bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
GFP fluorescence tagging alters dynamin-related protein 1 oligomerization dynamics and creates disassembly-refractory puncta to mediate mitochondrial fission
Authors: Montecinos-Franjola Felipe , Bauer Brianna L. , Mears Jason A. , Ramachandran Rajesh 
Published: September 2020

AbstractGreen fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagging is the prevalent strategy to monitor protein dynamics in living cells. However, the consequences of appending the bulky GFP moiety to the protein of interest are rarely investigated. Here, using a powerful combination of quantitative fluorescence spectroscopic and imaging techniques, we have examined the oligomerization dynamics of the GFP-tagged mitochondrial fission GTPase dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1) both in vitro and in vivo. We find that GFP-tagged Drp1 exhibits impaired oligomerization equilibria in solution that corresponds to a greatly diminished cooperative GTPase activity in comparison to native Drp1.Consequently, GFP-tagged Drp1 constitutes aberrantly stable, GTP-resistant supramolecular assemblies both in vitro and in vivo, neither of which reflects a more dynamic native Drp1 oligomerization state. Indeed, GFP-tagged Drp1 is detected more frequently per unit length over mitochondria inDrp1-nullmouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) compared to wild-type (wt) MEFs, indicating that the drastically reduced GTP turnover restricts oligomer disassembly from the mitochondrial surface relative to mixed oligomers comprising native and GFP-tagged Drp1. Yet, GFP-tagged Drp1 retains the capacity to mediate membrane constriction in vitro and mitochondrial division in vivo. These findings suggest that instead of robust assembly-disassembly dynamics, persistent Drp1 higher-order oligomerization over membranes is sufficient for mitochondrial fission.
Lipids of lung and lung fat emboli of the toothed whales (Odontoceti)
Authors: Arregui Marina , Glandon Hillary Lane , Bernaldo de Quirós Yara , Felipe-Jiménez Idaira , Consoli Francesco , Caballero María José , Koopman Heather N. , Fernández Antonio 
Published: September 2020

