bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optical prediction of single muscle fiber force production using a combined biomechatronics and second harmonic generation imaging approach
Authors: Schneidereit Dominik , Nübler Stefanie , Prölß Gerhard , Reischl Barbara , Schürmann Sebastian , Müller Oliver J , Friedrich Oliver 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSkeletal muscle is an archetypal organ whose structure is tuned to match function. The magnitude of order in muscle fibers and myofibrils containing motor protein polymers determines the directed force output of the summed force vectors and, therefore, the muscle’s power performance on the structural level. Structure and function can change dramatically during disease states involving chronic remodeling. Cellular remodeling of the cytoarchitecture has been pursued using noninvasive and label-free multiphoton second harmonic generation (SHG) microscopy. Hereby, structure parameters can be extracted as a measure of myofibrillar order and thus are suggestive of the force output that a remodeled structure can still achieve. However, to date, the parameters have only been an indirect measure, and a precise calibration of optical SHG assessment for an exerted force has been elusive as no technology in existence correlates these factors. We engineered a novel, automated, high-precision biomechatronics system into a multiphoton microscope allows simultaneous isometric Ca2+-graded force or passive viscoelasticity measurements and SHG recordings. Using this MechaMorph system, we studied force and SHG in single EDL muscle fibers from wt and mdx mice; the latter serves as a model for compromised force and abnormal myofibrillar structure. We present Ca2+-graded isometric force, pCa-force curves, passive viscoelastic parameters and 3D structure in the same fiber for the first time. Furthermore, we provide a direct calibration of isometric force to morphology, which allows noninvasive prediction of the force output of single fibers from only multiphoton images, suggesting a potential application in the diagnosis of myopathies.
Extracting stability increases the SNP heritability of emotional problems in young people
Authors: Cheesman Rosa ,   Major Depressive Disorder Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Purves Kirstin L. , Pingault Jean-Baptiste , Breen Gerome , Rijsdij k Fruhling , Plomin Robert , Eley Thalia C. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTwin studies have shown that emotional problems (anxiety and depression) in childhood and adolescence are moderately heritable (~20–50%). In contrast, DNA-based ‘SNP heritability’ estimates are generally <15% and non-significant. One notable feature of emotional problems is that they can be somewhat transient, but the moderate stability seen across time and across raters is predominantly influenced by stable genetic influences. This suggests that by capturing what is in common across time and across raters, we might be more likely to tap into any underlying genetic vulnerability. We therefore hypothesised that a phenotype capturing the pervasive stability of emotional problems would show higher heritability. We fitted single-factor latent trait models using 12 emotional problems measures across ages 7, 12 and 16, rated by parents, teachers and children themselves in the Twins Early Development Study sample. Twin and SNP heritability estimates for stable emotional problems (N = 6110 pairs and 6110 unrelated individuals, respectively) were compared to those for individual measures. Twin heritability increased from 45% on average for individual measures to 76% (se = 0.023) by focusing on stable trait variance. SNP heritability rose from 5% on average (n.s.) to 14% (se = 0.049; p = 0.002). Heritability was also higher for stable within-rater composites. Polygenic scores for both adult anxiety and depression significantly explained variance in stable emotional problems (0.4%; p = 0.0001). The variance explained was more than in most individual measures. Stable emotional problems also showed significant genetic correlation with adult depression and anxiety (average = 52%). These results demonstrate the value of examining stable emotional problems in gene-finding and prediction studies.
