bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Solid matrix-assisted printing for three-dimensional structuring of a viscoelastic medium surface
Authors: Shin Sungchul , Kwak Hojung , Shin Donghyeok , Hyun Jinho 
Published: October 2019

AbstractGluconacetobacter xylinus (G. xylinus) metabolism is activated by oxygen, which makes the formation of an air-medium interface critical. Here we report solid matrix-assisted 3D printing (SMAP) of an incubation medium surface and the 3D fabrication of bacterial cellulose (BC) hydrogels by in situ biosynthesis of G. xylinus. A printing matrix of polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) microparticles and a hydrogel ink containing an incubation medium, bacteria, and cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) are used in the SMAP process. The hydrogel ink can be printed in the solid matrix with control over the topology and dimensional stability. Furthermore, bioactive bacteria produce BC hydrogels at the surface of the medium due to the permeability of oxygen through the PTFE microparticle layer. The flexibility of the design is verified by fabricating complex 3D structures that were not reported previously. The resulting tubular BC structures suggest future biomedical applications, such as artificial blood vessels and engineered vascular tissue scaffolding. The fabrication of a versatile free-form structure of BC has been challenged due to restricted oxygen supplies at the medium and the dimensional instability of hydrogel printing. SMAP is a solution to the problem of fabricating free-form biopolymer structures, providing both printability and design diversity.
Sufu- and Spop-mediated downregulation of Hedgehog signaling promotes beta cell differentiation through organ-specific niche signals
Authors: Yung Theodora , Poon Frankie , Liang Minggao , Coquenlorge Sabrina , McGaugh Emily C. , Hui Chi-chung , Wilson Michael D. , Nostro M. Cristina , Kim Tae-Hee 
Published: October 2019

AbstractHuman embryonic stem cell-derived beta cells offer a promising cell-based therapy for diabetes. However, efficient stem cell to beta cell differentiation has proven difficult, possibly due to the lack of cross-talk with the appropriate mesenchymal niche. To define organ-specific niche signals, we isolated pancreatic and gastrointestinal stromal cells, and analyzed their gene expression during development. Our genetic studies reveal the importance of tightly regulated Hedgehog signaling in the pancreatic mesenchyme: inactivation of mesenchymal signaling leads to annular pancreas, whereas stroma-specific activation of signaling via loss of Hedgehog regulators, Sufu and Spop, impairs pancreatic growth and beta cell genesis. Genetic rescue and transcriptome analyses show that these Sufu and Spop knockout defects occur through Gli2-mediated activation of gastrointestinal stromal signals such as Wnt ligands. Importantly, inhibition of Wnt signaling in organoid and human stem cell cultures significantly promotes insulin-producing cell generation, altogether revealing the requirement for organ-specific regulation of stromal niche signals.
Influenza A virus M2 protein triggers mitochondrial DNA-mediated antiviral immune responses
Authors: Moriyama Miyu , Koshiba Takumi , Ichinohe Takeshi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCytosolic mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) activates cGAS-mediated antiviral immune responses, but the mechanism by which RNA viruses stimulate mtDNA release remains unknown. Here we show that viroporin activity of influenza virus M2 or encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) 2B protein triggers translocation of mtDNA into the cytosol in a MAVS-dependent manner. Although influenza virus-induced cytosolic mtDNA stimulates cGAS- and DDX41-dependent innate immune responses, the nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) of influenza virus associates with mtDNA to evade the STING-dependent antiviral immunity. The STING-dependent antiviral signaling is amplified in neighboring cells through gap junctions. In addition, we find that STING-dependent recognition of influenza virus is essential for limiting virus replication in vivo. Our results show a mechanism by which influenza virus stimulates mtDNA release and highlight the importance of DNA sensing pathway in limiting influenza virus replication.
HCMV-encoded US7 and US8 act as antagonists of innate immunity by distinctively targeting TLR-signaling pathways
Authors: Park Areum , Ra Eun A. , Lee Taeyun A. , Choi Hyun jin , Lee Eunhye , Kang Sujin , Seo Jun-Young , Lee Sungwook , Park Boyoun 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe mechanisms by which many human cytomegalovirus (HCMV)-encoded proteins help the virus to evade immune surveillance remain poorly understood. In particular, it is unknown whether HCMV proteins arrest Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling pathways required for antiviral defense. Here, we report that US7 and US8 as key suppressors that bind both TLR3 and TLR4, facilitating their destabilization by distinct mechanisms. US7 exploits the ER-associated degradation components Derlin-1 and Sec61, promoting ubiquitination of TLR3 and TLR4. US8 not only disrupts the TLR3-UNC93B1 association but also targets TLR4 to the lysosome, resulting in rapid degradation of the TLR. Accordingly, a mutant HCMV lacking the US7-US16 region has an impaired ability to hinder TLR3 and TLR4 activation, and the impairment is reversed by the introduction of US7 or US8. Our findings reveal an inhibitory effect of HCMV on TLR signaling, which contributes to persistent avoidance of the host antiviral response to achieve viral latency.
Actin-microtubule interplay coordinates spindle assembly in human oocytes
Authors: Roeles Johannes , Tsiavaliaris Georgios 
Published: October 2019

