bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Physiochemical changes mediated by “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” in Asian citrus psyllids
Authors: Molki Banafsheh , Thi Ha Phuc , Mohamed Abdelrhman , Killiny Nabil , Gang David R. , Omsland Anders , Beyenal Haluk 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPlant pathogenic bacteria interact with their insect host(s)/vector(s) at the cellular and molecular levels. This interaction may alter the physiology of their insect vector, which may also promote the growth and transmission of the bacterium. Here we studied the effect of “Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus” (“Ca. L. asiaticus”) on physiochemical conditions within its insect vector, the Asian citrus psyllid (ACP), and whether these changes were beneficial for the pathogen. The local microenvironments inside ACPs were quantified using microelectrodes. The average hemolymph pH was significantly higher in infected ACPs (8.13 ± 0.21) than in “Ca. L. asiaticus”-free ACPs (7.29 ± 0.15). The average hemolymph oxygen tension was higher in “Ca. L. asiaticus”-free ACPs than in infected ACPs (67.13% ± 2.11% vs. 35.61% ± 1.26%). Oxygen tension reduction and pH increase were accompanied by “Ca. L. asiaticus” infection. Thus, oxygen tension of the hemolymph is an indicator of infection status, with pH affected by the severity of the infection.
The nucleus does not significantly affect the migratory trajectories of amoeba in two-dimensional environments
Authors: De la Fuente Ildefonso M. , Bringas Carlos , Malaina Iker , Regner Benjamin , Pérez-Samartín Alberto , Boyano María Dolores , Fedetz María , López José I. , Pérez-Yarza Gorka , Cortes Jesus M. , Sejnowski Terrence 
Published: November 2019

AbstractFor a wide range of cells, from bacteria to mammals, locomotion movements are a crucial systemic behavior for cellular life. Despite its importance in a plethora of fundamental physiological processes and human pathologies, how unicellular organisms efficiently regulate their locomotion system is an unresolved question. Here, to understand the dynamic characteristics of the locomotion movements and to quantitatively study the role of the nucleus in the migration of Amoeba proteus we have analyzed the movement trajectories of enucleated and non-enucleated amoebas on flat two-dimensional (2D) surfaces using advanced non-linear physical-mathematical tools and computational methods. Our analysis shows that both non-enucleated and enucleated amoebas display the same kind of dynamic migration structure characterized by highly organized data sequences, super-diffusion, non-trivial long-range positive correlations, persistent dynamics with trend-reinforcing behavior, and move-step fluctuations with scale invariant properties. Our results suggest that the presence of the nucleus does not significantly affect the locomotion of amoeba in 2D environments.
A novel hybridity model for TiO2-CuO/water hybrid nanofluid flow over a static/moving wedge or corner
Authors: Dinarvand Saeed , Rostami Mohammadreza Nademi , Pop Ioan 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn this study, we are going to investigate semi-analytically the steady laminar incompressible two-dimensional boundary layer flow of a TiO2-CuO/water hybrid nanofluid over a static/moving wedge or corner that is called Falkner-Skan problem. A novel mass-based approach to one-phase hybrid nanofluid model that suggests both first and second nanoparticles as well as base fluid masses as the vital inputs to obtain the effective thermophysical properties of our hybrid nanofluid, has been presented. Other governing parameters are moving wedge/corner parameter (λ), Falkner-Skan power law parameter (m), shape factor parameter (n) and Prandtl number (Pr). The governing partial differential equations become dimensionless with help of similarity transformation method, so that we can solve them numerically using bvp4c built-in function by MATLAB. It is worthwhile to notice that, validation results exhibit an excellent agreement with already existing reports. Besides, it is shown that both hydrodynamic and thermal boundary layer thicknesses decrease with the second nanoparticle mass as well as Falkner-Skan power law parameter. Further, we understand our hybrid nanofluid has better thermal performance relative to its mono-nanofluid and base fluid, respectively. Moreover, a comparison between various values of nanoparticle shape factor and their effect on local heat transfer rate is presented. It is proven that the platelet shape of both particles (n1 = n2 = 5.7) leads to higher local Nusselt number in comparison with other shapes including sphere, brick and cylinder. Consequently, this algorithm can be applied to analyze the thermal performance of hybrid nanofluids in other different researches.
