bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Genome and plasmid diversity of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase-producing Escherichia coli ST131 – tracking phylogenetic trajectories with Bayesian inference
Authors: Ny Sofia , Sandegren Linus , Salemi Marco , Giske Christian G. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractClonal lineages of ESBL (Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase)-producing E. coli belonging to sequence type 131 (ST131) have disseminated globally during the last 30 years, leading to an increased prevalence of resistance to fluoroquinolones and extended-spectrum cephalosporins in clinical isolates of E. coli. We aimed to study if Swedish ESBL-producing ST131 isolates originated from single or multiple introductions to the population by assessing the amount of genetic variation, on chromosomal and plasmid level, between Swedish and international E. coli ST131. Bayesian inference of Swedish E. coli ST131 isolates (n = 29), sequenced using PacBio RSII, together with an international ST131 dataset showed that the Swedish isolates were part of the international ST131 A, C1 and C2 clades. Highly conserved plasmids were identified in three clusters although they were separated by several years, which indicates a strong co-evolution between some ST131 lineages and specific plasmids. In conclusion, the tight clonal relationship observed within the ST131 clades, together with highly conserved plasmids, challenges investigation of strain transmission events. A combination of few SNPs on a genome-wide scale and an epidemiological temporospatial link, are needed to track the spread of the ST131 subclones.
IFT88 controls NuMA enrichment at k-fibers minus-ends to facilitate their re-anchoring into mitotic spindles
Authors: Taulet Nicolas , Douanier Audrey , Vitre Benjamin , Anguille Christelle , Maurin Justine , Dromard Yann , Georget Virginie , Delaval Benedicte 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTo build and maintain mitotic spindle architecture, molecular motors exert spatially regulated forces on microtubules (MT) minus-ends. This spatial regulation is required to allow proper chromosomes alignment through the organization of kinetochore fibers (k-fibers). NuMA was recently shown to target dynactin to MT minus-ends and thus to spatially regulate dynein activity. However, given that k-fibers are embedded in the spindle, our understanding of the machinery involved in the targeting of proteins to their minus-ends remains limited. Intraflagellar transport (IFT) proteins were primarily studied for their ciliary roles but they also emerged as key regulators of cell division. Taking advantage of MT laser ablation, we show here that IFT88 concentrates at k-fibers minus-ends and is required for their re-anchoring into spindles by controlling NuMA accumulation. Indeed, IFT88 interacts with NuMA and is required for its enrichment at newly generated k-fibers minus-ends. Combining nocodazole washout experiments and IFT88 depletion, we further show that IFT88 is required for the reorganization of k-fibers into spindles and thus for efficient chromosomes alignment in mitosis. Overall, we propose that IFT88 could serve as a mitotic MT minus-end adaptor to concentrate NuMA at minus-ends thus facilitating k-fibers incorporation into the main spindle.
Transparent non-cubic laser ceramics with fine microstructure
Authors: Furuse Hiroaki , Horiuchi Naohiro , Kim Byung-Nam 
Published: July 2019

AbstractTransparent polycrystalline ceramics with cubic crystal structure have played important roles in a wide variety of solid-state laser applications, whereas for non-cubic structures, single crystal only has been used. For further progress in optical technologies, effective materials beyond the current limitations are necessary. Here we report a new type of non-cubic ceramic laser material that overturns conventional common sense. It is hexagonal Nd-doped fluorapatite (Nd:FAP) ceramics with an optical quality comparable to single crystal while having random crystal orientation. It is composed of ultrafine grains with a loss coefficient of 0.18 cm−1 at a lasing wavelength of 1063 nm, and its laser oscillation was demonstrated. This is the first verification of lasing in randomly oriented non-cubic ceramics. Laser oscillation in the non-cubic ceramics was realized through both advanced liquid-phase nano-powder synthesis technology and highly controlled pulsed-current sintering techniques. Our findings should open new avenues for future solid-state laser and optical applications.
