bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A possible role for autoimmunity through molecular mimicry in alphavirus mediated arthritis
Authors: Venigalla Siva Sai Krishna , Premakumar Sowmya , Janakiraman Vani 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAlphaviral infections are foremost in causing debilitating clinical outcomes in humans characterized by rheumatic arthritis like conditions. Though the presence of virus in joints and associated inflammation has been implicated as one of the reasons for the acute and chronic polyarthritis post alphaviral infections, the basis for rheumatic like outcomes is not clear. Through an in silico analysis, we have investigated the possibility of an autoimmune process mediated through molecular mimicry in alphaviral infection induced pathogenicity. Interestingly, sequence alignment of the structural polyproteins belonging to arthritogenic alphaviruses revealed conserved regions which share homology with human proteins implicated in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). These conserved regions were predicted to exhibit binding to HLA class II alleles, showcasing their potential to incite T cell help. Molecular docking of the viral peptide and the corresponding homologous region in the human protein onto HLA-DRB1 revealed strong similarities in their binding patterns. Linear and conformational B cell epitope prediction analyses showed that these potential mimics have high propensity to elicit an efficient B cell response. We thus propose that the origin of polyarthritis post-arthritogenic alphaviral infections may also be mediated through a hitherto unknown autoimmune response due to the presence of cross-reactive epitopes between viral and human proteins.
Analysis of Annual and Seasonal Precipitation Variation in the Qinba Mountain area, China
Authors: Zhang Yannan , Liang Chuan 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this study, the spatial and temporal characteristics in precipitation extremes, total precipitation, and the seasonality of precipitation of the Qinba Mountain in China were investigated from 1961 to 2015, based on daily precipitation data of 37 meteorological stations. The results from our study suggest that: the annual precipitation in the area varies between 645 mm and 2175.2 mm, with the minimum annual precipitation occurred in 1997, and the maximum annual precipitation, in 1963. Between 1961 and 2015, a significant decreasing trend was observed in the annual precipitation, suggesting a decrease of −21.1 mm/a. The spatial distribution of precipitation in the Qinba Mountain area increased from the north to the south, showing an obvious difference in precipitation between the two areas. For extreme indices, the trends of annual total wet-day precipitation (PRCPTOT), number of heavy precipitation days (R10mm)and consecutive wet days (CWD)showed a downward trend, while the other extreme indices had an upward trend. The results from our research not only help the researchers to understand the characteristics of precipitation, but also provide crucial information for the policy makers to make better decisions, in future.
Differential expression and localisation of TGF-β isoforms and receptors in the murine epididymis
Authors: Voisin Allison , Damon-Soubeyrand Christelle , Bravard Stéphanie , Saez Fabrice , Drevet Joël R. , Guiton Rachel 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTestes produce spermatozoa that transit through and are stored in the epididymis where they acquire their fertilising capacities. Spermatozoa appear in the genital tract at puberty, long after the immune system was trained to self-antigens. As a consequence, this organ has to set strategies to tolerate sperm antigens to avoid autoimmune responses that would specifically target and destroy them. A recent study pointed the Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) signalling in the dendritic cells as a crucial mechanism for epididymal tolerance to spermatozoa. In the mouse, TGF-β exists under three isoforms, and three distinct receptors have been described. Using RT-qPCR, immunohistochemistry and ELISA techniques, we investigated the expression and spatial distribution of the epididymal TGF-β isoforms and of their receptors in young and adult mice. We showed that both ligands and receptors were produced by immune and non-immune cells in the epididymis, whatever the age mice have. These data bring new clues as to the mechanisms of peripheral tolerance to sperm cells in the murine epididymis and raise potential other implications of the cytokine isoforms.
Enhancing the ENSO Predictability beyond the Spring Barrier
Authors: Chen Han-Ching , Tseng Yu-Heng , Hu Zeng-Zhen , Ding Ruiqiang 
Published: January 2020

AbstractEl Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) is the dominant interseasonal–interannual variability in the tropical Pacific and substantial efforts have been dedicated to predicting its occurrence and variability because of its extensive global impacts. However, ENSO predictability has been reduced in the 21st century, and the impact of extratropical atmosphere on the tropics has intensified during the past 2 decades, making the ENSO more complicated and harder to predict. Here, by combining tropical preconditions/ocean–atmosphere interaction with extratropical precursors, we provide a novel approach to noticeably increase the ENSO prediction skill beyond the spring predictability barrier. The success of increasing the prediction skill results mainly from the longer lead-time of the extratropical–tropical ocean-to-atmosphere interaction process, especially for the first 2 decades of the 21st century.
