bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Vectorial Proton Transport Mechanism of RxR, a Phylogenetically Distinct and Thermally Stable Microbial Rhodopsin
Authors: Kojima Keiichi , Ueta Tetsuya , Noji Tomoyasu , Saito Keisuke , Kanehara Kanae , Yoshizawa Susumu , Ishikita Hiroshi , Sudo Yuki 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRubrobacter xylanophilus rhodopsin (RxR) is a phylogenetically distinct and thermally stable seven-transmembrane protein that functions as a light-driven proton (H+) pump with the chromophore retinal. To characterize its vectorial proton transport mechanism, mutational and theoretical investigations were performed for carboxylates in the transmembrane region of RxR and the sequential proton transport steps were revealed as follows: (i) a proton of the retinylidene Schiff base (Lys209) is transferred to the counterion Asp74 upon formation of the blue-shifted M-intermediate in collaboration with Asp205, and simultaneously, a respective proton is released from the proton releasing group (Glu187/Glu197) to the extracellular side, (ii) a proton of Asp85 is transferred to the Schiff base during M-decay, (iii) a proton is taken up from the intracellular side to Asp85 during decay of the red-shifted O-intermediate. This ion transport mechanism of RxR provides valuable information to understand other ion transporters since carboxylates are generally essential for their functions.
Synthesis and Spectral Properties of Novel Singapore Green Analogues for Protease Detection
Authors: Bywaters Luke , Le Gresley Adam 
Published: January 2020

AbstractHerein we describe the synthesis, characterisation and determination of fluorescence and photophysical properties of various novel analogues of the orphan fluorophore class Singapore Green. We equate the fluorescence properties of these novel fluorophores to their molecular structure and address the mechanisms through which their fluorescence is quenched and the effect this has on their quantum yields of fluorescence. Fluorescence quenching via acylation was also achieved, thereby providing conceptual proof of their utility as cores for future fluorescent probes. Additionally, we have produced and examined a number of unexpected acyl intermediates of variable photolytic stability. Furthermore, we have obtained proof of concept that the use of Singapore Greens for protease probe generation is feasible via demonstration of proteolytic cleavage of one of the acylated analogues.
Cardiac adaptation in hibernating, free-ranging Scandinavian Brown Bears (Ursus arctos)
Authors: Jørgensen Peter Godsk , Evans Alina , Kindberg Jonas , Olsen Lisbeth Høier , Galatius Søren , Fröbert Ole 
Published: January 2020

AbstractDuring six months of annual hibernation, the brown bear undergoes unique physiological changes to adapt to decreased metabolic rate. We compared cardiac structural and functional measures of hibernating and active bears using comprehensive echocardiography. We performed echocardiography on 13 subadult free-ranging, anaesthetised Scandinavian brown bears (Ursus arctos) during late hibernation and in early summer. Mean heart rate was 26 beats per minute (standard deviation (SD): 8) during hibernation vs 71 (SD: 14) during active state. All left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic measures were decreased during hibernation: mean ejection fraction: 44.2% (SD: 6.0) active state vs 34.0 (SD: 8.1) hibernation, P = 0.001; global longitudinal strain: −11.2% (SD: 2.0) vs −8.8 (SD: 3.3), P = 0.03; global longitudinal strain rate: −0.82 (SD: 0.15) vs −0.41 (SD: 0.18), P < 0.001; septal e’: 9.8 cm/s (SD: 1.8) vs 5.2 (SD: 2.7), P < 0.001. In general, measures of total myocardial motion (ejection fraction and global longitudinal strain) were decreased to a lesser extent than measures of myocardial velocities. In the hibernating brown bear, cardiac adaptation included decreased functional measures, primarily measures of myocardial velocities, but was not associated with cardiac atrophy. Understanding the mechanisms of these adaptations could provide pathophysiological insight of human pathological conditions such as heart failure.
Association of glomerular DNA damage and DNA methylation with one-year eGFR decline in IgA nephropathy
Authors: Hayashi Kaori , Hishikawa Akihito , Hashiguchi Akinori , Azegami Tatsuhiko , Yoshimoto Norifumi , Nakamichi Ran , Tokuyama Hirobumi , Itoh Hiroshi 
Published: January 2020