HnRNPA1 interacts with G-quadruplex in the TRA2B promoter and stimulates its transcription in human colon cancer cells
Authors: Nishikawa Tatsuya , Kuwano Yuki , Takahara Yumiko , Nishida Kensei , Rokutan Kazuhito 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe human TRA2B gene consists of 10 exons and 9 introns and produces 5 splice isoforms (TRA2β1 to TRA2β5). TRA2B exon 2 encodes multiple premature termination codons. TRA2β1 lacks exon 2 and is translated into a functional transformer 2β (Tra2β) protein, whereas TRA2β4 contains 10 exons and works as a functional RNA. Overexpressed Tra2β and ectopic expression of TRA2β4 may be oncogenic. We found that heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein (hnRNP)A1 and hnRNPU interacted with TRA2β4 exon 2. Minigene assays revealed that hnRNPA1 facilitated inclusion of exon 2, whereas hnRNPU promoted its skipping. However, knockdown of hnRNPA1 or hnRNPU reduced both TRA2β1 and TRA2β4 levels, and overexpression of these hnRNPs increased levels of both isoforms, suggesting that hnRNPA1 and hnRNPU mainly regulate the transcription of TRA2B. In fact, hnRNPA1 and hnRNPU positively regulated the promoter activity of TRA2B. Circular dichroism analyses, electrophoretic mobility shift assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated the presence of G-quadruplex (G4) formation in the promoter of TRA2B. Formation of G4 suppressed TRA2B transcription, whereas hnRNPA1, but not hnRNPU, interacted with the G4 to facilitate transcription. Our results suggest that hnRNPA1 may modulate TRA2B transcription through its regulation of G4 formation in its promoter in colon cancer cells.
Leaf Anatomy and 3-D Structure Mimic to Solar Cells with light trapping and 3-D arrayed submodule for Enhanced Electricity Production
Authors: Yun Min Ju , Sim Yeon Hyang , Cha Seung I. , Lee Dong Yoon 
Published: July 2019

AbstractPlant leaves are efficient light scavengers. We take a ‘botanical approach’ toward the creation of next-generation photovoltaic cells for urban environments. Our cells exhibit high energy conversion efficiency under indirect weak illumination. We used two features of leaves to improve dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). Leaves feature a cuticle, a covering epidermis, and palisade and spongy cells. Leaves are also carefully arrayed within the plant crown. To mimic these features, we first created a light-trapping layer on top of the solar cells and microscale-patterned the photoanodes. Then we angled the three-dimensional DSSCs to create submodules. These simple mimics afforded a 50% enhancement of simulated daily electricity production. Our new design optimizes light distribution, the photoanode structure, and the DSSC array (by creating modules), greatly improving cell performance.
The association between accelerometer-assessed physical activity and respiratory function in older adults differs between smokers and non-smokers
Authors: Benadjaoud Mohamed Amine , Menai Mehdi , van Hees Vincent T. , Zipunnikov Vadim , Regnaux Jean-Philippe , Kivimäki Mika , Singh-Manoux Archana , Sabia Séverine 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe association between physical activity and lung function is thought to depend on smoking history but most previous research uses self-reported measures of physical activity. This cross-sectional study investigates whether the association between accelerometer-derived physical activity and lung function in older adults differs by smoking history. The sample comprised 3063 participants (age = 60–83 years) who wore an accelerometer during 9 days and undertook respiratory function tests. Forced vital capacity (FVC) was associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA; acceleration ≥0.1 g (gravity)) in smokers but not in never smokers: FVC differences for 10 min increase in MVPA were 58.6 (95% Confidence interval: 21.1, 96.1), 27.8 (4.9, 50.7), 16.6 (7.9, 25.4), 2.8 (−5.2, 10.7) ml in current, recent ex-, long-term ex-, and never-smokers, respectively. A similar trend was observed for forced expiratory volume in 1 second. Functional data analysis, a threshold-free approach using the entire accelerometry distribution, showed an association between physical activity and lung function in all smoking groups, with stronger association in current and recent ex-smokers than in long-term ex- and never-smokers; the associations were evident in never smokers only at activity levels above the conventional 0.1 g MVPA threshold. These findings suggest that the association between lung function and physical activity in older adults is more pronounced in smokers than non-smokers.
