bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Improved Flow Cytometric Light Scatter Detection of Submicron‐Sized Particles by Reduction of Optical Background Signals
Authors: Arkesteijn Ger J. A. , Lozano‐Andrés Estefanía , Libregts Sten F. W. M. , Wauben Marca H. M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFlow cytometry allows multiparameter analysis on a single‐cell basis and is currently the method of choice to rapidly assess heterogeneity of cell populations in suspension. With the research field of extracellular vesicles (EV) rapidly expanding, there is an increased demand to address heterogeneity of EV populations in biological samples. Although flow cytometry would be the ideal technique to do so, the available instruments are in general not equipped to optimally detect the dim light scatter signals generated by submicron‐sized particles like EV. Although sideward scatter light and fluorescence are currently used as a threshold signal to identify EV within samples, the forward scatter light (FSC) parameter is often neglected due to the lack of resolution to distinguish EV‐related signals from noise. However, after optimization of FSC detection by adjusting the size of the obscuration bar, we recently showed that certain EV‐subsets could only be identified based on FSC. This observation made us to further study the possibilities to enhance FSC‐detection of submicron‐sized particles. By testing differently sized obscuration bars and differently sized pinholes in the focal plane behind the FSC detection lens, we generated a matrix that allowed us to determine which combination resulted in the lowest optical background in terms of numbers of events regarding FSC detection of submicron‐sized particles. We found that a combination of an 8‐mm obscuration bar and a 200‐μm pinhole reduced optical background in a reproducible manner to such extent that it allowed a robust separation of 100‐nm polystyrene beads from background signals within the FSC channel, and even allowed thresholding on FSC without the interference of massive background signals when both beads and EV were measured. These technical adaptations thus significantly improved FSC detection of submicron‐sized particles and provide an important lead for the further development and design of flow cytometers that aid in detection of submicron‐sized particles. © 2020 The Authors.Cytometry Part Apublished by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Advancement of Cytometry.
Itch attenuates CD4 T‐cell proliferation in mice by limiting WBP2 protein stability
Authors: Field Natania S. , Elbulok Omar A. , Dybas Joseph M. , Moser Emily K. , Dar Asif A. , Spruce Lynn A. , Fazelinia Hossein , Seeholzer Steven H. , Oliver Paula M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractTo mount an antipathogen response, CD4 T cells must undergo rapid cell proliferation; however, poorly controlled expansion can result in diseases such as autoimmunity. One important regulator of T‐cell activity is the E3 ubiquitin ligase Itch. Itch deficient patients suffer from extensive autoinflammation. Similarly, Itch deficient mice exhibit inflammation characterized by high numbers of activated CD4 T cells. While the role of Itch in limiting CD4 T‐cell cytokine production has been extensively studied, it is less clear whether and how Itch regulates proliferation of these cells. We determined that Itch deficient CD4 T cells are hyperproliferative in vitro and in vivo, due to increased S phase entry. Whole cell proteomics analysis of Itch deficient primary mouse CD4 T cells revealed increased abundance of the β‐catenin coactivator WW domain‐binding protein 2 (WBP2). Furthermore, Itch deficient cells demonstrate increased WBP2 protein stability, and Itch and WBP2 interact in CD4 T cells. Knockdown of WBP2 in CD4 T cells caused reduced proliferation. Together, our data support that Itch attenuates CD4 T cell proliferation by promoting WBP2 degradation. This study identifies novel roles for Itch and WBP2 in regulating CD4 T cell proliferation, providing insight into how Itch may prevent inflammation.
