bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Single crystal growth, optical absorption and luminescence properties under VUV-UV synchrotron excitation of type III Pr3+:KGd(PO3)4
Authors: Adell Irina , Pujol Maria Cinta , Solé Rosa Maria , Lancry Matthieu , Ollier Nadège , Aguiló Magdalena , Díaz Francesc 
Published: April 2020

AbstractScintillator materials are widely used for a variety of applications such as high energy physics, astrophysics and medical imaging. Since the ideal scintillator does not exist, the search for scintillators with suitable properties for each application is of great interest. Here, Pr3+-doped KGd(PO3)4 bulk single crystals with monoclinic structure (space group: P21) are grown from high temperature solutions and their structural, thermal and optical properties are studied as possible candidates for scintillation material. The change in the unit cell parameters as a function of the Pr3+ level of doping and temperature is studied. Differential thermal analysis reveals that KGd0.942Pr0.058(PO3)4 is stable until 1140 K. The 5d3, 5d2 and 5d1 levels of Pr3+ with respect to the 3H4 ground state are centred at 166, 196 and 218 nm, respectively, in this host. The luminescence of KGd0.990Pr0.010(PO3)4, by exciting these 5d levels, shows intense emissions centred at 256 and 265 nm from the 5d1 to 3F3,4 and 1G4 levels of Pr3+ with a short decay time of 6 ns. The 6P3/2,5/2,7/2 → 8S7/2 transitions of Gd3+ appear after exciting the 5d levels of Pr3+ and the 4 f levels of Gd3+, showing an energy transfer between Pr3+ and Gd3+.
Extended fed-batch fermentation of a C5/C6 optimised yeast strain on wheat straw hydrolysate using an online refractive index sensor to measure the relative fermentation rate
Authors: Knudsen Jan Dines , Rønnow Birgitte 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn the production of 2nd generation ethanol, using Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the highest productivity obtained using C5/C6 fermenting yeast is in the co-fermentation phase, in which xylose and glucose are fermented simultaneously. Extending this phase in a fed-batch process increases the yield, rate and additionally reduces needed yeast amount for pitching. Extending this phase, as long as possible, would further enhance yield and economy of the process. To realise the concept a fermentation monitoring technique was developed and applied. Based on online measured refractive index an optimal residual sugar concentration could be maintained in the primary fermentor during the feed phase, requiring little knowledge of the nature of the substrate. The system was able to run stably for at least five fermentor volumes giving an ethanol yield >90% throughout the run. This was achieved with addition of only urea to the wheat straw hydrolysate and with an initial yeast pitch of 0.2 g/L total of finished broth. It has the potential to improve the fermentation technology used in fuel ethanol plants, which could help to meet the growing demand for more sustainable fuels.
Impulsivity is a heritable trait in rodents and associated with a novel quantitative trait locus on chromosome 1
Authors: Jupp Bianca , Pitzoi Silvia , Petretto Enrico , Mar Adam C. , Oliver Yolanda Pena , Jordan Emily R. , Taylor Stephanie , Atanur Santosh S. , Srivastava Prashant K. , Saar Kathrin , Hubner Norbert , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Staehlin Oliver , Spanagel Rainer , Robinson Emma S. , Schumann Gunter , Moreno Margarita , Everitt Barry J. , Robbins Trevor W. , Aitman Timothy J. , Dalley Jeffrey W. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractImpulsivity describes the tendency to act prematurely without appropriate foresight and is symptomatic of a number of neuropsychiatric disorders. Although a number of genes for impulsivity have been identified, no study to date has carried out an unbiased, genome-wide approach to identify genetic markers associated with impulsivity in experimental animals. Herein we report a linkage study of a six-generational pedigree of adult rats phenotyped for one dimension of impulsivity, namely premature responding on the five-choice serial reaction time task, combined with genome wide sequencing and transcriptome analysis to identify candidate genes associated with the expression of the impulsivity trait. Premature responding was found to be heritable (h2 = 13–16%), with significant linkage (LOD 5.2) identified on chromosome 1. Fine mapping of this locus identified a number of polymorphic candidate genes, however only one, beta haemoglobin, was differentially expressed in both the founder strain and F6 generation. These findings provide novel insights into the genetic substrates and putative neurobiological mechanisms of impulsivity with broader translational relevance for impulsivity-related disorders in humans.
