bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiomyocyte-restricted high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) deletion leads to small heart and glycolipid metabolic disorder through GR/PGC-1α signalling
Authors: Yu Peng , Liu Ming , Zhang Baoli , Yu Ying , Su Enyong , Xie Shiyao , Zhang Lei , Yang Xue , Jiang Hong , Chen Ruizhen , Zou Yunzeng , Ge Junbo 
Published: October 2020

AbstractCardiac growth and remodelling are key biological processes influencing the physiological performance of the heart, and a previous study showed a critical role for intracellular HMGB1 in vitro. However, the in vivo study, which used conditional Hmgb1 ablation, did not show a significant effect on cellular or organic function. We have demonstrated the extracellular effect of HMGB1 as a pro-inflammatory molecule on cardiac remodelling. In this study, we found that HMGB1 deletion by cTnT-Cre in mouse hearts altered glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function and glycolipid metabolism, eventually leading to growth retardation, small heart and heart failure. The subcellular morphology did not show a significant change caused by HMGB1 knockout. The heart showed significant elevation of glycolysis, free fatty acid deposition and related enzyme changes. Transcriptomic analysis revealed a list of differentially expressed genes that coincide with glucocorticoid receptor function in neonatal mice and a significant increase in inflammatory genes in adult mice. Cardiac HMGB1 knockout led to a series of changes in PGC-1α, UCP3 and GyK, which were the cause of metabolic changes and further impacted cardiac function. Ckmm-Cre Hmgb1fl/flmice did not show a specific phenotype, which was consistent with the reported negative result of cardiomyocyte-specific Hmgb1 deletion via MHC-Cre. We concluded that HMGB1 plays essential roles in maintaining normal cardiac growth, and different phenotype from cardiac-specific HMGB1-deficient mice may be caused by the cross with mice of different Cre strains.
Systems biology analysis of the Clostridioides difficile core-genome contextualizes microenvironmental evolutionary pressures leading to genotypic and phenotypic divergence
Authors: Norsigian Charles J. , Danhof Heather A. , Brand Colleen K. , Oezguen Numan , Midani Firas S. , Palsson Bernhard O. , Savidge Tor C. , Britton Robert A. , Spinler Jennifer K. , Monk Jonathan M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractHospital acquired Clostridioides (Clostridium) difficile infection is exacerbated by the continued evolution of C. difficile strains, a phenomenon studied by multiple laboratories using stock cultures specific to each laboratory. Intralaboratory evolution of strains contributes to interlaboratory variation in experimental results adding to the challenges of scientific rigor and reproducibility. To explore how microevolution of C. difficile within laboratories influences the metabolic capacity of an organism, three different laboratory stock isolates of the C. difficile 630 reference strain were whole-genome sequenced and profiled in over 180 nutrient environments using phenotypic microarrays. The results identified differences in growth dynamics for 32 carbon sources including trehalose, fructose, and mannose. An updated genome-scale model for C. difficile 630 was constructed and used to contextualize the 28 unique mutations observed between the stock cultures. The integration of phenotypic screens with model predictions identified pathways enabling catabolism of ethanolamine, salicin, arbutin, and N-acetyl-galactosamine that differentiated individual C. difficile 630 laboratory isolates. The reconstruction was used as a framework to analyze the core-genome of 415 publicly available C. difficile genomes and identify areas of metabolism prone to evolution within the species. Genes encoding enzymes and transporters involved in starch metabolism and iron acquisition were more variable while C. difficile distinct metabolic functions like Stickland fermentation were more consistent. A substitution in the trehalose PTS system was identified with potential implications in strain virulence. Thus, pairing genome-scale models with large-scale physiological and genomic data enables a mechanistic framework for studying the evolution of pathogens within microenvironments and will lead to predictive modeling to combat pathogen emergence.
