bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defective lysosomal storage in Fabry disease modifies mitochondrial structure, metabolism and turnover in renal epithelial cells
Authors: Schumann Anke , Schaller Kristin , Belche Véronique , Cybulla Markus , Grünert Sarah C. , Moers Nicolai , Sass Jörn O. , Kaech Andres , Hannibal Luciana , Spiekerkoetter Ute 
Published: March 2021

AbstractFabry disease (FD) is an X‐linked lysosomal storage disorder. Deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme alpha‐galactosidase (GLA) leads to accumulation of potentially toxic globotriaosylceramide (Gb3) on a multisystem level. Cardiac and cerebrovascular abnormalities as well as progressive renal failure are severe, life‐threatening long‐term complications. The complete pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD) in FD and the role of tubular involvement for its progression are unclear. We established human renal tubular epithelial cell lines from the urine of male FD patients and male controls. The renal tubular system is rich in mitochondria and involved in transport processes at high‐energy costs. Our studies revealed fragmented mitochondria with disrupted cristae structure in FD patient cells. Oxidative stress levels were elevated and oxidative phosphorylation was upregulated in FD pointing at enhanced energetic needs. Mitochondrial homeostasis and energy metabolism revealed major changes as evidenced by differences in mitochondrial number, energy production and fuel consumption. The changes were accompanied by activation of the autophagy machinery in FD. Sirtuin1, an important sensor of (renal) metabolic stress and modifier of different defense pathways, was highly expressed in FD. Our data show that lysosomal FD impairs mitochondrial function and results in severe disturbance of mitochondrial energy metabolism in renal cells. This insight on a tissue‐specific level points to new therapeutic targets which might enhance treatment efficacy.
Diurnal variation of precipitation from the perspectives of precipitation amount, intensity and duration over Sumatra from rain gauge observations
Authors: Marzuki Marzuki , Suryanti Krisna , Yusnaini Helmi , Tangang Fredolin , Muharsyah Robi , Vonnisa Mutya , Devianto Dodi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe characteristics of diurnal variation of precipitation in terms of amount (PA), frequency (PF), and intensity (PI) over Sumatra have been investigated using rain‐gauge data from 186 stations. Mean PA and PF show spatial variations significantly affected by the terrain elevation and stations' distance to the west coastline of Sumatra. A slightly larger PA and PF appear over the middle and western sections of the Barisan mountains, in which the mean PI is smaller in these regions. Most stations with large rainfall amount also have large rainfall frequencies, indicated by a strong correlation between PA and PF. The timing of the diurnal peak of PA, PF, and PI also has prominent regional characteristics. The cluster analysis reveals different grouping of stations with distinctive diurnal peaks. The prevailing afternoon and early‐evening peaks, that is, 1500–2000 LST, appear mostly over mountain ranges where amplitude of PA and PF tended to increase with elevation. Moreover, the amplitude of diurnal cycles tended to decrease as distance from the Sumatra's west coastline increases. On the western side of Barisan's mountain range, high amplitude of diurnal cycle prevails compared to the eastern side. We also found a strong relationship between rain event duration with diurnal cycle pattern. Generally, rain event with a long duration tended to have a peak occurring at a later time compared with those events of shorter duration. The diurnal variation of precipitation corresponds to the temporal evolution of the low‐level convergences and wind vectors, and cloud migration modulated by land‐sea breeze system.
Mesoscale Simulation on the Hydrated Morphologies of SPEEK Membrane
Authors: Wang Jihao , Xu Zhiyang , Chen Jia , Yang Xiaozhen , Ramakrishna Seeram , Liu Yong 
Published: March 2021

