bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Gut microbiome variation is associated to Multiple Sclerosis phenotypic subtypes
Authors: Reynders Tatjana , Devolder Lindsay , Valles‐Colomer Mireia , Van Remoortel Ann , Joossens Marie , De Keyser Jacques , Nagels Guy , D’hooghe Marie , Raes Jeroen 
Published: March 2020

AbstractObjectiveMultiple sclerosis (MS) is a heterogenous, inflammatory disease of the central nervous system. Microbiota alterations in MS versus healthy controls (HC) are observed, but results are inconsistent. We studied diversity, enterotypes, and specific gut microbial taxa variation between MS and HC, and between MS subgroups.MethodsAmplicon sequencing of the 16S ribosomal RNA V4 region (Illumina MiSeq) was used to evaluate alpha and beta diversity, enterotypes, and relative taxa abundances on stool samples. MS subgroups were based on phenotype, disease course modifiers, and treatment status. Results were controlled for recently identified confounders of microbiota composition.ResultsNinety‐eight MS patients and 120 HC were included. Microbial richness was lower in interferon‐treated (RRMS_I, N = 24) and untreated relapsing–remitting MS during relapse (RRMS_R, N = 4) when compared to benign (BMS, N = 20; Z = −3.07, Pcorr = 0.032 and Z = −2.68, Pcorr = 0.055) and primary progressive MS (PPMS, N = 26; Z = −2.39, Pcorr = 0.062 and Z = −2.26, Pcorr = 0.071). HC (N = 120) and active untreated MS (RRMS_U, N = 24) showed intermediate microbial richness. Enterotypes were associated with clinical subgroups (N = 218, χ2 = 36.10, P = 0.002), with Bacteroides 2 enterotype being more prevalent in RRMS_I. Butyricicoccus abundance was lower in PPMS than in RRMS_U (Z = −3.00, Pcorr = 0.014) and BMS (Z = −2.56, Pcorr = 0.031), lower in RRMS_I than in BMS (Z = −2.50, Pcorr = 0.034) and RRMS_U (Z = −2.91, Pcorr = 0.013), and inversely correlated with self‐reported physical symptoms (rho = −0.400, Pcorr = 0.001) and disease severity (rho = −0.223, P = 0.027).InterpretationThese results emphasize the importance of phenotypic subcategorization in MS‐microbiome research, possibly explaining previous result heterogeneity, while showing the potential for specific microbiome‐based biomarkers for disease activity and severity.
Single Extracellular Vesicle Protein Analysis Using Immuno‐Droplet Digital Polymerase Chain Reaction Amplification
Authors: Ko Jina , Wang Yongcheng , Carlson Jonathan C. T. , Marquard Angela , Gungabeesoon Jeremy , Charest Alain , Weitz David , Pittet Mikael J. , Weissleder Ralph 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThere is a need for novel analytical techniques to study the composition of single extracellular vesicles (EV). Such techniques are required to improve the understanding of heterogeneous EV populations, to allow identification of unique subpopulations, and to enable earlier and more sensitive disease detection. Because of the small size of EV and their low protein content, ultrahigh sensitivity technologies are required. Here, an immuno‐droplet digital polymerase chain reaction (iddPCR) amplification method is described that allows multiplexed single EV protein profiling. Antibody–DNA conjugates are used to label EV, followed by stochastic microfluidic incorporation of single EV into droplets. In situ PCR with fluorescent reporter probes converts and amplifies the barcode signal for subsequent read‐out by droplet imaging. In these proof‐of‐principle studies, it is shown that multiplex protein analysis is possible in single EV, opening the door for future analyses.
All‐Dielectric Programmable Huygens' Metasurfaces
Authors: Leitis Aleksandrs , Heßler Andreas , Wahl Sophia , Wuttig Matthias , Taubner Thomas , Tittl Andreas , Altug Hatice 
Published: March 2020

AbstractLow‐loss nanostructured dielectric metasurfaces have emerged as a breakthrough platform for ultrathin optics and cutting‐edge photonic applications, including beam shaping, focusing, and holography. However, the static nature of their constituent materials has traditionally limited them to fixed functionalities. Tunable all‐dielectric infrared Huygens' metasurfaces consisting of multi‐layer Ge disk meta‐units with strategically incorporated non‐volatile phase change material Ge3Sb2Te6 are introduced. Switching the phase‐change material between its amorphous and crystalline structural state enables nearly full dynamic light phase control with high transmittance in the mid‐IR spectrum. The metasurface is realized experimentally, showing post‐fabrication tuning of the light phase within a range of 81% of the full 2π phase shift. Additionally, the versatility of the tunable Huygen's metasurfaces is demonstrated by optically programming the spatial light phase distribution of the metasurface with single meta‐unit precision and retrieving high‐resolution phase‐encoded images using hyperspectral measurements. The programmable metasurface concept overcomes the static limitations of previous dielectric metasurfaces, paving the way for “universal” metasurfaces and highly efficient, ultracompact active optical elements like tunable lenses, dynamic holograms, and spatial light modulators.