Characterization and carbon mineralization of biochars produced from different animal manures and plant residues
Authors: Sarfaraz Qamar , Silva Leandro Souza da , Drescher Gerson Laerson , Zafar Mohsin , Severo Fabiane Figueiredo , Kokkonen Allan , Dal Molin Gustavo , Shafi Muhammad Izhar , Shafique Qudsia , Solaiman Zakaria M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRenewing carbon and re-establishing it again in the soil is one of the valuable means to cope with climate change. There are many technologies for carbon apprehension and storage, but the most important one gaining attention is biochar technology. So, to carbonize and return different biological materials back to the farmland, a comprehensive study was proposed to characterize and evaluate the carbon (C) mineralization of biochars produced from different animal manures and crop straws. Six types of biochars were prepared from animal manures (poultry litter, swine and cattle manures) and crop straws (rice, soybean, and corn straws). The biochars were analyzed for chemical characteristics (elemental variables, thermal decomposition, cation exchange capacity, pH, electrical conductivity, specific surface area, and surface functional groups) and an incubation experiment was conducted to evaluate C mineralization from soil biochar mixture. Biochars produced from crop straws resulted to have more C as compared to the biochars produced from animal manures. Concentration of nitrogen was low, while P, K, Ca, and Mg were found reasonably higher in all biochars except swine manure biochar. The plant-derived biochars presented lower CO2emissions when incorporated to soil at 1 and 2% of C. Varying but all the biochars prepared represented an alkaline pH. Biochars prepared from the crop straws resulted to have more C, alkaline in nature, high CEC, low CO2emissions, can sequester C and more suitable to enhance the soil fertility in comparison to biochars produced from other sources.
3D sub-pixel correlation length imaging
Authors: Harti R. P. , Strobl M. , Valsecchi J. , Hovind J. , Grünzweig C. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractQuantitative 2D neutron dark-field-imaging with neutron grating interferometry has been used to characterize structures in the size range below the imaging resolution. We present the first 3D quantitative neutron dark-field imaging experiment. We characterize sub-pixel structure sizes below the imaging resolution in tomography by quantitatively analyzing the change in dark-field contrast with varying neutron wavelength. This proof of principle experiment uses a dedicated reference sample with four different solutions of microspheres, each with a different diameter. The result is a 3D tomogram featuring a real space scattering function in each voxel. The presented experiment is expected to mark the path for future material science research through the individual quantification of small-angle scattering structures in each voxel of a volume of a bulk inhomogeneous sample material.
G Protein-Coupling of Adhesion GPCRs ADGRE2/EMR2 and ADGRE5/CD97, and Activation of G Protein Signalling by an Anti-EMR2 Antibody
Authors: Bhudia Nisha , Desai Sapna , King Natalie , Ancellin Nicolas , Grillot Didier , Barnes Ashley A. , Dowell Simon J. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe experimental evidence that Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptors (aGPCRs) functionally couple to heterotrimeric G proteins has been emerging in incremental steps, but attributing biological significance to their G protein signalling function still presents a major challenge. Here, utilising activated truncated forms of the receptors, we show that ADGRE2/EMR2 and ADGRE5/CD97 are G protein-coupled in a variety of recombinant systems. In a yeast-based assay, where heterologous GPCRs are coupled to chimeric G proteins, EMR2 showed broad G protein-coupling, whereas CD97 coupled more specifically to Gα12, Gα13, Gα14and Gαzchimeras. Both receptors induced pertussis-toxin (PTX) insensitive inhibition of cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels in mammalian cells, suggesting coupling to Gαz. EMR2 was shown to signal via Gα16, and via a Gα16/Gαzchimera, to stimulate IP1accumulation. Finally, using an NFAT reporter assay, we identified a polyclonal antibody that activates EMR2 G protein signallingin vitro. Our results highlight the potential for the development of soluble agonists to understand further the biological effects and therapeutic opportunities for ADGRE receptor-mediated G protein signalling.