AbstractProton transport in proton exchange membrane is considered to depend on the hydrophilic domain formed by the microphase separation between hydrophobic and hydrophilic segments of the membrane. Therefore, the study of hydrated morphologies is crucial to understand proton transport. Here, the mesoscopic structure of sulfonated polyether ether ketone (SPEEK) membrane and SPEEK/polyethersulfone (PES) blend membrane is investigated by dissipative particle dynamics (DPD) simulation. The degree of sulfonation, water content, and PES content are considered to affect proton transport. Results show that the hydrophilic particles combine with water and are separated from hydrophobic particles to form clusters of different sizes. For the SPEEK membrane, with the increase in the sulfonation degree, clusters become large and begin to connect. Compared with isolated clusters at low water content, water clusters become large with increased water content. When water content λ = 16, the cluster size is the largest. The addition of PES accelerates the phase separation in the membrane and increases the size of water clusters. When SPEEK/PES = 4:6, the cluster size is the largest and provides the best proton transport pathway.
IDDRRA: A novel platform, based on Geant4‐DNA to quantify DNA damage by ionizing radiation
Authors: Chatzipapas Konstantinos P. , Papadimitroulas Panagiotis , Loudos George , Papanikolaou Niko , Kagadis George C. 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThis study proposes a novel computational platform that we refer to as IDDRRA (DNA Damage Response to Ionizing RAdiation), which uses Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to score radiation induced DNA damage. MC simulations provide results of high accuracy on the interaction of radiation with matter while scoring the energy deposition based on state‐of‐the‐art physics and chemistry models and probabilistic methods.MethodsThe IDDRRA software is based on the Geant4‐DNA toolkit together with new tools that were developed for the purpose of this study, including a new algorithm that was developed in Python for the design of the DNA molecules. New classes were developed in C++ to integrate the GUI and produce the simulation’s output in text format. An algorithm was also developed to analyze the simulation’s output in terms of energy deposition, Single Strand Breaks (SSB), Double Strand Breaks (DSB) and Cluster Damage Sites (CDS). Finally, a new tool was developed to implement probabilistic SSB and DSB repair models using MC techniques.ResultsThis article provides the first benchmarks that the user of the IDDRRA tool can use to validate the functionality of the software as well as to provide a starting point to produce different types of DNA simulations. These benchmarks incorporate different kind of particles (e‐, e+, protons, electron spectrum) and DNA molecules.ConclusionWe have developed the IDDRRA tool and demonstrated its use to study various aspects of the modeling and simulation of a DNA irradiation experiment. The tool is expandable and can be expanded by other users with new benchmarks and applications based on the user’s needs and experience. New functionality will be added over time, including the quantification of the indirect damage.
Phase retrieval‐based phase‐contrast CT for vascular imaging with microbubble contrast agent
Authors: Tang Rongbiao , Li Yongfang , Qin Le , Yan Fuhua , Yang Guo‐Yuan , Chen Ke‐Min 
Published: March 2021

PurposeThe introduction of microbubble contrast agent into tissues can create significant phase shifts. Phase retrieval (PR)‐based phase‐contrast computed tomography (PCCT) is an imaging method for retrieving and reconstructing the phase shifts within an object. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of PR‐based PCCT with microbubble contrast agent for vascular imaging.MethodsProjection phase‐contrast images of individual microbubbles and a cluster of microbubbles were captured and compared. Contrast enhancement from microbubbles was evaluated by comparing to the gold standard iodine‐based contrast agent in vitro. The arterial systems of 14 Sprague–Dawley rats were perfused with microbubbles or saline. The rat hearts and the arterial systems were excised and imaged ex vivo. CT imaging was performed at the energy of 22 keV. PR was performed using the phase‐attenuation duality (PAD) method with different δ/β values (PAD property). The contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR) was used for quantitatively assessing the contrast enhancement.ResultsIndividual microbubbles functioned as a lens to focus the x rays, whereas, a cluster of microbubbles scattered the x rays. In the in vitro experiment, the contrast enhancement from iodine was significantly greater than that from microbubbles (P < 0.05). In the heart samples, the CNRs for microbubbles on PR‐based PCCT were significantly greater than those on absorption‐contrast CT (ACCT) and PR‐free PCCT (both P < 0.001). The CNRs for microbubbles were also significantly greater than those for saline on PR‐based PCCT in the samples (P < 0.001). Although they provided weaker contrast enhancement than that from iodine, microbubbles could still provide sufficient contrast enhancement to clearly show the 3D architecture of rat aortas and their main branches.ConclusionThe imaging modality can currently be used as a complement or alternative to absorption‐based microCT for imaging vessels in biological samples.
To tell a different story: Unexpected diversity in local attitudes towards Endangered Aye‐ayes Daubentonia madagascariensis offers new opportunities for conservation
Authors: Randimbiharinirina Roger Doménico , Richter Torsten , Raharivololona Brigitte M. , Ratsimbazafy Jonah H. , Schüßler Dominik 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Human–wildlife interactions are usually centred on the conflict between local populations and species that are perceived as problematic. To better understand the human dimension, social science approaches are increasingly incorporated to delimit opportunities for coexistence and species conservation.

