bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Sex‐dependent effects of maternal stress: Stressed moms invest less in sons than daughters
Authors: Owen D. A. S. , Sheriff M. J. , Engler H. I. , Langkilde T. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMultigenerational effects can have important and sex‐dependent effects on offspring. Sex allocation theory predicts that females should differentially invest in sons and daughters depending on sex‐specific fitness returns and costs of investment. Maternal stress‐relevant (glucocorticoid) hormones may be one mechanism driving this effect. We investigated how maternal stress hormones differentially affected sons and daughters by manipulating levels of the glucocorticoid, corticosterone (CORT), in gravid female eastern fence lizards (Sceloporus undulatus) and quantifying reproductive investment and sex ratio of resulting clutches, and the mass, snout‐vent length, and body condition of sons versus daughters at hatching. We found no effect of maternal CORT‐treatment on the number or size of eggs laid or on the sex ratio of resulting offspring, but sons of CORT‐treated mothers were shorter, lighter, and of poorer body condition at hatching than were sons of control mothers. We found no difference in size or condition of daughters with maternal treatment. Our results suggest that maternal stress, mediated by elevations in maternal CORT concentrations, can have sex‐specific effects on offspring manifesting as lower investment in sons.
Silk structure rather than tensile mechanics explains web performance in the moth‐specialized spider, Cyrtarachne
Authors: Diaz Candido , Tanikawa Akio , Miyashita Tadashi , Dhinojwala Ali , Blackledge Todd A. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractOrb webs intercept and retain prey so spiders may subdue them. Orb webs are composed of sticky, compliant spirals of capture silk spun across strong, stiff major ampullate silk threads. Interplay between differences in the mechanical properties of these silks is crucial for prey capture. Most orb webs depend upon insects contacting several radial and capture threads for successful retention. Moths, however, escape quickly from most orb webs due to the sacrificial scales covering their bodies. Cyrtarachne orb webs are unusual as they contain a reduced number of capture threads and moths stick unusually well to single threads. We aimed to determine how the tensile properties of the capture spiral and radial threads spun by Cyrtarachne operate in retention of moth prey. A NanoBionix UTM was used to quantify the material properties of flagelliform and major ampullate threads to test if Cyrtarachne's reduced web architecture is accompanied by improvements in tensile performance of its silk. Silk threads showed tensile properties typical of less‐specialized orb‐weavers, with the exception of high extensibility in radial threads. Radial thread diameters were 62.5% smaller than flagelliform threads, where commonly the two are roughly similar. We utilized our tensile data to create a finite element model of Cyrtarachne's web to investigate energy dissipation during prey impact. Large cross‐sectional area of the flagelliform threads played a key role in enabling single capture threads to withstand prey impact. Rather than extraordinary silk, Cyrtarachne utilizes structural changes in the size and attachment of silk threads to facilitate web function.
The autonomic control of upright posture tachycardia in the arboreal lizard Iguana iguana
Authors: Troiano Natalia Miriã , Armelin Vinicius Araújo , Braga Victor Hugo da Silva , Abe Augusto Shinya , Rantin Francisco Tadeu , Florindo Luiz Henrique 
Published: July 2018

AbstractIn terrestrial environments, upright spatial orientation can dramatically influence animals’ hemodynamics. Generally, large and elongated species are particularly sensitive to such influence due to the greater extent of their vascular beds being verticalized, favoring the establishment of blood columns in their bodies along with caudal blood pooling, and thus jeopardizing blood circulation through a cascade effect of reductions in venous return, cardiac filling, stroke volume, cardiac output, and arterial blood pressure. This hypotension triggers an orthostatic‐(baroreflex)‐tachycardia to normalize arterial pressure, and despite the extensive observation of this heart rate (fH) adjustment in experiments on orthostasis, little is known about its mediation and importance in ectothermic vertebrates. In addition, most of the knowledge on this subject comes from studies on snakes. Thus, our objective was to expand the knowledge on this issue by investigating it in an arboreal lizard (Iguana iguana). To do so, we analyzed fH, cardiac autonomic tones, and fH variability in horizontalized and tilted iguanas (0°, 30°. and 60°) before and after muscarinic blockade with atropine and double autonomic blockade with atropine and propranolol. The results revealed that I. Iguana exhibits significant orthostatic‐tachycardia only at 60o inclinations—a condition that is primarily elicited by a withdrawal of vagal drive. Also, as in humans, increases in low‐frequency fH oscillations and decreases in high‐frequency fH oscillations were observed along with orthostatic‐tachycardia, suggesting that the mediation of this fH adjustment may be evolutionarily conserved in vertebrates.
