bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Breaking the limitation of mode building time in an optoelectronic oscillator
Authors: Hao Tengfei , Cen Qizhuang , Dai Yitang , Tang Jian , Li Wei , Yao Jianping , Zhu Ninghua , Li Ming 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAn optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) is a microwave photonic system with a positive feedback loop used to create microwave oscillation with ultra-low phase noise thanks to the employment of a high-quality-factor energy storage element, such as a fiber delay line. For many applications, a frequency-tunable microwave signal or waveform, such as a linearly chirped microwave waveform (LCMW), is also needed. Due to the long characteristic time constant required for building up stable oscillation at an oscillation mode, it is impossible to generate an LCMW with a large chirp rate using a conventional frequency-tunable OEO. In this study, we propose and demonstrate a new scheme to generate a large chirp-rate LCMW based on Fourier domain mode locking technique to break the limitation of mode building time in an OEO. An LCMW with a high chirp rate of 0.34 GHz/μs and a large time-bandwidth product of 166,650 is demonstrated.
Crural Closure improves Outcomes of Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation in GERD patients with Hiatal Hernia
Authors: Schwameis Katrin , Nikolic Milena , Castellano Deivis G. Morales , Steindl Ariane , Macheck Sarah , Riegler M. , Kristo Ivan , Zörner Barbara , Schoppmann Sebastian F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractMagnetic sphincter-augmentation (MSA) has been proven effective in the treatment of GERD. No consensus exists on whether crural closure should be performed. Our aim was to assess the impact of cruroplasty on reflux-control and quality of life. MSA-Patients treated between 03/2012-03/2017 were classified into those without hiatal hernia (“NHH”), those post-MSA (NHR) and those post-MSA/hiatal repair (HR). GERD-symptoms, PPI-intake, GERD-Health-related-Quality-of-Life (GERD-HRQL) and Alimentary Satisfaction were assessed. Sixty-eight patients underwent MSA, 26 patients had additional crural closure. PH-monitoring was negative in 80% of HR, 73% of NHR and 89% of NHH-patients. GERD-HRQL-total scores decreased significantly in all groups (p < 0.001). Alimentary satisfaction was 8/10 in HR/NHH and 10/10 in NHR-patients. Satisfaction with heartburn relief was high (HR: 96%, NR: 95%, NHH: 94%) as was the elimination of PPI-intake (HR/NHH: 87%, NR: 86%). Heartburn and regurgitations were eliminated in 100% of HR, 88% and 94% of NHR and 87% and 91% of NHH-patients. Endoscopic dilatation or device explantation was performed in 3% each. MSA leads to significant symptom relief, increased quality of life and alimentary satisfaction with low perioperative morbidity. Cruroplasty tends to result in better reflux control and symptom relief than exclusive MSA without increasing dysphagia rates.
Dynamics of social contagions with local trend imitation
Authors: Zhu Xuzhen , Wang Wei , Cai Shimin , Stanley H. Eugene 
Published: May 2018

AbstractResearch on social contagion dynamics has not yet included a theoretical analysis of the ubiquitous local trend imitation (LTI) characteristic. We propose a social contagion model with a tent-like adoption probability to investigate the effect of this LTI characteristic on behavior spreading. We also propose a generalized edge-based compartmental theory to describe the proposed model. Through extensive numerical simulations and theoretical analyses, we find a crossover in the phase transition: when the LTI capacity is strong, the growth of the final adoption size exhibits a second-order phase transition. When the LTI capacity is weak, we see a first-order phase transition. For a given behavioral information transmission probability, there is an optimal LTI capacity that maximizes the final adoption size. Finally we find that the above phenomena are not qualitatively affected by the heterogeneous degree distribution. Our suggested theoretical predictions agree with the simulation results.
