bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multiple signaling pathways in Sertoli cells: recent findings in spermatogenesis
Authors: Ni Fei-Da , Hao Shuang-Li , Yang Wan-Xi 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe functions of Sertoli cells in spermatogenesis have attracted much more attention recently. Normal spermatogenesis depends on Sertoli cells, mainly due to their influence on nutrient supply, maintenance of cell junctions, and support for germ cells’ mitosis and meiosis. Accumulating evidence in the past decade has highlighted the dominant functions of the MAPK, AMPK, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways during spermatogenesis. Among these pathways, the MAPK signaling pathway regulates dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, proliferation and meiosis of germ cells, proliferation and lactate production of Sertoli cells; the AMPK and the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways both affect dynamics of tight junctions and adherens junctions, as well as the proliferation of Sertoli cells. The AMPK signaling pathway also regulates lactate supply. These signaling pathways combine to form a complex regulatory network for spermatogenesis. In testicular tumors or infertile patients, the activities of these signaling pathways in Sertoli cells are abnormal. Clarifying the mechanisms of signaling pathways in Sertoli cells on spermatogenesis provides new insights into the physiological functions of Sertoli cells in male reproduction, and also serves as a pre-requisite to identify potential therapeutic targets in abnormal spermatogenesis including testicular tumor and male infertility.
Predictive metabolomic profiling of microbial communities using amplicon or metagenomic sequences
Authors: Mallick Himel , Franzosa Eric A. , Mclver Lauren J. , Banerjee Soumya , Sirota-Madi Alexandra , Kostic Aleksandar D. , Clish Clary B. , Vlamakis Hera , Xavier Ramnik J. , Huttenhower Curtis 
Published: July 2019

AbstractMicrobial community metabolomics, particularly in the human gut, are beginning to provide a new route to identify functions and ecology disrupted in disease. However, these data can be costly and difficult to obtain at scale, while amplicon or shotgun metagenomic sequencing data are readily available for populations of many thousands. Here, we describe a computational approach to predict potentially unobserved metabolites in new microbial communities, given a model trained on paired metabolomes and metagenomes from the environment of interest. Focusing on two independent human gut microbiome datasets, we demonstrate that our framework successfully recovers community metabolic trends for more than 50% of associated metabolites. Similar accuracy is maintained using amplicon profiles of coral-associated, murine gut, and human vaginal microbiomes. We also provide an expected performance score to guide application of the model in new samples. Our results thus demonstrate that this ‘predictive metabolomic’ approach can aid in experimental design and provide useful insights into the thousands of community profiles for which only metagenomes are currently available.
Dynamic shortening of disorder potentials in anharmonic halide perovskites
Authors: Gehrmann Christian , Egger David A. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHalide perovskites are semiconductors that exhibit sharp optical absorption edges and small Urbach energies allowing for efficient collection of sunlight in thin-film photovoltaic devices. However, halide perovskites also exhibit large nuclear anharmonic effects and disorder, which is unusual for efficient optoelectronic materials and difficult to rationalize in view of the small Urbach energies that indicate a low amount of disorder. To address this important issue, the disorder potential induced for electronic states by the nuclear dynamics in various paradigmatic halide perovskites is studied with molecular dynamics and density functional theory. We find that the disorder potential is dynamically shortened due to the nuclear motions in the perovskite, such that it is short-range correlated, which is shown to lead to favorable distributions of band edge energies. This dynamic mechanism allows for sharp optical absorption edges and small Urbach energies, which are highly desired properties of any solar absorber material.
Social dynamics of short term variability in key measures of household and community wellbeing in Bangladesh
Authors: Tamal Md. Ehsanul Haque , Bell Andrew R. , Killilea Mary E. , Ward Patrick S. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractHigh-frequency social data collection may facilitate improved recall, more inclusive reporting, and improved capture of intra-period variability. Although there are examples of small studies collecting particular variables at high frequency in the social science literature, to date there have been no significant efforts to collect a wide range of variables with high frequency. We have implemented the first such effort with a smartphone-based data collection approach, systematically varying the frequency of survey task and recall period, allowing the analysis of the relative merit of high-frequency data collection for different key variables in household surveys. This study of 480 farmers from northwestern Bangladesh over approximately one year of continuous data on key measures of household and community wellbeing could be particularly useful for the design and evaluation of development interventions and policies. While the data discussed here provide a snapshot of what is possible, we also highlight their strength for providing opportunities for interdisciplinary research in the household agricultural production, practices, seasonal hunger, etc., in a low-income agrarian society.
