bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dissociation between the processing of humorous and monetary rewards in the ‘motivation’ and ‘hedonic’ brains
Authors: Chan Yu-Chen , Hsu Wei-Chin , Chou Tai-Li 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHumor elicits feelings of amusement and can be thought of as a social reward. We identified distinct mesolimbic reward system (MRS) processing patterns for monetary and humorous rewards. During both the reward anticipation and outcome phases, the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) were active in response to monetary cues and monetary gains, while the amygdala and midbrain showed a differential response to humorous rewards, apparently driven by the hedonic enjoyment and appreciation of humor consumption. Psychophysiological interaction analysis (PPI) further demonstrated the functional coupling of theamygdala-midbraincircuit in response to humorous gains during the reward outcome phase, while neural signaling was observed in theNAc-ACCcircuit during both the reward anticipation and outcome phases in response to monetary rewards. This is consistent with a view in which the NAc plays a key role in the ‘motivation brain’, and the amygdala in the ‘hedonic brain’. The findings further suggest that the neural mechanisms underlying reward consumption are more modality-specific than those underlying reward anticipation. Our study contributes to a growing understanding of neural responses to social rewards and represent an important first step toward understanding the neural processing of humor as one significant type of social reward.
Yinchenhao Decoction Alleviates Liver Fibrosis by Regulating Bile Acid Metabolism and TGF-β/Smad/ERK Signalling Pathway
Authors: Cai Fei-Fei , Wu Rong , Song Ya-Nan , Xiong Ai-Zhen , Chen Xiao-Le , Yang Meng-Die , Yang Li , Hu Yuanjia , Sun Ming-Yu , Su Shi-Bing 
Published: October 2018

