bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Adaptive Transcriptome Profiling of Subterranean Zokor, Myospalax baileyi, to High- Altitude Stresses in Tibet
Authors: Cai Zhenyuan , Wang Liuyang , Song Xiaoying , Tagore Somnath , Li Xiangfeng , Wang Huihua , Chen Jiarui , Li Kexin , Frenkel Zeev , Gao Dahai , Frenkel-Morgenstern Milana , Zhang Tongzuo , Nevo Eviatar 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAnimals living at high altitudes have evolved distinct phenotypic and genotypic adaptations against stressful environments. We studied the adaptive patterns of altitudinal stresses on transcriptome turnover in subterranean plateau zokors (Myospalax baileyi) in the high-altitude Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau. Transcriptomes of zokors from three populations with distinct altitudes and ecologies (Low: 2846 m,Middle: 3282 m,High: 3,714 m) were sequenced and compared. Phylogenetic and principal component analyses classified them into three divergent altitudinal population clusters. Genetic polymorphisms showed that the population atH, approaching the uppermost species boundary, harbors the highest genetic polymorphism. Moreover, 1056 highly up-regulated UniGenes were identified fromMtoH. Gene ontologies reveal genes likeEPAS1andCOX1were overexpressed under hypoxia conditions.EPAS1,EGLN1, andCOX1were convergent in high-altitude adaptation against stresses in other species. The fixation indices (FSTandGST)-based outlier analysis identified 191 and 211 genes, highly differentiated amongL,M, andH. We observed adaptive transcriptome changes inMyospalax baileyi, across a few hundred meters, near the uppermost species boundary, regardless of their relatively stable underground burrows’ microclimate. The highly variant genes identified inMyospalaxwere involved in hypoxia tolerance, hypercapnia tolerance, ATP-pathway energetics, and temperature changes.
An international meta-analysis confirms the association of BNC2 with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Ogura Yoji , Takeda Kazuki , Kou Ikuyo , Khanshour Anas , Grauers Anna , Zhou Hang , Liu Gang , Fan Yan-Hui , Zhou Taifeng , Wu Zhihong , Takahashi Yohei , Matsumoto Morio ,   Japan Scoliosis Clinical Research Group (JSCRG), Kawakami Noriaki , Tsuji Taichi , Uno Koki , Suzuki Teppei , Ito Manabu , Minami Shohei , Kotani Toshiaki , Sakuma Tsuyoshi , Yanagida Haruhisa , Taneichi Hiroshi , Yonezawa Ikuho , Sudo Hideki , Chiba Kazuhiro , Hosogane Naobumi , Nishida Kotaro , Kakutani Kenichiro , Akazawa Tsutomu , Kaito Takashi , Watanabe Kei , Harimaya Katsumi , Taniguchi Yuki , Shigematsu Hideki , Demura Satoru , Iida Takahiro , Kono Katsuki , Okada Eijiro , Fujita Nobuyuki , Yagi Mitsuru , Nakamura Masaya ,   Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children Clinical Group (TSRHCCG), Karol Lori A. , Rathjen Karl E. , Sucato Daniel J. , Birch John G. , Johnston Charles E. , Richards Benjamin S. , Ramo Brandon , McIntosh Amy L. , Herring John A. , Milbrandt Todd A. , Talwakar Vishwas R. , Iwinski Henry J. , Muchow Ryan D. , Tassone J. Channing , Liu X. -C. , Shindell Richard , Schrader William , Eberson Craig , Lapinsky Anthony , Loder Randall , Davey Joseph , Einarsdottir Elisabet , Kere Juha , Huang Dongsheng , Qiu Guixing , Xu Leilei , Qiu Yong , Wise Carol A. , Song You-Qiang , Wu Nan , Su Peiqiang , Gerdhem Paul , Watanabe Kota , Ikegawa Shiro 
Published: March 2018

AbstractAdolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a common spinal deformity with the prevalence of approximately 3%. We previously conducted a genome-wide association study (GWAS) using a Japanese cohort and identified a novel locus on chromosome 9p22.2. However, a replication study using multi-population cohorts has not been conducted. To confirm the association of 9p22.2 locus with AIS in multi-ethnic populations, we conducted international meta-analysis using eight cohorts. In total, we analyzed 8,756 cases and 27,822 controls. The analysis showed a convincing evidence of association between rs3904778 and AIS. Seven out of eight cohorts had significant P value, and remaining one cohort also had the same trend as the seven. The combined P was 3.28 × 10−18 (odds ratio = 1.19, 95% confidence interval = 1.14–1.24). In silico analyses suggested that BNC2 is the AIS susceptibility gene in this locus.
Coupling of SK channels, L-type Ca2+ channels, and ryanodine receptors in cardiomyocytes
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Dong , Coulibaly Zana A. , Chen Wei Chun , Ledford Hannah A. , Lee Jeong Han , Sirish Padmini , Dai Gu , Jian Zhong , Chuang Frank , Brust-Mascher Ingrid , Yamoah Ebenezer N. , Chen-Izu Ye , Izu Leighton T. , Chiamvimonvat Nipavan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractSmall-conductance Ca2+-activated K+ (SK) channels regulate the excitability of cardiomyocytes by integrating intracellular Ca2+ and membrane potentials on a beat-to-beat basis. The inextricable interplay between activation of SK channels and Ca2+ dynamics suggests the pathology of one begets another. Yet, the exact mechanistic underpinning for the activation of cardiac SK channels remains unaddressed. Here, we investigated the intracellular Ca2+ microdomains necessary for SK channel activation. SK currents coupled with Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels (LTCCs) continued to be elicited after application of caffeine, ryanodine or thapsigargin to deplete SR Ca2+ store, suggesting that LTCCs provide the immediate Ca2+ microdomain for the activation of SK channels in cardiomyocytes. Super-resolution imaging of SK2, Cav1.2 Ca2+ channel, and ryanodine receptor 2 (RyR2) was performed to quantify the nearest neighbor distances (NND) and localized the three molecules within hundreds of nanometers. The distribution of NND between SK2 and RyR2 as well as SK2 and Cav1.2 was bimodal, suggesting a spatial relationship between the channels. The activation mechanism revealed by our study paved the way for the understanding of the roles of SK channels on the feedback mechanism to regulate the activities of LTCCs and RyR2 to influence local and global Ca2+ signaling.
Estimation of interaction energy and contact stiffness in atomic-scale sliding on a model sodium chloride surface in ethanol
Authors: Agmon Liron , Shahar Itai , Yosufov Danny , Pimentel Carlos , Pina Carlos M. , Gnecco Enrico , Berkovich Ronen 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFriction force microscopy (FFM) in aqueous environments has recently proven to be a very effective method for lattice-resolution imaging of crystal surfaces. Here we demonstrate the use of ethanol for similar measurements on water-soluble materials. Lattice resolved frictional stick-slip traces of a cleaved NaCl(100) surface submerged in ethanol are compared with previous obtained FFM results in ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). We use the Prandtl-Tomlinson framework to estimate the amplitude of the corrugation potential and the contact stiffness. The surface potential amplitude scales with the applied normal loads are in good agreement with data obtained for NaCl measured under UHV conditions, but demonstrates deviations from the ideal periodic potential given by the Prandtl-Tomlinson model. An additional finding is that the use of ethanol allows us to explore higher load ranges without detectable evidence of surface wear. The contact stiffness does not vary significantly with the normal load up to 38 nN, while above it a sudden increase by almost one order of magnitude was observed. Comparing this to previous results suggests that considerable atom rearrangements may occur in the contact region, although the (100) surface structure is preserved by ethanol-assisted diffusion of Na and Cl ions.
Cannabinoid-induced increase of quantal size and enhanced neuromuscular transmission
Authors: Morsch Marco , Protti Dario A. , Cheng Delfine , Braet Filip , Chung Roger S. , Reddel Stephen W. , Phillips William D. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractCannabinoids exert dynamic control over many physiological processes including memory formation, cognition and pain perception. In the central nervous system endocannabinoids mediate negative feedback of quantal transmitter release following postsynaptic depolarization. The influence of cannabinoids in the peripheral nervous system is less clear and might have broad implications for the therapeutic application of cannabinoids. We report a novel cannabinoid effect upon the mouse neuromuscular synapse: acutely increasing synaptic vesicle volume and raising the quantal amplitudes. In a mouse model of myasthenia gravis the cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55,212 reversed fatiguing failure of neuromuscular transmission, suggesting future therapeutic potential. Our data suggest an endogenous pathway by which cannabinoids might help to regulate transmitter release at the neuromuscular junction.
Imaging of conditional gene silencing in vivo using a bioluminescence-based method with thermo-inducible microRNAs
Authors: Pinel Karine , Genevois Coralie , Debeissat Christelle , Couillaud Franck 
Published: March 2018