Efferocytosis of apoptotic alveolar epithelial cells is sufficient to initiate lung fibrosis
Authors: Kim Kevin K. , Dotson Megan R. , Agarwal Manisha , Yang Jibing , Bradley Patrick B. , Subbotina Natalia , Osterholzer John J. , Sisson Thomas H. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractType II alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis is a prominent feature of fibrotic lung diseases and animal models of pulmonary fibrosis. While there is growing recognition of the importance of AEC injury and apoptosis as a causal factor in fibrosis, the underlying mechanisms that link these processes remain unknown. We have previously shown that targeting the type II alveolar epithelium for injury by repetitively administering diphtheria toxin to transgenic mice expressing the diphtheria toxin receptor off of the surfactant protein C promoter (SPC-DTR) develop lung fibrosis, confirming that AEC injury is sufficient to cause fibrosis. In the present study, we find that SPC-DTR mice develop increased activation of caspase 3/7 after initiation of diphtheria toxin treatment consistent with apoptosis within AECs. We also find evidence of efferocytosis, the uptake of apoptotic cells, by alveolar macrophages in this model. To determine the importance of efferocytosis in lung fibrosis, we treated cultured alveolar macrophages with apoptotic type II AECs and found that the uptake induced pro-fibrotic gene expression. We also found that the repetitive intrapulmonary administration of apoptotic type II AEC or MLE-12 cells induces lung fibrosis. Finally, mice lacking a key efferocytosis receptor, CD36, developed attenuated fibrosis in response to apoptotic MLE-12 cells. Collectively, these studies support a novel mechanism linking AEC apoptosis with macrophage pro-fibrotic activation via efferocytosis and reveal previously unrecognized therapeutic targets.
MINA53 deficiency leads to glioblastoma cell apoptosis via inducing DNA replication stress and diminishing DNA damage response
Authors: Xuan Fan , Huang Mengying , Zhao Erhu , Cui Hongjuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMYC-induced nuclear antigen (MINA53) is a JmjC (jumonji C domain)-containing protein, which is highly expressed in many cancers including glioblastoma. We have revealed in our previous report that MINA53 is a poor prognostic indicator for glioblastoma patients, and knockdown of MINA53 could reduce glioblastoma malignancy. In this study, we found that MINA53 knockdown could decrease the DNA replication initiation in glioblastoma cells. Through further investigations, we revealed that MINA53 could regulate the expression of the CDC45-MCM-GINS (CMG) complex genes, which are vital for DNA replication initiation. Knockdown of MINA53 reduced the CMG genes expression and thus induced DNA replication stress and DNA damage. Furthermore, MINA53 knockdown diminished DNA damage response (DDR) by reducing the ATM/ATR-H2AX pathway activity and finally led glioblastoma cells to apoptosis and death. We further applied a genotoxic drug Doxorubicin and found that MINA53 deficiency sensitized glioblastoma cells to Doxorubicin. Our study reveals that MINA53 is involved in DNA replication initiation and DNA damage response, and provides support for MINA53 as a novel and potential therapeutic target for glioblastoma treatment.
Heat stress during grain filling affects activities of enzymes involved in grain protein and starch synthesis in waxy maize
Authors: Yang Huan , Gu Xiaotian , Ding Mengqiu , Lu Weiping , Lu Dalei 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigh temperature (temperature over 35 °C) is an extremely important environmental factor that affects the maize grain quality in Southern China. The effects of heat stress after pollination on grain protein and starch deposition and activities of involved enzymes were studied in a pot trail in 2014 and 2015. Results showed that grain dry weight reductions at maturity were 19.8% and 19.1%, whereas starch contents (mg g−1) were reduced by 3.0% and 3.3%, and starch accumulation (mg grain−1) were reduced 22.2% and 21.8% in 2014 and 2015, respectively. Protein content was decreased by heat stress before 15 DAP and increased thereafter. At maturity, protein contents (mg g−1) were increased by 24.5% and 25.3% in 2014 and 2015, while protein accumulation (mg grain−1) were not affected by heat stress. In response to heat stress, glutamate synthase activity was enhanced by 29.1–82.9% in 2014 and 2.0–141.8% in 2015, whereas glutamine synthetase activity was reduced by 1.9–43.5% in 2014 and 0.1–27.4% in 2015 throughout the grain filling. The activities of sucrose phosphate synthase were decreased by heat stress at 10–25DAP (12.7–32.0%) in 2014 and 15–20 DAP (23.2–27.5%) in 2015, and activities of sucrose synthase were decreased by heat stress at 5–15 DAP (20.0–45.0%) in 2014 and 15 DAP (22.0%) in 2015, repectively. The activities of enyzmes that involved in starch synthessis were all suppressed by heat stress during grain filling, and the reduction of adenosine diphosphate-glucose pyrophosphorylase, soluble starch synthase, and starch branching enzyme were decreased by 21.3–43.1%, 19.1–29.2%, and 7.0–45.6% in 2014 and 1.8–78.5%, 21.4–51.2%, and 11.0–48.0% in 2015, respectively. Conclusively, grain weight and starch deposition were suppressed by heat stress due to the decreased activities of enzymes involved in starch synthesis, and the increased protein content was due to the enhanced activity of glutamate synthase.
