bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A survey of invasive plants on grassland soil microbial communities and ecosystem services
Authors: Bell Jennifer K. , Siciliano Steven D. , Lamb Eric G. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractInvasive plants can cause changes in the structure and function of the ecosystem being invaded. Any changes in ecosystem diversity and community composition will likely alter ecosystem services provided by that ecosystem. However, how these ecosystem services may change is poorly understood. To elucidate how these ecosystem services will change with invasion, we sampled 561 plots undergoing invasion by smooth brome (Bromus inermis) and four other invasive species at a native Rough Fescue prairie located near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada. Soil and plant surveys were undertaken weekly for 26 weeks between May of 2014 and November of 2014, or the growing season. We measured a suite of ecosystem services, including greenhouse gasses, extracellular enzyme function, forage production, glyphosate degradation and decomposition. Furthermore, soil physical and chemical properties were measured, and soil bacterial and fungal communities were sequenced. This is a large and multifaceted dataset with complex temporal and spatial attributes which can be used to answer numerous questions regarding the functioning of prairie ecosystems and how invasive species will impact that functioning.
Robust induction of neural crest cells to derive peripheral sensory neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Umehara Yoshie , Toyama Sumika , Tominaga Mitsutoshi , Matsuda Hironori , Takahashi Nobuaki , Kamata Yayoi , Niyonsaba François , Ogawa Hideoki , Takamori Kenji 
Published: March 2020

AbstractBecause intractable itch reduces quality of life, understanding the fundamental mechanisms of itch is required to develop antipruritic treatments. Itch is mediated by peripheral sensory neurons, which originate from the neural crest (NC) during development. Itch-associated signaling molecules have been detected in genetically engineered animals and in cultures of peripheral neurons from dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Ethical difficulties collecting peripheral neurons from human DRG have limited analysis of itch in humans. This study describes a method of differentiating peripheral neurons from human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) for physiological study of itch. This method resulted in the robust induction of p75 and HNK1 double-positive NC cells from hiPSCs. The expression of NC markers TFAP2A, SOX10 and SNAI1 increased during NC induction. The induction efficiency was nearly 90%, and human peripheral neurons expressing peripherin were efficiently differentiated from hiPSC-derived NC cells. Moreover, induced peripheral neurons expressed the sensory neuronal marker BRN3A and the itch-related receptors HRH1, MRGPRX1, IL31R and IL-4R. Calcium imaging analyses indicated that these peripheral neurons included sensory neurons responsive to itch-related stimuli such as histamine, BAM8-22, IL-31 and IL-4. These findings may enable detailed analyses of human DRG neurons and may result in new therapies for intractable itch.
Effects of parental smoking and indoor tobacco smoke exposure on respiratory outcomes in children
Authors: Zhuge Yang , Qian Hua , Zheng Xiaohong , Huang Chen , Zhang Yinping , Li Baizhan , Zhao Zhuohui , Deng Qihong , Yang Xu , Sun Yuexia , Zhang Xin , Sundell Jan 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe extensive literature has reported adverse effects on environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) on children’s health. We aim to analyze associations of ETS with dry night cough, croup, pneumonia, and frequent common cold and to disentangle the effects of prenatal, infancy and childhood exposure by multilevel logistic regression. A cross-sectional study was conducted among 41,176 children aged 3–8 years in 8 major cities of China during 2010–2011, and obtained demographic information, smoke exposure information, and respiratory outcomes. Parents’ smoking habit and indoor tobacco smoke odor were considered as two indicators of ETS. The prevalences of respiratory outcomes were 6.0% for croup, 9.5% for frequency common cold, 17.1% for dry night cough and 32.3% for pneumonia respectively in the study. The associations between respiratory outcomes and parental smoking were not obvious, while indoor tobacco smoke odor was clearly and strongly associated with most respiratory outcomes, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.06 to 1.95. Both infancy and childhood exposure to tobacco smoke odor were independent risk factors, but infancy exposure had a higher risk. The results explore that ETS increased the risk of respiratory outcomes in children, highlighting the need for raising awareness about the detrimental effects of tobacco smoke exposure.
A Novel Profiled Multi-Pin Electrospinning System for Nanofiber Production and Encapsulation of Nanoparticles into Nanofibers
Authors: Prabu G. T. V. , Dhurai Bhaarathi 
Published: March 2020

