bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Neuromuscular fatigue and recovery after strenuous exercise depends on skeletal muscle size and stem cell characteristics
Authors: Baumert Philipp , Temple S. , Stanley J. M. , Cocks M. , Strauss J. A. , Shepherd S. O. , Drust B. , Lake M. J. , Stewart C. E. , Erskine R. M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractHamstring muscle injury is highly prevalent in sports involving repeated maximal sprinting. Although neuromuscular fatigue is thought to be a risk factor, the mechanisms underlying the fatigue response to repeated maximal sprints are unclear. Here, we show that repeated maximal sprints induce neuromuscular fatigue accompanied with a prolonged strength loss in hamstring muscles. The immediate hamstring strength loss was linked to both central and peripheral fatigue, while prolonged strength loss was associated with indicators of muscle damage. The kinematic changes immediately after sprinting likely protected fatigued hamstrings from excess elongation stress, while larger hamstring muscle physiological cross-sectional area and lower myoblast:fibroblast ratio appeared to protect against fatigue/damage and improve muscle recovery within the first 48 h after sprinting. We have therefore identified novel mechanisms that likely regulate the fatigue/damage response and initial recovery following repeated maximal sprinting in humans.
Cuticular hydrocarbons for identifying Sarcophagidae (Diptera)
Authors: Moore Hannah E. , Hall Martin J. R. , Drijfhout Falko P. , Cody Robert B. , Whitmore Daniel 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe composition and quantity of insect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) can be species-specific as well as sexually dimorphic within species. CHC analysis has been previously used for identification and ageing purposes for several insect orders including true flies (Diptera). Here, we analysed the CHC chemical profiles of adult males and females of eleven species of flesh flies belonging to the genusSarcophagaMeigen (Sarcophagidae), namelySarcophaga africa(Wiedemann),S. agnataRondani,S. argyrostomaRobineau-Desvoidy,S. carnaria(Linnaeus),S. crassipalpisMacquart,S. melanuraMeigen,S. pumilaMeigen,S. teretirostrisPandellé,S. subvicinaRohdendorf,S. vagansMeigen andS. variegata(Scopoli). Cuticular hydrocarbons extracted from pinned specimens from the collections of the Natural History Museum, London using a customised extraction technique were analysed using Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry. Time of preservation prior to extraction ranged between a few weeks to over one hundred years. CHC profiles (1) allowed reliable identification of a large majority of specimens, (2) differed between males and females of the same species, (3) reliably associated males and females of the same species, provided sufficient replicates (up to 10) of each sex were analysed, and (4) identified specimens preserved for up to over one hundred years prior to extraction.
The riddle of orange–red luminescence in Bismuth-doped silica glasses
Authors: Laguta Oleksii V. , Razdobreev Igor M. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFor over the past two decades it has been believed that the intense orange-red photoluminescence in Bismuth-doped materials originates from Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ions. Based on the results from magnetic circular polarization experiments, we demonstrate that this hypothesis fails for Bismuth-doped silica glasses. Our findings contradict the generally accepted statement that the orange-red luminescence arises from $$^{2}P_{3/2}(1)$$

2

P

3
/
2

(
1
)

$$\rightarrow$$
→
$$^{2}P_{1/2}$$

2

P

1
/
2

transition in a divalent Bismuth ion. The degree of magnetic circular polarization of this luminescence exhibits non-monotonic temperature and field dependencies, as well as sign reversal. This complex behaviour cannot be explained under the assumption of a single Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

ion. The detailed analysis enables us to construct a consistent diagram of energy levels involved in the magneto-optical experiments and propose a new interpretation of the nature of orange-red luminescence in Bismuth-doped silica glass. A centre responsible for this notorious photoluminescence must be an even-electron system with an integer total spin, presumably a dimer of Bismuth ions or a complex consisting of Bi$$^{2+}$$

2
+

and an oxygen vacancy.
Basmisanil, a highly selective GABAA-α5 negative allosteric modulator: preclinical pharmacology and demonstration of functional target engagement in man
Authors: Hipp Joerg F. , Knoflach Frederic , Comley Robert , Ballard Theresa M. , Honer Michael , Trube Gerhard , Gasser Rodolfo , Prinssen Eric , Wallace Tanya L. , Rothfuss Andreas , Knust Henner , Lennon-Chrimes Sian , Derks Michael , Bentley Darren , Squassante Lisa , Nave Stephane , Nöldeke Jana , Wandel Christoph , Thomas Andrew W. , Hernandez Maria-Clemencia 
Published: April 2021

