bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate Based Predictability of Oil Palm Tree Yield in Malaysia
Authors: Oettli Pascal , Behera Swadhin K. , Yamagata Toshio 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe influence of local conditions and remote climate modes on the interannual variability of oil palm fresh fruit bunches (FFB) total yields in Malaysia and two major regions (Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah/Sarawak) is explored. On a country scale, the state of sea-surface temperatures (SST) in the tropical Pacific Ocean during the previous boreal winter is found to influence the regional climate. When El Niño occurs in the Pacific Ocean, rainfall in Malaysia reduces but air temperature increases, generating a high level of water stress for palm trees. As a result, the yearly production of FFB becomes lower than that of a normal year since the water stress during the boreal spring has an important impact on the total annual yields of FFB. Conversely, La Niña sets favorable conditions for palm trees to produce more FFB by reducing chances of water stress risk. The region of the Leeuwin current also seems to play a secondary role through the Ningaloo Niño/ Niña in the interannual variability of FFB yields. Based on these findings, a linear model is constructed and its ability to reproduce the interannual signal is assessed. This model has shown some skills in predicting the total FFB yield.
Theory of frequency response of mechanically driven cardiomyocytes
Authors: Cohen Ohad , Safran Samuel A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe theoretically predict and compare with experiments, transitions from spontaneous beating to dynamical entrainment of cardiomyocytes induced by an oscillating, external mechanical probe. In accord with recent experiments, we predict the dynamical behavior as a function of the probe amplitude and frequency. The theory is based on a phenomenological model for a non-linear oscillator, motivated by acto-myosin contractility. The generic behavior is independent of the detailed, molecular origins of the dynamics and, consistent with experiment, we find three regimes: spontaneous beating with the natural frequency of the cell, entrained beating with the frequency of the probe, and a “bursting” regime where the two frequencies alternate in time. We quantitatively predict the properties of the “bursting” regime as a function of the amplitude and frequency of the probe. Furthermore, we examine the pacing process in the presence of weak noise and explain how this might relate to cardiomyocyte physiology.
Movement Strategies for Countermovement Jumping are Potentially Influenced by Elastic Energy Stored and Released from Tendons
Authors: Wade Logan , Lichtwark Glen , Farris Dominic James 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe preferred movement strategies that humans choose to produce work for movement are not fully understood. Previous studies have demonstrated an important contribution of elastic energy stored within the Achilles tendon (AT) during jumping. This study aimed to alter energy available for storage in the AT to examine changes in how jumpers distribute work among lower limb joints. Participants (n = 16) performed maximal and sub-maximal jumps under two paradigms, matched for increasing total work output by manipulating jump height or adding body mass. Motion capture and ground reaction force data were combined in an inverse dynamics analysis to compute ankle, knee and hip joint kinetics. Results demonstrated higher peak moments about the ankle joint with added body mass (+26 Nm), likely resulting in additional energy storage in the AT. Work at the ankle joint increased proportionally with added mass, maintaining a constant contribution (~64%) to total work that was not matched with increasing jump height (−14%). This implies greater energy storage and return by the AT with added mass but not with increased height. When total work during jumping is constant but energy stored in tendons is not, humans prioritise the use of stored elastic energy over muscle work.
Beneficial effects of low alcohol exposure, but adverse effects of high alcohol intake on glymphatic function
Authors: Lundgaard Iben , Wang Wei , Eberhardt Allison , Vinitsky Hanna Sophia , Reeves Benjamin Cameron , Peng Sisi , Lou Nanhong , Hussain Rashad , Nedergaard Maiken 
Published: January 2018

AbstractProlonged intake of excessive amounts of ethanol is known to have adverse effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Here we investigated the effects of acute and chronic ethanol exposure and withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure on glymphatic function, which is a brain-wide metabolite clearance system connected to the peripheral lymphatic system. Acute and chronic exposure to 1.5 g/kg (binge level) ethanol dramatically suppressed glymphatic function in awake mice. Chronic exposure to 1.5 g/kg ethanol increased GFAP expression and induced mislocation of the astrocyte-specific water channel aquaporin 4 (AQP4), but decreased the levels of several cytokines. Surprisingly, glymphatic function increased in mice treated with 0.5 g/kg (low dose) ethanol following acute exposure, as well as after one month of chronic exposure. Low doses of chronic ethanol intake were associated with a significant decrease in GFAP expression, with little change in the cytokine profile compared with the saline group. These observations suggest that ethanol has a J-shaped effect on the glymphatic system whereby low doses of ethanol increase glymphatic function. Conversely, chronic 1.5 g/kg ethanol intake induced reactive gliosis and perturbed glymphatic function, which possibly may contribute to the higher risk of dementia observed in heavy drinkers.