AbstractAccumulation of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) is linked to aging and age-related diseases. We recently reported the possible association of DNA DSBs with altered DNA methylation in murine models of kidney disease. However, DSBs and DNA methylation in human kidneys was not adequately investigated. This study was a cross-sectional observational study to evaluate the glomerular DNA DSB marker γH2AX and phosphorylated Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (pATM), and the DNA methylation marker 5-methyl cytosine (5mC) by immunostaining, and investigated the association with pathological features and clinical parameters in 29 patients with IgA nephropathy. To evaluate podocyte DSBs, quantitative long-distance PCR of the nephrin gene using laser-microdissected glomerular samples and immunofluorescent double-staining with WT1 and γH2AX were performed. Glomerular γH2AX level was associated with glomerular DNA methylation level in IgA nephropathy. Podocytopathic features were associated with increased number of WT1(+)γH2AX(+) cells and reduced amount of PCR product of the nephrin gene, which indicate podocyte DNA DSBs. Glomerular γH2AX and 5mC levels were significantly associated with the slope of eGFR decline over one year in IgA nephropathy patients using multiple regression analysis adjusted for age, baseline eGFR, amount of proteinuria at biopsy and immunosuppressive therapy after biopsy. Glomerular γH2AX level was associated with DNA methylation level, both of which may be a good predictor of renal outcome in IgA nephropathy.
Cell fibers promote proliferation of co-cultured cells on a dish
Authors: Shima Ai , Itou Akane , Takeuchi Shoji 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThis paper describes a co-culture method using cell fiber technology. Cell fibers are cell-laden hydrogel microfibers, in which cells are cultured three-dimensionally and allowed to reach more mature state than the conventional two-dimensional cell culture. Cells in the cell fibers are encapsulated by alginate shell. Only cellular secretome is released into the surrounding environment through the shell while the cells were retained by the fiber. With their high handleability and retrievability, we propose to use the cell fibers for co-culture to ensure steady supply of cellular secretome. We cultured mouse C2C12 myoblasts with mouse 3T3 fibroblasts encapsulated in the cell fibers for two days. The number of C2C12 cells increased proportionally to the number of co-cultured 3T3 fibers, suggesting that the secretome of 3T3 fibers promoted survival and proliferation of C2C12 cells. We believe that cell fiber technology is a useful tool for co-culturing cells, and it will contribute to both basic cell biology and tissue engineering with its unique features.
In Situ Analysis of Cellular Functional Molecules
Authors: Ju Huangxian , Tang Bo , Ding Lin 
Published: January 2020

