bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Hydrogen sulfide inhibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition in peritoneal mesothelial cells
Authors: Cheng Shengnan , Lu Ying , Li Yuanyuan , Gao Luyan , Shen Huaying , Song Kai 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPeritoneal fibrosis (PS) determines the long-term outcome of peritoneal dialysis (PD). We previous confirmed that hydrogen sulfide (H2S) inhibited PS, but its cellular mechanism was not fully elucidated. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of mesothelial cells (MCs) is an important cellular event of PS, we therefore investigated whether EMT can be affected by H2S in MCs. Rats were treated with 4.25% -glucose PD fluids plus lipopolysaccharide for 28 days to produce PS, and NaHS (56 μg/kg.d) was given simultaneously. NaHS (56 μg/kg.d) reduced the deposition of collagen in the submesothelial zone compared with the PS group. In primarily cultured rat MCs, 4.25% -glucose PD fluid induced EMT in MCs featured as loss of ZO-1 and Cytokeratin, and increase of α-SMA, plasminogen activator inhibitor 1, fibronectin and TGF-β1 proteins. PD fluid also increased IL-6 and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 mRNA expressions as well as the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and Smad3. NaHS (50–300 μmol/L) reversed the above alterations with the optimal dose at 100 μmol/L. Thus, exogenous H2S improves PS by inhibiting EMT in MCs. The anti-EMT effect of H2S is associated with the inhibition of inflammation and TGF-β1-Smad signal pathway.
Effects of green tea on miRNA and microbiome of oral epithelium
Authors: Adami Guy R. , Tangney Christy C. , Tang Jessica L. , Zhou Yalu , Ghaffari Saba , Naqib Ankur , Sinha Saurabh , Green Stefan J. , Schwartz Joel L. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractConsumption of green tea (GT) extracts or purified catechins has shown the ability to prevent oral and other cancers and inhibit cancer progression in rodent models, but the evidence for this in humans is mixed. Working with humans, we sought to understand the source of variable responses to GT by examining its effects on oral epithelium. Lingual epithelial RNA and lingual and gingival microbiota were measured before and after 4 weeks of exposure in tobacco smokers, whom are at high risk of oral cancer. GT consumption had on average inconsistent effects on miRNA expression in the oral epithelium. Only analysis that examined paired miRNAs, showing changed and coordinated expression with GT exposure, provided evidence for a GT effect on miRNAs, identifying miRNAs co-expressed with two hubs, miR-181a-5p and 301a-3p. An examination of the microbiome on cancer prone lingual mucosa, in contrast, showed clear shifts in the relative abundance of Streptococcus and Staphylococcus, and other genera after GT exposure. These data support the idea that tea consumption can consistently change oral bacteria in humans, which may affect carcinogenesis, but argue that GT effects on oral epithelial miRNA expression in humans vary between individuals.
Spin-dependent magneto-thermopower of narrow-gap lead chalcogenide quantum wells
Authors: Sengupta Parijat , Wen Yu , Shi Junxia 
Published: April 2018

AbstractA semi-classical analysis of magneto-thermopower behaviour, namely, the Seebeck and Nernst effect (NE) in quantum wells of IV-VI lead salts with significant extrinsic Rashba spin-orbit coupling (RSOC) is performed in this report. In addition to the spin-dependent Seebeck effect that has been observed before, we also theoretically predict a similar spin-delineated behavior for its magneto-thermal analog, the spin-dependent NE. The choice of lead salts follows from a two-fold advantage they offer, in part, to their superior thermoelectric properties, especially PbTe, while their low band gaps and high spin-orbit coupling make them ideal candidates to study RSOC governed effects in nanostructures. The calculations show a larger longitudinal magneto-thermopower for the spin-up electrons while the transverse components are nearly identical. In contrast, for a magnetic field free case, the related power factor calculations reveal a significantly higher contribution from the spin-down ensemble and suffer a reduction with an increase in the electron density. We also discuss qualitatively the limitations of the semi-classical approach for the extreme case of a high magnetic field and allude to the observed thermopower behaviour when the quantum Hall regime is operational. Finally, techniques to modulate the thermopower are briefly outlined.
