bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploiting tumor-associated dendritic cell heterogeneity for novel cancer therapies
Authors: Keirsse Jiri , Van Damme Helena , Van Ginderachter Jo A , Laoui Damya 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are specialized APCs present in all tissues, including tumors. They play a major role in orchestrating immune responses and were shown to occur in various functional states in tumors. In this respect, immunogenic tumor-associated DCs (TADCs) are required to initiate and sustain T cell-dependent anti-cancer immunity, whereas regulatory TADCs harbor robust immunosuppressive potential and accelerate malignant growth. Importantly, the heterogeneity of the DC compartment in tumors has been dissected recently in murine and human cancers and was shown to consist of developmentally distinct subsets, including conventional DC (cDC)1, cDC2, and monocyte-derived DCs (Mo-DCs). TADCs constitute an essential target in efforts to generate therapeutic immunity against cancer, and the understanding of the complexity of the TADC heterogeneity might prove important for therapeutic interventions targeted at specific TADC subsets or their precursors. Hence, this review addresses the differential functional specializations of ontogenically distinct TADC subsets.
Characterization of Drosophila saposin-related mutants as a model for lysosomal sphingolipid storage diseases
Authors: Sellin Julia , Schulze Heike , Paradis Marie , Gosejacob Dominic , Papan Cyrus , Shevchenko Andrej , Psathaki Olympia Ekaterina , Paululat Achim , Thielisch Melanie , Sandhoff Konrad , Hoch Michael 
Published: April 2017

Sphingolipidoses are inherited diseases belonging to the class of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs), which are characterized by the accumulation of indigestible material in the lysosome caused by specific defects in the lysosomal degradation machinery. While some LSDs can be efficiently treated by enzyme replacement therapy (ERT), this is not possible if the nervous system is affected due to the presence of the blood brain barrier. Sphingolipidoses in particular often present as severe, untreatable forms of LSDs with massive sphingolipid and membrane accumulation in lysosomes, neurodegeneration, and very short life expectancy. The digestion of intra-lumenal membranes within lysosomes is facilitated by lysosomal sphingolipid activator proteins (saposins), which are cleaved from a Prosaposin precursor. prosaposin mutations cause some of the severest forms of sphingolipidoses, and are associated with perinatal lethality in mice, hampering studies on disease progression.
We identify the Drosophila Prosaposin orthologue Saposin-related (Sap-r) as a key regulator of lysosomal lipid homeostasis in the fly. Its mutation leads to a typical spingolipidosis phenotype with enlarged endo-lysosomal compartment and sphingolipid accumulation as shown by mass spectrometry and thin layer chromatography. sap-r mutants show reduced viability with ∼50% adult survivors, allowing us to study progressive neurodegeneration and analyze their lipid profile in young and aged flies. Additionally, we observe a defect in sterol homeostasis with local sterol depletion at the plasma membrane. Furthermore, we find that autophagy is increased, resulting in the accumulation of mitochondria in lysosomes, concomitant with increased oxidative stress. Together, we establish Drosophila sap-r mutants as a lysosomal storage disease model suitable for studying the age-dependent progression of lysosomal dysfunction associated with lipid accumulation and the resulting pathological signaling events.
The MgcRacGAP SxIP motif tethers Centralspindlin to microtubule plus ends in Xenopus laevis
Authors: Breznau Elaina B. , Murt Megan , Blasius T. Lynne , Verhey Kristen J. , Miller Ann L. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Centralspindlin, a complex of the kinesin-6-family member MKLP1 and MgcRacGAP (also known as Kif23 and Racgap1, respectively), is required for cytokinesis and cell–cell junctions. During anaphase, Centralspindlin accumulates at overlapping central spindle microtubules and directs contractile ring formation by recruiting the GEF Ect2 to the cell equator to activate RhoA. We found that MgcRacGAP localized to the plus ends of equatorial astral microtubules during cytokinesis in Xenopus laevis embryos. How MgcRacGAP is stabilized at microtubule plus ends is unknown. We identified an SxIP motif in X. laevis MgcRacGAP that is conserved with other proteins that bind to EB1 (also known as Mapre1), a microtubule plus-end tracking protein. Mutation of the SxIP motif in MgcRacGAP resulted in loss of MgcRacGAP tracking with EB3 (also known as Mapre3) on growing microtubule plus ends, abnormal astral microtubule organization, redistribution of MgcRacGAP from the contractile ring to the polar cell cortex, and mislocalization of RhoA and its downstream targets, which together contributed to severe cytokinesis defects. Furthermore, mutation of the MgcRacGAP SxIP motif perturbed adherens junctions. We propose that the MgcRacGAP SxIP motif is functionally important both for its role in regulating adherens junction structure during interphase and for regulating Rho GTPase activity during cytokinesis.
