair attention to the former, the occupation is unlikely to garner full professional status. This study highlights, the path forward highlights the complexity of contemporary fundraising, is a reminder that fundraising is relationship‐ and information‐driven, and indicates that select, strategic efforts can further professionalize the field. In particular, fundraisers in the education sector may have special opportunities to advance the professionalization of their occupation.
Bariatric Surgery and the Incidence of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis in the Swedish Obese Subjects Study
Authors: Maglio Cristina , Peltonen Markku , Rudin Anna , Carlsson Lena M.S. 
Published: December 2017

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess the effect of bariatric surgery (vertical gastroplasty, gastric banding, or gastric bypass) compared with usual care on the incidence of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) in the Swedish Obese Subjects study.MethodsThis report includes 1,991 subjects who underwent bariatric surgery and 2,018 controls with obesity from the SOS study; none of them had psoriasis or PsA at baseline. Information about psoriasis and PsA diagnosis was retrieved through the Swedish National Patient Register and questionnaires.ResultsDuring follow‐up for up to 26 years, bariatric surgery was associated with a lower incidence of psoriasis compared with usual care (number of events = 174; hazard ratio 0.65; 95% CI: 0.47‐0.89;P = 0.008). Both smoking and a longer duration of obesity were independently associated with a higher risk for psoriasis. No significant difference was detected among the three surgical procedures in terms of lowering the risk of developing psoriasis. The association between bariatric surgery and psoriasis incidence was not influenced by baseline confounders. No significant difference in the risk of developing PsA (number of events = 46) was detected when comparing the surgery and the control groups.ConclusionsThis study shows that bariatric surgery is associated with a lower risk of developing psoriasis compared with usual care.
Carbon Dot Assemblies for Enhanced Cellular Uptake and Photothermal Therapy In Vitro
Authors: Hou Changshun , Wang Mengqi , Guo Liang , Jia Qingyan , Ge Jiechao 
Published: December 2017

AbstractConstructing complex nanoarchitectures via self‐assembly with nanoparticle building blocks is a practical strategy that produces nanostructures with properties that are absent in the individual unit. In this work, we used hydrophilic carbon dots (C‐dots) as building blocks to form C‐dot assemblies. Compared to the individual C‐dot, the self‐assembled C‐dots showed about 30 nm red‐shift of absorption, resulting in the 5.1% increasing of photothermal conversion efficiency upon a 671 nm laser irradiation. More importantly, the C‐dot assemblies enable them can be efficiently uptaken by cancer cells. Meanwhile, in vitro study demonstrated the C‐dot assemblies can efficiently kill cancer cells than that of individual C‐dot upon irradiation for 5 min at equivalent C‐dot concentration. Our study may provide a new strategy for the efficient photothermal therapy of cancer based on C‐dots.
Two centuries of human‐mediated gene flow in northern bobwhites
Authors: Whitt Jeffrey G. , Johnson Jeff A. , Reyna Kelly S. 
Published: December 2017

ABSTRACTThe northern bobwhite (Colinus virginianus; hereafter, bobwhite) population decline has prompted several studies over the past decade investigating bobwhite population genetics and overall connectivity. The zeitgeist of current quail conservation is that bobwhite populations have become increasingly fragmented, leading to their decline as a result of reduced fitness associated with effects from small population size. A few studies exploring population‐level patterns of genetic connectivity at the local scale have identified some areas possessing limited gene flow likely due to recent anthropogenic landscape changes. Interestingly, however, multiple studies using genetic methods have also suggested that the species has experienced a recent range‐wide expansion with few barriers to dispersal, suggesting a large panmictic population. Although the above are both supported by empirical data, we highlight another possibility that has been proposed yet rarely investigated. Millions of wild bobwhites have been transported among populations, and millions more captive‐reared bobwhites have been and continue to be released across the species’ range. Given the massive scale at which bobwhites have been artificially dispersed, more research is needed to investigate the effects of introgression of nonlocal birds on our ability to understand recent changes in bobwhite population fragmentation, size, and diversity. Such information has important management implications to long‐term bobwhite population sustainability. By quantifying the level of human‐mediated bobwhite dispersal events, our review cautions against assigning evolutionary or conservation significance to patterns of genetic connectivity among bobwhite populations until a more systematic effort is made to verify that such activities have not affected our ability to identify natural gene‐flow patterns at both local and broad‐scale distributions. © 2017 The Wildlife Society.
Computational modeling of single‐cell mechanics and cytoskeletal mechanobiology
Authors: Rajagopal Vijay , Holmes William R. , Lee Peter Vee Sin 
Published: December 2017

