bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Activation of Th lymphocytes alters pattern expression and cellular location of VIP receptors in healthy donors and early arthritis patients
Authors: Villanueva-Romero R. , Gutiérrez-Cañas I. , Carrión M. , González-Álvaro I. , Rodríguez-Frade J. M. , Mellado M. , Martínez C. , Gomariz R. P. , Juarranz Y. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractVasoactive Intestinal Peptide (VIP) is an important immunomodulator of CD4+cells in normal and pathological conditions, which exerts its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory actions through VPAC receptors, VPAC1and VPAC2. Only a decrease in the expression of VPAC1mRNA on Th cells upon activation has been reported. Thus, the deepening in the knowledge of the behavior of these receptors may contribute to the design of new therapies based on their activation and/or blockade. In this study, we describe the expression pattern, cellular location and functional role of VIP receptors during the activation of human Th cells in healthy conditions and in early arthritis (EA). The protein expression pattern of VPAC1did not change with the activation of Th lymphocytes, whereas VPAC2was up-regulated. In resting cells, VPAC1was located on the plasma membrane and nucleus, whereas it only appeared in the nucleus in activated cells. VPAC2was always found in plasma membrane location. VIP receptors signaled through a PKA-dependent pathway in both conditions, and also by a PKA-independent pathway in activated cells. Both receptors exhibit a potent immunomodulatory capacity by controlling the pathogenic profile and the activation markers of Th cells. These results highlight a novel translational view in inflammatory/autoimmune diseases.
Structure and tailspike glycosidase machinery of ORF212 from E. coli O157:H7 phage CBA120 (TSP3)
Authors: Greenfield Julia , Shang Xiaoran , Luo Heng , Zhou Yan , Heselpoth Ryan D. , Nelson Daniel C. , Herzberg Osnat 
Published: May 2019

