bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New reporter zebrafish line unveils heterogeneity among lymphatic endothelial cells during development
Authors: Frétaud Maxence , Do Khoa Nam , Houel Armel , Lunazzi Aurélie , Boudinot Pierre , Langevin Christelle 
Published: December 2020

AbstractBackgroundIn zebrafish, lymphatic endothelial cells (LECs) originate from multiple/several distinct progenitor populations and generate organ‐specific lymphatic vasculatures. Cell fate and tissue specificities were determined using a combination of genetically engineered transgenic lines in which the promoter of a LEC‐specific gene drives expression of a fluorescent reporter protein.ResultsWe established a novel zebrafish transgenic line expressing eGFP under the control of part of the zebrafish batf3 promoter (Basic Leucine Zipper ATF‐Like Transcription Factor 3). Spatiotemporal examination of Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) transgenic fish revealed a typical lymphatic expression pattern, which does not perfectly recapitulate the expression pattern of existing LEC transgenic lines. eGFP+ cells constitute a heterogeneous endothelial cell population, which expressed LEC and/or blood endothelial cells (BEC) markers in different tissues. In addition, we characterize the renal eGFP+ cell as a population of interest to study kidney diseases and regeneration.ConclusionOur Tg(batf3MIN:eGFP) reporter zebrafish line provides a useful system to study LEC populations, of which heterogeneity depends on origin of progenitors, tissue environment and physiological conditions. We further developed a novel fish‐adapted tissue clearing method, which allows deep imaging and 3D‐visualization of vascular and lymphatic networks in the whole organism.
A simple completion of Fisher’s fundamental theorem of natural selection
Authors: Grafen Alan 
Published: December 2020

AbstractFisher's fundamental theorem of natural selection shows that the part of the rate of change of mean fitness that is due to natural selection equals the additive genetic variance in fitness. Fisher embedded this result in a model of total fitness, adding terms for deterioration of the environment and density dependence. Here, a quantitative genetic version of this neglected model is derived that relaxes its assumptions that the additive genetic variance in fitness and the rate of deterioration of the environment do not change over time, allows population size to vary, and includes an input of mutational variance. The resulting formula for total rate of change in mean fitness contains two terms more than Fisher's original, representing the effects of stabilizing selection, on the one hand, and of mutational variance, on the other, making clear for the first time that the fundamental theorem deals only with natural selection that is directional (as opposed to stabilizing) on the underlying traits. In this model, the total (rather than just the additive) genetic variance increases mean fitness. The unstructured population allows an explanation of Fisher's concept of fitness as simply birth rate minus mortality rate, and building up to the definition in structured populations.
Neuraminidase Based Electro‐Nano Diagnostic Platforms: Development of Model Systems for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Tepeli Büyüksünetçi Yudum , Anik Ülkü 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAn electrochemical biosensor that monitored neuraminidase (NEU3), activity was developed. The analysis platform included a graphene‐platinum hybrid modified gold screen printed electrode as a transducer. The detection protocol was based on observation of NEU3 activity which was used to remove sialic acid from the GD3 ganglioside. Examination of analytical characteristics resulted with two linear ranges of 10−8 U/mL–10−1 and 10−1 U/mL–2.53 U/mL with limit of detection values of 10−8 U/mL and 10−1 U/mL, respectively. The selectivity of the developed NEU3 activity based electrochemical biosensor was tested with HeLa, VERO and A549 cell lines.
Application of capillary electrophoresis‐nano‐electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry for the determination of N‐nitrosodimethylamine in pharmaceuticals
Authors: Řemínek Roman , Foret František , Chung Doo Soo 
Published: December 2020

