bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Direct and indirect effects of nitrogen enrichment on soil organisms and carbon and nitrogen mineralization in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Chen Dima , Xing Wen , Lan Zhichun , Saleem Muhammad , Wu Yunqiqige , Hu Shuijin , Bai Yongfei 
Published: October 2018

Abstract

Semi‐arid grasslands on the Mongolian Plateau are expected to experience high inputs of anthropogenic reactive nitrogen in this century. It remains unclear, however, how soil organisms and nutrient cycling are directly affected by N enrichment (i.e., without mediation by plant input to soil) vs. indirectly affected via changes in plant‐related inputs to soils resulting from N enrichment.

To test the direct and indirect effects of N enrichment on soil organisms (bacteria, fungi and nematodes) and their associated C and N mineralization, in 2010, we designated two subplots (with plants and without plants) in every plot of a six‐level N‐enrichment experiment established in 1999 in a semi‐arid grassland.

In 2014, 4 years after subplots with and without plant were established, N enrichment had substantially altered the soil bacterial, fungal and nematode community structures due to declines in biomass or abundance whether plants had been removed or not. N enrichment also reduced the diversity of these groups (except for fungi) and the soil C mineralization rate and induced a hump‐shaped response of soil N mineralization. As expected, plant removal decreased the biomass or abundance of soil organisms and C and N mineralization rates due to declines in soil substrates or food resources.

Analyses of plant‐removal‐induced changes (ratios of without‐ to with‐plant subplots) showed that micro‐organisms and C and N mineralization rates were not enhanced as N enrichment increased but that nematodes were enhanced as N enrichment increased, indicating that the effects of plant removal on soil organisms and mineralization depended on trophic level and nutrient status.

Surprisingly, there was no statistical interaction between N enrichment and plant removal for most variables, indicating that plant‐related inputs did not qualitatively change the effects of N enrichment on soil organisms or mineralization. Structural equation modelling confirmed that changes in soil communities and mineralization rates were more affected by the direct effects of N enrichment (via soil acidification and increased N availability) than by plant‐related indirect effects. Our results provide insight into how future changes in N deposition and vegetation may modify below‐ground communities and processes in grassland ecosystems.

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Intensive allochthonous inputs along the Ganges River and their effect on microbial community composition and dynamics
Authors: Zhang Si‐Yu , Tsementzi Despina , Hatt Janet K. , Bivins Aaron , Khelurkar Nikunj , Brown Joe , Tripathi Sachchida Nand , Konstantinidis Konstantinos T. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryLittle is known about microbial communities in the Ganges River, India and how they respond to intensive anthropogenic inputs. Here we applied shotgun metagenomics sequencing to study microbial community dynamics and function in planktonic samples collected along an approximately 700 km river transect, including urban cities and rural settings in upstream waters, before and after the monsoon rainy season. Our results showed that 11%–32% of the microbes represented terrestrial, sewage and human inputs (allochthonous). Sewage inputs significantly contributed to the higher abundance, by 13‐fold of human gut microbiome (HG) associated sequences and 2‐fold of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) in the Ganges relative to other riverine ecosystems in Europe, North and South America. Metagenome‐assembled genome sequences (MAGs) representing allochthonous populations were detectable and tractable across the river after 1–2 days of (downstream) transport (> 200 km apart). Only approximately 8% of these MAGs were abundant in U.S. freshwater ecosystems, revealing distinct biodiversity for the Ganges. Microbial communities in the rainy season exhibited increased alpha‐diversity and spatial heterogeneity and showed significantly weaker distance‐decay patterns compared with the dry season. These results advance our understanding of the Ganges microbial communities and how they respond to anthropogenic pollution.
Acetylated Distarch Phosphate/Chitosan Films Reinforced with Sodium Laurate‐Modified Nano‐TiO2: Effects of Sodium Laurate Concentration
Authors: Wu Yuanyuan , Li Shuai , Song Jingxin , Jiang Bingxue , Chen ShanShan , Sun Huimin , Li Xinxin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractNano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) was modified with the surfactant sodium laurate (SL) via ultrasonic microwave‐assisted technology to improve the dispersion of TiO2 in polymer matrices. As revealed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and scanning electron microscopy analyses, SL was well adsorbed onto the TiO2 surface through chemical bonding, resulting in SL‐modified TiO2 (TiO2‐SLx). The hydrophobicity and dispersibility of TiO2‐SLx increased significantly compared to unmodified nano‐TiO2. With an increase in the SL concentration from 5% to 15%, the agglomeration of TiO2‐SLx particles decreased considerably, while the particles were more uniform. TiO2‐SLx nanoparticles (3 wt%) were then incorporated into acetylated distarch phosphate/chitosan (ADPS/CS) blended matrices to reinforce the biopolymers. Relative to unmodified TiO2, TiO2‐SLx exhibited a better dispersion capability. Furthermore, as the SL concentration increased, the tensile strength (TS) of the composite films increased, while the elongation at break (E), water vapor permeability (WVP), and solubility all decreased. The composite film containing TiO2‐SL15 (TiO2 modified with 15% SL; ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL15 film) displayed the highest TS (31.50 MPa), which was 33.70% higher than that of the pure ADPS/CS film, whereas the ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL25 film exhibited the lowest E. Further, the ADPS/CS‐TiO2‐SL15 film displayed the lowest WVP (0.90 × 10−12 g·cm−1·s−1·Pa−1) and solubility (22.91%), which decreased by 30.23% and 26.03% compared to that of the pure ADPS/CS film, respectively. Therefore, SL modification and the use of ultrasonic microwave‐assisted technology are promising for the preparation of nanofillers for biopolymer reinforcement.Practical ApplicationNano‐titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles were modified using the anionic surfactant sodium laurate via ultrasonic‐microwave assisted technology, to improve the dispersion of the TiO2 nanoparticles in polymer matrices. Modified TiO2 nanoparticles were incorporated into acetylated di‐starch phosphate/Chitosan blend films, causing the tensile strength of the composite film to increase and the water solubility and water vapor permeability of the composite film to decrease, making the films suitable for packaging applications.
Th17 responses to pneumococcus in blood and adenoidal cells in children
Authors: Oliver E , Pope C , Clarke E , Langton Hewer C , Ogunniyi A D , Paton J C , Mitchell T , Malley R , Finn A 
Published: October 2018