Cellular cytoskeletal mechanics plays a major role in many aspects of human health from organ development to wound healing, tissue homeostasis and cancer metastasis. We summarize the state‐of‐the‐art techniques for mathematically modeling cellular stiffness and mechanics and the cytoskeletal components and factors that regulate them. We highlight key experiments that have assisted model parameterization and compare the advantages of different models that have been used to recapitulate these experiments. An overview of feed‐forward mechanisms from signaling to cytoskeleton remodeling is provided, followed by a discussion of the rapidly growing niche of encapsulating feedback mechanisms from cytoskeletal and cell mechanics to signaling. We discuss broad areas of advancement that could accelerate research and understanding of cellular mechanobiology. A precise understanding of the molecular mechanisms that affect cell and tissue mechanics and function will underpin innovations in medical device technologies of the future.WIREs Syst Biol Med2018, 10:e1407. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1407This article is categorized under:Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic ModelsPhysiology > Mammalian Physiology in Health and DiseaseModels of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models
British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with Statements for UK Practice
Authors: Hackett Geoff , Kirby Michael , Edwards David , Jones Thomas Hugh , Wylie Kevan , Ossei-Gerning Nick , David Janine , Muneer Asif 
Published: December 2017

AbstractBackgroundTestosterone deficiency (TD) is an increasingly common problem with significant health implications, but its diagnosis and management can be challenging.AimTo review the available literature on TD and provide evidence-based statements for UK clinical practice.MethodsEvidence was derived from Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane searches on hypogonadism, testosterone (T) therapy, and cardiovascular safety from May 2005 to May 2015. Further searches continued until May 2017.OutcomesTo provide a guideline on diagnosing and managing TD, with levels of evidence and grades of recommendation, based on a critical review of the literature and consensus of the British Society of Sexual Medicine panel.Results25 statements are provided, relating to 5 key areas: screening, diagnosis, initiating T therapy, benefits and risks of T therapy, and follow-up. 7 statements are supported by level 1, 8 by level 2, 5 by level 3, and 5 by level 4 evidence.Clinical ImplicationsTo help guide UK practitioners on effectively diagnosing and managing primary and age-related TD.Strengths and LimitationsA large amount of literature was carefully sourced and reviewed, presenting the best evidence available at the time. However, some statements provided are based on poor-quality evidence. This is a rapidly evolving area of research and recommendations are subject to change. Guidelines can never replace clinical expertise when making treatment decisions for individual patients, but rather help to focus decisions and take personal values and preferences and individual circumstances into account. Many issues remain controversial, but in the meantime, clinicians need to manage patient needs and clinical expectations armed with the best clinical evidence and the multidisciplinary expert opinion available.ConclusionImproving the diagnosis and management of TD in adult men should provide somatic, sexual, and psychological benefits and subsequent improvements in quality of life.
The low affinity neurotrophin receptor CD271 regulates phenotype switching in melanoma
Authors: Restivo Gaetana , Diener Johanna , Cheng Phil F. , Kiowski Gregor , Bonalli Mario , Biedermann Thomas , Reichmann Ernst , Levesque Mitchell P. , Dummer Reinhard , Sommer Lukas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractCutaneous melanoma represents the most fatal skin cancer due to its high metastatic capacity. According to the “phenotype switching” model, the aggressive nature of melanoma cells results from their intrinsic potential to dynamically switch from a high-proliferative/low-invasive to a low-proliferative/high-invasive state. Here we identify the low affinity neurotrophin receptor CD271 as a key effector of phenotype switching in melanoma. CD271 plays a dual role in this process by decreasing proliferation, while simultaneously promoting invasiveness. Dynamic modification of CD271 expression allows tumor cells to grow at low levels of CD271, to reduce growth and invade when CD271 expression is high, and to re-expand at a distant site upon decrease of CD271 expression. Mechanistically, the cleaved intracellular domain of CD271 controls proliferation, while the interaction of CD271 with the neurotrophin receptor Trk-A modulates cell adhesiveness through dynamic regulation of a set of cholesterol synthesis genes relevant for patient survival.