Interplay between integrins and PI4P5K Sktl is crucial for cell polarization and reepithelialisation during Drosophila wound healing
Authors: Park Si-Hyoung , Lee Chan-wool , Choe Kwang-Min 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol(4,5)-bisphosphate [PI(4,5)P2] regulates cell adhesion and actin dynamics during cell migration. PI(4,5)P2 binds various components of the cell adhesion machinery, but how these processes affect migration of the epithelial cell sheet is not well understood. Here, we report that PI(4,5)P2 and Sktl, the kinase that converts PI4P to PI(4,5)P2, are both localized to the rear side of cells during wound healing of the Drosophila larval epidermis. The Sktl localization requires JNK pathway activation and integrins, but not PVR. The sktl knockdown epidermis displays strong defects in would closure, reminiscent of the JNK-depleted epidermis, and shows severe disruption of cell polarity, as determined by myosin II localization. Sktl and βPS integrin colocalize at the rear side of cells forming the trailing edge during wound healing and the two are inter-dependent in that the absence of one severely disrupts the rear localization of the other. These results strongly suggest that the JNK pathway regulates the rear localization of Sktl and integrins and the interplay between Sktl and integrins sets up cell polarity, which is crucial for reepithelialisation during wound healing.
Patellar tendon morphology in trans-tibial amputees utilizing a prosthesis with a patellar-tendon-bearing feature
Authors: Ho Kai-Yu , Harty Michelle , Kellogg Jessica , Teter Kelly , Lee Szu-Ping , Chang Yu-Jen , Bashford Gregory 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA patellar-tendon-bearing (PTB) bar is a common design feature used in the socket of trans-tibial prostheses to place load on the pressure-tolerant tissue. As the patellar tendon in the residual limb is subjected to the perpendicular compressive force not commonly experienced in normal tendons, it is possible for tendon degeneration to occur over time. The purpose of this study was to compare patellar tendon morphology and neovascularity between the residual and intact limbs in trans-tibial amputees and healthy controls. Fifteen unilateral trans-tibial amputees who utilized a prosthesis with a PTB feature and 15 age- and sex- matched controls participated. Sonography was performed at the proximal, mid-, and distal portions of each patellar tendon. One-way ANOVAs were conducted to compare thickness and collagen fiber organization and a chi-square analysis was used to compare the presence of neovascularity between the three tendon groups. Compared to healthy controls, both tendons in the amputees exhibited increased thickness at the mid- and distal portions and a higher degree of collagen fiber disorganization. Furthermore, neovascularity was more common in the tendon of the residual limb. Our results suggest that the use of a prosthesis with a PTB feature contributes to morphological changes in bilateral patellar tendons.
Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Patients with Breast Cancer Following Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy Provides Early Prediction of Pathological Response – A Prospective Study
Authors: Pereira Nara P. , Curi Carla , Osório Cynthia A. B. T. , Marques Elvira F. , Makdissi Fabiana B. , Pinker Katja , Bitencourt Almir G. V. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (DW-MRI) for early prediction of pathological response in breast cancer patients undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NCT). This prospective unicentric study evaluated 62 patients who underwent NCT. MRI was performed prior to the start of treatment (MR1), after the first NCT cycle (MR2), and upon completion of NCT (MR3). Pathological response was used as the gold-standard. Patients’ median age was 45.5 years and the median tumor size was 40 mm. Twenty-four (38.7%) tumors presented complete pathological response (pCR). The percent increase in apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value between MR1 and MR2 was higher in the pCR group (p < 0.001). When the minimum increase in ADC between MR1 and MR2 was set at 25%, sensitivity was 83%, specificity was 84%, positive predictive value was 77%, negative predictive value was 89%, and accuracy was 84% for an early prediction of pCR to NCT. Meanwhile, there were no significant changes in major tumor dimensions between MR1 and MR2. In conclusion, an increase in ADC after the first cycle of NCT correlates well with pCR after the chemotherapy in our cohort, precedes reduction in tumor size on conventional MRI, and may therefore be used as an early predictor of treatment response.
