bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Quantifying tumor associated macrophages in breast cancer: a comparison of iron and fluorine-based MRI cell tracking
Authors: Makela Ashley V. , Gaudet Jeffrey M. , Foster Paula J. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractTumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are associated with tumor growth and metastasis. MRI can detect TAMs labeled with iron oxide (USPIO) or perfluorocarbon (PFC) agents. This study compared these two cell tracking approaches for imaging TAMs in vivo. 4T1 tumors were imaged with MRI at 4 days or 3 weeks post cell implantation after intravenous (i.v.) administration of either USPIO or PFC. Signal loss was detected within tumors at both time points post USPIO. Images acquired at 4 days demonstrated signal loss encompassing the entire tumor and around the periphery at 3 weeks. Number of black voxels suggested higher numbers of TAMs in the tumor at the later time point. After PFC administration, Fluorine-19 (19F) signal was detected in a similar spatial distribution as signal loss post USPIO. 19F signal quantification revealed that the number of 19F spins was not significantly different at the two time points, suggesting a similar number of TAMs were present in tumors but accumulated in different regions. 19F signal was higher centrally in tumors at 4 days and heterogenous around the periphery at 3 weeks. This study revealed that 19F-based cell tracking methods better represent TAM density and provides additional information not achievable with iron-based methods.
Effect of domestication on the genetic diversity and structure of Saccharina japonica populations in China
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Xiuliang , Yao Jianting , Li Qiuying , Liu Fuli , Yotsukura Norishige , Krupnova Tatiana N. , Duan Delin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSaccharina japonica is a commercially and ecologically important seaweed and is an excellent system for understanding the effects of domestication on marine crops. In this study, we used 19 selected simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers to investigate the influence of domestication on the genetic diversity and structure of S. japonica populations. Wild kelp populations exhibited higher genetic diversity than cultivated populations based on total NA, HE, HO, NP and AR. Discriminant analysis of principal components (DAPC), a neighbour-joining (NJ) tree and STRUCTURE analyses indicated that S. japonica populations could be divided into two groups (a cultivated/introduced group and a wild indigenous group) with significant genetic differentiation (P < 0.0001). Divergent selection, continuous inbreeding and inter-specific hybridization have caused the divergence of these two genetically separate gene pools. The significant genetic differentiation between northern and southern cultivated populations appears to be due to inter-specific hybridization and wild germplasm introduction during the domestication process. In addition, the cultivation of S. japonica has not resulted in any serious genetic disturbance of wild introduced S. japonica populations. An understanding of the genetic diversity and genetic structure of domesticated S. japonica will be necessary for further genetic improvement and effective use of germplasm.
Transmissible endoplasmic reticulum stress from myocardiocytes to macrophages is pivotal for the pathogenesis of CVB3-induced viral myocarditis
Authors: Zhang Hui , Yue Yan , Sun Tianle , Wu Xuejie , Xiong Sidong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInfiltrating macrophages have been proven as a pivotal pathological inflammatory cell subset in coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) induced viral myocarditis. However, the mechanisms underlying the initiation and promotion of macrophage pro-inflammatory responses are still blur. We previously reported that cardiac ER stress contributed to CVB3-induced myocarditis by augmenting inflammation. In this study, we focused on the influence of ER stress on the macrophage inflammatory responses in the viral myocarditis. We found that ER stress was robustly induced in the cardiac infiltrating macrophages from CVB3-infected mice, and robustly facilitated the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-12, MCP-1 and IP-10). Consistently, adoptive transfer of ER stressed macrophages significantly worsened the viral myocarditis; while transfer of ER stress-inhibited macrophages obviously alleviated the myocarditis. To our surprise, this significantly activated ER stress was not directly caused by the virus stimulation, but was transferred from the CVB3-infected, ER stressed myocardiocytes via soluble molecules in a TLR2, 4-independent way. In the present study, we reported that the transmissible ER stress from the infected myocardiocytes to macrophages could augment the pro-inflammatory responses and promoted the pathogenesis of viral myocarditis. Blocking ER stress transmission, instead of inhibiting its initiation, may represent novel therapeutic strategies against viral myocarditis.
Marine Streptomyces sp. derived antimycin analogues suppress HeLa cells via depletion HPV E6/E7 mediated by ROS-dependent ubiquitin–proteasome system
Authors: Zhang Weiyi , Che Qian , Tan Hongsheng , Qi Xin , Li Jing , Li Dehai , Gu Qianqun , Zhu Tianjiao , Liu Ming 
Published: February 2017