Here we explore local attitudes and beliefs about one of these ‘problematic’ species, the Endangered Aye‐aye Daubentonia madagascariensis, the largest nocturnal primate on earth. We conducted a literature review on published beliefs and narratives about the Aye‐aye followed by 83 semi‐structured interviews in 11 villages in northeastern Madagascar.

The Aye‐aye is generally perceived as a bad omen throughout its range. In many places it has to be killed on sight, while in others it is forbidden to be killed. We did not find any positive attitudes towards this species in the literature. However, this was not reflected by our interviews: although 47.0% of respondents held a negative attitude, more than half had a neutral or even positive attitude towards the Aye‐aye (36.1 and 18.1% respectively). Positive attitudes were linked to perceived pest control services on major cash crops. Negative attitudes are mostly related to the perception that when an Aye‐aye comes to a village, catastrophic things (e.g. deaths of community members) will happen, or that it destroys a village. These major narratives were mostly consistent within villages (79.5 ± 20.7% SD of respondents; range 50–100%) but considerably differed between villages.

Negative attitudes towards the Aye‐aye were solely based on vague and generic narratives that are not reflected by its (true) ecology. Positive and neutral attitudes instead were related to observable behaviours benefitting people (i.e. pest control services) or curiosity about the species. This case study illustrates how even firm narratives can vary locally offering valuable starting points for targeted conservation or education programs. We therefore identified the Makira region of northeastern Madagascar as a potential stronghold for Aye‐aye conservation if specific actions highlighting its beneficial value could be initiated. In general, conservation practitioners should feel encouraged to look beyond the often told stories about ‘their’ target species and listen to local voices more often.
Self‐assembly mechanism of PEG‐b‐PCL and PEG‐b‐PBO‐b‐PCL amphiphilic copolymer micelles in aqueous solution from coarse grain modeling
Authors: Sadeghi Maryam S. , Moghbeli Mohammad Reza , Goddard William A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractWe followed the self‐assembly of high‐molecular weight MePEG‐b‐PCL (poly(methyl ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)) diblock and MePEG‐b‐PBO‐b‐PCL (poly(methyl ethylene glycol)‐block‐poly(1,2‐butylene oxide)‐block‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)) into micelles using molecular dynamics simulation with a coarse grain (CG) force field based on quantum mechanics (CGq FF). The triblock polymer included a short poly(1,2‐butylene oxide) (PBO) at the hydrophilic‐hydrophobic interface of these systems. Keeping the hydrophilic length fixed (MePEG45), we considered 250 chains in which the hydrophobic length changed from PCL44 or PBO6‐b‐PCL43 to PCL62 or PBO9‐b‐PCL61. The polymers were solvated in explicit water for 2 μs of simulations at 310.15 K. We found that the longer diblock system undergoes a morphological transition from an intermediate rod‐like micelle to a prolate‐sphere, while the micelle formed from the longer triblock system is a stable rod‐like micelle. The two shorter diblock and triblock systems show similar self‐assembly processes, both resulting in slightly prolate‐spheres. The dynamics of the self‐assembly is quantified in terms of chain radius of gyration, shape anisotropy, and hydration of the micelle cores. The final micelle structures are analyzed in terms of the local density components. We conclude that the CG model accurately describes the molecular mechanisms of self‐assembly and the equilibrium micellar structures of hydrophilic and hydrophobic chains, including the quantity of solvent trapped inside the micellar core.
Nobiletin ameliorates cardiac impairment and alleviates cardiac remodeling after acute myocardial infarction in rats via JNK regulation
Authors: Liu Zumei , Gao Zhimin , Zeng Lihuan , Liang Zhenye , Zheng Dechong , Wu Xiaoqian 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNobiletin was found to protect against acute myocardial infarction (AMI)‐induced cardiac function decline and myocardial remodeling, although the dose–effect relationship and underlying pathways remained unclear. In the current research, different doses of Nobiletin (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg/day) were administered to AMI rat model for 21 days. Survival rate, echocardiography, and histological analysis were assessed in vivo. In addition, MTT assay, flow cytometry, and Western blotting were conducted to explore Nobiletin's cytotoxicity and antiapoptotic effect on H9C2 cells. Mechanistically, the activation of