bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Energy expenditure and body temperature variations in llamas living in the High Andes of Peru
Authors: Riek Alexander , Stölzl Anna , Marquina Bernedo Rodolfo , Ruf Thomas , Arnold Walter , Hambly Catherine , Speakman John R. , Gerken Martina 
Published: March 2019

AbstractSome large herbivores exhibit seasonal adjustments in their energy metabolism. Therefore, our aim was to determine if the llama (one of the most extensively kept livestock breeds) exhibits seasonal adjustment of their energy expenditure, body temperature and locomotion, under its natural high altitude Andean habitat. For this purpose, energy expenditure, body temperature and locomotion were measured in seven non-pregnant llama dams for ten months on the Andean High Plateau (4400 m above sea level). Daily energy expenditure was measured as field metabolic rate using the doubly labelled water method at four different measurement times. Additionally, a telemetry system was used to continuously record activity, body temperature (3 min intervals) as well as the position (hourly) of each animal. The results show that llamas adjusted their body temperature and daily energy expenditure according to environmental conditions. Furthermore, llamas under high altitude Andean climatic conditions exhibited a pronounced daily rhythm in body temperature and activity, with low values at sunrise and increasing values towards sunset. Llamas also had remarkably low energy expenditure compared to other herbivores. Thus, despite the domestication process, llamas have not lost the ability to adjust their body temperature and daily energy expenditure under adverse environmental conditions, similar to some wild herbivores.
Identification of two independent X-autosome translocations in closely related mammalian (Proechimys) species
Authors: Oliveira da Silva Willam , Rodrigues da Costa Marlyson Jeremias , Pieczarka Julio Cesar , Rissino Jorge , Pereira Jorge C. , Ferguson-Smith Malcolm Andrew , Nagamachi Cleusa Yoshiko 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMultiple sex chromosome systems have been described for several mammalian orders, with different species from the same genus sharing the same system (e.g., X1X2Y or XY1Y2). This is important because the translocated autosome may be influenced by the evolution of the recipient sex chromosome, and this may be related to speciation. It is often thought that the translocation of an autosome to a sex chromosome may share a common origin among phylogenetically related species. However, the neo-X chromosomes of Proechimys goeldii (2n = 24♀, 25♂/NFa = 42) and Proechimys gr. goeldii (2n = 16♀, 17♂/NFa = 14) have distinct sizes and morphologies that have made it difficult to determine whether they have the same or different origins. This study investigates the origins of the XY1Y2 sex chromosome determination system in P. goeldii (PGO) and P. gr. goeldii (PGG) and elucidates the chromosomal rearrangements in this low-diploid-number group of Proechimys species. Toward this end, we produced whole-chromosome probes for P. roberti (PRO; 2n = 30♂/NFa = 54) and P. goeldii (2n = 25♂/NFa = 42) and used them in comparative chromosomal mapping. Our analysis reveals that multiple translocations and inversions are responsible for the karyotype diversity of these species, with only three whole-chromosomes conserved between PRO and PGO and eight between PGO and PGG. Our data indicate that multiple sex chromosome systems have originated twice in Proechimys. As small populations are prone to the fixation of chromosomal rearrangements, we speculate that biological features of Rodentia contribute to this fixation. We also highlight the potential of these rodents as a model for studying sex chromosome evolution.
Label-Free Multi Parameter Optical Interrogation of Endothelial Activation in Single Cells using a Lab on a Disc Platform
Authors: King Damien , Glynn MacDara , Cindric Sandra , Kernan David , O’Connell Tríona , Hakimjavadi Roya , Kearney Sinéad , Ackermann Tobias , Berbel Xavier Munoz , Llobera Andreu , Simonsen Ulf , Laursen Britt E. , Redmond Eileen M. , Cahill Paul A. , Ducrée Jens 
Published: March 2019

