bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Extreme parsimony in ATP consumption by 20S complexes in the global disassembly of single SNARE complexes
Authors: Kim Changwon , Shon Min Ju , Kim Sung Hyun , Eun Gee Sung , Ryu Je-Kyung , Hyeon Changbong , Jahn Reinhard , Yoon Tae-Young 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFueled by ATP hydrolysis in N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF), the 20S complex disassembles rigid SNARE (soluble NSF attachment protein receptor) complexes in single unraveling step. This global disassembly distinguishes NSF from other molecular motors that make incremental and processive motions, but the molecular underpinnings of its remarkable energy efficiency remain largely unknown. Using multiple single-molecule methods, we found remarkable cooperativity in mechanical connection between NSF and the SNARE complex, which prevents dysfunctional 20S complexes that consume ATP without productive disassembly. We also constructed ATP hydrolysis cycle of the 20S complex, in which NSF largely shows randomness in ATP binding but switches to perfect ATP hydrolysis synchronization to induce global SNARE disassembly, minimizing ATP hydrolysis by non-20S complex-forming NSF molecules. These two mechanisms work in concert to concentrate ATP consumption into functional 20S complexes, suggesting evolutionary adaptations by the 20S complex to the energetically expensive mechanical task of SNARE complex disassembly.
Phototunable self-oscillating system driven by a self-winding fiber actuator
Authors: Hu Zhiming , Li Yunlong , Lv Jiu-an 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSelf-oscillating systems that enable autonomous, continuous motions driven by an unchanging, constant stimulus would have significant applications in intelligent machines, advanced robotics, and biomedical devices. Despite efforts to gain self-oscillations have been made through artificial systems using responsive soft materials of gels or liquid crystal polymers, these systems are plagued with problems that restrict their practical applicability: few available oscillation modes due to limited degrees of freedom, inability to control the evolution between different modes, and failure under loading. Here we create a phototunable self-oscillating system that possesses a broad range of oscillation modes, controllable evolution between diverse modes, and loading capability. This self-oscillating system is driven by a photoactive self-winding fiber actuator designed and prepared through a twistless strategy inspired by the helix formation of plant-tendrils, which endows the system with high degrees of freedom. It enables not only controllable generation of three basic self-oscillations but also production of diverse complex oscillatory motions. Moreover, it can work continuously over 1270000 cycles without obvious fatigue, exhibiting high robustness. We envision that this system with controllable self-oscillations, loading capability, and mechanical robustness will be useful in autonomous, self-sustained machines and devices with the core feature of photo-mechanical transduction.
Entropy engineering promotes thermoelectric performance in p-type chalcogenides
Authors: Jiang Binbin , Yu Yong , Chen Hongyi , Cui Juan , Liu Xixi , Xie Lin , He Jiaqing 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe demonstrate that the thermoelectric properties of p-type chalcogenides can be effectively improved by band convergence and hierarchical structure based on a high-entropy-stabilized matrix. The band convergence is due to the decreased light and heavy band energy offsets by alloying Cd for an enhanced Seebeck coefficient and electric transport property. Moreover, the hierarchical structure manipulated by entropy engineering introduces all-scale scattering sources for heat-carrying phonons resulting in a very low lattice thermal conductivity. Consequently, a peak zT of 2.0 at 900 K for p-type chalcogenides and a high experimental conversion efficiency of 12% at ΔT = 506 K for the fabricated segmented modules are achieved. This work provides an entropy strategy to form all-scale hierarchical structures employing high-entropy-stabilized matrix. This work will promote real applications of low-cost thermoelectric materials.
Breast cancer dormancy: need for clinically relevant models to address current gaps in knowledge
Authors: Bushnell Grace G. , Deshmukh Abhijeet P. , den Hollander Petra , Luo Ming , Soundararajan Rama , Jia Dongya , Levine Herbert , Mani Sendurai A. , Wicha Max S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBreast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in the USA. Although advances in treatment over the past several decades have significantly improved the outlook for this disease, most women who are diagnosed with estrogen receptor positive disease remain at risk of metastatic relapse for the remainder of their life. The cellular source of late relapse in these patients is thought to be disseminated tumor cells that reactivate after a long period of dormancy. The biology of these dormant cells and their natural history over a patient’s lifetime is largely unclear. We posit that research on tumor dormancy has been significantly limited by the lack of clinically relevant models. This review will discuss existing dormancy models, gaps in biological understanding, and propose criteria for future models to enhance their clinical relevance.
