bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Small secreted proteins from the necrotrophic conifer pathogen Heterobasidion annosum s.l. (HaSSPs) induce cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Raffaello Tommaso , Asiegbu Fred O. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe basidiomycete Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato (s.l.) is considered to be one of the most destructive conifer pathogens in the temperate forests of the northern hemisphere. H. annosum is characterized by a dual fungal lifestyle. The fungus grows necrotrophically on living plant cells and saprotrophically on dead wood material. In this study, we screened the H. annosum genome for small secreted proteins (HaSSPs) that could potentially be involved in promoting necrotrophic growth during the fungal infection process. The final list included 58 HaSSPs that lacked predictable protein domains. The transient expression of HaSSP encoding genes revealed the ability of 8 HaSSPs to induce cell chlorosis and cell death in Nicotiana benthamiana. In particular, one protein (HaSSP30) could induce a rapid, strong, and consistent cell death within 2 days post-infiltration. HaSSP30 also increased the transcription of host-defence-related genes in N. benthamiana, which suggested a necrotrophic-specific immune response. This is the first line of evidence demonstrating that the H. annosum genome encodes HaSSPs with the capability to induce plant cell death in a non-host plant.
Spectral characteristics of voltage-sensitive indocyanine green fluorescence in the heart
Authors: Mačianskienė Regina , Almanaitytė Mantė , Treinys Rimantas , Navalinskas Antanas , Benetis Rimantas , Jurevičius Jonas 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIndocyanine green (ICG) fluorescent dye has been approved by the FDA for use in medical diagnostics. Recently, we demonstrated that ICG dye has voltage-sensitive properties with a dual-component (fast and slow) response in the Langendorff-perfused rabbit heart. Here, we extended our studies by showing the different spectral properties of both components for analysis of the fractional change in ICG fluorescence in response to voltage changes. We used light from four LEDs to obtain excitation; emission was measured using an EMCCD camera with band-pass filters and a spectrometer. We applied a graphical model with Gaussian functions to construct and evaluate the individual emission curves and calculated the voltage-sensitive portion of each component of the ICG fluorescence in the rabbit heart. The results revealed that each isolated component (fast and slow) emanates from a unique ICG pool in a different environment within the cell membrane and that each component is also composed of two constituents (ICG-monomeric and ICG-aggregated). We propose the existence of different voltage-sensitive mechanisms for the components: (I) electrochromism and field-induced reorientation for the fast component; and (II) field-induced dye squeezing that amplifies intermolecular interactions, resulting in self-quenching of the dye fluorescence, for the slow component.
Active neutron and gamma-ray imaging of highly enriched uranium for treaty verification
Authors: Hamel Michael C. , Polack J. Kyle , Ruch Marc L. , Marcath Matthew J. , Clarke Shaun D. , Pozzi Sara A. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe detection and characterization of highly enriched uranium (HEU) presents a large challenge in the non-proliferation field. HEU has a low neutron emission rate and most gamma rays are low energy and easily shielded. To address this challenge, an instrument known as the dual-particle imager (DPI) was used with a portable deuterium-tritium (DT) neutron generator to detect neutrons and gamma rays from induced fission in HEU. We evaluated system response using a 13.7-kg HEU sphere in several configurations with no moderation, high-density polyethylene (HDPE) moderation, and tungsten moderation. A hollow tungsten sphere was interrogated to evaluate the response to a possible hoax item. First, localization capabilities were demonstrated by reconstructing neutron and gamma-ray images. Once localized, additional properties such as fast neutron energy spectra and time-dependent neutron count rates were attributed to the items. For the interrogated configurations containing HEU, the reconstructed neutron spectra resembled Watt spectra, which gave confidence that the interrogated items were undergoing induced fission. The time-dependent neutron count rate was also compared for each configuration and shown to be dependent on the neutron multiplication of the item. This result showed that the DPI is a viable tool for localizing and confirming fissile mass and multiplication.