AbstractCellular activation and inflammation leading to endothelial dysfunction is associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated whether a single cell label-free multi parameter optical interrogation system can detect endothelial cell and endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) activation in vitro and ex vivo, respectively. Cultured human endothelial cells were exposed to increasing concentrations of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) before endothelial activation was validated using fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis of inflammatory marker expression (PECAM-1, E-selectin and ICAM-1). A centrifugal microfluidic system and V-cup array was used to capture individual cells before optical measurement of light scattering, immunocytofluorescence, auto-fluorescence (AF) and cell morphology was determined. In vitro, TNF-α promoted specific changes to the refractive index and cell morphology of individual cells concomitant with enhanced photon activity of fluorescently labelled inflammatory markers and increased auto-fluorescence (AF) intensity at three different wavelengths, an effect blocked by inhibition of downstream signalling with Iκβ. Ex vivo, there was a significant increase in EPC number and AF intensity of individual EPCs from CVD patients concomitant with enhanced PECAM-1 expression when compared to normal controls. This novel label-free ‘lab on a disc’ (LoaD) platform can successfully detect endothelial activation in response to inflammatory stimuli in vitro and ex vivo.
Identification and characterization of core abscisic acid (ABA) signaling components and their gene expression profile in response to abiotic stresses in Setaria viridis
Authors: Duarte Karoline Estefani , de Souza Wagner Rodrigo , Santiago Thaís Ribeiro , Sampaio Bruno Leite , Ribeiro Ana Paula , Cotta Michelle Guitton , da Cunha Bárbara Andrade Dias Brito , Marraccini Pierre Roger René , Kobayashi Adilson Kenji , Molinari Hugo Bruno Correa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAbscisic acid (ABA) is an essential phytohormone that regulates growth, development and adaptation of plants to environmental stresses. In Arabidopsis and other higher plants, ABA signal transduction involves three core components namely PYR/PYL/RCAR ABA receptors (PYLs), type 2C protein phosphatases (PP2Cs) and class III SNF-1-related protein kinase 2 (SnRK2s). In the present study, we reported the identification and characterization of the core ABA signaling components in Setaria viridis, an emerging model plant for cereals and feedstock crops presenting C4 metabolism, leading to the identification of eight PYL (SvPYL1 to 8), twelve PP2C (SvPP2C1 to 12) and eleven SnRK2 (SvSnRK2.1 through SvSnRK2.11) genes. In order to study the expression profiles of these genes, two different S. viridis accessions (A10.1 and Ast-1) were submitted to drought, salinity and cold stresses, in addition to application of exogenous ABA. Differential gene expression profiles were observed in each treatment and plant genotype, demonstrating variations of ABA stress responses within the same species. These differential responses to stresses were also assessed by physiological measurements such as photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. This study allows a detailed analysis of gene expression of the core ABA signaling components in Setaria viridis submitted to different treatments and provides suitable targets for genetic engineering of C4 plants aiming tolerance to abiotic stresses.
Å-Indentation for non-destructive elastic moduli measurements of supported ultra-hard ultra-thin films and nanostructures
Authors: Cellini Filippo , Gao Yang , Riedo Elisa 
Published: March 2019

AbstractDuring conventional nanoindentation measurements, the indentation depths are usually larger than 1–10 nm, which hinders the ability to study ultra-thin films (<10 nm) and supported atomically thin two-dimensional (2D) materials. Here, we discuss the development of modulated Å-indentation to achieve sub-Å indentations depths during force-indentation measurements while also imaging materials with nanoscale resolution. Modulated nanoindentation (MoNI) was originally invented to measure the radial elasticity of multi-walled nanotubes. Now, by using extremely small amplitude oscillations (<<1 Å) at high frequency, and stiff cantilevers, we show how modulated nano/Å-indentation (MoNI/ÅI) enables non-destructive measurements of the contact stiffness and indentation modulus of ultra-thin ultra-stiff films, including CVD diamond films (~1000 GPa stiffness), as well as the transverse modulus of 2D materials. Our analysis demonstrates that in presence of a standard laboratory noise floor, the signal to noise ratio of MoNI/ÅI implemented with a commercial atomic force microscope (AFM) is such that a dynamic range of 80 dB –– achievable with commercial Lock-in amplifiers –– is sufficient to observe superior indentation curves, having indentation depths as small as 0.3 Å, resolution in indentation <0.05 Å, and in normal load <0.5 nN. Being implemented on a standard AFM, this method has the potential for a broad applicability.
The Clinical Effect of Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair techniques: A Network Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review
Authors: Xu Binwu , Chen Long , Zou Jun , Gu Yurong , Hao Liang , Peng Kun 
Published: March 2019

