bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Increased GITRL Impairs the Function of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells and Exacerbates Primary Sjögren Syndrome
Authors: Tian Jie , Rui Ke , Hong Yue , Wang Xiaohui , Xiao Fan , Lin Xiang , Ma Jie , Guo Hongye , Xu Huaxi , Ma Kongyang , Xu Dong , Liu Dongzhou , Zhao Yan , Lu Liwei , Wang Shengjun 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Although the expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) has been reported in autoimmune disorders, it is largely unclear how MDSCs contribute to the development of primary Sjögren syndrome (pSS). In this study, we found significantly increased MDSCs with gradually diminished suppressive capacity during disease development in mice with experimental Sjögren syndrome (ESS). The ligand for glucocorticoid-induced TNFR family–related protein (GITRL) was increased along ESS progression, whereas the increased GITRL was found to attenuate the immunosuppressive function of MDSCs. Moreover, blocking GITR signal in MDSCs significantly restored their immunosuppressive function and alleviated ESS progression in mice. In pSS patients, expanded MDSCs were found to express low levels of arginase. Significantly increased serum GITRL levels were closely correlated with patients with higher Sjögren syndrome disease activity index. Furthermore, treatment with recombinant GITRL markedly reduced the immunosuppressive function of human MDSCs. Together, our studies have demonstrated a critical role of GITRL in modulating the suppressive function of MDSCs, which may facilitate the validation of GITRL as a therapeutic target for the treatment of pSS.
A20 Orchestrates Inflammatory Response in the Oral Mucosa through Restraining NF-κB Activity
Authors: Li Yajie , Mooney Erin C. , Holden Sara E. , Xia Xia-Juan , Cohen David J. , Walsh Scott W. , Ma Averil , Sahingur Sinem E. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract
Deregulated immune response to a dysbiotic resident microflora within the oral cavity leads to chronic periodontal disease, local tissue destruction, and various systemic complications. To preserve tissue homeostasis, inflammatory signaling pathways involved in the progression of periodontitis must be tightly regulated. A20 (TNFAIP3), a ubiquitin-editing enzyme, has emerged as one of the key regulators of inflammation. Yet, the function of A20 in the oral mucosa and the biological pathways in which A20 mitigates periodontal inflammation remain elusive. Using a combination of in vivo and ex vivo disease models, we report in this study that A20 regulates inflammatory responses to a keystone oral bacterium, Porphyromonas gingivalis, and restrains periodontal inflammation through its effect on NF-κB signaling and cytokine production. Depletion of A20 using gene editing in human macrophage-like cells (THP-1) significantly increased cytokine secretion, whereas A20 overexpression using lentivirus infection dampened the cytokine production following bacterial challenge through modulating NF-κB activity. Similar to human cells, bone marrow–derived macrophages from A20-deficient mice infected with P. gingivalis displayed increased NF-κB activity and cytokine production compared with the cells isolated from A20-competent mice. Subsequent experiments using a murine ligature-induced periodontitis model showed that even a partial loss of A20 promotes an increased inflammatory phenotype and more severe bone loss, further verifying the critical function of A20 in the oral mucosa. Collectively, to our knowledge, these findings reveal the first systematic evidence of a physiological role for A20 in the maintenance of oral tissue homeostasis as a negative regulator of inflammation.
YIELD OF A PORTABLE SAWMILL AND WOOD DRYING OF Hovenia dulcis IN CONVENTIONAL KILN
Authors: Marchesan Raquel , Loiola Pedro Lício , França Morgana Cristina , Francisco Juízo Claudio Gumane , Pereira da Rocha Márcio , Klitzke Ricardo Jorge 
Published: February 2019