AbstractYinchenhao decoction (YCHD), comprising Yinchenhao (Artemisiae Scopariae Herba), Zhizi (Gardeniae Fructus) and Dahuang (Radix Rhei et Rhizoma), is widely used for treating various diseases. We aimed to investigate the bile acid metabolic mechanism of YCHD in dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis model. Rats received DMN (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) for four successive weeks for liver fibrosis induction and were treated with YCHD for the last 2 weeks. Histopathological analysis showed that YCHD prevented DMN-induced histopathological changes in liver tissues. Serum liver function in YCHD group improved. Ultraperformance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis showed that YCHD significantly restored both free and conjugated bile acid levels increased by DMN, to normal levels. RT-qPCR results showed that YCHD treatment upregulated the expression of genes related to bile acid synthesis, reabsorption, and excretion. Western blotting analysis showed that YCHD downregulated α-SMA, TGF-β1, p-Smad3, and p-ERK1/2 expression in chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)-activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The viability of CDCA-activated HSCs significantly increased after treatment with YCHD and PD98059 (an ERK inhibitor) compared to YCHD treatment alone. Our findings suggest that YCHD alleviated DMN-induced liver fibrosis by regulating enzymes responsible for bile acid metabolism. Additionally, it inhibits CDCA-induced HSC proliferation and activation via TGF-β1/Smad/ERK signalling pathway.
GCSH antisense regulation determines breast cancer cells’ viability
Authors: Adamus Anna , Müller Petra , Nissen Bente , Kasten Annika , Timm Stefan , Bauwe Hermann , Seitz Guido , Engel Nadja 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSince it is known that cancer cells exhibit a preference for increased glycine consumption, the respective glycine metabolizing enzymes are in focus of many research projects. However, no cancer associated studies are available for the Glycine Cleavage System Protein H (GCSH) to date. Our initial analysis revealed a GCSH-overexpression of the protein-coding transcript variant 1 (Tv1) in breast cancer cells and tissue. Furthermore, a shorter (391 bp) transcript variant (Tv*) was amplified with an increased expression in healthy breast cells and a decreased expression in breast cancer samples. The Tv1/Tv* transcript ratio is 1.0 in healthy cells on average, and between 5–10 in breast cancer cells. Thus, a GCSH-equilibrium at the transcript level is likely conceivable for optimal glycine degradation. A possible regulative role of Tv* was proven by Tv1-Tv*-RNA-binding and overexpression studies which consequently led to serious physiological alterations: decreased metabolic activity, release of the lactate dehydrogenase, increased extracellular acidification, and finally necrosis as a result of impaired plasma membranes. In contrast, Tv1-overexpression led to an additional increase in cellular vitality of the tumor cells, primarily due to the acceleration of the mitochondrial glycine decarboxylation activity. Ultimately, we provide the first evidence of a sensitive GCSH-antisense regulation which determines cancerous cell viability.
Browsing through sealed historical manuscripts by using 3-D computed tomography with low-brilliance X-ray sources
Authors: Stromer Daniel , Christlein Vincent , Martindale Christine , Zippert Patrick , Haltenberger Eric , Hausotte Tino , Maier Andreas 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSeverely damaged historical documents are extremely fragile. In many cases, their secrets remain concealed beneath their cover. Recently, non-invasive digitization approaches based on 3-D scanning have demonstrated the ability to recover single pages or letters without the need to open the manuscripts. This can even be achieved using conventional micro-CTs without the need for synchrotron hardware. However, not all manuscripts may be suited for such techniques due to their material and X-ray properties. In order to recommend which manuscripts and which inks are best suited for such a process, we investigate six inks that were commonly used in ancient times: malachite, three types of iron gall, Tyrian purple, and buckthorn. Image contrast is explored over the complete pipeline, from the X-ray CT scan and page extraction to the virtual flattening of the page image. We demonstrate, that all inks containing metallic particles are visible in the output, a decrease of the X-ray energy enhances the readability, and that the visibility highly depends on the X-ray attenuation of the ink’s metallic ingredients and their concentration. Based on these observations, we give recommendations on how to select the appropriate imaging parameters.
RNA sequencing and de novo assembly of Solanum trilobatum leaf transcriptome to identify putative transcripts for major metabolic pathways
Authors: Lateef Adil , Prabhudas Sudheesh K. , Natarajan Purushothaman 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSolanum trilobatum L. is an important medicinal plant in traditional Indian system of medicine belonging to Solanaceae family. However, non-availability of genomic resources hinders its research at the molecular level. We have analyzed the S. trilobatum leaf transcriptome using high throughput RNA sequencing. The de novo assembly of 136,220,612 reads produced 128,934 non-redundant unigenes with N50 value of 1347 bp. Annotation of unigenes was performed against databases such as NCBI nr database, Gene Ontology, KEGG, Uniprot, Pfam, and plnTFDB. A total of 60,097 unigenes were annotated including 48 Transcription Factor families and 14,490 unigenes were assigned to 138 pathways using KEGG database. The pathway analysis revealed the transcripts involved in the biosynthesis of important secondary metabolites contributing for its medicinal value such as Flavonoids. Further, the transcripts were quantified using RSEM to identify the highly regulated genes for secondary metabolism. Reverse-Transcription PCR was performed to validate the de novo assembled unigenes. The expression profile of selected unigenes from flavonoid biosynthesis pathway was analyzed using qRT-PCR. We have also identified 13,262 Simple Sequence Repeats, which could help in molecular breeding. This is the first report of comprehensive transcriptome analysis in S. trilobatum and this will be an invaluable resource to understand the molecular basis related to the medicinal attributes of S. trilobatum in further studies.
A Hybrid Non-destructive Measuring Method of Three-dimensional Profile of Through Silicon Vias for Realization of Smart Devices
Authors: Ahn Heulbi , Bae Jaeseok , Park Jungjae , Jin Jonghan 
Published: October 2018

AbstractSmart devices have been fabricated based on design concept of multiple layer structures which require through silicon vias to transfer electric signals between stacked layers. Because even a single defect leads to fail of the packaged devices, the dimensions of the through silicon vias are needed to be measured through whole sampling inspection process. For that, a novel hybrid optical probe working based on optical interferometry, confocal microscopy and optical microscopy was proposed and realized for enhancing inspection efficiency in this report. The optical microscope was utilized for coarsely monitoring the specimen in a large field of view, and the other methods of interferometry and confocal microscopy were used to measure dimensions of small features with high speed by eliminating time-consuming process of the vertical scanning. Owing to the importance of the reliability, the uncertainty evaluation of the proposed method was fulfilled, which offers a practical example for estimating the performance of inspection machines operating with numerous principles at semiconductor manufacturing sites. According to the measurement results, the mean values of the diameter and depth were 40.420 µm and 5.954 µm with the expanded uncertainty of 0.050 µm (k = 2) and 0.208 µm (k = 2), respectively.
High Efficiency Inorganic/Inorganic Amorphous Silicon/Heterojunction Silicon Tandem Solar Cells
Authors: Park Jinjoo , Dao Vinh Ai , Kim Sangho , Pham Duy Phong , Kim Sunbo , Le Anh Huy Tuan , Kang Junyoung , Yi Junsin 
Published: October 2018

