bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evidence for Stress-like Alterations in the HPA-Axis in Women Taking Oral Contraceptives
Authors: Hertel Johannes , König Johanna , Homuth Georg , Van der Auwera Sandra , Wittfeld Katharina , Pietzner Maik , Kacprowski Tim , Pfeiffer Liliane , Kretschmer Anja , Waldenberger Melanie , Kastenmüller Gabi , Artati Anna , Suhre Karsten , Adamski Jerzy , Langner Sönke , Völker Uwe , Völzke Henry , Nauck Matthias , Friedrich Nele , Grabe Hans Joergen 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUsing oral contraceptives has been implicated in the aetiology of stress-related disorders like depression. Here, we followed the hypothesis that oral contraceptives deregulate the HPA-axis by elevating circulating cortisol levels. We report for a sample of 233 pre-menopausal women increased circulating cortisol levels in those using oral contraceptives. For women taking oral contraceptives, we observed alterations in circulating phospholipid levels and elevated triglycerides and found evidence for increased glucocorticoid signalling as the transcript levels of the glucocorticoid-regulated genes DDIT4 and FKBP5 were increased in whole blood. The effects were statistically mediated by cortisol. The associations of oral contraceptives with higher FKBP5 mRNA and altered phospholipid levels were modified by rs1360780, a genetic variance implicated in psychiatric diseases. Accordingly, the methylation pattern of FKBP5 intron 7 was altered in women taking oral contraceptives depending on the rs1360780 genotype. Moreover, oral contraceptives modified the association of circulating cortisol with depressive symptoms, potentially explaining conflicting results in the literature. Finally, women taking oral contraceptives displayed smaller hippocampal volumes than non-using women. In conclusion, the integrative analyses of different types of physiological data provided converging evidence indicating that oral contraceptives may cause effects analogous to chronic psychological stressors regarding the regulation of the HPA axis.
Organelle membrane derived patches: reshaping classical methods for new targets
Authors: Shapovalov George , Ritaine Abigaël , Bidaux Gabriel , Slomianny Christian , Borowiec Anne-Sophie , Gordienko Dmitri , Bultynck Geert , Skryma Roman , Prevarskaya Natalia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIntracellular ion channels are involved in multiple signaling processes, including such crucial ones as regulation of cellular motility and fate. With 95% of the cellular membrane belonging to intracellular organelles, it is hard to overestimate the importance of intracellular ion channels. Multiple studies have been performed on these channels over the years, however, a unified approach allowing not only to characterize their activity but also to study their regulation by partner proteins, analogous to the patch clamp “golden standard”, is lacking. Here, we present a universal approach that combines the extraction of intracellular membrane fractions with the preparation of patchable substrates that allows to characterize these channels in endogenous protein environment and to study their regulation by partner proteins. We validate this method by characterizing activity of multiple intracellular ion channels localized to different organelles and by providing detailed electrophysiological characterization of the regulation of IP3R activity by endogenous Bcl-2. Thus, after synthesis and reshaping of the well-established approaches, organelle membrane derived patch clamp provides the means to assess ion channels from arbitrary cellular membranes at the single channel level.
Gag P2/NC and pol genetic diversity, polymorphism, and drug resistance mutations in HIV-1 CRF02_AG- and non-CRF02_AG-infected patients in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Teto Georges , Tagny Claude T. , Mbanya Dora , Fonsah Julius Y. , Fokam Joseph , Nchindap Emilienne , Kenmogne Léopoldine , Njamnshi Alfred K. , Kanmogne Georgette D. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIn HIV-1 subtype-B, specific mutations in Gag cleavage sites (CS) are associated with treatment failure, with limited knowledge among non-B subtypes. We analyzed non-B HIV-1 gag and pol (protease/reverse-transcriptase) sequences from Cameroonians for drug resistance mutations (DRMs) in the gag P2/NC CS, and pol major DRMs. Phylogeny of the 141 sequences revealed a high genetic diversity (12 subtypes): 67.37% CRF02_AG versus 32.6% non-CRF02_AG. Overall, 7.3% transmitted and 34.3% acquired DRMs were found, including M184V, thymidine analogue mutations (T215F, D67N, K70R, K219Q), NNRTIs (L100I, Y181C, K103N, V108I, Y188L), and PIs (V82L). Twelve subjects [10 with HIV-1 CRF02_AG, 8 treatment-naïve and 4 on 3TC-AZT-NVP] showed 3 to 4 mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS: S373Q/T/A, A374T/S/G/N, T375S/A/N/G, I376V, G381S, and R380K. Subjects with or without Gag P2/NC CS mutations showed no significant difference in viral loads. Treatment-naïve subjects harboring NRTI-DRMs had significantly lower CD4 cells than those with NRTI-DRMs on ART (p = 0.042). Interestingly, two subjects had major DRMs to NRTIs, NNRTIs, and 4 mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS. In this prevailing CRF02_AG population with little exposure to PIs (~3%), mutations in the Gag P2/NC CS could increase the risk of treatment failure if there is increased use of PIs-based therapy.