AbstractBacteriophage tailspike proteins mediate virion absorption through reversible primary receptor binding, followed by lipopolysaccharide or exopolysaccharide degradation. The Escherichia coli O157:H7 bacteriophage CBA120 genome encodes four distinct tailspike proteins, annotated as ORFs 210 through 213. Previously, we reported the crystal structure of ORF210 (TSP1). Here we describe the crystal structure of ORF212 (TSP3) determined at 1.85 Å resolution. As observed with other tailspike proteins, TSP3 assembles into a trimer. Each subunit of TSP3 has an N-terminal head domain that is structurally similar to that of TSP1, consistent with their high amino acid sequence identity. In contrast, despite sharing a β-helix fold, the overall structure of the C-terminal catalytic domain of TSP3 is quite different when compared to TSP1. The TSP3 structure suggests that the glycosidase active site resides in a cleft at the interface between two adjacent subunits where three acidic residues, Glu362 and Asp383 on one subunit, and Asp426 on a second subunit, are located in close proximity. Comparing the glycosidase activity of wild-type TSP3 to various point mutants revealed that catalysis requires the carboxyl groups of Glu362 and Asp426, and not of Asp383, confirming the enzyme employs two carboxyl groups to degrade lippopolysaccharide using an acid/base mechanism.
An adjustable permeation membrane up to the separation for multicomponent gas mixture
Authors: Ye Hongfei , Li Dong , Ye Xin , Zheng Yonggang , Zhang Zhongqiang , Zhang Hongwu , Chen Zhen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe mixture separation is of fundamental importance in the modern industry. The membrane-based separation technology has attracted considerable attention due to the high efficiency, low energy consumption, etc. However, the tradeoff between the permeability and selectivity is a crucial challenge, which is also difficult to adjust during the separation process. Based on the salt water-filled carbon nanotubes, a separation membrane with the adjustable molecular channels by the electric field is proposed in this work. The separation mechanism is clarified on the basis of the characteristic size of the molecular channel and the overall effective diameter of gas molecules. The molecular dynamics simulation is performed to examine the feasibility and validity of the designed separation membrane. The simulations on the binary gas mixture (H2 and N2) reveal the flow control and high-purity separation as the electric field intensity varies. As for the mixed gas with the three components (H2, N2 and Xe), the successive separations and the switch between the high-efficiency and high-purity separation could be achieved only through adjusting the electric field intensity. This work incorporates the control into the membrane-based separation technology, which provides a novel solution for the complex industrial separation requirement.
In silico prediction of housekeeping long intergenic non-coding RNAs reveals HKlincR1 as an essential player in lung cancer cell survival
Authors: Memon Danish , Bi Jing , Miller Crispin J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPrioritising long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) for functional characterisation is a significant challenge. Here we applied computational approaches to discover lincRNAs expected to play a critical housekeeping (HK) role within the cell. Using the Illumina Human BodyMap RNA sequencing dataset as a starting point, we first identified lincRNAs ubiquitously expressed across a panel of human tissues. This list was then further refined by reference to conservation score, secondary structure and promoter DNA methylation status. Finally, we used tumour expression and copy number data to identify lincRNAs rarely downregulated or deleted in multiple tumour types. The resulting list of candidate essential lincRNAs was then subjected to co-expression analyses using independent data from ENCODE and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). This identified a substantial subset with a predicted role in DNA replication and cell cycle regulation. One of these, HKlincR1, was selected for further characterisation. Depletion of HKlincR1 affected cell growth in multiple lung cancer cell lines, and led to disruption of genes involved in cell growth and viability. In addition, HKlincR1 expression was correlated with overall survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients. Our in silico studies therefore reveal a set of housekeeping noncoding RNAs of interest both in terms of their role in normal homeostasis, and their relevance in tumour growth and maintenance.
Cathelicidins and the Onset of Labour
Authors: Boeckel Sara R. van , Hrabalkova Lenka , Baker Tina L. , MacPherson Heather , Frew Lorraine , Boyle Ashley K. , McHugh Brian J. , Wilson Kirsten , Norman Jane E. , Dorin Julia R. , Davidson Donald J. , Stock Sarah J. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPreterm birth, defined as delivery before 37 weeks of gestation, is the leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity. Infection and inflammation are frequent antecedents of spontaneous preterm birth. Cathelicidin, an antimicrobial host defence peptide, is induced by infection and inflammation and although expressed in the reproductive tract and fetal tissues, its role in the pathogenesis of spontaneous preterm birth is unknown. Here we demonstrate that cathelicidin expression is increased at RNA and protein level in the mouse uterus in a model of inflammation-induced labour, where ultrasound guided intrauterine injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) at E17 stimulates preterm delivery within 24 hours. Cathelicidin-deficient (Camp−/−) mice are less susceptible to preterm delivery than wild type mice following intrauterine injection of 1 μg of LPS, and this is accompanied by a decrease in circulating IL-6, an inflammatory mediator implicated in the onset of labour. We also show that the proportion of cathelicidin expressing cells in the myometrium is higher in samples obtained from women in labour at term than pre-labour. Together, these data suggest that cathelicidin has roles in mediating pro-inflammatory responses in a murine model of inflammation-induced labour, and in human term labour.
High velocity domain wall propagation using voltage controlled magnetic anisotropy
Authors: Tan F. N. , Gan W. L. , Ang C. C. I. , Wong G. D. H. , Liu H. X. , Poh F. , Lew W. S. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe use of voltage-controlled magnetic anisotropy (VCMA) via the creation of a sloped electric field has been hailed as an energy-efficient approach for domain wall (DW) propagation. However, this method suffers from a limitation of the nanowire length which the DW can propagate on. Here, we propose the use of multiplexed gate electrodes to propagate DWs on magnetic nanowires without having any length constraints. The multi-gate electrode configuration is demonstrated using micromagnetic simulations. This allows controllable voltages to be applied to neighboring gate electrodes, generating large strength of magnetic anisotropy gradients along the nanowire, and the results show that DW velocities higher than 300 m/s can be achieved. Analysis of the DW dynamics during propagation reveals that the tilt of the DW and the direction of slanted gate electrode greatly alters the steady state DW propagation. Our results show that chevron-shaped gate electrodes is an effective optimisation that leads to multi-DW propagation with high velocity. Moreover, a repeating series of high-medium-low magnetic anisotropy regions enables a deterministic VCMA-controlled high velocity DW propagation.
The HuR CMLD-2 inhibitor exhibits antitumor effects via MAD2 downregulation in thyroid cancer cells
Authors: Allegri Lorenzo , Baldan Federica , Roy Sudeshna , Aubé Jeffrey , Russo Diego , Filetti Sebastiano , Damante Giuseppe 
Published: May 2019