AbstractLipids are biomolecules present in all living organisms that, apart from their physiological functions, can be involved in different pathologies. One of these pathologies is fat embolism, which has been described histologically in the lung of cetaceans in association with ship strikes and with gas and fat embolic syndrome. To assess pathological lung lipid composition, previous knowledge of healthy lung tissue lipid composition is essential; however, these studies are extremely scarce in cetaceans. In the present study we aimed first, to characterize the lipids ordinarily present in the lung tissue of seven cetacean species; and second, to better understand the etiopathogenesis of fat embolism by comparing the lipid composition of lungs positive for fat emboli, and those negative for emboli in Physeter macrocephalus and Ziphius cavirostris (two species in which fat emboli have been described). Results showed that lipid content and lipid classes did not differ among species or diving profiles. In contrast, fatty acid composition was significantly different between species, with C16:0 and C18:1ω9 explaining most of the differences. This baseline knowledge of healthy lung tissue lipid composition will be extremely useful in future studies assessing lung pathologies involving lipids. Concerning fat embolism, non-significant differences could be established between lipid content, lipid classes, and fatty acid composition. However, an unidentified peak was only found in the chromatogram for the two struck whales and merits further investigation.
The control of magma crystallinity on the fluctuations in gas composition at open vent basaltic volcanoes
Authors: Woitischek Julia , Edmonds Marie , Woods Andrew W. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBasaltic open vent volcanoes are major global sources of volcanic gases. Many of these volcanoes outgas via intermittent Strombolian-type explosions separated by periods of passive degassing. The gas emitted during the explosions has high molar CO2/SO2 and SO2/HCl ratios, while during the passive degassing these ratios are lower. We present new laboratory experiments in a model volcanic conduit, which suggest that these differences in gas geochemistry are a consequence of gas migration through crystal-rich magma. We show that gas may flow along channels through the particle-laden liquid and, at a critical depth, the gas may displace an overlying crystal-rich plug en masse, producing a growing slug of gas. Owing to the friction on the walls of the conduit, this plug becomes progressively sheared and weakened until gas enriched in the least soluble volatiles breaks through, causing an explosion at the surface. When the gas slug bursts, liquid is drawn up in its wake, which exsolves the more soluble volatile components, which then vent passively at the surface until the next explosive slug-bursting event.
Reproductive and endocrinological effects of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and finasteride therapy in dogs
Authors: Angrimani Daniel S. R. , Brito Maíra M. , Rui Bruno R. , Nichi Marcílio , Vannucchi Camila I. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractBenign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most important reproductive disorders in aging dogs. Therapeutic measures include orchiectomy and pharmacological treatment, leading to reduction of prostate volume and clinical signs. One of the most common drugs used in BPH treatment is finasteride, but data regarding its possible side effects are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of BPH and short-term (2 months) finasteride therapy on clinical, endocrinological, and reproductive parameters in dogs. Dogs were allocated into four experimental groups: Non-affected (n = 5), BPH (n = 5), Non-Affected-Finasteride (n = 5) and BPH-Finasteride (n = 5) groups. Dogs were evaluated monthly during 2 months by a complete breeding soundness examination, B-mode ultrasound and Doppler ultrasonography of the testicular artery, hormonal profile (testosterone, estrogen and dihydrotestosterone) and oxidative profile of the prostatic fluid. After 2 months, dogs were gonadectomized and testicles were subjected to histologic analysis. Finasteride treatment reduced dihydrotestosterone concentrations, without negative influence on semen quality and also reverted testicular hemodynamics changes of BPH. On the other hand, BPH was accompanied by significant changes in testosterone and estrogen concentrations and semen quality, mainly related to sperm kinetics alterations. In conclusion, BPH dogs have important hormonal and sperm alterations, however, short-term finasteride treatment (2 months) was able to reduce overall effects of BPH, thus representing a method of therapy for BPH treatment.
Understanding diaschisis models of attention dysfunction with rTMS
Authors: Garcia Javier O. , Battelli Lorella , Plow Ela , Cattaneo Zaira , Vettel Jean , Grossman Emily D. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractVisual attentive tracking requires a balance of excitation and inhibition across large-scale frontoparietal cortical networks. Using methods borrowed from network science, we characterize the induced changes in network dynamics following low frequency (1 Hz) repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) as an inhibitory noninvasive brain stimulation protocol delivered over the intraparietal sulcus. When participants engaged in visual tracking, we observed a highly stable network configuration of six distinct communities, each with characteristic properties in node dynamics. Stimulation to parietal cortex had no significant impact on the dynamics of the parietal community, which already exhibited increased flexibility and promiscuity relative to the other communities. The impact of rTMS, however, was apparent distal from the stimulation site in lateral prefrontal cortex. rTMS temporarily induced stronger allegiance within and between nodal motifs (increased recruitment and integration) in dorsolateral and ventrolateral prefrontal cortex, which returned to baseline levels within 15 min. These findings illustrate the distributed nature by which inhibitory rTMS perturbs network communities and is preliminary evidence for downstream cortical interactions when using noninvasive brain stimulation for behavioral augmentations.
Identification and analysis of odor-active compounds from Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill with different moisture content levels and lacquer treatments
Authors: Wang Qifan , Shen Jun , Zeng Bin , Wang Huiyu 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe problem of indoor odors can greatly affect a room’s occupants. To identify odorants and comprehensively evaluate emissions from wooden materials, emissions and odors from Choerospondias axillaris (Roxb.) Burtt et Hill with different moisture content percentages and lacquer treatments were investigated in this study. Thermal desorption–gas chromatography–mass spectroscopy/olfactometry was used to analyze the release characteristics. In total, 11 key odor-active compounds were identified as moisture content gradually decreased, concentrating between 15 and 33 min. Total volatile organic compounds, total very volatile organic compounds, and total odor intensity decreased as moisture content decreased. In addition, 35 odor-active compounds, including aromatics, alkenes, aldehydes, esters, and alcohols, were identified in the odor control list. Polyurethane (PU), ultraviolet (UV), and waterborne coatings had a good inhibitory effect on eight odor characteristics, but some scents arose after lacquer treatment. For equilibrium moisture content, the major characteristics of Choerospondias axillaris were fragrant (9.4) and mint-like (3.0) compared with the fragrant (8.2), fruity (7.8), and pleasant (5.8) characteristics of PU coating; the flowery (5.9), fragrant (5.0), glue-like (4.3), and pineapple-like (4.3) characteristics of UV coating; and the antiseptic solution (3.6), fragrant (2.9), cigarette-like (2.8), and fruity (2.5) characteristics of waterborne coating. Based on multicomponent evaluation, a Choerospondias axillaris board with waterborne coating was suggested for use indoors.
Ecological niche modeling of the pantropical orchid Polystachya concreta (Orchidaceae) and its response to climate change
Authors: Kolanowska Marta , Rewicz Agnieszka , Baranow Przemysław 
Published: September 2020