AbstractElectrospinning with various machine configurations is being used to produce polymer nanofibers with different rates of output. The use of polymers with high viscosity and the encapsulation of nanoparticles for achieving functionalities are some of the limitations of the existing methods. A profiled multi-pin electrospinning (PMES) setup is demonstrated in this work that overcomes the limitations in the needle and needleless electrospinning like needle clogging, particle settling, and uncontrolled/uneven Taylor cone formation, the requirement of very high voltage and uncontrolled distribution of nanoparticles in nanofibers. The key feature of the current setup is the use of profiled pin arrangement that aids in the formation of spherical shape polymer droplet and hence ensures uniform Taylor cone formation throughout the fiber production process. With a 10 wt% of Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) polymer solution and at an applied voltage of 30 kV, the production rate was observed as 1.690 g/h and average fiber diameter obtained was 160.5 ± 48.9 nm for PVA and 124.9 ± 49.8 nm for Cellulose acetate (CA) respectively. Moreover, the setup also provides the added advantage of using high viscosity polymer solutions in electrospinning. This approach is expected to increase the range of multifunctional electrospun nanofiber applications.
Anterior retrosplenial cortex is required for long-term object recognition memory
Authors: de Landeta Ana Belén , Pereyra Magdalena , Medina Jorge H. , Katche Cynthia 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThe retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is implicated on navigation and contextual memory. Lesions studies showed that the RSC shares functional similarities with the hippocampus (HP). Here we evaluated the role of the anterior RSC (aRSC) in the “what” and “where” components of recognition memory and contrasted it with that of the dorsal HP (dHP). Our behavioral and molecular findings show functional differences between the aRSC and the dHP in recognition memory. The inactivation of the aRSC, but not the dHP, impairs the consolidation and expression of the “what” memory component. In addition, object recognition task is accompanied by c-Fos levels increase in the aRSC. Interestingly, we found that the aRSC is recruited to process the “what” memory component only if it is active during acquisition. In contrast, both the aRSC and dHP are required for encoding the “where” component, which correlates with c-Fos levels increase. Our findings introduce a novel role of the aRSC in recognition memory, processing not only the “where”, but also the “what” memory component.
Ultrastructural analysis of the dehydrated tardigrade Hypsibius exemplaris unveils an anhydrobiotic-specific architecture
Authors: Richaud Myriam , Le Goff Emilie , Cazevielle Chantal , Ono Fumihisa , Mori Yoshihisa , Saini Naurang L. , Cuq Pierre , Baghdiguian Stephen , Godefroy Nelly , Galas Simon 
Published: March 2020

AbstractTardigrades can cope with adverse environmental conditions by turning into anhydrobiotes with a characteristic tun shape. Tun formation is an essential morphological adaptation for tardigrade entry into the anhydrobiotic state. The tun cell structure and ultrastructure have rarely been explored in tardigrades in general and never in Hypsibius exemplaris. We used transmission electron microscopy to compare cellular organization and ultrastructures between hydrated and anhydrobiotic H. exemplaris. Despite a globally similar cell organelle structure and a number of cells not significantly different between hydrated and desiccated tardigrades, reductions in the sizes of both cells and mitochondria were detected in dehydrated animals. Moreover, in anhydrobiotes, secretory active cells with a dense endoplasmic reticulum network were observed. Interestingly, these anhydrobiote-specific cells are in a close relationship with a specific extracellular structure surrounding each cell. It is possible that this rampart-like extracellular structure resulted from the accumulation of anhydrobiotic-specific material to protect the cells. Interestingly, after five hours of rehydration, the number of secretory cells decreased, and the specific extracellular structure began to disappear. Twenty-four hours after the beginning of rehydration, the cellular structure and ultrastructure were comparable to those observed in hydrated tardigrades.
Simultaneous Determination of Gross Alpha/Beta Activities in Groundwater for Ingestion Effective Dose and its Associated Public Health Risk Prevention
Authors: Ho Phan Long , Hung Le Dinh , Minh Vu Tuan , Chinh Dang Van , Thanh Tran Thien , Tao Chau Van 
Published: March 2020

