bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Retinal defocus and form‐deprivation induced regional differential gene expression of bone morphogenetic proteins in chick retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Zhang Yan , Azmoun Sara , Hang Abraham , Zeng Jiexi , Eng Emily , Wildsoet Christine F. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe previously reported bidirectional gene expression regulation of the Bone Morphogenetic Proteins (BMP2, 4, and 7) in chick retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) in response to imposed optical defocus and form‐deprivation (FD). This study investigated whether there are local (regional) differences in these effects. 19‐day old White‐Leghorn chicks wore monocular +10 or − 10 D lenses, or diffusers (FD) for 2 or 48 hr, after which RPE samples were collected from both eyes, from a central circular zone (3 mm radius), and 3 mm wide annular mid‐peripheral and peripheral zones in all cases. BMP2, 4, and 7 gene expression levels in RPE from treated and fellow control eyes were compared as well as differences across zones. With the +10 D lens, increased expression of both BMP2 and BMP4 genes was observed in central and mid‐peripheral zones but not the peripheral zone after 2 and 48 hr. In contrast, with the −10 D lens BMP2 gene expression was significantly decreased in all three zones after 2 and 48 hr. Similar patterns of BMP2 gene expression were observed in all three zones after 48 hr of FD. Smaller changes were recorded for BMP4 and BMP7 gene expression for both myopia‐inducing treatments. That optical defocus‐ and FD‐induced changes in BMP gene expression in chick RPE show treatment‐dependent local (regional) differences suggest important differences in the nature and contributions of local retinal and underlying RPE regions to eye growth regulation.
Plant genome size influences stress tolerance of invasive and native plants via plasticity
Authors: Meyerson Laura A. , Pyšek Petr , Lučanová Magdalena , Wigginton Sara , Tran Cao‐Tri , Cronin James T. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractPlant genome size influences the functional relationships between cellular and whole‐plant physiology, but we know little about its importance to plant tolerance of environmental stressors and how it contributes to range limits and invasion success. We used native and invasive lineages of a wetland plant to provide the first experimental test of the Large Genome Constraint Hypothesis (LGCH)—that plants with large genomes are less tolerant of environmental stress and less plastic under stress gradients than plants with small genomes. We predicted that populations with larger genomes would have a lower tolerance and less plasticity to a stress gradient than populations with smaller genomes. In replicated experiments in northern and southern climates in the United States, we subjected plants from 35 populations varying in genome size and lineage to two salinity treatments. We measured traits associated with growth, physiology, nutrition, defense, and plasticity. Using AICc model selection, we found all plant traits, except stomatal conductance, were influenced by environmental stressors and genome size. Increasing salinity was stressful to plants and affected most plant traits. Notably, biomass in the high‐salinity treatment was 3.0 and 4.9 times lower for the invasive and native lineages, respectively. Plants in the warmer southern greenhouse had higher biomass, stomate density, stomatal conductance, leaf toughness, and lower aboveground percentage of N and total phenolics than in the northern greenhouse. Moreover, responses to the salinity gradient were generally much stronger in the southern than northern greenhouse. Aboveground biomass increased significantly with genome size for the invasive lineage (43% across genome sizes) but not for the native. For 8 of 20 lineage trait comparisons, greenhouse location × genome size interaction was also significant. Interestingly, the slope of the relationship between genome size and trait means was in the opposite direction for some traits between the gardens providing mixed support for LGCH. Finally, for 30% of the comparisons, plasticity was significantly related to genome size—for some plant traits, the relationship was positive, and in others, it was negative. Overall, we found mixed support for LGCH and for the first time found that genome size is associated with plasticity, a trait widely regarded as important to invasion success.
