bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamic changes in epithelial cell morphology control thymic organ size during atrophy and regeneration
Authors: Venables Thomas , Griffith Ann V. , DeAraujo Alice , Petrie Howard T. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractT lymphocytes must be produced throughout life, yet the thymus, where T lymphocytes are made, exhibits accelerated atrophy with age. Even in advanced atrophy, however, the thymus remains plastic, and can be regenerated by appropriate stimuli. Logically, thymic atrophy is thought to reflect senescent cell death, while regeneration requires proliferation of stem or progenitor cells, although evidence is scarce. Here we use conditional reporters to show that accelerated thymic atrophy reflects contraction of complex cell projections unique to cortical epithelial cells, while regeneration requires their regrowth. Both atrophy and regeneration are independent of changes in epithelial cell number, suggesting that the size of the thymus is regulated primarily by rate-limiting morphological changes in cortical stroma, rather than by their cell death or proliferation. Our data also suggest that cortical epithelial morphology is under the control of medullary stromal signals, revealing a previously unrecognized endocrine-paracrine signaling axis in the thymus.
The CXCL5/CXCR2 axis is sufficient to promote breast cancer colonization during bone metastasis
Authors: Romero-Moreno Ricardo , Curtis Kimberly J. , Coughlin Thomas R. , Miranda-Vergara Maria Cristina , Dutta Shourik , Natarajan Aishwarya , Facchine Beth A. , Jackson Kristen M. , Nystrom Lukas , Li Jun , Kaliney William , Niebur Glen L. , Littlepage Laurie E. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractBone is one of the most common sites for metastasis across cancers. Cancer cells that travel through the vasculature and invade new tissues can remain in a non-proliferative dormant state for years before colonizing the metastatic site. Switching from dormancy to colonization is the rate-limiting step of bone metastasis. Here we develop an ex vivo co-culture method to grow cancer cells in mouse bones to assess cancer cell proliferation using healthy or cancer-primed bones. Profiling soluble factors from conditioned media identifies the chemokine CXCL5 as a candidate to induce metastatic colonization. Additional studies using CXCL5 recombinant protein suggest that CXCL5 is sufficient to promote breast cancer cell proliferation and colonization in bone, while inhibition of its receptor CXCR2 with an antagonist blocks proliferation of metastatic cancer cells. This study suggests that CXCL5 and CXCR2 inhibitors may have efficacy in treating metastatic bone tumors dependent on the CXCL5/CXCR2 axis.
The fecal resistome of dairy cattle is associated with diet during nursing
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Taft Diana H. , Maldonado-Gomez Maria X. , Johnson Daisy , Treiber Michelle L. , Lemay Danielle G. , DePeters Edward J. , Mills David A. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance is a global public health concern, and livestock play a significant role in selecting for resistance and maintaining such reservoirs. Here we study the succession of dairy cattle resistome during early life using metagenomic sequencing, as well as the relationship between resistome, gut microbiota, and diet. In our dataset, the gut of dairy calves serves as a reservoir of 329 antimicrobial resistance genes (ARGs) presumably conferring resistance to 17 classes of antibiotics, and the abundance of ARGs declines gradually during nursing. ARGs appear to co-occur with antibacterial biocide or metal resistance genes. Colostrum is a potential source of ARGs observed in calves at day 2. The dynamic changes in the resistome are likely a result of gut microbiota assembly, which is closely associated with diet transition in dairy calves. Modifications in the resistome may be possible via early-life dietary interventions to reduce overall antimicrobial resistance.
NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity in the nucleus accumbens connects reward-predictive cues to approach responses
Authors: Vega-Villar Mercedes , Horvitz Jon C. , Nicola Saleem M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractLearning associations between environmental cues and rewards is a fundamental adaptive function. Via such learning, reward-predictive cues come to activate approach to locations where reward is available. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) is essential for cued approach behavior in trained subjects, and cue-evoked excitations in NAc neurons are critical for the expression of this behavior. Excitatory synapses within the NAc undergo synaptic plasticity that presumably contributes to cued approach acquisition, but a direct link between synaptic plasticity within the NAc and the development of cue-evoked neural activity during learning has not been established. Here we show that, with repeated cue-reward pairings, cue-evoked excitations in the NAc emerge and grow in the trials prior to the detectable expression of cued approach behavior. We demonstrate that the growth of these signals requires NMDA receptor-dependent plasticity within the NAc, revealing a neural mechanism by which the NAc participates in learning of conditioned reward-seeking behaviors.
