bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and female hormone-related factors in South Korea
Authors: Lee Kijeong , Choi In Hak , Lee Sang Hag , Kim Tae Hoon 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAn association between olfactory dysfunction and female hormone level has been reported; however, no previous studies have investigated the correlation with life-long female hormone exposure. The aim of this study was to estimate the association between subjective olfactory dysfunction and various endogenous and exogenous female hormone-related factors including age at menarche and menopause, number of pregnancies and deliveries, age at first and last delivery, duration of breastfeeding, use of oral contraceptives, and use of hormone therapy. The study analysed a total of 3863 female participants using data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey V (2010–2012). The prevalence of olfactory dysfunction was 3.5% for premenopausal participants and 6.2% for postmenopausal women. Among premenopausal women (compared to women breastfed less than 12 months), the 12–24-month group (OR = 4.690, 95% CI = 1.431–15.369) and the 25–48-month group (OR = 6.548, 95% CI = 1.758–24.394) had higher rates of olfactory dysfunction. In postmenopausal women, starting menopause at a younger age was positively associated with olfactory dysfunction (OR = 0.939, 95% CI = 0.887–0.993). These data suggest that a longer duration of endogenous oestrogen deprivation is associated with subjective olfactory dysfunction.
Generation of correlated biphoton via four-wave mixing coexisting with multi-order fluorescence processes
Authors: Liu Yang , Li Kangkang , Zhang Siqiang , Fan Huanrong , Li Wei , Zhang Yanpeng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractWe investigate the parametrically amplified four-wave mixing, spontaneous parametric four-wave-mixing, second- and fourth-order fluorescence signals coming from the four-level double-Λ electromagnetically induced transparency system of a hot 85Rb atomic vapor. The biphoton temporal correlation is obtained from spontaneous parametric four-wave-mixing and fourth-order fluorescence processes. Meanwhile, we first observed the biphoton Rabi oscillation with a background of linear Rayleigh scattering and uncorrelated second-order fluorescence. The outcomes of the investigation may contribute potentially to the applications in dense coding quantum communication systems.
Microscale pressure measurements based on an immiscible fluid/fluid interface
Authors: Yang Jing , Duan Xing , Fraser Andrew K. , Choudhury Mohammad Ikbal , Ewald Andrew J. , Li Rong , Sun Sean X. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractA method of microscale pressure measurement based on immiscible fluid/fluid interface is proposed. This method utilizes observed curvature changes in a fluid/fluid interface, and can accurately report hydraulic pressure in fluids at length scales of 10 microns. The method is especially suited for measuring fluid pressure in micro-scale biological samples. Using this method, we probe fluid pressure build up in epithelial domes, murine mammary gland organoids embedded in hydrogel, and lumen pressure in the developing mouse embryo. Results reveal that the pressure developed across epithelial barriers is on the order of 100~300 Pa, and is modulated by ion channel activity.
Chemical composition, Fatty acids profile and Biological properties of Thymus capitatus (L.) Hoffmanns, essential Oil
Authors: Zaïri Amira , Nouir Sahar , Zarrouk Amira , Haddad Houda , Khélifa Amani , Achour Lotfi , Tangy Frédéric , Chaouachi Maher , Trabelsi Mounir 
Published: December 2019

AbstractT. capitatus is widely used in traditional medicine in Tunisia. The main goal of this study was to evaluate the phytochemical composition, the fatty acids profile, the antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal activities as well as the cytotoxic potential of the essential oil (EO) of this plant. The identification and the quantification of the different constituents of the tested EO was determined by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS). Antioxidant activities were evaluated by spectrophotometric methods and chemical tests. HCT 116 cells were used to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of the EO. The microdilution method was conducted to evaluate the antibacterial activity. Poisoned food method was used to test the antifungal activities against fungi species such Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus flavus. The EO presented several components, mainly monoterpenes. Results revealed that T. capitatus EO is not cytotoxic and showed excellent antioxidant activity with a dose dependent manner. Regarding antimicrobial activity, T. capitatus EO was efficient against all tested bacteria and fungi.