AbstractFour new antimycin alkaloids (1–4) and six related known analogs (5–10) were isolated from the culture of a marine derivedStreptomycessp. THS-55, and their structures were elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis. All of the compounds exhibited potent cytotoxicityin vitroagainst HPV-transformed HeLa cell line. Among them, compounds6–7were derived as natural products for the first time, and compound5(NADA) showed the highest potency. NADA inhibited the proliferation, arrested cell cycle distribution, and triggered apoptosis in HeLa cancer cells. Our molecular mechanic studies revealed NADA degraded the levels of E6/E7 oncoproteins through ROS-mediated ubiquitin-dependent proteasome system activation. This is the first report that demonstrates antimycin alkaloids analogue induces the degradation of high-risk HPV E6/E7 oncoproteins and finally induces apoptosis in cervical cancer cells. The present work suggested that these analogues could serve as lead compounds for the development of HPV-infected cervical cancer therapeutic agents, as well as research tools for the study of E6/E7 functions.
ePro-ClearSee: a simple immunohistochemical method that does not require sectioning of plant samples
Authors: Nagaki Kiyotaka , Yamaji Naoki , Murata Minoru 
Published: February 2017

AbstractInvestigations into the epigenetic status of individual cells within tissues can produce both epigenetic data for different cell types and positional information of the cells. Thus, these investigations are important for understanding the intra- and inter-cellular control systems of developmental and environmental responses in plants. However, a simple method to detect epigenetic modifications of individual cells in plant tissues is not yet available because detection of the modifications requires immunohistochemistry using specific antibodies. In this study, we developed a simple immunohistochemical method that does not require sectioning to investigate epigenetic modifications. This method uses a clearing system to detect methylated histones, acetylated histones, methylated DNA and/or centromeric histone H3 variants. Analyses of four dicots and five monocots indicated that this method provides a universal technique to investigate epigenetic modifications in diverse plant species.
Engineering a pH responsive pore forming protein
Authors: Kisovec Matic , Rezelj Saša , Knap Primož , Cajnko Miša Mojca , Caserman Simon , Flašker Ajda , Žnidaršič Nada , Repič Matej , Mavri Janez , Ruan Yi , Scheuring Simon , Podobnik Marjetka , Anderluh Gregor 
Published: February 2017

AbstractListeriolysin O (LLO) is a cytolysin capable of forming pores in cholesterol-rich lipid membranes of host cells. It is conveniently suited for engineering a pH-governed responsiveness, due to a pH sensor identified in its structure that was shown before to affect its stability. Here we introduced a new level of control of its hemolytic activity by making a variant with hemolytic activity that was pH-dependent. Based on detailed structural analysis coupled with molecular dynamics and mutational analysis, we found that the bulky side chain of Tyr406 allosterically affects the pH sensor. Molecular dynamics simulation further suggested which other amino acid residues may also allosterically influence the pH-sensor. LLO was engineered to the point where it can, in a pH-regulated manner, perforate artificial and cellular membranes. The single mutant Tyr406Ala bound to membranes and oligomerized similarly to the wild-type LLO, however, the final membrane insertion step was pH-affected by the introduced mutation. We show that the mutant toxin can be activated at the surface of artificial membranes or living cells by a single wash with slightly acidic pH buffer. Y406A mutant has a high potential in development of novel nanobiotechnological applications such as controlled release of substances or as a sensor of environmental pH.
Cofactor recycling for co-production of 1,3-propanediol and glutamate by metabolically engineered Corynebacterium glutamicum
Authors: Huang Jinhai , Wu Yao , Wu Wenjun , Zhang Ye , Liu Dehua , Chen Zhen 
Published: February 2017