Degradation by water vapor of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxynitride films grown at low temperature
Authors: Lee Hyung-Ik , Park Jong-Bong , Xianyu Wenxu , Kim Kihong , Chung Jae Gwan , Kyoung Yong Koo , Byun Sunjung , Yang Woo Young , Park Yong Young , Kim Seong Min , Cho Eunae , Shin Jai Kwang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe report on the degradation process by water vapor of hydrogenated amorphous silicon oxynitride (SiON:H) films deposited by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition at low temperature. The stability of the films was investigated as a function of the oxygen content and deposition temperature. Degradation by defects such as pinholes was not observed with transmission electron microscopy. However, we observed that SiON:H film degrades by reacting with water vapor through only interstitial paths and nano-defects. To monitor the degradation process, the atomic composition, mass density, and fully oxidized thickness were measured by using high-resolution Rutherford backscattering spectroscopy and X-ray reflectometry. The film rapidly degraded above an oxygen composition of ~27 at%, below a deposition temperature of ~150 °C, and below an mass density of ~2.15 g/cm3. This trend can be explained by the extents of porosity and percolation channel based on the ring model of the network structure. In the case of a high oxygen composition or low temperature, the SiON:H film becomes more porous because the film consists of network channels of rings with a low energy barrier.
Bacillus SEVA siblings: A Golden Gate-based toolbox to create personalized integrative vectors for Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Radeck Jara , Meyer Daniel , Lautenschläger Nina , Mascher Thorsten 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBacillus subtilis combines natural competence for genetic transformation with highly efficient homologous recombination. These features allow using vectors that integrate into the genome via double homologous recombination. So far, their utilization is restricted by the fixed combination of resistance markers and integration loci, as well as species- or strain-specific regions of homology. To overcome these limitations, we developed a toolbox for the creation of personalized Bacillus vectors in a standardized manner with a focus on fast and easy adaptation of the sequences specifying the integration loci. We based our vector toolkit on the Standard European Vector Architecture (SEVA) to allow the usage of their vector parts. The Bacillus SEVA siblings are assembled via efficient one-pot Golden Gate reactions from four entry parts with the choice of four different enzymes. The toolbox contains seven Bacillus resistance markers, two Escherichia coli origins of replication, and a free choice of integration loci. Vectors can be customized with a cargo, before or after vector assembly, and could be used in different B. subtilis strains and potentially beyond. Our adaptation of the SEVA-standard provides a powerful and standardized toolkit for the convenient creation of personalized Bacillus vectors.
Helicobacter pylori chemoreceptor TlpC mediates chemotaxis to lactate
Authors: Machuca Mayra A. , Johnson Kevin S. , Liu Yu C. , Steer David L. , Ottemann Karen M. , Roujeinikova Anna 
Published: October 2017

AbstractIt is recently appreciated that many bacterial chemoreceptors have ligand-binding domains (LBD) of the dCACHE family, a structure with two PAS-like subdomains, one membrane-proximal and the other membrane-distal. Previous studies had implicated only the membrane-distal subdomain in ligand recognition. Here, we report the 2.2 Å resolution crystal structure of dCACHE LBD of theHelicobacter pylorichemoreceptor TlpC.H.pylori tlpCmutants are outcompeted by wild type during stomach colonisation, but no ligands had been mapped to this receptor. The TlpC dCACHE LBD has two PAS-like subdomains, as predicted. The membrane-distal one possesses a long groove instead of a small, well-defined pocket. The membrane-proximal subdomain, in contrast, had a well-delineated pocket with a small molecule that we identified as lactate. We confirmed that amino acid residues making contact with the ligand in the crystal structure—N213, I218 and Y285 and Y249—were required for lactate binding. We determined that lactate is anH.pylorichemoattractant that is sensed via TlpC with aKD = 155 µM. Lactate is utilised byH.pylori, and our work suggests that this pathogen seeks out lactate using chemotaxis. Furthermore, our work suggests that dCACHE domain proteins can utilise both subdomains for ligand recognition.