Nucleobase synthesis in interstellar ices
Authors: Oba Yasuhiro , Takano Yoshinori , Naraoka Hiroshi , Watanabe Naoki , Kouchi Akira 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe synthesis of nucleobases in natural environments, especially in interstellar molecular clouds, is the focus of a long-standing debate regarding prebiotic chemical evolution. Here we report the simultaneous detection of all three pyrimidine (cytosine, uracil and thymine) and three purine nucleobases (adenine, xanthine and hypoxanthine) in interstellar ice analogues composed of simple molecules including H2O, CO, NH3 and CH3OH after exposure to ultraviolet photons followed by thermal processes, that is, in conditions that simulate the chemical processes accompanying star formation from molecular clouds. Photolysis of primitive gas molecules at 10 K might be one of the key steps in the production of nucleobases. The present results strongly suggest that the evolution from molecular clouds to stars and planets provides a suitable environment for nucleobase synthesis in space.
Zika virus enhances monocyte adhesion and transmigration favoring viral dissemination to neural cells
Authors: Ayala-Nunez Nilda Vanesa , Follain Gautier , Delalande François , Hirschler Aurélie , Partiot Emma , Hale Gillian L. , Bollweg Brigid C. , Roels Judith , Chazal Maxime , Bakoa Florian , Carocci Margot , Bourdoulous Sandrine , Faklaris Orestis , Zaki Sherif R. , Eckly Anita , Uring-Lambert Béatrice , Doussau Frédéric , Cianferani Sarah , Carapito Christine , Jacobs Frank M. J. , Jouvenet Nolwenn , Goetz Jacky G. , Gaudin Raphael 
Published: September 2019

AbstractZika virus (ZIKV) invades and persists in the central nervous system (CNS), causing severe neurological diseases. However the virus journey, from the bloodstream to tissues through a mature endothelium, remains unclear. Here, we show that ZIKV-infected monocytes represent suitable carriers for viral dissemination to the CNS using human primary monocytes, cerebral organoids derived from embryonic stem cells, organotypic mouse cerebellar slices, a xenotypic human-zebrafish model, and human fetus brain samples. We find that ZIKV-exposed monocytes exhibit higher expression of adhesion molecules, and higher abilities to attach onto the vessel wall and transmigrate across endothelia. This phenotype is associated to enhanced monocyte-mediated ZIKV dissemination to neural cells. Together, our data show that ZIKV manipulates the monocyte adhesive properties and enhances monocyte transmigration and viral dissemination to neural cells. Monocyte transmigration may represent an important mechanism required for viral tissue invasion and persistence that could be specifically targeted for therapeutic intervention.
Exercise during preoperative therapy increases tumor vascularity in pancreatic tumor patients
Authors: Florez Bedoya Claudia Alvarez , Cardoso Ana Carolina Ferreira , Parker Nathan , Ngo-Huang An , Petzel Maria Q. , Kim Michael P. , Fogelman David , Romero Salvador Gabriel , Wang Huamin , Park Minjeong , Katz Matthew H. G. , Schadler Keri L. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractThe efficacy of chemotherapy is reduced by dysfunctional tumor vasculature, which may limit chemotherapy delivery to tumors. Preclinical studies have shown that moderate aerobic exercise improves tumor vascular function and increases chemotherapy efficacy in mouse models, but the effect of exercise on human tumor vasculature has not yet been determined. Here, we demonstrate that exercise remodels the tumor vasculature, accelerates the regression, and delays the regrowth of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in a patient-derived xenograft mouse model treated with gemcitabine. By evaluating pancreatic adenocarcinoma specimens from patients treated with preoperative chemotherapy or chemoradiation therapy, we also demonstrate for the first time that tumor vascular remodeling occurs in association with exercise in humans. Future studies will evaluate whether exercise-induced vascular remodeling improves gemcitabine or other chemotherapy efficacy in patients, as this study evaluated only changes in tumor vascular structure.