AbstractProduction of 1,3-propanediol (1,3-PDO) from glycerol is a promising route toward glycerol biorefinery. However, the yield of 1,3-PDO is limited due to the requirement of NADH regeneration via glycerol oxidation process, which generates large amounts of undesired byproducts. Glutamate fermentation by Corynebacterium glutamicum is an important oxidation process generating excess NADH. In this study, we proposed a novel strategy to couple the process of 1,3-PDO synthesis with glutamate production for cofactor regeneration. With the optimization of 1,3-PDO synthesis route, C. glutamicum can efficiently convert glycerol into 1,3-PDO with the yield of ~ 1.0 mol/mol glycerol. Co-production of 1,3-PDO and glutamate was also achieved which increased the yield of glutamate by 18% as compared to the control. Since 1,3-PDO and glutamate can be easily separated in downstream process, this study provides a potential green route for coupled production of 1,3-PDO and glutamate to enhance the economic viability of biorefinery process.
The earliest molecular response to stretch of insect flight muscle as revealed by fast X-ray diffraction recording
Authors: Iwamoto Hiroyuki 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSmall insects drive their flight muscle at frequencies up to 1,000 Hz. This remarkable ability owes to the mechanism of stretch activation. However, it remains unknown as to what sarcomeric component senses the stretch and triggers the following force generation. Here we show that the earliest structural change after a step stretch is reflected in the blinking of the 111 and 201 reflections, as observed in the fast X-ray diffraction recording from isolated bumblebee flight muscle fibers. The same signal has also been observed in live bumblebee. We demonstrate that (1) the signal responds almost concomitantly to a quick step stretch, (2) the signal grows with increasing calcium levels as the stretch-activated force does, and (3) a full 3-dimensional model demonstrates that the signal is maximized when objects having a 38.7-nm actin periodicity travel by ~20 nm along the filament axis. This is the expected displacement if myosin heads are loosely associated with actin target zones (where actin monomers are favorably oriented), and are dragged by a 1.3% stretch, which effectively causes stretch-induced activation. These results support and strengthen our proposal that the myosin head itself acts as the stretch sensor, after calcium-induced association with actin in a low-force form.
Atomic vapor as a source of tunable, non-Gaussian self-reconstructing optical modes
Authors: Swaim Jon D. , David Kaitlyn N. , Knutson Erin M. , Rios Christian , Danaci Onur , Glasser Ryan T. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIn this manuscript, we demonstrate the ability of nonlinear light-atom interactions to produce tunably non-Gaussian, partially self-healing optical modes. Gaussian spatial-mode light tuned near to the atomic resonances in hot rubidium vapor is shown to result in non-Gaussian output mode structures that may be controlled by varying either the input beam power or the temperature of the atomic vapor. We show that the output modes exhibit a degree of self-reconstruction after encountering an obstruction in the beam path. The resultant modes are similar to truncated Bessel-Gauss modes that exhibit the ability to self-reconstruct earlier upon propagation than Gaussian modes. The ability to generate tunable, self-reconstructing beams has potential applications to a variety of imaging and communication scenarios.
Structural basis for redox sensitivity in Corynebacterium glutamicum diaminopimelate epimerase: an enzyme involved in l-lysine biosynthesis
Authors: Sagong Hye-Young , Kim Kyung-Jin 
Published: February 2017