A Trip to Oz and a Peak Behind the Curtain of Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Bonnick Patrick , Muldoon John 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe introduction of the Li‐ion battery has revolutionized the electronics industry due to its high energy density. Magnesium batteries may have the potential to exceed the energy densities of Li‐ion batteries. Herein, the major advancements in magnesium electrochemistry and the challenges that must be overcome to realize a practical magnesium battery are discussed. So too are the controversial realities of current magnesium battery research and their implications.
Full‐Color Complex‐Amplitude Vectorial Holograms Based on Multi‐Freedom Metasurfaces
Authors: Deng Zi‐Lan , Jin Mingke , Ye Xuan , Wang Shuai , Shi Tan , Deng Junhong , Mao Ningbin , Cao Yaoyu , Guan Bai‐Ou , Alù Andrea , Li Guixin , Li Xiangping 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPhase, polarization, amplitude, and frequency represent the basic dimensions of light, playing crucial roles for both fundamental light–material interactions and all major optical applications. Metasurfaces have emerged as a compact platform to manipulate these knobs, but previous metasurfaces have limited flexibility to simultaneous control them. A multi‐freedom metasurface that can simultaneously and independently modulate phase, polarization, and amplitude in an analytical form is introduced, and frequency multiplexing is further realized by a k‐space engineering technique. The multi‐freedom metasurface seamlessly combines geometric Pancharatnam–Berry phase and detour phase, both of which are frequency independent. As a result, it allows complex‐amplitude vectorial hologram at various frequencies based on the same design strategy, without sophisticated nanostructure searching of massive geometric parameters. Based on this principle, full‐color complex‐amplitude vectorial meta‐holograms in the visible are experimentally demonstrated with a metal–insulator–metal architecture, unlocking the long‐sought full potential of advanced light field manipulation through ultrathin metasurfaces.
Engineered Near‐Infrared Fluorescent Protein Assemblies for Robust Bioimaging and Therapeutic Applications
Authors: Li Jingjing , Li Bo , Sun Jing , Ma Chao , Wan Sikang , Li Yuanxin , Göstl Robert , Herrmann Andreas , Liu Kai , Zhang Hongjie 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFluorescent proteins are investigated extensively as markers for the imaging of cells and tissues that are treated by gene transfection. However, limited transfection efficiency and lack of targeting restrict the clinical application of this method rooted in the challenging development of robust fluorescent proteins for in vivo bioimaging. To address this, a new type of near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent protein assemblies manufactured by genetic engineering is presented. Due to the formation of well‐defined nanoparticles and spectral operation within the phototherapeutic window, the NIR protein aggregates allow stable and specific tumor imaging via simple exogenous injection. Importantly, in vivo tumor metastases are tracked and this overcomes the limitations of in vivo imaging that can only be implemented relying on the gene transfection of fluorescent proteins. Concomitantly, the efficient loading of hydrophobic drugs into the protein nanoparticles is demonstrated facilitating the therapy of tumors in a mouse model. It is believed that these theranostic NIR fluorescent protein assemblies, hence, show great potential for the in vivo detection and therapy of cancer.
Yield component responses of biotechnology‐derived drought tolerant maize under controlled environment conditions
Authors: Fischer Joshua , Nemali Krishna , Raychaudhuri Aniruddha , Corbin Jeff , Shirrell Tom , O'Connor David , Barberis Laura , Klug Kelly , Li Xin , Singh Daljit , Zapata Fatima , Rogan Glennon J. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractDrought stress is a prevalent environmental factor that results in significant yield losses for maize (Zea mays L.). Genetic improvements through modern breeding methods and the introduction of biotechnology‐derived traits have been used to improve tolerance to drought stress. Conducting yield efficacy trials in the field for plants that exhibit tolerance to abiotic stress poses several challenges, including the inability to control multiple unpredictable environmental stressors. Controlled environment conditions were tested to evaluate yield parameters commonly observed in the field for MON 87460 maize expressing the cold shock protein B (CspB) protein. Maize plants subjected to water‐limitation treatment in the controlled environment exhibited phenotypic characteristics of drought stress consistent with those observed under field conditions. MON 87460 exhibited significant relative increases in ear length, kernel number, and grain weight following water‐limitation treatment. These results demonstrate that the controlled environment is an alternate option for evaluating drought tolerance in maize.
