bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dimerization: a structural feature for the protection of hepatitis E virus capsid protein against trypsinization
Authors: Wei Wenjuan , Behloul Nouredine , Baha Sarra , Liu Zhenzhen , Aslam Mehwish Saba , Meng Jihong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractOrally-transmitted viruses have evolved in a way to resist the extreme conditions of the host’s gastrointestinal environment, especially the proteolysis of their structural proteins. However, the mechanisms allowing these viruses to survive these harsh conditions remain unclear. Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an orally-transmitted human pathogen. Its capsid protein contains three domains S, P1 and P2. The latter forms a homodimer protruding from the virus shell, making it the most exposed part. By combining biochemical and computational methods, we found the trypsin digestion sites to be highly conserved among the HEV strains. Furthermore, the constructs of the HEV capsid protein that contain an extended P2 domain were digested within the extensions leaving the P2 domain intact. The trypsinization seems to occur in three possible double cleavages at R451-R619, R460-R619 or R460-R631.The dimerization disrupts the trypsin action at three main sites in the P2 domain R542, K544 and K554. These sites are very exposed in the monomeric P2 domain constructs which makes the monomeric forms very susceptible to trypsin action. Therefore, we believe that dimerization is a structural feature that has been selected by the evolutionary forces to render the HEV capsid protein resistant to the host’s proteases; an evolutionary feature that could be common to some other (if not all) orally-transmitted viruses.
Multi-wavelength emission from a single InGaN/GaN nanorod analyzed by cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Kusch Gunnar , Conroy Michele , Li Haoning , Edwards Paul R. , Zhao Chao , Ooi Boon S. , Pugh Jon , Cryan Martin J. , Parbrook Peter J. , Martin Robert W. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMultiple luminescence peaks emitted by a single InGaN/GaN quantum-well(QW) nanorod, extending from the blue to the red, were analysed by a combination of electron microscope based imaging techniques. Utilizing the capability of cathodoluminescence hyperspectral imaging it was possible to investigate spatial variations in the luminescence properties on a nanoscale. The high optical quality of a single GaN nanorod was demonstrated, evidenced by a narrow band-edge peak and the absence of any luminescence associated with the yellow defect band. Additionally two spatially confined broad luminescence bands were observed, consisting of multiple peaks ranging from 395 nm to 480 nm and 490 nm to 650 nm. The lower energy band originates from broad c-plane QWs located at the apex of the nanorod and the higher energy band from the semipolar QWs on the pyramidal nanorod tip. Comparing the experimentally observed peak positions with peak positions obtained from plane wave modelling and 3D finite difference time domain(FDTD) modelling shows modulation of the nanorod luminescence by cavity modes. By studying the influence of these modes we demonstrate that this can be exploited as an additional parameter in engineering the emission profile of LEDs.
Supplement of Betaine into Embryo Culture Medium Can Rescue Injury Effect of Ethanol on Mouse Embryo Development
Authors: Zhang Di , Jing Huaijiang , Dou Changfeng , Zhang Ling , Wu Xiaoqing , Wu Qingqing , Song Haoyang , Li Dengkun , Wu Fengrui , Liu Yong , Li Wenyong , Wang Rong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractMammal embryos can be impaired by mother’s excessive ethanol uptake, which induces a higher level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and interferes in one carbon unit metabolism. Here, our analysis by in vitro culture system reveals immediate effect of ethanol in medium on mouse embryo development presents concentration dependent. A preimplantation embryo culture using medium contained 1% ethanol could impact greatly early embryos development, and harmful effect of ethanol on preimplantation embryos would last during the whole development period including of reducing ratio of blastocyst formation and implantation, and deteriorating postimplantation development. Supplement of 50 μg/ml betaine into culture medium can effectively reduce the level of ROS caused by ethanol in embryo cells and rescue embryo development at each stage damaged by ethanol, but supplement of glycine can’t rescue embryo development as does betaine. Results of 5-methylcytosine immunodetection indicate that supplement of betaine into medium can reduce the rising global level of genome DNA methylation in blastocyst cells caused by 1% ethanol, but glycine can’t play the same impact. The current findings demonstrate that betaine can effectively rescue development of embryos harmed by ethanol, and possibly by restoring global level of genome DNA methylation in blastocysts.
DUSP5 is methylated in CIMP-high colorectal cancer but is not a major regulator of intestinal cell proliferation and tumorigenesis
