bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Masticatory Apparatus Performance and Functional Morphology in the Extremely Large Mice from Gough Island
Authors: Parmenter Michelle D. , Nelson Jacob P. , Weigel Sara E. , Gray Melissa M. , Payseur Bret A. , Vinyard Christopher J. 
Published: December 2018

ABSTRACTSince their arrival approximately 200 years ago, the house mice (Mus musculus) on Gough Island (GI) rapidly increased in size to become the largest wild house mice on record. Along with this extreme increase in body size, GI mice adopted a predatory diet, consuming significant quantities of seabird chicks and eggs. We studied this natural experiment to determine how evolution of extreme size and a novel diet impacted masticatory apparatus performance and functional morphology in these mice. We measured maximum bite force and jaw opening (i.e., gape) along with several musculoskeletal dimensions functionally linked to these performance measurements to test the hypotheses that GI mice evolved larger bite forces and jaw gapes as part of their extreme increase in size and/or novel diet. GI mice can bite more forcefully and open their jaws wider than a representative mainland strain of house mice. Similarly, GI mice have musculoskeletal features of the masticatory apparatus that are absolutely larger than WSB mice. However, when considered relative to body size or jaw length, as a relevant mechanical standard, GI mice show reduced performance, suggesting a size‐related decrease in these abilities. Correspondingly, most musculoskeletal features are not relatively larger in GI mice. Incisor biting leverage and condylar dimensions are exceptions, suggesting relative increases in biting efficiency and condylar rotation in GI mice. Based on these results, we hypothesize that evolutionary enhancements in masticatory performance are correlated with the extreme increase in body size and associated musculoskeletal phenotypes in Gough Island mice. Anat Rec, 2019. © 2018 American Association for Anatomy.
(Poly)terephthalates with Efficient Blue Emission in the Solid State
Authors: Shimizu Masaki , Shigitani Ryosuke , Kinoshita Takumi , Sakaguchi Hiroshi 
Published: December 2018

AbstractWe prepared dimethyl and diaryl 2,5‐dialkoxytere‐phthalates from dimethyl 2,5‐dihydroxyterephthalate in good‐to‐high yields via alkylation or a sequence of alkylation, hydrolysis, chlorination, and condensation. The absorption spectra of the dialkoxyterephthalates contain a small band at 332–355 nm, which could be assigned to intramolecular charge‐transfer transition from the alkoxy to alkoxycarbonyl groups on the basis of theoretical calculations using density functional theory. The dialkoxyterephthalates exhibited blue fluorescence with moderate‐to‐excellent quantum yields not only in solution but also in the solid state, such as a poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) film and a powder. The solid‐state quantum yields of the diisopropoxy‐substituted terephthalates were similar or considerably higher than those of the dimethoxy‐substituted counterparts. Copolymerization of 2,5‐diisopropoxyterephthaloyl chloride and 1,4‐butanediol with or without terephthaloyl chloride gave brilliantly blue fluorescent polymers, whose quantum yields were 0.72 and 0.71 in toluene and 0.46 and 0.40 in the neat film, respectively. Furthermore, white emission was achieved when a fluorescent yellow 2,5‐diaminoterephthalate was doped into the thin film of the blue fluorescent polymer at 0.4 wt %.
Unilateral neglect post stroke: Eye movement frequencies indicate directional hypokinesia while fixation distributions suggest compensational mechanism
Authors: Walle Kjersti M. , Nordvik Jan E. , Becker Frank , Espeseth Thomas , Sneve Markus H. , Laeng Bruno 
Published: December 2018

