bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variants in exons 5 and 6 of ACTB cause syndromic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Latham Sharissa L. , Ehmke Nadja , Reinke Patrick Y. A. , Taft Manuel H. , Eicke Dorothee , Reindl Theresia , Stenzel Werner , Lyons Michael J. , Friez Michael J. , Lee Jennifer A. , Hecker Ramona , Frühwald Michael C. , Becker Kerstin , Neuhann Teresa M. , Horn Denise , Schrock Evelin , Niehaus Indra , Sarnow Katharina , Grützmann Konrad , Gawehn Luzie , Klink Barbara , Rump Andreas , Chaponnier Christine , Figueiredo Constanca , Knöfler Ralf , Manstein Dietmar J. , Di Donato Nataliya 
Published: October 2018

AbstractGermline mutations in the ubiquitously expressed ACTB, which encodes β-cytoplasmic actin (CYA), are almost exclusively associated with Baraitser-Winter Cerebrofrontofacial syndrome (BWCFF). Here, we report six patients with previously undescribed heterozygous variants clustered in the 3′-coding region of ACTB. Patients present with clinical features distinct from BWCFF, including mild developmental disability, microcephaly, and thrombocytopenia with platelet anisotropy. Using patient-derived fibroblasts, we demonstrate cohort specific changes to β-CYA filament populations, which include the enhanced recruitment of thrombocytopenia-associated actin binding proteins (ABPs). These perturbed interactions are supported by in silico modeling and are validated in disease-relevant thrombocytes. Co-examination of actin and microtubule cytoskeleton constituents in patient-derived megakaryocytes and thrombocytes indicates that these β-CYA mutations inhibit the final stages of platelet maturation by compromising microtubule organization. Our results define an ACTB-associated clinical syndrome with a distinct genotype-phenotype correlation and delineate molecular mechanisms underlying thrombocytopenia in this patient cohort.
Astrocytes detect and upregulate transmission at inhibitory synapses of somatostatin interneurons onto pyramidal cells
Authors: Matos Marco , Bosson Anthony , Riebe Ilse , Reynell Clare , Vallée Joanne , Laplante Isabel , Panatier Aude , Robitaille Richard , Lacaille Jean-Claude 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAstrocytes are important regulators of excitatory synaptic networks. However, astrocytes regulation of inhibitory synaptic systems remains ill defined. This is particularly relevant since GABAergic interneurons regulate the activity of excitatory cells and shape network function. To address this issue, we combined optogenetics and pharmacological approaches, two-photon confocal imaging and whole-cell recordings to specifically activate hippocampal somatostatin or paravalbumin-expressing interneurons (SOM-INs or PV-INs), while monitoring inhibitory synaptic currents in pyramidal cells and Ca2+ responses in astrocytes. We found that astrocytes detect SOM-IN synaptic activity via GABABR and GAT-3-dependent Ca2+ signaling mechanisms, the latter triggering the release of ATP. In turn, ATP is converted into adenosine, activating A1Rs and upregulating SOM-IN synaptic inhibition of pyramidal cells, but not PV-IN inhibition. Our findings uncover functional interactions between a specific subpopulation of interneurons, astrocytes and pyramidal cells, involved in positive feedback autoregulation of dendritic inhibition of pyramidal cells.
Epistasis studies reveal redundancy among calcium-dependent protein kinases in motility and invasion of malaria parasites
Authors: Fang Hanwei , Gomes Ana Rita , Klages Natacha , Pino Paco , Maco Bohumil , Walker Eloise M. , Zenonos Zenon A. , Angrisano Fiona , Baum Jake , Doerig Christian , Baker David A. , Billker Oliver , Brochet Mathieu 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIn malaria parasites, evolution of parasitism has been linked to functional optimisation. Despite this optimisation, most members of a calcium-dependent protein kinase (CDPK) family show genetic redundancy during erythrocytic proliferation. To identify relationships between phospho-signalling pathways, we here screen 294 genetic interactions among protein kinases in Plasmodium berghei. This reveals a synthetic negative interaction between a hypomorphic allele of the protein kinase G (PKG) and CDPK4 to control erythrocyte invasion which is conserved in P. falciparum. CDPK4 becomes critical when PKG-dependent calcium signals are attenuated to phosphorylate proteins important for the stability of the inner membrane complex, which serves as an anchor for the acto-myosin motor required for motility and invasion. Finally, we show that multiple kinases functionally complement CDPK4 during erythrocytic proliferation and transmission to the mosquito. This study reveals how CDPKs are wired within a stage-transcending signalling network to control motility and host cell invasion in malaria parasites.