AbstractWe investigated high-efficiency two-terminal tandem photovoltaic (PV) devices consisting of a p/i/n thin film silicon top sub-cell (p/i/n-TFS) and a heterojunction with an intrinsic thin-layer (HIT) bottom sub-cell. We used computer simulations and experimentation. The short-circuit current density (Jsc) of the top sub-cell limits the Jsc of the p/i/n-TFS/HIT tandem PV device. In order to improve the Jsc of the top sub-cell, we used a buffer-layer at the p/i and i/n interface and a graded forward-profile (f-p) band gap hydrogenated amorphous silicon germanium active layer, namely i-layer, in the top sub-cell. These two approaches showed a remarkable raise of the top sub-cell’s Jsc, leading to the increase of the Jsc of the PV tandem device. Furthermore, in order to minimize the optical loss, we employed a double-layer anti-reflective coating (DL-ARC) with a magnesium fluoride/indium tin oxide double layer on the front surface. The reduction in broadband reflection on the front surface (with the DL-ARC) and the enhanced optical absorption in the long wavelength region (with the graded f-p band gap) resulted in the high Jsc, which helped achieve the efficiency up to 16.04% for inorganic-inorganic c-Si-based tandem PV devices.
External-beam partial breast irradiation in a supine versus prone position after breast-conserving surgery for Chinese breast cancer patients
Authors: Yu Ting , Xu Min , Sun Tao , Shao Qian , Zhang YingJie , Liu XiJun , Li FengXiang , Wang Wei , Bin Li Jian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractTo investigate the differences in target volumes and dosimetric parameters between the supine and prone positions for external-beam partial breast irradiation (EB-PBI) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) for Chinese breast cancer patients, thirty breast cancer patients who underwent three-dimensional conformal radiation therapy (3DCRT) EB-PBI after BCS were enrolled. Supine and prone scan sets were acquired during free breathing for all patients. Target volumes and organs at risk (OARs) including the heart, ipsilateral lung and bilateral breast were contoured by the same radiation oncologist. For each patient, supine and prone EB-PBI plans were generated based on the same planning criteria. The clinical target volume (CTV) and planning target volume (PTV) in the prone position were significantly greater than those in the supine position (P = 0.003, 0.004, respectively). A 0.95 Gy reduction in the mean dose (Dmean) to the heart (P = 0.000) was apparent in the supine position compared to the prone position. The Dmean to the ipsilateral lung was significantly lower in the prone position than in the supine position (1.59 Gy vs. 1.72 Gy, P = 0.029). Therefore, for Chinese breast cancer patients, carrying out 3DCRT EB-PBI in the prone position during free breathing is feasible.
Expression of the Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Mutation Leads to Aberrant Dentin Formation
Authors: Choi Hwajung , Kim Tak-Heun , Jeong Ju-Kyeong , Strandgren Charlotte , Eriksson Maria , Cho Eui-Sic 
Published: October 2018

AbstractHutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS) is a rare accelerated senescence disease, manifesting dental abnormalities and several symptoms suggestive of premature aging. Although irregular secondary dentin formation in HGPS patients has been reported, pathological mechanisms underlying aberrant dentin formation remain undefined. In this study, we analyzed the mandibular molars of a tissue-specific mouse model that overexpresses the most common HGPS mutation (LMNA, c.1824C > T, p.G608G) in odontoblasts. In the molars of HGPS mutant mice at postnatal week 13, targeted expression of the HGPS mutation in odontoblasts results in excessive dentin formation and pulp obliteration. Circumpulpal dentin of HGPS mutants was clearly distinguished from secondary dentin of wild-type (WT) littermates and its mantle dentin by considering the irregular porous structure and loss of dentinal tubules. However, the dentin was significantly thinner in the molars of HGPS mutants at postnatal weeks 3 and 5 than in those of WT mice. In vitro analyses using MDPC-23, a mouse odontoblastic cell line, showed cellular senescence, defects of signaling pathways and consequential downregulation of matrix protein expression in progerin-expressing odontoblasts. These results indicate that expression of the HGPS mutation in odontoblasts disturbs physiological secondary dentin formation. In addition, progerin-expressing odontoblasts secrete paracrine factors that can stimulate odontogenic differentiation of dental pulp cells. Taken together, our results suggest that the aberrant circumpulpal dentin of HGPS mutants results from defects in physiological secondary dentin formation and consequential pathologic response stimulated by paracrine factors from neighboring progerin-expressing odontoblasts.
Sensitivities of seven algal species to triclosan, fluoxetine and their mixtures
Authors: Bi Ran , Zeng Xiangfeng , Mu Lei , Hou Liping , Liu Wenhua , Li Ping , Chen Hongxing , Li Dan , Bouchez Agnes , Tang Jiaxi , Xie Lingtian 
Published: October 2018