PCSK9 induces a pro-inflammatory response in macrophages
Authors: Ricci Chiara , Ruscica Massimiliano , Camera Marina , Rossetti Laura , Macchi Chiara , Colciago Alessandra , Zanotti Ilaria , Lupo Maria Giovanna , Adorni Maria Pia , Cicero Arrigo F. G. , Fogacci Federica , Corsini Alberto , Ferri Nicola 
Published: January 2018

AbstractIntraplaque release of inflammatory cytokines from macrophages is implicated in atherogenesis by inducing the proliferation and migration of media smooth muscle cells (SMCs). PCSK9 is present and released by SMCs within the atherosclerotic plaque but its function is still unknown. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that PCSK9 could elicit a pro-inflammatory effect on macrophages. THP-1-derived macrophages and human primary macrophages were exposed to different concentrations (0.250 ÷ 2.5 µg/ml) of human recombinant PCSK9 (hPCSK9). After 24 h incubation with 2.5 µg/ml PCSK9, a significant induction of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, CXCL2, and MCP1 mRNA, were observed in both cell types. Co-culture of THP-1 macrophages with HepG2 overexpressing hPCSK9 also showed the induction of TNF-α (2.4 ± 0.5 fold) and IL-1β (8.6 ± 1.8 fold) mRNA in macrophages. The effect of hPCSK9 on TNF-α mRNA in murine LDLR−/− bone marrow macrophages (BMM) was significantly impaired as compared to wild-type BMM (4.3 ± 1.6 fold vs 31.1 ± 6.1 fold for LDLR−/− and LDLR+/+, respectively). Finally, a positive correlation between PCSK9 and TNF-α plasma levels of healthy adult subjects (males 533, females 537) was observed (B = 8.73, 95%CI 7.54 ÷ 9.93, p < 0.001). Taken together, the present study provides evidence of a pro-inflammatory action of PCSK9 on macrophages, mainly dependent by the LDLR.
Conserved DNA Methylation Signatures in Early Maternal Separation and in Twins Discordant for CO2 Sensitivity
Authors: Giannese Francesca , Luchetti Alessandra , Barbiera Giulia , Lampis Valentina , Zanettini Claudio , Knudsen Gun Peggy , Scaini Simona , Lazarevic Dejan , Cittaro Davide , D’Amato Francesca R. , Battaglia Marco 
Published: January 2018

AbstractRespiratory and emotional responses to blood-acidifying inhalation of CO2 are markers of some human anxiety disorders, and can be enhanced by repeatedly cross-fostering (RCF) mouse pups from their biological mother to unrelated lactating females. Yet, these dynamics remain poorly understood. We show RCF-associated intergenerational transmission of CO2 sensitivity in normally-reared mice descending from RCF-exposed females, and describe the accompanying alterations in brain DNA methylation patterns. These epigenetic signatures were compared to DNA methylation profiles of monozygotic twins discordant for emotional reactivity to a CO2 challenge. Altered methylation was consistently associated with repeated elements and transcriptional regulatory regions among RCF-exposed animals, their normally-reared offspring, and humans with CO2 hypersensitivity. In both species, regions bearing differential methylation were associated with neurodevelopment, circulation, and response to pH acidification processes, and notably included the ASIC2 gene. Our data show that CO2 hypersensitivity is associated with specific methylation clusters and genes that subserve chemoreception and anxiety. The methylation status of genes implicated in acid-sensing functions can inform etiological and therapeutic research in this field.