Dietary calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus intakes and risk of stroke in Chinese adults
Authors: Zhu Hai-Lu , Liu Yan , Zhang Jian , Wang Ming-Xu , Jiang Hong , Guo Fang , Li Ming , Qi Fei-Fei , Liu Xiao-Hong , Ma Le 
Published: May 2021

AbstractControversial results have been reported about the association of calcium, magnesium, and phosphorus and stroke risk, but none in China. To investigate the association between dietary calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and stroke incidence in Chinese adults, we collected data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 2004 to 2011, including 6411 participants aged 45–79 years and free of stroke at baseline. Diet was assessed by interviews combining 3-d 24-h food recalls and household food inventory weighing at each survey round. The stroke incident was identified based on the validated self-report. Multivariate Cox regression models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). For 32,024 person-years of follow-up, 179 stroke cases were documented. After adjustment for major lifestyle and dietary risk factors, calcium intake was positively associated with reduced stroke risk, and the HR of stroke comparing extreme quartiles was 0.53 (95% CI 0.29–0.96, Ptrend = 0.03). In further stratified analyses, significant heterogeneity across sex strata was found (Pinteraction = 0.03). Dietary calcium intake among men was more inversely related to stroke, with HRs being 0.33 (95% CI 0.15–0.76, Ptrend = 0.02), compared to 1.24 (95% CI 0.46–3.35, Ptrend = 0.89) among women. However, no significant association between stroke and magnesium or phosphorus was revealed. Our findings suggest that higher dietary calcium intake was associated with a lower risk of stroke in Chinese adults, particularly in men.
Identification of coronary calcifications in optical coherence tomography imaging using deep learning
Authors: Avital Yarden , Madar Akiva , Arnon Shlomi , Koifman Edward 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCoronary calcifications are an obstacle for successful percutaneous treatment of coronary artery disease patients. The optimal method for delineating calcifications extent is coronary optical coherence tomography (OCT). To identify calcification on OCT and subsequently tailor the appropriate treatment, requires expertise in both image acquisition and interpretation. Image acquisition consists from system calibration, blood clearance by a contrast agent along with synchronization of the pullback process. Accurate interpretation demands careful review by the operator of a segment of 50–75 mm of the coronary vessel at steps of 5–10 frames per mm accounting for 375–540 images in each OCT run, which is time consuming and necessitates some expertise in OCT analysis. In this paper we developed a new deep learning algorithm to assist the physician to identify and quantify coronary calcifications promptly, efficiently and accurately. Our algorithm achieves an accuracy of 0.9903 ± 0.009 over the test set at size of 1500 frames and even managed to find calcifications that were not recognized manually by the physician. For the best knowledge of the authors our algorithm achieves high accuracy which was never achieved in the past.
Pronounced proliferation of non-beta cells in response to beta-cell mitogens in isolated human islets of Langerhans
Authors: Maachi Hasna , Ghislain Julien , Tremblay Caroline , Poitout Vincent 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe potential to treat diabetes by increasing beta-cell mass is driving a major effort to identify beta-cell mitogens. Demonstration of mitogen activity in human beta cells is frequently performed in ex vivo assays. However, reported disparities in the efficacy of beta-cell mitogens led us to investigate the sources of this variability. We studied 35 male (23) and female (12) human islet batches covering a range of donor ages and BMI. Islets were kept intact or dispersed into single cells and cultured in the presence of harmine, glucose, or heparin-binding epidermal growth factor-like growth factor (HB-EGF), and subsequently analyzed by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry. Proliferating cells were identified by double labeling with EdU and Ki67 and glucagon, c-peptide or Nkx6.1, and cytokeratin-19 to respectively label alpha, beta, and ductal cells. Harmine and HB-EGF stimulated human beta-cell proliferation, but the effect of glucose was dependent on the assay and the donor. Harmine potently stimulated alpha-cell proliferation and both harmine and HB-EGF increased proliferation of insulin- and glucagon-negative cells, including cytokeratin 19-positive cells. Given the abundance of non-beta cells in human islet preparations, our results suggest that assessment of beta-cell mitogens requires complementary approaches and rigorous identification of cell identity using multiple markers.
