bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epigenetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene predicts resting state functional connectivity strength within the salience‐network
Authors: Muehlhan Markus , Kirschbaum Clemens , Wittchen Hans‐Ulrich , Alexander Nina 
Published: August 2015

AbstractGenetic variation in the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) has been associated with psychopathology and aberrant brain functioning in a plethora of clinical and imaging studies. In contrast, the neurobiological correlates of epigenetic signatures in SLC6A4, such as DNA methylation profiles, have only recently been explored in human brain imaging research. The present study is the first to apply a resting state functional magnetic resonance imaging approach to identify changes in brain networks related to SLC6A4 promoter methylation (N = 74 healthy individuals). The amygdalae were defined as seed regions given that resting state functional connectivity in this brain area is under serotonergic control and relates to a broad range of psychiatric phenotypes. We further used bisulfite pyrosequencing to analyze quantitative methylation at 83 CpG sites within a promoter‐associated CpG island of SLC6A4 from blood‐derived DNA samples. The major finding of this study indicates a positive relation of SLC6A4 promoter methylation and amygdaloid resting state functional coupling with key nodes of the salience network (SN) including the anterior insulae and the dorsal anterior cingulate cortices. Increased intra‐network connectivity in the SN is thought to facilitate the detection and subsequent processing of potentially negative stimuli and reflects a core feature of psychopathology. As such, epigenetic changes within the SLC6A4 gene predict connectivity patterns in clinically and behaviorally relevant brain networks which may in turn convey increased disease susceptibility. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4361–4371, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Resting state functional MRI reveals abnormal network connectivity in neurofibromatosis 1
Authors: Tomson Steffie N. , Schreiner Matthew J. , Narayan Manjari , Rosser Tena , Enrique Nicole , Silva Alcino J. , Allen Genevera I. , Bookheimer Susan Y. , Bearden Carrie E. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractNeurofibromatosis type I (NF1) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in the neurofibromin 1 gene at locus 17q11.2. Individuals with NF1 have an increased incidence of learning disabilities, attention deficits, and autism spectrum disorders. As a single‐gene disorder, NF1 represents a valuable model for understanding gene–brain–behavior relationships. While mouse models have elucidated molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying learning deficits associated with this mutation, little is known about functional brain architecture in human subjects with NF1. To address this question, we used resting state functional connectivity magnetic resonance imaging (rs‐fcMRI) to elucidate the intrinsic network structure of 30 NF1 participants compared with 30 healthy demographically matched controls during an eyes‐open rs‐fcMRI scan. Novel statistical methods were employed to quantify differences in local connectivity (edge strength) and modularity structure, in combination with traditional global graph theory applications. Our findings suggest that individuals with NF1 have reduced anterior–posterior connectivity, weaker bilateral edges, and altered modularity clustering relative to healthy controls. Further, edge strength and modular clustering indices were correlated with IQ and internalizing symptoms. These findings suggest that Ras signaling disruption may lead to abnormal functional brain connectivity; further investigation into the functional consequences of these alterations in both humans and in animal models is warranted. Hum Brain Mapp 36:4566–4581, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Study On Assessment Financing Of Irrigation Schemes
Authors: Koç Cengİz , Bayazit Yildirim 
Published: August 2015

AbstractIn this study, it is aimed to present the relative activities and efficiencies of management operation and maintenance (MOM) services achieved by irrigation associations in Büyük Menderes Basin, Turkey. From the 16 irrigation associations operating and taking over the irrigation schemes which are under the operation and constructed by DSI (State Hydraulic Works) in the province of Aydın, the performance and efficiencies of eight irrigation associations having an area bigger than 1000 ha were evaluated. Efficiencies and performance related to MOM activities of irrigation associations were calculated and compared with methods of dissimilarity factor value. Furthermore, the construction costs per unit area utilizing the scheme type were calculated for the irrigation schemes researched. Financial self‐sufficiency of irrigation associations in the basin was found to range from 1.64 to 0.79. Fee collection performance for Akçay Right Bank, Akçay Left Bank and Nazilli Left Bank irrigation associations was low, while it was satisfactory for Soke, Karpuzlu Yaylakavak, Aydin, Çine Topçam and Nazilli Right Bank irrigation associations. Financial stabilization and sustainability performance class for the eight irrigation schemes actualized between 'very poor' and ‘average’. The cost of construction calculated per unit area researched ranged from US$5440 to 8500 ha‾1. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Flagellar membrane proteins in kinetoplastid parasites
Authors: Landfear Scott M. , Tran Khoa D. , Sanchez Marco A. 
Published: August 2015