Layering‐Triggered Delayering with Exfoliated High‐Aspect Ratio Layered Silicate for Enhanced Gas Barrier, Mechanical Properties, and Degradability of Biodegradable Polymers
Authors: Zhu Jian , Kumar Anil , Hu Pin , Habel Christoph , Breu Josef , Agarwal Seema 
Published: May 2020

AbstractResearch on biodegradable polymers with the intention of fast, complete degradation in industrial compost (i‐compost) for organic recyclability is paramount to identifying solutions to the problem of excessive plastic waste originating specifically from packaging. Conventional biodegradable polymers, such as polylactide (PLA), are far from optimum for this application due to the poor gas barrier properties and slow degradation. In the paper, a new concept (triggered degradation by delayering) is shown in which exfoliated, self‐assembled sodium‐hectorite (Hec) arranged in a layer‐by‐layer manner alternating with electrospun hot‐pressed PLA provides strong gas barrier properties at high humidity and simultaneously accelerates the degradation of PLA, as tested in an enzymatic solution and i‐compost. A thin composite film (thickness 56 µm) shows a tensile strength and modulus 58 and 2000 MPa, respectively, whereas oxygen permeability is as low as 0.0064 cm3 cm m−2 day−1 bar−1. Furthermore, the delayering of the composite film by swelling of Hec layer led to accelerated degradation of PLA, as shown in detail by enzymatic and compost degradation. Since such concepts for enhanced degradability are urgently needed for sustainable utilization of biodegradable polymers in plastic waste management, the present work is an important step ahead.
Activation of astrocytic sigma‐1 receptor exerts antidepressant‐like effect via facilitating CD38‐driven mitochondria transfer
Authors: Wang Yun , Ni Jing , Gao Tianyu , Gao Ce , Guo Lin , Yin Xiaoxing 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDespite sigma‐1 receptor (Sig‐1R) is a promising therapeutic target in depression, little is known regarding the cellular mechanisms underlying its antidepressant responses. Here, we demonstrated that astrocyte can be a direct cellular target of Sig‐1R exerting antidepressant‐like effect. In multiple behavioral models including forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT), and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS), inhibition of astrocyte function blocked pharmacological Sig‐1R activation‐induced antidepressant‐like effect, while specific activation of astrocytc Sig‐1R by adeno‐associated virus (AAV) was sufficient to produce antidepressant‐like effect. In depression‐related cellular tests, Sig‐1R agonist or lentivirus‐stimulated astrocyte conditioned medium (ACM) promoted neuronal neurite outgrowth, dendritic branch, and survival. Mechanismly, stimulation of Sig‐1R enhanced the expression of CD38 via activation of extracellular regulated protein kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), resulting in facilitating mitochondrial transfer from astrocyte. Furthermore, blockage of CD38‐driven astrocyte transferring mitochondria in vivo and in vitro reversed the antidepressant‐like effect of pharmacological Sig‐1R activation. Thus, this study sheds light on the cellular mechanism of Sig‐1R activation producing antidepressant‐like effect. These data present the first evidence that enhancement of Sig‐1R action on astrocytes entirely exerts antidepressant‐like effect, indicating that specific activation of astrocytic Sig‐1R may provide a new approach for antidepressant drug development.
Compartmentalisation and groundwater–surface water interactions in a prospective shale gas basin: Assessment using variance analysis and multivariate statistics on water quality data
Authors: Wilson Miles P. , Worrall Fred , Clancy Sarah A. , Ottley Chris J. , Hart Alwyn , Davies Richard J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractAn environmental concern with hydraulic fracturing for shale gas is the risk of groundwater and surface water contamination. Assessing this risk partly involves the identification and understanding of groundwater–surface water interactions because potentially contaminating fluids could move from one water body to the other along hydraulic pathways. In this study, we use water quality data from a prospective shale gas basin to determine: if surface water sampling could identify groundwater compartmentalisation by low‐permeability faults; and if surface waters interact with groundwater in underlying bedrock formations, thereby indicating hydraulic pathways. Variance analysis showed that bedrock geology was a significant factor influencing surface water quality, indicating regional‐scale groundwater–surface water interactions despite the presence of an overlying region‐wide layer of superficial deposits averaging 30–40 m thickness. We propose that surface waters interact with a weathered bedrock layer through the complex distribution of glaciofluvial sands and gravels. Principal component analysis showed that surface water compositions were constrained within groundwater end‐member compositions. Surface water quality data showed no relationship with groundwater compartmentalisation known to be caused by a major basin fault. Therefore, there was no chemical evidence to suggest that deeper groundwater in this particular area of the prospective basin was reaching the surface in response to compartmentalisation. Consequently, in this case compartmentalisation does not appear to increase the risk of fracking‐related contaminants reaching surface waters, although this may differ under different hydrogeological scenarios.