Hypothalamic and pituitary transcriptome profiling using RNA-sequencing in high-yielding and low-yielding laying hens
Authors: Wang Chunqiang , Ma Wei 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe reproductive physiology and laying performance of laying hens are regulated by the hypothalamus and pituitary. To understand the mechanism of egg laying regulation, we sequenced and analysed the hypothalamus and pituitary expression profiles in high- and low-yielding laying Chinese Dagu Chickens (CDC) using RNA-seq. More than 46 million clean reads and 24,873 tentative genes were obtained using the Gallus gallus genome as a reference. Transcriptome analysis in hypothalamus and pituitary revealed seven and 39 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between high- and low-yielding CDC hens, respectively. A total of 24 and 22 DEGs were up-regulated and down-regulated, respectively, and 13 novel genes were identified. Functional annotation and pathway enrichment analysis showed that DEGs in the hypothalamus were mainly enriched in glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis. DEGs significantly enriched in the pituitary primarily affected the extracellular matrix, the protein extracellular matrix, and the extracellular space. Pathways involving phenylalanine metabolism, 2-oxocarboxylic acid metabolism, the glycosphingolipid biosynthesis-ganglion series, and local adhesion were significantly enriched in the pituitary. Eight DEGs, PRDX6, TRIB2, OVCH2, CFD, Peptidase M20, SLC7A10, and two other amino acid transporters, are involved in the metabolism and transport of amino acids. To our knowledge, this is the first study comparing the hypothalamus and pituitary transcriptomes of high- and low-yielding laying hens. Our findings suggest that putative differences in gene expression can provide a base for further research in this field. Moreover, we identified increased expression of genes involved in amino acid metabolism, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis, and oestrogen negative feedback systems in low-yielding laying hens, highlighting their potential as biomarkers of egg production.
Formation of Polymer Walls through the Phase Separation of a Liquid Crystal Mixture Induced by a Spatial Elastic Energy Difference
Authors: Choi Tae-Hoon , Do Su-Min , Jeon Byoung-Gyu , Shin Sung Tae , Yoon Tae-Hoon 
Published: July 2019

AbstractWe propose a method to form polymer walls without the use of a photomask in a liquid crystal (LC) cell by phase separation of an LC mixture induced by a spatial elastic energy difference. When an in-plane electric field is applied to a vertically aligned cell filled with a mixture of LC and a reactive monomer (RM), a high spatial elastic energy is induced along the direction perpendicular to the interdigitated electrodes. RMs move to the boundaries where the elastic energy is very high and an in-plane component of the applied electric field exists, which results in the phase separation of the LC/RM mixture. We have shown that we can form polymer walls by applying ultraviolet light irradiation to the LC cell. These polymer walls can function as alignment layers. We observed morphological patterns of the polymer structure through polarized optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. The polymer walls formed in an LC cell can affect the orientation of LCs in the lateral direction. Bistable switching of a polymer-walled cell could be achieved by using three-terminal electrodes where both vertical and in-plane electric fields can be applied. Vertical anchoring with the alignment layer on each substrate allows LC molecules to remain vertically aligned after removal of the applied vertical electric field. Furthermore, in-plane anchoring with the formed polymer walls allows the LC molecules to remain homogeneously aligned after removal of the applied in-plane electric field. The proposed method for the formation of polymer structures could be a useful tool to fabricate LC cells for various applications. As a bistable phase-grating device, the diffraction efficiency of a polymer-walled cell was comparable to that of a pure-LC cell. Its operating voltage was 44% lower than that of a pure-LC cell owing to in-plane anchoring provided by the polymer walls. Moreover, it can be operated with very low power because it does not require power to maintain the state. In addition, the total response time of a polymer-walled cell was approximately 68% shorter than that of a pure-LC cell because all switching was forcibly controlled by applying an electric field.
Meta-mining of copy number profiles of high-risk neuroblastoma tumors
Authors: Depuydt Pauline , Koster Jan , Boeva Valentina , Hocking Toby D. , Speleman Frank , Schleiermacher Gudrun , De Preter Katleen 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNeuroblastoma, a pediatric tumor of the sympathetic nervous system, is predominantly driven by copy number aberrations, which predict survival outcome in global neuroblastoma cohorts and in low-risk cases. For high-risk patients there is still a need for better prognostic biomarkers. Via an international collaboration, we collected copy number profiles of 556 high-risk neuroblastomas generated on different array platforms. This manuscript describes the composition of the dataset, the methods used to process the data, including segmentation and aberration calling, and data validation. t-SNE analysis shows that samples cluster according to MYCN status, and shows a difference between array platforms. 97.3% of samples are characterized by the presence of segmental aberrations, in regions frequently affected in neuroblastoma. Focal aberrations affect genes known to be involved in neuroblastoma, such as ALK and LIN28B. To conclude, we compiled a unique large copy number dataset of high-risk neuroblastoma tumors, available via R2 and a Shiny web application. The availability of patient survival data allows to further investigate the prognostic value of copy number aberrations.
IMEM2: a meteoroid environment model for the inner solar system
Authors: Soja R. H. , Grün E. , Strub P. , Sommer M. , Millinger M. , Vaubaillon J. , Alius W. , Camodeca G. , Hein F. , Laskar J. , Gastineau M. , Fienga A. , Schwarzkopf G. J. , Herzog J. , Gutsche K. , Skuppin N. , Srama R. 
