bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Diversity of metabolite accumulation patterns in inner and outer seed coats of pomegranate: exploring their relationship with genetic mechanisms of seed coat development
Authors: Qin Gaihua , Liu Chunyan , Li Jiyu , Qi Yongjie , Gao Zhenghui , Zhang Xiaoling , Yi Xingkai , Pan Haifa , Ming Ray , Xu Yiliu 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe expanded outer seed coat and the rigid inner seed coat of pomegranate seeds, both affect the sensory qualities of the fruit and its acceptability to consumers. Pomegranate seeds are also an appealing model for the study of seed coat differentiation and development. We conducted nontarget metabolic profiling to detect metabolites that contribute to the morphological differentiation of the seed coats along with transcriptomic profiling to unravel the genetic mechanisms underlying this process. Comparisons of metabolites in the lignin biosynthetic pathway accumulating in seed coat layers at different developmental stages revealed that monolignols, including coniferyl alcohol and sinapyl alcohol, greatly accumulated in inner seed coats and monolignol glucosides greatly accumulated in outer seed coats. Strong expression of genes involved in monolignol biosynthesis and transport might explain the spatial patterns of biosynthesis and accumulation of these metabolites. Hemicellulose constituents and flavonoids in particular accumulated in the inner seed coat, and candidate genes that might be involved in their accumulation were also identified. Genes encoding transcription factors regulating monolignol, cellulose, and hemicellulose metabolism were chosen by coexpression analysis. These results provide insights into metabolic factors influencing seed coat differentiation and a reference for studying seed coat developmental biology and pomegranate genetic improvement.
Balancing selection via life-history trade-offs maintains an inversion polymorphism in a seaweed fly
Authors: Mérot Claire , Llaurens Violaine , Normandeau Eric , Bernatchez Louis , Wellenreuther Maren 
Published: February 2020

AbstractHow natural diversity is maintained is an evolutionary puzzle. Genetic variation can be eroded by drift and directional selection but some polymorphisms persist for long time periods, implicating a role for balancing selection. Here, we investigate the maintenance of a chromosomal inversion polymorphism in the seaweed fly Coelopa frigida. Using experimental evolution and quantifying fitness, we show that the inversion underlies a life-history trade-off, whereby each haplotype has opposing effects on larval survival and adult reproduction. Numerical simulations confirm that such antagonistic pleiotropy can maintain polymorphism. Our results also highlight the importance of sex-specific effects, dominance and environmental heterogeneity, whose interaction enhances the maintenance of polymorphism through antagonistic pleiotropy. Overall, our findings directly demonstrate how overdominance and sexual antagonism can emerge from a life-history trade-off, inviting reconsideration of antagonistic pleiotropy as a key part of multi-headed balancing selection processes that enable the persistence of genetic variation.
Conformational plasticity of ligand-bound and ternary GPCR complexes studied by 19F NMR of the β1-adrenergic receptor
Authors: Frei J. Niclas , Broadhurst Richard W. , Bostock Mark J. , Solt Andras , Jones Andrew J. Y. , Gabriel Florian , Tandale Aditi , Shrestha Binesh , Nietlispach Daniel 
Published: February 2020

AbstractG-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are allosteric signaling proteins that transmit an extracellular stimulus across the cell membrane. Using 19F NMR and site-specific labelling, we investigate the response of the cytoplasmic region of transmembrane helices 6 and 7 of the β1-adrenergic receptor to agonist stimulation and coupling to a Gs-protein-mimetic nanobody. Agonist binding shows the receptor in equilibrium between two inactive states and a pre-active form, increasingly populated with higher ligand efficacy. Nanobody coupling leads to a fully active ternary receptor complex present in amounts correlating directly with agonist efficacy, consistent with partial agonism. While for different agonists the helix 6 environment in the active-state ternary complexes resides in a well-defined conformation, showing little conformational mobility, the environment of the highly conserved NPxxY motif on helix 7 remains dynamic adopting diverse, agonist-specific conformations, implying a further role of this region in receptor function. An inactive nanobody-coupled ternary receptor form is also observed.