AbstractMammalian oocytes assemble a bipolar acentriolar microtubule spindle to segregate chromosomes during asymmetric division. There is increasing evidence that actin in the spindle interior not only participates in spindle migration and positioning but also protects oocytes from chromosome segregation errors leading to aneuploidy. Here we show that actin is an integral component of the meiotic machinery that closely interacts with microtubules during all major events of human oocyte maturation from the time point of spindle assembly till polar body extrusion and metaphase arrest. With the aid of drugs selectively affecting cytoskeleton dynamics and transiently disturbing the integrity of the two cytoskeleton systems, we identify interdependent structural rearrangements indicative of a close communication between actin and microtubules as fundamental feature of human oocytes. Our data support a model of actin-microtubule interplay that is essential for bipolar spindle assembly and correct partitioning of the nuclear genome in human oocyte meiosis.
Microsatellite genotypes of the South African Cape vulture, Gyps coprotheres
Authors: Kleinhans Courtneë , Willows-Munro Sandi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractAcross the globe, vulture species are experiencing major population declines. A key factor for the long-term persistence of these endangered species is the maintenance of genetic diversity patterns within wild populations. The datasets presented in this descriptor includes microsatellite genotypes of 605 Cape vultures (Gyps coprotheres) drawn from across the southern African distribution of the species. Microsatellites are useful in quantifying genetic diversity at the population level. Populations of the endangered Cape vulture are currently monitored by conservation agencies and the data presented here can be used as an important baseline for future population genetic monitoring.
Introducing the first whole genomes of nationals from the United Arab Emirates
Authors: AlSafar Habiba S. , Al-Ali Mariam , Elbait Gihan Daw , Al-Maini Mustafa H. , Ruta Dymitr , Peramo Braulio , Henschel Andreas , Tay Guan K. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractWhole Genome Sequencing (WGS) provides an in depth description of genome variation. In the era of large-scale population genome projects, the assembly of ethnic-specific genomes combined with mapping human reference genomes of underrepresented populations has improved the understanding of human diversity and disease associations. In this study, for the first time, whole genome sequences of two nationals of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at >27X coverage are reported. The two Emirati individuals were predominantly of Central/South Asian ancestry. An in-house customized pipeline using BWA, Picard followed by the GATK tools to map the raw data from whole genome sequences of both individuals was used. A total of 3,994,521 variants (3,350,574 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) and 643,947 indels) were identified for the first individual, the UAE S001 sample. A similar number of variants, 4,031,580 (3,373,501 SNPs and 658,079 indels), were identified for UAE S002. Variants that are associated with diabetes, hypertension, increased cholesterol levels, and obesity were also identified in these individuals. These Whole Genome Sequences has provided a starting point for constructing a UAE reference panel which will lead to improvements in the delivery of precision medicine, quality of life for affected individuals and a reduction in healthcare costs. The information compiled will likely lead to the identification of target genes that could potentially lead to the development of novel therapeutic modalities.
Simple and large-scale chromosomal engineering of mouse zygotes via in vitro and in vivo electroporation
Authors: Iwata Satoru , Nakadai Hitomi , Fukushi Daisuke , Jose Mami , Nagahara Miki , Iwamoto Takashi 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 system has facilitated dramatic progress in the field of genome engineering. Whilst microinjection of the Cas9 protein and a single guide RNA (sgRNA) into mouse zygotes is a widespread method for producing genetically engineered mice, in vitro and in vivo electroporation (which are much more convenient strategies) have recently been developed. However, it remains unknown whether these electroporation methods are able to manipulate genomes at the chromosome level. In the present study, we used these techniques to introduce chromosomal inversions of several megabases (Mb) in length in mouse zygotes. Using in vitro electroporation, we successfully introduced a 7.67 Mb inversion, which is longer than any previously reported inversion produced using microinjection-based methods. Additionally, using in vivo electroporation, we also introduced a long chromosomal inversion by targeting an allele in F1 hybrid mice. To our knowledge, the present study is the first report of target-specific chromosomal inversions in mammalian zygotes using electroporation.
Depletion of CD40 on CD11c+ cells worsens the metabolic syndrome and ameliorates hepatic inflammation during NASH
Authors: Aarts Suzanne , Reiche Myrthe , den Toom Myrthe , Gijbels Marion , Beckers Linda , Gerdes Norbert , Lutgens Esther 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe co-stimulatory CD40-CD40L dyad plays a central role in fine-tuning immune reactions, including obesity-induced inflammation. Genetic ablation of CD40L reduced adipose tissue inflammation, while absence of CD40 resulted in aggravated metabolic dysfunction in mice. During obesity, CD40 expressing CD11c+ dendritic cells (DC) and macrophages accumulate in adipose tissue and liver. We investigated the role of CD40+CD11c+ cells in the metabolic syndrome and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). DC-CD40-ko mice (CD40fl/flCD11ccre) mice were subjected to obesity or NASH. Obesity and insulin resistance were induced by feeding mice a 54% high fat diet (HFD). NASH was induced by feeding mice a diet containing 40% fat, 20% fructose and 2% cholesterol. CD40fl/flCD11ccre mice fed a HFD displayed increased weight gain, increased adipocyte size, and worsened insulin resistance. Moreover, CD40fl/flCD11ccre mice had higher plasma and hepatic cholesterol levels and developed profound liver steatosis. Overall, regulatory T cell numbers were decreased in these mice. In NASH, absence of CD40 on CD11c+ cells slightly decreased liver inflammation but did not affect liver lipid accumulation. Our experiments suggest that CD40 expressing CD11c+ cells can act as a double-edged sword: CD40 expressing CD11c+ cells contribute to liver inflammation during NASH but are protective against the metabolic syndrome via induction of regulatory T cells.
Retinoic acid receptor α as a novel contributor to adrenal cortex structure and function through interactions with Wnt and Vegfa signalling
Authors: El Zein Rami M. , Soria Audrey H. , Golib Dzib Jose Felipe , Rickard Amanda J. , Fernandes-Rosa Fabio L. , Samson-Couterie Benoit , Giscos-Douriez Isabelle , Rocha Angélique , Poglitsch Marko , Gomez-Sanchez Celso E. , Amar Laurence , Ghyselinck Norbert B. , Benecke Arndt , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Boulkroun Sheerazed 
Published: October 2019