Percutaneous Placement of Iliosacral Screws Under the Guidance of Axial View Projection of the S1 Pedicle: a Case Series
Authors: Yin Yingchao , Hou Zhiyong , Zhang Ruipeng , Jin Lin , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws under the guidance of axial view projection of the S1 pedicle clinically. This case series includes 58 consecutive unstable pelvic injury patients, which were treated with iliosacral screws between July 2011 and July 2016. Patients were divided into two groups: normal sacrum (n = 31) and dysmorphic sacrum (n = 27). A single orthopedic surgeon operated on all patients, with percutaneous placement of iliosacral screws under the guidance of axial view projection of the S1 pedicle. The time needed for screw insertion and the radiation exposure time were recorded. Chi-squared test and Student t-test were used to analyze the differences between the two groups. Sacral dysmorphism was present in 47% of patients. The median time for screw insertion and radiation exposure time in these two groups showed no statistical difference (P > 0.05). No clinical complications or malpositioned screws occurred in any case. Preoperative pelvic CT is necessary to determine the sacral osseous anatomy. In patients with either a normal or dysmorphic sacrum, iliosacral screws can be placed by this method with less radiation exposure and complications than in the conventional method.
Differential Effects of Linagliptin on the Function of Human Islets Isolated from Non-diabetic and Diabetic Donors
Authors: Zhang Yanqing , Wu Meifen , Htun Wynn , Dong Emily W. , Mauvais-Jarvis Franck , Fonseca Vivian A. , Wu Hongju 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLinagliptin is a dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor that inhibits the degradation of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), and has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in clinic. Previous studies have shown linagliptin improves β cell function using animal models and isolated islets from normal subjects. Since β cell dysfunction occurs during diabetes development, it was not clear how human islets of T2D patients would respond to linagliptin treatment. Therefore, in this study we employed human islets isolated from donors with and without T2D and evaluated how they responded to linagliptin treatment. Our data showed that linagliptin significantly improved glucose-stimulated insulin secretion for both non-diabetic and diabetic human islets, but its effectiveness on T2D islets was lower than on normal islets. The differential effects were attributed to reduced GLP-1 receptor expression in diabetic islets. In addition, linagliptin treatment increased the relative GLP-1 vs glucagon production in both non-diabetic and diabetic islets, suggesting a positive role of linagliptin in modulating α cell function to restore normoglycemia. Our study indicated that, from the standpoint of islet cell function, linagliptin would be more effective in treating early-stage diabetic patients before they develop severe β cell dysfunction.
SpotOn: High Accuracy Identification of Protein-Protein Interface Hot-Spots
Authors: Moreira Irina S. , Koukos Panagiotis I. , Melo Rita , Almeida Jose G. , Preto Antonio J. , Schaarschmidt Joerg , Trellet Mikael , Gümüş Zeynep H. , Costa Joaquim , Bonvin Alexandre M. J. J. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractWe present SpotOn, a web server to identify and classify interfacial residues as Hot-Spots (HS) and Null-Spots (NS). SpotON implements a robust algorithm with a demonstrated accuracy of 0.95 and sensitivity of 0.98 on an independent test set. The predictor was developed using an ensemble machine learning approach with up-sampling of the minor class. It was trained on 53 complexes using various features, based on both protein 3D structure and sequence. The SpotOn web interface is freely available at: http://milou.science.uu.nl/services/SPOTON/.
MoS2@rGO Nanoflakes as High Performance Anode Materials in Sodium Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Ruxing , Gao Shu , Wang Kangli , Zhou Min , Cheng Shijie , Jiang Kai 
Published: August 2017

