bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Active GSK3β and an intact β-catenin TCF complex are essential for the differentiation of human myogenic progenitor cells
Authors: Agley C. C. , Lewis F. C. , Jaka O. , Lazarus N. R. , Velloso C. , Francis-West P. , Ellison-Hughes G. M. , Harridge S. D. R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractWnt-β-catenin signalling is essential for skeletal muscle myogenesis during development, but its role in adult human skeletal muscle remains unknown. Here we have used human primary CD56Pos satellite cell-derived myogenic progenitors obtained from healthy individuals to study the role of Wnt-β-catenin signalling in myogenic differentiation. We show that dephosphorylated β-catenin (active-β-catenin), the central effector of the canonical Wnt cascade, is strongly upregulated at the onset of differentiation and undergoes nuclear translocation as differentiation progresses. To establish the role of Wnt signalling in regulating the differentiation process we manipulated key nodes of this pathway through a series of β-catenin gain-of-function (GSK3 inhibition and β-catenin overexpression) or loss-of-function experiments (dominant negative TCF4). Our data showed that manipulation of these critical pathway components led to varying degrees of disruption to the normal differentiation phenotype indicating the importance of Wnt signalling in regulating this process. We reveal an independent necessity for active-β-catenin in the fusion and differentiation of human myogenic progenitors and that dominant negative inhibition of TCF4 prevents differentiation completely. Together these data add new mechanistic insights into both Wnt signalling and adult human myogenic progenitor differentiation.
The Hidden Flow Structure and Metric Space of Network Embedding Algorithms Based on Random Walks
Authors: Gu Weiwei , Gong Li , Lou Xiaodan , Zhang Jiang 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNetwork embedding which encodes all vertices in a network as a set of numerical vectors in accordance with it’s local and global structures, has drawn widespread attention. Network embedding not only learns significant features of a network, such as the clustering and linking prediction but also learns the latent vector representation of the nodes which provides theoretical support for a variety of applications, such as visualization, link prediction, node classification, and recommendation. As the latest progress of the research, several algorithms based on random walks have been devised. Although those algorithms have drawn much attention for their high scores in learning efficiency and accuracy, there is still a lack of theoretical explanation, and the transparency of those algorithms has been doubted. Here, we propose an approach based on the open-flow network model to reveal the underlying flow structure and its hidden metric space of different random walk strategies on networks. We show that the essence of embedding based on random walks is the latent metric structure defined on the open-flow network. This not only deepens our understanding of random- walk-based embedding algorithms but also helps in finding new potential applications in network embedding.
Saline is as effective as nitrogen scavengers for treatment of hyperammonemia
Authors: van Straten G. , de Sain-van der Velden M. G. M. , van Geijlswijk I. M. , Favier R. P. , Mesu S. J. , Holwerda-Loof N. E. , van der Ham M. , Fieten H. , Rothuizen J. , Spee B. , Verhoeven-Duif N. M. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractUrea cycle enzyme deficiency (UCED) patients with hyperammonemia are treated with sodium benzoate (SB) and sodium phenylacetate (SPA) to induce alternative pathways of nitrogen excretion. The suggested guidelines supporting their use in the management of hyperammonemia are primarily based on non-analytic studies such as case reports and case series. Canine congenital portosystemic shunting (CPSS) is a naturally occurring model for hyperammonemia. Here, we performed cross-over, randomized, placebo-controlled studies in healthy dogs to assess safety and pharmacokinetics of SB and SPA (phase I). As follow-up safety and efficacy of SB was evaluated in CPSS-dogs with hyperammonemia (phase II). Pharmacokinetics of SB and SPA were comparable to those reported in humans. Treatment with SB and SPA was safe and both nitrogen scavengers were converted into their respective metabolites hippuric acid and phenylacetylglutamine or phenylacetylglycine, with a preference for phenylacetylglycine. In CPSS-dogs, treatment with SB resulted in the same effect on plasma ammonia as the control treatment (i.e. saline infusion) suggesting that the decrease is a result of volume expansion and/or forced diuresis rather than increased production of nitrogenous waste. Consequentially, treatment of hyperammonemia justifies additional/placebo-controlled trials in human medicine.
Transcriptomic profiles of Clostridium ljungdahlii during lithotrophic growth with syngas or H2 and CO2 compared to organotrophic growth with fructose
Authors: Aklujkar Muktak , Leang Ching , Shrestha Pravin M. , Shrestha Minita , Lovley Derek R. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractClostridium ljungdahlii derives energy by lithotrophic and organotrophic acetogenesis. C. ljungdahlii was grown organotrophically with fructose and also lithotrophically, either with syngas - a gas mixture containing hydrogen (H2), carbon dioxide (CO2), and carbon monoxide (CO), or with H2 and CO2. Gene expression was compared quantitatively by microarrays using RNA extracted from all three conditions. Gene expression with fructose and with H2/CO2 was compared by RNA-Seq. Upregulated genes with both syngas and H2/CO2 (compared to fructose) point to the urea cycle, uptake and degradation of peptides and amino acids, response to sulfur starvation, potentially NADPH-producing pathways involving (S)-malate and ornithine, quorum sensing, sporulation, and cell wall remodeling, suggesting a global and multicellular response to lithotrophic conditions. With syngas, the upregulated (R)-lactate dehydrogenase gene represents a route of electron transfer from ferredoxin to NAD. With H2/CO2, flavodoxin and histidine biosynthesis genes were upregulated. Downregulated genes corresponded to an intracytoplasmic microcompartment for disposal of methylglyoxal, a toxic byproduct of glycolysis, as 1-propanol. Several cytoplasmic and membrane-associated redox-active protein genes were differentially regulated. The transcriptomic profiles of C. ljungdahlii in lithotrophic and organotrophic growth modes indicate large-scale physiological and metabolic differences, observations that may guide biofuel and commodity chemical production with this species.
Aggregation behavior and reproductive compatibility in the family Cimicidae
Authors: DeVries Zachary , Mick Russell , Balvín Ondřej , Schal Coby 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBed bugs (Cimex lectularius) provide a unique opportunity to understand speciation and host-associated divergence in parasites. Recently, two sympatric but genetically distinct lineages ofC. lectulariuswere identified: one associated with humans and one associated with bats. We investigated two mechanisms that could maintain genetic differentiation in the field: reproductive compatibility (via mating crosses) and aggregation fidelity (via two-choice sheltering assays). Effects were assessed at the intra-lineage level (within human-associated bed bugs), inter-lineage level (between human- and bat-associated bed bugs), and inter-species level (betweenC. lectulariusandCimex pipistrelli[bat bug]). Contrary to previous reports, bed bugs were found to be reproductively compatible at both the intra- and inter-lineage levels, but not at the inter-species level (although three hybrids were produced, one of which developed into an adult). Lineage- and species-specific aggregation fidelity was only detected in 8% (4 out of 48) of the aggregation fidelity assays run. These results indicate that under laboratory conditions, host-associated lineages of bed bugs are reproductively compatible, and aggregation pheromones are not capable of preventing gene flow between lineages.
Unobtrusive Nocturnal Heartbeat Monitoring by a Ballistocardiographic Sensor in Patients with Sleep Disordered Breathing
Authors: Zink Matthias Daniel , Brüser Christoph , Stüben Björn-Ole , Napp Andreas , Stöhr Robert , Leonhardt Steffen , Marx Nikolaus , Mischke Karl , Schulz Jörg B. , Schiefer Johannes 
Published: October 2017