Maternal effects of the English grain aphids feeding on the wheat varieties with different resistance traits
Authors: Hu Xiang-Shun , Zhang Zhan-Feng , Zhu Tong-Yi , Song Yue , Wu Li-Juan , Liu Xiao-Feng , Zhao Hui-Yan , Liu Tong-Xian 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe maternal effects of the English grain aphid, Sitobion avenae on offspring phenotypes and performance on wheat varieties with different resistance traits were examined. We found that both conditioning wheat varieties(the host plant for over 3 months) and transition wheat varieties affected the biological parameters of aphid offspring after they were transferred between wheat varieties with different resistance traits. The conditioning varieties affected weight gain, development time (DT), and the intrinsic rate of natural increase (rm), whereas transition varieties affected the fecundity, rm, net reproductive rate, and fitness index. The conditioning and transition wheat varieties had significant interaction effects on the aphid offspring’s DT, mean relative growth rate, and fecundity. Our results showed that there was obvious maternal effects on offspring when S. avenae transferred bwteen wheat varieties with different resistance level, and the resistance traits of wheat varieties could induce an interaction between the conditioning and transition wheat varieties to influence the growth, development, reproduction, and even population dynamics of S. avenae. The conditioning varieties affected life-history traits related to individual growth and development to a greater extent, whereas transition varieties affected fecundity and population parameters more.
Modulation of gene transcription and epigenetics of colon carcinoma cells by bacterial membrane vesicles
Authors: Vdovikova Svitlana , Gilfillan Siv , Wang Shixiong , Dongre Mitesh , Wai Sun Nyunt , Hurtado Antoni 
Published: May 2018

AbstractInteractions between bacteria and colon cancer cells influence the transcription of the host cell. Yet is it undetermined whether the bacteria itself or the communication between the host and bacteria is responsible for the genomic changes in the eukaryotic cell. Now, we have investigated the genomic and epigenetic consequences of co-culturing colorectal carcinoma cells with membrane vesicles from pathogenic bacteria Vibrio cholerae and non-pathogenic commensal bacteria Escherichia coli. Our study reveals that membrane vesicles from pathogenic and commensal bacteria have a global impact on the gene expression of colon-carcinoma cells. The changes in gene expression correlate positively with both epigenetic changes and chromatin accessibility of promoters at transcription start sites of genes induced by both types of membrane vesicles. Moreover, we have demonstrated that membrane vesicles obtained only from V. cholerae induced the expression of genes associated with epithelial cell differentiation. Altogether, our study suggests that the observed genomic changes in host cells might be due to specific components of membrane vesicles and do not require communication by direct contact with the bacteria.
Released Mitochondrial DNA Following Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion Induces the Inflammatory Response and Gut Barrier Dysfunction
Authors: Hu Qiongyuan , Ren Huajian , Ren Jianan , Liu Qinjie , Wu Jie , Wu Xiuwen , Li Guanwei , Wang Gefei , Gu Guosheng , Guo Kun , Hong Zhiwu , Liu Song , Li Jieshou 
Published: May 2018

AbstractIschemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is a challenging clinical problem, especially injuries involving the gastrointestinal tract. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is released upon cell death and stress, and can induce the inflammatory response. We aimed to investigate the role of mtDNA in the pathogenesis of intestinal I/R. Intestinal I/R model was established with clamping of the superior mesenteric artery, and IEC-6 cells were incubated under hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) conditions to simulate I/R injury. Using in vitro models, H/R up-regulated oxidative stress, disrupted mitochondrial activity and the mitochondrial membrane potential, induced apoptosis and elevated the mtDNA levels in the supernatant of intestinal epithelial cells, and the co-culture of mtDNA with human primary dendritic cells significantly elevated TLR9-MyD88 expression and enhanced the production of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. MtDNA was also released in a mouse model of intestinal I/R and was associated with the increased secretion of inflammatory cytokines and increased gut barrier injury compared with that of the sham group. We concluded that mtDNA contributes to I/R injury and may serve as a biomarker of intestinal I/R. We further suggest that oxidized mtDNA originated from IECs during intestinal I/R exacerbates the acute proinflammatory process by eliciting the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines.