The prognostic value of lncRNA SNHG4 and its potential mechanism in liver cancer
Authors: Jiao Yan , Li Yanqing , Jia Baoxing , Chen Qingmin , Pan Guoqiang , Hua Fang , Liu Yahui 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and object: Emerging evidence shows that non-coding RNA functions as new gene regulators and prognostic markers in several cancers, including liver cancer. Here, we focused on the small nucleolar RNA host gene 4 (SNHG4) in liver cancer prognosis based on The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data.
Methods: The expression data and clinical information were downloaded from TCGA. Chi-square tests evaluated the correlation between SNHG4 expression and clinical parameters. Differences in survival between high and low expression groups (optic cutoff value determined by ROC) from Cox regression analysis were compared, and P-value was calculated by a log-rank test. Kaplan–Meier curves were compared with the log-rank test. GSEA and ceRNA network were conducted to explore the potential mechanism.
Results: Data mining of lncRNA expression data for 371 patients with primary tumor revealed overexpression of SNHG4 in liver cancer. High SNHG4 expression was correlated with histological type (P = 0.01), histologic grade (P = 0.001), stage (P = 0.01), T classification (P = 0.004) and survival status (P = 0.013). Patients with high SNHG4 expression had poor overall survival and relapse-free survival compared with those with low SNHG4 expression. Multivariate analysis identified SNHG4 as an independent prognostic factor of poor survival in liver cancer. GSEA revealed related signaling pathway and ceRNA network explored the further mechanism.
Conclusion: High SNHG4 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in liver cancer.
ESPRESSO highlights the binary nature of the ultra-metal-poor giant HE 0107−5240
Authors: Bonifacio P. , Molaro P. , Adibekyan V. , Aguado D. , Alibert Y. , Allende Prieto C. , Caffau E. , Cristiani S. , Cupani G. , Di Marcantonio P. , D’Odorico V. , Ehrenreich D. , Figueira P. , Genova R. , González Hernández J. I. , Lo Curto G. , Lovis C. , Martins C. J. A. P. , Mehner A. , Micela G. , Monaco L. , Nunes N. J. , Pepe F. A. , Poretti E. , Rebolo R. , Santos N. C. , Saviane I. , Sousa S. , Sozzetti A. , Suarez-Mascareño A. , Udry S. , Zapatero-Osorio M. R. 
Published: January 2020

Context. The vast majority of the known stars of ultra low metallicity ([Fe/H] <  −4.5) are known to be enhanced in carbon, and belong to the “low-carbon band” (A(C) = log(C/H)+12 ≤ 7.6). It is generally, although not universally, accepted that this peculiar chemical composition reflects the chemical composition of the gas cloud out of which these stars were formed. The first ultra-metal-poor star discovered, HE 0107−5240, is also enhanced in carbon and belongs to the “low-carbon band”. It has recently been claimed to be a long-period binary, based on radial velocity measurements. It has also been claimed that this binarity may explain its peculiar composition as being due to mass transfer from a former AGB companion. Theoretically, low-mass ratios in binary systems are much more favoured amongst Pop III stars than they are amongst solar-metallicity stars. Any constraint on the mass ratio of a system of such low metallicity would shed light on the star formation mechanisms in this metallicity regime.
Aims. We acquired one high precision spectrum with ESPRESSO in order to check the reality of the radial velocity variations. In addition we analysed all the spectra of this star in the ESO archive obtained with UVES to have a set of homogenously measured radial velocities.
Methods. The radial velocities were measured using cross correlation against a synthetic spectrum template. Due to the weakness of metallic lines in this star, the signal comes only from the CH molecular lines of the G-band.
Results. The measurement obtained in 2018 from an ESPRESSO spectrum demonstrates unambiguously that the radial velocity of HE 0107−5240 has increased from 2001 to 2018. Closer inspection of the measurements based on UVES spectra in the interval 2001–2006 show that there is a 96% probability that the radial velocity correlates with time, hence the radial velocity variations can already be suspected from the UVES spectra alone.
