bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Joint morphogenetic cells in the adult mammalian synovium
Authors: Roelofs Anke J. , Zupan Janja , Riemen Anna H. K. , Kania Karolina , Ansboro Sharon , White Nathan , Clark Susan M. , De Bari Cosimo 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe stem cells that safeguard synovial joints in adulthood are undefined. Studies on mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) have mainly focused on bone marrow. Here we show that lineage tracing of Gdf5-expressing joint interzone cells identifies in adult mouse synovium an MSC population largely negative for the skeletal stem cell markers Nestin-GFP, Leptin receptor and Gremlin1. Following cartilage injury, Gdf5-lineage cells underpin synovial hyperplasia through proliferation, are recruited to a Nestin-GFPhigh perivascular population, and contribute to cartilage repair. The transcriptional co-factor Yap is upregulated after injury, and its conditional ablation in Gdf5-lineage cells prevents synovial lining hyperplasia and decreases contribution of Gdf5-lineage cells to cartilage repair. Cultured Gdf5-lineage cells exhibit progenitor activity for stable chondrocytes and are able to self-organize three-dimensionally to form a synovial lining-like layer. Finally, human synovial MSCs transduced with Bmp7 display morphogenetic properties by patterning a joint-like organ in vivo. Our findings further the understanding of the skeletal stem/progenitor cells in adult life.
Injection and controlled motion of conducting domain walls in improper ferroelectric Cu-Cl boracite
Authors: McQuaid Raymond G.P. , Campbell Michael P. , Whatmore Roger W. , Kumar Amit , Gregg J. Marty 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFerroelectric domain walls constitute a completely new class of sheet-like functional material. Moreover, since domain walls are generally writable, erasable and mobile, they could be useful in functionally agile devices: for example, creating and moving conducting walls could make or break electrical connections in new forms of reconfigurable nanocircuitry. However, significant challenges exist: site-specific injection and annihilation of planar walls, which show robust conductivity, has not been easy to achieve. Here, we report the observation, mechanical writing and controlled movement of charged conducting domain walls in the improper-ferroelectric Cu3B7O13Cl. Walls are straight, tens of microns long and exist as a consequence of elastic compatibility conditions between specific domain pairs. We show that site-specific injection of conducting walls of up to hundreds of microns in length can be achieved through locally applied point-stress and, once created, that they can be moved and repositioned using applied electric fields.
Tuning colloidal quantum dot band edge positions through solution-phase surface chemistry modification
Authors: Kroupa Daniel M. , Vörös Márton , Brawand Nicholas P. , McNichols Brett W. , Miller Elisa M. , Gu Jing , Nozik Arthur J. , Sellinger Alan , Galli Giulia , Beard Matthew C. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractBand edge positions of semiconductors determine their functionality in many optoelectronic applications such as photovoltaics, photoelectrochemical cells and light emitting diodes. Here we show that band edge positions of lead sulfide (PbS) colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, specifically quantum dots (QDs), can be tuned over 2.0 eV through surface chemistry modification. We achieved this remarkable control through the development of simple, robust and scalable solution-phase ligand exchange methods, which completely replace native ligands with functionalized cinnamate ligands, allowing for well-defined, highly tunable chemical systems. By combining experiments and ab initio simulations, we establish clear relationships between QD surface chemistry and the band edge positions of ligand/QD hybrid systems. We find that in addition to ligand dipole, inter-QD ligand shell inter-digitization contributes to the band edge shifts. We expect that our established relationships and principles can help guide future optimization of functional organic/inorganic hybrid nanostructures for diverse optoelectronic applications.
A bioprosthetic ovary created using 3D printed microporous scaffolds restores ovarian function in sterilized mice
Authors: Laronda Monica M. , Rutz Alexandra L. , Xiao Shuo , Whelan Kelly A. , Duncan Francesca E. , Roth Eric W. , Woodruff Teresa K. , Shah Ramille N. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractEmerging additive manufacturing techniques enable investigation of the effects of pore geometry on cell behavior and function. Here, we 3D print microporous hydrogel scaffolds to test how varying pore geometry, accomplished by manipulating the advancing angle between printed layers, affects the survival of ovarian follicles. 30° and 60° scaffolds provide corners that surround follicles on multiple sides while 90° scaffolds have an open porosity that limits follicle–scaffold interaction. As the amount of scaffold interaction increases, follicle spreading is limited and survival increases. Follicle-seeded scaffolds become highly vascularized and ovarian function is fully restored when implanted in surgically sterilized mice. Moreover, pups are born through natural mating and thrive through maternal lactation. These findings present anin vivofunctional ovarian implant designed with 3D printing, and indicate that scaffold pore architecture is a critical variable in additively manufactured scaffold design for functional tissue engineering.