Establishment of porcine enterocyte/myofibroblast co-cultures for the growth of porcine rota- and coronaviruses
Authors: Cui Tingting , Theuns Sebastiaan , Desmarets Lowiese M. B. , Xie Jiexiong , De Gryse Gaëtan M. A. , Yang Bo , Van den Broeck Wim , Nauwynck Hans J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractA stable culture of primary porcine enterocytes is necessary to study porcine enteric virus replication characteristics. Because the direct cultivation of primary porcine enterocytes is difficult, alternatives have to be considered. As subepithelial myofibroblasts secrete extracellular matrix and growth factors contributing to the attachment, proliferation and differentiation of epithelial cells, co-cultures of primary porcine enterocytes (ileocytes and colonocytes) with myofibroblasts were developed and evaluated for their susceptibility to enteric viruses. First, it was demonstrated that the co-cultured ileocytes and colonocytes were susceptible to an archival rotavirus strain RVA/pig-tc/BEL/RV277/1977/G1P[7] and different other rotavirus genotypes (fecal samples containing G5P[7], G5P[13], G9P[23], G4P[6]). Next, the TGEV Purdue strain infected both ileocytes and colonocytes whereas the Miller strain only infected ileocytes. Last, the PEDV CV777 Vero adapted and non-adapted (fecal suspension) strains could infect co-cultured ileocytes but not colonocytes. The infectivity of the CV777 Vero adapted strain was higher when the cells were cultured without fetal bovine serum and the CV777 fecal suspension only infected the ileocytes cultured without fetal bovine serum. In conclusion, a novel co-culture of porcine enterocytes with myofibroblasts was established, which can be used for the investigation of the replication of enteric viruses.
Systematic investigation of the deformation mechanisms of a γ-TiAl single crystal
Authors: Jeong Byungkwan , Kim Jaemin , Lee Taegu , Kim Seong-Woong , Ryu Seunghwa 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe propose a theoretical framework to predict the deformation mechanism of the γ-TiAl single crystal without lattice defects by combining the generalized stacking fault energy and the Schmid factor. Our theory is validated against an excellent testbed, the single crystal nanowire, by correctly predicting four major deformation mechanisms, namely, ordinary slip, super slip, twinning, and mixed slip/fracture observed during the tensile and compressive tests along 10 different orientations using molecular dynamics simulations. Interestingly, although lattice defects are not taken into account, the theoretical predictions match well with existing experiments on bulk specimen with only a few exceptions; the exceptions are discussed based on the size-dependent deformation mechanism in the presence of preexisting dislocation sources. We expect that the method in this paper can be generalized to study various ductile intermetallic crystals where conventional Schmid law does not hold well.
Super-resolution imaging via aperture modulation and intensity extrapolation
Authors: Xu Biao , Wang Zhiqiang , He Jinping 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHigh-resolution telescopic imaging is of great importance in astronomy. Compared to the complexity and huge cost of constructing extremely-large telescopes, super-resolution technique which breaks the diffraction limit of the imaging system can enhance the spatial resolution with compact setup and low cost. In this paper, a novel super-resolution telescopic imaging method based on aperture modulation and intensity extrapolation is demonstrated, with both simulated and experimental studies performed. The simulation results show that the method can enhance the resolving power of a diffraction-limited telescopic imaging system by >5 times in noise-free case, and the improvement still reaches ~1.8 times with a signal-to-noise ratio of only ~10. The preliminary experimental results show a resolution enhancement of ~1.36 times for the limitations of the experimental setup. Better performance is possible with the images for reconstruction denoised and registered more precisely. The method is also useful in wide-field microscopy.