A Novel Hybrid Model for Predicting Blast-Induced Ground Vibration Based on k-Nearest Neighbors and Particle Swarm Optimization
Authors: Bui Xuan-Nam , Jaroonpattanapong Pirat , Nguyen Hoang , Tran Quang-Hieu , Long Nguyen Quoc 
Published: September 2019

AbstractIn this scientific report, a new technique of artificial intelligence which is based on k-nearest neighbors (KNN) and particle swarm optimization (PSO), named as PSO-KNN, was developed and proposed for estimating blast-induced ground vibration (PPV). In the proposed PSO-KNN, the hyper-parameters of the KNN were searched and optimized by the PSO. Accordingly, three forms of kernel function of the KNN were used, Quartic (Q), Tri weight (T), and Cosine (C), which result in three models and abbreviated as PSO-KNN-Q, PSO-KNN-T, and PSO-KNN-C models. The valid of the proposed models was surveyed through comparing with those of benchmarks, random forest (RF), support vector regression (SVR), and an empirical technique. A total of 152 blasting events were recorded and analyzed for this aim. Herein, maximum explosive per blast delay (W) and the distance of PPV measurement (R), were used as the two input parameters for predicting PPV. RMSE, R2, and MAE were utilized as performance indicators for evaluating the models’ accuracy. The outcomes instruct that the PSO algorithm significantly improved the efficiency of the PSO-KNN-Q, PSO-KNN-T, and PSO-KNN-C models. Compared to the three benchmarks models (i.e., RF, SVR, and empirical), the PSO-KNN-T model (RMSE = 0.797, R2 = 0.977, and MAE = 0.385) performed better; therefore, it can be introduced as a powerful tool, which can be used in practical blasting for reducing unwanted elements induced by PPV in surface mines.
A multilocus sequence typing scheme of Pseudomonas putida for clinical and environmental isolates
Authors: Ogura Kohei , Shimada Kayo , Miyoshi-Akiyama Tohru 
Published: September 2019

AbstractPseudomonas putida is a bacterium commonly found in soils, water and plants. Although P. putida group strains are considered to have low virulence, several nosocomial isolates with carbapenem- or multidrug-resistance have recently been reported. In the present study, we developed a multilocus sequence typing (MLST) scheme for P. putida. MLST loci and primers were selected and designed using the genomic information of 86 clinical isolates sequenced in this study as well as the sequences of 20 isolates previously reported. The genomes were categorised into 68 sequence types (STs). Significant linkage disequilibrium was detected for the 68 STs, indicating that the P. putida isolates are clonal. The MLST tree was similar to the haplotype network tree based on single nucleotide morphisms, demonstrating that our MLST scheme reflects the genetic diversity of P. putida group isolated from both clinical and environmental sites.
Design and Demonstration of High-Efficiency Quantum Well Solar Cells Employing Thin Strained Superlattices
Authors: Welser Roger E. , Polly Stephen J. , Kacharia Mitsul , Fedorenko Anastasiia , Sood Ashok K. , Hubbard Seth M. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractNanostructured quantum well and quantum dot III–V solar cells provide a pathway to implement advanced single-junction photovoltaic device designs that can capture energy typically lost in traditional solar cells. To realize such high-efficiency single-junction devices, nanostructured device designs must be developed that maximize the open circuit voltage by minimizing both non-radiative and radiative components of the diode dark current. In this work, a study of the impact of barrier thickness in strained multiple quantum well solar cell structures suggests that apparent radiative efficiency is suppressed, and the collection efficiency is enhanced, at a quantum well barrier thickness of 4 nm or less. The observed changes in measured infrared external quantum efficiency and relative luminescence intensity in these thin barrier structures is attributed to increased wavefunction coupling and enhanced carrier transport across the quantum well region typically associated with the formation of a superlattice under a built-in field. In describing these effects, a high efficiency (>26% AM1.5) single-junction quantum well solar cell is demonstrated in a device structure employing both a strained superlattice and a heterojunction emitter.