Community assembly in a modular organism: the impact of environmental filtering on bryozoan colony form and polymorphism
Authors: Schack Carolann R. , Gordon Dennis P. , Ryan Ken G. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractUnderstanding community assembly is a key goal in community ecology. Environmental filtering influences community assembly by excluding ill‐adapted species, resulting in communities with similar functional traits. An RLQ (a four‐way ordination) analysis incorporating spatial data was run on a data set of 642 species of cheilostomes (Bryozoa) from 779 New Zealand sites, and results were compared to trends in other sessile, epibenthic taxa. This revealed environmental filtering of colony form: encrusting‐cemented taxa were predominant in shallow environments with hard substrata (<200 m), while erect‐rooted taxa characterized deeper environments with soft substrata (>200 m). Furthermore, erect taxa found in shallow environments with high current speeds were typically jointed. Polymorphism also followed environmental gradients. External ovicells (brood chambers) were more common in deeper, low‐oxygen water than immersed and internal ovicells. This may reflect the oxygen needs of the embryo or increased predation intensity in shallow environments. Bryozoans with costae tended to be found in deeper water as well, while bryozoans with calcified frontal shields were found in shallow environments with a higher concentration of CaCO3. Avicularia did not appear to be related to environmental conditions, and changes in pivot bar structure with depth likely represent a phylogenetic signal. The importance of substratum type as a strict environmental filter suggests that anchoring structures, like rootlets, may be “key innovations” for other sessile, epibenthic taxa like sponges and ascidians.
Interfacial Crystallization of Diacylglycerols Rich in Medium‐ and Long‐Chain Fatty Acids in Water‐in‐Oil Emulsions
Authors: Li Guanghui , Chen Jiazi , Yang Jia , Wang Shaolin , Liu Ning , Qiu Chaoying , Wang Yong 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe effects of diacylglycerols rich in medium‐ and long‐chain fatty acids (MLCD) on the crystallization of hydrogenated palm oil (HPO) and formation of 10% water‐in‐oil (W/O) emulsion are studied, and compared with the common surfactants monostearoylglycerol (MSG) and polyglycerol polyricinoleate (PGPR). Polarized light microscopy reveals that emulsions made with MLCD form crystals around dispersed water droplets and promotes HPO crystallization at the oil‐water interface. Similar behavior is also observed in MSG‐stabilized emulsions, but is absent from emulsions made with PGPR. The large deformation yield value of the test W/O emulsion is increased four‐fold versus those stabilized via PGPR due to interfacial crystallization of HPO. However, there are no large differences in droplet size, solid fat content (SFC), thermal behavior or polymorphism to account for these substantial changes, implying that the spatial distribution of the HPO crystals within the crystal network is the driving factor responsible for the observed textural differences. MLCD‐covered water droplets act as active fillers and interact with surrounding fat crystals to enhance the rigidity of emulsion. This study provides new insights regarding the use of MLCD in W/O emulsions as template for interfacial crystallization and the possibility of tailoring their large deformation behavior.Practical Applications: MLCD is applied in preparing W/O emulsion. It is found that MLCD forms unique interfacial Pickering crystals around water droplets, which promote the surface‐inactive HPO nucleation at the oil‐water interface. Thus MLCD‐covered water droplets act as active fillers and interact with surrounding fat crystals, which can greatly enhance the rigidity of emulsion. This observation would provide a theoretical reference and practical basis for the application of the MLCD with appreciable nutritional properties in lipid‐rich products such as whipped cream, shortenings margarine, butter and ice cream, so as to substitute hydrogenated oil. MLCD‐stabilized emulsions can also be explored for the development of novel confectionery products, lipsticks, or controlled release matrices.
Capillary zone electrophoresis separation and collection of spermatozoa for the forensic analysis of sexual assault evidence
Authors: Wright Sarah N. , Huge Bonnie Jaskowski , Dovichi Norman J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe processing of sexual assault kits (SAKs) relies on the genetic analysis of material extracted from swabs collected from the assault victim. A vital step in producing an identifiable DNA profile of the perpetrator is the effective separation of perpetrator (sperm) and victim (epithelial) DNA that have been isolated from the collected evidence. We report the use of capillary zone electrophoresis for the separation of intact sperm from whole and lysed epithelial cells in SAKs. The separated components are deposited into wells of a microtiter plate using a computer‐controlled fraction collector, and quantitative PCR is used to verify the collection of sperm cells by targeted amplification of male DNA. We present results from simulated sexual assault samples that have been aged for up to 18 months, as well as vaginal swabs from authentic forensic kits. Components extracted from the vaginal swabs from the SAK comigrated with an aged semen sample at 6.25 ± 0.25 min. Epithelial cells migrated from 10‐12 min, producing baseline resolution of the components. Sperm cells were collected in a microtiter plate for downstream analysis.