Long-distance transmission of pathogenic Vibrio species by migratory waterbirds: a potential threat to the public health
Authors: Fu Songzhe , Hao Jingwei , Yang Qian , Lan Ruiting , Wang Yi , Ye Shigen , Liu Ying , Li Ruijun 
Published: November 2019

AbstractA potential mechanism for the global distribution of waterborne pathogens is through carriage by the migratory waterbirds. However, this mode of transmission has yet been confirmed epidemiologically. Here, we conducted whole genome sequencing of Vibrio spp. collected from waterbirds, sediments, and mollusks in the estuary of the Liaohe River in China to investigate this transmission mode. We found that a V. parahaemolyticus strain isolated from a waterbird was clonally related to the other V. parahaemolyticus strains obtained from the sediments and mollusks, and three V. mimicus strains isolated from bird feces were genomically related to those found in the mollusks and upstream groundwater, suggesting that the bird-carried Vibrio strains were acquired through the direct predation of the local mollusks. Surprisingly, two bird-carried V. parahaemolyticus strains belonging to the same clone were identified in Panjin and Shanghai, which are over 1,150 km apart, and another two were found at two locations 50 km apart, further supporting that waterbirds are capable of carrying and disseminating these pathogens over long distances. Our results provide the first evidence of direct transmission from mollusks to waterbirds and confirm that waterbirds act as disseminating vehicles of waterborne pathogens. Effective surveillance of migratory waterbirds along their routes will be valuable for predicting future epidemics of infectious diseases.
Reconstruction of fish allergenicity from the content and structural traits of the component β-parvalbumin isoforms
Authors: Pérez-Tavarez Raquel , Carrera Mónica , Pedrosa María , Quirce Santiago , Rodríguez-Pérez Rosa , Gasset María 
Published: November 2019

AbstractMost fish-allergic patients have anti-β-parvalbumin (β-PV) immunoglobulin E (IgE), which cross-reacts among fish species with variable clinical effects. Although the β-PV load is considered a determinant for allergenicity, fish species express distinct β-PV isoforms with unknown pathogenic contributions. To identify the role various parameters play in allergenicity, we have takenGadus morhuaandScomber japonicusmodels, determined their β-PV isoform composition and analyzed the interaction of the IgE from fish-allergic patient sera with these different conformations. We found that each fish species contains a major and a minor isoform, with the total PV content four times higher inGadus morhuathan inScomber japonicus. The isoforms showing the best IgE recognition displayed protease-sensitive globular folds, and if forming amyloids, they were not immunoreactive. Of the isoforms displaying stable globular folds, one was not recognized by IgE under any of the conditions, and the other formed highly immunoreactive amyloids. The results showed thatGadus morhuamuscles are equipped with an isoform combination and content that ensures the IgE recognition of all PV folds, whereas the allergenic load ofScomber japonicusis under the control of proteolysis. We conclude that the consideration of isoform properties and content may improve the explanation of fish species allergenicity differences.
Evidence of Cardiovascular Calcification and Fibrosis in Pseudoxanthoma Elasticum Mouse Models Subjected to DOCA-Salt Hypertension
Authors: Omarjee Loukman , Roy Charlotte , Leboeuf Christophe , Favre Julie , Henrion Daniel , Mahe Guillaume , Leftheriotis Georges , Martin Ludovic , Janin Anne , Kauffenstein Gilles 
Published: November 2019

AbstractPseudoxanthoma Elasticum (PXE) is a rare disorder characterized by fragmentation and progressive calcification of elastic fibres in connective tissues. Although arterial hypertension (AHT) has been reported in PXE patients, its impact on pathological manifestations has as yet been unexplored. We investigated the consequences of experimental AHT on Abcc6−/− PXE mouse models. Experimental AHT was induced by deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA-salt) in uni-nephrectomised mice. Blood pressure (BP) and vascular reactivity were monitored using tail-cuff plethysmography and myography respectively. Calcium content and fibrosis were assessed using colorimetry, Von Kossa and Sirius red staining respectively. The gene expression implicated in vascular biology was measured using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. DOCA-salt induced a matching rise in BP in Abcc6−/− and WT mice. Aortic ring contraction and relaxation in vitro were comparable. Calcium accumulated in the hearts of hypertensive Abcc6−/− mice along with significant fibrosis in the myocardium and aorta by contrast with the WT mice. In hypertensive Abcc6−/− mouse aortas, these results were corroborated by gene expression patterns favouring calcification, fibrosis and extracellular matrix remodelling. Abcc6 loss-of-function is associated with greater cardiovascular calcification and fibrosis in mice subjected to DOCA-Salt hypertension. These results suggest likely cardiovascular deterioration in PXE patients with AHT, necessitating diligent BP monitoring.