Machine Learning-Based Classification of the Health State of Mice Colon in Cancer Study from Confocal Laser Endomicroscopy
Authors: Rasti Pejman , Wolf Christian , Dorez Hugo , Sablong Raphael , Moussata Driffa , Samiei Salma , Rousseau David 
Published: December 2019

AbstractIn this article, we address the problem of the classification of the health state of the colon’s wall of mice, possibly injured by cancer with machine learning approaches. This problem is essential for translational research on cancer and is a priori challenging since the amount of data is usually limited in all preclinical studies for practical and ethical reasons. Three states considered including cancer, health, and inflammatory on tissues. Fully automated machine learning-based methods are proposed, including deep learning, transfer learning, and shallow learning with SVM. These methods addressed different training strategies corresponding to clinical questions such as the automatic clinical state prediction on unseen data using a pre-trained model, or in an alternative setting, real-time estimation of the clinical state of individual tissue samples during the examination. Experimental results show the best performance of 99.93% correct recognition rate obtained for the second strategy as well as the performance of 98.49% which were achieved for the more difficult first case.
The Characteristics and Expression Profile of Transferrin in the Accessory Nidamental Gland of the Bigfin Reef Squid during Bacteria Transmission
Authors: Li Hau-Wen , Chen Chih , Kuo Wei-Lun , Lin Chien-Ju , Chang Ching-Fong , Wu Guan-Chung 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe accessory nidamental gland (ANG) is a female reproductive organ found in most squid and cuttlefish that contains a consortium of bacteria. These symbiotic bacteria are transmitted from the marine environment and selected by the host through an unknown mechanism. In animals, a common antimicrobial mechanism of innate immunity is iron sequestration, which is based on the development of transferrin (TF)-like proteins. To understand this mechanism of host-microbe interaction, we attempted to characterize the role of transferrin in bigfin reef squid (Sepioteuthis lessoniana) during bacterial transmission. qPCR analysis showed that Tf was exclusively expressed in the outer layer of ANG,and this was confirmed by in situ hybridization, which showed that Tf was localized in the outer epithelial cell layer of the ANG. Western blot analysis indicated that TF is a soluble glycoprotein. Immunohistochemical staining also showed that TF is localized in the outer epithelial cell layer of the ANG and that it is mainly expressed in the outer layer during ANG growth. These results suggest that robust Tf mRNA and TF protein expression in the outer layer of the ANG plays an important role in microbe selection by the host during bacterial transmission.
Dielectric and electromagnetic interference shielding properties of high entropy (Zn,Fe,Ni,Mg,Cd)Fe2O4 ferrite
Authors: Radoń Adrian , Hawełek Łukasz , Łukowiec Dariusz , Kubacki Jerzy , Włodarczyk Patryk 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThe new (Zn,Mg,Ni,Fe,Cd)Fe2O4 high entropy ferrite with average crystallite size 11.8 nm was synthesized in two stages by annealing of co-precipitated amorphous precursor. The dielectric spectroscopy confirms, that the electrical conductivity and polarization processes are associated with the mobility of electrons in the structure of ferrite. It was concluded, that the both, high frequency complex dielectric permittivity as well as complex magnetic permeability are strongly temperature and frequency dependent. The AC electrical conductivity is associated with quantum mechanical tunneling of electrons and related to the transfer of charge carriers between Fe2+ and Fe3+ ions. Moreover, the microwave absorption properties were determined. The best microwave absorption properties have been confirmed in the frequency range 1.9 to 2.1 GHz for a layer which is 0.8–1 cm thick. For this range, reflection loss (RL) is lower than −25 dB and shielding effectiveness (SE) lower than −50 dB.
Intracellular Energy Variability Modulates Cellular Decision-Making Capacity
Authors: Kerr Ryan , Jabbari Sara , Johnston Iain G. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractCells generate phenotypic diversity both during development and in response to stressful and changing environments, aiding survival. Functionally vital cell fate decisions from a range of phenotypic choices are made by regulatory networks, the dynamics of which rely on gene expression and hence depend on the cellular energy budget (and particularly ATP levels). However, despite pronounced cell-to-cell ATP differences observed across biological systems, the influence of energy availability on regulatory network dynamics is often overlooked as a cellular decision-making modulator, limiting our knowledge of how energy budgets affect cell behaviour. Here, we consider a mathematical model of a highly generalisable, ATP-dependent, decision-making regulatory network, and show that cell-to-cell ATP variability changes the sets of decisions a cell can make. Our model shows that increasing intracellular energy levels can increase the number of supported stable phenotypes, corresponding to increased decision-making capacity. Model cells with sub-threshold intracellular energy are limited to a singular phenotype, forcing the adoption of a specific cell fate. We suggest that energetic differences between cells may be an important consideration to help explain observed variability in cellular decision-making across biological systems.