AbstractClimate is the dominant control factor on the spatial distribution of organisms on a global scale and global warming is predicted to become a major cause of species extinctions. In our study ecological niche modeling (ENM) was used to estimate the effect of projected future climate changes on the pantropical orchid Polystacha concreta as well as to reconstruct changes in the distribution of the suitable climatic niches of this species since the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM). The study revealed small differences in the niches occupied by populations of P. concreta recorded in various continents; however, these alterations will become more significant in regard to future climatic change. While losses of suitable habitats of the studied orchid will occur in the Americas and Africa, global warming will be favorable for Asian populations. Our study suggests a significant loss of niches since the LGM which indicates that the currently observed loss of habitats is not only the result of human activity but also of natural changes of the Earth’s climate. From the obtained models we identified the areas that will be the most resistant regarding the modifications caused by climate change.
Improving the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites using a combustion-synthesized aggregated β-Si3N4 filler with randomly oriented grains
Authors: Shimamura Akihiro , Hotta Yuji , Hyuga Hideki , Hotta Mikinori , Hirao Kiyoshi 
Published: September 2020

AbstractElectrically insulating and thermally conductive polymer matrix composites are desirable for industry applications as they improve the reliability of high-performance electronic devices, particularly via heat dissipation in devices loaded with several electronic components. In this study, an aggregated β-Si3N4 filler with randomly oriented grains was produced via combustion synthesis to improve the thermal conductivity of epoxy composites. The thermal conductivities of the prepared composites were investigated as a function of the filler content, and the values were compared to those of composites loaded with commercial β-Si3N4 (non-aggregated). Negligible difference was observed in the thermal conductivities of both types of composites when the Si3N4 content was below 40 vol%; however, above 40 vol%, the aggregated β-Si3N4 filler-loaded composites showed higher thermal conductivities than the commercial β-Si3N4-loaded composites. The aggregated β-Si3N4 filler-loaded composites exhibited isotropic thermal conductivities with a maximum value of 4.7 W m−1 K−1 at 53 vol% filler content, which is approximately 2.4 times higher than that of the commercial β-Si3N4-loaded composites, thereby suggesting that the morphology of the aggregated filler would be more efficient than that of the commonly used non-aggregated filler in enhancing the thermal conductivity of a polymer matrix composite.
An examination of single day vs. multi-day heart rate variability and its relationship to heart rate recovery following maximal aerobic exercise in females
Authors: Bechke Emily , Kliszczewicz Brian , McLester Cherilyn , Tillman Mark , Esco Michael , Lopez Roxanna 
Published: September 2020