Analysis of methods for quantifying yeast cell concentration in complex lignocellulosic fermentation processes
Authors: Wang Ruifei , Lorantfy Bettina , Fusco Salvatore , Olsson Lisbeth , Franzén Carl Johan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractCell mass and viability are tightly linked to the productivity of fermentation processes. In 2nd generation lignocellulose-based media quantitative measurement of cell concentration is challenging because of particles, auto-fluorescence, and intrinsic colour and turbidity of the media. We systematically evaluated several methods for quantifying total and viable yeast cell concentrations to validate their use in lignocellulosic media. Several automated cell counting systems and stain-based viability tests had very limited applicability in such samples. In contrast, manual cell enumeration in a hemocytometer, plating and enumeration of colony forming units, qPCR, and in situ﻿ dielectric spectroscopy were further investigated. Parameter optimization to measurements in synthetic lignocellulosic media, which mimicked typical lignocellulosic fermentation conditions, resulted in statistically significant calibration models with good predictive capacity for these four methods. Manual enumeration of cells in a hemocytometer and of CFU were further validated for quantitative assessment of cell numbers in simultaneous saccharification and fermentation experiments on steam-exploded wheat straw. Furthermore, quantitative correlations could be established between these variables and in situ permittivity. In contrast, qPCR quantification suffered from inconsistent DNA extraction from the lignocellulosic slurries. Development of reliable and validated cell quantification methods and understanding their strengths and limitations in lignocellulosic contexts, will enable further development, optimization, and control of lignocellulose-based fermentation processes.
Accurate detection and quantification of seasonal abundance of American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) using ddPCR eDNA assays
Authors: Everts Teun , Halfmaerten David , Neyrinck Sabrina , De Regge Nico , Jacquemyn Hans , Brys Rein 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe invasive American bullfrog (Lithobates catesbeianus) imperils freshwater biodiversity worldwide. Effective management hinges on early detection of incipient invasions and subsequent rapid response, as established populations are extremely difficult to eradicate. Although environmental DNA (eDNA) detection methods provide a highly sensitive alternative to conventional surveillance techniques, extensive testing is imperative to generate reliable output. Here, we tested and compared the performance of two primer/probe assays to detect and quantify the abundance of bullfrogs in Western Europe in silico and in situ using digital droplet PCR (ddPCR). Although both assays proved to be equally target-specific and sensitive, one outperformed the other in ddPCR detection resolution (i.e., distinguishing groups of target-positive and target-negative droplets), and hence was selected for further analyses. Mesocosm experiments revealed that tadpole abundance and biomass explained 99% of the variation in eDNA concentration. Because per individual eDNA emission rates did not differ significantly among tadpoles and juveniles, and adults mostly reside out of the water, eDNA concentration can be used as an approximation of local bullfrog abundance in natural populations. Seasonal eDNA patterns in three colonized ponds showed parallel fluctuations in bullfrog eDNA concentration. An increase in eDNA concentration was detected in spring, followed by a strong peak coinciding with the breeding season (August, September or October), and continuously low eDNA concentrations during winter. With this study, we report the validation process required for appropriately implementing eDNA barcoding analyses in lentic systems. We demonstrate that this technique can serve as a solid and reliable tool to detect the early stages of bullfrog invasions and to quantify temporal changes in abundance that will be useful in coordinating large-scale bullfrog eradication programs and evaluating their efficiency.