A Silicon Photonics Computational Lensless Active-Flat-Optics Imaging System
Authors: White Alexander , Khial Parham , Salehi Fariborz , Hassibi Babak , Hajimiri Ali 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe need for lightweight, miniature imaging systems is becoming increasingly prevalent in light of the development of wearable electronics, IoT devices, and drones. Computational imaging enables new types of imaging systems that replace standard optical components like lenses with cleverly designed computational processes. Traditionally, many of these types of systems use conventional complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or charge coupled device (CCD) sensors for data collection. While this allows for rapid development of large-scale systems, the lack of system-sensor co-design limits the compactness and performance. Here we propose integrated photonics as a candidate platform for the implementation of such co-integrated systems. Using grating couplers and co-designed computational processing in lieu of a lens, we demonstrate the use of silicon photonics as a viable platform for computational imaging with a prototype lensless imaging device. The proof-of-concept device has 20 sensors and a 45-degree field of view, and its optics and sensors are contained within a 2,000 μm × 200 μm × 20 μm volume.
Resting motor threshold and magnetic field output of the figure-of-8 and the double-cone coil
Authors: Schecklmann Martin , Schmaußer Maximilian , Klinger Felix , Kreuzer Peter M. , Krenkel Lars , Langguth Berthold 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe use of the double-cone (DC) coil in transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is promoted with the notion that the DC coil enables stimulation of deeper brain areas in contrast to conventional figure-of-8 (Fo8) coils. However, systematic comparisons of these two coil types with respect to the spatial distribution of the magnetic field output and also to the induced activity in superficial and deeper brain areas are limited. Resting motor thresholds of the left and right first dorsal interosseous (FDI) and tibialis anterior (TA) were determined with the DC and the Fo8 coil in 17 healthy subjects. Coils were orientated over the corresponding motor area in an angle of 45 degrees for the hand area with the handle pointing in posterior direction and in medio-lateral direction for the leg area. Physical measurements were done with an automatic gantry table using a Gaussmeter. Resting motor threshold was higher for the leg area in contrast to the hand area and for the Fo8 in contrast to the DC coil. Muscle by coil interaction was also significant providing higher differences between leg and hand area for the Fo8 (about 27%) in contrast to the DC coil (about 15%). Magnetic field strength was higher for the DC coil in contrast to the Fo8 coil. The DC coil produces a higher magnetic field with higher depth of penetration than the figure of eight coil.
The in vitro inertial positions and viability of cells in suspension under different in vivo flow conditions
Authors: Connolly Sinead , McGourty Kieran , Newport David 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe influence of Poiseuille flow on cell viability has applications in the areas of cancer metastasis, lab-on-a-chip devices and flow cytometry. Indeed, retaining cell viability is important in the emerging field of cell therapy as cells need to be returned to patients’ bodies. Despite this, it is unclear how this fundamental fluid regime affects cell viability. This study investigated the influence that varying flow rate, and the corresponding wall shear stress (τw) has on the viability and inertial positions of circulating cells in laminar pipe flow. The viability of two representative cell lines under different shear stresses in two different systems were investigated while particle streak imaging was used to determine their inertial positions. It was found that peristaltic pumps have a negative effect on cell viability in comparison to syringe pumps. Increasing shear stress in a cone and plate above 3 Pa caused an increase in cell death, however, τw as high as 10 Pa in circulation has little to no effect on cell viability. Inertial lift forces that move cells towards the centre of the channel protect them from experiencing detrimental levels of τw, indicating that τw in Poiseuille flow is not a good predictor of cell viability during advection.
