bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reciprocal modulation of helper Th1 and Th17 cells by the β2‐adrenergic receptor agonist drug terbutaline
Authors: Carvajal Gonczi Catalina M. , Tabatabaei Shafiei Mahdieh , East Ashley , Martire Erika , Maurice‐Ventouris Meagane H.I. , Darlington Peter J. 
Published: July 2017

Catecholamine hormones are powerful regulators of the immune system produced by the sympathetic nervous system (SNS). They regulate the adaptive immune system by altering T‐cell differentiation into T helper (Th) 1 and Th2 cell subsets, but the effect on Th17 cells is not known. Th17 cells, defined, in part, by chemokine receptor CCR6 and cytokine interleukin (IL)‐17A, are crucial for mediating certain pathogen‐specific responses and are linked with several autoimmune diseases. We demonstrated that a proportion of human Th17 cells express beta 2‐adrenergic receptor (β2AR), a G protein‐coupled receptor that responds to catecholamines. Activation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells, which were obtained from venous blood drawn from healthy volunteers, with anti‐cluster of differentiation 3 (CD3) and anti‐CD28 and with a β2‐agonist drug, terbutaline (TERB), augmented IL‐17A levels (P < 0.01) in the majority of samples. TERB reduced interferon gamma (IFNγ) indicating that IL‐17A and IFNγ are reciprocally regulated. Similar reciprocal regulation was observed with dbcAMP. Proliferation of Th cells was monitored by carboxyfluorescein diacetate N‐succinimidyl ester labeling and flow cytometry with antibody staining for CD3 and CD4. TERB increased proliferation by a small but significant margin (P < 0.001). Next, Th17 cells (CD4+CXCR3− CCR6+) were purified using an immunomagnetic positive selection kit, which removes all other mononuclear cells. TERB increased IL‐17A from purified Th17 cells, which argues that TERB acts directly on Th17 cells. Thus, hormone signals from the SNS maintain a balance of Th cells subtypes through the β2AR.
New Directions in Health Sciences Libraries in Canada: Research and Evidence based Practice Are Key
Authors: Ganshorn Heather , Giustini Dean 
Published: July 2017

AbstractThis article is the second in a new series in this regular feature. The intention of the series is to look at important global developments in health science libraries. These articles will serve as a road map, describing the key changes in the field and exploring factors driving these changes. The present article by two Canadian librarians identifies important national developments which are shaping the profession such as the centralisation of health care services, the challenge of providing consumer health information in the absence of a national strategy, government recognition of the need to recognise and respond to the health needs of indigenous peoples and the growing emphasis on managing research data. Although their profession is strong, health science librarians must find ways of providing enhanced services with fewer staff and demonstrate value to organisations. JM
One‐ or two‐dimensional channel structures and properties of piezoelectric composites via freeze‐casting
Authors: Fukushima Manabu , Fujiwara Takahiro , Fey Tobias , Kakimoto Ken‐ichi 
Published: July 2017