AbstractPrimary aldosteronism (PA) is the most frequent form of secondary arterial hypertension. Mutations in different genes increase aldosterone production in PA, but additional mechanisms may contribute to increased cell proliferation and aldosterone producing adenoma (APA) development. We performed transcriptome analysis in APA and identified retinoic acid receptor alpha (RARα) signaling as a central molecular network involved in nodule formation. To understand how RARα modulates adrenal structure and function, we explored the adrenal phenotype of male and female Rarα knockout mice. Inactivation of Rarα in mice led to significant structural disorganization of the adrenal cortex in both sexes, with increased adrenal cortex size in female mice and increased cell proliferation in males. Abnormalities of vessel architecture and extracellular matrix were due to decreased Vegfa expression and modifications in extracellular matrix components. On the molecular level, Rarα inactivation leads to inhibition of non-canonical Wnt signaling, without affecting the canonical Wnt pathway nor PKA signaling. Our study suggests that Rarα contributes to the maintenance of normal adrenal cortex structure and cell proliferation, by modulating Wnt signaling. Dysregulation of this interaction may contribute to abnormal cell proliferation, creating a propitious environment for the emergence of specific driver mutations in PA.
Biodegradable Surgical Staple Composed of Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Amano Hizuru , Hanada Kotaro , Hinoki Akinari , Tainaka Takahisa , Shirota Chiyoe , Sumida Wataru , Yokota Kazuki , Murase Naruhiko , Oshima Kazuo , Chiba Kosuke , Tanaka Yujiro , Uchida Hiroo 
Published: October 2019