The objective of this work was to evaluate the yield of sawn wood and the operational efficiency in the sawing of Hovenia dulcis logs in a portable sawmill, as well as to evaluate the behavior of the wood in conventional kiln drying. For this purpose, five trees were selected, from which 14 logs of 1.8 meters in length were obtained to determine the volume, the yield of two diametric classes (20 to 24 and 24.1 to 28 cm) and the operational efficiency during the sawing of the logs. For the drying process, the parameters of initial temperature, final temperature and drying potential were obtained from the drastic drying method at 100ºC. The yield results showed that there were no statistical differences between the two diametric grades. For operational efficiency, the highest diameter class (1.00m³/worker/day) was higher than the lower diameter class (0.70m²/worker/day). For the drying of Hovenia dulcis wood, it is possible to consider this species as a difficult drying type according to the parameters found for the elaboration of the drying programs. In addition, the moisture loss of the wood occurred slowly due to its low permeability.
THE INFLUENCE OF INITIAL IRRIGATION ON THE GROWTH OF TWO HYBRIDS OF EUCALYPTUS
Authors: De Oliveira Costa Carla Deisiane , Da Silva Lopes Adriano , Rosalvo Melgar Brito Kelvin , Dionisio de Andrade Vinicius , Batista Viana Carlos Diogo , Gomes Xavier Thiago Augusto 
Published: February 2019

In order to maximize the productivity of forest species, techniques such as irrigation have been used. The objective of this study was to evaluate the water use efficiency and the influence of the irrigation located in the growth of the hybrids of eucalyptus Grancam and Urograndis at 65 months. The study was carried out in the experimental area of the State University of Mato Grosso do Sul (UEMS), in Aquidauana (state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil). The experimental design was randomized blocks with subdivided plots. The treatments used in the plots were two irrigation systems (microsprinkler and drip) and one control treatment with no irrigation (dryland), and in the subplots, the two hybrids of eucalyptus: Grancam (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and Urograndis (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis), submitted to irrigation up to the 53° month after planting (MAP). The results were submitted to the analysis of variance and the Tukey test for means comparisons at 5% of probability. The use of irrigation in eucalyptus influences the productivity, providing increased wood volume, height of plants and diameter at breast height (DBH). The hybrid Grancam showed greater increase in height, and Urograndis increased in DBH. The higher efficiency of water use for the volumetric production of wood was observed in drip irrigation for the hybrid Grancam. The hybrid Urograndis is more efficient in the use of water for the volumetric production of wood regardless of the treatment.
Quorums enable optimal pooling of independent judgements in biological systems
Authors: Marshall James AR , Kurvers Ralf HJM , Krause Jens , Wolf Max 
Published: February 2019

Collective decision-making is ubiquitous, and majority-voting and the Condorcet Jury Theorem pervade thinking about collective decision-making. Thus, it is typically assumed that majority-voting is the best possible decision mechanism, and that scenarios exist where individually-weak decision-makers should not pool information. Condorcet and its applications implicitly assume that only one kind of error can be made, yet signal detection theory shows two kinds of errors exist, ‘false positives’ and ‘false negatives’. We apply signal detection theory to collective decision-making to show that majority voting is frequently sub-optimal, and can be optimally replaced by quorum decision-making. While quorums have been proposed to resolve within-group conflicts, or manage speed-accuracy trade-offs, our analysis applies to groups with aligned interests undertaking single-shot decisions. Our results help explain the ubiquity of quorum decision-making in nature, relate the use of sub- and super-majority quorums to decision ecology, and may inform the design of artificial decision-making systems.Editorial note: This article has been through an editorial process in which the authors decide how to respond to the issues raised during peer review. The Reviewing Editor's assessment is that all the issues have been addressed (<xref ref-type="decision-letter" rid="SA1">see decision letter</xref>).
X-ray vision: the accuracy and repeatability of a technology that allows clinicians to see spinal X-rays superimposed on a person's back
Authors: Aaskov Jacob , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Hamaluik Kenton D. , Boulanger Pierre , Hartvigsen Jan 
Published: February 2019