AbstractBy employing carefully tailored tert‐butyl alcohol (TBA)‐based freeze‐casting parameters, a large amount of porosity (>70 vol%) and one or two‐dimensional pore channels created were produced into alkali niobate‐based (NKN) ceramics. The relationship between processing factors and microstructures has here been studied, in terms of (i) porosities controlled by adjusting the solid loading in the initial slurry and (ii) strategically attempted freezing direction to make varied pore channels, in which two freezing directions from the bottom or side of mold can produce unidirectional elongated and radially centrosymmetric microstructures, respectively. In addition to that, NKN/epoxy composites with 3‐1 or 3‐2 type polymer channels in the NKN matrix have been fabricated by infiltration of the polymer into the porous NKN hosts. The effect of the channel directions on the mechanical and piezoelectric properties of the composites was investigated for varied volume fractions of the active ceramic phase, mechanical loading, and the poling direction, leading to very high‐piezoelectric g33 coefficients at >60 mV·m/N in the composites with unique channel structures.
Atomic layer deposition onto carbon fiber fabrics
Authors: Militzer Christian , Dill Pauline , Goedel Werner A. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractCarbon fiber fabrics, consisting of interwoven bundles of 3000 single fibers, were coated with Al2O3 using the atomic layer deposition (ALD) process, exposing the fabrics to alternating pulses of trimethyl aluminium and water vapors. The thickness and uniformity of the coatings were investigated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The obtained coatings were conformal, 84 ALD cycles gave rise to approximately 20‐nm‐thick coatings and 168 ALD cycles to approximately 40‐nm‐thick coatings. It was found, that a uniform coating can be obtained at a purge time of 40 seconds. Reducing purge times below 20 seconds gives rise to increased particle growth and thus the coating becomes inhomogeneous. Initially, the samples that were coated had a size of 2×10 cm (thickness 0.3 mm). The size of the fabric was subsequently increased up to 8×20 cm and a uniform coating of the same quality was obtained. By oxidizing the coated fabrics, fabrics composed of interwoven alumina microtubes were obtained. Infiltration of the microtubes with solutions of two distinguishable fluorescent dyes showed that interchange of the dyes between warp and weft microtubes occurs, but is absent at approximately 20% of the crossovers. Taking all our findings into account, we conclude that the majority of the fibers were separated from each other by the coating prior to the oxidation. This work demonstrates that ALD is a suitable method to produce thin, conformal coatings on the surface of carbon fiber fabrics.
Evaluation of vegetable protein in canine diets: Assessment of performance and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility using a broiler model
Authors: Fiacco D. C. , Lowe J. A. , Wiseman J. , White G. A. 
Published: July 2017

SummaryRecent technological advances in the human food industry with respect to meat processing have decreased the availability of animal proteins to the pet food industry which typically formulates diets with an excess of animal protein. In the long term, this is not sustainable; thus, alternative protein sources need to be investigated. This study examined three canine diets, comparing a typical animal protein‐based diet (control) with two experimental diets where the animal protein was substituted in part with vegetable protein (formulated based either on total protein or amino acid content) using a broiler model. Each diet was fed to six cages each containing two birds from day 15, 18 cages in total (36 birds). Excreta were collected from days 19 to 21. On day 23, birds were euthanized and weighed, and their ileal digesta were collected and pooled for each cage. In addition, one leg per cage was collected for evaluation of muscle mass. Results showed no significant difference in animal performance (feed intake or live weight gain) or muscle to leg proportion across the diets. Birds fed the control diet and the diet balanced for amino acid content exhibited the greatest coefficients of apparent metabolizability for nitrogen (p < .001). Birds fed the diets that contained partial replacement of animal with vegetable protein generally had greater ileal digestibility of amino acids compared to birds fed the control (animal protein) diet. Analysis of excreta showed no dietary difference in terms of dry matter content; however, birds fed the diet balanced for total protein and the diet balanced for amino acid content had significantly greater excreta nitrogen than the control (p = .038). Overall, the study suggests vegetable proteins when formulated based on amino acid content are a viable alternative to animal proteins in canine diets.
The transcription factor PstSTE12 is required for virulence of Puccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici
Authors: Zhu Xiaoguo , Liu Wei , Chu Xiuling , Sun Qixiong , Tan Chenglong , Yang Qian , Jiao Min , Guo Jun , Kang Zhensheng 
Published: July 2017