AbstractAfter a presence of highly hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic N‐nitrosodimethylamine was detected in certain lots of sartan, ranitidine, metformin, and other pharmaceuticals, local regulatory authorities issued recalls of suspected products, and concerns of the pharmacotherapy safety were widely discussed. Since then, testing of a representative sample of each produced lot of these pharmaceuticals is required as a part of quality control processes. Hence, an interface‐free CE‐nanoESI system coupled with MS detection was employed for the development of a simple and economical method for quantitative detection of this contaminant in the valsartan drug substances and finished formulations used as model matrices. In this arrangement, a fused‐silica capillary was used as both a separation column and a nanoESI emitter providing high ionization efficiency and sensitivity. The optimized procedure was found to have sufficient selectivity, linearity, accuracy, and precision. The established LOD and LOQ values were 0.3 and 1.0 ng/mL, respectively. The practical applicability of the method was tested by analyses of commercially available Valsacor® tablets. The results obtained prove that the developed procedure represents a promising alternative to currently available GC‐ and LC‐based methods. Furthermore, after an adjustment of the separation conditions, the CE‐nanoESI/MS system can be conceptually used for the determination of NDMA in other suspected pharmaceuticals.
To educate a woman and to educate a man: Gender‐specific sexual behavior and human immunodeficiency virus responses to an education reform in Botswana
Authors: Lindskog Annika , Durevall Dick 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThis study analyses mechanisms that link education to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) with a focus on gender differences, using data from four nationally representative surveys in Botswana. To estimate the causal effect, an exogenous 1‐year increase of junior secondary school is used. The key finding is that women and men responded differently to the reform. Among women, it led to delayed sexual debut and reduced time between first sex and marriage by up to a year. Among men, risky sex, measured by the likelihood of concurrent sexual partnerships and paying for sex, increased. The increase in risky sex among men is likely to be due to the education reform's positive impact on income. The reform reduced the likelihood of HIV infection sharply among women, especially among relatively young women age 18–24. The impact on men's likelihood of HIV infection is uncertain.
Local binary pattern encoding schemes for computed tomography image segmentation: An experimental and comparative study
Authors: Lo Hsien‐Jen , Wu Chih‐Hung 
Published: December 2020

AbstractLocal binary patterns (LBPs) are used for effective texture representation in various applications. This study explores the clustering consistency and stability of image segmentation when distance‐based clustering methods are used with an LBP. Because data are described by features and attributes, distances among data are also dominated by the definition of features. Moreover, four popular LBP encoding schemes for segmenting computed tomography (CT) images by using fuzzy C‐means are discussed and compared. The experimental results demonstrate several notable phenomena: When the pixels are encoded in different LBP encoding schemes, the distance between these pixels varies considerably. The experimental results indicate that each LBP encoding scheme emphasizes a specific image texture that dominates how pixels are described in the feature space and thus affects the clustering results. Based on the evaluation of CT image segmentation by using the clustering inconsistency index, linear and corner‐like LBPs are particularly suitable for clustering longitudinal sections and cross sections of CT images, respectively.
Cytotoxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles to innate and adaptive human immune cells
Authors: Czyżowska Agnieszka , Barbasz Anna 
Published: December 2020

AbstractZinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO‐NPs) are widely used in almost every area of life. Therefore, exposure to them is unavoidable, which makes it necessary to assess their safety for humans. This paper aims to determine toxicity of ZnO‐NPs of two diameters toward human immune cells responsible for: innate response (U‐937 and HL‐60) and acquired response (COLO‐720L and HUT‐78). Mitochondrial activity, membrane integrity, degree of cellular lipid oxidation, induction of inflammation, and activation of the apoptosis pathway were evaluated to determine differences in cellular response to the tested nanoparticles. ZnO‐NPs with a diameter of 100 and 130 nm cause significant cell mortality at 25 and 12 mg/L, respectively. Mitochondrial damage leads to the activation of the caspase cascade and, consequently, to cell apoptosis. ZnO‐NPs also cause peroxidation of membrane lipids. Due to the photocatalytic properties of ZnO‐NPs, the effect of ultraviolet (UV) irradiation on the degree of their toxicity was also investigated. However, UV irradiation enhances the toxic effect of nanoparticles mainly by weakening the cell's defense capabilities. ZnO‐NPs are cytotoxic to human immune system, and they may cause both long‐term and short‐term negative effects.
Purpurin binding interacts with LHPP protein that inhibits PI3K/AKT phosphorylation and induces apoptosis in colon cancer cells HCT‐116
Authors: Li Zhiwen , Zhou Xu , Zhu Huaqiang , Song Xie , Gao Hengjun , Niu Zheyu , Lu Jun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractColorectal cancer (CRC) is the leading type of diagnosed cancer; globally, it resides in the fourth‐leading origin of cancer‐interrelated mortality in the globe. The treatment strategies were chemotherapy and potent radiotherapy. Although chemotherapy treatment can eliminate tumor cells, it remains with unnecessary toxic effects in cancer patients. Therefore, the identification of natural‐based compounds, which have selectively inhibiting target proteins with limited toxicity that can facilitate the therapeutic approaches against CRC. In this existing approach, which highlights the binding efficacy of our anthraquinone compound, purpurin against phospholysine phosphohistidine inorganic pyrophosphate phosphatase (LHPP) protein restrains the CRC cell growth by inhibiting phosphatidylinositol‐3‐kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), cell proliferation, and inducing apoptosis signaling. Primarily, purpurin (36 μM) exposed to HCT‐116 cells and incubated for 24 and 48 h could induce reactive oxygen species production, subsequently alter mitochondrion membrane, and increase the apoptotic cells in HCT‐116. LHPP, a kind of histidine phosphatase protein, has been considered as a tumor suppressor in numerous carcinomas. However, purpurin‐mediated LHPP proteins and its associated molecular events in CRC remain unclear. In our docking studies revealed that purpurin has been strongly interacts with LHPP via hydrophobic and hydrophilic binding interaction. Western blot results confirmed that purpurin enhances the expression of LHPP protein, thereby inhibits the expression of phosphorylated‐PI3K/AKT, EGFR, cyclin‐D1, PCNA in HCT‐116 cells. Moreover, purpurin induces messenger RNA expression of apoptotic genes (Bax, CASP‐9, and CASP‐3) in HCT‐116 cells. Thus, we conclude that purpurin could be a natural and useful compound, which inhibits the growth of CRC cells through the activation of LHPP proteins.
Molecular dynamics simulation combined with small‐angle X‐ray/neutron scattering defining solution‐state protein structures
Authors: Lin Shang‐Wei , Su Kuan‐Hsuan , Yeh Yi‐Qi , Jeng U‐Ser , Wu Chun‐Ming , Yang Hsiao‐Ching 
Published: December 2020