Observation of a Correlation Between Internal friction and Urbach Energy in Amorphous Oxides Thin Films
Authors: Amato Alex , Terreni Silvana , Granata Massimo , Michel Christophe , Sassolas Benoit , Pinard Laurent , Canepa Maurizio , Cagnoli Gianpietro 
Published: February 2020

AbstractWe have investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE, 190–1700 nm) the optical properties of uniform, amorphous thin films of Ta2O5 and Nb2O5 as deposited and after annealing, and after so-called “doping” with Ti atoms which leads to mixed oxides. Ta2O5 and Ti:Ta2O5 are currently used as high-index components in Bragg reflectors for Gravitational Wave Detectors. Parallel to the optical investigation, we measured the mechanical energy dissipation of the same coatings, through the so-called “loss angle” ϕ = Q−1, which quantifies the energy loss in materials. By applying the well-known Cody-Lorentz model in the analysis of SE data we have been able to derive accurate information on the fundamental absorption edge through important parameters related to the electronic density of states, such as the optical gap (Eg) and the energy width of the exponential Urbach tail (the Urbach energy EU). We have found that EU is neatly reduced by suitable annealing as is also perceptible from direct inspection of SE data. Ti-doping also points to a minor decrease of EU. The reduction of EU parallels a lowering of the mechanical losses quantified by the loss angle ϕ. The correlation highlights that both the electronic states responsible of Urbach tail and the internal friction are sensitive to a self-correlation of defects on a medium-range scale, which is promoted by annealing and in our case, to a lesser extent, by doping. These observations may contribute to a better understanding of the relationship between structural and mechanical properties in amorphous oxides.
Improved Calcium Homeostasis and Force by Selenium Treatment and Training in Aged Mouse Skeletal Muscle
Authors: Fodor János , Al-Gaadi Dána , Czirják Tamás , Oláh Tamás , Dienes Beatrix , Csernoch László , Szentesi Péter 
Published: February 2020

AbstractDuring aging reduction in muscle mass (sarcopenia) and decrease in physical activity lead to partial loss of muscle force and increased fatigability. Deficiency in the essential trace element selenium might augment these symptoms as it can cause muscle pain, fatigue, and proximal weakness. Average voluntary daily running, maximal twitch and tetanic force, and calcium release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) decreased while reactive oxygen species (ROS) production associated with tetanic contractions increased in aged – 22-month-old – as compared to young – 4-month-old – mice. These changes were accompanied by a decline in the ryanodine receptor type 1 (RyR1) and Selenoprotein N content and the increased amount of a degraded RyR1. Both lifelong training and selenium supplementation, but not the presence of an increased muscle mass at young age, were able to compensate for the reduction in muscle force and SR calcium release with age. Selenium supplementation was also able to significantly enhance the Selenoprotein N levels in aged mice. Our results describe, for the first time, the beneficial effects of selenium supplementation on calcium release from the SR and muscle force in old age while point out that increased muscle mass does not improve physical performance with aging.
The relationship between abdominal pain and emotional wellbeing in children and adolescents in the Raine Study
Authors: Ayonrinde Oyekoya T. , Ayonrinde Oyedeji A. , Adams Leon A. , Sanfilippo Frank M. , O’ Sullivan Therese A. , Robinson Monique , Oddy Wendy H. , Olynyk John K. 
Published: February 2020

AbstractAbdominal pain is a common reason for medical visits. We examined the prevalence, gastrointestinal, and emotional significance of abdominal pain in a population-based cohort serially followed up from birth to 17 years. Children and adolescents from Generation 2 of the Raine Study participated in comprehensive cross-sectional assessments at ages 2, 5, 8, 10, 14 and 17 years. At 17 years, medical history, general health, gastrointestinal symptoms, medications, health practitioner attendance, and self-rated unhappiness were recorded. Longitudinal data regarding abdominal pain or unhappiness, from serial questionnaires, were analysed to identify factors associated with abdominal pain and adverse emotional health at age 17 years. Females experienced more abdominal pain than males at all ages (p < 0.05). Seventeen-year-old adolescents with abdominal pain reported a higher prevalence of depression, anxiety, being bullied at school, and poorer health status than those without abdominal pain (p < 0.05 for all). Abdominal pain and unhappiness during childhood and mid-adolescence were prospectively associated with recurrent abdominal pain, anxiety, depression and unhappiness during late adolescence (p < 0.05 for all). In conclusion, abdominal pain in children and adolescents associates with depression, anxiety, being bullied, unhappiness and reduced overall health-rating during adolescence. Awareness of these factors may guide management decisions.
