bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Macrophage JAK2 deficiency protects against high-fat diet-induced inflammation
Authors: Desai Harsh R. , Sivasubramaniyam Tharini , Revelo Xavier S. , Schroer Stephanie A. , Luk Cynthia T. , Rikkala Prashanth R. , Metherel Adam H. , Dodington David W. , Park Yoo Jin , Kim Min Jeong , Rapps Joshua A. , Besla Rickvinder , Robbins Clinton S. , Wagner Kay-Uwe , Bazinet Richard P. , Winer Daniel A. , Woo Minna 
Published: August 2017

AbstractDuring obesity, macrophages can infiltrate metabolic tissues, and contribute to chronic low-grade inflammation, and mediate insulin resistance and diabetes. Recent studies have elucidated the metabolic role of JAK2, a key mediator downstream of various cytokines and growth factors. Our study addresses the essential role of macrophage JAK2 in the pathogenesis to obesity-associated inflammation and insulin resistance. During high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, macrophage-specific JAK2 knockout (M-JAK2−/−) mice gained less body weight compared to wildtype littermate control (M-JAK2+/+) mice and were protected from HFD-induced systemic insulin resistance. Histological analysis revealed smaller adipocytes and qPCR analysis showed upregulated expression of some adipogenesis markers in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) of HFD-fed M-JAK2−/−mice. There were decreased crown-like structures in VAT along with reduced mRNA expression of some macrophage markers and chemokines in liver and VAT of HFD-fed M-JAK2−/−mice. Peritoneal macrophages from M-JAK2−/−mice andJak2knockdown in macrophage cell line RAW 264.7 also showed lower levels of chemokine expression and reduced phosphorylated STAT3. However, leptin-dependent effects on augmenting chemokine expression in RAW 264.7 cells did not require JAK2. Collectively, our findings show that macrophage JAK2 deficiency improves systemic insulin sensitivity and reduces inflammation in VAT and liver in response to metabolic stress.
The Conserved Lysine-265 Allosterically Modulates Nucleotide- and Actin-binding Site Coupling in Myosin-2
Authors: Behrens Vincent A. , Münnich Stefan , Adler-Gunzelmann Georg , Thiel Claudia , Henn Arnon , Latham Sharissa L. , Taft Manuel H. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMyosin motor proteins convert chemical energy into force and movement through their interactions with nucleotide and filamentous actin (F-actin). The evolutionarily conserved lysine-265 (K265) of the myosin-2 motor from Dictyostelium discoideum (Dd) is proposed to be a key residue in an allosteric communication pathway that mediates actin-nucleotide coupling. To better understand the role of K265, point mutations were introduced within the Dd myosin-2 M765-2R framework, replacing this lysine with alanine (K265A), glutamic acid (K265E) or glutamine (K265Q), and the functional and kinetic properties of the resulting myosin motors were assessed. The alanine and glutamic acid substitutions reduced actin-activated ATPase activity, slowed the in vitro sliding velocity and attenuated the inhibitory potential of the allosteric myosin inhibitor pentabromopseudilin (PBP). However, glutamine substitution did not substantially change these parameters. Structural modelling suggests that K265 interacts with D590 and Q633 to establish a pivotal allosteric branching point. Based on our results, we propose: (1) that the K265-D590 interaction functions to reduce myosins basal ATPase activity in the absence of F-actin, and (2) that the dynamic formation of the K265-Q633 salt bridge upon actin cleft closure regulates the activation of product release by actin filaments.
The role of local heating in the 2015 Indian Heat Wave
Authors: Ghatak Debjani , Zaitchik Benjamin , Hain Christopher , Anderson Martha 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIndia faced a major heat wave during the summer of 2015. Temperature anomalies peaked in the dry period before the onset of the summer monsoon, suggesting that local land-atmosphere feedbacks involving desiccated soils and vegetation might have played a role in driving the heat extreme. Upon examination of in situ data, reanalysis, satellite observations, and land surface models, we find that the heat wave included two distinct peaks: one in late May, and a second in early June. During the first peak we find that clear skies led to a positive net radiation anomaly at the surface, but there is no significant sensible heat flux anomaly within the core of the heat wave affected region. By the time of the second peak, however, soil moisture had dropped to anomalously low levels in the core heat wave region, net surface radiation was anomalously high, and a significant positive sensible heat flux anomaly developed. This led to a substantial local forcing on air temperature that contributed to the intensity of the event. The analysis indicates that the highly agricultural landscape of North and Central India can reinforce heat extremes under dry conditions.