Comparison of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media for the detection of high‐risk human papillomavirus in cervical specimens
Authors: Jaishuen Atthapon , Jareemit Nida , Laiwejpithaya Somsak , Viriyapak Boonlert , Benjapibal Mongkol , Horthongkham Navin 
Published: July 2018

PurposeTo evaluate the performance of Siriraj liquid‐based solution for human papillomavirus (HPV) DNA testing compared with standard transport media.MethodsThis cross‐sectional study enrolled 217 women aged 30 years or older who attended for cervical cancer screening or had abnormal cervical cytology, or were diagnosed with cervical cancer at the Department of Obstetrics‐Gynecology, Siriraj Hospital from March 2015 to January 2016. We excluded patients with a history of any cervical procedures, hysterectomy, or previous treatment with pelvic irradiation or chemotherapy. Two cervical specimens were collected from each participant. The standard Cervi‐Collect Specimen Collection Kit was used to preserve the first sample, and Siriraj liquid‐based solution was used for the second one. All samples were sent for HPV DNA testing using the same standard high‐risk HPV assay. HPV test results were recorded and statistically analyzed.ResultsThe results showed agreement between standard transport media and Siriraj liquid‐based solution for HPV DNA testing, at a kappa value of 0.935 (P < 0.001). We found no discorrelation for the detection of HPV 16, which accounts for approximately 50% of cervical cancers. The relative sensitivity of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media in patients with high‐grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (CIN2+) is 98% (50/51). The relative specificity of Siriraj liquid‐based solution and standard transport media in patients with non‐CIN2+ is 98.1% (102/104).ConclusionSiriraj liquid‐based solution showed almost perfect agreement with the standard transport media for HPV DNA testing. This solution, costing 2 to 3 times less than the commercially available standard media, may be an alternative option for HPV DNA testing.
Targeted and Sustained Corelease of Chemotherapeutics and Gene by Injectable Supramolecular Hydrogel for Drug‐Resistant Cancer Therapy
Authors: Liu Xuan , Li Zibiao , Loh Xian Jun , Chen Kaifeng , Li Zhen , Wu Yun‐Long 
Published: July 2018

AbstractCoadministration of chemotherapeutics as well as therapeutic gene could play a synergistic effect on cancer treatment. It is noteworthy that targeted and sustained codelivery of chemotherapeutic and therapeutic gene was rarely achieved in previous reports, while it might serve as an important platform for treating solid tumor with possible surrounding lesions. Herein, an injectable supramolecular hydrogel formed by α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD) and cationic amphiphilic copolymer made of methoxy‐poly(ethylene glycol)‐b‐poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐b‐poly(ethylene imine) with folic acid targeted group (MPEG‐PCL‐PEI‐FA), is rationally designed to achieve sustained codelivery of chemotherapeutic paclitaxel (PTX) and B‐cell lymphoma‐2 (Bcl‐2) conversion gene Nur77 in the form of nanocomplex up to 7 days, to effectively inhibit the growth of folate receptor overexpressing H460/Bcl‐2 therapeutic‐resistant tumors (induced by overexpression of anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein), with peritumoral injection rather than direct intratumoral injection of hydrogel. To the best of our knowledge, this is a pioneer report on injectable MPEG‐PCL‐PEI‐FA/α‐CD supramolecular hydrogel with the ability to codeliver and sustainedly release PTX and Nur77 gene to combat Bcl‐2 overexpressed therapeutic‐resistant tumors in a targeted manner, which might be beneficial for further design in personalized medicine.