Macrophage GIT1 Contributes to Bone Regeneration by Regulating Inflammatory Responses in an ERK/NRF2-Dependent Way
Authors: Zhao Shu-Jie , Liu Hao , Chen Jian , Qian Ding-Fei , Kong Fan-Qi , Jie Jian , Yin Guo-Yong , Li Qing-Qing , Fan Jin 
Published: May 2020

ABSTRACT
Despite the best treatment, approximately 10% of fractures still face undesirable repair. Recently, many studies have focused on the importance of macrophages in bone repair; however, the cellular mechanisms by which they work are not yet fully understood. In this study, we explored the functions of macrophage G-protein-coupled receptor interacting protein 1 (GIT1) in healing a tibial monocortical defect model. Using GIT1flox/flox Lyz2-Cre (GIT1 CKO) mice, we observed that a GIT1 deficiency in the macrophages led to an exacerbation of interleukin 1β (IL1β) production, more M1-like macrophage infiltration, and impaired intramembranous ossification in vivo. The results of in vitro assays further indicated that the macrophage GIT1 plays a critical role in several cellular processes in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS), such as anti-oxidation, IL1β production alleviation, and glycolysis control. Although GIT1 has been recognized as a scaffold protein, our data clarified that GIT1-mediated extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) phosphorylation could activate nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (NRF2) in macrophages after LPS treatment. Moreover, we demonstrated that macrophage GIT1-activated ERK/NRF2 negatively regulates the 6-phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2, 6-biphosphatase 3 (PFKFB3), facilitating the decrease of glycolysis. Our findings uncovered a previously unrecognized role of GIT1 in regulating ERK/NRF2 in macrophages to control the inflammatory response, suggesting that macrophage GIT1 could be a potential target to improve bone regeneration. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research..
Optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy after gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis: A multi‐institutional retrospective study
Authors: Tomimaru Yoshito , Fukuchi Nariaki , Yokoyama Shigekazu , Mori Takuji , Tanemura Masahiro , Sakai Kenji , Takeda Yutaka , Tsujie Masanori , Yamada Terumasa , Miyamoto Atsushi , Hashimoto Yasuji , Hatano Hisanori , Shimizu Junzo , Sugimoto Keishi , Kashiwazaki Masaki , Kobayashi Shogo , Doki Yuichiro , Eguchi Hidetoshi 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundThere is no consensus on the optimal timing of laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC) after gallbladder drainage for acute cholecystitis (AC). To obtain evidence for a consensus, we investigated surgical outcomes of LC after gallbladder drainage with respect to the time elapsed from gallbladder drainage to surgery in a multi‐institutional retrospective study.MethodsThis study enrolled 347 patients who underwent LC after gallbladder drainage for AC at 15 institutions. Surgical outcome of LC was investigated in the cases based on the interval from gallbladder drainage to surgery.ResultsThe median interval from gallbladder drainage to surgery of the patients was 34 days, with a mean ± standard deviation of 58 ± 99 days. Patients were divided into four groups based on quartiles of the interval: Group A, cases with an interval of 1‐12 days; Group B, cases with an interval of 13‐34 days; Group C, cases with an interval of 35‐73 days; and Group D, cases with an interval of ≥74 days. Surgical outcomes, which were evaluated with respect to intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative hospital stay, rate of intraoperative accident, conversion from laparoscopic to open surgery, and postoperative complication, were worse in Group B than in the other groups. The finding was verified by propensity score‐matched analysis.ConclusionsSurgical outcome of LC after gallbladder drainage for AC was inferior in Group B compared with the other groups. This finding could be useful for determining the optimal timing of LC after gallbladder drainage for AC.