Plastic roles of pericytes in the blood–retinal barrier
Authors: Park Do Young , Lee Junyeop , Kim Jaeryung , Kim Kangsan , Hong Seonpyo , Han Sangyeul , Kubota Yoshiaki , Augustin Hellmut G. , Ding Lei , Kim Jin Woo , Kim Hail , He Yulong , Adams Ralf H. , Koh Gou Young 
Published: May 2017

AbstractThe blood–retinal barrier (BRB) consists of tightly interconnected capillary endothelial cells covered with pericytes and glia, but the role of the pericytes in BRB regulation is not fully understood. Here, we show that platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-B/PDGF receptor beta (PDGFRβ) signalling is critical in formation and maturation of BRB through active recruitment of pericytes onto growing retinal vessels. Impaired pericyte recruitment to the vessels shows multiple vascular hallmarks of diabetic retinopathy (DR) due to BRB disruption. However, PDGF-B/PDGFRβ signalling is expendable for maintaining BRB integrity in adult mice. Although selective pericyte loss in stable adult retinal vessels surprisingly does not cause BRB disintegration, it sensitizes retinal vascular endothelial cells (ECs) to VEGF-A, leading to upregulation of angiopoietin-2 (Ang2) in ECs through FOXO1 activation and triggering a positive feedback that resembles the pathogenesis of DR. Accordingly, either blocking Ang2 or activating Tie2 greatly attenuates BRB breakdown, suggesting potential therapeutic approaches to reduce retinal damages upon DR progression.
Nanogenerator-based dual-functional and self-powered thin patch loudspeaker or microphone for flexible electronics
Authors: Li Wei , Torres David , Díaz Ramón , Wang Zhengjun , Wu Changsheng , Wang Chuan , Lin Wang Zhong , Sepúlveda Nelson 
Published: May 2017

AbstractFerroelectret nanogenerators were recently introduced as a promising alternative technology for harvesting kinetic energy. Here we report the device’s intrinsic properties that allow for the bidirectional conversion of energy between electrical and mechanical domains; thus extending its potential use in wearable electronics beyond the power generation realm. This electromechanical coupling, combined with their flexibility and thin film-like form, bestows dual-functional transducing capabilities to the device that are used in this work to demonstrate its use as a thin, wearable and self-powered loudspeaker or microphone patch. To determine the device’s performance and applicability, sound pressure level is characterized in both space and frequency domains for three different configurations. The confirmed device’s high performance is further validated through its integration in three different systems: a music-playing flag, a sound recording film and a flexible microphone for security applications.
A hybrid cloud read aligner based on MinHash and kmer voting that preserves privacy
Authors: Popic Victoria , Batzoglou Serafim 
Published: May 2017

AbstractLow-cost clouds can alleviate the compute and storage burden of the genome sequencing data explosion. However, moving personal genome data analysis to the cloud can raise serious privacy concerns. Here, we devise a method named Balaur, a privacy preserving read mapper for hybrid clouds based on locality sensitive hashing and kmer voting. Balaur can securely outsource a substantial fraction of the computation to the public cloud, while being highly competitive in accuracy and speed with non-private state-of-the-art read aligners on short read data. We also show that the method is significantly faster than the state of the art in long read mapping. Therefore, Balaur can enable institutions handling massive genomic data sets to shift part of their analysis to the cloud without sacrificing accuracy or exposing sensitive information to an untrusted third party.
Anthropogenic iron oxide aerosols enhance atmospheric heating
Authors: Moteki Nobuhiro , Adachi Kouji , Ohata Sho , Yoshida Atsushi , Harigaya Tomoo , Koike Makoto , Kondo Yutaka 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCombustion-induced carbonaceous aerosols, particularly black carbon (BC) and brown carbon (BrC), have been largely considered as the only significant anthropogenic contributors to shortwave atmospheric heating. Natural iron oxide (FeOx) has been recognized as an important contributor, but the potential contribution of anthropogenic FeOx is unknown. In this study, we quantify the abundance of FeOx over East Asia through aircraft measurements using a modified single-particle soot photometer. The majority of airborne FeOx particles in the continental outflows are of anthropogenic origin in the form of aggregated magnetite nanoparticles. The shortwave absorbing powers (Pabs) attributable to FeOx and to BC are calculated on the basis of their size-resolved mass concentrations and the mean Pabs(FeOx)/Pabs(BC) ratio in the continental outflows is estimated to be at least 4–7%. We demonstrate that in addition to carbonaceous aerosols the aggregate of magnetite nanoparticles is a significant anthropogenic contributor to shortwave atmospheric heating.