AbstractCurrently, surgical staples are composed of non–biodegradable titanium (Ti) that can cause allergic reactions and interfere with imaging. This paper proposes a novel biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloy staple and discusses analyses conducted to evaluate its safety and feasibility. Specifically, finite element analysis revealed that the proposed staple has a suitable stress distribution while stapling and maintaining closure. Further, an immersion test using artificial intestinal juice produced satisfactory biodegradable behavior, mechanical durability, and biocompatibility in vitro. Hydrogen resulting from rapid corrosion of Mg was observed in small quantities only in the first week of immersion, and most staples maintained their shapes until at least the fourth week. Further, the tensile force was maintained for more than a week and was reduced to approximately one-half by the fourth week. In addition, the Mg concentration of the intestinal artificial juice was at a low cytotoxic level. In porcine intestinal anastomoses, the Mg alloy staples caused neither technical failure nor such complications as anastomotic leakage, hematoma, or adhesion. No necrosis or serious inflammation reaction was histopathologically recognized. Thus, the proposed Mg alloy staple offers a promising alternative to Ti alloy staples.
Improving water retention capacity of an aeolian sandy soil with feldspathic sandstone
Authors: Zhang Lu , Han Jichang 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThe Mu Us sandy land in China’s Shaanxi Province faces a critical water shortage, with its aeolian sandy soil endangering the regional eco-environment. Here we investigated the effects of feldspathic sandstone on water retention in an aeolian sandy soil from the Mu Us sandy land. Feldspathic sandstone and aeolian sandy soil samples were mixed at different mass ratios of 0:1 (control), 1:5 (T1), 1:2 (T2), and 1:1 (T3). Soil-water characteristic curves were determined over low- to medium-suction (1–1000 kPa) and high-suction (1000–140 000 kPa) ranges, by centrifuge and water vapor equilibrium methods, respectively. Results showed that the addition of feldspathic sandstone modified the loose structure of the aeolian sandy soil mainly consisting of sand grains. The van Genuchten model described well the soil-water characteristic curves of all four experimental soils (R2-values > 0.97). Soil water content by treatment was ranked as T2 > T3 > T1 > control at the same low matric suction (1–5 kPa), but this shifted to T2 > T1 > T3 > control at the same medium- to high-suction (5–140 000 kPa). T2 soil had the largest saturated water content, with a relatively high water supply capacity. This soil (T2) also had the largest field capacity, total available water content, and permanent wilting coefficient, which were respectively 17.82%, 11.64%, and 23.11% higher than those of the control (P-values < 0.05). In conclusion, adding the feldspathic sandstone in an appropriate proportion (e.g., 33%) can considerably improve the water retention capacity of aeolian sandy soil in the study area.
Worry and metacognitions as predictors of the development of anxiety and paranoia
Authors: Sun Xiaoqi , So Suzanne H. , Chan Raymond C. K. , Chiu Chui-De , Leung Patrick W. L. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractRecent studies have shown that worry and related negative metacognitions are characteristic in generalized anxiety and paranoia respectively. However, most of these studies did not take into account common co-occurrence of anxiety and paranoia, and longitudinal modelling of the role of worry and metacognitions on the development of anxiety and paranoia is rare. The current study aimed at examining the bidirectional longitudinal relationship between anxiety and paranoia, as well as the importance of worry and metacognitions in the development of these symptoms. Our validated sample consisted of 2291 participants recruited from universities, among whom 1746 participants (76.21%) completed online questionnaires at baseline and at one year, reporting levels of anxiety, paranoia, worry, and negative metacognitions. Structural equation modeling analyses, followed by path comparisons, revealed that anxiety and paranoia mutually reinforced each other over time. Negative metacognitions, rather than worry itself, were contributive to the development of both symptoms over time. Negative metacognitions showed bi-directional relationships with anxiety over the time period assessed and showed uni-directional relationships with paranoia. Clinical implications of our findings are discussed.
Soft mobile robot inspired by animal-like running motion
Authors: Park Tongil , Cha Youngsu 
Published: October 2019

