bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evoked Alpha Power is Reduced in Disconnected Consciousness During Sleep and Anesthesia
Authors: Darracq Matthieu , Funk Chadd M. , Polyakov Daniel , Riedner Brady , Gosseries Olivia , Nieminen Jaakko O. , Bonhomme Vincent , Brichant Jean-Francois , Boly Melanie , Laureys Steven , Tononi Giulio , Sanders Robert D. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractSleep and anesthesia entail alterations in conscious experience. Conscious experience may be absent (unconsciousness) or take the form of dreaming, a state in which sensory stimuli are not incorporated into conscious experience (disconnected consciousness). Recent work has identified features of cortical activity that distinguish conscious from unconscious states; however, less is known about how cortical activity differs between disconnected states and normal wakefulness. We employed transcranial magnetic stimulation–electroencephalography (TMS–EEG) over parietal regions across states of anesthesia and sleep to assess whether evoked oscillatory activity differed in disconnected states. We hypothesized that alpha activity, which may regulate perception of sensory stimuli, is altered in the disconnected states of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and ketamine anesthesia. Compared to wakefulness, evoked alpha power (8–12 Hz) was decreased during disconnected consciousness. In contrast, in unconscious states of propofol anesthesia and non-REM (NREM) sleep, evoked low-gamma power (30–40 Hz) was decreased compared to wakefulness or states of disconnected consciousness. These findings were confirmed in subjects in which dream reports were obtained following serial awakenings from NREM sleep. By examining signatures of evoked cortical activity across conscious states, we identified novel evidence that suppression of evoked alpha activity may represent a promising marker of sensory disconnection.
Modulation of acoustomechanical instability and bifurcation behavior of soft materials
Authors: Xin Fengxian , Lu Tian Jian 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWe demonstrate acoustically triggered giant deformation of soft materials, and reveal the snap-through instability and bifurcation behavior of soft materials in nonlinear deformation regime in response to combined loading of mechanical and acoustic radiation forces. Our theoretical results suggest that acoustomechanical instability and bifurcation can be readily modulated by varying either the mechanical or acoustic force. This modulation functionality arises from the sensitivity of acoustic wave propagation to nonlinear deformation of soft material, particularly to ratio of initial geometrical size of soft material to acoustic wavelength in the material. The tunable acoustomechanical instability and bifurcation behavior of soft materials enables innovative design of programmable mechanical metamaterials. PACS numbers: 43.35.+d, 43.25.+y, 46.70.De, 61.41.+e.
Experimental screening studies on rabies virus transmission and oral rabies vaccination of the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)
Authors: Hassel Rainer , Vos Ad , Clausen Peter , Moore Susan , van der Westhuizen Jolandie , Khaiseb Siegfried , Kabajani Juliet , Pfaff Florian , Höper Dirk , Hundt Boris , Jago Mark , Bruwer Floris , Lindeque Pauline , Finke Stefan , Freuling Conrad M. , Müller Thomas 
Published: November 2018

AbstractRabies in the Greater Kudu (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)in Namibia is unique and found in such magnitude as has not been reported elsewhere in southern Africa. Reasons as to why Kudus appear to be exceptionally susceptible to rabies still remain speculative at best. Because the current severe rabies endemic in Kudus continues to have an enormous negative impact on the Namibian agricultural sector, we set out to question existing dogmas regarding the epidemiology of the disease in a unique experimental setting. In addition, we explored effective measures to protect these antelopes. Although we were able to confirm high susceptibly of kudus for rabies and sporadic horizontal rabies virus transmission to contact animals, we contend that these observations cannot plausibly explain the rapid spread of the disease in Kudus over large territories. Since parenteral vaccination of free-roaming Kudus is virtually impossible, oral rabies vaccination using modified life virus vaccines with a high safety profile would be the ultimate solution to the problem. In a proof-of-concept study using a 3rd generation oral rabies virus vaccine construct (SPBN GASGAS) we found evidence that Kudus can be vaccinated by the oral route and protected against a subsequent rabies infection. In a second phase, more targeted studies need to be initiated by focusing on optimizing oral vaccine uptake and delivery.