AbstractRotator cuff tears are common and are associated with shoulder pain, disability, and dysfunction. Previous studies that have reported different arthroscopic techniques are controversial. A network meta-analysis with indirect and direct evidence was performed to compare the effectiveness of arthroscopic techniques for the treatment of rotator cuff tears. PUBMED, the Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE and Scopus were searched based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) statement, and related studies that evaluated arthroscopic techniques for the treatment of rotator cuff tears were identified in May 2018. The primary outcome measure was the retear rate. The secondary outcome measures included the constant score and the range of motion (forward flexion and external rotation). Twenty-one trials comprising 1815 shoulders were included in the study. This study indicated that single-row (SR) repair resulted in a higher retear rate than suture bridge (SB) and double-row (DR) repairs. Moreover, the SR and DR repairs resulted in higher incidences of retear than SB repair. The ranking of the treatments based on the constant score and external rotation was SB repair, SR repair and DR repair, whereas the treatment ranking according to forward flexion was SB repair, DR repair and SR repair. In summary, this network meta-analysis provides evidence that SB repairs might be the best choice to improve the postoperative recovery of function and decrease the retear rate.
Birth experience in newborn infants is associated with changes in nociceptive sensitivity
Authors: Kasser Severin , Hartley Caroline , Rickenbacher Hanna , Klarer Noemi , Depoorter Antoinette , Datta Alexandre N. , Cobo Maria M. , Goksan Sezgi , Hoskin Amy , Magerl Walter , Huhn Evelyn A. , Green Gabrielle , Slater Rebeccah , Wellmann Sven 
Published: March 2019

AbstractVaginal birth prepares the fetus for postnatal life. It confers respiratory, cardiovascular and homeostatic advantages to the newborn infant compared with elective cesarean section, and is reported to provide neonatal analgesia. We hypothesize that infants born by vaginal delivery will show lower noxious-evoked brain activity a few hours after birth compared to those born by elective cesarean section. In the first few hours of neonatal life, we record electrophysiological measures of noxious-evoked brain activity following the application of a mildly noxious experimental stimulus in 41 infants born by either vaginal delivery or by elective cesarean section. We demonstrate that noxious-evoked brain activity is related to the mode of delivery and significantly lower in infants born by vaginal delivery compared with those born by elective cesarean section. Furthermore, we found that the magnitude of noxious-evoked brain activity is inversely correlated with fetal copeptin production, a surrogate marker of vasopressin, and dependent on the experience of birth-related distress. This suggests that nociceptive sensitivity in the first few hours of postnatal life is influenced by birth experience and endogenous hormonal production.
Long-lived association between Avalonia and the Meguma terrane deduced from zircon geochronology of metasedimentary granulites
Authors: Shellnutt J. Gregory , Owen J. Victor , Yeh Meng-Wan , Dostal Jaroslav , Nguyen Dieu T. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe Acadian Orogeny of the Northern Appalachians was caused by accretion of the peri-Gondwanan terranes Avalonia and Meguma to the eastern margin of Laurentia during the Devonian. The lithotectonic relationship between Avalonia and Meguma prior to accretion is uncertain. Radioisotopic dating of detrital zircons from metasedimentary granulite xenoliths from the structural basement to the Meguma terrane indicates that Avalonia and Meguma were proximal and likely contiguous as they transited the Rheic Ocean. The zircon ages range from the Cryogenian to Late Silurian with a minor Paleoproterozoic peak. Mesoproterozoic zircons are also identified and, coupled with the Ordovician to Silurian zircons, distinguish the rocks from those of the Meguma terrane. Furthermore, three distinct metamorphic events are identified at 399.0 ± 2.1 Ma, 376.9 ± 1.6 Ma, and 353.8 ± 3.3 Ma. We conclude that the granulite facies metamorphism experienced by the metasedimentary rocks occurred 10 to 20 million years after deposition of their protoliths during the initial stages of the Acadian Orogeny whereas the younger events are related to syn- and post-collisional episodes. The implication is that Avalonia and the Meguma terrane jointly transited from Gondwana.
Computational analysis of the evolutionarily conserved Missing In Metastasis/Metastasis Suppressor 1 gene predicts novel interactions, regulatory regions and transcriptional control
Authors: Petrov Petar , Sarapulov Alexey V. , Eöry Lel , Scielzo Cristina , Scarfò Lydia , Smith Jacqueline , Burt David W. , Mattila Pieta K. 
Published: March 2019