Development of a mouse model for the visual and quantitative assessment of lymphatic trafficking and function by in vivo imaging
Authors: Yamaji Yoshihisa , Akita Shinsuke , Akita Hidetaka , Miura Naoya , Gomi Masaki , Manabe Ichiro , Kubota Yoshitaka , Mitsukawa Nobuyuki 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMethods for quantitative analysis of long distance lymphatic transport of nanoparticles in live animals are yet to be established. We established a mouse model for analysis of time-dependent transport just beneath the abdominal skin to investigate lymph node-to-lymph node trafficking by in vivo imaging. For this purpose, popliteal lymph nodes (PLNs) as well as efferent and afferent lymphatic vessels, marginal veins, and feeding blood vessels were surgically resected to change the lymphatic flow from footpad injections. Using this model, we observed a novel lymphatic flow from the footpad to the proper axillary lymph node (ALN) via the inguinal lymph node (ILN). This drainage pathway was maintained over 12 weeks. Time-dependent transportation of 1,1′-dioctadecyltetramethyl indotricarbocyanine iodide-labelled liposomes from the footpad to the ILN was successfully quantified by an in vivo imaging system. Moreover, congestion and development of a new collateral lymphatic route was visualised under a lymphedema status. Histological analysis of abdominal skin tissues of this model revealed that PLN resection had no effect on the abdominal lymphatic system between the ILN and ALN. These data indicate that this model might be useful to clarify the mechanisms of lymphedema and study direct transportation of lymph or other substances between lymph nodes.
Differential effect of morphine on gastrointestinal transit, colonic contractions and nerve-evoked relaxations in Toll-Like Receptor deficient mice
Authors: Beckett Elizabeth A. H. , Staikopoulos Vasiliki , Hutchinson Mark R. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractToll-like receptors (TLRs) are expressed in enteric neurons, glia, gastrointestinal (GI) smooth muscle and mucosa, yet their functional roles in the GI tract are not fully understood. TLRs have been linked to many of the undesirable central effects of chronic opioid administration including hyperalgesia and dependence via activation of central microglia. Opioid-induced bowel dysfunction (OIBD) remains a primary reason for the reduction or withdrawal of opioid analgesics. Morphine-induced inhibition of colonic motility was assessed in vivo by GI transit studies and in vitro using isolated colons from wildtype (WT) and TLR deficient mice. Morphine slowed movement of ingested content in WT but this retardation effect was attenuated in TLR4
−/−
and TLR2/4
−/−
. In isolated colons, morphine reduced amplitude and frequency colonic migrating motor contractions in both WT and TLR2/4
−/−
. Electrical field stimulation elicited distal colon relaxation that was potentiated by morphine in WT but not in TLR2/4
−/−
. Inhibitory junction potentials were of similar amplitude and kinetics in WT and TLR2/4
−/−
distal colon and not altered by morphine. Enteric nerve density and proportion of nitrergic nerves were similar in WT and TLR2/4
−/−
distal colon. These data suggest an involvement of TLRs in opioid pharmacodynamics and thus a potential interventional target for OIBD.
Nucleosomes of polyploid trophoblast giant cells mostly consist of histone variants and form a loose chromatin structure
Authors: Hayakawa Koji , Terada Kanae , Takahashi Tomohiro , Oana Hidehiro , Washizu Masao , Tanaka Satoshi 
Published: April 2018

AbstractTrophoblast giant cells (TGCs) are one of the cell types that form the placenta and play multiple essential roles in maintaining pregnancy in rodents. TGCs have large, polyploid nuclei resulting from endoreduplication. While previous studies have shown distinct gene expression profiles of TGCs, their chromatin structure remains largely unknown. An appropriate combination of canonical and non-canonical histones, also known as histone variants, allows each cell to exert its cell type-specific functions. Here, we aimed to reveal the dynamics of histone usage and chromatin structure during the differentiation of trophoblast stem cells (TSCs) into TGCs. Although the expression of most genes encoding canonical histones was downregulated, the expression of a few genes encoding histone variants such as H2AX, H2AZ, and H3.3 was maintained at a relatively high level in TGCs. Both the micrococcal nuclease digestion assay and nucleosome stability assay using a microfluidic device indicated that chromatin became increasingly loose as TSCs differentiated. Combinatorial experiments involving H3.3-knockdown and -overexpression demonstrated that variant H3.3 resulted in the formation of loose nucleosomes in TGCs. In conclusion, our study revealed that TGCs possessed loose nucleosomes owing to alterations in their histone composition during differentiation.