A macaque connectome for large-scale network simulations in TheVirtualBrain
Authors: Shen Kelly , Bezgin Gleb , Schirner Michael , Ritter Petra , Everling Stefan , McIntosh Anthony R. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractModels of large-scale brain networks that are informed by the underlying anatomical connectivity contribute to our understanding of the mapping between the structure of the brain and its dynamical function. Connectome-based modelling is a promising approach to a more comprehensive understanding of brain function across spatial and temporal scales, but it must be constrained by multi-scale empirical data from animal models. Here we describe the construction of a macaque (Macaca mulatta and Macaca fascicularis) connectome for whole-cortex simulations in TheVirtualBrain, an open-source simulation platform. We take advantage of available axonal tract-tracing datasets and enhance the existing connectome data using diffusion-based tractography in macaques. We illustrate the utility of the connectome as an extension of TheVirtualBrain by simulating resting-state BOLD-fMRI data and fitting it to empirical resting-state data.
Activation of KEAP1/NRF2/P62 signaling alleviates high phosphate-induced calcification of vascular smooth muscle cells by suppressing reactive oxygen species production
Authors: Wei Ran , Enaka Mayu , Muragaki Yasuteru 
Published: July 2019

AbstractVascular calcification is a complication of diseases and conditions such as chronic kidney disease, diabetes, and aging. Previous studies have demonstrated that high concentrations of inorganic phosphate (Pi) can induce oxidative stress and vascular smooth muscle cell calcification. KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1)/NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling has been shown to play important roles in protecting cells from oxidative stress. The current study aims to investigate the possible involvement of the KEAP1/NRF2/P62 -mediated antioxidant pathway in vascular calcification induced by high Pi levels. Exposure of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to high Pi concentrations promoted the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the nuclear translocation of NRF2, along with an increase in P62 levels and a decrease in KEAP1 levels. A classic NRF2 activator, tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), significantly decreased ROS levels and calcium deposition in VSMCs by promoting the nuclear translocation of NRF2 and upregulating P62 and KEAP1 expression. In contrast, silencing NRF2 and P62 with siRNAs increased the levels of ROS and calcium deposition in VSMCs. In conclusion, VSMC calcification can be alleviated by the activation of the KEAP1/NRF2/P62 antioxidative pathway, which could have a protective role when it is exogenously activated by tBHQ.
Exposure of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) to silver nanoparticles in vitro: transport and accumulation
Authors: Castro-González Celia G. , Sánchez-Segura Lino , Gómez-Merino Fernando C. , Bello-Bello Jericó J. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe impact of nanotechnology in the field of agricultural sciences creates the need to study in greater detail the effect of products offering nanoparticles for application in plant species of agricultural interest. The objective of this study was to determine the response of stevia (Stevia rebaudiana B.) in vitro to different concentrations of AgNPs (silver nanoparticles), as well as to characterize and identify their absorption, translocation and accumulation mechanisms. Nodal segments of stevia grown in MS medium supplemented with AgNPs (0,12.5, 25, 50,100 and 200 mg L−1) were used. After 30 days of in vitro shoot proliferation, the number of shoots per explant, shoot length, chlorophyll content, dry matter content and the metallic silver (Ag) content of the plants were quantified. In addition, characterization, transport and accumulation of silver nanoparticles were performed by microscopic analysis. AgNPs were shown to be present in epidermal stem cells, within vascular bundles and in intermembrane spaces. In leaves, they were observed in ribs and stomata. The current and future use of AgNPs in agricultural sciences opens up the possibility of studying their effects on different plant species.