Gastric cancer depends on aldehyde dehydrogenase 3A1 for fatty acid oxidation
Authors: Lee Jae-Seon , Kim Seung Hwa , Lee Soohyun , Kang Joon Hee , Lee Seon-Hyeong , Cheong Jae-Ho , Kim Soo-Youl 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThe major source of ATP in cancer cells remains unclear. Here, we examined energy metabolism in gastric cancer cells and found increased fatty acid oxidation and increased expression of ALDH3A1. Metabolic analysis showed that lipid peroxidation by reactive oxygen species led to spontaneous production of 4-hydroxynonenal, which was converted to fatty acids with NADH production by ALDH3A1, resulting in further fatty acid oxidation. Inhibition of ALDH3A1 by knock down using siRNA of ALDH3A1 resulted in significantly reduced ATP production by cancer cells, leading to apoptosis. Oxidative phosphorylation by mitochondria in gastric cancer cells was driven by NADH supplied via fatty acid oxidation. Therefore, blockade of ALDH3A1 together with mitochondrial complex I using gossypol and phenformin led to significant therapeutic effects in a preclinical gastric cancer model.
Ruxolitinib binding to human serum albumin: bioinformatics, biochemical and functional characterization in JAK2V617F+ cell models
Authors: De Marinis Elisabetta , Ceccherelli Alessia , Quattrocchi Alberto , Leboffe Loris , Polticelli Fabio , Nervi Clara , Ascenzi Paolo 
Published: November 2019

AbstractRuxolitinib is a type I JAK inhibitor approved by FDA for targeted therapy of Philadelphia-negative myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), all characterized by mutations activating the JAK2/STAT signaling pathway. Treatment with ruxolitinib improves constitutional symptoms and splenomegaly. However, patients can become resistant to treatment and chronic therapy has only a mild effect on molecular/pathologic remissions. Drugs interaction with plasma proteins, i.e. human serum albumin (HSA), is an important factor affecting the intensity and duration of their pharmacological actions. Here, the ruxolitinib recognition by the fatty acid binding sites (FAs) 1, 6, 7, and 9 of HSA has been investigated from the bioinformatics, biochemical and/or biological viewpoints. Docking simulations indicate that ruxolitinib binds to multiple sites of HSA. Ruxolitinib binds to the FA1 and FA7 sites of HSA with high affinity (Kr = 3.1 μM and 4.6 μM, respectively, at pH 7.3 and 37.0 °C). Moreover, HSA selectively blocks, in a dose dependent manner, the cytotoxic activity of ruxolitinib in JAK2V617F+ cellular models for MPN, in vitro. Furthermore this event is accompanied by changes in the cell cycle, p27Kip1 and cyclin D3 levels, and JAK/STAT signaling. Given the high plasma concentration of HSA, ruxolitinib trapping may be relevant in vivo.
Characterize the switching performance of a superconducting nanowire cryotron for reading superconducting nanowire single photon detectors
Authors: Zheng Kai , Zhao Qing-Yuan , Kong Ling-Dong , Chen Shi , Lu Hai-Yang-Bo , Tu Xue-Cou , Zhang La-Bao , Jia Xiao-Qing , Chen Jian , Kang Lin , Wu Pei-Heng 
Published: November 2019

AbstractScalable superconducting nanowire single photon detector (SNSPDs) arrays require cryogenic digital circuits for multiplexing the output detection pulses. Among existing superconducting digital devices, superconducting nanowire cryotron (nTron) is a three-terminal device with an ultra-compact size, which is promising for large scale monolithic integration. In this report, in order to evaluate the potential and possibility of using nTrons for reading and digitizing SNSPD signals, we characterized the grey zone, speed, timing jitter and power dissipation of a proper designed nTron. With a DC bias on the gate, the nTron can be triggered by a few μA high and nanoseconds wide input signal, showing the nTron was capable of reading an SNSPD pulse at the same signal level. The timing jitter depended on the input signal level. For a 20 μA high and 5 ns wide input pulse, the timing jitter was 33.3 ps, while a typical SNSPD’s jitter was around 50 ps. With removing the serial inductors and operating it in an AC bias mode. The nTron was demonstrated to be operated at a clock frequency of 615.4 MHz, which was faster than the maximum counting rate of a typical SNSPD. In additional, with a 50 Ω bias resistor and biased at 17.6 μA, the nTron had a total power dissipation of 19.7 nW. Although RSFQ circuits are faster than nTrons, for reading SNSPD or other detector arrays that demands less operation speed, our results suggest a digital circuit made from nTrons could be another promising alternative.