In recent years, in situ analysis of cellular functional molecules has attracted considerable interest as it can provide spatially or temporally resolved information of these essential molecules on/within living cells in a non-invasive way. In Situ Analysis of Cellular Functional Molecules introduces the tailor-made design of detection probes as well as schemes from a top-down perspective according to the unique characteristics of cellular functional molecules. The latest methodological developments, including enhancement of detection sensitivity and specificity, precision localization, implementation of dynamic tracking, and acquirement of quantitative functional information for various important functional molecules is discussed in detail. Written by leaders in the field, this book will provide a comprehensive overview to scientists in academia and professionals in industry working on different aspects of cellular analysis and cell biology.
IL-13-driven alterations in hepatic cholesterol handling contributes to hypercholesterolemia in a rat model of minimal change disease
Authors: Low Lauretta D. , Lu Liangjian , Chan Chang-Yien , Chen Jinmiao , Yang Henry H. , Yu Hanry , Lee Caroline G.L. , Ng Kar-Hui , Yap Hui-Kim 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Circulating factors have been implicated in the pathogenesis of minimal change disease (MCD), and may have direct effects on cholesterol metabolism. This study investigated the pathogenesis of hypercholesterolemia in an IL-13 overexpression rat model of MCD prior to the onset of proteinuria, so as to establish the direct contribution of IL-13, especially with regard to hepatic cholesterol handling. In this model of MCD, the temporal relationship between hypercholesterolemia and proteinuria was first identified. Plasma proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (Pcsk9) and liver ATP-binding cassette sub-family G member 5 (Abcg5) were measured using ELISA. Liver Ldlr and liver X receptor alpha (Lxra) were quantified with Western blot. Abcg5-mediated cholesterol efflux in IL-13-stimulated rat primary hepatocytes was measured using taurocholate as cholesterol acceptor. The role of Lxra was validated using a luciferase assay in Lxre-luciferase-transfected IL-13-stimulated hepatocytes. IL-13-transfected rats developed hypercholesterolemia prior to proteinuria, with 35% of rats hypercholesterolemic but only 11% proteinuric by Day 20 (P = 0.04). These pre-proteinuric hypercholesterolemic rats showed elevations in total and LDL-cholesterol, but not hypertriglyceridemia or hepatic steatosis. The hypercholesterolemia was associated with increased hepatic Pcsk9 synthesis and enhanced circulating Pcsk9 levels, which correlated strongly with plasma total cholesterol (r = 0.73, P&lt;0.001). The hypercholesterolemia was also contributed by decreased Abcg5 expression and activity, due to reduced Lxra expression. Lxra expression correlated with plasma total cholesterol levels (r = −0.52, P = 0.01), and overexpression of pLxra in rat hepatocytes abrogated the IL-13-mediated down-regulation of Lxre-driven gene expression. In conclusion, we have shown that IL-13 induced changes in hepatic cholesterol handling in a cytokine-induced rat model of MCD, resulting in hypercholesterolemia which can precede the onset of proteinuria.
(Letter to the Editor) Response to: protective role of peroxiredoxin-4 in heart failure
Authors: López-Andrés Natalia 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
We thank Ahmed et al. for their letter regarding our study ‘Galectin-3 down-regulates antioxidant peroxiredoxin-4 in human cardiac fibroblasts’ [1]. As emphasized by Ahmed et al., Prx-4 levels decrease [2] whereas MFN-2, OPA-1 and PGC-1α levels increase [3] in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM). Moreover, Gal-3 expression is also increased in DCM [4]. In our study, we showed in vitro that Gal-3 decreased Prx-4 without modifying MFN-2 or PGC-1α levels in human cardiac fibroblasts. Although cardiac Prx-4 decrease could be a direct consequence of Gal-3 effects on cardiac fibroblasts, we cannot exclude the possibility that other factors increase MFN-2, OPA-1 and PGC-1α levels in both cardiac fibroblasts or cardiomyocytes in the context of DCM. Further studies are needed to clarify the association between Prx-4 decrease and the increase in other mitochondrial proteins in DCM.
Auditory Detection Thresholds and Cochlear Resistivity Differ Between Pediatric Cochlear Implant Listeners With Enlarged Vestibular Aqueduct and Those With Connexin-26 Mutations
Authors: Jahn Kelly N. , Bergan Molly D. , Arenberg Julie G. 
Published: January 2020

Purpose
The goal of this study was to evaluate differences in the electrode–neuron interface as a function of hearing loss etiology in pediatric cochlear implant (CI) listeners with enlarged vestibular aqueduct (EVA) syndrome and in those with autosomal recessive connexin-26 mutations (DFNB1).

Method
Fifteen implanted ears (9 participants, 5 ears with EVA, 10 ears with DFNB1) were assessed. Single-channel auditory detection thresholds were measured using broad and spatially focused electrode configurations (steered quadrupolar; focusing coefficients = 0 and 0.9). Cochlear resistivity estimates were obtained via electrode impedances and electrical field imaging. Between-group differences were evaluated using linear mixed-effects models.

Results
Children with EVA had significantly higher auditory detection thresholds than children with DFNB1, irrespective of electrode configuration. Between-group differences in thresholds were more pronounced on apical electrodes than on basal electrodes. In the apex, electrode impedances and electrical field imaging values were higher for children with EVA than for those with DFNB1.

Conclusions
The electrode–neuron interface differs between pediatric CI listeners with DFNB1 and those with EVA. It is possible that optimal clinical interventions may depend, in part, on hearing loss etiology. Future investigations with large samples should investigate individualized CI programming strategies for listeners with EVA and DFNB1.
Entire process of surface discharge of GIS disc‐spacers under constant AC voltage
Authors: Zhao Chenhao , Tang Zhiguo , Zhang Liangen , Wu Deguan , Xia Hui , Li Hongyuan , Pan Kai 
Published: January 2020