Cortactin and fascin-1 regulate extracellular vesicle release by controlling endosomal trafficking or invadopodia formation and function
Authors: Beghein Els , Devriese Delphine , Van Hoey Evy , Gettemans Jan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractCancer cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) are increasingly being recognized as genuine invasive structures as they contribute to many aspects of invasion and metastasis. Unfortunately, the mechanisms underlying EV biogenesis or release are still poorly understood. Recent reports however indicate a role of the actin cytoskeleton in this process. In this study, we have exploited thoroughly characterized camelid nanobodies against actin binding proteins cortactin and fascin-1, a branched actin regulator and actin bundler, respectively, in order to assess their roles in EV biogenesis or release. Using this strategy, we demonstrate a role of the cortactin NTA and SH3 domains in EV release. Fascin-1 also regulates EV release, independently of its actin-bundling activity. We show a contribution of these protein domains in endosomal trafficking, a crucial step in EV biogenesis, and we confirm that EVs are preferentially released at invadopodia, the latter being actin-rich invasive cell protrusions in which cortactin and fascin-1 perform essential roles. Accordingly, EVs are enriched with invadopodial proteins such as the matrix metalloproteinase MT1-MMP and exert gelatinolytic activity. Based on our findings, we report that both cortactin and fascin-1 play key roles in EV release by regulating endosomal trafficking or invadopodia formation and function.
Increasing Fracture Toughness and Transmittance of Transparent Ceramics using Functional Low-Thermal Expansion Coatings
Authors: du Merac Marc Rubat , Bram Martin , Malzbender Jürgen , Ziegner Mirko , Rasinski Marcin , Guillon Olivier 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTransparent polycrystalline ceramics have the potential to enable applications no other materials can, but to do so their strength and toughness must be improved. However, surface strengthening treatments like those used for glasses have so far remained elusive. Here for the first time, we report on engineering unprecedented surface compression, of the magnitude achieved for ion-exchange strengthened glasses (~750 MPa) in transparent ceramics. This was achieved by applying functional, low thermal-expansion yttria coatings onto yttria-stabilized zirconia substrates and thermally treating. In some instances, the treatment more than doubled the fracture toughness while simultaneously increasing light transmittance.
Diet induced obesity is independent of metabolic endotoxemia and TLR4 signalling, but markedly increases hypothalamic expression of the acute phase protein, SerpinA3N
Authors: Dalby Matthew J. , Aviello Gabriella , Ross Alexander W. , Walker Alan W. , Barrett Perry , Morgan Peter J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHypothalamic inflammation is thought to contribute to obesity. One potential mechanism is via gut microbiota derived bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) entering into the circulation and activation of Toll-like receptor-4. This is called metabolic endotoxemia. Another potential mechanism is systemic inflammation arising from sustained exposure to high-fat diet (HFD) over more than 12 weeks. In this study we show that mice fed HFD over 8 weeks become obese and show elevated plasma LPS binding protein, yet body weight gain and adiposity is not attenuated in mice lacking Tlr4 or its co-receptor Cd14. In addition, caecal microbiota composition remained unchanged by diet. Exposure of mice to HFD over a more prolonged period (20 weeks) to drive systemic inflammation also caused obesity. RNAseq used to assess hypothalamic inflammation in these mice showed increased hypothalamic expression of Serpina3n and Socs3 in response to HFD, with few other genes altered. In situ hybridisation confirmed increased Serpina3n and Socs3 expression in the ARC and DMH at 20-weeks, but also at 8-weeks and increased SerpinA3N protein could be detected as early as 1 week on HFD. Overall these data show lack of hypothalamic inflammation in response to HFD and that metabolic endotoxemia does not link HFD to obesity.