Chronic stress of high dietary carbohydrate level causes inflammation and influences glucose transport through SOCS3 in Japanese flounder Paralichthys olivaceus
Authors: Deng Kangyu , Pan Mingzhu , Liu Jiahuan , Yang Mengxi , Gu Zhixiang , Zhang Yue , Liu Guangxia , Liu Dong , Zhang Wenbing , Mai Kangsen 
Published: May 2018

AbstractCarnivorous fish is thought to be high-glucose intolerance. But the reasons were still unclear. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of high level of dietary carbohydrate on the survival, growth and immune responses of Paralichthys olivaceus, and the underlying molecular mechanism related to the immune and glucose metabolism. P. olivaceus were fed with 8%, 16% and 24% of dietary carbohydrate for 10 weeks, respectively. After that, a glucose tolerance test (GTT) was conducted. Results showed that excessive (24%) dietary carbohydrate significantly decreased the growth and glucose tolerance ability according to the GTT. It significantly increased hepatic NADPH oxidase activity and malondialdehyde content and serum contents of IL-6 and advanced glycation end products. The expressions of glucose transport-relevant genes in liver and the content of related hormones in serum were analyzed. In conclusion, it was confirmed that IL-6 increased the expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3) and regulated the downstream targets of PI3K-AKT mediated signal transduction, and then downregulated the glucose transporter 2 activity in liver of P. olivaceus fed diet with excessive carbohydrate level. It was suggested that SOCS3 served as a bridge between immune response and glucose metabolism in P. olivaceus.
Identification and application of exogenous dsRNA confers plant protection against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum and Botrytis cinerea
Authors: McLoughlin Austein G. , Wytinck Nick , Walker Philip L. , Girard Ian J. , Rashid Khalid Y. , de Kievit Teresa , Fernando W. G. Dilantha , Whyard Steve , Belmonte Mark F. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSclerotinia sclerotiorum, the causal agent of white stem rot, is responsible for significant losses in crop yields around the globe. While our understanding of S. sclerotiorum infection is becoming clearer, genetic control of the pathogen has been elusive and effective control of pathogen colonization using traditional broad-spectrum agro-chemical protocols are less effective than desired. In the current study, we developed species-specific RNA interference-based control treatments capable of reducing fungal infection. Development of a target identification pipeline using global RNA sequencing data for selection and application of double stranded RNA (dsRNA) molecules identified single gene targets of the fungus. Using this approach, we demonstrate the utility of this technology through foliar applications of dsRNAs to the leaf surface that significantly decreased fungal infection and S. sclerotiorum disease symptoms. Select target gene homologs were also tested in the closely related species, Botrytis cinerea, reducing lesion size and providing compelling evidence of the adaptability and flexibility of this technology in protecting plants against devastating fungal pathogens.
Self-reference and random sampling approach for label-free identification of DNA composition using plasmonic nanomaterials
Authors: Freeman Lindsay M. , Pang Lin , Fainman Yeshaiahu 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe analysis of DNA has led to revolutionary advancements in the fields of medical diagnostics, genomics, prenatal screening, and forensic science, with the global DNA testing market expected to reach revenues of USD 10.04 billion per year by 2020. However, the current methods for DNA analysis remain dependent on the necessity for fluorophores or conjugated proteins, leading to high costs associated with consumable materials and manual labor. Here, we demonstrate a potential label-free DNA composition detection method using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) in which we identify the composition of cytosine and adenine within single strands of DNA. This approach depends on the fact that there is one phosphate backbone per nucleotide, which we use as a reference to compensate for systematic measurement variations. We utilize plasmonic nanomaterials with random Raman sampling to perform label-free detection of the nucleotide composition within DNA strands, generating a calibration curve from standard samples of DNA and demonstrating the capability of resolving the nucleotide composition. The work represents an innovative way for detection of the DNA composition within DNA strands without the necessity of attached labels, offering a highly sensitive and reproducible method that factors in random sampling to minimize error.