Exchange-torque-induced excitation of perpendicular standing spin waves in nanometer-thick YIG films
Authors: Qin Huajun , Hämäläinen Sampo J. , van Dijken Sebastiaan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractSpin waves in ferrimagnetic yttrium iron garnet (YIG) films with ultralow magnetic damping are relevant for magnon-based spintronics and low-power wave-like computing. The excitation frequency of spin waves in YIG is rather low in weak external magnetic fields because of its small saturation magnetization, which limits the potential of YIG films for high-frequency applications. Here, we demonstrate how exchange-coupling to a CoFeB film enables efficient excitation of high-frequency perpendicular standing spin waves (PSSWs) in nanometer-thick (80 nm and 295 nm) YIG films using uniform microwave magnetic fields. In the 295-nm-thick YIG film, we measure intense PSSW modes up to 10th order. Strong hybridization between the PSSW modes and the ferromagnetic resonance mode of CoFeB leads to characteristic anti-crossing behavior in broadband spin-wave spectra. We explain the excitation of PSSWs by exchange coupling between forced magnetization precessions in the YIG and CoFeB layers. If the amplitudes of these precessions are different, a dynamic exchange torque is generated, causing the emission of spin waves from the interface. PSSWs form when the wave vector of the spin waves matches a perpendicular confinement condition. PSSWs are not excited if exchange coupling between YIG and CoFeB is eliminated by a 10 nm Ta spacer layer. Micromagnetic simulations confirm the exchange-torque-driven mechanism.
Al-Coated Conductive Fiber Filters for High-Efficiency Electrostatic Filtration: Effects of Electrical and Fiber Structural Properties
Authors: Choi Dong Yun , An Eun Jeong , Jung Soo-Ho , Song Dong Keun , Oh Yong Suk , Lee Hyung Woo , Lee Hye Moon 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThrough the direct decomposition of an Al precursor ink AlH3{O(C4H9)2}, we fabricated an Al-coated conductive fiber filter for the efficient electrostatic removal of airborne particles (>99%) with a low pressure drop (~several Pascals). The effects of the electrical and structural properties of the filters were investigated in terms of collection efficiency, pressure drop, and particle deposition behavior. The collection efficiency did not show a significant correlation with the extent of electrical conductivity, as the filter is electrostatically charged by the metallic Al layers forming electrical networks throughout the fibers. Most of the charged particles were collected via surface filtration by Coulombic interactions; consequently, the filter thickness had little effect on the collection efficiency. Based on simulations of various fiber structures, we found that surface filtration can transition to depth filtration depending on the extent of interfiber distance. Therefore, the effects of structural characteristics on collection efficiency varied depending on the degree of the fiber packing density. This study will offer valuable information pertaining to the development of a conductive metal/polymer composite air filter for an energy-efficient and high-performance electrostatic filtration system.
Invasive Rosa rugosa populations outperform native populations, but some populations have greater invasive potential than others
Authors: Zhang Shuping , Isermann Maike , Gan Wenhao , Breed Martin 
Published: April 2018

AbstractIncreased performance of invasive plant species in their introduced range vs. their native range has been previously documented. However, performance differences among invasive populations have rarely been explored, despite this information being central to understanding the evolution of invasiveness as well as being a useful basis to inform management of invasive species. To examine variation in performance among populations of Rosa rugosa in its introduced range, and whether introduced populations perform better than native populations, we quantified growth and reproductive traits in five invasive populations in northwest Europe and two native and declining populations in China. Overall, we found that the introduced R. rugosa populations we sampled performed significantly better than the sampled native populations for growth and reproductive traits (2 to 4 fold increase). However, there was significant variation for most traits among the five invasive populations, demonstrating that some introduced populations we sampled were more successful invaders than others. Our findings provide a useful foundation for management of invasive R. rugosa in Europe, and support the recent call for more intra-species research in invasive species biology.