Coupling model of disk splitting for expansive rock mass in deep storage considering water infiltration
Authors: Zhao Zenghui , Gao Xiaojie , Chen Shaojie , Zhang Mingzhong , Sun Wei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractEnergy storage in deep underground and mineral mining has currently become a hot research topic. To investigate the tensile failure of expansive soft rocks, a disk splitting mechanical model was established under a coupled action of the humidity and mechanical fields. Then, based on the theory of humidity stress field and the solution to the stress of a semi‐infinite body under the action of a concentrated force, an analytical formula for the stress of the disk under the action of the two fields was derived. Using the analytical formula, the influence of the humidity field and disk physical parameters on the distribution of the stress field on the disk under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action was further analyzed. Finally, the formula for the splitting tensile strength of expansive soft rocks under the influence of humidity was modified. The analysis results showed that the stress evolution of the disk under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action was completely different from that under a single‐load action. The stress concentration was generated at the dry‐wet interface of the disk. In addition, the range and value of the stress concentration zone increased with the increase in the humidity of the external environment, elastic modulus of soft rock, and linear expansion coefficient. Under the action of a single load, the cracking position was at the center of the disk. In contrast, under the coupled humidity‐mechanical action, the cracking position was transferred to the intersection of the dry‐wet interface and the loading direction. The above results can provide preliminary theoretical guidance for understanding the tensile failure mechanism of expansive soft rocks.
Collaborative care for primary care treatment of late‐life depression in Singapore: Randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ng Tze Pin , Nyunt Ma S. Z. , Feng Liang , Kumar Rajeev , Fones Calvin S. L. , Ko Soo Meng 
Published: May 2020

BackgroundThe effectiveness and portability of the collaborative care model in the primary care treatment of depression has not been demonstrated in many randomized controlled trials in healthcare settings across the world. We determined the effectiveness of collaborative care management of elderly depression in the primary care setting in Singapore.MethodEligible participants with depressive symptoms were randomized to 6‐month duration usual care (UC, N = 112) or collaborative care (CC, N = 102). Outcome measures were HDRS‐17, GDS, BDI and SF‐12 MCS QOL measured at 3, 6, and 12‐month, care satisfaction at 6‐month, and also measured on 120 participants who refused referral (non‐receipt of care, NC). Primary outcome was HDRS‐17 measure of depression severity, response and remission at 6‐month.ResultsHDRS scores in CC group compared to UC group were reduced more at 6‐month (1.5 points difference in change from baseline), and also at 3 and 12‐month, with similar observations of differences for GDS and BDI. There was significantly greater improvement for both CC and UC groups compared to NC group. The CC group was about 1.5 times more likely to show HDRS treatment response and remission, and more than two times likely to show GDS treatment response and remission than the UC and NC groups, as well as better quality of life improvement (P < .001) and better care satisfaction (P < .001).ConclusionCollaborative care is effective for primary care treatment of older persons with depression and is portable in diverse health care settings.
Impacts of variable thermal conductivity and mixed convective stagnation‐point flow in a couple stress nanofluid with viscous heating and heat source
Authors: Gajjela Nagaraju , Garvandha Mahesh 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe current study examines mixed (combined) convection stagnation‐point couple stress nanofluid over a stretched cylinder of variable thermal conductivity in the presence of viscous dissipation and internal heat source. The basic governing partial differential equations have been converted to coupled nonlinear differential equations by using adequate similarity transformations. By applying semi‐analytic technique (BVPh2.0), the equivalent ordinary differential equations are successfully solved and validated with a bvp4c solver. Graphs are presented to study the impact of various parameters on axial velocity, temperature, and volumetric nanofluid concentration profiles. The coefficient of skin friction (quantifying resistance) and the rate of heat and mass transfer on the surface due to flow variables are computed and explained. The axial velocity and momentum thickness are decreased with increasing couple stress parameter, whereas the reverse trend is noted with mixed convection and buoyancy ratio parameters. The temperature distribution increases for increasing Brownian motion and thermal conductivity parameter, whereas it decreases for increasing stagnation parameter.