Published: July 2019

Context.The interplanetary dust complex is currently understood to be largely the result of dust production from Jupiter-family comets, with contributions also from longer-period comets (Halley- and Oort-type) and collisionally produced asteroidal dust.Aims.Here we develop a dynamical model of the interplanetary dust cloud from these source populations in order to develop a risk and hazard assessment tool for interplanetary meteoroids in the inner solar system.Methods.The long-duration (1 Myr) integrations of dust grains from Jupiter-family and Halley-type comets and main belt asteroids were used to generate simulated distributions that were compared to COBE infrared data, meteor data, and the diameter distribution of lunar microcraters. This allowed the constraint of various model parameters.Results.We present here the first attempt at generating a model that can simultaneously describe these sets of observations. Extended collisional lifetimes are found to be necessary for larger (radius ≥ 150μm) particles. The observations are best fit with a differential size distribution that is steep (slope = 5) for radii ≥ 150μm, and shallower (slope = 2) for smaller particles. At the Earth the model results in ~ 90–98% Jupiter-family comet meteoroids, and small contributions from asteroidal and Halley-type comet particles. In COBE data we find an approximately 80% contribution from Jupiter-family comet meteoroids and 20% from asteroidal particles. The resulting flux at the Earth is mostly within a factor of about two to three of published measurements.
Verdauungsoptimierung – wie sich Ernährung und Mikrobiom gegenseitig beeinflussen
Authors: Bischoff Stephan C. 
Published: July 2019

AbstractNutrition affects intestinal bacteria by stimulating the expansion of bacteria that can metabolize the nutrient components offered. Conversely, gut bacteria help to optimize food digestion and increase energy intake. Thus, the intestinal microbiome is regulated primarily by nourishment: it determines the composition, function and diversity of the microbiome. As a result, the intestinal microbiome helps to optimize energy and substrate production from food. This is beneficial in cases of imminent malnutrition, but can be detrimental in case of overeating and obesity.
Knochentuberkulose – interdisziplinäre Therapie von der Diagnosestellung bis zur plastisch- chirurgischen Deckung
Authors: Schloßhauer Torsten , Priepke Eckhard , Rehart Stefan , Kuehn Shafreena , Jahn-Muehl Bernhard , Rieger Ulrich Michael 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungDie Tuberkulose stellt mit jährlich 10 Millionen neuen Fällen und über einer Million Toten im Jahr ein zentrales globales Problem dar. Eine Knochentuberkulose stellt dem gegenüber als extrem selten auftretende Form der Tuberkulose eine besondere Herausforderung hinsichtlich der Diagnosestellung sowie der Sanierung und Defektdeckung von tiefgreifenden Defekten im Bereich der Extremitäten dar. Für Mitteleuropa stellt sich vor dem Hintergrund vermehrter Migration und ansteigender Zahlen von Tuberkulosefällen verstärkt die Frage nach einer sicheren Diagnose, Therapie und Schutzmaßnahmen im Umgang mit dem Patienten.Im vorliegenden Fall, einer 49-jährigen Frau aus Pakistan, erfolgte eine erstmalige Vorstellung mit dem klinischen Bild eines Exanthems auf Höhe des oberen Sprunggelenkes mit radiologischen Zeichen einer Osteolyse. Die pathologische und molekularpathologische Diagnostik erbrachte den Nachweis einer Infektion durch einen Erreger des M. tuberculosis-Komplexes. In der Initialphase über 6 Wochen erfolgte die leitliniengerechte 4fach-Therapie mit Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RMP), Pyrazinamid (PZA) und Ethambutol (EMB) und in der anschließenden Kontinuitätsphase die 2fach-Therapie mit INH und RMP für 12 Monate.14 Monate später, erfolgte bei Rezidiv-Abszess die erneute stationäre Aufnahme, mit der Fortführung der tuberkulostatischen Therapie als Vierfach-Kombination aus INH, RMP, PZA und EMB für 6 Wochen und als Zweifachkombination INH und RMP für insgesamt ein Jahr.Nach Sanierung des Abszesses erfolgte die Ruhigstellung des Gelenkes mittels Sprunggelenks-Arthrodese und schließlich die Defektdeckung der tiefgreifenden Nekrose am rechten Sprunggelenk durch einen freien M. gracilis-Lappenplastik durch die Plastische Chirurgie.In dem hier beschriebenen Fall erfolgte die suffiziente ossäre Versorgung sowie Weichgewebsdeckung in einem Schwerpunktkrankenhaus durch die Zusammenarbeit der Infektiologie, der orthopädisch-unfallchirurgischen und der plastisch-chirurgischen Abteilung. Der knöcherne Defekt konnte so saniert, der Weichgewebsdefekt gedeckt und letztlich der Extremitätenerhalt gesichert werden. Im Rahmen dieses Fallbeispiels soll aufgrund der zunehmenden Relevanz dieser Entität ein umfassender Überblick über die relevante aktuelle Literatur gegeben werden und ein Therapie-Algorithmus abgeleitet werden.