AbstractSleep disordered breathing (SDB) is known for fluctuating heart rates and an increased risk of developing arrhythmias. The current reference for heartbeat analysis is an electrocardiogram (ECG). As an unobtrusive alternative, we tested a sensor foil for mechanical vibrations to perform a ballistocardiography (BCG) and applied a novel algorithm for beat-to-beat cycle length detection. The aim of this study was to assess the correlation between beat-to-beat cycle length detection by the BCG algorithm and simultaneously recorded ECG. In 21 patients suspected for SDB undergoing polysomnography, we compared ECG to simultaneously recorded BCG data analysed by our algorithm. We analysed 362.040 heartbeats during a total of 93 hours of recording. The baseline beat-to-beat cycle length correlation between BCG and ECG was r
s
= 0.77 (n = 362040) with a mean absolute difference of 15 ± 162 ms (mean cycle length: ECG 923 ± 220 ms; BCG 908 ± 203 ms). After filtering artefacts and improving signal quality by our algorithm, the correlation increased to r
s
= 0.95 (n = 235367) with a mean absolute difference in cycle length of 4 ± 72 ms (ECG 920 ± 196 ms; BCG 916 ± 194 ms). We conclude that our algorithm, coupled with a BCG sensor foil provides good correlation of beat-to-beat cycle length detection with simultaneously recorded ECG.
Cognitive appraisal of environmental stimuli induces emotion-like states in fish
Authors: Cerqueira M. , Millot S. , Castanheira M. F. , Félix A. S. , Silva T. , Oliveira G. A. , Oliveira C. C. , Martins C. I. M. , Oliveira R. F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractThe occurrence of emotions in non-human animals has been the focus of debate over the years. Recently, an interest in expanding this debate to non-tetrapod vertebrates and to invertebrates has emerged. Within vertebrates, the study of emotion in teleosts is particularly interesting since they represent a divergent evolutionary radiation from that of tetrapods, and thus they provide an insight into the evolution of the biological mechanisms of emotion. We report that Sea Bream exposed to stimuli that vary according to valence (positive, negative) and salience (predictable, unpredictable) exhibit different behavioural, physiological and neuromolecular states. Since according to the dimensional theory of emotion valence and salience define a two-dimensional affective space, our data can be interpreted as evidence for the occurrence of distinctive affective states in fish corresponding to each the four quadrants of the core affective space. Moreover, the fact that the same stimuli presented in a predictable vs. unpredictable way elicited different behavioural, physiological and neuromolecular states, suggests that stimulus appraisal by the individual, rather than an intrinsic characteristic of the stimulus, has triggered the observed responses. Therefore, our data supports the occurrence of emotion-like states in fish that are regulated by the individual’s perception of environmental stimuli.
Psilocybin for treatment-resistant depression: fMRI-measured brain mechanisms
Authors: Carhart-Harris Robin L , Roseman Leor , Bolstridge Mark , Demetriou Lysia , Pannekoek J Nienke , Wall Matthew B , Tanner Mark , Kaelen Mendel , McGonigle John , Murphy Kevin , Leech Robert , Curran H Valerie , Nutt David J 
Published: October 2017