Transcriptome analysis of MBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND) neural progenitor cells reveals dysregulation of autism-associated genes
Authors: Mullegama Sureni V. , Klein Steven D. , Williams Stephen R. , Innis Jeffrey W. , Probst Frank J. , Haldeman-Englert Chad , Martinez-Agosto Julian A. , Yang Ying , Tian Yuchen , Elsea Sarah H. , Ezashi Toshihiko 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMBD5-associated neurodevelopmental disorder (MAND) is an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) characterized by intellectual disability, motor delay, speech impairment and behavioral problems; however, the biological role of methyl-CpG-binding domain 5, MBD5, in neurodevelopment and ASD remains largely undefined. Hence, we created neural progenitor cells (NPC) derived from individuals with chromosome 2q23.1 deletion and conducted RNA-seq to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and the biological processes and pathways altered in MAND. Primary skin fibroblasts from three unrelated individuals with MAND and four unrelated controls were converted into induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) lines, followed by directed differentiation of iPSC to NPC. Transcriptome analysis of MAND NPC revealed 468 DEGs (q < 0.05), including 20 ASD-associated genes. Comparison of DEGs in MAND with SFARI syndromic autism genes revealed a striking significant overlap in biological processes commonly altered in neurodevelopmental phenotypes, with TGFβ, Hippo signaling, DNA replication, and cell cycle among the top enriched pathways. Overall, these transcriptome deviations provide potential connections to the overlapping neurocognitive and neuropsychiatric phenotypes associated with key high-risk ASD genes, including chromatin modifiers and epigenetic modulators, that play significant roles in these disease states.
Nitric oxide down-regulates voltage-gated Na+ channel in cardiomyocytes possibly through S-nitrosylation-mediated signaling
Authors: Wang Pu , Wei Mengyan , Zhu Xiufang , Liu Yangong , Yoshimura Kenshi , Zheng Mingqi , Liu Gang , Kume Shinichiro , Morishima Masaki , Kurokawa Tatsuki , Ono Katsushige 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNitric oxide (NO) is produced from endothelial cells and cardiomyocytes composing the myocardium and benefits cardiac function through both vascular-dependent and—independent effects. This study was purposed to investigate the possible adverse effect of NO focusing on the voltage-gated Na+ channel in cardiomyocytes. We carried out patch-clamp experiments on rat neonatal cardiomyocytes demonstrating that NOC-18, an NO donor, significantly reduced Na+ channel current in a dose-dependent manner by a long-term application for 24 h, accompanied by a reduction of Nav1.5-mRNA and the protein, and an increase of a transcription factor forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) in the nucleus. The effect of NOC-18 on the Na+ channel was blocked by an inhibitor of thiol oxidation N-ethylmaleimide, a disulfide reducing agent disulfide 1,4-Dithioerythritol, or a FOXO1 activator paclitaxel, suggesting that NO is a negative regulator of the voltage-gated Na+ channel through thiols in regulatory protein(s) for the channel transcription.
Ixodiphagus hookeri wasps (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) in two sympatric tick species Ixodes ricinus and Haemaphysalis concinna (Ixodida: Ixodidae) in the Slovak Karst (Slovakia): ecological and biological considerations
Authors: Buczek Alicja , Buczek Weronika , Bartosik Katarzyna , Kulisz Joanna , Stanko Michał 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIxodiphagusendoparasitoid wasps are natural tick enemies that can reduce their abundance. In this study, we investigated the presence ofIxodiphagus hookeriinHaemaphysalis concinnaandIxodes ricinusticks in the Slovak Karst (southern Slovakia) and analysed the ecological and physiological relationships in the parasitoid-host system. UnfedH. concinnaandI. ricinusnymphs harvested from vegetation were fed on rabbits. The engorged specimens were kept at 25 °C and 75% RH until the emergence of the adult wasps. For the first time in Europe, we found the presence ofI. hookeriin two species of ticks collected in the same locality and compared their development in these tick species. The prevalence of wasps inH. concinnaandI. ricinusduring their spring activity was estimated at 10.64% and 27.78%, respectively. The presence of the wasps did not affect the duration of nymph feeding. Engorged wasp-infected ticks achieved higher body mass than non-infected specimens. In both tick species, there were no differences in the length of the development period and the number and sex ratio of adultI. hookeri. The analysed indicators and characteristics of theI. hookeriwasp-tick system can be used in research on tick control.