Association between milk consumption and child growth for children aged 6–59 months
Authors: Herber Christine , Bogler Lisa , Subramanian S. V. , Vollmer Sebastian 
Published: April 2020

AbstractApart from high levels of energy, proteins, micro- and macronutrients, milk contains calcium and the insulin-like growth factor-1 that are of major relevance for children’s development and growth. Using Demographic and Health Survey data between 1990 and 2017 with information on milk consumption and anthropometric measurements from all low- and middle-income countries available, we investigate whether milk consumption in childhood is associated with stunting, wasting, and underweight. We specify logistic regression models and adjust for a range of covariates and fixed effects on the primary sampling unit level. We analyze heterogeneity in the association by wealth quintiles and age groups and present country-specific estimates. The final samples for wasting, underweight and stunting include 668.463, 693.376, and 673.177 observations of children aged 6 to 59 months, respectively. Our results suggest that milk consumption is associated with a reduced probability of being underweight of 1.4 percentage points (95% confidence interval −0.02, −0.01) and a reduced probability of being stunted of 1.9 percentage points (95% confidence interval −0.02, −0.01). The association for wasting is not robust. The association is stronger for children from wealthier households, which might indicate that milk consumption is a proxy for better overall nutrition or socio-economic status.
Relationship between lumbar lordosis and the ratio of the spinous process height to the anterior spinal column height
Authors: Inanami Hirohiko , Iwai Hiroki , Kaneko Takeshi , Oshina Masahito , Manabe Nodoka , Takano Yuichi , Yuzawa Yohei , Segawa Tomohide , Yanagisawa Kazuyoshi , Hirai Shima , Saiki Fumiko , Fukushima Masayoshi , Oka Hiroyuki , Matsudaira Ko , Oshima Yasushi , Koga Hisashi 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPurpose Global sagittal imbalance with lumbar hypo-lordosis leads to various problems in elderly populations and is often treated with long-segment fusion and osteotomy. These highly invasive procedures result in a wide range of rigid spines with a high rate of complications. Although some reports have mentioned the primary aetiology of hypo-lordosis, there is limited evidence. Thus, understanding the exact underlying mechanism is required for developing minimally invasive procedures. This study aimed to investigate the factors related to lumbar lordosis (LL) in elderly people. Methods A total of ninety consecutive patients aged ≥ sixty years at a single spine centre were included. We measured LL, the anterior spinal column height consisting of vertebral bodies and intervertebral discs from L1 to L5 (ASC-5) and the sum of the spinous process heights from L1 to L5 (SP-5) with computed tomography in a supine position. The relationship between LL and the SP-5/ASC-5 ratio, SP-5, and ASC-5 was analysed. Results The Pearson correlation coefficients between LL and the SP-5/ASC-5 ratio, SP-5, and ASC-5 were −0.80 (p < 0.001), −0.43 (p < 0.001) and 0.36 (p < 0.001), respectively. Conclusion LL was significantly related to the SP-5/ASC-5 ratio of the lumbar spine in elderly people. In addition to shortening of the ASC, elongation of the SP-5 also contributed to a loss of LL.
Marine heatwaves exacerbate climate change impacts for fisheries in the northeast Pacific
Authors: Cheung William W. L. , Frölicher Thomas L. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractMarine heatwaves (MHWs) have occurred in all ocean basins with severe negative impacts on coastal and ocean ecosystems. The northeast Pacific 2013–2015 MHW in particular received major societal concerns. Yet, our knowledge about how MHWs impact fish stocks is limited. Here, we combine outputs from a large ensemble simulation of an Earth system model with a fish impact model to simulate responses of major northeast Pacific fish stocks to MHWs. We show that MHWs cause biomass decrease and shifts in biogeography of fish stocks that are at least four times faster and bigger in magnitude than the effects of decadal-scale mean changes throughout the 21st century. With MHWs, we project a doubling of impact levels by 2050 amongst the most important fisheries species over previous assessments that focus only on long-term climate change. Our results underscore the additional challenges from MHWs for fisheries and their management under climate change.