AbstractDiaminopimelate epimerase (DapF) is one of the crucial enzymes involved in l-lysine biosynthesis, where it converts l,l-diaminopimelate (l,l-DAP) into d,l-DAP. DapF is also considered as an attractive target for the development of antibacterial drugs. Here, we report the crystal structure of DapF from Corynebacterium glutamicum (CgDapF). Structures of CgDapF obtained under both oxidized and reduced conditions reveal that the function of CgDapF is regulated by redox-switch modulation via reversible disulfide bond formation between two catalytic cysteine residues. Under oxidized condition, two catalytic cysteine residues form a disulfide bond; these same cysteine residues exist in reduced form under reduced condition. Disulfide bond formation also induces a subsequent structural change in the dynamic catalytic loop at the active site, which results in open/closed conformational change at the active site. We also determined the crystal structure of CgDapF in complex with its product d,l-DAP, and elucidated how the enzyme recognizes its substrate l,l-DAP as a substrate. Moreover, the structure in complex with the d,l-DAP product reveals that CgDapF undergoes a large open/closed domain movement upon substrate binding, resulting in a completely buried active site with the substrate bound.
Long-term growth of temperate broadleaved forests no longer benefits soil C accumulation
Authors: Ji Yu-he , Guo Ke , Fang Shi-bo , Xu Xiao-niu , Wang Zhi-gao , Wang Shu-dong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractIt is widely recognized that the long-term growth of forests benefits biomass carbon (C) sequestration, but it is not known whether the long-term growth of forests would also benefit soil C sequestration. We selected 79 representative soil profiles and investigated the influence of the forest stand age on the soil C dynamics of three soil layers (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) in temperate broadleaved forests in East China. The results suggest that the soil C density in temperature broadleaved forests significantly changes with the stand age, following a convex parabolic curve. At an early stand age, the soil C density usually increases, reaching its peak value at a pre-mature stand age (approximately 50 years old). At later stand ages, the soil C density usually decreases. Therefore, our results reveal a turning point in the soil C density at a pre-mature stand age. The long-term growth of temperate broadleaved forests after pre-mature stand age no longer benefits soil C accumulation, probably promotes topsoil C loss. In addition, we found that the soil C density in the upper soil layer usually changes with the forest stand development more significantly than that in deeper soil layers.
Laser-plasma-based Space Radiation Reproduction in the Laboratory
Authors: Hidding B. , Karger O. , Königstein T. , Pretzler G. , Manahan G. G. , McKenna P. , Gray R. , Wilson R. , Wiggins S. M. , Welsh G. H. , Beaton A. , Delinikolas P. , Jaroszynski D. A. , Rosenzweig J. B. , Karmakar A. , Ferlet-Cavrois V. , Costantino A. , Muschitiello M. , Daly E. 
Published: February 2017

AbstractSpace radiation is a great danger to electronics and astronauts onboard space vessels. The spectral flux of space electrons, protons and ions for example in the radiation belts is inherently broadband, but this is a feature hard to mimic with conventional radiation sources. Using laser-plasma-accelerators, we reproduced relativistic, broadband radiation belt flux in the laboratory, and used this man-made space radiation to test the radiation hardness of space electronics. Such close mimicking of space radiation in the lab builds on the inherent ability of laser-plasma-accelerators to directly produce broadband Maxwellian-type particle flux, akin to conditions in space. In combination with the established sources, utilisation of the growing number of ever more potent laser-plasma-accelerator facilities worldwide as complementary space radiation sources can help alleviate the shortage of available beamtime and may allow for development of advanced test procedures, paving the way towards higher reliability of space missions.
Integrated Analysis of LncRNA-mRNA Co-Expression Profiles in Patients with Moyamoya Disease
Authors: Wang Wen , Gao Faliang , Zhao Zheng , Wang Haoyuan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Dong , Zhang Yan , Lan Qing , Wang Jiangfei , Zhao Jizong 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMoyamoya disease (MMD) is an idiopathic disease associated with recurrent stroke. However, the pathogenesis of MMD remains unknown. Therefore, we performed long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) and messenger RNA (mRNA) expression profiles in blood samples from MMD patients (N = 15) and healthy controls (N = 10). A total of 880 differentially expressed lncRNAs (3649 probes) and 2624 differentially expressed mRNAs (2880 probes) were obtained from the microarrays of MMD patients and healthy controls (P < 0.05; Fold Change >2.0). Gene ontology (GO) and pathway analyses showed that upregulated mRNAs were enriched for inflammatory response, Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, chemokine signaling pathway and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway among others, while the downregulated mRNAs were enriched for neurological system process, digestion, drug metabolism, retinol metabolism and others. Our results showed that the integrated analysis of lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks were linked to inflammatory response, Toll-like signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction and MAPK signaling pathway. These findings may elucidate the pathogenesis of MMD, and the differentially expressed genes could provide clues to find key components in the MMD pathway.
Reliability and Validity of a Mobile Device Application for Use in Sports-Related Concussion Balance Assessment
Authors: Burghart Mark , Craig Jordan , Radel Jeff , Huisinga Jessie 
Published: February 2017