In situ TEM observation of alpha-particle induced annealing of radiation damage in Durango apatite
Authors: Li Weixing , Shen Yahui , Zhou Yueqing , Nan Shuai , Chen Chien-Hung , Ewing Rodney C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractA major issue in thermochronology and U-Th-Pb dating is the effect of radiation damage, created by α-recoils from α-decay events, on the diffusion of radiogenic elements (e.g., He and Pb) in host mineral. Up until now, thermal events have been considered as the only source of energy for the recovery of radiation-damage. However, irradiation, such as from the α-particle of the α-decay event, can itself induce damage recovery. Quantification of radiation-induced recovery caused by α-particles during α-decay events has not been possible, as the recovery process at the atomic-scale has been difficult to observe. Here we present details of the dynamics of the amorphous-to-crystalline transition process during α-particle irradiations using in situ transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and consecutive ion-irradiations: 1 MeV Kr2+ (simulating α-recoil damage), followed by 400 keV He+ (simulating α-particle annealing). Upon the He+ irradiation, partial recrystallization of the original, fully-amorphous Durango apatite was clearly evident and quantified based on the gradual appearance of new crystalline domains in TEM images and new diffraction maxima in selected area electron diffraction patterns. Thus, α-particle induced annealing occurs and must be considered in models of α-decay event damage and its effect on the diffusion of radiogenic elements in geochronology and thermochronology.
Alexithymia and emotional reactions to odors
Authors: Cecchetto Cinzia , Rumiati Raffaella Ida , Aiello Marilena 
Published: October 2017

AbstractAlexithymia is a psychological construct characterized by deficits in processing emotional stimuli. However, little is known about the processing of odours in alexithymia, even though there is extensive proof that emotion and olfaction are closely linked. The present study is aimed at investigating how alexithymic individuals process emotions conveyed by odors. Emotional responses to unpleasant, neutral odors and clean air were collected through self-report ratings and psychophysiological measures in a sample of 62 healthy participants with high (HA), medium (MA) and low (LA) levels of alexithymia. Moreover, participants performed tests on odors identification and threshold and completed questionnaires assessing olfactory imagery and awareness. Two main results have been found: first, HA and MA groups showed altered physiological responses to odors, compared to LA, while no differences among the groups were observed in odor ratings; and second, affective and cognitive alexithymia components were differently associated with the performance on olfactory tests, skin conductance response to odors, reaction times in the rating task, and scores on olfactory questionnaires. We conclude that alexithymia is characterized by altered physiological reactions to olfactory stimuli; moreover, we stress the importance of evaluating the different alexithymia components since they affect emotional stimuli processing in different ways.
Promoter-level transcriptome in primary lesions of endometrial cancer identified biomarkers associated with lymph node metastasis
Authors: Yoshida Emiko , Terao Yasuhisa , Hayashi Noriko , Mogushi Kaoru , Arakawa Atsushi , Tanaka Yuji , Ito Yosuke , Ohmiya Hiroko , Hayashizaki Yoshihide , Takeda Satoru , Itoh Masayoshi , Kawaji Hideya 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFor endometrial cancer patients, lymphadenectomy is recommended to exclude rarely metastasized cancer cells. This procedure is performed even in patients with low risk of recurrence despite the risk of complications such as lymphedema. A method to accurately identify cases with no lymph node metastases (LN−) before lymphadenectomy is therefore highly required. We approached this clinical problem by examining primary lesions of endometrial cancers with CAGE (Cap Analysis Gene Expression), which quantifies promoter-level expression across the genome. Fourteen profiles delineated distinct transcriptional networks between LN + and LN− cases, within those classified as having the low or intermediate risk of recurrence. Subsequent quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analyses of 115 primary tumors showed SEMA3D mRNA and TACC2 isoforms expressed through a novel promoter as promising biomarkers with high accuracy (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, 0.929) when used in combination. Our high-resolution transcriptome provided evidence of distinct molecular profiles underlying LN + /LN− status in endometrial cancers, raising the possibility of preoperative diagnosis to reduce unnecessary operations in patients with minimum recurrence risk.