Three Dimensional Polarimetric Neutron Tomography of Magnetic Fields
Authors: Sales Morten , Strobl Markus , Shinohara Takenao , Tremsin Anton , Kuhn Luise Theil , Lionheart William R. B. , Desai Naeem M. , Dahl Anders Bjorholm , Schmidt Søren 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThrough the use of Time-of-Flight Three Dimensional Polarimetric Neutron Tomography (ToF 3DPNT) we have for the first time successfully demonstrated a technique capable of measuring and reconstructing three dimensional magnetic field strengths and directions unobtrusively and non-destructively with the potential to probe the interior of bulk samples which is not amenable otherwise. Using a pioneering polarimetric set-up for ToF neutron instrumentation in combination with a newly developed tailored reconstruction algorithm, the magnetic field generated by a current carrying solenoid has been measured and reconstructed, thereby providing the proof-of-principle of a technique able to reveal hitherto unobtainable information on the magnetic fields in the bulk of materials and devices, due to a high degree of penetration into many materials, including metals, and the sensitivity of neutron polarisation to magnetic fields. The technique puts the potential of the ToF time structure of pulsed neutron sources to full use in order to optimise the recorded information quality and reduce measurement time.
Broad impact of extracellular DNA on biofilm formation by clinically isolated Methicillin-resistant and -sensitive strains of Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Sugimoto Shinya , Sato Fumiya , Miyakawa Reina , Chiba Akio , Onodera Shoichi , Hori Seiji , Mizunoe Yoshimitsu 
Published: January 2018

AbstractStaphylococcus aureus is a major causative agent for biofilm-associated infections. Inside biofilms, S. aureus cells are embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) composed of polysaccharide-intercellular adhesins (PIA), proteins, and/or extracellular DNA (eDNA). However, the importance of each component and the relationship among them in biofilms of diverse strains are largely unclear. Here, we characterised biofilms formed by 47 S. aureus clinical isolates. In most (42/47) of the strains, biofilm formation was augmented by glucose supplementation. Sodium chloride (NaCl)-triggered biofilm formation was more prevalent in methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (15/24) than in methicillin-resistant strain (1/23). DNase I most effectively inhibited and disrupted massive biofilms, and Proteinase K was also effective. Anti-biofilm effects of Dispersin B, which cleaves PIA, were restricted to PIA-dependent biofilms formed by specific strains and showed significant negative correlations with those of Proteinase K, suggesting independent roles of PIA and proteins in each biofilm. ECM profiling demonstrated that eDNA was present in all strains, although its level differed among strains and culture conditions. These results indicate that eDNA is the most common component in S. aureus biofilms, whereas PIA is important for a small number of isolates. Therefore, eDNA can be a primary target for developing eradication strategies against S. aureus biofilms.
Dynamic changes of phenotypically different circulating tumor cells sub-populations in patients with recurrent/refractory small cell lung cancer treated with pazopanib
Authors: Messaritakis Ippokratis , Politaki Eleni , Koinis Fillipos , Stoltidis Dimitris , Apostolaki Stella , Plataki Maria , Dermitzaki Eleftheria-Kleio , Georgoulias Vassilis , Kotsakis Athanasios 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe aim of the study was to investigate the effect of 2nd-line pazopanib on the different CTCs subpopulations in SCLC patients and evaluate the clinical relevance of their changes. Different CTCs subpopulations were evaluated before pazopanib initiation (n = 56 patients), after one-cycle (n = 35) and on disease progression (n = 45) by CellSearch and double immunofluorescence using anti-CKs and anti-Ki67, anti-M30 or anti-Vimentin antibodies. Before treatment, CTCs were detected in 50% of patients by CellSearch whereas 53.4%, 15.5% and 74.1% patients had CK+/Ki67+, CK+/M30+ and CK+/Vim+ CTCs, respectively. One pazopanib cycle significantly decreased the number of CTCs as detected by CellSearch (p = 0.043) as well as the number of CK+/Ki67+ (p < 0.001), CK+/M30+ (p = 0.015) and CK+/Vim+ (p < 0.001) cells. On disease progression, both the incidence and CTC numbers were significantly increased (CellSearch, p = 0.027; CK+/Ki67+, p < 0.001; CK+/M30+, p = 0.001 and CK+/Vim+, p < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, the detection of CK+/Vim+ CTCs after one treatment cycle (HR: 7.9, 95% CI: 2.9–21.8; p < 0.001) and CTCs number on disease progression, as assessed by CellSearch, (HR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1.0–6.0; p = 0.005) were emerged as independent factors associated with decreased OS. In conclusion, pazopanib can eliminate different CTC subpopulations in patients with relapsed SCLC. The analysis of CTCs could be used as a dynamic biomarker of treatment efficacy.