Identification and functional analysis of cadmium-binding protein in the visceral mass of Crassostrea gigas
Authors: Zheng Zehua , Kawakami Kazuhiro , Zhang Dingkun , Negishi Lumi , Abomosallam Mohamed , Asakura Tomiko , Nagata Koji , Suzuki Michio 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe Pacific oyster, Crassostrea gigas, is a traditional food worldwide. The soft body of the oyster can easily accumulate heavy metals such as cadmium (Cd). To clarify the molecular mechanism of Cd accumulation in the viscera of C. gigas, we identified Cd-binding proteins. 5,10,15,20-Tetraphenyl-21H,23H-porphinetetrasulfonic acid, disulfuric acid, tetrahydrate, and Cd-binding competition experiments using immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography revealed the binding of water-soluble high molecular weight proteins to Cd, including C. gigas protein disulfide isomerase (cgPDI). Liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) analyses revealed two CGHC motifs in cgPDI. The binding between Cd and rcgPDI was confirmed through a Cd-binding experiment using the TPPS method. Isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) revealed the binding of two Cd ions to one molecule of rcgPDI. Circular dichroism (CD) spectrum and tryptophan fluorescence analyses demonstrated that the rcgPDI bound to Cd. The binding markedly changed the two-dimensional or three-dimensional structures. The activity of rcgPDI measured by a PDI Activity Assay Kit was more affected by the addition of Cd than by human PDI. Immunological analyses indicated that C. gigas contained cgPDI at a concentration of 1.0 nmol/g (viscera wet weight). The combination of ITC and quantification results revealed that Cd-binding to cgPDI accounted for 20% of the total bound Cd in the visceral mass. The findings provide new insights into the defense mechanisms of invertebrates against Cd.
Cartilage structure increases swimming efficiency of underwater robots
Authors: Yurugi Masaki , Shimanokami Makoto , Nagai Toshiaki , Shintake Jun , Ikemoto Yusuke 
Published: May 2021

AbstractUnderwater robots are useful for exploring valuable resources and marine life. Traditional underwater robots use screw propellers, which may be harmful to marine life. In contrast, robots that incorporate the swimming principles, morphologies, and softness of aquatic animals are expected to be more adaptable to the surrounding environment. Rajiform is one of the swimming forms observed in nature, which swims by generating the traveling waves on flat large pectoral fins. From an anatomical point of view, Rajiform fins consist of cartilage structures encapsulated in soft tissue, thereby realizing anisotropic stiffness. We hypothesized that such anisotropy is responsible for the generation of traveling waves that enable a highly efficient swimming. We validate our hypothesis through the development of a stingray robot made of silicone-based cartilages and soft tissue. For comparison, we fabricate a robot without cartilages, as well as the one combining soft tissue and cartilage materials. The fabricated robots are tested to clarify their stiffness and swimming performance. The results show that inclusion of cartilage structure in the robot fins increases the swimming efficiency. It is suggested that arrangement and distribution of soft and hard areas inside the body structure is a key factor to realize high-performance soft underwater robots.
Preoperative facet joint arthropathy does not impact long-term clinical outcomes after lumbar-stability-preserving decompression and dynesys fixation
Authors: Chou Po-Hsin , Lin Hsi-Hsien , Yao Yu-Cheng , Wang Shih-Tien , Chang Ming-Chau , Liu Chien-Lin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTo evaluate the impact of the preoperative severity of facet joint arthropathy on long-term functional outcomes and spinopelvic parameters in patients undergoing lumbar-stability-preserving decompression and Dynesys fixation. In this retrospective study, 88 patients undergoing combined surgery at our hospital from 2008 to 2015 were included. The patients were divided into two groups, the less and more than mean degeneration groups, based on preoperative facet joint arthropathy of the index level(s). The clinical outcomes were the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) score, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score and spinopelvic parameters. The mean follow-up durations for the less and more than mean degeneration groups were 84.83 ± 27.58 and 92.83 ± 20.45 months, respectively. The combined surgery significantly improved VAS and ODI scores, and increased sacral slope (SS) regardless of preoperative arthropathy severity. In addition, facet joint arthropathy at adjacent levels continued to worsen after surgery in both arthropathy severity groups. Preoperative facet joint arthropathy did not influence most long-term clinical outcomes in patients undergoing lumbar-stability-preserving decompression and Dynesys fixation. This combined surgery may be suitable for patients with facet joint arthropathy regardless of disease severity.