AbstractAll kinetoplastid parasites, including protozoa such as Leishmania species, Trypanosoma brucei, and Trypanosoma cruzi that cause devastating diseases in humans and animals, are flagellated throughout their life cycles. Although flagella were originally thought of primarily as motility organelles, flagellar functions in other critical processes, especially in sensing and signal transduction, have become more fully appreciated in the recent past. The flagellar membrane is a highly specialized subdomain of the surface membrane, and flagellar membrane proteins are likely to be critical components for all the biologically important roles of flagella. In this review, we summarize recent discoveries relevant to flagellar membrane proteins in these parasites, including the identification of such proteins, investigation of their biological functions, and mechanisms of selective trafficking to the flagellar membrane. Prospects for future investigations and current unsolved problems are highlighted. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 67(9):668–676, 2015
The toxic effects of indoor atmospheric fine particulate matter collected from allergic and non‐allergic families in Wuhan on mouse peritoneal macrophages
Authors: Yan Biao , Li Jinquan , Guo Junhui , Ma Ping , Wu Zhuo , Ling ZhenHao , Guo Hai , Hiroshi Yoshino , Yanagi U. , Yang Xu , Zhu Shengwei , Chen Mingqing 
Published: August 2015

AbstractRecent studies have shown that fine particulate matter (PM2.5) is associated with multiple adverse health outcomes and PM2.5‐induced oxidative stress is now commonly known as a proposed mechanism of PM2.5‐mediated toxicity. However, the association between allergic symptoms in children and exposure to PM2.5 has not been fully elucidated, particularly the role of PM2.5 on the indoor environment involved in allergy or non‐allergy is unknown. The aim of the present study was to explore whether indoor PM2.5 from the homes of children with allergic symptoms had more increased risks of allergy than that of healthy ones and then compare the toxicity and inflammatory response of them. In this study, indoor PM2.5 was collected from the homes of schoolchildren with allergic symptoms and those of healthy ones respectively, and components of PM2.5 were analyzed. PM2.5‐mediated oxidative damage and inflammatory response were further evaluated in mouse peritoneal macrophages based on its effects on the levels of reactive oxygen species accumulation, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage or cytokine production. It seems that oxidative stress may contribute to PM2.5‐induced toxicity, and PM2.5 from the allergic indoor environment produced more serious toxic effects and an inflammatory response on mouse peritoneal macrophages than that from a non‐allergic indoor environment. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Human ketosteroid receptors interact with hazardous phthalate plasticizers and their metabolites: an in silico study
Authors: Sarath Josh M. K. , Pradeep S. , Vijayalekshmy Amma K. S. , Sudha Devi R. , Balachandran S. , Sreejith M. N. , Benjamin Sailas 
Published: August 2015