Haploid induction via unpollinated ovule culture in Gerbera hybrida
Authors: Li Fan , Cheng Ying , Zhao Xiaokun , Yu Rongpei , Li Huimin , Wang Lihua , Li Shenchong , Shan Qinli 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOvule-derived haploid culture is an effective and important method for genetic study and plant breeding. Gerbera hybrida is a highly heterozygous species, and the lack of homozygous lines presents a challenge for molecular genetic research. Therefore, we performed haploid induction through unpollinated ovule culture and evaluated the effects of several important factors on this culturing procedure in G. hybrida, including genotype, low temperature, and the development seasons of the ovules. Among 45 G. hybrida cultivars analyzed, 29 cultivars exhibited adventitious bud induction via in vitro unpollinated ovule culture with significant different responses, indicating that the genotype of donor plants was a vital factor for inducibility. Four cultivars with significantly different induction rates, including one non-induced cultivar, were selected to analyze seasonal effects. Ovules extracted in the summer consistently had the highest induction rates, and even the non-induced cultivar included in the analysis could be induced at low levels when ovules from summer were used. Low temperature treatment could also promote adventitious bud induction, and in particular, a strong and significant effect was detected after 7 days of cold treatment. Ploidy level measurements by flow cytometry revealed that 288 ovule-derived regenerants were haploid (55.17%) and 218 lines were diploid (41.76%). Moreover, genetic stability analysis of the regenerants indicated 100% similarity to the marker profile of the mother plant. This is the first report of ovule-derived haploids in G. hybrida, which may facilitate the development of homozygous lines for molecular research and plant breeding.
Machine learning decodes chemical features to identify novel agonists of a moth odorant receptor
Authors: Caballero-Vidal Gabriela , Bouysset Cédric , Grunig Hubert , Fiorucci Sébastien , Montagné Nicolas , Golebiowski Jérôme , Jacquin-Joly Emmanuelle 
Published: February 2020

AbstractOdorant receptors expressed at the peripheral olfactory organs are key proteins for animal volatile sensing. Although they determine the odor space of a given species, their functional characterization is a long process and remains limited. To date, machine learning virtual screening has been used to predict new ligands for such receptors in both mammals and insects, using chemical features of known ligands. In insects, such approach is yet limited to Diptera, whereas insect odorant receptors are known to be highly divergent between orders. Here, we extend this strategy to a Lepidoptera receptor, SlitOR25, involved in the recognition of attractive odorants in the crop pest Spodoptera littoralis larvae. Virtual screening of 3 million molecules predicted 32 purchasable ones whose function has been systematically tested on SlitOR25, revealing 11 novel agonists with a success rate of 28%. Our results show that Support Vector Machine optimizes the discovery of novel agonists and expands the chemical space of a Lepidoptera OR. More, it opens up structure-function relationship analyses through a comparison of the agonist chemical structures. This proof-of-concept in a crop pest could ultimately enable the identification of OR agonists or antagonists, capable of modifying olfactory behaviors in a context of biocontrol.
3D tumour spheroids for the prediction of the effects of radiation and hyperthermia treatments
Authors: Brüningk Sarah C. , Rivens Ian , Box Carol , Oelfke Uwe , ter Haar Gail 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFor multimodality therapies such as the combination of hyperthermia and radiation, quantification of biological effects is key for dose prescription and response prediction. Tumour spheroids have a microenvironment that more closely resembles that of tumours in vivo and may thus be a superior in vitro cancer model than monolayer cultures. Here, the response of tumour spheroids formed from two established human cancer cell lines (HCT116 and CAL27) to single and combination treatments of radiation (0–20 Gy), and hyperthermia at 47 °C (0–780 CEM43) has been evaluated. Response was analysed in terms of spheroid growth, cell viability and the distribution of live/dead cells. Time-lapse imaging was used to evaluate mechanisms of cell death and cell detachment. It was found that sensitivity to heat in spheroids was significantly less than that seen in monolayer cultures. Spheroids showed different patterns of shrinkage and regrowth when exposed to heat or radiation: heated spheroids shed dead cells within four days of heating and displayed faster growth post-exposure than samples that received radiation or no treatment. Irradiated spheroids maintained a dense structure and exhibited a longer growth delay than spheroids receiving hyperthermia or combination treatment at (thermal) doses that yielded equivalent levels of clonogenic cell survival. We suggest that, unlike radiation, which kills dividing cells, hyperthermia-induced cell death affects cells independent of their proliferation status. This induces microenvironmental changes that promote spheroid growth. In conclusion, 3D tumour spheroid growth studies reveal differences in response to heat and/or radiation that were not apparent in 2D clonogenic assays but that may significantly influence treatment efficacy.