Impact of cooking oil fume exposure and fume extractor use on lung cancer risk in non-smoking Han Chinese women
Authors: Chen Tzu-Yu , Fang Yao-Hwei , Chen Hui-Ling , Chang Chin-Hao , Huang Hsin , Chen Yi-Song , Liao Kuo-Meng , Wu Hsiao-Yu , Chang Gee-Chen , Tsai Ying-Huang , Wang Chih-Liang , Chen Yuh-Min , Huang Ming-Shyan , Su Wu-Chou , Yang Pan-Chyr , Chen Chien-Jen , Hsiao Chin-Fu , Hsiung Chao A. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSmoking tobacco is the major risk factor for developing lung cancer. However, most Han Chinese women with lung cancer are nonsmokers. Chinese cooking methods usually generate various carcinogens in fumes that may inevitably be inhaled by those who cook the food, most of whom are female. We investigated the associations of cooking habits and exposure to cooking fumes with lung cancer among non-smoking Han Chinese women. This study was conducted on 1,302 lung cancer cases and 1,302 matched healthy controls in Taiwan during 2002–2010. Two indices, “cooking time-years” and “fume extractor use ratio,” were developed. The former was used to explore the relationship between cumulative exposure to cooking oil fumes and lung cancer; the latter was used to assess the impact of fume extractor use for different ratio-of-use groups. Using logistic models, we found a dose–response association between cooking fume exposure and lung cancer (odds ratios of 1, 1.63, 1.67, 2.14, and 3.17 across increasing levels of cooking time-years). However, long-term use of a fume extractor in cooking can reduce the risk of lung cancer by about 50%. Furthermore, we provide evidence that cooking habits, involving cooking methods and oil use, are associated with risk of lung cancer.
Transcriptional analyses of differential cultivars during resistant and susceptible interactions with Peronospora effusa, the causal agent of spinach downy mildew
Authors: Kandel Shyam L. , Hulse-Kemp Amanda M. , Stoffel Kevin , Koike Steven T. , Shi Ainong , Mou Beiquan , Van Deynze Allen , Klosterman Steven J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractDowny mildew of spinach is caused by the obligate oomycete pathogen, Peronospora effusa. The disease causes significant economic losses, especially in the organic sector of the industry where the use of synthetic fungicides is not permitted for disease control. New pathotypes of this pathogen are increasingly reported which are capable of breaking resistance. In this study, we took advantage of new spinach genome resources to conduct RNA-seq analyses of transcriptomic changes in leaf tissue of resistant and susceptible spinach cultivars Solomon and Viroflay, respectively, at an early stage of pathogen establishment (48 hours post inoculation, hpi) to a late stage of symptom expression and pathogen sporulation (168 hpi). Fold change differences in gene expression were recorded between the two cultivars to identify candidate genes for resistance. In Solomon, the hypersensitive inducible genes such as pathogenesis-related gene PR-1, glutathione-S-transferase, phospholipid hydroperoxide glutathione peroxidase and peroxidase were significantly up-regulated uniquely at 48 hpi and genes involved in zinc finger CCCH protein, glycosyltransferase, 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylate oxidase homologs, receptor-like protein kinases were expressed at 48 hpi through 168 hpi. The types of genes significantly up-regulated in Solomon in response to the pathogen suggests that salicylic acid and ethylene signaling pathways mediate resistance. Furthermore, many genes involved in the flavonoid and phenylpropanoid pathways were highly expressed in Viroflay compared to Solomon at 168 hpi. As anticipated, an abundance of significantly down-regulated genes was apparent at 168 hpi, reflecting symptom development and sporulation in cultivar Viroflay, but not at 48 hpi. In the pathogen, genes encoding RxLR-type effectors were expressed during early colonization of cultivar Viroflay while crinkler-type effector genes were expressed at the late stage of the colonization. Our results provide insights on gene expression in resistant and susceptible spinach-P. effusa interactions, which can guide future studies to assess candidate genes necessary for downy mildew resistance in spinach.