AbstractRNA interference (RNAi)-based gene therapy has great potential in cancer and infectious disease treatment to correct abnormal up-regulation of gene expression. We show a new original method uses synthetic microRNAs combined with a thermo-inducible promoter to reduce specific gene expression. The targeted gene is the luciferase firefly reporter gene overexpressed in a subcutaneous tumor which allows the RNAi monitoring by bioluminescence imaging (BLI). The inducible inhibition was first demonstrated in vitro using genetically modified cells lines and then in vivo using the corresponding xenograft model in mice. Achieving spatio-temporal control, we demonstrate the feasibility to induce, in vivo, a specific gene inhibition on demand. Future applications of this RNAi-based gene therapy, which can be restricted to pathological tissue, would offer wide-ranging potential for disease treatment.
Production of antibody against elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) unveils tissue tropisms and routes of viral transmission in EEHV-infected Asian elephants
Authors: Kochagul Varankpicha , Srivorakul Saralee , Boonsri Kittikorn , Somgird Chalermchart , Sthitmatee Nattawooti , Thitaram Chatchote , Pringproa Kidsadagon 
Published: March 2018

AbstractElephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is one of the most devastating viral infectious diseases in elephants worldwide. To date, it remains unclear how elephants get infected by the virus, where the virus persists, and what mechanisms drive the pathogenesis of the disease. The present study was aimed to develop an antibody against glycoprotein B (gB) of EEHV, investigate the EEHV tissue tropisms, and provide the possible routes of EEHV transmission in Asian elephants. Samples from elephant organs that had died from EEHV1A and EEHV4 infections, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from EEHV4- and non-EEHV-infected calves were used in this study. The results of western immunoblotting indicated that the antibody can be used for detection of gB antigens in both EEHV1A- and EEHV4-infected samples. Immunohistochemical detection indicated that the EEHV gB antigens were distributed mainly in the epithelial cells of the salivary glands, stomach and intestines. Immunofluorescence test of PBMC for EEHV gB in the EEHV4-infected calf indicated that the virus was observed predominantly in the mononuclear phagocytic cells. The findings in the present study unveil tissue tropisms in the EEHV1A- and EEHV4-infected calves and point out that saliva and intestinal content are likely sources for virus transmission in EEHV-infected Asian elephants.
Perinatal stress and human hippocampal volume: Findings from typically developing young adults
Authors: Marečková Klára , Mareček Radek , Bencurova Petra , Klánová Jana , Dušek Ladislav , Brázdil Milan 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to investigate the impact of prenatal and early postnatal stress on hippocampal volume in young adulthood. In sharp contrast to numerous results in animal models, our data from a neuroimaging follow-up (n = 131) of a community-based birth cohort from the Czech Republic (European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood) showed that in typically developing young adults, hippocampal volume was not associated with birth weight, stressful life events during the prenatal or early postnatal period, or dysregulated mood and wellbeing in the mother during the early postnatal period. Interestingly, mother’s anxiety/co-dependence during the first weeks after birth did show long-lasting effects on the hippocampal volume in young adult offspring irrespective of sex. Further analyses revealed that these effects were subfield-specific; present in CA1, CA2/3, CA4, GC-DG, subiculum, molecular layer, and HATA, hippocampal subfields identified by translational research as most stress- and glucocorticoid-sensitive, but not in the remaining subfields. Our findings provide evidence that the type of early stress is critical when studying its effects on the human brain.
A proteomic insight into vitellogenesis during tick ovary maturation
Authors: Xavier Marina Amaral , Tirloni Lucas , Pinto Antônio F. M. , Diedrich Jolene K. , Yates John R. , Mulenga Albert , Logullo Carlos , da Silva Vaz Itabajara , Seixas Adriana , Termignoni Carlos 
Published: March 2018