AbstractThis paper presents information on the gross alpha and gross beta activity concentrations of two hundred twenty-six groundwater samples collected by gas flow proportional counters in southern Vietnam. The gross alpha results in the water samples ranged from 0.024 to 0.748 Bq L−1 with a mean of 0.183 ± 0.034 Bq L−1, and the gross beta results in the water samples ranged from 0.027–0.632 Bq L−1 with a mean of 0.152 ± 0.015 Bq L−1. The values obtained in this work were compared with those previously published for various regions or countries. Next, untreated and treated groundwater samples were analyzed to assess their influences on the treatment process. The results showed that there were differences in the minimum detection concentrations and the mean activity values between the untreated and treated groundwater samples (The p-value of the mean comparison tests is significant with p < 0.05). In both sample groups, there was a strong positive correlation of the gross alpha versus the gross beta results (r > 0.6). This means that among the radionuclides, the major sources of beta radiation are uranium and thorium decay series radionuclides. Finally, the annual effective dose for adults (>17 years) was calculated based on the assumption that major radionuclides have the highest effective dose conversion factors. In general, the results for Pb-210, Ra-226, and Ra-228 were observed to be lower than the recommended reference values established by the World Health Organization and the International Atomic Energy Agency, except for the value of Po-210.
Bacteria forming drag-increasing streamers on a drop implicates complementary fates of rising deep-sea oil droplets
Authors: White Andrew R. , Jalali Maryam , Boufadel Michel C. , Sheng Jian 
Published: March 2020

AbstractCompeting time scales involved in rapid rising micro-droplets in comparison to substantially slower biodegradation processes at oil-water interfaces highlights a perplexing question: how do biotic processes occur and alter the fates of oil micro-droplets (<500 μm) in the 400 m thick Deepwater Horizon deep-sea plume? For instance, a 200 μm droplet traverses the plume in ~48 h, while known biodegradation processes require weeks to complete. Using a microfluidic platform allowing microcosm observations of a droplet passing through a bacterial suspension at ecologically relevant length and time scales, we discover that within minutes bacteria attach onto an oil droplet and extrude polymeric streamers that rapidly bundle into an elongated aggregate, drastically increasing drag that consequently slows droplet rising velocity. Results provide a key mechanism bridging competing scales and establish a potential pathway to biodegradation and sedimentations as well as substantially alter physical transport of droplets during a deep-sea oil spill with dispersant.
Polarity Inversion of Aluminum Nitride Thin Films by using Si and MgSi Dopants
Authors: Anggraini Sri Ayu , Uehara Masato , Hirata Kenji , Yamada Hiroshi , Akiyama Morito 
Published: March 2020

AbstractPolarity is among the critical characteristics that could governs the functionality of piezoelectric materials. In this study, the polarity of aluminum nitride (AlN) thin films was inverted from Al-polar to N-polar by doping Si into AlN in the range of 1–15 at.%. Polarity inversion from Al-polar to N-polar also occurred when MgSi was codoped into AlN with Mg to Si ratio was less than 1. However, the polarity can be reversed from N-polar to Al-polar when the ratio of Mg and Si was greater than 1. The effect of Si and MgSi addition was investigated with regards to their crystal structure, lattice parameters, polarity distribution and the oxidation state of each elements. Furthermore, the effect of intermediate layer as well as the presence of point defect (i.e. aluminum vacancy) were investigated and how these factors influence the polarity of the thin films are discussed in this report.
Structural Identification, Synthesis and Biological Activity of Two Volatile Cyclic Dipeptides in a Terrestrial Vertebrate
Authors: Romero-Diaz Cristina , Campos Stephanie M. , Herrmann Morgan A. , Lewis Kristen N. , Williams David R. , Soini Helena A. , Novotny Milos V. , Hews Diana K. , Martins Emília P. 
Published: March 2020