AbstractHu antigen R (HuR) is indeed one of the most studied RNA-binding protein (RBP) since its fundamental role both in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. For this reason, downregulation in HuR protein levels or inhibition of HuR biological function are, nowadays, attractive goals in cancer research. Here, we examined the antitumor effects of CMLD-2 in four thyroid cancer cell lines (SW1736, 8505 C, BCPAP and K1). Indeed, CMLD-2 competitively binds HuR protein disrupting its interaction with RNA-targets. 35 μM CLMD-2 produced a significant downregulation in thyroid cancer cell viability, coupled to an increase in apoptosis. Moreover, CMLD-2 treatment hindered both migration and colony formation ability. MAD2 is a microtubules-associated protein known to be greatly overexpressed in cancer and correlating with tumor aggressiveness. Furthermore, MAD2 is known to be a HuR target. CMLD-2 treatment induced a strong MAD2 downregulation and rescue experiments depicted it as a key effector in HuR-mediated in cancer. Altogether, these data contributed to foster HuR inhibition as valid antineoplastic treatment in thyroid cancer, highlighting MAD2 as a novel therapeutic target.
Directional coupling of surface plasmon polaritons at complementary split-ring resonators
Authors: Hwang Yongsop , Yang Jin-Kyu 
Published: May 2019

AbstractWe propose a complementary split-ring resonator (CSRR) for a directional coupling of surface plasmon polaritons. An air-slot split-ring in a gold film is investigated using the finite-difference time-domain method. The normally incident light couples to either a monopole or a dipole SPP depending on the polarization of light. Adjusting the angle of the linear polarization of the incident light enables a one-way propagation of SPPs on the gold film. Theoretical analysis based on the propagation of cylindrical waves from the SPP point source is provided with Hankel function. The propagated power in one direction is obtained to be 30 times higher than the opposite direction with a coupling efficiency of 18.2% from the simulation for an array of the CSRRs. This approach to the directional coupling of SPPs will be advantageous for miniaturizing photonic and plasmonic circuits and devices.
Identification of key genes involved in type 2 diabetic islet dysfunction: a bioinformatics study
Authors: Zhong Ming , Wu Yilong , Ou Weijie , Huang Linjing , Yang Liyong 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
Aims: To identify the key differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in islet and investigate their potential pathway in the molecular process of type 2 diabetes.
Methods: Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE20966, GSE25724, GSE38642) of type 2 diabetes patients and normal controls were downloaded from GEO database. DEGs were further assessed by enrichment analysis based on the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID) 6.8. Then, by using Search Tool for the Retrieval Interacting Genes (STRING) 10.0 and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), we identified hub gene and associated pathway. At last, we performed quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) to validate the expression of hub gene.
Results: Forty-five DEGs were co-expressed in the three datasets, most of which were down-regulated. DEGs are mostly involved in cell pathway, response to hormone and binding. In protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, we identified ATP-citrate lyase (ACLY) as hub gene. GSEA analysis suggests low expression of ACLY is enriched in glycine serine and threonine metabolism, drug metabolism cytochrome P450 (CYP) and NOD-like receptor (NLR) signaling pathway. qPCR showed the same expression trend of hub gene ACLY as in our bioinformatics analysis.
Conclusion: Bioinformatics analysis revealed that ACLY and the pathways involved are possible target in the molecular mechanism of type 2 diabetes.
Correlation between miRNA target site polymorphisms in the 3′ UTR of AVPR1A and the risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Zhang Liuping , Liu Jinwei , Cheng Peng , Lv Fangchao 
Published: May 2019