ObjectiveSince the discovery of ionizing radiation, clinicians have evaluated X-ray images separately from the patient. The objective of this study was to investigate the accuracy and repeatability of a new technology which seeks to resolve this historic limitation by projecting anatomically correct X-ray images on to a person’s skin.MethodsA total of 13 participants enrolled in the study, each having a pre-existing anteroposterior lumbar X-ray. Each participant’s image was uploaded into the Hololens Mixed reality system which when worn, allowed a single examiner to view a participant’s own X-ray superimposed on the participant’s back. The projected image was topographically corrected using depth information obtained by the Hololens system then aligned via existing anatomic landmarks. Using this superimposed image, vertebral levels were identified and validated against spinous process locations obtained by ultrasound. This process was repeated 1–5 days later. The projection of each vertebra was deemed to be “on-target” if it fell within the known morphological dimensions of the spinous process for that specific vertebral level.ResultsThe projection system created on-target projections with respect to individual vertebral levels 73% of the time with no significant difference seen between testing sessions. The average repeatability for all vertebral levels between testing sessions was 77%.ConclusionThese accuracy and repeatability data suggest that the accuracy and repeatability of projecting X-rays directly on to the skin is feasible for identifying underlying anatomy and as such, has potential to place radiological evaluation within the patient context. Future opportunities to improve this procedure will focus on mitigating potential sources of error.
Photorespiration
Authors: Bauwe Hermann 
Published: February 2019

Abstract

Photorespiration is an ancient metabolic repair pathway that supplements the Calvin–Benson cycle in all oxygenic phototrophs, that is plants, algae and cyanobacteria. It is necessary because oxygen can substitute for carbon dioxide in the first reaction of the photosynthetic carbon dioxide‐fixation process, catalysed by ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase (Rubisco), causing the idle synthesis of the powerful enzyme inhibitor 2‐phosphoglycolate. Scavenging of 2‐phosphoglycolate in the photorespiratory pathway recovers three out of four misdirected carbon atoms while the fourth is released as photorespiratory carbon dioxide. Photorespiration involves more enzymes than the Calvin–Benson cycle itself and requires cooperation of different cellular compartments. It thereby represents one of the most complex examples of metabolic organisation and interacts with other metabolism in many ways. Absolute rates vary owing to the absence or presence of carbon concentrating mechanism and they depend on environmental conditions, mainly oxygen, carbon dioxide and temperature.

Key Concepts

Photorespiration evolved in cyanobacteria as a supplement to the Calvin–Benson cycle in order to remove the enzyme inhibitor 2‐phosphoglycolate, which is unavoidably produced during oxygenic photosynthesis.

Photorespiration was an indispensable condition for the evolution of oxygenic photosynthesis, that is cyanobacteria, algae and plants.

When assessed by mass flow, photorespiration constitutes the second most important process in the terrestrial biosphere, excelled only by photosynthesis itself.

Energetically, the photosynthetic–photorespiratory supercycle is not wasteful as sometimes perpetuated but, in contradistinction, very efficient as can be seen from the fact that nearly all life on Earth directly or indirectly depends on this pathway.

Photorespiration was a key driver for evolutionary innovations such as C
4
plants, which are highly productive in warm environments.
Origin of Plant Hybrid Incompatibility
Authors: Chen Chen 
Published: February 2019

AbstractHybrid incompatibility (HI) can cause inviability or sterility of inter‐ or intra‐species hybrids, which hinders gene flow between populations and thus contributes to speciation. HI clearly reduces fitness, but is extremely common across kingdoms. The classic Bateson–Dobzhansky–Muller model suggests that HI is caused by the genic conflicts between independently evolved loci. In this case, HI is simply a by‐product of evolution and has never been selected against. This model is supported by dozens of empirical studies and many incompatible HI‐causal genes have been cloned in recent decades. The HI‐causal genes are usually hyper‐polymorphic and evolve rapidly. Genetic drift, selection and the coevolution of plants with external microbes, or with internal selfish elements, may have driven the evolution of HI. These findings greatly broaden our understanding of the origin of HI.Key ConceptsHybrid incompatibility is caused by the deleterious interactions between incompatible genes that evolved independently.Hybrid incompatibility is a by‐product of evolution.Co‐evolution of plants and their external or internal factors, such as pathogens and genetic selfish elements, drives the evolution of hybrid incompatibilities in plants.The causal genes of hybrid incompatibilities is predictable.Hybrid incompatibility causal genes are rapidly evolved.Some hybrid incompatibility causal genes are selected.Gene duplication play important roles for the evolution of hybrid incompatibility.
Diurnal Variations in Immunity
Authors: Zhao Yue , Chen Qingfeng 
Published: February 2019