Responses of primary osteoblasts and osteoclasts from hemizygous β-globin knockout thalassemic mice with elevated plasma glucose to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3
Authors: Charoenphandhu Narattaphol , Aeimlapa Ratchaneevan , Sooksawanwit Supagarn , Thongbunchoo Jirawan , Teerapornpuntakit Jarinthorn , Svasti Saovaros , Wongdee Kannikar 
Published: September 2019

Abstractβ-thalassemia is often associated with hyperglycemia, osteoporosis and increased fracture risk. However, the underlying mechanisms of the thalassemia-associated bone loss remain unclear. It might result from abnormal activities of osteoblasts and osteoclasts, and perhaps prolonged exposure to high extracellular glucose. Herein, we determined the rate of duodenal calcium transport in hemizygous β-globin knockout thalassemic (BKO) mice. Their bones were collected for primary osteoblast and osteoclast culture. We found that BKO mice had lower calcium absorption than their wild-type (WT) littermates. Osteoblasts from BKO mice showed aberrant expression of osteoblast-specific genes, e.g., Runx2, alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin, which could be partially restored by 1,25(OH)2D3 treatment. However, the mRNA expression levels of RANK, calcitonin receptor (Calcr), c-Fos, NFATc1, cathepsin K and DMT1 were similar in both BKO and WT groups. Exposure to high extracellular glucose modestly but significantly affected the expression of osteoclast-specific markers in WT osteoclasts with no significant effect on osteoblast-specific genes in WT osteoblasts. Thus, high glucose alone was unable to convert WT bone cells to BKO-like bone cells. In conclusion, the impaired calcium absorption and mutation-related aberrant bone cell function rather than exposure to high blood glucose were likely to be the principal causes of thalassemic bone loss.
Multiple introductions and secondary dispersion of Tubastraea spp. in the Southwestern Atlantic
Authors: Capel K. C. C. , Creed J. , Kitahara M. V. , Chen C. A. , Zilberberg C. 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAccidental introduction through ballast water and biofouling are currently the main factors responsible for spreading non-indigenous species in the marine realm. In the Southwestern Atlantic, two scleractinian corals,Tubastraea coccineaandT. tagusensis, have been introduced by opportunistic colonization in 1980 and are now widespread along more than 3,500 km of coastline. To better understand the invasion process and the role of vectors in spreading these species, we sampled 306 and 173 colonies ofT. coccineaandT. tagusensisfrom invaded sites, possible vectors and one native population. Analyses revealed a higher diversity of multi-locus genotypes (MLGs) on vectors, suggesting that they were contaminated prior to their arrival in the Southwestern Atlantic, and a high proportion of clones at invaded sites, with few genotypes spread over ~2,000 km. This broad distribution is most likely a result of secondary introductions through the transport of contaminated vectors. Results also suggest the occurrence of multiple invasions, mainly in the northernmost sites. In summary, clonality, secondary introductions, and multiple invasions are the main reasons for the broad spread and invasive success ofTubastraeaspp. in the Southwestern Atlantic. Consequently, the correct control of vectors is the most effective approach for management and prevention of new invasions.
Nuclear Chaperone ASF1 is Required for Gametogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Min Yunsook , Frost Jennifer M. , Choi Yeonhee 
Published: September 2019

AbstractSexual reproduction in flowering plants is distinct from that in animals since gametogenesis requires production of haploid spores, which divide and differentiate into specialised gametophyte structures. Anti-Silencing Function 1 (ASF1) is a histone H3/H4 chaperone involved in chromatin remodeling during cell division, which we have found plays a critical role in gametophyte development in Arabidopsis thaliana. Using mutant alleles for the two ASF1 homologs, asf1a and asf1b, we show that ASF1 is required for successful development of gametophytes and acquisition of fertilisation competency. On the female side, reproductive failure is caused by aberrant development of ovules, leading to gamete degeneration. On the male side, we show both in vitro and in vivo that asf1 mutant pollen tube growth is stunted, limiting fertilisation to ovules nearest the stigma. Consistent with ASF1 importance in gametogenesis, we show that ASF1A and ASF1B are expressed throughout female and male gametogenesis. We show that the gametogenesis defects can be corrected by ASF1A and ASF1B transgenes, and that ASF1A and ASF1B act redundantly. Thus, in contrast to the role of ASF1 in sporophytic cell cycle progression, our data indicate that during reproduction, ASF1 is required for the precise nuclei differentiation necessary for gametophyte maturation and fertilisation.