Summary
Pneumococcal infections cause a large global health burden, and the search for serotype-independent vaccines continues. Existing conjugate vaccines reduce nasopharyngeal colonization by target serotypes. Such mucosal effects of novel antigens may similarly be important. CD4+ Th17 cell-dependent, antibody-independent reductions in colonization and enhanced clearance have been described in mice. Here we describe the evaluation of T helper type 17 (Th17) cytokine responses to candidate pneumococcal protein vaccine antigens in human cell culture, using adenoidal and peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Optimal detection of interleukin (IL)-17A was at day 7, and of IL-22 at day 11, in these primary cell cultures. Removal of CD45RO+ memory T cells abolished these responses. Age-associated increases in magnitude of responses were evident for IL-17A, but not IL-22, in adenoidal cells. There was a strong correlation between individual IL-17A and IL-22 responses after pneumococcal antigen stimulation (P &lt; 0·015). Intracellular cytokine staining following phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin stimulation demonstrated that &gt; 30% CD4+ T cells positive for IL-22 express the innate markers γδT cell receptor and/or CD56, with much lower proportions for IL-17A+ cells (P &lt; 0·001). Responses to several vaccine candidate antigens were observed but were consistently absent, particularly in blood, to PhtD (P &lt; 0·0001), an antigen recently shown not to impact colonization in a clinical trial of a PhtD-containing conjugate vaccine in infants. The data presented and approach discussed have the potential to assist in the identification of novel vaccine antigens aimed at reducing pneumococcal carriage and transmission, thus improving the design of empirical clinical trials.
Patterns of verbal interaction and student satisfaction within a clinical setting: A video‐enhanced observational study
Authors: Field James Clark , Zhang Enda , Milke Veronika , McCance Stuart , Worts Chloe , Stone Simon James , Edwards David Christopher 
Published: October 2018