Robust profiling of microRNAs and isomiRs in human plasma exosomes across 46 individuals
Authors: Karlsen Tommy A. , Aae Tommy F. , Brinchmann Jan E. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractmicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small double stranded RNA molecules consisting of two complementary strands called the 5p and 3p arms. Following imprecise processing and/or addition of nucleotides at the ends, miRNA biogenesis can give rise to variants called isomiRs. Exosomes are small vesicles released by cells. They have attracted attention due to their potential use in biomarker development because of their content of biomolecules, including miRNAs and isomiRs. Exosomes are found in body fluids such as plasma. In this study we used next generation sequencing to investigate the distribution of 5p and 3p arms of both miRNAs and isomiRs in plasma exosomes from 46 individuals. Among the canonical miRNAs there was similar prevalence between 5p and 3p miRNAs. Most of the miRNAs had isomiRs, and in approximately half of the cases an isomiR was more abundant than the corresponding canonical miRNA. Most of the isomiRs were generated from 5p miRNAs. There were very small differences in the concentration of canonical miRNA and isomiR sequences between donors, suggesting tight control of isomiR generation and sorting into exosomes. IsomiRs are abundant in plasma exosomes and should be included in analysis when plasma exosomal miRNAs are investigated as potential biomarkers for disease development.
Dissecting C−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π Interactions in Two Proteins Using a Combined Experimental and Computational Approach
Authors: Wang Jia , Yao Lishan 
Published: December 2019

AbstractC−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π interactions can have an important contribution for protein stability. However, direct measurements of these interactions in proteins are rarely reported. In this work, we combined the mutant cycle experiments and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations to characterize C−H∙∙∙π and N−H∙∙∙π interactions and their cooperativity in two model proteins. It is shown that the average C−H∙∙∙π interaction per residue pair is ~ −0.5 kcal/mol while the N−H∙∙∙π interaction is slightly stronger. The triple mutant box measurement indicates that N−H∙∙∙π∙∙∙C−H∙∙∙π and C−H∙∙∙π∙∙∙C−H∙∙∙π can have a positive or negative cooperativity. MD simulations suggest that the cooperativity, depending on the local environment of the interactions, mainly arises from the geometric rearrangement when the nearby interaction is perturbed.
Cholinergic Modulation Promotes Attentional Modulation in Primary Visual Cortex- A Modeling Study
Authors: Sajedin Atena , Menhaj Mohammad Bagher , Vahabie Abdol-Hossein , Panzeri Stefano , Esteky Hossein 
Published: December 2019

AbstractAttention greatly influences sensory neural processing by enhancing firing rates of neurons that represent the attended stimuli and by modulating their tuning properties. The cholinergic system is believed to partly mediate the attention contingent improvement of cortical processing by influencing neuronal excitability, synaptic transmission and neural network characteristics. Here, we used a biophysically based model to investigate the mechanisms by which cholinergic system influences sensory information processing in the primary visual cortex (V1) layer 4C. The physiological properties and architectures of our model were inspired by experimental data and include feed-forward input from dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus that sets up orientation preference in V1 neural responses. When including a cholinergic drive, we found significant sharpening in orientation selectivity, desynchronization of LFP gamma power and spike-field coherence, decreased response variability and correlation reduction mostly by influencing intracortical interactions and by increasing inhibitory drive. Our results indicated that these effects emerged due to changes specific to the behavior of the inhibitory neurons. The behavior of our model closely resembles the effects of attention on neural activities in monkey V1. Our model suggests precise mechanisms through which cholinergic modulation may mediate the effects of attention in the visual cortex.