Computational characterization and control of electrical conductivity of nanowire composite network under mechanical deformation
Authors: Hwang Jinyoung , Sohn Hiesang , Lee Sang Hyun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractQuantitative models to predict the electrical performance of 1-D nanowire (NW) composite networks under external deformation such as bending and patterning are developed by Monte-Carlo based computations, and appropriate solutions are addressed to enhance the tolerance of the sheet resistance (Rs) of the NW networks under the deformation. In addition, several strategies are employed to improve further the robustness of the sheet resistance against the network deformation. In the case of bending, outstanding bending durability of a hybrid NW network coated on a 2-D sheet is confirmed with a numerical model, and a network of NWs aligned unidirectionally toward bend axis is introduced to alleviate the sheet resistance degradation. In the case of a narrowly patterned channel, the conductivity enhancement of a network of NWs aligned in parallel to the channel with reduced channel is validated, and a network made with two types of NWs with different lengths is suggested to enhance the tolerance of the electrical conductivity. The results offer useful design guidelines to the use of the 1-D NW percolation network for flexible transparent conducting electrodes.
Embryonic Stem Cells Derived Kidney Organoids as Faithful Models to Target Programmed Nephrogenesis
Authors: Tan Zenglai , Shan Jingdong , Rak-Raszewska Aleksandra , Vainio Seppo J. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe kidney is a complex organ that is comprised of thousands of nephrons developing through reciprocal inductive interactions between metanephric mesenchyme (MM) and ureteric bud (UB). The MM undergoes mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET) in response to the signaling from the UB. The secreted protein Wnt4, one of the Wnt family members, is critical for nephrogenesis as mouse Wnt4−/− mutants fail to form pretubular aggregates (PTA) and therefore lack functional nephrons. Here, we generated mouse embryonic stem cell (mESC) line lacking Wnt4 by applying the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated systems 9 (Cas9). We describe here, differentiation of the wild type and Wnt4 knockout mESCs into kidney progenitors, and such cells induced to undergo nephrogenesis by the mouse E11.5 UB mediated induction. The wild type three-dimensional (3D) self-organized organoids depict appropriately segmented nephron structures, while the Wnt4-deficient organoids fail to undergo the MET, as is the case in the phenotype of the Wnt4 knockout mouse model in vivo. In summary, we have established a platform that combine CRISPR/Cas9 and kidney organoid technologies to model kidney development in vitro and confirmed that mutant organoids are able to present similar actions as in the in vivo studies.
Biomarker Phenotype for Early Diagnosis and Triage of Sepsis to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Mickiewicz Beata , Thompson Graham C. , Blackwood Jaime , Jenne Craig N. , Winston Brent W. , Vogel Hans J. , Joffe Ari R. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractEarly diagnosis and triage of sepsis improves outcomes. We aimed to identify biomarkers that may advance diagnosis and triage of pediatric sepsis. Serum and plasma samples were collected from young children (1–23 months old) with sepsis on presentation to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU-sepsis, n = 46) or Pediatric Emergency Department (PED-sepsis, n = 58) and PED-non-sepsis patients (n = 19). Multivariate analysis was applied to distinguish between patient groups. Results were compared to our results for older children (2–17 years old). Common metabolites and protein-mediators were validated as potential biomarkers for a sepsis-triage model to differentiate PICU-sepsis from PED-sepsis in children age 1 month-17 years. Metabolomics in young children clearly separated the PICU-sepsis and PED-sepsis cohorts: sensitivity 0.71, specificity 0.93, and AUROC = 0.90 ± 0.03. Adding protein-mediators to the model did not improve performance. The seven metabolites common to the young and older children were used to create the sepsis-triage model. Validation of the sepsis-triage model resulted in sensitivity: 0.83 ± 0.02, specificity: 0.88 ± 0.05 and AUROC 0.93 ± 0.02. The metabolic-based biomarkers predicted which sepsis patients required care in a PICU versus those that could be safely cared for outside of a PICU. This has potential to inform appropriate triage of pediatric sepsis, particularly in EDs with less experience evaluating children.