AbstractA simple one-pot hydrothermal method is developed for fabrication of MoS2@rGO nanoflakes using the economical MoO3 as the molybdenum source. Benefiting from the unique nanoarchitecture, high MoS2 loading (90.3 wt%) and the expanded interlayer spacing, the as-prepared MoS2@rGO nanoflakes exhibit greatly enhanced sodium storage performances including a high reversible specific capacity of 441 mAh g−1 at a current density of 0.2 A g−1, high rate capability, and excellent capacity retention of 93.2% after 300 cycles.
STAT3-induced long noncoding RNAs in multiple myeloma cells display different properties in cancer
Authors: Binder Stefanie , Hösler Nadine , Riedel Diana , Zipfel Ivonne , Buschmann Tilo , Kämpf Christoph , Reiche Kristin , Burger Renate , Gramatzki Martin , Hackermüller Jörg , Stadler Peter F. , Horn Friedemann 
Published: August 2017

AbstractInterleukin-6 (IL-6)-activated Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) facilitates survival in the multiple myeloma cell line INA-6 and therefore represents an oncogenic key player. However, the biological mechanisms are still not fully understood. In previous studies we identified microRNA-21 as a STAT3 target gene with strong anti-apoptotic potential, suggesting that noncoding RNAs have an impact on the pathogenesis of human multiple myeloma. Here, we describe five long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) induced by IL-6-activated STAT3, which we named STAiRs. While STAiRs 1, 2 and 6 remain unprocessed in the nucleus and show myeloma-specific expression, STAiRs 15 and 18 are spliced and broadly expressed. Especially STAiR2 and STAiR18 are promising candidates. STAiR2 originates from the first intron of a tumor suppressor gene. Our data support a mutually exclusive expression of either STAiR2 or the functional tumor suppressor in INA-6 cells and thus a contribution of STAiR2 to tumorigenesis. Furthermore, STAiR18 was shown to be overexpressed in every tested tumor entity, indicating its global role in tumor pathogenesis. Taken together, our study reveals a number of STAT3-induced lncRNAs suggesting that the interplay between the coding and noncoding worlds represents a fundamental principle of STAT3-driven cancer development in multiple myeloma and beyond.
Gene Location, Expression, and Function of FNDC5 in Meishan Pigs
Authors: Cai Chunbo , Xiao Gaojun , Qian Lili , Jiang Shengwang , Li Biao , Xie Shanshan , Gao Ting , An Xiaorong , Cui Wentao , Li Kui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIrisin is a new muscular regulatory factor that is generated by the cleavage of its precursor protein fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 (FNDC5). Irisin promotes fat consumption due to its stimulatory role in the browning of the adipocytes in mice. Currently, there is no report on FNDC5 functions in pigs as model animals. In this study, we investigated the expression patterns and functions of FNDC5 in Meishan pigs. Our results showed that FNDC5 gene in Meishan pigs contains five transcripts, all of which can be translated into functional intact irisin proteins. Porcine FNDC5 is mainly expressed in skeletal muscle, with the expression level being significantly higher during the embryonic and juvenile periods than in the adulthood stage. In vitro study showed that FNDC5 stimulates the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of primary adipocytes isolated from Meishan pigs, and FNDC5 enhances the expression of browning marker genes during adipogenic differentiation. Our study was the first report on FNDC5 expression patterns and functions in pigs. Data from this study provide valuable information related to the study on FNDC5 functions and future development of novel treatment for obesity.
In silico analysis of Glanzmann variants of Calf-1 domain of αIIbβ3 integrin revealed dynamic allosteric effect
Authors: Goguet Matthieu , Narwani Tarun Jairaj , Petermann Rachel , Jallu Vincent , de Brevern Alexandre G. 
Published: August 2017

AbstractIntegrin αIIbβ3 mediates platelet aggregation and thrombus formation. In a rare hereditary bleeding disorder, Glanzmann thrombasthenia (GT), αIIbβ3 expression / function are impaired. The impact of deleterious missense mutations on the complex structure remains unclear. Long independent molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were performed for 7 GT variants and reference structure of the Calf-1 domain of αIIb. Simulations were analysed using a structural alphabet to describe local protein conformations. Common and flexible regions as well as deformable zones were observed in all the structures. The most flexible region of Calf-1 (with highest B-factor) is rather a rigid region encompassed into two deformable zones. Each mutated structure barely showed any modifications at the mutation sites while distant conformational changes were observed. These unexpected results question the relationship between molecular dynamics and allostery; and the role of these long-range effects in the impaired αIIbβ3 expression. This method is aimed at studying all αIIbβ3 sub-domains and impact of missense mutations at local and global structural level.
Great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo) as potential vectors for the dispersal of Vibrio cholerae
Authors: Laviad -Shitrit Sivan , Lev-Ari Tidhar , Katzir Gadi , Sharaby Yehonatan , Izhaki Ido , Halpern Malka 
Published: August 2017