Computational evaluation of an extra-aortic elastic-wrap applied to simulated aging anisotropic human aorta models
Authors: Legerer Christian , Almsherqi Zakaria A. , Dokos Socrates , McLachlan Craig S. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStructural changes occurring to the aortic wall can result in vascular stiffening. This is represented by a loss of vascular compliance during pulsatile flow, resulting in increased systolic and pulse blood pressure, particularly in populations aged 50 and over. Aortic stiffness is thought to be permanent and an active de-stiffening strategy is yet to be developed. Extra aortic elastic wrapping has been proposed as a surgical technique to boost aortic distensibility and treat hypertension in the elderly. Previously, in-vivo and in-vitro testing have suggested a pulse-pressure reduction potential of elastic wrapping in the stiffened aortas. Herein, we explore the feasibility of elastic aortic wrapping to improve simulated aortic compliance across the age span. Detailed computational studies of the anisotropic aortic wall mechanics, using data from human subjects, were performed, evaluating key performance properties for the interaction between the aortic wall and elastic aortic wrap procedure. Main determinants of the procedure’s efficiency are identified using a pre-defined aortic stiffness and wrap elasticity. Finite element analysis predicts that segmental aortic distensibility can be increased if elastic wrapping is applied to a simulated stiff aorta. Elastic aortic wrapping is calculated to have little impact on the compliance of an initially distensible aorta.
Autophagy and mitophagy biomarkers are reduced in sera of patients with Alzheimer’s disease and mild cognitive impairment
Authors: Castellazzi Massimiliano , Patergnani Simone , Donadio Mariapina , Giorgi Carlotta , Bonora Massimo , Bosi Cristina , Brombo Gloria , Pugliatti Maura , Seripa Davide , Zuliani Giovanni , Pinton Paolo 
Published: December 2019

AbstractDementia is a neurocognitive disorder characterized by a progressive memory loss and impairment in cognitive and functional abilities. Autophagy and mitophagy are two important cellular processes by which the damaged intracellular components are degraded by lysosomes. To investigate the contribution of autophagy and mitophagy in degenerative diseases, we investigated the serum levels of specific autophagic markers (ATG5 protein) and mitophagic markers (Parkin protein) in a population of older patients by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Two hundred elderly (≥65 years) outpatients were included in the study: 40 (20 F and 20 M) with mild-moderate late onset Alzheimer’s disease (AD); 40 (20 F and 20 M) affected by vascular dementia (VAD); 40 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 40 (20 F and 20 M) with “mixed” dementia (MD); 40 subjects without signs of cognitive impairment were included as sex-matched controls. Our data indicated that, in serum samples, ATG5 and Parkin were both elevated in controls, and that VAD compared with AD, MCI and MD (all p < 0.01). Patients affected by AD, MD, and MCI showed significantly reduced circulating levels of both ATG5 and Parkin compared to healthy controls and VAD individuals, reflecting a significant down-regulation of autophagy and mitophagy pathways in these groups of patients. The measurement of serum levels of ATG5 and Parkin may represent an easily accessible diagnostic tool for the early monitoring of patients with cognitive decline.
The development of a 3D colour reproduction system of digital impressions with an intraoral scanner and a 3D printer: a preliminary study
Authors: Liu Yushu , Zhang Rui , Ye Hongqiang , Wang Shimin , Wang Kuan-Paul , Liu Yunsong , Zhou Yongsheng 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis study aimed to develop a three-dimensional (3D) colour reproduction system to improve the aesthetic effects of dental prostheses. The system’s colour accuracy was also evaluated. Based on the concept of colour management, 96 colour patches were selected to develop colour profiles for an intraoral scanner and a 3D printer using polynomial regression. The colour differences Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ between colour patches reproduced using different colour profiles and the original colour patches were analysed to select the best combinations of colour profiles. The 3D colour reproduction system with the best-performing (i.e. third-order polynomial regression) colour profiles was finally evaluated using tooth and gum shades. The median Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ was 6.940 ranging from 1.504 to 32.660. In terms of tooth and gum shade, the median Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ was 6.313, and half of the shade blocks were above the mismatch threshold (Δ$${E}_{ab}^{\ast }$$Eab⁎ > 6.80). In conclusion, the colour management based on polynomial regression can decrease the colour difference of the 3D colour reproduction system, but not to clinically acceptable levels. Further advances are needed to improve the methods and hardware.