Selective DNAM-1 expression on small peritoneal macrophages contributes to CD4+ T cell costimulation
Authors: Takenaka Eri , Van Vo Anh , Yamashita-Kanemaru Yumi , Shibuya Akira , Shibuya Kazuko 
Published: October 2018

AbstractMouse peritoneal macrophages consist of two subsets: large peritoneal macrophages (LPMs) and small peritoneal macrophages (SPMs), defined as CD11bhiF4/80hiand CD11b+F4/80locells, respectively. We reveal that SPMs, but not LPMs, have the ability to present antigens to naïve CD4+T cells. Coculture of SPMs with naïve ovalbumin (OVA) specific CD4+T cells (OT-II) in the presence of OVA peptide effectively induced CD4+T cells priming. SPMs, but not LPMs, strongly express DNAM-1, an activating immunoreceptor. Although antigen uptake and processing were comparable between WT and DNAM-1-deficient SPMs, deficiency of DNAM-1 on SPMs or blockade of DNAM-1 and its ligand interaction impaired CD4+T cells priming by SPMs. Furthermore, T and B cell responses in mediastinal lymph nodes of mice intraperitoneally immunized with trinitrophenyl (TNP)–OVA protein in Alum adjuvant were enhanced by intraperitoneally transferred wild-type, but not DNAM-1-deficient, SPMs. We propose that SPMs are functionally distinct from LPMs, and DNAM-1 plays a costimulatory role in antigen presentation by SPMs.
Degradation kinetics of Ti-Cu compound layer in transient liquid phase bonded graphite/copper joints
Authors: Lin Jincheng , Huang Mei , Yang Weiqi , Xing Lili 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe continuous Ti-Cu compound layer produced in brazing of graphite to copper with Ti foil is found to be seriously detrimental to joint properties due to its brittleness. In this work, a transient liquid phase (TLP) bonding method with a diffusion process below melting point is developed to realize a Ti-Cu compound layer free joint. The degradation of Ti-Cu compound layer depends on two simultaneously occurring processes, namely flow of titanium atoms to copper substrate and that to TiC layer on graphite. The latter is determined by growth kinetics of TiC layer based on carbon diffusion process. A degradation model is proposed and applied to optimize the TLP bonding. The improved graphite/copper joints without Ti-Cu compound layer show 20.8% higher in shear strength compared with that of brazing joints.
Severity of local inflammation does not impact development of fibrosis in mouse models of intestinal fibrosis
Authors: Hünerwadel A. , Fagagnini S. , Rogler G. , Lutz C. , Jaeger S. U. , Mamie C. , Weder B. , Ruiz P. A. , Hausmann M. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIntestinal fibrosis is thought to be a consequence of excessive tissue repair, and constitutes a common problem in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD). While fibrosis seems to require inflammation as a prerequisite it is unclear whether the severity or persistence of inflammation influences the degree of fibrosis. Our aim was to investigate the role of sustained inflammation in fibrogenesis. For the initiation of fibrosisin vivothe models ofIl10−/−spontaneous colitis, dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced chronic colitis and heterotopic transplantation were used. InIl10−/−mice, we determined a positive correlation between expression of pro-inflammatory factors (Il1β,Tnf,Ifnγ,Mcp1andIl6). We also found a positive correlation between the expression of pro-fibrotic factors (Col3a1 Col1a1,TgfβandαSma). In contrast, no significant correlation was determined between the expression of pro-inflammatoryTnfand pro-fibroticαSma,Col1a1,Col3a1, collagen layer thickness and the hydroxyproline (HYP) content. Results from the DSS-induced chronic colitis model confirmed this finding. In the transplantation model for intestinal fibrosis a pronounced increase inMcp1,inosandIl6inIl10−/−as compared to WT grafts was observed, indicating more severe inflammation inIl10−/−grafts. However, the increase of collagen over time was virtually identical in bothIl10−/−and WT grafts. Severity of inflammation during onset of fibrogenesis did not correlate with collagen deposition. Although inflammation might be a pre-requisite for the initiation of fibrosis our data suggest that it has a minor impact on the progression of fibrosis. Our results suggest that development of fibrosis and inflammation may be disconnected. This may be important for explaining the inefficacy of anti-inflammatory treatments agents in most cases of fibrotic inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
Impact of the astronomical lunar 18.6-yr tidal cycle on El-Niño and Southern Oscillation
Authors: Yasuda Ichiro 
Published: October 2018

AbstractEven though El-Niño and Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has a tremendous impact on global climate and society, its long-term forecast remains difficult. In this study, we discovered a statistically significant relationship between ENSO timing and the 18.6-year period lunar tidal cycle in the mature-phase (December–February) ENSO time-series during 1867–2015 and extending back to 1706 with proxy data. It was found that El-Niño tended to occur in the 1st, 10th, and 13th years after the maximum diurnal tide in the 18.6-yr cycle, and La-Niña tended to occur in the 3rd, 12th, and 16th years. These tendencies were also confirmed by corresponding sea-surface temperature (SST) and sea-level pressure (SLP) distributions; particularly Pacific SST and SLP spatial patterns in the third La-Niña and the tenth El-Niño year well resemble those of Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO). These findings contribute to understanding and forecasting long-term ENSO variability.