Differential expression of acetylcholinesterase 1 in response to various stress factors in honey bee workers
Authors: Kim Sanghyeon , Kim Kyungmun , Lee Jae Ho , Han Seung Hee , Lee Si Hyeock 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe honey bee acetylcholinesterase 1 (AmAChE1) has been suggested to be related to stress response as judged from its elevated expression level under brood rearing-suppressed conditions. To further investigate the involvement of AmAChE1 expression in the stress response and its physiological functions, we analyzed altered expression profiles of AmAChE1 induced by diverse stress factors. In addition, transcription profiles of several heat shock protein (Hsp) genes (hsps) and the vitellogenin (Vg) gene (vg) known as general stress markers were investigated as positive references. Among the tested stress conditions, AmAChE1 expression was induced under the brood rearing-suppressed, crowding and heat shock conditions. The hsps, particularly hsp70 and hsp90, responded to seven of nine stress conditions tested, confirming that hsp expression profiles can serve as a general stress marker. Taken together, AmAChE1 expression is not suitable for using as a stress marker due to its limited response. Nevertheless, AmAChE1 expression appears to be connected, at least in part, to heat shock response and other pathways. Considering that AmAChE1 likely regulates the ACh titer particularly in non-neuronal tissues, thereby modulating the signal cascades mediated by mAChR, the AmAChE1 expression profile under different conditions likely provides important information on its physiological roles in honey bees.
Application of Chaotic Laws to Improve Haplotype Assembly Using Chaos Game Representation
Authors: Olyaee Mohammad Hossein , Khanteymoori Alireza , Khalifeh Khosrow 
Published: July 2019

AbstractSequence data are deposited in the form of unphased genotypes and it is not possible to directly identify the location of a particular allele on a specific parental chromosome or haplotype. This study employed nonlinear time series modeling approaches to analyze the haplotype sequences obtained from the NGS sequencing method. To evaluate the chaotic behavior of haplotypes, we analyzed their whole sequences, as well as several subsequences from distinct haplotypes, in terms of the SNP distribution on their chromosomes. This analysis utilized chaos game representation (CGR) followed by the application of two different scaling methods. It was found that chaotic behavior clearly exists in most haplotype subsequences. For testing the applicability of the proposed model, the present research determined the alleles in gap positions and positions with low coverage by using chromosome subsequences in which 10% of each subsequence’s alleles are replaced by gaps. After conversion of the subsequences’ CGR into the coordinate series, a Local Projection (LP) method predicted the measure of ambiguous positions in the coordinate series. It was discovered that the average reconstruction rate for all input data is more than 97%, demonstrating that applying this knowledge can effectively improve the reconstruction rate of given haplotypes.
Garnet U-Pb and O isotopic determinations reveal a shear-zone induced hydrothermal system
Authors: Zang Zhongjiang , Dong Leilei , Liu Wei , Zhao Han , Wang Xinshui , Cai Keda , Wan Bo 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe absolute crystallization ages of minerals from hydrothermal fluids measured in situ can unravel the timing of key events leading to the formation of, for instance, ore deposits and hydrothermally derived geological terrains. In this study, a skarn iron deposit from northwest (NW) China is shown to have U-Pb garnet and U-Pb zircon ages of 254.2 ± 1.7 Ma and 255.5 ± 1.0 Ma, respectively, which are both significantly younger than magmatism and metamorphism of the region. This skarn age instead correlates with the occurrence of strike-slip and thrust faulting in the region. The water/rock mass ratio of 0.065~0.115 suggests the δ18O garnet composition is ~1‰ at temperatures ranging from 250–450 °C. The low oxygen isotopic composition indicates the role of meteoric water in the garnet formation. These measurements can be interpreted as the shear along faults circulating meteoric water ~10 km below the hanging wall of meta-volcanic sedimentary rock. Meteoric water in this hydrothermal system would leach cations from the meta-volcano-sedimentary rocks necessary for mineralization. Silica-rich hydrothermal fluid reacts with calcic-rich materials in the meta-volcano-sedimentary rocks, depositing the garnet and magnetite. Our work suggests that the shear zone is rich in ores, rendering this deposit for NW China a prospective source for future mineral resource exploration.