Session-specific effects of the Metacognitive Group Training for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder: significant results for thought control
Authors: Miegel Franziska , Cludius Barbara , Hottenrott Birgit , Demiralay Cüneyt , Jelinek Lena 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe investigation of the session-specific effects is central for the understanding of psychological interventions. For the present study, we investigated the session-specific effects of the Metacognitive Group Training for Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (MCT-OCD), which was revised based on data of a pilot study. Thirty-four outpatients with OCD participated in the MCT-OCD once a week over 8 weeks. Different metacognitive beliefs (e.g., thought control) and cognitive beliefs (e.g., intolerance of uncertainty), OC symptoms, as well as associated comorbid symptoms were assessed before and after each session. Linear mixed effects models showed that patients’ obsessions and compulsions, thought control, the belief of being well informed about the disorder, and action fusion improved over the course of the training. The only session-specific effect emerged for thought control, which improved immediately after the respective module. We were able to replicate the findings of the pilot study and thus corroborate the session-specific effect of the module targeting thought control. Moreover, we generated information on the mode of action of the individual modules of the MCT-OCD that allows a more in-depth evaluation of the intervention. Notably, we were able to eliminate the adverse effects of the pilot version of the MCT-OCD.Trial Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien [DRKS]; DRKS-ID: DRKS00013539; registration date: 22/02/2018).
Biomechanical analysis of costochondral graft fracture in temporomandibular joint replacement
Authors: Mao Yi , Chen Xuzhuo , Yu Shiqi , Xu Weifeng , Qin Haiyi , Zhen Jinze , Qiu Yating , Zhang Shanyong , Yang Chi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis study is the first attempt to explore the reason of costochondral graft fracture after lengthy mandible advancement and bilateral coronoidectomy by combining finite element analysis and mechanical test. Eleven groups of models were established to simulate costochondral graft reconstruction in different degrees of mandible advancement, ranging from 0 to 20 mm, in 2 mm increment. Force and stress distribution in the rib-cartilage area were analyzed by finite element analysis. Mechanical test was used to evaluate the resistance of the rib-cartilage complex. Results showed a sharp increase in horizontal force between 8 and 10 mm mandible advancement, from 26.7 to 196.7 N in the left side, and continue increased after 10 mm, which was beyond bone-cartilage junction resistance according to mechanical test. Therefore, we concluded that bilateral reconstruction with coronoidectomy for lengthy mandible advancement (≥ 10 mm) may lead to prominent increase in shear force and result in a costal-cartilage junction fracture, in this situation, alloplastic prosthesis could be a better choice. We also suggested that coronoidectomy should be carefully considered unless necessary.
Mapping the conducting channels formed along extended defects in SrTiO3 by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy
Authors: Rodenbücher Christian , Bittkau Karsten , Bihlmayer Gustav , Wrana Dominik , Gensch Thomas , Korte Carsten , Krok Franciszek , Szot Kristof 
Published: October 2020

AbstractMixed ionic-electronic-conducting perovskites such as SrTiO3 are promising materials to be employed in efficient energy conversion or information processing. These materials exhibit a self-doping effect related to the formation of oxygen vacancies and electronic charge carriers upon reduction. It has been found that dislocations play a prominent role in this self-doping process, serving as easy reduction sites, which result in the formation of conducting filaments along the dislocations. While this effect has been investigated in detail with theoretical calculations and direct observations using local-conductivity atomic force microscopy, the present work highlights the optical properties of dislocations in SrTiO3 single crystals. Using the change in optical absorption upon reduction as an indicator, two well-defined arrangements of dislocations, namely a bicrystal boundary and a slip band induced by mechanical deformation, are investigated by means of scanning near-field optical microscopy. In both cases, the regions with enhanced dislocation density can be clearly identified as regions with higher optical absorption. Assisted by ab initio calculations, confirming that the agglomeration of oxygen vacancies significantly change the local dielectric constants of the material, the results provide direct evidence that reduced dislocations can be classified as alien matter embedded in the SrTiO3 matrix.