AbstractMissing in Metastasis (MIM), or Metastasis Suppressor 1 (MTSS1), is a highly conserved protein, which links the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton. MIM has been implicated in various cancers, however, its modes of action remain largely enigmatic. Here, we performed an extensive in silico characterisation of MIM to gain better understanding of its function. We detected previously unappreciated functional motifs including adaptor protein (AP) complex interaction site and a C-helix, pointing to a role in endocytosis and regulation of actin dynamics, respectively. We also identified new functional regions, characterised with phosphorylation sites or distinct hydrophilic properties. Strong negative selection during evolution, yielding high conservation of MIM, has been combined with positive selection at key sites. Interestingly, our analysis of intra-molecular co-evolution revealed potential regulatory hotspots that coincided with reduced potentially pathogenic polymorphisms. We explored databases for the mutations and expression levels of MIM in cancer. Experimentally, we focused on chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), where MIM showed high overall expression, however, downregulation on poor prognosis samples. Finally, we propose strong conservation of MTSS1 also on the transcriptional level and predict novel transcriptional regulators. Our data highlight important targets for future studies on the role of MIM in different tissues and cancers.
Clinical utility of androgen receptor gene aberrations in circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker for treatment of castration-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Sumiyoshi Takayuki , Mizuno Kei , Yamasaki Toshinari , Miyazaki Yu , Makino Yuki , Okasho Kosuke , Li Xin , Utsunomiya Noriaki , Goto Takayuki , Kobayashi Takashi , Terada Naoki , Inoue Takahiro , Kamba Tomomi , Fujimoto Akihiro , Ogawa Osamu , Akamatsu Shusuke 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe therapeutic landscape of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) has rapidly expanded. There is a need to develop noninvasive biomarkers to guide treatment. We established a highly sensitive method for analyzing androgen receptor gene (AR) copy numbers (CN) and mutations in plasma circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and evaluated the AR statuses of patients with CRPC. AR amplification was detectable in VCaP cell line (AR amplified) genomic DNA (gDNA) diluted to 1.0% by digital PCR (dPCR). AR mutation were detectable in LNCaP cell line (AR T878A mutated) gDNA diluted to 0.1% and 1.0% by dPCR and target sequencing, respectively. Next, we analyzed AR status in cfDNA from 102 patients. AR amplification and mutations were detected in 47 and 25 patients, respectively. As a biomarker, AR aberrations in pretreatment cfDNA were associated with poor response to abiraterone, but not enzalutamide. In serial cfDNA analysis from 41 patients, most AR aberrations at baseline diminished with effective treatments, whereas in some patients with disease progression, AR amplification or mutations emerged. The analysis of AR in cfDNA is feasible and informative procedure for treating patients with CRPC. cfDNA may become a useful biomarker for precision medicine in CRPC.
The Effect of Electronic-Cigarette Vaping on Cardiac Function and Angiogenesis in Mice
Authors: Shi Huilin , Fan Xiaoming , Horton Austin , Haller Steven T. , Kennedy David J. , Schiefer Isaac T. , Dworkin Lance , Cooper Christopher J. , Tian Jiang 
Published: March 2019

AbstractThe rapid increase in use of electronic-cigarettes (e-cigarettes), especially among youth, raises the urgency for regulating bodies to make informed decisions, guidance, and policy on these products. This study evaluated cardiac function in an experimental model following exposure to e-cigarettes. We subjected C57BL/6 mice to e-cigarette vaping for 2-weeks, and cardiac function was assessed using echocardiography. Cardiac tissues were collected at the end of e-cigarette exposure for pathological analysis. The experimental data showed that e-cigarette vaping (3 h/day for 14 days) had no significant effect on cardiac contractility as measured by ejection fraction. However, it significantly increased angiogenesis in mouse heart tissue. We found that e-cigarette exposure increased the endothelial cell marker CD31 and CD34 to approximately 2 fold (p < 0.05) in heart tissue from female mice and about 150% (p < 0.05) in male mice. E-cigarette vaping also caused slower weight gain compared to mice exposed to room air. In addition, short-term e-cigarette exposure slightly increased collagen content in heart tissue but did not result in significant tissue fibrosis. These results suggest that short-term exposure to e-cigarettes has no acute effect on cardiac contractile function or tissue fibrosis, but it increases cardiac angiogenesis.
A Single-Step Route to Single-Crystal Molybdenum Disulphide (MoS2) Monolayer domains
Authors: Khan Hamid , Medina Henry , Tan Lee Kheng , Tjiu Wengweei , Boden Stuart A. , Teng Jinghua , Nandhakumar Iris 
Published: March 2019

