bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization NMR on photosystem II: donor cofactor observed in entire plant
Authors: Janssen Geertje J. , Bielytskyi Pavlo , Artiukhin Denis G. , Neugebauer Johannes , de Groot Huub J. M. , Matysik Jörg , Alia A. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe solid-state photo-CIDNP (photochemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization) effect allows for increase of signal and sensitivity in magic-angle spinning (MAS) NMR experiments. The effect occurs in photosynthetic reaction centers (RC) proteins upon illumination and induction of cyclic electron transfer. Here we show that the strength of the effect allows for observation of the cofactors forming the spin-correlated radical pair (SCRP) in isolated proteins, in natural photosynthetic membranes as well as in entire plants. To this end, we measured entire selectively 13C isotope enriched duckweed plants (Spirodela oligorrhiza) directly in the MAS rotor. Comparison of 13C photo-CIDNP MAS NMR spectra of photosystem II (PS2) obtained from different levels of RC isolation, from entire plant to isolated RC complex, demonstrates the intactness of the photochemical machinery upon isolation. The SCRP in PS2 is structurally and functionally very similar in duckweed and spinach (Spinacia oleracea). The analysis of the photo-CIDNP MAS NMR spectra reveals a monomeric Chl a donor. There is an experimental evidence for matrix involvement, most likely due to the axial donor histidine, in the formation of the SCRP. Data do not suggest a chemical modification of C-131 carbonyl position of the donor cofactor.
Fine mapping and discovery of candidate genes for seed size in watermelon by genome survey sequencing
Authors: Li Na , Shang Jianli , Wang Jiming , Zhou Dan , Li Nannan , Ma Shuangwu 
Published: December 2018

AbstractFine mapping and discovery of candidate genes underlying seed size are important for modern watermelon breeding. Here, by using a high-resolution genetic map and whole-genome genetic variation detection aided by genome survey sequencing, we fine mapped and discovered candidate genes for seed size in watermelon. QTL (quantitative trait locus) mapping identified two pleiotropic QTLs for seed size, namely, qSS4 and qSS6, using a high-density genetic map constructed by specific length amplified fragment sequencing. qSS6 explained 93.00%, 94.11% and 95.26% of the phenotypic variation in thousand-seed weight, seed length and seed width, respectively, and was defined as a major QTL. Then, high-coverage re-sequencing of two parental lines detected a total of 193,395 SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) and 45,065 indels (insertions/deletions), which corresponded to a frequency of 534 SNPs/Mb and 124 indels/Mb. Based on the genetic variation in the two parental lines, newly developed PCR-based markers allowed the region of qSS6 to be narrowed to 55.5 kb. Three potential candidates were identified, including a known seed size regulator in rice, SRS3. Taken together, our results reveal successful rapid fine mapping and discovery of candidate genes for seed size in watermelon, which could be applied to many traits of interest in plants.
On the role of eye contact in gaze cueing
Authors: Kompatsiari Kyveli , Ciardo Francesca , Tikhanoff Vadim , Metta Giorgio , Wykowska Agnieszka 
Published: December 2018

AbstractMost experimental protocols examining joint attention with the gaze cueing paradigm are “observational” and “offline”, thereby not involving social interaction. We examined whether within a naturalistic online interaction, real-time eye contact influences the gaze cueing effect (GCE). We embedded gaze cueing in an interactive protocol with the iCub humanoid robot. This has the advantage of ecological validity combined with excellent experimental control. Critically, before averting the gaze, iCub either established eye contact or not, a manipulation enabled by an algorithm detecting position of the human eyes. For non-predictive gaze cueing procedure (Experiment 1), only the eye contact condition elicited GCE, while for counter-predictive procedure (Experiment 2), only the condition with no eye contact induced GCE. These results reveal an interactive effect of strategic (gaze validity) and social (eye contact) top-down components on the reflexive orienting of attention induced by gaze cues. More generally, we propose that naturalistic protocols with an embodied presence of an agent can cast a new light on mechanisms of social cognition.