The transcription factor Sox10 is an essential determinant of branching morphogenesis and involution in the mouse mammary gland
Authors: Mertelmeyer Svenja , Weider Matthias , Baroti Tina , Reiprich Simone , Fröb Franziska , Stolt C. Claus , Wagner Kay-Uwe , Wegner Michael 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThe high mobility group-domain containing transcription factor Sox10 is an essential regulator of developmental processes and homeostasis in the neural crest, several neural crest-derived lineages and myelinating glia. Recent studies have also implicated Sox10 as an important factor in mammary stem and precursor cells. Here we employ a series of mouse mutants with constitutive and conditional Sox10 deficiencies to show that Sox10 has multiple functions in the developing mammary gland. While there is no indication for a requirement of Sox10 in the specification of the mammary placode or descending mammary bud, it is essential for both the prenatal hormone-independent as well as the pubertal hormone-dependent branching of the mammary epithelium and for proper alveologenesis during pregnancy. It furthermore acts in a dosage-dependent manner. Sox10 also plays a role during the involution process at the end of the lactation period. Whereas its effect on epithelial branching and alveologenesis are likely causally related to its function in mammary stem and precursor cells, this is not the case for its function during involution where Sox10 seems to work at least in part through regulation of the miR-424(322)/503 cluster.
Multiscale consensus habitat modeling for landscape level conservation prioritization
Authors: Poor Erin E. , Scheick Brian K. , Mullinax Jennifer M. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractGlobally, wide-ranging carnivore populations are imperiled due to human-caused habitat fragmentation. Where populations are fragmented, habitat quantification is often the first step in conservation. Presence-only species distribution models can provide robust results when proper scales and data are considered. We aimed to identify habitat for a fragmented carnivore population at two scales and aid conservation prioritization by identifying potential future habitat fragmentation. We used location data and environmental variables to develop a consensus model using Maxent and Mahalanobis distance to identify black bear (Ursus americanus floridanus) habitat across Florida, USA. We compared areas of habitat to areas of predicted sea level rise, development, and protected areas. Local-scale models performed better than state-scale models. We identified 23,798 km2of habitat at the local-scale and 45,703 km2at the state-scale. Approximately 10% of state- and 14% of local-scale habitat may be inundated by 2100, 16% of state- and 7% of local-scale habitat may be developed, and 54% of state- and 15% of local-scale habitat is unprotected. Results suggest habitat is at risk of fragmentation. Lack of focused conservation and connectivity among bear subpopulations could further fragmentation, and ultimately threaten population stability as seen in other fragmented carnivore populations globally.
An exact analysis of unsteady MHD free convection flow of some nanofluids with ramped wall velocity and ramped wall temperature accounting heat radiation and injection/consumption
Authors: Anwar Talha , Kumam Poom , Watthayu Wiboonsak 
Published: October 2020

AbstractThis article investigates the influence of ramped wall velocity and ramped wall temperature on time dependent, magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) natural convection flow of some nanofluids close to an infinitely long vertical plate nested in porous medium. Combination of water as base fluid and three types of nanoparticles named as copper, titanium dioxide and aluminum oxide is taken into account. Impacts of non linear thermal radiation flux and heat injection/consumption are also evaluated. The solutions of principal equations of mass and heat transfer are computed in close form by applying Laplace transform. The physical features of connected parameters are discussed and elucidated with the assistance of graphs. The expressions for Nusselt number and skin friction are also calculated and control of pertinent parameters on both phenomenons is presented in tables. A comparative study is performed for ramped wall and isothermal wall to evaluate the application extent of both boundary conditions.
