bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protection of calves by a prefusion-stabilized bovine RSV F vaccine
Authors: Zhang Baoshan , Chen Lei , Silacci Chiara , Thom Michelle , Boyington Jeffrey C. , Druz Aliaksandr , Joyce M. Gordon , Guzman Efrain , Kong Wing- Pui , Lai Yen-Ting , Stewart-Jones Guillaume B. E. , Tsybovsky Yaroslav , Yang Yongping , Zhou Tongqing , Baxa Ulrich , Mascola John R. , Corti Davide , Lanzavecchia Antonio , Taylor Geraldine , Kwong Peter D. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractBovine respiratory syncytial virus, a major cause of respiratory disease in calves, is closely related to human RSV, a leading cause of respiratory disease in infants. Recently, promising human RSV-vaccine candidates have been engineered that stabilize the metastable fusion (F) glycoprotein in its prefusion state; however, the absence of a relevant animal model for human RSV has complicated assessment of these vaccine candidates. Here, we use a combination of structure-based design, antigenic characterization, and X-ray crystallography to translate human RSV F stabilization into the bovine context. A “DS2” version of bovine respiratory syncytial virus F with subunits covalently fused, fusion peptide removed, and pre-fusion conformation stabilized by cavity-filling mutations and intra- and inter-protomer disulfides was recognized by pre-fusion-specific antibodies, AM14, D25, and MPE8, and elicited bovine respiratory syncytial virus-neutralizing titers in calves >100-fold higher than those elicited by post-fusion F. When challenged with a heterologous bovine respiratory syncytial virus, virus was not detected in nasal secretions nor in respiratory tract samples of DS2-immunized calves; by contrast bovine respiratory syncytial virus was detected in all post-fusion- and placebo-immunized calves. Our results demonstrate proof-of-concept that DS2-stabilized RSV F immunogens can induce highly protective immunity from RSV in a native host with implications for the efficacy of prefusion-stabilized F vaccines in humans and for the prevention of bovine respiratory syncytial virus in calves.
Sorghum DW1 positively regulates brassinosteroid signaling by inhibiting the nuclear localization of BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 2
Authors: Hirano Ko , Kawamura Mayuko , Araki-Nakamura Satoko , Fujimoto Haruka , Ohmae-Shinohara Kozue , Yamaguchi Miki , Fujii Akihiro , Sasaki Hiroaki , Kasuga Shigemitsu , Sazuka Takashi 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSemi-dwarf traits have been widely introgressed into cereal crops to improve lodging resistance. In sorghum (Sorghum bicolorL. Moench), four major unlinked dwarfing genes,Dw1-Dw4, have been introduced to reduce plant height, and among them,Dw3andDw1have been cloned.Dw3encodes a gene involved in auxin transport, whereas,Dw1was recently isolated and identified as a gene encoding a protein of unknown function. In this study, we show that DW1 is a novel component of brassinosteroid (BR) signaling. Sorghum possessing the mutated allele ofDw1(dw1), showed similar phenotypes to rice BR-deficient mutants, such as reduced lamina joint bending, attenuated skotomorphogenesis, and insensitivity against feedback regulation of BR-related genes. Furthermore, DW1 interacted with a negative regulator of BR signaling, BRASSINOSTEROID INSENSITIVE 2 (BIN2), and inhibited its nuclear localization, indicating that DW1 positively regulates BR signaling by inhibiting the function of BIN2. In contrast to rice and wheat breeding which used gibberellin (GA) deficiency to reduce plant height, sorghum breeding modified auxin and BR signaling. This difference may result from GA deficiency in rice and wheat does not cause deleterious side effects on plant morphology, whereas in sorghum it leads to abnormal culm bending.
Complete mitochondrial sequences from Mesolithic Sardinia
Authors: Modi Alessandra , Tassi Francesca , Susca Roberta Rosa , Vai Stefania , Rizzi Ermanno , Bellis Gianluca De , Lugliè Carlo , Gonzalez Fortes Gloria , Lari Martina , Barbujani Guido , Caramelli David , Ghirotto Silvia 
Published: March 2017