Focal lamina cribrosa defects are not associated with steep lamina cribrosa curvature but with choroidal microvascular dropout
Authors: Lee Seung Hyen , Kim Tae-Woo , Lee Eun Ji , Girard Michaël J. A. , Mari Jean Martial 
Published: April 2020

AbstractFocal lamina cribrosa (LC) defects have been found to play an important role in the development and progression of glaucomatous optic neuropathy. However, the mechanism of generation of focal LC defects is largely unknown. This cross-sectional study was performed to investigate LC curvature and the frequency of parapapillary choroidal microvascular dropout (MvD) in glaucomatous eyes with focal LC defects. This study was conducted by a retrospective review of patients with primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) included in an ongoing prospective study being performed at the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital (Investigating Glaucoma Progression Study). A total of 118 eyes of 118 patients with POAG, 59 with and 59 without focal LC defects, with eyes matched by age, axial length, and severity of visual field (VF) damage were included. Posterior LC bowing was assessed by calculating LC curvature index (LCCI), as the inflection of a curve representing a section of the LC, on the optic nerve head images obtained by enhanced-depth-imaging (EDI) spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT). MvD was detected by OCT angiography. LCCI and MvD frequency were compared between eyes with and without focal LC defects. Mean LCCI was significantly smaller than in eyes with than without focal LC defects (9.75 ± 1.29 vs. 11.25 ± 1.39, P < 0.001). MvD was significantly more frequent in eyes with than without focal LC defects (84.7% vs. 49.2%, P < 0.001). MvD in eyes with focal LC defects showed a strong topographic correlation with the focal LC defects. These findings suggest that focal LC defects may primarily result from vascular factors rather than from mechanical strain.
Rebaudioside affords hepatoprotection ameliorating sugar sweetened beverage- induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis
Authors: Xi Dong , Bhattacharjee Jashdeep , Salazar-Gonzalez Rosa-Maria , Park Soyoung , Jang Alice , Warren Mikako , Merritt Russell , Michail Sonia , Bouret Sebastien , Kohli Rohit 
Published: April 2020

AbstractSugar-sweetened beverage consumption is a known independent risk factor for nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Non-caloric sweeteners (NCS) are food additives providing sweetness without calories and are considered safe and/or not metabolized by the liver. The potential role of newer NCS in the regulation of NASH, however, remain unknown. Our study aimed to determine the impact of newer NCS including Rebaudioside A and sucralose on NASH using high fat diet induced obesity mouse model by substituting fructose and sucrose with NCS in the drinking water. We characterized the phenotype of NCS- treated obesity and investigated the alterations of hepatic function and underlying mechanisms. We found that NCS have no impact on weight gain and energy balance in high fat diet induced obesity. However, in comparison to fructose and sucrose, Rebaudioside A significantly improved liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis and hepatic fibrosis. Additionally, Rebaudioside A improved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress related gene expressions, fasting glucose levels, insulin sensitivity and restored pancreatic islet cell mass, neuronal innervation and microbiome composition. We concluded that Rebaudioside A significantly ameliorated murine NASH, while the underlying mechanisms requires further investigation.
The novel E. coli cell division protein, YtfB, plays a role in eukaryotic cell adhesion
Authors: Bottomley Amy L. , Peterson Elizabeth , Iosifidis Gregory , Yong Adeline Mei Hui , Hartley-Tassell Lauren E. , Ansari Shirin , McKenzie Chris , Burke Catherine , Duggin Iain G. , Kline Kimberly A. , Harry Elizabeth J. 
Published: April 2020

AbstractCharacterisation of protein function based solely on homology searches may overlook functions under specific environmental conditions, or the possibility of a protein having multiple roles. In this study we investigated the role of YtfB, a protein originally identified in a genome-wide screen to cause inhibition of cell division, and has demonstrated to localise to the Escherichia coli division site with some degree of glycan specificity. Interestingly, YtfB also shows homology to the virulence factor OapA from Haemophilus influenzae, which is important for adherence to epithelial cells, indicating the potential of additional function(s) for YtfB. Here we show that E. coli YtfB binds to N’acetylglucosamine and mannobiose glycans with high affinity. The loss of ytfB results in a reduction in the ability of the uropathogenic E. coli strain UTI89 to adhere to human kidney cells, but not to bladder cells, suggesting a specific role in the initial adherence stage of ascending urinary tract infections. Taken together, our results suggest a role for YtfB in adhesion to specific eukaryotic cells, which may be additional, or complementary, to its role in cell division. This study highlights the importance of understanding the possible multiple functions of proteins based on homology, which may be specific to different environmental conditions.