TSSK6 is required for γH2AX formation and the histone-to-protamine transition during spermiogenesis
Authors: Jha Kula N. , Tripurani Swamy K. , Johnson Gibbes R. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Spermiogenesis includes transcriptional silencing, chromatin condensation and extensive morphological changes as spermatids transform into sperm. Chromatin condensation involves histone hyperacetylation, transitory DNA breaks, histone H2AX (also known as H2AFX) phosphorylation at Ser139 (γH2AX), and replacement of histones by protamines. Previously, we have reported that the spermatid protein kinase TSSK6 is essential for fertility in mice, but its specific role in spermiogenesis is unknown. Here, we show that TSSK6 expression is spatiotemporally coincident with γH2AX formation in the nuclei of developing mouse spermatids. RNA-sequencing analysis demonstrates that genetic ablation of Tssk6 does not impact gene expression or silencing in spermatids. However, loss of TSSK6 blocks γH2AX formation, even though the timing and level of the transient DNA breaks is unaltered. Further, Tssk6-knockout sperm contained increased levels of histones H3 and H4, and protamine 2 precursor and intermediate(s) indicative of a defective histone-to-protamine transition. These results demonstrate that TSSK6 is required for γH2AX formation during spermiogenesis, and also link γH2AX to the histone-to-protamine transition and male fertility.
Microtubule organization within mitotic spindles revealed by serial block face scanning electron microscopy and image analysis
Authors: Nixon Faye M. , Honnor Thomas R. , Clarke Nicholas I. , Starling Georgina P. , Beckett Alison J. , Johansen Adam M. , Brettschneider Julia A. , Prior Ian A. , Royle Stephen J. 
Published: April 2017

ABSTRACT
Serial block face scanning electron microscopy (SBF-SEM) is a powerful method to analyze cells in 3D. Here, working at the resolution limit of the method, we describe a correlative light–SBF-SEM workflow to resolve microtubules of the mitotic spindle in human cells. We present four examples of uses for this workflow that are not practical by light microscopy and/or transmission electron microscopy. First, distinguishing closely associated microtubules within K-fibers; second, resolving bridging fibers in the mitotic spindle; third, visualizing membranes in mitotic cells, relative to the spindle apparatus; and fourth, volumetric analysis of kinetochores. Our workflow also includes new computational tools for exploring the spatial arrangement of microtubules within the mitotic spindle. We use these tools to show that microtubule order in mitotic spindles is sensitive to the level of TACC3 on the spindle.
Integrating Social Determinants of Health into Primary Care Clinical and
Informational Workflow during Care Transitions
Authors: Hewner Sharon , Casucci Sabrina , Sullivan Suzanne , Mistretta Francine , Xue Yuqing , Johnson Barbara , Pratt Rebekah , Lin Li , FOX Chet 
Published: April 2017

Context: Care continuity during transitions between the hospital and home requires
reliable communication between providers and settings and an understanding of social
determinants that influence recovery.Case Description: The coordinating transitions
intervention uses real time alerts, delivered directly to the primary care practice for
complex chronically ill patients discharged from an acute care setting, to facilitate
nurse care coordinator led telephone outreach. The intervention incorporates
claims-based risk stratification to prioritize patients for follow-up and an assessment
of social determinants of health using the Patient-centered Assessment Method (PCAM).