AbstractTicks are arthropod ectoparasites of importance for public and veterinary health. The understanding of tick oogenesis and embryogenesis could contribute to the development of novel control methods. However, to date, studies on the temporal dynamics of proteins during ovary development were not reported. In the present study we followed protein profile during ovary maturation. Proteomic analysis of ovary extracts was performed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) using shotgun strategy, in addition to dimethyl labelling-based protein quantification. A total of 3,756 proteins were identified, which were functionally annotated into 30 categories. Circa 80% of the annotated proteins belong to categories related to basal metabolism, such as protein synthesis and modification machineries, nuclear regulation, cytoskeleton, proteasome machinery, transcriptional machinery, energetic metabolism, extracellular matrix/cell adhesion, immunity, oxidation/detoxification metabolism, signal transduction, and storage. The abundance of selected proteins involved in yolk uptake and degradation, as well as vitellin accumulation during ovary maturation, was assessed using dimethyl-labelling quantification. In conclusion, proteins identified in this study provide a framework for future studies to elucidate tick development and validate candidate targets for novel control methods.
Hydrophobin gene deletion and environmental growth conditions impact mechanical properties of mycelium by affecting the density of the material
Authors: Appels Freek V. W. , Dijksterhuis Jan , Lukasiewicz Catherine E. , Jansen Kaspar M. B. , Wösten Han A. B. , Krijgsheld Pauline 
Published: March 2018

AbstractFilamentous fungi colonize substrates by forming a mycelium. This network of hyphae can be used as a bio-based material. Here, we assessed the impact of environmental growth conditions and deletion of the hydrophobin gene sc3 on material properties of the mycelium of the mushroom forming fungus Schizophyllum commune. Thermogravimetric analysis showed that Δsc3 mycelium retained more water with increasing temperature when compared to the wild type. The Young’s modulus (E) of the mycelium ranged between 438 and 913 MPa when the wild type strain was grown in the dark or in the light at low or high CO2 levels. This was accompanied by a maximum tensile strength (σ) of 5.1–9.6 MPa. In contrast, E and σ of the Δsc3 strain were 3–4- fold higher with values of 1237–2727 MPa and 15.6–40.4 MPa, respectively. These values correlated with mycelium density, while no differences in chemical composition of the mycelia were observed as shown by ATR-FTIR. Together, genetic modification and environmental growth conditions impact mechanical properties of the mycelium by affecting the density of the mycelium. As a result, mechanical properties of wild type mycelium were similar to those of natural materials, while those of Δsc3 were more similar to thermoplastics.
Reprise d’un traitement implantaire
Authors: LECLERQ Philippe , MARTINEZ Jean-François , BRÜSH Michael 
Published: March 2018

La mise en place d’implants dentaires doit
obéir à un certain nombre de règles concernant
à la fois leur chirurgie, mais également
la prothèse, les prothèses de recouvrement ayant
un pronostic plus défavorable que les prothèses
fixées. Lorsque ces règles sont transgressées,
le résultat est souvent médiocre, obligeant
à une reprise du traitement. Dans ces cas,
un protocole très strict doit être suivi, concernant
essentiellement les délais de cicatrisation
qui vont permettre, malgré un allongement
de la durée du travail, d’assurer chaque étape
du traitement.
La reprise exposée dans cet article
va essentiellement insister sur ces différentes
étapes.
The Effect of Metformin on Serum Gonadotropin Levels in Postmenopausal Women with Diabetes and Prediabetes: A Pilot Study
Authors: Krysiak Robert , Szkróbka Witold , Okopień Bogusław 
Published: March 2018

Abstract
Background Metformin was found to decrease serum levels of prolactin and thyrotropin. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of this drug on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis activity in postmenopausal women with recently diagnosed and untreated glucose metabolism abnormalities.
Methods The study included three matched groups of postmenopausal women: patients with type 2 diabetes (group A, n=16), women with prediabetes (group B, n=14), and individuals with normal glucose metabolism (group C, n=14). Women with diabetes were then treated with high-dose metformin (3 g daily), while women with prediabetes received moderate doses of this agent (1.7 g daily). Glucose homeostasis markers, as well as serum levels of FSH, LH, thyrotropin, prolactin, estradiol and creatinine were measured at baseline and after 16 weeks of metformin treatment.
Results In both groups of metformin-treated women, the drug improved glucose homeostasis. High-dose metformin treatment reduced circulating levels of FSH and tended to reduce serum levels of LH, and these effects correlated with an improvement in insulin sensitivity. No changes in gonadotropin levels were observed in prediabetic women receiving moderate doses of metformin. Serum levels of thyrotropin, prolactin and estradiol, as well as the estimated glomerular filtration rate remained at a similar level throughout the study.
Conclusions Our study shows that the effect of metformin on hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis activity in postmenopausal women depends on its dose and the magnitude of insulin resistance.
Klinische Basisuntersuchung des Kniegelenkes
Authors: Roessler Philip , Wirtz Dieter , Friedrich Max 
Published: March 2018