AbstractGABAA-α5 subunit-containing receptors have been shown to play a key modulatory role in cognition and represent a promising drug target for cognitive dysfunction, as well as other disorders. Here we report on the preclinical and early clinical profile of a novel GABAA-α5 selective negative allosteric modulator (NAM), basmisanil, which progressed into Phase II trials for intellectual disability in Down syndrome and cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. Preclinical pharmacology studies showed that basmisanil is the most selective GABAA-α5 receptor NAM described so far. Basmisanil bound to recombinant human GABAA-α5 receptors with 5 nM affinity and more than 90-fold selectivity versus α1, α2, and α3 subunit-containing receptors. Moreover, basmisanil inhibited GABA-induced currents at GABAA-α5 yet had little or no effect at the other receptor subtypes. An in vivo occupancy study in rats showed dose-dependent target engagement and was utilized to establish the plasma exposure to receptor occupancy relationship. At estimated receptor occupancies between 30 and 65% basmisanil attenuated diazepam-induced spatial learning impairment in rats (Morris water maze), improved executive function in non-human primates (object retrieval), without showing anxiogenic or proconvulsant effects in rats. During the Phase I open-label studies, basmisanil showed good safety and tolerability in healthy volunteers at maximum GABAA-α5 receptor occupancy as confirmed by PET analysis with the tracer [11C]-Ro 15-4513. An exploratory EEG study provided evidence for functional activity of basmisanil in human brain. Therefore, these preclinical and early clinical studies show that basmisanil has an ideal profile to investigate potential clinical benefits of GABAA-α5 receptor negative modulation.
Lipids and organic acids in three gut locations affect feed efficiency of commercial pigs as revealed by LC–MS-based metabolomics
Authors: Ye Yong , Wu Jie , Quan Jianping , Ding Rongrong , Yang Ming , Wang Xingwang , Zhou Shenping , Zhuang Zhanwei , Huang Sixiu , Gu Ting , Hong Lingjun , Zheng Enqin , Wu Zhenfang , Yang Jie 
Published: April 2021

