bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New methodology to process shifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy data: a case study of pollen classification
Authors: Korinth F. , Mondol A. S. , Stiebing C. , Schie I. W. , Krafft C. , Popp J. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractShifted excitation Raman difference spectroscopy (SERDS) is a background correction method for Raman spectroscopy. Here, the difference spectra were directly used as input for SERDS-based classification after an optimization procedure to correct for photobleaching of the autofluorescence. Further processing included a principal component analysis to compensate for the reduced signal to noise ratio of the difference spectra and subsequent classification by linear discriminant analysis. As a case study 6,028 Raman spectra of single pollen originating from plants of eight different genera and four different growth habits were automatically recorded at excitation wavelengths 784 and 786 nm using a high-throughput screening Raman system. Different pollen were distinguished according to their growth habit, i.e. tree versus non-tree with an accuracy of 95.9%. Furthermore, all pollen were separated according to their genus, providing also insight into similarities based on their families. Classification results were compared using spectra reconstructed from the differences and raw spectra after state-of-art baseline correction as input. Similar sensitivities, specificities, accuracies and precisions were found for all spectra with moderately background. Advantages of SERDS are expected in scenarios where Raman spectra are affected by variations due to detector etaloning, ambient light, and high background.
New natural agonists of the transient receptor potential Ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel
Authors: Legrand Coline , Merlini Jenny Meylan , de Senarclens-Bezençon Carole , Michlig Stéphanie 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe transient receptor potential (TRP) channels family are cationic channels involved in various physiological processes as pain, inflammation, metabolism, swallowing function, gut motility, thermoregulation or adipogenesis. In the oral cavity, TRP channels are involved in chemesthesis, the sensory chemical transduction of spicy ingredients. Among them, TRPA1 is activated by natural molecules producing pungent, tingling or irritating sensations during their consumption. TRPA1 can be activated by different chemicals found in plants or spices such as the electrophiles isothiocyanates, thiosulfinates or unsaturated aldehydes. TRPA1 has been as well associated to various physiological mechanisms like gut motility, inflammation or pain. Cinnamaldehyde, its well known potent agonist from cinnamon, is reported to impact metabolism and exert anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic effects. Recently, a structurally similar molecule to cinnamaldehyde, cuminaldehyde was shown to possess anti-obesity and anti-hyperglycemic effect as well. We hypothesized that both cinnamaldehyde and cuminaldehyde might exert this metabolic effects through TRPA1 activation and evaluated the impact of cuminaldehyde on TRPA1. The results presented here show that cuminaldehyde activates TRPA1 as well. Additionally, a new natural agonist of TRPA1, tiglic aldehyde, was identified and p-anisaldehyde confirmed.
Free l-glutamate-induced modulation in oxidative and neurochemical profile contributes to enhancement in locomotor and memory performance in male rats
Authors: Tabassum Saiqa , Ahmad Saara , Madiha Syeda , Shahzad Sidrah , Batool Zehra , Sadir Sadia , Haider Saida 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGlutamate (Glu), the key excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, is considered essential for brain functioning and has a vital role in learning and memory formation. Earlier it was considered as a harmful agent but later found to be useful for many body functions. However, studies regarding the effects of free l-Glu administration on CNS function are limited. Therefore, current experiment is aimed to monitor the neurobiological effects of free l-Glu in male rats. l-Glu was orally administered to rats for 5-weeks and changes in behavioral performance were monitored. Thereafter, brain and hippocampus were collected for oxidative and neurochemical analysis. Results showed that chronic supplementation of free l-Glu enhanced locomotor performance and cognitive function of animals which may be attributed to the improved antioxidant status and cholinergic, monoaminergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission in brain and hippocampus. Current results showed that chronic supplementation of l-Glu affects the animal behaviour and brain functioning via improving the neurochemical and redox system of brain. Free l-Glu could be a useful therapeutic agent to combat neurological disturbances however this requires further targeted studies.
Sorption competition with natural organic matter as mechanism controlling silicon mobility in soil
Authors: Klotzbücher Thimo , Treptow Christian , Kaiser Klaus , Klotzbücher Anika , Mikutta Robert 
Published: July 2020