VO2-dispersed glass: A new class of phase change material
Authors: Muramoto Kei , Takahashi Yoshihiro , Terakado Nobuaki , Yamazaki Yoshiki , Suzuki Shigeru , Fujiwara Takumi 
Published: January 2018

AbstractEnergy storage technology is crucial for a sustainable society, and its realisation strongly depends on the development of materials. Oxide glass exhibits high durability. Moreover, the amorphous structure of the glass without periodic ordering demonstrates excellent formability and controllability, thus enabling a large-scale production. These factors provide impetus for the development of new materials for thermal management applications. As vanadium dioxide (VO2) with a strongly correlated electron system exhibits a structural phase transition, leading to a large heat of transition. Therefore, VO2 demonstrates immense potential as a phase change material (PCM). This study reports the fabrication of VO2-dispersed glass and examines its potential as a new latent heat storage material, which can be applied for massive PCM heat storage applications.
Blocking extracellular activation of myostatin as a strategy for treating muscle wasting
Authors: Pirruccello-Straub M. , Jackson J. , Wawersik S. , Webster M. T. , Salta L. , Long K. , McConaughy W. , Capili A. , Boston C. , Carven G. J. , Mahanthappa N. K. , Turner K. J. , Donovan A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMany growth factors are intimately bound to the extracellular matrix, with regulated processing and release leading to cellular stimulation. Myostatin and GDF11 are closely related members of the TGFβ family whose activation requires two proteolytic cleavages to release the growth factor from the prodomain. Specific modulation of myostatin and GDF11 activity by targeting growth factor-receptor interactions has traditionally been challenging. Here we demonstrate that a novel strategy for blocking myostatin and GDF11, inhibition of growth factor release, specifically and potently inhibits signaling both in vitro and in vivo. We developed human monoclonal antibodies that selectively bind the myostatin and GDF11 precursor forms, including a subset that inhibit myostatin proteolytic activation and prevent muscle atrophy in vivo. The most potent myostatin activation-blocking antibodies promoted robust muscle growth and resulted in significant gains in muscle performance in healthy mice. Altogether, we show that blocking the extracellular activation of growth factors is a potent method for preventing signaling, serving as proof of concept for a novel therapeutic strategy that can be applied to other members of the TGFβ family of growth factors.
Decreased TESK1-mediated cofilin 1 phosphorylation in the jejunum of IBS-D patients may explain increased female predisposition to epithelial dysfunction
Authors: Rodiño-Janeiro Bruno K. , Martínez Cristina , Fortea Marina , Lobo Beatriz , Pigrau Marc , Nieto Adoración , González-Castro Ana María , Salvo-Romero Eloísa , Guagnozzi Danila , Pardo-Camacho Cristina , Iribarren Cristina , Azpiroz Fernando , Alonso-Cotoner Carmen , Santos Javier , Vicario Maria 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDisturbed intestinal epithelial barrier and mucosal micro-inflammation characterize irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Despite intensive research demonstrating ovarian hormones modulation of IBS severity, there is still limited knowledge on the mechanisms underlying female predominance in this disorder. Our aim was to identify molecular pathways involved in epithelial barrier dysfunction and female predominance in diarrhea-predominant IBS (IBS-D) patients. Total RNA and protein were obtained from jejunal mucosal biopsies from healthy controls and IBS-D patients meeting the Rome III criteria. IBS severity was recorded based on validated questionnaires. Gene and protein expression profiles were obtained and data integrated to explore biological and molecular functions. Results were validated by western blot. Tight junction signaling, mitochondrial dysfunction, regulation of actin-based motility by Rho, and cytoskeleton signaling were differentially expressed in IBS-D. Decreased TESK1-dependent cofilin 1 phosphorylation (pCFL1) was confirmed in IBS-D, which negatively correlated with bowel movements only in female participants. In conclusion, deregulation of cytoskeleton dynamics through TESK1/CFL1 pathway underlies epithelial intestinal dysfunction in the small bowel mucosa of IBS-D, particularly in female patients. Further understanding of the mechanisms involving sex-mediated regulation of mucosal epithelial integrity may have significant preventive, diagnostic, and therapeutic implications for IBS.