AbstractIntroductionEye movements and spatial attention are closely related, and eye‐tracking can provide valuable information in research on visual attention. We investigated the pathology of overt attention in right hemisphere (RH) stroke patients differing in their severity of neglect symptoms by using eye‐tracking during a dynamic attention task.MethodsEye movements were recorded in 26 RH stroke patients (13 with and 13 without unilateral spatial neglect, and a matched group of 26 healthy controls during a Multiple Object Tracking task. We assessed the frequency and spatial distributions of fixations, as well as frequencies of eye movements to the left and to the right side of visual space so as to investigate individuals’ efficiency of visual processing, distribution of attentional processing resources, and oculomotoric orienting mechanisms.ResultsBoth patient groups showed increased fixation frequencies compared to controls. A spatial bias was found in neglect patients’ fixation distribution, depending on neglect severity (indexed by scores on the Behavioral Inattention Test). Patients with more severe neglect had more fixations within the right field, while patients with less severe neglect had more fixations within their left field. Eye movement frequencies were dependent on direction in the neglect patient group, as they made more eye movements toward the right than toward the left.ConclusionThe patient groups’ higher fixation rates suggest that patients are generally less efficient in visual processing. The spatial bias in fixation distribution, dependent on neglect severity, suggested that patients with less severe neglect were able to use compensational mechanisms in their contralesional space. The observed relation between eye movement rates and directions observed in neglect patients provides a measure of the degree of difficulty these patients may encounter during dynamic situations in daily life and supports the idea that directional oculomotor hypokinesia may be a relevant component in this syndrome.
Fluorescent Biosensor for Detection of the R248Q Aggregation‐Prone Mutant of p53
Authors: Pellerano Morgan , Naud‐Martin Delphine , Mahuteau‐Betzer Florence , Morille Marie , Morris May C. 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe p53 tumour suppressor and guardian of the genome undergoes missense mutations that lead to functional inactivation in 50 % of human cancers. These mutations occur mostly in the DNA‐binding domain of the protein, and several of these result in conformational changes that lead to amyloid‐like protein aggregation. Herein, we describe a fluorescent biosensor that reports on the R248Q mutant of p53 in vitro and in living cells, engineered through conjugation of an environmentally sensitive probe onto a peptide derived from the primary aggregation segment of p53. This biosensor was characterised both in vitro and by means of fluorescence microscopy following facilitated delivery into cultured cells. It is shown that this biosensor preferentially reports on the p53 R248Q mutant in the PC9 lung cancer cell line compared with other lung cancer cell lines harbouring either wild‐type or no p53.
Percutaneous patent foramen ovale closure during live case demonstrations
Authors: Praz Fabien , Siontis George CM , Xhigoli Adrian , Wahl Andreas , Susuri Njomeza , Stortecky Stefan , Moschovitis Aris , Räber Lorenz , Pilgrim Thomas , Windecker Stephan , Meier Bernhard 
Published: December 2018

AbstractBackgroundLive case demonstrations serve as an educational tool for interventional techniques in cardiology. The aim of this study was to assess the safety and technical success of percutaneous patent foramen ovale (PFO) closure during live case demonstrations.MethodsAll patients who had undergone percutaneous PFO closure with Amplatzer devices during live case demonstrations at our institution were consecutively included in this retrospective analysis. Procedure related events were compared with summary event rates derived from the eight randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating PFO closure, as well as with a propensity matched cohort of patients treated under usual conditions.ResultsFrom April 2004 to June 2015, 142 patients underwent percutaneous PFO closure during live demonstrations, mainly for secondary prevention of cryptogenic cerebrovascular events. The interventions were fluoroscopy guided and successful in all but three cases (2%). Minor adverse events occurred in nine patients (6%). Contrast TEE performed at about 6 months showed complete closure in 84%. No significant differences with regard to technical success and major complications rate were found compared to RCTs, except for an increased rate of minor bleeding observed during live case demonstrations (P for difference < 0.001), mainly attributable to concomitant arterial access for incidental coronary angiography performed in 70% of patients. Except for slightly longer procedure duration, no difference was found compared to a matched population treated under usual conditions.ConclusionPercutaneous PFO closure can be performed during live case demonstrations with the same high technical success as during routine cases.
Nitrogen and Sulfur Doped Carbon Cloth as Current Collector and Polysulfide Immobilizer for Magnesium‐Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Muthuraj Divyamahalakshmi , Ghosh Arnab , Kumar Ajit , Mitra Sagar 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe combination of Mg and S is considered as an attractive candidate for metal‐sulfur batteries due to their high volumetric energy density and adequate existence of natural resources. However, Mg−S batteries suffer from polysulfide dissolution and shuttling which leads to reduced cycle life and stability. Here we report the significance of the chemical interaction between magnesium polysulfide and N, S dual‐doped carbon cloth for improving the cycle life. Compared to undoped carbon cloth, the dual‐doped carbon cloth as current collector shows improved electrochemical performance. When the dual‐doped carbon cloth as current collector is used in Mg−S cell, it retains the capacity up to 388 mAhg−1 after 40 cycles. The mechanisms of Mg−S battery and chemical interaction of polysulfides with dopant are investigated using X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy technique. The report clearly directs a new way to improve the performance of Mg−S battery using a modified current collector.
Enhanced Electrocatalysis via Boosted Separation of Hot Charge Carriers of Plasmonic Gold Nanoparticles Deposited on Reduced Graphene Oxide
Authors: Liao Xue‐Wei , Wang Shan‐Shan , Xu Gui‐Yin , Wang Chen 
Published: December 2018