Authors: Tögel Lars , Nightingale Rebecca , Wu Rui , Chüeh Anderly C. , Al-Obaidi Sheren , Luk Ian , Dávalos-Salas Mercedes , Chionh Fiona , Murone Carmel , Buchanan Daniel D. , Chatterton Zac , Sieber Oliver M. , Arango Diego , Tebbutt Niall C. , Williams David , Dhillon Amardeep S. , Mariadason John M. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe ERK signalling pathway regulates key cell fate decisions in the intestinal epithelium and is frequently dysregulated in colorectal cancers (CRCs). Variations in the dynamics of ERK activation can induce different biological outcomes and are regulated by multiple mechanisms, including activation of negative feedback loops involving transcriptional induction of dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs). We have found that the nuclear ERK-selective phosphatase DUSP5 is downregulated in colorectal tumours and cell lines, as previously observed in gastric and prostate cancer. The DUSP5 promoter is methylated in a subset of CRC cell lines and primary tumours, particularly those with a CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP). However, this epigenetic change alone could not account for reduced DUSP5 expression in CRC cells. Functionally, DUSP5 depletion failed to alter ERK signalling or proliferation in CRC cell lines, and its transgenic overexpression in the mouse intestine had minimal impact on normal intestinal homeostasis or tumour development. Our results suggest that DUSP5 plays a limited role in regulating ERK signalling associated with the growth of colorectal tumours, but that methylation the DUSP5 gene promoter can serve as an additional means of identifying CIMP-high colorectal cancers.
A novel PAX7 10-bp indel variant modulates promoter activity, gene expression and contributes to different phenotypes of Chinese cattle
Authors: Xu Yao , Shi Tao , Zhou Yang , Liu Mei , Klaus Sebastian , Lan Xianyong , Lei Chuzhao , Chen Hong 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPaired box 7 (PAX7) gene regulates the conversion of muscle satellite cells into myogenic cells and participates in multi-step processes in myogenesis. Expression levels of PAX7 are decisive for its regulatory function. Previous reports revealed that PAX7 were responsible for the developmental traits of muscle. The relationship of the PAX7 promoter variants and livestock phenotypic traits has not been fully elucidated. We detected a novel 10-bp insertion/deletion (indel) polymorphism in the bovine PAX7 promoter and revealed that the indel altered the binding of the transcriptional factor ZNF219. Luciferase reporter assay showed that deletion-deletion (Del-Del) genotype of the PAX7 gene showed 2.79-fold higher promoter activity than the insertion-insertion (Ins-Ins) genotype (P < 0.05), and ZNF219 overexpression significantly diminished the luciferase activity in Ins-Ins groups. Moreover, the expression of PAX7 and its down-stream genes were detected in fetal skeletal muscle of cattle with different PAX7 genotypes, where the Del-Del genotype also displayed high expression levels. Statistical association analysis demonstrated that this indel had significant effects on early growth traits in cattle. These findings provide a complete overview of the function of the PAX7 10-bp variant, which may have potential as a genetic marker for marker-assisted selection in improving economically significant traits of cattle.
Novel insights into the mechanism of well-ordered assembly of bacterial flagellar proteins in Salmonella
Authors: Inoue Yumi , Morimoto Yusuke V. , Namba Keiichi , Minamino Tohru 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe FliI ATPase of the flagellar type III protein export apparatus forms the FliH2FliI complex along with its regulator FliH. The FliH2FliI complex is postulated to bring export substrates from the cytoplasm to the docking platform made of FlhA and FlhB although not essential for flagellar protein export. Here, to clarify the role of the FliH2FliI complex in flagellar assembly, we analysed the effect of FliH and FliI deletion on flagellar protein export and assembly. The hook length was not controlled properly in the ∆fliH-fliI flhB(P28T) mutant compared to wild-type cells, whose hook length is controlled to about 55 nm within 10% error. The FlhA(F459A) mutation increased the export level of the hook protein FlgE and the ruler protein FliK by about 10-fold and 3-fold, respectively, and improved the hook length control in the absence of FliH and FliI. However, the ∆fliH-fliI flhB(P28T) flhA(F459A) mutant did not produce flagellar filaments efficiently, and a large amount of flagellin monomers were leaked out into the culture media. Neither the hook length control nor flagellin leakage was affected by the FlhB(P28T) and FlhA(F459A) mutations. We will discuss a hierarchical protein export mechanism of the bacterial flagellum.
GO FEAT: a rapid web-based functional annotation tool for genomic and transcriptomic data
Authors: Araujo Fabricio Almeida , Barh Debmalya , Silva Artur , Guimarães Luis , Ramos Rommel Thiago Juca 
Published: January 2018