Magnetohydrodynamic MgO/CuO‐water hybrid nanofluid flow driven by two distinct geometries
Authors: Sulochana C. , Aparna S. R. , Sandeep N. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractResearch regarding the heat transit mechanism of magnetohydrodynamic hybrid nanoliquid flow over contrasting flow profiles is predominantly employed in transpiration, coolants, fiber coatings, heat exchangers, and so on. Owing to this, we intend to dissect the heat transport behavior of MHD hybrid nanofluid flow past a cone as well as a wedge. For the analysis, we take nonlinear radiation and viscous dissipation into consideration with 30% of ethylene glycol and water (or EGW) as base fluid with suspended copper oxide (CuO) and magnesium oxide (MgO) nanoparticles. The Runge‐Kutta method with the shooting technique is utilized to figure out the deduced nonlinear gotverning equations. The influence of the concerned different admissible parameters on similar distributions (cone and wedge) are graphically illustrated and interpreted accordingly via computed numerical values. It is worth noting that the heat transport rate is greater past the cone rather than the wedge. The presence of CuO and MgO hybrid nanoparticles increases the heat transfer rate of the EGW base fluid.
Navigating Institutional Culture in Ensuring the Ethical Use of Data in Support of Student Success and Institutional Effectiveness
Authors: Cubarrubia Archie , Le Michael 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this chapter, we explore the contexts within which institutional researchers must try to ensure the ethical use of data. We also identify challenges institutional research professionals can face when navigating college culture while trying to ensure the ethical use of data. Finally, we identify potential solutions for improving institutional data culture.
Experiences and lessons learned by genetic counselors in returning secondary genetic findings to patients
Authors: Rost Carly , Dent Karin M. , Botkin Jeffrey , Rothwell Erin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractFew studies have explored the real‐world experiences and strategies of genetic counselors involved in the process of returning secondary findings (SFs). This study aimed to describe and categorize the experiences for the return of SFs from clinical sequencing. Semi‐structured telephone interviews with 21 genetic counselors representing 56 incidences were conducted. A content analysis was conducted on the transcripts through an iterative, team‐based approach. Four common categories emerged across all interviews. These included (a) the importance of pretest counseling for the return of SFs, (b) how primary test results influenced the level of importance placed on the SFs, (c) patients' emotional reactions from receiving SF results, and (d) how returning SFs changed future pretest counseling and consent. This study identified experiences and common practices by genetic counselors who returned SFs. More research is needed to assess how genetic counselors' specific strategies improve patient comprehension and medical actions.
Progressive substitution of posttransplant cyclophosphamide with bendamustine: A phase I study in haploidentical bone marrow transplantation
Authors: Katsanis Emmanuel , Maher Keri , Roe Denise J. , Simpson Richard J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractWe have initiated a single center phase I study in patients with hematologic malignancies progressively substituting day +4 posttransplant cyclophosphamide (PT‐CY) with bendamustine (PT‐BEN) following myeloablative conditioning (MAC) and T‐cell replete haploidentical bone marrow transplantation (haplo‐BMT). We report herein our interim analysis of our first three cohorts PT‐CY (mg/kg)/PT‐BEN (mg/m2): 40/20, 20/60, and 0/90. All patients have tolerated PT‐CY/BEN well with no dose limiting toxicities. Compared to contemporaneous controls undergoing haplo‐BMT with the same MAC regimens but only PT‐CY, we have observed earlier trilineage engraftment (P = .002 neutrophils, P = .014 platelets) and a lower incidence of cytomegalovirus reactivation (P = .016) in the PT‐CY/BEN cohorts. After substituting day +4 PT‐CY with PT‐BEN, the registered trial (www.clinicaltrials.gov; NCT02996773) is proceeding to replace day +3 PT‐CY with PT‐BEN with a view to identifying further evidence on the potential advantages of PT‐BEN.