Establishment and characterization of a cell line and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) from peritoneal metastasis of low-grade serous ovarian carcinoma
Authors: De Thaye Elien , Van de Vijver Koen , Van der Meulen Joni , Taminau Joachim , Wagemans Glenn , Denys Hannelore , Van Dorpe Jo , Berx Geert , Ceelen Wim , Van Bocxlaer Jan , De Wever Olivier 
Published: April 2020

AbstractPeritoneal spread indicates poor prognosis in patients with serous ovarian carcinoma (SOC) and is generally treated by surgical cytoreduction and chemotherapy. Novel treatment options are urgently needed to improve patient outcome. Clinically relevant cell lines and patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models are of critical importance to therapeutic regimen evaluation. Here, a PDX model was established, by orthotopic engraftment after subperitoneal tumor slurry injection of low-grade SOC, resulting in an early-stage transplantable peritoneal metastasis (PM)-PDX model. Histology confirmed the micropapillary and cribriform growth pattern with intraluminal tumor budding and positivity for PAX8 and WT1. PM-PDX dissociated cells show an epithelial morphotype with a 42 h doubling time and 40% colony forming efficiency, they are low sensitive to platinum derivatives and highly sensitive to paclitaxel (IC50: 6.3 ± 2.2 nM, mean ± SEM). The patient primary tumor, PM, PM-PDX and derived cell line all show a KRAS c.35 G > T (p.(Gly12Val)) mutation and show sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor trametinib in vitro (IC50: 7.2 ± 0.5 nM, mean ± SEM) and in the PM mouse model. These preclinical models closely reflecting patient tumors are useful to further elucidate LGSOC disease progression, therapy response and resistance mechanisms.
Smooth-muscle-derived WNT5A augments allergen-induced airway remodelling and Th2 type inflammation
Authors: Koopmans Tim , Hesse Laura , Nawijn Martijn C. , Kumawat Kuldeep , Menzen Mark H. , Sophie T. Bos I. , Smits Ron , Bakker Elvira R. M. , van den Berge Maarten , Koppelman Gerard H. , Guryev Victor , Gosens Reinoud 
Published: April 2020

AbstractAsthma is a heterogeneous disease characterized by chronic inflammation and structural changes in the airways. The airway smooth muscle (ASM) is responsible for airway narrowing and an important source of inflammatory mediators. We and others have previously shown that WNT5A mRNA and protein expression is higher in the ASM of asthmatics compared to healthy controls. Here, we aimed to characterize the functional role of (smooth muscle-derived) WNT5A in asthma. We generated a tet-ON smooth-muscle-specific WNT5A transgenic mouse model, enabling in vivo characterization of smooth-muscle-derived WNT5A in response to ovalbumin. Smooth muscle specific WNT5A overexpression showed a clear trend towards enhanced actin (α-SMA) expression in the ASM in ovalbumin challenged animals, but had no effect on collagen content. WNT5A overexpression in ASM also significantly enhanced the production of the Th2-cytokines IL4 and IL5 in lung tissue after ovalbumin exposure. In line with this, WNT5A increased mucus production, and enhanced eosinophilic infiltration and serum IgE production in ovalbumin-treated animals. In addition, CD4+ T cells of asthma patients and healthy controls were stimulated with WNT5A and changes in gene transcription assessed by RNA-seq. WNT5A promoted expression of 234 genes in human CD4+ T cells, among which the Th2 cytokine IL31 was among the top 5 upregulated genes. IL31 was also upregulated in response to smooth muscle-specific WNT5A overexpression in the mouse. In conclusion, smooth-muscle derived WNT5A augments Th2 type inflammation and remodelling. Our findings imply a pro-inflammatory role for smooth muscle-derived WNT5A in asthma, resulting in increased airway wall inflammation and remodelling.
Estimation of Industrial Emissions during Pyrolysis and Combustion of Different Wastes Using Laboratory Data
Authors: Conesa Juan A. , Ortuño Núria , Palmer Damià 
Published: April 2020

AbstractIn our lab, we have been studying the emissions of different pollutants during pyrolysis and combustion of wastes under different conditions for the last three decades. These studies have focused on the effect of temperature and presence of oxygen on the production of different pollutants. Waste decomposition has been studied in a horizontal laboratory scale reactor, but no estimate has been made of the actual emissions in a conventional thermal decomposition system. In the present study, emissions during these wastes’ thermal decomposition were estimated using Aspen HYSYS. In the simulation software, the waste composition (elemental analysis) was given as an input parameter, as well as the gas flow rate used as atmosphere during the decomposition. The emitted hydrocarbons measured in the laboratory were equated to the emission of a single compound (propylene). The simulation permitted calculating the percentage of oxygen in the emitted gas, and the pollutant emissions were then recalculated under standard conditions. The emission of dioxins and furans were estimated under different conditions of decomposition, and an adequate approximation of the waste decomposition in actual incineration systems could be obtained.