AbstractGrowing evidence of silicon (Si) playing an important role in plant health and the global carbon cycle triggered research on its biogeochemistry. In terrestrial soil ecosystems, sorption of silicic acid (H4SiO4) to mineral surfaces is a main control on Si mobility. We examined the competitive sorption of Si, dissolved organic matter, and phosphorus in forest floor leachates (pH 4.1–4.7) to goethite, in order to assess its effects on Si mobility at weathering fronts in acidic topsoil, a decisive zone of nutrient turnover in soil. In batch sorption experiments, we varied the extent of competition between solutes by varying the amount of added goethite (α-FeOOH) and the Si pre-loading of the goethite surfaces. Results suggest weaker competitive strength of Si than of dissolved organic matter and ortho-phosphate. Under highly competitive conditions, hardly any dissolved Si (< 2%) but much of the dissolved organic carbon (48–80%) was sorbed. Pre-loading the goethite surfaces with monomeric Si hardly decreased the sorption of organic carbon and phosphate, whereas up to about 50% of the Si was released from surfaces into solutions, indicating competitive displacement from sorption sites. We conclude sorption competition with dissolved organic matter and other strongly sorbing solutes can promote Si leaching in soil. Such effects should thus be considered in conceptual models on soil Si transport, distribution, and phytoavailability.
Self-sustained oscillations and global climate changes
Authors: Arnaut Luis G. , Ibáñez Santiago 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe periodic changes of atmospheric CO2 and temperature over the last 5 Myr reveal three features that challenge current climate research, namely: (i) the mid-Pleistocene transition of dominant 41-kyr cycles to dominant 100-kyr cycles, (ii) the absence of a strong precession signal of approximately 20 kyr, and (iii) the cooling through the middle and late Holocene. These features are not directly addressable by Earth’s orbital changes described by Milankovitch. Here we show that a closed photochemical system exposed to a constant illumination source can sustain oscillations. In this simple conceptual model, the oscillations are intrinsic to the system and occur even in the absence of periodic radiative forcing. With proper adaptations to the Earth system, this oscillator explains the main features of past climate dynamics. Our model places photosynthesis and the carbon cycle as key drivers of climate change. We use this model to predict the relaxation of a 1,000 PgC pulse of CO2. The removal of 50% of this CO2 will require one century, and will lead to a warmer and wetter future. However, more pronounced glaciation cycles emerge on the millennial timescale.
Longitudinal profiling of oligomeric Aβ in human nasal discharge reflecting cognitive decline in probable Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Yoo Seung-Jun , Son Gowoon , Bae Jisub , Kim So Yeun , Yoo Yong Kyoung , Park Dongsung , Baek Seung Yeop , Chang Keun-A , Suh Yoo-Hun , Lee Yeong-Bae , Hwang Kyo Seon , Kim YoungSoo , Moon Cheil 
Published: July 2020