AbstractPlasmon enhancement in electrocatalysis was investigated on pure Au nanoparticles (AuNPs) and an AuNPs‐reduced graphene oxide (AuNPs/rGO) hybrid. Upon localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) excitation, hot charge carriers (hot electrons and holes) generate on the AuNPs. In the experiments, hot holes were scavenged by glucose and hot electrons could be efficiently transferred to the external electric circuit under a potential bias, resulting in an observable current enhancement. Then, the hot electrons′ transfer efficiency can be quantitatively compared by the increased current response. It was found that the current density increased more obviously on the AuNPs/rGO hybrid than on pure AuNPs upon light irradiation. Due to the excellent electron mobility of rGO and the perfect electron affinity capacity, the hot electrons generated on AuNPs are efficiently transferred to the closely contacted rGO, then flow into the external circuit, generating current. The present study highlights the role of rGO in improving the separation of hot charge carriers to promote photocatalytic reactions.
Adipokines and macrophage markers during pregnancy—Possible role for sCD163 in prediction and progression of gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Ueland Thor , Michelsen Annika E. , Aukrust Pål , Henriksen Tore , Bollerslev Jens , Lekva Tove 
Published: December 2018

AbstractAimsThe risk of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is increased in overweight and obese women potentially involving secreted mediators from adipose tissue. Our main aim was to evaluate if circulating adipokines and monocyte/macrophage markers were dysregulated in GDM and the influence body mass and indices of glucose metabolism had on this association. We further explored if early detection of these markers improved prediction of GDM and if they remained modified during long‐term follow‐up.Materials and methodsPopulation‐based prospective cohort study in 273 pregnant women with markers measured four times during pregnancy and at 5‐year follow‐up.ResultssCD163 was higher (25% at 14‐16 weeks, P < 0.001) and adiponectin lower (−17% at 14‐16 weeks, P < 0.01) early in pregnancy and at 5‐year follow‐up in GDM women, independent of BMI, and other GDM risk factors. Leptin, adiponectin, and chemerin were robustly associated with glucose metabolism throughout pregnancy while sCD163 was inversely associated with β‐cell function early in pregnancy in women with increased BMI. Finally, the markers at 14 to 16 weeks displayed modest discriminatory properties with regard to prediction of GDM (AUC < 0.7). Using a combination of fasting glucose and sCD163, 53% of GDM could be identified when 25% of the population scored positive suggesting some merit in a multimarker approach.ConclusionssCD163 and adiponectin were dysregulated in GDM, independent of body mass. None of the adipokines or monocyte/macrophage activation markers displayed clinically useful properties alone for early detection of GDM. Activation of monocytes/macrophages may be an important event in the early development of GDM.
Impaired intermediate formation in mouse embryos expressing reduced levels of Tbx6
Authors: Chapman Deborah L. 
Published: December 2018