Complete mitochondrial and rDNA complex sequences of important vector species of Biomphalaria, obligatory hosts of the human-infecting blood fluke, Schistosoma mansoni
Authors: Zhang Si-Ming , Bu Lijing , Laidemitt Martina R. , Lu Lijun , Mutuku Martin W. , Mkoji Gerald M. , Loker Eric S. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractUsing high throughput Illumina sequencing technology, we determined complete sequences for the mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) and nuclear ribosomal DNA (rDNA) complex for three African freshwater snail taxa within the genusBiomphalaria,B. pfeifferi,B. sudanicaandB. choanomphala, and for two laboratory strains ofB. glabrataoriginating from the Neotropics.Biomphalariasnails are obligate vectors of the blood flukeSchistosoma mansoni, a major etiologic agent of human intestinal schistosomiasis. Our data show that mitogenomes from African and NeotropicalBiomphalariaare highly conserved. With respect to rDNA, the two internal transcribed spacers (ITS1 and 2) were found to be highly variable whereas the three ribosomal RNA genes (28S, 5.8S and 18S rRNA) exhibited no or very limited variation. Our analyses reveal that the two taxa inhabiting Lake Victoria,B. sudanicaandB. choanomphala, are very similar to one another relative to the similarity either shows toB. pfeifferiorB. glabrata. This new sequence information may prove useful for developing new markers for snail identification, environmental detection/monitoring purposes or for tracking epidemiology and snail dependencies ofS. mansoniin endemic areas. It also provides new information pertinent to still unresolved questions inBiomphalariasystematics and nomenclature.
Acquisition and dissemination of cephalosporin-resistant E. coli in migratory birds sampled at an Alaska landfill as inferred through genomic analysis
Authors: Ahlstrom Christina A. , Bonnedahl Jonas , Woksepp Hanna , Hernandez Jorge , Olsen Björn , Ramey Andrew M. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractAntimicrobial resistance (AMR) in bacterial pathogens threatens global health, though the spread of AMR bacteria and AMR genes between humans, animals, and the environment is still largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of wild birds in the epidemiology of AMR Escherichia coli. Using next-generation sequencing, we characterized cephalosporin-resistant E. coli cultured from sympatric gulls and bald eagles inhabiting a landfill habitat in Alaska to identify genetic determinants conferring AMR, explore potential transmission pathways of AMR bacteria and genes at this site, and investigate how their genetic diversity compares to isolates reported in other taxa. We found genetically diverse E. coli isolates with sequence types previously associated with human infections and resistance genes of clinical importance, including blaCTX-M and blaCMY. Identical resistance profiles were observed in genetically unrelated E. coli isolates from both gulls and bald eagles. Conversely, isolates with indistinguishable core-genomes were found to have different resistance profiles. Our findings support complex epidemiological interactions including bacterial strain sharing between gulls and bald eagles and horizontal gene transfer among E. coli harboured by birds. Results suggest that landfills may serve as a source for AMR acquisition and/or maintenance, including bacterial sequence types and AMR genes relevant to human health.
Delayed and progressive damages to juvenile mice after moderate traumatic brain injury
Authors: Zhao Shu , Wang Xiaoting , Gao Xiang , Chen Jinhui 
Published: May 2018

AbstractSymptoms are commonly more severe in pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients than in young adult TBI patients. To understand the mechanism, juvenile mice received a controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury at moderate level. Tissue lesion and cell death were measured and compared to our previous reports on brain injury in the young adult mice that received same level of impact using same injury device. Tissue lesion and cell death in the cortex was much less in the juvenile mouse brain in the first few hours after injury. However, once the injury occurred, it developed more rapidly, lasted much longer, and eventually led to exaggerated cell death and a 32.7% larger tissue lesion cavity in the cortex of juvenile mouse brain than of young adult mouse brain. Moreover, we found significant cell death in the thalamus of juvenile brains at 72 h, which was not commonly seen in the young adult mice. In summary, cell death in juvenile mice was delayed, lasted longer, and finally resulted in more severe brain injury than in the young adult mice. The results suggest that pediatric TBI patients may have a longer therapeutic window, but they also need longer intensive clinical care after injury.