Chromosome structural variation of two cultivated tetraploid cottons and their ancestral diploid species based on a new high-density genetic map
Authors: Wang Wen-wen , Tan Zhao-yun , Xu Ya-qiong , Zhu Ai-ai , Li Yan , Yao Jiang , Tian Rui , Fang Xiao-mei , Liu Xue-ying , Tian You-ming , Teng Zhong-hua , Zhang Jian , Liu Da-jun , Liu De-xin , Shang Hai-hong , Liu Fang , Zhang Zheng-sheng 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA high-resolution genetic map is a useful tool for assaying genomic structural variation and clarifying the evolution of polyploid cotton. A total of 36956 SSRs, including 11289 released in previous studies and 25567 which were newly developed based on the genome sequences of G. arboreum and G. raimondii, were utilized to construct a new genetic map. The new high-density genetic map includes 6009 loci and spanned 3863.97 cM with an average distance of 0.64 cM between consecutive markers. Four inversions (one between Chr08 and Chr24, one between Chr09 and Chr23 and two between Chr10 and Chr20) were identified by homology analysis. Comparative genomic analysis between genetic map and two diploid cottons showed that structural variations between the A genome and At subgenome are more extensive than between D genome and Dt subgenome. A total of 17 inversions, seven simple translocations and two reciprocal translocations were identified between genetic map and G. raimondii. Good colinearity was revealed between the corresponding chromosomes of tetraploid G. hirsutum and G. barbadense genomes, but a total of 16 inversions were detected between them. These results will accelerate the process of evolution analysis of Gossipium genus.
Prognostic impact of CD133 expression in Endometrial Cancer Patients
Authors: Mancebo G. , Sole-Sedeno J. M. , Pino O. , Miralpeix E. , Mojal S. , Garrigos L. , Lloveras B. , Navarro P. , Gibert J. , Lorenzo M. , Aran I. , Carreras R. , Alameda F. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo assess the impact of CD133 expression on the prognosis of endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (EEC). We retrospectively assessed CD133 expression in tissue microarray of 116 surgically treated FIGO I-III EEC. Tumors with ≥10% of CD133-expressing cells were considered CD133-positive (CD133+). On the basis of CD133 expression, clinical and pathological parameters, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were evaluated. Of the EEC studied 85.2% showed CD133-expressing cells. Only 61% (n = 66) of EEC presented ≥10% of CD133 expressing cells and were considered CD133+. The mean OS for CD133+ tumour patients was 161 months (95% CI, 154–168) as compared with 146 months (95% CI, 123–160) for those with CD133- tumors (p = 0.012). The mean PFS for CD133+ tumour was 159 months (95% CI, 149–168) as compared with 147 months (95% CI, 132-161) in those with a CD133-tumour (p = 0.014). CD133+ tumours were less likely to have vascular invasion (p = 0.010) and more likely to be well differentiated (p = 0.034). C133+ tumours predicted favorable OS and PFS of EEC patients, with a Hazard Ratio 4.731 (95% CI, 1.251–17.89; p = 0.022). CD133+ tumor status correlates with favorable prognosis of EEC. Our findings are in agreement with studies addressing brain and colorectal tumours.
Inhibition of Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Preserves the Integrity of Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier in Diabetic Rats Subjected to Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: He Zili , Zou Shuang , Yin Jiayu , Gao Zhengzheng , Liu Yanlong , Wu Yanqing , He Huacheng , Zhou Yulong , Wang Qingqing , Li Jiawei , Wu Fenzan , Xu Hua-Zi , Jia Xiaofeng , Xiao Jian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) plays significance roles in recovery following spinal cord injury (SCI), and diabetes mellitus (DM) impairs endothelial cell function and integrity of BSCS. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs in the early stages of SCI and affects prognosis and cell survival. However, the relationship between ER stress and the integrity of BSCB in diabetic rats after SCI remains unclear. Here we observed that diabetic rats showed increased extravasation of Evans Blue (EB) dye, and loss of endothelial cells and pericytes 1 day after SCI compared to non-diabetic rats. Diabetes was also shown to induce activation of ER stress. Similar effects were observed in human brain microvascular endothelial cells. 4-phenylbutyric acid (4-PBA), an ER stress inhibitor lowered the adverse effect of diabetes on SCI, reduced EB dye extravasation, and limited the loss of endothelial cells and pericytes. Moreover, 4-PBA treatment partially reversed the degradation of tight junction and adherens junction both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, diabetes exacerbates the disruption of BSCB after SCI via inducing ER stress, and inhibition of ER stress by 4-PBA may play a beneficial role on the integrity of BSCB in diabetic SCI rats, leading to improved prognosis.