Europium (III) chelate microparticle-based lateral flow immunoassay strips for rapid and quantitative detection of antibody to hepatitis B core antigen
Authors: Liang Rong-Liang , Deng Qiao-Ting , Chen Zhen-Hua , Xu Xu-Ping , Zhou Jian-Wei , Liang Jun-Yu , Dong Zhi-Ning , Liu Tian-Cai , Wu Ying-Song 
Published: October 2017

AbstractQuantitative hepatitis B core antigen (anti-HBc) measurements could play an important role in evaluating therapeutic outcomes and optimizing the antiviral therapy of chronic hepatitis B infection. In this study, we have developed a simple and rapid fluorescence point-of-care test based on a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) method integrated with Eu (III) chelate microparticles to quantitatively determine anti-HBc concentrations in serum. This assay is based on a direct competitive immunoassay performed on lateral flow test strips with an assay time of 15 min. The Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA assay could quantitatively detect anti-HBc levels with a limit of detection of 0.31 IU mL−1, and exhibited a wide linear range (0.63–640 IU mL−1). The intra- and inter-assay coefficients of variation for anti-HBc were both less than 10% and a satisfactory dilution test and accuracy were demonstrated. There were no statistically significant differences in sensitivity or specificity in serum samples between the Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA strips and the Abbott Architect kit. A simple, rapid and effective quantitative detection of anti-HBc was possible using the Eu (III) chelate microparticle-based LFIA strips. The strips will provide diagnostic value for clinical application.
A Proteomic Analysis Provides Novel Insights into the Stress Responses of Caenorhabditis elegans towards Nematicidal Cry6A Toxin from Bacillus thuringiensis
Authors: Wang Bing , Wang Haiwen , Xiong Jing , Zhou Qiaoni , Wu Huan , Xia Liqiu , Li Lin , Yu Ziquan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCry6A represents a novel family of nematicidal crystal proteins fromBacillus thuringiensis. It has distinctive architecture as well as mechanism of action from Cry5B, a highly focused family of nematicidal crystal proteins, and even from other insecticidal crystal proteins containing the conserved three-domain. However, how nematode defends against Cry6A toxin remains obscure. In this study, the global defense pattern ofCaenorhabditis elegansagainst Cry6Aa2 toxin was investigated by proteomic analysis. In response to Cry6Aa2, 12 proteins with significantly altered abundances were observed from worms, participating in innate immune defense, insulin-like receptor (ILR) signaling pathway, energy metabolism, and muscle assembly. The differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) functioning in diverse biological processes suggest that a variety of defense responses participate in the stress responses ofC.elegansto Cry6Aa2. The functional verifications of DEPs suggest that ILR signaling pathway, DIM-1, galectin LEC-6 all are the factors of defense responses to Cry6Aa2. Moreover, Cry6Aa2 also involves in accelerating the metabolic energy production which fulfills the energy demand for the immune responses. In brief, our findings illustrate the global pattern of defense responses of nematode against Cry6A for the first time, and provide a novel insight into the mechanism through which worms respond to Cry6A.
Rebuilding of destroyed spin squeezing in noisy environments
Authors: Xu Peng , Sun Huanying , Yi S. , Zhang Wenxian 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWe investigate the process of spin squeezing in a ferromagnetic dipolar spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate under the driven one-axis twisting scheme, with emphasis on the detrimental effect of noisy environments (stray magnetic fields) which completely destroy the spin squeezing. By applying concatenated dynamical decoupling pulse sequences with a moderate bias magnetic field to suppress the effect of the noisy environments, we faithfully reconstruct the spin squeezing process under realistic experimental conditions. Our noise-resistant method is ready to be employed to generate the spin squeezed state in a dipolar spin-1 Bose-Einstein condensate and paves a feasible way to the Heisenberg-limit quantum metrology.