AbstractSingle substances within complex vertebrate chemical signals could be physiologically or behaviourally active. However, the vast diversity in chemical structure, physical properties and molecular size of semiochemicals makes identifying pheromonally active compounds no easy task. Here, we identified two volatile cyclic dipeptides, cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) and cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro), from the complex mixture of a chemical signal in terrestrial vertebrates (lizard genus Sceloporus), synthesised one of them and investigated their biological activity in male intra-specific communication. In a series of behavioural trials, lizards performed more chemosensory behaviour (tongue flicks, lip smacks and substrate lickings) when presented with the synthesised cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro) chemical blend, compared to the controls, the cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) blend, or a combined blend with both cyclic dipeptides. The results suggest a potential semiochemical role of cyclo(L-Pro-L-Pro) and a modulating effect of cyclo(L-Leu-L-Pro) that may depend on the relative concentration of both compounds in the chemical signal. In addition, our results stress how minor compounds in complex mixtures can produce a meaningful behavioural response, how small differences in structural design are crucial for biological activity, and highlight the need for more studies to determine the complete functional landscape of biologically relevant compounds.
Long-term Intracellular Recording of Optogenetically-induced Electrical Activities using Vertical Nanowire Multi Electrode Array
Authors: Yoo Jisoo , Kwak Hankyul , Kwon Juyoung , Ha Go Eun , Lee Elliot H. , Song Seungwoo , Na Jukwan , Lee Hyo-Jung , Lee Jaejun , Hwangbo Areum , Cha Eunkyung , Chae Youngcheol , Cheong Eunji , Choi Heon-Jin 
Published: March 2020

AbstractContinuous recording of intracellular activities in single cells is required for deciphering rare, dynamic and heterogeneous cell responses, which are missed by population or brief single-cell recording. Even if the field of intracellular recording is constantly proceeding, several technical challenges are still remained to conquer this important approach. Here, we demonstrate long-term intracellular recording by combining a vertical nanowire multi electrode array (VNMEA) with optogenetic stimulation to minimally disrupt cell survival and functions during intracellular access and measurement. We synthesized small-diameter and high-aspect-ratio silicon nanowires to spontaneously penetrate into single cells, and used light to modulate the cell’s responsiveness. The light-induced intra- and extracellular activities of individual optogenetically-modified cells were measured simultaneously, and each cell showed distinctly different measurement characteristics according to the cell-electrode configuration. Intracellular recordings were achieved continuously and reliably without signal interference and attenuation over 24 hours. The integration of two controllable techniques, vertically grown nanowire electrodes and optogenetics, expands the strategies for discovering the mechanisms for crucial physiological and dynamic processes in various types of cells.
Low-frequency dual-frequency ultrasound-mediated microbubble cavitation for transdermal minoxidil delivery and hair growth enhancement
Authors: Liao Ai-Ho , Lin Keng-Hsien , Chuang Ho-Chiao , Tsai Chih-Hung , Lin Yi-Chun , Wang Chih-Hung , Shih Cheng-Ping , Liu Hao-Li 
Published: March 2020