AbstractLittle is known about the genetic prehistory of Sardinia because of the scarcity of pre-Neolithic human remains. From a genetic perspective, modern Sardinians are known as genetic outliers in Europe, showing unusually high levels of internal diversity and a close relationship to early European Neolithic farmers. However, how far this peculiar genetic structure extends and how it originated was to date impossible to test. Here we present the first and oldest complete mitochondrial sequences from Sardinia, dated back to 10,000 yBP. These two individuals, while confirming a Mesolithic occupation of the island, belong to rare mtDNA lineages, which have never been found before in Mesolithic samples and that are currently present at low frequencies not only in Sardinia, but in the whole Europe. Preliminary Approximate Bayesian Computations, restricted by biased reference samples for Mesolithic Sardinia (the two typed samples) and Neolithic Europe (limited to central and north European sequences), suggest that the first inhabitants of the island have had a small or negligible contribution to the present-day Sardinian population, which mainly derives its genetic diversity from continental migration into the island by Neolithic times.
Astrocyte pathology in a human neural stem cell model of frontotemporal dementia caused by mutant TAU protein
Authors: Hallmann Anna-Lena , Araúzo-Bravo Marcos J. , Mavrommatis Lampros , Ehrlich Marc , Röpke Albrecht , Brockhaus Johannes , Missler Markus , Sterneckert Jared , Schöler Hans R. , Kuhlmann Tanja , Zaehres Holm , Hargus Gunnar 
Published: March 2017

AbstractAstroglial pathology is seen in various neurodegenerative diseases including frontotemporal dementia (FTD), which can be caused by mutations in the gene encoding the microtubule-associated protein TAU (MAPT). Here, we applied a stem cell model of FTD to examine if FTD astrocytes carry an intrinsic propensity to degeneration and to determine if they can induce non-cell-autonomous effects in neighboring neurons. We utilized CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing in human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) to repair the FTD-associated N279K MAPT mutation. While astrocytic differentiation was not impaired in FTD NPCs derived from one patient carrying the N279K MAPT mutation, FTD astrocytes appeared larger, expressed increased levels of 4R-TAU isoforms, demonstrated increased vulnerability to oxidative stress and elevated protein ubiquitination and exhibited disease-associated changes in transcriptome profiles when compared to astrocytes derived from one control individual and to the isogenic control. Interestingly, co-culture experiments with FTD astrocytes revealed increased oxidative stress and robust changes in whole genome expression in previously healthy neurons. Our study highlights the utility of iPS cell-derived NPCs to elucidate the role of astrocytes in the pathogenesis of FTD.
Transcript profiling of two potato cultivars during glycoalkaloid-inducing treatments shows differential expression of genes in sterol and glycoalkaloid metabolism
Authors: Nahar Nurun , Westerberg Erik , Arif Usman , Huchelmann Alexandre , Olarte Guasca Alexandra , Beste Lisa , Dalman Kerstin , Dutta Paresh C. , Jonsson Lisbeth , Sitbon Folke 
Published: March 2017

AbstractSteroidal glycoalkaloids (SGA) are sterol-derived neurotoxic defence substances present in several members of the Solanaceae. In the potato (Solanum tuberosum), high SGA levels may render tubers harmful for consumption. Tuber SGA levels depend on genetic factors, and can increase as a response to certain stresses and environmental conditions. To identify genes underlying the cultivar variation in tuber SGA levels, we investigated two potato cultivars differing in their SGA accumulation during wounding or light exposure; two known SGA-inducing treatments. Using microarray analysis coupled to sterol and SGA quantifications, we identified a small number of differentially expressed genes that were associated with increased SGA levels. Two of these genes, encoding distinct types of sterol Δ24-reductases, were by sense/antisense expression in transgenic potato plants shown to have differing roles in sterol and SGA metabolism. The results show that an increased SGA level in potato tubers during both wounding and light exposure is mediated by coordinated expression of a set of key genes in isoprenoid and steroid metabolism, and suggest that differences in this expression underlie cultivar variations in SGA levels. These results may find use within potato breeding and quality assessment.
The influence of haemoglobin and iron on in vitro mycobacterial growth inhibition assays
Authors: Tanner Rachel , O’Shea Matthew K. , White Andrew D. , Müller Julius , Harrington-Kandt Rachel , Matsumiya Magali , Dennis Mike J. , Parizotto Eneida A. , Harris Stephanie , Stylianou Elena , Naranbhai Vivek , Bettencourt Paulo , Drakesmith Hal , Sharpe Sally , Fletcher Helen A. , McShane Helen 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe current vaccine against tuberculosis, live attenuatedMycobacterium bovisBCG, has variable efficacy, but development of an effective alternative is severely hampered by the lack of an immune correlate of protection. There has been a recent resurgence of interest in functionalin vitromycobacterial growth inhibition assays (MGIAs), which provide a measure of a range of different immune mechanisms and their interactions. We identified a positive correlation between mean corpuscular haemoglobin andin vitrogrowth of BCG in whole blood from healthy UK human volunteers. Mycobacterial growth in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from both humans and macaques was increased following the experimental addition of haemoglobin (Hb) or ferric iron, and reduced following addition of the iron chelator deferoxamine (DFO). Expression of Hb genes correlated positively with mycobacterial growth in whole blood from UK/Asian adults and, to a lesser extent, in PBMC from South African infants. Taken together our data indicate an association between Hb/iron levels and BCG growthin vitro, which may in part explain differences in findings between whole blood and PBMC MGIAs and should be considered when using such assays.
Towards an accurate description of perovskite ferroelectrics: exchange and correlation effects
Authors: Yuk Simuck F. , Pitike Krishna Chaitanya , Nakhmanson Serge M. , Eisenbach Markus , Li Ying Wai , Cooper Valentino R. 
Published: March 2017