AbstractVibrio cholerae is the cause of cholera, a devastating epidemic and pandemic disease. Despite its importance, the way of its global dissemination is unknown. V. cholerae is abundant in aquatic habitats and is known to be borne by copepods, chironomids and fishes. Our aim was to determine if fish-eating birds act as vectors in the spread of V. cholerae by consuming infected fish. We determined the existence of V. cholerae in the microbiome of 5/7 wild cormorants’ intestine. In three of these V. cholerae-positive wild cormorants, the presence of a gene for cholera toxin (ctxA) was detected. We subsequently tested eight captive, hand-reared cormorants, divided into two equal groups. Prior to the experiment, the feces of the cormorants were V. cholerae-negative. One group was fed exclusively on tilapias, which are naturally infected with V. cholerae, and the other was fed exclusively on goldfish or on koi that were V. cholerae-negative. We detected V. cholerae in the feces of the tilapia-fed, but not in the goldfish/koi-fed, cormorants. Hence, we demonstrate that fish-eating birds can be infected with V. cholerae from their fish prey. The large-scale movements of many fish-eating birds provide a potential mechanism for the global distribution of V. cholerae.
Microscopic Live Electrooptic Imaging
Authors: Tsuchiya Masahiro , Fukui Shinji , Yorinaga Muneo 
Published: August 2017

AbstractLive electrooptic imaging (LEI) in the microscopic range has been successfully demonstrated for the first time. The finest resolution achieved in the present study is 2.7 μm, which is finer than the previous record by more than an order of magnitude. This drastic improvement in the resolution record has been achieved through comprehensive improvement of the limiting factors of the conventional LEI system. Residual limiting factors in the improved system have been systematically analyzed and ideas for even finer resolution have also been presented.
Crack-induced Ag nanowire networks for transparent, stretchable, and highly sensitive strain sensors
Authors: Lee Chan-Jae , Park Keum Hwan , Han Chul Jong , Oh Min Suk , You Banseok , Kim Young-Seok , Kim Jong-Woong 
Published: August 2017

AbstractCrack-based strain sensor systems have been known for its high sensitivity, but suffer from the small fracture strain of the thin metal films employed in the sensor which results in its negligible stretchability. Herein, we fabricated a transparent (>90% at 550 nm wavelength), stretchable (up to 100%), and sensitive (gauge factor (GF) of 30 at 100% strain) strain gauge by depositing an encapsulated crack-induced Ag nanowire (AgNW) network on a hydroxylated poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) film. Stretching the encapsulated AgNWs/PDMS resulted in the formation of a percolation network of nanowire ligaments with abundant percolation paths. The encapsulating polymer was designed to adhere strongly to both the AgNW and PDMS. The improved adhesion ensured the resistance of the crack-induced network of AgNWs varied reversibly, stably, and sensitively when stretched and released, at strains of up to 100%. The developed sensor successfully detected human motions when applied to the skin.
Structural Properties of Human IAPP Dimer in Membrane Environment Studied by All-Atom Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Liu Na , Duan Mojie , Yang Minghui 
Published: August 2017

AbstractThe aggregation of human islet amyloid polypeptide (hIAPP) can damage the membrane of the β-cells in the pancreatic islets and induce type 2 diabetes (T2D). Growing evidences indicated that the major toxic species are small oligomers of IAPP. Due to the fast aggregation nature, it is hard to characterize the structures of IAPP oligomers by experiments, especially in the complex membrane environment. On the other side, molecular dynamics simulation can provide atomic details of the structure and dynamics of the aggregation of IAPP. In this study, all-atom bias-exchange metadynamics (BE-Meta) and unbiased molecular dynamics simulations were employed to study the structural properties of IAPP dimer in the membranes environments. A number of intermediates, including α-helical states, β-sheet states, and fully disordered states, are identified. The formation of N-terminal β-sheet structure is prior to the C-terminal β-sheet structure towards the final fibril-like structures. The α-helical intermediates have lower propensity in the dimeric hIAPP and are off-pathway intermediates. The simulations also demonstrate that the β-sheet intermediates induce more perturbation on the membrane than the α-helical and disordered states and thus pose higher disruption ability.
Deficiency in catechol-o-methyltransferase is linked to a disruption of glucose homeostasis in mice
Authors: Kanasaki Megumi , Srivastava Swayam Prakash , Yang Fan , Xu Ling , Kudoh Sumiyo , Kitada Munehiro , Ueki Norikazu , Kim Hyoh , Li Jinpeng , Takeda Satoru , Kanasaki Keizo , Koya Daisuke 
Published: August 2017