MAPK effectors and p38 in vivo was studied. The results showed medium‐ and high‐dose Nobiletin could significantly improve survival rate and cardiac function and reduce the area of infarction and cardiac fibrosis. Medium dose showed the best protection on cardiac functions, whereas high dose showed the best protective effect on cellular apoptosis and histological changes. JNK activation was significantly inhibited by Nobiletin in vivo, which could help to explain the partial contribution of autophagy to AMI‐induced apoptosis and the discrepancy on dose–effect relationships. Together, our study suggested that JNK inhibition plays an important role in Nobiletin‐induced antiapoptotic effect in myocardial infarction, and medium‐dose Nobiletin demonstrated the strongest effect in vivo.
Therapeutic Potential of Stem Cells from Human Exfoliated Deciduous Teeth Infusion into Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Depends on Basal Lipid Levels and Islet Function
Authors: Li Wenwen , Jiao Xuan , Song Jingyun , Sui Bingdong , Guo Zhili , Zhao Yingji , Li Jun , Shi Songtao , Huang Qin 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) hold great potential in treating patients with diabetes, but the therapeutic effects are not always achieved. Particularly, the clinical factors regulating MSC therapy in this setting are largely unknown. In this study, 24 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) treated with insulin were selected to receive three intravenous infusions of stem cells from human exfoliated deciduous teeth (SHED) over the course of 6 weeks and were followed up for 12 months. We observed a significant reduction of glycosylated serum albumin level (P &lt; .05) and glycosylated hemoglobin level (P &lt; .05) after SHED transplantation. The total effective rate was 86.36% and 68.18%, respectively, at the end of treatment and follow-up periods. Three patients ceased insulin injections after SHED transplantation. A steamed bread meal test showed that the serum levels of postprandial C-peptide at 2 hours were significantly higher than those at the baseline (P &lt; .05). Further analysis showed that patients with a high level of blood cholesterol and a low baseline level of C-peptide had poor response to SHED transplantation. Some patients experienced a transient fever (11.11%), fatigue (4.17%), or rash (1.39%) after SHED transplantation, which were easily resolved. In summary, SHED infusion is a safe and effective therapy to improve glucose metabolism and islet function in patients with T2DM. Blood lipid levels and baseline islet function may serve as key factors contributing to the therapeutic outcome of MSC transplantation in patients with T2DM.
Reputations in flux: How a firm defends its multiple reputations in response to different violations
Authors: Bundy Jonathan , Iqbal Farhan , Pfarrer Michael D 
Published: March 2021

AbstractResearch SummaryWe examine how a firm defends its capability and character reputations in response to different violations. We develop our core theoretical mechanism—stakeholders' situational expectations—to theorize that the effectiveness of a firm's response strategy following a violation depends on the nature of the violation and the reputational judgment being made. We test our hypotheses using two longitudinal violation samples and novel media‐based measures of reputation. Generally, we find that a more accommodative strategy is an effective defense following a capability violation, but it is less effective following a character violation. In supplemental analyses, we also discover that a more accommodative strategy is less effective at managing general reputation. Ultimately, our theory and findings suggest that reputation defense is more complex than previously considered.Managerial SummaryWe shed light on the challenges managers face in defending their multiple reputations following a violation. We suggest that the type of violation affects stakeholders' expectations of the firm, and that these expectations differentially threaten a firm's multiple reputations as well as the efficacy of its response strategy. Using a sample of capability‐based (unintentional financial restatements) and character‐based (environmental malfeasance) violations, we find that a more accommodative response strategy can defend certain reputations following a capability‐based violation but can be detrimental to other reputations. We also find accommodativeness to be generally harmful following a character‐based violation. Ultimately, our results suggest that managers should consider both the type of reputation they are defending and the nature of the violation when implementing a response strategy.
Tradable instruments to fight climate change: A disappointing outcome
Authors: Quirion Philippe 
Published: March 2021