The Effects of Previous Error and Success in Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Crawford T. J. , Taylor S. , Mardanbegi D. , Polden M. , Wilcockson T. W. , Killick R. , Sawyer P. , Gellersen H. , Leroi I. 
Published: December 2019

AbstractThis work investigated in Alzheimer’s disease dementia (AD), whether the probability of making an error on a task (or a correct response) was influenced by the outcome of the previous trials. We used the antisaccade task (AST) as a model task given the emerging consensus that it provides a promising sensitive and early biological test of cognitive impairment in AD. It can be employed equally well in healthy young and old adults, and in clinical populations. This study examined eye-movements in a sample of 202 participants (42 with dementia due to AD; 65 with mild cognitive impairment (MCI); 95 control participants). The findings revealed an overall increase in the frequency of AST errors in AD and MCI compared to the control group, as predicted. The errors on the current trial increased in proportion to the number of consecutive errors on the previous trials. Interestingly, the probability of errors was reduced on the trials that followed a previously corrected error, compared to the trials where the error remained uncorrected, revealing a level of adaptive control in participants with MCI or AD dementia. There was an earlier peak in the AST distribution of the saccadic reaction times for the inhibitory errors in comparison to the correct saccades. These findings revealed that the inhibitory errors of the past have a negative effect on the future performance of healthy adults as well as people with a neurodegenerative cognitive impairment.
Effect of nicotine on Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation and virulence factors
Authors: Shi Le , Wu Yang , Yang Chen , Ma Yue , Zhang Qing-zhao , Huang Wei , Zhu Xiao-yi , Yan Ying-jie , Wang Jia-xue , Zhu Tao , Qu Di , Zheng Chun-quan , Zhao Ke-Qing 
Published: December 2019

AbstractStaphylococcus aureusis a common pathogen in chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) patients, the pathogenesis of which involves the ability to form biofilms and produce various virulence factors. Tobacco smoke, another risk factor of CRS, facilitatesS. aureusbiofilm formation; however, the mechanisms involved are unclear. Here, we studied the effect of nicotine onS. aureusbiofilm formation and the expression of virulence-related genes.S. aureusstrains isolated from CRS patients and a USA300 strain were treated with nicotine or were untreated (control). Nicotine-treatedS. aureusstrains showed dose-dependent increases in biofilm formation, lower virulence, enhanced initial attachment, increased extracellular DNA release, and a higher autolysis rate, involving dysregulation of the accessory gene regulator (Agr) quorum-sensing system. Consequently, the expression of autolysis-related geneslytNandatlA, and the percentage of dead cells in biofilms was increased. However, the expression of virulence-related genes, includinghla,hlb,pvl,nuc,ssp,spa,sigB,coa, andcrtNwas downregulated and there was reduced bacterial invasion of A549 human alveolar epithelial cells. The results of this study indicate that nicotine treatment enhancesS. aureusbiofilm formation by promoting initial attachment and extracellular DNA release but inhibits the virulence of this bacterium.
Distinct role of Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) in inhibiting cargo-loading and release of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Lee Byung Rho , Sanstrum Bethany J. , Liu Yutao , Kwon Sang-Ho 
Published: December 2019

AbstractExosomes, vehicles for intercellular communication, are formed intracellularly within multivesicular bodies (MVBs) and are released upon fusion with the plasma membrane. For their biogenesis, proper cargo loading to exosomes and vesicle traffic for extracellular release are required. Previously we showed that the L-type lectin, LMAN2, limits trans-Golgi Network (TGN)-to-endosomes traffic of GPRC5B, an exosome cargo protein, for exosome release. Here, we identified that the protein deacetylase sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) as a novel interactor of LMAN2. Loss of SIRT2 expression resulted in exosomal release of LMAN2, a Golgi resident protein, along with increased exosomal release of GPRC5B. Furthermore, knockout of SIRT2 increased total number of extracellular vesicles (EVs), indicating increased MVB-to-EV flux. While knockout of SIRT1 increased EV release with enlarged late endolysosome, knockout of SIRT2 did not exhibit endolysosome enlargement for increased EV release. Taken together, our study suggests that SIRT2 regulates cargo loading to MVBs and MVB-to-EV flux through a mechanism distinct from that of SIRT1.