AbstractUsing the van der Waals density functional with C09 exchange (vdW-DF-C09), which has been applied to describing a wide range of dispersion-bound systems, we explore the physical properties of prototypical ABO3 bulk ferroelectric oxides. Surprisingly, vdW-DF-C09 provides a superior description of experimental values for lattice constants, polarization and bulk moduli, exhibiting similar accuracy to the modified Perdew-Burke-Erzenhoff functional which was designed specifically for bulk solids (PBEsol). The relative performance of vdW-DF-C09 is strongly linked to the form of the exchange enhancement factor which, like PBEsol, tends to behave like the gradient expansion approximation for small reduced gradients. These results suggest the general-purpose nature of the class of vdW-DF functionals, with particular consequences for predicting material functionality across dense and sparse matter regimes.
Tuning coercive force by adjusting electric potential in solution processed Co/Pt(111) and the mechanism involved
Authors: Chang Cheng-Hsun-Tony , Kuo Wei-Hsu , Chang Yu-Chieh , Tsay Jyh-Shen , Yau Shueh-Lin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractA combination of a solution process and the control of the electric potential for magnetism represents a new approach to operating spintronic devices with a highly controlled efficiency and lower power consumption with reduced production cost. As a paradigmatic example, we investigated Co/Pt(111) in the Bloch-wall regime. The depression in coercive force was detected by applying a negative electric potential in an electrolytic solution. The reversible control of coercive force by varying the electric potential within few hundred millivolts is demonstrated. By changing the electric potential in ferromagnetic layers with smaller thicknesses, the efficiency for controlling the tunable coercive force becomes higher. Assuming that the pinning domains are independent of the applied electric potential, an electric potential tuning-magnetic anisotropy energy model was derived and provided insights into our knowledge of the relation between the electric potential tuning coercive force and the thickness of the ferromagnetic layer. Based on the fact that the coercive force can be tuned by changing the electric potential using a solution process, we developed a novel concept of electric-potential-tuned magnetic recording, resulting in a stable recording media with a high degree of writing ability.
The prognostic role of coeliac node metastasis after resection for distal oesophageal cancer
Authors: Rutegård Martin , Lagergren Pernilla , Johar Asif , Rouvelas Ioannis , Lagergren Jesper 
Published: March 2017