AbstractPhthalic acid esters or phthalates are ubiquitous environmental pollutants known for their adverse health effects in test animals and, of late, in humans. Thus, in this molecular docking study – using Glide (Schrödinger) – the molecular interactions of 31 ligands, including 12 diphthalates, their monophthalates and phthalic acid with selected human ketosteroid receptors, i.e., androgen (hAR), progesterone (hPR) and glucocorticoid (hGR) receptors were explored and their binding affinities were compared with that of corresponding natural steroids and a known endocrine disrupting xenobiotic, bisphenol A (BPA). Mostly, diphthalates and monophthalates showed the potential for antisteroidal activity by interacting with hAR, hPR and hGR. Of them, diphenyl phthalate showed the highest G score (–7.70 kcal mol–1) with hAR, and the crucial amino acid (aa) residues in the ligand binding domain (LBD) of this receptor involved in the molecular interactions were Phe 764, Leu 704, Asn 705 and Thr 877. The mono‐iso‐decyl phthalate showed the highest G score (–8.36) with the hPR, and the crucial aa residues in the LBD interactions were Arg 766 Gln 725 and Phe 778. The mono‐iso‐decyl phthalate also showed more affinity (–8.44) towards hGR than the natural ligand, and the aa residues in the LBD interactions were Gln 570 and Met 604. In addition to these, some other phthalates established comparable interactions with certain aa residues located in the LBD of these receptors, which resulted in higher G scores. Contrastingly, BPA and some natural ligands tested in this study showed lower G scores with these receptors than certain phthalates reported herein, i.e., certain phthalates are more toxic than the proven toxic BPA. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the permeability of lyophilized collagen–hydroxyapatite scaffolds for cell‐based bone regeneration with a gelatin porogen
Authors: Villa Max M. , Wang Liping , Huang Jianping , Rowe David W. , Wei Mei 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBone tissue engineering using biomaterial scaffolds and culture‐expanded osteoprogenitor cells has been demonstrated in several studies; however, it is not yet a clinical reality. One challenge is the optimal design of scaffolds for cell delivery and the identification of scaffold parameters that can delineate success and failure in vivo. Motivated by a previous experiment in which a batch of lyophilized collagen‐hydroxyapatite (HA) scaffolds displayed modest bone formation in vivo, despite having large pores and high porosity, we began to investigate the effect of scaffold permeability on bone formation. Herein, we fabricated scaffolds with a permeability of 2.17 ± 1.63 × 10−9 m4/(N s) and fourfold higher using a sacrificial gelatin porogen. Scaffolds were seeded with mouse bone marrow stromal cells carrying a fluorescent reporter for osteoblast differentiation and implanted into critical‐size calvarial defects in immunodeficient mice. The porogen scaffold group containing a 1:1 ratio of solids to beads was significantly more radiopaque than the scaffold group without the bead porogen 3 weeks after implantation. Quantitative histomorphometry uncovered the same trend between the 1:1 group and scaffolds without porogen found in the radiographic data; however, this was not statistically significant here. Taken together, the X‐ray and histology suggest that the 1:1 ratio of porogen to scaffold solids, resulting in a fourfold increase in permeability, may enhance bone formation when compared to scaffolds without porogen. Scaffold permeability can be a useful quality control measure before implantation and this practice should improve the consistency and efficacy of cell‐based bone tissue engineering. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 104B: 1580–1590, 2016.
Genotype GG of rs895819 Functional Polymorphism Within miR‐27a Might Increase Genetic Susceptibility to Colorectal Cancer in Han Chinese Population
Authors: Jiang Yu , Lin Dong‐Hong , Xu Jian‐Ping , Chen Wen‐XU , Zheng Shu‐Jian , Song Lin 
Published: August 2015

BackgroundMicroRNA‐27a (miR‐27a) is supposed to be an oncogene in various types of cancers, and genetic variation of miR‐27a might result in aberrant expression and abnormal second structure of mature‐miR‐27a, contributing to elevated genetic risk and poor prognosis for colorectal cancer (CRC).MethodsIn order to explore the possible association between rs895819 within miR‐27a and CRC in Han Chinese population, we investigated the genotype distributions of rs895819 in 508 CRC cases and 562 healthy check‐up controls using TaqMan genotype discrimination system, and analyzed the possible association between them. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidential interval (95% CI) were used to assess the strength between allele and genotype of the locus and risk of CRC.ResultsIn our study, we found that genotype GG of rs895819 was significantly associated with an increased risk for CRC (17.1% vs. 11.6%, adjusted OR = 1.546, 95% CI = 1.070–2.236), and allele A carrier (AA/AG) was significantly associated with a decreased risk for CRC (82.9% vs. 89.4%, adjusted OR = 0.63, 95% CI = 0.446–0.893). In addition, a significant association was observed between genotype GG and larger tumor size (>5 cm; P < 0.001), and allele G was significantly associated with higher pathological stage (TNM‐III) (P = 0.008).ConclusionThese results indicated that miR‐27a might be involved in the development and progression of CRC, genotype GG within rs895819 might be a genetic susceptible factor for CRC. Further multicentral, large sample size, and well‐designed epidemiological study as well as functional study are warrant to verify our findings.
Automated Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Counts Using the New Body Fluid Mode of Sysmex UF‐1000i
Authors: Buoro Sabrina , Apassiti Esposito Sara , Alessio MariaGrazia , Crippa Alberto , Ottomano Cosimo , Lippi Giuseppe 
Published: August 2015