Force, impulse and energy during falling with and without knee protection: an in-vitro study
Authors: Schwarze Michael , Hurschler Christof , Welke Bastian 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe mechanics of protective knee padding mitigating injury from a high-force fall have not been investigated in real-life scenarios to date. This study compares the effect of wearing knee pads to unprotected impact on a hard surface. We hypothesized that knee pads reduce the force and energy transmitted to the bony structures of the knee cap compared with unprotected conditions. Eight human knee cadaver specimens were embedded and fixed with a flexion angle of 100 degrees in a custom-made drop testing device (75 kg including the knee). The usage of a knee pad led to an average peak force attenuation on impact of 15% (no pad: 5932 N SD: 2472 N; pad: 4210 N SD: 2199 N; p < 0.001). Contact time on the plate was higher with a knee pad (no pad: 0.015 s SD: 0.009 s; pad: 0.028 s SD: 0.014 s; p < 0.001). Therefore, the observed impulse was also increased (no pad: 62.2 Ns SD: 17.8 Ns; pad: 74.6 Ns SD: 18.6 Ns; p < 0.001). This effect diminished as drop height was increased. Energy dissipation, defined as the difference between kinetic energy pre-impact and peak potential energy post-impact, was higher without a knee pad (no pad: 10.5 J SD: 6.2 J; pad: 4.2 J SD: 5.0 J; p < 0.001). The results from this study illustrate the magnitude of influence that knee pads have on peak forces, transmitted impulse, and energy transfer from a high-force impact in real-life scenarios. Contrary to expectations, the knee pad did not act as a mechanical damper. The mechanical behavior more closely resembled a spring that temporarily stores energy and consequentially reduces peak forces upon impact. Based on this study, future developments in padding might benefit from focusing on the aspect of energy storage and temporarily delayed energy dissipation.
Patients with healed diabetic foot ulcer represent a cohort at highest risk for future fatal events
Authors: Mader Julia K. , Haas Waltraud , Aberer Felix , Boulgaropoulos Beate , Baumann Petra , Pandis Marlene , Horvath Karl , Aziz Faisal , Köhler Gerd , Pieber Thomas R. , Plank Johannes , Sourij Harald 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPatients with previous diabetic foot ulcer are prone to re-ulceration and (re)amputation, to various comorbidities, have significantly impaired quality of life and increased mortality. We aimed to evaluate the risk of foot related complications and mortality in a high-risk population of patients with healed diabetic foot syndrome over a decade. 91 patients with recently healed diabetic foot ulcer were invited for follow-up at 1, 6 and 11 years after inclusion. Patient characteristics at inclusion were: 40 women, 65 ± 11 years, diabetes type 1 (n = 6) or 2 (n = 85), BMI 28.5 ± 4.4 kg/m2, and HbA1c 68 ± 17 mmol/mol. Comorbidities included neuropathy (n = 91), peripheral artery disease (PAD), history of minor (n = 25) or major (n = 5, 5.5%) amputation, nephropathy (n = 40) and retinopathy (n = 53). Ulceration recurred in 71 (65%) patients, time to first recurrence was 1.8 ± 2.4 years (mean ± SD). 21 patients had to undergo (re)amputation (minor n = 19, major n = 2), time to amputation was 3.6 ± 1.9 years. Over time, 3 further major amputations were required in patients with an initial minor amputation. Thirty-three (36%) of the initially included patients completed the follow-up period of 11.0 ± 0.6 years. 58 patients (64%) died during the observational period, time to death was 5 ± 3 years in this group. We found overall high mortality of 64% throughout the follow-up period of 11 years in high-risk patients with healed diabetic foot syndrome. Presence of PAD, prior amputation and nephropathy as well as poor glycemic control were significantly predictive for death.
Cryo-EM and directed evolution reveal how Arabidopsis nitrilase specificity is influenced by its quaternary structure
Authors: Mulelu Andani E. , Kirykowicz Angela M. , Woodward Jeremy D. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNitrilases are helical enzymes that convert nitriles to acids and/or amides. All plants have a nitrilase 4 homolog specific for ß-cyanoalanine, while in some plants neofunctionalization has produced nitrilases with altered specificity. Plant nitrilase substrate size and specificity correlate with helical twist, but molecular details of this relationship are lacking. Here we determine, to our knowledge, the first close-to-atomic resolution (3.4 Å) cryo-EM structure of an active helical nitrilase, the nitrilase 4 fromArabidopsis thaliana. We apply site-saturation mutagenesis directed evolution to three residues (R95, S224, and L169) and generate a mutant with an altered helical twist that accepts substrates not catalyzed by known plant nitrilases. We reveal that a loop between α2 and α3 limits the length of the binding pocket and propose that it shifts position as a function of helical twist. These insights will allow us to start designing nitrilases for chemoenzymatic synthesis.