Beta-hydroxybutyrate, an endogenic NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitor, attenuates stress-induced behavioral and inflammatory responses
Authors: Yamanashi Takehiko , Iwata Masaaki , Kamiya Naho , Tsunetomi Kyohei , Kajitani Naofumi , Wada Nodoka , Iitsuka Takahiro , Yamauchi Takahira , Miura Akihiko , Pu Shenghong , Shirayama Yukihiko , Watanabe Ken , Duman Ronald S. , Kaneko Koichi 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNeuro-inflammation has been shown to play a critical role in the development of depression. Beta-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) is a ketone body and has recently been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects via inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome. Here, we investigated the potential antidepressant and anti-inflammatory effects of BHB on rats exposed to acute and chronic stress. We examined the influence of repeated BHB administration on depressive and anxiety behaviors in a rodent model of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Additionally, the influence of acute immobilization (IMM) stress and single BHB administration on hippocampal interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were assessed. Repeated administration of BHB attenuated CUS-induced depressive- and anxiety-related behaviors. IMM stress increased levels of IL-1β in the hippocampus, while a single pre-administration of BHB attenuated this increase. Although no effect was observed on hippocampal TNF-α levels after 1 h of IMM stress, a single BHB pre-administration reduced hippocampal TNF-α. Our previous report showed that the release of IL-1β and TNF-α caused by stress is tightly regulated by NLRP3 inflammasome. These findings demonstrate that BHB exerts antidepressant-like effects, possibly by inhibiting NLRP3-induced neuro-inflammation in the hippocampus, and that BHB may be a novel therapeutic candidate for the treatment of stress-related mood disorders.
Iran’s Land Suitability for Agriculture
Authors: Mesgaran Mohsen B. , Madani Kaveh , Hashemi Hossein , Azadi Pooya 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIncreasing population has posed insurmountable challenges to agriculture in the provision of future food security, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where biophysical conditions are not well-suited for agriculture. Iran, as a major agricultural country in the MENA region, has long been in the quest for food self-sufficiency, however, the capability of its land and water resources to realize this goal is largely unknown. Using very high-resolution spatial data sets, we evaluated the capacity of Iran’s land for sustainable crop production based on the soil properties, topography, and climate conditions. We classified Iran’s land suitability for cropping as (million ha): very good 0.4% (0.6), good 2.2% (3.6), medium 7.9% (12.8), poor 11.4% (18.5), very poor 6.3% (10.2), unsuitable 60.0% (97.4), and excluded areas 11.9% (19.3). In addition to overarching limitations caused by low precipitation, low soil organic carbon, steep slope, and high soil sodium content were the predominant soil and terrain factors limiting the agricultural land suitability in Iran. About 50% of the Iran’s existing croplands are located in low-quality lands, representing an unsustainable practice. There is little room for cropland expansion to increase production but redistribution of cropland to more suitable areas may improve sustainability and reduce pressure on water resources, land, and ecosystem in Iran.
TiO2 nanoparticles functionalized by Pd nanoparticles for gas-sensing application with enhanced butane response performances
Authors: Chen Nan , Deng Dongyang , Li Yuxiu , Liu Xu , Xing Xinxin , Xiao Xuechun , Wang Yude 
Published: August 2017

AbstractPd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were synthesized by a facile hydrothermal method. The structure, morphology, surface chemical states and surface area were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and N2 adsorption-desorption isotherms, respectively. The as-synthesized pure and Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles were used to fabricate indirect-heating gas sensor, and the gas-sensing characteristics towards butane were investigated. At the optimum temperature, the sensors possess good response, selectivity, response/recovery, repeatability as well as long-term stability. Especially for the high response, the response of 7.5 mol% Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles based sensor reaches 33.93 towards 3000 ppm butane, which is about 9 times higher than that of pure TiO2 nanoparticles. The response and recovery time are 13 and 8 s, respectively. Those values demonstrate the potential of using as-synthesized Pd functionalized TiO2 nanoparticles as butane gas detection, particularly in the dynamic monitoring. Apart from these, a possible mechanism related to the enhanced sensing performance is also investigated.