AbstractBackgroundWe evaluated the new body fluid module on Sysmex UF1000‐i (UF1000i‐BF) for analysis of white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).MethodsWBC and RBC counting were compared between UF1000i‐BF and Fuchs–Rosenthal counting chamber in 67 CSF samples. This study also included the evaluation of between‐day precision, limit of blank (LoB), limit of detection (LoD), functional sensitivity (limit of quantitation, LoQ), carryover and linearity. Diagnostic agreement for differentiation between normal and increased WBC counts (≥5.0 × 106/L) was also assessed.ResultsThe agreement between UF1000i‐BF and manual WBC counts was otpiaml in all CSF samples (r = 0.99; y = 1.05x + 0.09). A modest overestimation was noticed in samples with WBC < 30 × 106/L (r = 0.95; y = 1.21x − 0.15). A good agreement was observed for RBC counts (r = 0.98; y = 1.15x + 0.55), particularly in samples with RBC ≥ 18 × 106/L (r = 0.98; y = 1.01x + 8.90). Between‐day precision was good, with coefficient of variations (CVs) lower than 7.2% for both WBC and RBC. The LoBs were 0.1 × 106 WBC/L and 1.2 × 106 RBC/L, the LoDs were 0.7 × 106 WBC/L and 5.5 × 106 RBC/L, the LoQs were 2.4 × 106 WBC/L and 18.0 × 106 RBC/L, respectively. Linearity was excellent (r = 1.00 for both WBC and RBC). Carryover was negligible. Excellent diagnostic agreement was obtained at 4.5 × 106 WBC/L cut‐off (sensitivity, 100%; specificity, 97.4%).ConclusionThe UF1000i‐BF provides rapid and accurate WBC and RBC counts in clinically relevant values of CSF cells. The use of UF1000i‐BF may hence allow to replace routine optical counting, except for samples displaying abnormal WBC counts or abnormal scattergram distribution, for which differential cell counts may still be required.
Hyperspectral interferometry: Sizing microscale surface features in the pine bark beetle
Authors: Beach James M. , Uertz James L. , Eckhardt Lori G. 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTA new method of interferometry employing a Fabry–Perot etalon model was used to locate and size microscale features on the surface of the pine bark beetle. Oscillations in the reflected light spectrum, caused by self‐interference of light reflecting from surfaces of foreleg setae and spores on the elytrum, were recorded using white light hyperspectral microscopy. By making the assumption that pairs of reflecting surfaces produce an etalon effect, the distance between surfaces could be determined from the oscillation frequency. Low frequencies of less than 0.08 nm−1 were observed in the spectrum below 700 nm while higher frequencies generally occupied wavelengths from 600 to 850 nm. In many cases, two frequencies appeared separately or in combination across the spectrum. The etalon model gave a mean spore size of 3.04 ± 1.27 μm and a seta diameter of 5.44 ± 2.88 μm. The tapering near the setae tip was detected as a lowering of frequency. Spatial fringes were observed together with spectral oscillations from surfaces on the exoskeleton at higher magnification. These signals were consistent with embedded multi‐layer reflecting surfaces. Possible applications for hyperspectral interferometry include medical imaging, detection of spore loads in insects and other fungal carriers, wafer surface and subsurface inspection, nanoscale materials, biological surface analysis, and spectroscopy calibration. This is, to our knowledge, the first report of oscillations directly observed by microscopy in the reflected light spectra from Coleoptera, and the first demonstration of broadband hyperspectral interferometry using microscopy that does not employ an internal interferometer. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:873–885, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
In situ synthesis and hydrothermal crystallization of nanoanatase TiO2–SiO2 coating on aramid fabric (HTiSiAF) for UV protection
Authors: Deng Hui , Zhang Hongda 
Published: August 2015