Abstract
We aimed to study the relationship between rs11174811 and rs3803107 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in miRNA target sites of the 3′ UTR in the arginine vasopressin receptor 1a gene (AVPR1A) and the risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population. The genotypes at rs11174811 and rs3803107 were analyzed by direct sequencing in 425 Chinese Han patients with hypertension and 425 healthy subjects. AVPR1A expression was investigated by transfecting miR-526b, miR-375, and miR-186 mimics into human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) containing AVPR1A rs11174811 CC, CA/AA and AVPR1A rs3803107 GG, GA/AA genotypes. The A alleles of rs11174811 (adjusted OR = 1.424, 95% CI: 1.231–1.599, P&lt;0.001) and rs3803107 (adjusted OR = 1.222, 95% CI: 1.092–1.355; P=0.001) were high risk factors for hypertension. Plasma levels of miR-526b, miR-375, and miR-186 were higher in the study group than in the control group (P&lt;0.001). The expression levels of AVPR1A mRNA in AVPR1A rs11174811 and rs3803107 mutant HUVECs were higher than those in wild-type cells (t = 8.811, 4.068 and P=0.001, 0.015, respectively). The single nucleotide polymorphisms rs11174811 and rs3803107 in the AVPR1A gene are associated with an increased risk of hypertension in the Chinese Han population. This may be related to the effect of these variants on the regulation of AVPR1A expression by miRNAs.
Vowel Formants in Normal and Loud Speech
Authors: Koenig Laura L. , Fuchs Susanne 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This study evaluated how 1st and 2nd vowel formant frequencies (F1, F2) differ between normal and loud speech in multiple speaking tasks to assess claims that loudness leads to exaggerated vowel articulation.

Method
Eleven healthy German-speaking women produced normal and loud speech in 3 tasks that varied in the degree of spontaneity: reading sentences that contained isolated /i: a: u:/, responding to questions that included target words with controlled consonantal contexts but varying vowel qualities, and a recipe recall task. Loudness variation was elicited naturalistically by changing interlocutor distance. First and 2nd formant frequencies and average sound pressure level were obtained from the stressed vowels in the target words, and vowel space area was calculated from /i: a: u:/.

Results
Comparisons across many vowels indicated that high, tense vowels showed limited formant variation as a function of loudness. Analysis of /i: a: u:/ across speech tasks revealed vowel space reduction in the recipe retell task compared to the other 2. Loudness changes for F1 were consistent in direction but variable in extent, with few significant results for high tense vowels. Results for F2 were quite varied and frequently not significant. Speakers differed in how loudness and task affected formant values. Finally, correlations between sound pressure level and F1 were generally positive but varied in magnitude across vowels, with the high tense vowels showing very flat slopes.

Discussion
These data indicate that naturalistically elicited loud speech in typical speakers does not always lead to changes in vowel formant frequencies and call into question the notion that increasing loudness is necessarily an automatic method of expanding the vowel space.

Supplemental Material

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.8061740
Recovery From Sudden Sensorineural Hearing Loss May Be Linked to Chronic Stress Levels and Steroid Treatment Resistance
Authors: Ajduk Jakov , Košec Andro , Kelava Iva , Ries Mihael , Gregurić Tomislav , Kalogjera Livije 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
This article investigates the possible connections between the level of chronic stress and success of steroid therapy in patients with sudden sensorineural hearing loss (SSNHL).

Method

A single-center, retrospective, longitudinal cohort study on 55 patients in a tertiary referral otology center was examined. Patients diagnosed with SSNHL between 2014 and 2017 were asked to complete a Measure of Perceived Stress (Brajac, Tkalcic, Dragojević, & Gruber,
2003
) questionnaire. Inclusion criteria were patients > 18 years of age, SSNHL diagnosed within 4 previous weeks, completed steroid treatment, and complete documentation.

Results

There were 30 patients (55%) that showed significant improvement in their pure-tone audiogram (PTA) hearing threshold average (≥ 15 dB) after steroid treatment. Two-step cluster analysis identified 3 clusters based on average PTA hearing threshold recovery and average Measure of Perceived Stress scores. The difference between pretreatment and posttreatment hearing levels was significantly higher in the cluster with moderate stress compared to clusters with mild and high stress levels (Kruskal–Wallis test, Friedman test,
p
< .001). There were no significant differences in average PTA hearing threshold recovery after steroid therapy between groups of patients with mild and severe stress.

Conclusion
Patients with moderate stress levels show significantly better results after steroid treatment for SSNHL than patients with low or high stress levels.
Characteristics of Adults With Unrecognized Hearing Loss
Authors: De Iorio Monica L. , Rapport Lisa J. , Wong Christina G. , Stach Brad A. 
Published: May 2019

Purpose
Early detection of hearing loss is important for providing support and intervention for adults with age-related hearing loss. However, many older adults have hearing loss that is unidentified. Because they do not present the problem at health care settings, there is a dearth of research on people with unrecognized hearing loss (URHL). This study elucidates differences between older adults with normal hearing, adults with recognized hearing loss (RHL), and adults with URHL.