SummaryIntermediate mesoderm (IM) is the strip of tissue lying between the paraxial mesoderm (PAM) and the lateral plate mesoderm that gives rise to the kidneys and gonads. Chick fate mapping studies suggest that IM is specified shortly after cells leave the primitive streak and that these cells do not require external signals to express IM‐specific genes. Surgical manipulations of the chick embryo, however, revealed that PAM‐specific signals are required for IM differentiation into pronephros—the first kidney. Here, we use a genetic approach in mice to examine the dependency of IM on proper PAM formation. In Tbx6 null mutant embryos, which form 7–9 improperly patterned anterior somites, IM formation is severely compromised, while in Tbx6 hypomorphic embryos, where somites form but are improperly patterned along the axis, the impact to IM formation is lessened. These results suggest that IM and its derivatives, the kidneys and the gonads, are directly or indirectly dependent on proper PAM formation. This has implications for humans harboring Tbx6 mutations which are known to have somite‐derived defects including congenital scoliosis.
Resolving quantum dots and peptide assembly and disassembly using bending capillary electrophoresis
Authors: Wang Jianhao , Zhu Zhilan , Jia Wenjing , Qiu Lin , Chang Yufeng , Li Jie , Ma Luping , You Ying , Wang Jianpeng , Liu Li , Xia Jiang , Liu Xiaoqian , Li Yong‐Qiang , Jiang Pengju 
Published: December 2018

AbstractDespite the numerous techniques developed for the studying nanoparticle and peptide interaction nowadays, sensitive and convenient assay in the process of flow, especially to simulate the self‐assembly of quantum dots (QDs) and peptide inflow in blood vessels, still remains big challenges. Here, we report a novel assay for studying the self‐assembly of QDs and peptide, based on CE using a bending capillary. We demonstrate that the semicircles numbers of the bending capillary affect the self‐assembly kinetics of CdSe/ZnS QDs and ATTO‐D3LVPRGSGP9G2H6 peptide. Moreover, benefitting from this novel assay, the effect of the position on the self‐assembly has also been realized. More importantly, we also demonstrate that this novel assay can be used for studying the stability of the QDs–peptide complex inflow. We believe that our novel assay proposed in this work could be further used as a general strategy for the studying nanoparticle–biomolecule interaction or biomolecule–biomolecule interaction.
On the feedback between water turbidity and microphytobenthos growth in shallow tidal environments
Authors: Pivato Mattia , Carniello Luca , Moro Isabella , D'Odorico Paolo 
Published: December 2018

AbstractShallow tidal environments (e.g. bays, estuaries, lagoons) represent one of the most productive ecosystems in the world, and they are threatened by current climate change and increasing human pressure. Monitoring the bio‐morphodynamic evolution of these environments is therefore a crucial task that requires a detailed and holistic scrutiny. The present study aims to investigate the temperature of the water–sediment continuum, its effect on the related microphytobenthos (MPB) growth and the related bio‐stabilization of the bed sediment surface under different water depth and water turbidity conditions. We investigated the vertical energy transfer and the temperature dynamics by applying a 1‐D model to a shallow coastal lagoon. Our results show that the water temperature does not substantially change under different turbidity conditions, whereas the sediment temperature exhibits important changes. Two major factors driving the MPB photosynthetic growth are the sediment surface temperature and the light availability at the sediment bed, which can both be computed using the vertical energy transfer model. We observed that, in general, clear water conditions better promote MPB growth over the entire year. The limiting factor for the photosynthetic process is usually the light availability at the bottom, which increases under clear water conditions. As MPB provides a bio‐stabilizing effect on the bed sediments by producing a biofilm on the sediment surface that reduces sediment resuspension, our results suggest a positive feedback between MPB growth and water column turbidity. Furthermore, MPB growth and the related sediment bio‐stabilization are clearly affected by the seasonal variation of surface sediment temperature and light availability. This seasonal variation of MPB growth rate and surface sediment bio‐stabilization must be considered when studying the long‐term morphodynamic evolution of tidal environments. ©  2018 John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Origin of the Late Permian gabbros and Middle Triassic granodiorites and their mafic microgranular enclaves from the Eastern Kunlun Orogen Belt: Implications for the subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethys Ocean and continent–continent collision
Authors: Yao Lei , Dong Shu‐Yi , Lü Zhi‐Cheng , Zhao Cai‐Sheng , Pang Zhen‐Shan , Yu Xiao‐Fei , Xue Jian‐Ling , Geng Lin , Zhang Zhi‐Hui 
Published: December 2018