Evaluating anthropogenic threats to endangered killer whales to inform effective recovery plans
Authors: Lacy Robert C. , Williams Rob , Ashe Erin , Balcomb III Kenneth C. , Brent Lauren J. N. , Clark Christopher W. , Croft Darren P. , Giles Deborah A. , MacDuffee Misty , Paquet Paul C. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUnderstanding cumulative effects of multiple threats is key to guiding effective management to conserve endangered species. The critically endangered, Southern Resident killer whale population of the northeastern Pacific Ocean provides a data-rich case to explore anthropogenic threats on population viability. Primary threats include: limitation of preferred prey, Chinook salmon; anthropogenic noise and disturbance, which reduce foraging efficiency; and high levels of stored contaminants, including PCBs. We constructed a population viability analysis to explore possible demographic trajectories and the relative importance of anthropogenic stressors. The population is fragile, with no growth projected under current conditions, and decline expected if new or increased threats are imposed. Improvements in fecundity and calf survival are needed to reach a conservation objective of 2.3% annual population growth. Prey limitation is the most important factor affecting population growth. However, to meet recovery targets through prey management alone, Chinook abundance would have to be sustained near the highest levels since the 1970s. The most optimistic mitigation of noise and contaminants would make the difference between a declining and increasing population, but would be insufficient to reach recovery targets. Reducing acoustic disturbance by 50% combined with increasing Chinook by 15% would allow the population to reach 2.3% growth.
Steroid hormone profiling in obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome
Authors: Deng Yuying , Zhang Yifei , Li Shengxian , Zhou Wenzhong , Ye Lei , Wang Lihua , Tao Tao , Gu Junjie , Yang Zuwei , Zhao Dandan , Gu Weiqiong , Hong Jie , Ning Guang , Liu Wei , Wang Weiqing 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe study explored differences in the steroidogenic pathway between obese and nonobese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). 1044 women with PCOS (including 350 lean, 312 overweight and 382 obese) and 366 control women without PCOS (including 203 lean, 32 overweight and 131 obese) were enrolled. The differences in steroid hormones were amplified in lean PCOS versus lean controls compared with obese PCOS versus obese controls. Compared with obese PCOS, lean PCOS demonstrated increased dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (P = 0.015), 17-hydropregnenolone (P = 0.003), 17-hydroprogesterone (17-OHP) (P < 0.001), progesterone (P < 0.001) and estrone (P < 0.001) levels. Enzyme activity evaluation showed that lean PCOS had increased activity of P450c17 (17-hydropregnenolone/pregnenolone, P < 0.001), P450aro (P < 0.001), 3βHSD2 (progesterone/ pregnenolone and 17-OHP/17-hydropregnenolone, both P < 0.001) and decreased activity of P450c21(11-deoxycorticorsterone/progesterone and 11-deoxycortisol/17-OHP, P < 0.001). Moreover, we found higher frequencies of CYP21A2- (encoding P450c21) c.552 C > G (p. D184E) in lean PCOS compared with obese PCOS patients (P = 0.006). In conclusion, this study demonstrated for the first time that the adrenal-specific enzyme P450c21 showed decreased activity in lean PCOS patients, and that the adrenal androgen excess may play different roles in lean and obese PCOS patients, which represents as different enzyme activity in the steroidogenic pathway.
A suitable (wide-range + linear) temperature sensor based on Tm3+ ions
Authors: Zanatta A. R. , Scoca D. , Alvarez F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractFuture advances in the broad fields of photonics, (nano-)electronics or even theranostics rely, in part, on the precise determination and control, with high sensitivity and speed, of the temperature of very well-defined spatial regions. Ideally, these temperature-sensors (T-sensors) should produce minimum (or no) disturbance in the probed regions, as well as to exhibit good resolution and significant dynamic range. Most of these features are consistent with the sharp and distinctive optical transitions of trivalent rare-earth (RE3+) ions that, additionally, are susceptible to their local environment and conditions. Altogether, these aspects form the basis of the present work, in which we propose a new T-sensor involving the light emission of trivalent thulium ions (Tm3+) embedded into crystalline TiO2. The optical characterization of the TiO2:Tm3+ system indicated a Tm3+-related emission at ~676 nm whose main spectral features are: (1) a temperature-induced wavelength shift of −2.2 pm K−1, (2) a rather small line-width increase over the ~85–750 K range, and (3) minimum data deconvolution-processing. The study also included the experimental data of the well-established pressure- and T-sensor ruby (Al2O3:Cr3+) and a comprehensive discussion concerning the identification and the excitation-recombination mechanisms of the Tm3+-related transitions.