Area-level and individual correlates of active transportation among adults in Germany: A population-based multilevel study
Authors: Finger J. D. , Varnaccia G. , Gabrys L. , Hoebel J. , Kroll L. E. , Krug S. , Manz K. , Baumeister S. E. , Mensink G. B. M. , Lange C. , Leitzmann M. F. 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study aimed at estimating the prevalence in adults of complying with the aerobic physical activity (PA) recommendation through transportation-related walking and cycling. Furthermore, potential determinants of transportation-related PA recommendation compliance were investigated. 10,872 men and 13,144 women aged 18 years or older participated in the cross-sectional ‘German Health Update 2014/15 – EHIS’ in Germany. Transportation-related walking and cycling were assessed using the European Health Interview Survey-Physical Activity Questionnaire. Three outcome indicators were constructed: walking, cycling, and total active transportation (≥600 metabolic equivalent, MET-min/week). Associations were analyzed using multilevel regression analysis. Forty-two percent of men and 39% of women achieved ≥600 MET-min/week with total active transportation. The corresponding percentages for walking were 27% and 28% and for cycling 17% and 13%, respectively. Higher population density, older age, lower income, higher work-related and leisure-time PA, not being obese, and better self-perceived health were positively associated with transportation-related walking and cycling and total active transportation among both men and women. The promotion of walking and cycling among inactive people has great potential to increase PA in the general adult population and to comply with PA recommendations. Several correlates of active transportation were identified which should be considered when planning public health policies and interventions.
Correlation between Nuclear Morphology and Adipogenic Differentiation: Application of a Combined Experimental and Computational Modeling Approach
Authors: McColloch Andrew , Rabiei Manoochehr , Rabbani Parisa , Bowling Alan , Cho Michael 
Published: November 2019

AbstractStem cells undergo drastic morphological alterations during differentiation. While extensive studies have been performed to examine the cytoskeletal remodeling, there is a growing interest to determine the morphological, structural and functional changes of the nucleus. The current study is therefore aimed at quantifying the extent of remodeling of the nuclear morphology of human mesenchymal stem cells during biochemically-induced adipogenic differentiation. Results show the size of nuclei decreased exponentially over time as the lipid accumulation is up-regulated. Increases in the lipid accumulation appear to lag the nuclear reorganization, suggesting the nuclear deformation is a prerequisite to adipocyte maturation. Furthermore, the lamin A/C expression was increased and redistributed to the nuclear periphery along with a subsequent increase in the nuclear aspect ratio. To further assess the role of the nucleus, a nuclear morphology with a high aspect ratio was achieved using microcontact-printed substrate. The cells with an elongated nuclear shape did not efficiently undergo adipogenesis, suggesting the cellular and nuclear processes associated with stem cell differentiation at the early stage of adipogenesis cause a change in the nuclear morphology and cannot be abrogated by the morphological cues. In addition, a novel computational biomechanical model was generated to simulate the nuclear shape change during differentiation and predict the forces acting upon the nucleus. This effort led to the development of computational scaling approach to simulate the experimentally observed adipogenic differentiation processes over 15 days in less than 1.5 hours.
Giant power factors in p- and n-type large-area graphene films on a flexible plastic substrate
Authors: Kanahashi Kaito , Ishihara Masatou , Hasegawa Masataka , Ohta Hiromichi , Takenobu Taishi 
Published: November 2019

AbstractThis study reports on the thermoelectric properties of large-area graphene films grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods. Using the electric double layer gating technique, both the continuous doping of hole or electron carriers and modulation of the Fermi energy are achieved, leading to wide-range control of the Seebeck coefficient and electrical conductivity. Consequently, the maximum power factors of the CVD-grown large-area graphene films are 6.93 and 3.29 mW m–1 K–2 for p- and n-type carrier doping, respectively. These results are the best values among large-scale flexible materials, such as organic conducting polymers and carbon nanotubes, suggesting that CVD-grown large-area graphene films have potential for thermoelectric applications.