Is there an association between enhanced choline and β-catenin pathway in breast cancer? A pilot study by MR Spectroscopy and ELISA
Authors: Agarwal Khushbu , Hariprasad Gururao , Rani Komal , Sharma Uma , Mathur Sandeep R. , Seenu Vurthaluru , Parshad Rajinder , Jagannathan Naranamangalam R. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTotal choline (tCho) was documented as a biomarker for breast cancer diagnosis by in vivo MRS. To understand the molecular mechanisms behind elevated tCho in breast cancer, an association of tCho with β-catenin and cyclin D1 was evaluated. Hundred fractions from 20 malignant, 10 benign and 20 non-involved breast tissues were isolated. Cytosolic and nuclear expressions of β-catenin and cyclin D1 were estimated using ELISA. Higher tCho was seen in malignant compared to benign tissues. Malignant tissues showed higher cytosolic and nuclear β-catenin expressions than benign and non-involved tissues. Within malignant tissues, β-catenin and cyclin D1 expressions were higher in the nucleus than cytosol. Cyclin D1 expression was higher in the cytosolic fractions of benign and non-involved than malignant tissues. Furthermore, in malignant tissues, tCho showed a positive correlation with the cytosolic and nuclear expression of β-catenin and cyclin D1 and also a correlation between nuclear expressions of both these proteins was seen. Higher cytosolic β-catenin expression was seen in progesterone receptor negative than positive patients. Results provide an evidence of correlation between non-invasive biomarker, tCho and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. The findings explain the molecular mechanism of tCho elevation which may facilitate exploration of additional therapeutic targets for breast cancer.
IL-27R signaling controls myeloid cells accumulation and antigen-presentation in atherosclerosis
Authors: Peshkova Iuliia O. , Fatkhullina Aliia R. , Mikulski Zbigniew , Ley Klaus , Koltsova Ekaterina K. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractMyeloid cells, key players in atherosclerosis, take up and present antigens, leading to systemic and local T cell activation. The recruitment and activation of immune cells to the aorta in atherosclerosis is regulated by adhesion molecules, chemokines and cytokines. IL-27R is an immunoregulatory signaling nod in autoimmune and infectious pathologies. IL-27R was shown to suppress T cells activation in atherosclerosis, however it’s possible role in myeloid cell accumulation and activation is not understood. Here we demonstrate thatApoe−/−Il27ra−/−mice fed with “Western Diet” for 7 or 18 weeks developed significantly more atherosclerosis compared toApoe−/−Il27ra+/−controls. Accelerated disease was driven by enhanced expression of adhesion molecules and chemokines causing the accumulation of immune cells. Myeloid cells produced more inflammatory cytokines and upregulated MHCII. Multiphoton microscopy revealed more efficient interactions between aortic myeloid cells and CD4+T cells. Overall, we show that IL-27R signaling controls endothelial cells activation and myeloid cell recruitment at early and advanced stages of atherosclerosis. In the absence of IL-27R myeloid cells become hyperactivated, produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and act as more potent antigen presenting cells. Enhanced interactions betweenIl27ra−/−APC and CD4+T cells in the aortic wall contribute to T cells re-activation and pro-atherogenic cytokine production.