SummaryPuccinia striiformis f. sp. tritici (Pst) is an obligate biotrophic fungus that causes extensive damage in wheat. The pathogen is now known to be a heteroecious fungus with an intricate life cycle containing sexual and asexual stages. Orthologues of the STE12 transcription factor that regulate mating and filamentation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, as well as virulence in other fungi, have been extensively described. Because reliable transformation and gene disruption methods are lacking for Pst, knowledge about the function of its STE12 orthologue is limited. In this study, we identified a putative orthologue of STE12 from Pst in haustoria‐enriched transcripts and designated it as PstSTE12. The gene encodes a protein of 879 amino acids containing three helices in the homeodomain, conserved phenylalanine and tryptophan sites, and two C2/H2‐Zn2+ finger domains. Real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analyses revealed that the expression of PstSTE12 was highly induced during the early infection stages and peaked during haustorium formation and the pycniospore stage in the aecial host barberry. Subcellular localization assays indicated that PstSTE12 is localized in the nucleus and functions as a transcriptional activator. Yeast one‐hybrid assays revealed that PstSTE12 exhibits transcriptional activity, and that its C‐terminus is necessary for the activation of transcription. PstSTE12 complemented the mating defect in an α ste12 mutant of S. cerevisiae. In addition, it partially complemented the defects of the Magnaporthe oryzae mst12 mutant in plant infection. Knocking down PstSTE12 via host‐induced gene silencing (HIGS) mediated by Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) resulted in a substantial reduction in the growth and spread of hyphae in Pst and weakened the virulence of Pst on wheat. Our results suggest that PstSTE12 probably acts at an intersection participating in the invasion and mating processes of Pst, and provide new insights into the comprehension of the variation of virulence in cereal rust fungi.
The UVB photoreceptor UVR8 mediates accumulation of UV‐absorbing pigments, but not changes in plant morphology, under outdoor conditions
Authors: Coffey A. , Prinsen E. , Jansen M.A.K. , Conway J. 
Published: July 2017

AbstractUVB radiation is biologically active; in plants, it can induce a range of molecular, biochemical, morphological and developmental responses. Although much progress has been made in elucidating UVB perception and signalling pathways under controlled laboratory conditions, understanding of the adaptive, ecological role of UVB responses is still very limited. In this study, we looked at the functional role of UVR8 under outdoor light conditions, by studying growth, photosynthetic competence and accumulation of UV absorbing pigments in a mutant lacking functional UVR8 protein. It was found that the influence of UVB on morphology is restricted to summer and is independent of UVR8. In contrast, UVB had an effect on the content of UV‐absorbing pigments and the maximal efficiency of photosystem II of photosynthesis in the uvr8‐1 mutant throughout the year. It is concluded that the UVR8 photoreceptor plays a role throughout the year, in the temperate climate zone, even when UVB levels are relatively low.
Effect of thyroid hormone on cardiac function following orthotopic heart transplantation in piglets
Authors: Kumar T. K. Susheel , Mathis Craig , Sathanandam Shyam , Zurakowski David , Subramanian Saradha , Allen Jerry , Solimine Michael , Berrios Lindsay , Jackson Scott , Landers Mark , Sullivan Ryan , Barnett Stacey , Rayburn Mark , Loftis Christopher , Price Lauren , Tansey James B. , Hoskoppal Deepthi , Knott‐Craig Christopher 
Published: July 2017

AbstractStudies in adult HT have demonstrated improved cardiac function in the recipient following administration of T3 to the donor. The purpose of this experiment was to assess the effects of T3 on the function of the immature donor heart following HT in a piglet model. A total of 32 piglets were divided into 16 donors and 16 recipients. Following creation of brain death, half of the donor piglets were randomized to receive three doses of T3 (0.2 μg/kg) along with hydrocortisone (1 mg/kg). The donor hearts were then transplanted into the recipient piglets on CPB. Duration of survival off CPB, inotrope score, and EF of heart following CPB were evaluated. There were no differences between the two groups in age, weight, pre‐brain death EF, T3 levels, and CPB times. Post‐CPB survival times were inversely related to the ischemic times in both groups (Pearson r=−0.80, P<.001), and this relationship was not influenced by T3. There was no difference in inotrope score, EF, or biochemical assessment between the two groups. Administration of T3 in combination with hydrocortisone to the brain‐dead donor confers no beneficial effect on myocardial function or survival following HT in a piglet model.
Mediation Analysis for Count and Zero-Inflated Count Data Without Sequential Ignorability and its Application in Dental Studies
Authors: Guo Zijian , Small Dylan S. , Gansky Stuart A. , Cheng Jing 
Published: July 2017