A multi‐century meteo‐hydrological analysis for the Adda river basin (Central Alps). Part II: Daily runoff (1845–2016) at different scales
Authors: Ranzi Roberto , Michailidi Eleni M. , Tomirotti Massimo , Crespi Alice , Brunetti Michele , Maugeri Maurizio 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA high‐quality daily runoff time series of the Lake Como inflow and outflow, the longest for Italian Alps, was reconstructed for the 1845–2016 period in the Adda river basin. It was compared with contemporary monthly precipitation and temperature observations and estimated potential evapotranspiration losses. Trend analyses were conducted for daily flow maxima and 7‐day duration minima of inflows into the lake showing a non‐significant decrease and a significant increase, respectively. Although the annual precipitation time series exhibits a non‐significant decrease, annual runoff volumes decrease with a rate of −136 mm⋅century−1, with a significance level of 5%. Possible causes of variability of rainfall and runoff as North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO), Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation and Western Mediterranean Oscillation indexes and sunspot activity were also explored. Wavelet spectra analyses of monthly precipitation and runoff show some changes in the energy both at small and large scales and are effective in pointing out phenomena as droughts and the effects of dams' regulation. Conversely, wavelet coherence spectra indicate a weak correlation of NAO and sunspots with precipitation. In addition, the analysis of temperature and potential evapotranspiration tendencies suggests that the decrease of runoff has to be ascribed mostly to anthropogenic factors, including water abstraction for irrigation and increased evapotranspiration losses due to natural afforestation and, only in part, to climatic variability.
Comparison of Measured Energy Expenditure Using Indirect Calorimetry vs Predictive Equations for Liver Transplant Recipients
Authors: Lee Seok Joon , Lee Hak‐Jae , Jung Yooun‐Joong , Han Minkyu , Lee Sung‐Gyu , Hong Suk‐Kyung 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundTo assess the appropriate energy expenditure requirement for liver transplant (LT) recipients in South Korea, 4 commonly used predictive equations were compared with indirect calorimetry (IC).MethodsA prospective observational study was conducted in the surgical intensive care unit (ICU) of an academic tertiary hospital between December 2017 and September 2018. The study population comprised LT recipients expected to remain in the ICU >48 hours postoperatively. Resting energy expenditure (REE) was measured 48 hours after ICU admission using open‐circuit IC. Theoretical REE was estimated using 4 predictive equations (simple weight‐based equation [25 kcal/kg/day], Harris‐Benedict, Ireton‐Jones [ventilated], and Penn State 1988). Derived and measured REE values were compared using an intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Bland‐Altman plots.ResultsOf 50 patients screened, 46 were enrolled, were measured, and completed the study. The Penn State equation showed 65.0% agreement with IC (ICC, 0.65); the simple weight‐based (25 kcal/kg/day), Harris‐Benedict, and Ireton‐Jones equations showed 62.0%, 56.0% and 39.0% agreement, respectively. Bland‐Altman analysis showed that all 4 predictive equations had fixed bias, although the simple weight‐based equation (25 kcal/kg/day) showed the least.ConclusionAlthough predicted REE calculated using the Penn State method agreed with the measured REE, all 4 equations showed fixed bias and appeared to be inaccurate for predicting REE in LT recipients. Precise measurement using IC may be necessary when treating LT recipients to avoid underestimating or overestimating their metabolic needs.
Potassium is a potential toxicant for Arabidopsis thaliana under saline conditions
Authors: Zhao Wenting , Faust Franziska , Schubert Sven 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackground and aims: Most physiological and biochemical studies on salt stress are NaCl‐based. However, other ions (e.g., K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, and ) also contribute to salt stress in special circumstances. In this study, salt stress induced by various salts was investigated for a better understanding of salinity.Methods: Arabidopsis thaliana plants were stepwise acclimated to five iso‐osmotic salts as follows: NaCl, KCl, Na2SO4, K2SO4, and CaCl2.Results and Conclusions: Exposure to KCl and K2SO4 led to more severe toxicity symptoms, smaller biomass, and lower level of chlorophyll than exposure to NaCl and Na2SO4, indicating that Arabidopsis plants are more sensitive to potassium salts. The strongly reduced growth was negatively correlated with the accumulation of soluble sugars observed in KCl‐ and K2SO4‐treated plants, suggesting a blockage in the utilization of sugars for growth. We found that exposure to KCl and K2SO4 suppressed or even blocked sucrose degradation, thus leading to strong accumulation of sucrose in shoots, which then probably inhibited photosynthesis via feedback inhibition. Moreover, K+ was more accumulated in shoots than Na+ after corresponding potassium or sodium salt treatments, thus resulting in decreased Ca2+ and Mg2+ concentrations in response to KCl and K2SO4. However, K2SO4 caused more severe toxicity symptoms than iso‐osmotic KCl, even when the K+ level was lower in K2SO4‐treated plants. We found that Na2SO4 and K2SO4 induced strong accumulation of tricarboxylic acid intermediates, especially fumarate and succinate which might induce oxidative stress. Thus, the severe toxicity symptoms found in K2SO4‐treated plants were also attributed to in addition to the massive accumulation of K+.