AbstractThere is a considerable demand for legged robots with exploring capabilities such as passing through narrow pathways. Soft robots can provide a solution for such applications. Here, we propose a soft legged mobile robot with bimorph piezoelectric main body and pre-curved piezoelectric legs. We experimentally demonstrate the performance of the soft mobile robot. The mobile robot can move 70% of the body length per second. In addition, we investigate physical mechanisms behind the locomotion of the mobile robot using a numerical simulation. Interestingly, the mobile robot generates an animal-like running motion. We find that the amplitude difference of the legs, depending on the leg activation condition, may affect the performance of the robot. We also confirm that the soft mobile robot can maintain the movement under impulsive shock owing to its flexibility.
The photocurrent generated by photon replica states of an off-resonantly coupled dot-cavity system
Authors: Abdullah Nzar Rauf , Tang Chi-Shung , Manolescu Andrei , Gudmundsson Vidar 
Published: October 2019

AbstractTransport properties of a quantum dot coupled to a photon cavity are investigated using a quantum master equation in the steady-state regime. In the off-resonance regime, when the photon energy is smaller than the energy spacing between the lowest electron states of the quantum dot, we calculate the current that is generated by photon replica states as the electronic system is pumped with photons. Tuning the electron-photon coupling strength, the photocurrent can be enhanced by the influences of the photon polarization, and the cavity-photon coupling strength of the environment. We show that the current generated through the photon replicas is very sensitive to the photon polarization, but it is not strongly dependent on the average number of photons in the environment.
Meso/macroscopically multifunctional surface interfaces, ridges, and vortex-modified anode/cathode cuticles as force-driven modulation of high-energy density of LIB electric vehicles
Authors: Khalifa H. , El-Safty S. A. , Reda A. , Shenashen M. A. , Selim M. M. , Alothman O. Y. , Ohashi N. 
Published: October 2019

AbstractModulation of lithium-ion battery (LIB) anodes/cathodes with three-dimensional (3D) topographical hierarchy ridges, surface interfaces, and vortices promotes the power tendency of LIBs in terms of high-energy density and power density. Large-scale meso-geodesics offer a diverse range of spatial LIB models along the geodetically shaped downward/upward curvature, leading to open-ended movement gate options, and diffusible space orientations. Along with the primary 3D super-scalable hierarchy, the formation of structural features of building block egress/ingress, curvature cargo-like sphere vehicles, irregularly located serrated cuticles with abundant V-undulated rigidness, feathery tube pipe conifers, and a band of dagger-shaped needle sticks on anode/cathode electrode surfaces provides high performance LIB modules. The geodetically-shaped anode/cathode design enables the uniqueness of all LIB module configurations in terms of powerful lithium ion (Li+) movement revolving in out-/in- and up-/downward diffusion regimes and in hovering electron density for high-speed discharge rates. The stability of built-in anode//cathode full-scale LIB-model meso-geodesics affords an outstanding long-term cycling performance. The full-cell LIB meso-geodesics offered 91.5% retention of the first discharge capacity of 165.8 mAhg−1 after 2000 cycles, Coulombic efficiency of ~99.6% at the rate of 1 C and room temperature, and high specific energy density of ≈119 Wh kg−1. This LIB meso-geodesic module configuration may align perfectly with the requirements of the energy density limit mandatory for long-term EV driving range and the scale-up commercial manufactures.
Esther Haines: scientist or woman in science?
Authors: Cox Amy 
Published: October 2019

In her speech to Cambridge AWiSE (Association for Women in Science and Engineering) in September 2009, Esther Haines opened with a response to a Natural History Museum questionnaire:
“Being a woman has had little negative impact on my life as a scientist, but being a scientist has had a seriously detrimental effect on my life as a woman”1