AbstractIncreasing release of pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) into aquatic ecosystems is a growing environmental concern. Triclosan and fluoxetine are two widely used PPCPs and frequently detected in aquatic ecosystems. In this study, the sensitivities of 7 algal species from 4 genera to triclosan, fluoxetine and their mixture were evaluated. The results showed that the inhibitory effect on algal growth (EC50-96h) of triclosan varied with 50 times differences among the 7 algal species.Chlorella ellipsoideawas the least susceptible species andDunaliella parvawas the most sensitive species to triclosan. The inhibitory effect of fluoxetine was less variable than triclosan. Slightly higher toxicity of fluoxetine than triclosan was shown in the 7 tested algal species. No consistent pattern of the effects from mixture of triclosan and fluoxetine was observed among the 7 algal species and among the 4 genera. Additive effects of the mixture occured in 4 species and antagonistic effects in the other 3 species but no synergistic effect was detected. The algal species might show some sign of phylogenetic response to triclosan, as evidenced by the wide range of differences in their sensitivity at the genus level. This study provides important data which could be beneficial for biomonitoring programs on the ecological risk (algal species diversity) of these two chemicals.
Statistical optimization of light intensity and CO2 concentration for lipid production derived from attached cultivation of green microalga Ettlia sp.
Authors: Kim Sungwhan , Moon Myounghoon , Kwak Minsoo , Lee Bongsoo , Chang Yong Keun 
Published: October 2018

AbstractAttached cultivation systems have been receiving extensive attention as a breakthrough in microalgae cultivation technology. However, there is a lack of studies that emphasize precise optimization of important parameters in attached cultivation of microalgae. In this study, the effects of two major environmental parameters in photoautotrophic cultivation, light intensity and CO2 concentration, on the biomass and lipid surface productivity of Ettlia sp. YC001 were optimized by employing Response Surface Methodology (RSM) and validated experimentally. The optimum initial conditions for attached cultivation were use of seed from the late exponential phase (LE) and an inoculum surface density of 2.5 g/m2. By optimization, maximum biomass surface productivity of 28.0 ± 1.5 g/m2/day was achieved at 730 μE/m2/s with 8% CO2. The maximum lipid surface productivity was 4.2 ± 0.3 g/m2/day at 500 μE/m2/s with 7% CO2. Change of the fatty acid composition with respect to changes in environment parameters led to improvement of biodiesel quality at higher light intensity and higher CO2 concentration. Attached cultivation of Ettlia sp. YC001 has successfully produced biomass and lipids at a high production rate with relatively low light energy demand and high CO2 utilization.
Donor-derived cell-free DNA is associated with acute rejection and decreased oxygenation in primary graft dysfunction after living donor-lobar lung transplantation
Authors: Tanaka Shin , Sugimoto Seiichiro , Kurosaki Takeshi , Miyoshi Kentaroh , Otani Shinji , Suzawa Ken , Hashida Shinsuke , Yamane Masaomi , Oto Takahiro , Toyooka Shinichi 
Published: October 2018