Novel and potent antimicrobial effects of caspofungin on drug-resistant Candida and bacteria
Authors: Sumiyoshi Makoto , Miyazaki Taiga , Makau Juliann Nzembi , Mizuta Satoshi , Tanaka Yoshimasa , Ishikawa Takeshi , Makimura Koichi , Hirayama Tatsuro , Takazono Takahiro , Saijo Tomomi , Yamaguchi Hiroyuki , Shimamura Shintaro , Yamamoto Kazuko , Imamura Yoshifumi , Sakamoto Noriho , Obase Yasushi , Izumikawa Koichi , Yanagihara Katsunori , Kohno Shigeru , Mukae Hiroshi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractEchinocandins, including caspofungin, micafungin, and anidulafungin, are first-line antifungal agents for the treatment of invasive candidiasis. They exhibit fungicidal activity by inhibiting the synthesis of β-1,3-d-glucan, an essential component of the fungal cell wall. However, they are active only against proliferating fungal cells and unable to completely eradicate fungal cells even after a 24 h drug exposure in standard time-kill assays. Surprisingly, we found that caspofungin, when dissolved in low ionic solutions, had rapid and potent antimicrobial activities against multidrug-resistant (MDR) Candida and bacteria cells even in non-growth conditions. This effect was not observed in 0.9% NaCl or other ion-containing solutions and was not exerted by other echinocandins. Furthermore, caspofungin dissolved in low ionic solutions drastically reduced mature biofilm cells of MDR Candida auris in only 5 min, as well as Candida-bacterial polymicrobial biofilms in a catheter-lock therapy model. Caspofungin displayed ion concentration-dependent conformational changes and intracellular accumulation with increased reactive oxygen species production, indicating a novel mechanism of action in low ionic conditions. Importantly, caspofungin dissolved in 5% glucose water did not exhibit increased toxicity to human cells. This study facilitates the development of new therapeutic strategies in the management of catheter-related biofilm infections.
Bioinformatic analysis of the expression and prognostic value of chromobox family proteins in human breast cancer
Authors: Li Xiaomin , Gou Junhe , Li Hongjiang , Yang Xiaoqin 
Published: October 2020

AbstractChromobox (CBX) family proteins control chromatin structure and gene expression. However, the functions of CBXs in cancer progression, especially breast cancer, are inadequately studied. We assessed the significance of eight CBX proteins in breast cancer. We performed immunohistochemistry and bioinformatic analysis of data from Oncomine, GEPIA Dataset, bcGenExMiner, Kaplan–Meier Plotter, and cBioPortal. We compared mRNA and protein expression levels of eight CBX proteins between breast tumor and normal tissue. The expression difference of CBX7 was the greatest, and CBX7 was downregulated in breast cancer tissues compared with normal breast tissues. The expression of CBX2 was strongly associated with tumor stage. We further analyzed the association between the eight CBX proteins and the following clinicopathological features: menopause age, estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and HER-2 receptor status, nodal status, P53 status, triple-negative status, and the Scarff–Bloom–Richardson grade (SBR) and Nottingham prognostic index (NPI). Survival analysis in the Kaplan–Meier Plotter database showed that the eight CBX proteins were significantly associated with prognosis. Moreover, CBX genes in breast cancer patients had a high net alteration frequency of 57%. There were significant co-expression correlations between the following CBX protein pairs: CBX4 positively with CBX8, CBX6 positively with CBX7, and CBX2 negatively with CBX7. We also analyzed the Gene Ontology enrichment of the CBX proteins, including biological processes, cellular components, and molecular functions. CBX 1/2/3/5/8 may be oncogenes for breast cancer, whereas CBX 6 and 7 may be tumor suppressors for breast cancer. All eight CBX proteins may be predictive for prognosis. Clinical trials are needed to confirm the significance of the eight CBX proteins in breast cancer.
Functional input and membership characteristics in the accuracy of machine learning approach for estimation of multiphase flow
Authors: Babanezhad Meisam , Taghvaie Nakhjiri Ali , Rezakazemi Mashallah , Marjani Azam , Shirazian Saeed 
Published: October 2020

AbstractIn the current study, Artificial Intelligence (AI) approach was used for the learning of a physical system. We applied four inputs and one output in the learning process of AI. In the learning process, the inputs are space locations of a BCR (bubble column reactor), which are x, y, and z coordinate as well as the amount of gas fraction in BCR. The liquid velocity is also considered as output. A variety of functions were used in learning, such as gbellmf and gaussmf functions, to examine which functions can give the best learning. At the end of the study, all of the results were compared to CFD (computational fluid dynamics). A three-dimensional (3D) BCR was used in this research, and we studied simulation by CFD as well as AI. The data from CFD in a 3D BCR was studied in the AI domain. In AI, we tuned for various parameters to achieve the best intelligence in the system. For instance, different inputs, different membership functions, different numbers of membership functions were used in the learning process. Moreover, the meshless prediction was used, meaning that some data in the BCR have not participated in the learning, and they were predicted in the prediction process, which gives us a special capability to compare the results with the CFD outcomes. The findings showed us that AI can predict the CFD results, and a great agreement was achieved between CFD computing nodes and AI elements. This novel methodology can suggest a meshless and multifunctional AI model to simulate the turbulence flow in the BCR. For further evaluation, the ANFIS method is compared with ACOFIS and PSOFIS methods with regards to model’s accuracy. The results show that ANFIS method contains higher accuracy and prediction capability compared with ACOFIS and PSOFIS methods.