AbstractFeed efficiency (FE) is an important economic indicator in pig production. Improving the FE of commercial pigs is an important strategy for minimizing pig production costs and providing sustainability to the pig industry. In this study, nontargeted LC–MS metabolomics was performed on the contents of the three intestine segments (ileum, cecum and colon) of high-FE and low-FE pigs to explore the effects of small-molecule metabolites in pig intestine on pig FE. A total of 225 Duroc × (Landrace × Yorkshire) pigs in the 30–100 kg stage were sorted based on FE, and 20 pigs with extreme phenotypes were selected, with 10 in each group. A total of 749 metabolites were identified, of which 15, 38 and 11 differed between high-FE and low-FE pigs in ileum, cecum and colon, respectively. These candidate biomarkers mainly comprised lipids and organic acids, which could partially explain the FE difference between the two groups. Among the identified differential metabolites, the lipids are mainly involved in combatting inflammation and oxidation in the ileum and cecum and in bile acid metabolism and vitamin D absorption in the cecum. A difference in organic acids was mainly observed in the hindgut, which is involved in the metabolism of amino acids and fatty acids. This comprehensive study provides new insight into the biochemical mechanisms associated with pig FE.
Evaluation of tear osmolarity measured by I-Pen osmolarity system in patients with dry eye
Authors: Park Jongyeop , Choi Youngjoo , Han Gyule , Shin Eunhae , Han Jisang , Chung Tae-Young , Lim Dong Hui 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThis retrospective comparative study was to evaluate tear osmolarity measured by I-Pen osmolarity system (I-MED Pharma Inc, Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Quebec, Canada) in healthy subjects without dry eye disease (DED) and patients with DED, and its association with other ocular surface parameters. This study comprised 65 eyes of 65 patients. The ocular surface parameters including tear osmolarity with I-Pen osmometer of the patients who visited the refractive surgery center of Samsung Medical Center between January 1, 2020 and May 31, 2020 were retrospectively collected. The subjects were divided as asymptomatic normal group and symptomatic dry eye group. The distribution of tear osmolarity and its association with other ocular surface parameters were evaluated. Total thirty-two patients (32 eyes) were included in the control group, and 33 patients (33 eyes) were included in the DED group. Tear osmolarity was significantly higher in the DED group. Tear osmolarity was negatively correlated with tear break-up time, and the Schirmer test, and was positively correlated with Ocular Surface Disease Index symptom score. The cut-off value of 318 mOsm/L showed a sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 90.6% for diagnosing DED. The I-Pen osmometer can be considered suitable for use in the clinical setting, with good performance in DED diagnosis.
Actin cytoskeletal inhibitor 19,20-epoxycytochalasin Q sensitizes yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and secondarily through disruption of lipid homeostasis
Authors: Watchaputi Kwanrutai , Somboon Pichayada , Phromma-in Nipatthra , Ratanakhanokchai Khanok , Soontorngun Nitnipa 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRepetitive uses of antifungals result in a worldwide crisis of drug resistance; therefore, natural fungicides with minimal side-effects are currently sought after. This study aimed to investigate antifungal property of 19, 20-epoxycytochalasin Q (ECQ), derived from medicinal mushroom Xylaria sp. BCC 1067 of tropical forests. In a model yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, ECQ is more toxic in the erg6∆ strain, which has previously been shown to allow higher uptake of many hydrophilic toxins. We selected one pathway to study the effects of ECQ at very high levels on transcription: the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, which is unlikely to be the primary target of ECQ. Ergosterol serves many functions that cholesterol does in human cells. ECQ’s transcriptional effects were correlated with altered sterol and triacylglycerol levels. In the ECQ-treated Δerg6 strain, which presumably takes up far more ECQ than the wild-type strain, there was cell rupture. Increased actin aggregation and lipid droplets assembly were also found in the erg6∆ mutant. Thereby, ECQ is suggested to sensitize yeast cells lacking ERG6 through actin-targeting and consequently but not primarily led to disruption of lipid homeostasis. Investigation of cytochalasins may provide valuable insight with potential biopharmaceutical applications in treatments of fungal infection, cancer or metabolic disorder.
The benzylisoquinoline alkaloids, berberine and coptisine, act against camptothecin-resistant topoisomerase I mutants
Authors: Inoue Naomi , Terabayashi Takeshi , Takiguchi-Kawashima Yuri , Fujinami Daisuke , Matsuoka Shigeru , Kawano Masanori , Tanaka Kazuhiro , Tsumura Hiroshi , Ishizaki Toshimasa , Narahara Hisashi , Kohda Daisuke , Nishida Yoshihiro , Hanada Katsuhiro 
Published: April 2021