Zusammenfassung
Zielsetzung Die erfolgreiche Behandlung von Kniegelenkserkrankungen erfordert eine exakte Diagnose. Neben einer differenzierten Anamneseerhebung stellt die klinische Untersuchung dabei den wichtigsten Bestandteil in der Diagnostik von Kniegelenkserkrankungen dar.
Methode Das vorliegende Video erklärt die gängigen Provokationstests und Funktionsprüfungen, die in der Basisuntersuchung des Kniegelenkes zum Einsatz kommen. Neben der generellen Inspektion und Palpation liegt der Fokus hierbei auf den einzelnen Regionen Patella, Menisken, Kreuzbändern und Kollateralbändern.
Schlussfolgerung Der vorliegende Basisuntersuchungsgang ermöglicht eine strukturierte Herangehensweise an klinische Problemstellungen und kann, ergänzt um weitere spezifische und individuelle Tests eine gute Grundlage für die Diagnostik von Kniegelenkserkrankungen darstellen.
The Political Economy of Housing Development in Africa
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThis chapter discusses some of the problems impeding the demand and supply of housing in Africa. Governance issues such as poor land governance and administration, corruption, inadequate housing policies and infrastructure development, as well as problems of housing affordability, are examined in this chapter.
The Construction Cost Conundrum in Africa
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe chapter focuses on the underlying factors explaining high construction costs in Africa and possible solutions for lowering costs. A value chain analysis shows that the rising prices of building materials, large shares of imports, and inefficiencies in the construction process are the main factors that lead to the high costs of housing construction in Africa. The chapter emphasizes the need to consider the broader development objectives in the choice of solutions aimed at lowering construction costs, in order to increase housing affordability in Africa. Taking an industrial approach, using labor-intensive technologies including local technologies, improving efficiency and reducing waste, producing building materials locally, densifying, and increasing the availability of skills are viable avenues for reducing construction costs and increasing housing supply.
The Way Forward: A Stakeholder Analysis
Authors: Bah El-hadj M. , Faye Issa , Geh Zekebweliwai F. 
Published: March 2018

AbstractThe authors draw on key lessons learned from other emerging countries to explore possible and alternative solutions to housing Africa’s population. The chapter provides policy suggestions to the myriad stakeholders involved in Africa’s housing market. These include innovative ways to reduce the risk in housing finance transactions, in order to encourage the private sector to serve low-income households; the enhancement of tenure security and property rights; the use of low-cost and labor-intensive construction techniques; and the adoption of enabling strategies for slum upgrading and prevention.
Single-molecule peptide fingerprinting
Authors: van Ginkel Jetty , Filius Mike , Szczepaniak Malwina , Tulinski Pawel , Meyer Anne S. , Joo Chirlmin 
Published: March 2018

Significance
Protein sequencing remains a challenge for small samples. A sensitive sequencing technology will create the opportunity for single-cell proteomics and real-time screening for on-site medical diagnostics. To resolve protein identity, we previously developed a computational algorithm that analyzes the ordered sequence of only two types of amino acids within a protein species. Through modification of a biological nanomachine, here, we developed single-molecule fluorescence technology to linearize protein molecules and to read signals from labeled amino acids in an ordered manner. This proof of concept of single-molecule fingerprinting will open the door to single-molecule protein sequencing and pave the road toward the development of a new, fast, and reliable diagnostic tool.
CD96 expression determines the inflammatory potential of IL-9–producing Th9 cells
Authors: Stanko Katarina , Iwert Christina , Appelt Christine , Vogt Katrin , Schumann Julia , Strunk Franziska Janina , Ahrlich Stefanie , Schlickeiser Stephan , Romagnani Chiara , Jürchott Karsten , Meisel Christian , Willimsky Gerald , Kühl Anja A. , Sawitzki Birgit 
Published: March 2018

SignificanceT helper type (Th) 9 cells demonstrate both pro- and antiinflammatory properties, pointing to a functional heterogeneity not examined so far. Applying single cell gene expression analysis of alloreactive Th9 cells, we revealed the existence of two major subsets, CD96highand CD96lowTh9 cells, with strongly opposing inflammatory and, especially, colitis-inducing potential. Mechanistically, we found that CD96 controls cytokine and colitis-inducing potential of Th9 cells, providing strong evidence for an inhibitory role of CD96 in controlling CD4+T-cell effector functions. Thus, interfering with CD96-mediated immune inhibition would be a promising approach in preventing Th9-mediated diseases, such as ulcerative colitis, or reinforcement of Th9-mediated immune control of tumors and infections.