AbstractIt is uncertain whether coeliac node metastasis precludes long-term survival in distal oesophageal cancer. This nationwide population-based cohort study included patients who underwent surgical resection for stage III or IV distal oesophageal cancer in 1987–2010 with follow-up until 2014. A minority (17.0%) had neoadjuvant therapy. The prognosis in patients with coeliac node metastasis was compared with patients with no such metastasis and patients with more distant metastasis. Multivariable Cox proportional-hazards regression models provided hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of disease-specific and overall mortality. Among 446 patients, 346 (77.6%) had no coeliac node metastasis, 56 (12.6%) had coeliac node metastasis, and 44 (9.9%) had more distant metastasis. Compared to coeliac node negative patients, coeliac node positive patients were at a 52% increased risk of disease-specific mortality (HR = 1.52, 95% CI 1.10–2.10), while patients with more distant metastasis had a 27% statistically non-significant increase (HR = 1.27, 95% CI 0.88–1.83). Patients with distant metastasis had no increase in disease-specific mortality compared to those with coeliac node metastasis (HR 0.71, 95% CI 0.40–1.27). Thus, patients with distal oesophageal cancer with coeliac node metastasis seem to have a similarly poor survival as patients with more distant metastasis, and thus may not benefit from surgery.
MART-10 represses cholangiocarcinoma cell growth and high vitamin D receptor expression indicates better prognosis for cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Chiang Kun-Chun , Yeh Ta-Sen , Huang Cheng-Cheng , Chang Yu-Chan , Juang Horng-Heng , Cheng Chi-Tung , Pang Jong-Hwei S. , Hsu Jun-Te , Takano Masashi , Chen Tai C. , Kittaka Atsushi , Hsiao Michael , Yeh Chun-Nan 
Published: March 2017

AbstractCholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a devastating disease due to no effective treatments available. Since the non-mineral functions of vitamin D emerges, 1α,25(OH)2D3, the active form of vitamin D, has been applied in anti-cancer researches. In this study, we demonstrated that both the 1α,25(OH)2D3 analog, MART-10, and 1α,25(OH)2D3 possessed anti-growth effect on human CCA cells with MART-10 much more potent than 1α,25(OH)2D3. The growth inhibition of both drugs were mediated by induction of G0/G1 cell cycle arrest through upregulation of p27 and downregulation of CDK4, CDK6, and cyclin D3. Human neutrophil gelatinase associated lipocalin (NGAL) was found to be involved in 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 meditated growth inhibition for CCA as knockdown of NGAL decreased Ki-67 expression in SNU308 cells and rendered SNU308 cells less responsive to 1α,25(OH)2D3 and MART-10 treatment. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) knockdown partly abolished MART-10-induced inhibition of NGAL and cell growth in SNU308 cells. The xenograft animal study demonstrated MART-10 could effectively repressed CCA growth in vivo without inducing obvious side effects. The IHC examination of human CCA specimen for VDR revealed that higher VDR expression was linked with better prognosis. Collectively, our results suggest that MART-10 could be a promising regimen for CCA treatment.
Ultra-broadband Tunable Resonant Light Trapping in a Two-dimensional Randomly Microstructured Plasmonic-photonic Absorber
Authors: Liu Zhengqi , Liu Long , Lu Haiyang , Zhan Peng , Du Wei , Wan Mingjie , Wang Zhenlin 
Published: March 2017

AbstractRecently, techniques involving random patterns have made it possible to control the light trapping of microstructures over broad spectral and angular ranges, which provides a powerful approach for photon management in energy efficiency technologies. Here, we demonstrate a simple method to create a wideband near-unity light absorber by introducing a dense and random pattern of metal-capped monodispersed dielectric microspheres onto an opaque metal film; the absorber works due to the excitation of multiple optical and plasmonic resonant modes. To further expand the absorption bandwidth, two different-sized metal-capped dielectric microspheres were integrated into a densely packed monolayer on a metal back-reflector. This proposed ultra-broadband plasmonic-photonic super absorber demonstrates desirable optical trapping in dielectric region and slight dispersion over a large incident angle range. Without any effort to strictly control the spatial arrangement of the resonant elements, our absorber, which is based on a simple self-assembly process, has the critical merits of high reproducibility and scalability and represents a viable strategy for efficient energy technologies.
A high-efficiency CRISPR/Cas9 system for targeted mutagenesis in Cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.)
Authors: Li Chao , Unver Turgay , Zhang Baohong 
Published: March 2017