Results from transitional care are stored and transmitted to qualified healthcare
providers across the continuum.Findings: Reliance on tools that incorporated
interoperability standards facilitated exchange of health information between the
hospital and primary care. The PCAM was incorporated into both the clinical and
informational workflow through the collaboration of clinical, industry, and academic
partners. Health outcomes improved at the study practice over their baseline and in
comparison with control practices and the regional Medicaid population.Major
Themes: Current research supports the potential impact of systems approaches to care
coordination in improving utilization value after discharge. The project demonstrated
that flexibility in developing the informational and clinical workflow was critical in
developing a solution that improved continuity during transitions. There is additional
work needed in developing managerial continuity across settings such as shared
comprehensive care plans.Conclusions: New clinical and informational workflows which
incorporate social determinant of health data into standard practice transformed
clinical practice and improved outcomes for patients.
High embryogenic ability and regeneration from floral axis of Amorphophallus konjac (Araceae)
Authors: Zhong Lin , Liu Erxi , Yang Chaozhu , Jin Surong , Diao Ying , Hu Zhongli 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAmorphophallus konjac (Araceae) a perennial herb, it has high medicinal and industrial value. In this study, a simple and efficient system for direct somatic embryogenesis and plantlet regeneration of Amorphophallus konjac was developed. The floral axis was used as the experimental material. The primary callus, developed from the floral axis grown on Murashige and Skoog (MS) medium supplemented with different hormone combination at different concentrations. The highest rate of embryogenic callus formation was observed on the MS medium containing 9.04 µM 2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2, 4-D) and 5.37 µM naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). The maximum induction rate was 79.8%, and the embryogenic calli were able to subculture on a medium containing similar hormone combination for over 1 year. The calli were also placed on different media for regeneration and it produced complete plants with shoots and root systems simultaneously. The highest differentiation rate of the embryogenic calli grown on differentiation medium supplemented with 8.88 µM 6-benzylaminopurine (6-BA) and 5.37 µM NAA was 95.6%. Flow cytometry analysis showed no ploidy variation in all the regenerate plantlets.
Terpene content of wine from the aromatic grape variety ‘Irsai Oliver’ (Vitis vinifera L.) depends on maceration time
Authors: Baron Mojmir , Prusova Bozena , Tomaskova Lenka , Kumsta Michal , Sochor Jiri 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis study deals with the determination of the content of both free and bound terpenes in berries and wine of the aromatic grapevine variety ‘Irsai Oliver’. Grapes were macerated in juice for different time intervals (viz. 0; 5; 12; 24 hours) and thereafter processed to wine. The objective was to map the dependence of some selected terpenes on the period of maceration. Using gas chromatography, some nine organic compounds were detected. Attention was paid to contents of linalool (3,7-dimethylokta-1,6-dien-3-ol), 2,6-dimetyl-3,7-octadiene-2,6-diol, hotrienol ([(5E)-3,7-dimethylocta-1,5,7-trien-3-yl] acetate), αterpineol (2-(4-Methyl-1-cyclohex-3-enyl)propan-2-ol), β-citronellol (3,7-Dimethyloct-6-en-1-ol), nerol ((Z)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-octadien-1-ol), geraniol ((trans)-3,7-dimethyl-2,6-oktadien-1-ol) and epoxylinalool (2-(5-ethenyl-5-methyloxolan-2-yl)propan-2- ol): epoxylinalool 1 (trans-linalool oxide (furanoid) cis-linalool oxide (furanoid)) and epoxylinalool 2 (trans-linalool oxide (pyranoid) cis-linalool oxide (pyranoid)). Some basic wine parameters (alcohol, pH, sugars and total acids) were estimated as well. The terpene content in wine increased gradually with the period of maceration. The highest and the lowest amounts of terpenes were recorded after 24 hours of maceration and no maceration, respectively. The terpene glycosides content was higher than that of the aglycones. Linalool and 2,6-dimetyl-3,7-octadiene-2,6-diol were the most abundant terpenes.Based on the results of this study it is possible to conclude that the ‘Irsai Oliver’ variety of grape has a very high terpene content. To improve the aromatic profile of the wine, the grape must should be macerated for 24 hours.