SummaryMediation analysis seeks to understand the mechanism by which a treatment affects an outcome. Count or zero-inflated count outcomes are common in many studies in which mediation analysis is of interest. For example, in dental studies, outcomes such as the number of decayed, missing and filled teeth are typically zero inflated. Existing mediation analysis approaches for count data often assume sequential ignorability of the mediator. This is often not plausible because the mediator is not randomized so unmeasured confounders are associated with the mediator and the outcome. We develop causal methods based on instrumental variable approaches for mediation analysis for count data possibly with many 0s that do not require the assumption of sequential ignorability. We first define the direct and indirect effect ratios for those data, and then we propose estimating equations and use empirical likelihood to estimate the direct and indirect effects consistently. A sensitivity analysis is proposed for violations of the instrumental variables exclusion restriction assumption. Simulation studies demonstrate that our method works well for different types of outcome under various settings. Our method is applied to a randomized dental caries prevention trial and a study of the effect of a massive flood in Bangladesh on children's diarrhoea.
Palaeoenvironmental and diagenetic reconstruction of a closed‐lacustrine carbonate system – the challenging marginal setting of the Miocene Ries Crater Lake (Germany)
Authors: Christ Nicolas , Maerz Sven , Kutschera Edgar , Kwiecien Ola , Mutti Maria 
Published: July 2017

AbstractChemostratigraphic studies on lacustrine sedimentary sequences provide essential insights on past cyclic climatic events, on their repetition and prediction through time. Diagenetic overprint of primary features often hinders the use of such studies for palaeoenvironmental reconstruction. Here the potential of integrated geochemical and petrographic methods is evaluated to record freshwater to saline oscillations within the ancient marginal lacustrine carbonates of the Miocene Ries Crater Lake (Germany). This area is critical because it represents the transition from shoreline to proximal domains of a hydrologically closed system, affected by recurrent emergent events, representing the boundaries of successive sedimentary cycles. Chemostratigraphy targets shifts related to subaerial exposure and/or climatic fluctuations. Methods combine facies changes with δ13C–δ18O chemostratigraphy from matrix carbonates across five closely spaced, temporally equivalent stratigraphic sections. Isotope composition of ostracod shells, gastropods and cements is provided for comparison. Cathodoluminescence and back‐scatter electron microscopy were performed to discriminate primary (syn‐)depositional, from secondary diagenetic features. Meteoric diagenesis is expressed by substantial early dissolution and dark blue luminescent sparry cements carrying negative δ13C and δ18O. Sedimentary cycles are not correlated by isotope chemostratigraphy. Both matrix δ13C and δ18O range from ca −7·5 to +4·0‰ and show clear positive covariance (R = 0·97) whose nature differs from that of previous basin‐oriented studies on the lake: negative values are here unconnected to original freshwater lacustrine conditions but reflect extensive meteoric diagenesis, while positive values probably represent primary saline lake water chemistry. Noisy geochemical curves relate to heterogeneities in (primary) porosity, resulting in selective carbonate diagenesis. This study exemplifies that ancient lacustrine carbonates, despite extensive meteoric weathering, are able to retain key information for both palaeoenvironmental reconstruction and the understanding of diagenetic processes in relation to those primary conditions. Also, it emphasizes the limitation of chemostratigraphy in fossil carbonates, and specifically in settings that are sensitive for the preservation of primary environmental signals, such as lake margins prone to meteoric diagenesis.
Relationships Between Model Estimates and Actual Match-Performance Indices in Professional Australian Footballers During an In-Season Macrocycle
Authors: Graham Stuart R. , Cormack Stuart , Parfitt Gaynor , Eston Roger 
Published: July 2017