Background Balance assessment is necessary when evaluating athletes after a concussion. We investigated a mobile device application (app) for providing valid, reliable, and objective measures of static balance.
Objectives The mobile device app would demonstrate similar test–retest reliability to force platform center of pressure (COP) sway variables and that SWAY scores and force platform COP sway variables would demonstrate good correlation coefficients.
Methods Twenty-six healthy adults performed balance stances on a force platform while holding a mobile device equipped with SWAY (Sway Medical LLC) to measure postural sway based on acceleration changes detected by the mobile device's accelerometer. Participants completed four series of three 10-second stances (feet together, tandem, and single leg), twice with eyes open and twice with eyes closed. Test–retest reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Concurrent validity of SWAY scores and COP sway variables were determined with Pearson correlation coefficients.
Results Reliability of SWAY scores was comparable to force platform results for the same test condition (ICC = 0.21–0.57). Validity showed moderate associations between SWAY scores and COP sway variables during tandem stance (r = –0.430 to –0.493). Lower SWAY scores, indicating instability, were associated with greater COP sway.
Discussion The SWAY app is a valid and reliable tool when measuring balance of healthy individuals in tandem stance. Further study of clinical populations is needed prior to assessment use.
Conclusion The SWAY app has potential for objective clinical and sideline evaluations of concussed athletes, although continued evaluation is needed.
Einfluss des Überlappungsbereichs zwischen akustischer und elektrischer Stimulation
Authors: Baumann Uwe , Mocka Moritz 
Published: February 2017

ZusammenfassungPatienten mit residualem Tieftonhörvermögen sowie Hochtonsteilabfall mit an Taubheit grenzendem Hörvermögen bei mittleren und hohen Frequenzen werden durch Cochlea-Implantate mit elektrisch-akustischer Stimulation (EAS, „hybride“ Stimulation) versorgt. Im Grenzbereich zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation kann es zu einer Überlagerung der beiden Reizformen kommen. Die Überlagerung wird bestimmt durch die Einführtiefe der Reizelektrode und der oberen Grenze des akustisch stimulierbaren Bereichs, sowie der Festlegung der Übertragungsbereiche (akustisch/elektrisch) durch den CI-Sprachprozessor. Die Studie untersuchte den Einfluss der Variation des elektrisch-akustischen Überlagerungsbereichs auf das Sprachverstehen im Störgeräusch, wobei die Breite der „Übertragungslücke“ zwischen den beiden verschiedenen Reizmodalitäten durch 2 unterschiedliche Verfahren variiert wurde. Die an 9 erfahrenen Nutzern des MED-EL Duet 2 Prozessors ermittelten Ergebnisse zeigen, dass der elektrisch-akustische Übertragungsbereich und mit ihm die Trennfrequenz zwischen Akustik-Teil und CI individuell angepasst werden sollten. Weitere Studien müssen zeigen, ob allgemeingültige Aussagen zur Auswirkung der Überlagerung zwischen elektrischer und akustischer Stimulation möglich sind, wobei eine Vergrößerung des Probandenkollektivs sowie eine längere Eingewöhnungszeit vor Durchführung der Hörtests notwendig erscheinen.
Methamphetamine Consumption during Pregnancy – Effects on Child Health
Authors: Dinger Jürgen , Hinner Patricia , Reichert Jörg , Rüdiger Mario 
Published: February 2017

AbstractMethamphetamine abuse during pregnancy represents an emerging health care problem. The consequences are not only of relevance to the pregnant women, but also their unborn child. It is associated with an increased risk of preeclampsia and hypertension, fetal demise, preterm delivery, and intrauterine growth restriction. The deleterious effects of prenatal methamphetamine exposure on the developing fetal brain may lead to long-term neuro-developmental and behavioral problems.Given the current evidence, abuse of methamphetamine during pregnancy must be of utmost concern to health care professionals and to policy-makers. As it has been described for neonatal abstinence syndrome, a multi-professional team is required to improve care of affected women and families. A multi-disciplinary approach is needed, including good prenatal care of pregnant women, perinatal care by specialized obstetricians and neonatologists, and psychiatric treatment by an addiction specialist. Furthermore, families should be integrated into appropriate social support networks.For the development of a structured support program for pregnant women with methamphetamine consumption, methamphetamine use disorder should be considered as a disease that requires medical treatment as well as psychological and social support. The pregnancy should be considered as a window of opportunity to provide the required help.