Chinese Temples and Transnational Networks: Hokkien Communities in Singapore
Authors: Hue Guan Thye 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis paper is intended as an overview of different categories of Chinese temples and other institutions in Singapore and their transnational networks, in particularly on Hokkien communiities in Singapore. It focusing on some preliminary research findings related to this Hokkien communities and their religious networks, examines the Minnan (South Fujian) Protector Gods (Regional or Village temple Main Gods) and the Minnan Taoist Altars, as well as their religious networks connecting Fujian, China and the Chinese communities in Singapore. The main argument of this paper is that all the religious networks of the Minnan Main Gods and the Minnan Taoist Altars play a significant role in the transnational movement of resources between Singapore and China, particularly Fujian. These resources include people from all walks of life, various forms of ritual knowledge and innovations, money and materials.
Statistical approach to study of lithium magnesium metaborate glasses
Authors: Nedyalkova Miroslava , Hristov Hristo , Simeonov Vasil 
Published: April 2017

AbstractAlkali borate glasses and alkaline earth borate glasses are commonly used materials in the field of optoelectronics. Infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy are valuable tools for structural investigation of borate glass networks. The compositional and structural variety of lithium magnesium metaborate glasses is usually determined by traditional instrumental methods. In this study a data set is classified by structural and physicochemical parameters (FTIR, Raman spectra, glass transition temperature-Tg). Characterisation of magnesium containing metaborate glasses by multivariate statistics (hierarchical cluster analysis) to reveal potential relationships (similarity or dissimilarity) between the type of glasses included in the data set using specific structural features available in the literature is conducted. The clustering of the glass objects indicates a good separation of different magnesium containing borate glass compositions. The grouping of variables concerning Tg and structural data for BO3 and BO4 linkage confirms that BO4/BO3 ratios strongly affect Tg. Additionally, patterns of similarity could be detected not only between the glass composition but also between the features (variables) describing the glasses. The proposed approach can be further used as an expert tool for glass properties prediction or fingerprinting (identification of unknown compositions).
The speech signal segmentation algorithm using pitch synchronous analysis
Authors: Amirgaliyev Yedilkhan , Hahn Minsoo , Mussabayev Timur 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Parameterization of the speech signal using the algorithms of analysis synchronized with the pitch frequency is discussed. Speech parameterization is performed by the average number of zero transitions function and the signal energy function. Parameterization results are used to segment the speech signal and to isolate the segments with stable spectral characteristics. Segmentation results can be used to generate a digital voice pattern of a person or be applied in the automatic speech recognition. Stages needed for continuous speech segmentation are described.
VaR bounds in models with partial dependence information on subgroups
Authors: Rüschendorf Ludger , Witting Julian 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
We derive improved estimates for the model risk of risk portfolios when additional to the marginals some partial dependence information is available.We consider models which are split into k subgroups and consider various classes of dependence information either within the subgroups or between the subgroups. As consequence we obtain improved VaR bounds for the joint portfolio compared to the case with only information on the marginals. Our paper adds to various recent approaches to obtain reliable and usable risk bounds resp. estimates of the model risk by including partial dependence information additional to the information on the marginals. In particular we extend an approach suggested in Bignozzi, Puccetti and Rüschendorf (2015) and in Puccetti, Rüschendorf, Small and Vanduffel (2017), which is based on positive dependence resp. on independence information available for some subgroups.
Kendall’s tau and agglomerative clustering for structure determination of hierarchical Archimedean copulas
Authors: Górecki J. , Hofert M. , Holeňa M. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Several successful approaches to structure determination of hierarchical Archimedean copulas (HACs) proposed in the literature rely on agglomerative clustering and Kendall’s correlation coefficient. However, there has not been presented any theoretical proof justifying such approaches. This work fills this gap and introduces a theorem showing that, given the matrix of the pairwise Kendall correlation coefficients corresponding to a HAC, its structure can be recovered by an agglomerative clustering technique.