AbstractDespite clinical evidence indicating a close relationship between olfactory dysfunction and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), further investigations are warranted to determine the diagnostic potential of nasal surrogate biomarkers for AD. In this study, we first identified soluble amyloid-β (Aβ), the key biomarker of AD, in patient nasal discharge using proteomic analysis. Then, we profiled the significant differences in Aβ oligomers level between patient groups with mild or moderate cognitive decline (n = 39) and an age-matched normal control group (n = 21) by immunoblot analysis and comparing the levels of Aβ by a self-standard method with interdigitated microelectrode sensor systems. All subjects received the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Clinical Dementia Rating (CDR), and the Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) for grouping. We observed higher levels of Aβ oligomers in probable AD subjects with lower MMSE, higher CDR, and higher GDS compared to the normal control group. Moreover, mild and moderate subject groups could be distinguished based on the increased composition of two oligomers, 12-mer Aβ*56 and 15-mer AβO, respectively. The longitudinal cohort study confirmed that the cognitive decline of mild AD patients with high nasal discharge Aβ*56 levels advanced to the moderate stage within three years. Our clinical evidence strongly supports the view that the presence of oligomeric Aβ proteins in nasal discharge is a potential surrogate biomarker of AD and an indicator of cognitive decline progression.
Handrail support interference in cardiac autonomic modulation adjustments in young adults during maximal exercise testing
Authors: de Oliveira Giovanna Lima , Marques Adriana Hernandez , da Fonseca Vanessa Ferrari , Pozzolo Beatriz Augusta , Panacioni Fernanda , Santos Taís Capucho , Guedes Amanda Archeleiga , Mocelin Aurenzo Gonçalves , Bertin Renata Labronici , Ulbrich Anderson Zampier 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of handrail support during maximal exercise treadmill testing (ETT) would interfere in cardiac autonomic modulation kinetics when compared to not using handrail support. The hypothesis of overestimation in cardiac autonomic dynamics when the ETT is performed using handrail was tested. Thirty-five undergraduates (21.08 ± 2.98 years old) of both sexes, volunteered to undertake two ETT under the Ellestad protocol, in non-consecutive days. The first test (T1) was performed with handrail support and, after 7 days, the second test was performed (T2) without the support. Autonomic function was measured by heart rate variability (HRV) during both tests and resting. Estimated value of peak oxygen uptake (VO2) was 22.4% (p < 0.0001) higher in T1 when compared to T2. Overall, parasympathetic pathway was deactivated earlier in T2 than in T1, with NNxx measures variating in T1 from 10.74 ± 14.59 (ms) and in T2 from 3.48 ± 3.79 (ms). In stage two, mean values of HF in T2 corresponded to 32% of values in T1. Stage three presented a difference of 60% (p < 0.014) in LF between means reached in T1 and T2. Lastly, the association of LF and VO2 persisted longer in T1 stages than in T2 and was verified in early stages (S2 and S3) of both ETTs. Our findings suggest that parasympathetic influences on HR were slightly prolonged during ETT when subjects hold onto the treadmill.
Histological transformation in recurrent WHO grade I meningiomas
Authors: Corniola Marco V. , Lemée Jean-Michel , Meling Torstein R. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractAtypical or malignant transformation (AT/MT) has been described in WHO grade I meningiomas. Our aim was to identify predictive factors of AT/MT at recurrence. A total of N = 15 WHO grade increases were observed in N = 13 patients (0.96% of the study population, risk of transformation of 0.12% per patient-year follow-up). Patients with and without progression at recurrence were similar regarding age, gender distribution, skull-base location, bone infiltration, and Simpson grades. Recurrence-free survival was lower in patients with transformation (5 ± 4.06 years versus 7.3 ± 5.4 years; p = 0.03). Among patient age, gender, skull base location, extent of resection or post-operative RT, no predictor of AT/MT was identified, despite a follow-up of 10,524 patient-years. The annual risk of transformation of WHO grade I meningiomas was 0.12% per patient-year follow-up. Despite the important number of patients included and their extended follow-up, we did not identify any risk factor for transformation. A total of 1,352 patients with surgically managed WHO grade I meningioma from a mixed retro-and prospective database with mean follow-up of 9.2 years ± 5.7 years (0.3–20.9 years) were reviewed. Recurring tumors at the site of initial surgery were considered as recurrence.
Absence of central tolerance in Aire-deficient mice synergizes with immune-checkpoint inhibition to enhance antitumor responses
Authors: Benitez Asiel A. , Khalil-Agüero Sara , Nandakumar Anjali , Gupta Namita T. , Zhang Wen , Atwal Gurinder S. , Murphy Andrew J. , Sleeman Matthew A. , Haxhinasto Sokol 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe endogenous anti-tumor responses are limited in part by the absence of tumor-reactive T cells, an inevitable consequence of thymic central tolerance mechanisms ensuring prevention of autoimmunity. Here we show that tumor rejection induced by immune checkpoint blockade is significantly enhanced inAire-deficient mice, the epitome of central tolerance breakdown. The observed synergy in tumor rejection extended to different tumor models, was accompanied by increased numbers of activated T cells expressing high levels of Gzma, Gzmb, Perforin, Cxcr3, and increased intratumoural levels of Cxcl9 and Cxcl10 compared to wild-type mice. Consistent with Aire’s central role in T cell repertoire selection, single cell TCR sequencing unveiled expansion of several clones with high tumor reactivity. The data suggest that breakdown in central tolerance synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade in enhancing anti-tumor immunity and may serve as a model to unmask novel anti-tumor therapies including anti-tumor TCRs, normally purged during central tolerance.
Sex differences in SARS-CoV-2 infection rates and the potential link to prostate cancer
Authors: Chakravarty Dimple , Nair Sujit S. , Hammouda Nada , Ratnani Parita , Gharib Yasmine , Wagaskar Vinayak , Mohamed Nihal , Lundon Dara , Dovey Zachary , Kyprianou Natasha , Tewari Ashutosh K. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractThe recent outbreak of infections and the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 represent one of the most severe threats to human health in more than a century. Emerging data from the United States and elsewhere suggest that the disease is more severe in men. Knowledge gained, and lessons learned, from studies of the biological interactions and molecular links that may explain the reasons for the greater severity of disease in men, and specifically in the age group at risk for prostate cancer, will lead to better management of COVID-19 in prostate cancer patients. Such information will be indispensable in the current and post-pandemic scenarios.
The ubiquitous flavonoid quercetin is an atypical KCNQ potassium channel activator
Authors: Redford Kaitlyn E. , Abbott Geoffrey W. 
Published: July 2020