AbstractPsilocybin with psychological support is showing promise as a treatment model in psychiatry but its therapeutic mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, cerebral blood flow (CBF) and blood oxygen-level dependent (BOLD) resting-state functional connectivity (RSFC) were measured with functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) before and after treatment with psilocybin (serotonin agonist) for treatment-resistant depression (TRD). Quality pre and post treatment fMRI data were collected from 16 of 19 patients. Decreased depressive symptoms were observed in all 19 patients at 1-week post-treatment and 47% met criteria for response at 5 weeks. Whole-brain analyses revealed post-treatment decreases in CBF in the temporal cortex, including the amygdala. Decreased amygdala CBF correlated with reduced depressive symptoms. Focusing on a priori selected circuitry for RSFC analyses, increased RSFC was observed within the default-mode network (DMN) post-treatment. Increased ventromedial prefrontal cortex-bilateral inferior lateral parietal cortex RSFC was predictive of treatment response at 5-weeks, as was decreased parahippocampal-prefrontal cortex RSFC. These data fill an important knowledge gap regarding the post-treatment brain effects of psilocybin, and are the first in depressed patients. The post-treatment brain changes are different to previously observed acute effects of psilocybin and other ‘psychedelics’ yet were related to clinical outcomes. A ‘reset’ therapeutic mechanism is proposed.
Adjusting the catalytic properties of cobalt ferrite nanoparticles by pulsed laser fragmentation in water with defined energy dose
Authors: Waag Friedrich , Gökce Bilal , Kalapu Chakrapani , Bendt Georg , Salamon Soma , Landers Joachim , Hagemann Ulrich , Heidelmann Markus , Schulz Stephan , Wende Heiko , Hartmann Nils , Behrens Malte , Barcikowski Stephan 
Published: October 2017