Thermal behavior and microstructures of cathodes for liquid electrolyte-based lithium batteries
Authors: Tsukasaki Hirofumi , Fukuda Wataru , Morimoto Hideyuki , Arai Toshihiro , Mori Shigeo , Hayashi Akitoshi , Tatsumisago Masahiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractLithium-ion batteries are widely used as a power source for portable equipment. However, the use of highly flammable organic solvents in the liquid electrolyte component in these batteries presents a serious safety concern. In this study, the thermal stability of battery cathodes comprising LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC) and LiPF6-based electrolyte solutions have been investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) methods. Ex situ TEM measurements revealed that significant structural change occurred in the charged NMC composite after heating at a temperature above the exothermal peaks. It was found that LiF nanocrystallites precipitated in LiPF6 and that a number of nanoscale stacking faults developed in the $$R\bar{3}m$$
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3
¯

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layered structure of NMC. The results suggested that the decomposition reaction of LiPF6 and the structural change of NMC were directly associated with the exothermic reaction in the liquid electrolyte-based NMC electrode composite.
Comparative genomics of clinical strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains isolated from different geographic sites
Authors: Subedi Dinesh , Vijay Ajay Kumar , Kohli Gurjeet Singh , Rice Scott A. , Willcox Mark 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe large and complex genome of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which consists of significant portions (up to 20%) of transferable genetic elements contributes to the rapid development of antibiotic resistance. The whole genome sequences of 22 strains isolated from eye and cystic fibrosis patients in Australia and India between 1992 and 2007 were used to compare genomic divergence and phylogenetic relationships as well as genes for antibiotic resistance and virulence factors. Analysis of the pangenome indicated a large variation in the size of accessory genome amongst 22 stains and the size of the accessory genome correlated with number of genomic islands, insertion sequences and prophages. The strains were diverse in terms of sequence type and dissimilar to that of global epidemic P. aeruginosa clones. Of the eye isolates, 62% clustered together within a single lineage. Indian eye isolates possessed genes associated with resistance to aminoglycoside, beta-lactams, sulphonamide, quaternary ammonium compounds, tetracycline, trimethoprims and chloramphenicols. These genes were, however, absent in Australian isolates regardless of source. Overall, our results provide valuable information for understanding the genomic diversity of P. aeruginosa isolated from two different infection types and countries.
3D imaging of sex-sorted bovine spermatozoon locomotion, head spin and flagellum beating
Authors: Daloglu Mustafa Ugur , Lin Francis , Chong Bryan , Chien Daniel , Veli Muhammed , Luo Wei , Ozcan Aydogan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWith the advent of sperm sex sorting methods and computer-aided sperm analysis platforms, comparative 2D motility studies showed that there is no significant difference in the swimming speeds of X-sorted and Y-sorted sperm cells, clarifying earlier misconceptions. However, other differences in their swimming dynamics might have been undetectable as conventional optical microscopes are limited in revealing the complete 3D motion of free-swimming sperm cells, due to poor depth resolution and the trade-off between field-of-view and spatial resolution. Using a dual-view on-chip holographic microscope, we acquired the full 3D locomotion of 235X-sorted and 289 Y-sorted bovine sperms, precisely revealing their 3D translational head motion and the angular velocity of their head spin as well as the 3D flagellar motion. Our results confirmed that various motility parameters remain similar between X- and Y-sorted sperm populations; however, we found out that there is a statistically significant difference in Y-sorted bovine sperms’ preference for helix-shaped 3D swimming trajectories, also exhibiting an increased linearity compared to X-sorted sperms. Further research on e.g., the differences in the kinematic response of X-sorted and Y-sorted sperm cells to the surrounding chemicals and ions might shed more light on the origins of these results.
Environment-based preference selection promotes cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma game
Authors: Wu Yu’e , Zhang Shuhua , Zhang Zhipeng 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe impact of environment on individuals is particularly critical. In evolutionary games, adopting the strategy of the neighbor who performs better is nontrivial for the survival and maintenance of cooperation, in that such an action may help the agents to obtain higher benefit and more obvious evolutionary advantages. Inspired by this idea, we investigate the effect of the environment-based preference selection on the evolution of cooperation in spatial prisoner’s dilemma. A simple rule, incorporating individual preference selection via an adjustable parameter α to explore how the selection of the potential strategy sources influences individual behavior traits, is considered. Because social interaction may not be the only way of generating payoffs, we assume that the individual’s income is also affected by the environment. Besides, taking into account individual differences, we introduce the heterogeneity of the environment. Through numerous computing simulations, we find that environment-based preference selection, which accelerates the microscopic organization of cooperator clusters to resist the aggression of defectors, can truly promote cooperation within a large range of parameters. Our study indicates that the combination of heterogeneity and preference selection may be key for the sustainability of cooperation in structured populations.