AbstractDonor-derived cell-free DNA (dd-cf-DNA) has been shown to be an informative biomarker of rejection after lung transplantation (LT) from deceased donors. However, in living-donor lobar LT, because small grafts from blood relatives are implanted with short ischemic times, the detection of dd-cf-DNA might be challenging. Our study was aimed at examining the role of dd-cf-DNA measurement in the diagnosis of primary graft dysfunction and acute rejection early after living-donor lobar LT. Immediately after LT, marked increase of the plasma dd-cf-DNA levels was noted, with the levels subsequently reaching a plateau with the resolution of primary graft dysfunction. Increased plasma levels of dd-cf-DNA were significantly correlated with decreased oxygenation immediately (p = 0.022) and at 72 hours (p = 0.046) after LT. Significantly higher plasma dd-cf-DNA levels were observed in patients with acute rejection (median, 12.0%) than in those with infection (median, 4.2%) (p = 0.028) or in a stable condition (median, 1.1%) (p = 0.001). Thus, measurement of the plasma levels of dd-cf-DNA might be useful to monitor the severity of primary graft dysfunction, and plasma dd-cf-DNA could be a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of acute rejection after LT.
Phospholipid transfer protein and alpha-1 antitrypsin regulate Hck kinase activity during neutrophil degranulation
Authors: Ochieng Pius , Nath Sridesh , Macarulay Reane , Eden Edward , Dabo Abdoulaye , Campos Michael , Jiang Xian-Cheng , Foronjy Robert F. , Geraghty Patrick 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExcessive neutrophil degranulation is a common feature of many inflammatory disorders, including alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. Our group has demonstrated that phospholipid transfer protein (PLTP) prevents neutrophil degranulation but serine proteases, which AAT inhibits, cleave PLTP in diseased airways. We propose to identify if airway PLTP activity can be restored by AAT augmentation therapy and how PLTP subdues degranulation of neutrophils in AAT deficient subjects. Airway PLTP activity was lower in AAT deficient patients but elevated in the airways of patients on augmentation therapy. Functional AAT protein (from PiMM homozygotes) prevented PLTP cleavage unlike its mutated ZZ variant (PiZZ). PLTP lowered leukotriene B4 induced degranulation of primary, secondary and tertiary granules from neutrophils from both groups (n = 14/group). Neutrophils isolated fromPltpknockout mice have enhance neutrophil degranulation. Both AAT and PLTP reduced neutrophil degranulation and superoxide production, possibly though their inhibition of the Src tyrosine kinase, Hck. Src kinase inhibitors saracatinib and dasatinib reduced neutrophil degranulation and superoxide production. Therefore, AAT protects PLTP from proteolytic cleavage and both AAT and PLTP mediate degranulation, possibly via Hck tyrosine kinase inhibition. Deficiency of AAT could contribute to reduced lung PLTP activity and elevated neutrophil signaling associated with lung disease.
Dynamics of nonspherical, fractal-like water-ice particles in a plasma environment
Authors: Chai Kil-Byoung 
Published: October 2018

AbstractPlasmas containing small solid-state particles (also known as dust particles) are ubiquitous in nature and laboratories. Existing models typically assume that the dust particles are spherical but several observations and simulations indicate that a significant amount of dust particles are nonspherical. Because dust particles are not spherical they show different dynamics from spherical particles in a plasma environment namely, they align in the direction perpendicular to the force equilibrium line, rotate about their alignment axis due to the interaction between the dipole moment and the surrounding electric field, and show vortex motion while maintaining their alignment and rotation when they are exposed to a nonconservative drag force.
Stochastic fracture of additively manufactured porous composites
Authors: Keleş Özgür , Anderson Eric H. , Huynh Jimmy , Gelb Jeff , Freund Jouni , Karakoç Alp 
Published: October 2018

AbstractExtrusion-based fused deposition modeling (FDM) introduces inter-bead pores into dense materials, which results in part-to-part mechanical property variations, i.e., low mechanical reliability. In addition, the internal structure of FDMed materials can be made porous intentionally to tailor mechanical properties, introduce functionality, reduce material consumption, or decrease production time. Despite these potential benefits, the effects of porosity on the mechanical reliability of FDMed composites are still unclear. Accordingly, we investigated the stochastic fracture of 241 FDMed short-carbon-fiber-reinforced-ABS with porosity ranging from 13 to 53 vol.% under tensile load. Weibull analysis was performed to quantify the variations in mechanical properties. We observed an increase in Weibull modulus of fracture/tensile strength for porosity higher than ~40 vol.% and a decrease in Weibull modulus of fracture strain for an increase in porosity from 25 to 53 vol.%. Micromechanics-based 2D simulations indicated that the mechanical reliability of FDMed composites depends on variations in bead strength and elastic modulus of beads. The change in raster orientation from 45°/−45° to 0° more than doubled the Weibull modulus. We identified five different types of pores via high-resolution X-ray computed tomography. A 22% and 48% decrease in carbon fiber length due to extrusion was revealed for two different regions of the filament.