Showcasing the role of seawater in bacteria recruitment and microbiome stability in sponges
Authors: Turon Marta , Cáliz Joan , Garate Leire , Casamayor Emilio O. , Uriz Maria J. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe studied the core bacterial communities of 19 sponge species from Nha Trang Bay (Central Vietnam), with particular emphasis on the contribution of planktonic seawater bacteria to the sponge core microbiomes. To ensure consistent sponge-microbe associations and accurate identification of planktonic bacteria transmitted from seawater, we were very restrictive with the definition of the sponge core microbiomes (present in all the replicates), and with the identification of valid biological 16S rRNA gene sequences (100% sequence identity) that belonged to potentially different bacterial taxa. We found a high overlap (>50% relative abundance) between the sponge species core microbiome and the seawater bacterial core in ca. a half of the studied species, including representatives of both, HMA and LMA sponges. From our restrictive analysis, we point to horizontal transmission as a relevant way of symbiont acquisition in sponges. Some species-specific recognition mechanisms may act in sponges to enrich specific seawater bacteria in their tissues. These mechanisms would allow the maintenance of bacterial communities in a species across geographical ranges. Moreover, besides contrasting preferences in bacteria selection from seawater, divergent physiological traits may also account for the different microbiomes in species of HMA and LMA sponges.
Near-absolute polarization insensitivity in graphene based ultra-narrowband perfect visible light absorber
Authors: Yildirim Deniz Umut , Ghobadi Amir , Ozbay Ekmel 
Published: October 2018

AbstractStrong light-graphene interaction is essential for the integration of graphene to nanophotonic and optoelectronic devices. The plasmonic response of graphene in terahertz and mid-infrared regions enhances this interaction, and other resonance mechanisms can be adopted in near-infrared and visible ranges to achieve perfect light absorption. However, obtaining near-absolute polarization insensitivity with ultra-narrow absorption bandwidth in the visible and near-infrared regimes remains a challenge. In this regard, we numerically propose a graphene perfect absorber, utilizing the excitation of guided-modes of a dielectric slab waveguide by a novel sub-wavelength dielectric grating structure. When the guided-mode resonance is critically coupled to the graphene, we obtain perfect absorption with an ultra-narrow bandwidth (full-width at half-maximum) of 0.8 nm. The proposed design not only preserves the spectral position of the resonance, but also maintains >98% absorption at all polarization angles. The spectral position of the resonance can be tuned as much as 400 nm in visible and near-infrared regimes by tailoring geometrical parameters. The proposed device has great potential in efficient, tunable, ultra-sensitive, compact and easy-to-fabricate advanced photodetectors and color filters.
High conductivity of ultrathin nanoribbons of SrRuO3 on SrTiO3 probed by infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Falsetti E. , Kalaboukhov A. , Nucara A. , Ortolani M. , Corasaniti M. , Baldassarre L. , Roy P. , Calvani P. 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSrRuO3 (SRO) is a perovskite increasingly used in oxide-based electronics both for its intrinsic metallicity, which remains unaltered in thin films and for the ease of deposition on dielectric perovskites like SrTiO3, (STO) to implement SRO/STO microcapacitors and other devices. In order to test the reliability of SRO/STO also as high-current on-chip conductor, when the SRO dimensions are pushed to the nanoscale, here we have measured the electrodynamic properties of arrays of nanoribbons, fabricated by lithography starting from an ultrathin film of SRO deposited on a STO substrate. The nanoribbons are 6 or 4 nm thick, 400, 200 and 100 nm wide and 5 mm long. The measurements have been performed by infrared spectroscopy, a non-contact weakly perturbing technique which also allows one to separately determine the carrier density and their scattering rate or mobility. Far-infrared reflectivity spectra have been analyzed by Rigorous Coupled-Wave Analysis (RCWA) and by an Effective Medium Theory, obtaining consistent results. With the radiation polarized along the nanoribbons, we obtain a carrier density similar to that of a flat film used as reference, which in turn is similar to that of bulk SRO. Moreover, in the nanoribbons the carrier scattering rate is even smaller than in the unpatterned film by about a factor of 2. This shows that the transport properties of SRO deposited on STO remain at least unaltered down to nanometric dimensions, with interesting perspectives for implementing on-chip nano-interconnects in an oxide-based electronics. When excited in the perpendicular direction, the nanoribbons appear instead virtually transparent to the radiation field, as predicted by RCWA.