Effects of Plasmonic Metal Core -Dielectric Shell Nanoparticles on the Broadband Light Absorption Enhancement in Thin Film Solar Cells
Authors: Yu Peng , Yao Yisen , Wu Jiang , Niu Xiaobin , Rogach Andrey L. , Wang Zhiming 
Published: August 2017

AbstractTo guide the design of plasmonic solar cells, theoretical investigation of core (metal)-shell (dielectric) nanoparticles for light absorption enhancement in thin film Si solar cells is performed. In contrast to the reported simulations and experimental results that rear-located surface plasmon on bare metallic nanoparticles is preferred, the core-shell nanoparticles demonstrate better performance when surface plasmon is located in front of a solar cell. This has been attributed to the enhanced forward scattering with vanishing backward scattering preserved over a wide spectral range in core-shell nanoparticles. This work provides a concept to achieve enhanced forward scattering with weakened backward scattering in plasmonic thin film solar cells.
Pre-stroke apathy symptoms are associated with an increased risk of delirium in stroke patients
Authors: Klimiec Elzbieta , Kowalska Katarzyna , Pasinska Paulina , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Szyper Aleksandra , Pera Joanna , Slowik Agnieszka , Dziedzic Tomasz 
Published: August 2017

AbstractNeuropsychiatric symptoms can be interrelated to delirium. We aimed to investigate an association between pre-stroke neuropsychiatric symptoms and the risk of delirium in stroke patients. We included 606 patients (median age: 73, 53% female) with stroke or transient ischemic attack admitted within 48 hours from symptoms onset. We assessed delirium on a daily basis during the first 7 days of hospitalization. To make diagnosis of delirium we used DSM-5 criteria. We used Neuropsychiatric Inventory to assess neuropsychiatric symptoms occurring within 4 weeks prior to stroke. We diagnosed delirium in 28.2% of patients. On univariate analysis, higher score of pre-stroke depression (OR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.04–2.40, P = 0.03), apathy (OR: 2.23, 95% CI: 1.44–3.45, P < 0.01), delusions (OR: 2.00, 95% CI: 1.09–3.68, P = 0.03), hallucinations (OR: 2.39, 95% CI: 1.19–4.81, P = 0.01) and disinhibition (OR: 2.10, 95% CI: 1.04–4.25, P = 0.04) was associated with the increased risk of delirium. On multivariate analysis adjusted for age, atrial fibrillation, diabetes mellitus, stroke severity, right hemisphere lesion, pre-stroke cognitive decline, pre-stroke disability and infections, higher apathy score (OR: 2.03, 95% CI: 1.17–3.50, P = 0.01), but no other neuropsychiatric symptoms, remained independent predictor of delirium. We conclude that pre-stroke apathy symptoms are associated with increased risk of delirium in stroke patients.
A Method Based on Artificial Intelligence To Fully Automatize The Evaluation of Bovine Blastocyst Images
Authors: Rocha José Celso , Passalia Felipe José , Matos Felipe Delestro , Takahashi Maria Beatriz , Ciniciato Diego de Souza , Maserati Marc Peter , Alves Mayra Fernanda , de Almeida Tamie Guibu , Cardoso Bruna Lopes , Basso Andrea Cristina , Nogueira Marcelo Fábio Gouveia 
Published: August 2017

AbstractMorphological analysis is the standard method of assessing embryo quality; however, its inherent subjectivity tends to generate discrepancies among evaluators. Using genetic algorithms and artificial neural networks (ANNs), we developed a new method for embryo analysis that is more robust and reliable than standard methods. Bovine blastocysts produced in vitro were classified as grade 1 (excellent or good), 2 (fair), or 3 (poor) by three experienced embryologists according to the International Embryo Technology Society (IETS) standard. The images (n = 482) were subjected to automatic feature extraction, and the results were used as input for a supervised learning process. One part of the dataset (15%) was used for a blind test posterior to the fitting, for which the system had an accuracy of 76.4%. Interestingly, when the same embryologists evaluated a sub-sample (10%) of the dataset, there was only 54.0% agreement with the standard (mode for grades). However, when using the ANN to assess this sub-sample, there was 87.5% agreement with the modal values obtained by the evaluators. The presented methodology is covered by National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) patents and is currently undergoing a commercial evaluation of its feasibility.