Allosteric pyruvate kinase-based “logic gate” synergistically senses energy and sugar levels in Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Authors: Zhong Wenhe , Cui Liang , Goh Boon Chong , Cai Qixu , Ho Peiying , Chionh Yok Hian , Yuan Meng , Sahili Abbas El , Fothergill-Gilmore Linda A. , Walkinshaw Malcolm D. , Lescar Julien , Dedon Peter C. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractPyruvate kinase (PYK) is an essential glycolytic enzyme that controls glycolytic flux and is critical for ATP production in all organisms, with tight regulation by multiple metabolites. Yet the allosteric mechanisms governing PYK activity in bacterial pathogens are poorly understood. Here we report biochemical, structural and metabolomic evidence that Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) PYK uses AMP and glucose-6-phosphate (G6P) as synergistic allosteric activators that function as a molecular “OR logic gate” to tightly regulate energy and glucose metabolism. G6P was found to bind to a previously unknown site adjacent to the canonical site for AMP. Kinetic data and structural network analysis further show that AMP and G6P work synergistically as allosteric activators. Importantly, metabolome profiling in the Mtb surrogate, Mycobacterium bovis BCG, reveals significant changes in AMP and G6P levels during nutrient deprivation, which provides insights into how a PYK OR gate would function during the stress of Mtb infection.
Stateful characterization of resistive switching TiO2 with electron beam induced currents
Authors: Hoskins Brian D. , Adam Gina C. , Strelcov Evgheni , Zhitenev Nikolai , Kolmakov Andrei , Strukov Dmitri B. , McClelland Jabez J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMetal oxide resistive switches are increasingly important as possible artificial synapses in next-generation neuromorphic networks. Nevertheless, there is still no codified set of tools for studying properties of the devices. To this end, we demonstrate electron beam-induced current measurements as a powerful method to monitor the development of local resistive switching in TiO2-based devices. By comparing beam energy-dependent electron beam-induced currents with Monte Carlo simulations of the energy absorption in different device layers, it is possible to deconstruct the origins of filament image formation and relate this to both morphological changes and the state of the switch. By clarifying the contrast mechanisms in electron beam-induced current microscopy, it is possible to gain new insights into the scaling of the resistive switching phenomenon and observe the formation of a current leakage region around the switching filament. Additionally, analysis of symmetric device structures reveals propagating polarization domains.
Tailoring crystallization phases in metallic glass nanorods via nucleus starvation
Authors: Sohn Sungwoo , Xie Yujun , Jung Yeonwoong , Schroers Jan , Cha Judy J. 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMany physical phenomena deviate from their established frameworks when the system approaches relevant length scales governing the phenomena. In crystallization, the relevant length scales are the nucleation length set by the nucleus size and density, and the growth length set by diffusion fields. Here we observe unexpected crystallization phenomena at the nanoscale, using metallic glass (MG) nanorods and in situ transmission electron microscopy. The asymmetry between critical heating and cooling rates disappears for small MG nanorods. Strikingly, an apparent single crystalline phase with its composition similar to the glass composition is observed for very small rods, in contrast to bulk samples. We attribute this to the lack of nuclei in small MG nanorods that approach the nucleation length, thus coined the term, nucleus starvation. By controlling the MG nanorod diameter and crystallization kinetics, we can tune the number of nuclei in a nanorod, thereby tailoring the resulting crystallization phases.
Multivalent cross-linking of actin filaments and microtubules through the microtubule-associated protein Tau
Authors: Cabrales Fontela Yunior , Kadavath Harindranath , Biernat Jacek , Riedel Dietmar , Mandelkow Eckhard , Zweckstetter Markus 
Published: December 2017