Flooding and salinity reduces AC saltlander green wheatgrass and smooth bromegrass productivity
Authors: Gu Chen , Iwaasa Alan D. , Wall Ken , Gatzke Craig , Zhang Jun , Zhao Mengli 
Published: March 2020

AbstractFlooding alone or with salinity occurs widespread in North America inhibiting plant productivity. Waterlogging refers to the saturation of the soil with water where the root system of plants are submerged, however, the ability of AC Saltlander green wheatgrass (Elymus hoffmannii Jensen & Asay, ACS) and smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis Leyss., SB) to tolerate waterlogging or with salinity remains unknown. Two experiments were conducted in a phytotron to evaluate the effects and the recovery of ACS and SB following water receding. An incomplete Latin square design was used with six treatments [two species × three waterlogging durations (no waterlogging, 3 and 5 wk of waterlogging)]. Neither the 3 nor 5 wk of waterlogging had effects on forage yields, plant heights, or root biomass for ACS; while for SB all characteristics decreased in both duration treatments. Waterlogging combined with salinity further decreased forage productivity and root biomass for both ACS and SB. Both species resumed regrowth after the excess water receded, and their regrowth yields and nutritive values were similar in either waterlogging or salinity alone, although ACS regrowth yields were higher than SB after 3 and 5 wk of waterlogging with salinity. Therefore, ACS performed better than SB in areas that have the risk of spring waterlogging alone or with moderate salinity. The implication of this research is that waterlogging risks can be partially minimized by careful management.
Microtransplantation in older patients with AML: A pilot study of safety, efficacy and immunologic effects
Authors: Sung Anthony D. , Jauhari Shekeab , Siamakpour‐Reihani Sharareh , Rao Arati V. , Staats Janet , Chan Cliburn , Meyer Everett , Gadi Vijayakrishna K. , Nixon Andrew B. , Lyu Jing , Xie Jichun , Bohannon Lauren , Li Zhiguo , Hourigan Christopher S. , Dillon Laura W. , Wong Hong Yuen , Shelby Rebecca , Diehl Louis , de Castro Carlos , LeBlanc Thomas , Brander Danielle , Erba Harry , Galal Ahmed , Stefanovic Alexandra , Chao Nelson , Rizzieri David A. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractOlder AML patients have low remission rates and poor survival outcomes with standard chemotherapy. Microtransplantation (MST) refers to infusion of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cells without substantial engraftment. MST has been shown to improve clinical outcomes compared with chemotherapy alone. This is the first trial reporting on broad correlative studies to define immunologic mechanisms of action of MST in older AML patients. Older patients with newly diagnosed AML were eligible for enrollment, receiving induction chemotherapy with cytarabine (100 mg/m2) on days 1‐7 and idarubicin (12 mg/m2) on days 1‐3 (7 + 3). MST was administered 24 hours later. Patients with complete response (CR) were eligible for consolidation with high dose cytarabine (HiDAC) and a second cycle of MST. Responses were evaluated according to standard criteria per NCCN. Immune correlative studies were performed. Sixteen patients were enrolled and received 7 + 3 and MST (median age 73 years). Nine (56%) had high‐risk and seven (44%) had standard‐risk cytogenetics. Ten episodes of CRS were observed. No cases of GVHD or treatment‐related mortality were reported. Event‐free survival (EFS) was 50% at 6 months and 19% at 1 year. Overall survival (OS) was 63% at 6 months and 44% at 1 year. Donor microchimerism was not detected. Longitudinal changes were noted in NGS, TCR sequencing, and cytokine assays. Addition of MST to induction and consolidation chemotherapy was well tolerated in older AML patients. Inferior survival outcomes in our study may be attributed to a higher proportion of very elderly patients with high‐risk features. Potential immunologic mechanisms of activity of MST include attenuation of inflammatory cytokines and emergence of tumor‐specific T cell clones.