AbstractVarious tradable instruments have been implemented for climate change mitigation: emission trading systems, tradable energy‐efficiency obligations, and tradable renewable energy quotas. Their track record has been disappointing so far; almost every emission trading has suffered from over‐allocation which has undermined its effectiveness; tradable energy‐efficiency obligations seem to have mostly co‐financed investments that would have taken place anyway; tradable renewable energy quotas suffer from several shortcomings compared to alternative support systems, that is, feed‐in tariffs and premiums. I discuss the reasons for these failures (especially too superficial a reading by policy makers of the work of researchers) and ways to improve the situation (including encouraging systematic syntheses of academic work).This article is categorized under:
Climate Economics > Economics of Mitigation
Nitrogen removal performance and characteristics of gel beads immobilized anammox bacteria under different PVA:SA ratios
Authors: Wang Jin , Fan Yu‐Chen , Chen You‐Peng 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAlthough polyvinyl alcohol and sodium alginate gel (PVA/SA) cell immobilization technology has been successfully applied in anaerobic ammonium oxidation (anammox) processes, there is no comprehensive evaluation of the PVA:SA ratio in PVA/SA gel beads. Therefore, to determine the optimal PVA:SA ratio, the nitrogen removal performance and structure of PVA/SA anammox gel beads under different PVA:SA ratios were studied through batch experiments. The results suggested that cell immobilization technology could significantly improve the nitrogen removal rate (NRR). PVA concentration was positively correlated with the proportion of ‐macropore in the gel beads but negatively correlated with mechanical strength. Despite having poor mechanical strength, PVA/SA (12%/2%) gel beads had the highest NRR owing to the increased pore size and were experimentally determined to be the most suitable concentration of immobilized carrier. UASB reactor tests showed that compared with anammox granular sludge, the response time of anammox PVA/SA (12%/2%) beads to increased nitrogen load was shorter and the specific anammox activity was higher. Candidatus “Jettenia” was the dominant bacterium in anammox gel beads, accounting for 37.96% of the community. This study provides a reference for preparing PVA/SA cell immobilization.Practitioner points

Increasing the concentration of PVA can reduce the apoptosis of microorganisms during the gel process.
The macropore of PVA/SA beads increased with the increase of the PVA:SA ratio.
This study provides a reference for preparing PVA/SA gel beads immobilized anammox bacteria.
Structure and properties of fluorinated and non‐fluorinated Ba‐coordination polymers – the position of fluorine makes the difference
Authors: Zänker Steffen , Scholz Gudrun , Xu Wenlei , Emmerling Franziska , Kemnitz Erhard 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAs the most electronegative element, fluorine has a strong influence on material properties such as absorption behaviour or chemical and thermal stability. Fluorine can be easily integrated into coordination polymers (CPs) via a fluorinated acetate, here trifluoroacetate in Ba(CF3COO)2, or directly via a metal fluorine bond (BaF(CH3COO)). In the present study both possibilities of fluorine integration were tested and their effect on structure and properties of barium coordination polymers was investigated in comparison with the non‐fluorinated barium acetate (Ba(CH3COO)2). In addition to the study of their thermal behaviour and their decomposition temperature, the CPs structures were tested for their application as possible anode materials in lithium ion batteries and for their sorption of water and ammonia. The properties of the CPs can be traced back to the individual structural motifs and could thus trigger new design ideas for CPs in LIBs and/or catalysis.