Surface contamination on the disc‐spacers is one of the main threats to the safe operation of gas insulated switchgear (GIS) insulation. The authors’ research has confirmed the phenomena of intermittent discharge of such defects under AC constant voltage and concluded that long‐intermittent discharge may be the cause of sudden flashover failure of GIS. To explore the characteristics of the process from the partial discharge (PD) inception to the breakdown of surface discharge under constant AC voltage, a 126 kV GIS test platform was built and long‐term uninterrupted detection was carried out in this study. By processing the discharge data of the entire process, distribution characteristics of phase‐resolved PD and N–V spectra and the trend of discharge repetition rate, discharge amplitude (maximum, mean, standard deviation) and discharge time interval (maximum, mean, standard deviation) were obtained. The results indicate that: there are two typical stages in the entire process of surface discharge under constant voltage and both discharge characteristics and risk of breakdown of those two stages are different obviously. Furthermore, based on the electro‐chemical aging theory and space charge effects, the long‐intermittent characteristics of solid insulation discharge are explained.
Derivation of parameters for 3748 FGK stars usingH-band spectra from APOGEE Data Release 14
Authors: Sarmento Pedro , Delgado Mena Elisa , Rojas-Ayala Bárbara , Blanco-Cuaresma Sergi 
Published: January 2020

Context.The Apache Point Observatory Galactic Evolution Experiment (APOGEE) has observed theH-band spectra of over 200 000 stars withR ∼ 22 000.Aims.The main motivation for this work is to test an alternative method to the standard APOGEE pipeline (APOGEE Stellar Parameter and Chemical Abundances Pipeline, ASPCAP) to derive parameters in the near-infrared for FGK dwarfs.Methods.iSpec and Turbospectrum are used to generate synthetic spectra matching APOGEE observations and to determine the parameters throughχ2minimization.Results.We present spectroscopic parameters (Teff, [M/H], logg,vmic) for a sample of 3748 main-sequence and subgiant FGK stars, obtained from their APOGEEH-band spectra.Conclusions.We compare our output parameters with the ones obtained with ASPCAP for the same stellar spectrum, and find that the values agree within the expected uncertainties. A comparison with the optical samples California Planet Survey, High Accuracy Radial Velocity Planet Searcher – Guaranteed Time Observations, and PASTEL is also available, and median differences below 10 K forTeffand 0.2 dex for [M/H] are found. Reasons for these differences are explored. The fullH-band line list, the line selection for the synthesis, and the synthesized spectra are available at the CDS, as are the calculated parameters and their estimated uncertainties.
Allergietherapie und Allergie-Immuntherapie im Kindesalter
Authors: Klimek Ludger , Chaker Adam M. , Casper Ingrid , Sperl Annette , Strieth Sebastian , Mösges Ralph 
Published: January 2020

ZusammenfassungInhalationsallergien bei Kindern erfordern eine umfassende Diagnostik und konsequente Therapie. Das Behandlungsspektrum umfasst neben der Allergenkarenz die symptomatische Pharmakotherapie und die kausale Allergie-Immuntherapie (AIT). Kinder sind eine wichtige Zielgruppe für eine AIT, da sie aufgrund ihrer Langzeiteffekte und sekundär-präventiven Eigenschaften den Verlauf der Erkrankung nachhaltig beeinflussen kann.
The Effect of High-Intensity Interval
Training on Physical Parameters, Metabolomic
Indexes and Serum Ficolin-3 Levels in Patients
with Prediabetes and Type 2
Diabetes
Authors: Liu Xiaochen , Wang Gaifeng 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Background Exercise benefits people with
abnormal glucose metabolism, and serum ficolin-3
levels have been reported to be associated with
diabetes. However, no relevant study has discussed
the relationship between high-intensity interval
training (HIIT) and ficolin-3 in a Chinese
population.
Objective To compare the effect of HIIT and
moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on
blood pressure, glucose control, the lipid profile
and the serum ficolin-3 level in patients with
prediabetes and type 2 diabetes (T2D).
Methods We recruited 145 patients with
prediabetes and 196 T2D patients from March to
June 2018. All participants were randomly grouped
into HIIT and MICT groups. HIIT consisted of
progressing to twelve 1-min bouts at 90% maximal
aerobic capacity (1 min recovery), and MICT
consisted of progressing to 20 min at 65% maximal
aerobic capacity. ˙VO2peak, body
composition, blood pressure, glucose, the lipid
profile and the serum ficolin-3 level were
measured before and after three weeks of
training.
Results After 3 weeks of training,
participants in both the HIIT and MICT groups had
significantly lower SBP, BMI, waist circumference,
% body fat, and serum levels of FPG, TC, TGs, UA
and ficolin-3, as well as increased vital capacity
and VOmax. Additionally, the patients in the HIIT
group still had significantly lower levels of 2hPG
and LDL-C, regardless of prediabetes or diabetes
status. After comparing the differences in the
variation in parameters between the HIIT and MICT
groups, we found that HIIT could help patients
with prediabetes or diabetes acquire better
effects of treatment in regard to anthropometry,
blood pressure, glucose control, UA and ficolin-3
levels than MICT. Finally, the patients in the
HIIT group had a lower rate of loss to follow-up
and a higher rate of session attendance.
Conclusions Both HIIT and MICT were
beneficial exercise strategies for health in
patients with prediabetes or T2D. However, HIIT is
a more time-efficient strategy and could lower the
serum level of ficolin-3 in patients after 3 weeks
of training.
Die Behandlung der Aneurysmen der Extremitätenarterien – ein systematischer Überblick
Authors: Pfabe Frank-Peter 
Published: January 2020