AbstractBackgroundThe increasingly competitive global higher education sector recognises the impact of teaching quality and a strong student voice. This means that student satisfaction is under increasing scrutiny; however, little is known about how clinical teachers actually teach. At present, the relationship between actual patterns of individual dental student‐clinician interaction and student satisfaction is unclear.AimTo investigate the relationship between patterns of verbal interaction and individual student satisfaction, during dental clinical teaching encounters.MethodsA total of 150 patterns of verbal interactions between Stage 2 (BDS and Hygiene and Therapy, n = 86) students and clinical teaching staff were recorded within a clinical skills environment in a Dental School in the United Kingdom. Verbal interaction analysis (VIA) was used as a basis for recording full verbal interactions between students and skills teachers.ResultsThe length of the encounter, the amount of praise/encouragement, the level of criticism, the number of questions asked and the proportion of student talk were significant predictors of student satisfaction. The proportions of time spent with the teacher talking, time spent in silence and time spent examining the patient or clinical work were not significant predictors of student satisfaction. Further, the degree to which the teacher lectured or gave direction was not a significant predictor of student satisfaction.ConclusionsA number of observed behaviours correlated significantly with increased satisfaction. Praise and the acceptance of student ideas are required to offset high levels of criticism, and the encounter seems to require structure from the clinician with an emphasis on indirect influence rather than just lecturing.
γ‐Aminobutyric acid receptor alpha 1 subunit loss of function causes genetic generalized epilepsy by impairing inhibitory network neurodevelopment
Authors: Samarut Éric , Swaminathan Amrutha , Riché Raphaëlle , Liao Meijiang , Hassan‐Abdi Rahma , Renault Solène , Allard Marc , Dufour Liselotte , Cossette Patrick , Soussi‐Yanicostas Nadia , Drapeau Pierre 
Published: October 2018

SummaryObjectiveIn humans, mutations of the γ‐aminobutyric acid receptor subunit 1 (GABRA1) cause either mild or severe generalized epilepsy. Although these epilepsy‐causing mutations have been shown to disrupt the receptor activity in vitro, their in vivo consequences on brain development and activity are not known. Here, we aim at unraveling the epileptogenesis mechanisms ofGABRA1loss of function.MethodsWe generated agabra1−/−zebrafish mutant line displaying highly penetrant epileptic seizures. We sought to identify the underlying molecular mechanisms through unbiased whole transcriptomic assay ofgabra1−/−larval brains.ResultsInterestingly, mutant fish show fully penetrant seizures at juvenile stages that accurately mimic tonic–clonic generalized seizures observed in patients. Moreover, highly penetrant seizures can be induced by light stimulation, thus providing us with the first zebrafish model in which evident epileptic seizures can be induced by nonchemical agents. Our transcriptomic assay identified misregulated genes in several pathways essential for correct brain development. More specifically, we show that the early development of the brain inhibitory network is specifically affected. Although the number of GABAergic neurons is not altered, we observed a drastic reduction in the number of inhibitory synapses and a decreased complexity of the GABAergic network. This is consistent with the disruption in expression of many genes involved in axon guidance and synapse formation.SignificanceTogether with the role of GABA in neurodevelopment, our data identify a novel aspect of epileptogenesis, suggesting that the substratum of GABRA1‐deficiency epilepsy is a consequence of early brain neurodevelopmental defects, in particular at the level of inhibitory network wiring.
Perampanel and decanoic acid show synergistic action against AMPA receptors and seizures
Authors: Augustin Katrin , Williams Sophie , Cunningham Mark , Devlin Anita M. , Friedrich Maximilian , Jayasekera Ashan , Hussain Mohammed A. , Holliman Damian , Mitchell Patrick , Jenkins Alistair , Chen Philip E. , Walker Matthew C. , Williams Robin S.B. 
Published: October 2018

SummaryPerampanel is an adjunctive treatment for epilepsy that works through the direct inhibition of AMPA receptors. The same molecular mechanism has recently been shown for a fatty acid, decanoic acid, prescribed in the medium chain triglyceride ketogenic diet for the treatment of patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy. Because each compound has been proposed to act through a distinct AMPA receptor binding site, we predicted that perampanel and decanoic acid would act synergistically against AMPA receptors and, consequently, seizures. Here, we show a synergistic interaction between perampanel and decanoic acid in direct AMPA receptor inhibition, in an ex vivo model of seizure activity, and against seizure‐induced activity in human brain slices. These data support a potential role for combination treatment using perampanel and dietary decanoic acid to provide enhanced seizure control.
Transcranial magnetic stimulation over contralateral primary somatosensory cortex disrupts perception of itch intensity
Authors: Jones Olivia , Schindler Igor , Holle Henning 
Published: October 2018