Smoking aggravates ventricular arrhythmic events in non-ischemic dilated cardiomyopathy associated with a late gadolinium enhancement in cardiac MRI
Authors: Park Junbeom , Lee Hye-Jeong , Kim Sook Kyoung , Yi Jeong-Eun , Shin Dong Geum , Lee Jung Myung , Kim Yookyung , Kim Young-Jin , Joung Boyoung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSmoking is known to increase cardiovascular events, but the association and mechanisms between smoking and ventricular arrhythmic events in dilated cardiomyopathy (DCMP) are unknown. The purpose of this study is to investigate the hypothesis that smoking is associated with sudden cardiac death (SCD) and ventricular arrhythmia in DCMP patients. We enrolled 378 patients who underwent cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging (cMRI) and were diagnosed with DCMP at two general hospitals in Korea. The clinical data and left ventricular late-gadolinium enhancement (LV-LGE) of all patients were analyzed according to being never-smokers or smokers. Smokers were more likely to be male than never-smokers, but there was no other clinical difference between them. Smokers had a greater LV-LGE ratio, and multi-segment involvement of LV-LGEs. Smoking and a low left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction were significant predictors of the presence of LV-LGEs even after adjusting for optimal medical therapy. In addition, smokers had a higher fatal ventricular arrhythmic (FVA; sustained ventricular tachycardia, and ventricular fibrillation) and FVA + SCD, and ex-smokers had a similar FVA to never-smokers during 44.3 ± 36.4 months of follow-up. Finally, smoking independently increased the FVA + SCD even after adjusting for the clinical variables and LV-LGE. Smoking is associated with a multi-segmental involvement of LV-LGE and increased FVA + SCD in DCMP patients when compared to never-smokers.
A complex metal-organic framework catalyst for microwave-assisted radical polymerization
Authors: Nguyen Ha L. , Vu Thanh T. , Nguyen Dinh-Khoi , Trickett Christopher A. , Doan Tan L. H. , Diercks Christian S. , Nguyen Viet Q. , Cordova Kyle E. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMetal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have emerged as promising materials for use in practical applications of renewable energy, water harvesting, and catalytic transformation. Here we report the design of a highly porous MOF, termed MOF-907. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, in combination with topological deconstruction, revealed a MOF based on trigonal prismatic secondary building units linked together by triangular and linear units to form a previously unseen net (nha) with minimal transitivity, which is rational for these constituent building units. The catalytic properties of MOF-907 for the microwave-assisted radical polymerization of methyl methacrylate were demonstrated. MOF-907 produced a poly methyl methacrylate product in a short reaction time (30 min) with high yield (98%), high molecular weight (20,680 g mol−1), and low polydispersity (1.23).
Alternative Süßungsmittel
Authors: Mach Robert 
Published: October 2018

ZusammenfassungIm vorliegenden Artikel wird die Vielfalt an möglichen und derzeit im Handel angebotenen Alternativen zum klassischen Süßungsmittel Saccharose systematisiert. Ausgewählte Vertreter unterschiedlicher Gruppen werden im Speziellen hinsichtlich deren Süßkraft, Energiegehalt und glykämischem Index bewertet. Zusätzliche gesundheits- und umweltrelevante Aspekte werden beleuchtet. So werden die Biotransformation, die Persistenz in der Umwelt, die Energiebilanz, oder die ernährungsphysiologischen Auswirkungen und/oder Verträglichkeiten ausgewählter Substanzen anhand der aktuellen Wissenschaftsliteratur diskutiert und erläutert. Grundsätzlich orientiert sich der Beitrag dazu an einer Einteilung in 3 Stoffgruppen: Zucker im weiteren Sinne, Süßstoffe und Zuckeraustauschstoffe. Zuletzt wird ein mögliches neues Produktionsverfahren zur Herstellung des Zuckeraustauschstoffs Erythrit aus biogenen Reststoffen angesprochen.