AbstractTiO2–SiO2 thin film was prepared by sol‐gel method and coated on the aramid fabric to prepare functional textiles. The aramid fabric was dipped and withdrawn in TiO2–SiO2 gel and hydrothermal crystallization at 80°C, then its UV protection functionality was evaluated. The crystalline phase and the surface morphology of TiO2–SiO2 thin film were characterized using SEM, XRD, and AFM respectively. SEM showed hydrothermal crystallization led to a homogeneous dispersion of anatase nonocrystal in TiO2–SiO2 film, and XRD suggested the mean particle size of the formed anatase TiO2 was less than 30 nm. AFM indicated that hydrothermal treatment enhanced the crystallization of TiO2. UV protection analysis suggested that the hydrothermally treated coated textile had a better screening property in comparison with TiO2–SiO2 gel and native aramid fabric. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:918–925, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Sub ablative Er: YAG laser irradiation on surface roughness of eroded dental enamel
Authors: Curylofo‐Zotti Fabiana Almeida , Lepri Taísa Penazzo , Colucci Vivian , Turssi Cecília Pedroso , Corona Silmara Aparecida Milori 
Published: August 2015

ABSTRACTObjectiveThis study evaluated the effects of Er:YAG laser irradiation applied at varying pulse repetition rate on the surface roughness of eroded enamel.MethodsBovine enamel slabs (n = 10) were embedded in polyester resin, ground, and polished. To erosive challenges, specimens were immersed two times per day in 20mL of concentrated orange juice (pH = 3.84) under agitation, during a two‐day period. Specimens were randomly assigned to irradiation with the Er:YAG laser (focused mode, pulse energy of 60 mJ and energy density of 3.79 J/cm2) operating at 1, 2, 3, or 4 Hz. The control group was left nonirradiated. Surface roughness measurements were recorded post erosion‐like formation and further erosive episodes by a profilometer and observed through atomic force microscopy (AFM).ResultsAnalysis of variance revealed that the control group showed the lowest surface roughness, while laser‐irradiated substrates did not differ from each other following post erosion‐like lesion formation. According to analysis of covariance, at further erosive episodes, the control group demonstrated lower surface roughness (P > 0.05), than any of the irradiated groups (P < 0.05).ConclusionsThe pulse repetition rate of the Er:YAG laser did not affect roughness of dental enamel eroded. The AFM images showed that the specimens irradiated by the Er:YAG laser at 1 Hz presented a less rough surface than those irradiated at 2, 3, and 4 Hz. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:989–993, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Classification and assessment of power system static security using decision tree and random forest classifiers
Authors: Sekhar Pudi , Mohanty Sanjeeb 
Published: August 2015

SummaryThe power system static security classification and assessment is essential in order to identify the post‐contingency problems and take corrective measures and to protect the system from blackout. In this paper, application of two data mining classifiers have been proposed for the security classification and assessment of a multiclass security problem. To design the security problem, contingency analysis is carried out under N‐1 line outage, and static severity index (SSI) is computed, which is a function of the line overload and the voltage deviation using Newton–Raphson load flow method, considering the variable load and generating conditions. Corresponding to the computed values of SSI, the voltage, phase angle, Mega Volt Ampere line flow and so on, a 1 × 7 pattern vector is generated. The generated pattern vectors are used to design a multiclass security problem. The designed security pattern vectors are given as inputs to the decision tree (DT) and random forest (RF) model in order to classify the security status of the power system. The proposed classifiers are investigated on an IEEE 30‐bus test system. The classification accuracy of the DT and the RF are compared with state‐of‐the‐art classifier models, namely, multilayer perceptron (MLP), radial basis function (RBF), and support vector machine (SVM).The simulation results clearly indicate that the proposed DT and RF classifiers are more efficient, reliable, and out performs MLP, RBF, and SVM classifiers for the assessment of the security status of the power system. Hence, DT and RF classifiers are found to be suitable for online implementation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.