Transmission dynamics of HIV-1 subtype B strains in Indonesia
Authors: Ueda Shuhei , Witaningrum Adiana Mutamsari , Khairunisa Siti Qamariyah , Kotaki Tomohiro , Motomura Kazushi , Nasronudin  , Kameoka Masanori 
Published: September 2019

AbstractHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) represent a major public health concern in Indonesia. Although circulating recombinant form (CRF) 01_AE is a predominant subtype in Indonesia, HIV-1 subtype B (HIV-1B) is also widely prevalent. However, the viral genetic evolution, spatial origins, and patterns of transmission of HIV-1B in Indonesia remain unclear. In the present study, we described the evolutionary characteristics and spatial-temporal transmission networks of HIV-1B in Indonesia. To elucidate the epidemiological link between HIV-1B epidemics in Indonesia and those in the remainder of the world, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of HIV-1B strains in Indonesia. Based on the results obtained, at least three epidemic clades [the Indonesia, United States (US), and China clades] of HIV-1B were found to be prevalent in Indonesia. In order to identify the potential source and transmission route of Indonesian HIV-1B strains, we performed Bayesian analyses and constructed Maximum clade credibility trees of each clade. Although some HIV-1B strains in Indonesia were introduced from Thailand, the prevalent HIV-1B strains appeared to have been directly introduced from Europe or America. Indonesian HIV-1B may have spread via the main dispersal of pandemic HIV-1B strains via the US from the Caribbean region rather than being directly introduced from Africa.
Improved Osseointegration of a TiNbSn Alloy with a Low Young’s Modulus Treated with Anodic Oxidation
Authors: Kunii Tomonori , Mori Yu , Tanaka Hidetatsu , Kogure Atsushi , Kamimura Masayuki , Mori Naoko , Hanada Shuji , Masahashi Naoya , Itoi Eiji 
Published: September 2019

AbstractTi6Al4V alloy orthopedic implants are widely used as Ti6Al4V alloy is a biocompatible material and resistant to corrosion. However, Ti6Al4V alloy has higher Young’s modulus compared with human bone. The difference of elastic modulus between bone and titanium alloy may evoke clinical problems because of stress shielding. To resolve this, we previously developed a TiNbSn alloy offering low Young’s modulus and improved biocompatibility. In the present study, the effects of sulfuric acid anodic oxidation on the osseointegration of TiNbSn alloy were assessed. The apatite formation was evaluated with Scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and transmission electron microscopy analyses. The biocompatibility of TiNbSN alloy was evaluated in experimental animal models using pull-out tests and quantitative histological analyses. The results of the surface analyses indicated that sulfuric anodic oxidation induced abundant superficial apatite formation of the TiNbSn alloy disks and rods, with a 5.1-µm-thick oxide layer and submicron-sized pores. In vivo, treated rods showed increased mature lamellar bone formation and higher failure loads compared with untreated rods. Overall, our findings indicate that anodic oxidation with sulfuric acid may help to improve the biocompatibility of TiNbSn alloys for osseointegration.
Pressure-induced tuning of lattice distortion in a high-entropy oxide
Authors: Cheng Benyuan , Lou Hongbo , Sarkar Abhishek , Zeng Zhidan , Zhang Fei , Chen Xiehang , Tan Lijie , Prakapenka Vitali , Greenberg Eran , Wen Jianguo , Djenadic Ruzica , Hahn Horst , Zeng Qiaoshi 
Published: September 2019

AbstractAs a new class of multi-principal component oxides with high chemical disorder, high-entropy oxides (HEOs) have attracted much attention. The stability and tunability of their structure and properties are of great interest and importance, but remain unclear. By using in situ synchrotron radiation X-ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, and ex situ high-resolution transmission electron microscopy, here we show the existence of lattice distortion in the crystalline (Ce0.2La0.2Pr0.2Sm0.2Y0.2)O2−δ HEO according to the deviation of bond angles from the ideal values, and discover a pressure-induced continuous tuning of lattice distortion (bond angles) and band gap. As continuous bending of bond angles, pressure eventually induces breakdown of the long-range connectivity of lattice and causes amorphization. The amorphous state can be partially recovered upon decompression, forming glass–nanoceramic composite HEO. These results reveal the unexpected flexibility of the structure and properties of HEOs, which could promote the fundamental understanding and applications of HEOs.