AbstractMany aspects of immune systems show diurnal variations depending on environmental and physical conditions, which are driven by internal circadian biological clocks and have been widely observed. Diurnal oscillations of immune mediators coordinate with the activity of the immune system, possibly allowing the host to anticipate and handle microbial threats more efficiently. These oscillations may also contribute to stimulation of organ proliferation, recovery and the clearance of potentially harmful cellular elements from the circulation. In addition, abnormal diurnal oscillations in immune system are associated with inflammation response induced by disorders or dysregulation of behaviour, physiology, metabolism, disease symptoms or response to drugs treatment. The overview of diurnal variations perspective of human immune system may provide novel strategies in clinical treatment.Key ConceptsDiurnal variations in immunity exist widely in nature.Diurnal variations in immunity show differences between species, for example mouse and human.Diurnal variations in immunity are regulated by clock genes.Disruptions of circadian oscillations of immune system are closely associated with human diseases.Chrono‐immunotherapeutics should be attracting more attention in clinical treatment.
Base‐mediated 1,4‐Conjugate Addition/Intramolecular 5‐exo‐dig Annulation of Propargylamines with Benzoylacetonitriles and β‐Keto Esters for Polysubstituted Furans and Furo[3,4‐c]coumarins Formation
Authors: Li Qianqian , He Xinwei , Tao Jiajia , Xie Mengqing , Wang Hui , Li Ruxue , Shang Yongjia 
Published: February 2019

AbstractA novel and one‐pot domino reaction of propargylamines with benzoylacetonitriles and β‐keto esters for the regiospecific synthesis of polysubstituted furans and furo[3,4‐c]coumarins has been developed. The reaction is believed to proceed by sequential 1,4‐conjugate addition of benzoylacetonitriles/β‐keto esters to propargylamines, 5‐exo‐dig annulation/isomerization to form the fully substituted furans, and intramolecular transesterification to furo[3,4‐c]coumarin skeleton. The features of this method include inexpensive base, readily available substrates, high regioselectivity, and convenient operation. A wide variety of densely functionalized furans and furocoumarins are furnished by one‐pot domino process and transition‐metal free methods in moderate to good yields, respectively.magnified image
The Chiral Trimer and a Metastable Chiral Dimer of Achiral Hexafluoroisopropanol: A Multi‐Messenger Study
Authors: Oswald Sönke , Seifert Nathan A. , Bohle Fabian , Gawrilow Maxim , Grimme Stefan , Jäger Wolfgang , Xu Yunjie , Suhm Martin A. 
Published: February 2019

Abstract1,1,1,3,3,3‐hexafluoro‐propan‐2‐ol aggregates preferentially into an achiral dimer of achiral monomers, but the trimer is found to prefer three metastable chiral monomer units arranged into a strained OH⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen‐bonded ring, which is reinforced by secondary CH⋅⋅⋅FC interactions. This is shown by a combination of infrared, microwave, and Raman spectroscopy in supersonic jet expansions and supported by high‐level quantum chemical calculations. It involves an activation of the monomers by >15 kJ mol−1, clearly driven by the much stronger hydrogen‐bond interaction available to the gauche and even more to the cis monomer units.
Atomic Resolution Insight into Sac7d Protein Binding to DNA and Associated Global Changes by Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Zacharias Martin 
Published: February 2019

AbstractSac7d is a small, thermostable protein that induces large helical deformations in DNA upon association. Starting from multiple initial placements of the unbound Sac7d structure relative to a B‐DNA oligonucleotide, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were employed to directly follow several successful binding events at atomic resolution that resulted in structures in close agreement with the native complex geometry. The final native complex formed rapidly within tenths of nanoseconds and included simultaneous large‐scale kinking, groove opening, twisting, and intercalation in the target DNA. The simulations indicate that the complex formation process involves initial non‐native contacts that helped in reaching the final bound state, with residues intercalated at the center of the kinked DNA. It was also possible to identify several long‐lived trapped intermediate states of the binding process and to follow sliding processes of Sac7d along the DNA minor groove.
Fluorescent Triazole Urea Activity‐Based Probes for the Single‐Cell Phenotypic Characterization of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Chen Linhai , Keller Laura J. , Cordasco Edward , Bogyo Matthew , Lentz Christian S. 
Published: February 2019