AbstractDNA replication inhibitors are utilized extensively in studies of molecular biology and as chemotherapy agents in clinical settings. The inhibition of DNA replication often triggers double-stranded DNA breaks (DSBs) at stalled DNA replication sites, resulting in cytotoxicity. In East Asia, some traditional medicines are administered as anticancer drugs, although the mechanisms underlying their pharmacological effects are not entirely understood. In this study, we screened Japanese herbal medicines and identified two benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs), berberine and coptisine. These alkaloids mildly induced DSBs, and this effect was dependent on the function of topoisomerase I (Topo I) and MUS81-EME1 structure-specific endonuclease. Biochemical analysis revealed that the action of BIAs involves inhibiting the catalytic activity of Topo I rather than inducing the accumulation of the Topo I-DNA complex, which is different from the action of camptothecin (CPT). Furthermore, the results showed that BIAs can act as inhibitors of Topo I, even against CPT-resistant mutants, and that the action of these BIAs was independent of CPT. These results suggest that using a combination of BIAs and CPT might increase their efficiency in eliminating cancer cells.
Memory and superposition in a superspin glass
Authors: Peddis D. , Trohidou K. N. , Vasilakaki M. , Margaris G. , Bellusci M. , Varsano F. , Hudl M. , Yaacoub N. , Fiorani D. , Nordblad P. , Mathieu R. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe non-equilibrium dynamics of the superspin glass state of a dense assembly of ~ 2 nm MnFe2O4nanoparticles was investigated by means of magnetization, ac susceptibility and Mössbauer spectroscopy measurements and compared to the results of Monte Carlo simulations for a mesoscopic model that includes particles morphology and interparticle interactions. The zero-field cooled (ZFC), thermoremanent (TRM), and isothermal remanent magnetization (IRM) were recorded after specific cooling protocols and compared to those of archetypal spin glasses and their dimensionality. The system is found to display glassy magnetic features. We illustrate in detail, by a number of experiments, the dynamical properties of the low-temperature superspin glass phase. We observe that these glassy features are quite similar to those of atomic spin glasses. Some differences are observed, and interestingly, the non-atomic nature of the superspin glass is also reflected by an observed superspin dimensionality crossover. Monte Carlo simulations—that explicitly take into account core and surface contributions to the magnetic properties of these ultrasmall nanoparticles in direct contact, as well as interparticle interactions—evidence effects of the interplay between (intraparticle) core/surface exchange coupling and (interparticle) dipolar and exchange interactions.
Dimeric mimetic of BDNF loop 4 promotes survival of serum-deprived cell through TrkB-dependent apoptosis suppression
Authors: Zainullina L. F. , Vakhitova Yu. V. , Lusta A. Yu. , Gudasheva T. A. , Seredenin S. B. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is involved in the regulation of neuronal cell growth, differentiation, neuroprotection and synaptic plasticity. Although aberrant BDNF/TrkB signaling is implicated in several neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, neurotrophin-based therapy is challenging and is limited by improper pharmacokinetic properties of BDNF. Dimeric dipeptide compound GSB-106 (bis-(N-monosuccinyl-l-seryl-l-lysine) hexamethylenediamide) has earlier been designed to mimic the TrkB-interaction 4 loop of BDNF. It displayed protective effect in various cell-damaging models in vitro. Animal studies uncovered antidepressive and neuroprotective properties upon GSB-106 per os administration. Current study shows that GSB-106 acts similarly to BDNF, promoting survival of serum-deprived neuronal-like SH-SY5Y cells. 100 nmol concentration of GSB-106 provided maximum neurotrophic effect, which corresponds to about 37% of the maximum effect provided by BDNF. Protective properties of GSB-106 arise from its ability to counteract cell apoptosis via activation of TrkB-dependent pro-survival mechanisms, including inactivation of pro-apoptotic BAD protein and suppression of caspases 9 and 3/7. Thus, our study has characterized neurotrophic activity of small dimeric compound GSB-106, which mimics certain biological functions of BDNF and neurotrophin-specific protective mechanisms. GSB-106 also displays similarities to some known low weight peptide and non-peptide TrkB ligands.
Seed-to-seed early-season cold resiliency in sorghum
Authors: Emendack Yves , Sanchez Jacobo , Hayes Chad , Nesbitt Matthew , Laza Haydee , Burke John 
Published: April 2021

AbstractEarly planted sorghum usually experiences cooler day/night temperatures, which may result in delayed growth, floral initiation, and infertile pollen, limiting productivity in high altitudes and temperate regions. Genetic variability for cold tolerance in sorghum has been evaluated by characterizing germination, emergence, vigor, and seedling growth under sub-optimal temperatures. However, the compounded effect of early season cold on plant growth and development and subsequent variability in potential grain yield losses has not been evaluated. Agro-morphological and physiological responses of sorghum grown under early-, mid-, and standard planting dates in West Texas were characterized from seed-to-seed. A set of diverse lines and hybrids with two major sources of tolerance, and previously selected for seedling cold tolerance were used. These were evaluated with a standard commercial hybrid known for its seedling cold tolerance and some cold susceptible breeding lines as checks. Variabilities in assessed parameters at seedling, early vegetative, and maturity stages were observed across planting dates for genotypes and sources of cold tolerance. Panicle initiation was delayed, and panicle size reduced, resulting in decreased grain yields under early and mid-planting dates. Coupled with final germination percent, panicle width and area were significant unique predictors of yield under early and mid-planting dates. Significant variability in performance was observed not only between cold tolerant and susceptible checks, but noticeably between sources of cold tolerance, with the Ethiopian highland sources having lesser yield penalties than their Chinese counterparts. Thus, screening for cold tolerance should not be limited to early seedling characterization but should also consider agronomic traits that may affect yield penalties depending on the sources of tolerance.
Drone approach parameters leading to lower stress sheep flocking and movement: sky shepherding
Authors: Yaxley Kate J. , Joiner Keith F. , Abbass Hussein 
Published: April 2021