AbstractItch, a complex unpleasant sensation causing the desire to scratch, results from the activity of a network of brain regions. However, the specific functional contributions of individual regions within this network remain poorly understood. We investigated whether contralateral primary and secondary somatosensory cortices (S1, S2) and ipsilateral inferior frontal gyrus (IFG) are critically involved in the cortical processing of acute itch. Continuous theta burst transcranial magnetic stimulation (cTBS) was applied to either S1, S2 or IFG, followed by itch induction using a histamine prick. Results indicate a significant reduction in itch intensity when cTBS was applied to S1. Stimulation of S2 or the IFG was not associated with a significant reduction in itch intensity. The novel finding of an antipruritic effect elicited by disruption of activity in contralateral S1 suggests a causal role of S1 in encoding the sensory‐discriminative aspect of itch and might be important in future studies on brain interventions for the treatment of itch.
The Response of Shallow Groundwater Levels to Soil Freeze–Thaw Process on the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau
Authors: Dai Licong , Guo Xiaowei , Du Yangong , Zhang Fawei , Ke Xun , Cao Yingfang , Li Yikang , Li Qian , Lin Li , Cao Guangmin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe Qinghai‐Tibet plateau has the world's largest area of seasonally frozen ground. Here, shallow groundwater displays behavior that is distinct from that elsewhere in the world. In the present study, we explore the seasonal and interannual variation of the shallow groundwater levels from 2012 to 2016, and attempt to quantitatively evaluate the relative influences of individual driving factors on the shallow groundwater levels based on boosted regression trees. The results show that: (1) on a seasonal scale, the groundwater levels were characterized by a double peak and double valley relationship, while on an interannual scale the groundwater levels showed a slightly downwards trend from 2012 to 2016; and (2) during the frozen period, the seasonal variation of groundwater levels was determined by mean air temperature through its effect on the soil thaw–freeze process, accounting for 53.15% of total variation. Meanwhile, ET0 and rainfall exerted little impact on the seasonal variation of groundwater levels, which might be attributed to the aquitard of frozen soil that impedes the exchange between surface water and groundwater. Moreover, there was a lag between groundwater levels and soil freezing–thawing. During the non‐frozen period, the mean air temperature was again the most important factor impacting the variation of groundwater levels, through its effect on ET0, and accounted for 40.75% of total variation, while rainfall had little effect on groundwater levels when rainfall intensity was less than 12 mm/day. These results will benefit predictions of future trends in groundwater levels within the context of global warming.
Effect of fluorine on the optical properties of BaF2‐BaO‐La2O3‐B2O3 glasses prepared by containerless processing
Authors: Chung Jaeyeop , Yanaba Yutaka , Nakatsuka Yuko , Watanabe Yasuhiro , Inoue Hiroyuki 
Published: October 2018