On the wrong track: ocean acidification attracts larval fish to irrelevant environmental cues
Authors: Rossi Tullio , Pistevos Jennifer C. A. , Connell Sean D. , Nagelkerken Ivan 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPopulation replenishment of marine life largely depends on successful dispersal of larvae to suitable adult habitat. Ocean acidification alters behavioural responses to physical and chemical cues in marine animals, including the maladaptive deterrence of settlement-stage larval fish to odours of preferred habitat and attraction to odours of non-preferred habitat. However, sensory compensation may allow fish to use alternative settlement cues such as sound. We show that future ocean acidification reverses the attraction of larval fish (barramundi) to their preferred settlement sounds (tropical estuarine mangroves). Instead, acidification instigates an attraction to unfamiliar sounds (temperate rocky reefs) as well as artificially generated sounds (white noise), both of which were ignored by fish living in current day conditions. This finding suggests that by the end of the century, following a business as usual CO2 emission scenario, these animals might avoid functional environmental cues and become attracted to cues that provide no adaptive advantage or are potentially deleterious. This maladaptation could disrupt population replenishment of this and other economically important species if animals fail to adapt to elevated CO2 conditions.
Changing patterns of human migrations shaped the global population structure of Mycobacterium tuberculosis in France
Authors: Barbier Maxime , Dumitrescu Oana , Pichat Catherine , Carret Gérard , Ronnaux-Baron Anne-Sophie , Blasquez Ghislaine , Godin-Benhaim Christine , Boisset Sandrine , Carricajo Anne , Jacomo Véronique , Fredenucci Isabelle , Pérouse de Montclos Michèle , Genestet Charlotte , Flandrois Jean-Pierre , Ader Florence , Supply Philip , Lina Gérard , Wirth Thierry , Rasigade Jean-Philippe 
Published: April 2018

AbstractMycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) exhibits a structured phylogeographic distribution worldwide linked with human migrations. We sought to infer how the interactions between distinct human populations shape the global population structure of Mtb on a regional scale. We applied the recently described timescaled haplotypic density (THD) technique on 638 minisatellite-based Mtb genotypes from French tuberculosis patients. THD with a long-term (200 y) timescale indicated that Mtb population in France had been mostly influenced by interactions with Eastern and Southern Europe and, to a lesser extent, Northern and Middle Africa, consistent with historical migrations favored by geographic proximity or commercial exchanges with former French colonies. Restricting the timescale to 20 y, THD identified a sustained influence of Northern Africa, but not Europe where tuberculosis incidence decreased sharply. Evolving interactions between human populations, thus, measurably influence the local population structure of Mtb. Relevant information on such interactions can be inferred using THD from Mtb genotypes.
Regimes of Flow over Complex Structures of Endothelial Glycocalyx: A Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study
Authors: Jiang Xi Zhuo , Feng Muye , Ventikos Yiannis , Luo Kai H. 
Published: April 2018

AbstractFlow patterns on surfaces grafted with complex structures play a pivotal role in many engineering and biomedical applications. In this research, large-scale molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to study the flow over complex surface structures of an endothelial glycocalyx layer. A detailed structure of glycocalyx has been adopted and the flow/glycocalyx system comprises about 5,800,000 atoms. Four cases involving varying external forces and modified glycocalyx configurations are constructed to reveal intricate fluid behaviour. Flow profiles including temporal evolutions and spatial distributions of velocity are illustrated. Moreover, streamline length and vorticity distributions under the four scenarios are compared and discussed to elucidate the effects of external forces and glycocalyx configurations on flow patterns. Results show that sugar chain configurations affect streamline length distributions but their impact on vorticity distributions is statistically insignificant, whilst the influence of the external forces on both streamline length and vorticity distributions are trivial. Finally, a regime diagram for flow over complex surface structures is proposed to categorise flow patterns.