Protective role of cellular prion protein against TNFα-mediated inflammation through TACE α-secretase
Authors: Ezpeleta Juliette , Boudet-Devaud François , Pietri Mathéa , Baudry Anne , Baudouin Vincent , Alleaume-Butaux Aurélie , Dagoneau Nathalie , Kellermann Odile , Launay Jean-Marie , Schneider Benoit 
Published: August 2017

AbstractAlthough cellular prion protein PrPCis well known for its implication in Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies, its functions remain elusive. Combiningin vitroandin vivoapproaches, we here show that PrPCdisplays the intrinsic capacity to protect neuronal cells from a pro-inflammatory TNFα noxious insult. Mechanistically, PrPCcoupling to the NADPH oxidase-TACE α-secretase signaling pathway promotes TACE-mediated cleavage of transmembrane TNFα receptors (TNFRs) and the release of soluble TNFR, which limits the sensitivity of recipient cells to TNFα. We further show that PrPCexpression is necessary for TACE α-secretase to stay at the plasma membrane in an active state for TNFR shedding. Such PrPCcontrol of TACE localization depends on PrPCmodulation of β1 integrin signaling and downstream activation of ROCK-I and PDK1 kinases. Loss of PrPCprovokes TACE internalization, which in turn cancels TACE-mediated cleavage of TNFR and renders PrPC-depleted neuronal cells as well as PrPCknockout mice highly vulnerable to pro-inflammatory TNFα insult. Our work provides the prime evidence that in an inflammatory context PrPCadjusts the response of neuronal cells targeted by TNFα through TACE α-secretase. Our data also support the view that abnormal TACE trafficking and activity in prion diseases originate from a-loss-of-PrPCcytoprotective function.
Varying sensitivity of mountainous streamwater base-flow $${\bf{N}}{{\bf{O}}}_{{\bf{3}}}^{-}$$concentrations to N deposition in the northern suburbs of Tokyo
Authors: Nishina Kazuya , Watanabe Mirai , Koshikawa Masami K. , Takamatsu Takejiro , Morino Yu , Nagashima Tatsuya , Soma Kunika , Hayashi Seiji 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEcosystems of suburban landscapes (i.e., forest, inland water ecosystem) are threatened by high nitrogen (N) loadings derived from urban air pollutants. Forest ecosystems under high chronic N loadings tend to leach more N via streams. In the northern suburbs of Tokyo, N deposition loading on terrestrial ecosystems has increased over the past 30 years. In this region, we investigated nitrate concentrations in 608 independent small forested catchment water samples from northeastern suburbs of Tokyo. The nitrate concentrations varied from 0.07 to 3.31 mg-N L−1 in this region. We evaluated the effects of N deposition and catchment properties (e.g., meteorological and topographic factors, vegetation and soil types) on nitrate concentrations. In the random forest model, simulated N deposition rates from an atmospheric chemistry transportation model explained most of the variance of nitrate concentration. To evaluate the effects of afforestation management in the catchment, we followed a model-based recursive partitioning method (MOB). MOB succeeded in data-driven identification of subgroups with varying sensitivities to N deposition rate by vegetation composition in the catchment. According to MOB, the catchment with dominant coniferous coverage that mostly consisted of plantation with old tree age tended to have strong sensitivity of nitrate concentrations to N deposition loading.
Low temperature difference thermoacoustic prime mover with asymmetric multi-stage loop configuration
Authors: Jin T. , Yang R. , Wang Y. , Feng Y. , Tang K. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractEnvironmentally friendly and low-cost technologies to recover low-grade heat source into usable energy can contribute to ease the energy shortage. Thermoacoustic technology is expected as one promising approach in this ascendant field. In this work, the multi-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers with asymmetric configuration, which can provide travelling-wave resonator and appropriate acoustic field for efficient regenerator, have been proposed and experimentally studied. The presented looped thermoacoustic prime movers can start to oscillate with quite low temperature difference along the regenerator. The lowest onset temperature difference obtained in the experiments is only 17 °C (the corresponding heating temperature is 29 °C), which can be achieved in both three-stage and four-stage looped thermoacoustic prime movers, with CO2 of 1 MPa or 1.5 MPa as the working fluid. An electric generator driven by a three-stage looped thermoacoustic prime mover with low heating temperature was tested to achieve the acoustic to electric conversion.