AbstractThe glass‐forming region of the BaO‐La2O3‐B2O3 ternary system was determined by using a containerless processing. Moreover, we prepared xBaF2‐(35‐x)BaO‐15La2O3‐50B2O3 (x = 0‐35 mol%), xBaF2‐(20‐x)BaO‐20La2O3‐60B2O3 (x = 0‐20 mol%), xBaF2‐(20‐x)BaO‐15La2O3‐65B2O3 (x = 0‐20 mol%) and xBaF2‐(20‐x)BaO‐10La2O3‐70B2O3 (x = 0‐20 mol%) novel oxyfluoride glasses. The glass transition temperature, density, refractive index, and the Abbe number of these glasses were investigated. The effects of the substitution of fluorine for oxygen on the refractive index and Abbe number were discussed on the basis of electronic polarizability and resonance wavelength of oscillator. The refractive indices decreased but Abbe number increased with increasing fluorine concentration because of the decrease in resonance wavelength of oscillator. By substituting fluorine for oxygen, we developed new optical glasses (nd = 1.68‐1.74, vd = 46‐60). The fractions of BO4 unit of oxide and oxyfluoride glasses were analyzed by the 11B NMR. The conversion between BO3 and BO4 units was observed when fluorine is added to oxide glasses because, fluorine bonds with network modifier cations and the available number of network modifiers decrease with increasing fluorine concentration. These results are helpful for designing new optical glasses that are controlled to have relatively high refractive index and lower wavelength dispersion.
Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of total saponins from Stauntonia chinensis in diabetic db/db mice
Authors: Xu Jing , Wang Sha , Feng Tianhui , Chen Yu , Yang Guangzhong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractStauntonia chinensis DC. has been utilised as a traditional herbal medicine for its anti‐hyperglycemic characteristic, which has been associated with triterpene saponins. The goal of the current evaluation was to examine hypoglycemic activity and affiliated mechanism of total saponins from S. chinensis. The chemical composition was analysed by HPLC‐ESI‐MS/MS. The fasting blood glucose, oral glucose tolerance test, insulin tolerance test, insulin and glycogen levels of type 2 diabetic db/db mice administered total saponins were quantified to determine the hypoglycemic effects. The serum lipid profiles were assessed to determine the hypolipidemic effects. Western blotting was used to quantify the protein levels of insulin receptor substrates (IRS)‐1/PI3K/AKT, AMPK/ACC and GLUT4. Twenty triterpene saponins were identified from the total saponins, which exhibited hypoglycemic activities and modulated hyperlipidemia that was associated with type 2 diabetes. The hypoglycemic effects were partly due to the activation of GLUT4, which is regulated by IRS‐1/PI3K/AKT. The activation of the AMPK/ACC signalling pathway may be responsible for the hypolipidemic activity. This study revealed that total saponins from S. chinensis have significant hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic activity in diabetic db/db mice, indicating that these may be utilised in the development of saponins based on S. chinensis for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.
CircRUNX2 through has‐miR‐203 regulates RUNX2 to prevent osteoporosis
Authors: Yin Qudong , Wang Jian , Fu Qiang , Gu Sanjun , Rui Yongjuan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to discover the molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0076694 (circRUNX2) on osteogenic differentiation. We also explored the interaction between circRUNX2, miR‐203 and RUNX2.MethodsClinical samples obtained from femoral neck fracture patients’ bone tissues were used to collect circRUNX2, miR‐203, and RUNX2 expression data, while their expression changes were observed in human bone mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) during osteogenic differentiation. QRT‐PCR and Western blot were used to analyse levels of RNAs and proteins. Biotin pull down, RIP, RNA FISH, and Dual‐Luciferase Reporter assays demonstrated the relationship between circRUNX2, miR‐203, and RUNX2. ALP and ARS staining were used to measure the degree of osteogenic differentiation under the control of circRUNX2, miR‐203.ResultsCircRUNX2 were down‐regulated in osteoporotic patients’ bone tissues. CircRUNX2 could inhibit miR‐203 expression by sponging miR‐203. MiR‐203 inhibited osteogenic differentiation by targeting the 3′‐UTR of RUNX2 and down‐regulate RUNX2 expression. Overexpression of circRUNX2 promoted the expression of osteogenic differentiation‐related proteins such as RUNX2, OCN, OPN, BSP, and prevented osteoporosis.ConclusioncircRUNX2 could sponge miR‐203 and enhance RUNX2 expression, thus circRUNX2 prevents osteoporosis and may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for it.
MYC and DNMT3A‐mediated DNA methylation represses microRNA‐200b in triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Pang Yamei , Liu Jian , Li Xiang , Xiao Guodong , Wang Huangzhen , Yang Ganghua , Li Yanbo , Tang Shou‐Ching , Qin Sida , Du Ning , Zhang Henggang , Liu Dapeng , Sun Xin , Ren Hong 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTriple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive breast cancer subtype with a poor prognosis. The microRNA‐200 (miR‐200) family has been associated with breast cancer metastasis. However, the epigenetic mechanisms underlying miR‐200b repression in TNBC are not fully elucidated. In this study, we found that MYC proto‐oncogene, bHLH transcription factor (MYC) and DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) were highly expressed in TNBC tissues compared with other breast cancer subtypes, while miR‐200b expression was inhibited significantly. We demonstrated that MYC physically interacted with DNMT3A in MDA‐MB‐231 cells. Furthermore, we demonstrated that MYC recruited DNMT3A to the miR‐200b promoter, resulting in proximal CpG island hypermethylation and subsequent miR‐200b repression. MiR‐200b directly inhibited DNMT3A expression and formed a feedback loop in TNBC cells. MiR‐200b overexpression synergistically repressed target genes including zinc‐finger E‐box‐binding homeobox factor 1, Sex determining region Y‐box 2 (SOX2), and CD133, and inhibited the migration, invasion and mammosphere formation of TNBC cells. Our findings reveal that MYC can collaborate with DNMT3A on inducing promoter methylation and miR‐200b silencing, and thereby promotes the epithelial to mesenchymal transition and mammosphere formation of TNBC cells.