AbstractConsumer groups are pressuring modern farmers to be more efficient with a focus on better animal welfare. Herding risks farmer lives, involves stress from farm dogs, and if not performed often and intelligently, risks neglect. We examined the behavioural and physiological response of twelve Dorper sheep (Ovies aries) to a drone to adapt mathematical models of shepherding to the new dimension. The model aims to make it feasible for artificial intelligence to improve the autonomy of farmers and pilots in shepherding from the sky. Sheep acclimatised quickly and positively to the drone initiating drive of a flock, regardless of drone speed. Our results demonstrate that stimulating sheep auditory awareness during herding from the sky leads to varying sheep responses. When controlled, these auditory cues can maintain safer distances between the drone and the sheep, offering great potential for the agriculture industry. We outline our ongoing research plans to achieve more autonomous sky shepherding that is compassionate to animal welfare and trusted by farmers and the consuming public.
Genetic variants of programmed cell death 1 are associated with HBV infection and liver disease progression
Authors: Hoan Nghiem Xuan , Huyen Pham Thi Minh , Binh Mai Thanh , Trung Ngo Tat , Giang Dao Phuong , Linh Bui Thuy , Dung Dang Thi Ngoc , Pallerla Srinivas Reddy , Kremsner Peter G. , Velavan Thirumalaisamy P. , Bang Mai Hong , Song Le Huu 
Published: April 2021

AbstractThe inhibitory effects of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-1/PD-L1) modulates T-cell depletion. T-cell depletion is one of the key mechanisms of hepatitis B virus (HBV) persistence, in particular liver disease progression and the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This case–control study aimed to understand the significance of PD-1 polymorphisms (PD-1.5 and PD-1.9) association with HBV infection risk and HBV-induced liver disease progression. Genotyping of PD-1.5 and PD-1.9 variants was performed by direct Sanger sequencing in 682 HBV-infected patients including chronic hepatitis (CHB, n = 193), liver cirrhosis (LC, n = 183), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, n = 306) and 283 healthy controls (HC). To analyze the association of PD-1 variants with liver disease progression, a binary logistic regression, adjusted for age and gender, was performed using different genetic models. The PD-1.9 T allele and PD-1.9 TT genotype are significantly associated with increased risk of LC, HCC, and LC + HCC. The frequencies of PD-1.5 TT genotype and PD-1.5 T allele are significantly higher in HCC compared to LC patients. The haplotype CT (PD-1.5 C and PD-1.9 T) was significantly associated with increased risk of LC, HCC, and LC + HCC. In addition, the TC (PD-1.5 T and PD-1.9 C) haplotype was associated with the risk of HCC compared to non-HCC. The PD-1.5 CC, PD-1.9 TT, genotype, and the CC (PD-1.5 C and PD-1.9) haplotype are associated with unfavorable laboratory parameters in chronic hepatitis B patients. PD-1.5 and PD1.9 are useful prognostic predictors for HBV infection risk and liver disease progression.
Musical Hearing and Musical Experience in Second Language English Vowel Acquisition
Authors: Jekiel Mateusz , Malarski Kamil 
Published: April 2021

Purpose
Former studies suggested that music perception can help produce certain accentual features in the first and second language (L2), such as intonational contours. What was missing in many of these studies was the identification of the exact relationship between specific music perception skills and the production of different accentual features in a foreign language. Our aim was to verify whether empirically tested musical hearing skills can be related to the acquisition of English vowels by learners of English as an L2 before and after a formal accent training course.

Method
Fifty adult Polish speakers of L2 English were tested before and after a two-semester accent training in order to observe the effect of musical hearing on the acquisition of English vowels. Their L2 English vowel formant contours produced in consonant–vowel–consonant context were compared with the target General British vowels produced by their pronunciation teachers. We juxtaposed these results with their musical hearing test scores and self-reported musical experience to observe a possible relationship between successful L2 vowel acquisition and musical aptitude.

Results
Preexisting rhythmic memory was reported as a significant predictor before training, while musical experience was reported as a significant factor in the production of more native-like L2 vowels after training. We also observed that not all vowels were equally acquired or affected by musical hearing or musical experience. The strongest estimate we observed was the closeness to model before training, suggesting that learners who already managed to acquire some features of a native-like accent were also more successful after training.

Conclusions
Our results are revealing in two aspects. First, the learners' former proficiency in L2 pronunciation is the most robust predictor in acquiring a native-like accent. Second, there is a potential relationship between rhythmic memory and L2 vowel acquisition before training, as well as years of musical experience after training, suggesting that specific musical skills and music practice can be an asset in learning a foreign language accent.