Characterization of Real-world Vibration Sources and Application to Nonlinear Vibration Energy Harvesters
Authors: Rantz Robert , Roundy Shad 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
A tremendous amount of research has been performed on the design and analysis of vibration energy harvester architectures with the goal of optimizing power output. Often, little attention is given to the actual characteristics of common vibrations from which energy is harvested. In order to shed light on the characteristics of common ambient vibration, data representing 333 vibration signals were downloaded from the NiPS Laboratory “Real Vibration” database, processed, and categorized according to the source of the signal (e. g. vehicle, machine, etc.), the number of dominant frequencies, the nature of the dominant frequencies (e. g. stationary, band-limited noise, etc.), and other metrics. By categorizing signals in this way, the set of idealized vibration inputs (i. e. single stationary frequency, Gaussian white noise, etc.) commonly assumed for harvester input can be corroborated and refined. Furthermore, some heretofore overlooked vibration input types are given motivation for investigation. The classification determined that, of the set of signals used in the study, 64 % of the animal source signals are best described with nonstationary dominant frequencies, 58 % of machine source signals are best described with stationary frequencies, and vehicle source signals are poorly described by any one signal type used in the classification. Nonlinear harvesters with a cubic stiffness term have received extensive attention in the scholarly literature; a numerical simulation and optimization procedure were performed using several representative signals as vibration inputs to determine the prevalence with which such a nonlinear harvester architecture might provide improvement to power output. The analysis indicated that a nonlinear harvester architecture may prove beneficial in increasing power output over a linear counterpart if the signal contains a single, dominant frequency that is not stationary in time, as evidenced by a 14 % increase in harvester power output when employing an architecture with a nonlinear cubic stiffness function. Other studies have indicated that nonlinear architectures may be beneficial for signals with nonstationary frequencies or filtered noise. 53 % of the all characterized signals fall into categories that could potentially benefit from a nonlinear oscillator architecture.
Against a unitary clause-final focus: Evidence from Russian and Polish
Authors: Tajsner Przemysław 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThis article argues against Neeleman et al.’s (2009) claim that in Russian focus is unitary and uniformly clause-final. First, it is pointed out that the account presented in Neeleman et al.’s study suffers from a number of conceptual shortcomings; among them are the lack of a structural basis of the postulated “right periphery focus” or the indeterminate status of the notion of “clause-finality”. Based on a larger set of data from Russian and Polish, it is then argued that neither the facts regarding the scope of quantifiers nor the available options of split scrambling allow a clause-final focus hypothesis to be sustained. More evidence against this position is provided from focus fronting of phrasal heads and instances of multiple and complex focus. The hypothesis that the factor inducing alleged focus fronting is the presence of contrast is, in turn, confronted with cases of
Evaluative stancetaking in courtroom opening statements
Authors: Chaemsaithong Krisda 
Published: April 2017

AbstractDrawing upon a corpus of five high-profile contemporary Anglo-American trials, this study explores and elucidates, qualitatively and quantitatively, the process of evaluative stancetaking in courtroom opening statements. In particular, the study examines such stance resources as self-mention, hedges, boosters, and attitude markers. The findings reveal that evaluative stance expressions constitute an integral part of the opening statements of both the prosecution and defense lawyers, exhibiting similar frequency patterns. Of these resources, devices that signal commitment or lack thereof (i. e., boosters and hedges) appear to occur frequently and outnumber explicit attitude markers, which occur least frequently. It is through these devices that lawyers are able to subtly bypass the legal constraints that prohibit explicit display of personal opinions and comments on the evidence.
The position of Piedmontese on the Romance grammaticalization cline
Authors: Miola Emanuele 
Published: April 2017

AbstractThe paper focuses on the pace of grammaticalization in (a number of varieties of) Piedmontese, a northwestern Italo-Romance language (which includes a regional koiné and several dialectal varieties), and compares it to the geographically closest languages conventionally discussed in the literature on the Romance grammaticalization cline (RGC): French and Italian. I examine the speed of grammaticalization in Piedmontese with respect to four grammatical domains previously analyzed for national languages in the literature on RGC, namely perfective auxiliaries, indefinite articles, demonstratives, and negation. The data show that Piedmontese varieties are on a par with, or even slightly ahead of, French along the Romance grammaticalization cline. While helping to explain why some languages appear to be more grammaticalized than others within the same genealogical family, these findings contribute to advancing our understanding of the role of language-external factors in the grammaticalization process: contact with other languages and the strength of social ties among speakers appear to be more important in favoring grammaticalization than early urbanization or the size of the speaker community.