AbstractDownstream analysis of genomic and transcriptomic sequence data is often executed by functional annotation that can be performed by various bioinformatics tools and biological databases. However, a full fast integrated tool is not available for such analysis. Besides, the current available software is not able to produce analytic lists of annotations and graphs to help users in evaluating the output results. Therefore, we present the Gene Ontology Functional Enrichment Annotation Tool (GO FEAT), a free web platform for functional annotation and enrichment of genomic and transcriptomic data based on sequence homology search. The analysis can be customized and visualized as per users’ needs and specifications. GO FEAT is freely available at http://computationalbiology.ufpa.br/gofeat/ and its source code is hosted at https://github.com/fabriciopa/gofeat.
Graphene-catalyzed formation of C≡N bonds via cleavage of C-C and N-O bonds in ethanol and nitrate under room temperature
Authors: Xiao Ding , Wang Wucong , Gai Yanzhe , Zhao Yaping 
Published: January 2018

AbstractThe cleavage of carbon-carbon bonds and the formation of carbon-nitrogen bonds play crucial roles in chemical synthesis. However, these reactions usually proceed at high temperature and involve multiple steps. Herein, we report an unusual and novel reaction catalyzed by graphene. The C-C bond in ethanol and the N-O bond in nitrate can be broken under room temperature, accompanied by the formation of the C≡N bond. We demonstrate these reactions and elucidate their mechanisms by verifying that the product is silver cyanide which was formed when mixing a solution of silver nitrate and ethanol with graphene dispersion in ethanol at room temperature. The pivotal reason for the reaction is the formation of the precipitated silver cyanide. In a broader context, this discovery opens a significant new path for the breakage of the C-C bond in ethanol and the synthesis of nitriles under mild conditions. Also, the graphene was first reported as a catalyst for the room-temperature reaction.
Regulation of Kv2.1 channel inactivation by phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate
Authors: Delgado-Ramírez Mayra , De Jesús-Pérez José J. , Aréchiga-Figueroa Iván A. , Arreola Jorge , Adney Scott K. , Villalba-Galea Carlos A. , Logothetis Diomedes E. , Rodríguez-Menchaca Aldo A. 
Published: January 2018

AbstractPhosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) is a membrane phospholipid that regulates the function of multiple ion channels, including some members of the voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel superfamily. The PIP2 sensitivity of Kv channels is well established for all five members of the Kv7 family and for Kv1.2 channels; however, regulation of other Kv channels by PIP2 remains unclear. Here, we investigate the effects of PIP2 on Kv2.1 channels by applying exogenous PIP2 to the cytoplasmic face of excised membrane patches, activating muscarinic receptors (M1R), or depleting endogenous PIP2 using a rapamycin-translocated 5-phosphatase (FKBP-Inp54p). Exogenous PIP2 rescued Kv2.1 channels from rundown and partially prevented the shift in the voltage-dependence of inactivation observed in inside-out patch recordings. Native PIP2 depletion by the recruitment of FKBP-Insp54P or M1R activation in whole-cell experiments, induced a shift in the voltage-dependence of inactivation, an acceleration of the closed-state inactivation, and a delayed recovery of channels from inactivation. No significant effects were observed on the activation mechanism by any of these treatments. Our data can be modeled by a 13-state allosteric model that takes into account that PIP2 depletion facilitates inactivation of Kv2.1. We propose that PIP2 regulates Kv2.1 channels by interfering with the inactivation mechanism.
Combination of a bio-based polyphosphonate and modified graphene oxide toward superior flame retardant polylactic acid
Authors: Jing Jian , Zhang Yan , Tang Xinlei , Li Xiaonan , Peng Mao , Fang Zhengping 
Published: January 2018

Superior flame retardant polylactic acid (PLA) composites were prepared using bio-based polyphosphonate (BPPT) and polyethyleneimine-modified graphene oxide (M-GO) to be used as a flame retardant, the total amount of which is only 3 wt%.
Unity power factor three‐phase AC–DC converter applying two switch DCM SEPIC converter with coupled inductors
Authors: Foroozeshfar Reza , Adib Ehsan 
Published: January 2018