AbstractMicrotubule-associated proteins regulate microtubule dynamics, bundle actin filaments, and cross-link actin filaments with microtubules. In addition, aberrant interaction of the microtubule-associated protein Tau with filamentous actin is connected to synaptic impairment in Alzheimer’s disease. Here we provide insight into the nature of interaction between Tau and actin filaments. We show that Tau uses several short helical segments to bind in a dynamic, multivalent process to the hydrophobic pocket between subdomains 1 and 3 of actin. Although a single Tau helix is sufficient to bind to filamentous actin, at least two, flexibly linked helices are required for actin bundling. In agreement with a structural model of Tau repeat sequences in complex with actin filaments, phosphorylation at serine 262 attenuates binding of Tau to filamentous actin. Taken together the data demonstrate that bundling of filamentous actin and cross-linking of the cellular cytoskeleton depend on the metamorphic and multivalent nature of microtubule-associated proteins.
Engineering an aldehyde dehydrogenase toward its substrates, 3-hydroxypropanal and NAD+, for enhancing the production of 3-hydroxypropionic acid
Authors: Park Ye Seop , Choi Un Jong , Nam Nguyen Hoai , Choi Sang Jin , Nasir Abdul , Lee Sun-Gu , Kim Kyung Jin , Jung Gyoo Yeol , Choi Sangdun , Shim Jeung Yeop , Park Sunghoon , Yoo Tae Hyeon 
Published: December 2017

Abstract3-Hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) can be produced via the biological route involving two enzymatic reactions: dehydration of glycerol to 3-hydroxypropanal (3-HPA) and then oxidation to 3-HP. However, commercial production of 3-HP using recombinant microorganisms has been hampered with several problems, some of which are associated with the toxicity of 3-HPA and the efficiency of NAD+ regeneration. We engineered α-ketoglutaric semialdehyde dehydrogenase (KGSADH) from Azospirillum brasilense for the second reaction to address these issues. The residues in the binding sites for the substrates, 3-HPA and NAD+, were randomized, and the resulting libraries were screened for higher activity. Isolated KGSADH variants had significantly lower Km values for both the substrates. The enzymes also showed higher substrate specificities for aldehyde and NAD+, less inhibition by NADH, and greater resistance to inactivation by 3-HPA than the wild-type enzyme. A recombinant Pseudomonas denitrificans strain with one of the engineered KGSADH variants exhibited less accumulation of 3-HPA, decreased levels of inactivation of the enzymes, and higher cell growth than that with the wild-type KGSADH. The flask culture of the P. denitrificans strain with the mutant KGSADH resulted in about 40% increase of 3-HP titer (53 mM) compared with that using the wild-type enzyme (37 mM).
Altered human voice processing in the frontal cortex and a developmental language delay in 3- to 5-year-old children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Yoshimura Yuko , Kikuchi Mitsuru , Hayashi Norio , Hiraishi Hirotoshi , Hasegawa Chiaki , Takahashi Tetsuya , Oi Manabu , Remijn Gerard B. , Ikeda Takashi , Saito Daisuke N. , Kumazaki Hirokazu , Minabe Yoshio 
Published: December 2017

AbstractThe inferior frontal and superior temporal areas in the left hemisphere are crucial for human language processing. In the present study, we investigated the magnetic mismatch field (MMF) evoked by voice stimuli in 3- to 5-year-old typically developing (TD) children and children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) using child-customized magnetoencephalography (MEG). The children with ASD exhibited significantly decreased activation in the left superior temporal gyrus compared with the TD children for the MMF amplitude. If we classified the children with ASD according to the presence of a speech onset delay (ASD - SOD and ASD - NoSOD, respectively) and compared them with the TD children, both ASD groups exhibited decreased activation in the left superior temporal gyrus compared with the TD children. In contrast, the ASD - SOD group exhibited increased activity in the left frontal cortex (i.e., pars orbitalis) compared with the other groups. For all children with ASD, there was a significant negative correlation between the MMF amplitude in the left pars orbitalis and language performance. This investigation is the first to show a significant difference in two distinct MMF regions in ASD – SOD children compared with TD children.
Differential Raman backscattering cross sections of black carbon nanoparticles
Authors: Le Kim Cuong , Lefumeux Christophe , Pino Thomas 
Published: December 2017

AbstractWe report the measurements of the differential Raman backscattering cross sections for several carbonaceous ultrafine particles of environmental relevances. These were obtained by dispersing the target particles in liquid water which was used as the internal standard reference. The optical collection was performed in a configuration to ensure a detection as close as possible to the backward direction. These are the first cross sections on black carbon-type particles although Raman spectroscopy is widely used in Carbon science. The high values of the cross sections, few 10−28 cm2.sr−1.atom−1, reflect resonance effects that take advantages of the disordered polyaromatic structures. Because they were measured in conditions intended to mimic the aerosol phase, these measurements provide a crucial step to move toward quantitative Raman spectroscopy and enable development of dedicated teledetection of black carbon in the atmosphere and in combustion chambers.