Vom dermatologischen Gemüsegarten zur Ernährungslehre: Sigwald Bommer (1893 – 1963) zum 125. Geburtstag
Authors: Gregersen D. M. , Schempp C. M. , Meyer U. 
Published: July 2019

ZusammenfassungZusammenhänge zwischen Hautkrankheiten und Ernährung finden in neuerer Zeit wieder mehr Beachtung, zum Beispiel bei Psoriasis und Akne. Hingegen beschäftigten sich Ärzte aus den verschiedensten Fachbereichen in der ersten Hälfte des 20. Jahrhunderts eingehend mit der Ernährung als Einflussfaktor auf Gesundheit und Krankheit. So auch der wenig bekannte Dermatologe Sigwald Bommer (1893 – 1963), der Lehrstuhlinhaber an der Universität in Greifswald war. Hautkrankheiten nicht nur lokal zu behandeln, sondern einen ganzheitlichen Ansatz zu verfolgen, lernte Bommer in der Lupusheilstätte Gießen bei Albert Jesionek (1870 – 1935), wo allgemeine Lichttherapie zum Einsatz kam. Dort begannen Diätversuche, die schwere Fälle von Hauttuberkulose, insbesondere Lupus vulgaris, zur Abheilung brachten. Dies hinterließ bei Bommer einen derartigen Eindruck, dass er sich seit dieser Zeit mit der Ernährungsbehandlung beschäftigte und sie zu einer vierstufigen Diättherapie weiterentwickelte. Über gewisse Variationen der Ernährungsstufen behandelte er unterschiedliche Hautkrankheiten wie Psoriasis, Rosazea, Ekzeme und Akne vulgaris mit Erfolg. Die Wirkung sah er in der Verbesserung der Durchblutungssituation bis in die Kapillaren, was er anhand von histologischem Material zu belegen versuchte. Weitere Beobachtungen überzeugten Bommer, dass neben Durchblutungs- auch Verdauungsstörungen bei den dermatologischen Patienten als häufige Komorbiditäten bestanden. Als zentralen Ansatzpunkt seiner Ernährungstherapie sah er das „System der inneren Atmung“, das heißt die Oxidations- und Reduktionssysteme im Zellstoffwechsel: Aufnahme einer gesunden und vollwertigen Nahrung verbesserte grundlegend die Verdauungstätigkeit, die kapillare Durchblutungssituation der Gewebe und damit auch den Stoffaustausch an der Zelle selbst.
Determination of the Maximal Lactate Steady State by HRV in Overweight and Obese Subjects
Authors: Schmidt Tobias , Wulff Sarah , Braumann Klaus-Michael , Reer Ruediger 
Published: July 2019

AbstractThe study assessed if the maximal lactate steady state (MLSS) may be determined by HRV in overweight and obese individuals. Fourteen obese (OB) and 14 overweight (OW) participants performed an incremental exercise test and several constant-load tests on a bicycle ergometer to determine the MLSS. HRV was analysed by using time domain and non-linear parameters of the Poincaré plot. Various HRV thresholds (HRVt) were detected and compared with the MLSS. Overall, Bland-Altman plots demonstrated moderate to strong agreements between the power at the MLSS and the power at HRVt, with all HRVt overestimating the MLSS (range: − 14.6 to−19.8 W). All HRVt were detected at higher intensities (69.2–78.8%Pmax) compared to the MLSS (62.6–66.8%Pmax). The primarily vagally modulated parameter HRVtSD1 revealed higher correlations (r=0.66–0.76) and lower differences (16.8–19.9%) compared to the parameter HRVtSD2 (r=0.56–r=0.66; 22.4–22.9%). The data suggest a delayed vagal withdrawal during incremental exercise in obese and overweight individuals. For this population, the use of HRV to determine the MLSS seems questionable.