AbstractUltrasound (US) has been found to rejuvenate and invigorate the hair follicles, increase the size of hair shafts, and promote new hair growth. Our present study found that dual-frequency US-mediated microbubble (MB) cavitation significantly enhanced minoxidil (Mx) delivery in both in vitro and in vivo models, while increasing the hair growth efficacy compared to single-frequency US sonication. The in vitro experiments showed that cavitation activity was enhanced more significantly during dual-frequency sonication than single-frequency sonication in higher concentration of MBs. The pigskin penetration depth in the group in which dual-frequency US was combined with MBs was 1.54 and 2.86 times greater than for single-frequency US combined with MBs and in the control group, respectively; the corresponding increases in the release rate of Mx at 18 hours in in vitro Franz-diffusion-cell experiments were 24.9% and 43.7%. During 21 days of treatment in C57BL/6J mice experiments, the growth rate at day 11 in the group in which dual-frequency US was combined with MBs increased by 2.07 times compared to single-frequency US combined with MBs. These results indicate that dual-frequency US-mediated MB cavitation can significantly increase both skin permeability and transdermal drug delivery. At the same US power density, hair growth was greater in the group with dual-frequency US plus MBs than in the group with single-frequency US plus MBs, without damaging the skin in mice.
Chirurgie implantaire guidée : acquisition, planification, modélisation et production d'un guide chirurgical. Mise en place d'une chaine numérique pour la création interne et l'utilisation de guides chirurgicaux
Authors: Pajot T. , Ketoff S. , Bénichou L. 
Published: March 2020

Introduction : Devenue incontournable de nos jours pour la réhabilitation de patients présentant des édentements unitaires, partiels ou totaux, la chirurgie implantaire a connu ces dernières années de nombreuses évolutions. Même si les mesures radiographiques et l'analyse des modèles d'étude physiques sont toujours les ressources les plus utilisées par les praticiens pour recueillir les différentes données nécessaires à la prise en charge du patient, la révolution numérique et l'avènement de l'impression en trois dimensions (3D) ont récemment beaucoup fait évoluer les pratiques et offrent de nouveaux horizons. C'est dans cet esprit qu'une chaine méthodologique complétement numérique a été mise en place pour la création de guides chirurgicaux implantaires à l'aide d'une imprimante 3D. OBSERVATION : L'auteur évoquera les différents éléments utilisés dans le service nécessaires à la mise en place de cette chaine digitale (Cone Beam, caméra d'empreintes optiques intra-orale, logiciel de planification, imprimante 3D) avant de présenter différents cas réalisés à l'aide de celle-ci.
DISCUSSION : L'utilisation d'une telle chaine dans un service hospitalier n'est pas simple et son impact difficile à évaluer. L'auteur reviendra donc dans un premier temps sur les différents problèmes rencontrés lors de la création des différents guides chirurgicaux (un point sera notamment fait sur la législation concernant l'utilisation de ces guides imprimés en 3D dans et par un établissement hospitalier). Dans un second temps, on évaluera également l'intérêt de se doter d'une telle chaine numérique : l'intérêt financier (pour l'hôpital mais aussi pour le patient), le temps imparti à la prise en charge du patient (nombre et durée des consultations, temps dédié à la planification implantaire), et l'intérêt chirurgical (notamment l'évaluation de la précision de la thérapeutique implantaire).
CONCLUSION : Les nouvelles technologies font évoluer nos pratiques. Si elles nécessitent initialement un investissement financier et humain important (temps d'adaptation, courbe d'apprentissage ), elles permettent à terme et utilisées dans de bonnes indications de faciliter et d'améliorer la prise en charge des patients.
The genetic basis of facial skeletal characteristics and its relation with orthodontics
Authors: Cakan Derya Germec , Ulkur Feyza , Taner Tulin Uğur 
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACTSuccessful treatment of any orthodontic problem depends on an appropriate diagnosis of its etiology. It is well known that the genetics, as well as environmental factors, play an important role on the etiology of skeletal anomalies. Recent studies and advances in genetic sciences allowed the orthodontists to better understand the effects of genetics on the etiology of dentofacial characteristics and pathologies which in turn supported the effects of the genes in the development of dentofacial complex. In orthodontic practice, the genetic basis of a skeletal anomaly should also be considered during the diagnosis. Therefore orthodontic treatment plan should be chosen accordingly. However, further genetic studies are required to clearly determine all the specific genes leading to a particular skeletal variability caused by the polygenic nature of craniofacial traits. This article includes the current information on the association between orthodontics and genetics, an outline of the evidence based impact of heredity on dentofacial development as a review of the etiological factors of skeletal anomalies from the genetic point of view. (Eur J Dent 2012;6:340-345)