Unsupervised microstructure segmentation by mimicking metallurgists’ approach to pattern recognition
Authors: Kim Hoheok , Inoue Junya , Kasuya Tadashi 
Published: October 2020

AbstractAn efficient deep learning method is presented for distinguishing microstructures of a low carbon steel. There have been numerous endeavors to reproduce the human capability of perceptually classifying different textures using machine learning methods, but this is still very challenging owing to the need for a vast labeled image dataset. In this study, we introduce an unsupervised machine learning technique based on convolutional neural networks and a superpixel algorithm for the segmentation of a low-carbon steel microstructure without the need for labeled images. The effectiveness of the method is demonstrated with optical microscopy images of steel microstructures having different patterns taken at different resolutions. In addition, several evaluation criteria for unsupervised segmentation results are investigated along with the hyperparameter optimization.
Neuromuscular block monitoring by smartphone application (i-TOF© system): an observational pilot study
Authors: Schiavoni Lorenzo , Pascarella Giuseppe , Grande Stefania , Agrò Felice Eugenio 
Published: October 2020

AbstractNeuromuscular block monitoring is recommended by international guidelines to improve myorelaxation during surgery and reduce the risk of postoperative residual curarization. We conducted a pilot study to verify the efficacy of i-TOF, a wireless neuromuscular monitoring device connectable to a smartphone, comparing it with TOF WATCH SX. We enrolled 53 patients who underwent general anesthesia. For each patient, we recorded by both devices, in different time intervals, train-of-four (TOF) count/ratio after induction to general anesthesia (TI0–TI3) and during recovery (TR0–TR3). Moreover, post-tetanic count (PTC) was evaluated during deep neuromuscular block (TP0–TP2). We noticed no significant differences between the devices in recorded mean values of TOF ratio, TOF count, and PTC analyzed at time intervals for every phase of general anesthesia, although the i-TOF tends to an underestimation compared to TOF WATCH SX. For each patient, data sessions were successfully recorded by a smartphone. This aspect could be relevant for clinicians in order to have a stored proof of good clinical practice to be added on anesthesiologist records. By our results, i-TOF demonstrates a comparable efficacy to TOF WATCH SX, suggesting that it could be a proven alternative to standard devices for neuromuscular block monitoring. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings.
Declines over the last two decades of five intertidal invertebrate species in the western North Atlantic
Authors: Petraitis Peter S. , Dudgeon S. R. 
Published: October 2020

AbstractClimate change has already altered the environmental conditions of the world’s oceans. Here we report declines in gastropod abundances and recruitment of mussels (Mytilus edulis) and barnacles (Semibalanus balanoides) over the last two decades that are correlated with changes in temperature and ocean conditions. Mussel recruitment is declining by 15.7% per year, barnacle recruitment by 5.0% per year, and abundances of three common gastropods are declining by an average of 3.1% per year (Testudinalia testudinalis,Littorina littorea, andNucella lapillus). The declines in mussels and the common periwinkle (L. littorea) are correlated with warming sea temperatures and the declines inT. testudinalisandN. lapillusare correlated with aragonite saturation state, which affects rates of shell calcification. These species are common on shores throughout the North Atlantic and their loss is likely to lead to simplification of an important food web on rocky shores.