Long-lived monolithic micro-optics for multispectral GRIN applications
Authors: Lepicard Antoine , Bondu Flavie , Kang Myungkoo , Sisken Laura , Yadav Anupama , Adamietz Frederic , Rodriguez Vincent , Richardson Kathleen , Dussauze Marc 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThe potential for realizing robust, monolithic, near-surface refractive micro-optic elements with long-lived stability is demonstrated in visible and infrared transmitting glasses capable of use in dual band applications. Employing an enhanced understanding of glass chemistry and geometric control of mobile ion migration made possible with electrode patterning, flat, permanent, thermally-poled micro-optic structures have been produced and characterized. Sub-surface (t~5–10 µm) compositional and structural modification during the poling process results in formation of spatially-varying refractive index profiles, exhibiting induced Δn changes up to 5 × 10−2which remain stable for >15 months. The universality of this approach applied to monolithic vis-near infrared [NIR] oxide and NIR-midwave infrared [MIR] chalcogenide glass materials is demonstrated for the first time. Element size, shape and gradient profile variation possible through pattern design and fabrication is shown to enable a variety of design options not possible using other GRIN process methodologies.
Reprogramming, oscillations and transdifferentiation in epigenetic landscapes
Authors: Kaity Bivash , Sarkar Ratan , Chakrabarti Buddhapriya , Mitra Mithun K. 
Published: May 2018

AbstractWaddington’s epigenetic landscape provides a phenomenological understanding of the cell differentiation pathways from the pluripotent to mature lineage-committed cell lines. In light of recent successes in the reverse programming process there has been significant interest in quantifying the underlying landscape picture through the mathematics of gene regulatory networks. We investigate the role of time delays arising from multi-step chemical reactions and epigenetic rearrangement on the cell differentiation landscape for a realistic two-gene regulatory network, consisting of self-promoting and mutually inhibiting genes. Our work provides the first theoretical basis of the transdifferentiation process in the presence of delays, where one differentiated cell type can transition to another directly without passing through the undifferentiated state. Additionally, the interplay of time-delayed feedback and a time dependent chemical drive leads to long-lived oscillatory states in appropriate parameter regimes. This work emphasizes the important role played by time-delayed feedback loops in gene regulatory circuits and provides a framework for the characterization of epigenetic landscapes.
Classical and alternative complement activation on photoreceptor outer segments drives monocyte-dependent retinal atrophy
Authors: Katschke Kenneth J. , Xi Hongkang , Cox Christian , Truong Tom , Malato Yann , Lee Wyne P. , McKenzie Brent , Arceo Rommel , Tao Jianhua , Rangell Linda , Reichelt Mike , Diehl Lauri , Elstrott Justin , Weimer Robby M , van Lookeren Campagne Menno 
Published: May 2018

AbstractGeographic atrophy (GA), the advanced form of dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), is characterized by progressive loss of retinal pigment epithelium cells and photoreceptors in the setting of characteristic extracellular deposits and remains a serious unmet medical need. While genetic predisposition to AMD is dominated by polymorphisms in complement genes, it remains unclear how complement activation contributes to retinal atrophy. Here we demonstrate that complement is activated on photoreceptor outer segments (POS) in the retina peripheral to atrophic lesions associated with GA. When exposed to human serum following outer blood-retinal barrier breakdown, POS act as potent activators of the classical and alternative complement pathway. In mouse models of retinal degeneration, classical and alternative pathway complement activation on photoreceptors contributed to the loss of photoreceptor function. This was dependent on C5a-mediated recruitment of peripheral blood monocytes but independent of resident microglia. Genetic or pharmacologic inhibition of both classical and alternative complement C3 and C5 convertases was required to reduce progressive degeneration of photoreceptor rods and cones. Our study implicates systemic classical and alternative complement proteins and peripheral blood monocytes as critical effectors of localized retinal degeneration with potential relevance for the contribution of complement activation to GA.