Method

Participants included 130 adults, ages 55–85 years. Of these, 39 had hearing in the normal range (HNR), 61 had RHL, and 30 reported HNR but failed a hearing screen (i.e., URHL). Participants completed the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS;
Watson, Clark, & Tellegen, 1988
) and a battery of neuropsychological tests.

Results
The URHL group reported more positive affectivity than the HNR and RHL groups on the PANAS. In addition, the URHL group was significantly older and more likely to be male compared to the HNR group. Importantly, age was not significantly correlated with PANAS. Positive affectivity accounted for unique variance in group membership even after accounting for age, gender, physical health, and cognitive health.

Conclusions
Older adults with URHL have more positive affectivity than older adults with HNR or RHL. This group may be prone to downplaying their difficulties; consequently, they may need to experience larger hearing deficits before seeking help. The findings highlight the need for research investigating the effectiveness of psychoeducation on the importance of formal hearing assessment versus relying on self-assessment in facilitating early and effective intervention among people with URHL.
Carrier frequency harmonic suppression in dual three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor system
Authors: Zheng Boyuan , Xu Yongxiang , Wang Guan , Yu Guodong , Yan Hao , Wang Minghui , Zou Jibin 
Published: May 2019

Dual three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) is a major area of interest within the field of motors since it inherits the advantages of both the PMSM and multiphase machines. While dual three‐phase PMSM (DTP‐PMSM) system has a more severe carrier frequency harmonic problem due to the low impedance in the harmonic subspace, which will not only decrease the efficiency but also produce the high‐frequency audible noise. This study proposes an improved space vector pulse‐width modulation (SVPWM) strategy by changing the sequence of the pulse‐width modulation wave. The improved SVPWM strategy with a 10 kHz carrier frequency has the same effect as the conventional SVPWM with a 20 kHz carrier frequency, which will significantly decrease the switching loss, lead to lower size of inductance, capacitance and eliminate the high‐frequency audible noise. Three existing mainstream SVPWM strategies in DTP‐PMSM system are introduced and the proposed strategy can be used in them without affecting their original advantages. The switching times are also minimised to reduce the switching loss. The theoretical derivation is proposed to prove the harmonic suppression ability of the proposed SVPWM and the implementation procedure is given then. The simulation and experimental results proved the effectiveness of the strategy.
Ceramic Bone Graft Substitutes do not reduce donor-site morbidity in ACL reconstruction surgeries: a pilot study
Authors: Dhanakodi Naresh , Thilak Jai , Varghese Jacob , Menon Krishnankutty Venugopal , Varma Harikrishna , Tripathy Sujit Kumar 
Published: May 2019

Introduction:Anterior knee pain is a major problem following Bone-patellar-tendon-bone graft (BPTB) use in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction. We hypothesized that filling the donor defect sites with bone-graft substitute would reduce the anterior knee symptoms in ACL reconstruction surgeries.Material and Methods: Patients operated for ACL-deficient knee between March 2012 and August 2013 using BPTB graft were divided into two treatment groups. The patellar and tibial donor-site bony defects were filled-up with Hydroxyapatite–Bioglass (HAP:BG) blocks in the study group (n = 15) and no filler was used in the control group (n = 16). At 2 years, the clinical improvement was assessed using International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) score and donor-site morbidity was assessed by questionnaires and specific tests related to anterior knee pain symptoms.Results: Donor-site tenderness was present in 40% patients in the study group and 37.5% patients in the control group (p = 0.59). Pain upon kneeling was present in 33.3% patients in the study group and 37.5% patients in the control group (p = 0.55). Walking in kneeling position elicited pain in 40% patients in the study group and 43.8% in the control group (p = 0.56). The mean visual analogue score for knee pain was 3.0 in the study group and 3.13 in the control group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.68). Unlike control group, where a persistent bony depression defect was observed at donor sites, no such defects were observed in the study group.Conclusion:Filling the defects of donor sites with HAP:BG blocks do not reduce the anterior knee symptoms in patients with ACL reconstruction using autogenous BPTB graft.