Purpose: To assess and compare the validity of internal and external Australian football (AF) training-load measures for predicting match exercise intensity (MEI/min) and player-rank score (PRScore) using a variable dose-response model. Methods: A cohort of 25 professional AF players (23 ± 3 y, 188.3 ± 7.2 cm, 87.7 ± 8.4 kg) completed a 24-wk in-season macrocycle. In-season internal training and match load were quantified using session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) and external load from satellite and accelerometer data. Using a training-impulse (TRIMP) calculation, external load (au) was represented as distance (TRIMPDist), distance ≥4.16 m/s (TRIMPHSDist), and PlayerLoad (TRIMPPL). In-season training load, MEI/min, and PRScore were applied to a variable dose-response model, which provided estimates of MEI/min and PRScore. Predicted MEI/min and PRScore were correlated with actual measures from each match. The magnitude of the difference between MEI/min and PRScore estimates for each model input and the difference between the precision of internal and external load measures to predict MEI/min and PRScore were calculated using the effect size ± 90% confidence interval (CI). Results: Estimates of MEI/min demonstrated very large associations with actual MEI/min (r, 90% CI) (eg, TRIMPDist .76 ± .13, and sRPESkills .73 ± .14). Estimates of PRScore demonstrated associations of large magnitude with actual PRScore using the same inputs. Precision of actual MEI/min was lowest using sRPE compared with (ES ± 90% CI) TRIMPDist, −.67 ± .34, and TRIMPPL, −.91 ± .39. There were trivial and unclear differences in the precision of PRScore estimates between TRIMP and sRPE inputs. Conclusions: Dose-response models from multiple training-load inputs can predict within-individual variation of MEI/min and PRScore. Internal and external training-input methods exhibited comparable predictive power.
Specificity of Subtilin-Mediated Activation of Histidine Kinase SpaK
Authors: Geiger Christoph , Spieß Tobias , Korn Sophie Marianne , Kötter Peter , Entian Karl-Dieter 
Published: July 2017

ABSTRACT

Autoinduction via two-component systems is a widespread regulatory mechanism that senses environmental and metabolic changes. Although the lantibiotics nisin and subtilin are closely related and share the same lanthionine ring structure, they autoinduce their biosynthesis in a highly specific manner. Subtilin activates only the two-component system SpaRK of
Bacillus subtilis
, whereas nisin activates solely the two-component system NisRK of
Lactococcus lactis
. To identify components that determine the specificity of subtilin autoinduction, several variants of the respective lantibiotics were analyzed for their autoinductive capacities. Here, we show that amino acid position 20 is crucial for SpaK activation, as an engineered nisin molecule with phenylalanine at position 20 (nisin N20F) was able to activate SpaK in a specific manner. In combination with the N-terminal tryptophan of subtilin (nisin I1W/N20F), SpaK autoinduction reached almost the level of subtilin-mediated autoinduction. Furthermore, the overall structure of subtilin is also important for its association with the histidine kinase. The destruction of the second lanthionine ring (subtilin C11A, ring B), as well as mutations that interfere with the flexibility of the hinge region located between lanthionine rings C and D (subtilin L21P/Q22P), abolished SpaK autoinduction. Although the C-terminal part of subtilin is needed for efficient SpaK autoinduction, the destruction of lanthionine rings D and E had no measurable impact. Based on these findings, a model for the interaction of subtilin with histidine kinase SpaK was established.

IMPORTANCE
Although two-component systems are important regulatory systems that sense environmental changes, very little information on the molecular mechanism of sensing or the interaction of the sensor with its respective kinase is available. The strong specificity of linear lantibiotics such as subtilin and nisin for their respective kinases provides an excellent model system to unravel the structural needs of these lantibiotics for activating histidine kinases in a specific manner. More than that, the biosyntheses of lantibiotics are autoinduced via two-component systems. Therefore, an understanding of their interactions with histidine kinases is needed for the biosynthesis of newly engineered peptide antibiotics. Using a
Bacillus subtilis
-based reporter system, we were able to identify the molecular constraints that are necessary for specific SpaK activation and to provide SpaK specificity to nisin with just two point mutations.