Ca2+ efflux via plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase mediates chemotaxis in ascidian sperm
Authors: Yoshida Kaoru , Shiba Kogiku , Sakamoto Ayako , Ikenaga Jumpei , Matsunaga Shigeru , Inaba Kazuo , Yoshida Manabu 
Published: November 2018

AbstractWhen a spermatozoon shows chemotactic behavior, transient [Ca2+]i increases in the spermatozoon are induced by an attractant gradient. The [Ca2+]i increase triggers a series of stereotypic responses of flagellar waveforms that comprise turning and straight-swimming. However, the molecular mechanism of [Ca2+]i modulation controlled by the attractants is not well defined. Here, we examined receptive mechanisms for the sperm attractant, SAAF, in the ascidian, Ciona intestinalis, and identified a plasma membrane Ca2+-ATPase (PMCA) as a SAAF-binding protein. PMCA is localized in sperm flagella membranes and seems to interact with SAAF through basic amino acids located in the second and third extracellular loops. ATPase activity of PMCA was enhanced by SAAF, and PMCA inhibitors, 5(6)-Carboxyeosin diacetate and Caloxin 2A1, inhibited chemotactic behavior of the sperm. Furthermore, Caloxin 2A1 seemed to inhibit efflux of [Ca2+]i in the sperm, and SAAF seemed to competitively reduce the effect of Caloxin 2A1. On the other hand, chemotactic behavior of the sperm was disordered not only at low-Ca2+, but also at high-Ca2+ conditions. Thus, PMCA is a potent candidate for the SAAF receptor, and direct control of Ca2+ efflux via PMCA is a fundamental mechanism to mediate chemotactic behavior in the ascidian spermatozoa.
Biotic resistance and vegetative propagule pressure co-regulate the invasion success of a marine clonal macrophyte
Authors: Balestri Elena , Vallerini Flavia , Menicagli Virginia , Barnaba Sara , Lardicci Claudio 
Published: November 2018

AbstractPropagule pressure is considered a major driver of plant invasion success. Great propagule pressure would enable invasive species to colonize new areas overcoming the resistance of native species. Many highly invasive aquatic macrophytes regenerate from vegetative propagules, but few studies have experimentally investigated the importance of propagule pressure and biotic resistance, and their interaction, in determining invasion success. By manipulating both recipient habitat and the input of vegetative propagules of the invasive seaweed Caulerpa cylindracea in mesocosm, we examined whether higher propagule pressure would overcome the resistance of a native congeneric (Caulerpa prolifera) and influence its performance. With the native, C. cylindracea population frond number decreased irrespectively of pressure level. High propagule pressure did not increase stolon length and single plant size decreased due to the effects of intra- and interspecific competition. Native biomass decreased with increasing C. cylindracea propagule pressure. These results indicate that higher propagule pressure may fail in enhancing C. cylindracea invasion success in habitats colonized by the native species, and they suggest that biotic resistance and propagule pressure co-regulate the invasion process. These findings emphasize the need to preserve/restore native seaweed populations and may help to design effective management actions to prevent further C. cylindracea spread.
von Willebrand factor deficiency does not influence angiotensin II-induced abdominal aortic aneurysm formation in mice
Authors: Portier Irina , Martinod Kimberly , Desender Linda , Vandeputte Nele , Deckmyn Hans , Vanhoorelbeke Karen , De Meyer Simon F. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractAbdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) refers to a localized dilation of the abdominal aorta that exceeds the normal diameter by 50%. AAA pathophysiology is characterized by progressive inflammation, vessel wall destabilization and thrombus formation. Our aim was to investigate the potential involvement of von Willebrand factor (VWF), a thrombo-inflammatory plasma protein, in AAA pathophysiology using a dissection-based and angiotensin II infusion-induced AAA mouse model. AAA formation was induced in both wild-type and VWF-deficient mice by subcutaneous implantation of an osmotic pump, continuously releasing 1000 ng/kg/min angiotensin II. Survival was monitored, but no significant difference was observed between both groups. After 28 days, the suprarenal aortic segment of the surviving mice was harvested. Both AAA incidence and severity were similar in wild-type and VWF-deficient mice, indicating that AAA formation was not significantly influenced by the absence of VWF. Although VWF plasma levels increased after the infusion period, these increases were not correlated with AAA progression. Also detailed histological analyses of important AAA hallmarks, including elastic degradation, intramural thrombus formation and leukocyte infiltration, did not reveal differences between both groups. These data suggest that, at least in the angiotensin II infusion-induced AAA mouse model, the role of VWF in AAA pathophysiology is limited.