A two switch three‐phase power factor correction SEPIC converter with coupled inductor operating in discontinuous current mode is presented. The switches voltage stress in this converter is related to peak of phase voltage instead of line voltage. Also, applying coupled inductor technique, not only reduces number of the magnetic cores but also with suitable design of coupling coefficient, input current ripple cancellation is achieved, so smaller inductor size can be used as input inductance. Thus, the proposed converter only applies three magnetic cores and <5% THD is achieved with the proposed converter in a wide range of load and input voltage variations. Input phases are decoupled so converter can keep unity power factor even under unbalanced input source. Operating modes of the proposed converter is explained, and its input impedance is determined. It is verified that input impedance is pure resistive. The mathematical analysis and design procedure are discussed. Design example and experimental results from 400 W prototype with 220 V line to natural input RMS phase voltage and with 400 V output voltage operating at 40 kHz are presented to verify theoretical analysis.
Widespread HCN maser emission in carbon-rich evolved stars
Authors: Menten K. M. , Wyrowski F. , Keller D. , Kamiński T. 
Published: January 2018

Context.HCN is a major constituent of the circumstellar envelopes of carbon-rich evolved stars, and rotational lines from within its vibrationally excited states probe parts of these regions closest to the stellar surface. A number of such lines are known to show maser action. Historically, in one of them, the 177 GHzJ= 2 → 1 line in thel-doubled bending mode has been found to show relatively strong maser action, with results only published for a single object, the archetypical high-mass loss asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star IRC+10216.Aims.To examine how common 177 GHz HCN maser emission is, we conducted an exploratory survey for this line toward a select sample of carbon-rich asymptotic giant branch stars that are observable from the southern hemisphere.Methods.We used the Atacama Pathfinder Experiment 12 meter submillimeter Telescope (APEX) equipped with a new receiver to simultaneously observe threeJ= 2 → 1 HCN rotational transitions, the (0, 11c, 0) and (0, 11d, 0)l-doublet components, and the line from the (0,0,0) ground state.Results.The (0, 11c, 0) maser line is detected toward 11 of 13 observed sources, which all show emission in the (0,0,0) transition. In most of the sources, the peak intensity of the (0, 11c, 0) line rivals that of the (0,0,0) line; in two sources, it is even stronger. Except for the object with the highest mass-loss rate, IRC+10216, the (0, 11c, 0) line covers a smaller velocity range than the (0,0,0) line. The (0, 11d, 0) line, which is detected in four of the sources, is much weaker than the other two lines and covers a velocity range that is smaller yet, again except for IRC+10216. Compared to its first detection in 1989, the profile of the (0, 11c, 0) line observed toward IRC+10216 looks very different, and we also appear to see variability in the (0,0,0) line profile (at a much lower degree). Our limited information on temporal variabilitydisfavors a strong correlation of maser and stellar continuum flux.Conclusions.Maser emission in the 177 GHzJ= 2 → 1 (0, 11c, 0) line of HCN appears to be common in carbon-rich AGB stars. Like for other vibrationally excited HCN lines, our observations indicate that the origin of these lines is in the acceleration zone of the stellar outflow in which dust is forming. For all the stars toward which we detect the maser line, the number of photons available at 7 and 14μm, corresponding to transitions to vibrationally excited states possibly involved in its pumping, is found to be far greater than that of the maser photons, which makes radiative pumping feasible. Other findings point to a collisional pumping scheme, however.
Providing Effective Speech-Language Pathology Group Treatment in the Comprehensive Inpatient Rehabilitation Setting
Authors: Holcombe Molly , van der Stelt Candace , Baron Christine 
Published: January 2018

AbstractGroup treatment is an integral part of speech-language pathology (SLP) practice. The majority of SLP literature concerns group treatment provided in outpatient settings. This article describes the goals, procedures, and benefits of providing quality SLP group therapy in the comprehensive inpatient rehabilitation (CIR) setting. Effective CIR groups must be designed with attention to type and severity of communication impairment, as well physical stamina of group members. Group leaders need to target individualized patient goals while creating a challenging, complex, and dynamic group context that supports participation by all group members. Direct patient-to-patient interaction is fostered as much as possible. Peer feedback supports goal acquisition by fellow group members. The rich, complex group context fosters improved insight, initiation, social connectedness, and generalization of communication skills. Group treatment provides a unique type of treatment not easily replicated with individual treatment. SLP group treatment in a CIR is an essential component of an intensive, high-quality program. Continued advocacy for group therapy provision and research into its efficacy and effectiveness are warranted.
Lymphocytic Adrenal Medullitis: Case Report of A Patient with Pheochromocytoma-Like Hypertensive Paroxysms
Authors: Calissendorff Jan , Christofer Juhlin Carl 
Published: January 2018