Abstract2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME), an estrogen metabolite generated via catechol-o-methyltransferase (COMT), is multifunctional methoxy-catechol. Here, we report that COMT deficiency leads to glucose intolerance and 2-ME rescues COMT-deficient-associated metabolic defects. Liver COMT protein was suppressed in high fat diet (HFD)-fed or in pregnant mice. COMT suppression, by Ro41-0960 or siRNA, in HFD fed mice or in pregnant mice exacerbated glucose intolerance; 2-ME intervention ameliorated these defects. 2-ME effects on glucose tolerance were associated with AMPK phosphorylation in the liver and in islet cells. Metformin restored liver COMT protein levels, and metformin-induced liver AMPK phosphorylation was abolished by COMT inhibition. The amelioration in glucose tolerance by 2-ME was associated with biphasic insulin secretion in an environment-dependent manner. 2-ME-induced insulin secretion was associated with the AMPK phosphorylation, PDX-1 phosphorylation, and MST-1 suppression in MIN-6 cells. Furthermore 2-ME displayed PPARγ agonist-like activity. These results suggest that COMT is an enzyme to maintain glucose homeostasis and 2-ME is a potential endogenous multi-target anti-diabetic candidate.
Nanometer size silicon particles for hyperpolarized MRI
Authors: Kwiatkowski Grzegorz , Jähnig Fabian , Steinhauser Jonas , Wespi Patrick , Ernst Matthias , Kozerke Sebastian 
Published: August 2017

AbstractHyperpolarized silicon particles have been shown to exhibit long spin-lattice relaxation times at room temperature, making them interesting as novel MRI probes. Demonstrations of hyperpolarized silicon particle imaging have focused on large micron size particles (average particle size (APS) = 2.2 μm) as they have, to date, demonstrated much larger polarizations than nanoparticles. We show that also much smaller silicon-29 particles (APS = 55 ± 12 nm) can be hyperpolarized with superior properties. A maximum polarization of 12.6% in the solid state is reported with a spin-lattice relaxation time of 42 min at room temperature thereby opening a new window for MRI applications.
Design and improvement of a soft switching high step‐up boost converter with voltage multiplier
Authors: Heidari Beni Sadegh , Mirtalaei Sayyed Mohammad Mehdi , Kianpour Ardavan , Aghababaei Beni Sara 
Published: August 2017

A new soft switching high step‐up boost converter is proposed in this study. Coupled inductors technique is used along with voltage multiplier in order to provide high‐voltage gain and reduce voltage stress across semiconducting elements. Using an active clamp circuit, soft switching condition is provided for both the main and auxiliary switch which reduces the switching losses and improves the circuit efficiency as well as power density. The reverse recovery problem of diodes is alleviated due to the existence of the leakage inductances of the coupled inductors in series with diodes. The circuit performance is investigated and theoretical analysis is provided. A 200 W 40 V input to 400 V output laboratory prototype of the proposed converter is implemented, and the experimental results show the proper performance of the proposed converter.
Cotyledonoid Dissecting Leiomyoma with Symplastic Features: Case Report
Authors: Sonmez Fatma Cavide , Tosuner Zeynep , Karasu Ayse Filiz Gökmen , Arıcı Dilek Sema , Dansuk Ramazan 
Published: August 2017

Purpose Cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyoma is a leiomyoma variant exhibiting unusual growth patterns. We aimed to demonstrate this, as well as to point out another feature that has not been previously reported.
Case Report A congested, multinodular myomectomy specimen was resected. Histologically, smooth muscle fascicles with marked vascularity and extensive hydropic degeneration were detected. A total of 2 mitoses per 10 high power fields were counted, and the Ki-67 index was of 2–3%. We encountered atypical bizarre cells that have not been previously reported. Coagulative necrosis was not present. The patient was alive and well 36 months after surgery, with no evidence of recurrence.
Conclusions Albeit the gross aggressive appearance, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are benign in nature. To this day, atypical cells have not been reported in this type of tumor. Despite the presence of symplastic features, cotyledonoid dissecting leiomyomas are clinically benign entities. Surgeons and pathologists should be acquainted with this variant.