AbstractHighly active, structurally disordered CoFe2O4/CoO electrocatalysts are synthesized by pulsed laser fragmentation in liquid (PLFL) of a commercial CoFe2O4 powder dispersed in water. A partial transformation of the CoFe2O4 educt to CoO is observed and proposed to be a thermal decomposition process induced by the picosecond pulsed laser irradiation. The overpotential in the OER in aqueous alkaline media at 10 mA cm−2 is reduced by 23% compared to the educt down to 0.32 V with a Tafel slope of 71 mV dec−1. Importantly, the catalytic activity is systematically adjustable by the number of PLFL treatment cycles. The occurrence of thermal melting and decomposition during one PLFL cycle is verified by modelling the laser beam energy distribution within the irradiated colloid volume and comparing the by single particles absorbed part to threshold energies. Thermal decomposition leads to a massive reduction in particle size and crystal transformations towards crystalline CoO and amorphous CoFe2O4. Subsequently, thermal melting forms multi-phase spherical and network-like particles. Additionally, Fe-based layered double hydroxides at higher process cycle repetitions emerge as a byproduct. The results show that PLFL is a promising method that allows modification of the structural order in oxides and thus access to catalytically interesting materials.
Cytotoxicity of thymoquinone alone or in combination with cisplatin (CDDP) against oral squamous cell carcinoma in vitro
Authors: Alaufi Omar M. , Noorwali Abdulwahab , Zahran Fatheya , Al-Abd Ahmed M. , Al-Attas Safia 
Published: October 2017

AbstractCisplatin (CDDP) is potent anticancer agent used for several tumor types. Thymoquinone (TQ) is naturally occurring compound drawing great attention as anticancer and chemomodulator for chemotherapies. Herein, we studied the potential cytotoxicity of thymoquinone, CDDP and their combination against human oral squamous cell carcinoma cell in contrast to normal oral epithelial cells. CDDP similarly killed both head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells (UMSCC-14C) and normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). TQ alone exerted considerable cytotoxicity against UMSCC-14C cells; while it induced weaker killing effect against normal oral epithelial cells (OEC). Equitoxic combination of TQ and CDDP showed additive to synergistic interaction against both UMSCC-14C and OEC cells. TQ alone increased apoptotic cell fraction in UMSCC-14C cells, as early as after 6 hours. In addition, prolonged exposure of UMSCC-14C to TQ alone resulted in 96.7 ± 1.6% total apoptosis which was increased after combination with CDDP to 99.3 ± 1.2% in UMSCC-14C cells. On the other hand, TQ induced marginal increase in the apoptosis in OEC and even decreased the apoptosis induced by CDDP alone. Finally, apoptosis induction results were confirmed by the change in the expression levels of p53, Bcl-2 and Caspase-9 proteins in both UMSCC-14c and OEC cells.
Mesenchymal stem cells from tumor microenvironment favour breast cancer stem cell proliferation, cancerogenic and metastatic potential, via ionotropic purinergic signalling
Authors: Maffey A. , Storini C. , Diceglie C. , Martelli C. , Sironi L. , Calzarossa C. , Tonna N. , Lovchik R. , Delamarche E. , Ottobrini L. , Bianco F. 
Published: October 2017

AbstractInteraction between tumor cells and the microenvironment is key in initiation, progression, and invasiveness of cancer. In particular, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are recruited to the sites of developing tumors, thus promoting metastasis formation. Although it is well known that MSCs migrate and integrate in the tumor microenvironment (TME), their fate and function inside the tumor is still not clear. In this study, we analyzed the role played by MSCs in breast cancer oncogenesis. Data indicate that interaction of breast cancer cells with MSCs results in an increased proliferation and metabolic activity of breast cancer cells, partially due to MSC-derived microvesicles that are shed in the TME. Moreover, we addressed the question of whether we could modulate such interaction by acting on P2X-mediated intercellular communication. By inhibiting P2X-mediated purinergic signaling, we succeeded in reducing both the cancerogenic as well as the metastatic potential of breast cancer cells co-cultured with MSCs, in 2D as well as in 3D in vitro models. Data obtained demonstrate for the first time that the trophic effect of MSCs on breast cancer cell growth is exerted via ionotropic purinergic signaling, thus suggesting the inhibition of the purinergic signaling system as a potential target for therapeutic intervention.
Catastrophic failure of nacre under pure shear stresses of torsion
Authors: Alghamdi Saleh , Tan Ting , Hale-Sills Christopher , Vilmont Floyd , Xia Tian , Yang Jie , Huston Dryver , Dewoolkar Mandar 
Published: October 2017