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship of a single day measure of heart rate variability (HRV), and the averaged baseline measures of HRV to heart rate recovery (HRR) following maximal exercise. Thirty females (22.9 ± 3.2 years, 64.8 ± 8.4 kg) completed four visits (V1–V4), where a 10-min HRV was recorded. Upon completing the V4 recording, a treadmill graded exercise test (GXT) was performed, followed by a 5-min active cool down. HRV was assessed through time domain measures [natural log of root mean square of successive R–R differences (lnRMSSD) and standard deviation of normal to normal intervals (lnSDNN)] and natural log frequency domain measures [low frequency (lnLF) and high frequency (lnHF)]. Variables collected over V1–V4 were measured as; day of (DO) GXT, 3 day (AV3), and 4 day average (AV4). HRR was calculated as the maximal HR achieved minus the HR at: 30-s (HRR30), 1-min (HRR1), 2-min (HRR2), 3-min (HRR3), 4-min (HRR4) or 5-min (HRR5) of recovery. Pearson’s Product correlations revealed significant correlations (P = < 0.05) between all HRVDO measures to each HRR measure and are presented in ranges: lnSDNN (r = 0.442–0.522), lnRMSSD (r = 0.458–0.514), lnLF (r = 0.368–0.469), lnHF (r = 0.422–0.493). For HRVAV3, lnRMSSDAV3 and HRR1 were positively correlated (r = 0.390, P = 0.033). Last, HRVAV4 showed positive relationships (P = < 0.05) between lnRMSSDAV4 and HRR30 (r = 0.365, P = 0.048); and for HRR1 and lnSDNNAV4 (r = 0.400, P = 0.029), lnRMSSDAV4 (r = 0.442, P = 0.014), and lnHFAV4 (r = 0.368, P = 0.045); and lnRMSSDAV4 and HRR3 (r = 0.381, P = 0.038). Within the current study HRVDO displayed the strongest correlations to HRR therefore, averaged resting HRV measures do not strengthen the prediction of cardiovascular recovery following a GXT in this population.
Neurophysiological correlates of perception–action binding in the somatosensory system
Authors: Friedrich Julia , Verrel Julius , Kleimaker Maximilian , Münchau Alexander , Beste Christian , Bäumer Tobias 
Published: September 2020

AbstractAction control requires precisely and flexibly linking sensory input and motor output. This is true for both, visuo-motor and somatosensory-motor integration. However, while perception–action integration has been extensively investigated for the visual modality, data on how somatosensory and action-related information is associated are scarce. We use the Theory of Event Coding (TEC) as a framework to investigate perception–action integration in the somatosensory-motor domain. Based on studies examining the neural mechanisms underlying stimulus–response binding in the visuo-motor domain, the current study investigates binding mechanisms in the somatosensory-motor domain using EEG signal decomposition and source localization analyses. The present study clearly demonstrates binding between somatosensory stimulus and response features. Importantly, repetition benefits but no repetition costs are evident in the somatosensory modality, which differs from findings in the visual domain. EEG signal decomposition indicates that response selection mechanisms, rather than stimulus-related processes, account for the behavioral binding effects. This modulation is associated with activation differences in the left superior parietal cortex (BA 7), an important relay of sensorimotor integration.
The influence of different sample preparation on mechanical properties of human iliotibial tract
Authors: Fischer Benjamin , Kurz Sascha , Höch Andreas , Schleifenbaum Stefan 
Published: September 2020