AbstractMany commonly consumed plants are used as folk medicines, often with unclear molecular mechanisms. Recent studies uncovered the ubiquitous and influential KCNQ family of voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channels as a therapeutic target for several medicinal plant compounds. Capers - immature flower buds of Capparis spinosa - have been consumed for food and medicinal purposes for millennia. Here, we show that caper extract hyperpolarizes cells expressing KCNQ1 or KCNQ2/3 Kv channels. Capers are the richest known natural source of quercetin, the most consumed dietary flavonoid. Quercetin potentiated KCNQ1/KCNE1, KCNQ2/3 and KCNQ4 currents but, unusually, not KCNQ5. Strikingly, quercetin augmented both activation and inactivation of KCNQ1, via a unique KCNQ activation mechanism involving sites atop the voltage sensor and in the pore. The findings uncover a novel potential molecular basis for therapeutic effects of quercetin-rich foods and a new chemical space for atypical modes of KCNQ channel modulation.
A marine photosynthetic microbial cell factory as a platform for spider silk production
Authors: Foong Choon Pin , Higuchi-Takeuchi Mieko , Malay Ali D. , Oktaviani Nur Alia , Thagun Chonprakun , Numata Keiji 
Published: July 2020

AbstractPhotosynthetic microorganisms such as cyanobacteria, purple bacteria and microalgae have attracted great interest as promising platforms for economical and sustainable production of bioenergy, biochemicals, and biopolymers. Here, we demonstrate heterotrophic production of spider dragline silk proteins, major ampullate spidroins (MaSp), in a marine photosynthetic purple bacterium, Rhodovulum sulfidophilum, under both photoheterotrophic and photoautotrophic growth conditions. Spider silk is a biodegradable and biocompatible material with remarkable mechanical properties. R. sulfidophilum grow by utilizing abundant and renewable nonfood bioresources such as seawater, sunlight, and gaseous CO2 and N2, thus making this photosynthetic microbial cell factory a promising green and sustainable production platform for proteins and biopolymers, including spider silks.
Clinically relevant high levels of human C-reactive protein induces endothelial dysfunction and hypertension by inhibiting the AMPK-eNOS axis
Authors: Cheng Lele , Wang Liang , Guo Manyun , He Jinlong , Deng Yangyang , Liu Junhui , Wei Yuanyuan , Wang Chen , Zhou Juan , Ma Li , Song Qing , Yuan Zuyi , Wu Yue 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Successful treatment of resistant hypertension accompanied by elevated human C-reactive protein (hCRP) remains a key challenge in reducing the burden of cardiovascular diseases. It is still unclear whether clinically relevant high-level hCRP is merely a marker or a key driver of hypertension. Here, we investigated the role and mechanism of clinically relevant high level of hCRP in hypertension. Elevated blood pressure was observed in all three hCRP overexpression models, including adeno-associated virus 9 (AAV9)-transfected mice, AAV9-transfected rats and hCRP transgenic (hCRPtg) rats. hCRPtg rats expressing clinically relevant high-level hCRP developed spontaneous hypertension, cardiac hypertrophy, myocardial fibrosis and impaired endothelium-dependent relaxation. Mechanistically, studies in endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase (eNOS) knockout mice transfected with AAV9-hCRP and phosphoproteomics analysis of hCRP-treated endothelial cells revealed that hCRP inhibited AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-eNOS phosphorylation pathway. Further, activation of AMPK by metformin normalized endothelial-dependent vasodilation and decreased the blood pressure of hCRPtg rats. Our results show that clinically relevant high-level hCRP induces hypertension and endothelial dysfunction by inhibiting AMPK-eNOS signaling, and highlight hCRP is not only an inflammatory biomarker but also a driver of hypertension. Treatment with metformin or a synthetic AMPK activator may be a potential strategy for vaso-dysfunction and hypertension in patients with high hCRP levels.
Acoustic Measures of Emotion in School-Age Children Who Stutter: Findings From a Single Subject
Authors: Salvo Heather D. , Schmidt Anna M. 
Published: July 2020