An exploratory study of the effects of strenuous exercise on markers of coagulation activation, circulating microparticles, and inflammation in sickle cell trait
Authors: Skinner Sarah , Ryan Eric D. , Stafford Harry C. , McMurray Robert G. , Key Nigel S. , Mooberry Micah J. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThis exploratory study evaluated the effect of intense exercise on biomarkers of inflammation and coagulation activation in subjects with and without sickle cell trait (SCT). Fifteen healthy African American men (18‐35 years, 5 SCT, 10 control) completed a strenuous exercise protocol. Microparticle‐associated prothrombinase and tissue factor activities, as well as soluble VCAM, total white cell and monocyte count increased transiently in all subjects following exercise. In the SCT group, exercise resulted in increased d‐dimer, erythrocyte phosphatidylserine exposure, as well as increased circulating erythrocyte‐ and endothelial‐derived microparticle numbers. These alterations could contribute to exercise‐related complications in people with SCT.
Metabolomics Reveals Altered Hepatic Bile Acids, Gut Microbiome Metabolites, and Cell Membrane Lipids Associated with Marginal Vitamin A Deficiency in a Mongolian Gerbil Model
Authors: La Frano Michael R. , Brito Alex , Johnson Catherine M. , Wilhelmson Baylee , Gannon Bryan , Fanter Rob K. , Pedersen Theresa L. , Tanumihardjo Sherry A. , Newman John W. 
Published: May 2020

ScopeThis study is designed to provide a broad evaluation of the impacts of vitamin A (VA) deficiency on hepatic metabolism in a gerbil model.Methods and resultsAfter 28 days of VA depletion, male Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)are randomly assigned to experimental diets for 28 days. Groups are fed a white‐maize‐based diet with ≈50 µL cottonseed oil vehicle either alone (VA−,n = 10) or containing 40 µg retinyl acetate (VA+,n = 10) for 28 days. Liver retinol is measured by high‐performance liquid chromatography. Primary metabolomics, aminomics, lipidomics, bile acids, oxylipins, ceramides, and endocannabinoids are analyzed in post‐mortem liver samples by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry.ResultsLiver retinol is lower (p < 0.001) in the VA− versus VA+ group, with concentrations indicating marginal VA deficiency. A total of 300 metabolites are identified. Marginal VA deficiency is associated with lower bile acids, trimethylamineN‐oxide, and a variety of acylcarnitines, phospholipids and sphingomyelins (p < 0.05). Components of DNA, including deoxyguanosine, cytidine, andN‐carbomoyl‐beta‐alanine (p < 0.05), are differentially altered.ConclusionsHepatic metabolomics in a marginally VA‐deficient gerbil model revealed alterations in markers of the gut microbiome, fatty acid and nucleotide metabolism, and cellular structure and signaling.
Metabolomic fingerprinting of bull spermatozoa for identification of fertility signature metabolites
Authors: Saraf Kaustubh K. , Kumaresan Arumugam , Dasgupta Mohua , Karthikkeyan Gayathree , Prasad Thottethodi Subrahmanya Keshava , Modi Prashant K. , Ramesha Kerekoppa , Jeyakumar Sakthivel , Manimaran Ayyasamy 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe objective of the study was to identify the fertility‐associated metabolites in bovine spermatozoa using liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Six Holstein Friesian crossbred bulls (three high‐fertile and three low‐fertile bulls) were the experimental animals. Sperm proteins were isolated and protein‐normalized samples were processed for metabolite extraction and subjected to LC‐MS/MS analysis. Mass spectrometry data were processed using iMETQ software and metabolites were identified using Human Metabolome DataBase while, Metaboanalyst 4.0 tool was used for statistical and pathway analysis. A total of 3,704 metabolites belonging to various chemical classes were identified in bull spermatozoa. After sorting out exogenous metabolites, 56 metabolites were observed common to both the groups while 44 and 35 metabolites were found unique to high‐ and low‐fertile spermatozoa, respectively. Among the common metabolites, concentrations of 19 metabolites were higher in high‐fertile compared to low‐fertile spermatozoa (fold change > 1.00). Spermatozoa metabolites with variable importance in projections score of more than 1.5 included hypotaurine, d‐cysteine, selenocystine. In addition, metabolites such as spermine and l‐cysteine were identified exclusively in high‐fertile spermatozoa. Collectively, the present study established the metabolic profile of bovine spermatozoa and identified the metabolomic differences between spermatozoa from high‐ and low‐fertile bulls. Among the sperm metabolites, hypotaurine, selenocysteine, l‐malic acid, d‐cysteine, and chondroitin 4‐sulfate hold the potential to be recognized as fertility‐associated metabolites.