Plasmodium falciparum gametocyte-infected erythrocytes do not adhere to human primary erythroblasts
Authors: Neveu Gaëlle , Dupuy Florian , Ladli Meriem , Barbieri Daniela , Naissant Bernina , Richard Cyrielle , Martins Rafael M. , Lopez-Rubio Jose-Juan , Bachmann Anna , Verdier Frédérique , Lavazec Catherine 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPlasmodium falciparumgametocytes, the sexual stages responsible for malaria parasite transmission, develop in the human bone marrow parenchyma in proximity to the erythroblastic islands. Yet, mechanisms underlying gametocytes interactions with these islands are unknown. Here, we have investigated whether gametocyte-infected erythrocytes (GIE) adhere to erythroid precursors, and whether a putative adhesion may be mediated by a mechanism similar to the adhesion of erythrocytes infected withP.falciparumasexual stages to uninfected erythrocytes. Cell-cell adhesion assays with human primary erythroblasts or erythroid cell lines revealed that immature GIE do not specifically adhere to erythroid precursors. To determine whether adhesion may be dependent on binding of STEVOR proteins to Glycophorin C on the surface of erythroid cells, we used clonal lines and transgenic parasites that overexpress specific STEVOR proteins known to bind to Glycophorin C in asexual stages. Our results indicate that GIE overexpressing STEVOR do not specifically adhere to erythroblasts, in agreement with our observation that the STEVOR adhesive domain is not exposed at the surface of GIE.
Isolation of Biopsy-Derived, Human Cervical Keratinocytes Propagated as Monolayer and Organoid Cultures
Authors: Villa Peter L. , Jackson Robert , Eade Statton , Escott Nicholas , Zehbe Ingeborg 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe successful isolation and propagation of patient-derived keratinocytes from cervical lesions constitute a more appropriate model of cervical disease than traditional cervical cancer-derived cell lines such as SiHa and CaSki. Our aim was to streamline the growth of patient-obtained, cervical keratinocytes into a reproducible process. We performed an observational case series study with 60 women referred to colposcopy for a diagnostic biopsy. Main outcome measures were how many samples could be passaged at least once (n = 11), and where enough cells could be established, to precisely define their proliferation profile over time (n = 3). Altering cell culture conditions over those reported by other groups markedly improved outcomes. We were also successful in making freeze backs which could be resuscitated to successfully propagate multi-layered, organoids from cervical keratinocytes (n = 3). For best results, biopsy-intrinsic factors such as size and tissue digestion appear to be major variables. This seems to be the first systematic report with a well characterized and defined sample size, detailed protocol, and carefully assessed cell yield and performance. This research is particularly impactful for constituting a sample repository-on-demand for appropriate disease modelling and drug screening under the umbrella of personalized health.
Development of a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) through use of poly-protein G-expressing cell-based microplates
Authors: Chen Yi-Jou , Chen Michael , Hsieh Yuan-Chin , Su Yu-Cheng , Wang Chang-Hung , Cheng Chiu-Min , Kao An-Pei , Wang Kai-Hung , Cheng Jing-Jy , Chuang Kuo-Hsiang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe sensitivity of traditional enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs) is limited by the low binding avidity and heterogeneous orientation of capture antibodies coated on polystyrene-based microplates. Here, we developed a highly sensitive ELISA strategy by fixing poly-protein G-expressing cells on microplates to improve the coating amount and displayed orientation of capture antibodies. One or eight repeated fragment crystallisable (Fc) binding domains of protein G are stably expressed on the surface of BALB/c 3T3 cells (termed 1pG cells or 8pG cells), which then act as highly antibody-trapping microparticles. The 8pG cells showed higher antibody-trapping ability than the 1pG cells did. The antibody-coating amount of the 8pG cell-based microplates was 1.5–23 times and 1.2–6.8 times higher than that of traditional polystyrene-based and commercial protein G-based microplates, respectively. The 8pG cell-based microplates were then applied to an anti-IFN-α sandwich ELISA and an anti-CTLA4 competitive ELISA, respectively, and dramatically enhanced their detection sensitivity. Importantly, direct coating unpurified capture antibody produced by mammalian cells did not impair the antigen-capturing function of 8pG cell-based microplates. The 8pG cell-based microplates exhibited a significant improvement in antibody-coating amount and preserved the homogeneous orientation of capture antibodies, making them a potential replacement for traditional microplates in various formats of ELISAs.