AbstractProtein crystallography is frequently used to obtain the atomic‐resolution structure of a particular protein by x‐ray diffraction of its crystallized form. Nevertheless, a single static structure cannot represent the sequence structural dynamics of a protein's function. Based on our previous study (J. Phys. Chem. B 2017, 121 (50), 11229–11240 and ACS Catal. 2018, 8 (3), 2534–2545), we herein introduce a strategy of determining the protein hydration structures by small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) with contrast variation techniques, in combination with molecular dynamics simulation (MD), to describe hydrodynamics conformation transitions of biomacromolecules. Water is a partner that conducts the dynamics of proteins, and hydration interactions with proteins affect their dynamics. To shed light on the way of the chemical constitution of a protein, the water interactions, and the dynamics of its structure underlie the specific mechanisms of enzyme functions, we review an integrated approach using small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS and SANS) in combination with molecular dynamics (MD) simulation to probe the structural dynamics of a given protein, thus shedding light on its function.
Study of cellular architecture and micromechanical properties of cuajilote fruits (Parmentiera edulis D.C.) using different microscopy techniques
Authors: Vicente‐Flores Macario , Güemes‐Vera Norma , Chanona‐Pérez José Jorge , Perea‐Flores María de Jesús , Arzate‐Vázquez Israel , Quintero‐Lira Aurora , Sánchez‐Fuentes Cinthia Erika 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe cuajilote (Parmentiera edulis D.C.) tree produces fibrous fruits with a high content of lignocellulosic compounds. However, this fruit and their fibers have been scarcely studied. For this reason, an integral study of their cellular architecture, physicochemical, micromechanical, and structural properties in two maturity stages were carried out. Physicochemical tests, light, confocal and electron microscopy, microindentation, and X‐ray diffraction were used for the characterization of fruit and their fibers. Chemical analysis showed that the unripe fruits have the highest cellulose content (42.17%), but in ripe fruit the cellulose content decreases (32.76%) while lignin content increases from 35.26 to 40.79%, caused by the lignification of the sclerenchyma fibers. Microstructural and micromechanical studies in the different regions of the fruit provided relevant information about its cellular architecture, distribution of lignocellulosic compounds and its role in the micromechanical properties of their fibers. The thickening cell wall of sclerenchyma fibers was caused by the cellular lignification of the ripe fruits. According to the physicochemical and structural studies, cuajilote fibers are comparable to other fibers obtained from crops rich in lignocellulosic compounds. The current study provided new knowledge about the cellular architecture of fruit and criteria for selecting the ripening stage adequate for the extraction of cellulose or lignin. Furthermore, information regarding the micromechanical properties of their fibers and which structural arrangement could be more convenient for mechanical reinforcement of biodegradable materials was obtained.
Rhinarium skin structure and epidermal innervation in selected mammals
Authors: Tuminaite Inga , Kröger Ronald H. H. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractThe glabrous skin around the nostrils in mammals is called a rhinarium or planum nasale. Rhinarium skin has multiple epidermal domes that are generally assumed to form a tactile surface. The rhinarium is innervated by a branch of the trigeminal nerve which is associated with stimuli such as touch, chemical irritants and temperature. In this study, our aim was to correlate variation in rhinarium skin sensory innervation with different feeding behaviors while also covering a broad systematic spectrum. Using histological and immunohistological methods, we studied skin morphology, nerve fiber density and nerve fiber distribution in the rhinarium epidermal domes of four species: cow, ring‐tailed lemur, brown bear, and dog, that all exhibit different feeding behaviors. All species share similar traits in rhinarium skin morphology, but glands were only found in cow rhinarium skin. The most substantial differences were observed in the innervation pattern. Mechanosensory skin organs were found only in the ring‐tailed lemur. Dog epidermal domes possess a pronounced central dermal papilla containing a nerve bundle in its top, close to the skin surface. The abundance of free epidermal nerve fibers in epidermal domes of all species, suggest that the rhinarium skin is a sensory surface, that can be used to detect fine touch, chemical irritants or temperature. In the species where the whole epidermal dome was examined, the intraepidermal nerve fiber density is higher in the central part of the domes. The nerve distribution and the central positioning of a single gland duct in cow and the dermal papilla top organ in dog indicates that each epidermal dome can be considered a functional unit. The observed differences in innervation hint at different sensory functions of rhinaria in mammals that may be correlated to feeding behavior.
Projected changes of typhoon intensity in a regional climate model: Development of a machine learning bias correction scheme
Authors: Tan Jinkai , Chen Sheng , Lee Chia‐Ying , Dong Guangtao , Hu Wenyan , Wang Jun 
Published: December 2020

AbstractA machine learning‐based bias correction scheme was developed to adjust the simulated Western North Pacific typhoon intensity in a 25‐km regional climate model (RCM). The bias correction scheme, MLERA, consists of a hybrid neural network, which takes modelled atmospheric and oceanic conditions near the storm centre as input. We use air temperature, specific humidity, and relative vorticity at 300 hPa, geopotential height at 700 hPa, wind speed at 850 hPa, sea‐level pressure, 10‐m wind speed, and total air‐sea fluxes. Those predictors are selected using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) algorithm and principal component analysis (PCA). Because there is no ‘ground truth’ for RCM simulated storms, we train and test MLERA using ERA‐Interim reanalysis and best‐track data. The intensity statistics estimated from MLERA match well with those from observations. MLERA, when applied to RCM history base period, increases the likelihood of simulated typhoons (with wind speed >33 m/s) from 40.8 to 73.9% in the direct simulation. Meanwhile, the RCM itself produces no C3+ storms (wind speed >50 m/s) in both RCP4.5 and RCP8.5 scenarios, while MLERA significantly increases those storms. MLERA suggests an increasing trend of the frequency of violent typhoons from near‐term (2031–2060) to long‐term (2069–2098). Such an increase is consistent with our understanding that a warming climate will increase the storm intensity. The present study shows the potential of the machine learning technique for bias correcting cyclone intensity in RCMs. Furthermore, the proposed algorithm could also be applied to the next generation of high‐resolution global climate models, which may have a spatial grid spacing close to today's RCMs.
Network Analysis of Posttraumatic Stress and Eating Disorder Symptoms in a Community Sample of Adults Exposed to Childhood Abuse
Authors: Liebman Rachel E. , Becker Kendra R. , Smith Kathryn E. , Cao Li , Keshishian Ani C. , Crosby Ross D. , Eddy Kamryn T. , Thomas Jennifer J. 
Published: December 2020

AbstractPosttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and eating disorders (EDs) are individually debilitating and highly comorbid conditions. Childhood abuse is a prominent risk factor for PTSD and ED symptoms both individually and as a comorbid syndrome (PTSD–ED). There may be a functional association between comorbid PTSD–ED symptoms whereby disordered eating behaviors are used to avoid trauma‐related thoughts and feelings. The current study used a network analytic approach to examine key associations between PTSD and ED symptom subscales (i.e., PCL‐5 and EPSI, respectively) in a community sample of 120 adults who endorsed at least one experience of childhood abuse (i.e., physical, sexual, or emotional abuse; witnessing domestic violence). Participants completed an anonymous online survey using Amazon's Mechanical Turk Prime. We used three network analysis indices (i.e., strength centrality, key players, and bridge symptoms) to identify symptoms that may maintain the comorbid PTSD–ED network. The results indicated that reexperiencing symptoms had the highest strength centrality in the PTSD–ED network and bridged the PTSD and ED clusters. For ED, cognitive restraint was a bridge to all PTSD symptoms. Hyperarousal, negative alterations in cognitions and mood (NACM), and purging were key players, indicating they are integral to the network structure. If replicated in prospective studies, these results may indicate that reexperiencing and cognitive restraint are core drivers of PTSD–ED comorbidity, whereas hyperarousal, NACM, and purging may be downstream consequences maintaining the comorbid condition. Concurrent treatments that address PTSD and ED symptoms simultaneously may result in the best outcomes.
Tracheoesophageal Diversion and Puncture for Preserving Phonation in Intractable Aspiration: A Case Series
Authors: Adachi Kazuo , Umezaki Toshiro , Inoguchi Takashi , Matsubara Naoko , Kise Norimoto , Lee Yogaku 
Published: December 2020

Objective/HypothesisTracheoesophageal diversion (TED) can prevent damage to the respiratory system in patients with swallowing disorders and/or repetitive aspiration pneumonia; however, TED may cause the loss of phonation. Our previous study demonstrated that TED with tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP) prevents aspiration while retaining phonation. In this study, we aimed to further evaluate the feeding status and phonation of patients who underwent TED with TEP to verify the reproducibility of this procedure.Study DesignCase series study.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 11 patients who underwent TED with TEP for intractable aspiration from February 2017 to August 2019 at Fukuoka Sanno Hospital. We evaluated the preoperative penetration aspiration score (PPAS), daily activities, preoperative and postoperative food intake level scale (FILS) score, nutrition route, maximum phonation time(MPT), and postoperative communication method.ResultsThe study population included 10 men and 1 woman (mean age, 66 years; range, 44–81) with a PPAS of 6.8 ± 1.0. The FILS score changed from 2.1 ± 0.5 preoperatively to 7.5 ± 2.0 postoperatively (paired t‐test, P < .05), while the MPT changed from 7.9 ± 4.1 to 10.3 ± 4.2 s (paired t‐test, P = .9). Preoperatively, a gastric fistula (eight patients [73%]) was the main nutrition route, followed by a gastric tube (two patients [18%]). Postoperatively, the main nutritional route for eight patients (73%) was oral, while the remaining three patients (27%) used the oral route occasionally. All patients maintained laryngeal phonation function, and eight (73%) used only laryngeal phonation for communication.ConclusionsPatients with intractable aspiration who wish to retain phonatory function should be advised to undergo TED with TEP.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1965–E1970, 2021