Revisiting Indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole: Synthesis, Structures, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Zhao Mengna , Zhang Binghao , Miao Qian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractIndolo[3,2‐b]carbazole presents a π‐skeleton with a remarkable electronic structure and interesting potential applications. It is, however, also associated with ambiguity and controversy. Herein, new derivatives of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole are reported and they have enabled a comprehensive study on the electronic structure of indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole and the development of a new n‐type organic semiconductor. Experimental and computational studies show that indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole has a largely localized p‐benzoquinonediimine moiety and significant antiaromaticity. When substituted with (4‐silylethynyl)phenyl groups, the indolo[3,2‐b]carbazole exhibits one‐dimensional π–π stacking and functions as an n‐type organic semiconductor in solution‐processed field effect transistors.
Mediation of Cartilage Matrix Degeneration and Fibrillation by Decorin in Post‐traumatic Osteoarthritis
Authors: Li Qing , Han Biao , Wang Chao , Tong Wei , Wei Yulong , Tseng Wei‐Ju , Han Li‐Hsin , Liu X. Sherry , Enomoto‐Iwamoto Motomi , Mauck Robert L. , Qin Ling , Iozzo Renato V. , Birk David E. , Han Lin 
Published: March 2020

ObjectiveTo elucidate the role of decorin, a small leucine‐rich proteoglycan, in the degradation of cartilage matrix during the progression of post‐traumatic osteoarthritis (OA).MethodsThree‐month–old decorin‐null (Dcn−/−) and inducible decorin‐knockout (DcniKO) mice were subjected to surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) to induce post‐traumatic OA. The OA phenotype that resulted was evaluated by assessing joint morphology and sulfated glycosaminoglycan (sGAG) staining via histological analysis (n = 6 mice per group), surface collagen fibril nanostructure via scanning electron microscopy (n = 4 mice per group), tissue modulus via atomic force microscopy–nanoindentation (n = 5 or more mice per group) and subchondral bone structure via micro–computed tomography (n = 5 mice per group). Femoral head cartilage explants from wild‐type and Dcn−/− mice were stimulated with the inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) in vitro (n = 6 mice per group). The resulting chondrocyte response to IL‐1β and release of sGAGs were quantified.ResultsIn both Dcn−/− and DcniKO mice, the absence of decorin resulted in accelerated sGAG loss and formation of highly aligned collagen fibrils on the cartilage surface relative to the control (P < 0.05). Also, Dcn−/− mice developed more salient osteophytes, illustrating more severe OA. In cartilage explants treated with IL‐1β, loss of decorin did not alter the expression of either anabolic or catabolic genes. However, a greater proportion of sGAGs was released to the media from Dcn−/− mouse explants, in both live and devitalized conditions (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn post‐traumatic OA, decorin delays the loss of fragmented aggrecan and fibrillation of cartilage surface, and thus, plays a protective role in ameliorating cartilage degeneration.
Histology and Embryology Education in China: The Current Situation and Changes Over the Past 20 Years
Authors: Cheng Xin , Chan Lap Ki , Li He , Yang Xuesong 
Published: March 2020

In mainland China, histology and embryology (HE) are taught in one course as an essential component of medical curricula. The effectiveness of HE courses directly affects the quality of medical students. To determine the present situation and changes in HE teaching in Chinese medical schools, a nationwide survey was conducted among the HE departmental leaders. In total, 66 responses were included in the study, representing prominent Chinese mainland medical schools. The results revealed that most HE teachers have medical educational backgrounds; an increasing number of teaching staff with PhDs have joined the teaching staffs. A range of 71 to 90 HE curriculum contact hours is predominant. The ratio of theory to practice for HE contact hours is 1:1 at half of the surveyed medical schools. The numbers of students in each laboratory are less than 30 and from 31 to 60 at 23 and 36 medical schools, respectively. Virtual microscopy is employed in 40% of the surveyed medical schools. Didactic teaching is the most common strategy, although new teaching approaches are being employed gradually. During the past 20 years, both the total number of HE teachers and the number of HE teachers with medical educational backgrounds have been reduced in at least half of the surveyed schools. A total of 83.33% of the surveyed schools have reduced their HE contact hours. Almost half of the Chinese medical schools remained unchanged in both their ratio of theory to practice and the number of students in each laboratory. The data derived from this study help to understand the development of the HE discipline at Chinese medical schools.