The geodynamic evolution of the Eastern Kunlun Orogen Belt (EKOB) during the late Palaeozoic–Early Mesozoic remains controversial. Here, we present new zircon UPb, element geochemical, and SrNdHf isotopic data for the Kaerqueka gabbros, granodiorites, and their mafic microgranular enclaves (MMEs) in the Qiman Tahg area of Qinghai Province (QTQP), western EKOB, with a view to constrain their petrogenesis and tectonic setting. New LA–ICP–MS zircon UPb ages indicate that the Kaerqueka gabbro, granodiorite, and its MMEs were emplaced at 257 ± 2, 244 ± 1, and 245–244 Ma, respectively. Based on our new ages and published data, three major episodes of magmatism (ca. 263–249, 247–240, and 237–211 Ma) during the Late Permian–Triassic are recognized in the EKOB. The gabbros are characterized by low SiO2 concentrations and are potassic with high K2O contents and K2O/Na2O ratios. They are enriched in light rare earth elements (LREEs) and large‐ion lithophile elements (LILEs) and have (87Sr/86Sr)i of 0.70737–0.70851, εNd (t) of −2.8 to −2.7 and εHf (t) of +0.7 to +2.9, indicating that the gabbros were derived from an enriched lithospheric mantle which was affected by slab‐derived fluids or melts. The MMEs and host granodiorites are enriched in LREEs and depleted in high‐field‐strength elements and have (87Sr/86Sr)i of 0.71090–0.71129, εNd (t) of −6.58 to −5.21, and εHf (t) of −5.3 to −1.8. Indistinguishable crystallization age, trace element pattern and isotopic compositions between the MMEs and host granodiorites indicate that they are cogenetic and were dominantly originated from the partial melting of Mesoproterozoic juvenile mafic lower crust. Combined with our new results and published geological, geochronological, and geochemical data, we propose that the subduction of the Palaeo‐Tethyan Ocean lasted from Late Permian to Early Triassic, and that the onset of the collision mostly occurred during the Middle Triassic in the EKOB.
Health literacy, sociodemographic factors, and cognitive training in the active study of older adults
Authors: Verney Steven P. , Gibbons Laura E. , Dmitrieva Natalia O. , Kueider Alexandra M. , Williams Michael W. , Meyer Oanh L. , Manly Jennifer J. , Sisco Shannon M. , Marsiske Michael 
Published: December 2018

ObjectiveHealth literacy is critical for understanding information from health‐care providers and correct use of medications and includes the capacity to filter other information in navigating health care systems. Older adults with low health literacy exhibit more chronic health conditions, worse physical functioning, and poorer mental health. This study examined the relationship between sociodemographic variables and health literacy, and the impact of cognitive training on change in health literacy over 10 years in older adults.MethodsParticipants (N = 2,802) aged 65 years and older completed assessments, including reading and numeracy health literacy items, as part of the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE) study. We evaluated baseline sociodemographic variables and change in health literacy over a 10‐year period in individuals exposed to cognitive training in reasoning, processing speed, memory, or a no‐contact control condition.ResultsAge, sex, race, education level, and general cognitive functioning at baseline were all associated with baseline health literacy in older adults. Predictors of change in health literacy over the 10‐year follow‐up were age, race, education level, general cognitive functioning, and neighborhood income; disparities in health literacy because of race attenuated over time, while the effect of age increased over time. Health literacy was generally stable across the ACTIVE intervention groups over 10 years.ConclusionsThe present study showed important disparities in health literacy level and change over 10 years. Cognitive training did not significantly impact health literacy, suggesting that alternative approaches are needed to reduce the disparities.
Physical modification of carbon nanotubes with a dendrimer bearing terminal mercaptoundecahydrododecaborates (Na2B12H11S)
Authors: Yamagami Masahiro , Tajima Tomoyuki , Ishimoto Kango , Miyake Hideaki , Michiue Hiroyuki , Takaguchi Yutaka 
Published: December 2018

AbstractThe thiol‐substituted B12‐cluster mercaptoundecahydro‐closo‐dodecaborate Na2[B12H11SH] (BSH) was successfully attached to a poly(amido)amine (PAMAM) dendrimer, which contains a bis(decyloxy)decane core. The physical modification of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) with dendrimer(SB12)4 afforded a SWCNT/dendrimer(SB12)4 nanohybrid that exhibited NIR‐I‐to‐NIR‐II fluorescence. Herein, we describe a promising strategy for in vivo imaging of boron clusters that may be widely applicable to boron neutron capture therapy.