LncRNA BE503655 inhibits osteosarcoma cell proliferation, invasion/migration via Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Huang Qiang , Shi Shu-yan , Ji Hai-bo , Xing Shu-xing 
Published: July 2019

Abstract
Aim: In previous studies, numerous dysregulated long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) were identified by RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq). However, the relationship between lncRNA and osteosarcoma remains unclear. In the present study, the function and mechanism of lncRNA BE503655 were investigated. Methods: Transwell, cell cycle and proliferation were used to evaluate the function of lncRNA BE503655. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of lncRNA BE503655 and β-catenin. Results: LncRNA BE503655 is overexpressed in human osteosarcoma and osteosarcoma cell lines. Knockdown lncRNA BE503655 suppresses cell proliferation, invasion and migration. High expression of BE503655 was significantly related to Enneking stage, distant metastasis and histological grade. Moreover, we also provided evidences that lncRNA BE503655 played its functions dependent on regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in osteosarcoma. Conclusion: Taken together, we verified the role of lncRNA BE503655 and provided possible mechanism in osteosarcoma. Our study provided new insights into clinical treatment of osteosarcoma and further intervention target.
Three‐ to five‐signal LP‐mode amplification characteristics of ring‐core erbium‐doped fibre
Authors: Miyagawa S. , Yoshimura M. , Ikeda K. , Koyama O. , Ono H. , Yamada M. 
Published: July 2019

We simulated the differential modal gain (DMG) property of WDM amplification characteristics for a ring‐core erbium‐doped fibre (RC‐EDF) to clarify the possibility of an RC‐EDF being used as a three‐ to five‐signal LP‐mode amplification medium. The authors defined two parameters, DMGYY–XX and WDGXX. The former and the latter are the difference between the gains of the LPXX mode and the LPYY mode at the shortest wavelength, and the gains of the LPXX mode at the shortest and longest wavelengths of WDM signal channel, respectively. XX and YY indicate the signal LP mode number. The authors present contour diagrams of the maximum DMGYY−XX and maximum WDGXX on the allowable three‐ to five‐signal LP‐mode areas of the RC‐EDF. They confirm that it is possible to realise the amplification with a maximum DMGYY−XX of ≤2 dB, ≤1 dB, and about 2 dB for the 3, 4, and 5‐LP modes and a maximum WDGXX of ≤ 1 dB for the three‐ to five‐LP mode. The authors found that it is possible to realise an amplifier for 3–5 LP modes that operate with a relatively low DMG by using RC‐EDF.
Conception of an electric propulsion system for a 9 kW electric tractor suitable for family farming
Authors: Melo Rodnei R. , Antunes Fernando L.M. , Daher Sérgio , Vogt Hans H. , Albiero Daniel , Tofoli Fernando L. 
Published: July 2019

This study presents an updated review of the application of electric tractors. A customised drive system for the conception of a novel low‐power electric tractor suitable for family farms is also introduced and discussed. The introduced system comprises several aspects regarding energy generation, transmission, conversion, storage, utilisation, conservation, and management, as well as sustainability issues. A 9 kW prototype composed of two three‐phase induction motors, two independent inverters, and a lead–acid battery bank is presented. Flexible and safe operation is ensured by using an electronic control unit specifically designed for this project, as a dedicated control algorithm is also developed to provide greater versatility under common rural activities. Also, a supervisory system is proposed for data storage and performance analysis. To verify the proper performance of the electric tractor, the methodology used for conducting drawbar tests has been based on document CODE 2 by Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD). Experimental results are presented and discussed; thus, demonstrating that the proposed electric tractor is technically feasible in terms of performance when compared with a similar internal combustion engine one.