Dietary and Physical Activity Interventions for Colorectal Cancer Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Lee C. F. , Ho Judy W. C. , Fong Daniel Y. T. , Macfarlane Duncan J. , Cerin Ester , Lee Antoinette M. , Leung Sharron , Chan Wynnie Y. Y. , Leung Ivy P. F. , Lam Sharon H. S. , Chu Natural , Taylor Aliki J. , Cheng Kar-keung 
Published: April 2018

AbstractThere has been evidence on the protective effects of diets high in fiber and low in red and processed meat (RPM), and physical activity (PA) against colorectal cancer (CRC) development, but that against CRC recurrence has been limited. This study evaluated the efficacy of a behavioral program comprising dietary and PA interventions in improving Chinese CRC survivors’ lifestyle. A 2 × 2 factorial randomized controlled trial of 223 CRC patients (82 females, mean age 65), randomly assigned to receive dietary, PA or both interventions, or usual care for 12 months, and assessed every 6 months for 24 months. Primary outcomes included two dietary and two PA targets. Secondary outcomes included changes in dietary consumptions and PA levels. Dietary interventions significantly increased the odds of achieving the targets of consuming less RPM at all time-points (OR 3.22–4.57, all p < 0.01) and refined grain (RG) at months 6 (OR 3.13, p = 0.002) and 24 (OR 2.19, p = 0.039), and reduced RPM (2.49–3.48 servings/week, all p < 0.01) and RG (0.31–0.5 servings/day, all p < 0.01) consumptions. Patients receiving PA interventions potentially spent more time on moderate-to-vigorous PA. This study demonstrated the efficacy of a behavioral program in improving dietary habits of Chinese CRC survivors.
Genetic homogeneity of goat malaria parasites in Asia and Africa suggests their expansion with domestic goat host
Authors: Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Takeda Mika , Saiwichai Tawee , Gitaka Jesse N. , Tiawsirisup Sonthaya , Imasato Yuhei , Mossaad Ehab , Sarani Ali , Kaewlamun Winai , Channumsin Manun , Chaiworakul Suchart , Katepongpun Wichit , Teeveerapunya Surapong , Panthong Jarus , Mureithi Dominic K. , Bawm Saw , Htun Lat Lat , Win Mar Mar , Ismail Ahmed Ali , Ibrahim Abdalla Mohamed , Suganuma Keisuke , Hakimi Hassan , Nakao Ryo , Katakura Ken , Asada Masahito , Kaneko Osamu 
Published: April 2018

AbstractPlasmodium was first identified in a goat in Angola in 1923, and only recently characterized by DNA isolation from a goat blood sample in Zambia. Goats were first domesticated in the Fertile Crescent approximately 10,000 years ago, and are now globally distributed. It is not known if the Plasmodium identified in African goats originated from parasites circulating in the local ungulates, or if it co-evolved in the goat before its domestication. To address this question, we performed PCR-based surveillance using a total of 1,299 goat blood samples collected from Sudan and Kenya in Africa, Iran in west Asia, and Myanmar and Thailand in southeast Asia. Plasmodium DNA was detected from all locations, suggesting that the parasite is not limited to Africa, but widely distributed. Whole mitochondrial DNA sequences revealed that there was only one nucleotide substitution between Zambian/Kenyan samples and others, supporting the existence of a goat-specific Plasmodium species, presumably Plasmodium caprae, rather than infection of goats by local ungulate malaria parasites. We also present the first photographic images of P. caprae, from one Kenyan goat sample.
Zn-based eutectic mixture as anolyte for hybrid redox flow batteries
Authors: Wang Yiyu , Niu Zhihui , Zheng Qi , Zhang Changkun , Ye Jing , Dai Gaole , Zhao Yu , Zhang Xiaohong 
Published: April 2018

AbstractDeveloping greener batteries with new chemistries is a formidable challenge, and a major focus for years to come. Redox flow batteries are receiving increasing research interest for grid-scale electrochemical energy storage owing to their unique architecture. However, challenges still remain by their low energy density as well as corrosive and/or toxic electrolytes. An anolyte based on aprotic Zn deep-eutectic-solvent, which uses low cost, abundant and environmentally benign materials, exhibits a utilizable concentration of Zn2+ ca. 1.7 M, resulting in a reversible volumetric capacity of ca. 90 A h·L−1. Combined with high efficiencies and relatively low redox potential of −1.12 V vs. Ag/AgCl, such an anolyte provides an alternative way to explore a family of anolytes using new chemistries for rechargeable Zn batteries that meet the criteria for grid-scale electrical energy storage.