Conclusions. We confirm the earlier claims of radial velocity variations in HE 0107−5240. The simplest explanation of such variations is that the star is indeed in a binary system with a long period. The nature of the companion is unconstrained and we consider it is equally probable that it is an unevolved companion or a white dwarf. Continued monitoring of the radial velocities of this star is strongly encouraged.
GG Tauri A: gas properties and dynamics from the cavity to the outer disk
Authors: Phuong N. T. , Dutrey A. , Diep P. N. , Guilloteau S. , Chapillon E. , Di Folco E. , Tang Y.-W. , Piétu V. , Bary J. , Beck T. , Hersant F. , Hoai D. T. , Huré J. M. , Nhung P. T. , Pierens A. , Tuan-Anh P. 
Published: January 2020

Context.GG Tauri A is the prototype of a young triple T Tauri star that is surrounded by a massive and extended Keplerian outer disk. The central cavity is not devoid of gas and dust and at least GG Tauri Aa exhibits its own disk of gas and dust emitting at millimeter wavelengths. Its observed properties make this source an ideal laboratory for investigating planet formation in young multiple solar-type stars.Aims.We used new ALMA13CO and C18O(3–2) observations obtained at high angular resolution (~0.2″) together with previous CO(3–2) and (6–5) ALMA data and continuum maps at 1.3 and 0.8 mm in order to determine the gas properties (temperature, density, and kinematics) in the cavity and to a lesser extent in the outer disk.Methods.By deprojecting, we studied the radial and azimuthal gas distribution and its kinematics. We also applied a new method to improve the deconvolution of the CO data and in particular better quantify the emission from gas inside the cavity. We perform local and nonlocal thermodynamic equilibrium studies in order to determine the excitation conditions and relevant physical parameters inside the ring and in the central cavity.Results.Residual emission after removing a smooth-disk model indicates unresolved structures at our angular resolution, probably in the form of irregular rings or spirals. The outer disk is cold, with a temperature <20 K beyond 250 au that drops quickly (∝r−1). The kinematics of the gas inside the cavity reveals infall motions at about 10% of the Keplerian speed. We derive the amount of gas in the cavity, and find that the brightest clumps, which contain about 10% of this mass, have kinetic temperatures 40−80 K, CO column densities of a few 1017cm−2, and H2densities around 107cm−3.Conclusions.Although the gas in the cavity is only a small fraction of the disk mass, the mass accretion rate throughout the cavity is comparable to or higher than the stellar accretion rate. It is accordingly sufficient to sustain the circumstellar disks on a long timescale.
Percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage may be the preferred preoperative drainage method in hilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Ba Yongjiang , Yue Ping , Leung Joseph W. , Wang Haiping , Lin Yanyan , Bai Bing , Zhu Xiaoliang , Zhang Lei , Zhu Kexiang , Wang Wenhui , Meng Wenbo , Zhou Wence , Liu Ying , Li Xun 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and study aims Preoperative biliary drainage of hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is controversial. The goal of this study was to compare the clinical outcome and associated complications for types II, III, and IV HC managed by percutaneous transhepatic biliary drainage (PTBD) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).
Patients and methods Between January 2011 and June 2017, a total of 180 patients with II, III, and IV HC were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. According to the drainage method, patients were divided into two groups: PTBD (n = 81) and ERCP (n = 99). This study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03104582, and was completed.
Results Compared with the PTBD group, the ERCP group had a higher incidence of post-procedural cholangitis (37 [37.37 %] vs. 18 [22.22 %], P = 0.028) and pancreatitis (17 [17.17 %] vs. 2 [2.47 %], P = 0.001); required more salvaged biliary drainage (18 [18.18 %] vs. 5 [6.17 %], P  = 0.029), and incurred a higher cost (P < 0.05). Patients with type III and IV HC in the ERCP group had more cholangitis than those in the PTBD group (26 [36.62 %] vs. 11 [18.03 %], P = 0.018). The rate of cholangitis in patients who received endoscopic bilateral biliary stents insertion was higher than patients with unilateral stenting (23 [50.00 %] vs. 9 [26.47 %], P = 0.034), and underwent PTBD internal-external drainage had a higher incidence of cholangitis than those with only external drainage (11 [34.36 %] vs. 7 [14.29 %], P = 0.034). No significant difference in the rate of cholangitis was observed between the endoscopic unilateral stenting group and the endoscopic nasobiliary drainage group (9 [26.47 %] vs. 5 [26.32 %], P = 0.990).