Impact of ezetimibe on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations as monotherapy or in combination with statins: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Sahebkar Amirhossein , Simental-Mendía Luis E. , Pirro Matteo , Banach Maciej , Watts Gerald F. , Sirtori Cesare , Al-Rasadi Khalid , Atkin Stephen L. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe aim of this meta-analysis of randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials was to assess the effect of ezetimibe on plasma lipoprotein(a) concentrations. Only randomized placebo-controlled trials investigating the impact of ezetimibe treatment on cholesterol lowering that include lipoprotein(a) measurement were searched in PubMed-Medline, SCOPUS, Web of Science and Google Scholar databases (from inception to February 26th, 2018). A random-effects model and generic inverse variance method were used for quantitative data synthesis. Sensitivity analysis was conducted using the leave-one-out method. A weighted random-effects meta-regression was performed to evaluate the impact of potential confounders on lipoprotein concentrations. This meta-analysis of data from 10 randomized placebo-controlled clinical trials (15 treatment arms) involving a total of 5188 (3020 ezetimibe and 2168 control) subjects showed that ezetimibe therapy had no effect on altering plasma Lp(a) concentrations (WMD: −2.59%, 95% CI: −8.26, 3.08, p = 0.370; I2 = 88.71%, p(Q) < 0.001). In the subgroup analysis, no significant alteration in plasma Lp(a) levels was observed either in trials assessing the impact of monotherapy with ezetimibe versus placebo (WMD: −4.64%, 95% CI: −11.53, 2.25, p = 0.187; I2 = 65.38%, p(Q) = 0.005) or in trials evaluating the impact of adding ezetimibe to a statin versus statin therapy alone (WMD: −1.04%, 95% CI: −6.34, 4.26, p = 0.700; I2 = 58.51%, p(Q) = 0.025). The results of this meta-analysis suggest that ezetimibe treatment either alone or in combination with a statin does not affect plasma lipoprotein(a) levels.
Probing the dielectric, piezoelectric and magnetic behavior of CoFe2O4/BNT-BT0.08 composite thin film fabricated by sol-gel and spin-coating methods
Authors: Cernea Marin , Vasile Bogdan Stefan , Surdu Vasile Adrian , Trusca Roxana , Bartha Cristina , Craciun Floriana , Galassi Carmen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe investigated in this paper a novel bilayer composite obtained by sol-gel and spin coating of the ferroelectric 0.92Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3–0.08BaTiO3 (abbreviated as BNT-BT0.08) and ferromagnetic CoFe2O4 phases, for miniature low-frequency magnetic sensors and piezoelectric sensors. This heterostructure, deposited on Si-Pt substrate (Si-Pt/CoFe2O4/BNT-BT0.08), was characterized using selected method such as: X-ray diffraction, dielectric spectroscopy, piezoelectric force microscopy, SQUID magnetometry, atomic force microscopy/magnetic force microscopy, and advanced methods of transmission electron microscopy. CoFe2O4/BNT-BT0.08 ferromagnetic–piezoelectric thin films show good magnetization, dielectric constant and piezoelectric response. The results of analyses and measurements reveal that this heterostructure can have applications in high-performance magnetoelectric devices at room temperature.
Comparative metabolomics of scab-resistant and susceptible apple cell cultures in response to scab fungus elicitor treatment
Authors: Sarkate Amol , Saini Shashank Sagar , Teotia Deepa , Gaid Mariam , Mir Javid Iqbal , Roy Partha , Agrawal Pawan Kumar , Sircar Debabrata 
Published: December 2018

AbstractApple scab disease caused by the fungus Venturia inaequalis is a devastating disease that seriously affects quality and yield of apples. In order to understand the mechanisms involved in scab resistance, we performed gas chromatography-mass spectrometry based metabolomics analysis of the cell culture of scab resistant cultivar ‘Florina’ and scab susceptible cultivar ‘Vista Bella’ both prior -to and -following treatment with V. inaequalis elicitor (VIE). A total 21 metabolites were identified to be altered significantly in ‘Florina’ cell cultures upon VIE-treatment. Among 21 metabolites, formation of three new specialized metabolites aucuparin, noraucuparin and eriobofuran were observed only in resistant cultivar ‘Florina’ after the elicitor treatment. The score plots of principal component analysis (PCA) exhibited clear discrimination between untreated and VIE-treated samples. The alteration in metabolite levels correlated well with the changes in the transcript levels of selected secondary metabolite biosynthesis genes. Aucuparin, noraucuparin and eriobofuran isolated from the ‘Florina’ cultures showed significant inhibitory effect on the conidial germination of V. inaequalis. The results expand our understanding of the metabolic basis of scab-resistance in apple and therefore are of interest in apple breeding programs to fortify scab resistance potential of commercially grown apple cultivars.