Ti3C2MXene as an excellent anode material for high-performance microbial fuel cells
Authors: Liu Da , Wang Ruiwen , Chang Wen , Zhang Lu , Peng Benqi , Li Huidong , Liu Shaoqin , Yan Mei , Guo Chongshen 
Published: October 2018

Ti3C2MXene as the MFC anode facilitates bacterial adhesion and extracellular electron transfer, thus resulting in a power density of 3.74 W m−2.
A comparative review of use of sulphate and phosphate salts for colonoscopy preparations and their potential for nephrotoxicity
Authors: Moulin Bruno , Ponchon Thierry 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackground and study aims Colonoscopy is a widely used diagnostic procedure which requires prior cleansing of the bowel. Many different bowel cleansing preparations have been developed, all of which have specific advantages and disadvantages. This review compares two low-volume high-osmolarity bowel cleansing preparations, oral phosphate salts and oral sulphate salts, with a particular focus on risk of nephrotoxicity.Patients and methods An electronic search of the Medline database was performed using the search terms “(phosphates OR sulfates) AND cathartics [MeSH Term] AND kidney” restricted to humans with a cut-off date of December 31, 2016.Results Introduction of oral phosphate salts offered the advantage of low intake volume and low risk of bowel irritation compared to previous options. However, phosphate salts have been associated with renal toxicity (acute phosphate nephropathy [APN]), thought to arise due to perturbations of calcium and phosphate homeostasis as a consequence of increases in serum phosphate. This results in high concentrations of calcium phosphate in the distal tubule and collecting ducts of the kidney, where it may precipitate. Although APN is rare, it may lead to permanent kidney damage. For this reason, phosphate salts are contraindicated in vulnerable patient groups. As an alternative to phosphate salts, oral sulphate salts have recently been introduced. Because sulphate absorption from the intestinal tract is saturable, serum sulphate concentrations increase only minimally after ingestion. Furthermore, excretion of sulphate in the kidney is not accompanied by calcium excretion and urine calcium levels are unchanged. For these theoretical reasons, use of sulphate salts as bowel cleansing solutions is not expected to lead to calcium precipitation in the nephron.Conclusions Oral phosphate salts are no longer recommended for routine use as bowel cleansing preparations as they carry significant risk of kidney damage and a safer alternative is available in the form of oral sulphate solutions. To date, use of sulphate salts has not been associated with elevations in serum creatinine or other markers of renal impairment, nor with clinical manifestations of kidney injury. Nonetheless, experience with sulphate salts in everyday practice is limited and physicians should be vigilant in detecting potential safety issues.
Do Hospital Doctors Screen for Diabetes?
Authors: Méan Marie , Waeber Gérard , Marques-Vidal Pedro 
Published: October 2018

Abstract
Background One in five hospitalized patients presents with previously undetected diabetes mellitus (DM). We assessed whether hospital doctors measure HbA1c in hospitalized patients and act consequently.
Methods Data from patients hospitalized between January 2013 and December 2014 in a Swiss teaching hospital was collected. We assessed the frequency of HbA1c measurements and the number of newly detected prediabetes or DM. We also examined whether HbA1c values were associated with the antidiabetic drugs prescription and reporting of DM in the discharge letter.
Results Of the 2618 patients studied, 298 (11.4%) had HbA1c measured, of whom 136 (45.6%) had no previous history of DM. Of the 136 patients without history of DM, 51 (37.5%) had prediabetic state and 23 (16.9%) had DM. Newly detected prediabetes or DM were reported in 5.8% (3/51) and 65.8% of cases (15/23), respectively. Only half of patients (11/23, 47.8%) with newly detected DM received antidiabetic drug treatment at discharge. Patients with newly detected DM (n=23) had a longer length of stay (median and interquartile range: 16 [9–25] versus 10 [8–16] days, p=0.028) compared to patients without DM, while no such differences were found regarding in-hospital mortality.
Conclusions Hospital doctors seldom prescribe HbA1c measurement in medical hospitalized patients. Prescription of HbA1c measurement leads to a high detection rate (53%) of (pre)DM among patients unaware of their status, but management and reporting of these conditions at discharge could be further improved.