Recent Advances in Sustainable Plastic Upcycling and Biopolymers
Authors: Sohn Yu Jung , Kim Hee Taek , Baritugo Kei‐Anne , Jo Seo Young , Song Hye Min , Park Se Young , Park Su Kyeong , Pyo Jiwon , Cha Hyun Gil , Kim Hoyong , Na Jeong‐Geol , Park Chulhwan , Choi Jong‐Il , Joo Jeong Chan , Park Si Jae 
Published: March 2020

AbstractAdvances in scientific technology in the early twentieth century have facilitated the development of synthetic plastics that are lightweight, rigid, and can be easily molded into a desirable shape without changing their material properties. Thus, plastics become ubiquitous and indispensable materials that are used in various manufacturing sectors, including clothing, automotive, medical, and electronic industries. However, strong physical durability and chemical stability of synthetic plastics, most of which are produced from fossil fuels, hinder their complete degradation when they are improperly discarded after use. In addition, accumulated plastic wastes without degradation have caused severe environmental problems, such as microplastics pollution and plastic islands. Thus, the usage and production of plastics is not free from environmental pollution or resource depletion. In order to lessen the impact of climate change and reduce plastic pollution, it is necessary to understand and address the current plastic life cycles. In this review, “sustainable biopolymers” are suggested as a promising solution to the current plastic crisis. The desired properties of sustainable biopolymers and bio‐based and bio/chemical hybrid technologies for the development of sustainable biopolymers are mainly discussed.
Antimelanogenic Activity of Ocotillol‐Type Saponins from Panax vietnamensis
Authors: Minh Nguyen Hien , Truong Nguyen Huy , Win Nwet , Piow Wong Chin , Vu Huynh Kim Long , Hoang Nhat Nam , Do Kiep Minh , Thi Nguyen Hoai , Viet Ho Duc , Duc Nguyen Minh , Morita Hiroyuki 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe ocotillol (OCT)‐type saponins have been known as a tetracyclic triterpenoid, possessing five‐ or six‐membered epoxy ring in the side chain. Interestingly, this type saponin was mostly found in Panax vietnamensis Ha et Grushv., Araliaceae (VG), hence making VG unique from the other Panax spp. Five OCT‐type saponins, majonoside R2, vina‐ginsenoside R2, majonoside R1, pseudoginsenoside RT4, vina‐ginsenoside R11, together with three protopanaxadiol (PPD)‐type saponins and four protopanaxatriol (PPT)‐type saponins from VG were evaluated for their antimelanogenic activity. All of isolates were found to be active. More importantly, the five OCT‐type saponins inhibited melanin production in B16‐F10 mouse melanoma cells, without showing any cytotoxicity. Besides ginsenoside Rd and ginsenoside Rg3 in PPD and notoginsenoside R1 in PPT‐type saponins, majonoside R2 was the most potent melanogenesis inhibitory activity in OCT‐type saponins. In this article, we highlighted antimelanogenic activity of OCT‐type saponins and potential structure–activity relationship (SAR) of ginsenosides. Our results suggested that OCT‐type saponins could be used as a depigmentation agent.
An appreciation of the prescience of Don Gilbert (1930–2011): master of the theory and experimental unravelling of biochemical and cellular oscillatory dynamics
Authors: Gilbert Kay , Hammond Kate D. , Brodsky Vsevolod Y. , Lloyd David 
Published: March 2020

AbstractWe review Don Gilbert's pioneering seminal contributions that both detailed the mathematical principles and the experimental demonstration of several of the key dynamic characteristics of life. Long before it became evident to the wider biochemical community, Gilbert proposed that cellular growth and replication necessitate autodynamic occurrence of cycles of oscillations that initiate, coordinate and terminate the processes of growth, during which all components are duplicated and become spatially re‐organised in the progeny. Initiation and suppression of replication exhibit switch‐like characteristics, that is, bifurcations in the values of parameters that separate static and autodynamic behaviour. His limit cycle solutions present models developed in a series of papers reported between 1974 and 1984, and these showed that most or even all of the major facets of the cell division cycle could be accommodated. That the cell division cycle may be timed by a multiple of shorter period (ultradian) rhythms, gave further credence to the central importance of oscillatory phenomena and homeodynamics as evident on multiple time scales (seconds to hours). Further application of the concepts inherent in limit cycle operation as hypothesised by Gilbert more than 50 years ago are now validated as being applicable to oscillatory transcript, metabolite and enzyme levels, cellular differentiation, senescence, cancerous states and cell death. Now, we reiterate especially for students and young colleagues, that these early achievements were even more exceptional, as his own lifetime's work on modelling was continued with experimental work in parallel with his predictions of the major current enterprises of biological research.