Cardol triene inhibits dengue infectivity by targeting kl loops and preventing envelope fusion
Authors: Kanyaboon Parichat , Saelee Thanaphon , Suroengrit Aphinya , Hengphasatporn Kowit , Rungrotmongkol Thanyada , Chavasiri Warinthorn , Boonyasuppayakorn Siwaporn 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDengue virus causes a global burden that specific chemotherapy has not been established. A previous report suggested that anacardic acid inhibited hepatitis C virus infection. Here, we explored structure activity relationship of anacardic acid, cardanol, and cardol homologues with anti-DENV cellular infectivities. Cardol triene showed the highest therapeutic index at 29.07 with the CC50 and EC50 of 207.30 ± 5.24 and 7.13 ± 0.72 µM, respectively. Moreover, we observed that the more unsaturated the hydrocarbon tail, the higher the CC50s in all head groups. High CC50s were also found in HepG-2, THP-1, and HEK-293 cell lines where cardol triene CC50s were 140.27 ± 8.44, 129.77 ± 12.08, and 92.80 ± 3.93 µM, respectively. Cardol triene expressed pan-dengue inhibition with the EC50s of 5.35 to 8.89 µM and kl loops of dengue envelope proteins were major targets. The strong binding energy at T48, E49, A50, P53, K128, V130, L135, M196, L198, Q200, W206, L207, I270, and L277 prevented cellular pH-dependent fusion. Zika virus kl loops were aligned in the closed position preventing cardol triene to bind and inhibit fusion and infectivity. This study showed for the first time that cardol triene had a potential for further development as anti-dengue inhibitors.
First observation of direct methane emission to the atmosphere from the subglacial domain of the Greenland Ice Sheet
Authors: Christiansen Jesper Riis , Jørgensen Christian Juncher 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDuring a 2016 field expedition to the West Greenland Ice Sheet, a striking observation of significantly elevated CH4 concentrations of up to 15 times the background atmospheric concentration were measured directly in the air expelled with meltwater at a subglacial discharge point from the Greenland Ice Sheet. The range of hourly subglacial CH4 flux rate through the discharge point was estimated to be 3.1 to 134 g CH4 hr−1. These measurements are the first observations of direct emissions of CH4 from the subglacial environment under the Greenlandic Ice Sheet to the atmosphere and indicate a novel emission pathway of CH4 that is currently a non-quantified component of the Arctic CH4 budget.
Complete chloroplast genome sequence of Dryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott and the repeat structures against the thermal environment
Authors: Gao Rui , Wang Wenzhong , Huang Qingyang , Fan Ruifeng , Wang Xu , Feng Peng , Zhao Guangming , Bian Shuang , Ren Hongli , Chang Ying 
Published: November 2018

AbstractDryopteris fragrans (L.) Schott is a fern growing on the surface of hot rocks and lava. It is exposed to sunlight directly and bears local hot environment. We sequenced the complete nucleotide sequence of its chloroplast (cp) genome. The cp genome was 151,978 bp in length, consisting of a large single-copy region (85,332 bp), a small single-copy region (31,947 bp) and a pair of inverted repeats (17,314 bp). The cp genome contained 112 genes and 345 RNA editing sites in protein-coding genes. Simple sequence repeats (SSRs) and long repeat structure pairs (30–55 bp) were identified. The number and percent of repeat structures are extremely high in ferns. Thermal denaturation experiments showed its cp genome to have numerous, dispersed and high GC percent repeat structures, which conferred the strongest thermal stability. This repeat-heavy genome may provide the molecular basis of how D. fragrans cp survives its hot environment.