Aluminum-ceramic composites for thermal management in energy-conversion systems
Authors: Park Jehong , Cho Seungchan , Kwon Hansang 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe most important property of energy-conversion ceramics in high-power lighting devices based on laser diodes (LDs) is thermal durability because high-energy LDs act as excitation and heat sources for ceramics. Herein, aluminum-ceramic composites (ACCs) are introduced for the manipulation of heat generated during high-power lighting. The cerium-doped aluminum garnet (YAG:Ce) phosphor is selected as the energy-conversion ceramic material. The ACCs have an all-in-one structure bridged by a low-melting glass material. In ACCs, the heat flow from the ceramic to Al is manipulated by a heat-flux throttling layer (TL) comprised of Al and glass. During high-power lighting operation, the input-output temperature differences (Tin − Tout) between the ceramic layer (input heat) and end face of the Al layer (output heat) are 13 and 3.9 °C in the absence and presence of the TL, respectively. A lower Tin − Toutmeans less heat is loss during heat flow from the ceramic to the metal due to the temperature gradient created by inserting the TL. The results provide a potential application for multi-energy-conversion systems, i.e., optical to heat and heat to electric energy, in terms of heat flow manipulation.
Repeatability and Reproducibility of Quantification of Superficial Peri-papillary Capillaries by four Different Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Devices
Authors: Lei Jianqin , Pei Cheng , Wen Chan , Abdelfattah Nizar Saleh 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThis study was performed to test the repeatability and reproducibility of measurements of peri-papillary capillaries from four optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) devices. 109 healthy eyes were imaged with four OCTA devices (Spectralis, Optovue, Triton and Cirrus). A 3 × 3 mm scan pattern centered on the disc was repeated twice by each device. En face images of superficial capillary plexus were screened and processed for calculation. Vessel length density (VLD) was calculated on four equally divided parts of a ring between two concentric circles manually centered on the disc. General linear model (GLM) was used to test the impact of device and location on VLD. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) of VLD between repeated scans was calculated. Of 218 acquisitions, 36%, 92%, 76% and 88% were eligible for analysis from Spectralis, Optovue, Triton and Cirrus, respectively. ICC was 0.94, 0.90, 0.84 and 0.87 for the four devices. GLM showed measurements significantly varied among devices (P < 0.001) and locations (P < 0.001). Pairwise comparison showed Triton = Spectralis >Optovue >Cirrus, and temporal = nasal >superior = inferior in measuring capillary VLD. This study revealed the repeatability of measuring peri-papillary capillaries was high for all four devices, while the reproducibility among the machines was unfavorable.
Deep sequencing and transcriptome analysis to identify genes related to biosynthesis of aristolochic acid in Asarum heterotropoides
Authors: Wang Xiaohan , Hui Fang , Yang Yongcheng , Yang Shihai 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAsarum spp. are important medicinal plants that have the potential for use in treating various types of fevers. Aristolochic acid is one of the main toxic compounds present in these plants. To improve our understanding of the biosynthetic pathway of aristolochic acid, we sequenced the transcriptome of the root and leaf tissues of Asarum heterotropoides and performed de novo sequence assembly. The data were stitched together to produce 468,357 transcripts with an N50 of 611 bp. The data were annotated with various databases (RefSeq non-redundant proteins [Nr], Swiss-Prot, Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG], Clusters of Orthologous Groups/EuKaryotic Orthologous Groups [COG/KOG], and Gene Ontology [GO]) and were annotated. There were 205,165 transcripts (43.81%) of differentially expressed genes in the roots and leaves, which were shown to be involved in biosynthesis, transport, and catabolism, and 100 genes in defence mechanisms. Three candidate transcripts (TyrDC1, TyrDC2, and TyrDC3) were discovered in these differential genes. TyrDC may be a key enzyme in the biosynthesis pathway of aristolochic acid identified using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The transcriptome data and analysis presented here lay the foundation for further research into these important medicinal plants.