A novel selection strategy for antibody producing hybridoma cells based on a new transgenic fusion cell line
Authors: Listek Martin , Hönow Anja , Gossen Manfred , Hanack Katja 
Published: February 2020

AbstractThe use of monoclonal antibodies is ubiquitous in science and biomedicine but the generation and validation process of antibodies is nevertheless complicated and time-consuming. To address these issues we developed a novel selective technology based on an artificial cell surface construct by which secreted antibodies were connected to the corresponding hybridoma cell when they possess the desired antigen-specificity. Further the system enables the selection of desired isotypes and the screening for potential cross-reactivities in the same context. For the design of the construct we combined the transmembrane domain of the EGF-receptor with a hemagglutinin epitope and a biotin acceptor peptide and performed a transposon-mediated transfection of myeloma cell lines. The stably transfected myeloma cell line was used for the generation of hybridoma cells and an antigen- and isotype-specific screening method was established. The system has been validated for globular protein antigens as well as for haptens and enables a fast and early stage selection and validation of monoclonal antibodies in one step.
Effects of multiple injections on the efficacy and cytotoxicity of folate-targeted magnetite nanoparticles as theranostic agents for MRI detection and magnetic hyperthermia therapy of tumor cells
Authors: Soleymani Meysam , Khalighfard Solmaz , Khodayari Saeed , Khodayari Hamid , Kalhori Mohammad Reza , Hadjighassem Mahmoud Reza , Shaterabadi Zhila , Alizadeh Ali Mohammad 
Published: February 2020

AbstractFolate-targeted iron oxide nanoparticles (FA@Fe3O4 NPs) were prepared by a one-pot hydrothermal method and then used as cancer theranostic agents by combining magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and magnetic hyperthermia therapy (MHT). Crystal structure, morphology, magnetic properties, surface functional group, and heating efficacy of the synthesized nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, VSM, FTIR, and hyperthermia analyses. The results indicated that the crystal structure, magnetic properties, and heating efficacy of the magnetite nanoparticles were improved by hydrothermal treatment. Toxicity of the prepared NPs was assessed in vitro and in vivo on the mammary cells and BALB/c mice, respectively. The results of the in vitro toxicity analysis showed that the FA@Fe3O4 NPs are relatively safe even at high concentrations of the NPs up to 1000 µg mL−1. Also, the targetability of the FA@Fe3O4 NPs for the detection of folate over-expressed cancer cells was evaluated in an animal model of breast tumor using MRI analysis. It was observed that T2-weighted magnetic resonance signal intensity was decreased with the three-time injection of the FA@Fe3O4 NPs with 24 h interval at a safe dose (50 mg kg−1), indicating the accumulation and retention of the NPs within the tumor tissues. Moreover, the therapeutic efficacy of the MHT using the FA@Fe3O4 NPs was evaluated in vivo in breast tumor-bearing mice. Hyperthermia treatment was carried out under a safe alternating magnetic field permissible for magnetic hyperthermia treatment (f = 150 kHz, H = 12.5 mT). The therapeutic effects of the MHT were evaluated by monitoring the tumor volume during the treatment period. The results showed that the mice in the control group experienced an almost 3.5-fold increase in the tumor volume during 15 days, while, the mice in the MHT group had a mild increase in the tumor volume (1.8-fold) within the same period (P < 0.05). These outcomes give promise that FA@Fe3O4 NPs can be used as theranostic agents for the MRI and MHT applications.