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to encourage and justify the examination of acoustic measures of emotion (mean fundamental frequency [F0], F0 range, jitter, and shimmer) from school-age children who stutter (CWS) in a novel procedure combining psychophysiological measures of stress with acoustic analysis.

Method
One school-age CWS (aged 11;9 [years;months]) completed a cognitively stressful speech-language task and a control speech-language task. Vocal acoustic samples were collected during the stressful task and the control task. These samples were later analyzed for F0, F0 range, jitter, and shimmer. Physiological measures of emotional arousal, including electrodermal response frequency and electrodermal response amplitude, were also recorded prior to, during, and after each condition for manipulation check purposes. Physiological measures of emotion regulation, indexed by mean heart rate variability, were also collected prior to and after each condition for manipulation check purposes.

Results
Findings from the psychophysiological measures suggest that the CWS experienced increased stress during the stress-inducing task. Acoustic measures indicate that the CWS reduced rather than increased her mean F0, F0 range, jitter, and shimmer only for high vowels /i u/ during the control task compared to stressful task.

Conclusions
Overall, these pilot findings support the need for further study of vocal acoustic and psychophysiological measures of emotion from CWS as well as children who do not stutter.
NGC 4104: A shell galaxy in a forming fossil group
Authors: Lima Neto G. B. , Durret F. , Laganá T. F. , Machado R. E. G. , Martinet N. , Cuillandre J.-C. , Adami C. 
Published: July 2020

Context. Groups are the most common association of galaxies in the Universe and they are found in different configuration states, such as loose, compact, and fossil groups.
Aims. We studied the galaxy group MKW 4s, dominated by the giant early-type galaxy NGC 4104 at z = 0.0282, with the aim of understanding the evolutionary stage of this group and to place it within the framework of the standard ΛCDM cosmological scenario.
Methods. We obtained deep optical data with CFHT/Megacam (g and r bands) and we applied both the GALFIT 2D image fitting program and the IRAF/ELLIPSE 1D radial method to model the brightest group galaxy (BGG) and its extended stellar envelope. We also analysed the publicly available XMM-Newton and Chandra X-ray data. From N-body simulations of dry-mergers with different mass ratios of the infalling galaxy, we were able to constrain the dynamical stage of this system.
Results. Our results show a stellar shell system feature in NGC 4104 and an extended envelope that was reproduced by our numerical simulations of a collision with a satellite galaxy taking place about 4−6 Gyr ago. The initial pair of galaxies had a mass ratio of at least 1:3. Taking into account the stellar envelope contribution to the total r band magnitude and the X-ray luminosity, MKW 4s falls into the category of a fossil group.
Conclusions. Our results show that we are witnessing a rare case of a shell elliptical galaxy in a forming fossil group.