Nearly complete genome sequence of one GII.17 Norovirus identified by direct sequencing from HuZhou, China
Authors: Ji Lei , Chen Liping , Xu Deshun , Wu Xiaofang , Han Jiankang 
Published: July 2018

AbstractBackgroundHuman norovirus is the leading cause of acute gastroenteritis worldwide. However, in vitro culture system is complicated for human norovirus. Sequence analysis became more useful for norovirus research, particularly when using complete genomic sequences.MethodsReal‐time RT‐PCR (qPCR) was performed for norovirus detection. Three modified paris of PCR primes were designed based on the alignment of the novel GII.17 norovirus complete sequence available in Genbank., which could amplify three overlapping fragments cover the whole genome. The PCR fragments were sequencing by Sanger sequence with Primer walking methods. Genogroup and genotype were assigned using the Norovirus Noronet typing tool and the strains were named according to the time of isolation. The phylogenetic analysis was conducted using MEGA software (ver. 6.06).ResultsOne nearly complete genome sequence were obtained from sample collected from Huzhou, China. The partial genome sequence of the HuzhouNS2014603 strain is composed of 7556 nucleotides (nt).The strain was classified as GII.17 genotype both in ORF1 and ORF2, and was most closely related to the LC037415.1/Hu/GII.17/Kawasaki308 strain. Within the GII.17 cluster, the 2013/14 season strains were grouped separately from the GII.17 strains detected in 2014/15. HuzhouNS2014603 was clustered with the 2014/15 season strains. Compared with other strains selected, there are 98 variable residues across the VP1 domain. Among the 98 variable amino acids, 13 (13.3%) were observed in the shell domain and 22 (22.4%) in the P1domain; most of the substitutions and insertions were located in the P2 domain, account for 63 (64.3%).ConclusionsThis is the first report of the nearly complete genome of the novel GII.17 by direct sequencing method in the Huzhou area. The results of this study could be helpful for the study of the genetic evolution of the virus, the development of rapid diagnostic reagents and the design of vaccine.
Adhesion‐Enhanced Flexible Conductive Metal Patterns on Polyimide Substrate Through Direct Writing Catalysts with Novel Surface‐Modification Electroless Deposition
Authors: Zhang Fu‐Tao , Xu Lu , Chen Jia‐Hui , Xie Jin‐Qi , Fu Xian‐Zhu , Chen Qianwang , Sun Rong , Wong Ching‐Ping 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAn efficient and universal method via direct writing catalysts with novel surface‐modification electroless deposition is developed to prepare high‐adhesion, low‐resistance and excellent‐flexibility metal patterns on flexible polyimide (PI) substrates. Through the surface modification of self‐assembled monolayers (SAMs), the PI substrates are capable of complexing silver ion catalysts. After that, the silver ion catalysts are treated with plasma, which could catalyze the electroless deposition of conductive metal (copper, nickel and silver) patterns. Compared with the other processes, this method presents an industrially viable way to fabricate metal conductive patterns and circuits on polymer substrate for flexible electronics at low cost, simple operation, time‐saving and without the needs of sophisticated equipment.