Investigating the causal effect of smoking on hay fever and asthma: a Mendelian randomization meta-analysis in the CARTA consortium
Authors: Skaaby Tea , Taylor Amy E. , Jacobsen Rikke K. , Paternoster Lavinia , Thuesen Betina H. , Ahluwalia Tarunveer S. , Larsen Sofus C. , Zhou Ang , Wong Andrew , Gabrielsen Maiken E. , Bjørngaard Johan H. , Flexeder Claudia , Männistö Satu , Hardy Rebecca , Kuh Diana , Barry Sarah J. , Tang Møllehave Line , Cerqueira Charlotte , Friedrich Nele , Bonten Tobias N. , Noordam Raymond , Mook-Kanamori Dennis O. , Taube Christian , Jessen Leon E. , McConnachie Alex , Sattar Naveed , Upton Mark N. , McSharry Charles , Bønnelykke Klaus , Bisgaard Hans , Schulz Holger , Strauch Konstantin , Meitinger Thomas , Peters Annette , Grallert Harald , Nohr Ellen A. , Kivimaki Mika , Kumari Meena , Völker Uwe , Nauck Matthias , Völzke Henry , Power Chris , Hyppönen Elina , Hansen Torben , Jørgensen Torben , Pedersen Oluf , Salomaa Veikko , Grarup Niels , Langhammer Arnulf , Romundstad Pål R. , Skorpen Frank , Kaprio Jaakko , R Munafò Marcus , Linneberg Allan 
Published: May 2017

AbstractObservational studies on smoking and risk of hay fever and asthma have shown inconsistent results. However, observational studies may be biased by confounding and reverse causation. Mendelian randomization uses genetic variants as markers of exposures to examine causal effects. We examined the causal effect of smoking on hay fever and asthma by using the smoking-associated single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16969968/rs1051730. We included 231,020 participants from 22 population-based studies. Observational analyses showed that current vs never smokers had lower risk of hay fever (odds ratio (OR) = 0·68, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0·61, 0·76; P < 0·001) and allergic sensitization (OR = 0·74, 95% CI: 0·64, 0·86; P < 0·001), but similar asthma risk (OR = 1·00, 95% CI: 0·91, 1·09; P = 0·967). Mendelian randomization analyses in current smokers showed a slightly lower risk of hay fever (OR = 0·958, 95% CI: 0·920, 0·998; P = 0·041), a lower risk of allergic sensitization (OR = 0·92, 95% CI: 0·84, 1·02; P = 0·117), but higher risk of asthma (OR = 1·06, 95% CI: 1·01, 1·11; P = 0·020) per smoking-increasing allele. Our results suggest that smoking may be causally related to a higher risk of asthma and a slightly lower risk of hay fever. However, the adverse events associated with smoking limit its clinical significance.
Kif4A mediate the accumulation and reeducation of THP-1 derived macrophages via regulation of CCL2-CCR2 expression in crosstalking with OSCC
Authors: Zhang Yun , Liu Shaohua , Qu Daiwei , Wang Ketao , Zhang Lin , Jing Xuanxuan , Li Chen , Wei Fengcai , Qu Xun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractCrosstalk between tumor infiltrating macrophages and tumor cells is thought to play an indispensable role in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCC) by induction and maintenance of tolerance microenvironment. High infiltration of M2 macrophages and increasing expression of Kinesin family member 4A (Kif4A) in primary OSCC have been proved to correlate with greater tumoral size and poor clinical outcome. However, linkage between Kif4A and infiltrating macrophages in tumorigenesis and progression remains unclear. In the present study, we show that, the interaction between THP-1derived macrophage and OSCC cell line Cal-27 may up-regulate the Kif4A expression in both of them. Additionally, elevated soluble CCL2 in medium and more expression of CCR2 on macrophage were observed during the crosstalk. SiRNA of Kif4A and neutralizing antibody of CCL2 were utilized to identify that; increasing Kif4A can promote the recruitment of macrophages towards Cal-27 and educate them to M2 polarized macrophages via regulating CCL2/CCR2. In combination, the results of the present study may provide interesting clues to understanding the Kif4A-CCL2/CCR2-macrophage axis as a novel therapeutic target to improve the clinical outcome of OSCC.
Treatment effects of the traditional Chinese medicine Shenks in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis through regulation of TGF-beta/Smad3 signaling and oxidative stress
Authors: Chu Haiyan , Shi Ying , Jiang Shuai , Zhong Qicheng , Zhao Yongqiang , Liu Qingmei , Ma Yanyun , Shi Xiangguang , Ding Weifeng , Zhou Xiaodong , Cui Jimin , Jin Li , Guo Gang , Wang Jiucun 
Published: May 2017

AbstractPulmonary fibrosis is a kind of devastating interstitial lung disease due to the limited therapeutic strategies. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practices have put forth Shenks as a promising treatment approach. Here, we performedin vivostudy andin vitrostudy to delineate the anti-fibrotic mechanisms behind Shenks treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. We found that regardless of the prophylactic or therapeutic treatment, Shenks was able to attenuate BLM-induced-fibrosis in mice, down regulate extracellular matrix genes expression, and reduce collagen production. The aberrantly high Smad3 phosphorylation levels and SBE activity in TGF-β-induced fibroblasts were dramatically decreased as a result of Shenks treatment. At the same time, Shenks was able to increase the expression of antioxidant-related genes, includingGclcandEc-sod, while reduce the transcription levels of oxidative-related genes, such asRac1andNox4demonstrated by bothin vivoandin vitrostudies. Further investigations found that Shenks could decrease the oxidative productions of protein (3-nitrotyrosine) and lipid (malondialdehyde) and increase GSH content both in bleomycin treated mouse lungs and TGF-β stimulated fibroblasts, as well as inhibit the production of ROS stimulated by TGF-β to fight against oxidative stress. Overall, Shenks inhibited fibrosis by blocking TGF-β pathway and modulating the oxidant/antioxidant balance.