A multidrug ABC transporter with a taste for GTP
Authors: Orelle Cédric , Durmort Claire , Mathieu Khadija , Duchêne Benjamin , Aros Sandrine , Fenaille François , André François , Junot Christophe , Vernet Thierry , Jault Jean-Michel 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDuring the evolution of cellular bioenergetics, many protein families have been fashioned to match the availability and replenishment in energy supply. Molecular motors and primary transporters essentially need ATP to function while proteins involved in cell signaling or translation consume GTP. ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporters are one of the largest families of membrane proteins gathering several medically relevant members that are typically powered by ATP hydrolysis. Here, a Streptococcus pneumoniae ABC transporter responsible for fluoroquinolones resistance in clinical settings, PatA/PatB, is shown to challenge this concept. It clearly favors GTP as the energy supply to expel drugs. This preference is correlated to its ability to hydrolyze GTP more efficiently than ATP, as found with PatA/PatB reconstituted in proteoliposomes or nanodiscs. Importantly, the ATP and GTP concentrations are similar in S. pneumoniae supporting the physiological relevance of GTP as the energy source of this bacterial transporter.
Three-dimensional imaging of KNDy neurons in the mammalian brain using optical tissue clearing and multiple-label immunocytochemistry
Authors: Moore Aleisha M. , Lucas Kathryn A. , Goodman Robert L. , Coolen Lique M. , Lehman Michael N. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractKisspeptin/Neurokinin B/Dynorphin (KNDy) neurons of the arcuate nucleus (ARC) play a key role in the regulation of fertility. The ability to detect features of KNDy neurons that are essential for fertility may require three-dimensional (3D) imaging of the complete population. Recently developed protocols for optical tissue clearing permits 3D imaging of neuronal populations in un-sectioned brains. However, these techniques have largely been described in the mouse brain. We report 3D imaging of the KNDy cell population in the whole rat brain and sheep hypothalamus using immunolabelling and modification of a solvent-based clearing protocol, iDISCO. This study expands the use of optical tissue clearing for multiple mammalian models and provides versatile analysis of KNDy neurons across species. Additionally, we detected a small population of previously unreported kisspeptin neurons in the lateral region of the ovine mediobasal hypothalamus, demonstrating the ability of this technique to detect novel features of the kisspeptin system.
TDP-43 self-interaction is modulated by redox-active compounds Auranofin, Chelerythrine and Riluzole
Authors: Oberstadt Moritz , Stieler Jens , Simpong David Larbi , Römuß Ute , Urban Nicole , Schaefer Michael , Arendt Thomas , Holzer Max 
Published: January 2018

AbstractAmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) represents a fatal neurodegenerative disease, which is characterized by a rapid loss of lower and upper motor neurons. As a major neuropathological hallmark, protein aggregates containing the Transactivating Response Region (TAR) DNA Binding Protein (TDP-43) are detectable in about 95% of sporadic ALS patients. TDP-43 interacts with itself physiologically to form liquid droplets, which may progress to pathological aggregates. In this study, we established the NanoBit luciferase complementation assay to measure TDP-43 self-interaction and found the fusion of the split luciferase subunits to the N-terminus of the protein as the strongest interacting partners. A screen of pharmacologically active compounds from the LOPAC®1280 library identified auranofin, chelerythrine and riluzole as dose-dependent inhibitors of TDP-43 self-interaction. Further analysis of drug action of the gold-containing thioredoxin reductase inhibitor auranofin revealed a redistribution from insoluble TDP-43 protein pool to PBS-soluble protein pool in N2a cells. In addition, auranofin treatment diminished reduced glutathione as a sign for oxidative modulation.
Tunable phonon blockade in quadratically coupled optomechanical systems
Authors: Shi Hai-Quan , Zhou Xiao-Tong , Xu Xun-Wei , Liu Nian-Hua 
Published: January 2018

AbstractWe theoretically investigate the phonon statistics of a quadratically coupled optomechanical system, in which an effective second-order nonlinear interaction between an optical mode and a mechanical mode is induced by a strong optical driving field on two-phonon red-sideband resonance. We show that strong phonon antibunching can be observed even if the strength of the effective second-order nonlinear interaction is much weaker than the decay rates of the system, by driving the optical and mechanical modes with weak driving fields respectively. Moreover, the phonon statistics can be dynamically controlled by tuning the strengths and the phase difference of the weak driving fields. The scheme proposed here can be used to realize tunable single-phonon sources with quadratically optomechanical coupling.