AbstractThe complex allotetraploid genome is one of major challenges in cotton for repressing gene expression. Developing site-specific DNA mutation is the long-term dream for cotton breeding scientists. The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats/CRISPR-associated protein 9 (CRISPR/Cas9) system is emerging as a robust biotechnology for targeted-DNA mutation. In this study, two sgRNAs, GhMYB25-like-sgRNA1 and GhMYB25-like-sgRNA2, were designed in the identical genomic regions of GhMYB25-like A and GhMYB25-like D, which were encoded by cotton A subgenome and the D subgenome, respectively, was assembled to direct Cas9-mediated allotetraploid cotton genome editing. High proportion (14.2–21.4%) CRISPR/Cas9-induced specific truncation events, either from GhMYB25-like A DNA site or from GhMYB25-like D DNA site, were detected in 50% examined transgenic cotton through PCR amplification assay and sequencing analyses. Sequencing results also demonstrated that 100% and 98.8% mutation frequency were occurred on GhMYB25-like-sgRNA1 and GhMYB25-like-sgRNA2 target site respectively. The off-target effect was evaluated by sequencing two putative off-target sites, which have 3 and 1 mismatched nucleotides with GhMYB25-like-sgRNA1 and GhMYB25-like-sgRNA2, respectively; all the examined samples were not detected any off-target-caused mutation events. Thus, these results demonstrated that CRISPR/Cas9 is qualified for generating DNA level mutations on allotetraploid cotton genome with high-efficiency and high-specificity.
Molecular basis for the role of oncogenic histone mutations in modulating H3K36 methylation
Authors: Zhang Yinglu , Shan Chun-Min , Wang Jiyong , Bao Kehan , Tong Liang , Jia Songtao 
Published: March 2017

AbstractHistone H3 lysine 36 methylation (H3K36me) is critical for epigenetic regulation and mutations at or near H3K36 are associated with distinct types of cancers. H3K36M dominantly inhibits H3K36me on wild-type histones, whereas H3G34R/V selectively affects H3K36me on the same histone tail. Here we report the crystal structures of SETD2 SET domain in complex with an H3K36M peptide and SAM or SAH. There are large conformational changes in the substrate binding regions of the SET domain, and the K36M residue interacts with the catalytic pocket of SETD2. H3G34 is surrounded by a very narrow tunnel, which excludes larger amino acid side chains. H3P38 is in the trans configuration, and the cis configuration is incompatible with SETD2 binding. Finally, mutations of H3G34 or H3P38 alleviate the inhibitory effects of H3K36M on H3K36me, demonstrating that the stable interaction of H3K36M with SETD2 is critical for its inhibitory effects.
Measuring Sound-Processor Threshold Levels for Pediatric Cochlear Implant Recipients Using Conditioned Play Audiometry via Telepractice
Authors: Goehring Jenny L. , Hughes Michelle L. 
Published: March 2017

Purpose
This study evaluated the use of telepractice for measuring cochlear implant (CI) behavioral threshold (T) levels in children using conditioned play audiometry (CPA). The goals were to determine whether (a) T levels measured via telepractice were not significantly different from those obtained in person, (b) response probability differed between remote and in-person conditions, and (c) the remote visit required more time than the in-person condition.

Method
An ABBA design (A, in-person; B, remote) was split across 2 visits. Nineteen children aged 2.6–7.1 years participated. T levels were measured using CPA for 3 electrodes per session. A “hit” rate was calculated to determine whether the likelihood of obtaining responses differed between conditions. Test time was compared across conditions. A questionnaire was administered to assess parent/caregiver attitudes about telepractice.

Results
Results indicated no significant difference in T levels between conditions. Hit rates were not significantly different between in-person and remote conditions (98% vs. 97%, respectively). Test time was similar between conditions. Questionnaire results revealed that 100% of caregivers would use telepractice for CI appointments either some or all of the time.

Conclusion
Telepractice is a viable option for routine pediatric programming appointments for children using CPA to set behavioral thresholds.
Model predictive control strategy for a solar‐based series‐resonant inverter in domestic heating
Authors: Nawaz M. , Saqib M.A. , Kashif S.A.R. 
Published: March 2017

The model predictive control (MPC) technique for a solar‐based series‐resonant inverter conventionally used in domestic heating is explored. The photovoltaic energy system (PVES) converts the solar energy into electrical energy where DC voltages of different cells are linked at a common bus. A Cuk‐converter is used to interface the PVES with the DC load bus and the heating inverter. These heating inverters are replacing gas cookers in restaurants, guest rooms, and domestic‐ and commercial‐kitchens for cooking of various foods. A number of control algorithms have been employed to control the power of the heating inverter but they have certain limitations; especially they do not predict the future response of the circuit. The MPC, an advanced control approach, has the potential to estimate the future behaviour of the model in a predictive manner. Hence, to control the power of the resonant inverter connected with a 3.36 kW heating load, MPC is applied. The simulation results verify the validity of the power control of a solar‐based series‐resonant inverter using the MPC algorithm.