Liquid biopsy for pediatric central nervous system tumors
Authors: Bonner Erin R. , Bornhorst Miriam , Packer Roger J. , Nazarian Javad 
Published: December 2018

AbstractCentral nervous system (CNS) tumors are the most common solid tumors in children, and the leading cause of cancer-related death. Over the past decade, molecular profiling has been incorporated into treatment for pediatric CNS tumors, allowing for a more personalized approach to therapy. Through the identification of tumor-specific changes, it is now possible to diagnose, assign a prognostic subgroup, and develop targeted chemotherapeutic treatment plans for many cancer types. The successful incorporation of informative liquid biopsies, where the liquid biome is interrogated for tumor-associated molecular clues, has the potential to greatly complement the precision-based approach to treatment, and ultimately, to improve clinical outcomes for children with CNS tumors. In this article, the current application of liquid biopsy in cancer therapy will be reviewed, as will its potential for the diagnosis and therapeutic monitoring of pediatric CNS tumors.
Ca2+-dependent calmodulin binding to cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2) calmodulin-binding domains
Authors: Brohus Malene , Søndergaard Mads T. , Wayne Chen Sui Rong , van Petegem Filip , Overgaard Michael T. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
The Ca2+ sensor calmodulin (CaM) regulates cardiac ryanodine receptor (RyR2)-mediated Ca2+ release from the sarcoplasmic reticulum. CaM inhibits RyR2 in a Ca2+-dependent manner and aberrant CaM-dependent inhibition results in life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias. However, the molecular details of the CaM–RyR2 interaction remain unclear. Four CaM-binding domains (CaMBD1a, -1b, -2, and -3) in RyR2 have been proposed. Here, we investigated the Ca2+-dependent interactions between CaM and these CaMBDs by monitoring changes in the fluorescence anisotropy of carboxytetramethylrhodamine (TAMRA)-labeled CaMBD peptides during titration with CaM at a wide range of Ca2+ concentrations. We showed that CaM bound to all four CaMBDs with affinities that increased with Ca2+ concentration. CaM bound to CaMBD2 and -3 with high affinities across all Ca2+ concentrations tested, but bound to CaMBD1a and -1b only at Ca2+ concentrations above 0.2 µM. Binding experiments using individual CaM domains revealed that the CaM C-domain preferentially bound to CaMBD2, and the N-domain to CaMBD3. Moreover, the Ca2+ affinity of the CaM C-domain in complex with CaMBD2 or -3 was so high that these complexes are essentially Ca2+ saturated under resting Ca2+ conditions. Conversely, the N-domain senses Ca2+ exactly in the transition from resting to activating Ca2+ when complexed to either CaMBD2 or -3. Altogether, our results support a binding model where the CaM C-domain is anchored to RyR2 CaMBD2 and saturated with Ca2+ during Ca2+ oscillations, while the CaM N-domain functions as a dynamic Ca2+ sensor that can bridge noncontiguous regions of RyR2 or clamp down onto CaMBD2.
Mechanism of metal ion-induced activation of a two-component sensor kinase
Authors: Affandi Trisiani , McEvoy Megan M. 
Published: December 2018

Abstract
Two-component systems (TCSs) are essential for bacteria to sense, respond, and adapt to changing environments, such as elevation of Cu(I)/Ag(I) ions in the periplasm. In Escherichia coli, the CusS–CusR TCS up-regulates the cusCFBA genes under increased periplasmic Cu(I)/Ag(I) concentrations to help maintain metal ion homeostasis. The CusS histidine kinase is a homodimeric integral membrane protein that binds to periplasmic Cu(I)/Ag(I) and transduces a signal to its cytoplasmic kinase domain. However, the mechanism of how metal binding in the periplasm activates autophosphorylation in the cytoplasm is unknown. Here, we report that only one of the two metal ion-binding sites in CusS enhances dimerization of the sensor domain. Utilizing nanodisc technology to study full-length CusS, we show that metal-induced dimerization in the sensor domain triggers kinase activity in the cytoplasmic domain. We also investigated autophosphorylation in the cytoplasmic domain of CusS and phosphotransfer between CusS and CusR. In vitro analyses show that CusS autophosphorylates its conserved H271 residue at the N1 position of the histidine imidazole. The phosphoryl group is removed by the response regulator CusR in a reaction that requires a conserved aspartate at position 51. Functional analyses in vivo of CusS and CusR variants with mutations in the autophosphorylation or phosphoacceptor residues suggest that the phosphotransfer event is essential for metal resistance in E. coli. Biochemical analysis shows that the CusS dimer autophosphorylates using a cis mechanism. Our results support a signal transduction model in which rotation and bending movements in the cytoplasmic domain maintain the mode of autophosphorylation.