The Effect of Strength of Bases and Temperature on the Synthesis of Zn‐Al Layered Double Hydroxides by a Non‐Aqueous ‘Soft Chemical’ Sol‐Gel Method and Formation of High Surface Area Mesoporous ZnAl2O4 Spinel
Authors: Saikia Pinky , Goswamee Rajib Lochan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractLayered double hydroxides are the 2D layered material also known as the anionic clays having the general formula [M1‐x2+Mx3+(OH)2]x+[Ax/n]n−.m H2O where different M2+ ions such as Zn2+, Ni2+, Mg2+, Co2+ and M3+ ions such as Al3+, Cr3+, Ga3+, In3+, Mn3+, Fe3+ are uniformly distributed and orderly prearranged in the brucite‐like sheets and various charge‐compensating anions (An−=CO32−, NO3−, Cl−, OH− ) are present in their interlayer spaces along with the water molecules. During the synthesis of Zn−Al layered double hydroxides by non aqueous soft chemical method the strength of bases as well as the temperature influences immensely the hydrolysis of Zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)2) and Aluminium acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3). Different bases such as sodium hydroxide (NaOH), piperidine, diethylamine and ammonia (NH3) was used and it was found that Zinc acetylacetonate (Zn(acac)2) directly forms Zincite (ZnO) phase without reacting with Aluminium acetylacetonate (Al(acac)3) at temperature of around 80oC. When the temperature was decreased to 0oC from room temperature as well as side by side the strength of bases were increased the formation of Zincite (ZnO) phases reduced. Thus, Zn−Al layered double hydroxide could only be synthesized at 0oC and in presence of stronger bases like sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and piperidine. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the presence of low intensity Zincite (ZnO) phases in Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized in presence of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) which was absent in presence of piperidine. Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized were further characterized by thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopic and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopic (SEM‐EDS) analysis, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area and pore diameter analysis which showed their different characteristics as the base is changed. Zn−Al layered double hydroxide synthesized in presence of piperidine after thermal treatment at 800oC formed high surface area mesoporous flower platelet like Zinc‐Aluminium Oxide (ZnAl2O4) spinel which have surface area of 124.8 m2g−1 and mesopores of dimensions about 5–20 nm respectively.
A Domino Approach for the Synthesis of α,β‐Epoxy Ketones from Carbonyl Compounds under Neat Conditions at Ambient Temperature
Authors: Mahato Sachinta , Santra Sougata , De Aramita , Chatterjee Rana , Zyryanov Grigory V. , Majee Adinath 
Published: July 2018

AbstractAn efficient method has been developed for the synthesis of α,β‐epoxy ketones from one pot reaction between aldehydes and ketones in presence of cesium carbonate and tert‐butyl hydrogen peroxide (TBHP) under neat conditions. In this methodology we have used the one pot domino type reaction with aldehydes and ketones to get α,β‐epoxy ketones without presynthesized chalcone precursors. A library of α,β‐epoxy ketones having a variety of substituents has been synthesized. Clean reaction, mild reaction conditions, ease of product isolation/purification, easily accessible reactants, wide substrates scope and metal and solvent‐free and environmental friendly reaction conditions are the notable advantages of the present method. The present methodology is applicable to gram scale synthesis.
Cyanobacterial extract with serotonin receptor subtype 7 (5‐HT7R) affinity modulates depression and anxiety‐like behavior in mice
Authors: Lax Neil C. , Parker Stacy‐Ann J. , Hilton Edward J. , Seliman Youstina , Tidgewell Kevin J. , Kolber Benedict J. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractMarine cyanobacteria represent a unique source in the field of drug discovery due to the secondary metabolites they produce and the structural similarity these compounds have to endogenous mammalian receptor ligands. A series of cyanobacteria were subjected to extraction, fractionation by column chromatography and screened for affinity against CNS targets with a focus on serotonin receptors (5‐HTRs). Out of 276 fractions screened, 21% had activity at 5‐HTRs and/or the 5‐HT transporter (SERT). One sample, a cyanobacterium identified by 16S rRNA sequencing as Leptolyngbya from Las Perlas archipelago in Panama, contained a fraction with noted affinity for the 5‐HT7 receptor (5‐HT7R). This fraction (DUQ0002I) was screened via intracerebroventricular (ICV) injections in mice using depression and anxiety assays including the forced swim, tail suspension, elevated zero maze, and light‐dark preference tests. DUQ0002I decreased depression and anxiety‐like behaviors in males and did not have effects in 5‐HT7R knockout or female mice. Administration of DUQ0002I to the CA1 of the hippocampus induced antidepression‐like, but not anxiolytic‐like behaviors. Testing of further purified materials showed no behavioral effects, leading us to hypothesize that the behavioral effects are likely caused by a synergistic effect between multiple compounds in the fraction. Finally, DUQ0002I was used in a model of neuropathic pain with comorbid depression (spared nerve injury—SNI). DUQ0002I had a similar antidepressant effect in animals with SNI, suggesting a role for the 5‐HT7R in the development of comorbid pain and depression. These results demonstrate the potential that cyanobacterial metabolites have in the field of neuropharmacognosy.