ZusammenfassungAneurysmen der Extremitätenarterien haben eine geringe Inzidenz und manifestieren sich häufig durch Komplikationen. Schwerste Komplikationen sind die Ruptur und die extremitätenbedrohende Ischämie. Beide sind diagnoseführend. Eine absolute Therapieindikation besteht bei symptomatischen Aneurysmen und bei asymptomatischen ab einer Größe von 2,0 cm. Goldstandard ist extrailiakal das Interponat oder der Bypass mit venösem Graftmaterial. Endovaskuläre Methoden sind inoperablen Patienten vorbehalten und klinische Einzelfallentscheidungen. Im Gegensatz dazu sind komplexe endovaskukläre Techniken beim isolierten Iliakalaneurysma etabliert und haben die Behandlungsmöglichkeiten deutlich verbessert. Ihre Realisierung ist an die Existenz einer geeigneten Landungszone gebunden. Diese ist Grundlage einer neuen Klassifikation des isolierten Iliakalaneurysmas. Anhand morphologischer Subtypen ist mit dieser Klassifikation eine standardisierte Prozedurplanung zum Perfusionserhalt der
A. iliaca interna möglich. Die vorliegende Arbeit gibt eine Übersicht über die aktuelle Behandlungsstrategie der Extremitätenarterienaneurysmen. Gemeinsamkeiten und regionale Unterschiede in der Therapie werden diskutiert.
Injektionsglottoplastik
Authors: Mainka Alexander 
Published: January 2020

ZusammenfassungDie eingeschränkte Stimmleistung ist das Hauptsymptom der glottalen Insuffizienz. Dazu können Schluckbeschwerden, Atemnot beim Sprechen sowie eine verminderte allgemeine Leistungsfähigkeit kommen. Die Injektionsglottoplastik ist eine mögliche interventionelle Therapieoption.
The Effect of Tracheal Fluid Culture Sampling Method and Culture Results on Antibiotic Use in Neonates
Authors: Attar Mohammad A. , Iannetta Anthony , Mitri George E. , Pace Rachael A. , Schumacher Robert E. 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
Objective As part of quality improvement effort to decrease antibiotic use for presumed pneumonia (PNA) in our neonatal intensive care unit, we introduced minibronchoalveolar lavage (mBAL) to obtain culture specimens. We evaluated the effect of tracheal sampling method and culture results on antibiotic use.
Methods We performed a retrospective review of culture results of samples obtained by tracheal aspirates (TAs) and mBAL between January 2017 and April 2018. Noting the time cultures were obtained, we reviewed the records to determine if the patients met the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria for PNA and evaluated culture results and antibiotic treatment practice. Fisher's exact and Mann–Whitney's tests when appropriate were used for the analysis.
Results Thirty-five (35) mBAL (on 21 patients) and 42 TAs (on 39 patients) were done prior to antibiotic therapy. The tests were done at similar median day of life in both groups (mBAL 55 days and TA 62 days). The frequencies of positive culture were similar in both groups (mBAL 60% and TA 57%). At the time of obtaining the sample, more mBAL patients met the CDC criteria for PNA (mBAL 54% and TA 26%). Antibiotic days and duration of antibiotic treatment were significantly higher in the mBAL group compared with the TA group. In patient with no clinical PNA, antibiotic days were significantly higher in those with positive cultures (which more likely reflect colonizing microbes) than those with negative cultures and were also higher in the mBAL group than in the TA group. There was a significant increase in the frequency of positive cultures in patients with longer hospital stay.
Conclusion Our results show that tracheal cultures on sick neonates with no clinical PNA and with long hospital stay might contribute to unnecessary antibiotic use regardless of the tracheal sampling method.