Identification of genetic loci shared between schizophrenia and the Big Five personality traits
Authors: Smeland Olav B. , Wang Yunpeng , Lo Min-Tzu , Li Wen , Frei Oleksandr , Witoelar Aree , Tesli Martin , Hinds David A. , Tung Joyce Y. , Djurovic Srdjan , Chen Chi-Hua , Dale Anders M. , Andreassen Ole A. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractSchizophrenia is associated with differences in personality traits, and recent studies suggest that personality traits and schizophrenia share a genetic basis. Here we aimed to identify specific genetic loci shared between schizophrenia and the Big Five personality traits using a Bayesian statistical framework. Using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on personality traits in the 23andMe cohort (n = 59,225) and schizophrenia in the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium cohort (n = 82,315), we evaluated overlap in common genetic variants. The Big Five personality traits neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness and conscientiousness were measured using a web implementation of the Big Five Inventory. Applying the conditional false discovery rate approach, we increased discovery of genetic loci and identified two loci shared between neuroticism and schizophrenia and six loci shared between openness and schizophrenia. The study provides new insights into the relationship between personality traits and schizophrenia by highlighting genetic loci involved in their common genetic etiology.
Tail tubular protein A: a dual-function tail protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteriophage KP32
Authors: Pyra Anna , Brzozowska Ewa , Pawlik Krzysztof , Gamian Andrzej , Dauter Miroslawa , Dauter Zbigniew 
Published: May 2017

AbstractTail tubular protein A (TTPA) is a structural tail protein of Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteriophage KP32, and is responsible for adhering the bacteriophage to host cells. For the first time, we found that TTPA also exhibits lytic activity towards capsular exopolysaccharide (EPS) of the multiresistant clinical strain of Klebsiella pneumoniae, PCM2713, and thus should be regarded as a dual-function macromolecule that exhibits both structural and enzymatic actions. Here, we present our crystallographic and enzymatic studies of TTPA. TTPA was crystallized and X-ray diffraction data were collected to a resolution of 1.9 Å. In the crystal, TTPA molecules were found to adopt a tetrameric structure with α-helical domains on one side and β-strands and loops on the other. The novel crystal structure of TTPA resembles those of the bacteriophage T7 tail protein gp11 and gp4 of bacteriophage P22, but TTPA contains an additional antiparallel β-sheet carrying a lectin-like domain that could be responsible for EPS binding. The enzymatic activity of TTPA may reflect the presence of a peptidoglycan hydrolase domain in the α-helical region (amino acid residues 126 to 173). These novel results provide new insights into the enzymatic mechanism through which TTPA acts on polysaccharides.
Kinetic interpretation of log-logistic dose-time response curves
Authors: Focke Walter W. , van der Westhuizen Isbe , Musee Ndeke , Loots Mattheüs Theodor 
Published: May 2017

AbstractA Hill-type time-response curve was derived using a single-step chemical kinetics approximation. The rate expression for the transformation is a differential equation that provides an interpolation formula between the logistic growth curve and second order kinetics. The solution is equivalent to the log-logistic cumulative distribution function with the time constant expressed in terms of a kinetic rate constant. This expression was extended to a full dose-time-response equation by postulating a concentration dependence for the rate constant. This was achieved by invoking a modified form of Haber’s law that connects an observed toxic effect with the concentration of the active agent and the elapsed exposure time. Analysis showed that the concept of Concentration Addition corresponds to a special case where the rate constant for the overall transformation rate is proportional to the sum of the rate constants that apply when the agents act individually. Biodiesel “survival” curves were measured and used to test the applicability of the empirical model to describe the effects of inhibitor dosage and binary inhibitor mixtures. Positive results suggest that the proposed dose-response relationship for the toxicity of agents to organisms can be extended to inanimate systems especially in cases where accurate mechanistic models are lacking.