Financially embedded facility location decisions on designing a supply chain structure: A case study
Authors: Nobil Amir Hossein , Jalali Sajjad , Niaki Seyed Taghi Akhavan 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe facility location problem and its related financial issues have a significant impact on the configuration of a supply chain structure (SCS). Although affording the setup cost of facilities requires a huge financial investment, a meticulous planning to recoup it has been neglected by an overwhelming majority of previous studies. To fill this gap, an economical investment plan of facilities is determined by striking a trade‐off between the contribution of the stockholders’ capital and the loan arrangement. In the context of a multiperiod three‐echelon SCS, the model also determines the optimum location of plants and the best supply and distribution patterns. The model maximizes the fill rate and the net present value of the periodic cash flow including the sale revenues minus the mortgage payment, purchase, and transportation costs. To solve the proposed problem, a finely tuned Pareto‐based nondominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA‐II) and a multi‐objective biogeography‐based optimization (MOBBO) algorithm are employed. Moreover, the solution methods are equipped with the heuristic DROP approach and data envelopment analysis to expedite the convergence process and derive the most efficient solutions, respectively. The experiments indicate the adequacy of the solution methods due to the close proximity to the results of the exact branch‐and‐bound method via the general algebraic modeling system optimization software. Finally, the results of a case study associated with designing SCS of an emerging biofuel industry demonstrate the significant implication of the research.
Neuroscience learning from longitudinal cohort studies of Alzheimer's disease: Lessons for disease‐modifying drug programs and an introduction to the Center for Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience
Authors: Ritter Aaron , Cummings Jeffrey , Nance Christin , Miller Justin B. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe development of disease‐modifying therapies for Alzheimer's disease is an urgent public health emergency. Recent failures have highlighted the significant challenges faced by drug‐development programs. Longitudinal cohort studies are ideal for promoting understanding of this multifactorial, slowly progressive disease. In this section of the special edition, we review several important lessons from longitudinal cohort studies which should be considered in disease‐modifying therapy development. In the final section, we introduce the clinical cohort of the Center for Neurodegeneration and Translational Neuroscience. This newly established longitudinal study aims to provide new insights into the neuroimaging and biological marker (biomarkers) correlates of cognitive decline in early Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease (PD).
Gene expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) in femur and vertebra tissues of the hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig model
Authors: Amundson Laura A. , Hernandez Laura L. , Crenshaw Thomas D. 
Published: July 2018

AbstractThe hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig provides a reliable model to study the initiation of bone lesions caused by maternal vitamin D (D) deficiencies. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMP; specifically, MMP9 and MMP13) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) are important in endochondral ossification and are potentially regulated by D. Fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) is interrelated with D homoeostasis and bone mineralisation. Relative mRNA expression ofMMP9,MMP13,VEGFandFGF23was measured in pig femur and vertebra. Sows (n37) were fed diets with 0 (−D), 8·125 (+D) or 43·750 (++D) µg D3/kg throughout gestation and lactation. At weaning (3 weeks), pigs were fed diets with 0 (−D) or 7·0 (+D) µg D3/kg, each with 75 and 95 % (LCaP) or 150 and 120 % (HCaP) of the Ca and P requirements. Pigs at birth (n27), 3 weeks (n27) and after the nursery period (7 weeks;n72) were euthanised for analysis. At 3 weeks, femurMMP9expression of pigs produced by +D or ++D sows was reduced (P<0·05) to 0·5-fold andVEGFexpression to 0·4-fold compared with pigs from –D sows. At 7 weeks,MMP9expression was reduced (P<0·05) to 0·45-fold in femur and 0·58-fold in vertebra from pigs produced by +D or ++D sows compared with pigs from −D sows. Pig femurVEGFexpression was reduced to 0·75-fold in pigs produced by ++D sows.MMP9andVEGFmRNA expression offer potential markers for the initiation of bone lesions in the hypovitaminosis D kyphotic pig model.