Delivering Proapoptotic Peptide by HSP Nanocage for Cancer Therapy
Authors: Wang Dongmei , Chen Li , Wang Mingyue , Cui Meiying , Huang Lili , Xia Wei , Guan Xingang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractProtein nanoparticles have attracted widespread attention in the area of biocatalysis, drug delivery, and vaccine preparation during the past decade. Among various protein nanostructures, protein nanocages have proved to be a multifunctional platform for tumor diagnosis and drug delivery due to easy interior encapsulation and outer surface display. In this report, a protein‐only nanoparticle (HSP‐KLAK) is developed based on small heat shock protein (HSP) nanocage and proapoptotic peptide (KLAK) for enhanced antitumor activity. The HSP‐KLAK nanoparticles show efficient cellular uptake and good lysosomal escape in melanoma cells. Moreover, HSP‐KLAK nanoparticles show significantly enhanced cytotoxicity toward B16F10 melanoma cells compared with free proapoptotic peptide. This study demonstrates that protein nanocage represents an efficient nanocarrier for delivering anticancer peptide into tumors.
Optimizing the Interdomain Spacing in Alicyclic Polythiourea toward High‐Energy‐Storable Dielectric Material
Authors: Feng Yang , Yang Liuqing , Qu Guanghao , Suga Takeo , Nishide Hiroyuki , Chen George , Li Shengtao 
Published: May 2020

AbstractOrganic dielectric materials have been widely developed and investigated for energy storage capacitors. However, challenges remain in terms of the relatively low dielectric constant and energy density. Enhancing the dipolar polarization to increase the dielectric constant is considered to be an effective way to improve the energy density of polymer dielectrics. Herein, enlightened by the chain‐packing structure that affects the dipolar relaxation behavior, a simple and low‐cost approach is proposed to tailor the interdomain spacing in an alicyclic polythiourea (PTU) by changing quenching temperatures and further facilitate the dipolar polarization. It is found that the large interdomain spacing is beneficial to promote the localized motion of segmental chains in amorphous regions, but at the same time inevitably reduces the dipole density. Therefore, in order to achieve the highest dielectric constant in the PTU, there is an optimal value for the interdomain spacing. It is worth noting that the dielectric constant of PTU increases from 5.7 to 10, and thus the energy density increases by 53% to 16.3 J cm−3. It proposes a simple and feasible strategy to further improve the energy density through optimizing the interdomain spacing toward high‐energy‐storable dielectric material.
Genetic algorithm search for the worst‐case MRI RF exposure for a multiconfiguration implantable fixation system modeled using artificial neural networks
Authors: Zheng Jianfeng , Lan Qianlong , Kainz Wolfgang , Long Stuart A. , Chen Ji 
Published: May 2020

PurposeThis paper presents a method to search for the worst‐case configuration leading to the highest RF exposure for a multiconfiguration implantable fixation system under MRI.MethodsA two‐step method combining an artificial neural network and a genetic algorithm is developed to achieve this purpose. In the first step, the level of RF exposure in terms of peak 1‐g and/or 10‐g averaged specific absorption rate (SAR1g/10g), related to the multiconfiguration system, is predicted using an artificial neural network. A genetic algorithm is then used to search for the worst‐case configuration of this multidimensional nonlinear problem within both the enumerated discrete sample space and generalized continuous sample space. As an example, a generic plate system with a total of 576 configurations is used for both 1.5T and 3T MRI systems.ResultsThe presented method can effectively identify the worst‐case configuration and accurately predict the SAR1g/10g with no more than 20% of the samples in the studied discrete sample space, and can even predict the worst case in the generalized continuous sample space. The worst‐case prediction error in the generalized continuous sample space is less than 1.6% for SAR1g and less than 1.3% for SAR10g compared with the simulation results.ConclusionThe combination of an artificial neural network with genetic algorithm is a robust technique to determine the worst‐case RF exposure level for a multiconfiguration system, and only needs a small amount of training data from the entire system.