Conclusion Compared to ERCP, PTBD reduced the rate of cholangitis, pancreatitis, salvage biliary drainage, and decreased hospitalization costs in patients with types II, III, and IV HC. Risk of cholangitis for patients with types III and IV was significantly lower in the PTBD group.
Endoscopic mucosal resection with an additional working channel (EMR+) in a porcine ex vivo model: a novel technique to improve en bloc resection rate of snare polypectomy
Authors: Knoop Richard F. , Wedi Edris , Petzold Golo , Bremer Sebastian C.B. , Amanzada Ahmad , Ellenrieder Volker , Neesse Albrecht , Kunsch Steffen 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and study aims Recently, a new external additional working channel (AWC) was introduced by which conventional endoscopic mucosal resection (EMR) can be improved to a technique termed “EMR+”. We first evaluated this novel technique in comparison to classical EMR in flat lesions.
Methods The trial was prospectively conducted in an ex vivo animal model with porcine stomachs placed into the EASIE-R simulator. Prior to intervention, standardized lesions were set by coagulation dots, measuring 1, 2, 3 or 4 cm.
Results Overall, 152 procedures were performed. EMR and EMR+ were both very reliable in 1-cm lesions, each showing en bloc resection rates of 100 %. EMR+ en bloc resection rate was significantly higher in 2-cm lesions (95.44 % vs. 54.55 %, P = 0.02), in 3-cm lesions (86.36 % vs. 18.18 %, P < 0.01) and also in 4-cm lesions (60.00 % vs. 0 %, P < 0.01). Perforations occurred only in EMR+ procedures in 4-cm lesions (3 of 20; 15 %).
Conclusions With its grasp-and-snare technique, EMR+ facilitates en bloc resection of larger lesions compared to conventional EMR. In lesions 2 cm and larger, EMR+ has demonstrated advantages, especially concerning en bloc resection rate. At 3 cm, EMR+ reaches its best discriminatory power whereas EMR+ has inherent limits at 4 cm and in lesions of that size, other techniques such as ESD or surgery should be considered.
Electrochemotherapy for colorectal cancer using endoscopic electroporation: a phase 1 clinical study
Authors: Falk Hansen Hanne , Bourke Michael , Stigaard Trine , Clover James , Buckley Martin , O’Riordain Micheal , Winter Des C. , Hjorth Johannesen Helle , Hansen Rasmus Hvass , Heebøll Hanne , Forde Patrick , Jakobsen Henrik Loft , Larsen Ole , Rosenberg Jacob , Soden Declan , Gehl Julie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background and study aims Electrochemotherapy is an anticancer treatment that uses electric pulses to facilitate uptake of chemotherapeutic drugs in tumor cells and has proven to have a high local cytotoxic effect with minimal adverse events. Electrochemotherapy has mostly been used in treatment of cutaneous metastases but development of a new endoscopic electrode device has made treatment of colorectal tumors possible. This first-in-man multicenter phase I study investigated safety and efficacy of electrochemotherapy using endoscopic electroporation in patients with colorectal tumors.
Patients and methods Seven patients with colorectal tumors who were deemed ineligible for or had declined standard treatment were included. They were treated with bleomycin either intratumorally or intravenously and the electric pulses were delivered through the endoscopic electrode device. Safety and efficacy were assessed clinically and by scans immediately after treatment and adverse events were reported. Response was evaluated up to 6 months after treatment by scans (magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography) and endoscopic examinations.
Results Seven patients aged 62 to 88 years with multiple comorbidities were included and had one or two treatments each. Post-treatment scans showed tumor responses in the treated areas and no damage to surrounding tissues. Only a few grade one adverse events were reported. Three patients had preoperative rectal bleeding, of which two reported cessation of bleeding and one reported decreased bleeding.
Conclusion This first-in-man study shows that electrochemotherapy for colorectal tumors using the endoscopic electrode device can induce local tumor response and is safe also for fragile elderly patients with comorbidities.