AbstractLymphocytic adrenal medullitis (LAM) denote the histological finding of lymphocytic infiltrates in the adrenal medulla, a rare phenomenon that previously has been deemed asymptomatic and linked to autopsy findings in patients with type I diabetes. We describe the finding of LAM in a 66-year old female presenting with hyperaldosteronism and a 17 mm lesion in the right adrenal gland. The patient displayed secondary hypertension as well as intermittently occurring exaggerated hypertensive episodes with systolic peaks above 220 mm Hg. Preoperative catecholamine screening was negative, diminishing the possibility of a pheochromocytoma. Unilateral adrenalectomy was performed, and histology revealed an aldosterone producing adrenocortical adenoma. No signs of adrenomedullary hyperplasia or pheochromocytoma were found; however, prominent B- and T-lymphocytic infiltrates were observed across the medulla. The inflammation was almost absent in the surrounding adrenocortical tissue. Postoperatively, the patient remained hypertensive, but without paroxysmal excessive blood pressure elevations. A review of our pathology records between the years 2000 to present time as well as focused histopathological re-examination of 40 cases revealed no signs of LAM in any adrenal gland investigated, confirming the occurrence in living patients as exceedingly rare. This is the first report of LAM in a living patient, with a possible clinical association to intermittent episodes of markedly increased blood pressure not commonly seen in patients with hyperaldosteronism. A coupling between LAM and exaggerated hypertensive episodes cannot be ruled out.
Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit einer Fußcreme bei Typ-2-Diabetikern
Authors: Braun N. , Herling M. , Theek C. , Tronnier H. , Heinrich U. 
Published: January 2018

ZusammenfassungIn der vorliegenden Studie wurde eine Fußcreme hinsichtlich ihrer Eignung zur Fußpflege von Typ-2-Diabetikern untersucht. An der Wirksamkeitsstudie nahmen 23 Probanden über einen Zeitraum von 6 Wochen teil, welche die Fußcreme 2-mal täglich applizierten. Die Fußcreme zeichnete sich durch gute feuchtigkeitsspendende Eigenschaften aus und trug zu einer signifikanten Verbesserung der Hautbarriere bei. Gleichzeitig konnte die Durchblutung der Haut und damit die Versorgung der Haut mit Feuchtigkeit deutlich verbessert werden. Messungen der Hauttemperatur zeigten keine Temperaturerhöhung. Es wurde über ein angenehmes Hautgefühl berichtet. Die Keimbesiedlung wurde konstant gehalten. Zusätzlich wurden subjektive Bewertungen in Bezug auf Hautbild, Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit mittels Fragebogen erfasst. Hier spiegelte sich die gute Wirksamkeit und Verträglichkeit der Fußcreme durch hohe Akzeptanz bei den Probanden wider.
Respiratory Rate Threshold Accurately Estimates the Second Lactate Threshold
Authors: Elmer David , Toney Marissa 
Published: January 2018

Abstract
Purpose The modified Dmax method can accurately determine the second lactate threshold (LT2), which is valuable for predicting aerobic performance and prescribing exercise. The purpose of this study is to determine if the modified Dmax method can accurately find thresholds in VE (VT2), VCO2 (VCO2T), RER (RERT), and RR (RRT) to estimate LT2.
Methods Forty-one participants (females n=23, males n=18) completed an incremental exercise test to determine LT2, VT2, VCO2T, RERT, RRT, and blood lactate=4 mmol/L (La4).
Results VT2 and RRT were strongly correlated with VO2 and HR at LT2, with very small bias and limits of agreement, indicating that VT2 and RRT provide accurate estimates of LT2 (VO2 at VT2-LT2 mean difference=0.37±1.91 ml/kg/min, p=0.95; HR at VT2-LT2 mean difference=0.25±2.58 bpm, p=0.99; VO2 at RRT-LT2 mean difference 0.26±2.11 ml/kg/min, p=0.99; HR at RRT-LT mean difference 0.44±3.31 bpm, p=0.99). VCO2T, RERT, and La4 were either accurate for VO2 or HR estimates of LT2, but not both.
Conclusions VT2 and RRT provide accurate estimates of LT2 using the modified Dmax method. There is the potential to use RRT in developing field tests to estimate LT2 in practical settings.