Small Mountainous Rivers Generate High-Frequency Internal Waves in Coastal Ocean
Authors: Osadchiev A. A. 
Published: November 2018

AbstractHigh-frequency internal waves propagating offshore in small river plumes are regularly observed at satellite imagery in many world regions. In this work we describe a mechanism of generation of these internal waves by discharges of small and rapid rivers inflowing to coastal sea. Friction between river runoff at high velocity and the subjacent sea of one order of magnitude lower velocity causes abrupt deceleration of a freshened flow and increase of its depth, i.e., a hydraulic jump is formed. Transition from supercritical to subcritical flow conditions induces generation of high-frequency internal waves that propagate off a river mouth at a stratified layer between a buoyant river plume and subjacent ambient sea and influence turbulence and mixing at this layer. Basing on in situ and satellite data we estimated wavelengths, phase speeds, and frequencies of internal waves generated in small river plumes located off the northeastern coast of the Black Sea. This process is typical for many other world mountainous regions where numerous and closely spaced small and rapid rivers inflow to sea during high discharge periods and can strongly influence, first, structure and dynamics of river plumes and, second, physical, biological, and geochemical processes in adjacent coastal areas.
Water-repellent Hybrid Nanowire and Micro-scale Denticle Structures on Flexible Substrates of Effective Air Retention
Authors: Jo Sungwon , Ahn Seongbin , Lee Heungsoo , Jung Chul-Min , Song Simon , Kim Dong Rip 
Published: November 2018

AbstractThe air retention capability of a superhydrophobic surface plays the crucial role of drag reduction in an aqueous environment. Here, fabrication of water-repellent hybrid structural surfaces by synthesizing superhydrophobic nanowires with a high aspect ratio on micro-scale denticle structures to improve their air holding capacity in water is reported. The hybrid structure is realized by carrying out polymer molding of denticle structures on flexible substrates, hydrothermal growth of nanowires, and subsequent ultra-thin film coating. This technique is readily applicable to large areas, and the fabricated substrates are attachable onto curved surfaces. Our engineered, super water-repellent hybrid structures are found to effectively maintain air bubbles on their surfaces in a highly shear flow condition with a wall shear stress of up to 33.4 Pa, due to the combined effects of the micro-scale denticle structure, which reduces flow resistance, and the superhydrophobic, high-aspect-ratio nanowire structure, which enhances the capillary force to maintain the air bubbles. Our results show the importance of developing superhydrophobic structures of improved air retention capability.
Evaluation of Insecticides induced hormesis on the demographic parameters of Myzus persicae and expression changes of metabolic resistance detoxification genes
Authors: Sial Muhammad Umair , Zhao Zhenzhen , Zhang Lan , Zhang Yanning , Mao Liangang , Jiang Hongyun 
Published: November 2018

AbstractInsecticide induced-hormesis is a bi-phasic phenomenon generally characterized by low-dose induction and high-dose inhibition. It has been linked to insect pest outbreaks and insecticide resistance, which have importance in the integrated pest management (IPM). In this paper, hormesis effects of four insecticides on demographic parameters and expression of genes associated with metabolic resistance were evaluated in a field collected population of the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae Sulzer. The bioassay results showed that imidacloprid was more toxic than acetamiprid, deltamethrin and lambda-cyhalothrin. After exposure to sublethal doses of acetamiprid and imidacloprid for four generations, significant prolonged nymphal duration and increased fecundity were observed. Subsequently, mean generation time (T) and gross reproductive rate (GRR) was significantly increased. Moreover, expression of CYP6CY3 gene associated with resistance to neonicotinoids was increased significantly compared to the control. For pyrethriods, across generation exposure to sublethal doses of lambda cyhalothrin and deltamethrin prolonged the immature development duration. However, the expression of E4 gene in M. persicase was decreased by deltamethrin exposure but increased by lambda cyhalothrin. Based on results, demographic fitness parameters were effected by hormetic dose and accompanied with detoxifying genes alteration, hence, which would be evaluated in developing optimized insect pest management strategies.