AbstractIn the run-up to biomechanical testing, fresh human tissue samples are often frozen in order to inhibit initial decomposition processes and to achieve a temporal independence of tissue acquisition from biomechanical testing. The aim of this study was to compare the mechanical properties of fresh tissue samples of the human iliotibial tract (IT) to fresh-frozen samples taken from the same IT and those modified with different concentrations of Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) prior to freezing. All samples were partial plastinated and destructive tensile tests were conducted with a uniaxial tensile test setup. A plastination technique already established in the laboratory was modified to improve the clamping behaviour of the samples. Material failure was caused by a gradual rupture of the load-bearing collagen fibre bundles. Contrary to our expectations, no significant difference was found between the tensile strength of fresh and fresh frozen specimens. The addition of 1 wt% DMSO did not increase the tensile strength compared to fresh-frozen samples; an addition of 10 wt% DMSO even resulted in a decrease. Based on our findings, the use of simple fresh-frozen specimens to determine the tensile strength is viable; however fresh specimens should be used to generate a complete property profile.
Decorin expression is associated with predictive diffusion MR phenotypes of anti-VEGF efficacy in glioblastoma
Authors: Patel Kunal S. , Yao Jingwen , Raymond Catalina , Yong William , Everson Richard , Liau Linda M. , Nathanson David , Kornblum Harley , Wang Chencai , Oughourlian Talia , Lai Albert , Nghiemphu Phioanh L. , Pope Whitney B. , Cloughesy Timothy F. , Ellingson Benjamin M. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractPrevious data suggest that apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) imaging phenotypes predict survival response to anti-VEGF monotherapy in glioblastoma. However, the mechanism by which imaging may predict clinical response is unknown. We hypothesize that decorin (DCN), a proteoglycan implicated in the modulation of the extracellular microenvironment and sequestration of pro-angiogenic signaling, may connect ADC phenotypes to survival benefit to anti-VEGF therapy. Patients undergoing resection for glioblastoma as well as patients included in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and IVY Glioblastoma Atlas Project (IVY GAP) databases had pre-operative imaging analyzed to calculate pre-operative ADCL values, the average ADC in the lower distribution using a double Gaussian mixed model. ADCL values were correlated to available RNA expression from these databases as well as from RNA sequencing from patient derived mouse orthotopic xenograft samples. Targeted biopsies were selected based on ADC values and prospectively collected during resection. Surgical specimens were used to evaluate for DCN RNA and protein expression by ADC value. The IVY Glioblastoma Atlas Project Database was used to evaluate DCN localization and relationship with VEGF pathway via in situ hybridization maps and RNA sequencing data. In a cohort of 35 patients with pre-operative ADC imaging and surgical specimens, DCN RNA expression levels were significantly larger in high ADCL tumors (41.6 vs. 1.5; P = 0.0081). In a cohort of 17 patients with prospectively targeted biopsies there was a positive linear correlation between ADCL levels and DCN protein expression between tumors (Pearson R2 = 0.3977; P = 0.0066) and when evaluating different targets within the same tumor (Pearson R2 = 0.3068; P = 0.0139). In situ hybridization data localized DCN expression to areas of microvascular proliferation and immunohistochemical studies localized DCN protein expression to the tunica adventitia of blood vessels within the tumor. DCN expression positively correlated with VEGFR1 & 2 expression and localized to similar areas of tumor. Increased ADCL on diffusion MR imaging is associated with high DCN expression as well as increased survival with anti-VEGF therapy in glioblastoma. DCN may play an important role linking the imaging features on diffusion MR and anti-VEGF treatment efficacy. DCN may serve as a target for further investigation and modulation of anti-angiogenic therapy in GBM.
The impact of focused ion beam induced damage on scanning spreading resistance microscopy measurements
Authors: Pandey Komal , Paredis Kristof , Hantschel Thomas , Drijbooms Chris , Vandervorst Wilfried 
Published: September 2020

AbstractScanning Spreading Resistance Microscopy is a well-established technique for obtaining quantitative two- and three-dimensional carrier profiles in semiconductor devices with sub-nm spatial resolution. However, for sub-100 nm devices, the use of focused ion beam becomes inevitable for exposing the region of interest on a sample cross section. In this work, we investigate the impact of the focused ion beam milling on spreading resistance analysis and we show that the electrical effect of the focused ion beam extends far beyond the amorphous region and depends on the dopant concentration, ion beam energy, impact angle, and current density. For example, for dopant concentrations between 1.0 × 1020 and 1.5 × 1016 cm−3 we observe dopant deactivation at least between 23 and 175 nm for a glancing 30 keV ion beam. Further, we show that dopant deactivation is caused by defect diffusion during milling and is not directly impacted by the presence of Gallium in the sample. Later, we also discuss potential ways to mitigate these effects.
Efficient classical computation of expectation values in a class of quantum circuits with an epistemically restricted phase space representation
Authors: Budiyono Agung , Dipojono Hermawan K. 
Published: September 2020

AbstractWe devise a classical algorithm which efficiently computes the quantum expectation values arising in a class of continuous variable quantum circuits wherein the final quantum observable—after the Heisenberg evolution associated with the circuits—is at most second order in momentum. The classical computational algorithm exploits a specific epistemic restriction in classical phase space which directly captures the quantum uncertainty relation, to transform the quantum circuits in the complex Hilbert space into classical albeit unconventional stochastic processes in the phase space. The resulting multidimensional integral is then evaluated using the Monte Carlo sampling method. The convergence rate of the classical sampling algorithm is determined by the variance of the classical physical quantity over the epistemically restricted phase space distribution. The work shows that for the specific class of computational schemes, Wigner negativity is not a sufficient resource for quantum speedup. It highlights the potential role of the epistemic restriction as an intuitive conceptual tool which may be used to study the boundary between quantum and classical computations.