AbstractNacre, a composite made from biogenic aragonite and proteins, exhibits excellent strength and toughness. Here, we show that nacreous sections can exhibit complete brittle fracture along the tablet interfaces at the proportional limit under pure shear stresses of torsion. We quantitatively separate the initial tablet sliding primarily resisted by nanoscale aragonite pillars from the following sliding resisted by various microscale toughening mechanisms. We postulate that the ductility of nacre can be limited by eliminating tablet interactions during crack propagations. Our findings should help pursuing further insights of layered materials by using torsion.
Aberrant ocular architecture and function in patients with Klinefelter syndrome
Authors: Brand Cristin , Zitzmann Michael , Eter Nicole , Kliesch Sabine , Wistuba Joachim , Alnawaiseh Maged , Heiduschka Peter 
Published: October 2017

AbstractKlinefelter Syndrome (KS), the most common chromosomal disorder in men (47,XXY), is associated with numerous comorbidities. Based on a number of isolated case reports, we performed the first systematic and comprehensive evaluation of eye health in KS patients with a focus on ocular structure and vascularization. Twenty-one KS patients and 26 male and 38 female controls underwent a variety of non-invasive examinations investigating ocular morphology (examination of retinal thickness, optic nerve head, and cornea) and function (visual field testing and quantification of ocular vessel density by optical coherence tomography angiography). In comparison to healthy controls, KS patients exhibited a smaller foveal avascular zone and a decreased retinal thickness due to a drastically thinner outer nuclear layer. The cornea of KS patients showed a decreased peripheral thickness and volume. In perimetry evaluation, KS patients required brighter stimuli and gave more irregular values. KS patients show an ocular phenotype including morphological and functional features, which is very likely caused by the supernumerary X chromosome. Thus, KS should not be limited to infertility, endocrine dysfunction, neurocognitive and psychosocial comorbidities. Defining an aberrant ocular morphology and function, awareness for possible eye problems should be raised.
Environmental controls on sap flow in black locust forest in Loess Plateau, China
Authors: Ma Changkun , Luo Yi , Shao Mingan , Li Xiangdong , Sun Lin , Jia Xiaoxu 
Published: October 2017

AbstractBlack locust accounts for over 90% of artificial forests in China’s Loess Plateau region. However, water use of black locust is an uphill challenge for this semi-arid region. To accurately quantify tree water use and to explain the related hydrological processes, it is important to collect reliable data for application in the estimation of sap flow and its response to environmental factors. This study measured sap flow in black locust in the 2015 and 2016 growth seasons using the thermal dissipation probes technique and laboratory-calibrated Granier’s equation. The study showed that the laboratory calibrated coefficient α was much larger than the original value presented by Granier, while the coefficient β was similar to the original one. The average daily transpiration was 2.1 mm day−1 for 2015 and 1.6 mm day−1 for 2016. Net solar radiation (Rn) was the key meteorological factor controlling sap flow, followed by vapor pressure deficit (VPD) and then temperature (T). VPD had a threshold control on sap flow at threshold values of 1.9 kPa for 2015 and 1.6 kPa for 2016. The effects of diurnal hysteresis of Rn, VPD and T on sap flow were evident, indicating that black locust water use was conservative.
Stabilization of a bat-pitcher plant mutualism
Authors: Schöner Michael G. , Schöner Caroline R. , Ermisch Rebecca , Puechmaille Sébastien J. , Grafe T. Ulmar , Tan Moi Chan , Kerth Gerald 
Published: October 2017

AbstractDespite the long persistence of many mutualisms, it is largely unknown which mechanisms stabilize these interactions. This is especially true if only one mutualism partner can choose alternative partners while the other cannot, resulting in a power asymmetry. According to biological market theory the choosing partner should prefer the more dependent partner if the latter offers commodities of higher quality than its competitors. We tested this prediction using Bornean carnivorous pitcher plants (Nepenthes hemsleyana) that strongly rely on faecal nitrogen of bats (Kerivoula hardwickii) which roost inside the pitchers. The bats also roost in furled leaves of various plants. Surprisingly, during field observations the bats did not always chooseN. hemsleyanapitchers despite their superior quality but were generally faithful either to pitchers or to furled leaves. In behavioural experiments 21% of the leaf-roosting bats switched to pitchers, while the majority of these bats and all pitcher-roosting individuals were faithful to the roost type in which we had found them. Genetic differentiation cannot explain this faithfulness, which likely results from different roosting traditions. Such traditions could have stabilizing or destabilizing effects on various mutualisms and should be investigated in more detail.