AbstractPhenotypically distinct cellular (sub)populations are clinically relevant for the virulence and antibiotic resistance of a bacterial pathogen, but functionally different cells are usually indistinguishable from each other. Herein, we introduce fluorescent activity‐based probes as chemical tools for the single‐cell phenotypic characterization of enzyme activity levels in Staphylococcus aureus. We screened a 1,2,3‐triazole urea library to identify selective inhibitors of fluorophosphonate‐binding serine hydrolases and lipases in S. aureus and synthesized target‐selective activity‐based probes. Molecular imaging and activity‐based protein profiling studies with these probes revealed a dynamic network within this enzyme family involving compensatory regulation of specific family members and exposed single‐cell phenotypic heterogeneity. We propose the labeling of enzymatic activities by chemical probes as a generalizable method for the phenotyping of bacterial cells at the population and single‐cell level.
Nonisothermal crystallization kinetic studies on melt processed poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polylactic acid blends containing graphene oxide and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets
Authors: Jafari Seyed Mohammad Ali , Khajavi Ramin , Goodarzi Vahabodin , Kalaee Mohammad R. , Khonakdar Hossein A. 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTNonisothermal crystallization kinetics of poly(ethylene terephthalate)/polylactic acid (PET/PLA) (90/10 and 75/25 wt %/wt %) blend prepared by a melt mixing process in the presence of graphene oxide (GO) and exfoliated graphite nanoplatelets (xGnP) were investigated. The transmission electron microscope (TEM) results revealed that both the GO and xGnP were not inclined to the PLA phase, and the distribution of GO in the blend matrix was better than that of xGnP. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) results demonstrated that both the fillers showed compatibilizing effect and refined the morphology of PLA dispersed phase. The crystallinity and crystallization behavior of samples were studied by X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and multiple cooling rate Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), respectively. The results showed that the degree of crystallinity and crystallization rate of PET was reduced by blending with PLA. Inclusion of the fillers to the blend further reduced the crystallinity while the crystallization rate was increased. Analysis based on Hoffman‐Lauritzen theory revealed that, compared to xGnP, the GO as a better nucleating agent could more effectively reduce lamella thickness and surface folding free energy of the nanocomposites. Crystallization kinetic studies by Jeziorny model revealed two levels of primary and secondary crystallization mechanisms for all samples. Moreover, activation energy of crystallization of the GO‐containing nanocomposites was lower than that of xGnP‐based systems. All the theoretical treatment and experimental results confirm that, compared to xGnP, the GO is more suitable filler and has stronger effect on enhancing the crystallization kinetic of the PET/PLA blends. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47569.HIGHLIGHTS
Studied crystallization kinetics of PET/PLA blend containing xGnP and GO nanoplatelets
Compared the role of xGnP and GO in crystallization kinetics of the system
Analyzed the crystallization kinetics of the system by various models
Determined the surface folding free energy of the developed systems
GO‐based systems exhibited lower crystallization activation energy than that of the xGnP‐based systems
Nano/microfibers of EVA copolymer obtained by solution blow spinning: Processing, solution properties, and pheromone release application
Authors: Rempel Silvana Pereira , Engler Leonardo Galli , Soares Márcio R. F. , Catafesta Jadna , Moura Sidnei , Bianchi Otávio 
Published: February 2019

ABSTRACTPheromones have been used for monitoring and control of insect pests in crops, reducing the use of pesticides. However, among obstacles for this technology to be more useful, is the control and time to release. In this way, this work aims the evaluation of the release of pheromones using micro/nanofibers of ethylene–vinyl acetate (EVA) produced by blow spinning. Solutions with 0.5–15 wt % EVA were prepared based on the solubility parameter of the copolymer. Fibers were obtained from solutions in the semidiluted concentration regime. Synthetic sex pheromones from the oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta and citrus leafminer Phyllocnistis citrella were incorporated into the micro/nanofibers. The morphology and structure of these fibers were evaluated employing field emission scanning electron microscopy and wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction. The fibers sizes (95–426 nm) were dependent on the feed rate of the solution. As a result, pheromone release has occurred linearly over 10 weeks, as determined by thermogravimetry analysis. The solubility parameter influences the amount incorporated in the fiber and the rate of pheromone release. The proposed fiber/pheromone system is interesting since it reduces the use of actives and can be used in several planting cycles and reused. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47647.