AbstractWe report a simple, single-cycle synthetic method for forming highly-crystalline, micron-sized monolayer domains of phase-pure MoS2. This method combines liquid chemistry with discrete, layer-by-layer deposition from a novel Mo precursor. Single-crystalline MoS2 with domain sizes up to 100 μm have been obtained and characterised by optical and electron microscopy as well as Raman and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Combination of chick embryo and nutrient mixture prevent D-galactose-induced cognitive deficits, immune impairment and oxidative stress in aging rat model
Authors: Ma Jia , Wang Huaxin , Liu Bing , Shan Yujia , Zhou Huimin , Qi Xia , Wu Wenguo , Jia Li 
Published: March 2019

AbstractAging is spontaneous and inevitable processes that lead to changes in biological systems. The present paper was designed to investigate the anti-aging roles of chick embryo (CE) and nutrient mixture (NM) in aging rats. Aging was induced by administration of D-galactose (D-gal, 500 mg/kg/day for 90 days). CE and NM were administered to aging rats through different dose gavage once a day. Cognitive function assessment was performed using the Morris water maze test. At the end of experiment, serum and tissues were collected for immunity and antioxidation function. The organs and tissues were excised for histological study. The results demonstrated that CE plus NM was superior treatment to improve the histopathologic changes and reverse learning and memory impairment of the aging rats. CE plus NM also increased the spleen and thymus index as well as splenocyte proliferation, and reversed inflammatory cytokine levels. In addition, the biochemical index showed that CE plus NM could improve the antioxidant enzyme activity of the aging rats, decrease lipofuscin (LF) and glutamate content. CE plus NM also inhibited the activation of TLR4/NF-κB pathway stimulated by LPS in splenic B lymphocytes. Overall, these results seem to be implying that CE plus NM was used as potentially natural supplement or functional food for preventing aging.
Paper‐based uniplanar ultra‐wideband frequency‐selective surface design
Authors: Kim H.J. , Cho S.S. , Kwon O.B. , Kim Y.J. , Hong I.P. 
Published: March 2019

A paper‐based uniplanar ultra‐wideband (UWB) frequency‐selective surface (UWB FSS) design was developed to achieve UWB radar signal cut‐off. The proposed structure includes a unit cell combining a square‐loop structure and fan‐blades structure arranged on a 0.2 mm‐thick paper. Resistive ink was used to introduce a resistive element, thereby securing incident angle stability. To verify the performance of the designed structure, a screen‐printing method was used to introduce the conductive patterns and resistive element. The free‐space measurement showed that the vertical incident wave has wideband characteristics of 4.5 to 11.4 GHz at −10 dB blocking, with relatively stable polarisation and incident angle stability.
Read‐decoupled 8T1R non‐volatile SRAM with dual‐mode option and high restore yield
Authors: Lin Zhiting , Wang Yong , Peng Chunyu , Lu Wenjuan , Li Xuan , Wu Xiulong , Chen Junning 
Published: March 2019

This Letter proposes a read‐decoupled (RD) and average 8T1R non‐volatile static RAM (SRAM), RD‐8T1R. It uses only one memristor to achieve store energy reduction and higher restore yield compared with other two memristors based non‐volatile SRAMs. In addition, this structure can offer two alternative SRAM modes unlike previously known non‐volatile SRAMs, i.e. a high speed and a stable mode. Compared with existing technologies, the simulation results in TSMC‐65 nm show that the proposed scheme provides a remarkable restore yield. There are 154% improvement in the read static noise margin (@typical–typical (@TT) corner and stable mode) and 23% improvement in the read delay (@TT corner and high speed mode) compared with the previous 6T/7T/8 T non‐volatile SRAMs.
Conduction mechanisms in metal/self‐assembled monolayer/metal junctions
Authors: Etor David , Dodd Linzi E. , Balocco Claudio , Wood David 
Published: March 2019

The conduction mechanisms in metal–insulator–metal junctions where the insulator consists of a self‐assembled monolayer are investigated. Temperature dependence measurements from 2.5 to 300 K, show that the conduction is dominated by tunnelling only for temperatures below 20 K, while at higher temperatures surface‐limited and bulk‐limited mechanisms are observed. The experimental results are explained using a combination of direct (Simmons) tunnelling, Schottky emission, and Poole–Frenkel theory. Further insight is gained through numerical simulations based on the non‐equilibrium Green‐function formalism.